Rarely has the mere scheduling of a State of the Union address shed so much light on the state of the nation, and specifically the relations among the leaders of its government.

President Trump is to deliver the annual address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night, a week later than initially planned. For the first time, he faces a newly empowered Democratic opposition that is deeply opposed to his hard-line immigration agenda, and primed to investigate his administration on a range of issues.

Its going to be a speech thats going to cover a lot of territory, but part of it is going to be unity, Trump told reporters last week. Aides say he will highlight five issues: immigration, trade, infrastructure, prescription drug pricing and national security.

(Los Angeles Times)

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The speech was delayed amid the longest government shutdown in American history after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rescinded the invitation and agreed to reschedule only when the shuttered agencies were funded and reopened  a blunt reminder to Trump that he now shares power with her and other House Democrats who won a majority in November.

Heightening interest in Trumps televised address at his midterm, it will be Pelosi looking over his shoulder from the House dais, not a compliant Republican.

Their truce could well be short-lived. The funding agreement that allowed the president to proceed with the address is only temporary. A Feb. 15 deadline looms to pass another government funding bill, amid little indication that he and Democrats are any closer to agreement on the issue that divides them: billions for his border wall.

Trump has threatened to call a national emergency to build the wall, even hinting that he might do so on Tuesday. But such use of executive authority to circumvent Congress power of the purse has sparked warnings from Republicans as well as Democrats of legislative or legal action to counter him.

In a preview of the address under the condition of anonymity, a senior administration official said the theme would be choosing greatness and that Trump would encourage Congress to reject the politics of resistance and retribution, and instead adopt a spirit of cooperation and compromise.

Together we can break decades of political stalemate, Trump plans to say, according to an excerpt. We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of Americas future. The decision is ours to make.

The lofty tone echoes language Trump used in his previous two addresses to Congress, rare occasions when the disruptive president has generally followed tradition. Yet it belies Trumps usual, public comments and tweets that have helped make him one of the most polarizing presidents in modern history.

Despite raw feelings on Capitol Hill and prospects that Trumps agenda will be hobbled by investigations and 2020 electoral concerns over the next two years, the speech allows Trump an opportunity to lay out his policy agenda and make the case directly to the American people in prime time.

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Immigration will probably be the most prominent theme, given Trumps belief that keeping his campaign promise to build the wall is central to his reelection prospects. Two years ago, just after taking office, he said in his address to Congress that he would soon be building a great, great wall.

He is no longer demanding 2,000 miles of concrete or bricks across the entire southern border and is requesting billions of dollars from the Treasury rather than Mexico. Democrats have resisted funding what Pelosi calls an immoral wall, instead proposing spending money on drones, additional border agents and other law-enforcement measures.

Trumps trade agenda poses a more complex case to make. Despite opposition from many Republican allies, and pain to his farm supporters, he has opened a trade war with China that he insists is close to yielding results in concessions from Beijing. He has renegotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico; though the new deal is far from the radical overhaul Trump promised, Congress approval is uncertain, given that trade always splits both parties.

The president will also call for an infrastructure plan  for the third year in a row. In 2017, he asked Congress for $200 billion toward $1 trillion in combined private and public investment. In 2018, he increased his goal to $1.5 trillion.

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The issue from the start has offered Trump his best chance for a bipartisan achievement. Yet his administration has not devoted sustained attention to a spending initiative unpopular with many Republicans, and some Democrats are skeptical of the administrations commitment to the governments contribution.

Trump could also seek bipartisan support on part of his healthcare agenda, after his failed effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, by shifting his efforts to reducing prescription drug prices.

Since taking office, Trump has repeatedly promised to rein in prices, issuing a blueprint last year that laid out proposals to change the way that Medicare, in particular, purchases drugs and regulates prescription drug plans.

The Department of Health and Human Services has moved to implement some of those ideas. Last week, officials unveiled a proposal to crack down on secretive drug rebates frequently negotiated between drug manufacturers and drug plans.

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But the administration has shown limited interest in more robust measures, favored by many Democrats, to give Medicare direct authority to negotiate or regulate most drug prices. And drug makers continue to aggressively raise prices; the costs of more than 250 prescription drugs increased this year, according to a Reuters analysis.

In the national security portion of his speech, Trump will cover a variety of goals and policies. The administration has been heavily invested in an effort to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, leading an international effort to recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido. The standoff is one of several that puts Trump in opposition to Russia, despite his overtures to President Vladimir Putin.

Trump also could announce the date and place for his second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He has already said it will take place in late February, and reports have suggested Vietnam as the venue.

The president has been criticized for seeking another meeting despite a lack of concessions from Kim. North Korea continues to advance its nuclear program, despite Trumps declaration after last years summit that the nation was no longer a nuclear threat. His intelligence leaders testified in Congress last week that North Korea is unlikely to give up its nuclear weapons or missiles.

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Trump is also at odds with his intelligence chiefs over their assessment of the threat from Islamic State. Trump has declared the group defeated as hes made the case for withdrawing troops from Syria, while his intelligence advisors say the group is rebuilding itself in Iraq and Syria, with thousands of fighters still under its command.

Times staff writer Noam N. Levey contributed to this report.

Follow the latest news of the Trump administration on Essential Washington 
President Trump called on the nation to break decades of political stalemate in his State of the Union address Tuesday night, one delayed by the 35-day partial government shutdown hed provoked, which exacerbated partisan divisions and put Washingtons dysfunction on vivid display.

There is a new opportunity in American politics if only we have the courage together to seize it, Trump said. Victory is not winning for our party. Victory is winning for our country.

Together, we can break decades of political stalemate. We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of Americas future. The decision is ours to make.

Tonight, he said, I ask you to choose greatness.

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His calls to compromise, however, were interspersed with partisan jabs. The traditional nationally televised speech came at a perilous juncture for the president: For the first time he shares power with congressional Democrats after last falls big House election losses, even as he faces judgment in a range of investigations into his administration, family business, campaign and even his 2016 inaugural committee.

Trump defiantly alluded to the investigations at one point, saying, An economic miracle is taking place in the United States, and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics or ridiculous partisan investigations.

Sitting just behind him, the presidents newly empowered Democratic opponent, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, rolled her eyes.

The speech was one of the longest on record, at more than 80 minutes. Trump hit on a variety of topics, including criminal justice, drug prices, trade, infrastructure, healthcare, national security, curing childhood cancer and ending AIDS in America. Yet no theme seemed to bind the issues, and most of what he said was familiar, devoid of new policy details.

For all of Trumps focus on unity and compromise, as expected he spoke longest about illegal immigration and his proposed southern border wall  his signature campaign promise, and the issue at the center of his recent standoff with Congress.

His record over his first two years as president has left Democrats as well as some Republicans skeptical of his willingness to follow through on his initiatives or to accept compromise.

Even in the days before his speech, the president repeatedly bad-mouthed the efforts of a bipartisan group of lawmakers trying to negotiate compromise border-security measures to avert another impasse with Trump over his demand for $5.7 billion to start building a border wall.

Hed also teased in advance of the address a threat to declare a national emergency on the border, to circumvent Congress altogether and divert existing funds from other purposes to wall construction. The president declined to announce such a declaration, which Republican leaders have warned against.

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Trump tried to make the case that overhauling immigration was a a moral duty, while arguing that no issue better illustrates the divide between Americas working class and Americas political class.

Wealthy politicians and donors push for open borders while living their lives behind walls and gates and guards, he said.

Departing from his prepared remarks on a teleprompter, the president said he would like to admit legal immigrants in the largest numbers ever  an aspiration at odds with his proposals to dramatically curb legal immigration.

Over Trumps shoulder in the House chamber, Pelosi looked on beside Vice President Mike Pence, dramatizing the presidents new reality that he no longer enjoys the malleable Republican majorities in both the House and Senate that allowed him to control the agenda for two years. That advantage allowed Trump some successes, including big tax cuts, but proved insufficient to fulfill his promises to repeal the Affordable Care Act, overhaul immigration laws and get billions to build a wall.

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Already Pelosi has gotten the better of him, forcing his retreat in the shutdown in the first month of Democrats House control, proving able to keep her party aligned and mobilize public opinion. She has made clear, along with Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, a New York Democrat, that their party will continue to challenge him on immigration and other issues.

She did not introduce Trump, and he did not greet her by name.

Pelosi and dozens of congresswomen were dressed in white, the symbolic color of womens suffrage, making for a dramatic show on the House floor of the greatly expanded number of women after Novembers Democratic election gains.

Though many of them did not applaud the president, when he boasted at one point that a majority of new jobs have gone to women, the freshmen Democratic congresswomen  many elected by anti-Trump voters  rose to applaud themselves. In a rare spontaneous show of bipartisan comity, the president then congratulated them, and the audience chanted U.S.A.!

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Stacey Abrams, who narrowly lost her bid to be elected Georgias governor yet emerged as a national figure, delivered the official Democratic Party response to Trump. She lambasted him for a shutdown that left 800,000 federal workers and many contractors unpaid for a month.

Making the livelihoods of federal workers a pawn for political games is a disgrace, Abrams said. The shutdown was a stunt engineered by the president of the United States, one that defied every tenet of fairness and abandoned not just our people, but our values.

Trump had suggested that the State of the Union address was an opportunity for a reset, though few expected him to change his divisive style.

Once again he proposed a national program to rebuild roads, bridges and other infrastructure, yet he did so briefly and to little response from lawmakers. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) conspicuously did not applaud; many Republicans oppose the sort of big spending program that would be popular with Democrats. The House will begin hearings on infrastructure legislation on Thursday.

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Trump noted efforts to lower prescription drug prices as another area of potential bipartisanship, but details remain divisive. He also promoted the revised North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico, which requires Congress approval but faces some opposition in both parties.

The president also noted his administrations efforts toward a trade accord with China, even as both countries negotiators have struggled to reach a deal against the backdrop of a trade war of tit-for-tat tariffs that he initiated.

Trumps top priority  building the wall and curbing legal and illegal immigration  will perhaps be the hardest to achieve, given the gulf with Democrats and even some Republicans. Though Democrats have agreed in the past to support border fences as part of broad immigration deals, Pelosi now calls a wall immoral. Further hindering the president, many of his hard-line immigration allies do not see a wall as a priority.

Addressing international affairs, Trump confirmed that he would hold a second summit meeting with North Koreas leader, Kim Jong Un, in Vietnam on Feb. 27 and 28, despite that countrys failure to begin the promised process of denuclearization.

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Trump asserted that his decision to engage the once-isolated Kim has averted a nuclear catastrophe. If I had not been elected president of the United States, we would right now, in my opinion, be in a major war with North Korea with potentially millions of people killed, he said  prompting another eye-roll from Pelosi.

He hailed two of his recent decisions: to abandon the Reagan-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, known as the INF treaty, because of Russias violations, and to officially recognize Venezuelan opposition figure Juan Guaido as head of that countrys government instead of socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

Polls show Trumps approval at about 41% on average, with more than 55% of voters disapproving of his performance. Presidents typically see their popularity rise after State of the Union addresses. Trump won a modest bump last year, but his low job approval has remained relatively stable throughout a presidency in which he has directed most of his efforts toward pleasing his core supporters.

A Gallup poll released on Monday showed that 60% of Americans oppose significant expansion of a wall along the border.

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Though Trump previously had promised a less partisan tone, ahead of the speech his aides privately encouraged surrogates and allies to hammer Democrats in the media on two issues, taxes and abortion.

In the address, Trump attacked the Democratic governors of New York and Virginia for supporting laws to allow late-term abortions; the laws do so when the fetus is not viable or a mothers life is in danger. He accused Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam of stating he would execute a baby after birth.

To read this article in Spanish, click here.

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Follow the latest news of the Trump administration on Essential Washington 
Progressives were floored by the announcement that Donald Trump had tapped former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch to lead the Womens Suffrage Centennial Commission. Congress created the commission to preside over commemorative activities and educational efforts celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment, which extended voting rights to women.

During her eight years serving as lieutenant governor in Scott Walkers administration, Kleefisch amassed a record that embodies anti-feminist views. Kleefisch lost her third race for re-election race last November to former state Rep. Mandela Barnes.

A former broadcast journalist, Kleefisch shocked the LGBT community during her 2010 race to become ex-Gov. Scott Walkers running mate by ridiculing same-sex marriage on a Christian-right radio show. She described marriage equality as a slippery slope that would lead to all sort of bizarre and unanticipated relationships.

Kleefisch said: At what point would we allow marrying inanimate objects? Could I marry this table or this clock? How about a dog? This is ridiculous.

A fundamentalist Christian who says the Rapture is near at hand, Kleefish believes that women are subservient to men and that wives must obey their husbands.

The Progressive recently listed a number of other views held by Kleefisch that make her an inappropriate choice to lead the Womens Suffrage Centennial Commission. She denies that theres a war on women, she mocks climate change and she believes that impoverished parents are responsible for their children suffering from lead poisoning.

Last fall, in the run-up to her re-election as lieutenant governor, Kleefisch tweeted that her opponent Barnes had kneeled during the playing of the national anthem at the opening of the Wisconsin State Fair. She later apologized for the statement, saying that she hadnt seen him kneeling but that an unidentified person told her he did.

Barnes is African-American.

Progressive writer Jud Lounsbury also noted that the choice of Kleefisch to head the Womens Suffrage Centennial Commission is consistent with other sarcastic leadership choices by the Trump administration. For instance, Last year, Trumps appointee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was caught buying tobacco stock while at the office, which oversees anti-smoking efforts. Sticking to the pattern, he recently tapped a coal lobbyist to run the Environmental Protection Agency, he wrote.
A suspicious object in Lake Delton that resulted in the Dane County Sheriffs Department Bomb Squad being called in was identified as a Sizing Spray Unit and not an explosive device.

According to Lake Delton Police Chief Daniel Hardman, the Lake Delton Police Department was notified of a suspicious object near the U.S. Cellular Store on Commerce St. in Lake Delton at 5:23 p.m. Feb. 2. Police were unable to identify the suspicious object. The police evacuated businesses in the area, and then requested the assistance of the Dane County Sheriffs Department Bomb Squad.

The Dane County Bomb Squad examined and x-rayed the object using an Andros F6B Robot, after which they determined the object was non-explosive and the area was safe. Hardman said that the Dane County Bomb Squad identified the object as a cylinder Sizing Spray Unit containing starch used to stiffen fabrics.

Assisting the Lake Delton Police Department and the Dane County Sheriffs Department Bomb Squad was the Sauk County Communications Center and the Delton Fire Department.

Reach Christopher Jardine on Twitter @ChrisJJardine or contact him at 608-432-6591.

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As temperatures start to rebound from the bitter cold of the previous few weeks, schools in Wisconsin Dells are back in session. Despite having six days off for snow or inclement weather during the period between Jan. 21 and Feb. 1, students in the school district will see minimal additional days, according to District Administrator Terry Slack.

We have a built-in ability to forgive two days, Slack said. We will have school on Feb. 22  and we have long school days, so we are still good.

Slack said a discussion on any extension of the school year will take place Monday night.

Feb. 22 had been scheduled as a vacation day with no school for Good Friday, pending the make-up of inclement weather days. Students will now have school Feb. 22 due to the number of inclement weather days occurring during the school year.

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It is a common perception of those of us in rural areas that our politicians dont listen to us and instead take their direction from those in other parts of the state. This was proven to be true late last year when Sen. Marklein ignored the calls of his constituents begging him not to vote for the lame duck bills. Now we come face-to-face with the first consequence of Sen. Markleins failure to listen to his constituents.

Sen. Marklein and virtually all the Republicans campaigned on a promise to protect the pre-existing conditions health coverage included in the Affordable Care Act. One of the provisions of the lame duck bills is to rescind the authority of Governor Evers to order the states attorney general to withdraw from a lawsuit challenging the Affordable Care Act. If successful, this lawsuit would gut coverage for 2.4 million Wisconsinites who have pre-existing conditions. The lame duck bill specifies that in order to withdraw from that suit, the attorney general must have the approval of the Legislatures Joint Finance Committee. Sen. Marklein is on that committee.

When this issue reaches the committee, Sen. Marklein needs to know that his constituents want him to allow the attorney general to withdraw from this lawsuit and protect our health care coverage. Will he listen to us this time? Time will tell.
An Evers spokeswoman said last week that claims Evers tried to renegotiate the Foxconn contract are false.

Warning offered

In April, Foxconn got permits from the state Department of Natural Resources for air quality and to withdraw millions of gallons of water daily from Lake Michigan for their proposed plant to manufacture liquid crystal display panels. The permits were issued under Walker, the chief architect of the states $3 billion taxpayer-subsidized package for Foxconn.

Evers said during the campaign that scientists have told him the Foxconn permit-approval process was flawed, though he did not specify what problems occurred with the process. Evers told the Wisconsin State Journal editorial board in October that he would be willing to rescind the permits if additional review found Foxconn not meeting air-quality standards.

Speaking Tuesday, Evers said he doesnt believe state DNR officials have begun reviewing the Foxconn air permits. He said the review was discussed with Foxconn the very first time we talked to them, we talked about the fact that there may be a review of that.

Still, Evers insisted Foxconn officials werent worried. I think Foxconn believes that theyve done what was asked of them, he said.

Foxconn officials issued a statement Tuesday saying the company is fully committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and complying with all relevant federal, state, and local rules and regulations that apply to our operations.
University officials were unable Monday to produce a list of the 30 incidents that have affected 28 buildings, but McGlone said the problems in other buildings were minor and not unusual given the extreme weather in the past week. No class relocations will be necessary at those buildings.

A cost estimate of the damage was still being tallied Monday. A timeline of when classes could resume in Vilas Hall and the chemistry building was also not available, McGlone said.

We believe we are through the worst of it now, she told reporters outside Vilas Hall. No new incidents were reported Monday morning.

Faculty and staff were let into offices to collect belongings, but the university restricted media from documenting the damage inside, citing safety concerns.

Officials said the sub-zero temperatures last week followed by a rapid thawing in the past few days likely weakened building pipes and led to flooding, McGlone said.

Asked if buildings werent maintained properly or temperatures were set too low, McGlone said the university had no reason to believe employees acted improperly.

Both she and Blank commended facilities staff for keeping the campus safe and operational throughout the extreme weather.
Disorderly conduct  At 5:49 p.m. Thursday, a woman reported a man was blocking another woman trying to get out of the garage and that she could hear screaming in the 100 block of Lakecrest Drive. Officers made contact with the couple and they were separated for the evening.

Intoxicated person  At 7:15 p.m. Thursday, police received a report from somebody concerned about an intoxicated woman wandering from bar to bar on Madison Street. She was given a ride home and returned to a responsible party.

Disorderly conduct  At 4:45 p.m. Friday, police responded to a report of disorderly conduct between two people in the 100 block of South Center Street. The two people separated for the night.

Noise complaint  At 6:14 a.m. Saturday, police responded to a report of an upstairs neighbor stomping in the 300 block of West Maple Avenue. Police could not make contact and the lights were off.

Missing person  At 6:27 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a report that a 16-year-old runaway was in the 1600 block of North Spring Street with two other girls. It turns out she was the runaways twin sister.

Domestic issue  At 3:48 p.m. Sunday, police responded to a report of a verbal domestic issue in the 100 block of East Mill Street between a man and a woman. The woman was taken to jail on a warrant.
Matthew Martin Evansen, 55, of Milwaukee, entered his heavenly home on Jan. 29, 2019 at the Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa. One of five children, Matt was the 4th son of James and Jacqueline Evansen of New Lisbon and was born on Aug. 19, 1963 in Madison.

In his early years he resided in the Wisconsin cities of Sun Prairie, Portage, and New Lisbon, graduating from New Lisbon High school in 1982 and then going on to the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a major in art.

In 1984 Matt went to work for Profile Corporation based in south Florida, a company that manufactured window blinds. This led him to an opportunity in southern California, primarily in the Santa Ana and Palmdale area, where he fabricated and installed custom window treatments. Upon returning to Florida in the early 90s, Matt continued fabricating and installing window coverings for several specialty shops. In later life he worked in construction, primarily in the remodeling arena.

On April 4, 1994, Matt married Nancy Turner.

On Nov. 27, 1999, he married Tamara Harkins.
JUNEAU  A plea and sentencing hearing has been scheduled for a man accused of breaking out of the John Burke Center almost a quarter-century ago.

Robert Camacho, 55, is charged with escape and could receive an additional five years in prison and $10,000 fine. He is currently serving time on the original sentence in the Dodge Correctional Institution.

A plea agreement for Camacho is not currently on file with the clerk of courts. His plea and sentencing hearing is scheduled for Feb. 26.

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Camacho was nabbed when his fingerprints were processed as part of a security check while attending a military function recently. Dodge County District Attorney Kurt Klomberg said during Camachos initial appearance in court that Camacho only spent five weeks in prison on cocaine charges before he fled with his family to New York.

Camacho assumed his brothers name and enlisted in the Army. He retired from the Army two years ago and when his fingerprints were checked a short time ago, authorities found out he had a warrant for his arrest.

Camacho was in Milwaukee in 1994 when he got into trouble with his brother over cocaine and went to prison, Klomberg said during his initial hearing Dec. 19.
To the editor: President Trump is making a monumental strategic mistake in unilaterally withdrawing the United States from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. This disintegration of the arms control regime is a dangerous pattern that started with President George W. Bushs 2002 abrogation of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.

Even the New START Treaty, negotiated by President Obama, was undermined by a few Senate Republicans insistence on billions in spending on new nuclear weapons, delivery systems and production facilities. While this modernization proceeds in haste, will New START be the next casualty of the Trump administration?

Ending the nuclear arms race and putting an end to the nuclear age need not be a partisan issue. After all, the freshly discarded INF Treaty was negotiated by President Reagan, who famously said, Why wait until the end of the [20th] century for a world free of nuclear weapons?

Trump has surrounded himself with dangerous advisors who, in defiance of Reagans vision, put humanity at risk by pursuing a perpetual nuclear arms race. Its not too late to reverse this trend, but the clock is ticking.

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Rick Wayman, Santa Barbara

The writer is deputy director of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.

..

To the editor: Just wondering, how do people who believe that Trump is Russian President Vladimir Putins puppet explain this? What about the arming of Ukraine with lethal weaponry, issuing new sanctions against Russia, and attacking Putins client state Syria?

Its actually not at all difficult to make the case that Trump has been tougher on Putin than former President Obama ever was.

Robert Chapman, Downey

..

To the editor: Our impulsive president has just exacerbated the danger of nuclear war by pulling out of the INF Treaty.

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Instead of negotiating with Russia, Trump has provoked Putin into retaliating in kind. We can only hope that cooler heads will prevail.

Nuclear war is unthinkable. It will cause worldwide devastation. Putin professes an interest in negotiating, and I believe that it is urgent that we do so.

Ann Edelman, Woodland Hills

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
The fall semester at Baraboo High School has been extended by about 1 weeks due to weather-related cancellations.

Principal Glenn Bildsten said Monday was the last day of the first semester. Before recent snowstorms and arctic temperatures caused Baraboo to lose six school days, the semester was scheduled to end Jan. 24.

This year has definitely seen more than the typical amount of weather-related closures, Bildsten wrote in an email to the News Republic.

He said he doesnt remember the high school having to extend the first semester before. Usually, lost instructional time is made up in the spring.

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The extension was meant to give students more time to finish exams and final projects, according to an email Bildsten sent to parents and guardians Friday morning.

While Minnesota schools have been granted permission to fall short of state-mandated instructional time this year due to last weeks extreme cold, Wisconsin schools still have to meet their requirements.
After slamming his intelligence chiefs as passive and naive and telling them to go back to school, President Donald Trump tried to paper over his Twitter tantrum last week.

Facing sharp criticism for such a public attack  unprecedented for a U.S. president  Trump now claims the media distorted the testimony of top U.S. intelligence chiefs before the Senate Intelligence Committee  where they sharply diverged from Trump on the ranking and nature of the most urgent security threats.

There are, of course, gaping holes in this self-serving revision. For one, if Trump ever listened to his daily intel briefing he would have known in advance what the chiefs would be saying. For another, any differences Trump holds should be discussed in private, not aired on Twitter. Such a public Trump war with his intel community is manna for Americas enemies and undermines the agencies that try to keep America safe.

But most glaring, there can be no doubt about what the chiefs said in their annual assessment of threats to U.S. security  because the testimony was broadcast live. I listened to it. It does indeed differ from the claims of Donald Trump.

So let us count the ways in which they differ.
But he wasnt surprised.

When you look at the history of what Land Stewardship tries to do in these cases ... they dont like farms getting larger, Daley said. What they really try to do is elongate the whole process, make it as long as possible, and hope they come across someone, one person, who agrees with them.

Daley Farms is not a defendant in the lawsuit, but any pending litigation would most likely prevent the project from proceeding.

Daley Farms, the largest feedlot in Winona County, plans to increase its herd from 1,728 cows and calves to 4,628. This amounts to an increase from 2,275 to 5,968 animal units, the measurement used by the MPCA and other state agencies to equalize manure output from different animals.

MPCA approval was the first step the Daleys had to clear for their expansion  something the Daleys decided to do based on economic pressures and emerging technology.

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The project also needs a variance to Winona County zoning ordinances which dont allow feedlots over 1,500 animal units. Daley Farms  which at that time was already in excess of the limit  was grandfathered in.
Leigh Elizabeth Meska, the Goodview woman who went missing on her way to work last week, has no memory of her disappearance, Goodview Police Chief Kent Russell said Tuesday.

According to Russell, Meska reported that she couldnt remember anything from the time she left for work last week Wednesday to the time she called her parents in Rockford, Ill., where she was found in good health on Thursday night.

He said Meska is now working with a medical professional to determine the cause of her memory loss.

It is still unknown what Meska was doing in Rockford or why she left in the first place.

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Meska did not immediately respond to a request for comment over social media. A call to a number listed under her name went straight to voicemail that wasnt set up.

The 31-year-old mother disappeared on her way to work at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester on Wednesday, Jan. 30, during the one of the coldest day of last weeks cold snap.

Her disappearance prompted a massive search effort involving multiple agencies, a Minnesota State Patrol helicopter and several concerned citizens who saw the story on social media and checked every back road between the Mississippi River and Rochester.
WASHINGTON - Face to face with emboldened Democrats, President Donald Trump on Tuesday called on Washington to cast aside "revenge, resistance and retribution" and end "ridiculous partisan investigations" in a State of the Union address delivered at a vulnerable moment for his presidency.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 5/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In this Feb. 1, 2019, photo, President Donald Trump speaks in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington. The White House says Trump will call for optimism and unity in his State of the Union address, using the moment to attempt a reset after two years of bitter partisanship and deeply personal attacks. But skepticism will emanate from both sides of the aisle when Trump enters the House chamber Tuesday for the primetime address to lawmakers and the nation. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

WASHINGTON - Face to face with emboldened Democrats, President Donald Trump on Tuesday called on Washington to cast aside "revenge, resistance and retribution" and end "ridiculous partisan investigations" in a State of the Union address delivered at a vulnerable moment for his presidency.

Trump appealed for bipartisanship but refused to yield on the hard-line immigration policies that have infuriated Democrats and forced the recent government shutdown. He renewed his call for a border wall and cast illegal immigration as a threat to Americans' safety and economic security.

Trump accepted no blame for his role in cultivating the rancorous atmosphere in the nation's capital, and he didn't outline a clear path for collaborating with Democrats who are eager to block his agenda. Their opposition was on vivid display as Democratic congresswomen in the audience formed a sea of white in a nod to early 20th-century suffragettes.

Trump is staring down a two-year stretch that will determine whether he is re-elected or leaves office in defeat. His speech sought to shore up Republican support that had eroded slightly during the recent government shutdown and previewed a fresh defence against Democrats as they ready a round of investigations into every aspect of his administration.

"If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation," he declared. Lawmakers in the cavernous House chamber sat largely silent.

Lights are set up for television crews in Statuary Hall in the Capitol, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, ahead of President Donald Trump's delivery of the State of the Union on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Looming over the president's address was a fast-approaching Feb. 15 deadline to fund the government and avoid another shutdown. Democrats have refused to acquiesce to his demands for a border wall, and Republicans are increasingly unwilling to shut down the government to help him fulfil his signature campaign pledge. Nor does the GOP support the president's plan to declare a national emergency if Congress won't fund the wall.

Wary of publicly highlighting those intraparty divisions, Trump made no mention of an emergency declaration in his remarks. He did offer a lengthy defence of his call for a border wall, declaring: "I will build it." But he delivered no ultimatums about what it would take for him to sign legislation to keep the government open.

"I am asking you to defend our very dangerous southern border out of love and devotion to our fellow citizens and to our country," he said, painting a dark and foreboding picture of the risks posed to Americans by illegal immigration.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., center right, is joined by other women wearing white, as they hold hands while posing for a group photo before the State of the Union address by President Donald Trump, on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The 72-year-old Trump harkened back to moments of American greatness, celebrating the moon landing as astronaut Buzz Aldrin looked on from the audience and heralding the liberation of Europe from the Nazis. He led the House chamber in singing happy birthday to a Holocaust survivor sitting with first lady Melania Trump.

"Together, we represent the most extraordinary nation in all of history. What will we do with this moment? How will we be remembered?" Trump said.

The president ticked through a litany of issues with crossover appeal, including boosting infrastructure, lowering prescription drug costs and combating childhood cancer. But he also appealed to his political base, both with his harsh rhetoric on immigration and a call for Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the "late-term abortion of children."

Members of Congress gather on the floor before President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Trump devoted much of his speech to foreign policy, another area where Republicans have increasingly distanced themselves from the White House. He announced details of a second meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, outlining a Feb. 27-28 summit in Vietnam.

Trump and Kim's first summit garnered only a vaguely worded commitment by the North to denuclearize. But the president said his outreach to Pyongyang had made the U.S. safer.

"If I had not been elected president of the United States, we would right now, in my opinion, be in a major war with North Korea," he said.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., arrives for President Donald Trump's State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

As he condemned political turmoil in Venezuela, Trump declared that "America will never be a socialist country"  a remark that may also have been targeted at high-profile Democrats who identify as socialists.

The president was surrounded by symbols of his emboldened political opposition. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was praised by Democrats for her hard-line negotiating during the shutdown, sat behind Trump as he spoke. And several senators running for president were also in the audience, including Sens. Kamala Harris of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey.

Another Democratic star, Stacey Abrams, delivered the party's response to Trump. Abrams narrowly lost her bid in November to become America's first black female governor, and party leaders are aggressively recruiting her to run for U.S. Senate from Georgia.

Democratic members of Congress pose for a photo ahead of President Donald Trump delivering his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Speaking from Atlanta, Abrams calls the shutdown a political stunt that "defied every tenet of fairness and abandoned not just our people, but our values."

Trump's address amounted to an opening argument for his re-election campaign. Polls show he has work to do, with his approval rating falling to just 34 per cent after the shutdown, according to a recent survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

One bright spot for the president has been the economy, which has added jobs for 100 straight months.

Democratic members of Congress arrive to hear President Donald Trump deliver his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington,Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

"The only thing that can stop it," he said, "are foolish wars, politics or ridiculous partisan investigations"  an apparent swipe at the special counsel investigation into ties between Russia and Trump's 2016 campaign, as well as the upcoming congressional investigations.

The diverse Democratic caucus, which includes a bevy of women, sat silently for much of Trump's speech. But they leapt to their feet when he noted there are "more women in the workforce than ever before."

The increase is due to population growth  and not something Trump can credit to any of his policies.

President Donald Trump arrives to deliver his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The president also defended his decisions to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria and Afghanistan over the opposition from national security officials and many Republican lawmakers.

"Great nations do not fight endless wars," he said, adding that the U.S. is working with allies to "destroy the remnants" of the Islamic State group and that he has "accelerated" efforts to reach a settlement in Afghanistan.

IS militants have lost territory since Trump's surprise announcement in December that he was pulling U.S. forces out, but military officials warn the fighters could regroup within six months to a year of the Americans leaving.Several leading GOP lawmakers have sharply criticized his plans to withdraw from Syria, as well as from Afghanistan.

Trump's guests for the speech included Alice Marie Johnson, a woman whose life sentence for drug offences was commuted by the president, and Joshua Trump, a sixth-grade student from Wilmington, Delaware, who has been bullied over his last name. They sat with Mrs. Trump during the address.

Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC and Catherine Lucey at http://twitter.com/catherine_lucey

This story has been corrected to show that Trump's guest for the speech was Alice Marie Johnson, not Anna Marie Johnson.
Anecdotes of Canadian firms leaving or diverting investments outside the country have continued unabated from 2018. The federal and many provincial governments seem reluctant to acknowledge this serious flight of capital. Reversing this trend, which is a major impediment to Canadian prosperity and well-being, will require a wholesale reversal of policy in Ottawa and many provincial capitals.

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This article was published 5/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

Anecdotes of Canadian firms leaving or diverting investments outside the country have continued unabated from 2018. The federal and many provincial governments seem reluctant to acknowledge this serious flight of capital. Reversing this trend, which is a major impediment to Canadian prosperity and well-being, will require a wholesale reversal of policy in Ottawa and many provincial capitals.

Encana, one of the countrys premier energy companies, now invests more outside of Canada than in it. And the companys CEO recently moved to Denver and indicated that headquarter activity would become less concentrated in Calgary.

One of the countrys largest gold companies, Goldcorp, has just been purchased by an American company and much of its headquarter activity will now shift to the United States.

TransCanada recently announced it would change its name to TC Energy, in part to try to attract more investors leery about investing in a perceived Canadian-only focused company.

And its not just the resource sector. Executives in Canadas prestigious banking sector, including Royal Bank, Scotiabank and Bank of Montreal, have all raised concerns about the countrys broadly declining competitiveness and the outflow of investment capital.

These anecdotes show up in business investment data. Since peaking in 2014, for example, investment in plants, machinery and equipment by private businesses has declined 18.2 per cent and investment in intellectual property has fallen 15.6 per cent.

Alternatively, consider that between 2013 and 2017, Canadians increased investment outside the country by 74 per cent, while foreigners investing in Canada declined by 55.1 per cent.

A 2017 study by Philip Cross, former chief analyst at Statistics Canada, ranked Canada 16th of 17 countries for business investment between 2015 and 2017, compared to eighth place for the 2009-14 period.

Part of the decline in investment is no doubt because of the continued weakness in commodity prices, particularly for oil and natural gas. However, Canada has also simultaneously experienced enormous policy change. Higher personal and business taxes, additional regulations and an increasingly uncertain business environment have reduced the incentives for Canadians and foreigners to start new companies, grow existing businesses and invest.

Over the past few years, the federal and many provincial governments increased personal taxes on entrepreneurs, professionals and business owners to the point where seven of the provinces have tax rates above 50 per cent and the remaining three are just slightly below. Saskatchewans combined federal-provincial 47.5 per cent tax rate on entrepreneurs, professionals and business owners is now the lowest among the provinces.

Capital gains taxes, which particularly affect entrepreneurs and investors, have been increased across the country and several provinces have also increased business income taxes.

The federal government, along with several of its provincial counterparts, have increased regulations, particularly in the resource sector, making it markedly more expensive to do business in Canada.

These worrying trends are not irreversible. After all, it wasnt that long ago that the U.S. Congress was holding hearings about corporate inversions wherein U.S. firms were reorganizing to try to move out of the U.S. to more hospitable jurisdictions such as Canada. (Recall Burger Kings purchase of Tim Hortons.)

Undoing the damage of the past few years will require a major shift in policy at both the federal level and in many provinces. Specifically, a return to competitive tax rates (personal and business), more focused and disciplined spending by government, balanced budgets, and regulations that are both in line with our competitors and that meet a genuine cost-benefit test. These are the successful policies that broadly governed Canada from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s or so, and which delivered widespread sustainable prosperity for Canadians and their families.

Jason Clemens and Niels Veldhuis are economists with the Fraser Institute.
A wise professor once taught me that most immigration has been and remains the flow of labour to capital. In other words, people in search of better economic opportunities are drawn to money and jobs, (usually) no matter where they are geographically located and how traumatic it is to say farewell to family members, possibly forever. Other important secondary factors that make an immigrant a refugee have been religious and political persecution, war, crime, violence and corruption.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 5/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

A wise professor once taught me that most immigration has been and remains the "flow of labour to capital." In other words, people in search of better economic opportunities are drawn to money and jobs, (usually) no matter where they are geographically located and how traumatic it is to say farewell to family members, possibly forever. Other important secondary factors that make an immigrant a refugee have been religious and political persecution, war, crime, violence and corruption.

These "push" and "pull" factors explain why, between 1870 and 1990, more than 42 million immigrants from all over the globe legally entered the United States and another 12.8 million arrived in Canada. Among these newcomers from 1896 to 1915 were more than 16 million Italians who fled what was referred to as the "miseria," or misery  high taxes, unemployment, subsistence wages, terrible farmland and few resources.

Few national groups, however, compare to Mexicans, thoughts of whom keep U.S. President Donald Trump up at night. As of 2015, there were an estimated 36 million Mexicans residing in the United States, or about 11 per cent of the total U.S. population. Of those, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has calculated in its December 2018 report that approximately 6.6 million are undocumented or illegal, representing 55 per cent of the American "illegal alien population."

Next on this list are refugees from El Salvador, numbering about 750,000, and Guatemala at 620,000, of the estimated total of nearly 12 million illegal immigrants currently living in the U.S.

The constant stream of Mexicans to the U.S. has been precipitated by decades of poverty, low wages and a lack of economic opportunity, along with immense danger caused in more recent years by nearly unstoppable drug cartel crime and murder and corruption at every level of Mexican society.

As Time magazine reported in June 2018, "On average, someone was killed in Mexico every 15 minutes during the month of May (2018), putting the country on track to surpass last years grim milestone of 29,168 killings." More than 100 politicians were killed between September 2017 and June 2018.

(None of these grim statistics makes a difference to the thousands of Americans and Canadians who holiday in Mexico each winter, though tourists are occasionally caught up in the countrys incessant crime wave.)

Until the mid-1960s, Americans welcomed Mexicans into the country as unskilled labour (they still do), yet only on a temporary basis. For example, from 1942 to 1965, under the Bracero Program, 4.5 million Mexicans, almost all men, were granted guest worker contracts. Leaving their families for months, they were hired as low-paid agricultural workers in Texas, California and elsewhere and then returned to their home country. The cycle repeated each year.

In 1965, the program was halted and the Immigration and Nationality Act limited the number of Mexican and other Latin American immigrants into the U.S. Yet, desperate for work, the flow of labour to capital did not stop and the number of Mexicans who entered the country one way or another increased. Official estimates suggest that, from 1965 to 1986, at least 28 million undocumented Mexicans found their way to the U.S. and never left.

Instead of dealing sensibly with this issue, Congress passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act in 1986, which made it even more difficult to travel back and forth between Mexico and the United States. The predictable result was even more undocumented Mexicans in the U.S. Without proper papers, these illegals lived precariously in what they called in Spanish "Juala de Oro," or Cage of Gold.

Many of these undocumented immigrants were the parents of the so-called "Dreamers," children brought into the U.S. as young children whose lives now hang in the balance until the U.S. government resolves Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a federal program established in 2012 by the Obama administration.

Back in Mexico, the decision in 2006 by then newly elected president Felipe Calderon to go to war with the drug cartels led to six years of bloodshed with more than 100,000 deaths  and did little to halt the trafficking of drugs to the U.S. That year, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there were an estimated 821,000 undetected illegal entries at the southern border, but the number has decreased ever since. In 2016, the number had declined to 62,000.

Many of these immigrants from El Salvador and Honduras, part of the supposed "caravan invasion" that sent Trump into a Twitter rage last November, are asylum seekers and "refugees from violence," says American political scientist Jonathan Hiskey of Vanderbilt University, not terrorist and gang members as the president continually insists. The fact is, most of the migrants will not be allowed into the U.S., and those who do enter are unlikely to commit crimes  another false Trump allegation.

Despite Trumps repeated claims to the contrary, there is no "crisis" at the southern border of the U.S. that requires a multibillion-dollar wall. But there is, says Amnesty International executive director Margaret L. Huang, a "human rights crisis of the (Trump) administrations own making" because "the legal process of obtaining asylum" has become so "unnecessarily unbearable and drawn-out."

What is required at the moment, among Trump and his officials, is something they are seemingly incapable of offering: empathy for refugees attempting to rebuild their shattered lives.

Now & Then is a column in which historian Allan Levine puts the events of today in a historical context. His most recent book is Seeking the Fabled City: The Canadian Jewish Experience.
Between the 16th and 19th centuries, there was a period of worldwide cooling, with the peak between 1645-1715. During this period, winters in Europe and North America were on average 2 C lower, resulting in famine, infant mortality and increased sickness.

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This article was published 5/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

Between the 16th and 19th centuries, there was a period of worldwide cooling, with the peak between 1645-1715. During this period, winters in Europe and North America were on average 2 C lower, resulting in famine, infant mortality and increased sickness.

It has been called by scientists as the "Little Ice Age."

It wasnt all bad though. Entire European cultural expressions and traditions emerged out of the cold.

Large, sweeping paintings of frozen waterways in Amsterdam (such as Winter Landscape by Jacob van Ruisdael) and snow on mountains and cities (such as Rome with Snow by Giovanni Paolo Panini) dominated the art world and shaped impressions of European life. Even Rembrandt produced his only winter painting during this time, in 1646.

In London, the River Thames froze, resulting in the legendary River Thames Frost Fair in 1607-08 and for two dozen times after (the last fair occurred in 1814).

The Thirty Years War between Protestants and Catholics in central Europe  caused by disputes not just over religion but land and food  has been linked to the Little Ice Age.

Wars were also won or lost due to the cold. Swedish soldiers were able to march over ice to attack Copenhagen in 1658.

In 1709, one of the coldest European winters on record, Peter the Great and his Russian army defeated Charles XII of Sweden largely due to how they handled the ice and snow.

In an article entitled "How fashion adapted to climate change  in the Little Ice Age," in The Conversation, researcher Lane Eagles argues the rise in wearing furs in Europe occurred due to the drop in temperatures.

One of the biggest social impacts of the increasing cold was scapegoating  or the blaming the weather on otherwise unrelated causes.

During desperate times, hunger, cold and fear would mix together to blame factors such as superstition, spirits and, most notably, women.

The rise of accusations of witchcraft increased during the 16th century in Europe. In 2016, German historian Wolfgang Behringer compared the rise of witchcraft prosecutions in the 14th century to the rise of the Little Ice Age and found criminal charges of women reached their peak during the coldest years of the period.

The cultural effects of the Little Ice Age cannot be understated. It formed, created and left a lasting legacy in much of what is called "European culture."

This naturally spreads into cultures of Canada and the United States today  built partly off a foundation of European tastes, beliefs, ideas and impressions.

What sparked the worldwide cold of the Little Ice Age? The genocide of Indigenous Peoples, according to a new study released last week by University College London (UCL).

Due to famine, war and disease after encountering Europeans, it is estimated nearly 56 million Indigenous people  nearly 90 per cent of the population  died in North America during the first 200 years of European colonization.

This left approximately 140 million acres of land that otherwise would have been farmed or occupied by Indigenous communities untended.

As trees and vegetation reoccupied these lands, the ecology consumed nearly 7.4 billion metric tons of carbon from the atmosphere.

The UCL reports co-author Mark Maslin told the BBC: "There is a marked cooling around that time (1500s-1600s) which is called the Little Ice Age, and whats interesting is that we can see natural processes giving a little bit of cooling. But actually, to get the full cooling  double the natural processes  you have to have this genocide-generated drop in CO2."

If this isnt proof humans cause climate change, I dont know what is. Its also proof the cultural history of the world (paintings to wars to novels to stories) has its origins in the treatment of Indigenous Peoples  indirect or not.

In the 19th century, the worlds temperatures began to rise again. The Industrial Revolution injected carbon back into the atmosphere on a wide scale. (In other words: humans.)

Climate change deniers, however, seek to find a "natural cause."

On Jan. 28, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted: "In the beautiful Midwest, windchill temperatures are reaching minus 60 degrees, the coldest ever recorded. In coming days, expected to get even colder. People cant last outside even for minutes. What the hell is going on with Global Waming? Please come back fast, we need you!"

Reporters and pundits were quick to point out not only does he not know how to spell "warming" but Trump doesnt understand the difference between weather and climate change.

If he did, he would understand the mobility of the polar vortex across North America is due to the increased warmer temperatures and changes in the jet streams of the world.

Instead of facing the truth, Trump and climate change deniers would find a scapegoat and blame something or someone else.

The truth?

There are no witches. Theres humans, the cause of genocide and climate change  and the evidence is all around us.

niigaan.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca
BRANDON  Health experts are advising parents to lock up their marijuana edibles, after two Brandon children ingested pieces of a cannabis-infused chocolate bar over the weekend.

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This article was published 4/2/2019 (868 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BRANDON  Health experts are advising parents to lock up their marijuana edibles, after two Brandon children ingested pieces of a cannabis-infused chocolate bar over the weekend.

Marijuana can cause strokes, seizures and a depressed level of consciousness in children, said Dr. Margaret Thompson, emergency physician and medical director of the Manitoba, Ontario & Nunavut Poison Centres.

The children, a five-year-old boy and two-year-old girl, were taken to the Brandon Regional Health Centre, with the boy later transferred to Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. According to media reports Monday, the childrens conditions were stable, and no charges are expected from police.

"They (the edibles) should be (kept) locked up and out of sight," Thompson said. "We typically recommend they should be in a locked cupboard or in a tackle box with a lock on it."

A child who has never been exposed to marijuana will likely have a more adverse reaction than someone who knows what to expect and understands the effects of the substance, she said. Body weight also plays a factor, paired with the quantity of the substance.

Although there are currently no regulations saying Manitobans have to keep their marijuana locked away, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba medical director Dr. Ginette Poulin recommended storing it in such a way, calling the case in Brandon "heart-wrenching."

The cannabis edible the children in Brandon ate Sunday was stored in a cabinet above the fridge.

"If you have it in a chocolate bar, or gummy bear, brownie or cookie, anyone will be enticed to pick it up," Poulin said. "I would always encourage any substance, like medication, be stored safely away, preferably in a locked box or something that has another barrier."

While Brandon cannabis store owner Rick Macl agreed marijuana should be secured away from children in the home, people should also pay more attention to the way they store prescription medications, he said.

"How come they are stored in a medicine cabinet in the washroom where kids can close the door and get whatever they want?" the Growers N Smokers owner said. "If were going to be talking about storage of cannabis, we need to stop and start figuring out storage for prescription medications first."

A spokesperson with the local Tweed cannabis store said the company also encourages users to keep products in a secure location.

"We strongly suggest keeping cannabis and any cannabis products in a secure box or pouch that requires a code or key to unlock," the spokesperson said.

Meta Cannabis Supply Co. and Tokyo Smoke didnt get back to the Brandon Sun before deadline Monday.

Although cannabis edibles are still banned in Canada, people are still able to make their own or order from online suppliers operating in contravention of the law.

Edibles are expected to become legal late this year, said Kristianne Dechant, manager of communications, policy and research at the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba. The authority is in the process of looking at the shape of regulations by hosting focus groups in the coming months, she said.

Some of the topics likely to be emphasized in public education are safe storage, keeping edibles away from pets and children, understanding THC content and how to consume edibles with as little risk as possible.

 Brandon Sun
SAINT JOHN, N.B. - Dennis Oland was deeply in debt on the day his multimillionaire father, Richard, was beaten to death, a Saint John court has been told.

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This article was published 5/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dennis Oland heads to the Law Courts in Saint John, N.B., on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019 as his trial in the bludgeoning death of his millionaire father, Richard Oland, continues. Dennis Oland's former boss says he asked for cash advances in the weeks before his father was murdered in his New Brunswick office. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

SAINT JOHN, N.B. - Dennis Oland was deeply in debt on the day his multimillionaire father, Richard, was beaten to death, a Saint John court has been told.

Oland, 50, had maxed out most of his personal accounts despite having raised credit limits by thousands of dollars in the months prior to Richard Oland's July 6, 2011, killing.

John Travis, Dennis Oland's boss at CIBC Wood Gundy, and Eric Johnson, a forensic accountant, were on the stand at his second-degree murder trial Tuesday detailing Oland's cash "crunch" in the summer of 2011.

The prosecution, now in the fourth week of its case against Oland, is trying to establish a financial motive for the killing.

Prosecutors contend that Dennis Oland killed his dad "in a rage" and that his desperate financial situation was behind the violent attack that left 69-year-old Richard Oland lying dead in a pool of blood on his office floor.

The businessman and former executive at Moosehead Breweries Ltd., had 45 blunt and sharp force injuries, most of them to his head.

"It looks like I'm going to struggle with cash for the next few months and as a result I wanted to revisit your offer to assist me to get through this crunch period," Dennis Oland said in an email to Travis in June 2011, about a month before the killing.

Oland said he was struggling to meet his commitments, which included $4,300 per month for child/spousal support and the more than $1,650 he had to pay his father every month for a $500,000 loan a couple of years earlier.

Travis said CIBC agreed to extend him an extra $8,000 per month, or $16,000, for June and July. Oland figured things would pick up in his investment adviser job by August and September, so he only needed the cash for the short term.

However, a glitch on the part of the bank meant he did not get the full amount he needed in June.

In a note to Travis on June 15, 2011, asking for the mistake to be immediately fixed, Oland said he was "nervous" that he wouldn't be able to make his financial commitments.

"It is essential that the correct funds be placed into my bank account today so that I can honor my commitments that are due today," Oland wrote.

The next day, June 16, Oland emailed his wife, Lisa, telling her that although he was getting a good pay that month - $8,000 - "money is tight."

"Would I be able to get $1,000 from you?"

He didn't mention in his email that the $8,000 was the first instalment of the two-month loan he had obtained from his employer.

Lisa Oland said her credit card also was maxed out.

According to Johnson, Oland earned only about $34,000 from CIBC Wood Gundy in the first six months of 2011 but his combined spending for that period, ending on the day of the murder, July 6, 2011, was almost $121,000.

Johnson showed the trial a series of slides detailing Dennis Oland's accounts, including his chequing account, a line of credit and an investment account.

"The account was frequently overdrawn," Johnson told the court, referring to Oland's chequing account, with a $2,000 overdraft limit.

"It rarely had a positive balance that lasted more than a month."

Oland opened a Visa account with a $5,000 credit limit. But by February 2011, the limit had expanded to $27,000. In July 2011, he owed over $31,000 on the card, well beyond the limit.

Oland's line of credit also significantly increased over two years from a limit of $15,000 in 2009 to $35,000 then to $75,000 and finally to $163,000 in 2011.

By July 7, 2011, the day his father's body was found, Oland owed $163,939.68 on the line of credit.

The defence position is that since Dennis Oland was used to being in debt, and always seemed to be able to get credit increases or advances at work, the financial issue does not work as a motive.

"It's an occupation where there is not a steady, fixed salary, correct?" defence lawyer Alan Gold asked Travis, noting that the investment firm would help out its investment advisers, like Oland, when needed.

"Correct," Travis said.

Defence lawyer Mike Lacy pointed out during his cross-examination of Johnson that he did not do a net worth analysis of Dennis Oland.

"You didn't take assets into account?"

"No," answered Johnson.

As well, Lacy said when the entire month of July was considered, including the 24 days after the murder, it was actually a better month than most for Oland and ended in the black in his chequing account.

The trial, which is expected to last until mid-March, is a retrial. Dennis Oland was convicted by a jury in 2015, but the verdict was set aside on appeal and the new trial ordered.
Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams will deliver the official Democratic reply to President Trumps State of the Union address. (John Amis / Associated Press)

Five years ago I argued that we should abolish the practice of the president doing shout-outs to human props  I mean, honored guests  in the audience at the State of the Union address. I wrote that the practice, begun by President Reagan, was unnecessary political theater that had become a cliche and the object of satire.

Despite the persuasiveness of my argument, the practice persists.

Among the guests invited by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to Tuesdays State of the Union address are relatives of Gerald and Sharon David, who, according to the White House, were tragically murdered in their home in Nevada by an illegal immigrant and Joshua Trump, a sixth-grader from Delaware who has been bullied in school due to his last name.

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Not be outdone, members of Congress also will have guests at the speech who check various political and demographic boxes. For example, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) will host Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting survivor Cameron Kasky.

I renew my objection to this use of human talking points by both the president and members of Congress. But I have another suggestion: Do away with the official televised response to the presidents address by a member of the opposing party.

Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute 

This year that rebuttal will be provided by Stacey Abrams, a Democrat who lost a close election for governor of Georgia last year. But she wont be the only responder. California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra will deliver the Democratic response in Spanish and Sen. Bernie Sanders will also chime in with a rebuttal to Trump that will be available on Facebook Live, Twitter and YouTube. (Even though Sanders will speak after Abrams appearance, some critics are accusing him of stealing her thunder and even of talking over the black woman our party chose to speak for us)

I always have thought the official reply to the State of the Union was unnecessary. The opposite-party rebuttal is not a venerable tradition. It goes back to 1966, when Senate Republican leader Everett Dirksen and House Republican leader Gerald R. Ford responded to Democratic President Lyndon Johnsons State of the Union address five days after LBJ delivered it.

More to the point, it assumes that the president in the State of the Union is speaking as head of his party rather than as chief executive. Granted, presidents  even an unconventional one such as Trump  can be expected to inject partisan appeals into the speech. But the president isnt speaking as a party functionary. He is complying with the Constitutions mandate that the president shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.

By all means Democrats (and independents such as Sanders) should feel free to critique the presidents address, and journalists should cover those remarks if they are newsworthy. But we have only one president, and there is only one State of the Union speech. The institution of an official response creates a false equivalence. Along with shout-outs to honored guests, it should be retired.

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PICTOU, N.S. - A group opposing a plan to pump millions of litres of treated effluent through a pipeline into the Northumberland Strait is calling on the Nova Scotia government to answer questions about an Oct. 21 leak from the existing system operated by Northern Pulp.

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This article was published 5/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corporation mill is seen in Abercrombie, N.S. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017. A group opposing a plan to pump millions of litres of treated effluent through a pipeline into the Northumberland Strait is calling on the province to answer questions about an Oct. 21 leak from the existing system. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

PICTOU, N.S. - A group opposing a plan to pump millions of litres of treated effluent through a pipeline into the Northumberland Strait is calling on the Nova Scotia government to answer questions about an Oct. 21 leak from the existing system operated by Northern Pulp.

Friends of the Northumberland Strait issued a news release Tuesday saying its membership is frustrated that after more than three months, the province has released no information about the size or cause of the leak last year near Pictou, N.S.

Jill Graham-Scanlan, president of the group, said the public should be told the composition of the effluent that leaked and why the pipe break went initially undetected by the pulp and paper firm owned by Paper Excellence.

Provincial spokeswoman Rachel Boomer said the Environment Department is still investigating, and noted a 2014 inquiry into a prior leak required a year for completion.

"As a result, we won't be able to provide information today on the size of the leak or what happened in this incident. We would be happy to provide this information once the investigation is complete," she wrote in an email.

Boomer also said no compliance action has been taken at this point, since the investigation is still underway.

Consequences for violating an industrial approval range from warnings to summary offence tickets, ministerial orders or long-form prosecution.

Mill spokeswoman Kathy Cloutier said in an email the leak was "very small in size," and added that it "did not make its way into Middle River."

She said the effluent was "contained promptly and transported to the Boat Harbour facility where it was then treated and released into the Northumberland Strait via the existing system and route."

Cloutier said the leak was at a fibreglass joint, the technology of the day in the 1960s, and the proposed new treatment system will have fusion welded joints that "are leak proof and as strong as the pipeline itself."

However, in her release, Graham-Scanlan said she "wonders why Northern Pulp did not know about the leak, when the company's industrial approval requires that they 'operate and maintain real time flow monitoring equipment ... designed to immediately notify the approval holder in the event of a total loss of flow or a reduction of flow below normal operating conditions'."

Graham-Scanlan said the public has a right to know whether Northern Pulp was in compliance with its approval conditions, and whether records identify any problems in the days before the effluent leak.

The company's industrial approval also requires regular internal and external inspections of the pipe, and said her group would like to know when the inspections were last carried out.

"Given the company's history, and the fact that Northern Pulp now wants approval to discharge their treated effluent into the Northumberland Strait, it's important that the public knows the facts," she wrote.

Boomer said a Northern Pulp report dated March 22 of last year indicated the pipeline inspection activities for 2017 were satisfactory.

"Northern Pulp's industrial approval requires them to conduct annual external pipeline inspections during 2018, and submit the results to the Nova Scotia Environment Department by the end of March 2019," she added.

Premier Stephen McNeil has said he has no intention of changing a legislated deadline to close the Northern Pulp mill's wastewater treatment plant in Boat Harbour  but he is open to debating proposed changes in the legislature.

McNeil said any changes to the January 2020 deadline would have to evolve out of a community consensus in Pictou County, and would have to be brought to the floor of the legislature by the area's Opposition members.

In the meantime, McNeil said the government will keep its word that he will stick to the deadline for closing the Boat Harbour treatment plant.

The heavily polluted treatment lagoon is on the edge of the Pictou Landing First Nation.

The province received the environmental assessment application for the pipeline on Jan. 31, and the project will formally register this Thursday.

Once the project formally registers, the province posts the documents on its website, and the public comment period begins.

Mill officials have said in the past that no pipe would mean no mill, and company officials recently indicated they need an extension on the original deadline.

 By Michael Tutton in Halifax.

Follow (at)mtuttoncporg on Twitter.
TOKYO - Nissan's board has chosen as a director Jean-Dominique Senard, who was recently appointed chairman at the Japanese automaker's alliance partner Renault SA of France.

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This article was published 5/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In this May 12, 2016, photo, then Nissan Motor Co. President and CEO Carlos Ghosn speaks during a press conference in Yokohama, near Tokyo. Nissan said in a statement that its board decided Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019 to hold an extraordinary shareholders' meeting on April 8, to remove former chairman Ghosn from its board. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

TOKYO - Nissan's board has chosen as a director Jean-Dominique Senard, who was recently appointed chairman at the Japanese automaker's alliance partner Renault SA of France.

Nissan Motor Co. said in a statement that its board decided Tuesday to hold an extraordinary shareholders' meeting on April 8, to remove its former chairman, Carlos Ghosn. Earlier, he also was dismissed as chairman of smaller alliance partner Mitsubishi Motors Corp. He resigned recently as chairman and chief executive of Renault.

FILE - In this Jan. 24, 2019, file photo, Jean-Dominique Senard addresses the media after being appointed Renault chairman following a meeting of the board at Renault headquarters in Boulogne-Billancourt, outside Paris, France. Nissan Motor Co.'s board chose Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, as a director Senard, who was recently appointed chairman at the Japanese automaker's alliance partner Renault SA. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

Nissan did not say if Senard was being considered to replace Ghosn as chairman.

Ghosn was arrested Nov. 19 and was charged with falsifying financial reports and breach of trust. Shareholders must approve his removal from and Senard's addition to the board.

Nissan also will seek shareholders' approval for the ouster of Greg Kelly, who was arrested with Ghosn for alleged financial misconduct in collaborating to underreport Ghosn's compensation.

Ghosn has repeatedly said he is innocent. Ghosn led Nissan for two decades, turning it around from near-bankruptcy. He had served as chairman and CEO of Renault since 2009.

Renault named Senard of Michelin as its chairman and Renault executive Thierry Bollore as its chief executive last month. Ghosn had previously held both posts.

Renault had initially kept Ghosn on as its head but the French government, which owns about 15 per cent of the company, pressed for a replacement. Renault owns 43 per cent of Nissan.

Nissan said nominations for its board of directors also will be submitted to its annual general shareholders' meeting set for June.

A special Nissan committee is due to draw up proposals for stronger corporate governance by late March.

Yuri Kageyama is on Twitter at https://twitter.com/yurikageyama

On Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/yurikageyama/?hl=en
TORONTO - A former music editor for Vice Media has been arrested and charged with conspiracy to import cocaine into Australia.

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This article was published 4/2/2019 (868 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TORONTO - A former music editor for Vice Media has been arrested and charged with conspiracy to import cocaine into Australia.

An RCMP statement says Yaroslav Pastukhov was one of two Canadians arrested on Jan. 31 after an investigation aided by Australian Federal Police.

According to the statement, the arrest is linked to a 2015 incident in which five people were detained upon arrival at Sydney International Airport and found to be in possession of nearly 40 kilograms of cocaine.

The release says Pastukhov, 28, had been living in Montreal under an alias.

Pastukhov was to appear in court Monday at Old City Hall in Toronto.

Ali Taki Lalji, 30, of Toronto is also in custody and scheduled for a bail hearing on Wednesday at the same court.
After the founder of Canadas biggest cryptocurrency exchange, QuadrigaCX, died unexpectedly, about 115,000 clients have been unable to retrieve US$190 million in funds  because the owner was the only one who knew the password to access holdings, the company said.

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This article was published 5/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After the founder of Canadas biggest cryptocurrency exchange, QuadrigaCX, died unexpectedly, about 115,000 clients have been unable to retrieve US$190 million in funds  because the owner was the only one who knew the password to access holdings, the company said.

Gerald Cotten, 30, died of complications with Crohns disease while doing philanthropic work in India in December, according to a post on QuadrigaCXs Facebook page. The company didnt announce Cottens death until more than a month after he died, and as customers panicked and tried to withdraw their funds, QuadrigaCXs website went down, and the company went off the grid.

When QuadrigaCX broke its silence a week later, the company revealed it had filed for creditor protection in the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, according to reporting from Coindesk.

Evidently, Cotten was the sole person responsible for transferring QuadrigaCX funds between the companys "cold wallet"  secure, offline storage  and its "hot wallet" or online server, according to court documents. Very little cryptocurrency was stored in the hot wallet for security purposes. Cottens laptop was encrypted, and his widow, Jennifer Robertson, and the expert she hired have been unable to access any of its contents. The company had no corporate bank accounts and used third-party services to manage payments and withdrawals.

"For the past weeks, we have worked extensively to address our liquidity issues, which include attempting to locate and secure our very significant cryptocurrency reserves held in cold wallets, and that are required to satisfy customer cryptocurrency balances on deposit, as well as sourcing a financial institution to accept the bank drafts that are to be transferred to us," QuadrigaCXs board of directors wrote in a letter to customers on Jan. 31. "Unfortunately, these efforts have not been successful."

The debacle highlights the problems with cryptocurrencys lack of regulation. Its not issued by a government, or controlled through a centralized financial institution, leaving exchanges such as QuadrigaCX with near total control over investors assets, and making them vulnerable to hackers or other mishaps.

The mysterious circumstances surrounding Cottens death have spawned many conspiracy theories, especially on Reddit, where several users have suggested that Cotten is faking his death as part of an exit scam. Some Reddit sleuths and cryptocurrency researchers have looked into QuadrigaCXs holdings and found activity from accounts only Cotten had access to after the company said he died.

But Robertson provided the court with a copy of Cottens death certificate, court records show, and Robertson said she and QuadrigaCXs interim chief executive have been hit with threats and "slanderous comments" by angry customers.

QuadrigaCX had been plagued with legal trouble in the past year: In early 2018, the CIBC froze more than US$25 million of QuadrigaCXs assets after noticing "irregularities" in the exchanges payment processes. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice took control of the funds, Coindesk reported, and they were just returned to the company days before Cottens death.

Now, the company is looking into selling its operating platform to stay afloat. Robertson has asked the court for a stay of proceedings to protect the company from lawsuits and buy time while QuadrigaCX tries to access the cryptocurrency tied up in its cold wallets. She also asked the court to appoint international accounting firm Ernst & Young to oversee its dealings while QuadrigaCX tries to recover the lost holdings.

 Washington Post
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This article was published 5/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FILE - In this 2007 file photo, David Malpass, then the Chief Economist at Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., speaks at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. President Donald Trump plans to nominate Malpass, an administration critic of the World Bank, to be the institutionAos next leader. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump plans to nominate David Malpass, a Trump administration critic of the World Bank, to lead the institution.

That is according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official wasn't authorized to comment publicly on personnel decisions. Trump is expected to make the announcement later this week.

Malpass, now the undersecretary for international affairs at the Treasury Department, has been an outspoken skeptic of the 189-nation World Bank, a leading source of funding for economic development. The World Bank provides low-cost loans for projects around the world. Among its key missions is helping combat poverty in developing countries.

Malpass has called for curbing the World Bank's financial reach and has criticized in particular its lending to China, one of the bank's leading recipients of aid.

If the World Bank's directors approve his nomination, Malpass would be positioned to overhaul an institution that, he has argued, has become more focused on its own expansion and prestige than on the interests of poor countries.

"A host of organizations are creating mountains of debt without solving problems," Malpass said in a speech last year. "Huge organizations like the World Bank and the many multi-lateral development banks have created an environment where their own growth ends up being as important as their clients' growth."

Having Malpass at the helm of the World Bank would fit a pattern inside the Trump administration of tapping officials to lead institutions whose core missions those officials have publicly questioned or opposed. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Interior Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, among others, have under Trump been led by some of their sharpest former critics.

Malpass, 62, has straddled the top echelons of government and Wall Street, having worked in the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations and as the chief economist for the defunct bank Bear Stearns. He also unsuccessfully sought the 2010 Republican nomination for a Senate seat from New York.

Malpass' public forecasting has at times been misguided and arguably shaped by his political leanings.

In 2007, he wrote on the editorial pages of The Wall Street Journal that the "economy is sturdy and will grow solidly in coming months, and perhaps years." Over the subsequent months, the United States toppled into its worst financial crisis and recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

In the same editorial, Malpass dismissed the risks from subprime mortgages by saying, "Housing and debt markets are not that big a part of the U.S. economy, or of job creation." As it turned out, the reckless use of subprime mortgages was the catalyst that ignited the 2008 financial crisis.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders declined Tuesday to confirm that Malpass was the president's pick to lead the institution.

"When the president is ready to make that announcement, he certainly will," Sanders said. "I can tell you if he chooses David, it will be a great choice. Highly respected and a strong member of the team."

Malpass would succeed Jim Yong Kim, who announced in January that he was stepping down three years before his term was to expire. The final decision on a successor to Kim will be up to the bank's board.

Politico was first to report on the nomination.

The World Bank was founded in 1944 with the task of shoring up the economies of nations devastated by World War II. The first recipient of a World Bank loan was France. The bank, whose leader is nominated by the United States and has always been a U.S. citizen, has since shifted its focus from reconstruction to development, extensively in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Kim's unexpected departure could set up a contentious fight between the Trump administration and other countries who argue that the United States exerts too much influence over the bank, which is based in Washington.
After almost doubling over the past 15 years, employment in the construction industry in Manitoba is expected to decline by close to five percent over the upcoming decade.

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This article was published 4/2/2019 (868 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After almost doubling over the past 15 years, employment in the construction industry in Manitoba is expected to decline by close to five percent over the upcoming decade.

Those are the findings from an annual study of the construction industry workforce by BuildForce Canada, a national organization that works with the construction industry to assist with its management of workforce requirements.

MANITOBA HYDRO Construction of Keeyask Generating Station in 2018.

The report estimates that by 2028 the industry in Manitoba will require about 39,500 workers, down 1,900 from the 2018 total, with the strongest declines, about 13 per cent, over the next three years.

That's because between 2020 and 2021 a couple of major long-term projects are in the process of wrapping up, most notably Manitoba Hydro's Keeyask dam construction in Northern Manitoba.

That, as well as work on the southwest rapid-transit corridor and Waverley underpass which will also be completed in that time frame, will mean about 2,300 workers will be looking for their next workplace.

Ron Hambley, president of the Winnipeg Construction Association, said, "The big one is Keeyask. When you cut 2,000 people loose, the industry notices."

The upcoming decline in expected construction labour force demand also has to do with residential construction cycles. The implementation of an impact fee on new residential construction at the end of 2017 generated a surge in housing construction -- up about 40 per cent that year from the previous year -- pulling housing starts ahead of what might otherwise have been the normal pace.

After that construction frenzy, housing starts were down last year and are expected to recede further in 2019 and 2020 following generally more moderate demands. But housing demand as well as other industrial, commercial and institutional construction is expected to pick up in the ensuing years. Much of the decline in labour force demand is expected to take place over the next three years.

The lessening of demand in the labour market is not necessarily a bad thing, according to Hambley.

"We are returning to a more sustainable level of construction as opposed to the exponential level of growth we were seeing," Hambley said. "That's easier for the industry, better from a pricing perspective and certainly easier on the labour supply issue."

The report also notes that although it's estimated there will be 1,900 fewer jobs by 2028, 6,100 additional workers will be needed to replace the 8,000 who are expected to retire over that time frame.

Sudhir Sandhu, CEO of Manitoba Building Trades, said the scenario that BuildForce paints -- including much more emphasis in the coming years on housing renovation work as opposed to large scale commercial, industrial or institutional -- could make it harder to train those new entrants.

He said the shift in the kind of worksites -- from large scale projects to more in-fill and housing renovations -- is a cause for concern.

"It is problematic," Sandhu said. "A skilled workforce does not fall out of the sky fully trained. Unlike other professions our learning does not happen only in the classroom. The vast majority of it happens on the work sites."

He said with increasingly more complex skills required as more technology gets adopted, the need for apprenticeship training is even greater. And when only 15 per cent of Canadian employers train 85 per cent of apprentices and the large majority of them are large unionized contractors it could limit the apprenticeship opportunities.

"When we move from industrial and larger scale commercial projects to more residential and renovation work, the scope of those (training) opportunities start to dry up," he said. "Over the next 10 years the particular challenge for us as suppliers of skilled labour will be how to leverage whatever work is going on in the more complex work sites to continue to train apprentices and to continue to develop Manitoba's skilled work force."

Even though some large projects are winding down there is still a good number of sizable projects underway, including both the Roquette and Simplot industrial plants in Portage la Prairie, Artis REIT's 40-storey apartment building at 300 Main Street, the Sutton Place Hotel which has begun construction, as well as at least five schools in Northern Manitoba and a hand full of personal care homes.

As well, Hambley said there a number of multi-family residential projects in the pre-construction phase pipeline.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
Music icon Neil Young keeps on "rockin' in the free world"  and superfan Sergio Bratti has travelled the world to see him do it.

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This article was published 4/2/2019 (868 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Music icon Neil Young keeps on "rockin' in the free world"  and superfan Sergio Bratti has travelled the world to see him do it.

When Bratti, who lives in Ferrara, Italy, attended concerts Sunday at the Burton Cummings Theatre and Monday at the Centennial Concert Hall, it marked the 83rd and 84th times, respectively, he has seen Young perform.

"I saw Neil for the first time in 1982 in Italy in Verona, and it started a love for his music and his soul about his music," Bratti, 54, said in an interview prior to Monday's concert in Winnipeg. "The man and the lyrics and the sound and his voice about his music, for me, it rocks."

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Sergio Bratti of Italy has seen Neil Young perform 84 times.

While following Young has taken him across Europe and the United States, Bratti said the two shows in Winnipeg were his first in Canada  and it was meaningful they were in the city Young spent formative years.

"Winnipeg is the place where Neil was growing up, and where it was the start of his music life. I wanted to see this city and this place where Neil lived," said Bratti, who works as a senior retail manager.

In the early 1960s, Young lived in a house at 1123 Grosvenor Ave., attended Kelvin High School and played music at the Crescentwood and Earl Grey community centres.

Bratti said he was able to see the house, but didn't make it over to the high school.

He has not officially met Young, Bratti said, adding he has only "stolen moments": brief encounters with the music icon "for just a few seconds" in 1995 in Leon, Spain, and in 1996 in Prada, Czech Republic.

Bratti has a custom T-shirt made that has a picture on its front of Young wearing a shirt with a picture of Bratti wearing a shirt with Young on it. The Italian wears it each concert.

TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRSS Neil Young performed at the Burton Cummings Theatre on Sunday.

"My dream is to see Neil one more time to give him this T-shirt. Not for fun, but only because I would like to tell Neil that I travel all around the world to see him and hear his music. I don't want nothing from Neil. I only want Neil to know this," Bratti said.

He said he waited near the backstage door after Sunday's concert, but he had to give up after an hour because it was too cold (-35 C with the wind chill).

Free Press review: Evening of chaos-laden nostalgia Click to Expand For Neil Young, the weekend was all about hanging with old pals. On Saturday, he met his old Squires bandmate Jack Harper and they toured some of their old haunts, including the Crescentwood club, where the Squires performed in the early 1960s, and the house where Young wrote some of his first songs.  1/2 Read more

Bratti joked it is the coldest weather he has ever experienced; while it is the cold season in Ferrara, average temperatures are about 2 C to 10 C this time of year. He posted to his Instagram account a video of Winnipeg's snowy downtown with a frozen-face icon.

Meanwhile, Young, 73, posted a comment about his time in Winnipeg to his website after his Sunday night concert. Both the Sunday and Monday shows were played with members of Crazy Horse, Young's longtime associates.

"What a feeling to be home in Winnipeg, especially now, with all of you. We are having a memorable time here. Theres something very special about this visit with the Horse. Seeing the old places where I started with my first band... then playing the night in this grand old (theatre)... surrounded by people I love, life is surely good."

2 original Squires touring their old stomping grounds #Winnipeg. One of their 1st gigs was in this Crescentwood Community Center #NeilYoung #NeilYoungArchives #NYA pic.twitter.com/8uZiJLRjai  Neil Young Archives (@NeilYoungNYA) February 2, 2019

Young has already made the most of his walk down memory lane and also posted about it on his Twitter account.

On Saturday, he met with old Squires bandmate Jack Harper and they toured some of their old haunts, including the Crescentwood Community Centre, Young's old house, and the River Heights arena.

ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca
With Californias historic law to do away with money bail on hold pending a 2020 voter referendum, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is focusing on its own bail reform efforts. Thats as it should be. The county encompasses about a third of the states population, a third of its arrests, a third of its accused  and more than a third of its residents who are living in poverty. It also has thousands of people, including many who are un-sentenced and un-convicted, sitting in jail only because they cant afford to put down money for bail bonds. It would be totally appropriate for L.A. County to have its own no-bail pretrial release program, as Santa Clara County does.

So whats the holdup? The county has been studying the issue for what seems like ages and has commissioned studies, produced reports and created committees to figure out how to proceed. It has had too little to show for it.

On Tuesday, Supervisors Hilda Solis and Sheila Kuehl want the county to get the various courts, lawyers, departments and other key players to pull everything together and prepare recommendations; they also want it to hire a consultant to develop a bail reform plan. That leads to two responses, and the first is one of exasperation. A plan? Seriously? Hasnt the county done this already? Many times?

This is a complex issue with many moving parts. It would be good for the county to give itself a kick in the pants.

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But lets put that aside and move to the second response: OK. This is a complex issue with many moving parts. It would be good for the county to give itself a kick in the pants. And then get it done.

It has become increasingly evident that pretrial fairness is intimately interlinked with poverty, race, mental health, jail capacity and a host of other issues on which the county has responsibility. The county has responded with diversion  directing people away from the criminal justice system and into services that address the conditions that may have led them into crisis. Stepping up diversion for the mentally ill, the addicted and many others reduces the number of people in jail merely because they cant afford bail.

So its encouraging that in addition to the bail motion, the supervisors are also taking up Mark Ridley-Thomas call to use an expected $25 million in state hospital money to step up the countys diversion program, and Janice Hahns motion to help community organizations develop their capacity to provide mental health support and services, so that there is a place other than jail where people can go without threatening public safety.

Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute 

The supervisors can do more. They have no jurisdiction over District Attorney Jackie Lacey, who launched the diversion initiative in 2015 and followed up late last month by creating a mental health unit in her office, to help separate mentally ill defendants who need to be jailed from those who dont. But they can offer her funding to help screen cases at the earliest possible moment in order to get non-dangerous defendants out; and they can encourage her to follow the example of several other chief prosecutors  like States Attorney Kim Foxx of Cook County, Illinois  of not objecting to the pre-trial release of defendants who are being held on nonviolent charges.

They can ensure that the public defender and alternate public defender have resources they need to vigorously challenge bail requests. They can set a more aggressive timetable for the Probation Department to improve its pretrial services. They can sign on as friends of the court in the San Francisco case of Kenneth Humphrey on behalf of a challenge to money bail in California. They can endorse SB 36, a bill by Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys) to require data collection in order to set standards for and evaluate the justice and effectiveness of risk assessment tools. They can do their best to get a chunk of money that Gov. Gavin Newsom has budgeted for post-bail California. They can redirect money from planned construction of a new mental health jail and direct it instead  as called for by the ACLU of Southern California, other activist groups and The Times editorial page  to needed community-based mental health treatment.

Californians will have an opportunity in just under two years to eliminate money bail and enable courts to release defendants or keep them in jail depending on their risk to public safety, not on the size of their wallets. L.A. County is studying its moves, and thats fine. But the supervisors should see that there is more to be done, right now, than just studying.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook


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Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. Its Tuesday, Feb. 5, and heres whats happening across California:

TOP STORIES

Parked outside a Calexico job center, Jonathan Lopez leaned against his worn SUV and took a drag from a cigarette. He was waiting, yet again, for word on his unemployment application. A well-paying, full-time job is impossible to find, the 39-year-old lamented as his son played nearby. I have a family with four children and we struggle. It is a daily battle to make ends meet. As California has rebounded from the Great Recession, the Imperial Valley has largely defied attempts to expand its economy beyond seasonal farming and government work, and the county continues to suffer the highest unemployment rates in the state. According to the U.S. Census Bureaus latest five-year estimate, Imperial Countys unemployment rate stands at 16%  four times greater than the states overall jobless rate of 4.2%. In recent years, locals have pinned hopes of economic salvation on a variety of new industries, such as geothermal energy, lithium extraction and the growing of industrial hemp. Los Angeles Times

In Sacramento

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For women whose sexual harassment complaints against California lawmakers were substantiated by formal investigations over the last year, few thought that a politicians resignation would keep him out of the state Capitol for long. Thats because when a career in elected office ends, another often begins: lobbying. Former Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) registered as a lobbyist in January, just weeks after an Assembly investigation supported claims that he had sexually harassed two legislative staffers in 2016. The allegations were made public Jan. 16, prompting Ridley-Thomas first client, the Los Angeles Unified School District, to cancel his four-week, $15,000 contract for work in Sacramento. Los Angeles Times

The Libertarians are here

The Libertarian Partys reputation for attracting exotics is infamous in political circles. Theres the candidate in San Francisco who has run for multiple local offices under the name Starchild. The 2016 presidential hopeful who wanted marijuana taxes to fund galactic expansion for generations. The aspirant with purple-blue skin borne from his constant consumption of colloidal silver, a putative cure for cancer. But recently elected Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Hewitt just might be the strangest Libertarian of them all: a politician capable of winning elections who could move the party from the fringes into the mainstream. Los Angeles Times

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L.A. STORIES

Its only a drill: A series of loud booms that rocked downtown Los Angeles on Monday night startled some people, but Los Angeles police said theres no reason to be alarmed. The noises were part of a U.S. Army training exercise involving aircraft and weapon simulations in urban settings. The training is set to run through Saturday in Los Angeles and Long Beach. Los Angeles Times

More rain? Wet weather is expected in Southern California through Tuesday. Los Angeles Times

Tragic: Authorities identified the pilot whose plane crashed into a Yorba Linda home Sunday, killing four people inside, as 75-year-old Antonio Pastini. Los Angeles Times

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New play: Actor Dule Hill channels Nat King Cole, who met a racist world with songs of love, joy and grace. Los Angeles Times

Trade deadline Thursday: The Lakers trade offer for Anthony Davis now includes six veterans and two first-round picks. Los Angeles Times

IMMIGRATION AND THE BORDER

More welcoming: San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, a Republican, announced on Monday a new position in his office to carry out a five-year plan to make the city more welcoming to immigrants. San Diego Union-Tribune

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In court: Jurors in the trial of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman face a long-term threat: PTSD. Los Angeles Times

Plus: As El Chapos trial draws to an end, one thing is clear: Drug kingpins reign as long as they make their partners money. When they stop, they end up in jail. Vanity Fair

POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

Off to D.C.: The wife of an Orange County man imprisoned in Vietnam has been invited to President Trumps State of the Union speech. Los Angeles Times

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Real-world effects: Patients suffer when healthcare behemoths quarrel over contracts. Kaiser Health News

Wheres the money going? Los Angeles chief accountant isnt convinced the city is spending voter-approved funds to house the homeless effectively, so hes preparing an audit to find out. LAist

No go! Appearing in New Hampshire, Rep. Adam Schiff says he is not running for president. Washington Post

Trouble, trouble: With lawsuits and overspending, another L.A. Community College bond measure has sparked controversy. Los Angeles Times

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Plus: Columnist George Skelton writes that spending on free community college for Californians would pay off big for the state. Los Angeles Times

CRIME AND COURTS

Big decision: The California Supreme Court decided unanimously to overturn the death sentence of a man convicted of killing a Long Beach woman, ruling that prospective jurors were improperly excused for expressing ambivalence about the death penalty. Los Angeles Times

Sad but true: All too often, Californias default mental institutions are now jails and prisons. CALmatters

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Prison-industrial complex: Is California closer to closing private prisons with Gov. Gavin Newsom at the helm? Mercury News

THE ENVIRONMENT

The photo! A colony of elephant seals that took over a beach at Point Reyes National Seashore while the federal government was shut down are not giving up their new digs, and visitors are getting an, ahem, intimate view of the giant mammals. Los Angeles Times

A large bull elephant seal mates with a female in the parking lot next to Drakes Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore. (Point Reyes National Seashore)

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Scary stuff: The 3,000-person town of Arbuckle, known mainly for its almond orchards, has sunk more than two feet in the last nine years. Business Insider

CALIFORNIA CULTURE

Big purchase: Tesla Inc. has agreed to acquire battery-technology company Maxwell Technologies Inc. for about $218 million in stock, as Tesla chief Elon Musk adds expertise in capacitors that could speed up electric-car charging. Los Angeles Times

Beautiful story: Among the many things destroyed by the Camp Fire was Trudi Angels ballet school in Paradise  and its holiday production of The Nutcracker. Then her phone started ringing. San Francisco Chronicle

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Plus: A ballet rises from the ashes. San Francisco Chronicle

A great sportswriter speaks: The world according to Ray Ratto. The Ringer

Building toward the stars: Once flat and wide, western cityscapes are becoming tall and sleek, changing the character of the cities. Washington Post

Excitement, but ...: J.D. Salingers unseen work to be published; reaction from literary community is mixed. Los Angeles Times

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Throwing it back: Fifteen moments that defined Facebooks first 15 years. Wired

CALIFORNIA ALMANAC

Los Angeles area: Showers, 55, Tuesday. Partly cloudy, 59, Wednesday. San Diego: Showers, 58, Tuesday. Sunny, 57, Wednesday. San Francisco area: Partly cloudy, 52, Tuesday. Partly cloudy. 53. Wednesday. San Jose: Showers, 51, Tuesday. Partly cloudy, 55, Wednesday. Sacramento: Partly cloudy, 49, Tuesday. Partly cloudy, 53, Wednesday. More weather is here.

AND FINALLY

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Todays California memory comes from Larry Hoffman:

As a small boy, I remember the road vacations we took, and one that stands out in my mind was when we drove through a Redwood tree with a carved-out tunnel in Yosemite. I had a picture of us standing in front of the tree, and it was shortly after that time no cars were allowed to drive through. Several years later it fell down, and I was lucky enough to have seen it when it was standing tall .And now more than ever I realize, conservation and care of our planet is essential to all our survival, even a tree.

If you have a memory or story about the Golden State, share it with us. Send us an email to let us know what you love or fondly remember about our state. (Please keep your story to 100 words.)

Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints and ideas to Benjamin Oreskes and Shelby Grad. Also follow them on Twitter @boreskes and @shelbygrad.
C.Y. Lee, whose novel The Flower Drum Song became a best seller and the basis for a popular stage musical and Oscar-nominated film despite mixed critical reactions and concerns about stereotypes, has died at age 102.

Lees son, Jay Lee, said his father died Nov. 8 in Los Angeles. The family decided at the time not to make his death public.

The Flower Drum Song, a story of generational conflict set in San Franciscos Chinatown, came out in 1957 and quickly became a popular read. The New York Times Idwal Jones praised Lees objective eye, but also faulted the book for its absence of deeper notes and its affinity for slang and sex and popular taste.

Lee would later acknowledge he wanted to reach a large audience.

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Lees debut novel attracted the attention of screenwriter Joseph Fields and composers Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Their musical adaptation, originally directed by Gene Kelly, ran on Broadway from 1958-60 and was revived in 2002, with a book by M. Butterfly playwright David Henry Hwang.

A 1961 film version, among the first major Hollywood productions to feature an Asian cast, received five Academy Award nominations despite being called an elaborate fraud and a showcase for crude stereotypes by the New Yorker.

Lee has since been praised as among the first Asian novelists to break through commercially in the U.S., and Hwang is among those who thought the book underrated. Flower Drum Song was out of print at the time Hwang worked on the Broadway revival, and he had to track it down from a Seattle bookseller.

I thought, Oh, its such a shame this author and this book have been lost, particularly the bittersweet tone of the novel,  Hwang told the Associated Press in 2001. C.Y.s book is complicated in terms of texture about what it means to be an American  the things you gain and the things you lose  but it ultimately affirms the value of this social experience.

A native of China who immigrated to the U.S. during World War II, Chin Yang Lee wrote several other novels, including China Saga and Gate of Rage, based on pro-democracy protests in 1989 centered on Tiananmen Square.

He spent more than a year writing Flower Drum Song, and at the time was renting a small apartment above a Filipino nightclub in San Francisco. He was employed by a Chinese-language newspaper, for which he wrote stories for elderly readers. For his novel, he drew upon his observations about the difference between older immigrants and their more assimilated children.

In Chinatown, I knew everything that was going on, he told the AP in 2002. Out of that I created characters, using everybody including my own family and my friends, plus a lot of invention from the air.

Lee struggled to find a publisher. After more than a dozen rejections, he was warned by his agent that he might have to think of another profession.

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But then the novel landed at the sick bed of an 80-year-old gentleman, who was a reader for a highbrow publishing house [Farrar, Straus], Lee told the AP. He was quite ill, but he read it. He didnt have the energy to write a two- or three-page critique. He wrote only two words  Read this  and died.

Without those two words, the novel would have never been published.
Bomb threat at New York federal detention center where inmates were left with no heat
A Northern California community sank more than 2 feet in nine years, the starkest example of how tapping groundwater in times of drought has caused parts of the Sacramento Valley to sink, according to a report from the state Department of Water Resources.

Arbuckle, a Colusa County community of 3,028 people, sank 2.14 feet between 2008 and 2017. While the subsidence was most severe in Arbuckle, it was widespread in Yolo County, where the DWR registered ground levels sinking from a third of a foot to 1 foot at 31 sites. The DWR also measured areas in Glenn and Sutter counties where ground levels had sunk modestly.

(Los Angeles Times)

DWR Director Karla Nemeth attributed the sinkage to overtaxing the valleys groundwater during the drought that desiccated California from 2012 to 2016. The agency will continue to push for more sustainable use of the states groundwater, Nemeth said in a news release.

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The survey, conducted during 2017, found that groundwater levels in the Sacramento Valley had recovered an average of 7 feet since the droughts end. But the drought had depleted groundwater levels in parts of Colusa County by as much as 43 feet. In Glenn County, the groundwater was even more exhausted, dropping 58 feet in places.

When groundwater is extracted, soil and other sediments contract, causing subsidence  the sinking or settling of the grounds surface.

Subsidence can damage infrastructure such as roads, levees, pipelines and aquifers. Roads can crack. Canals can buckle and warp. Water operators are forced to lessen the flow of water to sunken aqueducts, for fear of overflowing their banks.

In 2017, the DWR and NASA found that aqueducts in the San Joaquin Valley had sunk more than 2 feet at key points, threatening the delivery of water to millions of acres of farmland.

One aqueduct in Kings County, having sunk more than 2 feet in places, could carry only 80% of the water it was designed to transport, the report found. William Croyle, the DWRs director at the time, called the subsidence troubling and unsustainable.

Stretches of the Eastside Bypass, which carries flood flow from the San Joaquin River in Fresno County, sank 16 to 20 inches in two years, the report found. The water systems surface had already fallen several feet in places between 2008 and 2012. Fixing those areas could cost $250 million, the DWR estimated.

In 2016, the DWR and NASA surveyed the South-Central Coast region. Using radar data, they found an area near Corcoran  about 50 miles south of Fresno  had sunk 22 inches between May 2015 and September 2016.

Water pours through lift No. 2 of the Fresno Slough Water District through pipes capable of running at 25 cubic feet a second. (Tomas Ovalle)
Officers engaged in inappropriate and avoidable uses of pepper spray to subdue detainees in Los Angeles County juvenile detention facilities in recent years, sometimes violating their own rules mandating its use as a last resort, according to a report issued Monday.

The review by the Los Angeles County Office of Inspector General found that the Probation Department has inadequate training, supervision and accountability systems that contribute to an over-reliance on the spray, which is designed to cause severe irritation in the eyes and skin to control unruly subjects.

The report doesnt reveal many new details about specific cases or data from 2018.

It does recommend 18 changes to the departments policies related to its officers reliance on pepper spray, in addition to raising the question of whether its use should be discontinued, as some juvenile justice reform advocates have argued.

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Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas sought the review in December amid reports that the use of the spray had tripled in recent years.

The report is expected to be discussed Tuesday by the supervisors. It comes amid an ongoing discussion about reforming the nations largest juvenile probation operation, which includes more than 7,700 youths under community supervision and about 900 on average detained in halls or camps.

While praising the cooperation of probation staff during the review, the report raised concerns about a punitive culture inside detention facilities in which youths were regularly subjected to oleoresin capsicum spray, as it is formally known. The department allows it as a last resort to control violent youths.

The review shows that pepper spray use across all department facilities increased from 294 incidents in 2015 to 747 in 2017  a jump of 154%. About 400 incidents were reported through July 2018, suggesting they were on pace to match 2017, according to the data.

More recent data werent included in the report, and the department hasnt released such information in response to inquiries by The Times and other media organizations.

The report shows an even more dramatic increase in the number of incidents at juvenile halls, where offenders go before their cases are adjudicated, as opposed to juvenile camps, which serve as longer-term rehabilitation facilities.

The questions over spray use mark the latest flare-up over the agencys ability to manage its population of juvenile offenders. The U.S. Justice Department has previously required county officials to implement reforms to improve conditions and to prevent the abuse of young offenders.

The department and its employees have noted a variety of reasons for the increase, saying staffing challenges have led detention officers to resort to spray more quickly than their training would suggest.

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They have also said officers worried about discipline for engaging in physical acts to subdue youths in violent or dangerous situations have chosen to rely on the spray as a safe alternative.

The report had been anticipated for weeks by advocacy groups.

In a letter sent Friday, the L.A. Youth Uprising Coalition, which includes the ACLU of Southern California, the Childrens Defense Fund of California and others, urged a ban on the use of chemical spray in the county.

The group cited the limited use of sprays in juvenile facilities by other states  and raised concerns about its traumatizing effects on young people and their relationships with facility staff.

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It also questioned why the use of the spray had increased even as the departments juvenile hall population had decreased over the years.

The average population in juvenile halls decreased by about 5% from 2015 to 2017, according to data obtained by The Times under the California Public Records Act. Instances of pepper spray use, meanwhile, increased much more dramatically during that time, according to other departmental records reviewed by The Times.

Such advocates say the use of the spray harms youths both physically and psychologically. They also say it is counterproductive in an environment aimed at rehabilitation of young offenders that depends on good relationships among detainees and staff to function.

The use of force involving chemical agents is a practice that is far out of step with good practices or the rules in the vast majority of the U.S. juvenile justice system, said Ian Kysel, a staff attorney at the ACLU Foundation of Southern California.

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Mondays report acknowledged the potential harm in using pepper spray, but also suggested that any discussion of eliminating or restricting it be accompanied by consideration of institutional safety.

Department personnel and leadership express an awareness of OC sprays physical and emotional harm to youth and of its negative implications for staff-youth relationships and larger department culture, the report said. Most also express, however, a firm belief that absent adequate alternatives, the use of OC spray is necessary to safeguard their personal safety.
A series of loud booms that rocked downtown Los Angeles on Monday night startled some people who complained on social media. But Los Angeles police said theres no reason to be alarmed.

The noises were part of a U.S. Army training exercise involving aircraft and weapon simulations in urban settings. The training is set to run through Saturday in Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Residents may hear sounds associated with the training, the LAPD said in a news release. Each location selected enables special operations teams and flight crews to maintain maximum readiness and proficiency, validate equipment and exercise standard safety procedures. The training is essential to ensure service members are fully trained and prepared to defend our nation overseas.

Police said residents near the training locations would be notified beforehand. But some on social media said they were caught off guard.

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I feel like they could have gotten the word out about this a little better, says the terrified mom frantically searching Twitter https://t.co/H9K9L7FZuD  Alissa Walker (@awalkerinLA) February 5, 2019

MILITARY EXERCISE: The U.S. Army is conducting military training in the greater Los Angeles and Long Beach areas tonight until Feb. 9. Downtown LA residents are reporting seeing helicopters and hearing explosions. @MizSkellington pic.twitter.com/8Mmgn2FdTK  CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) February 5, 2019

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Twitter: @AleneTchek
A Canadian cryptocurrency exchange went to court Tuesday to seek bankruptcy protection after its president took passwords for accounts containing Can$180 million (US$137 million) to his grave when he died suddenly.

In a statement, Vancouver-based QuadrigaCX said it is seeking creditor protection after weeks of attempting to "locate and secure our very significant cryptocurrency reserves" following the death of its president Gerald Cotten.

The Nova Scotia Supreme Court was to consider the application made by his widow Jennifer Robertson on behalf of the company.

Quadriga CX announced mid-January that Cotten died of complications from Crohn's disease on December 9 while volunteering at an orphanage in India. He was 30.

In an affidavit cited by Canadian media, Robertson said the company has been unable to access on its main computer the cryptocurrencies owed to 115,000 users.

"I do not know the password or recovery key," Robertson said. "Despite repeated and diligent searches, I have not been able to find them written down anywhere."

The company's digital platform allows trading of Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum.

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The fight over net metering is back.

Anyone who thought legislation passed last year would extinguish controversy over the transition away from that widely used method of compensating solar energy customers for their excess power would have been wrong.

Very wrong.

No fewer than four pieces of legislation  half from Republicans, half from Democrats  have been filed to at least slow down, if not repeal, the process started through Public Act 18-50. That legislation was designed to implement an update to the states comprehensive energy strategy and was arguably the most consequential energy legislation since the formation of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in 2011.

But the part of it that deals with solar programs has had the solar industry, environmental advocates, legislators, business owners, homeowners and others incensed since changes were first proposed in the summer of 2017 as part of the energy strategy. Those changes, while modified from DEEPs original proposals, very nearly derailed the entire bill and divided environmental advocates last year, some of whom believed the solar provisions were so objectionable, the full legislation should be rejected despite its many other worthy components.

Vowing to re-examine it, opponents have been organizing for months with informational sessions and outreach to the new leadership of the Energy and Technology Committee, many of whom are first-time legislators. Advocates are emboldened by the aggressive energy policies Gov. Ned Lamont laid out during his campaign and inaugural address, and his avowed laser focus on job creation and improving the states economy.

The enacted changes in the solar program are being cast as a counter to all of those. Solar adoption would slow and jobs would be lost, advocates say. And an unusual conglomeration of strange bedfellows that includes solar advocates and the utilities agree that  policy differences aside  the time frame set in the legislation to make all the changes really cant be met.

Its worth taking another stab, said Sen. Matt Lesser, D-Middletown, who filed one of the repeal bills. After 10 years as a representative he is now in the Senate and back on the energy committee after a break of several years.

Im particularly unhappy with provisions I saw moving us backward with support for residential solar, said Lesser, who noted as did others that Connecticut had at one time been a leader in solar policy and had fallen behind neighboring states including Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York.

The most important thing, said Rep. Tim Ackert, R-Coventry, We dont want to hurt the solar industry.

But he added, Connecticut shouldnt overpay to do that. He said part of the reason he supported last years legislation was the uncertainty of who the next governor would be. He wanted to get something on the books. Now, he said: I have no problem with a time out. Lets reassess this; lets have a real numbers crunching plan.

Im for as much solar as we can do, Ackert said.

Id be willing to listen and look at it, said Sen. Paul Formica, R-East Lyme, now a ranking member on the committee.

But Rep. David Arconti, D- Danbury, now co-chair of the Energy Committee and in his second term in the legislature, had a caveat.

I dont think we can think about a repeal without having something to put in its place, Arconti said.

Double trouble: policy and timing

Net metering, while nettlesome to some, is a longstanding and widely used energy compensation system that Connecticut has employed for years. Solar customers are paid the retail electric rate for power they sell back to the grid during certain times of the day when they make more than they need. Its subtracted from the power they buy from the grid when theres no sunshine - at night or during bad weather.

Nationally, net metering has been fought by utilities for years because they consider it a threat to their business model and bottom line. Most efforts to change it have been beaten back. The most notorious among them - Nevada. That states legislature ended net metering retroactively about four years ago, causing major solar companies to pull out of the state and Nevada to lose about one-third of its solar-based jobs before the legislation was reversed two years later.

DEEP in the past has argued, along with the Office of Consumer Counsel, that net metering will push electric rates up and hurt non-solar customers - something often referred to as cost shift. Utilities have made that argument as well.

Public Act 18-50 effectively gets rid of net-metering, making Connecticut one of the first blue states to do so, though it would continue for the remainder of the ongoing residential solar incentive program and all existing customers would keep it until 2039.

In place of net-metering consumers would be given two choices, both of which are opposed by environmental advocates. One would be rates - known as tariffs - that would be paid to solar owners for their excess power. The rates, presumably lower than retail rates, and formulas for applying them would be determined by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA)  a process that is already underway.

Solar owners could also choose whats known as a buy-all/sell-all system, in which a solar owner would have to sell all of his or her power to the grid at a to-be-determined rate set by PURA, and buy back what he or she needs at the retail rate. Solar owners would wind up paying more in fees than they would have under net metering and it would be difficult, if not impossible, to install battery storage or home-based smart energy systems that help reduce demand.

Complicating all of this is timing.

The Residential Solar Incentive Program (RSIP), developed and run by the Connecticut Green Bank, was designed to run until it produced 300 megawatts of solar power or reached the end of 2022, whichever came first. The program has already installed or approved about 250 megawatts and Bryan Garcia, the Green Banks president, estimates it will reach 300 by the end of this October.

But there is basically no way to have new metering approved, let alone implemented by then - even if the various parties werent fighting over the program parameters.

The utilities agree.

Because of the complex upgrades needed to physically implement some of the changes PURA is considering, Eversource, which services most of the state, has told PURA it would take at least 24 months to complete them. United Illuminating, which is already making changes to its systems, estimates it would take them six to nine months.

The original mandate for RSIP was to lower incentives as it progressed and ensure the sustained orderly development of a local solar industry. Garcia, like others, worries that the RSIP will end in October without a fully fleshed out plan in place and the solar industry, with its 2,000 jobs, could head for the exits.

If the local industry changes for the worse, then we havent effectively implemented the policy, he said. The transition from net metering to tariffs needs to ensure local jobs.

Garcia is not opposed to a tariff, as long as it provides enough of a financial return to make solar systems affordable - especially after the 30 percent federal tax credit on solar projects disappears in 2022. But he said the simplicity of net metering has played a key role in getting people to invest in solar.

The economic message of what is marketed to homeowners relies on net metering, he said.

An effort to institute an interim tariff - which would be allowed under the existing legislation - was rejected by PURA in January. Since then, PURAs chair, Katie Dykes, has left to become DEEP commissioner, leaving only two commissioners and the net metering work incomplete.

Garcia has offered alternatives - supported by both utilities - to PURA. One is to, in essence, continue RSIP after it hits 300 megawatts, but set the incentive level at zero as it only provides about 10 percent of a systems cost now. But existing net metering would continue until a new plan is in place. The other alternative is to slow down the program by making incentives available only to low income applicants.

There are too many open questions, said Ed Davis, director of rates for Eversource. There are so many moving parts in this legislation.

But Davis is less keen on starting over since he believes progress has been made.

The legislation also affects the wildly popular commercial solar program, which is run through the utilities. That program is now in its second one-year extension after it was due to run out, which it will now do for a third time later this year.

Any time you create uncertainty the investment capital goes elsewhere, said Noel Lafayette, a solar developer who has done several projects in Connecticut, but is beginning to focus more on Massachusetts and New York. The ongoing issue with Connecticut is we keep doing things for now, keep reacting to whatever politically. Theres no real game plan.

Now what?

Mary Sotos, DEEPs deputy commissioner for energy, seemed to back off the departments earlier insistence in its filings that existing timelines be met and that there was little wiggle room in the goals of the policies passed last year.

She indicated the Lamont administration has been clear about its focus on business opportunity in the sate and wanted to learn more about the issues around the solar compensation dispute. She said that Commissioner-designate Dykes, who once held Sotos position, was looking forward to meeting with stakeholders.

The doors open, Sotos said. We want to understand more specifically their concerns and their visions.

She did not indicate which, if any, of the various plans to delay or reconsider net metering DEEP would prefer. We want to make sure we have a sustainable pathway for the solar industry, she said. The core framework is still an important starting point to work from.

And that core - whether net metering should stay or go - still hangs over the question of how the state should proceed. All of which gets back to the issue of cost shifting and whether those without solar actually do subsidize those with it.

A 2017 study by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab that looked at the potential for cost shifting from rooftop solar said if the penetration of such systems is low, any cost shift would be negligible. Penetration of solar in Connecticut is low - about 2 percent.

For regulators, said Galen Barbose, the research scientist who conducted the study, This is just not going be the most impactful thing to spend their time on if their objective is to keep rates low. There are often other things that are bigger levers to pull.

Utility capital expenditures, he said, probably have the biggest impact on rates.

He also said that the focus on net metering is a little bit misplaced. The more fundamental issue in many cases is just the underlying retail rate structure, he said. My general sense is thats a more productive place to focus instead of net metering.

Thinking about these more fundamental rate design issues is ultimately a more robust way of dealing with cost shifting concerns.

Its not clear what, if any, legislative fix will be offered, let alone approved, this session. The Energy Committee meets Tuesday to begin figuring that out.

Solar advocates would like to take the opportunity to start over and craft a policy that takes into account the potential that storage, electrical vehicle charging, and other energy advances will become common and part of any solar configuration.

They would also like to see caps on deployment of other solar programs - such as shared solar - removed. And to put to rest the notion of a cost shift that will raise electric rates, they have long argued that Connecticut needs to conduct whats called a value of solar study, or at least collect the findings of many studies that have already been done. Those studies assess the benefits of rooftop solar for everyone on the grid: lower greenhouse gas emissions, combating climate change, less wear and tear on the grids infrastructure and more.

Even more clear in the last nine months is that the policy (approved last year) is fatally flawed and this rushed process that it set in motion is also badly flawed. And its headed towards badly flawed outcomes, said Chris Phelps of Environment Connecticut. Lets pause that process and urge legislators to come up with a thoughtful policy. Theres no stakeholder who likes this.

The direction from the Lamont administration has been clear, said Acadia Center Connecticut Director Amy McLean Salls.

I dont understand why, in my opinion, were regressing back to a place where we are not paying attention to Lamont administration goals, she said. We need to be moving forward here and fixing the problem.
The Cessna plane had flown about 10 miles, reaching an altitude as high as 7,800 feet, when witnesses saw it coming through the clouds in one piece, authorities said. Moments later, its tail came off. Then its wings.

The plane plummeted rapidly into a Yorba Linda home Sunday afternoon, setting it on fire and killing four people inside along with the pilot. Debris was strewn across four blocks of the residential neighborhood, among as many as 16 homes.

On Monday, investigators with the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board combed through the wreckage and collected pieces of aircraft to transport to a Phoenix storage facility, where they will be examined.

So far, they know the 1981 twin-engine plane took off from Fullerton Municipal Airport about 1:35 p.m., made a left turn and flew for about 10 minutes. By 1:45 p.m., it had crashed into the house in 19000 block of Crestknoll Drive.

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Officials have asked witnesses to come forward and provide any video footage of the scene, and to report any pieces of wreckage they may find.

The challenge will be collecting all the pieces, NTSB investigator Maja Smith said.

At one residence, a piece of the planes engine knocked down a pillar on the front porch and torpedoed through a first-floor window, flying through two rooms before landing in a bathroom. Fragments of exhaust pipe crashed through a second-floor window of the home and melted into the carpet. A propeller thumped onto the driveway.

Investigators identified the pilot as 75-year-old Antonio Pastini, a retired Chicago police officer.

According to records, Pastini previously owned a restaurant, Kim Lees Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, in Gardnerville, Nev., south of Carson City. Officials are gathering information about Pastinis flight experience, medical records and the planes maintenance schedules.

FAA records show Pastini has carried a commercial pilots license and been a ground instructor since at least June 2008. He took his last medical exam for flying in 2017, according to records.

Records do not identify the owner of the aircraft and note that its registration with the FAA was pending. A spokesman said thats because the agency was waiting for additional documentation related to the aircrafts sale.

Julia Ackley, a Torrance resident and one of Pastinis daughters, told The Times that her father was a veteran pilot who regularly flew to Southern California to visit her family from Oregon or Nevada, where he was a restaurant and business owner. Battling back tears as she comforted her child, she said the family is overcome with grief.

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The two women and two men killed on the ground have not been identified. Authorities said the bodies are badly burned, so DNA testing and dental records will be requested to identify them. Two other people suffered moderate burns, and a firefighter suffered a minor ankle injury in the aftermath.

On Monday afternoon, the neighborhood was still reeling from the disaster.

Lisa Dang strolled past police tape to return to the charred scene. She surveyed the damage, comparing it to a scene in the movies, and cupped her face in her hands.

Wow, we [are] so lucky, she said.

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Dang was visiting her older sister for Lunar New Year on Sunday when the plane crashed into her sisters neighbors home. Dang and her family had just eaten a meal of sticky rice cake and duck when they heard a horrific boom.

We ran out of the house, yelling, not having time to grab anything except the baby, not knowing what was going on, Dang said.

Firefighters, she said, saved her sisters home.

In minutes, the other house was gone but we are grateful ours is still here, Dang said.

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Times staff writer Alejandra Reyes-Velarde contributed to this report.
AGAWAM, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Middle school students in Agawam were allowed to celebrate their last day of school with ice cream after all. The annual tradition was called into question Wednesday when an email to parents from school administrators said Friendlys would not be able to serve stude
The existence of different tax laws across jurisdictions could result in the same assets being taxed several times. [A] Canadian resident with a beneficiary living in Japan could have assets taxed twice: Canadian capital gains tax on the Canadian resident's death and inheritance tax payable on the same assets by the beneficiary who resides in Japan, OSullivan said as an example. That means the client has to consider whether an inheritance tax burden falls on the estate or the beneficiary.

She noted that most Canadian will include a debts and death taxes provision stipulating that the estate will be paid by the estate, meaning that beneficiaries will get the same amount regardless of other taxes levied outside Canada. However, if the inheritance tax or other tax is disproportionately high, beneficiaries living in Canada could be disgruntled if they end up bearing part of the burden, she said, adding that inheritance tax could exceed 55% in some jurisdictions.

Under treaties with the US and France, taxes paid by Canadians in one country can be credited against taxes paid in the other. That includes Canadian capital gains taxes on assets, which can be counted against US estate tax or French inheritance tax. But OSullivan notes that there are few such treaties.

By restructuring assets or exploring other planning options, she said, Canadian may be able to minimize their exposure to multiple taxation. For instance, she said Canadians could potentially use a trust with a blocker corporation to shelter assets from US estate tax; alternatively, they could purchase insurance to cover the additional tax.

In France, investments held in certain life insurance vehicles are not subject to inheritance tax. And in the UK, trusts can be used to shield assets from inheritance tax for in some cases for certain persons not yet domiciled in the country.
Two potent racial symbols  MAGA hats and blackface  have been in the news. They may not appear related at first blush, but they belong on a political continuum that ranges from racial provocation to outright racism. They share DNA.

Wearing a Make America Great Again hat is not necessarily an overt expression of racism.

But if you wear one, its a pretty good indication that you share, admire or appreciate President Trumps racist views about Mexicans, Muslims and border walls.

That hat stirs strong emotions. It is meant to.

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I know a Democratic mom in Orange County who asked her teenage sons friend to take his MAGA hat off in her house. On his way out, the kid yanked up her Katie Porter-for-Congress lawn sign, which ended the boys friendship.

Last week, a biracial restaurant owner in San Mateo tweeted that he regarded the hats as no different than a swastika, white hood, or any other symbol of intolerance and hate.

It hasnt happened yet, wrote J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, but if you come into my restaurant wearing a MAGA cap, you arent getting served.

He quickly  and rightly  apologized after he was slammed for intolerance. You can reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, but if you choose your patrons based on their politics, you deserve to go under.

(If I owned a restaurant, I wouldnt toss you out if you wore a MAGA hat to dinner, although I do think hats at the table are extremely rude.)

When Nick Sandmann, a Kentucky high school student, wore a MAGA hat as he engaged in what appeared to be a staring contest with Nathan Phillips, a Native American man, the image came across as disrespectful at best, and racist at worst. The resulting analysis of the event has taken on a Rorschach-like quality: You see what you want to see. But without that hat, the story would not have blown up.

MAGA hats simply dont mean anything outside their implicit political message: The past was better because the country was whiter.

I look forward to the day they are consigned to the same historical fate as Confederate flags.

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Even then, they will surely still have their fans.

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Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, gestures as his wife, Pam, listens during a press conference Feb. 2. (Steve Helber / AP)

Whether white people who blacken their faces for fun know it or not, the practice is rooted in minstrelsy and the mockery of blacks by whites. Like the MAGA hat, it is an expression of white supremacy.

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The photo that surfaced last week from Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northams yearbook page in medical school was bad enough: a white man in blackface standing next to a (presumably) white man in a Ku Klux Klan white robe and pointed hood.

The only thing he had going for himself was that he did not try to defend the photo.

That photo and the racist and offensive attitudes it represents does not reflect that person I am today, or the way I have conducted myself as a soldier, a doctor and a public servant, Northam said in a video message to his constituents on Friday. I am deeply sorry.

It really doesnt matter that he later decided he couldnt possibly have been one of the two figures in the photo. The damage was done.

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At his Saturday news conference, he admitted having once blackened his face for a Michael Jackson dance contest, saying, You cannot get shoe polish off. He seemed poised to moonwalk, until his wife stopped him. The entire performance was an exercise in historical, political and personal cluelessness.

Since he loves Michael, said the Rev. Al Sharpton on MSNBC, he should go back to the mansion and play Beat It and start packing.

Seems like his fellow Virginians agree.

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The lesson  that blackface is never funny, never acceptable  is one that white Americans seem destined to have to learn over and over again.

Twenty-five years ago, Cheers actor Ted Danson donned blackface and performed a profane comedy routine (he used the N-word more than a dozen times) at the New York Friars Club roast of his then-girlfriend, Whoopi Goldberg.

His face paint included oversized white lips. The negative reaction was swift.

Goldberg, who helped him conceive the bit, was among the very few who rose to his defense. It took a whole lot of courage to come out in blackface in front of 3,000 people, she said. I dont care if you didnt like it. I did.

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Twenty years later, the white actress Julianne Hough was blasted for darkening her face when she dressed up as Uzo Adubas character Crazy Eyes from Orange is the New Black.

She was immediately called out and apologized.

It certainly was never my intention to be disrespectful or demeaning to anyone in any way, Hough said. I realize my costume hurt and offended people and I truly apologize.

Adubas response was kind: I think maybe it was an unfortunate event, but she apologized and I feel like we can all move on.

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I wish we could move on.

Last fall, TV host Megyn Kelly lost her job after insisting it used to be OK to wear blackface on Halloween.

Back when I was a kid, that was OK just as long as you were dressing as a character, Kelly said. I cant keep up with the number of people were offending by being normal people.

You have to live deep inside a cosseted world of white privilege to think of blackface as normal.

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robin.abcarian@latimes.com

Twitter: @AbcarianLAT
In this Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016 file photo, actor Liam Neeson poses for photographers upon his arrival at the premiere of the film 'Hunt For The Wilderpeople' in London. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP, file)
Reporter

I cover a range of stories for WDRB, but really enjoy tracking what's going on at our State Capitol. I grew up on military bases all over the world, but am a Kentuckian at heart. I'm an EKU alum, and have lived in Louisville for 30 years.
Well, yes, theres Ferris Bueller. But theres a lot more to Matthew Brodericks career than that immortal high school truant.

In the years since playing the title character in Ferris Buellers Day Off Broderick has compelled audiences with his amiable persona and penchant for interesting, sometimes off-kilter career choices. These days Broderick isnt necessarily looking for something specific so much as projects that fit a scope of criteria. In his latest film, To Dust, he plays a bumbling science professor approached by a grieving cantor who wants to understand how bodies decompose. The unusual role reaches Los Angeles screens on Feb. 15.

There are several questions to ask, Broderick, 56, says of what hes looking for in a role. Is it material you like? Is it a part you think you can do well? And is a part that might be something new, that might be fun for you to try? There are a lot of things to weigh. And your schedule  where you are, where your kids are. Its complicated. There are a lot of things Im trying to balance.

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Despite that, the actor, who is currently shooting the Netflix series Daybreak and preparing to star in a West End production of Kenneth Lonergans new play The Starry Messenger, says hes never had a real plan for his career trajectory. I always get worried about repeating myself, he says. Or I used to. But really all these things just came about. Im not even sure if Im a comic guy or what I am. I guess I do anything.

Here Broderick recounts some of his most memorable projects, including The Producers and The Lion King. And, of course, Ferris.

To Dust, Albert (2019)

Im friends with Alessandro Nivola and Emily Mortimer, who produced it. They sent it to me and I just thought it was really interesting. Id never read anything like it. I was very curious about and then I met Shawn [Snyder], the director. I had seen Son of Saul, which my costar Geza Rohrig was in, and I wanted to work with him. I just thought it would be a good thing to try. And Im very happy with the movie.

Tower Heist, Mr. Fitzhugh (2011)

From left to right, Ben Stiller, Matthew Broderick, Michael Pena, Casey Affleck and Eddie Murphy in in the movie Tower Heist. (David Lee / Universal Pictures)

I had a smaller part. It was an ensemble piece. But I really liked that movie and I liked my part a lot. I thought I had a lot of really, really good jokes. It was a really good fit. I never felt awkward and I found it very funny. And the cast was supremely excellent. Just overqualified actors everywhere you looked.

The Producers, Leo Bloom (2005)

Nathan Lane as Max Bialystock, left, and Matthew Broderick as Leo Bloom in a scene from the movie musical version of Mel Brooks Broadway hit, The Producers. (AP / Universal Studios / Andrew Schwartz)

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I had done the play for a year and then done the play again for four months or so. It was strange because we had all done the play for so long and now here we were doing it with cameras. The set was a little different. It was an odd feeling, but I was very excited because it doesnt always happen that way that the stage cast get to do the movie. I think I could probably remember that whole play if I had to do it now.

Election, Jim McAllister (1999)

Matthew Broderick stars as Jim McAllister in Paramount Pictures presentation of Election. (Bob Akester / Paramount Pictures)

I read that and I thought it was hilarious. It was like reading a wonderful short story. Which is unusual. I wasnt trying to figure out what it would be like  I just enjoyed the reading of it. As much as Ive enjoyed reading any script, probably. It was not being offered to me. My agent sent it and said, This isnt being offered to you, but I thought you might want to read it. I read it and I thought, Damn it, why dont I ever get these? But sure enough whoever they were talking to didnt do it and I jumped on it.

The Cable Guy, Steven M. Kovacs (1996)

The great Jim Carrey  I had no idea what that would be like. Fortunately it was lovely. He was extremely generous and a great partner. It was the first time anybody had been paid $20 million. Jim was being paid some extraordinary amount of money and I remember trying to wrap my mind around that and to see if I had the nerve to ask him for some money. But I didnt. It was a really interesting film and I look back on that one as a very interesting time. It was another branch for me to go out on.

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The Lion King, Simba (1994)

Artwork from Disneys The Lion King. (HO / Associated Press)

I was in Ireland and I got a call: They would like you to be a lion. Beauty and the Beast had just come out and Disney animated movies were becoming a big deal. So I was thrilled. That was a fascinating process to be on the inside of. I saw the earliest sketches and the clay models of my character  I did it for two or three years, recording the voice. I got to see how these enormous movies are made, or were made back then. Im interested to see how theyre making the new one.

Glory, Col. Robert Gould Shaw (1989)

I was involved in that one early on in terms of the script. We had all these real letters that the story is based on. There was lots and lots of material to go through. That was a lengthy and very involved process, but really worthwhile. There were wonderful actors I worked with. I think Edward [Zwick], the director, did a beautiful job and Im very proud of it. I remember my horse, who I loved. I think his name was Checkers. Between shots we would wander down the beach. It was nice because the material was quite awful, in a way, and it was nice to have little moments to get some air with Checkers.

Ferris Buellers Day Off, Ferris Bueller (1986)

Matthew Broderick appears from a scene from Ferris Buellers Day Off in 1986. (AP Photo/Paramount Pictures)

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That movie was the first time I got to know John Hughes. I always think of the place when I think of [making] movies, and this makes me think of living in Chicago. I didnt know it was going to change the history of mankind. I just thought it was exciting to do. I remember shooting the parade scene, which was surreal. I had done a scene running through a backyard and my knee had exploded about a week before shooting the parade. We had worked out all this choreography and I couldnt really do all of it. I had a watermelon-sized knee  nobody knows that. In some ways it was fun because since I couldnt really do what we had worked out we just kind of made it up  and it came out well.

Ladyhawke, Gaston (1985)

I was 22 years old. It was thrilling. We shot in lots of different locations  the locations in that film are so spectacularly beautiful  and it seemed like every week we drove to some other remote town or forest or mountain in the Alps. And because we had an Italian crew there was always somebody there who knew the people who ran the local restaurant and the food was incredibly good. Wine right from their backyard.

calendar@latimes.com
Google parent Alphabet Inc. reported thinner profit margins as the internet giant spent heavily to expand its cloud and YouTube businesses.

The tech giant reported its fourth-quarter results after the close of markets, and its shares slipped in after-hours trading.

Googles fourth-quarter capital expenditures jumped 80% to $6.85 billion. The companys operating margin, a closely watched measure of profitability, was 21%, down from 24%.

Alphabet is relying on its ad business to support sales and profit growth as it develops new offerings such as cloud services and consumer hardware. The companys higher-growth businesses, which also include YouTube, are less profitable than the original Google desktop search service.

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Capital expenditures are growing at a sizable clip, and the primary driver continues to be investing in technical infrastructure to support growth, Alphabet Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat said in an interview with Bloomberg TV. By that we mean data centers and machines. This reflects our outlook for global growth in ads, search, YouTube and cloud.

Costs were also pushed higher by spending on YouTube content and hiring, she added during a conference call with analysts. Alphabet had 98,771 employees at the end of 2018, up 23% from a year earlier. Porat said headcount growth should moderate in 2019.

Fourth-quarter sales, minus fees paid to partners, climbed 23% to $31.84 billion, the internet giant announced Monday. Analysts on average were expecting $31.33 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Net income was $8.9 billion, or $12.77 a share, compared with a loss of $4.35 a share a year earlier, when a one-time tax expense wiped out profit.

Alphabet shares declined 2.7% in extended trading following the report. Earlier, they closed at $1,141.42. The stock has gained 9.2% so far this year.

Alphabets cash and other short-term holdings totaled $109.14 billion at the end of 2018. The company is spending some of that on buying back an additional $12.5 billion of its Class C shares.

The cash hoard has also sparked speculation among some analysts that Alphabet will make a major acquisition to boost its cloud business.

Acquisitions are an attractive complement to what we do to drive organic growth, Porat said Monday. We did more last year than prior, but they were small. We are very open to acquisitions.
When federal prosecutors subpoenaed President Trumps inaugural committee Monday, they reportedly showed particular interest in its dealings with one donor: Imaad Zuberi.

Zuberi donated $900,000 to the committee through a company named Avenue Ventures, according to data from Open Secrets. The subpoena requests all communications the committee had with him and the company, multiple news reports said, citing unnamed sources.

Zuberi has been described as a Los Angeles venture capitalist, but he seems much more prominent in politics than in the local tech scene. So who is he? Heres what we know.

Big fundraiser

Zuberi was a top fundraiser for President Obamas 2012 reelection campaign and Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign, according to data from Open Secrets.

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From 1990 to 2017, he was credited with making more than $2 million in political contributions. His recipients have included a slew of Democratic candidates and groups, but they are not exclusively Democrats. Zuberi has also donated to the campaigns of Republican candidates  including Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky and then-Rep. Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa  as well as the Republican National Committee and National Republican Congressional Committee.

In 2017, the New York Times reported that after the $900,000 donation from Avenue Ventures to Trumps inaugural committee, Zuberi was granted attendance to the Chairmans Global Dinner, a pre-inauguration, black-tie gathering intended to introduce the incoming president to the foreign diplomatic corps.

Business ventures

Zuberis LinkedIn page identifies him as vice chairman of private equity and venture capital firm Avenue Ventures. He has closed over $15 billion in transactions at the firm, whose clients include start-ups, major corporations and sovereign wealth funds, the page says.

Avenue Ventures does not appear to have a working website and could not be reached for comment.

Zuberi is also chief executive of South El Monte companies named Avenue Capital Group Inc. and Avenue Investment Services Inc., described on state documents as investment firms. Listed at the same South El Monte address are several other companies where he also serves as CEO: an auto sales firm named Avenue Automotive Group and a handful of real estate investment firms.

Zuberi is also vice president of strategic development for Manhattan Street Capital, a San Diego start-up that provides a platform through which companies can raise funding. Manhattan Street Capital did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sri Lanka money

As Zuberi raised piles of cash for high-profile Democrats, Foreign Policy magazine reported, Sri Lanka paid $4.5 million to him directly and $2 million to a company he co-owned for consulting work that included influencing the U.S. government. And he didnt properly disclose to the United States the extent of his arrangement with Sri Lanka, the report said.

U.S. law requires paid representatives of foreign governments to disclose those relationships to the Justice Department within 10 days of acquiring such a client. The report said that New York-born Zuberi registered as a foreign agent months after receiving his first payment.

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Zuberi did not admit wrongdoing in the report, and he told the magazine that the project wound down when we realized we werent going to make any major impact.

There is no evidence that Mondays subpoena is related to that episode.

Imaad knows nothing about a subpoena, other than whats been written, Zuberi spokesman Steve Rabinowitz told The Times on Monday in a written statement. Its well known that after supporting President Obama and Hillary Clinton, that Imaad gave generously and directly to the Trump inaugural. But many others gave substantially more. For what its worth, Imaad, as always, gave only his own money from his own resources. If, in fact, he is named in this subpoena  never mind somehow named alone  he is bewildered why.

Michael Cohen

In a December article about the extent of attempts by President Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen to monetize his access to Trump by advising major corporations after the 2016 election, the Daily Beast reported that Cohen spoke with Zuberi in 2016 and 2017. Among the topics the two men discussed, the report said, were business opportunities they could take part in together during the Trump presidency.

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The Daily Beast also reported that Zuberi was in contact with Elliott Broidy, former Republican National Committee finance chairman, about potential business.

After the article was published, the Daily Beast added a statement from a Zuberi spokesperson who disputed some of the details and said, Imaad had three brief conversations with Cohen, two of them very brief.  Zuberi also did not talk to Broidy about business until 2018 and nothing came of those conversations, either.

Other activities

American Abroad Media, a nonprofit that teams up with media outlets abroad to co-produce programming, has listed Zuberi as a member of its advisory board, although that page of its website was recently removed.

A bio of Zuberi on that page described him as an advisor to the Chinese government on economic affairs and said he also advised multinational companies on international expansion and growth strategies and gave counsel to government entities and senior government officials on economic affairs, commerce and international trade.

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The biography also listed extensive involvement in politics. Zuberi was co-chair of the National Finance Committee and Obama-Biden for America, a former member of board of directors at Obama  Organizing for Action and a former co-chair of Hillary for America National Finance Committee, it said. It also said he was on the board of Latino Victory Project, a trustee of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and co-chair of super PAC Free & Fair Trade USA.

Zuberi was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, according to the biography.

A donation from Zuberi made possible the launch of the UCLA Initiative on Security and Religious Freedom to research solutions to security challenges while preserving civil rights and civil liberties at UC research universities, the school announced in 2017.

Zuberis LinkedIn profile says he has a bachelors degree in finance and business economics and an MBA, both from USC.
After the founder of Canadas biggest cryptocurrency exchange, QuadrigaCX, died unexpectedly, about 115,000 clients have been unable to retrieve $190 million in funds  because the owner was the only one who knew the password to access holdings, the company said.

Gerald Cotten, 30, died of complications from Crohns disease while doing philanthropic work in India in early December, according to a post on QuadrigaCXs Facebook page.

The company didnt announce Cottens death until more than a month after he died. Then, as customers panicked and tried to withdraw their funds, QuadrigaCXs website went down and the company went off the grid.

When QuadrigaCX broke its silence a week later, it revealed it had filed for creditor protection in the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, according to reporting from CoinDesk. Evidently, Cotten was the sole person responsible for transferring QuadrigaCX funds between the companys cold wallet  secure, offline storage  and its hot wallet, or online server, according to court documents. For security purposes, very little cryptocurrency was stored in the hot wallet, according to an affidavit by Cottens widow, Jennifer Robertson.

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Cottens laptop was encrypted, and Robertson and the expert she hired have been unable to access any of its contents, Robertsons affidavit said. It said the company had no corporate bank accounts and used third-party services to manage payments and withdrawals.

For the past weeks, we have worked extensively to address our liquidity issues, which include attempting to locate and secure our very significant cryptocurrency reserves held in cold wallets, and that are required to satisfy customer cryptocurrency balances on deposit, as well as sourcing a financial institution to accept the bank drafts that are to be transferred to us, QuadrigaCXs board of directors wrote in a Thursday letter to customers. Unfortunately, these efforts have not been successful.

The debacle highlights the problems with cryptocurrencys lack of regulation. Its not issued by a government or controlled through a centralized financial institution, leaving exchanges such as QuadrigaCX with near-total control over investors assets and making them vulnerable to hacking or other problems.

The mysterious circumstances surrounding Cottens death have spawned many conspiracy theories, especially on Reddit, where several users have suggested Cotten is faking his death as part of an exit scam. Some Reddit sleuths and cryptocurrency researchers have looked into QuadrigaCXs holdings and found activity from accounts only Cotten had access to after the company said he died. But Robertson provided the court with a copy of Cottens death certificate, court records show, and she said she and QuadrigaCXs interim chief executive have been hit with threats and slanderous comments by angry customers.

QuadrigaCX had been plagued with legal trouble in the last year: In early 2018, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce froze more than $25 million of QuadrigaCXs assets after noticing irregularities in the exchanges payment processes. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice took control of the funds, Coindesk reported, and they were just returned to the company days before Cottens death.

Now the company is looking into selling its operating platform to stay afloat. Robertson has asked the court for a stay of proceedings to protect the company from lawsuits and buy time while QuadrigaCX tries to access the cryptocurrency tied up in its cold wallets. She also asked the court to appoint international accounting firm Ernst & Young to oversee its dealings while QuadrigaCX tries to recover the lost holdings.
Tokyo: Japan's Finance Minister Taro Aso has reluctantly apologised for saying childless people are to blame for the country's rising social security costs and its aging and declining population.

"If it made some people feel uncomfortable, I apologise," Aso said on Tuesday after drawing complaints over a comment he made during the weekend at a seminar in Fukuoka, his constituency in southwestern Japan.

Japan's gaffe-prone Finance Minister, Taro Aso, blamed childless women for the country's population issues. Credit:AP

The gaffe-prone Aso, a 78-year-old former prime minister, is among conservative politicians in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government who have at times blamed the elderly or childless for long-term demographic trends.

"There are lots of strange people who say the elderly people are to blame, but that is wrong. The problem is those who don't have children," he told the audience.
And last week US prosecutors hit the company and the daughter of its founder with criminal charges relating to allegations it breached trade sanctions with Iran. Ms Saffioti said this might mean Huawei can't deliver the expensive communications system as promised. Loading This might be a relief for Mr McGowan, who has mocked the opposition's concerns about the security implications of involving Huawei in the state's public transport system. The Huawei deal is scandal-plagued and Mr McGowan has now put it into the lap of the gods. Either the company will build a new data communications system, or it will fall over without any help from the government.

Crayfish still on the boil Government hardheads reckon the plan by Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly to nationalise 17 per cent of the state's rock lobster industry isn't that big an issue on the doorstep. Labor has been polling the electorate on the plan, and have found most people don't like the idea the bulk of the lobster catch is exported to China. Loading Nonetheless, industry polling suggests voters hate the government's solution of granting itself permission to catch more lobsters. But not as much as the industry hates it.

If Mr McGowan walks back on the plan, it will be another bloody nose for the government on a largely regional issue. There are still voters furious about Labor's attempts to close the School of the Air and Moora residential college. 'Local Jobs' inquiry Labor's 'Local Jobs, Local Projects' election promises are facing months of forensic examination by a parliamentary inquiry headed by Liberal MP Tjorn Sibma. The scheme was a key part of Labor's target-seat election campaigns before the 2017 election and has come under opposition fire when it was revealed the money was spent almost entirely in Labor-held seats. Mr Sibma told Parliament last year the program had ballooned from $22 million to $40 million in a time of budget restraint.

The inquiry will examine how each project was "developed, evaluated and selected for funding", conflicts of interest in handing out the money and whether community groups around the state had an equal opportunity to apply for the funding. Loading Health spending review incoming The Sustainable Health Review was billed as the inquiry that would get the state's health spending under control. But two years later, the final report is yet to drop (it's expected to be released in March).

Health spending is a third of the state budget and has been climbing, even though the proportion of state funds going into the system has fallen (because of increased federal funding). The final report will give government a road map to cutting the fat out of the health system. But this will come with significant political risk. Health Minister Roger Cook has pointed to the review as an answer to questions about inadequate hospital funding, which itself raises question about whether the government can rein in health spending. Solidarity forever

Like it or not, WA Labor is controlled by unions. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video And over the next year, while Mr McGowan and his ministers will be campaigning to "change the rules", his ministers will be negotiating with public sector unions over new pay deals. Agreements with public servants, police and teachers expire in 2019 and negotiations are already under way. The negotiation skills of Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston will be put to the test. And hard campaigns by public sector unions could take some paint off the premier.

On top of all that, Labor's unions are battling for control of Labor's State Executive, which preselects election candidates. This year's membership numbers will likely be the ones used to choose candidates. Expect arguments. A Shorten Labor Government? Mr McGowan and his ministers have been working hard to promote Bill Shorten ahead of the federal election and, if the polling is correct, Labor stands a good chance of taking office.

Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten with Premier Mark McGowan in October, 2018, at of their regular joint media experiences. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But a Labor Prime Minister might not be the best news for Mr McGowan. A change in the party of federal government is usually associated with a change in fortunes of the party in Western Australia. WA premiers have been traditionally more willing than their interstate counterparts to upset party colleagues in Canberra, but the McGowan Government has been in lock-step with federal Labor on many issues. A state backlash is possible once the honeymoon of a hypothetical new federal government is over.

The euthanasia debate Mr McGowan and Mr Cook are both backing yet-to-be drafted euthanasia legislation which is expected to be in front of State Parliament later this year. While the McGowan Government has not shied away from social issues, the Premier will be keen to get this debate off the agenda. It will consume oxygen and create tensions inside the Labor caucus, where a significant number of MPs oppose euthanasia and doctor-assisted suicide. And while the government claims there is popular support for a change to the laws, the devil is in the detail and the state's upper house will go through it like a dose of salts.

Loading Jobs and the economy Remember the Labor party that was elected in 2017 promising more jobs? Labor election materials from February 2017 said Labor's plan for jobs would "create well over 50,000 jobs across Western Australia and is the most comprehensive employment plan ever released in this state". According to the Department of Jobs and Small Business, WA has the worst unemployment rate in the country.
Health Minister Greg Hunt will today announce a $25 million overhaul Mandurah's Peel Health Campus - the biggest upgrade of the facility since it was opened over two decades ago.

The hospital has been the centre of a long-running campaign for more resources by Canning MP Andrew Hastie and state Dawesville MP Zak Kirkup.

Health Minister Greg Hunt and Canning MP Andrew Hastie. Credit:Marta Pascual Juanola

Mr Hunt said $21 million would be spent on an expansion of the emergency department, the construction of a new Community Mental Health facility and a refurbishment of the medical imaging department.

A residential eating disorder treatment centre would be built at a cost of $4 million.
The politics of the response to this royal commission will be like the politics of its creation. There will be no reward for going soft.

Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten are both vowing to act on the final report but their responses are only the start of years of political wrangling.

What is said this week will not count as much as what the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader and their parties do and say in the next term of Parliament when tougher laws are put to a vote.

There is no time before the election to change the law to act on Kenneth Haynes long list of recommendations. A huge debate is coming in the next Parliament on how far to go to implement his findings.
And while cracking slabs are unsightly, they don't normally affect structural stability. But over time, Ms Camilleri said it appeared the cracks were getting bigger. On my final inspection, I asked [the inspector] again: Are you sure they are normal?, she said. I felt they looked worse than ever. The cracks began to show in 2017. Credit:Deborah Camilleri

[But] he told me they looked worse because a cleaner had been, and the cracks [had been] vacuumed out, so they just appeared worse. Ms Camilleri continued to work with Dale Alcock and while she remained concerned, she pushed ahead with her building plans and engaged a flooring company. But a young man who turned up to offer a quote for the flooring soon stopped her in her tracks. The flooring company was worried about the floor because of the cracks, but also because the levels over the slab seemed to be inconsistent, she said. He was also concerned that over a section of the crack there seemed to be a hollow spot which he felt wasn't normal.

Ms Camilleri was told she would need some sort of warranty from Dale Alcock promising not to hold the flooring company liable if the floor began to move or separate from the slab. Ms Camilleri measuring parts of the slab. Credit:Deborah Camilleri She was unable to proceed, and it was at this point she called in experts to assess how much the shrinkage cracks would affect her ability to continue building her dream home. In September last year, two independent engineers worked took core samples from the slab to assess them. Both found six out of the 14 core samples did not meet Australian standards, and at some points the slabs thickness varied anywhere between 57mm and 85mm.

Ms Camilleri contacted Dale Alcock Homes again with their findings, and they offered her four rectifications: they could inject a cement grout under all internal load-bearing walls, core out the cracks and fill them a poly filler, or treat the slab with exypex or another self-levelling product. And if these rectifications didnt meet Ms Camilleris standards, Dale Alcock offered to purchase the property off her. I did consider this but it leaves me at a huge financial loss, she said. "For the past seven months I have been out of pocket [approximately] $10,000 in lawyer fees, engineer reports, rates and utility on two properties. My biggest struggle ... has been sourcing people out that can help and I can trust, knowing what to listen to and making sure that I looked at the facts.

It is frustrating that the engineers report proves that my slab is not ... Australian standards. I was told by the company that they build a lot of houses and mistakes happen. In response to Ms Camilliris experience, ABN Group managing director Dale Alcock said the company was keen to make things right with her. The difference in thickness. Credit:Deborah Camilleri Im very sorry to Deb Camilleri, he said.

The floor slab has not been completed to my standards and expectations. I have personally been involved in meetings with Deb to find a solution  this solution is a fully engineered outcome that both our engineer and Debs engineers have agreed will address the issue. And while Ms Camilleri said her experience had been both financially and emotionally draining, she was most concerned about how it had been allowed to happen in the first place. New Home Building Brokers managing director Tristan Kirkham said Ms Camilleris story was a good example of how WA consumers need better protection when building. This is an example of how sometimes in building quality control can go wrong, he said. For Ms Camilleri this unfortunately is an emotionally devastating and expensive, drawn-out process.

The industry bodies are largely a builders membership, run by builders, so we dont see anything changing for the consumers on that side. The building commission needs more resources. Getting out on-site and checking builders more often in more detail at major milestone stages, like the slab pour on Ms Camilleris home, could have identified and rectified the problem long before it reached this point. More protection for the consumer and a simplified disputes process would also speed up the resolution process. Independent home broker Tristan Kirkham. Credit:Deborah Camilleri Its a complex industry and the consumer doesnt know what they dont know.
The Los Angeles County Fair wont raise entrance prices and will continue to offer popular discounted meal packages  both efforts to increase attendance to the annual summer festival.

The fairs operator is hoping to build on last years 5% visitor increase, which followed a nearly 7% decline in 2017. This summer, the fair will celebrate pop culture in toys, music and art, with offerings that include a disco studio and a giant Etch A Sketch.

One-day entrance prices for adults will remain at $14 for weekdays and $20 for weekends, the same price charged since 2016, said Miguel Santana, chief executive of Fairplex, home of the fair.

The weekday entrance fee will be $8 for children (ages 6 to 12) and $10 for seniors. On weekends, those prices rise to $12 for children and $15 for seniors. Children 5 and younger enter free.

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For a second year, popular $6.60 value meal packages will be sold by nearly every food vendor.

We are committed to making it affordable, said Santana, who took over as Fairplex chief executive in 2017. Value is a big part of what Ive been emphasizing.

The fair also will set aside specific days when residents of a particular city or county in Southern California can attend at a discount, a feature that was launched last year, he said.

The festival of deep-fried food, stomach-turning rides and old-school bands will run Aug. 30 to Sept. 22 at the Fairplex in Pomona.

Attendance dropped in 2017 to 1.23 million visitors  including school groups, which are allowed in free  from 1.32 million in 2016, which Santana attributed to unusually scorching heat.

But in 2018, attendance of paying customers  not counting school groups  rose to 1.13 million from 1.07 million, a 5% increase. The fair began releasing this statistic in 2017.

As part of last years theme, celebrating the culture of Route 66, each food vendor offered a $6.60 meal package, such as a meal of mac and cheese in a waffle cone with buffalo chicken. Santana said the deal was so popular last year that it will be offered by vendors this year.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

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To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.
"This event is just an unprecedented monsoonal burst," says Grace Legge, a senior meteorologist in the bureau's extreme weather desk, adding that many stations are likely to set multiple-day records. To Townville's west, the aptly named Upper Bluewater site clocked up 2068 millimetres in the week to Monday morning, according to Weatherzone. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crews responding to flood conditions in Townsville. Credit:AAP How extensive is the flooding? With so much rain, dams in the region are not surprisingly overflowing. The bureau has issued warnings for many Queensland rivers.

Reports on Monday morning had some 500 homes in Townsville flooded with more expected to follow, and more than 1100 people rescued from their home. The Ross River Dam, which covers a 750 square-kilometre catchment area near Townsville, opened its gates fully on Sunday evening local time. That meant the release of 2000 cubic metres - or 2 million litres - per second into the river. Even so, the dam's capacity peaked near midnight, local time, at just shy of 250 per cent full. Helpfully, the dam has an automated Twitter feed, including this posting, show the dam had dropped 5385 million litres - or about 2.2 percentage points - in the previous hour:

It wasn't that many months ago that Townsville and much of north Queensland was enduring one of its driest winters on record. For most of the two years between 2016 and 2018, the Ross River Dam was between 15 and 25 per cent full. Such a flip "often happens" in that part of Australia, where regions can grow "from well into drought to receiving huge amounts of water", Ms Legge said. What's causing all the rain? The onset of Australia's annual northern monsoon didn't officially arrive until January 23  just two days shy of the latest recorded, on January 25, 1973.

The bureau's trigger location, though, is Darwin, and other parts of the north had already been experiencing monsoonal rain  not least the Cairns region, which reported record floods. Daintree Village, for instance, collected 405 millimetres on January 27 alone. The driver of the big rain event is a deep low near Mount Isa, south of the Gulf of Carpentaria. "It's just sat there," says Jonathan Nott, a professor of geoscience at the Cairns campus of James Cook University. "It's drawing air in from the Coral Sea." That moist air  from the equator  is converging with south-easterly winds around the Townsville region. "It's just producing an abundant amount of rains," Professor Nott says. The monsoonal trough that has extended across the region has been "very stationary", meaning the heavy rainfall has "pretty much been going on for nine days", Ms Legge says.

What's the outlook? Predicting just how fast the trough will edge southwards and/or weaken is difficult. For now, the forecast is again for 100 millimetres or more for the region on Monday alone, including from near Ingham in the north, through Townsville, down to Bowen. The rainfall centre is predicted to shift towards Mackay on Tuesday but that will still leave falls of 50-100 millimetres for the Townsville area. Even then a couple more days of 50 millimetres will likely follow, the bureau predicts.

"From Bowen up, everything is pretty much saturated," Professor Nott says. Ms Legge agrees: "We've got multiple days of it to come." With the catchments so wet, further rain is likely to add to run-off immediately. Townsville residents on Friday. Credit:AAP What effect is climate change having?

The Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO's latest State of the Climate report notes "northern Australia has been wetter across all seasons", particularly in the north-west. Much of the Cape York region is also among the places getting wetter. With global warming, the atmosphere can hold about 7 per cent more rain for each degree it heats up. The world has warmed more than a degree since pre-industrial times, including the moisture available for big rain events. Professor Nott says peer-reviewed research is showing that in north-east Queensland, rainfall events are dumping more rain, particularly in storms. "We certainly know rainfall variability is increasing," he says, adding that means more periods of big highs and big dries for rivers. Even though there have been big falls in inland Queensland, they are too far north to have an impact on the Murray-Darling basin. Instead, some of the run-off will eventually make it to Lake Eyre, Professor Nott said.
Your Right to Know is a monthly column distributed by the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council (wisfoic.org), a group dedicated to open government. Council member Larry Gallup is the consumer experience director for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
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Debris from the aftermath of Hurricane Michael is seen Oct. 26, 2018, in Mexico Beach, Fla.
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Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Annapurna Pictures said Tuesday that they are expanding their partnership to distribute more movies through a joint venture called United Artists Releasing.

The joint venture, launched in 2017, has distributed eight films, including the dramas Creed II, If Beale Street Could Talk and Vice, a film about former Vice President Dick Cheney. Under the expansion, the venture will aim to release 10 to 14 movies each year, including the new James Bond franchise film that is set for release in 2020.

United Artists Releasing will distribute films in the United States from MGM and Annapurna, as well as work with third-party filmmakers. MGMs Orion Pictures label will also distribute its films through United Artists Releasing starting in April.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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With the major corporations continuing to consolidate, I believe it is important to have an independent option to provide a sanctuary where we can bring forth transparency, dedication and fair treatment for all the films we have and will continue to love and service, Megan Ellison, chief executive of Annapurna, said in a statement.

Jonathan Glickman, president of MGMs worldwide motion picture group, said the joint venture taking on the United Artists name was a natural fit, adding that it was founded around the same principle as its namesake: to help filmmakers maintain financial and artistic control over the marketing and distribution of their diverse slate of films.

United Artists Releasing will be led by president of marketing David Kaminow, president of distribution Erik Lomis and releasing chief operating officer Pam Kunath. Also joining the joint venture are members of Annapurnas theatrical releasing team and the theatrical distribution team from Orion Pictures. Based in West Hollywood, United Artists Releasing has about 80 employees.

Annapurna Pictures has received critical acclaim for its recent films, Vice and If Beale Street Could Talk, with actor Christian Bale and actress Regina King winning Golden Globes for their performances in those movies.

The boost comes after the publication last year of critical stories about the company, following a lack of commercial success for films it backed, including Detroit. Last year, Annapurna pulled out of distributing and serving as a financier for a movie about former Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes as the company refocused its film division.

The company has since restructured and diversified into different areas besides film, including gaming and television, according to a person familiar with the business.

wendy.lee@latimes.com

Twitter: @thewendylee
Come join us in the remembrance of Timothy Alvin Hill who passed away Dec. 20, 2020. The Celebration of Life will be held June 26 at Eastside Park Kiwanis Cabin in Washington at 3 p.m.
Biegun has advanced a slightly more nuanced position. It was correct to say that sanctions would be lifted only when denuclearization is achieved, he said, but that is not the same as saying, We wont do anything until you do everything. In other words, he suggested, there are steps the United States could take to build confidence in the meantime.
She could not be reached by The Post. An official at the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, where she once worked as a volunteer, said he believed she was not interested in speaking further about the incident. The Post generally does not name victims of sexual assault, alleged or proved, without their permission.
The large and somewhat chaotic gathering in the Russian capital was the most noteworthy contact between Afghan officials and the Taliban in several years. It marked another triumph for a Kremlin eager to boost its sway in Afghanistan 30 years after pulling out its troops in disgrace. President Trumps recent push to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan, long a key requirement by the Taliban before joining peace talks, may have accelerated the process.
Abramowitz said in an interview that it was important to single out the decline of freedoms in the United States because the annual report has tracked the retreat of democracy around the world for 13 consecutive years. Several countries that embraced democracy after the collapse of the Soviet Union are backsliding. And the United States, traditionally an exemplar and advocate for democracy and human rights, is now at what Abramowitz said is an inflection point.
It didnt require supernatural powers of clairvoyance to guess the name of President Trumps nominee to lead the Department of the Interior as successor to the cartoonishly unethical Ryan Zinke.

Trumps choice, David Bernhardt, has been working as Zinkes deputy virtually since the start of the Trump administration. He had served a prior stint at the agency under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009.

But the key to the appointment plainly is his history as an industry lobbyist.

Its a humbling privilege to be nominated ... to accomplish the balanced, common sense vision of our President. David Bernhardt, Interior secretary nominee

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Thats not just a shot in the dark. Bernhardts career record as a lobbyist tracks closely with the career paths of numerous other Trump appointees to Cabinet posts and other important positions. A shocking number were lobbyists or top corporate executives in industries that had been under the jurisdiction of their current agencies.

Lets call the roll. Alex Azar, secretary of Health and Human Services: Lobbyist for the drug giant Eli Lilly & Co. from 2007 to 2017, when he skated over to HHS. During his tenure as a top executive in Lillys lobbying shop, the companys lobbying expenses totaled nearly $89 million, much of it spent during the period when the Affordable Care Act  on which Azar now sets policy  was being debated and drafted in Congress.

-Ryan Zinke out at Interior, lobbyist in. Zinke gets industry gig.



-Scott Pruitt out at EPA, lobbyist in. Pruitt gets industry gig.



-Tom Price out at HHS, pharma exec in. Price gets industry gig.



A quick thread on the Trump administrations perfect cycle of corruption:  Public Citizen (@Public_Citizen) January 16, 2019

Patrick Shanahan, acting secretary of Defense: A veteran of Boeing corporate management, a major defense contractor, for more than 30 years. Among Shanahans responsibilities during his career at Boeing were stints as general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems and of Boeing Rotocraft Systems, which made the Apache, Chinook and Osprey military aircraft.

Andrew Wheeler, acting administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (and nominee as administrator): Former lobbyist for energy companies, including Murray Energy, a coal company whose CEO, Bob Murray, drafted a set of proposed executive orders for Trump to use in rolling back environmental regulations.

Some of these appointments came as a result of the revolving door between the officeholders appointments and the dispatch of their predecessors to industry sinecures. Former Interior Secretary Zinke has taken a job with an investment firm looking for opportunities in energy development, among other fields. Former HHS Secretary Tom Price took a job with a healthcare firm in his home state of Georgia. Former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has been trying to set up a consulting firm for the coal industry.

The charitable view of stocking the upper reaches of the government with former industry executives is that they have the necessary expertise to ride herd on their former business colleagues. Unfortunately, theres scant evidence that this is what happens in real life, and an abundance of evidence that the opposite is true.

Bernhardts activities at Interior are a case in point. As we reported in November, when Zinke was still secretary but his departure appeared to be imminent, Bernhardts former lobbying clients and related interests found themselves in remarkably good odor at Interior once he was confirmed as deputy.

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The Western Values Project, a progressive-funded Montana organization, alleged in a lawsuit filed last year that many of Bernhardts former clients began receiving sudden and dramatic windfalls only months since his swearing in.

Its a humbling privilege to be nominated to lead a Department whose mission I love, to accomplish the balanced, common sense vision of our President. https://t.co/4qKc66CGE6  Secretary David Bernhardt (@SecBernhardt) February 4, 2019

One is Cadiz Inc., the developer of a putative water storage project in the Mojave Desert that paid the Brownstein firm $2.75 million in lobbying fees and 200,000 shares of stock while Bernhardt was at the firm; Scott Slater, a Brownstein attorney, currently serves as the Cadiz CEO. Within months of Bernhardts confirmation, Interior withdrew legal rulings adverse to Cadiz, giving the water project a new lease on life despite years of findings that its essentially useless and environmentally damaging. Cadiz is on Bernhardts recusal list.

The Independent Petroleum Assn. of America, another outfit on Bernhardts list, benefited when Interior took steps to revise government agreements protecting the sage grouse and thanked Bernhardt personally for the action. Last August, Bernhardt produced an op-ed for the Washington Post that amounted to a broadside against the Endangered Species Act, a law over which he had sued Interior on behalf of Californias giant Westlands Water District, which would love to see a rollback of the law.

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Upon being nominated as secretary, Bernhardt paid the obligatory obeisance to Trump, tweeting: Its a humbling privilege to be nominated to lead a Department whose mission I love, to accomplish the balanced, common sense vision of our President.

At EPA, Wheeler hasnt been shy about pushing policies dear to the heart of coal companies and the fossil fuel industry, especially skepticism about climate change. At his Senate confirmation hearing last month, Wheeler dismissed official reports documenting the effects of climate change, although he acknowledged that he hadnt fully read the report issued by his own agency. He has continued to push ahead with numerous deregulatory initiatives started by Pruitt.

Azar at HHS has proposed initiatives aimed at halting the run-up in pharmaceutical prices, but whether he has achieved material change is debatable. More important, he has presided over the systematic sabotage of the Affordable Care Act advocated by Trump, including the promotion of short-term junk health insurance plans and the tolerance of new work requirements for low-income Americans on Medicaid.

One such plan proposed by Kentucky and approved by Azar won the disdain of a federal judge, who ruled that Azar had paid no attention to the states own projection that its policy would lead to a loss of coverage for nearly 100,000 enrollees.

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That underscores the dangers of placing lobbyists in control of the Trump administrative swamp: Their interest in policies aimed at helping their former (and perhaps future) employers remains vibrant; their interest in government policies that help ordinary Americans, not so much.

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.
Instead, the 2009 lie moment feels more recent, more connected to todays political environment and the nature of discourse among members of Congress. Trumps Tuesday night address comes on the heels of a 35-day standoff that shuttered portions of the federal government, a contentious fight that played out with immigration serving as the accelerant in the heated battle, just as it was a decade ago.
In 2014, the world watched in horror the Yazidi, a religious and ethnic minority in Iraq, fell victim to the Islamic State. Thousands were displaced, while many were subjected to execution, torture, and rape. In 2016, Secretary of State John Kerry officially declared the atrocities as genocide. Murad was one of thousands of Yazidi women who were taken into captivity by the Islamic State and forced into sexual slavery. She escaped, and eventually made her way to Germany as a refugee. She embarked on a career as a human rights activist and in 2018, she shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Denis Mukwege, who helped rape survivors in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She is the first Iraqi to win the prize.
Trump, for his part, made no direct recognition of Pelosi or the new Democratic majority in his speech aside from his opening words: Madame Speaker. But Pelosi made an impression with her mere presence, seen by millions of Americans looking over Trumps left shoulder  an image symbolizing the new reality in Washington, where Democrats are poised to keep watchful eye on Trump and his administration.
Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Christopher A. Coons (D-Del.), who lead the ethics panel, declared the matter closed in a letter to Menendez on Feb. 1, saying they had already received documentation that all impermissible gifts have been repaid. The payments are now reflected in Menendezs official financial disclosure forms, according to the letter and a separate notice from Menendez to the secretary of the Senate sent Feb. 1.
Sandra Cisneros, the Mexican American novelist whose books The House on Mango Street and Woman Hollering Creek are widely considered contemporary classics of American literature, has won the PEN/Nabokov Award for Achievement in International Literature.

Cisneros is the third author to win the annual award, after Syrian poet Adonis in 2017 and Irish novelist Edna OBrien in 2018.

In a telephone interview with The Times, Cisneros said she was surprised to receive the award from the literary foundation PEN America.

Its astonishing, she said. I truly dont feel that Ive arrived at where I want to be yet. I feel that Im just getting started.

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The PEN/Nabokov Award, a collaboration between PEN America and the Vladimir Nabokov Literary Foundation, is given each year to a living author whose body of work, either written in or translated into English, represents the highest level of achievement in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and/or drama, and is of enduring originality and consummate craftsmanship, according to PEN Americas website

This years award was judged by authors Alexander Chee, Edwidge Danticat and Valeria Luiselli. In a formidable and awe-inspiring body of work, which includes fiction, memoir, and poetry, Cisneros brings us astounding and lyrical voices from burning, maligned, devastated, as well as reassembled houses, and nations, the judges wrote. Its hard to imagine navigating our world today without her stories and her voice guiding us toward needed much reclamation and endurance.

What an honor to get an award from these three writers, Cisneros said. What an honor. Im so thrilled to get this award from them.

PEN America Literary Awards program director Nadxieli Nieto credited Cisneros with inspiring a new era of Latinx writers we see emerging today.

A focus on cross-cultural dialogue, translation and international literature has long been at the heart of PEN Americas Literary Awards program, and it is especially fitting that a binational writer with such an impressive and lyrical body of work is the PEN/Nabokov honoree this year. We are immensely honored to present this award to Sandra Cisneros, Nieto said.

Cisneros was born in 1954 in Chicago, and made her literary debut in 1980 with a poetry chapbook called Bad Boys. Four years after that, she published The House on Mango Street, a novel inspired in part by her upbringing in Chicago. The novel remains a staple on school reading lists, and is considered a classic of Latina literature in the United States.

Her other books include the 1991 short-story collection Woman Hollering Creek, named after an actual waterway near San Antonio, where she lived for many years, and the 2002 novel Caramelo. Her most recent book, an illustrated chapbook called Puro Amor, was published by Sarabande Press last year.

Cisneros now lives in the Mexican town of San Miguel de Allende. She told The Times that her move from the U.S. to Mexico was spurred by a need for solitude.

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I almost became too much of a nurturer when I was living in San Antonio, she said. I started two foundations, and I kept finding myself distracted from my own writing by looking after the careers of other writers. I really needed to find a house with a good wall around it, and some place that I could retreat and recharge, and I find that here in Mexico.

The PEN/Nabokov Award comes with a $50,000 cash prize, which Cisneros said she is planning to use to buy a house for her employees.

Im so happy to be able to do this, she said. I just love them, and they are my family here, my spiritual family, and I always wanted to buy them a house and now I can.

Cisneros is scheduled to accept her award at the 2019 PEN America Literary Awards Ceremony in New York on Feb. 26, which will be hosted by comedian Hari Kondabolu. Special guests at the ceremony are to include Tara Westover, Jamel Brinkley, Jennifer Egan and Alexander Chee.
A top U.S. general said on Tuesday that talks between the United States and Taliban were in their "very, very early" stages and the Afghan government, so far excluded from talks, would have to be part of the solution.

"I would characterize where we are in the process as very, very early in the process," U.S. General Joseph Votel, head of the U.S. military's Central Command, told a Senate hearing.

"We clearly recognize that they (Afghan government) have to be a part of this solution and must be in the negotiation aspects of this, we can't do that on their behalf."

Votel also said that the United States would need to continue to support Afghan security forces financially even if U.S. troops withdrew from Afghanistan.

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The stopgap bill expires Feb. 15, leaving Congress less than two weeks to come up with a solution that could satisfy both the president and Democrats. A bipartisan committee of House and Senate lawmakers is working behind the scenes toward that goal, but its unclear if theyll be able to reach an agreement. Trump has repeatedly dismissed their efforts as a waste of time because he doesnt think theyll agree to give him the money he wants for his wall, and he has suggested that he could end up declaring a national emergency instead.
I think theres a rush to judgment that is unfair to him, Joe Lieberman, the former Democratic vice presidential nominee, said Monday on CNN about Northam. One, he says he wasnt in that picture. Two, I think we ought to fairly ask him, did he know the picture was on his page of that yearbook. And then three, really, he ought to be judged on the context of his whole life.
On Monday night, a person close to Malpass said he would seek to be constructive as World Bank president, but declined to detail much of his possible agenda, beyond saying his priorities would be raising incomes in developing nations and defending U.S. interests.
Schultz has yet to commit to a presidential campaign, and he has dismissed claims that he would be a spoiler, saying he will not do anything to help reelect Trump. In the meantime, his advisers have also argued that the controversy and media coverage over his potential run will ultimately help him deliver his message to the American people.
It is well known that after supporting President Obama and Hillary Clinton that Imaad gave generously and directly to the Trump inaugural, Rabinowitz said. But many others gave substantially more. If in fact he is named in this subpoena, never mind somehow named alone, he is bewildered why.
I think there are many people in America who think Europe is lost, that Europe is going to go that way, he added. Im saying, well, it may very well be the case. The elite are largely guilty for that, for the succession of bad leaders and irresponsible actions. At the same time, you can say its not totally inevitable. Macron can do well in the European elections. Trump can be defeated. The mess Brexit has created may push people to rationality again. Thats why Im saying we are at a turning point, that history is hesitating.
The citywide food festival will feature hundreds of events across Los Angeles with a mix of local favorites and world-renowned chefs

The Los Angeles Times announces participating chefs and event highlights for its third annual Food Bowl, a monthlong festival in May celebrating the citys dynamic food scene. Spanning 31 days of food, Food Bowl will feature many of Los Angeles best chefs and restaurants alongside world-renowned chefs in rare local appearances.

Enrique Olvera (Pujol, Mexico), Daniela Soto-Innes (Cosme, USA), Gaggan Anand (Gaggan, Thailand), Virgilio Martinez (Central, Peru), Koji Kimura (Sushi Kimura, Japan), Angela Dimayuga (Standard International), Rodolfo Guzman (Borago, Chile), Musa Dagdeviren (Ciya, Turkey), Andrew McConnell (Cutler & Co., Australia), Frederic Morin and David McMillan (Joe Beef, Canada) are among the visiting chefs and experts scheduled to appear.

L.A. chefs including Niki Nakayama (n/naka), Michael Cimarusti (Providence), Arjun, Nakul and Pawan Mahendro (Badmaash), Nicole Rucker (Fiona), Wes Avila (Guerrilla Tacos), Jordan Kahn (Vespertine), Wolfgang Puck (Spago), Jessica Koslow (Sqirl), Nancy Silverton (Mozzaplex) and Kris Yenbamroong (Night + Market) and sommelier Helen Johannesen (Helens Wines) and many more will represent their hometown through a series of special one-off collaborations and events.

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The Times Food staff, led by Editor Peter Meehan, will honor the legacy of critic Jonathan Gold through the continuation of the Gold Award (previous winners as selected by Gold include Wolfgang Puck, Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken) to be announced alongside the Restaurant of the Year on May 1 at the opening event. The festival will also highlight and help tackle the issues of food access, sustainability and waste reduction. The full line-up of dining events, panel discussions, culinary collaborations, volunteer projects and other food-inspired happenings will be announced April 1 at lafoodbowl.com.

Food Bowl highlights include:

Opening Night: LAMESA with Enrique Olvera: An event at the Million Dollar Theater downtown with chefs, architects and musicians from Mexico City and Los Angeles discussing the connections and unique relationship between these two great cities as they celebrate the 50 th anniversary of becoming sister cities.

anniversary of becoming sister cities. CDMX Launch Party: The 2019 kickoff event for L.A. Times Food Bowl will feature an all-star lineup of chefs and guest tacqueros from Mexico City, as well as the announcements of the Gold Award and Restaurant of the Year at Grand Central Market following LAMESA.

L.A. Times Food Bowl Night Market, May 8-12: A Food Bowl favorite featuring a bustling outdoor celebration of L.A.s diverse food scene with a series of special events curated by Peter Meehan, Times Food Editor, and The Times Food staff. Night Market will feature dozens of food vendors, pop-up experiences, special chef collaborations, musical performances, art installations and DJs in Grand Park. Night Market special events include Test Kitchen, Taco Tribute, Fried Chicken Party, Dumpling & Noodle Night, and an all-star BBQ festival featuring Americas best pitmasters from California, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.

Outstanding in the Field: A series of long-table feasts inspired by locally-sourced ingredients set in spectacular locations, including Manhattan Beach and Tehachapi.

Natural wine showcase featuring leading winemakers, sommeliers, chefs and special guest host Eric Wareheim.

A food and film festival featuring screenings and talks in various neighborhood restaurants around the city, bringing together food and cinema.

Collaborations to highlight pizza, burgers, Champagne and sparkling wine, science and food in space, and Korean cuisine and culture. There will also be a Vespertine X Food Bowl special event.

Things in a Bowl, a monthlong menu special served in a bowl. But heres the twist: The dish must use the special ingredient of The Times choosing: artichoke.

Other event categories include Brunch & Lunch, Classes, Markets & Tours, Cocktails & Canapes, Exclusive Dinners & Dishes, Giveback, Kids in the Kitchen, Panels & Talks, Pop-Ups & Parties, and Test Kitchen, with event submissions now open until March 1.

Los Angeles Times Food Bowl charity partners include L.A. Regional Food Bank, Food Forward and Midnight Mission. Festival sponsors include founding partner Citi along with High West, Jose Cuervo, Sapporo and Wines of Germany. For additional information, to register a participating event or for festival updates, visit lafoodbowl.com. Connect on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @LAfoodbowl (#LAfoodbowl #31daysoffood).
Study after study has shown it is exceedingly rare for someone who is not a citizen to attempt to vote. And registrars across the state immediately recognized the problems with both the claims of widespread illegal balloting and Whitleys approach for rooting it out. In 2017, more than 1.8 million Texans were naturalized citizens. What is becoming apparent is that many who landed on the list are people who took their oath of citizenship since the last time they got a drivers license.
Much of what was treated by some members of the Senate Judiciary Committee as the closest thing to evidence against Kavanaugh came from his high school yearbook page. Did he or didnt he drink a lot of beer? became an essential question of his character among Democrats on the committee. And, in some twist of logic, his answer some 40 years later was supposed to be correlative to his guilt or innocence of sexual assault. Obviously, sexual assault is a horrific crime, but without conclusive evidence or corroborating testimony, theres no basis for a prosecution.
The stories behind many of those noncitizen votes make Mr. Higdons decisions even less comprehensible. Of the 20 noncitizen voters he bravely rounded up, all but one were legal permanent residents. One was registered to vote in person after handing over her documents for inspection. Another had a registration form submitted for him without his knowledge, and when he got a registration card in the mail, he thought he was legally registered. Another had already passed the citizenship test but was not allowed to take the oath on the same day because the room was too full. It was reasonable enough for him to imagine he was eligible to vote. It was unreasonable for a prosecutor to haul him into court. Though the fines he and others received were minimal, they still had to consult lawyers and spend time dealing with their prosecutions. Meanwhile, the government had to send officers to round them up.
Trump lurches from blunder to blunder on the Middle East. His latest statements about rebasing U.S. forces in Iraq were so glib and insensitive to local politics that you have to wonder if the president even understood the mistakes he was making. Sometimes, Trumps conduct suggests a behavioral syndrome in which he seems to have no real comprehension that his comments offend others and increase his social isolation.
President Ronald Reagan said during his first inaugural address , As we renew ourselves here in our own land, we will be seen as having greater strength throughout the world. We will again be the exemplar of freedom and a beacon of hope for those who do not now have freedom. Nearly four decades later, the idea that the United States is such an exemplar is being steadily discredited. It will take years to recover. Americans, their elected officials and both major political parties  along with the independent media and other elements of civil society  urgently need to protect democracy in what is still the worlds most influential country, for their own sake and for the sake of freedom-loving people everywhere.
President Trump is about to launch a new nuclear arms race. On Friday the administration announced that the United States will withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty between Russia and the United States. Trump boasted last fall that we have more money than anybody else by far. Well build it up until [China and Russia] come to their senses. Trumps announcement triggers the six-month period the treaty requires before full withdrawal. If no agreement is reached with Russia, the wraps will be off. The New START treaty, which limits strategic weapons but expires in 2021, will be a likely casualty. Russia, China and the United States will invent more weapons and deploy them in more places, with faster speeds on hair-trigger alerts. Human error, accident or mishap can already touch off a global nuclear catastrophe. If Trump has his way, the chances of that will rise greatly.
A first view expressed often in President Trumps tweets locates the key issue in the bilateral trade deficit that the United States chronically runs with China. On this theory of the problem, a solution is relatively easy: The Chinese could rearrange their imports of soybeans, fossil fuels and other products so more of them come from the United States, while countries now supplying China could export instead to nations now importing from the United States. This is what the Chinese keep offering since it means almost no real change in their economy. Neither levels of employment, output or total trade deficits and surpluses are likely to change much in either the United States or China.
This is impressive, because his grooming is extensive: By Trumps own account, shampooing with Head & Shoulders and then an hour of drying. Only then does the extensive combing and hair-spraying begin. In addition, there is the coloring of both hair and skin to whatever bad ombre of orange he desires. Self-tanning creams can take four to eight hours to do their magic before they can be washed off. Thats a lot of executive time.
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One of them was Tamela Worthen, a security guard at the Smithsonian Institution. Tamela said she was worried she would fall behind on her mortgage and car payments, ruining the good credit shed worked so long and so hard to build. And as she spoke, beads of sweat rolled down her face. Was she nervous about speaking in front of a crowd? No. As Tamela explained, shes diabetic and has high blood pressure. Without her regular paycheck, she hadnt been able to afford the co-pay for a doctors appointment to have her blood tested and her prescription renewed. So she was going without her medicine.
Congratulations, Boeing! You have created jobs for workers and value for shareholders. The only losers might be your Washington lobbyists. Their argument that Boeing and other U.S. makers of big-ticket manufactured products cannot compete internationally without taxpayer help, in the form of government-guaranteed credit from the Export-Import Bank, has been badly undercut.
D-Day flag to return to U.S.: A rare D-Day flag that flew on a U.S. Navy ship leading the Allied advance at the beaches of Normandy nearly 75 years ago will be returned to America after going on display Monday in the Netherlands. The 48-star flag was on the Navy's LCC 60, one of three advanced fleet vessels that directed troops onto Utah Beach in France on June 6, 1944. Howard Vander Beek, who commanded the vessel as a lieutenant, took the flag home. After his death in 2014, it was sold at auction by his family for $514,000 to Dutch collector Bert Kreuk, who wants to return it to the United States. The flag will be on display at Rotterdam's Kunsthal museum until Feb. 17.
Few other details were available Monday, but any effort to eradicate new HIV diagnoses would almost certainly have to focus on black and Hispanic men who have sex with other men, people between the ages of 25 and 34 and residents of Southern states. Those groups have for years borne a disproportionate share of new HIV diagnoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Above-average temperatures in Texas next year will cause problems for the monarch production, Taylor said. Last spring, cold temperatures north of Texas kept the butterflies there to lay their eggs. But when its warmer, they wander farther north too soon and the population does not grow as well, he said.
The CSB has been a controversial agency for many years. It fought with other agencies to get access to the blowout preventer that was one of the causes of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. It tangled with the Environmental Protection Agencys inspector general over document releases. And later, it was subject to infighting. But the small agency has also been the source of detailed analyses of chemical accidents.
Sen. Todd C. Young (R-Ind.) said Monday the decision by CMS shows weaknesses in the system and that he will ask the agency to explain how LiveOnNY will overhaul itself. This is yet another example of the need for greater oversight and accountability in our organ donation system, Young said.
Our military was relatively small then. It was estimated that some 2 million American men would need to be conscripted into the Army in the coming year. Black men had fought in American wars since before the country was a country, a fact Gregory pointed out, writing, The unbroken loyalty of the negro to the country of his adoption, yes even to the owners of his body, is one of the remarkable facts of history.
In the interview with The Post, Rigass former husband said he never wanted to claim property from her or take advantage of the law during the divorce proceedings, and was focused only on making sure he could continue seeing his son. He was unfamiliar with the legal process, he said, adding that the lawyers created conflict for no reason and cost him $80,000 in fees, which will take him years to pay off.
Prince William County police said on Twitter: Our hearts and prayers are with the family and friends of Trooper Lucas Dowell, the men and women of Virginia State Police, and the entire community of Cumberland County. We stand with you in this time of deep sorrow. #NeverForget.
When war broke out in 1939, he was poised to fulfill his compulsory national military service. But Boots insisted his training in pharmacology would be better served in helping the wounded who returned home. After the Boots research department at University College Nottingham was bombed by the Luftwaffe in May 1941  killing 45 people in the college alone and over 150 more in the city  Dr. Adamss research team moved to a small house outside the city, where their kitchen became their lab. It was there that he and Nicholson began the research that would ultimately result in ibuprofen.
In December, Newsham told The Washington Post that 40 percent of the known homicide offenders in the city have a prior gun arrest. At all levels of the criminal justice system, we have to do better, he said. Newsham  who has spoken about repeat violent offenders and what he sees as inadequate prison terms  has previously said he has asked the U.S. attorneys office and federal law enforcement authorities to concentrate more on gun crimes.
But questions about Raos early writing, rather than the courts docket, dominated the discussion Tuesday. In a 1994 column, Rao wrote: It has always seemed self-evident to me that even if I drank a lot, I would still be responsible for my actions. A man who rapes a drunk girl should be prosecuted. At the same time, a good way to avoid a potential date rape is to stay reasonably sober.
The more than 100 charter schools in the District are regulated by the D.C. Public Charter School Board, which is considering whether to compel charter campuses to post more data and information on their websites  a move it says is intended to make school information more accessible. Under the rules, charter schools, which are run by their own boards, would have to publicize when those boards meet and detail how they plan to spend money that is given to schools  traditional and charter  to provide additional services to the citys most vulnerable children.
At our best, we have given our students an experience that reflects the highest principles of our mission, the letter said. But in the months since August, I have also heard about past incidents when we seem to have fallen short of the school we aspire to be.
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A picture taken on Feb. 4 shows the Huawei logo above the entrance of a Huawei store in Paris. Denmark has ordered the expulsion of two employees of the Chinese telecoms giant because their residence and work permits were not in order. AFP



Denmark has ordered the expulsion of two employees of Chinese telecoms giant Huawei because their residence and work permits were not in order, Copenhagen police said Monday.

"On Thursday, the Copenhagen police carried out a routine check of the residence and work permits," at Huawei's offices, a Copenhagen police source told AFP.

"In two cases, the people didn't have the proper paperwork."

The pair, who were not identified, were ordered to leave the country, the source said.

Huawei, founded by former army engineer Ren Zhengfei, has become a leading supplier of the backbone equipment for mobile networks, particularly in developing markets thanks to cheaper prices.












The rock was about the size of a school bus. Thats a pebble compared to a meteor believed to have exploded over remote Siberia in 1908, flattening hundreds of square miles of forests. Researchers estimate that fireball equaled 185 Hiroshima bombs and heated the air to near 50,000 degrees. If the Tunguska meteor had arrived, say, three hours later, it could have obliterated Moscow, said Lindley Johnson, whose title with NASA is planetary defense officer.
But his lack of creative-writing chops didnt stop him from, in 2017, doing something rather off-brand for a former politician: self-publishing a conspiracy-based thriller. The Plan tells the story of Jackson Lowery, an American University history professor wrongfully accused of killing a senators daughter. Lowery quickly discovers that the murder was orchestrated by a white-supremacist group that wants to kill millions of minority children by poisoning their school lunches. He teams up with a former Marine, a sexy infectious-disease specialist, and an undergraduate tech genius to clear his name and stop the murders. Throughout the novel, every character  good or evil  seems to have snap-of-the-fingers access to secret bunkers, military-grade satellite technology and an unlimited supply of guns and poison.
I ask myself that some days. [Laughs.] I was on the Hill on the official side for 12 years. I was ready for something new. I also think that coming from the official side, there were things that frustrated me about this building. Sometimes I would feel like they dont understand the pressures of being a member. So I definitely wanted to bring that perspective. The other thing, being in the minority on the official side is not that fun. But from this perspective, the minority is fun. You get to throw bombs. Your job is to wake up every morning and think about, How can I make House Democrats have a bad day?
Edmonds described himself as a nerd throughout his years at the school because of his focus on computer programming and science. That interest and being younger than other fifth-graders led to bullying and name-calling. He told the students that that year at Flint Hill was the hardest. There was what he called locker room taunting, where kids would use intimidation and abusive words, some targeting his skin color.
Ashish calls it the best 28 days of his life. For me, the most value was in the family part of it. There was a three-day workshop with the parents that really changed my life. Pent-up thoughts and memories surfaced that made the work valuable even if it was excruciating. He recalled that in Silver Spring when he was very young  5, 6, 7 years old  various workers and tenants were going through the house, and they got handsy. He didnt mention it to his parents until rehab. What could they say? he asked. It wasnt their fault. I knew as a child that it was a secret not to be told. I dont think it went too far. No, not too far.
The best way to experience Hernandezs talent is to order his braised short rib, a giant bone whose gelatinous meat has all but surrendered to the cause. Take a forkful and let it coat your tongue, so you can appreciate the patience it takes for a cook to reduce collagen, fat and connective tissue to this level of butteriness. The rib is really more like a family-style platter, one that comes with small jars of beans, red-cabbage slaw, greens and a browned-and-gooey mac and cheese, the kind that reminds you how good the dish can be in experienced hands.
But new seasons of some of FXs big hits are frustratingly off in the distance: Noah Hawley is still writing Season 4 of Fargo, aiming to shoot next winter, while a new season of Atlanta could be a longer wait, the network said. Two of Ryan Murphys franchises  Feud and American Crime Story  are in limbo, waiting mainly for Murphy to signal the network that somethings ready. (A Hurricane Katrina-related season of Crime Story will not come to pass, the network confirmed Monday; Murphy had already nixed a Feud season about Prince Charles and Diana.)
People pass by a Huawei logo above the entrance of a Huawei store in Paris on Feb. 4. AFP



Norway's intelligence service PST on Monday issued a warning about Chinese telecoms giant Huawei, whose ties to Beijing have sparked security concerns.

"One has to be attentive about Huawei as an actor and about the close connections between a commercial actor like Huawei and the Chinese regime," the head of Norway's domestic intelligence unit PST, Benedicte Bjornland, said as she presented a national risk assessment report for 2019.

"An actor like Huawei could be subject to influence from its home country as long as China has an intelligence law that requires private individuals, entities and companies to cooperate with China," she said.

In Norway, the main telecoms operators Telenor and Telia -- which chose Huawei to supply their 4G networks -- are gearing up for the roll-out of 5G.

Several countries like the United States have banned Huawei 5G telecoms equipment for security reasons. The Scandinavian country is considering ways of limiting its exposure.












Malpass has never distinguished himself with an interest in the mission of the World Bank, said Tony Fratto, former White House and Treasury Department spokesman in the George W. Bush administration. Its an odd career-capping type of appointment for someone with very little demonstrated interest in these topics. . . . Its hard to see how he can be deemed qualified for this job.
Progeria sufferer Sammy Basso undergoes successful heart operation in Rome.

The world's first operation to repair a prematurely aged heart was carried out successfully at Rome's S. Camillo hospital on 23-year-old Italian Sammy Basso.

Basso is one of about 130 people in the world, and only four in Italy, who suffer from progeria, the extremely rare genetic condition that accelerates ageing.

The complicated operation, carried out on 28 January, was reportedly of a kind normally reserved for elderly patients suffering from heart disease. Basso was aware of the high risks involved in the procedure which was performed by a cardiac surgery team led by Francesco Musumeci, assisted by Roberto Violini and Elio D'Avino.

Basso has been followed for years at the world's largest progeria centre in Boston however he made the "difficult decision" to transfer to the Rome hospital after hearing about the "team who perform miracles." Prof. Musumeci described his patient as being in "excellent condition" and Basso is set to be discharged on 5 February.

From the town of Schia in the northern Italian province of Vicenza, Basso has won widespread praise for raising awareness of progeria as well as for his extremely positive attitude. He is the world's oldest survivor of the condition despite being given only 13 years of life expectancy when diagnosed at the age of two.

Basso, who is expected to return to Boston for tests, said the Rome operation was "a milestone for research on progeria, and has given new hope to young people with this condition."

Photo ANSA
Rome mayor says work can begin on AS Roma stadium in 2019.

Rome mayor Virginia Raggi has confirmed that AS Roma can finally go ahead with building the club's state-of-the-art stadium in the southwest Tor di Valle suburb by the end of this year.

The news, which comes after years of delays, follows a positive technical report from the Polytechnic University of Turin which was tasked with assessing the effect of the proposed stadium on traffic flow in the surrounding area.

The independent report found that traffic problems could be counteracted with the capital's urban plan of sustainable mobility, known as "Pums", which is in an "advanced stage of elaboration."

Announcing the news on 5 February, Raggi said: It is an ambitious project that will bring in a billion in investments" as well as providing employment and "redeveloping a run-down area."

The Serie A club's purpose-built stadium will have a capacity of 52,000 fans although there will reportedly be the possibility of expanding that number to 60,000.

In February 2017 Raggi approved a radically-reduced version of the original stadium proposal, which is backed by AS Roma president Jim Pallotta, the Italo-American hedge fund manager who acquired the team in 2011.

Raggi supported the scaled-back scheme after AS Roma agreed to a 60 per cent reduction of the proposed surrounding park, which meant dropping plans for three high-rise office towers designed by American "starchitect" Daniel Libeskind.

The project ran into further delays in June 2018 with the arrest of nine people including high-profile political and business figures over alleged corruption relating to the stadium's construction, although nobody from the club was arrested or detained for investigation.

See related article.
Kim Yoon-sun creates various items from traditional thimbles to modern products such as handbags and accessories in her studio in Anguk-dong, central Seoul. Korea Times photos by Shim Hyun-chul







By Chung Ah-young



"Saeksil nubi," which refers to traditional Korean quilted items made with "hanji" (traditional Korean mulberry paper) and colorful threads, were believed to have been developed out of necessity by commoners, who wanted more durable daily items. Thus, such items looked simple and very practical. Saeksil nubi quilting was widely used to make cases for a wide range of objects, from tobacco pouches to spectacle cases and "golmu" or thimbles, particularly during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910).



Kim Yoon-sun, a saeksil nubi artisan who has pioneered the revival of this traditional quilting for more than 30 years, holds a special memory of her grandfather's saeksil nubi tobacco pouch. The pouch, which has been handed down from generation to generation, symbolizes the virtues of this art  useful and beautiful. The pouch is still in good condition despite its age.









"I was in my 20s when I first saw my grandfather's pouch, which he used to keep tobacco powder. The pouch was made by my great grandmother. Such a case is hardly seen today," Kim said in an interview with The Korea Times.



Out of curiosity, she tried to make one just like it and soon after, in 1984, became inspired to pursue quilting full time.



"I still cherish my grandfather's pouch," she said.



Kim learned more about the traditional craft, which used hanji in between the two sheets of cotton fabric.







In ancient times, "nubi" usually referred to fabric quilted with cotton wool to keep objects warm. In contrast, saeksil nubi refers to fabric quilted with hanji scraps for durability and to save resources.



Although saeksil nubi has a subtle and unique beauty, no one has attempted to revive the crafting until today. Kim took the task upon herself, researching artifacts and historical documents.



"Fabric quilted with cotton wool is well-known, but saeksil nubi, which uses hanji, are not as known. I had no teacher. I studied and revived saeksil nubi quilting by myself," she said.



Most saeksil nubi look crafty rather than flamboyant because in ancient times, resources were limited. They were supposed to be durable and useful, she explained.







"Saeksil nubi look simple but the process for making them is not," she said.



The quilting requires sophisticated knowledge of plaiting the scraps of hanji that are 1 or 2 centimeters wide into ones 1 to 3 millimeters, using them to fill the space between two sheets of fabric and then stitching around them at 0.2 to 3 millimeter intervals.



"From the start, it is like the process of weaving fabric. Only when the entire fabric is quilted will we be able to start making something. Embroidery and other sewing techniques are done with partial patterns, but we should quilt the entire fabric even though we use only a part of the fabric," she said.







Traditional quilting can be found in other countries, quilting using hanji strings as filling between two sheets of fabric is rare. The art cannot be done by sewing machines.



The quilting was widely used during the Joseon Kingdom but began disappearing at the dawn of modernization, as saeksil nubi were no longer used and the handmade process began to be considered laborious.







From functional items to works of art



Kim explained that using hanji is a novel idea because paper effectively protects items against moisture and helps them retain their shape. Items quilted with hanji protect substances and objects such as tobacco powder and needles from moisture.



"It is a very scientific craft. We can apply it to many things in modern times," she said.



Kim said the simple geometric patterns of saeksil nubi appeal to modern people. However, she has diversified the quilting patterns from simple geometric patterns to more complicated ones, such as flowers.



"When I introduced my artwork in Japan for a quilt exhibition a few years ago, many Japanese, who have their own strong quilt tradition, liked my work. It was then that I discovered the great potential of this craft," she said.



She uses mostly cotton fabric but now is attempting to use other fabrics, particularly silk and ramie, to make various quilted items.







"I hope that this tradition, which once disappeared, would be appreciated once by modern people. To that end, I need to modernize the usage and function of quilted items," she said.



Kim has created saeksil nubi brooches, handbags and interior items.



"I think tradition should be reinterpreted for modern times. If tradition stays in the past, it cannot be handed down to new generations. To keep the tradition alive, it should change constantly," she said.



In the past, saeksil nubi were crafted for function, but now, they should be created as artworks, Kim said.



The quilted works possess a subtle beauty with their embossed surfaces. The artisan has created 400 to 500 pieces of such works, including replicas of artifacts.



She said although she has made these items, she doesn't own them. "Sometime in the future, maybe when I can't create the artworks anymore, I might donate them to a museum. Until that time, what I have to do is just keep creating saeksil nubi," she said.







Who is Kim Yoon-sun?







For more than 30 years, Kim Yoon-sun has devoted herself to creating "saeksil nubi" (traditional Korean quilts made with "hanji" and colorful threads). She began learning how to quilt in 1984, inspired by her grandfather's tobacco pouch, which has been handed down from generation to generation.



She is one of the few artisans in the nation who can create these traditional quilted fabric artworks, as saeksil nubi quilting was almost forgotten in modern times.



She won a prize from the Cultural Heritage Foundation president at the Korea Traditional Craft Arts Contest in 1997 for her recreation of her grandfather's tobacco pouch.



She held her first solo exhibition in 1998. Kim participated in the Tokyo International Great Quilt Festival at the Tokyo Dome in 2003.



She teaches people who want to learn how to make saeksil nubi at classes organized by the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation at the Korea Cultural House.



Kim has modernized the scope of the traditional craftworks from just traditional pouches to modern items such as handbags and accessories.



She currently runs her studio, Saeksil Nubi, in Anguk-dong, central Seoul.



What is saeksil nubi'?







"Nubi" usually refers to fabric quilted with cotton wool to keep objects warm. In contrast, "saeksil nubi" refers to fabric quilted with scraps of "hanji" or traditional Korean mulberry paper using colorful threads. Saeksil nubi quilting was developed in ancient time to create quilted items while saving on resources.



The term "saeksil nubi" began to be used in 1998 by Yoo Hee-kyung, then the director of the Costume Culture Association and a professor at Ewha Womans University.



Making saeksil nubi requires sophisticated knowledge of plaiting scraps of hanji that are 1 or 2 centimeters wide into ones that are 1 to 3 millimeters wide, using them to fill the space between two sheets of fabric and then stitching around them at 0.2 to 3 millimeter intervals.



The hand-stitched quilted fabric filled with hanji strings are designed to help keep objects durable and in shape.



Although the quilting was created in ancient times out of necessity, it has been revived and adapted to modern aesthetic and functionality.




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Seoul has seen a drastic increase in the level of ultra fine dust in January. Yonhap



Seoul has seen a drastic increase in the monthly average level of ultra fine dust in January, compared with data recorded over the previous three years, data showed Monday.

The average level of ultrafine dust particles, smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, was recorded at 38 micrograms per cubic meter in the capital city last month, according to the National Institute of Environmental Research, a think tank under the Ministry of Environment.

The figure marks the highest level since 2015, when the government began to track data on the country's ultrafine dust level.

In 2015, it stood at 25 micrograms per cubic meter, 27 micrograms per cubic meter in the following year and 32 micrograms per cubic meter both in 2017 and last year.

Ultrafine dust is considered more harmful than general fine dust particles as it is known to penetrate deeper into human organs, especially into the respiratory system.

As for the non-ultra fine dust, smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter, the average level came to 66 micrograms per cubic meter in Seoul, the highest since 2010.

The think tank cited the worst fine dust that enveloped the country last month, which prompted local metropolitan governments to issue advisories for three consecutive days for the first time ever.

On Jan. 14 alone, Seoul recorded a daily average ultrafine dust level of as high as 129 micrograms per cubic meter, the highest ever tallied. The second highest level is the 99 micrograms per cubic meter recorded on March 25, 2018. (Yonhap)
WAHOO  A break-in at an upstairs apartment in downtown Wahoo Saturday morning led to a short standoff and then an arrest.

Patrick Nissan was taken into custody and charged with burglary, possession of a weapon by a prohibited individual and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Wahoo Police Chief Bruce Ferrell said law enforcement was contacted about 10:15 a.m. Saturday that an individual had kicked in a door to one of the upstairs apartments on the northwest corner of Fifth and Broadway streets.

Ferrell said Nissan appeared to be looking for somebody who he thought used to live there and had a knife.

He barricaded up and officers talked to him for a short while, maybe 10 to 15 minutes, he said. He then agreed to come out without the knife.

Ferrell said there were no injuries and thanked the Saunders County Sheriffs Office, Nebraska State Patrol and Wahoo Fire Department for their assistance in resolving the situation peacefully and quickly.

According to the police chief, Nissan is an individual that had already made himself known to law enforcement. There was no permanent address for him available, but he is formerly from Memphis.
Partisan versions of bills proposed in House to transition Washington to clean energy

 Democrat bill would penalize companies who are not using 100 percent renewable sources by 2045

 Republicans would create incentives to transition

Democrats and Republicans both want to turn Washington into a clean energy state, but they just dont agree on how to do it.

House Bill 1211, proposed by Representative Gael Tarleton, D-Seattle, would require public utilities to provide all energy through non-emitting, renewable resources by 2045, or else face penalties.

House Bill 1266, proposed by Representative Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, would create incentives for public utility companies that invest in renewable energy.

We shouldnt pick winners and losers, we should set our priorities and have people choose our priorities, said DeBolt. Innovation for companies has always worked here.

HB 1211 with 28 Democratic sponsors was filed at the request of Governor Jay Inslee, whose proposed biennium budget prioritizes a transition to clean energy. The bill phases out coal by 2025 and requires all electricity to be greenhouse gas neutral by 2030.

If an electric utility company isnt generating all of its electricity using non-emitting energy resources in 2045, the company would face penalties. Under this bill, hydroelectricity is not included as a non-emitting resource.

According to Tarleton, the bill would ensure that the penalties are incurred by the company and not by ratepayers through raised energy prices. If the company has made a good faith effort to transition, the penalties can be reduced. Companies can also receive credit for investing in another sector to offset their emissions in the energy sector.

Mine is setting in a schedule that you have to achieve, and if you are not able to achieve it by that date there are alternatives, said Tarleton.

House Bill 1266, sponsored by Debolt and Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, would require utility companies to use clean energy to meet new customer needs starting in 2029, rather than imposing a complete transition.

The bill provides tax exemptions for reducing carbon emissions in buildings and gas transportation, allows utilities to use hydroelectricity as a clean energy resource, and allows the use of power purchased from Bonneville Power Administration. Both bills allow for the use of nuclear power.

Neither house bill has an executive session scheduled yet. HB 1211s companion bill, Senate Bill 5116, has an executive session in the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee on Tuesday, and senators will decide whether or not to pass the SB 5611 through committee.
Trumps inappropriate public criticisms will also have a chilling effect on one of the United States most potent intelligence force multipliers: our relationships with allied foreign intelligence agencies. Indeed, the presidents comments are uniquely self-defeating in that our best hope for monitoring and perhaps modifying the behavior of rogue states such as Iran, North Korea and Russia is working in unison with our partners. Many have already taken note of Trumps cavalier attitude toward sensitive information, as well as his apparent failure to understand the basic rules of intelligence sharing. Recall when our president shared sensitive intelligence obtained from one of our foreign partners with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, for example. I would be deeply surprised if many of our best intelligence allies were not already holding back information they would normally pass to their U.S. counterparts, for fear Trump might not be able to keep a secret. Their concerns might even be darker when they consider the possibility that our president has reportedly discussed sensitive matters with Russian President Vladimir Putin behind closed doors with no record of the conversation.
Her mother and father, both Methodist ministers, have been struggling with medical bills because of her father's cancer treatments. Abrams said she has had to chip in to help them out. The family obligations, along with lingering debt racked up in college, caused her to fall behind on her taxes, which she revealed in a book, "Minority Leader," released last year during the campaign.

Abrams describes herself as an introvert. "I prefer to be alone and tend not to be as gregarious and outspoken," she said. That doesn't mean she did not enjoy campaigning: "There is something wonderful about being able to talk to voters and hear people's stories," she said, "and luckily, because I'm an introvert, I spend most of the time listening."

In her book, Abrams writes about how she developed the confidence/audacity to run for governor as a progressive in the deep South. She tells the story of how as a student activist at Spelman, she once challenged then mayor Maynard Jackson during a panel discussion. Abrams questioned whether he understood the frustrations of young African-Americans who took to the streets after white police officers were acquitted of beating Rodney King in Los Angeles. Jackson put Abrams to work in his office of youth services, where she wrote she got a chance to see "how government, though and imperfect tool, provided a way for an introvert like me to raise my voice and act."
Police on Monday identified the woman shot to death the previous day at a West Waco home, while local and federal authorities searched the property for clues.

Police said Sherrell Carter, 26, of Waco, was identified as the murder victim found inside a home about 3:30 a.m. Sunday in the 5600 block of Wilshire Drive, in the Richland Hills neighborhood. Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton said a witness told police someone had come into the home and shot Carter. He would not comment on whether the shooting was by a random attacker or acquaintance.

Police executed a search warrant for the house Monday morning. They were joined by officers with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Sundays shooting is the second homicide investigation this year following the New Years Day shooting at the House of Blues Club in East Waco. Police said Marcus Carprew, 39, of Waco, was died after he was shot multiple times outside the club.

The New Years Day shooting remains under investigation, with no arrests made.

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He remains free on bond, but he called Martinez recently and asked about the status of his case, Martinez said.

He actually called me a month ago, but it is not my position to be looking for cases to get indicted or not, Martinez said. I called the juvenile center to make sure all the paperwork had been transferred to the DAs office. But I left it alone at that point.

Prosecutor Hilary LaBorde said the mix-up in names occurred after a former paralegal in the DAs office who was assisting in the preparation of indictments found an Adam Bennett in the DAs computer files and typed in the wrong date of birth, criminal identification number and state identification number.

That resulted in the wrong Adam Bennett being indicted.

Im sure she looked in there and assumed, How many Adam Bennetts could there be? LaBorde said. It was an honest mistake, but now we are that much more delayed in getting justice for Adam Bennetts victim, and that is certainly something nobody wanted.

LaBorde said she expects Adam Wayne Bennett to be indicted on three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child on Feb. 13.

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A proposed merger between Baylor Scott & White Health, with locations in Waco, and Houston-based Memorial Hermann Health System has been scrapped, according to a press release co-signed by the parties.

Reasons for discontinuing talks were not discussed, and Baylor Scott & White spokeswoman Julie Smith said in a phone interview the statement would stand alone for now. She said she could provide no additional information.

Asked if negotiations possibly could resume at a later date, she said, I think that would be the hope, but we have no timetable.

After months of thoughtful exploration, we have decided to discontinue talks of a merger between our two systems, the press release states. Ultimately we have concluded that as strong, successful organizations, we are capable of achieving our visions for the future without merging at this time. We have a tremendous amount of respect for each other and remain committed to strengthening our communities, advancing the health of Texans and transforming the delivery of care. We will continue to seek opportunities for collaboration as two forward-thinking, mission-driven organizations.
A Waco man serving 40 years in prison for sexually assaulting a young girl in 2011 was sentenced to another 35 years Monday in a case involving a family member of his first victim.

Judge Ralph Strother of Wacos 19th State District Court sentenced Johnny Reyes, who had pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child.

In 2015, Strother sentenced Reyes to 40 years in prison after his guilty plea to sexually assaulting a 4-year-old girl. The victims in the first case and the second case are related, but the older girl in the second case, then 7, didnt report the abuse until after the first case was resolved, officials said.

Reyes, 43, will serve the two sentences concurrently under the terms of his plea bargain. He must serve at least 20 years in prison before he can seek parole.

In the first case, the girl told her mother and grandmother that Reyes, a relative of the girls mothers boyfriend, sexually abused her at a Waco home in September 2011.




By Park Si-soo







Seoul's subway will operate until 2 a.m. on Feb. 5 and 6  last two days of the five-day Lunar New Year holiday  to transport holidaymakers coming from their rural hometowns.







Buses on nine key routes will run until 3:45 a.m., while nearly 3,000 taxis will be up for service overnight.







The Lunar New Year holiday is one of the major holidays here, during which millions of people travel to their hometowns to catch up with family members. This year, the holiday runs Feb. 2-6.







Seoul City has announced a list of hospitals and pharmacies available during the holiday. The city government also will run a situation room to monitor traffic and other issues around the clock and respond quickly, if necessary.







Free food offerings to unprivileged people will continue as usual.







For more information, call 02-120 (120 Dasan Call Center) or visit its Twitter account (

).


McLennan Community College and the McLennan Community College Foundation will host An Evening with Winston Churchill Biographer Andrew Roberts at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 13 in the Conference Center on the MCC Campus.

Admission to the event is free, but tickets are required and available through Eventbrite.

For more information, contact Lisa Elliott at lelliott@mclennan.edu, or 299-8640.

Free GED classes

Christian Womens Job Corps is offering free GED classes for women beginning Tuesday at The Center, 1115 Columbus Ave.

Participants will have access to study materials, classroom instruction, quality tutors and teachers, online software and practice tests.

Participants have the option of joining CWJCs daytime GED program, which meets Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon or the evening GED Program, which meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Email Suzanne at info@ cwjcwaco.org or call 757-0410 for more information.

Wildlife seminar

A free Wildlife Management Seminar is Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave.
South Korea and the United States have reached an agreement "in principle" on sharing the cost of stationing American troops in South Korea. Yonhap



South Korea and the United States have reached an agreement "in principle" on sharing the cost of stationing American troops in the Asian ally, the State Department said Monday.

The two sides had appeared to be at an impasse over how to renew their Special Measures Agreement, which governs each side's contributions to the upkeep of 28,500 U.S. forces in South Korea.

The latest version expired at the end of December as negotiations continued over U.S. calls for a sharp increase in South Korea's contribution from some 960 billion won (US$858 million) last year to up to $1.2 billion.

"The United States and the Republic of Korea have reached an agreement in principle on a new Special Measures Agreement," a State Department spokesperson told Yonhap. "Both sides are committed to working out remaining technical issues as quickly as possible."

A diplomatic source in Seoul said earlier that Washington appears set to accept South Korea's request to contribute under $1 billion in 2019. According to Washington's wishes, that would be a one-year contract, as opposed to the previous five-year deal.

The source attributed the compromise to the two countries' efforts to focus on their diplomacy with North Korea ahead of the second U.S.-North Korea summit planned for later this month.

"The United States appreciates the considerable resources the ROK provides to support the Alliance, including its contribution through the Special Measures Agreement towards the cost of maintaining the presence of U.S. forces in Korea," the spokesperson said, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea.

"For nearly seven decades, the ROK has stood as an exemplary ally, partner, and friend of the United States," the official added. "We stand by our ROK ally, including through shared obligations under our Mutual Defense Treaty. The U.S. commitment to the security of the ROK and its people remains ironclad." (Yonhap)
Related US sees contours of peace accord with Taliban to end war in Afghanistan

The Taliban killed at least 21 people in their latest attacks in Afghanistan, including 11 policemen who were slain when the insurgents stormed a checkpoint in northern Baghlan province, provincial officials said Tuesday.

The attacks were reported as representatives of the Taliban were to hold meetings in Moscow with prominent Afghan figures, including former President Hamid Karzai, opposition leaders and tribal elders _ but not Kabul government officials.

In the checkpoint attack, the Taliban targeted the local police force in the province's Baghlani Markazi district on Monday night, triggering a firefight that lasted for almost two hours, said Safder Mohsini, head of the provincial council.

Five policemen were also wounded and the Taliban seized all the weapons and ammunition from the security before reinforcements arrived, he said.

``They arrived there late, fought back and managed to get the checkpoint under control of the check point,'' he added.

Earlier on Monday, the Taliban targeted a local pro-government militia in a village in northern Samangan province, killing 10 people there, including a woman, said Sediq Azizi, spokesman for the provincial governor.

Four people were also wounded in that attack, in Samangan's Dara-I Suf district, he said.

According to Azizi, the Taliban targeted local villagers, including women and children. As the area is very remote, the villagers have their own militia to provide security for their area and defend their homes from the insurgents.

The Taliban claimed both attacks in statements to the media.

The two-day meeting in the Russian capital between the Taliban and Afghan figures, which starts Tuesday, is seen as another step in a process aimed at resolving Afghanistan's 17-year war, one that has accelerated since the appointment last September of U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

But the meeting has sidelined Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government, which has criticized the gathering.

Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive, said Monday that the Afghan government should be at the center of any peace talks, adding that Kabul ``would prefer the Moscow meeting had a different shape.''

Abdullah said that Taliban were the biggest obstacle to peace, but that if the Moscow meeting creates ``an opening for real peace talks, it would still be a step forward.''

The Taliban have been staging near-daily attacks, inflicting heavy casualties on the embattled Afghan army and security forces.

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The Womens Economic Development Foundation is now accepting nominations for honorees for their 2019 Women Honoring Women event. To qualify, a woman must live and/or work in Madison County, Alabama. The nominee must have left and/or created a legacy in the Huntsville/Madison County community. Nominees must not have served on the WEDC Foundation Board of Directors or WHW committee within the last five years. Nominations will be accepted until March 30th.



The Women Honoring Women event is the key fundraiser for the foundation. This event recognizes women leaders in the community who have overcome obstacles to success and now serve as an inspiration to others.



The WEDC foundation recognizes the achievements of area women and supports the path to success for women scholars. In 2017, the foundation had supported over 135 women working to achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence.



To nominate a deserving woman for 2019, click here: HONOREE NOMINATION



The Women Honoring Women event will be held September 19, 2019 from 5:30-8:30pm at the Von Braun Center, North Hall. For information on this event and the Womens Economic Development Council Foundation, go to wedcfoundation.org.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A police officer will not face charges for killing a man he mistook for the gunman in an Alabama mall shooting.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Tuesday that he concluded the officer did not break the law and will not be charged in the death.

An officer shot 21-year-old Emantic "EJ" Bradford, Jr. while responding to a shooting on Thanksgiving night at a mall in Hoover, Alabama.

The report says the officer mistakenly believed Bradford had fired the earlier shots but was justified in shooting him anyway. The report said the officer saw Bradford running toward the shooting scene with a gun and believed he was trying to kill the shooting victim.

Marshall's office released surveillance video and other documents from the investigation.

Bradford's death sparked weeks of protests.
Corn growers across the country, including here in north Alabama, are scolding Bud Light. Their Super Bowl commercial targeted their competitors' use of corn syrup in their brew.

Stuart Sanderson, a corn farmer in Limestone County, told us he won't be drinking Bud Light anymore because of the commercial.

"[I was] stunned, then frustrated, and on a personal level hurt. It is a shot at agriculture," he said.

That's what was going through Stuart Sanderson's mind Sunday night as he watched one of Bud Light's Superbowl commercials.

"Always intrigued at what commercials are going to come out, and when they progressed to we do not use corn syrup in our beer. It really struck a nerve with me," he added.

"I think a lot of misinformation was given out in just a few seconds in that commercial last night," Sanderson said.

Sanderson explained his family has been growing corn in Limestone County for four generations. It's grown on more than 3,500 acres of land.

Bud Light claims it uses rice, not corn syrup, in its beer. Sanderson said there are more than 300,000 corn farmers in the United States, and he wants to set the record straight when it comes to corn syrup.

"Sugar is sugar. Corns syrup is safe. From a growers standpoint, and even from a national standpoint, with the National Corn Growers Association. They painted corn in a bad light," he explained.

Sanderson said the corn grown on his family's farm mostly goes to feeding chickens at other farms in the area, but he said the farming community is like a family.

"We do have one goal in mind. It's to secure our food for this country. We feel food is a national security issue because of the quality we provide. When it comes to an issue like this we all unite like one," he added.

The backlash on social media was swift. Sunday night, Anheuser Bush released a statement saying it supports corn growers and will continue to invest in the corn industry.
A Tuscaloosa lawmaker is ramping up efforts to do away with pistol permit requirements in Alabama. WAAY 31 talked to several people today in Huntsville and all of them said they don't approve of the new proposal. They said it could make it easier for guns to end up in the wrong hands.

"There's going to be a lot more criminals I think who can sneak in weapons," said Huntsville resident, Devin Brown.

"I'm not for more gun control, but I'm alright with the gun control we have in the state," said Huntsville resident, Ethan Lee.

These are the reactions WAAY 31 got when we asked about the pistol permit proposal. State senator Gerald Allen of Tuscaloosa, tells me he'll introduce the measure when lawmakers convene next month. If it passes, you would no longer be required to have a permit to carry a concealed handgun in Alabama. Some residents we talked to are against it.

"It's going to be bad all around for everybody," said Brown.

Others find it confusing.

"If i want to conceal carry a pistol, I mean, why can't I just carry it in the open if I don't need a permit for it?" said Lee.

Currently, Alabama residents don't need a permit to carry a gun in the open. The only requirement for a conceal carry permit is to pass a background check, and pay a fine. Senator Allen said he encourages people to get a permit, but doesn't think it should be mandatory.

"We must keep in mind that the Second Amendment was intended to, for individuals like yourself and others to be able to protect themselves, their families and their properties. It's very important that we not chip away at the Second Amendment," said Allen.

Senator Allen said any gun owner could still get a permit, which protects you when you cross state lines. They just wouldn't be required to have one. Residents WAAY 31 talked to expressed the need to still have a permit process.

"Conceal carry allows normal citizens that have good intentions of protecting themselves and others just to legally conceal carry and have a weapon of their choice on their side to watch their surroundings and take care of things if need be," said Brown.

WAAY 31 asked senator Allen if he thinks the bill will pass this year. He told us he thinks the house didn't approve it last year because of the money counties would lose if people weren't required to get permits. He said protecting the constitution is more important.

We reached out to the Madision County Sheriff's Office and Huntsville Police. Both agencies told us they need more time to read over the bill before commenting. In the past, Alabama sheriffs didn't support the measure because they rely on gun permit money.
In October, Sheffield City Council members voted to ban smoking in public places including restaurants, which upset many business owners.

Sheffield Mayor Ian Sanford and another city council member voted against the ban, but it passed 4 to 2. Sanford told WAAY31 in Monday night's city council meeting he will propose the idea of changing some parts of the smoking ban to allow restaurants the option of being smoking or non smoking, but he doesn't plan on the proposal to be voted on .

"I think it's a good thing. I'm not a fan of smoking," said Sheffield resident, Chris Howard.

Even though Howard doesn't like smoking he said restaurant owners should have the right to choose.

"Restaurant owners should have the right to choose who smokes or not," said Howard.

Alix Biggers told WAAY31 she doesn't live in Sheffield but used to work for a restaurant that allowed smoking. It then went non-smoking because of a similar ordinance like the one in Sheffield.

"A lot of business died down because of it," said Biggers. "You get people that come in and they realize it's non smoking and they leave, because now they can't sit down and enjoy their coffee or food and get a cigarette right after."

Some businesses in Sheffield have told WAAY31 in the past that the ban has hurt their business and they are losing foot traffic. Mayor Sanford said he believes city council members could vote on possibly amending the ban in the next coming months.

There would have to be a unanimous vote by council to even take up the vote of amending the ban, which is why Sanford doesn't believe it will be voted on in Monday night's city council meeting.
The DeKalb County Sheriffs Department arrested nine people in a saturation of five areas of the county.

Friday through Sunday, deputies and Drug Task Force agents conducted traffic stops, investigated suspicious persons, and concerned citizen complaints in the Adamsburg, Dogtown, Mt. Vernon, Cartersville, and Ider areas.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said: This was a random weekend patrol saturation targeting Lookout Mountain and the North end of the county. We are pleased in the results of these saturations.

Tyler Pruett, department spokesman, said these people were arrested and charged:

Michael Wooden (29 of Fyffe)

* Failure to Appear

* Possession of Controlled Substance

* Drug Paraphernalia

Julia Doss (22 of Dawson)

* Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

* Controlled Substance

John McNew (45 of Collinsville)

* Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

* Controlled Substance

* Tampering with Physical Evidence

Jennifer Morris (39 of Collinsville)

* Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

* Controlled Substance

Mason Plunk (34 of Section)

* Controlled Substance

* Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

* Possession of Marijuana, 2nd Degree

Lisa Wilbanks (49 of Fyffe)

* Possession of Controlled Substance (x2)

* Drug Paraphernalia

Joseph Jenkins (39 of Higdon)

* Failure to Appear (x6)

Sabrina Lowry (23 of Collinsville)

* Attempting to Elude

* Disorderly Conduct

* Resisting Arrest

* Tampering with Evidence

* Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

* Promoting Prison Contraband, 3rd Degree

* Public Intoxication

Adam Hagan (40 of Elgin, Texas)

* Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

* Possession of Marijuana, 2nd Degree
Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

The story behind Russian Doll largely comes from the life of star and co-creator Natasha Lyonne, whos said that its Groundhog Day premise and New York sensibility are adapted from her life as an artist and addict. But when Lyonne and co-creator Amy Poehler began developing that idea into a TV series, they brought on writer, playwright, and Bachelorette director Leslye Headland, who helped shape the actual narrative driving the critically acclaimed Netflix series. (Headland, credited as the shows third co-creator, directed four of its eight episodes and co-wrote three.)

When Vulture spoke with Headland earlier this week, she was walking through New York to meet up with a friend. She spoke in detail about the process of developing Russian Doll, its visual references to tough-guy 70s movies, the shows special ties to Tompkins Square Park, and the possibilities of a second season. Headland also talked about her 2008 play Assistance, which she wrote after spending a year as Harvey Weinsteins assistant, and why shes not interested in David Mamets Weinstein project.

I want to talk about the genesis of Russian Doll, but first, have you seen this theory from Jason Zinoman about the show as a meditation on the Tompkins Square riots and the loss of bohemian New York?

Oh my God, Natashas gonna freak out. No way. I have to send that to her. Oh my God, shes gonna lose her mind.

So the riots were in your heads as you wrote the show?

Absolutely. Natasha has lived in that area and has lived in New York so much longer than I have, and even before I came on to the project, it was going to take place in and around Tompkins Square Park. New York is kind of this place that, I dont know how to put it  when I think back on it now, I do remember talking about how New York is kind of like a graveyard. Were all living in a graveyard. I remember we started talking about real estate in New York and it being haunted, and then people being haunted 

Im not doing a good job of answering your question, but the quick answer is yes. We are haunting not only the artists that came before us, and the people that lived and died in this city, but were also chasing our old selves. For me, that area really recalls when I went to NYU and when I first moved to New York, which is like late 90s, early 2000s, and 9/11 and all that stuff. I definitely walk around that area and almost expect to run into my 19-year-old self. Because I feel like she is still here somewhere, I just dont know where.

Natasha Lyonne and Amy Poehler had been developing the show for a few years before you joined the project. Where was it when you came in, and how did you develop it from there?

A lot of the characters had already been created. They were all these downtown archetypes that Natasha had either created or had met in her life, but I wouldnt say theyre based on real people. When she would talk to me about them, I saw them much more as totems of her mind. So my way into it, initially, was thinking of all of the characters as part of Natasha, and by extension Nadias character.

Tash and I met up every few weeks and we would work. Its chop wood, carry water stuff  we had to start making decisions, we had to figure out the rules, all those things. Really what I brought to it was, Im a taskmaster. I definitely have that air about me of like, Okay, but what are we going to do? So thats my major contribution. But I learned so much by osmosis of being around [Lyonne] and her brain. That was always the most interesting part of the show to me  the things that she found interesting, the parts of the human psyche, New York and life and lessons and all of those things, it was always coming from her. And I was going, Okay, I think this is how we can get the audience to feel that way. I think this is how we might be able to structure that.

I was joking to another writer that Im developing something with, I was like, Youre the medicine, and Im the gel cap they put the medicine in. If we do our job right, no one should even realize that it came in a gel cap.

The gel cap is really important! If its not there, no ones getting the medicine.

That might be giving myself a little too much credit, but I guess thats a good way of describing what I think my strengths are.

You also directed four episodes of Russian Doll, including the first one. Thats more than being a gel cap, right?

Yeah, I guess so. I put together a little look book of images, and it was all the films that Natasha and I had wanted to emulate and recall for the audience. We were like, We would love to have The Long Goodbye but with a female protagonist. Those tough-guy 70s movies, why dont they have any lady main characters? Those are the movies that Natasha and I love. All That Jazz was a movie where, right away, Natasha knew she wanted [Russian Doll] to feel like that. Even before we broke in the story for the pilot, she was like, I want this to be All That Jazz. I want this to have that same energy, that same level of heartbreak.

So it really is a testament to the clarity Natasha came to the project with. And also the willingness of all the department heads  like Jenn Rogien our costume designer, and Michael Bricker, who built that enormous, gorgeous set thats Maxines apartment. Not to mention all the stunts done by Becca G.T. Then our hair person had to make a perfect wig. I kept saying, The thing that will sell this is if her wig is perfect.

That wig is very persuasive. Speaking of it, I loved the shot in the last episode where two Nadias walk past Natasha during the parade. That was also the wig, right?

Oh, yes. We dressed two other actresses like Nadia and then walked them toward her.

Photo: Netflix

Can you tell me the idea behind that moment? In my head, it was multiple timelines converging, but I have to imagine there are other readings too.

Thats a good reading. I mean, I can definitely speak to the fact that a lot of different endings were pitched. We thought about a lot of ending moments and it mustve been Natasha that pitched the parade thing  what are they called, those puppets? [Ed. note: Bread & Puppet Theater.] Theres something Fellini-esque about an ending like that, where were acknowledging the artisanship of the show. Youre not breaking the fourth wall, exactly. But this is how I feel when I watch the ending of 8  and the ending of La Dolce Vita.

When I was in theater school at Tisch, there was a big trend of the student directors not having curtain calls. It was a big thing, it was like, The shows over and then the lights just come up! And the audience has to sit with it. One of our professors sat our year down and was like, Guys, let me explain what a curtain call is. Its not about you. The point of this is that you stand in front of the audience and you apologize to them for not getting real life right. You are bowing to them in deference to whatever it was that happened within their minds, because they are part of that story as well. I dont know if thats what the ending of our show is, but thats what it reminded me of. I was like, Oh yeah, its a curtain call. But as far as what it means for Nadia and timelines and season two, I cannot speak to that at the moment.

But I have to ask: Russian Doll was a three-season plan, right?

Yes, we pitched three seasons when we did the pitch back in the day. But not even being coy, no one expected this season to become quite what it was. It went places that were even more unexpected and exciting than we initially had planned. I dont know if it necessarily means we would go with that original plan. Or maybe we would  I dont know, we havent talked about it yet. Were still reeling. Im just so shocked that people really personally relate with this.

Art being personal to the people who made it almost always manages to communicate something universal. The show does that really well.

Thank you. Im not trying to be cute, its just that I cant really say. We did our due diligence when we started this journey, but we didnt assume wed get a second season, to be honest. We definitely went in planning on it, but once we made it, we were like, We have to send this out into the world as its own thing.

I have to ask you about a very different topic: Terriers. I loved that show. It was your first TV staff writing credit, right?

Yeah. It was my first job, honey! It was my first fucking job. I will never forget that day. I was sleeping on someones couch and [series creator] Ted Griffin fucking called my cell phone and was like, Hey, youre hired. And I was like, What!? I even joked to him, You know Ive never done this before, right? And he said, God bless his heart, Neither have I. I will never forget where I was standing when I got that call. I was like, Oh, Im a writer. Fuck.

Terriers is so different from the projects youve done recently. Is there still appeal for you in a show like that?

Oh my God, yeah. On the surface, its not very much like my stuff, but I really related with Hanks alcoholism. Addiction is a theme that I always come back to. To me, Hanks entire through line could be traced back to the fact that he was a drunk not drinking. When I was reading and watching the pilot, I was like, Yeah, Im attracted to stories about people who have created prisons for themselves and are trying to get out of them. I think Im always gonna be attracted to stories like that, whether theyre male protagonists or female. I certainly do love my female protagonists a lot, and its really, really fun to write them and see them out there in new, different ways that maybe they havent been yet.

What did you learn from Terriers?

It was fucking rad. I love Tim Minear, hes basically one of the greatest writers living and working. He taught me so many things. He also was the first good boss Ive ever had. You know what I mean?

I do.

All the guys on the show were great  Ted and Shawn [Ryan] and all those guys  but there was something about Tim. He was hard on me in the right way. I had been so used to verbal abuse and being run by fear and fear of failure, if not fear of punishment. Tim was the right amount of, You need to do better, but that doesnt mean that youre failing. He made you want to be a better writer. You wanted to be like, How do I impress Tim? How do I make Tim laugh? But not in this scary, fearful way that I had been used to.

Speaking of the scary, fearful way: Have you seen that David Mamet is staging a new play with John Malkovich about Harvey Weinstein?

I did.

What do you think about that? About a year ago, you wrote on Twitter, A Broadway producer shouldnt be asking an old white guy who doesnt believe rape is a thing to write a play about Harvey Weinstein.

Wow, I was really dragging Mamet there, wasnt I? Oh God.

You also said that you wished they would revive your play Assistance, or at least a show written by a woman.

No one has to produce Assistance. Thats certainly not my feeling about it. Its more that I would be more interested in a female playwrights take on this, number one. Number two, one of the main criticisms that I got when Assistance went Off Broadway was that I didnt show the boss. It was basically, Why would we wanna watch Devil Wears Prada without Meryl Streep? The point of the play was that the power the abuser has over you doesnt have to do with their physical presence, as much as what theyre doing to you mentally. Of course, physically as well. However, I think what was interesting was looking at how abuse cycles and trickles down throughout a culture and a company. We were like, You cannot give him any sort of a platform when youre telling the story of the people that are either working under him or his victims.

That was just my feeling on that particular play. Im certainly not trying to drum up interest in that show. Its more that Im like  listen, that was the play people wanted me to write at the time. They wanted me to put him onstage. They wanted me to say all these things that I couldnt legally say. I guess thats interesting, but I would rather see Sarah Ruhl, Halley Feiffer, Jocelyn Biohs version of that, instead of David Mamets, truthfully. But sure. Do what you gotta do, guys.

I also wanted to ask about one of my favorite lines of dialogue from Russian Doll. Its in the last episode: Those stupid Wall Street bros are in the deli, and theres this background exchange where one guy says, You both have coke guys? Another guy goes, Yeah, dont you have a coke guy? And he says, I am a coke guy. It was so perfect.

Oh my God, I love that. I dont even remember that. Natasha is an incredible actor on top of being an incredible writer and director, so you would get to a point where youd say, Okay, is there anything else that we should try here that we havent done yet? Is there something that you wanna put your own spin on? We did that all the way through the show, including and up and into ADR [additional dialogue replacement], so that line Im sure is an ADR line.

One of my favorite jokes is an ADR joke: Remember littering? We were in an Uber and Natasha was like, Remember littering? I just died laughing. My coffee just went everywhere.

Its a perfect Tompkins Square Park line.

She was like, Remember when you could just eat a piece of pizza and throw the plate out the window of the cab? If you lived in New York in the mid-90s, you were just throwing shit everywhere. I remember doing that. Id finish a beer on the street and just throw it at a car. We were insane. We were just fucking crazy.

That New York is gone now, right?

Yeah, but is it? Its still lurking among us.

All the Deaths in 'Russian Doll'
A satellite photo of the Korean Peninsula at night / Yonhap



By Emanuel Pastreich





How many times have I seen an American expert pointing to a satellite photo of the Korean Peninsula at night and remarking that the striking difference between the darkness the envelops North Korea and the bright lights that illuminate South Korea, as well as Japan, symbolizes the insularity, the oppressiveness and the pathetically backwards economic state of the North. The obvious point is that the brightly lit South is a model of progress, of technology, of democracy and of free markets.

This contrast between the light of progress and democracy and the darkness of dictatorship and ignorance has a certain aesthetic perfection that easily feeds the imagination of viewers; the narrative is intellectually predigested and it goes down smoothly.

In the political debate in South Korea, this narrative is not seriously questioned in the media, among scholars, or among politicians. The progressive politicians argue that we should engage with North Korea and invest more in such projects as the Gaesong industrial complex so that North Koreans can find opportunities for employment and South Koreans can make profits from the cheap labor and abundant natural resources that North Korea offers.

The conservatives argue that North Korea is a dictatorship and that it threatens South Korea militarily and cannot be trusted. They say that North Korea must first open itself up completely to international business, and allow complete inspections of all its nuclear facilities.

But the assumptions made by the progressives and conservatives in South Korea do not differ fundamentally. Both are assuming that South Korea is more advanced and that a future North Korea should look more like South Korea where citizens enjoy a far greater GDP, drive cars, live in spacious houses with televisions and smartphones and produce K-pop hits that sell around the world.

Of course, it would be ludicrous to make an argument that North Korea is a model for others. The closed environment and the repressiveness of the government is no myth.

But as someone who has lived in South Korea for 12 years, I have been forced to admit, despite my hesitancy, that there is something seriously wrong here, too. Whether it is the high suicide rates, the polluted air, the ruthless competition in schools, the deep alienation felt by young people, the extraordinary dependence on imported food and imported fuel or the tremendous numbers of the elderly who live in poverty, there are deep, deep shadows that cross all of South Korea.

Two important points are often buried in the shadows in the official narrative about North and South Korea. We need to look at North and South Korea from the ground up, not from high up in space.

I have heard from numerous South Koreans who had the opportunity to visit North Korea that they had a strong sense that something vital had been lost in South Korea when they walked through the small vegetable markets in North Korea, observed the modest decor in the clean scrubbed hotels and encountered the unadorned and unpretentious behavior of the citizens of Pyongyang.

Such South Korean friends noted that women in North Korea, although they may not have the luxuries of the South, are also not under the same pressure to wear makeup and to compete with each other in consumption. There is not the demand for brand clothing.

South Koreans detect decency in the manner in which people treat each other on the streets in Pyongyang. Many are reminded of the Korea of the 1960s and 1970s when there were far closer relations in South Korea between family members, and between members of the community.

For that matter, the absence of cars, of youth addicted to smartphones, of endless advertising that drives people to buy things that they do not need or want for the sake of profit -- all these aspects of North Korea evoke an original Korean culture that has been lost.

But an even more important issue has been buried in the media of South Korea, and in our discussions about North Korea.

All the discussion by "experts" by journalists, about North Korea is based on issues involving economic growth, GDP, standard of living, production and consumption. According to these standards, North Korea is helplessly far behind advanced nations, and South Korea in particular. That means that South Korea can be the big brother and teach the North Koreans how to be "advanced" and "modern."

But all those terms are subjective and ideological in nature. The assumption made in South Korea is that wasteful consumption of resources is a positive and that it should be encouraged. It is assumed that it is progress to live in bigger, overheated homes and to own cars and smartphones.

But there is no scientific evidence whatsoever that underlies these assumptions. They are as accurate as saying that praying to the moon will bring rain or using leeches to drain blood will cure diseases.

In fact, research shows that such behavior patterns focused on consumption can have profoundly destructive effects on society as a whole including deep alienation and increased levels of suicide and substance abuse.

That is to say that the assumptions about what North Korea should become, and what South Korea has been successful at, are based on ideology, on unfounded assumptions and on a myth of modernity. The result is that South Koreans are convinced they are successful even as profound stress and frustration sweeps through families.

When we approach this image of the Korean Peninsula at night using a scientific approach, this image tells a profoundly different story -- the lights and shadows are reversed.

The overwhelming opinion among experts based on objective scientific analysis, not based on ideology, or profit, or warm fuzzy feelings, is that humanity faces an unprecedented crisis in the form of global warming (climate change) and that at the current rate we will be lucky if we manage to avoid extinction as a species.

There are numerous reports and books on the catastrophic changes in our climate, and the resulting extinctions taking place already. We can already see in Seoul that mosquitoes now manage to survive until December, and often flowers are found blooming into January. That is just the beginning of what will be rapid, life-threatening changes.

If we let things progress as this rate, the oceans will warm, and grow acidic until fish are extinct, deserts will spread until much of Earth is uninhabitable and South Korea, hopelessly dependent on imported food and on the export of fossil-fuel-intensive products, will be devastated

So what should South Korea do if it wants to survive? The answer is quite clear. It should start looking more like North Korea in terms of energy consumption and frugality. It should stop wasting energy and be dark at night, the way it has been for tens of thousands of years.It should get rid of all the useless lights on apartment buildings, end those electrified signs on commercial buildings, reduce dramatically unnecessary internal heating and end the wasteful design of high ceilings and concrete, glass and steel exteriors found in its buildings. It should go back to the traditions of frugality and simplicity that characterize much of its history.

South Korea should be dark at night. Citizens must be aware of the tremendous cost of keeping its cities lit, in terms of the expense of importing fuel, in terms of the terrible pollution generated by subsidized fossil-fuel power plants, in terms of increasing global warming that is destroying the future for our children.

But there is a deeper, hidden secret. We have been fed a myth that Korea must grow, must advance, must consume and consume more to be modern, to be advanced, to be recognized as being special, as opposed to the unwashed masses of "developing countries."

Becoming modern has been assumed to be the highest priority for generations. But what is modern if consuming fossil fuels and wasting natural resources is destroying our ecosystem and damning our children?

The numerous problems that exist in North Korea are quite serious, but from the perspective of climate change, South Korea should be benchmarking North Korea's low consumption, rather than planning to increase consumption vastly and build highways and expensive wasteful apartments.

Many people may find that my words sound odd, even nonsensical. It is so obvious to many that South Korea's modernity and its high level of consumption is a badge of honor, a sign that it is an advanced nation.

Consumption considered as a major factor in calculating the state of the economy? If people consume less (and that means consuming less energy) then the growth rate will go down.

But if we are facing extinction because of climate change, who cares what stupid things the newspapers tell us about consumption? We must stop subsidizing fossil fuels immediately. Those numerous lights that burn all night do not represent cultural advancement, but rather a dark and dangerous game of living for the moment by sacrificing our children's futures.

There is infinite meaning and depth, spiritual and personal experience, to be derived from talking with family and friends, from reading books, writing letters and essays, walking in the woods or putting on plays and musical performances for each other. It does far more for us than a jungle of smartphones, lit up Starbucks cafes, or throwaway plastic toys and cups that we are given, whether we want them or not.

As we think about the future of a unified Korean Peninsula, we must first move beyond this dangerous concept that being modern and advanced is a priority.

We should ask ourselves rather what does it mean to be human? How do we live a meaningful and fulfilling life and contribute to society?

I do hope that North Koreans can live in a freer way than they do today and that they can eat more nutritious food. Yet they will not find any nutritious food in the convenience stores that have taken over South Korea and destroyed the family-owned stores that once gave citizens economic independence.

But I also hope that South Koreans can be set free from the invisible chains that bind them to mindless consumption, which force them to consume increasing amounts of coal (heading in the opposite direction of most every other country) and that leave so many feeling deeply alienated from friends and from family because of a brutal culture of endless competition.

The move toward unification must be about freedom for North Koreans and South Koreans. How unfair it would be if we assumed that only North Koreans are entitled to be free.
Photo: Erik Tanner

The other day, Victor LaValle, a Queens-born author who employs the form of the fairy tale as a barbed hook to lure readers into serious treatments of race, parenting, and the internet, ordered dim sum with Marlon James, a Jamaican author of sweeping social epics that delight in challenging all the conventions of narrative. Both have book projects out this week. Black Leopard, Red Wolf is Jamess highly anticipated follow-up to the Man Booker Prizewinning A Brief History of Seven Killings. LaValle has co-edited a new speculative anthology, A Peoples Future of the United States, prompting 25 of todays biggest SFF writers to contemplate the future  and dark present  of the country.

The writers first met a decade ago, at a reading in Harlem for Jamess second book at the Hue-Man Bookstore (since closed). That was a great night, LaValle said. James nodded and added darkly, Mismanagement killed that store. They were coming together again just after LaValle had written a Bookforum cover review of Black Leopard. His own speculative-fiction background made him a good match for what James has described as his African Game of Thrones  his first foray into high fantasy, an epic quest about a search for a missing boy through a mythical Africa populated by vampires and witches and unreliable narrators. LaValle loved it. This book might do his nest job yet of blending the horric and the exquisite, he wrote. He also felt the book serves a higher purpose: Every page reads like a corrective to whats still too often left unstated about the fantasy genre: If literary ction is quite white, fantasy is even whiter still. (James, for his part, blurbed LaValles last book, The Changeling, calling it a mesmerizing, monumental work.)

LaValle looked crisp and professorial in a button-down shirt and cardigan, James languid and hip in a super-heroic one-piece, a black-and-white Y3 jumpsuit. Over a lunch of crab soup dumplings and scallion pancakes with Vulture, they talked about the changing state of speculative literature, the books that shaped them as kids, why they each left literary realism behind, and what they envy about each others work.

You guys wanna get a drink?

VL: Ill always say yes to a drink.

MJ: You know, theres the British colonial in me thats going, Alcohol? Before evening? And then Im like, Yeah, but its called Lucky Lychee. I might have to get that.

VL: Ill get the Fallen Angels.

MJ: So I read your review.

VL: Whatd you think?

MJ: I gotta say, thats maybe the first time anybodys ever mentioned that I write about sex. I actually kinda screamed.

VL: Did you feel all right with me talking about that aspect of it?

MJ: Absolutely! I dont mind people writing about the violence, but it tends to be all they write about.

VL: For a black writer writing about gangsters, violence is almost the go-to. But sex is absolutely a part of your work in such a big and vital way, as another form of  not just violence but as communion, communication. I was talking about this with my wife [the writer Emily Raboteau], and she pointed out that none of the reviews of your last book mentioned sex at all. So as I was reading this one, I was like, Its here, too. I just need to say, people should talk about sex.

MJ: Literary realism has this sort of indie-film attitude toward sex. Violence is violent, but sex isnt sexy. Its compulsive; nobodys happy; they enjoy the cigarette way more than the sex. Sometimes I read these novels, none of which Ill name, and I go, Its not that hard to enjoy sex, people.

Literary realism has this indie-film attitude toward sex. Its compulsive; nobodys happy; they enjoy the cigarette more than the sex.  Marlon James

VL: I wonder sometimes if it betrays a fear, because to talk about how any person enjoys sex, you have to risk admitting to a thing that you think is supposed to be sensual and somebody else is maybe gonna laugh or say, How dare you find that pleasurable?

MJ: Right, theyre scared of love, too. I know, because I was. And anything that demands an extreme intimacy.

VL: Except violence. Thats an intimacy that is tolerable.

MJ: I always give this out-there comparison to Led Zeppelin IV. Led Zeppelin are known as the masters of heavy metal, the reason why we put the volume to 10 or 11. Yet almost every Led Zeppelin record is 50 to 60 percent acoustic. Anybody else, thats like a really folky Jeff Buckley record with some loud noise. Its because the loud tracks resonated. I think people dont know the difference between resonance and preponderance. Violence is supposed to resonate. When violence happens in your family, that lives for generations. Youre supposed to still be reeling from it ten pages later. Violence should resonate and sex should resonate and romance should resonate.

Lets talk about whats going on in speculative fiction today. How is it changing?

MJ: There are so many writers now whove been blurring the line between so-called literary and so-called genre that they become almost meaningless. It used to be people thought you were slumming if you wrote genre.

VL: Genre work can still face that problem of people saying, But whats it really about? That can still be the sticking point for this stuff being taken seriously or not.

MJ: Theres this rush to think that the only way readers can take it seriously is if its an extended metaphor for something. But when I was writing this novel, I dont think I was messing with reality  I was writing reality.

VL: Literary realism demands that everybody agree on what real life is  and it is really a very specific subset of American or European life  but if all the writers and the critics and the jurors for the prizes agree that this is our life, it becomes realism. I love reading the fantasy of middle-class life in Connecticut, because Ive never lived that before. Do you all really cheat this much? That to me is like, Wow!

MJ: I grew up in an independent Jamaica, but my classes were still very British colonial. I was taking British exams because it was all that was available. But, the difference between me and my parents was that they couldnt stop pop culture. Despite it being impressed on me that this, over here, is literature, and comics are something different, I grew up refusing to distinguish between them. I am getting the same feeling from Love and Rockets that Im getting from One Hundred Years of Solitude, but Im supposed to look at one as, thats comics and thats a serious novel? From a very early age, I thought, Thats bullshit. The whole idea of a great American novel is bullshit. But if you twist my arm, Im probably gonna say American Tabloid and Love and Rockets.

Marlon James. Photo: Erik Tanner

What was the first fantastical book that you loved?

MJ: Robin Hood, even though its more of a myth. Maybe its history; maybe its not. Certainly men running around in green tights makes no fucking sense. But to me, fantasy has to include comics, so Id also have to say Justice League, Superman. They used to have these things called Superman Family, Batman Family. So theyd have Batman, Batgirl, Batdog. [Laughs.]

VL: Bat-Mite! The little elf creature who also came from another dimension. One of the great parts of growing up with comics is that things arent precious. A new writer throws something against the wall and some things just last. Like Krypto the Superdog, for no reason at all, lasts, and then theres Supermans superpowered chimp who just didnt make it.

MJ: Its because that superdog was cooler.

VL: He was amazing! The first book I loved mightve been Journey to the Center of the Earth.

MJ: I forgot Jules Verne! Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.

VL: Theres this great adventure, and its always treated like its almost plausible. This could happen, you could go to the center of the earth and find a prehistoric world. In theory that was speculative realism up until you proved it wasnt. And Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is still realism.

Each of you started out writing more realistic work, and each has now fully transitioned into genre. How did that feel?

VL: The first book I did it with was Big Machine, my third, and I did it because literary realism was not making me happy at all. I was mining personal details to the end of what that was worth. The switch was to say, Let me at least return to joy. It seems cheesy, but I really do feel like that sense of joy became imbued in the text. People were touched by those first two books, but nobody ever said they enjoyed them. Then once I made the transition, even as characters were killed, people would say, I really enjoyed that. I think its because I was enjoying myself.

Literary realism was not making me happy at all. The switch was to say, Let me at least return to joy. Nobody ever said they enjoyed my first two books.  Victor LaValle

MJ: I dont want you to think Im attacking realism, Im still a big devotee, but I wrote like that ultimately out of a sense of duty, meaning I had a very clear idea of what books were supposed to be, what they were supposed to read like. I was reading Zola, lots of Henry James, people I still love, but when I started to write like that, it felt a bit pedantic to me. Like I was trying to assume the form of a writer. This is what a writer should be. It was in reading Salman Rushdies Shame that I had my breakthrough. I didnt know you could just throw phantasmagorical stuff into a book like that. I didnt know you could write a book as if there were no rules.

So even my first novel had things like women drinking scalding water and spitting it in the fire so they could fly. Ive always had that in the stuff I write, which is why it never felt like a big jump to me to write fantasy. But it was the same thing: At some point I divorced not from realism, but from the idea of what a novel should be. Then I wasnt afraid to put the story in my head down on paper.

What does each of you like most about what the other writer does?

VL: Its the confidence with which James jumps through the history of a place, or a time, or a group of folks on a plantation, or a village. Im always amazed by the way you jump and jump and jump, and it never feels like theres a stumble  by the fleet-footed nature of the voice.

MJ: You know what I envy about you, Vic? You always get there first. Youre playing with genre, youre sliding into the fantastical, youre writing these really big universes, but youre still capturing things like loneliness. Your last book, The Changeling, plays on so many fantastical things. Even the title implies something thats almost African  the shapeshifter and the shift in storytelling, and how do you trust this, how do you believe that? Ill often think of something, and then Ill go, Oh shit  Vic got there already.

Im curious to hear you guys talk about this idea that Black Leopard, Red Wolf is the African Game of Thrones  and the genre expectations that carries with it. You could say a lot of things about Game of Thrones but one of its defining characteristics is that its driven by plot more than anything else.

MJ: Its also a grown-ass book. One of the central achievements Martin did was to take very fantastical elements and put it into very adult story. I love how he kills off characters. I love that there are adult consequences. Theres certainly a very adult attitude toward sex and sexuality, which is very unlike most other genre books. Thats one of the thrills of it. But what was the question again?

Just the genre expectation it sets up, to call this the African Game of Thrones.

MJ: Oh god. [Sighs.] Because I said that as a joke.

VL: But it was too good. It was a great line.

MJ: I said that as a joke in a magazine and it took off so much that even Martin emailed me saying he was so excited.

VL: You know, the danger of the African Game of Thrones line would be to say, You think Europe was great, Africa was even better. And it doesnt do that. It takes it for granted that these were great empires, that these were places of great myth and magic, in a way that I loved. It doesnt do any special pleading. These empires were powerful, great, interesting, small, petty, all that. As a reader, it was such a relief.

Victor LaValle. Photo: Erik Tanner

MJ: I certainly enjoyed writing a lot of the tropes of medieval fantasy, but I also enjoyed upending them. So yeah, theres fairies, theres witches, theres immense evil, theres heroes, theres shape-shifters. But a lot of the African mythologies deliberately upend those tropes, because theyre not European stories. Theyre not secretly Christian allegories. Take this one central African myth about a cannibal witch  it follows none of the conventional narratives. The witch doesnt get her comeuppance. The only person who outsmarts her is her own daughter and her daughters best friend. When she realizes shes outsmarted, she goes, Alright, Ill go die now. And thats whats so great about it.

One of the things we take for granted in a fantasy quest is that everybodys faithful to the quest because when the person betrays the quest, its a big thing. But my novel is teeming with betrayal. In African storytelling the trickster tells the story, so youre already dealing with an unreliable narrator.

VL: One of the things I was so happy to see missing in your book was that feeling of nostalgia thats built into so much fantasy. Martins books are missing that too. Every time I read fantasy books that have that nostalgia, I remember this thing that happened to me in the first semester of my MFA program. Somebody had written a piece that took place in the middle ages and were sitting in the classroom, and Im the only nonwhite person, and the instructor says, I mean, honestly, who wouldnt want to live in the Middle Ages? I just raised my hand and was like, at least one person here, probably not.

MJ: Thats like me the last time I crashed a Mad Men party. [VL laughs.]

But genre can also be something that helps readers engage with a work. You go in with an idea of what you might get.

MJ: I want to know if sometimes it causes problems. I actually had some trouble trying to find a British publisher for this book. A lot of publishers, who shall remain nameless, all said the same thing: Its too literary for sci-fi and too sci-fi for literary. And neither audience will read it. Which I thought was pretty ridiculous, because thats exactly the reason the American publisher said everybodys gonna read it. I wonder sometimes if the problem is that publishers and critics end up limiting the audience. Theres no reason why a Toni Morrison reader shouldnt read Octavia Butler.

One of the things we take for granted in a fantasy quest is that everybodys faithful to the quest. But my novel is teeming with betrayal.  Marlon James

VL: One of the things thats been a revelation for me is the the welcoming nature of those genre communities  horror, sci-fi, spec fiction. Its been overwhelming to me to realize there are people who just want books to be good and who arent coming in with their arms crossed, like, You better wow me. Theyre just like: I want to be wowed. Its so huge, that tiny difference.

When did each of you first realize you wanted to be a writer, and what kind of writer did you imagine you would be, back then?

MJ: I know when I first wanted to be a writer, I thought Id be writing X-Men by now. That was my big dream, to take over from Chris Claremont.

VL: Thats a pretty great dream!

MJ: But really, growing up in Jamaica, I dont believe that being a writer was one of the fantasies I got to have. Because almost everyone I knew who was in the creative field was something else. They did it on their spare time, like the lawyer who sings. I didnt know any writers. I didnt realize I was a writer until somewhere after I published my second book, and somebody asked me what would I be doing if I wasnt writing. I couldnt answer the question. I dont know! I think this is it! I dont have anything else.

VL: For me, I think it was reading Stephen Kings Night Shift. It was the first time I started trying to write, and felt totally like, I want to do this. I wasnt thinking about it as a career, like Im going to make a living blah blah blah. But it was like, what hes doing here with these stories, thats what I want to do. I started writing essentially pastiches, or rip-offs, of a couple of those stories in particular.

Do you feel like theres something about writing in genre that feels more subversive or politically significant because the genres have been, historically, so predominantly white?

VL: I feel like writing in any genre, literary or fantastical, is potentially pretty revolutionary. The genres maybe havent caught up to the writers or the readers even quite yet. But, at least to my mind, to my Twitter feed, theres so many people doing it that it almost feels like the genre doesnt know it has changed yet, and you have some people still trying to shift it back toward the old way, and they dont realize that theyre already ghosts. Theyve already died. It feels good imagining them having to wake up.

MJ: I didnt feel subversive. I felt like I was joining a conversation that was already going on, and I thought I could contribute to it. Ultimately, it wasnt so much that I was trying to do this sort of capital-M move into genre, so much as it is I always wanted to tell these kinds of stories. I knew I would eventually. It feels inevitable. I just knew I would end up here.

*A version of this article appears in the February 18, 2019, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now!
Julie Yip-Williams on a good day, with husband Josh and their two children. Photo: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

When Julie Yip-Williams was a few months old, her parents almost had her murdered. She was born in war-torn Vietnam with blinding cataracts, and her grandmother insisted that Julie be taken to an herbalist who would feed her a poisonous tincture, thus removing the burden of a helpless girl. But the herbalist spared her, and Yip-Williams went on to escape Vietnam, get eye surgery, attend Harvard Law, marry another attorney, and set up a good life in New York. Then, at 37, she was given a diagnosis of terminal colon cancer. She died four-and-a-half years later, leaving behind her husband, Josh, and two small daughters, 8-year-old Isabelle and 6-year-old Mia.

She also left behind a manuscript and a few years worth of blog posts chronicling the confounding reality of facing death in her late 30s, which is published this week as The Unwinding of the Miracle. Yip-Williams recorded the various chemo cocktails doctors prescribed her, the temptation to simply give in and stop all treatment, the forced jollity and fierceness of fellow cancer sufferers, and, most movingly, her attempts to come to terms with the fact that her daughters would grow up without her and her husband might one day find new love.

Over the past few years, a spate of memoirs written by terminal cancer patients have become best sellers: Paul Kalanithis When Breath Becomes Air; Nina Riggs The Bright Hour; Cory Taylors Dying: A Memoir. Readers consider them an opportunity to safely touch the great unknown, to peer into the worst moments of a strangers life and emerge with at least a grain of reassurance that death, according to the dying, isnt as scary as we think it might be.

Yip-Williamss memoir is different: more raw, less lyrical, and brilliantly honest about the rage that accompanies the physical and emotional pain of a premature death. Below, we get to hear from another uncommon voice  that of the bereaved. Josh Williams, who ushered The Unwinding to press, spoke with us about the books genesis, his difficulty in sharing Julies story, and the hell of learning that youll only get four more years with the person youd been planning on living with for the next 50.

How are you and your girls?

Things are normalizing. Julies last birthday was January 6, 2018, and she was extremely sick at that time. It wasnt a joyous occasion  we all knew it was going to be her last birthday. So that came around again a few weeks ago, and that was extremely tough  the last of the firsts, if you will.

How did you go about turning what Julie had written into a book?

Before we had children, Julie took six or nine months off and wrote a manuscript, which seemed like a massive undertaking at the time. Probably 150 to 200 pages. She didnt really [aspire] to commercialize it, but she wrote this manuscript about being born blind. This was long before the cancer. Then life intervened. [The manuscript] sat on the shelf for some years. And then when she got sick she started writing the blog. The book is about 80 percent from the blog, but theres another maybe 20 percent from this older manuscript. Julie got too sick in the last several months to write it. I deferred to the professionals, but had a hand in shaping it.

At one point in her illness did she sign a contract?

Very late, very late. I want to say the latter stages of 2017. She met Mark [Warren, her editor] after she had made a comment on an article that Mark had written about Stephanie Lee, who was a stage-four colorectal cancer sufferer down in Mississippi.

How did you feel about this books publication?

As I said in her obituary, she truly did not have any intention of commercializing this at all. She really felt that much of what was out there was just dishonest  misleading even  and just not particularly helpful. And that there was room in the world for a blog that would actually get into the raw truth.

Julies reaction upon hearing that Random House was actually interested in transforming it into a book  I mean, its hard to describe. She was just over the moon. She was really sick by that time. I think that is an important part of the story. She knew she didnt have much time left. I think she was thrilled to be leaving something behind, because she thought it would be useful for people out there who were suffering. But also I think she really, really wanted to leave a tangible legacy, particularly for the kids. They were so young when she died.

Julie writes a lot about being really pissed off. Thats not an emotion people want to talk about when it comes to cancer.

We have an annual family vacation where we get together with my parents, my sisters, and their families. And we decided to do it in 2013, even though Julie had just been diagnosed with this awful disease. We all got together on the outer banks of North Carolina. I remember sitting there with her, all in a state of shock of course, and looking at the blogs that were out there. And being stunned that there werent more that were clear and helpful. [We shared] the central mission of wanting to put something out there that might actually be honest, and open, and useful. It was definitely there from the very beginning of her cancer journey. As much as I hate the word journey to apply to cancer.

Journey sounds very friendly. Like youre going to end up somewhere tropical.

Yeah. It sounds like the blogs that were out there.

Are you protective of the story in some way? So many people will be talking about your wife, the mother of your children.

Oh Lord. Well, look, I dont want to come off the wrong way, but its really hard for me. Im very proud of her. And I really am very grateful that she got the book deal that she got. I think its such a bolt of lightning. She deserved something incredible, especially given the shitty hand she was dealt. Im really proud of her. And Im also glad for my childrens sake. At 42 years old, Im old enough to know that memories fade.

But personally, its very daunting. Im just trying to remain philosophical about it and focus on the good aspects. But it would not be my choice. I dont like to talk about my personal life. Its the most painful experience of my life by far. Theres just no two ways about that.

I understand. Youre not saying that you hate the book or wish she hadnt written it  just that this is not the situation you want to be in.

Who was I to sit there and kill her dream? I was very deeply in love with her. I wanted her to be happy. I knew this made her very happy. And I knew that it was a life goal for her. Even her death certificate lists her as an attorney and author. You dont have any control over that  it just comes from the government. She wouldve liked that. She would smile at that.

Is there anything in the book that you hadnt read until after she died?

In the earlier years, I would read the blog at work. Or if Id had a particularly exhausting day at work, maybe the next day. But as time wore on, things got darker, in 2016, 2017. I didnt read the post that she wrote to me titled, Love  the last or second-to-last post she wrote  until months after the fact. I think she was already dead when I read that post.

Josh Williams and Julie Yip-Williams. Photo: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

Did Julie read any other memoirs by people who had terminal illnesses?

I have not read any of them, but I know that Julie definitely read When Breath Becomes Air, and I think also the one by Nina Riggs.

Did you or she see these books as ultimately a force for good?

Those books, of course, werent out back in 2013. Back in 2013, [they] wouldve been helpful to me. Reading [the blogs] back then, I was almost left feeling inadequate, like: Oh my God. These people view [cancer] as a challenge. As an opportunity. They were written almost as though you had just been given a goal, like losing ten pounds. [Whereas] my every thought was pretty much, Holy shit. Youve been told that theres a 80 to 90 percent chance that this person you thought you were going to spend your life with, youre going to spend the next two to four years with.

At some point in the book, Julie comes to accept whats going to happen to her. Have you come to your own new understanding of death?

Its maybe slightly less frightening to me than it was before. Julie didnt really come from religion, but she had an Eastern philosophical mind in that sense. She wasnt afraid of death. I think everyones a little bit afraid, but she wasnt  even long before she was sick. I, on the other hand, was completely terrified of it. I struggled with belief in an afterlife. Watching her, I always wondered what it would be like when it actually happened. [She] was fairly peaceful when she slipped away  so in some ways that did diminish my fear. But I dont know if its really answered any of my deeper questions about the afterlife.

You have your whole life to decide how you feel about this.

Yeah, I was gonna say, Get back to me in 40 years, I hope. And Ill let you know when Im talking with God.

Something that really struck me was how practical Julie is. She talks so much about just wanting to set you up for success after shes gone. Its very loving.

It was an act of love, no doubt. We both, in different ways, are very type-A, organized people. She left me lots of checklists, and for the first six weeks after she died, I would sit there for 10, 12 hours a day going through all the lists. It made me think about how life carries on no matter what. There are one or two pictures that are different now, and if she walked into the apartment I sometimes think about this  Im sure shed look around.

Is there anything that you want people to know about Julie that they cant understand from reading this book?

I think that Julie was probably the bravest person that I ever met. Its not just the vision issue. Its not just her grandmother. She was an incredibly adventurous person who traveled all seven continents by the time she was 30. I know that some could read the book and think she was harsh. She had some tough edges, but Julie was ultimately a kind, loving family person. I hope it comes through in the book.

It does.

We had a wonderful a marriage, and I was very grateful for it. Just wish it could have been a whole lot longer. I mean, shit, I miss her.

This interview has been edited and condensed.
FX Networks boss John Landgraf. Photo: David Buchan/Variety/Shutterstock

FX Networks chief John Landgraf is once again lashing out at Netflix, this time taking issue with the streaming giants decision to self-report viewership numbers for a handful of titles, including Sex Education and You. Appearing in front of journalists at the TV Critics Association winter press tour in Pasadena on Monday, Landgraf accused Netflix of both misrepresenting the actual audience for its shows and creating a false impression of how its programming slate is performing with its subscribers. When applying industry standard, accepted metrics to all their programming, the list of shows on their platform that would be considered commercial failures is long, and their true batting average would be viewed as unimpressive, the exec argued. It was a stunningly direct attack, even for a longtime Netflix skeptic such as Landgraf.

Landgrafs latest charge was sparked by Netflixs decision last month to pepper its fourth-quarter earnings letter to shareholders with some carefully selected data points about recent programs. Breaking from its usual custom of not disclosing specific numbers about how its shows perform, the streamer told shareholders (and thus the world at large) that its recently acquired Lifetime drama You and its new dramedy Sex Education were on track to be seen in 40 million member homes within their first month on the service. The numbers look really big and provoke the notion that many shows on their platform are gigantic hits that are watched more than the shows on broadcast or basic cable, Landgraf said. However, if you dig a little deeper, Netflix is not telling you the whole story because the numbers they issue do not follow the universally understood television metric  which is average audience. Anyone whos read Netflixs statement about You would likely assume they were giving an average audience number because that is how scripted television has always been measured. They would simply think, Forty million households are watching You? Wow, I better check that out. It must be the biggest hit on TV.

It is not wrong of Landgraf to take issue with the idea that 40 million people  or even 40 million homes  have watched all of season one of You on Netflix. He is also 100 percent correct to note that Netflixs data and Nielsen ratings are two very different measurements and shouldnt be used to compare shows. Landgraf is similarly right to suspect that Netflix puts out numbers that paint its shows in the best possible light, because of course they do. (As Landgraf himself noted Monday, Networks have been touting their successes forever, while working equally hard to play down their failures.) Netflix absolutely benefits from the perception that it has a ton of must-watch shows: It drives folks to sign up for the service and helps convince current subscribers to stay. And as others have noted, Netflix also wants creators and actors to know that people are watching Netflix shows because, as important as money is to creative talent, knowing their work is being seen is not an insignificant motivation for what they do for a living.

But Landgrafs case gets weaker when he all but accuses Netflix of being a con artist deliberately trying to mislead the media, and, by extension, everyone else. Consider how he characterized Netflixs release of the numbers for You and Sex Education. After accurately quoting Netflixs shareholder letter announcing the 40 million figure for You, Landgraf made it seem as if the streamer was trying to pull a fast one on reporters and shareholders: Subsequently, Netflix clarified the statement by adding that their watch time meant that an individual Netflix account watched at least 70 percent of one of Yous ten episodes, he told reporters. A Netflix rep declined to comment on Landgrafs charges, but in fact, Netflix offered that important qualifier in the very same shareholder letter in which it revealed its 40 million number.

Further, even as Landgraf accurately noted that the ratings released by Netflix are not comparable with the Nielsen numbers regularly reported on by American media outlets (including Vulture), he then threw out his own set of misleading numbers. Citing Nielsens Subscription Video on Demand Content Ratings, the FX chief claimed that the average U.S. audience for You on Netflix was closer to 8 million viewers during its first month, while Sex Education had just over 3 million viewers in the States. While Nielsen is obviously a reputable and respectable company  its long been the gold standard for audience measurement in the U.S.  its SVOD ratings simply dont capture all of Netflixs actual audience. They dont count the not-insignificant number of Netflix members who stream via mobile devices or on their computers, and more importantly, they only measure American viewers. Netflix has more international subscribers than domestic, making any measurement that counts only U.S. eyeballs inherently incomplete. To be sure, Landgraf did specifically say U.S. viewers when citing the Nielsen Netflix numbers. But its pretty ironic that after accusing Netflix of trying to confuse shareholders and the media with misleading data, Landgraf arguably did the same thing on Monday. The result: Multiple industry trade publications and at least one major daily newspaper reported the 8 million and 3 million figures thrown out by Landgraf without noting that those figures dont include non-U.S. viewers.

Look, when Netflix characterizes the You audience by saying the show will be watched by 40 million member households, its definitely not telling the whole truth about a shows actual performance. But its also not engaging in unprecedented smoke-and-mirrors shenanigans, as Landgraf suggests. Instead, Netflix is offering the sort of bumper-sticker distillation networks use all the time to hype their performance. Just yesterday, CBS put out a press release noting that 149 million people had seen all or part of the Super Bowl, even though its average audience (also reported by the network in its release) was just over 100 million. Shady? Maybe! But networks use that bigger number because it gets across the message that lots of people are engaging with and sampling a show. Similarly, Netflixs grossly simplified numbers, as Vulture reported when they were first released, are best understood as a reflection of whether a show is getting sampled vs. being enthusiastically consumed. The fact that Netflix doesnt spell this out in bold letters clearly irks Landgraf, and thats understandable. The streamer is never going to win any awards for data transparency, and Landgraf is right to note that Netflix benefits from casual observers when comparing its 40 million figure with numbers that get reported by Nielsen. Landgraf benefited from the same dynamic Monday when he tossed out his glass-half-empty assessment of the audiences for You and Sex Education.

But its not Netflixs job to convey nuance and context when reporting its audience statistics. Thats the job of journalists. And much (though not all) of the reporting last month on Netflixs sudden data dump did put those stats into proper context, often including a healthy dose of skepticism about them. As much as Landgraf would like to make it seem as if Netflixs PR spin goes unchallenged, theres been lots of good reporting in major publications that relayed the data Netflix offered with the proper big-picture perspective. Less praiseworthy: the flood of headlines and tweets that reduced the information Netflix released to 40 million people watched You on Netflix. But this is a problem that applies across the board these days, not just with Netflix. Likewise, those of us who cover TV need to avoid playing into the narrative that just because a show is successful for Netflix doesnt mean its some sort of massive game changer that represents a new paradigm for the TV industry. The Big Bang Theory gets over 17 million viewers every week, but you dont see a hundred stories about how CBS is reinventing TV comedy each time Nielsen releases numbers for the show.

As part of his latest Netflix sermon, Landgraf also got worked up about the perception that Netflix is some sort of hit factory. Because it keeps most of its audience data locked away from public view, he argued, Netflix creates an illusion of success it doesnt deserve. While a show like Stranger Things is a legit success, Netflix has also made and launched a multitude of consumer failures, the FX boss said. But by  failing to ever report a single strikeout, they undercut an accurate perception of their batting average and misrepresent the number and scale of their hits. And that perhaps is the point. By creating a myth that theyve used data to find the magic bullet  guaranteed commercial success  that has eluded everyone else since the creation of television, theyve given the impression that the vast majority of shows on their platform are working.

Landgraf is right that Netflix has not released audience numbers for its unsuccessful shows. One of the advantages for showrunners who bring their wares to a streaming service is that theres no daily report card, no embarrassing stories about a series generating a record low rating. (Megaproducer Ryan Murphy, whos made some of FXs biggest shows, cited this as one of the reasons he defected to the streamer in 2018: Its been a daily death having to get up in the morning and get your daily report card that you know is a lie, he told me last year.) But it seems myopic at best  and disingenuous at worst  to argue that Netflix doesnt report its failures. Every time it cancels a show after one season, Netflix is admitting that it launched a flop. When the service canceled Michelle Wolf and Joel McHales talk shows on the same day, it endured a social-media backlash for days, and a round of stories questioning its decision to get into the weekly talk-show game.

No doubt Netflix renews plenty of programs that dont get big audience tune-in, but Landgraf shouldnt be complaining about this, either. He knows full well that Netflixs business model isnt about aggregating the most number of eyeballs for individual shows, but rather adding and retaining subscribers and driving more hours of overall viewing. Similarly, FX Networks has long supported shows with so-so ratings (from The Americans to Youre the Worst) because, in addition to ad revenue, it relies on getting cable operators to pay it more in subscriber fees. The more FX and FXX have been seen as among the best networks on TV, the more theyve been able to charge cable companies. Netflix benefits from the same sort of virtuous cycle. Its no doubt annoying to Landgraf that a number of Netflix shows with middling or even small audiences get labeled as hits by reporters simply because they keep getting renewed or get a lot of tweets. But there are folks at NBC who no doubt chafe every time The Good Place is called a low-rated comedy while FXs Atlanta  with a substantially smaller audience  is painted as a hit.

To be clear, much of what Landgraf said to reporters on Monday was rooted in legitimate grievances. Netflix does get treated differently than traditional linear networks and benefits greatly from being able to hide basic facts about how its content is consumed by audiences. As someone whos been covering TV ratings for 25 years, I would love nothing more than to know exactly how Netflix subscribers watch (or dont watch) particular shows. But Netflixs ability to make a whole bunch of good-to-great shows available to hundreds of millions of people at a reasonable price without the tyranny of overnight ratings is a good thing for consumers and creatives. And while Landgraf  one of the most intelligent and thoughtful execs in Hollywood  is rightly concerned about Netflix getting too big and having too much control over what audiences see, the way to counter that very real problem is not to insist on exposing the streamers hidden ratings data. Its for other big media companies to invest heavily in creating their own streaming rivals to Netflix. Landgraf is aware of this, of course. Once Disney completes its purchase of 21st Century Fox, FX will become a part of Disney, which later this year will launch a new streaming service designed to take on Netflix directly. Heres a prediction: That new service wont release much ratings information, either.

This story has been updated to show that while Nielsen uses comparable methodology in its linear and SVOD ratings, its ratings for Netflix dont measure all of the streaming platforms audience.
Amber Ruffin on Comedy Centrals Drunk History. Photo: Comedy Central

Since 2014, Amber Ruffin has been bringing her extremely specific energy to Late Night With Seth Meyers. Nobody mixes goofy with angry in quite the same way. Especially since Trump was elected, Ruffin has often been the voice of Shit has been terrible, where have you been? on Late Night. The day after the election my colleagues were devastated, she wrote in InStyle. But I told them, The world has always been this way for black people. Join the fun! Ruffin is currently developing Village Gazette, a pilot presentation for NBC. Written by her and SNLs Shelly Gossman, the show will focus on Ruffin as the editor of a small-town newspaper. She butts heads with a disgraced journalist looking to expose the dark underbelly of the town that she loves so well.

As a storyteller on Drunk History, Ruffin explores that the world has always been hostile to black people but shows that theres still humor to be mined from the grotesque racism of old-timey white people. While telling the story of the Little Rock Nine, Ruffin makes time to remind us that the governor of Arkansas at the time had a name that sounds like fart bus. This man tacitly condoned the intimidation and/or murder of black children, and his name is a fart joke. The two ideas are both true, but couldnt be farther apart tonally. You need someone like Ruffin to bring them together. Check out the clip from tonights episode above:

Ahead of her return to Drunk History, we chatted with Ruffin about what preparation goes into drunkenly narrating a story on the show, the process of developing her own television series, and why being a late-night writer is the best and most ridiculous job there is.

What is the preparation for telling a story on Drunk History like? Both in terms of memorizing details and just getting your body right?

They will send you information about the story chosen. First they will ask you if you have any stories you would like to tell. And I always say no because I know I cant do as good a job at finding a good story as their history department can. So I always ask to be given a story.

They send you links to stories, videos if there are some. You can do research on your own. Especially for a story like the Little Rock Nine, its a story that you already know about. You can use your memoirs from seventh-grade history and stuff you learned on the internet! So you take time to learn it, and relearn it, and then they call you and ask you to tell the story sober. You tell them the story, and they say, Be sure to include this, or, We dont need that part. Usually its pretty great the way it is.

Its funny you said you can use your memory of seventh-grade history, because one of the main things I was taught in history class was that reconciliation between the Little Rock Nine and their white tormentors.

They were on Oprah! It was terrible, man.

That moment was taught to me as like a racism over signifier, and in your retelling you say it wasnt enough. Their apologies werent enough.

No. I mean, they were quite terrible. One of the grossest parts of fucking human history was them, foaming at the mouth and screaming. So, you know, fuck them forever. But the fact that they would come ask these people to forgive them, instead of dying quietly? You cant torment someone and be like, Hey, were on national TV, I want your forgiveness. No, fuck you. What you should want is to apologize, and then shut up. I just thought that took all the balls in the world, I swear.

Lets talk about Village Gazette.

Yay!

What drew you to the setting of a small-time paper?

I dont know how it ended up being a paper. The process is crazy. I remember it as me pitching a bunch of ideas, and then Seth being like, What if a disgraced lawyer had to work with you? And then me being like, What if it was a newspaper? Thats how I remember it going, but I could be wrong.

So the germ of the idea was 

Someone is disgraced, and they have to work with me. And I have to, for some reason, pretend that everything is fine.

Youve said before that ignoring your anger is denying your full humanity, and it sounds like your character in this is ignoring her own anger.

Oh, absolutely. Thats a huge part of it. But people expect other folks to act exactly the way theyd act. You know what I mean? My dad, Im sure, experiences anger. But Ive never seen it. I dont think hes walking around with bottled-up anger. I just think when he feels angry, it doesnt look or sound the same as when you or I might feel angry. But I think the character that Im playing definitely has a tough time expressing her anger. But at the same time, shes probably a little like my dad, in that she processes it differently.

So whats the next step? Do you start shooting soon?

Well, what happened is that we got picked up for a pilot presentation, which means we get half of a pilot. So there will be six full 22-minute pilots that they will shoot, and then theyll show ours seventh. Well turn it in just under the wire  [Laughs.]  But itll be ten minutes long. Its a very regular thing that happens. But it just truly makes me laugh. Because they chose six shows, and with each show they chose, we thought Well, its not us. Its not us. And then once they chose six  and we knew they were going to choose six  we thought, Thats the sixth one. Its not us. Too bad, so sad. Lets start thinking about next year. Then we got a call that we were getting picked up to pilot, but a pilot presentation. So it makes this very cool underdog vibe that we all kind of feel. Honestly, I think its pretty neat.

Do you feel like very cool underdog vibe is a through line in the work youve done?

[Laughs.] Maybe. I just feel like Im a very spoiled person. I certainly dont feel like Ive had it rough, or that Ive had a harder time. Even though thats probably true, depending on how you look at it. Every day I get told, Hey, were going to do this thing that was your idea, and these adults are going to buy clothes for you to wear, and other adults are going to build a set, blah blah blah. So I dont know what could happen to me to make me feel like Im being slighted. I truly dont. I think thats what goes back to me being this character, and not being as angry as I should be. Because things are so good, I cannot feel slighted. I dont have it. Everything I get to do is so ridiculous. I cant believe I get to do this shit.

Isnt that the best part of being a writer? All of a sudden, seeing the machinery of sets and costumes and props being set into motion for the silly thing you came up with?

Its truly the best part. It is truly the best part. People you have never seen in your life call you up and say, Well, this is what I think about the dinosaur. Hes not realistic enough. How do you have an opinion about something that I scribbled down on a notepad in the middle of the night? Its crazy!
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Sherry Olson, age 67, of Alexandria, died on Friday, June 11, 2021. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Bethesda Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at West Moe Cemetery. Arrangements are with the 
Some Zimbabweans on Monday staged peaceful protests outside Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, where Vice President Retired General Constantino Chiwenga is said to be receiving treatment for an unknown ailment.

The protesters demanded that Chiwenga should go back to Zimbabwe to receive treatment in one of the hospitals that have been allegedly run down by the ruling Zanu PF party, which has been in power since the nation attained independence from British rule in 1980.

One of the organizers of the protest, Tinashe Chifamba, said Chiwenga should leave for Zimbabwe to receive treatment.

He has been part of the political system that has destroyed our hospitals. Why should he come here to get treatment when he is running a country together with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and they believe they are doing the right thing. He should go back and taste his own medicine. Our hospitals are simply run down.

Another protester, Nomore Bhero, said Zimbabweans are unhappy about the vice presidents admission in a South African hospital where he is seeking medical care while millions of people back home dont have access to medical services due to high costs and derelict equipment.

Why is he here. He must go back home. We dont want him here. He has also been terrorizing our doctors and nurses who were on strike demanding better working conditions and salaries in United States dollars.

According the United States Library of Medicine (National Institutes of Health), human allogeneic heart transplantation was started at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town in 1967.

Since then 110 hearts (61 heterotopic and 49 orthotopic) and 12 heart-lung transplantations have been performed in the unit. Ten procedures were retransplantations including two third interventions  The results have improved significantly over the years. The actuarial survival rate after heart transplantation within the last 12 months is 94%. Several important steps have been inaugurated: in 1973 heterotopic heart transplantation was initiated and in 1984 hormonal therapy of brain-dead organ donors was started. Radionuclide scanning, in combination with endomyocardial biopsies, has proved to be a very sensitive means of monitoring rejection.

Dr. Christiaan Neethling Barnard led a team at Groote Schuur Hospital in 1967 which conducted the first human heart transplant.
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Governor of Virginia Ralph Northam, a Democrat, is under pressure to resign after a conservative website published a photo from his medical school yearbook showing an unidentified person in blackface and an unidentified person in a Ku Klux Klan hood on Northam's page.
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Tonight on The Connection @8pm we are focusing on the military crackdown on protesters in Zimbabwe which has forced some young people to leave the country to seek refuge in neighboring nations.
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A prominent Kenya newspaper reports that top officials may have imperiled key strategic assets when it signed a 2014 contract deal with China for the countrys Standard Gauge Railway. Salem Solomon has the story.
Zambia's profitable copper mining industry is making its citizens poor, an explosive new report by a southern African research organization says. The report by Southern Africa Resource Watch examined conditions in the community around one mine in northwestern Zambia, where they say they found the vast wealth is not being spread to the surrounding community. And this situation, they say, is a tale told across mineral-rich communities in Africa.

Report author Edward Lange said the organization chose to investigate that mine because the Canadian owner, which is Zambias highest corporate taxpayer, has a good reputation.



But then, what we discovered, was that the wealth that Kansanshi Mine extracts does not match the poverty, the disorder, the poor social conditions which is prevailing in the shantytown of Solwezi, he said. It is a provincial capital of the northwestern province of Zambia, but it could be termed to be a shantytown. ...Theyve polluted, theyve displaced people in the community, facilities theyve provided cannot quench the amount of pollution theyve caused on the community.



VOA sought comment from First Quantum Minerals, but it did not reply. On its website, the company said it had found that the operations contribute almost 4 percent of the total economic value added to the countries in which we operate.

FILE - Workers are pictured at a mine in Bindura t FILE - Workers are pictured at a mine in Bindura town, Zambia, Feb. 7, 2015. FILE - Workers are pictured at a mine in Bindura town, Zambia, Feb. 7, 2015.

Measured purely by its underground wealth, copper- and gold-rich Zambia should be one of the worlds richest nations. In 2018 it exported more than $700 million worth of copper, which accounted for most of Africas copper exports.

But above ground is a different story. The average citizen brings in just $1,500 a year, according to the World Bank.

Lange spoke to VOA from the sidelines of Africas main mining conference, held this week in Cape Town. But Lange was not attending the Mining Indaba, the high-powered annual gathering of Africas industry chiefs and investors. He spoke from the Alternative Mining Indaba, a grass roots meeting of mining-affected communities, faith-based organizations and rights groups.



This is a sad African story of a big investment where the communities are not benefiting, he said. Its a failure, you know, the failure to use the abundant mineral resources to transform the lives of the people is what is worrying us. And this is at the center of discussions across the continent.

But the nations mining minister, Richard Musukwa, painted a rosier picture. He spoke from the sidelines of the Mining Indaba.



The effect of the mining industry on Zambia and its communities has been overwhelmingly positive, he told VOA. It has brought jobs, growth, education and infrastructure development. Where there is wrongdoings, breaches of regulation or abuse of the Zambian people and unsafe mining methods, this government will actively and immediately intervene to ensure that the lives of our people are guaranteed.



So where does that wide disconnect come from? Lange blames the gap between the governments strong words and its ability to enforce them, and added that mining companies often implement changes in the surrounding areas without consulting the community. He said one of the main messages from activists at this years mining gathering is that mining giants need to collaborate more with communities.






Why do presidents give a State of the Union address?

The U.S. Constitution, Article II, Section 3, Clause 1, requires the president "from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient."

Where and when does the speech take place?

- The speech takes place in the House chamber in front of members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Diplomatic Corps and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

- A House concurrent resolution sets aside the day and time for a Joint Session for the president to deliver his remarks.

- Until 1934, the Annual Message, as it was previously called, was delivered every December. Since then the address has been delivered in January or February.

Who delivered the first State of the Union address?

Delivered by George Washington on January 8, 1790, the speech was reportedly just 833 words long, the shortest address in U.S. history.

Is it always delivered in-person?



- No. In 1801 Thomas Jefferson sent written copies of his first address to both houses of Congress to be read by each chamber's clerks.

- The practice of sending written copies to Congress continued for more than a century. Woodrow Wilson resumed the practice of delivering it in person in 1913.

How has technology changed how the speech is delivered?

- Calvin Coolidge gave the first radio broadcast of the address in 1923.

- The first televised address was in 1947, by Harry Truman.

- In 2002, George W. Bush's speech made history as the first address made available live on the Internet.

When was the first opposition response?

- The first official, televised opposition response to a presidents annual message occurred in 1966.

- Since 1982, it has become customary for the opposition party, usually members of Congress, to provide responses.

When did the tradition of inviting special guests begin?

- Ronald Reagan was the first president to invite special guests to sit beside the first lady and recognize them during the speech, in 1982.

- This year the special guests will be a Syrian refugee and a Muslim former U.S. soldier.

What is a 'designated survivor'?

- A designated survivor is appointed for every State of The Union address. This is a member of the president's Cabinet who will assume the presidency in the event of a catastrophic disaster that takes out the country's leaders and the line of succession.

- The survivor, whose identity is kept secret, is selected several weeks before the president's speech. On the day of the address, they are taken to a secret location and remain under security until the president returns to the White House and other leaders disperse from the Capitol.
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA - Lingering doubts over Gov. Ralph Northam's political future after the publication of a racist yearbook photo could propel an African-American political newcomer into the governor's mansion.



If Northam stepped down, Justin Fairfax would be the second African-American governor in Virginia's history and just the fourth in the entire United States since Reconstruction.



Fairfax has experienced a brief, meteoric rise through Virginia politics. His supporters have touted him as a fresh face whose charisma has allowed him to connect with voters. His detractors suggest he is unproven and inexperienced.



His ascension could mean that the racial scandal dogging Northam would end with an African-American governor trying to lead the Democratic Party to a takeover of the legislature in November and potentially, through a quirk of law, being able to serve more than one term.



On Monday, Fairfax was drawn into a controversy of his own. He denied an allegation of sexual misconduct first reported by a conservative website, calling it a "smear." Fairfax said the 2004 encounter with a woman was consensual. The Associated Press is not reporting the accusation because AP has not able to confirm it.



The Washington Post said Monday that it was approached by the woman in 2017, carefully investigated, but didn't publish the accusations. The Post said the woman had not told anyone about it, the account could not be corroborated, Fairfax denied it and the Post was unable to find other allegations against him.

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, center right, sp Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, center right, speaks to the media in the rotunda in front of the statue of George Washington at the Capitol in Richmond, Virginia, Feb. 4, 2019. Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, center right, speaks to the media in the rotunda in front of the statue of George Washington at the Capitol in Richmond, Virginia, Feb. 4, 2019.

The 39-year-old lieutenant governor has held elected office for only one year. A descendant of slaves, he carried a copy of his ancestor's manumission papers with him as he was sworn in. Since then, he has become best known in Virginia for refusing to preside over the Senate chamber as lawmakers offered tributes to Confederate leaders on Virginia's Lee-Jackson Day, in January. He said he stepped off the dais to honor his family.



Before entering politics, Fairfax served for two years as a federal prosecutor in Alexandria, a prestigious outpost within the Department of Justice that handles numerous high-profile cases. He did not work on any of those cases, however.



Gene Rossi, a 30-year veteran of the Justice Department and one of the prosecutors who helped train Fairfax, said the lieutenant governor has "an incredibly acute legal mind" and is a quick study who could "hit the ground running."



"I think he has what it takes to become governor and lead us out of this," Rossi said in a phone interview Monday morning, before Fairfax addressed the sexual assault allegation publicly.



Fairfax and Rossi ended up as opponents in the 2017 Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, which Fairfax won handily.



Political observers say Fairfax would have an enormous learning curve ahead of him as Virginia's governor.



His biggest challenge would be building effective relationships with the legislature, something it took Northam years to do before he was able to achieve such accomplishments as passing Medicaid expansion last year.



"Is he capable of doing this? Yes, he's a smart person and organized, has some good people around him," Quentin Kidd, a political science professor at Christopher Newport University, said of Fairfax. "But this is an enormous job. A large part of the job is building relationship over time."



Fairfax graduated from Duke University and Columbia Law School. He worked for Tipper Gore during Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign. He also worked for former Sen. John Edwards.



A native of Annandale, his first run for office came in 2013, when he ran for attorney general against Mark Herring, a state senator who was much better known in Democratic political circles. Herring won, but Fairfax got 48 percent of the vote and impressed party leaders as a potential up-and-comer. He stayed active in Democratic politics and campaigned heavily for U.S. Sen. Mark Warner in his narrow re-election bid in 2014.



During the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, Republican opponent Jill Holtzmann Vogel attacked Fairfax's lack of experience. At one debate, she said he was not sufficiently informed to "talk intelligently" about issues. Democrats saw the remark as an unfair attack with racial overtones.



Fairfax won with nearly 53 percent of the vote as Democrats, including Northam, swept all three statewide elections in 2017.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam pauses during a news c Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam pauses during a news conference in the Governor's Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Feb. 2, 2019. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam pauses during a news conference in the Governor's Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Feb. 2, 2019.

Should Northam resign, Fairfax would have the unusual opportunity in 2021 to seek another term as governor since he was not elected in the first place. Virginia law only allows governors to be elected to a single four-year term.



"This scenario could not only create Virginia's second African-American governor, but an environment where the second African-American governor would have the opportunity to have almost a seven-year term," said University of Mary Washington political science professor Stephen Farnsworth. The state's first African-American governor, Douglas Wilder, served from 1990 to 1994.
WASHINGTON - A key Senate committee approved U.S. President Donald Trump's new pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday, putting the former coal lobbyist a step closer to becoming the permanent head of America's top environmental regulator.

Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, a Washington insider with years of experience in Congress, was nominated by Trump last month to replace Scott Pruitt, who resigned in July after widespread criticism for alleged ethical missteps.



His nomination has cheered business interests keen to see reduced regulation, but upset Democrats and conservation groups worried that environmental rollbacks under the Trump administration are going too far.

The Republican-controlled U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works voted in favor of advancing Wheeler's nomination. A full Senate vote must now be scheduled to complete his confirmation.

"Mr. Wheeler has done an outstanding job as the acting administrator over the past six months," Republican Senator John Barrasso, chairman of the committee said.

Shelley Moore Capito, Republican Senator from West Virginia said Wheeler worked to improve transparency at the agency.

Wheeler was not present at the meeting.

While running EPA on an interim basis, Wheeler continued his predecessor's efforts to strip away red tape on industry, including by weakening Obama-era rules limiting carbon and mercury emissions from power plants, and advancing an initiative to lift a summertime ban on higher ethanol blends of gasoline that was enacted to curb smog.



During his confirmation hearing last month, Wheeler also said he did not believe climate change was not a major crisis  a stance that resonates with Trump's skepticism but which clashes with the scientific consensus that global warming will

have devastating consequences if not addressed urgently.

Trump has repeatedly cast doubt on climate change science, including from scientists within his own government, and has indicated his intention to withdraw from a global pact to fight it because he says would be too costly for U.S. companies.

Wheeler  like Pruitt  held nearly 20 times more meetings with industry representatives than with conservationists during his first two months on the job, according to a copy of his schedule reviewed by Reuters.

"In many instances, Mr. Wheeler has gone further than his predecessor in his rejection of important measures that are supported by a broad list of environmentalists and industry," Democrat Senator Tom Carper, ranking member of the committee said in his opening remarks.
WASHINGTON - The U.S.-led coalition fighting against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq Monday denied it faced a head-to-head encounter with the Iran-backed militia known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in the Nineveh province of Iraq.

The Shiite militia in Iraq alleged its fighters Friday prevented the American troops within the anti-IS coalition from conducting a field operation inside the city of Mosul.

"The patrol referenced was routine and there was no confrontation," Col. Sean Ryan, a spokesperson for the U.S.-led coalition, told VOA in an email.

"The coalition is here at the invitation of the Iraqi government and this was coordinated with the Iraqi Security Forces," he said.

The coalition spokesperson did not disclose more information about the operation.

Map of Iraq showing provinces of al-Anbar and Nine Map of Iraq showing provinces of al-Anbar and Nineveh Map of Iraq showing provinces of al-Anbar and Nineveh

Abu Jaffar al-Shabaki, the head of PMF's 30th Brigade, in a press conference Saturday said the U.S. troops were surveying Mosul city and filming neighborhoods with video recorders. He alleged PMF fighters stopped the survey operation after U.S. troops reached the Presidential Palace area near the Mosul Hotel where a PMF headquarter is based.

"These patrols reveal the presence of U.S. ground troops in Iraq, contrary to what is claimed as otherwise by some," said al-Shabaki, warning that "any future move of the U.S. forces will have serious repercussions, and cannot be accepted at all"

Ridwan al-Anzi, the deputy head of PMF's Nineveh Operations, claimed the U.S. troops ended their survey operation after the PMF warned them and blocked the road leading into the Presidential Palace area.

"Our response created a state of observable panic and extreme fear among them, which led them to request air cover in anticipation of any action against them," al-Anzi said in the press conference Saturday.

Members of Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces demon Members of Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces demonstrate their skills during a military exercise at a graduation ceremony in Basra, Iraq Jan. 31, 2019. Members of Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces demonstrate their skills during a military exercise at a graduation ceremony in Basra, Iraq Jan. 31, 2019.

PMF video

The PMF media accounts and Iran's state-backed news channel Press TV released a video allegedly showing the PMF militia stopping the U.S. patrol. The footage showed armored vehicles with PMF green flags blocking a road as armed men in military uniform, claimed to be U.S. troops, passed by.

VOA could not independently confirm the authenticity of the video.

This is not the first time the Iran-backed militants in Iraq claim to have challenged the U.S. troops in Iraq. The PMF last month claimed it prevented another U.S. survey in Anbar province. The U.S.-led coalition told VOA then that the operation, which was coordinated with the Iraqi security forces occurred without incident.

Absolutely momentous.American troops pass through a checkpoint which was purposefully set-up by the Hashd Al-Shaabi near a joint ops HQ in #Mosul in order to underline their opposition to the US presence.One wrong move and the whole of #Iraq couldve been set on fire. pic.twitter.com/nIKhbrXk8M  H. Sumeri (@IraqiSecurity) February 2, 2019

PMF

The PMF is an umbrella organization of several Shiite militias formed in 2014 after the Iraqi army fled the area following IS attacks. The group includes U.S. terror-designated militias, such as Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq and the Badr organization, and Iran-friendly parties such as the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq.

U.S. officials consider the group a regional proxy of Iran that is increasingly threatening and provoking American troops in Iraq and Syria.

An assessment of the U.S. anti-IS operations by the Pentagon's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) last November reported that Iran-backed militias were likely behind two attacks targeting U.S. facilities in Iraq last September, including mortar attacks that targeted Baghdad's Green Zone and landed near the U.S. embassy, and rocket attacks that targeted the Basra Airport, near the U.S. consulate.

The PMF says the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq is a violation of Iraq's sovereignty and has constantly threatened action against them if they refuse to withdraw. Qais al-Khazali, a powerful PMF leader known for his anti-American sentiment, told Associated Press last week that he expects the Iraqi parliament to vote in favor of U.S. troops withdrawal in coming months.

FILE - U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to repor FILE - U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing a proclamation declaring his intention to withdraw from the JCPOA Iran nuclear agreement in the Diplomatic Room at the White House in Washington, May 8, 2018. FILE - U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing a proclamation declaring his intention to withdraw from the JCPOA Iran nuclear agreement in the Diplomatic Room at the White House in Washington, May 8, 2018.

US-Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump has, however, stated his country's troops will remain in Iraq to counter Iran's threats.

He said the troops would soon be moving to the huge Al Asad Airbase in Iraq's Anbar province and that their new tasks would include protecting Israel and keeping an eye on Iran, which his administration has accused of being the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism and of wanting to acquire nuclear weapons.

In a CBS interview broadcast Sunday, Trump said U.S. troops withdrawing from neighboring Syria would soon be moved to the huge al-Asad Airbase in Iraq's Anbar province with a new mission of protecting Israel and countering Iran.

"We spent a fortune on building this incredible base. We might as well keep it," he said. "And one of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem."

The comment by the U.S. president caused uproar among Iraqi officials, with the Iraqi President Barham Saleh Monday asking the U.S. "don't overburden us with your Iran issues."
CAPITOL HILL - From Russia to Venezuela, U.S. lawmakers highlighted weighty global concerns and American foreign-policy challenges on the eve of President Donald Trump's State of the Union address to Congress.

A top Democrat on Monday savaged Trump's handing of matters on the world stage.

"Tomorrow, the president will say, predictably, that the state of our union is strong," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said. "But the truth is  the state of the president's foreign policy is incoherent, inconsistent, cynical in the extreme, and has undermined American power and our national interest."

Schumer added, "Russia, China, North Korea  three of the worst and least democratic countries on Earth, the countries that pose the greatest threat to America  they are treated with kid gloves, while our allies, like those in NATO, get harsh words from this president. It's inside-out, it's topsy-turvy."

Not so, according to Nebraska Republican Sen. Deb Fischer, who pointed to the Trump administration's decision to withdraw the United States from the 1980s-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with the former Soviet Union, calling it a "tough but correct" decision.

Nebraska Primary Senate FILE - Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill, April 8, 2014. FILE - Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill, April 8, 2014.

"The administration is right to leave the agreement, and responsibility for the failure of the INF Treaty lies squarely with Russia," Fischer said. "The United States must now take additional steps to ensure that Russia derives no military advantage from its blatant violation of this accord. We must impose costs on Russia. Again, they are building banned weapons systems. We are not."

Trump's decision, which he is likely to highlight in the foreign policy portion of Tuesday's address, has sparked grave concerns from Democrats.

"I have no doubt that Russia is in violation of the INF Treaty," Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware said in a statement. "I am concerned, though, that the Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the treaty without a clear plan for bringing Russia back into compliance will lead to a new arms race and endanger the people of the United States and Europe."

Troops in Syria

Trump is preparing his speech weeks after announcing a planned U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria, hailing progress in the fight against Islamic State.

On Monday, the Senate continued to debate a Middle East policy bill, including a Republican amendment expressing concern over precipitous military withdrawals from Syria and Afghanistan.

"We simply cannot afford to leave a vacuum in places where terrorists  can lodge, grow, train, and then export their terrorist attacks," Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn said, urging the administration "not to take our foot off the gas pedal" in the fight against violent extremists.

FILE - Majority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas, takes q FILE - Majority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas, takes questions during a TV news interview on Capitol Hill in Washington, April 26, 2018. FILE - Majority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas, takes questions during a TV news interview on Capitol Hill in Washington, April 26, 2018.

But another Republican, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, applauded Trump's announcement.

"We stand with you @realDonaldTrump! Time to declare victory, end these wars and focus on rebuilding our own homeland. Don't listen to the naysayers in the swamp, you are making the right decision!" Paul tweeted.

Democrat Chris Murphy also opposes the amendment, but for very different reasons. On Twitter, the Connecticut senator urged his colleagues to "read every word of the amendment," adding that he fears open-ended troop commitments in the Islamic world will lay the groundwork "for an unauthorized war with Iran."

Venezuela crisis

Turmoil in Venezuela is also on lawmakers' minds, with members of both parties broadly standing behind the Trump administration's embrace of opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio wants the administration to go further.

"(Thirteen) European nations now recognize Interim President @jguaido as legitimate leader of #Venezuela. Next logical steps: - seize #MaduroRegime assets in their respective countries & place at the disposal of the legitimate govt; and - contribute to intl humanitarian relief efforts," Rubio tweeted.

Many Democrats are satisfied with Trump's steps regarding Venezuela, but add a note of caution.

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., speaks to members of th FILE - Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., speaks to members of the media on Capitol Hill in Washington, Nov. 28, 2018. FILE - Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., speaks to members of the media on Capitol Hill in Washington, Nov. 28, 2018.

"The United States must use all of its economic and political tools to continue supporting the restoration of democracy in Venezuela," New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, wrote in an opinion piece for the Miami Herald newspaper. "However, it would be a huge mistake for the Trump administration to miscalculate in any way, leading to a military intervention involving U.S. troops."

Menendez added, "Such a move, while Trumpesque in its fire and fury, would be a death blow to the very credibility of Venezuela's burgeoning democratic movement. The freedom of the Venezuelan people can only come from their own hands."
The U.S. special envoy for North Korea will meet with his North Korean counterpart on Wednesday in Pyongyang to prepare for a summit later this month between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the U.S. State Department said on Monday.

U.S. envoy Stephen Biegun said last week he aimed in working-level negotiations with his new North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol to map out "a set of concrete deliverables" for the second summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Biegun said he would be aiming for "a roadmap of negotiations and declarations going forward, and a shared understanding of the desired outcomes of our joint efforts."

An unprecedented first summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un last June in Singapore yielded a vague commitment by Kim to work toward the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, where U.S. troops have been stationed since the 1950-53 Korean War.

In the U.S. view, Pyongyang has yet to take concrete steps to give up a nuclear weapons program that threatens the United States, while North Korea has complained that Washington has done little to reciprocate its freezing of nuclear and missile testing and dismantling of some nuclear facilities.

Pyongyang has repeatedly urged a lifting of punishing U.S.-led sanctions, a formal end to the war, and security guarantees.

On Thursday, Biegun said Kim Jong Un had committed during an October visit by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to the dismantling and destruction his country's plutonium and uranium enrichment facilities in return for "corresponding measures" from the United States.

Biegun said such corresponding steps would be the subject of this week's talks and Washington was willing to discuss "many actions" to improve ties and entice Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. At the same time, he set out an extensive list of demands, including a full disclosure of North Korea's arms program.

Biegun held talks with South Korean officials in Seoul on Sunday and Monday.

Trump on Thursday hailed "tremendous progress" in his dealings with North Korea and said the date and location of a second summit would be announced "early next week" - probably during his State of the Union speech on Tuesday.

Vietnam's central resort town of Danang has been seen as the most likely location.

The director of U.S. national intelligence, Dan Coats, told Congress on Tuesday that North Korea was unlikely to give up all its nuclear weapons and has continued activity inconsistent with pledges to denuclearize.
UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations Security Council urged the warring parties in Yemen on Monday to withdraw forces from the country's main port of Hodeida and two other ports "without further delays."

Representatives from both parties met for a second day on a ship on the Red Sea on Monday, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, in a U.N.-led push to implement the stalled troop withdrawal which was agreed at December talks in Sweden.

"Both parties have reiterated their commitment to implementing the Hodeida aspects of the Stockholm agreement," Dujarric said.

The warring parties were meant to withdraw their forces by Jan. 7 as part of efforts to avert a full-scale assault on Hodeida, but have failed to do so as the Iranian-aligned Houthi group and the Saudi-backed government disagree on who should control the city and ports.

A Sunni Muslim Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intervened in Yemen in 2015 to try to restore the government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after it was ousted from power in the capital Sanaa by the Houthis in 2014.

The truce has largely held in Hodeida, but clashes have increased in recent weeks. Violence has continued in other parts of the country not subject to the deal.

In a statement on Monday, the 15-member U.N. Security Council expressed concern at allegations of violations of the ceasefire. In a Jan. 31 letter to the council, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen accused the Houthis of 970 violations since Dec. 18.

"The members of the Security Council called on the parties to seize this opportunity to move towards sustainable peace by exercising restraint, de-escalating tensions, honoring their commitment to the Stockholm Agreement and moving forward with swift implementation," the council said.

The council asked U.N. Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths "to continue to keep them closely informed of developments so that they may consider further action as necessary in support of a political settlement."
GENEVA - The United Nations, together with the internationally recognized Government of National Accord in Libya, are appealing for more than $200 million to provide lifesaving assistance to 550,000 vulnerable people, nearly half of them children.

The United Nations reports more than 823,000 people across Libya, including a quarter of a million children, are in need of humanitarian assistance. After seven years of instability, it says thousands of families are unable to afford food, water and basic household items.

Among the needy are internally displaced people, those affected by conflict, and host communities. Spokesman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Jens Laerke, says some of the most vulnerable are refugees and migrants who face grave human rights violations and abuse in this lawless country.

The majority of people in need are in highly populated urban areas in the western and eastern regions of Libya. However, people with the most critical and severe needs are in the coastal area of Sirte and in the southern parts of the country where access is difficult, due to instability, Laerke said.

There has been a power vacuum in Libya since 2011 when the countrys dictator, Moammar Gadhafi, was toppled. The country splintered into two rival political and military factions in 2014. U.N. aid agencies have access to more than half-a-million people in need of humanitarian assistance who are living under the control of the Internationally-recognized government in the capital Tripoli.

However, it is unable to reach hundreds of thousands of people living in dire straits in Sirte and southern coastal areas. This, because they are ruled by the opposing government, which has its seat in the eastern city of Tobruk.

OCHA spokesman, Laerke says priority needs include food, special nutrition for malnourished children, health and education. He says the provision of water and sanitation in overcrowded and unsanitary detention centers is critical. He says education support is planned for the thousands of children and adolescents whose education has been disrupted.
The denunciations began within hours of the disclosure that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's medical school yearbook page featured a person in blackface standing next to a person in a Ku Klux Klan outfit. Democratic activists and presidential contenders quickly called for his resignation. By the time the Democratic governor held a press conference to defend himself, both the national and state party had also demanded he leave. Virginia Governor Clings to Office Amid Uncertainty, Furor Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam clung to his office Tuesday amid intense political fallout over a racist photo in his 1984 medical school yearbook and uncertainty about the future of the state's government.Nearly all of the state's Democratic establishment has turned against the 59-year-old Democrat after the picture surfaced late last week of someone in blackface next to another person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe. Nationally, Democrats have denounced Northam, too, but no one from his Cabinet has Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam clung to his office Tuesday amid intense political fallout over a racist photo in his 1984 medical school yearbook and uncertainty about the future of the state's government.Nearly all of the state's Democratic establishment has turned against the 59-year-old Democrat after the picture surfaced late last week of someone in blackface next to another person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe. Nationally, Democrats have denounced Northam, too, but no one from his Cabinet has

Northam has refused to step down so far  he says he's not in the photo. But the pressure he faces highlights his party's insistence on policing its own when it comes to wrongdoing related to race and, in some cases, sexual misconduct. As the Republican Party has frequently shied away from disciplining or expelling its own members, Democrats have largely embraced a hard line.



That stance allows Democrats to draw a stark contrast with President Donald Trump and other Republicans who have made racist or sexist remarks. It's also a response to the demands of an increasingly diverse Democratic Party whose staunchest supporters are African-Americans and women, whose last president was a black man and who has two black people, one Latino and several women running for president.



"We can't call out Donald Trump, we can't call out Steve King, if we're not walking the talk," said Karine Jean-Pierre of MoveOn, a group founded in the late '90s to fight impeachment proceedings against President Bill Clinton over his affair with a White House intern.

FILE - Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, talks with a repor FILE - Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, talks with a reporter on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 27, 2018. FILE - Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, talks with a reporter on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 27, 2018.

The contrast with King, an Iowa Republican congressman, is one Democrats are eager to make. King had a long history of controversial rhetoric about immigrants, but it wasn't until he defended white supremacy in an interview with The New York Times last month that Republicans in Congress moved to strip him of committee assignments and called for his resignation.



U.S. President Barack Obama (R) greets President-e FILE - U.S. President Barack Obama (R) greets President-elect Donald Trump at inauguration ceremonies swearing in Trump as president on the West front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 20, 2017. FILE - U.S. President Barack Obama (R) greets President-elect Donald Trump at inauguration ceremonies swearing in Trump as president on the West front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 20, 2017.

Looming even larger is Trump, who fanned the racist conspiracy that Barack Obama wasn't born in the United States, said a federal judge couldn't rule on a lawsuit against him because he was "Mexican," has been accused of sexual wrongdoing by 19 women and reportedly used a profanity to describe countries that send black immigrants to the U.S.



When it comes to Trump, a 72-year-old white New York billionaire, contrast is everything for Democrats. On Tuesday, they'll answer his State of the Union address with a response from Georgia's Stacey Abrams, a 45-year-old who narrowly lost her bid last year to become America's first black female governor. They'll invite guests who represent key Democratic agenda items  climate and the environment, immigration, LBGTQ rights, the plight of federal workers  to watch from the gallery.



The distinction from Trump is especially crucial for Democratic presidential contenders. All the declared candidates  and most of those eyeing a campaign  called on Northam to resign. There have been precious few Northam defenders, but a handful argue he is being prejudged. Former Virginia Rep. Jim Moran decried "a rush to judgment" on CNN on Monday, while former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman told the cable network that Northam "has a chance to prove what is his essence, not to rush him out of office for what is, unfortunately, political reasons."



Some Democrats bristle at the notion that politics played any role in the revulsion at Northam. "Booting electeds from office who have worn blackface is not about purity," said Rebecca Katz, a Democratic strategist. "It's about what's right."



Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., leaves the Capitol after FILE - Then-Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., leaves the Capitol after speaking on the Senate floor, Dec. 7, 2017, on Capitol Hill in Washington. FILE - Then-Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., leaves the Capitol after speaking on the Senate floor, Dec. 7, 2017, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

The last prominent elected Democrat pushed out of office by his own party was Al Franken, the Minnesota senator who resigned after weeks of internal pressure over sexual harassment allegations in 2017. The Franken departure came as Democrats were still smarting over Trump's election in the face of numerous sexual harassment and assault allegations. He was replaced in the Senate by another Democrat, Tina Smith, who was overwhelmingly re-elected in November.



Similarly, Democrats lose nothing by jettisoning Northam because they'd maintain control of the governor's mansion: The next in line is Democratic Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax.



But the Virginia turmoil also illustrated the complications of the zero-tolerance approach.



Fairfax on Monday strongly denied allegations of sexual assault that were initially circulated on a conservative website, calling it a "smear."

Virginia Scandal Could Push Newcomer into Governor's Office Lingering doubts over Gov. Ralph Northam's political future after the publication of a racist yearbook photo could propel an African-American political newcomer into the governor's mansion. If Northam stepped down, Justin Fairfax would be the second African-American governor in Virginia's history and just the fourth in the entire United States since Reconstruction. Fairfax has experienced a brief, meteoric rise through Virginia politics. His supporters have touted him as a fresh face whose Lingering doubts over Gov. Ralph Northam's political future after the publication of a racist yearbook photo could propel an African-American political newcomer into the governor's mansion. If Northam stepped down, Justin Fairfax would be the second African-American governor in Virginia's history and just the fourth in the entire United States since Reconstruction. Fairfax has experienced a brief, meteoric rise through Virginia politics. His supporters have touted him as a fresh face whose

The woman accusing Fairfax has retained Washington, D.C., law firm Katz Marshall & Banks and is consulting with the firm about next steps, said a person close to the legal team who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. One of the firm's founding partners, Debra Katz, represented Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her decades ago when they were teenagers. Kavanaugh denied the allegation and later was confirmed to the court.



The Associated Press is not reporting details of the Fairfax allegation because the AP has not confirmed it.



If Northam were to resign and Fairfax were not in position to assume the office, the governorship would go to the Democratic attorney general, a set of dominoes that has unleashed chaos in Virginia's capital.



Democratic presidential aspirants were notably silent on Fairfax. The party also stood with Keith Ellison as the then-congressman successfully ran for Minnesota attorney general last year despite allegations that he had abused an ex-girlfriend. Ellison also strongly denied those accusations.



In a sign of the crosscurrents Democrats are navigating, multiple liberals asked not to be quoted when discussing the contrast because they were skeptical of the allegations but did not want to be seen as disbelieving people who reported sexual misbehavior.



Sexual harassment allegations have also rattled the potential presidential field. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is mulling a second presidential run, apologized to staffers for sexual harassment allegedly committed by workers on his 2016 presidential campaign. On Saturday, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, another possible Democratic contender, apologized for not stopping a staffer he fired for sexual harassment from landing a job in the New York mayor's office.



Still, the Northam case stands out, said Guy Cecil, head of Priorities USA, a major Democratic super PAC and one of the Democrats who immediately called for Northam's ouster when the yearbook photo first appeared.



"There's no question that we need to be thoughtful about when we're approaching these big questions, but I don't think we're nearing some sort of tipping point when we say a man who dressed in blackface in the '80s shouldn't be governor," Cecil said.
Kim Hye-yoon / Yonhap



For rookie actress Kim Hye-yoon, the TV drama sensation "Sky Castle" will go down in history as her critical career-making moment.

The character of Kang Ye-seo, an ambitious but psychologically fragile high school student, was the first major TV role she has played since her debut in 2013 as a teenager.

Ye-seo easily plays into the hands of the show's villain, played by Kim Seo-hyung, a miserable professional coordinator for college admissions who is bent on manipulating and destroying rich, high-class parents and their children who would do anything to gain admission to the country's top medical school.

Ye-seo and her mother, the show's biggest role played by Yum Jung-ah, seek out the coordinator, but the mother tries to detach her daughter from the coordinator after finding out about her dubious intentions and background.

The girl fights her mother with vitriolic behavior and entirely relies on the coordinator to achieve her goal of going to the top medical school before she finally discovers her coordinator's true nature.

The black comedy and thriller by the cable channel JTBC lays bare the cruelty and inhumanity of the country's blind competition to go to prestigious universities, resonating widely with viewers.

The student role in "Sky Castle," which recorded a viewer rating of 22.3 percent, a record high for any cable channel drama series, propelled Kim to becoming a household name.

"Everything went well (with 'Sky Castle') ... the direction, acting, camera work, editing and music -- everyone played their roles perfectly," she said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency last week.

"When I was little, I was totally absorbed into a character of each drama series I watched, which constantly changed my dream job. It eventually made me want to be an actress," Kim said.

"This is how I started out as an actress, and I think I really made a good choice. I am so happy, especially these days."

As she acted in the vitriolic role, Kim also strove to convey the character's naiveness and insecurity, she said, referring to the scene close to the show's ending in which Ye-seo finally leaves her school as the most memorable moment.

"Going to the Seoul National University's medical school means everything to her, and she didn't have a single friend to talk to when she quit school," she said. "Even after shooting the scene where (Ye-seo) packs her belongings to leave school, knowing that (the dream) would fall apart, I continued to be in a sorrowful and tearful mode."

With the latest role, Kim also landed a contract with Sidus HQ, one of the biggest talent agencies and the home for Kim Bo-ra, who plays the role of her rival and half sister, Kim Hye-na, in "Sky Castle."

In fact, Kim Hye-yoon auditioned for the Hye-na character at first, but the production team cast her as Ye-seo.

"We two became really close, so when we filmed a fighting scene together, we could barely hide laughing. As we are in the same company, I hope we can film together in the future," Kim said, adding that, "I still have a lot to prove. I want to be an actress whom (viewers) can trust and rely on." (Yonhap)
COX'S BAZAR, BANGLADESH - In a shelter made of plastic sheets and bamboo next to a reeking stream in the world's largest refugee settlement, Rohingya Nazma Akter recalled how her daughter was trafficked seven months ago.

Rashida, 17, was picked up next to a health clinic in a camp in southeast Bangladesh by a man who had been courting her by phone for sometime while her mother visited the doctor.

The man, however, turned out to be a trafficker.

Two days later Rashida was rescued by the police at Jashore, a regional hub for sex trafficking about 500 km (310 miles) north of the camps near to Bangladesh's border with India.

It has been 18 months since more than 730,000 mainly Muslim Rohingya fled persecution in Buddhist-dominated Myanmar and set up camps across the border in a coastal district about 40 km (25 miles) south of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh's top tourist location.

The camps, sprawled over about 6,000 acres  just under half the size of Manhattan  have become more organized, but recent police activity suggested the risk of being trafficked has increased due to the promise of work and better lives.

For there are no signs the Rohingya will be able to leave the camps any time soon. Plans for repatriation were put on hold by the Bangladesh government last November amid protests in the camp with a vow no one will be sent back against their will.

"In the middle there were talks about repatriation. Once that slowed down, we noticed an increase in trafficking," said Major Mehedi Hasan, company commander of Bangladesh's elite police force Rapid Action Batallion (RAB).

Latest police records showed that on Jan. 30, police at Jashore rescued five Rohingya girls and one boy, all teenagers, from being trafficked into India.

Six days earlier RAB officers rescued 11 Rohingya Muslims from Chittagong, a major coastal city and financial center in southeast Bangladesh about 170 km from the camps.

Last November, law enforcement agencies rescued 57 Rohingya refugees from Malaysia-bound boats on three different occasions.

Anti-trafficking groups fear the human trafficking routes to southeast Asia through the Bay of Bengal, which became active around 2010, are now being used to smuggle increasingly desperate Rohingya refugees out of Bangladesh.

Lacking data

The Bangladesh government has not released an official figure of the number of Rohingya who have been trafficked but aid agencies have come up with various numbers which highlight the severity of the issue.

Jishu Barua, programme coordinator for Young Power in Social Action, a non-profit group that deals with trafficking, said an analysis of local papers suggested at least 200 Rohingya had been rescued here in the last three months.

"The numbers have increased. We are telling everyone in the camps to be more careful. We are spreading awareness through different events, such as street dramas and courtyard briefings," Barua told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

The United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM) has identified about 204 cases of trafficking so far.

"But this is just a fraction of what we believe is happening," said IOM spokeswoman Fiona MacGregor, adding that young girls were particularly vulnerable to being taken as domestic workers both locally and within Bangladesh. "There are cases where people don't know what is going on and then others that do take the risk because they feel there is no other choice."

The government view is that improving people's livelihood at the camps was the only way to curb human trafficking from the area that was known to be at the heart of a people smuggling business long before the Rohingya influx.

Bangladesh bars the Rohingya from leaving the camps, or holding jobs other than participating in small-scale cash-for-work programs run by humanitarian agencies.

In the past, traffickers misled hundreds of people who wanted to go to Malaysia and trapped them in camps in the border areas of Thailand and Malaysia, torturing them until their families agreed to pay up to $1,800, a fortune for impoverished migrants.

This came to light in 2015 with the discovery of scores of mass graves believed to contain the bodies of Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants.

"Trafficking was present in the past and it is present today as well," said Shamimul Huq Pavel, a government officer with the Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commission (RRRC), a government organization created to deal with the Rohingya crisis. "We are trying to improve the situation in the camps here. Once that happens, the situation will improve."

With trafficking on the rise, Bangladesh law enforcers have also stepped up activities to crack down on trafficking, as has Malaysia, which announced last month it would set up an official inquiry to investigate human trafficking camps in border areas.

"We have increased our surveillance near the boat areas," said RAB's Hasan.

Reintegration troubles

While Akter was relieved to get her daughter back, she knew she would have to keep her story quiet. The names of both were changed in this story to protect their identities.

"If people knew her story, no one would marry her," said Akter, stressing that the Rohingya were a conservative community in which men and women were largely segregated in Myanmar. "Yes, she was foolish and she was trapped. But we live in a problematic area. It can happen to anyone. We have heard many (stories) of children disappearing in the camps."

Since her return, Rashida has married and lives near her mother in Balukhali camp, one of 34 camps in the settlement  but her husband does not know about the trafficking.

"She is happy today. Let her be. There's no need to bring these issues up again," said Akter, who lives with her husband and two younger daughters in the camp.

While Rashida escaped public stigma on her return, 28-year-old Ramida Khatun  who also requested anonymity for her security  from the largest camp, Kutupalong, was not so lucky.

Last May, Khatun was forced by her husband to travel to Sylhet, a city 500 km from the camps, along with a trafficker to get a Bangladeshi passport so the couple could go to Malaysia.

According to Khatun's uncle, she went to Sylhet with two other Rohingya women and stayed at a hotel with the trafficker for nine days before the police rescued her.

When she returned to the camp, she faced public insults from the leader of her block for days and those memories haunt her.

"The insults have stopped. No one troubles me now. But whenever I think about those days, my head begins to hurt a lot," Khatun told the Thomson Reuters Foundation via an interpreter at the Kutupalong camp.
The commanding general of U.S. forces in the Middle East was not told before President Donald Trump initially declared victory over the Islamic State terror group and announced his decision to withdraw troops from Syria.

"I was not aware of the specific announcement," Gen. Joseph Votel told U.S. lawmakers Tuesday of the president's announcement this past December.

"I was not consulted," he added.

Since the announcement, Pentagon officials have confirmed some equipment has been moved out of Syria. Other preparations to pull some 2,000 U.S. troops out of Syria also have been ongoing.

But there has been little clarity as to how and when U.S. forces will ultimately leave, while questions abound about whether the pullout would give Islamic State militants an opportunity to regain strength and retake territory.

FILE - A convoy of US military vehicles is seen in FILE - A convoy of U.S. military vehicles is seen in Syria's northern city of Manbij, Dec. 30, 2018. FILE - A convoy of U.S. military vehicles is seen in Syria's northern city of Manbij, Dec. 30, 2018.

"We are going to do that in a very deliberate manner," Votel said. "I am not under pressure to be out by a specific date and I've not had any specific conditions put upon me."

He said that means finding ways to withdraw without giving the terror group any openings.

"We do have to keep pressure on this network," Votel said. "They have the capability of coming back together if we don't."

The warning follows others by top defense and intelligence officials in recent days, including a report released Monday by the Pentagon's internal watchdog.

Islamic State Resurgence Expected Within Months Even as U.S.-backed forces close in on the very last pockets of the Islamic State's self-declared caliphate in Syria, the terror group is unfazed, instead preparing to declare victory and retake territory.The sobering assessment by U.S. Central Command and relayed to the lead inspector general for U.S. efforts in Iraq and Syria comes just over a month after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to withdraw some 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria, declaring the fight against IS over.  Even as U.S.-backed forces close in on the very last pockets of the Islamic State's self-declared caliphate in Syria, the terror group is unfazed, instead preparing to declare victory and retake territory.The sobering assessment by U.S. Central Command and relayed to the lead inspector general for U.S. efforts in Iraq and Syria comes just over a month after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to withdraw some 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria, declaring the fight against IS over. 

?"Absent sustained [counterterrorism] pressure, ISIS could likely resurge in Syria within six to 12 months and regain limited territory," the report said, using an acronym for the group.

It further warned IS still commands "a battle-hardened and well-disciplined force ... able to coordinate offensives and counter-offensives."

Slow, steady progress

Votel told lawmakers Tuesday that, for now, U.S. partner forces are making slow but steady progress against the last sliver of the terror group's self-declared caliphate, roughly 50 square kilometers in Syria's Middle Euphrates River Valley.

"That fight is progressing as we envisioned it," he said of the final push against an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 fighters.

"It's very dense, urban terrain," Votel said "The area is laden with extreme explosive hazards."

Still, Votel said he expects the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces will liberate the remaining territory before the last U.S. troops leave the country.

Unanswered questions

The head of U.S. Central Command also said the United States is working with partners and allies to make sure that even then, IS will not able to stage a comeback.

A member of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forc FILE - A member of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces throws a bomb to check for more explosives as they clear the stadium that was the site of Islamic State fighters' last stand in the city of Raqqa, Syria, Oct. 18, 2017. FILE - A member of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces throws a bomb to check for more explosives as they clear the stadium that was the site of Islamic State fighters' last stand in the city of Raqqa, Syria, Oct. 18, 2017.

But officials continue to warn that may prove difficult.

U.S. defense and intelligence agencies estimate the terror group still has anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 fighters and supporters dispersed across Syria and Iraq, some of them already carrying out attacks as part of a growing insurgency.

U.S. officials also believe morale among IS fighters remains high despite losing more than 99 percent of the territory it once controlled.

And there are questions as to whether the U.S.-backed Syrian fighters will be capable of maintaining pressure on IS without the presence of U.S. forces and with the possible loss of support from Kurdish fighters.

Kurdish commanders have warned they may have to abandon the fight against IS in order to defend against Turkish forces which might attack once U.S. troops leave.

Turkey considers many of the Kurdish fighters to be linked to the PKK, a terrorist group which has been waging a decades-long insurgency in southeastern Turkey.

"We are going to consider things like protection of our partners, the Kurds," Votel told lawmakers of the U.S. withdrawal. "We are going to consider the concerns that Turkey has."
LONDON - Iran dismissed European Union criticism of its missile program, regional policies and rights record on Tuesday, highlighting their increasingly testy relationship as both sides seek to salvage a troubled nuclear deal.

Irans comments came a day after the bloc criticized the Islamic Republic's ballistic missile tests and expressed concern at Iran's role in growing Middle East tensions.

The EU has promised to abide by a 2015 nuclear deal under which Iran agreed to limit its atomic work in exchange for sanctions relief, even after U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned the accord because it did not cover Iranian military activities.

A ballistic missile is launched and tested in an u A ballistic missile is launched and tested in an undisclosed location, Iran, March 9, 2016. A ballistic missile is launched and tested in an undisclosed location, Iran, March 9, 2016.

The EU has stepped up criticism of Iran's ballistic missiles program and its regional policies in a dual-track approach analysts say is designed to show Washington it is possible to contain Tehran while remaining inside the nuclear pact.

The Iranian foreign ministry said on Tuesday Iran would never negotiate over its missile program, which it said was defensive and designed as a deterrent.

"Clear threats against the Islamic Republic are not constructive, efficient or helpful, and they are not in line with regional security and the real interests of Europe," the foreign ministry said in a statement published on its website.

Iran has expanded its missile program in the last two decades, particularly its ballistic missiles, in defiance of the United States and despite concerns in Europe, especially France.

As part of EU efforts to sustain the nuclear pact, Britain, France and Germany last week launched the Instrument In Support Of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), a system to facilitate non-dollar trade with Iran and avoid U.S. sanctions.

Mistrust

Iran's foreign ministry welcomed the new channel, but said it was "late and inadequate. Iran would revise relations with Europe if it did not benefit economically from INSTEX, it said.

The EU also urged Tehran to stop activities that deepened mistrust, including what it called Iranian assassination plots.

France, Denmark and Netherlands have accused Iran of attacks against Iranian opposition figures and arrested suspects with links to Iranian embassies and intelligence ministry.

Iran's foreign ministry rejected the EU warning: "Raising such baseless and hollow accusations while known terrorist and criminal groups are free in Europe, is not constructive at this stage and is in line with the goals of enemies who seek to undermine Irans relations with Europe."

FILE - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks as Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks as he submits next year's budget bill to parliament in Tehran, Iran, Dec. 25, 2018. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks as he submits next year's budget bill to parliament in Tehran, Iran, Dec. 25, 2018.

40th anniversary

Iran is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which toppled Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a secular monarch allied to the West.

Striking a defiant tone in a speech broadcast live on state television on Tuesday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said: "The enemies should know that the great Iranian nation has stood by its goals and will not go back to 40 years ago."

"Iran will not return to the era when it was under U.S. influence," Rouhani said.
The Taliban is reported to have killed up to 40 government troops in separate attacks in northern Afghanistan as a controversial "intra-Afghan dialogue began Tuesday in Moscow to debate a political resolution to the war.

The deadliest of the insurgent raids occurred early Tuesday near the provincial capital of Kunduz, officials and residents said.

Safiullah Amiri, the deputy chairman of the provincial council, told Afghan media the attack killed at least 25 soldiers and three policemen while 20 others were wounded. The clashes lasted two hours, he added.

Defense Ministry officials in Kabul have confirmed the early morning large scale attack by the Taliban, saying it was swiftly repulsed, killing 22 assailants and injuring many more. They admitted Afghan forces suffered casualties but would not reveal any figures.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed its attack in Kunduz killed 30 personnel of the Afghan National Army.

The insurgents also raided a police post overnight in neighboring Baghlan province, killing at least 10 security troops, Afghan media quoted unnamed security officials as confirming.

Afghan authorities rarely make public their battlefield casualties. But President Ashraf Ghani recently revealed last month that more than 45,000 government forces have been killed since he took power in September 2014.

Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai attends the o Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai attends the opening of two-day talks between Taliban and Afghan opposition representatives, at the President Hotel in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 5, 2019. Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai attends the opening of two-day talks between Taliban and Afghan opposition representatives, at the President Hotel in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 5, 2019.

Moscow talks

The clashes came as Taliban and Afghan opposition leaders gathered in Moscow for what organizers said would be a two-day intra-Afghan peace meeting to discuss recent peace building efforts in Afghanistan.

Afghan Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sebghatullah Ahmadi told VOA the Moscow meeting has no legitimacy and the government will not accept any possible outcome of the discussions.

A 10-member Taliban delegation, led by chief insurgent negotiator Sher Muhammad Abbas Stanikzai, and about 40 prominent Afghan figures, accompanied by former president Hamid Karzai, are participating in the discussions, but no representatives of President Ashraf Ghani have been invited.

In a departure statement Monday, the Afghan opposition delegation noted the Moscow meeting was the first step towards intra-Afghan peace talks.

Ghanis government has criticized the gathering as little more than a political drama and an attempt by so-called founders of the current Afghan democracy to gain power.

The Taliban remains averse to any direct or indirect talks with the Kabul government, dismissing it as an American puppet.

The so-called intra-Afghan peace meeting in Russia comes days after the United States reported significant progress in ongoing talks with Taliban insurgents, though they also excluded the Afghan government.

Participants attend the opening of two-day talks b Participants attend the opening of two-day talks between Taliban and Afghan opposition representatives, at the President Hotel in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 5, 2019. Participants attend the opening of two-day talks between Taliban and Afghan opposition representatives, at the President Hotel in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 5, 2019.

Denying involvement



The Russian government has denied involvement in arranging the disputed huddle in Moscow, which was held at the Kremlin-owned President Hotel.

Between the choice of the high-security venue itself and the sheer number of visas issued to participants, it appeared the Afghan diaspora group that organized the talks was at least working in coordination with government officials.

The scene around the hotel on Tuesday was one of high security. Anyone without formal registration to enter the hotel was not allowed on the premises, and black sedans with Russian license plates and single roof-mounted flashing blue lights  the sign of Kremlin or State Duma officialdom on Russias roadways  were seen coming and going from the hotel entrance.

The New York Times reported that both Afghan representatives and Taliban members said Russian officials were playing a major role behind the scenes.

Russian state media mostly downplayed the event's significance, with TASS reporting only that the Kremlin "had no planned meetings with the Taliban." Domestic television coverage of the event was virtually non-existent.

The dialogue underscores a deepening political divide in Afghanistan and further weakens the Afghan government, analysts say.

Participants gather before a conference of Afghan Participants gather before a conference of Afghan opposition and Taliban representatives, in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 5, 2019. Participants gather before a conference of Afghan opposition and Taliban representatives, in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 5, 2019.

Russia criticized

Afghan officials have criticized Moscow for not upholding its pledges to facilitate direct talks between Kabul and the Taliban.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, apparently responding to the criticism, has reiterated his governments committed to help in a political settlement to the Afghan conflict.

Russia has been actively advocating an intra-Afghan dialogue involving both the government and the Taliban, which are part of Afghan society; there is no denying this, Lavrov noted while speaking to reporters on Monday.

It is common knowledge that a dialogue between the Afghan government and the Taliban cannot be avoided, he added.

Lavrov, however, criticized Washington for holding what he described as behind closed doors talks with the Taliban.

The Russian foreign minister was directly referring to last months six-day negotiations U.S. reconciliation envoy Zalmay Khalilzad held with Taliban officials in Qatar.

Khalilzad and the Taliban say they made significant progress in the Doha talks and have come close to a deal on withdrawal of U.S.-led foreign forces from Afghanistan. In exchange, the Taliban has assured it will not allow international terrorist groups, including al-Qaida and Islamic State to plot attacks from Afghan soil.

U.S. and Taliban negotiators are due to meet again in Qatar on February 25 to resume their discussions.
KHARTOUM - Sudanese security forces used tear gas on Tuesday to disperse hundreds of lawyers pushing for the release of activists detained during recent anti-government protests, witnesses said.

The demonstration outside the supreme court building in Khartoum was one of several staged by members of various professions, including teachers, doctors and pharmacists, following a call by the Sudanese Professionals Association to join the protests that began in December.

The demonstrations, often involving hundreds of people, have shaken the country of some 40 million people. They were sparked by rising food prices and cash shortages and have since turned against President Omar al-Bashir who has been in office for nearly 30 years.

Witnesses said more than 200 lawyers tried to deliver a petition to the head of the judiciary demanding the release of activists detained during the protests.



Security forces attacked the lawyers with tear gas, forcing them to disperse. There were no reports of casualties.

The incident happened a week after Sudan's information ministry said the country's security chief had ordered the release of detained demonstrators.



There were no reports of any mass release of detainees.

In central Khartoum, security forces used tear gas against hundreds of alumni students gathered at the main headquarters of Khartoum University, and at a separate gathering of school teachers who had staged a vigil outside the Education Ministry in Khartoum's northern section.

There were no reports of casualties.

Witnesses also said that doctors at several government hospitals organized protest vigils, but there were no reports of any force being used against them.

FILE - Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir delivers a FILE - Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir delivers a speech at the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, Sudan, Dec. 31, 2018. FILE - Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir delivers a speech at the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, Sudan, Dec. 31, 2018.

Bashir has shown no sign of being prepared to concede any authority and has blamed the protests on foreign agents, challenging his rivals to seek power through the ballot box.

Prime Minister Moataz Moussa struck a conciliatory tone last week, however, when he said that demonstrators' calls for better living conditions were "legitimate."

Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court over charges, which he denies, of masterminding genocide in the Darfur region. He has been lobbying to have Sudan removed from a list of countries, along with Syria, Iran and North Korea, that Washington considers state sponsors of terrorism.

That listing has deterred the influx of investment and financial aid Sudan was hoping for when the United States lifted sanctions in 2017, economists say.
CAPITOL HILL - U.S. lawmakers of both parties are weighing in on what they would like to hear from President Donald Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday evening.

South Dakota Republican Senator Mike Rounds is urging Trump to deliver an uplifting speech, saying the president has many reasons to be proud.

"We've revised our [federal] tax code, we've got an economy that is growing, record low unemployment, regulations that have been eliminated on the American people, and conservative judges on the Supreme Court and the other courts," he said.

eii eii eie iiii. FILE - Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., speaks on Capitol Hill, May 17, 2018. FILE - Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., speaks on Capitol Hill, May 17, 2018.

Democrats, like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, paint a different picture of the Trump presidency.

"The state of the Trump economy: failing America's middle class," Schumer said. "The state of the Trump administration: chaos. The state of Trump foreign policy: woefully backward, inside-out. Knowing this president, he will rely on distortion and made-up facts, mislead the American people."

On Monday, the Senate advanced legislation cautioning the administration against rapid U.S. troop withdrawals from conflict zones. Kentucky Republican Rand Paul wants Trump to hold firm.

"I think we'll hear him continue to talk about ending some of the wars we've been involved with for so long. I think he'll talk about how we're going to bring troops home from Syria and Afghanistan," Paul said.

The presidential address comes as congressional negotiators face a Feb. 15 deadline to keep the government funded and resolve a partisan standoff over border security and a border wall. Democrat Ben Cardin of Maryland says Trump's actions matter far more than the words in his speech.

e ie eie iiii. FILE - Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 24, 2017. FILE - Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 24, 2017.

"I would like to see deeds," he said. "And first and foremost, remove the threat of a government shutdown. Relent on the way he is trying to get money for his [border] wall."

The president has repeatedly hinted he may declare a national emergency and bypass Congress in order to construct physical border barriers. Such a declaration would be premature, according to North Dakota's new Republican senator, Kevin Cramer.

"It would be a mistake to do it tonight, in my view, because Congress has until February 15 to get it right," Cramer said. "He and [House Speaker] Nancy Pelosi ought to give the conference committee room, perhaps with gentle persuasion, to come up with a bill that we can all agree on."

Not all senators wanted to speak out about the State of the Union. Idaho Republican James Risch would only say that Trump is in charge of his speech, and lawmakers should wait to hear what he has to say.
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE - Pope Francis said on Tuesday he had found "good will" to start peace processes to end the conflict in Yemen, during private meetings with leaders of the United Arab Emirates, which is playing a leading role in a Saudi-led coalition against Houthis in Yemen.

Francis, who in the past has condemned the war in Yemen several times, made the comment in response to a question on the plane returning from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

"I spoke about it, but just with just a few people," Francis said when asked if he had discussed Yemen during his meeting with Crown Prince Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and other leaders.

"I will say that I found good will to start peace processes," he said, without elaborating.

The nearly four-year-old war in Yemen, the poorest Arabian Peninsula nation, has killed tens of thousands of people and left almost 16 million people facing severe hunger. The conflict pits the Saudi-led coalition loyal to ousted President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi against the Iran-aligned Houthi group.

The United Nations is trying to implement a fragile ceasefire deal in the country's main Hodeidah port, a lifeline for millions and the site of some of the war's fiercest battles. It hopes the deal will pave the way for talks to end the war.
Pope Francis celebrated Mass in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday as he closed a brief, but historic visit to the United Arab Emirates.

The Mass drew an estimated 135,000 people to Zayed Sports City stadium for what some people said was the largest show of public Christian worship on the Arabian Peninsula.

Before Mass, the leader of the world's Catholics circled the stadium in his popemobile, waving to the crowd as it responded it cheers and chants of support.

Pope Francis blesses worshippers during a Mass at Pope Francis blesses worshippers during a Mass at the Sheikh Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 5, 2019. Pope Francis blesses worshippers during a Mass at the Sheikh Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 5, 2019.

On Monday, Pope Francis called for an end to wars in the Middle East, particularly conflicts in Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Libya, as he spoke at an interfaith meeting.

"Human fraternity requires of us, as representatives of the world's religions, the duty to reject every nuance of approval from the word 'war'. Let us return it to its miserable crudeness," the pope said.

The UAE is a key part of a Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting in Yemen in support of the country's president since 2015, but which has been criticized by rights groups for killing civilians with airstrikes.

Pope Francis is welcomed by Grand Imam of al-Azhar Pope Francis is welcomed by Grand Imam of al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb at the sheikh Zayed grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 4, 2019. Pope Francis is welcomed by Grand Imam of al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb at the sheikh Zayed grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 4, 2019.

?Pope Francis spoke alongside Sheik Ahmed el-Tayeb, the grand imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar, the 1,000-year-old seat of Sunni Islam.

Religion and war

Francis and Sheik Tayeb denounced what they called "senseless wars" and the exploitation of religion to "promote war, violence and terrorism."

The two leaders emphasized that it is worldly powers, not religion, that create conflict, according to the pastor of the International Church at Yale University, Joe Cumming.

"People pursuing gain drive conflict and then use religion, exploit religion, to drive wedges that further drive conflict that leads to suffering and death," Cumming said. "What we need is to recover the idea of spiritual values."

Egyptian political sociologist Said Sadek said it is "politicians, businessmen, bankers and economists" who spawn wars "in the pursuit of their own profit."

Paul Haidostian, president of Haigazian University in Beirut, said both leaders delivered the same message Monday to warmongers across the world.

"Do not use religion for your acts of terror," Haidostian said, summarizing the leaders message. "Do not use religion to justify wars. Do not use religion to justify unjust practices."

All faiths

Also attending the "Human Fraternity Meeting" were Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu faith leaders from around the world.

Pope Francis and Sheikh Tayeb stressed that citizens of all faiths should be able to live together in their countries and enjoy equal rights, said Cumming.

The pope used a verse from the Koran to emphasize that point.

"All the Muslims in the audience will immediately recognize the verse in the Koran, which describes how God created human-kind 'diverse' so that 'we would all come to know each other,'" Cumming said.

The conference and the pope's appearance are all part of the Emirates' Year of Tolerance and its effort to show its openness to other faiths.

"It's something new for the Muslim world, that within the discussion of dialogue, they're talking about interreligious dialogue across the board, beyond basic Christian-Muslim relations," Marco Impagliazzo, president of the Sant'Egidio Community, a Rome-based Catholic organization told the Associated Press.

Abu Dhabi's crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was among those who welcomed the pope to the presidential palace during a ceremony earlier Monday.

It was the first-ever trip by a pope to the Arabian Peninsula.

The Catholic Church believes there are as many as one million Catholics in the UAE. Most of them are from the Philippines and India and have left family behind to come for jobs in the Emirates where they face precarious work conditions.
Breaking months of near-silence about his political future, Democrat Beto O'Rourke said Tuesday that he would announce his decision about a 2020 presidential run "before the end of the month" and suggested he's leaning toward it.



The former Texas congressman, who found political stardom in his unsuccessful Senate bid last fall, opened up about a potential 2020 run in a conversation with a bigger star, Oprah Winfrey, during a taping of her program "Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations from Times Square."



"I have been thinking about running for president," O'Rourke told Winfrey as the packed audience cheered. The 46-year-old Democrat cited his desire to help unify the country. "I'm so excited at the prospect of being able to play that role.''

O'Rourke dazzled Democrats last year by nearly defeating Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in the country's largest red state. In recent weeks, however, his presidential prospects have been overshadowed by the generally well-received 2020 campaign launches of Sens. Kamala Harris of California, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Cory Booker of New Jersey.

FILE - Fox News announces U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Te FILE - Fox News announces U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, as the winner over challenger Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-Texas, during the Dallas County Republican Party election night watch party, Nov. 6, 2018, at The Statler Hotel in Dallas, Texas. O'Rourke trailed Cruz by less than three percent. FILE - Fox News announces U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, as the winner over challenger Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-Texas, during the Dallas County Republican Party election night watch party, Nov. 6, 2018, at The Statler Hotel in Dallas, Texas. O'Rourke trailed Cruz by less than three percent.

His comments Tuesday offered a powerful reminder that the Democratic field is far from set.



Winfrey, who has flirted with a potential run of her own, appeared to encourage O'Rourke to run during the wide-ranging interview that spanned nearly an hour.



"What's it going to take for you to say, 'Yes, I'm doing it?'" she asked.



The decision, O'Rourke said, would really be up to his family. He has three children under the age of 13.



"For the last seven years, my family hasn't seen me," he said. He added, "That's the far more important responsibility."



Winfrey herself has been the center of 2020 speculation, though she has said she doesn't plan to run. She remains an influential figure in Democratic politics, however.



Her endorsement of Barack Obama was pivotal to his 2008 campaign. She also took the rare step of campaigning for Democrat Stacey Abrams ahead of her near-upset in the Georgia governor's race.



Winfrey's show blurs the line between politics and pop culture. The lineup on Tuesday featured actors Bradley Cooper and Michael B. Jordan and philanthropist Melinda Gates, underscoring the sense of celebrity that surrounds O'Rourke.



O'Rourke's low profile in recent weeks has taken curious turns.



He treated Instagram followers to a glimpse inside his mouth during a teeth cleaning while trying to decry the Trump administration's border wall. He also recently traveled in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado, but his meandering online posts documenting the journey highlighted things like the open-face roast beef sandwich he had for lunch rather than offering hints about how he'd handle the rigors of a presidential campaign.



Compare that to his potential 2020 rivals swarming states that kick off presidential voting: New York Sen. Kristen Gillibrand and former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper will be in South Carolina this week, Booker is visiting Iowa and Warren is set to formally announce her presidential bid Saturday, then hit New Hampshire and Iowa.



O'Rourke said he needed to spend time traveling alone to help overcome "a profound disappointment in myself that I let so many people down." He said he emerged with the reinforced belief that "people are so good."



The Texas Democrat, who represented a border state in Congress for six years, also took aim at President Donald Trump's push to build a border wall, calling it "a racist response to a problem that we don't have."



Though the taping was Tuesday, the interview won't air on Winfrey's network until Feb. 16. After that, O'Rourke doesn't have another headline-grabbing event on his schedule  at least not yet.
SEOUL - A new research project examines the link between North Korea and various European Communist secret police agencies following the end of World War II, including documents recording the transport of Korean War orphans from the peninsula to Poland, as well as information on American and British prisoners of war (POWs).

The North Korean Archives is a joint project (publication and website) conducted by the Citizens Alliance for North Korean Human Rights (NKHR) in Seoul, and the Institute of National Remembrance - Commission of the Prosecution of Crimes Against the Polish Nation (IPN) in Poland.

The main goal of the project is to spark further analysis of the entities alleged to be committing human rights abuses in North Korea and to provide contextual information on patterns of institutional criminality in North Korea.

The authors of the report hope that this project will have a spillover effect to spark interest more broadly, especially among academic institutions here in South Korea, where such studies, unfortunately, lack behind, said co-author Joanna Hosaniak, Deputy Director General of the Citizens Alliance for North Korean Human Rights.

She continued, We hope that it will be helpful also to practice pursuing future accountability for North Korea, such as certain NGOs working on these issues and the UN (United Nations).

Another goal of the project is to assist the victims of North Korea.

Most importantly we also hope that this project will show the victims how to use [use the files in the future] and will be helpful to the victims of North Korean human rights violations, said Hosaniak.

The project obtained documentation amassed by the IPN on North Korea from the 1950s through the 1990s.

This is the initial phase of the project, with NKHR and IPN planning to work with other European organizations that collect and archive secret police files in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, Germany, and Bulgaria.

The authors say the research addresses current concerns, because the Ministry of State Security in North Korea (the current iteration of the secret police) plays a central role in committing alleged crimes against humanity, according to the 2014 United Nations Commission of Inquiry report on rights abuses.

IPN co-author Rafal Le?kiewicz said the research will allow investigators to learn lessons from the operations of the communist secret police and their involvement in human right violations.

Korean War Orphans

Researchers found about 100 files corresponding to young North Koreans taken to Poland in the 1950s.

Hosaniak said, The files began in 1952 and covered a period to 1957 According to the data, the youngest were born in 1940 [and] the oldest in 1933. So at the time when the files were made, they were eight to 19 years old.

Researchers say there may have been as many as 1700 North Korean War orphans sent to Poland, depending on various sources.

The practice of taking the children from the Korean peninsula to Poland was relatively unknown until Polish journalist and author Jolanta Krysowata uncovered a grave in Wroclaw with a Korean name.

Her work was featured in a 2006 film and book. In 2018, South Korean Chu Sang-mi released a companion documentary entitled The Children Gone to Poland.

This finding has a unique value because until so far that have been (few) known details on these children, says Hosaniak, who shares the files provided photos, names, and also their place of origin in North Korea.

Interestingly, many files included a place of origin in South Korea, she added.

However, its unclear who the youths were, how they were taken from North Korea to Poland, what was the purpose, and what the children did once they returned to the Korean peninsula.

There is a great possibility that [the] children fitted into a much larger project or plan at the time, which was to mobilize the whole European communist countries into participating in the Korean War efforts not only by educating and preparing these youth, but also probably for military support in Korean War efforts, asserts Hosaniak.

Prisoners of War

Researchers also found documents pertaining to American and British Korean War POWs.

These files have documents of each soldier with an individual photo attached prepared by the North Korean and Chinese secret [police]. The original files are handwritten in Chinese and Korean by those security officers who interviewed the prisoners, notes Hosaniak.

An IPN file lists all the names of the American and British POWs as being of Polish origin, who had parents who had emigrated from Poland.

According to information obtained by the researchers, a confidential Chinese report gave instructions on how to conduct psychological manipulation on the prisoners in order to recruit them for the military effort or for future collaboration with secret police services upon their release.

Current North Korean human rights discussions

Human rights discussions have been absent from talks between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in during their three 2018 summits, as well as Kim's summit in June with U.S. President Donald Trump.

North Korea's foreign ministry warned those measures could reverse the current diplomatic detente and North Korea's disarming could be blocked forever.

President Trump recently announced he will meet Kim for a second time in late February to continue denuclearization talks.

The agenda for the upcoming summit has not been announced, but rights activists have made repeated calls that the Norths human rights abuses be part of any discussions with Pyongyang.
In this Sept. 13, 2016, file photo, actor Liam Neeson poses for photographers upon his arrival at the premiere of the film 'Hunt For The Wilderpeople' in London. Liam Neeson says he had violent thoughts some time ago about killing a black person after learning that someone close to him had been raped. AP



Liam Neeson has said he is ashamed to admit he had violent thoughts about killing a black person after learning that someone close to him had been raped.

In an interview published Monday, Neeson said that after being told the attacker was black, he ''went up and down areas with a cosh (stick or truncheon)'' hoping a black person ''would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him.''

''It took me a week, maybe a week and a half, to go through that,'' Neeson said.

Many social media users expressed shock at his admission, accusing Neeson of racism.

The Northern Ireland-born actor recounted the story in an interview with The Independent while promoting his new thriller ''Cold Pursuit,'' about a father who seeks violent revenge for his son's death.

He said the incident happened some time ago.

Neeson, 66, called his reaction ''horrible,'' saying it taught him a lesson about the ''primal need'' for revenge.

Neeson, who grew up in Northern Ireland during the decades of violence known as the Troubles, said: ''I understand that need for revenge, but it just leads to more revenge, to more killing and more killing, and Northern Ireland's proof of that.''

Neeson's publicist didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. (AP)
KAREN STATE, MYANMAR - A make-shift bamboo bridge creaks under the weight of a sweltering crowd of ethnic Karen villagers and refugees crossing the temporary platform on the Moei River, on the way to a stage area marking the 70th anniversary of Karen Revolution Day in Myanmar.

For many, the commemoration is a grim reminder of what has been recognized as the longest running civil war in the world - and for some, it hasnt ended yet.

Despite a fragile National Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) signed between the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Myanmar government in 2015, the conflict persists between government forces and splinter armed groups of the KNU.



For commander Eh KLu, who is among the honored guests, the military has been a way of life.

The 71-year-old Karen National Liberation Army veteran enlisted in 1968, following in his dads footsteps.

Senior KNLA commander commander Eh K'Lu is seen Senior KNLA commander commander Eh KLu is seen at the Karen Revolution day ceremonies Jan. 31, 2019, in Karen state, Myanmar, near the Thai-Myanmar border. Senior KNLA commander commander Eh KLu is seen at the Karen Revolution day ceremonies Jan. 31, 2019, in Karen state, Myanmar, near the Thai-Myanmar border.

My father was in the British army in the Second World War so I was motivated to join to fight in the Karen army and help my people, the 50-year veteran explains, as a fellow officer steps up to the stage to receive a life-time recognition award.



Eh KLu served with the Fifth Brigade in an area of the state where more than 2,000 villagers were displaced last spring after Myanmar soldiers entered the area without permission, causing the recently resettled refugees to flee the area once again.



The Myanmar military claims its members were repairing a road connecting two military bases and had already contacted KNU officials to confirm their movements.

Ethnic Karen dancers watch the ceremonies at the K Ethnic Karen dancers watch the ceremonies at the Karen Revolution day ceremonies Jan. 31, 2019, in Karen state, Myanmar, near the Thai-Myanmar border. Ethnic Karen dancers watch the ceremonies at the Karen Revolution day ceremonies Jan. 31, 2019, in Karen state, Myanmar, near the Thai-Myanmar border.

But several villagers were killed in the ensuing fighting, including a leading Karen activist Saw O Moo who was killed by the Myanmar army on April 5, 2018.

The KNU suspended the ongoing peace talks last October in what analysts see as move signaling a lack of trust and communications with Myanmar negotiators.

However, the Karen population is becoming more aware of the struggle as internet technology replaces the radio as a key tool to connect the population.

Karen National Liberation Army soldiers stand at a Karen National Liberation Army soldiers stand at attention during the Karen Revolution day ceremonies Jan. 31, 2019, in Karen state, Myanmar, near the Thai-Myanmar border. Karen National Liberation Army soldiers stand at attention during the Karen Revolution day ceremonies Jan. 31, 2019, in Karen state, Myanmar, near the Thai-Myanmar border.

For 39-year-old Mae La camp refugee Saw Gipsy, posting events such as the anniversary on Facebook has strengthened the overall unity of the Karen people.

At the moment we communicate with each other through social media like FaceBook and we created a page for communication to contact other youth groups, the KNU worker explains.

For the first time since their split in 1994, the Karen armed groups  the KNU, Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), Karen Peace Council (KNU/KNLA) and the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) marched in a military parade in a display of unity, led by KNLA General Saw Johny.

Ethnic Karen villagers and refugees watch the Kare Ethnic Karen villagers and refugees watch the Karen Revolution day military parade Jan. 31, 2019, in Karen state, Myanmar, near the Thai-Myanmar border. Ethnic Karen villagers and refugees watch the Karen Revolution day military parade Jan. 31, 2019, in Karen state, Myanmar, near the Thai-Myanmar border.

Amid calls for the splintered Karen armed groups to unite to defend territory against Myanmar forces, there was a mix of peace delegates and future politicians at the historical event - including former political prisoner and leading activist Ko Ko Gyi, now a member of the newly formed Peoples Party.

Federalism and the federal union is the political objective and for that reason we try to solve the problems politically so by doing so we can reduce the arms conflict in our country and to get the political aims for the ethnic people, Ko Ko Gyi told VOA.



In addition to his role as a future candidate for the Peoples Party, Ko Ko Gyi is also a vice chairman of the Union Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Committee and he recognizes the growing problems that accompany development in Myanmar.

Karen National Liberation Army soldiers stand at a Karen National Liberation Army soldiers stand at attention during the Karen Revolution day ceremonies Jan. 31, 2019, in Karen state, Myanmar, near the Thai-Myanmar border. Karen National Liberation Army soldiers stand at attention during the Karen Revolution day ceremonies Jan. 31, 2019, in Karen state, Myanmar, near the Thai-Myanmar border.

The land confiscation issue is an issue all over the country, not just in Karen state. But especially for the ethnic areas with their traditional and customary laws existing in that area. Even in the mainland area, the land-grabbing issue is rampant everywhere. It is the fundamental problem of our country.

A multi-million dollar resort development project in Karen states Shwe Koko and a new Friendship bridge connecting Myanmar and Thailand are among the foreign investment projects that have allegedly involved land grabs by Chinese investors as well as one of the Karen splinter armed groups, the BGF.

The Myanmar military has been highly criticized for attacks on the ethnic minorities in Karen state as well as the ongoing conflicts in neighboring Shan and Kachin state.

A Karen National Police Force officer watches the A Karen National Police Force officer watches the Karen Revolution day ceremonies Jan. 31, 2019, in Karen state, Myanmar, near the Thai-Myanmar border. A Karen National Police Force officer watches the Karen Revolution day ceremonies Jan. 31, 2019, in Karen state, Myanmar, near the Thai-Myanmar border.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar, Yang Hee Lee, stated in a year-end report, The ethnic nationalities around the country continue to be subject to domination by the central government and the military, despite the official stance that they are working towards peace.

Yang Hee Lee has also expressed concern about land rights for refugees and internally displaced persons.

I am deeply concerned refugees and those who are internally displaced have been made particularly vulnerable to losing their rights to their homelands by the recent amendments to the 2012 Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Lands Management Law.

This law will also permit the government to appropriate land from people who live there on the basis of customary practices.

Critics say public support for Aung San Suu Kyi is dropping, as the NLD party failed to deliver its campaign commitments from two years ago, especially in the ethnic regions.

Nine groups have signed the NCA since the peace process was launched by President Thein Sein in 2011.
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Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev says the entire Balkans will have prosperity and lasting peace when Macedonia joins NATO.

Zaev spoke in Sofia, Bulgaria Monday  two days before Macedonia signs the accession protocol at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

"Macedonia has been waiting for 27 years to become a member of NATO. Zaev said. "Today, Macedonia has the hope of having open doors."

Greece had blocked Macedonia's efforts to join NATO and the EU because of a long-running dispute over the use of the name Macedonia  shared both by a historic region of northern Greece and the former Yugoslav republic.

Both countries agreed that the country will change its name to the Republic of North Macedonia. It plans to start promoting itself by that name when Greece approves its membership in NATO.

All 29 NATO members must ratify Macedonian membership before it can join.

Membership talks with the EU are expected to begin later this year.
Venezuela's shrinking economy has sparked an exodus of LGBT people as the economic crisis has put the brakes on the country's growing tolerance toward its gay and trans community, activists Reuters.

Not that Venezuela was ever an easy place to be different.

For years, Daniel Arzola endured homophobic abuse from his neighbors in Maracay, a city in the north of Venezuela.

Homophobic slogans were daubed on the walls of his house and he was shouted at in the street.

"One day, a group of neighbors tied me with old cables to an electric pole and they threw fireworks at me," he told Reuters from Chile. "They also put out some cigarettes on my body, while others destroyed all the drawings that I brought with me."

Eventually, Arzolo, a 29-year-old artist, was forced to flee his native Venezuela for Chile.

"My answer to all this was to try to ignore them, but you can't ignore it forever," he said.

Arzola's story is not unique, but things may be getting worse.

"The impact of the crisis on LGBT+ people is evident," said Tamara Adrian, a lawyer and politician living in Caracas, Venezuela's capital. "As a vulnerable population, they do suffer the consequences of the crisis much worse."

There are no official figures on the number of gay or trans migrants, but according to the United Nations' refugee agency, three million people have fled Venezuela, with the majority heading for neighboring Colombia.

Over the past three years, the Venezuelan economy has shrunk by a third, resulting in what has been described as the worst economic crisis to hit the country in its history.

People wait outside a supermarket to buy governmen FILE - People wait outside a supermarket to buy government subsided food in Caracas, Venezuela, Nov. 18, 2016. FILE - People wait outside a supermarket to buy government subsided food in Caracas, Venezuela, Nov. 18, 2016.

The turmoil has pushed gay rights to the bottom of the pile of priorities, with funding for many organizations and resources either reduced or cut entirely, a number of LGBT Venezuelans told Reuters.

A government limit on the sale of food has also penalized same-sex couples.

Under the government's family food bag scheme, same-sex couples were excluded.

"For this scheme, a census of families was ordered," Quiteria Franco, general coordinator at Union Afirmativa de Venezuela, told Reuters from Venezuela's capital Caracas. "This measure affected families made up of same-sex couples, because they were not counted as they are not considered families."

Transgender people are also struggling to find food supplies because the Venezuelan government does not issue identity documents that recognize their gender identity.

"Supermarkets were forced to install biometric reading machines so that each buyer could be identified and know how many products they have bought and when to avoid hoarding," Franco said.

"This system of buying and selling affected trans people, due to the incongruence between their gender identity and the legal identity reflected in their identity document."

The economic crisis has also led to a spike in human trafficking, with trans people particularly at risk.

There has been a rise in "human trafficking of trans women, as well as of biological women and young men, forced into sex work in Spain, Panama, Colombia, Dominican Republic and other countries," Adrian said.

A better life

Adrian Ynfante from Altagracia de Orituco, a town in the north of Venezuela, left his hometown in search of a better life in Colombia.

"Venezuela is a hard country. The culture [toward LGBT people], instead of improving, is getting worse every day," Ynfante, a transgender man, told Reuters from Colombia. "Living in Venezuela is now so complicated, but even more so for LGBT+ people."

With the country's health infrastructure stretched to a breaking point by the economic turmoil, a lack of drugs and medical supplies has particularly affected those living with HIV  both gay and straight.

According to the United Nations, there were 120,000 people living with HIV in Venezuela in 2016.

"The complex economic situation has greatly impacted UNAIDS work in the country," said Regina Lopez De Khalek, Venezuela's country manager for the UNAIDS program. "The health ministry has been limited in acquiring antiretroviral drugs, supplies for diagnostic and control tests, as well as condoms and other supplies."

Coming home

A resolution to the economic and political turmoil in Venezuela may be a long way off, but many LGBT migrants have found that their situation is often not much better in their host countries.

"In Colombia, you can't find a lot of opportunities when you're a migrant," Ynfante said. "And even less so if you're a transgender person."

"I have thought about [returning to Venezuela]," he added. "But the answer is no."

Arzola in Chile is also closely monitoring events back home.

"The situation in the country is much worse than when I left," he said. "Venezuela is a wound that does not close, but it keeps opening every day."
Iran warned Israel on Tuesday of a "firm and appropriate" response if it continued attacking targets in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad and his forces in their nearly eight-year war against rebels and militants.

Without responding directly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nevertheless said it was important to block Iranian influence in Syria.

Israel, which views Tehran as its biggest security threat, has repeatedly attacked Iranian targets and those of allied militia in Syria. With an election looming in April, Israel has been increasingly open about carrying out airstrikes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks a FILE - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Israeli Air Force pilots' graduation ceremony at Hatzerim air base in southern Israel, Dec. 26, 2018. FILE - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Israeli Air Force pilots' graduation ceremony at Hatzerim air base in southern Israel, Dec. 26, 2018.

In a meeting with Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem in Tehran, the secretary of Iran's National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said the Israeli attacks violated Syria's territorial integrity and were unacceptable.

"If these actions continue, we will activate some calculated measures as a deterrent and as a firm and appropriate response to teach a lesson to the criminal and lying rulers of Israel," Shamkhani was quoted as saying by Fars news agency.

In Jerusalem, Netanyahu said he would hold talks in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Feb. 21, focusing on Iran's threat along the Syrian border.

Moscow is a main backer of the Damascus government.

"It's very important that we continue to prevent Iran from entrenching in Syria. In many ways we blocked that advance. But we are committed to continuously blocking it, continuously preventing Iran from creating another war front against us right here opposite the Golan Heights," Netanyahu said.

In January, Israeli warplanes carried out a strike on what they called an Iranian arms cache in Syria, and Netanyahu has said attacks will continue.

Syria's Moualem was quoted Tuesday by a Hezbollah-run media unit as saying: "The Syrian government considers it to be its duty to keep Iranian security forces in Syrian territory."

Iran has also repeatedly said it will keep forces there.

Moualem was in Tehran for negotiations before the meeting of the leaders of Russia, Turkey and Iran in the Russian Black Sea resort town Sochi on Feb. 14 about the situation in Syria.
Iran has detained another environmentalist who worked for the same Iranian conservation organization as eight activists who went on trial in Tehran last week after spending a year in detention.

A reliable source in Iran told VOA Persian that Iranian authorities detained Pouria Sepahvand of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation on Saturday. The New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) confirmed Sepahvand's arrest in a Monday tweet and said he had been taken to an unknown location.

Another conservationist--Pourya Sepahvand, staff member of the Tehran-based Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation--was arrested in Tehran Feb. 2 and taken to an unknown location.10 conservationists have been arrested in #Iran since Jan 2018. https://t.co/uyGMgScvJE @Greenpeace pic.twitter.com/dTn1JVzC30  IranHumanRights.org (@ICHRI) February 4, 2019

Sepahvand's arrest came on the same day that eight of his colleagues appeared in a Tehran court for a second closed-door session of their trial, whose first session was held on January 30. Iran's state-controlled Fars News Agency has referred to the defendants, who include six men and two women, as "individuals accused of spying on the country's military installations."

Tara Sepehri Far, an Iran researcher for New York-based Human Rights Watch, told VOA Persian that prosecutors in Saturday's court session continued with a lengthy indictment reading they had begun last Wednesday.

Sepehri Far also cited a CHRI source as saying the charges read out in court so far have been based solely on forced confessions of one of the female defendants, Niloufar Bayani. CHRI previously had quoted a source as saying the female defendant, now identified as Bayani, interrupted Wednesday's proceedings several times to assert that investigators extracted her confessions under mental and physical duress and she had since retracted them.

The other conservationists on trial include Taher Ghadirian, Houman Jowkar, Sepideh Kashani, Amir Hossein Khaleghi, Abdolreza Kouhpayeh, Sam Rajabi and Morad Tahbaz. State news agency IRNA has said four of the conservationists have been charged with "sowing corruption on Earth," a crime punishable by death, while three other activists are charged with "espionage," and the last one with "conspiracy against national security."

The eight defendants were detained in January 2018 along with a ninth member of the conservation group, Iranian-Canadian dual national Kavous Seyed Emami, who died in custody the following month in what authorities termed a suicide. Family members disputed that assertion and called for further investigation.

Iranian state media said several lawmakers met with President Hassan Rouhani as he visited parliament on Monday and urged him to ensure the eight conservationists on trial are granted legal protections, including a right to choose their own lawyers.

State news agency IRNA previously had reported that the defense lawyers present in court include several approved by the judiciary to handle national security cases. Mohamad Hossein Aghasi, a human rights lawyer representing defendant Rajabi, has said authorities have barred him from participating in the trial without explanation.

One of the lawmakers who met with Rouhani on Monday, Mohammad Reza Tabish, told state-controlled news agency ISNA that they asked the president to be mindful of the concerns of human rights activists and other Iranians about the case against the conservationists.

Tabish said Rouhani responded by expressing hope that the defendants would get a fair trial. The lawmaker also said parliamentary speaker Ali Lairjani agreed to meet the families of the defendants a future date.

In an interview with VOA Persian last week, former Iranian deputy Iranian environment chief Kaveh Madani said he was not surprised to hear reports about one defendant's purported forced confessions and another defendant's lawyer not being allowed to participate in the trial.

"As in many national security cases in Iran, I assume this one would not necessarily involve a due process," said Madani, an environmental scientists now based at Yale University in the United States. "I don't know how real justice would be applied in their case, that is what I'm worried about."

This article originated in VOA's Persian Service.
In the first full month of her presidential campaign, Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris is planning a tour of the nation's four early-voting states.

Harris' schedule announced Tuesday includes two days each in South Carolina, New Hampshire, Iowa and Nevada, states where support will be key to building momentum in a crowded 2020 Democratic field.

The first-term senator from California will make her first visit to New Hampshire and then her first stop in Nevada since she officially declared her candidacy. She will be returning to Iowa and South Carolina, which she visited after launching her bid.

While the Harris campaign said specifics would be released later, the dates of her early-states tour are: South Carolina, February 15-16; New Hampshire, February 18-19; Iowa, February 23-24; and Nevada, February 28-March 1.

Harris, 54, announced her candidacy January 21 during a national TV appearance, then appeared at an official kickoff rally January 27 before thousands of people in downtown Oakland, California.

Harris' campaign has already named Deidre DeJear as her campaign chair in Iowa and Will Dubbs as Iowa state director, signs of how the nascent campaign is growing in the state holding the first voting of the 2020 primary.

In New Hampshire, Harris has added Craig Brown as her campaign's state director.
THE HAGUE - Former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo has been released on bail to Belgium following his acquittal by the International Criminal Court in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity, the court said Tuesday.

Belgium said on Saturday that it had agreed in principle to host Gbagbo pending a possible prosecution appeal against his acquittal by the ICC, but that final arrangements were being made.

The 73-year-old former strongman and his aide Charles Ble Goude have been staying in an undisclosed location since Friday when the Hague tribunal freed them from detention.

"Mr. Gbagbo is now released under conditions in Belgium," an ICC spokeswoman said, without giving further details.

Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo appear FILE - Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo appears before the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Jan. 15, 2019. FILE - Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo appears before the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Jan. 15, 2019.

ICC judges acquitted Gbagbo and Ble Goude on Jan. 15 on charges stemming from a wave of violence after disputed elections in the west African nation in 2010.

Around 3,000 people were killed in the violence. Gbagbo spent seven years behind bars and had been on trial since 2016.

The delay in Gbagbo's release was because prosecutors said that he should be kept in detention pending a possible appeal against his acquittal, arguing that he would not return to the court if there was a retrial.

The release conditions include that Belgium will guarantee that Gbagbo would go back to the ICC if required.

He must also surrender his travel documents, report to authorities weekly, avoid contacting witnesses in Ivory Coast, and refrain from making public statements about the case, court documents said Friday.

Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said on Saturday that there had been "a request from the court to host Mr. Gbagbo simply because he has family in Belgium: his second wife, a child in Brussels."

"We have concluded that it is alright for him to stay in Belgium while on conditional release," he said, adding, "There will be surveillance."
TOKYO - German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday offered a way to break the deadlock over the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union, calling for a "creative" compromise to allay concerns over the future of Irish border arrangements.

The United Kingdom is due under British and European law to leave the EU in just 53 days yet Prime Minister Theresa May wants last-minute changes to a divorce deal agreed with the EU last November to win over lawmakers in the British parliament.

May is seeking legally binding changes to the deal to replace the Northern Irish backstop, an insurance policy that aims to prevent the reintroduction of a hard border between EU-member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland.

Former leader of Britain's ruling Conservative Par Former leader of Britain's ruling Conservative Party Iain Duncan Smith arrives for a meeting in London, Feb. 4, 2019. Prime Minister Theresa May was gathering pro-Brexit and pro-EU Conservative lawmakers into an "alternative arrangements working group" seeking to break Britain's Brexit deadlock. Former leader of Britain's ruling Conservative Party Iain Duncan Smith arrives for a meeting in London, Feb. 4, 2019. Prime Minister Theresa May was gathering pro-Brexit and pro-EU Conservative lawmakers into an "alternative arrangements working group" seeking to break Britain's Brexit deadlock.

While Merkel said she did not want the so-called Withdrawal Agreement renegotiated, she added that difficult questions could be resolved with creativity, the strongest hint to date that the EU's most powerful leader could be prepared to compromise.

"There are definitely options for preserving the integrity of the single market even when Northern Ireland isn't part of it because it is part of Britain while at the same time meeting the desire to have, if possible, no border controls," Merkel said.

"To solve this point you have to be creative and listen to each other, and such discussions can and must be conducted," Merkel said at a news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.

Merkel said the Irish backstop issue could be solved as part of a discussion over a separate agreement on the future relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom, offering May a potential way out of the deadlock.

Merkel's stance on Brexit is driven by an eagerness to preserve the integrity of the EU and its internal market, which are crucial to Germany's post-war identity and prosperity, while also keeping Britain close to the bloc even after it leaves.

Keen to avoid the economic disruption a no-deal Brexit would bring to Germany's economy, which slowed sharply last year, Merkel also values Britain as a like-minded partner and wants to keep its security expertise close at hand.

"We can still use the time to perhaps reach an agreement if everyone shows good will," Merkel said.

Vehicles drive past an anti-Brexit placard that is Vehicles drive past an anti-Brexit placard that is placed near the Parliament in London, Jan. 29, 2019. Vehicles drive past an anti-Brexit placard that is placed near the Parliament in London, Jan. 29, 2019.

Last-minute deal?

Britain's labyrinthine crisis over EU membership is approaching its finale with an array of options including no-deal Brexit, a last-minute deal, a snap election or a delay.

May said she would seek a pragmatic solution when she tries to reopen talks with Brussels though Brexit-supporting lawmakers in her Conservative Party have warned they will vote against her deal unless there are substantial changes.

In Brussels, a group of British lawmakers met the head of the EU civil service and said Martin Selmayr appeared to indicate that the EU might bind itself to new legal conditions.

FILE - Secretary-General of the Commission Martin FILE - Secretary-General of the Commission Martin Selmayr waits for the start of a meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels, March 7, 2018. FILE - Secretary-General of the Commission Martin Selmayr waits for the start of a meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels, March 7, 2018.

While European Commission Secretary General Selmayr, the long-time lieutenant of President Jean-Claude Juncker, had reiterated the EU line that it would not reopen the withdrawal agreement, Labour lawmaker Hilary Benn told reporters: "I got the impression that they might be prepared to consider some additional statement or legal protocol."

But Selmayr was quick to fire back on Twitter: "On the EU side, nobody is considering this."

The German EU official said the lawmakers gave "inconclusive" answers when he asked whether any EU assurances could help May win support for her deal.

Selmayr has been in charge of the bloc's preparations for the event of Britain failing to agree on an orderly withdrawal and his role in meeting the lawmakers was seen by some British commentators as a sign of a harder line from Brussels than that from Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, a former French minister.
Freedom House says that democracy in the United States has weakened significantly in recent years and blames U.S. President Donald Trump for ongoing attacks on the rule of law, fact-based journalism, and other principles and norms of democracy.

The U.S.-based nongovernmental group warned in its annual report on democracy that it has seen similar patterns in other nations where democracy was ultimately overtaken by authoritarianism.



The greatest danger comes from the fact that American democracy is not infinitely durable, especially if a president shows little respect for its tenets, said Michael Abramowitz, president of Freedom House.



While the group said the freedom rating for the United States shows that the country is still a robust democracy by global standards, it says its democracy has weakened significantly. It says the current U.S. score puts American democracy on a level with Greece, Croatia and Mongolia, well below other long-standing democracies such as Germany, France and Britain.

Around the world, Freedom House said that 68 countries suffered net declines in political rights and civil liberties during 2018, with only 50 registering gains. It said this marked the 13th consecutive year of decline in global freedom.

WATCH: Democracy in America

The report noted two countries with dramatic declines in 2018  Hungary and Nicaragua. Hungary fell from "Free" status to "Partly Free" status as Prime Minister Viktor Orban presided over the most dramatic decline ever charted by Freedom House within the European Union. Nicaragua dropped to "Not Free" status amid a ferocious crackdown on a nationwide anti-government protest movement.



The report also spotlighted several other countries for declines, including China, where over a million ethnic Uighurs, Kazakhs and Hui were forced into reeducation centers, and Cameroon, where President Paul Biya extended his more than three decades in office through deeply flawed elections.



Of the 195 countries assessed, 86 (44 percent) were rated Free, 59 (30 percent) Partly Free, and 50 (26 percent) Not Free.



The countries that received the worst freedom rating in the report were Syria, South Sudan, Eritrea, Turkmenistan and North Korea. Those who received the best scores were Finland, Norway, Sweden, Canada and the Netherlands.



Freedom House said the countries that made notable positive changes in their freedom rating in 2018 included Armenia, Ethiopia and Iraq.



It said Armenia made a breakthrough with the victory of reform-minded leader Nikol Pashinyan in snap elections, and said in Ethiopia the ruling party installed a reformist prime minister who lifted a state of emergency and released political prisoners. In Iraq, Freedom House said that despite allegations of fraud, the country underwent a peaceful transfer of power following competitive parliamentary elections.
MOSCOW - Long before she became just one of the financially destitute legions of street sweepers that dot Moscow's bitterly cold winter landscape, Shaknoza Ishankulova had simply wanted to do the right thing.

It was 2008, and the recent Uzbekistan National University graduate was ecstatic to secure a teaching post at a Tashkent high school, finally making good use of her diploma in secondary education.

Twenty-two years old and eager to guide younger Uzbeks toward a better life, she was shaken when Uzbekistan's notoriously vast culture of entrenched corruption revealed itself in the form of a personal mentor and supervisor  a deputy principal at the school who notified her that, if she wished to keep her job, a full third of her weekly salary would have to be kicked back to him.

It was his cut, he explained, for having hired her in the first place.

Years passed before Shaknoza gathered the courage to broach the issue with the school's principal, a suspiciously wealthy public servant who promptly dismissed the complaint as naively frivolous.

Taking her cue from the anti-corruption initiatives she had seen in Uzbekistan, marketed in the form of public service announcements since 2005, Shaknoza escalated her complaint to Russia's Ministry of Education, and was summarily placed on paid leave pending further investigation.

Two years and a cancer battle later, Shaknoza's case had wound its way through ministry proceedings, leaving her fate in the hands of her employer, who summarily fired her, demanded reimbursement for the two years of salaried leave, and permanently blacklisted her from any professional employment.

FILE - Muslim men, mostly migrant laborers from Ce FILE - A group of men, mostly migrant laborers from Central Asian countries, stand next to a fence decorated with a picture of Moscow's Kremlin in Russia, July 5, 2016. FILE - A group of men, mostly migrant laborers from Central Asian countries, stand next to a fence decorated with a picture of Moscow's Kremlin in Russia, July 5, 2016.

Like many unemployed Uzbek nationals, Shaknoza was lured by Moscow's abundance of service sector jobs that paid more than similar work in Tashkent. After spending nearly a year as a sweeper, she lucked out by landing a relatively well-paid waitressing job, only to lose the position when a Russian supervisor publicly castigated her for making conversation with foreign diners, an experience she attributed to the ethnic workplace discrimination many Uzbeks face in Russia.

Tall and slender with distinctly Asian facial features and straight shoulder-length hair, Shoksana, appearing older than her 34 years, is now a cashier and produce vendor at one of Moscow's many 24-hour convenience stores.

Speaking with VOA on a frigid afternoon in Moscow, her bare hands balled in fists as she stood stock still in seemingly arctic gales, the former high school teacher said she has done reasonably well for herself when compared to fellow migrants sleeping 10 to a room on the city's outskirts.

Making $37 per 24-hour shift, each of which is followed by 24 hours off, she said the salary is enough to share a two-room apartment with three other laborers: two Uzbek men and a woman, with whom she shares the bedroom.

After feeding and clothing herself, she says, she sends a small amount home to her mother.

"But it's not enough to save anything," she said, explaining that she lacks the resources to get ahead in Moscow and that, as a blacklisted whistleblower, any path back to Tashkent is surely a dead end.

Millions seek opportunity

By 2017, Russia was home to nearly 12 million migrants  the world's third largest foreign-born population.

Much like in western European nations and the United States, the large numbers of immigrants have triggered unease, and a majority of Russians have become increasingly intolerant of the newcomers.

FILE - Two migrant municipal workers stand ready t FILE - Municipal workers, most often migrants from former Soviet states or Central Asian countries, stand ready to clean at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, June 26, 2018. FILE - Municipal workers, most often migrants from former Soviet states or Central Asian countries, stand ready to clean at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, June 26, 2018.

A 2018 survey by the Washington-based Pew Charitable Trust showed that nearly 70 percent of Russian nationals felt the country should allow fewer or no migrants in the future.

While many of the migrants from China, eastern Europe and the West possess a broad range of professional skill sets, the vast majority of Russia's lowest-paid laborers hail from impoverished central Asian countries, of which Uzbeks are the largest group.

This makes them the most visible targets of anti-immigrant vitriol.

Some high-level Russian officials have relayed largely context-free statistics that they portray as an immigrant-fueled crime wave for which Uzbeks in particular are to blame.

"If you create a ranking of criminality, you will find citizens of Uzbekistan at the top," Moscow chief prosecutor Sergei Kudeneyev told Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper in 2014. "They have committed 2,522 crimes; next is Tajikistan, with 1,745 crimes; and in third place there is Kyrgyzstan, whose citizens committed 1,269 crimes."

"The unremitting crime rates among foreign citizens are causing serious concern, particularly since crimes of this nature draw a lot of public attention," Russian President Vladimir Putin told a gathering of top security officials in 2016. During the televised statement, the president demanded a swift crackdown on foreign criminals.

Alexander Verkhovsky of SOVA, the Center for Information and Analysis, a think tank in Moscow, questioned the veracity and transparency of these datasets.

"Any statistics on working migrants are very blurry," he said. "While there are police crime statistics  or at least crime documentation  that may indicate a given perpetrator's country of origin, that specific data is never published in full.

"In general, data on crimes is organized by categories of crime, and even whether these crimes may have been committed by or against a foreigner," he said. But by the time police records are internally digested into statistics and prepared for public presentation via the prosecutor's office, hard data about specific countries of origin has been scrubbed.

"You never get to see the complete data," he said.

A 2016 report by Columbia University's Eurasia.org news site suggests migrants who have committed crimes may have acted in response to a series of new Russian laws that drastically increased living costs.

Migrant work permit requirements unveiled in 2015 required applicants to "undergo a battery of tests for HIV, tuberculosis, drug addiction and skin diseases." Permit holders, the report says, were also required to purchase health insurance, acquire taxpayer identification numbers, and be tested on Russian language, history and laws.

Failure to satisfy requirements within a month of arriving in Russia subjected migrants to a $152 fine.

"Once migrants have jumped through all the hoops, they must pay 14.5 thousand rubles ($219) for their work permit and another four thousand rubles ($61) every month to renew the document," the report says. "All told, this costs almost $1,000 per year."

A December 2018 SOVA report on hate crimes that was compiled from official statistics and field research said although attacks targeting foreigners are decreasing, ethnic migrants are among the most vulnerable to violent attacks on Russian soil.

"People perceived as ethnic outsiders constituted the largest group of victims in 2017," says the report, which recorded 28 ethnically motivated attacks, down from 44 attacks (7 fatal) in 2016.

FILE - Policeman detain a protester during a march FILE - Policeman detain a protester during a march to mark National Unity Day, in Moscow, Russia, Nov. 4, 2013. Several thousand Russian nationalists rallied against the migrants they accuse of pushing up the crime rate and taking their jobs. FILE - Policeman detain a protester during a march to mark National Unity Day, in Moscow, Russia, Nov. 4, 2013. Several thousand Russian nationalists rallied against the migrants they accuse of pushing up the crime rate and taking their jobs.

"Migrants from Central Asia were the most numerous group in this category of victims  followed by individuals of unidentified non-Slavic appearance," the report states. "Most likely, the overwhelming majority of these people were also from Central Asia, since their appearance was described as Asian."

Foreigners targeted

All of the migrants VOA spoke with mentioned that they had been intimidated by racists or nationalists, swindled into weeks of free labor by dishonest employers, or were the victims of robbery.

Oibek Usupov, a construction worker from Tashkent, recounted the time he and his brother accepted jobs at an apartment development, wherein the employer required them to sign contracts to work throughout the winter. They received a small advance up front, followed by a handful of paychecks well below what they were promised.

Once the units began selling, the developer said, they would be reimbursed in full. Then payments stopped and, a week before spring, it was announced the project had been bought out by another developer.

The new boss, Usupov told us, said prior contracts weren't binding because his company hadn't authorized them.

"We lost months of back pay," he said.

Adkham Enamov, an Uzbek artist who lives an hour north of Moscow, says he became stranded in Russia after intermediaries who sold his paintings at a famous Moscow arts bazaar disappeared with the profits.

"At the time, my dream was to see Moscow, to sell my paintings in Russia, but I didn't know that half of Moscow are artists," he said. "So my current dream is to see my motherland, to return in good health."

Emanov, 46, who speaks very little Russian, has a 16-year-old son with cerebral palsy. His purpose in Moscow was to cover the medical expenses stacking up in Tashkent.

And then in early 2018, tragedy struck when his 4-year-old daughter, Nama, died from an undiagnosed illness.

"She was buried without me due to the Muslim tradition," he said, referring to the Sharia ritual of washing and burying the dead within 24 hours of passing. "Well, I sent some money there. Not much."

After a long, reflective pause, he added, "I should come back being quite rich, but my dream didn't come true."
Facebook is banning four armed insurgent groups in Myanmar from its platform.

The U.S.-based social media giant announced Tuesday in a written statement that it has designated the Arakan Army, the Myanmar Democratic Alliance Army, Kachin Independence Army and the Taang Liberation as dangerous organizations to justify its decision to ban the groups from the site. The statement also said it will remove all related praise, support and representation of the groups as soon as it becomes aware of it.

The four groups are among several ethnic separatist groups who have battled for autonomy, identity and territory in the decades since Myanmar, also known as Burma, won its independence from Britain in 1948. The Arakan Army has been blamed for the deaths of 13 policemen in western Myanmar last month.

Facebook says there is clear evidence that these organizations have been responsible for attacks against civilians in Myanmar and wants to prevent them from using our services to further inflame tensions on the ground.

Facebook has come under fire after a United Nations fact-finding report accused the social media site of being slow and ineffective in preventing hate speech and violent rhetoric among Myanmars majority Buddhist population against the minority Muslim Rohingyas. The Myanmar military launched a scorched earth campaign against the Rohingyas in northern Rakhine State in August 2017, forcing over 700,000 Rohingyas across the border into Bangladesh.

Rohingya refugees would later recount scores of incidents of atrocities committed by the military, including rape, widespread killings and the torching of villages.

Facebook banned some high-ranking military officers from the site, along with hundreds of pages and accounts linked to the armed forces. The company also added hundreds of staffers who can read and speak Myanmar to detect any new pages containing hate speech.
El Salvador's new president-elect won in resounding fashion, but breaking the three-decade hold on power of the country's two dominant parties means that Nayib Bukele will take office with few friends in congress.



The 37-year-old former mayor has an ambitious agenda, topped by a vow to root out corruption. To accomplish that and many other campaign promises, Bukele will have to find allies who can help.



Bukele won with more than 53 percent of the votes Sunday, topping three rivals. But GANA  the Grand Alliance for National Unity party that he carried to victory  has only 10 seats in the legislature, well short of the 43 votes needed to pass laws.



"This new government is going to be weak," said Alvaro Artiga, a professor of political science and sociology at the Jose Simeon Canas Central American University. "It's that institutionally it doesn't have legislative support."



The outgoing Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front, or FMLN, government had a difficult time of it as a minority presence in the Legislative Assembly, and it had 23 of the 84 seats.



And Bukele's promise to establish a commission to investigate official corruption modeled on a U.N.-backed effort in Guatemala is unlikely to win him friends among the FMLN or the conservative Nationalist Republican Alliance, or ARENA. That party itself has 37 deputies and its allied parties have 12 more.



Bukele will need to send a message immediately through his cabinet picks that it won't be business as usual, and avoid cronyism, Artiga said. "It can't be the friends, the relatives, all that he has accused the usual suspects of," he said.



"He can't repeat that, because people voted as a rejection," Artiga said. Bukele will start his five-year term June 1.

A man reads a newspaper with the picture of presid A man reads a newspaper with the picture of presidential candidate Nayib Bukele, who proclaimed himself the winner of the presidential election, in San Salvador, El Salvador, Feb. 4, 2019. A man reads a newspaper with the picture of presidential candidate Nayib Bukele, who proclaimed himself the winner of the presidential election, in San Salvador, El Salvador, Feb. 4, 2019.

El Salvador is small both in size and population, with just 6.5 million people. Close to a third of its households live in poverty, and Salvadorans searching for a better life have joined recent caravans of migrants trekking across Mexico hoping to reach the U.S.



Bukele rose quickly through the ranks of the FMLN, a former guerrilla army that transformed itself into a political party after a 1992 peace deal ended the nation's civil war. He first won election as a youthful small-town mayor and then became mayor of San Salvador, the capital. But his persistent criticisms of FMLN leadership got him expelled from the party. Joining GANA  which has been a right-leaning party  was a last-minute move just to get on the ballot.



"It was always about the size of the resentment among the urban middle class toward the country's elites," said political analyst and former guerrilla commander Salvador Samayoa. "It was never that he was the best, most honest, most wholesome, most capable candidate."



Voters were tied of corruption, the lack of economic opportunities and the persistent violence.



"I voted, everybody in my family voted for Bukele because we're tired of these ARENA and FMLN governments that steal money," said 42-year-old Manuel Lopez as he headed to work Monday. "Nobody believes them."



"Two presidents from ARENA, Paco Flores, Tony Saca and one from FMLN, Mauricio Funes, have stolen everything they could," he said.
GENEVA - The International Organization for Migration is appealing for $66 million to respond to an escalating displacement crisis, in northeastern Nigeria, which has left tens of thousands of people bereft of shelter and other basic life-saving needs.

Since November, more than 59,000 people have fled their homes in northeast Nigeria. Most of them, mainly women and children, have run from attacks by Boko Haram militants and other armed non-state actors in Borno State, the epicenter of the displacement crisis.

Recent violence behind latest movement

Fighting has displaced 1.8 million people since 2015. The U.N. migration agency's chief of mission in Nigeria, Frantz Celestin, said violence in the last two months of 2018 has triggered the largest movement of people in the shortest period of time over the past two years.

He said the escalating attacks and success in seizing towns suggest an increased sophistication in tactics by the armed groups.

This is why I think a lot of people move once they take the town, Celestin said. Or even, in a lot of cases, in the case of Monguno, just a rumor of an attack can displace people ... because if there is a rumor that one of the non-state armed groups is about to attack, people would want to get ahead of it before they enter the town.

Women line up for relief at the Teachers' Village Women line up for relief at the Teachers' Village IDP camp in Maiduguri, Nigeria, Jan. 16, 2019. Women line up for relief at the Teachers' Village IDP camp in Maiduguri, Nigeria, Jan. 16, 2019.

Rann attacked twice in two weeks

For example, he cited the case of Rann, a town that was attacked on Jan. 14 by militants who burned tents and homes. Celestin said they even targeted clinics, hubs and compounds run by the U.N. and international organizations, including the IOM. He said no one was spared. He noted Rann was struck again on Jan. 27.

In cases like this, the IDPs may want to get ahead of it because they are walking, Celestin said. If there is a rumor that somebody is about to attack, they may leave.

Appeal for $66 million

In addition to security, Celestin said access to land in northeast Nigeria is the biggest problem facing the region. He said the latest influx of displaced people is creating a huge shelter crisis in the already congested camps, home to nearly one-quarter of a million people.

Celestin said thousands of people currently are exposed to the elements with no access to water and sanitation. The $66-million appeal, he said, will be used to provide emergency shelter kits, good water and sanitation, mental and psycho-social support to people in distress, as well as other essential non-food relief.

Boko Haram, which wants to set up its own Islamic State based on Sharia, or Islamic law, reportedly has killed more than 20,000 people and forced more than two million to flee their homes since the insurgency began in 2009.
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido is moving ahead with plans to try to bring in humanitarian aid through the Colombian border city of Cucuta, where the U.S. government will transport and store food and medical supplies destined for Venezuela.



The Venezuelan opposition has said that once the aid is stockpiled in Cucuta, it will try to move it into Venezuela, defying Nicolas Maduro's government, which has refused offers of aid from the U.S. and other Western nations.



The move will be a test for Venezuela's military, which is deployed on the Venezuelan side of the border crossing and will have to choose whether to obey Maduro's orders, or allow the much-needed supplies into the country.

Why Cucuta?



The city of 630,000 is the busiest border crossing between both countries. Each day around 50,000 people enter Colombia through Cucuta, mostly Venezuelans in search of food, medicine and medical treatment that is not available to them at home.

A Venezuelan woman returns to her country after bu A Venezuelan woman returns to her country after buying groceries in La Parada, on the outskirts of Cucuta, Colombia, on the border with Venezuela, Feb. 4, 2019. A Venezuelan woman returns to her country after buying groceries in La Parada, on the outskirts of Cucuta, Colombia, on the border with Venezuela, Feb. 4, 2019.

Many are also leaving Venezuela for good. According to the United Nations, 5,000 Venezuelans leave their country each day to escape the economic crisis. Some 3 million Venezuelans have left since 2015, with 1.2 million settling in Colombia. Other popular destinations include Peru, Ecuador and Chile.



What Does the Border Look Like?



In 2015 Maduro shut down the border between both countries, claiming that it was being used by criminal gangs to smuggle price-controlled gasoline and food out of Venezuela.

The border was re-opened a year later, but only to foot traffic. Today thousands of people enter Cucuta by walking across two bridges connecting the two countries. Those without proper documentation to enter Colombia use clandestine trails and wade across a river that marks the border. Some of those trails are believed to be controlled by smugglers and heavily armed criminal organizations, including the National Liberation Army, a Colombian guerrilla group.

A Venezuelan man carries a crate filled with bread A Venezuelan man carries a crate filled with bread back to his country, in La Parada, on the outskirts of Cucuta, Colombia, on the border with Venezuela, Feb. 4, 2019. A Venezuelan man carries a crate filled with bread back to his country, in La Parada, on the outskirts of Cucuta, Colombia, on the border with Venezuela, Feb. 4, 2019.

What is on the Venezuelan Side?



There are two small towns on the Venezuelan side of the border, San Antonio and Urena, as well as the city of San Cristobal, population 600,000, about an hour's drive away. Hospitals there have reported they are desperately short on medical supplies and San Cristobal could be one of the first places where aid is directed, if it gets through.



How Could Aid be Sent Through?



The opposition has provided few details on how it plans to transport aid into Venezuela, but the most likely transit point is the Simon Bolivar International Bridge, which is guarded by Venezuelan and Colombian troops.



Several aid groups already run operations in Cucuta, including the Red Cross, the International Rescue Committee, UNHCR and the World Food Program. None of these groups has so far expressed interest in participating in the planned aid operation.
Colombian state-run oil company Ecopetrol SA said a bomb attack on the Trasandino pipeline late Monday near a populated area caused a fire but no injuries.

The bombing hit the pipeline near the town of El Pailon in Narino Province, close to the border with Ecuador, the company said Tuesday, adding that the fire has been contained.

The pipeline was not operating at the time of the attack, the third this year. There were 16 attacks on the pipeline in 2018.

El Pailon

Ecopetrol did not say who was responsible but security sources attributed it to the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group, which frequently attacks oil and energy infrastructure in the area.

The company said it is waiting for security forces to secure the area so it can assess the damage.

The 306-km (190-mile) Trasandino pipeline has capacity to transport about 85,000 barrels of crude daily from fields in Putumayo Province to the Pacific Ocean port of Tumaco, where it is exported.
WASHINGTON - True north isn't quite where it used to be.

Earth's north magnetic pole has been drifting so fast in the last few decades that scientists say that past estimates are no longer accurate enough for precise navigation. On Monday, they released an update of where magnetic north really was, nearly a year ahead of schedule.

The magnetic north pole is wandering about 34 miles (55 kilometers) a year. It crossed the international date line in 2017, and is leaving the Canadian Arctic on its way to Siberia.

The constant shift is a problem for compasses in smartphones and some consumer electronics. Airplanes and boats also rely on magnetic north, usually as backup navigation, said University of Colorado geophysicist Arnaud Chulliat, lead author of the newly issued World Magnetic Model. GPS isn't affected because it's satellite-based.

Magnetic north has military uses

The military depends on where magnetic north is for navigation and parachute drops, while NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Forest Service also use it. Airport runway names are based on their direction toward magnetic north and their names change when the poles moved. For example, the airport in Fairbanks, Alaska, renamed a runway 1L-19R to 2L-20R in 2009.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and United Kingdom tend to update the location of the magnetic north pole every five years in December, but this update came early because of the pole's faster movement.

The movement of the magnetic north pole is pretty fast, Chulliat said.

In this July 23, 2017, file photo the midnight sun In this July 23, 2017, file photo the midnight sun shines across sea ice along the Northwest Passage in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The magnetic north pole is wandering about 34 miles (55 kilometers) a year. In this July 23, 2017, file photo the midnight sun shines across sea ice along the Northwest Passage in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The magnetic north pole is wandering about 34 miles (55 kilometers) a year.

Pole's pace has increased

Since 1831 when it was first measured in the Canadian Arctic it has moved about 1,400 miles (2,300 kilometers) toward Siberia. Its speed jumped from about 9 miles per year (15 kilometers per year) to 34 miles per year (55 kilometers per year) since 2000.

The reason is turbulence in Earth's liquid outer core. There is a hot liquid ocean of iron and nickel in the planet's core where the motion generates an electric field, said University of Maryland geophysicist Daniel Lathrop, who wasn't part of the team monitoring the magnetic north pole.

It has changes akin to weather, Lathrop said. We might just call it magnetic weather.

The magnetic south pole is moving far slower than the north.

In general Earth's magnetic field is getting weaker, leading scientists to say that it will eventually flip, where north and south pole changes polarity, like a bar magnet flipping over. It has happened numerous times in Earth's past, but not in the last 780,000 years.

It's not a question of if it's going to reverse, the question is when it's going to reverse, Lathrop said.

Flip will take time

When it reverses, it won't be like a coin flip, but take 1,000 or more years, experts said.

Lathrop sees a flip coming sooner rather than later because of the weakened magnetic field and an area over the South Atlantic has already reversed beneath Earth's surface.

That could bother some birds that use magnetic fields to navigate. And an overall weakening of the magnetic field isn't good for people and especially satellites and astronauts. The magnetic field shields Earth from some dangerous radiation, Lathrop said.

Editor's note: In the Feb. 4 version of this story, The Associated Press erroneously described the pole's change in speed. Its speed jumped from about 9 miles per year (about 15 kilometers per year), not per hour. And it went to 34 miles per year (55 kilometers per year), not per hour. the story has been corrected.
Catalan pro-independence parties said Monday they would file parliamentary amendments opposing the Spanish government's 2019 budget proposal, potentially putting at risk the budget and the administration of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists.

Sanchez's minority Socialist government came to power last June and holds just a quarter of the seats in parliament, meaning it relies on the backing of anti-austerity Podemos, Catalan nationalists and other small parties to pass laws.

The two Catalan parties, ERC and PDeCAT, said they would file full parliamentary amendments against the budget proposal, which faces its first vote next week, unless Sanchez is open to some of their political demands.

Under Spanish parliamentary procedure, such amendments can block the entire budget bill.

Failure by parliament to approve the government's 2019 budget bill could prompt a snap election before the next scheduled vote in 2020.

PDeCAT, the party that holds the Catalan presidency, wants the government to launch a nationwide dialogue forum between political parties "to address politically the Catalan issue," their parliamentary spokesperson Carles Campuzano told Reuters.

ERC, the party that has led recent polls in Catalonia, went further and requested an authorized referendum on the region's independence.

The trial of 12 Catalan independence leaders starts Feb. 12. Spain's public prosecutor is seeking prison terms of up to 25 years for the leaders on charges of rebellion and misuse of public funds for their role in Catalonia's failed 2017 breakaway from Spain.

Feb. 12 is also the last day the two parties could withdraw their amendments over the budget proposal.

On Feb. 14, all proposed amendments to the budget bill will be voted on in a simple majority vote. If they pass, the budget proposal would be effectively rejected, raising pressure on Sanchez to call an election.
Tougher sentencing and a clampdown on political corruption and organized crime groups are part of the new Brazilian right-wing government's proposal unveiled Monday to tackle rampant crime in a country with the world's highest number of murders.

Justice Minister Sergio Moro, a former judge who made his name jailing scores of Brazil's business and political elite in the so-called "Operation Car Wash" investigation during the past five years, told reporters that he would send proposed changes to 14 laws to Congress soon.

The measures are part of the first major anti-crime plan of the administration of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who surged to power last year on a vow to end years of corruption and spiraling violent crime.

"Why did I set out to tackle corruption, organized crime and violent crime in this package? Because these three problems are related," Moro said at a news conference following a meeting with state governors and their public security secretaries. "Bolsonaro agrees wholeheartedly with these proposals and he also wants to lower impunity of violent crimes, practiced by criminal gangs, and of crimes of corruption."

Former Judge Sergio Moro participates in an anti-c FILE - Former Judge Sergio Moro participates in an anti-corruption conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Nov. 23, 2018. FILE - Former Judge Sergio Moro participates in an anti-corruption conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Nov. 23, 2018.

One of Moro's most important proposals is a move to force convicts to be jailed after their conviction is upheld on first appeal, seeking to end de facto impunity for the wealthy and well-connected, who have previously been free while their appeals crawl through court.

Brazil's Supreme Court in 2016 ruled that convicts could be jailed after a first appeal, but is due to revisit that decision in April and may reverse it. Some justices argue that what was meant as a possibility has in practice become mandatory.

Congress passing a law would likely take the matter out of the top court's hands.

It remains to be seen how Moro's plans will fare in Congress, where about one-third of lawmakers face some type of criminal investigation and several have been ensnared in corruption probes.

Bolsonaro has no formal coalition, relying instead on caucuses from the agricultural, evangelical and public security sectors. Moro said he was willing to meet with lawmakers, hear their concerns and seek consensus for passing the bill.

His proposals include measures to toughen prison sentences for habitual criminals and mandating that leaders of violent gangs should serve their sentences in high-security prisons.

Moro also sought to enshrine plea bargains, outlined new guidance for what defines a criminal gang and proposed whistleblower legislation.
A new student-led mobile app launched this month aims to help young Cambodians learn about sites of importance during the Khmer Rouge regime.

The app, Mapping Memories Cambodia, which was launched by the Royal University of Phnom Penhs media and communication department, is the product of more than a year of investigations by students into the regime.

Students interviewed survivors to map the locations and provide guides to the historical events that happened there. Users of the app will be able to submit their own stories to the project team, allowing for ongoing crowdsourcing of data on the Khmer Rouge period.

The app sheds light on everyday life under Khmer Rouge rule that is often lost on the historical narrative, its creators say, and includes articles, short films, podcasts and photo galleries.

Chan Muyhong, 28, MMC project leader, said: We're afraid that the evidence and the important sites during the regime will get lost while the survivors are also aging. They're at least 40 years old now. If we don't put in the effort now, we will stand to lose a chance for the next generation to learn of the life experiences during the regime.

The talk on history is mostly overshadowed by narratives of social and economic development. Thus, the project aims at encouraging the study of history. Once we understand the history, it will help us to think and be committed to building a peaceful society.

Him Sreynea, a civil society worker who attended the launch event on Sunday, said the app and website would make it easier for researchers to study the historical period in granular detail.

I see that they show short documentaries. I think this is good because it's a true story which our parents have gone through. So I think that it helps us get a clear picture of what they have gone through. For me, the video, documents and reports make it convenient for me to access.

She added that the interactive mapping of important sites would also engage users

Sometimes we think that we understand most of our history. But sometimes as I am not a researcher I don't know that the site near me is a historical site. The map makes it possible to know that.

The Khmer Rouge regime held power between 1975 and 1979, during which time some 1.7 million Cambodians are estimated to have died as a result.

The Khmer Rouge tribunal, a joint Cambodian-international body established to try the leaders of the regime, has found Noun Chea, the former head of parliament, and Khieu Samphan, the former head of state, guilty of genocide.

Neth Phektra, Khmer Rouge tribunal spokesman, who took part in the event, said that the project was important for the study and understanding of the Khmer Rouge regime in order to prevent a repeat of history.

The app plays an important role in providing knowledge to the public. Thus, this is in part a contribution to preventing cruel criminal acts such as those committed under the Khmer Rouge regime from returning to Cambodia. Even though the app is just a small part it contributes to providing knowledge to the public.

Phektra added that the agency advocating for victims in the Khmer Rouge court may consider the project as part of the out-of-court compensation process to help mend the emotional wounds of survivors.

From 2006 to 2017, the Khmer Rouge tribunal cost $296 million, which was provided by the Cambodian government and donors.
Human rights and labor activists have urged Cambodian workers on Thai trawlers to be cautious amid concerns that the lifting of an EU warning on the Thai fishing industry for compliance following scandals over slavery could have a negative impact on their safety.

In 2015 the EU issued a yellow card warning to the industry due to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, but lifted the warning last month.

Thailand has successfully addressed its legal framework in line with international law and improved its monitoring and surveillance system, the EU said. These steps included remote monitoring of fishing at sea and robust inspections at the port, it added.

Despite all of this, it doesnt mean that they [Cambodian fishermen] are 100 percent safe, said Dy Thehoya, program director of labor rights group Central. This is because the policy is just a policy; even now weve seen some progress. Lifting the yellow card happened only after the EU had reviewed the work several times.

Thehoya added that Thai fishing boats did not identify fishermen by their nationalities in the past, making losses at sea unaccountable and that their journeys were not properly recorded, with some fishermen remaining at sea for months. But EU sanctions have prompted a change.

Now we see that registration is at almost 99 percent, said Thehoya. The workers identities are clearly identified by countries they are from before the boats leave the docks ... and they have to come back within 30 days  but from now on how effective that is remains to be seen.

Thailand exported over $8 billion of seafood products in 2017, with more than $700 million going to the EU market.

"While not part of the bilateral dialogue on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, the commission and the European External Action Service have addressed with Thai authorities the serious human rights abuses and forced labor in the fishing industry, said EU Commissioner for fisheries Karmenu Vella. Thailand has recently announced the ratification of the International Labour Organisation's convention No.188 on Work in Fishing, the first country in Asia to do so."

More than 1 million Cambodians are reported to migrate to Thailand each year, working in factories, plantations, and in the fishing industry. Some have been tricked by recruitment agencies and have fallen victims to modern slavery, overwork, low pay, poor living conditions, and debt.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said that there are still cases of forced labor, human trafficking, and injury on fishing boats, without compensation.

Thailand has done a fairly inadequate job of ensuring that fishing boat captains and fishing fleet owners pay the money to compensate workers for the injury theyve suffered or for the harm thats caused to them by forced labor, said HRWs deputy Asia director Phil Robertson. This is an industry that tries to get the maximum from the people while paying very little to people in terms of wages and compensation.

Robertson added that officials at the ports do not ask workers to elaborate on their working situation at sea.

HRW urged the EU and US to keep monitoring Thai food production activities and to apply more pressure.

"Although the yellow card has been removed, the situation is still tense, said Mu Sochua, vice president of the former opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party. That's why I'm worried. I do not believe that Cambodians working on Thai fishing boats are out of danger. There are still thousands of them getting stranded at sea.

The Cambodian government has said it has done its part to protect migrant workers overseas by issuing a policy, which focuses on protecting their rights and interests, and has an agreement of cooperation with Thai authorities.
Meanwhile, the economy grew by 7.08 per cent, fuelled by an improved business climate built by a more responsive and pro-business government.

Thanks to these factors, along with deeper global integration through various free trade agreements, the local business community is entering the Year of the Pig with high hopes and even higher expectations.

As a source of national pride, our countrys achievements of more than 30 years of doi moi create a firm foundation for it to continue sturdy reforms in favour of both the people and businesses, in a bid to achieve higher and more sustainable growth.

Alongside a strong boost in global integration, new reforms will enable the economy to join global value chains, transforming Vietnam into a more attractive business and investment destination that rivals anywhere else, especially in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

We have full confidence in a more innovative business community, with enterprises continuing to renew themselves via the application of high-technology, in turn making the economy smarter than ever before.

As we move into the New Year, we expect the emergence of more business and investment opportunities for enterprises, and also expect Vietnam to continue expanding its wings, taking off and soaring ever higher as a more affluent and modern nation.

We at Vietnam Investment Review would like to thank our beloved readers and partners for their continued support in these exciting times.

We wish you all a prosperous and successful New Year!

Editorial Board of Vietnam Investment Review
Axel Neubert, country director of the Hanns Seidel Foundations Vietnam Office

During the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015, the world leaders agreed on the adoption of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. At the heart of the Agenda are 17 goals, which are built on the Millennium Development Goals but are more comprehensive and complex and a springboard for continued progress.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are the actionable part of Agenda 2030, are designed to balance economic, social, and environmental dimensions of development. At the same time, the SDGs should be implemented in an integrated way to ensure no one is left behind. The principle of leaving no-one behind refers not only to the importance of equitable access to developmental outcomes, it also means that implementing the SDGs requires a whole-of-society approach with contributions from all sectors of society to the vision of sustainable development. To that end, the engagement of all stakeholders is needed, especially the private sector with its significant resources and innovation potential which play an important role in bringing the SDGs into action.

While other goals are also important, SDG 9 focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, which are the key drivers of economic growth. Achievements in SDG 9 can accelerate progress towards Goal 1 (poverty), Goal 2 (hunger), Goal 6 (water and sanitation), and Goal 7 (energy), and many others. Actions on Goal 9 are also strongly linked with Goal 11 (cities and communities) and Goal 12 (sustainable consumption and production). Goal 13 (climate change) can also benefit from actions on Goal 9. These linkages between the different SDGs means that progress in one goal area will benefit other areas as well. At the same time, if the wrong policy choices are pursued, actions to promote industry, innovation, and infrastructure can also jeopardise progress in other goal areas. Therefore, an integrated approach to planning and implementation across the SDGs is crucial for countries to achieve overall progress in the direction of sustainability.

Innovation is docking station for all SDGs

SDG 9 is important for multi-stakeholder partnerships, and action on industry, innovation, and infrastructure clearly presents the private sector with potential business opportunities. Businesses can, for example, contribute through investments in infrastructure and research and development (R&D) programmes, especially if these are supported by enabling policies from governments that promote socially just and environmentally sustainable investments rather than the opposite. While actions on SDG 9 will impact several sectors in society, it is clear that progress in this goal area will necessarily involve the private sector as the main contributor.

The private sector can contribute to progress on SDG 9 through investments into local infrastructure systems, into climate-resilient energy and communications technologies, and other programmes.

Multinational enterprises can promote inclusive infrastructure development by bringing valuable financial services and employment opportunities to smaller businesses at local levels. Foreign companies can facilitate technology transfers to local businesses or support the technology diffusion through integrating local businesses into their supply chains. By committing to sustainable industries and responsible business, the private sector can make a significant impact on promoting innovation, developing the infrastructure, and improving ecological environment in their operating region.

Vietnam, Agenda 2030, and SDG 9

To realise its commitment to the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, the Vietnamese government has promulgated a National Action Plan on the implementation of a set of 17 nationalised VSDGs, which are adapted from the global goals. The National Action Plan contains 115 targets and outlines the key tasks, implementation measures, and arrangements to achieve the overall goal of sustaining economic growth alongside with ensuring social progress and justice, environmental and ecological protection.

According to Vietnams Voluntary National Review, which was presented at the High-Level Political Forum in July 2018, the industrys share of the GDP has remained at 26-28 per cent since 2010, and the share of the workforce in manufacturing and processing was 15.3 per cent in 2015. Industrialisation in Vietnam has been very natural-resource-intensive and environmentally unfriendly, with the country currently ranking 132th out of 180 on Yale Universitys Environmental Performance Index. Despite the high impact on the environment, overall labour productivity is considered to be low in comparison with the neighbouring economies.

Vietnams labour productivity is currently half of the ASEAN average, one third of that of Thailand, and comparable to that of Laos [World Bank, World Development Indicator 2016]. There is much to do to improve the competitiveness of Vietnamese industrial products. Recognising these problems, the government has promulgated the National Green Growth Strategy and Action Plan with the aim to restructure the economy towards greener and climate-resilient development. This is already ongoing, and the majority of renewable energy projects are currently financed by the private sector. It is thus clear that private financing will be vital to bolster the public financing of the green transition and to further accelerate the progress towards the targets in SDG 9.

Looking at the countrys progress in infrastructure, Vietnam ranks 79th out of 140 countries in the infrastructure pillar of the World Economic Forums Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018, leaping moderately from 95th position in 2012. It is all thanks to the governments efforts to sustain infrastructure investment at an average of 8 per cent of the GDP annually between 2008 and 2015, according to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam (GSO).

However, official development assistance (ODA) has been decreasing constantly since the country graduated from the low-income country status and became a lower middle-income country in 2010. The World Bank estimates that Vietnam would need $25 billion annually to meet the infrastructure demand during 2016-2020, twice the nominal investment amount in the period of 2011-2015, while the government can only allocate about 25 per cent of the required capital, according to Eurocham Whitebook 2018.

The private sector can close this financing gap, especially when the government has issued several supporting policies to boost private financing in infrastructure. With tax exemption in the first four years and tax discounts of up to 50 per cent in the following nine years, infrastructure can be a lucrative investment sector for enterprises.

In August 2018, the prime minister established a technical committee on public-private partnerships (PPP) under the National Council on Sustainable Development and Competitiveness, again highlighting the importance and necessity of private financing in Vietnams planned infrastructure projects. In addition to tax preference conditions and improved institutional effectiveness, increased transparency in public financing is a prerequisite to attract private investment to support infrastructure development in the country.

According to the Global Innovation Index (GII) Report 2018, Vietnam has advanced by two points to place 45th out of 126 reviewed economies. Equally, the gross expenditure on research and development by businesses jumped from 36th to 13th. Despite such positive developments, the country has some of the lowest scores in collaboration between university and industry. The fact that the regular budget for science and technology often amounts to less than 1 per cent of the total state budget, according to the Vietnam Voluntary National Review 2017, suggests that businesses are becoming key players in R&D. To ensure that R&D is moving in a coherent direction to support the goals of the government, more extensive collaboration between educational institutions and enterprises should further catalyse the investment efficiency in R&D and boost innovation in the country.

It is obvious that the engagement of businesses is key to accelerate progress on SDG 9: industry, innovation and infrastructure. As the operation of businesses is driven by profit, the government needs to have appropriate incentives and supportive policies to attract private financing. Nevertheless, institutional reform and the increased transparency of public financing are vital in building trust and promoting PPP.
Very early photograph of Fleetwood Rawstornes Red Cap party of Miners working on Colesberg Kopje. This kopje was located on the De Beer Brothers farm Vooruitzicht. This kopje was the outer evidence of the ancient volcanic pipe and was to be mined down to the plain surface and then as an open cast mine to create the (Big Hole). In this photograph are all the tools of the trade -namely wheelbarrow, bucket, sieve, shovel and sorting table. A beard and red cap appears to have been de rigueur too.

An early photograph of diamond mining, Diamond Fields, Kimberley Mine, 1871.

Work Break  Early diamond mining days at New Rush (Kimberley). Loin-clothed black labourers sit down and around several tripots to eat. To the left of the image a small shaft has been sunken with an overhead gantry and winding gear. Sheets of corrugated iron prevent anyone falling into the shaft. The European Prospector sits astride his horse, while a fellow Miner appears to have a tethered baboon. Note the canvass tents used for sleeping quarters.

Kimberley Mine, 1872.

Kimberley Mine, ca. 1872-73.

A roadway, Kimberley Mine, 1872.

A fascinating photograph of (New Rush) diamond mine, 1872, showing the individual claims and the roadways in-between and the rough encampment of tents and shacks beyond that was to become the city of Kimberley. In the foreground two miners sit and lean on a sorting table while their black labourers wash gravel. Note the horse and cart on a roadway in the middle ground.

Kimberley Mine, 1872.

Kimberley Mine, 1873.

Kimberley and the edge of the Kimberley Mine, 1873.

Photograph of Kimberley and the edge of the Kimberley Mine, 1873.

Kimberley Mine, ca. 1873.

Kimberley Mine, 1873.

Kimberley Mine, 1873.

Kimberley Mine, 1873.

Kimberley Mine, 1873.

Kimberley Mine, 1874.

Kimberley Mine, 1875.

Descending into the Kimberley Mine.

Descending into the Kimberley Mine.

Photograph of Kimberley Mine, 1886.

Kimberley Mine, 1889.

Kimberley, South Africa, is home to the worlds largest diamond mine, also known as the Big Hole. Dug by humans and so large it is visible from space, the pit has yielded some of the worlds largest diamonds and made the De Beers name famous worldwide.The first diamonds here were found by Erasmus Jacobs on Colesberg Kopje by members of the Red Cap Party from Colesberg on the farmbelonging to the De Beers brothers, in 1871. The ensuing scramble for claims led to the place being called New Rush, later renamed Kimberley in 1873. From mid-July 1871 to 1914 up to 50,000 miners dug the hole with picks and shovels, yielding 2,720 kilograms (6,000 lb; 13,600,000 carats) of diamonds.In 1872, one year after digging started, the population of the camp of diggers grew to around 50,000. As digging progressed, many men met their deaths in mining accidents. The unsanitary conditions, scarcity of water and fresh vegetables as well as the intense heat in the summer, also took their toll. On 13 March 1888 the leaders of the various mines decided to amalgamate the separate diggings into one big mine and one big company known as De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited, with life governors such as Cecil John Rhodes, Alfred Beit, and Barney Barnato. This huge company further worked on the Big Hole until it came to the depth of 215 meters, with a surface area of about 17 hectares and perimeter of 1.6 kilometers.Today, the Big Hole and its surrounds have been converted into a museum and tourist attraction. Visitors can go underground in a recreation of a mine shaft of the period and learn about the history of diamond mining in Kimberley, see historic memorabilia and buy diamonds slightly cheaper than usual. There is also a fascinating reconstruction of the Old Town at the big hole that gives visitors an idea of what it was like to live there back in the towns heydays of the late 1800s.(via Graham Leslie McCallum
Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It lies about 51 miles (82.1 km) northeast of Orlando, 86 miles (138.4 km) southeast of Jacksonville, and 242 miles (389.5 km) northwest of Miami. Daytona Beach is also a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida.The city is historically known for its beach where the hard-packed sand allows motorized vehicles to drive on the beach in restricted areas. This hard-packed sand made Daytona Beach a mecca for motorsports, and the old Daytona Beach Road Course hosted races for over 50 years. This was replaced in 1959 by Daytona International Speedway.Daytona Beach is also the headquarters for NASCAR.These beautiful pictures from Angie Saycheez that captured everyday life of Daytona Beach, Florida in the 1980s.
"Voz do Jornalista" is the new communication project of Angolas Catholic Radio Ecclesia in collaboration with the National Union of Journalists and is supported by the European Union. The project intends to contribute to the promotion of the countrys freedom of expression and the press in general.

Radio Ecclesia staff  Luanda, Angola

Speaking this week and representing Bishops under the Conferencia Episcopal de Angola e Sao Tome (C.E.A.S.T.), Bishop of Namibe Diocese, Dionisio Hisilenapo, welcomed the resumption of relations between Radio Ecclesia and the European Union.

Angolas Secretary of State for Social Communication, Celso Malavoloneke, commended the initiative as well as the resumption of relations between the European Union and Radio Ecclesia.

Voice of the journalist

On behalf of the European Unions Delegation to Angola, Raquel Luz said that the project, "Voice of the Journalist" is intended to support the promotion of democracy and fundamental rights involving civil society organisations.

The Secretary-General of the National Union of Journalists, Teixeira Candido, equally stressed the importance of the initiative in the promotion of fundamental freedoms. This, he said, would give support to communities that want to start community radios through which they could articulate their aspirations and needs.

Lastly, the Director of Radio Ecclesia, Father Mauricio Camuto, in a few words, thanked the European Union for the support and stressed that the initiative would help to consolidate activities of the Catholic Broadcaster.
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The first most advanced air defense system S-350 Vityaz will be deployed in Leningrad region in the northwest of Russia in 2019, the press service of the Defense Ministry said Tuesday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th February, 2019) The first most advanced air defense system S-350 Vityaz will be deployed in Leningrad region in the northwest of Russia in 2019, the press service of the Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

"In 2019, the Russian Aerospace Forces will receive, for the first time, the newest air defense system S-350 Vityaz. The system is expected to be delivered to the training center ... in Leningrad region," the ministry said.
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD, has allocated US$21 million (AED77 million) to finance a specialised ophthalmology hospital in Mauritius as part of its commitment to boosting the healthcare sector in the island nation

ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 05th Feb, 2019) The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD, has allocated US$21 million (AED77 million) to finance a specialised ophthalmology hospital in Mauritius as part of its commitment to boosting the healthcare sector in the island nation.

Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, and Mohamed Iqbal Latona, Ambassador of Mauritius to Saudi Arabia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, outlining the terms of the funding at the ADFD headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Senior representatives of the two parties attended the signing ceremony.

In establishing the specialised hospital, the fund will contribute to a strategic development priority set out by the Mauritian government to provide quality eye-care to the entire population (around one million) and combat the high number of people afflicted with eye diseases.

Located in Moka, the 42,200 square metres facility will host five operating theatres and 120 beds, and offer advanced services that leverage sophisticated medical equipment.

Speaking on the occasion, Al Suwaidi said, "The UAE and Mauritius continue to enjoy close bilateral ties, and ADFD is proud to play an important role in strengthening these relations. In line with our goals of supporting growth in developing countries and alleviating human suffering, ADFD views the health and social services sector as one of its top priorities given its significant impact on peoples lives, alongside its ability to empower and engage citizens in the development process.

"

"ADFDs interest in the healthcare sector reflects its commitment to supporting the goals and initiatives of the United Nations that focus on eradicating diseases, reducing infant mortality, supplying vaccines and medicines, and providing basic healthcare," he added.

In turn, Latona praised the collaboration between the UAE and Mauritius, as well as ADFDs prominent role in administering concessionary loans and managing development projects on behalf of the Abu Dhabi government in Africa and across the globe. He added that the Government of Mauritius is delighted to further collaborate with the ADFD in promoting sustainable development in the Republic.

In January 2019, ADFD signed a $10 million (AED37 million) concessionary loan agreement with the Government of Mauritius to fund a solar photovoltaic, PV, kits project. The project that aims to provide 10,000 solar PV kits to low-income communities is being financed through the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility as part of its fifth funding cycle.

Established in 2013, the seven-cycle facility offers $350 million in concessional loans from ADFD to help developing countries access low-cost capital for renewable energy projects.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin later this month in Moscow for talks on Iranian military activity in Syria.

It will be their first face-to-face meeting since November and follows a series of air strikes in January against what Israel said were facilities belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force in Syria.

"I'll be going on February 21 again to Russia following my discussions with President Putin in Paris a few months ago and subsequent phone conversations," Netanyahu said.

"It's very important that we continue to prevent Iran from entrenching in Syria," he said in English, at the start of a meeting at his office with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen.

"This is one of the subjects, the main subject, that I'll be discussing with President Putin."

On January 29, Netanyahu held talks in Jerusalem with two Russian officials on reinforcing their military coordination in Syria to avoid any "friction" there, his office said at the time.

The meeting with the Kremlin's Syria envoy Alexander Lavrentiev and Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin focused on "Iran and the situation in Syria", it said.

It came on the heels of January 21-22 Israeli strikes on what the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said were positions and assets held by Iran and its allies in Syria.

Hezbollah ,

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria in the past few years against Iranian and Hezbollah targets, and Israel and Russia have set up a "de-confliction" hotline to avoid accidental clashes.

That mechanism was stretched when a Russian military aircraft was mistakenly shot down by Syrian air defences after an Israeli raid in September.

Fifteen Russian soldiers were killed and the Russian army accused Israeli pilots of using Moscow's plane as cover to evade Syrian gunfire.

As part of its response, Russia announced new security measures to protect its military in Syria, including supplying it with an S-300 air defence system and jamming the radars of nearby warplanes.

Both Russia and Israel's arch-enemy Iran are allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and have helped his forces inflict numerous defeats on rebels and jihadists.

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Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic we have maintained that Gov. Chris Sununu handled the emergency superbly. That is why New Hampshire weathered the crisis well relative to most other states. It is also why the voters overwhelmingly returned the young governor to office last November.
IT GOT INTO the 90s back home the other day and friends complained to me over the phone though guiltily because they knew Id spent a day in the ER in New York which, honestly, had been a beautiful illuminatory experience and not miserable at all, but they felt sheepish about complaining of 
Austin Beutner has been an investment banker, first deputy mayor of Los Angeles, and publisher and chief executive of the Los Angeles Times. But none of those jobs were tougher than the position he is soon leaving after the grueling COVID-19 year: superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified Sc
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Russia is also suspected of carrying out a number of notable cyber attacks, including an attack that knocked out power stations in Ukraine in 2016.

Lithuania's intelligence agencies fear Russia will interfere in its forthcoming elections, including one in May to find a successor to the staunchly anti-Kremlin president, Dalia Grybauskaite.

The Baltic state, ruled from Moscow for much of the 20th century but now a member of both the European Union and NATO, was rattled by Russia's annexation of Crimea, and hosts a German-led multinational battalion to deter any Russian invasion. It holds presidential, municipal and European Parliament elections this year and a parliamentary election in 2020, Reuters said.

"Russian intelligence will step up its activity during the 2019-2020 election cycle," the agencies wrote in a joint annual assessment published on Tuesday. "It is possible that Russia will seek to sway the course of the elections by information and cyber means."

Read alsoReuters: Germany vows to keep troops in Lithuania, invest more in barracks

Moscow could "disseminate propaganda and disinformation in Lithuanian social media," it said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the suggestion was "absolute nonsense," adding: "Russia does not interfere in elections in other countries."

Russia is also suspected of carrying out a number of notable cyber attacks, including a concerted assault on the information systems of another Baltic state, Estonia, in 2007, and an attack that knocked out power stations in Ukraine in 2016. Russia denies being behind any cyber attack.

The Lithuanian report said Russia was basing more tanks and bombers in the Kaliningrad enclave, which borders Lithuania and Poland, and upgrading its bases there to be able to deploy missiles including the nuclear-capable Iskander.

The report also said there was a growing risk of "unintentional incidents" from increased military maneuvers on the other side of the Russian-Lithuanian border.

The agencies said they had observed Russian intelligence targeting people in Lithuania's energy sector and trying to hack into control systems to gain the ability to disrupt Lithuania's electricity supply.
The Lima Group includes Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Saint Lucia.

The countries of the Lima Group proclaimed Venezuela's opposition leader and its National Assembly as full members of the multi-nation group while ruling out military intervention to end the humanitarian crisis gripping the oil-rich nation.

The move elevates Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido to the status of a "fully fledged" member of the group, said Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland. The move further sidelines the authoritarian government of Nicolas Maduro, which has been declared illegitimate by Canada and many of its allies, according to CBC.

"It is very important to understand that Guaido derives his legitimacy from the National Assembly, which is the sole remaining democratically constituted body in Venezuela," Freeland said at the closing press conference of the Lima Group meeting.

Read alsoMFA: Ukraine backs Venezuelan opposition leader

Foreign ministers from the Lima Group countries  Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Saint Lucia, alongside representatives from the UK, the EU and the U.S.  met in Ottawa Monday to further solidify support for Guaido as protests over the legitimacy of Maduro's government continue to fill the streets in Venezuela.

The Lima group wrapped its meeting with a 17-point declaration that included a call for the "national armed forces of Venezuela to demonstrate their loyalty to the interim president in his constitutional functions as their commander in chief."

The Lima Group nations did not encourage any military action against the Maduro regime, however, saying that the countries making up the group "reiterate their support for a process of peaceful transition through political and diplomatic means without the use of force."
Ukraine would never recognize the fact of the occupation of the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said Ukraine will defend its right of free navigation in the Kerch Strait.

Answering the question during a Svoboda Slova [Freedom of Speech] panel show on Ukraine's ICTV channel on when Crimeans will see the Ukrainian flags in the Kerch Strait for the third time, that is, when the "Ukrainian convoy" will appear there, he said: "I will not tell you when, because it will be only volunteers who will go there. I don't rule out that there will be journalists and OSCE experts there, and (First Vice Speaker) Iryna Gerashchenko, who's been begging to join. We will definitely go there, we will definitely defend the freedom of navigation, and the truth is with us."

Poroshenko said Ukraine would never recognize the fact of the occupation of the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov.

Read alsoUkrainian-flagged ships in Sea of Azov account for a mere 10%  PM Groysman

"We will demand 100% free use in accordance with bilateral agreements, in accordance with the UN Convention," the president said.

UNIAN memo. On the morning of November 25, Russia blocked the passage to the Kerch Strait for the Ukrainian tugboat "Yany Kapu" and two armored naval boats "Berdyansk" and "Nikopol," which were on a scheduled re-deployment from the Black Sea port of Odesa to the Azov Sea port of Mariupol.

The Ukraine Navy Command noted that the Russian side had been informed of the plans to re-deploy the vessels in advance in accordance with international standards to ensure the safety of navigation.

The Russian coast guard ship "Don" rammed the Ukrainian tugboat, damaging the Ukrainian vessel. As the Ukrainian boats were heading back in the Odesa direction after being rejected passage via the Kerch Strait, Russian coast guards opened aimed fire on them.

Read alsoUkraine lodges lawsuit against Russia with ECHR over captive Ukrainian sailors

All 24 crew members on board were captured and later remanded in custody for two months, being charged with "illegal border crossing" (the sailors are facing up to six years in prison). Three crewmen were wounded in the attack.

Russian-controlled "courts" in occupied Crimea ruled that all 24 detainees should be remanded in custody, after which they were transferred to the Moscow-based Lefortovo and Matrosskaya Tishina detention centers. Moscow's Lefortovo district court in the middle of January 2019, ruled to keep the Ukrainian sailors in remand until the end of April 2019.
The charges are related to Medvedchuk's notorious statement about the need to create the so-called "Donbas autonomous region."

Press Secretary of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine Larysa Sargan has said the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) opened a criminal case against leader of the Ukrainian Choice organization Viktor Medvedchuk, who is known for his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, on charges of treason and encroachment on the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

The case was initiated due to Medvedchuk's notorious statement at the party congress about the need to create the so-called "Donbas autonomous region" with the formation of its own parliament and government, as well as to enshrine this status in the Constitution of Ukraine.

Read alsoPutin's crony Medvedchuk seeks to create Donbas Autonomous Region, amend Constitution

"Considering that under Article 1 of the Ukrainian Constitution, Ukraine is a unitary state, its territorial structure is enshrined in Article 133 of this Law, as well as the fact that Russia by providing self-proclaimed 'Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics' ('DPR,' 'LPR') with soldiers, weapons and other materials conducts aggressive actions against Ukraine, the proclamation of the concept of creating the 'Donbas Autonomous Region' contributes to the legislative consolidation of the temporarily occupied territory, contrary to the Fundamental Law and provides the foreign state with assistance in subversive activities against Ukraine, including information warfare," Sargan wrote on Facebook.

Thus, Medvedchuk's actions have signs of crimes under Part 1 of Article 110 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine) and Part 1 of Article 110 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason).

"There is presently a real threat that the temporarily occupied areas in Donetsk and Luhansk regions could violently be torn apart from Ukraine. Therefore, the calls proclaimed at the party congress is an ideal combination when the same person's actions constitute responsibility under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, two offenses. In this case, the calls were voiced to redraw the boundaries of Ukraine while the Russian Federation assists in subversive activities against Ukraine, as well as supports aggression and separatism," she added.

The materials of the criminal cases will be transferred to the SBU Security Service of Ukraine.
If Russia fails to regain control over Ukraine by political means, Moscow could resort to large-scale military aggression, the official suggests.

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksandr Turchynov has named six major threats to Ukraine the Russian Federation is posing.

He called military aggression a primary threat. "This is not only about the exhaustion of our country as a result of constant military provocations in the east, ongoing military occupation of the part of Donbas and Crimea. This is about a large-scale massing up of military infrastructure along our border, the focus of several Russian armies of the southern and western military districts on conducting operations in the strategic Ukrainian direction," he said in an interview with LIGA.net.

According to Turchynov, this indicates that, if Russia fails to regain control over Ukraine by political means, Moscow could resort to large-scale military aggression.

Read alsoPoroshenko names Putin's mechanisms for undermining Ukraine's stability

He considers the second threat information aggression and an attempt to influence the political architecture in Ukraine as well as the political choice of Ukrainians both through information tools (media, social networks) and by supporting directly and secretly their agents of influence in Ukrainian politics.

The third threat is cyber aggression, "which, according to the actual losses inflicted is comparable to military aggression."

"A serious confrontation is ongoing at the cyber front, but we have done a lot to significantly enhance our cyber defenses," he said.

The fourth threat, according to Turchynov, is economic war.

"The main problem here is the ongoing blocking of the transit of Ukrainian goods to Asian countries via Russia, the blocking of normal operations of ports in the Sea of Azov, the loss of significant markets for Ukrainian goods, application of a wide arsenal of provocations in foreign markets for military products, etc.," Turchynov said.

Read alsoUkraine's Foreign Intel Service: Russia to spend US$350 mln for meddling in Ukraine elections

"The fifth threat relates to energy. It's the attempt to block the work of the Ukrainian gas transmission system by building bypass gas pipelines, including on the territory of our strategic partners," he said.

Turchynov called terrorism the sixth threat. Namely, it is about the operations of sabotage and reconnaissance groups, Russian assets and mercenaries tasked with for carrying out terrorist acts, as well as sowing discouragement, fear, destabilizing Ukraine from within, "which our special services are actively opposing."

"However, this is not the whole list of threats Russia has been implementing in the framework of its hybrid war against our state," Turchynov said.

He expressed conviction that Ukraine has a powerful potential to become a regional leader in Eastern Europe.

"But to this end, we must, first of all, change the economic situation in the country. Today's GDP growth rates are not sufficient, not only for ensuring regional leadership, but also for ensuring priority security programs required for the reliable protection of our state," he added.
The agency pursues with tougher border control routine in relation to Russian nationals.

More than 900 Russian citizens were denied entry from year-start, says a speaker for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Oleh Slobodyan.

"Higher alert status at the border is still in force. Over 900 Russian citizens have been refused entry to Ukraine since the beginning of the year," he told UNIAN.

Grounds for refusal were mainly a failure to confirm the purpose of the trip, the excess of the period of stay in Ukraine during previous trips or violation of law concerning visits to the temporarily occupied Crimea, Slobodyan clarified.

Read alsoPoroshenko says he'll order border guards not to let Russian observers in for elections

As UNIAN reported earlier, after Russian forces attacked three Ukrainian navy boats near the Kerch Strait in the Black Sea on November 25, Ukraine from November 26 to December 26 introduced martial law in 10 regions - areas located along the Russian border and the Transnistrian section of the Ukrainian-Moldovan border, as well as along the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

On November 30, Chairman of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Petro Tsyhykal announced that Russian male citizens aged 16 to 60 years would have limited access to Ukrainian territory in connection with the introduction of martial law.

In late December, the National Security and Defense Council extended the restrictive measures of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine concerning the entry of Russian men into Ukraine.
All information on the death toll has been classified in Russia.

The losses of the Russian army in the Donbas campaign are comparable with those of the Ukrainian forces, a chief editor of a Pskov-based newspaper says.

At least 200 bodies were brought to Pskov over the years of hostilities in eastern Ukraine, reported the journalists of the Pskovskaya Gubernia regional newspaper, perhaps the only print media outlet in Russia that wrote about the direct participation of the Russian army in the Donbas war.

During the presentation of the book titled "Russia and Ukraine. Days of Eclipse," Lev Schlosberg, a member of the Pskov Regional Assembly of Deputies, said the edition is a collection of articles that appeared in the Pskov newspaper about Russia's war against Ukraine, covering the period from 2014 to 2017, according to an UNIAN correspondent in Russia.

In the introduction to the book, Schlosberg wrote that he wished the book were never born as such.

"There is a lot of death in this book, a lot of blood. This book doesn't answer the question on what will happen tomorrow while allowing us to recall the first four years of war... We hope this book will help reflect on what's happened. We won't be able to find a way out without this," Schlosberg said.

Read alsoOperation Payback: Ukrainian volunteer tells of Ukrainian army's crushing blow on enemy positions in Donbas (Video)

According to him, the mission of the book is to achieve peace between Russia and Ukraine in the future.

Answering a question of an UNIAN correspondent on how many Russian military were killed in action in Donbas, chief editor of the newspaper, Denis Kamalyagin, said there is no exact information.

"We only counted losses that were in Pskov, that's about 200 people killed," Kamalyagin said.

All information on the issue has been classified, while the post of a spokesperson was cut in the Pskov Airborne Assault Division, so information can be requested only from the Ministry of Defense, the editor said.

"It seems to me that it [the number of Russian soldiers killed in action in Donbas] is almost comparable with the number of Ukrainian KIAs," Kamalyagin said.

In his opinion, it is not only about soldiers on active duty but also about "volunteers, including those from Pskov."

Kamalyagin believes the indifference of the Russian society to the death of soldiers of the Russian armed forces is connected with the policy of the Russian federal channels, which purposefully avoid these topics.

According to him, the residents of Pskov are still fighting in Donbas.

In addition, Schlosberg reiterated that, along with a group of Russian lawyers, he had appealed up to the Russian Supreme Court over the fact that data on army losses had been classified "in peacetime," while the court "took the side of the head of the Russian Federation."

"No one knows the exact number of Russians killed in Ukraine; everything will be done so that people have no clue about this for as long as possible. The figure could be impressive," Schlosberg said.

In turn, the newspaper's editor in 2014, Svetlana Prokopyeva, said that in Pskov, at the beginning of the war, the attitude toward the newspaper's editorial office changed in a few hours since many were shocked by their publications about the participation of Russian military in Donbas operations.

"Our editorial office is the only one in town that acted like a media outlet  we went out there and took pictures of the graves of Pskov paratroopers. Our colleagues would tell us that this is necrophilia, dancing on graves, and doing PR stunts on bones," she said.

The book is expected to be presented in Kyiv in the near future.
DANVILLE  Its not uncommon for the Danville Raccoon Dinner to attract outsiders.

People come from across the county, and sometimes across the state, to experience the one-of-a-kind feast. They come for the backwoods delicacy and stay for the camaraderie  on Monday, volunteers estimated that nearly 800 people packed St. Lukes Catholic Church for the meal.

But this year, one couple took the term visitor to the extreme.

Debbie and Mark Lehman sat two rows from the front, all smiles as they took in their first Raccoon Dinner.

They came from California for the occasion.

We flew out of Sacramento to Los Angeles, got on a red-eye so we could be here tonight, Debbie explained. We flew into Columbus this morning.

Debbie was born and raised in Mount Vernon, having graduated from the high school in 1981. Mark grew up in Anaheim, California. The two live in the mountains of northern California now; Debbie is a registered nurse and Mark is a pastor.

Debbie and Mark were already planning to come to Ohio to visit family this week, and they decided at the last minute that they had to add the raccoon supper to their docket. One of Debbies cousins, who was working in the kitchen on Monday, persuaded them to go.

Growing up in Mount Vernon, Debbie never attended the dinner. She said Monday that it surpassed all expectations.

Its excellent, she said.

The two came to the dinner with Debbies family, which still lives in the area. Trying raccoon for the first time, Debbie said it tasted like a strong roast beef. Mark couldnt quite put a finger on it.

It doesnt taste like chicken, but its really good, he said. Everythings good.

By the end of his meal, Mark had licked the bones clean. He was glad they came early  after all, this was a meal they couldnt find anywhere else.

Its hard to find a good raccoon dinner, he said, smiling. You cant get the McRaccoon at McDonalds.

Debbie and Mark may have won the award for longest commute, but hundreds of others joined them on Monday to share a similar satisfaction in the meal. People of all ages filed into the church to get a plate of raccoon  along with sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, stuffing, cornbread and cake.

The Danville Lions Club organized the event, and president Sandy Crow said that it took 100-150 volunteers to pull it off.

According to multiple event organizers, this years dinner almost didnt happen.

The raccoon was ready to go, volunteer Deb Ridgeway explained, but a lack of volunteers left the event in limbo as the calendar turned to January. But a number of volunteers stepped up in the final weeks, Crow said, and as it has for the past 76 years, the Danville community made it happen.

A lot of the young people in the community really wanted to keep it going, and they made it happen, Crow said. They came out and volunteered; that made a big difference.

Crow said those volunteers brought others along with them, which added to the events manpower.

Ridgeway hopes that after this years close call, more people will step up earlier next year. She, like many others, would hate to see the tradition go.

Im hoping, because of that and because it almost disappeared, that we wont have that little hiccup anymore, said Ridgeway, who has volunteered at the dinner for 15 years. I really hope not.

Its a community thing. Its like, everybody comes out, she continued. You see people that you havent seen in years. I have family that lives out-of-state that I see here. And if Im not seeing them here, Im seeing them at funerals. Id much rather see them here.

Manpower may have been a concern leading up to the dinner, but on Monday, things seemed to go off without a hitch. Over 500 pounds of raccoon were cooked in 25 roasters and served to the public, said Ridgeway, who ran the serving line. Visitors were served on a first-come, first-serve basis, and by the time doors opened at 4:30, the line to get in stretched out the churchs side door and onto the sidewalk.

Those at the front of the line said they lined up 30 minutes early.

There were several 50/50 raffles during the dinner, as well as a raffle for a Ruger American .450 Bushmaster Bolt Action Rifle, which was given away at the end of the night. All proceeds will go toward Lions Club scholarships, Crow said.

The Danville Lions Club has used additional funds to make community improvements over the years. The club previously helped put sidewalks in between the schools, Crow explained, and also upgraded the concession stand at Memorial Park. Theyve purchased a K-9 helper for a local paraplegic student and have also used funds to buy eyeglasses and band uniforms for the schools.

Last year, part of the dinners funds went toward a scholarship trust for the children of Danville Police Officer Thomas Cottrell, who died in the line of duty in 2016. Crow said Monday that over the past year, $30,000 was raised and split between Cottrells three daughters.

After the dinner, guests were invited to walk across the street to the Danville High School auditorium to watch the Devil Land Jazz Band perform. The band was followed by a concert from regional bluegrass favorite Chestnut Ridge.

Theyre a local band  a very good local band  and theyve supported the Raccoon Dinner for many years in many ways, Crow said of Chestnut Ridge. It just was a perfect time for them to perform, and they have a large following.

Sitting three rows from the front during Mondays dinner  and asking to remain anonymous  were members of the family responsible for hunting half of the raccoons that were served. The Mickleys, of Danville, said they collected approximately 100 raccoons during Ohios designated raccoon hunting season this year  from Nov. 10 to Jan. 31.

A trapper up north takes care of the rest of the raccoon collection, one family member explained, but he wasnt sure of his identity.

The Mickley family has helped hunt raccoons for the dinner for several years now. They said that the carcasses are skinned and stored in a freezer at Youngs Locker Service on Nashville Road. On Sunday, the family and 20 volunteers took six hours to cut up the meat and prepared it. Additional cooking occurred on Monday as the dinner neared.

Capturing 100 raccoons is a process, one family member said. They use dogs to help hunt the animals, and one man said he burned two or three tanks of gas this year getting the job done. They said each raccoon is examined carefully upon capture, and their standards for acceptance are high.

If we wont eat it ourselves, we throw it out, one family member said.

While the Lehmans may have stole the show at this years dinner, the man sitting five seats down had an equally compelling story.

Ray Shields, 74, has been to every Raccoon Dinner for the past 45 years  well, he may have missed one or two because of the weather, he said, but other than that, Im here.

He grew up near Morehead, Kentucky, where he said raccoon was a common dinner dish. When he was 19, he came to Mansfield to work for Rupp Industries. There, he met a man who introduced him to Danvilles annual tradition  and hes made the 50-minute trip down the village every February since.

Shields estimated that over the years, hes brought 15 different people with him to the dinner. This year, he brought his son-in-law and his fishing buddy. Shields will occasionally take pictures of the packed church hall and send them to his friends down in Kentucky.

The people here this is unbelievable, he said Monday, looking around as if it were his first dinner all over again.

Shields is retired now, and he considers himself a coon aficionado. He eats raccoon two or three times a year, he said, not including Danvilles dinner.

This is not the only time I have it, he said, smiling. I catch them in a live trap and prepare them myself. You know, I know how to do it.

And by his standards  and the standards set by 44 Raccoon Dinners prior  Shields said this years dinner was not quite up to par with years past.

Mine was a little tough, he said. Usually it just falls off the bone.

But at the same time, there he was  a plate of bones in front of him, not a shred of meat in sight, smiling from ear-to-ear as he told his story. His meat was a little tough, sure. But he loved the flavor, and more than that, he loved the fellowship.

He wouldnt have missed this night for the world.

I just love the atmosphere, Shields said. I love everything about it.
Introduction of a peacekeeping mission and an international interim administration should be part of a set of measures on Donbas, the expert believes.

Foreign policy expert Valeriy Kravchenko says Ukraine agreeing to grant autonomy status to the occupied areas of Donbas to resolve the crisis would cause a chain reaction with grave consequences for the country's statehood.

"This would be no settlement. This would a step toward further destabilization in our country. After that, Zakarpattia might also seek autonomy, then Budjak, Odesa. In fact, we've already seen this, back in 2014, it was called federalism," Kravchenko told the Obozrevatel media outlet, commenting on the possibilities of a peaceful settlement in Donbas.

At the same time, Kravchenko acknowledged Ukraine would need a "certain transitional status for Donbas" within the framework of a peacekeeping resolution.

Read alsoPoroshenko comments on "Sajdik Plan" for Donbas

According to the expert, a peacekeeping mission and an international interim administration should be part of a set of measures on Donbas.

"We have a law on special status, but if we adopt a law inviting a peacekeeping mission, it will have to be provided with certain legal mechanisms. If we are talking about a transitional civil administration, we understand that there should be certain structures with foreigners who will manage these territories. We must settle all this in the legislative field. Such a transitional status will be absolutely necessary for Donbas for the period of eight to 10 years," he said.
According to the Ukrainian leader, interference in the Ukrainian elections is a key element of Russia's hybrid war.

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko named the mechanisms Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks to apply to undermine Ukraine's stability, among which are the media resources, financial intervention, organizational measures, and the so-called fifth column.

Speaking at the "Freedom of Speech" panel show on ICTV, Poroshenko said interference in Ukraine elections is a key element of Russia's hybrid war.

Read alsoPoroshenko: There will be no state-controlled church in Ukraine

"After we've built the army, the new armed forces, the cost  that's if the Russian president decides to go on an active offensive  will be significantly higher than it was in 2014 because this is not the army we had back then, said the president.

He [Putin] believes that it will be much cheaper to undermine Ukraine's stability from within and ensure his influence on the will of the Ukrainian citizens both through the mechanisms for media support, financial intervention, organizational measures, and the 'fifth column'; he also had his plans for the church. We won't allow this," the head of state said.
The president stressed that the implementation of Minsk agreements provides for the restoration of Ukrainian sovereignty in and the Ukrainian control of the occupied Donbas.

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko commented on the Donbas settlement plan put forward by Special Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Tripartite Contact Group, Martin Sajdik, by stating that the Minsk agreements had already spelled out such plan.

We are ready to consider any plans if they don't harm the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of our state. I'd like to emphasize that the plan is set forth in the Minsk agreements, it is on the Minsk agreements that sanctions against Russia are based and a package of sanctions is being prepared in connection with the aggression in the Kerch Strait, in the Azov-Black Sea water area, the head of state said during a Freedom of Speech panel show on ICTV, commenting on the proposals of the OSCE envoy.

Read alsoVolker assesses new Donbas peace plan

The President noted that the Minsk Agreements clearly indicated the withdrawal of all foreign troops, all heavy weapons and military equipment from the territory of Ukraine back to the Russian Federation, and that this document was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Poroshenko stressed that the implementation of the Minsk agreements provides for the restoration of Ukrainian sovereignty in and the Ukrainian control of the occupied Donbas.

The president noted that to ensure the security component, in 2015, he proposed deploying in eastern Ukraine a UN peacekeeping force.

"In 2018-2019, we already have the support of the United States, Britain, France... Negotiations were held with China to at least have them refrain from veto. Who is standing against [the move]? It's the aggressor state, the Russian Federation," he said.

Read alsoGerashchenko: Sajdik has no mandate to draw up Donbas peace plans

There may be many plans, but the UN peacekeepers will not be some escort service for OSCE monitors. Peacekeepers should create peace and have a mandate of responsibility throughout the occupied territory. The presence of peacekeepers means disarmament of illegal armed groups, withdrawal of foreign troops, equipment, and provision of security," Poroshenko stressed, adding that "I think that Mr. Sajdik needs to read and support this, I advise he do that."

As UNIAN reported earlier, on Jan 28, 2019, Sajdik announced a new "Donbas settlement" plan involving a joint UN and OSCE mission.

It is assumed that the Normandy Four leaders must conclude a new agreement, to be approved by both Ukrainian and Russian parliaments.

He clarified that it is about the UN-OSCE interaction under the joint leadership of a so-called special representative.

Read alsoSajdik's "Peace Plan" could legitimize DPR, LPR  minister

He added that also, the European Union plans to organize a recovery and reconstruction agency using the example of the one already operating in the Balkans.

At the same time, he reported on the proposal to set up in Donbas a transitional UN administration, which, among other things, would guarantee that the rights of the local population are observed, not restricted. This will also include the issue of amnesty.

Also, he noted that "the Minsk agreements clearly stipulate that representatives of the so-called special areas of Donetsk and Luhansk [regions] will participate and be heard in the [settlement] process."

"We assume that this should be the case even after a comprehensive agreement is approved, Sajdik added.

In turn, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said that Sajdik's "plan" was the latter's "own vision", while real things should be discussed after the "DPR and "LPR" disappear.
Ukraine's Central Election Commission eliminated all Ukrainian polling stations in the Russian Federation.

Poroshenko says he will order the Border Guard Service of Ukraine not to let Russian observers in Ukraine to monitor Ukrainian presidential and parliamentary elections in 2019.

"As President of Ukraine, as supreme commander-in-chief, I'll order the State Border Service of Ukraine not to let [Russian observers] in. And I guarantee you and the Ukrainian people that the order of the commander-in-chief will be executed," he said on ICTV's Freedom of Speech program on February 4.

Read alsoPoroshenko: Putin doesn't need Crimea and Donbas, he wants entire Ukraine

As was reported, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, established that the presidential election would take place on March 31, 2019. The presidential election campaign began on December 31. Parliamentary elections are due late in October 2019.

Earlier, Ukraine's Central Election Commission eliminated all Ukrainian polling stations in the Russian Federation. What is more, Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin announced Ukraine would not accept applications from Russian observers who plan to work at the elections as OSCE monitors.
Putin needs the federalization of Ukraine to control the country.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says he is convinced that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not need the temporarily occupied Crimea and Donbas  he wants to "put a Russian yoke back on entire Ukraine."

"When will the war end? This is a very important question, because the subject of peace is exploited by all presidential candidates in Ukraine. The absolute majority of them declare that they know where the peace is. 'There, just around the corner, if you kneel down and beg  the peace will be there.' Let me disappoint you  [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is there, just around the corner, waiting for you," Poroshenko said on ICTV's Freedom of Speech program.

Read alsoPutin will not dare push for land corridor to Crimea  Stratfor

According to Poroshenko, Putin seeks the liquidation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the federalization of Ukraine, for "Moscow to decide which direction the Ukrainian state and the Ukrainian people should move."

"Put this to the vote at a referendum, ask [the people], you will be disappointed  Ukrainians are a free nation, they will never agree to this," he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier that the Russian Federation reserves the right to react in case of a threat to the right to freedom of religion in Ukraine.
UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie speaks at a press conference in Bangladesh's Kutupalong refugee camp.  UNHCR/Santiago Escobar-Jaramillo

The events that unfolded in the aftermath of August 2017 showed us the best and worst of humankind that exist in our world today.

In a matter of months, over 700,000 people were forced from their homes in Rakhine State into Bangladesh. A year and a half later, there are still refugees arriving today.

While the death toll is unknown, reports suggest that many thousands have been killed since the violence broke out in Myanmar, including women and children. Everyone has been left traumatized.

Bangladeshs generosity in giving the Rohingya people a place of safety is a significant and visible gesture of humanity.

The scale of the forced displacement is now so large that there are more than twice as many Rohingya living in exile than in Myanmar itself.

And Coxs Bazar, where we stand today, hosts the largest and most densely populated refugee camp, now home to more than 600,000 Rohingya refugees.

All refugees are inherently vulnerable. But the Rohingya are not only displaced  they are stateless.

They have been denied their most basic human right: citizenship in their country of birth. And some still wont even call the Rohingya by their rightful name.

It was deeply upsetting to meet the families who have only known persecution and statelessness their whole lives, who speak of being treated like cattle.

I am therefore thankful that here in Bangladesh, Rohingya refugees have their existence recognized, and are being provided by the Government and UNHCR with documentation and proof of their identity  in some instances for the very first time in their lives.

The Rohingya families I have met are no different from other refugees in one crucial respect: they want to be able to return home.

And they have an absolute right to return home, but only when they feel safe enough to do so voluntarily and they know that their rights will be respected. I met a woman yesterday, a survivor of rape in Myanmar and she told me, You would have to shoot me where I stand before I go back without my rights.

The responsibility to ensure those rights and make it possible for the Rohingya people to return to Rakhine State lies squarely with the government and the authorities in Myanmar.



So I hope that they will recognize that this issue will not go away, just as we will not turn away from the Rohingya.

I urge the Myanmar authorities to show the genuine commitment needed to end the cycle of violence and displacement and improve the conditions for all communities in Rakhine State, in line with the recommendations of the Rakhine Advisory Commission, and working together with UNHCR and others.

A test and measure of any government is how they treat the most vulnerable people in society, and how they treat those who stand up for the vulnerable and speak out for the atrocities committed against them. The people responsible for human rights violations must be held accountable for their actions.

While UNHCR is ready to support efforts to improve conditions, there has been very little progress on the ground. The Rohingya cannot return to Myanmar at this time.

Until they can return, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that they can live dignified lives here in Bangladesh.

This week I have witnessed the remarkable and global humanitarian response to date. And while it is clear that lives have undoubtedly been saved, and the Rohingya have been able to live with a sense of dignity, there are still challenges.

In particular, a generation of Rohingya children are still without access to the education that they deserve, and which many were deprived of their right [to] for far too long in Myanmar.

So I am here to see what more can be done to ensure Rohingya children can gain education with recognized qualifications that they need to retain a clear vision for their futures, and, when conditions allow, rebuild their communities in Myanmar.

I also met yesterday some of the many survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, including mass rape. Nearly two years after the beginning of this emergency, there is still a worrying gap in psychosocial services available for refugee survivors. This gap urgently needs to be addressed.

Bangladesh is a generous country rich in culture and history, but with limited resources. And it cannot be left to shoulder the responsibility of hosting Rohingya refugees alone. So I urge the international community to continue to provide the humanitarian aid necessary to meet the needs of the refugees and support the communities so generously hosting them.

Finally, and more importantly, to the Rohingya refugees, I want to say I am humbled and proud to stand with you today.

You have every right to live in security, to be free to practice your religion and to coexist with people of other faiths and ethnicities. You have every right not to be stateless, and the way you have been treated shames us all.

What is most tragic about this situation is that we cannot say we had no warning: It is the result of four decades of persecution and discrimination, which have gone unaddressed for far too long.

It reminds us why there are over 68 million displaced people worldwide: because we do not succeed in acting collectively to prevent conflict, but find ourselves simply trying to manage its unmanageable human consequences.

The Rohingya crisis is therefore emblematic of a much wider problem. But it is also a powerful example of what happens when people around the world, and across societies, come together in response to a cause greater than themselves, And I pray that generosity and support continues for the Rohingya and their families.

Thank you.

END

B-Roll is available here
Consul General of Ukraine has met with Ukrainian community of Canadian province of Alberta and its capital city Edmonton.

Consul General of Ukraine in Edmonton Oleksandr Danyleyko met with the Ukrainian community of Canadian province of Alberta to discuss the areas of interaction and inform about the overseas voting process.

"Consul General of Ukraine in Edmonton Oleksandr Danyleyko met with the Ukrainian community, representatives of the business and political circles of Alberta and Edmonton and discussed with the leaders of Ukrainian non-governmental organizations the areas of interaction, the possibility of implementing joint projects. During the meeting, special attention was paid to the preparation for the presidential election in Ukraine. The attendees were informed about the formation of a polling station at the Consulate General of Ukraine in Edmonton, the peculiarities of the voting of Ukrainian citizens at the overseas polling stations," the press service of the Consulate General of Ukraine in the city of Edmonton reports.

In addition, Oleksandr Danyleyko outlined the main directions of activity and the tasks facing the newly-created Consulate General, informed the audience about the political and economic situation in Ukraine, the actions of the President and the Government of Ukraine in ensuring the progressive socio-economic development of the country, implementation of reforms, combating Russian aggression. The Consul General of Ukraine also touched upon the current state and prospects of Ukrainian-Canadian cooperation in various fields, including at the regional level.

Photo: press service of the Consulate General of Ukraine in the city of Edmonton
The Ukrainian community in Iceland participated in the annual international festival of national cultures in the city of Borgarnes on February 3.

The representatives of more than 27 countries of the world participated in the festival, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Finland and Iceland reports.

"Ukrainians living in Iceland impressed the visitors with the embroidered Ukrainian towels, flowers, abundant fruits and vegetables. The women wearing embroidered shirts and wreaths were glad to treat the guests with hot borsch with sour cream, flavorous bread, Ukrainian salo, garlic donuts, pies, dumplings and cabbage rolls. Various Ukrainian delicacies left no visitor indifferent," the statement reads.

As the representatives of Ukrainian diaspora in Iceland told, the event was opened by Mayor of Borgarnes Gunnlaugur A. Juliusson.

The Festival of Nations combined the presentation of traditions of different world countries and tasting dishes of national cuisine.

Photo: Diaspora Ukrainumenn a Islandi
Over 200 parishes of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) have already joined the newly created Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

Bloc of Petro Poroshenko (BPP) MP Iryna Lutsenko, who represents the president in the Verkhovna Rada, said this at a meeting of the parliament's conciliatory council on Monday, the press service of the BPP's Solidarity Party reported.

"Some 204 parishes have currently joined the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, within about a month and a half," Lutsenko said.

She also predicted that a thousand more parishioners and communities would join the new church by the end of the year.

As was reported earlier, Metropolitan of Pereyaslav and Bila Tserkva Epiphanius was elected the primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine at a unification council in Kyiv on December 15, 2018. On January 6, he received a tomos (decree) of autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

On January 29, Metropolitan Epiphanius said that over 100 parishes of the UOC-MP had joined the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
Iran supports territorial integrity of Ukraine on the basis of the international law.

"From the very beginning of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, we have always been guided by the norms of the international law and supported the territorial integrity of Ukraine. We have repeatedly reminded the representatives of our business circles, Iranian businessmen that they must not go to Crimea without the consent of the relevant authorities of Ukraine... We have not taken any political steps that could violate Ukraine's sovereignty... We have close ties with the Russian Federation, but they have never affected the good relations between Iran and Ukraine," Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Ukraine Mr. Manouchehr Moradi said at a press conference on February 5, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Commenting on the vote of the representatives of Iran against the resolution on the problem of Russia's militarization of Crimea and the waters of the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea at the United Nations General Assembly, the diplomat reminded that the Ukrainian side "[has been voting] in favour of the anti-Iran human rights resolutions, drafted by the United States and Canada, for 15 years."

According to Moradi, the United States and Canada "turn a blind eye to the human rights situation in many countries of the world and look only at Iran." In this context, he expressed regret that Ukraine also voted for those anti-Iranian resolutions.

"However, we understand the scale of Ukraines relations with these states, and we do not focus on voting issues in our bilateral relations. We try to make sure that these issues do not become an obstacle to our relations. As for our vote in December 2018, it was not our vote against Ukraine, it was simply a manifestation of our stance on such acts in the international arena," the ambassador of Iran noted.
British Ambassador to Ukraine Judith Gough expressed concern over Ulana Suprun's suspension as acting Ukrainian health minister.

"Still awaiting further details on this case, but concerned about the potential impact on Ukraine's vital healthcare reforms," Judith Gough wrote on Twitter.

As reported, the Ukrainian Health Ministry is holding consultations with lawyers regarding Ulana Suprun's suspension as acting health minister by Kyiv's District Administrative Court.

The Kyiv's District Administrative Court had partially granted a statement by MP Ihor Mosuychuk and banned Doctor Ulana Suprun from taking any actions aimed at implementing the powers of the health minister.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov named six key threats to Ukraine from the Russian Federation in 2019.

He said this in an interview with LIGA.net, the NSDCs press service reported.

"The first threat is military aggression. This is not only exhaustion of our country as a result of constant military provocations in the east, the ongoing military occupation of part of Donbas and Crimea. This is the large-scale deployment of military infrastructure along our border with Russia, fixation on fighting in the strategic Ukrainian direction for several Russian armies in the southern and western military districts," Turchynov said.

The second threat, according to the NSDC secretary, is information aggression and an attempt to influence political architecture, the results of the political choice of Ukrainians through information tools (mass media, social networks, etc.), and by supporting the direct and hidden stooges of the Russian Federation in Ukrainian politics.

The third threat is cybernetic aggression, which by the results of losses for the country is comparable to the military one. "There is a serious confrontation on the cybernetic front, but we have done a lot to significantly strengthen the cyberdefense of our country," he stressed.

Turchynov also considers energy and an economic war with Ukraine to be topical threats, including by blocking the ports in the Sea of Azov.

In addition, he notes that there is also a terrorist threat from the Russian Federation.

The NSDC secretary stresses that Ukraine has a powerful potential to become a regional leader in Eastern Europe. "But to this end, we must first change the economic situation in the state. The current GDP growth rates are not only sufficient for regional leadership but also to provide priority security programs that are necessary for the reliable state defense," he said.
As the Parliament is set to debate a bill on July 2nd for the establishment of a new pricing arrangement at the fuel pumps, will getting the oil refinery in Point-a-Pierre back up and running have an impact on the new pricing system?
Senate Bill 1030 will undo the changes that State Question 788 made to the criminal penalties for marijuana possession.

Reverting to the old state law has no public safety value. Citizens of color and their neighborhoods will continue to be impacted disproportionately.

The public trust will be further eroded and the costly, counterproductive use of limited resources will continue.

If Oklahoma's permissive civil asset forfeiture policies did not exist there would be zero support for keeping marijuana residue in a vehicle's ashtray a crime.

Why are Attorneys General in California, Illinois, Maryland, New York and Washington moving to vacate thousands of marijuana-related convictions going back decades? Because jailing people for marijuana possession is a vast and ongoing moral failure.

Oklahomans don't deserve to be treated like we live in Arkansas.

Illinois legislators have laid out plans for a new recreational marijuana law.

The legislation would expunge the records of citizens whose careers and futures have been harmed by marijuana convictions for low-level possession and dealing.
We saw much to be encouraged about in Gov. Kevin Stitts first State of the State speech on Monday.

He outlined a strong program of reform, transparency and appropriate funding of critical areas of state government.

Beyond any particular policy, we found clear evidence in the speech that Stitt is a quick study of government issues. From very little political background, he has quickly grown to understand the detail and nuance of state government.

Heres one key example: Stitt said he wants to move the needle on education outcomes during his time in office, but says in the very next sentence that, we must first continue our investment in the teacher.

Amen. What do we all want? More effective educations for the children in public schools. But how can we get that if we dont first fund schools, and teachers in particular, appropriately? Stitt understands that we cannot. The funding comes first, then we can accomplish many great things.
It also isnt hard to think of occasions when Inhofe has used his position in the Senate to help Oklahoma. Funding to remove people from the Tar Creek Superfund Site and to rebuild Interstate 44 from Yale Avenue to the Arkansas River are obvious examples.

So Inhofes history before the 115th Congress is that hes a very conservative senator who can work across the aisle to serve the state and the nation without compromising his beliefs.

During the two-year period analyzed by GovTrack, Inhofe became the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee. He fashioned the recently passed Pentagon appropriations bill with bipartisan support and is now the committees chairman. He made sure critical Oklahoma military projects remained Pentagon priorities.

In that period, he also worked to get federal support of the recently completed rebuild of Riverside Drive and, with Lankford at his side, fought for emergency supplemental funding for a study of Tulsa levee work that is essential to the protection of a large part of the city.

Although its harder to plot in data points, I have a pretty good way of gauging of Inhofes clout: When state leaders in government and business need help in Washington, they go to him.
Education investment and reform means protecting the historic teacher pay raises from last year and looking for ways to build upon that momentum. Were also pushing to restore five-day school weeks. Students benefit from more time in the classroom. The use of four-day school weeks have created a national perception that we cant afford to keep schools open five days a week. Thats not true and hurts our ability to recruit new employers and employees to the state. Restoring 5-day school weeks will eliminate this false narrative about Oklahoma and put the focus back on students where it belongs.

And just like the World, criminal justice reform is on our agenda. This is an issue Democrats and Republicans across the state agree upon. Senate Republicans want to fund more diversion programs to help people with mental health and substance abuse issues get the treatment they need rather than being locked away behind bars. Getting people help before they are locked up keeps more families together, keeps more kids out of foster care, and keeps more of our citizens as taxpaying members of society.
"We need to make sure they understand as physicians that this is offensive to me as well as to future patients and grossly offensive to minority students and African Americans," Homan recalled saying. "They're going to be taking care of everybody. You can't be wearing incendiary symbols if you're going to be a young physician and a healer."

He also banned future editions of the yearbook, which he said had been largely run by students, with little staff oversight - although some graduates of EVMS from the 1980s have told The Washington Post the yearbooks were submitted for staff review.

Homan said it did not occur to him at the time to review yearbooks from previous years, including the 1984 edition, the revelation of which has led to mass calls for Northam, a Democrat, to resign.

"In retrospect, that was my error," said Homan, who was interviewed following an emergency meeting of the school's board of visitors early Monday. "I thought because I stopped publication that would have been enough. I think in retrospect, I would have had an audit or review of those."

At the meeting, Homan told board members the school has hired Richard Cullen, a partner at McGuireWoods and a former Virginia attorney general, to lead an outside investigation into how racist photos came to be published in EVMS yearbooks.
OKLAHOMA CITY  House and Senate Democrats on Tuesday announced a united agenda that includes expanding Medicaid, raising the minimum wage and putting more money into classrooms.

Expanding Medicaid would provide nine federal dollars for every $1 of state money, said House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman.

We know we are paying those taxes right now to the federal government, Virgin said. And those taxes are going to fund health care in other states.

The Medicaid expansion would provide health care coverage to 250,000 people, Virgin said.

Oklahomas high uninsured rate is a key factor in the states poor health outcomes, she said.

In addition, the additional revenue could be used to keep rural hospitals open, Virgin said.

Many rural citizens have to drive 100 miles to just have a baby, she said. That is simply unacceptable.

The state needs to restore the earned income tax credit and lower the income tax for lower- and middle-income families, Virgin said. In addition, the state needs to end tax breaks that dont benefit most Oklahomans and create jobs, she said.
OKLAHOMA CITY  The Senate Education Committee passed a bill Tuesday that would prohibit vaping in schools.

Senate Bill 33, by Sen. J.J. Dossett, D-Owasso, now goes to the Senate floor for consideration after being advanced by the panel on a 14-0 vote.

Vaping involves inhaling a vapor created by the heating of infused liquid in a small, battery-powered tank. Many such products contain nicotine.

Dossett said vaping is more common than not and serves as a new nicotine delivery system for youths.

This is a health crisis among our teens, he said.

Most districts already ban vaping on campus, but Dossett said the prohibition needs to be elevated into state law.

Dossett said the industry does not oppose the measure.

In all their marketing and in all the information they put out, it is for tobacco cessation or for adults to use, Dossett said. It is not for kids. Out front  they are definitely for this legislation. I was not totally surprised, because no one can really come out and say we are for selling nicotine products to kids.
Instead of sending seventh-graders back to the main school, task force members recommended in January that a middle school complex be opened that would create a unified school community to help eliminate inequities for students in north Tulsa.

Teachers at Penn spoke against closing the elementary school, saying they were blindsided by the news that their elementary school could close.

Mary Groves, an English language development teacher, said faculty and staff at Penn were contacted by Gist via email days after the task force revealed its recommendation and its impact on their school.

Groves said Gist spoke with Penn teachers during a Jan. 28 faculty meeting and said she had told the task force she was committed to whatever solution it came up with. The superintendent also reportedly said she did not conceive that the elimination of Penn or any other school would be a part of that plan, according to Groves.

The teacher said she was disheartened by Gists handling of the situation and fears that dispersing students throughout the remaining elementary schools would disrupt the growth and success accomplished at Penn.
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores and Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan voiced concerns Monday about recent shootings of police in other states, while vowing to work together to go after those who commit similar crimes in Tulsa.

Shores noted violence against officers has increased at an alarming rate.

After ticking off a list of police shooting incidents this year in other states, Shores expressed support for local law enforcement.

The four officers from Houston, the two from Denver, the three from Alabama, the one from Sacramento and the one from Ohio were shot in January doing their jobs, Shores said.

The top prosecutor for the Northern District of Oklahoma also recapped the successful trial of a man found guilty by a jury last week in Tulsa federal court in the shooting of Tulsa Police Sgt. Mike Parsons. Shores reiterated that he planned to seek a life sentence for John Terry Chatman Jr., who earlier turned down a deal with prosecutors that would have netted him a 40-year federal prison term.
The city of Tulsa has begun work that will change a major downtown artery from a one-way to a two-way street.

Boulder Avenue, which currently is a northbound street downtown, will be converted to a two-way street from First to 10th streets, the city said.

Work began Monday on the project, which will include rehabilitation of the entire street, replacing water lines and adding bike lanes to the west side. Traffic signals at every intersection along the affected area also will be replaced.

The $4.415 million project is funded by the 2014 third penny sales tax (Improve Our Tulsa). It is expected to be completed in February 2020, the city said. Becco Contractors Inc. is doing the work.

The project will make the street more pedestrian-friendly and more bike-friendly, said Britt Vance, manager of field engineering for the city.

Its really a traffic-calming measure, he said.

The street will remain one-way until the end of the project, he said, when new striping will be applied.

When finished, Boulder will have two northbound lanes and one southbound lane, along with a bike lane next to the southbound lane, he said.
Another issue here is that with the incredible popularity of CBD, there are some shysters out there who just want to take your money and give you a bogus product. So look carefully at the CBD oil you are interested in and see if there is a contact number on the bottle. There should be. Call that number and ask for a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) that will tell you what the laboratory tests said in terms of how much CBD is in the formula and if there is any THC in it. THC can be very troubling to dogs, so we want to give them only the very small amount that is found in hemp oil, which should be less than 0.3 percent THC.
Stitt stressed the need to reimagine how state government works and a desire to make it more customer-centered and efficient.

Imagine digital driver licenses that are Real ID compliant, he said. Imagine titles available electronically. Imagine one site to obtain occupational licenses and one site to pay taxes. It is time to get it done.

He asked the Legislature to fund a $20 million grant program where agencies can apply to receive funds to bring their services into the 21st century.

Stitt said he wants lawmakers to appropriate $1.5 million for Women in Recovery, which seeks to help women recover from drug and alcohol addiction rather than sending them to prison, and $10 million for the County Community Safety Investment Fund, which was created by voters to pay for treatment programs.

I am encouraged by legislation in the House to accomplish licensing reform for those with a felony, he said. We must give Oklahomans re-entering society more opportunities to be gainfully employed, and we must give employers more discretion on whom they can hire.

Stitt did not propose expanding Medicaid to cover more Oklahomans.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has been asked to assist Adair County authorities after a man was reportedly fatally stabbed by his father in Stilwell.

Adair County sheriffs deputies on Sunday were called to the 80000 block of South 4730 Road in response to an apparent stabbing in the area, an OSBI news release states.

At the scene, authorities discovered Marco Antonio Hernandez with severe injuries after he had been stabbed. Hernandez, 26, was later pronounced dead by medical personnel at the scene, according to the release.

Following interviews with witnesses, Hernandezs father, 51-year-old Juan-Daniel Hernandez, was arrested Monday on a manslaughter complaint, the OSBI said.

Authorities did not indicate the circumstances that led to the incident.

Juan-Daniel Hernandez is currently being held in the Adair County jail.

 From staff reports
A Sand Springs woman was named to Missouri University of Science and Technologys honor list for the fall 2018 semester.

Chemical Engineering Junior Kayla Foster was among the students named to the honor list for the fall 2018 semester at the campus in Rolla, Missouri.

Students must have carried a minimum of 12 hours and had grade point averages of 3.2 or above out of a possible 4.0 to be included on the honor list.

Rachel Snyder 918-581-8315 rachel.snyder@sandspringsleader.com
The Owasso High School Theatre Department is making waves in the community.

Thespian Troupe 4722 returned from the Oklahoma Thespian Festival, held Friday-Saturday, Feb. 1-2, at the Tulsa Community College Southeast Campus, with big smiles and high spirits.

Several Owassons participated in the annual event, which gives local students an opportunity to join numerous others from across the state in showing off their performing arts skills while putting up some friendly competition.

This year, three students from Troupe 4722  Nat Turner, Alex Reside and Axyl Langford  received Superior Rankings for their solo musicals, with Langford taking home the honorary title of Best in Show.

Turner sang Safer from First Date, Reside performed She Used to Be Mine from Waitress, and Langford sang Divas Lament from Spamalot.

Seven other students received an Excellent Ranking for their solo and duet musicals, including Colby Smith who won the lighting competition of the Tech Olympics for the third year in a row.
When Vatterott College closed in mid-December, plenty of students were left in a lurch.

So Oklahoma Technical College in Tulsa decided to lend a hand.

The students were going to be displaced and not having anything to show for the training received, said Kent Berry, senior project manager for Community Higher Ed, OTCs parent nonprofit company.

OTC reached out to Vatterott and took on about 10 of its electrical mechanics students, as well as the class curriculum and equipment, he said. They are expected to graduate in May.

In the education industry, our main focus is to really make sure these kids get gainful employment, Berry said. When these stories come out about closing and not giving their students a heads-up or an option to figure out how to complete their education, we felt kind of like we had a duty to these kids to make sure they were able to finish.

Citing financial difficulties, Vatterott Educational Centers announced the immediate closure of all its campuses about two months ago.
CLAREMORE  A new manufacturing business is investing at least $5 million and adding about 100 jobs over two years.

MST Manufacturing recently moved into a six-acre complex at 2205 E.L. Anderson Blvd. The company, whose footprint will encompass three buildings totaling about 52,000 square feet, employs CNC (computer numerical control) machining specialists who make aircraft parts for clients such as Spirit AeroSystems, Boeing, Gulfstream, Lockheed Martin and Triumph Aerostructures.

A hundred jobs is really significant for Claremore, Keith Ballard, board chairman of the Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority, said by phone. We have been very deliberate and very diligent about trying to build opportunities for people in this area.

To meet the companys workforce demands, MST Manufacturing has partnered with CIEDA and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and has qualified as a participant in the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program. The average pay at MST will be $50,000, said John Feary, executive director of CIEDA.

A part of what has been our mission is that we are working very carefully with all of the schools in Rogers County about workforce development, Ballard said.
- Stephen Sang claimed Joho has been implicated in several reports over drug business

- He vowed to furnish the investigative agencies with concrete evidence on Joho's drug links

- The 34-year-old politician urged parents to hide their children when they spot the Mombasa govrnor in the village

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has vowed to furnish the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) with concrete evidence on Mombasa counterpart Ali Hassan Joho's drug links.

Sang who was speaking to journalists in Nairobi on Tuesday, February 5, maintained the ODM deputy party boss had been implicated severally in the drug business in various reports.

Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens.

READ ALSO: Mombasa Governor Joho writes to Interpol, wants it to clarify his association with drug barons

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has maintained his Mombasa counterpart was in drug business. Photo: Stephen Sang/Facebook.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Jubilee MP dismisses Joho apology ultimatum, insists governor clears name

The youthful county chief who had no nice words for his counterpart claimed the coast politician was a "boastful criminal, political conman, academic dwarf and an all-round fraudster".

In response to Joho's comments that the drug allegations were manufactured by allies of Deputy President William Ruto, Sang said the ODM deputy party leader was diverting attention from integrity questions about him.

"It is clear Joho is not only desperate to save his skin but somehow to maintain his warped madness and delusion to believe he is in the same league with Ruto.

"I urge Ruto not to be drawn into responding to Joho who is boastful criminal, political conman, academic dwarf and an all-round fraudster. Joho has been implicated in drug trafficking by Interpol and parliamentary report," he said.

READ ALSO: Nandi governor Stephen Sang sends love message in WhatsApp group

Mombasa Governor Joho has denied claims of drug trafficking. Photo: Hassan Ali Joho/Facebook.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Governor has used county money to hire, entertain light-skinned girls - Nandi senator says

In a stinging press statement, the 34-year-old politician urged parents to hide their children when they spot the Mombasa governor in the village.

"I want to urge Kenyans, when Joho lands in your place, you must hide your children. Otherwise you will lose them to the mess (drug menace) Joho has created in this country," he claimed.

Further, he challenged his colleague to explain his friendship with two Akasha brothers who pleaded guilty to drug trafficking in the US on Wednesday, October 24.

Joho vehemently denied any drug links and has since sued Sang, MPs Oscar Sudi, Kimani Ichungwah and Dismus Barasa for slander.

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news.

Nandi Governor Vs Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho | Tuko TV

Source: Tuko
At least 40 more suspected al-Shabaab militants have been wiped out in another airstrike in Somalia amid intensified war against terrorism.

The militants were reportedly killed in Lower Shabelle, southern Samalia, by the United States (US) military which has in the recent past unleashed a series of devastating airstrikes killing over 100 members of the outlawed group.

Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens

READ ALSO: Deadly US airstrike kills 24 al-Shabaab militants in Somalia

the United States (US) military has in the recent past unleashed a series of devastating airstrikes that have killed several members of the outlawed sect. Photo: Somali intelligence agency (NISA).

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: US forces kill al-Shabaab commanders in Southern Somalia

Somalias intelligence agency report seen by TUKO.co.ke on Tuesday, February 5, revealed the latest assault against the militia group took place on Saturday following a number of similar attacks launched days earlier.

Confirming the Saturday assault, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said 40 militants were eliminated during a raid that was conducted by NISA forces in collaboration with US soldiers operating under Africa Command (AFRICOM).

READ ALSO: Al-Shabaab militants raid Amisom camp, dozens feared dead

NISA noted its forces raided a number of areas where the al-Shabaab militants were believed to be forcing helpless locals to pay taxes and pledge allegiance to the terrorist group.

Weapons belonging to the terrorists were confiscated and destroyed during the raids which came barely a week after another airstrike left more than 20 members of the al-Shabaab militant group dead.

READ ALSO: KDF soldiers kill 7 al-Shabaab militants in deadly fire exchange

The US military on January 30, 2019, launched an airstrike in Shabeley, Hiran region of Somalia, killing 24 militants on the spot.

The US Africa Command Director Gregg Olson confirmed the development and clarified no civilian was killed during the attack.

The Major General added the precision airstrikes were part of larger plan to support Somalia's national army as it continuously seeks to flush out and eliminate the al-Shabaab militants.

"Precision strikes are part of our strategy. Strikes continue to help our partners make progress in their fight against transnational terrorists who oppose peace in Somalia and the region," he said.

READ ALSO: Mass held for 6 employees from same company who died in DusitD2 terror attack

The latest assault on the al-Shabaab group was intensified following the terror strike at DusitD2 Hotel complex in 14 Riverside Drive, Westlands, Nairobi.

The Tuesday, January 15, strike at Dusit claimed 21 lives and left 28 others nursing injuries.

However, more than 700 civilians were rescued in an intense security operation that lasted for over 18 hours while the assailants were also killed.

A number of suspects believed to have played a role in the DusitD2 attack have since been arrested as investigations continue.

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram:Tuko news.

United Against Terror - On Tuko TV

Source: Kenyan Breaking News
Hopkinsville, KY (42240)

Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 56F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 56F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Commentary

The state of the union is petrified
LET them eat cake.

This is a saying that clearly shows what is happening now in Trinidad and Tobago, how the insensitivity to our suffering citizens and clearly the incomprehension of the realities of the life that our population is facing by the lockdown restrictions and the pandemic are totally being mishandled by the Rowley Government at this time. They are out of touch with the common man.
IT was a Christmas Eve-like atmosphere in supermarkets yesterday as people rushed out to stock up on supplies for the Labour Day and Fathers Day weekend during which curfew hours have been extended.

During today which marks the Labour Day holiday and Fathers Day which is tomorrow, people are only permitted to be outdoors between the hours of 5.01 a.m. to 10.01 a.m.

The curfew in effect on these days is 10.02 a.m. to 5 a.m. the following day.

Even though there was a plea by Supermarket Association president Rajiv Diptee not to crowd the supermarkets yesterday, he said most of his member stores described the last-minute rush like Christmas Eve.
THE Police Service Commission (PolSC) has the green light to proceed with a new shorter process to appoint a Police Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.

Leader of Government Business Camille Robinson-Regis made this clear yesterday in response to a story in the Sunday Express which stated that the legal notice giving effect to the process was to be debated in the Parliament today.
I think we should be there, locked up in a room, until we reach a resolution, Steil said, adding elected representatives should also not be paid until an agreement is reached.

On the other hand, the Coast Guard should be paid, he said in response to a comment from the audience, adding he has co-sponsored a bi-partisan bill to specifically address this issue.

To my knowledge that is the first time ever in American history that a branch of the United States military did not receive a paycheck from the federal government, Steil said. That is offensive.

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Strong feelings about border wall

He said he supports President Donald Trumps request for $5.7 billion for a physical barrier on the southern border.

I think that is an appropriate request, he said, to the agreement of some constituents in attendance, like Rich Wagner, of Racine, who said he attended because he is relying on Steil to be his voice in Congress.

He said he will respectfully disagree with Howard Moon, of Kenosha, who said the wall is a gimmick, is not a reasonable solution and has become a symbol of subborness.
Three Opposition MPs are calling on the Government and the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) to have a heart and stop disconnecting the water supply of errant customers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Barataria/San Juan MP Saddam Hosein yesterday wrote to WASAs executive director Lennox Sealey urging him to suspend the drive and display humanity as people are suffering and strapped for cash in the pandemic given the lockdowns.
THE job of Police Commissioner is sacrosanct and the process of selecting a top cop must not be at the whim and fancy of a government, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said yesterday.

The former prime minister said the United National Congress (UNC) will decide whether it supports Governments move to make changes to the process of appointing a Police Commissioner (CoP) and Deputy Police Commissioners when it gets sight of the legal notice.
Staff at the Education Facilities Company Ltd (EFCL) have reached their breaking point as they claim they have not been paid for two months.

The situation has become so dire, employees said they are struggling just to make ends meet.
Never mind the lockdown measures currently in place in Trinidad and Tobago and other countries around the world ; music must be made. A passionate level of execution has gone into the new seven track EP thats fresh on all streaming platforms everywhere, courtesy the hard work and talent of Trinidad and Tobago artist, M1.

The Sangre Grande native released his EP, he calls Hecktik, on Friday, delivering music that undeniably showcases his versatility and unmistakeable flow.
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Kabul, February 5

Afghan officials say 21 people have been killed in the latest Taliban attacks in the country, including 11 policemen who were slain when the insurgents stormed a checkpoint in northern Baghlan province.

Safder Mohsini, head of the provincial council, says the checkpoint attack late on Monday night in Baghlans district of Baghlani Markazi also wounded five local policemen. He says the Taliban made away with all the weapons and ammunition from the security post.

In northern Samangan province, the Taliban targeted a local pro-government militia, killing 10 people there, including a woman.

Sediq Azizi, spokesman for the provincial governor, says four people were also wounded in that attack on Monday morning in Samangans Dara-I Suf district.

The Taliban have claimed both attacks. Insurgents carry out near-daily attacks on Afghan forces. AP
gspannu7@gmail.com

Dhaka, February 5

Hollywood megastar Angelina Jolie on Tuesday said Myanmar must show genuine commitment to end violence against the Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state and create conducive environment for their return to resolve the worlds worst refugee crisis.

Over 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have taken refuge in Bangladesh after fleeing from Rakhine state in neighbouring Myanmar to evade atrocities, which the UN called a textbook example of ethnic cleansing, following the military clampdown in August 2017.

Jolie, the special envoy for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), visited various refugee camps on the outskirts of Coxs Bazar and spoke to Rohingyas and listened to their horrifying stories.

I urge the Myanmar authorities to show the genuine commitment needed to end the cycle of violence and displacement and improve the condition of all communities in Rakhine state including the Rohingya, the special envoy of the UN Refugee Agency told reporters.

The 43-year-old Hollywood actor arrived here yesterday and visited a refugee camp in Teknaf near the Myanmar border.

Jolie said any governments test and measure was reflected in its treatment to the most vulnerable people of the society and how they (governments) treat those who stand up for the vulnerable and speak out for the atrocities committed against them.

The people responsible for human rights violations (in Myanmar) must be held accountable for their action, she said after visiting the worlds largest refugee settlement ahead of a new UN appeal to raise nearly USD one billion for the Rohingyas in Bangladesh.

Describing Bangladesh as a generous country with rich culture and history but with limited resources, she said it must not be left to tackle the crisis alone.

She urged the international community to continue to provide the humanitarian aid necessary to meet the needs of the refuges as well as support the local community who generously hosted the huge numbers of displaced Rohingyas.

I am humbled and proud to stand with you (Rohingyas) today, you have every right to living security, to be free to practice your religion and to coexist with people of other faiths and ethnicities, you have every right not to be stateless and the way you have been treated (in Myanmar) shames us all, she said.

The special UNHCR envoy will conclude her Bangladesh tour tomorrow when she is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen.

During the meetings, Jolie was expected to discuss how the UN Refugee Agency could best support the current response led by the Bangladeshi government, along with the need for safe and sustainable solutions to their plights, an official said.

The UN said it was set to launch of a new appeal for the humanitarian situation in Bangladesh - the 2019 Joint Response Plan - which seeks to raise some USD 920 million to continue meeting the basic needs of Rohingyas and the communities so generously hosting them.

This is Jolies first visit to Bangladesh but she also met Rohingyas during a visit to Myanmar in July 2015 and in India in 2006.  PTI
uttara@tribuneindia.com

LONDON, February 5

Iran warned Israel on Tuesday of a "firm and appropriate" response if it continued attacking targets in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad and his forces in their nearly eight-year war against rebels and militants.

Israel, which views Iran as its biggest security threat, has repeatedly attacked Iranian targets and those of allied militia in Syria. With an election looming in April, Israel has been increasingly open about carrying out its air strikes.

In a meeting with Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moalem in Tehran, the secretary of Iran's National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said the Israeli attacks violated Syria's territorial integrity and were "unacceptable".

"If these actions continue, we will activate some calculated measures as a deterrent and as a firm and appropriate response to teach a lesson to the criminal and lying rulers of Israel," Shamkhani was quoted as saying by Fars news agency.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last month that Israeli forces would continue to attack Iranians in Syria and warned them to "get out of there" fast.

In January, Israeli warplanes carried out an attack on what they called an Iranian arms cache in Syria.

Syria's Moalem was quoted on Tuesday by a Hezbollah-run media unit as saying: "The Syrian government considers it to be its duty to keep Iranian security forces in Syrian territory." Iran has also repeatedly said it will keep military forces in Syria. Reuters
vermaajay1968@gmail.com

ABU DHABI, February 4

Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Egypts Al-Azhar mosque and university, called on Muslims in the Middle East to embrace local Christian communities.

He addressed Muslims saying: Continue to embrace your brothers the Christian citizens everywhere, for they are our partners in our nation, he said during a televised speech from a ceremony in the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi, also attended by Pope Francis.

Then he addressed Christians saying: You are part of this nation. You are citizens, you are not a minority.. You are citizens with full rights and responsibilities. Sheikh Tayeb also called on Muslims in the west to integrate in their host nations and respect local laws.

Egypt has relied on Azhars clerics in its battle against militant Islam. Al-Azhar hosted Pope Francis in 2017 to improve relations between Catholics and Muslims.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis on Monday called for the full recognition of rights for people of all faiths from the UAE, the first visit by the head of the Catholic church to the Arabian Peninsula.

The Pope called for the full recognition of the other and his or her freedom in a meeting with Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the top Sunni Muslim cleric. Religious freedom is not limited only to freedom of worship but sees in the other truly a brother or sister, a child of my own humanity whom God leaves free and whom, therefore, no human institution can coerce, not even in Gods name, Pope Francis said.

Earlier, the pontiff arrived in a modest black Kia at Abu Dhabis presidential palace, where he was welcomed with a lavish military parade.

Officers fired 21 shots in the air, while jets flew overhead leaving white and yellow trails-the colours of the Vatican City flag. The Popes highly publicised 48-hour visit to the United Arab Emirates will also include an open-air mass on Tuesday for 135,000 of the Muslim countrys million Catholic residents, set to be the largest public gathering in the countrys history.

The Pope was expected to raise the issue of Yemen, devastated by a war in which the UAE is a key player, in talks with Abu Dhabis Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed.

Yemen is the scene of what the UN calls the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, triggered by the intervention of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and their allies in a war between the government and Huthi rebels.  Agencies
uttara@tribuneindia.com

Brussels, February 5

EU president Jean-Claude Juncker will host British Prime Minister Theresa May for talks in Brussels on Thursday as the two sides seek to save their Brexit deal.

Plans for Britain to leave the European Union on March 29 under a withdrawal agreement signed last year were thrown into doubt when British lawmakers rejected the accord.

Brussels is now waiting for May to formally request renewed talks, while warning that the agreement itself can not at this stage be reopened for discussion.

"While the commission's position is clear, we are waiting to see what the prime minister has to say," Juncker's spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters at his daily briefing Tuesday.

"A series of votes has taken place in the British parliament, upon the basis of which the prime minister will come to explain what comes next." The House of Commons last month overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU over almost two years.

In a subsequent vote, a majority of MPs urged her to renegotiate the most controversial part of the agreement, the "backstop" arrangement intended to keep open the border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland.

May's government is now urgently looking into what changes might satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU trade rules, with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland.

Confirming Thursday's talks, the prime minister's spokesman said: "You can expect her to update the European Commission president on the discussions that have been taking place at home and the way forward". May would visit Juncker at the commission's Berlaymont headquarters a day after Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar holds talks with EU leaders on Wednesday.

May is visiting Northern Ireland on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss the issue with local businesses, community groups and politicians.

The impasse has led to heightened fears Britain could crash out of the EU, its closest trading partner, without a deal in just a few weeks.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a trip to Tokyo on Tuesday: "Two months is not a long time but there is still time, and this should be used by all sides". The EU has repeatedly said it will not amend the backstop, but Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz suggested the bloc could agree to some form of legal assurances on how it might be used.

"The worst case scenario is no deal Brexit and in our opinion we should do what we can to avoid that, to look for some solutions, to be creative," he told reporters in Brussels on Monday.

He declined to repeat his previous suggestion that the backstop could be given a five-year time limitsomething Brussels and Dublin have rejected.

But he said: "Maybe you can envisage other legal guarantees without reopening the negotiations? In my opinion it is possible". British MPs who met with Juncker's right-hand man, Martin Selmayr, in Brussels on Monday said he did not rule out putting some kind of legal assurance on the backstop into the withdrawal deal.

But Selmayr himself rejected this, tweeting: "On the EU side, nobody is considering this".  AFP
vermaajay1968@gmail.com

Madrid/Paris, February 4

Ten European nations joined the United States in recognising Opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuelas interim President on Monday, heightening a global showdown over Nicolas Maduros socialist rule.

France, Spain, Germany, Britain, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands coordinated move came after the expiry of an eight-day ultimatum for Maduro to call a new election.

The Venezuelan leader, accused of running the OPEC nation of 30 million people like a dictatorship and wrecking its economy, has defied them and said European rulers are sycophantically following President Donald Trump.

Guaido, who leads the National Assembly, declared himself caretaker leader last month in a move that has divided international powers and brought Venezuelans onto the streets. Trump immediately recognised him but European Union countries were more hesitant.

Russia and China, which have poured billions of dollars of investment and loans into Venezuela, are supporting Maduro in an extension of their geopolitical tussle with the United States. From today, we will spare no effort in helping all Venezuelans achieve freedom, prosperity and harmony, Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez said, urging fair elections and humanitarian aid.

In response, Maduro accused cowardly Spain of taking a malign decision. If one day there is a coup, if one day there is a gringo military intervention, your hands will be stained with blood, Mr. Pedro Sanchez, he said.

Maduro, 56, a former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, replaced former president Hugo Chavez in 2013 after his death from cancer. But he has presided over an economic collapse and exodus of 3 million Venezuelans.

A draft EU statement said the 28-member bloc would acknowledge Guaido as interim President, but formal recognition was a prerogative of individual states.

Russia accused Europe of meddling. Imposing some kind of decisions or trying to legitimise an attempt to usurp power is both direct and indirect interference, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Caracas pays both Russian and Chinese loans with oil.

Italys 5-Star Movement, which makes up half of the ruling coalition, dissents from the European stance, saying it would not recognise self-appointed leaders. But its governing partner, the League, disagrees.  Reuters

How the political situation escalated

Venezuelas political crisis appears to be reaching boiling point amid growing efforts by the opposition to unseat the socialist president Nicolas Maduro

Presidency disputed?

Maduro was first elected in April 2013 after the death of his socialist mentor and predecessor Hugo Chavez. At the time, he won by a thin margin of 1.6 percentage points

During his first term in office, the economy went into freefall and many Venezuelans blame him and his socialist government for the countrys decline

Maduro was re-elected to a second six-year term in highly controversial elections in May 2018, which most opposition parties boycotted

Nicolas Maduros re-election was not recognised by Venezuelas opposition-controlled National Assembly

Why protests now?

After being re-elected to a second term in early elections in May, 2018, Nicolas Maduro announced he would serve out his remaining first term and only then be sworn in for a second term on January 10

It was following his swearing-in ceremony that the opposition to his government was given a fresh boost. The National Assembly argues that because the election was not fair, Mr Maduro is a usurper and the presidency is vacant

This is a line that is being pushed in particular by the new president of the National Assembly, 35-year-old Juan Guaido

Who is Juan Guaido?

Citing articles 233 and 333 of Venezuelas constitution, the legislature says that in such cases, the head of the National Assembly takes over as acting president. That is why Guaido declared himself acting president on Jan 23
amansharma@tribunemail.com

Smita Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 5

India hopes to share a draft agreement on the Kartarpur corridor with Pakistan and complete legal modalities within a month.

Stakeholders concerned on the Indian side today held another round of high level meeting in North Block chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba. The meeting meant to fast track the implementation of the project with deep religious significance for Sikh pilgrims ahead of the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, included Punjab Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh, BSF DG R K Misra, Indian high commissioner to Islamabad Ajay Bisaria and senior officials from coordinating agencies.

"We discussed all aspects of the agreement that we want to finalise with Pakistan. We are hopeful that we will send the draft proposal to Pakistan and complete legal modalities within a month," said Karan Avatar Singh after the meeting.

According to officials land acquisition for the highway and for the Integrated Check Post (ICP) were key issues discussed. The ICP details are likely to be worked out and finalised by next week. National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) will be made available the land possession to commence preliminary work.

"Land acquisition work is in progress. This involves four stages. We are in the second stage as of now. We are hopeful that in a month and a half we will complete this process," said Singh.

Sources added that while the preliminary notification for land acquisition for the highway has already been issued, the notification to acquire land for the ICP will be issued on Wednesday. "The Punjab government has assured that land will be made available for both the projects by mid-March," sources said.

The officials were also updated that the coordinates of the zero point on the International Border was communicated to Islamabad a day after it shared its draft proposals on operationalising the nearly 4-km long corridor with New Delhi.

Pakistan appointed its Director-General (South Asia & SAARC) currently Mohammad Faisal as focal person on its side for leading discussions on the corridor sacred. India had earlier proposed February 26 and March 7 as optional dates for visit of Pakistan delegation to New Delhi to finalise the modalities of the corridor. "The two sides remain in touch on the issue," said a Pakistani diplomat.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Nakodar, February 4

Even as former Union minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa has been openly challenging the leadership of SAD chief Sukhbir Badal, the latter today chose to shower praise on Dhindsa.

Having remained silent on the NDAs decision to award Dhindsa with the Padma Bhushan at the juncture when he has quit from the party and has been raising pitch for Sukhbirs stepping down, the SAD chief said, Dhindsa has a long political history. Even though he has now retired from politics, he has worked with my father and I respect him.

Asked if the alliance partner BJP had taken the SAD into confidence while deciding on Dhindsas name for the award, Sukhbir avoided a direct reply. There are set procedures for shortlisting names for the award. It will not be right on my part to discuss that, he said.

Sukhbir also justified the selection of Dakha MLA HS Phoolka. As a Supreme Court lawyer, Phoolka has been doing a good job and he has been duly awarded, he praised the leader, who, too, has been openly taking on Badals for controlling the SGPC.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 4

A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan, Giriwar Singh, was killed, while 12 others were injured when a private bus hit the Canter carrying the jawans. There were 16 jawans and officers in the vehicle.

The condition of six of the injured jawans was serious and they were admitted to a private hospital. The police have arrested the driver of the bus.

According to the police, the bus, belonging to Baba Budha Sahib Transport, was being driven by Jaspal Singh. The bus was going from Dera Baba Nanak to Amritsar via Ajnala. Jaspal Singh was driving the bus rashly and hit the BSF vehicle from behind. The 13 jawans, belonging to 73 Battalion of the BSF, were returning to the Ajnala headquarters after their night patrolling duty.

The injured have been identified as SR Reddy, Mithun Kumar, Balbodh Kumar Jha, Mahipal Singh, RS Rao, Srikant Ghosh, Sohan lal, Tazimal Hussain, Kashinath Nago, Ashrath Khan, Gunain Saikia and Ashok Kumar. The condition of Mithun Kumar and SR Reddy is stated to be serious. All the injured were later referred to a private hospital in Amritsar. Driver of BSF vehicle and two others escaped unhurt in the mishap.

Parampal Singh, SSP, said the police had registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304 of the IPC against driver Jaspal Singh. He has been arrested for negligent and rash driving leading to the death of a BSF jawan and injuring others.

Moga: Two persons were killed and one was seriously injured when the car in which they were travelling crashed into an unknown vehicle due to dense fog near Rajeana village in Baghapurana late last night.

The deceased were identified as Gurav Kumar (28) and Anoop Kumar (30). Sahib Kumar, who sustained severe injuries, was rushed to a local hospital from where he was referred to DMC Hospital, Ludhiana. His condition was said to be critical.

Sources said the victims were coming from Kotkapura to Moga on a Maruti Zen car (PB-10BS-0400). When they reached Rajeana village, the car crashed into an unknown vehicle due to fog. Gaurav and Anoop died on the spot, local police officials said.

The roof of the car was ripped away. The unknown vehicle was not found on the spot. The police believe that it could be a truck that might have hit the car from the rear.

The police have registered a case at Baghapurana police station and began investigating the incident. Efforts were also on to trace the unknown vehicle, the police said.
Yemen's Saudi-backed government began a new round of UN-brokered talks with Shia Houthi rebels in Jordan on Tuesday on a troubled prisoner swap deal that mediators say hangs in the balance.

The huge prisoner exchange agreed in Stockholm in December is seen as a crucial confidence-building measure in the UN-led push to bring the warring sides to negotiations on ending four years of devastating conflict.

Both sides have said repeatedly they remain committed to the agreement that could see thousands of prisoners released by each side.

During two days of talks in the Jordanian capital last month, they submitted lists of the detainees they each want to see freed, but deep distrust prevented them coming up with a final list of names for the exchange.

At the end of January, the rebels released a captured Saudi soldier while Riyadh set free seven Houthi prisoners but they are the only detainees exchanged under the deal so far.

UN envoy Martin Griffiths said he hoped the two sides would be more successful this time as he opened three days of talks in Amman.

"The aim of this event is to finalise... the lists of prisoners and detainees to be released and exchanged," he said.

"Success in this regard is not only of huge importance for those who will be released and return to their families but also to the broader political process in which we are engaged."

A senior official of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which will oversee the deal's implementation, said on Monday that it was "hanging in the balance," with trust among the parties "insufficient".

Each side has presented a list of up to 8,000 detainees to be freed, but many names cannot be accounted for, said Stillhart, adding that the prisoner swap realistically would involve a significantly lower number.

"There is a lot of disappointment on both sides", he said. "What we now see on both sides (is that) they don't have them all because a lot of them, they probably died during the conflict."

The prisoner exchange is one of the main achievements of a breakthrough in the peace process which the UN envoy brokered last year.

There are fears that its failure would have a knock-on effect on the other key elements -- fragile truce agreements for the lifeline port of Hodeida and battleground third city of Taez.

Those deals too are running into trouble -- while the ceasefires have largely held, timetables for the pullback of combatants have fallen far behind schedule.

The agreements reached in Sweden are widely seen as the best chance yet of ending a conflict that has killed some 10,000 people since 2015 and pushed 14 million to the brink of famine, according to the United Nations.



Short link:


editorial@tribune.com

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, Feb 4

A keen contest is on the anvil for the Congress ticket in Anandpur Sahib with party general secretary Ambika Soni holding sway in the constituency and former minister Manish Tewari also learnt to be in contention.

Top Congress sources told The Tribune that Sonis word will matter when deciding the party nominee for the constituency.

At a meeting in Chandigarh last week, majority of leaders wanted Sonis word to be weighed in the matter. Later when leaders were asked to put in their preferences by way of slips, Tewaris name also figured.

Soni had unsuccessfully contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Anandpur, but she had been nursing the constituency for years.

Ahead of 2014 elections Soni was fielded from Anandpur the last minute after then sitting party Congress MP from the segment Ravneet Singh Bittu sought a change of seat to Ludhiana.

Her son Anoop is among the contenders from the seat with a section of leaders asking him to fight. Anoop hasnt, however, applied for the ticket.

Tewari is also learnt to be looking at Anandpur as the race for nomination in Chandigarh hots up with former minister Pawan Bansal and Navjot Singh Sidhus wife Navjot Kaur applying for tickets along with Tewari. Other names doing the rounds for Anandpur Sahib are that of Capt Sandeep Sandhu, an aide of Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, and two-time former MLA Kewal Dhillon.

Dhillon said, We have urged the party leadership to go by the candidate Ambika Soni recommends. This is her seat.

In another development today, AICC spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill, a political greenhorn, formally applied for the ticket from Anandpur Sahib.

He said, I want to take Congress president Rahul Gandhis vision of new India forward where people from non-political families can also enter politics and seek to represent the party.

Rahul spotted Shergill in AICCs national talent hunt for spokespersons 2011. All of 35, Shergill was born and brought up in Jalandhar and has participated in 1,400 political debates as Congress spokesman.

Tewari and Hindu angle

Out of 13 LS seats in Punjab, four are reserved. Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Ferozepur normally go to Sikh candidates, while Gurdaspur, Sangrur and Anandpur Sahib are considered potential seats for the Hindus.
laxmi@tribune.com

Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 4

As many as 2,524 government schools in Punjab have been transformed from dilapidated infrastructures to exemplary complexes of educational activities in the past one year.

Without any government aid, the change has been ushered in by the school staff with the help of NRIs, corporate settings and public.

Reflecting the impact of the change, Government Senior Secondary School, Dhada Fateh Singh in Hoshiarpur, added 150 students in the current academic session. Principal Salinder Singh said: Besides, at least 102 students have already enrolled for the next academic session (2019-2020).

He said he started meeting eminent people from his village in January last year. I got financial aid of Rs 70,000 on the very first day. I was informed about the way to contact NRIs and more money came. We could manage bathroom tiles for Rs 1.75 lakh, bathroom repairs for Rs 80,000, water coolers for Rs 35,000 and a revamp of the electricity system for over Rs 1.25 lakh. We were able to give uniform to girls and also started two school buses, he said.

Manju Bhardwaj, principal of Government Senior Secondary School, Bhaini Baringa (Ludhiana), said: There has been over 15 per cent increase in the number of students in the past one year. The parents of more than 100 students have already expressed interest in getting their wards enrolled for the next session.

She said the school had enough public participation in the past too. They had got 20 rooms constructed. The interest is more visible in the context of financial aid and enquiries for admissions now. The biggest reason has been our teachers shifting to taking lessons in English, Bhardwaj said.

Sanjeev Thapar, principal of GSSS, PAU, said: This is an English medium school for the past 20 years and the biggest inspiration has been public participation. Our latest innovations have attracted more enquiries about fresh admissions from scores of parents for the next session.

Education Minister Om Prakash Soni said: Our aim is to cover at least 5,000 schools under the smart schools category before the next academic session ends.

He rubbished allegations of privatising education in the name of development. These are all rumours. Managing government schools is the job of the government and we are doing our job with full dedication, he added.

Seeing a sea change
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Lucknow, February 5

Opposition members hurled paper balls towards the podium and raised slogans as Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik addressed a joint sitting of the state legislature on the Budget Sessions first day on Tuesday.

In his 55-minute speech, the Governor highlighted the welfare and development schemes of the state government, and also justified the renaming of Allahabad and Faizabad districts, saying, My government has restored their cultural names.

Opposition members, including those from the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Congress, started raising slogans against the government and shouted Rajyapal, wapas jao (Governor, go back) as soon as Naik began addressing the state legislature.

SP members hurled paper balls at the podium, but Naik continued to address the House, with the staff using cardboard files to deflect the paper balls.

Speaking to reporters at the Central Hall of the House, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the behaviour of the opposition leaders and termed it undemocratic and unparliamentary.

During the uproar, Subhash Pasi of the SP, who was standing on a chair, fell and fainted after which he was rushed to hospital.

In red, blue and white caps, members of the SP, BSP and other opposition parties also held placards reading, Gathbandhan se ghabraye hain; CBI, ED laye hain (Afraid of an alliance, they have unleashed CBI and ED), Jhoothey vaade band karo, mukhya mantri sharm karo (Stop making false promises, CM should be ashamed) and Khet bachao saando sey, desh bachao choron sey (Save fields from bulls and the country from thieves).

The opposition members also had posters in their hands in which the CBI was shown as a caged parrot. One of these posters had a picture of a dog with a strap attached to its neck and CBI was written on it.

Some members also had small replicas of cows and bulls in an obvious bid to show that the government was not concerned with the stray cattle menace in the state.

In his 28-page address, Naik said there had been considerable improvement in the law and order (situation) in the state.

Now, the common man doesnt have to fear and women are not afraid of coming out of their houses even during the night, he said.

The Governor said that following the drive against criminals, there had been a substantial decline in serious crimes as compared to the last year.

As many as 7,626 culprits were arrested in 3,285 police actions against them. During these actions, 946 culprits sustained injuries and 73 others were killed. In these operations, 576 police personnel sustained injuries and four jawans attained martyrdom, Naik said.

Property worth Rs 179 crore was seized while taking action against 289 criminals under the National Security Act and 10,541 others under the Gangster Act, he said.

The address also mentioned the ongoing Kumbh and highlighted works being done by the state government for organising the mega event.

Justifying the renaming of districts in the state, he said, By changing the name of Allahabad to Prayagraj and Faizabad to Ayodhya, my government has restored their cultural names.

On farmers welfare, Naik said, A record purchase of 52.92 lakh metric tonnes of wheat was made from 11,27,195 farmers under the price support scheme in 2018-19 and online payment of Rs 9231.99 crore was made within 72 hours.

Naik claimed that MoUs worth Rs 4.68 lakh crore were signed during the investor summit in February 2018 and foundation stones of 81 projects, involving an investment of over Rs 61,000 crore, were laid in July by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In the power sector, he said in the past 22 months, 94 lakh electricity connections, the highest and a record in itself, had been given in the state. The state had bagged 12 national awards for successful execution and implementation of central schemes, Naik said.

He said the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was held successfully for the first time in the state in Varanasi in January.

Referring to the general election, the Governor said he would urge all voters to exercise their right to vote and ensure maximum voting.

On the uproar in the House, Adityanath condemned the behaviour of opposition members in front of the Governor and termed it as undemocratic.

Behaviour of the SP, the BSP and the Congress in front of the Governor is condemnable. It is unparliamentary and undemocratic and such agitation lowers their dignity. The Samajwadi Party crossed limits of hooliganism by hurling paper balls and targeted the Governor, he said. PTI
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 5

The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked West Bengal Chief Secretary, DGP and Kolkata Police Commissioner to respond to the CBIs contempt plea in the chit fund scam case by February 18 and posted the matter for further hearing on February 20.

The court ordered Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to make himself available to the CBI and faithfully cooperate in the chit fund scam probe.

The top court also issued notice to the West Bengal Chief Secretary and Kolkata Police Commissioner on the CBI plea seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against them for allegedly detaining the probe agencys men illegally on Sunday.

A three-judge Bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi, however, said no coercive steps, including arrest would be taken against Kumar.

The apex court said "to avoid all unnecessary controversy", it is also directing the Commissioner of Police to appear before the investigating agency at a neutral place in Shillong, Meghalaya, on such dates as may be fixed by the probe agency.

While observing that there is "no reason why he (Kumar) will not make himself available for the investigation," a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said, "We make it clear that no coercive steps, including arrest, shall be taken against the Commissioner of Police."

The apex court, which on Monday had taken strong note of allegations of tampering with evidence in the Saradha scam by saying that "if the police commissioner is even remotely trying to destroy evidence, we will come down so heavily on him that he will regret", on Tuesday expressed confidence that he will "faithfully cooperate with the investigating agency at all times".

When senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for the West Bengal Police, was opposing the order, the bench, also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjeev Khanna, asked "we do not understand why you are opposed to Kolkata Police commissioner's appearance for questioning before CBI?"

During the hearing, which lasted for about 15 minutes, Attorney General (AG) K K Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta alleged that Kumar was not cooperating in the investigation of the chit fund cases which was handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the West Bengal police, of which Kumar was the functional head, was not handing over the complete documents to the CBI and some of those given by the SIT were doctored, Venugopal and Mehta alleged, adding that SIT had not given the complete call data details and there was serious omission or commission wilfully done by the SIT.

"What was given to us were doctored copy of call records," the attorney general said, mentioning "the chit fund scam concerning the Rose Valley case was a case of cheating, involving Rs 15,000 crore."

Venugopal and Mehta said 25 CBI officials who reached Kolkata Police chief's residence on Sunday for questioning him were bundled into a bus and taken to the police station, and even joint director of CBI Vikas Shrivastav's house was under siege of the West Bengal police and his family kept themselves locked while the police personnel were banging their doors.

Such a stand taken by the West Bengal government manifests that there is a total breakdown of constitutional machinery and there will be serious repercussion if such happenings continues, the Attorney General said.

However, Singhvi opposed the CBI, saying it is an attempt to harass and humiliate the Kolkata Police Commissioner and was meant to score points as the Sunday events took place two days after a political rally in the state.

He even tried to point out an order of the apex court in which he said the role of the SIT was appreciated and it was clearly stated that the probe in the chit fund cases can be transferred to the CBI because it involved multi state operations.

Singhvi said till now no FIR has been lodged against Kumar and he has not even been made an accused in any of the chit fund cases.

Kumar was served notice three times and there was an intervention of the Calcutta High Court so he has not appeared before the CBI, he said.

Referring to Sunday events when the CBI officials had gone to Kumar's residence in connection with the probe, Singhvi said such a step against the Kolkata police chief was taken after a gap of three years.

The West Bengal Police and Kumar are fully cooperating with the agency and the DGP had written five letters to the CBI in connection with the probe, he claimed.

Kumar has also conveyed to the CBI that the agency's officials can come to his office anytime or they can meet him at any of the central places in the city, Singhvi said, adding that there was no destruction of evidence which the CBI is claiming after five years of investigation.

"Where is the destruction of evidence after five years? After five years no FIR against Kumar for destruction of evidence under section 201 of IPC has been lodged," Singhvi said and argued "if you (CBI) are prepared to come on Sunday, two days after a political rally, why can't you go to Calcutta High Court for clarifications. The matter should ultimately go to high court".

However, Mehta said how can West Bengal police justify the illegal confinement of CBI officials who were taken into the custody of the city police which has been foisting cases against officials of CBI for sending notice to Kumar. - With PTI inputs
shalender@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 4

The last nights confrontation between the CBI and the West Bengal police echoed in the Lok Sabha today. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the development posed a serious threat to the federal structure of the country and hinted at a constitutional breach which many saw as a hint at possible imposition of the Presidents rule in the state.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of damaging the constitutional structure. Rajnath Singh said: Yesterdays events, in a way, hinted at a breach of constitutional procedure. Any conflict between the countrys law enforcement agencies was unfortunate and the events were unprecedented, he said.

The Lok Sabha saw repeated adjournments. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned Question Hour and then allowed MPs to raise their points during Zero Hour. The House was again adjourned amid sloganeering.

The Rajya Sabha witnessed similar scenes and sloganeering by TMC members over alleged misuse of the CBI by the Centre.

In the Lok Sabha, the Opposition condemned the CBI move to raid the house of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer.

TMC MPs termed the CBI chor (thief) and raised slogans against PM Narendra Modi. Senior TMC leader Saugata Roy said there was no specific instruction from the Supreme Court to raid Rajeev Kumars premises. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is observing a sit-in against the CBI.

Rajanth said the CBI had to go to the house of Rajeev Kumar as he did not respond to the CBI summons and was not cooperating in the probe in the Saradha chit fund scam. The CBI, he said, was probing the case as per Supreme Courts direction.

The CBI, Roy said, was being used to pressure the Opposition. Matters reached such a pass that Saumitra Khan, a TMC MP who joined the BJP on January 9, was not allowed to speak by TMC MPs from the Opposition benches. The MP walked across to the ruling benches and then launched a tirade against West Bengal CM.

The TMC received support from the Congress, Biju Janata Dal (which often backs BJP on many issues), NCP, Samajwadi Party and TDP. Mallikaarjun Kharge of the Congress said, Whoever raises voice is suppressed.
shalender@tribune.com

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 4

Seven devotees of Lord Ram today moved the Supreme Court, challenging a 1993 Central law on acquisition of land adjoining the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site at Ayodhya on the ground that Parliament didnt have the legislative competence to acquire the land.

Challenging the constitutional validity of The Acquisition of Certain Area at Ayodhya Act, 1993, the petitioners contended that the state legislature had the exclusive power to make provisions related to the management of affairs of religious institutions inside its territory.

The PV Narasimha Rao government had acquired 67.703 acre, including the 2.77 acre, through the Ayodhya Act in 1993. The acquisition was upheld by the Supreme Court in 1994 in Ismail Faruquis case in which it had said if the Centre wanted to return the acquired land to its original owners it may do so. The Ram Janambhoomi Nyas was the owner of 42 acre of the non-disputed land before acquisition and it has sought return of excess land acquired.

Filed by a group of lawyers, the latest petition on the Ayodhya dispute comes barely a week after the Centre filed a petition in the top court seeking its permission to hand over the non-disputed land around the disputed site to its original owners. The Centre had said the 0.313 acre plot  on which the disputed structure stood before December 6, 1992, demolition  was within the 2.77 acre disputed premises.

It sought a direction restraining the Centre and the UP Government from interfering in puja, darshan, and performance of rituals at the places of worship situated within the land admeasuring 67.703 acre acquired by the impugned Act,

particularly at the land belonging to Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Nyas, Manas Bhawan, Sankat Mochan Mandir, Ram Janmsthan Temple, Janki Mahal and Katha Mandap.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Centre had moved the SC late last month for permission to return 67.390-acre non-disputed land acquired by it in 1993 around the disputed Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya to its original owners.

Resolve mutually or let court decide: Nitish
uttara@tribuneindia.com

Ananya Panda

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 4

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modis government for engineering a crisis in West Bengal, claiming that the situation clearly showed that the ruling regime was a threat to the Constitution and the democracy.

Drawing parallel with his own governments frequent run-ins with the BJP-led central governmentin particular the 2015 tiff over Delhis anti-corruption bureauhe he claimed the BJP-ruled central government had made a mockery of the countrys federal structure.

Like they tried to surround the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner, in a similar way in June 2015 Delhi ACB was forcibly taken over by the Modi government by sending para-military forces, Kejriwal, the convener of the Aam Aadmi Party, said.

What the central government has done in West Bengal is extremely dangerous and is completely unconstitutional. Such actions pose a big danger to the country and our democracy. The Modi government has made a mockery of the federal structure, having unleashed all its agenciesCBI, ED, Income Taxonly on its political opponents, Kejriwal said after an opposition meeting on Monday.

Kejriwal joins opposition voices that have accused the central government of using the CBI to target its rivals.

A CBI team that was investigating the Saradha and the Rose Valley chit fund scams was held briefly when they visited Kolkata to question Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. The development has worsened the already frigid relationship between the BJP-led Centre and Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal Government. BJP accuses West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees government of impeding investigations. Banerjee meanwhile has claimed CBI had no warrant to question a top police officer, and that its actions reeked of mala fide intent.

Banerjee is currently sitting on dharna against the central government.
uttara@tribuneindia.com

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 5

The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the Centre for seeking suspension of the Assam National Registry of Citizens process during ensuing Lok Sabha polls due to non-availability of enough security personnel

"We are sorry to say this. The MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) is hell bent on not to carry on the NRC process and it is destroying entire efforts being made by this court," said a Bench of Chief Justice of India Ranan Gogoi and Justice Rohinton F Nariman.

The Final Draft NRC list was published on July 30 last year in which 2.89 crore names out of the 3.29 crore people were included while 40,70,707 people failed to make it to the list. Of those left out 37,59,630 names had been rejected and the remaining 2,48,077 were put on hold. Assam, which had faced influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century, is the only state to have an NRC, first prepared in 1951.

The courts outburst came after Attorney General KK Venugopal requested it to suspend the Assam NRC process from the last date of submission of nomination papers till two weeks after the date of polls as 167 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), currently engaged in Assam NRC work, would be sent to other parts to maintain law and order during election.

"Do you want us to summon the home secretary and other officers concerned?" asked the Bench, apparently dissatisfied with the MHAs response over the availability of CAPF and the total number of companies which would be needed during polls.

Reiterating that it would not extend the July 31 deadline for finalisation of NRC, the Bench ordered that 3,457 state government officers be kept free for NRC work and asked the Election Commission to "examine the case of exemption of officers, in the rank of District Magistrates, Additional District Magistrates...From transfers which are likely to be made in view of the elections".

"If you have the will then there are 100 ways to do the work. The Government of India is not cooperating at all. The NRC process is being stalled. The elections are definitely to be held peacefully and in order. Likewise, the NRC work has to go on peacefully and in order. Are we asking too much from the government? it said, posting the matter for further hearing in the first week of March.

Hours after the courts outburst, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said government was committed to completion of NRC within stipulated time and it will ensure no Indian was excluded and no foreigner was included in it.

During the hearing, Attorney General and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing Assam government, tried to persuade the Bench but the Bench simply said they had not been briefed properly in the matter.

Earlier, Mehta briefed the Bench about the January 29 meeting between Assam chief secretary, NRC co-ordinator Prateek Hajela and the EC Secretary.

Venugopal said in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, 2,500 CAPF companies were deployed and this year, around 2,700 such companies would be needed to ensure law and order. He said 167 CAPF companies, which are presently overseeing NRC works in Assam, would be sent to other parts of the country during elections.

"You (Centre) have 3,000 combined armed companies. You need 2,700 companies for polls. Assam NRC work requires 167 companies. So what is the problem?" the bench asked.

"We need to protect the borders also. Security of country is involved," Venugopal said, adding that the government wanted suspension of NRC work from the date of notification of Lok Sabha polls to two weeks after the voting.

Venugopal said it was anticipated to be a "highly surcharged political atmosphere" on the eve of elections and hearing of the NRC cases would not be conducive.

'Will meet deadline'

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said later on Tuesday that the government was committed to meeting its deadline on the NRC process in Assam.

He also said the home ministry wants that the National Register of Citizens, a list of Assam's residents, is completed with fairness and for this the state government has been provided with all necessary assistance, including funds.

"Our government is committed to complete the update of NRC within the stipulated time so that no foreigner is included in it and no Indian is left out," he said.

The home minister said the central government has also sent paramilitary forces to Assam so that law and order is maintained while completing the huge task of the NRC process.

He said it is the NDA government which has expedited the process of the update of the NRC, which has been pending for 30 years ever since the Assam Accord was signed in 1985.

It was expedited by the NDA government and the present BJP government in Assam in a manner that the NRC process has reached the final stage, he said.

Singh said the final draft of the NRC was published on July 30, 2018 and the claims and objections process completed by December 31, 2018.

There has been a huge controversy over the exclusion of 40 lakh people from the draft NRC, which included the names of 2.9 crore people out of the total applications of 3.29 crore.

The NRC exercise, aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in the state that borders Bangladesh, was carried out only in Assam, which faced influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century.

When the NRC was first prepared in Assam way back in 1951, the state had 80 lakh citizens.

As per the 2011 census, Assam's total population is over 3.11 crore. The process of identification of illegal immigrants in Assam has been widely debated and become a contentious issue in the state's politics.

A six-year agitation demanding identification and deportation of illegal immigrants was launched by the All Assam Students Union (AASU) in 1979.

It culminated with the signing of the Assam Accord on August 15, 1985, in the presence of then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. With PTI
laxmi@tribune.com

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 4

The Supreme Court today warned Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar of strict action if it was found that he tried to destroy evidence relating to the Saradha chit fund scam case in West Bengal after the CBI said it apprehended destruction of electronic evidence.

If the police commissioner is even remotely trying to destroy evidence, we will come down so heavily on him that he will regret, said a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta demanded urgent hearing citing apprehension of destruction of evidence.

You (SG) show us evidence, the court said. The Bench, however, turned down Mehtas request to take up CBIs plea against Kumar today itself and instead posted it for hearing tomorrow. The Bench, which also included Justice Sanjiv Khanna, noted that there was no shred of evidence in the agencys applications about tampering with evidence. However, it said it was open for the CBI or any other party to produce any material/evidence on affidavits to show that any West Bengal civil or police official was trying to destroy evidence.

Earlier, seeking urgent hearing of the issue, Mehta said an extraordinary situation had arisen after what happened yesterday in Kolkata. He alleged that CBI officials were arrested by the West Bengal Police when they went to Kumar's residence for collection of evidence.

He said the residence of CBI Joint Director (East) Pankaj Shrivastav was surrounded by the state police and his family was made hostage and even the CBI office at the CGO complex, Kolkata, was under siege.

Mehta said the Kolkata police chief had not responded to the CBI's repeated summons to join the probe and when our team reached his residence, they were arrested.

However, on being asked by the CJI, he clarified that they were no longer under arrest. But he said FIRs were being registered by the state police against CBI officials on a regular basis.

The CBI has filed two interim applications  the first seeking a direction to the Kolkata Police Commissioner to immediately surrender and refrain from tampering with evidence; and the second demanding initiation of contempt of court proceedings against him for allegedly obstructing probe into a case assigned to it by the top court.

Mehta sought to highlight the fact that top police officials of West Bengal were on a dharna with activists of a political party.

Mehta said CBI officials wanted to approach the court last night itself, but it was decided to wait till today morning for want of access to official records.

On behalf of Kumar, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi opposed the CBI plea, terming it a political witchhunt. He said Kumar was not an accused and the Calcutta High Court had passed an order in his favour.
laxmi@tribune.com

New York, February 4

A 60-year-old Indian man has pleaded guilty to his role in a dangerous transnational human trafficking conspiracy by assisting around 400 people from India to unlawfully enter the US for profit, the US Justice Department said.

Yadvinder Singh Bhamba pleaded guilty last month to one count of conspiracy and 15 counts of smuggling aliens to the United States for profit before US Magistrate Judge Sivia Carreno-Coll of the District of Puerto Rico. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for April.

According to admissions in Bhambas plea agreement, since 2013, Bhamba had a leadership role in a human smuggling conspiracy operating out of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, India and elsewhere.

As part of the conspiracy, Bhamba personally assisted around 400 people to unlawfully enter the United States between 2013 and 2015. He also oversaw and directed co-conspirators operating out of the Caribbean, Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski of the Justice Departments Criminal Division said.

Individuals paid between USD 30,000 and USD 85,000 to be smuggled from India to the United States and from at least 2013 to 2016, human smuggling was Bhambas primary source of income, the Department said.

Bhamba was arrested in the Dominican Republic in August 2017, and later transferred to Puerto Rico.

Bhamba and other members of the conspiracy made flight arrangements for people to travel from India through other countries  including Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Iran, Panama, Venezuela, Belize, and Haiti  to the Dominican Republic, which was used as a staging area, where aliens were housed before being transported to the United States.

The organisation brought groups of aliens from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico or Florida by boat and from there they were picked up by co-conspirators and taken to stash houses until flights could be arranged to California, New York, or elsewhere in the United States. Bhamba and others arranged for fraudulent identifications for some aliens to use in the US.

The Justice Department said that the boat trips organised by Bhamba and his co-conspirators were perilous. Boat captains used old, damaged, cracked, unlicensed, overcrowded, and unsafe boats to make the journey. In at least one instance, a person died in a boat on his way to the United States.

At times, the smugglers would take passports from the aliens during their journeys, physically assault them, and threaten their families to collect money. Bhamba used fraudulent Indian, Dominican and Jamaican identifications for travel and financial transactions related to the conspiracy.

In some instances, he created and provided false employment documents on behalf of the aliens to authorities to obtain foreign visas. Bhamba also instructed aliens travelling through foreign airports how to find, and in some instances pay cash to, corrupt immigration officials, passport control officers, or airport employees in order to bypass regular immigration and passport control procedures.  PTI

Illegal journey from India
laxmi@tribune.com

New Delhi, February 4

The Ministry of Defence has no money to pay for the transportation of armed forces officers who have been transferred to various places of postings and also to those being attached on temporary duty for field exercises or for attending courses.

The Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA) has said on its website that due to insufficient funds available under temporary duty and permanent duty, no advances and claims can be processed till further receipt of funds.

A defence official late on Monday evening said shortfalls were temporary and resolved routinely through re-appropriations (from existing budget allocations).

It costs around Rs 4,000 crore per annum to pay for transportation and allowances for officers who are transferred from one station to another and also those going to attend courses or to take part in exercises. Sources said an additional sum of Rs 800 crore has been sanctioned, which may help tide over some of this difficulty for now. There are nearly 40,000 Army officers. With tenures being just two-three years at one station, postings are a frequent reality. Also, during military exercises  conducted every year  a huge body of troops moves.

Then another element is the courses conducted to keep the officers updated on military issues. In October last year, several infrastructure projects of the armed forces had been stalled or are moving at a slow pace due to fund crunch. The then Engineer-in-Chief branch in the Military Engineering Services (MES) accepted fund crunch and issued instructions that at all ongoing works where payments were held up due to fund crunch, the work shall be put under suspension. The budget for infrastructure works this year is Rs 2,300 crore, of which Rs 1,850 crore had been spent by October. Some of the outstanding payment due for projects has rolled over from the previous year that ended on March 31. The work on perimeter walls around military stations in northern India (for security to prevent terror attacks) has been stopped, while making additional ammunition storage dumps or IAF works like hangars and runways have been held up or are moving slowly for want of funds.  TNS
rchopra@tribunemail.com

New Delhi, February 5

The BJP on Tuesday projected the apex court order directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to make himself available before the CBI as a blow to the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal and a moral victory for the investigating agency.

The Supreme Court said Kumar would appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation in the Meghalaya capital Shillong. The court said no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata police chief, would take place during the course of the investigation.

Senior BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad welcomed the order saying its a blow to the Mamata Banerjee government and a victory for the CBI. It also showed that nobody is above the law, including the police commissioner, he added.

The Kolkata police commissioner would appear before the CBI in Shillong as the environment is not conducive in West Bengal, Prasad said.

The Mamata Banerjee-led government in the state and the BJP are at loggerheads after the CBI tried to question Kolkatas police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee has been on a dharna since Sunday night over the CBIs attempts to interrogate the police chief. PTI
laxmi@tribune.com

Kolkata/New Delhi, February 4

A political firestorm raged today as Mamata Banerjees sit-in against CBIs bid to question the Kolkata police chief in chit fund scam cases entered the second day, with the West Bengal Chief Minister declaring her agitation to save the Constitution and country will go on till Friday and she was ready to face the consequences.

The ripple effect of political tremors in West Bengal were felt in New Delhi and several state capitals, as Banerjees combative posturing on the issue drew support from several regional satraps trying to sew up an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Editorial: Battlefield Kolkata

This is a satyagraha and Ill continue (it) till the country is saved...Constitution is saved, the firebrand TMC boss said, as she escalated her confrontation with the Modi government.

As Trinamool Congress workers took to the streets, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh called the developments unfortunate and unprecedented and indicative of a breakdown of the Constitution.

Under the Constitution, the Centre has been vested with the power to maintain normalcy, Singh told the Lok Sabha. He also sought a report from Governor KN Tripathi, which was promptly sent. Its contents were, however, not known.

I do not have any grudge against any individual. But I am angry over the way institutions are being destroyed and misused, Banerjee said. She added it was her government that arrested Saradha group chairman Sudipta Sen and claimed Rs 250-300 crore was returned to the depositors who were duped.

Today you are labelling those who helped arrest the culprits as thieves. You are calling Rajeev Kumar (Kolkata Police Commissioner) a thief! Whose money has he taken? You are calling me a thief! Whose money have I taken? I have fought all through my life but never given up. I am ready to face any consequences.  PTI/TNS

Top cop row

CBI says Rajeev Kumar needs to be questioned regarding missing documents of Saradha and Rose Valley scams, but he has not responded to notices to appear before the agency

On CBI officials

West Bengal government claims CBI had no warrant and move was part of a secret operation. CBI refutes the charge

Honest labelled as thieves: Didi

"If you are labelling people who are honest as thieves without proof, I will definitely stand by their side. And for that, if I need to give up my life, Im ready." Mamata Banerjee, WB CM

Turf war trigger
monicakchauhan@gmail.com

New Delhi, February 5

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday said that party MLA Alka Lamba wanted to quit the party and was finding reasons to do so.

The party's reaction came after Lamba on Sunday claimed that AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had unfollowed her on Twitter.

She also expressed her displeasure to the AAP leadership, asking them to clear their stance on her position in the party.

Reacting, AAP spokesman Saurabh Bhardwaj told IANS that the party has no intention to remove her. "She wants to leave the party and is finding reasons for the same.

"The party has no intention to remove her. It is very easy for a party to suspend people. We even took back people after suspension when we found that they have changed. You have to follow certain disciplines and decorum in the party or for that matter in any organisation," he added.

Regarding the "unfollowing" on Twitter, he said it was purely the Chief Minister's choice who he wants to follow.

In December, Lamba had claimed that the party had sought her resignation. She also said she had been removed from the WhatsApp groups. The party denied this.

IANS
Sanjeev Trikha

Sanjeev Trikha

Nationalism is not a showpiece to be worn on the sleeve. It is ingrained, to be felt, experienced and lived. No one can resist goose bumps when the National Flag is hoisted amid the singing of the Anthem on various national and international platforms.

A few days back, on my visit to Amritsar, I grabbed the opportunity to fulfil my desire of watching the retreat ceremony at Attari-Wagah. With a certain imagination and excitement, I headed towards the post. Flags of both countries were visible from the road, atop structures on either side. The high-flying flags fill one with a distinct feeling of euphoria, but at the same time, indicate the limits of man-made boundaries and compulsions.

The heart rejoices at the sight of birds flying freely across the borders, the whiff of air flowing without caring for the border lines soothes the body and cajoles the heart and soul, too. Both countries share the air, the ambience, the birds, the ecology of trees on either side. Nature is generous, but we humans have rigidly compartmentalised our movements, painfully shackling ourselves in geographical and psychological boundaries.

Sitting in my seat at the extreme end, a couple of steps away from the border gates, I found myself more curious about the happenings on the other side: the people, their attire, their mannerisms... all appeared like ours. The retreat ceremony began with a resounding start, as sound systems on both sides were given a green light to roar out their counterparts. Both sides, suitably cued by men with baton, got euphoric as the adrenaline in the form of slogans was pumped into their veins. Contrary to my perceptions, the ceremony was sans any cultural presentation.

The parading security personnel appeared more concerned about their challenging gestures of flexing muscles and moustache, generating a fair amount of excitement among people. But it did nothing for my cerebral churning. Amid the fanfare, chaotic and loud music, and chanting of slogans, I sat there lost in thoughts. My perceived aspirations and imagination lay shattered. The only part that fascinated me was when both flags were lowered with due honour. As the ceremony ended and people from both sides started leaving, I waved to people on the other side, which was reciprocated with the same warmth. Suddenly, a strong voice intercepted my engagement. I was told by a security man not to resort to such signals. The humanist sentiment in me started arguing with the nationalistic sentiment.

Retreating from the security zone, I drove freely back to the city. The giant flags driven by the unprejudiced winds, fluttering in the same direction  sometimes towards the Indian side and other times leaning towards Pakistan  appeared to be mocking me. I reached my hotel and got busy with routine activities, leaving the human approach to the mercy of the political bosses on both sides, which needs a suitable and timely retreat.
editorial@tribune.com

Shyam Sood

Rajouri, February 4

A youth from Bandi village in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) who came to Mendhar in Poonch district to meet his divided family had to return disappointed on Monday as he was not allowed to enter the area beyond the LoC fence by the Army on security grounds.

The Army, however, assured Kamran Aftab to facilitate a meeting with his relatives on this side of the fence, but he refused.

On January 28, Kamran came on a cross-LoC permit to meet his grandmother, uncle and other relatives in Galota Behrote village located ahead of the LoC fence in Mendhar tehsil.

One has to cross the fence gates to reach the village. However, despite having valid travelling documents, Kamran was stopped by the Army on security grounds.

Kamran along with the locals approached the police at Balakot and later met deputy commissioner at Poonch, who on his representation wrote to the Army authorities to allow Kamran to meet his relatives.

The Army, however, again barred Kamran to cross the fence gate and requested the DC to reconsider his decision, citing decisions taken in the security meeting.

In a meeting held in December, it was unanimously decided not to allow access to any PoK national beyond the LoC fence because of strategic deployments and from the security point of view, said Lt Col Devender Anand, defence PRO, Jammu.

However, the Army was ready to facilitate Kamrans meeting with his relatives on this side of the fence, the PRO said, adding that the DC was also informed accordingly.

During all these days, Kamran reportedly stayed with other relatives in Manjakot (Rajouri) and Mendhar tehsils and refused to meet his uncle and grandmother on this side of the fence.

Despite the Armys assurance to facilitate his meeting with his relatives on our side of the fence, Kamran, as per reports, refused and left for PoK on Monday, Neeraj Kumar, SDPO, Mendhar.

PDP slams Centre

Srinagar: The PDP on Monday condemned the barring of a PoK youth from meeting his divided family in Poonch. The party cautioned the Government of India against its muscular approach in Kashmir. In a statement issued here, senior PDP leader and former minister Naeem Akhtar said if the Centre continues with its iron-fist policy, the space for politics, diplomacy and dialogue would get further squeezed.
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Jammu, February 5

Pakistani troops on Tuesday violated ceasefire in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir by firing two rounds of rocket launchers towards an Army camp along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Krishna Ghati sector, an army officer said.

Indian troops did not retaliate to the deliberate provocation to avoid civilian casualties across the border, said the officer, asking not to be named.

He said the rockets aimed at the army camp in Jhulas area of the Krishna Ghati sector were fired around 10.30 am but did not cause any damage.

The firing of rockets was a deliberate attempt to instigate strong reaction from the Indian Army since Pakistan is observing Kashmir solidarity day. There was a possibility of civilian casualties in view of the public rallies across the border, he said.

The latest ceasefire violation ended several days of lull in the firing from across the border.

Since the beginning of the New Year, Pakistani troops have been regularly violating the ceasefire, especially along the LoC in Jammu division. A few incidents of ceasefire violations were also witnessed along the International Border in January.

On January 15, Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad of the BSF was killed when he was hit by a Pakistani sniper from across the IB.

An Army porter lost his life along the LoC in Rajouri district on January 11. The same day, two army personnel, including a major, were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack along the LoC in Naushera sector of Rajouri.

The year 2018 had witnessed the highest number (2,936) of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops along the Indo-Pakistan border in the past 15 years. PTI
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Islamabad, February 5

Pakistan on Tuesday observed Kashmir Solidarity Day, with top leaders extending their support to the people in the Valley and to finding a just and peaceful resolution to the issue.

President Arif Alvi in his address in the Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir asked the Indian government to uphold the rights of the Kashmiri people.

He reiterated Pakistans unflinching solidarity with the people of Kashmir, Radio Pakistan reported.

We reassure our Kashmiri brothers and sisters that we will remain consistent in our principled position on Kashmir. The entire Pakistani nation stands with its Kashmiri brethren in their valiant struggle to achieve the legitimate right to self-determination.

Prime Minister Imran Khan criticised India for its alleged atrocities in Kashmir. He said seven decades had passed and the issue of Jammu and Kashmir remained unresolved.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who is in London, in his message said, The government and the people of Pakistan re-affirm our unflinching support to the brave people of Kashmir.

He said Pakistan was committed to finding a just and peaceful resolution to this long-standing dispute.

Several events were planned for the day to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

India says Kashmir is its integral part and Pakistan has no business to interfere in the internal affairs of the country. PTI
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 4

Both major regional political parties of the state, the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have come out in support of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee against the Central governments misuse of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Omar Abdullah, NC vice-president and Mehbooba Mufti, PDP president, expressed solidarity with Banerjee and said the CBI was being used as political tool against opponents.

Just spoke to @MamataOfficial didi to convey the support of @JKNC_ as she sits in dharna. The use of the CBI as a political tool has crossed all limits as has the Modi governments misuse of institutions. A former CM having such little regard for Indias federalism is shocking, Omar tweeted on Sunday night.

Mehbooba Mufti also took to Twitter to express her feelings. In solidarity with @MamataOfficial. History stands testament to how J&K has faced the wrath of Central agencies. Its disheartening to see how institutions are being hijacked only to discredit political opponents. Doesnt bode well for the Centre-state relationship, Mehbooba tweeted.

Banerjee is sitting on a protest in Kolkata against the CBIs attempt to question Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar in connection with a scam.

Throughout the night, she received calls from various leaders across the country, ensuring support to her.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 4

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Centre wanted to break the back of terrorism, mainstream parties in Kashmir hit out at him, saying muscular policies and developmental projects would not change the situation.

PDP leader and former minister Naeem Akhtar said it looked like a muscular policy had been pressed into service for the state, especially for Kashmir.

Kashmir is a political issue which needs a political solution. Announcing mega developmental projects has never and will never help us achieve any progress on the ground, Akhtar said in a statement.

We have to learn from what is happening around the world, including Afghanistan, where there is a thrust on dialogue and Pakistan has been counted as a major partner. Dialogue is the only way forward and it is only through non-confrontational approach that we will be able to give our coming generations a safe and tranquil place to live, Akhtar said.

The J&K Pradesh Congress Committee said the Prime Ministers visit ahead of the general elections was an attempt to regain lost ground on the part of the BJP, which had miserably failed to fulfil its promises to people.

CPM leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami reiterated that the genesis of militancy in Kashmir was political alienation. The roots of militancy need to be understood first, Tarigami said.

The joint resistance leadership said Modis threatening speech was a reflection of extreme arrogance of power and electoral opportunism.

Instead of addressing the globally acknowledged dispute and working towards its resolution in a democratic manner, the leader of such a vast country stooped to threats and warnings on the back of the huge military apparatus spread across the length and breadth of J&K, a spokesman for the separatist leadership said.
editorial@tribune.com

ibune News Service

Shimla, February 4

Doctors in medical colleges supported the protesting resident doctors and opposed the Rs 10-lakh bank guarantee condition for doing postgraduate courses from the IGMC and Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College, Tanda, today.

The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of the IGMC and Tanda medical college and members of the HP Medical Officers Association (HPMOA) lodged their protest by wearing black badges, expressing solidarity with the resident doctors.

Besides, medical officers in all hospitals wore black badges, demanding the withdrawal of the bank guarantee condition and immediate release of their monthly stipend. They warned the protest would continue.

We met Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur eight times in a few months and he had given us assurances that the government would resolve the matter. We also took up the matter with Heath Minister Vipin Parmar thrice and Additional Chief Secretary, Health, RD Dhiman as well, said Dr Ajay Jaryal, president, RDA, IGMC, Shimla.

But nothing has been done and they have no option other than lodging protest, he added.

They resented that their monthly stipend had been withheld for the fourth time for the past few months. The college authorities were not releasing stipend on the ground that the residents should first pay the first instalment of Rs 3 lakh of the Rs 10-lakh bank guarantee, which was out of reach for them as they had come for middle-class families, said he.

The government has not taken any action against the specialists, who left the state and joined other health institutions outside, but it is rigid on our matter, he added.

HPMOA general secretary Dr Puspinder Verma and its president Dr Jivanand Chauhan said the government should resolve the issue at the earliest.

Parmar and Dhiman could not be contacted despite repeated attempts as their personal assistants said they were busy at meetings in the Vidhan Sabha.
editorial@tribune.com

Pradeep Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 4

The BJP seems to have gone into the election mode in Haryana. In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah, will woo voters in the state this month.

While Modi will address women representatives of panchayati raj institutions in Kurukshetra on February 12, Shah will address a party rally in Hisar on February 25.

Besides, the BJP has lined up a series of programmes with a view to gearing up the party cadres for the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

In fact, a strategy to mobilise the party cadre for different programmes was deliberated upon at the BJP core committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Lok Sabha in charge for Haryana Kalraj Mishra in New Delhi on Sunday. Sources said the party had chalked out a strategy to mobilise party workers at the grassroots level. With that end in mind, it had decided to organise area-wise meetings for Gurugram cluster (February 10), Kurukshetra cluster (February 16) and Hisar cluster (February 25).

Besides, the BJP would organise a week-long (February 13-20) Mera parivar, Bhajpa parivar campaign. On February 26, senior party leaders would hold Kamal jyoti programme at 100 places across the state. Modi would have a direct dialogue with BJP workers on February 28. Motor cycle rallies on March 2 across the state would provide a grand finale to the current BJP campaign.

In poll mode
editorial@tribune.com

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, February 4

After waiting for about four months, farmers in six villages denied insurance claims by Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited have been sitting on indefinite dharna in Bhatol Jatan village of the district for the past 10 days.

The farmers said they were given an assurance by the district authorities on October 1 last year that they would be provided claims for their damaged crops, but nothing had been done.

A total of 760 farmers of Bhatol Jatan, Bhatol Rangdan, Kharkhara, Jeetpura, Bhadala, Kharbala and Seesar villages had got their crops insured during the kharif season in 2017. The local branch of the Bank of Baroda deducted the premium, totalling about Rs 1.6 lakh, from the bank accounts of the farmers in six villages.

After untimely rain and hail damaged cotton and paddy crops in their fields, farmers applied for insurance claims, which were turned down on the plea that they had not deposited premium and their crops were not insured.

Enraged farmers locked the bank branch in Bhatol Jatan village on October 1. Later, it was found that the bank had deducted premium, but deposited it with the insurance firm after the last date. The firm had rejected the claims and deposited the premium amounts into farmers accounts.

Anil Singh, sarpanch of Bhatol Jatan, said they had taken up the matter with bank officials, who assured them that they would find a way out. His crop on seven and a half acres had been damaged and he too was denied insurance claim. Bank officials asked us to wait till January 1, but nothing happened. We have no option but to start a dharna, he said.

Politicians visited the dharna site to extend support. We have not got any assurance from the bank or the authorities, he said. The dharna would continue till affected farmers got their insurance claims. Hansi SDM Rajiv Ahlawat said the local branch of Bank of Baroda had taken up the matter with the higher authorities.

All about premium
sanjiv@tribunemail.com

The CBIs investigation into the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams has snowballed into an all-out slugfest between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal Government. With barely a couple of months to go for the Lok Sabha elections, Mamata has accused the Modi government of indulging in political one-upmanship by misusing the premier investigating agency. The wannabe Prime Ministers sit-in in support of Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar indicates that she is in no mood to back down and will take the fight to the finish. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has been equally forceful in warning the state not to mess around with the law.

The beleaguered CBI has been in the news of late mostly for the wrong reasons, and Sundays high drama in Kolkata was no exception. A bureau team, which went to Kumars residence in the citys Loudon Street area to question him, was denied permission, bundled into police jeeps and whisked away to a police station, where its members were detained for a while. The probe agencys attempted swoop may or may not have been politically motivated, but the cops clearly overstepped their powers by manhandling and intimidating CBI officials. Such misconduct is nothing short of goondaism, an obvious case of preventing a public servant from discharging his duty. What makes it worse is that the Chief Minister, too, is obstructing the course of justice.

Ironically, both camps are accusing each other of attacking the federal system, even as the controversy is likely to become a major issue in the upcoming General Election. Yet again in the picture, the Supreme Court will hear the CBIs plea against the Kolkata Police Commissioner, who is accused of planning or trying to destroy electronic evidence related to the scams. In this unsavoury tussle, the law has been the prime casualty. The onus is now on the judiciary to restore order and constitutional sanity. It needs to be conveyed unequivocally to the politicians that they cant get away with using government officials as pawns in their power game.
sanjiv@tribunemail.com

With the growth of Amritsars Ram Das Jee International Airport outclassing most other airports in the country, it seems that its flight towards success has finally taken off. Largely fuelling this welcome development is the doubling of direct international flights from the Holy City to eight last year. As flights to Birmingham, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai and Bangkok were launched, foreign air traffic in Amritsar soared by 48 per cent as compared to 2017, as per the Airports Authority of India. The growth in the domestic passenger footfall was also a significant 8.6 per cent, taking the number of flyers choosing to board from or land here from nine destinations to the highest-ever mark.

Riding on the steady increase in passenger traffic and new connectivity, the airport is now airborne on the revenue path to black. While the loss incurred in 2015-16 was Rs 43 crore, it declined to Rs 39 crore in 2016-17. In the fiscal year ending 2018, it registered a 66 per cent slide in losses as they trickled to a mere Rs 13 crore. Aided by an infrastructural push, the airport should soon be out of the red. On the horizon are three new destinations  Patna, Jaipur, Kolkata  awarded under the UDAN-III scheme. The authorities must tap the demand of both the global and domestic passengers and offer world-class facilities. There should be no cause for a repeat of the 2013 fiasco when international flights were discontinued from Amritsar, landing the airport in heavy losses.

The airport has a tremendous potential for earning revenue as Amritsar is a tourist hub. Lakhs of devotees from across the world offer prayers at the Golden Temple. Last years passenger footfall of 2.6 lakh can be easily surpassed. In this year of Guru Nanak Devs 550th Gurpurb celebrations, there is a demand for flights to London, Toronto and Vancouver. Plus, with the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, more connectivity would ease the pilgrimage of many more devotees. The Civil Aviation Ministry would do well to look into airlines such as the Turkish Airways, Oman Air, Fly Dubai that are willing to start flights from Amritsar.
Manoj Joshi

Manoj Joshi

Distinguished fellow, observer research foundation, New Delhi

The allocation for defence in the 2019-20 Budget is over Rs 4.31 lakh crore as against last years revised figure of around Rs 4.05 lakh crore, a 6.4 per cent increase over the revised estimates. Since the total government expenditure for the coming year is Rs 27.84 lakh crore, it represents a figure of 15.5 per cent of the Central government expenditure, as compared to that of 16.5 per cent last year.

With a Rs 210 lakh crore GDP estimate, the proportion spent on defence amounts to 2.05 per cent, which is considered quite respectable. But if, as per the Ministry of Defence (MoD) convention, we count only the revenue and capital expenditures, and minus the Rs 17,000 crore spent on the MoD, we come up with another more alarming figure of 1.4 per cent. It has come down from 2.08 per cent, when the Modi government assumed office in 2014-2015.

Another figure teases out the full picture better  that of capital expenditure. The Rs 1.03 lakh crore spent on the capital outlay of the defence services represents 30.7 per cent of all capital expenditures of the Central government. So, the country is spending one-third of its annual outlay of capital expenditure on defence, which is why it is obviously short-changing education, health, social welfare and infrastructure.

Last year, all three services complained that they were not even provided enough money to pay for ongoing acquisitions, leave alone new ones. The Navy wanted Rs 36,000 crore as capital outlay but was only given Rs 20,900 crore. The Army projected Rs 45,000 crore, but was given Rs 26,813 crore, which would have not even taken care of its ongoing commitments totalling Rs 29,033 crore. The fact that the government has increased the capital outlay by nearly 10 per cent to Rs 1.03 lakh crore means little.

Indeed, before the Budget, there were a slew of announcements declaring that the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had approved of a submarine project worth Rs 40,000 crore and okayed Rs 1,200 crore for the Milan anti-tank missile. In December, there was approval for four Talwar class frigates and Brahmos missiles for Rs 3,000 crore; in September, Rs 9,100 crore for Akash missiles and some other schemes; in August, the procurement of 111 utility helicopters for the Navy worth Rs 21,000 crore, and another set of equipment costing Rs 24,879 crore; in June, there was an approval of defence equipment worth Rs 5,500 crore.

Clearly, there is something unreal about these decisions, given the available resources. According to one observer, the DAC cleared Project 75I submarines in January for the third time in the last decade, which has also, uncharacteristically, seen the overall cost of the project coming down in each instance. And, of course, we have the controversial Rafale deal for which we will presumably have to begin payment in 2019-2020.

That all this appears shambolic is not surprising. Indias defence system is in deep trouble and little or nothing is being done about it. Simply put, the system cannot be run effectively unless it undergoes deep reform, which, in the circumstances, can only be carried out by the political class. PM Modi seems to be uninterested in this process; hes happy to live in a make-believe world of Bollywood achievements. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman lacks the clout to push through anything.

A country like India has many serious security challenges. It is no ones case that it should cut defence expenditure. But there is something no Indian should forget  our principal national goal is to end mass poverty and deprivation in the country. Experts will tell you that the poverty rate has halved over the past decade. But that only means people who earn roughly $3 or Rs 230 a day and Rs 6,800 a month. This means that a family must feed, clothe and shelter itself within that amount.

The elephant in the room, too, is well known. The figure of Rs 1.22 lakh crore paid out as defence pensions is nearly one-third of the defence expenditure. No one grudges the ex-servicemen their pensions and their right to OROP. But the government cannot make that as an excuse to underfund the military. Another like amount, roughly Rs 1.25 lakh crore are the pay and allowances of the defence personnel, including the civilians working there.

While there can be huge savings through integration of the three services, reducing headquarter formations, joint logistics, training and housing, manpower cost is the real challenge.

Compared with other militaries, given the threats we confront, the overall numbers are OK. However, there is considerable room to re-distribute personnel  reducing the Army, enhancing the Air Force, Navy and specialised personnel who can service the new military, which needs to be better networked and supported.

While pay and allowances cannot be grudged, there is need to keep the pension bill low. There is a way to manage this, if there is a whole of the government approach. This means insisting on a compulsory stretch in the military for all those wanting government jobs. A five to seven-year service in the armed forces would have an 18-year-old available for recruitment in the civil services, paramilitary and the police at the ages of 23-25.

The Parliaments Standing Committee on Defence did recommend a compulsory five-year service as a pre-condition for jobs in the Union and state governments. Not surprisingly, the proposal is still doing the rounds of the government.
Rasheed Kidwai

Rasheed Kidwai

Senior journalist & author

ITS advantage Mamata Banerjee. Just at a time when Rahul Gandhi held a highly successful Jan Akanksha Rally at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna, showcasing himself as a prime ministerial candidate, the West Bengal Chief Minister boisterously upstaged him within four hours. If Rahul had some erstwhile UPA allies standing by his side, Mamatas support base cuts across regions and a predictable political line-up. NDA ally Shiv Sena found merit in Mamata's cause, so did Odishas Naveen Patnaik, Aam Aadmi Partys Arvind Kejriwal, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, young gun Hardik Patel, arch-rival CPI, National Conferences Omar Abdullah, DMKs MK Stalin, Jharkhand Mukti Morchas Hemant Soren and many more.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) teams aggressive attempt to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar for his alleged link to a chit fund scam has provided Mamata not just the limelight or good optics, but also momentary leadership of all those who are opposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If the Modi government, the Union Home Ministry and West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi go further to consider the dismissal of the state government, Mamata would not be a loser. She will emerge in the VP Singh mould of 1989, upstaging not only the Congress but also many of her peers in regional outfits. Even within West Bengal, the BJP has no iconic leadership to match Mamata or the charged Trinamool Congress cadre.

Getting support from most regional leaders, the Chief Minister now has a potent plank of protecting the federal structure and restoring institutional integrity in institutions such as the CBI. The Centres move to deploy Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the Union Governments offices in the Bengal capital is baffling as law and order is solely a State subject. The CRPF does not have the mandate of the Railway Protection Force or the Defence Security Corps that is empowered to protect railway and defence properties, respectively.

The Congress, which fancies itself as a national alternative to the BJP, is nowhere in sight. For, it has its own chequered history of undermining interest of the states and politicising institutions such as the CBI.

Rahuls predicaments are many. It is a fact that the Congress was instrumental in getting the Saradha scam probed by the Supreme Court. However, today, the party is not in a position to champion itself as an anti-graft crusader. At the same time, Rahul seems reluctant to stand in the long queue of politicians extending support to Mamata. Rahul may have called Mamata up, tweeted against the Modi government, but that is it. The head of the grand old party is instinctively against the very idea of playing second fiddle to a person who broke from the Congress ranks to achieve a pivotal position on her own strength.

There are many searching questions on why the Modi government opted for this risky course of action. What was the great hurry to nab a serving police officer holding a high rank in Kolkata on a Sunday evening?

After all, the Saradha ponzi scam investigations have been going on since 2013. What is more intriguing is the fact that the (mis)adventure was initiated a day before the new Director of the CBI was to take over. The new occupant, Rishi Kumar Shukla, who was on an Air India flight from Bhopal to New Delhi, had no clue about what was going on in Kolkata and the doings of his number two at the headquarters, Nageshwar Rao. Among other things, Shukla, as the former DGP of Madhya Pradesh, has tons of experience in understanding state sentiments. He has often been a victim of the political slugfest between the BJP and the Congress.

There is a feeling among some retired colleagues that Rao wanted to remain in the CBI and make himself indispensable for the new boss who was about to take over. The crucial issue is whether he had political blessings for any specific objective. The BJP was getting national attention when Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was denied permission to land in Bengal and hold public meetings. Even on the much-debated Citizenship Bill, the BJP in Bengal had the chance to consolidate its position. These issues were a major talking point across West Bengal, but the brazen CBI handling on a Sunday seems to have tilted public opinion against the BJP.

It is also worth pointing out that the conduct of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, himself a public servant, has neither been professional nor above board. There were at least two summons to him subsequent to the one which led him to write to the then CBI Director Alok Verma in 2017. In not responding to the summons, Kumar was not complying with the law. The least that was expected from an officer was for him to have written to the Director again or to have sought judicial protection. Perhaps in his first communication, Kumar could have added that he would be happy to clarify doubts and queries in the minds of the CBI team as part of his professional duty and for that purpose requested for a detailed questionnaire.

Somewhere, an impression is gaining ground that Kumar was seeking protection from his state political bosses. In the coming days, such an impression can be highly injurious to him and the service he represents, even if he wishes to join Trinamool Congress in the future.
sanjiv@tribunemail.com

Vijay C Roy

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 4

The marginal farmers in Punjab who had taken loans from public sector and private banks were benefitted more than those who took loans from cooperative banks under the state governments crop loan waiver scheme. The average waiver per farmer in case of commercial banks is nearly three times than in case of cooperative banks, according to an internal audit report.

The state governments debt-waiver scheme was applicable to only crop loans availed by small and marginal farmers.

While the average loan waiver for marginal farmers (those having less than 2.5-acre landholding) of cooperative bank is Rs 58,000 per person, in case of commercial and private banks, it is around Rs 1.64 lakh per person. The state governments debt-waiver scheme was applicable to crop loan only. The state government has disbursed Rs 4,500 crore under crop loan waiver scheme and covered 5 lakh small and marginal farmers in the state.

In an internal audit, we found that marginal farmers who have availed loan from commercial banks were paid almost three times than the cooperative banks customers under the waiver scheme. There is a huge gap which is practically not possible, said Vishwajeet Khanna, Additional Chief Secretary, Punjab-cum-Financial Commissioner (Development).

We perceive the commercial banks might have added the term loan (long-term loan) availed by a particular farmer into his crop loan account for the purpose of waiver, which resulted in higher payout by the state government, he added.

Secondly, the public and private sector banks might have done over-lending to marginal farmers. We are doing an internal audit. We are also planning to do similar audit in case of small farmers who were covered under the crop-waiver scheme and took loans from cooperative and commercial banks, Khanna said on the sidelines of state credit seminar organised by Nabard. Small farmers are those whose landholding is less than five acres.

The total institutional debt of farmers in the state is Rs 73,000 crore, availed by almost 45 lakh farmers. Besides this, farmers have availed loans from private moneylenders and arhtiyas (commission agents). If we add that, the total credit to the farming community will cross over Rs 1 lakh crore, he said.

Earlier, Punjab Cooperation Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa requested the banks to stop giving loans for purchasing tractors as it is one of the reasons for indebtedness. He asked the banks to be cautious while lending.

Meanwhile, Nabard has projected a credit potential of Rs 2,27,935 crore during 2019-20 in the state under priority sector. This represents a growth of 5% over the projections of 2018-19 of the aggregate credit potential of Rs 1,98,737 crore.

Audit revelation

Per farmer waiver (average)

Cooperative banks: Rs 58,000

Commercial banks (public/pvt): Rs 1.64 lakh

Total amount waived: Rs 4,500 crore

Farmers benefitted: 5 lakh (approximately)
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 2

With the Health Department reporting two more swine flu positive cases in the district, the count has reached nine.

Dr Navdeep Kaur, nodal officer for swine flu control, said, The situation is under control. The samples of all patients tested today are negative. The patients admitted to hospitals are recovering.

The department has confirmed three deaths due to the disease in the current season. The district had reported a maximum of six deaths due to disease in 2016.

Dr Navdeep Kaur said the private hospitals too had been asked to report such cases immediately so that their samples could be taken. She said that with the Indian Medical Association also creating awareness among doctors, all suspected cases were been reported timely to start treatment at the earliest.

The Health Department has urged people to prefer government institutions for swine flu treatment.
Gerald Kirkham, 88, of Terre Haute, passed away Friday, June 18, 2021 in Terre Haute Regional Hospital. Gerald was born in New Goshen on June 9, 1933 to Cecil Kirkham and Fay Lake Kirkham. He was a member of the Lutheran Church and member of the American Legion in Sellersburg, IN. He was an 
Standing at a podium, inside the Crown American corporate headquarters, Gov. Tom Wolf turned around, looked through the windows behind him at the city of Johnstown and pointed to the historic  but crumbling  Conrad Building, located on the other side of Franklin Street.

He cited the century-old structure as a symbol of a past that was glorious but that has fallen into disrepair and needs addressed.

Wolf then provided details about his recently announced Restore Pennsylvania initiative to invest in infrastructure, including assisting with blight removal and reuse.

You have blight here, Wolf, a Democrat, said.

Thats something that really affects everybody in Pennsylvania, especially this building, which becomes a symbol for Pennsylvania. People outside of Pennsylvania look at that and say, Yeah, thats a Rust Belt state. Well, no, its not. We need to change that. All of us have a shared interest in doing that.

Wolf addressed about three dozen community leaders, with several offering immediate public support for the proposal.

Cambria County Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Renee Daly said Restore Pennsylvania will allow for communities across the commonwealth to invest into their neighborhoods and create a safer and more robust region, which will then allow them to attract new residents and businesses.

The money could be coupled with other public and private funding to help the county deal with its approximately 1,800 blighted properties. We need stronger action to eliminate blight at a much faster pace, Johnstown Redevelopment Authority Director Melissa Komar said. We are hopeful that Gov. Wolfs new initiative will help to support this effort.

Johnstowns economic development director, Jonathan Rosenthal, feels the proposal is tremendous because the flexibility allows communities to determine whats important for them.

The governors four-year, $4.5 billion spending plan, dealing with high-speed internet access; storm preparedness and disaster recovery; downstream manufacturing, business development and energy infrastructure; demolition, revitalization and renewal; and transportation capital projects, would be funded by attaching a severance tax to the Marcellus Shale natural gas industry.

He estimates the fee could raise $300 million per year, the majority of which would come from out-of-state customers who purchase the products. Pennsylvania is the only major gas-producing state without a severance tax.

Were already paying to other states, to other countries the tax that were actually helping them deal with these very issues  the floods, the blight, the lack of internet access, all the things that were helping them pay, Wolf said. And theyre not helping us with anything. So Im simply saying lets create this tax  a severance tax  that would actually allow other states and other countries to help Pennsylvanians.

Leading producers, including Texas, North Dakota, Alaska and Oklahoma, use a severance tax.

The emphasis is that all those other states that charge this severance tax are all really red states, so its a Republican idea more than a Democratic one, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman said.

Fetterman added: Its an extraordinary opportunity for all of Pennsylvania. Its not a Democratic or a Republican thing. I think its basic equity and resources for these important issues.

Wolf has previously tried, but failed, to get a severance fee enacted, with opposition coming in the Republican-controlled Legislature.

This time Im doing something different, Wolf said. The last four times Ive brought up the severance tax, its been part of the budget. This is not part of the budget. The last time I brought it up, it was focused  one way or another  on education, and it would go to education through the general fund. This is not going through the general fund. This is a pool of money that is devoted exclusively to addressing issues that matter clearly to local folks all around Pennsylvania, whether its access to the internet, blight, flood mitigation, whatever. This is something thats very different from anything thats been proposed before.

Pennsylvanias House and Senate would need to pass any Restore Pennsylvania plan.

Johnstowns two state legislators  Sen. Wayne Langerholc Jr., R-Richland, from the 35th District, and Rep. Jim Rigby, R-Ferndale, from the 71st Legislative District  oppose a severance fee.

The commonwealth already uses an impact fee, with a little more than half of the money going directly to counties and municipalities affected by the drilling industry.

I think (the governors proposal) is a good way to share resources because Cambria County is not in the heart of the Utica or Marcellus formations, so were never going to obtain a lot of tax revenue from fracking, Mark Pasquerilla, a JRA board member, said. So I think this is very important to counties like Cambria.

The commonwealths Independent Fiscal Office estimates the impact fee brought in a  still unofficial  record $247 million in 2018. The fee is estimated to have produced a combined $1.7 billion  with almost $6.5 million coming to Cambria County  since 2012.

Pennsylvanias tax on natural gas  the impact fee  generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually for critical infrastructure programs across the entire Commonwealth, Marcellus Shale Coalition President David Spigelmyer said in an email statement.

This existing annual tax revenue, when combined with other business taxes paid by the industry as well as lease bonuses and royalties tied to natural gas development on state land, has provided nearly $5 billion in revenue since unconventional shale gas development began. Imposing additional energy taxes will cost consumers, hurt local jobs, especially among the building and labor trades, and negatively impact investment needed to safely produce clean and abundant energy thats ushering in a new era of manufacturing growth.

Well continue to work with leaders in Harrisburg on solutions to drive continued economic growth, environmental progress and a brighter future for the entire Commonwealth.
Students and chaperones from Trenton's STEMCivics Charter School get ready to leave for their trip to Costa Rica.
Designed to be easily disassembled, this magnificent treehouse offers panoramic views out into the forest.

Treehouses have 'grown up' in recent years -- at least, in our popular perception of them. No longer are they relegated to mere kiddie constructions, but they're now appearing in a wide range of adult-suitable sizes and forms: some are inspired by sailboat design, while others are modern gems with their own plumbing.

And some treehouses, like this stunning structure by Oakland, California-based O2 Treehouse, defy classification completely. Shaped like a pinecone that's reminiscent of a zome and suspended from the redwood trees, the wood- and steel-framed treehouse features 64 diamond-shaped panes of durable acrylic, creating a crystal-clear shelter 60 feet up in the air.

 Alissa Kolom

Designed by O2 Treehouse founder Dustin Feider, Pinecone Treehouse is accessible via a steel alternating-tread staircase -- it's certainly more secure than a rope ladder.

 Alissa Kolom

 Alissa Kolom

 Alissa Kolom

As Feider tells us, the treehouse's steel super-structure was cut using a CNC tube laser cutter and welded together. The pieces of the Douglas fir frame were screwed to the steel, and the acrylic panels for the windows were attached to the wood frame, and sealed with a rubber gasket. The two rows of windows above the floor are operable, lending an impression that the pinecone is opening.

 Garna Raditya

The treehouse is suspended from its top point using cables that attach to a larger interconnected steel assembly; the angles of the cables have been arranged in a way that reduces lateral tension. In addition, Feider notes: "The redwood trees are guyed back to the ground to transfer what would be lateral force into downward force which effectively turns each tree into a post, and the best structural dynamic for wood: compression."

The interior is pretty simple: two single beds, lit with lamps, and a floor that is partially transparent, thanks to the addition of some clear panels in the floor offering a view down from the treehouse.

 Alissa Kolom

 Alissa Kolom

The treehouse is partnered with a "indoor/outdoor" bathroom that comes with a shower and composting toilet, housed in a structure closer to ground, which is accessible from the treehouse via a wooden catwalk.

 Alissa Kolom

 Alissa Kolom

 Alissa Kolom

The Pinecone is designed to be easily disassembled and reassembled on a new site, and its pieces can be recycled at the end of its life. It was originally built for home goods company S.C. Johnson as a backdrop to shoot a commercial -- but it's now on sale for USD $150,000 (according to the company, building a new one from scratch would cost about $225,000). Currently, it's also being rented out on AirBnb for anyone who's curious. To find out more, visit O2 Treehouse.
This statement is circulated by H.E. Minister Rob Davies to the informal WTO Ministerial gathering in Davos on behalf of Benin, as the Coordinator of the African Group.

The two most serious and immediate risks to the relevance of the MTS: First, the unprecedented challenges of unilateral trade measures that violate WTO rules and principles and that have provoked retaliation. Self-judging national security justification takes us into uncharted areas and may proliferate, creating new sources of instability and uncertainty.

Second, the continuing impasse in the Appellate Body selection process threatens the DSM that is the foundation of a functioning MTS. Without a solution here by December, the DSM will be rendered obsolete and all our other work and efforts would be redundant.

Many developing countries, including in Africa, have long reasoned that the system has prejudiced our trade and development interests and that the system needs to be rebalanced for equity and fairness, and in a manner and at a pace appropriate to national circumstances. This is the content of the WTO Reform we need.

It beggars belief that those who designed the system and who have been its main beneficiaries now suggest the system is unfair and needs reform. Most of the ideas in the proposals recently submitted in the name of reform do not address the real imbalances in the MTS.

The sanctions element of the proposal on Transparency is one example.

The proposals for graduation and differentiation are another. These are divisive and unlikely to yield results. Trying to change the principle of self-declaration is also impractical.

A more productive approach would acknowledge that S&DT principles are sufficiently flexible to address differences in the actual negotiating process and to not worsen imbalances. For all their shortcomings, the agricultural and NAMA texts under the Doha agenda were replete with examples of differentiation and flexibility to accommodate real differences in the actual circumstances of Members. Notably, in the fisheries subsidies negotiations, flexibility and S&DT is required to address our capacity constraints and to build our fishing industry capabilities in the future. The African Group will not agree to any proposals disadvantaging any of its Members through a change to the negotiating mandate or by using irrelevant criteria.

We see an unfair contradiction in the call to narrow flexibility on S&DT but demand more flexibility by selectively undermining WTO consensus decision making as a way to advance plurilateral outcomes that will themselves fragment and undermine the MTS.

The challenges facing the WTO will not be addressed if plurilateral work is prioritized over multilateral processes or cherry-picking some rules to be preserved and others reformed.

Recall outcomes at MC8 and MC9. Recent failures in the negotiating function in the WTO are primarily a function of an inability to negotiate or compromise on unreasonably ambitious demands. Reasonable demands, compromise and flexibility are essential to advance negotiations.

Must also recognize that more trade liberalization and harmonizing behind the border rules do not necessarily promote development. We need to accept the diversity of national circumstances, varying policy imperatives and the need for adequate policy space to accommodate those.

The objectives of the AUs Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want require policy space to pursue integration and industrial development objectives.

African Trade Ministers met in Cairo in December 2018 and issued a pdf Declaration on WTO (116 KB) . The key points to preserve the MTS and ensure it remains relevant to Members include:
The operationalization of the newly-created Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) moved into high gear on Sunday with the holding of the pre-incorporation meeting of the Board of Directors in Cairo.

FEDA, a wholly-owned development-oriented subsidiary of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has been set up to implement the Banks Equity Investment Programme by providing seed capital to companies in Afreximbanks key focus sectors, including agri-business; manufacturing; consumer and retail; financial services; technology; travel and tourism; transport and logistics; and industrial parks. It will invest across all market segments but will have its greatest focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.

The long-term objective of FEDA is the provision of equity capital and related financial, non-financial and support services to operators in Africas tradable and support sectors, with emphasis on activities that support intra-African trade and value-added exports.

The Fund, which has been set up with an initial $100-million commitment, will also seek to leverage on the role Afreximbank has played in mobilising trade finance into Africa to also mobilise foreign direct investment (FDI) into the continent.

Addressing the pre-incorporation meeting, Prof. Benedict Oramah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of FEDA and President of Afreximbank, said that the fund would expand Afreximbanks offerings to include vital equity investments that would boost intra-African trade.

Dr. Philip Kamau, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FEDA, said that a feasibility study conducted for Afreximbank had identified a funding gap which was inhibiting intra-African trade. FEDA had, therefore, been set up to provide equity and to leverage FDI to help close that gap.

He announced that FEDA would start investment activities in 2019, with a target to invest $10 million during the year. It was also targeting to raise $450 million in FDI during the period.

In addition to Prof. Oramah and Dr. Kamau, the other members of the Board of Directors are: Jean-Louis Ekra, former President of Afreximbank; Vishwanathan Shanker, Partner and CEO of the private equity fund Gateway Partners and former Board Member and CEO for Europe, Middle East, Africa and America at Standard Chartered Bank; Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, Director- General, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa; and Dr. Deji Alli, Non-Executive Director, Asset and Resource Management Company Ltd., Nigeria, which was named the Best Fund Manager in Nigeria in 2018.

FEDA will be headquartered in Mauritius.
Raasch: 20 years before Northam's blackface scandal, Missouri's Carnahan survived a similar disclosure WASHINGTON * Just short of a year before his death in a plane crash, then-Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan found himself in much the same situation that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam does today. Carnahan accused Ashcroft of racism when Ashcroft opposed a federal judgeship for Ronnie White, the first black Missouri Supreme Court justice.

Quick remembrance of a Democratic Party dude who earned a lot of love from both left & right but also admitted his college days were racist. Take a look:
New tenant replacing Walmart planned for Mission Gateway KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A new tenant is helping developers move along the Mission Gateway project, which has been in the works for more than a decade. The project is located near Shawnee Mission Parkway and Roe Avenue. The Kansas City Business Journal reports the project is now ramping up, thanks to success in leasing out the space.

Building continues but the anchor isand it looks like they're simply working to construct an empty shell . . . Which is only slightly better than the lunar landing surface that currently stands in the empty lot. Read more:
Is Ward Parkway Safe?!?!?

JoCo Traffic Stop Questions

Johnson County man charged with human trafficking of teenager LENEXA, KANSAS (KCTV) - A Johnson County man is accused of sexually exploiting a teen in a case of human trafficking. Prosecutors in Johnson County say this is an active investigation and more arrests could be coming, but a big break came when a driver didn't come to a complete stop at Lenexa Drive and Switzer and police started asking questions.

Perfect Village Bandit On The Loose

FBI seeks help to ID suspect in Prairie Village bank robbery | The Kansas City Star The suspect walked into the Great Southern Bank in Prairie Village about 1 p.m. and passed a note to a teller demanding money. He left in an unknown direction with an undetermined amount of cash.

Northland Po-Po Crash Update

Driver suspected of being intoxicated crashes into Clay County deputy's patrol car The Clay County sheriff said Monday morning a driver suspected of being intoxicated rear-ended a patrol car that had its emergency warning lights on. The incident happened on northbound Interstate 35 at about mile marker 32.6. The sheriff posted a picture of a heavily damaged patrol car on Twitter.

Local Runaround Aftermath

2 in custody after police pursuit ends on I-49 near 163rd Street Two people are in custody after a police pursuit ends Monday evening on Interstate 49 in Cass County. The Cass County Sheriff's Office said two people in the vehicle were wanted on multiple warrants and refused to stop for officers in Miami County, Kansas. They were eventually stopped on northbound I-49 near 163rd Street.

Police Seeking Happy Rock Pay Day Loan Conversation

Gladstone police need public's help in identifying person of interest KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - The Gladstone police are requesting the public's help in identifying a person of interest. Gladstone police are looking for a male that is a person of interest in a robbery at the Check into Cash located on Antioch Road. The robbery took place on January 21 at 12:45 p.m.

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Lady prison drama sadness . . .In even sadder and more serious news, here's some of the top crime stories worth a peek for tonight . . .Developing . . .
Logitech is today announcing a new lineup of gaming headsets targeting those who want surround sound and RGB lights, as well as gamers playing battle royale titles. Among them is the G935 LightSync Wireless, a long-lasting premium peripheral that impressed when we tried it out.

The four new headsets come out this month. They are the Logitech G935 LightSync Wireless gaming headset ($170/160), Logitech G635 LightSync Gaming Headset ($140/130), Logitech G432 ($80/70) and Logitech G332 ($60/50).

The G935 is the top-end wireless headset with 7.1 surround sound and RGB lighting. It, along with the G635 (a wired version), use Logitechs new Pro-G 50 mm audio driver. The headset also uses what Logitech calls LightSync, which syncs the RGB lighting to content on your screen and matches up with other Logitech accessories, like mice and keyboards. Both have leatherette earpads and a flip-to-mute boom mic, as well as three customizable G buttons. The G935s dongle uses 2.4 GHz wireless technology for connectivity but also comes with a 3.5 mm analog input if you prefer playing wired.

Logitech is claiming the G935 lasts 12 hours on a charge. In my time with it, Ive gone entire workdays without having to charge it, so this doesnt seem too lofty of a claim.

I tried out an early sample of the G935, and they're largely comfortable, but thick. The cans are quite big. Part of that is because theres room in the left can to fit the USB 2.0 dongle, while the battery is on the right side. The leatherette definitely isolates noise, and the bass is pretty solid, both for music (like the iconic bassline on Daft Punks Get Lucky and for the low-ends in action-packed games, like Battlefield V).

As for the G432 and G332, Logitech claims theyre for battle royale games. Its unclear why, other than that Fortnite is free and these are the companys budget lineup. The G432 also has 50 mm drivers and surround sound, as well as rotating leatherette ear cups and a 6 mm microphone that you can flip up to mute. The cheaper G332 has simple stereo sound.

I also tried the G432, which isnt as bulky, but has far less customization. Theres no RGB but also no buttons -- just a volume wheel. The cups were a little tighter on my ears, and there was not as much oomph on the low-end. But I did appreciate that it comes with a 3.5 mm to USB adapter, if thats how you prefer plugging in your headphones.

These headsets all work with Logitechs new G-Hub software, which has been redesigned to better fit various screen sizes. Logitech told me that older products should get support, though it may not be immediate. But it already works with a Logitech G703 mouse Im using, so there is indeed a library of products that are already supported.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is the most versatile big-screen phone yet, making it best for power users who are willing to pay a premium.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (from $1,299) is still the phone to get if you want a handset with a stylus. Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra supports the S Pen, but it comes separately and requires an awkward case to store it.

But is the Note 20 Ultra worth the ultra-premium price? After thoroughly testing this big-screen phone, I'd say the answer is yes  if you can appreciate all the bells and whistles.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra specs Price: $1,299

OS: Android 10 with One UI 2.0

Display: 6.9-inch AMOLED (QHD; 120Hz)

CPU: Snapdragon 865 Plus

RAM: 12GB

Storage: 128GB, 512GB

Rear camera: 108MP wide (/1.8); 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom (/3.0); 12MP ultrawide (/2.2)

Front camera: 10MP (/2.2)

Battery: 4,500 mAh

Battery life: 10 hrs 26 min (7:59, 120Hz mode)

Colors: Mystic Bronze, Mystic Black, Mystic White

Size: 6.48 x 3.04 x 0.32 inches

Weight: 7.33 ounces

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra boasts a huge 6.9-inch display with a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate, a sharp 108MP camera with laser auto focus and a more responsive S Pen. The regular Galaxy Note 20 is the better option for those who can live without a 120Hz display and and more advanced cameras.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the better phone overall, as it offers more advanced cameras and a faster Snapdragon 888 chip. And some may be holding out for Samsung to release a new Galaxy Note 21, but based on the company's comments that won't be released this year. As you'll see in my full Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review, this is still an excellent device.

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review: What I like

(Image credit: Future)

Dynamic 120Hz display is great : Scrolling feels like butter when you have the Adaptive motion smoothness setting turned on. And optimized games like Dead Trigger 2 look really smooth.

: Scrolling feels like butter when you have the Adaptive motion smoothness setting turned on. And optimized games like Dead Trigger 2 look really smooth. The Note 20's S Pen feels better than pen and paper: You get a fast 9ms response time and offer a pen-to-paper feel. Scribbling notes on this panel feels completely natural to the point I forget I'm writing on a screen.

You get a fast 9ms response time and offer a pen-to-paper feel. Scribbling notes on this panel feels completely natural to the point I forget I'm writing on a screen. Space Zoom camera is very impressive: I got in very close with the Note 20 Ultra's 5x optical zoom, putting my iPhone 11 Pro Max's 2x zoom to shame. And the digital zoom stayed steady up to 20x; it got shaky at 50x.

I got in very close with the Note 20 Ultra's 5x optical zoom, putting my iPhone 11 Pro Max's 2x zoom to shame. And the digital zoom stayed steady up to 20x; it got shaky at 50x. New S Pen tricks are addictive: The new Air Actions can come in handy (like drawing a a quick arc in the air to go Home). But they don't always work the first time.

The new Air Actions can come in handy (like drawing a a quick arc in the air to go Home). But they don't always work the first time. Wireless DeX mode and Link to Windows work (pretty) well: I managed to get the Note 20 Ultra to connect to my TCL Roku TV wirelessly and use the phone as a touchpad. And Link to Windows lets you run Android apps on your PC.

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review: What I don't like

This camera bulge is quite large: The camera patch on the back of the Note 20 Ultra protrudes a great deal.

The camera patch on the back of the Note 20 Ultra protrudes a great deal. Curved display can get in the way: While it looks cool, the curved display can sometimes lead to accidental screen taps when holding the phone.

While it looks cool, the curved display can sometimes lead to accidental screen taps when holding the phone. Very pricey: $1,300 is a lot to pay for a phone, even one as fully loaded as this flagship.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra had a release date of August 21, 2020, and is available through all of the major carriers. The 128GB version of the Galaxy Note 20 costs $1,299. The 512GB version costs $1,449  the same price Samsung charges for its Galaxy Z Flip 5G foldable phone.

Note that the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra often goes on sale, and we've seen it for as low as $1,049 on Best Buy with activation.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

Samsung has made its most elegant looking phone yet with the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. The squared off edges combined with the sophisticated Mystic Bronze color give this handset a corner office vibe.

I also like that the finish does a good job resisting fingerprints, unlike the Aura Glow finish on the Galaxy Note 10 Plus. You can also get the Note 20 Ultra is Mystic Black and Mystic White.

(Image credit: Future)

Theres a couple things I dont like about the design. One, the camera patch on the back is big and bulky, which not only reminds me of brass knuckles  it props up the entire phone. You can hear the phone wobble when you press down on the top of the display.

And while the curved display is sexy, it can sometimes cause accidental taps when youre just holding the phone. In some cases my screen taps did not register, as I didn't realize my other hand holding the phablet was interfering.

(Image credit: Future)

Measuring 6.49 x 3.03 x 0.32 inches (164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm) and weighing 7..3 ounces (208 grams), the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is not as big as the Galaxy S20 Ultra (6.6 x 2.7 x 0.34 inches and 7.7 ounces), but its still a handful compared to the Galaxy Note 10 Plus (6.4 x 3 x 0.31 inches and 6.9 ounces) which had a smaller 6.8-inch display.

There have been some complaints from Galaxy Note 20 Ultra owners that the camera housing has been collecting dust and condensation underneath the glass. However, our review unit has not exhibited this issue.

Overall, despite some minor complaints the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra really does look and feel like a $1,300 handset.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review: Display

(Image credit: Future)

The massive 6.9-inch OLED quad HD+ display on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is big, bold and colorful. More important, this is the first Samsung phone to offer a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate.

The Galaxy S20 lineup introduced a faster refresh rate to Samsung phones, delivering smoother scrolling as well as better visuals, especially for games and movies. But it was a feature you had to manually adjust. With the Note 20 Ultra, the refresh rate automatically adjusts based on what content is on screen, which should save on battery life.

When using the display I found scrolling to be super smooth and fast in Chrome with Adaptive mode turned on. You can always choose 60Hz manually if you want to save every last drop of juice.

(Image credit: Future)

I also tried the Dead Trigger 2 games, which is one of the titles optimized for the 120Hz panel. As I ran around shooting zombies and navigating dark corridors the game looked smooth and felt extremely responsive.

The Note 20 Ultra's panel is exceedingly bright and is fairly easy to read in direct sunlight. The display hit a fairly high 662 nits on our light meter, which is very good but not as high as the iPhone 11 Pro's 752 nits.

The Note 20 Ultra's screen produced 121.5% of the sRGB color gamut in Natural Mode and 201.2% in Vivid mode, compared to 118.6% for the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The Note 20 Ultra beats Apple on accuracy, registering a Delta-E score of 0.24, compared to 0.28 for the iPhone 11 Pro Max (where 0 is perfect).

Some Galaxy Note 20 Ultra owners are complaining that a green tint is appearing on the screen when the brightness is lowered. We have not experienced this issue on our review unit. We reached out to Samsung but they do not have any comment at this time.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra vs OnePlus 8 Pro: Which phone wins?

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review: Cameras

(Image credit: Future)

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra features a trio of rear cameras, plus a laser auto-focus sensor that should address one of our bigger complaints about the Galaxy S20 Ultra and its issues with focus.

The phablet's camera array starts with a 108MP wide camera with a a f/1.8 aperture, and its paired with a 12MP ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view and f/2.2. The 12MP telephoto lens delivers a 5x optical zoom and up to a 50x super resolution zoom.

The power of 50x zoom. Its kind of scary. #GalaxyNote20Ultra pic.twitter.com/LpGPCuzyzGAugust 18, 2020 See more

I tired out the powerful Space Zoom on the Note 20 Ultra with this tree as the subject. As you can see in the gallery below, the results look fairly sharp all the way up to 10x zoom, but the 20x and especially the 50x shots look blurry. Still, this is better than what you get from the iPhone right now.

Image 1 of 6 Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra no zoom (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 6 Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 2x zoom (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 6 Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5x zoom (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 6 Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 10x zoom (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 6 Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 20x zoom (Image credit: Future) Image 6 of 6 Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 50x zoom (Image credit: Future)

The 108MP camera option may seem like overkill, but it can come in handy when you want to have the freedom to crop way into a photo after the fact. Just make sure you have enough ambient light, as this setting is best used outdoors.

As you can see in this photo of Halloween decorations, I could crop in on just a few of the straw the people, a ghost and witch, and you can still make out plenty of detail. There's just a bit of noise in the frame.

Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 2 (Image credit: Future)

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra's Night Mode is good but it's not quite as bright or colorful as what the iPhone 11 Pro could muster. You can see the difference in this photo of a fruit basket taken in almost complete darkness. You can make out more of the lemons and Apples, as well as the basket itself.

The Note 20 Ultra delivered better results than the iPhone 11 Pro in this close-up of a flower. The Note 20 Ultra's shot is closer to reality as the petals look more red than violet and the white balance is better. However, the iPhone's shot blurs out less of the background.

The Note 20 Ultra did a fairly good job with portraits, but Samsung's tendency to slightly wash out faces is prevalent here, and you can see that it had a bit of trouble with the sunlight on my arm. The iPhone 11 Pro Max's portrait is more pleasing and make me pop more against the background, even if the pic is overly warm.

Where the Note 20 really beats the iPhone is with its zoom. In this 10x zoom of a tree straddling a creek, you can make out more detail in the bark and surrounding leaves. The only bummer is that Samsung blows out some of the highlights.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra's camera turns out to be a formidable cooking partner. It managed to capture the juice on top of this steak while grilling and the flames below while keeping everything in focus.

(Image credit: Future)

If you want to record the sharpest video possible, youll be pleased to know that the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra can record 8K video with a 21:9 aspect ratio at up to 24 frames per second. Theres also a new Pro Video mode that lets you control the focus, exposure and zoom speed. Plus, you can use the onboard mics or external mics, such as the Galaxy Buds Live.

(Image credit: Future)

The 12MP selfie camera up front (f/2.2) has a 120-degree field of view, which should come in handy for group selfies. in this selfie, the Note 20 Ultra did a great job capturing the lush green background at a nearby park, and the blue in my shirt really pops. However, my face looks a bit too smooth and a little washed out.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review: S Pen

(Image credit: Future)

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra benefits from a swift 9ms response time for its S Pen, which is designed to deliver more of a pen-to-paper feel when taking notes or drawing.

(Image credit: Future)

In addition, the S Pen now offers five new Anywhere actions, which build on the Air Actions from the Galaxy Note 10 series. You can return to the home screen, take a screen shot, return to a recent app and more through various gestures. But it will take some practice before you can remember every gesture-based Anywhere action.

Other S Pen upgrades come on the software front. The improved Samsung Notes app now includes Live Sync so you can save all of your notes to the clouds and then access them from any device.

Plus, the Note 20 Ultra is smart enough to time sync your notes along with voice recordings, so you can hear what was being said right when you scribbled down that thought.

(Image credit: Future)

I tried recording a voice memo in the Samsung Notes app, and sure enough, I could see the words I wrote highlighted as I played back the clip.

In addition, the Samsung Notes app now makes it easier to find your notes with a more PC-like file folder structure. The software can even straighten out your handwriting.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is one of the fastest Android phones around, as its one of the first handsets with Qualcomms Snapdragon 865 Plus processor. This chipset boosts the clock speed by 10% up to 3.1 GHz and the graphics is also 10% faster than the regular Snapdragon 865 chip inside the Galaxy S20.

This processor is paired with 12GB of RAM and either 128GB or 512GB of internal storage. For $1,299, I wish the Ultra started with 256GB of storage, but at least you can expand it via microSD card slot by up to 1TB.

I handed the Note 20 Ultra to our resident Fortnite expert, my 12-year-old son, and he found the gameplay to be so smooth that I had to lobby hard to get the phone back.

On Geekbench, which measures overall performance, the Note 20 Ultra hit a multi-core score of 3,294, which is ahead of most Android phones but behind the Asus ROG Phone 3 with the same Snapdragon 865 Plus chip, which notched 3,393. The iPhone 11 Pro scored an even higher 3,500.

The Note 20 Ultra also trailed the iPhone on our video editing test, taking took 1 minute and 16 seconds to the iPhones 45 seconds.

On the GFXBench graphics test, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra scored 1,455 frames on the Aztec Ruins (High Tier) off-screen benchmark, compared to 1,657 frames for the iPhone 11 Pro.

As you would expect for a premium flagship, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra supports both flavors of 5G, so you should be able to hop on both sub 6-GHz networks and mmWave networks with ease where they are available.

In New Jersey I saw decent download speeds on T-Mobile's 5G network, ranging between 40 Mbps and 99 Mbps. But it was not exactly blazing. Uploads ranged between 10 and 35 Mbps.

Some reviewers have complained that the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra can run a little hot. A Note 20 Ultra teardown has revealed that the phone uses a multi-layered graphite thermal pad to aid with heat dissipation instead of the copper pipe and vapor chamber system used in the Galaxy S20 Ultra. However, we have not experienced any heat issues.

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review: DeX and Link to Windows

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is geared toward power users who are looking for a productivity boost, and this phone offers a couple of big upgrades on that front.

Multitaskers will also appreciate the improved DeX experience, which is now completely wireless, instead of requiring you to use a cable or dock to connect to a monitor. Now you can beam whats on your Galaxy Note 20 Ultra screen to a compatible smart TV from across the room; the TV needs to support Miracast, though.

(Image credit: Future)

After some tinkering I was able to get the Wireless DeX mode to work on my 55-inch TCL Roku TV. After connecting to the TV I could use the Note 20 Ultra's screen as a touchpad to move the cursor around the display. Although the movement was a bit jerky, I enjoyed being able to pull up pics from the Google Photos app and show them on the big screen.

I also tried streaming the Asphalt 9 racing game to the TV, but the gameplay stuttered. The Note 20 Ultra delivered better performance when playing Fortnite; using a PS4 controller my 12-year-old son was able to play a match and make a couple of kills with not too much lag.

(Image credit: Future)

Another key upgrade is Link to Windows integration, which allows you to access mobile apps on your Windows 10 PC via the Your Phone app. I was able to send and receive messages, make calls, and see my notifications on a Galaxy Tab S laptop. I also could scroll through my photo gallery.

(Image credit: Future)

The fun really starts when you start running Android apps on your laptop. I tried a few games, including Asphalt 9, which ran smoother here than it did over DeX mode. The keyboard controls actually worked well, though you can also use your laptop's touchscreen.

Some apps ran at full screen, but the Skyforce shooting game stayed in a small window. Samsung says that Link to Windows will eventually let you run up to six mobile apps on your PC at once.

(Image credit: Future)

Last but not least, you can mirror the Galaxy Note 20's interface directly on your Windows laptop and run apps from there. I had no problem firing up Twitter and scrolling through my feed. You can't do this with an iPhone.

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review: Xbox Game Pass

(Image credit: Future)

Through the power of Microsofts xCloud game streaming, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra can play more than 100 Xbox games via Xbox Game Pass (currently in beta). Titles include Gears 5, Forza Horizon 4, Minecraft Dungeons and Halo: The Master Chief collection.

I tried a few rounds of Forza, and the gampplay was surprisingly fluid using a PS4 controller, despite the fact I was streaming over the cloud. The only bummer was having to wait a while for each game to load; however, this time could be less once Xbox Game Pass is out of

Xbox Game Pass costs $15 a month, and when you pair the Note 20 Ultra with a game controller it could feel like a mini console. (Those who pre-order the Note 20 Ultra can get a three-month free trial.) The fun gets underway September 15 when the service officially kicks off, so we'll report back with final impressions.

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review: Battery life and charging

(Image credit: Future)

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra packs a pretty beefy 4,500 mAh battery, which held up well in daily use.

After unplugging at 9 am I used the Note 20 Ultra with a wide range of apps. I watched over an hour of Umbrella Academy on Netflix, streamed Spotify with the screen on for an hour and a half and played about 40 minutes of Fortnite. I also used Twitter for nearly an hour, surfed the web and checked email.

After all that I still had about 27% juice left at 9 pm. That's not bad.

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra battery life vs other phones Battery life (hrs:minutes) Battery size Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (60Hz/120Hz) 10:26/7:59 4,500 mAh OnePlus 8 Pro (60Hz/120Hz) 11:05/9:02 4,510 mAh Galaxy S20 Ultra (60Hz/120Hz) 11:58/9:13 5,000 mAh Galaxy S20 Plus (60Hz/120Hz) 10:31/8:55 4,500 mAh iPhone 11 Pro Max 11:54 3,969 mAh iPhone 11 11:16 3,190 mAh Galaxy Note 10 Plus 10:47 4,300 mAh Google Pixel 4a 8:55 3,140 mAh

The Note 20 Ultra endured for 10 hours and 26 minutes on the Tom's Guide battery test, which involves continuous web surfing at 150 nits of screen brightness over 5G. In this case we used T-Mobile's network. This was with 60Hz screen mode on. The device lasted just 7:59 with the 120Hz screen mode turned on.

By comparison, the Galaxy S20 Plus with its 4,500 mAh battery lasted 10 hours and 31 minutes and 8:55 in 120Hz mode. And the OnePlus 8 Pro lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes in 60Hz mode and 9:02 in 120Hz mode. The handsets on our best phone battery life list all last over 10 hours.

The Note 20 Ultra comes with a 25-watt charger, which juiced the device to 56% in 30 minutes. Thats good, but its not as fast as the OnePlus 8 Pros 63% in the same amount of time.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review: Verdict

(Image credit: Future)

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is nearly the pinnacle of Android phablets  and it should be for $1,299. It offers a best-in-class display, a better S Pen experience and a boatload of features for work and play. The cameras are very good, fixing the focusing problem with the Galaxy S20 Ultra, and the powerful zoom and Xbox gameplay give the Note 20 Ultra a couple of advantages over the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the superior camera phone based on our testing, as it includes a bigger main sensor that lets in more light, a LiDAR sensor that speeds up autofocus and Dolby Vision video recording and editing. And the new iPhone boats a tougher Ceramic Shield display. But it lacks the Note 20 Ultra's 120Hz display and S Pen support.

Some may prefer the newer Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra for $1,199. It delivers a faster processor, even better cameras and optional S Pen support. But if you really want the stylus built in I'd go with the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, especially since a Galaxy Note 21 reportedly isn't coming this year.
Google has just rolled out a new Chrome browser extension that warns you if a username-password combination has been compromised in a data breach.

(Image credit: feeling lucky/Shutterstock)

Called Password Checkup, the extension is available now, although Google warns that it's still a work in progress. Password Checkup compares the credentials you input into any website against a database of four billion known compromised credential sets and lets you know if your username-password combo is no longer good.

So if you sign into Acme.com with the username "roadrunner@gmail.com" and the password "BeepBeep", Password Checkup will send an encrypted version of those credentials over to its database.

If the the roadrunner@gmail.com/BeepBeep combo is among the four billion hacked sets of credentials, you'll get a big red warning that "your password for www.acme.com is no longer safe due to a data breach," and that you should change your password. If not, you'll be reassured that everything is good.

MORE: Best Password Managers

Google told Wired's Lily Hay Newman that its database is not the same as the Have I Been Pwned database of six billion compromised credential sets maintained by Australian security researcher Troy Hunt. Yet there's bound to be some overlap between the two.

There's another big difference: Have I Been Pwned lets you check passwords by themselves, and email addresses by themselves, but never both at the same time. That's because Hunt doesn't want Have I Been Pwned to be used by identity thieves to check whether a specific email address/password combination is valid.

Otherwise, anyone could try to "brute force" Have I Been Pwned by running, say, the 1,000 most commonly used passwords against a list of known or generated email addresses.

Google's Password Checkup does check both credentials at the same time, which makes us a little worried that the browser extension will make unsafe credentials even less safe. (Using it to check your own passwords should be perfectly fine.)

An official Google blog posting says the company "designed Password Checkup to prevent an attacker from abusing Password Checkup to reveal unsafe usernames and passwords."

We haven't had a chance to stress-test Password Checkup to see if those protections against brute-forcing work. But someone else certainly will.

Best Identity Protection Services
[February 05, 2019] Chase Corporation Announces CFO Appointment and Transition Plan

Chase Corporation (NYSE American: CCF), today announced the appointment of Christian J. Talma to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Talma will assume full responsibility of the Finance, Accounting and IT functions of the Company. Previously, he served as Chief Accounting Officer since joining Chase in August of 2018. "It's been extremely fulfilling to be part of this dynamic company as CAO and I'm looking forward to the next chapter with a fantastic team," Mr. Talma said. "Our goal is to continue to build on Chase's strong foundation to achieve our long-term growth and profitability aspirations." Adam P. Chase, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Since joining Chase in August, Christian has integrated quickly with our commercial and operational organizations. He is a thoughtful, innovative leader with a strong background in all elements of strategy and finance. Christian has a proven ability to build strong teams and deliver optimal performance and growth." Mr. Talma replaces Kenneth (Ken) Feroldi who will continue as a Chase company officer fulfilling the role of Treasurer and senior advisor on Investor Relations, Capital Structure and M&A. Mr. Chase added, "e thank Ken for his many contributions to the Company as CFO, including the integration of NEPTCO, and look forward to the new roles both Ken and Christian will play in the Chase leadership."



Mr. Talma brings over 23 years of finance and operations experience to Chase. He spent 14 years in finance leadership roles with increasing responsibility at Siemens (News - Alert) , and most recently served as the VP of Operations Finance and Strategy at Haemonetics. Mr. Talma earned an MBA from NYU's Stern School of Business and bachelor's degree in finance from Boston College. Chase Corporation is a global specialty chemicals company that is a leading manufacturer of protective materials for high-reliability applications across diverse market sectors. Founded in 1946, the Westwood, Massachusetts-based company employs over 700 people with operations in the North America, Europe and Asia.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking. These may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as "believe"; "expect"; "anticipate"; "should"; "planned"; "estimated" and "potential", among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Chase Corporation's current expectations. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for such forward-looking statements. To comply with the terms of the safe harbor, the Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements made by the Company are not guarantees of future performance and that a variety of factors could cause the Company's actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company's forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties which may affect the operations, performance, development and results of the Company's business include, but are not limited to, the following: uncertainties relating to economic conditions; uncertainties relating to customer plans and commitments; the pricing and availability of equipment, materials and inventories; technological developments; performance issues with suppliers and subcontractors; economic growth; delays in testing of new products; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired operations; the effectiveness of cost-reduction plans; rapid technology changes; and the highly competitive environment in which the Company operates. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205006006/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Lowe Enterprises Investors Ownership Consolidation Transaction Closes; Broadshore Capital Partners Is Formed by Senior Management and Guardian

Lowe Enterprises Investors (LEI), a national real estate investment management company based in Los Angeles, today announced the completion of a consolidation transaction whereby LEI's longtime equity partner, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), has acquired the equity interest in LEI formerly held by Lowe Enterprises (Lowe). With the transaction now closed, the company, renamed Broadshore Capital Partners, LLC, retains all of LEI's existing staff and LEI's senior management has a 15 percent equity interest, with Guardian owning the remainder. Co-Chief Executive Officers Bradford W. Howe and Bleecker P. Seaman, III retain their titles and continue to lead the successor entity. The terms of the transaction are undisclosed. Guardian initially became an equity partner of LEI in 2010, and this transaction is a natural progression of the investment and partnership. "With this transaction complete, Broadshore Capital Partners looks forward to pursuing srategic growth initiatives in collaboration with Guardian," said Bleecker P. Seaman, III, co-chief executive officer of Broadshore Capital Partners.



Broadshore Capital Partners continues to manage more than $2 billion in real estate investments on behalf of public pension funds, insurance companies, international investors, and high-net-worth investors. The team will continue to deliver value creation strategies that leverage its expertise in multiple real estate product types, while maintaining its longstanding commitment to client service through a fiduciary mindset and transparency. The company continues to operate from offices in Los Angeles, Denver and Philadelphia. "This is a unique opportunity to build upon an already strong investment platform," said Bradford W. Howe, co-chief executive officer of Broadshore Capital Partners. "We look forward to continuing to leverage our specialized investment teams and offering our clients best-in-class service and expertise."

"We increased our investment in Broadshore Capital Partners because we saw an opportunity to continue Guardian's growth in real estate asset management, and believed the leadership team could deliver for the company and clients," said Tom Sorell, chief investment officer at Guardian. "We share a commitment to generating attractive returns for our investors and look forward to the opportunities ahead of us." ABOUT BROADSHORE CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC Founded in 1990 as Lowe Enterprises Investors (LEI), Broadshore Capital Partners, LLC is the re-branded entity following a buyout led by its longtime partner The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian). Broadshore Capital Partners is a leading national real estate investment management and advisory services company with over $2 billion in assets under management. The firm provides real estate investment advisory services to a select list of international institutions, public pension funds, insurance companies and high net worth individuals. Broadshore Capital Partners is based in Los Angeles and retains regional offices in Denver and Philadelphia. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005999/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Doss Law Firm Files Lawsuit on Behalf of Thousands of Georgia Health Care Consumers in Anthem/WellStar Matter

Thousands of Georgia consumers were misled during the 2018 open enrollment period by "misrepresentations and omissions" from Anthem, Inc./Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. (Anthem) when they were told they would continue to have access to the doctors and specialists of Georgia's largest health care provider, WellStar Health System Inc. (WellStar), as an in-network provider, according to a class action lawsuit filed today by the Doss Law Firm. Attorney Jason Doss said that the lawsuit is proceeding since the 90-day extension announced in the last 24 hours by Anthem is "at best a limited and temporary Band-Aid non-solution that only extends the uncertainty and suffering" of the soon-to-be-former WellStar patients. The lawsuit is available online at http://bit.ly/anthemlawsuit. The lawsuit in United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia Atlanta Division on behalf of plaintiffs Frances Kirby and John David Marks reads in part as follows: " [D]uring the most recent open enrollment period, which was from November 1, 2018 to December 15, 2018, Anthem made uniform misrepresentations and omissions to consumers Despite the fact that Anthem informed WellStar in August 2018 that it would not be including WellStar as an in-network provider for its individual health plans during the 2019 coverage period  Anthem never informed consumers of this fact and engaged in a deceptive marketing scheme to continue to list WellStar providers as in-network during the open enrollment period Anthem continued to use its marketing materials disseminated to their agents as well as on its website falsely representing that WellStar physicians and facilities would be in-network providers for Anthem's Pathway health insurance plan." Anthem has faced similar litigation the past. Class action lawsuits filed in California based on similar circumstances as outlined in today's lawsuit settled for approximately $23 million, and Anthem agreed to make business changes going forward to prvent future problems in California.



Attorney Jason Doss said: "The facts here are clear: Anthem concealed the truth from Georgia health consumers for the purposes of inducing them to select Anthem as their health insurance provider. What this boils down to is Anthem defrauded customers based on false advertising. You can't tell someone that their regular doctors and specialists will be available when you know before your open-enrollment campaign begins that you have no intention of honoring your promise. That is what Anthem did here." Attorney Joy Doss said: "Now that the open enrollment period is closed and these consumers are locked in to a new insurance company. Anthem pulled the rug out from under them and is now no longer including WellStar as an in-network provider. These misled consumers are now expected to continue paying Anthem's premiums for a health insurance product that they would not have purchased had they known the truth. If the plaintiffs want to continue using their existing WellStar doctors, they will have to pay the full price for medical treatment, as if they did not have any health insurance at all."

WellStar is the largest health care provider in Georgia and virtually the exclusive health care provider in northwest metro-Atlanta. In 44 counties in the state, Anthem is the sole insurance provider. Frances Kirby has significant health issues requiring nine specialists. She will be forced to replace the majority of her WellStar specialists as well as her primary care physician from whom she has had treatment for 20 years. Mrs. Kirby stated: "I received no notification of this change from Anthem and had to read about in a news release. Because my long-term primary care physician and several of my specialists are WellStar providers, I will now be forced to search for a new primary care physician and several new medical specialists. This will assuredly cause a lapse in my medical treatment. I must find several new doctors with whom I am comfortable and who are accepting patients. I have had to be hospitalized before and now where am I to go? WellStar operates the only hospital available to me currently in Cobb County." John David Marks has had significant heart problems since 2004 and was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016. He will no longer be able to see the same WellStar physicians and specialists for treatment. Mr. Marks said: "I had an appointment set for today with my WellStar urologist and that was cancelled, due to lack of coverage. All my specialists are with WellStar and Anthem has cut them all off after I was assured they would be available to me. What I am left with is far from satisfactory. Nearly all the specialists where I live are WellStar specialists. In addition, the closest hospital that Anthem will let me use is in mid-town Atlanta, over 25 miles from my home. And that is extremely concerning given that I have heart problems and could otherwise go to a WellStar facility just five minutes away." ABOUT THE DOSS LAW FIRM: The Doss Firm, LLC, is an Atlanta-based law firm devoted to representing consumers across the country in a variety of matters, including financial fraud litigation, securities arbitration, business and commercial litigation, employment disputes, and class action litigation. https://www.dossfirm.com/ EDITOR'S NOTE: A streaming audio recording of the news event will be available on the Web as of 5 p.m. EST on February 5, 2019 at https://www.dossfirm.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005993/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Apple Names Deirdre O'Brien Senior Vice President of Retail + People

Apple (News - Alert)  today announced that Deirdre O'Brien is taking on new responsibilities for Apple's retail and online stores in an expanded role as senior vice president of Retail + People, reporting to CEO Tim Cook. After five transformative years leading the company's retail and online stores, Angela Ahrendts plans to depart Apple in April for new personal and professional pursuits. In her expanded role, Deirdre will bring her three decades of Apple experience to lead the company's global retail reach, focused on the connection between the customer and the people and processes that serve them. She will continue to lead the People team, overseeing all People-related functions, including talent development and Apple University, recruiting, employee relations and experience, business partnership, benefits, compensation, and inclusion and diversity. "At Apple, we believe our soul is our people, and Deirdre understands the qualities and strengths of our team better than anyone," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "For more than three decades, she has helped keep Apple focused on serving customers and enriching lives. She's an exceptional leader and she's been a vital partner to our retail teams around the world since the very beginning. I am thrilled to work alongside Deirdre in her new role, and I know our 70,000 retail employees will be, too." "People come to Apple to do the best work of their lives, and our retail teams show their passion every day, in every interaction, all around the world," said DeirdreO'Brien, senior vice president of Retail + People. "It is the opportunity of a lifetime to work with, and learn from, such a talented, diverse and imaginative team. I am looking forward to this journey, and to continuing the important work of the People team in supporting all of Apple's amazing employees."



Apple today operates 35 online stores and 506 retail stores on five continents, staffed by teams who are dedicated to enriching lives and serving their communities. Every Apple retail store location offers innovative programs for customers, including Today at Apple, designed to unlock creativity, inspire learning and encourage connection. "I want to thank Angela for inspiring and energizing our teams over the past five years," said Tim Cook. "She has been a positive, transformative force, both for Apple's stores and the communities they serve. We all wish her the very best as she begins a new chapter."

"The last five years have been the most stimulating, challenging and fulfilling of my career. Through the teams' collective efforts, Retail has never been stronger or better positioned to make an even greater contribution for Apple," said Angela Ahrendts, senior vice president of Retail. "I feel there is no better time to pass the baton to Deirdre, one of Apple's strongest executives. I look forward to watching how this amazing team, under her leadership, will continue to change the world one person and one community at a time." Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone (News - Alert) , iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Apple's four software platforms - iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS - provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud. Apple's more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it. NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple Newsroom (www.apple.com/newsroom), or call Apple's Media Helpline at (408) 974-2042.  2019 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo and Today at Apple are trademarks of Apple Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005967/en/

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[February 05, 2019] The Big Chill -- High Tax States Fear Buyers Headed to Florida

Miami is known for its sunny, splendid year-round weather. It is also known for its tax-friendly climate. And as the Wall Street Journal reported today, high-tax states like NY fear big earners will soon bolt to low income tax states like Florida. Fortune International Group -- a recognized leader in development has witnessed this trend and is targeting these potential buyers by most recently hosting an event at Manhattan's chic Lowell Hotel located on the city's Upper East Side, where they provided an exclusive opportunity to introduce over 200 leading New York real estate professionals and prospective homebuyers to a curated selection of Miami's most prestigious properties including Jade Signature, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, 57 Ocean, Brickell Flatiron, Monaco Yacht Club & Residences, Missoni Baia, Una Residences, and 2000 Ocean. Fortune's showcase featured in-depth insight into the many advantages that tax-friendly states like Florida offer New York residents with a special discussion on the financial benefits of investing in Florida real estate by tax expert Barry Horowitz, CPA and partner at Withum. Said Horowitz, "There are a lot of rich folks trying to get out of New York." "The showcase provided an up-close look at our collection of prime, luxury properties in Florida. The interest was phenomenal and produced a bigger turnout than what we expected. As a result our showcase tour will continue throughout the northeast next month and the rest of 2019," said Edgardo Defortuna, CEO Fortune International Group. Among the properties on display included: Jade Signature: The award-winning, 57-story, 192-unit residential tower is well-sited along 300 feet of oceanfront in Sunny Isles Beach. Developed by Fortune International Group and created by internationally renowned, Pritzker Prize-winning architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, Jade Signature has become an architectural icon -- recently recognized as one of the Top 10 global skyscrapers for 2018 by Dezeen . The superstar team of visionaries behind the tower's design additionally includes Parisian interior design firm PYR, led by Pierre-Yves Rochon, and premier landscape architect, Raymond Jungles.

The award-winning, 57-story, 192-unit residential tower is well-sited along 300 feet of oceanfront in Sunny Isles Beach. Developed by Fortune International Group and created by internationally renowned, Pritzker Prize-winning architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, Jade Signature has become an architectural icon -- recently recognized as one of the Top 10 global skyscrapers for 2018 by . The superstar team of visionaries behind the tower's design additionally includes Parisian interior design firm PYR, led by Pierre-Yves Rochon, and premier landscape architect, Raymond Jungles. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach : Presented by Fortune International Group and Chateau Group, the 52-story tower topped off on ov. 30 and has become a standout on the coastline. Designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by renowned Florentine designer Michele Bonan, The Residences will transcend fine living, offering a life enriched by artfully designed homes, 250 linear feet of beachfront, a private 33rd floor club, spa, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, oceanfront and sunset pools, Kids Club, and the legendary service of The Ritz-Carlton.

: Presented by Fortune International Group and Chateau Group, the 52-story tower topped off on ov. 30 and has become a standout on the coastline. Designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by renowned Florentine designer Michele Bonan, The Residences will transcend fine living, offering a life enriched by artfully designed homes, 250 linear feet of beachfront, a private 33rd floor club, spa, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, oceanfront and sunset pools, Kids Club, and the legendary service of The Ritz-Carlton. Una Residences : Developed by OKO Group, led by Vladislav Doronin, one of Europe's most successful developers, Una Residences is a monumental condominium tower with designs by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG). The waterfront condominium will soon soar within what was once Miami's birthplace of modern high-rise living in the 1970s at the crossroads of Coconut Grove's Main Highway and Brickell Avenue. At 47 stories, Una will be a marvel in and of itself, with a striking sculptured facade featuring clear modern lines and ribbon-like curves, inspired by the sinuous teak decking on the iconic Riva yacht.

: Developed by OKO Group, led by Vladislav Doronin, one of Europe's most successful developers, Una is a monumental condominium tower with designs by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG). The waterfront condominium will soon soar within what was once Miami's birthplace of modern high-rise living in the 1970s at the crossroads of Coconut Grove's Main Highway and Brickell Avenue. At 47 stories, Una will be a marvel in and of itself, with a striking sculptured facade featuring clear modern lines and ribbon-like curves, inspired by the sinuous teak decking on the iconic Riva yacht. Missoni Baia: Designed by internationally acclaimed Hani Rashid of Asymptote Architecture and developed by OKO Group, Missoni Baia will represent the legendary fashion house's first foray into residential real estate and is poised to set a new standard for quality and sophistication in East Edgewater. Designed by New York designer Paris Forino, the tower's 249 elegantly crafted residences will be dressed in Missoni fabrics, furnishings, and artworks that complement Asymptote's modern architectural design.

Designed by internationally acclaimed Hani Rashid of Asymptote Architecture and developed by OKO Group, Missoni Baia will represent the legendary fashion house's first foray into residential real estate and is poised to set a new standard for quality and sophistication in East Edgewater. Designed by New York designer Paris Forino, the tower's 249 elegantly crafted residences will be dressed in Missoni fabrics, furnishings, and artworks that complement Asymptote's modern architectural design. 57 Ocean: This 18-story boutique residential building will soon begin construction at 5775 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach's renowned "Millionaire's Row." The oceanfront project-the newest to be built in the neighborhood-is the vision of Brazilian developer Jose Isaac Peres and Miami-based MultiplanREAM. Comprising 81 exquisite residences and designed by globally-acclaimed architecture firm Arquitectonica, with interiors by Anastassiadis Arquitetos, 57 Ocean captures the spirit of an exclusive coastal resort with a sophisticated emphasis on healthy living.

This 18-story boutique residential building will soon begin construction at 5775 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach's renowned "Millionaire's Row." The oceanfront project-the newest to be built in the neighborhood-is the vision of Brazilian developer Jose Isaac Peres and Miami-based MultiplanREAM. Comprising 81 exquisite residences and designed by globally-acclaimed architecture firm Arquitectonica, with interiors by Anastassiadis Arquitetos, 57 Ocean captures the spirit of an exclusive coastal resort with a sophisticated emphasis on healthy living. 2000 Ocean: Conceived as a private residential enclave by Enrique Norten - TEN Arquitectos, 2000 Ocean is highly sophisticated and offers not only an elevated landscape, but an elevated life. Located just north of South Florida's Golden Beach, this contemporary, 38-story glass tower showcases panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and surrounding endless sandy beaches. Proudly positioned on the beach, and closer to the ocean than any of its neighbors, it is bathed with sunlight from sunrise to sunset.

Conceived as a private residential enclave by Enrique Norten - TEN Arquitectos, 2000 Ocean is highly sophisticated and offers not only an elevated landscape, but an elevated life. Located just north of South Florida's Golden Beach, this contemporary, 38-story glass tower showcases panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and surrounding endless sandy beaches. Proudly positioned on the beach, and closer to the ocean than any of its neighbors, it is bathed with sunlight from sunrise to sunset. Monaco Yacht Club: A taste of the Cote d'Azur on the shores of Miami Beach, Monaco Yacht Club & Residences is a new, luxury bayfront condominium by Optimum (News - Alert) Development USA. In collaboration with two of the most esteemed names in design, Piero Lissoni and international architecture firm Arquitectonica, the nautically themed, 11-story boutique project will feature 39 exquisite waterfront residences, offering the ultimate indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Located in the highly sought-after North Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach at 6800 Indian Creek Drive, Monaco Yacht Club & Residences is situated on one of the last remaining waterfront properties in the area.

A taste of the Cote d'Azur on the shores of Miami Beach, Monaco Yacht Club & Residences is a new, luxury bayfront condominium by Optimum (News - Alert) Development USA. In collaboration with two of the most esteemed names in design, Piero Lissoni and international architecture firm Arquitectonica, the nautically themed, 11-story boutique project will feature 39 exquisite waterfront residences, offering the ultimate indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Located in the highly sought-after North Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach at 6800 Indian Creek Drive, Monaco Yacht Club & Residences is situated on one of the last remaining waterfront properties in the area. Brickell Flatiron: Downtown Miami's hottest neighborhood celebrates a true architectural icon. These luxury Brickell condos are an urban oasis developed by Ugo Colombo and designed by Luis Revuelta. The tower of soaring glass, defined by sweeping exposures, enhances the skyline with persuasive curves. Inside, Italian interior architect Massimo Iosa Ghiniintroduces a design concept of fluid, continuous space by creating a seamless transition from Brickell Flatiron's exterior.



here.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005911/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Dorsey Adds Elizabeth Snyder to Cybersecurity, Privacy, Social Media and National Security Law Teams in Minneapolis

International law firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP announced today that Elizabeth Snyder has joined the Firm's Minneapolis office as an associate. Ms. Snyder, who received a Certificate of Advanced Study in National Security and Counterterrorism Law from Syracuse University College of Law, will be a member of Dorsey's Firm-wide lawyer teams focused on Cybersecurity, Privacy and Social Media and on National Security Law. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005895/en/ Elizabeth Snyder has joined Dorsey as an associate and will be a member of the Firm-wide teams focused on Cybersecurity, Privacy and Social Media and on National Security Law. (Photo: Dorsey & Whitney LLP)



"Dorsey has built a premier, multi-office Cybersecurity, Privacy and Social Media practice with a team that has broad and deep expertise and the ability to help clients anticipate problems and rapidly remediate when those problems cannot be avoided," noted Minneapolis Partner Jamie Nafziger, who heads the Firm's Cybersecurity, Privacy and Social Media team. "The ability to attract the next generation of talent in these fields is a tribute to the strength of our team and to the strength of the National Security Law team that Seattle Partners Nelson Dong and Lawrence Ward have assembled to help clients around the world deal with the challenges of doing business in an age of increasing export, import and national security compliance challenges. It is great to have Elizabeth join the Dorsey teams serving clients in these rapidly evolving areas." "I am very pleased to be joining Dorsey," noted Ms. Snyder. "It is a great firm, and I look forward to serving Dorsey's exceptional client base across the country and around the world."

About Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Clients have relied on Dorsey since 1912 as a valued business partner. With locations across the United States and in Canada, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, Dorsey provides an integrated, proactive approach to its clients' legal and business needs. Dorsey represents a number of the world's most successful companies from a wide range of industries, including leaders in banking & financial institutions, development & infrastructure, energy & natural resources, food, beverage & agribusiness, healthcare and technology, as well as major non-profit and government entities. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005895/en/

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NowThis News Producer Hua Sirui tweeted screenshots of Duke professor Megan Neely urging Chinese international students to refrain from speaking Chinese "VERY LOUDLY in the student lounge/study areas, due to complaints by other Duke faculty on Jan. 26.

The tweet received nearly 14,000 retweets, 29,000 favorites and 1,500 replies.

One professor from Duke University sent out an email asking Chinese students not to speak Chinese in school building. pic.twitter.com/6xGkIeScJo  Hua Sirui  (@siruihua) January 26, 2019

Neely soon after apologized and stepped down from her position of director of graduate studies, according to a follow-up email by the Dean of Duke Universitys Medical school Mary E. Klotman on Jan. 26.

The University of Kansas Lawrence and Edwards campuses have a total of 832 international students from China, according to the International Support Services' fall 2018 data.

Director of the International Student Services (ISS) Charles Olcese said he didnt understand Neelys frustration. Oclese said in order to educate and be a source for faculty and staff to see the value in international students, ISS leads workshops and training in international communication.

We lead these workshops to teach how being understanding of cultural differences and valuing that and what it brings to us and not being annoyed that someone doesnt speak well or does things differently, Olcese said. Turning miscommunications into teachable moments.

Oclese said ISS doesnt often see international students other than when something is not right. Rather, he said, professors and faculty are really the ones who have a day-to-day effect on students. Oclese said students feeling the most welcomed on campus is dependent on how professors and faculty treat them.

He said international students make the University a unique world-class campus. The presence of international students gives domestic students an international encounter without traveling abroad, he said.

Whats unique in the education that students get here at the University of Kansas is having the most unique experience of sitting in class next to students from 100 countries, Oclese said.

Associate professor and Chinese Language Coordinator Yan Li said international students should try their best to practice English on campus in an effort to not leave others out. However, she said international students deserve better than to be told they are not allowed to speak Chinese in the classroom.

I feel that, for international students, they have the freedom to talk in the language that they feel comfortable [with] in public, Li said. As long as they dont create problems for others, I think that that should be allowed; its their choice. Its a free country.

Li said the solution to avoiding a miscommunication or offending non-Chinese speakers, though, is to make learning English a top priority.

Li said international students should speak the language the general public knows.

Maybe people wont think Oh they are planning something bad! Li said. So I dont feel that is right; when I meet students from China, I want them to use English with me because that is the working language here, so we just abide the rule, the norm. If they are visiting me in my home, I will speak Chinese with them.

Fifth-year international student Jinke Li from Zhengzhou, China, said his initial reaction was anger, but he then changed his mindset to try and see Neelys position. Jinke Li said while it is understandable for non-Chinese speaking students and faculty to want international Chinese students to speak English, it is imperative they understand the disadvantage of the international students as English may be their second or third language.

Jinke Li said Neely's focus on first-year students could have been an attempt to look out for first-year international students. He said international students must diligently take advantage of being on a U.S. campus by speaking English as much as possible.

If you only speak Chinese with Chinese students, it doesnt make a difference to study abroad, to physically be abroad, Jinke Li said. Right now I know a lot of Chinese people like that here; they group up only with Chinese people.

Even though he understood Neelys position, Jinke Li said he still feels a bit of racism from her behavior as it also gives other students the impression that Chinese students only speak Chinese. Additionally, he said it was inappropriate of her to target the international students in that email and constrict their freedom on Dukes campus.

Jinke Li said here at the University, international students have more of a welcoming space that respects all languages.

I think KU has at least more freedom for international students, like freedom of speech, Jinke Li said. You really dont care about what language you speak; they give you a lot of space and respect for you to communicate with whoever you want.

Associate Director of Retention and Programming for ISS Michael Ediger said Neelys reaction to the students volume is something any student  international or domestic  could have caused. Ediger said by excluding these students, Neelys department could miss an opportunity to enhance itself.

You see that the professors are disallowing those students from internships or projects; but if you think about it, theyre not realizing what those students could really bring to the table if they werent excluded because they werent focusing on English, Ediger said.

Hello my name is: International students face decision to adopt Anglo names Many international students at the University of Kansas face a serious dilemma to blend in by adopting more American sounding names.

Bhin Han Chang, a junior from Malaysia, said he understands Neelys viewpoint, and that the medias reaction missed the point of what she was trying to accomplish for the international students. Chang said his goal as an international student is education  and full cultural immersion.

I came to the U.S. to learn about the culture and speak the language and adapt and grow, and I guess in a way thats why I understand her; she wants us to be a part of her culture, Chang said.
[February 05, 2019] New study by Schneider Electric reveals tangible benefits for businesses and organizations globally when they lead with Digital Transformation in Energy Management and Automation

Up to 80% savings in CapEx (Engineering Costs and Time Optimization); and a whopping 85% savings in OpEx (Energy Consumption) reported, among others

Report is based on a study of 230 customer projects over the last 5 years, producing deep, quantifiable, business benefits DAVOS, Switzerland, Feb. 5, 2019 /CNW/ - Schneider Electric, the global leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has released the Global Digital Transformation Benefits Report 2019, presenting concrete evidence of the power of digitization across the spectrum of global industry, commerce and the public sector. This evidence takes the form of deep, quantifiable, business benefits derived from a repository of 230 customer projects Schneider Electric completed in the last five years across 41 countries  all employing the company's architecture and platform, EcoStruxure. The goal for this report is to provide readers with a useful and realistic benchmark on digital transformation's potential in energy management and automation. At the core of this report are 12 key business benefits of digital transformation. These benefits are divided into three categories, each essential to effective marketplace competition: capital expenditure (CapEx), operational expenditure (OpEx), as well as sustainability, speed, and performance. The Report focuses on four key sectors of the economy  buildings, data centers, industry, and infrastructure  all undergoing transformations that will fundamentally change the way people will live, work, and play. Significant CapEx and OpEx savings The evidence presented by the Report puts to rest concerns in the market that digita transformation is an expensive Capital Expenditure proposition involving new systems and difficult integration into existing processes. The customer projects studied in the Report demonstrate the opposite.



The study shows that digitization of engineering processes, for instance, can save businesses and organizations an average of 35% in CapEx costs and time optimization. Further, commissioning costs of new systems and assets can be reduced by an average of 29%. The study also reveals that digitization, by harnessing IoT, can result in significant savings in Operational Expenditure  leading to step change improvements in efficiency, reliability, safety, and sustainability. Businesses and organizations report an average savings of 24% in energy consumption, as a result of digitization.

In Industrial applications, digital transformation allows businesses to do more with less  more yield with less energy, fewer materials, and fewer labor hours. Increased productivity, up to 50%, results from energy management and automation efficiencies across the value chain, from IoT-enabled tracking to automated production lines. Decades of Experience in Digital Transformation Schneider Electric has started its digital transformation journey years ago. In 2009, Schneider Electric launched EcoStruxure, its IoT-enabled, plug and play, open, interoperable, architecture and platform. Now boosted for cloud and digital services, EcoStruxure delivers enhanced value around safety, reliability, efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity. EcoStruxure leverages advancements in IoT, mobility, sensing, cloud, analytics and cybersecurity to deliver innovation at every level, from connected products; edge control; and apps, analytics & services. EcoStruxure has been deployed in 480,000+ sites, with the support of 20,000+ system integrators and developers, connecting more than 1.6 million assets under management through 40+ digital services. Building on EcoStruxure, 45% of Schneider Electric sales in 2017 were IoT-related. A larger story emerges from this report about the power of digital transformation in energy management and automation: when businesses digitize both energy management and automation, the two work in concert to drive even greater, unprecedented, value. "Digital transformation is the only way of delivering consistency and efficiency across a company. Technologies such as the Internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence and big data analytics are making companies more efficient and innovative, boosting their competitive advantage," said Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman and CEO of Schneider Electric. "Our report indicates that many businesses and organizations need a trusted authority to manage this complexity to unlock the full potential of digital transformation. Our technologies, built on EcoStruxure, harness the power of digitization, enabling our customers to become more efficient, safe, reliable, connected and sustainable  leaders in the New Digital Economy." Download the full report Click here to download the Global Digital Transformation Benefits Report 2019 for full details, customer examples, and evidence for the operational, financial, environmental, and strategic value of digital transformation. About Schneider Electric Schneider Electric is leading the Digital Transformation of Energy Management and Automation in Homes, Buildings, Data Centers, Infrastructure and Industries. With global presence in over 100 countries, Schneider is the undisputable leader in Power Management  Medium Voltage, Low Voltage and Secure Power, and in Automation Systems. We provide integrated efficiency solutions, combining energy, automation and software. In our global Ecosystem, we collaborate with the largest Partner, Integrator and Developer Community on our Open Platform to deliver real-time control and operational efficiency. We believe that great people and partners make Schneider a great company and that our commitment to Innovation, Diversity and Sustainability ensures that Life Is On everywhere, for everyone and at every moment. www.schneider-electric.com Hashtags: #LifeIsOn #EcoStruxure #IoT #DigitalTransformation SOURCE Schneider Electric Canada Inc.

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[February 05, 2019] Alice's Circular Summit to Bring Together 400 Female Founders, Investors, Media for Two Days of Adventure and Learning

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --This May 9-10, Circular Summit is headed to the West Coast for the first time. Only 1.7 percent of women-owned businesses make more than $1 million in annual revenue and only two percent of venture capital goes to female-founded companies. Alice , the company behind the Circular Summit, aims to change those statistics to create a new playing field that works for all entrepreneurs, not just the lucky few. Presented in partnership with Jackson Family Wines, Dell Technologies and Amazon, Alice's Circular Summit will take over Sonoma County, California, for a two-day experience designed to connect top female founders, investors, media, policymakers and enterprise partners. Alice's Carolyn Rodz and Elizabeth Gore started Circular Summit in 2016 with the goal of convening the full circle of stakeholders who play a role in the success of women entrepreneurs. Now in its fourth year, the event attracts diverse business owners from around the world. Past speakers include Drybar founder Alli Webb, Dermalogica founder Jane Wurwand, Cherie Blair Foundation for Women founder Cherie Blair, Backstage Capital founder Arlan Hamilton and Warby Parker co-founder Neil Blumenthal. "Circular Summit brings me back to the roots of why we started Alice in the first place: to create measurable change for women entrepreneurs so that more of us have opportunities to succeed in business and become the next unicorn companies," said Elizabeth Gore, president and chairwoman, Alice. "Following these two days, we all walk away with tangible ideas for how to grow our companies, the tools to execute those ideas, a global community of support and a heavy dose of inspiration to power us through the journey." The action-packed event will feature visionary talks, wokshops, intimate breakout adventures, mentorship and network building to accelerate growth and close the gap for women entrepreneurs. And with Circular Summit's location in the heart of California wine country, there will be opportunities to experience the natural beauty of Sonoma County and sample wine and spirits from some of the industry's biggest innovators, all while surrounded by agents of change.



"I am proud to collaborate with Circular Summit and host this year's event at La Crema Estate at Saralee's Vineyard," said Barbara Banke, chairman and proprietor of Jackson Family Wines. "As a family business with a legacy of female leadership, we are strong advocates for opportunities that advance women in leadership and resources that empower women entrepreneurs to grow sustainable businesses. We're looking forward to sharing our stories and our fine wines at the Circular Summit." Since Alice's inception, diversity and inclusion have been core aspects of the company's mission. Alice strives to enable all entrepreneurs, regardless of gender, ethnicity, location or sexual orientation, to access quality resources, opportunities, tools and communities that will help their businesses succeed. In support of this mission, Alice and partners are working to make Circular Summit 2019 more accessible than ever by offering scholarship tickets to business owners that need them.

"Women play a key role in driving global economic growth," said Erik Day, VP and GM of North America Small Business at Dell. "Dell is committed to strengthening and supporting the women entrepreneurship community and women-owned small businesses through a number of initiatives, such as the Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network (DWEN). We are thrilled to, once again, be part of the Circular Summit and take part in Alice's movement to assist women entrepreneurs in their pursuit of building incredible ventures that change the world." Tickets and scholarship applications are available at www.circularsummit.com. Media passes are available upon request. About Alice Founded by Carolyn Rodz and Elizabeth Gore, Alice is a free website that helps business owners find the right path to start and grow their companies by matching them with resources and opportunities. As a social enterprise, Alice supports equal access and opportunity for all business owners, no matter where they come from or who they know. www.helloalice.com Check out highlights from the 2018 Circular Summit here, including speakers Arlan Hamilton, Neil Blumenthal, Kara Goldin and Cathie Reid. MEDIA CONTACT: Courtenay Siegfried

(713) 516-1055

Courtenay@HelloAlice.com Related Links Alice Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcW0lucvctc View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alices-circular-summit-to-bring-together-400-female-founders-investors-media-for-two-days-of-adventure-and-learning-300789650.html SOURCE Alice

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[February 05, 2019] Recuperative Care Program Established on Central Coast to Help Plight of Local Homeless

CenCal Health announces a collaborative new program that provides safe recuperative care to local homeless who are not sick enough to be hospitalized, but are too frail to recover from their illness or injury on the streets. The goals of the Recuperative Care Program (RCP) are (1) to address where and how the homeless recover after hospitalizations in order to improve health outcomes, (2) to break the costly cycle of emergency room as first-line medical care, and (3) to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in the health plan's service area of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. RCPs launched in other communities have shown that the program reduces Emergency Department utilization and hospital readmission rates of homeless residents. "We became aware of this need in the community through on-going relationships with our medical partners and local social service agencies," said Bob Freeman, CEO of CenCal Health. "We are proud to be able to provide payment for up to 90 days for those Medi-Cal members who need these comprehensive medical services. Together with our local partners, we plan to disrupt the cycle of preventable re-hospitalizations for our members experiencing homelessness." CenCal Health will provide a funding plan for the Recuperative Care Program in both counties with up to a $1 Million budget allocation, based on utilization. For San Luis Obispo County and northern Santa Barbara County, CenCal Health is partnering with Dignity Health, Tenet Healthcare, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO) and Good Samaritan Shelter. RCP partners in Santa Barbara include Cottage Health and People Assistin the Homeless (PATH).



Hospitals and health plans nationwide have faced considerable challenges in identifying appropriate discharge options for patients who do not have safe, clean homes to go to. This situation often results in unnecessary hospital stays, preventable readmissions, and increased costs for the health care system. To circumvent those negative outcomes, the Recuperative Care Program model provides: 24-hour bed with supervision of meals, showers, clothing, and basic Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

Transportation to pharmacy and medical appointments

Nursing education and support

Medication reconciliation, dosing, and set up

Review of compliance and patient education

Communication with providers and coordination of care

Case Management

Discharge Planning

Coordination with home health, mental health, drug/alcohol, and other supportive services

Referrals and linkages to housing, self-sufficiency, social services, etc. In 2017, CenCal Health, along with Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO), successfully completed a RCP pilot in San Luis Obispo County, which included supervised shelter, meals, showers, patient education and transportation to medical appointments among other supportive services. The positive outcome of the year-long pilot resulted in the continuation and expansion of that program into northern Santa Barbara County, and helped inspire the recent launch of a similar program in southern Santa Barbara County.

The Recuperative Care Pilot Program was based on the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program started in 1985. This program experienced 50% lower odds of early re-admission or death, 1 less inpatient day, and $1,740 less inpatient charges at 90 days. A similar program in Orange (News - Alert) County, CA experienced an annual cost savings of $7 Million and an 84% reduction in Emergency Department visits. Both Central Coast counties now have Recuperative Care Programs in place. In October of 2018, CAPSLO moved the RCP to its new 40 Prado Homeless Service Center in San Luis Obispo, where the number of available RCP beds increased by 50%. Primary medical services and a pilot to provide behavioral health services are now available at 40 Prado. Integrated primary care and behavioral health services are also provided at Good Samaritan Shelter in Santa Maria. About CenCal Health Serving the community since 1983, CenCal Health provides comprehensive health coverage to nearly 180,000 men, women and children enrolled in Medi-Cal. This regional health plan partners with over 1,500 local physicians and other providers to deliver quality patient care to approximately 1 in 4 residents of Santa Barbara County and 1 in 5 residents of San Luis Obispo County. CenCal Health also collaborates with community-based organizations to address social determinants of health while increasing members' access to medical care and reducing costs. The oldest Medicaid managed care plan of its kind, CenCal Health is a not-for-profit agency that employs close to 250 people at offices in both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. For more information, visit cencalhealth.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005163/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Behavioral Signals Names Rana Gujral Chief Executive Officer

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Behavioral Signals is excited to announce that Rana Gujral joins the company as the new CEO. This marks an important milestone for Behavioral Signals' growth and leadership in the general AI market. Gujral brings to the role years of proven experience in enterprise software, strategy, business building, and emerging markets. He was the founder and CEO of TiZE Inc., an innovative SaaS platform, and was awarded the 'Entrepreneur of the Month' by CIO Magazine and the 'US China Pioneer' Award by IEIE. Rana was listed among Top 10 Entrepreneurs to follow in 2017 by Huffington Post and is a sought-after international speaker. Prior to TiZE, Gujral was recruited to be a part of the core turnaround team for Cricut Inc. At Cricut, he led the initiative to build a first of its kind, innovative product for the DIY community and prompted the turnaround of Cricut's EBITDA position to profitability within a span of 2 years. Previously, Gujral held leadership positions at Logitech S.A. and Kronos Inc., where he was responsible for the development of best-in-class products that generated billions in revenue, and contrbuted towards several award-winning engineering innovations.



Gujral said it is a privilege to take on the role of CEO. "It is an exciting time for us," he said in a statement. "There is no doubt that Artificial Intelligence is the topic that is going to dominate the next few years. I think we can all agree on that. While it's great to see predictions about the future of AI, little is said about the reality that AI is already here, it is all around us, and early adopters are already winning the race to integrate AI technologies into their technology stacks." Gujral added that "Artificial intelligence is helping businesses create experiences that naturally integrate with consumers' everyday lives. Human communication is a complex process that depends on the words being spoken, as well as the way they are being expressed. We understand not only what is being said but how it is being said, the emotions, intentions, state-of-mind and behaviors of each person. I'm extremely optimistic about our potential."

Gujral succeeds Alex Potamianos, who will continue to serve the company as its CTO. Potamianos has done an impressive job of leading the company through its start-up phase, expanding its customer base, and ensuring that the company moves forward both strategically and operationally. "I am very excited to welcome Rana as the new CEO of Behavioral Signals," said Potamianos, company founder. "Rana brings tremendous startup expertise, leadership, and tons of positive energy to the team. I have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Rana in the past few months and I am looking forward to the fun years ahead. I am certain that through his experience, abilities, and laser-focus, Rana will lead our company to tremendous success!" About Behavioral Signals

Behavioral Signals excels at distinguishing emotion and behavioral signals in voice-data with its proprietary deep learning technology. By capturing acoustic cues, intonation, and other interaction signals, Behavioral Signals discovers emotions and behaviors, empowering its customers with predictive behavioral modeling and business insights. Their award-winning emotion recognition and behavioral prediction analytics technology utilize cognitive modeling and advanced machine learning algorithms. This enables them to provide enriched conversational insights for inside sales based customer-agent interactions, social robots, healthcare, and voice assistants. Behavioral Signals understands not only what is being said, but how it is being said--the emotions, intentions, state-of-mind and behaviors of each person. To learn more about Behavioral Signals, go to https://behavioralsignals.com/ . Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/behaviorsignals . Vicki Kolovou, vicki@behavioralsignals.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/behavioral-signals-names-rana-gujral-chief-executive-officer-300788881.html SOURCE Behavioral Signals

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[February 05, 2019] McDermott, Chiyoda and Zachry Group Awarded Golden Pass LNG Export Project in Southeast Texas

HOUSTON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- McDermott International, Inc. (NYSE: MDR), along with its joint venture partners Chiyoda International Corporation and Zachry Group, announced today that they have been awarded a mega* contract by Golden Pass Products LLC, a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil affiliates, to build the export project in Sabine Pass, Texas. "McDermott has extensive experience in executing major projects along the U.S. Gulf Coast," said Richard Heo, McDermott's Senior Vice President for North, Central and South America. "We will apply not only our vertically-integrated capabilities but also some of the best practices and lessons learned for major construction projects in the region. We will also leverage the existing relationships we have with our partners and our customers to ensure that the Golden Pass project is a success." McDermott, Chiyoda and Zachry Group will perform engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of three approximately 5.2 million ton per annum (MTPA) LNG trains with an expected production capacity of around 16 million tons of LNG per year. Work will commence in the first quarter of 2019 with a projected completion date in 2024. * McDermott defines a mega contract in excess of USD $1.0 billion. The contract award will be reflected in McDermott's first quarter 2019 backlog. About McDermott McDermott is a premier, fully integrated provider of technology, engineering and construction solutions to the energy industry. For more than a century, customers have trusted McDermott to design and build end-to-end infrastructure and technology solutions to transport and transform oil and gas into the products the world needs today. Our proprietary technologies, integrated expertise and comprehensive solutions deliver certainty, innovation and added value to energy projects around the world. Customers rely on McDermott to deliver certainty to the most complex projects, from concept to commissioning. It is called the "One McDermott Way." Operating in over 54 ountries, McDermott's locally focused and globally-integrated resources include approximately 40,000 employees, a diversified fleet of specialty marine construction vessels and fabrication facilities around the world. As used in this press release, McDermott includes McDermott International, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. To learn more, visit www.mcdermott.com.



Forward-Looking Statements In accordance with the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, McDermott cautions that statements in this press release which are forward-looking, and provide other than historical information, involve risks, contingencies and uncertainties that may impact McDermott's actual results of operations. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about backlog, to the extent backlog may be viewed as an indicator of future revenues or profitability, and statements about the expected value, scope, execution and timing of the project discussed in this press release. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. Those statements are made by using various underlying assumptions and are subject to numerous risks, contingencies and uncertainties, including, among others: adverse changes in the markets in which we operate or credit markets, our inability to successfully execute on contracts in backlog, changes in project design or schedules, the availability of qualified personnel, changes in the terms, scope or timing of contracts, contract cancellations, change orders and other modifications and actions by our customers and other business counterparties, changes in industry norms and adverse outcomes in legal or other dispute resolution proceedings. If one or more of these risks materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected. For a more complete discussion of these and other risk factors, please see McDermott's annual and quarterly filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. This press release reflects management's views as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by applicable law, McDermott undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

Contacts: Investor Relations

Scott Lamb

Vice President, Investor Relations

+1 832 513 1068

Scott.Lamb@McDermott.com Global Media Relations

Gentry Brann

Global Vice President, Communications and Marketing

+1 281 870 5269

Gentry.Brann@McDermott.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mcdermott-chiyoda-and-zachry-group-awarded-golden-pass-lng-export-project-in-southeast-texas-300790112.html SOURCE McDermott International, Inc.

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[February 05, 2019] YouTuber Elton Castee Attempts To Raise $100,000 For The Homeless By Living In A Freezer Starting February 4

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- On February 4, 2019 at 1PM PST, popular YouTuber Elton Castee walked into a commercial-grade freezer in Los Angeles CA and will remain inside until at least until $100,000 has been raised in support of Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. Castee's goal is to raise money to benefit the homeless population during the current conditions occurring the Midwest. Castee said, "They have to survive at least three months in freezing temperatures, I can survive three days for charity." Castee, who originally rose to fame on the social media app Vine before transitioning to YouTube in 2016, will live-stream to his 2.18 million Youtube subscribers from inside the freezer. The fundraiser is being independently produced by Castee. This will be Castee's second 24/7 charity event; in September 2017 he raised $188,000 in support of the spcaLA by spending 151 hours straight inside a dog kennel. To get the donations started on February 4th Castee will donate the first $10,000 along with 100% of the proceeds from all sales of his Send It Society clothing line during the entire live-stream. Additionally, 100% of donations made on YouTube through their new donate button and Super Chat for Good, prize giveaways to donors, limited edition signed items from guest appearances and brand integrations will go directly to the charity. Various guests such as YouTube creators, musicians, artists, educational speakers and more will be featured throughout the fundraiser to help keep bringing in new audiences, produce an entertaining environment and of course, ultimately to help increase donations. Fans are encouraged to use #ForSpartaOrg on Twitter to share ideas of activities, games, content and people they would like to see during the stream. This stream launches the formal change of TFIL from a vlog-travel YouTube channel to a fully non-profit 501(c)3, For Sparta Organization, that will produce short length documentaries alongside various charities from around the world with all YouTube revenue donated to the respective charities. For additional information, please visit ForSparta.Org and TFIL . For interviews with Elton or live-access to the event in progress, please contact: FionaZaring@Gmail.com If your brand would like to be integrated into this charity stream please contact: ECastee@Hotmail.com







About Elton Castee: YouTube TFIL (2.18M Subscribers) | YouTube Elton Castee (812k Subscribers) Instagram @EltonCastee (502k Followers) | Twitter @EltonCastee (526K Followers)

Media Contact:

Fiona Zaring

661-644-4437

fionazaring@gmail.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/youtuber-elton-castee-attempts-to-raise-100-000-for-the-homeless-by-living-in-a-freezer-starting-february-4--300790110.html SOURCE Elton Castee

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[February 05, 2019] ABLE Savings Plan Changes Lives For People With Disabilities

OLYMPIA, Wash., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning this month, people in Washington will see advertisements on television and online designed to let people living with disabilities know about the new Washington State ABLE Savings Plan. Learn more by watching the 30-second TV spot here. Emma Patterson of Lake Stevens, Washington, and other Washington State ABLE account holders are sharing their stories as part of the new statewide campaign. Discover Emma's story here. To find out of you're eligible for an ABLE account, visit www.WashingtonStateABLE.com. Patterson has big goals. She also has Down syndrome. And up until recently, asset limits for federal benefits, suh as Social Security and Medicaid, kept Patterson and other individuals with disabilities from being able to save money for things like a college education or housing.



Patterson, who is 16 years old, has her sights on a promising future: "When I am an adult, I want to teach art in the Child Life program at Seattle Children's Hospital," said the 16-year-old from Lake Stevens, Washington. "I will need to go to college and have an apartment in Seattle to do this job." Last year, for the first time, Patterson and her family were finally able to begin saving for her future without fear of losing federal benefits, thanks to the Washington State ABLE Savings Plan, a new way for people with disabilities to save for today and tomorrow.

"My family and I can save money so I can live the life I want, and a Washington ABLE account will help us do that," Patterson said. "Financial education and empowerment for all Washingtonians is extremely important," said Washington State Treasurer Duane Davidson. "Washington's ABLE program offers citizens with disabilities greater access to opportunities for saving and investing their money, learning financial management and increasing their independence." Washington's ABLE program, which is housed within the Washington State Department of Commerce, was launched in 2018. Federal legislators passed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in 2014, which allowed states to create these savings accounts for people living with disabilities and their families. U.S. citizens or legal residents who have a disability or blindness that developed by age 26 are eligible for ABLE. ABLE account holders can set aside money and make investments in stocks and bonds. Withdrawals from an ABLE account are tax-free and can be used for many types of monthly living expenses, like groceries, housing, technology or transportation. ABLE account holders can also save toward big goals, like a trip, college, or vehicle or house purchase. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/able-savings-plan-changes-lives-for-people-with-disabilities-300790007.html SOURCE Washington State ABLE Savings Plan

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[February 05, 2019] INSERTING and REPLACING Grant Given to Mississippi Nonprofits to Aid Multiple Community Missions

Inserted quotes from Senator Hyde Smith and Senator Wicker for release issued February 4, 2019. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190204005829/en/ Nonprofit, Dress for Success Metro Jackson, was one of the three organizations that was awarded a grant through the Partnership Grant Program by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas and BankPlus. (Photo: Business Wire) The revised release reads: GRANT GIVEN TO MISSISSIPPI NONPROFITS TO AID MULTIPLE COMMUNITY MISSIONS BankPlus and FHLB Dallas Award More Than $40K in Funds through Partnership Grant Program Local dignitaries joined representatives from BankPlus and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) Friday morning to award $42,470 in Partnership Grant Program ( PGP (News - Alert) ) funds to three local nonprofits. Center of Social Entrepreneurship (CSE) received $16,000, Dress for Success Metro Jackson received $10,470 and Madison Countians Allied Against Poverty (MadCAAP) received $16,000. "I applaud all the parties involved in contributing to these great causes that bring so much positive change to our community," said U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson, D-MS, who represents Mississippi's second district. "Because of this partnership between BankPlus and FHLB Dallas, Mississippi residents will experience tremendous benefits through expanded programs and services." CSE, whose mission is to enhance lives of all people in target communities in the areas of education, economic business development, housing and community engagement, will use the PGP grant to hire a local architecture firm to design a new building in the community: the Lillian M. Cooley Youth Entrepreneur & Workforce Development Center (LMC Center). "In receiving the partnership grant, the LMC Center will serve to be a safe haven that fosters the spirit of entrepreneurship and provides the tools, resources and services needed for job searching, career planning and skills training," said Shante Crockett, executive director of CSE. Construction for the LMC Center is slated to begin this August. Dress for Success Metro Jackson's PGP grant will be applied toward the costs associated with its Professional Women's Group (PWG) networking association. This is the second PGP grant t Dress for Success Metro Jackson, which focuses on empowering women in the community by providing a support network, professional attire and development tools to thrive in both work and life.



"We are so excited that BankPlus and FHLB Dallas see our mission as a good fit for their community outreach," said Dress for Success Metro Jackson Executive Director Pat Chambliss. "We, as an organization, are about changing the lives of women and their families in our community, and these funds will go a long way in securing the support and leadership our clients need to move to the next level in their employment career." MadCAAP will use the PGP award toward its year-round programs targeted to those living below the poverty line in Mississippi's Madison County. MadCAAP offers education programs and resources such as a food pantry, clothing closet, emergency utility assistance and home repair programs, among other services.

"Because of the PGP, we are able to continue our fight against poverty in Madison County," said Karen Robison, executive director of MadCAAP. "More often than not, demand for our services outweighs our financial capabilities, and the PGP grant allows us to utilize the funds for programs or to offset administration and operating expenses where the greatest need is at the time." The funds were awarded at a ceremonial check presentation in Jackson on Friday. The event was attended by Jackson city staff, representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde Smith, R-MS, U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson, D-MS, BankPlus officials and FHLB Dallas staff. "The FHLB Dallas and BankPlus investment in these local projects will create opportunities that can have lasting benefits for many people. Reaching this point is a positive sign that everyone is coming together to bring positive change in local communities, and I applaud this effort," said Senator Hyde Smith. Revitalizing the community through grant programs like the PGP also aligns with BankPlus' core company mission. "BankPlus takes pride in its commitment to the community, and contributing to different groups and causes," said Mark Ouellette, first vice president and director of affordable housing at BankPlus. "What better way to do this than to exercise our partnership with FHLB Dallas to make positive impacts to the lives of many." The PGP grant enables FHLB Dallas member institutions like BankPlus to make a contribution of $500 to $4,000 to a community-based organization (CBO), which FHLB Dallas will match at a 3:1 ratio. In 2018, FHLB Dallas awarded $300,000 in PGP funds through 31 member institutions to assist 32 CBOs. Combined with the $114,010 contributed by FHLB Dallas members, a total of $414,010 has been awarded to the organizations. "I commend BankPlus and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas for supporting community-based organizations in Mississippi," said Senator Wicker. "The Center for Social Entrepreneurship, Dress for Success, and Madison Countians Allied Against Poverty will use these grants to provide greater opportunities and resources to Mississippians." "With the Partnership Grant Program, we work with members of FHLB Dallas to help stimulate the communities in which they serve," said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "Making a difference in communities encourages us to continue our part in teaming up with members to help fulfill local missions." To learn more about the PGP, visit fhlb.com/pgp. About BankPlus BankPlus, with total assets of more than $2.7 billion, has 59 locations in 33 Mississippi communities. BankPlus is among the largest certified Community Development Financial Institution banks in the United States. For additional information on BankPlus, please visit www.BankPlus.net. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank system created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $73.7 billion as of September 30, 2018, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to approximately 825 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. Visit fhlb.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190204005829/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Biogennix Names Robert Baizer CFO

Biogennix, an osteobiologics company that develops, manufactures, and distributes proprietary bone graft substitutes used for bone fusion procedures, has named Robert Baizer its new Chief Financial Officer. News of Baizer's arrival comes on the heels of Biogennix reporting its 11,000th patient benchmark. Baizer has over 25 years of professional finance experience, with the past 10 years focused specifically in the biotechnology sector. Most recently, he led a private equity group that partnered with Qualcomm (News - Alert) , Inc. to develop a suite of wireless medical devices. Prior to that, he formed and led an investment company that provided financing to emerging biotech companies during the financial crisis, which resulted in two portfolio companies becoming publicly traded. He started his finance career with TD Securities (USA) LLC, the investment bank and broker-dealer affiliate of Toronto-Dominion, where he worked from 1993 through 2008. Most recently, Baizer was the Managing Director responsible for TD's US derivatives business. Baizer holds an M.B.A. from Cornell University's Johnson Graduate School of Management and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California San Diego. "We are pleased to have Robert as a new key member of our Biogennix leadership team. Robert is a great fit and brings strong business, medical device and financial leadership experience to our team, further positioning us for continued growth," said Michael Roux, Biogennix's General Manager.



In steady growth mode, Biogennix also has announced benchmark news that its products have now been used in more than 11,000 patients, a number that has increased by more than 5,000 patients since Q4 of 2017. The company's novel bone graft substitutes, osteoSPAN and Morpheus, are resorbable, osteoconductive scaffolds ideally suited for bone regeneration and optimal handling by surgeons. Biogennix's composites of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate have complete interconnected porosity and the optimal pore diameter for bone reconstruction. Available in strips, granules and moldable putty, the products are indicated for orthopedic applications including the posterolateral spine, long bone and pelvis.

"We're proud that our osteoSPAN and Morpheus bone graft products have been so well received by the clinician and patient communities and that we've been able to contribute to such positive post-op outcomes for more than 11,000 spine surgery patients," said Clay Shors, Biogennix's President. "We firmly believe that our products are fast becoming the new standard of effectiveness and ease of use when it comes to bone graft substitutes." The osteoSPAN bone graft substitute is available in either granular form (1-4mm) or in blocks, called "Fusion Kits." The granules and blocks serve as bone graft substitutes and are mixable with autograft for use as a bone graft extender in the posterolateral spine. Handling characteristics favored by surgeons include the product's compressive strength, hydrophilicity, and easy integration with autogenous bone. Morpheus is a moldable variation of the original osteoSPAN product. The 1-2mm osteoSPAN granules are combined with an organic binder which provides improved intraoperative handling and facilitates placement and containment of the implant. The binder dissolves quickly and does not interfere with the osteoconductive properties of the granules. The granules are gradually resorbed and remodeled by bone over the next 6-12 months. Biogennix designs, manufactures and distributes all of its products from its Irvine-based facilities. Biogennix is a fully-integrated osteobiologic company headquartered in Irvine which develops, manufactures, and distributes proprietary bone graft substitutes used in bone fusion procedures. Learn more at biogennix.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005778/en/

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[February 05, 2019] EarthShift Global, WSP and Introspective Systems to Develop Life Cycle Assessment Modeling Tool for Canadian Clean Fuel Standard

A team of three companies led by sustainability consulting and software firm EarthShift Global has been selected to develop a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) modeling tool to support the Canadian Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) , a new regulation being developed under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 that will reduce Canada's carbon emissions from all fuels by 30 million tonnes per year in 2030 (the equivalent of 7 million vehicles' annual emissions). Global engineering and professional services consultancy WSP and software developer Introspective Systems, Portland, Maine, will join EarthShift Global (which recently opened its Canadian office in Halifax) to create a rigorous, scientifically valid, ISO-conformant modeling tool for calculating the life cycle carbon intensities of the full range of liquid, gaseous, and solid fuels used in Canada. The LCA model and software will provide essential new visibility into the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of each fuel's production and use, incorporating information about raw materials (feedstock), supply chains, and fuel conversion and combustion technologies. The resulting insights will inform development and implementation of the CFS by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), which awarded the LCA modeling contract. The interdisciplinary three-company project team will collaborate on conceptual modeling, with WSP bringing substantial energy-sector expertise to both fossil and low-carbon fuel aspects of the project. Introspective Systems will contribute heavily to development and documentation of the modeling tool, applying its xGraph software to future-proof EarthShift Global's Spinney software technology. This will enable the system to be user-friendly, transparent, robust, and easy to update. EarthShift Global will leverage its experience developing advanced LCA techniques to guide the project while also handling overall management, with work being reviewed and tested by an advisory panel of Canadian academic experts in fuel production and LCA. "This is a complex and significant project, and we knew from our background in public policy development that the required combination of expertise simply didn't exist in any single organization," said Lise Laurin, CEO of EarthShift Global. "The upside of that is that we were able to bring together powerhouse practitioners in each discipline from our existing partnership network. This team is uniquely qualified to support Canada's large and regionally variable energy sector and the Canadian people who will benefit from the Fuel LCA tool for decades to come." The participating teams include a substantial proportion of Canadian members and have extensive experience modeling Canadian fuel producion pathways, developing robust, user-friendly software tools to support environmental management; and understanding Canadian energy and policy contexts.



"WSP will draw upon previous and continuing work in the Canadian oil and gas sector as well as extensive biofuels LCAs conducted in the United States over the past decade," said Julie Sinistore, Project Director on WSP USA's Sustainability, Energy and Climate Change team. "WSP brings extensive experience, including supporting the development of US fuel assessment models like GREET and California-GREET for the US Renewable Fuels Standards (RFS2) and California Low Carbon Fuels Standard ( CA (News - Alert) LCFS)." "Introspective Systems is delighted to collaborate on this important project, which we believe will serve as a role model for future environmental impact efforts," said Kay Aikin, CEO of Introspective Systems. "Our team has the experience and tools to model this complex and data-intensive problem: expertise in life cycle assessment, insight into energy usage, and an advanced software platform. Together, we can create a tool that will improve the environment for Canada and the world."

Introspective Systems has significant expertise in energy systems in its work with the US Department of Energy in modernizing the electrical grid and in developing microgrid energy systems that efficiently model and use multiple sources of energy, including fossil and renewables. The CFS will reduce lifecycle carbon intensities of fossil fuels over time by setting increasingly stringent reduction requirements for fossil fuels used in transportation, industry and buildings. The LCA model will be used in the regulations to set Canadian national average fossil fuel carbon intensities and low-carbon fuel facility specific carbon intensities and it will inform the cost-benefit analyses. ECCC currently expects to publish proposed regulations for liquid fuels in 2019 and final regulations in 2020. Proposed regulations for gaseous and solid fuels are planned for late 2020 and final regulations in 2021. About EarthShift Global

EarthShift Global helps top-level executives, front-line practitioners, academic researchers and policymakers worldwide achieve their objectives by providing software, consulting services, and training that de-mystify the path to sustainability. Our proven approach emphasizes engagement, adaptability and credible, measurable results, and the incorporation of performance-enhancing sustainable thinking into everyday business decisions. More information is available at www.EarthShiftGlobal.com. About WSP

As one of the world's leading professional services firms, WSP provides technical expertise and strategic advice to clients in the Transportation & Infrastructure, Property & Buildings, Environment, Industry, Resources (including Mining and Oil & Gas) and Energy sectors, as well as offering project and program delivery and advisory services. Our experts include engineers, advisors, technicians, scientists, architects, planners, surveyors and environmental specialists, as well as other design, program and construction management professionals. With approximately 48,000 talented people in 550 offices across 40 countries-more than 8,000 in Canada and 9,500 in the U.S.-we are uniquely positioned to deliver successful and sustainable projects, wherever our clients need us. www.wsp.com About Introspective Systems, LLC

Introspective Systems is the developer of xGraph, a breakthrough software platform that enables developers to build systems, optimize their entire environment of distributed systems, and deploy seamlessly. Designed for complex software ecosystems, xGraph combines edge computing with distributed analytics to speed processing time, enabling companies to scale, adapt to change, and manage large volumes of disparate data efficiently and securely. xGraph is AI-enabled for systems that require autonomous and collaborative decision-making. Companies use xGraph to meet the challenges of complexity in environments including healthcare, IoT, energy, and science. Learn more at IntrospectiveSystems.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005776/en/

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[February 05, 2019] The Payments Landscape in Canada: Opportunities & Risks to 2022 - QR-Based Payments are Gradually Making Inroads into North America - ResearchAndMarkets.com

The "Payments Landscape in Canada: Opportunities and Risks to 2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Payments Landscape in Canada: Opportunities and Risks to 2022 provides detailed analysis of market trends in the Canadian cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including cash, cards, credit transfers, direct debits, and cheques during the review-period (2014-18e). The report also analyzes various payment card markets operating in the industry and provides detailed information on the number of cards in circulation, transaction values and volumes during the review-period and over the forecast-period (2018e-22f). It also offers information on the country's competitive landscape, including market shares of issuers and schemes. The report brings together research, modeling, and analysis expertise to allow banks and card issuers to identify segment dynamics and competitive advantages. The report also covers detailed regulatory policies and recent changes in regulatory structure. This report provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Canadian cards and payments industry, including: Current and forecast values for each market in the Canadian cards and payments industry, including debit, credit, and charge cards.

Detailed insights into payment instruments including cash, cards, credit transfers, direct debits, and cheques. It also includes an overview of the country's key alternative payment instruments.

E-commerce market analysis.

Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the Canadian cards and payments industry.

Detailed analysis of strategis adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit, credit, and charge cards.



Scope As Interac charges no interchange fee for debit card transactions, interchange fees on pay-later cards naturally seem high in comparison. In August 2018 the Canadian government announced it had secured voluntary commitments from Visa, Mastercard, and American Express (News - Alert) to reduce merchant fees in Canada for SMEs accepting credit cards. Starting from 2020, Visa and Mastercard have agreed to lower domestic consumer interchange fees to an annual average effective rate of 1.40% for five years, down from the current figure of 1.5%. American Express entered into a similar commitment. The change is expected to save SMEs a total of C$250m ($198.84m) annually.

Non-banking companies have started entering the lucrative credit card space. In June 2018, non-bank company Brim Financial launched three credit cards: Brim Mastercard, Brim World Mastercard, and Brim World Elite Mastercard. Benefits offered include no fees on foreign transactions, loyalty points that can be redeemed at any merchant, and free access to a worldwide network of Wi-Fi hotspots. Purchases above C$500 ($397.67) can be converted into a maximum of 24 installments without affecting the credit limit available on the card.

QR-based payments are popular in Asian markets, and they are gradually making inroads into North America. In June 2018 UnionPay International collaborated with Bank of China's Canadian subsidiary to launch its QR code payment service in Canada. All of the country's Foodymart stores now accept UnionPay QR code payments. The company estimated that nearly 5,000 merchants across North America would accept its QR code payments by the end of 2018. Reasons to Buy

Make strategic business decisions, using top-level historic and forecast market data, related to the Canadian cards and payments industry and each market within it.

Understand the key market trends and growth opportunities in the Canadian cards and payments industry.

Assess the competitive dynamics in the Canadian cards and payments industry.

Gain insights into marketing strategies used for various card types in Canada.

Gain insights into key regulations governing the Canadian cards and payments industry. Topics Covered Market Overview

Executive Summary

Card-based Payments

Merchant Acquiring

E-commerce Payments

Mobile Proximity Payments

P2P Payments

Bill Payments

Alternative Payments

Payment Innovations

Payments Infrastructure & Regulation

Appendix Companies Mentioned Desjardins

Royal Bank of Canada

TD Canada Trust

Scotiabank

CIBC

Bank of Montreal

Canadian Tire Bank

National Bank of Canada Interac

Mastercard

Visa

American Express For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/qxvrjb/the_payments?w=4 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005718/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Forbes BrandVoice Veteran Joins inPowered as CRO to Scale its AI Platform for Content Marketing

inPowered, the AI platform for content marketing, has announced that Ann Marinovich has joined as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) to scale the company's Software as a Service ( SaaS (News - Alert) ) offering. Marinovich previously built and scaled Forbes' SaaS content business, BrandVoice, helping some of the largest brands to innovate their digital strategy to award winning content solutions. She has been recognized by Mobile Marketer as a "Woman to Watch" and Folio as one of the "Top Women in Media." She is also co-chair of the IAB's Committee for Social, Native and Content. She's a frequent and sought-after global speaker throughout the industry. "Having spent over a decade at Forbes I've lived the evolution of content marketing. When I first saw inPowered's AI and the results they are delivering for big brands I couldn't help but want to spread the word. They have very quietly built the AI platform for content marketing and I couldn't be more excited to help introduce our SaaS offering to brands, agencies and publishers," said Ann Marinovich, CRO, inPowered. According to eMarketer (News - Alert) , over $10 billion was spent on sponsored content with nearly all of it spent with publishers or networks. Forrester reports that CMOs moved over $2.9 billion from interruptive display advertising to content-experiences las year.



"We know that display advertising started with publishers and networks, eventually becoming programmatic. Over the past year we've seen a similar evolution in native content with clients asking for AI to solve their biggest content marketing challenges to deliver engagement and ROI. We couldn't be more excited to have someone as passionate and experienced about content to lead our next phase of growth," said Pirouz Nilforoush, President, inPowered. According to Boston Consulting Group, advertisers in the US have been increasing spend on sponsored content 20% year over year since 2014, with spending projected to reach $25 billion by 2019. Ultimately, inPowered's AI-driven content marketing platform delivers increased performance and eliminates economic waste in sponsored content.

"Our vision has always been to take content programmatic using AI with a software as a service business model to deliver the best results at the most efficient cost. Ann is uniquely qualified to help us achieve this vision," said Peyman Nilforoush, CEO, inPowered. About inPowered inPowered, the AI platform for content marketing, enables brands, agencies, and publishers to drive consumer engagement with owned, earned and sponsored content across 40+ Native Advertising channels on a cost-per-engagement model. It was founded in 2014 by Peyman Nilforoush and Pirouz Nilforoush after selling their previous company to Ziff Davis. inPowered is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London and Toronto. Visit http://inpwrd.com for more information. Subscribe to our blog and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn (News - Alert) . View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005717/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Youngsoft Acquires ABSYZ Software Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

Youngsoft Inc. has acquired a majority stake in ABSYZ Software Consulting Pvt. Ltd., a Salesforce Platinum Partner that specializes in enterprise project and solutions delivery. Youngsoft, an enterprise technology solutions company, has delivered services to a wide array of clients across the USA for over 23 years. This addition will address the surging demand from its transformative customers for project and solutions expertise in Salesforce consulting, architecture, development, and administration. ABSYZ, established in 2011, is headquartered in India, and has supported client engagements in Asia, Europe and North America, with over 130 employees worldwide, holding 159 Salesforce certifications, and having completed over 100 Salesforce projects. "We listened to our customers and potential clients, and we chose this strategic investment," says Rupesh Srivastava, Youngsoft President and CEO. "A significant number of our North American clients are looking to expand on the flexibility and efficiency of the Salesforce Platform, and are in need of a trusted solution and implementation partner. We made a collaborative and definitive move to advance our engagement capabilities." Anshul Jain, Director and CEO of ABSYZ commented, "We hav grown exponentially in the past few years across Asia and Europe. This acquisition by Youngsoft will afford access to customers throughout the U.S." ABSYZ Director and CTO Balesh Lakshminarayanan stated, " Youngsoft and ABSYZ will now offer expert Salesforce Platform consulting services, in addition to providing solution teams for Digital Experience Platforms, Mobility, AI, VR, and Blockchain. Through this transaction, we now have access to Youngsoft's deep expertise in these areas."



Steve Pickett, Youngsoft's Board Member & former CIO of Penske said, "Many of the greatest technology successes have emanated from joining two strong partners." "The Board is pleased to welcome ABSYZ to the Youngsoft family," said James Haveman, Youngsoft's Board Member & former Michigan Department of Community Health Director. Paul Boyer, Youngsoft's Board Advisor & Vice Chairman Emeritus of Meijer, Inc., stated, "This acquisition adds to Youngsoft's talent, product, and professional strengths both domestically and internationally."

About Youngsoft, Inc. Headquartered in Wixom, Michigan, US, Youngsoft is an enterprise technology solutions provider to innovative manufacturing, financial, insurance, healthcare, retail, and government entities across the United States. Youngsoft is a Salesforce and MuleSoft Partner. About ABSYZ ABSYZ /'abs?s'/ is a fast growing pure-play Salesforce Platinum Consulting Partner. Specialties lie in providing end-to-end value creation in services like Consulting, Design, Implementation, AppExchange development, Mobility, Integration, Testing, and Staff Augmentation. ABSYZ was recently awarded a Top 20 spot among "India's Best Startups to Work For 2018" by Great Place to Work. www.ABSYZ.com Salesforce and others are trademarks of Salesforce.com (News - Alert) , inc. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005715/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Tulane University Launches the Country's Only MBA/Sustainable Real Estate Development Degree Program

The A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University has announced a partnership with the Tulane University School of Architecture to meet the increasing demand for business professionals equipped with the tools for a career in real estate development. The MBA/MSRED will offer students an unrivaled preparation with a broad foundation in business disciplines as well as specialized knowledge from the country's only master's degree program in Sustainable Real Estate Development. "With the exponential growth of the real estate market, prospective real estate professionals must combine business expertise with an understanding of the social and environmental costs of development," says Ira Solomon, dean of the Freeman School. "The MBA/MSRED program builds upon the rigorous core of the Freeman School's nationally ranked MBA program to create a comprehensive and holistic approach to sustainable development." In conjunction with Tulane's School of Architecture, the program awards students an MBA and a master's degree in Sustainable Real Estate Development. Through the real-world application of theory to current real estate development projects, graduates will be prepared for the rapidly evolving challenges facing the industry. Students will be equipped to successfully manage in all areas of real estate development - finance, analytics, design, management and consulting - with both the qualitative and quantitative skills needed to make informed business decisions. "We are disrupting how real estate has been taught to drive change in the educational landscape of this field," says Casius Pealer, director of Sustainable Real Estate Development and Shane Professor of Practice at the Tulane School of Architecture. "We want students to analyze the implications of technology, environmental changes and urbanizationto better understand how political, ecological and cultural forces impact real estate development. By creating an interdisciplinary program, our alumni can anticipate the long term social and financial effects of development."



The MBA/MSRED is an accelerated two-year, full-time program delivered during the weekday from the historic Tulane University campus in Uptown New Orleans as well as the Freeman School's new facility in vibrant downtown. Students will benefit from Freeman's small cohorts, active learning environment, and direct engagement with industry leaders. Freeman is also offering new real estate specializations in its full time and Professional MBA programs, as well as in its 10 month Master of Management program. "New Orleans is an exceptional place to study real estate development because of its storied history, ongoing redevelopment and rapid growth," says Matt Schwartz, co-chief executive officer of The Domain Companies. "Our rich architectural history and dedication to preservation blends with the innovative development strategies currently driving the reinvestment in and revitalization of the city, making New Orleans an exceptional incubator for learning."

About The A. B. Freeman School of Business The A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University is a leading internationally recognized business school with more than 3,000 students in programs spanning the globe. With innovative curricula that combine outstanding classroom instruction with distinctive experiential learning opportunities, the Freeman School is dedicated to preparing current and future business leaders to contribute positively to their organizations and their communities. Founded in 1914 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Freeman School is a founding member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the premier accrediting body for collegiate schools of business. For more information visit freeman.tulane.edu. About the Tulane University School of Architecture Established in 1907, the Tulane School of Architecture works in the heart of the Gulf Coast and around the globe to provide students with a world-class education in architecture, preservation and sustainable real estate development. These programs, from undergraduate to graduate levels, at the Tulane School of Architecture provide future graduates with the basic intellectual, cultural and technical skills needed to be relevant in reversing social inequalities and ecological disruptions. The school's teaching and research advance the fields in the most relevant topics of today, such as climate change, coastal and riparian crisis, the process of urbanization under these circumstances, and the challenges for social and environmental justice. The Master of Sustainable Real Estate Development has a unique forward-looking approach to sustainable development that is urgently needed. For more information, visit architecture.tulane.edu. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005031/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Profitability Persists for InfoSec Institute

InfoSec Institute, the leading provider of IT security education and workforce security awareness training, today reports a 24 percent revenue increase over last year, leading to the 18th consecutive year of profitability. Today's announcement highlights significant revenue growth, product development achievements and staff expansion in 2018. "Our continued success is based on relentless client focus and culture of responsiveness," said Jack Koziol, CEO of InfoSec Institute. "Nobody in the business can match our team's passion for providing the best cybersecurity education platforms. I'm stoked to see what 2019 will bring." Both of the company's business lines, SecurityIQ security training and awareness and InfoSec Flex professional IT and security education, showed impressive gains. SecurityIQ - three million cyber-resilient learners SecurityIQ experienced record growth, achieving a 115 percent year-over-year increase in clients and 38 percent revenue growth. More than three million learners using the platform are now more cyber resilient, helping to keep private information secure. SecurityIQ has the most comprehensive education program to help organizations and their employees stay ahead of cybercrime - with more than 900 learning modules and 1000 phishing templates designed for easy program customization. 2018 SecurityIQ achievements include: Hundreds of new education assets - expanded Security Awareness Content Library keeps employees cyber-sharp with new training resources for privacy and data protection, BEC, GDPR, HIPAA compliance, security champions and much more for professionals in IT, healthcare and K-12 education, among others

- expanded Security Awareness Content Library keeps employees cyber-sharp with new training resources for privacy and data protection, BEC, GDPR, HIPAA compliance, security champions and much more for professionals in IT, healthcare and K-12 education, among others SAI (News - Alert) Global partnership - newstrategic alliance links the SecurityIQ training platform with SAI Global's SAI360 software enabling a modern approach to detect and reduce digital risk

- newstrategic alliance links the SecurityIQ training platform with SAI Global's SAI360 software enabling a modern approach to detect and reduce digital risk InfoSec Institute Partner Program - new program for managed services providers (MSPs), value-added resellers (VARs) and OEMs diversifies partners' security portfolios along with dedicated channel sales support, marketing resources and training



IT and Security Pros Choose Training When It's Convenient for Them In 2018, more than 10,000 IT and security professionals enrolled in InfoSec Institute's flagship Flex training and certification courses - a 33 percent increase over the previous year. June saw the release of InfoSec Flex Pro, the Institute's next generation of award-winning online training. Flex Pro courses are designed for today's busy professionals with courseware personalized to how, when and where they learn best.

Staffing Doubles to Meet Growth To accommodate its accelerated growth, InfoSec Institute added staff across all departments - doubling headcount to 150 employees. In addition to company headquarters in Madison, a second Madison sales office and new offices in Chicago were added in 2018. InfoSec Institute Scores Industry Recognitions In addition to recently being named a Gartner Peer Insights Customer's Choice for Security Awareness Computer-Based Training in January 2019, the company earned top industry recognitions in 2018: Named a Challenger in Gartner's (News - Alert) Magic Quadrant for Security Awareness Computer-based Training

Named to Trainingindustry.com's Top 20 IT Training Companies for the eighth consecutive time

Recognized as the Security Training & Education Program Gold Winner in Info Security Products Guide's 2018 Global Excellence Awards About InfoSec Institute InfoSec Institute fortifies organizations of all sizes against security threats with award-winning information security education. Recognizing cybersecurity is everyone's job, the company provides skills development and certification training for IT and security professionals while building the entire workforce's security aptitude through awareness training and phishing simulations. Recognized as a Gartner Peer Insights Customers' Choice for Security Awareness Computer-Based Training, InfoSec Institute is also a Training Industry "Top 20 IT Training Company" and the Security Training & Education Program Gold Winner in Info Security Products Guide's Global Excellence Awards. About Peer Insights: Peer Insights is an online platform of ratings and reviews of IT software and services that are written and read by IT professionals and technology decision-makers. The goal is to help IT leaders make more insightful purchase decisions and help technology providers improve their products by receiving objective, unbiased feedback from their customers. Gartner Peer Insights includes more than 70,000 verified reviews in more than 200 markets. For more information, please visit www.gartner.com/reviews/home. Gartner Disclaimers Gartner Peer Insights Customers' Choice constitute the subjective opinions of individual end-user reviews, ratings, and data applied against a documented methodology; they neither represent the views of, nor constitute an endorsement by, Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005685/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Jiminy: 72% of Parents Have no Idea What Their Children Are Doing Online

NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- When asked about their children's phone usage habits, like late-night texting and time spent playing games, 72% of parents had little to no awareness of their children's mobile activities. A new study conducted by the data science team of Jiminy, a new Parental Awareness App dedicated to help parents communicate better with their children, shows how little parents actually know about what happens beyond the screen. Instagram is the number one social network for teens and tweens today, leaping over Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram. With parents eager to follow their children on social media, kids are upping their game: Jiminy's data reveals that one out of five kids has a second Instagram account, under a different name, where they post the content they would rather not have parents see. "Parenting is the most underserved sector, from a data perspective," says Jiminy's CEO and Co-Founder, Tal Guttman. "With Millenials entering parenthood in large numbers, it is called-for now more than ever. There are thousands of startups collecting and analyzing data about dating, traveling, music and more, but parenting - the most important mission of all - is still left in the dark." Jiminy's data sheds new light on the digital habits of children:



and exercising every week - combined. "We're used to think about cyberbullying and online predators as the major threats, but the truth is much more nuanced," continues Guttman, "The chances of encountering an online predator are rare, but we're seeing that every day, 15% of texts exchanged by children are sent between 10pm and 6am. Children are literally losing sleep over their phone, and that has real-life implications. This is a great example where parents can have an impact if they only knew what was going on, but most of them are simply unaware."

"Parents have to learn to be parents in an age-of-screens" continues Guttman, "It's too easy to paint screens as something you have to fight or control, but like it or not - this is the world in which our children are living. Parents need to be aware of it, and they need to talk to their children about it. That's the key." About Jiminy Jiminy's parenting awareness app uses machine learning to give parents the tools and information they need to understand their children's digital lives and keep them safe. Backed by unprecedented data and leading experts in education and psychology, Jiminy is building the world's first data-driven parenting platform. Founded in 2017, Jiminy has offices in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Long Island, NY. Contact: hello@jiminy.me web: www.jiminy.me Contact:

Efrat Barak

efrat@jiminy.me View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jiminy-72-of-parents-have-no-idea-what-their-children-are-doing-online-300789940.html SOURCE Jiminy

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[February 05, 2019] Federated Wireless Announces Appointment of Steven Marshall as Senior Advisor

Federated Wireless, the leading shared spectrum technology provider, today announced the appointment of Steven Marshall as senior advisor to company leadership. In this role, Marshall will work alongside Federated Wireless' executive team on strategy development and scaling of the business as the Company drives commercialization of CBRS in the U.S., and supports the evaluation and adoption of shared spectrum globally. "Steven's track record as a company executive and wireless industry association leader is unmatched," said Iyad Tarazi, President and CEO of Federated Wireless. "We are pleased to continue working with Steven as we transition from Leading The Wave on the commercialization of CBRS, to driving the propagation of the shared spectrum model to additional bands within the U.S., and globally." Until recently, Marshall was the Group Executive Vice President of American Tower (News - Alert) Corporation and President of their U.S. Tower business for nearly 10 years. During this time he doubled the tower count and revenues, and more than tripled profit and cash flows of the U.S. business. He also oversaw the integration of two $5Bn tower acquisitions, multiple smaller acquisitions and significant organic investment. While responsible for American Tower's U.S. business, Marshall was also a Director of the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), and its Chairman in 2017 and 2018. He served as a Director of the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), the U.S. wireess communications association CTIA (News - Alert) , and Federated Wireless. He is currently Chairman of Next Gen Access, UK, a fiber optic cable developer providing wholesale broadband infrastructure; and is on the advisory board of Allied Minds Plc. He is a member of the Institute of Management, the Institute of Directors and the Chartered Institute of Building.



Prior to joining American Tower, Marshall served in a number of leadership and business development roles for National Grid Plc from 1997. Between 2003 and 2007, Marshall was CEO at National Grid Wireless, where he led the wireless and broadcast tower infrastructure business in the U.S. and UK, while also holding directorships with Digital UK and FreeView. From 2000 to 2003 he was Executive Chairman of Intelig, the competitive national long distance telecommunications carrier in Brazil, which was a joint venture between National Grid, Sprint (News - Alert) and France Telecom. "Federated Wireless has been instrumental in the development and commercialization of CBRS, playing a critical role in the shaping the technology, standards and government regulations needed to make it a reality," said Marshall. "With commercial deployments underway in the U.S., government agencies globally now have the validation they have been waiting for. I look forward to working with Iyad and the rest of the Federated Wireless executive team to lead the wireless industry through the shared spectrum revolution."

Marshall earned an M.B.A. from Manchester Business School in Manchester, England, and a Bachelor of Science with honors in Building and Civil Engineering from the Victoria University of Manchester, England. About Federated Wireless Federated Wireless is leading the wireless industry through the shared spectrum revolution, eliminating the decades-old problem of spectrum scarcity. The Company offers the industry's only end-to-end Spectrum (News - Alert) Controller, enabling government and commercial users to securely share the same spectrum band. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Federated Wireless is removing the multi-billion dollar price tag (News - Alert) associated with spectrum access, allowing for the creation of new wireless carriers and business models. For more information, please visit: www.federatedwireless.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005386/en/

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[February 05, 2019] ThreatConnect Recognized on 2019 Best Places to Work in Virginia List

ThreatConnect, Inc., provider of the industry's only extensible, intelligence-driven security operations platform, today announced that it was named as one of the 2019 Best Places to Work in Virginia. ThreatConnect is ranked 17th overall on the annual list created by Virginia Business and Best Companies Group. The 2019 Best Places to Work in Virginia list is made up of 100 companies. This statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Virginia, benefiting the state's economy, workforce and businesses. "At ThreatConnect, we're committed to creating a culture that encourages innovation, fosters growth and celebrates successes together - big or small," said Adam Vincent, CEO and co-founder of ThratConnect. "We're honored to be named a top place to work in Virginia and will continue to build a company we all enjoy being a part of."



This news comes on the heels of several notable recognitions, including ThreatConnect named as one of Washington Business Journal's 75 Fastest Growing Companies of 2018 - ranking 57 overall, Vincent named to Washington Business Journal's 2018 Power 100, a list of the 100 most influential business leaders in the D.C. region, and ThreatConnect recognized as a 2018 Inc. 5000 recipient - ranking 1891 overall. About ThreatConnect

ThreatConnect, Inc. provides a proactive and efficient approach to security by enabling enhanced detection, shortened response, and reduced risk. Designed by analysts but built for the entire team (security operations, threat intelligence, incident response and security leadership), ThreatConnect's intelligence-driven security operations platform is the only solution available today with intelligence, automation, analytics, and workflows in a single platform. To learn more about our threat intelligence platform (TIP) or security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) solutions, visit www.ThreatConnect.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005126/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Sansoro Health's 4x4 Health Podcast Convenes Experts to Discuss Health IT Predictions for 2019

Sansoro Health, Inc., a pioneer in health care data integration, today announced it is bringing the 4x4 Health Podcast to HIMSS19 with new guests and episodes focused on what 2019 holds for the health IT industry. The special edition podcast will include a series of episodes exploring the future of interoperability, AI, telehealth, patient engagement, and other top-of-mind issues that are sure to be of interest leading into and during the annual HIMSS Conference, this year in Orlando, Florida. The series will feature host Dave Levin, M.D., Sansoro Health CMO, interviewing guests with four key questions about health IT for 2019: Promises Fulfilled . What previously promising technology will begin to truly fulfill its potential in 2019?

. What previously promising technology will begin to truly fulfill its potential in 2019? Reality Strikes . What technology that has been riding high on the hype cycle will be viewed more realistically in 2019?

. What technology that has been riding high on the hype cycle will be viewed more realistically in 2019? Megatrends . What major trends in health IT will accelerate in 2019?

. What major trends in health IT will accelerate in 2019? Sleepers. What "under the radar" issue or health IT area will come to the forefront in 2019? The series kicks off with the return of one of 4x4 Health's most popular guests, David Butler (News - Alert) , M.D., in which the "Two Daves" discuss their own predictions for 2019. This will be followed by a series of episodes featuring well-known innovators, regulators, media members, and industry analysts to provide deeper input on the year ahead. Scheduled guests include: Edward Marx , chief information officer, Cleveland Clinic

, chief information officer, Cleveland Clinic Don Rucker, M.D. , national coordinator for health information technology, Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT

, national coordinator for health information technology, Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT Nick Van Terheyden, M.D. , founder and CEO, Incremental Healthcare

, founder and CEO, Incremental Healthcare Aneesh Chopra , president, CareJourney

, president, CareJourney Matthew Holt, founder and publisher, The Healthcare Blog; co-founder and co-chairman, Health 2.0



Launched in 2018, the 4x4 Health Podcast brings forward conversations that seek to open the door for continuous innovation and challenge the industry status quo. Guests to date have included Maulin Shah, M.D., chief informatics engineer, Providence-St Joseph; Geeta Nayyar, M.D., MBA, chief healthcare and innovation officer, Femwell Group Health; and Justin Adams, co-founder and CEO of Digitize.AI. Subscribe to 4x4 Health on iTunes, RSS, or on sansorohealth.com.

About Sansoro Health

Sansoro Health provides powerful, one-stop integration solutions for enterprise health technology leaders so they can rapidly deploy and scale innovative solutions. Health IT innovators leverage Emissary, Sansoro Health's award-winning software platform, to install swiftly, deliver robust functionality, and slash integration resources. Sansoro Health believes deeply in the power of innovation and collaboration to usher in the next generation of health care. To learn how Emissary creates integration at the speed of innovation, visit sansorohealth.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005178/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Latest IBD/TIPP Poll Reflects Consumer Unrest

The IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index, a leading national poll on consumer confidence, dropped 3.8 percent in February, hitting its lowest point since October 2017. Its reading of 50.3 comes amid the recent government shutdown and as consumers brace for a second shutdown amid the budget stalemate. This month's poll saw Economic Optimism fall for the fourth consecutive month. Nevertheless, the index continues its record run in positive territory. The Economic Optimism Index has now spent 29 consecutive months above 50. An index reading below 50 for the IBD/TIPP indexes indicates pessimism while above 50 signals optimism. The IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index has established a strong track record of foreshadowing the confidence indicators issued later each month by the University of Michigan and The Conference Board. IBD/TIPP conducted its national telephone poll of 904 adults from January 24 to February 1, using live interviewers and both cell phone and landline numbers. The margin of error is +/-3.3 percentage points. In addition to the Economic Optimism Index, IBD/TIPP surveyed respondents on key political issues for the separate Presidential Leadership Index and National Outlook Index, as well as the Financial Related Stress Index. Each index took a hit in February. This rare occurrence, in which every component across every index dropped, has now happened twice during the Trump presidency. February's poll saw the Presidential Leadership Index fall by 4.8 percent, moving from 44.0 in January to 41.9 this month. The Job Approval component of the index fell by a substantial 8.0 percent. The National Outlook Index decreased even more, falling from 44.4 last month to 41.9 in February -- a 5.6 percentage drop. While every measure of the index went down, two components experienced a double-digit plunge: Direction of the Country, which slid by 12.3 percent, and Morals and Ethics, which dropped 13.9 percent. The Financial Related Stress Index rose to its highest level since October 2017. Stress increased by 6.8 percent, hitting 55.3. A reading below 50 on this index indicates that consumers feel less financial stress while a reading above 50 equals more financial stress. "This month, the effects of the shutdown are becoming more apparent. American sentiment reflects disapproval of how the government is operating from both sides of the aisle. There is also uneasiness about another shutdown looming just over the horizon," said Terry Jones, BD's Commentary Editor. "Still, and perhaps despite it all, the economy is holding steady as we saw from the latest jobs report. If a second extended shutdown happens, however, we could see a harsher picture in March's data."



The flagship IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index has three key components. This month, all three decreased. The Six-Month Economic Outlook , a measure of how consumers feel about the economy's prospects in the next six months, dropped 4.9 percent to 44.5. The component remains in negative territory for the third consecutive month. Still, this reading is substantially above the 32.1 reading when the economy entered the last recession in December 2007.

, a measure of how consumers feel about the economy's prospects in the next six months, dropped 4.9 percent to 44.5. The component remains in negative territory for the third consecutive month. Still, this reading is substantially above the 32.1 reading when the economy entered the last recession in December 2007. The Personal Financial Outlook , a measure of how Americans feel about their own finances in the next six months, dipped by 1.6 percent to a reading of 60.0. This is its lowest reading in more than a year.

, a measure of how Americans feel about their own finances in the next six months, dipped by 1.6 percent to a reading of 60.0. This is its lowest reading in more than a year. Confidence in Federal Economic Policies, a proprietary IBD/TIPP measure of views on how government economic policies are working, fell the most. It moved from 49.0 to 46.3 -- a 5.5 percentage drop. This also marks the third month in a row that this measure has decreased. "Though our economic optimism index fell, it is still above 50 in the positive zone. This despite the longest government shutdown in history," noted Raghavan Mayur, president of TechnoMetrica, IBD's polling partner. "The economy is roaring and the job market is strong. Gasoline prices are low and this helps to offset any price increases due to trade wars. However, Americans are experiencing an increase in financial stress."

The Breakdown This month, 10 of 21 demographic groups -- such as age, income, race, and party preference -- that IBD/TIPP tracks were above 50 on the Economic Optimism Index. That was down from 15 in January. Four groups rose during the month, down from eight in January but up from just one in December. Seventeen groups fell during the month. On the Economic Outlook component, just two of the 21 groups that IBD/TIPP tracks scored in optimistic territory, down from six in January and from three in December. Thirteen groups were optimistic in November. On the Personal Financial component, all 21 groups IBD/TIPP tracks remained in optimistic territory, as eight groups rose, one stayed the same and the rest declined. Even Democrats returned to optimistic territory, despite the government shutdown. The index stood at 60 in February, after hitting an all-time high of 66.7 in October. On the Federal Policies component, four of the 21 demographic groups tracked were above 50, down from seven in January and 11 in December. Just three groups rose while 17 fell in February, and one stayed the same. ABOUT THE IBD/TIPP POLL The IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index is the earliest take on consumer confidence each month and predicts with good reliability monthly changes in sentiment in well-known polls by The Conference Board and the University of Michigan. The IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index is based on a survey of 900-plus adults chosen at random nationwide. The national poll is generally conducted in the first week of the month by live interviewers and both cell phone and landlines. For more information, go to www.tipponline.com. To license the IBD/TIPP Poll, please contact: IBDlicensing@investors.com. About IBD Investor's Business Daily (IBD) is a leading financial news and research organization recognized for proprietary stock screens, comparative performance ratings and a record of identifying stock leaders as they emerge. The company takes a data-first approach to investing, educating investors about how to invest successfully using tested methods and sound research. IBD has honed its approach over the last 50 years to help investors make smarter decisions. Its stock lists have outperformed the S&P, and its presidential poll, the most accurate over the past four election cycles, was one of only two national polls to accurately predict the outcome of the 2016 Presidential Election. IBD offers a number of interactive stock research tools and provides information for investors of every level. To learn more about all that IBD has available, please visit www.investors.com.  2019 Investor's Business Daily, Inc. All rights reserved. Investor's Business Daily, IBD, CAN SLIM and their corresponding logos are registered trademarks of Investor's Business Daily, Inc. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005383/en/

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The KU Beekeeping Club intends to focus on educational outreach as well as the experience of beekeeping.
Prince William County-based InCadence Strategic Solutions Excels as Five-time Industry Awards Recipient

The Prince William County Department of Economic Development congratulates InCadence Strategic Solutions Corp., a global-provider of high-end engineering services in the areas of biometrics/identity management, data solutions, tactical communications, operational intelligence, on its outstanding year of achievements within our business community.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005289/en/

Prince William County-based, InCadence Strategic Solutions' team gathers to celebrate an outstanding year of successful achievements and on becoming a five-time industry award recipient. (Photo: Business Wire)

In 2018, InCadence Strategic Solutions earned five of the most prestigious industry awards - a testament to its outstanding performance driven by inspirational leadership, business innovation, employee dedication and commitment to excellence.

"Our success is founded on the core strength of our people; their collective talent and work commitment to be 'best-in-class' for our customers, community and country each and every day," said Sandra Corbett, CEO, InCadence Strategic Solutions.

"We are delighted to congratulate InCadence Strategic Solutions on their outstanding achievements in 2018 and on their upcoming 10th anniversary in 2019," said Chris Price, Prince William County Deputy County Executive and Interim Executive Director, Department of Economic Development. "In Prince William County, we consider the strength of both our businesses and workforce to be our greatest assets and in this, InCadence Strategic Solutions has been exemplary."

Throughout 2018, InCadence Strategic Solutions earned the following awards:

2018 GovCon Contractor of the Year;









- Washington Business Journal

In addition, InCadence Strategic Solutions started the year strong, being one of only 80 small businesses to receive an Alliant 2 Small Business (A2SB) GWAC contract, which carries a $15 billion ceiling with a base timeline of five years and five optional years. To locate or expand your business in Prince William County, Virginia visit www.pwcecondev.org or connect via 703-792-5500, Email, E-Newsletter, Twitter and Facebook.

About InCadence Strategic Solutions Corp.

InCadence Strategic Solutions Corp., founded in 2009, is a rapidly growing Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in Prince William County, Virginia. The company has built a strong reputation for providing cutting-edge technical solutions for government and commercial clients in the areas of Biometrics and Identity Management, Data Solutions, Tactical Communications and Operational Intelligence. InCadence maintains a DCAA Approved accounting system and certifications and standards of CMMI ML2 Dev, ISO:9001-2015, ISO 20000, and ISO 27000. For more information, contact them via Phone (News - Alert) : 703-552-2810, Email: info@incadencecorp.com, www.incadencecorp.com, Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter (News - Alert) .

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005289/en/
[February 05, 2019] Marketplace Events Announces Three-Year Partnership with Mike Rowe and mikeroweWORKS Foundation

Marketplace Events, the largest producer of business-to-consumer home shows in North America, announced today that the company has signed a three-year deal with TV Host Mike Rowe, best known as the host of Dirty Jobs, to serve as the spokesperson for its 60+ home shows. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005209/en/ Marketplace Events, the largest producer of business-to-consumer home shows in North America, announced today that the company has partnered with skilled-trade advocate Mike Rowe, best known as the host and creator of Dirty Jobs, to promote their 60+ home shows. The company will also work closely with Rowe's Foundation, the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, which awards Work Ethic Scholarships to students pursuing a career in the skilled trades. (Photo credit: Michael Segal) The company will also work closely with Rowe's Foundation, mikeroweWORKS, which awards Work Ethic Scholarships to students pursuing a career in the skilled trades. Since 2008 when Rowe launched the foundation, he speaks and writes extensively about the country's relationship with work and the widening skills gap - an issue directly impacting the home improvement industry.



According to the Associated General Contractors of America, 75% of construction companies nationwide are having trouble finding qualified workers. "It was Mike Rowe's work with his foundation and the fact that he has become an important voice in sounding the alarm around the skilled trade gap, that drew us to this partnership," explained Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events. "We work with 20,000+ companies each year - primarily small, locally-owned home improvement business owners who exhibit at our shows. Our success is tied to their success in servicing homeowners and growing their business. They can't do that without a skilled labor pool so our partnership with Mike Rowe makes total sense. It's a meaningful way for Marketplace Events to support our customers and the home improvement industry throughout North America." As the new spokesperson for the home shows produced by Marketplace Events, Rowe, who has been identified by Forbes as one of the country's 10 Most Trustworthy Celebrities, will appear in the company's advertising campaigns and make personal appearances at select shows each year.

"The mikeroweWORKS Foundation is committed to supporting the local builders, remodelers, installers, repairmen, and all skilled tradespeople who do the jobs that most people are unable or untrained to do," said Rowe. "I look forward to working with Marketplace Events in support of these companies and the home shows." About Marketplace Events Marketplace Events creates vibrant expositions connecting enthusiasts with experts, products and services in dynamic face-to-face environments. The company produces 58 consumer home shows annually, including 42 in the US and 16 in Canada, as well as five holiday shows. The 63 combined events, in 30 markets, attract 20,000 exhibitors, 1.8 million attendees and another 3 million unique web visitors annually. From 14 offices, the 150-person staff produces some of the most successful and longest-running shows in North America, including market-leading shows in Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal-some of which have thrived in their markets for more than 75 years. www.marketplaceevents.com About the mikeroweWORKS Foundation The mikeroweWORKS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that works hard to debunk myths and misperceptions about the trades and help close the skills gap. As the CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, Mike speaks regularly about the country's dysfunctional relationship with work and challenges the persistent belief that a four-year degree is automatically the best path for the most people. The Foundation gives away a modest pile of money to people getting trained for skilled jobs through its Work Ethic Scholarship Program. Since its inception, the Foundation has helped grant, or facilitated the granting of, more than $5 million in technical and vocational education for trade schools across the country. www.mikeroweworks.org View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005209/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Franklin County, Ohio Signs Contract with Tyler Technologies for Appraisal Services

Tyler Technologies Inc. (NYSE: TYL) announced today that it has signed an agreement valued at more than $5 million under which Franklin County, Ohio, will use CLT Appraisal Services for its triennial property appraisal. The three-year contract will include new construction appraisals, as well as a state-mandated triennial update to review and adjust values to homes. Over the course of the three-year appraisal process, Tyler Technologies (News - Alert) will help Franklin County collect and verify property data to bring base values up to date for fair and equitable taxation. Tyler and Franklin County have a longtime partnership, and the county currently uses Tyler's iasWorld CAMA property assessment software to manage all property data and every phase of the property appraisal process. In addition, Tyler provides its Munis enterprise resource planning suite and Versatrans integrated school transportation solution to the county. "With CLT Appraisal Services, Tyler Tecnologies offers the only national mass appraisal service in the country, and we earned Franklin County's significant business based on merit," said Jake Wilson, vice president and general manager of appraisal services for Tyler Technologies. "Accurate values are critical to a sound foundation for tax assessments and reliable information for county leaders who set the budget."



Tyler's CLT Appraisal Services is the nation's oldest mass appraisal solution and has been used to appraise nearly 35 million parcels of residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial properties across 46 states. CLT Appraisal Services has been actively working in Ohio for more than 80 years. In addition to traditional mass appraisal services, Tyler offers technology-driven appraisal services using Tyler Verify software, which meets International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) standards for desktop review. Franklin County is the most populous county in Ohio, with more than 1.2 million residents. It is home to Columbus, the capital and largest city in the state.

About Tyler Technologies, Inc. Tyler Technologies (NYSE: TYL) is a leading provider of end-to-end information management solutions and services for local governments. Tyler partners with clients to empower the public sector - cities, counties, schools and other government entities - to become more efficient, more accessible and more responsive to the needs of their constituents. Tyler's client base includes more than 15,000 local government offices in all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, and other international locations. Forbes has included Tyler on its "Best Small Companies" list eight times, and ranked Tyler on its "Best Midsize Employers" list in 2018. More information about Tyler Technologies, headquartered in Plano, Texas, can be found at www.tylertech.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005120/en/

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[February 05, 2019] UK SME Insurance: Competitor Dynamics 2018 - AXA's Domination Has Declined Slightly in Terms of Individual Lines, But it Still Heads Seven Products - ResearchAndMarkets.com

The "UK SME Insurance: Competitor Dynamics 2018" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report looks at which insurers lead the way in the SME segment and how they are developing their propositions. It also highlights how competitor positions vary between micro, small, and medium enterprises. It examines which insurers are winning over brokers and which companies SMEs are placing their business with. AXA and Aviva dominate the UK SME insurance space across all of the 10 non-vehicle-based commercial products listed in our 2018 UK SME Insurance Survey. However, the pair have slipped within the six motor lines, with Admiral and AA in particular establishing a strong presence at the top of these markets. Meanwhile Allianz recorded a strong performance in the liabilities lines but little impact in the vehicle-based lines. Hiscox and Zurich are liability specialists, although they have both seen their shares decline since 2017. Within the motor lines there is a clear trend of popular personal lines insurers also enjoying success in the SME market. This shows that established relationships are essential and easily transferred from personal to commercial lines. Scope AXA's domination has declined slightly in terms of individual lines, but it still heads seven products.

Third-placed Allianz remains over 5 percentage points behind Aviva, which highlights that the top two are still way ahead of other brands despite their declines. But this is offset by Allianz underwriting the products of Barclays, which is the fourth-largest player.

AXA's position in the overall market is not replicated in brokers' preference for business placement, where Allianz and Aviva continue to top packaged and non-packaged respectively. Reasons to Buy Benchmark yourself against th rest of the market.

Ensure you remain competitive as new innovations and insurance models begin to enter the market.

Adapt your distribution strategy to ensure it is efficient and still meets customer purchasing behavior.



Companies Mentioned AXA

Aviva

Allianz

Direct Line

Zurich

Hiscox

RSA (News - Alert)

NFU Mutual

Lloyds

LV=

AA

Ageas

AIG

ACE

Barclays

Bupa Topics Covered

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1. AXA and Aviva continue to lead the market

1.2. Key findings

1.3. Critical success factors 2. THE SHAPE OF THE SME MARKET

2.1. Introduction

2.2. The big three continue to lead the way for packaged broker insurance

2.3. Aviva leads non-packaged as the top two pull away 3. PRODUCT POSITIONING

3.1. AXA remains the leading insurer, but competitors have closed the gap

3.2. AXA's decline saw Aviva challenge for top spot despite its static share

3.3. Barclays leads the bancassurance re-emergence

3.4. AXA and Aviva are consistent throughout all 16 lines

3.5. Hiscox remains a specialist liabilities insurer

3.6. Admiral and Direct Line are strong in motor 4. TOP FIVE INSURERS BY PRODUCT LINES

4.1. Top five players for business interruption insurance

4.2. Top five players in directors and officers insurance

4.3. Top five players in employers' liability insurance

4.4. Top five players for key man insurance

4.5. Top five players for personal accident and business travel insurance

4.6. Top five players for property insurance

4.7. Top five players for professional indemnity insurance

4.8. Top five players for public liability insurance

4.9. Top five players for private medical insurance

4.10. Top five players for cyber insurance

4.11. Top five players for company cars (single) insurance

4.12. Top five players for company cars (fleet) insurance

4.13. Top five players for company vans (single) insurance

4.14. Top five players for company vans (fleet) insurance

4.15. Top five players for vehicle: other (single) insurance

4.16. Top five players for vehicle: other (fleet) insurance 5. KEY PLAYERS

5.1. AXA formed partnerships to boost broker offerings

5.2. AXA is focusing on Brexit and modern cyber cover

5.3. Aviva is targeting independent brokers with new community launch

5.4. Zurich is aiming to boost its SME business with new appointment

5.5. Hiscox launched a cyber campaign to raise customer awareness

5.6. Cyber specialists could threaten mainstream insurers

5.7. Digital Risks shows innovation can thrive in the SME sector 6. TOP INSURERS BY NET (News - Alert) PROMOTOR SCORE

6.1. Aviva's impressive NPS could help it challenge AXA at the top of the market

6.2. The leading insurers saw strong improvements in NPS in 2018 7. APPENDIX

7.1. Abbreviations and acronyms

7.2. SME

7.3. Methodology

7.3.1. 2018 UK SME Insurance Survey

7.3.2. 2018 UK Commercial Broker Survey

7.4. Bibliography

7.5. Further reading For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5r4vp9/uk_sme_insurance?w=4 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005604/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Hippo Launches Drug Discounting Platform

NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Hippo today announces the launch of its technology platform enabling patients to save up to 97% on their prescription drugs at all national chain pharmacies in America and nearly every independent drug store. Both branded and generic medications are covered by Hippo, and consumers may save regardless of whether they have health insurance or Medicare. Users can visit hellohippo.com or text "hello" to Hippo (44776) and automatically receive their free, digital Hippo card which can be used for savings immediately. At a time of rising prescription medication costs, Hippo is committed to providing affordable access to vital drugs, so families don't have to choose between medicine and other essentials such as groceries or rent. No other company is offering this level of savings and accessibility. To find the lowest price on their medication, consumers can use the Hippo app or website to compare prices on most medications. "People deserve to know how much they will pay for medications in advance and to get access to the lowest prices available. This is why we started Hippo," said Gene Kakaulin, co-founder and co-CEO. "My father is a general practitioner and I have watched him struggle with the difficult task of finding effective drug treatments that patients can also afford," said Charles A. Jacoby, co-founder and co-CEO. "Markets are only fair and efficient when people are presented with pricing options. Whether people have good insurance, bad insurance or no insurance at all, they should check the Hippo price before going to the pharmacy." Hippo is also proud to announce MJ Hegar as its Chief Patient Advocate. MJ is a recent former congressional candidate who campaigned for affordable healthcare and prescription drugs. A healthcare professional, Purple Heart recipient, Air Force veteran, and women's rights advocate, she famously worked with the ACLU to overturn the military's ban on women in combat positions. After working in healthcare for five years at Central Texas' largest hospital network, MJ decided on a new mission: getting prescription drugs at affordable prices for those who need them most. "I have met so many people with heartbreaking stories about being unable to afford healthcare and prescription medications," said MJ Hegar, Hippo's Chief Patient Advocate. "It is my passion to make these costs affordable, and I have worked tirelessly to bring attention to this issue. It's my honor to work to bring Hippo to Americans everywhere, including veteran families such as my own." Hippo's Prices for Popular Prescription Medications:







Drug Name Qty Dosage Hippo $ Pharm $ Pct Svgs EpiPen (epinephrine) 1 .3 MG $58.00 $255.81 77.33% Crestor (rosuvastatin) 30 10 MG TABS $8.05 $226.56 96.45% Zestril (lisinopril) 30 5 MG TABS $2.50 $25.99 90.38% Synthroid (levothyroxine) 30 137 MCG TABS $8.21 $17.89 54.11% Lipitor (atorvastatin) 30 20 MG TABS $5.95 $36.49 83.69% Augmentin (amoxicillin) 20 875-125 MG TABS $12.80 $89.99 85.78% Adderall (dextroamphetamine) 30 30 MG TABS $17.18 $52.99 67.58%

Signing up for Hippo is free and simple. Text "Hello" to HIPPO (44776) on your phone (or visit our website at www.HelloHippo.com) and instantly receive your individual, digital Hippo Card. Look up the Hippo price for your medications and see which local pharmacy is offering the best price. Then present your Hippo Card to your pharmacist and save. Even with insurance, the Hippo price may be lower than your copay! More info: FAQ Hippo is named for the Hippocratic Oath doctors and pharmacists take to promise to heal and to always put patients first. Hippo is an app and website that provides up to 97% savings on both generic and branded medications. It's accepted at nearly all pharmacies nationally, including all major chains. Hippo also allows users to compare prices between pharmacies, which can vary significantly. Hippo is free to use, and the Hippo price is frequently lower than an insurance copay. Spend less; fill better. Hippo. Media contact:

Dini von Mueffling Communications

Daniel Lempert

Daniel@dvmcpr.com

646-650-5218 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hippo-launches-drug-discounting-platform-300789864.html SOURCE Hippo

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[February 05, 2019] Robotics, automation headline Fluid Power Technology Conference 2019

WTWH Media, LLC, parent company of Fluid Power World, today announced that the 2019 edition of the Fluid Power Technology Conference will open with exciting keynote presentations highlighting how fluid power manufacturers can be leaders in robotics and automation technologies. The conference is slated for May 14-15 at the Milwaukee School of Engineering's Kern Center. See fluidpowertechconference.com for more details. The Fluid Power Technology Conference brings together fluid power industry professionals and academics for three full days of in-depth programming including pre-conference workshops, keynote sessions, industry panels, hands-on technology demonstrations, and networking sessions. Dan Kara, Vice President, Robotics at WTWH Media, will kick off the conference with this talk, "Robotics Solutions for Small-to-Medium Manufacturers." Dan Kara said, "The robotics and intelligent systems sector is undergoing tremendous expansion at this time, disrupting and invigorating busnesses and industries of all types in the process. The fluid power sector is no exception. I look forward to attending the Fluid Power Technology Conference and engaging with those engineering and business professionals to discuss advances in fluid power technologies and applications, as well as how robotics and intelligent systems products and services support fluid power initiatives, and vice versa."



Donna Ritson, President of DDR Communications, will open day two of the conference with her presentation, "The Evolution of Advanced Automation." During the presentation you'll learn that automation technology continues to advance, CPGS plan to increase their use of automation over the next five to ten years to ensure flexible and efficient operations that will help them meet increasing consumer demand. "It's not a matter of if CPG companies will adopt automation, but a matter of when," says Donna Ritson, president of DDR Communications and the author of the PMMI Evolution of Automation report. "CPGs are looking to OEMs and technology suppliers to provide automation machinery and software that are easy to use, are customizable, and can communicate along the production lines."

"We're excited to have these two dynamic speakers opening this year's Fluid Power Technology Conference," said Mary Gannon, editor of Fluid Power World. "Both Dan and Donna promise to give our audience real insights into how fluid power technologies can impact the future of robotics and automation." About WTWH Media, LLC WTWH Media LLC is an integrated b2b media company serving the design engineering, hospitality, life sciences, retail, robotics, electronics and renewable energy markets with more than 40 web sites, live & digital events, custom digital services and seven print publications. More information at marketing.wtwhmedia.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005226/en/

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[February 05, 2019] SANS Announces the Agenda for Boston Cyber Security Training Event

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- SANS Institute, the global leader in cyber security training, today announced the agenda for SANS Boston Spring 2019 (#SANSBoston) taking place April 14-19 in Massachusetts. Courses will cover cyber defense, ethical hacking, penetration testing, digital forensics, and security management. Included on the agenda is a talk by Terrance Maguire, chief scientist and managing member of Digital Forensics Academy, "Using HashCat to Crack an iTunes Backup Password". According to Maguire, "Acquiring evidence from a locked iOS device can be difficult. In this instance an iTunes backup may be the best evidence to examine. But what happens if the iTunes backup files are encrypted? Join me in Boston where I will outline how to use HashCat to crack the encrypted iTunes backup files to get access to the data." In addition to his evening talk, Maguire will teach the SANS FOR585: Advanced Smartphone Forensics course. This in-depth course provides examiners and investigators with advanced skills to detect, decode, decrypt, and correctly interpret evidence recovered from mobile devices. It features 27 hands-on labs, a forensic challenge, and a bonus take-home case that allow students to analyze different datasets from smart devices and leverage the best forensic tools, mthods, and custom scripts to learn how smartphone data hides.



SANS Boston Spring 2019 features courses for security professionals at every level. Those looking to begin a career in cyber security will benefit from the SEC301: Introduction to Cyber Security and the SEC401: Security Essentials Bootcamp Style courses. More seasoned professionals looking to hone their skills and advance their career will benefit from courses like SEC504: Hacker Tools, Techniques, Exploits, and Incident Handling, MGT514: Security Strategic Planning, Policy and Leadership, and SEC530: Defensible Security Architecture. For a complete list of courses and evening talks, or to register for SANS Boston Spring 2019, visit:

https://www.sans.org/boston-spring-2019

About SANS Institute

The SANS Institute was established in 1989 as a cooperative research and education organization. SANS is the most trusted and, by far, the largest provider of cyber security training and certification to professionals at governments and commercial institutions world-wide. Renowned SANS instructors teach over 60 different courses at more than 200 live cyber security training events as well as online. GIAC, an affiliate of the SANS Institute, validates a practitioner's qualifications via over 30 hands-on, technical certifications in cyber security. The SANS Technology Institute, a regionally accredited independent subsidiary, offers master's degrees in cyber security. SANS offers a myriad of free resources to the InfoSec community including consensus projects, research reports, and newsletters; it also operates the Internet's early warning system--the Internet Storm Center. At the heart of SANS are the many security practitioners, representing varied global organizations from corporations to universities, working together to help the entire information security community. (https://www.sans.org) View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sans-announces-the-agenda-for-boston-cyber-security-training-event-300789855.html SOURCE SANS Institute

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[February 05, 2019] New Context to Share the Stage With California Utilities and National Laboratories at DistribuTECH Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans LA

New Context, a leading development firm building secure compliant data platforms for Fortune 500 Companies, will join partners in the California Energy Systems for the 21st Century ( CES (News - Alert) -21) program in addressing the audience at DistribuTECH, and discuss the results of its 4 years of involvement in the program. CES-21 focused on establishing and demonstrating concepts on machine to machine automated threat response for control systems, as well as simulation of large scale grid security. The session will discuss how California state-supported research has added to the security community. New Context will focus on their support to leverage the cyber threat information standard STIX in order to significantly accelerate sharing of threat intelligence and automated remediation, resulting in advancements to the ICS security community that will support future grid security endeavors. "The CES-21 program has been a great collaborative initiative with technical experts from California's three largest investor-owned electric utilities -- Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas and Electric -- the Idaho National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and New Context," said Andrew Storms, VP of Product at New Context. "Bringing New Context's knowledge of cyber threat intelligence, automation, ICS and security to the effort was an immense opportunity. We look forward to continuing to apply our cybersecuriy expertise as the project continues."



"This research is important to building truly scalable solutions to secure the energy grid," said Daniel Riedel, Founder and CEO of New Context. "New Context has been proud to be a contributor in embracing IT/OT convergence, and we look forward to continuing to support Utilities in their journey of improved energy grid protection." Designing and building secure, compliant, and resilient systems to support critical infrastructure is increasingly driven by IT/OT Convergence (News - Alert) , which raises unique challenges for public utilities. Advances in cybersecurity detection technology and the emergence of threat intelligence standards like STIX and TAXII are making information sharing among independent service providers possible. CES-21 research demonstrates how system design based on interoperability will foster lower cost and simpler integration among all participants in the ecosystem. Threat behavior can be detected and shared effectively and can be practically applied to OT software and networks. The outcome has the beginnings of more robust, secure and resilient software infrastructure, and demonstrates the benefit of partnering state government research with industry and utility experts to advance the security of critical infrastructure. In the spirit of this collaboration, New Context is proud to be a part of the Open Source (News - Alert) release of Structured Threat Intelligence Graph (STIG) during the DistribuTECH 2019 event.

Both Daniel Riedel and Andrew Storms will be at DistribuTECH. The CES-21 panel session is on Thursday, February 07, 2019, 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM, room 263 at DistribuTECH Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans, LA. About New Context New Context, Inc. is the security innovator for highly regulated industries. Our products and consulting services enable global leaders in energy, government and across the enterprise to build, deploy and maintain Secure Compliant Data Platforms. The New Context Lean Security Intelligence Solution - LS/IQ - turns cybersecurity into a strategic business asset, assessing and optimizing development resources around security and compliance. New Context is a leader in open standards, advancing the development of OpenC2 standard and using security automation as a force multiplier for defenders. New Context and the New Context logo are proprietary trademarks of New Context, Inc. All other products or names may be trademarks of their respective companies. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005380/en/

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[February 05, 2019] ARCOS to help EnergyUnited prep for emergencies, track rest-time for line workers

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This spring, ARCOS LLC will implement its resource management solution to automate Statesville, N.C.-based EnergyUniteds process for managing callout opportunities, providing emergency training and tracking rest periods for its line workers.

An electric utility line crew moves a crane into position to pick up material from a service yard in response to an automated callout.



Tropical storms Florence and Michael and snowstorm Diego and winter storm Gia directly impacted our system within a three-month period, said John McMurray, chief operating officer for EnergyUnited. With our present method of manually calling employees, it detracts from our dispatchers attention on storm restoration. Dispatchers are busy notifying crews, while outages are placed on hold to monitor and provide equally distributed employee opportunities for outage restoration. EnergyUnited, the largest electric cooperative in North Caroina, plans to launch the ARCOS Callout and Scheduling Suite during the second quarter of 2019. The utility will use ARCOS as its platform for responding to, restoring and reporting on outages. According to McMurray, equitably spreading callout opportunities among all qualified field personnel provides additional emergency training situations that boost workers skills.



In the future, when major storms threaten EnergyUniteds system, says McMurray, the utility will know that all its line workers are better prepared to collectively respond to co-op members. The ARCOS solution will also ensure that when EnergyUniteds field workers are between shifts they take the required rest period to recuperate and prepare for more work. With its manually handled rest-time process, EnergyUnited relies on its managers and employees to write down or recall the number of hours they worked and rested. Were relying on peoples memory; we want to automate and document the process for rest time, adds McMurray. Automating the process with ARCOS means well more efficiently distribute emergency work and track responses and rest periods.

With the ARCOS solution, managers, dispatchers, substation personnel, line workers and a variety of other classifications will be able to plan, launch and track the status of automated, after-hours calls from their desktops, tablets and smartphones. EnergyUnited delivers electricity to approximately 250,000 people via 195 miles of transmission, 8,100 miles of overhead distribution and 4,300 miles of underground distribution lines. About ARCOS LLC

ARCOS is a leader in delivering SaaS solutions for managing the resources of critical infrastructure sectors. The ARCOS solution goes beyond the callout of crews and automatically plans for all types of events, and reports on the up-to-the-minute location and status of equipment and crews via mobile technology for utilities, airlines, manufacturers and industrial facilities. The ARCOS resource management platform helps utilities, airlines, manufacturers and industrial facilities save time and money, while improving customer satisfaction, safety and the efficiency and accuracy of operations. Learn more about ARCOS resource management software at http://www.arcos-inc.com . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bdd56436-3982-4ae2-bf94-6758ec336bf8 The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress. Media contact: Dean Heid dheid@arcos-inc.com

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[February 05, 2019] Ball Corporation Partners with mindSpark Learning and its STEMpath Program

DENVER, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- mindSpark Learning (mSL), a Denver-based national nonprofit dedicated to re-engineering education through educators with unique professional learning experiences, announced today that Ball Corporation is its latest partner for STEMpath, a graduate-level STEM certification program. Ball joins Couragion, Morgridge Family Foundation, Colorado Succeeds, Metropolitan State University, Bitsbox, and Pathway 2 Tomorrow in supporting the shift in educator certification for STEM and computer science. The 12-month program offers STEM coursework, work-based learning externships and professional learning to educators. It is revolutionizing the way we think about STEM certification and credentialing. All STEMpath participants will graduate feeling confident in their newly-acquired advanced skill set. The first STEMpath cohort kicked off on January 23 in Denver, with 14 educators enrolled for the program. "We're thrilled to join such a forward-thinking partnership to bring stronger STEM education to educators and their classrooms," said Chris Chavez, Director, Global Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Relations at Ball and Executive Director of The Ball Foundation . "The future of the STEM workforce depends on training programs like this to ensure our educators have the resources they need to adequately prepare our youth for future career paths." "Industry partnerships are in the DNA of STEMpath. We are so honored to partner with Ball Corporation to rethink what it means to be certified i STEM. Ball's innovation stance is exactly why they are the perfect partner for this important work," said mindSpark Learning CEO Kellie Lauth. "They understand that if we are going to meet the needs of the workforce, we must start with education."



The 2019 STEMpath cohort is still accepting externship placement partnerships for teachers over the summer. For details on involvement, visit www.mymindsparklearning.org/stempath-sponsor-externships/ . About mindSpark Learning

mindSpark Learning, a Denver-based national nonprofit founded as Share Fair Nation in 2007 and rebranded in 2017, is the catalyst and intermediary between education and industry. It is re-engineering education through educators and mobilizing diverse communities to create sustained economies. mindSpark Learning leads programs and services designed to help schools understand workforce development, participate in work-based learning experiences, foster career literacy and directly connect students to mentors and authentic opportunities at a young age. Its core areas of focus are critical to today's education landscape and include STEM, EdTech, Social-emotional learning (SEL) and Equity-centered Design Thinking. These lay the foundation for skills that are inherently necessary for career success.

mindSpark Learning is re-engineering education by incorporating the voice of community leaders in a variety of fields - from education, to industry, to government. Since 2017, mindSpark Learning has impacted 13,074 education professionals. For more information, please visit www.mymindsparklearning.org . About Ball Corporation

Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL) supplies innovative, sustainable packaging solutions for beverage, personal care and household products customers, as well as aerospace and other technologies and services primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ more than 17,500 people worldwide and reported 2018 net sales of $11.6 billion. For more information, visit www.ball.com , or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter . Media Contact:

Kim Peterson

Public Relations

Kim@mymindsparklearning.org

(630) 835-4020 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ball-corporation-partners-with-mindspark-learning-and-its-stempath-program-300789710.html SOURCE mindSpark Learning

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'The Kid Who Would Be King' is a good kids movie, but nothing more
[February 05, 2019] Arkose Labs Selected as Finalist for 2019 RSA Conference Innovation Sandbox Contest

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arkose Labs , a provider of online fraud prevention technology combining user risk assessment and sophisticated enforcement challenges, today announced it has been selected as one of 10 finalists for the RSA Conference 2019 Innovation Sandbox Contest for its work in preventing automated online fraud and abuse.

On Monday, March 4, Arkose Labs will present its cybersecurity technology to a panel of industry veteran judges and a live audience in a three-minute quick-pitch and Q&A, competing for the title of Most Innovative Start Up at RSA Conference 2019 in San Francisco. In the past five years alone, the contests top 10 finalists have collectively seen 14 acquisitions and have received more than $2 billion in investments. Arkose Labs helps some of the worlds most targeted businesses solve online fraud problems costing millions each year in financial losses with its innovative global telemetry, user behavioral risk assessment and patent-pending enforcement challenges. As companies across the information security industry experience more fraudulent user activity, a new solution to eliminate the problem at the source is necessary. Arkose Labs technology exclusively stops abuse before it occurs without impacting user experience or conversion rates, and Arkose Labs is the only solution provider to offer a 100 percent service level agreement on attacks. With the prevalence of more sophisticated automated attacks, which shift identity and IP addresses on each session to bypass traditional behavioral detection techniques, adoption of Arkose Labs technology is accelerating across industry sectors including online marketplaces, travel, banking, social media and online gaming. Automation is fueling the scale and impact of online fraud, which can have serious security and financial repercussions for any business with an online presence, said Kevin Gosschalk, CEO of Arkose Labs. Our technology is rooted in prevention, allowing us to stop abusive attacks at the point of entry, without disrupting user experience. RSAC Innovation Sandbox Contest is the leading platform for entrepreneurial cybersecurity companies to launch their ground-breaking research and innovation in front of venture capitalists, industry experts, senior business level practitioners and thought leaders. The event gives startups visibility and validation that turn into rapid growth and increased funding year after year.



Every year our expectations are blown out of the water by the ideas presented at the RSAC Innovation Sandbox Contest, and this year was no exception, said Sandra Toms, Vice President and Curator of RSA Conference. The cybersecurity industry needs the bold, bright and innovative ideas being developed by these start ups today more than ever. I applaud this years finalists on their amazing work and dedication to making our world more secure, and Im looking forward to seeing the impact theyll make at RSA Conference and beyond. Doors will open to the RSAC Innovation Sandbox Contest at 1:30 p.m. PT on March 4 at the Marriott Marquis in the Yerba Buena Ballroom. The winner will be announced in front of a live audience later that day at 4:30 p.m. PT. Dr. Herbert (Hugh) Thompson returns to emcee the contest, and the panel of five judges includes Asheem Chandna, Partner, Greylock Partners; Patrick Heim, Operating Partner and Chief Information Security Officer, ClearSky; Niloofar Razi Howe, Cybersecurity Entrepreneur and Investor; Shlomo Kramer, CEO and Co-Founder, Cato Networks; and Richard Seiersen, CISO, Author and Advisor.

More information regarding RSA Conference 2019, taking place at the Moscone Center and the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco from March 4-8, can be found at: www.rsaconference.com . For more information on Arkose Labs, please visit RSA Booth #4504 in the North Hall or www.arkoselabs.com . About Arkose Labs

Arkose Labs is solving multi-million dollar online fraud problems for major global businesses in sectors including online marketplaces, travel, banking, social media, ticketing and online gaming. Our bilateral approach combines global telemetry with a patent pending enforcement challenge that stops fraud without false positives and without impacting user experience. Arkose Labs is based in San Francisco, Calif., with offices in Brisbane, Australia. For more information, visit www.arkoselabs.com or on Twitter @ArkoseLabs. About RSA Conference

RSA Conference is the premier series of global events and onDemand programs where the world talks security and leadership gathers, advances and emerges. Whether attending in the U.S., the EMEA region, the Asia-Pacific region or online, RSA Conference events are where the security industry converges to discuss current and future concerns and get access to the people, content and ideas that help enable individuals and companies to win, grow and do their best. Its about bringing all people in the cybersecurity industry together and empowering the collective we of the cybersecurity industry to stand against cyberthreats around the world. RSA Conference is the ultimate marketplace for the latest technologies and hands-on educational opportunities that help industry professionals discover how to make their companies more secure while showcasing the most enterprising, influential and thought-provoking thinkers and leaders in security today. For information on events, online programming and the most up-to-date news pertaining to the information security industry visit www.rsaconference.com . Media Contacts:

Jacquelyn Daane

10Fold Communications

arkoselabs@10fold.com

(734) 277-7006

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[February 05, 2019] Palo Alto Networks Partners With British Columbia and IBM Canada to Launch Canada's First Cybersecurity High School Program

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In honour of Safer Internet Day, Palo Alto Networks (NYSE: PANW), the global cybersecurity leader, today announced the introduction of its Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy to high school students in Canada. Working in partnership with British Columbia's Ministry of Education and IBM Canada, the program's mission is to bridge the skills gap by preparing students for careers in cybersecurity. Canadian high school students can now receive hands-on training to understand the latest cyberthreats and how best to combat them. Courses focus on network security skills, including firewall installation, antivirus software and zero-day vulnerabilities. After successfully completing the 12-month program, students will be eligible for cybersecurity associate certification. "Students today are increasingly tech-savvy and connected now more than ever before. With the frequency of cyberattacks increasing, targeting both institutions and individuals, it is critical that we prepare students with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their data against such threats," said the honourable Rob Fleming, minister of education for British Columbia. As part of the curriculum development, Palo Alto Networks worked with British Columbia's Ministry of Education and IBM Canada to pilot the academy in select high schools to prepare technical and non-technical faculty on how to deliver the program across the province of British Columbia. Based on feedback from the faculty, there was a need for virtual training labs to seamlessly roll out the program across British Columbia high schools that may not have the resources to configure and manage complex lab environments. Together with Network Development Group, Palo Alto Networks provided a pilot environment consisting of more than 20 virtual labs for students to learn how to configure fundamental networking systems and firewall technology used to secure critical infrastructure. "With the shortage of skilled cybersecurity specialists across the world, I believe our students will benefit greatly from these courses in high school. We are able to offer the courses within school and in a blended online model, which gives students an introduction to the cybersecurity world, and if they are inspired, to pursue a career in this field," said Gary Chan, distributed learning coordinator at Richmond Virtual School. "IBM is committed to innovation and STEM education, ad we see effective, high-quality STEM education as a key driver of the nation's economic vitality," said Krista Shibata, women in technology and STEM education lead at IBM Canada. "Public-private partnerships such as these are a testament to what can be achieved to support learning in high skill areas, such as cybersecurity. We are helping prepare the Canadian youth for new collar jobs. Nothing is more critical to our nation's economic success."



"Providing these students with foundational cybersecurity knowledge and skills will give them a leg up when applying for an entry-level IT position and the opportunity to grow from there," said Dan Myers, senior manager of Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy at Palo Alto Networks. "While we can't close the cybersecurity workforce gap overnight, we're dedicated to helping students of all ages understand the cyber risks out there and educating them on the best ways we can all protect our way of life in the digital age." There are more than 450 Cybersecurity Academies in more than 55 countries training the next-generation security workforce. For more information, please visit the Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy page.

About Palo Alto Networks

We are the global cybersecurity leader, known for always challenging the security status quo. Our mission is to protect our way of life in the digital age by preventing successful cyberattacks. This has given us the privilege of safely enabling tens of thousands of organizations and their customers. Our pioneering Security Operating Platform emboldens their digital transformation with continuous innovation that seizes the latest breakthroughs in security, automation, and analytics. By delivering a true platform and empowering a growing ecosystem of change-makers like us, we provide highly effective and innovative cybersecurity across clouds, networks, and mobile devices. Find out more at www.paloaltonetworks.com. Palo Alto Networks and the Palo Alto Networks logo are trademarks of Palo Alto Networks, Inc. in the United States and jurisdictions throughout the world. All other trademarks, trade names or service marks used or mentioned herein belong to their respective owners. About Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education is responsible for ensuring the learning outcomes of over 648,000 students are achieved and that they acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to a healthy society and a prosperous, sustainable economy. For more information, please visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/ministries/education. About IBM Canada

IBM Canada is headquartered in Markham, Ontario and is one of Canada's top ten private R&D investors; contributing more than $478 million to Canadian research and development initiatives in 2017. IBM has a unique approach to collaboration that provides academic researchers, small and large business, start-ups and developers with business strategies and computing tools they need to innovate. Areas of focus include AI, cloud and security. Canada is also home to IBM's largest microelectronics packaging and test facility in Bromont, Quebec and the largest software development organization in the country, with sites in Markham, Ottawa, and Fredericton. For more information, please visit www.ibm.com/ca. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/palo-alto-networks-partners-with-british-columbia-and-ibm-canada-to-launch-canadas-first-cybersecurity-high-school-program-300789566.html SOURCE Palo Alto Networks, Inc.

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[February 05, 2019] CFM and MDT Partner to Transform the Branch Experience through Core-Integrated Solutions

CHANDLER, Ariz., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- CFM, the leading financial institution core integration company, and Member Driven Technologies (MDT), a CUSO that hosts the Episys core platform from Symitar to provide a private cloud alternative for core processing and IT needs, today announced a partnership to bring simplicity of branch transformation to credit unions with the Transformation Fusion product suite. The flexible product suite is designed to make banking easier for the credit union and its members by offering retail-focused technology that helps their branches increase overall loan production and deposit growth as well as provide financial literacy for members. The full suite provides building blocks for transformation by solving very specific branch needs. NEXT is a solution for migrating full-service transactions to self-service. RTA enables Universal Associates and open branch designs by allowing transactions to be processed from anywhere in the branch. Interactive Digital Signage with Service Sidekick accelerates member discovery of products to increase cross-sales and engagement. iQ is a business intelligence tool for making smarter decisions in purchasing, deploying and optimizing cash recyclers and dispensers. All solutions are interconnected, and while each are impactful alone, transformation efforts multiply when they are used together. "At CFM, we've already redefined an industry with our innovative cash automation integration, and now we're doing it again with several new innovations all backed by our proven foundational integration," said John W. Smith, CFM CEO. "MDT has a stellar reputation in the industry and our partnrship will bring transformation that truly solves market needs to credit unions. We want to empower credit unions to better serve their members by demolishing barriers causing friction."



"Working in tandem with CFM will allow our client credit unions to quickly and effortlessly reach the next level of integration," said Larry Nichols, President/CEO at MDT. "Being able to provide the core platform and integration capabilities that will enhance the branch experience for so many credit unions and their members is very important to us. We look forward to a long relationship with CFM." No matter where a credit union wants to start transforming their branch, Transformation Fusion can align to strategy and deliver immediate results. This partnership brings ease and convenience to credit unions wanting to optimize their branches with a core integrated approach.

About Member Driven Technologies MDT hosts the Episys core platform from Symitar to provide credit unions with a private cloud alternative for core processing and IT needs. The CUSO's service-first, hybrid approach to outsourcing enables credit unions to boost efficiencies and security and reduce costs while maintaining a high level of control. In addition to hosting the Symitar Episys platform, MDT also hosts dozens of seamlessly integrated solutions to run the entire institution, including digital banking, payments, lending, security, continuity and regulatory services. MDT serves credit unions representing more than $22 billion in assets and approximately two million members. Visit mdtmi.com or follow @memberdriven for more information. About CFM Many financial institutions face challenges responding to the dramatic shifts in the technology landscape of the retail branch. At CFM, we make it possible for financial institutions to create a robust and personalized experience for their clients. We do this by providing a full suite of technology solutions built upon highly resilient core integrations enabling Universal Associates, self-service, digital client engagement, robust analytics, and much more. The result is a simpler, worry-free retail banking experience. CFM is headquartered in Chandler, AZ and a strategic partner of DBSI (www.dbsi-inc.com), a branch transformation strategist. To learn more, visit www.whycfm.com, call (855) 333.4236 or follow @CFMS4. Media Contact:

Emily Sweillam

DBSI | CFM

(602) 264-7263

208850@email4pr.com Member Driven Technologies

contact-us@mdtmi.com Related Links

http://www.whycfm.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cfm-and-mdt-partner-to-transform-the-branch-experience-through-core-integrated-solutions-300789594.html SOURCE CFM

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[February 05, 2019] Sherpany Minutes: The Clever Way to Write and Approve Minutes as Well as to Record Decisions and Tasks

ZURICH, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Sherpany announces the release of its minutes manager, an add-on feature to the Sherpany Boardroom, facilitating the creation, distribution and discussion of meeting minutes, decisions and tasks. One more proof of Sherpany to keep its brand promise to give users time back when it comes to leadership meetings on Executive and Board level. 4 Benefits of the Sherpany Minutes Manager The Sherpany Minutes Manager automatically creates, based on your agenda, a minutes template and pre-populates it with the proposals of the agenda items. #gettimeback

Thanks to its integration with Sherpany DISCOURS, meeting organisers can easily follow the key discussion before and during the meeting when writing the minutes. #gettimeback

Minutes can be selectively published to e.g. the chairperson to get them reviewed and commented on using Sherpany DISCOURS. #gettimeback

Once the minutes are finalized, thanks to the integrated approval functionality, minutes can be approved outside of meetings sparing the valuable group time of privileged workers and leaders in meetings. #gettimeback The rationale behind

The average working day, especially for senior management, is usually packed with meetings and their preparation using up to 153 hours per month *. However, 83% of managers describe meetings as the biggest time loser, for themselves as well as for others.** Due to various reasons, meetings have been a waste of people's valuable time. The management of minutes, decisions and tasks being a big time consumer. Minutes fulfill the purpose of recording the discussions and the outcome (decision or tasks) of a meeting. Due to the different journey of minutes, decisions and tasks, we quadruplicate information by copy & pasting it to various trace and tracking vehicles. Today, minutes are done as a monolithic document containing all three elements. Trying to give minutes structure, company secretaries and their staff use different fonts, styles and tables to differentiate between notes, decsions and actions. However, as these 3 parts have a different purpose we build "sub-minutes" to communicate decisions in the organization, copy actions to a spreadsheets to keep track, and when it comes to decisions, remembering a systematic review to learn from the past is just impossible. Accumulating all leadership meetings in a global corporation, we lose thousands of valuable working hours with copying, tracing and tracking. All these things can be automated.



To solve this problem once and for all, Sherpany starts today with its phased release of the Sherpany Minutes Manager, helping meeting organizers to easily write minutes, manage decisions and tasks within Sherpany Boardroom. "We believe digital transformation should help meeting organizers to easily create, trace and track all three elements of the outcome of a meeting and eliminate copy & paste activities. Technology should empower company secretaries to carry their responsibility with less headache and more precision," says Sherpany's CEO Tobias Hackermann.

Sherpany Meeting Manager is integrated into the Sherpany Boardroom and will be available to all customers. If you want to learn how it works and how it can help you save valuable time in your leadership meetings, reach out to your customer success manager or to sales@sherpany.com . About Sherpany

SHERPANY is the fastest growing start-up headquartered in Switzerland with offices in Lisbon, Milan, Paris, Berlin, Wroclaw and Zurich. Our mission is to stop the meeting madness. We build innovative, mobile solutions for board and executive committees. With our technology we turn leadership meetings from time-wasters into value-creators by driving focus on the output. We encourage the evolution of meeting culture through a delightful, easy to use and secure meeting management software to drive focus on decision making and to free up the wasted meeting time for value-adding work. According to our customers , we are the leading premium partner for large and medium-sized enterprises when it comes to transforming the culture and management of formal meetings. More about Sherpany on www.sherpany.com *Source: 2013-2014 NACD public company governance survey **Source: Stop the Meeting Madness, by Leslie A. Perlow, Constance Noonan Hadley and Eunice Eun in the Harvard Business Review Media Contact:

Mathias Brenner

208812@email4pr.com

+41445158950 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sherpany-minutes-the-clever-way-to-write-and-approve-minutes-as-well-as-to-record-decisions-and-tasks-300789248.html SOURCE Sherpany

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[February 05, 2019] People Find Being Kept on Hold Most Annoying When Calling Businesses, New Data Says

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- When asked to rank their top three frustrations with telephone customer service, the largest percentage of people chose being kept on hold (57%), followed by rude service (52%), and automated phone menus (51%). The data comes from a new survey report that explores why businesses must prioritize speed when managing their phone lines, and how they can implement improvements. Clutch, the leading B2B research, ratings, and reviews platform, conducted the survey of 501 people who called a business more than three times in the past six months. Businesses should think both analytically and creatively about how they can reduce phone hold times. To approach the issue analytically, businesses should collect data on their hold times, asking questions such as: When are customers on hold the most?

What departments receive the most calls?

What questions do customers most commonly ask? Some creative options for reducing hold times include calling the customer back when they are at the front of the line instead of making them wait on the phone, or offering them an option to schedule a call-back for a more convenient time. Customers Prioritize Efficiency When Calling Businesses People most often ranked an "efficient resolution to my issue" (79%) as the trait they value most when calling business. To increase efficiency, businesses can consider balancing their telephone customer service with other A-based solutions, such as chatbots.



Shep Hyken , a customer service and experience expert, speaker, and author, said that chatbots work well for questions such as "Where's my package?" or "I want to check my bank balance." "You don't need to talk to a human to answer those questions and often, it's more efficient to do so with a digital format," Hyken said.

Businesses Shouldn't Abandon Their Phone Lines Given all the new communication options available, some businesses may be tempted to give up on their phones, directing all customers to chatbots, social media, or contact forms. Yet, phones remain a critical customer communication channel for complex or personalized inquiries. In the past six months, people most commonly called a business to fix an issue (24%), ask a question (23%), or make an appointment (19%). "How many times will you contact a business and they'll send you a link to their FAQ page, and you say, 'I already checked that page, or otherwise, I wouldn't be messaging you,'" said Nathan Strum, CEO of Abby Connect , a virtual receptionist and telephone answering service provider. "It's frustrating when people don't think [their issue] falls into a certain category, even if in the end, it might. They want to feel heard." Read the full report: https://clutch.co/bpo/virtual-assistant/resources/how-improve-telephone-customer-service For questions about the survey, a comment on the findings, or an introduction to the industry experts included in the report, contact Riley Panko at riley@clutch.co . About Clutch:

A B2B research, ratings, and reviews firm in the heart of Washington, DC, Clutch connects small and medium businesses with the best-fit agencies, software, or consultants they need to tackle business challenges together and with confidence. Clutch's methodology compares business service providers and software in a specific market based on verified client reviews, services offered, work quality, and market presence. Media Contact:

Riley Panko

208847@email4pr.com

(202) 899-2779 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/people-find-being-kept-on-hold-most-annoying-when-calling-businesses-new-data-says-300789592.html SOURCE Clutch

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[February 05, 2019] PageFreezer Releases 3rd Generation of Dynamic Website Capture Technology

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- PageFreezer is proud to announce the release of the 3rd generation of its dynamic website capture and archiving technology. PageFreezer has been one of the leaders in website crawling and archiving technology since 2009. Over the last two years, the company has redeveloped its website capture and archiving technology with research and development funding support from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). With complex Javascript and AJAX frameworks used in websites, PageFreezer's 3rd generation dynamic web capture technology is capable of automatically and accurately capturing the most advanced websites including dynamic content, password-protected websites, personalized pages, form flows, and user path-based captures without the need for complicated scripting or engineering. The platform supports storage and data export in the WARC (ISO 28500:2017) open data standard as adopted by The National Archives and Records Administration of the United States and other governments around the world. "Due to increasing complexity of dynamic and personalized websites, it is really difficult to cature dynamic website content accurately and automatically," says Michael Riedijk, CEO of PageFreezer Inc., "We reviewed all open source technologies and found that none were really up to the task. We had to develop the next generation of dynamic web capture technologies from the ground up. PageFreezer's latest release is the most advanced dynamic web capture software currently available, outperforming existing commercial and open source technologies."



With help from NRC IRAP, PageFreezer conducted an extensive research and development program over a two-year timeframe. As a result, one of the leading global Financial Services firms recently signed a contract after concluding that PageFreezer was the only web crawling technology that was capable of accurately capturing their highly personalized dynamic website for eDiscovery & regulatory compliance purposes. Trusted by financial services firms, governments, corporations and Fortune 500s, PageFreezer's dynamic web crawler is used to archive client websites and complete web pages for regulatory compliance and eDiscovery. With industry regulators demanding the collection and preservation of all online communications, having an archiving solution in place is an absolute requirement. Failure to preserve records in appropriate, replayable and verified formats can result in significant penalties from costly fines, to lawsuits, and more damaging reputation consequences.

About PageFreezer PageFreezer is a leading provider of website, social media and enterprise collaboration archiving and compliance solutions to a wide range of industries including finance, legal, telecom, retail, utilities, government and post-secondary education. PageFreezer is a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) application that enables organizations and corporations of all sizes to permanently preserve their website and social media content in evidentiary quality and then access those archives and replay them as if they were still live. Uses for the archived data range from compliance with regulators such as the SEC, FINRA and the FDA to litigation preparedness, evidence capture, call center support and competitive intelligence. For more information, please visit https://www.pagefreezer.com Media Contact:

Peter Callaghan

Chief Revenue Officer

PageFreezer Software inc.

604.449.3082

208839@email4pr.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pagefreezer-releases-3rd-generation-of-dynamic-website-capture-technology-300789435.html SOURCE PageFreezer

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[February 05, 2019] 12 ReTech Announces That It Will Be Acquiring RUNE NYC, LLC, a Thriving Women's Activewear Brand Targeted At Today's Fashion Conscious Woman.

Las Vegas, NV & Hong Kong, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 12 ReTech Corporation (OTCQB: RETC) announced today that it has signed a Definitive Exchange of Equity Agreement to acquire control of New York based Rune NYC, LLC (RUNE). Rune members representing over 77% of the equity have already agreed to tender their equity to the Company. The Company is leaving the offer open till February 8, 2019 for the rest of the RUNE members to agree to tender their equity,

Adding RUNEs operations which is an up and coming womens apparel brand that already sells their activewear products through a variety of well-known domestic USA sales and distribution channels, will bring immediate brand awareness and revenues to 12 ReTech. In recent years, RUNEs annual revenues have been as high as $1.4 million while although 2018 revenues were approximately $800 thousand. The target date for the completion of the RUNE acquisition is February 28, 2019. Angelo Ponzetta, 12 ReTechs CEO commented, RUNE is an exciting addition to our portfolio of womens apparel brands. They have designs that are in demand and the ability to bring new ideas to market quickly. Synergistically, our own manufacturing operations will help to improve margins in their business and their existing sales channels will be a great place to introduce our other brands into. I am positive that with our assistance, over the next year RUNE will be generating record revenue run rates for their brand. Greg Haehl, Manager of Red Wire Group, LLC, said, This is one of the reasons we teamed up with 12 ReTech! Their ability to attract synergistic acquisitions that will fully utilize our production ability to manufacture quality products while increasing margins for our brands is exciting! And Red Wire can certainly accomplish that! Emily Santamore, Managing Member of Rune NYC commented, I am excited to become part of 12 ReTech team. Since our inception, I have developed a nice following for my brand over the last six years and believe that 12 ReTech will help me grow RUNEs followers quickly. The obvious synergies between our businesses will help me to concentrate my time on where it is best spent, in apparel design and sales, which will benefit all our 12 ReTech brands. I am also excited to learn about 12 ReTechs retail technology and how I can utilize it to grow our Rune NYC brand. Hub Blanchette, President of 12 ReTechs Emotion Fashion Group added, Having Emily as part of our team will add important design experience and sales channels for all of our brands, making them more contemporary and relevant. By manufacturing a portion of RUNEs products in Salt Lake City in addition to their production in NYC, we can reduce their costs and deliver products faster with shipping on both sides of the country. Our Salt Lake City staff can quickly fulfill orders in this part of the country allowing Rune NYCs online customers a superior consumer experience. This should make RUNE more competitive and dramatically increase revenues.



Angelo Ponzetta finished, We are already working on the integration of our three Fashion related companies, with Red Wires team operating the manufacturing for all of our brands and in both factories. This integration effort has slightly delayed the completion of the Red Wire Acquisition which will occur shortly. In addition, there is a lot going on in our business pipeline in all three of our geographic markets. I hope to soon have exciting news about additional new acquisitions that we are negotiating as well as updates on our technology front. About Rune NYC, LLC

Founded by a brother-sister team in January 2013, Rune NYC, LLC set up shop in the heart of New York Citys historic garment district. Rune NYC is a growing fashion company focusing on the expanding womens market of activewear and athleisure. They offer an array of apparel targeted to fashionable women who are looking for excellent quality and great value. Rune currently designs and produces fashion leggings, maternity leggings, plus-size leggings, bottoms, tops, dresses, and jackets. Rune NYC is 100% designed and manufactured in the USA. About 12 ReTech Corporation: At our core, we are a software company whose technology allows retailers to combat the dual threats of Walmart and Amazon  both online and in physical stores. Our microbrand rollup acquisition strategy allows us to demonstrate the effectiveness of our software, devise and test new products, while providing shareholder value through immediate revenue and earnings growth. The Company operates through our subsidiaries on three continents: 12 Hong Kong, Ltd., 12 Japan, Ltd., 12 Europe A.G., 12 Retail Corporation (and its subsidiaries in North America, including Emotion Fashion Group, Inc.). For more information please visit our website at www.12ReTech.com . 12 ReTech Corporation is publicly listed on the OTCQB Markets under the symbol RETC. Safe Harbor: This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty, including without limitation, the ability of the Company to successfully implement its turnaround strategy, changes in costs of raw materials, labor, and employee benefits, as well as general market conditions, competition and pricing. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this letter will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as representation by the Company or any other person that the objectives and plans of the Company will be achieved. In assessing forward-looking statements included herein, readers are urged to carefully read those statements. When used in the Annual Report on Form 10-K, the words "estimate," "anticipate," "expect," "believe," and similar expressions are intended to be forward-looking statements. Investors Relations Contacts: Mark Gilbert

Magellan FIN, LLC

mgilbert@magellanfin.com

317-361-2392 (USA) Corporate Headquarters

investors@12ReTech.com

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[February 05, 2019] 2019 HIPAA Guide from SecurityMetrics Launches: Simplifies Privacy and Security Rules

OREM, Utah, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Data breaches in the healthcare sector were up in 2018 compared to the previous year. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, health-related breaches accounted for 29.3% of all compromises. In all, there were 363 healthcare data breaches in the US resulting in over 9 million records lost. Health organizations face unique challenges when complying with HIPAA requirements, especially Security, Privacy, and Breach Notification Rules. Healthcare practices and networks are busy, vary in size and resources, and are frequent data breach targets. These organizations need a resource that will help them understand and implement security measures they must take to keep protected health information (PHI) safe. SecurityMetrics released their 2019 Guide to HIPAA compliance to help health organizations gain a foundational knowledge of HIPAA, organize their compliance efforts, train employees, and prevent data breaches. The updated 2019 guide includes new insights from HIPAA security analysts and updated survey data from healthcare organizations. The guide simplifies important elements from the HIPAA Security, Breach Notification, and Privacy Rules, including: Incident response plans

PHI encryption

Business associate agreements

Mobile device security

HIPAA-compliant emails

Remote access

Vulnerability scanning

Penetration testing



Brad Caldwell says, "The number of cyber attacks on the healthcare sector continues to increase. We update and release our free HIPAA guide each year to help all sizes of organizations in the healthcare sector strengthen and adapt their cyber defense tactics to keep up with insidious hacker threats." Organizations and individuals who would like a copy of the SecurityMetrics 2019 Guide to HIPAA Compliance can download a PDF copy for free. Download the 2019 SecurityMetrics Guide to HIPAA Compliance here.

To learn more about SecurityMetrics or HIPAA, contact 801-705-5621, email consulting@securitymetrics.com , or visit www.securitymetrics.com/hipaa.

For press inquiries contact 801-995-6516, or email pr@securitymetrics.com. About SecurityMetrics (www.securitymetrics.com)

SecurityMetrics helps customers close data security and compliance gaps to avoid data breaches. They provide managed data security services and are certified to help customers achieve the highest data security and compliance standards.

As an Approved Scanning Vendor, Qualified Security Assessor, Certified Forensic Investigator, and Managed Security provider SecurityMetrics guides organizations through data security testing and compliance mandates (HIPAA, PCI, GDPR). With over 15 years of forensic investigations, penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and compliance audits, SecurityMetrics has tested over 1 million systems for vulnerabilities. The privately held company is headquartered in Orem, Utah where it maintains a Security Operations Center (SOC) and 24/7 multilingual technical support.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2019-hipaa-guide-from-securitymetrics-launches-simplifies-privacy-and-security-rules-300781757.html SOURCE SecurityMetrics

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IT Storage Services: Market Intelligence, Procurement Market Report, Supply Market Forecasts, Cost Drivers, Trends, Category Management Insights Now Available From SpendEdge

SpendEdge, a global procurement market intelligence firm, has announced the release of their Global IT Storage Services Category - Procurement Market Intelligence Report.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005527/en/

Global IT Storage Services Category - Procurement Market Intelligence Report. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The recent market trends reveal a high degree of migration of the on-premises data storage to the cloud storage platform done by buyers from a significant proportion of the global organizations. This is acting as one of the primary growth drivers of the category spend momentum. In a bid to modernize the existing IT infrastructure, buyers are adopting physical servers, storage systems, switches, routers, load balancers, and WAN optimization appliances which, in turn, will create substantial requirements for the on-premises storage services and products. However, factors like privacy issues, security threats, and the failure to provide high network bandwidth might impede the category growth in some of the major economies across the globe. Read the Free Sample copy of this IT storage services procurement market intelligence report here!

Currently, the US holds the largest market share which is credited to the early category adoption and the availability of global service providers in the region. The incremental spend done by the defense department of the US government in cloud services is expected to boost the category spend growth rate during the forecast period. The market for IT storage services in APAC is driven by the better accessibility of the internet which is favoring digitization and investments in IT infrastructure.

This IT storage services procurement market report offers a detailed overview of the key cost drivers and category management insights that can aid in devising a profitable procurement strategy for IT storage services. This procurement market intelligence report also highlights the current supply market developments to help the buyers choose the appropriate vendors who can promise a steady supply assurance. Not what you are looking for? Request for free customization.

"Buyers must ensure that service providers guarantee data segregation in case of multi-tenancy to avoid data loss or unsorted data storage scenarios," says SpendEdge procurement expert Anil Seth. "They should also be able to recover data in case of any unprecedented instances of data loss," added Anil.

This IT storage services procurement market report has highlighted the factors to play a vital role in influencing category spend. They include:

Buyers can save costs by engaging in long-term contracts with tested vendors

Service providers face a high threat from M&A and energy price increase

Get the full market intelligence report to know more about the complete scope of this report







SpendEdge is now offering limited-time discounts on report purchases. Buy two reports and get the third one for free.

SpendEdge's procurement market intelligence reports for the information technology category offer information on critical cost drivers and category pricing strategies to help the buyers achieve significant cost-savings. The supply market forecasts provide information on supplier performance benchmarking criteria to help buyers reduce spend and establish better SLAs. Additionally, SpendEdge's reports offer category management insights and procurement best practices for the category.

Report scope snapshot: IT storage services

Category ecosystem

Market favorability index for suppliers

Competitiveness index for suppliers

Threat of new entrants

Interested to know more about the scope of our procurement market intelligence reports? Download a FREE sample

Category management enablers

Procurement organization

Category enablers

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Category definition

Category hierarchy

Category scope

Category map

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Do you purchase multiple reports in a year? Our subscription platform, SpendEdge Insights, provides ready-to-use procurement research reports for various categories. Now access latest supplier news, innovation landscape, markets insights, supplier tracking, and much more at the click of a button. Start your 7-day FREE trial now.

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SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To know more, https://www.spendedge.com/request-free-proposal

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005527/en/
[February 05, 2019] Catena Expands Global Presence with USAM Group Partnership

SINGAPORE, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Catena Technologies has announced a strategic alliance with USAM Group that expands availability of Catena's flagship derivatives compliance solution to financial institutions in North America and Europe. Under the agreement, USAM will provide marketing and sales strategy and execution for the TRACE Reporting solution, which automates reporting of derivatives trades to global regulators. "Regulatory and trade repository changes coming up in 2019 will require major changes to trade reporting systems, creating a compelling opportunity for banks, asset managers and brokers to review the accuracy, completeness, and scalability of their existing processes," said Aaron Hallmark, CEO of Catena Technologies. "Our partnership with USAM means that we are in position to support firms in Europe and North America with an efficient, comprehensive and cost-effective solution for derivatives reporting to multiple regulators." TRACE Reporting automates collection of OTC derivatives data from internal systems and third-party trading platforms. It enriches trade data and transforms it to meet the exact specifications of global regulators. It also reconciles the responses received from trade repositories, providing real-time status information via an integrated dashboard that provides timely alerts and enables rapid remediation of potential reporting concern.



"TRACE Reporting is a proven solution that improves compliance and reduces cost by automating derivatives trade reporting across all asset classes under regimes in the US and Canada, as well as the EU, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore," said Feargal O'Sullivan, USAM Group's CEO. "Clients around the world also benefit by working with Catena's subject matter experts, who proactively monitor the global regulatory landscape to anticipate, thoroughly understand, and provide early support for upcoming regulations, such as Securities Financing Transactions Regulation (SFTR)." The partnership leverages USAM's presence in New York, Chicago, Toronto, London, Amsterdam, and Milan to augment Catena's own operations based in Singapore and San Francisco.

About TRACE

Catena Technologies' TRACE Reporting system reduces the cost and risk associated with reporting derivatives transactions to trade repositories in fulfillment of their global regulatory obligations. The system manages the end-to-end reporting and reconciliation workflow by automatically capturing, calculating, enriching, transforming, and submitting the required information to trade repositories. It can also reconcile trade repository data with a firm's in-house and external data sources. Catena TRACE Reporting is a comprehensive platform that manages all functional requirements for trade reporting, including cross-asset coverage, valuation and collateral reporting, reconciliation, and multi-jurisdiction support, including ASIC, CFTC, MAS, HKMA, EMIR, MiFID II, OSC, and SFTR. For more information, please visit www.catena-technologies.com or www.usamgroupcom. Photo(s):

https://www.prlog.org/12752513 Press release distributed by PRLog View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/catena-expands-global-presence-with-usam-group-partnership-300789486.html SOURCE Catena Technologies

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French warplanes on Sunday struck twice to halt an armed group that crossed into northern Chad from Libya in a column of 40 pickup trucks, the French military said, adding it acted at Chad's request.

A rebel group opposed to President Idriss Deby said it had been the target of the strikes, and warned France that its act could stir "hostility towards the French."

In a statement on Monday, the French military said that Mirage 2000 fighters intervened "together with the Chadian army" to "halt the hostile advance and disperse the column," which had crossed deep into Chadian territory.

The warplanes are based near N'Djamena, the Chadian capital, as part of France's Barkhane counter-terrorism force in the Sahel.

"The column had been spotted at least 48 hours beforehand," armed forces spokesman Patrik Steiger told AFP.

The Chadian airforce carried out strikes to try to repel it before asking the French to intervene, he said.

On Sunday morning, French planes made low warning passes over the column but it continued to advance, triggering a decision to scramble more fighters, which carried out two strikes at around 6:00 pm Paris time.

Steiger said the group had crossed 400 kilometres (250 miles) of Chadian territory before being halted "between Tibesti and Ennedi" in the northwest.

He did not identify which armed group they belonged to.

- ' Dangerous turn' -

But the spokesman for Chad's most active rebel group, the Union of Resistance Forces (UFR), said that the raid had targeted its men.

Reached by AFP from the Gabonese capital Libreville, UFR spokesman Youssouf Hamid said the strikes marked a "dangerous turn" by France in Chad's "internal affairs."

"The Chadian people will respond. It may take the form of showing hostility towards the French," Hamid said.

"Paris has become a force that is hostile to the Chadian people," he added.

Hamid did not give any details about the objective of the incursion.

The UFR was created in January 2009 from an alliance of eight rebel groups.

Under Idriss Deby presidency, the country has become a leading member in the fight against jihadism in the Sahel.

It is part of the West African coalition fighting Boko Haram and a member of the French-backed G5 Sahel anti-terror alliance, which also includes Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.

The latest incursion follows several recent air strikes by the Chadian air force against Libya-based rebels in the far north.

It also launched an operation last year aimed at "clearing out" illegal gold miners whose arrival in the region has fomented unrest with locals.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

Short link:


[February 05, 2019] Kendall Hunt Publishing and Area9 Lyceum Collaborate to Improve Learning Outcomes through Adaptive Learning

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass., and DUBUQUE, Iowa, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Kendall Hunt Publishing, one of the largest and oldest privately held educational publishers in the United States, and Area9 Lyceum today announced a partnership to help instructors and teachers close the student knowledge gap. Instructors face many challenges in the classroom, including full curriculums and overwhelmed or ill-prepared students. While students might struggle to keep up in traditional learning, they then have less time for higher-level learning that shows critical thinking or applied skills. Computer technology helps instructors be more effective but does not provide the human element that is crucial to learning. "Based on their experiences, instructors can predict where students will most likely struggle and target those areas with lectures and, where possible, individual instruction. But instructors know that this approach is one-size-fits-none and there is never enough time to close the knowledge gap for each student individually," said David Tart, Vice President of the Higher Education Division at Kendall Hunt Publishing. "This is where a true adaptive technology can assist." Building on more than 20 years of experience creating adaptive learning systems, Area9 Rhapsode is Area9 Lyceum's fourth generation adaptive platform and the most advanced learning and publishing platform in the world. "When students are prepared and teachers have actionable data on each student, they can focus on what is needed most," said Ulrik Juul Christensen, MD, CEO of Area9 Lyceum. "When students spend less time gaining essential knowledge, thenclass time can be used to address specific knowledge gaps and ask students to apply their knowledge through critical thinking."



Kendall Hunt's adaptive learning initiative, powered by Area9 Lyceum, is a partnership which combines Kendall Hunt's consultative publishing expertise and Area9's Rhapsode adaptive platform to provide: An online delivery method that automatically adjusts to the needs of each learner  recreating at scale the optimal teaching approach of a one-on-one personal tutor

Data analytics and intelligent technologies to adjust in real-time and deliver an optimal experience

Access to Area9 Rhapsode through iOS and Android native apps, directly through a website or through an integration into an LMS

Online, face-to-face, and blended learning through one digital tool Individual faculty members and academic departments/teams can work with Kendall Hunt to create a personalized, adaptive learning curriculum for their course materials through the Area9 Rhapsode platform for less than it costs to create most PDF-based eBooks today. This is possible as a result of the advanced workflow automation and workflow analytics in Area9 Rhapsode that empowers individuals, and teams of all sizes, to produce high quality learning outcomes at scale.

In addition to providing a personalized adaptive learning experience for students, faculty who use Kendall Hunt's Adaptive Solutions get actionable data on student usage, which can be used to work with individual students. More about Area9 Lyceum and Area9 Rhapsode Area9 Lyceum leverages more than 20 years of research to identify the human factors that influence learning in industries spanning healthcare, aviation, defense, telecommunications, professional services and higher education. Area9 Rhapsode is a comprehensive, fully integrated workflow and content development environment that supports both print and digital content production. It is customizable to be able to meet the needs from the smallest partners to the largest publishers and corporate learner departments. For more information, visit www.area9lyceum.com or follow them on social media at Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Media Contact: info@area9lyceum.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kendall-hunt-publishing-and-area9-lyceum-collaborate-to-improve-learning-outcomes-through-adaptive-learning-300789606.html SOURCE Kendall Hunt Publishing

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[February 05, 2019] Satel Group and Simlatus Expanding and Projects $12m in New Contracts

San Francisco, CA, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Simlatus Corporation and Satel Group Inc. (OTC Pink: SIML) (Simlatus or the Company), announced today that its internet business projects an increase of $12M in new revenue contracts over the next 24 months.

The growth in new business revenue is projected at over 120% increase per year over prior years revenue. The increase in revenue will be driven by a more strategic sales strategy, increase in quality customer service, and through mergers of other smaller companies in the same space. Satel currently services 19,000 living units within 170 building complexes in Metropolitan San Francisco and Oakland. Satel is quickly booking another additional 1,000 living units by end of second quarter. Management has their eye on the greater San Francisco Bay Area and is focused to increase up to 240,000 living units by the end of 2022 through an aggressive marketing strategy using new technology, the addition of OTT (Over-The-Top) programming, high-speed internet and competitive pricing. Global data statistics indicate that Northern California has the fastest growing area in the world for this industry with revenue growth increasing up to $83.4B by 2022,an increase of 13 times the revenue of $6.1B in 2010. Satel has established strong relationships and credibility in the San Francisco area, along with its relationship with DirecTV. With a foot in the door, and a 20 year history, Richard Hylen, the Chairman and CEO, is the driving force behind the growth of this public company. His broad experience and successful years with Viacom and Turner Broadcasting combined with strong support from DirecTV, gives him an advantage to continue growing Satel.



Satel plans to expand operations beyond the metro-San Francisco area into the entire Bay Area, the 6th largest economy in the world. San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara are ranked as having the best economies in the country. These two metros are in and around Silicon Valley, considered the center of the tech world. Thanks to companies like Apple, Google, Cisco, and Tesla, Silicon Valley is nearly a $3 billion neighborhood today. The San Jose metro area holds the top position among the 40 largest regions in three of our five metrics with an average weekly wage of $2,297, GDP growth rate of 5.9%, and GDP per capita of $126,820. Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes forward-looking statements. While these statements are made to convey to the public the company's progress, business opportunities and growth prospects, readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements represent management's opinion. Whereas management believes such representations to be true and accurate based on information and data available to the company at this time, actual results may differ materially from those described. The Company's operations and business prospects are always subject to risk and uncertainties. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ are and will be set forth in the company's periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.



Contact: Richard Hylen, CEO (530) 205-3437 Source: Simlatus Corp. and Satel Group Inc.

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[February 05, 2019] KETOS Secures Funding to Revolutionize Water Infrastructure and Safety

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KETOS , a water intelligence innovator, today announced it has closed a $9 million Series A round of financing from a powerful collection of traditional venture capitalists, impact investors and industry leaders. New investors Broadway Angels and Plum Alley Ventures, as well as strategic angels from water.org, the semiconductor industry and an investor represented by Energy Innovation joined existing investors Rethink Impact and Better Ventures in the round. Offering the first comprehensive water intelligence platform, KETOS will use the funding to expand its team and drive the emergence of a new era of water efficiency and safety. KETOS Wave Fabric, software fabric housed inline within the pipe to deliver real-time water utilization data, leak detection and remote water supply management.



KETOS Shield Fabric, water safety management with an advanced contaminant/toxin warning system to ensure water quality and safety.



Clean, safe water is essential. However, a host of activitiesincluding fracking, mining, landfills, pollution, runoff, excess pesticides and fertilizersare potential dangers to our water resources. Leapfrogging the incomplete and fragmented water testing and monitoring technologies of the past, KETOS will help ensure we can meet water safety needs and standards, stated Hal Harvey , CEO of Energy Innovation, an energy nd environmental policy firm.



Led by CEO Meena Sankaran, an accomplished technology executive and business leader, KETOS is building a safer, more efficient water management system by delivering actionable, real-time water monitoring and analytics. With this funding, KETOS will accelerate global market penetration of its award-winning, patented sensors and machine-learning analytics platform purpose-built for mission-critical applications across water-intensive sectors.



Water is both the most powerful and most important compound on earth, and access to clean water is fundamental to health, education and economic development, stated Tony Stayner, an active investor in clean water initiatives and Pacific Institute and Water.org Board Member. Bringing novel scientific and technological advances into every pipe and grid within our evolving water infrastructure, KETOS is the future of a clean, sustainable global water system.





KETOS offers the first fully comprehensive smart water management platform: KETOS Shield Fabric offers the most innovative real-time water safety management solution with an advanced warning system that flags an extensive list of contaminants and heavy-metal toxins to ensure water quality and safety. It also gives operators insight on the best filtration or remediation action, how to help manage crop yields efficiently or take cost-effective measures for process control, and prompts users to proactively repair pipes at the appropriate times based on its predictive maintenance capabilities, delivering significant operational savings.

KETOS Wave Fabric delivers real-time water utilization data, leak detection and remote water supply management  all from innovative software fabric housed inline within the pipe. KETOS Wave also offers a deeper understanding of consumer behavior, predictive insights on water distribution and physical parameters of water like flow and pressure, as well as utilization forecasts for operators to have robust water grid management.

The KETOS water intelligence platform can detect 20+ parameters as direct measurements at precision levels expected in labs and has analyzed over one million water quality tests across more than one million gallons of water with 130+ deployments in India, Mexico and the United States. KETOS empowers its users to improve water management and take action in real time to reduce costs, minimize leaks and ensure water quality. In initial deployments, KETOS drastically reduced water-testing costs  saving millions of dollars per water treatment plant and reducing the cost of water sample testing by 90 percent  while providing accurate, real-time monitoring for lead, copper, nitrates, arsenic, chlorine, and more.



The first step is to measure and understand what is actually in our water at any given moment  it might sound simple, but it is incredibly challenging, and water testing solutions have been unable to give the full picture for decades, noted Sankaran. Water intelligence that immediately reveals the presence of hazardous toxins, delivers actionable warnings for live decision making while providing proactive metrics and insights is the foundation for smart water management. Our secure cloud-based solution empowers our customers, from industrial and agriculture to civic and commercial, with the water data they need to effectively measure, control and optimize our most precious resource  water. Energy Innovations Veery Maxwell will join Rethink Impacts Heidi Patel on the KETOS Board to help the company aggressively scale.



Breakthroughs in data analytics and remote sensor technologies allow us to reimagine how to manage, protect and treat our water supply, added Patel, Partner at Rethink Impact. KETOS will reshape the global water supply as it increases efficiencies, reduces risk and improves sustainabilityproviding incredible benefits for its commercial customers and the planet. KETOS serves an array of industrial and agricultural enterprises, commercial businesses, and institutions for which water plays a critical role. Learn more about KETOS and its effective smart water management solutions here .



About KETOS

KETOS provides the tools and insights needed to optimize water usage, ensure resource efficiency and provide water safety assurance  all via affordable and accessible tools. Its innovative, patented hardware and intelligent, interactive software fabric provides predictive and actionable metrics through data analytics  delivering the water intelligence needed for smart irrigation, industries and cities. Learn more at www.ketos.co . Photos accompanying this announcement are available at //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e89a8a42-794d-428a-9aee-6b69e0f31f53 and //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cb1a3c2f-329b-43a7-991b-517db7b08b47 Media Contact: Erica Camilo Connexa Communications for KETOS C: 610.639.5644 Erica@connexacommunications.com

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[February 05, 2019] Jamf Doubles Down in Education, Acquiring ZuluDesk, a Leading Apple Education Technology Solution

LONDON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Jamf, the standard for Apple management, today announced its acquisition of ZuluDesk, a leading Apple education technology solution for today's modern classroom. Headquartered in Emmen, Netherlands, ZuluDesk provides more than 6,000 schools with its purpose-built solutions, while also empowering teachers and parents with apps to help students make the most of the world's greatest ecosystem of education content. After completing its most successful year ever in education, together with ZuluDesk, Jamf is doubling down on its commitment to education to become the undisputed Apple education technology leader, serving 14,000 schools and managing over 9 million Apple devices, including most of the largest districts in the United States. The acquisition of ZuluDesk provides Jamf with a broader set of education technology solutions to serve schools of any size and complexity. Jamf's flagship product, Jamf Pro, is already used by more than 8,000 schools and will continue to provide education and commercial organisations with powerful workflows for macOS, iOS and tvOS in collaboration with the world's largest Apple IT community, Jamf Nation. ZuluDesk will also continue to focus on Apple management, beefiting schools with its setup speed, simplicity and best-practice teacher and parent workflows. In addition, Jamf's unique, personalised support model for Jamf Pro customers will also be made available to ZuluDesk customers.



"Like ZuluDesk, Jamf has always been passionate about education and is committed to investing in and developing solutions that help Jamf fulfill its purpose of empowering students with Apple technology that puts their needs first," said Dean Hager, CEO, Jamf. "We believe that ZuluDesk's success in creating an education technology solution that leverages iPads, Apple TVs and applications designed for teachers and parents give Jamf an expanded set of capabilities to help students learn with Apple." Jamf's first commitment is to all of its schools and delivering value for the time and resource investments the schools have made. The entire ZuluDesk team will join Jamf, and Jamf will be increasing its investment to develop, enhance and support the ZuluDesk Management System, Client, and teacher and parent apps. Further, ZuluDesk customers will benefit from an expanded set of skilled global resources to provide world-class services and support. ZuluDesk customers will also be welcomed into Jamf Nation.

Jamf's education customers who use Jamf Pro will also see significant additional investment in their solution and benefit from the ZuluDesk acquisition. Jamf plans to leverage ZuluDesk technology to launch teacher and parent apps for Jamf Pro in the future. A companion app to Apple's Classroom, ZuluDesk Teacher empowers instructors to prepare lesson plans and message students directly. ZuluDesk Parent helps parents guide and protect students on their devices at home. "We could not be more excited to bring our customers into the Jamf community," said John Pals, CEO, ZuluDesk. "Jamf's undisputed leadership in providing education technology for schools coupled with its amazing support and growing Jamf Nation community equip ZuluDesk customers with an expansive set of knowledge and resources. Together, we can help more schools thrive with the best tools for learning." About Jamf

Jamf is committed to enabling IT to empower end users and bring the legendary Apple experience to businesses, education and government organisations via its Jamf Pro and Jamf Now products, and the 75,000+ member Jamf Nation. Today, 20,000 global customers rely on Jamf to manage more than 12 million Apple devices. To learn more, visit: https://www.jamf.com. Emily Ackland, emily.ackland@racepointglobal.com, +44(0)208-811-2474

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[February 05, 2019] Internet Marketing Company, fishbat, Shares 5 Ways to Help Grow Your Beauty Brand Through Effective Social Media Strategies

PATCHOGUE, N.Y., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of their ongoing effort to teach companies how to self-promote, internet marketing company, fishbat, shares 5 ways to help grow your beauty brand through effective social media strategies. Think the beauty industry is too saturated for your brand to make an impact on social media? Think again. Your beauty brand can grow its following and increase awareness by leveraging proven social marketing strategies. In a crowded industry, it's essential that your beauty brand produces compelling content to drive awareness and generate likes, follows and shares. This may sound like a daunting task, but do not be intimidated  the visual-heavy beauty industry was made for social media sharing. Read on for 5 ways to grow your beauty brand through effective social media marketing. Show Them How It's Done

Tutorial videos and how-to's should be a staple of your beauty brand's social media content and for good reason. Not only do they show your beauty brand's products in action, but they also deliver the added value of educating your viewers on how to use your brand's products. Conciseness is key when it comes to creating tutorial videos for social media. Rather than share a twenty minute video demonstrating a full face of makeup, consider creating several shorter videos showcasing specific products. "How to Create a Cat Eye," "How to Make Your Lips Look Fuller," and "Contouring 101," are great examples of the kind of short-form tutorial videos that your beauty brand should be creating. Be sure to make your video titles descriptive by including your brand and product names. Don't limit your brand to tutorial videos exclusively. How-to infographics showcasig your beauty brand's products are also a useful way to extend your brand's messaging and increase awareness.



Utilize User-Generated Content

Utilizing user-generated content is an effective way to grow your beauty brand. Create a unique hashtag for your brand and encourage your followers to use it to showcase themselves in photos and videos using your products. Not only can this content be repurposed to fit your brand's social media channels, user-generated content also organically advertises proof that your products are effective. If you have the time, add a personalized comment on each user's tagged photo your followers will appreciate your brand interacting with them! Give It Away

Social media contests and product giveaways are a unique way to reward your beauty brand's existing followers and generate new ones. Promote contests that require entrants to perform several tasks to win such as following your brand, tagging a certain number of friends in the comments of the contest post, and liking the contest post itself. Frequently hosting contests and giveaways will introduce your beauty brand to a steady stream of new social media users, thereby creating organic engagement. Be sure to post complete terms and conditions to your beauty brand's website.

Be Influential

Partnering with social media influencers is an effective way to promote your beauty brand. Much like user-generated content, influencer campaigns show off your products in an appealing, organic way. Finding influencers that align with your beauty brand doesn't have to break your budget. Very often the influencers with smaller followings, frequently-called "nano" or "micro" influencers, deliver higher engagement rates than those with millions of followers, since their audience is targeted. Don't Overlook Memes

Breaking up your promotional content with clever, relatable and inspirational memes is a great way to foster community within your following and create a personal connection with your users. Memes are an opportunity for you to share your beauty brand's unique voice and give your followers a break from being marketed to. About fishbat

Digital Marketing Agency fishbat is a full-service online marketing firm that takes a holistic business approach to their clients' digital marketing programs. The fishbat team understands the importance of business principles just as well as the nuances of the latest digital technologies. fishbat offers every digital marketing service available from digital marketing research and planning to brand development to website and asset creation through social media management and search engine optimization programs - all custom calibrated for both B2B and B2C businesses. Press Contact: Scott Darrohn, fishbat Media, 855-347-4228, press@fishbat.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/internet-marketing-company-fishbat-shares-5-ways-to-help-grow-your-beauty-brand-through-effective-social-media-strategies-300775258.html SOURCE fishbat

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[February 05, 2019]

Bukkymusic Unveils New Book "Giving God Ultimate Love: Over-The-Top Mega Love" by Bukky Agboola

Inspires readers to greater love of God and helps to gain practical insights into obedience, worship, and love

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In Bukky Agboola's new book, Giving God Ultimate Love: Over-The-Top Mega Love ($15.99, paperback, 978-1-7335652-0-2; $7.99, eBook, 978-1-7335652-1-9) readers will be blessed and inspired to greater love of God.







Do you have what it takes to give God ultimate love? This is the important question Bukky Agboola challenges all of us to explore. God desires that love become our highest goal. Giving God Ultimate Love will help you

Discover the meaning and source of ultimate love

Learn how Jesus and others expressed ultimate love

Gain practical insights into obedience, worship, and love

Full of valuable guidance and thought-provoking questions, "Over-the-top, mega love" of God not only brings innumerable blessings to our lives, but also enables our spirits to overcome life's most difficult adversities and trials.

Bukky Agboola is a Christian author, speaker, and gospel recording artist. She is a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Her book "I Made it Through" tells her life story and struggles following the 1983 military takeover in Nigeria. She has been an ordained minister for over two decades and has released four gospel albums, two of which were sold out during her tours in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. "Amazing Grace" is her latest CD release.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/816492/Giving_God_Front_Cover.jpg
[February 05, 2019] SafeCharge Launches Identity Manager, a Solution for Seamless Digital Identity Validation

Online customers authentication is a challenge for many companies, whether imposed by their industry, local regulations or to prevent fraud or money laundering. With Identity Manager, SafeCharge offers a solution for global digital identity validation fully incorporated in its Payments Engine enabling a seamless user experience and maximised conversions. LONDON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- SafeCharge (AIM: SCH), the partner of choice for businesses who demand more from payments technology, today announced the launch of Identity Manager, an innovative solution for seamless automation of digital Identity Validation. With identity verification being one of the thorniest challenges for online businesses, Identity Manager streamlines complex background checks in a fast and cost-effective manner. With over ten years of expertise in highly regulated payments markets, SafeCharge has designed Identity Manager as an agnostic gateway enabling merchants to connect to a wide range of identity validation providers worldwide, including eKYC, document verification as well as age verification, PEP and sanction checks. SafeCharge Identity Manager is fully incorporated into the SafeCharge Payments Engine; and is therefore easy to implement as part of SafeCharge Hosted Payment Pags as well as through dedicated APIs.



The solution automates customer verification flows, cleverly re-routing checks to an alternative provider should one be unsuccessful. In case of a failed eKYC check, customers are invited to upload their documents and get verified using a mobile phone or a desktop for the utmost security. Check flows can also be customised according to customer geographical location as well as business and sector requirements. Identity Manger is addressed to those online businesses for which identity validation checks are a mandatory requirement subject to industry regulation, or required by businesses on their own. These include not only gaming, financial services and marketplaces, but also insurance and telecoms providing digital online services.

Yuval Ziv, CCO SafeCharge, explains: "The beauty of Identity Manager is that with one single contract and one unified reporting interface, businesses can stay ahead of customer authentication regulation requirements and prevent fraudulent transactions using the relevant local identity validation checks wherever their customers are." He added: "SafeCharge runs the smart routing logic between check providers which provides a huge time saving and ensures the smooth operation for our customers". About SafeCharge SafeCharge International Group Limited (AIM: SCH), is the payment service partner for the world's most demanding businesses. SafeCharge provides global omni-channel payments services from card acquiring and issuing to payment processing and checkout, all underpinned by advanced risk management solutions. This fully featured proprietary payment platform connects directly to all major payment card schemes including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Union Pay as well as over 150 local payment methods. With offices around the world, SafeCharge serves a diversified, blue chip client base and is a trusted payment partner for customers across a range of vertical markets. The company has been listed on the London Stock Exchange AIM market since 2014. For more information see: http://www.safecharge.com/ Media Contacts:

Francesco Tius

PR for SafeCharge

Francesco.tius@axicom.com

+44-7921-058-736

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[February 05, 2019] Milliman wins two InsuranceERM awards with latest European insurtech offerings

Milliman Mind earns award for "Best end-user computing risk management solution" while Milliman CHESS wins for "Best ESG software" PARIS, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, is pleased to announce that it has won two 2018-2019 InsuranceERM Awards for the firm's insurtech offerings. Milliman Mind, a cloud-based platform which automatically converts Excel spreadsheets to more powerful models, was named "Best end-user computing risk management solution," while Milliman CHESS (Cloud Hosted Economic Scenario Simulator), a cloud-based ESG web application, has won in the "Best ESG Software" category. Both insurtech products demonstrate the firm's ability to solve important industry problems by pairing Milliman's subject matter expertise with innovative thinking and solutions. "Model risk is a unique and rapidly developing area of Enterprise Risk Management, thanks in part to the implementation of Solvency II and the focus on internal model validation" said Pierre Miehe, director of the Milliman Mind teams. "Milliman Mind manages this risk by automatically converting Excel models into more powerful and robust C# models  allowing firms to continue to benefit from the ease of Excel model design, while improving efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration. We believe this is a powerful and valuable tool for both life and non-life insurers, and we're thrilled it has been recognized by InsuranceERM as the best end-user computing risk management solution."



InsuranceERM U.K. & Europe awards 2018-2019 are the most prestigious in the rapidly changing area of risk and capital management in the insurance sector. Senior industry experts from across Europe and the U.K. served as judges for the awards. "More and more, insurers are looking for economic scenario generator (ESG) software that is not only rapid, but intuitive and user-friendly," says Alexandre Boumezoued, one of the product leaders for Milliman CHESS. "As a cloud-based web application, Milliman CHESS can quickly run multiple, complex calibrations and intensive simulations while simultaneously ensuring instant deployment and maintenance of the solution  all via a web browser. This power and ease-of-use can greatly increase efficiencies for insurers, and we're pleased to be recognized by InsuranceERM." The Milliman CHESS team is led by Alexandre Boumezoued, Pierre-Edouard Arrouy, and Paul Bonnefoy in Paris.

About Milliman

Milliman is among the world's largest providers of actuarial and related products and services. The firm has consulting practices in healthcare, property & casualty insurance, life insurance and financial services, and employee benefits. Founded in 1947, Milliman is an independent firm with offices in major cities around the globe. For further information, visit milliman.com.

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[February 05, 2019] GDPR Edge is now Truyo

Renaming reflects demand for privacy rights automation beyond Europe PHOENIX, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Privacy rights automation platform GDPR Edge changes name to Truyo . Privacy regulations are expanding beyond the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), to include the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and other states and countries. Truyo continues to set the industry standard for true enterprise-grade automation of privacy rights, furthering its commitment to help enterprise companies both assess and operationalize privacy compliance in an ever-changing global regulatory landscape. Built originally for the GDPR, the Truyo platform is a collaboration between Intel and IntraEdge to bring automation to Subject Access Requests (SARs) and Consent Management. The CCPA is expected to further increase the volume, complexity and operational overhead of these requirements. Using a scalable combination of technologies and a customer-facing portal, Truyo can help companies eliminate up to 95% of the operational overhead associated with fulfilling rights of data subjects, including the ability to view, delete or anonymize data across dozens or thousands of back-end systems. Combined with workflow management, dashboard, logging and reporting, Truyo offers companies a complete Individual Rights management solution that can be updated automatically to stay current with regulations. "Privacy Portals created in-house by companies like Mcrosoft, Apple, and Garmin, which are backed by sophisticated automation, cost millions of dollars and take years of development in order to offer this self-serve experience to their customers," said Dan Clarke, President of Products and Solutions at IntraEdge, which created the Truyo product in collaboration with Intel. "But Truyo provides the platform to let companies offer this same experience to their customers without all of the cost and time."



For companies looking to process multiple requests per week, combing through hundreds of data sources, extracting data, packaging it, and ultimately deleting or anonymizing that data is a daunting task. Doing it in 30 days and in an auditable way is even more difficult. Add to this the security implications of validating identities and sending data in encrypted format, and enterprise privacy and IT teams can be easily overwhelmed. This pressure only increases in the event of a data breach. "Data breaches can generate many thousands of SARs in the wake of the breach announcement," said Clarke. "We have seen breaches of a few thousand records generate enough SARs that the company can do nothing but respond to Access Requests for months afterwards." Truyo helps companies to quickly implement a basic system to prepare for a minimal number of SARs, or to provide immediate relief, while enabling advanced automation for long-term scale and preparedness.

A number of global partners, including Microsoft, BDO, and TrustArc already integrate the Truyo solution into larger privacy compliance offerings. As TrustArc CEO, Chris Babel, explains, "Truyo gives TrustArc clients the ability to scale this area of privacy operations which has been notoriously cumbersome for companies this last year. We are seeing the burden of SARs increase with new regulations imposing additional requirements. And our clients want to provide tools to their customers that communicate transparency and trust while at the same time easing the operational burden." Click here for more information . Truyo - Privacy Rights. Automated. About Truyo Truyo, powered by Intel, was developed in partnership by Intel and IntraEdge , a leading technology services company based in the US that works with the world's top companies to solve business challenges through technology and automation. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/816487/TRUYO___Lock_Box.jpg

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[February 05, 2019] UST Global Certified as a 'Top Employer for the Year 2019' in USA, UK, Mexico and Spain

UST Global has been officially certified by the Top Employers Institute for the company's excellence in employee conditions

This certification makes UST Global a Top Employer in all of its major locations in four continents

The recognition is testament to UST Global's continued efforts for being an employer of choice LONDON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- UST Global, a leading digital transformation solutions company, headquartered in Aliso Viejo, CA has been officially certified as a 'Top Employer for the year 2019' in USA, UK, Mexico and Spain by the Top Employers Institute. The certification is based on an annual in-depth research by the Top Employers Institute on the company's excellence in employee conditions. "We are thrilled to be officially certified as a Top Employer in four more geographies, following our recent certification of India, span >Malaysia and Philippines locations. This recognition is testament to our continued efforts on building UST Global an employer of choice," said Manu Gopinath, Chief People Officer, UST Global. He further added, "My sincere gratitude to all our passionate associates worldwide who strive together, as a team, to enrich the world of work. We hope to continue raising the bar."



Top Employers are organizations of the highest caliber that have worked hard to create, implement and progress their people strategies. UST Global earned the certification as a Top Employer as its employee offerings across all measured criteria surpassed the required level. The Top Employers Institute assessed UST Global's employee offerings around Talent Strategy, Leadership Development, Workforce Planning, Career & Succession Management, On-Boarding, Compensation & Benefits, Learning & Development, Culture, and Performance Management.

This global Certification Program has certified and recognized more than 1300 Top Employers in more than 115 countries/regions across five continents. As an independent HR certification company, the Top Employers Institute assesses participants through their global HR Best Practices Survey. In order to be certified, organizations must successfully achieve the required minimum standard as set out by the Top Employers Institute. About UST Global UST Global is a leading digital technology solutions company that provides advanced computing and digital services to large private and public enterprises around the world. Its clients include Fortune 500 companies in banking and financial services, insurance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, shipping, technology and telecom. UST Global believes in building long term, strategic business partnerships through client-centric global engagement models that combine local experts and resources with the cost, scale, and quality advantages of global operations. For more information, please visit: www.ust-global.com Media Contact: Divya Singh

Divya.Singh@ust-global.com

+91-8552944004

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[February 05, 2019] Accenture to Launch Applied Intelligence Studio in South Africa for Mining

Accenture (News - Alert) (NYSE: ACN) has announced plans to launch a new Applied Intelligence Studio for Mining in Johannesburg. The studio will apply the latest in data science and artificial intelligence technologies with new data sources for real-time co-creation of innovative digital solutions that can help mining companies solve some of their hardest analytical problems. It is expected to open in February 2019. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190204005540/en/ Accenture's new Applied Intelligence Studio for Mining will be located in the Accenture office in Johannesburg "Volatile commodity prices, rising input costs and changing global demand for commodities require mining companies to rethink their strategies and business models to remain competitive," said Rachael Bartels, a senior managing director who leads Accenture's mining business globally. "They are increasingly looking to apply advanced analytics to reimagine processes, unlock trapped value, and drive operational excellence in their businesses today and position themselves for growth tomorrow." The new Applied Intelligence Studio for Mining will bring together leading data science capabilities from Accenture Applied Intelligence and deep industry expertise from Accenture's mining industry group. Located in Johannesburg, the studio will give global and local clients access to deep mining expertise, given the importance of the mining sector in South Africa and the strong focus of local universities on mining and data skills.



"We are currently recruiting data scientists with engineering and mining experience to rapidly scale the studio's capabilities," said Dr. Caroline Belrose, Accenture Applied Intelligence and data science lead for Africa. "They will join Accenture Applied Intelligence's global team of more than 3,000 data scientists and work collaboratively with our global digital and local Accenture teams to deliver digital solutions to address the mining sector's unique challenges as well as priorities. This work will help ensure operational efficiencies, worker safety and reduce environmental harm." The studio will be an important part of Accenture's network of mining experts - concentrated in major mining regions, including Australia, Brazil, and the United States - to seamlessly bring the best of Accenture to its mining clients.

About Accenture Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions - underpinned by the world's largest delivery network - Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With 469,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenturecom. Accenture Applied Intelligence, part of Accenture Digital, applies artificial intelligence and human ingenuity at the core of business to help clients solve their most complex business problems. By deploying AI responsibly and combining it with our deep industry and analytics expertise, we enable the digital transformation of organizations, extend human capabilities, and make intelligent products and services a reality. Follow @AccentureAI and visit accenture.com/appliedintelligence. Copyright  2019 Accenture. All rights reserved. Accenture, its logo, and High Performance Delivered are trademarks of Accenture. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190204005540/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Kaptivo Showcases Whiteboard Collaboration System at ISE

Turns any whiteboard into a digital communication device AMSTERDAM, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaptivo , creator of the world's best-selling whiteboard collaboration system, announced it will exhibit its one-of-a-kind device at ISE 2019 in Amsterdam, and demonstrate the new features of its Kaptivo Enterprise product. "Most creative, financial, engineering, technical and executive teams, as well as classrooms, use whiteboards with good reasonthey make it incredibly easy to visually communicate ideas," said David Hsieh, CEO of Kaptivo. "However, they don't really translate into a digital world, where dispersed teams collaborate remotely and lectures are consumed online. Kaptivo brings the whiteboard to the 21st century, without asking people to change behaviors or learn new technologies." Bringing the whiteboard into the digital age

Kaptivo turns any whiteboard into a digital collaboration device by capturing its contents for archiving and/or streaming in real-time, allowing users to use the whiteboard they already have to: Enable globally dispersed teams to share and visualize whiteboard content via a web browser on any device, or through video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Polycom, BlueJeans, Lifesize, and others

Capture entire meetings, sessions and presentations, eliminating the need to tak notes or photos

Improve visual clarity by eliminating streaks, glares, shadows, obstructions and bad angles



KaptivoCast, for easy integration with video conferencing systems

WebApp 3.0, which showcases workflow integrations into numerous third-party platforms including Microsoft Teams and Slack

Kaptivo Insight account management portal, which makes it easy to manage fleets of Kaptivo devices through a centralized dashboard Whiteboard-centric meetings and lectures, with zero information loss

In addition to streaming whiteboard contents for remote meetings, Kaptivo chronicles every entire meeting session in a series of snapshots by advanced image processing algorithms that detect every significant change, and can be downloaded by participants up to an hour after each session.

"Collaboration technology revolutionized the world by digitizing vocal, face-to-face and written communication. It's time that we digitize the fourth communication medium: drawing," continued Hsieh. "Other attempts missed the mark by replacing the whiteboard. Kaptivo has connected it, leveraging the power of its invaluable visual abilities by turning the whiteboard into a fully-featured digital communication device that anyone can afford." ISE conference attendees can experience Kaptivo at the company's booth, #15-S252, for a demonstration of its new features, such as a self-hosted connection option for deployment entirely within secure, internal private networks and the Kaptivo Insight portal for managing multiple devices. We're also hosting our own Happy Hour celebration--join us at our booth for free drinks on Wednesday, February 6 from 3:30-5pm. About Kaptivo

Whiteboards are the universal tool for communicating visual concepts--Kaptivo has digitally connected it. We turn any whiteboard--even if it was made in the 1950s--into a digital communication device that anyone can afford, making meetings, lectures or any situation involving a whiteboard better. We're not replacing the whiteboard because it's already perfectly simple. People love writing on a real whiteboard, and we help them do it more efficiently. A secure solution integrated with all major collaboration, video conferencing and LMS platforms, Kaptivo is available for businesses, schools and organizations of all sizes. Kaptivo is privately held and backed by a transatlantic syndicate of venture-capital investors including Benhamou Global Ventures (Palo Alto), Draper Esprit PLC (London) and Generation Ventures (Toronto), with offices in Cambridge, UK and San Mateo, California. To learn more about Kaptivo, visit kaptivo.com Contact: Michael Burke, michael@msrcommunications.com , (415) 989-9000

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[February 04, 2019] Kenshoo Launches Full Support for Amazon's Advertising API in Japan

SAN FRANCISCO, February 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Japanese marketers are eager to use the first major platform to offer access to Amazon Japan and the global industry's most robust solution kenshoo.com ( www.Kenshoo.com ), a global leader in marketing technology, today launched full support for Amazon's Advertising API in Japan, filling a void for sophisticated e-commerce campaign management and rounding out Kenshoo's cross-channel marketing platform that's become critical to Japanese brands. Bringing experience and expertise from its other global markets (including the U.S. and EMEA) to Japan, Kenshoo becomes the first and most-robust marketing technology to offer exclusive access to, and solutions for, Amazon Japan. "Japan is one of Amazon's strongest global markets - the e-commerce site is the fifth most-visited site in Japan and the 48th most-visited site globally - making Kenshoo Ecommerce's unrivaled campaign creation, management and optimization capabilities critically important for Amazon advertisers in Japan," said Oren Stern, general manager, e-commerce at Kenshoo. Demand for sophisticated Amazon Advertising campaign management in Japan is high. "As soon as we heard that Kenshoo was bringing its Ecommerce product to the Japanese market, we knew we wanted to be one of the first brands to use it," Abhishek Kumar, Head of Ecommerce of RB Japan. "Amazon is one of our most important sales channels, and Kenshoo Ecommerce enables us to build efficiencies and better understand product performance atscale."



Agencies are already in the process of adopting Kenshoo Ecommerce in Japan, including Gaprise, and Exidea, who will be onboarding brands to capitalize on the astounding opportunity to reach and engage shoppers made possible by Amazon. Amazon continues to be a growing force in the global market, with 2018 prime day sales totaling $4.2 billion, a 74% increase from 2017. Total monthly ad spending on Amazon across all Kenshoo clients on the platform increased more than 5x in 2018.

Kenshoo Ecommerce's track record around the globe is unparalleled, with more than 500 brands using the platform to plan, execute, measure and optimize Amazon Advertising. Under Armour increased revenue by 156% in five European markets (Italy, Spain, France, U.K. and Germany) by partnering with Kenshoo to efficiently scale its efforts. Kenshoo Ecommerce enabled a top cell phone accessories brand to increase conversions 40%, tripling its ROI. iCrossing turned to Kenshoo Ecommerce to lift ad-attributed revenue 688% for its client, LG Electronics. Kenshoo Ecommerce helps advertisers drive success on Amazon by providing holistic insights and measurement of all activity on and off Amazon; an end-to-end view of product performance on Amazon - from competitive pricing to ad performance and more; scaled Amazon efforts with expert campaign automation and management tools; and smart budget management to plan, forecast, optimize and monitor budgets for the best results. "Kenshoo Ecommerce has brought advanced Amazon campaign management capabilities to Japan, and marketers should expect the same game-changing advantages they've come to rely on in using Kenshoo to manage search, social and mobile marketing campaigns," added Stern. Visit kenshoo.com/amazon-advertising-japan-announcement for more information on Kenshoo Ecommerce's support for Amazon Japan. About Kenshoo Kenshoo's is the leading technology platform for brands looking to plan, activate and amplify effective marketing across the most-engaging digital channels. Kenshoo offers the only marketing solution that provides data-driven insights and optimization technology to help make informed decisions and scale performance across Google, Facebook, Bing, Pinterest, Snapchat, Instagram, Amazon, Apple, Yahoo, Yandex, Yahoo Japan, and Baidu. Kenshoo's machine-learning algorithms and cutting-edge AI enable companies to predict and keep in-step with the ever-changing consumer journey. With 27 international locations and backed by Sequoia Capital, Arts Alliance, Tenaya Capital, and Bain Capital Ventures, Kenshoo generates over $350 billion in annualized revenue for the world's top brands. Please visit Kenshoo.com for more information. Kenshoo brand and product names are trademarks of Kenshoo Ltd. Other company and brand names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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[February 04, 2019] Grant Given to Mississippi Nonprofits to Aid Multiple Community Missions

Local dignitaries joined representatives from BankPlus and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) Friday morning to award $42,470 in Partnership Grant Program ( PGP (News - Alert) ) funds to three local nonprofits. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190204005829/en/ Nonprofit, Dress for Success Metro Jackson, was one of the three organizations that was awarded a grant through the Partnership Grant Program by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas and BankPlus. (Photo: Business Wire) Center of Social Entrepreneurship (CSE) received $16,000, Dress for Success Metro Jackson received $10,470 and Madison Countians Allied Against Poverty (MadCAAP) received $16,000. "I applaud all the parties involved in contributing to these great causes that bring so much positive change to our community," said U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson, D-MS, who represents Mississippi's second district. "Because of this partnership between BankPlus and FHLB Dallas, Mississippi residents will experience tremendous benefits through expanded programs and services." CSE, whose mission is to enhance lives of all people in target communities in the areas of education, economic business development, housing and community engagement, will use the PGP grant to hire a local architecture firm to design a new building in the community: the Lillian M. Cooley Youth Entrepreneur & Workforce Development Center (LMC Center). "In receiving the partnership grant, the LMC Center will serve to be a safe haven that fosters the spirit of entrepreneurship and provides the tools, resources and services needed for job searching, career planning and skills training," said Shante Crockett, executive director of CSE. Construction for the LMC Center is slated to begin this August. Dress for Success Metro Jackson's PGP grant will be applied toward the costs associated with its Professional Women's Group (PWG) networking association. This is the second PGP grant to Dress for Success Metro Jackson, which focuses on empowering women in the community by providing a support network, professional attire and development tools to thrive in both work and life.



"We are so excited that BankPlus and FHLB Dallas see our mission as a good fit for their community outreach," said Dress for Success Metro Jackson Executive Director Pat Chambliss. "We, as an organization, are about changing the lives of women and their families in our community, and these funds will go a long way in securing the support and leadership our clients need to move to the next level in their employment career." MadCAAP will use the PGP award toward its year-round programs targeted to those living below the poverty line in Mississippi's Madison County. MadCAAP offers education programs and resources such as a food pantry, clothing closet, emergency utility assistance and home repair programs, among other services.

"Because of the PGP, we are able to continue our fight against poverty in Madison County," said Karen Robison, executive director of MadCAAP. "More often than not, demand for our services outweighs our financial capabilities, and the PGP grant allows us to utilize the funds for programs or to offset administration and operating expenses where the greatest need is at the time." The funds were awarded at a ceremonial check presentation in Jackson on Friday. The event was attended by Jackson city staff, elected officials, BankPlus officials and FHLB Dallas staff. Revitalizing the community through grant programs like the PGP also aligns with BankPlus' core company mission. "BankPlus takes pride in its commitment to the community, and contributing to different groups and causes," said Mark Ouellette, first vice president and director of affordable housing at BankPlus. "What better way to do this than to exercise our partnership with FHLB Dallas to make positive impacts to the lives of many." The PGP grant enables FHLB Dallas member institutions like BankPlus to make a contribution of $500 to $4,000 to a community-based organization (CBO), which FHLB Dallas will match at a 3:1 ratio. In 2018, FHLB Dallas awarded $300,000 in PGP funds through 31 member institutions to assist 32 CBOs. Combined with the $114,010 contributed by FHLB Dallas members, a total of $414,010 has been awarded to the organizations. "With the Partnership Grant Program, we work with members of FHLB Dallas to help stimulate the communities in which they serve," said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "Making a difference in communities encourages us to continue our part in teaming up with members to help fulfill local missions." To learn more about the PGP, visit fhlb.com/pgp. About BankPlus BankPlus, with total assets of more than $2.7 billion, has 59 locations in 33 Mississippi communities. BankPlus is among the largest certified Community Development Financial Institution banks in the United States. For additional information on BankPlus, please visit BankPlus.net. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank system created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $73.7 billion as of September 30, 2018, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to approximately 825 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. Visit fhlb.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190204005829/en/

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[February 04, 2019] American Financial Group, Inc. to Present at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2019 Insurance Conference

American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:AFG) announced today that Carl H. Lindner III and S. Craig Lindner, Co-Chief Executive Officers and Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will make a company presentation at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2019 Insurance Conference, being held in New York City on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 8:35 am (ET). The presentation will be broadcast live over the Internet. To access the event, click on the following link: http://www.veracast.com/webcasts/baml/insurance2019/id54104167066.cfm. A replay of the presentation will be available one hour after the conclusion of the live event at the same website. Alternatively, you can find a link in Events on the Investor Relations page at www.AFGinc.com.



About American Financial Group, Inc. American Financial Group is an insurance holding company, based in Cincinnati, Ohio with assets over $60 billion. Through the operations of Great American Insurance Group, AFG is engaged primarily in property and casualty insurance, focusing on specialized commercial products for businesses, and in the sale of traditional fixed, fixed-indexed and variable-indexed annuities in the retail, financial institutions, broker-dealer and registered investment advisor markets. Great American Insurance Group's roots go back to 1872 with the founding of its flagship company, Great American Insurance Company.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190204005820/en/

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[February 04, 2019] Adam Oliver Named New Head of School at Robert College in Istanbul

The Board of Trustees at Robert College announced today that Adam Oliver, currently Vice Principal and Head of Schools at St. George's in Rome, Italy, will become the new Head of School at Robert College. Mr. Oliver will assume his position on July 1, 2019, succeeding Dr. Charles Skipper following the graduation of this year's senior class. Mr. Oliver's appointment culminates a rigorous international search that included deep engagement with the Robert College community, in Turkey and abroad. In his academic career spanning two decades, Mr. Oliver has held leadership positions at state and independent schools in England and Italy. During the past seven and a half years as Vice Principal and Head of Schools at St George's, an independent school in Rome serving the British and international community, he helped students achieve the best results in the school's history, significantly outperforming global averages. In addition to his school duties, Mr. Oliver has served five years as Treasurer, Vice-President and President of the Italian International Baccalaureate Association. He is currently chairman of the Rome International Schools Associaton.



"Adam Oliver is the kind of leader that Robert College needs and deserves," said Jean Manas, the Chairman of the Robert College Board. "He is committed to creating a community where learning together is a pleasure, where we continue to foster curiosity, and where great teaching and profound learning is at the center of all we do." Mr. Oliver, who is 51, studied English Language and Literature at St. Andrews University, where he received an MA with First-class Honors. After St. Andrews, he took his teaching certificate at Keble College, Oxford University. He completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship, the professional standard for head teachers in England, through the Institute of Education, which is part of University College, London. He also holds a Master's degree from St Edmund's College, Cambridge University in Creative Writing, for which he also received First-class Honors.

"I am absolutely delighted and very honored to have the opportunity to lead a school with the global profile and reputation of Robert College," Mr. Oliver said. "The Robert College community has already been incredibly welcoming and we look forward to sharing their commitment to academic excellence, holistic development and an education that values curiosity and the pleasure of learning." Robert College is a co-educational high school founded in 1863 in Istanbul, Turkey. Admission is highly selective and based on the standardized high school entrance exam developed by the Ministry of National Education. RC graduates of approximately two hundred students each year continue their higher education at top-ranked universities in Turkey and abroad. Alumni from Robert College's earliest days have played key roles in a wide range of fields including politics, business, the arts, education and the sciences, in Turkey and around the world. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190204005813/en/

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[February 04, 2019] Nevada's Bently Heritage Estate Distillery Tasting Room Opens to the Public

MINDEN, Nev., Feb. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bently Heritage tasting room will open to the public on Saturday February 9, 2019. The distillery is expecting a high volume of traffic on its opening weekend, with tours offered through the reservation system at bentlyheritage.com. The cost of a tour is $20; tastings are $10. The tasting room hours of operation will be from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Thursdays, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays. Tours will generally run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The distillery's home, which is currently pursuing LEED Gold certification, was the site of the century-old and historic Minden Flour Mill, a local landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Owners Christopher and Camille Bently have lovingly restored the historic building to state-of-the art standards, creating an important landmark which will be a source of pride for Minden, Carson Valley, and all of Nevada.

Bently Heritage Estate Distillery uses 100% of its grains from those grow on the operation at the Bently Ranch. Winter rye, oats, wheat, corn, and barley are milled on-site and malted in-house on the malting floor. The distillery's Mill Building creates single malt whisky using handmade Forsyths pot stills that were imported from Scotland. The distillery's Creamery Building distills vodka and gin, using carl pot stills imported from Germany. Bently Heritage has also begun the process of oak barrel aging their single malt, bourbon, and rye for future releases.



Three spirit offerings are included in the first Bently Heritage release: Source One Single Estate Vodka, Source One Vodka Rested in Oak Sherry Casks, and Juniper Grove American Dry Gin. All products are sold in 750ml bottles for between $32 and $40. Bently Heritage whiskies are currently aging in barrels and will be available in the future. You can visit Bently Heritage, L.L.C. at 1601 Water St., Minden, Nevada 89423, or find us online at bentlyheritage.com.

About Bently Heritage

Bently Heritage Estate Distillery creates ultra-premium spirits from grains that have been grown on the Bently Ranch here in Minden, Nevada. Our products elevate the connoisseur's passion for luxury spirits, creating an experience that will be treasured for generations to come. Contact:

Tim McDonald

707-363-0174

208841@email4pr.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nevadas-bently-heritage-estate-distillery-tasting-room-opens-to-the-public-300789387.html SOURCE Bently Heritage Estate Distillery

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[February 04, 2019] One of the Largest US School Districts Selects Absolute Software to Protect and Prove the Impact of Technology Used By Over 300,000 Staff and Students

Absolute (TSX: ABT), the endpoint visibility and control company, today announced the signing of a site license agreement to protect technology investments at one of the largest school districts in the United States. The cloud-based Absolute platform gives schools unparalleled endpoint resilience and intelligence through patented Persistence technology, which is embedded in the firmware of popular endpoints such as desktops, laptops, notebooks, and tablets. With Absolute activated on every device, administrators can now deploy and protect computing devices and the data stored on them for staff, administrators and students at all grade levels. As part of the agreement, Absolute will also provide powerful intelligence capabilities to the district's schools via Student Technology Analytics to help measure and validate the positive impact of technology investments on student performance. "Cost-conscious schools will struggle to provide the secure digital learning environments students need if they don't have resilient controls to protect and deliver the benefits of technology investments," said Christy Wyatt, Chief Executive Officer at Absolute. "For more than a decade, Absolute has been the platform of choice for hundreds of K12 schools providing a safe and effective technology-rich learning environment to develop tomorrow's digital professionals. We are committed to making t easier for school districts, educators and staff to protect their investments, and bring safe digital learning initiatives to more students."



Enabling Safe, Smart, and Secure Digital Learning Only Absolute gives school districts the endpoint security, resiliency and intelligence to:

Protect a distributed pool of Windows, Mac and Chromebook devices from tampering, loss, theft, and cybersecurity threats without exposing private data;

Ensure resilient visibility and control to secure every endpoint device and the data on it-both in the classroom and in remote locations;

Reduce endpoint management, security, and compliance tasks by managing all assets via a single, comprehensive platform that automates repair of endpoint controls; and

Provide device usage data to prove the direct impact of technology usage on student performance to secure continued funding for technology investments. The site license agreement was signed and recorded by Absolute during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2018. Additional Information For more information on Absolute's solutions for K12 and higher education, please visit: https://www.absolute.com/en/solutions/education About Absolute

Absolute empowers more than 12,000 customers worldwide to protect devices, data, applications and users against theft or attack-both on and off the corporate network. With the industry's only tamper-proof endpoint visibility and control solution, Absolute allows IT to enforce asset management, security hygiene, and data compliance for today's remote digital workforces. Patented Absolute Persistence is embedded in the firmware of Dell (News - Alert) , HP, Lenovo, and 24 other manufacturers' devices for vendor-agnostic coverage, tamper-proof resilience, and ease of deployment. See how it works at www.absolute.com and follow us at @absolutecorp. 2019 Absolute Software Corporation. All rights reserved. ABSOLUTE and PERSISTENCE are registered trademarks of Absolute Software Corporation. For patent information, visit www.absolute.com/patents. The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the information contained in this press release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190204005648/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Sun Capital Partners Affiliate Acquires Simply Beautiful Smiles, a Leading Provider of Dental Services to the Mid-Atlantic Region

Sun Capital Partners, Inc. ("Sun Capital"), a leading private investment firm specializing in leveraged buyouts and investments in market-leading companies, today announced that its affiliate has completed the acquisition of Delaware Valley Management Holdings, Inc., doing business as "Simply Beautiful Smiles," a leading regional dental service organization headquartered in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Terms of the private transaction were not disclosed. Simply Beautiful Smiles operates 20 locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, providing high quality general dentistry, hygiene, and specialty services. The practice was founded in 2000 by Dr. Louis D'Angelo, who will remain with the business as CEO. "Simply Beautiful Smiles is a great fit for the portfolio, and well-aligned with Sun Capital's deep experience in consumer-facing industries," said Marc Leder, Co-CEO of Sun Capital. "We're excited to partner with Dr. D'Angelo and the management team to grow th business and help it provide valuable dental care to a larger number of patients."



Sun Capital sees a number of areas where it can support Simply Beautiful Smiles' growth, including driving local awareness to add new patients, attracting and integrating new practices, and building out the company's infrastructure to support a larger organization. "Dental service organizations provide essential care within their communities, and we are very excited to be working with Dr. D'Angelo," said Jonathan Borell, a Managing Director at Sun Capital. "We're looking forward to applying our expertise to strengthen this great company, and are eager to continue making acquisitions in the dental services space."

About Sun Capital Partners, Inc. Sun Capital Partners, Inc. is a global private equity firm focused on identifying companies' untapped potential and leveraging its deep operational and financial resources to transform results. Sun Capital is a trusted partner that is recognized for its investment and operational experience, including particular expertise in the consumer products and services, food and beverage, industrial, packaging, chemicals, building products, automotive, restaurant and retail sectors. Since 1995, Sun Capital has invested in more than 365 companies worldwide with revenues of approximately $50 billion across a broad range of industries and transaction structures. Sun Capital has offices in Boca Raton, Los Angeles and New York, and affiliates in London and Shenzhen. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005266/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Students Invited to Test Spelling Skills for the Chance to Win Up to $10,000 for Their School - Just One Month Left to Register

CHICAGO, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Students in the United States are invited to test their spelling skills in Word Mania USA, the world's biggest online literacy competition. Created by LiteracyPlanet, an award-winning English literacy (language arts) education program, Word Mania challenges students to create as many words as they can in three minutes from 15 randomly generated letter tiles. Word Mania is free for any student from Grades 1 to 9 to enter and with $10,000 in prizes being offered by LiteracyPlanet, there's plenty to play for. LiteracyPlanet U.S. Commercial Director Ashley O'Connor said she was looking forward to seeing children in the U.S. rise to the challenge. "Word Mania is a great way for students to improve literacy skills while having fun. It's been shown to improve a variety of literacy skills including phonics, spelling, vocabulary and word knowledge and we see an average 36 percent improvement in scores over the competition." Word Mania develops crucial literacy skills including affixes and plurals (morphemes), word recognition, vocabulary and word knowledge. And the best part? It's a lot of fun. Students will have up until March 1 to sharpen their skills as part of the Practice Round. The Competition Round will then run from March 4-8. The top-performing schools will qualify for the Final Round from March 13-15 and have the chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes. To register for a login to play LiteracyPlanet Word Mania USA or for more information, parents and teachers can go to https://www.wordmania.com/us/register.



For further information, please contact Ben Squires - (+61) 431-451-638 or benjamin.squires@literacyplanet.com. About LiteracyPlanet

LiteracyPlanet is the premier online literacy resource for students in the U.S. It is a gamified learning platform with more than 15,000 interactive exercises that cover pre-reading, phonics, sight words, reading, spelling, comprehension, grammar and punctuation. LiteracyPlanet is aligned to Common Core and all state standards, ensuring it is the best program to improve English literacy outcomes in students. Related Images word-mania-usa.png

Word Mania USA

Word Mania USA is giving students in the United States the chance to win up to $10,000 for their school while improving important literacy skills. word-mania-usa.png

Word Mania USA

Word Mania challenges students to create as many words as they can in three minutes from 15 letter tiles. word-mania-usa.png

Word Mania USA

Word Mania is free to enter for any students from Grades 1 to 9 and with $10,000 in prizes being offered by LiteracyPlanet, there's plenty to play for. word-mania-usa.png

Word Mania USA

The top-performing schools will qualify for the Final Round from March 13-15 and have the chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes. Related Video https://vimeo.com/313097783 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/students-invited-to-test-spelling-skills-for-the-chance-to-win-up-to-10-000-for-their-school---just-one-month-left-to-register-300789648.html SOURCE LiteracyPlanet

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[February 05, 2019] Reveal Energy Services Commercializes FracEYE frac hit analysis service

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Reveal Energy Services announces today the commercialization of the FracEYESM frac hit analysis service to expand the industry's knowledge base about this critical issue of parent well-child well communication. The company is presenting the new service in booth 125 at the Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. With ongoing infill development, frac hits from the pressure communication between wells can cause significant production decreases in parent wells. Child wells can underperform also. The goal of the Reveal Energy Services' R&D team was to clearly define the effect of frac hits and allow operators to make timely adjustments to their completion designs. The foundation of the FracEYE service is the company's pressure-based technology. The service categorizes the type and severity of interwell communication by measuring the pressure response from a parent well as hydraulic fracturing proceeds normally in child wells. A team of company geoscientists and completion engineers uses the pressure-response timing and geomechanics to classify the observed response into one of four categories: -direct fluid transport: large and rapid overall pressure increase in the offset well

-fluid migration: gradual pressure increase that lingers post-stage completion

-undrained compression: instantaneous pressure response in the offset well

-no signal: no signficant pressure change in the offset well.



A south Texas operator was concerned about frac hits in a four-well pad directly offsetting two parent wells stacked into separate landing zones. A Reveal Energy Services' team, applying the FracEYE service, found there was little communication vertically between the two landing zones. There were direct frac hits and fluid migration when completing wells in the same landing zone, directly offsetting the parent well. Diverter seemed unsuccessful in mitigating these frac hits. The team also classified several major frac hits caused by faults crossing the pad. With this information, the operator had actionable insight into the effect of frac hits. "Because infill development and frac hits are a pressing concern, our goal was to develop a service with a fast turnaround time so operators would have the information to update their next completion designs, if necessary," said Sudhendu Kashikar, CEO of Reveal Energy Services. "We're pleased that we can add to the understanding of frac hits."

The FracEYE frac hit analysis service complements the company's simple, accurate, affordable IMAGE Frac pressure-based fracture maps with five services that are now field-proven in more than 8,000 hydraulic fracturing stages in the US and Canada. About Reveal Energy Services

Reveal Energy Services offers simple, accurate, affordable pressure-based technology that enables operators to make informed, better completion decisions with minimum operational risk and cost. The flagship IMAGE Frac pressure-based fracture maps with five services offer unparalleled diagnostic insight into completion design effectiveness and well-spacing decisions. The FracEYE frac hit analysis service helps operators minimize the effect of frac hits. Reveal Energy Services was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of Equinor Technology Ventures in January 2016. The company, which is privately held, is funded by Equinor and Lime Rock Partners. Reveal Energy Services, with corporate headquarters in Houston, has regional offices in Midland, Pittsburgh, and Calgary. For more information, please visit: reveal-energy.com. Contact

Sudhendu Kashikar

Sudhendu.Kashikar@reveal-energy.com

+1.832.529.1895 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reveal-energy-services-commercializes-fraceye-frac-hit-analysis-service-300789571.html SOURCE Reveal Energy Services

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[February 05, 2019] Kyruus Announces Expansion with Providence St. Joseph Health to Further Enterprise-Wide Patient Access and Provider Data Management

Kyruus, a leader in provider search and scheduling solutions for health systems, today announced that Providence St. Joseph Health (PSJH), one of the largest health systems in the United States, has expanded its use of the Kyruus ProviderMatch suite of patient access solutions and KyruusOne provider data management platform. The health system has broadened its relationship with Kyruus multiple times since first engaging the company almost five years ago and currently manages more than 20,000 providers on the Kyruus platform. The latest expansion focuses on integrating and enhancing patient access to providers from St. Joseph Health, part of the Providence St. Joseph family of organizations. PSJH engaged Kyruus in 2014 to build a comprehensive provider directory to optimize access to providers through its Patient & Provider Engagement Center - a concierge call center it had recently formed. With the KyruusOne platform, PSJH was able to aggregate accurate, up-to-date information about its employed and affiliate providers, including their respective clinical areas of focus. PSJH then deployed ProviderMatch for Access Centers to make this information easily searchable for Patient & Provider Engagement Center staff, driving efficiency and more than doubling call conversion. After expanding its provider directory enterprise-wide, PSJH leveraged the ProviderMatch API to offer a similar, powerful search experience to consumers on its regional websites - fostering consistency across offline and online points of access.



"We are deeply committed to simplifying the healthcare experience and increasing access for all patients we serve, and many times that means being able to help a patient navigate health choices both digitally and through one-on-one conversations with our liaisons," said Karen Appelbaum, Executive Director, Enterprise Access Operations & Technology at PSJH. "When those calls come in, our Patient Engagement team needs to have all of the relevant information on our providers and patient resources at their fingertips. They need actionable data on their screens so they can be the guide the patient needs. We're excited to bring St. Joseph Health onto the enterprise provider data platform, improving the care navigation experience for more patients." PSJH has achieved an almost 90% provider profile completion rate to-date - indicating the share of profiles in the directory with key components captured, such as clinical expertise, location, photo, and accepting new patients status. With this latest expansion, PSJH will bring St. Joseph Health providers into the directory and utilize the ProviderMatch API to power the consumer search experience on St. Joseph Health's website. PSJH has also deployed the Kyruus access center solution in its Patient Engagement Center in Los Angeles. These are key steps in PSJH's operationalization of its integrated access strategy as it seeks to unify its brand and optimize capacity utilization across the seven-state system.

"As hospital merger activity continues to rise, it's becoming increasingly important for health systems to ensure that they have solid strategies in place to optimize patient access, convey a consistent brand, and unify the patient experience across their evolving networks," said Graham Gardner, CEO of Kyruus. "We are incredibly proud of our work with Providence St. Joseph Health and are excited to support this healthcare pioneer's continued innovation and expansion." About Providence St. Joseph Health Providence St. Joseph Health is a national, not-for-profit Catholic health system comprising a diverse family of organizations and driven by a belief that health is a human right. With 51 hospitals, 829 physician clinics, senior services, supportive housing and many other health and educational services, the health system and its partners employ more than 119,000 caregivers serving communities across seven states - Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington, with system offices based in Renton, Wash., and Irvine, Calif. About Kyruus Kyruus delivers industry-defining provider search and scheduling solutions that help health systems match patients with the right providers across their enterprise-wide access points. Serving more than 225,000 providers across leading health systems nationwide, the ProviderMatch suite of solutions-for consumers, access centers, and referral networks-enables a modern and consistent patient experience, while optimizing provider utilization. The company's award-winning provider data management platform powers each of the ProviderMatch solutions and transforms how health systems understand and manage their provider networks. To find out why a Better Match Means Better Care, visit www.kyruus.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005138/en/

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[February 05, 2019] Ivanti Patch for Windows Achieves U.S. Army Certificate of Networthiness (CoN)

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Ivanti, the company that unifies IT to better manage and secure the digital workplace, today announced that Ivanti Patch for Windows has been awarded the U.S. Army's Certificate of Networthiness (CoN 201823072) by the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM). The Networthiness Certification Program manages the specific risks and impacts associated with the fielding of Information Systems (ISs) and supporting efforts, requires formal certification throughout the life cycle of all ISs that use the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, and sustains the health of the Army Enterprise Infrastructure. Networthiness Certification is concerned with the identification, measurement, control, and minimization of security risks and impacts in IT systems to a level commensurate with the value of the assets protected. The new Army CoN for Ivanti Patch for Windows 9.3 Update 1 is an extension of an earlier certification earned under the Shavlik brand prior to becoming Ivanti. The certification is part of Ivanti's continued focus in certifying that its solutions will meet evolving customer needs. The Ivanti Patch for Windows CoN can be found on the AKO Networthiness website using CoN CERT-201823072. The Army CoN comes shortly after receiving an extension of the Ivanti Patch for Windows Common Criteria EAL 2+. Additional details on the Common Criteria listing for Ivanti can be found on the Common Criteria Certified Products Portal, including the updated Maintenance Report and Security Target. "At Ivanti, we strive to simplify the Windows patching process, delivering timely, consistent patching that helps ensure the security of our cstomers' environments," said Chris Goettl, Director of Product Management, Security, Ivanti. "By earning an extension of our Army CoN and Common Criteria EAL 2+ certifications, Ivanti provides confidence and continued support to our U.S. Army customers."



"Ivanti continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting U.S. government agencies with the proven security and patching solutions they need to minimize risks and optimize management efficiency," said Evan Slack, sales director who leads the Ivanti team at Carahsoft, which serves as an Ivanti distributor to the public sector market. "We commend Ivanti on its renewed Army CoN certification for Ivanti Patch for Windows. It's a valuable component of our suite of security solutions for our reseller partners and government customers." Ivanti Patch for Windows discovers connected systems and scans for missing patches throughout the enterprise to help ensure organizations remain compliant in connected and offline or dark network environments. Offering complete patching automation, it helps decrease the delivery time of critical security patches and provides in-depth information about security risks. For more information, visit: https://www.ivanti.com/products/patch-for-windows.

Ivanti's solutions are immediately available via Carahsoft's GSA Schedule 70 No. GS-35F-0119Y and SEWP V contracts NNG15SC03B and NNG15SC27B. For more procurement information, contact the Ivanti team at Carahsoft at (833) 597-5570 or ivanti@carahsoft.com. About Army Certificate of Networthiness The Networthiness Certification Program manages the specific risks and impacts associated with the fielding of Information Systems (ISs) and supporting efforts, requires formal certification throughout the life cycle of all ISs that use the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, and sustains the health of the Army Enterprise Infrastructure. Networthiness Certification is concerned with the identification, measurement, control, and minimization of security risks and impacts in IT systems to a level commensurate with the value of the assets protected. Networthiness Certification applies to all organizations fielding, using, or managing ISs on the Army Enterprise Architecture/LandWarNet (LWN), to include Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) and Government Off-the-Shelf (GOTS). In accordance with AR 25-1, paragraph 6-8 activities must obtain a Certificate of Networthiness (CoN) before they connect hardware/software to the LWN. Ivanti: The Power of Unified IT. Ivanti unifies IT and Security Operations to better manage and secure the digital workplace. From PCs to mobile devices, VDI, and the data center, Ivanti discovers IT assets on-premises and in the cloud, improves IT service delivery, and reduces risk with insights and automation. The company also helps organizations leverage modern technology in the warehouse and across the supply chain to improve delivery without modifying backend systems. Ivanti is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has offices all over the world. For more information, visit www.ivanti.com and follow @GoIvanti. Copyright  2019, Ivanti. All rights reserved. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ivanti-patch-for-windows-achieves-us-army-certificate-of-networthiness-con-300789797.html SOURCE Ivanti

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[February 05, 2019] Governments of Canada and Quebec Support Growth of CelluForce in Quebec's Forest Industry

MONTREAL, Febr. 5, 2019 /CNW/ - Innovation in the forest industry has the power to advance the development of Canada's renewable resource economy and create good jobs while combating climate change. Paul Lefebvre, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, and Marie-Louise Tardif, Parliamentary Assistant to the Quebec Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (MWFP), Pierre Dufour today announced a combined $6.4-million investment to support CelluForce Inc.'s innovative cellulose nanocrystal facility becoming the world's first full commercial demonstration-scale plant of its kind. The funding, which is provided through Natural Resources Canada's Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program and Government of Quebec by means of the MWFP's Innovation Bois [wood innovation] program and the Ministere de l'Economie et Innovation's Fonds du developpement economique [economic development fund], will support the production of 300 tonnes of nanocrystals annually at the new, state-of-the-art facility. This remarkable new material, which can be used in everything from papers to paints, electronics to adhesives and cement to cosmetics, is produced from the cellulose in trees and made from wood that is abundant, renewable and biodegradable. This investment will allow CelluForce to increase production efficiency by 50 percent and help create more than 100 jobs in the next commercial plant. CelluForce received the funding as part of the Government of Canada's commitment to advancing innovative technology in Canada's forest industry. On June 1, 2017, the IFIT program received $55 million over three years as part of the Government's $867-million Softwood Lumber Action Plan to support workers and forest-dependent communities that have been affected by U.S. duties on Canadian softwood lumber This new funding enabled innovative transformative technology adoption for the sector.



The Government of Quebec is contributing $14.2 million to CelluForce, including $2.5 million from its wood innovation program. This program is one of the key measures of the 20182023 strategy to develop Quebec's forest products industry. With a budget of $70 million, this strategy addresses the various challenges facing the forest products industry. In addition, Quebec is providing $11.7 million from its economic development fund, specifically $4.9 million in the form of equity investments and $6.8 million in the form of loans. Quotes



"Our government is proud to support remarkable forest innovation that generates the economic prosperity we seek by working in harmony with the environment we cherish. This project is a terrific example of the brighter, bio-based future ahead of us. Congratulations to CelluForce for leading the way in forest sustainability and providing eco-friendly development solutions in Canada." Paul Lefebvre

Parliamentary Secretary, Natural Resources Canada "The government is committed to supporting investment in new technologies in order to increase the performance and competitiveness of Quebec companies. It is essential for the development of our economy that our innovative products can be found all over the world. And the CelluForce project is an excellent example of this." Pierre Fitzgibbon

Minister of the Economy and of Innovation "The competitiveness of Quebec companies and the achievement of their objectives are reflected in the Strategie de developpement de l'industrie quebecoise des produits forestiers 2018-2023. That is why the Government of Quebec is proud to participate in this innovative project, which will contribute to the success of a local company and ensure job creation in the Eastern Townships." Pierre Dufour

Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks "With this project to modify its cellulose nanocrystal production process, CelluForce is demonstrating that it is a proactive leader in the field of green chemistry. A leader not only in Quebec and Canada, but also internationally."

Marie-Louise Tardif

Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks "CelluForce has been working hand in hand with industrial partners, helping them develop high-performance and sustainable products using cellulose nanocrystals. This investment will allow us to maintain our leadership in the field and expand the development of improved products with our customers. It will further enable our continued growth."

Sebastien Corbeil

President & CEO  CelluForce Associated Links IFIT Program

Simply Science

Wood Innovation program

CelluForce Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan)

NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.news.gc.ca SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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[February 05, 2019] EPNA is the Only Women-Owned Business Enterprise in Credit Card Processing and Equipment Sales in Illinois

EVANSTON, Ill., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently certified by the City of Chicago and Cook County, Electronic Processing of North America, LLC (EPNA) is proud to earn the WBE certification. EPNA, an independent merchant services provider, achieves the great distinction of being the only business in its space to be WBE certified. "EPNA is pleased to be recognized as a responsible business that meets the city and county's rigorous criteria," said Laura Demke-Calixte, CEO. EPNA knows that customers are not just looking for payment acceptance, they are looking for a credit card processor they can trust that provides the solutions that will help them grow their business. Now, with the WBE certification, EPNA offers additional benefits to those merchants doing business with the city or county. "We are excited to work with merchants who can benefit from our certification, and we hope to grow our businesses together," added Demke-Calixte. About EPNA

EPNA works with merchants in all industries (mobile, retail, restaurant, mail order/telephone order, government, and non-profit) and provides the ability to accept electronic (credit, debit, mobile) payments through a variety of cutting-edge and customizable solutions. In addition, EPNA offers zero % cost processing as well as merchant accounts for CBD providers. EPNA provides transparent pricing, next day funding, 24/7/365 friendly customer service, and no contract requirements. EPNA partners with Financial Institutions, CPAs, Consulting Firms, Private Equity Firms, and mny more. In the business to business (B2B) space, EPNA has technology to reduce fees by .80%-1.25% on Purchasing, GSA, Level II and Level III business cards. David K., Controller, Advent Systems, Inc. stated, "Thank you for your help in converting over to your company. It's nice to know that we will be saving 40% on the service fees going forward."



EPNA opened a store-front, which is a novelty in the processing space, where merchants can test the latest terminals before making a purchase, and where merchants can envision and plan the next phase of their business, like e-commerce. "EPNA has some of the lowest attrition rates in the industry, we take pride in familiarizing ourselves with each business or partner and always make sure we listen and truly understand their goals," said Demke-Calixte. Electronic Processing of North America, LLC (EPNA)

1703 Central Street

Evanston, IL 60201

Phone: 847-859-6002

Media Contact:

Charlene Mitchell

208843@email4pr.com

847-859-6002

www.epnallc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electronic-processing-of-north-america-epna/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPNALLC/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/epna-evanston

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/electronicprocessing/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNfDDKL3Q_hz8WOJYVPhZNg View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/epna-is-the-only-women-owned-business-enterprise-in-credit-card-processing-and-equipment-sales-in-illinois-300789617.html SOURCE EPNA

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[February 05, 2019] Epicor Announces Technology Coast Partners as New Partner in Central and South America

MONTERREY, Mexico, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Epicor Software Corporation, a global provider of industry-specific enterprise software to promote business growth, today announced Technology Coast Partners (TCP) as its latest partner in Mexico, Central and South America to fulfill the enterprise resource planning (ERP) needs of businesses in the region. The demand for ERP in Latin America is growing rapidly, thanks in part to the rise of Mexico's manufacturing industry1. TCP is based in Miami and led by Gonzalo F. Nunez, president and CEO, who brings over twenty-five years of experience with Epicor ERP. Alongside him will be Ivan Rebolledo Kanter, partner, who has specialized in Epicor solutions for over 20 years. Over the last 30 years, the two have personally been involved with hundreds of ERP implementations, accompanying companies on their path to success in digital transformation. The company also has offices in Mexico, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia. TCP plans on covering the ERP needs of manufacturers in those countries, all of Central America and Ecuador. In addition to reselling Epicor ERP in the region, they will also provide business consulting, custom software development, and managed services for their customers. "With our collective years of experience, we understand the best practices for ERP implementations and with our extensive knowledge about Epicor ERP, we can attest that it eliminates many common business challenges, since it is designed with industry best practices in mind," said Nunez, "We want all our customers to understand the benefits of an easy-to-use solution such as Epicor ERP and how it can elevate their business." "Our growth strategy in Latin America is to leverage the channel for increased exposure and new business opportunities," said Antonio Lopez, vice president for Latin America, Epicor. "The TCP team has a wealth of experience to draw from to accompany businesses throughout the ERP lifecycle and help manufacturers in the region become more profitable and grow through easy-to-use solutions that best fit their needs." About Epicor Software Corporation

Epicor Software Corporation drives business growth. We provide flexible, industry-specific software designed to fit the precise needs of our manufacturing, distribution, retail, and service industry customers. More than 45 years of experience with our customers' unique business processes and operational requirements are built into every solution?in the cloud or on premises. With this deep understanding of your industry, Epicor solutions dramatically improve performance and profitability while easing complexity so you can focus on growth. For more information, connect with Epicor or visit www.epicor.com. Epicor and the Epicor logo are trademarks of Epicor Software Corporation, registered in the United States and other countries. Other trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners. The product and service offerings depicted in this document are produced by Epicor Software Corporation.







Contact: Maria Elena Azpilcueta de Luna

Specialist, Public Relations, Latin America

Epicor Software Corporation

+52 (81) 1551-7767

maria.azpilcueta@epicor.com

1 Heney, P. Feb. 13, 2018. Mexico on the rise as a manufacturing power. Retrieved from: https://www.designworldonline.com. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/epicor-announces-technology-coast-partners-as-new-partner-in-central-and-south-america-300788562.html SOURCE Epicor Software Corporation

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Farmington, WV (26555)

Today

Becoming partly cloudy after some morning rain. Cooler. High 67F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low around 45F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
SARATOGA SPRINGS  Citing a desire to pursue professional and personal opportunities, Commissioner of Public Safety Peter Martin said he will not seek re-election in 2019.

"I treat my job as commissioner as full-time," Martin said. "I believe that it would not be fair to the people of Saratoga Springs to treat it as anything less. But I want to really stress that I am fully committed until the end of my term."

Martin, an attorney and former city supervisor, was elected in 2017. His term ends Dec. 31, 2019.

During his tenure in office, he was challenged by renewed public interest in the controversial death of Darryl Mount. The 21-year-old fell into a coma after city police pursued him into an alley in August 2013. Mount died nine months later.

In response to public calls for an external investigation and the resignation of police Chief Greg Veitch, Martin formed a Citizens Advisory Committee, which is meant to improve relations between the police and public. While some have dismissed it effectiveness, Martin said the board has been "very impactful."

Martin said that he believes the city officials have accomplished much in 2018 and will continue to do so in 2019.

"I will forever be grateful to the people of Saratoga Springs and to our Public Safety department staff," Martin said. "I have enjoyed working with the dedicated and talented employees at city hall. I do not make this decision lightly. It comes after several weeks of difficult and personal reflection. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the city as your Commissioner of Public Safety."

Last month, Democratic Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan also said she was considering not running in November.

When asked what to expect from city Democrats, the chair of the city's Democratic Committee, Courtney DeLeonardis, said the committee will soon announce its candidates for city council after its endorsement meeting on Friday, Feb. 23.
SARATOGA SPRINGS  A longer thoroughbred race season might be good for city businesses and a relief to backstretch workers, but it's not being celebrated by everyone in the city, including the mayor.

The 2019 calendar, approved by the New York Racing Association Board on Friday, opens the meet a week early, on Thursday, July 11, for a seven-week run. The dates, which have yet to be approved by the state's Gaming Commission, will now feature two dark days, Monday and Tuesday, and keep the number of race days stable at 40.

The longer duration, planned for 2019 only to accommodate construction at Belmont Park Race Course, means track fans will be in the city for a longer period of time, taking advantage of its amenities.

Yet Mayor Meg Kelly is concerned about the timing. Opening day weekend coincides with the two-day Dave Matthews Band's run at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The sheer volume of people  an estimated average of 25,000 for opening day at the track and another estimated 25,000 at SPAC -- could overwhelm the city.

"It's going to be difficult for Saratoga Springs," Kelly said. "Our public safety department is working on plans for that I'm sure. It will be a big stressor on us."

She also said most of the hotels for the weekend of July 12 and 13 are already booked with the band's fans, forcing track-goers to drive farther to find hotel beds.

The Holiday Inn confirmed it is already full that weekend. Across the street at the Inn at Saratoga, General Manager Lauren Hayward, also said her rooms are already occupied that weekend, too.

"As soon as Dave Matthews or Phish announces, we are booked," Hayward said. "We sell out really fast. But we are pretty happy about the longer (track calendar) because it gives hotels a chance to capture extra revenue."

Tom Roohan, owner of Roohan Realty, said it could provide opportunities for those who rent their homes to track-goers. He said there are always more people want to rent out their homes than there are renters.

"Often people are disappointed their homes aren't rented," Roohan said. "But there are a lot of factors that go into this. It might complicate things for people who rent, but it might not. The beauty of it, the people at NYRA are smart business people. If it doesn't work for them and the community, they will do something else."

Commissioner of Public Safety Peter Martin said, either way, the city will be ready for whatever the track and SPAC bring.

"We are going to be prepared," Martin said. "We have had other special events during track season. We will provide adequate protection at all events. We are expecting a very good summer."

The state Department of Transportation officials said they have plans in place for traffic at SPAC and the track. Spokesman Bryan Viggiani said DOT will coordinate with law enforcement to help drivers safely make their way to their Saratoga destinations.

"We typically install six electronic variable message boards on the highways adjacent to SPAC and post advance traffic messages when concerts are planned," Viggiani said. "We also allow state Park Police to manually operate the Route 9 and Route 50 traffic signals near SPAC to help manage traffic during very large events. Additionally, we work to coordinate roadwork to minimize disruptions to drivers."

He also said that drivers should plan ahead by checking https://511ny.org before heading out.

While waiting in traffic or pushing through crowds is not welcome, an extended season is great for Saratoga Springs business, said President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce Todd Shimkus.

"Saratoga County's hospitality sector is excited to host the best thoroughbred horse racing meet in the world at the historic Saratoga Race Course," Shimkus said. "Our chamber's summer tourism ad campaign kicks into gear in March so we've got plenty of time to pull out all of the stops to invite people from our target markets to stay, dine, shop and have fun in Saratoga this summer just as we've done consistently year-in and year-out for decades now."

Paul Ruchames, executive director of Backstretch Employee Service Team, which provides free health and wellness services for the grooms, hot walkers and others who work on the backstretch, said that the change will also be good for those who toil seven days a week caring for the horses.

"A lot of the families of the workers stay at Belmont," Ruchames said. "The backstretch workers will have more time to go back to see their families or more time with their families to visit while they are in Saratoga. In general, it's a good thing and will relieve the intensity for everyone."

The extension may make little difference to race fans who will still see the same number of race days. Janice Keller of Warrensburg who visits the track several times during the meet said she is "unimpressed" and will go about the same number of days, about eight or nine, in 2019. She was curious, however, as to what day will be designated for give-aways. Mondays, the traditional day when the track hands out swag like T-shirts, hats and umbrellas, will be dark too.

NYRA spokesman Patrick McKenna said he can't provide any details of the meet's give-aways or special events, which he said will be announced soon.

The prospect of a longer meet is a regular topic of discussion in the Spa City, among not only business people, but also residents.

A Saratogian who also works at the track, and asked to remain anonymous, said many residents feel that a longer meet means downtown will be swamped with not only traffic, but tourists.

"Those who live here and in the area will not have a downtown for the summer and that's sad," he said.

He also worries the biggest losers will be the track employees like himself because overtime will disappear.

"It might affect those who look forward to making the extra," he said.
ALBANY  Professional taxi drivers from New York City drove in a caravan to the Capitol on Tuesday to denounce the new congestion surcharge for taxi and for-hire-vehicle rides.

The surcharge went into effect on Saturday in Manhattan's central business district.
Albany

Imagine if a day after apologizing for his behavior and the pain he caused, Eliot Spitzer returned to declare that, on second thought, he really hadn't been with those prostitutes.

The world would have laughed itself silly. At a certain point, the Crest is all over the sink and there's no getting it back in the tube.

And so it is with Ralph Northam, who is experiencing the most disastrous week by a governor since Spitzer's memorable downfall. It might be worse, actually.

The Virginia governor apologized on Friday for appearing in a racist yearbook photo in the 1980s before claiming on Saturday that he was neither the guy in blackface nor the one in the Klan costume.

"It was definitely not me," Northam said. "I can tell by looking at it."

Though I have no firsthand experience to draw on here, I imagine that pulling on a Klan costume, slathering on blackface or sleeping with a prostitute are experiences that remain in a man's memory. And once you've apologized for any one of the three, there's no wiggle room to escape the consequences.

Northam, in that jaw-dropping news conference Saturday, also said he had no idea why his undergraduate classmates called him "coon-man," babbled about the difficulty of removing shoe polish from skin, admitted he had once darkened his face to make himself look like Michael Jackson, and, yes, bragged about the grace of his moonwalking.

After watching his performance, Virginians could reasonably conclude that their governor should never, ever be allowed to speak in public  especially considering that, just days prior, he had given a radio interview in which he seemed to casually discuss infanticide while defending late-term abortion.

"The infant would be delivered," Northam, a pediatric neurologist, said when asked about abortion during labor. "The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that's what the mother and the family desired. And then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother."

A discussion about what, exactly? Northam didn't say, leaving many in the audience to draw horrific conclusions.

Again, the governor did not have a good week. Voters from across the political spectrum could justifiably conclude he is a first-class creep.

Yet as of this writing, Northam was resisting calls from just about everyone in the free world that he resign, a decision that was being complicated by sexual-assault allegations against the lieutenant governor who would take Northam's job.

Congratulations, Virginia. You are vying with New York for the most embarrassing state government.

By the time you read this, it is likely Northam will have stepped down. At a certain point, holding on becomes untenable.

Just ask Mark McGrath, the Troy councilman heard using the n-word on a 3-year-old voicemail that surfaced last week. McGrath initially resisted demands that he resign but on Monday gave up the ghost.

"It was time," he told me, mentioning how the controversy was keeping him awake at night and taking a toll on his wife and children. "It's the right thing to do."

Agreed. There was no way McGrath's black constituents  about 30 percent of his district's population  could believe he would represent their interests going forward. The turmoil was going to linger, just as it will for Northam.

More Information Contact columnist Chris Churchill at 518-454-5442 or email cchurchill@timesunion.com See More Collapse

Despite significant differences in their situations  obviously, a Troy councilman is not a governor  it is tempting to search for sweeping conclusions in the McGrath and Northam controversies. In the end, they all sound trite.

Racism is bad, especially from elected leaders? Obviously.

Despite progress since the 1980s, racism is alive and well? Also obvious.

Racism is not a Southern problem alone? No intelligent person believes it is.

Certainly, there is something to be said for a no-tolerance policy on obviously racist behavior from elected officials. But there is also value in understanding that human beings change; being racist 30 years ago doesn't necessarily mean a person still is.

If Northam had offered a heartfelt apology and explained why he is no longer the misguided young man in the photo, Virginians might have forgiven him. Their governor's story could have symbolized the transition from the racism of the Old South to the diversity and tolerance of a different Virginia.

Then again, Northam's worst sin might be hypocrisy.

Just as Spitzer might have survived had he not been a prosecutor who targeted prostitution, Northam might be less odious if he hadn't spent his gubernatorial campaign calling his Republican opponent is racist.

Takes one to know one, perhaps.

cchurchill@timesunion.com  518-454-5442  @chris_churchill
Washington

Just how financially secure you feel depends on your age, your race, your education and  perhaps not surprisingly  your income.

A new survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that college graduates feel far more confident than high school graduates that they could afford an emergency $1,000 expense.

People ages 18 to 29 are more optimistic about finding a good job than those in their 60s are.

But Americans in their 60s are more confident than adults under 30 are about affording credit card and other expenses.

Most white Americans say they can manage their housing costs; blacks and Hispanics are far less confident that they can keep up.

The poll's findings reflect the sharp demographic divides in the U.S. economy. Since the Great Recession ended nearly a decade ago, the nation's prosperity has benefited some groups of people far more than others and is obscuring economic soft spots caused by a persistent wealth gap.

Overall, about six in 10 Americans describe their personal finances as good. Most of the rest say they're in poor shape financially.

The nation's unemployment rate is a healthy 4 percent, the pace of hiring has accelerated in recent months and average hourly earnings have risen 3.2 percent over the past 12 months. Yet whatever financial confidence people feel depends largely on their individual circumstances and challenges. And compared with last year, fewer Americans overall expect the good economy to last in 2019.

Some of the doubts reflect souring opinions of President Donald Trump, who partially shut down the government for 35 days over his demand for a wall along the southern U.S. border with Mexico. Though Trump failed to secure his requested $5.7 billion, the resulting temporary standoff deprived many government workers of paychecks and raised doubts about the president's economic stewardship.

The poll shows that Trump's rating on handling the economy  a strength throughout his presidency  fell to 44 percent in January from 50 percent in December. His overall approval rating in the poll was 34 percent.

"I can't say he's been all bad on the economy," said Ellen Collins, 70, of Centerville, Ohio. "But he's a child. He's egotistical."

Forty-four percent say they think the economy will worsen over the next year. About a quarter (27 percent) say the economy will improve; just as many think it will stay the same. That's in contrast to a year ago, when expectations of the year ahead were almost evenly split: 33 percent said then that they thought conditions would deteriorate, and 34 percent expected them to improve.

Collins said the stock market's sell-off in the closing months of 2018, likely fueled in part by Trump's trade war with China, hurt her retirement savings. She figures, though, that stocks will ultimately rebound to cover those losses.

Collins, a retired teacher and information technology specialist, stressed how fortunate she felt to have enough savings and insurance to cover the costs of two years of chemotherapy treatments she needed for cancer.

"I don't know what people who don't have insurance do," she said.

Health care costs and other unexpected expenses are a source of concern for many in the AP-NORC survey. Americans who are most likely to feel financially secure are those who earn more than $100,000  nearly double the median household income.

Likewise, a college education appears to be a significant buffer against financial risks. A majority of college graduates (58 percent) say they're very confident they could afford an emergency expense of $1,000. By contrast, more than half of Americans with a high school education or less (54 percent) say they have little or no confidence that they could pay a surprise bill that high.

And while younger workers might not have as high a starting income as previous generations did, people 18 to 29 are more hopeful about finding decent jobs than Americans in their 60s are. Thirty-five percent of those under 30 say they're very confident about hiring possibilities. Just 23 percent of those over 60 feel that way.

Even some workers in their 50s find it difficult to land a job that meets their financial needs.

Sarah Apwisch, 52, said she was recently laid off as a market researcher only to be rehired in a new role at the same company at just 60 percent of her previous pay.

"I'm honestly taking this job because I'm afraid of losing health care," said Apwisch, who is married and lives in the small city of Three Rivers, Mich., where she works remotely for a company in Chicago.

She says she's optimistic about the overall economy but says the growing role of big data and social media has caused the market research industry to fall into decline.

"If I lose the connection with my current employer, it will be harder for me to get a job in my industry because most of the jobs are in the big cities," she said.

Though older Americans don't feel as much job security, most of them do have the benefit of decades of income and savings. About six in 10 Americans in their 60s say they're confident about paying their credit card and other payments, while 43 percent of Americans under 30 feel that way.

On housing affordability, a stark racial divide exists: About six in 10 white Americans say they can manage their housing costs, compared with just about a third of black and Hispanic Americans. White Americans are far likelier to own a home than are those minority groups, who face rising rents in many high-cost urban areas.

Chris Edwards, a 28-year-old African-American in Columbia, Mo, said he couldn't afford a major emergency expense. A renter, Edwards relies on Medicaid and income from Social Security's disability program.

If he were hit by a sudden expense of $400?

"I wouldn't know," Edwards said. "I wouldn't know."

The AP-NORC poll of 1,062 adults was conducted Jan. 16 to 20 using a sample drawn from NORC's probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.1 percentage points.

Respondents were first selected randomly using address-based sampling methods, and later interviewed online or by phone.
Albany

New York's two U.S. senators are joining the state's call that General Electric must be made to continue the PCB cleanup of the Hudson River.

On Tuesday, senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency not to declare that the 7-year, $1.7 billion cleanup satisfies a 2002 agreement between EPA and GE.

EPA is currently reviewing the dredging work on about 40 miles of river between Troy and Fort Edward, which concluded in the fall of 2015.

GE wants EPA to issue the company a so-called "certificate of completion" for the project, a ruling that would declare the project complies with the 2002 cleanup agreement.

Such a ruling also could absolve GE of further liability for remaining PCBs in the river, but New York state, local officials and numerous environmental groups believe that PCB levels remain too high and want the EPA to require GE to resume work.

EPA has already indicated that it would not decide on a certificate of completion until the agency first issues a long-awaited report on the project's effectiveness. EPA has been studying that for more than 2 years and issued a tentative report that projected PCB-tainted river fish still might not be safe to eat for decades.

"We believe that the issuance of a certificate of completion under those conditions is premature and could result in continued harm to the health of the Hudson River and its ecosystems. Instead, we urge the EPA to engage with GE and New York state to continue the PCB clean-up process," Gillibrand and Schumer wrote in a letter to EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler.

In December, a study by the state Department of Environmental Protection determined the cleanup was incomplete, with PCB levels in fish still considered unsafe under EPA standards.

EPA's preliminary report, issued in June 2017, found that PCB levels in fish could remain at unsafe levels for five decades or more.

GE has steadfastly maintained that the dredging project was successful, and that no further dredging by the company is needed.

Said GE spokesman Mark Behan, "The data show conclusively that the Hudson River dredging project is working and will protect the environment as EPA predicted. New York state's research affirmed that 99.8% of the sediment samples collected from the upper Hudson achieved the standards set by the EPA."

We look forward to the EPA issuing a certification of completion on the dredging project," he added.
The Weiss house on Whitehall Road, East Norriton Township, has been named to Preservation Pennsylvania's At Risk list.
Thomasville, GA (31792)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Variable clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly late. Low near 70F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.


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Tifton, GA (31794)

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Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 78F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall may reach one inch..

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EMILY ST. LAWRENCE, Chariho girls lacrosse, senior: St. Lawrence scored the 100th goal of her career in a 16-1 win against Lincoln. St. Lawrence finished her career with 104 goals, eight short of the school record. The team did not play last season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

JOSH MOONEY, Stonington track & field, sophomore: Mooney scored in three events at the State Open meet. Mooney was second in the 110 hurdles, fourth in the javelin and fifth in the 300 hurdles. He scored all 17 of Stoningtons points.

ALEX STOEHR, Westerly softball, freshman: Stoehr hit three triples and a double in a doubleheader sweep of Barrington. For the week, she was 7 for 13 with four doubles, two triples and three RBIs. Stoehr is hitting .333 for the season.

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New Delhi, Feb 5 (PTI) Student leaders on Tuesday accused the Union government of presenting an Interim Budget that was silent on the issue of jobs and employment opportunities for youth in the country.

Students under various outfits will march from the historic Red Fort to Parliament on Thursday in protest, they said in a joint statement.

N Sai Balaji, the president of Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union, said, "(Prime Minister Narendra) Modi will come to young India for one more chance. But this time we are

not going to give him any chance as our PM. Modi has ruined our future. Through our unity we are going to ensure all vacant government jobs are filled, 10 per cent of GDP is spent on education, gender and social justice is ensured."

Student leaders from AISA, Pinjra tod, Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha, Aam Aadmi Party students' wing Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS), Youth for Swaraj etc. argued how the budget was conspicuous by its silence on the issue of jobs, except for pompously declaring that job-seekers have turned job-creators in India.

"This is a huge blow to the youth of the country who are suffering from massive unemployment rate in the wake of demonetisation. The budget is equally silent about the key demands of regularisation and minimum wages raised by employees," they said in the statement.

Shivani from CYSS said campuses have been turned into "war zones" by the Modi government. PTI SLB ABH

ABH
To comply with local Russian laws, Apple has been storing some iCloud information of its Russian customers in locally hosted servers. The information is pretty limited and includes their full name, address, email, and phone number. Apple, however, does tend to store a bit more information about its Russian employees including their passport details, work history, and more.

It is not new for Apple to store a certain amount of information of its customers in local servers. The company had to move the data of its Chinese customers to locally hosted servers managed by a local Chinese company to comply with the government regulations.

Apples CEO Tim Cook had said back in October that Apple needs to comply with local government regulations, though users do not need to worry about their data being accessed by third-parties since it is encrypted using Apples own tech.

We have servers located in many different countries in the world, he told Vice News in an October interview. They are not easier to get data from being in one country versus the next. The key question is how does the encryption process work and who owns the keys if anyone? In most cases for us, you and the receiver own the keys.

In 2014, Apple resisted the Russian governments move to store the data of Russian customers locally as a part of the DigitalEurope industry group. However, since 2017, the Russian government has been enforcing the regulation strictly and it even threatened to shut down Facebook if it did not comply with the local regulations. Apple also had to comply with a request from the Russian government that saw it withholding updates to the Telegram messaging app for over two months.

[Via Bloomberg
Plane passenger with gold bars held at Tiruchy airport

Tiruchirappalli (TN), Feb 5: (PTI) Gold bars worth Rs

41.67 lakh were seized from a passenger who landed at the

airport here from Kuala Lumpur early Tuesday, air intelligence

unit officialssaid.

The gold, weighing 1.25 kg, was concealed in the inner

lining of his bag and was detected during the routine check,

the officials said.

The name of the passenger was given as Johny Joseph

who has been detained for interrogation in connection with the

seizure of the precious metal, they added.

PTI COR SSN

NVG NVG
Is something recited in Sanskrit not secular? asks BJD MP

(Eds: Recasting intro, adding more quotes)

New Delhi, Feb 5 (PTI) BJD leader B Mahtab on Tuesday

wondered whether reciting something in Sanskrit is not secular

as he raised in Lok Sabha the issue of certain entities not

agreeing with the decision for compulsory recitation of

common prayers in Sanskrit by students in all Kendriya

Vidyalayas.

A petition has also been filed in the Supreme Court

regarding the revised education code for Kendriya Vidyalaya

(KV) Sangathan schools comprising compulsory recitation of

common prayers in Sanskrit by students.

During the Zero Hour, Mahtab asked the government to put

forth its view on the matter in the House as well as in the

Supreme Court.

He said some parents, children and organisations from

certain communities do not agree with this common prayer in

KVs, which are run by the central government.

Mahtab said it was a common fact that the common prayers

that are being sung in Kendriya Vidyalayas are from

Upanishads, which are widely acclaimed by one and all in

this world.

"Our original Constitution has the motifs of Ramayana,

Mahabharata and Upanishads which are on display both in the

Parliament House Library and also in the Teen Murti Bhavan

Library and it was never questioned as to why it had features

of Hindu religion....

"Today, we hear that the secular character is being

tarnished because of the invocations in Sanskrit," he noted.

He also referred to Sanskrit shloka 'Yato Dharma Tato

Jaya' which is part of the Supreme Court logo.

Even in Lok Sabha, Dharma Chakra Pravartanaya is written

in the panel, Mahtab said and asked whether it means that

something "which is being recited in Sanskrit is not secular?"

He said that Upanishads have given us 'Asathoma Sad

Gamaya, Thamasoma Jyotir Gamaya' (From ignorance lead me to

truth, from darkness lead me to light) and that is recited

in Kendriya Vidyalayas.

"Why should someone go to the Supreme Court challenging

it that it impinges on the secular character?" he wondered.

Congress member Shashi Tharoor raised the Sabarimala

temple issue and said the controversy can be resolved either

through judicial process or through legislative action by

Parliament.

Various entities, including right-wing groups, have been

protesting in the wake of the Supreme Court decision in

September 2018 to lift the ban on entry of females between 10

and 50 years of age into the shrine. The ruling LDF in Kerala

had decided to implement the court's order.

During the Zero Hour, Tharoor, who represents

Thiruvananthapuram constituency, said Kerala has been deeply

troubled by the ongoing controversy regarding the Sabarimala

Temple.

Irresponsible parties have been trying to hijack protests

by genuine believers in a bid to reap political dividends.

They have been engaging in vandalism and violence disrupting

the law and order in the state, he alleged.

"This problem can only be solved either through a

judicial process in the form of a review of the Hon. Supreme

Court's judgement or through a legislative action by

Parliament," he said.

Without naming any party, Tharoor said it was hypocrisy

"to create violence and protest when you have the majority to

pass a law".

"I urge the government to come up with a legislative

action to ensure and protect the freedom of religious places

and worship in principle with constitutional values because we

need to clarify the application of essential religious

practices," he said.

BJP member Nishikant Dubey alleged that the West Bengal

government was protecting corrupt people and illegal

immigrants from Bangladesh for vote bank politics.

Dharmendra Yadav (SP) raised the issue of change in

roster system for recruitment of teachers in colleges and

universities. PTI RAM

RT RT
Jammu, Feb 5 (PTI) The one-way traffic resumed on Jammu-Srinagar national highway Tuesday as authorities allowed traffic from summer capital Srinagar after remaining suspended for the past five days, an official said.

The traffic was allowed to ply on the 270-km highway - the only all weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country - from Srinagar to Jammu Tuesday morning, the official from the traffic department said.

On Monday, the authorities had cleared majority of the stranded Kashmir-bound trucks despite disruption caused by a fresh landslide in the Banihal area along the highway.

The official said the landslide which struck the highway at Kharpora was cleared within hours Monday evening to ensure resumption of the one-way traffic for both heavy and light motor vehicles.

"The traffic is plying smoothly though the weather remains cloudy. No vehicle was allowed from the opposite direction (Jammu)," he said.

The highway was closed for traffic on Thursday last following heavy snowfall around the Jawahar Tunnel -- the gateway to Kashmir -- and multiple landslides between Banihal to Ramban stretch.

While the Srinagar-bound passenger vehicles and trucks were cleared on Saturday and Sunday, no vehicle was allowed from Srinagar towards Jammu since Thursday.

The traffic on the highway usually plies from the twin capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu alternatively during winters.

Meanwhile, the weatherman has predicted another spell of snow and rain till February 8 with major activity on February 6 and 7, which might affect the traffic on the highway once again. PTI TAS MAZ AQS
Barmer (Raj), Feb 5 (PTI) Two Border Security Force personnel were injured when a colleague, apparently annoyed with a superior officer, fired at them with his service rifle in an outpost in Rajasthan's Barmer district, police said on Tuesday.

Head Constable M Prakash and Constable Purshottam Kumar were admitted to a hospital following the incident on Monday night. They are out of danger.

The accused, Constable Vimal Kumar, was annoyed with one of his superior officers and opened fire at Prakash and Purshottam Kumar in BSF's Deepla outpost with his Insas rifle, Superintendent of Police (SP), Barmer, Rashi Dogra said.

Vimal Kumar was taken into custody after BSF authorities informed the police about the incident on Tuesday morning.

A case has been registered under relevant sections against the accused at a local police station, Dogra added. PTI CORR SDA AD AD MIN

MIN
Jammu, Feb 5 (PTI) Batting strongly for holding the assembly elections along with the parliamentary polls in Jammu and Kashmir, the migrant cell of the National Conference Tuesday said only an elected government can bring the state out of morass and uncertainty.

"We want that elections be held as soon as a possible in J&K. We urge the Election Commission to take a call is this regard," NC minority cell president M K Yogi told reporters here.

He said most of the political parties in the state, including the NC, were in favour of holding the assembly elections along with Lok Sabha polls.

"A democratically elected government only can bring peace and stability in the state and ensure that it is brought out of quagmire and uncertainty," Yogi said. PTI AB AQS

AQS
Mananthavady (Kerala), Feb 5 (PTI) A former Congress district functionary, booked for allegedly raping a 17-year-old tribal girl for nearly a year, surrendered before police on Tuesday, an official said.

The ex-Congress committee general secretary of Wayanad district O M George, who was absconding, surrendered before police Tuesday noon and he was arrested, the official said.

On the complaint of the girl's parents a case was registered against him under IPC Section 376 (rape), the SC/ST Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The girl's parents were working at George's house and she used to accompany them on some days. They alleged that George had threatened and blackmailed the girl several times.

After the incident came to light, the Congress leadership in Kerala suspended George.

The incident came to light a week ago after the girl's parents heard George purportedly threatening their daughter on phone. She also attempted to commit suicide by cutting her veins, the girl's father told television channels.

The parents had approached ChildLine and a case was registered against him under the POCSO Act.

George surrendered before the Bathery police, about 40 km from here, as the girl's parents had threatened to sit on a fast in front of the police station if he was not arrested immediately. PTI UD BN NSD

NSD
2 held on charge of murdering NRI bizman in AP; ACP in

Telangana shifted

Machilipatnam (AP), Feb 5 (PTI) A 55-year old NRI

businessman found dead in a parked car on a highway in Krishna

district of Andhra Pradesh last week was murdered and two

people arrested Tuesday for alleged involvement in the crime,

police said.

In a related development, S Malla Reddy, Assistant

Commissioner of Police in Rachakonda Commissionerate in

neighbouring Telangana, was shifted to Armed Reserve police

following allegations that he spoke to the prime suspect in

the killing of the businessman, a report from Hyderabad said.

US-based Chigurupati Jayaram, on a business visit to the

state, was found dead with head injuries in his car on the

roadside at Itavaram village, about 80 km from here, by a

police patrol on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada national highway.

District Superintendent of Police Sarvashreshta Tripathy

Tuesday told reporters in Nandigama that police arrested

Rakesh Reddy, an acquaintance of Jayaram's niece, and his

house watchman D Srinivas on the charge murder.

He said financial dispute was the main motive for the

murder of Jayaram, who was the Director of private Coastal

Bank and also owned a pharmaceutical company in Andhra

Pradesh.

Police in Hyderabad said during the course of

investigation names of the ACP and an Inspector rank police

official in the city had "cropped up".

They were accused of being in conversation with the

prime suspect Reddy.

Rachakonda Police Commissioner Mahesh M Bhagwat Tuesday

issued orders posting ACP Malla Reddy to armed reserve

headquarters at Amberpet.

"After getting a detailed report from the Andhra

Pradesh police, further inquiry will be initiated, " the

Commissioner said. PTI CORR VVK

VS VS
Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate Kolkata Literature Festival

Kolkata, Feb 5 (PTI) Former President Pranab Mukherjee

will inaugurate the three-day Kolkata Literature Festival

beginning on February 7 at the ongoing International Kolkata

Book Fair ground.

Mukherjee will inaugurate the 2019 Kolkata Literature

Festival, which will be having 66 guests from 10 countries

including India, general secretary of the Publishers and

Booksellers Guild, organisers of the book fair, Tridib

Chatterjee told a press meet here Tuesday.

"He (Mukherjee) is the pride of Bengal ... and we are

proud he will be inaugurating the Kolkata Literature Festival

few days after being conferred with the Bharat Ratna," he

said.

The inauguration ceremony will also be attended by

Jnanpith recipient Bengali poet Sankha Ghosh and eminent

Bengali writer Samaresh Majumder as the literary meet will

have special thrust on Bengali literature, Chatterjee said.

Wishing all the best to the literary meet, eminent

Scottish publicist Jenny Brown said at the press meet "Our

ties with this city and its book loving people run deep. We

plan to bring new voices in literature from Bengal to

Scotland, ... mooting literary exchanges between the two

countries."

Kolkata Literature Festival, Curator Esha Chatterjee

said 24 sessions will be held during the three-day literary

meet covering literature, contemporary issues and different

areas of art.

As part of the festival's initiative to celebrate 50

years of Satyajit Ray's timeless fantasy film 'Goopy Gayen

Bagha Bayan', Bollywood actor-director Tinnu Anand will attend

one session on February 8 where Ray's director son Sandip Ray

will be present.

"Anand will share his experiences to assist Ray during

the making of Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne and how this changed his

life's course and shaped him," Chatterjee said. PTI SUS

RG RG
Srinagar, Feb 5 (PTI) Mobile internet services were snapped for five hours in parts of the city Tuesday to prevent separatist leaders from addressing the 'International Conference on Kashmir' in London through video conferencing, officials said.

The services were snapped within two-kilometre radius of the residences of Hurriyat leaders Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq in Hyderpora and Nigeen areas of the city, respectively, they said.

The services were restored at 10 pm, the officials said.

The International Conference on Kashmir was held inside the British Parliament Tuesday.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi addressed the conference.

India had on Thursday said it has "very strongly" taken up with the UK the issue of a conference on Kashmir in London.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said India was expecting the British government to address its concerns on the issue, adding the conference is "very clearly" intended to undermine unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of India. PTI MIJ SKL AQS
Apple has reached a deal with the tax authorities in France to pay it an undisclosed amount of back-dated tax. While the official amount has not been revealed by either Apple or the French tax division, the French media is estimated the amount to be around 500 million euros ($571 million).

France has been cracking down on international companies operating in the country who have been using various loopholes to pay a lower amount of tax. This puts other European companies at a disadvantage since they end up paying a higher amount of tax.

As a multinational company, Apple is regularly audited by fiscal authorities around the world, Apple France said in a statement. The French tax administration recently concluded a multi-year audit on the companys French accounts, and those details will be published in our public accounts.

Apart from France, Apple is also engaged in a tax dispute with the EU. The European Commission has asked Apple to pay a staggering $14.52 billion in back taxes which has been refused by Tim Cook as total political crap. While Ireland disagrees with the EUs decision, it does look like Apple used Ireland as a tax haven to pay lower taxes. Apparently, the company paid just 50 ($56) in taxes on every 1 million ($1.12 million) profit it earned.

Apple has already appealed against the European Commissions tax decision.

[Via Reuters
Shimla, Feb 5 (PTI) The Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday said it had decided to cancel the affiliation of a private school after eight people, including seven students, were killed when a bus belonging to it rolled down a gorge in Sirmaur district last month.

The decision to cancel the affiliation of DAVN Public School, Dadahu was taken on the recommendation of a three-member inquiry commission, Transport Minister Govind Singh told the state assembly.

He was replying to a question raised by Congress MLA from Renuka Ji, Vinay Kumar, during the question hour on second day of the Budget session.

The decision would come into force from April 1, Singh said.

In its seven-page report, the inquiry committee said the vice president of Maina Gandel gram panchayat had informed the school principal that the bus was not in a good condition and had requested him to get get it repaired.

It said though the principal gave an assurance that the school would get a new bus within a few months, he did not buy one.

The committee held that there had been gross negligence on part of the school.

Kumar, in whose constituency's Khadkoli area the accident had taken place, alleged that the regional transport officer had refused to pass the faulty vehicle for plying on road but it was cleared by the transport department's regional manager.

Senior Congress leader and former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh also questioned the approval for the bus.

"If the technical authority rejected the passing of the school bus, how could the higher authority pass it? Did the higher authority check the bus itself or did it approve the passing sitting in the office?" he asked.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur assured the House that the government would also probe the "negligence" on part of the transport department officials in passing the bus.

"If any higher authority passed the faulty bus against the recommendation of the technical authority, strict action will be taken on the basis of the inquiry report," he said.

Participating in the discussion, Leader of Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri claimed 1,250 persons had lost their lives in road accidents in the state last year.

He asked the state government what steps were being taken to check the accidents.

Thakur asserted that his government is serious about tackling road accidents in the state and said several steps are being taken to minimise them.

There are various reasons for accidents and they may take place under any dispensation, he said. PTI DJI DIV

DIV
Lucknow, Feb 5 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Tuesday alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had put democracy in peril in West Bengal and sought to know if Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar was an office bearer of her party TMC.

Maurya's remarks came in the backdrop of Banerjee staging a "Save India" dharna (sit-in) in Kolkata since Sunday night insisting that the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams

was tantamount to stifling the spirit of "Constitution and federalism" in the country.

"I feel that in West Bengal democracy is in peril. Someone occupying a constitutional post is violating the federal structure of the country. This certainly does not augur well for the democracy of the country," Maurya told PTI here in an interview.

Banerjee owes an answer to the nation on "whether Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar is a TMC MP, MLA or an office bearer of her party", he said.

Seeking an answer from the West Bengal chief minister, Maurya said, "What is the reason that when the CBI is questioning an officer on the directives of the Supreme Court, that its (CBI) officers were detained, and then a drama of dharna was staged (by Banerjee) despite being in power."

On Sunday, in an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained.

Maurya said the public meetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi held in West Bengal, has frightened her.

"She has misused her sarkaari tantra (government machinery) and apraadhi tantra (crime machinery) only to gather people for the mahagathbandhan.

"But, more than those number of people, more are actually turning up to listen to the prime minister at his rallies. Other political leaders who are standing with the TMC chief have also stains of corruption on them," the deputy chief minister said.

This is a sign of nervousness on part of Banerjee. Today, the country is facing a situation, where there is a battle between democracy and corruption, Maurya said.

In a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Maurya said, "Earlier, the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi had criticised the TMC on the chit fund scam, and today he is extending support to Mamata Banerjee. And to me, it makes me believe that chor-chor mausere bhaai (birds of a feather flock together)."

The denial of permission to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's chopper to land in the West Bengal, drops ample hints that she does not believe in democracy, he alleged.

The tussle between the TMC and the BJP got uglier on Sunday, with the West Bengal government denying permission to Adityanath's chopper to land in the state to let him address two scheduled rallies.

Adityanath addressed the rallies there telephonically and lashed out at the "anti-people" TMC government in West Bengal, saying the days of Chief Minister Banerjee's rule are "numbered".

The Uttar Pradesh chief minister and the West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh were scheduled to address "Ganatantra Bacaho" rallies at Balurghat in South Dinajpur district and Raiganj in North Dinajpur district.

Though the BJP was allowed to organise the rallies, the district administration denied permission for Adityanath's chopper to land at both the places, party leaders said.

Following denial of permission to land his chopper, Adityanath decided not to attend either of the rallies and instead addressed them telephonically. PTI NAV ANB

ANB
Chandigarh, Feb 5 (PTI) Punjab Congress general secretary Pawan Dewan on Tuesday formally staked claim for the party ticket to contest from Ludhiana in the Lok Sabha polls.

Dewan, who hails from Ludhiana, submitted his application for ticket at the Punjab Congress office here.

"I have been associated with the Congress party for past 30 years. I have served the party in various capacities. I was block president, president of the district youth Congress and then district unit president (from Ludhiana). Now, I am general secretary of the Punjab Congress," Dewan said after submitting his application.

Dewan, a close confidant of senior Congress leader and former Union minister Manish Tewari, said he is hopeful that party will consider his name while allotting ticket for the Ludhiana seat.

At present, Congress' Ravneet Singh Bittu represents the Ludhiana parliamentary constituency.

Tewari, a former MP from Ludhiana, is vying for the Congress ticket from Chandigarh.

Former railway minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, who is ex-MP from Chandigarh, and Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu's wife Navjot Kaur too have staked claim for the Congress ticket from there.

On Monday, Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill had staked claim for the party ticket to contest from Anandpur Sahib seat in Punjab.

Anandpur Sahib seat is currently represented by SAD MP Prem Singh Chandumajra who had defeated senior Congress leader and former Union minister Ambika Soni in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

With the 'Mission 13' campaign, the Punjab Congress has already begun an exercise to find winnable candidates for the 13 Lok Sabha seats for the upcoming elections.

Punjab has 13 Lok Sabha seats. Out of these, four seats each are held by the Akali Dal, AAP and the Congress while one by the BJP. PTI SUN SNE

SNE
New Delhi, Feb 5 (PTI) The BJP on Tuesday projected the apex court order directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to make himself available before the CBI as a blow to the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal and a moral victory for the investigating agency.

The Supreme Court said Kumar will appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation in the Meghalaya capital Shillong. The court also said no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata police chief, will take place during the course of the investigation.

Senior BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad welcomed the order and said it's a blow to the Mamata Banerjee government and a victory for the CBI. It also showed that nobody is above the law, including the police commissioner, he added.

The Kolkata police commissioner will appear before the CBI in Shillong as the environment is not conducive in West Bengal, Prasad said.

The Mamata Banerjee-led government in the state and BJP are at loggerheads after the CBI tried to question Kolkata's police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee has been on a 'dharna' since Sunday night over the CBI's attempts to interrogate the police chief. PTI KR JTR JTR MIN

MIN
PM Modi may lay foundation stone for Patna Metro: Minister

(Eds: Correction in 2nd line of first para)

Patna, Feb 5 (PTI) The foundation stone for the Patna

Metro Rail project may be laid down here next month by Prime

Minister Narendra Modi, a minister of the Nitish Kumar

government said on Tuesday.

Bihar Urban Development minister, Suresh Sharma said

there was an in-principle agreement to get the foundation

stone laid here by Modi at the NDAs rally on March 3.

"I had this idea in mind which I shared with the Chief

Minister on Monday. He also heartily agreed. I have asked

Principal Secretary Chaitanya Prasad to complete the necessary

formalities so that a proposal to this effect is cleared by

the cabinet", Sharma, a senior BJP leader told reporters.

"We are hopeful that foundation stone for Patna Metro

Rail will be laid by the Prime Minister when he arrives here

next month to address the rally", he added.

The Detailed Project Report for Patna Metro Rail was

cleared by the state cabinet in October last year.

Respective state unit chiefs of the JD(U), the BJP and

the LJP the three constituents of the NDA in Bihar had

recently announced that top leaders of the coalition will be

attending the rally which would be a veritable show of

strength before Lok Sabha polls are announced.

The rally would also be the first political event in

Bihar where Modi and Kumar would be sharing the stage. PTI NAC

RG

RG RG
After farmers of Maha village, their daughters launch stir

Mumbai, Feb 5 (PTI) Daughters of farmers in Puntamba

village of Maharashtra, which saw a movement for loan waiver

two years ago, have launched a fresh agitation on Tuesday in

support of their demands for cultivators.

These young women, all in their early 20s, are

demanding complete farm loan waiver and other relief measures

like remunerative price for crop produce.

The village, located in Ahmednagar district, had shot

into prominence in 2017 after an agitation started by farmers

there spread to other parts of the state, prompting the

Devendra Fadnavis government to announce Rs 34,000 crore farm

loan waiver in June that year.

Now, around 10 to 15 daughters of farmers, who took

part in the 2017 agitation, have started a sit-in at a

makeshift pandal in Puntamba, located around 250 km from here,

under the banner of Kisan Kranti Morcha, a farmers' body.

Their agitation is led by Nikita Jadhav, daughter of

Kisan Kranti Morcha's state convener Dhananjay Jadhav.

"Their key demands are complete farm loan waiver, hike

in milk procurement price to Rs 50 per litre and remunerative

price for farm produce. The women are firm on their demands,"

a member of the Kisan Kranti Morcha said.

Farmers from Puntamba village had in April 2017

decided at a gram sabha meeting to stop the supply of produce

to all major cities from June 1 that year.

The strike, that had spread to various parts of

Maharashtra in the next few days, led to farmers shutting down

wholesale markets and blocking highways. They had also

disposed of milk and vegetables on roads.

The protests had forced the state government to form a

Cabinet sub-committee to follow up on farmers' demands of farm

loan waiver and remunerative crop prices. PTI ND

GK GK
Washington, Feb 5 (AFP) Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad and Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido's envoy to Washington are among the top guests invited to attend US President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, lawmakers have announced.

In keeping with tradition, the 535 members of the US Congress may invite someone to accompany them to the annual speech, to be held Tuesday, where the president is expected to tout his accomplishments and outlines his vision for the future.

It's an occasion for the Democrats, Republicans and independents of the 100-member Senate and 435-member House of Representatives to bring guests who symbolize policy goals and bring attention to the causes they hold dear.

Murad, an Iraqi Yazidi woman who escaped the clutches of the Islamic State group to become a leading campaigner against sexual violence in war, and Carlos Vecchio, whom the US has recognised as Venezuela's top diplomat in Washington, are among the high-profile guests this year.

Murad was invited by Jeff Fortenberry, a Republican congressman for Nebraska, who said the 26-year-old's tale "is a story the world needs to hear." "I am so honored that she will be my guest at this year's State of the Union," he added on Monday.

IS fighters swept into Murad's village, Kojo, in August 2014, killing the men, taking children captive to train them as fighters and condemning thousands of women to a life of forced labor and sexual slavery.

Murad was taken to Mosul, the Iraqi "capital" of the IS's self-declared caliphate. She was held captive there and repeatedly gang-raped, tortured and beaten.

IS fighters wanted "to take our honour, but they lost their honour," she has said about the ordeal.

Vecchio, who has lived in exile since 2014, was invited by Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who has called him a "tireless advocate for the restoration of democracy and freedom of his beloved homeland."

"I anticipate President Trump will reemphasize his administration's stance against tyrannical leaders in Latin America and in support of the people of Venezuela," Rubio said.

Venezuelan opposition chief Juan Guaido declared himself interim president last month, triggering an ongoing standoff with socialist leader Nicolas Maduro.

Britain, France and Spain were among 16 European nations to side with Guaido on Monday, following in the footsteps of key regional powers and the United States, which has refused to rule out a military intervention in the crisis-wracked country.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis meanwhile announced he would be bringing Pastor Andrew Brunson, who was freed from a Turkish jail after spending a year and a half there and becoming a cause celebre for Trump's conservative Christian base.

Democratic Senator Jeff Merkeley of Oregon will be accompanied by a Guatemalan mother and daughter who were separated at the Mexico border in 2018 -- highlighting the plight of thousands of others who faced similar circumstances due to Trump's hardline immigration policies.

Republicans on the other hand have invited border patrol agents who fiercely defend the president's fight against illegal border crossings. (AFP) MRJ

MRJ
Kabul, Feb 5 (AP) The Taliban killed at least 21 people in their latest attacks in Afghanistan, including 11 policemen who were slain when the insurgents stormed a checkpoint in northern Baghlan province, provincial officials said Tuesday.

The attacks were reported as representatives of the Taliban were to hold meetings in Moscow with prominent Afghan figures, including former President Hamid Karzai, opposition leaders and tribal elders  but not Kabul government officials.

In the checkpoint attack, the Taliban targeted the local police force in the province's Baghlani Markazi district on Monday night, triggering a firefight that lasted for almost two hours, said Safder Mohsini, head of the provincial council.

Five policemen were also wounded and the Taliban seized all the weapons and ammunition from the security before reinforcements arrived, he said.

"They arrived there late, fought back and managed to get the checkpoint under control," he added.

Earlier on Monday, the Taliban targeted a local pro-government militia in a village in northern Samangan province, killing 10 people there, including a woman, said Sediq Azizi, spokesman for the provincial governor.

Four people were also wounded in that attack, in Samangan's Dara-I Suf district, he said.

According to Azizi, the Taliban targeted local villagers, including women and children. As the area is very remote, the villagers have their own militia to provide security for their area and defend their homes from the insurgents.

The Taliban claimed both attacks in statements to the media.

The two-day meeting in the Russian capital between the Taliban and Afghan figures, which starts Tuesday, is seen as another step in a process aimed at resolving Afghanistan's 17-year war, one that has accelerated since the appointment last September of US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

But the meeting has sidelined Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government, which has criticized the gathering.

Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive, said Monday that the Afghan government should be at the center of any peace talks, adding that Kabul "would prefer the Moscow meeting had a different shape." Abdullah said that Taliban were the biggest obstacle to peace, but that if the Moscow meeting creates "an opening for real peace talks, it would still be a step forward." The Taliban have been staging near-daily attacks, inflicting heavy casualties on the embattled Afghan army and security forces. (AP) PMS

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Abu Dhabi, Feb 5 (AFP) Pope Francis and a top Muslim cleric have issued a joint call for freedom of belief during the first visit by the head of the Catholic church to the birthplace of Islam - the Arabian Peninsula.

Francis, who has made outreach to Muslim communities a cornerstone of his papacy, is on an historic three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates.

He is due to hold an open-air mass on Tuesday for 135,000 of the Muslim country's million Catholic residents, set to be the largest ever public gathering in the Gulf state.

On Monday, the pope held talks in Abu Dhabi with Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb - imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's prestigious seat of learning.

The two religious leaders signed a document on "human fraternity for world peace and living together", described by the Vatican as an "important step forward in the dialogue between Christians and Muslims".

They called for "freedom of belief", the "promotion of a culture of tolerance", the "protection of places of worship" and "full citizenship" rights for minorities.

"It is... crucial to establish in our societies the concept of full citizenship and reject the discriminatory use of the term minorities which engenders feelings of isolation and inferiority," read the document.

It said "freedom is a right of every person: each individual enjoys the freedom of belief, thought, expression and action" and that "pluralism and the diversity of religions, colour, sex, race and language are willed by God".

"The fact that people are forced to adhere to a certain religion or culture must be rejected, as too the imposition of a cultural way of life that others do not accept," it said.

Francis also delivered an address at an interfaith meeting attended by Sheikh Ahmed and UAE leaders, and pushed for an end to all wars in the Middle East, including in Yemen.

The United Arab Emirates and neighbouring Saudi Arabia are key allies of the Yemeni government, which is locked in a war against Iran-linked rebels that has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine.

The pope said all religious leaders had a "duty to reject every nuance of approval from the word war".

"I am thinking in particular of Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Libya," he said.

Yemen is the scene of what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, triggered by the intervention of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and their allies in a war between the government and Huthi rebels.

More than 10 million Yemenis now risk imminent starvation.

The UAE, which prides itself on its religious diversity in the Gulf, is also a member of the US-led coalition battling the Islamic State group in both Syria and Iraq.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, one of the most powerful rulers in the seven emirates, on Monday gifted the pope a deed for the plot of land on which the first church in the UAE was built.

Pope Francis in turn gave him a framed medallion of the meeting between St Francis Assisi - the pope's namesake - and the Sultan of Egypt Malek al-Kamel, in 1219.

While the pope did not openly discuss politics, he called for "the full recognition" of rights for people across the Middle East, a potential reference to communities including Shiites in Saudi Arabia, refugees and migrants, stateless peoples and other minorities.

"I look forward to societies where people of different beliefs have the same right of citizenship and where only in the case of violence in any of its forms is that right removed," he said.

The Emirates has dubbed 2019 its "year of tolerance" but rights groups have criticised it for its role in Yemen, where an estimated 10,000 people have been killed since the Saudi-led alliance the government's fight against the Huthis in 2015.

Muslims make up nearly four fifths of the UAE's population, but the country is also home to nearly a million Catholics, according to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia.

Migrants from Asian countries make up about 65 percent of the population.

The UAE has pushed itself as an open society in a conservative region. The country is home to eight Catholic churches, Hindu temples and a place of prayer that serves as a synagogue.

Bahrain and Qatar are home to one Catholic church each while Oman, Kuwait and Yemen each have four while Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia bans all non-Muslim places of worship. (AFP) MRJ

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Lahore, Feb 5 (PTI) Nawaz Sharif has multiple health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney and cardiac problems, but his treatment can be done in Pakistan, head of a medical board that examined the ousted prime minister said Tuesday amid reports that the veteran politician wanted to go to London.

Sharif, 69, is serving a seven-year jail term in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. The Islamabad High Court will hear his bail application on medical grounds on Wednesday.

Professor Dr Mahmood Ayaz, head of the medical board told reporters that Sharif's tests have been done and a final checkup was carried out on Tuesday.

"The recommendations will be sent to the home ministry, who will decide if Nawaz should be shifted from hospital," he said.

He said that as per the protocol, he cannot reveal the test results of the patients.

On Saturday, the deposed prime minister was shifted from Kot Lakhpat prison here to a hospital where he was examined by a three-member medical board.

Geo News, quoting hospital sources, said the three-time prime minister has been diagnosed with a kidney stone, but his blood test, ECG, uric acid and other reports were all clear.

A few days earlier, a team of doctors, including cardiologists, had conducted a medical examination of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo at Kot Lakhpat jail.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government claimed on Monday that Sharif was keen to go to London for treatment.

"Nawaz Sharif is keen to go to London. His medical reports are normal but he wants to go to London," Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan said.

When asked if something was going on between the Sharif family and the government, the minister said: "They (the Sharif family and PML-N) have been blackmailing the government with regard to the health of Nawaz Sharif. They want relief for the Sharif family.

"But after Sharifs medical reports, it has been established that his condition is not serious as he had 'just' a small stone in his kidney which can be operated upon here."

Reacting to the reports, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb told Dawn newspaper that "no backdoor' efforts were under way to secure a deal for the Sharif family.

"It is mere propaganda of our political opponents. Had Mr Sharif wanted a deal he would not have come back from London to go to jail along with his daughter Maryam," she said.

"We want best treatment of Mian sahib in the light of his test reports," she added.

Earlier, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to take the nation into confidence if any deal with the PML-N was in the making.

"I hope Prime Minister Khan will not mind as there are reports that PML-N and PPP are paying money for striking a deal with the PTI government. If it is true, please take the nation into confidence," Rashid said.

Sharif was tried in three corruption case launched in September, 2017. He was first convicted and sentenced for 10 years in July last year in a case related to Avenfield properties in London. He was also disqualified to hold any public office for 10 years. The Islamabad High Court granted him bail in the case in September last year. PTI AKJ AKJ
Washington, Feb 5 (AFP) President Donald Trump's controversial choice to lead the World Bank could spark a revolt against US dominance of the institution and spur other members to unite behind an alternate candidate.

The White House has confirmed to fellow Group of Seven nations that Trump will nominate US Treasury official David Malpass, a person familiar with the matter told AFP, intending to maintain US control of one of the leading global bodies.

The Washington-based lending institution has been led by an American since the bank's founding in the aftermath of World War II, while its sister institution, the International Monetary Fund, has always been led by a European.

In recent years, the growing emerging market countries have challenged this unwritten arrangement, demanding a more open, merit-based selection process.

Experts on the process had thought it unlikely those countries would join forces against the US candidate, but agreed they might react more strongly to Malpass, a strident critic of the World Bank and IMF who has called their lending "corrupt."

Many, including former Treasury officials from both US political parties, have sharply criticized Malpass and his qualifications, pointing to his failure to foresee the global financial crisis and opposition, which later proved unjustified, to Federal Reserve policies.

"David Malpass would be a disastrous, toxic choice for World Bank president," said Tony Fratto, former Treasury assistant secretary in the George W Bush administration.

Justin Sandefur, senior fellow at the Center for Global Development, said Malpass "has committed economic malpractice on a wide range of topics, from dismissing the first signs of the 2008 global financial crisis to flirting with the abolition of the IMF."

Malpass, currently US Treasury undersecretary for international affairs, has sharply criticized the World Bank for continuing to lend to China and other relatively well-off countries.

And in testimony before Congress in November 2017, he said the World Bank and IMF were "often corrupt in their lending practices, and they don't get the benefit to the actual people in the countries" but to those "who fly in on a first-class airplane ticket to give advice to the government officials."

Malpass was chief economist at the former investment bank Bear Stearns from 1993 until it collapsed in 2008 at the start of the global financial crisis, and ran unsuccessfully for the Senate, before serving on Trump's transition team.

But last year he led negotiations that ended with a "historic" increase in the bank's lending capital by USD 13 billion, after shareholders agreed to a reform package that curbs loans and charges more for higher income countries like China.

The surprise early departure of World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, effective February 1, not even halfway through his second five-year term, allows Trump to weigh in on his successor.

After reshaping the US presidency, traditional alliances, trade relations and the US Supreme Court, Trump now could have a chance to influence how countries like China access concessional lending.

The bank's board will accept nominations from February 7 through March 14, and plans to name a new president prior the IMF and World Bank Spring meetings, set for April 12-14 in Washington. Any of the 189 members can propose a candidate.

The United States is the biggest shareholder in the World Bank but does not have a veto and needs the backing of European nations in a simple majority vote by the board.

However, if Europe were to oppose the US selection, it would tacitly be giving up leadership of the far more prominent IMF once its current chief Christine Lagarde departs.

Mark Sobel, who had a long career with the US Treasury Department and oversaw relations with the IMF, and who overlapped with Malpass at Treasury, declined to comment on the choice.

However, he cautioned that failure to name a "credible" candidate could unite World Bank members to oppose the US choice, especially if that choice is "a person seen as hostile to the institution." He has called for an end to the tradition of Americans and Europeans leading the two primary global lending institutions.

"I also think that ultimately institutions are better served by having a credible person running them regardless of their nationality," Sobel told AFP.

Masood Ahmed, who had a long career at the World Bank and IMF, and now is the president of the Center for Global Development in Washington, warned that failure to select a leader through a "truly merit-based" process, "ends up eroding a little further the legitimacy and credibility of the organization."

Other potential candidates Trump reportedly considered included former Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala -- who was nominated by African countries to compete against Kim in 2012 -- and former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, an Indian-American. (AFP) SMJ

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Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Business Wire India



 Merck Foundation provides one and two year Oncology Fellowship Program to African doctors to be the future oncologists in their countries.

 Merck Foundation commits to long term partnership with African ministries of Health and first ladies to build cancer care capacity in the continent.



Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks World Cancer Day 2019 themed I am and I will through their Cancer Access Program with the aim to improve patients access to quality and equitable cancer care in Africa.



We are committed to lead Africa to a better future through changing the landscape of Cancer care in the continent. We have been actively working to achieve objectives of building professional capacity with the aim to increase the limited number of oncologists, emphasized Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.



The lack of financial means is not the only challenge, I strongly believe the scarcity of trained health care personnel is the main challenge, therefore our main strategy is to establish a strong platform of specialized oncologists across the continent, specifically in countries where there is not even a single oncologists till today, such as: Gambia, Central African Republic, Liberia, Guinea Conakry and Sierra Leone. They need them to tackle the prevention, early diagnosis and management of cancer at all levels of the health care systems. Through this program, Merck Foundation has enrolled and provided clinical training in Oncology to 57 candidates from more than 21 African countries. We will soon scale up and strengthen our efforts and activities in more countries, emphasized Dr. Rasha Kelej.



Merck Foundation through its Merck Cancer Access Program has provided training to over 57 candidates from Botswana, Cameroon, CAR, Chad, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.



As per data and research, Over 20% of African countries have no access to cancer treatments at all, while access is limited and sporadic in other countries. Later-stage diagnosis in African patients contributes to poorer outcomes. For example, 5-year female breast cancer relative survival rates are 46% in Uganda and 12% in The Gambia, compared with around 90% in developed countries.



Therefore Merck foundation partnership with African Government and academia was the right strategy to address this pressing issue, the Merck Cancer access Program was launched in 2016 to provide One-year and two year fellowship program at Tata Memorial Centre - India, two years Oncology Fellowship programs at University of Malaya - Malaysia, Two years Oncology Fellowship Program at University of Nairobi  Kenya and Two years Master degree in Medical Oncology at Cairo University  Egypt.



It is an on-going initiative as the aim is to build cancer care capacity and will be scaled up to more African and developing countries.



Merck Foundation also provides Cancer access and scientific sessions for more than 1000 healthcare providers during their annual conference, Merck Africa Asia Luminary which was held last year in Senegal, presided by THE PRESIDENT OF SENEGAL, H.E. MACKY SALL. Ten African First ladies and 12 Ministers of health were meeting in different panels and committees to review the strategy of Merck Foundation programs to build healthcare capacity in different fields with special focus on Cancer care in long term partnership with their countries.



Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard

Facebook: Merck Foundation

Twitter: @Merckfoundation

YouTube: MerckFoundation

Website: www.merck-foundation.com



Join Merck Foundation online community to exchange experience and information with other healthcare providers, researchers, students, policy makers and community members in Africa and beyond www.merck-foundation.com free registration.



About Merck Foundation



The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to innovative healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please go to www.merck-foundation.com to read more and/or register online to interact and exchange experience with our registered members.



About Merck



Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Almost 53,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life  from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2017, Merck generated sales of  15.3 billion in 66 countries.



Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma.



To View the Images Click on the Link Below:

Merck Cancer Access Program



Merck Cancer Access Program



Merck Cancer Access Program



To View the Video Click on the Link Below:

Meet the future oncologist of Africa-Oncology Fellowship, Merck Foundation Alumni PWR

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New Delhi, Delhi, India  Business Wire India



India-China should create a framework for cross border e-commerce. Our analysis, based on OECD data, predicts that India-China combined will host 47% of global e-commerce users. (refer the graph below). Moreover, by 2021, 39% of global e-commerce sales will come from India-China, said Prasoon Sharma, Director India Global.



Indias B2C e-commerce sales will have compound annual growth of 23%. Chinas e-commerce will be worth $800 billion by 2021.



Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is one of the biggest e-commerce sites in India. IRCTC has 600 Million average annual visitors. Indian government should plan to promote IRCTC among Chinese tourist. Chinese tourist market consists of 135 million travellers a year, spending US$261 billion. At present, 1 million Chinese tourists come to India. In the next three years, India should capture at least 10% of the Chinese tourist market (equivalent to $26B). Even at 1% conversion Chinese e-commerce companies can have 60 Million new users annually by partnering with IRCTC.



As per Global infrastructure outlook, India needs $385 billion in next 25 Years for rail projects. Selling IRCTC stake to Chinese e-commerce company can be a win-win situation for both India and China. As once Chinese e-commerce companies like Baidu has a stake in IRCTC, they will put special effort to promote IRCTC to Chinese tourists, maybe by launching the IRCTC website and mobile App in mandarin. The launch of IRCTC in China will enable India to capture at least 10% ($26 billion worth) of the Chinese tourist market.



Both India-China is planning to boost agriculture-trade. Due to the US-China trade war in the next 3-5 years, both nations will do agri-trade worth $20 billion. Even at 5% conversion e-commerce companies can earn up to $1 Billion. By 2025, 90 million Indian farmers could increase their profits by using real-time market information provided by various e-commerce platforms. Even at 5% conversion e-commerce companies can have 4.5 Million new users. India-China should think of cross border e-commerce framework for Agro products. By Connecting e-mandi to e-commerce platforms like Alibaba and Baidu to give farmers a reasonable price for their products.



Recently published article in Chinas Global Times suggested, China and India are developing countries and ancient Eastern civilisations. The development of bilateral relations, if it follows the paradigm of Western international relations, will inevitably lead to geopolitical competition, confrontation, and security dilemmas. The two countries should abandon this Western paradigm and apply Eastern wisdom to solve development concerns when they arise. India-China should think of creating cross border e-commerce framework for Agro products by connecting e-mandis to e-commerce platforms like Alibaba and Baidu to give farmers a reasonable price for their products.



This press release is about the latest research published by Prasoon Sharma. The author is Global Public Policy leadership fellow at New York University and University College London. He has led a Chineses MNC in South Asia and represented India at various forums like BRICS, Strategic economic dialogue. (prasoon.sharma.18@ucl.ac.uk)



Twitter: @sriprasoon24

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/prasoon-sharma-nyu





To View the Image Click on the Link Below:

Mr. Prasoon Sharma with Professor JagdishSheth author of the book: Chindia Rising



India-China e-commerce market PWR

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MUMBAI, February 5, 2019/PRNewswire/ --

Scholarship Aimed at Supporting Higher Education of Meritorious but Needy Students



Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), one of India's premier business schools, has announced the commencement of an annual scholarship program to help deserving and financially underprivileged students manage the cost of their higher education.







(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/816709/JBIMSScholarshipAwards.jpg )



Effective 2019, every year two M.M.S. students will be granted Rs. 100,000 each as part of the Smt. Jyoti Dwivedi Memorial Scholarship Awards. The scholarships will be provided to second year students to meet their education fees based on their first year scores as well as their family's financial situation.



This scholarship amount has been provided to JBIMS by Nimish Dwivedi from JBIMS' batch of 1993.



Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Kavita Laghate, Director of JBIMS said, "JBIMS is very thankful to our alumna, Mr. Nimish Dwivedi for his support to meritorious students in the form of this scholarship. I am very sure that the students will be really motivated by this award and will strive to achieve more in future."



Nimish Dwivedi, a consumer marketing and financial services veteran who has lived and worked in India, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, and is currently based in Vietnam, added, "I am thankful to the Director and to my Business School for instituting this scholarship in my late mother's cherished memory. I owe my current career and standing to JBIMS. The only reason I got into JBIMS was due to my late mother who was a great believer in the power of higher education and one of the first graduates from her home town in Gujarat during the nineteen sixties."



This year, the scholarship has been awarded to Rutuja Dharkar and Bhimsingh Rajpurohit.



Rutuja Dharkar hails from Nashik and has managed to do her engineering as well as got into JBIMS with her firm belief in breaking the stereotypes that small town girls are not made for corporate world and prove that women are equally competent.



Bhimsingh Rajpurohit hails from a family of ten including eight siblings. He has managed to complete his engineering as well as got into JBIMS with his firm belief that 'if you are going through hell, keep going and be unstoppable.'



About JBIMS:



An Institute founded in 1965, JBIMS is considered to be unique in management education as it is firmly rooted in the local soil and capable of articulating the Indian ethos. In the contemporary era, where Globalization and Liberalization are the buzz words, the Institute has, without disturbing the said roots, ordered itself to meet the emerging challenges, sentiments and opportunities that are going to present themselves on account of the new economic order. The Institute believes that proper managerial perspective, search of excellence and efficient managerial action is possible by a person with managerial potential developed into a highly resourceful, enriched and stimulating mind through knowledge, skills and attitudes provided in the MMS course. For more information, visit: http://jbims.edu/ .



Source: Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) PWR

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AHMEDABAD, India, February 4, 2019/PRNewswire/ --

Azim Premji, honored with theLifetimeAchievementAward

An eminent eight-member Jury, led by Uday Kotak, selected the 16 Finalists

The 16 Finalists have a combined revenue of INR 1,16,264 crore (US$16.3 billion) and employ 2,54,738 people worldwide

The Jury commends the Finalists for their innovation, disruptive business models and building sustainable enterprises

EY, the leading global professional services organisation, today announced the selection of 16 of the most exceptional entrepreneurs as Finalists for the 20th Entrepreneur of the Year India (EOY) 2018 Awards. The Finalists have been selected from among over 240 outstanding nominations and will be felicitated at a grand celebratory Awards Banquet to be held on 12 February in Mumbai.



Together, these 16 Finalists have combined revenues of INR 1,16,264 crore (US$16.3 billion) and are providing employment to 2,54,738 people in India and globally.



The winners will be announced across several categories, while the national winner will represent India at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year Award (WEOY) in Monte Carlo from 5 - 9 June 2019.



The Finalists were selected by an eminent eight-member independent Jury Panel led by Uday Kotak, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kotak Mahindra Bank. The other Jury Members are Jalaj Dani, Co-Promoter, Asian Paints; Harsh Goenka, Chairman, RPG Enterprises; Rishad Premji, Chief Strategy Officer, Wipro; Meher Pudumjee, Chairperson, Thermax; Sameer Sain, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Everstone Group; Vijay Sankar, Deputy Chairman, The Sanmar Group and Kunal Shroff, Managing Partner, ChrysCapital Advisors.



Uday Kotak, the Jury Chairman and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kotak Mahindra Bank, says, "As Jury, we were impressed with the outstanding quality of nominations from across industries and regions. We followed an intense and rigorous selection process, consistently applied worldwide for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Along with my fellow Jury members, I would like to commend the 16 Finalists for their bold vision, innovative thinking, determination to succeed and their ability to build sustainable businesses in a highly competitive market."



The Finalists for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 India Awards are:



Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, AU Small Finance Bank

Mr. Ritesh Agarwal, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Oravel Stays (OYO Hotels and Homes)

Mr. Sahil Barua, Chief Executive Officer, Delhivery

Mr. Karan Bhagat, Founder, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IIFL Investment Managers

Mr. Bhaskar Bhat, Managing Director, Titan Company

Mr. Kishore Biyani, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Future Group

Dr. Satyanarayana Chava, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Laurus Labs

Mr. Binish Chudgar, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Intas Pharmaceuticals

Mr. Tarang Jain, Managing Director, Varroc Group

Mr. Manu Kumar Jain, Managing Director - Xiaomi India

Mr. Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eicher Motors

Mr. Rajesh Mehra, Promoter and Director, Jaquar Group

Mr. Nirmal K Minda, Chairman and Managing Director, Minda Industries

Mr. Ashok Reddy, Managing Director and Co- Founder, TeamLease Services

Mr. Byju Raveendran, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Think & Learn (BYJU'S)

Mr. Atul Ruia, Chairman and Managing Director, The Phoenix Mills

Click here for more on the Finalists.



Azim Premji, Chairman of Wipro Ltd. will be felicitated with the Lifetime Achievement Award. A highly respected business leader, Mr. Premji has been instrumental in developing the Indian information technology industry. He led Wipro's transformation from a vegetable oil business into a multi-business technology organization with revenues of over US$9 billion today. In 2001, he founded the Azim Premji Foundation, a non-profit organization, with a vision to facilitate a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society. A Padma Vibhushan and a Padma Bhushan Awardee, he is ranked among the top philanthropic donors in the world.



Rajiv Memani, Chairman, EY India, says, "Entrepreneurship has taken a new meaning in the current times with Indian ingenuity making a mark across the globe and technology shaping the future. What is common among our Finalists is their ability to create a compelling differentiation, achieve scale at an unprecedented speed and embrace innovation to either improve customer experience or drive efficient operations. Empowered by a strong domestic market leadership, their ambitions have taken global wings."



The Jury considered a host of criterion including the nominee's entrepreneurial spirit, recent financial performance, strategic direction, product or service innovation, company leadership including personal integrity and risk-taking, values and key employee initiatives, and involvement with the community.



Farokh Balsara, Partner and EOY India Program Leader said, "We are witnessing a transformational change in India in nearly all facets of the economy, fuelled by digital technologies, coupled with the speed of change. The combined forces of entrepreneurs, businesses and the Government are creating new opportunities and building a new India. Selected by an eminent Jury each of our EOY 2018 Finalists are exceptional entrepreneurs and winners in their own right. They have seized the upside of disruption and demonstrated exemplary business acumen to excel in this transformative age."



Ashish Gumashta, CEO, Julius Baer, India said, "We are excited to partner in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) Awards 2018 that acknowledges India's entrepreneurial dynamism and its contribution to economic growth. Across the world, Julius Baer has a long tradition of working closely with entrepreneurs to build lasting relationships. India is amongst the top five countries across the Asia Pacific region in terms of HNWIs and we are delighted to continue to bring Julius Baer's global expertise and solid heritage of nearly 130 years in private banking, through wealth advisory, legacy planning and philanthropy solutions, along the entrepreneur's journey and the build-out of the business."



The past winners of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year India Awards include Sanjiv Bajaj (Bajaj Finserv); Vivek Chaand Sehgal (Samvardhana Motherson Group); Vinita and Nilesh Gupta (Lupin Limited); Uday Kotak (Kotak Mahindra Bank); Adi Godrej (Godrej Group); Rahul Bhatia (Interglobe Enterprises); Dilip Shanghvi (Sun Pharmaceuticals); Anand G Mahindra (Mahindra Group); Anil Agarwal (Vedanta Resources); Tulsi Tanti (Suzlon Energy); Kumar Mangalam Birla (Aditya Birla Group); Sunil Bharti Mittal (Bharti Group); Ratan Tata (Tata Group); N.R Narayana Murthy (Infosys); Brijmohan Lall Munjal (Hero Group); Mukesh Ambani (Reliance Industries), and Subhash Chandra (Zee Telefilms).



Read more about the 20th EY Entrepreneur of the Year at ey.com/in/eoy



About EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award



EY Entrepreneur of the Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential, and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, EY Entrepreneur of the Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in 60 countries.



About EY



EY is a global leader in its Assurance, Tax, Transaction and Advisory services. Our insights and the quality services we deliver help to build trust and confidence in capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In doing so, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.



EY refers to the global organization and may also denote one or more of the member firms of EY Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. EY Global Limited, a UK company, which is limited by guarantees, does not provide services to clients. For more information on our organization, please visit ey.com.



This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member firm of the global EY organization. It also does not provide services to clients.



Source: EY PWR

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(Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with PR Newswire. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.)

MUMBAI, India, February 4, 2019/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

Launches 1107 Nextgen Vakrangee Kendra stores across the country at the same time on the same day

Overall, the Company launched 3,300+ stores

Today, Vakrangee celebrates their latest feat of becoming the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title holder for the Most stores launched simultaneously. Vakrangee has announced that it has entered the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS by opening 1,107 stores at 11:07 AM on January 14, 2019. This is the highest number of stores opened anywhere in the world. It achieved this by beating the existing GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title of Most stores launched simultaneously of 505 stores on October 29, 2018 held by Xiaomi Technology India Pvt. Ltd.



GUINNESS WORLD RECORD[TM] Ceremony Photograph: https://vakrangee.in/gallery4.php?id=156



These 1,107 stores were part of the 3,300+ NextGen Vakrangee Kendras, which were launched on January 14, 2019. These NextGen stores offer a comprehensive range of products and services across banking, insurance, ATM, assisted e-Commerce, e-governance, financial services and logistics. These NextGen outlets are spread across 19 states, 350+ districts and 2,000+ postal codes of the country, out of which more than 70% outlets are from Tier 5 and Tier 6 cities.



Commenting on the same, Mr. Dinesh Nandwana, Founder Promoter & Executive Chairman, Vakrangee Ltd. said, "We are honored and excited to receive this certification from GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS. This global recognition is a validation of our belief and commitment to the transformation agenda to the NextGen Vakrangee Kendras. This record-breaking feat also showcases capability of our extended family of Vakrangee employees, franchise partners and vendor associates."



Vakrangee's planned target is to reach at least 25,000 operational outlets by FY 2019-20 and further enhance it to reach 45,000 outlets by FY 2020-21 and 75,000 by FY 2021-22.



Commenting on the same, Mr. Swapnil Dangarikar, Official Adjudicator, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS, said, "We are delighted that Vakrangee have created a new world record by opening Most stores launched simultaneously. All outlets were collectively inaugurated at sharp 11.07 AM on 14th January 2019."



"It is an honor to present Vakrangee Limited a certificate for achieving a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title. I am excited to announce that they are now Officially Amazing[TM]," he added.



About Vakrangee Limited (BSE Code: 511431) (NSE Code: VAKRANGEE)



Incorporated in 1990, Vakrangee is the unique technology driven company focused on building India's largest network of last-mile retail outlets to deliver real-time banking & financial services, ATM, insurance, e-governance, e-commerce and logistics services to the unserved markets. The Assisted Digital Convenience stores are called as 'Vakrangee Kendra' which acts as the 'One-stop shop' for availing various services and products. Vakrangee has been at the forefront in financial inclusion space in India. It has signed 'Common BC' agreements with various public sector banks for offering real-time banking to unserved and underserved rurban population. In addition to banking, 'Vakrangee Kendra' outlets also provide insurance products, e-governance services and e-commerce products. For more info, visit www.vakrangee.in



Source: Vakrangee Limited PWR

PWR
Chandigarh, Feb 5 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Tuesday announced setting up a high-powered committee to boost dairy sector for supplementing farmers' income in a result-oriented manner.

During a meeting to review the progress of various development projects and schemes related to animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries, the chief minister asked additional chief secretary of animal husbandry department to complete the formalities for setting up the committee, an official statement said.

The committee will consist of the Chairman of the State Farmers Commission, Director Animal Husbandry, Director Dairy Development and a representative of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU).

It will suggest measures to promote diversification of agriculture with an aim of enhancing farmers' income from allied sources, the statement said.

Amarinder asked the chairman of the State Farmers Commission, Ajay Vir Jakhar, to engage the services of Israeli dairy farming expert Yehuda Sprecher, who was here to attend the meeting as an advisor to the animal husbandry department.

Underlining the need to augment farmers' income to make agriculture viable again, the chief minister said monetary output from traditional cropping pattern has already reached saturation point, and alternative avenues of agricultural growth need to be explored and sustained.

He stressed on the need to motivate farmers to switch to allied farming for economic viability. PTI SUN RUJ RVK

RVK
Brussels, Feb 5 (AFP) EU president Jean-Claude Juncker will host British Prime Minister Theresa May for talks in Brussels on Thursday as the two sides seek to save their Brexit deal.

Plans for Britain to leave the European Union on March 29 under a withdrawal agreement signed last year were thrown into doubt when British lawmakers rejected the accord.

Brussels is now waiting for May to formally request renewed talks, while warning that the agreement itself can not at this stage be reopened for discussion.

"While the commission's position is clear, we are waiting to see what the prime minister has to say," Juncker's spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters at his daily briefing Tuesday.

"A series of votes has taken place in the British parliament, upon the basis of which the prime minister will come to explain what comes next." The House of Commons last month overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU over almost two years.

In a subsequent vote, a majority of MPs urged her to renegotiate the most controversial part of the agreement, the "backstop" arrangement intended to keep open the border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland.

May's government is now urgently looking into what changes might satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU trade rules, with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland.

Confirming Thursday's talks, the prime minister's spokesman said: "You can expect her to update the European Commission president on the discussions that have been taking place at home and the way forward."

May will visit Juncker at the commission's Berlaymont headquarters a day after Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar holds talks with EU leaders on Wednesday.

May is visiting Northern Ireland on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss the issue with local businesses, community groups and politicians.

The impasse has led to heightened fears Britain could crash out of the EU, its closest trading partner, without a deal in just a few weeks.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a trip to Tokyo on Tuesday: "Two months is not a long time but there is still time, and this should be used by all sides."

The EU has repeatedly said it will not amend the backstop, but Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz suggested the bloc could agree to some form of legal assurances on how it might be used.

"The worst case scenario is no deal Brexit and in our opinion we should do what we can to avoid that, to look for some solutions, to be creative," he told reporters in Brussels on Monday.

He declined to repeat his previous suggestion that the backstop could be given a five-year time limit -- something Brussels and Dublin have rejected.

But he said: "Maybe you can envisage other legal guarantees without reopening the negotiations? In my opinion it is possible."

British MPs who met with Juncker's right-hand man, Martin Selmayr, in Brussels on Monday said he did not rule out putting some kind of legal assurance on the backstop into the withdrawal deal.

But Selmayr himself rejected this, tweeting: "On the EU side, nobody is considering this." (AFP) SMJ

SMJ
New Delhi, Feb 5 (PTI) Hitting out at the opposition coming together in support of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Union Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday said that a "kleptocrats club" was aspiring to capture the reigns of power in the country.

The disproportionate over-reaction by Banerjee to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) wanting to interrogate the Kolkata Police chief has flagged several issues for a public discourse, the minister said, adding the most important being that a kleptocrats club now aspires to capture the reigns of India.

In a Facebook post titled The Kleptocrats Club, Jaitley said the West Bengal chit fund fraud was unearthed in 2012-13. Its investigations were handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court.

The court monitored these investigations. The CBI has interrogated and even arrested some people. Many have been granted bail. If a police officer is also required to be interrogated, how does it become a super emergency, assault on federalism, or destruction of institutions? Jaitley questioned.

Stating that it would be a gross error to assume that Banerjee did this because of a routine investigation involving a police officer, Jaitley said She did it to defocus from other opposition aspirants for the highest office and to project herself as the nucleus of Indias opposition.

Since Sunday, Banerjee is sitting on dharna in Kolkata against the CBI's attempt to grill the city police chief in the chit fund scams, including Saradha.

Today, the CBI is being brutally prevented by physical force and detention of its officer from investigating a crime legally within its jurisdiction, in the state of West Bengal. It is a textbook illustration of a state government assaulting federalism, Jaitley said.

He said Banerjees decision to sit on a Dharna received support of many opposition parties who aspire to be in power.

Most of them, or their affiliates, are today being investigated, prosecuted and in some cases have also been convicted for crimes of corruption, he said.

Curiously, the AICC President somersaulted his position from Saradha being a scam to shoulder-to-shoulder support to scamster. Interestingly, the first family of Congress where most members are on bail. A non-ideological short-lived coalition of opposition is disaster for India, he said.

Questioning whether New India can be ever run by this "kleptocrats club", Jaitley said those who have lent support to the West Bengal dharna are those who are battling serious allegations of economic improprieties, criminal misconduct and even corruption.

2019 Election will be either Modi Vs. Chaos or Modi Vs. Anarchy. Mamata Banerjees latest acrobatics are the best evidence of the kind of governance Indias opposition can provide, Jaitley said. PTI JD CS ANS

ANS
New Delhi, Feb 5 (PTI) Union Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday termed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's protest against CBI as a "disproportionate over-reaction and said opposition leaders supporting her is like a "kleptocrats club" aspiring to capture the reigns of power in the country.

Jaitley said the West Bengal chit fund fraud was unearthed in 2012-13 and its investigations were handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Supreme Court.

"The court monitored these investigations. The CBI has interrogated and even arrested some people. Many have been granted bail. If a police officer is also required to be interrogated, how does it become a super emergency, assault on federalism, or destruction of institutions? Jaitley questioned in a Facebook post titled 'The Kleptocrats Club'.

The minister said, the CBI was being "brutally prevented" by physical force from investigating a crime which is legally within its jurisdiction. "It is a textbook illustration of a state government assaulting federalism, said Jaitley, who is in the US for medical treatment.

Since Sunday, Banerjee is sitting on dharna in Kolkata against the CBI's attempt to grill the city police chief Rajeev Kumar in chit fund scams, including Saradha.

"Mamata Banerjee's disproportionate over-reaction to the CBI wanting to interrogate the Kolkata Police Chief has flagged several issues for a public discourse. The most important being that a Kleptocrats Club now aspires to capture the reigns of India," Jaitley said.

Stating that it would be a gross error to assume that Banerjee did this because of a routine investigation involving a police officer, Jaitley said She did it to defocus from other opposition aspirants for the highest office and to project herself as the nucleus of Indias opposition.

Most of the opposition leaders or their affiliates, supporting Banerjee, are today being investigated, prosecuted and in some cases have also been convicted for crimes of corruption, Jaitley said.

"Curiously, the AICC President somersaulted his position from Saradha being a scam to shoulder-to-shoulder support to scamster. Interestingly, the first family of Congress where most members are on bail. A non-ideological short-lived coalition of opposition is disaster for India, he said.

Questioning whether New India can be ever run by this "kleptocrats club", Jaitley said those who have lent support to the West Bengal dharna are those who are battling serious allegations of economic improprieties, criminal misconduct and even corruption.

"2019 election will be either Modi vs. chaos or Modi vs. anarchy. Mamata Banerjees latest acrobatics are the best evidence of the kind of governance Indias opposition can provide, Jaitley said.

The Supreme Court, earlier in the day, directed Kumar to appear before the CBI in Meghalaya's capital Shillong. The court also said no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata police chief, will take place during the course of the investigation. PTI

JD CS ANS

ANS
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Read our full Opinion Policies here. Updated on 10/7/2020
The Egyptian parliament's general committee approved on Tuesday a motion signed by 155 MPs (more than one-fifth of the total deputies) to amend the Egyptian constitution.

House Speaker Ali Abdel-Aal chaired the general committee's meeting to review the proposed constitutional amendments, which involved seven sections outlined as follows.

First section: Increased representation and support for political life and balance among the communities in society:

(A) Supporting the increased representation of women in parliament.

(B) The permanent representation of workers and farmers in parliament.

(C) The permanent representation of youth, Copts, Egyptians abroad and persons with disabilities in parliament.

Second section: Reforming the system of government

(A) The possibility of appointing one or more vice presidents of the republic.

(B) Increasing the length of presidential terms from four to six years.

Third section: The judiciary

(A) Organise a unified mechanism for the appointment of the heads of judicial bodies, the prosecutor-general and the head of the Supreme Constitutional Court.

(B) The establishment of a Higher Council for Joint Judicial Affairs.

Fourth section: The Armed Forces

(A) Reworking and deepening the role of the Armed Forces.

(B) The appointment of the Minister of Defence shall be made after the approval of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.

(B) Legal protection for vital and public facilities.

Fifth section: Electoral reforms

A) Removing the phrase referring to the equal representation of voters.

Sixth section: The establishment and organisation of the Senate

Introducing new articles regulating the minimum number of members, the conditions for membership, its role and the accountability of the government, with a prohibition on holding membership in both of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Seventh section: Press and Media

Removing articles 212 and 213 concerning the National Media Authority and the National Press Authority.

The constitutional amendments are set to be put to a vote by parliament in a general session.

Short link:


The Gujarat government's move to relocate a majorly endangered species of crocodiles from two ponds near the Statue of Unitythe world's tallest statuehas invited wrath from environmentalists with one group even serving a legal notice.

The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is a species protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. A Schedule I animal means that it is highly endangered. Sources said that the reptiles have been removed to make way for seaplane to land in the water.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 182-feet tall statue last year, the government has started a chopper service in the area to give an aerial view of the structure. The possibilities of seaplanes were also talked about when Modi took off from Sabarmati River Front ahead of the 2017 assembly elections in Gujarat.

No figures are available about the total number of crocodiles in the ponds and the number of reptiles that were shifted in the last 15 days.

Talking to THE WEEK, Rohit Prajapati of the Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti, who has served a legal notice to the state government, wondered how the numbers will be available when there is no census.

The state government has also not officially announced as to where the crocodiles have been relocated to. There is a possibility that the crocodiles have been released in the reservoir of the Sardar Sarovar Dam or Ajwa Reservoir, near Vadodara. Forest minister Ganpat Vasava could not be contacted.

Dr Jitendra Gavali, director of the Community Science Centre in Vadodara, asked as to whose permission the state authorities took before shifting the crocodiles. He also raised the possibility of crocodile mortality due to infighting at the places where they have been released.

Mentioning that the crocodiles do not attack humans without any reason, Dr Gavali said that if there was a need to clear away the reptiles, the state government could dig a canal at the site as a lot of space is available in the area. Humans and crocodiles have lived together from time immemorial, he observed.

Prajapati said that the shifting of crocodiles was in violation of various Acts, including the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010.

We have sent a legal notice to the state government, Prajapati claimed, adding that if the government failed to comply with scientific guidelines and reconsider the translocation activities, it would have to face further action.
'You can put your head in sand like an ostrich, we will not': HC tells Centre
Spokespersons of the Congress on Tuesday lashed out at the Narendra Modi government following media reports that the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA) was facing shortage of funds to pay for transportation of Indian Army officers for postings, exercises and training courses.

The reports were triggered by a notice on the official website of the PCDA on Monday evening: Due to insufficient funds available under Temporary Duty & Permanent Duty Heads of Army Officers, no TA/DA advances & claims can be processed till receipt of sufficient funds under the relevant heads. However facility for LTC will continue.

Funds in any specific head may fall short momentarily. These are only temporary & resolved routinely through reappropriations as in the instant case. The hype created is unnecessary and needs to be avoided by all concerned. The news is baseless pic.twitter.com/dB0wneKVuB  Defence Spokesperson (@SpokespersonMoD) February 5, 2019

On Tuesday morning, the Twitter handle of the spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence informed the news was baseless and funds in any specific head may fall short momentarily. The defence ministry tweeted, Funds in any specific head may fall short momentarily. These are only temporary & resolved routinely through reappropriations as in the instant case. The hype created is unnecessary and needs to be avoided by all concerned. The news is baseless.

The PCDA notice, which was taken off by Tuesday, triggered a wave of criticism of the Modi government, with popular Congress spokespersons leading the charge.

To help a bankrupt friend get rich, BJP government denied the Air Force the number of jets they sought

To seek political benefit from surgical strikes they asked hows the josh?Look how they have cheated our army too

RM, hows the shame? https://t.co/Un57xRbL1Z  Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) February 5, 2019

Priyanka Chaturvedi, convenor for AICC communications, tweeted about allegations on the Rafale deal, which the Congress claims was finalised by Modi to benefit industrialist Anil Ambani. Chaturvedi tweeted, To help a bankrupt friend get rich, BJP government denied the Air Force the number of jets they sought. To seek political benefit from surgical strikes they asked hows the josh? Look how they have cheated our army too.

When it comes to copying movie dialogues, piggybacking on valour of our soldiers, doing PR Stunts seeking votes in name of Army then #BJP has 56 chest but when it comes to allocating funds to then 6 -Party of Fake Nationalists-BJP (Bhrasht Jumla Party) https://t.co/koFxMeeSHP  Jaiveer Shergill (@JaiveerShergill) February 5, 2019

Another Congress spokesperson, Jaiver Shergill, brought up the recent Bollywood movie Uri: The Surgical Strike, and in particular, its punchline phrase, How's the josh?, which has been used by BJP leaders.

Shergill tweeted, When it comes to copying movie dialogues, piggybacking on valour of our soldiers, doing PR Stunts seeking votes in name of Army then #BJP has 56 chest but when it comes to allocating funds to then 6 -Party of Fake Nationalists-BJP (Bhrasht Jumla Party).

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera tweeted about about the purported funds crunch, referring to the Modi government as a government of pseudo-nationalists.

The approximate cost of allowances for Army personnel travelling for postings, exercises and courses has been reported to be about Rs 4,000 crore annually.

Interestingly, the news about the purported funds crunch for the Army comes days after Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announced the defence budget had crossed the figure of Rs 3 lakh crore for the first time ever. However, the allocation of Rs 3,05,296 crore featured a modest year-on-year hike of only 6.9 per cent compared with previous defence budgets that had hikes ranging from 7 to 10 per cent.
On February 1, while presenting the interim budget in Parliament, stand-in Finance Minister Piyush Goyal claimed to have given the highest ever defence budget allocation, saying, "Our soldiers protect our borders in tough conditions. We respect their dignity". But three days later, the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA)the agency responsible for payment of salary and allowances, and all claims of Army officershas declared it will no longer process claims by Army officers going on courses, assignments and postings due to lack of funds.

Due to insufficient funds available under temporary duty and permanent duty heads of Army officers, no TA/DA (travelling allowance), advances and claims can be processed till receipt of sufficient funds under the relevant heads. However, the facility for LTC (leave travel concession) will continue, said the PCDA (officers).

The Army was allocated Rs 1,38,085 crore under revenue expenditure in the interim budget to pay salaries and day-to-day expenses. According to a defence ministry official, PCDA was allocated Rs 3,200 crore to pay transportation and other expenses for 42,000 officers and 12 lakh jawans and other ranks for 2018-19 financial year. But, the Army bill has already touched Rs 4,000 crore, which left no money for the PCDA to clear new claims.

The letter from the PCDA has upset the Army fraternity as they fear it will not only affect the day-to-day working but also create a fresh rift in civil-military relations. "On normal working days, almost half of the Army officials are either on temporary duty or attending some training course outside. With this order, how are they going to be paid?" asked an officer.

"I have never heard of a situation like this in my four decades of military service. We keep travelling on military exercises, movements or on transfers. One cannot stop making payment," Lt General Subrata Saha, former deputy chief of Army, said.

In a bid to control the controversy, a defence ministry official said that the funds in any specific head may fall short momentarily. "These are only temporary and resolved routinely through re-appropriations as in the instant case," official said.

In November, the PCDA had rejected temporary duty claims of several officers for staying in hotels. The PCDA raised objection over officers not submitting the required non-availability certificate from the authority. The PCDA had issued instructions on the lines that "availing hotel accommodation by the officers should be the last resort" and officers may preferably stay in circuit houses, messes, government guest houses and inspection bungalows.

In fact, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, in an effort to keep check on the daily expenditure, had asked his officers travelling on temporary duties to stay in service guest rooms instead of hotels.
ROKO ConstructionLimited was founded in 1969 and is today one of Ugandas leading Constructionand Civil Engineering Groups. The late Max Rohrer and Rainer Kohler, with 50years combined experience in Africa, made a commitment to assist in Ugandasprosperity and development when they founded ROKO. Together with technical andcommercial directors and over 40 qualified civil and site engineers, Rohrer andKohler led ROKO to the forefront of the construction industry to emerge as theprincipal contractor in Uganda, and by 2001, we operated only in Uganda andTanzania but Uganda has now developed to be a hub for activities inneighbouring countries and we have now heavily invested in Rwanda, EasternCongo and South Sudan.
The Sales Representative is responsible fordriving the sales and execution of our brands in Uganda. Working with the salesand distribution team, the Sales Representative is responsible for ensuringthat the sales team are clear on how they should execute our brands in everytype of outlet, ensuring that the sales team have the necessary supportmaterials (sales stories and sales aids), POSM and brand knowledge to delivervolume, net sales and other related executional targets. The SalesRepresentative will also monitor and report execution to the COMPANY Marketingteam and suggest activities for increasing volume and execution in outlet.
The Community Service Assistant is to act as acritical interface between HIJRA and communities of concern, providing an AGDsensitive analysis of community risks and capacities that form the essentialfoundations to all HIJRA work. Under the overall direction of the ProtectionUnit, and in coordination with other HIJRA staff, government, NGO partners andother stakeholders, Community Services staff work directly with communities toleverage their capacities for community based protection. To fulfil this role,the Community Services Assistant, will be responsible for building andmaintaining networks within communities of persons of concern.
In January 2018 Grace Health CEO Michael Stanley announced receiving a $496,081 Distance Learning Telemedicine Grant administered by the Rural Utilities Service. CFO Chad Stevens added that Grace Health would be matching some of those funds. Stevens noted that after matched funds the project ends up being over $700,000. | file photo
Frederick Douglass, the escaped slave who became one of the most spellbinding orators of the abolitionist movement, continued speaking out for justice and equality long after the Union victory in the Civil War and the passing of the Thirteenth Amendment, which finally abolished slavery.

On December 7, 1869, Douglass delivered an address titled Our Composite Nationality. This seasoned activist again demonstrated his courage by choosing to speak on such a topic before what promised to be a tough crowd. The city was Boston and the audience included numerous blue bloods, whose Puritan ancestors had settled in Massachusetts two centuries earlier.

Xenophobic Americans, who had earlier bemoaned the German and Irish immigrants arriving in the United States, now focused their ire on the Chinese. At least the Germans and Irish were white Christians, these fearful native-born Americans noted. The Chinese, who had begun arriving in California prior to the Civil War, were both non-white and non-Christian. They surely comprised a potentially deadly menace to the United States by their mere presence within our national borders.

Douglass pulled no punches in his address. After reminding the audience that America is no longer an obscure and inaccessible country, he acknowledged that Chinese immigration on a large scale will be an irrepressible fact. Douglass was referring to our nations Burlingame-Seward Treaty with China, which had been concluded in 1868. This treaty included articles that promised the Chinese the right to immigrate to and travel within the United States. Predictably, xenopobes thought this meant the end of the United States, as they had known it.

There are such things in the world as human rights, Douglas asserted. They rest upon no conventional foundation, but are eternal, universal and indestructible.

And one such human right, he told the audience, is the right to immigrate to another nation  and to remain in that nation. One can easily visualize these New England blue bloods wincing a bit when Douglas reminded them, It is the right you assert by staying here, and your fathers asserted by coming here.

The right to immigrate wasnt limited to members of the white race. It is this great right that I assert for the Chinese and the Japanese, Douglas said, and for all other varieties of men equally with yourselves, now and forever.

Douglass then addressed the subject of xenophobia. He proclaimed his rejection of the arrogant and scornful theory that the United States should be the exclusive domain of whites. Such bigots would limit migratory rights, or any other essential human rights, or any other essential human rights, to themselves, and which would make them the owners of this great continent to the exclusion of all other races of men.

This great orator then proclaimed his support for racial equality, a bold and daring belief in the United States of 1869.

I want a home here not only for the negro, the mulatto and the Latin races, he stated, but I want the Asiatic to find a home here in the United States, and feel at home here, both for his sake and for ours.

Americans should welcome immigrants, regardless of the nation of their birth. And here I hold that a liberal and brotherly welcome to all who are likely to come to the United States is the only wise policy which this nation can adopt, Douglass affirmed.

Many native-born, white Christian Americans living in the year 1869 vehemently disagreed with Douglass speech. Tragically, many native-born, white Christian Americans living in the year 2019 also take issue with the sentiments expressed in Douglass long-ago address. Has our tolerance for those of other races, nationalities and religions really advanced so little over the past 150 years?

Frederick Douglass was right: welcoming immigrants is indeed the only wise policy which this nation can adopt. So lets begin implementing this policy  and the sooner, the better.

John J. Dunphys latest book, Unsung Heroes of the Dachau Trials, includes interviews with veterans of the U.S. Army 7708 War Crimes Group, who apprehended and prosecuted Nazi war criminals after World War II.
David Oman, Senior Advisor to the Concord Coalition, leads a lecture and exercise, at the How Would You Balance the Federal Budget? event. Oman said, When youre done with this exercise the word fun might be in your vocabulary, normally you wouldnt think of the national debt and the word fun in the same sentence or even on the same page. The purpose of the event was to educate people on the complex federal budget and the compromises required to tackle the growing national debt. The two-hour workshop was held in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union on Jan. 31.
COLUMBIA, Mo.  A fellow University of Missouri student faces drug charges after allegedly providing a Bethalto native with Percocet the night before he was found dead in his dorm room.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reported Tuesday that Carson Latimer, 19, of St. Louis, sold Boston Perry a bottle of 19 pills on Jan. 21, and purchased marijuana. A woman reportedly told police she drove Perry to meet Latimer for the exchange, and she saw Perry take three of the pills. She told police she found him unconscious in his dorm room the next day.
Bloomberg photo by Daniel Acker

The estate of David Rockefeller is giving more than $200 million to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the largest gift in its history.

Rockefeller, who died in 2017, was a long-time museum benefactor and trustee, donating masterpieces by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Cezanne and Henri Matisse to its collection. In 2005, he pledged $100 million to the institution his mother helped found in 1929.
The Ford government is planning to overhaul childrens autism services by taking money away from regional agencies and putting funding directly into the hands of families to choose the care they want, the Star has learned.

Major autism service providers have already been informed of the changes that will also address the massive wait-list of 23,000 children and target money and services to those under the age of 6, which research has shown to be the most crucial time for treatment.

Funding will not be cut, but redistributed, sources told the Star.

An announcement is expected in the coming days.

I would applaud them  early intervention is really important, said one service provider. These kids get on a wait list, and they miss a key window.

Everyone in the sector would be happy to support something that improves the wait list, the provider said. But we are not sure how they are going to change the wait list.

Senior government sources told the Star the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services is going to focus on the wait lists  for diagnosis, funding and treatment  as well as providing more equitable services and better oversight of therapy providers.

The scope of the problem we inherited  this was a significant problem, said one source, noting three of four children are currently not receiving the autism supports they need, calling the wait lists unconscionable.

Those are valuable days, weeks, months, and the one piece of science we know in this area  is that having behavioural intervention below the age of 6 is when you make the biggest impact and have the most likelihood to make a difference, said the government source.

Many parents like the idea of choosing where the funding is spent, rather than having to deal with service providers who can be in a conflict-of-interest when they control the funding. The current system is a mix of the two, with agencies controlling the wait lists and who gets the money.

But rumours the Ford government is planning to move back to funding based on age have struck fear in both clinicians and families, said Tracie Lindblad, clinical director at Monarch House, an Oakville clinic that offers services for children with developmental disabilities, including applied behaviour analysis (ABA) therapy for kids with autism.

Lindblad says Monarch House, which also has clinics in Waterloo and Ottawa, as well as British Columbia and Saskatchewan, has experience working with families in B.C. where the government imposes arbitrary funding caps based on a childs age. And, she says, the approach is failing.

(In B.C., children under 6 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder receive $22,000 a year for autism services while those between the ages of 6 and 18 get $5,000, regardless of their needs.)

We know its not working there. Why would the Ford government want to bring it here? she asked.

Lindblad said the previous Liberal government was on the right track when it increased funding and extended eligibility for ABA beyond age 5, and allowed parents to choose between agency-based therapy or privately purchased services.

Milton mom Maria Garito doesnt like the current system  she does not believe service providers spend money efficiently  but nor does she think moving to a direct-funding model for parents is the answer.

Her 4-year-old son Max has been on a wait list for more than two years and right now her family cant afford the behavioural therapy he needs, so she takes time off work to care for him and they pay out-of-pocket for speech therapy and other programs.

A direct-funding system means some children get many hours of service, and many children get none, said Garito, who believes it is open to abuse. She also doesnt think there are enough services as is for families to spend any money they receive.

The worst part of this model is that many of the private centres sign off on unnecessary services, because they (stand) to make profits knowing full well the government will pay hundreds of thousands of dollars, she added, wondering if money would be better spent on more staffing and programs  and better oversight  of government-funded regional centres.

New Democrat MPP Monique Taylor, her partys children services critic, said direct funding is not an option for everyone. In Northern Ontario  the services just would not be available  they have nowhere to spend (the money). Thats a real issue in smaller communities in the north.

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And she said stressed families dont have the time, knowledge or the energy to be an employer, which is what the direct-funding option would essentially entail. For a lot of reasons, a lot of families just wont be able to manage. Its very concerning.

Lindblad said the new Ontario Autism Program, introduced by the former Liberal government, while successful in some areas, failed to provide government regulation of autism professionals, no quality assurance oversight or peer review of outcomes.

But those are things that could have been fixed, Lindblad said.

I am concerned were going to go from one mistake to another mistake and not achieve our goal of ensuring all individuals achieve their best outcome, she said.

A PC government source said oversight of professionals will be part of the coming changes. Theres no list that says where you should go for service as there is in other jurisdictions like B.C.

In 2016, the Liberals had pledged $533 million over five years for autism.

Minister Lisa MacLeod announced $100 million in emergency funding after the PCs took office, to keep the system going, which government sources describe as verging on the brink of bankruptcy.

The most responsible way to use publicly funded dollars is to consider each childs need, said Nancy Marchese, a psychologist and ABA therapist in Richmond Hill, adding that a rate card for services would protect families and ensure public funds are spent responsibly.

The parent-led Ontario Autism Coalition stormed the Legislature in 2016 under the previous Liberal government over age-based funding caps, and coalition president Laura Kirby-McIntosh, said her group will fight any provincial move to the B.C. model.

PC MPP Amy Fee, in an opinion piece for the Star, said early diagnosis will be one of our key areas of focus.

We need to respect families. We need to work to clear these wait-lists and put the decision-making back in the hands of parents. We need to get the youngest children into autism services as soon as possible.

Fee  who has two children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder  is the parliamentary assistant to MacLeod and has spoken to parents across the province about services.

Were going to put families in control, and bring equity to a broken system, she wrote.
OTTAWAU.S. authorities say there was no material impact from foreign meddling on election systems or political campaigns during the 2018 midterm elections.

But that doesnt mean someone didnt try to meddle.

Multiple U.S. agencies submitted a classified report to President Donald Trump Tuesday concluding there is no current evidence that hostile foreign powers compromised the integrity of the November elections.

Although the specific conclusions within the joint report must remain classified, the departments have concluded there is no evidence to date that any identified activities of a foreign government or foreign agent had a material impact on the integrity or security of election infrastructure or political/campaign infrastructure, read a news release from U.S. Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielson.

But foreign actors are still trying to sow division in American politics through spreading false information and propaganda.

Multiple U.S. intelligence agencies, including Homeland Security, the FBI and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, said last November that foreign actors  particularly Russia  continue to try to influence American political debate.

They can do this by spreading false information about political processes and candidates, lying about their own interference activities, disseminating propaganda on social media, and through other tactics, the agencies said.

The American public can mitigate these efforts by remaining informed, reporting suspicious activity, and being vigilant consumers of information.

Its a similar situation in Canada, as federal political parties, intelligence agencies, and elections officials brace for the potential foreign interference in Octobers general election.

Canadas election system  low-tech and paper-based  is relatively resilient. And unlike a presidential system, Canadas parliamentary system means even a determined and well-resourced nation state would have a very hard time deciding who ends up prime minister.

Our political debate, however, is open to the same kind of influence and misinformation campaigns experienced in the U.S., particularly through the unmediated content flood of social media.

A recent report from the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, a non-partisan think tank, suggested that the goal of foreign interference, particularly from the Kremlin, is not about picking winners and losers.

Oleg Kalugin, a former chief of KGB foreign counterintelligence  says that subversion was at the heart of all KGB foreign intelligence operations against the West, the report, released last month, read.

Rather than intelligence collection, Kalugin says the primary objective was to weaken the West, to drive wedges in the Western community alliances of all sorts, particularly NATO, (and) to sow discord among allies.

Canada was not spared.

In a statement to the Star last month, the Russian embassy in Ottawa denied the Kremlin undertook any such misinformation or influence campaigns  a statement contested by repeated public assertions from the U.S. intelligence community and its allies.

Canadian Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould announced last week that a team of five senior bureaucrats  including the countries top public servant and the national security adviser to the prime minister  will be responsible for sounding the alarm if Canadian intelligence agencies detect foreign meddling in this Octobers election.

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The federal government is also putting up $7 million for public awareness and education campaigns aimed at making Canadian voters more resistant to misinformation and propaganda.

Canadas two intelligence agencies, CSIS and the CSE, as well as the RCMP will also create a joint team to detect foreign interference attempts. The CSE is expected to release an updated analysis of the threats to the federal election in the coming months.

Clarification  February 6, 2019: This article has been updated from a previous version that suggested CSE would publicly release a new threat report later this month. In fact, the report may not be publicly released until after February.

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Canada is playing a dodgy game in the Venezuela crisis. The Liberal government claims it wants to avoid violence. But at the same time it is calling on Venezuelas military to launch a coup against President Nicolas Maduro.

As well, Canada and 10 other members of the 14-nation Lima Group are rejecting a United Nations call for negotiations between Maduro and his main rival, self-appointed President Juan Guaido.

In a communique issued Monday from Ottawa, they said they feared Maduro would use negotiations as a delaying tactic.

Now is the time to act, Peruvian Foreign Minister Nestor Popolizio told reporters. No more fruitless dialogue.

The 11  Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru  instead called on Venezuelas armed forces to mutiny and support Guaido.

In particular they urged the military to stand aside at the borders and allow humanitarian assistance into Venezuela. Canada has said it would provide up to $53 million in such assistance.

Read more:

Trudeau rallies Venezuela's neighbours in support of Guaido

Opinion | Tony Burman: The best way to help Venezuela? Resist the temptation to interfere

Trudeau speaks with Venezuelan leader Guaido ahead of key meeting of allies

Guyana and St. Lucia didnt sign the communique. Mexico, the 14th member of the Lima Group, still recognizes Maduro as Venezuelas legitimate president and didnt attend the Ottawa summit.

The Lima Group likes to distance itself from the U.S., which has a well-deserved reputation for fomenting military coups in Latin America. But an American official sat in on the Ottawa meeting. As well, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo addressed the group via conference call.

The U.S. has long wanted to get rid of Venezuelas socialist president.

Canadas legal rationale for ousting Maduro is flimsy. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland argues that Maduros re-election as president last May was illegitimate. Thus, she says the Venezuelan constitution, which provides for an orderly succession in the event of a presidential vacancy, comes into play.

Under that constitution, the president of the National Assembly  who just happens to be Washingtons chosen man Guaido  gets the top job.

The problem with this argument is that the question of whether a presidential vacancy exists is deeply political.

Maduro supporters, who voted overwhelmingly for him in 2018, say he is the president and there is no vacancy. Maduro opponents call him a usurper and say a power vacuum exists that only Guaido can legally fill.

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Was Maduros re-election in 2018 so flawed as to make the results illegitimate? That too depends on whos talking.

The Lima Group, which was founded in 2017 to oppose Maduro, announced even before the election was held that its results would be fraudulent. They based this on two things.

First, some of the most popular opposition politicians, including Leopoldo Lopez, the head of Guaidos Popular Will party, were barred from running. Lopez is under house arrest for his role in 2014 street riots that killed 43.

Second, most of the major opposition parties called for a boycott of the election.

Maduro supporters point out, however, that the elections themselves were relatively trouble-free. Election monitors from other parts of Latin America called the contests fair.

So did a six-person Canadian monitoring team from Unifor, the United Church, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation, the news site rabble.ca and the leftish working group Common Frontiers.

We witnessed a transparent, secure, democratic and orderly voting process  and feel confident that the results of the election represented the will of the majority of Venezuelans who voted, the Canadian team wrote.

Overall, 46 per cent of Venezuelas eligible voters turned out to cast ballots  far fewer than in the previous presidential election.

Thats the background to the current crisis. Is it enough to justify Canadas involvement in coup plotting? The Canadian Labour Congress and some unions dont think so. In a statement last week, the CLC said it was alarmed at the escalation of international interference in the democratic process of a sovereign nation (and) vehemently rejects a militarized solution to this crisis.

It called on Canada to abstain from seeking regime change and interfering in the sovereign affairs of Venezuela.

Wise words. Too bad Ottawa isnt listening.

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Why did Toronto serial killer Bruce McArthur plead guilty to eight murders and avoid a trial? Well never know. It would be absurd to trust his explanation.

Such pleas are said to save the public the cost and bother of a lengthy trial and spare the feelings of the victims families. But think of who elses interests they serve. The plea means McArthur, 67, will be in jail until hes 91 anyway. Hes passing up what would doubtless be the most free months of his next 25 years. So whats in it for him?

Without a trial, the Toronto police service and individual unionized officers get a pass on a fatally poor investigation, with no police officers explaining how a serial killer at work in one citys relatively small gay community was left free to kill so many men in seven years. How did McArthur get a pardon for a violent Halloween attack in 2001 that perhaps presaged a chain of death? We dont know.

How odd to have a sergeant face a mysteriously swift Tuesday hearing on neglect-of-duty in the McArthur case. Thats rare. Journalist Robyn Doolittles famous Unfounded series on police treatment of rape cases reveals how widespread is police indifference. Suddenly the police care?

Serial killer Elizabeth Wettlaufer pled guilty and avoided a trial. CBC News has revealed that the public inquiry into her eight murders knew she had confessed to more and kept it quiet for unfathomable reasons. To save on photocopying? To give police, nursing unions, or government officials a break?

If Wettlaufer killed more than even those, they were old and may be ashes by now, just as possibly more McArthur victims are in pieces, rotting in earth that may never be unturned. Who speaks for them?

Read more:

At Bruce McArthurs sentencing, Crown asks for certainty serial killer will never leave prison

Toronto officer facing misconduct charges over 2016 McArthur choking arrest asks for independent judge

What we learned from Day 1 of serial killer Bruce McArthurs sentencing

Guilty pleas are like white paint; they cover up any number of bumps, scratches and seams. There is a ceremonial aspect to sentencing hearings. As wrenching as the families statements are, they can be somewhat unfair.

Victim impact statements are a splendid idea after an era where the dead were considered more or less extraneous meat while the alleged killer took centre stage. But is a victim any less worthy when the statements come from distant countries or from people who express themselves less than well?

What if a family detested the relative who died? Is he any less valuable than the gentle victim who was a credit to family and friends? Its a matter of principle, not lived experience as they say, but worth considering.

One advantage of victim statements is they may lead the judge to impose consecutive sentences rather than the concurrent ones that reward killers for going big. With concurrent sentencing, every murder after the first is a freebie. Run wild, run free, Marc Lepine/Gamil Gharbi, youre on bonus time, 13 more women to go.

There will always be killers and victims. The only factor in our control is the trial, which might explain how those killers were born or made, and how future numbers might be reduced.

Trials dont offer a glorious stage for strutting monsters. The truth is, serial killers are not international jewel thieves, suave soldiers of gleaming fortune. Theyre boring. Pathetic men, failures, losers, unable to achieve or find love, their inept courtroom antics bore us and annoy the court.

Trials reveal what turn toddlers into murderous teens, what set off the chain of killing. The two 11-year-old boys who sexually tortured and killed little James Bulger near Liverpool in 1993 are not interesting in themselves. The parents who raised them, their violent videos, possible sex abuse by teachers, neighbours or family, now thats interesting.

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I was startled by how frequently journalists warned fragile Canadian readers of terrible things to come in the McArthur hearing. But why would they not be terrible? Murder usually is. The public didnt used to be considered so sensitive, too emotionally frail to read about murder hearings. This may be why trials vanish.

Governments and corporations are secretive, police hold information close, the public is coddled. But we, the public, are not poor gentle creatures. We are hale, we are adults and well always want to know the whole truth.

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What Canadas businesses abroad really, really want, Wells, Jan. 30

Like business columnist Jennifer Wells, I, too, wonder what happened to Trudeaus pledge to appoint a Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise.

This appointment will come too late for Canadian geologist and vice-president of exploration for Progress Minerals, Kirk Woodman who was killed a few weeks ago in Burkina Faso.

It has been reported that he was taken from their Bira Trend exploration site and shot a short distance away.

Was it a simple armed robbery gone horribly wrong or something more sinister?

The appointment of an ombudsman with powers to compel documents and testimony is needed now to serve as a watchdog for human rights and environmental violations perpetrated by employees of, or those working in the interest of, Canadas mining companies, particularly in less developed countries.

Only then can we hope corporations flying the Canadian flag will be more welcome around the world.

Kirk Woodman has been described by his family as a hardworking husband, father, son and brother.

Tragically, he died too young.

Steve Gray, Victoria

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Diplomacy requires nuanced approach in China, experts say, Jan. 28

In pursuance of the release of the two Canadians currently being held hostage by the Chinese, the Trudeau government desperately needs to recruit credible and experienced individuals with proven diplomatic acumen who can command respect from the Chinese government.

Considering Trudeaus unceremonious and hasty exit from the 2017 trade talks in Beijing in which he received the bums rush for lecturing Chinese officials on the environment, human rights, gender equality, etc., he would not be the best choice.
Admittedly, its been hard to follow the erratic course of Raj Grewals troubled political career.

It all started last November, when Grewal, at the time the Liberal MP for Brampton East, announced his resignation after racking up millions in gambling debts, including at a casino near Parliament Hill.

But what is clear is that both Grewal and the Liberals have some serious explaining to do.

Thats because, so far, none of the answers to the questions that have been piling up since Grewals resignation pass the sniff test. That includes who knew what and when in the Liberal government.

To recap, just a few days after stepping down he surprised his colleagues by taking back his resignation, saying he would stay in his seat until at least the New Year while he sought treatment for mental health issues with gambling.

And, he added, as-yet-unidentified friends and family had quickly paid off his millions in debts.

It doesnt end there.

Ten days ago Grewal announced he would stay on as an independent MP after the Liberals refused to welcome him back into their caucus. And last week, the National Post reported that he took in as much as $600,000 at a $500-a-plate fundraiser held last April as he was struggling with his gambling debts.

By some accounts, a good take at a fundraiser that has a big-name speaker  which Grewals did not  is $100,000, and more commonly they might bring in $15,000. So thats an enormous sum for a fundraiser and might call for congratulations if it didnt raise even more questions. How did he raise so much money and where did it go?

Unfortunately, that also remains unclear.

Both Grewal and the Liberal party need to explain what happened here. Investigations that are already underway are likely to raise more questions or possibly even lead to charges.

After all, the RCMP began an investigation into Grewals gambling debts after receiving a report from FINTRAC, the federal agency that collects and analyzes financial information in an attempt to prevent money laundering.

If the optics of that arent bad enough, the Canadian Press has reported that the Ontario Provincial Police heard Grewals gambling debts being discussed on wiretaps in a broader investigation into other people suspected of money laundering and terrorist financing,

A source told CP in November that the MPs name came to the attention of the OPP during an investigation of some particularly shady guys who might have been laundering drug money for an extremist group in the Middle East.

To top all that off, before his gambling problems came to light Grewal was already under a conflict-of-interest investigation by the federal ethics commissioner. That began after he invited the chief executive of a law firm  from which he was receiving employment income  to events with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, cabinet ministers and other high-ranking government officials during a trip to India.

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To wrap up, then: when one MP has drawn the attention of the RCMP, FINTRAC, the OPP and the ethics commissioner it is decidedly not business as usual.

Canadians deserve answers  now.
The arrest of Huaweis CFO, Meng Wanzhou, by Canadian authorities at the request of Washington has caused a deepening diplomatic crisis between Canada and China.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his ministers have insisted that Canada follows the rule of law and the judicial process will run its course without political interference.

Meanwhile, Canada is facing mounting pressure from Beijing as two Canadians are being held in China on unspecified violation of national security charges and another is one appealing his death sentence on charges of drug trafficking.

Now that the U.S. official extradition request is in place, it is time for Canada to have a clear look at the nature of the case and assert its judicial independence by not surrendering Meng to the U.S.

First, as former foreign minister John Manley pointed out, this case has nothing to do with the rule of law. It is Washington using Canada in abusing the extradition process between the two countries.

There are many corporate misconducts in global business transactions and most of them are dealt with through civil lawsuits.

Rarely is a senior executive of a company singled out to be responsible, let alone being personally charged, in a criminal proceeding.

When it comes to violations of U.S. sanctions against Iran by Chinese enterprises, the U.S. Department of Commerce litigated against a large Chinese telecommunications firm ZTE through a civil procedure last year and the two sides were able to reach an agreement.

Opposing view: Should Canada extradite Meng Wanzhou to the U.S.? Yes

Instead of following the same practice, the U.S. Department of Justice picked up the fight with a criminal procedure against Meng.

It is unprecedented, and the evidence associated with such a dramatic escalation so far looks weak.

Second, it is no secret that the arrest and extradition request of Meng is the result of a long U.S. effort in trying to find out if Huawei, through its presence in the U.S. market, is a threat to its national security.

It is the U.S. National Security Agency that hacked into the Huawei system and left backdoors to spy on its corporate activities.

Even without clear conclusions, the U.S. government has banned Huawei in the U.S. and is pressing its allies, including Canada, to do the same, especially in the next-generation 5G networks.

Mengs case cannot be separated from the fact that Huawei is not only perceived as a national security threat but also a competitor to the U.S. domination in one of the most critical high-tech areas.

Third, President Donald Trump has openly discussed the Meng case not as a pure legal procedure but an explicit bargaining tool in the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute.

He indicated that if the U.S. got a better deal with China, then he would intervene in the case.

Although U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross stated that the extradition of Meng is separate from the U.S.-China trade talks, Trump has not given such a commitment and he is the only person who has the authority to intervene.

THE BIG DEBATE: For more opposing view columns from Toronto Star contributors, click here.

All of the above points to one critical condition that the extradition request shall be rejected by Canada: Strong evidence that Meng is being sought by the U.S. for a political offence or an offence of a political character. (Extradition Act 46(1)[c])

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If the Canadian judicial process reaches such a conclusion, it will not be a result of caving into the Chinese demand, but a proclamation of its own independence.

The United States then will learn a lesson that it should not subject its bilateral extradition arrangement with Canada to great power politics.

The right path to address the issue of Huawei as a security threat, or as a high-tech competitor, is for Canada and the U.S. to engage in close strategic and security consultations and reach an agreement as to whether Huawei should be banned from Canadas 5G networks.

Wenran Jiang is adjunct professor at the School of Public Policy & Global Affairs, University of British Columbia, and a global fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

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RICHMOND, Va. - Amid the political upheaval over Virginia Gov. Ralph Northams yearbook page featuring a racist photograph, a woman who accused the states lieutenant governor of sexual assault is consulting with a law firm.

Democratic Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax strongly denied the allegations Monday. They were initially circulated on a conservative website.

A person close to the legal team whos not authorized to speak publicly says the woman accusing Fairfax has retained Washington law firm Katz Marshall & Banks and is consulting about next steps. The person insisted on anonymity.

A firm founding partner, Debra Katz, represented Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her decades ago when they were teenagers. He denied the allegation and was confirmed to the court.

The Associated Press is not reporting the Fairfax allegation because the organization hasnt confirmed it.

___

Associated Press writer Julie Pace contributed from Washington.
CHICAGO - Empire actor Jussie Smollett told police that two men seemed to know who he was before they beat him, shouted racial and homophobic slurs, and looped a rope around his neck during an early-morning attack in Chicago, according to a recently released police report.

Smollett told police that two men dressed in black got his attention by mentioning the name of the TV show as he walked downtown early on Jan. 29. Smollett said the more aggressive man wore a black mask to conceal his face.

Smollett, who is black and openly gay, said the men then shouted slurs, beat him in the face with their hands and poured an unknown substance on him that stained his clothes. He said the men tied a rope around his neck before running away, according to a brief police report released to the public following a Freedom of Information request by media outlets.

The report noted that the 36-year-old actor said he initially didnt want to report attack, but that another person convinced him to do so. The name of the person who encouraged Smollet to call police was redacted in the report, which notes that the person was with Smollet when officers arrived at his Chicago apartment.

When officers arrived at his apartment, Smollett still had a white rope draped around his neck. The report also noted that officers turned off their body cameras at Smolletts request, something that crime victims sometimes ask officers to do, according to Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.

No arrests have been made but police continue to collect and review surveillance video from the area and look for possible witnesses, Guglielmi said Tuesday. He said police are also going to stores to ask employees if they recall selling rope to anyone and to determine if security camera footage shows someone buying the kind of rope that was tied noose-like around Smollets neck.

We are starting to search stores to see if any of this kind of rope was purchased in the area, Guglielmi said.

Smollett went to Northwestern Memorial Hospital after being advised to do so by the officers, according to the police report. Police said he was treated for scrapes and bruises and released.

Smollett took officers to the spot where he was attacked and told investigators hed received hate mail a week earlier. Police have said the FBI was investigating the letter, which was sent to the studio in Chicago where Empire is filmed.

Guglielmi said officers dont yet have video showing the attack and are continuing to search for two men who were walking in the area at around the time of the attack to question them about what they may have seen.

Smollett and his family have defended themselves against allegations levelled on social media that he has been less than co-operative and changed his story. On Saturday, Smollett gave a concert at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, telling the audience that if he did not perform his attackers would win.
HOLDERNESS, N.H. - Modern refrigerators have little appeal for summer guests at a rustic New Hampshire resort who prefer cooling their bottles of water, soda and beer the old-fashioned way.

The preparation begins five months ahead of time, when resort staffers and volunteers gather to harvest ice from nearby Squam Lake. The January ritual dates back to 1897, when Rockywold-Deephaven Camps first opened in the town of Holderness, and is practiced for commercial purposes only at a handful of other places in the country.

The group, equipped with chain saws, ice picks and a huge saw on a sled, can harvest 200 tons of ice over several days in a typical winter. They transport the ice to two storage sheds on the campgrounds, where its kept until the summer. Then, staffers with wheelbarrows provide the ice to resort guests, who place it in an antique icebox  some dating back to the 1930s with oak exteriors and a tin or zinc lining  to keep beverages and snacks cold. Guests are told not to eat the ice, though some old-timers apparently still put a few shards in their cocktails.

Many of the families have been coming for generations, and people who come here dont like to see much change. They like it to be a simple, quiet place, said John Jurczynski, the co-general manager of Rockywold-Deephaven Camps for the past 29 years and who oversees the ice harvest. A push to bring in electrical refrigerators in the 1960s was rebuffed by guests.

Its such a neat tradition. People love it, he said.

For weeks, Jurczynski had been putting out bulletins about ice conditions on Squam Lake. By mid-January, the word went out. The ice had finally reached a safe thickness  in this case about 13 inches  and the harvest could begin.

In this Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, photo, an ice-box is displayed at the Rockywold-Deephaven Camps in Holderness, N.H. Blocks of ice are placed on the left side to provide refrigeration for beverages and food stored on the shelves on the right side.











Once they cleared the snow and charted a grid, the cutting started and whining sounds of saws echoed across the lake.

Workers mostly use a contraption called an ice saw  with a huge blade mounted on a sled  to make the cuts. The 16-inch-by-19-inch chunks weighing as much as 120 pounds look like huge pieces of cake with a powdery top and a clear body with bubbles. The blocks are pried loose with the help of chain saws and a line of workers with ice pikes float them along a chute. They are then pushed up a ramp and into a truck for a trip to the storage facilities.

When its all done, the group collects as many as 3,600 blocks of ice.

Obviously spending this time and energy, we wouldnt have to do it. We could buy blocks of ice, said Jane Kellogg, a retired teacher on the ice whose father came to the resort as a boy and who used to bring her elementary school students out here to watch the harvest.

But there is something about the pride this place has in still being the place that maintains that culture, that tradition, she said.

Jon Spence, a resort maintenance worker loading the ice onto the truck, said he prepares for the event each year by watching old movies and videos of ice harvesting. He found a top hat to wear for the occasion but wasnt able to track down the long coats that were popular among harvesters back in the day.

I love the icing. One of the reasons Ive worked here so long is the icing, Spence said. Whenever anyone asked what I do for a living, I say I am a commercial ice harvester. They dont know what that is. Most people dont get it. Most people think we are ice fishing out here.

Ice harvesting got its start back in 1805 when Frederic Tudor, who lived outside Boston, came up with the idea of selling cold and shipping ice around the world, according to Dennis Picard, a retired Massachusetts museum director who is considered an expert on ice harvesting. At its peak, the ice was being shipped as far away as Asia and the venture made Tudor a millionaire, Picard said. Tens of thousands were employed in the industry, mostly in the Northeast and Midwest, he said.

But as gas-powered and electric refrigerators for the home became popular after World War I, replacing old-fashioned iceboxes, ice harvesting declined. These days, only a few outfits in North America harvest ice for commercial purposes. Wine Lake Camp in Ontario does it, as do several places in Wisconsin, Montana and Maine. In the Maine town of South Bristol, the ice is sold commercially and used to produce ice cream for an annual ice cream social in July.

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At Rockywold-Deephaven, which is open to guests from June through mid-September, the harvest has not only survived the advances of electricity but also  at least so far  the effects of climate change. There has never been a harvest missed in the past 122 years, though several times they had to move it to another location on the lake because that spot freezes over faster.

And with newcomers like 23-year-old Jack Sengstaken lending a hand, it might just carry on for years to come.

Its just really cool to be part of a tradition that has been going on for so long, said Sengstaken who grew up on the lake and whose relatives helped found the nearby town of Sandwich. You can kind of go back in time a bit.
WASHINGTON - Acting Environmental Protection Agency chief and former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler won a Senate committees approval of his appointment to the permanent post on Tuesday, along with praise from the panels Republicans for his work rolling back a series of Obama-era environmental measures.

The 11-10 vote by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee sends President Donald Trumps nomination of Wheeler to the full Senate. Republicans on the panel voted unanimously for Wheeler, a low-key Washington veteran who has led the EPA since Scott Pruitt resigned amid ethics allegations in July.

Wheelers tenure has been free of the kind of allegations of personal enrichment and lavish spending that drove Pruitt out. Republicans praised Wheeler for shepherding along a series of proposed environmental rollbacks, such as proposing to narrow federal protections of wetlands and waterways, since then.

Mr. Wheelers done an outstanding job leading the EPA the last six months, said Wyoming Republican John Barrasso, the committees chairman.

But Democrats on the panel blasted Wheelers rollbacks in unanimously voting against his nomination. Delaware Sen. Tom Carper and other Democrats pointed especially to the EPAs moves under Wheeler easing a series of environmental measures governing the coal industry, including rollbacks that coal giant Bob Murray, a former lobbying client of Wheeler, had sought from the Trump administration.

As the countrys top environmental regulator, Wheeler has not grasped that saving coal is not part of that mission and not his job, said Sen. Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat.

Wheeler told lawmakers at earlier hearings that his work for Murray was primarily to improve job benefits for coal miners. Wheeler has said he was not closely involved in a wish list of regulatory breaks that Murray had presented to the Trump administration before Wheeler became Pruitts deputy at the EPA.

Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito told lawmakers at Tuesdays session that Wheeler in recent days had assured her that the EPA would look at all available statutory authorities to deal with a kind of toxic manmade industrial contaminant, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, increasingly being found in public water supplies nationally and globally.

The compounds, used in firefighting foam and in a range of consumer products to keep them stain-free and crisp, have contaminated some drinking water systems in Capitos state of West Virginia and elsewhere around the country.

The EPA says it will soon release a national management plan for the contaminants. Some states already are setting limits for the compounds in drinking water and are urging the EPA to set mandatory limits as well.
IOWA CITY, Iowa - A University of Iowa student from China expelled for repeated academic misconduct has been re-admitted after the school failed to use his written admissions of wrongdoing against him in court, the school confirmed Tuesday.

A judge said last month that her order reinstating business student Pengzhen Yin now appears unjust given that Yin acknowledged plagiarizing the paper in question after he was sanctioned for cheating twice previously. But she said the university failed to provide Yins incriminating emails during appeals of the expulsion and she wasnt aware of them before ruling that Iowa lacked substantial evidence of Yins plagiarism.

In one email, Yin admitted to a school official that I didnt write the paper that he had been expelled for plagiarizing and asserted a friend paid someone else to compose it. In another, he said his serial cheating was the result of errors in judgment that deserved disciplinary action but not expulsion.

Yin, a China native who was a few credits short of a business degree before the expulsion, has re-enrolled this semester following District Judge Karen Romanos December ruling overturning his expulsion. Hes on track to graduate this spring while the university appeals Romanos decision, which the Iowa Supreme Court recently declined to put on hold. Yins attorney declined comment Tuesday, citing the pending appeal.

A humanities instructor in fall 2017 accused Yin of plagiarizing his final paper, saying it appeared to be written by a native speaker, didnt match Yins style and included no personal examples. Following an investigation, the university found cause to support the accusation and expelled Yin because it was his third violation of the business school honour code. He had been sanctioned in 2015 for cheating on a test and in 2016 for copying another students quiz answers.

Yin, 24, appealed his expulsion to the Board of Regents, which upheld the decision last June. He appealed that decision in district court, arguing that the expulsion wasnt based on substantial evidence.

Judge Romano agreed in her Dec. 6 ruling, saying Iowa was never able to provide any solid evidence the paper had been written by anyone other than Yin.

Yins expulsion was based merely on suspicion the paper may have been written by someone other than Yin, she wrote, noting that Yin argued it didnt match his prior writing because he had time to revise the paper throughout the semester.

One day after the ruling, university lawyers provided Yins emails to assistant attorney general George Carroll, who was representing the Board of Regents in court. Carroll wrote that he and the regents were previously unaware of them and asked Romano to reconsider her decision, saying Yins reinstatement would result in a manifest injustice given his admitted misconduct.

The emails were written in spring 2017 to officials in the provosts office asking them to reconsider his expulsion. Since they were not considered in the decision to expel Yin, they werent included in the record sent to the regents when he appealed or to the court after that, university spokeswoman Jeneane Beck said.

In one, Yin acknowledged he didnt write the paper as he had claimed during the misconduct investigation, blaming miscommunication due to his poor English skills. He said a friend who was visiting from China logged into his account, hired an outside agency to write the paper and turned it in without his knowledge. He attached a purported chat between his friend and the service and said his friend was willing to testify.

Yin noted in another email that he wasnt challenging the misconduct allegations and apologized for serious mistakes and errors in judgment. He asked for a suspension that would allow him to eventually graduate.

On Jan. 8, Romano rejected Carrolls motion to reconsider her ruling, saying the board was asking for a do-over after failing to bring forward critical evidence. She said the case reminded her of the legal saying, Better that ten guilty persons escape, than one innocent suffer.
COLUMBIA, S.C. - In the first full month of her presidential campaign, Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris is planning a tour of the nations four early-voting states.

Harris schedule announced Tuesday includes two days each in South Carolina, New Hampshire, Iowa and Nevada, states where support will be key to building momentum in a crowded 2020 Democratic field.

The first-term senator from California will make her first visit to New Hampshire and then her first stop in Nevada since she officially declared her candidacy. She will be returning to Iowa and South Carolina, which she visited after launching her bid.

While the Harris campaign said specifics would be released later, the dates of her early-states tour are: South Carolina, Feb. 15-16; New Hampshire, Feb. 18-19; Iowa, Feb. 23-24; and Nevada, Feb. 28-March 1.

Harris, 54, announced her candidacy Jan. 21 during a national TV appearance, then appeared at an official kickoff rally Jan. 27 before thousands of people in downtown Oakland, California.

Harris campaign has already named Deidre DeJear as her campaign chair in Iowa and Will Dubbs as Iowa state director, signs of how the nascent campaign is growing in the state holding the first voting of the 2020 primary.

In New Hampshire, Harris has added Craig Brown as her campaigns state director.

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Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP
NEW YORK - Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Bates was arraigned Tuesday from a psychiatric ward on charges he punched a New York City police officer after he was taken to a precinct house for failing to pay a taxi fare.

Bates, 25, pleaded not guilty to charges of assault, resisting arrest, theft of services and obstruction of governmental administration.

Bates has been hospitalized since his Jan. 26 arrest and was arraigned via a video hookup.

Bates lawyer, Eric Breslin, said they were looking forward to resolving this manner in an expeditious and satisfactory fashion.

Bates was arrested around 1:30 a.m. Jan. 26 at a hotel near LaGuardia Airport after allegedly refusing to pay a $32 cab fare for a ride from Manhattan.

Police have said they were ready to let Bates go with an appearance ticket if he didnt have any outstanding warrants, but that Bates refused to be fingerprinted and punched a sergeant in the face.

Sgt. James OBrien, who was hit as he tried to calm Bates down, suffered a concussion and needed three stitches over his left eye, police said.

The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Bates was subdued with a stun gun and taken to a hospital.

Bates agent said last week that his alleged actions are in no way a reflection of who he is as a person and not at all consistent with the man and friend we know him to be.

At this time our priority is to ensure that Trevor receives the help he needs and that the privacy of the parties involved be respected, agent Jeff Jankovich said in a Jan. 28 statement.

Bates, whos from Westbrook, Maine, and played college football at the University of Maine, joined the Lions last year and appeared in nine games.

He was drafted in 2016 by the Indianapolis Colts and was on the practice squads of the New England Patriots and New York Giants.

Lions general manager Bob Quinn has said that the team is aware of Bates arrest but had no further comment.

Judge Karina Alomar set Bates bail at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. His next hearing is scheduled for March 8.

Bates faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.

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RAPID CITY, S.D. - Authorities in western South Dakota say the search for a missing 9-year-old girl is turning into an effort to find her body.

The Pennington County Sheriffs Office said Tuesday night that if the girl was outside, its unlikely she survived. The girl ran away from a residential youth home amid frigid weather.

Investigators say the girl wasnt wearing a coat when she slipped away from the Childrens Home Society on Sunday morning near Rapid City. The temperature in the area was about 29 degrees (negative 1.7 Celsius) at the time.

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that she found a warm place or that someone picked her up. More than 200 people assisted by dogs have been searching for the girl over the last three days.
LOS ANGELES - It was a shock for fans when 21 Savage was taken into custody by U.S. immigration agents in Georgia. It was an even bigger shock to learn he had been an immigrant in the first place.

The Grammy-nominated rapper and his music are so deeply associated with Atlanta that the notion he was actually born in England and brought to the U.S. at age 12 felt downright bizarre.

Scores of surprised tweets came after his Sunday arrest. Memes bloomed that some called cruel under the circumstances, including one of him dressed as a Buckingham Palace guard, along with an old video of him talking in a mock English accent about tea and crumpets. While the United Kingdom is responsible for rap icon Slick Rick, he also grew up in America, and its rappers traditionally have not had much success in America.

It seems so outlandish that the prototypical Atlanta rapper is not from Atlanta, said Samuel Hine, a writer and editor at GQ who researched 21 Savage and spent a day with him for a profile in the magazine last year. I think thats why so many people were sort of making fun of him, and making memes.

By all accounts, few knew his real birthplace, and it certainly wasnt publicly known. His accent gave no indication, and his birth name, Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, could come from any number of birthplaces.

I certainly heard no whispers challenging his accepted backstory, Hine said.

Abraham-Joseph was detained in a targeted operation in the Atlanta area and put in deportation proceedings, U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement spokesman Bryan Cox said.

Abraham-Josephs attorneys said U.S. immigration officials have known his status at least since 2017, when he applied for a new visa. That application is pending, and his attorneys say he should not be detained.

Both sides agree that Abraham-Joseph came to the U.S. as a child in 2005, and he stayed in after his visa expired in 2006.

He, like almost two million other children, was left without legal status through no fault of his own, Kuck Baxter Immigration, the law firm representing Abraham-Joseph, said in a statement Monday, adding that he now has U.S. Citizen children of his own.

Abraham-Joseph then spent his teenage years in Atlanta  the city that birthed rap gods OutKast  and his image and later his music became defined by the citys distinctive and rich hip-hop culture. Even the 21 in his name is a reference to the block where he lived there.

Him growing up in Atlanta is a pretty fundamental part of his story, Hine said. His identity is so rooted in his Atlanta sound, his Atlanta crew.

Abraham-Joseph was truthful when he rapped about his youthful exploits in Atlanta, including run-ins with the law over guns and drugs, Hine said. He just left out the stuff that came before that.

A pair of mixtapes in 2015 made his star rise quickly in the Atlanta underground. Collaborations with Atlanta artists including Metro Boomin and Offset of rap group Migos raised his profile.

He signed with Epic Records and made a pair of successful albums. His latest, I Am I Was, debuted at the top of the Billboard top 200 album charts this past December.

He collaborated with Drake, Cardi B, and Post Malone, whose song with 21 Savage, Rockstar, is nominated for two Grammys at Sundays awards ceremony in Los Angeles.

For many who love 21 Savage, surprise about his arrest quickly gave way to outrage.

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Offset tweeted that he was PRAYING FOR MY DAWG. ALL THE MEMES ... AINT FUNNY HIS FAMILY DEPENDING ON HIM.

Rapper Vince Staples joined many others in tweeting, Free 21!

Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors established an online petition to stop his deportation that was fast gaining signatories.

Singer Demi Lovato felt some of the anger when she tweeted Sunday that 21 savage memes have been my favourite part of the Super Bowl. She later clarified that she wasnt laughing at anyone getting deported, but subsequently deleted her Twitter account.

While its not clear if it had anything to do with his own status, Abraham-Joseph did just recently address the subject of immigration and detention. Last week on the Tonight Show, he added a verse to his song A Lot: that include the line, been through some things, but I couldnt imagine my kids stuck at the border.

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This version corrects spelling of the GQ writer and editors last name to Hine, not Hines.

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Associated Press Writer Kate Brumback in Atlanta contributed.

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BOSTON - U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal is moving forward with plans to subpoena President Donald Trumps tax returns.

The Massachusetts Democrat is in the process of consulting with lawyers from the U.S. House and the Joint Committee on Taxation to determine the appropriate legal steps to go forward with this unprecedented request, William Tranghese, an aide to Neal, said in an email Monday.

He added that a strong case is being built, and Neal will continue to conduct this process in a judicious, methodical and deliberative manner. He also said Neal believes special counsel Robert Muellers investigation should be allowed to continue.

The comments come as billionaire investor and Democratic activist Tom Steyer purchased television ads aimed at pressuring Neal to subpoena Trumps tax returns.

The 30-second ad by Steyers group, Need to Impeach, urges Neals constituents to press him to subpoena the returns and vote to start impeachment hearings in the Democratic-controlled House. The group also plans to hold a town hall in Neals hometown of Springfield on Feb. 12 to talk about the urgency of beginning impeachment efforts.

The American people need to know what Trump is hiding and Neal has the power to help uncover the truth, Steyer said in a statement.

The Democrat had earlier said he plans to ask for Trumps tax returns but also hoped Trump would release them voluntarily. Trump broke with decades of precedent by presidential candidates and refused to release his tax returns during his 2016 campaign. He said he was being audited, even though IRS officials have said taxpayers under audit are free to release their returns.

Other liberal and Democratic-leaning advocacy groups have also begun pressuring Neal to immediately begin the process of obtaining Trumps personal and business tax returns.

The groups Tax March, Stand Up America, and Indivisible last month sent Neal a letter urging him to immediately seek the documents. They also drafted a letter that they say Neal could send to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and IRS Commissioner Charles P. Rettig to request Trumps returns.
WASHINGTON - A woman freed from federal prison after President Donald Trump cut short her life sentence for drug offences and a Delaware boy allegedly bullied because his last name is Trump headline a varied group of 13 guests who will sit with first lady Melania Trump for the State of the Union address.

Alice Marie Johnson, 63, served more than two decades of a life sentence without parole before Trump commuted her sentence last year. Johnsons case had been championed by reality TV star Kim Kardashian West, who personally lobbied Trump in the Oval Office.

Delawares Brandywine School District said last year that steps had been taken to support Joshua Trump, a middle-school student who reportedly had been bullied for years because he shares the presidents last name.

Guests the White House invites to the State of the Union typically serve to help put a face on policies the president will promote in the nationally televised address.

Johnsons case spotlights legislation Trump signed into law last year to address concerns about the criminal justice system, including giving judges more discretion in sentencing some drug offenders. Bullying prevention is a key element of an initiative Mrs. Trump named Be Best.

Other guests will represent Trumps opposition to illegal immigration, his push to halt human trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border, efforts to stem the deadly opioid addiction epidemic and his economic policies.

The remaining guests are:

 Debra Bissell, Heather Armstrong and Madison Armstrong, the daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter, respectively, of a Reno, Nevada, couple allegedly killed in their home last month by a person illegally in the U.S.

 Matthew Charles, a Tennessee man who was among the first prisoners released under the First Step criminal justice legislation Trump signed in December.

 Grace Eline, a 9-year-old brain cancer survivor.

 Ashley Evans, a former opioid addict nearing one year and one month of sobriety who hopes to be reunited with her daughter full-time.

 Elvin Hernandez, a special agent with the Homeland Security Departments human trafficking unit.

 Roy James, plant manager of a lumber facility in Vicksburg, Mississippi, that the White House says was reopened under provisions in Trumps tax cut legislation.

 Timothy Matson, a Pittsburgh police officer and SWAT team member who was shot multiple times while responding to the deadly October 2018 shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. Eleven people were killed.

 Judah Samet, a Holocaust survivor and member of the Tree of Life Synagogue.

 Tom Wibberley, father of Navy seaman Craig Wibberley, who was killed in the October 2000 bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen.

Johnson was convicted in 1996 on eight criminal counts related to a Memphis-based cocaine trafficking ring. Federal courts, including the Supreme Court, rejected her appeals. Her requests for clemency had been rejected by President Barack Obama, who during eight years in office commuted the sentences of hundreds of federal inmates convicted of drug crimes.

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FAIRBURN, Ga. - The Latest on officer run over by pickup truck in Georgia (all times local):

8:30 p.m.

Police in several states are looking for a 33-year-old Memphis man accused of running over and severely injuring an Atlanta-area police officer.

Fairburn Deputy Police Chief Anthony Bazydlo (buh-ZID-loh) says they have several leads to Tauren McShans possible whereabouts. He says a warrant has been issued for McShans arrest on charges including aggravated assault against an officer.

He says Fairburn police are working with local, state and federal authorities.

According to news reports, surveillance video shows a man talking to officers outside the truck, then jumping in and driving away. Bazydlo says Officer Levar Sims was holding onto the truck but fell off at a speed bump and was run over.

He says Sims is recovering well after surgery and could be released from the hospital after several days.

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6:30 p.m.

Authorities in Georgia say a man in a pickup truck ran over a police officer, seriously injuring him.

News outlets report the man has been identified but remains at large. The outlets quote police in the Atlanta suburb of Fairburn as saying Officer Levar Sims underwent surgery after he was hit early Monday. Police are looking for the 33-year-old driver, who had rented the truck in the Memphis, Tennessee, area.

Deputy Chief Anthony Bazydlo says an officer on routine patrol outside a hotel saw a sleeping man in a running truck, and asked for backup. Bazydlo says both the first officer and Sims smelled marijuana and alcohol.

According to news reports, surveillance video shows the man talking to officers outside the truck, then jumping in and driving away. Bazydlo says Sims was holding onto the truck but fell off at a speed bump and was run over.
OMAHA, Neb. - A southeast Nebraska school district wants a court to help it learn who is behind a Twitter account that has targeted the district and superintendent.

Friend Public Schools says the unknown person behind the Friend Bulldog account has made false, libelous and defamatory statements accusing Superintendent David Kraus or the district of public indecency and other offences. The account has been active since last fall.

In a Jan. 7 post, Kraus face was positioned over actor Jim Carreys in a poster for Carreys movie Liar Liar. Another post from September of last year compared Kraus to Adolf Hitler.

The districts attorney, Justin Knight, also said in the lawsuit filed last week that the Twitter account might be mistaken for the districts official one because it uses a picture of the Friend Bulldog mascot.

The goal is to clear the reputations of the individuals that have been targeted in the account, Knight said.

District officials made other efforts to contact the online critic and resolve the issue  including an open invitation from the school board  but those werent successful. Knight said the district didnt decide to file the lawsuit until after several other district employees were singled out. The district in Friend, Nebraska, is about 40 miles southwest of Lincoln.

The Lincoln Journal Star reported on the lawsuit first.

On Saturday, the person behind the Twitter account posted, The names Doe, John Doe. The individual later added, I cant believe you guys guessed my real name!

The person didnt immediately respond to a Twitter message that The Associated Press sent Monday seeking comment.

A spokeswoman for Twitter said Monday she was looking into the case and couldnt immediately comment. But the social media company describes online how it handles legal requests for user information. Twitter says it tries to notify users about a request and then reviews the request before deciding whether to comply or object to it.
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is asking the Michigan Public Service Commission to study the adequacy of the states energy supply and its ability to deliver natural gas, electricity and propane.

Whitmers request Monday to the Michigan Public Service Commission followed a bitterly cold week, with temperatures dipping well below zero.

Consumers Energy asked customers to temporarily lower thermostats to 65 degrees after a compressor station fire near Detroit raised concerns about keeping gas flowing. DTE Energy requested voluntary reductions in electricity use.

Whitmer asked the public service commission for a report by July 1. The Democratic governor said it should include information about plans for distributing energy during emergencies; areas or systems most at risk; and how to prepare for extreme weather that seems increasingly likely as the climate changes.
FAIRBURN, Ga. - Authorities from several states are looking for a 33-year-old Tennessee man accused of running over and seriously injuring an Atlanta-area police officer, police said.

Tauren McShan, 33, of Memphis, is wanted on charges including aggravated assault against an officer, Deputy Chief Anthony Bazydlo said Monday night.

Weve got some good leads were following for his whereabouts, including the likelihood that hes trying to get home, Bazydlo told The Associated Press by phone.

He said Fairburn Officer Levar Sims underwent surgery but could be released from the hospital after several days. He did sustain some internal injuries but is expected to make a full recovery with time, he said in an email.

McShan had rented the truck in the Memphis area, about 330 miles (530 km) from the Atlanta suburb of Fairburn.

Sims had answered a call for backup from an officer on routine patrol outside a hotel and saw a sleeping man in a running truck, Bazydlo told Atlanta news media. Both the first officer and Sims smelled marijuana and alcohol, he said.

According to news reports, surveillance video shows the man talking to officers outside the truck, then jumping in and driving away. Bazydlo said Sims was holding onto the truck but fell off at a speed bump and was run over.

The pickup truck was found a few miles from the hotel and just over the Fulton County line, he said.

It all started out seemingly routine, but theres nothing routine about what we do, Bazydlo told WXIA-TV. Initially it appeared everything was going to pan out but things turned dangerous really quickly.

He said Sims had transferred from MARTA Police to Fairburns department in November.

Weve only had him for a few months, but he gets along with everyone and is always willing to help out, Bazydlo said.

He said thats what Sims was doing early Monday: An officer called for backup and he was the first one to respond.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - An improvised explosion detonated in an alley behind a strip mall in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Monday and killed a man authorities believe was responsible for the device, police said.

Albuquerque Police Chief Michael Geier said at a news conference the blast didnt appear to be linked to any terrorist act but the FBI is investigating. The name of the man killed has not been released and police dont know if he was connected to the shopping centre and have yet to determine a motive.

There is no perceived threat to anybody else, Geier said in a news conference from the scene. There is no connection to any terrorist act or any activity that we would need to protect the public from.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also was at the scene.

Geier said no other suspects were under investigation.

He said no direct residents were near the blast but it had a radius of about 246 feet (75 metres) and could be heard around 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) away.

Businesses in the west side mall were evacuated after the explosion early afternoon explosion.

Our initial concern was this was a gas leak or natural causes, but that was ruled out pretty quickly, Geier said.

He said the explosion destroyed a cement wall and dented a Dumpster behind the shopping centre.

No other injuries were reported.

Police officers blocked off the mall, which includes a grocery store, pharmacy and other businesses.

Juan Pablo, a worker at one of the businesses, said the explosion rocked the building.

I was in the backroom getting a phone for a customer right when I heard everything go off, Pablo told KOB-TV. It shook the windows.

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Firefighters happened to be at the location when they heard a loud noise and investigated.

The blast was being investigated by the Albuquerque Police Department bomb squad and agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
HASAKA, SYRIAMore than six years after he was abducted in Syria by jihadis, John Cantlie, a British journalist, is believed to be still alive, a British government official said Tuesday.

Cantlie has been seen in several propaganda videos made by the Daesh group, but the last one was released more than two years ago. On Tuesday, Ben Wallace, Britains minister for security, told journalists at a Home Office briefing that Cantlie was thought to be alive, though he did not disclose how the government might have knowledge of his condition.

The Daesh militants held Cantlie in a series of locations before moving him to a prison next to an oil installation near the Syrian city of Raqqa, where he became one of 23 Western captives held at the site in two cells, divided by six. If he is still alive, he is one of the few people who might be able to tell what became of other inmates in the underground gulag that held them, including many hostages whose families know little about their fates.

Cantlie, a freelance photographer, was taken hostage in November 2012, along with American journalist James Foley, who filed for GlobalPost and Agence France-Presse. After leaving an internet cafe in the Syrian town of Binesh, they drove toward Turkey, but armed men forced them to stop 25 miles short of the border and abducted them.

A majority of the Europeans, including French and Spanish citizens, were released for multimillion-euro ransoms paid by their governments. But Britain and the United States are among the few countries that hew to a strict policy of not paying for hostages, arguing that doing so finances terrorist groups and encourages more kidnappings.

When it became clear that neither country would pay for its citizens, the militants began killing them, starting with Foley, who was beheaded with a knife in 2014, a killing shown in a gruesome video released by the Daesh.

Read more:

U.K. journalist appears in video by Islamic State militants

Daesh releases new video of captive British journalist John Cantlie

U.K. believes Islamic State hostage John Cantlie is alive

In total, three Americans and three Britons were killed the same way, and recordings of their deaths sent shock waves around the world and pushed the Obama administration to intervene in a conflict it had tried to avoid.

Cantlie escaped that fate, and instead he was used  presumably under duress  in Daesh propaganda videos, releasing a lecture series in which he criticizes the Western response to the group.

In one, he is seen in an orange jumpsuit, discussing the fates of his cellmates. In others, he is wearing civilian clothes and is presented as a war correspondent holding a microphone, but he appears increasingly gaunt and pale, suggesting mistreatment.

He was last seen in a video recorded during the battle to liberate the Iraqi city of Mosul from Daesh control in December 2016. At the scene of an attack in which the militants had wiped out a group of Iraqi soldiers in armoured vehicles, Cantlie was shown walking through the carnage, at one point making fun of the dead.

This used to belong to an Iraqi soldier, he remarked as he passed a helmet lying on the ground. I dont think hes going to be needing it now, huh?

But since then, there has been no sighting of him, and many believed him to be dead.

The Daesh group, which at its height controlled large parts of Iraq and Syria, is pinned down in a 1.5-mile-wide outpost in the village of Baghuz, in a bend in the Euphrates River in northeastern Syria.

Officials with a U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led militia fighting to capture that stronghold said Tuesday they did not know if Cantlie was alive, but they confirmed that the Daesh group was holding numerous other hostages, including dozens of the militias own soldiers.

That has meant that the operation to take the area has stalled, as military commanders struggle with how to move forward without endangering the lives of either the hostages or the civilians trapped inside that pocket.

In announcing a decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria, President Donald Trump suggested in December that the group had been defeated, though he and other officials later qualified that assertion and delayed the pullout. He and members of his administration have described the group as defeated, wiped out, absolutely obliterated and in its final throes.

The Daesh is at its lowest point in years by nearly every measure  the area it holds, the attacks it carries out, the number of foreign fighters it recruits. But analysts who study the group point out that it remains far more powerful today than it was when the United States withdrew its troops from Iraq in 2011.

In Senate testimony on Tuesday, Gen. Joseph Votel, chief of U.S. Central Command, said that hard-fought battlefield gains can only be secured by maintaining a vigilant offensive against a now largely dispersed and disaggregated Daesh that retains leaders, fighters, facilitators, resources.

British officials have said that, out of about 900 British citizens thought to have traveled to the conflict zone in Syria, presumably to join the Daesh fighters, about 20 per cent died there, around 40 per cent returned and the rest are still there.

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Western analysts say that as many as 30,000 former Daesh militants have not been killed or captured, and that many of them are still in the region, having gone into hiding or, by all appearances, returned to civilian life. A crucial, unanswered question for the regions security is what they would do if the group made a comeback.

At the briefing Tuesday, Wallace, the British security minister, said fighters for the group were continuing to seek havens in Libya, Somalia, and sub-Saharan Africa.

The group was massively downgraded, he said, but had not gone away.

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JERUSALEM - Israeli authorities have arrested a dual French-Israeli citizen after France requested his extradition for a series of sex crimes against minors.

The Jerusalem District Prosecutors Office said Tuesday that Ilan Levy-Neumand, a resident of a West Bank settlement, was arrested and that prosecutors petitioned the court for his extradition.

In 2010, Levy-Neumand was convicted in absentia by a French court for sexual offences against eight girls and sentenced to 15 years in prison. If returned to France, he will face a retrial.

A message left with his attorney, Debborah Abitbol, was not immediately returned Tuesday.

Israels Justice Ministry said Levy-Neumand committed the crimes between 1987 and 2001 while working as a horse-riding instructor. He fled France for Israel after his arrest in 2002.

Prior to his arrest by Israeli police on Sunday, Levy-Neumand ran a horse-riding school in the West Bank settlement of Tekoa.
BUCHAREST, Romania - Authorities in Romania are investigating an Italian citizen who allegedly posed as a plastic surgeon in clinics around Bucharest.

The College of Medics said Tuesday that it hadnt issued Matteo Politi, who used the alias Matthew Mode, with a license to practice.

Romanian health authorities, who must also issue a separate permit to doctors, say he was given one in March 2018 after submitting a fake diploma claiming hed qualified as a doctor in Kosovo.

Libertatea newspaper reported that a nurse became suspicious, saying he didnt know how to wash his hands or put on surgical gloves properly. In one case, a nurse reported that a breast implant surgery lasted four hours instead of one.

Health Minister Sorina Pintea blamed private clinics for allowing Politi, reported to be 38, to work without a permit. Health authorities are looking into how he obtained a permit.

According to reports, Politi had worked as a plastic surgeon in a number of private clinics in the capital, Bucharest, for about a year. The Italian-owned Monza Group said Tuesday it was suing him. It said hed performed just one operation, in December 2018.

Italian media reported in 2011 that Politi received a suspended 18-month sentence for having posed as a doctor without a license. Reports said he had only completed middle school, yet managed to work in hospitals in Verona, Brescia, Turin and Pordenone using the name of a real doctor, Luigi Vincenzo Politi.

There were no immediate reports of patients suffering as a result of the Romanian surgeries. Politis whereabouts wasnt immediately known.
Prime Minister Theresa May will start a two-day visit to Northern Ireland on Tuesday to try to bolster support for her divorce deal with the European Union, as she faces fresh pressure to scrap the so-called backstop plan for the Irish border.

The embattled premier has until next week to secure changes to the backstop  the insurance policy meant to keep the Irish border open in the absence of a broader trade deal  that will satisfy anti-EU members of her Conservative Party and win her a majority in Parliament. To do so, she is trying to reopen talks with Brussels on the deal she spent 18 months negotiating before Parliament rejected it by a record margin last month.

May, whose minority administration in Westminster is propped up by 10 MPs from Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party, will pledge during her visit to the province to find a way to keep the border open.

We will find a way to deliver a Brexit that honours our commitments to Northern Ireland, commands broad support across the community in Northern Ireland and secures a majority in the Westminster Parliament, May will say, according to extracts of a speech released by her office.

Ahead of Mays visit, DUP leader Arlene Foster reiterated her opposition to the backstop and said the prime minister must accept the mandate given to her by Parliament to replace it in the deal with Brussels. The DUP would overlook misgivings about other aspects of Mays deal and support it, Foster said, if the backstop was dealt with  though she declined to specify how that would need to happen to secure the partys backing.

The current backstop is toxic to those of us living in Northern Ireland, Foster told BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday. It would cause the breakup of the U.K. into the medium and longer term.

Read more:

Riots after a no-deal Brexit? Save the Queen

Brexit awakens old fears in Northern Ireland

Brexit battle looms as U.K. lawmakers attack Mays Plan B

Business Warning

As May struggles to find a plan that can satisfy all sides, the clock is ticking down to exit day on March 29, with companies already feeling the heat.

On Monday, Business Secretary Greg Clark warned Parliaments failure to agree on Brexit is holding back investment in the U.K., after Nissan Motor Co. abandoned plans to expand production in the U.K.

Clark said while the companys decision to produce its X-Trail model in Japan instead of Sunderland, northeast England, was made on broader business grounds, theres damaging uncertainty about the terms of Britains departure from the European Union.

Nissan, which has already received 2.6 million pounds ($3.4 million U.S.) of a nine-year, 61 million-pound program of government support, will have to reapply for the grants in the light of the changed investments that theyre making, Clark told the House of Commons.

Across the industry there are investments poised to be made if we can settle this question of the terms of our exit and future relationship, Clark said, before warning that a no-deal divorce from the EU would be ruinous for our prospects.

For their part, pro-Brexit Tories expressed anger that May doesnt appear to have asked the EU to abandon its insistence on the backstop arrangement to keep the Irish frontier open after Brexit.

Members of Parliaments Brexit select committee visited Brussels on Monday for talks with Martin Selmayr, the European Commissions most senior official.

I asked Martin Selmayr whether the PM had ever asked for the backstop to be removed, euroskeptic Tory Andrea Jenkyns said on Twitter. He stated that he wasnt aware of her asking for this and had certainly not asked him. He also stated that there has been no request to reopen negotiations by the British Government.

No Great Hope

John Whittingdale, a Tory former cabinet minister, was similarly pessimistic. I certainly didnt hear anything that gave me great hope that the prime minister would come back with a change to the withdrawal agreement, he told the BBC.

Selmayr, secretary-general of the Commission, denied reports that the bloc might offer legally binding assurances on the Irish border backstop to help May get her deal through the Commons.

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On the EU side, nobody is considering this, Selmayr wrote on Twitter after meeting with members of the House of Commons Brexit Committee in Brussels. The EU did well to start its no deal preparations in December 2017.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, who said the Nissan decision had more to do with the market for diesel vehicles than Brexit, called on the EU to compromise and said the March 29 deadline for leaving the bloc will not be delayed.

We want to work with the EU to reach a deal, but if they are not prepared to do that they will have to take responsibility that we are heading towards a no-deal exit, Grayling said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph. Ive been in every Cabinet meeting, and theres been no conversation about delaying post-March 29. We are not delaying Article 50.

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BRISBANE, Australia - Two bodies were reportedly found near a drain in the flood-stricken city of Townsville on Tuesday as Australias prime minister toured the devastation wrought by unprecedented rainfall

Police would not immediately confirm media reports that the bodies had been recovered a day after two men disappeared near flood waters in the Townsville suburb of Aitkenvale.

Authorities have warned Townsville residents not to swim in flood waters, in which crocodiles and snakes have been spotted among the Townsville suburbs.

While floodwater receded in Townsville on Tuesday, overnight monsoonal rain created flash-flooding in communities to the north where authorities have warned residents to move to higher ground.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited a new housing estate where scores of homes had been inundated and one of the evacuation centres where more than 1,000 people are sheltering.

It was frankly quite overwhelming, Morrison said of his tour. I think people are in shock. I think the kids are amazingly resilient.

Morrison declined to say whether the torrential rain, which has been described as a one-in-100-year event, was a demonstration of climate change.

My thinking is the support for Townsville people. Im not engaging in broader policy debates today, Morrison said.

Authorities were grateful that the overnight rain missed the swollen catchment of the citys Ross River Dam, which had to release an unprecedented amount of water this week.

An estimated 500 homes and business in the city of 230,000 people were flooded. That estimate is expected to rise as the cleanup continues.
ISLAMABAD - Pakistans prime minister and president on Tuesday offered support for rebels in the Indian part of the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir as the country staged rallies marking the annual Day of Solidarity with Kashmir.

Rallies were also held in the Pakistani-controlled sector of the territory while a Pakistani minister declared the struggle of the rebels in Kashmir a jihad, or Muslim holy war, saying it would go on until Kashmir becomes part of Pakistan.

India and Pakistan each administer a part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety. Rebels have been fighting Indian rule since 1989, demanding Indian-controlled Kashmir be united either under Pakistani rule or established as an independent country.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi in their statements condemned India for what they said were violations of human rights in the Indian section of Kashmir. They said Pakistan would continue its diplomatic and moral support for people living in Kashmir.

The wish of Kashmiri people for freedom cannot be suppressed, Alvi told lawmakers in the Pakistani-controlled part of Kashmir.

In Islamabad, Ali Amin Gundapur, a minister in charge of Kashmir affairs, told a rally that one day, Kashmir will become part of Pakistan.

Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Asif Ghafoor tweeted that decades of atrocities by Indian occupied forces have failed to suppress ever strengthening freedom struggle of the Kashmiris.

At a rally in Peshawar, protesters burned and stomped on the Indian fag as Pakistani girls in traditional Kashmiri dress chanted anti-Indian slogans.

And at a pro-Kashmir rally in the eastern city of Lahore, Pakistani radical cleric Hafiz Saeed, suspected in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that killed 166 people and also wanted by the U.S., urged followers to stand up against Indias crackdown on unarmed civilians in Kashmir.

There was no immediate comment from New Delhi on the statements from Islamabad.

On Sunday, Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a day-long visit to the Indian section of Kashmir as separatists there called for a shutdown  shops and businesses closed while thousands of armed government forces and commandos spread out and closed off roads with razor wire and iron barricades to prevent protests and rebel attacks during Modis visit.
COXS BAZAR, Bangladesh - Angelina Jolie on Tuesday urged Myanmar to show a genuine commitment to ending violence and displacement in its Rakhine state, where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh for safety.

Jolie, a special envoy for the U.N.s refugee agency, spoke as she visited sprawling camps in Bangladesh that are home to 1 million Rohingya refugees. More than 700,000 have arrived since August 2017, when Myanmars army led a violent crackdown following attacks on security posts by a Rohingya insurgent group.

Jolie is visiting for three days before launching a global appeal for $920 million, chiefly to support the refugees needs for 2019. She met and talked with refugees, including children and rape victims.

It was deeply upsetting to meet the families who have only known persecution and statelessness their whole lives, who speak of being treated like cattle, she told reporters at the Kutupalong refugee camp.

Jolie added: They have been denied their most basic human right: citizenship in their country of birth. And some still wont even call the Rohingya by their rightful name.

She thanked Bangladesh for hosting the refugees despite being over populated, and urged the international community to provide more resources for the refugees.

Bangladesh is a generous country rich in culture and history, but with limited resources. And it cannot be left to shoulder the responsibility of hosting Rohingya refugees alone, she said.

Jolie said Myanmar must ensure safety for the Rohingya to return home.

They have an absolute right to return home, but only when they feel safe enough to do so voluntarily and they know that their rights will be respected, she said.

Bangladesh attempted to start repatriation of Rohingya in November last year, but the country postponed the process after no Rohingya came forward to go back voluntarily.

The U.N. and other global human rights groups have said no Rohingya should be forced to return.

Bangladesh authorities said they will send them back only if they are willing to go back and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged international community to put pressure on Myanmar for ensuring safety in the country for making their voluntary return possible.

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Most people in Buddhist-majority Myanmar do not accept that the Rohingya Muslims are a native ethnic group, viewing them as Bengalis who entered from Bangladesh centuries ago.

Nearly all have been denied citizenship since 1982, as well as access to education and hospitals.
MEXICO CITY - A caravan of about 1,600 Central American migrants camped Tuesday in the Mexican border city of Piedras Negras, just west of Eagle Pass, Texas.

The governor of the northern state of Coahuila described the migrants as asylum seekers, suggesting all had express intentions of surrendering to U.S. authorities.

While previous caravans had travelled to the border city of Tijuana, where migrants have to join a waiting list to make asylum claims, the relatively open border around Eagle Pass is different. The border is marked mainly by the Rio Grande and lacks the long sections of high barriers found in Tijuana.

Still, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security vowed that the lawless caravan would not be allowed in.

Approximately 2,000 aliens have arrived in northern Mexico as part of a caravan seeking to cross the border into Texas. Illegal entry will not be tolerated and we stand ready to prevent it, DHS Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen wrote in a statement Tuesday, adding: DHS will take all steps to ensure the safety and security of law enforcement personnel on the front lines.

Images from local media showed U.S. agents with riot gear and shields standing on a bridge separating Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras. DHS said Border Patrol officers had already apprehended some migrants who crossed the border illegally overnight.

Coahuila state Gov. Miguel Angel Riquelme said the Central American migrants arrived late Monday aboard 49 buses from the cities of Saltillo and Arteaga. Another smaller group headed toward the neighbouring state of Nuevo Leon.

An improvised shelter was set up for the migrants at an unused maquiladora factory, and local officials said the migrants had been given sleeping mats, blankets, food and wireless access. State child welfare officials reported that 46 unaccompanied youths aged between 15 and 17 were in the caravan.

The area from Piedras Negras east to Nuevo Laredo has long been dominated by the now-fragmented Zetas cartel. The caravan was escorted by soldiers and police, and the state government said migrants wouldnt be allowed to split off from the main group because these types of caravans have been victims of organized crime groups that try to force the migrants to work for them.

That is why we are being strict about security, Coahuila state Interior Secretary Jose Maria Fraustro said.

Local media reported that some migrants objected to guards and closed gates at the improvised shelter, saying they did not want to be locked in.

Participants in caravans of mainly Honduran migrants last year mostly went to the border city of Tijuana in their bid to reach the United States. But Tijuana officials said their city was overwhelmed and unprepared to receive more migrants, after a mass rush by migrants trying to cross the border led to temporary closure of some crossings.

Coahuilas governor said authorities in his state are trying to avoid such scenarios. The state government said authorities are trying to maintain an open dialogue with the migrants, making sure their needs are met, without affecting the daily life of Piedras Negras residents.

A second, larger caravan of several thousand migrants is expected to set out across Mexico soon.

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The U.N. refugee agency noted that Mexico had received 12,574 requests for humanitarian visas Jan. 17-29, almost all from migrants who left Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.

The agency interviewed almost 1,000 of the migrants on the border bridge between Guatemala and Mexico. Of those interviewed, almost 30 per cent said they wanted to reach the United States; 46 per cent said they might remain in Mexico. Almost one-third were minors.
SAN JOSE, COSTA RICAA psychiatrist and anti-nuclear activist has accused Oscar Arias Sanchez, the Nobel laureate and former Costa Rica president, of sexually assaulting her four years ago, bringing the #MeToo movement to one of Latin Americas most revered statesmen.

Arias won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for having brokered a plan to end civil wars in Central America. He remains the most powerful figure in Costa Rica, which he led twice and where he continues to run a foundation that promotes peace and democracy.

The sexual assault allegation could deliver a serious blow to his legacy.

The accuser, Alexandra Arce von Herold, filed a criminal complaint with federal prosecutors Monday and gave a statement under penalty of perjury asking them to charge Arias with sexual assault. She provided a copy of the 10-page complaint to The New York Times, which shows she had met with prosecutors for nearly three hours. Arce did not seek civil damages.

A nuclear disarmament activist, Arce often met with the former president, who was an important supporter of the cause. She said she was at Arias home in late 2014 to discuss an upcoming event in Vienna when he came up behind her, touched her breasts and shoved his hands up her skirt, penetrating her with his fingers.

She left, distraught, and told a number of people what had happened, at times in tears. Among them were colleagues and her brother, who said that for weeks afterward, it was like she had PTSD. She didnt feel safe.

Over the past few days, Arias did not respond to repeated text, voice and email messages regarding the allegation. On Monday, through an email from a spokeswoman for his foundation, he asked for more information on the case, but did not respond once he had it.

Rodolfo Brenes, Arias lawyer, told the local media that the former president, on advice of his counsel, would not comment.

Arias is also facing unrelated accusations of criminal malfeasance in connection with his 2008 decision to approve a Canadian companys gold mining project in an ecological corridor before environmental studies had been completed. The case has been through a preliminary hearing, and Arias is waiting for the court to determine whether he will stand trial.

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OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASOBurkina Fasos armed forces have killed 146 jihadists in counterterror operations in the northwest near the border with Mali, the armys commander general said.

The response came after armed men attacked Kain village in Yatenga province early Monday, killing 14 people, Gen. Moise Minoungou said on national television late Monday. The operations, including air support, also targeted Bahn in the north region and Bomboro in the Boucle du Mouhoun region.

The statement said there were light injuries and no deaths among security forces.

Islamic extremists in recent months have increased attacks in Burkina Fasos volatile Sahel region. A Canadian man was recently kidnapped and killed, and another Canadian and Italian are missing.

Burkina Faso on Tuesday hosted the leaders of the five nations in a regional counterterror force, the G5 Sahel, launched in 2017. Other members are Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.

Japan announced $23 million (U.S.) in support, plus $2.7 million for Burkina Faso, as the force continues to be underfunded.

Nigers President Mahamadou Issoufou said the G5 Sahel will focus on developing methods to stem the growth of extremism.

It is not only about security and economy but also ideology, he said.

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Pope Francis on Tuesday publicly acknowledged the scandal of priests and bishops sexually abusing nuns and vowed to do more to fight the problem, the latest sign that there is no end in sight to the Catholic Churchs abuse crisis  and that it now has a reckoning from the #MeToo movement.

Francis admitted to the problem for the first time in public during a news conference while returning to Rome from the United Arab Emirates. The acknowledgment comes just two weeks before he hosts an unprecedented gathering of bishops to craft a global response to the scandal of priestly predators who target children and the superiors who covered up the crimes.

Francis was asked about priests who target adult women  the religious sisters who are the backbone of the Catholic Churchs education, health care and social service ministries around the globe  and whether the Holy See might consider a similar universal approach to combat that issue.

Its not that everyone does this, but there have been priests and bishops who have, Francis told reporters. And I think that its continuing because its not like once you realize it that it stops. It continues. And for some time weve been working on it.

Should we do something more? Yes. Is there the will? Yes. But its a path that we have already begun, Francis said.

The issue has come to the fore amid the Catholic Churchs overall reckoning with the sexual abuse of minors and the #MeToo-inspired acknowledgement that adults can be victims of abuse whenever there is an imbalance of power in a relationship. In the past year, The Associated Press and other media have reported on cases of abused nuns in India , Africa, Europe and South America  evidence that the problem is by no means limited to a certain geographic area.

Read more:

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Cardinal on trial in Frances biggest church sex abuse trial

Ex-deputy to Argentine bishop says Vatican knew of misdeeds

In November, the organization representing all the worlds female Catholic religious orders, the International Union of Superiors General, publicly denounced the culture of silence and secrecy that prevented nuns from speaking out and urged sisters to report abuse to their superiors and police. And just last week, the womens magazine of the Vatican newspaper LOsservatore Romano identified the clerical culture of the all-powerful clergy as the culprit.

The magazine, Women Church World, noted that the scandal involves a corollary: nuns being forced to abort the priests children or bear children that the priests refuse to recognize.

Francis acknowledgement of the problem comes as he prepares to decide the fate of the disgraced American ex-cardinal, Theodore McCarrick, who is accused of abusing minors as well as adult seminarians. That case also cast a spotlight on the issue of abusive power relationships, and whether the Catholic Church ought to consider seminarians and sisters as vulnerable adults when compared to the priests and bishops who control everything from their vocations to their studies and salaries.

Francis noted that Pope Benedict XVI had taken action against a France-based order that admitted the priest who founded it had violated his chastity vows with his female recruits. Francis said the sisters had been reduced to sexual slavery at the hands of the Rev. Marie-Dominique Philippe and other priests.

The Community of St. Jean admitted in 2013 that Philippe had behaved in ways that went against chastity with several women in the order, according to the French Catholic newspaper La Croix. Francis comments about sexual slavery suggested that the relations were not consensual and could have involved abuse of conscience and power as well.

Phillipe died in 2006. Three years later, the local bishop imposed a new superior on the orders contemplative branch of nuns. Some rejected the new leader and followed their old female superior to found a new institute in Spain. Benedict eventually dissolved that, a decision Francis held up Tuesday as evidence of Benedicts hard line in the case.

He said Benedict acted because a certain slavery of women had crept in, slavery to the point of sexual slavery on the part of clergy or the founder, he said.

Sometimes the founder takes away, or empties the freedom of the sisters. It can come to this, Francis said.

Asked if any universal norms might be in the works to tackle the problem  as has been done to handle cases of clergy sexual abuse of minors  Francis implied that the priestly abuse of nuns was still being dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

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There are cases, usually in new congregations and in some regions more than others, he said. Were working on it.

Pray that this goes forward, he said of the Vatican efforts to fight it.

I want it to go forward.
The periodic table has become an icon of science. Its rows and columns provide a tidy way of showcasing the elements  the ingredients that make up the universe.

It seems obvious today, but it wasnt to generations of early chemists. That changed when Dmitri Mendeleev started writing a textbook and pondered ways to group the elements together in order to lighten his load.

The Russian chemist spotted an elegant and powerful pattern: he recognized that certain elements exhibited similar traits, and that these traits varied regularly  or periodically  with increasing atomic weight.

So on Feb. 17, 1869 (according to the Julian calendar used in Russia at that time), Mendeleev published a chart of the 60-odd elements known at the time, sorted by their weights and properties. He called it An Attempt at a System of Elements, Based on Their Atomic Weight and Chemical Affinity.

It has come to be regarded as one of the greatest scientific contributions of all time.

Thats why the United Nations and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry are celebrating the 150th anniversary of Mendeleevs periodic table.

The journal Science is marking the occasion with a special issue about the table, which includes an essay on its origins by Michael Gordin, a science historian at Princeton University. Gordin spoke with the Los Angeles Times about Mendeleevs invention and its scientific legacy.

Q. Why has the periodic table endured for 150 years?

A. Its an amazing tool that can compress a huge amount of information into one format. Its one of the first things people learn about chemistry. Its in every textbook. Its on the wall of pretty much every chemistry classroom in the world.

Q. How did it come about?

A. Dmitri Mendeleev was writing a textbook when he came up with the idea. It was a scheme he put together in order to help organize the elements in families so that he didnt have to spend time doing each element individually.

Q. How did it work?

A. The table is organized by increasing atomic weight, but broken into rows. When Mendeleev did that, he saw that certain elements have very similar properties  they form acids that have similar strength, they form crystals that look the same.

So, in addition to increasing atomic weight, he saw that there is some other pattern that repeats. Hes the one who invented the term periodic.

Q: Did he realize he was onto something big?

A. I think he perceived a pattern that could be one of two things. Is it just a convenient teaching tool, or is it a deep pattern in nature? He saw it both ways.

Over time, he became more convinced that he had discovered a law of nature. Thats normal for scientific findings when you first propose something, you dont know its true yet.

Q. Would you say Mendeleev discovered the modern periodic table?

A. I usually say that Mendeleev formulated or invented the table. The reason I dont say discovered is that its not like its a rock or a mountain. Its a set of relations among things that are like rocks or mountains.

Q. But he wasnt the only chemist working on a table 150 years ago, was he?

A. Thats right. There were six different formulations of the table in the 1860s.

Q. What sets his table apart?

A. The first thing is that Mendeleev does all the elements. Previous people had put in many or most, but hadnt done all of them because they werent sure about the atomic weights. Mendeleev made guesses about their weights to fit them in the table.

The second thing is that he predicted the existence of new elements. When those elements are discovered, his table stands out.

The third reason is that he was very insistent during his lifetime that he deserved credit for the periodic table.

Q. Lets back up a minute. How did Mendeleev predict the existence of undiscovered elements?

A. There are several hypotheses by historians because he didnt write down his thought process.

When Mendeleev started lining up elements with similar properties into columns, he noticed that, in some places, an element seemed to be in the wrong place and should be one column over. When he moved it over, everything worked out. But then theres an empty gap. And hes like, OK, how do I explain whats in the gap?

Q. And how did he explain it?

A. He said, Well, its atomic weight should be about this, because I can average from the elements around it and guess it. And hes like, I know what its crystal structure should be. And I know something about what kinds of acids it would form, because it has those properties of the elements above and below it.

Within 15 years, three of the elements he predicted in detail were discovered. And they had exactly the properties he said they would.

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Q. What was going on in the 1860s that gave everyone the idea to make tables of the elements?

A. Today, the periodic table is organized by atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus. But they didnt know about protons then, so they organized everything by atomic weight. They had what they thought were accurate atomic weights for all the elements, but some of those weights were measured by different systems.

Then, in 1860, there was an international meeting of chemists in Germany. Mendeleev happened to be there because he was studying nearby. They propose a unified way of organizing the atomic weights, and when they do that, they correct a whole bunch of atomic weights.

Within a year or two, people started seeing these patterns.

Q. Were there earlier attempts to organize the elements?

A. Yes. One method was alphabetical, which was very common.

The other organized elements by their ability to bond together. So you would create a table and say, sulfur bonds really well with this and this and this, in this order. They look like periodic tables, but they are totally different. They dont list all of the elements, and things appear several times.

Q. Do we know what kind of guy Mendeleev was?

A. We actually know a lot about him. He was born in a Siberian city called Tobolsk, which is almost in the exact centre of Russia. He ended up in St. Petersburg for education, and he stayed there most of his life  he taught at the University of St. Petersburg  but travelled very broadly.

He was very boisterous, kind of funny, quick to lose his temper, but also clearly very charismatic and engaging. He was also very politically active. He was in the papers a lot.

After he finished the table, he decided he would start keeping all of his mail and all of his letters because he knew he would be famous. Hes the kind of person who cared about his legacy and thought of himself quite well.

Q. Did he become famous in his lifetime?

A. Yes. He does the table when hes 35, in 1869, and he lives until 1907. The table becomes more and more central to chemistry over the course of his life, so he becomes internationally well known.

Q. Scientists didnt really understand atoms until after Mendeleev died. How did that change the table?

A: We now organize the table based on quantum theory  on the positions the electrons in the outer shell of an atom have. That explains their chemical properties because the electrons determine how they bind with other elements.

Mendeleev didnt know any of that. The electron was discovered in 1897, and he didnt like that idea. He didnt like many of these new ideas. When people discovered new things he couldnt put in the table, he got very frustrated. It bothered him.

But later, Niels Bohr, the Danish physicist whos one of the architects of quantum theory, published a very interesting version of the periodic table that incorporates the insights of the quantum vision of the atom to help explain how the system works. It silenced those who thought the table was just a lucky guess.

Q. What else has changed over the last 150 years?

A: All of these new elements that have been discovered, the very heavy elements. They are principally results of using colliders and things like that to make them. They live for a very short period of time  microseconds. But filling out the table has taught us a great deal about how the nuclei of these atoms work.

We now understand why there are as many columns in the table as there are, and how many rows down we can go before the atom becomes too unstable. We now have a table with no gaps, and that gives us a real feeling of understanding nature.

Q: Is the table complete now?

A: Im sure somebody will try to create new elements so you could build further rows. But the question of whether its worth the investment for the amount of knowledge we get is a question that scientists and politicians would have to answer. Its not my business to decide.
U.S. President Donald Trumps inaugural committee was ordered Monday to turn over documents about its donors, finances and activities to federal prosecutors in Manhattan, according to two people familiar with the investigation into the committees activities.

Prosecutors are seeking documents related to all of the committees donors and event attendees; any benefits handed out, including tickets and photo opportunities with the president; federal disclosure filings; vendors; contracts; and more, one of the people said.

The subpoena marked an escalation of the investigation, which the prosecutors opened late last year amid a flurry of scrutiny of the inaugural committee. And it showed that the investigations surrounding Trump, once centred on potential ties to Russia during the 2016 presidential election, have spread far beyond the special counsels office to include virtually all aspects of his adult life: his business, his campaign, his inauguration and his presidency.

In the subpoena, investigators also showed interest in whether any foreigners illegally donated to the committee, as well as whether committee staff knew that such donations were illegal, asking for documents laying out legal requirements for donations. Federal law prohibits foreign contributions to federal campaigns, political action committees and inaugural funds.

Prosecutors also requested all documents related to vendors and contractors with the inaugural committee, which raised a record $107 million (U.S.) and spent lavishly.

Only one individual was named as part of the subpoenas demand for documents: Imaad Zuberi, a former fundraiser for President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton who was seeking inroads with Trump, and whose company, Avenue Ventures, gave $900,000 to the inaugural committee. The subpoena also seeks documents related to his company.

A spokesman said Zuberi was unaware of having been named in the subpoena, and noted that he gave directly and generously to the inaugural committee, along with many others who donated more.

A spokesman for the inaugural committee said it was still reviewing the subpoena and intended to co-operate with the investigation. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Manhattan declined to comment. ABC first reported that a subpoena was in the works.

As part of their inquiry, prosecutors in Manhattan have pursued the possibility that the inaugural committee made false statements to the Federal Election Commission, according to people familiar with the matter. It can be a crime to knowingly make false or fraudulent statements to a federal agency.

The inaugural committee disclosed a list of its donors to the commission, and the prosecutors are examining whether that list is complete and accurate, the person said. If a donor was omitted from the report, prosecutors could take an interest in that, as well.

People familiar with the subpoena said prosecutors are interested in potential money laundering as well as election fraud, though it is possible that the prosecutors do not suspect the inaugural committee of such violations. The prosecutors cited those crimes in the subpoena simply as justification for their demand for documents.

The inaugural committees chairman was Thomas J. Barrack, a close friend of the presidents. His close aide working on the inaugural committee was Rick Gates, the former deputy to Paul Manafort, the former Trump campaign chairman who has been convicted of and pleaded guilty to several crimes in connection with the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller. Gates has pleaded guilty to financial fraud and lying to the FBI, and has been co-operating with Muellers team for nearly a year.

No one who worked for the committee has been accused of wrongdoing, and a subpoena is an initial step in the inquiry. Barrack and other inaugural committee officials are not named in it.

The U.S. Attorneys Office in Brooklyn is separately investigating whether inaugural officials helped foreigners illegally funnel donations to Trumps inaugural committee using so-called straw donors to disguise their donations, people briefed on that inquiry said.

As part of their own inquiry, the prosecutors in Manhattan are questioning whether foreign nationals illegally donated to Trumps inaugural committee.

The Manhattan investigation into the inaugural committee grew out of the investigation into Michael Cohen, Trumps former personal lawyer and fixer. Cohen is due to begin a prison sentence next month after pleading guilty last year to a range of crimes, including one campaign finance-related charge, in which he implicated the president.

Cohen has spent more than 70 hours with investigators with the Manhattan prosecutors, as well as Muellers team.

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In raids of Cohens office, home and hotel room in April, FBI agents seized his cellphones, which included many dozens of voice recordings, mostly voicemail messages, according to people briefed on the seized material. On one recording, Trump spoke to Cohen about a payment to a woman who had claimed to have had an affair with Trump, which he has denied.

On another, Cohen spoke to Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, who was a top official on the inaugural committee. Winston Wolkoff was fired as an adviser to the first lady, Melania Trump, in early 2018, after the inaugural committee released its financial disclosures showing that entities controlled by Winston Wolkoff were paid $26 million. The vast majority of those funds went to a subcontractor.

Winston Wolkoffs company made a $1.6 million commission from that $26 million, which officials have previously said went to pay 14 people.

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When a man reported to Toronto police in 2016 that serial killer Bruce McArthur pinned him down in his van and violently choked him, the sergeant tasked with investigating the incident failed to conduct a video interview with the victim, the Star has learned.

Sgt. Paul Gauthier, the Toronto officer facing professional misconduct charges stemming from the incident, is alleged to have conducted a negligent investigation into the June 20, 2016, accusation against McArthur, who was convicted last week of eight counts of first-degree murder.

It is also alleged that Gauthier failed to have photographs taken of the victims injuries within 72 hours after the event, as required by policy, Gauthiers lawyer confirmed to the Star, though he noted the victims injury was documented.

After an encounter in which the man alleged McArthur strangled him  an assault that left him unable to properly swallow for a week  McArthur was arrested, but was let go without charges. He went on to kill two more men in 2017, Selim Esen and Andrew Kinsman.

Gauthier was scheduled to make his first appearance at the Toronto police disciplinary tribunal Tuesday morning but was not present, meaning the details of the two Police Services Act charges he faces  neglect of duty and insubordination  were not released at the public hearing.

But a police source with knowledge of the allegations and Gauthiers lawyer confirmed to the Star that Gauthier, a former member of the sex crimes unit, is alleged to have broken procedure when the victims statement was not video-recorded. Instead, a written statement was taken, contrary to policies on how investigators conduct probes involving alleged domestic assaults.

The policy is in place for domestic incidents because of a higher likelihood that a victim of intimate partner violence might recant a statement.

Gauthier denies that he did anything wrong, said the officers lawyer, Lawrence Gridin, in a statement Tuesday evening.

Gridin told reporters Tuesday he is confident the evidence will show Gauthiers work contributed to the identification of McArthur as a serial killer, rather than detracted from it. The decision not to charge McArthur was made in conjunction with Gauthiers supervisor and based on the information available at the time.

During the brief hearing, Gridin had requested the case be overseen by an independent adjudicator, instead of the usual arrangement in which a high-ranking officer chosen by the police chief acts as a de facto judge.

The tribunal rarely brings in an independent hearing officer for Police Act charges, but has done so in other high-profile cases where its perceived that Toronto police shouldnt scrutinize its own  including for a misconduct case stemming from Torontos G20 summit in 2010.

You have no independence from the chief of police, Gridin told the hearing officer, Toronto police Insp. Richard Hegedus.

This is a matter obviously that has some sensitivity; its a matter of great public interest, Gridin said. Accordingly, this matter deserves the transparency and accountability that the Toronto Police Service strives for and that can only be achieved by the appointment of a judge.

In an address to the hearing officer, Gridin had begun discussing how, in December 2017, police Chief Mark Saunders held a press conference denying the existence of a serial killer at work in Torontos Gay Village.

We now know  that the information at the press conference was not correct, he said.

But Gridin was interrupted by Toronto police prosecutor Alexandra Ciobotaru, who said in the early stages of the hearing, comments should only pertain to the behaviour of the officer in question. Gridin replied that he was providing the information to show justification for an independent adjudicator.

The Toronto police handling of the 2016 incident has come under the microscope amid criticism that investigators failed for years to catch McArthur, who killed eight men between 2010 and 2017. Most of McArthurs victims were vulnerable  some were homeless, others were closeted gay men  leading to concerns within the LGBTQ community that bias may have impacted the investigation.

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New details about the incident were revealed in Ontario Superior Court on Monday during McArthurs ongoing sentencing hearing, included a detailed summary of the facts read out in court.

The unnamed 2016 victim, who had a previous acquaintance with McArthur, said he joined him for an encounter inside McArthurs van in a parking lot, and noticed he had removed a seat on the drivers side so that there was room to lie down. McArthur asked the victim to lie on a coat on the floor of the van, and instructed him to put an arm behind his back.

The victim said McArthur then grabbed his throat and started strangling him. He managed to escape the van and called 911.

McArthur went to the police station on his own and was arrested, but gave an exculpatory statement, court heard. He was released without charge after an officer believed McArthurs statement.

In 2014, two years before the van strangling incident, McArthur received a record suspension from the Parole Board of Canada for a vicious 2001 assault against a male sex worker. At the time he received the record suspension, McArthur had already committed three murders.

Mike McCormack, president of the Toronto Police Association, said Tuesday that he supports bringing in an outside judge for the disciplinary hearing, saying the officer will vigorously defend himself against the charges.

McCormack challenged the fact that Gauthier had been charged with misconduct before a broader review of Toronto police handling of the McArthur case could be conducted.

Before he was charged in connection to the McArthur incident, Gauthier previously faced two unrelated counts of professional misconduct. The charges were ultimately dropped and the matter was dealt with internally.

According to a police document outlining those charges, Gauthier had failed to arrest an alleged perpetrator when he had grounds to do so  specifically, DNA evidence identifying the alleged perpetrator through a positive link to an offender in the national DNA data bank.

Five years later, Peel Regional Police arrested the same man for unrelated sexual offences, at which time Gauthiers failure to arrest the man was realized. The police document said Gauthier failed to ensure that a thorough investigation was conducted.

McArthur pleaded guilty last week to eight counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Kinsman, Esen, Dean Lisowick, Majeed Kayhan, Soroush Mahmudi, Skandaraj (Skanda) Navaratnam, Abdulbasir Faizi and Kirushnakumar Kanagaratnam.
A former Vice Canada music journalist and a Toronto man have been arrested after allegedly trying to smuggle cocaine into Australia.

The RCMP said the arrests come after further investigation of a December 2015 bust in which four other Canadians and an American were arrested at Sydney International Airport for possessing nearly 40 kilograms of cocaine.

Yaroslav Pastukhov, 28, formerly of Toronto, and Ali Taki Lalji, 30, of Toronto, were arrested on Jan. 31, 2019, and have been charged with conspiracy to import cocaine. They are in custody in Toronto, the RCMP said in a statement.

The men allegedly conspired with the five individuals to traffic cocaine into Australia, the RCMP said in a prepared statement.

Pastukhov, a former Vice Canada music editor and journalist, has been living in Montreal under an alias, police said.

This arrest by the RCMP came about as a result of efforts and collaboration on the part of multiple domestic and foreign partner agencies and is a testament to the commitment of all agencies to bring these subjects to justice, RCMP Superintendent Chris Leather, Officer in Charge of GTA Serious & Organized Crime, said in a statement.

An Australian court heard Pastukhov allegedly cajoled the five to transport the drugs on a Dec. 22, 2015, flight arriving from Los Angeles, according to a Sydney Morning Herald report from the October 2017 sentencing hearings of Jordan Mykel Gardner, Nathaniel Brandon Carty, Robert Wang and Kutiba Senusi.

A judge at the hearings said she accepted the argument the men were drug mules who had been threatened with bodily harm to carry the cocaine in their luggage, the Herald reported.

I am very firmly of the view that these offenders were exploited by people who were ruthless, persistent and manipulative in recruiting them, the judge said.

Gardner and Senusi were sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in jail, Wang received a minimum of four years and Carty received a minimum of three years and four months, the Herald reported.

Another drug mule, 19-year-old Canadian Porscha Wade, was separately sentenced in June 2018.

She was described in court as a Sunday school teacher and aspiring model, the Herald reported.

I was a role model in the church, she said, according to the Herald. Little kids look up to me and I just feel like Ive let everyone down.

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Wade was sentenced to at least three years in prison.

Australian authorities have been quoted as saying that a kilogram of cocaine can sell there for five times more than it could retail for in Canada.

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One of natures greatest migrations may be returning to health after a stunning growth in the number of monarch butterflies that fluttered across North America last year.

But if populations of the striking black-and-orange aviators are starting to recover, its no thanks to Canada, said Carolyn Callaghan of the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

Canada, well, hmm. Not so much going on.

Canadian wildlife officials dispute that. They say the species is considered a priority and $14 million has been spent since 2012 on the butterflies.

Every year, the main population of monarchs numbering in the tens of millions migrates from Canada and the United States to overwinter in Mexico. Thats a journey of more than 5,000 kilometres undertaken by tiny creatures weighing less than a gram.

In recent years, the number of monarchs making the flight plummeted by about 90 per cent from historic numbers, Callaghan said.

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Scientists estimate monarch numbers by measuring a tiny patch of central Mexican forest where they congregate. There can be anywhere from 10 million to 50 million monarchs per hectare.

As recently as 1993, the butterflies took up 6.2 hectares. Last year, the size of forest where scientists could find them was down to 2.5 hectares.

Something, though, seems to have gone very right since then.

A newly released survey for 2018 found monarchs on more than six hectares of forest, which would suggest population numbers were up 144 per cent over 2017. One years increase is not necessarily a trend, but its good news.

Its a reprieve from a dire situation, said Callaghan.

In addition to good weather  the previous years butterflies had been pummelled by tropical storms and tornadoes  a three-country agreement to bring back the monarch may finally be paying off, she said.

Mexico has cracked down on illegal logging that destroyed monarch habitat and is working to create ecotourism opportunities as a replacement. The U.S. has engaged in extensive replantings of the weeds and wild flowers monarchs need for nectar and egg-laying.

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Im astounded at what theyve been able to do, said Callaghan. The State of Ohio alone has restored more than (32,000 hectares) of habitat.

Much of that has consisted simply of planting milkweed and wild flowers along highway meridians, power corridors or other unused plots of land.

Southern Canada, especially Ontario and Quebec, contains important monarch breeding grounds. About one-third of the butterflies that show up in Mexico have been found to have originated in Canada or the northern states.

The Americans and the Mexicans have far surpassed Canadian efforts to restore habitat, Callaghan said. Thats despite an agreement signed in 2016 between the leaders of the three countries to address habitat loss across breeding and migrating habitat.

We have a role to play, Callaghan said. We have yet to do this.

The butterflies are considered endangered but are not yet protected under the Species at Risk Act.

Andrea Kettle of the Canadian Wildlife Service says that although Canada doesnt directly run monarch habitat programs, it has worked with and funded about 50 outside organizations that have. Research is also being done to determine which areas are most important, Kettle said.

It wasnt that long ago that milkweed was on a noxious species list, so it had a bad reputation. The behavioural change to encourage people to plant milkweed has been undertaken by lots of organizations that we have supported.

Canada could be doing more, said Callaghan.

The U.S. has had a huge lead on us. Every (state) Department of Transportation is taking on restoration, mowing less, planting native flowers.

We can do that on our hydro lines. We can do that on our roadways. We can do that on our buffer lands. We havent even begun to hit the tip of the iceberg here in Canada.

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TOBIQUE, N.B.Police in New Brunswick are searching for a man they say fired shots outside a bar as an employee was leaving the building.

The RCMP say they were called to the bar on Main Street on the Tobique First Nation at about 2 a.m. Monday.

They say an employee was confronted while exiting the bar by a man wearing a mask and brandishing a gun.

Police say the two got into an altercation and shots were fired, but that the employee got back inside without being injured.

They describe the suspect as being about 510 tall, thin and dressed all in black with a black mask, gloves and work boots.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers.

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OTTAWAA national Inuit organization says it is disappointed in the Liberals new legislation meant to protect Indigenous languages.

The Liberals tabled the bill Tuesday, two years after promising a law to promote Indigenous languages, which Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez said are on the verge of disappearing absent any intervention.

The bill pledges long-term funding and to create a federal commissioner of Indigenous languages.

While the Assembly of First Nations and Metis National Council are calling the bill a landmark piece of legislation, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami is calling the legislation a symbolic gesture from a colonial system.

Natan Obed, ITKs president, said the Liberals legislation lacks any Inuit-specific content and doesnt address Inuit rights to speak their traditional language, or help to revive and promote it.

Despite being characterized as a reconciliation and co-development initiative, the Government of Canada engaged Inuit in bad faith throughout this legislative initiative, Obed said in a statement.

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ITK wanted nothing more than to truly co-develop a bill that we could champion with other Indigenous Peoples and the Government of Canada, he said. In no way was this bill co-developed with Inuit.

The Indigenous Languages Act will now work its way through the legislative process with the goal of turning it into law before the House of Commons rises in June and an election campaign takes over federal politics.

The most recent census figures from Statistics Canada showed that 263,840 people reported being able to speak an Indigenous language in 2016.

The data also showed a two-decade decline in the percentage of Indigenous people able to speak an Indigenous language, going from 29 per cent in 1996 to 16 per cent in 2016.

Ahead of Tuesdays cabinet meeting, Rodriguez said in some cases, only a handful of people now speak a traditional language, meaning it could disappear in a matter of years. The government says that three out of four of the 90 different living Indigenous languages in Canada identified by the United Nations are endangered.

Many of the details of the law will continue to be worked out with Indigenous groups as Parliament considers it.

We have to make sure first that what we do is flexible so theyre able to adapt it to their own realities and second that they have all the mechanisms necessary to protect, preserve and revitalize, Rodriguez said.

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde said the landmark legislation introduced Tuesday gives hope that original languages will be preserved so Indigenous people can embrace their identities.

He said there would be no better way to mark the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages than by passing a law to protect them in a country that once tried to wipe them out.

No Indigenous language in Canada is safe. But now there is hope. This legislation will support First Nations efforts to keep their languages alive, vital and strong, he said.

Canadians and all parliamentarians must support this bill because we all understand that language is identity, language is culture, language is life.

The Liberals 2017 budget pledged $89.9 million over three years for Indigenous languages. The legislation, as written, calls on governments to ensure adequate, sustainable and long-term funding for Indigenous languages.

The bill also requires discussions with provinces and territories.

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Obed questioned whether funding, as promised in the legislation, would materialize and ultimately help Inuit access government services in their traditional language.

Our efforts to revitalize, maintain, and promote Inuktut are often blunted by inequitable federal funding policies that task us with doing much more with far fewer resources than what French and English speakers receive, Obed said.

At the same time, our people do not have the right to access federal services in Inuktut, relegating it to a status beneath English and French.
Thousands of refugee claimants are living in Canada without having been fully cleared by national security, according to a report that shows a massive backlog in screenings amid a border crisis that began in 2016.

The internal government report showed the number of asylum seekers awaiting clearance had exploded sevenfold between 2016 and 2018.

As of last February, Canada Border Services Agency had 11,745 asylum seekers in the queue for security assessment, up from just 1,683 two years earlier. Refugee claimants accounted for 41 per cent of the overall security backlog, which also included screenings required for those applying for permanent residence, international students, foreign workers and visitors.

Lawyer Richard Kurland, who obtained the border agency report under an access to information request, said all so-called irregular migrants who crossed the border for asylum from the U.S. would have undergone an initial identity check with the CIA and FBI based on biometrics information, such as fingerprints and travel documents, before being released for further screening by border agents, which may include personal records from a refugee claimants home country.

Canada does not blindly let terrorists, security threats and organized criminals into the country. The (initial screening) system is picking up the highest-level risks, Kurland told the Star. But what level of risks are we taking in? What level of risks are we prepared to accept that are below national security threats and terrorism? Other risks are not unimportant.

While official statistics showed only 0.2 per cent of the screened asylum seekers were deemed to be a threat to Canada, the fact 11,745 were in the country and not yet assessed fully was troubling, Kurland said. Average wait time to complete the border agency security screening was 72 days during that time period, with the oldest file in the backlog being 857 days.

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Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said all enforcement and intelligence agencies including the RCMP and CSIS all work closely and constantly assess their operations to ensure national security.

For those who are already in Canada, they were already screened before they were allowed to enter. The (border agencys) National Security Screening Division does additional background checks on cases referred by an officer, flagged in a lookout and for all adult in-Canada asylum seekers, Goodales office said in a statement. Canadians can be confident in the security screening procedures.

Tens of thousands of irregular migrants have crossed the border from the United States for asylum in Canada since late-2016 when U.S. President Donald Trump was elected with an anti-immigration mandate. Currently, Canada has more than 73,000 asylum claims awaiting a hearing, the majority of which are from these border-crossers.

During the 2017-18 calendar year, of all screenings conducted for foreign nationals, the border agency cleared 90.3 per cent, or 80,268 individuals, and weeded out 0.9 per cent or 648 people who were deemed a threat. The rest of the cases were found to be inconclusive, put on hold for missing information or dropped when a screening was deemed to be no longer necessary, said the report.

Individuals are denied security clearance if they have been involved in terrorist organizations, organized crime and crimes against humanity.

Among asylum seekers who were subjected to screening, 87.9 per cent or 24,242 individuals received security clearances and only 0.2 per cent or 58 people were considered a threat.

Lawyer Lorne Waldman cautioned the public should not jump to the conclusion that the screening system is faulty and foreign criminals are roaming around the country.

There is nothing in the report that suggested to me that people are coming into the country without being screened who are posing threats. There was a tiny percentage of the people found to be a security threat, said Waldman.

The fact that we have such a backlog is a real matter of concern because it is delaying the refugee (determination) process.

Queens University professor Sharry Aiken said a screening backlog is not a new phenomenon as it ebbs and flows with migration trends.

Generally, the threat within the immigrant population is lower than the native-born population and previous studies have confirmed that, said Aiken, who teaches immigration and refugee law. Associating migrants with threats is a product of political manipulation that is not borne out of empirical evidence.

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Calgary Nose Hill MP Michelle Rempel, the Conservative Partys immigration critic, said there have been incidents of security screening failures in the past but the problem has to do with the inadequate resources in place and not the process itself.

We do know we dont have enough resources given the demand on the system, said Rempel, who has asked for a joint study to examine Canadas security screening process and address apparent gaps in the immigration system.

According to the border agency report, Nigerians made up the largest number of asylum seekers in the security backlog, followed by those from India, Pakistan, Iran and China.

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OTTAWACanadas border-security minister says there is a backlog in the screening of asylum seekers, including those who are considered irregular border-crossers walking into the country from the United States, but it doesnt constitute a security problem.

Internal government documents obtained by lawyer Richard Kurland under the federal access-to-information law show that as of Feb. 28, 2018, there were 11,745 asylum-seekers waiting for second security screenings, up from 1,683 just two years earlier  an increase of about 700 per cent.

All those in the queue had already been screened once at the border to see whether they posed clear security threats.

Overall, 41 per cent of the backlog cases were refugee claimants who are already in Canada but who have not been security screened, Canada Border Services Agency officials wrote in a presentation outlining why things were so backed up, and who was stuck in it.

The Toronto Star first reported the details, which lit a political fire in the House of Commons daily question period.

Border Security Minister Bill Blair said officials check all asylum-seekers at the border and stressed there is no security threat to Canadians.

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He said there is a backlog for the second checks, but didnt say how many people are in it now.

As part of the process of determining their eligibility for asylum ... there is an additional screening that takes place, Blair said.

We are working hard to deal with the backlog that they left to us, he said, referring to the previous Conservative government, and we will complete that process before anyone is eligible for refugee status in our country.

The answer didnt sit well with Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel, who questioned how Blair can say there are no security threats if the people involved had yet to go through the full screening process.

One could argue that it would be difficult to evaluate if someone posed a security risk to Canada if their security screening was not completed, Rempel said.

Everyone who comes across the border is screened upon arrival and given a biometric scan to check against data held by some of Canadas allies, such as the United States, to see if the person has any flags on his or her file.

Refugee claimants who pass the first test are admitted into the country, and then undergo a secondary screen involving the Mounties and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to see if there is anything in their past that could render them ineligible.

The total backlog of cases one year ago, including applications for temporary and permanent residency, stood at 28,467, up from 5,419 in 2016, for an increase of 525 per cent, the documents say. And applicants waited an average of 72 days for the secondary screens to be completed.

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The longest wait time as of February 2018 was 872 days.

Kurland said its problematic that the security screening process continues after people have entered Canada. Pointing to the documents, Kurland noted some claimants who dont raise immediate alarms can have extensive criminal history for theft. Thats the sort of thing the initial check isnt designed to detect.

These people wait in security backlog in larger numbers and for longer periods of time. Why? said Kurland, a lawyer with the firm Kurland, Tobe. We know there are bad people. Do we save money by letting more bad people spend even longer periods of time in our streets because we have a growing backlog of security cases, or do we spend the money now to reduce the security backlog?

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MONTREALQuebecs agriculture minister said Monday he went too far when he claimed it was his decision to fire a whistleblowing public servant who had raised concerns about pesticide use.

Last week, Andre Lamontagne said he personally approved the dismissal of department agronomist Louis Robert for transmitting a confidential document to a journalist.

The minister told reporters Monday he had misspoken and the firing was an administrative decision. He said he has asked the Quebec ombudsman to investigate the dismissal.

I made a mistake last week in the news conference when I took responsibility for this decision, which in reality was an administrative decision, Lamontagne said.

He said that in the heat of the moment, his reflexes from his previous life as an entrepreneur rose to the surface and he went to bat to defend his management team within the department.

In fact, I neither fired nor authorized the firing of Mr. Robert, the minister said, noting that according to the rules he is not the boss of the departments employees. He added that because hiring and firing decisions are not the ministers to make, he does not have the authority to restore Robert to his job.

Last week, Lamontagne had been very clear. Its my decision, so Im very comfortable with my decision, he said when asked about the firing. He remained vague about the reasons behind Roberts departure but suggested there were other factors at play besides the leak to the media.

On Monday, Lamontagne said he had simply been informed of the disciplinary action against Robert. He said he asked about the process and was satisfied it had been thorough and marked by caution.

Robert, a seed expert, spoke out last year against what he said was private-sector interference in a public study on pesticide use. He was fired Jan. 24.

Quebecs whistleblower law protects employees who disclose information within their department. But disclosure to the public is protected only if the employee believes there is a serious risk to health, safety or the environment.

Roberts union has vowed to contest his firing, saying it was unprecedented for a minister to intervene in the dismissal of an employee five levels below him in the bureaucratic hierarchy.

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FIELD, B.C.Moments before a Canadian Pacific train derailed early Monday, killing three crew members, it started rolling on its own, barrelling down a precipitously steep hill before plunging off the tracks.

The crash happened a few kilometres east of Field, B.C., a town nestled in the Rockies near the Alberta-British Columbia boundary. The freight train, which tumbled off a bridge and into the icy Kicking Horse River, had been parked for about two hours with its air brakes in emergency on when it started moving, the Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday.

It was not anything the crew did, said James Carmichael, a senior rail investigator with the TSB, speaking in Calgary. The train started moving on its own.

All three of the dead  conductor Dylan Paradis, trainee Daniel Waldenberger-Bulmer and engineer Andrew Dockrell  were based out of Calgary.

When the train started to roll, the crew had just boarded to relieve another group that had worked close to their maximum number of hours, Carmichael said. At the time, the train was parked on a slope at Partridge Station, the last stop before the crash site.

The occurrence crew had just arrived on board the train but were not ready to depart, Carmichael said.

The small hamlet of Field, B.C. is seen from across the Kicking Horse River with a Canadian Pacific Railway train parked at the entrance to town on Tuesday. The day before, a different freight train derailed a few kilometres east of the community, killing three crew members.





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No handbrakes had been applied, and the train ended up accelerating well beyond the 32 km/h speed limit for that stretch of track, Carmichael said. He wasnt able to say exactly how fast the train was going when it derailed, nor was he able to comment on reports that the crew made a radio broadcast saying they had gone out of control.

Of the 112 grain hopper cars in the train, pulled by three locomotives, only 13 cars and the rearmost locomotive remained on the track. The rest of the train made it three kilometres before derailing on a curve just before a bridge at around 1 a.m. on Monday, between the Upper and Lower Spiral Tunnels, Carmichael said. Several of the cars ended up on an embankment about 60 metres below the track, while the lead locomotive landed in the Kicking Horse River.

The derailment site is roughly three kilometres outside of Partridge.

Carmichael said investigators have only been able to recover the recorder for the rearmost locomotive, although efforts to get the one inside the midsection locomotive are underway.

Investigators havent had the chance to speak with the crew who had been relieved shortly before the derailment, Carmichael said, although that is on their list. Their work will include looking at the trains maintenance history, contacting parts manufacturers about the trains various components, including the brake systems, and working with CP to determine exactly what happened.

As with all of our investigations, we will examine all of the information before drawing any conclusion, Carmichael said. As such, it is too early to say what the causes or contributing factors are.

Mondays derailment raises many questions, said Bruce Campbell, a senior fellow at the Centre for Free Expression and author of three major reports on the Lac-Megantic train disaster.

My thoughts are first and foremost with the victims, Campbell said in an interview, adding it was incredibly early to speculate on the cause of the derailment.

But systemic issues do exist in major railway operations, he said, and it will be important for the public to keep an eye on what the Transportation Safety Board finds in its investigations.

There is more traffic on the rails, there are longer, heavier trains  especially the oil trains  and  fewer locomotives and fewer operators, he said.

Meanwhile, in Field, the small mountain town just down the highway from the crash, questions around Mondays fatal accident between those two spiral tunnels are still reverberating.

Resident Rejean Lareau says its concerning, especially so soon after a derailment a few minutes east of town in January.

Its the second time its happened (in the past month), he said. We all worry about that kind of thing happening.

Nowadays, Field is a outdoorsy town. Its inside the boundaries of Yoho National Park, just past Lake Louise, but on the British Columbia side of the continental divide.

However, the tiny mountain enclave started out as a work camp for the Canadian Pacific Railway. One train was parked Tuesday morning on the tracks that still run right beside the town, passing by the bunkhouse where railway workers often stay for a night on their way through.

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Its a small area just off the Trans-Canada Highway, dotted with quaint homes. A small, white church sits almost squarely in its centre, and a water tower stands beside the train yard near the towns entrance.

Fields identity is embedded in its railway history, but the hill just a few kilometres up the highway  the scene of Mondays accident  casts a shadow.

The tricky passage through the Kicking Horse Pass is the steepest mainline rail corridor in the Canadian Rockies, according to Graeme Pole, a B.C.-based writer who has written numerous books about the area and its history.

Starting in the late 1800s, trains were forced to navigate a steep grade known as the big hill to get down the west side of the pass. It was treacherous, to put it mildly. The first construction train to descend it in August 1884 lost control and derailed into the Kicking Horse River just west of the Old Bridge, killing its three crew members.

The problems prompted the railway to build large loops called the Spiral Tunnels to ease the route into the valley. But the route has remained a challenge in more recent times. Pole said the area has plenty of hazards, especially in winter, as sections of the corridor are exposed to avalanches.

Its a challenging place to operate a railroad, for sure, he said.

Trains rolling along the rail corridor carry a wide variety of cargo: grain, potash and petroleum products. The Rocky Mountaineer passenger trains also shuttle tourists along that route, advertising the legendary Spiral Tunnels along the way. Pole said the number of accidents in the area is probably lower than one might expect, given the volume of rail traffic. But he said Mondays derailment could have been far more disastrous.

As bad as this accident was  if that had been a propane train, things could have been significantly worse in terms of the damage after the fact, Pole said.

The TSB is still investigating the crash last month that saw 15 empty cars derail in the Upper Spiral Tunnel.

And the area saw two other dangerous train incidents in the 1990s. In 1996, a train ran out of control before the crew managed to stop it, and in 1997, 66 cars derailed during an uncontrolled high-speed descent. Both of those incidents happened coming down the incline known as Field Hill, and in both cases, TSB reports point to mistakes made by the crew that led to the trains air brake systems being depleted. No one was injured in either incident.

Investigators with the TSB have been concentrating on Mondays derailments but might end up reviewing past accidents in the area.

As we go forward, we will look at other investigations that have taken place in this area  and across Canada  if thatll help us with this investigation, Carmichael said.

The TSB is an independent government agency charged with investigating railway, pipeline, aviation and marine accidents to improve safety, although it doesnt determine civil or criminal liability.

Transport Canada investigators are looking into the crash on behalf of the federal Labour Program, which enforces labour law and conducts occupational health and safety investigations for Canadians working in federally regulated sectors, such as the rail industry.

In December, federal Minister of Transportation Marc Garneau flagged rail industry worker fatigue as a concern in an order laying out new rules meant to address issues such as shift length, minimum rest periods and advance notice for work schedules. Aside from the 2013 Lac-Megantic tragedy, in which an oil train exploded and killed 47 people, the TSB has cited sleep-related fatigue as a factor in 31 freight train collisions or derailments since 1994.

The railways, in consultation with unions, must submit rules responding to Garneaus order to Transport Canada by May 19 for approval by the end of June.

But (this change) is a long time coming, and theres no guarantee that afterwards the companies arent still pushing back, pushing back, pushing back, Campbell said.

Canadian Pacific vowed on Monday to launch an investigation into what caused the derailment.

Lareau, the resident of Field, hopes authorities will take action to prevent another accident.

Somebodys got to take care of that, he said. Make sure it doesnt happen again.

With files from Kashmala Fida, Madeline Smith and The Canadian Press

Emma McIntosh is an environment, justice and investigative reporter with StarMetro Calgary. Follow her on Twitter at @EmmaMci

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TORONTO, ON // FEBRUARY 5, 2019  Tom Smith, one of the stars of Discovery Channels Misfit Garage will be at the Toronto Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo all three days of the show, meeting fans, talking about cars and his television show, and participating in a variety of events.

Motorama takes place March 8, 9 & 10 at the International Centre, across from the citys Pearson Airport.

Undoubtedly the funniest of the misfits who work at Dallas, Texas Fired Up Garage, Smith is very serious about his love of automobiles. Born in Ohio but raised in Georgia, he started working at his uncles salvage yard at a young age. Between that and other jobs and chores, he was able to save enough money to purchase his first car  a 73 Pontiac Grand Ville two-door  at the age of 10.

Misfit Garage is currently airing its sixth season of shows on Discovery. The individuals who work at the shop all have distinct roles, talents and personalities. Over the years, the misfits have produced increasingly higher quality vehicles for greater profits but theres always plenty of drama at the garage and its usually a struggle getting everyone pulling in the same direction as the delivery deadline looms. And then there are the frequent visits by their cocky nemesis Richard Rawlings (Fast N Loud), that inevitably add to the chaos.

Through it all, Tom Smith contributes to the builds, employing his skills as a Ford Master Mechanic and an ASC Certified Mechanic.

He also contributes to the level of comedy with his self-effacing humour that sees him doing things like drag racing a souped-up beer cooler to break the tension.

During his professional career, Smith has done many things, including being an amateur stand-up comic, which shouldnt be a surprise to his many fans.

In addition to his love of speed and the smell of burning rubber and properly cooked bacon, Tom and his wife Deanna are also passionate about their four grown children and their two beautiful grandsons. When not filming or working on cars, Tom helps Deanna rescue and transport dogs. The couple has three rescued pit bulls of their own.

Tom has been to Canada for car shows twice in the past and is looking forward to coming back.

Weve been to Belleville (ON) and Moncton (NB) and loved coming to Canada both times, said Smith. Misfit Garage airs on Discovery Canada and its fantastic how many people know about and enjoy the show. Deanna and I have made some great friends and met some amazing people; many of whom we stay in constant contact with, to this day. We know itll be a great time at Motorama and were looking forward to being part of the show and making a lot more friends.

Tom Smiths schedule at Motorama will be published on the schedule page at www.MotoramaShow.com in the coming weeks.

ABOUT THE MOTORAMA CUSTOM CAR & MOTORSPORTS EXPO: The fifth annual Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo takes place March 8, 9 & 10, 2019 at The International Centre, across from Torontos Pearson International Airport. The show features more than 330,000 square feet of custom cars, hot rods, racing vehicles of all kinds, tuners, displays and exhibitors. Motorama is Canadas biggest late-winter celebration of automobiles and motorsports. For information about the show, including tickets, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, and more, call (416) 962-7223, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.MotoramaShow.com.
Weve already earned the nickname Hollywood North. But Toronto could be on the verge of becoming Silicon Valley North as well.

The technology industry in the Greater Toronto Area has grown by more than 50 per cent in the past five years, and theres no sign of it slowing down any time soon, according to a new report from BMO Capital Markets. Its a bit of good news amidst the headlines in Ontarios slumping manufacturing sector, including the planned shutdown of GMs plant in Oshawa.

The report, which is to be released publicly Tuesday morning, says there are roughly 241,000 tech industry jobs in the GTA, making this the fourth-largest tech hub in North America  and the fastest growing. And its no flash in the pan, says Doug Palmer, BMOs regional vice-president of commercial banking.

This is absolutely sustainable growth, said Palmer, pointing to what he called a critical mass of talent, companies and research in the GTA and the Kitchener-Waterloo region, as well as a relatively healthy venture capital market, and support from government-supported hubs such as the MaRS Discovery District. Toronto is a very attractive market.

A loonie which hasnt closed above 80 cents (U.S.) in five years has also helped draw companies to the Toronto area, added Palmer. But tech industry jobs arent as subject to the loonies rise and fall as jobs in the film and TV industry, where exchange rates are also a big driver.

They decide movie by movie, or show by show. Tech companies which are starting or hiring here are making more long-term decisions, Palmer said.

The annual Blue Book report, which looks at Canadas economy as a whole, says growth in the tech industry will help Toronto drive the Ontario economy to grow at a 2 per cent clip in 2019. Thats lower than the 2.4 per cent the provincial economy grew in 2018, but higher than the 1.8 per cent growth BMO predicts the Canadian economy will experience this year.

A relatively open Canadian immigration policy has helped attract tech talent to the GTA that could have otherwise ended up in Silicon Valley, Seattle, or D.C., Palmer added. Thats increasingly been the case with Donald Trump stirring up anti-immigrant sentiment in the U.S., including his ban on immigration from several Muslim-majority countries.

Our immigration policy has always helped, but its even more the case in the last three years, Palmer said.

Toronto may have lost out in the race to become the home of Amazons second headquarters (a contest won by Washington, D.C. and Queens, N.Y., but Palmer believes that was something of a blessing in disguise.

This is probably the best possible outcome. The race put us on the map, but if Amazon had actually come here, it would have vacuumed up a lot of the talent, and some of the entrepreneurial spirit, said Palmer.

While the critical mass of talent, venture capital and education are some of the key drivers of the Toronto tech industry, one drawback is the high price of housing. A report on the Canadian tech industry last year from CBRE Research found that smaller cities were starting to close the gap.

While major tech markets have privileged access to capital, resources and labour, smaller neighbouring markets are beginning to benefit from proximity and affordability, the report said.
PICTOU, N.S. - A group opposing a plan to pump millions of litres of treated effluent through a pipeline into the Northumberland Strait is calling on the Nova Scotia government to answer questions about an Oct. 21 leak from the existing system operated by Northern Pulp.

Friends of the Northumberland Strait issued a news release Tuesday saying its membership is frustrated that after more than three months, the province has released no information about the size or cause of the leak last year near Pictou, N.S.

Jill Graham-Scanlan, president of the group, said the public should be told the composition of the effluent that leaked and why the pipe break went initially undetected by the pulp and paper firm owned by Paper Excellence.

Provincial spokeswoman Rachel Boomer said the Environment Department is still investigating, and noted a 2014 inquiry into a prior leak required a year for completion.

As a result, we wont be able to provide information today on the size of the leak or what happened in this incident. We would be happy to provide this information once the investigation is complete, she wrote in an email.

Boomer also said no compliance action has been taken at this point, since the investigation is still underway.

Consequences for violating an industrial approval range from warnings to summary offence tickets, ministerial orders or long-form prosecution.

Mill spokeswoman Kathy Cloutier said in an email the leak was very small in size, and added that it did not make its way into Middle River.

She said the effluent was contained promptly and transported to the Boat Harbour facility where it was then treated and released into the Northumberland Strait via the existing system and route.

Cloutier said the leak was at a fibreglass joint, the technology of the day in the 1960s, and the proposed new treatment system will have fusion welded joints that are leak proof and as strong as the pipeline itself.

However, in her release, Graham-Scanlan said she wonders why Northern Pulp did not know about the leak, when the companys industrial approval requires that they operate and maintain real time flow monitoring equipment ... designed to immediately notify the approval holder in the event of a total loss of flow or a reduction of flow below normal operating conditions.

Graham-Scanlan said the public has a right to know whether Northern Pulp was in compliance with its approval conditions, and whether records identify any problems in the days before the effluent leak.

The companys industrial approval also requires regular internal and external inspections of the pipe, and said her group would like to know when the inspections were last carried out.

Given the companys history, and the fact that Northern Pulp now wants approval to discharge their treated effluent into the Northumberland Strait, its important that the public knows the facts, she wrote.

Boomer said a Northern Pulp report dated March 22 of last year indicated the pipeline inspection activities for 2017 were satisfactory.

Northern Pulps industrial approval requires them to conduct annual external pipeline inspections during 2018, and submit the results to the Nova Scotia Environment Department by the end of March 2019, she added.

Premier Stephen McNeil has said he has no intention of changing a legislated deadline to close the Northern Pulp mills wastewater treatment plant in Boat Harbour  but he is open to debating proposed changes in the legislature.

McNeil said any changes to the January 2020 deadline would have to evolve out of a community consensus in Pictou County, and would have to be brought to the floor of the legislature by the areas Opposition members.

In the meantime, McNeil said the government will keep its word that he will stick to the deadline for closing the Boat Harbour treatment plant.

The heavily polluted treatment lagoon is on the edge of the Pictou Landing First Nation.

The province received the environmental assessment application for the pipeline on Jan. 31, and the project will formally register this Thursday.

Once the project formally registers, the province posts the documents on its website, and the public comment period begins.

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Mill officials have said in the past that no pipe would mean no mill, and company officials recently indicated they need an extension on the original deadline.

 By Michael Tutton in Halifax.

Follow (at)mtuttoncporg on Twitter.

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Brewing tensions between Canada and China following the arrest of a Huawei Technologies Co. executive in Vancouver has sparked a notion that another North American oilseed has become a trade target.

Canadas inventories of canola, the cop used in everything from salad dressing to deep-frying, rose to a record 14.6 million metric tons in December, largely because of lower exports, Statistics Canada said Tuesday in a report. The data may suggest that shipments to China, the biggest buyer, slowed in the weeks following the arrest in December of Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, said Brian Voth, president of Intelli Farm Inc.

I think its a little early to be making that conclusion yet, but given that China did make the comment that if we didnt let the CFO go that Canada would pay, this would be one way of doing it and one way of hurting Canada, Voth said Tuesday on a conference call with reporters. If this keeps going, it could be a possibility.

Canada, the worlds top canola producer, exported 5.03 million tons in the five months ended Jan. 31, down down 7.4 per cent from a year earlier, Canadian Grain Commission data show. China has resumed buying soybeans from the U.S. in the past few weeks after shunning the oilseed since the middle of 2018 as part of a persistent trade battle.

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HALIFAX - Canadas largest cryptocurrency exchange was granted protection from its creditors Tuesday as it deals with the fallout from its founders death and the virtual companys inability to gain access to $180 million in digital assets believed to be locked in his laptop.

Gerald Cotten, CEO and sole director of the trading platform QuadrigaCX, was travelling in India on Dec. 9 when he died suddenly from complications linked to Crohns disease, court documents say.

He was 30 years old.

His wife, Jennifer Robertson, has filed an affidavit with Nova Scotia Supreme Court saying Cotten was the only person with access to the laptop. She says she has searched their home in Fall River, N.S., where he conducted most of his business, and was unable to find any passwords or business records.

QuadrigaCX owes about 115,000 of its users $70 million in cash and $180 million in Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies  based on market prices in December.

On Tuesday, Justice Michael Wood also granted QuadrigaCX a 30-day stay of proceedings, which prevents any lawsuits from being filed against the insolvent company.

QuadrigaCX lawyer Maurice Chiasson said the orders were necessary to bring stability to a chaotic case punctuated by threats, veiled and otherwise of legal action.

This is an attempt to call a time-out, he told the court, adding that the decision by QuadrigaCXs newly appointed directors to shut down the site on Jan. 28 caused a fair amount of panic.

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman with Nova Scotia RCMP confirmed Tuesday they are assisting with an investigation into QuadrigaCX.

Cpl. Jennifer Clarke said the investigation is being led by the RCMPs Toronto West detachment.

In his submission to the court, Chiasson said dealing with the unregulated and secretive world of cryptocurrency trading has proven difficult for his team of lawyers.

At one point, he described the challenge of tracking down third-party payment companies that may have digital assets belonging to QuadrigaCX users.

Were still struggling to find out who they are, he said.

We still think ... there is up to $180 million in cryptocurrency floating around ... Theres a lot of moving parts to this.

The company could have access to about $30 million in bank drafts, but regular financial institutions have made it clear they are nervous about handling those funds, Chiasson told the court.

On the weekend, Chiasson said his firm learned that a so-called black bank may be holding $11 million in cryptocurrency owed to QuadrigaCXs creditors.

Chiasson also suggested that reaching the 115,000 affected creditors could prove to be another challenge because those trading in cryptocurrencies typically prefer to remain anonymous and often get their information from anonymous online chat rooms.

They dont immediately know what is real and what is not, he said.

As for Cottens computer, he said, significant resources have been employed to gain access to the machines encrypted files.

Theres been some limited success, he said, adding that the computer has been examined by a retired RCMP officer with expertise in encryption technology.

Lawyer Raj Sahni, who represents 78 creditors who are owed more than $100 million, marvelled at the novel nature of the case.

This is nothing like anything weve seen before, he told the court.

Sahni pointed to misinformation on chat rooms and the fact that the court-appointed monitor, Ernst and Young, has no idea where most of the money is.

As monitor, the company will oversee the search for the missing assets and determine if the business can be sold.

Ernst and Young later agreed to post notices of the court action on Reddit.com, an online community where the QuadrigaCX debacle is the subject of much discussion and more than a few rumours.

At one point, a younger member of the Ernst and Young team was called upon to explain to the court how Reddit works.

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In her affidavit, Robertson complained that some of the online chatter raised questions about whether (Cotten) is really dead. As well, she said she has received online death threats.

George Kinsman, an Ernst and Young spokesman, said the monitor has plenty of work to do.

There are a lot of affected parties that are involved, theres large dollar amounts ... but I think getting the order is going to be Step 1 in a meaningful process, he said outside the court.

There will be transparency.

Kinsman said specialists will be tasked with ensuring Cottens laptop is secure, and he confirmed that it will remain in a Toronto office.

The QuadrigaCX platform, which is based on blockchain technology, was launched by Cotten in December 2013.

Before the platform was shut down, it had 363,000 registered users.

QuadrigaCX and its affiliated companies are registered in British Columbia, but it has no offices, no bank accounts and no employees, aside from a handful of contractors.

Most of the business of the companies was being conducted by Gerry wherever he and his computer were located, Robertson said in her affidavit.

Court documents show that QuadrigaCX had been facing liquidity issues over the past year but a major issue arose in January 2018 when CIBC froze roughly $25.7 million of its funds held in the account of a third-party payment processor.

That money has been turned over to the processor, Costodian, but they havent deposited the bank drafts, court documents say.

Cryptocurrencies, which are not regulated or subject to industry oversight, are typically stored digitally on a computer server connected to the internet, which is known as a hot wallet.

The digital assets can also be stored on a physical device, such as a USB flash drive, which is kept offline to prevent hacking.

In her affidavit, Robertson said QuadrigaCX kept very little cryptocurrency in hot wallets.

After Cotten died, QuadrigaCX employees tried to gain access to the companys cold wallets, but they either failed to get in or found the wallets held very little cryptocurrency.

 With files from Keith Doucette in Halifax
HALIFAX - Officials at an undersea Cape Breton coal mine broke a provincial regulation by not reporting a massive roof cave-in until government inspectors showed up 15 days after the firstrock crashed down, according to provincial documents citing the firm for contravening rules last fall.

Documents obtained through freedom-of-information legislation outline the inspections, citations and fines imposed on the Donkin mine, prompting safety experts to ask questions about how the mine is being run, two years after the shafts were re-opened by Kameron Coal.

The mine, which has tunnels extending under the Atlantic Ocean, recently resumed limited production after the province suspended operations following six cave-ins in four months.

The first cave-in occurred Sept. 18, and initially went unreported, according to the documents drafted by provincial inspectors.

The managers of the Donkin, N.S., colliery also didnt initially report a second, Oct. 1 cave-in until provincial officials arrived two days later, the documents say.

According to the reports, the inspectors asked a series of questions on the morning of Oct. 3 before learning the extent of the damage in two incidents of tonnes of roof falling as a system of bolts gave way.

The inspectors write that they were told by the senior vice president of operations that no operations were under way at the mine because a belt drive was being set up and extra roof support was being added.

When questioned as to the reason for the installation ... we were informed that two roof falls ... had occurred in the No. 1 entry of the North Bleeder panel, they wrote in their report.

The documents say both collapses had spanned the entire six-metre width of a passage, as slabs of rock fell and left a ceiling gap up to almost four metres deep.

The first rock fall ran over 18 metres along the underground roadway, while the second was about a third of the length of a football field.

The documents say the inspectors also learned of two more roof falls at intersections of the mine, but details arent provided of their severity.

The delay in reporting the Sept. 18 roof fall resulted in a citation for contravention of s. 32.1(f) of the provinces underground mining regulations, which require a report within 24 hours of an unplanned roof fall that results in conditions that include a blockage of the mine roadway, a disruption of work for more than an hour, and/or an impairment of ventilation in the mine.

This reporting had not been carried out prior to the inspection, says the compliance order issued on Oct. 11. The employer did provide notification, after being directed to do so by the (Department of) Labour and Advanced Education, outside the 24 hours reporting period.

The underground mining regulations were revised prior to the opening of the Kameron underground mine, the first coal mine in decades in Nova Scotia, and as a result there is limited local, independent expertise on the safety issues involved.

However, Tracy Stumbo, a former chief accident investigator for the State of Kentucky, read the regulation and the safety reports and said he would characterize the rock falls reported as massive failure of the mine plan to secure the roof  known in Canada as a ground plan.

It looks to me like it should have been reported immediately, he said, noting that it appears to be the kind of roof falls that interfere with ventilation and impede traffic in a mine.

Tony Oppegard, a Kentucky-based lawyer who represents miners in safety cases, said roof falls are the No. 1 cause of death in underground American coal mines.

Not reporting major roof falls, thats a red flag. Why would you not report them? The law is pretty clear, said Oppegard, who has also worked for the United States mine safety regulator.

The company was not fined for the failure to report.

However, it was fined $2,000 for an accumulation of coal dust and $2,000 for failing to implement the original roof control plan in a way that may have provided an indication that the roof strata were exhibiting signs of potential failure.

Kameron Coal, a subsidiary of a U.S.-based Cline Mining Corp., declined to specifically comment on why it didnt report the cave-ins until the inspectors arrived, though the safety reports indicate they had been taking measures to shore up the roof in the areas of the collapse.

The firm sent an email attributed to Shannon Campbell, Kamerons vice president of project development, that said the company is working closely with the inspectors to resolve the issue.

Some (compliance) orders have required us to develop more robust programs such as the ground control procedure, he wrote, referring to the technical term for the plan to ensure mine roof is safe.

In close consultation with provincial regulators, international experts were brought to site to advise local management of recommended changes to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. This, along with the installation of substantial additional ground support in other areas of the mine, are steps taken to continuously improve.

The documents obtained through freedom of information indicate that there were problems in the mine roofs that went back to the summer.

A July 12 inspection report cites the mine as lacking some roof support in the North Bleeder panel, the same panel where the large cave-ins later occurred. Several instances were noted where rock had fallen from the roof in pieces that were big enough to injure personnel, says the report.

A Sept. 4 inspection report notes the roof was breaking in places where the walls met the roof at numerous locations, adding this was occurring in areas where roof screening was not providing full coverage.

The records say that after discovering the two collapses on Oct. 3, the inspectors ordered the mines to delay recommencing work and asked for an engineer-approved diagnosis of the problem and a set of recommendations to prevent it from occurring again.

Scott Nauss, the provinces director of inspection compliances, said the department was aware of the summer and early fall problems.

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From the inspection reports that Ive read ... it appears that there were some warning signs in various parts of the mine that the roof was not self supporting so that there needs to be roof bolts and screens to maintain the structural integrity of the roof.

He said after the failure to report the cave-ins of Sept. 18 and Oct. 1, we took that very seriously ... this was a clear violation and we treated it as such.

However, six days after the Oct. 3 discovery of the cave-ins, the Labour Department allowed the mine to resume operations on Oct. 9.

The provinces mining inspection team approved the corrections made in the area of the collapses, which included more supporting systems and more monitoring of those supports, said Nauss.

Almost 11 weeks later, while the mine was on a Christmas break, there was another cave-in on Dec. 18, then on Dec. 28 there was another collapse in the same North Bleeder panel as the fall incidents, said Nauss, noting they were reported.

As with the earlier collapses, no workers were injured. The mines licence to operate was suspended after the Dec. 28 incident, with a requirement that the operators provide a revised plan for their roof support system.

However, Gary Taje, international staff representative for the United Mine Workers of America in Canada, said the companys failure to report when the first major cave-in came in September remains a major problem.

Its not a simple little rock fall in unsupported ground. This is supported ground which has been opened fairly recently, he said in an interview.

Rock falls of this nature in a developing mine are not common at all ... thats an awful lot of material falling down at one time.

The union representative says theres evidence the province should have called for an entire re-design of the roof control system after the collapses of Sept. 18 and Oct. 1.

Something different has to be come up with. The roof bolting they were doing wasnt working, he said of the mine, which his organization has been attempting to unionize.

In late January, the province allowed the mine to resume working on one panel, and it is now awaiting a fresh plan from the company on how it intends to ensure roof safety.

The latest area being mined is just 480 metres in a controlled, low risk portion of the workings, a small fraction of the area mined to date, said Nauss.

He said the seams of the mine shafts will be cut at different angles to increase wall strength, longer bolts will be used, and there will be more monitoring of the effectiveness of the roof support system.

Inspections will go from monthly to bi-weekly, the Labour Department said in a follow up email.

However, Stumbo suggests the province should also consider stepping up inspections even further in light of the events of the recent months.

If it were assigned to me ... I would go to the mine at least on a weekly basis and observe what theyre doing, he said.

 Follow (at)mtuttoncporg on Twitter

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version misspelled Tracy Stumbos last name.
LONDON - Canadian retailer Sunrise Records is pulling stricken retailer HMV out of bankruptcy in a deal that will safeguard some 1,500 jobs.

However, administrator KPMG says 27 stores will close immediately, resulting in a loss of 455 jobs.

Sunrise Records will acquire 100 stores across the United Kingdom, and 1,487 stores and head office employees will transfer as part of the transaction.

The stores will continue to operate as HMV, with four stores continuing under the Fopp banner.

We are delighted to acquire the most iconic music and entertainment business in the UK, Sunrise Records chief executive Doug Putman said in a statement.

We know the physical media business is here to stay and we greatly appreciate all the support from the suppliers, landlords, employees and most importantly, our customers.

The move comes amid extreme pressure on physical retailers as customers buy more online. Poundworld, ToysRUs and Maplin went under last year, and major retailers like Debenhams are closing stores.

Management professor Christian Stadler of Warwick Business School says that while it is excellent news for those who prefer to buy their music from a shop, rather than streaming or online, it would be foolish to think there is scope for considerable growth. HMVs new owners need to focus on carving out some sort of niche to ensure a future for the company.

 With files from The Associated Press
The Forum News Service

Watertown Public Opinion

MITCHELL  A Mitchell High School student was arrested Wednesday, Jan. 30, and charged with fourth-degree rape for the second time in six months.

According to court documents, 18-year-old Gage Schaub had sex with a 15-year-old girl in December and again on Jan. 24, two days after he was convicted of fourth-degree rape in a separate Davison County case.

Schaub reportedly also admitted to exchanging nude photos with the same girl and was additionally charged with misdemeanor sexual exploitation of a minor.

Schaub is charged with two counts of fourth-degree rape and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. Fourth-degree rape, a Class 3 felony, is defined under South Dakota law as the rape of a victim between 13 and 16 years old by someone at least three years older than the victim. If convicted on all three counts, Schaub could be incarcerated for up to 31 years and ordered to pay up to $62,000 in fines.

At his sentencing for the prior fourth-degree rape charge, for which he was arrested on Aug. 6, Schaub was granted a suspended imposition of sentence and sentenced to 10 days in jail with credit for four days served and two years probation and ordered to complete counseling. He was also ordered to pay $2,602.37 in prosecution costs, a $750 fine and $106.50 in court costs.

In that case, which originated from incidents involving 15- and 13-year-old victims, Schaub originally pleaded not guilty to the rape charge and a charge of sexual contact with a child under 16, a Class 1 misdemeanor, on Sept. 18. The latter charge was dismissed when he pleaded guilty to fourth-degree rape on Nov. 13.
Control4 acquires smart remote control company NEEO

Control4 has acquired Switzerland-based smart remote startup NEEO. The acquisition will enable Control4 to accelerate the development of next-generation remotes, touch panels, keypads, and other smart home devices.



First introduced in 2016, NEEOs original smart remote control (pictured above) won plaudits for its ease of use and interoperability. Following the acquisition, NEEO will discontinue its original direct to consumers online operation. Control4 will support existing NEEO customers, and provide an upgrade path to a Control4 smart home solution.

Based in Bern, the NEEO product team, led by company founder Raphael Oberholzer (below left), will be working with the Control4 engineering group in Salt Lake City on the development of the next-generation of Control4 remote controls, touch panels, keypads, and other devices.

Oberholzer will report to Charlie Kindel (below right), Control4 Senior Vice President, Products and Services.





Raphael built a world-class customer-centric product team with proven strengths in industrial design, product development, and user experience. Were keen to add NEEOs unique expertise and award-winning Swiss design ethic to enhance our plans for reimagining the way homeowners interact with their Control4 systems, says Martin Plaehn, Control4 Chairman and CEO.

The NEEO acquisition is a talent and technology investment that will yield beautifully-designed and deeply integrated products in the future. Were excited to welcome the NEEO team to the Control4 family, he added.



This week, Control4 is exhibiting at ISE 2019, where it is showcasing its KNX line of smart lighting, multi-room audio and video offering, Triad speakers, Intercom Anywhere video intercom, Pakedge intelligent networking solutions, and security cameras.
Watertown Public Opinion

As owner of Sharp Automotive of Watertown, Doug Sharp has seen many powerful vehicles come through his dealership.

But nothing like he saw last Saturday.

Sharp attended the commissioning of the USS South Dakota held at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Conn. The 377-foot attack sub weighs 7,800 tons and while submerged can reach speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Since its nuclear-powered it can operate for more than 30 years without ever refueling.

Saturdays event marked the start of service for the submarine. Sharp said it had already gone 2,000 hours of trials since the U.S. Navy received it Sept. 24 of last year.

Sharp is a board member of the South Dakota Community Foundation, which granted money to the organization that allowed South Dakotans to be part of the event. The SDCF received tickets, and Sharp decided to accept one. He paid all his other expenses.

He arrived Thursday for an event that included 700 sailors, veterans and others held at Mikes Famous Harley Davidson in New London, CT. On Friday there was a visit to the USS Nautilus museum, and a dinner Friday night included South Dakotas Congressional delegation as well as Gov. Kristi Noem.

The commissioning ceremony started at 11 a.m. Saturday and was completed by 12:30 p.m., Sharp said. He estimates between 800 and 1,000 guests attended, seated in a large, temporary building erected adjacent to where the sub was docked. Another 1,000 people watched a telecast from a nearby gymnasium.

Both Noem and S.D. Senator Mike Rounds spoke during the ceremony.

Deanie Dempsey, wife of former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey, served as ceremonial ships sponsor, giving the traditional order, Man our ship and bring her to life. Dempsey also christened the ship in October of 2017 by breaking a bottle of champagne on its hull.

Sharp said former South Dakota Lieutenant Governor Matt Michaels and Ted Muenster were honored after the official ceremony.

They really headed up the South Dakota effort in raising funds to make this get-together possible, Sharp said. They did a great job and carried the day in getting the committee organized.

Tours of the submarine were available for a couple of hours after the commissioning.

You dont get back into the engine compartments, but you could see the mess hall, some of the living quarters and control room, said Sharp. The mess hall is decorated in all South Dakota memorabilia. Images such as Mount Rushmore and Sturgis are embossed in the tables.

Any images were recorded only in memories since cameras were not allowed inside the submarine or even between the temporary building and the submarine.

It was fun to see it all and just being around the admirals and leaders of the Navy, Sharp said. The commissioning ceremony was very formal, and the whole experience was very educational.
Staff reports

Watertown Public Opinion

Heres a strategy to give yourself a strong start toward career success: graduate from college with little or no debt. This may be harder than it used to be, but with planning and commitment it can still be done. You might consider these possibilities:

1. Shop for college like any other large purchase. Not every school offers the same quality of education; nor does paying more ensure better quality. Collegecalc.org lists the best value colleges in America by academic quality per dollar for 2019. Leading the list is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a quality rating of 95 out of 100 and a cost of $10,936 per year.

2. Compare your fields average starting salary with the total cost of education. While graduating from MIT might sound impressive, the average four-year cost of about $200,000 doesnt guarantee any better paying job than graduating from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology at an average four-year cost of about $82,000. MIT students received average salary offers of $70,300 in 2015 according to Business Insider, while SDSM&T students received $61,346 in 2016.

Viewing this another way, the difference in total cost between MIT and SDSM&T is about $118,000. For that you get an extra $9,000 a year in earnings. However, if you apply all of the extra earnings to amortizing the extra $118,000 cost at 5 percent, it will take you over 20 years to break even. That is not a good deal.

3. Work before and during college and save money for college expenses. Every little bit helps, and research from Berkeley finds that kids who work themselves through college do better academically.

4. Get good grades and apply for as many scholarships as possible. For example, a South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship pays $6,500 over four years. Qualifying is relatively easy, requiring a GPA of 3.00 or better, or ACT composite scores of 24 or higher.

5. Talk about college funding with your parents. Too many families dont have these important conversations. One child assumed her parents would pay all her college costs, only to painfully discover a month before the first tuition installment was due they were paying nothing. Another assumed he was on his own, worked his way through college, and then learned his parents would have paid all his tuition had he asked them.

6. Consider asking both parents and grandparents to contribute to a 529 college saving plan in lieu of other gifts. (Ideally, of course, do this when youre nine months old.)

7. Consider the importance to you of the traditional college experience, including dorm living, extra-curricular activities, and even finishing in four years. It may be worthwhile to take lighter class loads, work more hours, and graduate in five or six years but without debt. Investing extra time instead of taking on a burden of debt could make financial sense.

8. Before you borrow anything, ask specific questions about repayment schedules and amounts. Consider whether you could afford these payments on the starting salaries in your field. A beginning elementary teacher and a novice engineer may have very different budgets.

9. If you take a year off after high school to work and save for college, have a specific, family-supported plan to make the most of your earnings. For example, you might live rent-free at home with clear agreements about sharing chores and saving perhaps 80 percent of your pay.

Graduating with little or no college debt is admittedly a challenge. Yet making the effort to earn a debt-free degree is an investment in yourself that will pay valuable benefits for a lifetime.

Rick Kahler is president of Kahler Financial Group of Rapid City.
Four Things Christians Should Understand About Islam

A veteran shares what he learned while building relationships and having spiritual conversations with Muslims in Iraq.

by Thane Keller

Politically motivated narratives make Islam a challenge to decipher. Further complicating our understanding are the myriad of well-meaning opinions, various Islamic sects, and numerous scholars who all proclaim their own opinions on what is the truth. Here are four fundamental aspects of Islam that everyone should understand  not from a scholar, but from a layman who has spent years of his daily life learning to know Muslims.

1. Isaac and Ishmael

A fundamental backdrop of my book series The Conquests of Brokk, is this question: Who is Isaac, who is Ishmael, and which one of them is the son of promise?

As a scout platoon leader in Iraq, I have made many dear friends. The Iraqi people are warm and generous. While on a security patrol, one local leader invited my platoon in to eat with him. We accepted, of course, and our conversation quickly turned to family, customs and traditions. Shia Iraqis were preparing to celebrate the holiday Eid, and this became my first introduction to the nuanced differences between Islam, Judaism and Christianity


National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole has explained why Peter Obi, running mate of Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, is so obsessed with China.

According to the former Edo state governor, Obi never stops talking about China because his multi-billion-naira shopping mall, Next, is stocked with China-made products.

Oshiomhole has taken pleasure in aiming digs at Obis China proclamations, famously describing the former Anambra Governor last week as half China, half India.

Oshiomhole said this On Tuesday, during his partys presidential campaign rally in Ekiti state.

In his words:

When I see Peter Obi talk about China, China, China, China except that he doesnt look like one of them. But I understand he buys all his goods [from China].

When you go to NEXT Supermarket in Abuja, 90% of the goods are Chinese-made, so you understand his bond with China, China, China.

But what defined Chinas development are precisely the opposite of the public policy pronouncements that Atiku has failed to articulate. The Chinese refused to float Chinas currency; Atiku says he will float Nigerias currency. The Chinese invest in massive road and rail construction so that there is chance to move raw materials, goods and services, but Atiku has never spoken to what he will do on infrastructure.

At the Sani Abacha Stadium, venue of last Thursdays presidential campaign rally of the APC in Kano, Oshimhole had also attacked Obi, telling the mammoth crowd: I was telling someone this morning: Atiku has made again another mistake of his life. The first time he contested for the presidency, he went for an Obi. After Obi, he failed; he returned to PDP. He tried again, he failed; he came back to APC. He tried again he failed; this time he went back to PDP and went to another Obi.

This other Obi is half China and half India  because if he speaks three words, one will be Chinese, the second one will be Indian and the third one will be a mixture of Igbo and Yoruba. I have tried to teach him my own language but he is not likely to succeed.
Egyptian and Kuwaiti naval forces continued on Tuesday the Al-Sabah-1 and Al-Yarmuk-4 joint drills involving various naval exercises, a statement by Egyptian military spokesperson Tamer El-Refai said.

The drills, which are taking place in Kuwaiti territorial waters and air bases, involve safeguarding naval vessels carrying important cargo, conducting vessel searches, rescue operations, daytime and nighttime sailing, and refuelling at sea.

Short link:


Southern Pines, NC (28387)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 78F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low 63F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Phuket major water rations rolled out as reservoirs run low

PHUKET: Water rations will be brought into effect across major residential and business areas across Phuket from Friday (Feb 8) as officials struggle to conserve dwindling water supplies in the islands three main reservoirs until the annual rains return in May.

natural-resourcesconstructiontourism

By The Phuket News

Tuesday 5 February 2019, 07:19PM

One of the two notices from the PWA announcing the water rationing for the rest of this month. Image: PWA

One of the two notices from the PWA announcing the water rationing for the rest of this month. Image: PWA

An officer from the Phuket Provincial Irrigation Office points out how low the water levels are at Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn area. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

The Phuket Provincial Water Authority office (PWA) announced today (Feb 5) that water rations will be brought into effect in Rawai, Koh Kaew and areas throughout Rassada, in addition to the water rationing already in effect in Bang Tao, on Phukets tourist-popular west coast. (See story here.)

The cause (for introducing the water rationing) is that the water levels in three reservoirs, Bang Neow Dum in Srisoonthorn, Bang Wad in Kathu and Khlong Katha in Chalong, are dramatically low, said the PWA announcement today.

The water levels will not enough if rain does not come in two to three months, the notice added.

Putting a positive spin on the news, the statement confirmed that water supply will be provided along Saiyuan Rd in Rawai, from Saiyuan Intersection* to Yanui Beach, and all areas from Koh Kaew to Koh Siray in Rassada on all even-numbered dates from Friday until the end of February.

To the layman, that means that those exact same areas will not have water supply on all odd-numbered dates.

Likewise, the notice explained that areas that will have water supply on all odd-numbered dates will be from Saiyuan Rd to Nai Harn Beach* and from Mai Khao, Sakoo, Thepkrasattri, Cherng Talay, Srisoonthorn, Pa Khlok to the PTT Station in Koh Kaew.

Again, to laymen that means that those areas will not have water supply on all even-numbered dates.

The Phuket Provincial Water Authority office will continue with the water distribution until the drought crisis is gone, the PWA statement said.

We apologise for any inconvenience, the PWA statement said.

For more information, call the PWA on 076-319173, 082-7901634, the statement added.

The expanded water rations comes as more than half a million visitors are to arrive in Phuket this week to celebrate Chinese New Year. (See story here.)

They also follow Somsawat Chaisinsod, Director of Phuket Provincial Irrigation Office, warning that Phukets water supply reserves were in dire need of expanding or some form of replenishing considering the rapid expansion of development across the island. (See story here.)

The expanded water rations also follow Thamdongrak Kumphet, the PWA official responsible for water supply, flatly denying that the PWA had called for any rationing of water supply following the Cherng Talay restrictions brought into force.

We have not had any ideas to limit water supply. Our plan is to source water from privately owned water sources. We will have meeting to talk about this issue next month, he told The Phuket News on on Jan 22. (See story here.)

* The Phuket News has yet to confirm with the PWA what the description of the location actually means.
This week The Point discusses the Steelers NFL draft, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, LaMelo Ball returns, and LeBron and teams in the playoffs.
Check out the Hawthorne Appliance Sweepstakes for a chance to win a new television.

Draft bill (Enabling oral waiver of the Privacy Act)

Draft bill language

An Act

To allow Americans detained by foreign governments to orally waive Privacy Act restrictions.

Section 1 Short Title

This Act may be cited as the Detained American Oral Waiver Act

Section 2 Enable Oral Waivers of the Privacy Act

(a) In general.  At the end of ____________ (5 U.S.C. 552a) insert the following new subsection:

(x) ORAL WAIVER EXCEPTION. If an individual is detained by a foreign government and is unable to receive and sign a waiver as required in subsection (b), the individual may orally waive their rights under the Privacy Act in order to authorize consular staff and the Department of State to release information as part of their assistance for the individual. The oral waiver will continue to operate until such time as the detained individual is able to receive and sign a waiver.
An Oxford man charged with critically injuring his infant daughter in December by allegedly shaking her will be arraigned in Oakland County Ci
Claire and Lily Yang presented with first place awards by Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundations design competition judges.
A former presidential aide, Reno Omokri has said that life under the current administration is short and brutish. Omokri, who is the official ruffler of President Muhammadu Buharis feathers said this, in what seems to be a reaction to the recent killings that took place in Zamfara state on Tuesday.

Omokri lamented the high rate of killings under the Buhari led government, noting that there are more days when people are killed by bandits, than they are not.

Speaking via Twitter on Tuesday, Omokri stressed that, in Nigeria today there are more funerals than there are naming ceremonies.

He wrote:

Sadly in Nigeria under Buhari, there are more days when people are killed by terrorists/bandits than there are days that people are not killed. In many parts of todays Nigeria, More funerals are performed than naming ceremonies and human life is short and brutish
Noah Stamps-Freeman (from left), Lauryn Tellis, Hills Howard and Hayden Howard won the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Mid-Western Region Children Who Inspire Us community service award.
Mt. Pleasant

Sled-dog racer to speak about her experiences Friday
The lawmaker representing Bayelsa East in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, Ben Murray Bruce, has blamed President Muhammadu Buhari for the unemployment situation of the country.

Bruce who was denied a returning ticket to senate by the peoples Democratic Party(PDP) made this known via his twitter handle today.

According to the lawmaker, the unchecked geometric rate of the unemployment crisis has resulted in serious insecurity problem within the country hence the need for a new leadership.

He made this known via his Twitter handle.

What he said:
Former presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, Oby Ezekwesili has come hard on one the newspapers in Nigeria, for twisting her statement regarding why she with from the race.

Ezekwesili, had called a world press conference on Monday, to explain formally everything that led to her pulling out of the race, just a few weeks to the February 14th, election, the allegations levied against her by her party and her future commitment.

Slamming hard the new publication firm, the former minister of Education dismissed the news as fake headline, which distorted her message. In a statement via Twitter on Tuesday, the former presidential candidate asked for a retraction and an apology from the news site.

She wrote:

The fakest headline from my Speech. This fellow that manages @vanguardngrnews online does nothing but disseminate falsehoods obviously. It is obvious that even if you spoke in his ethnic language he would still distort the message. Your management better RETRACT with APOLOGY NOW.

First thing @vanguardngrnews should do is DELETE this #FakeNews.

2. Retract with Apology to me for distorting & misrepresenting my Speech.

3. Post this handler to the Supplies and Stores Dept of Vanguard.

4. Send your Staff to a Reporting Upgrade Course.

And for those with Comprehension issues, well heres what Ezekwesili wants you to take away from her message.

1. ACPN folks professed they shared my Values and Vision.

2. Then it became obvious that they dont.

3. I who had made the decision to run for President decided it better to protect my Values and withdraw from the race and their Party.
Nigerians have taken to social media to flay the senator representing Bayelsa East constituency in the Upper chamber of National Assembly, Ben Murray Bruce, over his comment on the unemployment situation of the country.

The senator who is a member of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) earlier blamed the Buhari led administration for the unemployment situation in the country but Nigerians are of the opinion that his argument lacked weight and substance.

Bruce would not be going back to the senate after being denied ticket by his party(PDP).

What they are saying:

I followed you @benmurraybruce cos I believed I can improve myself by learning from you not until you prove yourself to be a porous and gullible leader. Nigeria did not just wake up to be what it is today, but as a result of @OfficialPDPNig mismanagement.  Okay (@kudos854) February 5, 2019

Are you trying to say employment are meant to be provided by the Federal Government alone. What happens to the State Governors, Senators and other political leaders that gets paid monthly arent they supposed to recycle the process  Ethel Moses (@Etebuddy1) February 5, 2019
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates mountain resorts and urban ski areas in the United States. Its Mountain segment operates Vail Mountain, Breckenridge Ski, Keystone, Beaver Creek, and Crested Butte Mountain resorts in Colorado; Heavenly Mountain, Northstar, and Kirkwood Mountain resorts in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada; Mount Sunapee Resort in New Hampshire; Park City resort in Utah; Stowe and Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont; and Stevens Pass Mountain Resort in Washington. This segment also operates Whistler Blackcomb in Canada; and Perisher Ski Resort, and Falls Creek and Hotham Alpine Resort in Australia, as well as 3 urban ski areas, such as Afton Alps in Minnesota, Mount Brighton in Michigan, and Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin. Its resorts offer various winter and summer recreational activities, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowtubing, sightseeing, mountain biking, guided hiking, zip lines, challenge ropes courses, alpine slides and mountain coasters, children's activities, and other recreational activities; and ski and snowboard lessons, equipment rental and retail merchandise services, dining venues, private club operations, and other winter and summer recreational activities. This segment also leases its owned and leased commercial space to third party operators; and provides real estate brokerage services. The company's Lodging segment owns and/or manages various luxury hotels and condominiums under the RockResorts brand, and other lodging properties; various condominiums located in proximity to the company's mountain resorts; destination resorts; and golf courses, as well as offers resort ground transportation services. This segment operates approximately 5,500 owned and managed hotel and condominium units. Its Real Estate segment owns, develops, and sells real estate properties in and around the company's resort communities. The company was founded in 1997 and is based in Broomfield, Colorado.

Read More
19 hours ago

| June 21st | 2021 8:00 AM

Why You Might Have to Retire Later Due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic in general increased retirement uncertainty. In fact, Lincoln Financial Group reported three different sentiments regarding the pandemic and specific age groups: Pre-retirees: The age group from 55 to 64 saw the biggest drop of retirement-ready confidence. Mid-career: Individuals between the ages of 35 and 54 saw a
Bangkok has emerged the most popular destination for travelers in Asia-Pacific during the Lunar New Year period, the world's largest annual human migration, which is currently underway.

The Thai capital reclaimed the top spot this year as the most popular travel destination in online booking platform Agoda's list of top spring festival destinations 2019, knocking last year's winner Tokyo to second spot, followed by Taipei.

The results are based on hotel booking data on Lunar New Year dates for 2019.

This year, it's estimated that Chinese travelers will undertake nearly three billion trips by car, train and plane in the 40-day period between January 21 and March 1, an increase of 0.6 percent from 2018.

On February 5, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Mongolia, Indonesia and Malaysia will celebrate the lunar new year and usher in the year of the pig, the 12th and last position on the Chinese zodiac.

In general, Pigs are born in the years 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 and 2019.

Read also: Thailand to make it rain as pollution chokes Bangkok

Here are the top 10 most popular travel destinations according to Agoda:

1. Bangkok, Thailand

2. Tokyo, Japan

3. Taipei, Taiwan

4. Hong Kong

5. Kaohsiung, Taiwan

6. Osaka, Japan

7. Taichung, Taiwan

8; Sapporo, Japan

9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

10. Singapore
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, February 6 2019

The Prosperous Justice (PKS) and Gerindra Party, two political parties backing Governor Anies Baswedan, are set to propose the names of two deputy governor candidates on Feb. 10.



The two parties had previously held confirmation hearings and a focus group discussion (FGD) with three deputy governor nominees, namely Akhmad Syaikhu, Agung Yulianto and Ahmad Suhaimi  all PKS politicians.



PKS Jakarta head Sakhir Purnomo said the confirmation hearing team would summarize the results of the meetings and submit recommendations to the PKS and Gerindra.



The results will be used in proposing two candidates out of the three nominees to the two parties, Sakhir said in a press statement made available to The Jakarta Post on Monday.



Later, [the two names] will be proposed to Governor Anies to be forwarded to the City Council for a plenary meeting, ...
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Indonesia  Wed, February 6 2019

Jakarta and Dhaka will start negotiating a preferential tariffs agreement by the end of this month, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, as the two countries are committed to improving economic cooperation.



The negotiation was announced during a meeting between Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and her Bangladeshi counterpart, AK Abdul Momen, in Dhaka on Monday.



Retnos visit to Bangladesh was the first for her under the new government of re-elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.



Besides talks about the trade deal, the two ministers also renewed a commitment to completing a draft agreement on the sales and purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG), although details remained scarce.



During President Joko Jokowi Widodos visit to Bangladesh last year, the two countries signed five agreements, including the launch of the negotiations for an In...
Vanguard

Chief Great Ogboru, Delta State All Progressive Congress, APC, governorship candidate, yesterday, said Governor Ifeanyi Okowas greatest mistake that would lead to his defeat at the polls was to allow Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan to leave Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Thisday

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) yesterday adjourned till February 13, the trial of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, insisting that the embattled CJN must appear for trial on the new date.

The Sun

Bishop Taiwo Akinola, Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church (RCC&T) World-Wide, has urged Nigerians to rather vote for credible candidates who have merits irrespective of their political affiliations.

Daily Times

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has revealed how the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, prayed for him a night before the Saturday Helicopter crash in Kabba, Kogi State.

Leadership

The Legal Defence Centre recently inaugurated by Governor Udom Emmanuel Campaign Organisation, Divine Mandate, in Akwa Ibom State has dragged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the state commissioner of police and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to court over an alleged plot by the opposition to arrest and detain the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Onofiok Luke and other prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Daily Trust

The police yesterday arraigned four men in a Wuse Zone 6 magistrates court, Abuja, over threat to kidnap a resident of Jikwoyi, an Abuja suburb.

The Nation

The Southwest Coordinator of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Chief Olusola Oke, yesterday urged residents of Ondo and Ekiti states to come out massively to receive President Muhammadu Buhari and other APC leaders today.

Tribune

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) Oyo State Chapter has described the absence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Yoruba organised debate for the State gubernatorial candidates last Friday as a manifestation of the candidates sheer incompetence, incapability and lack of programmes to move the state forward.
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Indonesia  Wed, February 6 2019

After about four years of negotiations, Indonesia and Switzerland have signed a bilateral agreement on mutual legal assistance, which allows the two countries to collaborate on detecting and prosecuting international crimes such as corruption and money laundering.



Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly and Swiss Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter signed the agreement in Bern on Monday.



This agreement can be used to combat tax crimes, Yasonna said as quoted by tempo.co on Tuesday.



He said the agreement was the result of Jakartas efforts to ensure that Indonesian citizens and legal entities complied with tax regulations and paid their taxes.



He went on to suggest that the agreement could be applied retroactively.



The Indonesian and Swiss governments had conducted negotiations twice, first in Bali in 2015 and a second time in 20...
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Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Kuta  Tue, February 5, 2019 12:07 868 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b192655 1 National crime,theft,Kuta Free

Police have arrested two Iranian men for allegedly impersonating police and robbing a Chinese tourist in the popular tourist district of Kuta in Bali.

The two men, Shiraziniya Azad, 53, and Shirazi Nia Hossein, 40, reportedly stole US$1,400 from their victim.

Denpasar Police chief Sr. Comr. Ruddi Setiawan said on Monday that the two Iranians had tricked the Chinese man in front of Kuta Centre Park hotel on Jl. Patih Jelantik on Jan 30.

The victim was walking when the two suspects approached him by car. They said that they were the polices drug squad and had to search him, Ruddi said.

The suspects conducted a body search of the victim and searched his belongings. When searching the victims wallet, the suspects allegedly took the money in bank notes.

They left the victim after they took the money. The Chinese man, who was not identified, later reported the case to the police.

Police discovered clues about the suspects through CCTV footage of the crime scene and tracked the registered plate number of the car used by the suspects.

Both were found in front of a restaurant on Jl. Raya Tuban on Feb. 1.

Ruddi said Hossein had been in the car while Azad searched the victims belongings.

We are working to find out whether there were other people involved, he said, adding that police were working to prevent more tourists from becoming the target of crime.

The suspects reportedly told the police they had used the money for their daily expenses.

The suspects will be charged under Article 363 of the Criminal Code on theft, which carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, February 5, 2019 09:58 868 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b1911c3 1 National coral-reefs,Alor-Regency,oil-tanker,environment Free

The East Nusa Tenggara administration has agreed to release a tanker owned by PT Ocean Tangker after the company pledged to compensate for damages to coral reefs it had caused in the Pantar Strait Marine Park in December.

The company's oil tanker, Ocean Princess, was reportedly sinking in waters off the coast of Aemoli village on Alor Island on Dec. 12 and crashed onto coral reefs in the area. The ship, which was carrying diesel at that time, was heading to Singapore from Dili.

The head of the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Agencys valuation team Saleh Goro said the company had delivered a statement and letter of undertaking (LoU) as a guarantee of its commitment to compensate for the damaged marine biome around the sanctuary area.

After receiving the documents, Saleh said his agency had spoken to the Kalabahi Port Authority Office (KSOP) to grant a sailing permit for the tanker to leave the waters.

The ship was permitted to leave NTT waters several days ago, he said as quoted by Antara on Monday.

The valuation teams findings showed that as many as 28 reef spots had been destroyed, 19 of which were massive coral reefs. The team also found that the diameter of the damaged coral reef was estimated to be between 10 and 130 cm.

Saleh said that a massive reef could grow between 1 to 2 cm every year.

We are yet to assess the financial losses because we have to attend a meeting with the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry in Jakarta, Saleh said. (dpk)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, February 5, 2019 20:52 867 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b19ef9c 2 National graft,Democratic-party,KPK Free

A panel of judges at the Jakarta Corruption Court sentenced on Monday former member of the House of Representatives Amin Santoso to eight years in prison and a fine of Rp 300 million (US$21,497) for bribery.

Amin Santoso is proven guilty of committing corruption, presiding judge Muhammad Arifin said at the court, as quoted by tempo.co.

In addition to the sentence, the Democratic Party politician is barred from politics for three years.

Amin was found guilty of receiving Rp 3.3 billion in bribes from Central Lampung Regent Mustafa and Iwan Binangkit construction firm director Ahmad Ghiast to allocate additional funds for Central Lampung and West Javas Sumedang in the 2018 state budget.

The case started when a consultant named Eka Kamaludin suggested that he offer such services to several cities or regencies, given his position as a member of the House Commission XI that oversees banking and finance.

For his service, Amin asked each city or regency to pay a fee amounting to 7 percent of the additional budget they received. He was also in cahoots with a Finance Ministry official named Yaya Purnama to realize the additional budget allocation.

About Rp 300 million of the Rp 3.3 billion in bribes was handed to Yaya, while Rp 475 million was given to Eka. (vny)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post)  Mon, February 4 2019

For many years, noticeable imperfections in the Indonesian Militarys (TNI) personnel management system have gone unresolved. Now, the government is offering a remedy that could do more harm than good and throw the country back into the old days.



After opening a joint TNI-National Police leaders meeting last Tuesday, President Joko Jokowi Widodo announced plans to restructure the TNI, with the aim of addressing a surplus of hundreds of middle-ranking officers.



TNI commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto said new 60 posts would become available for brigadiers, majors and lieutenant generals, with some colonels standing a chance of filling the vacancies through a promotion. In addition, officers will have the opportunity to take up positions in the civil service. And, in an apparent move to appease thousands of other soldiers, enlisted personnel and noncommis...
Chinese communities around the world welcomed the Year of the Pig on Tuesday, ushering in the Lunar New Year with prayers, family feasts and shopping sprees.

In mainland China over the past week, hundreds of millions of people have crammed into trains, buses, cars and planes to reach family and friends in the world's largest annual migration, emptying the country's megacities of much of the migrant workforce.

People line up to pray for good fortune at the Yonghegong, or Lama Temple in Beijing on the first day of the Lunar New Year on Feb. 5, 2019. Chinese communities around the world welcomed the Year of the Pig on February 5, ushering in the Lunar New Year with prayers, family feasts and shopping sprees (AFP/Greg Baker)

Celebrations will take place across the globe, from Southeast Asia's centuries-old Chinese communities to the more recently established Chinatowns of Sydney, London, Vancouver, Los Angeles and beyond.

The most important holiday of the Chinese calendar marks the New Year with a fortnight of festivities as reunited families wrap dumplings together and exchange gifts and red envelopes stuffed with money.

Pigs symbolize good fortune and wealth in Chinese culture and this year's holiday brings a proliferation of porcine merchandise, greetings and decorations.

Lion dancers perform during Lunar New Year celebrations in Yangon on Feb. 5, 2019. (AFP/Ye Aung Thu)

During the Spring Festival season -- a 40-day period known as "Chunyun" -- China's masses will be on the move, chalking up some three billion journeys, Chinese state media reported.

Streets and busy thoroughfares were uncharacteristically empty in Beijing on Monday, with many shops and restaurants closed until next week.

A growing number of Chinese are also choosing to travel abroad, booking family trips to Thailand, Japan, and other top destinations.

People pray in a Chinese temple during Lunar New Year celebrations in Bangkok on Feb. 5, 2019. (AFP/Lillian Suwanrumpha)

An estimated seven million Chinese tourists will head overseas over the Spring Festival this year, according to the official news agency Xinhua, citing numbers from Chinese travel agency Ctrip.

Researchers have also traced the origins of the zodiac animal.

Chinese archeologists found that China was one of the earliest places in the world to domesticate pigs about 9,000 years ago -- around the time when ancient Turkey began similar domestication practices -- based on research on pig bones excavated at Jiahu in Henan province, Xinhua reported.

Read also: Thousands of lanterns brighten Chinese New Year celebrations in Surakarta

Prayers and greetings

In Hong Kong, flower markets were filled with residents picking out orchids, mandarins and peach blossoms to decorate their homes -- with stalls also boasting a dizzying array of pig-themed pillows, tote bags and stuffed toys.

Thousands of incense-carrying petitioners, some dressed in pig costumes, crammed into the city's famous Wong Tai Sin temple overnight, a popular location to mark the first prayers of the New Year.

In Shanghai on the mainland crowds packed into the Longhua temple to pray for good fortune.

In Malaysia - where 60 percent of the population is Muslim, and a quarter ethnic Chinese - some shopping centers chose not to display pig decorations, while some shops kept them inside.

But shoppers and traders said that was usual in a country where the Muslim majority are sensitive about an animal considered unclean in Islam, and overall there had been little controversy this year.

A woman carrying incense sticks arrives at a Chinese temple to pray on the first day of the Lunar New Year in Denpasar on Indonesia's resort island of island on Feb. 5, 2019 (AFP/Sonny Tumbelaka)

Next door in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country which also has a sizeable ethnic Chinese population, the Lunar New Year is a public holiday.

Events such as traditional lion dances are held in decorated public spaces while supermarkets stock up on mooncakes and tangerines.

In Japan, the capital's famous Tokyo Tower was due to turn red in celebration of the New Year -- a first for the city.

It is also the most important holiday in Vietnam, where it is celebrated as Tet.

Parades and lion dances in Western cities such as New York and London were expected to draw large crowds.

Beijing-friendly figures such as Pakistani President Arif Alvi and Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen extended new year greetings to China.

Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen used her social media accounts to deliver a political sideswipe at Beijing with a message highlighting the island's democratic credentials and linguistic pluralism.

"In Taiwan we are able to maintain our cultural traditions," she said in a video in which she delivered the traditional new year greeting in five Chinese languages: Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, Teochew and Cantonese.

Mainland authorities have long been accused by critics and minorities of pushing Mandarin at the expense of other languages.

China still sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, despite the two sides being ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949.

Relations between Taipei and Beijing have had a rocky start to 2019 after Xi Jinping delivered a bellicose speech last month describing the island's unification with the mainland as "inevitable".
Mark Twain once observed that no one would try to play a fiddle in public without some prior instruction in the instrument, but no one had such hesitation when it came to writing.

Clearly, many candidates these days think you can run for president without any political experience or with precious little. The unqualified and the marginally equipped seem to believe they are uniquely gifted to be president of the United States.

At the moment a large school of Democrats feel that because they empathize with the working poor, the struggling middle class and are appalled by the excesses of the plutocrats, they can, when elected, put it all right. They confuse empathy with policy and achievability.

Then there are those who subscribe to the belief in business as the incubator of all skills. These are the people who believe  and they could well line up for former Starbucks CEO Howard Shultz  that if you can run a business, you can get a handle on Washington. It is a myth that just wont die. If one can make a lot of money, it proves just one thing: One has made a lot of money. Running based on commercial success and Washington failure doesnt work. The two worlds are not subject to the same laws of nature, as it were.

In business, you can walk away from failure; in politics, it follows you. If a franchise deal fails in business, you abandon it. You cant abandon Russia or China because you cant get a deal. And you cant abandon the poor because you think you cant afford them.

Politics is, above all, learned, and it is learned in political places  school boards, community associations, unions and state legislatures. Anywhere where offices are elective.

If you want to succeed in reshaping Washington, the first thing to do is to understand it and respect it. Yes, respect it.

We are so inured to people running against Washington that we forget that it is the product of all the others who ran against it. Washington, like all complex systems, is the sum of its parts, from the lobbyists to the agencies, and the laws which Congress has passed.

Washington is a seething, dynamic system, not too complex to be reformed but way too complex to be a candidate for simple solutions. Look at the supreme political amateur Donald Trump and see how his plan to upend Washington and drain the swamp has fared. In engineering and science, if you want to change something, first understand it  know its parts and their functions before you start.

Rex Tillerson, the former CEO of ExxonMobil, failed to reform the State Department because he didnt feel he needed to understand it. He failed in his own right, even without the difficulties Trump piled on him.

If politics is war by another means, then dont show your hand. You dont tell the enemy where youll dig in or what secret weapon youll bring to bear. To declare the rate of tax you favor (70 percent for the rich), how you are going to implement a national healthcare system (extend Medicare) and who youll not listen to (lobbyists are a great source of information), and what limits you are going to put on yourself (to draw attention to your rectitude) is neither the way to get elected nor to do the peoples business. Caring isnt a plan.

Many successful presidents, from Washington to Clinton, have been bad businessmen. The best qualification for the office isnt how well youve done at something else, but to have run something big and political like a charity, an advocacy group, a school, a city or a state. That way you learn the art of give a little, take a lot. Those who havent had this administrative experience need to study it over and over.

As Lloyd George, the British prime minister during World War I, wrote, There is no greater mistake than to try to leap an abyss in two jumps.

Every day, I read someone is setting out to prove him wrong and run for president without regard to the geography of the politics.

Llewellyn King is executive producer and host of White House Chronicle on PBS, and he is a columnist for InsideSources.com.
The elder sister of Kabir Marafa, senator representing Zamfara central, Ade Marafa has been killed by armed men suspected to be bandits.

The husband of the deceased was also abducted her husband, according to Abubakar Abdullahi Tsafe, an aide to the senator in a statement.

The bandits which were said to be over 100, reportedly attacked the victims residence at Ruwan Bore area of Gusau local government area, early Tuesday, killing the senators sister and taking away her husband  not after setting ablaze a better part of the village.
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ALTON  Ranked 41st in visitation out of 59 National Parks, Big Bend National Park is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Offering everything from deep river canyons to mountains to rare fossils and plants, it is a playground for anyone willing to make the trek to western Texas.

The public is encouraged to attend a presentation of the park from 7: 30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, at the Old Bakery Beer Company, 400 Landmarks Blvd, Alton. Arrive early, approximately 6 p.m., for dinner and to meet the speaker Susan Murray, Piasa Palisades Group Outings Leader. For more information, contact Chris Krusa at 410-490-5024.
EDWARDSVILLE  The transfer of prisoners at the Madison County Jail to accommodate renovations to the structure are expected to start in May, according to information provided at Fridays meeting of the Madison County Boards Judiciary Committee.

Deputy Sheriff Maj. Jeff Connor said the moves are expected to start about May 1. Facilities Director Rob Schmidt confirmed that; however, he cautioned that is still a tentative date.

The jail is undergoing a $14 million, three-year renovation. Work is already underway and ahead of schedule, but so far they have not had to transfer any prisoners to accommodate the construction.

Connor said they recently met with the Alton Police Department to work out arrangements to handle some of the prisoners.

The county jail is certified for 312 prisoners but routinely holds more. The latest figures from Jan. 31 show 307 prisoners.

Each cell block holds about 32 people, and all have to be moved out when work starts in those areas.

In a related matter, committee member Jamie Goggin, who chaired the meeting, said the Edwardsville Police Department had approached him about concerns with prisoners who are released and then stay in the neighborhoods.

Connor noted that each released prisoner gets a telephone call, and some will wait for hours until somebody picks them up.

This has been going on for decades, he said. Inmates have to find their way home.

Representatives of the Public Defenders and Probation offices said they have given out bus tokens or passes in the past. Goggin said he would approach Madison County Transit about restarting such a program.

There was also discussion about upcoming changes in court fees.

The changes will take effect on July 1 as a result of a law passed last year. There has been a great deal of uncertainty about exactly how it will impact Madison County.

One issue is that it eliminates some county fees that go directly to agencies like the Child Advocacy Center, forcing the County Board to appropriate additional money from its general fund.

Circuit Clerk Mark Von Nida said he is going to a training session with other Illinois circuit clerks, and will have more information at the next meeting.

The committee also approved a resolution to give Madison County Public Defender John Rekowski a raise.

Rekowski will receive an additional $3,334 annually. The reason for the raise is that the state gave Madison County States Attorney Tom Gibbons a cost-of-living increase, and by state law, the public defender must be paid at least 90 percent of the states attorneys salary.
SPRINGFIELD  Supporters of legalizing recreational marijuana in Illinois will face stiff opposition this year from leaders of the states largest religious denomination.

The six Catholic bishops in Illinois issued a joint statement Monday urging lawmakers to reject any attempt to legalize marijuana.

As lawmakers consider this issue, it is important to remember they are not only debating legalization of marijuana but also commercialization of a drug into an industry the state will profit from, the bishops said in the statement. In seeking the common good, the state should protect its citizens.

The six bishops are leaders of the six Catholic dioceses in Illinois, which compose the Catholic Conference of Illinois. CCI is made up of the Archdiocese of Chicago and other dioceses in Belleville, Joliet, Peoria, Rockford and Springfield.

CCI Executive Director Bob Gilligan said in an interview that there are roughly 3.5 million Catholics in the state. Thats about 28 percent of the states population, making Catholicism the single largest denomination in Illinois, according to the Pew Research Center.

Illinois legalized marijuana for certain medical uses in 2013 and state lawmakers are expected to consider proposals this year to expand the list of conditions for which people can obtain prescriptions for the drug. CCI did not take an official position on that issue, Gilligan said.

But legalizing it for recreational use was also a major issue for Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzkers successful campaign in 2018 and a number of supporters have already begun trying to draft legislation.

In addition, voters in Cook County in March 2018 overwhelmingly approved a nonbinding ballot referendum calling for statewide legalization of recreational pot for people over age 21, subject to state regulation and taxation.

As of 2018, according to Governing magazine, 10 states and the District of Columbia had legalized recreational marijuana. But as Illinois ponders whether to become the 11th state to do so, Gilligan said he believes the momentum for it is waning.

I think there was a lot of energy and theres still a lot of energy behind the efforts to legalize it but that was in a campaign mode prior to November, he said. This was on some ballots where you saw a fairly large number of people supporting it. But now that its time for those people to figure out how to implement this in such a way that it does not harm the public, the momentum that youre seeing is slowing down considerably.

The statement from the bishops did not reference any specific theological objection to marijuana use. Rather, it suggested there would be a danger of widespread public health and safety consequences.

Data collected by government agencies and public-interest groups document that drug use is rampant in modern society, the bishops said. Just a few years ago, we heard too many stories of children turned into orphans after their parents overdosed on heroin. Today, we hear of the opioid crisis and the lives it claims. If marijuana is legalized, it will only add to the problem.

Pritzkers press secretary, Jordan Abudayyeh, said in an email statement that the governor remains committed to legalization.

Governor Pritzker supports legalizing and taxing the recreational use of marijuana and is confident we are ready to do this in a safe and economically beneficial way in Illinois, Abudayyeh said. He is committed to working with leaders in the General Assembly, listening to experts and community leaders and drawing lessons and best practices from other states to move this forward.
EDWARDSVILLE  Edwardsville had a record-breaking $248 million in new construction last year, and is poised to continue with a number of new projects this year, according to Mayor Hal Patton.

Patton talked about the citys economic development at its annual Business Forecast Breakfast on Tuesday morning at Lewis and Clark Community Colleges N.O. Nelson Campus.

About 250 people attended. In addition to discussion about projects in the city, the Business of the Year award was given to Contegra Construction and two economists talked about the coming year.

Patton noted that the city issued 1,246 construction permits in 2018.

Some communities would have been happy with a dozen permits, he said.

He cited numerous projects, ranging from several warehouses under construction for World Wide Technology to a number of residential and mixed-use development projects.

Patton also discussed road and other infrastructure projects, and upcoming developments including the 5-story Gori Julian building and plans for a mixed-use development on the county-owned Plum Street Property.

Also speaking were Timothy S. Sullivan, an instructor in SIUEs Department of Economics and Finance; and Charles S. Gascon, regional economist and senior coordinator in the research division at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

They both said that the areas economy was coming off of a very good year for growth. While growth will probably be slower in 2019, both said at this point the chance of recession is slight but there are some things that investors should keep an eye on.

In announcing the 2018 Business of the Year Award, Patton said Contegra plays a significant role in driving the economic growth of the area, accounting for about 48 percent of new construction in 2018 within the city.

Patton said there is more than that to the company.

Its not just how much you produce or how much you construct, but its how much you do for the community, he said.

Weve been in Edwardsville 15 years now, and I cant think of a better place to invest our money, said Contegra President Eric Gowan.

After the event, Edwardsville Economic Development Director Walter Williams said the annual meeting is part of our community building process.

When you allow local investors to understand how our economy works they make better decisions, he said. Our economy is different, we dont have the ebbs and flows of the national economy. But if you just listen to the nation you get the wrong impression, so we have this event each year to make sure local investors are aware of how well our local economy is doing.

He agreed 2018 was a good year for economic development in the city.

The mayor has always emphasized, when you get local investors to invest, it attracts national investors, he said.

He noted something Patton touched on, that there had been $16 million in new investment in the downtown area.

Why is that important? Because 95 percent of those investments are from local people, he said.

He described the downtown area as the front door to the community, saying investors will take a close look at the downtown area when deciding to come to an area.

Reach reporter Scott Cousins at 618-208-6447.
EDWARDSVILLE  SIUE Arts & Issues brings Dr. Charles David Keelings Curve to the SIUE Dunham Hall Theater at 7:30 p.m. on March 1. Starring noted actor and activist Mike Farrell, best known for his role as B.J. Hunnicutt in the comedy series M*A*S*H, who plays Dr. David Keeling, the scientist whose research on carbon dioxide (CO2) gave the first early warnings to the world about global warming.

In this one-man play, Farrell brings to life Keeling, the quirky and brilliant man who created the Keeling Curve, the iconic chart that illustrates the rise in atmospheric CO2 levels, from 1958 to the present.

The story combines Keelings personal journey with the insights of atmospheric scientists who, hundreds of years earlier, made discoveries that laid the foundations for Keelings own work.

Keeling first measured carbon dioxide in the Earths atmosphere in 1955. For the next 50 years, he continued to measure CO2 despite the indifference and opposition of U.S. government agencies toward his research.

The play, Dr. Keelings Curve, was originally developed by playwright George Shea, Farrell and director Kirsten Sanderson in a workshop production at the Blank Theatre in Hollywood where it was originally produced by Ed Murphy.

During the play, we meet Jean-Baptiste Joseph Fourier whose obsession with heat led to an understanding of the greenhouse effect and Svante Arrhenius who proved a link between global warming and CO2. The play paints human portraits of these and other scientists.

In a review, Spencer Weart, author of the award-winning The Discovery of Global, noted that, Dr. Keelings Curve gives a human face to what might otherwise be a dry story. It makes the science behind our global warming problem crystal clear. Both thoughtful and funny, this play shows how science can be fun  and deadly serious.

Shows how one man can make a difference in the world   Long Beach Press-Telegrams Richard Guzman said in a review. A heavy topic addressed with humor and passion by Mike Farrell.

Following the SIUE March 1 performance, there will be a short panel discussion with climate scientists.

Tickets for Dr. Keelings Curve start at $35 and can be purchased at artsandissues.com, by phone at 1-866-698-4253 or at the SIUE Morris University Center (MUC) Welcome Desk. The show is sponsored by the SIUE Graduate School and the Madison County Regional Office of Education.

Prior to the show, the SIUE Friends of Theater and Dance will be holding a dinner buffet in the Morris University Conference Center, located on the second floor of SIUEs Morris University Center. The dinner buffet is open to the public and guests are encouraged to attend. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a reception with dinner starting at 6 p.m.

Grant Andree, SIUE Arts & Issues Director, said dinner tickets are $25 and are separate from the Arts & Issues performance ticket.

Preferred seating at the performance will be available for those attending the dinner. In addition, those who purchase tickets for both the dinner and the performance, Arts & Issues will contribute the cost of the performance ticket to the SIUE Friends of Theater and Dance Scholarship Fund, Andree added.

Call 618-650-5194 for more information about the dinner or to purchase dinner tickets.
Property tax relief efforts are like the weather in Nebraska. If you dont like the weather, wait five minutes.

A number of comprehensive property tax relief bills and corresponding ideas were introduced in the early days of the session. With the help of a coalition of agricultural groups I drafted and introduced LB497, entitled Adopt the School District Property Tax Authority Act. It has a fancy title to address the way the state provides funds and distributes aid to K-12 education.

A majority of property tax revenue is used to fund local aid to school districts. In the governors proposed budget state aid to schools is over $1 billion and that goes to only 69 of the 244 school districts in the state. I introduced LB497 to address the trinity of property tax, school aid funding and state revenue. LB497 would phase-in, over 3 years, lower valuation for agricultural land for school tax purposes, from the current 75 percent of actual value to 40 percent. State aid to all school districts would be guaranteed, at a minimum, to 50 percent of basic funding. At the same time, the bill limits spending increases by school districts.

These reductions would be balanced with an increase of new revenue sources. LB497 would repeal the $10,000 personal property exemption, a number of sales tax exemptions and increase state taxes on cigarettes and alcohol.
GRAND ISLAND  Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a California man and seized 90 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 Friday afternoon in Buffalo County

At approximately 1:30 p.m. Friday, February 1, a trooper observed an eastbound 2007 GMC pickup fail to signal a lane change near Shelton at mile marker 291. During the traffic stop, an NSP K9 detected the presence of a controlled substance in the vehicle.

Troopers searched the pickup and found 90 pounds of marijuana concealed inside kitchen cabinets and homemade wooden boxes in the bed of the truck.

The driver, Ying Zhu, 45, of Rowland Heights, California, was arrested for possession of marijuana  more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. Zhu was lodged in Buffalo County Jail.
On January 29, CNN released an interview with two Venezuelan army defectors who appealed to US President Donald Trump to arm them to defend freedom in Venezuela. They claimed to be in contact with hundreds of willing defectors via WhatsApp groups and called on Venezuelan soldiers to revolt against the government of President Nicolas Maduro.

As Venezuelan soldiers, we are making a request to the US to support us, in logistical terms, with communication, with weapons, so we can realize Venezuelan freedom, one of the alleged defectors, Guillen Martinez, told CNN. Another one, Hidalgo Azuaje, added: Were not saying that we need only US support, but also Brazil, Colombia, Peru, all brother countries, that are against this dictatorship.

During the entire clip, these persons were presented in a manner alleging that they had just recently defected and are now calling on others to follow their step. However, therein lies the problem. The badges on their uniform say FAN  Fuerza Armada Nacionales. This is an outdated pattern, which has been dropped. Now, Venezuelas service members have a different badge  FANB, which means Fuerza Armada Nacional Bolivariana. So, either the Venezuelan army defectors somehow lost the letter B from their uniform, or the entire interview is a staged show involving former Venezuelan service members, who have been living for a long time outside the country, or in the worst case  actors.

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The interview came amid increasing US political, media and sanction pressure on the Maduro government. White House National Security Adviser John Bolton was even spotted with a mysterious note about the deployment of 5,000 US troops to Colombia, the US ally which borders Venezuela. In this situation, a large-scale military uprising or at least formation of some opposition within the army would become a useful tool in a wider effort to overthrow the countrys government. On the other hand, the use of such CNN-styled content shows that so far the US and its proxies have achieved little success in buying the support of Venezuelan service members.

On January 29, Venezuelan lawmaker Jose Guerra claimed via Twitter that a Boeing 777 of Russias Nordwind Airlines landed in Caracas on January 28 to spirit away 20 tons of gold bars, worth some $840 million, from the countrys central bank. When asked how he knew this, Guerra provided no evidence. By January 30, these items of breaking news had rocked the headlines of most of the mainstream media.

Another version, which was also quite popular among pro-opposition media, is that the plane, which reportedly made the trip directly from Moscow, moved in a group of Russian private military contractors to support the Maduro government. This version is fueled by reports claiming up to 400 Kremlin-linked private military contractors may have arrived in Venezuela.

The developing crisis is also accompanied by the growth of citizen journalism. Bellingcat members already created a Twitter page named In Venezuela, which provides field news about the crisis from Toronto, Canada. Its easy to expect some open source intelligence investigations revealing crimes of the Maduro government against peaceful protesters very soon if the conflict escalates further.

Roughly speaking, the mainstream media presents the audience with the following story: The Maduro government is about to fall and is already moving the countrys gold reserves somewhere via Russian planes. At the same time, Vladimir Putin sent his mercenaries to rescue Maduro and to keep the corrupt regime in power in order to secure Russias economic and political interests. This, as well as the oppressive nature of the regime, are the only reason why the forces of good have not yet achieved victory.

Fortunately, there is the shining knight of democracy, Juan Guaido, who was democratically appointed as the Interim President of Venezuela from Washington. He, his Free Venezuelan Army consisting of hundreds of WhatsApp defectors and a group of unbiased US/NATO-funded citizen journalists and investigators are ready to stand against the Maduro-Putin alliance and to defend freedom and democracy in Venezuela with a bit of help from the Trump administration for sure.

There are no doubts that modern Venezuela is allied with Russia and Moscow will employ its existing influence to resolve the crisis and thus defend its investments and oil assets. Furthermore, Maduro and his supporters showed that they are not going to give in to the US-led pressure. At the same time, The level of MSM hysteria, including an open disinformation campaign against the Maduro government and attempts to demonize it through various means, including its ties with Moscow, show that the Washington establishment is serious in its regime change efforts and may even be ready to instigate a Syria-style proxy war in the country in order to achieve own goals.

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HARTFORD  Faced with one of the nations largest unfunded public-pension liabilities, Shawn Wooden, the newly elected state treasurer, is navigating a turnaround from decades of neglect and generations of Connecticut lawmakers.

The State Teachers Retirement Fund, in particular, could face a multibillion-dollar shortfall within the next few years if the current billion-dollar deficit is allowed to keep snowballing.

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The pension crisis is arguably the single-biggest issue facing state lawmakers. Combined with the State Employees Retirement System, Connecticut confronts an underfunded liability of as much as $100 billion.

During an interview Monday in his seventh-floor office, across from Bushnell Park, Wooden said hes preparing a variety of options for Gov. Ned Lamont to consider in his annual budget proposal on Feb. 20.

Wooden will suggest that Lamont extend the period that the state pays off pension-related bonds, while leveling off payments that are currently on track to balloon to $2 billion to $3 billion a year over the next four years in the teachers fund alone.

In particular, the mission is to create and have a pension system that is long-term and sustainable and to do that in a manner thats affordable for taxpayers, said Wooden, 49, a lawyer and former president of the Hartford City Council.

Im trying to give our state increased budgetary flexibility while preserving our standing in the market, Wooden said. One of the big knocks on our state is the lack of flexibility. This addresses that in a way where we have a more manageable payment stream over a period of time.

He declined to go too far into details because he wants to present them to Lamont, whos also grappling with an estimated $1.45 billion deficit in the states $20 billion operating budget scheduled to start July 1. Another option for pension relief is the Connecticut Lottery Corp., which one way or another could be used as a revenue source, as currently considered by the legislative Commission on Pension Sustainability.

The lottery system can play a role in this solution, Wooden agreed in his large, mostly empty corner office. Every taxpayer in the state should be focused on this issue. Pensions are an easy thing to ignore.

Wooden said there are provisions within the pension bonds that limit what can be done to refinance debt, but his plan is permitted.

Since 1991, the Teachers Retirement Fund has been underfunded by $979 million, which if it had been invested, could have produced about $4.2 billion in interest for the state, according to Woodens office. But between 1991 and 2005, the state invested as little as 37 percent of the annual amounted needed to meet actuarial requirements.

State lawmakers also had overly optimistic revenue projections for returns on investments that provided short-term relief for annual operating budgets, but contributed to the long-term, growing under-funded liabilities. Assuming a return level that youre not going to meet, you just build-in deficiencies under a false assumption, Wooden said. Previously, the rate of return was pegged at 8.5 percent, but now the teachers program is assumed at 8 percent and the State Employees Retirement System at 6.9 percent.

The higher estimate provides relief, but its fiction, Wooden said. Another hindrance to the pension systems was the under-performing investments in so-called emerging markets, where higher-than-average returns can be made, and lost in African, Eastern Europe and the Pacific Rim.

Emerging markets under-performed nationally in the past year and Connecticut has slightly under-performed even further, said Wooden. While the average loss for investors was 15.1 percent, Connecticut investments took a 15.7 percent hit.

Its not a number I am happy with, he said. A couple of investment managers were fired, but Wooden wants to hire more. They need to have on-the-ground knowledge.

Just a month into his four-year-term, Wooden admits that as the states chief fiduciary, its going to take a while to turn things around.

I would like to know whats its like to serve with a surplus, he said with a smile.

kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT
The challenges facing American democracy did not begin with President Donald Trump. But midway through his term, there remains little doubt that his influence is straining core U.S. values, testing the constitutional system's stability, and undermining democracies and the cause of freedom beyond the nation's borders.

Through our annual Freedom in the World report, Freedom House has been measuring political rights and civil liberties in every country for nearly 50 years. While our assessments of countries overseas typically command the most attention, we always look inward at the United States as well. As indicated by our latest report, which is being released Tuesday, we have never been more concerned about the health of American democracy.

By global standards, democracy in the United States remains robust, but it has weakened significantly in the past decade, according to our research. Intensifying political polarization, declining economic mobility, the outsize influence of special interests and the diminished influence of fact-based news reporting in favor of bellicose partisan media were all problems afflicting American democracy before 2017. But Trump's frequent attacks on essential norms and institutions - such as an independent judiciary, separation of powers, a free press and the legitimacy of elections - threaten to accelerate the decline by wearing down democratic checks and balances.

The grim reality is that Freedom House now ranks the United States well-below other large and long-standing democracies such as France, Germany and Britain.

Many of the United States' most important institutions have fought hard to maintain democratic standards. The independent media, the judiciary, an energetic civil society, the political opposition and other guardrails of the constitutional system - as well as some conscientious lawmakers and officeholders from Trump's own party - have checked the president's worst impulses and mitigated the effects of the administration's approach.

But the system's durability is not guaranteed to continue indefinitely. Elsewhere in the world, including Hungary, Venezuela and Turkey, Freedom House has watched democratic institutions gradually succumb to sustained pressure, often after a deceptively slow start.

Since 2016, the United States has suffered declines in the rule of law, the conduct of elections and safeguards against corruption, among other important indicators measured for the Freedom in the World report. Moreover, irresponsible rhetoric and the rejection of democratic constraints on power by political leaders can lead to further restrictions on freedom. Those assaults could intensify if the findings of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation implicate the president in wrongdoing.

The stakes in this struggle are high. For all of the claims that the United States has lost influence abroad over the past decade, the reality is that other countries pay close attention to the conduct of the world's oldest functioning democracy, and it remains irreplaceable as a champion of political rights and civil liberties. The deterioration of U.S. democracy will hasten the current decline in democracy worldwide. Indeed, it has already done so.

The president's attacks on the judiciary and the media, his resistance to anticorruption constraints and his unfounded claims of voting fraud by the opposition are tactics familiar to foreign autocrats and populist demagogues who seek to subvert checks on their power.

Such leaders take heart from Trump's bitter feuding with the United States' traditional democratic allies and his reluctance to uphold the nation's collective defense treaties, which have helped guarantee international security for decades. The president has refused to advocate for American democratic values overseas, and he seems to encourage the forces that oppose them. His frequent praise for some of the world's worst dictators reinforces this perception.

The effects of his actions are visible around the globe. Cambodian strongman Hun Sen consolidated one-party rule in sham elections last summer after banning the main opposition party and shutting down independent media. He said he shared Trump's views of journalists, saying, "Donald Trump understands that they are an anarchic group." Polish president Andrzej Duda, whose party has sought to annihilate judicial independence and assert control over the media, has similarly thanked Trump for fighting "fake news." Saudi Arabia's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, almost certainly ordered the assassination of a leading journalistic critic, apparently believing that doing so would not rupture relations with the president of the United States. It seems he was correct.

President Ronald Reagan said in his first inaugural address, "As we renew ourselves here in our own land, we will be seen as having greater strength throughout the world. We will again be the exemplar of freedom and a beacon of hope for those who do not now have freedom." Nearly four decades later, the idea that the United States is such an exemplar is being steadily discredited. It will take years to recover. Americans, their elected officials and both major political parties - along with the independent media and other elements of civil society - urgently need to protect democracy in what is still the world's most influential country, for their own sake and for the sake of freedom-loving people everywhere.

- - -

Abramowitz is president of Freedom House.
President Trump's foreign policy has largely been defined by its inconsistency. Venezuela, however, has been an exception. Since the campaign, Trump has maintained that "all options are on the table" for ensuring the removal of the government of Nicolas Maduro. Trump has even openly mused to reporters and foreign leaders about launching military action against the South American country.

In recent weeks, the White House has ratcheted up the pressure and sanctions against Maduro's regime and backed Juan Guaido as the legitimate head of Venezuela. But perhaps nothing better exemplifies the administration's commitment to regime change in Venezuela than the return of Elliott Abrams.

While nowhere near as well-known today as some of his neoconservative allies such as former Vice President Dick Cheney, Abrams has been a staple in Republican administrations, serving under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. Now, Trump has appointed him to serve as the administration's special envoy for Venezuela. According to reports, Abrams's mission is to assist Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in making the case for Guaido to the international community.

Given his history, Abrams' appointment sends a strong, unmistakable message to Venezuela. But it should also send shudders down the spines of all Americans, both North and South. For Abrams has ruthlessly pursued his agenda, letting no obstacle, including legality or congressional oversight, obstruct his goals in Latin America and the Middle East. Even worse: The policies Abrams has pursued have proved nothing short of disasters. That should raise serious questions about his - and Trump's - plans for Venezuela.

Abrams has portrayed himself as a defender and promoter of human rights and democracy. But he advocates a rather narrow conception of the terms. He is more concerned with individual or political rights, primarily holding elections, than a broad embrace of social justice or championing human dignity.

Indeed, as Reagan's assistant secretary of state for human rights and humanitarian affairs, Abrams covered up and disputed allegations of human rights abuses during El Salvador's civil war. The administration downplayed the murders of activists and innocent civilians and attributed them to either the revolutionaries or "unknown" assailants. In reality, the United Nations Truth Report on El Salvador revealed that at least 85 percent of all investigated murders were committed by Salvadoran security forces.

Most egregiously, Abrams whitewashed a massacre at the village of El Mozote, in which the most elite Salvadoran military unit, the Atlacatl Battalion, murdered almost 1,000 civilians, mostly women and children. Abrams denied this massacre in congressional testimony just as the allegations surfaced. He lied to secure continued funding for the Salvadoran government and to prevent the Salvadoran revolutionaries, the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), from overthrowing the government and establishing a supposed communist regime in Central America. He and the White House viewed an FMLN government as a national security threat to the United States.

Abrams' lies precipitated a deepening U.S. commitment to the Salvadoran government that continued until a 1989 massacre of Jesuit priests by the Atlacatl Battalion led Congress to question the nation's support for such a brutal regime.

Abrams also downplayed the rampant human rights abuses in neighboring Guatemala. While attempting to convince Congress to lift a ban on supplying the Guatemalan military with lethal weaponry, Abrams argued that the country, under Gen. Rios Montt, had made "considerable progress" in improving its human rights record. These brazen falsehoods occurred as Montt conducted a genocide against the Ixil, a Mayan indigenous community, for which he was tried and convicted multiple times.

Abrams' record of perfidy and deception on behalf of questionable causes extended to the most significant scandal of the Reagan administration: The effort to supply paramilitary allies in Nicaragua, the Contras. When Congress forbade the administration from using government funds to support the Contras, known for their human rights violations, White House staffers devised a new plan, which involved funneling the proceeds of clandestine weapons sales to Iran to the Contras. Such practices also violated Reagan's pledge not to "negotiate with terrorists." Abrams pleaded guilty to withholding information from Congress and was disbarred from practicing law in the nation's capital.

Instead of the incident ending his career, however, Abrams received a pardon from George H.W. Bush. Bush then gave him a new government perch, which enabled Abrams to use money from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a private nonprofit created under the Reagan administration to promote democracy. Abrams supported measures to scuttle the Latin American peace process launched by the Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias, and used the agency's money to unseat the Sandinistas in Nicaragua's 1990 general elections. Holding elections accomplished what almost a decade of economic warfare and sabotage had not. This action reinforced Abrams' narrow vision of democracy. So long as there were elections, it didn't matter whether they were fair or free of foreign interference.

During the administration of George W. Bush, Abrams redirected his focus to the Middle East, championing regime change in Iraq in advance of the disastrous U.S. invasion and the broader neoconservative agenda of democratization in the region. After his tenure in the Bush administration, he decamped to the Council on Foreign Relations, remaining a member of the foreign policy elite despite a career marked by poor judgment.

Abrams originally opposed Trump as a presidential candidate, penning an essay titled "When You Can't Stand Your Candidate" that compared Trump's candidacy to George McGovern's disastrous 1972 run. This criticism allegedly kept Abrams out of the State Department. But Abrams soon changed his tune as Trump adopted one of his favored hard-line ideas: An uncompromising policy toward Iran.

When it comes to Venezuela, Trump has embraced efforts long championed by Abrams. As in Nicaragua, the NED funneled millions of dollars to the Venezuelan opposition in unsuccessful attempts to unseat Maduro over the course of several elections. Abrams also supported a failed coup against Maduro's predecessor, Hugo Chavez, in 2002, though he has since denied it.

Today, it may be tempting to view Maduro's potential ouster positively; after all, he has mishandled Venezuela's economy and, according to reports, rigged the last election. Even the popular sectors that have traditionally supported Maduro are tired of constant shortages, economic deprivations and hardship.

But when looking in the proper historical context, we must be wary of what is driving Abrams and his allies, and we must be concerned that they may blunder into another foreign policy disaster that could prove calamitous for Venezuelans. Removing Maduro is part of a broader pattern of trying to reverse the "pink tide" of reformist and socialist leaders elected in Latin America since 9/11. These governments refused to participate in the various illegal and nefarious activities perpetrated by the Bush administration, including rendition, waterboarding, enhanced interrogation and other forms of torture perpetrated at black sites. This earned the ire of neoconservatives such as Abrams.

Neoconservatives are seeking to staunch Chinese economic penetration of Latin America. But they also want to return to the halcyon days of the Cold War, when Washington could count on the region's leaders to reflexively support its agenda, no matter how brutal their regimes or how dire the conditions they spawned.

In Venezuela, this push has the potential to spiral dangerously out of control. Discontent will not necessarily translate into either support for the opposition or regime change. Venezuela's opposition has not articulated a clear agenda or even a coherent message other than Maduro's removal. Furthermore, the country's primary backers, Russia and China, have also voiced their support for Maduro. That means that supporting a coup - or even worse, engineering one - could unleash a bitter civil war.

Abrams' appointment is an ominous sign that the administration is headed down this path. Given the chaos Abrams and his allies have created in the past, this should alarm us. They should not have the opportunity to wreak havoc on another country.

- - -

D'Haeseleer teaches U.S. History at Lyon College and is the author of "The Salvadoran Crucible: The Failure of U.S. Counterinsurgency in El Salvador, 1979-1992."
Remember Slice?

Not the pizza. Not the Grandmaster Slice hip-hop guy.

The soft drink.

Even an answer of kinda sorta could mean money in the can for the people bringing back Slice, the 90s PepsiCo pop. The twist: It wont (sorry, diehards) deliver that sinfully sweet blast of sugary, citrusy nostalgia -- nor will it be made by PepsiCo. The Slice hitting the shelves in early 2019 is a 25-calorie sparkling water made purely with organic juice, and its based on a bet by two eagle-eyed entrepreneurs who wrested the trademark away from its original owner: Given how important branding has become, their theory goes, a startup can gain an instant advantage in the marketplace if its using a brand name consumers are already familiar with  even if the product is different from what they remember.

Theres a certain illogic to this theory, but Chicago entrepreneur Mark Thomann has done it before. His company, Dormitus Brands, pays homage to the idea of a sleeping giant thats ready to wake up again, he explains -- which is to say, he watches for when companies allow their discontinued brands trademarks to lapse, and then he leaps in, claims ownership (which is perfectly legal), and revives them. Hes succeeded with Brim, which began life as a General Foods decaf staple of the 70s (he turned it into a line of artisanal coffee equipment); the iconic audio equipment brand Aiwa (now a new electronics brand); and most recently, the Bud Light dog mascot Spuds MacKenzie (which he plans to transform into a canine health-and-wellness line).

But how far can this strategy stretch? Slice will become a useful case study.

Related: What Entrepreneurs Need to Know About Trademarks

Dumpster diving for these iconic names isnt actually that easy. Theres no Dead Brand Digest or eBay for Trademarks that sends an alert to your inbox when a name frees up. So the journey begins with some guesswork. This one started with lawyer Joseph Gioconda, a top IP litigator and the founder of Gioconda Law Group in New York, who has worked with Thomann on previous cases. In late February of 2016, he recalls, my wife and I were in the kitchen at my in-laws, and I was talking to her about my work with Mark. And she says, What about Slice?  What about it? He took out his iPad and found that PepsiCo had seemingly allowed its federal trademark registration to lapse. He called and emailed the companys customer service reps and was told that Slice had been discontinued. (PepsiCo did not respond to requests to comment.) Gioconda got excited and told Thomann of his discovery. Could this be another brand revival?

Soda? Naaaah, replied Thomann. But he kept thinking on it. After a few months, he says, it hit me: Theres an opportunity here. What Thomann saw was a decline in soda consumption and a surge in sparkling water sales -- and, most important, a gap between them. True enough, from 2012 to 2017, the total volume of carbonated soft drinks sold in the U.S. decreased about 7.8 percent, according to the market research provider Euromonitor International. Meanwhile, Nielsen reports that the sparkling water category grew 54 percent over the past four years. In between those two categories, however, there wasnt much to choose from. For someone trying to get off soda, the switch to the no-sugar, flavored waters -- your Dasani, your LaCroix -- meant a big and painful leap. (The exception now is Spindrift, a bubbly water made with real juice. But Thomann is not a fan.) So to create a Slice that has a little bit of sweetness but is still very healthy and delicious -- that to me was interesting.

Gioconda got busy getting the trademark. The litigation took almost two years -- the type of work, he says, that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. But instead of charging, he decided to partner with Thomann in New Slice Ventures. It was pure serendipity, he says. I think it was the day after PepsiCo had passed the point of no return, where it could not renew the trademark, when we jumped in. Had they missed that window by a couple of months, somebody else could have beaten them to it.

Related: This Beverage Entrepreneur Got His Start by Simply Asking a Big Company to Let Him Sell Their Products

With trademark in hand, New Slice Ventures partnered with Revolution Brands, a company that develops food brands, to create the product and get it into stores. The timing was good: Revolution was already working on a healthy soda alternative. It came up with four flavors -- blackberry, pineapple-mango, apple-cranberry, and raspberry-grapefruit. People fall into two camps, says Ian Abbott, managing partner at Revolution. They like either the first two, which have a smooth, clean, sweet profile, or the last two, because some people need that tart bite of a finish.

This new Slice has few echoes of the old. Gone is the party-animal, comic-book mojo; the new can has a fresh, delicate appeal. Even its once-bold letters have slendered to a willowy font. Which raises a question: Why not just debut the drink as a whole new brand? Gioconda says their own surveys found two out of three people didnt remember the 90s Slice. But for those who do, Thomann argues, I think the brand name acts as an accelerant.

Brand experts are split on this wisdom. It could be a very fleeting moment where people think, Wow -- Slice is back; pick up a six-pack. And then they drink it and it tastes, you know, weird. Like, What a bummer, says Matthew Stumm, founder of the Boston branding agency Stark/Raving, who has worked with Eli Lilly, Dell, and MAD Magazine. The Brim example makes more sense to him; that was subpar coffee nobodys clamoring to have again, so relaunching it to sell coffee equipment is simply a brand extension. But Slice? It would take a lot of money to change peoples perceptions that the Slice of 1990 is not the Slice of 2019. Its like the old saying: Is the juice worth the squeeze, man?

Others are more optimistic. Historically, the brand was about fun and flavor, so they have a huge opportunity, really, to lean into that, says Jonah Fay-Hurvitz, strategy director at Red Antler, the buzzy Brooklyn company whose clients include Casper, Brandless, and Allbirds. He sees a straightforward story for the new Slice to tell. Youve got to frame the old brand for today, he says. If Im a consumer, Im saying, Oh, wow; Slice is seeing how peoples desires have shifted and is modern enough to evolve. It shows that the brand is awake.

Related: 3 Things I Learned After Having to Change My Business Name

Thomann and Gioconda are certainly hoping their sleeping giant will awaken enough to attract thirsty fans -- and, perhaps, for PepsiCo or one of the other huge soda companies to buy it back.

I mean, they could be sitting on a gold mine, says Stumm, the Slice pessimist, laughing. And if a year from now Im drinking healthy Slice, Ill call you and be like, Im totally wrong; this thing is delicious. 

Consumers will decide. A four-pack now retails for an MSRP of $3.99.

Related:

Remember Slice Soda? It's Back -- But Very Different.

#2 on the Franchise 500: How Dunkin' Continues To Thrive

#5 on the Franchise 500: The UPS Store Gets a Consumer-Friendly Makeover



Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
By Ron Paul

February 04, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - Hard as it is to believe, airline travel recently became even more unpleasant. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees being required to work without pay for the duration of the government shutdown resulted in many TSA workers calling in sick. The outbreak of shutdown flu among TSA employees forced some large airports to restrict the number of places mandatory TSA screenings were performed, making going through screening even more time-consuming and providing one more reason to shut down the TSA.



Airline security should be provided by airlines and airports. Private businesses, such as airlines, have an incentive to ensure their customers safety without treating them like criminal suspects or worse. Security personnel hired by, and accountable to, airlines would not force a nursing mother to drink her own breast milk or steal a stuffed lamb from a wheelchair-using three-year-old and subject the child to such an intensive screening that she cries I dont want to go to Disneyworld. Those who claim that the TSA is necessary to keep us safe should consider that the Department of Homeland Securitys own studies show that TSAs screenings and even the intrusive pat-downs are ineffective at discovering hidden guns, explosives, and other weapons.

Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter

TSA employees have no incentives to please, or even care about the well-being of, airline passengers. Instead, their jobs depend on pleasing politicians and bureaucrats. If we have learned anything since 9/11, it is that most politicians are more concerned with appearing to be doing something about security than actually reducing the risk of terrorist attacks. That is why politicians response to 9/11 was a series of actions  such as creating the TSA, passing the PATRIOT Act, and invading Iraq  that trade our real liberties for phantom security. Sometimes, pro-TSA politicians will bemoan the TSAs excesses and even call for reforming the agency in order to pretend they care about their constituents rights.



Restoring responsibility for providing security to private businesses will encourage the development of new and innovative ways to more effectively provide security. In a free market, airlines and airports could compete for business on the basis that their flights are safer or their screening is less unpleasant then that of their competitors. If airlines were able to set their own security policies, they would likely allow pilots to carry firearms.



Private companies also strive to be consistent in providing services. Therefore, a company providing private security would never inconvenience its customers because of a temporary shutdown.



Because government operations are funded by coercive taxation rather than voluntary choices of consumers, federal officials cannot rely on the price system to inform them of whether they need to increase or decrease spending on airline security. In the private sector, businesses that charge more for security  or any other good or service  than individuals are willing to pay lose customers. Also, if businesses do not spend enough on security, people concerned about safety will be unwilling to use their services. Privatizing airline security is the only way to ensure that the correct amount of resources is being spent on airline safety.



In the 18 years since Congress created the TSA, the agency has proven itself incapable of providing real security, but more than capable of harrying Americans and wasting taxpayer dollars on security theater. Congress should permanently close the TSA and return responsibility for security to private businesses.

Ronald Ernest Paul is an American author, physician, and retired politician who served as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 22nd congressional district from 1976 to 1977 and again from 1979 to 1985, and for Texas's 14th congressional district from 1997 to 2013. http://www.ronpaulinstitute.org/

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Peace and joy
NORWALK  A bill penned last month by State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, would change the way board of education chairs are chosen.

The bill states that the chief elected officer in any municipality whose school budget is greater than or equal to 50 percent of the municipalitys total budget could appoint the chairperson of the school board.

I decided to introduce the proposal because of the fact that elected officials of a community are the ones that put budgets to their residents and ultimately are held accountable, Duff said. It made sense to me that the chief elected official should be the one to appoint the chair, especially when more than 50 percent of communitys budget goes to education funding.

In the current fiscal year, 2018-2019, the Board of Educations $194 million budget accounted for roughly 55 percent of the citys $354 million budget. Still, Duff denied that the bill had anything to do specifically with Norwalk, and was more about a general need to give more latitude on budgetary issues to mayors and first selectmen.

Mayor Harry Rilling took a similar stance.

I understand the reasoning behind Senator Duffs proposal. In many municipalities  Norwalk included  funding for the Board of Education accounts for more than 50 percent of the entire budget. This proposal would give the chief elected official an option, not a mandate, to appoint a chair to the Board of Ed, if necessary, Rilling said. Luckily, the city of Norwalk and Board of Education currently have a strong and productive working relationship, which might not be the case in other municipalities.

Board of Education Chairman Mike Barbis, who was elected onto the board in 2011 and became chairman in 2017, responded to the bill with a series of questions: Whats the purpose of the bill? What problem is it trying to solve? How many municipalities would it impact?

On the proposed bill  my questions still stand and have not been answered. Until I get some answers, it would be hard to explain the need for this bill  particularly in Norwalk, Barbis said.

This is not the first time that Barbis and Duff have represented opposing points of view on policy issues. In 2017, Barbis called an alternative school facilities plan proposed by Duff  which members of the BOE felt undermined their already approved School Facilities Study and Master Plan Recommendations  a political stunt.

This is an issue Ive raised, at least over the last two years. Ive discussed this on a statewide level, Duff said.

Duff said he believed the proposed bill would apply to a substantial number of municipalities in Connecticut, though he did not know exactly how many. According to the City Charter, the mayor is ex officio chair of the Board of Education but only votes in the event of a tie, a fact that Duff used as further proof that the bill was not written with his home city in mind.

Its not for Norwalk in mind, it may make it moot in Norwalk, Duff said. This gives them (chief elected officials) a little extra ability to have a hand in policy and budget making at the Board of Education.

The bill has been referred to the Senates Joint Committee on Education, but no hearing date has been set.

justin.papp@scni.com; @justinjpapp1; 203-842-2586
STRATFORD  A task force charged with overseeing a community conversation about what will happen to the Shakespeare theater property is scheduled to meet for the first time Tuesday.

The Shakespeare Property Task Force will gather at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers at Town Hall, 2725 Main St.

Mayor Laura Hoydick announced the formation of the 11-member committee last month. The task force will be co-chaired by Anthony Nizzardo and Tom Dillon, and its other members will be Al Baran, Amanda Meeson, Ed Goodrich, Eric Hampton, Peter Wood, Sib Law, Scott Bartelson, Patti Sorrentino-Galello and Frank Bevacqua.

The once-iconic theater, which had been closed since 1989, burned to the ground just after midnight Jan. 13. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

On Monday the town released audio of 17 911 calls made to emergency dispatchers by people in the area who reported the fire.

The first call was made 12:49 a.m. by a man who says The entire theater is in flames!

You need to send every (expletive) available fire department to the Shakespeare theater now! Its in the flames! the man says. Oh my God, please, oh my God, its in flames!

At a news conference the day after the fire, Hoydick said the property was insured, but the town hasnt yet released full details of the coverage or how much of a claim has been filed. Hearst Connecticut Media has sent the town a freedom of information request seeking any paperwork regarding a claim.

The 14-acre property was deeded to the town by the state in 2005. Among the restrictions in the deed  20 percent must remain open space, and the entire property shall remain accessible to the general public for their enjoyment in perpetuity.

A consultant will be hired to work with the task force to set up charrettes and meetings for the public to share thoughts about what to do with the property.

There are many visions about how the town should move forward with this property, and we want to make sure everyone who wants to be a part of this process can be, the mayor said.

Hoydick said that once formal community conversations are finished, the task force will write a report to be reviewed by the Stratford Redevelopment Agency and given to the town council.

Those wishing to receive updates regarding the property can send their name, email and phone number to Shakespeare@TownofStratford.com to be added to an information distribution list.

ethan.fry@hearstmediact.com
Six of the president's guests attending the State of the Union on Feb. 5, 2019. (Courtesy of the White House)

Who Are the Presidents 13 State of the Union Guests?

WASHINGTONThe White House has named the guests who will be sitting with the First Lady during President Donald Trumps second State of the Union address on Tuesday, Feb. 5.

The theme of the speech is choosing greatness, according to a senior administration official, and Trump will hit on five major topics: immigration, protecting American workers, infrastructure, lowering health care costs, and national security.

Many of the guests reflect the main areas of Trumps speech.

Debra Bissell, Heather Armstrong, Madison Armstrong

Gerald and Sharon David of Reno, Nevada, were murdered in their home by an illegal immigrant in January.

Three generations of their family will be represented at the State of the Union: the Davids daughter Debra, granddaughter Heather, and great-granddaughter Madison.

Matthew Charles

In 1996, Charles was sentenced to 35 years in prison for selling crack cocaine and other related offenses. While in prison, he found God, completed more than 30 bible studies, became a law clerk, taught GED classes, and mentored fellow inmates. On Jan. 3,, Charles was the first prisoner released as a result of the First Step Act.

Matthew Charless life is a story of redemption, the White House said.

Grace Eline

At 9 years old, Eline was diagnosed with Germinoma, a germ-cell brain tumor, and she started cancer treatment last May.

Throughout the rest of the year, Grace stayed positive and strong, making the rounds in the hospital, cheering up other patients, and always having a smile for the many caring medical professionals who treated her, the White House said. Grace recently finished chemotherapy and today shows no evidence of the disease.

Ashley Evans

Evans struggled with opioid and substance abuse for much of her life. In 2017, she was pregnant and suffered a relapse. Her recovery began with the birth of her daughter along with the help of Brigids Path, a medical care facility in Kettering, Ohio.

On Feb. 9, Evans will celebrate 1 year and 1 month in recovery and on Feb. 15, she will be reunited with her daughter full-time.

Elvin Hernandez

Hernandez is a special agent with the human trafficking unit in the Department of Homeland Securitys Homeland Security Investigations division. He has spent more than 18 years investigating narcotics, gangs, and human trafficking.

During his current 7-year assignment, Hernandez has conducted numerous successful international human trafficking investigations involving transnational organized crime groups, the White House said.

Roy James

Roy James is the plant manager of the Vicksburg Forest Products lumber facility. After 26 years at Vicksburg, he became VP of operations right before the facility closed its doors.

Last year, Vicksburg was designated an Opportunity Zone through provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The plant reopened and James was hired to oversee the facility.

Alice Johnson

Trump granted Alice Johnson clemency on June 6, 2018. She had served almost 22 years of a mandatory life sentence without parole for charges associated with a nonviolent drug case.

After her release, Johnson was overjoyed to be reunited with her family, the White House said. She has now dedicated her life to helping those who are in a similar position as she was and giving a voice to the criminal justice reform movement.

Timothy Matson

In October 2018, Matson responded to the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds and saved countless lives in that heinous, anti-Semitic attack, the White House said.

Matson joined the Pittsburgh Police Department in 2005 and made the SWAT team in 2016.

Judah Samet

Judah Samet, a member of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, survived the horrific shooting that killed 11 members of his community in October 2018.

Samet is also a survivor of the Holocaust. He immigrated to Israel after the war and was present for the declaration of the Israeli State in 1948. He served as a paratrooper and radio man in the Israeli Defense Forces and moved to the United States in the 1960s.

Joshua Trump

Joshua Trump is a 6th grade student in Wilmington, Delaware, who is bullied at school for his last name.

He loves animals and hopes to pursue a related career in the future, the White House said. His hero and best friend is his Uncle Cody, who serves in the United States Air Force.

Tom Wibberley

Tom Wibberley is the father of Navy Seaman Craig Wibberley, who was killed in a terrorist attack on the U.S.S. Cole on Oct. 12, 2000, along with 16 fellow crew members. He was 19.

After Craigs death, a scholarship fund was created that gives out four $ 1,000 scholarships each year to students studying computer science.
Virginia Trooper Shot and Killed in Narcotics Investigation

Virginia State Police are mourning the loss of a trooper killed during a narcotics investigation. While executing a search warrant, a male suspect fired at officers as they entered the homefatally wounding Trooper Lucas B. Dowell on Feb. 4.

This is an extremely difficult day for the State Police, stated Virginia State Police Col. Gary T. Settle in a press release. We are humbled by Lucass selfless sacrifice and grateful for his dedicated service to the Commonwealth.

The 28-year-old trooper served Virginians for four years. As a member of the Appomattox Division Tactical Teamthe equivalent to a SWAT teamhe assisted the Piedmont Regional Drug and Gang Task Force at the time of the shooting. Two other troopers returned fire at the suspect, resulting in his death, according to the press release.

Sympathy and condolences for the officer were posted on Facebook.

A black mourning band was also posted a day after the incident.

No Others Shot

Dowel was the only trooper who sustained injuries while executing the warrant. Dowell was then treated at the Southside Community Hospital in Farmville but later succumbed to his wounds. It was not specified how many times Dowell had been shot, or where.

According to the release, the suspects remains were sent to be examined and autopsied, and the police are in the process of notifying his family of his death. No other suspects were found in the home.

Dowell was added to the Officer Down Memorial Page, where the pages are dedicated to deceased officers, troopers, sheriffs, and border patrol agents from all states. K9s are also commemorated.

He will forever be remembered by his State Police Family for his great strength of character, tenacity, valor, loyalty, and sense of humor, said Settle.

Fallen Peacekeepers of Virginia

In Virginia, a total of 515 people and K9s have died in the line of duty since 1830, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. Two hundred and eighty-two of those deaths resulted from gunfire, and 64 were the result of automobile crashes.

Last year, only K9 Vader from the Virginia State Police was killed during a gunfight involving a man who murdered one woman and wounded another. A round shot by man pierced the troopers car, striking Vader in the backseat compartment. Vader was two years old, and was part of the narcotics task force.

On top of being a Marine Corps veteran, Special Agent Michael Walter was a state trooper for 18 years before he was shot during the investigation of a parked car. The passenger responsible for shooting Walter was arrested several hours later and ultimately sentenced to 36 years in prison.

From NTD News
Daryl Cura demonstrates an e-cigarette at Vape store in Chicago, on April 23, 2014. The federal government wants to ban sales of electronic cigarettes to minors and require approval for new products and health warning labels under regulations being proposed by the Food and Drug Administration. (Nam Y. Huh/AP Photo)

Vape Pen Explosion Killed Texas Man, Says Medical Examiner

The explosion from a vape pen killed a 24-year-old Texas man, concluded a medical examiners report. the pen fired shrapnel into his neck, severing a major artery.

William Eric Brown died on Jan. 29 from a stroke caused by the severed artery, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner said, according to local reports.

Browns grandmother, Alice Brown said he had borrowed her car on Jan. 27 to run errands when he stopped off at a vape store in Keller. Back in the car, he started it up the device in the parking lot.

He popped it and it exploded, and thats when it shot across his mouth, she told WFAA.

The battery had exploded, she said.

His grandmother said the battery had melted plastic in her car, which was covered in blood.

The vape pen cut an artery in his neck and stopped blood flow to his brain, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner says.  WFAA  201924

The 24-year-old managed to get out of the car and find help. He was rushed to the hospital but died two days after being admitted.

When they x-rayed him, they found the stem, the metal embedded to where the blood flows up to the brain, Alice Brown said. I miss him already, and knowing he wont open that door and come through it ever again is the hardest part.

133 Injuries From Explosions and Fires

According to his grandmother, Brown bought the device at the Smoke and Vape DZ store. But the store told CBS11 that he hadnt bought anything, and wanted help using a Mechanical Mod style vape pen.

Browns death appears to be the second death caused by vaping devices or e-cigarettes in the United States.

A FEMA report published in 2017 listed 195 incidents of explosions or fires caused by e-cigarettes between January 2009 and December 2016. Of those cases, 133 people were injured, 38 of them severely.

At the time, there were no reports of deaths from e-cigarettes.

That changed in May 2018, when a 38-year-old man in Florida died after a vape pen exploded in his face, shooting parts of the pen into his brain and setting his house of fire.

Firefighters found him with severe facial injuries and with burns to 80 percent of his body.

Firefighters could not determine the cause of death, but the Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiners report made it clear that two pieces of the smoking device had penetrated his cranium, resulting in his death.

St. Pete Fire Rescue Deputy Marshal Steven Lawrence told Fox, We do have cases where the vape pens have exploded and they have caused fires.

Thats one of the reasons we dont allow them at special events or any type of indoor facilities, just because they are dangerous and hazardous, Lawrence said.

Explosion Caught on Video

A 21-year-old man from Louisiana, Mailan Krein, had his jaw broken in several places in November 2018, when a vape pen called VGod exploded in his face, according to Fox.

When he began inhaling from the pen, it was like a shotgun that went off in his mouth, said his mother, reported Fox News.

Its still shocking to me talking about it. Im visualizing what my son is going through. He has several years to reconstruct his mouth.

The family said that they were hiring a lawyer.

The moment an e-cigarette exploded into flames in a mans pocket was caught on camera in California last year.

Mohamad Zayid Abdihdy, 24, was examining televisions at the HDTV Outlet store in Anaheim, when he felt something odd in his front pants pocket.

His e-cigarette first shocked him, then exploded into sparks and flame.

Agdihdy yanked the flaming device out of his pocket, dropped it to the floor, and sprinted for the stores restroom to attend to his burns.
Protesters demonstrate against the possible stockpiling of medicines and food in the event of a no-deal Brexit in London on Aug. 22, 2018. (Reuters/Peter Nicholls/File Photo)

Too Little Too Late? No-Deal Brexit Planning Shakes Service Suppliers

LONDONFrom Britains hospitals and schools to its prisons and armed forces, firms supplying essential public services have been asked by the government to outline plans for a no-deal Brexit.

But with exit day set for March 29, British Prime Minister Theresa May has yet to strike a deal to leave the European Union which is acceptable to parliament, leaving the companies worried that the government is doing too little too late.

The government has written to some of us asking us what are you doing in preparation for a no-deal?which is timely, at eight weeks to go, one industry source told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

I have never been in such an unknowing place in all of my corporate life, the source added.

Private firms including Babcock, Capita, Serco, G4S, Mitie, and Compass play a central role in providing Britains public services, which means they have to procure medicines, toiletries, food, spare parts, and labor, much of which come from the EU.

While the government says it is confident it will strike a deal with the EU, companies worry that may not be the case. If Britain exits abruptly, new customs checks could lead to major delays at ports, affecting the supplies needed for them to provide day-to-day services.

Companies are getting more and more nervous [about a no-deal Brexit], a second industry source said, echoing fears raised by Sercos CEO Rupert Soames who in December described the British business climate as bad and getting worse.

I am increasingly worried we are now in a place where people are talking about supply chains and trying to guarantee them. But beyond stockpiling, nobody actually knows what no-deal might mean, another source in the sector told Reuters.

By Elisabeth OLeary
In this file image, a woman feeds street dogs in a parking area in New Delhi on Dec. 27, 2017. (Prakash Singh/Getty Images)

Toll-Booth Worker Mauled to Death by Pack of Dogs in Mexico

When they found the naked body of a woman near the highway, with gouge marks and missing chunks of flesh, police first thought she had been tortured, raped, and thrown from a passing vehicle by a ganganother victim of Mexicos violence.

But when investigators reviewed the CCTV footage near the toll booth in the city of Tecamac, Mexico, they concluded that she had been mauled to death by a pack of dogs in an attack that lasted 12 minutes.

The woman was named as Margarita N, according to local reports, some of which put her age at 34, others at 32.

Her body was first found on Jan. 29, but the video of the dog attack was not uncovered until Feb. 2.

The woman worked at a toll booth on the Mexico-Pachuca highway, about 3o miles north of Mexico City in central Mexico.

VIDEO | La mujer se dirigia a su trabajo  MILENIO  201922

The full video shows that she was mauled to death by a pack of at least 10 stray dogs, according to Mexican authorities, as she made her way to her shift at a toll booth across some waste ground.

The CCTV footage shows Margarita N, 34, fleeing from a pack of mid-sized dogs in the city of Tecamac, Mexico, before she disappears out of shot.

Suspicious Wounds

According to the municipal transport authority, she was dragged down out of sight of the camera, before the pack of dogs can been seen gradually pulling her back into shot in the video, which captures 12 minutes of the attack.

Some locals, however, do not believe the official explanation, according to Excelsior. , because they said that the womans woundswhich were initially labeled as machete wounds by one media organizationare not consistent with dog bites. They are demanding the authorities investigate the death more thoroughly.

Photographs of the womans body in La Prensa show her clothes lying near her body, and she is lying face down in the tarmac.

A video shared by the transport authority shows evidence that the dogs were being cared for, with rudimentary bedding as well as food bowls in a make-shift shelter.

Jauria de perros causo muerte de mujer en Tecamachttps://t.co/0v8iPimr6D VIDEO: Especial @FiscaliaEdomex pic.twitter.com/LoqGybw4tq  Milenio Edomex (@milenio_edomex) February 2, 2019

The mayor of Tecamac ordered the dogs to be rounded up, but many locals had already scared them away with rocks to keep the areawhich is used by dozens of families as a cut-throughsafe.

30-40 Deaths Every Year

Five of the dogs had been captured by Feb. 4, reported Milenio, and will be cared for by the animal and welfare center while authorities investigate.

Capturan a 5 perros, presuntos atacantes de joven de Tecamac https://t.co/Y1BP4PvkCK VIDEO: Lauro Galicia #Edomex pic.twitter.com/5rdhpTyRC2  Milenio Edomex (@milenio_edomex) February 4, 2019

The area will be monitored around the clock until all the dogs are rounded up because there is an education center nearby.

In 2017, a British tourist was missing in Greece for 2 days before her body was found with wounds consistent with being mauled by animals.

At first, it was assumed she had been attacked by a pack of stray dogs, but one local coroner had another explanation: that local wolves had attacked her, or had killed her after she had been attacked by a dog pack.

Attacks by individual dogs or domesticated dogs are better documented.

In the United States, around 30 to 40 people die each year from dog attack injuries, according to Richard Polsky, an animal behavior and dog-bite expert in Los Angeles. Polsky told Live Science that there are an estimated 100,000 are injured badly enough to require plastic surgery or extensive suturing.
An emblem at the Kentucky State House Chamber in Frankfort, Ky., on April 13, 2018. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Threats Against Covington Students Possibly Felonious, Prosecutor Says

People who threatened violence against the students of Covington Catholic High School may face up to five years in prison thanks to a Kentucky law that elevates threats against schools and students to felonies.

Commonly, violent threats are treated as misdemeanors in the state (pdf), where the private religious school is based.

But Kentucky law (pdf) has a special category of terroristic threatening in the second degree that pertains to threats of acts likely to result in death or serious physical injury to any student group, teacher, volunteer worker, or employee of a public or private  school.

The crime is deemed a Class D felony, which corresponds with a punishment ranging from one to five years in state prison, according to Kenton County Prosecutor Rob Sanders, who holds jurisdiction over Covington.

Such a threat does not need to identify a specific person or  school in order for a violation of this section to occur, the law states.

The Incident

The Covington students faced a tsunami of violent rhetoric after major media misleadingly reported on their Jan. 18 encounter with Native American activists.

A group of the students was waiting for their bus near the Lincoln Memorial after the March for Life in Washington, when they were approached by several Native American activists led by 64-year-old Nathan Phillips.

The encounter was extensively covered by media using short video clips that made it appear as though the students were chanting and cheering in mockery of Phillips, while some media claimed that the studentssome of whom were wearing President Donald Trumps red Make America Great Again hatswere chanting Build the wall, which was later proven to be false.

Based on longer videos from the scene, the students had started dancing, cheering, and chanting their school chant to drown out offensive remarks being hurled at them by a small group of Black Hebrew Israelites nearby.

Phillips told media outlets that the students had harassed him, but it was he who approached them, inserted himself into their crowd, and, for several minutes, banged his drum within inches of the face of one student, Nick Sandmann, who responded by standing silently, smiling.

Threats

The initial coverage whipped up a frenzy of scorn for the students, especially Sandmann, on social media. Some called for the release of the students personal information and their expulsion from school. Some called for violence and even offered rewards, perhaps in jest, to people willing to inflict it. Some made statements wishing death upon the students. Many have since deleted their comments.

The Diocese of Covington evacuated its offices on Jan. 23 over several suspicious packages that were delivered to its offices. The packages werent dangerous, Fox 19 reported.

The terrorism against all thing Covington and Catholic must stop! responded Sanders in a Jan. 23 tweet.

The terrorism against all thing Covington and Catholic must stop!  #KYcrime https://t.co/ZMpcLCn8TY  Rob Sanders (@KYprosecutor) January 23, 2019

Sanders told Fox 19 he was confident some people are going to be held accountable for what they said.

He had over a dozen threats associated with a credible person and their intention to do the school or its students harm, the Cincinnati channel reported.

The detective that works in my office has already been busy issuing grand jury subpoenas and composing search warrants for detectives in other agencies, Sanders said the same night on Fox News Ingraham Angle.

Todd McMurtry, one of the Sandmann familys lawyers, predicted that people will end up behind bars for their comments.

I think some people are going to be arrested, he told The Epoch Times in a Feb. 3 phone call. Thats what Ive been told from reliable sources, from the police investigators.

Sanders and his office didnt respond to requests for comment.

Libel

Working with aggressive libel lawyer L. Lin Wood, Sanders leads an action against people who spread the inaccurate and misleading information about Sandmann.

The lawyers sent letters to 54 people and companies, asking them to preserve evidence for a potential defamation lawsuit.

We want to change the conversation. We dont want this to happen again, McMurtry told the Cincinnati Enquirer. We want to teach people a lesson.

Included on the list are The New York Times, CNN, HBO, late night host Bill Maher, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

Another lawyer, Robert Barnes, is also working on a libel action on behalf of some of the students families.

In a Feb. 3 tweet, Barnes laid out an offer to several people who targeted his clients with potentially libelous statements.

The settlement offer to the offending parties is simple: pin a tweet apologizing or delete your account. Otherwise, face suit, he said, listing seven people, including Warren, Rep. Deb Haaland (D-N.M.), and New York Times White House correspondent Maggie Haberman.
February 04, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - The brutal murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was preceded a few weeks by a major event that could be the key for why his assassination was ordered. That event was the cancelled stock market sale of Saudi Aramco shares, the kingdoms state-owned oil company.

The Initial Public Offering of Aramco  the worlds biggest oil company  was the brainchild of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), as told in this recent

MBS, the favored son of aging King Salman, was given free rein over major policy decisions, including trying to modernize the Saudi economy away from its near-total dependence on oil. The Crown Prince drew up a Vision 2030 master plan to reinvent Saudi Arabia as a hi-tech business hub for the Middle East. The plan  widely hailed by Western news media as an ambitious new beginning  also included social reforms to give women more rights and to open up more lax leisure facilities, such as cinemas and sporting venues. The Western plaudits for the young royal pandered to his ego and vanity.

However, the thirty-two-year monarch has since fallen out of favor among his erstwhile Western backers over the gruesome murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 in what many believe to have been an assassination plot ordered by Crown Prince MBS. The House of Saud vehemently deny his involvement and claim that the murder was a rogue operation by Saudi intelligence agents who were sent to Istanbul to forcibly return Khashoggi to his native country. Few people  most notably US President Donald Trump  believe the official Saudi claim of MBS innocence.

The timeline of events is important here. Khashoggi went in self-exile in September 2017, a few months after MBS became heir to the throne. His next-in-line promotion was seen by many observers as a breach of the kingdoms succession rules. MBS, with his fathers approval, bypassed other heirs who were higher up the succession ladder. It was a power grab by the sharp-elbowed MBS who is known for being arrogant and impetuous.

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During his US exile, Khashoggi became a regular columnist for the Washington Post and a prominent guest speaker at various influential think tanks on Middle Eastern matters. A cardinal theme for the dissident was criticism of MBS and highlighting serious policy mistakes. Khashoggi was critical of Saudi Arabias war in Yemen, the blockade of Qatar, its destabilizing interference in Lebanons political affairs, as well as exposing the darker side of MBSs authoritarian rule during the round-up and alleged torture of other royals, which the Crown Prince had been claiming was an anti-corruption crackdown. The young royals reformist image was therefore being marred by Khashoggis insider insights.

All this negative publicity  from high-profile media platforms in the US  is bound to have impacted on the strategy concerning the share sell-off for Aramco. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Aramco was said to be worlds biggest-ever stock-market listing. It had investors drooling. New York was vying with London for the deal.

The company was valued by the Saudi Crown Prince and his advisors at $2 trillion. The intended 5 per cent sell-off of company shares was calculated to raise $100 billion. That windfall was then supposed to be used to drive forward the ambitious Vision 2030 which MBS was staking his entire reputation and ego on.

But foreign investors began to lose confidence in Aramcos valuation at $2 trillion  reckoned to be unrealistically high. Secondly, there were growing doubts about MBS as a reliable ruler. The much-vaunted stock-market launch of the company began to fade from the end of 2017 through early 2018. Investors became leery of what had been touted as the most spectacular capital venture ever.

As Aramcos prospects dwindled, it was reported that King Salman eventually stepped in to pull the plug on whole concept.

Al Jazeera reported: The king spoke  and a $2 trillion dream went up in smoke. The Financial Times commented at the time: Shelving the Saudi Aramco IPO [sell-off] is a blow to Crown Prince For the king it maybe was too much to go down as the man who sold the crown jewels.

The abrupt cancelling of the Aramco stock-market plan came as a severe knock-back to MBS. The young royal is known to see himself in the same mold as global entrepreneurs. When he was on a two-week visit to the US last year, he smooched with Silicon Valley figures and other business leaders. One can easily imagine the personal insecurity of this pampered Saudi heir trying to prove himself among what he considers icons of success.

With MBS Aramco brainchild aborted, the whole reform master plan of his Vision 2030 was also then thrown into disarray. No exaggeration, his world must have been turned upside down and his reputation badly dented. Its hard to overstate how bruising the turn of events must have been for the visionary royal.

A CIA assessment of Crown Prince MBS, as reported by the Washington Post, refers to him as a good technocrat but also an arrogant and impetuous character. He doesnt seem to understand that there are some things you cant do, quoted the Post.

All this earth-shattering news came at the end of August, 2018, when the Western media revealed that Aramco stock-market plan was being ditched. Whats more, it was also clear that the once-buoyant image of MBS was being checked by his father.

Barely five weeks later, Jamal Khashoggi was lured to Istanbul on false pretenses to collect a legal document from the Saudi consulate. That was on October 2 when it is believed that he was tortured to death inside the consulate, and his body cut up with a bone saw for disposal. His remains have never been recovered.

It is claimed that MBS organized the plan to entice Khashoggi to Istanbul. The journalist was fearful of returning to Saudi Arabia because of his media criticism. MBSs younger brother, Khalid, who was based in Washington as US ambassador, reportedly phoned Khashoggi to assure him that he would be safe to go to Istanbul. That must have been sometime during September. The Saudi embassy denies the phone call was made.

Jamal Khashoggi is not known to have expressed any public opinion on the proposed Aramco stock-market plan. But it can be fairly deduced that his critical writings concerning the reformist Crown Prince and the latters lack of credibility dealt a serious downer  at least indirectly  to the whole venture.

In MBS egotistical rage over his dream being squelched, Jamal Khashoggi probably emerged as the bane of the Crown Princes ambitions. In a five-week period, the journalists fate was sealed by a murder plot that bears the hallmarks of rage and revenge.

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Police cordon off the area outside the BNP Paribas Fortis bank following a robbery in Antwerp, Belgium, on Feb. 4, 2019. (Jonas Roosens/AFP/Getty Images)

Thieves Use Sewers to Raid Belgian Bank

Thieves in Belgium crawled through narrow sewage pipes to carry out a bank heist, stealing the contents of a bank vault.

The heist took place in Antwerp on Feb. 3, with 20 to 30 safety deposit boxes looted in the BNP Paribas Fortis bank located close to the citys diamond quarter.

To reach the vault, the thieves dug a 330-yard tunnel from the basement of a nearby house, crawled through sewer pipes, then dug another 10-yard tunnel before entering the vault.

A security company linked to the bank called the police at 1:44 p.m. after their alarm went off. When bank employees entered the vault there was a hole in the floorbut the thieves had disappeared.

The banks customers are mostly Indian and Jewish diamond traders, who are expected to tell investigators what was in their safety deposit boxes. So far, the value of what has been stolen is unknown.

The whole operation was highly risky, an engineer who works for a water purification company said, with some parts of the sewage system just 15-inches wide.

Els Lieken of Aquafin told local radio she didnt know how the burglars got out alive.

First of all, digging the tunnel toward the sewage system was dangerous for the robbers themselves because of a possible subsidence.  And inside the sewer, you have all kinds of danger, such as gas concentrations coming from the wastewater, she said.

A woman who lives on a nearby street told Het Nieuwsblad newspaper she had heard a lot of banging from her neighbors in the days leading up to the robbery.

Bank customers have found it hard to obtain information on whether their valuables were stolen, with Belgian media describing them as frustrated by the banks lack of response.

At the moment no suspects could be apprehended, Antwerp prosecutors office said in a statement. We are investigating the size of the robbery and we cannot provide further information.

The bank is located on the edge of the largest diamond district in the world, with a turnover of $56 billion in 2012, according to the CEO of the World Diamond Center.

A similar heist took place in 1976, when 13 people used the sewers to break into a bank in Nice, France, stealing gold, jewelry, and cash from more than 200 deposit boxes.
3rd October 1925: A gang of white men gather around J D Ivy, a black man they have blindfolded and tied to a stake in a forest in Georgia, USA. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

The Racist Influence on Gun Control Laws

Commentary

How do you stop a lynch mob? With a Winchester repeating rifle. That was the advice of Ida B. Wells, the great journalist who led the fight against lynching. To frustrate her work, a new form of gun control was introduced.

By the late 19th century, the United States had a long record of lynchings. The purpose of a lynch mob was to thwart the criminal justice system. Many lynch mobs broke into jails, and abducted persons who had already been arrested and were in custody. The year 1886 was the first that more blacks than whites were lynched, and lynchings increased sharply in the South for the next several years.

For a while, much of the U.S. population did not approve of lynching, but accepted the claim that Southern lynching was a sort of rough justice against black criminals, especially rapists.

Wells, the leading anti-lynching advocate of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, denounced Southern lynchings in fiery editorials. The office of her newspaper, the Memphis Free Speech, was destroyed by a mob after an editorial intimating that the frequent charge of rape, often coming long after the purported fact, raised as many questions about white women as about black men.

Exiled from Memphis, Wells gained wider recognition writing for the nations leading black newspaper, the New York Age, and lecturing throughout the North, the West, and Great Britain. As she would show, only about a third of lynchings involved even alleged rape, and in many of those cases, the sexual relations had been consensual. Partly because of Wells, lynchings of blacks declined steadily and sharply during the next several decades, although they didnt disappear.

Buy a Winchester

In 1890, John R. Mitchell Jr., vice president of the National Colored Press Association, urged blacks to buy Winchester rifles to defend their families against the two-legged animals  growling around your home in the dead of night. At the urging of Wells and others, many Southern blacks had begun to emigrate to Oklahoma, a federal Indian territory that was being opened to non-Indian settlement.

There they formed self-defense associations, and deterred violence against them, including from Native Americans who were against Africanizing Oklahoma. One black journalist reported, I found in every cabin visited a modern Winchester oiled and ready for use.

On June 25, 1892, Wells penned an iconic article for the New York Age, which was reprinted as a nationally circulated pamphlet, Southern Horrors. After noting cases in which lynch mobs had been defeated by armed blacks, Wells continued: The lesson this teaches and which every Afro-American should ponder well is that a Winchester rifle should have a place of honor in every black home, and it should be used for the protection which the law refuses to give.

When the white man who is always the aggressor knows he runs as great a risk biting the dust every time his Afro-American victim does, he will have greater respect for Afro-American life. The more the Afro-American yields and cringes and begs, the more he has to do so, the more he is insulted, outraged, lynched.

Wellss article provoked furious denunciation from the Southern white press.

Why were Winchester rifles so prominently mentioned? At the time, Winchester held 29 percent of the U.S. firearms and ammunition market. Winchester had introduced the first mass-market repeating rifles: the 1861 Henry, and then the Winchester Model 1866. Next, came the Winchester model 1873, the gun that won the West, and many other popular repeating rifles and shotguns.

Winchester wasnt the only company making excellent, reliable, and affordable repeating long guns; Colt, Marlin, Stevens, Remington (Americas oldest continuously operating firearms company, founded in 1824), and many others were prominent. But Winchester became to some people a shorthand for repeating rifle, just as some people said Colt when they really meant revolver. Or today, say Xerox when they mean photocopy.

As for why Wells and her allies favored repeating rifles like the Winchester, the answer may be that such rifles were best for deterring a mob. The ammunition capacity of the tubular magazine (a tube underneath the barrel) was often somewhere in the teens, depending on the caliber. In a situation of one or a few blacks facing an angry mob of dozens of whites, repeating rifles were equalizersat least Wells and others thought so.

Racist Gun Control

As Wells had pointed out, in 1892, armed black men in Jacksonville, Florida, thwarted a lynch mob that was attempting to break into a prison in order to murder a black prisoner. In the next legislative session, the Florida legislature enacted a new gun control law. It required a license to carry or possess a pistol, Winchester rifle or other repeating rifle.

This appears to be the first American statute that treated repeating arms differently from other arms. The 1893 Florida tradition is continued today by states such as California and Massachusetts, which ban many common repeating rifles and shotguns, and limit magazine capacity to only 10 rounds.

In the 1941 case Watson v. Stone, the Florida Supreme Court construed the statute narrowly. The court held that the statute didnt apply to carrying in an automobile. Concurring, Justice Buford explained the racial background:

I know something of the history of this legislation. The original Act of 1893 was passed when there was a great influx of negro laborers in this State drawn here for the purpose of working in turpentine and lumber camps. The same condition existed when the Act was amended in 1901 and the Act was passed for the purpose of disarming the negro laborers.  The statute was never intended to be applied to the white population and in practice has never been so applied.  [T]here has never been, within my knowledge, any effort to enforce the provisions of this statute as to white people, because it has been generally conceded to be in contravention of the Constitution and nonenforceable if contested.

The statute was finally repealed in 1987. The repealed statute also initiated a national trend by enacting a shall-issue statute for concealed handgun carry licenses. Licenses must be issued, or denied, depending on whether the applicant meets specified statutory criteria, based on criminal records history, training that meets certain standards, and other objective factors.

Today, as in 1893, some but not all gun control advocates are consciously or subconsciously racist. In modern campaigns against Americans who own repeating arms, some advocates spew hateful racial stereotypes. They are part of a long tradition that gun control is a form of race control.

David Kopel is an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute in Washington. This article is adapted from his textbook Firearms Law and the Second Amendment.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
This photo provided by the Baltimore Police Department shows Jamar Haughton. Haughton, of Baltimore, is charged with attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment and several firearm-related charges after a shooting at the University of Maryland Medical Center. (Baltimore Police Department via AP) - (Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images)

Suspect Arrested in Shooting Outside Baltimore Hospital

BALTIMOREA Baltimore hospital went on lockdown on Monday, Feb. 4, after a 24-year-old employee was critically wounded by a gunman near an ambulance bay at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Lt. Col. Kevin Jones of the Baltimore Police Department said the shooter was arrested with a loaded pistol a few blocks away from the hospital. He said the gunman knows the victimshot in the face and buttocksbut details about a motive were not immediately available.

Police later said 26-year old Jamar Haughton of Baltimore is charged with attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment, and several firearm-related charges.

We just know that they are known acquaintances. We do not know exactly what the relationship is, Jones told reporters outside the trauma unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

The chaotic gun violence happened outside the Baltimore hospital shortly after 7 a.m. Monday. After a brief lockdown, the city medical facility resumed normal operations.

Physician-In-Chief Thomas Scalea said the shooting victim was on life support. He declined to say what the employees job was other than they worked at the school of medicine. The persons identity was not disclosed.

This one is as close to home as it has ever been, said Scalea outside the Shock Trauma Center that deals with hundreds of gunshot victims each year.

This is the scene at Shock Trauma as the investigation into a shooting at the University of Maryland Medical Center continues. Hospital officials report the suspect has been caught @WMAR2News pic.twitter.com/16z7tS2RRT  Mark Roper (@MarkRoperTV) 4 februari 2019

Jones described the shooting outside the hospital as an isolated incident that appeared to be targeted. At no time was the general public at risk, he said.

Baltimore was able to chip away at its violent crime scourge in 2018, but still exceeded 300 homicides for the fourth year in a row. In 2017, the 342 homicides in the city of roughly 612,000 inhabitants yielded a homicide rate of 56 per 100,000 people, a rate the FBI called well above that of any other large U.S. city.

By David McFadden
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 85, in a Nov. 30, 2018, file photo. The oldest member of the Supreme Court had not been seen in public for over a month before attending a concert in Washington, on Feb. 4, 2019. (J. Scott Applewhite/,AP Photo File)

Supreme Courts Ruth Bader Ginsburg Finally Appears in Public After Surgery

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg appeared in public on Feb. 4 for the first time in weeks following cancer surgery.

Ginsburg, 85, the oldest member of the nations highest court, had stayed out of the public eye for over a month since the surgery in December 2018.

She attended a concert called Notorious RBG in Song in Washington at the National Museum of Women in the Arts on Monday night, Feb. 4, watching as her daughter-in-law Patrice Michaels and other musicians put on the event.

Michaels, a soprano and composer, is married to Ginsburgs son James Ginsburg.

The concert was dedicated to Ginsburgs life in the law and was presented for high school students.

No photographs emerged of Ginsburg at the event because the National Constitution Center, which sponsored the concert, did not permit photography.

Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the center, took to Twitter to say he was pleased that Ginsburg attended the event.

Thrilled that Justice Ginsburg attended the first concert performance of #NotoriousRBG in Song. She, Patrice Michaels, and the performance were magnificent! he wrote.

Thrilled that Justice Ginsburg attended the first concert performance of #NotoriousRBG in Song. She, Patrice Michaels, and the performance were magnificent! https://t.co/Gxrjqxy1sY  Jeffrey Rosen (@RosenJeffrey) February 5, 2019

Ginsburg did not speak at the concert and many attendees didnt know she was there, according to the openly liberal Washington Post. Her daughter-in-law did not announce Ginsburgs presence. The Supreme Court justice sat in the back and some people saw her only as they left the performance.

Introducing the final song of the concert, Michaels said it would bring our show to a close, but not the epic and notorious story of RBG.

Ginsburg has been lionized by liberals who appreciate her tenure on the court and dont want her to retire from her position because it would enable President Donald Trump to appoint a replacement.

Trump has already nominated two Supreme Court justices since being elected in 2016, Justice Neil Gorsuch and Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Both nominations prompted a furious nomination process that culminated in Kavanaughs case with a slew of unsubstantiated claims that were circulated by liberal-leaning media outlets and many Democratic lawmakers before he was finally nominated in a close Senate vote.

Concerns over Ginsburgs health have heightened in recent months, beginning with a fall in her office in November that left three ribs broken.

Ginsburg underwent surgery to remove two malignant growths in her left lung the next month. The growths were found during X-rays following Ginsburgs fall.

In January, Ginsburg missed oral arguments for the first time in her more than 25 years on the bench as she continued her recuperation from the surgery.

Justice Ginsburg is unable to be present today, but will participate in the consideration and decision of the cases on the basis of the briefs and the transcripts of oral arguments, Chief Justice John Roberts said from the bench.

Surgeries in 1999 and 2009 did not cause Ginsburg, who was nominated by former President Bill Clinton in 1993, to miss any arguments.

In an update on Jan. 11, a Supreme Court spokeswoman said that Ginsburgs recovery was going well.

Her recovery from surgery is on track, court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said. Post-surgery evaluation indicates no evidence of remaining disease, and no further treatment is required.

The speculation over Ginsburgs condition increased with each day she didnt appear in public. And on Jan. 21, in what was later termed as a technical error, Fox News showed a graphic that indicated Ginsburg had died.

Before the concert on Monday, Ginsburgs son said that his mother is walking a mile a day and meeting with her personal trainer twice a week as part of her recuperation.

It wasnt clear if Ginsburg would be among the Supreme Court justices attending Trumps State of the Union address on Tuesday night.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News
Sarah Sanders Previews Trumps State of the Union Address

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders previewed President Donald Trumps State of the Union address, during a Monday night interview with Sean Hannity.

WATCH:

Big State of the Union speech tomorrow. Widely anticipated. Highly anticipated. I would expect the president talks about success, the president lays out his agenda for the next two years and probably challenges the Democrats, basically what you said do they hate him more than they want to work for the American people? Hannity asked.

Absolutely. They have a job to do. The president is fulfilling his end of the bargain. Its time for Congress to step up and do their part. You can be sure the president will certainly talk about the historic success that he has had over the last two years, Sanders responded. Tax cuts, the economy. I mean, the economy is on fire and that is a direct result from this president getting rid of regulations, pushing through the tax cut legislation and continuing to promote ideas that in an environment where businesses want to come here.

She continued, You are also going to see the president call on Congress and say, look, we can either work together and get great things done or we can fight each other and get nothing done. Frankly, the American people deserve better than that. Thats why you are seeing the president lead time and time again and call on Democrats to actually work with him and get things done. (RELATED: White House Reveals Plans For State Of The Union)

The White House also released Monday the list of guests that will attend the SOTU along with the Trumps. Some of them include Alice Johnson, a woman who received clemency from the president after spending over 20 years in jail for a nonviolent drug offense; Timothy Matson, a SWAT officer who suffered multiple gunshot wounds while responding to the mass shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue; and a 6th grade boy who was bullied because his last name is Trump.

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A returnee migrant (C) brought home from Libya is embraced by relatives in Benin, capital of Edo State in midwest Nigeria, on Dec. 7, 2017. (Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP/Getty Images)

Nigerian Migrants Who Failed to Reach Europe Struggle to Resettle at Home

Returnees count gains, losses as they endeavor to start a new life in Nigeria

LAGOS, NigeriaAfter failed attempts to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe in search of greener pastures, many Nigerian migrants have yet to recover from their horrific experiences.

Months after returning home, not much has changed for the returnees, who lament their difficult experience of resettling in Nigeria after repatriation from Libya. Among the returnees, the tales are similar: failure to get a job, financial loss, accumulated debt, and disillusionment.

In 2017, a CNN video of a slave auction in Libyawhere African migrants were purchased, sold, and tortured like animalscaused a global uproar, leading to the repatriation of thousands of Nigerians.

Festus Okosun, 40, is one of the returnees.

I can never forget the terrible experience in Libya, his said, shaking his head as he recalled his slavery and prison experience.

Okosun fell for the tricks of the traffickers who promised to help him migrate to Germany via Libya, before he encountered difficulties on the North African coast. He and other Nigerians were marooned on the Mediterranean Sea before Libyan authorities arrested them.

I never believed I would return to Nigeria alive. I went by road from Nigeria to the Niger Republic and then to Libya. I was kidnapped in Libya and spent six months in prison before they released me, he told The Epoch Times.

I fell into the hands of Arabs, who took me to their slave camps. I had to reach out to my family in Nigeria to sell my property so I could be released. I dont know how I am surviving now in Nigeria. I have no job and only living by Gods grace. I am begging the government to supply me with my work kits, so I can go back to my welding job that I quit before leaving Nigeria.

Traveling from Nigeria through Nigers desert to Libya is a dangerous venture, replete with cases of sexual abuse, robbery, and kidnapping. According to the U.N. International Organization for Migrations Missing Migrants Project, 2,834 migrants died at sea on the route between Libya and Italy in 2017, while 315 have perished since the beginning of 2018.

Nigeria is currently overwhelmed by the challenge of discouraging its desperate youth from embarking on the potentially deadly voyage.

For Prince Olumese, it was a combination of overwhelming life circumstances that forced him to leave Nigeria in 2015. But 34-year-old Olumese described the illegal route from Libya to Europe as hell, saying he wouldnt even advise his enemies to try it.

Olumese, a former private school principal, and his wife planned to escape to Italy from their deportee camp in Libya before they were eventually deported in January last year. Back in Nigeria, their tale of hardship has continued with no end in sight.

The problem I have now is more than a lack of a job, he said. I am worried because my wife wants to travel back to Libya. She cannot bear the shame. She traveled to Libya at the age of 16 through the help of traffickers. Her family called her a failure because they expected her to come back from Libya with money.

Learning a New Trade

Support came the way of Okosun, Olumese, and other Libya returnees when they recently received a call to take part in a four-day business training program, courtesy of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

More than 2,000 Nigerian returnees from Libya have been enrolled in the vocational training program, through the help of the U.N.s Migration Agency in different Nigerian cities. The program runs in phases.

The business skills trainings aim to help people get back on their feet in their communities.  [It] also offers in-kind reintegration assistance to help some of the returning Nigerian migrants start businesses like tailoring shops, beauty salons, and market kiosks at home, the IOM said in a statement.

This training opportunity, however, doesnt accommodate all returnees. A similar program by the Edo state government of Nigeria has equipped other returnees with the opportunity to learn new skills.

Solomon Okoduwa, an aide to the governor of Edo on human trafficking and illegal migration, confirmed to The Epoch Times that resettling the victims is fraught with challenges, citing the huge needs of the migrants.

Some of them need to go back to school, get a job, and enroll in vocational training. We have placed some on a monthly stipend. Some of them are in counseling and psychotherapy. Those with medical issues are receiving treatment, but resources to resettle them are limited, he said.

Ibrahim Farinloye, spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency, told The Epoch Times that about 8,738 assisted voluntary returnees had been helped back home from Libya since the IOM-EU special intervention began in April 2017, ending Dec. 19, 2018.

He said the returnees are regularly being reintegrated into society after psycho-social training to help them overcome the trauma they experienced.

In conjunction with IOM, the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Labor and Productivity, has established Migration Resource Centers in Lagos, Benin, and Abuja to render free services to intending migrants to seek adequate and informed knowledge of the situation of things in their intended destinations, such as following the regular and legal routes, job opportunities in the intended country of destination, and security situations in that country, he said.

Lack of Capital

Even though the governments training efforts have been commended by some of the returnees, most of them complain of a lack of capital to put their new skills to use.

For Brown, another returnee, the reality of starting from the scratch is frustrating. He spent his life savings of over 3 million Nigerian nairas (over $8,000) on the trip to Libya.

Before he decided to migrate, he was a businessman, but he suffered a loss in 2015 when his shop was razed by a fire. Overwhelmed by debt, his in-laws put pressure on him to pay the bridal price as part of his marriage rites. That fueled his determination to try for better opportunities in Italy.

I spent nine months in Libya. I was in prison for three months and on the Mediterranean Sea coast for five months. Our boat developed a fault at sea and it was an Arab fisherman that helped us to return to Libya, he said.

In the nine months since I left Nigeria in January 2017, I had spent all my savings and I still could not get to Italy as planned. Before I came back, I was already indebted. My mother sold the piece of land she had to rescue me out of the prison.

Brown has benefited from five skills workshops, but complained of a lack of capital to start a trade.

I have five certificates from such training, he said. But I dont have enough money to start.

Another returnee, who simply identified herself as Joy, had the same complaint.

There are so many unfulfilled promises to the returnee migrants. After the government training, many of us did not get capital to implement our business ideas, she said.

Making the Most of Lost Opportunities

Despite the odds, Brown is determined to turn his bitter experience into a meaningful venture by becoming an anti-trafficking ambassador.

He recently created a foundation to educate young people and communities in Nigeria on the dangers of trafficking, visiting churches and groups to share his tales of woes in Libya in order to dissuade other desperate Nigerian youths from using illegal routes to escape the country.

Brown believes more needs to be done at the grassroots level to create awareness about trafficking and its deadly effects, but also advises the government to address the problem of unemployment, which he described as the root of the problem.

I saw many Nigerians die in Libya without the knowledge of their family members. We need to stop the trend. Although I have lost many things, I am grateful to be alive, he said.
Police Officers Called on 11-Year-Old Boy Selling Hot Chocolate Outside

Police officers in Pennsylvania were called on an 11-year-old boy trying to make some money by selling cups of hot chocolate during the cold weather.

Andrew Donaldson, the boy, said that he often makes over $50 in one day when he sets up his stand and sells drinks, usually lemonade during the summer.

With the cold weather on Feb. 1, he wanted to take advantage and try selling hot chocolate.

I was kind of bored, so I was like, I can just come out and do something, so I came out and sold hot cocoa, Andrew told WISN.

He took out an electric water boiler and a can of Swiss Miss and mixed cups on the spot.

Then, two police officers approached him.

They asked if I was by myself, and I said, No, the babysitter is in the house,' Andrew said. The officers each bought a cup of hot chocolate.

They told the boys parents that a concerned neighbor called, worried about the boy being outside in the cold weather.

Rebecca Lukens, Andrews mom, said that the officers were friendly.

Whoever called the cops on him are the real MVPs because we learned that the local police were really friendly, Lukens said.

Police called on 11-year-old boy selling hot chocolate during cold, snowy day https://t.co/wnwTW2u0rf pic.twitter.com/GfDqxCz0WV  WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore (@wbaltv11) February 4, 2019

Boys Sell Hot Chocolate to Raise Funds

Two Canadian boys also set up a stand recently to raise money for a local charity.

Teddy Doucette, 9, and Owen Gartshore, 10, set up a stand on Jan. 12 called The Good Cup outside a house to raise money for the Inn of the Good Shepherd.

I came up with (the idea) and I showed Owen, because theres a ton of people out there who need some help, Teddy told Sarnia This Week.

We have everything, Owen added. We have coats, we have food and we have water but some people dont have any of that. If theyre lucky they get to sleep in a car. any of that.

According to the Inns website, the charity provides services to those in need of food, shelter, and other essentials. The group runs a food bank, a soup kitchen, and an emergency shelter and helps families out with rent and utilities among other efforts.

Through the generous support from community organizations, individuals, business and industries; The Inn of The Good Shepherd is able to make a difference in the lives of thousands of individuals and families. In addition, we help improve the quality of life in our community by reaching out to friends and neighbors, the group stated.

911 Dispatcher Praised for Helping Boy

A 911 dispatcher is being praised for staying on the phone after a boy called to say he had a really bad day and had tons of homework.

The boy, who hasnt been named publicly, told Antonia Bundy, the Lafayette Police Department dispatcher, that he was struggling with math homework.

The department released audio of Bundy calmly helping the student out with his homework.

With her help, the boy was able to solve the problem.

Im sorry for calling you, but I really needed help, he said.

Our dispatchers never know what the next call might be.They train for many emergency situations, homework help is not one they plan for. We dont recommend 911 for homework help but this dispatcher helped a young boy out and brightened his day.@PoliceOne @apbweb @wlfi @WTHRcom pic.twitter.com/w3qCYfJP7O  LafayetteINPolice (@LafayetteINPD) January 25, 2019

Our dispatchers never know what the next call might be. They train for many emergency situations, homework help is not one they plan for. We dont recommend 911 for homework help but this dispatcher helped a young boy out and brightened his day, the Lafayette Police Department said in a post on Twitter.

When a young child calls to ask for homework help, Antonia didnt miss a beat, it added later.

We get a lot of unusual call requests but this one kind of stood out, Lafayette Police Sgt. Matt Gard added to ABC 7.

Officials said that Bundy, who has been a dispatcher since April 2016, is a hard worker.

Shes very much a dedicated employee, it doesnt surprise us that she goes above and beyond on a regular basis, said Gard.

From NTD News
Petition to Ban Huawei From Canadas 5G Garners 28,000 Signatures in 3 Weeks

A petition calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to ban Huawei from participating in the development of Canadas 5G infrastructure has garnered more than 28,000 signatures in under three weeks.

Created on the website Change.org on Jan. 22, the online petition also gives people a chance to voice their concerns about the Chinese telecom company that has been making headlines constantly in recent months, particularly since the arrest of CFO Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver last December.

The petition states that Huawei is not an ethical team player and draws attention to the U.S. government and security officials who have warned against using the companys technology due to the risk of intellectual property theft, whether it be state secrets or user data.

FBI Director Christopher Wray, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats have all publicly stated several times that Huawei is using its technology to spy on companies with the objective of stealing its intellectual property, the petition reads.

According to Wray, Huawei, which has close ties to the Chinese communist regime, poses a dual threat to both our economic and national security, and the magnitude of these charges makes clear just how seriously the FBI takes this threat, reported The National Review.

A Nanos poll commissioned by the Globe and Mail (pdf) released in January revealed that a majority of Canadians are critical of Chinas authoritarian rule and are in favour of the arrest of Meng for extradition to the United States on charges of fraud related to international sanctions on Iran.

The poll found that 83 percent of Canadians have a negative or somewhat negative impression of the Chinese regime and Huawei, and more than one in two believe the regime poses a major national security threat to Canada.

In addition, 53 percent of Canadians think Canada should ban Huawei from providing 5G technology to build the countrys next-generation 5G networks, following the lead of the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

Shortly after Mengs arrest, which has infuriated Beijing, two Canadians were detained in China and a third who was serving time for drug trafficking was sentenced to death.

On the latter, former Canadian Security Intelligence Service director Richard Fadden had this to say in an op-ed published in the Globe and Mail:

If China would resort to putting Canadians to death to defend its corporate national champion, what might it do if the Chinese Communist Party had unfettered access to Canadas vital communications networks?

Fadden went on to say, There are plenty of reasons why intelligence professionals are alarmed by Huaweis involvement in our 5G networks, particularly, the close relationship between Huawei and a Chinese government with a history of cyberespionage. Add the fact that Chinas 2017 National Intelligence Law gives Beijing the power to compel Huaweis support for its intelligence work, and it should be a clear-cut case.

The government should announce sooner, rather than later, that Huawei will be banned.
Oxfams Annual Report Calls for Counterproductive Policies

Commentary

In January, Oxfam International released its annual report, entitled Public Good or Private Wealth.

It tells a sad, familiar story: Thousands of poor people die around the world every year because they cannot access health care; over a quarter-billion children dont attend school; and in the good news/bad news department, while a record-low percentage of the worlds population are severely poorliving below the World Bank-established threshold of $1.90 per dayhalf of humanity (3.4 billion people) still lives on less than $5.50 per day.

For me, Oxfams report is sad for another reason besides its grim content: It frames the issue in a counterproductive and misleading way. The very title of the report, Public Good or Private Wealth, is fallacious. It presents an either/or choice when, in fact, the public good is most advanced in societies that are based on private property and wealth.

The reports premise is egregiously flawed. It suggests throughout that the reason the poor are poor is because the rich are too rich. Thats the import of statements such as Last year, 26 people owned the same wealth as the 3.8 billion people who make up the poorest half of humanity, down from 43 people the year before. This statistic may be true, but it is irrelevant to the solution for poverty. This implies that it isnt fair for a few to be so wealthy when so many are so poor. Lets examine this fallacy.

The Rich

In market economies, large fortunes accrue to those who supply the wants of millions of consumers. Billions in profits are the mirror image of having created billions in value that enhances the lifestyle of masses of people, the vast majority of whom are not rich. The reason there are still countries with severe widespread poverty isnt that there are rich and super-rich people in affluent countries, but because there arent enough rich and super-rich people producing more wealth for more people in poor countries.

Its only in the poor countries where the only ones close to billionaire status are kleptocratic rulers and their allies, who loot their compatriots and stash the loot in Swiss bank accounts.

Oxfam has a very jaundiced view of the rich. Their annual report cites The World Inequality Report 2018:  between 1980 and 2016, the poorest 50 percent of humanity only captured 12 cents in every dollar of global income growth. By contrast, the top 1 percent captured 27 cents of every dollar.

Captured? No, free market exchanges dont involve capturing wealth. Wealth isnt seized from another, but earned by producing and providing wealth for others. Voluntary exchanges are of reciprocal benefit, and those who provide the most wealth to the most people generate the most profits and become the rich. Why despise the rich for enriching the lives of millions of people who arent rich? The rich are benefactors enriching society, not leeches impoverishing it.

Anti-Capitalist Bias

Oxfam, sadly, is afflicted with a severe anti-capitalist bias, essentially blaming capitalism for poverty when, in fact, capitalism is the greatest known cure for poverty. Oxfam scorns the very institutionprivate propertythat constitutes the foundation of the market-based economies that have brought prosperity to the masses.

In a statement, Oxfam Internationals Executive Director Winnie Byanyima asserted, Governments must now deliver real change by ensuring corporations and wealthy individuals pay their fair share of tax and investing this money in free healthcare and education that meets the needs of everyone.  Governments can build a brighter future for everyonenot just a privileged few.

There are two fundamental problems with this prescription: the insistence that forcible redistribution of wealth is the way to cure poverty, and the overestimation of government competence evinced in the statement, Governments can build a brighter future for everyone.

Lets take on the second of those errors first. No, governments cannot build a brighter future for everyone. This is the false promise of socialism. If socialism really worked, the whole world would have embraced it by now. Heaven knows, it has been tried often enough, but wherever it has been implemented, socialism has leveled wealth down, not up.

By rejecting the principle of private property and confiscating the wealth of the rich, socialism doesnt deliver on the chimerical promise of social justice. It does, however, always manage to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs of widespread prosperity.

The other error in Byanyimas statement is the discredited notion that the key to economic development is for governments to uplift the poor with wealth redistributed from the wealthy. Fact: No developed country has ever grown into prosperity through foreign aid. Foreign trade and investments of foreign capital have been the engines of economic development, and those are activities predicated on private property and market-based decisions.

Asian fishing villages that consisted of poor, ramshackle dwellings and primitive workplaces at the close of World War II have transformed themselves into gleaming modern metropolises consisting of majestic skyscrapers and stunning affluence in only three generations. How? Not by aid, but by trade and investment.

Oxfam is doing important work. I wish them well as they minister to those in need. I just hope they can shed their ideological blinders and their collectivist, anti-capitalist biases. When the people who run Oxfam can get to the point where their compassion for the poor exceeds their resentment of the rich, then they should see clearly enough to reject the false cure of wealth redistribution.

As counterintuitive as it must seem to them, Oxfam needs to replace its hostility toward free-market capitalism for one simple pragmatic, utilitarian reason: Capitalism works. Its the best hope that the worlds poorest people have of rising out of poverty. It is a colossal tragedy that some of those who claim to want to uplift the poor are hell-bent on denying them the means to actually escape poverty.

Mark Hendrickson is an adjunct professor of economics at Grove City College. He is the author of several books including The Big Picture: The Science, Politics, and Economics of Climate Change.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Nathan Sutherland, 36, a licensed practical nurse, was arrested on a charge of sexual assault of an incapacitated woman who gave birth in December 2018 at a long-term health care facility in Phoenix, Arizona operated by Hacienda Healthcare. Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said on Jan. 23, 2019, that investigators arrested Sutherland on one count of sexual assault and one count of vulnerable adult abuse. (Maricopa County Sheriffs Office via AP)

Nurse Who Allegedly Raped Incapacitated Woman Pleads Not Guilty

A male nurse who allegedly raped an incapacitated woman in an Arizona care facility pleaded not guilty on Feb. 5.

Nathan Sutherland, 36, was linked to the crime through a DNA sample he was forced to take via a court order that the Phoenix Police Department obtained after the 29-year-old victim gave birth in December 2018.

Sutherlands DNA matched the DNA of the baby boy.

Sutherland, who worked for Hacienda HealthCare and was fired after his arrest, appeared in Maricopa County Superior Court. He only spoke to give his name and date of birth to the judge, reported the Arizona Republic. His attorney, David Gregan, entered a not guilty plea.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Gregan noted that his client is innocent until proven guilty.

Mr. Sutherland, just as you and I are, is entitled to due process of law, Gregan said. Mr. Sutherland is entitled to constitutional protection just as you and I are. And, finally, Mr. Sutherlandjust as you and I areis entitled to a full defense. I intend to make sure he receives all these things.

Sutherlands next scheduled court appearance is on March 19.

Police officials said the defendant was the worker primarily responsible for the care of the Native American woman, who has been severely disabled since a young age from a near-drowning incident.

The woman, who has not been identified publicly, was removed from Hacienda following the birth, which left employees stunned.

One of our patients just had a baby, and we had no idea she was pregnant, a nurse told a 911 dispatcher on Dec. 29. The call turned frantic when the baby started turning blue but the boy was eventually treated by paramedics and survived. The familys lawyer has described him as healthy.

Phoenix officers spent weeks investigating the rape and announced the arrest of Sutherland on Jan. 23.

Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said at a press conference that day that the nurse committed this unspeakable act when he assaulted one of the most vulnerable members of our community.

From the minute we first became aware of this crime we have worked virtually nonstop trying to solve and resolve this case. The investigation was and still is the highest priority of our department, she said.

Our officers took this crime to heart. This is a facility that you should be safe in and someone wasnt, Phoenix Mayor Thelda Williams added.

Sutherland was indicted by a grand jury on Jan. 29 on charges of sexual assault and abuse of a vulnerable adult.

Eleanor Riggers, a licensed practical nurse who worked as a respiratory therapist at Hacienda HealthCare for 11 years, said she worked closely with Sutherland to help care for the victim.

Riggers said that Sutherland was her friend, describing him as fun and outgoing.

Former co-worker shocked at Nathan Sutherlands arrest in sexual assault case at #HaciendaHealthcare: https://t.co/oPuzDTXE3V #abc15  ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) January 24, 2019

The news of his arrest shook her, she told ABC 15.

I cried. I just cried and cried. I think he is a coward. I think he is the lowest scum imaginable because I considered him a friend, Riggers said.

She said shes worried that Sutherland abused other patients he cared for because there were many other women who have similar conditions in the wing that Sutherland worked in, with some also not being able to communicate verbally, a possibility that police officials said theyre looking into.

And she said that staff members didnt always follow a policy of checking in on patients every 15 minutes.

In every facility, things are more lax at night. I can tell you that in every facility its lax at night, Riggers said.

From NTD News
Marianne Williamson Announces Her Candidacy for the Presidency



Watch



Standing in front of an enormous American flag, Williamson gave a forty-minute, emotionally-charged speech. Besides her gathered supporters in the 2,500 seat arena, roughly 3,300 viewers watched the speech via live streaming.

Speaking without notes or apparently any teleprompter, Williamson spoke extensively about her parents and the inspirational advice she received from them.

My father never let us forget to really see. He would always say dont just look, really see, she said.

Encouraging American voters to change their perceptions and really see became a central theme of the speech in its second half.

I dont want to do this to waste my time and I dont want to do this to waste your time, she explained. Something bigger has to happen than just electing someone president.

Im asking for you to join with me for a year of talking about things that matter.

Lets talk about waging peace and not just prepare for war.

Lets talk about what it means to have a massive realignment in the direction of Americas children.

Lets talk about what it meansto wage economic and racial justice in America.

Lets talk about what it would actually end mass incarceration.

Lets talk about what it would actually mean to fight climate change.

And lets take responsibility for the fact that none of thats going to happen unless all of us rise up.

Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here

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==See Also==

Representative Tulsi Gabbard in New Hampshire: She answered questions on a variety of topics, including tax policy, partisanship and addressing criminal justice reform.

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Peace and joy
Egypt's Minister of State for Military Production Mohamed El-Assar held talks on Tuesday in Cairo with British Ambassador Geoffrey Adams.

The two sides probed cooperation between military production companies and British companies in different fields.

Also, they discussed expanding cooperation in the fields of civil and military manufacturing.

They also took up cooperation in the domain of training and exchanging visits by technical delegations of both countries.

The British ambassador lauded the performance of the military production companies, hailing the stability of Egypt thanks to the security efforts for fighting terrorism.

He also expressed keenness on establishing industrial partnership between the two countries describing Egypt as a promising market in the Middle East.

Short link:


Nurse Charged With Reckless Homicide in Death of Elderly Patient

A nurse in Nashville was charged with reckless homicide in the death of a 76-year-old patient.

Nurse Radonda Vaught, 35, was among the Vanderbilt University Medical Center team caring for Charlene Murphey. Investigators found that Vaught was responsible for the death, News Channel 5 reported.

Former Vanderbilt Nurse RaDonda Leanne Vaught, 35, indicted on 1 count of Impaired Adult Abuse and 1 count of Reckless Homicide, after an investigation showed she caused a patients death. She is booked into the Davidson County Jail on a $50,000 bond.https://t.co/gkZugZAtER  Scoop: Nashville (@scoopnash) February 4, 2019

Vaught is no longer working for the medical center. She was indicted on Feb. 1. She faces charges of impaired adult abuse in addition to the reckless homicide charge, according to News Channel 5.

Vaught accidentally gave Murphey the paralyzing anesthetic vecuronium, in December 2017. Vecuronium is one of the drugs used in an execution by lethal injection. The paralysis caused by vecuronium ultimately leads to death, although it is a medicine also used to keep patients from moving during surgery.

The son of a woman who was killed by a medication mix-up at Vanderbilt Health said his mother would forgive the nurse  Tennessean  201925

She was originally prescribed, Versed, an anti-anxiety sedative, as a way to ease her fears while undergoing a body scan in the centers radiology department. Vaught couldnt find Versed in the centers medicine prescribing computer system, so she did an override as a way to search deeper, which unlocked a more powerful set of medications. She didnt realize she was choosing vecuronium when she input the letters ve, according to the Tennessean.

Is this the med you gave [the patient?] one nurse asked another nurse, in a report obtained by the Tennessean. This isnt Versed. Its vecuronium.

Murphey died on the scanning machine. Staff left her alone for as long as 30 minutes until someone realized she was not breathing. Staff then attempted CPR, according to the investigative report, obtained by the Tennessean.

Medication Error Kills Vanderbilt Patient A nurse medication error resulted in a horrific death at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. What can we learn from this? Weigh in, ZPac  ZDoggMD  2018121

ZDoggMD explained more about vecuronium, in a Facebook video (3:19).

Those of us who know what that drug does know that it is a neuromuscular paralytic agent. In other words, it doesnt sedate you. It doesnt make you unconscious. It paralyzes your muscles, your skeletal muscles, including your diaphragm and your muscles of respiration. Your intercostal muscles that help you breathe.

Murphey had entered the medical center for treatment for vision loss and a subdural hematoma, which is a pooling of blood in tissues surrounding the brain.

Just to clarify:

Vecuronium is NOT an anesthetic

Its a paralysis agent

The patient may have had a terminal cardiac arrest, but this was probably after vecuronium-induced respiratory arrest & hypoxemia

All sadly while awake if nothing else was given

Ping @doctimcook

Terrible  Dr. Laura Duggan (@drlauraduggan) December 1, 2018

The hospital released a statement, obtained by News Channel 5.

VUMC was notified of an adverse finding by the Tennessee Department of Health after an on-site survey involving a patient who died in December 2017 following a medication error. In reviewing the event at the time it happened, we identified that the error occurred because a staff member had bypassed multiple safety mechanisms that were in place to prevent such errors. We disclosed the error to the patients family as soon as we confirmed that an error had occurred, and immediately took necessary corrective actions (including appropriate personnel actions). We will continue to work closely with representatives of Tennessee Department of Health and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to assure that any remaining concerns are fully resolved within the specified time frame.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Vecuronium Bromide for Injection Due to the Presence of Particulate Matter Identified as Glass https://t.co/VwRvGMKoB7  U.S. FDA (@FDArecalls) January 8, 2019

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said it is considering suspending the medical centers reimbursement payments, which accounts for close to one-fifth of the Vanderbilts revenue. Vanderbilt responded with a corrective action plan, which was not made public, the Tennessean reported.

From NTD News
Marie Benedicte Bjornland, head of the Norwegian police security and domestic intelligence service PST, addresses the media in Oslo, on Dec. 13, 2014. (Terje Bendiksby/AFP/Getty Images)

Norway Warns About Threats from Chinese Intelligence Operations, Investments

China was named in Norways security assessment report as a threat to the Scandinavian countrys national interests.

The report, published by Norways police security service (PST) on Feb. 4, identified threats by Chinese and Russian intelligence operations, some targeting Norwegian businesses, as posing a great challenge to the country.

If they succeed with the operations, they can cause great harm to Norway and Norwegian interests, the report stated.

Though the report did not name China or Russia in connection to a specific operation, it instead warned of different kinds of operations that have taken place in the past and will continue.

One such operation involves foreign intelligence officers, some who operate under the cover of being employed by an embassy or business institution, recruiting individuals in order to obtain sensitive information, according to the report. The recruitment may take place through social media or at open seminars and conferences.

The report warned Norwegian citizens against staying in authoritarian countries, where local intelligence officers could pressure Norwegians to carry out assignments. At the same time, foreign nationals with legal residence and work in Norway may be approached by intelligence officers from their native countries.

State-controlled network operations is another threat against Norway, whereby corporate networks are hacked into through tactics such as sending emails embedded with malware. The report warned that many key Norwegian sectorsincluding defense and space technology, maritime technology, renewable energy, and critical infrastructurewill be particularly vulnerable to network penetrations in the coming year.

The report also warned that several states have attempted to use investments and acquisitions as an instrument to influence political decisions, obtain sensitive information, and gain access to technology in Norway. The report warned that such attempts will likely occur in 2019.

In other instances, Norwegian suppliers are indirectly acquired through illegal tactics, such as foreign entities disguising themselves through a large number of intermediaries in several countries, and creating very complex corporate structures, the report claimed.

Finally, the report warned about the long-lasting impact as a result of these foreign activities, such as foreign states trying to influence public opinion and political debate in Norway. The countrys political assessment, such as its stances on sanctions and public criticism of other states, could also be influenced by the foreign investment.

While presenting the report at a press conference on Feb. 4, Marie Benedicte Bjrnland, head of the PST, specifically named one Chinese company as posing a threat to Norway, according to AFP.

One has to be attentive about Huawei  and about the close connections between a commercial actor like Huawei and the Chinese regime, Bjrnland stated.

The companys founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei, was a former engineer within Chinas military and currently a member of the Chinese Communist Party.

She added that an actor like Huawei could be subject to influence from its home country as long as China has an intelligence law that requires private individuals, entities, and companies to cooperate with China.

Chinas National Security Law, which took effect in June 2017, requires China-based companies, operating domestically or abroad, to surrender information to Beijing on request.

Many countries around the world, including the United States and Australia, have raised similar security concerns about Chinese tech giant Huawei, with some banning the Chinese company from supplying equipment for their 5G networks.

According to Reuters, two of Norways biggest telecoms companies, Telenor and Telia, currently use Huawei equipment for their 4G networks, and are testing the Chinese tech giants equipment for their experimental 5G networks.

Both companies have said they are in talks with the Norwegian government about Huaweis security issues and have yet to choose a supplier for their 5G networks.

Meanwhile, Norways justice minister Tor Mikkel Wara stated at the press conference that the government is currently working on a regulatory framework to protect the countrys critical infrastructure.

In January, Wara, speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of a business conference, said the government was considering taking steps similar to those taken in the United States and Britain in banning Huawei from Norways 5G network.

On Feb. 5, Chinas hawkish state-run newspaper the Global Times re-posted a statement from Chinas embassy in Norway in response to the PST report. The statement called the report a baseless attack against China that is absurd.

The Arctic

Though Chinese investment was not spelled out in the report as a security concern, the Chinese regime has pursued aggressive investment into Norway.

China has expressed interest in creating a new shipping route that goes through the Arctic, taking advantage of the melting Arctic ice sheet. The route, called the Northern Sea Route by Beijing, would save money and time compared to the traditional route through the Suez Canal. Developing the route is a project under Chinas One Belt, One Road (OBOR, also known as Belt and Road) initiative.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping, while meeting with Norways Prime Minister Erna Solberg in Beijing in April 2017, stated Chinas desire to work with Norway, according to the official website of Chinas embassy in Norway.

It is hoped that Norway could play a more active role in pushing forward ChinaNorthern Europe cooperation, Xi said, adding that the two sides work toward safeguarding and promoting the stable and sustainable development in the Arctic region.

Currently, the intergovernmental forum Arctic Council consists of eight Arctic states, including the United States, Denmark, Russia, Finland, and Norway, while China is an observer. The observer status allows China to participate in meetings of the Arctic Council and propose projects.

Chinese investments have also focused on key sectors like transportation and minerals.

In December 2018, Global Times reported that Chinas state-owned Sichuan Road and Bridge Group (SRBG) completed construction of the Halogaland Bridge, a 1.5-kilometer-long (about 0.93 miles) suspension bridge near Norways northern port city of Narvik. SRBG was awarded a $96-million contract to build the bridge in 2013.

In October 2017, Chinas state-run media Peoples Daily reported that the Chinese regime wishes to invest in Kirkenes, a port city facing the Barents Sea, which is south of the Arctic Ocean. Finnish media reported that authorities in Kirkenes were interested in turning the city into a key transit hub for Chinas Arctic shipping route, including with a proposed rail linking the city to Rovaniemi in Finland.

And in 2016, Elkem, a Norwegian firm acquired by China National Bluestaritself a subsidiary of Chinas state-owned chemical company ChemChinaannounced that it would buy the Norwegian silicon-based material producer, Fesil Rana Metall AS, according to the official website of ChemChina.
Jayme Closs, 13, and her grandfather Robert Naiberg enjoying a meal on Feb. 3, 2019. (Light the way home for Jayme/Facebook)

New Photo Shows Jayme Closs, Teen Held Captive for Months, Enjoying Lunch With Grandfather

Jayme Closs, 13, who was held captive for months after getting kidnapped in October 2018, enjoyed lunch with her grandfather who vowed to buy her steak when she was found.

A picture of Jayme and her grandfather, Robert Naiberg, was posted on Facebook on Feb. 3 showing the pair smiling and enjoying a meal.

It was shared by Jennifer Halvorson, a Closs family friend, through a page she runs called Light the way home for Jayme that shared updates during the search for the girl and has kept supporters up to date since she escaped from her captor in January.

Were so blessed! Grandpa said since day one he was gonna buy Jayme a big steak when she was found!! Halvorson wrote. Well, here it is he bought her steak and they had lunch together at his house!!

She said she was sharing the picture with the familys permission.

Jayme has a smile on her face and is holding a fork aloft as her grandfather does the same.

In the first picture shared after Jaymes escape, she was seen with her dog, Mollie, and her aunt Jennifer Smith.

The moment Jayme was reunited with her family was emotional, as a room full of relatives greeted her.

Everyone was in tears, Jaymes cousin, Lindsey Smith, told People magazine. Jayme walked through the door with my mom and dad. Most of our family was sitting in my parents house. Jayme walked around. She had a smile on her face and she gave every person a hug. Everyone was in tears of happiness.

The family dined on snacks and meat and cheese and showed Jayme to her new room, where shell be living with one of her aunts.

Were just pretty excited, Smith, 22, said. We set up Jaymes room that day before she got home.

Stunning Escape

Jayme was at home in Barron on Oct. 15 when a man, allegedly Jake Patterson, shot her parents dead and abducted the teen, driving her to his cabin in the remote town of Gordon.

He held her there for 88 days until she escaped from under his bed when he went out.

Jayme found a neighbor, Joanne Nutter, a retired social worker who was walking her dog and asked for help.

Nutter took Jayme to the home of Kristin and Peter Kasinskas because her own house was close to that of Patterson.

Peter Kasinskas, armed, kept guard while Kristin Kasinskas, Nutter, and Jayme called 911.

Officers rushed to the scene and took Jayme away for a medical checkup while information she gave them led to the arrest of Patterson, who was driving in the area. Authorities said he confessed soon after being detained. Patterson is due in court on Feb. 6.

Because she rescued herself, Jayme was given $25,000 in reward money that was donated by Jennie-O Turkey and Hormel Foods while she was missing. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said at a press conference the day after Jayme escaped that she was the hero.

Jayme was the hero in the case. Jayme was the champion that finally said enough is enough, he said. We cant be more proud of Jayme.

From NTD News
In this photo illustration, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) logo appears on a California driver license in San Anselmo, Calif. on May 9, 2017. (Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

New California Bill Will Prohibit Selling DMV Appointments

Businesses making profits from booking appointments at California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) might soon face a fine of up to thousands of dollars under a new bill proposed on Jan. 31.

AB 317, which was authored by newly-elected Assemblymember Tyler Diep (R-Westminster), prohibits any person, firm, corporation, or association to sell or offer for sale an appointment with the DMV. The penalty is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $2,500.

I introduced my first piece of legislation todayAB 317, said Assemblymember Diep in a statement on Facebook. This bill will prohibit companies from selling DMV appointments to make a profit.

Last summer, a company named YoGov started selling services including making faster appointments online and allowing customers to hire someone to wait in line for them at the DMV, as wait times at the DMV rose to an unbearable degree in many areas.

The company charges customers about $25 for securing a DMV appointment within three to four weeks, according to its website.

Government is supposed to treat everyone equally, regardless of how much they can afford to pay, said Assemblyman Diep, who believes paying for a government appointment is unfair for people who cannot afford it.

Thank you @TylerDiep for covering important issues for your California constituents esp related to increased access for the middle class  we couldn't agree more!! A special thank you at the end of our recent article for encouraging us to share this  https://t.co/JiNxBz05tT  YoGov (@YoGov__) February 2, 2019

However, the YoGov claims their customers are not paying for appointments, stating DMV appointments cannot be individually sold or transferred, according to the companys blog.

In reality, our service is the equivalent to having your receptionist or personal assistant check the DMV website hoping to find a last-minute opening or cancellation for you, the company states.

In addition, YoGov claims their services are beneficial to the community and save other people time at the DMV.

We conducted a survey last year that showed that of the general public that visited the DMV, 20% of respondents had to make a 2nd trip to the DMV for the same service, the company said. Then, we surveyed our users and found that 97% were able to resolve their DMV needs in a single visit, which is a 17% increase over the general public.

Starting last summer, a massive increase in applications for Real ID is believed to have caused very long wait times at DMV field offices across the state, with some people waiting hours to get the service. Since then, wait times started to decrease again, according to the Sacramento Bee, but the department convinced the State Legislature to allocate nearly $17 million for the crisis, which was opposed by many Republican lawmakers.

In September 2018, Assemblymember Jim Patterson, who advocated for an audit of the DMV, pointed out that the department had 35 outages in the last 18 months and the longest wait time was nine hours long.

One month later, an independent audit of the DMV was called for after the department admitted that around 1,500 people, including non-citizen individuals, were wrongly registered to vote through the Motor Voter program during the period from April 23 to Sept. 25.

The issue, however, got more serious after then-director Jean Shiomoto revealed that the DMV failed to transmit 589 voter records to elections officials before the November election, which could have prevented those people from voting.

A bombshell report revealed repeated warnings about Californias failed Motor Voter Program were ignored by the man in charge of CA elections. Since then, thousands of voter registration errors have been made. I submitted my audit request Friday. Its time we know the truth. pic.twitter.com/kJWiUIruzh  Jim Patterson (@JimPatterson559) February 2, 2019

Another audit of the departments Motor Voter program was called for by four Republican Assemblymembers on Feb. 2, one month after Shiomoto resigned.

The Motor Voter program has had serious and concerning problems since its rollout in April 2018, stated a letter wrote by Assemblyman Jim Patterson, Vince Fong, Kevin Kiley, and Tom Lackey. The Department has acknowledged making 105,000 registration errors, including mishandling voter registration information for 23,000 drivers and double-registering as many as 77,000 others.
Mom Killed, Husband Jumps From Bridge in Apparent New Jersey Murder-Suicide: Reports

A New Jersey mother was found murdered in her home on Feb. 4, and on the same day, her husband jumped from a bridge to his death in an apparent murder-suicide, said officials.

Kenneth Bartones body was found in the Raritan River, and his car was parked on the Thomas Edison Memorial Bridge, reported the Asbury Park Press.

His wife, Denise Bartone, was killed earlier in the couples home in Freehold, New Jersey, while their three children were inside, said the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office in the report.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/724108900934820/permalink/2338279642851063

The girls werent injured in the incident, and theyre now staying with family members.

Officials are investigating the case as a murder-suicide, but many details arent clear. There was no suicide note, said Christopher Swendeman, a spokesman for the prosecutions office, the Park Press reported.

Also unclear is how Denise Bartone was killed or who killed her. They also didnt reveal who found her body, said officials.

BREAKINGAuthorities are investigating a suspicious death at a Freehold Township home. Reports suggest that the incident is believed to be part of a murder-suicide.  The Asbury Park Press  201924

She was the former chairwoman of the Freehold Township Education Foundation, said the Park Press.

Before her death, she worked at Rutgers University as a marketing specialist, a university spokesperson told the news outlet.

Kenneth Bartone, meanwhile, previously worked for Morris Plains-based Allied Signal as a scientist.

Ed Coughlin, a neighbor, said police swarmed the home on Koster Drive at around 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 4. He said the family, who he didnt know well, moved to the area about a decade ago.

Wave hi and bye, that kind of thing, he said.

Neighbor Amy Kurczeski said shes upset, adding, Its a quiet community.

The Bartones appeared to be a normal family, she continued.

County forensics inspectors confer with police on Koster Drive @AsburyParkPress pic.twitter.com/tMuxww6ALI  Alex N. Gecan (@GeeksterTweets) February 4, 2019

A third neighbor, Lenny Davidowitz, said hes never seen anything like this since he moved to the neighborhood in 1977.

Im extremely upset, he said. I never ever expected this in this area.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Bartone girls and their extended family, Neal Dickstein, superintendent of Freehold Township schools, said. Freehold Township is an amazing community, and I know that we will join together to support this family however possible.

Local officials are asking anyone with information about the deaths to come forward by contacting Detective Andrea Tozzi of the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office at 1-800-733-7443 or Freehold Township Police Detective James Burdge at 732-462-7908.

Police activity at suspicious death investigation in Freehold @AsburyParkPress pic.twitter.com/3AOHuavPv0  Alex N. Gecan (@GeeksterTweets) February 4, 2019

A vehicle registered to the family was discovered parked on the Thomas Edison Memorial Bridge in Woodbridge early this morning, the prosecutors office told Patch.com. Kenneth Bartone, the husband of the victim, was found floating in the Raritan River this afternoon, dead of an apparent suicide. We do not believe there is any further danger to the public.

Officials said the public is not in any danger, Pix11 reported.

Other details about the deaths are not clear.

A GoFundMe for their family was set up.

Suicide Hotlines

In Australia, the suicide prevention telephone hotline at Lifeline is 13 11 14. You can also visit the Lifeline website at lifeline.org.au. Youth can contact the Kids Helpline by phoning 1800 551 800 or visiting headspace.org.au/yarn-safe

If you are in an emergency in the U.S. or Canada, please call 911. You can phone the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1 800 273 8255. Youth can call the Kids Help Phone on 1800 668 6868.
Mom Arrested After 9-Year-Old Brings Marijuana Laced Gummy Bears to School

The mother of an elementary school student who brought gummy bears believed to be laced with marijuana and offered them to fellow students at an Ohio elementary school has been arrested, according to a police report.

Shari Gould, 27, was arrested for endangering children but has not been formally charged, reported WOIO.

NEW: The mother of the child who brought the gummy bears to school, Shari Gould, was arrested for child endangering. pic.twitter.com/OGWE74S2H6  Hannah Catlett (@ReporterHannah) February 5, 2019

Authorities said at least 14 students from Anton Grdina Schoolage between 5 and 9were reportedly given the drug-laced candy during lunchtime on Feb. 4, the Cleveland Division of Police said. Nine students were taken to the Rainbow Babies And Childrens Hospital after eating the gummy bears and complained about feeling sick, reported the Tribune Media Wire.

Parents of five of the students declined to send their children to the hospital.

NEW: Police say 9 kids ages 5-9 were taken to the hospital to be checked out further pic.twitter.com/zLi0eYTzeB  Hannah Catlett (@ReporterHannah) February 4, 2019

According to a police report, a 9-year-old boy brought the gummies from home. He told police that he and a 6-year-old took the gummy bears off a table from home and placed the candy in their backpacks the night before, reported Fox 8, citing the police report. The mother was not aware that the gummies were missing.

The police report says a teacher found the bag of gummies on the floor and saw the label said they contained drugs. Thats when she alerted administrators pic.twitter.com/XUWXztbzH7  Hannah Catlett (@ReporterHannah) February 5, 2019

The students were all treated and released. One of the students tested positive for THCthe primary chemical in marijuana that causes impairment.

A Cleveland Metropolitan School District spokesperson said three students were sharing the gummy bears with other students during lunch before school aides noticed that the packaging of the candy was odd, according to the wire.

Although we have not yet received a report on the suspicious candy, the principal used the opportunity to remind parents and caregivers of the importance of keeping medicines and other items that may be harmful to children locked up to ensure the safety of all students, the spokesperson said in a statement.

Similar Cases

In a similar case, a fifth grader in New Mexico accidentally mistook her parents medicinal marijuana gummy bears for candy and handed them out to fellow students last year. Emergency crews responded to the school and monitored the students before they were sent home.

The schools dean of elementary students, Kristy Del Curto, said the student, who was 9 years old, did not know she was handing out drugs.

As marijuana becomes legal in each state its going to become more and more of an issue I believe, Del Curto told KRQE at the time.

The school subsequently posted a warning to parents about the incident and reminded them to be alert with drugs and any edibles that may or could be in different formats.

As we informed our parents via email for the incident happened last week, we would like to remind all students and  Albuquerque School of Excellence  2018118

In another incident late last year, five students in Florida were hospitalized after suddenly became sick from eating marijuana-laced gummies given to them by a fellow student, reported ABC News. The students reported experienced stomach pains, nausea, dizziness, or a combination of all symptoms.

The 12-year-old boy was subsequently charged with seven felonies and a misdemeanor charge, reported the news station.

Edibles Becoming More Common

Food products containing cannabis extract are becoming more popular for both recreational and medical marijuana use and are becoming a regulatory challenge for policymakers, according to a 2016 report.

Edibles come in different forms such as in baked goods, candies, gummies, chocolates, lozenges, and beverages. They can also be homemade or prepared commercially for dispensaries.

A 2013 study that researched into the unintentional exposure of marijuana to children in the United States found the number of calls about unintentional pediatric exposure to marijuana to the national Poison Control Center increased by 30.3 percent per year in decriminalized states between 2005 to 2011.

Meanwhile, in October last year, there were calls in Washington State to re-evaluate all approved marijuana-infused candy products in order to prohibit products that could be appealing to children. They would be re-evaluated based on appearance, color, and similarity to commercially available products that are marketed to children. Both recreational and medical marijuana is legal in the state.
Manhunt for Driver Who Ran Over Officer in Atlanta Suburb

FAIRBURN, Ga.Authorities from several states are looking for a 33-year-old Tennessee man accused of running over and seriously injuring an Atlanta-area police officer, police said.

Tauren McShan, 33, of Memphis, is wanted on charges including aggravated assault against an officer, Deputy Chief Anthony Bazydlo said Monday night.

Weve got some good leads were following for his whereabouts, including the likelihood that hes trying to get home, Bazydlo told The Associated Press by phone.

He said Fairburn Officer Levar Sims underwent surgery but could be released from the hospital after several days. He did sustain some internal injuries but is expected to make a full recovery with time, he said in an email.

McShan had rented the truck in the Memphis area, about 330 miles (530 km) from the Atlanta suburb of Fairburn.

Sims had answered a call for backup from an officer on routine patrol outside a hotel and saw a sleeping man in a running truck, Bazydlo told Atlanta news media. Both the first officer and Sims smelled marijuana and alcohol, he said.

According to news reports, surveillance video shows the man talking to officers outside the truck, then jumping in and driving away. Bazydlo said Sims was holding onto the truck but fell off at a speed bump and was run over.

Fairburn police are searching for 33 year old Tauren McShan after they say he ran over one of their officers. The officer just got out of surgery. More details at noon. @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/rRYIa7vdcm  Tom Jones (@TomJonesWSBTV) February 4, 2019

The pickup truck was found a few miles from the hotel and just over the Fulton County line, he said.

It all started out seemingly routine, but theres nothing routine about what we do, Bazydlo told WXIA-TV. Initially it appeared everything was going to pan out but things turned dangerous really quickly.

He said Sims had transferred from MARTA Police to Fairburns department in November.

Weve only had him for a few months, but he gets along with everyone and is always willing to help out, Bazydlo said.

He said thats what Sims was doing early Monday: An officer called for backup and he was the first one to respond.
This combination of pictures created on Feb. 2, 2019, shows Nicolas Maduro (L) delivering a speech during a gathering with supporters in Caracas on Feb. 2, 2019, and opposition leader Juan Guaido delivering a speech in Caracas on Feb. 2, 2019. (YURI CORTEZ,JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images)

Maduro Threatens to Jail Venezuelas Opposition Leader as Global Pressure Mounts

Venezuelas embattled dictator Nicolas Maduro hinted that the countrys young opposition leader Juan Guaido could soon be sent to prison for his presidency challenge, as nine major European nations recently joined the United States in recognizing Guaido as the interim president.

Speaking to his supporters on the evening of Feb. 4, Maduro questioned how long Guaido could serve his virtual term. Maduro first gained power of the oil-rich nation in 2013 and was inaugurated to a second term in January which has been widely dubbed as illegitimate.

Until 2025, too? Maduro told supporters, The Guardian reported, referring to if Guaido followed his current 6-year term. Or until he ends up in jail by order of the supreme court of justice?

In 2017, Maduro forced Venezuelass legitimate Supreme Court into exile. The banished chairman of the court, Justice Miguel Angel Martin, previously told The Epoch Times that Maduro is a former president and has called on the Venezuelan military to detain him.

But Guaido still remains a free man since he first proclaimed himself acting president on Jan. 23. Maduro is likely afraid to take physical action against his opposition for fear that the United Stateswhich has been a key supporter of Guaidowould severely punish him in retaliation.

On Feb. 4, Maduro also turned his criticisms to the United States. He called President Donald Trump an arrogant racist and the embodiment of capitalism itself as European nations led by Britain, Germany, France, and Spain recognized Guaido as president after an eight-day deadline for Maduro to call a new election expired.

A day before that, Maduro said Trump was acting as if he was the head of the Ku Klux Klan in an appeal to Pope Francis for an upcoming peace conference led by Mexico and others on Feb. 7.

Venezuelas government, in another statement, said it expresses its most energetic rejection of the decision by the European nations.

Russia and China, the main backers of Maduro, have invested billions of dollars in Venezuela through investments and loans. Although most Latin American countries back the opposition leader, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Bolivia, and Cuba have all pledged their support for Maduro.

The dictators socialist policies have caused an economic crisis that has prompted millions of Venezuelans to flee the nation and has elicited mass protests in the streets calling for him to step down.

Next Step

Maduro on Jan. 30 said he was ready to negotiate with Guaido, who has continued to ramp up local and international pressure against his presidency. A day before, he had blocked Guaido from leaving the country and is investigating him for alleged anti-government activities.

His calls were backed by Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov who said on Feb. 5 that Venezuelas mounting political crisis could only be solved if the two have a dialogue.

We continue to believe that the only way to exit this crisis is by sitting the government and opposition down at the negotiating table, Lavrov was cited as saying by the RIA news agency. Otherwise it will simply be the same regime change that the West had done many times.

But a top Venezuelan diplomat said Guaido does not plan to talk with Maduro.

Carlos Vecchio, who was appointed by Guaido as the representative of the government of Venezuela to the United States, said at a discussion hosted by the Atlantic Council that they want to have an orderly transition of government.

We dont want more conflict, Vecchio said. We are not willing to participate in any dialogue of the type that Maduro is interested in. The only thing we will accept is our agenda on how  we negotiate his exit. And thats where the pressure has to be brought to bear.

Despite the mounting pressure, Maduro still has the support of the Venezuelan armed forces, even as Guaido is offering amnesty to soldiers who join his side. On Jan. 26, Col. Jose Luis Silva, Venezuelas defense attache to Washington and a key military official, said he broke with Maduros regime. Gen. Francisco Yanez, a high-ranking Venezuelan air force general also disavowed Maduro and recognized Guaido.

Trump and White House national security adviser John Bolton have previously said all options are on the table if Maduro decides to use military force in the current standoff. When asked whether the all options remarks included military action, Bolton told reporters in Venezuela on Jan. 24, I think that speaks for itself.

Meanwhile, the United States is reportedly sending food and medical supplies to Colombias border with Venezuela where it will be held until it can be properly delivered into the struggling nation.
Hands on a keyboard in front of a displayed cyber code on Oct. 4, 2018. (Reuters/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)

Lithuania Fears Russia Could Sway Its Elections

VILNIUSLithuanias intelligence agencies fear Russia will interfere in its forthcoming elections, including one in May to find a successor to the staunchly anti-Kremlin president, Dalia Grybauskaite.

The Baltic state, ruled from Moscow for much of the 20th century but now a member of both the European Union and NATO, was rattled by Russias annexation of Crimea, and hosts a German-led multinational battalion to deter any Russian invasion. It holds presidential, municipal, and European Parliament elections this year and a parliamentary election in 2020.

Russian intelligence will step up its activity during the 2019-2020 election cycle, the agencies wrote in a joint annual assessment published Feb. 5. It is possible that Russia will seek to sway the course of the elections by information and cyber means.

Moscow could disseminate propaganda and disinformation in Lithuanian social media, it said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the suggestion was absolute nonsense, adding, Russia does not interfere in elections in other countries.

Russia is also suspected of carrying out a number of notable cyber attacks, including a concerted assault on the information systems of another Baltic state, Estonia, in 2007, and an attack that knocked out power stations in Ukraine in 2016. Russia denies being behind any cyber attack.

The Lithuanian report said Russia was basing more tanks and bombers in the Kaliningrad enclave, which borders Lithuania and Poland, and upgrading its bases there.

The report also said there was a growing risk of unintentional incidents from increased military maneuvers on the other side of the Russian-Lithuanian border.

The agencies said they had observed Russian intelligence targeting people in Lithuanias energy sector and trying to hack into control systems to gain the ability to disrupt Lithuanias electricity supply.

This is far from our priority, the Kremlins Peskov said. Recently, in Kaliningrad, Putin opened a gas liquefaction plant, which guaranteed Kaliningrads self-sufficiency in energy.

By Andrius Sytas
The three-year-old volcanic island (center) as seen from the SEA drone. (Sea Education Association / SEA Semester)

Life Colonizes Mysterious Island That Appeared in the Pacific Ocean in 2014

New vegetation and a mysterious, sticky mud were found on one of the worlds newest islands, located in the Pacific Ocean.

The island is near Tonga in the South Pacific and is unofficially called Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haapai (Hunga Tonga). The island was created via a volcanic eruption in December 2014.

NASA said it is the first island of its kind that has formed since satellites began taking pictures of the Earth on a regular basis.

Scientists first predicted the island would exist for just a few months. But in 2017, NASA said the island survived against all odds and may last from six to 30 years.

Theres no map of the new land, stated Dan Slayback of NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

We were all like giddy school children, said Slayback after visiting the island.

Most of it is this black gravel, I wont call it sandpea sized graveland were mostly wearing sandals so its pretty painful because it gets under your foot. Immediately I kind of noticed it wasnt quite as flat as it seems from satellite.

He added: Its pretty flat, but theres still some gradients and the gravels have formed some cool patterns from the wave action. And then theres clay washing out of the cone. In the satellite images, you see this light-colored material.

The island is mostly mud and light-colored clay mud, he added.

So even though wed seen it we didnt really know what it was, and Im still a little baffled of where its coming from. Because its not ash, Slayback stated.

The scientists were also able to get close photos of the vegetation that is starting to take hold.

A barn owl made a surprise appearance (they occur worldwide; the sighting was not, it turns out, particularly remarkable), likely living on the heavily vegetated older islands, as well as hundreds of nesting sooty terns that had taken shelter in the deep gullies etched into the cliffs surrounding the crater lake, NASA said.

NASA said the vegetation was likely fertilized via bird droppings, and the animals were living on nearby islands.

It really surprised me how valuable it was to be there in person for some of this. It just really makes it obvious to you what is going on with the landscape, he said.

Slayback noted that the island appears to be eroding faster than previously thought because of rainfall.

The island is eroding by rainfall much more quickly than Id imagined. We were focused on the erosion on the south coast where the waves are crashing down, which is going on. Its just that the whole island is going down, too. Its another aspect thats made very clear when youre standing in front of these huge erosion gullies. Okay, this wasnt here three years ago, and now its two meters deep, he said.
Back to the Dear Old Cold War

By Eric Margolis

February 04, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - President Donald Trump and the neocon sofa samurais who surround him seem determined to pick a fight with China or Russia, or both at the same time.

Later this month, the US and China are due to try to end their long-running trade war which has damaged the economies of both nations. At the heart of the trade dispute are soya beans and pork, the two principal American exports to China, as well as Chinas efforts to grab US technology.

I find it amazing that, in 2019 high-tech America, the most important exports to China, aside from aircraft, are the humble soya bean and pigs. Of course, they come from farm country, the heartland of Trumps political support.

Not a thought has been given to the hellish mistreatment of the pigs themselves, intelligent animals who are turned into inanimate objects known as pork, or the foul conditions their industrial breeding creates.

China will likely be the first to blink in this test of national wills. It imports less from the US than it exports and is thus vulnerable to trade pressure.

But history amply shows that its a bad idea to push China into a corner and make it lose face.

Suave diplomacy is the way to deal with the proud, prickly Chinese. They have refused to play by world trade rules, it is true, and need some serious arm-twisting. But not at a time when the Pentagon is ostentatiously planning a war against China in the western Pacific. The fuse has already been lit.

Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter

Meanwhile, the far right neocons, led by the unbalanced John Bolton, have convinced Trump to break the 1987 US-Soviet short and intermediate missile treaty signed by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. This landmark agreement led to the removal of all US and Soviet land-based missiles from Europe. The pact was regarded as the first major step in reducing nuclear weapons.

The 1987 treaty was a godsend for Europe, which would have been ground zero in any nuclear exchange. It was also a huge relief for Moscow which rightly feared that the highly accurate US Pershing missiles based in Europe could deliver a devastating surprise strike, known as decapitation, on Soviet government leadership targets. Moscows retaliation would have razed Paris, London, Frankfurt, Brussels, Amsterdam and other important targets.

Over recent months, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has been responding to growing US nuclear threats by vaunting new developments in his nations missile technology. If accurate and actually deployed, these new hypersonic and nuclear-powered missiles with immense range will make obsolete all of US anti-missile defenses, a topic much loved by Trump.

Now, Trump & Co. are preparing to junk this crucial piece of Cold War architecture and resume the arms race with Russia. Pentagon sources say the real reason is to counter Chinas missiles, which were not a factor in 1987, and have proliferated in recent years. Increasingly accurate, these Chinese tactical and strategic missiles are a major source of concern to the US Navy and US Asian bases.

But the US still has ample land, air and ocean-based nuclear forces to inflict immense damage on China. Violating the bedrock 1987 treaty with Moscow hardly seems worth adding some US nuclear-armed missiles in Guam, Japan or South Korea.

We must also suspect that the Trump White House has resurrected the old Cold War notion of bankrupting the Soviets/Russia by drawing them into a ruinous arms race. The US and its NATO satraps and Japan had a five times larger military capability than the old Soviet Union or todays threadbare Russia. Well spend them into the ground, went the old battle cry in Washington. This at least is preferable to a nuclear exchange.

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev just denounced the Trump administrations nuclear policies as a gigantic mistake and threat to mankind. NATO, showing its subservience to Washington, bleated its support for US plans to deploy new medium-ranged missiles in Europe. But, in truth, Europeans are aghast at the prospect of a nuclear war fought in their backyards.

When the history of our era is written, Trumps reincarnation of Cold War nuclear missile rattling will surely rank as a monumental historic folly. No amount of soya bean or pig sales can make up for that.
Liam Neeson attends the screening of "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs" during the 56th New York Film Festival at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on Oct. 4, 2018 in New York City. (Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images)

Liam Neeson Admits He Wanted to Kill After Friend Was Raped

Liam Neeson has said he is ashamed to admit he had violent thoughts about killing a black person after learning that someone close to him had been raped.

In an interview published Feb. 4, Neeson said that after being told the attacker was black, he went up and down areas with a cosh (stick or truncheon) hoping a black person would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him.

It took me a week, maybe a week and a half, to go through that, Neeson said.

Some social media users expressed shock at his admission, accusing Neeson of racism.

I definitely understand the anger one might feel learning that a loved one was hurt in such a disgusting way. But I would think that you would want THAT INDIVIDUAL to pay the price. Not just ANYONE of the same ethnicity. Thats just an excuse for your racism. #LiamNeeson  AstroPhyz (@PhyzAstro) February 4, 2019

Other social media users understood his story as a moment in his life where he saw the wisdom of abstaining from vengeance.

@Clemence_Mcl In the article #LiamNeeson says he realized revenge (murdering any innocent black man in place of the rapist) would only cause more revenge. PLEASE write an article discussing how THIS QUALIFIES A HATE CRIME and not revenge. How is no one focusing on this?! https://t.co/M9YtNCaRn5  Kelsi Taylor (@space_kels) February 4, 2019

#LiamNeeson had a moral crisis after a close friend of his was raped. He confronted his own prejudice head-on, no one was hurt, and he came out a better man, realizing his behavior wasnt just. It takes integrity and courage to admit to such a controversial personal quandary.  Luke (@MagnusElijah) February 4, 2019

The Northern Ireland-born actor recounted the story in an interview with The Independent while promoting his new thriller Cold Pursuit, about a father who seeks violent revenge for his sons death.

He said the incident happened some time ago.

Neeson, 66, called his reaction horrible, saying it taught him a lesson about the primal need for revenge.

Neeson, who grew up in Northern Ireland during the decades of violence known as the Troubles, said: I understand that need for revenge, but it just leads to more revenge, to more killing and more killing, and Northern Irelands proof of that.

Neesons publicist didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sacha Baron Cohen Notified FBI of Possible Pedophile Ring While Filming TV Series

Controversial comedian and actor Sacha Baron Cohen has revealed that he stumbled upon a possible pedophile ring in Las Vegas while filming his television series Who is America?

In an interview with Deadline published on Dec. 19, Baron Cohen stated that a deleted scene included evidence that a hotel concierge had contact with someone who could supply underage children to guests.

The actor was playing a fake character named Gio who was interviewing the concierge around the same time that a large number of accusations against producer Harvey Weinstein had been made public.

We wanted to investigate how does someone like Harvey Weinstein get away with doing what  get away with criminality, essentially. And the network that surrounds him, said Baron Cohen to Deadline.

During the interview, Gio told the concierge that he had molested an 8-year-old boy, and Baron Cohen expected the concierge to immediately leave the room. But to his surprise, he did not. The comedian then asked the concierge to help him get rid of the problem, and the man began to give Gio some advice.

We even at one point talk about murdering the boy, and the concierge is just saying, well, listen, Im really sorry. In this country, we cant just drown the boy. This is America we dont do that. And then, in the end, he puts me in touch with a lawyer who can silence the boy, said Baron Cohen.

Then Gio asked, Can you get me a date for tonight?

Cohen then said, [The hotel concierge] says, what do you mean, a date? I go, you know, like a young man. He says, well, what kind of age? I say, lower than Bar Mitzvah but older than eight. And he says, yeah, I can put you in touch with somebody who can get you some boys like that.'

Baron Cohen said it was fascinating from a journalistic standpoint, but the scene was so extreme and so dark that it was too unsettling for the audience.

We immediately turned over the footage to the FBI because we thought, perhaps theres a pedophile ring in Las Vegas thats operating for these very wealthy men, he said. And this concierge had said that hed worked for politicians and various billionaires.

However, Baron Cohen said, In the end, the FBI decided not to pursue it.

Who is America? Faces Legal Troubles

Cohen was sued earlier this year by Alabama Judge Roy Moore related to another interview on his Who is America? television show.

Moore was told he would be receiving an award for supporting Israel, instead, he was subjected to a fictional device that Cohen said was invented by the Israeli Army to detect pedophiles. Moore walked out of the interview and his lawyers later sent a letter to Showtime demanding that the footage not be released.

The judge filed a complaint against Baron Cohen, Showtime, and CBS on Sept. 5 alleging defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress and fraud, according to court documents. The judge is seeking $95 million in damages.

Epoch Times Reporters Sarah Le and Alan Cheung contributed to this article
Justice Department Finds No Evidence That Foreign Meddling Impacted 2018 Election

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence concluded in a classified report that foreign meddling did not have a material impact on the election and political infrastructure during the 2018 midterm election, according to a statement from the Justice Department.

President Donald Trump ordered intelligence and law enforcement authorities last year to regularly investigate foreign interference efforts in U.S. elections. Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen submitted the joint report to Trump on Feb. 4.

The Departments have concluded there is no evidence to date that any identified activities of a foreign government or foreign agent had a material impact on the integrity or security of election infrastructure or political/campaign infrastructure used in the 2018 midterm elections for the United States Congress, the Justice Department said in a statement.

While concluding that interference had no impact, the Justice Department did not say that no attempts at meddling occurred, suggesting that the classified portion of the report outlines such activity. Authorities said the reports findings will help drive future efforts to protect election  infrastructure from foreign interference.

Congress approved $380 million last year to help safeguard voting systems. The departments of justice and homeland security worked with federal, state, local, and private partners during the 2018 election cycle to protect election infrastructure against the risk of foreign interference. Authorities are already working to secure the 2020 election, according to the statement.

Ahead of the November 2018 election, U.S. intelligence and law enforcement officials warned that foreign actors were continuing their manipulation efforts. Prosecutors charged a Russian national with participating in a Kremlin-backed plan to interfere in the election.

Some state and local governments reported attempts to access their networks ahead of the November 2018 election, but U.S. officials said they were able to prevent or limit access. On the night of the Nov. 6 election, Nielsen said there were no signs that voting systems had been breached.

Intelligence chiefs have previously identified Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran as the main culprits in election meddling. Washington previously accused Moscow of meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Moscow denies the accusation.

Special counsel Robert Mueller has indicted a number of Russian nationals and entities for orchestrating a social media disinformation campaign. Mueller has not accused any U.S. citizen of knowingly colluding with Russia.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, left, poses with an unidentified man. (United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York)

Jury Begins Deliberating Fate of Alleged Mexican Cartel Boss El Chapo

Jurors began deliberations in the trial of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, accused of running one of the worlds most infamous drug cartels, in Brooklyn federal court on the morning of Feb. 4.

Guzman, 61, is accused of leading Mexicos Sinaloa Cartel, which became one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world. He escaped from prison in Mexico twice and will face the possibility of life in a U.S. prison if convicted.

The 11-week trial, which featured testimony from more than 50 witnesses, offered the public an unprecedented look into the inner workings of the cartel, named for the state in northwest Mexico where Guzman was born in a poor mountain village.

Prosecutors said he trafficked tons of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine into the United States for more than two decades, consolidating his power in Mexico through murders and wars with rival cartels.

The defense argued that Chapo was set up as a fall guy by Ismael El Mayo Zambada, a drug kingpin from Sinaloa who remains at large.

The most detailed evidence against Guzman came from more than a dozen former associates who struck deals to cooperate with U.S. prosecutors.

Through them, jurors heard how the Sinaloa Cartel gained power amid the shifting allegiances of the Mexican drug trade in the 1990s, eventually coming to control almost the entire Pacific coast of Mexico.

They heard how Guzman made a name for himself in the 1980s as El Rapido, the speedy one, by building cross-border tunnels that allowed him to move cocaine from Mexico into the United States faster than anyone else.

Despite his ties to government officials, Guzman often lived on the run. Imprisoned in Mexico for drug trafficking in 1993, he escaped in 2001 hidden in a laundry cart and spent the following years hiding in the mountains of Sinaloa, guarded by a private army.

He was seized and imprisoned again in 2014, but pulled off his best-known escape the following year when he disappeared into a tunnel dug into his cell at a maximum-security prison.

He was finally captured again in 2016 after a shootout in Sinaloa and extradited to the United States from Mexico in January 2017.

The jury to decide his fate comprises seven women and five men. At least three jurors are immigrants, three are Spanish speakers, and several have ties to law enforcement.

Almost all of them had heard of Guzman before the trial began, but said they could be impartial. The only exception was a woman from Ethiopia who said she had no clue who he was.

Reporting by Gabriella Borter
Joshua Trump, 11, has been bullied for sharing a last name with President Donald Trump, no relation. (White House)

Joshua Trump to be One of President Trumps Guests at State of the Union

A bullied 6th grader with the same last name as President Donald Trump will be one of the presidents guests at the State of the Union on Feb. 5.

Joshua Trump, 11, of Delaware, has been bullied for years because of his last name.

He was being punched and bullied all because of his last name, his mother, Megan Berto, wrote in a 2018 Facebook post.

She said that her son was switched to a new bus in an attempt to stop the bullying.

So my son used to ride bus 35 and I recently switched him to bus 36.because he was being punched and bullied all  Megan Berto  2018126

Id like to ask any parents who have children that ride those buses to please talk to them, she added.

I had to sit down with my son and hear him tell me that he hates himself and that he feels sad all the time. Why is this ok? The school wont tell you about this but I am asking you to please talk to your children. In an age where our children are depressed and suicidal dont let your kid be a bully.

Joshua was named as one of two child guests of President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, who has focused on anti-bullying efforts as part of her work as first lady.

Joshua Trump is a 6th grade student in Wilmington, Delaware. He appreciates science, art, and history. He also loves animals and hopes to pursue a related career in the future, according to a short statement posted by the White House.

His hero and best friend is his Uncle Cody, who serves in the United States Air Force. Unfortunately, Joshua has been bullied in school due to his last name. He is thankful to the First Lady and the Trump family for their support.

Trump was set to meet with his guests on Tuesday prior to the speech. The guests will sit in the audience.

Boy dumps Trump name over bullying at Delaware school. Whenever I think the insanity cant get any worse, it gets worse. https://t.co/0znaKLPVvb  Crankin64 (@RankinIrisheyes) December 13, 2018

Constant Bullying

The constant harassment since President Trumps announcement in 2015 that he was running for president left Joshuas family struggling to figure out what to do.

Megan Berto took her husbands name when she got married but her son has always used his mothers maiden name as his own.

Bobby Berto, the boys father, told WPVI that he pulled Joshua out of school to homeschool him for a year due to the brutal bullying.

Joshua was sent back to public school and any hopes that he would avoid bullying were dashed. They curse at him, they call him an idiot, they call him stupid, the boys mother said. The parents got the school to change Joshuas last name to Berto in the schools system.

In December, an anti-bullying group gave support to Joshua, awarding him their Anti-Bullying Medal of Courage. His story, while tragic over its content, provides greater awareness to many, as he now becomes a role model over the fact that you are who you are, Claudio Cerullo, founder of Teach Anti Bullying, said in a statement.

Cerullo said that Joshuas family told him that many of the students who bullied Joshua have apologized.

Cerullo advised Joshuas parents not to change his last name because of the bullying, adding: No one should have to change over the ridicule of your name.

From NTD News
Jason Dalton stands in front of Judge Alexander C. Lipsey as he is sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole for six counts of murder and several other charges at the Kalamazoo County Courthouse in Kalamazoo, Mich., on Feb. 5, 2019. (Joel Bissell/MLive.com)

Jason Dalton Sentenced to Life for Killing 6 as Uber Driver

KALAMAZOO, MichiganA man who fatally shot six strangers in southwestern Michigan was sentenced on Feb. 5 to life in prison with no chance of parole, and some loved ones of those he killed said they believe hell face a greater, more permanent punishment.

Someday when you die and you face God, he will make the ultimate judgment for what youve done, Laurie Smith, who lost her husband and son in the February 2016 rampage, told Jason Dalton during the sentencing hearing. All I can say is, I do not want to be younot now and not then.

Dalton, 48, pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder last month, just as jury selection was about to begin in his trial. Michigan has no death penalty, so he was guaranteed to receive the mandatory life sentence at Tuesdays hearing in a Kalamazoo County court.

Dalton admitted shooting eight people in three locations in between picking up passengers for Uber. After his arrest, police quoted Dalton as saying a devil figure on Ubers app was controlling him on the day of the shootings.

LIFE SENTENCE: Jason Dalton, who fatally shot six strangers while driving for Uber, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after people gave victim impact statements, including Laurie Smith, whose husband and son were victims. https://t.co/mqYYT4TVkR pic.twitter.com/lNZr5CcKGw  World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) February 5, 2019

Four women were killed in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel restaurant: Barbara Hawthorne, Dorothy Judy Brown, Mary Lou Nye and her sister-in-law, Mary Jo Nye. Rich Smith and his 17-year-old son, Tyler Smith, were fatally shot while looking at a pickup truck in a dealers lot.

Living without (them) is impossible, said Emily Lemmer, the daughter of Rich Smith and sister of Tyler Smith, who months after their deaths carried their ashes in a box as she walked alone down the aisle at her wedding.

Lemmer, who spoke during the hearing, said shes afraid she will lose more people that I love, and she cant understand why Dalton went on a deadly rampage.

She then warned Daltonsitting nearby with his hands clasped across his stomachwith words similar to those of her mother.

I would not want to be you, ever, but especially when you meet our maker, she said.

Jason Dalton will be sentenced to life in prison tomorrow for the 2016 Kalamazoo shooting rampage. The son of one of his victims said thats the best we could really hope for. https://t.co/g9KF7cHJbx  WOOD TV8 (@WOODTV) February 5, 2019

Abigail Kopf, who was 14 at the time, was shot in the head during the restaurant shooting and survived. Tiana Carruthers was shot and wounded in a residential area.

I see pain in your hatred, Carruthers said to Dalton during the hearing, as she tried to get him to look at her.  I hate myself for hating you.

Dalton was deemed competent to stand trial and had dropped an insanity defense just before his trial was scheduled to start. He hasnt explained why he randomly shot eight people.

The father of two had worked as an insurance adjuster and had no criminal record before the shootings.

Prosecutor Jeff Getting has said the question of a motive haunts us. He estimated Tuesday that Dalton could live another 25 to 30 years, amounting to thousands of days.

Ten thousand days (in prison) doesnt come close to what you deserve, Getting said. I wish somehow it could be more. You deserve more.

A gun shop owner said Dalton bought a jacket with an inside pocket designed to hold a gun just hours before the rampage. Shop owner Jon Southwick recalled Dalton laughing and joking, and giving a one-armed hug to the manager before making the purchase.

WatchJason Dalton Pleads Guilty to 6 Murders:
Protesters attend a rally at Metropolitan Detention Center demanding that heat is restored for the inmates in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, New York, U.S., Feb. 2, 2019. (Go Nakamura/Reuters)

Inmates Shiver in Frigid Cells at New York Jail, Lawmakers Say

NEW YORKInmates at a federal jail in Brooklyn have suffered for days without heat or power during a wintry cold snap, according to lawyers and U.S. lawmakers who rallied outside the jail on Feb. 2 demanding the problems be fixed and ill inmates moved.

A fire on Jan. 27 at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center cut off power and heat to parts of the jail just as freezing Arctic air began rolling towards the East Coast, according to motions filed this week in federal court by lawyers from the Federal Defenders who represent some of the inmates.

Since then, at least some of the more than 1,600 men and women incarcerated at the jail have suffered in near-freezing temperatures and in darkness after the sun goes down while locked in their cells for 23 hours a day, according to the court filings. Late on Jan. 30 , the temperature in New York City dropped to nearly 0 Fahrenheit (minus 18 Celsius.)

Inmates were wrapped head to toe in towels and blankets, Deirdre von Dornum, who oversees the Federal Defenders Brooklyn team, said in a telephone interview on Feb. 2, recounting her tour of the jail the day before. Their windows were frosted over. Even more disturbingly perhaps for the inmates, their cells were pitch black and they dont have flashlights.

She said senior officials at the jail were indifferent to the problems during her tour even as guards complained to her of the cold. The power problems have also meant inmates cannot easily call family or lawyers nor get any needed medication refilled, lawyers said.

Telephone calls to the jail went unanswered on Feb. 2, but it said in a statement that power had been affected in one building and that repair work should be completed on Feb. 4. Additional blankets, provided by New York Citys government, and clothing were to be given to inmates on Feb. 2, the statement said. A notice on the jails website said all visits have been suspended until further notice.

Officials at the jail and the Bureau of Prisons had said in emails this week to the New York Times, which first reported the problems on Feb. 1, that the cells still had heat and hot water.

One inmate, Dino Sanchez, has only a short-sleeved jumpsuit, a T-shirt and a single standard-issue thin blanket to keep him warm, according to a court filing by his attorney. Sanchez has asthma, which the cold has exacerbated, and fears collapsing in the dark without anyone noticing and coming to his aid, his lawyer wrote.

Nydia Velazquez, who represents parts of New York City in the U.S. House of Representatives, was one of the lawmakers who visited the jail on Feb. 2. She said the Bureau of Prisons was disregarding inmates rights.

This appalling situation needs to be fixed, she wrote on Twitter. She noted that some heat had been restored, but that the heating system was still not at fully capacity and that staff at the jail were still complaining about the cold on Feb. 2.

Hugh Hurwitz, the Bureau of Prisons acting director, told lawmakers in telephone conversations he agreed that conditions in the jail were unacceptable, according to Velazquez.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a brief statement that the conditions at the jail were unconstitutional and demanded an immediate fix.

Judge Analisa Torres ordered the Bureau of Prisons to produce witnesses at a hearing in federal court in Manhattan on Feb. 5 to explain how the complaints raised by inmates lawyers were being addressed.

By Jonathan Allen
Migrants eat a meal at a refugee center for migrants who arrive from Spain in Bayonne, France, on Jan. 31, 2019. (Reuters/Regis Duvignau)

In Frances Basque Region, Police Grapple With New Migration Flashpoint

BAYONNE, FranceIn the Basque Country town of Bayonne, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, French police are struggling to stem a growing flow of migrants crossing the snow-capped mountains that straddle the border between France and Spain.

Spain became a major entry point for Africans fleeing war and poverty after a populist government took power in Italy early last year and largely shut down ports to migrants.

More than 58,000 migrants landed in Spain by boat in 2018, according to the International Organization for Migration, nearly triple the previous year and eclipsing for the first time the numbers passing through North Africa to Italy.

Many head north and cross the French frontier hidden in trucks, riding buses, or on foot, crossing a mountain range with its highest peak rising to 11,000 feet and with winter temperatures often falling below zero.

My colleagues are professionals, but they become despondent when they run searches, take migrants back over the border, only for them to re-enter. Its like emptying an ocean with a spoon, said Patrice Peyruqueou, a police official in Frances southwestern Pyrenees-Atlantiques region.

A lack of resources means police cant monitor all border crossing points around-the-clock, Peyruqueou added.

The European Union has struggled to resolve tensions among member states over migration policy, even as overall numbers arriving from Africa and the Middle East have declined sharply.

With Spain a flashpoint, Bayonne, 25 miles north of the border, is grappling with a humanitarian situation that is stretching the towns finances and pitting Mayor Jean-Rene Etchegaray against the local representative of the interior ministry.

In the New Year, Etchegaray asked the local prefect for funds to help finance the running of a reception center dubbed La Pausa, where up to 150 migrants at any one time can rest for three days, receiving food and donated clothes.

But the interior ministrys then-local prefect, Gilbert Payet, refused to provide support for the center, arguing it helped encourage the movement of migrants across France.

Etchegaray was stunned. Its a question of humanity, he told a local radio station.

By Regis Duvignau and Claude Canellas
Krystal Kenney Lee, an Idaho nurse, is slated to appear in a Colorado courtroom on Feb. 8, 2019. She's facing a charge related to the disappearance of Colorado woman Kelsey Berreth, who vanished on Thanksgiving and is presumed dead. (Krystal Lee/Facebook)

Idaho Nurse to Face Charge Linked to Missing Colorado Woman Kelsey Berreth

An Idaho nurse charged with tampering with physical evidence in the case of Kelsey Berreth, a missing Colorado woman who is presumed dead, is slated to appear in court for the first time.

Krystal Kenney Lee, 32, is facing one count of tampering with physical evidence, a felony. Shes expected to appear in Teller County court in Colorado on Feb. 8, according to Fox 31. She faces a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Another Montana news outlet, KOAA, reported that its not clear what evidence authorities believe the nurse destroyed, although previous reports indicated that she may have destroyed or thrown out Berreths cell phone.

Lees best friend reportedly informed her bosses, Joe and Patty Rockstahl, in October 2018 that Lee, her best friend, told her that a man had asked her to kill the mother of his child, the couple told KMVT. The couple asked the employee to have Lee talk to them but she never did. They werent able to alert authorities in time but they did speak to the FBI after Berreths disappearance.

Lee is allegedly an acquaintance of Patrick Frazee, Berreths fiance.

Authorities launched an investigation into Lee after Berreths cell phone pinged in Gooding about 35 miles south of Twin Falls, where Lee works at a hospital, three days after Thanksgiving.

Gooding is about 800 miles from Woodland Park, Colorado, where Berreth, 29, lived.

After the ping cell phone ping, officials said it could mean different things.

It makes us wonder what shes doing up there, or what the phone is, potentially, because she may not be there, Cmdr. Chris Adams of the Woodland Park Police Department told ABC at the time. At that point, the case was still classified as a missing person case as opposed to a murder case.

Berreth vanished on Thanksgiving and hasnt been seen since.

Authorities said in December 2018 after arresting Frazee that they believe he killed Berreth.

We finally received enough information to implicate Patrick in his involvement in Kelseys death, Woodland Park Police Chief Miles De Young said at a press conference. Sadly, we do not believe Kelsey is alive.

Frazee was charged with first-degree murder as well as solicitation to commit first-degree murder.

According to charging documents, officials believe Frazee reached out to another person to try to convince that person to kill Berreth, his fiance and the mother of his child.

Between and including Sept. 1, 2018, and Nov. 1, 2018, Patrick Frazee unlawfully and feloniously commanded, induced, entered, or otherwise attempted to persuade another person to commit the felony of murder in the first degree, the documents stated.

Friend of Berreths Speaks

A close friend of Kelsey Berreth, the Colorado mother who is believed to have been killed by her fiance Patrick Frazee, said in an interview that Berreth had a great life except for troubles with Frazee.

Ashley Cogburn said that Berreth had a great job, a beautiful new baby, and was engaged, but there were red flags in the relationship.

The moment that I found out that she had been missing, the first words that came out of my mouth were, He did something to her, Cogburn told CBS.

Frazee, according to Cogburn, was always mad about something.

She couldnt win  the things that he would say to her were somewhat demeaning  I remember one time, in particular, she came to me and she was just crying, Cogburn said.

And Kelsey is thisshes a tough girl  and I cant remember specifics, but I just remember gathering, This person is borderline emotionally abusive to you right now.

Cogburn knew Berreth since elementary school and they recently lived together while in Colorado.

When Frazee was arrested on Dec. 21, 2018, Cogburn said she knew in her heart that her friend was dead.

I wanted to hold onto hope that that wasnt the case. You know, so youI grasped onto, Well, maybe somebody took her. Maybe. I think deep down I knew, she said.

From NTD News
HQ Trivia and Vine Co-Founder Died From Overdose of Multiple Drugs

An autopsy shows that Vine and HQ Trivia founder Colin Kroll died from an overdose of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl, according to reports.

The New York City Chief Medical Examiner Office said that his death was ruled as an accident.

He was found dead at the age of 34 in his luxury Manhattan apartment on Dec. 16, 2018.

Namely, Kroll died of acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, the office told Fox News on Feb. 5.

He was chief executive of the trivia app HQ Trivia, which live-streams trivia shows to users.

His girlfriend called the NYPD after she was unable to get ahold of him, sources told the paper, the New York Post reported in December.

Before that, Kroll helped found Vine, a now-defunct social media app, that showed short video clips. He also worked at Twitter after it purchased Vine in 2012.

Krolls stint at Twitter ended with allegations that he made employees feel uncomfortable. Kroll had been facing a complaint filed with human resources by an HQ Trivia employee for an aggressive management style, the Daily Mail reported.

Colin Kroll, CEO and co-founder of HQ Trivia, died from an overdose of multiple drugs.  TMZ  201925

Jeremy Liew, an investor with Lightspeed Venture Partners and a board member at Intermedia Labs, the firm behind HQ, issued a statement to Recode in 2017 about Krolls alleged behavior.

We heard back from a couple of firms that they were not going to move forward, specifically because of rumors of what was characterized as womanizing on Colins part. I was concerned that this might be code for sexual harassment. So in my capacity as a board member, I conducted an investigation to find out what actually happened. I spoke to about a dozen current and former Twitter execs. The investigation was exhaustive and included the most knowledgeable primary sources. I found a good deal of negative sentiment about Colin and the Vine team and some discomfort with his behavior, but I did not find evidence that warrants his removal from the company, he said.

The NYPD issued a non-specific statement to Business Insider when he died.

On Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 0018 hours, police responded to a 911 call for a wellness check at 56 Spring Street within the confines of the 5th Precinct. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 35-year-old male unconscious and unresponsive in a bedroom. EMS responded and pronounced the individual deceased on scene. The investigation is ongoing and the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death, the NYPD said.

Fentanyl Overdoses

In August, President Donald Trump urged the Senate to pass a measure to stop synthetic opioid drugs such as fentanyl from being transported into the United States via the U.S. Postal Service system.

It is outrageous that Poisonous Synthetic Heroin Fentanyl comes pouring into the U.S. Postal System from China, he wrote on Aug. 20.

The shipment of fentanyl from China to the U.S. is almost a form of warfare, Trump said in August. In China, you have some pretty big companies sending that garbage and killing our people, Trump added.

More than 71,500 Americans have died of a drug overdose in 2017, according to data released the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majorityor least 68 percentof those deaths could be attributed to opioids such as fentanyl.
Mary Barra, chief executive officer of General Motors (GM), arrives for a meeting with Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) on Capitol Hill, Dec. 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

GM Cutting 4,000 Workers in Latest Round of Restructuring

WASHINGTONGeneral Motors Co on Feb. 4 said it was starting to hand pink slips to about 4,000 salaried workers in the latest round of a restructuring announced in late November that will ultimately shrink its white-collar workforce in North America by 15 percent out of 54,000.

Two people briefed on the cuts said GM is cutting hundreds of jobs at its information technology centers in Texas, Georgia, Arizona and Michigan and more than 1,000 jobs at its Warren, Michigan Tech Center. GM is filing new required mass layoff notices with state agencies and disclosed the cuts to lawmakers.

An exterior view of the GM Lordstown Plant on November 26, 2018 in Lordstown, Ohio. (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

The largest U.S. automaker announced in November it would cut a total of about 15,000 jobs and end production at five North American plants. The cuts include eliminating about 8,000 salaried workers, or about 15 percent.

GM cut about 1,500 contract workers in December and said 2,300 salaried workers accepted buyouts, officials said.

These actions are necessary to secure the future of the company, including preserving thousands of jobs in the U.S. and globally. We are taking action now while the overall economy and job market are strong, increasing the ability of impacted employees to continue to advance in their careers, should they choose to do so, GM spokesman Pat Morrissey said, adding the bulk of the cuts should be completed in the next two weeks.

In November, the company announced plans to end production at the U.S. factories and one in Ontario as part of a major restructuring designed to cut costs and divert resources to development and manufacturing of trucks, SUVs and electric and autonomous vehicles.

While some of the roughly 3,300 U.S. factory workers will retire, most of the rest will be offered one of 2,700 jobs the company plans to add at factories where production will increase, GM announced on Dec. 14, 2018. Some would have to uproot and move to other cities for jobs.

Our focus remains on providing interested employees options to transition including job opportunities at other GM plants, CEO Mary Barra said in a statement of the factory workers.

That still leaves the majority of the 14,000 cuts hitting white-collar workers.

A union member reacts as union leaders speak at Local 222 in Oshawa, Ontario, on November 26, 2018. (LARS HAGBERG/AFP/Getty Images)

Morrissey said GM would provide salaried workers with severance packages and job placement services.

GM is also cutting its executive ranks by 25 percent and last week laid off three senior people in its Washington office and some other small salaried layoffs previously took place.

President Donald Trump and U.S. and Canadian lawmakers have blasted GMs plans to end production at plants in Ontario, Michigan, Ohio and Maryland. GM said in November it would end U.S. and Canadian production of the Chevrolet Cruze, Volt, Impala, the Buick LaCrosse and the Cadillac XTS and CT6 sedans.

Unifor president Jerry Dias speaks with reporters after meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Parliament Hill on Nov. 27, 2018. (The Canadian Press/Fred Chartrand)

Trump, who made a 2017 speech near GMs Lordstown Assembly plant in Ohio, said in November the company had better find a new product for that plant.

But GM Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra wrote last week: We are more convinced than ever that our strategy is sound and in the long term.

Last month, Comprehensive Logistics said it would cease operations at its facility in Lordstown that provides logistics and warehousing, impacting about 180 jobs. Magna International Inc is also laying off about 120 people at its Lordstown Seating Systems plant that makes seats for GM vehicles.

By David Shepardson

The Associated Press contributed to this article.
By Susie Day

February 04, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - Now that the government shutdown has ended, the Trump administration has turned to hard science to bolster its argument for a border wall. The proposed 2,000-mile barrier, which would bar thousands of Latin Americans from illegal entry into the United States, received timely support today, with the announcement of a breakthrough scientific discovery. According to top anthropologists at Immigration and Customs Enforcement, only United States citizens  unique among any other people on planet Earth  possess qualities identifying them as true Homo sapiens.

I feel so clean  so human! exclaimed Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. Frankly, there was something sub-par about those so-called people invading our democracy. Theyre  pushy. And their screaming kids  so ungrateful for those shiny new NASA space blankets. Hurtful.

Ms. Nielsen, who currently faces an FBI investigation for denying to Congress the existence of Trumps policy separating immigrant families, asserted that this scientific breakthrough fully justifies the allotment of $5.7 billion for the wall.

It totally vindicates President Trump for calling immigrants rapists, murderers, terrorists, whatevers. Given this newfound scientific data, what could you expect from these human-being-wannabes?

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The discovery was announced in Washington at ICE headquarters this morning by Assistant Director Henry Heinrich, who described it as a major paradigm shift. This is a real morale booster, said Mr. Heinrich. Id bet my opposable thumbs on it  the ones I use for strangling. And hey, being Caucasian helps, but this isnt a master-race thing. Just look at all the black people in the Trump administration.

The administration sees this as one of the few victories to emerge from the 35-day government shutdown. Fifty-four thousandCustoms and Border Protection agents and officers had to work without pay, Mr. Heinrich continued. They were understandably mad as hell. But we at ICE tried to keep our family together. So during downtime, wed hang out with the grunts and watch hours and hours of the best American TV and online video. Fox and Friends. Breitbart. Old McCarthy HUAC hearings  when witch hunts meant something. That old silent, The Birth of a Nation. Anything with Ann Coulter

Mr. Heinrich said that, as they watched, they realized an amazing thing. Again and again, we saw American citizens embodying nobility, reason, self-actualization. Traits we think of as human. Conversely, non-Americans  Mexicans, Guatemalans, Hondurans, and, of course, Muslims  appeared not to have these qualities. We were stumped. So we went to the Homeland Anthropological Institute for Racial Security.

Researchers at HAIRS went to work and, after conducting several warrantless searches, confirmed that these disgruntled government employees had stumbled onto the key to Western Civilization. To quote the study: United States citizens are human beings! Everybody else is just a proto-person.

This reporter immediately set out to verify these findings by selecting certified American citizens and asking them how they felt about non-citizens illegally attempting to cross Americas southern border.

Any idiot knows immigrants arent human, said David Plunderton, who owns a string of paleo fast-food restaurants in Wichita, Kan. Like, I know because, when I see patrol agents on the news roughing them up and depriving them of water in the desert and tearing them from their children and throwing them into camps  I dont care. What more proof you want?

Interestingly, retired political science teacher and avowed liberal, Helen Backford, holds a similar position. Theres broader consensus for this science than you might think, dear. In 2006, Congress passed the Secure Fence Act. True, it only allotted $1.4 billion to build a 700-mile wall. But then-senators Barak Obama, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Charles Schumer voted for it. Even now, it looks like House Democrats, although theyre against an actual wall, will propose over $5.7 billion to enhance border security.

What this means, speculated Ms. Backford, is that although the liberal Democratic establishment may describe Latin American immigrants as human, we do not believe, in our hearts, that theyre ourkind of human. And look, dear, if you really want a different opinion, youre going to have to stop interviewing white people.

Scholars predict this breakthrough  besides inspiring more and better MAGA merch  will transform academic disciplines, particularly anthropology. It could reconfigure the concept of evolution, itself, surmises Dr. Wendell Bloodworth, Senior Fellow at The American Homunculus Foundation. Although we still believe our species began in Africa, were now starting to see that those individuals who migrated north and westward across the Atlantic Ocean  who came of their own free will, and not in a slave ship  developed more advanced traits as they went. Finally, they reached the North American continent, just below Canada and above Mexico, where, around the year 1776, they became fully human.

Those who migrated in other directions, continued Dr. Bloodworth, have remained essentially bipedal primates. Latin immigrants? Im not even sure if theyre primates. We wont really know until we can arrest more of them.

The psychiatric field is also expected to undergo major changes in the wake of this study. Dr. Ziggy Schadenfreude, author of Im OK, Youre in an Immigrant Detention Camp, observes, Although we psychotherapists continue to encourage healthy self-concepts in our patients, we now feel that a healthy self-concept for an American citizen should be an advanced state of megalomania. Mere narcissism just wont cut it.

Recently, the president accepted House Speaker Nancy Pelosis invitation to deliver the State of the Union Address. On February 5, Donald Trump will proclaim his scientifically bestowed powers over lives on this planet. To millions of exhausted Americans, fearing another government shutdown, he will proclaim his humanity.

This article was originally published by " PM Press " -

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The Earths north magnetic pole is moving away from the Canadian Arctic and is heading towards Siberia in Russia, said the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (NOAA NCEI)

Earths Magnetic North Pole Is Moving Towards Russia, NOAA Says in Update

The Earths north magnetic pole is moving away from the Canadian Arctic and is heading towards Siberia in Russia, said the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The movement forced scientists to update the World Magnetic Model (WMM), which is used by NATO and militaries around the world, for its location.

Due to unplanned variations in the Arctic region, scientists have released a new model to more accurately represent the change of the magnetic field between 2015 and now, said NOAA in a news release on Feb. 4.

Since 1831, the north magnetic has been moving across the Canadian Arctic towards Russia, which is unlike the geographic north pole, which is fixed, NOAA reported.

In recent years, magnetic north has been shifting at a rate of around 34 miles per year, NPR reported.

NOAA explained that the WMM is updated every five years, but due to the shift of the pole, scientists were forced to publish the WMM update a year earlier.

With the last release in 2015, the next version is scheduled for release at the end of 2019. Due to unplanned variations in the Arctic region, scientists have released a new model to more accurately represent the change of the magnetic field between 2015 and now, said the news release.

This out-of-cycle update before next years official release of WMM2020 will ensure safe navigation for military applications, commercial airlines, search and rescue operations, and others operating around the North Pole, it added.

NOAA noted that the military uses the WMM for undersea and aircraft navigation, parachute deployment, and more, adding that NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Forest Service, and many more use this technology for surveying and mapping, satellite/antenna tracking, and air traffic management.

Meanwhile, smartphones and other electronic devices rely on the WMM to provide consumers with accurate maps, compasses, and GPS services.

Airport runways are perhaps the most visible example of a navigation aid updated to match shifts in Earths magnetic field. Airports around the country use the data to give runways numerical names, which pilots refer to on the ground, said the agency.

Also, migratory animals such as birds, butterflies, and whales use the magnetic field for directions. Other animals like cows can sense the Earths magnetic field, and they position themselves towards a magnetic pole while grazing.

The average user is not going to be overly affected by this unless they happened to be trekking around the high Arctic, Ciaran Beggan, a geophysicist, told National Geographic.

Earths magnetic field has been slowly changing throughout its existence. The magnetic drift takes place amid processes at the center of the planet.

The cores molten iron and nickel flow rates lead to changes in the magnetic field.

The dynamo of Earths core creates a magnetic field that is slightly tilted from the planets rotational axis. The northern end of this planet-size bar magnet is whats known as geomagnetic northa point sitting off the northwest coast of Greenland thats changed position little over the last century, explained National Geographic of the phenomenon.
A joint session of Congress meets to count the Electoral College vote from the 2008 presidential election the House Chamber in the U.S. Capitol January 8, 2009 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Democrats Seek to Work Around the Electoral College

A proposal to overthrow the constitutionally mandated system for electing the president and vice president of the United Statesknown as the Electoral Collegewithout going through the effort of amending the U.S. Constitution has three-fifths of the support its backers say it needs to become a reality.

According to a group called National Popular Vote (NPV), the proposal would guarantee the Presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Currently, 48 states give all their electoral votes to the candidate who prevails in the popular vote in that state. Nebraska and Maine use a different formula, awarding some of their electors by congressional district.

According to a tally maintained by NPV, enabling legislation has been adopted in 11 states plus the District of Columbia, representing a total of 172 electoral votes. Those states are California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

The plan, NPV claims, would become effective when enacted by several more states with 98 more electoral votes.

Colorados state Senate voted last week to nullify the states electoral votes in presidential elections by forcing the states presidential electors to vote according to the national popular vote. The bill has yet to clear the states House.

Getting Around the Electoral College

In the new Congress, House Judiciary Committee member Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) has introduced legislation that would lead to an amendment to abolish the Electoral College.

In two presidential elections since 2000, including the most recent one in which Hillary Clinton won 2.8 million more votes than her opponent, the winner of the popular vote did not win the election because of the distorting effect of the outdated Electoral College, Cohen said.

Americans expect and deserve the winner of the popular vote to win office. More than a century ago, we amended our Constitution to provide for the direct election of U.S. Senators. It is past time to directly elect our President and Vice President.

Democrats have long sought to get around the Electoral College, which prevents the United States from political domination at the hands of major population centers, which are controlled by Democrats in so-called blue states.

Instead of amending the Constitution, a very tall order, NPV wants states to ignore their own voters and enter into an interstate compact that would hand the presidency to whomever gets the greatest number of popular votes nationally.

Constitutional amendments need two-thirds approval of each chamber of Congress, and then ratification by three-quarters of the states. Small states arent likely to go along with a proposal like NPVs that would permanently water down their voting power in presidential elections.

Likely Legal Challenges

The plan to junk the Electoral College has been in the works for years. Jonathan Soros, son of radical financier George Soros, endorsed the proposal back in 2008.

The Constitution is no longer in line with our expectations regarding the role of the people in selecting the president, Soros wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, adding that Americans are currently at the mercy of the tyranny of small-state logic.

The interstate compact is unlikely to be enacted before the 2020 election, if ever. Even if it secures the state support its advocates say it needs to take effect, it would almost certainly be subjected to a mountain of legal challenges on constitutional grounds.

According to Hans von Spakovsky, a senior legal fellow at The Heritage Foundation, a national popular vote system is a recipe for chaos.

The compact is an end run around the Constitution. It would lead to litigation, said von Spakovsky, a former attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Election Commission, told The Daily Signal. The national popular vote backers realize they will never convince the public to amend the Constitution. But they can convince [the public] to enter a compact.

Christian Adams, president of the Public Interest Legal Foundation and a former Justice Department civil rights attorney, says a popular vote compact between the states is blatantly unconstitutional.

Whoever is president is supposed to have broad geographic support, Adams said. People who support a national popular vote want elections decided in large urban centers. Under the Constitution, Congress would have to approve a compact between states.

Little Republican Support

Few Republicans appear to support NPV.

An exception is Saul Anuzis, a former Republican Party chairman in Michigan who works as a senior consultant to the NPV group. Anuzis says interstate compacts such as one between eight states regarding water use and another authorizing the multi-state Powerball lottery are legal.

State legislatures are clearly allowed to decide how to choose presidential electors, he said.

No Republican red states have joined the compact, but Anuzis says they should, arguing a national popular vote system would help the GOP.

Candidates will be forced to compete in all 50 states, Anuzis said. Republicans will have to turn out the vote in Oklahoma and Utah, and Democrats will have to turn out the vote in Delaware and Rhode Island. We are a center-right country, and if we have the right candidate with the right message, we have a good chance of winning.

Ray Haynes, a former Republican member of the California Senate, also supports NPV.

I believe Donald Trump would have won a popular vote election if he had run a popular vote campaign, said Haynes, who, like Anuzis, works for NPV.

The Electoral College doesnt protect small states. Its not learned people discussing who should be president. Thats all horse manure.

Constitutional Safeguard

Defenders of the current system point out that the Electoral College was intended as a safeguard against majoritarian tyranny and to prevent larger states from overwhelming smaller states. Allowing individual citizens to directly elect the president would create mobocracy and allow the most-populous states to dominate the process, the thinking went, and the states with smaller populations would be ignored by candidates.

The Framers of the Constitution also rejected proposals for Congress or the states to choose the president, and instead created the Electoral College to provide for the indirect election of the president (and the vice president). Voters in the 50 states andsince the ratification of the 23rd Amendment in 1961, the District of Columbiachoose electors bound to the candidate they prefer.

The number of electors each state receives is equal to the number of seats the state holds in the Senate and the House of Representatives, with a minimum of three electors per state including the District of Columbia, for a grand total of 538 electors.

The electors meet in their respective state capitals in mid-December and formally elect the president. If a presidential candidate receives fewer than half of the electoral votes cast, the House chooses the president. The president is then inaugurated the following Jan. 20.

Usually, the individual who wins the election is the person who receives both the most electoral votes and popular votes, but not always. President Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton in the Electoral College but garnered fewer popular votes, largely because of Clintons commanding popular vote lead in Democrat-dominated California.
Gerald Cotten, the 30-year-old founder of QuadrigaCX, died after complications of Crohns disease, reported Sky News. (Facebook / Gerald Cotten)

Cryptocurrency Boss Dies With Passwords Needed to Access $190 Million in Funds

Customers of a Canadian cryptocurrency exchange are not able to access $190 million in funds after the founder died with the passwords needed to access it.

Gerald Cotten, the 30-year-old founder of QuadrigaCX, died after complications of Crohns disease, reported Sky News.

Jennifer Robertson, his wife, confirmed that he died while traveling to India to open an orphanage.

$190 million of cryptocurrency and traditional money have been inaccessible since the one person who knew the passwords died.  Fox News  201925

Cotten held sole responsibility for handling the funds and coins, and no other members of the QuadrigaCX team could access the money, she said in an affidavit on Jan. 31.

The $190 million in cryptocurrency and normal money is in cold storage, she said.

Robertson has her husbands laptop, but she doesnt know the password. A technical expert they hired hasnt been able to bypass the encryption, she said.

The laptop computer from which Gerry carried out the Companies business is encrypted, and I do not know the password or recovery key, Robertson said, Coindesk reported. Despite repeated and diligent searches, I have not been able to find them written down anywhere.

Robertson said that she and her colleagues have been threatened by online cryptocurrency communities, namely Reddit communities.

The firms board of directors also applied for creditor protection.

A statement from the companys board said: For the past weeks, we have worked extensively to address our liquidity issues, which include attempting to locate and secure our very significant cryptocurrency reserves held in cold wallets, and that are required to satisfy customer cryptocurrency balances on deposit, as well as sourcing a financial institution to accept the bank drafts that are to be transferred to us.

The statement added: Unfortunately, these efforts have not been successful.

Other details about the case are not clear.

QuadrigaCX customers have been criticizing the firm.

Ally Shapoval wrote: Hello, Quadriga! I withdrew money from my Quadriga account to my bank more than 2 weeks ago. WHERE IS MY MONEY? STILL NOT THERE.

I sent you emails, you are not responding, she said, Sky reported.

Another wrote: I have sent lots of emails, but I just get automatic responses, Im not even able to get my crypto out.

Lawyers acting for creditors will receive the laptop of recently deceased Gerald Cotten, CEO of major Canadian exchange QuadrigaCX  Cointelegraph  201925

Some people have questioned whether Cotten is really dead, and others have accused the firm of lying to them.

Violent Crime in the US

The number of murders and violent crimes committed in the United States dropped slightly in 2017, according to new crime statistics released in September 2018.

Crime declined nationwide last year, consistent with our earlier analyses of 2017 data in the nations 30 largest cities, Ames Grawert, senior counsel for the Justice Program at the Brennan Center for Justice in New York, told the Washington Times.

The founder's widow said "repeated and diligent searches" for a password have failed.  CBS News  201924

Thats the good news. The bad news is that even while crime is falling, the number of Americans incarcerated remains near-record highs. Now is the time to address the problem.

The number of cases of manslaughter and murder dropped 0.7 percent in 2017 from the prior year, the report said.

Rapes rose by 3 percent and aggravated assault rose by 1 percent, but overall violent crimes dropped 0.2 percent, the report added.
Linda Woolley died after the University of Colorado hospital wrongly removed both of her kidneys.(GoFundMe)

Colorado Woman Dies After Surgeons Wrongfully Remove Two Good Kidneys

A Colorado woman whose kidneys were wrongfully removed months ago in a needless surgical procedure has died.

Our wild, sassy, and beautiful mother, Linda Woolley, passed away on February 1st, said the family in an update on GoFundMe.

Linda Woolley recently passed away after her kidneys were wrongly removed. Now, her community is coming together to support her family & honor her life. https://t.co/EW6QMBucbC  GoFundMe (@gofundme) February 5, 2019

Family members told KFOR that Woolleys death may transform the case from a medical malpractice suit into a wrongful death suit.

Doctors at the University of Colorado Hospital removed both of Woolleys kidneys in May of last year, according to KDVR. Woolley told reporters afterward that doctors told her she needed the surgery because she probably had kidney cancer.

A hospital was already facing a medical malpractice lawsuit from Linda Woolley after doctors wrongly removed both of her kidneys last May. Now, the case may become a wrongful death suit, after Woolley passed away on Feb. 1. https://t.co/bM9P2TBiOI  WPMT FOX43 (@fox43) February 5, 2019

But biopsy reports from March 2018 obtained by KDVR reportedly showed no evidence of malignancy and the results were consistent with a benign process.

A big mistake, is how Woolley described the surgery.

It Robs You of Your Life

After the surgery, she was forced to undergo dialysis treatment three times a week, each treatment lasting about four hours. My life was totally changed, Woolley said. Dialysis is no picnic no matter how used to it you get, it robs you of your life.

She spoke to KFOR reporters in November of last year, saying the hospital had not apologized for the unnecessary procedure and that she was considering suing.

It is terrifying because you have no choice when you go into a hospital. You trust that youre going to be taken care of, said Woolley.

Linda Woolley lost both of her kidneys due to a medical mistake. Now people are stepping up to offer her one of their own

One day after the Problem Solvers shared Woolleys story of having both kidneys removed because doctors at the University of https://t.co/pvBEcrU99B  VIP Kidney Health (@VIPKidney) November 17, 2018

Woolley shared her story on the program Problem Solvers in November. Investigative reporter Rob Low asked her, Do you feel like the University of Colorado Hospital owes you an apology?

Woolley responded, I feel like they owe me a kidney, thats for sure.

Problem Solvers program staff reached out to the University of Colorado Hospital with questions as to what happened. KDVR reported that a hospital representative emailed a reply saying, I dont have any information for you about this.

Jodi Fournier, Woolleys older daughter, said her mother would still be alive if her kidneys had not been removed.

Absolutely, said Fournier, theres a few things the kidneys regulate, one of them being potassium. And when you dont have them (kidneys) you have the dialysis that removes those toxins in your body. Her (potassium) levels were twice what they shouldve been and that ultimately caused the cardiac arrest.

Our mom had both of her kidneys removed in May of 2018 at the recommendation of the second urologist we consulted, the family said on GoFundMe. She had to attend dialysis three times a week because her body was no longer able to produce urine. Shes had countless complications that followed that horrific eventall made more aggravating because she was told after she no longer had her kidneys that she never had kidney cancer.

We Are Heartbroken

Woolley went into cardiac arrest and never regained consciousness before passing away.

Our mom went into cardiac arrest on Tuesday (1/29) morning due to complications related to extremely high potassium levels, the family wrote on GoFundMe. She was able to be resuscitated at the hospital, was placed on life support, and our entire family gathered and waited for days for her to wake up until we got the news that she would not be waking up.

Simply saidwe are heartbroken.

Heidi Haines, Woolleys youngest daughter, said that prior to her mothers death, the family was optimistic for a recovery.

This was completely unexpected. I (Heidi) was actually planning on donating a kidney to my mom this spring, and she was in the process of completing all of the necessary tests and procedures so that she would get the all clear to move forward with the transplantshe had a stress test scheduled for February 9th.

I thought I was going to be able to fix it, Haines told KFOR, and now I wont get the chance.

Fournier told the station that her mother loved to ride horses.

It hit me really hard that shes not going to get to ride with me anymore, she said, according to the report. Im really going to miss that. She was so happy when she was riding, she was free.

Please consider helping out Lindas loved ones during this difficult time as they navigate this tragedy and move forward in life without her, the family added. Donations will go directly to her daughters (Jodi, Sundae, and Heidi) to help with end of life celebration costs and future/past expenses.

In a statement cited by KFOR, the University of Colorado Hospital said, Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones. We are committed to providing the highest-quality care for our patients. Unfortunately, we are unable to discuss any specific patients because of federal and state laws that protect patients privacy.
People from all walks of life gather at the city's bistros. (Shutterstock)

Bistros of Paris Eye UNESCO Heritage Bid to Fight Decline

Paris is fighting back against the decline of its historic bistros with gold medals and a hoped-for UNESCO heritage bid to recognize their contribution to city life.

Thirty years ago, bistros made up 50 percent of the citys restaurants, but now only comprise 14 percent, according to Alain Fontaine, founder of an association fighting to have the relaxed restaurants recognized as intangible heritage by the UN cultural body.

Michelle Maurel runs Le Bougainville in Pariss second administrative areacriss-crossed by historic glass-roofed shopping arcades and home to the old stock exchange and a bustling business district.

Maurel says she has been working in bistros for more than 20 years and that one of her first jobs as a student was selling ice cream in one.

[Theyre] very important because its part of our culturein my case, from childhood, she said. The bistro runs in my blood; its part of Parisian culture.

She now helps run the family business, opened by her in-laws in 1962, with its traditional metal counter and menu of magret de canard (duck breast) and dauphinoise potatoes (sliced potatoes baked in milk or cream).

Maurel was one of more than 100 bistrotiers honored in a ceremony on Jan. 30 at the city hall, where gold medals and certificates were presented by mayor Anne Hidalgo.

Fontaines team hoping for world heritage status first needs the support of Frances culture ministry.

The aim of this event is to help our mission, to say to our intangible French heritage, to the French culture ministry, and to say to UNESCO, were on our way,' Fontaine said.

Eric Giroud is the manager of Le Procope, which claims to be the oldest restaurant still open in Paris, boasting historic relics including a hat allegedly belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte.

He said the bistro is integral to French heritage and that the country must fight back against the trend of consumers choosing fast food outlets over establishments like bistros.

Fontaine describes the typical bistro as a way of life worth preserving, and a place where people from all walks of life can meet under one roof.
Ken Bellingham, who owns Edmonds Bakery in Washington state, retracted his apology for baking cookies with the "build the wall" slogan on them, telling people to "lighten up." (Support Edmonds Bakery/GoFundMe)

Baker Who Apologized for Build the Wall Cookies Explains Why He Retracted Apology

A baker who apologized for baking cookies that had lettering on them saying build the wall has retracted his apology.

Ken Bellingham owns Edmonds Bakery in Washington state. After cookies he baked with the slogan written on them prompted complaints, he apologized.

But Bellingham said in a new statement that he was unapologizing, while reintroducing the build the wall cookies.

He said that hes protected by the First Amendment.

Am I supposed to be quiet because I cant write what I want, or I can only write what they want or makes them happy? No. Thats not how it is. They can write whatever they want on their own cookie and I can do that on mine, he told KOMO.

He called the decision to sell the cookies a business decision, not a political one.

People should lighten up, said Bellingham, as he etched Lighten Up on a heart-shaped cookie.

Ana Carrerra originally shared a picture of the cookies, saying the phrase hurt her. Its hard to see words like that, she told King 5. She said that her parents fled to the United States from Mexico in the 80s because of drug cartels.

We were born here, but my parents were the stories you see on the news of people crossing the border because they just want a new start, Carrera said. She claimed that build the wall was linked to white supremacists without citing evidence.

Border Wall to Stem Flow

President Donald Trump has championed the southern border wall since announcing he was running for president, arguing that a wall is the most effective way to stem the flood of illegal aliens flowing into the United States from Mexico.

In just two months in late 2018, for instance, 100,000 illegal aliens poured across the border. A number of them claimed asylum, contributing to the backlog of cases in courts that usually end with aa rejection of the claim.

While 89 percent of asylum-seekers from Central America pass an initial credible-fear screening at the border, only 9 percent are subsequently granted asylum by an immigration judge, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Of those who pass their initial screening, 40 percent then fail to lodge an official asylum application and 31 percent fail to show up for their immigration court hearing, according to the DOJ. And, of those, most remain in the wind.

The situation has led to up to 29 million illegal aliens living in the United States.

Business Has Gone Up

Bellingham said that business has gone up considerably since one customers complaint about the cookies led numerous news agencies to publish stories on the situation.

I have so many new customers, Bellingham told My Edmond News. I did as much stuff as I did on Saturday, which is our best day, and weve done better than that.

I cant even do the ones to be picked up tomorrow, he added.

Bellingham said that the message on the cookie was originally meant to be a joke with his family.

My daughter-in-law is political, he said. And her daughter and her were teasing each other back and forth while I was writing funny sayings on the cookies, and that one just came up.

Build the Love!  Edmonds Bakery  201922

He has a long history of writing different words on his cookies, including I Love Tacos and Im Offended.

Bellingham noted for people who are trying to paint him as a racist for wanting proper border enforcement that he is a devout Christian who travels to Mexico twice a year on mission trips.

We dig ditches, we paint buildings, we did a water-treatment filter system, he said. We go out to the surrounding villages and ask people if they want prayer.

Epoch Times reporter Charlotte Cuthbertson contributed to this report.

From NTD News
A firefighter walks past an ice-encrusted home after an early morning house fire in St. Paul, Minn., on Jan 30, 2019. (Jean Pieri/Pioneer Press via AP, File)

Authorities: 4 Die in Dallas From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

DALLASFour people have been found dead in a house under construction in Dallas.

The Dallas Morning News reports that authorities say the two men and two children are believed to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesman Jason Evans says a generator powering a heater and cellphones was inside the house and had run long enough for the carbon monoxide to reach fatal levels.

4 dead, including children, from carbon monoxide poisoning  CBS Laredo KYLX  201923

Fire officials and police were called to the house in Dallas Oak Cliff neighborhood about 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 3.

The victims names and ages havent been released, but Evans says the children were young boys.

Property owner Hector Medrano says the men were construction workers who recently had to move from their apartments. He says he let them sleep in the home overnight.

12-Year-Old Boy Dies After Carbon Monoxide Leak in Alberta

A 12-year-old boy has died after a carbon monoxide leak at an apartment block in Alberta, Canada.

The apartment complex in Airdrie was evacuated for over six hours on Sunday, Feb. 4, after hazardous levels of carbon monoxide were detected, say police.

The warning came too late for the 12-year-old boy, who died at around 5 p.m., according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

At the familys request, police are not releasing his name at the current time, said Airdrie RCMP Insp. Kimberley Pasloske during a press conference Sunday evening.

Our community of Airdrie is very close and this news hits us very hard, said Pasloske.

She refused to comment on the condition of the other two family members, who were also taken to the hospital.

Police initially announced the evacuation of the four-storey apartment block at 700 Willowbrook Rd., at 9 a.m. on Sunday.

By around 3:40 p.m. they declared all but six of the 136 evacuated units safe again, but warned residents to leave windows open to allow any residual gas to escape.

We had extremely high readings of 2,100 parts per million on the second floor, which is really quite elevated, Airdrie Fire Department Deputy Chief Garth Rabel told CBC.

Carbon monoxide is not only dangerous because it is so poisonous, but also because it is hard to detect until it is too late, since it is colorless and odorless.

It also accumulates inside the body, EMS spokesman Stuart Brideaux explained to the Calgary Herald.

The issue with carbon monoxide  it has a great affinity in the body, so low concentrations over a long period can eventually have the same cumulative effect as a high concentration in a small period, he said. The problem is when you inhale it, very little to any of it is actually exhaled back out.

Early symptoms are sometimes described as flu-like, except you wouldnt have a fever but you may have headaches and nausea, vomiting and general malaise, feeling dizzy, unwell, said Brideaux.

Epoch Times Reporter Simon Veazey contributed to this article
Hong Kong Cheung Keung Martial Arts Association performance during the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade in Hong Kong on Feb. 5, 2019. (Ivan Abreu/Getty Images for Hong Kong Tourism Board)

Asia Welcomes Year of the Pig With Banquets, Temple Visits

BEIJINGAsia welcomed the Lunar Year of the Pig with visits to temples, family banquets and the worlds biggest travel spree on Feb. 5.

Celebrations took place throughout the Asia region.

The streets of Beijing and other major Chinese cities were quiet and empty after millions of people left to visit relatives or travel abroad during the years biggest family holiday.

Families gathered at home for multigenerational banquets. Companies, shops and government offices closed for official holidays that ranged from two days in South Korea to a week in China.

Hong Kong

Worshippers stood in line for hours at Hong Kongs Wong Tai Sin Temple to welcome the new year by lighting incense.

My first wish is for world peace, said Lana Wong, a prominent Hong Kong actress, 88. Everyone has food to eat, employment and houses to live in. The elderly also hope the government will take better care of them.

Mainland China

In Beijing, vendors sold toys branded with the British cartoon character Peppa Pig, which is enjoying a surge of popularity for the Year of the Pig.

My wishes for new year are a promotion, a raise and finding a boyfriend, said a spectator, Cui Di, a 28-year-old employee of a foreign company.

The holiday in mainland China is marked by the biggest annual travel boom as hundreds of millions of people visit their home towns or travel abroad.

The railway ministry forecast mainland travelers would make 413 million trips during the three-week period around the holiday.

Chinese set off billions of fireworks to celebrate the new year. An explosion at an illegal fireworks shop in southern China killed five people early Tuesday. Investigators said it was triggered by fireworks set off by the shopkeeper outside the shop.

Thailand

In Bangkok, people lit incense sticks and burned paper money and other symbolic offerings for deceased relatives despite government appeals to avoid contributing to smog.

Some shopkeepers sold symbolic ballots to burn as offerings following official promises of an election this year, the first after four years of military rule.
Ariana Grande Responds to Reported Million-Dollar Offer to Remove Misspelled Tattoo

Ariana Grande took to Twitter to respond to rumors that shed been offered over $1 million to get her botched 7 rings tattoo removed. Additionally, she also took to the social media platform to comment on accusations of cultural appropriation.

Grande responded to a tweet by TMZ about a reported $1 million offer by Laser Away to remove her latest tattoo. Ill give yall a million to get off my nuts, she wrote.

ill give yall a million to get off my nuts https://t.co/7yMyP0eHtt  Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) February 2, 2019

The 25-year-old pop star got the tattoo to celebrate the release of her new song, 7 Rings, by getting what she thought was 7 Rings in Japanese. However, it turned out what was written was actually Japanese style BBQ.

Ariana Grandes new tattoo  means Japanese style bbq grill, not 7 rings. ???? If you want to know about , just google SHICHIRIN pic.twitter.com/HuQM2EwI62  *amo* (@hey__amo) January 30, 2019

Grande responded to Twitter users pointing out the blunder: id like it to be respectful and more correct bruh whats wrong w that. tryna learn heeere.

id like it to be respectful and more correct bruh whats wrong w that ???? tryna learn heeere  Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) January 31, 2019

She then consulted with a Japanese-fluent friend to fix the tattoo, documenting their conversations in a series of Instagram Stories.

Grande returned to Los Angeles tattoo artist Kane Navasard to fix the error, reported People. Later that evening, she shared a photo of the updated tattoo on her Instagram Stories.

Slightly better, she wrote. Thanks to my tutor for helping me fix and to @kanenavasard for being a legend. And to my doctor for the [anesthetic] shots (no joke).

However, her updated tattoo was still not quite right. The new one read, Japanese BBQ finger. In response to someone who told her she should apologize for using a foreign language purely for aesthetics, she tweeted (and since deleted) a response: I also went back and got it fixed with the help of my tutor to be more accurate. I cant read or write kanji obviously. what do you want me to do? it was done out of love and appreciation. what do you want me to say?

u know how many people make this mistake and DONT care just cause they like how it looks? she continued. bruhi care soooo much. what would you like me to do or say? forreal.

She also made the point that she has removed all her merchandise that has Japanese writing on it. There is a difference between appropriation and appreciation, she tweeted. My japanese fans were always excited when i wrote in japanese or wore japanese sayings on my clothing. however, all of the merch with japanese on it was taken down from my site not that anyone cared to notice.

Earlier this year, Grande was criticized for cultural appropriationspecifically allegedly appropriating black culture and using the Japanese language in her 7 Rings music video. She also came under fire for allegedly stealing the song itself from several artists.

The R&B track was heavily inspired by My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music and speaks to Grandes strong friendships and new sense of independence following a difficult year that included the death of ex-boyfriend Mac Miller and her whirlwind romance with ex-fiance Pete Davidson, reported Poeple.

Grande first opened up about the inspiration behind 7 Rings in her Billboard Woman of the Year cover story in December.

It was achallenging fall day in New York, she told the publication, likely referring to her breakup with Davidson. Me and my friends went to Tiffanys together, just because we needed some retail therapy.

You know when youre waiting at Tiffanys they give you lots of champagne? They got us very tipsy, so we bought seven engagement rings, and when I got back to the studio I gave everybody a friendship ring, she explained. Thats why we have these, she said, while flashing a diamond ring on her right hand, and thats where the song idea came from.

From NTD News
After 4-Year-Olds Death, Virginia Judge Says Shes Sickened by Case: Reports

A Virginia woman and her son are currently under investigation after a 4-year-old in the teens care died.

A 14-year-old boy called his mother, 35-year-old Catherine Louise Seals, to report that Larkin Carter Carr, a 4-year-old boy in the teens care, was unresponsive at their home in Norfolk, local station WAVY reported on Jan. 30.

Larkin was eventually taken to the Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughters, the report said.

"I may go vomit," said a Norfolk judge upon review of the 4-year-old's death.  WAVY TV 10  2019130

When he arrived, doctors said the child had a black eye and bruises all over his body, and he died in the hospital on the same day. The incident took place last year, but reports late last month said that the woman and teen are now under investigation.

An autopsy revealed that Larkin suffered from blunt-force trauma to the abdomen and head, said Norfolk prosecutor Jill Harris, adding that dozens of bruises covered his body.

Seals said she left the boy home alone with the 14-year-old, who was not named in reports. The teen later admitted to attacking the child in various ways, according to WAVY.

Harris said the child was sick for several days after the alleged attacks, but no one took him to the hospital, the report said.

Seals was charged with two counts of child abuse and neglect, and the teen was charged with strangulation. Neither face charges in Larkins death.

During a hearing last Wednesday, Judge Lauri D. Hogge denied Seals bond and was speechless after seeing photos of the child.

 BonnienClint Carr  20181222

I may go vomit, Hogge said in court, WAVY reported.

Larkin and his 3-year-old brother, Tyler, were living with Seals and their father since July, the Springfield News-Sun reported.

Larkins mother, Tracey Quinones of Harrisonburg, said she noticed bruises covering her son during a visit months ago. She took photos and sent the information to the Norfolk Child Protective Services, adding that she isnt sure if the agency followed up on the report.

Theyre supposed to protect your children from situations like this, Quinones told the news outlet. I feel like they failed my son and they failed his family.

 Tracey Quinones  201686

Assistant Norfolk Commonwealths Attorney Jill Harris sustained repeated beatings every other day for months, according to the News-Sun.

Larkins aunt, Tosha Ann Wallace, said via Facebook that (her) baby boys account is finally being told.

U didnt deserve none of this. Your wings was ready but my heart was not, Wallace said. Cant believe your (sic) gone, love u and miss u so much.

Other details about the case are not clear.

One of The Nations Most Serious Concerns

According to a report published by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, around 3.5 million children in 2016 were the subjects of at least one maltreatment report to authorities.

Child abuse is one of the nations most serious concerns, the authors of the report wrote. About 17 percent of those reports were substantiated, and the department said that there were an estimated 676,000 victims of child abuse and neglect.

That amounts to 9.1 victims per 1,000 children. Children in their first year of life had the highest rate of victimization at 24.8 per 1,000 children, the report said. About three-fourths of the cases were neglect, and about 18 percent were physical abuse.

Some children suffered from multiple forms of maltreatment, the HHS said.

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is available at 1-800-422-4453 or at Childhelp.org.
February 04, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - Its encouraging to hear that Agnes Callamard, the UNs execution expert, is at last in Istanbul to lead the independent international inquiry into the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. Better late than never, perhaps, but the old UN donkey clip-clops upon the world stage according to the politics and courage of the panjandrums beside the East River in New York.

Thus Callamard arrived all of four months after Khashoggi was butchered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. And she is now politely asking the Saudis themselves  respectfully, she tells us  to give her access to the murder scene at some stage.

As we all know, Khashoggi wrote the truth about Saudi Arabia, was lured to his countrys consulate in Istanbul, got strangled, chopped up and secretly buried. And if were going to come down hard on those who kill members of our journalistic profession  alas, well have to put aside for the moment all those Turkish journos banged up in their own country  Callamard has made a start. As opposed to all those like the boss of the Morgan Stanley investment bank, James Gorman, and the president of Switzerland, Ueli Maurer, who are keen to get back to business with Saudi Arabia.

We have long since dealt with the Khashoggi case, Maurer has announced. Common sense, I suppose. But then theres very little chance that Gorman or Maurer will be lured to a Saudi embassy, strangled, sawed into bits and dumped in an unknown grave.

But thats not quite my point. What Im really asking is why the killing of one Arab journalist is more equal than the killing of other Arab journalists? Why, for example, is the fate of Jamal Khashoggi, a friend and colleague of many of us, of infinitely more pressing importance than the fate of Yaser Murtaja?

Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter

The first clue is that Yaser Murtaja was killed in Gaza. The second is that he is one of 15 reporters or camera crew, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, killed by Israeli fire since 1992, two of them last year. Shooting at reporters in Gaza has become so routine  four more were wounded by Israeli bullets between May and September 2018  that western newspapers and television scarcely bother to record their suffering.

Just as the Saudis talked of Khashoggis links with terrorism  they meant the Muslim Brotherhood  so Israel talked of the dead Gaza journalists imaginary links with terrorism. In Yaser Murtajas case, this was supposed to be Hamas  which is close to the Muslim Brotherhood for whom Khashoggi worked in the never-never land of Saudi imagination.

Forget for a moment that there is no more proof that Murtaja was ever a Hamas agent than there is that Khashoggi was in the Brotherhood; the formers production company, according to the Associated Press, had recently won a grant from USAID after vetting by the US government. Murtaja was wearing a flak jacket marked Press when he was shot on 6 April 2018, 300 feet from the Gaza/Israel border during the weekly Palestinian Great March of Return. Nine other Palestinians were killed the same day and 491 wounded by live rounds, steel-coated rubber bullets and tear gas grenades.

Murtaja was filming among many Palestinians, with black smoke swirling in the air. But a sniper hit him below the arm  where there is a fatal gap in all flak jackets  and he fell as he shouted to a colleague: Im wounded. Im wounded. My stomach. Flak jackets are regularly worn by many western correspondents in the Middle East  far too often, critics say, when they are far from the scene of battle. But Murtaja was no poseur.

Khashoggi was writing a regular column for The Washington Post. Murtaja, who uniquely used a drone during his reporting for the Ain Media Production Company, contributed reports to the BBC and Al Jazeera. The Hamas leader turned up for Murtajas funeral, but Murtaja was one of Gazas best-known journalists  and Ismail Haniyeh should have been there. And at least Murtaja got a funeral  which is more than we can say for Khashoggi.

Four years earlier, Murtaja was beaten by Hamas thugs for refusing to surrender news film to them, and there was no evidence he ever worked for or with Hamas. Even if these lies were true, its well known that for many years before he sought exile in the US, Khashoggi had been a supporter of the head-chopping Saudi regime  a fact we didnt worry much about when we condemned his killing.

But a UN enquiry in Turkey to enquire about the nefarious deeds of its current antagonist, Saudi Arabia, is a far cry from a full UN investigation in Gaza into the killing of Palestinian journalists already slandered by Israel and its propaganda folk as terrorist supporters.

After the report and recantation of UN envoy Richard Goldstone into the 2008-2009 Gaza war  for which read, slaughter  and his trashing by Israel and its friends as an antisemitic, evil and quisling enemy of truth (even though he was Jewish), I doubt if Agnes Callamard would fancy a trip to enquire into Yaser Murtajas demise. And nor, after the Goldstone fiasco, would the UN folk beside the East River have much appetite for taking on Israel yet again.

In fairness, the UN did note Murtajas death, and its human rights staff keep a sharp tally of the deaths of civilians, medical workers and journalists in the West Bank as well as the Gaza Strip. But theres a habit of all governments to promise investigations after each outrage committed by its servants  and its a question of whether these pledges count for anything more than a time-and-forget drug.

According to Hagai El-Ad, executive director of the Israeli human rights organisation BTselem, Israel deploys a very aggressive silencing campaign against any criticism of the occupation of Palestinian land. First, it announces that enquiries will take place. But 97 per cent of the time, no investigation will be opened  or an investigation will be opened but no one will be charged. International opinion is then mollified by news of the investigation.

The Palestinian Al-Mezan Centre for Human Rights in Gaza  which is respected, as journalists like to say of NGOs they can trust  has gone to the Israeli High Court over the deaths of civilians, aid workers and journalists. Killing journalists is a violation of human rights and international law, Al-Mezans communications director Mahmoud Abu Rahma repeated again and again when I spoke to him. Yaser Murtaja was a person whom everyone knew. He didnt have a Hamas connection. There was an outcry, if not as much as for Khashoggi. And there was a strong reaction by international bodies.

But  and heres the rub  Abu Rahma, like many others, regards these investigations as rubbish, albeit promoted in a sophisticated way. Israeli investigations are no better than Saudi investigations, he says. Action is necessary for Khashoggi  but also for Murtaja and others who were clearly marked as journalists, who could be clearly seen by [Israeli] snipers. And the Israelis announced that they would investigate.

Support free-thinking journalism and subscribe to Independent MindsAnd after Murtaja was shot, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) wrote to Benjamin Netanyahu to demand that the Israeli prime minister ensure that the shooting of journalists covering demonstrations in the Gaza Strip is quickly and thoroughly investigated. The Israelis, the CPJs executive director Joel Simon wrote, appointed a brigadier general to investigate the armys reaction to Palestinian protestors  and in particular the killing of Yaser Murtaja  so the investigation must be made public.

The world awaits Netanyahus reply. We all wait for the results of that investigation  once the Israeli brigadier general has reached his onerous conclusions. Just as we wait with utter confidence for the results of the extraordinarily fair and thorough investigation by the Saudis into the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, an enquiry ordered by the same Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman whom the CIA believes ordered his murder in the first place.

Unfortunately, investigation in the Middle East means obfuscation. Its like the sign they leave on your hotel room handle when you wish to sleep. Do not disturb. Silence. And when you wake up, with luck, the nightmares will all have been forgotten.

This article was originally published by " The Independent " -

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People vote at outdoor booths during early voting for the midterm elections in Pasadena, Calif., on Nov. 3, 2018. (Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images)

ACLU Sues Texas Over Alleged Noncitizen Voter Purge

The American Civil Liberties Union, in conjunction with its Texas chapter and several other progressive groups, filed a federal lawsuit against top elections officials in Texas on Feb. 4.

The suit accuses Secretary of State David Whitley and Director of Elections Keith Ingram, among others, of creating a flawed voter purge list that discriminates against naturalized citizens.

The litigation stems from Whitleys announcement on Jan. 25, in which he said that roughly 95,000 non-U.S. citizens were listed on Texas voter rolls, with about 58,000 of them having voted at least once. Noncitizen voting is a second-degree felony in Texas, and the purported discovery could substantially validate conservative claims of widespread voter fraud.

President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter on Jan. 27: These numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. All over the country, especially in California, voter fraud is rampant. Must be stopped.

Trump also endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who wrote on Twitter: Any illegal vote deprives Americans of their voice.

For the past year, the Texas secretary of states office has worked with the state Department of Public Safety to evaluate public information related to noncitizens. The agencies cross-referenced the data with voter rolls and the process identified tens of thousands of improper registrations and potential voting felonies.

Whitley then issued an advisory to the states 254 county registrars to more actively address voter roll maintenance issues, and further identify any noncitizens who may still be registered to vote.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), however, claims the states election activities have amounted to nothing more than an abuse of voting rights.

This exercise is a thinly veiled attempt to advance the voter fraud myth to justify restrictive voter requirements and suppress voting rights, said Sophia Lakin, staff attorney with the ACLUs Voting Rights Project, in a statement.

Were suing Texas for rolling out this error-ridden voter purge program that unlawfully targets and threatens the voting rights of eligible and duly registered naturalized citizens, Lakin said.

The case was filed on behalf of four nonprofitsMOVE Texas Civic Fund, Jolt Initiative, League of Women Voters of Texas, and NAACP of Texas.

The plaintiffs lawsuit asserts that Whitleys advisory is unconstitutional, and petitions the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Galveston Division, to block all Texas counties from sending notices to individuals requiring them to prove their citizenship or from removing them from voter rolls if they do not reply.

A sizable flaw in the noncitizen identification process is that many of the named noncitizens have apparently become naturalized U.S. citizens during the time period included in Whitleys investigation.

On Feb. 1, the secretary of states office issued new advisory guidance on how to investigate noncitizen voting after counties across the state had removed nearly 20,000 people from the lists the state initially provided. Those individuals had already proved their citizenship status through the Department of Public Safety.

The mistake was immediately seized upon by the ACLU and other critics of the voter integrity projectand voter fraud in general.

The right to vote is sacrosanct. Yet, the Texas Secretary of State has engaged in a sloppy exercise that threatens to unfairly strip people of the opportunity to participate in American democracy, said Andre Segura, legal director for the ACLU of Texas.

Brendan Downes, an attorney for the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, said the Texas Secretary of State simply chose to assume the worst, and Chiraag Bains of the George Soros-funded nonprofit Demos, added that Texas is stirring up anti-immigrant sentiment, undermining the publics faith in our democracy.

The ACLU also sent Whitely a letter stating that he has 90 days to cease all noncitizen voter integrity activities or it will file an additional federal lawsuit pursuant to the National Voter Registration Act.

Shutting down all efforts to identify noncitizen voters due to a portion becoming naturalized citizens could impact similar voter integrity efforts.

For years, the Public Interest Legal Foundation, a conservative election law organization, has touted the benefits of comparing driver licensing data against voter registration records to identify potential noncitizens.

The group is currently involved in a federal lawsuit against Harris County, which encompasses the city of Houston, to access records detailing the extent of noncitizen voter registration and detection.

This shows why Harris county must release the alien voting records we have sought for a year, PILF President and general counsel J. Christian Adams said after Whitleys announcement last week.

We all know they exist. We all know aliens are voting in our elections. Its time Harris and other states stop hiding the documents. Attorney General Ken Paxton and Secretary David Whitley deserve full marks for pursuing this matter and recognizing that Texas does not have a mechanism to protect noncitizens from becoming registered to vote, Adams said.
70-Year-Old Woman Shot Home Invader, Deputies Say

A 70-year-old woman shot a man who tried to rob her house, sheriffs deputies in West Virginia said.

The woman, who was not identified, resides in a house on Seneca Trail near Hillsboro.

Deputies with the Pocahontas County Sheriffs Office were called to the home around 3:10 a.m. on Feb. 4. When they arrived, they found Jesse Blake, 34, lying in the yard, reported WVNS. Blake allegedly tried breaking two windows to get into the house but was stopped by the woman when she fired a .22 magnum rifle.

Blake was shot at least once. He was rushed to a hospital in Roanoke for treatment.

No charges have been filed as of yet and the case is still under investigation.

The 70-year-old woman has not been publicly identified.

Deputies investigate a home invasion near Droop Mountain https://t.co/ix6yWaD32a  WVNS 59News (@WVNS59News) February 4, 2019

Video: Man Holds Burglary Suspects at Gunpoint

A video showing a North Carolina man holding burglary suspects at gunpoint outside of a house has gone viral.

The footage shows Stephen Routh using a pistol to keep the suspects in place as they cower on the back lawn while Asheboro police officers rush to the scene.

Routh said that he watches over the house, which belongs to his parents, and went over with his gun after receiving a call about some strangers being on the property.

He said that when he arrived he saw three people trying to exit the back door and he showed them his gun and told them to get on the ground.

I had the gun and they were coming out, and as soon as they saw the big gun pointed at them, their hands went up, Routh told WGHP.

He said that the trio ransacked the house, causing a lot of damage, but didnt appear to take anything, leaving him confused about their motive.

They know this is not their home. They know they had no business in here, and they mentioned they just thought they would just go in there and look around, said Routh.

He said that the gun provided him with protection and kept the criminals from leaving, adding that people thinking about breaking into homes should keep in mind that homeowners and residents could be armed, and have the right to shoot.

There have been too many instances lately of home invasions and these like this where they get caught, he said. And some people have been shot and killed, especially those home invasions. People are not taking this mess anymore.

The Asheboro Police Department was investigating the case.

Video shows Asheboro man holding burglary suspects at gunpoint outside of home https://t.co/jsGqOQU4uK pic.twitter.com/7Tef5PMGhg  FOX8 WGHP (@myfox8) February 4, 2019

Crime Declines

The FBI said that both violent crime and property crime decreased in 2017, the last year that full statistics are available for, compared to 2016. Overall violent crime decreased 0.2 percent from 2016 to last year, while property crime decreased 3 percent during that time, the agency said in September 2018, releasing data from the previous year.

There were more than 1.2 million violent crimes reported to UCR nationwide in 2017. There was a 0.7 percent decrease in murders and a 4 percent decrease in robberies from 2016 to 2017. Aggravated assaults increased 1 percent in 2017. The FBI began collecting data solely on an updated rape definition last year, and 135,755 rapes were reported to law enforcement in 2017, the FBI stated.

The report also showed there were more than 7.7 million property crimes last year. Burglaries decreased 7.6 percent and larceny-thefts decreased 2.2 percent. Motor vehicle thefts increased by 0.8 percent from 2016 to 2017.

The figures were compiled from more than 13,000 law enforcement agencies around the United States that submitted their crime data to the FBI.

From NTD News
Firefighters are seen near a building that caught fire in the 16th arrondissement in Paris, on February 5, 2019. (Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt/AFP/Getty Images)

7 Dead, at Least 28 Injured in Paris Apartment Fire

The Paris fire service says seven people have been killed and at least 28 injured in a fire in a residential building.

The cause of the blaze is unclear. Firefighters are still searching for other victims and working to extinguish the blame, according to spokesman Clement Cognon of the city fire service.

He told The Associated Press that the fire broke out early on Feb. 5 in an eight-story apartment building on Rue Erlanger in the 16th arrondissement of western Paris.

He said firefighters rescued two dozen people who had fled to the roof or climbed out windows to escape the flames, and evacuated others from inside.

BREAKING: 7 Dead In Building Fire In Paris | Independent Newspapers Nigeria https://t.co/mOndf4zooO  Independent Nigeria (@IndependentNGR) February 5, 2019

The firefighters said that the death or injury toll could increase as the fire is spreading to the seventh and eighth floors, The Guardian reported.

We had to carry out many rescues, including some people who had taken refuge on the roofs, said Fire Service spokesman Clement Cognon.

The fire crew had evacuated the street and people in the surrounding buildings by 3:30 a.m. local time while fighting the fire.

At least seven dead in Paris fire https://t.co/6bSbk8nLaO  Breaking the News 24/7 (@Breaking24Seven) February 5, 2019

French Yellow Vests March Through Paris

PARISSeveral thousand yellow vest protesters marched through Paris and other French cities on Feb. 2 during the 12th weekend of action against the government, despite opinion polls pointing to a recovery in President Emmanuel Macrons popularity.

The protestsnamed for the fluorescent jackets that French motorists are required to carry in their carsbegan in mid-November over plans to raise fuel taxes before developing into a broader revolt against the government that mobilized tens of thousands of demonstrators nationwide each Saturday.

The government warned on Feb. 1 police wouldnt hesitate to use flash balls in case of violence by demonstrators after it was authorized by Frances highest administrative court.

Protesters in Paris paid homage to those injured in the past months, denouncing the use of flash ball riot-control guns banned in much of Europe.

Between 10,000 and 13,800 protested in the capital according to police and independent media estimates. Riot police used tear gas to disperse some protesters who set trash cans and a scooter alight, although the situation remained relatively calm compared to previous weekends. Thousands also took to the streets in other cities, including Tours, Valence, Marseille, and Bordeaux.

About 1,000 police officers have been injured along with 1,700 demonstrators since the start of the protests, according to official figures.

Its true that this intermediate weapon can hurt, but faced with rioters, the police need it to defend themselves against those who attack them, said Interior Minister Christophe Castaner.

Opinion polls show a recovery in Macrons battered popularity rating after he launched consultations, including town hall debates, to try to quell social unrest.

As in previous weeks, protesters on Feb. 2 carried French flags and held signs attacking Macron as out of touch or calling for referendums tabled by citizens.

Protesters injured in previous weeks of violence were put at the front of the protests with some wearing eye patches with a target sign on them.

By Johnny Cotton

Reuters contributed to this article
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix has just paid $9 million (USD) for the distribution rights to have it on the site in the US and other countries around the world.

It doesn't come as much of a surprise that Netflix wants the new movie considering the director, oe Berlinger, also directed Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes.

The new movie has recently come under fire by some viewers for 'glorifying' Ted Bundy by having Zac Efron play him however an actual survivor of Ted Bundy says Zac Efron is the perfect person to play Ted.

I believe that in order to show him exactly the way he was, its not really glorifying him, but its showing him, and when they do say positive and wonderful things about him  thats what they saw, thats what Bundy wanted you to see.

After reaching out to Netflix AU/NZ, there's no word yet as to whether or not the movie will be available in New Zealand.
Longtime journalist and dean of the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University Steve Coll spoke Monday evening at the George Bush Presidential Library's Annenberg Conference Center on America's military and diplomatic efforts to defeat the Taliban and al-Qaida in Afghanistan and Pakistan since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

About 200 attendees listened as Coll reflected on various aspects of the war as the United States enters its 18th year engaged in conflict. He said Afghanistan's instability has had, and would continue to have, regional and global effects.

"It's in the interest of every neighbor that Afghanistan not fall backwards into a multisided, unconstrained, no-international-presence kind of civil war like it experienced in the 1990s," he said. "It would be much worse, because the factions are so much better equipped today."

In response to a question from an audience member, Coll expressed disagreement with a Sunday New York Times editorial that called for an end to U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. He said finding a permanent end to violence in Afghanistan was unlikely in the short term, but shared optimism that a ceasefire was possible, and could help Afghan people find solutions.
SAN ANGELO -- The fifth Texas Sheep and Goat Expo conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is set for Aug. 16-17 in San Angelo's 1st Community Federal Credit Union Spur Arena on the San Angelo Fairgrounds.

The statewide event, billed as one of the largest sheep and goat industry educational programs in the world, focuses on many different segments of the industry as well as the issues challenging producers in Texas and across the U.S., according to organizers.

"The expo is unique in that it offers hands-on activities and speaker interaction for participants," said Robert Pritz, event coordinator and AgriLife Extension regional program leader in San Angelo. "The format will remain the same as years past, with both general and concurrent sessions over the two-day period covering issues for new and experienced sheep and goat raisers. We are fortunate to have a very active planning committee who consider it a standing priority to procure top speakers and to keep the topics new or approached from a different perspective than done previously."

Pritz said the 2018 expo evaluations indicated 91 percent of the sheep and goat producers attending plan to adopt at least one practice or technology offered during the event.
Adams said the results of their field trial aligned with the other studies, many of which came from higher-yielding rain-fed or irrigated studies.

"Our dryland and deficit-irrigated results showed lint yield was not aected by plant population, similar to higher-yielding environments over the same range in plant population," he said.

Analysis of the data showed that the minimum plant population for optimizing yield with evenly spaced plants is surprisingly low, Adams said.

"We identified a plant population threshold of about 15,000 plants per acre, which is a final density of about 1.1 plants per foot on 40-inch rows," he said. "The research also showed yield will decline quickly below 15,000 plants per acre.

"We want to be really clear that we are not recommending that cotton producers plant at 15,000 plants per acre or even target this rate as a final density," Adams said. "Seed and plant loss always occur following planting and there are sometimes other factors, like certain diseases and late-season weeds, that producers manage through plant population."

He said the most common seeding rate recommendation they found for cotton around the country was 33,000 plants per acre, which is 2.5 plants per foot on 40-inch rows.
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By teleSUR

February 04, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - Nearly 2,000 pro-Venezuelan Twitter accounts have been removed for engaging in a state-backed influence campaign, the social media company said in a blog post on Thursday.

A total of 1,196 social media accounts based in Venezuela suspected of attempting to influence domestic audiences were purged last week.

Another 764 accounts were deleted, although the San Francisco-based company told users, We are unable to definitively tie the accounts located in Venezuela to information operations of a foreign government against another country.

Allegations of censorship soon filled the sites timeline.

Television host for the investigatory series, Empire Files, Abby Martin tweeted, While pro-coup Venezuelans & right-wing exiles dominate the media sphere, tech companies are actively censoring pro-government accounts they say are working to "influence" people.

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Another journalist, Ben Norton, accused the company of catering to U.S. government interests: Twitter is now removing thousands of accounts supposedly linked to Venezuela's sovereign government. This comes after Twitter suspended Venezuelan government accounts 1.5 years ago. Social media corporations act as an extension of US government interests.

In another blog post, Twitter announced the release of five new datasets which were allegedly created in relation to suspected foreign interference efforts it had encountered.

The decision coincides with harsher sanctions against Venezuela imposed by the United States after opposition lawmaker Juan Guaido lead a coup on Jan. 23, declaring himself the country's "interim president," an illegal and unconstitutional move.

Guaido, the United States and right-wing governments in the region have been calling on the Venezuelan military to oust Maduro. There have been whispers in Washington that the Donald Trump administration is seriously considering a military intervention in Venezuela if Maduro does not step down or be ousted internally.

The social media company has been known to arbitrarily delete accounts before particularly those supporting movements in Iran, Russia, or Bangladesh, citing malicious activity, inauthentic behavior or contributing to national conflict.
Oneonta, NY (13820)

Today

Steady light rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. Cooler. High 61F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 42F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.
Towanda, PA (18848)

Today

Cloudy with occasional light rain...mainly in the morning. Cooler. High 64F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low near 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Photo: Mila Araujo/Getty Images/EyeEm

A freshman at the University of Vermont was found dead in sub-zero temperatures over the weekend, in what authorities believe is the second Polar Vortexrelated death of a student.

On Saturday morning, police discovered the body of a college-aged man in the parking behind a business in Burlington, who they later identified as Connor Gage, 19, a University of Vermont freshman studying neuroscience. While police are still investigating the official cause of death, they said in a news release on Saturday that exposure to cold and inadequate clothing contributed to Gages passing. The morning that the students body was found, temperatures hovered between negative one and negative four degrees Fahrenheit.

During last weeks Polar Vortex, when temperatures dipped lower than those in Antartica in some parts of the Midwest, at least 21 people died; of that number, Gage is believed to be second of two students. Last Wednesday, Gerald Belz, an 18-year-old pre-med student at the University of Iowa, was pronounced dead last Wednesday after being found consciousness outside his dorm in sub-zero temperatures. While local police are also still investigating Belzs specific cause of death, there was a wind chill of -51 degrees Fahrenheit when Belzs body was found.

Following Saturdays reports of a student death, the vice provost for student affairs identified Gage in a letter to the University of Vermont community, in which she extended the universitys deepest condolences to Connors family.

Our sincere thoughts of care and sympathy are also extended to his friends, classmates, and to faculty and staff who were close to him, Annie Stevens continued, per the Burlington Free Press. When any member of our community passes away, we are bound to feel a profound sense of loss, and reactions are felt in a variety of ways. During this time, we highly encourage you to reach out to your primary support system as a source of care and connection.

Connor Gage, of Little Falls, NY, was the @uvmvermont freshman who was found deceased in the Old North End yesterday morning. He was 19. Exposure to cold seems to have been a cause or significant contributing factor. Our investigation continues. pic.twitter.com/pDOLeX5qXG  Burlington Police (@OneNorthAvenue) February 3, 2019

While logistics have not yet been determined, the Free Press reports that a campus gathering and/or service is being planned.
New York Mens Fashion Week began on Monday afternoon, as it often does, with a parade of impeccably tailored gray suits. But these were not the sort of suits your dad wears to work. They were the splendid creations of Alejandro Gomez Palomo, whose namesake label, Palomo Spain, returned to America after debuting here in 2017. Since the brands launch, Beyonce wore Palomos colorful robes in her now-iconic twins reveal photo, and hes established a point of view thats recognizable as his own.

Still, Palomo did things a little differently this season. It was jarring to see such a color-happy designer show so much gray at the start of a show. Its a completely new take on what Ive been doing until now, Palomo told the Cut backstage. Before, I was trying to make womens wear into menswear. Now were starting from the very strong base of tailoring and taking it to my own universe, which is more sensual and feminine.

The collection is rooted in the idea of travel (hence Palomos decision to come back to New York) and was inspired by a story about Diaghilevs Ballets Russes: In 1916, the whole company sought refuge from WWI in Spain. The result is a mix of Russian luxury and Spanish exuberance, all worn by some of the most beautiful humans to grace New York Fashion Week: Mens. Together, they were their own stunning troupe.

Get a closer look backstage below.
Deciding on chassis size and type, engine specifications and price are the first things taken into consideration when looking to buy a car

More than half of all customers use the manufacturers website configurator before visiting the dealership

One out of every three buyers choose cars with a high driving position, like SUVs

Martorell, 05/02/2019.  A 53-year-old individual who is a fan of SUVs and takes two months to conclude their purchase. According to a study by SEATs Market Research department, this is the typical new customer profile in Europes automotive sector. Although in the case of SEAT, the average age of its customers drops to 44. But what leads people to buy a car? What features do we consider a priority? Below we take a close look at the process that many buyers follow before making their final decision.

- Why buy a new car?: it is the second largest investment people make after the purchase of a house. For 55% of buyers, their cars mileage and age are the reasons for buying a new car. 20% of sales are the result of wanting more safety, more space, lower fuel consumption or a car that is equipped with the latest technology. A further 15% say they are motivated by family circumstances, either because of marriage or separation, or welcoming an addition to the family. Other contributing personal factors for 10% include changing jobs or completion of studies.

- Eight and a half weeks: is how long the purchasing process usually takes. 45% of people first decide what body style and size they want. 24% of customers begin with what kind of engine they want (diesel, petrol or hybrid); while 17% have a strict budget in mind and the remaining 14% want a specific brand. In this sense, SEAT Market Research and Product Strategy head Enrique Pastor says that 55% of future buyers who begin with a brand in mind change their preference throughout the process.

- Internet yes, but with a personal touch: 9 out of 10 buyers admit that recommendations made by people in their closest circle have an impact on their final decision. They usually seek advice from an average of 8 friends or family members. Despite the rise of digital tool such as the carmakers website configurator (56% of customers use one), the dealership is still a key figure. 55% of buyers value courtesy, a better price and financing options more than proximity  half of all customers do not buy their car from the dealer closest to their home.

- The first time: a person buying their first car is one of the moments they remember for life. Hesitation usually combines with anticipation, and perhaps because of this people seek more guidance and advice. Before closing their purchase, these customers visit up to 10 dealerships of different brands, four times more than non first-time buyers, and speak with an average of 15 friends and family members for recommendations. 40% of people who buy a car for the first time link their purchase with work purposes.

- Monthly instalments or cash?: brands currently finance half of the cars they sell through their own finance companies, a percentage which has doubled since 2003, when Banks where the primary lenders. Only 38% of buyers can afford to purchase a car with their savings, 12 points fewer than 15 years ago.

- Driving without restrictions: 35% of those who choose a hybrid drive or electric vehicle admit they are motivated by driving restrictions during periods of heavy pollution. This new environmental legislation is already being applied in major European cities such as Barcelona, Madrid or Paris.

- An SUV with outstanding design: design is fundamental to 41% of future buyers, a percentage which only stood at 29% just 15 years ago. At the same time, 30% look for cars with a high driving position, a figure that links to the rise in SUVs such as the SEAT Ateca, the Arona or the new Tarraco. In fact, SUVs now account for 33% of all cars on European roads.
Make War, Not Love, this Valentines Day by Driving a Tank

 Give your sweetheart the chance to drive a Chieftain tank on February 14th

 Love is in the airno chance. Take control of the ultimate fighting machine and even engage in a tank battle

 TrackDays.co.uk has seen a recent boom in tank experience bookings and offers a range to command along with other military vehicles

LONDON - February 5, 2019: As Valentine Day approaches, leading driving experience provider www.trackdays.co.uk is reporting that Brits are in love with tank driving experiences following a rapid increase in bookings over the last few months.

Its latest data shows an explosion  more than 50 per cent increase  in bookings for tank related experiences in the second half of the year in 2018 compared to the first six months of last year.

With the most romantic day of the year just around the corner, www.trackdays.co.uk is expecting another boom in interest as Brits look for an alternative gift to give to their partner.

Dan Jones, operations manager at www.trackdays.co.uk, said: Our figures show that bookings for tank driving experiences are exploding as Brits cant wait to take control of some awesome military machines including the Russian Gvozdika and our very own formidable Chieftain Battle Tank.

We anticipate that interest will increase even further in the run up to Valentines Day as people look for an unusual gift for their loved one, but one that they can also share.

And Brits are not shy at splashing the cash on their partners as romance takes centre stage, with some estimates suggesting that well over 600 million was spent in 2018 on Valentines Day gifts.

Dan added: From navigating terrains, to crushing cars, even tank battles and night driving using the latest night-vision tech, theres sure to be a tank driving experience that would make the perfect Valentines gift!

Meanwhile, one of www.trackdays.co.uk fastest growing tank experiences is its Tank Paintball Battle, which lets teams go against each other firing 40mm paint rounds. Aside from driving tanks other, military experiences include conventional paintballing, survival courses and combat training.

For more information about booking a tank driving experience, or a whole range of driving experiences, visit www.trackdays.co.uk
NBC News, smear Gabbard as a Kremlin favorite

NBC News, to Claim Russia Supports Tulsi Gabbard, Relies on Firm Just Caught Fabricating Russia Data for the Democratic Party

By Glenn Greenwald

February 04, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - NBC News published a predictably viral story Friday, claiming that experts who track websites and social media linked to Russia have seen stirrings of a possible campaign of support for Hawaii Democrat Tulsi Gabbard.

But the whole story was a sham: the only experts cited by NBC in support of its key claim was the firm, New Knowledge, that just got caught by the New York Times fabricating Russian troll accounts on behalf of the Democratic Party in the Alabama Senate race to manufacture false accusations that the Kremlin was interfering in that election.

To justify its claim that Tulsi Gabbard is the Kremlins candidate, NBC stated: analysts at New Knowledge, the company the Senate Intelligence Committee used to track Russian activities in the 2016 election, told NBC News theyve spotted chatter related to Gabbard in anonymous online message boards, including those known for fomenting right-wing troll campaigns.

What NBC  amazingly  concealed is a fact that reveals its article to be a journalistic fraud: that same firm, New Knowledge, was caught just six weeks ago engaging in a massive scam to create fictitious Russian troll accounts on Facebook and Twitter in order to claim that the Kremlin was working to defeat Democratic Senate nominee Doug Jones in Alabama. The New York Times, when exposing the scam, quoted a New Knowledge report that boasted of its fabrications: We orchestrated an elaborate false flag operation that planted the idea that the [Roy] Moore campaign was amplified on social media by a Russian botnet.'

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That fraud was overseen by New Knowledges CEO, Jonathon Morgan. At the same time Morgan was fabricating Russian troll accounts and using them to create a fraudulent appearance that Putin was trying to defeat the Democratic Senate candidate, he was exploiting his social media expertise to claim that Russians were interfering in the Alabama Senate election. In other words, Morgan used his own fake Russian accounts to lie to the public and deceive the national media into believing that Kremlin-linked accounts were trying to defeat the Democratic Senate candidate when, in fact, the accounts he was citing were ones he himself had fabricated and controlled.

Even worse, Morgans firm is behind one of the recent Senate reports on Russian social media election interference as well as the creation of Hamilton 68, the pseudo-data-driven dashboard constantly used by U.S. media outlets to claim that its enemies are supported by the Kremlin (that tool has so been abused that even some of its designers urged the media to stop exaggerating its meaning). During the Alabama race, Morgan  in a tweet he deleted once his fraud was exposed  cited the #Hamilton68 data that he himself manipulated with his fake Russian accounts to claim that Russia was interfering in the Alabama Senate race:

In response to this scam being revealed, Facebook closed the accounts of five Americans who were responsible for this fraud, including Morgan himself, the prominent social media researcher who is the CEO of New Knowledge. He also touts himself as a State Dept. advisor, computational propaganda researcher for DARPA, Brookings Institution.

Beyond Morgans Facebook suspension, the billionaire funder and LinkedIn founder who provided the money for the New Knowledge project, Reid Hoffman, apologized and claimed he had no knowledge of the fraud. The victorious Democratic Senate candidate who won the Alabama Senate race and who repeatedly cited New Knowledges fake Russian accounts during the election to claim he was being attacked by Russian bots, Doug Jones, insisted he had no knowledge of the scheme and has now called for a federal investigation into New Knowledge.

This is the group of experts on which NBC News principally relied to spread its inflammatory, sensationalistic, McCarthyite storyline that Gabbards candidacy is supported by the Kremlin.

While NBC cited a slew of former FBI and other security state agents to speculate about why the Kremlin would like Gabbard, its claim that experts have detected the stirrings of such support came from this discredited, disgraced firm, one that just proved it specializes in issuing fictitious accusations against enemies of the Democratic Party that they are linked to Russia. Just marvel at how heavily NBC News relies on the disgraced New Knowledge to smear Gabbard as a favorite of Moscow:

Experts who track inauthentic social media accounts, however, have already found some extolling Gabbards positions since she declared. Within a few days of Gabbard announcing her presidential bid, DisInfo 2018, part of the cybersecurity firm New Knowledge, found that three of the top 15 URLs shared by the 800 social media accounts affiliated with known and suspected Russian propaganda operations directed at U.S. citizens were about Gabbard. Analysts at New Knowledge, the company the Senate Intelligence Committee used to track Russian activities in the 2016 election, told NBC News theyve spotted chatter related to Gabbard in anonymous online message boards, including those known for fomenting right-wing troll campaigns. The chatter discussed Gabbards usefulness. A few of our analysts saw some chatter on 8chan saying she was a good divider candidate to amplify, said New Knowledges director of research Renee DiResta, director of research at New Knowledge.

Whats particularly unethical about the NBC report is that it tries to bolster the credentials of this group by touting it as the company the Senate Intelligence Committee used to track Russian activities in the 2016 election, while concealing from its audience the fraud that this firms CEO just got caught perpetrating on the public on behalf of the Democratic Party.

The only other so-called expert cited by NBC in support of its claim that Russian accounts are supporting Gabbard is someone named Josh Russell, who NBC identified as Josh Russel. Russell, or Russel, is touted by NBC as a researcher and troll hunter known for identifying fake accounts. In reality, Russel is someone CNN last year touted as an Indiana dad and amateur troll hunter with a full-time job unrelated to Russia (he works as programmer at a college) and whose hobby is tracing online Russian accounts.

So beyond the firm that just got caught in a major fraudulent scam fabricating Russian support to help the Democratic Party, thats NBCs only other vaunted expert for its claim that the Kremlin is promoting Gabbard: someone CNN just last year called an amateur who traces Russian accounts as a hobby. And even there, NBC could only cite Russel (sic) as saying that he recently spotted a few clusters of suspicious accounts that retweeted the same exact text about Gabbard, mostly neutral or slightly positive headlines.

NBC also purported to rely on its own highly sophisticated analysis by counting the number of times Gabbard was mentioned by RT, Sputnik and Russia Insider, and then noting what it seems to regard as the highly incriminating fact that Gabbard was mentioned on the three sites about twice as often as two of the best known Democratic possibilities for 2020, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, each with 10 stories.

But in contrast to Gabbard, who announced her intent to run for President almost a month ago, neither Biden nor Sanders has done so. Perhaps that fact, rather than  as one of the NBC reporters adolescently gushed: The Kremlin already has a crush on Tulsi Gabbard  is what explains the greater amount of coverage?

The Kremlin already has a crush on Tulsi Gabbard https://t.co/bCpTdWG0Bo  Ben Popken (@bpopken) February 2, 2019

In any event, NBC News, to smear Gabbard as a Kremlin favorite, relied on a group that it heralded as experts without telling its audience about the major fraud which this firm just got caught perpetrating in order  on behalf of the Democratic Party  to fabricate claims of Kremlin interference in the Alabama Senate race.



Thats because the playbook used by the axis of the Democratic Party, NBC/MSNBC, neocons and the intelligence community has been, is and will continue to be a very simple one: to smear any adversary of the establishment wing of the Democratic Party  whether on the left or the right  as a stooge or asset of the Kremlin (a key target will undoubtedly be, indeed already is, Bernie Sanders).



To accomplish this McCarthyite goal, this Democratic Party coalition of neocons, intelligence operatives and NBC stars will deceive, smear and even engage in outright journalistic deception, as NBC (once again) just proved with this report.

This article was originally published by " The Intercept " -

Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here

==See Also==

Tulsi Gabbard Slams "Neocon/Neolib Warmongers" After NBC Propaganda Exposed

Watch: Representative Tulsi Gabbard in New Hampshire: She answered questions on a variety of topics, including tax policy, partisanship and addressing criminal justice reform.

As commander-in-chief, I will work to end the new cold war, nuclear arms race and slide into nuclear war. That is why the neocon/neolib warmongers will do anything to stop me. https://t.co/MPybv8AZ5p  Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) February 4, 2019

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Peace and joy
Peugeot 508 and E-Legend Win Beauty Awards at International Automobile Festival

 All-new PEUGEOT 508 and PEUGEOT e-LEGEND Concept both recognised at International Automobile Festival

 All-new PEUGEOT 508 voted Most Beautiful Car Of The Year 2018, while PEUGEOT e-LEGEND Concept named Most Beautiful Concept Car

 Recognition for PEUGEOT e-LEGEND Concept comes ahead of a big year for PEUGEOTs ambitions to move towards an electric future in 2019

 PEUGEOT plans to have its full model range electrified by 2023

LONDON - February 5, 2019: The all-new PEUGEOT 508 and PEUGEOT e-LEGEND Concept Car were voted the best looking cars at the 34th International Automobile Festival held on 29 January 2019 in Paris.

The all-new PEUGEOT 508 took home the coveted Grand Prix award for Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2018 with 34% of the votes. The award is one of the highlights of the International Automobile Festival, with the public voting to choose their favourite from a selection of shortlisted models. Rivals for the 2018 award included the Fiat 500X and Range Rover Evoque.

In addition, the PEUGEOT e-LEGEND was crowned Most Beautiful Concept Car at the Festival. Unveiled at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, the PEUGEOT e-LEGEND marked the brands vision for the future of mobility.

The all-new PEUGEOT 508 was launched in 2018 and has become an instant success across Europe, with 10,000 vehicles already ordered. The all-new PEUGEOT 508 is inspired by the PEUGEOT Instinct Concept, including its opalescent vertical LED light signature. The back of the car also stands out with sharp, full LED 3D PEUGEOT signature 'Claw Effect' lights, complete with a gloss black rear cluster connecting strip.

The Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2018 award is the second design accolade the all-new PEUGEOT 508 has won, following carwows Most Stylish Car 2018 award late last year.

David Peel, Managing Director of PEUGEOT UK said: For the all-new PEUGEOT 508 to be named Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2018 at The International Automobile Festival is a great honor, especially as this is an award coming from the car-buying public. The all-new PEUGEOT 508 is the latest addition to our range, and this recognition gives us great encouragement for the future.

Going forward, PEUGEOT is constantly working towards providing the latest tech and innovative designs in the industry, and our e-LEGEND Concept shows what we can achieve in the EV sector. We have a big few years coming up for EVs, and for our electric concept model to be recognized as the Most Beautiful Concept Car of the year is a great first step on this journey.

The PEUGEOT e-LEGEND Concept Car came up against competition from models including the Audi PB18 E-Tron and Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion. Judging came from an expert panel from the automotive, architecture, fashion and design sectors, who were won over by the e-LEGENDs exciting vision of the future as a 100% autonomous, electric, connected and customizable vehicle.
Mazda Set to Reveal New SUV at 2019 Geneva Motor Show

HIROSHIMA, Japan - February 5, 2019: Mazda will showcase the world premiere of a new SUV, the second model in its new-generation lineup, at the Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 5-17, 2019.1

As a brand-new addition to the Mazda lineup, the SUV offers refined quality in all the areas that matter to drivers. It features the maturing Kodo design language and Mazda's new-generation Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture, which draws out people's inherent balance ability. The powertrain lineup comprises the latest Skyactiv engines, including the revolutionary Skyactiv-X, which adopts a unique combustion method to combine the free-revving performance of a gasoline engine with the superior response of a diesel.

Geneva will also host the European premiere of the Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition, which will be revealed for the first time at the Chicago Auto Show in February.
Washington: Donald Trump's inaugural committee is under scrutiny by federal prosecutors in New York, adding new legal woes for the US President and his allies that stretch beyond the Russia probe led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

The committee, which disclosed raising a record-setting $US107 million ($148 million) to celebrate Trump's ascendance to the presidency, was subpoenaed by federal prosecutors, according to a person familiar with the matter.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump dance during one of the many inauguration day events in Washington on January 20, 2017. Credit:Bloomberg

The exact details of the investigation aren't clear but it could relate to the committee's donors and potential foreign connections. Questions have been raised about how the nine-figure donation was spent and how tickets for the slate of exclusive events were allocated.

The New York Times reported that documents sought "related to all of the committees donors and event attendees; any benefits handed out, including tickets and photo opportunities with the President; federal disclosure filings; vendors; contracts; and more."
The NSW Land and Environment Court will on Wednesday hear a last-ditch hearing from a grassroots political group contesting the demolition of Allianz Stadium.

Demolition work on the Moore Park structure is due to start this week, as part of the stadium's controversial $730 million rebuild.

Allianz Stadium's days are numbered. Credit:Louie Douvis

The case has been listed in the NSW Land and Environment Court on Wednesday, where lawyers for the group will argue for an expedited hearing.

If successful, it could be enough to prevent works going ahead this week.
Fishers believe remedial works on a dam in WA's South West has caused the deaths of a number of prize fish.

Its understood a number of trophy-sized brown and rainbow trout were found dead at the Big Brook Dam near Pemberton late last week.

The dead fish. Credit:Simon Holland

Fishers reported the find to Recfishwest although its unknown how many fish have died at this stage.

Its understood the fish died as a result of remedial works being undertaken on the dam, which the Water Corporation began in early January.
Victorian state schools will be banned from using facial recognition technology unless they secure the approval of parents, students and the Department of Education.

The state government crackdown follows a trial of the technology in independent schools, where scanners have been sweeping classrooms for students faces to monitor attendance.

Facial recognition is being trialled in several schools as a replacement for calling the roll. Credit:Artwork: Stephen Kiprillis. Photo: Alamy

It also comes after a Department of Education review found this type of technology posed a risk by using and storing students unique biometric data.

Victorian Education Minister James Merlino said he was uncomfortable about any rollout of "Big Brother style" technology.
Australians are still ignoring warnings to leave their homes on catastrophic fire days, 10 years after the Black Saturday bushfires left 173 people dead, new nationwide research finds.

And despite a decade of bushfire fighting reforms, another day like Black Saturday could lead to similar numbers of deaths, a top bushfire expert warns.

This comes as the Country Fire Authoritys top officer warns Victorians: We wont compromise the safety of our crew when you made a decision to stay there after we'd advised you to leave.

Another day like Black Saturday could lead to similar numbers of deaths, a bushfire expert warns. Credit:Jason South

Black Saturday's fires flared up in the worst conditions in Australia's records. On February 7, 2009, a new record maximum temperature of 46.4C was set in Melbourne, and the forest fire danger index reached 170, far higher than 1983's Ash Wednesday or 1939's Black Friday.
Jenna*, not her real name, is a barrister who has practised for more than a decade and experienced many types of sexual harassment.

These included repeatedly being grabbed on her bottom at legal functions, being propositioned for sex multiple times during case conferences in chambers, and being exposed to highly sexualised conversations with fellow barristers.

One male barrister she worked alongside constantly commented on who hed like to have sex with, including graphic detail about sexual positions and the attractiveness of solicitors in court, Jenna said.

But she felt unable to do much more than laugh it off and avoid him, she said.

Its a profession where there are levels of seniority and if you ruffle feathers it might have dire consequences for your career, she said.
Declining rain in Townsville is reducing the risk that tailings dams containing heavy metals at Townsville's Yabulu nickel plant could overflow.

However, Queensland Nickel Sales Pty Ltd, owned by Clive Palmers Queensland Nickel Group, has moved pumps and generators on to the Townsville site in case they are needed if the heavy rain continues.

Queensland's Nickel Sales refinery in Townsville. Credit:Glenn Hunt

The Townsville's plant's tailings dams overflowed in 2014 after consistent rain.

Queenslands Department of Environment and Science staff from Townsville met with Queensland Nickel Sales staff at Yabulu on Monday afternoon.
A boy who was last seen running from the grounds of a north Sydney primary school on Tuesday morning has been found.

A search involving police on foot, the dog squad and the police helicopter was launched after the boy, aged between five and seven, was last seen about 9.10am running from the grounds of Pennant Hills Public School.

It's understood the boy missed the bus for the swimming carnival before he left, and was driven to the carnival separately.

It took hours to account for the boy as each class role had to be re-checked, and the swimming carnival complicated matters.

In a statement, a Department of Education spokesman said all students were accounted for after a detailed check.
Accused samurai sword murderers Hannah Quinn and Blake Davis will continue to live together in the Blue Mountains, after a Downing Centre magistrate ruled that their reporting stations could both be moved to Katoomba.

The couple stand accused of murdering Sydney rapper Jett McKee in Forest Lodge last year after he burst into Mr Davis' Forest Lodge home and attempted to rob them with a replica gun.

Accused murderers Hannah Quinn and Blake Davies leave court on Tuesday. Credit:Nick Moir

They were each granted strict conditional bail following the alleged murder, with Ms Quinn initially being bailed to live at her mother's Redfern address and report daily to the local police station.

On Tuesday, a court adjusted that so the 23-year-old could live in Lawson and report to Katoomba, after another court ruled earlier this year that the pair charged murdering Mr McKee could live together.
The recommendations of the Hayne royal commission into financial services, if implemented in full, will transform the landscape for consumers.

Whether it's saving for retirement, getting financial advice or a mortgage that's in their best interests, or the banning of flogging of insurance policies, including funeral insurance, over the phone, consumers are going to be better protected.

But the reforms must be implemented, in full.

The recommendations of the royal commission will have to be implemented in full - which should happen, despite the power of the big banks. Credit:AAP

They have a very good chance of getting through parliament, despite the lobbying power of the big banks.
Australian workers will be better off in retirement under Kenneth Hayne's recommendations designed to overhaul the $2.6 trillion superannuation sector.

What will this mean for you? We break it down.

Commissioner Kenneth Hayne has made a suite of recommendations to overhaul the superannuation sector. Credit:Eddie Jim

Employees will have only one default superannuation account designed to stop the unnecessary draining of fees as a result of having multiple accounts.

As some people move jobs and sectors, they tend to open a new super account instead of carrying over their existing account, potentially costing them hundreds of dollars in fees each year.
The bullish outlook for office markets has triggered a wave of properties being put up for sale, with the latest being the Zenith Centre in Chatswood, in Sydney's north, worth about $400 million.

If all sales mooted actually occur, there will be close to $2 billion of assets changing hands. The largest is the half share of the MLC Centre in Sydney being sold by GPT Group. It is valued about $800 million.

Lendlease and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board are looking to scale back their stakes in the $6 billion-plus International Towers Sydney at the citys Barangaroo precinct.

It comes as the Property Council of Australia releases its office market report on Thursday for the six months ending January 2019.
Graeme Samuel, who will spearhead a root and branch review of the prudential regulator, has set a challenge for the banks.

He wants them all to sign up to a banking code, enforceable by the corporate cop, where they agree to conduct their business in accordance with the recommendations set out in the final report into the royal commission.

Why wait up to two years for changes when they can do it today? he said.

It is a good point that could be applied to more than just the banks, particularly given Commissioner Kenneth Haynes report was released ahead of a federal election with only five Senate sitting days remaining.
For every Atticus Finch, the stoic hero of To Kill A Mockingbird, there are dozens of lawyers in literature who show us the worst of human nature.

Dickens novels are absolutely full of them. One of Shakespeares most famous lines - The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers - echoes into an almost universal feeling that lawyers are at best bumptious self-important figures of fun and, at worst, greedy and immoral.

Kenneth Hayne's cautious approach minimises uncertainty. Credit:Brook Mitchell

Even if you take a more benign view of the legal profession they still have traditionally been seen as doctrinaire and pedantic, out-of-touch with the real world; old-fashioned sticklers for rules and regulations. Thats if theyre not rogues like Cleaver Greene from Rake.

Take Commissioner Kenneth Hayne, who last week handed over his banking report to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in front of a media pack who demanded that it become a neatly packaged photo opportunity.
When 88-year-old Elsa Glynn lost a lot of money in the greedy 80s, she decided to take control of her own finances.

For 30 years, she hadnt worried about money  with five children, the family were living pay cheque to pay cheque and her husband was in control of any leftover cash.

Elsa Glynn says she saw a financial planner but ended up losing a lot of money, so I decided to try and learn it myself. Credit:Meredith O'Shea

But with her husbands sudden death in the 1980s, Ms Glynn said she needed to sort out the finances.

She went to a financial planner but ended up losing a lot of money, so I decided I need to try and learn it myself.
A court clerk in Orleans Parish who has accused Judge Byron C. Williams of sexual harassment is now taking aim at court officials, claiming they let earlier allegations against Williams slide before he went on to grope her.

In a lawsuit filed Monday, the Criminal District Court clerk claims court officials were aware of prior complaints against Williams and created a sexually hostile work environment by failing to address them.

The clerk, who works for a different judge, blames the court for allowing Judge Williams the opportunity to harass her on several occasions. Williams is now on suspension from his duties.

Among the incidents she cites was one in 2017 in which she claims Williams cupped her breast in his hand.

The Advocate generally does not name purported victims of sexual assault or harassment without their consent.

Williams, a former prosecutor who won a seat on the Criminal District Court bench in 2014, has denied the harassment allegations. Through an attorney, he has blamed a misunderstanding for the womans complaint about him grabbing her breast.

Rob Kazik, the courts judicial administrator, did not respond to a request for comment about the new lawsuit, which names the court itself as defendant.

The lawsuit does not specify the nature of the "inappropriate comments" the woman alleges were reported to the court previously regarding the judge.

Williams, 64, agreed last summer to an interim suspension while the Louisiana Judiciary Commission, an arm of the Louisiana Supreme Court, weighs at least two complaints over his behavior on and off the bench.

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Williams also is accused of making off-color remarks from the bench, including unsolicited comments on the appearance of female lawyers.

The status of those complaints, first lodged against Williams more than 18 months ago, is uncertain. The Judiciary Commission acts in secret unless it issues a recommendation for public discipline to the Louisiana Supreme Court.

The new lawsuit follows one the clerk filed last year against Williams over the same alleged conduct.

In the earlier suit, she alleged that Williams first harassed her in 2014, slapping her behind as they left his campaign headquarters. Then, in 2015, she claims, she spoke with Williams in the courthouse hallway and as she turned away, "Judge Williams stated, 'Yeah, I started to tap that ass then.' 

She took it as a threat to sexually assault her, she said.

Civil District Judge Nakisha Ervin-Knott threw out those allegations, ruling that the clerk had lodged them too late.

But Ervin-Knott declined to dismiss the clerk's most alarming allegation against Williams: that she was sitting at her desk in July 2017 when she "suddenly and shockingly felt a hand cupping one of her breasts from underneath and rubbing upwards. Startled, she looked up ... and saw Judge Williams running out of her office, the lawsuit claims.

She promptly reported the incident to Kazik, the lawsuit states.

A retired judge, Dennis Waldron, is presiding over Williams' docket while he remains suspended with pay. Williams' six-year term on the bench is up next year.
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When U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon sentenced former north shore prosecutor Walter Reed to four years in prison in 2017 for his conviction on fraud and corruption charges, he took the unusual step of allowing Reed to remain free on bail until he exhausted his appeals.

But now U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser's office is asking Fallon to reconsider that decision and send Reed to prison now rather than allowing him to be free while he seeks a hearing before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Reed was the district attorney in St. Tammany and Washington parishes for 30 years. He was found guilty in 2016 on 18 counts that included conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering and making false statements on tax returns. His son, Steven Reed, was found guilty on three counts: conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering.

The motion to reconsider, filed Monday, notes that a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Reed's appeal on Nov. 5 after hearing oral arguments in May, and last month, the court rejected Reed's petition for a rehearing before the entire appeals court.

The motion seeking his immediate jailing will be considered Feb. 26.

"The circumstances and legal landscape have changed decidedly since the defendants originally sought, and the court permitted, bond pending appeal," the U.S. Attorney's Office wrote in its motion.

"A unanimous panel of the 5th Circuit has heard, and rejected, their arguments. The 5th Circuit denied their request for en banc rehearing," it added.

The life of Reed's appeal now relies on the U.S. Supreme Court, the petition said, adding that "merit-based consideration by the Supreme Court is highly unlikely  'considerably more difficult than gaining admission to Harvard.' "

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In any given year, the petition notes, the Supreme Court agrees to hear from 1 percent to 6 percent of the petitions filed with it, and it would take at least a year for the defense to petition the Supreme Court, regardless of the outcome.

Reed can no longer meet the legal requirements for staying free pending appeal, the prosecution argues, including that the appeal raises a substantial question of law and that the question, if determined in favor of the defendant, would likely result in a reversal of the conviction or a new trial.

Reed's appeal is based largely on a Supreme Court ruling that involved former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, who was accused of taking gifts, trips and loans from a businessman who sought his help in dealing with state officials.

The high court reversed McDonnell's conviction on charges of "honest services" fraud  a decision that Reed's attorney, Richard Simmons, has long argued had implications for his client.

But the U.S. Attorney's Office pointed out that the 5th Circuit rejected Reed's argument and that in the time that has elapsed since Reed's appeal, the McDonnell ruling has been interpreted narrowly.

"Consequently, the defendants' continued reliance on the same argument is no longer merely aggressive, it is illogical and far-fetched," the filing said.

Simmons said he will file an opposition to the motion that was submitted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, who prosecuted the case.

"I still intend to go to the Supreme Court," Simmons said.
Once again, residents across a swath of New Orleans were told to avoid drinking water from their taps after pressure dropped in the 9th Ward while Sewerage & Water Board workers were testing a valve Monday morning.

The public utility issued a boil-water advisory for parts of the Upper 9th Ward, from Almonaster Avenue east to the Industrial Canal, and the entirety of the Lower 9th Ward.

The affected area included portions of the St. Claude, Bywater, Florida and Desire neighborhoods but not New Orleans East.

Residents were urged to boil tap water for at least one minute before drinking it or using it to brush their teeth, make ice or cook or clean food.

Residents have long grown weary of the pressure drops and accompanying warnings that have plagued the S&WBs water system. Including the incident on Monday, there have been 17 advisories covering all or parts of the city since 2012.

2 S&WB employees were sleeping at work during boil water crisis in November A cascade of problems that led to Novembers boil-water advisory throughout the city's east bank could have been avoided if two Sewerage &

On Monday, a political action committee tied to Mayor LaToya Cantrell  who sits as president of the S&WB  sought to seize on that frustration to continue her push to rededicate tax revenues from tourism and hospitality groups to an infrastructure fund.

Boil advisories are intended to ensure that potentially harmful microbes have not made their way into the pipes that carry the citys water while the pressure is low. It typically takes about 24 hours for officials to conduct the tests needed to verify that the water supply remains uncontaminated.

Tests during each of the 15 previous advisories came back without any sign the pressure drop had caused contamination.

The warning on Monday came while crews were testing valves related to work being done on the Southeast Louisiana Urban Flood Control Project on Florida Avenue, part of a massive regional drainage project overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, S&WB spokesman Curtis Elmore said. During the test, pressure dropped unexpectedly, he said.

The workers immediately suspended the test and restored pressure, and S&WB teams are still investigating the exact cause of the drop, Elmore said.

Water pressure in the area dropped to 17 pounds per square inch starting about 10:08 a.m. Pressure was restored about 10 minutes later, Elmore said.

The advisory was sent out about 90 minutes later.

State Department of Health guidelines call for a boil-water advisory anytime pressure drops below 20 psi under a new standard implemented last summer. Under the previous standard, which only called for an advisory when pressure fell below 15 psi, a boil-water advisory would not have been required Monday.

Councilman Jay H. Banks, who was appointed to the S&WB at the end of last year, said he understood residents frustrations with the advisories. But even though he said there was a sense of urgency at the S&WB to fix the problems, he warned this would likely not be the last time New Orleanians were told to turn to bottled water.

This stuff is bad, theres no qualifying that, Banks said of the repeated warnings. And its going to break again before it gets fixed.

Though he said solving the problems with the S&WBs water system is going to be a long process, he added that the one piece of shining light in this, is that we get it and were working to make this the exception and not the rule.

Meanwhile, Action New Orleans, a group formed to support Cantrell, seized on Mondays advisory to once again push for the mayors plan to redirect some of the hotel tax money that now goes to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and tourism promotion groups to pay for infrastructure upgrades.

An email sent to the organizations supporters Monday declared that boil water advisories are not normal  a sentiment that many in the city likely wish was true in New Orleans.

Tired of having to boil water? More of our tourism taxes get diverted away from city services than (in) any other destination city in the United States, the email stated before encouraging readers to contact their legislators in support of Cantrells infrastructure plan.

During a boil-water advisory, healthy adults should avoid drinking tap water that has not been brought to a boil for a full minute, though they can continue to bathe or shower as long as they don't ingest any water.

Precautions should be taken to ensure young children do not ingest water.

People with open wounds, chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems are advised to use only boiled or bottled water for any purpose until the advisory is lifted.

Editor's note: This story was updated on Feb. 5, 2019 to correct the number of boil water advisories that have been issued in New Orleans since 2012. Monday's boil water advisory was the 17th time an advisory has been issued for all or part of the city.
Jacques Smith, son of a Chicago-area pastor and proud father of an 11-year-old boy, stars in the current touring production of The Book of Mormon as Mafala Hatimbi, an African tribesman who befriends a pair of clueless Mormon missionaries.

His big song-and-dance number, Hasa Diga Eebowai, is quite possibly the most profane and blasphemous five minutes in all of Broadway history.

Smith admits the notoriously foul-mouthed musical comedy might not be for everyone, but he insists the production is more than the sum of its four-letter words.

The proof is in the success of the show, said Smith. If the show were only offensive or vulgar  if it didnt have a great heart and good story to tell  then it would havent the life it does.

With a Tony-winning Broadway run that will hit eight years next month, as well as multiple yearslong national tours, The Book of Mormon has found a devoted following. The show, written by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and writer-composer Robert Lopez, is an irreverent tale of two Mormon missionaries sent to Uganda, where they encounter a country devastated by war, famine and disease.

When the missionaries meet Smiths character, he launches into a cheerful ditty based on a local aphorism, Hasa Diga Eebowai. The song is an obvious sendup of Hakuna Matata, the happy-go-lucky tune from The Lion King that means no worries.

This tune, however, has a much different meaning. The title phrase is an unprintable expletive aimed at God. The startling translation leaves the missionaries  and probably most audiences  mortified.

'The Book of Mormon' WHEN: Through Feb. 10 WHERE: Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St. TICKETS: $30 and up INFO: BroadwayInNewOrleans.com or (800) 982-2787

I forget what it must be like to hear that song for the first time, said Smith, chuckling at the thought. You can hear in the audience the collective gasp or the guffaws when we actually say what it means. Its not a polite laugh, its a laugh of shock.

As the mission trip goes off the rails, the two young Mormons are confronted with trials and tribulations that test their faith in God and each other. Lost in the wilderness, the men must summon courage in the face of doubt.

Its this resiliency, said Smith, that provides the heart of the show.

Its about these missionaries who are given a task to go change the world, but once theyre out there, the world changes them, he explained. All of those real-life elements are present  friendship, loss, the heartbreak of wanting something that doesnt come through, and then the resolution.

Despite the universal themes, the show has courted controversy and faced backlash, not just from those with sensitive ears, but also from religious leaders who object to the shows mocking of faith and its institutions.

Still, the show remains popular, even in the Mormon hub of Salt Lake City, where  according to Smiths castmates who have played the city before and look forward to returning later this year  the crowd goes crazy.

All the small things that Matt and Trey put in there about Mormon life and how they function, everyone in Salt Lake City gets on a magnified level, said Smith. They get every little nugget that they placed in the show, so Im really excited about playing there.

Given Smiths obvious passion for The Book of Mormon, one cant help but wonder: has his son seen the show?

He has not, said Smith emphatically, quickly reverting from performer to parent. Maybe later in the tour, Smith concedes, since he wants his son to see the old man at work, but only after a good talking-to first.

Brad Rhines writes about theater. Contact him at bradfordrhines@gmail.com

***************************

'The Book of Mormon'

WHEN: Through Feb. 10

WHERE: Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St.

TICKETS: $30 and up

INFO: BroadwayInNewOrleans.com or (800) 982-2787
Costera (4938 Prytania St., (504) 302-2332), a new Spanish restaurant from a pair of Link Restaurant Group alums, opens Feb. 6 in the Uptown space previously home to the long-running La Thai, which closed in December.

Owners Brian Burns and Reno De Ranieri drew inspiration for Costera from their travels to coastal Spain, and the menu is heavily rooted in rice and seafood dishes.

We loved the communal dining aspect and wanted to provide the neighborhood with a similarly inviting experience that showcases our respect for high-quality ingredients in the style of traditional Spanish recipes, Burns said in a news release announcing the restaurants opening.

Burns, Costeras executive chef, was part of the opening team at Peche and later was chef de cuisine at Donald Links Warehouse District seafood restaurant. De Ranieri, another longtime Link Restaurant Group alum, has worked as a manager and sommelier and is overseeing front-of-house operations as well as the bar and wine programs at the new restaurant.

Two large-format paellas will feature both Gulf seafood and a varying selection of game in a nod to Louisianas sportsmens traditions. Also on the opening menu: smaller and shareable plates like Russian potatoes with boquerones and capers, blistered shishito peppers with Maldon salt and olive oil, steamed clams with white beans, a seafood conserva and crispy potato salad, and garlic shrimp with oregano, lemon and sherry.

Larger plates include a red wine-braised lamb shank with chickpeas and yogurt; a roasted chicken kalimotxo with braised beans, parsley and lemon; and tuna a la plancha.

The 5,400-square-foot restaurant is anchored by an 18-seat zinc bar and features a large communal dining table at the entrance and a dining room that seats roughly 110. Beginning this Wednesday, the restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday.

For more information, visit the restaurants website here.

Gambit's 2019 City Guide: Prytania Street Running very roughly parallel to its more famous sisters, St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street, Prytania Street offers shopping, dining and 
Foreground, from left, Georgena Desrosier, Miriam Barras and Lurline Gebhart, all from Baton Rouge, sing with hundreds of others gathered at Galvez Plaza Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 for a program held after the Louisiana Life March South, which began near the State Capitol gardens and finished with a program at the plaza just off North Boulevard. The event was held 46 years after the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade that established a woman's legal right to an abortion. The march was sponsored by Louisiana Right to Life, Louisiana Baptist Convention, Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, United Pentecostal Church of Louisiana, Louisiana Family Forum, the Knights of Columbus, Baton Rouge Right to Life, Caring to Love Ministries, and Louisianas Concerned Women for America.
A boy looks at the border wall, topped with razor wire and bathed in floodlights from the U.S. side, as he walks on the beach Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Tijuana, Mexico.
Thanks to The Advocate for my picture on the front page of your great newspaper, Jan. 24, speaking to Baton Rouge's Metro Council about the In
Sen. JP Morrell, D-New Orleans, left, answers a quesstion from Sen. Dan Claitor, R-Baton Rouge, right, during debate in the Senate at the Louisiana State Capitol, April 4, 2018.
Toll revenue would pay for only 17 percent of a new bridge across the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, a top state official said Tuesday.

Eric Kalivoda, deputy secretary for the state Department of Transportation and Development, made the comment during the first meeting of a panel seeking ways to finance a new bridge, which would cost about $1 billion.

The seven-member panel features leaders of five parishes in the Baton Rouge area, including East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome.

Kalivoda's comments reinforced what officials knew coming in  paying for a new bridge is a huge financial and political challenge with no easy answers.

DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson, a member of the commission, said there is a misconception that toll money can handle the brunt of the costs.

+2 Noticeable work on widening I-10 in Baton Rouge a year away, transportation chief says Visible work on the $360 million plan to widen Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge is likely a year away, Louisiana's transportation chief said Thursday.

Kalivoda told the group that although more research is being done, at least 75 percent of the financing would have to come from other sources even if the impact of tolls is revised upward.

The tolls could range from $3 for passenger vehicles to $8 for heavy trucks, according to state estimates.

What the state envisions is a six-lane structure with four-lane approaches on each side connecting La. 1 to La. 30 south of the new bridge.

The current structure  known locally as the "new" bridge even though it is a half century old  is the source of daily backups, motorists' anger and business disruptions.

Jim Bernhard offered to back new Mississippi River bridge, but feasibility remains unclear Is it feasible for a private firm to underwrite a new, $1 billion plus bridge across the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge?

About 150,000 cars and trucks cross the bridge daily, according to DOTD.

State Sen. Rick Ward, R-Port Allen, a sponsor of the bill, said problems sparked by bridge traffic have to be addressed.

"It is almost a crisis situation that we get something done," he said. "It is vital that we figure out a way to accomplish this goal."

Adam Knapp, president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, cited plans to widen Interstate 10 from the bridge to the I-10/12 split and the recent approval of a half cent sales tax hike to pay for nearly $1 billion in Baton Rouge area projects. "The one that has been the problem to move forward is this one," Knapp said, a reference to a new bridge.

Knapp said the Baton Rouge area, which has about 850,000 residents, is rated 13th worst for traffic congestion in the U.S., the smallest populated area to get that designation.

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The commission has the authority to ask voters to approve a financing plan to build a new bridge, plus connector routes near the new structure.

Voters at some point could be asked to endorse a bond issue or sales or property tax hike in addition to tolls.

Public-private partnerships also could be a possibility.

The commission includes parish presidents from East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, West Baton Rouge and Iberville; Wilson; and Mike Wampold, a Baton Rouge developer and the lone appointee by Gov. John Bel Edwards.

Using tolls to pay for just part of a major project is common across the country, said Kevin Hoeflich, chairman of toll services for the consulting engineering firm HNTB in Orlando, Florida.

Hoeflich said bridge tolls are typically pricier than others, which means "some significant tolls rates" would be needed to entirely finance a new bridge. "What we have seen because of the costs of construction is there are multiple funding sources potentially," he said.

Prospects for a state-funded bridge are bleak amid Louisiana's nearly $14 billion backlog of road and bridge needs.

Wilson said tackling the issue through a regional approach makes sense. "We support the effort," he said.

Kalivoda said officials would have to decide whether to pursue an interstate-style corridor or conventional highway.

He said the interstate option would generate more toll revenue but also trigger more impact on people and nature.

Kalivoda said a conventional highway lends itself to incremental construction and would be cheaper to build.

If tolls are part of the funding plan, officials would have to decide whether to collect them on one or both sides of the new bridge.

Traditional toll plazas are unlikely for safety and other reasons, Hoeflich said.

He said the fees would be more likely collected through transponders attached to windshields or by billing motorists based on snapshots of license plates.

Kalivoda said a $5 million environmental impact study will be required if federal funds are involved.

Permits from the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have to be obtained as well as a five-parish air quality study.
By any measure the number of public high school students earning career diplomas is up dramatically  23 percent last year versus just 2 percent in 2013.

That rise took place under a state overhaul  called Jump Start  aimed at making career and technical fields more appealing to students.

But state officials said Monday they are about to launch a new effort  dubbed Jump Start 2.0  aimed at attracting still more students. The new push is also designed to let more students earn the top industry credentials.

Only 1 in 4 career diploma graduates today collect certificates for high-wage, high-demand jobs, with the rest getting certificates for lesser-paying jobs.

Traditional high school diplomas require 23 course credits. Jump Start students have to get at least nine of those 23 in careers they plan to pursue, like welding or information technology.

About 9,500 high school graduates  23 percent of the total  received a Jump Start diploma last year, the first graduating class to do so since the overhaul began in 2014.

Jump Start 2.0 aims to build on the initial success by boosting the number of students earning career diplomas to nearly 40 percent.

Most of the other 60 percent or so of high school graduates head to two- or four-year colleges and universities.

The 18-member Accountability Commission, which advises the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, was briefed on the changes Monday.

State officials hope to present a "blueprint" to BESE in April, and the re-branded Jump Start could take full effect for the 2020-21 school year.

The latest push, which began last June, has included meetings between state officials and teachers, counselors, economic development experts and career and technical education leaders.

"We have gone literally all over the state," said Ken Bradford, assistant superintendent in the state Office of Student Opportunities.

The revamped Jump Start also includes new steps aimed at helping to erase the stigma that lingers for those who pursue welding and other careers rather than college. Bradford said a survey of 630 teachers, school leaders and others showed that 65 percent believe career and technical education carries a negative connotation.

Students say new career classes making a difference Four students who are pursuing Louisianas revamped career education path said Tuesday the courses are changing lives.

Possible changes include devoting a day at school for students who earn an industry-based credential, which can pave the way for a job, and ensuring Jump Start students are singled out during student of the year celebrations.

Most such events today focus on academic achievements, said Alex Mathews, who works in the state Office of Student Opportunities. "We don't like to talk about industry-based attainment the same way," Mathews told the commission.

The state offers about 50 credentials that can lead to jobs in construction, auto repair, energy, transportation and health care.

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$2 million grant to help Louisiana offer special diplomas in construction, welding, auto repair Louisiana's bid to re-energize its career education program got a $2 million boost Wednesday to expand the effort.

Bradford said about 90,000 have been issued so far.

A top credential would qualify a high school graduate for an entry-level job as a welder. A lesser one would allow him or her to become a welder's helper.

A labor market economist commissioned by the state who reviewed credentials earned in 2018 found that only 1 in 4 Jump Start graduates were prepared for a high-demand, high-wage job.

Pre-engineering classes in high schools? BESE endorses new classes, with Baton Rouge area first Louisiana's top school board Tuesday took action that will allow 200 students in the Baton Rouge area  and soon public school students statew

One of the goals of the revamped Jump Start is to increase that rate, as well as improved student "soft skills," like workplace communications.

The state Department of Education's website for Jump Start is also in line for an overhaul.

"That website isn't necessarily the most user friendly website," Mathews said.

The aim is to make it more useful for students, counselors and parents, simplify policy rules and assist career and technical education leaders.

Plans for a new version of Jump Start carry cost concerns.

Mike Faulk, executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, said during the public comment part of the meeting that the state needs to provide districts with the resources to handle a "major shift" in the aim of the program.

Other plans include narrowing today's roughly 50 credentials into 16 career paths, professional development for counselors advising students and expanded leadership academies for career and technical education leaders.

Debbie Meaux, president of the Louisiana Association of Educators and a member of the commission, said she is concerned about how well the state is preparing students for future jobs.

Bradford said the blueprint will focus on top jobs from 2016-26.

Debbie Schum, another commission member, said career pathways need to dovetail with student interests.

Schum, who is executive director of the Louisiana Principals Association, said the state also needs to be flexible enough to add new career pathways.

She said bicycle repair is listed among the top 15 jobs nationally for growth.
The trial of two men accused in the 2015 robbery, beating, abduction and killing of an elderly Highland Road couple was pushed back Tuesday to June 17 after a trove of new evidence was handed over to defense attorneys.

Prosecutor Ron Gathe told District Judge Trudy White that the state recently turned over additional evidence that attorneys for cousins Ernesto LLerena Alonso and Frank Garcia want more time to review. They were previously scheduled to stand trial March 18 in the slaying of Denis "Bubbie" Duplantier, 71, and Suzanne "Suzy" Duplantier, 70.

The March date now will be used to hear the defendants' request that they be tried outside of East Baton Rouge Parish because of extensive pretrial publicity. White last year granted Garcias request that he and Alonso, 45, be tried separately.

+3 Trial date moved to March in 2015 Highland Road double murder The first-degree murder trial in the 2015 kidnapping and strangling of an elderly Highland Road couple was pushed back Thursday until March 18.

The East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorneys Office has not announced which man will be tried first, but attorneys for both men said Tuesday they are operating under the assumption that Garcia, 51, will go to trial first.

Well be ready to go to trial in June, East Baton Rouge Parish Public Defender Mike Mitchell, one of Garcias attorneys, said outside Whites courtroom.

Garcia and Alonso are charged with first-degree murder and face mandatory sentences of life in prison if convicted on that charge. Prosecutors announced in 2016 they would not seek the death penalty after discussions with the victims' families and in order to expedite the case.

+4 Man accused in 2015 Highland Road double murder wants police statements tossed out Attorneys for one of the men charged in the 2015 abduction and killing of a Highland Road couple asked a judge Monday to throw out the stateme

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The Duplantiers bodies were discovered Oct. 19, 2015, in the back seat of their pickup truck at a Hammond gas station. They had been strangled.

Alonso's white pickup was captured on surveillance video as it followed the couples truck into the Petro truck stop, authorities said. Alonsos truck was later recovered at Garcias residence in Hollywood, Florida.

Alonso performed landscaping work for the Duplantiers and lived on other property owned by them.

+6 Change of venue requested for trial in 2015 slaying of Highland Road couple One of the two men awaiting trial in the 2015 robbery, beating, kidnapping and killing of a Highland Road couple claims he can't get a fair tr

A safe inside the Duplantier home was found open, with cash missing. A large amount of cash and a number of unspecified items believed stolen from the home were found at Garcias residence in Florida, authorities have said.

Dwight Doskey, who represents Alonso, said Tuesday the evidence recently given to him by prosecutors includes license plate reader information, phone records, follow-up search warrants and hundreds of photographs from the crime scene and Garcias house.

Investigators said they believe Alonso and Garcia went into the Duplantier home and beat the couple to obtain information needed to open the safe. Blood was found in several rooms, according to police.
A New Orleans company is suing the Louisiana agriculture department for how it is handling the testing of medical marijuana, arguing the agency improperly rejected its bid to become the states independent testing lab.

New Orleans-based Reactwell LLC, doing business as Certified Cannabis, is asking a judge to stop the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry from testing the drug itself, and to award the testing contract to the company. The firm unsuccessfully bid to be the states independent testing lab in response to a request for proposals the agriculture department issued last year.

The lawsuit is one of several that have been filed in Louisianas nascent medical marijuana industry, which has experienced a series of delays and controversies since being legalized several years ago. Patients still dont have access to the medicine, as the states two growers have not put product on the market.

The agriculture department is tasked with regulating the states two marijuana growers, which were hired by LSU and Southern University, respectively, to handle production of the drug. The agency last year issued an emergency rule allowing it to test medical marijuana itself after saying the department could not find any suitable companies to test the products. Late last year, the agency sent out a request for proposals but canceled it in December, saying none of the responses met the minimum qualifications.

Louisiana's medical marijuana testing arrangement causes conflict of interest worries, grower says The medical marijuana grown by Louisianas two approved producers aligned with the LSU Agricultural Center and Southern University is supposed

The lawsuit by Certified Cannabis, filed in Baton Rouge, said the company was the only one of three proposals that met all the qualifications. Still, the agriculture department tossed the request for proposal and began testing itself, the suit said, and began buying the lab equipment before making the emergency rule or issuing the request for proposal.

By doing the testing itself, the agency has created an irreconcilable conflict of interest with its role in supervising a third-party independent testing lab, the lawsuit said.

Unknown to the bidders, the LDAF had begun undertaking its own testing in the meantime, but without the expertise, the equipment, or the personnel, Certified Cannabis owner Brandon Iglesias said in an email. As a result, the testing has taken longer than expected, to the frustration of all interested parties.

Veronica Mosgrove, a spokeswoman for the agriculture department, said the agency has not been served with the petition yet.

When asked about the issue in December, the department said the three companies all failed to meet specific qualifications outlined in the request for proposal, and said the department plans to issue another request for proposals sometime in the future.

We anticipate as Louisiana's medical marijuana industry matures and volume increases more labs are likely to be prepared and more experienced resulting in successful proposals, spokeswoman Laura Lindsay said at the time.

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The testing of medical marijuana has become a contentious part of the states marijuana program. The only grower currently operating, LSUs partner GB Sciences, has pointed to testing delays at the agriculture department as one of the reasons marijuana is still not on pharmacy shelves. Late last year, it also raised questions about the agriculture department doing the testing itself, citing potential conflicts of interest.

The agriculture department has said GB Sciences only recently submitted required information to move the regulatory process forward.

At a recent meeting of marijuana industry representatives and regulators, the agency said the first batch of product it tested took longer than expected because of the method GB Sciences used to extract the oil from the plant. The company used a more complicated method because it was operating in a smaller, temporary pod while it awaited approval for its full-scale facility. The product initially will be available only in a tincture mixed with coconut oil.

GB Sciences said last week its first batch of product passed testing, but it is still not clear when patients will see the medicine. The company has previously said it will not sell the product to dispensaries before it has enough medicine coming behind it to create a steady supply stream. It has not begun growing in its permanent facility yet.

Spending at Louisiana's two medical marijuana producers differ sharply in 2018 The two companies authorized to grow medical marijuana in Louisiana spent wildly different amounts on their operations in 2018, new records sh

Under state laws originally passed in 2015 and refined several times since, marijuana is available to patients with a list of conditions including intractable pain, cancer, HIV, glaucoma, severe muscle spasms and several others.

Lawsuits also have been filed over Southern Universitys handling of the marijuana growing contract and against the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy over that agencys bid process for nine medical marijuana pharmacy permits throughout the state. The suit against the pharmacy board, over the New Orleans regions pharmacy permit, is still pending.

Southern Universitys marijuana partner, Advanced Biomedics, was acquired by Pennsylvania-based Ilera Holistic Healthcare late last year and is lagging behind GB Sciences, which said product should hit the shelves by summer. Advanced Biomedics two largest owners spent part of last year filing lawsuits against each other before the majority owner sold his stake in the firm.
Bobby Phills, chancellor of Southern Universitys SU AgCenter and dean of the College of Agriculture, resigned Friday.

On Monday evening, Southern University Director of Communications Janene Tate confirmed Phills resignation. James Ammons, the universitys executive vice president and executive vice chancellor, will be stepping in to guide the AgCenter and college in the interim, Tate said.

The reason behind Phills sudden departure is unclear; Tate declined to comment on the personnel matter. A search for Phills' replacement has not yet been launched, she said.

Phills joined Southern University in 2016 as the chancellor of the SU AgCenter and dean of the College of Agriculture. He is a graduate of the universitys undergraduate horticultural sciences program and later attended LSU for his masters and doctorate in horticulture with an emphasis in plant breeding.

Phills departure comes just as Southern University and the SU AgCenter are entering into the medical marijuana market. In 2015, Southern University was offered one of two contracts to grow and research medical marijuana in the state, and the university system officially sanctioned the program in 2016.

Southerns medical marijuana program has struggled with delays and upsets in the last year, including a transition to Illera Holistic Healthcare from original growing partner Advanced Biomedics, which failed to make production progress.

Its unclear how Phills departure will affect the programs execution moving forward.
A local fairness ordinance that seeks to bar discrimination against anyone in housing, employment and public accommodations based on sexuality and gender identity appears headed back to the Baton Rouge Metro Council.

The council has previously rejected attempts to pass measures addressing discrimination against LGBTQ people, but supporters say they think theres a good chance of it passing this time because the councils makeup and public attitudes have changed since the last failed attempt in 2014.

The previous efforts sparked heated public debate as gay rights advocates and the Louisiana Family Forum and conservative Christian groups argued over whether a local anti-discrimination resolution or ordinance was warranted and the impact it might have.

The proposed civil rights ordinance headed the councils direction this year  although no specific timeline has been set for it yet  comes from a local nonprofit advocacy group that has been working on it for the past two years. Five members of the 12-member Metro Council have already pledged their support, and two others say theyre willing to support if concerns they have about the working draft are addressed.

"It's a different climate today," said Christine Assaf, vice president of the Progressive Social Network, the local non-profit organization spearheading this latest attempt.

"We feel like it's a basic civil rights discussion the city is still having; We're just making sure it doesn't stop," said Assaf, who's also the mother of a LGBTQ-identifying child. "But this is not a 'gay' bill."

Assaf points out there are no protections in place at the city-parish level for anyone based on race, disability, religious and political affiliation and/or veteran status either.

To get it passed, though, theyll have to overcome what is likely to be vigorous opposition.

The Louisiana Family Forum led efforts to scuttle previous attempts to pass such city-parish ordinances. The group's leader is speaking out against it again saying the latest effort is another attempt to advance an agenda of sexual politics under the guise of unification.

Gene Mills, president of Louisiana Family Forum, said the proposed ordinance has nothing to do with unifying people in the community.

"Nothing could be further from the truth," Mills said in an emailed statement Monday. "Proponents employ divisive rhetoric and try to shame opponents in order to win regardless of the cost to our city and actual relationships."

He urged council members "to vote no on this latest effort to divide Baton Rouge."

+2 'Fairness Ordinance' supporters hope extra time fosters support Community leaders in support of the so-called fairness ordinance spent weeks preparing for Wednesday nights Metro Council meeting, coordina

In the past, the Louisiana Family Forums leaders have framed LGBTQ protections as an attack on the religious freedoms of business owners and argued proponents failed to prove that gay people had suffered from "economic disparity or political powerlessness."

Joseph Traigle, co-writer of the twice-failed "One Baton Rouge" resolution which sought a formal expression of tolerance for marginalized groups at the local level, said organizations like Louisiana Family Forum rely on a lie to raise money and marshal opposition.

"The lie is that gay people choose to be gay, Traigle said. Why would a person choose to be gay, so they can have to deal with bigots and homophobes?"

Traigle said he and his partner of 25 years ended up leaving Baton Rouge and moving to North Carolina because they no longer felt welcomed in the aftermath of the unsuccessful attempts in the past to get Metro Council support on anti-discrimination measures.

On why such legislation is still important he said, "it opens the city up for jobs, growth and demonstrates a commitment to diversity."

The last time the fairness ordinance was brought before the Metro Council, in 2014, it had the backing of the business community and civic groups but still failed in an 8-4 vote.

The 2014 vote transpired during the height of national debates surrounding gay marriage and at a time when Christian businesses in various parts of the country were under attack for refusing service to gay individuals.

"Those conversations have passed on," Assaf said. "At this point, there's a little bit more support than there was then."

She is hopeful for a better outcome this year because half of the council members who voted in opposition of the 2014 ordinance are longer in office. And one of the still serving council members who voted against the ordinance then now says she supports it.

+17 Metro Council meeting ends without LGBT vote After hours of passionate speeches from members of the public about a proposed ban on discrimination against people based on sexual orientatio

"I basically had a year of education, meeting with different people, and I've just evolved to the point where I support the item," said Councilwoman Chauna Banks.

Council members Erika Green, LaMont Cole, Donna Collins-Lewis, and Chandler Loupe have come out in early support of the proposed measure from the Progressive Social Network.

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"I don't fear backlash for wanting to treat people well and expecting others to do the same," Cole said. Green, who intends to co-sponsor the ordinance, called it "necessary."

Councilwoman Barbara Freiberg has agreed to sponsor the measure as well, although she has voiced expressed concerns over some elements of the proposal.

Councilman Matt Watson offered similar comments when asked about the proposal.

"There are some significant pieces of this proposal which needed to be fixed before I could be supportive," he said in a prepared statement. "But I think we're well on our way of finding something that most reasonable people can support."

Council members Scott Wilson, Dwight Hudson, Tara Wicker and Denise Amoroso all said they'll be voting 'no' when the proposal comes before the council. Councilmen Trae Welch did not return calls seeking his position but voted in opposition during the 2014 vote.

Kelly Bienn, spokeswoman for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, said the organization does not yet have an official position on the issue.

"We are doing a thorough review of the ordinance," she said in a prepared statement. "We have not yet brought it to our board for an official vote."

Mayor Sharon Weston Broome has declined to speak on her position as well. Her spokesperson said the mayor wants to see a final draft first and have follow-up conversations with Progressive Social Network officials before commenting.

Leaders of the nonprofit group argue adopting protections for the LGBTQ community would place the city-parish more in line with Broome's public proclamations of being a more progressive city that's "open for business" to outside entities.

+7 Broome holds pep rally for ExxonMobil after tax break rejection; legislators seeking to redo ITEP In the halls of the legislature and on the steps of City Hall, in advertisements, social media and meetings with the press, Baton Rouge leader

The national Human Rights Campaign routinely rates cities on non-discrimination ordinances they have folded into their local laws and policies and then scores them in a report. Those scores can often weigh in to whether corporations will establish operations in certain locations, according to Xavier Persad, senior legislative counsel for the Human Rights Campaign.

"When cities pass local protections, it sends a clear message they are open to everyone," he said. "Businesses want to know their employees, if they choose to relocate or expand, are protected from discrimination. Businesses value diversity."

Baton Rouge's current score on the Human Rights Campaigns index is 42 out of the maximum 100. Thats far below Shreveport's score of 77 and the score of 97 for New Orleans.

Assaf said the Progressive Social Network has spent the past two years studying the failure of the last attempt before sitting down with parish leaders on crafting something new that could pass the muster of the Metro Council.

She declined to provide a copy of a draft of the groups current proposal, saying its not yet ready for public release. But as with previous attempts, the ordinance would provide protections not only to the LGBTQ residents in the parish, but include any discrimination based on race, color, sex, disability, age, ancestry, nationality, sexual orientation, and political and religious affiliations.

The anti-discriminatory policy would extend to employment, housing and public accommodation, giving a wider scope of protection other than the executive order former mayor Kip Holden signed that protects city employees from discrimination.

Anti-discrimination laws are in place at the state and federal levels for a large majority of people who fall in one of those protected classes but don't extended to sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Progressive Social Networks proposal would also create a commission of volunteers who would serve as the advocacy group that reviews, investigates and mediates claims of discrimination in the parish.

New Orleans has anti-discrimination policies and has had a human rights commission since 1991, while Shreveport passed an ordinance protecting lesbian, gay and transgender residents in 2013.

Vincenzo Pasquantonio, executive director for the Human Relations Commission in New Orleans, said the commission there provides an administrative process to residents that often deescalates discrimination issues and provides training and resources to the public.

"Having a local commission fills an important gap," Pasquantonio said. "Otherwise, a lot of the time, the only recourse available is litigation and that, as we know, has its own issues in terms of equity. Access to low-cost legal services can be difficult for some people."

The make up and legal authority of a proposed commission in East Baton Rouge Parish is a point of concern for Councilwoman Freiberg.

"I need to see who's on there and what the legal chain of action will be," she said.

There's no definitive timeline yet on when the ordinance will get introduced for adoption.

"We want to get it right," Assaf said. "This is about our city making a statement. "We want everyone to be treated the proper way."
A federal fugitive task force on Tuesday captured the second suspect in a fatal Christmas Eve shooting in St. James Parish who has been on the run from authorities for more than a month.

The U.S. Marshals Services Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force found Jermaine Lee Lewis Jr., 22, of Lutcher, about 7 a.m. in Baton Rouge and arrested him without incident, St. James Parish sheriff's deputies said.

Col. Sid Berthelot, the St. James Parish sheriff's chief deputy, said Lewis and another man who is already in custody are, at this time, the only two believed to be have been involved in the late night shootings that killed two and injured another. The slayings happened during a block party after the annual Christmas Eve bonfires on the Mississippi River levee.

Sheriff deputies said in a statement the shootings remain under investigation and detectives are seeking more information from the public.

+4 Lutcher Christmas Eve shooting: 2 dead, 2 hurt, unanswered questions and a frustrated sheriff LUTCHER  A Christmas Eve shooting outside a bar in Lutcher left two men dead and two wounded, one of them a 15-year-old boy, the St. James Pa

Sheriffs deputies arrived 11:30 p.m. Dec. 24 to what Sheriff Willy Martin Jr. has described as a chaotic scene at the Neighborhood Lounge  a popular post-bonfire hangout on West Main Street in Lutcher  with bodies on the ground and the sound of gunshots still echoing down a side street.

Detectives believe the shootings occurred over a disagreement among young men from Lutcher and Convent, the sheriff has said.

Thaddeus Watis Jr., 20, and Dedrick Paul Green, Jr., 23, both of Convent, and Jerrell Moody, 25, of Vacherie, were shot in the incident.

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Watis and Green died of their wounds. Moody was released from an area hospital several days after the shooting, the Sheriff's Office has said.

The Neighborhood Lounge was also the scene of a shooting on Christmas Day in 2008 when five people were injured.

+3 One arrested, another sought in Christmas Eve shootings after Lutcher levee bonfires CONVENT  St. James Parish sheriff's deputies have arrested one man and are looking for another in the Christmas Eve shootings in Lutcher that

After Lewis' capture Tuesday, he was taken to East Baton Rouge Parish Prison but is expected to be booked on a second-degree murder count once he is returned to the St. James Parish Prison in Convent, deputies said in a statement.

Sheriff's deputies arrested the first accused shooter, Tyquan Twendell Williams, 24, also of Lutcher, on Jan. 9 and have booked him with a count of second-degree murder.

Deputies said Tuesday that Williams, who has been given bail of $375,000, remains incarcerated at St. Charles Parish jail.

Those with information about the shootings in Lutcher are asked to call CrimeStoppers at (877) 903-STOP or the St. James Parish Sheriffs Office at (225) 562-2200.
Mexican national from Bridgeport gets federal time for illegal reentry to U.S.
The Valentines clock is ticking. If you havent made plans, now is the time. Like I tell my kids, get gas when you have time  not when you need it.
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NASA scientists have, for the first time, set foot in one of the newest islands on the planet to explore and study. However, instead of answers, they seem to have uncovered a mystery.

Upon arrival at the volcanic islands in the South Pacific within the nation of Tonga in October, the team was welcomed with light-colored mud and they do not know where it is coming from.

"And then there's clay washing out of the cone," said Dan Slayback of the Goddard Space Flight Center. "In the satellite images, you see this light-colored material. It's mud, this light-colored clay mud. It's very sticky. So even though we'd seen it we didn't really know what it was, and I'm still a little baffled of where it's coming from. Because it's not ash."

Birth Of An Island

The still-unnamed new island came to being in January 2015 as a result of the eruption from the rim of an underwater caldera. It is one of the three islands to emerge in the past 150 years and survive for more than a few months.

Slayback and his colleagues at NASA have been observing the formation of the new island, beginning from its birth, through satellites, trying to create a three-dimensional model of its shape and volume over time. Scientists believe that the 3-year-old island can inform how new islands form and evolve on Earth and perhaps in other parts of the solar system, including Mars.

Bursting With Life

Upon arrival, the team that is made up of scientists, students, and observers from Tonga found that the satellite images do not quite tell the whole tale. The visitors found that the surface was covered with pea-sized black gravel. Moreover, the place is not flat; the waves have formed "come cool patterns" on the gravel.

Another surprise was the vegetation that has already started taking root in the new island. The scientists believe that the seeds might have been transported and brought to the area by the birds flying overhead. They also found a barn own and hundreds of nesting sooting terns.

The team has collected samples (with permission from the locals) for analysis and took GPS measurements of the location.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Vaccines given by a company at various businesses across three U.S. states may have caused infections, the Kentucky health officials have revealed.

The vaccines in question have been administered since last year in the states of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The health agency warns that it may not only have caused infections but may have also been poorly effective in the prevention of illnesses.

Vaccine-Associated Infection

Kentucky Department of Public Health is conducting an investigation over the issue. According to the DPH, Location Vaccination headquartered in Mount Sterling provided the said vaccines, most of which were administered at some workplaces in central Kentucky since Sept. 1, 2018.

Individuals who received the vaccine show symptoms such as redness, pain, swelling, and hard lumps at the injection site. Symptoms may manifest a few days to over three months after getting the shot. Anyone who suffered infections linked to the vaccine might want to get vaccinated again to make sure of full immunization.

Issue Linked To Improper Storage, Handling

"We believe negative side effects associated with this investigation to be linked to improper storage and handling of the vaccine. We want to emphasize that there is no evidence to suggest that there is an issue with the vaccine supply. The provider has stopped vaccinating and there is no continuing risk to the public," said Dr. Jeff Howard, DPH commissioner.

The vaccine provider, which is registered under the ownership and management of Fairshinda Sabounchi McLaughlin, operates under the medical license of Dr. Paul E. McLaughlin. Although the company has already halted administering the vaccines, those who were vaccinated by Location Vaccination might still develop an infection.

Dr. Howard further cites the utmost importance of seeking proper medical evaluation and care for those who were vaccinated by the provider.

Affected Areas In The US

While the vaccination was provided to more individuals at several workplaces in central Kentucky, the company also extended its services to Commonwealth areas, including some locales in the states of Indiana and Ohio.

All businesses that may have employees who were provided with the vaccine are encouraged to advise their workers to contact the DPH immediately at (502)564-3418.

The health agency still urges individuals to get a vaccination to avoid catching certain diseases such as hepatitis A, seasonal influenza, and the like.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Big quote: Workers absolutely should have the right to know what they are working on, and especially when moral or politically controversial activities are involved," said Juliet Schor, a professor of sociology at Boston College

Millions of workers in the so-called gig economy unknowingly helped Google assist the Pentagon in creating AI technology to be used in a controversial drone-targeting project.

The project, known as Project Maven, was part of a Department of Defense initiative last year. As part of the program, the DoD quietly retained Google's assistance in helping the AI distinguish between certain objects on the ground.

Gig workers are people who perform seemingly mundane tasks on a crowdsourcing platform, earning as little as $1 per hour for "micro-tasks". These micro tasks are part of a model known as "human-in-the-loop," a concept that calls for human intervention where computers usually fail. The company Google hired workers from, Figure Eight, position themselves as a machine learning company that "transforms unstructured text, image, audio, and video data into customized high-quality training data" for AI.

Human-in-the-loop (HITL) is a branch of artificial intelligence that leverages both human and machine intelligence to create machine learning models, explains an excerpt from Figure Eight's marketing material. In a traditional human-in-the-loop approach, people are involved in a virtuous circle where they train, tune, and test a particular algorithm.

The specific tasks Google hired the workers to perform involved labeling objects in satellite images to help the AI tell the difference between things like trees, buildings, vehicles, and other objects. The data obtained with the help of gig workers was then sent on to the Pentagon and incorporated into Project Maven, helping military drones engage in real-time analysis of satellite imagery.

In April of last year, Google CEO Sundar Pichai was presented with a petition signed by over 3,100 Google employees demanding that the company stop assisting the Pentagon with the drone project. In June, Google announced that it would not renew its government contract due to "internal pressure," meaning the contract is set to end at some point in 2019.

The issue of morality lies at the core of Google's decision to use gig workers to gather data. The Figure Eight workers had no idea what they were actually working on, who it was benefiting, or what they were helping to build. They also did not know that the Pentagon or Google were behind the work they were doing. Because these gig workers are contractors, they do not qualify for benefits or minimum wage.

A former Figure Eight contributor stated anonymously that, Contributors to the Figure Eight platform are not given who the data will benefit. Usually, they are given a reason for why they are doing a task, like, Draw boxes around a certain product to help machines recognize it, but they are not given the company that receives the data. Given the controversy surrounding the use of militant drones to execute enemy targets, the use of low-paid, uninformed workers seems egregious and immoral.

Google or Figure Eight have yet to comment publicly.
The big picture: Intelligence officials for years have warned that tech giants Huawei and ZTE may be spying on behalf of China. Is the US government grasping at straws in its latest attempt to go after Huawei or is there genuine reason for concern?

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a sting operation on Huawei during CES in response to concerns that the Chinese tech giant may have broken US export laws and stolen intellectual property from a Chicago start-up.

Akhan Semiconductor founder and CEO Adam Khan developed a product called Miraj Diamond Glass that he claims is six times stronger and 10 times more scratch resistant than Gorilla Glass, the industry leader in mobile cover glass.

Akhan was interested in licensing the glass to a large smartphone manufacturer and sent a sample to Huawei on March 26, 2018. Huawei agreed to return the sample within 60 days and not to test using methods that would damage the sample, standard protocol in the industry meant to make it harder for a sample to be reverse-engineered.

The sample wasnt returned until August 2 and when it was opened, Akhan found the four-inch square piece of glass was broken in two with multiple shards missing. The sample was well packaged and thus, couldnt have been damaged during shipping (that also wouldnt explain why pieces were missing). Concerned, Akhan reached out to the FBI.

After studying the sample, the FBIs gemologist concluded that Huawei had blasted the sample with a 100-kilowatt laser, one that was powerful enough to be used as a weapon. Furthermore, the sample had been shipped to China, potentially in violation of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations which governs the export of materials that can be used for defense (in this case, the diamond coating on the cover glass).

The FBI took an immediate interest in the case and went so far as to recruit Khan and Carl Shurboff, Akhans chief operations officer, to conduct a sting operation against Huawei at CES. The two men wore recording devices while meeting with Huawei executives who, at one point, wondered aloud whether the US government was monitoring the meeting.

A few weeks later, the FBI raided a Huawei facility in San Diego. Khan and Shurboff have been instructed not to have any further contact with Huawei.

FBI image courtesy Marija Stojkovic via Shutterstock
With less than three weeks to go before the big Mobile World Congress (MWC) trade show in Barcelona, theres a lot of attention being paid to wireless technologies, particularly 5G. The next generation cellular network is expected to make a particularly big splash this year, as the first devices that incorporate the technology are expected to be on display.

In addition, many are expecting to see a rash of telecom infrastructure equipment suppliers unveiling the latest components necessary to power 5G networks, telecom carriers announcing their pricing and planned rollouts of 5G services, and just about everyone else trying to make some kind of connection between what theyre offering and the new network standard.

But 5G wont be the only wireless technology making some important debuts in Barcelona. At long last, we should also see the first client devices that incorporate the latest version of Wi-Fi: 802.11ax, more recently dubbed Wi-Fi 6.

According to FCC documents discovered by DroidLife, for example, it appears Samsungs next generation Galaxy smartphones, predicted to be announced at their upcoming pre-MWC event, will include support for the faster new Wi-Fi standard. In addition, there are rumors of many more Wi-Fi 6-equipped smartphones and other gadgets being introduced at this years MWC. Many of these new devices are expected to be powered by the recently unveiled Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, which includes built-in support for Wi-Fi 6.

Interestingly, even though 5G and Wi-Fi 6 are different technologies, there are a surprising number of similarities between them, at many different levels. In fact, theres enough of them that some have wondered if one of the wireless network standards might eventually subsume or replace the other.

First, at a high level, each of the new standards contains a wireless data connection protocol that builds on previous generations and is specifically designed to increase the density of wireless networks. One of the biggest problems limiting the performance of both cellular broadband and local area wireless networks is clogged airwavestoo many people and too many devices trying to leverage a limited amount of space. Its a classic data traffic jam.

As a result, both 5G (and many of the enhancements introduced with gigabit LTEwhich AT&T is misleadingly labeling 5Ge) and Wi-Fi 6 are using some of the same basic technical principles to help alleviate the congestion. Though there are differences in implementation between 5G and Wi-Fi 6, both are using technologies like enhanced Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO), OFDMA, advanced QAM, and beam-forming to make more efficient use of the defined radio spectrums for each technology. Taken together, these enhancements should help each technology reach theoretical peak transfer rates in the high single digit gigabits per second range as well.

Just to add to the complexity, there are also a number of efforts, such as LAA (License Assisted Access) and MulteFire, which are designed to allow cellular radio signals to travel over the same, unlicensed 5GHz radio spectrum used by Wi-Fi. Concerns have been raised that this combination of cellular and Wi-Fi could lead to interference with Wi-Fi operation, however. In addition, telco carriers, who exclusively license the radio spectrum they use for broadband cellular connections, have voiced concerns about losing access to what could become private LTE or even 5G networks.

Despite these issues, a number of wireless vendors, including Qualcomm and Intel, have discussed the potential opportunity for companies to build these kinds of private cellular networksin essence, replacing Wi-Fi with 5G or LTE. Though this would require all devices connecting to the network to have an integrated cellular modemno small feat right nowthe idea is that this could improve coverage across a campus environment or in a factory, and wouldnt require any type of log-in process that you typically need with Wi-Fi.

At the same time, some similar benefits of integrated LTE (and eventually 5G) in PCs and other devices is also starting to take hold. The ease of having a single network connection that doesnt have to be changed or be remembered or be logged into (if you even can) no matter where you are becomes much more appealing the more you get used to the concept. Throw in the critical fact that cellular connections are considered more secure than Wi-Fi, and you can understand why you should expect to see a lot more devices with integrated cellular broadband over the next few years.

Of course, as appealing as a single network may sound, there are still a number of critical issues that exist. First, telco carriers still have a long way to go to make this a financially attractive and realistically practical option. Yes, the add a device for $10 more a month model does exist for most people, but its not consistently available, a number of limitations often apply, and its still not easy to manage multiple devices on a single account. This is particularly true for companies that have thousands of employees, each of whom could easily have 4-5 different connected devices.

In addition, there are a number of attractive, lower-cost and relatively easy alternatives. Right now, Wi-Fi signals are nearly as ubiquitous as cellular connections, and in most cases, theyre free, which is always tough to compete with. Plus, some of the enhancements for Wi-Fi 6 will likely fix the frustrations that people often have with Wi-Fi in dense environments (and which typically trigger the switch to a cellular broadband connectionsuch as at a trade show, etc.). On top of that, tethering a Wi-Fi enabled device to a cellularly connected one is getting much easier, particularly now that Google just announced that the automatic tethering features of some ChromeOS devices are coming to most all Chromebooks and a wide range of popular Android-based smartphones.

Ultimately, 5G and Wi-Fi 6 arent really competitive technologies, but complementary onesat least for now. In fact, it will probably be difficult to find a new 5G device that doesnt also support Wi-Fi 6the two technologies can work hand in hand. For most people, 5G will handle the wide-area wireless connection, and Wi-Fi 6 will handle the local wireless connection. Eventually, however, there could certainly come a time when only one of them will be necessary.

It may seem crazy to think that Wi-Fi could go away, especially given how pervasive it is today. But if you fully take into account the advances that 5G is expected to bringnot least of which is a huge number of small cells that can be used indoors and other places where Wi-Fi has typically reignedthe idea may not be as far-fetched as it first appears.

Bob ODonnell is the founder and chief analyst of TECHnalysis Research, LLC a technology consulting and market research firm. You can follow him on Twitter @bobodtech. This article was originally published on Tech.pinions.

Image credit: rawpixel via Unsplash
With the United States and Israel as such close allies and defenders of freedom, it is no surprise that American warriors know all about what Israel faces in the way of enemies. JNS Jackson Richman speaks to one of these veterans, who is also a freshman congressman from Florida, Michael Waltz, with Waltz describing his firsthand experiences with Iranian attempts to harm Israel and the U.S.:

Republican Rep. Michael Waltz, 45, defeated Democrat Nancy Soderberg in the 2018 midterm elections in Floridas 6th Congressional District to replace Rep. Ron DeSantis, who was elected the states governor in a contentious race. Before joining Congress, Waltz served as a U.S. Army Special Forces officer and is the first Green Beret ever elected to Congress. A veteran of the war in Afghanistan, he served a senior role at the Pentagon as the director of Afghanistan policy as well as senior advisor to Vice President Dick Cheney for South Asia and Counter terrorism.

Q: What is your overall stance on the U.S.-Israel relationship?

A: A strong U.S.-Israel relationship is criticalits critical to our national security, its critical to the region. That ranges from our cultural and historic ties together; our values of democracy, freedom, free press, individual liberties and, of course, defense. Im a proponent of the qualitative military edge that weve committed to our Israeli allies. With me as a member, youre going to get someone who has walked the walk overseas across the Middle East, across South Asia, across Africa, has a little dirt under the fingernails. So its really not just a talking point with me. I dont think youre going to find any members who have actively operated against the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC] and seen what theyre about. Ive seen firsthand what Iran wants to do in the region not only to Israel as our ally, but to American interests. Bottom line: I think the relationship is critical across the board.

Q: Do you mind elaborating on your experience? You mentioned the IRGC.

A: When I served abroad in Afghanistan, the IRGC was very active with the Taliban, even though they would not have a natural relationship with Iran obviously being Shia, the Taliban being an extremist Sunni organization. But weve seen Iran through the IRGC and through the Kuds force, which is its foreign operations force, very effectively have marriages of convenience with surrogates that may not be naturally aligned but have forces that they want to use against the U.S., which is exactly what they were doing with the Taliban through training, through recruiting, and helping them with arming and equipping
Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry travelled on Monday to Addis Ababa to take part in preliminary meetings of the African Union (AU) summit.



The minister will lead the Egyptian delegation in meetings of the African ministerial committees on Wednesday and the AU executive council at the level of foreign ministers on Feb. 7-8 in preparation for the 32nd African summit to be held on Feb. 10-11.



Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said the upcoming summit has special significance since Egypt will take over as president of the AU this year, expressing Cairo's keenness to work with African countries on the issues of regional integration, social and economic development, peace and security, among others.



Egypt's priorities will also include achieving AU institutional and financial reforms, building stronger bridges for cultural communication among African peoples and enhancing cooperation with all partners, Hafez added.

Short link:


ABC/Image Group LAJason Aldean and his wife Brittany welcomed their new daughter just before 1 p.m. CT on Monday.

Today our family became complete as we welcomed our daughter Navy Rome to the world, Jason tweeted late Monday evening, along with a photo of the sleeping infant wearing a cap with a bow.

Born on 2/4/19 weighing 7lbs 12oz and looking identical to her older brother, he continued. So excited to watch what life has in store for this little princess.

Navys older brother, Memphis, just turned one in December.

Brittany shared the same photo of Navy on Instagram, adding 7lbs 12oz of pure preciousness. We love you so much baby girl!!

Later this month, Navys oldest sister, Keeley, will turn sixteen. Jasons other daughter from his previous marriage, Kendyl, is eleven.

This is certainly a week Jason wont soon forget: his latest single, Girl Like You, currently sits at the top of the chart as well.

Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
A hot potato: Its no secret that Russia is cracking down on companies that dont store details of local users within the country. Many firms wont or cant agree to this rule, but Apple is no longer one of them.

According to Bloomberg, a recent filing with the Russian government last month shows that Apple users in the region have data including name, delivery address, email address, and phone number stored on servers within the nations borders. The company said it collects the information for customer service and to send users information on new products.

The report doesnt mention if more personal information is also stored, such as photos, contacts, or messages, so iCloud data doesnt appear to be on the Russia-based servers. However, Apple does keep details about its Russian employees within the country, including passport numbers, place and time of issuance, addresses, history of work valuations and income details.

Back in 2014, Russia enacted a new law requiring all internet companies conducting business in the country to store Russian citizens personal info in local data centers. As the rule is supposedly to fight terrorism, the government could demand that compliant firms decrypt the data and hand it over.

Tim Cook has long been a vocal advocate of user privacyas shown by the ad Apple took out at CES. But the CEO said local laws must be observed, which is why the company already stores local users' iCloud keys on regional servers in China. He stressed that the information is protected by Apple encryption, though its unclear how much of a deterrent that would be for Russian authorities.

Last month, Roskomnadzor, Russias state communications regulator, said it has begun administrative proceedings against Facebook and Twitter for their failure to keep users data in the country. This follows Moscows November plans to clamp down on tech firms who dont obey the law.
Seminole, FL (33772)

Today

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. High 86F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

A widely scattered shower or thunderstorm is possible this evening. Then cloudy skies overnight. Low 78F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
New Swiss Corporate Tax Reform Requires Public Approval

by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels

05 February 2019

A federal referendum will be held on May 19, 2019, in Switzerland on an overhaul to the corporate tax code, to bring it into line with international standards.

The referendum will decide the fate of the Federal Act on Tax reform and AHV Financing (TRAF), which was drafted after the earlier corporate tax reform III package, discussed below, was rejected.

The TRAF legislation is due to enter into force on January 1, 2020. It will abolish the special arrangements for cantonal status companies, along with the federal practices on tax allocation for principal companies and Swiss finance branches. The legislation will also introduce a mandatory patent box regime for all cantons, provide a relief restriction, and reform the taxation of dividends from qualified participations.

The Swiss Federal Council has announced that, from 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) will no longer apply the federal practices concerning principal companies and Swiss finance branches to new companies.

Companies operating internationally often group their structures into larger units and centralize functions, responsibilities, and risks within the group in so-called principal companies. Under the current Swiss rules, if a principal company is located in Switzerland, some of the net profit is exempt from taxation in the country.

Swiss finance branches are Swiss financial permanent establishments of foreign companies and are responsible for lending within foreign groups. Currently, the calculation of a usage fee for the capital made available to the Swiss permanent establishment reduces the taxable net profit of the Swiss finance branch in Switzerland.

Unlike the rules on cantonal status companies, the abolition of the federal practices does not require any legislative amendment. As a first step, the FTA will ensure that the federal practices are from 2019 no longer applied to new companies. Then, with the entry into force of TRAF in 2020, the federal practices for existing principal companies and finance branches will be abolished.

Why is Switzerland's tax regime changing?

Switzerland was obligated to change its corporate tax regime after long-standing pressure from the European Union, which led to the country accepting the EU Code of Conduct on Business Taxation in June 2014. Jurisdictions recognizing the Code must, among other things, roll back tax measures deemed "harmful" and commit not to introduce new ones.

Consequently, tax reform proposals were drawn up to abolish special tax arrangements at cantonal level, namely holding, domiciliary, and mixed company formats, which allow foreign companies to pay little or no corporate tax. These regimes have long been criticized by the EU for facilitating the shifting of profits from EU member states to Switzerland.

CTRIII

However, the Swiss Government wasn't content with merely sweeping away the cantonal tax regimes. It is estimated that cantonal status companies employ around 150,000 people and contribute about 20 percent to total cantonal and communal revenues. Therefore, a major goal of the earlier tax reform, which came to be known as Corporate Tax Reform III (CTRIII), was the introduction of more internationally accepted tax incentives, designed to both maintain Switzerland's international tax competitiveness and ensure the corporate tax regime adhered to international standards.

As such, CTRIII would have included the following changes:

As such, CTRIII also included the following changes:

A patent box at cantonal level (but not at federal level), offering preferential treatment for revenue from patents and similar rights associated with research and development (R&D) in Switzerland;

A super deduction for research and development expenses of up to 150 percent of qualifying R&D expenditure incurred in Switzerland, which would have been optional for cantons. This was not be applied at federal level;

A notional interest deduction on "surplus equity," intended to align the tax treatment of debt and equity financing, and replacing initial proposals for an interest-adjusted corporate income tax;

A provision allowing cantons more flexibility over corporate tax;

Targeted capital tax deductions at cantonal level; and

The abolition of issue tax on equity capital.

CTRIII made steady progress through Switzerland's often laborious legislative process. It was approved by the Swiss Federal Council, the seven-member executive council that constitutes the federal government of Switzerland, on April 2, 2014, and by parliament in June 2016. However, the measures were rejected by voters at a referendum in February 2017, effectively consigning the reforms to the legislative waste bin.

Campaigners have reportedly said that the new proposals seek to do away with tax privileges for companies but replace them with equally unacceptable tax breaks.
France Seeks Corporate Minimum Tax At G7

by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels

05 February 2019

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has said that the "fair" taxation of multinational companies will be at the heart of the G7's agenda during the French presidency of the group.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Le Maire said that France would seek agreement in the G7 for minimum rates of corporate tax in developed countries to ensure that multinational companies cannot "escape tax."

While Le Maire accepted that a degree of tax competition is healthy, he was sharply critical of jurisdictions which maintain zero rates of corporate tax  a situation he described as "unacceptable."

"This allows companies to escape a fair taxation," he said.

France holds the G7 presidency for the year 2019. One of its goals for the presidency is the "strengthening of the social dimension of globalization through more fair and equitable trade, tax, and development policies."

The next G7 Summit will be held in Biarritz, France, in August 2019.
Councilor at Large Melissa Mazzeo is pushing for single-use biodegradable bags to be available.

Plastic Bag Ban One Step Closer to Passing

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The City Council's Ordinance and Rules Committee finally came to an agreement on a plastic bag ban.

A proposal to ban thin, single-use plastic bags, which are primarily used to bag groceries at the supermarket, has been working its way through the legislative process for nearly six years. It was proposed by attorney Rinaldo Del Gallo as a measure to reduce the amount of plastic bags causing damage to the environment.

On Monday, the Ordinance and Rules Committee finally agreed to the language of the ordinance and it will now go to the full council.

"The whole ordinance is banning the traditional single-use plastic bag," said Ward 3 Councilor Nicholas Caccamo who had gone through an effort to mesh language from two separate ordinances in hopes to craft one that matched the concerns councilors have raised through the process.

"I did my best to blend them into something where we could start and achieves a lot of our goals."

Caccamo's version of an ordinance served as the basis for Monday's discussion, a day the committee had previously voted to set as a hard deadline for voting on the ordinance.

Councilor at Large Melissa Mazzeo had the floor for over an hour as she talked her way through the draft ordinance and proposed a number of amendments. All of her amendments were easily approved by the rest of the group.

However, one point of contention came between Mazzeo and Ward 6 Councilor John Krol over biodegradable plastic bags.

Mazzeo focused on allowing stores to switch to the biodegradable plastic bags, saying most retailers will turn to paper bags that come with a number of environmental concerns as well. She hoped to allow room in the provision for retailers to switch to bags that make look, feel, and act like the traditional plastic bags but could also be better for the environment.

"We clearly know a paper bag costs more and is more harmful to the environment than a plastic bag," Mazzeo said, saying she doesn't want to contribute to one problem while trying to address another one.

The council had been given a presentation by such a company making those biodegradable bags. Mazzeo believes those can take the place of plastic and crafted the language to allow that.

Krol, however, said those bags aren't as nice as the company that manufacturers them say. He said the bags will biodegrade but only in certain conditions, conditions that aren't often met. He said allowing stores to move to those types of bags goes against the point of the ban.

"These compostable plastic bags are simply not biodegradable like paper is," Krol said, calling the company's labeling of the products as being biodegradable a "marketing scheme."

Councilor at Large Peter White agreed, saying he has a concern about opening the door for micro-plastics. White and Krol, however, couldn't sway the other three members of the committee to join their side and Krol's motion to eliminate language allowing those bags failed.

Krol did get support for an amendment to have stores charge customers at least 5 cents for those type of bags. He said that would provide a disincentive for people to want to use them.

White was able to convince enough of his colleagues to fast forward the implementation date. The proposal originally called for an effective date one year after passage but White amended that to go into effect on Sept. 1, 2019. White said the ban given to the committee from the Green Commission last year called for a September start and this would follow that intention.

He added that the discussion has been ongoing in Pittsfield for a long time while other towns have been passing bans, and the state is considering one. He believes most in the industry will be able to make a fairly quick transition and if not, there is an option of filing for a hardship.

"Big Y has already done this. The state Legislature could have something voted on by September this year," White said.

The push to ban plastic bags has been growing and maybe the biggest shoe dropped late last year when Boston's ban went into effect. Earlier this year, Big Y had opted to voluntarily switch away from plastic bags across the chain because of the number of bans.

"Our customers and the communities we serve have made it quite clear that they prefer more environmentally friendly alternatives. We look forward to implementing this new program in all of our retail locations," Richard D. Bossie, Big Y vice president of store operations, said in the statement at the time.

But not all retailers had been so supportive of it. Representatives from Stop & Shop previously opposed the city's ban and said it would cost the store some $120,000 more per year because of the increased cost for paper bags. They opposed being forced to switch out 3.3 million plastic bags per year for the more expensive paper bags.

Most of the grocery stores in Berkshire County operate in towns with a ban in place, however, there are a few left in Pittsfield. That could change by the fall if the full City Council approves the ordinance.

"I just want something passed," Del Gallo said of the lengthy six-year road to get to that point.
TOKYO  U.S. envoy Stephen Biegun travels Wednesday to meet his North Korean counterpart in Pyongyang, where he will try to advance a plan to reinvigorate denuclearization talks ahead of a new summit.

President Donald Trump gets credit from many North Korea experts for opening a dialogue with Kim Jong Un after years of drift under his predecessor, Barack Obama - a period when North Korea built up its nuclear and missile programs. But Trump has been criticized for failing to elicit any firm commitment from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to begin the process of denuclearization when they met for the first time in Singapore last June.

Since his appointment in August as special representative for North Korea, Biegun has played a central role in trying to put substance around what the United States wants and how it wants to achieve it.

Initially frozen out by the North Koreans, he accompanied Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to meet Kim Jong Un last October, and met his newly appointed counterpart, Kim Hyok Chol, in Washington last month for what he called an "extended working-level discussion" that was "productive, focused, results-oriented."

Biegun was initially expected to meet Kim Hyok Chol in the Korean border village of Panmunjom for a second time on Tuesday, but the fact that he has been invited to Pyongyang suggests the North Koreans are taking him more seriously, experts said.

Last Thursday, Biegun set out for the first time in a speech at Stanford University how he hopes to move the denuclearization process forward, taking what several experts described as a more flexible and realistic approach than the administration has adopted thus far.

"His speech represents a genuine breakthrough in thinking about North Korea as a U.S. policy dilemma," said John Delury, an associate professor at Yonsei University Graduate School of International Studies in Seoul.

Delury said he believes the Trump administration is pursuing a radical shift in U.S. policy toward North Korea - advancing denuclearization as part of a larger process of fundamentally transforming relations between the two countries - a shift that he said Biegun set out "with a level of detail and thoughtfulness that is revelatory."

Biegun said the administration is ready to engage with North Korea despite "dramatically different views on individual rights and on human rights," and with Trump "deeply and personally committed to once and for all bringing an end to 70 years of war and hostility."

In particular, he spelled out that the United States hopes to move "simultaneously and in parallel" with the North Koreans in implementing the pledges their two leaders made in Singapore, including denuclearization, transforming their relations and building lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

In the recent past, Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton have given the impression that the United States wanted North Korea to move unilaterally to surrender its nuclear and missile program completely before obtaining sanctions relief. That brought a warning from Kim Jong Un in a New Year's Day speech that he might be forced to follow a new path if Washington continues to insist he move unilaterally while sanctions are maintained.

Biegun has advanced a slightly more nuanced position. It was correct to say that sanctions would be lifted only when denuclearization is achieved, he said, but that is not the same as saying "we won't do anything until you do everything" - in other words, that there are steps the United States could take to build confidence in the meantime.

He reiterated that the U.S. administration wants to see a "comprehensive declaration" of North Korea's "weapons of mass destruction missile programs" but said that should come "at some point" before complete denuclearization.

Until now, the administration has been asking for a full declaration up front, something Pyongyang has resisted, and the South Korean government has seen as unrealistic.

Biegun also said that Kim Jong Un had told Pompeo that he was prepared to dismantle and destroy all of North Korea's plutonium and uranium enrichment facilities, at "a complex of sites" extending beyond the main, well-known complex at Yongbyon, provided the United States takes "corresponding measures."

That would extend the offer that Kim Jong Un apparently made when he met South Korean President Moon Jae-in last September, to dismantle Yongbyon. But experts said the fact that he has not made such an offer publicly, and because it is conditional on unspecified U.S. concessions, it was hard to know how seriously to take it.

Biegun also won praise from some North Korea watchers for admitting that both sides had made mistakes over the past 25 years of negotiations, a far cry from Washington's usual position of blaming Pyongyang only for its cheating and perfidy.

He was also realistic enough to admit that in Singapore "there was no detailed definition or shared agreement of what denuclearization entails."

Shin Beom-chul of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul said it was a good sign that Washington was not hiding the divergence on this issue.

"President Trump was entrapped by North Koreans in Singapore after front-loading too many actions for that first summit," he said. "The U.S. is taking a more realistic approach to the second summit, with clear demands and firm commitments."

Mintaro Oba, a speechwriter at West Wing Writers and a former diplomat at the State Department's Korea desk, said Biegun had taken "baby steps" in two key areas where U.S. policy had been severely deficient, namely in better managing public expectations and in "proactively defining a public narrative" on U.S. terms, instead of allowing itself to be outmanoeuvred by Pyongyang.

"By making a speech with a healthy amount of positive, public signals, Biegun took a step toward making the United States seem like it is actively trying to make progress and putting the onus on North Korea," Oba said.

The question now is how the North Koreans will react.

In the past Pyongyang has given the impression it was not interested in working-level talks and instead wanted to leave all the big decisions to Trump and Kim Jong Un - perhaps because they felt Trump was more easily outmaneuvered. But experts say it is unrealistic to expect success in Vietnam unless Biegun and Kim Hyok Chol prepare the ground in advance.

U.S. and North Koreans negotiators only have two or three weeks to form very important agreements, said Junya Nishino, director of Contemporary Korean Studies at Keio University in Tokyo. Actually I dont think there is enough time.
Washington  An 11-year-old boy who says he has been bullied because he shares the same last name as President Donald Trump will be one of the first familys guests at the State of the Union address tonight.

Joshua Trump, a sixth-grader from Wilmington, Delaware, attracted attention last year after he and his parents went public with stories of the bullying, according to The Washington Post. The boy is not related to the president.

Joshua has been called stupid and an idiot over his last name, said his mother, Megan Trump Berto, according to WPVI in Philadelphia. He is frequently laughed at and teased and at one point was punched on the school bus, according to NBC News.

The boy's parents briefly home-schooled him, but later enrolled him in another school, where the bullying continued. At school, he now uses his stepfather's surname, Berto, according to NBC.

He is considering a legal name change, according to Politico.

At least five students at his middle school have been disciplined for bullying him, officials said previously, according to the Post.

The White House said Joshua enjoys science, art and history and his best friend and hero is his uncle, Cody, who serves in the U.S. Air Force. Joshua is one of 13 guests invited to the State of the Union by the president and first lady Melania Trump, Politico said.

The guests will all sit with the first lady during the speech.

Melania Trump has made fighting bullying one of her main priorities through her Be Best initiative, according to the Post.

Other guests will include family members of a Nevada couple allegedly killed by someone who federal authorities have since said was in the U.S. illegally from El Salvador, according to Politico. Also invited are survivors of the October 2018 mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue and a plant manager at a lumber mill the White House said shut down, but reopened thanks to a provision in the tax overhaul Trump signed into law in 2017.

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An Upstate New York teen who froze to death in Vermont had been drinking heavily, according to an autopsy.

Connor Gage, a 19-year-old University of Vermont student from Little Falls, N.Y., was found dead in a snowy parking lot Saturday morning behind a Burlington, Vt., business. Police said sub-zero temperatures and inadequate clothing likely contributed to his death; the temperature was between minus 1 and minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit early Saturday.

The Burlington Free Press reports preliminary results from an autopsy Monday showed Gage likely died from exposure to sub-zero temperatures, exacerbated by acute intoxication. Burlington Police Deputy Chief Jon Murad said he went to two off-campus parties at fraternity houses Friday night, and left the second location around 12:45 a.m.

Surveillance footage showed Gage 20 minutes later in the parking lot where he died. He was alone, inadequately dressed, and moving in ways consistent with intoxication and/or hypothermia," Murad said.

An official cause of death will be released after toxicology results, which could take several weeks to complete, are available.

Police are continuing to investigate Gages condition and his whereabouts prior to his death, but there are no indications of foul play.

Gage was a first-year student at the University of Vermont majoring in Neuroscience, according to the Free Press. He graduated from Little Falls High School last year.

We extend our deepest condolences to Connors family, Annie Stevens, vice provost for student affairs, wrote in a letter to the University of Vermont community. Our sincere thoughts of care and sympathy are also extended to his friends, classmates, and to faculty and staff who were close to him.

You will be in our hearts, thoughts & prayers. We will miss you always Connor.......RIP Posted by Martina Gage on Sunday, February 3, 2019

The CVA school community mourns with the Little Falls school district in the loss of 2018 Little Falls graduate Connor Gage. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. #CVAProud  Dick Keeler (@CVAKeeler) February 3, 2019
Syracuse, N.Y.  The chicken wing donut has a new home inside Yeti Frozen Yogurt on Westcott Street.

Just Donuts, the small and inventive doughnut shop in Phoenix that closed last summer, has moved into the same storefront as Yeti Frozen Yogurt at 558 Westcott St.

The owners of the businesses  Britta Nerber and Chris Norcross  are now partners. They share staff, kitchen space, storage, and dozens and dozens of toppings.

Their new name? Yeti Frozen Yogurt & Just Donuts.

We have to figure out how to answer the phone, Nerber said Monday morning, laughing.

Nerber and Norcross have been friends for years, she said. When he made plans to open Yeti last May, hed asked her if she wanted to share the space. That timing didnt quite work out. Over the next few months, Nerber decided to close her Phoenix store and concentrate full-time on catering.

I didnt want to do it all by myself, she said of running the busy doughnut shop plus catering multiple weddings, showers and graduation parties during spring, summer and fall.

More recently, the friends talked again. And with a busy catering season approaching, Nerber and Norcross decided to join forces.

Just Donuts moved in late last week and fired up the doughnut fryer. On Saturday, they announced the news on Facebook. As of today, the video had 20,000 views.

And on Sunday, Nerber made batches of chicken wing donuts, just in time for the Super Bowl. Well have them every Sunday, she said.

For now, heres how the combined businesses will operate: Both are open daily. Just Donuts is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Yeti Frozen Yogurt is open from noon to 10 p.m. daily.

As the businesses grow, Nerber said the staff may make more donuts late into the day.

In the meantime, customers who come in the afternoon will be able to make their own donut sundaes, mixing Nerbers fried dough with any of Norcrosss 10 flavors of yogurt.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Defense lawyer Charles Keller will seek the Democratic nomination for Onondaga County District Attorney this year.

Keller, 48, of Onondaga Hill, has submitted a letter of intent to the Onondaga County Democratic Committee, according to Chairwoman Pam Hunter.

One of the citys most visible defense attorneys, Keller famously represented Stacey Castor, the suburban woman found guilty of poisoning her husband and daughter. Hes earned acquittals for his clients in several high-profile cases, including a 2013 case where Fred Burgess was found not guilty of murder.

Keller grew up in Massachusetts. He moved to Syracuse to attend Syracuse University and graduated in 1996. Hes worked as a public defender in Syracuse City Court, as a professor at SUs Criminal Law Clinic and in private practice, including a stint at Anelli/Xavier DWI law firm.

Keller would be up against District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, who is seeking his eighth term in office in November. Fitzpatrick, a Republican, has been district attorney since 1992. Fitzpatrick could also face a challenge from within his own party -- Gary Lavine has said he is considering running against Fitzpatrick in a primary.

Keller ran for County Court judge in 2016 and ran for Onondaga County Legislature in 2017. He lost both those races.

Democrats will meet Saturday, Feb. 16 to designate candidates. The period for passing petitions begins Feb. 26. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Keller will need to collect signatures from 2,000 registered Democrats in order to secure a spot on the ballot, though a bill currently being considered in Albany could cut that number by 25 percent. Keller is the only Democrat who has declared his intent to run.

Keller is out of the country this week and could not be reached Tuesday.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- William Fitzpatrick could face a primary challenge for the first time in his 28-year career as Onondaga County District Attorney.

Republican Gary Lavine, 68, said Monday he is considering running against Fitzpatrick to restore integrity to the district attorneys office. If Lavine runs, it would be the first time Fitzpatrick has faced a primary challenge and only the third time in eight elections that hes had any opponent.

To be clear, Lavine has not yet made a decision on whether he will run, he said. He has several weeks to decide -- the period for passing petitions to get on the ballot starts Feb. 26 and the county GOP committee will meet before then to pick its candidates.

But hes had conversations with Republican leaders and claims even Democrats have approached him to encourage him to run. Some Republican strategists have been floating his name to committee members gauging support.

Syracuse lawyer Gary Lavine is considering running against Bill Fitzpatrick for Onondaga County District Attorney. (Stephen D. Cannarelli)

Lavines potential candidacy is the latest symptom of a long-simmering divide within the local Republican Party. Fitzpatrick is one of the most well-funded, powerful Republican politicos in Central New York. Consideration of a challenge from within his own party reflects a split thats pitted party leadership, including Chairman Tom Dadey, against its top elected officials, like Fitzpatrick and former County Executive Joanie Mahoney.

Lavine is a prominent Republican lawyer and former counsel to state legislators. Hes been an active part of the party for more than 40 years. The New York Senate Republicans recently reappointed him to the state ethics board after Gov. Andrew Cuomo removed him. State Sen. Bob Antonacci recommended Lavine for the post.

Hes been a longtime ally of Dadeys and is a top donor to the GOP committees housekeeping fund.

Lavine said hes in the beginning stages of considering a run against Fitzpatrick. He described the district attorney as a brilliant courtroom lawyer, but said Fitzpatrick has too often used the power of his office to settle political scores.

The incumbent has weaponized the office to be a political bludgeon deployed against his opponents, Lavine said. Hes also on the county ethics board, which has similarly been weaponized during Mahoney regime to bludgeon political opponents.

As evidence, Lavine cited stories about Fitzpatrick reported by syracuse.com, including recent comments the district attorney made about reopening a case against comedian Pete Davidson after Davidson said local police were targeting him.

Fitzpatrick has, in recent years, launched investigations into political foes. In 2016 he convened a grand jury to explore Democratic mayor Stephanie Miners adversarial dealings with Cor Development Cos. During the 2017 election, he publicly released findings of an investigation into former Elbdige supervisor and current County Legislator Ken Bush over a Facebook page. Bush called that investigation political bullying.

Reached Tuesday, Fitzpatrick said he hadnt heard Lavine was interested in the position. He said hes confident hell keep the support of the Republican committee, even if Lavine joins the race. And he said Lavine attacking the integrity of his office was concerning."

Im going to be lectured about political scores from a guy whos been on JCOPE for two decades and hasnt taken a single action in one of the most corrupt legislatures in America? Fitzpatrick said. I hope he does better than his sister, maybe gets 3 percent of the vote."

Lavine has never run for political office. His sister, Laura Lavine, was the Republican candidate for Syracuse mayor in 2017, finishing in last with about 2.5 percent of the vote. District Attorney Fitzpatricks son, Danny Fitzpatrick, a local political strategist, ran her campaign for about six months. They parted ways in August, and Laura Lavines campaign later accused Danny Fitzpatrick of wrongfully pocketing money. Both sides hired lawyers in that dispute, which still has not been settled.

Gary Lavine acknowledged that if he ran, some people might see it as an effort to settle a vendetta between his family and the Fitzpatricks. That isnt the case, he said. His intent would be to restore integrity to the district attorneys office.

Lavine said he has spoken to Dadey about running, but Dadey has not committed support one way or another. Lavine said he has not yet spoken to town and ward leaders in the party -- something he would need to do if he decided to run. Lavine lives in the Town of DeWitt, just a few houses down the street from former County Executive Mahoney.

If he ran, Lavine could force Fitzpatrick into his first primary in 28 years. Hes been district attorney since 1992 and has only twice faced any opponent -- Democrats who ran in 2003 and 2007.

Lavine said competition in elections strengthens the party.

Unlike some old guard people, I believe in primaries, he said. They energize the party. Its an opportunity for a divergent point of view to be expressed.
Fifty-eight advocates for a community grid to replace the Interstate 81 viaduct through downtown Syracuse -- including Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, state Sen. Rachel May, Assemblyman Al Stirpe, city- and town-level local elected officials, civic leaders, architects and property developers -- delivered this letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo in Albany on Jan. 23, 2019.

Dear Governor Cuomo:

We are writing as stakeholders and civic leaders who represent numerous institutions, organizations, communities and neighborhoods in the greater Syracuse area, to convey our strong support for a Community Grid (Option CG2 as presented in the October 2016 Department of Transportation design materials) to replace the current path of I-81 through the City of Syracuse.

Choosing the best build option to replace the current I-81 viaduct is a critical issue for the future of Syracuse and the Central New York region. After due consideration of the engineering and design work produced by the New York State Department of Transportation to date, and research into the best practices through the United States and the world, we find that a community grid alternative is the best choice for Syracuse and Central New York for advancing:

 A vibrant and growing regional economy;

 Social, racial and environmental justice;

 A healthy and sustainable environment;

 Fiscal responsibility and regional cooperation.

We are confident that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will support a Community Grid as the most fiscally responsible and best option to advance economic growth, improve our quality of life, and reverse the racial injustice caused by the construction of the I-81 viaduct. In expressing our support for a community grid, we are not asking you to make a premature decision to support one build option over another prior to the conclusion of the EIS process. Rather, we respectfully ask that you advance the work of completing a full and robust EIS as mandated by applicable state and federal statutes.

Economic growth: The economic vitality of a region is closely linked to the economic vitality of its urban core. Syracuse is undergoing a vibrant revitalization of its downtown, University Hill and the Lakefront Areas. Downtown Syracuse has become one of the most preferred and rapidly growing residential neighborhoods in the region. Downtown is now a hub of activity that no longer empties at 5 p.m. The path forward must not encroach further on the city or require the removal of even more of the citys infrastructure and historic assets. We find that a community grid is the best option for continuing recent investment, creating mixed income development, mixed use development, increasing economic opportunity, and creating new jobs that will promote more investment and new tax resources for the city and county.

Social, racial and environmental justice: When I-81 was constructed, it intentionally cut through predominantly black, working-class neighborhoods that planners considered a blight on the rest of Syracuse. Numerous households of predominantly black families were displaced by the project that decimated the 15th Ward.

The construction of I-81 spawned suburban sprawl with resources and residents fleeing to the suburbs, leading to both neighborhood and school segregation. As you put it during your opening remarks at a 2016 conference on sustainable economic development and collaborative governance held at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, the construction of I-81 through Syracuse was a classic planning blunder.

There is compelling evidence that the urban renewal programs that produced the I-81 viaduct were a significant contributing factor in creating the segregation, concentrated poverty, and inequality of opportunity that exists today. After its completion in 1969, residents realized I-81 was an economic, social and design failure. The area under and adjacent to I-81 never appealed to developers, and remains vacant, underutilized or blighted in the present day.

A community grid that improves traffic movements on our streets, and that reknits the fabric of neighborhood life by creating new development opportunities along the current path of I-81 through Syracuse, is the best option for addressing the social and racial injustices created by original construction.

A healthy and sustainable environment: The negative environmental impacts are one of the biggest unintended consequences of suburban sprawl that followed the construction of I-81. The construction of the Federal Highway System that bisects cities across the country has encouraged a lifestyle of car ownership and daily driving. Highways dissuaded the need for public transportation that is costly to provide in sparsely populated areas. This has created a built environment which forces us to act in environmentally irresponsible and unsustainable ways that threaten our health and the viability of the planet.

A community grid is the best option to advance urban design practices consistent with Smart Growth principles and policies. Human health and wellbeing are enhanced in a community which offers Complete Streets that are safe for walking, biking and mass transit which reduces vehicle use and the pollution it creates.

Fiscal responsibility and regional cooperation: We find a community grid to be the most fiscally responsible option, with the lowest cost for construction and maintenance, and the least disruptive during construction for our residents, employees and visitors. We understand that the first two years of construction of a community grid would focus on improvements to the current I-481 corridor and other arterials leading into the City of Syracuse before the existing viaduct is removed. The lower cost and the improvements to I-481 (re-designated as I-81) will provide opportunities to employ construction and mitigation funds to address the needs and interests of surrounding communities.

Now is not the time to double down on planning blunders and decades old mistakes. Rather, we can unite the region around a robust city while mitigating traffic impacts for adjacent towns and villages. All can benefit from a Comprehensive 81 plan that partners with suburban towns to address their concerns about change.

Instead of spending hundreds of millions (or even billions of dollars) on constructing a new viaduct or tunnel, we believe a Community Grid provides the best opportunity to harness our collective energy and creativity in undertaking meaningful economic and community development initiatives on a regional scale. This strategy will unite communities throughout the region in developing a plan that creates wins for everyone.

Rachel May, Senator, NYS Senate, 53rd District

Al Stirpe, Assemblyman, New York State Assembly, 127th District

Ben Walsh, Mayor, City of Syracuse

Helen Hudson, President, Syracuse Common Council

Susan Boyle, Councilor, Syracuse Common Council, District 3

Latoya Allen, Councilor, Syracuse Common Council, District 4

Joe Driscoll, Councilor, Syracuse Common Council, District 5

Steven Thompson, Councilor at-Large, Syracuse Common Council

Khalid Bey, Councilor-at-Large, Syracuse Common Council

Timothy Rudd, Councilor-at-Large, Syracuse Common Council

Michael Greene, Councilor-at-Large,, Syracuse Common Council

Kerin Rigney, Councilor, DeWitt Town Board

William Simmons, Executive Director, Syracuse Housing Authority

Merike Treier, Executive Director, Downtown Committee of Syracuse

Bob Doucette, President, Armory Development & Management

Leslie Paul Luke, President/CEO, St. Josephs Health

Bob Haley, Pincipal, Sustainable Planning, Architecture & Urban Design

Kirk Narburgh, CEO/Managing Partner, King + King Architects

Ruth Heller, Executive V.P., 1199SEIU, United Healthcare Workers East

Twiggy Billue, President, National Action Network (NAN)

Walt Dixie, Director, Jubilee Homes of Syracuse

Peter Sarver, Convener, Moving People Transportation Coalition

Barry Lentz, Board of Directors, Community for the Grid (C4G) Campaign

Jason Evans, Board of Directors, Rethink 81

Doug Balle, Property Owner, Balle 31 Inc.

Robb Bidwell, Owner/President, Tier One Building Services

James V. Breuer, Chairman, Hueber-Breuer Construction Company, Inc.

Stephen F. Case, Owner, Acropolis Realty Group

Luke Esposito, Urban Realty Group

Troy Evans, Owner, Commonspace Properties, Inc.

Tony Fiorito, Preident, Partnership Properties, Inc.

Louis G. Fournier III, President, Sutton Real Estate Companies

John Funiciello, President, JF Real Estate Inc.

Joseph H. Hucko, President, Washington St. Partners

Peter Muserlian, President, The PEMCO Group

David C. Nutting, Chairman/CEO, VIP Structures Inc.

Matthew Paulus, President, Paulus Development

Ed Riley, Managing Partner, Hotel Syracuse Restoration, LLC

Norm Swanson, President, Woodbine Group, Inc.

Jeremy Thurston, President, The Hayner Hoyt Corporation

Grazi Zazzara Jr., President, The Icon Companies

Anthony Rojas, President, CNY Chapter, American Institute of Architects

Vincent Pietrzak, Treasurer, Upstate Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architecture

Grant Johnson, President, Preservation Association of Central New York (PACNY)

Dean Biancavilla, Co-Director, Urban Design Center of Syracuse, Inc. (UDC)

Craig French, President, Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse (ACTS)

Michael Collins, Executive Director, Syracuse Northeast Community Center

John Przepiora, Board of Directors, GreeningUSA

Tania S. Anderson, Chief Executive, ARISE, Inc., An Independent Living Center

Mark Cass, Executive Director, Northside Learning Center

Rich Puchalski, Board of Directors, Syracuse United Neighbors (SUN)

Sharon Sherman, Executive Director, Greater Syracuse Tenants Network

Andra Leimanis, Board of Directors, Alliance for a Green Economy

Misse Ross, Coordinating Committee, CNY Solidarity

Carol Baum, Steering Committee, Syracuse Peace Council

Andy Mager, Sales Manager, Syracuse Cultural Workers

Christine Wood, Uplift Syracuse

Claudia Klaver, Founder, Syracuse Suburbs for the Grid
Syracuse, N.Y. -- The New York Public Service Commission has extended settlement talks with Charter Communications over the commissions order booting the cable company out of the state.

The commission on Monday granted Charter, which operates under the brand name Spectrum, an additional 30 days to seek a rehearing of its July 27, 2018, order. Charter now has until March 6 to file rehearing petitions.

Charter also was given an additional 30 days, to April 3, to file a six-month exit plan.

In its July 27 order kicking Charter out of the state, the commission alleged that the company has repeatedly failed to meet a requirement that it extend its broadband network to 145,000 customers in unserved and underserved areas of the state.

The requirement was made part of the commissions Jan. 8, 2016, approval of Charters acquisition of Time Warner Cables New York assets and franchise, an acquisition that made Charter the biggest cable company in the state.

Charter has said it has met the commissions build-out requirements -- if its network extensions in New York City are counted. The commission says New York City is one of the most wired cities in the country and cannot be considered underserved or unserved.

The July 27 order revoked the commissions approval of Charters acquisition of Time Warner Cables assets and franchise in New York and directed the company to file, within 60 days, a six-month exit plan.

Charter has vowed to fight the order in court if necessary, but the commission has repeatedly extended its deadlines to give its staff and the company time to reach a deal.

The commissions staff has said that any final settlement will include:

An agreement on what build-outs will count toward meeting the companys obligation to extend broadband access in the state.

A penalty and/or funding provided by Charter to expand broadband access to even more customers than the 145,000 previously required.

An enforceable schedule to complete the remaining build-out work.

In granting the latest deadline extension, the commission said the parties should reach a full written agreement within four weeks.

Contact Rick Moriarty anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148
AUBURN, N.Y. -- U.S. Rep. John Katko held a town hall meeting regarding the fate of an aging viaduct in the center of Syracuse in Auburn on Monday night, listening to concerns regarding the trucking industry, lakes, pollution and traffic.

Katkos first of four meetings was in Auburn, about 30 miles from the 1.4-mile strip of the aging Interstate 81 viaduct that has reached the end of its useful life.

He stressed that the fate of the highway affects the whole region, and thats one reason he stopped in Auburn.

This is a regional issue, not just a city issue," Katko told attendees at a forum at Cayuga Community College.

The other town halls are happening in DeWitt, Syracuse and Salina.

Those who spoke were truckers worried about increased costs, residents of lakeside towns, commuters and activists. Katko, who has not yet publicly endorsed an option, said he just wanted to listen to concerns ahead of a much-anticipated report from the New York State Department of Transportation that evaluates the possibilities for the highways future.

The state is evaluating three potential options for replacing the highway through the citys center, including rebuilding it higher and wider, building a tunnel, and tearing the highway down -- a so-called community grid option. Under that option, through traffic would be diverted onto what is now Interstate 481.

The state will evaluate the environmental and other impacts of each option in a soon-to-be-released draft environmental impact statement. That will set in motion a series of community meetings, public input and, ultimately, decide what is to be done.

Katko said he doesnt know when the report might be released.

The state said they were going to have this in January. We want it as soon as possible, he said. "...I dont want to wait any longer, he said.

The state has said it will release the statement in early 2019. Its release has been delayed after Gov. Andrew Cuomo asked the transportation department to consider again whether a tunnel is a feasible alternative. It had previously been rejected by state engineers due to cost and other concerns.

About 100 people packed into a room at Cayuga Community College for the I-81 town hall on Monday.

But the truckers and residents who spoke at the meeting Monday seemed to most prefer the tunnel or rebuilt-viaduct options, saying they are worried about increased costs, delays and pollution.

Truckers whose delivery routes send them daily along Interstate 81 said theyre most worried about the grid option, which they said would add to their travel times by forcing them either onto I-481 or onto city streets.

One trucker, Brian Brundige, said he estimated it would cost his company $76 a trip if he was diverted onto I-481, though he didnt explain exactly how he arrived at that number. He said he makes six to 10 trips a day on I-81.

Other residents of Auburn or nearby towns said they were concerned a grid option would send trash trucks and other semi-trailers onto their local roads, which they described as in poor shape. Resident Cindey Beckwith said she is worried more trucks driving alongside Skaneateles Lake, which provides drinking water to Syracuse and other Central New York towns, will result in pollution or other environmental hazards.

The roads are right there along the water. If theres an accident or something, thats going to pollute the lake, she said.

Katko said hes expecting the draft environmental statement to look at traffic and potential pollution impacts across the region, which he said he pushed for as a member of Congress.

One of things I was critical of in the initial (DOT report) is it didnt adequately take into account what happens outside the city," Katko said. On the outside of the city, they werent talking about that enough.

The DOTs travel time estimates show zero or minor increases in commute times from various places in and around the city, though Katko said hed like to see more estimates from places farther out of Syracuse.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh drove up to Auburn for the meeting, and he said that concerns about pollution and increased traffic outside of the city are legitimate. But he said there are possible solutions to those problems unrelated to the I-81 issue, like better enforcement of traffic laws or changing which jurisdiction owns certain streets to help prevent reckless truck traffic.

On the specific issue of traffic coming through, its a problem now. And its going to be a problem regardless of what we do about 81, he said. I stand here as the mayor of Syracuse offering to be a partner... in trying to address that issue.
Elizabeth Dunbar is director and CEO of the Everson Museum of Art.

Dunbar moved to Syracuse in December 2014. Her first job was to help steady the Eversons finances. She succeeded and oversees an operating budget of about $2.3 million, up from about $1.6 million when she arrived.

In addition, shes overseen major renovations of the museums auditorium and ceramics gallery. She put programming in place that includes about 20 changing exhibitions annually. She touts the museums acclaimed ceramics collection and sees visitors arriving from around the world. The museum created the Danial Family Education Center, engaging with CNY residents young and old. The museum has brought in $13.5 million of the $17 million goal in The Everson First and Forever campaign, the largest fund drive in its 120-year history.

The museum was founded in 1897 as the Syracuse Museum of Fine Arts, became the Everson in the 1950s, and occupied its current home in 1968, a building designed by the acclaimed architect I.M. Pei. A year-long 50th anniversary celebration of its iconic home began in September.

Dunbar earned her masters from City University in New York, began her career at the Whitney Museum of American Art, and has worked in museums from New York to Los Angeles. She came to the Everson from DiverseWorks in Houston, where she was executive director.

Tell me about growing up and leadership roles.

I didn't consider myself a natural-born leader. I was not necessarily a joiner, but I never wanted to be one of the sheep that followed either. I kind of wanted to chart my own path.

I grew up around the San Francisco Bay area. I was born in San Mateo. Watsonville was really where we lived. We moved to Texas when I was in junior high school.

My dad worked in the freight department for American Airlines, and they moved the hub from San Francisco to Dallas/Fort Worth in the 1980s.

What I love to tell people, especially since we did a naturalization ceremony in our auditorium in December, both of my parents (Joan and Eugene) are naturalized citizens. I'm a first-generation American.

I think part of my ambition and desire to succeed is coming from that. I was given opportunities for education and to succeed that my parents and grandparents were never able to have. My mother was working in a factory mill at the age of 14 in Northern Ireland. My dad came from Ontario, Canada.

My mother and her family emigrated in the 1950s when she was a teenager and my grandmother was in her 50s. My grandfather (Alexander Strange) was a shoemaker, and my grandmother (Elizabeth Strange) worked at a mill and they saw there was no opportunity for their children. They just picked up their whole family, not knowing a soul, and moved to Burlingame, California.

My grandmother was a real force in my life. I grew up very close to her. She was in a car accident and was run over. She had all kinds of health problems related to her legs, but she would walk to work everyday. She worked in catering at the San Francisco Airport and other blue-collar jobs.

I was a competitive swimmer as a young person. You're on a team, but it's an independent type of sport. Working with the team and on relay races and those kinds of things, I had a natural inclination to want to organize it and put my ideas into practice.

It wasnt until college and early jobs that I started to see leadership potential. Ive had bosses along the way who gave me a lot of responsibility and really set me out into the world to see what I could do.

I think that's where leadership skills started to grow. But I look at other leaders and I'm in awe of what they accomplish. When I read your column, sometimes I'm like, wow, I wish I could be like that. They have such sage advice.

Tell me about your experience as a competitive swimmer.

I was swimming from the age of 10 to 17, and I was Texas state record holder. I was training for the Olympics, but I gave it up when I went to college. (Texas Tech.)

I was a sprinter, 100 freestyle. It was a demanding sport, working out six days a week, five hours a day before school and after school. I decided I wanted a real college life. It was a big decision to stop, because we wanted that swimming scholarship to help pay for college. In the end I was glad, because I had missed out on a lot of other things. I didn't really participate in high school activities because so much time was devoted to swimming.

Tell me your advice for leading effectively.

One of the first things is lead by example and be willing to do the work just like everybody else.

My first jobs were working in the university art museum cleaning textiles and doing basic kinds of things. I became a curatorial assistant at the Whitney. That was my first real job in New York City.

My last job I was the director of an alternative art space in Houston with a staff of seven. So, I'm setting up tables for receptions, cleaning, fundraising, and curating exhibitions. I've worked in small institutions and large institutions. So I have seen the big picture and the small picture, and Ive done all the grunt work and learned to appreciate all the jobs.

A leader should recognize that everybody has a job to play and recognize the value in all of those jobs.

Another thing is: Listen to your staff.

Something we started about two years ago was the daily huddle. Some of our senior staff members get together in the morning just for 15 minutes. Anything can be on the table. Anybody can bring a topic. Some crazy ideas come out of those conversations. Sometimes were just getting a chance to bond as a group, but sometimes we have really good ideas that come out of those brainstorming sessions. It's been a really good way to connect with each other. It facilitates teamwork.

Its important to acknowledge the people that you work with and thank them for their service. It's being publicly recognized, and acknowledged, and thanked for a job well done. That's something I try to do, and I should do it more than I do.

People work here and volunteer here because they feel a particular passion about the arts. It means a lot to them, and it means a lot to me. I mean, we would not exist as an organization without all those people. So I make it a priority to thank them.

It's extremely important to say thank you.

For effective leadership, freely acknowledge when you don't know the answer and recognize when you make a mistake. Sometimes, I make a mistake, make the wrong choice, do the wrong thing. Owning up to it is important because you want to instill trust in the people you work with or work for.

Being honest and open is imperative.

When you see leaders that you admire, what qualities do you see?

Can I tell you about two board members in particular?

Of course.

My last two board chairs really helped shape me as a leader: Clifford Malzman, of Cannon Pools, and Gary Grossman, of Grossman St. Amour CPAs.

Theyre both successful businessmen. Theyre both very humble. Both of them are able to make the tough decisions when tough decisions need to be made. Theyre truly supportive, passionate people who want to see this museum succeed.

You know, when I was coming in four years ago, the museum had not been in a good position. I came in at the tail end of that difficulty. Gary and Cliff were the two to shepherd the museum through that  for about a year without a director. They were very clear about what the situation was with the community, with the board, with the media, and what decisions had been made for the museum to survive. They were very transparent with me and with the board and in making tough decisions.

It takes a lot of guts to stand up and say those things, make those decisions, and know that some people are going to be very disappointed.

This was a volunteer role for them as board chairs, but they spent so much time it was a second job. While they had to make some unpopular decisions, they were still able to build consensus. I learned so much from them.

Let me flip my question: What attributes do you see in poor leadership or poor leaders?

I've had bosses that just would not stand up for the right thing, who weren't making ethical decisions. A good leader has to be ethical.

Poor leaders are not communicative. They keep things very closed and theyre not being transparent about things. That does no one any good because the information comes out at some point and then you're trying to clean up after it.

You can't divulge everything to everyone all the time, but being as transparent as possible is always important.

A poor leader shifts blame, points fingers, makes excuses.

If something goes wrong, ultimately it's up to the leader to make it right. If something's not working or if a mistake is made or we've done something wrong, I have to own it. I'm in charge. I can't let a staff person fall on the sword. I appointed that person or I gave them the responsibilities.

So the leader has to take responsibility.

Obviously we can't control certain things. But you have to be ready, willing and able to pivot and make changes based on changing circumstances.

What do people want from leaders?

We want to be inspired. We want guidance. We want our leaders to set a direction and steer the course for the organization. I want leaders to have me and my interests in mind, to have my interests at heart. They should know I have their back just as much as they have my back.

The team really wants to be appreciated. They need to know they are valued and that they're making a contribution. Ive seen how effective even phone calls I make can be. I get thank-you cards for my thank-you calls. You can see how a thank you invigorates people the next time you see them.

What should a leader do to spark innovation?

Our daily huddles go to that. You know, some ideas are good ideas, some are not good ideas, but everybody is welcome to put them out.

One of the things that I've tried to promote is that we are not risk averse. We are ready and able to try new things. They're not all gonna work. And we acknowledge that. We tried some things early on that were very successful. Some things weren't as successful and it may have been due to timing or other circumstances, but I want people to feel they are able to bring ideas to the table.

I think there's an expectation that we continue to push forward, always trying to do better. Across the board, the people that I've hired have that belief. We don't hire people who just want to sit down, do their daily chores, clock in, clock out, and get a paycheck. No. Everybody is here because they want change.

Part of innovation is being open to ideas and giving opportunities to have ideas. OK, you're in this role. How do you want to see this job shift or this department change? What are the things that we're not doing that you want to be doing? Instead of me telling you, you tell me what you think we should be doing.

Leaders who want innovation need to give people ownership of their departments and of their programs. The first step is giving them the autonomy to actually think for themselves. You dont want people thinking: Well, this is the way we've always done it.

You want them thinking: Well, what if we just don't do it that way anymore? What if we did it this way? What if we could start over? Give me an idea, and how would you do it over? What are your ideas for changing that? What are the things that we're not doing that we should be doing?

Give people the freedom to actually think, to be aspirational. Make it clear that we know this is a risk and it might not work. We're humans; we're not going to be perfect. Some things are gonna work, some things aren't gonna work, and we're going to learn from those experiences. Were going to take that data and utilize it in a way that we can benefit from in the future. Its creating the culture of don't be afraid.

Finally, have fun. This is serious work, but it shouldnt just be a job. We all want to be here because were passionate and we believe in it.

The weekly Conversation on Leadership" features Q&A interviews about leadership, success, and innovation. The conversations are condensed and edited. To suggest a leader for a Conversation, contact Stan Linhorst at StanLinhorst@gmail.com. Last week featured the CEO of St. Josephs Health, Leslie Paul Luke, who advises: If you focus on quality, everything else will follow.
The BRTA is expanding on a evening bus route in Pittsfield beginning next Monday.

BRTA Running Evening Bus Service in Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  A pilot program for a late-evening bus in Pittsfield started two weeks ago will run through May and help regional transportation officials determine if the service will continue.

The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority began the limited service on Tuesday, Jan. 22. The initial route selected for the later evening bus service is the 11 N-BCC Night Loop that will run weekdays until Friday, May 24.

Using the data collected from customers, operators, riders, and surveys, BRTA will enhance this service next week by adding Berkshire Crossing to the route. The hours of service will remain the same and will travel:

From the Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC), 1 Columbus Ave., to Berkshire Community College on West Street;

Back to the ITC;

Along East Street to Stop & Shop on Merrill Road;

To Walmart at Berkshire Crossing;

to Allendale Plaza; and

Returning to the ITC via Tyler Street.

This enhanced schedule will begin on Monday, Feb. 11.

Service by request to BMC Hillcrest Campus (outbound only) and Taconic High School will be available. To schedule this demand service, call 413-499-2782, Option 1.

For additional information regarding BRTA's pilot evening service, contact the BRTA at 413-499-2782.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Greater Syracuse Land Bank is beginning the demolition today of a dilapidated home at Park and John streets where a 12-year-old and 16-year-old were killed in separate acts of gun violence in Syracuse.

The home, which has addresses of 901 Park St. and 165 John St., is a morbid memorial to victims James Springer, Jr., 12, and Antonio Gullotto, 16. Its spray-painted with memorials to both boys and is clearly falling apart.

Springer was killed on Oct. 10 by a gunman who missed his intended target, police have said. Gullotto was murdered in December, allegedly by the owners of the corner store across the street who believed Gullotto had robbed them.

The land banks board of directors on Jan. 16 approved money to demolish the house. Its being demolished beginning around 11:30 a.m., according to the land banks executive director.

The city conducted an eviction to remove anyone illegally living in the house in early January, Land Bank Executive Director Katelyn Wright has said.

Demolishing the house at the corner of Park and John streets was initially set to be paid through a grant the land bank received, which will pay for 56 demolitions of land bank properties. Those demolitions will begin in the spring.

Because of vandalism at the house at Park and John streets, the land bank decided to demolish the property sooner, using city money left over from 2018-19 fiscal year.

City of Syracuse spokesman Greg Loh said the building is not being demolished because of the murders, but because of its condition.

At least 31 code violation complaints have been filed on the property since 2011, according to CityLine, a service that tracks code violations in the city. An additional 12 code violation complaints were filed in 2018 alone.During 2018, a drawn out legal battle changed ownership of the property between the land bank and former owner Owtram Holdings, LLC three times.
This morning, Smyth County is joining the Virginia State Police in mourning the loss of Trooper Lucas B. Dowell, who died last night in the line of duty.

The 28-year-old Dowell is a native of Chilhowie. He graduated from Chilhowie High School in 2009. He then continued his education at Radford University, where he earned a bachelors of science degree in criminal justice.

As word of his death spread throughout Smyth County this morning, many expressed their heartbreak on social media and lifted his parents and sister and law enforcement family in prayer.

Trooper Dowell was a member of the Virginia State Police Tactical Team that was assisting the Piedmont Regional Drug and Gang Task Force with executing a search warrant at a Cumberland County residence, just north of the town limits of Farmville.
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Click the image above to watch the video

In todays weather forecast we are expecting a mainly fine morning, then brief showers in the late afternoon or evening. Southeasterlies developing in the evening.

Its a one-clothing layer day today with a high of 29 and an overnight low of 16 degrees. Humidity is 77 per cent.

High tide is at 9am and low tide at 3.10pm (Tay St). Theres a sea swell of 0.6m and sea temperature is 22 degrees. Sunset tonight is at 8.21pm.

If youre going fishing the next best fish bite time is between 6 and 9pm.

On this day in NZ history in 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. More than 40 Maori chiefs signed a treaty with the British Crown in the Bay of Islands.

In 1871 the first public girls' secondary school was opened. The first public girls secondary school in the southern hemisphere was Otago Girls High School. The school opened eight years after the local public boys high school.

In 1947 the liner Wanganella was refloated in Wellington Harbour. The liner, carrying 400 passengers, struck Barrett Reef in Wellington Harbour on January 19. Only an unusually long spell of fine weather - dubbed 'Wanganella weather' by locals - saved it from becoming a total wreck.

On this day in world history in 1933 Adolf Hitlers Third Reich began press censorship. In 1936 Adolf Hitler opened the Fourth Winter Olympics.

In 1952 Elizabeth became Queen of England after her father, King George VI, died.

In 1964 Paris and London agreed to build a rail tunnel under the English Channel.

Today is the birthday of Ronald Reagan, film actor and 40th U.S. President (1981-1989). Born in 1911, he once said There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit.

To get involved in activities around the Bay of Plenty, please check out our Whats on page.

Have a great day!
As many schools around the Bay go back in session this week, the number one concern dating all the way back to the end of last year, is buses.

Back in December, parents were concerned about the change of the routes and concerns were raised that a service would either not take their kids to school because the service was cancelled or stops would change.

As many students went back to school on Monday February 4, parents were still wary about the bus situation. They took to Facebook and local community pages to share their experiences and their frustration.

On Monday afternoon, SunLive received multiple phone calls about the school buses with parents saying that they had to leave work to pick up their kids because there was no bus for them to catch.

One parent says there were about 60 students waiting outside Tauranga Girls College and they had picked up their children as well as a handful of others to take home.

Another parent says her daughter had managed to catch the bus home, but the bus was so full that her son and an international student who is staying with them, had to pay for a bus to get them half way home but she still had to go and pick them up.

Bay of Plenty regional council and Passenger Transport Programme Leader Rachel Pinn says no school trips were dropped on Monday due to driver shortage.

There was confusion amongst some students as to where the school bus pick up points were at Tauranga Girls, says Rachel.

A bus was waiting on Cameron Road while some students were waiting at 23rd Ave. The 086 and 807 routes leave from Cameron Road, the other services leave from the school bus bay.

Rachel says it has been re-enforced with drivers that all the Welcome Bay Free trial services are free.

We are aware that there have been some issues with school services over the last few days and we are working hard with NZ Bus to resolve these issues, and we are confident that the school bus routes will settle down as drivers become familiar with the various routes and timetables.

On Monday, with the majority of schools back, 230 students used the buses as part of the Welcome Bay Free School Bus Trail.

One hundred and nine students used it in the morning and 121 in the afternoon.
A celebration of Waitangi Day will be held in two locations across Tauranga on Wednesday, February 6.

Live music, food stands and cultural performances will feature at both Mount Drury and the Tauranga Historic Village.

The free sea and village event also includes art exhibitions and workshops.

He Iwi Kotahi is a collaboration of local organisations that have joined forces in the making of this event, and theres the potential of more in the future, led by Buddy Mikaere.

Translated, He Iwi Kotahi means we are one people. These words resonated from the signing of the Treaty on February 6, 1840, which signified the establishment of a hoped-for new relationship, with Maori and Pakeha as one.

Making that one people relationship has been a challenge that has faced us ever since, says Buddy. We believe that rather than focusing on the difference between us, we should use this day to focus more on the things that bring us together.

Overall, we really want to emphasise that this is a family event created by locals, for locals. Its a day not just for Maori but for all other nationalities that make up Tauranga Moana. We want people to come along and celebrate in unity, by immersing themselves in art, music and culture.

The musical line-up is being organised by Adam McLean and Jeff Kildare, who has been busy recently as the backline manager for the One Love Festival. Beginning at 10am and running until 4pm, the Historic Village will feature Whirimako Black and Justin Kereama, Te Kapa Haka o Ngati Ranginui, Peri Kohu, Soulsax, JJ Mist and Regan Perry.

The Tauranga Martial Arts Academy will be giving a Taekwondo demonstration, and The Incubator Gallery and Studios will be showing a Waitangi themed exhibition.

The Peoples Gallery  Toi ka rere  also at the Village, has an exhibition titled Te ha o Waitaiki, which launched on January 23 and runs until February 11. This exhibition is a celebration of Maori Art, and introduces emerging artists Te Pae Kuka and Kath Lousich to a Tauranga audience.

A poi making workshop will be offered at the Village, along with workshops on Raranga creating small harakeke objects, art activities for children and a Taonga puoro demonstration showcasing traditional Maori musical instruments.

Raranga is a very old art that is practised in many parts of the world. The first Pacific settlers  the ancestors of Maori  brought this technique to Aotearoa. Raranga was originally used to make practical items for survival, like rope, fishing nets and baskets.

Over time, it developed into a highly specialised art, and raranga artists began creating objects of great status. They even adapted the technique to make cloaks.

At Hopukiore  Mount Drury  the Waitangi Day celebrations begin with a dawn ceremony. Following this, the all-day music event running from 10am to 6pm will feature The Maori Volcanics, Direct Descendents, Left Hand Break, Doc Brown, The Hype, Social Wowfare, DJ Ed-X, The Sweetleaf Trio, Copper Feel and The Troublemakers.

A free bus will run between both sea and village venues, and the public is invited to bring family, friends and a picnic blanket. The event is free, but people are asked to bring a koha (donation) towards fundraising for the Te Kapa Haka o Ngati Ranginui group to attend and perform at Te Matatini 2019 in late February.
UPDATED 2.35PM: The grass fire near Windermere Polytech is now out.

Firefighters battled the blaze for half an hour to bring the blaze under control.

It started just after 1pm.

The fire service says it was a rubbish fire that spread to grass about the size of half a rugby field.

A spokesman says it seems not everyone knows theres a total fire ban in place at the moment.

The only outdoor fire allowed are barbecues and hangi.

UPDATED 1.48PM: A rubbish fire has spread to grass near the Windermere Polytech.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand says the fire has spread to around 80 metres of grass.

A Fire truck is at the scene four firefighters are battling the blaze.

Its not clear at this stage is the fire is threatening nearby buildings.

EARLIER

Reports are coming in of a large fire near Windermere.

A SunLive reader has emailed in to say there is a fire by the Windermere Polytech.

"A fire truck and few people running around.

"Big smoke can be seen from highway and Windermere campus side."

SunLive is working on getting more information and will update this story as soon as we have something more.

At the scene?

Call 0800 SUNLIVE or email photos to newsroom@thesun.co.nz
Weather Eye

with John Maunder

Groundhog Day, February 2, is a popular tradition in the United States. It is also a legend that traverses many centuries, its origins clouded in the mists of time with ethnic cultures and animals awakening on specific dates.

Media reports for February 2, 2019 said that the famous groundhog in Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney did not see its shadow and that means that in at least in Pennsylvania the winter is nearly over.

CNN report that t housands of people gathered Saturday at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to watch a famous groundhog deliver his highly anticipated forecast.

Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow around 7:30 a.m. and did not see his shadow, predicting an early spring for us all.

A member of Phil's Inner Circle read from the groundhog's prediction scroll to the cheers and applause from the crowd.

"Faithful followers, there is no shadow of me and a beautiful spring it shall be.

Myths such as this tie our present to the distant past, when nature did indeed influence our lives and to many, nature is still influencing out lives. It is also the day the Groundhog comes out of his hole after a long winter sleep to look for his shadow.

Tradition has it if the groundhog sees his shadow, he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his hole. But, if the day is cloudy and, hence, shadow less, he takes it as a sign of spring and stays above ground.

The groundhog tradition stems from similar beliefs associated with Candlemas Day and the days of early Christians in Europe. It marked a milestone in the winter and the weather that day was important. And according to an old English Song:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,

Come, winter, have another flight;

If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,

Go winter, and come not again.

The Roman legions, supposedly brought this tradition to the Teutons, or Germans, who picked it up and concluded that if the sun made an appearance on Candlemas Day, an animal, the hedgehog, would cast a shadow; thus predicting six more weeks of bad weather, which they interpolated as the length of the Second Winter'.

In the United States, Pennsylvania's earliest settlers were Germans and they found groundhogs in profusion in many parts of the State. They determined the groundhog, resembling the European hedgehog, was a most intelligent and sensible animal; and therefore decided if the sun did appear on February 2nd, this wise animal would see its shadow and hurry back into its underground home for another six weeks of winter.

The the Germans thus recited:

For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day,

So far will the snow swirl until the May.

This passage may be the one most closely-represented by the first Punxsutawney Groundhog Day observances because there were references to the length of shadows in early Groundhog Day predictions. The ancient Candlemas legend and similar belief continue to be recognised annually on February 2, due to the efforts of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.

Early observances of Phil's (the Groundhog) predictions were conducted privately in the wooded areas around the town. Today, the celebration today sees thousands of visitors from worldwide as revellers await Phil's appearance with national-wide TV coverage.

The Punxsutawney Spirit' newspaper is credited with printing the news of the first observance in 1886 when it states that up to the time of going to press the beast has not seen his shadow.

In 1993, Columbia Pictures released the movie Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray. In the years following the release of the movie, record crowds numbering as high as 30,000 have visited Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney.

Punxsutawney Phil gets his longevity from drinking groundhog punch. One sip, which is administered every summer at the Groundhog Picnic, gives him seven more years of life.

Contrary to media explanations , Phil's forecasts are not made in advance by the Inner Circle. Indeed, only after Phil emerges from his burrow on February 2 does he speaks to the Groundhog Club President in Groundhog Language. Phil's proclamation is then translated for the world to hear.

The US National Weather Service notes that the Punxsutawney Groundhog Day predictions have been right 10 times and wrong 15 times in recent years. They comment that Unfortunately ,the famous groundhog has shown no talent for predicting the arrival of spring, especially in recent years, and Phil's competitor groundhogs across the Nation fared no better.

However, who knows what the future groundhogs will forecast.

*************************

The physicist Leo Szilard once announced to his friend Hans Bethe that he was thinking of keeping a diary: 'I don't intend to publish, I am merely going to record the facts for the information of God.' 'Don't you think God knows the facts?' Bethe asked. 'Yes' said Szilard. He knows the facts, but he does not know THIS version of the facts'

"(From Hans Christian von Baeyer, "Taming the Atom" (from the preface paragraph in "A Short History of Nearly Everything", by Bill Bryson, A Black Swan Book, 2004)



For further information see: https://sites.google.com/site/theweatherclimateeye/
La separacion entre estos dos cantantes urbanos ya se sabia, pero se afirma que la Bichota y el reggaetonero boricua no tiene una relacion
TICKERS: DLRY; DLRYF; 1OZ

Source: Peter Epstein for Streetwise Reports (2/5/19)

Peter Epstein of Epstein Research profiles this company with strategic energy metals properties in Canada.



Delrey Metals Corp.'s (DLRY:CSE; 1OZ:FSE) mandate is to create shareholder value by sourcing, financing and developing undervalued strategic energy metals properties and projects through staking ground or making accretive, prudently and creatively financed acquisitions and joint ventures/farm-ins. It's off to a good start and has a clean balance sheet with just 34 million shares outstanding and cash of ~C$1.5 million. The market cap is about C$8 million = US$6.1 million. The company is aggressively pursuing additional strategic energy metals assets, and have homed in on two or three in particular.

Delrey Metals has acquired five highly prospective properties in Canada. Four are prospective for vanadium, for a total of 9,482 hectares, and one is a cobaltcopper-zinc opportunity that Cobalt 27 Capital Corp. acquired a 2% NSR on. All four vanadium assets will be receiving airborne magnetic surveys and geophysics in February. Subject to results, management will determine which properties to focus on. Both the Porcher and Blackie properties have unique features that if confirmed, will likely make them top priority targets for the next phase of exploration.

Early Days for the Canadian Vanadium Opportunity

Interest in vanadium has grown along with the price. Demand from China continues to be the key driver. While the rest of the world grows at 2%3% per year, a bad year for China is +6%, and it's the second largest economy on the planet. Not only does China use a tremendous amount of steel, it uses huge quantities or rebar, which is used in construction and infrastructure building (and rebuilding).

Regarding vanadium pentoxide pricing, there's been a lot of angst over the recent dramatic decline, but Chinese prices seem to be settling in around US$17/lb. The chart above shows a price closer to US$15/lb, but the price was US$16.90/lb as of February 3rd. It topped out at nearly US$35/lb in November, so the price has been halved from a 13-year high. Importantly, US$17/lb is still a strong price, up from a low of US$2.35/lb on 12/31/15. From $2.35/lb, the Chinese vanadium pentoxide price has risen at a 3-year CAGR of ~93%. A price between US$15US$25 is a sweet spot, too high a price and VRBs get priced out of the market.

Perfect Storm of Demand & Supply Fundamentals

Vanadium is primarily used (91%) to strengthen steel rebar (two pounds of vanadium added to a tonne of steel doubles its strength); last year China came out with new regulations for Chinese rebar makers use more vanadium! However, reportedly, 30%40% of Chinese rebar producers did not follow the regulation implemented in November, which was likely a big factor in the vanadium price crash. The increased demand from this initiative alone is estimated at 10,000 tonnes per year. That's on a global market of about 90,000 tonnes. 10,000 tonnes/year is what Largo Resources' main mine in Brazil produces, one of the largest mines in the world.

Global demand for vanadium is also being enhanced by other internal moves in China, most notably a total ban on the import of slag and scrap (waste products) that contain vanadium. These waste streams had been used as feedstock for vanadium producers in China. The ban is expected to reduce domestic Chinese production by ~5,000 tonnes/yr.

Quickly on the supply side there have been mine closures dating back to 2015 that are impacting the market. In 2015 a major Brazilian company liquidated, closing the Evraz Highveld mine, representing 10%15% of global vanadium production. However, at the time the inventory of vanadium was high, so there was a limited price reaction.

Fast forward two or three years, there have been other smaller mine closures in China and Brazil, and the above mentioned increase in demand, causing vanadium inventory to be drawn down substantially. Therefore, both sustained demand drivers and ongoing supply constraints help explain the price move from $2.35/lb at the end of 2015 to a peak of nearly US$35/lb in 4th quarter 2018.

Vanadium Reflux Flow Batteries Could use 31k tonnes of V2O5 by 2025

And then there's Vanadium Reflux Flow Batteries (VRBs). They represent just ~1.5% of the global vanadium market, but some pundits have large, grid-scale energy storage growing at a CAGR of up to 40%. Roskill forecasts vanadium use in VRBs to be 31,000 tonnes by 2025. If true, VRBs would be a significant demand driver, easily overtaking the uses in aerospace and chemical catalysts combined.

2019 could be a sweet spot in vanadium pricing; several experts expect prices in the US$15/lb to US$25/lb range. That would sustain bullish sentiment for companies with properties outside of China, Russia and South Africa. Delrey Metals has exactly that, five early-stage prospects in Canada, all with decent infrastructure, all situated on past producing mining or logging sites, and most important, all having had historical work. Prior work included magnetic and other surveys, soil sampling, surface samples, concentrates were made from some samples, and a drill program (at the Star property).

Blackie Vanadium Property

The Blackie Vanadium property is in west-central British Columbia, ~96 km south-southwest from Prince Rupert. The property is on Banks Island and is accessible year-round. It is located on tidewater, accessible to the Prince Rupert deep water port, which allows for an eight-day trip to North American West Coast ports. There's a network of logging roads (<500 meters away) allowing for low-cost exploration and development.

The property consists of five tenures covering 1,213 Hectares, open for expansion in multiple directions. Blackie is on a brownfield site; the Yellow Giant underground mine was operational as recently as 2015. Blackie is host to a gabbroic body 1.2 km by 0.4 km, with an estimated thickness of at least 500 m (McDougall, 1985).

Assays from samples collected by McDougall (1984) ranged from 20% to 25% iron, 1.1% to 1.9% titanium, and up to 0.33% V (0.59% V 2 0 5 ). Concentrate results made from these samples returned 0.5% to 1% V (0.89% to 1.78% V 2 0 5 ). Individual outcrop results from a previous operator returned up to 49% Iron, 7.0% Titanium and an extremely anomalous 1.2% V (2.14% V 2 O 5 ). "Several million tons of Iron-titanium-vanadium bearing material are known at this locality" 1 (Rose and Mulligan, 1970).

The Porcher property

The Porcher property is located in west-central BC, ~38 km south-southwest from Prince Rupert. The property is located on Porcher Island and is accessible year-round. There's a network of nearby logging roads, allowing for cost-effective exploration and development.

Porcher consists of seven tenures covering 3,122 hectares, open for expansion in multiple directions. The property is located in a past-producing mining district. The Surf Point Mine, located ~9 km from the Porcher property, operated from 1919 through to 1939. As with the Blackie property, Porcher is located on tidewater, less than 39 km from Prince Rupert's deep water port.

Porcher is host to two gabbroic dykes hosting iron-titanium-vanadium mineralization. These sizable dykes are 5.2 km x 1 km, and 4 km x 0.6 km. The dykes are coincident with a large magnetic anomaly identified in the Canada 200 m Residual Total Magnetic field dataset. Limited sampling by McDougall (1961) was completed, with concentrate results ranging from 0.3% to 1.5% titanium and 0.2% to 0.5% V (0.34% to 0.84% V205). V2O5 deposits globally range from about 0.3% to 0.7%.

Peneece Vanadium Property

The Peneece Vanadium property is in southwest BC, a narrow coastal mainland fjord 85 km east of Vancouver Island. The property consists of five tenures covering 1,500 hectares, open for expansion in multiple directions. Peneece is located along tidewater and is accessible year-round. There's a network of logging roads within the center of the project area.

The property is host to a >4.8 km long by 0.8 km wide (open to the northwest) pyritic gabbroic complex associated with a very large and intense magnetic anomaly which is believed to be caused by a large body of vanadium-bearing massive titaniferous magnetite.

Access problems prevented sampling of the highly magnetic core, and only marginal material samples were obtained. Concentrate results from these samples graded 0.16% to 0.33% V (0.29% to 0.59% V205  AR 12204) and up to 6.5g/t Ag, a precious metal not typically found in these systems.

The Star Property

The Star property is located in west-central BC, ~ 27 km south-southwest from Prince Rupert. Like the Porcher property, Star is situated on Porcher Island and is accessible year-round. There's a network of logging roads covering the majority of the property.

Star consists of four tenures covering 3,647 hectares, open for expansion in multiple directions. The Star property is in the same historical mining district as the Porcher property. A gold mine operated from 1919 to 1939. It is located 10 km from the Star property.

The eastern part of the property was explored and drilled in 1955 for Iron Ore by One Resources Canada Corp. Twelve short (<50 m) diamond drill holes were completed for a total of 696 m, targeting a small magnetic anomaly. Conclusions from this work program were that 'at least several hundred thousand tonnes of magnetite-bearing rock with a grade of the order of 35% Iron exist within the drilling area' (PF671671).

The One Resources Canada Corp. 200m Residual Total Magnetic field datasethighlights a large 5 km x 7 km magnetic high located in the center of the Star claim group. Historical drilling indicated a much larger resource potentially exists within the property area to the west. While the historical drill program did not analyze the magnetite for vanadium, a Regional Geochemical Survey (RGS) was completed by the British Columbia Geological Survey in 2000 over the Star claim group, which highlighted up to 148 ppm vanadium-in-silt (99th percentile) and 5.06% iron.

Management believes the Star property has the makings of a significant vanadium discovery including a large magnetic (5km x 7km) high, drained by extremely anomalous vanadium-in-stream results, with a several hundred-thousand-tonne magnetite resource on the margin.

The Sunset Property

The Sunset Property consists of four mineral titles covering 785 hectares. The area had exploration work done in the 1970s1980s. Several cobalt-copper-zinc soil geochemistry anomalies were discovered. In 1987, Decade International outlined a large cobaltcopperzinc anomaly.

A recent exploration program consisting of mapping, grid preparation, geochemical soil sampling and magnetometer surveys has been done, validating the previous cobaltcopper-zinc soil geochemical anomaly. Copper values in soil over 500 ppm, when plotted with historical values, indicate a cluster about 1,000 meters by 500 meters. Numerous anomalous cobalt values lie within this area and a smaller cluster of anomalous zinc in soil is also present.

The presence of elevated levels of cobalt is interesting, and a 2% NSR royalty on cobalt only has been sold to Cobalt 27 Capital Corp.

Delrey Metals recently finished a phase one exploration program at Sunset. In September 2018, the company collected 708 soil samples, 68 rock samples and 11 stream sediment samples. As a result of the sampling, management extended its cobalt-copper-zinc anomaly about a kilometer to the west, and discovered a new zone, called Roughrider, which graded up to 4.3% copper. Management believes the new zone may indicate a cobalt-copper-zinc VMS-style of mineralization.

With these five properties, investors have multiple opportunities to win if management advances any of the properties to a maiden resource or to a PEA. If one believes in the fundamentals of Vanadium, Canada is a great place to be looking for potentially economic deposits. In addition, management is actively looking at other attractive properties to acquire or option. 2019 is shaping up to be a busy and productive year for Delrey Metals (CSE:DLRY, FSE:1OZ).

Peter Epstein is the founder of Epstein Research. His background is in company and financial analysis. He holds an MBA degree in financial analysis from New York University's Stern School of Business.

[NLINSERT]

Disclosures: The content of this article is for information only. Readers fully understand and agree that nothing contained herein, written by Peter Epstein of Epstein Research [ER], (together, [ER]) about Delrey Metals, including but not limited to, commentary, opinions, views, assumptions, reported facts, calculations, etc. is not to be considered implicit or explicit investment advice. Nothing contained herein is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any security. [ER] is not responsible under any circumstances for investment actions taken by the reader. [ER] has never been, and is not currently, a registered or licensed financial advisor or broker/dealer, investment advisor, stockbroker, trader, money manager, compliance or legal officer, and does not perform market making activities. [ER] is not directly employed by any company, group, organization, party or person. The shares of Delrey Metals are highly speculative, not suitable for all investors. Readers understand and agree that investments in small cap stocks can result in a 100% loss of invested funds. It is assumed and agreed upon by readers that they will consult with their own licensed or registered financial advisors before making any investment decisions.

At the time this article was posted, Delrey Metals was an advertiser on [ER]. Readers understand and agree that they must conduct their own due diligence above and beyond reading this article. While the author believes he's diligent in screening out companies that, for any reasons whatsoever, are unattractive investment opportunities, he cannot guarantee that his efforts will (or have been) successful. [ER] is not responsible for any perceived, or actual, errors including, but not limited to, commentary, opinions, views, assumptions, reported facts & financial calculations, or for the completeness of this article or future content. [ER] is not expected or required to subsequently follow or cover events & news, or write about any particular company or topic. [ER] is not an expert in any company, industry sector or investment topic. [ER] may buy or sell shares in Delrey Metals and other advertising companies at any time.

Streetwise Reports Disclosure:

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Graphics provided by author.
In Congo supporters of political opposition presidential candidate Martin Fayulu continue to bitterly contest CENIs (Independent National Electoral Commission) decision to name Felix Tshisekedi the winner of the December 30, 2018 presidential election. Fayulu maintains he won the election outright, and several independent election observer groups agree. Congos Catholic Church has evidence Fayulu was the landslide winner with about 60 percent of the vote. Under any circumstances, both opposition candidates crushed Kabilas personally selected successor, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary. There was no way Kabila could manufacture enough votes for Shadary.

On January 10 CENI claimed Tshisekedi took 38.6 per cent of the vote, Fayulu 34.8 and Shadary 23.8. Immediately independent election observer organizations and several foreign nations questioned the results. Fayulu rejected CENIs tally as evidence of a rigged election and called it an electoral coup. On January 17 the AU (African Union) questioned the results. Fayulu continues to argue that CENI, on behalf of former president Joseph Kabila, named Tshisekedi (another opposition candidate) because Kabila can manipulate him whereas Fayulu would threaten Kabila and his corrupt kleptocrats. Kabila will maintain control of the security forces and Tshisekedi will be his puppet.

However, as the first week of February ends, it appears that a majority of Congolese voters are willing to accept Tshisekedi even if his election was rigged. There are two reasons. First of all Tshisekedi isnt Kabila. Second, the Congolese people are tired of war and dont want another civil war to erupt. They prefer a peaceful handover of executive power and hope Tshisekedi can resist Kabilas manipulation.

Since Tshisekedi's inauguration (January 24) several Catholic Church officials (including some lay leaders) have grudgingly indicated they are willing to accept the imperfect election. They have been more specific about their security concern. They fear attempting to remove Tshisekedi may provoke pro-Kabila security forces to launch a coup. Would the coup attempt to restore Kabila? Its a possibility. However, Fayulu continues to vocally resist and calls for peaceful resistance to the Tshisekedi government. (Austin Bay)

Corruption Quantified

Central African countries have made some efforts in the last year to deal with their massive internal corruption problems. Despite occasional positive government press releases, outside observers cannot see any real progress. In 2018 Congo ranked 161 out of 180 nations in a worldwide survey of corruption, unchanged compared to 2017 and 2016. The smaller neighboring Congo (Brazzaville) did about the same while Angola ranked 165, CAR (Central African Republic) was 149 (tied with Uganda) while Rwanda did much better at 48, Burundi much worse at 170, Tanzania at 99 and Zambia at 105. Progress, or lack thereof, can be seen in the annual Transparency International Corruption Perception Index where countries are measured on a 1 (most corrupt) to 100 (not corrupt) scale. The most corrupt nations (usually North Korea/14, Yemen/14, Syria/13, South Sudan/13 and Somalia/10) have a rating of under 15 while of the least corrupt (New Zealand and Denmark) are over 85.

The current Congo score is 20 (down from 21 in 2017) compared 19 (21) for Congo (Brazzaville), 19 (19) for Angola, 26 (23) for CAR, 26 (26) for Uganda, 56 (55) for Rwanda, 17 (22) for Burundi, 36 (36) for Tanzania and 35 (37) for Zambia, 34 (35) for Ethiopia, 27 (28) for Kenya, 24 (20) for Eritrea, 14 (16) for Yemen, 13 (12) for South Sudan, 16 (16) for Sudan, 17 (17) for Libya, 32 (31) for Mali, 43 (40) for Morocco, 43 (42) for Tunisia, 19 (20) for Chad, 34 (33) for Niger, 70 (71) for the UAE (United Arab Emirates), 62 (64) for Israel, 61 (61) for Botswana, 72 (75) for the United States, 35 (33) for Algeria, 25 (25) for Cameroon, 40 (39) for Benin, 41 (40) for Ghana, 43 (43) for South Africa, 45 (45) for Senegal, 41 (40) for India, 72 (73) for Japan, 38 (37) for Indonesia, 57 (54) for South Korea, 18 (18) for Iraq, 41 (40) for Turkey, 49 (49) for Saudi Arabia, 28 (28) for Lebanon, 28 (30) for Iran, 16 (15) for Afghanistan, 33 (32) for Pakistan, 28 (29) for Russia and 39 (41) for China. A lower corruption score is common with nations in economic trouble and problems dealing with Islamic terrorism and crime in general. Congos corruption score has not changed much since 2012 when it was 21. Neighboring nations were generally the same.

February 4, 2019: Several health and medical aid NGOs (non-governmental organizations) are asking WHO (World Health Organization) to consider designating Congo's continuing Ebola epidemic as an international public health emergency. The epidemic has now lasted six months. The advocates want WHO to establish a special emergency committee to monitor the epidemic and help end it.

In Uganda, a convoy of eight trucks carrying weapons and equipment for UN peacekeepers in Congo remains stalled in the Ugandan town of Vurra on the Congo border (the northeastern Congo Ituri Province). The issue is unpaid transport and customs fees. The convoy has been stalled there for over a month.

Congo has extradited two FDLR ethnic Hutu rebels to Rwanda as part of a previously made legal agreement. The two men identified as senior FDLR commanders.

February 3, 2019: In eastern Congo (North Kivu province), 20 Mai-Mai militiamen and two soldiers died in a battle outside the city of Beni.

February 2, 2019: In eastern Congo, there are, as of the end of January 31, more than 730 cases of Ebola reported and 459 confirmed deaths.

February 1, 2019: The UN is willing to ease the arms embargo on the CAR (Central African Republic) that was imposed in 2013. The CAR government says the restrictions are hindering its own security forces which are battling several heavily armed militias in the country. A draft resolution would keep the arms embargo in place but lift sanctions so that government forces can receive weapons, ammunition and equipment. At the moment there are 13,000 UN peacekeepers in CAR.

January 31, 2019: In Uganda, security forces seized 750 pieces of ivory smuggled into the country from South Sudan. The ivory and several thousand pangolin scales were hidden in hollowed out timber logs which were inside six-meter long containers. Police arrested two suspected smugglers, both of whom were Vietnamese men. Authorities claimed poachers had to kill between 300 and 325 elephants to acquire the amount seized.

January 29, 2019: In northwestern Congo (Bandundu Province), UN investigators found 15 graves containing at least 170 bodies. It is believed the bodies are those of people slain in ethnic fighting between the Banunu and Batende tribes. Since late 2018 an estimated 900 have died in clashes between the Banunu and Batende. The presidential election played a role in the violence. Batende leaders and elders have supported Kabilas ruling coalition while Banunu leaders supported opposition candidates.

In Congo, CLC (The Catholic Laity Committee for Coordination) denounced the inauguration of Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi but also said the group will not conduct public protests that challenge the election.

In southwest Congo (Kasai region), three senior leaders in the Kamuina Nsapu (Black Ant) militia surrendered to security forces. One of the men surrendering, Lokondo Luakatebua, is accused of leading a militia operation that left 39 policemen dead. The government calls their death murders. The action occurred in 2017 during the height of the Kamuina Nsapu rebellion. The other two men are also accused of committing atrocities. Mubiayi Dewayi is accused of beheading the wife of a former government administrator in Kasais Luebo territory. When Dewayi turned himself 60 of his militiamen followed him out of the jungle. His men gave authorities four AK-47 rifles and reportedly asked to become part of the Congolese Army. One of the men indicated their surrender was a sign of support for Congos new president, Felix Tshisekedi.

January 28, 2019: In Burundi, a grenade attack in the capital (Bujumbura) killed eight people. Police blamed terrorists.

January 27, 2019: In southern Congo (Upper Katanga province), three people were killed in a protest in Lubumbashi. One of the dead was a policeman and another was a university student. The demonstrators were protesting water shortages and electricity outages at Lubumbashi University and surrounding neighborhoods. The areas have not had water and electricity for three days.

January 24, 2019: In Congo, Felix Tshisekedi was inaugurated as president. He said he wanted to be president of a reconciled Congo. Former president Joseph Kabila stood next to Tshisekedi during the ceremony. Defeated pro-Kabila candidate Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary was also present. Noticeably absent was opposition candidate and leader Martin Fayulu and any senior leaders of Fayulus coalition group. Catholic Church leaders  particularly bishops who are leaders in Congos Catholic Bishops Conference (CENCO)  were not involved in the ceremony.

In Sudan (the capital), talks to end chronic violence in the CAR began. The AU is sponsoring the negotiations which are officially named the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic Inter-Central African Dialogue between Government and Armed Groups.

In Burundi, media reported a group of Burundian soldiers and members of the ruling party's Imbonerakure youth wing crossed the border into eastern Congo (South Kivu province) on January 21. There was no confirmation of this from Congo. The Burundi government also reinforced units deployed on the Rwandan border.

January 22, 2019: In northeastern Congo (Ituri Province), soldiers attacked a Mai-Mai Simba militia position. Seven militiamen were killed, including the militia commander, Manu. Elsewhere in Ituri unknown attackers killed at least four soldiers.

January 20, 2019: In Zimbabwe, Russian military advisers have been seen working with local security forces. This follows a recent announcement that Russia had invested in Zimbabwes diamond industry and had financed two other business deals worth some $270 million.

In CAR there has been more fighting. From January 17-19 Portuguese paratroopers fought several battles in and around the town of Bambari. On January 20th some of the militia fighters had regrouped in a Bambari. The Portuguese peacekeepers arrived in the area on January 10 with orders to protect civilians from further attacks by UPC fighters who had already killed two police officers in the area. The UPC is a Seleka splinter faction that is regarded as particularly violent and militant. Two French Mirage 2000 jets overflew Bambari on January 11 as a show of force supporting the paratrooper peacekeepers. A few sporadic clashes occurred but on January 17, the Portuguese units and Nepalese peacekeepers began an hours-long assault on UPC compounds in Bambari. Meanwhile, Portuguese peacekeepers were also involved in the action in Bokolobo (60 kilometers southeast of Bambari). That attack began January14-15. Bokolobo is the UPCs main headquarters. Or at least it was. The Portuguese attack destroyed the UPCs Bokolobo headquarters and several militia checkpoints and barricade-type fortifications. The peacekeepers also seized numerous weapons. Apparently, 30 to 40 UPC fighters had retreated into the jungle after attempting to ambush and delay Portuguese forces. It was unclear whether this action took place before the assault on Bokolobo or after the assault.

January 19, 2019: In Congo opposition candidate Martin Fayulu rejected a national court (constitutional court) ruling that he lost the December 2018 presidential election. He took the bold step of declaring himself the election victor and the legitimate president. The court is packed with pro-Kabila judges.

January 18, 2019: In CAR a contingent of 140 Rwanda National Police (RNP) arrived to serve for one year with the UN peacekeepers.

January 16, 2019: The AU called on the Congo government to delay the release of final election results since there were so many doubts regarding the elections validity. The alleged election runner-up, Martin Fayulu, has requested a manual vote recount. Fayulu also accuses the declared winner, Felix Tshisekedi, of making an illicit deal with outgoing president Joseph Kabila. Meanwhile, the Congolese independent election observer organization SYMOCEL accuse CENI of relying on results taken from voting machines using USB sticks instead of hand-counted tallies as required by law.

The UN reported that ethnic violence in December 2018 in the Yumbi area (Mai-Ndombe province) killed at least 890 people. The fighting occurred from December 16-18. The original death toll was estimated at 150 then raised to 400. But now grave sites are turning up. During the three days of carnage Banunu and Batende fighters battled in four villages in Yumbi. 470 buildings and homes were either burned or plundered, including two small schools and a health clinic. The fighting displaced 16,000 people. Many fled across the Congo River to the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville).

January 15, 2019: Portuguese paratroopers in the CAR reported they were attacking UPC rebel positions in Bambari (400 kilometers from the capital, Bangui). They were also engaged in an operation against the UPC major base in Bokolobo.

January 14, 2019: European media are declaring Martin Fayulu the clear winner of Congos December 2018 presidential election. In a startling report that appeared in The Financial Times, election data that represented 86 percent of the votes cast indicated Fayulu received 59.4 percent of the vote. This is a major media outlet estimate, but it is a careful estimate and one in line with other estimates by monitoring groups, including one relying on data gathered by the Catholic Church. This certainly indicates mass election fraud has occurred. As a result, several EU nations and many of Congos neighbors are calling for recounts. The International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), a 12-member African inter-government body that includes Angola and Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), has called for a recount. The U.S. and Britain have also expressed concern that a contested election will lead to Congo-wide violence. Disgust with the Kabila governments corruption could turn into disgust with Felix Tshisekedi if his legitimacy is questioned. (Austin Bay)

January 13, 2019: In Burundi, several foreign NGOs have shut their offices in the country and begun to curtail operations. Diplomats in Bujumbura estimate that at least 30 NGOs may cease operations entirely and leave Burundi. That will cost Burundi from $280 million to $300 million in aid. Some 130 NGOs operate in Burundi and the ones shutting down failed to comply with the new hiring laws the government imposed. December 31, 2018 was the deadline for meeting the requirements. The chief problem was a government requirement that when recruiting staff for their offices and operations the foreign NGOs had to meet the same strict ethnic hiring quotas Burundi government jobs require. Several NGOs that are curtailing activities told media and members of the diplomatic community that they had to hire personnel based on skills and experience. This is particularly important for small NGOs operating health-related, education, and medical rehabilitation services. The government began interpreting an article in Burundis constitution (Article 148) that states government jobs (public enterprises) must hire personnel based on this formula: 40 percent are ethnic Tutsi and 60 percent Hutu. The NGOs argue they are civil society operations, not public sector enterprises. But now the government contends all foreign NGOs must comply. Why? Many aid workers and activists note that NGOs frequently criticize the Burundian governments lack of concern for human rights. Several have also criticized President Pierre Nkurunziza for his authoritarian behavior, such as using his partys youth wing to physically intimidate political opponents and changing the constitution so he could secure a third term in office. (Austin Bay)

January 12, 2019: In western Congo (Kinshasa, the capital), Republican Guard (presidential guard) soldiers and national police officers loyal to the Kabila government surrounded the residence of opposition candidate and alleged presidential runner-up Martin Fayulu. Fayulus supporters were protesting what they argue was a rigged election. When the security forces appeared the supporters either fled into Fayulus residence or dispersed into the city. Meanwhile, the CENCO asked the UN Security Council for help in releasing election vote results so the results could be verified. CENCO is also concerned with reported parliamentary results that claim Kabilas coalition won a majority of seats (at least 288 of the 500 seats). Many opposition leaders reject that tally.

January 11, 2019: The declared election victor, Felix Tshisekedi, said that current president Joseph Kabila would be an "important partner" as he becomes president and establishes his administration.

In Uganda, the finance minister announced that in his opinion Uganda's growing debt is sustainable. Another government official had warned that major loans by some foreign lenders could lead to the lenders acquiring sovereign Ugandan assets. That warning spoke to a fear shared by many in Uganda  that major lender China has forced the Ugandan government to use oil reserves as collateral for its large loans. There are also worries that if default occurred Beijing could gain control of power generation facilities and dams built with Chinese money.

January 10, 2019: In Congo CENI released provisional presidential election results. According to the report, Tshisekedi received 38.6 percent of the vote and Fayulu 34.8 percent. Kabilas candidate, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, got 23.8 percent. Independent observers believe Fayulu received well over 50 percent of the popular vote and Shadary got 15 percent (or less). Fayulu immediately dismissed the results as fraudulent. He accused CENI of conducting an electoral coup by denying him the office. (Austin Bay)

January 9, 2019: The CAR government said it does not oppose giving Russia a permanent military base within the country. The announcement was made while the CARs minister of defense spoke with Russian media. Russia already has a training facility in the CAR. Russian military advisers and military contractors train CAR security forces. The count is unofficial, but CAR government sources say around 175 Russian military and contract instructors are in the country. A few media reports speculate that some Russian security contractors also provide security for commercial operations within the country.
At the end of 2018 the U.S. Air Force IG (Inspector General) issued a report detailing how an Air Force program, to create sets of equipment and assigned personnel to quickly set up new airbases for combat aircraft during an emergency, was not working. Actually, the DABS (Deployable Air Base System) was shown to work during a test run in July 2018. After the test, the Air Force announced the first of these DABS sets would be ready by 2019 and 23 more in the next year or so. The IG did not name names but made it clear that poor leadership at the top left the task of implementing DABS to no one in particular and with vague performance goals. In other words, nothing was happening to make DABS a reality.

The IG pointed out that for DABS to work someone very senior had to order various different commands in the Air Force to cooperate and do so quickly. That was not happening and if DABS implementation was not reorganized the first DABS would not be available for years (like 2026, maybe). Within weeks that got the attention of senior people in the Department of Defense and Air Force who quickly assured the IG that DABS management would be promptly set right and the first ten DABS sets would be ready by 2021 and that the IG would receive regular progress reports. Such alacrity is rare in military procurement and system development and it remains to be seen if the new assurances carry any more weight than the initial announcement about the July test success and plan for DABS implementation.

The July 2018 DABS test run involved moving 161 shipping containers and 60 construction and airfield operation vehicles from Luxemburg to Poland largely by land (via 19 railroad cars and 87 trucks). Two C-130s were also used to get everything to a small airport that did not normally handle military operations (and thus was seen as likely to survive a major Russian attack on Polish airbases.) The land movement took 24 hours and then 57 Air Forcelogistical and airfield operations personnel spent another 24 hours to unload, position and get the equipment operational.

After DABS was set up the small airport was capable of arming or loading/unloading, refueling and repairing damaged aircraft with the support of the recently arrived Air Force airbase personnel and equipment. This included medical, housing, sanitary and dining facilities. DABS included tents and modular structures, generators, satellite communications and airbase support electronics. Poland would offer whatever resources they might have available in a wartime situation but DABS also worked on the assumption that food, fuel and other supplies would also have to come in from West Europe via rail, road and cargo aircraft.

The initial test found no serious flaws in the system, but there was a long list of those little things that would make DABS operation go a lot more smoothly. For example, there were no printed instructions about what was in each container and what had to be done with it. That is being changed because in wartime electronic communications might not be sufficient to consult sources back in Western Europe or the United States. The Polish site was surveyed via aerial photos and that approach did not contain enough detail about which areas near the airstrip were swampy or otherwise unsuitable terrain for setting up the military facilities. You needed to bring enough fuel with you to get the generators going and operational until fuel supply for the base could be established. There were a lot of minor items like that but DABS was considered a success.

The Air Force then announced plans to purchase and preposition up to half a dozen (or more) DABS sets in Western Europe and survey many more sites for setting them up in Poland and other East European NATO countries during a wartime emergency. First, however, Air Force planners wanted to tinker with the DABS equipment list because it was pointed out that DABS could also be used for crises short of major war to provide a base just for UAVs, aerial refueling tankers or just transports. To deal with these possibilities the DABS equipment set would have to be larger and everything clearly marked for which mission packages it was used for. That will make DABS more flexible than earlier iterations of this concept. The IG report did not say so but the way things work in the military these ancillary uses of DABS may have contributed to bringing implementation to a halt. As the IG report did mention when there are several major commands involved for implementing something new a lot of bureaucratic inertia is encountered with a lot of people saying, well get back to you on that with no incentive to do so very quickly.

DABS is a variant of the Cold War REFORGER (REturn of FORces to GERmany) technique which pre-positioned large quantities of army (and later marine) equipment in Europe. All you had to do was fly in the troops and you had brigades and divisions ready for combat in 24 hours or so. The pre-positioning of equipment continued after the Cold War ended in 1991 but the annual troop movement exercises (REFORGER) to use the pre-positioned equipment stopped. In 2016 the army began reviving the REFORGER exercises. As part of this, the U.S. Army moved to store more pre-positioned military equipment in Europe and have brigades move their personnel to Europe for training with that equipment each year. At least one brigade a year is being sent to Europe to use the pre-positioned equipment for training exercises aimed at defending East Europe against Russia. Just like the Cold War, except then the Russian armies were already in East Europe and it was Western Europe being defended.

This practice of moving troops and equipment as separate entities was a Cold War innovation. To speed the movement of reinforcements from the United States to Europe, in the event that the Soviet Union invading, two divisions had one set of equipment in Europe, and another back in the United States, where the divisions were based. In reality, this pre-positioning and troop movement plan also served political demands in the United States that some of the divisions stationed there be brought home. The pre-positioning was a politically acceptable way to withdraw two divisions from Europe in 1968. But the equipment stayed behind and was stored and maintained by contractors (local civilians). Starting in 1969 troops from the two withdrawn divisions began flying to Europe each year, firing up the gear, and going out on field exercises. The troops would then return the gear to the storage areas and fly home. These annual exercises lasted until 1988.

The experience gained in all those REFORGER exercises made the army and marines confident that they could apply the concept of pre-positioned equipment elsewhere. This also led to the idea, as applied in Iraq from 2004 to 2011 of having the first units to get there to leave their gear behind (if they were being replaced by the same type units) when the troops returned home. This saved a lot of money in shipping costs, not to mention the additional work the troops had to do preparing everything for sea movement. Same deal in Afghanistan and the REFORGER techniques have become standards.

One thing that did change was that there were no longer regular movements of troops each year to use the pre-positioned equipment. But there are less regular exercises where the troops are flown overseas, take control of pre-positioned gear and go out and train for a week or two. It is good training and a way to make sure that the pre-positioned material is being maintained properly.

The Air Force already has the capability to fly in personnel and some equipment to set up operations at a foreign airbase or large airport. DABS takes that one step further and makes it possible to quickly turn several of the hundreds of sites in East Europe into operational military airbases. But to fly the DABS gear from the United States to Eastern Europe would require the use of a hundred C-17 transports (or equivalent civilian ones like B747 freighters). These military transports would be in high demand in wartime and DABS was created as an inexpensive solution to the air transport shortage. Like REFORGER the Air Force will regularly assemble teams of Air Force personnel in West Europe (or fly them in on a single military or civilian transport) from the U.S. on short notice and deploy DABS to East Europe, set it up, handle some traffic then pack it up and send it back to West Europe. Air Force logistical and airbase operations personnel are accustomed to doing this, just not with an instant airbase kit available. The July test showed that Air Force personnel (active duty and reserve) could quickly implement DABS.
A week ago, Scott McCartney, respected Wall Street Journal "The Middle Seat" columnist, prescribed six ways to improve air travel "instantly." Well, maybe. Actually, my take is that three of his are no-brainers, one is impractical, two are questionable, and he missed one big one.

1. Reduce or eliminate exchange fees. If you've followed these columns at all, you know I've been railing about those fees for years. Although they impact relatively few travelers, the impact is disproportionally high, and they're a major pain point for consumers. I get that exchange fees are an important "fence" that deters business travelers from using the lowest fares -- and that's a benefit to consumers. But for travelers who get hit, it's a big pain point. Airlines have traditionally ignored consumer pain points until consumers get fed up and demand government action -- and that will happen unless the airlines shape up voluntarily. I predict they will not.

2. Bring back interlining. This is another no-brainer that probably won't happen. Time was, you could book a connecting trip on any combination of legacy airlines, with baggage checked through to your final destination. And if one line couldn't accommodate you in a delay or cancellation, it would transfer to another line. Many airlines can still do this, but for the most part they don't.
Among the many things I love about Italy is how the Renaissance can be spliced into your travels. Imagine: In Florence you can sleep in a converted 16th-century monastery that's just a block from Michelangelo's David, around the corner from Brunelleschi's famous cathedral dome, and down the street from the tombs of the great Medici art patrons -- and that's just for starters.

Before the Renaissance, Europeans spent about 1,000 years in a cultural slumber. Most art was made to serve the Church, and man played only a bit part -- typically as a sinner. But around 1400, everything began changing.

The new "Renaissance Man" shaped his own destiny and was no longer a mere plaything of the supernatural. Belief in the importance of the individual skyrocketed, and life became much more than a preparation for the hereafter. This new "humanism" wasn't a repudiation of God; it was an understanding that the best way to glorify God was not to bow down in church all day long but to recognize the talents God gave you and use them.
Like Karen Copek Willson, the letter writer of Allowing citizens to be armed on trains is criminal mistake (Jan. 31), I am also opposed to allowing legal concealed carry on MetroLink. I have been carrying concealed everywhere that is allowed since Missouri first legalized it. MetroLink, by not allowing legal carry, has made itself a magnet for thieves, robbers and muggers.
Aside from increased prosecution, another component of the Safer Streets Initiative is continual community outreach, something that I initiated in late January when I visited Mount Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis to talk to citizens about violent crime. By keeping up constant contact with affected communities, hearing their concerns and answering their questions, we hope to learn more about the needs of the community and reassure citizens of St. Louis that something is being done to help them.

Violent crime has ravaged communities, neighborhoods and families. By reaching out and talking to affected residents, we not only glean important information and tips to improve our efforts, we also assure residents that something is being done to help them and keep them safer. Sometimes, thats all someone needs  a little bit of hope.

The Safer Streets Initiative is a good start to combating violent crime, but there is still much to be done. This issue is not going to go away at the drop of the hat, and we have our work cut out for us.

I look forward to talking with citizens across the city of St. Louis. Together, we can work toward safer streets and make a difference in peoples lives and the reputation of the region.

Eric Schmitt, a Republican, is Missouris attorney general.
Venezuelas elected president, Nicolas Maduro , on Sunday said he would not leave power or call new elections because I dont accept ultimatums from anyone.

In an interview with Spains La Sexta television channel, Maduro said that US President Donald Trump is imposing a mistaken policy on Venezuela and Were not going to give in.

The interview came on the day that the European Union s ultimatum expired for Maduro to convene new presidential elections or it would recognize the head of the opposition-controlled Parliament, Juan Guaido, as the countrys interim president.

In the interview, Maduro repeatedly complained that Venezuela is a victim of a campaign of aggression led by Trump and being followed doglike by non-leftist Latin American governments.

Were being threatened by the worlds greatest power. The military option is on Donald Trumps table, he said, although he added that there is no reason for this to end badly.

Maduro, however, praised countries such as Mexico and Uruguay, who have called a conference to promote dialogue as the solution to the crisis, and Russia and China do still support the beleaguered Venezuelan government

I refuse to call elections. There will be a presidential election in 2024, Maduro said, adding when asked if he was thinking about leaving power And go where? and leveling particularly harsh criticism at Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for the European ultimatum.

Earlier on Sunday, in an interview with CBS, Trump had said that sending US troops to Venezuela was an option.

Certainly, its something thats on the - its an option, Trump said, adding that Maduro had asked to meet with him, but he rejected that possibility.

I decided at the time, no because so many really horrible things have been happening in Venezuela when you look at that country, Trump said. That was the wealthiest country of all in that part of the world which is a very important part of the world. And now you look at the poverty and you look at the anguish and you look at the crime and you look at all of the things happening.

Last week, the Trump administration leveled huge sanctions at Venezuelas state-owned oil firm, PDVSA, and Maduro had told the Russian RIA Novosti news agency that he was ready and willing to speak with Trump privately or publicly, in Venezuela or elsewhere, with an open agenda about any issue that the White House wanted to discuss.

Also on Sunday, Maduro insisted that Venezuelas armed forces (FANB) preserve their unity and maintain their loyalty at a time when the opposition has increased its calls to the military not to recognize his presidency, calling him a usurper of power.

We must preserve the unity of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, their cohesion, their absolute loyalty, their courage. You soldiers of the homeland are the maximum guarantee of the union, the integrity and the respect for Venezuelan sovereignty, he said at a military training exercise in central Aragua state.

Were at a time of defending our independence. To be or not to be ... to be (independent) or to be a colony, to be Venezuela or to be nothing, he said, reiterating similar messages he was directing to the military all last week.

Maduro in recent days has been participating in a series of military exercises to counter an alleged foreign invasion that he believes could be mounted after Guaido proclaimed himself interim president on Jan. 23, soon thereafter receiving the recognition of more than a dozen countries, including the US, who was first in line with its support.

Meanwhile, Guaido, on Sunday continued pressuring for the entry of humanitarian aid into Venezuela by announcing a mobilization to demand that the armed forces allow in such aid.

In a Twitter message, Guaido shared a summary of his announcements at the massive demonstration on Saturday, although he said that in the coming days there will be another demonstration to demand that the military allow humanitarian aid to come into the country and called upon them to remain watchful.

The interim president also noted the creation of a national and international coalition for such aid, which - as he said on Saturday - will come in from three locations: Cucuta, Colombia; Brazil and an unspecified Caribbean island.

Humanitarian aid for the Venezuelan people is one of Guaidos priorities in attending to the crisis, reestablishing democracy and achieving freedom, blaming Maduro - whom he accuses of being a dictator - for the countrys dire situation.

Venezuela, the country with the largest proven oil reserves of any nation in the world, is mired in a severe economic crisis that has resulted in the serious scarcity of medicine and food, a situation that has spurred some three million citizens to flee the country, according to the United Nations.

In the United States, in addition to Trumps remarks about possibly sending US troops to Venezuela, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio denounced the Maduro government for using a subsidized food program to control the people and calling on the FANB to allow in humanitarian aid.

Rubio said that for years Maduro has used food imported through the local CLAP committees and distributed to poor families to control the country and that is the reason the Venezuelan leader has long refused to allow the entry of humanitarian aid.

The Florida senator, a Republican, said on Twitter that Maduro knows that if people dont depend on him any longer for food and medicine they wont have any reason to pretend they support him, adding that he has weaponized hunger and illness.

For years now Maduro has used food as a tool to control #Venezuela. To receive food through the so called CLAP program you must not only vote, but vote for Maduro (yes they know how people voted). If you are caught opposing Maduro, you lose access to the CLAP program, Rubio said in a series of tweets.
'He needs to hang it up'

Chinky Dolo, a Richmond resident, said he was offended by the photograph on Northam's page. And he didn't believe the governor's second statement denying he appeared in the photo.

"That just seems iffy to me," Dolo said.

Northam told his Cabinet on Monday the only way to clear his name was to remain in office and convince people he isn't the person in the photograph and the image doesn't represent who he is, said a source inside the regularly scheduled Cabinet meeting. If he resigns, the governor said he would be labeled as a "racist for life," the source said.

Dolo said he was willing to hear what else the governor has to say, though he didn't think it would affect his opinion. His mind was made up.

"I think he needs to resign," Dolo said. "I think he needs to hang it up."

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, the man who would replace Northam, took a more diplomatic tone when asked whether Northam should resign. He said the governor "has to make the decision that is in the best interest of the Commonwealth of Virginia."
In recent months, numerous riders have reported being injured by scooters that malfunction, throwing riders off the vehicles at high speed. Last year, Lime  one of the world's largest scooter companies  was forced to issue two recalls after The Washington Post reported that some scooters had batteries capable of catching fire and others included baseboards that split in half while people rode them.

Pedestrians, particularly elderly ones, have also been severely injured after being struck by electric scooters or tripping over devices that have been haphazardly left on the sidewalk, according to doctors.

Some health professionals have referred to the wave of injuries as a public health crisis. In December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced plans to study the health risks associated with the two-wheeled vehicles by analyzing injuries to riders and pedestrians in Austin, Texas, over two months.

Austin Public Safety Commission member Ed Scruggs told NBC affiliate KXAN that Sands's death "was an unfortunate set of circumstances that led to that tragic accident" but added that the city needs more "hard facts" about the number and location of e-scooter accidents before officials can address the issue.
JEFFERSON CITY  The Missouri House on Monday voted to weaken the state's Sunshine Law, a Watergate-era measure routinely used by citizens to access information that could otherwise be kept secret by public officials.

During debate on a bill related to lobbyist gift bans, Rep. Nick Schroer, R-O'Fallon, proposed an amendment that would add exemptions to the law.

Lawmakers in the GOP-controlled House attached Schroer's amendment to the bill on a voice vote, meaning none of their individual stances were recorded.

Schroer's amendment exempts records "received or prepared by or on behalf of a member of a public governmental body" that consist of "advice, opinions and recommendations in connection with the deliberative decision-making process of said body."

Schroer also wants to exempt "constituent case files," which include "any correspondence, written or electronic, between a member of a public governmental body and a constituent pertaining to a constituent's request for information or assistance."

Rep. Jon Carpenter, D-Kansas City, said he opposed Schroer's amendment, even though he supported one provision that exempts Social Security numbers, personal cell phone numbers and home addresses from disclosure.
Dr. Samuel Figueroa voluntarily surrendered his Missouri medical license last month but still runs a day spa in Illinois while on probation in that state for alleged drug violations.

Figueroa, 70, owns Dutch Hollow Medical Day Spa in Godfrey, which advertises weight loss treatments, laser hair removal and facial fillers on its website. He did not return a phone call to the business.

Illinois regulators last March placed Figueroa, an anesthesiologist, on indefinite probation and fined him $20,000 for failing to properly prescribe and document his treatments with the drug phentermine. Phentermine is used for weight loss management by suppressing appetite but is classified as a schedule IV drug because of its potential for abuse.

Under the terms of his probation, Figueroa must practice anesthesiology only in a hospital setting and is subject to random reviews of patients charts every quarter.

The spas website touts Figueroas background as an anesthesiologist to make even the most uncomfortable procedures  like facial injectables  seem virtually painless.

Figueroas Illinois medical license was issued in 1982. His Missouri license was issued in 2013 and rendered inactive at his request in 2016. It is unclear whether Figueroa ever practiced in Missouri.
JEFFERSON CITY  Missouri lawmakers are again debating a proposal requiring the parent of a daughter younger than 18 seeking an abortion to notify the other custodial parent or guardian of the procedure.

The legislation, which has failed to advance five previous times, is among at least one dozen abortion-related measures pending in the Republican-led Legislature this year.

The proposal, sponsored by Rep. Rocky Miller, R-Lake Ozark, would alter current law, in which a physician must get informed written consent from one parent or guardian.

There would be some exceptions to adding a second parent to the notification process, such as a parent or guardian who is a sex offender or has been found guilty of child abuse.

Supporters said the change could reduce the number of abortions. In 2017, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported that 125 abortions were performed on girls under 18 out of a total of nearly 4,000 statewide.
Gregg Hall, the Hazelwood police chief and president of the St. Louis Area Police Chiefs Association, said he had no idea what his department would look like after the merger  how many of his officers would keep their jobs patrolling his city, what they would be paid or which entity would pay them.

We havent been given the opportunity to ask questions or be face to face with someone who might at least give us some information, he said.

The amendment says that all employees who work in the city or county in a capacity that provides general services, including police officers, would become employees of the metro city. Immediately after the merger takes effect, all municipal police departments would remain intact despite now coming under the command of a metro police chief. But the amendment does not guarantee anyones job is safe throughout the transition to a metro government.
UPDATED at 8:10 a.m. Tuesday with name of victim

BALLWIN  A woman died at a hospital after firefighters pulled her from her burning home early Friday, officials said.

Ballwin Police Officer Scott Stephens identified the victim Tuesday as Mary Simmons, 77.

The Metro West Fire Protection District responded to the 200 block of Cedar Trail Drive just after 4 a.m. Friday to find the back of a one-story home ablaze.

The woman was removed from the house, treated by paramedics and taken to a hospital, where she later died of her injuries.

Firefighters from Metro West along with West County EMS & Fire and Monarch and Valley Park fire protection districts worked together to extinguish the fire.

Fire investigators from Metro West, the Ballwin Police Department and St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Unit found the blaze to be accidental, caused by unattended cooking.

The home did not have smoke alarms.
We remain confident Mr. McCulloch will ensure the case against this murderous coward is vigorously prosecuted and the maximum prison sentence allowed by law is sought, Crecelius said.

Forster was 18 at the time of the killing. He remains jailed in St. Louis County in lieu of a $1 million bail. With the death penalty off the table, the mandatory sentence for someone convicted of first-degree murder is life in prison without parole.

Forsters public defender Stephen Reynolds said in an email that his office thanked McCulloch and his assistant prosecutor Alan Key, who is handling the case, for their careful review and consideration of this case and agree that they made the right decision not to seek the death penalty.

McCulloch was 12 when his father, St. Louis police Officer Paul McCulloch, was shot and killed July 2, 1964, in a gun battle with a kidnapper in the 2100 block of Dickson Street at the former Pruitt-Igoe public housing complex. Eddie Glenn was convicted and sentenced to death, but the Missouri Supreme Court in 1972 reduced his sentence to life in prison.
Hendren and his partner were supposed to be patrolling a different part of the city but went to Hendrens home in the 700 block of Dover Place, authorities said. Alix, who was off-duty, joined them there. Inside the home, Hendren loaded a revolver with one bullet and the two took turns firing it at each other just before 1 a.m., according to court documents. Alix was struck in the chest and died from her wounds at St. Louis University Hospital.
JEFFERSON CITY  As an HIV-positive Missouri resident, Latrischa Miles says she dares not spit during her runs in Kansas City.

Under current state laws, originally drafted in the 80s as the HIV/AIDS epidemic spread, Missourians can be prosecuted for the transmission of HIV. The outdated language includes the exchange of saliva through spitting and biting as a way the disease can be transferred.

While these transmission methods have been scientifically disproved in the decades since, state law has remained the same, with many being prosecuted using the unsound standards.

Ive lived in the shadows of these criminal laws, Miles said. I know that a jilted lover or angry neighbor could maliciously report to police authorities that I had exposed them to HIV whether there is any truth in it or not, and I could be arrested with no protections under the law.
JEFFERSON CITY  Pilots flying drones too close to a state prison could end up in state prison if one Missouri Republicans proposal were signed into law.

State Sen. Denny Hoskins bill would create the crime of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft near a correctional center." Hoskins, of Warrensburg, presented the legislation to a Senate committee on Monday.

Drones have been used across our country to drop drugs, cellphones, knives and razors into correctional centers, Hoskins said in a statement.

Karen Pojmann, spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Corrections, told the Post-Dispatch that officials have made 11 drone sightings near Missouri correctional centers since September 2016. She said there were three sightings last fall.

So far, no contraband discoveries have been directly tied to these sightings, but the incidents have created a disruption in operations, she said in an email. We dont have counter-drone technology or an efficient way to monitor and regulate air space 24/7, so its likely that more incidents have occurred than have been reported.

Pojmann said the department supports Hoskins legislation.
WEBSTER GROVES  A man threatened on Thursday an attack on city employees here similar to a massacre at a Kirkwood City Council meeting 11 years ago, police say.

Thomas L. Hobbs, 62, of Rock Hill, sent written statements to a local media organization "about there being another Cookie Thornton situation," at Webster Groves City Hall, according to court documents.

Hobbs referred to Charles "Cookie" Thornton, who on Feb. 7, 2008, stormed into the Kirkwood council chamber with two guns in hand and killed six people.

The victims included two council members, the public works director, two police officers and the mayor, who died months later. A reporter was shot in the hand and wounded.

Thursday is the 11th anniversary of the shooting rampage, which ended when two responding officers shot and killed Thornton.

Hobbs was charged Monday in St. Louis County with making a terrorist threat in the third-degree, a misdemeanor.

Webster Groves police arrested him Monday and announced the charges in a press release Monday night.
A man was found shot to death in an open field in East St. Louis Monday afternoon.

East St. Louis Police responding to 911 calls found Dominic Whitton, 24, dead near the intersection of 18th Street and Martin Luther King Drive about 3 p.m., according to Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Jerri Hochmuth.

Whitton was pronounced dead at the scene by a deputy St. Clair County Coroner. Authorities said Whitton lived in Belleville but had ties to East St. Louis.

Whitton appeared to have been walking through the field at the corner when he was shot, Hochmuth said. He was found close to a house at the site. She said Tuesday that investigators did not have a suspect or motive in the case.

Illinois State Police handles homicide investigations in East St. Louis.
BATON ROUGE, La.  An officer in Louisiana killed as he escorted a funeral procession on his motorcycle Friday was a Collinsville native.

The same officer survived being shot in the face less than a year earlier, according to authorities.

Police say a mentally ill man fired several shots in Baton Rouge on Feb. 11 before firing into Totty's cruiser. He was hit in the face by the bullet, shrapnel and glass.

Retired Capt. Don Kelly told The Advocate of Baton Rouge that Totty lost sight in one eye for several months but fought hard to recover. When he returned, he asked to follow his dream and become a motorcycle officer.
Johansen left the department in 2011 and formed Johansen Consulting Services, and in June 2012 was appointed as the receiver for the troubled Rogue Creek Utilities Inc. One of his responsibilities was maintaining a water softener to reduce elevated levels of lead in the well water in Rogue Creek.

From March 2013 to March 2016, Johansen was issued about 50 warnings or letters about violations, warnings of noncompliance, while telling residents the water was clean, disinfected and safe, prosecutors have said.

Johansen did not admit to all of the claims in the indictment. But he did admit that on March 9, 2016, Missouris Department of Natural Resources learned that the water softener was not working. Two days later, the department tested the water and three of five samples were high in lead, despite the fact that the softener was working again. That triggered a do not drink order that was in place for almost 14 months.

He admitted he told investigators the water softener had been out for weeks, not months.

Johansen could have been sentenced to up to six months in prison under recommended guidelines.
ST. LOUIS  The carjacking didn't go as planned for a gunman in the Lafayette Square neighborhood Monday night.

He used his gun to tap on the driver's side window of a car in the 1700 block of Park Avenue at about 7:30 p.m. Monday. He ordered the 33-year-old male driver to get out of the car, then demanded his keys. According to police, the victim stepped out of the car but refused to hand over the keys.

The gunman pointed a gun at the victim's feet and pulled the trigger several times -- but the gun wouldn't fire, police say.

The victim tossed his car keys, and both he and the gunman raced to get the keys.

As they ran, the gunman dropped his cellphone, and the victim picked it up. The gunman apparently got to the car keys first, but police say he was left negotiating with the victim. He said he'd trade the keys for the phone.

After the swap, the gunman ran off without getting any of the victim's property.

Police say the victim was uninjured.

The would-be robber is described as a black man, 25 to 30 years old, 5-foot-6 to 6-feet tall with a thin build and dark complexion. He wore a dark hooded sweatshirt and dark stocking cap.

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Chuck Hatfield, a Democratic lawyer and former aide to then- Attorney General Jay Nixon, said in an email that the Legislatures efforts would mark a significant expansion of what is considered a closed record under Missouri law.

He said that unlike federal law, Missouri did not recognize a deliberative process privilege. He said Schroers language would establish that privilege. And while the federal law exempts inter-agency or intra-agency memorandums or letters, Missouri law would go further, exempting information that comes into an agency or office from an outside source.

On its face it would allow closure of any communications  from constituents, lobbyists, donors, out of state interests  that relate in any way to deliberations, Hatfield said. That would be a significant expansion of the traditional protections of the deliberative process privilege.

Sandra Davidson, a communications law professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, called the bill anti-transparency and said it would probably lead to negative public policy outcomes if approved.

People need access to records to vet information and decide how it should guide policy, she said.
Lindenwood has 22 board members.

One of them, who asked that I not identify them by name, told me they had no idea Shonrock had been placed on leave and that an attempt to fire him was afoot.

Shonrock believes that is the case for many of the trustees.

I dont think a lot of the board knows anything about this, he says.

The board is scheduled to meet on Friday afternoon.

There is no published agenda.

If the meeting ends Shonrocks time as president, he will lament what might have been.

In the back of his mind, he was hoping to finish his career here, and had already made overtures to begin work on an extension of his contract, which currently lasts until June 2020.

Im very proud of what we accomplished here, Shonrock says. This is our family. We love these kids. We were very committed to being here.

A former Lindenwood faculty council chairman said that as far as she knew, faculty has also been kept in the dark about the boards plans for Shonrock.
 A bill from Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., would tackle the issue by preventing a hospital, physician group or other medical provider from charging patients more for an emergency procedure than they would have expected to pay for in-network care. It would then establish an arbitration process to determine what the patients health plan should pay. (This is similar to laws passed in New York and New Jersey.)

 A bill from Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, the chairman of the House Ways and Means health subcommittee, introduced during the last Congress with Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, would require hospitals to notify patients whether they, and the doctors and other providers the patient would see there, are in-network, as well as how much patients could expect to pay out-of-pocket. Without at least 24 hours notice and the patients consent  or if the patient was receiving same-day, emergency treatment  the hospital would be able to charge the patient no more than an in-network provider would.

To draw attention to the issue, Hassan planned to bring a guest to Tuesdays State of the Union address who was billed more than $1,600 for a trip to an in-network emergency room. The patient learned after the fact that the doctor she briefly saw there was out-of-network.
The Ellisville-based business was founded in 1894 and has remained family owned and operated for 124 years

When Ferdinand Dau founded The Dau Furniture Company in St. Louis in 1894, its unlikely that he imagined the business would still be booming and run by his family 124 years later. As Ferdinands great-grandson and current owner, Paul Dau, retires after more than 40 years, the fifth generation of the Dau family is taking over the day-to-day operations of the business. Paul Daus son, Ryan Dau, will serve as the companys Operations Manager, while his daughter, Cara Dau, will serve as Customer Relations Manager. Paul and his wife, Theresa, will continue to own the company while shifting the operational responsibilities over to their children.
Its the other half of some of the sales taxes  which Browne said the city hoped to use to finance some of the $15 million in neighborhood development  that has been called into question.

Our end, I will say, is moving forward and fine, Browne said. Their side of the equation is their side of the equation, unless they make it my issue, and all I can say is the request was economically sound a couple of weeks ago. It is not economically sound today without adjustment.

The development agreement was expected to receive a final vote last week, but the City Council may not again see the agreement until March as officials and consultants recalculate some of the projects financials.

City Manager Gregory Rose said the municipality was still focused on making sure $15 million is available for use in the 3rd Ward and along Olive Boulevard.

We were able to get (investment firm) Stifel Financial to run additional projections for us based on the new financials, and according to Stifel its still a very financially viable project for us, Rose said. We still will realize a significant benefit if the project moves forward.
WILMINGTON, Del.  The once-mighty Sears department store chain took its fight for survival to a bankruptcy judge on Monday, arguing the proposed $5.2 billion sale to its chairman, Eddie Lampert, would help save 45,000 jobs and keep 425 stores open.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain said on Monday he would rule on the sale to Lampert's ESL Investments Inc. later this week after hearings that were likely to run into Thursday.

A lawyer for Sears Holdings Corp. told the court he was hoping the deal would close on Friday, clearing the way for Sears to end its four-month stint in Chapter 11 bankruptcy and begin its new life as a private company controlled by Lampert.

But first the company has to overcome objections by hundreds of creditors and the official committee that represents them.

Monday's hearing in White Plains, N.Y., kicked off with Sears' investment banker, Brandon Aebersold of Lazard, and Sears director Bill Transier testifying about sale negotiations and Lampert's plans.

Transier acknowledged that Lampert's plan included possibly three store closings a month this year, the sale of $600 million of real estate over the next three years and unspecified cuts to staff.
Boeing Co. said on Tuesday it made a significant investment in supersonic business jet developer Aerion, as the world's biggest planemaker looks to tap into rising demand for high-end aircraft that can reduce travel time.

The company's shares touched a record high of $407.48 following the announcement, after opening above $400 for the first time.

Boeing will provide engineering, manufacturing and flight testing services for Aerion's $120 million supersonic business jet, which is slated for its first flight in 2023.

The jet, Aerion AS2, can fly at speeds of up to Mach 1.4, or about 1,000 miles per hour, 70 percent faster than conventional business jets.

Boeing and Reno, Nevada-based Aerion, founded by billionaire businessman Robert Bass, did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.

U.S. startups Aerion, Boom Supersonic and Spike Aerospace are working to re-introduce supersonic passenger travel for the first time since the Anglo-French Concorde retired in 2003.
The backlog of unsold soybeans also pushed down U.S. prices, spreading more pain in farm country.

We need some good news, said Blake Hurst, a soybean and corn farmer in northwestern Missouris Atchison County and president of the Missouri Farm Bureau.

So Hurst and other farmers welcomed Chinas decision to buy American beans. But their relief is limited. Hurst worries its a one-time purchase and not the resumption of business as usual.

China bought 31.7 million metric tons of American soybeans in 2017 and 36.1 million in 2016. Five million metric tons doesnt do much to fill the gap.

Its still woefully short of what they used to do, said Ron Moore, who grows corn and soybeans in Roseville, Ill., and serves as chairman of the American Soybean Association. Were not there yet.

Even after U.S.-China trade tension eases, soybean industry consultant John Baize said it might be a good idea for the U.S. and China to scale back their soybean trade. The economic and geopolitical rivals are likely to clash again over issues such as trade, Taiwan and Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea. Soybeans could once again be held hostage.
Justice Minister Tudorel Toader announced on Tuesday that he sent to President Klaus the proposals for the three leadership positions within the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT).

"I sent to President Klaus Iohannis the following three appointment proposals: Doru-Gabriel Stoica for the prosecutor-in-chief office of the Section for combating organised crime and terrorism within the DIICOT, Bogdan Felician Voicu for the prosecutor-in-chief office of the Section for combating drug trafficking within the DIICOT and Alina Albu for the prosecutor-in-chief office of the Section for combating organised crime," Toader wrote on his Facebook page.

On 28 January, the Prosecutors' Section of the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) issued a positive opinion regarding the three candidates proposed by Justice Minister Tudorel Toader for the leadership positions within the DIICOT.
The ruling coalition (PSD and ALDE)'s leaders gathered on Tuesday afternoon at the Parliament Palace in the office of the Chamber of Deputies' Speaker (PSD, Social Democrat Party leader) to address the draft budget for 2019.

The Senate president Calin Popescu-Tariceanu came to the Speaker Liviu Dragnea's office accompanied by the ALDE (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats) leaders Daniel Chitoiu and Varujan Vosganian.

Previously, Public Finance Minister Eugen Teodorovici had reached the same office.

According to some political sources, the sitting is also attended by representatives of the UDMR (Hungarian Democrat Union of Romania).

On Monday, the PSD - ALDE coalition leaders and Prime Minister Viorica Dancila have discussed on the draft budget for more than three hours. Mainly, they addressed the budget allocations for the local communities, given that last week the Municipalities Association of Romania categorically rejected the proposals by the Public Finance Ministry regarding the full takeover of certain categories of decentralised spending and demanded the gov't to fully assume from the state budget the spending for the child protection and the disabled system, according to the ruling programme.
The National Liberal Party (PNL) will support Laura Codruta Kovesi's candidacy for head of the European Prosecutor's Office, said Liberal Chairman Ludovic Orban, who is also calling on Minister of Justice Tudorel Toader to give up his efforts to block the procedure and denigrate the former chief of Romania's anti-corruption agency.

"Following the proposals forwarded by the selection panel that has shortlisted the candidates for the position of European Chief Prosecutor and the procedural steps to be taken in the next period, I hereby announce that the National Liberal Party will back the appointment to this highly important and prestigious position of the EU of Romania's representative - Laura Codruta Kovesi - who is ranked first in the order of preference. To this effect, the PNL representatives will actively advocate in the European Parliament and in the European People's Party group - the strongest party at European level - for the candidacy of the former Prosecutor General and DNA Chief Prosecutor to get a favorable vote, in a procedure that will most likely take place in March," Orban said in a statement released on Tuesday.

"I am calling on Minister of Justice Tudorel Toader to give up the efforts to block this procedure and to denigrate the former DNA head, and to understand that the campaign he has launched is harmful to Romania. It is clear that the patriotism clamored by Tudorel Toader and the PSD - ALDE coalition is nothing more than empty cardboard rhetoric. The Justice Minister has taken a silly stance as long as the selection panel consists of 12 experts from European Union states who know perfectly well how the process to remove the former DNA head from office has been framed by Liviu Dragnea and his political courtiers. If Toader persists in being hostile to the appointment of Romania's candidate to European Chief Prosecutor, and Kovesi still lands this position, the Minister of Justice will be compelled to urgently submit his resignation as he will have compromised himself beyond repair in the eyes of the entire European Union," Ludovic Orban wrote.
The Justice and Home Affairs ministers with the EU member states will attend 6 to 8 February 2019, in Bucharest at the Palace of Parliament an informal reunion in context of the exercising by Romania of the presidency of the EU Council, the files on terrorism, migration and asylum, along with the Schengen, ways of developing the judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters being among the main files to be addressed, a press release informs.

The event will be chaired by the Romanian Home Affairs Minister Carmen Dan, for the home affairs section, and by the Romanian Justice Minister Tudorel Toader for the Justice section.

The reunion will be attended by the Justice and Home Affairs ministers with the EU member states, Dimitris Avramopoulos, European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Julian King, European Commissioner for the Security Union, Vera Jourova, European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Gilles de Kerchove, EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, Claude Moraes, chair of the EP's LIBE Committee, Pavel Svoboda, chair of the EP's JURI Committee on Legal Affairs, Ladislav Hamran, president of Eurojust, Catherine De Bolle, executive director of Europol, Fabrice Leggeri, Frontex director, Michael O'Flaherty, director of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), Tiina Astola, director-general for Justice and Consumers with the European Commission, Christine Roger, director-general for Justice and Home Affairs with the General Secretariat of the EU Council, along other officials with European agencies.

The event will debut on the evening of 6 February with a welcome cocktail for the members of the delegations of the Internal Affairs component.

On 7 February, the Home Affairs ministers with the EU member states will gather at the Parliament Palace to address topics in connection with the prevention and fight against terrorism, the police cooperation, the Schengen Space, migration and asylum.

At end-sitting dedicated to the Home Affairs, on Thursday around 17:15 a press conference is scheduled.

On Friday 8 February, the Justice ministers from the EU member states will tackle at the Parliament Palace the development of judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters, the gathering of the electronic evidence in criminal matters and the future of the judicial cooperation in the European Union.

The sitting dedicated to Justice will end in a press conference, due to begin at rd 15:30.
The fate of Romania's insurance industry largely depends on education, therefore a huge effort is required to educate the citizens, because the Romanians are not used to thinking in the long term, Secretary of State with the Ministry of Public Finance Mihai Mandres told the conference dubbed "Quo Vadis Insurance Market in 2019".

The official insisted that the most important effort to increase the domestic insurance consumption is to educate the population, and compared the situation of the insurance industry in Romania and in the European Union, stating that the former "is far from bright".

"The truth is that the state of the Romanian insurance market is far from bright, as Romania is trailing in the EU in terms of penetration or density, far away from the European average. Here are some of the reasons for this state of play: poverty, in the first place, given that many of our fellow nationals live from hand to mouth and putting their money into insurance is out of question. It is understandable and absolutely natural," admitted Mandres.

"Another major issue is the lack of economic education, because we realize that even those who can afford paying insurance don't do it. The optional insurance coverage is the great pain in Romania, but the compulsory insurance industry is in a pretty bad state too, because as far as I know, the coverage of compulsory home insurance is at roughly 20 percent. Thirdly, and it's important to note this aspect, it's the Romania-specific reality, as Romanians do not invest in insurance. The Romanian does not think in the long term and this is visible in all activity areas. One can say that the situation of the Romanian insurance industry is a cultural issue, and culture does not change from one day to the other, it takes a lot of persuasion work, as they used to say," added Mandres.

The Finance Ministry's official believes that another issue is the insurers' negative image in the eyes of the Romanians, and argued that besides educating the population, the insurance companies should sort out things in their own backyard, and the first aspect that needs to be considered is the proper supervision of insurance companies.
European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis accompanied by a team of EC experts will be in Romania February 11 - 13, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) informs.

The European official is coming to Romania at the request of Agriculture Minister Petre Daea.

Representatives of the European Commission, together with experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) will look at a new approach to the specifics of the recent African swine fever cases.

According to ANSVSA, African swine fever has been found in 302 localities in 19 counties, with 1,137 outbreaks, 19 of which in commercial farms, while in another two counties the disease has only been reported in wild boars.

Up until now 364,920 diseased pigs have been destroyed; as many as 838 cases of illness in boars have been reported, ANSVSA notes.

The presence of the ASF virus in Romania was first reported on July 31, 2017 in the county of Satu-Mare.
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The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) organised on Monday the third Universal Health Coverage (UHC) seminar in Cairo in cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population and the Health Insurance Organisation.

The seminar is aimed towards knowledge sharing between Egypt and Japan in the health insurance field, with a focus on the financial aspect of the system, as Egypt is looking to implement a UHC system that extends healthcare coverage to every citizen.

The third UHC seminar to be organised in Egypt comes at a very important time as the government is very keen on having a UHC system, said Yoshifumi Omura, JICAs chief representative in Egypt.

Omura added that Japan and Egypt have been sharing knowledge on many fronts, and that JICA has had serious discussions with the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population on the next steps to take, as Egypt is now in the implementation stage of the UHC system after the new health insurance law was approved by parliament in December 2017.

Omura told Ahram Online that the seminar is important to share the latest updates on the plans to implement the UHC system in Egypt. Omura added that JICA will invite Egyptian officials to Japan to exchange knowledge, learn about the current situation in Japan and its experience in implementing UHC, as well as discussing how Egypt can best implement the system.

The main challenge of course is the financing of the UHC system, and even in Japan there are limits to the budget, so we are always thinking about how the health insurance system can be effective, he said, adding that "we are continuously thinking about how the system can be implemented so that everyone can benefit and no one is left behind."

We have been meeting with [Egypt's] ministers of health, finance and other members of the cabinet to discuss supporting UHC activities and implementation in Egypt, Omura said. JICA has a long history of cooperation with Egypt in the promotion of healthcare services and supporting the governments efforts to offer quality healthcare, Omura said.

UHC is a system by which all people can receive quality and essential health services they need, including public health services designed to promote better health, prevent illness, and to provide treatment and rehabilitation, while at the same time it is ensured that the use of these services does not expose the user to financial hardship.

The third UHC seminar also discussed revenue raising, pooling, purchasing and the administration of Japans universal health insurance systems, as well as ways to minimise general budget expenditure on health in Egypt, cost sharing in the new system and merging fund pools together into one universal pool which is organised by the Ministry of Health.

Despite criticism of the new health insurance law for imposing more monthly insurance fees on citizens, government officials say those who cannot afford to pay will be subsidised and the monthly fees will be based on each individuals income.

Improving health insurance systems worldwide, including Egypt, is part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number three, which aims at ensuring healthy lives and promoting wellbeing for all at all ages by the year 2030.

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Master Trooper Jeffrey Swagger said that the Toyota was travelling south on Shinnville Road, crossed the center line and struck a 2003 Honda SUV head on. He confirmed it was the same vehicle involved in the initial chase.

The Toyota was reportedly traveling around 75 mph at the time of the impact and the Honda, traveling north, was moving at the speed limit of 45 mph. Both vehicles came to rest off the roadway, according to the highway patrol.

N.C. Highway Patrol identified the suspect as Tony Lamonte Sifford, of Salisbury. Swagger said that Sifford was also injured and transported by ambulance to Lake Norman Regional for medical care.

Sifford, 54, was charged with DWI, reckless driving, felony serious injury by vehicle, speeding to elude arrest and cited for speeding and driving while license revoked, according to authorities.

Swagger said that blood tests to determine Siffords blood-alcohol concentration at the time of the incident are still pending.

Jail records show that Sifford was issued a $95,000 secured bond.
Proverbs 31 is often told to wives and mothers at Shabbat, Schindler said. How would you define a woman of strength today? Schindler asked the crowd.

A woman of strength today knows when to say no, said Charlotte Gordon Margolis, a Charlotte resident who grew up attending Congregation Emanuel.

Others chimed in saying a woman of strength knows when to pick her battles and allows her husband to think he is the boss when it is really she who has made him the man he is today.

Schindler encouraged the women in the audience to stand up and ask for change just like Zelophehads daughters, Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah, who successfully asked Moses for an inheritance after their father died because there were no sons.

The line of inheritance was changed to include women and then other distant male relatives as a result, Schindler said. The sisters banded together and made an argument in a way that the men listened, she said.

Kol Isha, or a womans voice, has power when it is in dialogue with a mans voice to debate the challenges the community and country are facing, she said. A womans voice is also a force for those who call out for all human beings to join in educational and racial equity, economic opportunity and religious freedom.

Kol Isha, a womans voice, is power when it demands that the divine image within every human being be acknowledged and respected, Schindler said.
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The uproar over New York States Reproductive Health Act, which allows late-term abortions performed by health-care practitioners when the patient is within 24 weeks from the commencement of pregnancy, or there is an absence of fetal viability or the abortion is necessary to protect the patients life or health should come as no surprise.

These and similar efforts in other states are the rotten fruit of a culture that has long-abandoned the sanctity of life. Listen to the rhetoric for proof. Women make abortion decisions, no one else. Men lost their right long ago to have a say in the matter. The familiar cliches about a womans right to choose and a womans body are repeated as if that settles everything.

Even in cases of abortion after birth, which a 2012 article by bioethicists Alberto Giubilini and Francesca Minerva, cited in The Washington Post, claims is not out of bounds. After-birth abortion, they maintain, ...could be ethically permissible in all the circumstances where abortion would be. ... We propose to call this practice after-birth abortion, rather than infanticide, to emphasize that the moral status of the individual killed is comparable with that of a fetus (on which abortions in the traditional sense are performed) rather than to that of a child.
The only precedent comes from a time before our Bill of Rights, when a variant of a convention, which was intended to be limited, became plenary and ended up completely overhauling our nations government.

We have hardly ever been more divided as a country. We are very frustrated and, when frustrated, are prone to strike out, often not rationally.

The probability is incredibly high that some of our most fundamental principles could fall victim to the fury of frustration and the mischief that chaos enables.

Little solace can be found in the provision that 37 state legislatures would need to rubber-stamp the product of a convention.

Many dramatic scenarios could emerge seemingly out of nowhere, products of the confusion and vortices of the moment, or of the design of global scoundrels lying in wait.

As an example, the notion that a state with a limited population has the same representation in the Senate as a state with many times that population has been a sore subject for a very long time. Small states have repeatedly exploited that imbalance to extract budget-breaking concessions from the larger ones.
In 1939 when Elinor was in high school, what became Merrick Shoes of Sidney, Nebraska was founded by her mother and her older brother, Eldred Bryant Merrick. Merrick Shoes truly became Elinors store, and she kept the families of Cheyenne County and beyond in shoes until her retirement in 1999. In the meantime, she participated in and managed family shoe stores in Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona and Idaho.

She considered it her duty to the students at Sidney High to hire and train them in the retail shoe business. Merrick Shoes became quite the sought after summer and after-school place to work. She kept a corkboard in the back room with pictures of the students she had hired. It is quite the history of high school fashion! She also provided jobs for a number of nieces and nephews through the years. One of those students, was Delores Elaine Johnson, who after being promoted to manage one of the Scottsbluff shoe stores, years later married Elinors brother Bruce, and became her life-long best friend. Two of the best ever at selling shoes working in concert for over fifty years in various locations at a time when that was quite uncommon.
LINCOLN  Local libraries reaped the benefits of the energy and creativity of Nebraska young people as they serve as interns in their local public libraries. The Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded Nebraska Library Internship Grants totaling $44,800 to forty-six Nebraska public libraries. A number of western Nebraska libraries; Bayard Public Library, Kimball Public Library, Morrill Public Library, and Sidney Public Library were among those receiving grant money.

These internship grants will support public library interns, who will contribute to the scope and value of the diverse programs and activities in Nebraskas public libraries.

The internships are a great opportunity for students to get involved in library work. Beyond earning money and gaining valuable work experience, the student is exposed to the broad range of library services and programming. Internships provide an opportunity for the student to view the library as a viable and satisfying career choice. In addition, interns bring a fresh perspective and their own unique talents to the library, said Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner.

Student interns will learn about library work as they shadow staff, assist with day-to-day library operations, and implement special projects. Some of the activities that students will participate in include:
Scottsbluff  Arbys Foundation presented a very generous donation of $4,000 to United Way of Western Nebraska, specific to helping fight hunger in our communities and to help sponsor the 6th annual Day of Caring Food Packaging event to be held October 2019.

Due to the rising numbers of food insecure families requesting assistance in our communities the past two years, United Way plans to increase the number of meals they package during the 2019 packaging event in order to meet more of the communitys needs. Each year approximately 200 community volunteers have packaged 60,000 meals (10,000 packages) of shelf-stable, microwaveable, fortified meals that all stay here in our communities to help feed food insecure families.

The generous $4,000 donation from Arbys Foundation is a great start to the United Ways efforts of raising the funds needed to host the 2019 Day of Caring Food Packaging event and will pay for approximately 18,000 of the 70,000 meals they plan to package this year. All meals packaged at the event stay in our communities and are distributed by local programs who are serving families in need. The meals are distributed through 5 local school district backpack programs, local food pantries, soup kitchens and disaster relief programs like Firefighters Ministry and Diaper Depot.
Scottsbluff had already received proposed trash bids from two local providers. Council member Scott Shaver said he would have liked to have all the bids completed at the same time so council members could make a legitimate cost comparison.

Gering isnt under the gun but we are, Shaver said. With this contract extension, we wont be able to enter into a long-term contract with another provider unless we just walk away.

City Attorney Kent Hadenfelt pointed out that Scottsbluff already has a long-term contract with Gering, which runs until the landfill is closed.

Council member Terry Schaub asked how the extension would affect the bids already received from the private disposal providers. Johnson said it would probably entail asking for new bids once the Trihydro study is completed.

The timeline to get this done just keeps getting shorter, Schaub said. I dont know if we should do this in the 11th hour.

Scottsbluff Director of Public Works Mark Bohl is also a member of the joint committee working with Trihydro on the landfill project.
According to an arrest affidavit, police stopped a vehicle at about 12:54 a.m. on Sunday, Feb., 3, at East Overland and 11th Avenue. An officer observed it at East Overland and First Avenue. The officer described it as accelerating rapidly, weaving back and forth and having hit the curb at Fourth Avenue. An officer pursued the vehicle, which slowed down, but he had clocked the car traveling at 43 mph in a 30 mph zone. The officer observed the driver turn north on 11th Avenue and after continuing onto 12th Avenue, he located it in the 1400 block, just north of East 15th Street.

The officer made contact with Schaub and a female in the passenger seat. The officer asked Schaub if everything was OK with Schaub, when he got out of his vehicle and knelt down, looking at the right front corner of the vehicle. While the officer discussed Schaub allegedly speeding, he asked the man to get his identification, registration and proof of insurance. The officer reported in the arrest affidavit that he observed the smell of raw marijuana coming from the vehicle and two officers responded to assist. The officers conducted a probable cause search of Schaubs vehicle. Inside the vehicle, officers allegedly located less than a gram of marijuana on the floor of the vehicle. An officer also searched Schaub, allegedly locating nine pills inside a paper envelope, which were identified as Alprazolam, inside a paper envelope. After Schaub was arrested, authorities reported finding another pill in Schaubs right sock.
While Scottsbluff will face several other schools, Wylie said she is excited to face herself.

I want to try to beat myself from last year, she said. I want to do well.

In the team competition, groups of four students answer 10 questions in 20 minutes. They can use a calculator.

Then there is a countdown round where the top individual finishers battle each other until they reach the top seeded contestant to determine the winner. They answer three questions in 45 seconds, with each one worth one point. If after three questions the pair is tied, then it goes to a sudden death. Last years reigning chapter champion was Rylie Ibero of Scottsbluff, who returns to the competition this year.

With one day left to study, Eleah Chavez said Aaberg has been helpful in learning the concepts and the calculator.

He has been very helpful and resourceful, she said. He taught us to use the calculator, which we can use on the target round and the team round, which can be helpful because it speeds it up and makes it more accurate. For the sprint round, which we cant use calculators for, we learn different formulas and work on past worksheets.

The state competition is in March.

The nationwide program is designed to address students declining math skills across the United States while also sparking an interest in math, so students can develop and sustain their math abilities.

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TORRINGTON, Wyo.  While owners of Roys Cold Storage have a long haul ahead of them as they attempt to recover from the losses resulting from a Feb. 2 fire, at least one organization suffered a loss and is moving forward with assistance from others who care about people in need.

The fire also took out cakes ready to sell and deliver for the annual Gracies Promise Valentine cake bake sale.

Now in its 10th year, Gracies Promise is a local nonprofit organization that was created to help people in need of financial assistance while loved ones undergo medical treatment.

According to Torrington resident and founder Bud Watson, the idea came to him after his great-granddaughter, Gracie, was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 11 months old.

They lived in Casper and the hospital was in Denver, Watson explained. Its hard for a family to deal with, especially young families who are just getting started. The doctors wanted them to be within 50 miles of the Denver hospital. It wasnt only the gas to get there, but it required moving and other expenses.

We thought about other families who had the same problem, and how they deal with it, he said, explaining the next step toward Gracies Promise.
Its one of the areas that Im most concerned about, Harris said. We really need to watch whats happening there. I dont know what the answers are exactly, but the more information we have, the better we can make decisions.

Vice Chair Glenn Schleve said he usually receives a monthly report from detention center director Joseph Gaul, which contains information about the number of inmates housed in the jail, and that he would forward that information on to the rest of the board when he receives it. As far as the financial statement, Schleve said that information would need to come through Rien.

Rien said Gaul has designated a person from his staff to track the jails finances and that she would be meeting with them this week to discuss the budget and generating the report.
Ogden jazz icon Joe McQueen may be gone, but his memory and legacy live on. One physical reminder of his life, McQueen's lifelong home at 3158 Grant Ave., has now become available for sale. The house received extensive remodeling, but as investor Richard Casperson has said, "Joe's energy is 
V ogue Williams has shared an intimate snap of herself breastfeeding son Theodore as she told fans she was once so embarrassed to feed in public.

The Irish model, who is married to Spencer Matthews, said she was sweating profusely and desperate to hide her enormous nipples when she first went to nurse her baby in a public place.

But Williams revealed that a friend had calmed her down before going on to share her daily breastfeeding routine with fans.

Alongside the snap of her nursing Theodore in a restaurant, Williams wrote: My first time breast feeding in public...I remember feeling so embarrassed, sweating profusely and desperately trying to hide my newly enormous nipples!

I was soon calmed down by my pal and the feed went well, I would feed without a thought anywhere now!

Williams, 33, discussed her latest Instagram post during her fashion segment on Lorraine, calling the experience mortifying when she first tried.

Williams and Matthews last year invited cameras into their London home to document their journey into parenthood in a three-part E4 series.

Vogue Williams reveals she and Spencer Matthew got pregnant after one week of trying

Announcing the birth of his son, Made In Chelsea star Matthews wrote: This morning at 3:55am, we welcomed our son into a quiet London hospital... He is beautiful and healthy. We feel truly blessed.
D aniel Craig, Jennifer Lopez and Tina Fey are among the stars set to present awards at this years Oscars.

They will be joined by Crazy Rich Asians' Constance Wu and Awkwafina, Avengers actors Chis Evans and Brie Larson, as well as Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Amandla Stenberg, Charlize Theron and Tessa Thompson the Academy has announced.

This year's glitzy ceremony will go ahead with no host for the first time in 30 years, instead relying on presenters after Kevin Hart stepped down from role.

The comedian and actor, who had described the presenting gig as the opportunity of a lifetime, pulled out shortly after he was announced in December after homophobic tweets from 2009 and 2011 resurfaced online.

JLo: Lopez is among A-listers set to present at this year's show / Getty Images

Speculation persisted that Hart would change his mind and host the star-studded bash.

But pouring cold water over the idea earlier this month, he told Good Morning America: I'm done with it, it gets no more energy from me.

No host: Hart stepped down from the role after old tweets resurfaced / Getty Images

And that's why I said it's the last time I'm addressing this. There is no more conversation about it.

Kevin Hart says he is done with talking about the Oscars

Roma will go up against historical drama The Favourite, which also landed 10 nominations, including nods for Best Picture, Original Screenplay and Leading Actress for Olivia Colman.

Grant, who is nominated for his supporting role in Can You Ever Forgive Me?, declared himself a sufferer of smiling-rictus as he posed for selfies with stars including Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliot and Glenn Close.

Academy Awards 2019 Oscar Nominations - In pictures 1 /20 Academy Awards 2019 Oscar Nominations - In pictures Best Picture Olivia Colman in The Favourite Best Picture A Star is Born Best Picture Black Panther Best Picture Vice Best Picture Roma AP Best Picture Green Book Best Picture Bohemian Rhapsody Leading Actress Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce in The Wife Leading Actor and Actress Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in a scene from A Star is Born AP Leading Actress and Supporting Actor Melissa McCarthy and Richard E Grant in Can You Ever Forgive Me? Supporting Actress Rachel Weisz in The Favourite AP Supporting Actress Emma Stone in The Favourite SplashNews.com Supporting Actress Amy Adams in a scene from 'Vice' AP Supporting Actress Regina King in If Beale Street Could Talk Supporting Actress Marina De Tavira in Roma Supporting Actor Adam Driver (right) in BlacKkKlansman AP Supporting Actor Sam Elliott in A Star is Born AP Supporting Actor Mahershala Ali in Green Book AP Supporting Actor Sam Rockwell in Vice AP
L iam Neeson shook hands with and hugged fans as he faced his second television appearance of the day in the wake of his shocking comments about wanting to "kill" a "black b******".

The Irish actor, currently in New York promoting his new film, joined Live with Kelly and Ryan to discuss his career and controversial comments, hugging black people in the audience as he made his way to stage.

Speaking to the two hosts, he explained why he made the comments and told the story now, saying that he feels people need to be honest.

Neeson said: I grew up in a society where there was a lot of bigotry in the North of Ireland between Protestants and Catholics and I'm so sick of it. So when I encountered it myself I just needed to be honest. I just feel we have to. Instead of backtracking and saying oh I didnt mean that.

But Neeson shut the interview off in its infancy as he told Ryan Seacrest that he didnt want to go over it again.

Liam Neeson: 'I'm not a racist'

Ryan, Ive already talked about it this morning. I dont want to go over that ground again, the star said, adding: Im not backtracking.

But Neeson did admit that the backlash had taught him the need for genuine dialogue before gesturing between his head and his heart, and himself, the broadcasters and the audience.

Earlier in the day, Neeson told Good Morning America that it was not racist and that he sought help after he had the thoughts in question.

"The topic of a film is a dark comedy but its base is revenge and the lady journalist was asking me how I tap into that and I remember an incident nearly 40 years ago where a dear friend of mine was brutally raped," he said, recalling the context of his comments.

"She told me and she handled the situation incredibly bravely. But I had never felt this feeling before which was a primal urge to lash out.

"I asked her did you know the person? It was a man. No. His race? She said he was a black man, I thought OK.

"Then after that I went out deliberately into black areas in the city looking to be set upon so I could unleash physical violence and I did it maybe four or five times until I caught myself on and it really shocked me, this primal urge I had."
L iam Neeson has responded to the extensive backlash he faced after revealing he once looked for a black person to "kill" as revenge for his friend who was raped.

Speaking on Good Morning America the day after his inflammatory interview with The Independent was published to promote his latest film Cold Pursuit, the actor insisted he is "not racist" and that he "sought help" after the episode.

"The topic of a film is a dark comedy but its base is revenge and the lady journalist was asking me how I tap into that and I remember an incident nearly 40 years ago where a dear friend of mine was brutually raped," he said, recalling the context of his comments.

"She told me and she handled the situation incredibly bravely. But I had never felt this feeling before which was a primal urge to lash out.

"I asked her did you know the person? It was a man. No. His race? She said he was a black man, I thought OK.

"Then after that I went out deliberately into black areas in the city looking to be set upon so I could unleash physical violence and I did it maybe four or five times until I caught myself on and it really shocked me, this primal urge I had."

Neeson went on to explain how he dealt with those impulses, saying: "And it hurt me. I did seek help. I went to my priest and had two very good friends I spoke to.

He then stressed that he is "not racist".

Backlash: Neeson arriving at the Good Morning America studios / Ouzounova / SplashNews.com

When the Good Morning America presenter asked him whether he would have had the same reaction "with a white man," Neeson replied: "If shed have said a Brit, a Scot, a Lithuanian I would have reacted the same. I was trying to show honour and stand up for my friend in this medieval fashion.

Former England footballer John Barnes defends Liam Neeson on Sky

"Im a fairly intelligent guy and thats why it shocked me. I did want to lash out because my friend was brutally raped. Its a learning curve."

Discussing what he wished people to take from the controversy around his comments, Neeson said that he wanted to prompt a discussion about race.

"We all pretend were politically correct," he said. "Sometimes you scratch the surface and discover this racism and bigotry. When we were shooting Schindlers List in Poland and hearing remarks from drivers taking us to the set they were making anti-Jewish comments."
Cardi B threatened to take action as she lavished praise on the rapper, real name Shayaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, for being [a] really good friend.

She shared a picture of the Bank Account artist alongside a Black Lives Matter banner with the caption: We will read and educate ourselves on this situation and we will take action! 21 did not come here illegally and was not caught doing anything illegal or doing any mischief!

In fact he have change his whole life around and as ya can see hes been very positive in his actions and music!

Cardi B, real name Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, finished with an expletive-ridden message for those who have called for him to be deported from the US.

Now let me get ghetto ....and for ya d*** breath mother****** talking bout sO hE nOt FrOm AtLaNta he grew up there, she wrote. His kids and family live there and BLEW UP there with the support of the community he was raised in. Thank you @21savage for being really good friend to me and @offsetyrn and always coming thru when we need you (sic).

21 Savage arrested after it 'emerges he is British and never left America'

21 Savage, who featured on Cardi Bs track Bartier Cardi, was arrested by ICE on Sunday. He is in federal immigration custody in Georgia while a judge determines what happens next.

Spokesman Bryan Cox said the artist, who is nominated for two Grammys at next weeks awards ceremony, is a British citizen who entered the US legally in July 2005 but overstayed his visa, which expired in July 2006.

Arrested: 21 Savage is being held in federal immigration custody in Georgia / Getty Images

His lawyer Charles H Kuck, of law firm Kuck Baxter Immigration, said the rapper, will fight for his freedom, after being held on incorrect information. He said he had never hid his immigration status from the US government.

Cardi B's post came hours after she tweeted a warning to Fox Nation commentator Tomi Lahren after she appeared to mock the arrest by re-working the lyrics to 21 Savage's song Bank Account, tweeting: I got one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight ICE agents ready to deport ya.
D onald Trump has lashed out a senior Democrat ahead of his State of the Union address in which he will again challenge his opponents to approve funding for his long-sought border wall.

Mr Trump became embroiled in a spat with Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer after he accused the president of "blatant hypocrisy" during a speech.

Mr Schumer said on the Senate floor that the president talks about unity in his annual addresses to the nation but "spends the other 364 days of the year dividing us".

Minutes later, Mr Trump tweeted that Mr Schumer hadn't even seen the speech and was "just upset that he didn't win the Senate, after spending a fortune".

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders indicated the president would highlight what he sees as achievements and downplay discord.

Democrats Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi / AP

"You're going to continue see the president push for policies that help continue the economic boom," Ms Sanders said on Monday night while appearing on Hannity on Fox News.

"You're also going to see the president call on Congress and say, 'Look, we can either work together and get great things done or we can fight each other and get nothing done.' And frankly, the American people deserve better than that."

At 2am UK time (9pm EST) before a joint session of Congress, Mr Trump is due to deliver his address. He is expected to stir contention with remarks on immigration policy, after his demand for $5.7 billion in wall funds triggered a historic 35-day partial government shutdown.

Millions of Americans were expected to watch the address on television, giving the Republican president his biggest opportunity to date to explain why he believes a barrier is needed on the US southern border with Mexico. Mr Trump is also thought to be planning to declare a near-total defeat of IS in the speech.

Stacey Abrams will deliver the Democrats response / Tami Chappell/EPA

The speech was delayed for a week because of the shutdown, which ended on January 25.

There have been few signs of co-operation between Mr Trump and the Democrats of late. Under pressure from conservative backers, Mr Trump refused to sign a government funding bill that did not include money for his long-sought border wall.

With hundreds of thousands of Americans going unpaid, Mr Trump ultimately agreed to re-open the government for three weeks to allow negotiations on border security to continue.

With the new February 15 funding deadline looming, Mr Trump is expected to use his address to outline his demands, which still include funding for a wall along the US-Mexico border.

He has teased the possibility of declaring a national emergency to secure wall funding if Congress does not act, though it appeared unlikely he would take that step on Tuesday night. Advisers have also been reviewing options to secure some funding without making such a declaration.

"You'll hear the State of the Union, and then you'll see what happens right after the State of the Union," Mr Trump told reporters.

Republican senator John Cornyn said he remains hopeful Congress can resolve the dispute.

"Democrats can call it a fence, the president can call it a wall and then we can call it a day, which I think is one way of skinning the cat," said Mr Cornyn, who is a close adviser to Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell.

The president's address marks the first time he is speaking before a Congress that is not fully under Republican control.

House speaker Nancy Pelosi, who won plaudits from Democrats for her hardline negotiating tactics during the shutdown, will be seated behind the president - a visual reminder of Mr Trump's political opposition.

In a letter on Monday night to House Democrats, Ms Pelosi wrote that she hopes "we will hear a commitment from the President on issues that have bipartisan support in the Congress and the Country, such as lowering the price of prescription drugs and rebuilding America's infrastructure".

In the audience will be several Democrats running to challenge Mr Trump in 2020, including senators Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Another Democratic star, Stacey Abrams, will deliver the party's response to Mr Trump. Ms Abrams narrowly lost her bid in November to become Georgia's first black governor, and party leaders are aggressively recruiting her to run for Senate.

Mr Schumer earlier previewed Democrats' message for countering Mr Trump, declaring on Monday: "The number one reason the state of the union has such woes is the president."

While Mr Trump was still putting the final touches on the speech on Tuesday, he was expected to use some of his televised address to showcase a growing economy.

Despite the shutdown, the US economy added a robust 304,000 jobs in January, marking 100 straight months of job growth. That is the longest period on record.
A boy who has been bullied because his last name is Trump is among specials guests set to join the first lady for the State of the Union address.

Joshua Trump, a sixth-grade student in Delaware, was among 17 people invited by Donald Trump to attend the speech, which will be delivered by the president on Tuesday.

The schoolboys parents had raised concerns about his safety with the Delaware school district after students on his school bus chanted his last name.

Alice Marie Johnson, 63, who had her life sentence for a drug offence commuted by the president after reality star Kardashian lobbied for her release will also attend.

Alice Marie Johnson had her life sentence for drug offences commuted / Change,org

Among others named as special guests were Judah Samet, a survivor of a synagogue in Pittsburgh, and Timothy Matson, a SWAT team officer who responded to the attack.

State of the Union guests typically serve to highlight administration policies.

Ms Johnson's case spotlights legislation Mr Trump signed last year to give judges more discretion in sentencing some drug offenders. And Joshuas case highlights a bullying prevention strategy that is a key element of Melanias "Be Best" initiative

The White House said the president will call for optimism and unity in address, using the moment to attempt a reset after two years of partisanship and deeply personal attacks.

Donald Trump will deliver his State of the Union address on Tuesday / AP

Counselor Kellyanne Conway said Mr Trump would use his speech "to call for an end to the politics of resistance, retribution."

"He's calling for cooperation," she said, adding that Mr Trump will point to examples of where this has happened on his watch.

Officials said the president is also expected to highlight infrastructure, trade and prescription drug pricing as areas in which the parties could work together.

Releasing the names of the special guests, the White House said in statement: This years guests come from all different walks of life, and each has an incredible story to tell.
A trail runner has fought off and killed a mountain lion in northern Colorado on Monday, state officials have said.

The runner, who has not been identified, was lunged at by the lion as he was jogging on the West Ridge Trail at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space on Monday.

The juvenile mountain lion attacked him from behind, biting and clawing the man's face, back, legs and arms,

He fought back to defend himself from the attack, killing the wild animal. Officials did not say how the big cat was killed.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the victim described hearing something behind him on the trail and was attacked by the animal as he turned to investigate.

He was able to break free from the lion, killing it in self defense, the department said.

The runner sustained serious, but non-life threatening injuries as a result of the attack.

Following the attack, officials searched the area and found the body of the mountain lion alongside some of the runners possessions.

It has been taken to an animal health lab for a necropsy.

The runner did everything he could to save his life. In the event of a lion attack you need to do anything in your power to fight back just as this gentleman did, said Mark Leslie, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Northeast Region manager.

Ty Petersburg, area wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife added: Mountain lion attacks are not common in Colorado and it is unfortunate that the lions hunting instincts were triggered by the runner."

This could have had a very different outcome.

Mountain lion attacks on people are rare, with fewer than 20 fatalities in North America in more than 100 years.
A nurse accused of raping an incapacitated woman who later gave birth at a long-term care facility in Phoenix has pleaded not guilty to a sexual assault charge.

Nathan Sutherland has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault and abuse of a vulnerable adult during a hearing on Tuesday.

Authorities say Sutherland raped the 29-year-old victim at the Hacienda HealthCare facility.

The woman has been described as being in a vegetative state, having been severely disabled since she was three.

She gave birth on December 29, but Hacienda workers said they did not know the woman was pregnant.

Investigators say Sutherland's DNA matched a sample from the woman's newborn, though Sutherland's lawyer says there is no direct evidence linking his client to the crime.

Employees have previously said the woman does not speak, though has some ability to move, responds to sounds and is able to make facial gestures.
T wo Russians have been arrested in Kuala Lumpur over a street act involving swinging their baby by the legs and throwing it into the air.

Police acted after a video of one of their performances went viral.

The 90-second video was uploaded to Facebook by a user who described it as an irresponsible act that can literally cause injury.

The clip shows a man swinging the baby by the feet and raising it above his head. He also throws the girl into the air several times.

Facebook said it had not taken the video down because it may help with rescuing the child in question.

The four-month-old girls parents, in their late twenties, were reported to have been questioned over alleged child abuse.
P rosecutors today demanded documents from Donald Trumps inauguration committee as part of a deepening criminal inquiry swirling around the presidency.

The latest blow to the White House was revealed after investigators from the Southern District of New Yorks public corruption unit issued the committee with a subpoena requesting documents relating to spending and donors.

In particular, the investigation is seeking information about foreign contributors to the Washington ceremony in January 2017 when Mr Trump was sworn in as president. Under US law, only citizens can legally contribute to a committee financing inaugural events.

According to The Wall Street Journal, federal prosecutors are also investigating whether the Trump administration accepted donations in return for access to the White House.

The subpoena reportedly seeks a raft of documents including all information about donors, attendees, vendors, contracts and bank accounts of the committee.

It also asks for details of any benefits handed out for the inauguration, including tickets and photos of donors taken with the president.

The Washington Post claimed the subpoena indicates that prosecutors are investigating crimes related to conspiracy to defraud the United States, mail fraud, false statements, wire fraud and money-laundering.

The committee raised about $100 million (76 million), roughly double the amount collected by his predecessors, George W Bush and Barack Obama, for their inaugurations.

A spokesman for the committee said in a statement: We have just received a subpoena for documents. While we are still reviewing the subpoena, it is our intention to co-operate with the inquiry.

Prosecutors reportedly singled out one donor, Los Angeles venture capitalist Imaad Zuberi, and his company, Avenue Ventures, who are said to have donated $900,000 towards the inauguration, although there is no suggestion he is under investigation.

A spokesman for the businessman insisted there was no foreign connection to the donation, and told ABC News he was bewildered as to why he had been singled out.

Mr Zuberi had previously donated money to fundraising committees for Mr Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Mr Trumps campaign, his business and his charities are already under investigation by state and federal agencies. Question-marks were raised about the inaugural committees spending after it was revealed that $1.5 million was spent at the Trump International Hotel in Washington in the lead-up to the inauguration.
B ritish medics being held in Syria accused of fighting for Islamic State are pleading to be brought home.

They were arrested by US-led coalition forces in the east of the region, where they remain in jail.

The two UK medics, a doctor and a pharmacist, and an Irish citizen have called for government invention.

Speaking to Sky News, all three have called for help to get them out of the war zone and taken back home.

All three insist they pose no risk and say they are desperate to resume their former lives, they told the broadcaster.

Mohammed Anwar Miah, 40, a qualified pharmacist from Birmingham, is among them.

He claims he travelled to Syria, where he has been for more than three years, to help with humanitarian work.

Mr Miah told of his hopes that British authorities will repatriate home, saying: People have labelled me with IS because the area was controlled by IS.

But I just did my job working in a hospital. I'm not a danger to anybody. I did humanitarian work and if they want evidence, I mean the evidence is there."

NHS doctor Muhammad Saqib Raza, who worked for the health service for eight years, said he was duped into crossing into Syria after being told he could help treating those with war injuries.

He told Sky News: Is there no justice? Britain is one of the strongest countries in the world. And why has my country abandoned me when I needed it the most?"

Alexander Bekmirzaev, 45, spent more than 20 years living in Ireland and was granted an Irish passport, according to the broadcaster.

He arrived in Syria in 2013 and the following year urged his wife to join him and told her to bring their young child.

"I'm not a terrorist. I'm an ordinary person. I hope I'm a good husband and a good father, you know, he said.
G rammy Award-nominated 21 Savage could face a 10-year-ban from the US and have to apply for specialist permission to perform in the country, an immigration lawyer said.

The Atlanta rapper was arrested and is being held in federation immigration custody in Georgia, after he was accused of overstaying his visa.

Authorities claim the 26-year-old is a British citizen and has overstayed his visa, which expired in 2005.

Hours after news of his arrest emerged, a copy of the rapper's birth certificate was obtained by the MailOnline, that appears to show that he was born in the borough of Newham, east London.

The birth certificate apparently reveals he was born in Plaistow.

Savage's lawyer has vowed the artist will fight to stay in the US, claiming his arrest was "based upon incorrect information about prior criminal charges".

Attorney Charles Kuck said: "ICE has not charged Mr Abraham-Joseph with any crime.

"As a minor, his family overstayed their work visas, and he, like almost two million other children, was left without legal status through no fault of his own."

Anastasia Tonello, an immigration lawyer with New York-based Laura Devine Attorneys, said the musician could be a "good case" for Donald Trump's administration, which has cracked down on immigration.

21 Savage was arrested by US immigration officials who say the rapper is a UK native and is in the country illegally. / AP

She said: "He is obviously not a poster child to stay. It's probably a very good case for the administration.

"Even if they did not do it in an overt way, he is not sympathetic. The story may change but the fact is he has been convicted of something, he did not finish high school - he does not exude sympathy."

Ms Tonello said 21 Savage could be subject to a 10-year ban to the US for overstaying his visa by more than 12 months, but could apply for specialist permission to enter the country to perform.

The lawyer said it is surprising ICE was not notified of 21 Savage's criminal conviction in 2014, as Atlanta is not a Sanctuary City for immigrants and authorities usually share information with immigration officials.

The 26-year-old is currently being held in custody in Georgia / Getty Images

She said his staying in the country may have been a case of "priorities", adding: "It shows a dysfunction with the system. They have someone right under their noses. I doubt it was any reason except poor system processing."

ICE has been approached for comment over whether they were informed of 21 Savage's conviction in 2014.

As of Monday, 21 Savage was in ICE custody in Georgia while awaiting a federal immigration judge to determine future actions.

After news of his detainment broke, a spokesman for the British Foreign Office said: "Our staff are in contact with the lawyer of a British man following his detention in the US."
T wo students involved in an online group chat that threatened rape will not be returning to university despite a ban on their attendance being lifted.

Following a backlash over a decision to reduce their ten-year bans to one year, the University of Warwick confirmed that the pair will not return to campus.

It comes after students reacted angrily to the news their bans had been cut, using the hashtag #ShameOnYouWarwick as they slammed the decision on Twitter.

One of the women targeted on the group had said she was left terrified at the prospect of having them in her seminars after she learned the bans were reduced.

Stuart Croft, the universitys vice chancellor, said: I have today [Monday] spoken to the two young men concerned and confirm that neither of them will be returning to the University.

I am continuing to listen to the views of students, staff and all members of our community here at Warwick and support them so that we can learn from this experience.

He added: We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community.

The university had come under fire after being accused of handing a "slap on the wrist" to four students involved in the Facebook group chat, which threatened rape and included racial slurs.

Warwick launched an inquiry last year after suspending 11 students over a series of online messages, including a post which stated: "Sometimes it's fun to just go wild and rape 100 girls."

Racist and anti-Semitic posts were also cited in formal complaints made to the university, which is reported to have handed one student a lifetime ban.

Overall, four students excluded by the university - including the two undergraduates whose bans have been reduced  were reported to have been told they could return to campus in September this year.

A spokeswoman for the university earlier called the online messages "abhorrent and unacceptable" but said two adjustments were made after bans were appealed.

In an open letter to the university's student newspaper The Boar, one woman targeted by the chat group had described the one-year bans as a "source of shame".

The unnamed woman wrote: "Words cannot describe the heartbreak that overcame myself and other victims. We were discussed so violently. We were humiliated, as if for sport.

"Racism, sexism, sexually explicit descriptions, ableism, threats of sexual assault, and homophobia. Are these issues on which Warwick has nothing to say?

"Does the university want its students to feel that such threats, comments and 'jokes' are acceptable and normal? This is the message sent out by the recent decision to allow the perpetrators back onto campus next year."

One of the targeted women told BBC Radio 5 Live she was physically sick when she learned two of the male students could be returning to campus.
T he Government has awarded an 800,000 contract to a law firm for advice in case Eurotunnel takes legal action over the impact of Brexit.

Lawyers at Slaughter and May will provide the Department for Transport (DfT) support in the highly likely event that Eurotunnel pursues litigation.

In January, Eurotunnel, part of the Getlink group, accused the Government of "distortionary and anti-competitive" behaviour over the award of contracts worth more than 100 million to provide additional cross-Channel capacity in the case of a no-deal Brexit.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling defended giving a contract worth almost 14 million to Seaborne Freight - a firm with no ships.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling / Getty Images

Getlink chief executive Jacques Gounon wrote to Mr Grayling to voice "serious concern" about the decision to award contracts to three ferry companies.

Mr Gounon said Getlink "reserve all our rights to challenge such a measure both in the UK and France".

He argued that Eurotunnel's Le Shuttle service was the "most efficient way" to supply vital goods to the UK and would remain so even if new border procedures were introduced after Brexit.

A description of the contract awarded to Slaughter and May on a Government website says it is "to obtain an external legal resource to provide advice and assistance to DfT on the Cross-Channel Rail Services".

But the BBC said the wording had been changed and had previously said that Getlink had "expressed concern that their business may be disturbed or interfered with... and that this will in turn hit their profits".

It added: "It is highly likely that they would seek to protect their business and profits through litigation against the department."

A spokesman for the DfT said the Government routinely sought legal advice.

He added: "This multi-annual contract is to provide advice on a wide range of areas relating to the Channel Tunnel and EU exit."

TODO: define component type apester

Seaborne aims to operate freight ferries from Ramsgate in Kent to the Belgian port of Ostend, beginning with two ships in late March and increasing to four by the end of the summer.
U S President Donald Trump is due to deliver the annual State of the Union address.

He was originally scheduled to give the speech last week but it was delayed during the latest government shutdown.

The White House says Mr Trump will use the address to call for optimism and unity after two years of partisanship and deeply personal attacks.

Yet many believe he will also challenge Democrats to approve funding for a wall on the US border with Mexico, demands which initially triggered the historic 35-day shutdown.

Mr Trump will address Congress on Tuesday evening / AP

When is the State of the Union address?

The speech is expected to be given on Tuesday, February 5 at 9pm EST.

For those watching in the UK, it will be aired at 2am on Wednesday, February 6.

What is he expected to talk about?

Officials say the president will call for optimism and unity, while also highlighting infrastructure, trade, healthcare and prescription drug pricing as areas in which different parties could work together.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders indicated the president would highlight what he sees as achievements and downplay discord.

But this is also Mr Trump's biggest opportunity to date to explain why he believes a border wall is needed, and it is expected he will outline his demands for funding towards it.

Mr Trump and his aides have also hinted he is likely to use the address to announce a major milestone in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria.

It is also expected that he will use the speech to highlight a growing US economy.

Foreign policy mentions include supporting an effort to coax Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro into leaving power and giving an update on trade talks with the Chinese.

How to watch

All major networks and cable news channels will be covering the speech, including CBS, CNN, MSNBC and CSPAN.
T he family of a Scottish aristocrat charged with smuggling cocaine worth 4.5 million into Kenya today spoke of their anger after a magistrates refusal to allow the prosecution to drop charges against him.

Jack Marrian, 33, the Earl of Cawdors nephew, was expecting his 30-month ordeal to end last week at a hearing in Nairobi that his lawyers regarded as a formality after prosecutors withdrew their case.

But presiding magistrate Derrick Kuto made the unusual decision to block the acquittal, insisting the case against Mr Marrian and co-defendant Roy Mwanthi should continue, accusing prosecutors of an abuse of the court process.

Neither man is in custody. Mr Marrians aunt Liza Campbell told the Evening Standard today how they were stunned by the cruelty of this latest twist.

She said: We hope Jack and Roy will be granted a hearing at the High Court as soon as possible so they can appeal this highly counterintuitive ruling.

There is no evidence against either man; the only evidence exonerates them both as the intercession of the Department for Public Prosecutions attests.

Mr Marrian is the son of Lady Campbell of Cawdor, daughter of the late Hugh Campbell, the sixth Earl Cawdor. The family estate is 14th-century Cawdor castle near Nairn in Scotland.

He attended Marlborough College where the Duchess of Cambridge went to school.

He has worked for the international commodities trader ED&F Man for the past 10 years and in 2014 was moved to oversee their subsidiary company Mshale in Kenya.

His nightmare began in May 2016, when Mshale ordered 24 containers of sugar from Santos, Brazil, to import into Uganda via Kenya.

Mr Marrian was arrested after Kenyan police and US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officials in Mombasa found 100kg of cocaine in the containers.

However, prosecutors acknowledged that neither man should have come to trial. The DEA, which had been tracking the cocaine, also wrote to their Kenyan counterparts stating unequivocally that Mr Marrian knew nothing about the stowed narcotics.

Sources close to the case said Mr Marrian had fallen victim to a smuggling ploy used by gangsters working for the Italian Ndrangheta crime syndicate.

They said the gangs use what is known as the rip on rip off method, with drugs piggybacking on the back of bona fide shipping containers.

Once the cargo arrives in Europe, smugglers cut through the container hinges to remove the doors without breaking the seals, placing the drugs in the container along with two new seals.

Sources said the DEA and Spanish authorities had hoped to catch the gang in Valencia, but the raid was unsuccessful.

The only reason Mr Marrian was arrested was because he had signed the import papers. Mr Mwanthi was in charge of overseeing the safe arrival of the sugar in Mombasa.
T he Duchess of Cambridge today showed children a family photograph as an example of an item that brings her happiness as she visited a primary school in north London.

Kate, 37, was visiting Lavender Primary School in Enfield as part of Childrens Mental Health Week.

The relaxed photograph of William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis was used for the Cambridges Christmas card.

The duchess, who wore an Eponine dress, was visiting as patron for Place2Be, a childrens mental health charity.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge meets pupils at Lavender Primary School / Getty Images

Kate was given a warm welcome by a crowd of excitable children as she arrived for her visit on Tuesday.

She was also greeted in the playground by the school dog Herbie, a cockapoo.

Kate met the school dog Herbie / Getty Images

The dog lives with the head of school and goes into the school to spend time with pupils four days a week.

She was later visiting Alperton Community School in Wembley, the school of Andria Zafirakou, who won last years Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize.

Kate was visiting as a Patron for a children's mental health charity / Getty Images

Place2Be, a children's mental health charity which has the duchess as its royal patron, is behind Children's Mental Health Week which this year has a theme of Healthy: Inside and Out, focusing on the connection between physical and mental health.

The charity works with more than 280 primary and secondary schools across England, Scotland and Wales, providing support and expert training to improve the emotional wellbeing of pupils, families, teachers and school staff.

Duchess of Cambridge visits Lavender Primary School in Enfield 1 /23 Duchess of Cambridge visits Lavender Primary School in Enfield REUTERS Getty Images Getty Images PA Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Reuters Reuters PA PA Reuters Getty Images Getty Images PA Getty Images PA Getty Images PA Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images

During her visit to Alperton Community School, Kate will join a round-table discussion with teachers about students' school readiness and teacher welfare, and will meet pupils taking part in an extracurricular club focusing on the wellbeing of the school community.

At Lavender Primary School, Kate will watch pupils taking part in the school's Daily Mile challenge, which teaches children about the importance of being active.
P olice searching for missing student University of Reading student Daniel Williams have said they have found a body in a lake.

The body was discovered on Tuesday morning in a lake at Whiteknights Campus at the university.

A police spokesman said the body has not been formally identified but said Mr Williams' family has been informed.

Mr Williams, a 19-year-old computer science student, has been missing since 12am on Thursday. He was reported missing after he failed to return to his student accommodation.

Police search the lake on the University of Reading's Whiteknights Campus / PA

Speaking after the discovery on Tuesday, Superintendent Stan Gilmour from Thames Valley Police said: "Tragically officers searching for Daniel have located a body.

"While the identity of the person who died is yet to be established, we have informed Daniels family and are providing support to them. Please could I make an appeal to respect the privacy of Daniels family at what must be a deeply difficult time for them.

The death is currently being treated as unexplained but is not believed to be suspicious, police said.
C ontroversial plans for a statue of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on a 10ft-high plinth have been approved despite concerns it will be attacked.

A planning committee have unanimously voted in favour of the 30,000 statue in Baroness Thatchers home town.

The statue, which will be erected on a 10ft-high plinth to deter vandals, was originally going to be in Parliament Square in Westminster.

There are fears the tribute could become a target by a motivated far-left movementwho may be committed to public activism.

It will be located at St Peter's Hill, in Grantham, Lincolnshire, a place those in favour of the application said she had put into the "worldwide consciousness".

Lincolnshire Police said they did not oppose the application but urged the committee to be cautious around the security of the statue.

Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher / PA Wire/PA Images

Fears about the statue being vandalised were at the forefront of some of the councillors' minds, with one suggesting the statue would be better placed "in the middle of a pond" to stop people climbing it.

South Kesteven District Council chose to dismiss objections from the public, which included the potential for crime and disorder, Mrs Thatcher's divisive policies, and public cost implications.

Currently, the only marking of Baroness Thatcher in the town is a plaque on the corner of North Parade and Broad Street to show where she was born.

The statue, standing just over 20ft high, will be situated in between the two existing statues in the area of Sir Isaac Newton and Frederick Tollemache.

Designed by sculptor Douglas Jennings, the statue was rejected by Westminster Council last year with a report saying it could have attracted "potential vandalism and civil disorder".

But the Lincolnshire-based council decided to grant permission on the condition it is erected in the next three years.

A small number of Labour Party members from the area protested outside the Guildhall before the hearing, displaying banners such as Grantham Resident Against Maggie.

The idea had 17 objections and seven people writing in support, with those in favour commenting on the prospect of an "enhancement to Grantham's tourist offer".

The plans were approved on Tuesday / Getty Images

Throughout the meeting, the committee's chairman Councillor Martin Wilkins attempted to remind the panel they were a non-political body, to which one councillor replied: "This is a statue of Margaret Thatcher, how can it not be political?"

A report to the committee said: "In general there remains a motivated far-left movement across the UK (though not so much in Lincolnshire) who may be committed to public activism.

"Margaret Thatcher does however maintain an element of emblematic significance to many on the left and the passage of time does seem to have diminished that intensity of feeling."

Councillor Charmaine Morgan said she would not vote on the application and spoke against it, saying: "It is currently being held in a out of sight, secret location.

"Perhaps it should stay there."

But those in favour questioned why it had taken so long for the statue to be brought to the town.

"Very few towns can claim a prime minister," one supporter said, adding: "Grantham should be proud."
A Tory MP today launched a campaign to scrap the convention that Parliament must vote before military action  and revealed she was horrified to learn how little intelligence is shared with Members of Parliament.

In an interview with the Evening Standard, former government lawyer Victoria Prentis said senior ministers know reams of information that is never disclosed to the Commons for security reasons.

Tonight Ms Prentis will launch a pamphlet from the Society of Conservative Lawyers, which she chairs, calling for an end to the convention created by Tony Blair and Gordon Brown that military action should only be carried out with the pre-approval of Parliament.

A top Whitehall lawyer for 17 years before being elected, Ms Prentis had the highest level of security clearance to handle sensitive cases.

She said: When I arrived in Parliament I was slightly horrified to find that I would be expected to vote on important decisions without the benefit of the information that I knew was available.

The campaign is being backed by former solicitor general Sir Oliver Heald, and grandees such as Lord Tyrie, who campaigned for justice in extraordinary rendition cases.

Two Commons votes  the 2002 vote for the invasion of Iraq and the 2013 division that blocked action to protect civilians in Syria  are at the heart of the campaign.

Sir Oliver, who was solicitor general for the Syria vote, believes Mr Blair held the vote in 2002 to share the load of the controversy with MPs.
J eremy Corbyn was given an ultimatum today to prove he is rooting out the cancer of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.

Senior Labour MPs said anti-Jewish comments were being allowed to exist unchallenged, while a human rights lawyer said Labour was starting to look institutionally anti-Semitic.

Pressure mounted this morning after the partys general secretary Jennie Formby allegedly told a meeting with MPs last night that it was impossible to completely eradicate anti-Semitic incidents.

Her comment, and her rejection of a one-week deadline set by MPs to come back with detailed information about how complaints have been handled, was said to have caused a breakdown of trust between dozens of backbenchers and the partys leadership.

Labour's general secretary Jennie Formby allegedly told a meeting with MPs last night that it was impossible to completely eradicate anti-Semitic incidents / Getty Images

This morning the national secretary of the Jewish Labour Movement warned of a culture of anti-Semitism, obfuscation and denial infecting Labour.

Former minister Dame Margaret Hodge told the Evening Standard that anti-Jewish commentators were being allowed to cause offence with impunity, under Mr Corbyns leadership.

Theres always been underlying anti-Semitism on the hard Left  but it has never before been allowed to exist unchallenged, Dame Margaret said.

The uproar followed a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) at Westminster last night.

Labour MP Luciana Berger has suffered abuse over her Jewish faith (Photo credit: PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) / AFP/Getty Images

Ms Formby was accused of refusing to release statistics on anti-Semitism investigations. The Jewish Chronicle reported that she told MPs: Anyone who thinks that they can completely eradicate something  then they are being dishonest.

Labour MPs said Mr Corbyn could not hold back basic information. Luciana Berger, a Labour MP who has suffered abuse over her Jewish faith, said: I hope the leadership will reflect and bring to our next meeting a full report.

Wes Streeting, who co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Jews, said: It is not unreasonable at all for MPs, or anyone else for that matter, to ask the Labour Party how many anti-Semitism cases they have had and how many cases remain outstanding.

The Labour Party now has seven days to get its act together and publish the information.

Lawyer Adam Wagner wrote on Twitter: Is it any wonder that neutral people look on from the outside and wonder if the party has become institutionally anti-Semitic?

Peter Mason, of Jewish Labour Movement, wrote on LabourList that firm action was needed to remove the suspicion of a culture of anti-Semitism.

A Labour Party spokesman said: All complaints about anti-Semitism are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.

An official source denied that Ms Formby refused to give information to MPs. Jennie Formby gave a comprehensive update on the significant work thats been done to strengthen and speed up procedures and addressed the points in the motion, the source said. Complaints processes are confidential and the party has a responsibility to protect members data.
A Labour row over tackling anti-Semitism has reignited as MPs accused party officials of covering up the number of complaints it has received.

MPs and peers demanded information about the scale of the problem as they met privately on Monday.

The Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) passed a motion calling for details including how many disciplinary cases remain outstanding, when a promised anti-Semitism code of practice will be completed and how the party is engaging with targets of abuse.

MPs leaving the private meeting at Westminster were furious about Labour general secretary Jennie Formby's response to the calls, claiming she was failing to adequately tackle the "cancer" within the party.

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and the party's general secretary Jennie Formby / AFP/Getty Images

Senior Jewish Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge hit out at Ms Formby's "absurd" response after the PLP meeting. She said: "For me, if you want to get rid of the cancer of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party you have to have complete transparency and she's refusing to do that.

The motion passed demands answers within a week, including on what process Labour is implementing "in terms of its duty of care to its elected representatives".

But critics of the party's response to the problem said Ms Formby told MPs she was not answerable to them but to Labour's ruling National Executive Committee.

Backbencher Wes Streeting, Labour MP for Ilford North, said Ms Formby's response had been "platitudinous, dismissive and far from acceptable". He said: "We are leaving the meeting feeling worse than we did when we walked in.

In a message to Labour MPs published on the LabourList website, Ms Formby set out the "significant progress to strengthen and speed up our procedures" since she became general secretary.

She said: "I am proud of the progress that has been made but I'm not complacent. Fundamental change takes time, in particular in a democratic, member-led organisation like the Labour Party, where rule changes must be approved at our annual party conference. However, wide-ranging changes are already in place.

"There is more work to be done to ensure all cases are dealt with quickly and fairly, and to eliminate the evil of anti-Semitism from our movement once and for all. I am personally committed to ensuring that Jewish members feel safe and welcome in our party, and in reassuring the Jewish community that we stand with them against oppression and prejudice."

Following the PLP meeting a Labour source said complaints processes are confidential and there was a responsibility to protect members data.

They said: "Jennie Formby gave a comprehensive update on the significant work that's been done to strengthen and speed up procedures and addressed the points in the motion.

"Complaints processes are confidential and the party has a responsibility to protect members' data."
A speech by Theresa May in Northern Ireland on her commitment to avoiding a hard border was plagued with bleeps this afternoon as the connection repeatedly cut out.

Broadcasts of the speech led some to joke that the Prime Minister had sworn during her visit to Belfast. During the speech, she admitted shes had to face up to the fact her Brexit deal could not command a majority.

Intermittent bleeps filled the speech when the connection cut out, with some people taking to social media to discuss the gaffe.

One person wrote on Twitter: Listening to the news with the video open in another tab, didn't realise there were technical difficulties with the broadcast, heard a loud beep and just assumed Theresa May was swearing - I wasn't even surprised, to be honest.

Techy problems meant PM's speech was interrupted by 'beeps' - making it sound as if she was delivering a foul-mouthed diatribe on the f****** backstop, another added.

Although she faced technical difficulties, Mrs May managed to promise a deal that commands "broad support" in Northern Ireland.

Speaking about the issue of the backstop, she said: "I understand what a hard border would mean, not just in terms of the disruption at the border but in terms of trade for the whole island.

"Northern Ireland does not have to rely on the Irish government or the EU to prevent a return to borders of the past. The UK government will not let that happen, I will not let that happen."

Brexit pressures: Theresa May gives a speech in Belfast / PA

She added: "I fought hard to make the case for the deal as it stands, I believed it could command a majority in the Commons.

"But I've had to face up to the fact that in its current form it can not and the need for changes to the backstop is the key issue."

The Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of a seamless border and how the current arrangements had helped "deliver peace and prosperity".

She said: "While I have said that technology could play a part and that we will look at alternative arrangements, these must be ones that can be made to work for the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland."

Her speech came hours after the Northern Irish party which props up the British government demanded that the EU replace the "toxic" Irish border backstop that Mrs May agreed.
T heresa May is to meet European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels on Thursday for further Brexit talks, the Commission's spokesman has said.

Announcing the meeting on Tuesday, spokesman Margaritis Schinas said the European Union is still waiting to hear what the Prime Minister plans to do on Brexit.

"The European Union's position is clear," Mr Schinas told a news conference. "We are expecting, waiting once again to hear what the Prime Minister has to tell us."

Mr Schinas also said that Mr Juncker will meet Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in Brussels on Wednesday.

The announcement comes after Mrs May's Parliament told her to go back to Brussels and demand changes to the Brexit divorce deal she negotiated with the bloc.

Asked if Mrs May would present an alternative to the backstop at her meeting with Mr Juncker, Mr Schinas said: "Let's see how the meeting develops on Thursday."

He added the backstop was a "central piece" of the Withdrawal Agreement and of "fundamental importance" to addressing the issues around the Irish border.



On Tuesday, the Northern Irish party which props up the British government demanded that the EU replace the "toxic" Irish border backstop that Mrs May agreed.

Speaking ahead of a meeting with Mrs May, the Democratic Unionist Party's leader Arlene Foster said: "The current backstop is toxic to those of us living in Northern Ireland."

Mrs May will make a speech in Northern Ireland on Tuesday afternoon and will insist that she can secure a Commons majority for a deal that "commands broad support" in Northern Ireland.

She will use her speech to acknowledge that it is a "concerning time" but "we will find a way to deliver Brexit" that honours commitments including avoiding a hard border with Ireland.

Meanwhile in Westminster, the working group bringing together senior Eurosceptic and former Remain-supporting Tories will continue efforts to agree alternatives to the backstop.

Talks involving Conservatives including Brexiteers Iain Duncan Smith, Theresa Villiers, Steve Baker and Owen Paterson along with former Remainers Nicky Morgan and Damian Green will continue in Whitehall, chaired by Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay.

The first meeting on Monday was described as "detailed and constructive" by the Brexit department.
T heresa May has admitted she has had to face up to the fact that her Brexit deal could not command a majority in the Commons.

The PM said in a speech in Northern Ireland she recognised her deal would not get through Parliament in its current form and that the changes to the backstop were the key issue.

Speaking in Belfast, she said she was there to affirm her commitment to avoiding a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. She described the pledge as unshakeable.

She said: "I understand what a hard border would mean, not just in terms of the disruption at the border but in terms of trade for the whole island.

"Northern Ireland does not have to rely on the Irish government or the EU to prevent a return to borders of the past. The UK government will not let that happen, I will not let that happen."

TODO: define component type apester

She added: "I fought hard to make the case for the deal as it stands, I believed it could command a majority in the Commons.

"But I've had to face up to the fact that in its current form it can not and the need for changes to the backstop is the key issue."

The Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of a seamless border and how the current arrangements had helped "deliver peace and prosperity".

Brexit: Leave and Remain supporters gather in London on 29 January 1 /25 Brexit: Leave and Remain supporters gather in London on 29 January Pro-EU and pro-Brexit protestors discuss the vote and ongoing political processes as they demonstrate near to the Houses of Parliament Getty Images A man holds a 'Stop Brexit' sign aboard a campaign bus travelling down Whitehall in Westminster, London PA Pro-Brexit demonstrators chant slogans outside the Houses of Parliament Reuters Anti-Brexit demonstrators protest outside the Houses of Parliament Reuters A leave supporter vapes electronic cigarette in front of a group of remain supporters AP Pro-Brexit protestors dressed as suffragettes demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Images An anti-brexit supporter holds banners in London AP Pro and anti Brexit protestors discuss the vote and ongoing political processes as they demonstrate near to the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Pro-Brexit and anti-Brexit protesters hold banners in London AP A campaigner dressed as Charlie Chaplin walks by the Houses of Parliament PA A leave supporter holds banners at the parliament gates AP Pro-Brexit, left and anti-Brexit protesters hold banners in London AP Pro-Brexit demonstrators protest outside the Houses of Parliament Reuters A leave supporter holds banners in front of remain supporters during demonstrations in London AP Police officers stand near Pro-Brexit and Anti-Brexit posters outside the Houses of Parliament, in Westminster, London Reuters Leave supporters hold placards in front of remain supporters during demonstrations in London, AP A pro-Brexit protestor sets fire to a roll of toilet paper decorated with the EU flag as she demonstrates near the Houses of Parliament Getty Images A pro-Brexit protestor sets fire to a roll of toilet paper decorated with the EU flag as she demonstrates near the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Leave supporters hold placards as they take part in demonstrations near the parliament in Londo AP Leave and remain supporters hold placards as they take part in demonstrations near the parliament in London AP Pro-Brexit activists hold placards and wave flags as they demonstrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London AFP/Getty Images A remain supporter, left and a leave supporter, center, discuss during demonstrations in London AP Pro-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster Getty Images v Reuters Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate on a double decker bus outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster Getty Images

She said: "While I have said that technology could play a part and that we will look at alternative arrangements, these must be ones that can be made to work for the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland."

Her speech came hours after the DUP which props up the British government demanded that the EU replace the "toxic" Irish border backstop that Mrs May agreed.
L abour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been mocked by Remainer and Brexiteer politicians after footage emerged of him blasting the European empire.

Remainer Owen Smith and leading Brexiteer Nigel Farage were among those who seized upon the 10-year-old footage as further evidence of Mr Corbyns "Euroscepticism".

The video, obtained by Red Roar, shows Mr Corbyn speaking at an anti-war rally during the 2009 Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.

His speech, in which he described the EU as potentially becoming a military Frankenstein, has been received as a further blow to Labour Remainers who want a second vote on Brexit.

Mr Corbyn said: If you succeed in getting a no vote here, that will be such a boost to people like us, all over Europe, that do not want to live in a European empire of the 21st century.

In the footage, Mr Corbyn said he was pleased Ireland was having the vote, and that I wish we were having a referendum in Britain.

TODO: define component type apester

Mr Corbyn, then a little-known backbencher, said that under the terms of the Lisbon Treaty, Europe would become subservient to the wishes of NATO.

He continued: What it does is create this military machine, this military Frankenstein, which will be so damaging to all of us.

Mr Smith, Mr Corbyns old foe in the Labour Party who was trounced in the 2016 leadership election, said of the video: This is why Corbyn was always going to facilitate Brexit if he could: because hes always believed in escaping the European Empire. But he voted Remain, of course...

Mr Farage couldnt hide his glee at the video, tweeting: Love this speech by Corbyn on the second Irish referendum, he is a real Eurosceptic.

His role will be crucial over the next few weeks.

Will the real @JeremyCorbyn please stand up?

Countdown to Brexit: 52 days until Britain leaves the EU

Tory backbencher and arch-Brexiteer Andrew Rosindell also said: His logic was right about it then and the same applies now!

Mr Corbyn has always promised to respect the result of the 2016 referendum.while Labours official policy over a second vote is seen by many as ambiguous.

Scores of Labour MPs were furious with what they perceived to be Mr Corbyns half-hearted campaigning for Remain in the 2016 vote. It prompted a leadership election months later, with Mr Corbyn winning by a landslide against Mr Smith.
E uropean leaders today called on Theresa May to spell out a plan to solve the Brexit impasse as No 10 continued to insist that Britain will leave the EU on March 29.

The Prime Minister will fly to Brussels tomorrow for talks with Irish leader Leo Varadkar and stay for a meeting with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker on Thursday.

But a spokesman for the bloc said it had still not heard from the British government of any new plan to rescue the stalled withdrawal agreement. We are expecting, waiting once again to hear what the Prime Minister has to tell us, said Margaritis Schinas.

Mrs May is said to have told the Cabinet today that Brexit must happen on March 29, although ministers say legislation needed to put new immigration and trade rules into place stands no chance of being passed in time.

TODO: define component type apester

Mrs May was due to make a speech in Belfast this afternoon to reaffirm her commitment to avoid a hard border with Ireland. But Arlene Foster, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, said just hours before meeting Mrs May that the Northern Ireland border backstop in the Brexit agreement must be replaced and branded it as toxic.

Ms Foster appealed for the political will to find a solution to the deadlocked talks and committed to backing Mrs Mays Brexit blueprint if it could be resolved. Parliaments mandate is to replace the backstop, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

The current backstop is toxic to those of us living in Northern Ireland, and indeed for unionists right across the United Kingdom, because it would cause the break-up of the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister was due to deliver a speech seeking a breakthrough in the talks. We will find a way to deliver Brexit that honours our commitments to Northern Ireland, she was due to say.

What is the Irish border Brexit backstop?

Winning over the DUP is seen as key to moving towards a parliamentary majority for Mrs Mays Brexit plans, though some Tory arch-Eurosceptics may be even harder to convince to sign up to her proposals, particularly as they fail to give clear details over the future trade relationship with the EU.

German chancellor Angela Merkel highlighted this uncertainty over the proposed future trade relationship compared with Mrs Mays previous so-called Chequers plan, which would have kept close trading ties with the EU on goods, but allowed more freedom on services.

At an economic conference in Tokyo, Ms Merkel stressed that from a political point of view, there is still time to strike a deal before the March 29 departure date. But for this it would be very important to know what exactly the British side envisages in terms of its relationship with the EU, she said.

Ms Merkel acknowledged that the tight timeframe for a Brexit deal was difficult for businesses desperate for certainty given just-in-time production systems.

On the backstop, she added: It should be humanly possible to find a solution to such a precise problem. But this depends on the kind of trade deal we forge with each other.

Labour is pushing for a customs union, and shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer suggested that alignment with the single market should be explored, which could see freedom of movement of workers from the EU.

Tory ex-universities minister Sam Gyimah tweeted that while the focus was on the backstop: There are lots of major flaws with the PMs deal  fails to reset our relationship with the EU, which is what the Brexit vote called for.

Meanwhile, former Northern Ireland first minister Lord Trimble said that he was considering a legal challenge to the backstop, claiming that it turns the Good Friday Agreement on its head and does serious damage to it.

Ex-Brexit secretary Dominic Raab insisted the UK could thrive after a no-deal but needed a good long running jump to leave the EU with confidence.
D UP leader Arlene Foster insisted today that the Northern Ireland border backstop in Britains divorce deal from the European Union had to be replaced.

Just hours before meeting Theresa May in Belfast, Ms Foster branded as toxic the backstop to avoid the return of a hard border with the Republic.

She appealed for the political will to find a solution to the row and committed to backing Mrs Mays Brexit blueprint if it could be resolved.

Parliaments mandate is to replace the backstop, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. The current backstop is toxic to those of us living in Northern Ireland, and indeed for unionists right across the United Kingdom, because it would cause the break-up of the United Kingdom into the medium and longer term.

British Prime Minister Theresa May was due to fly to Belfast this morning / Getty Images

The Prime Minister was due to fly to Belfast after Cabinet this morning to deliver a speech seeking a breakthrough in the deadlocked Brexit talks.

We will find a way to deliver Brexit that honours our commitments to Northern Ireland, she was due to say.

Winning over the DUP is seen as key to moving towards a parliamentary majority for Mrs Mays Brexit plans, though some Tory arch-Eurosceptics may be even harder to convince to sign up to her proposals, particularly as they fail to give clear details over the future trade relationship with the EU.

German chancellor Angela Merkel highlighted this uncertainty over the proposed future trade relationship compared with Mrs Mays previous so-called Chequers plan, which would have kept close trading ties with the EU on goods, but allowed more freedom on services.

TODO: define component type apester

At an economic conference in Tokyo, Ms Merkel stressed that from a political point of view, there is still time to strike a Brexit deal ahead of the UKs March 29 departure date from the EU.

But for this it would be very important to know what exactly the British side envisages in terms of its relationship with the EU, she said.

Ms Merkel acknowledged that the tight timeframe for a Brexit deal was difficult for businesses desperate for certainty given just-in-time production systems.

On the backstop, she added: It should be humanly possible to find a solution to such a precise problem. But this depends on the kind of trade deal we forge with each other.

Labour is pushing for a customs union, and shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer suggested that alignment with the single market should be explored, which could see freedom of movement of workers from the EU.

Tory ex-universities minister Sam Gyimah tweeted that while the focus was on the backstop: There lots of major flaws with the PMs deal  fails to reset our relationship with the EU, which is what the Brexit vote called for.

DUP Leader Arlene Foster insisted today that the Northern Ireland border backstop be replaced / PA

Meanwhile, former Northern Ireland first minister Lord Trimble said he was considering a legal challenge to the backstop, claiming that it turns the Good Friday Agreement on its head and does serious damage to it.

Former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab insisted that the UK could thrive after a no-deal but needed a good long running jump to leave the EU with confidence.
C ambridge University has received an extraordinary 100 million donation from a charity co-founded by one of its graduates.

The David and Claudia Harding Foundation has made the largest ever donation to a university in the UK. David Harding, a billionaire hedge fund boss, attended Cambridges St Catharines College as a student.

The university said husband and wife Mr and Mrs Hardings gift will transform the lives of students, providing them with opportunities they could only dream of.

Vice-chancellor Prof Stephen Toope said the money will enable some students to make discoveries that will change the world.

David Harding is an alumnus of St Catharine's College / Cambridge University

Mr Harding said: Claudia and I are very happy to make this gift to Cambridge to help to attract future generations of the worlds outstanding students to research and study there.

Cambridge and other British centres of learning have down the ages contributed greatly to improvements in the human condition and can continue in future to address humanitys great challenges.

The donation will be a split between 79m for PhD scholarships and 21m to support undergraduate students.
T wo men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a teenager was stabbed to death in south-west London.

Scotland Yard confirmed that the two men aged 19 and 27 had been arrested after presenting themselves at a central London hospital.

The stabbing took place on Tuesday close to Prince George's primary school in Battersea.

Police and the London Ambulance Service were called after reports of an attack on Westbridge Road on Tuesday night.

A police forensic tent at the scene where a teenager was knifed to death / PA

Paramedics worked desperately to save the victim, a 19-year-old man, but he was declared dead at the scene

Police at the scene of the fatal stabbing in Battersea / PA

Police were called at 7.50pm and medics battled to save the victim for 45 minutes at the scene.

Images showed a forensic tent erected in the street, which was cordoned off amid the police investigation.

Londons mayor Sadiq Khan described the young mans death as heartbreaking.

He tweeted: 'Heartbreaking to hear of the death of a young man in Battersea. My thoughts tonight are with his family and friends.

The road was sealed off as police launched a murder probe / PA

The scene is near to the school Thomas's Battersea, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge send their son Prince George.

Crime scene: emergency services were scrambled to the street / PA

Earlier this week, it was revealed that half of all knife crime offenders in London are teenagers are even younger children.
A London pub owner stripped naked and simulated sex with a BMW at the side of a busy dual carriageway, a court heard.

Michael Jameson, 37, of Islington, claimed to have little recollection of the incident, which happened after he crashed into the back of another car on the A55 in Holywell, North Wales.

David Jones was with his wife Susan in their BMW X5 when Jameson came up close to the rear of their vehicle, eventually crashing into them.

Prosecutor Robert Blakemore said the cars pulled into a layby but Jameson continued to shunt the back of the BMW, causing 1,689 of damage.

Described as looking vacant and sweating profusely, he then climbed out of his car window and lay on to the ground while removing his clothes.

He was seen simulating sex with one of the BMWs wheels and lying face down on the car bonnet.

Magistrates in Mold heard Jameson, who owns a pub in Islington, had been driving to Holyhead to take a ferry to see family.

Defence lawyer Patrick Geddes said: Mr Jameson is at a loss to explain his behaviour. He was under an enormous amount of pressure from work.

Jameson admitted dangerous driving and outraging public decency.
A man has been charged with murder after a fatal fire at a mental health centre in north London.

A 46-year-old man died following a blaze at the facility on Dartmouth Park Hill in Highgate on Sunday.

Jordan Bramble, 21, has been charged with murdering him and will appear in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

A 30-year-old man who was also arrested on suspicion of murder has been released under investigation.

Fire broke out at Highgate Mental Health Centre, which has a number of wards for acute inpatients, at about 6.30am.

The victim was pronounced dead just after 7am.

A spokeswoman for London Fire Brigade said that part of a room on the ground floor had been destroyed by fire.
A n 11-year-old girl is fighting for her life in hospital after being hit by a car in south-east London.

The child was rushed to hospital by air ambulance after the collision in Eltham at around 4.42pm.

Met Police officers attended the scene, in Westmount Road at the junction with Elibank Road, and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

A statement from Scotland Yard said: A car is reported to have been in a collision with an 11-year-old female.

She has been conveyed by London's Air Ambulance to hospital, where she remains in a critical condition. Her next of kin are aware.

The driver of the car has not been arrested and is said to be helping police with enquiries into the incident.

The Met is appealing for witnesses.
A man accused of crushing a three-year-old south London boy to death is the adopted son of a former Tory minister and "told police he had powerful parents", a court heard

Stephen Waterson is accused of pushing his car seat into toddler Alfie Lamb, of Croydon, who was sat in the footwell behind, and causing his death by asphyxia.

The 25-year-old is accused of committing the crime while he was with Alfies mother, Adrian Hoare, 23.

The Old Bailey was told after the tots death last February that Waterson went on to threaten his girlfriend and others to make them stay quiet about what happened.

Waterson, of Croydon, claimed he had been "framed horribly" for the youngster's death.

In an interview with police, the nightclub worker name-dropped his adoptive father Nigel Waterson, a former minister and lawyer, jurors were told.

Mr Waterson was a former MP for Eastbourne and served as a junior minister for the Conservative Party.

Stephen Waterson and Hoare both deny manslaughter but have admitted lying to police.

Under cross-examination, Katy Thorne QC, for Hoare, suggested Waterson told police he had "powerful parents".

She said: "In that interview you used the fact you have got powerful parents, it seems to you, because you like to drop it into conversation all the time.

"You befriend vulnerable people and you are exerting your will over them, making them feel special, and what you do Mr Waterson is you used the fact that your parents are powerful people to make you untouchable."

Waterson replied: "I'm not untouchable."

Former Eastbourne MP Nigel Waterson / PA

Ms Thorne went on: "You like it to be known your father is a lawyer don't you?

"You would say that your father is an important person, not just a lawyer but he used to be a government minister and you were so powerful because you had these connections."

Waterson replied: "I don't know why this is relevant and we are talking about my parents.

"I've never used my parents to control anyone."

The court was told that Waterson texted a string of other women while Alfie was gravely ill in hospital.

But the defendant, who has said he was in a state of panic and concern for the boy, insisted not all the relationships were romantic.

In the weeks before Alfie died, Hoare had moved in with him for a "new start" but had no house key, jurors heard.

Ms Thorne suggested Hoare was not even allowed to have a mobile phone because he was "paranoid she would be in touch with other men".

The father of two denied the suggestion, saying there was only one house key because he had just moved in.

The court was told Hoare did not have her own bank account and all her and Alfie's benefits were paid into Waterson's account.

Ms Thorne highlighted dozens of text messages in which Hoare was asking for her money to buy food and clothes.

Waterson insisted: "There was no money of hers in that account at that time."

He denied deliberately moving his seat back into Alfie after losing his temper on the journey home from Sutton in south London.

He told jurors he moved his seat no more than an inch, then forward again when he was asked to.

Ms Thorne said: "On your account Mr Waterson, it could not have been the seat that caused his death and you have been framed horribly for Alfie's death."

Waterson said: "That's correct."

The trial continues.
I t's officially Chinese New Year and millions of people around the world will be joining in with the festivities.

Also called the Spring Festival, the date of Chinese New Year is determined by the lunar calendar when there is a start of a new moon.

In Chinese tradition, each year is named after one of twelve animals, which feature in the Chinese zodiac. This year is the year of the pig.

Much like western astrology signs, it is believed that the years represented by the animals reflect peoples characters.

So, which animal are you? Find out below:

Chinese New Year 2019: Celebrations around the world - in pictures 1 /33 Chinese New Year 2019: Celebrations around the world - in pictures Dragon dancers perform during a celebration on the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year in Yangon, Myanmar EPA A child sits on a man's shoulders as people take part in a celebration on the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year in Yangon, Myanmar EPA Spectators take photos of fireworks exploding behind the Sydney Opera House as it glows red as part of celebrations for the Chinese Lunar New Year of the pig EPA Fireworks light up the sky during the Chinese New Year eve celebrations at the Pak Pie Hut Cou temple in North Sumatra, Indonesia EPA Children wearing costumes wait to perform during an event to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China REUTERS Dragon dancers perform during a celebration on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year in Yangon, Myanmar EPA A road is decorated with red lanterns during the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year at chinatown in Yangon, Myanmar, EPA Performers on the glass deck of the King Power Mahanakhon building in Bangkok, Thailand AP A girl walks past figurines depicting the Taoist deity Tua Pek Kong whilst holding joss sticks on the eve of the Lunar New Year at the Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple in Singapore EPA A performer wearing an imperial costume parades in the streets of Chinatown during celebrations on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year in Yangon, Myanmar EPA Dragon dancers perform during a celebration on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year in Yangon, Myanmar EPA A woman lights incense while praying in a Chinese temple during the celebration of the Lunar New Year in Chinatown in Bangkok, Thailand REUTERS Performers in costumes of a pig (C) and other traditional Chinese characters entertain tourists at a temple during a performance to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Chinatown in Bangkok, Thailand EPA A woman is seen in front of religious offerings and Lunar New Year decorations at the Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple in Singapore EPA Devotees pray whilst holding joss sticks on the eve of the Lunar New Year at the Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple in Singapore EPA Devotees holding joss sticks on the eve of the Lunar New Year at the Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple in Singapore EPA People perform with a dragon as they celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year in downtown Lviv, Ukraine EPA Buddhist monks striking a giant bell (not pictured) at the Dharma Drum Mountain in New Taipei City, Taiwan EPA Presiddent Tsai Ing-wen (C) praying for peace at the Dharma Drum Mountain in New Taipei City, Taiwan, at midnight EPA People perform with a dragon as they celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year in downtown Lviv, Ukraine EPA Performers rehearse a re-enactment of a Chinese New Year Qing Dynasty ceremony at the Temple of Earth in Ditan Park in Beijing, China REUTERS Crowds pray for good fortune at Longhua temple in Shanghai to mark the start of Lunar New Year AFP/Getty Images People hold incense sticks as they pray for good fortune at Longhua temple in Shanghai to mark the start of Lunar New Year AFP/Getty Images An Indonesian man takes pictures on his phone as he watches fireworks during the Chinese New Year's eve celebrations at the Pak Pie Hut Cou temple in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia EPA Fireworks light up the sky during the Chinese New Year eve celebrations at the Pak Pie Hut Cou temple in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesi EPA An Indonesian man lights incense sticks during the Chinese New Year eve celebrations at the Pak Pie Hut Cou temple in Medan, North Sumatra EPA Fireworks explode behind the Sydney Opera House as it glows red as part of celebrations for Chinese Lunar New Year of the pig EPA Chinese new year decorations are seen in the center square as a Chinese New Year welcoming in Tirana, Albania EPA A man carrying a child walks by Chinese Lunar New Year decorations on sale at a market in Yantai in east China's Shandong province AP Visitors walk through a tunnel decorated with lanterns at a light show to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, in Xian, Shaanxi, China REUTERS A performer takes part in a rehearsal of a re-enactment of a Chinese New Year Qing Dynasty ceremony at the Temple of Earth in Ditan Park in Beijing, China REUTERS Visitors take pictures of an installation at a flower fair ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Pig, in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China REUTERS Members of Cambodia's Chinese community perform a traditional lion dance during the new year celebrations AP

Rat

mamasoyfeo/Pixabay

Years of birth: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Traits: People born in these years are witty, clever and charming. Driven by money, they can exhibit tendencies to be greedy but are always curious and welcome new challenges.

Ox

mamasoyfeo/Pixabay

Years of birth: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Traits: Oxes are the leaders of the pack; detail orientated and hard working. Most comfortable around family and friends, Oxes are reliable, protective and make great companions.

Tiger

Years of birth: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Traits: People born in these years are authoritative, charming and ambitious. In relationships, they are warm-hearted, seductive and intense.

Best Chinese New Year Recipes - in pictures 1 /7 Best Chinese New Year Recipes - in pictures Pulled Hoisin Chicken Sesame Noodles by Gousto Supplied/Gousto Prosperity Stir Fry by MyNutriCounter Supplied/MyNutriCounter Shrimp and Coriander Dumplings by Luca Malacarne of Novikov Supplied/Novikov Biang Biang Mian by Murger Han Supplied/Murger Han Spicy Fragrant Fish with Dry Chilli and Pepper by Er Mei Supplied/Er Mei Vegetable Spring Rolls by Ekachai Supplied/Ekachai Black Sesame Ball in Ginger Tea by Shikumen Supplied/Shikumen

Rabbit

Years of birth: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Traits: Rabbits are extremely likeable as they are sincere and like to avoid conflict, which also, unfortunately, means they are susceptible to being taken advantage of. They enjoy being at home and entertaining other people.

Dragon

Years of birth: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Traits: Dragons are bursting with energy and very charismatic, which means they attract attention everywhere they go. They're natural born leaders, although can be egotistical.

Snake

mamasoyfeo/Pixabay

Years of birth: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2015

Traits: Natural introverts, Snakes are generous, charming and look at things from an analytical perspective. They like the taste of danger, but are good at making judgements because they're smart and rely on their instincts.

Horse

mamasoyfeo/Pixabay

Years of birth:1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Traits: Horses are energetic, self-reliant and sharp-witted. Due to their impatient nature, they can sometimes be seen as a drifter, and never stay in any one place for too long.

Goat

mamasoyfeo/Pixabay

Years of birth:1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Traits: People born in the year of the goat let their creative imaginations run wild, which can result in them being unorganised and anxiety-ridden. In relationships, they often crave love, support and reassurance.

In pictures: Chinese New Year around the world 1 /27 In pictures: Chinese New Year around the world UK: People walk under Chinese lanterns hanging in Chinatown in London on Friday. Getty Images Italy: Members of the Chinese community celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year during a parade in Via del Corso in Rome. AFP/Getty Images Austalia: Various chinese lanterns around the harbour to celebrate Chinese New Year in Sydney. Reuters Italy: Members of the Chinese community celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year during a parade in Via del Corso in Rome. AFP/Getty Images Spain: Chinese residents in Spain perform the lion dance in Madrid. EPA Spain: Chinese residents perform the lion dance during the Chinese Lunar New Year or Spring Festival in Madrid. EPA Ukraine: Chinese people perform with a dragon as they celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year in downtown Lviv EPA Brazil: The statue of Christ the Redeemer is illuminated in red in honor of the Chinese Lunar New Year in Rio de Janeiro. Reuters Hong Kong: Performers take part in a night parade to celebrate Chinese New Year. AP Hong Kong: Performers show a dragon dance in a night parade. AP Hong Kong: Performers take part in a night parade AP Hong Kong: Performers take part in a night parade. AP Hong Kong: Performers take part in a night parade AP Japan: A lion dance is performed inside a restaurant as part of Chinese New Year celebrations in Yokohama Chinatown, near Tokyo. EPA Japan: A mother and her child burn incense sticks for prayers at the Masobyo temple near Tokyo. EPA Beijing: Chinese performers dressed in traditional costumes perform a reenactment of a Qing dynasty (1636-1912) imperial sacrifice ritual. EPA Myanmar, formerly Burma: People celebrate in Chinatown in Yangon. REUTERS Myanmar, formerly Burma: A girl sits on her mother's shoulders as they visit Chinatown. REUTERS Myanmar, formerly Burma: A person wearing a golden rooster costume walks on a street during the Chinese Lunar New Year or Spring Festival in Yangon. EPA Philippines: People react to the smoke of exploding firecrackers as dragon and lion dancers perform during the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in the Chinatown area of Manila. AP Philippines: People try to catch red envelopes containing cash known as "ampao" and other items thrown to them following a dragon and lion performance celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year in the Chinatown area of Manila. AP Philippines: A fire-eater performs on the street during Chinese New Year celebrations in Manila. AP Malaysia: Malaysian-Chinese perform a Lion dance inside the Kuan Yin temple during Lunar New Year of the Rooster celebrations outside Kuala Lumpur. Getty Images Malaysia: Temple visitors play with the lion dance troupe during the lion dance performance on the first day of Chinese Lunar New Year at a temple in Kuala Lumpur. AP Vietnam: Lion dance performance on Lunar New Year Eve on January 28, 2017 in Hanoi. Getty Images Vietnam: Vietnamese burn ghost money after the Lunar New Year Eve so their deceased relatives can be wealthy in the afterlife on January 28, 2017 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Getty Images UK: People walk under Chinese lanterns hanging in Chinatown in London on Friday. Getty Images

Monkey

mamasoyfeo/Pixabay

Years of birth: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

Traits: Those with a monkey zodiac love being active and are constantly seeking stimulation and excitement. When it comes to relationships, they don't like the idea of commitment and are known to be heartbreakers.

Rooster

Years of birth: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Traits: People born in the year of the rooster are practical thinkers and are great business partners because of their observant and analytical nature. They are perfectionists who must have everything neat and tidy.

Dog

Years of birth:1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Traits: Those with a dog as their zodiac will stay with you until the end, but are prone to mood swings and can be extra-sensitive. They excel in business but have trouble finding mates.

Pig

Years of birth: 1923, 1935, 1946, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Chinese New Year is fast approaching and this 2020, its being held unusually early on January 25th. Heralding the start of the new lunar year, many all over Asia celebrate the holiday - which also sees a brand new zodiac animal take its place in the cycle.

2020 is Year of the Rat and one major tradition during Chinese New Year is to buy new clothing to symbolise a new start and fresh hopes for the New Year according to China Highlights - particularly in the colours of red and gold, which are considered to be lucky and bring prosperity into the home.

Gucci

As such, many luxury fashion brands have dropped exclusive new collections especially for the holiday. Gucci, for example, has shifted away from rats and opted for a collaboration with the most famous mouse in the universe - partnering with Disney on a Mickey Mouse collection.

Others like Longchamp have demonstrated a keen awareness of the Chinese social scene, teaming up with influencers popular in the country on a capsule collection. And of course, youll find the usual red and gold colourways mixed throughout various pieces as many choose to wear the shades for good luck and prosperity in the year to come.

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Moschino

A few luxury brands have honoured the tradition by releasing special holiday capsules, with a number of fun takes on both the colour scheme and the new zodiac animal below.

Gucci Chinese New Year collection

Gucci

Gucci has gone all in this season, partnering with Disney for a playful House of Mouse-themed Chinese New Year collection. Splashing Mickey Mouse on their iconic dad trainers, monogrammed patterns and even their fuzzy horsebit loafers, theyve also created colourful illustrations printed onto their white quilted double G bags. The campaign is also a delight as the entire thing seems to be shot in Disneyland - complete with Disney props.

Disney x Gucci Rhyton Sneaker

700 | Gucci | Buy it now

Burberry Chinese New Year collection

Burberry

You can never go wrong with red on Chinese New Year, as the colour is symbolic of good fortune and prosperity. Burberry has opted to drop an entire red collection for both men and women, including dual toned bags and sharp red clothing. If you look closely, youll also spot a tiny rat peeking out from between its brand new monogram.

Burberry Monogram Motif Silk Square Scarf

300 | Burberry | Buy it now

Moschino

Moschino

Moschino has yet again dropped another playful Chinese New Year collection, this time centring their capsule on a character called Mickey Rat for the holiday. From baseball jackets to caps to jumpers, the colour red features prominently in the collection for an added kick of prosperity this year. The campaign itself is a fun one too, featuring models Mia Kong and Jun Kai Qi in a neon shoot and a lion dancing costume from a New York-based group of performers.

Moschino Wool Pullover Mickey Rat

535 | Moschino | Buy it now

Alberta Ferretti

Alberta Ferretti

Another brand to turn to a mouse-related character, Alberta Ferrettis collection centres on a character called Topo Gigio - an Italian mouse puppet that was popular in the 60s. Splashed across jumpers, accessories and even a charm, the words Its my year dominate the collection while the Chinese characters for happy new year feature in campaign artwork.

Alberta Ferretti It's My Year Bag

435 | Alberta Ferretti | Buy it now

Vacheron Constantin Chinese New Year collection

If someone you love was born in the Year of the Rat, this watch from Vacheron Constantin may be the ideal forever piece. Featuring a rat detailed in rose gold or platinum, its a beautiful piece of equipment which has no hour/minute hands - instead opting for four modern apertures which display the time and date.

Chopard Chinese New Year collection

Chopard yet again is creating another zodiac watch, designed using the traditional Japanese art of Urushi. Crafted in 18 carat rose gold, it depicts a rat sitting amongst vegetables. Fittingly, the brand is releasing just 88 of these limited edition watches; as 8 is a lucky number in Asian culture. 

Louis Vuitton Chinese New Year Collection

Louis Vuitton has kept things to a minimum this year. Rather than splashing out on a full collection, theyve created a sweet black luggage charm - printed with their monogram and a stud detail reminiscent of their iconic luggage trunks.

Chloe Lunar New Year Collection

Chloe

Were calling it - Chloes Lunar New Year collection is easily the cutest. The entire collection is a pastel daydream ideal for spring, featuring a gold mouse-shaped charm as well as watercolour illustrations of the zodiac animal. The piece de resistance is an artistic take on their trendy C bag, which also comes with a long strap in a contrasting colour.

Chloe Mini Chloe C Bag

1,160 | Chloe | Buy it now

Longchamp x Mr Bags Chinese New Year Collection

Longchamp chose to partner with Chinese mega influencer Mr Bags on their Year of the Rat collection. Straying away from an animal motif, the collection instead features a playful cartoon cheese pattern that covers the brands signature totes, microbags and a shirt.
In her role as nanny to three young royals, responsible for ensuring they have the very best of upbringings, there are a few words Maria Borrallo might think twice about uttering in front of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. "Toilet" is probably one, "lounge" another, and "mah-m", when addressing The Queen, a third. (We all saw the movie  we know it's 'mam' as in 'ham').

None of these words, however, have made it to the official banned list as drawn up by the famous Norland Nannies  child carers trained at Norland College in Bath, of which Borrallo is one.

Royal nanny Maria Borrallo with the Queen / Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Apparently there is just one word Norland Nannies are forbidden from using, and that is the word "kid".

As author Louise Heren  who has spent a year researching at Norland College  explained to Mirror Online, "The word 'kid' is banned" as a "mark of respect for the children as individuals".

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Maria Borrallo with Prince George at Trooping The Colour 2015 (Chris Jackson/Getty ) / Chris Jackson/Getty

Instead, they are either referred to by their names or collectively as "children".

A firm rule at the school, it's likely one that Borrallo has stuck to when caring for the young princes and princess  work she is thought to have been carrying out since 2014.

She made her first public appearance with the Royals that year, on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's tour of Australia and New Zealand, and is believed to have continued working for them full-time ever since.

Norland has long-been the go-to for royals, aristocrats and A-listers. Founded in 1892 by Emily Ward, Norland's teachings were inspired by those of Friedrich Frobel, the German educationalist famed for inventing the concept (and term) 'kindergarten'.

With an acute focus on education, and a modern approach to nannying, Norland has been producing the country's top carers for over a hundred years. And today, their reputation remains as strong as ever  as Borrallo's appointment by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge suggests.

As for the Duchess' personal childcare style? Heren observes, "Given what we have seen of Catherine when she is out in public, she's very hands on."

"I imagine her relationship with Maria is very close and they collaborate greatly on the care of the children," she added.
T he studio behind new film Instant Family might have stumped up enough cash to cast Mark Wahlberg, but fans were left thinking it should have spent more money on advertising after seeing a recent poster for the film.

Stand-up comic Alex Kealy posted a picture of the movies promotional material on the side of a bus, calling out what might just be the laziest tagline in film history.

Instant Family, the story of an American couple who foster three young children, is described, simply, as A Feel-Good Movie For Everyone  a broad and almost entirely meaningless sell, only a little above "A Film, For Humans".

True, the everyone deographic is about as lucrative as it gets, but it's difficult not to think filmmakers should have narrowed their reach just a touch with this one. Its hard to believe the poster got signed off in the first place, given it resembles filler text rather than a thoughfully constructed bit of marketing.

Its hardly Who Ya Gonna Call? or In Space, No One Can Hear You Scream". Perhaps Wahlberg should have allocated a little time to writing straplines in his insane daily schedule.

Not that any of this seems to have deterred fans. Instant Family, which also stars Rose Byrne, Octavia Spencer and Joan Cusack, currently has an impressive 84 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is released in UK cinemas on February 14. Watch a trailer below.
Review at a glance









T he stories for most of the photographs in Don McCullins magnificent retrospective at Tate Britain could have been written by the Horsemen of the Apocalypse  though it is often the quiet and quirky that catch the eye, and the imagination.

At Checkpoint Charlie between East and West Berlin in 1961, we see the street from the level of the idling American GIs toecap. Ten years later, in another street scene rich in wry banality  this time in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, a man carrying a parcel looks quizzically at a prone British soldier ighting his rifle.

McCullin says in an interview in the Tate magazine that he aims to attempt to get as close to my subject while remaining invisible myself. Many of the photographs of war in extremis, dying soldiers, starving Biafran mothers and babies, have the stillness of carefully thought-out portraits.

For a man who has been so often under shelling, sniper fire and artillery, and wounded in the process, there are surprisingly few pictures of action. Generally we see the aftermath: the effects, the victims, the distressed, the wounded, the dying and the dead. This sets up the tension, the twinge of conscience running through the show, of deriving such beauty from such tragedy and distress.

The effect is deepened by the care with which McCullin prints all his own photographs. All are black-and-white gelatin silver prints generated in his own dark room back home in deep, rural Somerset. The only splashes of colour are a couple of short videos.

One of the most powerful action shots is of an American Marine hurling a grenade in the battle for the old capital of Vietnam, Hue, in 1968. He looked like an Olympic javelin thrower. Five minutes later this mans throwing hand was like a stumpy cauliflower; completely deformed by the impact of a bullet, McCullin recalls in the shows catalogue.

The battle for Hue was the Pyrrhic victory for the Marines which turned a tide of public opinion in the US against the Vietnam venture. It is the setting for McCullins most celebrated set of war portraits  at least, they are his best known. The picture of the young Marine clasping his rifle with a fixed 1000-yard stare from battle trauma still shocks, as it did 50 years ago.

Taking several pictures over five minutes, McCullin says the man didnt blink once or shift his gaze. This is deep combat stress, though the caption states that this is the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder. Not so, that comes later  and the labelling, particularly the overuse of epithets such as iconic, is the one weakness of the show.

The pictures of the shell-shocked Marines did more than thousands of words of newsprint and despatches to dispel the cheerful propaganda of the US military. The war for hearts and minds in Vietnam was not being won in the hearts and minds of the Americans doing the fighting.

Working as a reporter alongside a genius such as McCullin can be both exhilarating and quite a challenge. You can feed off each other and work through the story together. Some action correspondents and photographers work as almost life-time partners.

At times, though we diverge. A reporter has to work out what we are not seeing, what is being concealed and not presented to eye or lens, and this can be the key ingredient. Last year I worked briefly with McCullin on a trip to Yemen to visit tribal militia, and a treatment centre for wounded children and orphans. His commentary was brilliant  but he knew when to let you get on with your job.

Looking at the makeshift refugee settlement at Marib, he gave the immortal line, this must be about the biggest fly-tip in the world.

Don McCullin is at Tate Britain, SW1 (tate.org.uk) from February 5 until May 5
The Duchess of Cambridge was a vision in green as she stepped out to support one of her patronages, children's charity Place2Be, on Tuesday.

For her visit to Lavender Primary School, Kate stood out in a bright shift dress by London-based brand Eponine teamed with a pair of chunky ankle boots.

Usually one to favour her signature nude pumps or a plain court shoe, the mother-of-three upped her footwear game with something more modern.

The contemporary choice, which featured lace-up detail and a block heel, was a far cry from her usual footwear and many fashion commentators praised the switch up. One Twitter user wrote: "Damn Kate, youve really stepped up your boot game," with another adding: "Love the boots that Kate is wearing!"

The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Lavender Primary School in support of Place2Be's Childrens Mental Health Week 2019 / Getty Images

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What wasn't surprising, however, was that the shoes were from Kate's go-to high-street brand, L.K. Bennett.

The Marissa Black Suede Ankle Boots, which are still available to purchase, are described on the fashion site as: "The perfect boot for dressing up the simplest of winter looks."

Marissa Black Suede Ankle Boots, 199 (L.K. Bennett ) / L.K. Bennett
E ven for Pope Francis, todays Mass in Abu Dhabi is quite something. He has been to Muslim states before but celebrating on the Arabian peninsula, the birthplace of Islam, is different. For the lucky 120,000 people there, many of them Indian and Filipino migrant workers, it was an emotional, cheerful event. But what also matters is that it was witnessed around the Muslim world, including parts where extremism is a growing problem.

What Abu Dhabi and that wider Muslim audience witnessed yesterday was no less remarkable: Francis and the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, seen as the primary spiritual leader of the worlds Sunni Muslims, embracing. Theyve met before but yesterday it was to sign a joint declaration on human fraternity. Its the kind of talk that in a Western context seems platitudinous but in an environment where the fight against extremism is real, its not just words.

The Grand Imam, who is from Egypt, cheered up the Christians of the region when he declared that they should not call themselves a minority; rather, they are citizens like anyone else. Thats precisely what they say themselves, and in this region, language matters.

The Pope observed that hes following the example of St Francis of Assisi, who, 800 years ago this year, engaged in dialogue with Islam. Actually, St Francis travelled to Egypt to convert the Sultan: that didnt work out but the Sultan, charmed by his sincerity, gave him safe passage to the Holy Land. The Popes point is that dialogue and friendship matter, especially between people who believe in one god.

But while Francis was (rightly) effusive about Abu Dhabi as a model of religious tolerance, he drew attention to the importance of freedom of thought and expression, where it is less exemplary. He reserved stinging criticism for weapons that bring nothing but death, specifically in the war in Yemen, where Abu Dhabi has played a leading role in the Saudi-led coalition. Demilitarise the human heart, he told his audience  the sheikh is head of the armed forces. Human fraternity requires us to reject any approval of the word war. Hmm.

But the Pope is right to identify Abu Dhabis religious tolerance, which owes much to the founder of the state, Sheikh Zayed. Theres a minister for tolerance and the agenda is set by the government, which declared 2019 the Year of Tolerance. The Friday sermons of imams are issued by a central committee to ensure they dont go off message; in kindergarten children are taught respect for other religions; the Abu Dhabi Louvre is ordered to highlight what religions have in common.

Tolerance doesnt just happen, you know, one minister told me. And the people at Mass concur: they worship freely here.
Also here's a heads up for smaller firms and other brokers out there. The article is by our correspondent Michael Bow:

Brexit uncertainty paralysed deal-making at stockbroker Numis last quarter after political in-fighting in Westminster put off companies from raising money.

The broker, considered a bellwether for Britains capital markets due to its large market share, did 25% fewer transaction between October and January in a hiatus in deal-making. Money made from buying and selling shares for clients was also down by a quarter.

Co-chief executive Ross Mitchinson said: Some of the things in the pipeline have either been deferred or gone away due to the political situation. Its all about Brexit. People are a bit paralysed until we get more certainty.

London Stock Exchange Group figures obtained by the Standard show January was the worst start to the year for stock market flotations since 2013, with just two listings in London.

Mitchinson also pointed to data which shows only 6.6 billion of new money was raised between October and January.

Last year nearly 30 billion was raised over a 12-month period.

On the trading side, Numis, which has nearly 220 UK-listed companies, makes money by taking a percentage cut of the value of the trade.

A market plunge last quarter meant lower stock prices and less money for Numis to make.

Small and mid cap shares, where Numis specialises, have taken a battering since October with stocks on the junior markets down 20% alone.

Despite the problems Numis managed to get away the flotation of funds platform AJ Bell last year.

Mitchinson said: Were getting on with things. Were not sat twiddling out thumbs but a lot of things wont come to fruition  IPOs or front-footed M&A  until after we get a resolution on Brexit,

He added that a no-deal Brexit and possible recession could affect some of the firms clients.

Brokers such as Numis have faced headaches from new EU rules called Mifid II that have forced fund managers to pay for research, driving many into difficulties.
S hares in Indivior nosedived today after the addiction treatment specialist lost a key court battle over its number one drug Suboxone.

The firm said it would immediately lose market share after a US court refused to delay the release of cheaper generic versions of the opioid addiction treatment by rivals. The stock fell 15p to 98.1p, more than 10%.

It has been in a long-running fight against the launch of rival products by Dr. Reddys Laboratories and Teva Pharmaceuticals, arguing that it holds the patents until 2024.

The decision means Indias Dr. Reddys can release its version immediately. Indivior has filed an emergency appeal but without a reprieve could face major disruption.

Analysts estimate Indivior-branded Suboxone could lose 80% of the market. The US makes up 80% of Indiviors $1.1 billion (842 million) group sales, with Suboxone accounting for four fifths of that.
A superlative performance from BP had the City purring on Tuesday, with pension managers reassured that cash  in the form of dividends  will keep gushing into funds.

A dip in the oil price last year took the shine off shares in the sector, but all the oil majors  Shell, Exxon Mobil and Chevron  have recently produced strong earnings thanks, in part, to the explosion of the US shale industry.

BP said profit in 2018 doubled to $12.7 billion (9.7 billion) which means its hefty dividend  shares yield more than 6%  looks solid.

BP pays billions into pension funds each year.

Fourth-quarter divi is 10.25 cents a share and shares rose 4% to 541p.

The pace of its buyback scheme has slowed lately because it was pushing through the $10.5 billion takeover of BHPs shale assets.

Some thought the falling oil price might force BP chief executive Bob Dudley to pull out of this deal, but he held firm. Today he said: We now have a powerful track record of safe and reliable performance, efficient execution and capital discipline.

Richard Hunter at interactive investor, said: These numbers from BP are superlative.

City analysts have argued that BP needs oil to be at least $60 a barrel for it to be comfortably profitable but BP has been making the case that greater efficiency means its fine with $50.

Brent Crude slipped slightly to $62.2, up from $50 in November, but far down from the $86 reached in October.

BP set aside another $3.2 billion to pay for the disastrous 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Thats well down on the past two years. The catastrophe will, in the end, have cost BP more than $65 billion.

Eleven platform workers were killed when the rig exploded.

BP said it will continue buying back shares and has cash to play with.
S ir John Kingman, long-time Treasury mandarin and now chairman of Legal & General, produced a scathing review of the Financial Reporting Council just before Christmas: it was not fit for purpose, he suggested; it was a ramshackle organisation.

There are certainly times when that may seem to be true, though actually a lot of what the FRC does is competent and efficient  which is why the Treasury keeps giving it more to do.

Peoples main beef is that it watches over the auditors, takes far too long to investigate them and then does not see anything anyway.

And that provokes howls of outrage  mainly from MPs, corporate activists and, of course, journalists who all feel auditors have been derelict in their duty and the FRC hasnt stopped them.

But auditors have always been suspect in failing to respond to the tensions of the age.

Each  and probably all  has been involved in one or other bankruptcy or scandal  AEI for the Sixties, the fringe bank crisis of the Seventies, Polly Peck in the Eighties, Maxwell in the Nineties, the financial and banking crisis in the Noughties and Carillion and BHS more recently.

The auditors are always blamed, and rightly so, for not spotting what had been going on on their watch.

That is, after all, what they are there for  to be blamed and get their knuckles rapped. T

hen they do their version of mea culpa and carry on as before. It is part of the social fabric  as indeed is the FRC.

Kingman wants to change things  which is also a given.

Whenever there is a crisis, there has to be an inquiry: something has to be done.

What the reformer doesnt realise is that the new and shiny replacement will be just as useless as what came before when something unforeseen happens.

Be that as it may, Kingman has particularly focused on corporate governance  one of the FRCs remits  and wants to make it much more robust.

At the moment companies are obliged to comply or explain the various rules of governance, and over time they generally comply. It is one of the FRCs successes.

But not successful enough, says Kingman.

He wants corporate governance to be rigorously enforced: if companies dont like some new principle or code, then the regulators at the FRC  or some new body  will have the power to make them like it.

But if they still dont get the changes, then the regulator should have the power to remove from the board the chairman, chief executive and audit committee chairman  or rather, advise the board it should get rid of some or all of these people.

That way the FRC does not fall foul of company law.

That is something of a shock but this also coincides with new thinking by the Competition and Markets Authority  again at Christmas. The CMA decided that audit committees were not robust enough to select a new firm of auditor when necessary. Rotation rules require that after a period  a long period  some other auditor should, for the sake of independence, be given a shot at the role. But the committees were not really engaging or giving sufficient thought to the job, particularly when it might be one of the small firms which is choosing to challenge the Big Four. So the FRC should hold the committees hand, sit in on its meetings and  to mix metaphors  hold the boards feet to the fire.

Now I have sympathy with the CMA and Kingmans views but this really is a case of using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. No other jurisdiction has this sort of governance, and companies which might be considering a listing here will surely take a look at these rules and think better of it. Companies which already have a listing might also decide to go elsewhere given that comply or explain might, in effect, be abolished.

I think it shameful that company bosses earn millions of pounds but do very little for it; I think it cynical that chief executives do not invest but would rather put up their profit margins; I think companies should relate investment to productivity and, only if that is enhanced, should anyone get a bonus. I think directors should be selected from the whole spectrum of society, not just from the pale, stale and male  and there is a lot more too. But others dont agree.
The Ministry of Finance on Monday estimated that additional fiscal adjustment measures worth roughly two billion euros are necessary to create a surplus of 0.5 per cent and, thereby, build fiscal buffers for the next recession and mitigate the pressure on public spending arising from population ageing.

OFFICIALS at the Ministry of Finance urge Finland to press on with measures to consolidate central government finances.

The adjustment measures, it said, should be introduced gradually at an annual pace of 500 million euros with an emphasis on reducing public spending and curbing rising costs.

A fiscal adjustment of two billion euros is needed in order to strengthen buffers and sustainability. The buffers will be needed especially when the economic outlook becomes bleaker, Sami Ylaoutinen, the economic policy co-ordinator at the Ministry of Finance, told Kauppalehti.

The state of the public economy is still weak and it will weaken further unless we take immediate action.

Ylaoutinen also reminded that the estimate of the necessary adjustment measures is based on the assumption that the long-discussed social, health care and regional government reform is carried out. Theres a wide consensus on the need to carry out the reform to keep costs in check, he said to the commerce-oriented newspaper.

If the reform is delayed any further, it will also increase the need to adjust public revenues and expenditures, reminded Ylaoutinen.

Otherwise the debt burden will grow uncontrollably.

The Ministry of Finance identified tax hikes as one of the possible measures to strengthen public finances, but reminded that they would have to be very limited to prevent any adverse effects on economic growth and employment. Policy makers, it added, should also take into account international tax competition and the effect of taxation on work and business incentives when weighing up the possibility of raising taxes.

Spending cuts, meanwhile, should be targeted in a way that does not undermine the preconditions for economic growth.

Cuts should be avoided in for example education, innovation and research and development spending, meaning costs that are contributing factors to the chain improving productivity, said Ylaoutinen.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Source: Uusi Suomi
HARTFORD  Democrats are thinking of expanding a landmark 2001 law that allowed tens of thousands of criminal offenders on probation to vote.

In a possible expanded initiative aimed at the states 4,000 criminal parolees, state correction officials could restore voting rights to those convicted felons who strictly obey accountability programs after their release from prison.

For up-to-date information on public policy issues, sign up for the CT Politics newsletter.

Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney said Tuesday he hopes the General Assemblys Judiciary Committee will consider the additional voter-rights expansion.

From my view, it would be reasonable in some cases at least to restore voting rights to defendants who may still be on parole but are doing well on parole, or have not yet finished their parole but are in sight of doing so, said Looney, following a morning news conference on criminal-justice and voting-rights. I think we are likely to extend that right to people who are on parole for less, rather than more, serious offenses. Probably not the first day but probably after youve been in compliance for a certain period of time.

The 2001 law allowed about 40,000 offenders on probation to cast ballots. About 4,000 felons are out of prison but on parole with strict requirements that they regularly check in with their parole officers.

The proposal would become part of a package of legislation that was announced during a morning news conference in the Capitol complex.

Sen. Mae Flexer, D-Killingly, said expanded voting opportunities would include an early voting initiative that would require a constitutional amendment for a statewide vote in 2020.

These are not always the issues that make front-page news, but they are very important to our citizens across the state of Connecticut, said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff of Norwalk, referencing the wide-ranging package of criminal justice and election reforms, including additional protections for criminal defendants and undocumented residents of the state, as well as gun safety.

John G. Rowland, the once-popular governor who resigned in 2004 and went on to serve two federal prison sentences for corruption, signed the probation-rights bill in 2001 in an attempt to encourage as many former felons as could to participate in the political process.

Recently, the states of Florida, through a referendum, and Virginia, after an executive order, have allowed former felons to regain their voting franchise. More and more states are looking at encouraging those released from prison to rejoin public society, while Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee specifically prohibit those with felony records from voting.

Tuesdays announcement was the second day in which Democrats announced legislative priorities.
Two brothers found dead outside their Kentucky home died of hypothermia, according to a preliminary report from the medical examiner's Office.

Obie Fugate, 72, and Roy Fugate, 67, were found dead outside a rural Northern Kentucky home on Saturday, officials with the Boone County Sheriff's Office said.

Their bodies may have laid outside the home for days before they were discovered, investigators said.

The bodies were found around 11:30 a.m. in the 4900 block of Garrison Creek Road in Petersburg. Authorities said a family member discovered both bodies after finding one of the brother's trucks stuck in the mud, blocking a long driveway which led to the residence.

Looks like he froze to death in his driveway, the family member told a 911 dispatcher. The road is so bad, their truck was stuck.

According to investigators, that family member moved the truck and continued up the six-tenths of a mile gravel driveway, finding the body of Obie Fugate lying three-tenths of a mile from the home.

Police report that Roy Fugate was found dead on the home's front porch.

It is unclear when Obie and Roy Fugate died, investigators said, but noted that several receipts dated Jan. 29 were found on the brothers.

That is the last date any family members had contact with either brother, investigators said.

The coroners office has ruled this case hypothermia to both subjects, said Boone County Sheriffs Lt. Philip Ridgell. They were noticeably frozen and it appears the elements during the infamous polar vortex could have been a factor.

Temperatures plummeted to single digits Jan. 28 through Jan. 30, with wind chills well below zero.

Officials with the Boone County Sheriff's Office said they are still awaiting toxicology results before finalizing their report.
Ja Rule may have hoped that the memory of Fyre Fest had long been swept away, to be lost amid all the other Twitter and Instagram scandals that succeeded it. He may have hoped that that sad cheese sandwich tweet had all but been forgotten. But unfortunately for him, and fortunately for us, people are being reminded of the disaster that was Fyre Fest all over again, with the recent releases of the Netflix documentary, Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened, and Hulus Fyre Fraud.

Related: Creator of Doomed Fyre Festival Gets 6-Year Prison Sentence

The Fyre Fest, for those who haven't seen the films or read the news accounts, was a failed attempt to hold a music festival in 2017 on the Bahamian island of Great Exuma with the larger goal to promote the Fyre music booking app.

The two documentaries recounting what happened teach us valuable lessons beyond how hard it would have been for anyone to pull off a luxury music festival in just a matter of months, and how any promoter should forever steer clear of severely over-promising and under-delivering.

They teach us about more than why it's a really bad idea to defraud investors out of $24.7 millions and get sentenced to six years in prison, as happened to the festivals founder and CEO, Billy McFarland.

The docs also teach us the sheer power -- and the very serious possible ramifications -- of influencer marketing.

Influencer marketing helped Fyre Fest sell 5,000 tickets at prices anywhere between $500 and $12,000. But does that mean the Fyre Fest team was great at influencer marketing? Nope. While they may have gotten a lot of eyes by using Kendall Jenner, Emily Ratajkowski, Bella Hadid and other social media influencers to promote their festival, those women's power was also part of what made the fest such a failure.

Here is a look at what influencer marketing lessons other companies can learn from Fyre Fest, a.k.a. the greatest party that never happened.

Violating FTC regulations

Leading up to Fyre Fest, numerous Instagram influencers were paid to post mysterious, now-infamous orange-colored posts to promote the music festival; Kendall Jenner was reportedly paid $250,000 by wire transfer for just one single social media post. The problem was, consumers werent made aware that these influencers were being paid to promote Fyre Fest.

Image Source: The Fashion Law

This lack of disclosure was a direct violation of the Federal Trade Commissions truth-in-advertising rules. These FTC standards are in place so followers are aware when influencers are recommending a product theyre getting paid for -- not just because they like it. These regulations allow consumers to make a more informed decision as to whether they want to spend their hard-earned money on the product/service or not.

The general rule of thumb is to add to the post #ad or #sponsored o abide by FTC rules and not mislead your audience.

False promises and no authenticity

False promises seemed to be the theme of Fyre Fest and its influencer marketing. A number of supermodels and influencers were flown out to the sandy beaches of the Bahamas by McFarland, for a weeklong promotional video shoot to be released ahead of the festival, as well as for a photo op for social media.

Related: The Number One Lesson You Can Learn from Fyre Festival: Preparation is Everything

These videos and photos were made to look organic, as if to say: "This is what ticket-holders to Fyre Fest will be experiencing along with these influencers!" The video and those photos were used for weeks leading up to Fyre Fest, even when its staff knew the festival would look nothing like the images they were sharing.

An example: Attendees expected to stay in luxury villas, but what they were given were tents. They were told they they'd get a branded jet experience but what they got was a commercial 747. They were promised gourmet meals and instead given a piece of cheese between two slices of bread.

Both the company and the influencers promoted false promises, regardless of their motive, when they should have been promoting the festival in a realistic and authentic way.

Go micro or go home

Theres a downside to working with influencers who have millions of followers, especially when the beneficiary is a brand new company. Instead of shelling out a ton of money to pay for Instagram influencers with a gigantic following, companies should consider spending less money and getting a better return on investment by working with micro-influencers.

Because of their smaller audience, these micro-influencers tend to have a higher engagement rate and are more likely to interact with their audience directly to promote the product.

Plus, micro-influencers are more relatable to consumers than the celebrity influencers known as the Fyre Starters. Plus, according to statistics from Social Media Today, the average cost to hire a micro-influencer is $180 per post, whereas a macro influencer costs on average $250,000 per post. Choosing micro-influencers could have saved Fyre Fest millions of dollars and still likely sold tickets.

Dont put all your eggs in one influencer basket.

Right from the start, Fyre Festival seemed to put all of its eggs in one influencer basket. Instead of first working out all the logistics of the festival, its organizers went straight to hiring a ton of mega influencers to promote a vision they hadnt even realized yet.

In fact, all of the influencers (about 250 of them) were promised housing at the Fyre Festival for free: a one bedroom, three-person villa on the beach that didnt even exist. Fyre Fest was so focused on working with influencers that organizers would say and do anything to make it happen.

Not to mention the fact that they blew a ton of their money -- some, their personal money -- on influencer marketing, rather than on housing, water, food, workers and amenities essential to any outdoor festival.

Related: From Martha Stewart to Steve Madden, Here Are Some of the Most Famous Entrepreneurs Who Served Prison Time

Having the most popular celebrities and influencers promoting your brand isnt what will make your company a success, and its a shame the people behind Fyre Fest didnt realize that. Whats more important than working with influencers is to first figure out all of the logistics you need to, to provide customers with a satisfactory experience that meets the expectations youve set forth -- and can definitely deliver on.

Related:

4 Influencer Marketing Lessons Learned From the Calamitous Fyre Festival

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Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
UPDATE: 11:12 AM

From Stamford police:

Due to ongoing demolition of St John's Tower, Washington Blvd is closed north and south between Main Street and Tresser Blvd.

There's a detour on Washington Blvd at Broad for southbound traffic until further notice.

UPDATE: 8:31 AM WEDNESDAY

Police Capt. Diedrich Hohn said the seventh floor of the St. Johns Towers collapsed early Wednesday morning.

Police closed Tresser Boulevard while crews worked to knock down the steel cap on top of the central core of the tower.

Tresser Boulevard is now open. Washington Boulevard is expected to remain closed all day.

EARLIER STORY

STAMFORD  The demolition of one of the St. Johns Towers was expected to be complete after two weekends, but delays have stretched the work out into a month-long project.

Tuesday, city officials decided the tower would come down by the end of the week. Soon after, they immediately shuttered both lanes of Washington Boulevard citing safety concerns.

Officials decided to close all lanes of the major thoroughfare for crews to address the partial collapse seen on the south side of the building, said Arthur Augustyn, spokesman for Mayor David Martin.

After the partial collapse is rectified, the city will revert to the planned road closures and work schedule: 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night for the rest of the week.

Martin said in a statement that resident safety is the citys No.1 priority.

Were not satisfied with the condition of the building, so we have made the decision to close Washington Boulevard and have the demolition contractor address these concerns immediately, the mayor said.

The demolition of the tower started Jan. 11, and only the northbound right lane of Washington Boulevard was planned for closure. The first phase, which would involve taking down the upper floors, was expected to be completed by Jan. 21.

But, the tear-down was unexpectedly halted a few days later, as workers were concerned that concrete connected to exposed metal and rebar would become dislodged and fall to the ground.

Demolition crews are taking down the main structure of St. Johns Towers by knocking it down floor by floor with a high-reach excavator.

The elevated sense of danger led officials to close both northbound lanes of Washington Boulevard and put the work on pause for the weekend of Jan. 18. Eventually, full demolition resumed on the weekends of Jan. 25 and Feb. 1, with all northbound and southbound lanes of Washington Boulevard closed.

Now, to expedite the project, demolition will continue every night this week. On Friday, Washington Boulevard will again close at 9 p.m. and stay closed over the entire weekend until 5 a.m. Monday.

The other two towers, still occupied, are not being torn down.

The developer behind the tear-down and the 414-unit apartment building to replace it said he would have preferred to get the demolition done over one week instead of spacing it out as it has.

Demolitions are safest and best controlled the quicker we can get it to ground, said Greg Belew, divisional resident for the New York tri-state area for Lennar Multifamily Communities, a subsidiary of homebuilder Lennar.

The city and the state (Department of Transportation) as well were constraining us to the weekend demolition, he said.
BRIDGEPORT  The day after news came that plans for a new East Side train station in the city had been put on hold, several city officials voiced their continued support of the plan in a news release.

In a letter to the Council on Environmental Quality, the state Department of Transportation announced Tuesday it was tabling the long-awaited project. The project would allow for the creation of a station between Seaview Avenue and Pembroke Street.

CTDOT has since determined that it is not in a financial position to undertake the proposed project, and has decided to defer the project in CTDOT's Capital Plan 2019-2023, according to the letter, confirming the state could not afford to make the project happen in the next few years.

The cost of the Barnum Avenue Railroad Station is around $300 million, an increase from the original estimate of $48 million. The increase was partially to accommodate Metro-North and Amtrak trains.

Currently, there are three train stations in Connecticut that have access to Metro-North and Amtrak trains  Bridgeport, Stamford and New Haven. The proposed additional Bridgeport station would make the fourth spot for a local and express railway service.

The governor made a very strong statement the day he was inaugurated about investing in rail travel to improve Connecticuts transportation infrastructure. We endorse this vision, said a statement from Ganim. The city and state have already invested millions to develop the area around the proposed Barnum Station in anticipation that this new station would be built.

Ganim said he and Bridgeport State Legislators had a conference call with officials from Gov. Ned Lamonts administration to reenforce the citys commitment to the station.

The East Side and other adjoining neighborhoods have gotten their hopes up about the possibility of a new rail station and are looking to us as leaders to make it happen, Ganim said.

The Barnum Station was originally proposed in 2014 by then-Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

A federal grant originally awarded for the station in 2015 was rescinded at the end of 2016 by the Obama administration because the state was unable to pay the cost of designing and building the station, the mayors office said.

Ganim urged a reconsideration of the project, even if it meant bringing down the overall cost.

We should explore all options that move the Barnum Station forward, he said. I look forward to meeting with our legislators and the Lamont administration to get this station back on track.

We understand the desire to advance the Barnum Station and will continue to work with the city and the General Assembly. As we set priorities for the next few years, all of our rail facilities will be evaluated for future enhancement, said CTCOT Commissioner Joseph J. Giulietti in a prepared statement in the news release sent out by the mayors office.

Bridgeport State Legislative Delegation Chair Ezequiel Santiago gathered with various representatives to issue a statement that indicated the project should move forward after years of planning.

State Sen. Dennis Bradley, whose district covers parts of Stratford and Bridgeport, including where the proposed Barnum Station would stand, said in a prepared statement provided in the news release that the city needs this additional station.

As the largest city in the state, we have a large amount of residents that need public transportation to provide for their families, Bradley said. We implore the governor and Department of Transportation to make this a shovel-ready project.

And State Sen. Marilyn Moore reiterated Bradleys point in her statement.

I believe Bridgeport is an important component of this administrations vision for high-speed travel in Connecticut, she said. The state delegation is eager to work together to include Bridgeport as a part of that vision.

Staff Writer Jordan Grice contributed to this story.
STAMFORD  Friends and family of Malaysia Goodson held a candlelight vigil for her at Cove Island Park one week after she died in a Manhattan subway station.

Dieshie Goodson, Malaysias older brother, said about 50 friends and family showed up for the event, including a pastor from New Jersey who heard about the tragedy and felt sorry for the family and came to Stamford Monday eveneing to show his support.
Algiers, February 4, 2019 (SPS) - Ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) to Algiers Abdelkader Taleb Omar affirmed Sunday that the Sahrawi side is very optimistic about the positive atmosphere marking the peace process conducted by the United Nations (UN) for the settlement of the conflict in Western Sahara.



In a statement to APS at the Sahrawi embassy, Taleb said that the biggest test facing today the Security Council is to reach negotiations dealing with the root of this conflict and ensuring to the Sahrawi people their right to self-determination.



All the concerned sides testify to the existence of a positive atmosphere with regard to the efforts made by the UN envoy Horst Kohler who welcomed, in his last briefing at the Security Council, the measures that have been taken so far, concerning the settlement of the conflict in Western Sahara, which, he added, gave a new impetus while opening up promising prospects to resolve the conflict.



According to the Sahrawi diplomat, all the parties agreed to organize a new round of negotiations whose preparations will take place in February.



It is also expected that Kohler establishes bilateral contacts with the two sides to the conflict, the Polisario Front and Morocco, in addition to the neighboring countries, pending the holding, in March, of another negotiation session.



The Sahrawi ambassador expressed the hope that this optimism continues in order to transform it into palpable actions able to exert pressure on Morocco, so that it ends its positions hindering the international efforts. (SPS)



062/SPS/APS
The Ministry of Transport and Communications on Friday stated that the government has tentatively decided to advocate the adoption of winter time after hearing the views of citizens, businesses and other stakeholders.

FINLAND has reiterated its support for doing away with summertime arrangements in the European Union.

Arguments for adopting both summer and winter time were made in the hearings, said Anne Berner (Centre), the Minister of Transport and Communications.

Most of the arguments for adopting winter time are related to public health, as winter time is believed to prevent sleep disorders and sleep pattern irregularities by making evenings darker between March and October. Adopting winter time permanently would also create benefits from the viewpoints of securities trading by guaranteeing as small as possible a time difference to rest of Europe.

Summer time, in turn, would have a positive impact on traffic safety and promote physical activity in the evenings.

Berner added that Finns and Europeans both are widely in favour of abolishing the biannual changing of the clocks.

Finland, along with other member states, will select its new permanent time zone after the proposal to abolish the arrangements has been approved by the European Parliament and Council of Europe. The European Commission presented its proposal to abolish the biannual exercise during the course of this year on 12 September 2018, based on an initiative made by Finland.

The abolition must be decided in co-operation with others. Common practices are the only way to ensure there are no disruptions to the internal market or especially transport operations, underscored Berner.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Shaheed Alhafed, February 2, 2019 (SPS) - The Ministry of the Occupied Territories and Communities has called for sit-ins on February 6, in front of the European Parliament in Brussels and the Occupied city of El-Aaiun, and another sit-in on February 12, in Strasbourg.



The sit-ins are to express the rejection of the agreements signed between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco, including the territories, coasts and riches of Western Sahara, in flagrant violation of international law and the ruling of the European Court of Justice.



The Ministry of Occupied Territories and Communities aim is to demonstrate the rejection by the Sahrawi people to these agreements, hold the European Union responsible for the exploitation of the riches of an occupied country on the United Nations agenda as a non-self-governing territory, and respond to the excessive violence and harassment by which the Moroccan occupation authorities received the delegation of Sahrawi human rights activists returning from the liberated territories. (SPS)



062/SPS/TRA




Stephanie Corneliussen (Mr. Robot) and Harry Lloyd (Counterpart) have joined the cast of the final season of Marvel and FX's Legion in guest roles.



Corneliussen will play David Haller's mother, Gabrielle.



Lloyd will play David's father, Professor X.



The final installment returns in June on FX.





Noah Hawley is pleased to announce two guest castings for the final year of #LegionFX



Stephanie Corneliussen will play David Hallers mother, Gabrielle, and Harry Lloyd will play his father, Professor X.  Legion (@LegionFX) February 5, 2019

The voices are/arent real. The last season of Legion, season 3, returns in June. #TCA19 #LegionFX  Legion (@LegionFX) February 4, 2019

.@evilhag and @NavidNegahban both share that this season is a whole new side of their characters, Lenny and Amahl Farouk. #TCA19 #LegionFX  Legion (@LegionFX) February 4, 2019

"In this season [Lenny] has a second chance at real life." -- @evilhag talks on the evolution of her character #TCA19 #LegionFX  Legion (@LegionFX) February 4, 2019

"The question is can [David] get back to some good place, or is he gone for good." @noahhawley, Creator/Executive Producer/Showrunner/Writer #TCA19 #LegionFX  Legion (@LegionFX) February 4, 2019





Source: Deadline "From Marvel's point of view, Noah told us the end of the story when he told us the beginning of the story. These characters, some of which are part of the Marvel library, will live on. I think of it as if this is the end of this graphic novel. If Noah came back to us in a day or a year, we hope that FX would want to tell the next story." - Head of Marvel TV, Jeph Loeb.
Completing nearly a decade of comet exploration, NASA's Deep Impact mission was the most-traveled deep-space comet hunter of its time. The spacecraft visited two comets and captured images of two more. It also hunted for exoplanets and examined their atmospheres, then studied Earth as though it were an exoplanet. Deep Impact helped to find water on the moon and served as a relay for a series of interplanetary internet experiments. After nine years, team members lost contact with the spacecraft as it flew toward its third target.

"The impact on Comet Tempel 1, the flyby of Comet Hartley 2 and the remote sensing of Comet Garradd have led to so many surprising results that there is a complete rethinking of our understanding of the formation of comets and of how they work," Michael A'Hearn, the Deep Impact mission investigator, said in a statement at the close of the mission. "These small, icy remnants of the formation of our solar system are much more varied, both one from another and even from one part to another of a single comet, than we had ever anticipated."

Excavating a comet

The Deep Impact mission consisted of two spacecraft. The coffee-table-size main vehicle carried a second, smaller probe designed to crash into the first comet that the mission visited, Tempel-1. The spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Jan. 12, 2005. On July 1 of that year, Deep Impact rendezvoused with Comet 9P/Tempel 1 (the official name is usually shortened to Comet Tempel 1).

Deep Impact was about 10.8 feet (3.3 meters) long, 5.6 feet (1.7 m) wide and 7.5 feet (2.3 m) high. In addition to the scientific instruments, the spacecraft also carried a pair of solar panels and a debris shield to protect it from material shed by the comets it encountered. Two scientific instruments, the High-Resolution Instrument (HRI) and the Medium-Resolution Instrument (MRI), collected images of comets and planetary bodies. Deep Impact also carried an infrared spectrometer.

On July 4, 2005, the spacecraft dropped its smaller impactor craft into the path of Tempel 1. The impactor ran on battery power and carried the Impactor Targeting Sensor, a high-precision star tracker that monitored the spacecraft's trajectory and captured images of the comet at close range. The images were transmitted in real time to the main vehicle, with the final image sent only 3.7 seconds before impact.

This image was captured by NASAs Deep Impact flyby spacecraft 67 seconds after the missions impactor probe slammed into Comet Tempel 1 on July 4, 2005. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/UMD)

The spacecraft also carried a disc of 625,00 names submitted by people from around the world that was vaporized with the the craft.

The 816-lb. (370 kilograms), primarily copper impactor delivered 19 gigajoules of kinetic energy to carve out a crater on Tempel 1. That's as much energy as 4.8 tons (4.35 metric tons) of TNT. Traveling at 23,000 mph (37,000 kilometers per hour), the impactor blew out a crater about 500 feet (150 m) wide, according to measurements made by NASA's Stardust mission in 2011.

Heat and radiation from the sun cook the surface of these dusty snowballs, creating singed outer crusts. The cloud of debris blowing off the comet from the small spacecraft's collision revealed the first-ever view of the pristine material found inside of a comet and revealed to astronomers that Tempel 1 is covered in a fine powder, "more like talcum powder than beach sand," A'Hearn said.

"You have to think of it in the context of its environment," Pete Schultz, Deep Impact scientist from Brown University in Rhode Island said in a statement. "This city-sized object is floating around in a vacuum. The only time it gets bothered is when the sun cooks it a little or someone slams an 820-pound wake-up call at it at 23,000 miles per hour."

The mission's scientists also determined that comets are surprisingly fluffy, with a comet nucleus composed of at least 50 percent empty space and the surface shell at least 75 percent empty. The result confirmed previous indirect observations that suggested comets could be more porous than had been expected, A'Hearn said.

Observations by NASA's Swift space telescope revealed that approximately 250,000 tons (227,000 metric tons) of water were released due to the impact; this was a far greater amount than originally predicted. Swift's X-ray observations revealed that the comet took 12 days to return to normal.

Swift's X-ray observations also provided new insights into how the solar wind strips material from comets and planets.

"For the first time, we can see how material liberated from a comet's surface migrates to the upper reaches of its atmosphere," John Nousek, said in a statement. Nousek was the director of mission operations at Penn State, where the spacecraft's science and flight operations were controlled. "This will provide fascinating information about a comet's atmosphere and how it interacts with the solar wind. This is all virgin territory."

The Deep Impact team also worked with NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope to create a list of cometary ingredients. "Now, we can stop guessing at what's inside comets," A'Hearn said. "This information is invaluable for piecing together how our own planets as well as other distant worlds may have formed."

These observations indicated that the comet may have been born in the part of the solar system now occupied by Uranus and Neptune. This finding supports the Nice model of planetary formation, which suggests that those two planets traded places and scattered comets into deep space.

An artist's conception shows a close-up look at NASA's comet-hunting Deep Impact spacecraft. (Image credit: ESA/NASA)

EPOXI, two missions in one

After the probe flew past Tempel 1, the Deep Impact mission team submitted a proposal for an extended mission that would really be two missions in one: a visit to another comet and a hunt for exoplanets.

The Deep Impact eXtended Investigation (DIXI) combined with the Extrasolar Planet Observation and Characterization (EPOCh) investigation to become a new mission, called EPOXI. (The spacecraft kept the name Deep Impact.)

Initially, the extended mission called for Deep Impact to visit Comet 85P/Boethin, which was last observed in 1986. Because of its 11.8-year orbit, that comet can be seen from Earth only during the six months when the comet is closest to the sun. Astronomers used 10 of the world's largest telescopes, along with Spitzer, to search for radiation from the comet in what A'Hearn called "an heroic effort." Unfortunately, they were unable to find their target, and researchers proposed that it may have broken up due to a catastrophic explosion.

With the loss of the original target, astronomers turned to Comet Hartley 2. Discovered in March 1986, the comet had a well-known orbit. But it would take an additional two years to reach the target compared to what a trip to Boethin would have required.

During its extended mission, EPOXI turned its mechanical eyes toward exoplanets. In the days before NASA's planet-hunting Kepler spacecraft, observing worlds around other stars was a greater challenge. Deep Impact worked to change that.

The spacecraft studied massive gas giants orbiting five different stars in days or even hours  worlds known as hot Jupiters. Each of the five targets were suspected of hosting a second, smaller planet. Deep Impact's goal was to study the hot Jupiters to see if gravity from such unseen planets might be tugging on the orbits of the known worlds, causing them to wobble slightly.

While EPOXI didn't find any exoplanets, it did discover evidence that a second planet could be orbiting one of the stars, Gliese 436. Although no second planet has yet been confirmed around the star, there have been hints of another world from other sources, as well.

Deep Impact also studied a very well-known planet: Earth. The spacecraft swung by Earth five times, and studied our planet during a full rotation to better understand what a habitable terrestrial world might look like to exoplanet hunters. While other spacecraft had previously imaged the Earth and moon from space, Deep Impact was the first to observe with enough detail to see large craters on the moon and oceans and continents on the Earth, NASA said in a statement.

The observations, many of which were made into a video, revealed the changes in brightness the planet undergoes. The study also revealed sun glints, or specks of brightness similar to sunshine glancing off the hood of a car, visible from a distance of about 11 million miles (18 million km).

"These sun glints are important, because if we saw an extrasolar planet which had glints that popped up periodically, we would know that we were seeing lakes, oceans or other large bodies of liquid, such as water," Deming said. "And if we found large bodies of water on a distant planet, we would become much more optimistic about finding life."

EPOXI also observed Earth in infrared light, which is well beyond the range of human sight. Red light produces a better contrast between land and water and helps plants to stand out.

"People think of land as being greenish, but that's because our eyes aren't sensitive in the infrared," Deming said. "Vegetation actually shows up better in the infrared."

The spacecraft also played a key role in discovering the first clear evidence of water on the surface of the moon. Working with India's Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft and NASA's Cassini space probe, Deep Impact revealed that a dew-like liquid forms daily on the moon, then dissipates, hydrating the entire lunar surface during some portion of the lunar day.

This image of Comet Hartley 2 was captured by NASA's Deep Impact probe during its flyby of the comet on Nov. 4, 2010. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/UMD)

Hartley 2

The key feature of Deep Impact's extended mission was its flyby of comet Hartley 2. The spacecraft passed within 435 miles (700 km) of the comet on Nov. 4, 2010, making Hartley 2 the fifth comet nucleus visited by any spacecraft. As Deep Impact flew closer to Hartley 2, the probe observed an increased amount of cyanide released from the comet without a corresponding release of dust, over an eight-day period in September.

"We have never seen this kind of activity in a comet before, and it could affect the quality of observations made by astronomers on the ground," A'Hearn said in a statement.

The spacecraft also flew through a cometary ice storm generated by jets of carbon dioxide gas that carried tons of water ice from the comet every second, A'Hearn said. This was the first time astronomers saw chunks of ice in the cloud surrounding a comet or jets definitively powered by carbon dioxide gas, he said. The team looked for similar events around Tempel 1 but didn't see them.

"When we first saw all the specks surrounding the nucleus, our mouths dropped," Schultz said in a statement. "Stereo images reveal that there are snowballs in front [of] and behind the nucleus, making it look like a scene in one of those crystal snow globes."

Deep Impact also provided the first images of a comet clear enough that scientists could link jets of dust and gas with specific surface features. The researchers found that carbon dioxide, not water ice, served as the propulsive force for the jets on Hartley 2.

Altogether, the data suggested that Hartley 2 could be an entirely new breed of comet. At the time, researchers debated whether comets formed from a single mass of dust and ice drawn together by gravity or if a hodge-podge of smaller comets built up their cores over time. Hartley 2 turned out to have at least two, maybe three different types of ice in its core, with an overall composition that was very consistent, raising a third possibility.

"We haven't seen a comet like this before," Michael Mumma, of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said in a statement. "Hartley 2 could be the first of a new breed."

Hartley 2 is a hyperactive comet, spinning around on one axis while simultaneously tumbling around on another. Hyperactive comets make up 5 to 10 percent of all comets. With jets and other activity driven by carbon dioxide, processes such as outgassing on hyperactive comets are different from those on normal comets.

After it flew by Hartley 2, Deep Impact made observations of comets Garradd and ISON, which fly in from the outermost reaches of the solar system. The team members also launched a hunt for a third target for the spacecraft.

On Aug. 8, 2013, NASA lost contact with the Deep Impact spacecraft. Unfortunately, it had not yet returned any of its images of Comet ISON. At that point, the spacecraft had traveled about 4.7 billion miles (7.58 billion km) into space.

After losing contact, mission controllers spent several weeks trying to uplink commands to reactivate Deep Impact's onboard systems. A problem with computer timing likely led to a loss of control of the spacecraft's orientation in space, NASA said. As a result, the probe had trouble positioning its radio antennas and solar arrays, making both communication and power generation difficult.

On Sept. 16, 2013, researchers determined that there was no way to recover control of the spacecraft. They recommended that NASA declare the incredibly prolific mission lost.

"Deep Impact has been a fantastic, long-lasting spacecraft that has produced far more data than we had planned," A'Hearn said in a statement. "It has revolutionized our understanding of comets and their activity."

Further reading:
To celebrate the lunar New Year, Google posted this doodle showing the "Year of the Pig." (Image credit: Google)

Welcome to the year of the Pig!

Yesterday's new moon kicked off the start of the lunar new year for many East Asian cultures, according to a blog post from Google celebrating the milestone. Today's "Google Doodle" celebrates both the Year of the Pig and the ancient art of shadow puppetry, which plays a role in new year celebrations.

The 12-year cycle culminates in the Chinese zodiac sign of the Pig, a symbol of prosperity in Asian culture. Legend holds that people born in the year of the Pig are sincere, good-natured and honest, according to Google.

Also known as Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year is celebrated in either January or February because the Chinese calendar is based on a lunar calendar that relies on the lunar cycle.

"The Chinese New Year falls on the first day of the first month in the lunar calendar," Jianguo Chen, associate professor of Chinese at the University of Delaware, told Live Science.

Traditional Chinese timekeeping relies on a sexagesimal system, with 10 stems and 12 branches. The 12 branches are paired with 12 zodiac animals.

The twelve-year cycle of the Chinese calendar rotates through a dozen animals, the final member of the cycle corresponding to hai, or pig.There are five types of pigs incorporated, named for the Chinese elements. For 2019, the corresponding creature is the Earth Pig, or jihai.

In the Japanese and Tibetan zodiac, the pig is replaced by the boar.

Preparations for the Lunar New Year began well before today (Feb. 5), according to the Google blog post. Many Asian families cleaned and decorate their homes to sweep out last year's bad luck. That cleaning stopped with the start of the new year for fear of driving good luck out. The color red is prominent as a symbol of good luck. Throughout China, the holiday season, also known as chunjie, lasts for more than two weeks.

President Donald Trump also issued a statement celebrating the holiday, lauding it as "an opportunity for All Americans to honor the important contribution [people of Asian descent] have made to the story of American greatness." And NASA's "Moon" Twitter account got in on the action, pointing the way for readers to check the moon phase for any day of the year.

See more

Follow Nola Taylor Redd on Twitter @NolaTRedd or Google+. Follow us on Twitter at @Spacedotcom or on Facebook. Originally published on Space.com.
NSF-funded astronomical facilities, like the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, were able to keep operating through the shutdown, but some were running short of funds by the time the shutdown ended.

WASHINGTON  As the National Science Foundation (NSF) recovers from a five-week partial government shutdown, the agency is already starting preparations for another potential shutdown.

In a conference call with reporters Feb. 1, officials with the NSF, which funds a number of astronomical facilities, said they had been working in the days since the partial government shutdown ended late Jan. 25 to get the agency up and running again, including getting back pay to its more than 1,400 employees.

The NSF's Division of Astronomical Sciences, with an annual budget of about $300 million, funds the operations of a number of astronomical observatories, which are usually run by other organizations rather than directly by the NSF. Those observatories, as well as other NSF research facilities, were able to continue operations during the shutdown because the NSF funded them in advance, although some were in danger of curtailing operations or shutting down entirely had the shutdown extended into February. [Government Shutdown May Have Done Long-Term Damage to NASA]

One case was the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), which operates several radio telescopes. NRAO officials said at an American Astronomical Society (AAS) conference in early January that they could continue operations of their facilities likely until the middle of February, after which, had funding not been restored, they would have been forced to start closing observatories.

"For most of them we had funds obligated prior to Dec. 21 that covered operations for up to two months. In some cases they were funded for most of the year," said James Ulvestad, chief officer for research facilities at the NSF and a former head of the astronomy division. "So they were all able to continue operating during the lapse in appropriations."

A few facilities were running short on funds when the shutdown ended, he said. "We've been working this week to get funds to those that are in the most critical circumstances," he said, not identifying any specific facilities. Other facilities will get additional funding in the next week or so.

The continuing resolution that ended the shutdown, though, only runs until Feb. 15. House and Senate appropriators have been meeting in the last week on a solution to fund affected agencies for the rest of the fiscal year, while also reaching an agreement on border security funding. There was little public sign of progress in those negotiations, however, raising the risk of another shutdown after Feb. 15.

NSF officials said on the call that, with the recovery from the shutdown largely complete, they're now starting planning for another shutdown. "We are meeting on a daily basis to start prepping for the possibility of another shutdown," said Javier Inclan, acting chief human capital officer. "Based on the length of this most recent shutdown, we have a better idea of how to prepare prior to any lapse in appropriations."

Ulvestad said that included more advanced funding for observatories and other research facilities. "We'll be working to obligate sufficient funds out to our facilities so they can continue to operate even in the unfortunate event of another lapse," he said.

The shutdown disrupted other NSF activities, including reviews of proposals. More than 100 reviews panels scheduled during the shutdown were postponed, said Erwin Gianchandani, deputy assistant director of computer and information science and engineering. The agency was working to reschedule those, with some already taking place earlier in the week.

The shutdown also affected a town hall meeting for the NSF's astronomy division that was scheduled to take place during the AAS meeting. While a partial town hall meeting did take place at the conference  the current head of the division, Richard Green, is a "rotator" on loan from the University of Arizona and thus could work, but not travel, during the shutdown  a virtual town hall meeting is scheduled for Feb. 15.

The shutdown also postponed a meeting of the Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee, a federal advisory committee that reviews astronomical research at the NSF, NASA and Department of Energy. That meeting, which was scheduled for Jan. 2930 at NSF headquarters, was postponed because of work restoring operations immediately after the shutdown. It has been tentatively rescheduled for Feb 2526, assuming there is not another shutdown ongoing then.

This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry.
WASHINGTON  United Launch Alliance won a NASA contract Jan. 31 to launch a planetary science mission in what the agency said was a competitive procurement.

NASA said it will use an Atlas V 401 from ULA to launch its Lucy mission in October 2021 from Florida. The total launch cost, which includes the launch and "other mission related costs," is $148.3 million, according to a NASA statement.

Lucy is one of NASA's newest Discovery-class planetary science missions, selected in January 2017 simultaneously with the Psyche mission to the asteroid of the same name. The spacecraft will, over the course of its 12-year mission, fly by one main belt asteroid and six Trojan asteroids orbiting the sun in the same orbit as Jupiter. Scientists believe those Trojan asteroids are remnants of the primordial material from which the solar system formed. [The Greatest Asteroid Encounters of All Time!]

"We could not be more pleased that NASA has selected ULA to launch this amazing planetary science mission," Tory Bruno, president and chief executive of ULA, said in a company statement. He said the Atlas 5 and its "world-leading schedule certainty" made it the optimal vehicle for this mission, whose complex trajectory gives it a narrow launch window.

An artist's depiction (not to scale) of the Lucy spacecraft visiting the Trojan asteroids near Jupiter. (Image credit: NASA/SwRI)

ULA, in its statement, said it received the contract as a "competitive Launch Service Task Order evaluation" under the NASA Launch Services 2 contract. NASA spokesperson Tracy Young confirmed Feb. 1 that the contract was a competitive procurement, but that the number of bids and the identity of the bidders is considered proprietary.

If a second company did compete for the contract, it would most likely be SpaceX, which would offer either its Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy for the mission, depending on performance requirements. SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment Feb. 1 regarding whether it bid on the mission.

The value of this contract is slightly less than the one ULA received from NASA in October 2017 for the Landsat-9 spacecraft, also launching on an Atlas 5 401 but from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Landsat-9 launch has a total cost to NASA of $153.8 million.

This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry.
The new CW Network series "Roswell, New Mexico" draws parallels to its television predecessor, but 20 years later, the story follows a fresh course in a modern adaptation.

Count on more romantic desert panoramas: 2019's "Roswell, New Mexico" TV series is a brand-new adaptation of the alien drama "Roswell" that offers both a distinct voice and plenty of tributes to its predecessor.

Melinda Metz's book series "Roswell High" has inspired two television adaptations. The teen drama "Roswell" aired on the WB Network from 1999 to 2002. It is followed 20 years later by "Roswell, New Mexico," a brand-new production that premiered Jan. 15 and airs 9 p.m. ET Tuesday nights on the CW Network.

Their central storylines draw from the legendary Roswell Crash of 1947. When debris from a top-secret U.S. Army-Air Force spy balloon caught the attention of a rancher that summer, he brought the materials to the sheriff of nearby Roswell. The Roswell Army Air Field released an untrue statement saying the wreckage was part of a "flying disk," according to Encyclopedia Britannica, and when a local newspaper ran with the story, the myth was born. [25 Space Conspiracies That Just Won't Die]

With kitschy delight, both adaptations pay homage to this story by including conspiracy theorists and alien-related food names on a tourist-restaurant menu, such as the "Will Smith" on the 1999 show (referring to the iconic "Men in Black" series of movies) and the 2019 pilot's to-go order called "Men in Blackened Salmon." The waitress outfits of the Crashdown Cafe are back in all their classic glory, featuring alien aprons and antenna headbands.

The two programs make distinct interpretations of the core storyline, in which a young human woman named Liz encounters Max, a male-presenting being of extraterrestrial ancestry. A romance emerges between the pair in the books and in both TV adaptations, a situation ripe for plenty of melodrama.

Each version of the show explores the theme of loneliness, a condition which carries potentially serious consequences.

Pictured (L-R): Actor Nathan Dean Parsons as Max (left) and actor Jeanine Mason as Liz. (Image credit: ohn Golden Britt /  2019 The CW Network, LLC)

"About 5 to 10 percent of the population reports feeling lonely frequently or all the time, and an additional 20 to 30 percent report feeling lonely at least sometimes," John Cacioppo, an author and psychology professor at Columbia University in New York, told Space.com's sister site Live Science in 2017.

The emotion can make the symptoms of a cold feel worse, and stigma against seeking mental health support can prevent people from getting help.

It's no surprise, then, that loneliness is a compelling story arc for diverse audiences.

The earlier "Roswell" invokes that theme around relationships: how Max's choices risk social instability for his adopted sister and fellow alien, Isabel, or how Liz and her friend Maria use humor to cope with the secrets they can't tell anyone else. And then there's Michael, the third central alien in the story, whose cantankerous behavior reflects a need to reconcile with his solitary experience in the foster-care system in which he grew up.

"Roswell, New Mexico" weaves together the same crew of characters with different plotlines, and this adaptation emphasizes the storyline around Liz. The 2019 Liz keeps the Ortecho surname from the book series (which was replaced by Parker in the 1999 show) as the character experiences a new narrative: Coping with her sister's death, she resettles in her hometown, Roswell, to help her undocumented father fend off harassment spurred on by rising waves of xenophobia. And by including undocumented immigration as a central piece to an otherwise fantastical narrative, the creators added a modern and relevant dimension to the revival.

There are more-superficial changes, as well. The 1999 alien crew loved splashing hot sauce on everything, even candy, but the sweet and spicy flavor doesn't play a role in the new show's first three episodes. There is one very cool change to catch: High-schooler Liz from the original series dreams of running a biology lab at a university, and adult Liz in the new show has made those bioengineering dreams a reality.

Fans of the old show will miss the original cast's synergy  for the most part, the 2019 characters have very different bonds to one another. But the compelling new adaptation will excite long-time series fans about where this story will lead, and will definitely produce emphatic bouts of nostalgia.

Watch the newest episode of Roswell tonight (Feb. 5) on CW Network.

Follow Doris Elin Salazar on Twitter@salazar_elin. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
Total student headcount for Fall 2019 is 1,342 with 309 of those being first-time, first-year students.
Ulysse Nardin has chosen a Classico model to celebrate Chinese New Year 2019  the year of the Pig (or wild boar). The watchmaker inaugurated its series of special Chinese Calendar models in 2011. This 2019 edition showcases the technique of champleve enamelling. The red dial features several pigs in a variety of sizes and positions, who share the space with abstract flower motifs.

It is the work of master craftsman Pierre-Alain Lozeron, a regular collaborator of Ulysse Nardin. He begins by carving the design into the base of the dial using a burin. The base is then handed over to the master enamellers of Donze Manufacture, part of the Ulysse Nardin group, which specialises in this complex traditional craft. The enamellers fill the carved cells with enamel powder, and the dial is then fired in a kiln until the correct shade of red is achieved. Finally, the dial is returned to the engraver for a second round of carving, which can be seen in the pigs ears, for example. Each dial takes the engraver and enamellers around 30 hours to complete.

Classico Pig  Ulysse Nardin

The deep red enamel of the dial is complemented by the polished red gold of the case. It has a diameter of 40 mm and is water resistant to a depth of 50 metres. Inside is the self-winding Calibre UN 815, with a 42-hour power reserve, which can be admired through the sapphire case back. This movement drives the essential functions of the three-handed time display, kept deliberately simple to focus all the attention on the decorated dial.

The watch, which comes fitted with a blue alligator strap complete with red gold folding clasp, is produced in a limited edition of 88, a highly symbolic number in China, representing prosperity and happiness. It will be available in China from March.

See also the special models dedicated to the Chinese zodiac from Blancpain, Jaquet Droz, Panerai, Vacheron Constantin and Chopard
Georgetown, SC (29440)

Today

Thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 82F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 67F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Margaret Fosmoe

South Bend Tribune

SOUTH BEND  Carlos Maez, 41, of Mishawaka, was sentenced on Tuesday by U.S District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 30 years in prison for a bank robbery, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys office.

In May 2018, a jury convicted Maez of armed bank robbery, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony.

He was convicted of robbing the Old National Bank on Ireland Road in South Bend while armed with a handgun and fleeing with more than $8,000.

Maez has five prior felony convictions, including bank robbery, and was on parole at the time of the Oct. 16, 2015 robbery.
Christian Sheckler

South Bend Tribune

A federal appeals court has overturned an attempted murder conviction in Elkhart, saying a prosecutor concealed explosive evidence the states sole eyewitness had been placed under hypnosis before trial, throwing into doubt the witnesss reliability.

The courts opinion, issued 25 years after the defendant, Mack Sims, was convicted, is the latest rebuke of Elkharts criminal justice system, which has been the subject of an ongoing investigation by the South Bend Tribune and ProPublica.

The prosecutor who failed to disclose the hypnosis, Charles C. Wicks, is now an Elkhart Superior Court judge, presiding over felony and misdemeanor cases.

Sims was arrested in November 1993 on suspicion of shooting Shane Carey, a security guard sitting in his car. Police said they found Sims about a half-hour after the shooting, crouching behind a nearby trash bin. In 1994, Sims was convicted in a jury trial of attempted murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison. Hes currently at Westville Correctional Facility, in the states northwest corner. No physical evidence linked Sims to the shooting. The states case hinged on Careys identification of Sims as the shooter.

Under a 1963 U.S. Supreme Court case, Brady v. Maryland, prosecutors must disclose evidence that could be viewed as favorable to the defense. When Sims stood trial, Wicks, the cases prosecutor, did not inform the defense that he had referred the victim to a hypnotist. The hypnotist was a physicians assistant Wicks knew from the Kiwanis Club.

Courts generally frown on testimony from witnesses who have undergone hypnosis, because the practice often leads to an increase in false memories, alongside any legitimate improvements in a persons recall. The Supreme Court has warned that a person under hypnosis is vulnerable to confabulation, filling gaps in the memory with fantasy, and to memory hardening, which increases a persons confidence in both accurate and inaccurate recollections.

Given the well-known problems that hypnosis poses for witnesses memories, we can be confident that Careys identification testimony would have been subjected to withering cross-examination, the federal appeals court wrote in a 2-1 opinion. The prosecutions case against Sims depended completely on Careys credibility, which the suppressed hypnosis evidence would have severely undermined.

Wicks declined to comment through an assistant Monday, saying that in his current position as a judge, he could not discuss how Sims prosecution had been handled.

In Sims case, the victims hypnosis was not publicly revealed until 2012, while Sims was seeking a new trial. During a hearing in Elkhart Superior Court, then-deputy prosecutor Graham Polando (now a St. Joseph Probate Court magistrate), disclosed a conversation he had with Wicks prior to the hearing.

Wicks, by then a judge, told Polando that the victim in this case identified the  defendant, Mr. Sims, only after hypnotism, Polando said in court. Whats more, according to the federal appeals court opinion, Polando said Wicks asked me not to disclose what he told me about Careys hypnosis.

When called to testify during the hearing, Wicks said he did not remember telling Polando the victim could identify Sims only after being hypnotized. Wicks said he did not disclose Careys hypnosis to the defense because Carey had never wavered in his identification of Sims as the shooter, even before he was hypnotized.

But at trial and on appeal, Sims lawyers challenged the reliability of Careys identification even without taking into account the hypnotism. Carey testified that he had glass in his eye after the shooting, and that when shown photos after surgery, he was real groggy. Some details in Careys initial description of the suspect did not match Sims appearance when he was arrested.

The investigation of Sims has parallels to the prosecutions of Keith Cooper and Christopher Parish, two men wrongly convicted in Elkhart of a 1996 robbery in which a man was shot and seriously wounded. Parish had his conviction overturned on appeal and the charges against him dropped. Cooper received Indianas first gubernatorial pardon based on innocence.

In the Cooper and Parish cases, key investigative records went missing, including a photo lineup that was shown to the victim. In the Sims case, likewise, at least one photo lineup shown to the victim was not documented or preserved, according to court records. In overturning Sims conviction, the federal appeals court noted the investigations patchy documentation, writing that gleaning from the record precisely when photographic lineups were conducted and their result is difficult.

Attorneys for Cooper and Parish alleged that police engaged in suggestive lineup procedures while asking eyewitnesses to identify the robbers. Sims attorneys alleged the same; in the 1994 trial, the victim testified that the night he was shot, police came to the emergency room and showed him a single photo of a suspect, a move the defense argued was so suggestive as to taint any subsequent identification. A detective testified that Carey was shown multiple photos that night, not just one.

In the Cooper and Parish cases aftermath, the city failed for more than a decade to disclose records that detailed why the cases lead detective was later forced to resign. (He engaged in sexual misconduct with an informant, according to those records.) In the Sims case, the use of hypnosis on the star witness remained hidden for more than a decade.

The key detective in the Cooper and Parish case had a lengthy disciplinary record, according to his personnel file. The detective in the Sims case, John Faigh, had a disciplinary record that was even longer.

In October 1993, one month before Sims was arrested on suspicion of shooting the security guard, Faigh was suspended for a day: He had arrested a man for child molestation when, by statute, the purported victim was too old to qualify as a child. The simple fact that a juvenile detective does not know the age limits which constitute child molest is just totally embarrassing, a captain wrote in a disciplinary letter.

By the time Faigh retired from the Police Department in 2010, he had been disciplined at least 20 times, according to his personnel file. One time he fired his shotgun at a fleeing vehicle, hoping he would hit either the radiator or tire, a disciplinary report said. For endangering the driver and a passenger, Faigh was suspended for five days and removed from the SWAT team. Faighs personnel file also documented repeated errors while preserving or submitting evidence; once, he failed to properly seal and catalogu evidence collected at a hospital from a rape victim, according to personnel records.

Faigh did not return messages left Monday requesting an interview. In 2009, when questioned by the citys civilian oversight board about his disciplinary record, Faigh said, In no manner have I ever disgraced the Elkhart Police Department, myself, or my credibility.

Wicks, the prosecutor in Sims trial, also figured in Parishs appeal, opposing a request for a new trial. After an evidentiary hearing in 2004, Wicks filed written arguments that contained one misstatement of fact after another. A state appeals court later granted Parishs request.

In the Sims case, an Indiana deputy attorney general, while opposing a new trial, conceded in oral arguments that Wicks should have disclosed the use of hypnosis. During those arguments, in November, two of the federal appeals court judges quizzed the deputy.

One judge asked her if she had ever come across a more calculated or deliberate violation of Brady than this.

Another judge asked why Wicks would have suggested hypnosis unless he had concerns about the witnesss ability to identify the defendant.

After a five-second pause, the deputy attorney general said, I dont, I dont have an answer to that, your honor.

I bet you dont, the judge said.
Staff reports

South Bend Tribune

Sticking your head in the sand has reared its ugly head again.

There is a small number of people who believe that if you erase history then it never happened.

Those in the South pushing to have statues of Civil War officers taken down or destroyed. Apparently then the Confederacy or slavery never existed.

The powers that be at Notre Dame are capitulating to the naysayers to obliterate the advances of Christopher Columbus. Historian Samuel Eliot Morison says in a 1960s World Book, and I quote, To few men in modern history does the world as we know it owe so great a debt as to Christopher Columbus.

Fortunately, there will be curtains hung in front of the murals and not by painting over them. ISIS in Syria blew up statues carved thousands of years ago because they were not of their religion.

Please, God, protect us from the antis.

Wayne McLaughlin

Elkhart

Don't increase taxes

I write today to respectfully ask our local officials to pretty, pretty, pretty please refrain from increasing property taxes  there is presently deliberation by the County Council and the County Commissioners concerning the potential of increasing the levy for several of the many funds that comprise the total property tax levy. Despite the property tax caps, an increase in the respective levies would result in an increase in the property tax bills for the vast majority of taxpayers in St. Joseph County who reside outside of South Bend and Mishawaka.

Not one to pontificate without proposing a solution, I suggest that the county look elsewhere for additional property tax revenues  specifically I suggest that the county immediately cease creating any new TIF districts and work expeditiously to terminate existing TIFs. Additionally, I suggest that the county look to recoup previously abated property taxes from taxpayers who have failed to live up to 100 percent of their commitments as spelled out on the taxpayers corresponding SB-1 filings and cease from granting huge property tax abatements in the future.

Jamie O'Brien

Granger

The writer is a former St. Joseph County Council member.

A wall

President Trump cant make up his mind what type of wall he wants. Brick, concrete, slatted steel with points on top, etc. My suggestion would be to consult China. They are very adroit in building a wall.

Paul Swaneck

South Bend
South Bend Tribune Report

South Bend Tribune

GOSHEN  An Elkhart grand jury will review the Jan. 9 officer-involved shooting that resulted in serious injuries to Joshua Allen Perry, 34, of Goshen, who was shot by a Goshen police officer after a traffic stop and chase.

The grand jury is set to convene March 13 in Elkhart County Circuit Court, according to a request from Elkhart County Prosecutor Vicki Elaine Becker.

On the night of Jan. 9, a Goshen officer pulled over a vehicle near U.S. 33 and Kercher Road, but the driver, later determined to have been Perry, refused to stop and fled in his vehicle.

Several officers followed the driver on a lengthy pursuit that ended near Washington and Third streets.

"At the termination of the pursuit an incident occurred resulting in an officer firing his duty weapon," according to a news release sent out after the incident from Goshen police. Perry has recovered from his injuries.

After treatment at a local hospital for the gunshot wounds, Perry was taken into custody on a probation violation warrant and also has been charged with resisting law enforcement, a felony charge.

Perry has a probation hearing set for Feb. 27 in Elkhart Superior Court No. 6. No court date has been set for the resisting charge.
Victoria St. Martin

South Bend Tribune

SOUTH BEND  The South Bend school board confirmed a contract for an administrator to become the systems next superintendent.

The candidate, Todd Cummings, was selected as the superintendent amid discrepancies in his resume and requests for a state search. Cummings is currently the deputy superintendent at the South Bend Community School Corp.

Five board members approved the contract  John Anella, Leslie Wesley, Rudy Monterrosa, Dawn Jones and Stuart Greene. Two other board members  Ruth Warren and Oletha Jones  abstained.

School board members decided to forgo a national search for a new superintendent last month and offered the top job to Cummings. He will replace the current leader, Kenneth Spells, at the end of the school year and become the districts 26th superintendent.

I feel an extraordinary responsibility to make sure we provide great, high quality education for all of our students, said Cummings after the vote.

Last week, The Tribune found discrepancies in Cummings resume. Officials at two of his past jobs questioned some of the details and titles he listed.

For example the resume says Cummings worked at The Orchard School in Indianapolis from 2002 to 2007, where he listed his position as K-8 BUILDING DIRECTOR (PRINCIPAL) AND MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER.

The resume says he was a sixth-grade teacher and principalled the K-8 summer program for nearly 600 students. It also said that he updated curriculum and provided teacher professional development at the school.

A human resources coordinator at The Orchard School said Cummings was neither a principal nor an administrator.

Just before the vote, one school board member said are there are moments when Dr. Cummings could have used a different word to describe his experience.

Yes, said Stuart Greene, before announcing that he would vote for the contract.

Greene said board members spent a lot of time looking over Cummings resume to understand where the differences are. He added: We tried to be vigilant in looking at the record.

Cummings said: Should different words have been used? I will probably take Dr. Greene up on his advice next time.

Cummings had declined several requests for interviews and according to a statement he and the district asked that interview requests wait until after the Board of Trustees has finalized (his) contract.

When asked why that decision had been made, Cummings added that selecting a superintendent is a school boards responsibility and I did not want to look like I was campaigning for a job.

Monterrosa said the decision left many board members sleepless at times.

It was a difficult decision because it was important to people, he said. There were people that were saying move forward with the decision, there were others that were saying we wanted a process.

Right now were at a critical stage with the corporation, Monterrosa added. It was important to make a decision with somebody that we already knew had proven leadership and has done the job well.

Two board members decided to abstain from the vote and both said while they could not vote yes for the contract, they also could not vote no. Warren and Jones said they also wanted a state search.

Cummings two-year contract comes with an annual salary of $186,000.
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CAYHILL:--- Twenty local youth have recently started a comprehensive carpentry course, which will allow them to obtain an international certification from MIC Institution of Technology. The course materialized through K1 Britannia Foundations Second Chance Program in partnership with the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA).

Holland America Line has once again committed to sponsoring educational training opportunities for St. Maartens youth and is the courses founding sponsor. Other major sponsors include the Dutch Disaster Fund that contributed to K1s Scholarship Fund and Menzies Aviation that is contributing towards materials, safety equipment and other needed resources for the students.

The course is specially held for vulnerable young people of St. Maarten between the ages of 16 and 25, and the aim is to provide the youth with new skills in the area of carpentry. The certification will enable the youth to gain short and long term employment while giving St. Maartens construction industry confident, skilled workers.

The response to the course came in an overwhelming wave. Large sums of people reached out wanting to apply for the opportunity. This made us consider getting funding for a second construction course  electrical and mechanical - because of the high demand. Persons were selected based on their experience and strongest personal statements. The program is tailored for the vulnerable youth who were determined to make a change, said Second Chance Program Manager, Malaika Richards.

The training will run over the course of 6-months, weekdays from Monday to Thursday. The students will learn technical skills such as how to draw and interpret simple drawings, blueprint reading, laying out a building on a job site, construct framework, as well as non-technical skills such as applied math, science, entrepreneurship and life skills such as conflict resolution. Upon successful completion of the course, the program will provide the opportunity for certification that can translate to employability or entrepreneurship possibilities for the students. Sergio Blomont, Director of NIPA stated, The carpentry course at NIPA is of key importance for the youth in our communities. It teaches them to be able to work together as a team and that they are not alone to deal with their difficulties. It also teaches them life skills which is so important for them to be able to deal with any obstacles being thrown at them in life.

Participants, both young men and women, have been enthusiastic and eager to join the course, some wanting to pursue carpentry as a career, while others want to put their interests and hobbies into practice. Stacy Elias who joined the course elaborated saying, This construction course will allow me to sharpen basic skills and gain more knowledge of construction, which I am currently pursuing a career in. My aim is to appropriately learn the vast majority of information that will be beneficial and crucial in succeeding in this field.

K1s Second Chance program has always been about giving young people the foundation for positive growth through volunteer opportunities, apprenticeship programs, courses, job training, employment opportunities and social development. Co-Founder of K1 Britannia Foundation, Priya Thirumur stated, Irma impacted the job market quite heavily, and after much thought and discussions, we observed that the maritime and construction industry were willing to hire people with relevant skills. Thanks to NIPAs partnership with Trinidads MIC Institution of Technologys for its short courses, these students certification can be recognized locally and internationally. 

Reflecting on his hopes for the participants, Program Manager Alan Schet stated, K1 Britannia has been cultivating relationships with all of these students and will provide them with support throughout the duration of the course. Our hopes for these participants is that they follow through and complete this training, pursue further qualifications so that they can make themselves available for opportunities within the related field.

The K1 Britannia Foundation would like to thank Holland America Line, The Dutch Disaster Fund, Menzies Aviation, NIPA and MIC for making this vision a reality. For more information about K1 Britannia Foundation and its Second Chance Program, visit their website www.k1britanniafoundation.org, their Facebook www.facebook.com/k1sxm, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +(1)721-543-3332.
New York: The story was a mere four sentences long, published on a website that few outside the furthest fringes of the US right had previously encountered.

Yet those 64 words  and one explosive photograph  have sparked one of the biggest recent scandals in American politics and threaten to end the career of the Democratic governor of one of the country's most populous states.

The "blackface" scandal enveloping Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has proved a triumph for Big League Politics, a scrappy upstart website led by a former reporter from the pro-Trump website Breitbart.

On Friday the site published a story stating that Northam had "posed for a blackface photograph" while in college.

The story was accompanied by an image of Northam's college yearbook showing a man in blackface posing alongside someone in a Ku Klux Klan robe.
Rose Ann Hlavka came home to the modest brick apartment building just north west of Portland, Oregon about 10pm expecting to find her 20-year-old sister, Anna Marie. The siblings not only shared a home but they both worked at a nearby McDonald's, where Anna Marie Hlavka had finished a few hours earlier.

But her sister didn't answer when Rose Ann opened the door and called her name on that night, July 24, 1979. She soon discovered why: Anna Marie was sprawled dead in the bedroom. She had been strangled and sexually assaulted.

Anna Marie Hlavka was found murdered in Portland, Oregon in 1979. DNA evidence has now identified her killer as Jerry "Animal" McFadden, who was executed in Texas in 1999. Credit:Portland Police Bureau

For four decades, Portland police were baffled by the brutal crime against the young woman with flowing brown locks and a bright smile. Blood samples were analysed. Polygraphs were administered. Suspects were grilled and released. The case went cold - that is, until last week.

Portland police announced on Thursday that improbably intact DNA saved from under Anna Marie's fingernails had at last pinpointed her killer, a man police had never suspected: Jerry "Animal" McFadden, a notorious serial rapist and murderer from Texas who once inspired one of the state's biggest ever manhunts.
The government eventually committed to a package of grants totalling 61 million. The promise was in response to Nissans concern that after Brexit potential future trade arrangements could affect the business case for your investments, the letter said. Anti-Brexit demonstrators outside the Houses of Parliament in London. Credit:PA At the time, the government denied it had offered Nissan any financial support. The 2016 decision to produce the X-Trail in Sunderland had been hailed by Brexiters as proof that the pre-referendum Project Fear about the consequences of Brexit had been wrong. At the end of January the British car industry reported production had fallen by more than 9 per cent in 2018.

Investment in car production in the UK had fallen by almost half on 2017 (and 80 per cent in the past five years), partly, the sectors chief body said, as a result of businesses needing to wait for certainty over the future UK-EU relationship. Ralf Speth, head of Jaguar Land Rover, has said a no-deal Brexit would mean its factories could shudder to a halt and result in tens of thousands of job losses. We depend on free, frictionless, seamless logistics (in EU trade), he said. A pro-Brexit supporter, left, and a remain supporter near the Parliament in London. Credit:AP On Monday there was little sign of progress on Prime Minister Theresa Mays latest tactic, narrowly endorsed by the House of Commons last week, to attempt to renegotiate the Brexit divorce deal she agreed with Brussels last year.

A group of MPs met the European Commissions secretary-general Martin Selmayr, and some said afterwards they believed Brussels was ready to consider a new legally binding agreement covering the contentious issue of the Northern Ireland "backstop", a post-Brexit insurance policy to keep the border open by putting the entire UK in a customs union with the EU. But Selmayr then tweeted that on the EU side nobody is considering [changing the backstop], and added the EU did well to start its no-deal preparations in December 2017. UK Prime Minister Theresa May. Credit:Bloomberg Commission spokeswoman Mina Andreeva later said the Commission was always open to listen in full respect of national parliaments. She referred to a speech last week by president Jean-Claude Juncker, who said he would stay in close contact with May and I will listen to her ideas  but reiterated that the already-negotiated Withdrawal Agreement was the best and only deal possible.

German chancellor Angela Merkel appeared to offer a lifeline in a speech in Japan, where she referred to the need to be creative and listen to each other in finding ways to preserve Europes single market while meeting the need for no border controls in Ireland. Loading However she was talking about the yet-to-be-negotiated future trade relationship between the EU and UK, and ruled out changes to the divorce deal. Meanwhile bad news Brexit stories continue to pile up. The Guardian reported on the weekend that government officials were concerned about an end to the export of waste in a no-deal Brexit, predicting that odours will obviously be an issue as the stockpiled waste putrefies.

The Times on Monday revealed that companies were scaling back their plans for spending and hiring more ferociously then at any time since the 2008-9 financial crisis amid uncertainty over Brexit. The same newspaper reported that critical government IT systems were dangerously exposed to a no-deal Brexit. Remainers rally last week. Credit:Bloomberg One example was the National Health Services blood and transplant system, which stores personal data on a computer network in Ireland that it may not be able to access without a Brexit withdrawal agreement. On Sunday Minette Batters, president of the National Farmers Union, said a no-deal Brexit would be absolutely savage for us, destroying farmers livelihoods and putting food-buying customers at risk. She also pointed out that 90 per cent of animal vaccines were made in the EU.

Recently Sony and Panasonic announced they were relocating their European headquarters to the Netherlands Sony said the move was due to concerns over Brexit-related disruption, though it added it had no short-term plans to move people or business functions. Panasonic said it was due to potential tax problems created by Brexit. Toyota and Honda are halting some UK production temporarily at the end of March due to concerns about what Honda called logistics and border issues. And a week and a half ago Airbus chief executive Tom Enders issued a video message warning Please dont listen to the Brexiteers madness, which asserts that because we have huge plants here we will not move and we will always be here. They are wrong. Airbus, one of the countrys biggest manufacturers, employs 14,000 people across 25 UK sites and indirectly supports many more suppliers.
It became an absolute obsession, he says. Taking long trips to chase things to photograph took over all my spare time, and I surrounded myself with people I met through photography who would stand still for 20 minutes in the freezing cold just to let me take a photo of them.

Mulallys work, with its extraordinary interplay of light and landscape and carefully composed frames, began to attract acclaim. He was asked to do photography jobs for people he knew.

As these requests grew more frequent, he realised he couldnt keep taking time off from his day job. But there was only one alternative: to turn the passion into a new career.

Id always wanted to try and create a business, and I thought; if I don't do it now, when will I? he says.

Before taking the plunge, Mulally gathered valuable information from others whod taken the same path. One of the most amazing things about social media is the community aspect, he says. Id ask other photographers how they did it, whether they could support a family, was it a side hustle or full time? And I found many people were prepared to share their journey with me.

He also realised that he was already set up with the right equipment to be a traveling photographer. Hed added a full-size camera and a drone to his kit, but the most essential item would still be the mobile phone that started it all. I can run my whole business via a phone and an Internet connection, he says.

In November 2015, Mulally resigned from his job. The response from his boss was a pleasant surprise.

He said that I was brave, and that he had a few dreams of his own he hadnt chased in his life that hed always wondered about. That felt very reassuring.

Others werent so enlightened. Most people thought I was giving up quite a cruisey IT job to pursue this unknown new career. There werent that many people around me telling me it was a good idea.

But they were proved wrong. In the ensuing three years, Mulally has been consistently hired by major clients, shooting in exotic locations, from the Australian outback to Laos, India and Vanuatu. He has more than 65.2k Instagram followers.

He says his Samsung Note9 and S9+ allow him both creative and physical freedom to do his best work.

When you go down the path of professional photography, you cant have equipment that lets you down, he says. You need to be able to deliver results when youre somewhere really far away, where you cant just go to a shop and buy extra gear.

He adds: My Samsung phone is such a vital tool now that I take two with me; they can keep in touch with the outside world, fly my drone, capture images and content, do mapping. You can even use the phone, especially the Note9, as a laptop replacement with the option to connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and monitor via HDMI cable. They are my mobile office, and as a traveling working photographer these flexible functions are not just gimmicky, but fundamental to my workflow.

As technology continues to progress, Mulally anticipates shooting more on his phones. As phones continue to improve, I feel like Im going back to my roots, just taking pictures with these smaller, lightweight, all-in-one creation tools.

Meanwhile, this free spirit says that going solo was the best decision hes ever made. I think you should have no regrets. You have to challenge yourself, and push yourself to the edge of your comfort zone. Its something you should do in all areas. Whether its work or moving to a new country or jumping out of a plane, thats what makes us grow.
One of the key messages of Smart Skills, she says, is that STEM is part of just about everything we do. One of our main focuses is to shift that traditional feeling towards science, engineering and maths, where people might be afraid of it or feel its not for them, she says. We can really highlight that 21st century skills like critical thinking and problem solving abilities can really move across all fields and transfer to other areas where their passions may lie.

The smart skills workshop at Questacon.

Australias STEM skill gap has been a national priority for some time now. A key factor is that many young Australians are unable to make a clear connection between STEM subjects and their dream jobs. As a result, they can become disengaged from STEM as early as primary school.

Alongside the Smart Skills initiative, Samsung in collaboration with Questacon, ran the This is a STEM Job national innovation competition, designed to show young Australians how STEM skills play a key role in some of the most exciting and creative jobs out there  including future roles that may not yet even exist. The competition challenged young people in the areas of music, surfboard design and fashion.

This is a STEM Job and the Smart Skills initiative are busting old stereotypes of sterile laboratories and stuffy boffins. Theyre run by dynamic, passionate experts armed with tech that really brings their message to life.

Sarah Simmonds recalls delivering a workshop in New England and Armidale, in which the kids were challenged to design and build their own roller coaster. The session began with the students experiencing a real roller coaster through Samsungs virtual reality technology. Energised by that thrill, students threw themselves into the task, she says, and some of the unlikeliest students shone brightest. Two boys, whod often been boisterous and disruptive in class, proved themselves a pair of gifted innovators.

They asked for permission to use the second storey of the hall, creating a zipline concept for their construction, says Simmonds. We gave them some extra tools from our bag of tricks to help them make their invention more of a reality. They didn't want to stop  and that enthusiasm was contagious for everyone in the room.

The boys invention was excellent, but the result is secondary to the process, says Simmonds. If it works, that's a bonus, but if it doesn't work theyve had the opportunity to display their idea and use their innovation as a tool for communication. We want to emphasise how valuable their idea is.

With many teachers equally inspired by the Smart Skills workshops, Simmonds believes theyre facilitating a significant shift in perceptions around STEM. I really do think its helping. We are blurring those lines and showing these are really transferable skills. Its wonderful if some kids are inspired to work in traditional STEM fields but were delighted if after the workshop a student says: wow, I really love fashion, and I can see how these creative and problem-solving skills apply to my passion.

Meanwhile, she hopes the entire Questacon Smart Skills Initiative, which also includes Questacons Maker Project workshops, Questacon Invention Convention and Enterprising Australians exhibition, continue to grow.

We are so excited to be a part of it and to share what we do. We all love our jobs so much and every one of us really cares about that mission to demystify STEM and make it an accessible and exciting adventure.
"Strategically, they then dumped portions of that information out, either directly through websites they controlled like dcleaks.com, which they created, or Wikileaks as a proxy." Foreign governments would then 'amplify' damaging information through social media. "This was mainly the internet trolling, the troll farms, internet research agencies and the like, creating thousands of fake accounts, imitating Americans, pretending to be Americans, and then using those accounts to push out information that seemed harmless, but then woven into that was information that served their interest," Mr Nehring said. What's the end game? Mr Nehring said the object of these operations during the last US presidential campaign was to create the "the maximum dysfunctional division within our country because that gives them breathing room, an operational space".

This means that voters and politicians are distracted while foreign governments  in this case Russia  can act against the US government's interests. "On May 21, 2016, the Russian troll farms organised a pro-Islam rally and an anti-Islam rally both in front of the Islamic Centre in Houston, Texas, for the same day, same time, same place with the obvious intent of trying to create bloodshed," Mr Nehring said. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video "If we were entirely consumed with a police shooting, and arguments about Sharia law, and whatever else, we are distracted from being able to focus our attentions on them. "And that's where the need comes to raise awareness about what's going on."

Is Australia at risk? Foreign influence campaigns are still under way, according to Mr Nehring, and Australia is in the firing line. "Whether it's the Russians or anyone else, a new field of asymmetrical warfare is being pioneered," he said. "Political parties, activists and voters have to be conscious of what they are seeing on social media and they need to be more skeptical of sensationalistic claims that are being made, especially in areas that have a higher emotional content, to do with race, ethnicity, and religion," he said. "They don't talk about taxes or trade or regulation, they go for these highly emotional issues like around Australia Day.

"That is exactly the type of issue these folks would drive, because it turns people inward, they get very emotional and they get worked up." In the US, foreign internet trolls had started phony separatist campaigns in Texas and California which people had begun to treat as serious issues. Loading "These foreign intelligence services, these aren't dumb people, these are people who understand where the divide lines are in our society," Mr Nehring said. "Columbus Day in the United States has the same type of back and forth as Australia Day.

"They know where the seams are in our society and they want to tug at that as much as they can." Beware the dubious and politically emotional "We need people to be aware that maybe that thing you're sharing on the internet, that's so outrageous, maybe we should take a look as to what the source is," Mr Nehring said "Is it coming from a legitimate news outlet or is it coming from breakingnewsnow.com or some nonsensical site? "All of our candidates and political parties should be aware and monitoring what's happening on social media and look for patterns that are odd."
Two of Melbournes busiest freeways will receive $100 million from the Commonwealth to ease congestion as the Morrison government moves to claw back political ground in Victoria before the election.

The federal government will provide $50 million each for upgrades including extra lanes on the Hume and Calder freeways, both of which have become increasingly congested as the population in Melbournes north and west soars.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Melbourne. Credit:Erik Anderson

The Morrison governments move to bolster its infrastructure credentials in Melbourne comes as Victorian Liberals are still reeling from their devastating state election loss in November. Several Victorian Liberal-held seats are considered vulnerable at the next federal election.

The Andrews government has frequently clashed with the Commonwealth over infrastructure funding, pointing to figures that show Victoria is getting far less than other states despite its rapidly growing population.
Introducing a bill of human rights in Queensland could open the floodgates to frivolous complaints, LNP members have argued.

In October, Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath introduced the long-awaited human rights bill, which will enshrine 23 human rights, such as freedom of expression and a right to education.

The human rights bill being considered in Queensland includes a right to education. Credit:Martin Hunter

Australia does not have a national bill of rights like the US, but Victoria and the ACT have introduced human rights laws.

The Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee has recommended the Queensland bill be passed.
A high-profile fund manager leading an assault against Labor's changes to franking credits once boasted about using a taxpayer-funded inquiry to maximise the chances of defeating the policy.

In an audio recording obtained by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, veteran fund manager Geoff Wilson claims he contacted Liberal MP Tim Wilson to ask for parliamentary hearings into Labor's proposed changes to be scheduled at the same time as of one his own six-monthly investor roadshows.

Geoff Wilson, left, and Liberal MP Tim Wilson, right, are related. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer/Alex Ellinghausen

Tim Wilson, who is chairing the probe into Bill Shorten's plan to rein in franking credits, is also an investor in funds run by Wilson Asset Management, a firm founded and chaired by Geoff Wilson with $3 billion in funds under management.

The MP has disclosed the shareholding in the parliamentary register but has not declared it during public hearings around Australia. That is a departure from a standard set by Liberal MP David Coleman, who regularly declared his interests in a financial services firm during a recent banking inquiry.
Super funds that employees begin their working lives with, particularly in the hospitality and retail sector, are set for a multibillion-dollar bonanza under the recommendation of the banking royal commission.

The move, which has also been backed by the Productivity Commission and given the in-principle support of both the Morrison government and the Labor opposition, would see employees defaulted once to a super fund, and stay in that fund throughout their working lives as they travel to different jobs.

This shift, aimed at preventing the creation of additional small super accounts every time workers change jobs, would be a boon for the likes of Rest super, the standard fund for more than 1 million retail workers and the $33 billion Hostplus fund, the default for many hospitality workers.

Hospitality fund Hostplus is among the funds that could secure new workers.

But regulators remain concerned that without quality safeguards - not explicitly addressed by the royal commission in its final report - some workers will be put into dud funds that could be listed as a default for a particular industry, leaving them up to $180,000 worse off by the time they retire if they choose not to change funds themselves.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has ruled out calling a snap election if his government suffers a humiliating defeat on the floor of Parliament on what he called a "stupid" bill on refugees.

In doing so he dismissed speculation the government could use Labor's support for the bill to go immediately to an election it would frame as a referendum on strong border protection.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, pictured in Townsville on Tuesday, ruled out a snap election over the refugee vote. Credit:AAP

The bill, which has already passed the Senate, is likely to go to a vote in the lower house next week if the opposition and the crossbench can lock in enough votes to seize control of the parliamentary agenda.

If the government then lost the substantive vote and the bill passed into law, it would be the first time since 1929 that a sitting government has lost a vote on legislation.
The nations pre-eminent science agency has cast doubt on the environmental benefits claimed under the Morrison governments main climate policy, raising concerns Australia is overstating its contribution to the fight against global warming.

Despite concerns over the scheme, known as the emissions reduction fund, there is speculation it will receive a federal budget cash injection of up to $1 billion over three years as the government seeks to neutralise claims it is failing to address dangerous climate change.

The emissions reduction fund was introduced by the Abbott government in 2014 after it abolished Labors so-called carbon tax. The measure remains the flagship climate policy under Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The CSIRO and the NSW Department of Primary Industries raised concern that the Emissions Reduction Fund may be claiming carbon abatement that would have occurred anyway.

The $2.55 billion fund, part of the governments Direct Action plan, pays businesses, landowners and others to carry out projects that reduce carbon emissions, or capture and store carbon that already exists in the atmosphere. About $226 million remains in the fund.
Iconic Perth records store, 78 Records, will close after 47 years in business.

In a statement to customers on Monday, Andrew de Lang said it was with regret the music institution would cease trading on March 3, 2019.

78 Records has announced it will close in March. Credit:78 Records

"This decision is due to the current economic and retail climate, with a substantial increase in streaming services at the expense of physical products," he said.

"We thank all our customers, past and present, for their patronage; indeed we have enjoyed those 47 years of commitment and devotion to the cause of music.
Following the fire, Melbourne City Council's building surveyor issued an emergency order that said the building could not be occupied for 48 hours, but this was extended on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities have given no firm indication on when residents will be able to return home. However, a message sent to residents from the owners' corporation general manager Ablo Jalloh on Tuesday told residents seek to alternative accommodation for at least the next two nights and they will be reimbursed. Japanese international students Mitu Ota, 21, Chihiro Nakayama, 31 and Seira Miyabe, 26, were sleeping inside an apartment on the 25th floor when the fire broke out. They've been told their apartment was severely damaged in the blaze and they have been given no indication of when they will be able to return home.

"It's been really hard because we don't even know how much our things were damaged," Ms Miyabe said. "Some of us had our laptops and cameras were the floor so we are worried about our belongings, but also about our studies as we have assignments due." The three students are staying at a hotel across the road from the apartment complex. Japanese international students Mitu Ota, 21, Chihiro Nakayama, 31 and Seira Miyabe, 26, were sleeping inside an apartment on the 25th floor when the fire broke out. International student Khulood Al Hamhami said she woke to the sound of a fire alarm blaring in the early hours of Monday morning. "I went out onto the balcony and I could see black smoke everywhere and it just filled the apartment," the 23-year-old from Oman said.

Ms Al Hamhami, who studies at Swinburne University, said she and three other international students who also live in the tower had been sleeping on the floor in the loungeroom of their friend's apartment nearby. "I have lived in this apartment for four years and there have been so many fire evacuations in that time," Ms Hamhami said. Investigators believe the fire's likely cause was a discarded cigarette that ignited combustible materials stored on the balcony. The council confirmed on Tuesday it was also investigating issues of overcrowding in the apartment building after an inspection discovered that some apartments had more beds than deemed appropriate. Residents outside the apartment tower on Monday morning. Credit:Jason South

A council inspection found the fire affected "essential safety measures" of the building, including the sprinkler system and fire alarms. Some residents were allowed to return to the building briefly to collect vital possessions on Monday night and they had brief access again on Tuesday, the council said in a statement. Investigators say several apartments of the floors ravaged by the fire have been significantly affected by fire and water damage. There has also been extensive damage to the floors above and below. An emergency relief centre has been reopened at the Melbourne Town Hall to support those affected.

Residents told The Age on Monday that balconies were often crowded with possessions and the problem was hard to police. "It's private property, you can't just go into private property," one resident said. "The council can check for overcrowding but they have to give warning ... We know we have had beds in the stairwell [in the past]." The tower has a history of fires and overcrowding.

A fire broke out at the apartment block as recently as last year. Neo200 was also hit by fire on New Year's Eve 2015 shortly after it emerged it had harboured illegal rooming houses, with living rooms rented to tenants as sleeping spaces. Residents were told a towel or some kind of rubbish had been left on a balcony air-conditioning unit, sparking the blaze. Almost 30 firefighters fought the blaze on the 29th floor in 2015. It did not spread to other levels, but the the 29th floor was left with extensive water damage.

The Neo200 apartment complex has cladding material on its balconies similar to that used on London's Grenfell Tower, where 72 people died in a fire in 2017. But it was deemed safe to occupy after an audit prompted by the Lacrosse tower fire in Docklands in 2014. LU Simon, the builder of the Spencer Street tower, also built the Lacrosse building. The Neo200 tower was rated a "moderate risk" in a statewide audit of buildings with combustible cladding that followed the Lacrosse fire. The moderate rating means the tower is not a high priority for replacement work.
The sister of gangland widow Roberta Williams is set to fight charges she stole $35,000 in luggage from Melbourne Airport carousels, and claims she has been unfairly treated by police.

Police allege Michelle Kaye Mercieca repeatedly stole luggage from the airport between October 2017 and September last year, when she was arrested by police who had CCTV footage of a woman grabbing bags from a carousel at Tullamarine.

Michelle Mercieca says she's been mistreated by police. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

Police later found seven suitcases at her Kings Park home.

Ms Mercieca, 51, who faces 19 charges of theft, fronted Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on Tuesday, when her case was adjourned to a contest mention next month.
3AW is reporting the Monash Freeway has been closed inbound around Blackburn Road, after a motorcycle collided with a truck.

Drivers are advised to use the Princes Highway.

Emergency service are currently on route to the scene.
When Melbourne sex worker "Rica" befriended an elderly client whose wife was dying, she did so out of kindness to a lonely old man.

Rica began visiting Domenico Natale, now 89, at his home after his wife died of cancer.

Domenico Natale outside court before an earlier hearing. Credit:AAP

But Natale formed an attachment that soon turned into stalking  waiting for Rica at the tram stop, walking her to work at Brunswick's Romantics Brothel and inundating her with texts and calls.

She told him to stop.
Four days before Christmas, the NSW government announced a contract with Lendlease for the new Victoria Cross metro station in North Sydney and a "landmark building above it".

This appears to mean that Lendlease will pay a relatively modest $200 million for a large site compulsorily acquired by Sydney Metro. On this they will build by far the largest building in North Sydney  also the most wind swept, with the largest shadows  while incorporating an entrance and services for the station beneath Miller Street.

The development slated for Victoria Cross station in North Sydney.

It certainly means that North Sydney will be "transformed". All of its current defects  congestion, lack of civic space and functions, cold windy streets  will be made worse.

Any long-term strategy to make North Sydney a real city centre, a centre of public life for the region, will be stopped dead.
Irene Lane was born on October 10, 1931, the last of seven children, to Margaret (nee Quirk) and Denis Lane. Her father, born in Kerry, was a well-known athlete before he migrated to Australia; he later represented Australia at the Empire Games. He became an inspector and magistrate in the NSW Police Force.

She was much influenced by the Trappist monk, Thomas Merton, whose work she was introduced to in her early thirties by (then Christian Brother) Brian Keogh. Brian, who later became a monk, and the Cistercian community at Tarrawarra were integral to her life.

She was passionate about Australian literature, committed to helping others realise their potential, and worked towards achieving a spiritual wholeness that would help her work for good in the world.

Anyone in the literary community who had dealings with the Literature Board of the Australia Council between 1976-1996 knew  and rejoiced in knowing  Irene Stevens. The Literature Board was pivotal to the development of Australian literature and Stevens, who helped develop its policies and, over time, managed all its grant programs, was pivotal to its work.

Irene was educated at St Michaels Convent, Stanmore, resisted her fathers urging to go to university, and chose instead to go to Chartres Business College. She embarked on a life fairly typical for a woman of her time. She resigned from her secretarial job when she married John Stevens, 14 years her senior, in 1954, and moved with him to Brisbane where he took up a position as sales manager for 4BC. They returned to Sydney in 1956 when John joined 2UE; Irene, who was bringing up their two sons, worked part-time.

In 1969, they decided to try something different  running the Club Hotel at Campbelltown. Over her five years as a publicans wife, she acquired a new set of skills, but she and John also developed their spiritual lives, principally through the Kelly Camp Weekend Retreats, organised by Br Jim Kelly, originally for parents whose sons were at Christian Brothers schools. These camps, and spiritual renewal retreats helped deepen and mature her spirituality.

By the time sons were in secondary school, Irene was wondering what she should do with the rest of her life. She read Brians Wife, Jennys Mum and decided it was time to develop her own identity.

Her oldest sister prompted her to take up full-time work, which she did, as a secretary with the Community Arts Program at the Australia Council. Then a teacher-friend challenged her to go to university.

In 1976, a watershed year, Stevens started a part-time BA at Macquarie University and was inveigled by Michael Costigan to transfer over to the Literature Board, of which he was director. Irene was the first, and possibly the only, person to have started as a steno-secretary and ended up as manager of a national art form funding body. Unlike many husbands who could not cope with womens liberation, John was immensely proud of Irenes academic achievements and her burgeoning career in arts administration.
A joint US-Australian investigation has led to the arrest of an 18-year-old Arizona man accused of sexually extorting two NSW girls with "inappropriate" photos.

Authorities believe there could be more victims.

Arizona resident Kai Ranaglia-Nelson, 18, is accused of sexually extorting two NSW girls with "inappropriate" photos. Credit:Pinal County Sheriffs

The alleged extortion began after Kai Ranaglia-Nelson, of Coolidge, Arizona, and the 13-year-old and 14-year-old Australian girls exchanged inappropriate images of themselves online.

Ranaglia-Nelson then threatened to post the girls' photos online if they did not continue sending new images of themselves to him, Arizona's Pinal County Sheriff's Office said.
Former deputy tax commissioner Michael Cranston held a private meeting in his Sydney office with his son Adam and his sons business partner and lawyer Dev Menon, but says he did nothing wrong because they didnt discuss specific tax matters only hypotheticals and generics.

Michael Cranston arrives at the Downing Centre Local Courts this week. Credit:Peter Rae

Mr Cranston was giving evidence for a second day in the District Court where he is on trial accused of acting on the wishes of his son, Adam Michael Cranston, when he contacted a subordinate to arrange an urgent meeting between tax office investigators and Plutus Payroll.

He is facing charges of obtaining information in his capacity at the ATO with the intention of dishonestly obtaining a benefit for his son; and with exercising his influence in his capacity as a deputy commissioner of taxation with the intention of dishonestly obtaining a benefit.

Mr Cranston told the court on Tuesday how he told tax office colleagues about the problems faced by his son and business partners because he was troubled by how tax officers may have applied the law.
Investigators have raided five boats owned by All Occasion Cruises, the owner of the Lady Rose commercial vessel where a 39-year-old woman was found dead in a toilet cubicle at the weekend.

Officers on Tuesday examined "sewage disposal" on the vessels at Blackwattle Bay Marine after the weekend tragedy in which Berowra woman Shalina Abdul Hussien was overcome by hydrogen sulphide while in a confined toilet cubicle.

HAZMAT and RMS officers with staff and co-director of All Occasions Cruises Rosie Elias. Credit:Lucy Cormack

Owner of All Occasion Cruises Joe Elias was seen driving his white four-wheel-drive up and down Pyrmont's Bank Street during the raid, while his wife and co-owner of the business Rosie Elias appeared distressed, speaking with police and officers near the company's office at the marine.

One of the biggest players on Sydney's cruise boat scene, Mr Elias is well known for his fleet of popular party boats, which regularly plays host to school formal after parties, weddings and hens and bucks nights tied to his floating strip joint venture Wild Boys Afloat.
The Commissioner criticised ASIC and APRA for their inaction regarding law breakers. The same criticism now applies to the Prime Minister and Treasurer for their inaction with ASIC and APRA. No one in these organisations has been fired or even demoted. - Tony Lyons, Lithgow The politicians and senior bureaucrats must ignore the lobbyists and implement all of Commissioner Hayne's recommendations as he intended. - Graham Hansen, Denistone Much will be written about the commission, but maybe more of the spotlight should be on ASIC and other regulators, and why they accept "gifts". It is extraordinary that this practice exists and that no one is being brought to account. Is this why ASIC and others have been soft on the banks? - Chris Hinkley, Glebe It is appropriate that it is the year of the pig. For all those who think the Hayne report will bring about lasting change in the banking and investment industries: pigs might fly. - DArcy Hardy, North Turramurra

They are just bush rangers in suits. And they have robbed the poor to benefit the already rich. - Greg Vale, Kiama

The Treasurer has announced the government will legislate measures to address all 76 recommendations of the commission. But before the next elections there are only seven scheduled sitting days.. How can legislation now be researched, drawn up, discussed and passed in both houses in just seven sittings in the next two weeks? - Renato Sburlati, Sans Souci We owe Commissioner Hayne and Rowena Orr a heartfelt thank you for the hard work and intelligence they have both used in working through what must have been a massive and complicated task. - Christine Stewart, Glebe Happy to pay pension price if it creates a fairer society There are pensioners, like myself, who consider themselves well off enough ("Labor will live to regret unfair retirement tax policy", February 5). We have more than enough and support the Labor tax plan to take away some of our entitlements, totally unnecessary installed by John Howard when he squandered budget surpluses for buying votes.

There is so much inequality between our generation, who had everything working for us, and the next generations. Greed by pensioners is not the answer to our problems. Did Geoff Wilson learn anything from the royal commission? - Servaas van Beekum, Bondi Beach As an asset management company CEO, Geoff Wilson would have a vested interest in Labor not being elected. If the wealthy lobby clamouring to maintain this form of outrageous middle-class welfare succeeds, then all Australia might live to regret a crucial reform again being stymied by greed. I hope Labor sticks to this major, grand-fathered, overdue tax reform. It will release large amounts of taxpayers' hard-earned for expenditure in areas which improve national wellbeing. - Ron Sinclair, Bathurst Wilson states that Labor's proposed change to dividend imputation will reintroduce double taxation, which is not correct. There are two ways to avoid the double taxation of company profit in the hands of shareholders. The first, which was introduced by the Hawke-Keating Labor government, is to apply company tax only.

The second was put in place by the Howard-Costello government, and is the current Coalition government's policy. It is to apply income tax only. Labor's proposal is equivalent to the payment of company tax. It avoids double taxation, but it is less generous than the current policy. In some cases, it is significantly less generous. For shareholders with no other source of income, the proposed change is unfair and regressive. - Roger Tonkin, Newtown Wilson is worried the low-income earners and modest retirees will be badly affected by the ALP policy. Low-income earners are those receiving Centrelink pensions or part pensions to supplement their superannuation. These people will keep their franking credits which means they will not be disadvantaged. Those who will lose the extra income, and I am one of them, have been excluded from the part pension. My good advice was not to rely on a tax loophole to make a living. I am happy to forgo the franking credit if it means a change of government with the billions saved being directed to health and education. - Robyn Lewis, Raglan Am I the only one who agrees with the fairness of Labor's franking credit policy in spite of losing some income as a result? - Bill Forbes, Kippaxs Word of warning

It's rather early to be voting for the 2019 word of the year, but I'd like to nominate "unprecedented". - Ruth Barcan, Berowra Heights Population pegs it There was only one murder in the episode of Midsomer Murders your correspondent watched because everyone else in that sleepy hamlet is already dead. - Tracey Schreier, Vaucluse Bowled over by Origin We already have our own Super Bowl, albeit mercifully without a lot of the US razzmatazz, in State of Origin ("Super Bowl was great - but you can keep it", February 5). Rugby league is largely a domestic Australian sport, and State of Origin its "showpiece event". - Bob Guy, Cootamundra

Libs take left turn Perhaps the left-hand drive vehicles that your correspondent so keenly observed were a metaphor for the government attempting to distance itself from the far right in the party (Letters, February 5). Or perhaps the film was just back-to-front representing the disarray of the government. - Richard Tainsh, Potts Point Illustration: Cathy Wilcox Credit: Toon strikes chord Cathy Wilcox for Poet Laureate (Editorial cartoon, February 5). - Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook

Boiling point for politicians who won't act on climate Thank you Ali Griffin, a Black Saturday survivor, for probably the most profound thing I have read for years when you stated: "Any politician without a serious plan to tackle climate change is not fit to hold office" ("Former fire chief unloads on politicians over climate change inaction", February 5). Imagine what could happen in Australia if every voter adopted this mantra for all three tiers of government. - Jim Veness, Coffs Harbour Thousands of dead bats in extreme heat. Thousands of dead fish in toxic rivers. Climate change is here and I will vote for anyone willing to try to do something about it. - Anne Bryant, Artarmon Heritage forests in Tasmania are burning, unprecedented monsoonal floods are inundating Townsville, and the Murray-Darling river is full of dead fish and turtles.

Thought we might hear something, anything at all, from the federal Minister for the Environment, Melissa Price. Some leadership perhaps? Nothing. Just nothing. - Josie McSkimming, Coogee Same dam problem The flood waters in Northern Queensland have been the focus of a number of your correspondents (Letters, February 5). Before NSW residents start thinking about this water, they should remember the water in Townsville is totally separate from any river system feeding northern NSW. The Ross River dam is small by comparison with dams in NSW. From my understanding, the rivers feeding the Ross River Dam are even more seasonal than the Darling system. In other words, if it's a poor wet season there is very little inflow.

If a pipeline were to be built who would pay for it? My guess is the people of NSW - and I am not prepared to pay. - Michael Hayden, Kiama Downs I am confused. People are angry about the withdrawal of water from the delicate ecosystem of the Murray-Darling Basin and it's ensuing environmental impacts, yet some corespondents are suggesting we solve the issue by taking water from another ecosystem in Northern Queensland. Surely, that is just more of the same, just a shift in location. - John Mizon, Collaroy Standing in for experts Your correspondent's idea of standing committees using all available evidence to make recommendations used to exist as government departments (Letters, February 5).

They were staffed by public servants who fearlessly made recommendations based on the expert application of legislation, policy and procedure to finance, education environment, mass transport; indeed, to all areas of government. That is until they were emasculated by governments wanting direct power. - Peter Butler, Wyongah PM's cruelty continues Scott Morrison continues his long-running tawdry politics and cruel policies towards refugees on Manus and Nauru ("PM issues refugees warning if bill passes", February 5). Does he agree with Tony Abbott's statement? "I have a lot of respect for the medical profession but we all know that doctors always err on the side of compassion". Both devout men have a serious empathy deficit. - Tony Simons, Balmain

The PM's assertion that passing Kerryn Phelps' bill would see hundreds of single males transferred from Manus and Nauru in a matter of weeks must mean those people need medical attention which cannot currently be provided to them. How much longer will we tolerate this inhumane treatment being meted out in our name? - Allen Clark, Mt Kembla Hope for koala plan Let's hope this comprehensive koala management plan they're talking about is more effective than the Murray-Darling Basin management plan ("Koala protection corridor in Premier's election pledge", February 5). - Meredith Williams, Dee Why ABC trio lacking Australians revere and trust our ABC ("PM handed shortlist of three for top ABC role", February 5). We trust their news, integrity and commitment to the national good a thousandfold more than we respect and trust our politicians.

The shortlist for the ABC chair is completely unacceptable to the public: Greg Hywood, who fought tooth and nail against the national broadcaster's brilliant array of online programs; a lawyer, Danny Gilbert, also a former director of the NAB, the bank excoriated by Commissioner Kenneth Haynes in his royal commission report, and another lawyer, Michael Rose. Where is the media experience with a track record of integrity and commitment to the national good in this list? Bring on the election so Australians can get this destructive, wilfully blind government out of office. - Sue Lubbers, Killara Right to publish James Curran's article has clarified the issue ("Can a publishing house divided stand?" February 5). Melbourne University Press intends to solely focus on publishing books for academics and university students. This makes sense, given the majority of book publishers in Australia (and there are quite a few) would not even consider publishing those books - "No money in it".

Of course, budding authors can approach the other publishers to publish their books. If they won't, then why should MUP? And thus MUP's justification can be stoutly defended, around all sides of the argument. - Pasquale Vartuli, Wahroonga Vaping in spotlight Colin Mendelsohn has left the AMA after 30 years of membership because it opposes vaping ("Why I quite the AMA over pill-testing hypocrisy", February 4). Well, I've just joined after 30 years of non-membership for the same reason. I spent 20 years fighting the tobacco industry and an overwhelming percentage of people who quit did so cold turkey because we showed smoking for what it was; silly, smelly and socially unacceptable. Historically, the various nicotine substitutes have made precious little difference to the smoking rate despite furious marketing efforts.
The former leader of a vocal anti-Islamic group pleaded with a magistrate not to release footage of him attacking an 'Uber-driver' neighbour with a two-year-old watching on because he feared reprisals from "members of the left wing."

A previous figure at right-wing rallies, Ralph Cerminara stepped down from the leadership of the Australian Defence League after he was put behind bars for inciting a brawl in Lakemba, in Sydney's south-west, in December 2014.

But on March 24 last year Cerminara, 40, roused from the quiet life in a disturbing, sustained assault in which he publicly attacked a neighbour and threatened another in the mistaken belief a resident of his Marrickville apartment block had scratched his car.

A video aired in court showed Cerminara repeatedly shoving the neighbour and yelling at him to "stop f---ing touching my f---ing car."
Downer would be swamped with high-density housing under an ACT government planning strategy which "unreasonably" targets the inner-north suburb, a public meeting has heard.

More than 100 residents packed a Downer Community Association meeting on Monday night amid growing fears the government's new urban infill offensive could dramatically reshape their leafy neighbourhood.

Downer residents Miles Boak, Steve Dyer, Suzanne Pitson, Geoff and Kate Francis, Jessica Wade and Sue Dyer are concerned about a new ACT planning strategy which proposes to increase housing density in the suburb Credit:Karleen Minney

Some locals were forced to sit on the floor as the crowd spilt out of Downer Community Centre during the hour-long meeting, which the association convened to gauge community views on the strategy ahead of a scheduled meeting with planning minister Mick Gentleman on Wednesday.

The association resolved to start developing an alternative Downer masterplan to pitch to the government, focused on modest infill and upgrades to parks, playgrounds and other "social infrastructure".
A man described by a judge as an "unquestionably amateur robber" has been jailed for at least two years for a bungled attempt at stealing from a drive-through restaurant.

Merlin Jarred Beattie, 28, pulled up to the Griffith McDonald's in a stolen car on June 15, 2017, while his passenger threatened the cashier with a gun and demanded cash.

But the quick thinking cashier simply closed the window.

The man was found guilty of a botched McDonald's robbery. Credit:Glenn Campbell

Beattie pleaded not guilty to attempted aggravated robbery in company and driving a stolen car but a jury later found him guilty.
Canberra prison detainee Isa Islam's hunger strike could extend for some weeks to come if he refuses food or medical treatment but continues to drink water, according to an expert on human biology.

Islam, 45, is currently in a single room, shackled to his bed frame and under close guard by ACT Corrections officers at the Canberra Hospital.

He is now beyond day 60 of the hunger strike which began in prison. He was admitted to hospital on January 10. A spokesperson for the justice department said on Tuesday his condition remained unchanged. He was still refusing to eat and no further negotiations had taken place.

Islam is serving consecutive sentences for two violent offences. In the first incident, he stabbed a neighbour and in the second, he repeatedly bashed another prison inmate.

He provided an exclusive interview to The Canberra Times last week, in which he outlined his grievances with the prison and the reasons for his hunger strike in articulate detail. No photographs or recording devices were permitted.
"That was a bit of a shock." The toll on her family has been huge, Ms Woodland said. Along with her three-year-old and 19-year-old sons, she has had to organise the sale of her mother's house in order to pay for her care. She and her husband - a "team, going into this" - are still smoothing out the bumps in their marriage as a result of the stress, and she has had to sacrifice work to help her mother. "It hasn't really helped the relationship with my mum. It's not as easy as popping in at lunch time to see her - I have to arrange time off work," Ms Woodland said. "Chances are that mum's just going to stay in Albury because she's not mobile. We're now in the position where ... she would have to be transported by car into a new place and she would not be able to do that."

Of the 830 people who entered residential care in the ACT in 2017-18, about one third did so within three months of their aged care assessment applications being approved. The median time elapsed, 301 days, is up from 228 days in 2016-17, and 185 days in 2015-16. A spokesperson for Canberra Health Services said there was no recommended time frame from application approval to when someone should enter residential care. Entry to residential care was based on bed availability, personal choice and preference - such as someone only wanting a particular suburb, or preferring a single room, the spokesperson said. Bed availability was the responsibility of the Commonwealth government rather than the ACT government, but measures had been introduced by the territory to keep Canberrans out of hospital, including delivering an orthogeriatric service to people who fractured a hip, the spokesperson said.

"Older people who have an [aged care assessment] for aged care services and are approved for any type of aged care service including residential aged care may take up that care at a time of their choosing," the spokesperson said. "The approval is simply an option for that person, and many people do not take up care immediately after being approved. "We note the report does not provide detailed analysis on the types of residential beds available in the territory, and this may influence the type of places that are available for Canberra residents." Of the 264 people who got approved for home care packages in the ACT in 2017-18, 37 per cent had their services started within three months, while about 63 per cent waited for up to nine months. A spokesperson for Canberra Health Services said these waits could also be the result of personal choice or preference.

Loading The median elapsed wait time in 2017-18 for home care packages was 164 days, but the Productivity Commission says historical data is not comparable since the "increasing choice in home care" initiative was introduced in February 2017. The initiative sees consumers allocated a package, from levels one to four, and being given a list of providers to choose from, rather than providers being allocated a certain number of levelled spots. "The time frame between someones [aged care assessment] approval and access to a home care package is determined by the national home care package queue, governed by the Commonwealth. The ACT government has no influence over Canberrans access into this program," the spokesperson said. "The national queue for home care packages commenced in February 2017 and has had an impact on access to all levels of home care packages in the ACT region."

Total federal and territory government spending on aged care services in the ACT was nearly $295 million in 2017-18, up from about $221 million in 2016-17. National government spending on aged care was about $18.4 billion in 2017-18, or $4572 per older person, which is up from about $17.6 billion in 2016-17. But ACT Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris insisted spending had dropped. "We know that the federal Liberal government has cut funding for aged care over the past two years," Ms Fitzharris said in a statement. "This has led to longer waiting times, and more needs to be done at a federal level to ensure Canberrans have access to aged care when they need it." Some Commonwealth government-funded programs have had their funding cut in the past two years, including veterans' community nursing. But overall, federal spending on aged care has increased.
A specialist unit at Bankstown Hospital could lose the privilege of training young surgeons after a junior doctor was hospitalised for exhaustion, despite repeated pleas for help.

Dr Yumiko Kadota has ignited a firestorm of outrage from surgeons and other medicos, describing her dangerous workload in the plastic and reconstructive surgery department at the south-west Sydney hospital that left her physically and mentally "broken".

Dr Yumiko Kadota gave up her ambitions of becoming a reconstructive surgeon after being worked to breaking point at Bankstown Hospital. Credit:James Brickwood

Her case has exposed the issues affecting unaccredited registrars, who are not afforded the protection of specialist colleges.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard has vowed to investigate the plight of unaccredited registrars in NSW public hospitals.
Discussing the most dangerous situations she's been in over the years, the TV reporter revealed she once found herself in an elevator with two ISIS militants.

Exelby is arguably best known for a brief stint on a now-defunct Network 10 breakfast show and a widely-reported gaffe on ABC News 24 , but she's also worked in some of the world's most war-torn countries during her career.

The former ABC television presenter told I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! campmates Dermott Brereton and Shane Crawford that she came close to death not once, but twice while stationed on the border between Syria and Turkey.

"On the Turkey-Syrian border, usually when you're doing live crosses you do it from the top of the building," she told Crawford and Brereton. "But there was a problem with the link trunk [on this particular day] so they were asking me to do it out on the street front.

"I just had this gut feeling... 'Nah, let's not go on the street today'. I saw a couple of guys hanging around and I was in a lift. They got in the lift and I got out. I ran down to the hotel and was like, 'Call the police, just call the police!' On that day, another journalist [got shot] execution style that I'd been working with."

Journalist and newsreader Natasha Exelby on 2019's I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Credit:Network 10

Exelby went on to recount another life-threatening incident that occurred not long before she moved back to Australia. In this instance, a motorcycle bomb detonated near her while she was working in Turkey.

"I felt bad about that for a long time," the journalist said. "I just got up and ran as fast as I could. I didn't check to see if other people were down or anything. I like to say that was because I was thinking of my parents. How are they going to deal with this? I can't do this to my parents.
He's not an orphan but there are times he wishes he were. His elder brother and several cousins are in jail  a circumstance his mother regards as just another business opportunity. Consequently, Zain is forced to spend much of his time scamming pills from pharmacies with fake prescriptions so she can smuggle them into the prison to sell them to the inmates.

He's precociously streetwise and impressively foul-mouthed with a certain entrepreneurial flair. "Beetroot juice is better than booze," he cries at the juice stand he runs as one of his sidelines. But he's also fiercely protective of those he cares for, and he's especially worried for his 11-year-old sister, Sahar, because his father is about to marry her off to their landlord, a local shopkeeper.

One of the most remarkable things about the film is its cast. Director Nadine Labaki, best known for Caramel, her 2007 crowd-pleaser set in a Beirut beauty salon, has used non-actors, most of whom have led lives as turbulent as those of the characters they play.

Her diminutive lead, Zain Al Rafeea, a beautiful child of terrifying aplomb and concentrated intensity, is from a family of Syrian refugees and her casting director found Haita Izam, who plays Sahar, selling chewing gum on the street because her status as the child of illegal immigrants meant that she could not go to school.

But you don't need to know any of this to feel the impact of the film's rawness and sense of urgency or to pick up the bitter sense of resignation that underpins Zain's view of the world. This is the way things work. It shouldn't be but since it is, he's going to do all he can to ensure his own survival and that of his loved ones.

He makes a poignant attempt to help Sahar conceal the fact she's started to menstruate, washing the blood off her clothes and helping her improvise pads to tuck inside her pants, but it only delays the inevitable. To her parents, she's now a woman and all Zain can do is watch in despair as she's dragged screaming from the house and taken to her new husband.
A former Sydney University deputy vice-chancellor has been appointed to the Ramsay Centre board, as negotiations continue between the centre and the university over controversial plans for a course in the Western tradition.

Professor Ann Brewer is the second woman on the Ramsay Centre's board. She accepted because she felt the course was a "highly relevant one for understanding and analysing today's world".

Professor Ann Brewer is the second woman to join the Ramsay Centre board, after Queenwood principal Elizabeth Stone. Credit:Louise Kennerley

As the dean of Newcastle University's Sydney campus, she will be the only board member to also be working at a university.

Many academics at Sydney University argue a course in Western civilisation would be "European supremacism", and there has been vocal opposition from many within the university's arts and social sciences faculty.
Top independent energy advisers were sidelined or ignored by the government as it pushed ahead with its interventionist "big stick" policies that could see it underwrite new power plants or break up large businesses.

John Pierce, the head of the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), told a Senate hearing on Tuesday that the government's had given his organisation very little time to provide any advice on the forced divestment bill.

Energy Security Board head Kerry Schott and Australian Energy Market Commission chief John Pierce faced the Senate hearing on the proposed power company forced divestment bill in Sydney on Tuesday. Credit:Kate Geraghty

Mr Pierce said the AEMC had received it at 4 pm on a Friday with expectations of a written response for the following Wednesday.

We didnt provide a written response due to the breadth of the legislation, he said.
If you think the banking royal commissions damning report means youll never again be overcharged or otherwise mistreated by a bank, youre being a bit naive. If youre hoping to witness leading bankers being dragged off to chokey, youll be waiting a while.

But if you think that, once the dust has settled, well find little has changed, you havent been paying attention.

Illustration: Simon Letch Credit:

I think well look back on this week and see it as the start of the era of re-regulation of the economy. The time it became clear our politicians were no longer willing to give big business an easy ride, to assume it would only ever act in the best interests of its customers and that nothing should ever be done to displease the big end of town, for fear this would damage the economy.

And Im talking about a lot more than banking, superannuation and insurance. Many other industries have been treating their customers or employees badly, and they too will find governments getting tough with wrongdoers.
Duncan Russell worked in banking before turning to small business, so he was keen to see the banking royal commission's final report on Monday.

His main concern was that Commissioner Kenneth Hayne would recommend further restrictions on lending to small business as, in his experience, it was already difficult enough to get finance.

"It's particularly difficult if you are looking for something not vanilla or non-property based," Mr Russell said.

Duncan Russell of International Mowers.

Mr Russell bought established business International Mowers in October. He needed a loan of $1.4 million in core debt and $400,000 in working capital to purchase the Dandenong-based business, which turns over about $8 million a year.
It has been a close run thing for the global economy over the last two months. A 17 per cent collapse in Chinese non-commodity imports in December - with a nosedive in electronics and semiconductor trade across Asia - has been graduating from ominous to potentially dangerous. Loading Mark Williams, chief Asia economist at Capital Economics, said "alarm bells" have been ringing. His proxy measure of Chinese GDP growth has dropped to 4 per cent. This is an economic slump for China and it has pulled Korea, Japan and parts of Europe into a contractionary vortex. "On some measures, industrial production in the eurozone is now deteriorating at its fastest pace since 2009," said Capital Economics. Fresh Chinese stimulus is in the pipeline. Beijing's central economic work conference before Christmas amounted to policy capitulation by Beijing as well. "Signs of stability are emerging for those who squint hard enough," says John Normand from JP Morgan. The bank's global manufacturing survey shows that new orders are ticking up again. But nothing is yet bankable. Like it or not, Mr Powell has been forced to err on the side of easy money, keeping open the spigot of dollar liquidity for a global system that has racked up $US12 trillion of offshore dollar liabilities. World debt is 30 percentage points of GDP higher than the pre-Lehman peak. Nobody dares put this precarious edifice through a stress test.

"We have got to be very careful. There must not be unforced errors," said the International Monetary Fund's top firefighter, David Lipton. Mr Lipton said in Davos that the Fed may not be able to repeat the emergency actions that saved the world's financial system on October 2008. Specifically, it might be constrained from extending "swap lines" worth up to $US1 trillion to fellow central banks. This is the vital defence needed stop a chain-reaction turning into a global conflagration. China;s economy remains a primary concern. Credit:Bloomberg European and Asian banks borrow on the offshore capital markets at maturities as low as three months for worldwide lending in dollars. This source of funding can seize up suddenly. Only the Fed has ability to print limitless dollars to plug the gap in such a crisis. Mr Lipton said swaps require a "fiscal backstop" and therefore the acquiescence of Donald Trump and US Congress. Would Washington agree to an instant bailout of foreign banks in the current climate? "I wonder whether they will be so willing to extend the swap lines," he said.

Former Fed chief Ben Bernanke says the Dodd-Frank Act and other measures since 2008 have stripped the Fed and US regulators of powers to halt fire-sale liquidation in a crisis. Loading They can no longer rescue individual companies (there must be at least five, and they must be solvent), or lend to non-banks, or offer blanket guarantees of bank debt and money market funds. It took lightning-fast action and $US1.5 trillion of emergency loans to stop the meltdown in 2008. Could the Fed again shore up the markets for commercial paper and asset-backed securities? Olivier Blanchard, from the Peterson Institute, said it required over 850 basis points of rate cuts in the US to fight the Great Recession - directly or synthetically through quantitative easing. Any such response today is impossible. The lesser risk therefore for the Fed is to "run the economy hot" to build up a buffer. "We have no ability to turn the economy around," says Martin Feldstein, president of the US National Bureau of Economic Research.

"When the next recession comes, we don't have any strategy to deal with it. Fiscal deficits are heading for $US1 trillion dollars and the debt ratio is already twice as high as a decade ago," he said. Jay Powell's hawkish rhetoric in December - above all his insistence that QT would continue on "autopilot" - was clearly a mistake. David Lipton, the First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF. Credit:Bloomberg The question for investors is whether the Fed's December error is reversible. The Fed's shift on QT is a circuit-breaker. It lifts the future growth rate of the broad M3 money supply through standard "quantity theory of money" mechanisms, something that the New Keynesian "creditists" at the Fed have persistently refused to acknowledge. Fed staff have had a strange blind spot over the flow effects of bond sales. They justified QE in the first place as a way to lift asset prices, yet implausibly denied that reversing it might have the opposite effect.
Australia's largest airports aren't ripping off the airlines who use their runways or the travellers who pay up to $17 an hour to park near their terminals, the Productivity Commission has found.

Brushing off complaints from Qantas, Virgin and the consumer watchdog, the federal government's advisory body has found that new regulation was not needed to stop Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth airports from abusing their monopoly powers.

The commission said Australia's airports were not abusing their market power. Credit:Peter Rae

However, the commission's draft report into airport regulation, to be released on Wednesday, does raise concerns about how much taxis, buses and hire car operators are charged to use access roads, and questions why Sydney and Brisbane airports have some of the highest international access fees in the world.

The commission said the country's four largest airports should report in more detail about their fees to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which produces an annual report on their operations, to keep those fees in check.
Both Labor and the Liberal Party have confirmed they will continue to accept donations from banks, a day after the banking royal commission's final report recommended a radical overhaul of the sector.

Two of the major banks have been referred to regulators for likely criminal conduct, raising questions about whether the major parties should continue to accept nearly $1 million in political donations ahead of a federal election in which former High Court judge Kenneth Hayne's report will be a crucial battleground.

Commissioner Kenneth Hayne and Josh Frydenberg at a photo opportunity on Friday. Credit:AAP

"[Banks] should be allowed, like any other legal institution in our community, to support political parties," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Tuesday.

"Don't think it's the Liberal Party that is receiving financial donations from the banks and not the Labor Party."
And now, bang on schedule, we have Kenneth Hayne delivering the final report for a royal commission on systemic misconduct in banking, superannuation and financial services to a government that voted 26 times against holding it.

In the early 1990s there were royal commissions on the $1.7 billion Tricontinental/ State Bank Victoria collapse, the $3.1 billion State Bank of South Australia collapse and the WA Inc collapse, which explored the interrelated activities at Rothwells bank, the $1.8 billion collapse of Bond Corporation and the $1.2 billion siphoned from Bell Resources. A decade later, in 2003, Justice Neville Owen reported on the $5.3 billion collapse of Australias largest insurer, HIH.

Every 10 to 15 years its the same. Since financial deregulation in the 1980s, weve had a finance industry scandal, followed by an inquiry, a quick fix and a declaration that it shouldnt happen again.

There are two particularly striking things about the 10- to 15-year cycle.

One is the rhythm of public inquiries followed by reports, then (sometimes) trials, then books, then almost everyone forgetting (except for those personally scarred), only for problems to resurface later.

The other is that the times between have been punctuated by government-commissioned banking and financial system reviews: the 1991 Campbell inquiry, the 1996 Wallis inquiry, the 2010 Cooper superannuation review and the 2012 Murray review. Each either missed or downplayed the links between poor governance, industry structure, systemic misconduct and prudential risk.

Commissioner Kenneth Haynes 1000-page final report hasnt gone far enough to end this cycle. While his referral of 24 misdeeds for possible criminal and civil prosecution will help in righting past wrongs and perhaps focus the minds of directors and executives, the impact will be generational rather than permanent.

The flurry of prosecutions and actions will again reveal problems with the law  gaps in coverage, inadequate penalties and cases the law wont allow to stand up.
That noise you're hearing that's like a sharp painful intake of breath is the collective sound of bank short sellers being squeezed - and it's $5.3 billion worth of pain.

On Monday evening when Kenneth Hayne made his royal commission report public, those big investors that had placed their bets on financial services carnage would have been sweating bullets.

Instead there was nothing much in Haynes recommendations that will punish bank profits. No new news on responsible lending that will further tighten bank credit. Instead, and perversely, the report offered the potential to deliver mortgage brokers an existential threat - which in turn could increase the dominance of the big banks.

Retail investors had a win from buying up bank stocks while short sellers have been burnt. Credit:Bloomberg

The full horror for the short sellers became evident when the market opened on Tuesday.
Doubts have been raised whether the nation's two peak financial regulators will be able to sharply lift their efforts after the banking royal commission recommended they take more strong arm action while facing extra oversight from an independent authority.

Both the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission faced criticism from commissioner Kenneth Hayne in his 1000-page examination of the financial sector.

Despite finding laws covering finance had not been "enforced effectively", Justice Hayne proposed the two remain but with a renewed focus on litigation while working more closely with each other.

Former Liberal leader John Hewson doubts whether APRA and ASIC will become tougher regulators despite the recommendations of the Hayne royal commission. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

John Hewson, former Liberal Party leader and now with the ANU's Crawford School of Public Policy, said Justice Hayne was putting a lot of faith in both agencies to change their long-held behaviour.
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Albany lawmakers passed legislation last week that dramatically extends both the civil and criminal statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims and, in a so-called lookback provision, revives previously time-barred civil lawsuits for a period of one year. Supported by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the bill was approved unanimously in the Senate and by a vote of 142-3 in the Assembly.

Passage of "The Child Victims Act" came only days after the same legislators approved a measure amending New York law to permit abortion on demand right up to the moment of birth. This despite the fact that the state's abortion rate is already twice the national average according to statistics compiled by the Guttmacher Institute.

The approval of both bills was met with wild celebrations in the capitol, including a standing ovation for the "Reproductive Health Act" in the state Senate. Overlooked or ignored by the giddy throngs was the irony of providing enhanced legal remedies to some individuals abused as children while, on the other hand, condemning hundreds of thousands of babies to having their arms and legs ripped off in utero.

In lobbying for passage of the Child Victims Act, Cuomo called on legislators to "stand with Pope Francis" who, he noted, has urged that victims of child sexual abuse be given meaningful legal redress. The Governor, a Catholic in name only, picks and chooses when to invoke Pope Francis and when to ignore and even mock the teachings of the Church for political gain. For example, he certainly pays no heed to Pope Francis's equating abortion to genocide and eugenics.

Noble purpose

Ostensibly, at least, the Child Victims Act has a noble purpose. The sexual abuse of a child is among the worst depravities of the human condition. It transcends nations, states, economic status, race, religion, color, creed and sexual orientation. Its constant is catastrophic, often life-long damage to an especially vulnerable class of victims. No amount of financial compensation can ever undue that. Still, a civilized society has an obligation to do everything it possibly can to make things better.

Theoretically, anybody who has ever sexually abused a child should be both criminally prosecuted and civilly liable for all the resultant damage. Nor should it be of any consequence how long ago the abuse took place. One of the well-established incidences of child sexual abuse is a reluctance and, in some cases, a psychological inability to reveal it.

The theoretical ideal, however, doesn't always square with what fundamental fairness requires, as evidenced most acutely by the legislation's one-year lookback provision. Consider, for example, that an 80-year-old man can now sue a school district for sexual abuse allegedly committed 70 years ago by a long-dead teacher. With nobody to contradict his claim, proving his case by a preponderance of the evidence, the civil standard, would entail little more than his taking the witness stand, telling his story, and avoiding coming across as palpably incredible.

None of this is lost on the bevy of trial lawyers who've already launched aggressive advertising campaigns for clients under the new law. In fact, the first returns on a Google search for "New York Child Victims Act" are a series of ads by these very lawyers. Their preferable targets are plaintiffs alleging decades-old sexual abuse by individuals who have since died and were once affiliated with existing moneyed institutions.

Inducing fraud

The legislation thus has a real potential to induce fraudulent claims. It places the reputations of living defendants at risk of incalculable damage from lawsuits difficult to contest because of the passage of time. It also lays bare the treasuries of both public and private institutions to calculated plunder. Explaining why he voted against the bill, Assemblyman Andrew Goodell of upstate Jamestown told the Buffalo News that it will create "financial chaos" by leaving school districts and municipalities defenseless against many sex-abuse lawsuits. This, he correctly noted, would have particularly dire consequences for taxpayers in smaller localities and school districts throughout the state.

Statutes of limitations can be traced to the classical period of ancient Greece where Demosthenes, with uncanny relevance to some of today's legal advertisers, extolled them as necessary to control professional legal instigators. They proceed on the common-sense principle that legal claims should be asserted expeditiously so that defendants can defend themselves when evidence is still generally retrievable and memories reasonably fresh. The one-year lookback provision of the Child Victims Act as well as its extending the civil statute of limitation until a claimant reaches age 55 are in derogation of rights so fundamental that they have endured for centuries.

Bad situations produce bad laws. The sexual abuse of children is about as bad as it gets. Unfortunately, so, too, is the states new law designed to address it.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A reputed Staten Island Bonanno consigliere claims a mob snitch is stalking his family on social media by hurling homophobic and racially-charged attacks at him and his daughter in an attempt to get his racketeering indictment tossed -- again.

John (Porky) Zancocchio, 61, an alleged Bonanno mobster set to go to trial later this month with six other defendants, said one of the governments cooperating witnesses threatened his daughter in a Jan. 27 Facebook post, saying she should have another n----- baby in a reference to her bi-racial daughter, according to federal court records.

The snitch, identified by Gangland News as Steven Sabella, also allegedly went after Zancocchio in a vile and discriminatory rant, calling him a stuttering fmoron."

According to the filing, the turncoat told Zancocchios daughter, a teacher, if dad ever has balls to meet up with me ono [sic] on one I would love it but he a f-- blow jog [sic] that be hind [sic]bars for a while lol.

Sabella and another government witness were also caught on a recorded call referring to the defendants as n----s in the woodshed, said the court papers.

Zancocchios lawyer, John Meringolo, argues the Facebook posts constitute witness tampering, bullying, harassment and the court should intervene with either sanctions or a dismissal of the indictment.

Clearly, a Government agent stalking the Zancocchio family on social media in order to intimidate them warrants a swift and severe response from both the Government and, since the Government has proved unwilling to adequately rein him in, from the Court," Meringolo wrote.

The lawyer also charges in the court papers that FBI agents called the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge the G-----gangplank, in a biased reference aimed at the Italian defendants in the case.

The defense regrets that it appears such language has gone unchecked and unprotested by the Government, and that, even worse, the Government is undisturbed by the prospect of putting such obviously biased and prejudiced individuals on the stand to testify  allegedly objectively  against the defendants in this case, Meringolo said in the filing.

Prosecutors had not filed a response to the Facebook charges at the time of this publication.

In previous filings, Zancocchio claimed the feds planted a spy to extract defense secrets and strategies for an upcoming Bonanno mob trial. The cooperating witness and his longtime lawyer, Vincent Martinelli -- who represents Albert (Al Muscles) Armetta -- discussed the strategy and strength of the case, as well as confidential information about co-defendants and other cooperators, according to one filing.

The reputed wiseguy also alleged the feds provided a testimony "cheat sheet' to a mob snitch from Tottenville to use at the upcoming trial. The defense claims prosecutors handed over pertinent wiretap calls and texts to Staten Island reputed mobster Peter (Pug) Lovaglio, the governments other cooperating witness.

Zancocchio is one of several alleged Bonanno members, including Joseph (Joe C) Cammarano Jr., charged with racketeering conspiracy involving a wide range of crimes, including extortion, loansharking, wire and mail fraud and narcotics distribution, authorities said.

A hearing will be held Thursday.
Ralph Northam, the Democratic governor of Virginia, has refused to step down after The Virginian-Pilot obtained a copy of his medical school yearbook page picturing one man in blackface and the other in KKK garb. The governor initially admitted to being in the photo and apologized, only to recant the next day. He then said there had been another time he had donned blackface, but for a dance competition in which he dressed as Michael Jackson. Should he resign?

PERSPECTIVES

After initially admitting to being in the photo and apologizing, Northam recanted the next day, saying he had no memory of being in the picture and therefore it could not have been him. He claimed it must have been an error by the yearbook editors.

"It has take time" for him to realize he is not in the photo of men dressed in blackface and a KKK outfit. But, he says upon some reflection, he is not in it. I am convinced."  Matt Viser (@mviser) February 2, 2019

After this denial, however, Northam volunteered he had, at another point in time, worn blackface--when he entered a dance contest dressed as Michael Jackson. Many, including the Washington Post's Matt Viser, noted Northam seemed to be arguing that he had done nothing wrong by admitting to doing the wrong thing... but at a different time.

Reporters also asked Northam about the fact that his nickname was listed as "Coonman" on another page in the yearbook. Northam said the nickname had been given to him by other classmates and he was unaware of its racist connotations.

I did not steal my neighbors car. I stole his neighbors car. And Im ready to be forgiven.  Matt Viser (@mviser) February 2, 2019

There are questions about whether Northam is really treating the situation with the appropriate amount of professionalism. During his long, strange press conference, Northam was asked by a reporter whether he still knew how to moonwalk. Rather than pivoting from the question to something more pertinent, Slate reports he looked around, possibly to see if there was enough space for him to showcase the dance.

Some have voiced concern over whether our society is too quick to condemn people for past mistakes. Rich Lowry, editor of the conservative National Review, said during a panel on "Meet the Press" that while he thought what Northam had done was wrong, he didn't want the governor's career to end over a past mistake.

Some are reluctant to have Northam leave office. The Washington Post reported earlier in January that he had been an effective and efficient leader in his first year in office.

Members of Northam's own party were almost unanimous in their calls for his resignation. The Washington Post reports Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring has called for Northam's resignation, not just because of the moral lapse shown by his actions, but because he will no longer be able to effectively lead the state.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Our Lady Help of Christians School, established in Tottenville in 1904, will close its doors for the final time at the end of the school year.

Sadly, Our Lady Help of Christians School in Staten Island will cease operations at the end of the current academic year. Despite the Archdioceses best efforts to maintain the operational and financial viability of the school, continuing to educate students in a building that is underutilized has proven unfeasible, according to a statement from the Archdiocese of New York.

Parents of current students are invited to attend an informational meeting at the school on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. to learn more about opportunities for their children to continue their Catholic education at other Staten Island schools.

Principals and representative from the 20 remaining Staten Island Catholic schools will be in attendance to answer questions and schedule private tours.

Parents interested in attending the informational meeting are asked to RSVP by calling the school office at (718) 984-1360.

WHAT NOW?

Parents are advised to contact Diana Gatto, director of enrollment at Our Lady Help of Christians School, to assist in student transitions to new schools.

Gatto can be reached via email at Diana.Gatto@archny.org, via call/text at (917) 650-1171, or through the schools bilingual hotline at (646) 794-2885, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, to arrange a convenient time for a discussion.

Families are then advised to begin booking tours with schools they are interested in, reaching out to them through the contact list provided by the Archdiocese.

Each of the 20 Staten Island Catholic Schools will be hosting open houses on our upcoming Touring Tuesdays, Feb. 12, March 5, March 19 and April 9, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and conducting private tours especially for Our Lady Help of Christians School parents, according to the Archdiocese.

Grades, programs and contact information for all 20 Staten Island Catholic Schools can be found here.

Upon completing the tours and considering all options, families are asked to submit their applications at www.ApplyCatholicSchoolsNY.org

All students are guaranteed a seat in a Catholic school within the Archdiocese, and will have the opportunity to apply for financial assistance during the application process.

Students currently on a scholarship will have their scholarship transferred with them to the new school once the new application and required documents are received.

Additionally, the Archdiocese will issue a registration fee credit for each student transferring in from a closing school.

We understand that these are challenging times for many families. You have the Archdiocese of New Yorks commitment to work with you as closely as possible to find the best possible placement for your child(ren) at a neighboring Catholic school, according to the Archdiocese.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Families at Our Lady Help of Christians School (OLHC) in Tottenville are devastated by the news that the 115-year-old school will close its doors at the end of the academic year in June.

The Archdiocese announced Monday that the school is one of seven Catholic schools across the Archdiocese closing at the end of the school year, citing buildings that are underutilized or in need of significant repairs.

Sadly, Our Lady Help of Christians School in Staten Island will cease operations at the end of the current academic year, said a statement from the Archdiocese of New York. Despite the Archdioceses best efforts to maintain the operational and financial viability of the school, continuing to educate students in a building that is underutilized has prove unfeasible.

The schools website lists the current enrollment at 166 students.

Paul, a parent of a sixth-grader and fourth-grader who did not want to give his last name, said his family is devastated by the news the school is closing.

Theyve been here since kindergarten and this whole school is like a family, he said. Everybody is so close.

Several parents at the school Tuesday morning were seen talking about the closure, but declined to provide comment to the Advance.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, said the Archdiocese hasnt closed any Catholic elementary schools in the last five years.

I dont want to close any more in the future, Dolan said. If were going to continue our schools strong and secure, which Im pledged to doing, well then what weve got to do is increase enrollment.

PAST CLOSURES

A string of Staten Island Catholic schools closed in 2011, including: St. Marys School in Rosebank; St. Rochs School in Port Richmond; St. Sylvesters School in Concord; St. Margaret Marys School in Midland Beach, and St. Peters Girls High School in New Brighton.

St. Peter-St. Paul Elementary School in New Brighton was created by merging St. Peters Elementary with the former St. Paul School in 2011. In 2013, St. Josephs School in Rosebank and Immaculate Conception School in Stapleton closed its doors for good.

Last year, the Sisters of St. John the Baptist announced that the elementary and high school at St. John Villa Academy would close at the end of the 2017-2018 school year. While the school was affiliated with the Archdiocese of New York and the Office of Superintendent of Schools, St. John Villa Academy was a private school, led by the Sisters of St. John the Baptist.

The Archdiocese would not comment when asked if any additional Staten Island Catholic schools will be closed in the next few years, or if any are in jeopardy of closing.

INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Parents of current OLHC students are invited to attend an informational meeting at the school on Wednesday at 7 p.m. to learn more about opportunities for their children to continue their Catholic education at other Staten Island schools.

Principals and representatives from the 20 remaining Staten Island Catholic schools will be in attendance to answer questions and schedule private tours. Parents interested in attending the informational meeting are asked to RSVP by calling the school office at (718) 984-1360.

We understand these are challenging times for many families, and we will work with all students who are seeking to continue their Catholic education to find a seat at another excellent school in the Archdiocese, said Dr. Timothy McNiff, superintendent of schools, in a news release.

TRANSITION TO NEW SCHOOLS

Our Lady Help of Christians School families are encouraged to begin booking tours with Catholic schools they are interested in, the Archdiocese said in a release.

For assistance, parents are advised to contact Diana Gatto, director of enrollment for the Catholic school region of Staten Island, to assist in student transitions to new schools. She can be reached via email at Diana.Gatto@archny.org, via call/text at (917) 650-1171, or through the schools bilingual hotline at (646) 794-2885, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, to arrange a convenient time for a discussion.

The 20 Staten Island Catholic schools will host open houses during upcoming Touring Tuesdays on Feb. 12, March 5, March 19 and April 9, from 9 to 11 a.m. The schools will also conduct private tours for Our Lady Help of Christians School parents, according to the Archdiocese.

Grades, programs and contact information for all 20 Staten Island Catholic Schools can be found here.

Upon completing the tours and considering all options, families are asked to submit their applications at www.ApplyCatholicSchoolsNY.org

All students are guaranteed a seat in a Catholic school within the Archdiocese. Students can apply for financial assistance during the application process, and students on a scholarship will have it transferred with them to a new school once the application and required documents are received. The Archdiocese will also issue a registration fee credit for each student transferring in from the closing school.

The remaining 20 Staten Island Catholic schools are: Academy of St. Dorothy School, Grasmere; Blessed Sacrament School, West Brighton; Holy Rosary School, South Beach; Notre Dame Academy, Grymes Hill; Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Tompkinsville; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St. Benedicta School, West Brighton; Our Lady Queen of Peace School, New Dorp; Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Huguenot; Sacred Heart School, West Brighton; St. Adalbert School, Elm Park; St. Ann School, Dongan Hills; St. Charles School, Oakwood; St. Christopher School, Grant City; St. Clare School, Great Kills; St. Joseph Hill Academy, Grasmere; St. Joseph-St. Thomas School, Princes Bay; St. Patrick School, Richmond; St. Peter-St. Paul School, New Brighton; St. Rita School, Meiers Corners; and St. Teresa School, Castleton Corners.

FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYPD took to social media Monday to comment on posts that linked a Dongan Hills bar to multiple unreported alleged drugging incidents.

We have no complaints filed for any incidents at this establishment, the NYPDs main Staten Island Twitter account wrote in response to a post that shared a text message with accusations that three woman had been drugged at The G.O.A.T on Richmond Road.

A spokesperson for the NYPD said there were no reports filed at the location in 2019.

A screenshot of a tweet the NYPD sent in response to concern women were being drugged at a bar in Dongan Hills. (Courtesy: Twitter)

The original tweet received more than 200 retweets that included women saying they too had been drugged after visiting the bar. None of these women responded to requests for comment over social media.

Two of the women, who posted on social media about the alleged drugging incidents, said they tested positive for benzodiazepine intoxication the day after visiting the bar. One of the women specified the brand name Xanax.

According to the FDA, Xanax is not soluble in water, but can break down in methanol and ethanol.

Owners of the bar and restaurant that opened in December said they were aware of the social media postings, and had been in contact with one of the women, who claimed to have been drugged.

Chris Shaleesh said the bar is in the process of reviewing security footage from the nights women claimed to have attended the bar, will be putting lids on their drinks Friday and Saturday, and will be hiring extra plain-clothes security to patrol the bar.

Were not sparing any expense, Shaleesh said in regard to patrons' safety. Were trying to be an asset to the community, not a blemish.

Over the past decade, the location has had several incarnations, including Rhythm and Brews, and 5th and Vine.

That name change occurred after the establishment appeared on the Bar Rescue television show. The episode depicted the bar as a haven for a rogue motorcycle gang.

Owner Glenn Jakers said that under new ownership the bar had shed its seedy past, and urged all bar and restaurant owners to remain vigilant.

This is not the bar it used to be, but its hard to defend against social media, Jakers said. Everybody all over Staten Island should keep an extra eye out, and be extra careful, because we dont want this happening to anyone else.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A new pre-kindergarten Dual Language program will open on Staten Island in September for the 2019-2020 school year.

Little Smarties Preschool, South Beach, will soon offer the first Russian Dual Language program for pre-K students on Staten Island.

It will join four other existing Dual Language programs at PS 16, Tompkinsville; PS 19, West Brighton; PS 22, Graniteville; and PS 44, Mariners Harbor. The programs focus on Spanish.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza announced that 47 new pre-K Dual Language programs will open in city schools this fall. The expansion brings the total number of Dual Language programs across the five boroughs to 107 by the start of the 2019-2020 school year.

New York Citys youngest learners gain so much in 3-K and Pre-K classrooms across the city, and I encourage all eligible families to apply, said Carranza. More New York City kids will get an early start on becoming multilingual, multicultural, and ready to succeed in our diverse world.

Dual Language classes are comprised of 50 percent children whose home language is the target language of the program and 50 percent English-proficient students. Instruction is held in both languages, and students in pre-K Dual Language classes can continue on the Dual Language track in kindergarten and beyond.

In addition to the pre-K Dual Language programs, there are 545 bilingual programs in New York City schools for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Bilingual programs are available in schools citywide in 13 languages, serving about 40,000 students.

FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The murder trial of a repeat felon accused of killing his pregnant girlfriend inside their Elm Park home four days before Christmas 2017 is set to start in two weeks.

At a conference Monday, Justice William E. Garnett scheduled final pretrial preliminaries for Feb. 19 in Keith Jacksons trial. The judge said he intends to start jury selection the next day.

Garnett had originally set the preliminaries for Monday; however, some last-minute issues arose necessitating they be pushed back two weeks.

Jackson, 43, did not address the court during the brief proceeding.

The defendant is accused of slaying Bridget Shenk on Dec. 21, 2017.

A police spokeswoman said the fatal incident was set in motion when Jackson and Shenk, 35, became embroiled in a dispute in the hallway outside their second-floor apartment at 175 Trantor Place.

The disagreement escalated, and Jackson allegedly shot Shenk twice in the back, said prosecutors.

Shenk staggered back into the apartment and was later discovered by police officers, the spokeswoman said. She was dead when the officers arrived.

Jackson remained on the scene, and a .40-caliber handgun was recovered nearby, said police.

A next-door neighbor previously told the Advance he often saw Jackson yelling at Shenk "in not such a good tone," although he could never make out the reason.

Jackson, he said, often appeared "wide-eyed."

"He was always yelling, or slurring his words," the neighbor said.

According to published reports, the victim's mother, Dorothy McLeod said her daughter was three months pregnant when she was slain.

"She always wanted a child," McLeod said. "He didn't want a child. When they found out she was pregnant, she was so excited. I went with her on (Dec. 18) to the doctor."

A neighbor said Shenk told her hours before the shooting that her unborn baby was "doing good."

"She was showing a little," said the woman. "She was very happy about it.

Jackson is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, three counts of criminal weapon possession and one count of firearm possession.

The defendant has denied the allegations. He faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the murder charge.

He is represented by attorneys Matthew Zuntag and Kevin Byrne.

Assistant District Attorneys Lisa Davis and Timothy Richard are prosecuting the case.

Jackson has served three prior prison stints, according to online records of the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

In 2001, he was sentenced to two years behind bars after being convicted of attempted criminal weapon possession.

Later, in 2008, he was hit with a prison sentence of two to four years for a weapon-possession conviction.

Jackson was shipped back upstate in 2012 after being sentenced to 18 months to three years for attempted criminal weapon possession.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Its been two weeks since 11-year-old Ethan Goldner was placed back on Novolog for his Type 1 diabetes after his insurance company denied the medication hed been taking for nine years and his parents are hopeful that hell normalize soon.

Hes better, said Ethans dad Adam, but his emotions and behaviors have been all over the place. Were hoping theyll normalize soon.

The Goldners insurance company, Group Health Incorporated (GHI), a subsidiary of Emblem, decided to no longer cover Ethans brandname fast-acting insulin on Jan. 9, forcing the Goldners to give Ethan a cheaper, generic medication, which he reacted badly to.

When Rep. Max Rose learned of the familys difficulties he reached out to the Goldners to see how he could help.

Rose (D-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) is calling out insurance companies, lawmakers, and the state of New York and asking them to do better by its patients and constituents.

A FRIGHTENING DRUG REACTION

When Ethan began the generic on Jan. 11, he experienced vision loss, nausea, dizziness, weakness and extremely high blood sugar. His body was rejecting the new insulin, Goldner said.

He asked me if hes going to die, Adam said.

After 12 days and two appeals to Emblem, Ethan was approved for the brandname insulin for the remainder of 2019.

The Goldners said Emblem violated the Step Therapy law, which requires insurance companies to respond to an emergency appeal within 24 hours if the request for a patient with a medical condition that places that health of the patient in serious jeopardy without the prescription drug or drugs prescribed by the patients physician.

Adam said days before Emblem approved the insulin on Jan. 21, it said they would need prior authorization for Ethans glucose test strips -- something theyve never needed.

When asked about the Goldners case, an Emblem spokesperson said privacy laws prevents it from commenting on specific member cases.

The Advance has not received a response to an email seeking information concerning Emblems general policies on generic drugs and the Step Therapy law.

REP. MAX ROSE STEPS IN, TESTING STRIPS APPROVED

Rose sent a letter to Karen Ignagni, CEO of Emblem, on Jan. 29 on behalf of the Goldner family urging her to resolve the ongoing issues with the company.

Three days later, Adam said Emblem reversed its decision and Ethan would no longer need prior authorization for his testing strips.

Golden said everything thats happened has been incredible.

What happened to Ethan and his family was wrong, said Rose. Im happy to see some results finally, but I will not stop holding insurance companies accountable when they screw over families in my district."

ROSE CALLS FOR STRICTER PENALTIES FOR LAW VIOLATION

Rose also penned letters to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, asking them to come together to hold insurance companies accountable.

I am asking you  to work together to increase financial penalties on insurance companies that do not comply with the New York State law that requires a response to emergency appeals within 24 hours, the letters read.

He also wrote to state Department of Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, asking the department to remind health insurance companies of the law.

I strongly urge the New York State Department of Health to send notices to every health insurer in New York State to remind them of the law and that oversight and enforcement will be vigilant, Roses letter said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Clifton man accused in the brutal assault of a 57-year-old woman was charged Wednesday in Manhattan with failure to update his address with the New York sex offender registry.

Linden Beaton, 32, allegedly failed to notify the NYPD that he changed his address in May, which sex offenders are required to do every 90 days, according to a criminal complaint.

The charge related to Beatons alleged failure to notify law enforcement is a felony.

He is on the registry following a 2010 Staten Island conviction for attempted rape, in which he choked, hit, and threatened a woman, according to state records.

The sex offender registry indicates Beaton knew his victim, but does not further identify her.

Beaton was released from prison on Feb. 16, briefly lived in Queens, but eventually made his way back to his native borough.

Thats where authorities allege he brutally attacked Beatrice Kaliku, who was walking on Bowen Street near Sobel Court Park in Clifton on Jan. 5.

Prosecutors announced Thursday a certificate of indictment against Beaton in that case.

The certificate moves the case to state Supreme Court, St. George, where he is expected to be arraigned in the near future.

The indictment itself hasnt been filed, so specific charges havent been made public, although Beaton was initially accused of first- and second-degree assault, criminal weapon possession and obstruction of breathing.

Beaton, who is currently being held at the Brooklyn Detention Complex on $505,000 bail, is also considered a person of interest in the disappearance and death of a 69-year-old Clifton woman, according to multiple sources.

Johnyita Jordans bruised corpse was found Jan. 27 inside a home on the 700 block of Van Duzer Street, according to police. The city Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has yet to determine an official cause of death.

No charges have been filed in that case.

The lawyer identified by the Manhattan District Attorneys office as representing Beaton in the sex offender registry case did not return a request for comment Monday.

Beatons lawyer in the assault case, Gillian Kress, said: My client absolutely denies these allegations. We ask that the public not rush to judgement.

Kress declined comment with respect to the probe surrounding Jordans death.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- I thought she was dead at first.

That was Sal Aronicas initial reaction to a hit-and-run crash he witnessed on the corner of New Dorp Lane and 10th Street in New Dorp that sent a female pedestrian to the hospital Monday morning.

Aronica was on his way to work when he said he saw a white SUV strike a woman crossing the street head on."

She went flying, he said, adding the victim fell on top of the hood and then rolled off.

Police are investigating the incident after receiving a report of a driver leaving the scene of an accident at that location, an NYPD spokeswoman confirmed.

The victim, a 45-year-old female, told cops she was walking in the crosswalk with the crossing signal at about 8:45 a.m. when she was struck by an unknown vehicle, the police spokeswoman said. A witness told cops the car struck the woman while making a turn.

The woman suffered injuries to her legs and face and was taken to Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze.

In the immediate aftermath, Aronica left his vehicle still running and rushed toward the injured woman. When he got there, the driver of the vehicle, a woman who looked to be about 50, was moving the victim to the sidewalk.

Seeing that the woman was being attended to, Aronica went back to his car to call 911.

On his way back to the scene, he saw the driver of the SUV heading back to her car.

Aronica said he initially thought she was just going to park the vehicle; however, he soon realized that the woman was attempting to leave the scene and tried to take a picture of her vehicle, he said.

But, before he could get a good photo, she took off.

Aronica said he contemplated chasing after her. All these things were running through my head, he said

After a moment, Aronica decided that it was more important to stay with the injured woman. She would have been sitting there by herself, he said.

When Aronica got by the womans side, he said he noticed that, she was bleeding...had a badly-bruised face and arms." In addition, she was developing a black eye and was severely shaken up.

It was horrible, he said.

As they waited for an ambulance, Aronica said the woman asked a nearby bank worker, who was on scene, to call her husband. She was able to notify him that she would be heading to the hospital.

I still cant believe the woman left the scene, Aronica said.

Aronica said that a neck brace was placed on the woman before she entered the ambulance.

A nearby shop worker on New Dorp Lane said that the crash was loud, and that he saw the car take off down New Dorp Lane shortly after he looked outside to see what had happened.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A Brooklyn man who slashed his intimate partner with a knife in her West Brighton home two months ago while three kids were present told her he didnt want anyone else to have her.

Deqawans Willis jealousy not only proved dangerous to the woman, its also taken him out of her life for a while.

Willis, 34, was sentenced Monday to five years behind bars under a plea agreement stemming from the Dec. 4 incident.

The episode occurred around midnight in the victims apartment, said a criminal complaint.

Willis appeared at the victims home in violation of a Criminal Court order forbidding any contact with her, the complaint said.

He banged on the door and forced his way inside despite the womans efforts to keep him out, said the complaint.

An argument ensued and Willis grabbed a knife from the kitchen and slashed the victim multiple times, police said.

If youre not gonna be with me, youre not gonna be with anyone else, police quoted him as saying.

The woman suffered lacerations on the forehead and back of the head, which required stitches to close, said the complaint.

The defendant fled but was nabbed a short distance away less than a half-hour later, police said.

Three children between the ages of 6 and 16 were present during the attack, said the complaint.

Willis was indicted on charges including burglary, assault, criminal contempt and child endangerment.

Three weeks ago, the defendant pleaded guilty in state Supreme Court, St. George, to second-degree burglary to satisfy all charges against him.

Besides prison time, Willis was sentenced to 30 months post-release supervision.

Garbed in a brown jacket and tan pants, the bearded defendant declined to make a statement before sentence was imposed.

His sentence will run concurrently to a sentence he receives in an unrelated case in Brooklyn state Supreme Court in which Willis has pleaded guilty to attempted criminal weapon possession and driving while intoxicated on June 2 of last year, online state court records show.

He was free on $500 bail in that case when the Staten Island incident occurred.

That sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 15.

Eliza Pacheco, Willis lawyer on the Staten Island case, declined comment.

Assistant District Attorney Nancy Fayed prosecuted the case.

Willis has a prior conviction.

In February 2016, he pleaded guilty in Staten Island Criminal Court to misdemeanor assault, said the complaint.
Update: The incident has been cleared, with residual delays, according to the Port Authority.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Traffic is moving slowly across the Outerbridge Crossing to New Jersey on Tuesday morning.

An incident on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Parkway is causing the delay around 9 a.m., according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

An accident on Outerbridge Crossing New Jersey-bound has caused the left lane to be blocked, according to 511NY.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Her son was fatally injured in a hit-and-run while trying to make a drug deal.

We were denied our future with Bobby, and, more importantly, Bobby was denied his chance at a beautiful life, Michele Kunz wept as she read a prepared statement in court at the sentencing of Robert Messina, the driver on whose car her son had jumped during a dispute over money and drugs on July 20, 2015.

Kunz will be Rep. Max Roses guest at President Donald Trumps State of the Union Address on Tuesday evening.

When I first met Michele, I was struck by the incredible strength and courage she and her family showed by turning the tragic loss of their son into a campaign to raise awareness about the drug epidemic in our community, Rose said.

Because of Micheles efforts, and those of so many others whove had to bury a son or daughter, we have made tremendous strides as a nation when it comes to de-stigmatizing the disease that is drug addiction. I invited Michele as my guest to this years State of the Union to highlight the progress weve made, as well as the incredible amount of work that lies ahead, Rose stated.

Reflecting on the loss of her son, Kunz said, Drug addiction has no bias, has no social status, political agenda or religious preference; addiction affects you and me, our children and our grandchildren.

It is a disease that has not yet been contained and there is no one solution that works for all. As in other diseases, a protocol is put in place to change the course of the illness and ultimately cure the disease, along with the pain and suffering. Although addiction is now classified as a disease, many still believe it is a choice.

Mrs. Kunz continued, My son, Bobby, suffered with the disease of addiction and fought every day to protect us from his pain, and although he had been in recovery at the time of his death, it was his addiction that he could not escape, and ultimately his illness once again gained control. Bobby lost his life over $90.00, the cost of three oxycodone pills and to make matters worse he was killed by someone he called his friend. Still, that never defined who Bobby was, he was a true gentleman, a loving son, brother and friend and he was a beautiful person both inside and out.

He is a bright light that cannot be extinguished, and if I am to honor my son in any way, I choose to do so by bringing his message of Hope, and by working with our representatives to bring forth positive change for our children and the families of those suffering from the disease of addiction.

THE DRIVER CONVICTED

Prosecutors said Messina had recklessly driven off at more than 30 mph with Kunz clinging to the hood and windshield, swerved and hit a curb dislodging Kunz from the vehicle and causing his fatal injuries. Messina then left the scene.

Messina, 23, a Charleston resident, pleaded guilty in state Supreme Court, St. George, to second-degree manslaughter for recklessly causing the death of Kunz, 24, a Rossville resident. It was the top charge against him.

Messina expressed remorse before Justice William E. Garnett imposed sentenced.

"I am truly and deeply sorry," he said. "There is nothing I can say or do to rectify this. I hope other kids like me and Bobby that struggle with addiction don't make the same mistakes ... No intent was behind this. I am sorry."

The fatal sequence unfolded at the South Shore Commons shopping complex on Veterans Road West in Charleston, according to police and court documents.

Anthony Zito, of Rossville, a passenger in Messinas 2014 Audi sedan, had allegedly accepted $90 for the prescription painkiller oxycodone from Kunz, but then didnt deliver the drug, police and court documents said.

Thats what triggered the fatal incident.

The driver was sentenced to one to three years.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Authorities allege that three men were involved in a violent robbery spree on the North Shore where at least four people were mugged or assaulted on the street in about a half hour.

Daniel Carter, 21, of the 100 block of Brighton Avenue in New Brighton, Flavio Reyes, 21, of the 100 block of Victory Boulevard in Tompkinsville, and Luis Lopez, 23, of Bond Street in Port Richmond, are accused in the incidents that were reported in December.

Police previously released surveillance video and asked for tips from the public in the robbery pattern.

The suspects are accused of beating and robbing people walking on North Shore streets in December in some of the incidents identified in the pattern.

Carter, Reyes and Lopez allegedly participated in four crimes in about a half hour on Dec. 23,.

In the first alleged robbery at about 3:30 a.m. on Broad Street near Wright Street in Stapleton, a 27-year-old man was walking home when men approached him from behind, pushed him to the ground and punched and kicked his body, causing bruising to his face, police said. The suspects then allegedly stole $40 from the victim. EMS responded to the scene and transported the victim to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, where he was treated and released, according to a previous police statement and the criminal complaint.

About five minutes later at Bay and Canal streets, the suspects allegedly attacked two victims. They broke one victims arm in the attack, while a second suffered a cut to the head that required staples, according to the criminal complaint.

About a half hour later at 4:05 a.m. on Monroe Avenue near Benziger Avenue in Tompkinsville, a 36-year-old man was walking home when the three suspects allegedly approached the victim from behind, pushed him to the ground and punched and kicked his body, causing a cut to the face. The suspects then took the victims Samsung cell phone and $200, police said. The victim sustained minor injuries, but refused medical attention.

The first crime that Carter, Reyes and Lopez allegedly committed in the spree was reported on Dec. 1 at about 2 a.m. behind a building on the 100 block of Bay Street in St. George, according to the complaint.

A 54-year-old man was walking toward the Tompkinsville train station when the suspects approached and punched him in the face, causing a cut to the victims lip, according to police. The suspects took an undisclosed amount of money from the victim, according to the complaint.

Carter, Reyes and Lopez also are accused in a robbery on Dec. 15 at about 3:30 a.m. at the corner of Victory Boulevard and St. Pauls Avenue in Tompkinsville. A 23-year-old man was walking home when the suspects allegedly approached him from behind, pushed him to the ground and began punching and kicking his body. The trio then snatched $80 cash and an iPhone 5S from the victim before fleeing, police said. The victim had bruising to his chest and face and refused medical attention for his minor injuries.

All three suspects have been charged with various counts of robbery, assault and grand larceny.

The photos and video supplied by police are from the surveillance cameras in the vicinity of Monroe Avenue regarding the incident on that street on Dec. 23.

Carter is due back in Criminal Court on April 9. Reyes has his next court appearance on Feb. 14. Lopez is due back in court on March 12.

Attorneys for the three suspects were not immediately available for comments.
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This is the first in a three-part series of articles on employee handbook updates. This article reviews changes to California law. The second part will discuss federal and state workplace compliance trends, and the third part will focus on global handbook policies.





California employers are likely familiar with expanded sexual-harassment-prevention training requirements that took effect this year. They should also be aware of additional anti-harassment legislation and update their handbooks accordingly.



Employers can no longer enter into nondisclosure agreements involving claims of sexual assault, sexual harassment or sex discrimination; are required to significantly increase sexual-harassment-prevention training initiatives; and are restricted from entering into certain settlement agreements related to harassment and discrimination claims, noted Benjamin Ebbink, an attorney with Fisher Phillips in Sacramento.

Here are some of the key changes to California's anti-harassment laws that will likely require employers to adjust their policies and practices.

Nondisclosure Agreements

One of the more high-profile targets of the #MeToo movement has been the use of non-disclosure agreements in cases involving sexual harassment, Ebbink said. Under SB 820, employers may no longer use settlement agreements to prevent employees from disclosing factual information related to certain claims of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or harassment or discrimination based on sex if the worker has filed a civil or administrative action.

The new law appears to not apply to clauses used in settlements that occur in the pre-litigation phase before an official claim has been filed with an administrative agency or in court, Ebbink added.

The new law applies to settlement agreements that are entered into on or after Jan. 1, 2019. Although certain secret agreements will be unlawful, claimants may request that their identity, as well as all facts that could lead to the discovery of their identity, be shielded, said Margaret Grover, an attorney with Wendel Rosen in Oakland.

Expanded Harassment Definition

SB 1300 broadened the legal definition of harassment as well as the employer's obligation to prevent it. For instance, a single incident of harassment is now sufficient to bring a hostile-work-environment claim if the conduct unreasonably interfered with the worker's performance or created an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.

Prior to SB 1300, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) already made employers potentially liable for a nonemployee's sexual harassment of an employee, intern, applicant or contactor. The bill expanded an employer's potential liability for a nonemployee's harassment to include conduct based on any FEHA protected characteristics, such as race and national origin. Harassment-prevention and equal employment opportunity policies in handbooks should reflect these changes, said Gina Roccanova, an attorney with Meyers Nave in Oakland.

Release of Claims

Under SB 1300, employers can't require workers to sign a release of harassment claims or refrain from discussing harassment as a condition of employment or in exchange for a raise or bonus. However, this new provision does not affect lawsuit settlements, Grover noted.

Truthful References

California employers may want to update their reference policies in light of AB 2770, which protects workers and employers from defamation lawsuits brought by alleged harassers, Roccanova said.

Under the new law, employers may tell a prospective employer whether a former employee is ineligible for rehire because he or she was found to have engaged in harassment.

Complaint Procedures

AB 2770 also allows employers to share information about harassment complaints with the worker who complained about harassment and other interested parties, such as witnesses and victims.

This change is expected to help employers keep complainants informed about the status of their complaints, Roccanova said. "Employers may want to consider tweaking their complaint procedures to reflect this new leeway, while still cautioning potential complainants that there are limits on the information that can be shared."

Harassment Training

California employers with at least five employeesincluding temporary and seasonal workersmust provide two hours of sexual-harassment-prevention training for supervisors and one hour for all other employees every two years (or within six months for a new hire or a worker who is promoted to a supervisory position). The initial training must be completed by Jan. 1, 2020.

[SHRM members-only toolkit: Complying with California Sexual Harassment Training Requirements]

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) recently released answers to frequently asked questions to clear up some ambiguities in the new law. "The law requires that employees be trained during calendar year 2019," according to DFEH. "Employees who were trained in 2018 or before will need to be retrained."

The DFEH expects to make online training courses available by late 2019.

Policy Tips

When updating handbook policies on sexual-harassment prevention, Grover said, policies should explain that:



Harassment creates a hostile, offensive and oppressive work environment and deprives victims of their statutory right to work in a place that's free of discrimination.



Harassment may exist even if the employee's productivity has not declined as a result of the harassment.



A single incident of harassing conduct may constitute harassment, and a hostile-work-environment claim will be viewed in light of all relevant circumstances.



"Cultural forces are at least as significant as legal changes in prompting re-examination of employment policies," Roccanova noted. For instance, the heightened awareness spurred by the #MeToo movement is prompting employers to reassess their approaches to risk management, employee training and reporting procedures, she said.



[Visit SHRM's resource page on workplace harassment.]
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Requiring job applicants to have no more than a certain number of years of experience is not age discrimination, the full 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has decided.

Two definitions are crucial to understanding this and other employment discrimination cases:

Disparate impact: Employer policies can unintentionally adversely affect, or have a disparate impact on, specific individuals protected by civil rights laws. For example, a limit on the number of years of experience arguably screens out more candidates ages 40 and older than younger ones. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects employees 40 and older from age discrimination through policies that have a disparate impact, but it does not protect applicants, according to this Jan. 23 decision, which overturned a 2018 ruling by a panel of the 7th Circuit.



Disparate treatment: Managers sometimes make statements that show an intent to discriminate (e.g., "I don't want that person to work for me because he is too old to do this job"). Such statements are said to show disparate treatment. The ADEA protects employees and applicants from disparate treatment.



The ruling was friendly to employers, but they should proceed cautiously, according to Robert Cooper, an attorney with Buchalter in Los Angeles. Job applicants may be able to bring disparate-impact claims under state law or under the ADEA outside the 7th Circuit's three states: Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.

Millennial Landed the Job

The plaintiff in the case applied for an attorney position at CareFusion Corp., then sued under a disparate impact liability theory after he wasn't chosen. He challenged the requirement that job applicants have three to sevenand no more than sevenyears of relevant legal experience. The plaintiff was 58 at the time he applied and had more than seven years of experience. A 29-year-old applicant who met but did not exceed the prescribed experience requirement was selected.

[SHRM members-only toolkit: Managing Equal Employment Opportunity]

The full 7th Circuit agreed with CareFusion that the plaintiff could not bring a disparate-impact claim under the ADEA. The ADEA's plain language makes it clear that disparate-impact claims are available only to employees, including internal job applicants, the court decided. It noted that disparate-treatment claims, such as if someone doesn't want to hire an individual because she looks too old, are available to job applicants under the ADEA.

"The court's decision means that employers who use experience [limits] can breathe a sigh of relief, especially if the employers are in the 7th Circuit states of Illinois, Indiana or Wisconsin," said Robin Shea, an attorney with Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete in Winston-Salem, N.C. "But, in my opinion, the dissenting judges made some very compelling arguments that the ADEA does in fact prohibit disparate-impact discrimination against job applicants, so I'm not sure the court's decision is the end of the issue."

The judges who disagreed with the ruling said that the statutory language was ambiguous and should be interpreted consistently with the broad purpose of the ADEA to prohibit age discrimination. "A central goalarguably the most central goalof the statute was to prevent age discrimination in hiring," the dissent wrote.

"In any event, there have always been legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons for an employer to have an experience capor, put another way, to avoid hiring overqualified workers," Shea said.

If a job is beneath the applicant's experience, he or she may resume looking for a better job immediately after being hired, she noted. Also, an overly experienced person may be unhappy with the pay and benefits that come with the job.

The overqualified worker may become bored at work, or try to get engaged by taking on more interesting tasks that really aren't part of the job and neglect the more elementary tasks that he was hired to perform, Shea explained. Or she may not get along with a supervisor who has less expertise than she does.



"A very experienced individual may have none of these issues, but because one of HR's key roles in hiring is to minimize the risk of a bad hire, HR may choose to stick with less-experienced individuals in entry-level jobs," she said.

And even though age and experience often are related, that is not always the case. A younger worker can be overqualified. "I don't think it's fair to assume that all experience caps are a subterfuge for age discrimination," Shea stated.

Joel Rice, an attorney with Fisher Phillips in Chicago, advises employers against culling out candidates based on years in the workforce. Instead, he recommends that employers focus on the essential experience they are seeking in a job. If recruiting for an IT position, evaluate the applicants' familiarity with certain systems, for example, rather than just the number of years of experience, he said.

Fine Line Between Disparate Impact and Disparate Treatment

Other employer practices aside from experience limits that might be considered to have a disparate impact include:

Specifying "recent graduates."



Advertising only at college campuses.



Giving hiring priority to candidates from certain companies that may have younger workforces.



Shea said other hiring practices that are intentional discrimination include:



Advertising vacancies on Facebook or other social media and specifying that the ads be visible only to users who are below a certain age.



Requiring applicants to be "digital natives."



Although these two examples resemble disparate impact, both "seem to be deliberately screening out candidates based on age, so I think they are more accurately characterized as disparate treatment," she said.

Hire the Best Person

Regardless of what the law requires, Shea said employers should "always strive to hire the best person for the job based on work experience appropriate for the job, education, and necessary social and other skills that may be needed."

She noted, "Age should not be a consideration, unless you're hiring models, child actors or athletes. If you adopt hiring criteria that could arguably have the effect of screening out older applicants or discouraging them from applying, really scrutinize those criteria and make sure you can justify them."


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Devastating flooding in northeast Australia has forced thousands to evacuate their homes and brought snakes and crocodiles to residential areas.



Footage captured on February 3 shows a 7-foot crocodile resting on the front lawn of a house close to floodwaters in Townsville, North Queensland.



A resident in the coastal city told Newsflare: Townsville has had the worst floods in living memory. Record rainfalls, thousands of homes flooded, thousands of people evacuated, and many emergency rescues.



At this stage, it is the second worst flooding ever in Australia! And it is still raining.



The city is known for interesting wildlife including this 'uninvited guest', a seven-foot freshwater crocodile, who escaped the flooding and had a rest on my mother's front lawn only a few feet from her back door.



Police in Townsville has urged residents not to walk or play in floodwaters following multiple crocodile sightings.
A trail runner who was pursued and attacked by a young mountain lion survived by killing the cat with his bare hands, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers.

The attack occurred Monday on Horsetooth Mountain in Larimer County north of Denver.

"After additional investigation, including examination of the lion, we have confirmed the victim's account that he was able to suffocate the animal while defending himself from attack," Parks and Wildlife officials tweeted Tuesday morning.

But just how he was able to accomplish that feat remains a bit of a mystery.

The man, who has not been identified, was jogging on West Ridge Trail when he heard something running behind him, Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman Rebecca Ferrell told the Denver Post. Just as he turned around, the cougar pounced for his head and neck. The victim threw up his forearms to block the attack and then turned his back to the mountain lion, Ferrell said.

With the cat momentarily neutralized, the man decided to counterattack. He jumped on top of the mountain lion and while wrestling with it, managed to smother the animal.

A necropsy confirmed the jogger's story about the cause of death, but the exact nature of the mountain lion's injuries have not been made public, and a full report may take several days, the Post reported.

After killing the cat, the man hiked out and was able to get to a hospital on his own. He suffered facial bite wounds and lacerations to his arms, legs and back, but is expected to make a full recovery. He remained hospitalized Tuesday.

"The runner did everything he could to save his life," Mark Leslie, CPW northeast region manager told the Post.

Horsetooth Mountain is a 2,711-acre open space area west of Fort Collins in the foothills of Larimer County. It ranges in elevation from 5,430 feet to 7,255 feet.

MORE: Mountain lion reported in backyard near Pacifica park

About 60 percent of Colorado is considered suitable mountain lion habitat. Attacks on humans by mountain lions are rare, however.

The trail runner's motion may have triggered the juvenile cat's instinct to chase prey, wildlife officials say.

If you confront a mountain lion, you should yell, wave your arms and try to make yourself appear larger. Do not turn your back on it. Do not lie down and curl up in a ball  that's an invitation for the cat to attack.

If you are attacked, you should fight back and if possible, target the cougar's eyes and nose.

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Read Mike Moffitt's latest stories and send him news tips at mmoffitt@sfchronicle.com.

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KATHMANDU, Nepal  One-third of Himalayan glaciers will melt by the end of the century due to climate change, threatening water sources for 1.9 billion people, even if current efforts to reduce climate change succeed, an assessment warns.

If global efforts to curb climate change fail, the impact could be far worse: a loss of two-thirds of the regions glaciers by 2100, said the Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment released Monday by the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development.

Global warming is on track to transform the frigid, glacier-covered mountain peaks of the Hindu Kush Himalayas cutting across eight countries to bare rocks in a little less than a century, said Philippus Wester of the center, who led the report.

The five-year study looked at the effects of climate change on a region that cuts across Asia through Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The area, which includes the worlds tallest mountain peaks, has glaciers that feed into river systems including the Indus, Ganges, Yangtze, Irrawaddy and Mekong.

The assessment said that the impact of the melting could range from flooding from the increased runoff to increased air pollution from black carbon and dust deposited on the glaciers.

Saleemul Huq, director of the International Center for Climate Change and Development, an environmental research center in Dhaka, described the findings of the report as very alarming, especially for downstream nations such as Bangladesh.

All the countries affected need to prioritize tackling this upcoming problem before it reaches crisis proportions, he said in an email. Huq was one of the studys external reviewers.

The study said that even if the most ambitious Paris climate accord goal of limiting global warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century were met, more than a third of the regions glaciers will be lost. If the global rise in temperature were 3.6 F, two-thirds of Himalayan glaciers will melt, it said.

The 2015 Paris Agreement was a landmark moment in international diplomacy, bringing together governments with vastly different views to tackle global warming. It set a headline target of keeping average global temperatures from rising by more than 3.6 F or 3.4.F if possible.

According to a recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, emissions of the most abundant greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, would need to be reduced to a level the planet can absorb  known as net zero  by 2050 to keep global warming at 2.7 F as envisaged in the agreement.

The International Center for Integrated Mountain Development said the study included work by more than 350 researchers and policy experts from 22 countries.

Binaj Gurubacharya is an Associated Press writer.
BEIJING  Asia welcomed the Lunar Year of the Pig on Tuesday with visits to temples, family banquets and the worlds biggest travel spree.

Celebrations took place throughout the region, from Beijing and Seoul to Hanoi and Singapore.

The streets of Beijing and other major Chinese cities were quiet and empty after millions of people left to visit relatives or travel abroad during the years biggest family holiday.

The holiday in China is marked by the biggest annual travel boom as hundreds of millions of people visit their home towns or travel abroad.

The railway ministry forecast mainland travelers would make 413 million trips during the three-week period around the holiday.

In Beijing, performers in traditional Qing Dynasty robes strummed zithers for a re-enactment at sunrise of a sacrificial ceremony at the Chinese capitals Temple of Earth park.

An actor portraying an emperor bowed before an altar as dozens of people in ceremonial dress behind him.

Acrobats and drummers also performed. Vendors sold toys branded with the British cartoon character Peppa Pig, which is enjoying a surge of popularity for the Year of the Pig.

My wishes for new year are a promotion, a raise and finding a boyfriend, said a spectator, Cui Di, a 28-year-old employee of a foreign company.

Chinese set off billions of fireworks to celebrate the new year. An explosion at an illegal fireworks shop in southern China killed five people early Tuesday. Investigators said it was triggered by fireworks set off by the shopkeeper outside the shop.

Families also gathered at home for multigenerational banquets. Chinese traditionally ring in the Lunar New Year, which is assigned one of 12 animals each year off the Chinese zodiac, with a family dinner the evening before. Meals typically include a whole chicken, a whole fish, pork, noodles, spring rolls and dumplings.

Companies, shops and government offices closed for official holidays that ranged from two days in South Korea to a week in China.

In Hong Kong, worshipers stood in line for hours at Wong Tai Sin Temple to welcome the new year by lighting incense.

Lana Wong, a prominent Hong Kong actress, wore a pig costume for the event.

My first wish is for world peace, said Wong, 88. Everyone has food to eat, employment and houses to live in. The elderly also hope the government will take better care of them.

In Bangkok, people lit incense sticks and burned paper money and other symbolic offerings for deceased relatives despite government appeals to avoid contributing to smog.

Some shopkeepers sold symbolic ballots to burn as offerings following official promises of an election this year, the first after four years of military rule.

In the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, visitors left bouquets of flowers at statues of former leaders Kim Il Sung and his son, Kim Jong Il.

In the U.S., Asian Americans celebrated by eating Mickey Mouse-shaped tofu, sporting a pair of Year of the Pig-inspired Nike shoes and by snacking on pricey cupcakes.
KABUL  The Taliban launched a predawn attack on an army base in northern Afghanistan on Tuesday, killing 26 members of the security forces, a provincial official said, the latest brazen assault by insurgents amid stepped-up efforts to resolve the countrys protracted war.

The raid on the base in northern Kunduz province came as representatives of the Taliban were to hold meetings in Moscow with prominent Afghan figures, including former President Hamid Karzai, opposition leaders and tribal elders  but not Kabul government officials.

The insurgents have refused to negotiate with President Ashraf Ghanis government, calling it a U.S. puppet. The Taliban have been staging near-daily attacks, inflicting heavy casualties on the embattled Afghan army and security forces. Both sides in the conflict say they want to strike hard militarily to bolster their position at the negotiating table.

In the Kunduz attack, the Taliban stormed the base, located on the outskirts of the provincial capital, Kunduz city, around 2 a.m., said Mohammad Yusouf Ayubi, head of the provincial council. There were at least 23 soldiers and three members of the local police force among those slain.

Day by day, the security situation is getting worse in and around Kunduz city, said Ayubi, adding there are fears the city could again fall into the hands of the Taliban as it did briefly on two occasions in recent years  in September 2015 and in October 2016.

Far from the Afghan warzone, a two-day meeting in the Russian capital between the Taliban and Afghan figures, which started Tuesday, is seen as another step in a process aimed at resolving the 17-year war. That process has accelerated since the appointment last September of U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

Rahim Faiez is an Associated Press writer.
Everywhere hillsides and mountain peaks rise above the landscape, there was snow to be seen around the San Francisco Bay Area.

Residents woke Tuesday morning to the unlikely sight of mountaintops frosted in powder sugary-snow after a cold storm dropped down from the Northwest, pushing temperatures down into the 20s and 30s and delivering snow.

Snowfall on the Bay Area's highest mountain peaks above 4,000 feet elevation occurs annually, but with this storm the snow levels dropped remarkably low with accumulation down to 1,000 feet and snow that didn't stick as low as 400 feet.

MORE: National Weather Service confirms dusting of snow on Twin Peaks

SFGATE readers are sending in images of their snow-covered cars, backyards and roads as well as lots of snowy views of Mt. Tamalpais, the East Bay hills, Mt. St. Helena and the Santa Cruz mountains that saw more than eights inches of accumulations in some spots.

San Francisco resident Jeanette Flodell, who shared an image of the Marin hills taken from the city, shared, "For a brief second, I thought I had teleported back to Scandinavia, and wanted to bring out the x-country skis!"

Rob Ferber of the Santa Cruz Mountains sent in an image taken from Skyline near Bear Gulch early Tuesday morning, and wrote, "It is snowing now!"

Please take a look at readers' photos in the gallery above and email your images to agraff@sfgate.com and we'll add them to the gallery.

While temperatures are forecast to remain chilly with highs in the 40s Tuesday, the snow is unlikely to last long as the skies clear and the sun shines over mountaintops.
Hailstones clunked down to earth on Monday evening, pummeling cities across the Bay Area.

Brief hailstorms were reported from San Francisco and Oakland to El Cerrito and Daly City. The hail fell around 6:30 p.m.

There have been no reports of damage, likely because the hail pellets are small. National Weather Service meteorologist Rick Canepa said he'd heard "multiple reports of small, mostly pea-sized hail."

Judging by the doppler, Canepa said he wouldn't be surprised if much of the Bay Area got a dousing of hail this evening.

MORE WEATHER: Snow dusts peaks across the Bay Area

"The atmosphere around the Bay Area is conducive to it," he said.

Hail forms for a variety of reasons, but Canepa suspected tonight's weather event is a result of low freezing levels and milder ocean water and land temperatures.

"The greater instability of the cloud, the greater likelihood of seeing some hailstones," he said.

Earlier in the day, a fluffier particle fell from the Bay Area sky: snow. Mountain peaks across the region got a light dusting Monday afternoon, including Mount Diablo, Mount Hamilton, Mount St. Helena and Mount Tam.

SNOW IN SF? 80 percent chance on Tuesday, forecasters say

The unsettled Bay Area weather can be attributed to a low-pressure system from the Northwest. The storm, which is carrying a lot of moisture, coincides with a mass of chilly air, dropping temperatures into the 30s in the valley and into the 20s at higher elevations.

Forecasters said Monday it could snow at elevations as low as 1,000 feet, and snow flurries are possible at elevations as low as 400 feet. The North Bay could see as much as four inches of snow on peaks above 1,000 feet.

"This system is dropping right down the coastline," says Roger Gass, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Bay Area. "Usually cold storms like this are more inland and hit Sierra and Nevada."

The NWS warns snow accumulation could impact motorists on Highway 17 over the Summit in the Santa Cruz Mountains and on Highway 29 at Robert Louis Stevenson Park in Calistoga.

The skies will clear Tuesday afternoon and conditions will remain dry through at least Friday when a weaker system could bring more rain. Temperatures will remain cool through the week with daytime highs in the low 50s and overnight lows in the 40s.

SFGATE's Amy Graff contributed to this report.

Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.

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It's an unlikely sight.

The peak of Mt. Tamalpais, rising 2,572 feet above Marin County, looked as if it had been dusted with powdered sugar Tuesday morning.

A cold storm from the Northwest sweeping across the Bay Area dropped snow at unusually low levels, in some cases all the way down to 400 feet to 500 feet, on Monday and early Tuesday.

Mt. Tamalpais received several inches that accumulated on the top, creating a winter wonderland scene worthy of a snow globe.

When San Francisco resident Jeannette Flodell woke to the view of snowy mountains, she said, "For a brief second, I thought I had teleported back to Scandinavia, and wanted to bring out the x-country skis!"

MORE: Was it a 'snowbow' that formed over Mt. Tamalpais during 10-minute snow flurry Monday?

The Marin County Fire Department shared a photo of the snowy scene writing, "No, that's not Tahoe! Mt. Tam is picking up some of the fresh stuff."

Meteorologist Paul Deanno of KPIX tweeted Tuesday night, "Mt. Tamalpais has now (7 p.m.) dropped to 32 degrees. Any precipitation that falls through the night will likely be snow."

Deborah Villalon of KTVU shared a video of steady snowfall on the Marin Mountain Monday afternoon and wrote, "Right now it's snowing on East Peak of #MtTam! Sticking too."

Snow usually falls at least once a year on the Bay Area's highest mountains  such as Hamilton (4,265 feet elevation), Diablo (3,848 feet elevation) and St. Helena (4,341)  but it's less common on the lower-elevation Mt. Tamalpais.

ALSO: Here's where snowfall has been confirmed around the San Francisco Bay Area

The system was moving to the south Tuesday morning, with isolated storm cells delivering more rain and snow. Skies are expected to clear by the afternoon.
Dorothy Millette checked out of the Plaza Hotel in San Francisco shortly after she heard on the radio that Jean Harlows husband was dead.

She paid up her account  shed been living at the hotel for four months  and booked a $3 stateroom on the Delta King riverboat. Riverboat officials would confirm Millette boarded later that day, Sept. 6, 1932.

She was seen a few times. A waiter remembered her at dinner, a pretty but exhausted woman who barely ate. At 2:30 a.m., a Walnut Creek man went for a constitutional on the top deck. There, he saw Millette, crying and gazing into the inky water. She didnt seem to notice him.

Two hours later, a night watchman making the rounds found a womans coat and shoes on the deck. When the riverboat docked in the morning, Millette didnt disembark. Delta King staff began searching for her.

In Beverly Hills, police at the home of Jean Harlow were also wondering where they could find Dorothy Millette. Harlows husband, MGM studio exec Paul Bern, was dead in the bathroom, a bullet in his head. In short order, police determined there was something strange about Berns personal history. It seemed Harlow wasnt his only spouse.

His first wife, the woman he was still married to, was Dorothy Millette.

Bettmann/Bettmann Archive

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No one understood what Jean Harlow saw in Paul Bern.

At 22, Harlow was one of the biggest film stars in the world. Her platinum blonde hair and salacious curves catapulted her to fame in the 1930 Howard Hughes classic Hells Angels. Around that time, Harlow met Bern, a 40-year-old German film executive with MGM. Bern was plain and serious, but he did have connections. He convinced MGM to sign Harlow and, more importantly to Harlow, he believed she could be a serious actor, not just eye candy.

After a short courtship, they married in July 1932.

Two months later, Bern was dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

When Berns body was discovered by the household staff, the first call was not to the police  it was to MGM. The studio sent over its top fixers, who combed through the scene for two hours before police were summoned. They also informed Harlow her husband was dead; shed spent the night of his suicide at her mothers house.

While MGM went to work spinning the story to protect their star, police were seeking a paper trail.

They found it through George G. Clarken, Berns Los Angeles insurance advisor. Clarken admitted Bern had never divorced Millette; in fact, hed set up a trust fund for Millette. A lawyer in New York confirmed Berns secret marriage. He said hed drawn up a will for Millette over a decade ago.

I was always under the impression that Dorothy was his wife. I believe there was some legal marriage ceremony performed, he told the Associated Press. I heard somewhere that Mrs. Bern had died in a sanitarium. Bern had not mentioned her for years.

Reporters found Berns sister, who filled in the rest of the story. Bern had met Millette in Toronto, when both were working as actors in a theater company. They married and moved to New York City so Bern could pursue a career in stage management.

Then, something went wrong. Millettes health took a turn and, according to newspaper accounts, she moved into a sanitarium. Whether by mutual decision or not, Bern left for California. Millette did not accompany him.

While Bern built up his career at MGM, he continued to support his wife back in New York. After her health recovered, she moved into the Algonquin Hotel. Bern sent her a monthly stipend of $350, over $5,000 in todays money. They wrote each other often. Letters found in Millettes handbag at the Plaza Hotel were on MGM stationary.

One of the letters was written a few months before Bern and Harlows wedding. In it, Bern responded to Millettes plan to vacation in San Francisco. He recommended both the Plaza and Clift hotels (quite fashionable and not very expensive) and said he would fund her trip.

If you do go, Bern wrote, I hope that it will be a happy change.

He signed it: My love and best wishes always.

---

On Sept. 14, two fishermen near Walnut Grove found a body floating in the Sacramento River. In the week since Millette disappeared from the Delta King, the press had taken to calling her the ghost wife. Many speculated she had faked her death. Rumors started that a mystery woman was seen with Bern the day before his suicide. Perhaps Millette, the spurned woman, had murdered Bern and gone on the run.

The truth, though we will never know for sure, is likely much more mundane  although just as tragic.

At a coroners inquest, Berns friends testified hed long talked about suicide. Depression plagued his adult life, and the publicity since marrying one of Hollywoods hottest sirens seems to have taken a toll as well. MGM fixers hinted Bern may have been biologically unfitted for marriage, a sordid rumor that cast blame away from Harlow and painted Bern as weak and unworthy of the siren.

At the inquest, Bern's personal doctor, Howard P. Jones, said he knew "exactly" what was at the root of his friend's suicidal ideations. Out of respect for Bern, Jones would not disclose it publicly, but, he assured, it had nothing to do with Dorothy Millette "or any other woman."

As for Millette, she didnt fake her own death. She jumped from the Delta King that night and it was her body found a week later. She knew Bern had changed his will to make Harlow the beneficiary, making Millette instantly penniless with his death. She had lost her husband and her financial support. There is no sexy noir mystery about the despair she must have felt.

Although rumors occasionally resurfaced that Millette murdered Bern, theres never been any proof. The timeline alone seems to rule it out: Millette would have had to go to Beverly Hills, kill Bern in the wee hours of the morning and return to San Francisco before noon in order to be seen checking out of the Plaza Hotel.

Harlow, never one for single life, married the year after Berns death. This marriage, her third, ended in divorce 12 months later.

Although just 26 in 1937, Harlows health was starting to fail. She fainted on the set of "Saratoga." It was initially thought she had the flu, but she presented other symptoms: bloating, vision loss, grey skin. A doctor brought in for a second opinion realized what was happening. Harlow was dying of kidney failure.

Less than week after the diagnosis, Harlow slipped into a coma and died. MGM, the industrious assembly line of movie studios, closed the day of her funeral.

She was not interred next to her dead husband Paul Bern in Inglewood. Instead, she was buried in a private vault, paid for by then-boyfriend William Powell, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale. The marble mausoleum cost him $25,000 and had an additional space meant to house Powell one day.

When Powell died in 1984, he was buried instead next to his third wife.

Far from her loved ones lies Millette, at East Lawn Memorial Park in Walnut Grove. Her gravestone, etched with flowers, reads: Dorothy Millette Bern.

Katie Dowd is a senior digital editor with SFGATE. Email her: katie.dowd@sfgate.com.
It's the not-so-far-away future in San Francisco. One-Wheels and e-scooters litter the road. Your self-driving car has just deposited you at Union Square, and you've instructed it to return in an hour, after you've purchased the latest it-smartphone, the iPhone Z.

Your autonomous vehicle, intelligent as it is, knows finding a parking spot downtown is nearly impossible at this hour, plus parking lots are known to charge flat rates of $15 and up. Instead of parking, your car decides to cruise. It figures the gas required to circle the neighborhood a few times costs far less than a parking spot.

Your smart car is right on this point, but what it doesn't know  or care to learn  is that cruising causes major congestion. At least that's the prediction of transportation planner Adam Millard-Ball, an associate professor of environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

In the latest issue of Transport Policy, Millard-Ball explores "The Autonomous Vehicle Parking Problem": traffic. Autonomous vehicles, he hypothesizes, will become commonplace in cities over the next five to 20 years. When this happens, road congestion will invariably increase, he says.

"Even when you factor in electricity, depreciation, wear and tear, and maintenance, cruising costs about 50 cents an hourthat's cheaper than parking even in a small town," Millard-Ball said in a press release. "Unless it's free or cheaper than cruising, why would anyone use a remote lot?"

Using a traffic microsimulation model and data from downtown San Francisco, Millard-Ball estimated that autonomous vehicles stand to more than double the current amount of traffic in cities. The model focused on scenarios in which a vehicle is primarily used for transportation of a single owner.

Parking policies, he writes in the paper, "have allowed dense, urban centers to flourish" by taking cars of the road and thereby reducing traffic. In an autonomous vehicle world, all bets are off. "It just takes a minority to gum things up," he said.

Millard-Ball proposes a solution in the form of congestion pricing, which charges drivers a fee for a variety of pre-set factors, including miles driven, the use of particular streets, and so on. In London, drivers pay about $15 to enter the city center, for example.

The professor argues that a congestion pricing policy for autonomous vehicles should be implemented now. "The public never wants to pay for something they've historically gotten for free," he said in the press release. "But no one owns an autonomous vehicle now, so there's no constituency organized to oppose charging for the use of public streets."

Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.

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Leontis casoncelli. Photo: Melissa Hom

Even the most jaded pasta aficionado might be surprised by one of the specials that chef Adam Leonti offers at his Upper West Side restaurant: casoncelli alla Bresciana, a brilliant-green dumpling of delicate pasta sheets filled with saffron-laced cheese from Lombardy. The relatively obscure style of pasta originates from the region, too, but Leonti says he learned about it in America, while working for his former mentor, Marc Vetri.

Anyone who worked for me over the last 20 years has learned it, says Vetri, the Philadelphia pasta savant who learned to make the dish while cooking in Bergamo, Italy, and first served it in New York at the Upper East Side restaurant Bella Blu back in 1996. Even still, casoncelli has not achieved mainstream status in this country the way, say, fusilli has, and its still rare enough that it grabs your attention when it appears on any Italian menu.

Its a big-belly pasta, says the chef Jonathan Benno, who served his own version of casoncelli at Lincoln Ristorante and now offers a version at Benno thats filled with artichoke and covered in shaved black truffles. It allows you to stuff a lot of filling into it without a lot of what well call crust or outside seam.

Casoncelli turns up at just a handful of other spots, including Morandi (where its stuffed with pumpkin) and ViceVersa (the traditional, meat-stuffed casoncelli alla Bergamasca); soon, a version will hit the menu at Cafe Altro Paradiso (stuffed with pork shoulder, mortadella, and Sicilian pistachios).

For Paradiso executive chef Zach Zeidman, casoncelli first popped up during research that now seems obligatory for any New York chef who cooks Italian food. He says his sous-chef, Hannah Shizgal-Paris, was tasked with finding new examples of stuffed pasta that could stand out on the restaurants menu. Hannah researched a bunch of things none of us had ever heard of before, he says.

Talk to enough chefs around town and you know that finding forgotten, obscure, and hyperregional pasta shapes is par for the course in a town where diners might grow weary of seeing the same spaghetti, linguine, and even cavatelli night after night. Theres a crazy fad of esoteric pasta shapes, Leonti explains. Why is this one towns pasta that was meant for a sagra for August now being made in, like, central Jersey?

To test out new shapes, chefs only need a few ingredients: flour, eggs, water, and an internet connection. I think the advent of YouTube is when everything changed, Vetri says. You can just look up different shapes. Before then, you had to actually head to Italy to see the shapes, find the book, or work with someone who had actually worked there.

Clockwise from left: Misis corzetti from over the summer. Photo: Mackenzie Stroh Whole-wheat bigoli from Fausto. Photo: Melissa Hom Bennos casoncelli. Photo: Melissa Hom Clockwise from left: Misis corzetti from over the summer. Photo: Mackenzie Stroh Bennos casoncelli. Photo: Melissa Hom Whole-wheat bigoli from Fausto.... more Clockwise from left: Misis corzetti from over the summer. Photo: Mackenzie Stroh Bennos casoncelli. Photo: Melissa Hom Whole-wheat bigoli from Fausto. Photo: Melissa Hom

The upside, for diners, is that New Yorks menus are now littered with shapes all vying to become the next bucatini: caramelle (which looks like little candy wrappers), lumache (shells with pinched ends), corzetti (thoughtfully stamped coins of pasta), ochi (a raviolo with mysterious origins), pici (hand-rolled like its the Play-Doh of pasta) and its cousin bigoli (like very thick spaghetti), malloreddus (little Sardinian gnocchi), borsa (little purse, per the menu at Vics), and even radiatori, which is named for, and looks like, tiny radiators (so hot right now!).

Chefs who dig deep enough also discover orphaned noodles with impossible-to-pin-down origins. Take, for example, the sopressini at Don Angie, a sultry, folded pasta that the restaurant spikes with Spanish paprika to accentuate its similarity to the smoked mussels its served with. Even chef Angie Rito says she doesnt know where this shape originated in Italy (if at all?)  which probably also explains why the sopressini at Portlands Renata dont resemble Don Angies. The version at Torontos Lena Restaurant is a closer match; and it turns out sopressini is just one name for the pasta also known as borsa vuota. In general, with our food, Rito says, we try to find new things and do new things, because the Italian and Italian-American genres are so popular. (Rito says she first encountered the pasta on  you guessed it  YouTube.)

This race to find the next hot pasta shape means chefs are constantly modifying and evolving pastas, too  like the casoncelli. Whats different about the casoncelli served at places like Leonti is that they arent arent by-the-book. People are turning it into a shape, but its not a shape,  Vetri says. Its the dish. Now, however, diners encounter this casoncelli, that casoncelli  so its taken on a new thing, which is fine. Lets see what happens.

Benno, for his part, has another idea about why pasta chefs keep trying to up their repertoires: Like everything else today, he says, its one-part Instagram. But even though the social media platform gave rise to Frankenfoods like sushi doughnuts and whatever the hell tacros are, pasta shapes allow chefs with actual talent to show off, too. Benno points to chefs like Missy Robbins, Evan Funke at L.A.s Felix Trattoria, and Pennsylvanias Anthony Andiario as pasta-shape masters. Theyre meeting it not with smoke and mirrors but with, you know, technique and years of experience and really intelligent, well thought-out dishes  Theres a lot of wacky stuff going on out there in food, he adds. Thank goodness theres this return to craftsmanship and integrity.
Carlos Sainz says he has seen the 2019 McLaren and thinks it will be a "good year" for the struggling British team.

Sainz has switched from the works Renault team to McLaren for 2019, replacing his Spanish countryman Fernando Alonso.

He refused to comment on the new rumours about Alonso's possible return to F1 for 2020.

"I am impressed with what he has been doing, but honestly I am not surprised because I know what he can do," Sainz said at a sponsor event in Madrid.

"It's too early to judge whether he will return to formula one. He's only just left," he smiled.

Sainz is happier to talk about himself, saying he evolved as a driver in 2018 and is hopeful McLaren can recover after a difficult few years.

"The new regulations open the door to teams that had a very bad time last year," he said.

"I have seen the car in the factory and I really like the design, even though it was only the engine and chassis that I saw.

"The bodywork was not on, but it is very elaborate and very different. At first sight, I like it. I've seen images of the design and the aerodynamics and I like it a lot.

"The really important thing now is the test results and that I like to drive it a lot," Sainz smiled again.

"2018 was a year of reflection for the team but they have learned what was wrong and are trying to return to where they were years ago.

"There now has been a restructuring and the result will be seen in the medium term.

"Everything will be ready to start the testing. I think it's going to be a good year for McLaren and for me," he added.

(GMM)
Disgruntled F1 race promoters are making their own joint efforts to cut costs.

Recently, 16 of the sport's 21 grand prix hosts banded together to form the Formula One Promoters' Association, and threatened to quit F1 over Liberty Media's management.

Their big gripe is the race fees charged by Liberty.

Now, F1 business journalist Christian Sylt reports that the circuits are cutting costs on their own.

Writing in the Evening Standard, Sylt said the promoters are going to "pool" their mandatory insurance cover rather than stick with their current individual policies.

A source said: "At the moment the 21 races have to contract insurance cover individually and it costs a fortune. It's the same cover so one single broker in London could and should do it.".

(GMM)
Britain's home office has decided to send Indian fugitive and former Force India boss Vijay Mallya back to his native country.

Former billionaire Mallya, who sold his Silverstone based team to Lawrence Stroll, faces jail in India over corruption and huge unpaid debts.

A spokesperson for Britain's home office said home secretary Sajid Javid has considered the Mallya case "carefully" and "signed the order for Vijay Mallya's extradition to India".

Mallya, 63, must now be extradited within 28 days, but he has the right to appeal.

He confirmed: "I could not initiate the appeal process before a decision by the home secretary. Now I will initiate the appeal process."

(GMM)
(TNS)  The number of video surveillance eyes in the sky likely won't change much, but the Montgomery Police Department new "STAR Watch" program plans to include all those vantage points into one network, allowing officers to better see the city and crime."I welcome you to the STAR Center," Mayor Todd Strange said behind a lectern in the depths of the department's station on North Ripley Street. "It's our eyes in the sky. I did a little extrapolation and I think this center takes the place of 50 officers, just right off the bat. It's a time saver, it's instant access to what's going on."In the center, screen panels stretched across one wall of the room while desktop computers filled the floor space. As Strange spoke during a news conference announcing the latest in policing technology, customers at nearby businesses, already participating in the network, could be seen walking through parking lots.The STAR center, which stands for strategic technology and resource center, boasts the latest video technology with an encrypted system which will exclusively provide access to police. It's costing the city less than $50,000, which was awarded to the Montgomery Police Department through a Department of Justice grant."It will be in this room," Sgt. Alan Burr, an officer who will oversee the center, said during the conference. "We're not sharing this to some random voyeuristic anybody.""You won't be able to get it on neighborhood uncut," Strange said.Strange estimated that currently there are about 20 to 30 businesses already signed on with the project, about 10,000 cameras across every school in the county and another two to 3,000 more on the streets on Montgomery."Yesterday, we had a domestic violence situation where a woman fled and sought safety at a school," Strange said. "She had a firearm with her. With this system, and access to the cameras in the schools, we can better determine the level of threat to students."Montgomery's system is modeled after a similar one in Mobile, operating for the past year and a half. Ronald Sams, director of the Montgomery Department of Public Safety, said he and officers have been coordinating closely with Mobile before launching the program."What the city of Mobile did, they worked with their local judges and made sure they weren't violating anyone's civil rights," Sams said. "The more you do this kind of thing, the more proficient you are at doing it. We're just beginning and we know we'll learn a lot."In practice, when 911 dispatches an officer to an incident, be it theft or gun violence, another officer in the center can access cameras around the incident. Officers, Burr said, will be able send screen grabs of the video to officers on the ground, providing an immediate, reliable image of a suspect.On the chance an officer in the center catches a crime in the act on one of the live feeds, they will have the ability to dispatch directly to patrol officers instead of going through 911.It's not clear if a misdemeanor crime witnessed on one of the live video feeds in the center, can trigger an arrest by a patrol officer. Arrests for felony crimes are different, according to state law."Under Alabama laws of arrest, to arrest for a misdemeanor, you have to witness the crime. Misdemeanors have to be witnessed," he said. "The question comes up, if you can make an arrest after witnessing a misdemeanor live on camera, that's something we're going to work with our local district attorneys and judges."Police are looking to include homeowners associations, with cameras around communities, and security cameras belonging to residents to the network."We're just looking for exterior cameras, cameras with a public view," Capt. Regina Duckett clarified about residential participation. "We're not looking for a view into people's homes."Residents or businesses who wish to offer access to their cameras or simply want more information, can email starcenter@montgomeryal.gov or call 625-2532.>2019 the Montgomery Advertiser (Montgomery, Ala.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(TNS)  Say cheese, and hold the passport: A change is coming to how you board international flights at Miami International Airport.On Friday, MIA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials unveiled a new biometric boarding process for a Lufthansa flight heading to Munich, Germany. Instead of showing their passports and boarding passes, passengers simply stopped in front of a camera, had their photo taken by an iPad-shaped, automated camera, and were cleared to board by a computer.Its the first of what could eventually be a systemwide phase-in, not just MIA but for most international flights in the U.S. The roll-out allows airlines to better comply with a federal requirement that the U.S. government know who has left the country. Biometric systems have already been put in place at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Boston-Logan, and Los Angeles international airports.What the facial recognition technology does is allow us to have a positive identification on who were dealing with, said Christopher Maston, port director for the Miami office of the customs agency. So all of these issues surrounding identity theft and people attempting to avoid detection  this closes a lot of those [loopholes] for us.For travelers, it should mean faster boarding times and eliminate the need to show ones passport at the gate. Lufthansa said that at a trial in Los Angeles this week, 300 passengers were able to board a flight in 23 minutes.This is the future of air travel, where we can really begin to provide a walkthrough experience, from check-in to the aircraft door, Matthys Serfontein, vice president of airports for SITA, the Europe-based company developing the technology, said in a statement.Or, as Patrick Sgueglia, a Lufthansa spokesman, said: The days of sticking your boarding pass in your mouth, or fishing around for it in your pocket, are numbered.If youre concerned about your privacy, you might wonder: Where will my portrait be held?The answer: By the federal government. SITAs scanning device converts your face into digitized information and instantly sends it through to a Customs and Border Patrol matching database, to ensure you are who you say you are. The agency, it turns out, already has all of your information on file if youve ever traveled internationally, including your passport photo. SITA does not keep any information.Customs representatives say photos of U.S. citizens will be deleted immediately after its inspection is completed. Photos for all other individuals, the agency says, will be stored in a secure Customs data system  unless a person is associated with a law enforcement action, or the photo is otherwise shared for a lawful purpose.For now, the process is opt-in, meaning if youre camera shy, you can go the traditional route of having your passport scanned.I think its a great thing, said Frank Pfleiderer, who was among the first passengers on the Munich flight to try the tech. Its so easy  the door opens  its a great experience. Im not concerned about my privacy in the U.S. because when I arrived I gave my picture to everyone anyway.Katie Martineau of Miami Beach, another passenger flying to Munich, was a bit more apprehensive when she learned her photo would be taken as she was boarding if she didnt opt out.I think Id probably trade a little longer wait time for a little more privacy, she said.
RECs Have Important Skills and Assets

Network Assets  a utility network possesses many network assets important to the operation of a broadband network, including fiber backbone, poles, rights-of-way, substations, pedestals, buildings and trucks/vehicles.

 a utility network possesses many network assets important to the operation of a broadband network, including fiber backbone, poles, rights-of-way, substations, pedestals, buildings and trucks/vehicles. Skills and Knowhow  operating an electric network enables skills and know-how that translate well into building and operating a broadband network.

 operating an electric network enables skills and know-how that translate well into building and operating a broadband network. Customer Relationships  established billing relationships with customers provides a captive and engaged audience for broadband services.

 established billing relationships with customers provides a captive and engaged audience for broadband services. Government and Community Relationships  building broadband networks often involves partnering with local governments, and RECs can leverage long-standing government and community relationships for that purpose.

 building broadband networks often involves partnering with local governments, and RECs can leverage long-standing government and community relationships for that purpose. Location  as RECs typically already serve these rural markets, proximity challenges are nonexistent.

RECs Take the Long-Term View on Investments

Funding Opportunities for RECs

Rural Communities Need Broadband to Survive

The rural broadband landscape has seen notable progress in recent years. Federal, state and local policymakers have put more emphasis on closing the digital divide in the U.S., with the goal of bringing comparable broadband service enjoyed in most urban markets to rural markets all across the country. For example, in 2018 according to Pew research , 19 states so far have enacted 26 legislative actions related to increasing broadband availability.While this attention is encouraging, the progress remains slow, with thousands of rural communities still lacking even basic broadband service, much less emerging ultra-broadband services that are now becoming commonplace in urban America. According to the FCCs 2018 Broadband Deployment Report , 68.6 percent of rural Americans have adequate access to both fixed and mobile broadband services, as opposed to 97.9 percent of Americans in urban areas.Much of the digital divide discussion focuses on comparing urban and rural markets. This is important, but an even deeper dive into the digital divide challenge reveals more granular disparities. Indeed, a rural-rural digital divide also exists, where many rural communities do have access to excellent broadband services delivered by community-focused providers and cooperatives, while neighboring rural communities in close proximity are unserved, or at best underserved. This divide creates wide swaths of rural territory with inadequate broadband, preventing these communities from participating in the competitive global economy.There is hope, and increasingly that hope is being delivered by rural electric cooperatives (RECs). These RECs are now joining the important work being done by traditional telephone cooperatives in bringing broadband service to rural territories. Its a welcome solution and in line with the history of the cooperative utility movement, which brought both electricity and telephone service to these same territories many decades ago. Why should broadband be any different?Rural electric cooperatives have some specific characteristics that make them uniquely qualified to undertake significant and meaningful strides in conquering the digital divide. Cooperative values and tradition are chief among them, as many RECs see bringing broadband to their territory as a natural extension of their duty to serve the community.But beyond their community focus, RECs also possess important skills and assets that make expansion into broadband very favorable. Those skills and assets include:Traditional broadband providers have a business model that requires a fast ROI to make large capital investments. With RECs anchored in their communities, they dont have short-term views or demands for short-term returns on investment, enabling them to take a long-term view that is particularly well-suited for significant broadband investments. The willingness of RECs to look at these investments as long-term and not short-term profit driven, puts them in a unique position to close the broadband gap where its most needed.That same willingness has an upside for the REC community. As consumers look to other sources of energy, including renewables, while also conserving power usage, traditional electric service revenues are beginning to face downward pressure. Like other utilities, including telephone companies and cable companies that have core services (telephone and TV) with declining revenue trends, RECs too can look to broadband as a revenue diversification strategy. Both telcos and cable utilities have made this transition. Electric utilities should consider doing the same. Deploying broadband in rural America is more than just a civic duty, its also an attractive revenue diversification strategy.As mentioned, bringing broadband to rural markets can be an expensive proposition. Luckily there are many government-sponsored funding programs and subsidies that can help support the business case. At the federal level, the USDAs Rural Utilities Service (RUS) provides both loan and grant programs through its Rural Development arm. Traditional loan programs provide billions of dollars in loans to rural infrastructure programs, including broadband and smart grid initiatives. Recently, Congress expanded funding through RUS by adding the e-Connectivity Pilot Program, which allocated an additional $600 million in 2018. More funding for this pilot program of between $400 million and $525 million is in pending legislation.Another federal funding program is the FCCs Connect America Fund (CAF). This fund budgets billions of dollars per year to eligible telecommunications carriers for the support of broadband service in high-cost areas. The FCC just concluded an auction through this program, the CAF-II reverse auction, which awarded $1.5 billion to help support the expansion of rural broadband. Over $225 million from this auction will support 35 REC broadband projects.Several state programs also target the expansion of rural broadband. Examples include programs in Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado and Minnesota, among others. Minnesotas Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program awarded $20 million in 2017 to support rural broadband expansion across the state.Thousands of communities across the country need all of the benefits broadband can bring. The statistics that stem from the digital divide can be sobering. Between 2010 and 2016, rural America suffered its first population decline in history. While rural-to-urban migration has always been a factor, for the first time in history natural population growth did not keep pace with this migration, meaning rural Americas population is in decline. A key factor in this decline is residents leaving rural America for better economic opportunity elsewhere.Lack of broadband acts as a drag on economic development. According to a Community and Regional Development Institute report , non-urban counties with low broadband penetration had lower growth in both the number of businesses and total employment. Conversely, this study concluded that non-urban counties that had high broadband penetration had significantly higher growth in median household income. Recent data from an International Telecommunications Union (ITU) study suggests that in developed economies, for every 1 percent increase in fixed broadband penetration, a corresponding increase of 0.08 percent in GDP occurs.Broadband can make a difference and is a cornerstone for a healthy and vibrant local economy. To be blunt, rural communities need broadband to survive. Without it, they face an uncertain future.RECs are in a unique position to address this sobering reality. Indeed, no other group of providers is better situated or more committed to solve this problem. According to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association , RECs serve over 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nations landmass, some of which fits the undesirable category of underserved or unserved with broadband. Its ground zero for the digital divide.Rural electric cooperatives are uniquely positioned to significantly contribute to ending the digital divide, perhaps eliminating it once and for all.
A man killed in unincorporated Santa Clara County near Santa Cruz on Thursday has been identified as 60-year-old Dan Miller of Scotts Valley, according to the Santa Clara County medical examiner's office.



The crash was reported at 5:31 p.m. on southbound Highway 17 in the southern area of the county. A driver in a blue Toyota FJ Cruiser was reportedly swerving, speeding and unable to stay in his lane.



According to the CHP, the driver was veering into both shoulders of the freeway while driving at a very high speed, and crashed into a tree minutes later just south of Redwood Estates.



Officers said they arrived at the scene to find the vehicle had split in half after the impact with the tree and landed on its roof. Miller died at the scene, according to the CHP.



The cause of the crash is still under investigation.





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BCN25)



OAKLAND (BCN)



Oakland teachers have voted by an overwhelming margin of 95 percent to 5 percent to authorize a strike, union leader Keith Brown announced at a boisterous news conference at Oakland Technical High School on Monday.



Brown, the president of the Oakland Education Association, said no strike date has been set yet because the union and the Oakland Unified School District are still awaiting a report that's expected to be issued by Feb. 15 by a state-appointed neutral fact-finder who is tasked with helping to resolve the contract negotiations. The report is non-binding.



Brown said that unless the school district moves significantly from its current position, "We expect to be on strike by the end of the month."



Brown said the teachers' union is asking for smaller class sizes, living wages for educators and additional student resources that educators are fighting for, including more counselors and school nurses.



Contract talks between the school district and the union, which represents 3,000 educators, have been going on for about a year and a half.



The union is asking for a 12 percent raise over three years while the district is offering a 5 percent pay hike.



Oakland teachers have noted that the last time they went on strike in 1996 it lasted for more than two months.



Brown said the 95 percent of teachers voting to authorize going on strike is the highest ever for the union. He also said the 84 percent participation rate is the highest ever.



Teachers voted last Tuesday through last Friday.



Brown said, "This is a clear message that our teachers are ready to strike for our students and for a living wage."



Oakland school district officials said Monday that they hope they can reach an agreement with the union that causes the least disruption to students' lives.



School district officials said they support a wage increase for employees, but they must work within the district's financial reality.



The school district faces a projected $30 million budget deficit, which forced the officials to decide to close Roots International Academy at the end of this school year. The district plans to close or merge up to 24 schools over five years.



Monday, in a statement, school district Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammel said, "We believe that our teachers deserve a fair wage, and we are doing everything we can to find a solution."



"We will continue to advocate for more funding from the state and find a way to compensate our teachers fairly," she said.



The union said it will conduct a rally at Frank Ogawa Plaza in front of City Hall at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.



It said hundreds of educators will urge the City Council to adopt a resolution on its agenda that night supporting teachers and opposing school closures.





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State Highway 17 between Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties has reopened after it was closed due to snowfall early Tuesday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.



The CHP said the highway was reopened just after 1 a.m. after being closed around midnight between Redwood Estates and Summit Road.



Snow was not sticking to the roadway, but the CHP said the roadway was wet.





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(TNS)  Cleveland City Council intends to conduct oversight on a host of issues in 2019, from finding a new headquarters for police and troubleshooting power outages on the citys West Side to placement of security cameras around town.At a meeting of councils committee chairs Monday, Council President Kevin Kelley laid out issues he wants members to dig into and sought suggestions from other members.His goal: To develop a working document that can be a guide for hearings and factfinding sessions through the year.Heres some of the topics on that agenda:Cleveland sold its share of the downtown Justice Center complex to Cuyahoga County for $9.25 million and worked out an agreement with the county for jail services. Title to the building transferred last October. Since then, the city has been renting space from the county.The city in June selected the former home ofat 1801 Superior as a new home for the police and intended to be moved in by March.But in September, Mayor Frank Jacksons administration abruptly notified GLP Superior Ltd., led by developer Fred Geis, that it no longer intended to work with the company on the $60 million project.Members of council have never been fully briefed about what happened. The city, meanwhile, has spent more than $500,000 on rent in the Justice Center since October.Kelley said Monday that he had been hoping the deal still could be worked out.But if its being declared dead now, we need to go back to it, Kelley said. Where are we going to go now?The West Side has been plagued by a series of power outages.Cleveland Public Power is in the midst of a series of improvements that the city-owned utility initiated following multiple power outages around Labor Day and earlier in the summer.Among those improvements were the addition of a second feeder line to the West Side at a cost of $6 million and an $18 million transmission line, allowing CPP to deliver power to the West Side from multiple points, reducing the chances of outages.But scattered outages have continued.Hundreds of people called 911 last week when they had no heat in their homes because the power was out, according to Councilman Martin Keane, whose ward includes westernmost Cleveland.Councilman Kerry McCormack  who represents Ohio City, Tremont and most of the downtown  said he has been told by some businesses that they are reluctant to invest more in his neighborhoods because of the unreliable power.One factor to be considered is that CPP operates as an independent enterprise. Funding for improvements would ultimately have to be covered by the utility's rate payers.The city intends to replace 61,000 street lights with brighter, more cost-effective LED lighting and mount 1,000 surveillance cameras atop utility poles.The administration has said it intends to put cameras around recreation centers, parks and in hot spots for crime around town.Members of council want input on where those cameras are placed.Deployment of safety forces: Kelley said he wants council to keep an eye on response times for emergency calls, particularly for EMS runs.Its a subject that has prompted many complaints in the past, he said.Anecdotally, I feel like its getting better, he said. I think we need to make sure were monitoring.New revenue raised after Cleveland voters approved an income tax increase at the end of 2016 allowed the city to expand EMS services, said Councilman Matt Zone, who chairs the Safety Committee.The money enabled the city to hold two training classes for EMS cadets and add new emergency vehicles. Shifts were expanded and now have as many as 23 crews on duty at once.Jackson told editors at cleveland.com on Friday that EMS response times have been reduced to a matter of minutes.Kelley wants the administration to provide an assessment of the citys key assets, such as all its recreation centers, any capital improvements planned for those assets and a schedule for when that work is to be done.Jacksons capital improvements budget, which looks at projects in a three-year cycle, includes millions of dollars for recreation center improvements.Among those are construction of two new centers this year.Jackson also intends to continue programming that was expanded in rec centers as part of efforts to address the health impacts of trauma and stress. The mayors budget proposal includes $3 million to continue those programs, which include GED classes, job training, arts programming and the stationing of counselors in the rec centers.More from Cleveland City Hall:2019 Advance Ohio Media, ClevelandVisit Advance Ohio Media, Cleveland at www.cleveland.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Oakland teachers have voted by an overwhelming margin of 95 percent to 5 percent to authorize a strike, union leader Keith Brown announced at a boisterous news conference at Oakland Technical High School on Monday.



Brown, the president of the Oakland Education Association, said no strike date has been set yet because the union and the Oakland Unified School District are still awaiting a report that's expected to be issued by Feb. 15 by a state-appointed neutral fact-finder who is tasked with helping to resolve the contract negotiations. The report is non-binding.



Brown said that unless the school district moves significantly from its current position, "We expect to be on strike by the end of the month."



Brown said the teachers' union is asking for smaller class sizes, living wages for educators and additional student resources that educators are fighting for, including more counselors and school nurses.



Contract talks between the school district and the union, which represents 3,000 educators, have been going on for about a year and a half.







Charges against one former and two current San Francisco sheriff's deputies, all accused of being involved in a "fight club" in which jail inmates were allegedly forced to fight each other, have been dropped, prosecutors announced Friday.



In 2016, prosecutors charged former Deputy Scott Neu with eight felonies and nine misdemeanors, Deputy Eugene Jones with two felonies and two misdemeanors and Deputy Clifford Chiba with three misdemeanors.



Prosecutors alleged that Neu forced inmates Ricardo Palakiko-Garcia and Stanley Harris to fight each other at the county jail, located at 850 Bryant St. Jones allegedly participated in forcing them to fight on at least one occasion and Chiba was allegedly present during a match and failed to report it.



On Friday, Neu's attorney Harry Stern said the charges were dropped because of serious violations of their constitutional rights and the destruction of key evidence.



"While we appreciate that the prosecution finally saw the light and dismissed these unwarranted charges, this case points out the danger of prosecuting by press release instead of objective investigation. This case should have never been filed," Stern said in a statement.







A woman was found dead at a Santa Cruz beach Monday, sheriff's deputies in Santa Cruz County reported.



The elderly woman was found at Cowell Beach and she does not match the description of any recent missing persons, according to sheriff's officials.



She is about 5 feet 5 inches tall, 130 pounds, has white hair and light-colored eyes. She did not have any identifying clothing, jewelry or tattoos when she was found, sheriff's officials said.



She likely died in the last two days, and anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Ian Patrick at (831) 454-7790.







Weather officials shared reports of snow and hail in the San Francisco Bay Area Monday night.



As of 10 p.m., a half an inch of snow had fallen at 1700 feet in the Mayacamas Mountains, according to the Mayacamas Volunteer Fire Department. Upper Skyline Boulevard in San Mateo County between state Highway 92 and state Highway 84 had snow, officials with the sheriff's office said.



Weather officials said temperatures at a variety of Bay Area summits were supportive of snow. As of 10 p.m., it was 23 degrees on Mt. St. Helena, 31 degrees on Mt. Tamalpais, 27 degrees on Mt. Diablo, Mt. Hamilton and Mt. Umunhum and 26 degrees on Chews Ridge.



At about 8:30 p.m., hail had fallen just north of the Golden Gate at 400 feet in elevation. Weather officials said the temperature was 38 degrees. Snow had already fallen on Mt. Hamilton as of about 8 p.m.







A suspect was charged Monday in the death of a homeless woman found on the porch of a Richmond church last week, Contra Costa County prosecutors said.



Tiocha Elliot Schultz, 38, whose last known address was Richmond, is suspected in the death of Jaimee Lynn Ellam, 44, a transient.



Officers responded at 10 a.m. following a report of an unresponsive woman outside Grace Lao Lutheran Church at 1963 Carlson Blvd., police said.



Police found the woman suffering from visible trauma and she was pronounced dead at the church.



Schultz is set to be arraigned on Tuesday in the George D. Carroll Courthouse in Richmond. His bail was set at $1 million.







A 21-year-old man is in stable condition after he was shot and seriously wounded in South Berkeley Friday afternoon, police said Monday.



Officers were called to reports of gunfire near Derby and Grant streets around 1:15 p.m. The callers also reported someone was on the ground, according to Berkeley Police Department Lt. Peter Hong.



When officers arrived, they found a 21-year-old with serious gunshot wounds. He was rushed to the hospital.



Five schools in the area - Berkeley High School, Berkeley Technology Academy, Longfellow Middle School, Washington Elementary School and the King Child Development Center - were asked to secure their perimeters, according to Berkeley Unified School District spokesman Charles Burress.







Multiple lanes of northbound U.S. Highway 101 in unincorporated Marin County remain closed due to icy conditions, according to the California Highway Patrol.



The CHP said the closure of three of four lanes started around 10:12 p.m. Monday and has continued into early Tuesday morning, with forecasted temperatures expected to drop even lower into the later morning hours, per the National Weather Service.



According to the CHP, the closure extends from just north of Alexander Avenue to just south of Marin City.



There is no estimated time of reopening and lanes remain closed as of 3:45 a.m. No further information is immediately available.







A man was shot and killed in southwest San Jose late Monday night, according to police.



The shooting was first reported around 10:07 p.m. in the 3100 block of Cadillac Drive near the city limit with Campbell, police said. Officers who arrived on the scene found a man suffering from at least one gunshot wound.



According to police, the man was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.



Police are investigating the shooting. No suspects have been identified.



Anyone with information on the case is asked to call San Jose police Detective Brian Meeker at (408) 277-5283. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call (408) 947-7867.







State Highway 17 between Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties has reopened after being briefly closed early Tuesday morning due to snowfall, according to the California Highway Patrol.



The CHP said the highway was reopened just after 1 a.m. after being closed around midnight between Redwood Estates and Summit Road.





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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)



Police in San Francisco responded to a stabbing and shooting early Tuesday morning, both unrelated and minutes apart, according to police.



In the first incident, around 12:10 a.m., officers learned of a stabbing in the 500 block of Broadway, located in the city's North Beach neighborhood.



A male suspect allegedly punched a 28-year-old man and a female suspect then allegedly stabbed him with a knife. The suspects, both described as being in their 40s, then fled on a bike, police said.



The victim was taken to a hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening.



About a half-hour later, around 12:40 a.m., officers responded to a shooting in the first block of Lillian Court in the city's Bayview neighborhood, according to police.



There, they learned that a 25-year-old man accidentally shot himself with a gun. He was taken to the hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening, police said.





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The National Weather Service is predicting snow in some of the Bay Area's higher elevations.



Between late Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning, snow mixed with rain could fall between 400 and 1,000 feet and possibly as low as sea level especially in the North Bay.



The North Bay mountains, East Bay hills and Santa Cruz mountains may see 2-4 inches of snow above 1,000 feet and 4-8 inches in those areas above 2,000 feet between late Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.



Potential hazardous driving conditions are expected on Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Highways 9, 17, 29, 130 and Grizzly Peak Boulevard in the Berkeley Hills between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning.



Temperatures Monday night will range from the low 30s to low 40s region wide and lows on Tuesday and Wednesday nights will be in the upper 20s to upper 30s region wide. San Francisco should be around 40 degrees, the National Weather Service said.



The cold temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday nights will threaten vulnerable populations, sensitive vegetation and outdoor animals.



Light to moderate rainfall is predicted, and stronger showers and isolated thunderstorms may bring brief heavy rain with possible hail and lightning.



Rain amounts will be less than an inch in urban locations and up to an inch and 1.5 inches in the wettest locations. Showers will decrease Tuesday, the National Weather Service said.







Three people, including a child, were hospitalized Monday morning after a vehicle crashed into a tree in Pittsburg near Los Medanos College, police said.



The collision was reported about 7:20 a.m. on East Leland Road, west of Century Boulevard, said Pittsburg police Capt. Steve Albanese.



When officers arrived, they found a car had crashed into a tree in the center median. The driver was trapped inside the vehicle and the front passenger had been ejected, Albanese said.



A child was secured in a child safety seat in the vehicle's rear seat, police said.



The driver had to be extricated by emergency crews and all three people in the car were taken to a hospital in critical but stable condition, according to police.



The cause of the crash is under investigation. The road is currently closed due to weather and for the investigation.







Two people killed Sunday in an early morning crash on Highway 101 in San Francisco have been identified.



Waheedullah Etimad, a part-time Uber driver from Concord, died in the 2:33 a.m. collision Sunday, authorities said Monday.



Etimad, 40, was driving northbound on the freeway near Vermont Street when he was hit by a wrong-way driver, according to the California Highway Patrol.



The driver of the car headed the wrong way, Kayla Wilson, 21, of San Jose, also died, authorities said. It's believed that Wilson entered the freeway from the Vermont Street off-ramp.



Friends of Etimad, the father of seven children, have set up a GoFundMe page for his family, at https://www.gofundme.com/waheed-etimad-uber-driver.



Etimad, a Diablo Valley College student, came to USA in 2016, according to the GoFundMe page.



The three-car collision injured nine other people, the CHP said, including one person hospitalized in critical condition.



The CHP is investigating whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.







The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Monday identified the victim of a homicide in Santa Rosa Thursday as Derrick Young, 50, a Santa Rosa area transient.



Santa Rose police arrested two homeless men, William Armister Amons, 62, of San Francisco and Solomon Asgedom Fret, 55, of Santa Rosa as the suspects. Both men are schedule to be arraigned in Sonoma County Superior Court Tuesday afternoon.



The two men confronted Young about a dispute over a bicycle and repeatedly struck Young in the upper body with blunt objects. The suspects fled and Young died at the scene, Lt. John Cregan said.



A witness ran to the El Brinquito restaurant at 810 Piner Road to report a man was being beaten with a stick behind a nearby business. The witness gave a detailed description of the suspect and police responded around 9:40 p.m. Thursday, Cregan said.



Officers found Young with blunt force trauma injuries on the ground behind an industrial building in the 900 block of Piner Road.



Amons was found moments later on a bicycle in the 1700 block of Piner Road. He had injuries consistent with a fight and he matched the witness's description of the suspect, Cregan said. He was arrested and booked under no bail in the Sonoma County Jail for murder.



Fret was arrested Friday based on statements from witnesses and involved parties, Cregan said.



Several homeless people were living in vehicles parked behind the industrial buildings in the area and others commonly gather there, Cregan said.



Police are seeking other witnesses to the homicide. Anyone with information is asked to call Santa Rosa police at (707) 543-3590.



The Sonoma County Alliance is offering a reward up to $2,500 for information leading to the convictions of the suspects.







A male pedestrian was seriously injured when a vehicle struck him during pouring rain Friday night, a Santa Rosa police sergeant said.



Police received calls around 7:40 p.m. about the collision on W. College Avenue east of the railroad tracks, Sgt. Summer Gloeckner said. The pedestrian was laying in the center median and the driver of the silver Toyota Tundra pickup that struck him waited for police at the scene.



The 51-year-old Santa Rosa man, who was driving the truck east in the No. 1 lane, said he had just crossed the tracks when his truck hit an object, Gloeckner said. The driver said he stopped immediately and realized he had struck a pedestrian.



An off-duty nurse stopped at the scene to help the injured pedestrian until medical help arrived, Gloeckner said.



Witnesses said it appears the pedestrian was in a designated crosswalk but had not activated the crossing lights when he was struck, Gloeckner said. The pedestrian suffered a fractured leg, head trauma and major internal injuries but is expected to survive, Gloeckner said.



The initial investigation indicates the pedestrian was impaired by alcohol at the time of the collision, Gloeckner said.



The eastbound lanes of W. College Avenue were closed for several hours during the investigation. Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact Officer Jeff Adams at (707) 543-3636.









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OAKLAND (BCN)



A judge ruled on Monday that Alameda County prosecutors produced sufficient evidence to have an Oregon man ordered to stand trial on a murder charge for the fatal stabbing of a 59-year-old man outside the Greyhound bus station in Oakland in December.



Alameda County Superior Court Judge C. Don Clay said evidence in the preliminary hearing of Anthony Morales, 36, of Albany, Ore., shows that Morales was the aggressor in a fight near the station at 2103 San Pablo Ave. shortly before 9 p.m. on Dec. 19 in which Eric McMillian was fatally stabbed.



Morales' attorney Hien Ngoc Nguyen argued that Morales should only be ordered to stand trial on the lesser charge of manslaughter, saying "the required element of malice (for a murder finding) is lacking."



Nguyen said the confrontation between Morales and McMillian lasted for less than a minute, meaning that Morales didn't have time to deliberate, and said Morales was upset because he thought that McMillian had stolen his backpack.



But Clay said the cause of the dispute between the two men isn't totally clear because McMillian told police shortly before he died that Morales had tried to rob him before he stabbed him.



Clay said, "We don't know the context" for the dispute.



Clay said that if Morales had really believed that he was a robbery victim he could have waited at the scene to tell police his side of the story but instead he got on a bus, where he was arrested a short time after the fight.



The judge also noted that Morales used a large butcher knife to stab McMillian twice in his torso.



McMillian died at Highland Hospital at 9:54 p.m. on Dec. 19, about an hour after he was stabbed.



Alameda County prosecutors allege that Morales has two prior felony convictions in Santa Cruz County for second-degree burglary on Feb. 24, 2011, and carrying a concealed firearm on Aug. 17, 2001.



Morales is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 19 to have his trial date set.





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BERKELEY (BCN)



A 21-year-old man is in stable condition after he was shot and seriously wounded in South Berkeley Friday afternoon, police said Monday.



Officers were called to reports of gunfire near Derby and Grant streets around 1:15 p.m. The callers also reported someone was on the ground, according to Berkeley Police Department Lt. Peter Hong.



When officers arrived, they found a 21-year-old with serious gunshot wounds. He was rushed to the hospital.



Five schools in the area - Berkeley High School, Berkeley Technology Academy, Longfellow Middle School, Washington Elementary School and the King Child Development Center - were asked to secure their perimeters, according to Berkeley Unified School District spokesman Charles Burress.



"All sites were able to resume normal operations within about an hour or less," Burress said in a statement.



School officials don't believe students were involved in the shooting, according to Burress.



Police are urging residents to look at any video surveillance footage they have that might help police in the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Police Department's homicide unit at (510) 981-5741.





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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)



Residents and visitors to San Francisco on Tuesday can celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year as the city ushers in the Year of the Pig and waves goodbye to the Year of the Dog, organizers said.



San Francisco Mayor London Breed and former Mayor Willie Brown, along with eight pigs for extra good luck, will lead a procession starting at 11:25 a.m. that will start at Walter U Lum Place and end at Clay and Kearny streets, with traditional lion dancers and firecrackers.



Residents and visitors will also have the opportunity to see a 200-foot dragon and water snake, which will be part of the celebration.



The Chinese New Year marks the start of the lunar year. Ahead of the procession, the mayor and others will offer remarks starting at about 11 a.m.





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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)



Charges against one former and two current San Francisco sheriff's deputies, all accused of being involved in a "fight club" in which jail inmates were allegedly forced to fight each other, have been dropped, prosecutors announced Friday.



In 2016, prosecutors charged former Deputy Scott Neu with eight felonies and nine misdemeanors, Deputy Eugene Jones with two felonies and two misdemeanors and Deputy Clifford Chiba with three misdemeanors.



Prosecutors alleged that Neu forced inmates Ricardo Palakiko-Garcia and Stanley Harris to fight each other at the county jail, located at 850 Bryant St. Jones allegedly participated in forcing them to fight on at least one occasion and Chiba was allegedly present during a match and failed to report it.



On Friday, Neu's attorney Harry Stern said the charges were dropped because of serious violations of their constitutional rights and the destruction of key evidence.



"While we appreciate that the prosecution finally saw the light and dismissed these unwarranted charges, this case points out the danger of prosecuting by press release instead of objective investigation. This case should have never been filed," Stern said in a statement.



The allegations against the deputies came to light in March 2015 when Palakiko-Garcia's family contacted Public Defender Jeff Adachi's office for help.



After Adachi revealed the allegations, then-Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi said the sheriff's department's internal affairs unit would be conducting an investigation.



According to court documents, in the month after the allegations surfaced, the sheriff's department began its own criminal investigation, aside from the internal affairs investigation and unbeknownst to the San Francisco District Attorney's Office.



During the sheriff department's criminal investigation, court documents allege, investigators used statements made by Neu under immunization to build the criminal case against him. When it became clear that the immunized statements made by Neu were being used improperly, sheriff's department investigators allegedly moved to destroy evidence that would have proved that.



San Francisco District Attorney's Office spokesman Alex Bastian said, "This case illustrates why agencies shouldn't be tasked with investigating themselves. It is what we have been saying for years and why we sought to create the Independent Investigations Bureau."



San Francisco Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Nancy Crowley said, "Since Sheriff (Vicki) Hennessy took over the department, she's cooperated fully with the district attorney and she also has updated and reaffirmed the department's criminal and administrative procedures in training to ensure the integrity of all investigations and secure accountability."



Adachi said he was "beyond disappointed" that the charges have been dropped.



"It's not only outrageous, but it really speaks volumes to the need for reform on how these internal investigations are conducted," he said.



Unlike the Police Department, which has the police commission, Adachi said, "the sheriff's department is not subject to any oversight."



He added he will be seeking a hearing on the matter.



"It really sends the wrong message to anyone in law enforcement, that no matter what you do, you can get away with it," he said.





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(TNS)  Could an app help prevent school violence?Thats the goal of NoSchoolViolence.org , a Seattle-based nonprofit that is looking to bring its app to Washington school districts.The app, called  The Lantern , uses data science to inform parents, teachers and security officers of how certain behaviors correlate with violence and suggests intervention possibilities.What were looking at, in the app side, is to build community, said Ben Meredith, CEO of NoSchoolViolence.org. What parents see, what safety officers see, what teachers see in a students behavior.Leaders of the nonprofit are communicating with legislators to share their idea, which Meredith said is a preventative measure.Washington State legislators spoke this month about what they can do to make schools safer. Theres no plan at the moment to arm teachers, reported The News Tribunes James Drew. Instead, bills sponsored by legislators this year include establishing safety centers and requiring threat-assessment training for staff members.The nonprofits app could help, said Meredith  not just with fatal acts of violence, but nonfatal ones. He visited Tacoma in January to give a presentation on the app at New Tech Tacoma, a community meet-up group.Heres how the app works: When a parent, teacher, security officer or other adult is concerned about the behavior of a child, they can type that trait into the app. The app then suggests other behaviors that could stem from that first behavior.As an example, Meredith typed bullying into the prototype at his presentation. One of the resulting behaviors that showed up was stealing.The app then ranks those behaviors and whether or not theyre in need of immediate intervention.A student that spends a lot of time in his/her room might not be a cause for concern, Meredith said. But adults might not know something is wrong until they have the whole picture  at home and at school.When you start seeing these behaviors as a group ... the safety officer and parent are connected together. They begin to get a fuller picture of the student, Meredith said. This is where we believe we can help the students with an intervention beforehand.So where does the app get its information? Everywhere, Meredith said.The app uses data science and natural language processing to scour the internet for everything that was written about school violence, Meredith said.The nonprofit has found some interesting patterns in its research. In every school shooting in the United States, and all but one overseas, the shooters purchased new clothing two weeks prior to the shooting  most commonly, a leather jacket, Meredith said.Mark Ketter, a school resource officer with the Puyallup School District, said that while he hasnt heard about the app before, it would be interesting to learn more.Ketter added that its helpful to get points of view from other professionals, such as mental health counselors and psychologists.There is one question Ketter had about the information entered into the app: What happens to it?Meredith had an answer for that.We do not track students, Meredith wrote in an email. We do not hold on to any Personal Identification Information. This information never gets to our servers in any way.Meredith added that the decision to take action is left in the hands of the school officials and parents that make up the circle of trust for a student.They are the best judges of the local situation, Meredith said.Charmaine Krause, director of student services and safety at the Puyallup School District, said the district uses a anonymous hotline for safety alerts, but that the district is open to new ideas.Were always interested in how technology can help us and support school safety in general, she said.Leaders of NoSchoolViolence.org want the app to be available to the public and school districts through grant funding.The app is still only a prototype but is expected to be released by the end of the quarter to be used for free by the public.On Thursday, leaders of the nonprofit made a brief visit with state Superintendent Chris Reykdal.They provided us with comments on concerns they have and design features they would like to see incorporated, to which we are appreciative and will take to heart as we continue to develop this intervention assistance tool, Meredith wrote in an email. And we all agreed that helping our students stay safe is a group effort that takes a village, as it is said.
(TNS)  Last Thursday, Southern Illinois University Carbondale leaders stood alongside a Californian tech mogul and Illinois new lieutenant governor, Juliana Stratton, in downtown Chicago to announce a program that will change the lives of kids in Southern Illinois.The university has been invited to co-host a nationally-recognized summer program for high-achieving high schoolers who are interested in science and technology, but come from backgrounds where STEM opportunities are scarce.Minority students. Kids from low-income families. Kids whose parents never went to college.All are invited to apply.Beginning this summer, the Kapor Center, funded by tech mogul Mitchell Kapor, will accept 35 ninth graders from Chicago and 35 from Southern Illinois for the first year of the Illinois SMASH Academy.Theyll attend a 5-week, all-expenses-paid STEM summer camp each year for three years, until they graduate high school, studying math, biology, chemistry and engineering, plus college-readiness skills like SAT and ACT test prep.This summer, the 70 Illinois students will spend their five weeks on the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology, in Chicago, with a brief weekend visit to explore SIUC.And while plans for Summer 2020 are not yet official, Meera Komarraju, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at SIUC, hopes it will be SIUCs turn to play host, housing the students on campus and educating them at SIU Carbondales facilities.That was very important to us, Komarraju said. Give us that chance to connect with these students.Besides the summer activities, Southern Illinois-based students will receive mentorship year-round from SIUC.Well be engaging them in STEM-related activities, Komarraju said, visiting campus monthly for hands-on experiments, lectures and activities. Its about sustaining that passion of the children in the interest they have.Each of the first three years, the program will grow as it welcomes a new class of students. By Year 3 of SMASH Illinois, there will be 210 participants: 70 rising sophomores, 70 juniors and 70 seniors.The hope, Komarraju said, is that the Kapor Center will sustain the program for many years to come, just as it has in California, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Michigan.Across the country, graduates of the program go on to big things.Every SMASH student graduates high school, according to Kapor Center data, and 91 percent earn a college degree within five years, compared to the national rate of 60 percent of college enrollees.SIUC officials are expecting similar success, now that the program has come to IllinoisThese are future leaders. Even one kid, if they are able to pursue their dreams, for their family and the part of society they live in, this can have a big ripple effect, Komarraju said.The Kapor Center contacted SIUC last year through Linda Baker, a professor at SIUCs Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.They were impressed with the universitys track record in working with bright but underprivileged kids in Southern Illinois and the Metro East, in towns like Cahokia and East St. Louis, Baker said.They knew we had strong relationships there, Baker said, with mentorship organizations including service-oriented fraternities, local Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Top Ladies of Distinction, an education and humanitarian non-profit led by African-American women.For years, Baker has taken talented Southern Illinois high schoolers to Springfield for the Simon Institutes Youth Government Day, introducing them to legislators, judges, lobbyists and other government leaders.Kapor Center leadership took that as one example of SIUCs connections to the Southern Illinois talent it hopes to target.They didnt want to come to Illinois and just work with Chicago kids, Baker said. They are very interested in serving children from rural areas.This is the first time a SMASH Academy has been co-hosted by two schools, Komarraju said. Some details of that cooperation are still being worked out between IIT and the Carbondale campus, but SIUC officials are optimistic about the possibilities.Our enthusiasm, commitment and student focus, thats what they told us, that convinced them to give this a try, Komarraju said. This is a chance to let people know what we are capable of.Generally, funding a SMASH Academy is a collaborative effort between the Kapor Center and host universities.Both SIUC and IIT are working to find interested donors, Komarraju said, and the Carbondale Campus has already secured some support from the SIU Foundation, its fundraising arm.But some weight was lifted off the universities shoulders at Thursdays press conference, Komarraju said, when Lt. Gov. Stratton and Illinois Sen. Kimberly Lightford made a surprise announcement that the state would chip in too.We see so many jobs and opportunities opening up, but unfortunately were not seeing those opportunities open up at the same rate for people from communities of color, Stratton told the Sun-Times, on Thursday. We can expose them to the STEM field, with mentoring, workshops and exposure to institutions of higher education, and put them on a path toward success.Applications to SMASH are now open, and SIU Carbondale is spreading the word to community organizations and area high schools, Baker said.Interested students and educators can get more information at www.smash.org/programs/smash-academy/
Share of Full-Time Federal Workforce By Annual Salary

State Less than $30K Less than $40K Less than $50K Less than $60K South Dakota 3.1% 15.5% 32.8% 48.7% Kansas 0.6% 11.0% 27.0% 40.8% Tennessee 1.7% 10.1% 26.6% 42.7% Wisconsin 0.5% 10.2% 26.6% 42.2% Arkansas 2.3% 10.7% 26.2% 43.3% Maine 0.8% 7.3% 26.0% 43.1% Kentucky 0.6% 8.6% 26.0% 44.0% Iowa 1.4% 9.9% 25.8% 43.2% Missouri 0.8% 10.5% 25.2% 41.4% New Mexico 1.4% 10.1% 24.7% 37.8% Arizona 1.3% 10.1% 24.5% 38.1% Wyoming 2.0% 10.4% 24.2% 40.7% Nevada 0.4% 9.0% 24.0% 36.0% South Carolina 1.3% 8.9% 23.2% 37.5% North Dakota 2.2% 9.2% 23.1% 38.8% Mississippi 1.2% 8.0% 22.9% 39.4% North Carolina 0.9% 7.9% 22.8% 38.1% Montana 1.5% 9.1% 22.7% 36.9% Louisiana 1.7% 8.3% 22.1% 35.5% Nebraska 1.0% 7.1% 22.1% 37.7% Indiana 0.3% 9.0% 21.8% 34.2% Florida 1.9% 8.2% 21.2% 32.8% Texas 1.2% 7.7% 20.9% 34.9% Oklahoma 0.6% 6.7% 20.3% 43.4% Minnesota 0.3% 6.8% 19.7% 34.5% Pennsylvania 0.3% 5.4% 19.2% 35.5% New York 0.3% 5.5% 18.9% 31.4% West Virginia 0.7% 6.3% 18.3% 32.0% Vermont 1.1% 7.8% 18.3% 32.2% Idaho 1.6% 7.5% 18.2% 33.3% Georgia 0.5% 5.5% 17.1% 33.3% Delaware 0.0% 3.5% 17.1% 33.1% Ohio 0.3% 5.5% 16.9% 27.6% Alabama 0.9% 5.2% 16.3% 29.3% Oregon 0.3% 6.1% 16.2% 29.5% National Total 0.7% 5.6% 16.2% 28.3% Hawaii 0.2% 5.5% 16.0% 25.9% Utah 0.4% 5.6% 16.0% 37.6% Washington 0.3% 4.3% 15.9% 28.6% Colorado 0.4% 5.0% 15.3% 25.5% Illinois 0.5% 5.2% 14.8% 26.5% Michigan 0.4% 3.9% 14.6% 25.4% Connecticut 0.4% 4.3% 14.1% 28.4% California 0.3% 3.7% 13.2% 25.5% Massachusetts 0.2% 4.1% 13.2% 25.7% Virginia 0.5% 4.2% 12.4% 21.6% Rhode Island 0.4% 3.6% 12.1% 21.7% New Hampshire 0.0% 2.5% 10.9% 21.1% Alaska 0.0% 2.5% 9.9% 21.4% New Jersey 0.0% 1.7% 7.9% 16.8% Maryland 0.1% 1.2% 4.6% 10.7% District Of Columbia 0.1% 0.8% 2.7% 6.4%

Federal Workforce Data

About the data

Its commonly assumed that just about all federal workers earn at least moderate salaries. But the recent partial federal government shutdown highlighted many serving in lower-wage positions who incurred significant financial burdens from missing multiple paychecks.Given the large size of the workforce, its worth considering where these lower-wage federal employees work and the types of jobs they fill. Weve compiled data from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) tallying salaries for all civilian, full-time nonseasonal workers, excluding the Postal Service and a few smaller agencies.To be certain, the majority of federal workers do earn at least mid-level salaries as they tend to possess years of experience and relatively high educational attainment. Nationally, just under 6 percent of full-time civilians earn salaries less than $40,000. That share climbs to about 16 percent for those earning below $50,000, and 28 percent for salaries under $60,000, by our calculations.These figures, though, vary significantly across state lines.In South Dakota, 16 percent of federal workers are paid less than $40,000 annually, while about a third earn less than $50,000. A lot of the positions comprising the states relatively small federal workforce simply dont offer high pay. About a quarter of Indian Health Service employees stationed in the state earn less than $40,000, for instance.Similarly, in Missouri, nearly 11 percent of federal civilian workers earn less than $40,000. A much larger portion of the workforce falls below this threshold in select agencies, including about 18 percent of Missouri Department of Veterans Affairs employees and half of National Archives and Records Administration employees.Numbers rise substantially when the minimum annual salary is raised to $50,000: At least a quarter of federal workers in 11 states earn less, OPM data shows.GoverningThese figures, of course, largely reflect differences in cost of living. The federal governments general schedule sets separate pay grades for each locality.Where agency facilities are located -- along with types of workers they employ -- further explain why some states have more lower-paying federal jobs than others. About 31 percent of all Department of Veterans Affairs workers earn less than $50,000, the top share of any federal cabinet agency, and the massive agency maintains a presence in every state. The Defense Department and U.S. Army also report relatively higher numbers of employees in this lower pay bracket. View numbers of federal workers by agency for each state .)Federal employees generally have attained higher levels of education than those in the private sector, with just over half of workers reporting to OPM they held at least bachelors degrees. Experience factors in, too, as the average length of service was nearly 14 years nationally.Approximating the precise financial toll of the shutdown on working families is difficult. A couple missed paychecks is far more likely to pose problems for a family with children than a single individual earning $50,000. For some, it might mean failing to make a payment on a mortgage, monthly rent, vehicle or other loan. Many employees expressed concerns that their credit ratings would take a hit.Office of Personnel Management data, current as of June 2018, reflect full-time, nonseasonal civilian employees with permanent work status. About 222,000 mostly part-time workers were excluded, as well as about 263,000 employees with salaries not reported. State and national totals dont include active duty military, the Postal Service and select small agencies not recorded in the OPM data. Numbers refer to workers stationed in each state, not how many necessarily reside there.
Employees who are required to stay on call before the start of a possible work shift  phoning their employer two hours before the shift to learn whether theyre needed  are entitled to be paid for that two-hour period regardless of whether theyre called in to work, a state appeals court ruled Monday.

In a 2-1 decision with potentially broad impact, the Second District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles said on-call employees are protected by a 1943 California Industrial Welfare Commission wage order, still in effect, that entitles employees to reporting time pay as soon as they are required to report for work.

The employer in this case, a retail clothing store, argued that the law mandated payment only for the hours an employee was required to report at the workplace. But the appeals court said the law also protects employees who are required to report in by telephone, committing their time to the employer.

Workers facing on-call shifts cannot commit to other jobs or schedule classes during those shifts, must make child care arrangements and have to give up time for recreation or socializing, said Presiding Justice Lee Edmon in the majority opinion. By contrast, she said, unpaid on-call shifts are enormously beneficial to employers, who can maintain a large pool of contingent workers and pay them only if they need them.

In dissent, Justice Anne Egerton said the 1943 reporting time order was intended to require pay only for employees who must physically appear at the workplace and that any changes should be left to the Legislature. She noted that a federal judge had interpreted the law that way in a separate case, although the federal ruling is not binding on other courts.

The ruling is a great victory for employees, said Patrick McNicholas, a lawyer for the sales clerk who filed the suit after being denied pay for time spent on call. McNicholas said many retail stores and restaurants follow a similar practice.

There was no immediate comment from lawyers for Tillys, the clothing store in Torrance (Los Angeles County) where the clerk worked in 2012. The apparel chain Abercrombie & Fitch filed arguments supporting Tillys.

Tillys, based in Irvine, requires employees with on-call shifts to call in two hours before the shift would start and disciplines those who call in late or not at all, with potential firings for three violations.

The appeals court agreed with the employers that, when the 1943 reporting time wage order was written, employees reported to work by showing up at the workplace. But the court said the law was not drafted narrowly and must be interpreted in light of changing realities and technology.

For example, Edmon said, a 1978 state law that allowed members of a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation to copy other members names and addresses was interpreted by a state appeals court in 2010 to allow copying of email addresses as well.

Employers are requiring their employees to report to work when they mandate call-ins two hours before the start of a possible work shift, the ruling said. It said requiring pay during call-in time encourages employers to accurately project their labor needs and to schedule accordingly, and to partially compensate employees for the inconvenience and expense associated with making themselves available to work on-call shifts.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@BobEgelko
Two girls aged 13 and 14 were recently labeled "aggressors" by a Kansas judge who gave a 67-year-old man a reduced sentence for a sexual encounter with the minors.Raymond Soden was slapped with a prison sentence of just under six years despite the fact that state guidelines called for Leavenworth County Judge Michael Gibbens to give him a 13-year term."I do find that the victims in this case, in particular, were more an aggressor than a participant in the criminal conduct," Gibbens said in court, according to the Kansas City Star. "They were certainly selling things monetarily that it's against the law for even an adult to sell."A criminal complaint obtained by the Daily News alleges that Soden engaged in "lewd fondling or touching" of a child last year and was charged with aggravated indecent liberties with a child and electronic solicitation. Soden would plead no contest to the solicitation charge after being accused of luring one of the girls through Facebook.He admitted that he knew the girl was 13 when he began exchanging messages with her and offered to pay for nude photos of her and her friends.Prosecutors argued for a longer sentence because of Soden's previous convictions for battery and sexual battery. However, the judge said that the two girls had voluntarily gone to his house and had received money from him, according to the Star.The younger girl had said she felt "uncomfortable" about something that had happened with Soden."And so she's uncomfortable for something she voluntarily went to, voluntarily took her top off of, and was paid for?" Judge Gibbens asked the prosecutor, according to the Star."Yes, judge. She was also a 13-year-old who under our laws can't consent to anything," responded Deputy County Attorney Joan Lowdon, according to the newspaper.Gibbens responded that he understood, but added that "I wonder what kind of trauma there really was to this victim under those peculiar circumstances."Soden's defense lawyer Clinton Lee argued that a longer prison term would have amounted to a death sentence, and said the girls tried to orchestrate a plot to rob his client.The judge said that he was "pretty familiar" with the girls and did not rule out that they may have been trying to steal from Soden, according to the Star.Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson told the Daily News on Monday that his office is looking into the possibility of filing an appeal."We always try to fight as zealously as possible for victims in every case," he said.
The Fear of Eviction

David Kidd

Intentionally Ugly and Obnoxious

Here, You Cant Even Get a Job

David Kidd

David Kidd

A Safe Place to Live

David Kidd

GoverningRon Clewer couldnt believe what he was hearing. A single mom, a black woman in her early 30s, had just told housing authority officials in Rockford, Ill., that she would kick her 15-year-old son out of her apartment if it meant she could keep the place for herself and her two younger children. It happened because private security guards hired by the housing agency had stopped the son, and, when they found he wasnt carrying identification, searched him. They found the remains of a marijuana joint.The housing authority sent the mother a notice telling her that, because of locally enforced federal rules that prohibited drug use in public housing, the entire family of four could lose their home, even though the mother had done nothing wrong. In fact, the mother had moved to public housing to keep her children safe after surviving domestic abuse. She requested a hearing to plead her case, which is where her story shook Clewer, who is white. If you tell me I am going to lose my housing, I am going to make a decision to throw my son out of my house, Clewer recounts her saying, because I cant lose housing for my other two children. But the housing authority had a zero-tolerance policy, so it evicted the mother and the entire family.The dire situation wasnt entirely the sons fault, says Clewer, who had just taken over as CEO of the Rockford Housing Authority (RHA). Much of the blame lay with the housing authority itself.RHA had hired the private security firm, Metro Enforcement, to police its properties. Together, the agency and Metro had taken a hard line on enforcement. Small infractions, such as not having ID, could lead to expulsion from RHA property. In 2012, when Clewer became CEO, hundreds of people a year were being kicked out for trespassing. More often than not, that merely meant the offenders had failed to carry or show identification to a security officer. Being banned from one unit could disqualify them for Section 8 housing assistance vouchers, which the housing authority also administered.A low-level offense could quickly escalate, as it had in the sons case. Because the security guards were hired by the RHA to monitor its own property, they didnt have to operate under the same strict rules police officers do. So, for example, they could search a 15-year-old without probable cause and, when they discovered a joint, turn him over to the Rockford Police Department. When Clewer began looking at data on arrests at RHA properties, he found that 80 percent of them were linked to the RHAs bans. We werent providing safety, Clewer says now. We were providing military control.The intense scrutiny of the residents at the Rockford Housing Authority is common in areas where poor black people live. Heavy-handed enforcement tactics are often employed in the name of protecting residents from crime. But often they catch only low-level offenders, with dire consequences for the offenders ability to get a job or decent housing. That, in turn, reinforces deep-seated patterns of segregation in the communities where zero tolerance policies are used.conducted a six-month investigation into black-white segregation in downstate Illinois, and why and how it has persisted so stubbornly there. Specifically, we focused on the cities of Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, Springfield, Peoria and Rockford. Those cities are similar in size, separate from the major metropolitan areas of Chicago and St. Louis, and wholly contained in Illinois.Our review found many practices that placed greater burdens on black residents than white residents because of where they lived. These practices were used not just by police, but by non- law enforcement agencies like the Rockford Housing Authority. They included increased surveillance, frequent ID checks and rigorously enforced nuisance ordinances.The mother whom Ron Clewer encountered had good reason to worry about what would happen if she lost her home at the project. Evictions can have a ripple effect on the people they displace, says Ashley Gromis, a sociologist at Princeton Universitys Eviction Lab. An eviction can make it hard to get approved for any apartment, Gromis says. What happens is you push people into an area where there is substandard housing.Thats exactly what happened to residents who were kicked out of Rockfords public housing, Clewer says. They seldom left the city and, in fact, often stayed in the same neighborhood, in rundown apartments near public housing. Police and residents often assume that the housing projects are the most dangerous places in their city, but thats not always the case. Often, the areas just outside the projects are more dangerous than the projects themselves. The private apartments dont have the open landscape, lighting and security cameras that the public housing units use to deter crime. Plus, the housing authority screens its tenants more aggressively.Clewer remembers that, when he had just taken over the housing authority, the mayor, police department and housing officials talked about crime in public housing at monthly RockStat meetings, Rockfords data analysis sessions where issues are examined with heavy use of numbers. They tracked the number of expulsions from RHA property. They talked about the types of crimes for which people were being arrested. Trespassing accounted for a third of the arrests.One statistic that city officials discussed repeatedly was the disparity in arrests at RHA properties between residents and non-residents. In August 2015, for example, the data showed that three times as many non-residents as residents were arrested in the housing projects. But the data did not indicate who those outsiders were. We were doing no good banning people, because the people we were banning were young black males who were either the father of someone living on our property or the child of one of the mothers who lives there, Clewer says. Besides, the no-tolerance policy itself may have driven up the number of arrests for outsiders.For Tanya Grisby, the numbers and policies talked about in RockStat meetings were just facts of her everyday life. The 27-year-old single mother lives in Blackhawk Courts, a public housing project just east of the Rock River. Her barracks-style apartment puts her in a safer section of the development, near other families. But Grisby says crime is so bad in other parts of the complex that she takes her son to a playground several blocks away rather than hang out in the common playground nearby.Even so, Grisby thinks back to the get-tough approach the housing authority once took toward cracking down on crime. On a chilly and overcast evening in September, she and two friends swapped stories on a concrete step in front of an apartment. They talked about the days when the private security guards patrolled the projects. They all knew friends or family members who had been banned from the projects for minor infractions, such as forgetting their ID at home. You felt unwelcome in your own community, she says. This didnt feel like my home, it felt like a prison.Clewer decided a new approach was needed. He started to move the RHA away from harsh rules enforcement and toward addressing residents basic needs. Clewer initially encountered resistance from city officials, the police department and even his own agency. But he got cover to make substantive changes in 2015 when the Obama administration said local public housing agencies should stop using one strike policies for minor violations. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development also reminded the local authorities of their obligation to safeguard the due process rights of applicants and tenants.That cleared the way for Clewer to cancel the RHAs contract with the private security firm. He began negotiations to have the police department take over security for the RHA, a deal that was finalized in 2016. Clewer worked with the new police chief to make sure the cops took a less aggressive approach toward low-level offenses than the private guards did. I began to focus on public housing residents, their behaviors and how we could assist them, Clewer says. The police, meanwhile, began to focus on people who were often coming to our property to commit crimes.In Peoria, the police department calls the aging armored truck parked on the citys southwest side an armadillo. The police see it as a symbol of law and order in neighborhoods that have had to endure chronic nuisances and frequent minor crimes. But fair housing advocates see the truck far differently: as a symbol of indiscriminate police power used disproportionately in black neighborhoods to kick people out of their homes.The armadillo is covered in graffiti-resistant paint, in the familiar black, white and blue scheme and police badge of old city patrol cars. Its outfitted with 10 infrared video cameras pointing outward around its roof. A bumper sticker cautions that the vehicle is under video surveillance. Two cartoons of armadillos wearing police hats are affixed to the sides amid the flaking paint.On one recent day, the armadillo was parked on the gravel shoulder of a small street on the citys southwest side. It appeared to be monitoring a tidy house across the street, where nobody was home. A crowd of young men sat on a nearby stoop, passing cigarettes and joints, paying almost no attention to the hulking vehicle nearby. They were skeptical that the cameras were even turned on.The Peoria police department has been using its armadillos, or nuisance abatement vehicles, for the past decade. The idea is to let repeat troublemakers -- who disturb neighbors with loud music, litter, loitering and disorderly conduct -- know that the police are watching them. If troublemakers know the police department is sweating the small stuff, the thinking goes, theyre less likely to commit drug dealing and other more serious crimes.The armadillo was born after vandals damaged an empty squad car left in front of a drug dealers house in 2006. The car was nearly demolished, according to a department report. Every piece of glass on the car was smashed, from the windshield to the headlights. The sheet metal was damaged, tires flattened and foreign objects littered the interior. A bike frame was found lying on the top of the back seat, and chunks of stone were on the floor. The vehicle was no longer drivable and had to be towed to the police garage, in full view of the drug dealers and the legitimate community members.So the police department began using used a donated old armored truck instead. The department improved it so would-be vandals couldnt smash its lights or slash its tires. Then it added emergency lights and cameras. Fully equipped and fortified, the armadillo is a virtually indestructible surveillance vehicle to discourage and prevent illegal narcotics activity and the various nuisance activities that impact the quality of life, the department report says. The vehicle is designed to be imposing and prominent [or], one might say, intentionally ugly and obnoxious.The idea briefly became a nationwide sensation afterwrote a feature on it in 2009, and other media outlets followed suit. Several other police departments, including Rockfords, rolled out armadillos of their own.But while the armadillos became symbols of smart policing in many circles, to fair housing advocates they became a symbol of something else: the discriminatory way that the city of Peoria responds to nuisance violations.The Hope Fair Housing Center, a nonprofit group based in Chicagos suburbs, sued the city of Peoria in 2017 over the way it handles nuisance violations. The armadillos, like the nuisance ordinance, are deployed at the request of political officials and well-connected local residents rather than pursuant to objective criteria, the group alleged in its lawsuit. These deployments are made primarily in predominantly African-American neighborhoods.Peoria first enacted a chronic nuisance ordinance in 1998. The law targets landlords who own properties that are repeatedly cited for a range of disturbances, including housing code violations, noise complaints and drug possession, on up to murder. After two incidents in a year, police can treat the property as an aggravated chronic nuisance property.The lawsuit claims that the police force doesnt treat all alleged violators the same. The job falls to a small team within the police department, and it has few rules to follow and little oversight. In three years, the city issued just 148 nuisance citations, HOPEs attorneys wrote, even though records of police calls indicate that as many as 12,000 properties could have been cited under the nuisance ordinance. More than 70 percent of the nuisance citations that the city did issue were in black neighborhoods, even though blacks made up only 27 percent of the population. A map included with the lawsuit shows that police posted armadillos almost exclusively in areas with significant black populations.Police usually insist that landlords evict problem tenants to abate a nuisance, the lawsuit states, even if the only thing the tenant did was report domestic violence or ask for help locating a mentally ill family member. (Before the lawsuit was filed, the Illinois legislature passed a law to prohibit cities from using nuisance ordinances against the victims of domestic violence or people with mental disabilities, and Peoria changed its ordinance accordingly. But the lawsuit claims the Peoria police department hasnt changed its practices to comply with the law.) It charges that African-American residents regularly face eviction for conduct that would not result in eviction elsewhere.Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis says that the armadillos and the nuisance ordinance are used to address concerns reported by neighbors, such as drug dealing or loud noises. The people that live in that area want that in their neighborhood, he says. The nuisance ordinance doesn't target any specific group of individuals. It's targeted towards people that are doing things in their neighborhoods that are disruptive.Kate Walz, the director of housing justice at the Sargent Shriver Center on National Poverty Law, is one of the attorneys representing HOPE in the case. She says Peoria is one of more than 100 Illinois cities that have similar nuisance property ordinances.The problem is that the city is determining who is being evicted, not the property owner. The city bypasses the tenant, she says. The property owners arent even going through proper eviction proceedings in court, because they want to appease police and city officials. Instead, landlords will waive a renters last month of rent, give them back their entire security deposit or otherwise entice their renters to leave quickly.If landlords dont capitulate, theyre met with code enforcement, Walz says. Landlords feel like have limited power. They want to avoid steep fines. So they will do what the city wants them to do, which is to evict their tenants.Some cities, particularly in the Chicago suburbs, have gone further. At least 50 Illinois municipalities have passed crime free rental housing ordinances, which require landlords to ensure that their properties remain clear of crime in order to be licensed to operate their businesses. In some cases, that means extra landlord training. In other cases, cities require landlords to run criminal background checks on all prospective tenants. But in most cases, the cities provide landlords with crime free lease terms they must use, specifying the types of crime that would violate the lease and allow the landlord to evict the tenant.In 2016, the Obama administration warned against using policies that too broadly denied housing to prospective tenants based on the fact that they had a criminal history. That was especially true if the policies made those denials based on arrests, rather than actual convictions, warned Helen R. Kanovsky, HUDs general counsel at the time. A discriminatory effect resulting from a policy or practice that denies housing to anyone with a prior arrest or any kind of criminal conviction cannot be justified, she wrote, and therefore such a practice would violate the Fair Housing Act.Two years ago, on the day that Caterpillar Inc., announced it would move its world headquarters from Peoria to Chicago, Illinois state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth decided she needed to do something to improve job prospects for her constituents in Peoria. The idea she settled on was to host a large meeting where people who had criminal records would connect with lawyers to try to have those records expunged or sealed to anyone outside the justice system.A criminal record, no matter how old or how serious, can prevent someone from working at most of the Peoria areas biggest employers. Caterpillar (which is still the areas largest employer), hospitals, schools, a steel manufacturer and even the local riverboat casino all screen people with criminal background checks.If you have a record, you cant work in any of those places. None, says Gordon-Booth. If you want to work in health care, and you want to go to Illinois Central College, you cant even become certified in anything if you have a record. Were not talking about a violent record, this is for anything. Its forever. If its there, its there. It doesnt go away.Black residents of Peoria need any help they can get in finding jobs. In 2017, according to the Census Bureau, the black unemployment rate in the Peoria metro area was five times as high as the white unemployment rate. In fact, at 25 percent, black unemployment in the Peoria area was the highest of any metropolitan region in the country.When you look at people of color and their over-representation in the justice system, it begins to become real clear why you have issues with economic segregation, and why people are segregated out of being able to go after the American Dream, says Gordon-Booth. They dont even have the opportunity.Blacks elsewhere in Illinois have faced similarly tough circumstances. In 2017, the Decatur, Rockford and Carbondale metropolitan areas were all ranked among the top 10 in the country for black unemployment rates.In Springfield, the median black household income is only 42 percent of the median income for white households there, the lowest of any metro area in the country. The Bloomington-Normal, Decatur, Kankakee and Peoria metro areas similarly also rank in the top 10 percent nationally for disparities between black and white househo ld incomes.The lack of opportunity for blacks was one of the first things Kenneth Board noticed when he came to Rockford from Stone Mountain, Ga. Board, who is now the senior pastor at Rockfords Pilgrim Baptist Church, grew up in Shreveport, La. during the Jim Crow era. But he says hes found more discrimination in Rockford than he did in the South. If you were willing to work in the South, you could get a job and move up at least to middle-class, he says. Here, you cant even get a job.Board says some of that goes back to the fact that so few employers hire anyone with a criminal record. The pastor sits on the board of the SwedishAmerican hospital system, one of the largest employers in town. He says hes fought for years to get the system to remove its ban on hiring people with criminal histories, but to no avail. A black judge recently advised Board to tell his church members to stay out of trouble if they wanted a job working in the courts. I said, Everybody makes mistakes. Youve made mistakes too, he remembers telling the judge.The only way for job applicants to make their criminal history go away is to ask the courts to seal or expunge their record, and thats not an easy process. When Gordon-Booth, the Peoria legislator, hosted her first expungement summit, volunteer lawyers took on the cases of 250 people to try to clear their records. (Later, 150 people would come to a similar event in Rockford.)One of the events organizers, Beth Johnson, the director of legal programs at Cabrini Green Legal Aid, was surprised to see how often long-forgotten, low-level offenses were making it impossible to present a clean record.What was sticking out a lot was the number of arrests for ordinance violations and city violations and the number of times people were arrested for not paying those fines and fees, Johnson says. Over time, those fees could add up to hundreds of dollars, and many people couldnt afford to pay them off. Prosecutors were using the outstanding money owed as a way to block people from clearing their criminal records.Even when Johnson and her fellow attorneys went to court, judges couldnt expunge or conceal cases in which the person still owed money. Clients who could pay their fines got their cases expunged. But in Peoria, 127 of the 250 people who sought Johnsons help couldnt afford to pay off the fees or fines, and, therefore didnt get expungements.When they ran out of luck at the courthouse, Johnson and Gordon-Booth turned to the statehouse. Legislation Gordon-Booth drafted specified that courts cant deny a request to seal someones criminal history because that person has an outstanding financial obligation to a state or local government. People who asked for their records to be sealed would still owe the outstanding fines, but they could clear their name and apply for a job that would allow them to work off the fines.The politics were tricky. Prosecutors and county clerks originally objected to the idea, but they eventually backed off from their opposition. Even so, the bill passed the House with only three votes to spare, and it narrowly passed the Senate as well. But then-Gov. Bruce Rauner signed the measure into law, and it went into effect in August.The Grove at Keith Creek houses 49 families on Rockfords East Side, the traditionally white area of town, and, therefore, an unlikely location for a public housing project. The homes are connected, but each is visually distinct thanks to offset roofs, different colors, a variety of Craftsman-style elements, and a mix of more expensive brick and cement siding exteriors.The six-acre site is tucked into a residential neighborhood, and it includes a busy childrens playground at its heart. Its a tidy, even inviting, development. But it was almost never built.Clewer championed the idea of the Grove as the head of the Rockford Housing Authority. The agency was in the process of dismantling its rundown Fairgrounds Valley apartments on the West Side, and it was looking for places to relocate some of those residents. Clewer wanted a place that gave its residents access to better jobs and schools for their children than on the West Side. And he wanted amenities, like dishwashers, that werent available for low-income residents in other housing projects.But his answer to those problems required taking on the local political system and challenging long-accepted patterns of segregation. Clewer tried to avoid a zoning fight by scaling his original project back to 49 units, just below the threshold of 50 units that would have triggered additional review. The city council, though, still had to approve the plat. Residents and city council members felt blindsided by the plans. Many of the projects neighbors also worried that, by bringing in residents from the West Side, The Grove would attract crime. Clewer says the fight split the community along racial lines between the east and west sides. When the city council looked like it was stalling, Clewers agency sued to force a vote. With federal housing officials and fair housing advocates watching closely, the council narrowly approved the plan on a 7-5 vote.Clewer tried shaking up other aspects of his agencys mission, and, inevitably, he says, those efforts led to hard conversations about race. He worried about the condition of private apartments that low-income residents rented, with the help of Section 8 rental subsidies that RHA distributed. He stepped up inspections of the properties after discovering that many of them had never been inspected. Property owners bristled at the scrutiny, he says.Then in 2016, Clewer tried to spur investment in affordable housing on the West Side by starting a private land trust. The trust would have acted like a mutual fund for development, with a portfolio that included both affordable housing and higher-end real estate. But the idea never got off the ground, because investors werent interested in affordable housing on the citys West Side and other low-income pockets in Rockford.Clewer says that taking on so many racially tinged fights at once -- building The Grove, stepping up inspections of Section 8 landlords, pushing for affordable housing and changing the policing approach to housing projects -- depleted his political capital.It caused a lot of challenges in our community to think about race, Clewer says, but I think I did the right thing in making those conversations happen.Clewer feels vindicated by the success of The Grove. It did not, for example, lead to an increase in crime in the area. In fact, three weeks before The Grove opened, Rockford opened its new police headquarters across the street. The Grove hasnt been any issue at all, says Rockford Police Chief Daniel OShea. We were just doing a music video in our front lot  the sing-along thing, and we had half the neighborhood kids from The Grove hanging out. Theyre actually in the video. And residents who once were the most vocal opponents to The Grove now help walk school children from the public housing project to school.Still, Clewers efforts hastened his exit. He attended the ribbon cutting at The Grove in September 2017, but not as the CEO of the Rockford Housing Authority. Clewer resigned from that position six months earlier. He still lives in Rockford, but, to get to his new job, he drives more than 90 miles each way every day to Milwaukee.
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock spoke for the first time publicly Friday night to Lee Newspapers about disgraced longtime former staff member Kevin O'Brien.During the interview, Bullock admitted that he was "naive" to believe that O'Brien had learned his lesson after being fired from a high-level position with the Democratic Governors Association for sexual harassment. Bullock, the two-term Montana governor, was head of the DGA when the harassment surfaced.Bullock also admitted that he was wrong by not alerting New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio about O'Brien's checkered past at the DGA, and said he had not done enough to stop O'Brien."By terminating him at the DGA, we took appropriate steps," Bullock said. "I felt sick at the realization I hadn't done enough. Look backward, I was wrong, but that didn't help."
Please see attached minutes from Shareholders Meeting held at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica at 16.00 on February 5th 2019. On the agenda was one item, the election of members of the Board of Directors. The following candidates declared their candidature:

Liv Bergorsdottir, Chairman of Wow air and Aur app. She has over 20 years of experience in the telecom industry, most recently as the CEO of Nova hf for 12 years.



Magnus Bjarnason, M&A Advisor and Managing Partner of MAR Advisors. He is the former CEO of Icelandic Group.

Jakob Valgeir Flosason, CEO of Jakob Valgeir ehf. He has decades of experience from the seafood industry.



Ingunn Agnes Kro  as an alternate member of the board of ISI. Director of Administration and Communication at Skeljungur hf.

According to the Articles of Association of the Company, the Board of Directors shall be comprised of 3 to 5 members and up to one alternate member. Consequently, the above candidates were elected to the Board without ballot at the meeting.

The Board of Directors met post the Shareholders Meeting, where Magnus Bjarnason was elected as a Chairman of the Board









Attachment
YORBA LINDA, Orange County  Dave Elfver was getting ready to go to a friends house to watch the Super Bowl when he heard a whining sound in his Southern California neighborhood like a motorcycle going a hundred miles per hour.

Then, he said, came the explosion from a twin-engine plane that broke apart in flight and crashed, setting a home on fire in the Los Angeles suburb of Yorba Linda, killing five people and injuring two.

The whole house shook. I thought it was an earthquake, but the whining sound didnt make any sense.

Elfver, 75, said he went to his backyard and saw a house engulfed in flames. He ran toward it along with a crowd of neighbors, and only then he saw an airplane wing in the street. I didnt realize what it was until I ran around the corner, he said Monday.

Across the street, one of the columns of a neighbors home had collapsed and debris from the plane was strewn throughout the street. Another home had broken windows.

The four people on the ground who died were all in the house that burned. The pilot was also killed and was the only person on the plane, said Sheriffs Lt. Cory Martino.

Martino said the dead occupants of the home were two males and two females but he did not further identify them.

The Cessna 414A, which can carry up to eight people, took off from the Fullerton Municipal Airport about 12 miles west of the blaze, Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Allen Kenitzer said.

According to preliminary radar data, the plane reached an altitude of about 7,800 feet and then made a rapid descent, said Eliott Simpson, an aviation accident investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board.

The debris field spanned about four blocks, he said.

The main cabin of the airplane and one engine came to rest at the bottom of a ravine in the backyard of a house and the other engine landed on a street, creating a hole, Simpson said.

During the impact sequence one house caught fire and thats where we have the four fatalities, he said.

It was not immediately clear what set the two-story house ablaze. The property where the fuselage ended up is about three houses down from the home that burned.

Shawn Winch, 49, said he was out in his backyard when he heard a loud sound.

It sounded like a missile coming at my house, he said.

He said he saw the plane veer off and debris falling.

It wasnt intact, he said of the plane as it was coming toward the neighborhood. It was already breaking up.

Some residents tried to run into the flaming house but explosion sounds came from its garage and other neighbors called them off, Winch said.

It was a boom. It sounded like something exploded. It shook our house, said John Wolbart, who lives a block away.

Pat Rogers, who lives about a mile from the crash site, told the Orange County Register he saw the plane on fire and coming apart.

Amy Taxin is an Associated Press writer.
Howard Schultz has not had the most successful run at the presidency so far. And his latest comments both do and don't feel like a break from his norm.

At his latest book event, hosted by CNBC host and New York Times reporter Andrew Ross Sorkin, Schultz was asked if billionaires wield too much power in the U.S.

Schultz, himself a billionaire, answered thusly:

"The moniker 'billionaire' now has become the catchphrase. I would rephrase that and say that 'people of means' have been able to leverage their wealth and their interest in ways that are unfair, and I think that speaks to the inequality but it also directly speaks to the special interests that are paid for people of wealth and corporations who are looking for influence. And they have such unbelievable influence on the politicians who are steeped in the ideology of both parties.

And once again, I go back to this: If I should run for president, I am not in bed with any party. I am not in bed with any special interest. All I'm trying to do is one thing: walk in the shoes of the American people."

This answer is more sophisticated than it first seems ("billionaire objects to the label 'billionaire,' prefers something softer"), since technically he is trying to widen the umbrella of who U.S. citizens recognize as controlling interests in their politics.

RELATED: Howard Schultz sold our Sonics, now trying to sell himself as president

Beyond that, many corporations and wealthy citizens may fall short of the "billionaire" label, but wield significant power nonetheless.

Of course, his point also somewhat obscures that, again, he himself is a billionaire. And while he may pledge to "walk in the shoes of the American people," his perspective may be a bit skewed on what exactly us non-billionaires enjoy.

After all, our current president, also a "person of means" in some sense, also pledged to be free of special interest sway.

RELATED: Michael Moore wants you to stop drinking Starbucks to stop Howard Schultz from running for president

Unsurprisingly, Schultz's latest book event led to much consternation from people on Twitter who objected to his couching of the label. Click through the slideshow above to see their reactions.
Dublin, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global and China Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Industry Report, 2018-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Chinese manufacturing rebounded in the wake of a pick-up in infrastructure construction between 2016 and 2018, so did the bi-metal band saw blade as a key integral of metal processing industry. In 2017, the Chinese manufacturing grew steadily, which spurred the rising sales of bi-metal band saw blades for metal cutting to 50.62 million meters with a year-on-year increase of 12.8%.



Since there exist trade tensions between China and the United States, Chinese manufacturing is still confronted with great uncertainties, causing the bi-metal band saw blade market to progress at a low rate. Till 2023, the sales volume of bi-metal band saw blade for metal cutting in China will be 51.98 million meters, showing a CAGR of 0.4% during 2017-2023.



In China, the homegrown brands in the bi-metal band saw blade market take a lion's share of at least 75%, but they are primarily focused on the low- and medium-end products, represented by Bichamp Cutting Technology (Hunan) Co., Ltd., and Benxi Tool Co., Ltd. Foreign brands in general target the high-end product market in China, such as US-based LENOX Tools, Japan-based Amada, Sweden-based BAHCO, among which Amada set up its plant in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu province and BAHCO founded its plant in Kunshan city, Jiangsu province to produce bi-metal band saw blades.



Of the Chinese players, Bichamp Cutting Technology (Hunan) boasts the largest production capacity of bi-metal band saw blades, with competitive brands inclusive of HB, JUSTCUT, AA, Fastre, FICUT, etc., and in 2018 its capacity was raised to 16 million meters thanks to the expansion of bi-metal band saw blade manufacturing lines with the funds raised via IPO in early 2017. Benxi Tools Co., Ltd is capable of producing 15.05 million meters of bi-metal band saw blade annually under brands of LIONS, FORK, SHARE, ROMANCE, among others.



Key Topics Covered:



1 Overview of Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Industry

1.1 Definition

1.2 Industry Chain

1.3 Development History

1.4 Industry Features

1.5 Entry Barriers

1.6 Policy Environment



2. High-speed Steel Industry in China

2.1 Product

2.2 Market



3 Sawing Machine Industry in China

3.1 Definition & Classification

3.2 Production

3.3 Development Trend



4 Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Industry

4.1 Overall Market

4.2 Competitive Landscape



5. Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Industry in China

5.1 Market Size

5.2 Import & Export

5.3 Competitive Landscape

5.3.1 Regional Competition

5.3.2 Competition between Domestic and Foreign Brands

5.3.3 Product Competition

5.3.4 Competition among Local Enterprises



6 Major High-speed Steel Enterprises

6.1 Tiangong International Co., Ltd.

6.2 Heye Special Steel Co., Ltd.

6.3 Jiangsu Feida Group



7 Major Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Enterprises

7.1 DoALL Company

7.2 Lenox Tools

7.3 Starrett

7.4 Amada

7.5 BAHCO

7.6 WIKUS

7.7 EBERLE

7.8 RONTGEN

7.9 Hakansson



8. Major Chinese Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Enterprises

8.1 Bichamp Cutting Technology (Hunan) Co., Ltd.

8.2 Benxi Tool Co., Ltd.

8.3 Hunan Techamp Saw & Manufacture Co., Ltd.

8.4 Benxi Bi-Metal Saw Co., Ltd.

8.5 Dalian Bi-Metal S&T Co., Ltd.

8.6 Dongbei Special Steel Group Dalian Special Steel Co., Ltd.



9 Major Chinese Band Sawing Machine Enterprises

9.1 Zhejiang Julihuang Sawing Machine Group Co., Ltd.

9.2 Shijiangzhuang WinFox Machinery Inc.

9.3 Zhejiang Weiye Sawing Machine Co., Ltd.

9.4 Zhejiang Chendiao Machinery Co., Ltd.

9.5 Zhejiang Aolinfa Machine Co., Ltd.

9.6 Zhejiang Hujin Machine Tool Co., Ltd.

9.7 Zhejiang Hengyu Sawing Machine Co., Ltd.

9.8 Zhejiang Chenlong Sawing Machine Co., Ltd.



10 Market Summary and Development Forecast

10.1 Market Summary

10.2 Development Forecast

10.2.1 Development Trend

10.2.2 Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Sales Forecast

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5xf9l9/global_and_china?w=12

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.
A potentially deadly illness found in the soil and dusty winds of California's Central Valley is on the rise, state health officials say.

Documented cases of Valley Fever rose 11 percent in 2018  a preliminary total of 7,886 cases compared to 7,090 cases for the same period in 2017, according to the California Department of Public Health. Health officials said final data for 2018 will be available in March.

Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) is an illness caused by a fungus found in the soil and dirt in the Central Valley. The fungus thrives in areas of low rainfall, high summer temperatures and moderate winter temperatures. The spores are carried by the wind in dust particles when the desert soil is disturbed.

Simply passing through an area with Valley Fever and breathing in a small number of spores can lead to an infection of the lungs with flu-like symptoms. About half of the infections produce no symptoms, but in a few cases, the infection can spread from the lungs to the brain, bones, skin or eyes, causing blindness, skin abscesses, lung failure and, occasionally, death.

Kern County documented the lion's share of California's cases last year, with 2,771, up 17 percent from 2017 and 46 percent from 2016. In 2017, Kern County recorded nine deaths  the second-highest number since the county started keeping track of cases in 1992 and the highest number in over a decade. Kern County health officials told SFGATE they have yet to release death totals for 2018.

Other counties that recorded the most Valley Fever cases last year were Fresno (623), Tulare (425) and San Luis Obispo (340). Monterey, Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties have also seen their Valley Fever numbers more than double in recent years.

"We've seen a lot more cases recently," said Michelle Rivera, a health education specialist for Fresno County. "Not all providers are testing for it so there might be more cases out there."

Los Angeles County reported 973 cases of Valley Fever last year. Los Angeles County Public Health officials could not speculate as to the exact location of exposure, but based on environmental surveillance data and individual case reports, officials stated that the disease is also endemic to Los Angeles County soil.

Statewide, the number of reported cases quintupled from about 816 cases in 2000 to more than 4,000 cases in 2012. During that period, a total of 1,098 death records listed coccidioidomycosis as a cause, averaging 78 deaths annually, according to state public health data. Since then, Valley Fever cases have continued to trend up and state health officials have yet to pinpoint the exact cause.

Valley Fever made headlines in 2018 when, on Feb. 1, a U.S. appeals court threw out inmates' lawsuits and ruled that California prison inmates cannot hold state officials liable for contracting Valley Fever. Ian Wallach, an attorney for some of the inmates, said the ruling was devastating.

"The families of over 40 inmates who died and 100 who got infected and require lifetime medical care are left to fend for themselves," Wallach told the Associated Press.

Possible contributing factors include heavy rainfall after years of drought, as well as other climatic and environmental factors, increased number of susceptible people in areas where the fungus is present, and increased awareness, testing and diagnosis by health care providers.

Since the areas with the highest rates of Valley Fever are found along swaths of both Interstate 5 and Highway 101, drivers should be mindful of gusty conditions.

"While driving through these areas, drivers could keep car windows shut and use 'recirculating' air conditioning to reduce the risk of Valley Fever," said Corey Egel, assistant deputy director of public affairs for the California Department of Public Health.

It's unknown if or how the relatively dry 2017-18 winter in California will impact the number of Valley Fever cases this year, but researchers such Ian McHardy, co-director of the Center for Valley Fever at UC Davis, are cautious that the relatively wet winter California has experienced so far may portend higher numbers of incident cases  both human and animal  between the months of May and December 2019.

"There is concern that we'll see another record number of cases in California this year," McHardy said.
Redfield is a good-looking new bar and bottle shop in Rockridge, with lots of natural light and just the right amount of indoor plants. Its got exceedingly friendly service and a constantly rotating set of tap handles. Its even right across the street from the Ramen Shop, making it the perfect way station for those who have put their name in for an hour-long wait.

Sounds perfect. What could go wrong?

Well, Redfield is a cider bar  a category thats still, even for many Bay Area gourmands, terra incognita. And Redfields owners, Olivia Maki and Mike Reis, know theyve got their work cut out for them.

I would argue that the Bay Areas cider scene is dramatically behind other cities when you consider the fact that this area really prides itself on food and beverage, Reis says. Thats not to say its nonexistent: We do have a cider bar in San Francisco, Upcider, and a handful of good local cider producers from Sonoma County to Santa Cruz. But, Reis says, when you compare us with Seattle or Chicago or Brooklyn, were not even in the same league.

Perpetually in the shadow of its fermented-beverage counterparts, cider has yet to break free of the chains of wine and beer comparisons. For some beer drinkers, cider is too funky; for some wine lovers, it lacks structure. Both categories of people tend to believe, mistakenly, that its always sweet. Its an afterthought on most restaurants drink lists, an obligatory entry for the would-be beer drinker who cant consume gluten.

Maybe Redfield can start to change that.

Maki and Reis came to cider, as they hope many of their customers will, from other corners of the food and beverage world. The couple met while collaborating on an event for the 18 Reasons cooking school, where Maki was working at the time; Reis, an advanced Cicerone (beer sommelier), was the beverage director for Monks Kettle and the now-closed Abbots Cellar. Together, their love for cider bloomed, as they visited cideries around the country and began pressing some apples themselves in their Berkeley backyard.

The couple understood that opening a cider bar would be an uphill battle. Thats why they sought out a spot with good foot traffic: We cant ask people to go out of their way to experience cider, Reis says, because not a lot of people know that cider is something theyll like. College Avenue, near the Rockridge BART Station, fit the bill.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

Reis and Maki are doing everything right. They are deeply knowledgeable and infectiously passionate about their subject. They have a manner of speaking about cider that immediately puts you at ease. (Listen to their podcast, Redfield Radio, and youll know what I mean.) Recognizing that cider has gained momentum among the gluten-free set, for whom beer is off-limits, they offer a menu of mostly gluten-free snacks  including Oyna Natural Foods very tasty kukus, an Iranian egg dish.

The Redfield cider selection, which consists of 10 tap handles, five glass pours and 125 bottles, is remarkably diverse, encompassing everything from bacterial, bone-dry Asturian sidra (try the Fanjul Cidra Natural, $7.50/6 ounces) to jammy, slightly sweet ciders loaded with fruits (try the Cherry Seinfeld from San Leandros Hidden Star, $6.50/16 ounces) to boundary-pushing modern experiments (try Sin Eaters hopped cider, $7.50/10 ounces).

In other words, theyre making it easy for you. But for a category so maligned and misunderstood, is that enough?

By far, the most common misconception we encounter is that all cider is sweet, Reis says. And the cider industry isnt exactly helping to demystify that. Lots of sweet ciders are mislabeled as dry, while many actually dry ciders might be perceived as sweet, simply because theyre exuberantly fruity. Reis and Maki have to spend a lot of time reassuring customers that theyre not going to be pouring them something that tastes like Martinellis apple juice. (They do, however, offer Martinellis as a nonalcoholic option, as well as Bernies Best. This is a kid-friendly establishment.)

For now, the message seems to be working. Theres no Ramen Shop-level line at Redfield, but the small bar has been drawing crowds in the late afternoons and evenings. And although a smart selection of craft beers and local wines are available, almost everyone has a glass  or, more likely, a flight  of cider in front of them, much to the owners delight.

You dont have people going into City Beer Store or Bay Grape being like, Lemme get a Coors or theyre looking for a bottle of Barefoot, Reis laughs on the second episode of the podcast. But he and Maki recognize that many would-be cider aficionados are still in the Barefoot stage of their development, and theyre careful not to condescend.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

At the other end of the spectrum, some drinkers are looking for funkier ciders  a profile in line with the increasingly popular cadre of sour beers and natural wines. Redfield can deliver there, too, with ciders like the Guzman Riestra Brut Nature ($11/6 ounces), a Champagne-method Spanish number thats crisp and fruity and lightly touched by barnyard  a small leap for someone accustomed to drinking orange wines or saisons.

And its hard to imagine anyone  whether you drink off-dry Rieslings or hoppy IPAs or anything in between  disliking something like the Eves Cidery Darling Creek, from New York ($11/6 ounces), a rich, honeyed, beautifully textured cider, also made in the Champagne method. Its as bracing as a great beer and as layered as a great wine.

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Or maybe thats the wrong way to describe a cider. Which brings us to the other great challenge that Redfield faces: how to talk about this beverage without becoming mired in imperfect comparisons with wine and beer? Many of the considerations, like tannin, acidity and fermentation techniques, are parallel. Others are not. For example, many apple varieties arent suitable for creating a single-variety cider, the way Chardonnay or Merlot would be showcased alone in a varietal wine, or Simcoe or Mosaic hops in a single-hop beer.

One apple that does lend itself to a single-variety cider, though, is the bars namesake  the Redfield, a tannic, deeply flavored apple variety with dark red flesh. If its available by the glass, the Redfield from West County ($8/6 ounces) is a must-order. West County is a cidery in western Massachusetts thats been a leading U.S. producer since the 1980s; Reis calls it the Anchor Brewing of the cider world.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

There we go with the comparisons again.

Ultimately, Maki and Reis recognize that the Bay Area probably isnt quite ready to move cider out of the wine and beer shadow. Long-term it would be great to see cider develop its own language and vocabulary, she says. Maybe well start to get there in, like, a year. For now our goal is just to make cider as approachable as possible.

Hey, if talking wine and beer is what it takes to get someone in the Redfield door, so be it. Because Maki and Reis believe once people taste some really good cider, theyll be easily converted. The hardest part is getting it in their glasses.

Esther Mobley is The Chronicles wine critic. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley Instagram: @esthermob
The blue wave that drowned California Republicans in the November election had a distinctly greenish tinge.

Six of the seven Democrats who flipped GOP-held House seats out-raised their Republican opponents, some by an order of 3 to 1, newly released federal campaign finance reports show. Long-entrenched Republican incumbents and first-time office-seekers alike were confronted by Democratic challengers with unusually large cash advantages, fueled by a party base eager to knock President Trumps allies out of Congress.

And that doesnt even count the tens of millions of dollars independent expenditure groups pumped into those Democratic races. According to figures assembled by Open Secrets, a nonpartisan campaign finance website, outside groups spent more than $41 million on Democratic campaigns for those seven seats  about $3 million more than comparable groups raised for Republicans.

California actually had competitive Democratic races, said Thad Kousser, a political science professor at UC San Diego. Instead of being used as an ATM by Democrats elsewhere in the country, we actually had money coming into California.

There was an extreme outpouring of enthusiasm, much of it fired by the states strong opposition to Trump and his policies, said Andrew Feldman, a spokesman for the progressive group Red to Blue California, which put about $1.8 million into Democratic congressional campaigns in the state last year.

The president doesnt share their values about what they want to see in government, he said. That momentum from 2018 is only going to continue over the next two years.

In the traditional GOP stronghold of Orange County, Democrats flipped all four of the congressional seats held by Republicans and outspent their opponents in every contest.

GOP Rep. Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa, a 30-year veteran of the House, raised barely a third of the $8.2 million collected by his Democratic opponent, businessman Harley Rouda.

In an adjoining district, two-term GOP Rep. Mimi Walters of Irvine was out-raised by her first-time Democratic challenger, UC Irvine law Professor Katie Porter, $6.7 million to $5.2 million.

The numbers were even worse for Republicans in Orange Countys two open seats, which were vacated when GOP incumbents opted not to run again. Democrat Gil Cisneros, buoyed by $2.2 million of his own money, spent $12.1 million, while Republican Young Kim of Fullerton had $2.8 million.

In a district on the border between Orange and San Diego counties, Republican Diane Harkeys $1.6 million effort not only was eclipsed by Democratic winner Mike Levin ($5.2 million)  it was less than the amounts raised by two other Democrats who didnt survive the June primary.

Democrat Katie Hill, another first-time candidate, more than tripled the spending of two-term Rep. Steve Knight of Lancaster (Los Angeles County), $8.3 million to $2.6 million. And in the Central Valley, Democrat Josh Harder outspent four-term GOP Rep. Jeff Denham of Turlock (Stanislaus County), $8.4 million to $4.9 million.

The only race where the winning Democrat was outspent was also the states tightest congressional contest. Rep. David Valadao of Hanford (Kings County) won the money race over Democrat T.J. Cox, $3.2 million to $2.8 million. But Valadao lost the race that counted, by fewer than 800 votes, in a contest that wasnt decided until a month after the election.

Many of the GOP incumbents werent prepared for the kind of money the Democrats raised, said Kousser of UC San Diego.

Lots of those Republicans were in seats where they had never been challenged, he said. They didnt have the type of fundraising setup they needed because they never had to raise that much money before.

Even in races they lost, the Democrats raised plenty of cash.

In the outskirts of Sacramento, veteran Republican Rep. Tom McClintock beat Democratic newcomer Jessica Morse, even though he was outspent by more than 2 to 1. In San Diego County, Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar lost to Rep. Duncan Hunter despite outspending him, $4 million to $1.7 million.

But the Democrats biggest fundraising surprise came in a losing race where the party was outspent. Republican Rep. Devin Nunes of Tulare, one of Trumps closest allies in Congress, spent $11.6 million to hang on to his seat. But Democrat Andrew Janz, a Fresno County prosecutor, took in a shocking $9.2 million from across the country to make a competitive race out of what was expected to be a Republican walkover.

The new Democratic Congress members cant expect the same type of overwhelming support for their 2020 re-election efforts, Kousser said.

They won in red districts that Republicans will be looking to take back, he said. But money is going to be siphoned off for the presidential campaign.

For many Democratic activists, the 2018 congressional campaigns were a proxy battle against Trump, who wasnt on the ballot.

Now they can give their money directly to candidates challenging Trump, Kousser said.

Expect Democrats to keep that from happening, said Feldman of Red to Blue California.

These are swing districts and we need to work as hard was wee can to keep these districts blue, he said.

John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth
SACRAMENTO  California has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, but even as they passed measures in the aftermath of mass shootings, legislators occasionally found themselves frustrated by former Gov. Jerry Brown and his veto pen.

Now they sense fresh opportunity under Gov. Gavin Newsom, a supporter of tightening gun laws who sponsored a successful ballot initiative in 2016 to institute background checks for ammunition sales.

At a Capitol news conference Monday with former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords, lawmakers rattled off proposals vetoed by Brown that they intend to revive this legislative session, including a limit of one rifle or shotgun purchase per month and more regulation of parts that can be turned into homemade weapons.

Stopping gun violence takes courage  the courage to do whats right, said Giffords, who was gravely wounded in a 2011 assassination attempt. We must never stop fighting.

California legislators said they hope to make the state a model for the rest of the nation.

Other measures that lawmakers have already introduced this year include a requirement for gun owners to lock up their weapons when they are not home, a 10-year prohibition of firearm possession for anyone convicted of two drug or alcohol crimes in a three-year period, and a tax on gun sales to fund violence prevention programs.

Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, has also brought back his 2018 bill to allow more people to seek a gun violence restraining order against someone they believe poses a danger to themselves or others. Brown vetoed the measure, which would have permitted co-workers and school personnel to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from a person. Current law allows only family members, roommates and law enforcement to seek such orders.

Washington, D.C., has failed us, said Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, D-Los Angeles, who is carrying legislation to mandate training for police about gun violence restraining orders, a tool that officers have been slow to adopt. Its clear to us that no matter how much tragedy we experience, President Trump and his allies in Congress are unwilling to take any action to stop mass shootings or gun violence. Thoughts and prayers from Washington wont keep our kids safe.

Shortly after his election in November, Newsom said he wanted to raise the bar on gun control in California, prompting speculation that he would be open to signing bills that Brown vetoed.

While Newsom is unlikely to take a position on any of the bills as they are making their way through the legislative process, spokesman Jesse Melgar said in an email, he is a big believer in strong gun safety laws.

That has not escaped the notice of gun rights proponents, who believe Newsom poses a far greater threat to their cause than Brown did.

Craig DeLuz, director of legislative and public affairs for the Firearms Policy Coalition, said that while Brown governed as a liberal on guns, he was open to gun rights groups arguments that some bills were impractical or unconstitutional.

For Newsom, however, this is a PR issue. Its not about making people safer or protecting the rights of Californians, DeLuz said. Hell likely sign anything that was put before him.

Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff
Owners of older cars and light trucks in California have long known that smog certification is required every other year as a condition of vehicle registration. No certification, no registration. Its been that way since 1984.

So, it might come as a surprise that the owners of those big-rig diesels that belch out clouds of toxic pollutants are not covered by the states smog-check law.

More than 12 million Californians breathe air that fails to meet federal clean-air standards. Eight of the nations most polluted cities are in California. Diesel rigs share a truckload of the blame.

About 1 million diesel trucks weighing more than 14,000 pounds operate in California annually. Together, they contribute nearly 60 percent of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and more than 80 percent of diesel particulate matter (fine particles) emitted in California from all on-road sources.

Its not likely to get better anytime soon, as more than one-third of the big-rigs registered in California and operating on our roads and highways are out of compliance with state emissions regulations, according to the California Air Resources Board.

That is, unless California acts, and the state Senate has taken the first step. Legislation was introduced Monday to establish a smog certification program for heavy-duty diesel trucks.

California prides itself on being a global leader in the fight against air pollution and climate change. We spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year to incentivize the purchase of zero and near-zero emission cars, trucks and buses and hundreds of millions more to install charging stations and alternative fuels to keep those vehicles rolling.

Yet, heavy-duty diesel trucks get a pass from a comprehensive emissions testing program.

Diesel exhaust is considered a toxic air contaminant because it includes more than 40 known cancer-causing organic substances and gaseous pollutants, including volatile organic compounds and NOx, the key ingredients in forming ground-level ozone, also known as smog.

Fine particulate matter irritates the eyes, nose, throat and lungs and contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and tens of thousands of premature deaths, in addition to being a potent greenhouse pollutant. Children, the elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory illnesses are the most vulnerable. Ground-level ozone causes coughing, choking and reduced lung capacity and is a potentially deadly health hazard. A 2017 study published in Nature found that 107,600 premature deaths in 11 studied regions worldwide were associated with on-road diesel NOx emissions, with nearly 3,000 occurring in the United States. These types of statistics come as no surprise to folks living near freight hubs, ports, rail yards and major traffic corridors.

The California Air Resources Board recently passed improvements to its visual and self-reporting emission-testing programs, but compliance and enforcement are spotty at best.

State Sen. Connie Leyva, D-Chino (San Bernardino County), introduced SB210, which would require owners of heavy-duty diesel trucks to certify they meet the states emission standards.

It will take a comprehensive smog-check-like program for heavy-duty diesel as envisioned in SB210 to bring relief to those living in communities suffering from ozone and particulate matter pollution  especially low-income and disadvantaged communities.

The California Air Resources Board estimates a smog-certification program envisioned in the Leyva bill would reduce NOx emissions by approximately 93,000 tons between 2023 and 2031. Thats the equivalent of taking 145,000 big rigs off our roads.

While some trucking operators might chafe at an additional regulation, SB210 will level the playing field for those who have taken the time and expense to comply with Californias emission standards. SB210 is Leyvas second attempt at passing a heavy-duty diesel truck smog-check bill. Her first effort fell short last year, stalling in the trucker-friendly Assembly Transportation Committee.

There is room for hope, though, as some of Californias most significant environmental bills have taken multiple years before becoming law. For the sake of clean air, our climate and our health, lets hope that will be the case for SB210.

Rocky Rushing is senior policy advocate for the Coalition for Clean Air.
IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education today recognizes the publication of a report on the  The Present and Future of Alternative Digital Credentials (ADCs) .

The report was issued by the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) under the direction of an ICDE working group led by Gary W. Matkin, Ph.D. and UCIs Dean of Continuing Education and Vice Provost of Career Pathways. The ICDE working group was composed of a global panel of higher education experts. The report provides guidance for how universities can establish their own capacity for issuing alternative credentialing, adding value to traditional higher education transcripts.

As described by Matkin and the working group, the trend toward alternative digital credentials (ADCs) will significantly transform the relationship between institutions and their studentsand ultimately between higher education and society. The provision of fully digital, information-rich records of students workplace-relevant skills and career-ready competencies will supplement traditional university transcripts.

ADCs fill an important gap between learning and work-relevant skill verification. The adoption of an ADC system will allow universities to achieve greater alignment with the demands of both students and local economies, making universities more accountable for what they produce, said Matkin. Young adults are demanding shorter, relevant education that they can put to immediate use. Industry hiring practices will increasingly depend on digital searches for job candidates and ADCs will make those competencies easier to discover.

The demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge will be more important than ever as employers seek to recruit recent and talented graduates. Traditional transcripts have become less useful to employers who are looking for specific skills. While degree completion will remain important to employers, alternative forms of verification of a students learning and competency will help create a better evaluation of applied learning and workplace qualification.

ABOUT THE UC IRVINE DIVISION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION

The University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE) provides lifelong learning opportunities to thousands of students worldwide each year  fulfilling the schools 60-year curriculum platform to connect degree programs to the world of work and achievement after graduation. The Division offers a broad range of certificate programs, specialized studies, and sequential courses to local, regional and global markets through online, on-campus and on-site delivery. A leader in the open education movement, the Division offers free Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) and content through the UCI Open initiative. For more information about UCI Division of Continuing Education, visit ce.uci.edu .

ABOUT GARY W. MATKIN, Ph.D.

Gary W. Matkin, Dean of Continuing Education and Vice Provost of Career Pathways directs the activities of the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE). The division has a self-supporting annual budget of $40 million and offers over 3,100 continuing education courses per yearserving approximately 40,000 students.

In October 2017, Matkin was appointed Vice Provost of the Division of Career Pathways (DCP). As Vice Provost, Matkin is responsible for coordinating career services across the UCI campus. These services are available to over 36,000 UCI undergraduate and graduates to help them identify and prepare for meaningful careers, become workplace ready, and secure their first jobs.

In addition, Matkin leads, along with an executive committee, the ICDE Working Group on the Present and Future of Alternative Digital Credentials (ADCs). Matkins work is driving the Universitys initiative to provide ADCs to its student body. Under Matkins leadership, ADCs will significantly impact UCI students career planning and choices after education.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE

Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 28,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. Located in one of the worlds safest and most economically vibrant communities, its Orange Countys second-largest employer, contributing $4.8 billion annually to the local economy.

CONTACT: Kathy Seaton Tam

kstam@uci.edu, (949) 302-2473
Amazon Go has opened two stores in San Francisco. They do not accept cash. They do not have cashiers, meaning the only way to shop at the stores is to have a smartphone and to download the Amazon Go app.

But when Amazon or any other retailer discriminates against cash who are they really discriminating against? The poor, older people, youth, individuals with developmental disabilities, undocumented immigrants and homeless individuals.

Thats a big chunk of San Franciscos population.

Although there are only two Amazon Go stores in the Bay Area, there are plans for more with the possibility that this cashless technology will expand to Whole Foods Market, which Amazon also owns.

I visited the first Amazon Go store in Seattle last year and I wasnt allowed to even enter the store even though I had cash in my wallet. It felt like there was an invisible wall between me and the happy-looking shoppers inside.

Amazon Gos business model is particularly troubling because it is not only discriminatory but eliminates cashiers. These are jobs. If Amazons technology expands, up to 2.3 million American jobs could be eliminated in the near future.

Its not just Amazon. Other retailers also have said no to cash, which is another facet of the digital divide especially since some people do not qualify for a bank account.

Estimates from a 2017 survey by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation indicate that 8.4 million (6.5 percent) U.S. households were unbanked that year. An additional 24.2 million (18.7 percent) were under-banked, meaning that the household had a checking or savings account but also obtained financial products and services outside of the banking system.

We shouldnt be locking out this population from grocery stores because they rely on cash. And then there are those individuals who, having suffered identity theft, choose to use cash. They, too, are being locked out of these stores.

There is a growing discourse among elected officials who are proposing to ban cashless stores. Massachusetts was the first state to ban cash buyers from being discriminated against  nearly 40 years ago.

New Jersey is considering banning cashless stores, as are Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia.

I will introduce a resolution this month seeking to prohibit retail and food-service establishments from refusing to accept payment in cash. People should not be required to own an expensive smartphone to buy a cup of soup.

By preventing customers from using cash, businesses are effectively telling the poor, older people, youth, individuals with developmental disabilities, undocumented immigrants and the homeless that they are not welcome. This is discrimination in its purest form.

Thats why its time to say no to Amazon Go.

David J. Canepa serves on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors.
Gov. Gavin Newsoms first budget comes when California is the most challenging state in the country for low- and middle-income households: California has the highest poverty rate of any of the 50 states. California also ranks 49th in both housing affordability and cost of living. It ranks 50th in homelessness, 40th in the overall tax burden and 42nd in how well it is educating its kindergarten through high school-age young people.

Newsom and the Legislature have an opportunity to improve these dismal outcomes. Newsoms first budget of $209 billion is a 4 percent increase over Jerry Browns last budget, and includes significant new investments in schooling and housing. Such investments can pay substantial dividends, particularly for low- and middle-income households, but only if they are accompanied with reasonable policy reforms, as explained in a Hoover Institution report.

Implementing merit-based compensation and modifying teacher-tenure policies would move California K-12 learning outcomes from near the bottom to the top. These reforms would also align human resource practices in education more closely with the rest of the country.

Teaching salaries in most California school districts are determined more by seniority than by teaching performance. Seniority-based compensation is a relic of a time when collective-bargaining contracts ignored an individuals valuable specific skills and performance. Seniority-based compensation doesnt allow the best teachers to be paid what they are worth. Studies show that when salary is tied to performance, student learning improves.

A related issue is teacher tenure, which is granted in some cases after just 18 months of performance. While many teachers are very effective, tenure policy makes it extremely costly to dismiss the few that are not effective. The teacher dismissal rate for unsatisfactory performance in California is extremely low, which reflects dismissal costs that can exceed $250,000 per case.

Reforming tenure policies by increasing the tenure review period and making teacher dismissal for poor performance less costly would make a big difference for learning outcomes and future incomes. Research by Stanford economist Eric Hanushek concludes that replacing the few very poorly performing teachers with average quality teachers would cumulatively increase California incomes by more than $16 trillion into the future.

Also, Newsoms budget calls for an additional $500 million for affordable housing. This investment will substantially benefit households with low and moderate incomes if it is accompanied by reforms that reduce expensive and unnecessary regulatory costs. The cost of building one affordable unit in a 100-unit apartment building is now as much as $425,000.

Reforming the California Environmental Quality Act would significantly reduce construction costs for major projects, as CEQA litigation often targets large-scale redevelopment. CEQA was intended to protect the environment, but it is now used routinely by a variety of groups for their own interests under the guise of environmental protection.

Abuses of CEQA range from unions wishing to increase their bargaining power with employers, to businesses that wish to prevent competitors from entering their local markets, to not in my backyard homeowner groups who want to block development.

There are several reforms that would eliminate some of the worst abuses of CEQA litigation. Duplicative lawsuits should be prevented, particularly for projects that have already passed an initial CEQA review. Procedural reforms should be implemented to prevent delays. Losing parties in CEQA litigation should pay for court costs and attorneys fees, as in other civil cases. And all parties in the litigation should be forced to comply with disclosure rules regarding their identities and interests. This would prevent the hidden, nonenvironmental motives behind CEQA lawsuits.

While these economic reforms can significantly improve education outcomes and make housing more affordable, they may be thwarted by some in politically powerful groups, including teacher unions and environmental groups. The honeymoon period afforded to the new governor and the new Legislature provides the best opportunity to bring people together and make these needed reforms.

Lee E. Ohanian is professor of economics at UCLA. John B. Taylor is professor of economics at Stanford University. Both are senior fellows at the Hoover Institution.
Alex Brandon / Associated Press

From a chaotic post-election transition to an unprecedented shutdown, President Trumps indifference to the workings of the government he was elected to run has been unmistakable. Among the most dangerous symptoms of this carelessness is his failure to field any semblance of a stable senior staff.

The administrations constant purging of prominent members has been the most visible facet of its personnel problems, having left half a dozen Cabinet-level officials  more than a quarter of them  serving in an acting capacity: the attorney general, defense secretary, interior secretary, Environmental Protection Agency administrator, chief of staff and Office of Management and Budget director. But a new analysis shows that the ranks beneath these officials are even more ragged.
PERTH, Australia and HOUSTON, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aggreko, the leader in mobile and modular power solutions, has signed a contract with mining firm Gold Fields Australia (Gold Fields) to design, build and operate a hybrid renewable-energy-plus-battery-storage system at the Granny Smith gold mine in Western Australia. The system, one of the worlds largest hybrid off-grid microgrids, will comprise 8 MWp of solar power generation, as well as a 2 MW/1 MWh battery system, integrated with 24.2 MW of existing natural-gas generation. Construction is expected to begin in May and be completed by year-end.



The Aggreko-provided solar, thermal and battery storage assets will be seamlessly integrated and managed by Aggrekos control software platform  maintaining full system availability and optimising the lifetime of existing thermal assets. The solar-plus-battery system is projected to reduce fuel consumption by 10-13%  the equivalent of removing 2,000 cars from the road  and produce about 18 GWh of clean energy per year.

While the solar PV will reduce the need to run thermal generators, the battery plant will provide essential services such as spinning reserve displacement, PV ramp rate control and transient voltage/frequency support. The project will be covered under a single as-a-service rental contract with no capital outlay from Gold Fields, eliminating technology risk, increasing flexibility, and ensuring performance accountability.

Gold Fields Executive Vice President Australasia, Stuart Mathews, said the renewable energy microgrid is part of Gold Fields vision of leadership in sustainable gold mining. We are thrilled to reach an agreement with Aggreko for the design, installation and operation of this innovative source of renewable energy, which will generate nearly enough power to run the mines processing operations, Mathews said.

Gold Fields understand the performance, cost and environmental advantages for their operation, as well as the need to integrate this resource into their current system without compromising power supply reliability or mining productivity. The mobile and modular battery storage systems weve developed are quick to deploy and will be the ideal solution for this customer, said George Whyte, Managing Director of Aggreko AusPac.

We are on the industry forefront in offering a range of microgrid configurations on an as-a-service basis for users who want to leverage the benefits of a hybrid energy solution while minimising capital outlay. The Granny Smith power station is a flagship example of what can be done with advanced technologies, intelligent engineering, and a committed, innovation-minded customer, said Karim Wazni, Managing Director of Aggrekos Microgrid and Storage Solutions business unit.

Gold Fields currently operates all three of its Western Australian gold mines from gas-powered generating systems. The Granny Smith power station was designed and installed by Aggreko in 2016. The new hybrid power system, combined with a thermal station expansion at Granny Smith mine, will meet the increased daily power needs of the entire mine of 24.2 MW, with 12.2 MW allocated to the Wallaby underground mine and the remaining 12 MW for the processing plant, associated facilities and mining camp.

EDITORS NOTES

ABOUT AGGREKO

Around the world, people, businesses and countries are striving for a better future - a future that needs power and the right conditions to succeed.

Aggreko works round the clock, making sure everyone gets the electricity, heating and cooling they need, whenever they need it  all powered by our class-leading equipment, trademark passion, unrivalled international experience and local knowledge. From urban development to unique commercial projects and even humanitarian emergencies, we bring our expertise and equipment to any location, from the worlds busiest cities to some of the most remote places on earth.

Thats what has made us the worlds leading provider of modular, mobile power and temperature control. Weve been in business since 1962. We have more than 6,000 employees, operating from more than 200 locations in 100 countries. With revenues of approximately GBP 1.7bn (USD 2.2bn or Euros 2bn) in 2017, we are listed on the London Stock Exchange (AGK.L) and have our headquarters in Scotland.

Our business helps transform the lives and livelihoods of individuals, organisations and communities across the globe, in both developed and developing countries and markets.

We operate across all sectors, including oil and gas, petrochemical and refining, utilities, manufacturing, construction, mining and events.

We design and manufacture equipment specifically for these requirements in our factory in Dumbarton, Scotland and work with leading innovators to ensure our equipment offers maximum fuel flexibility, by using gas, diesel (including HFO) and renewable fuel sources.

For more information, please visit our local website at: www.aggreko.com.en-us

ABOUT GOLD FIELDS

The Granny Smith gold mine is located 720 km east-northeast of Perth in Western Australia and 23 km southwest of the town of Laverton.





Gold Fields also operates the St. Ives and Agnew mines in Western Australia. Gold Fields, in partnership with Gold Road Resources, is also developing the Gruyere gold project.





The Granny Smith Gold Mine produced 290,000 ounces of gold in 2017.





Gold Fields Limited is a globally diversified producer of gold with eight operating mines in Australia, Ghana, Peru and South Africa with attributable annual gold production of approximately 2.2 million ounces.





Gold Fields employs more than 2,200 employees and contractors in Australia.





Gold Fields has a primary listing on the JSE Limited, with secondary listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Swiss Exchange (SWX).
Sen. Kamala Harris is accusing President Trump of using his judicial appointments to weaken the rights of groups such as immigrants and transgender soldiers, and says she will vote against all of his nominees to the federal courts.

This administration is packing the court that protected Dreamers from deportation and blocked the unconstitutional transgender military ban, Harris, D-Calif., said in a tweet last week, just days after announcing her candidacy for president in 2020.

We need nominees who will uphold equality and justice, she said. Until a fair process is in place, I will oppose every nominee to an appellate court.

The court she accused the administration of packing is the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, a favorite target for criticism from the political right. Trump has regularly denounced that court as disgraceful for its rulings against him, including one blocking his plan to deport 700,000 undocumented immigrants  called Dreamers by their supporters  who were brought to the United States or arrived on their own before their 16th birthday.

The appeals court also refused last July to let Trump implement a ban on transgender service in the military. The president has issued a revised order that would exclude most transgender troops, and the Supreme Court has signaled that the order will be allowed to take effect while it is being challenged in lower federal courts, including the Ninth Circuit.

Harris has voted for some of Trumps judicial nominees, but only one of two of his picks for the Ninth Circuit. Mark Bennett, a former Republican state attorney general in Hawaii, was confirmed to the Ninth Circuit in July with the help of Harris vote, but over the opposition of more than half the Senates Republicans because of his past support of gun control.

She did not support Trumps other current Ninth Circuit appointee, Ryan Nelson, who was confirmed in October on a party-line vote. The court remains one of the nations more liberal circuits, with 16 judges appointed by Democratic presidents and seven by Republicans. The court has six vacancies.

But Harris and Californias other Democratic senator, Dianne Feinstein, have protested Trumps latest selections for three Ninth Circuit seats formerly held by Californians, nominations on which California senators have usually been consulted in the past.

The prospective nominees are Kenneth Lee, a Los Angeles attorney who served in the White House counsels office under President George W. Bush; Daniel Collins, another Los Angeles attorney who was an official in the Bush Justice Department; and Daniel Bress, a Washington, D.C., lawyer and onetime law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

The senators said they were prepared to negotiate with the White House to fill the vacancies, a common practice in the past when a nominees home-state senators are from a different party than the president. But the Republican chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and his predecessor, Charles Grassley of Iowa, have abolished the practice of giving senators a veto  known as a blue slip  over appeals court candidates in their state. Both Harris and Feinstein are committee members.

Weve shown that were willing to work with the White House on candidates for U.S. District Court, where the blue-slip process remains in effect, Harris and Feinstein said in a joint statement. They also said all three Ninth Circuit candidates have no judicial experience and that Lee had failed to turn over controversial writings to the senators judicial selection committees, Collins was known for trying to push legal boundaries, and Bress was not a Californian.

Harris stance is both good policy and good politics, said Jessica Levinson, a law professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles who specializes in election and governance issues.

The rejection of the blue slips was particularly egregious because it eliminates the powers of home-state senators from minority parties, Levinson said.

She said Harris was also sending a message to prospective voters that Im the person whos going to stand up to Donald Trump, and use all the power I have at my disposal.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @BobEgelko
Were fairly certain wed never catch Chronicle Books chairman and philanthropist Nion McEvoy wearing a gorilla suit. But Saturday in Napas Carneros region at di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art as McEvoy received the inaugural Di Rosa Award, it was clear McEvoy shares a similar audacious spirit with the late Rene di Rosa, whod famously protest Sonoma County developments in that hirsute costume.

Led by Linda Fine, the Centennial Gala soiree  featuring a Fraiche Catering dinner, the Bob Kenmatsu Band and roving accordionists  celebrated di Rosa, a groundbreaking art collector and bon vivant who was born 100 years ago this March. And some 200 art swells braved wild weather to cheer McEvoy and his fellow artist honoree, cyanotype photographer Meghann Riepenhoff, whose work is admired and collected by McEvoy.

Di Rosa Executive Director Robert Sain ticked off McEvoys many accomplishments, noting the honorees influence via the many organizations he supports or serves as a trustee: SFJazz, SFMOMA, Aperture, Smithsonian American Art Museum and board president of SFFilm.

Nion is not only a collector but has an unwavering commitment to art and artists. He revels in ideas and social engagement. Through his McEvoy Foundation for the Arts in Dogpatch, Nion is determined to have an impact on our cultural ecology, toasted Sain, with a tease. And all this from a lapsed rock musician and retired meditation teacher.

Rene di Rosa also dovetails with McEvoys personal history: After serving in World War II, di Rosa was a reporter at The San Francisco Chronicle, founded by McEvoys great-grandfather, who also established the de Young Museum.

And like McEvoys late mother, a social justice advocate and former Chronicle publisher Nan McEvoy, di Rosa was influenced by the professors-turned-legendary artists of UC Davis, where di Rosa studied viticulture.

The match for his 217-acre di Rosa art preserve atop rolling Carneros hills was sparked when di Rosa connected with the universitys towering Bay Area Figurative artists Roy De Forest, Manuel Neri, William T. Wiley and Wayne Thiebaud, a dear friend of Mrs. McEvoy.

Nion McEvoy was born in San Francisco but grew up in Washington, D.C., where his love of art was inspired by visits with his mother to stellar museums in our nations capital. Later as an English major at UC Santa Cruz, McEvoy befriended painters, poets and musicians.

My mother and Rene were born just two months apart. This institution and Renes legacy, who shared my mothers connections of The Chronicle, winemaking, art collecting and a zest for life, feels like something she wouldve undertaken, McEvoy enthused. Ive reached a point in life where I have the resources to assist artists and art institutions, big and small, and it is a joy.

Good RX: Prior to the Feb. 2 open-house preview of the new California Pacific Medical Center campus on Van Ness, some dedicated supporters enjoyed a private tour and delectable spread (a Betty Zlatchin repast and blooms by Flowers Claire Marie) at the inaugural CPMC Womens & Childrens Health Leadership Council luncheon.

Led by council chairwoman Lisa Lenzo, 220 guests cheered the state-of-the art hospital and keynote speech by CPMC Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider.

Our council work for CMPC is a labor of love. Every one of us here has experienced life-changing care from the doctors and nurses who guided us through medical needs and challenges, noted Lenzo. So the name of todays event, Your Wellness, Your Future, is especially meaningful.

The female council is also meaningful: CPMC, founded in 1854 as Childrens Hospital to assist Gold Rush immigrants, was Californias first hospital created exclusively for the care of women  a radical concept then, championed by pioneering co-founder Dr. Charlotte Blake Brown, one of the first female doctors to practice on the West Coast.

For more than a century, this concept of womens empowerment in taking control of their health is part of CPMCs DNA, said Lenzo, also lauding modern-era hospital leaders: CPMC founding board chair Katie Cardinal; council founder Connie Mardikian; and council member Wendy Armstrong.

Though Lenzo and her husband, CMPC Foundation Board trustee Christopher Lenzo, tend to shun the spotlight, foundation board chairman Sloan Barnett swung it back in their direction.

Around here, we call Lisa the queen of CPMC. On the council and as an honorary member of our board, Lisa is an extraordinary, dedicated force, toasted Barnett. Thank you for allowing your husband to spend so much time at our meetings. It is an honor to call you our queen.

La dolce vita: Renaissance woman Maria Manetti Shrem was recently honored at the Italian Consulate, where her praises were literally sung by tenor Christopher Oglesby.

Shrem, a native of Florence, Italy, and a former fashion executive, received the Grande Ufficiale dellOrdine della Stella dItalia, one of Italys highest honors presented by Consul General Lorenzo Ortona and Armando Varricchio, Italian ambassador to the U.S.

With her husband, philanthropist Jan Shrem, they established their eponymous art museum at UC Davis and generously support San Francisco Opera with funds devoted to emerging stars, luminary performers, Italian interpreters and the conductor.

One of Marias greatest loves is opera, an art form all about passion, beauty and life force. She not only believes in those values but also lives them, toasted S.F. Opera Executive Director Matthew Shilvock.

The founders of San Francisco Opera were Italian businessmen, he added. And in the 21st century, Maria has taken up their baton with great energy and passion, opening the doors of possibility to the highest levels of Italian culture around the world.

Catherine Bigelow is The San Francisco Chronicles society correspondent. Email: missbigelow@sfgate.com Instagram: @missbigelow
One of the hottest topics in local real estate is what will happen to home prices in and around San Francisco if an expected surge in blockbuster initial public offerings takes place.

There has been lots of talk about newly minted millionaires with fistfuls of IPO cash muscling out other buyers in an already challenging market, but theres been little evidence to test that theory. Until now.

Three new studies that look at previous IPOs found that they do raise home prices somewhat, with the biggest gains coming closest to the headquarters of companies going public.

That could have big implications for San Francisco, which is the epicenter for an expected wave of offerings by tech companies with multibillion-dollar valuations. Lyft confidentially submitted paperwork for an offering in early December, sort of a precursor to an actual filing, the same week that Uber reportedly did the same. Slack Technologies announced it had filed confidentially on Monday. Other San Francisco companies said to be eyeing an offering include Airbnb and Pinterest.

A working paper first presented at an academic conference last month provides the most relevant insight. Entitled Cash to Spend: IPO Wealth and House Prices, it looked at 725 IPOs by California companies between 1993 and 2017 and an index of home prices within 1, 5 and 10 miles of each companys headquarters.

Google

It looked at the price index three months before and after three dates: the date the company filed for the IPO, the IPO date (when it sold shares to the public) and the end of the lockup period, when employees are free to sell their stock. (Most companies prevent employees from selling for a number of months after the IPO.)

Andrew Burton / Getty Images 2013

It found that after the filing date, average home prices within a 10-mile radius of headquarters rose by 1 percent more than home prices throughout the same county. After the company went public, the index rose an additional 0.8 percent. Surprisingly, there was no additional gain after the lockup expired.

Our initial guess was that the big effect was going to be at the expiration of lockup, said Barney Hartman-Glaser, an assistant finance professor at UCLA who co-authored the study. Maybe it didnt because the lockup is anticipated. If Im a seller, and I know that in two months a bunch of people will have a lot more money to spend, why would I accept a lower price two months earlier? I just wont sell, he said.

Could that explain the rash of sellers who took their homes off the market or let their listings expire in December? As I reported last week, 2,493 listings across the Bay Area were withdrawn or expired in December, compared with only 1,154 in December 2017, according to analyst Patrick Carlisle of the Compass real estate firm. In San Francisco, those numbers were 305 and 199, respectively. Carlisle said he thinks the jump had mostly to do with a cooling market with more market uncertainty and fewer sales, and was not a response to the Lyft and Uber news.

But the studys authors thought there could be some connection.

Their surprising results about the lockup period also suggest that pre-IPO shareholders change their housing demand when their wealth changes, not when their liquidity increases, and that they can finance their home purchases based on their illiquid wealth, the authors wrote. Banks in California may not be very restrictive in originating mortgages to entrepreneurs and workers at startup firms because of their relatively rich experience with this type of consumers.

The authors did not consider the fact that many employees working for startups in the late stages of the dot-com boom, when many IPOs in their study took place, never really cashed in on IPOs because by the time their lockup period expired, shares in their companies had plummeted. Hartman-Glaser said they might look at that in the future.

The authors, not surprisingly, found that home prices increased more the closer you got to headquarters and that larger IPOs had a bigger impact than smaller ones. They also discovered that younger companies going public had a bigger impact on home prices than older ones of the same size.

Managers and workers for those young firms tend to live closer to work than do employees of older companies, said Jiro Yoshida, an associate business professor at Pennsylvania State University and one of the co-authors.

He figured that a company in the youngest quartile by age and the top quartile by amount raised hypothetically could have raised home prices by 3.7 percent within a 10-mile radius of headquarters (versus 1.8 percent for the average).

Leah Millis / The Chronicle 2014

Hartman-Glaser suspects that the current crop of IPO candidates might have a smaller impact on home prices than those in his study.

The flow of information from financial markets to real estate has improved, since the 1980s, he said.

And companies are waiting so long to go public, by the time they actually file for an IPO, the prospect of new millionaire buyers might already be baked into real estate prices. Now, if IPOs from Uber and the rest are bigger than expected, that could cause home prices to rise, he said.

Hartman-Glaser also cautioned that most of our results are for Silicon Valley, where the housing stock is very different than San Francisco.

Interactive Vaccine Tracker: Latest developments Detailed information about the coronavirus vaccines as it becomes available.

The biggest IPO in their study was Facebook in May 2012, which raised $16 billion.

In a different study released Tuesday, Zillow looked at the impact that blockbuster deal had on home prices in census tracts with a lot of people who government data suggested worked at Facebook in Menlo Park. It determined that between March 2012 and March 2013, home values in these tracts grew 20.9 percent, compared with 16.8 percent for the 13 surrounding counties.

A census tract roughly equates to a neighborhood. Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow economist Jeff Tucker pulled out the 10 tracts that had the most probable Facebook employees in 2012. Redwood Shores was tops, with 50. Some tracts in Palo Alto and Menlo Park had around 30 each. As a share of all workers in those tracts, Facebook accounted for only 1 to 1.5 percent of all workers.

Tucker estimated that for every 10 Facebook employees in a census tract, home prices there grew by 1.6 percentage points more than prices in the 13 surrounding counties. Theoretically, the Facebook IPO could have increased prices in Redwood Shores by 8 percent, he said.

Many employees working for companies expected to go public this year are in the first-time home-buyer demographic. If those firms do go public, that could mean more competition for other first-time buyers, Tucker said.

After several years of breakneck growth, Bay Area home prices began appreciating at a much slower rate near the end of last year, and even declined in some cases month to month. IPOs, should they materialize, could halt that recent trend, especially in San Francisco.

Where prices may have slid a bit, it could cause them to level off instead, Tucker said.

The third study, Local Economic Spillover Effects of Stock Market, looked at the broader impact of IPOs on real estate, labor markets, migration and other factors. It studied about 2,400 IPOs nationwide from 1998 to 2015, but excluded those in 1999 and 2000 (the dot-com peak) and 2003 because of the lack of income data at the ZIP code level.

It looked at ZIP codes where a company went public and examined home prices in the same county.

It found that two years after the IPO, the price of expensive houses in a ZIP code within a 2-mile radius of the IPO headquarters had increased by 0.7 percent more than homes in the surrounding area. These are homes in the top third price-wise. The IPO did not affect the prices of less expensive homes, said co-author Larry Fauver, an associate finance professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

If you look just at large IPOs, in the top 20 percent by amount raised, the impact was bigger. In those cases, the value of expensive homes increased by 0.9 percent within 2 miles of headquarters or 0.65 percent within 2 to 5 miles. Many of these larger deals were in the Bay Area.

Kathleen Pender is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: kpender@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kathpender
Mayor London Breeds State of the City address last week was packed with plans, and one of them in particular grabbed my attention.

She proposed a charter amendment for the November ballot that would make it easier to build 100 percent affordable housing projects  teacher housing included.

If a proposed project fit the citys zoning regulations and other requirements, it would get the green light. There would be no appeal, no way for angry neighbors to block it.

If an affordable housing or teacher housing project is proposed within zoning, then build it, Breed said in her address. Build it now. No more bureaucracy. No more costly appeals. No more not in my neighborhood.

Its about time. This city has given far too much credence to complaining residents who apparently think time should stop once they move into a neighborhood. And then they complain when the resulting housing shortage means their priced-out friends keep leaving the city, their childrens teachers keep quitting and there are homeless people living on the sidewalks outside their front doors.

Even if Breeds proposal becomes law, San Francisco wont exactly be building housing at the speed of light. Far from it.

Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle

Her announcement serves as a good time to check in on the incredibly slow, but steady pace of the building of the citys first, and still only, teacher housing development. It is still in the planning stages at 1360 43rd Ave., which is school district property.

After officials with the school district, teachers union and Mayors Office of Housing talked for ages about possibly, maybe someday building teacher housing with no real progress, the late Mayor Ed Lee had had enough. In May 2017, he announced he had chosen the Outer Sunset site and was allotting $44 million to the project.

There is a level of frustration I have with the current conversation, Lee said back then. We have an immediate housing problem right now.

So a year and nine months later, are teachers moving in? Yeah, right  not even close.

The chosen developer, MidPen Housing, submitted its preliminary plans to the Planning Department in November and expects to get approvals in about a year, according to Kate Hartley, director of the Mayors Office of Housing.

Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle

She said groundbreaking should take place late next year or early 2021. Construction should be finished in September 2022, after which teachers can move in to 130 new units.

So, lets recap: Even when the mayor finds money and selects a site, it still takes more than five years until anybody can actually move in.

As for future teacher housing sites, maybe Mayor Breed needs to pull a move like her predecessor did and just pick one, because theres been no progress on that front.

Deputy Superintendent Myong Leigh said Monday the school district will issue within a month a request for qualifications from developers and other possible partners to help it explore the pluses and minuses of building housing on any particular site.

Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle 2017

There are several vacant, district-owned sites being considered, including the vacant lot at Seventh Avenue and Lawton Street in the Inner Sunset. Its best known as Clancys pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm.

Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer said shes been asking the Mayors Office of Housing for two years to look at redeveloping a district-owned site near 30th Avenue and Balboa Street into teacher housing. It currently houses the Richmond Neighborhood Center, and Fewer believes it could be rebuilt to house the center and teacher apartments above.

At the very least, the city should be doing a feasibility study, Fewer said, adding shes gotten no traction on the idea.

Hartley said the citys preference is to develop vacant land. At Fewers proposed site, the neighborhood center would have to be moved during construction, and the building would probably be considered a historic resource  meaning a full environmental impact report would be required, Hartley said.

Its important to develop teacher housing in one of the worlds most expensive cities, but the slow pace demonstrates why its also crucial to raise teacher salaries in the meantime.

Theres still no agreement at City Hall over whether any of the $185 million in windfall money leftover from an education account should go to  you know  education, in the form of teacher pay.

Breed wants to spend it all on homeless services, while some supervisors and the school district want $60 million to go to ensuring the raises teachers got this year because of a voter-approved parcel tax dont disappear while the measure is challenged in court.

The Chronicle crunched teacher salary data for all California school districts for the 2017-18 academic year and found that a San Francisco teacher in his or her 10th year of teaching and with a bachelors degree and 60 extra college units makes $77,010 annually  236th out of 792 districts statewide.

Thats a lot better than when we first started crunching these figures three years ago  an improved teacher contract helped that  but its still below districts in much more affordable cities such has Merced, Salida (Stanislaus County) and Rancho Cucamonga (San Bernardino County).

San Franciscos spot on the list should rise quite a bit next year, if the raises ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 from the disputed parcel tax stay in place.

Susan Solomon, president of the teachers union, said her members are finally feeling more stable. A teacher at Visitacion Valley Middle School, for example, told Solomon she was able to quit her side job at Starbucks after receiving the raise. Another teacher told Solomon that, at age 55, shes finally not in the red every month.

Jennifer Moless is a kindergarten teacher at Serra Elementary School in Bernal Heights and was named Teacher of the Year by the mayor in 2013. She and her husband, who works at the post office, were able to buy a tenancy-in-common in Visitacion Valley during the economic downturn, but hadnt felt stable until her pay raise this year.

It was a big relief, she said. For the first time, when the car broke down, we could fix it without using credit. We can take our cat to the vet and not worry about it.

These arent luxuries by any means, and anybody teaching children in San Francisco should be able to afford them. Losing her parcel tax bump would be an insult, she said.

If I commute, I could make considerably more money, and Im choosing not to do that, she said. But taking a pay cut, I would have to wonder if my labor is actually useful.

It clearly is. And she and her colleagues need to be fairly paid for it.

Chronicle staff writer Joaquin Palomino contributed to this story.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Heather Knight appears Sundays and Tuesdays. Email: hknight@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hknightsf
Three women who say they were sexually assaulted by an Oakland doctor who reviewed their cases for workers compensation claims have sued the state of California and several insurance providers, alleging the agencies were aware of the doctors abuse and continued sending patients to him anyway.

The women, who are not identified in the complaint, were required to see Dr. John Warbritton after being injured while at work and filing for workers compensation with the state. They each said they reported the alleged abuse by Warbritton and were told they would have to continue seeing him for their claims to proceed.

Warbritton, 64, had worked as an orthopedic specialist in the East Bay since 1982 but lost his medical license in April 2017, after two of the women accused him of sexual misconduct. Warbritton voluntarily gave up his license.

At the time, Warbrittons license was already suspended because of charges filed against him in 2016 for transporting child pornography images on his phone and a laptop while flying from Thailand to San Francisco. Warbritton pleaded guilty to the child pornography charges and was sentenced to seven years in prison in September 2018.

The new complaint, filed Jan. 22 in Alameda County Superior Court, alleges that Warbrittons history of abuse toward female patients was so well known that the agencies that worked with him should be held accountable. The complaint is filed as a class action, and attorney Waukeen McCoy said he expects more women to join the case as it becomes public.

I feel like (the state and insurance companies) knew the guys history. Or they should have known about it. They should have been more diligent, McCoy said.

Warbritton is being held at a federal correctional institution in San Pedro (Los Angeles County) and could not be reached for comment. Officials with the state Division of Workers Compensation said they do not comment on pending litigation.

Three insurance providers also are named as defendants: Travelers Indemnity Company in Hartford, Conn.; JT2 Integrated Resources in Oakland; and York Risk Services Group in Jersey City, N.J. Officials from those companies did not respond to requests for comment on the complaint.

Warbritton was a qualified medical evaluator with the state workers comp division. These doctors are certified by the state to evaluate injured workers and write medical reports that are used to determine whether individuals are eligible for benefits. Workers are assigned to doctors based on geography and availability.

Warbritton was suspended as a qualified medical evaluator in February 2018, 10 months after he lost his medical license and while the child pornography charges were under investigation.

All of the women said they reported being molested by Warbritton to their lawyers, and in some cases to other doctors treating them and to the insurance providers. One woman said in an interview that her attorney had heard similar complaints about Warbritton before.

He said I wasnt the first person who has said that, but because hes a qualified examiner in the area hes the best weve got, the woman said. She did not want her name published due to the sensitive nature of her complaint.

She saw Warbritton once, in 2015, for a carpal tunnel injury. She said Warbritton insisted that she remove her outer clothes and put on a gown for the exam, and in the room he touched her breasts and placed a hand on her thigh. He also opened her gown and stared at her, and made a comment about her underwear.

The three women saw Warbritton at various times between 2008 and 2016. One woman had her last appointment with Warbritton in February 2016  just one month before he was arrested at San Francisco International Airport on child pornography charges.

In the complaint, the women describe multiple incidents of inappropriate language and touching. All of the women said he touched them on the breast, thigh or between the legs in an inappropriate way. They say Warbritton made comments about their bodies and their undergarments. They say he talked about his sex life and made references to having sex with employees when they were underage.

What made the assaults especially harrowing was the doctors brazenness, and the fact that they were required to see him as part of their workers comp claims, two of the women said in interviews.

I told my attorney what had happened, and he said I still had to go back and see (Warbritton) because thats the way the law is written, and the insurance company decided hes their best man, said one of the women, who also did not want her name published. He told me I have to see this man, that I have no choice, and if I didnt see this man my case would be delayed years.

I just felt so powerless, the woman said.

She saw Warbritton the first time in 2009, after suffering a shoulder and back injury while working for Solano County. She needed an exam by Warbritton before the insurer handling her workers comp claim would pay for spinal surgery.

Her husband came to the appointment with her and was in the exam room during the visit. According to the complaint, Warbritton told the womans husband that he should leave his wife because she was permanently disabled. Warbritton stood very close to the woman, getting between her legs, and ran his fingers through her hair.

The woman reported the incident to her surgeon, who wrote down the details in her medical records, she said. Over the next seven years, she would be told to return to Warbritton about once a year for checkups.

On the second visit, she said nothing happened during the exam, but when she was getting ready to leave she bent over the reception desk to pick up something and Warbritton came up behind her and pressed his body into her back. After that incident, she called the attorney in her workers comp case to report what had happened.

During two appointments in 2015 and 2016, Warbritton placed a hand on her thigh and tried to move it between her legs, standing in a way so that the womans husband, who was always in the room, couldnt see what was happening, she said.

After her final visit, the woman said she told her son what was happening, and he insisted they file a complaint with the California Medical Board. That complaint, along with one from another patient, triggered an investigation that eventually resulted in Warbritton losing his license.

I knew I was not the only one. I knew he was just a sick mind, the woman said. Knowing that others had similar experiences was validating, but it didnt make me feel better, because I knew theyd been through it. too, she said.

The woman who saw Warbritton just once said that when she had a second on-the-job injury  a torn rotator cuff  her attorney told her shed have to see him again for another evaluation. The woman refused, and decided to settle her case with the insurer instead.

I have nightmares about this guy, still, the woman said. Somebody needs to pay for what hes done. Workers comp knew about it, and they sent us there. The unfortunate part is, Im sure theres more of us out there. He was doing this for years. He got away with this for years.

Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com
Oakland teachers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, ratcheting up their dispute with administrators of the financially troubled district over wages and class sizes, the union said Monday.

The vote allows union leaders to call a strike after Feb. 15, when a neutral fact-finder is expected to release a report that attempts to bridge the impasse.

Wages remain the main point of contention. The school district has proposed a 5 percent raise over three years. The union has asked for a 12 percent increase over that period. The starting salary for Oakland teachers is $46,500, and the average salary is $63,100, according to state data.

Over four days last week, more than 8 in 10 teachers cast a ballot  the highest turnout in the unions history  and 95 percent voted in favor of the strike authorization, said Keith Brown, president of the Oakland Education Association, which represents about 3,000 teachers in the district.

This is a clear message that our members are ready to fight for the schools our students deserve, Brown said. This powerful vote is a mandate for smaller class size, more student support, a living wage, and it is a mandate to keep our neighborhood schools open.

If it happens, the walkout would follow similar labor actions by educators last year in West Virginia, Oklahoma, Kentucky and Colorado and last months in Los Angeles. It would be the first in Oakland since 2010, when teachers went on a one-day strike.

Oakland Unified School District Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell said in a letter to families last week that district leaders were trying to reach an agreement to avert a strike.

On a personal note, as both a former teacher and former principal, I understand the frustration of being asked to do so much with so little, she wrote. As a parent of OUSD students, I want all teachers to know how much they are valued and appreciated. As superintendent, I want our teachers to be fairly compensated.

Oakland teachers have been inching closer to a full-fledged district-wide strike since their contract expired a year and a half ago. Some have already participated in two wildcat walkouts, or those not sanctioned by the union. Students at Oakland Technical High School are planning a sick-out Friday in a show of support for their teachers.

District leaders are considering an unknown number of school closures and mergers in the coming years to address the budget crunch, saying there are too many school sites for dwindling enrollment figures. The issue is not part of contract bargaining, but union leaders have taken it up as part of their public campaign.

The district has 87 schools for about 37,000 students. Next year, it could face a $60 million shortfall.

The union is fighting for smaller class sizes, but district officials say they have second-highest number of teachers per student among the 56 school districts in the state with more than 20,000 students.

We hope that this vote is a sign to the Oakland Unified School District that the teachers in Oakland are very serious to make students a priority and make sure that there are true investments in lower class size, increased investments in student support and also a living wage to keep good educators in Oakland, Brown said.

School district leaders believe they can reach an agreement that will avoid a strike, said John Sasaki, spokesman for the financially embattled district.

Theres no disputing the fact that we value our teachers  theyre the foundation of everything we do here, Sasaki said. The question is, how much of a raise we can give them given our limited resources? Were going to give them as much as we can to make sure they can survive and thrive in Oakland.

Sylvia Allegretto, a UC Berkeley labor economist who studies teacher pay, said the issues raised by Oakland educators, such as the districts constant teacher shortage, are prevalent across the country. Its becoming increasingly difficult to attract students to the teaching profession, Allegretto said.

We have to have reasonable and competitive teacher pay if we want to recruit and retain teachers, she said. It is only will, and not a shortage of wealth or means, that stands between us and having the best schools in the world.

She said the successful strikes in conservative states like West Virginia have sparked others to follow suit. The walkouts are part of a pattern of activism around the country: the women-led #MeToo movement and youth-led anti-gun violence protests, Allegretto said.

Mamadou Guisse, a junior at Oakland Tech, said theres often a two-week wait to see a school counselor. The union has taken up the high student-to-counselor and student-to-nurse ratios as part of its demands.

Nathan Roehl, also a junior at the school, agreed that class sizes are too large and resources too few. The planned sick-out Friday, which will cost the school district state funds because of the absenteeism, is worth it, he said.

I havent seen one student the whole time whos not in support of the teachers  not one who doesnt understand why or what theyre doing, Roehl said. Were trying to show our power to the district.

Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov
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Recent Clearfield Area High School graduate Casen Zitzelberger  who is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder  has been very active in the arts since he was a young child. His paintings have been on display at various locations and his newest passion has been pottery.
Sen. Stephen Baldwin, D-Greenbrier, (left) said it was no surprise to him the bill passed out of committee, but its still a disappointment. Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, (right) a sponsor of the bill who was recently appointed chair of the Senate Education Committee, said before the legislative session began that one of her goals was giving teachers more of a voice.
A stock promoter and a former chairman of a Massachusetts-based medical diagnostics company previously called Endeavor Power Corp were sentenced in a federal court in Boston, Massachusetts in a related criminal case brought by the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney's Office. The Securities and Exchange Commission previously charged all three defendants with a scheme to defraud potential investors in Endeavor's publicly traded stock.

On December 12, 2018, California resident Edward Withrow III was sentenced to five months of home detention, five years of probation, and a fine of $10,000 for making false statements to the SEC. Withrow previously pled guilty to making false statements in connection with his 2013 sworn investigative testimony to the SEC relating to questions about who owned approximately 40 million unrestricted shares of Endeavor's stock, and whether former chairman Withrow ever tried to determine who owned those shares.

On January 30, 2019, Idaho resident Samuel Brown was sentenced to five months in home detention, three years of probation, and ordered to pay restitution of $22,347. Brown was charged criminally in May 2015 and pled guilty in July 2015 to one count of conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud and one count of making false statements in connection with his 2013 sworn investigative testimony to the SEC.

The SEC's litigation against Withrow, Brown, and another defendant is pending.
Ansel Herz, trenchant critic of the Seattle Police Dept. when he wrote for The Stranger, is the new editor at Real Change.

The selection of Herz was "outed" on Twitter by other Stranger alumni Sydney Brownstone and Heidi Groover, celebrating his return as a scribe.

Herz has worked the last two years as a staff aide and campaign aide to U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal.

"That's right, folks: Ansel is back in journalism. Hold onto yer butts," Brownstone tweeted. Added Groover: "Look out."

Real Change is a weekly street paper produced by a professional staff, focusing on housing, homelessness and poverty. It is sold by street vendors, many themselves homeless.

Also announced on Twitter Monday morning was Melissa Santos' departure from The Seattle Times editorial board in favor of a new role doing "in-depth political reporting" for Crosscut. Santos built a reputation for hard-nosed coverage of politics in her tenure at The News Tribune in Tacoma before moving to the ed board at the Times.

Crosscut's David Kroman applauded Santos' move, writing on Twitter: "This is such a score for us. Watch out world!"

RELATED: Elisa Hahn, Phuong Le: Brain drain of departures at Seattle media

Herz is the latest Stranger alum to land on his feet. Dominic Holden writes for Buzzfeed in New York. Brownstone is an editor at KUOW. Bethany Jean Clement and Groover are at The Seattle Times. Lindy West has written for the New York Times and penned a much praised book.

Herz was dogged in following police misconduct cases, and for his style as a tough interviewer. Listening to him was "a formative experience," Brownstone wrote.

He was also fearless, running afoul of Stranger bigfoot Dan Savage in 2016. Savage posted a column savaging Jayapal as ineffective in the Legislature. Dan was backing foe Brady Walkinshaw.

Herz wrote a detailed refutation, but could not get it posted by The Stranger. He had to publish it on his Facebook page.

Jayapal has been anything but ineffective in Congress. She is co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus, and was recently given an adoring profile in The Nation.
The blanket of snow in Western Washington that has closed schools and impacted commuters all day Monday is also being felt at Sea-Tac Airport.

Arriving flights are being delayed by an average of three hours and 37 minutes, according to a status issued Monday afternoon by the FAA's Air Traffic Control System Command Center. Departures are also affected. All travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines to see how their flights have been impacted.
President Donald Trump hung on to his base of support, but got a majority thumbs down job approval rating in national surveys taken on the eve of Tuesday's State of the Union speech.

The performance numbers for the 45th president hovered just below or just above 40 percent at the halfway point of his term.

Disapproval was in the mid-50's and included almost all Democrats and a majority of Independents. Trump shoulders a majority of blame for the partial government shutdown.

RELATED: 7 Democratic hopefuls would defeat Trump -- National poll

Some numbers:

-- Trump got a 40-55 percent disapproval rating in the latest poll for CNN;

-- He is on the down side of a 39-57 percent score in a poll for Investors Business Daily, whose editorials are sympathetic to Trump and excoriate the Democrats;

-- He gets 41 percent approval, 56 percent disapproval in a Politico/Morning Consult survey;

A pair of surveys last week, Gallup and Reuters/Ipsos, pegged Trump job approval at 37 and 39 percent.

RELATED: 'Will not vote for' Trump, say 56 percent of Americans in poll

A poll is a snapshot in time. But Trump has been in negative territory all the time since he became president. He has concentrated on solidifying his base of support rather than growing it.

Even Rasmussen, which has given Trump his best numbers, has found that by a two-to-one margin, Americans believe their country is on the wrong track, despite positive jobs numbers.

But ... A warning to the Democrats. A recent survey in the swing state of Iowa showed Trump with a lead of two to nine points over leading Democrats campaigning for their party's nomination.

MORE FROM CONNELLY: Inslee hiring for 2020 presidential bid: He's running on climate change

Only a moderate, ex-Vice President Joe Biden, eked out a two-point lead over the President.

Iowa was Obama country in 2008 and 2012, but swung heavily for Trump.

It may not be widely believed in Seattle -- a town where Trump got just 8 percent of the vote -- that while controversial and polarizing, he remains formidable.
It's still in little more than the "wouldn't-it-be-cool" stage, and the idea of giving tours of a largely forgotten tunnel in Queen Anne Hill may seem bizarre.

But then again, people thought Bill Speidel was a little nutty when he decided to take tourists on his underground tours below Pioneer Square.

To understand what lies down there, you have to understand what used to run above ground on Queen Anne Avenue.

From 1898 until Aug. 10, 1940, streetcars made the arduous climb and steep descent between upper and lower Queen Anne.

In San Francisco, moving cables pulled that city's famous cable cars along and up hills. Cable cars, including one that ran on Yesler Way, climbed some of Seattle's hills as well.

But what pulled streetcars up Queen Anne Hill and kept them from plummeting downhill was a system called the "counterbalance," which was a curiosity even back then.

Below Queen Anne Avenue North is a narrow tunnel that's only 3 feet tall in most places. But in some portions it is tall in enough for people to stand, and the track and the weighted counterbalance cars are still there.

A counterbalance is a squat, 16-ton car on small wheels that stands about waist-high. When a streetcar was going up the hill, a worker would hook it up to a cable attached to the counterbalance. The weighted car in the tunnel at the top of the hill would be released, and as it descended, it would pull the streetcar up the hill.

When streetcars wanted to go back down the hill, they would be attached to the counterbalance that now waited at the bottom of the tunnel. Though the streetcars had brakes, the weight of pulling the counterbalance back up the hill kept the streetcars from plummeting out of control down the hill.

"Sometimes the cable would break, so they had sandbags at the bottom of the hill to break the crash," said Keith Biever, a member of Queen Anne's Uptown Alliance of community groups. Biever is taking the lead in exploring the idea of an underground counterbalance tour.

Recalling the counterbalance seems especially appropriate at a time when the city is again grappling with how to move people around.

But Biever, who sat at the city's Neighborhood Service Center near the bottom of the hill the other day, said what's inspiring the idea of an underground tour is a park.

The neighborhood, working with the city of Seattle, is building a new park at Queen Anne Avenue North and Roy Street. Hoping to reflect the spot's history at the bottom of the hill, neighborhood groups have asked the city to name the park Counterbalance Square.

The park is still largely a gravel lot that was used for a neighborhood holiday party last year, but neighborhood groups are hoping to add benches, tables, chairs, street trees and lights that would illuminate the walls along the park.

The city has contributed $300,000. The community has raised almost another $300,000 thus far toward the estimated $1 million total cost.

Biever said architects, city staff members and a few people from the neighborhood were brainstorming ways to raise the remaining $400,000 when the idea came up: Why not an underground tour? (The Uptown Alliance also is planning to raise money in more traditional ways.)

It's not clear how much of the tunnel would be accessible, but Biever thinks people would be willing to pay to have a look at the counterbalance cars. After all, he said, a rite of passage for some youths has been to sneak down into the tunnel.

One woman who also happened to be at the Queen Anne Neighborhood Service Center said her son sneaked down there one night. She didn't want to give her name to protect her son, who is now a Seattle schoolteacher -- and what kind of an example would that be to kids?

"I just remember the police brought him home all dirty," the woman said of that night. She said her son never described what the tunnel was like. "I think at that point his father and I were so angry, he never said a word about it," she said.

Biever conceded that many details need to be worked out before people could be sent traipsing through a tunnel that's been closed for 65 years.

He and a city parks employee Cathy Tuttle, are planning to start meeting with officials from various agencies to find out what it would take.

Gregg Hirakawa, spokesman for the Seattle Transportation Department, which still owns the tunnel, said the department hasn't explored the idea yet, but safety would be a prime concern. "It seems tricky," Hirakawa said.

One person who said she'd go on a tour was Kay Frances Reinartz, a historian who wrote a history of the neighborhood, "Queen Anne: Community on the Hill."

The ride down the hill was famous for one point, Reinartz said. The hill descends rapidly, then becomes level for a moment before descending again -- and that would jolt the streetcar. As it approached the bump, "the conductor would apparently yell, 'Hang on!' " Reinartz said.

She said a woman was killed in 1910 when she was thrown from the streetcar.
When I saw that President Trump had agreed to reopen the government, I was pleased. Our president showed that there is a lot more to him than his bluster. He demonstrated beyond any reasonable doubt that he cares more about my country and its people than about himself and the party. I think he won a lot of votes with his action.

On the other hand, Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi demonstrated the exact opposite with their actions and comments. Pelosi said, "Our unity is our power. And that is what maybe the president underestimated." Schumer said, "The president thought he could crack Democrats and he didn't, and I hope it's a lesson for him." Obviously they were perfectly willing to let our country and its people go down the drain. If this isn't putting the party ahead of the welfare of our country and people, I don't know what is.

Some "conservatives" lashed out at Trump for backing down. This is a textbook example of what I have maintained for decades, that there is no difference between the Republican and Democratic party leadership. They do not care about our country; they care only about their own power.
I just want these children to be educated, Gillis said. I know every child has a purpose for being here. I know every child has a gift.

A woman who identified herself as S. Johnson spoke out at Mondays forum. She said she is a shadow in the district for students with special needs and was hired through the Kelly Services staffing agency. Johnson said the reason why she wanted to attend the meeting was for her voice to be heard in front of everyone. She has been trying to meet with OMalley for some time, she said, but that has been pushed aside.

Our kids are being isolated because of their disabilities, and I want them not to be isolated, Johnson said. And a lot of the school principals are bullies, especially at the elementary levels. And something needs to give.

She said she did not believe Mondays forum was effective.

The only thing I got was a meeting, and Ive been trying to get a meeting 14 times, Johnson said. The only thing I got was a meeting, but I definitely didnt get no answers.
An international research team, coordinated by the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History (MPI-SHH) and the Eurasia Department of the German Archaeological Institute (DAI) in Berlin, is the first to carry out systematic genetic investigations in the Caucasus region. The study, published in Nature Communications, is based on analyses of genome-wide data from 45 individuals in the steppe and mountainous areas of the North Caucasus. The skeletal remains, which are between 6,500 and 3,500 years old, show that the groups living throughout the Caucasus region were genetically similar, despite the harsh mountain terrain, but that there was a sharp genetic boundary to the adjacent steppe areas in the north.

The Caucasus, an area that today includes parts of Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Iran and Turkey, is a crucial intersection for the history of Europe, both genetically and culturally. Today it is one of the regions of the world with the highest linguistic diversity, and in the past, populations from the Caucasus were instrumental in shaping the genetic components of today's Europeans. During the Bronze Age, important technological innovations, developed in the Caucasus and beyond, were transported to Europe through this region, such as the first highly effective metal weapons and the wheel and wagon.

"We assume that in the wake of the Neolithic period, sometime before 5,000 BC when a more sedentary lifestyle with domesticated animals and plants was established, populations from the southern Caucasus spread over the mountains to the north and there met with nomadic populations from the Eurasian steppe," says Dr. Wolfgang Haak, group leader for molecular anthropology at the MPI-SHH and leader of the study. "The genetic boundary corresponds in principle to the ecological and geographical regions: the mountains and the steppe. Today, on the other hand, the Caucasus mountains themselves are more of a barrier to gene flow."

Over the centuries, an interaction zone was formed, where the traditions of the Mesopotamian civilization and those of the Caucasus met with the cultures of the steppe. This intertwining is evident in the cultural exchange and transfer of technological and social innovations, as well as the occasional exchange of genes, which the study shows also took place between groups of quite distinct genetic backgrounds.

Cultural contact zone, genetic border region

The skeletal remains studied come from different Bronze Age cultures. The Maykop culture in particular, based on its spectacular grave goods, which had close parallels in the south, was long regarded as a population that had migrated to the North Caucasus from Mesopotamia.

The current paleogenetic study paints a more nuanced picture of mobility during the Bronze Age. People with a distinct southern Caucasus ancestry were already north of the mountain ridges by the 5th millennium BC. It is highly likely that these groups formed the basis for the local Early Bronze Age Maykop culture of the 4th millennium BC. Intriguingly, the Maykop individuals tested are genetically distinct from the groups in the adjacent steppes to the north.

"The genetic results do not support scenarios of large-scale migrations from the south during the Maykop period, or even from the northwest, as was postulated by some archaeologists. These findings have major implications for our understanding of the local development of North Caucasus cultures in the 4th millennium BC," explains Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Svend Hansen, Director of the DAI's Eurasia-Department.

By the 3rd millennium BC, pastoralist groups from the steppe were bringing about a fundamental change in the population of Europe. The current study confirms parallel changes in the Caucasus along the southern border of the steppe zone. "During the 3rd and 2nd millennium BC, however, the people living in the Northern Caucasus all shared a similar genetic makeup even though they can be recognized (archaeologically) as different cultural groups," says Sabine Reinhold, co-director of the archaeological team. "Individuals belonging to Yamnaya or Catacomb cultural complexes, according to archaeological analyses of their graves, are genetically indistinguishable from individuals from the North Caucasian culture in the foothills and in the mountains. Local or global cultural attributions were apparently more important than common biological roots."

Subtle gene flow from the west contributed to the formation of early Yamnaya groups

The massive population shifts in the 3rd millennium BC, in connection with the expansion of the groups from the steppe who were part of what is known as the Yamnaya culture, have long been associated with the transfer of significant technological innovations from Mesopotamia to Europe. Recent studies at the DAI's Eurasia department on the spread of early wagons or metal weapons have shown, however, that an intensive exchange between Europe, the Caucasus and Mesopotamia began much earlier. However, can evidence of these technological exchanges also be provided by the genetic interactions revealed in the current study? And if so, in which direction do they point?

The genomes of the Yamnaya individuals from the steppe bordering the Caucasus indeed show subtle genetic traces that are also characteristic of the neighboring farming populations of south-eastern Europe. Detailed analysis now shows that this subtle gene flow cannot be linked to the Maykop population, but could have come from the west.

"These are exciting and surprising findings, which highlight the complexity of the processes that lead to the formation of Bronze Age steppe pastoralist," says Chuan-Chao Wang, population geneticist postdoc at the MPI-SHH and first author of the study, now professor at Xiamen University in China.

Hansen adds, "These subtle genetic traces from the west are indeed remarkable and suggest contact between people in the steppes and western groups, such as the Globular Amphora culture, between the 4th and the 3rd millennium BC."

It appears that the world of the 4th millennium BC was well-connected long before the major expansion of steppe pastoralist and related groups. In this wide-ranging network of contacts, people not only spread and exchanged know-how and technological innovations, but occasionally also exchanged genes, and not only in one direction.

Indeed, individuals from the north-eastern dry steppes of the North Caucasus region show genetic traces that hint at a deep and far-reaching connection to people in Siberia, Northeast Asia, and the Americas. "This shows that Eurasia was the site of many exciting chapters in human prehistory that are still shrouded in mystery. Our aim is to investigate these in close collaboration with archaeologists and anthropologists," says Prof. Johannes Krause, Director of the MPI Archaeogenetics Department and co-leader of the study.
As different forms of media infuse everyday life, several organizations and associations have issued public statements about the various effects of media exposure. However, a scholarly review suggests that many of these statements do not accurately reflect the available scientific evidence, offering overly simplified or one-sided accounts of the scientific research. The findings are published in Advances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

"Although there certainly are some pretty good media policy statements out there, many of the policy statements were not very accurate and where there were inaccuracies, these tended to lean in the direction of conclusions that were generally scarier than could be defended by the actual data," says psychology researcher Christopher J. Ferguson of Stetson University, who coauthored the paper with fellow media researchers. "There's no assumption of bad faith, of course, but it seems many professional organizations are struggling to develop policy statements that effectively communicate the complicated, messy and nuanced nature of many media effects fields."

Ferguson and his coauthors are all researchers with expertise in some aspect of media effects, although they don't always draw the same conclusions about the impact of different forms of media. They consider ongoing discussion and debate to be an important part of the scientific process, but they noticed that many organizations' policy statements about media effects didn't acknowledge that any such debate was taking place.

"We were curious to know how often this was happening and, if this was happening a lot, point out directions that could lead to more accurate statements in the future," says Ferguson.

Using Google Scholar and targeted web searches, the team of researchers identified media effects policy statements produced by professional advocacy organizations that represent scholars or clinicians in relevant fields (e.g., American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association). These searches produced 24 public statements, with the earliest issued in the early 1990s. The statements covered impacts resulting from media violence, screen time, sexual content, and more "general" effects.

The research team broke into subgroups to evaluate each type of statement, using a standardized rubric focused on specific characteristics: citation bias, false consistency, lack of clarity of transparency, overgeneralization, exaggeration, insulation, and noncredible sources.

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In general, the researchers found a noticeable increase in the frequency of media effects statements in the last 30 years. Most of the 24 policy statements came from organization-based committees and were produced by scholars who had interest and expertise in the field.

The research team found that the majority of statements, 19 out of 24, showed citation bias, citing evidence that supported a specific conclusion without mentioning existing evidence that did not support the conclusion. Similarly, 22 out of 24 statements were characterized by false consistency, implying that the evidence on media effects was more consistent than it was in actuality. And only one statement made any reference to the existence of diverse viewpoints among scholars in that area.

The team concluded that 15 out of the 24 statements overgeneralized results, applying media effects findings to contexts far beyond the scope of the original research. And 19 out of 24 statements made exaggerated claims about media effects, suggesting public health or other societal impacts without noting the small or trivial size of the effects found in many research studies.

Most of the statements did not provide detailed information about who produced the statement or how they were selected. They also did not indicate how the data that informed the statements were selected.

Ferguson and colleagues suggest that these findings have important implications for both policymakers and parents.

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"Since these are 'policy statements,' presumably they are staking out policy positions the organizations would like to see policymakers move on. But policymakers may need to be cautious not to mistake these policy positions for a fair summary of current research," Ferguson says. "The other group of concern is parents, since many parents may become needlessly worried about media effects when policy statements proclaim the evidence to be stronger, more consistent, or more applicable to real life behaviors than it actually is."

Based on their findings, the research team devised a checklist for best practices that, if followed, would substantively improve the accuracy and quality of such policy statements:
When convincing management to consider advocating for a particular social issue, employees may think it is wise to focus on the benefits to the bottom line but making a moral argument may be a better strategy, as long as it aligns with the company's values, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.

"Employees often care about social issues and use their organizations as a vehicle to foster social change," said David M. Mayer, PhD, of the University of Michigan and lead author of the study. "Yet, despite commonly communicating through economic language, speaking up about morals can be more effective when the issue is framed to fit the company's values and mission."

The findings were published in the Journal of Applied Psychology.

Mayer and his colleagues conducted a series of surveys and an experiment to test when and how moral language could be successful in selling social issues, such as protecting the environment, expanding health care and curbing poverty. They defined success as when an employee influenced his or her manager to spend time, money, resources and attention to address a social issue.

One survey asked 141 working adults to report times when they spoke to management about an important social issue. Participants were then asked to respond to questions about how they framed their argument (e.g., if they "argued it would be a socially good or morally right thing to do" and "argued that the change would fit well with the values of the organization").

"Almost half of the participants had done this before and were most successful at getting buy-in from their managers when they focused on morality and when they framed the issue as fitting in well with the organization's mission and values," said Mayer.

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Another exercise involved 88 employee-manager pairs to further study how such arguments about social issues are delivered and perceived.

Employees reported if they "used values to help sell the issue," if they "made a business case" or if they "fit their argument to the company's mission," while managers rated the employee's persuasiveness and if the organization responded positively by then advocating for that social issue.

As in the prior survey, the researchers found that when employees used moral language that fit with the organization's mission, supervisors were more likely to devote attention, time, money and other resources to the social issue. However, if the employee used economic language or moral language that did not align with the company's values, it was not as effective.

"Using moral language without drawing explicit links to the organization's values might backfire because it highlights the irrelevance of the issue to the organization's core agenda," said Mayer.

Another experiment asked 170 adults to imagine they were supervisors at a manufacturing company and one of their employees shared an idea about incorporating a green technology. Participants then read both business and moral arguments for adding the green technology and were asked to rate the persuasiveness of the employee.

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"Interestingly, we found that framing the issue as being of an economic benefit yielded better results than when it was framed as a moral issue," said Mayer. "We think this could have been because the participants were asked to consider a hypothetical situation as opposed to remembering an actual experience. Perhaps the participants made their decisions based on their beliefs about how managers should make decisions, that managers should always be thinking of the bottom line."

In the final exercise, 305 employee-manager pairs recalled an experience when the employee advocated on behalf of a particular social issue. The employees reported how they framed their argument and how it fit in with the company's values and mission and then assessed how helpful they thought their supervisor would be and whether or not he or she would feel guilty if they did not agree to help. Managers reported how much time, money and resources they put in to address the issue and if they would feel guilty or not if they did not help.

As with prior experiments, the researchers found that when employees used moral language, it was more effective when it was framed as fitting well with the organization's values, according to the study.

Mayer believes this research may provide support for the idea that social change within companies can come from the bottom up rather than the top down.

"It was the lower-level employees who tried to make change, and many were successful," he said. "This may provide employees inspiration in the future that they can be influential within their organizations, especially if they address an issue that fits within the company's values and mission."
Danvers, MA (01923)

Today

Partly cloudy early then becoming cloudy with periods of rain this afternoon. Thunder possible. High 82F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Cloudy and damp with rain early...then becoming partly cloudy. Low 53F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Chandigarh, February 5: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday announced a high-powered committee to prepare a comprehensive action plan to boost the dairy sector with the aim of supplementing the income of farmers in a result-oriented manner.

The Chief Minister has asked the ACS Animal Husbandry to complete the formalities for setting up the five-member committee, an official spokesperson disclosed after a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to review the progress of various state development projects and schemes related to animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries sectors.

The committee would consist of Chairman State Farmers Commission, Director Animal Husbandry, Director Dairy Development, a representative of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU). It will suggest measures to promote diversification of agriculture with the aim of enhancing farmers income from allied sources.

The Chief Minister asked the chairman of the state farmers commission, Ajaiveer Jakhar, to engage the services of Israeli dairy farming expert Yehuda Sprecher as Advisor to the Animal Husbandry department. Sprecher was here to attend the meeting. Underlining the need to augment farmers income to make agriculture viable again, Captain Amarinder Singh said that as monetary output from the traditional cropping pattern had already reached saturation point, alternative avenues of agricultural growth need to be sustained and explored.

He stressed the need to motivate farmers to switch to allied farming for economic viability. Emphasizing the importance of intensifying the network of extension services, Captain Amarinder Singh asked the department to synergise its efforts with GADVASU to transfer their knowledge base to the dairy farmers. He also asked the department to tie up with PAU to explore possibilities to promote bee keeping, piggery, goatery etc to further help the farmers strengthen their economic stability.

The Chief Minister also asked the Director Animal Husbandry to keep a check over unregulated livestock insemination to prevent any adverse effect on the animals in future. Earlier, Yehuda Sprecher, in a powerpoint presentation, suggested improving the quality of feed and fodder to increase the quantity and quality of milk in the state. He also apprised the Chief Minister about various issues like heat stress, increasing carbon footprint and importance of Total Mixed Ration feed.

Others at the meeting included Minister for Animal Husbandry Balbir Singh Sidhu, Media Advisor to CM Raveen Thukral, Additional Chief Secretary Animal Husbandry NS Kalsi, Additional Chief Secretary Industries & Commerce Vini Mahajan, Additional Chief Secretary Development Viswajeet Khanna, Special Secretary Animal Husbandry Raj Kamal Chaudhary, Secretary Water Supply and Sanitation Jaspreet Talwar, Vice Chancellor GADVASU Dr. Amarjeet Singh Nanda, and VC PAU Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon.
Mumbai, Feb 5: The Shiv Sena Tuesday attacked the Modi government over the face-off between the West Bengal government and the CBI, alleging that it was "orchestrated" for political gains in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Sena, in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana', said what was happening in Kolkata was a "threat to democracy".

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been on a sit-in protest since Sunday against the CBI's bid to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in chit fund scam cases, declaring that her agitation to save the "Constitution and country" will go on and she was ready to face the consequences. The Sena said the Centre could have acted against the Kolkata Police chief two months back and the CBI should have carried proper summons before visiting his house to question him.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

"No one involved in the Saradha chit fund scam should be spared, but how does the CBI look at the 'cheat India' matter which has been going on for the last four-and-a-half years," the Uddhav Thackeray-led party remarked. Without elaborating its point, it said Narendra Modi should look in to the crisis in West Bengal as a prime minister of the country and not as a leader of the BJP. The Sena claimed that the BJP was going to fall short of 100 Lok Sabha seats from north India to Maharashtra (in the west) in the Lok Sabha polls.

"To fill the gap, the BJP has laid its hopes on states like West Bengal to win 10 to 15 seats... all this (the all-out war between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government) is being orchestrated with an eye on the Lok Sabha polls," said the Sena, which is an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra. The Sena said the first trigger of the 'BJP versus Mamata Banerjee conflict came in the form her opposition to BJP president Amit Shah's rath yatra in West Bengal.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Later, senior BJP leader and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's chopper was denied permission to land in West Bengal for a rally, and he was forced to address the gathering via audio link, it pointed out. "We do have our differences with Mamata Banerjee and her party, but she is, indeed, hitting back at the Centre with equal force," the Sena remarked.
Kolkata, Feb 5: The Supreme Court's direction that no coercive steps, including arrest of Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar, will take place during the course of investigation is "our moral victory", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Tuesday. The Supreme Court Tuesday directed Kumar to make himself available before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate with the agency in investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam probe.

The court also said no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata Police chief, will take place during the course of investigation. Banerjee is on a sit-in against the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams. Her protest entered the third day on Tuesday. The Supreme Court's order is a victory of the common man, democracy and the Constitution, Banerjee told reporters at the dharna venue in central Kolkata.

SC order is our moral victory: Mamata

"There must be some story behind this. Nobody can dare to speak against (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) Modi. Our's is a mass agitation and we are going to fight it unitedly," the chief minister said. Banerjee sat on a "Save India" dharna in front of Metro Cinema in the heart of Kolkata on Sunday night insisting that the latest CBI action was tantamount to stifling the spirit of "Constitution and federalism" in the country.

"We always respect the law and feel that things should run as per the law. But, if someone tries to destroy the pillars on which democracy stands, then there would be nothing left of the democratic process that we are so proud of . "We really welcome the [Supreme Court] verdict. It is absolutely correct. Our case is very strong. We never said we will not cooperate. This is political vendetta," Banerjee said. Several opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, DMK's Kanimozhi, RJD's Tejaswhi Yadav, have supported Banerjee's protest.
Kolkata, Feb 5: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday accused the Narendra Modi government of having snatched farmers' sleep and while referring to the sops announced in the interim Budget on Friday claimed that the peasants were being cheated before the general elections. Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress chief, said if the government at the Centre changes following the Lok Sabha elections, farmers' interests will be given priority.

The chief minister is on a dharna since Sunday night over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams. From the dharna site in front of Metro Cinema in the heart of the city, she addressed a state conference of farmers over phone, which the participants at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, about a kilometre from the sit-in site, heard over loudspeakers.

In her address, Banerjee referred to her Singur fast and said, "I sat on fast at the same place for 26 days in 2006 demanding that farmland be returned to farmers and the movement set new precedent as the right of land to farmers got acceptance all over the country." The Metro channel, where she is sitting on a dharna seeking "restoration of the spirit of the Constitution", was the same venue where she held a 26-day hunger strike in 2006 demanding return of farmland to the peasants in Singur, where the Tata Motors' Nano car plant was to come up.

Narendra Modi

The Tatas finally abandoned the project in West Bengal and went to Sanand in Gujarat on the invitation of then chief minister Narendra Modi and Banerjee was catapulted to power in 2011, defeating the 34-year-old Left Front government. Claiming that nearly 12,000 farmers have committed suicide in the country in the past couple of years, the TMC supremo on Monday said, "The BJP and the Modi government have snatched farmers' sleep." "Farmers are being cheated before the elections," she alleged.

Banerjee said owing to demonetisation, farmers are in deep distress with many having committed suicide or have lost their livelihood. "Our government is the only one in the country which does not acquire farmland and have returned acquired land in Singur," the chief minister said. Highlighting several schemes and benefits that her government has given to farmers since 2011, she claimed Rs 1,200 crore have been spent by her government for the purpose.

Banerjee claimed to have tripled the income of farmers in Bengal and said that over one crore people benefitted from various social security programmes of the state government. "The Modi government is saying that by 2022, farmers' income will be doubled, but in Bengal we have already tripled their income," she said.

Modi govt has snatched farmers' sleep, says Mamata

Listing the sops offered by her government, Banerjee said it has already given financial benefits to 30,000 farmers under 'Krishi Bondhu' scheme under which they will get assistance of Rs 5,000 per acre in two instalments, one during kharif and another during rabi season. Paddy was being directly purchased at kisan mandis under the 'dhaan din cheque nin' (give paddy receive cheque) scheme under which the government aimed to buy 40 lakh tonnes of paddy, she said.
The Roosevelt County Extension Office, located in Culbertson, has a full schedule of learning opportunities coming up in the next few months.

The office is staffed by just two agents-4-H and FCS Agent Ardis Oelkers, and Agriculture Agent Jeffrey Chilson. The agents are tasked with collaborating with other regional Extension agents to offer educational outreach programs for community members. Early 2019 offerings include many programs for teachers, ag producers, and community members.

One of the first opportunities is the "Solid Finances" webinar series. The series is "a whole bunch of information on financial management and estate planning available through Extension," said Oelkers. The webinars are recorded, and community members can access them from home. Viewers can contact the Extension office for additional information on the content, or guidance on putting knowledge into practice. "We have wonderful specialists. They have such good knowledge," said Oelkers. "The webinars are a good way to get that knowledge into the community."

An additional financial management course is the Farm Management workshop on the 13th and 14th of March at the Roosevelt County Extension office in Culbertson. The two-day workshop covers financial analysis, enterprise budgeting, risk management, crop and livestock production, agricultural leases, policy issues, and farm and ranch succession. The workshop is led by MSU Extension economists Kate Fuller and Joel Schumacher.

Activity for fostoring leisure time hobby, "Barn Quilt" at teacher workshop.

ServeSafe courses are available to the community quarterly, with courses alternating between Poplar and Wolf Point. ServSafe is a national food safety curriculum approved by the Montana Department of Public Health and Humans Services to meet the food safety certification requirement for licensed establishments, such as bars, restaurants, schools, and hospitals. The course offerings include the full Certified Food Protection Manager, as well as the shorter Food Handler course. The longer, 8-hour course concludes with the paper certification test. The course offerings are a collaboration with the Northeast Montana Health Services.

In June, the Extension office will be offering continuing education courses with approved credits for teachers. "We provide 16 hours of education," Oelkers explained. "They're usable, hands-on activities. Our goal is to provide renewal credits that are at an economical cost, that are appealing to a variety of teachers." Information on specific course offerings is forthcoming.

For information on any of these exciting opportunities, contact the Roosevelt County Extension Office at 406-787-5312, or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MSU-Extension-Roosevelt-County-228003977239894/.
Landowners have until March 15 to submit applications to Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks for enrollment in the Unlocking Public Lands Program.

This program is designed to provide recreational public access to state or federal (Bureau of Land Management or United States Forest Service) land where no legal public access currently exists. In exchange for access across the private lands, landowners will receive a tax credit in the amount of $750 per agreement and up to a maximum of $3,000 tax credit per year. Landowners decide how the public may cross their private property and may limit access to foot traffic only. Offering a tax credit in exchange for allowing public access across private land to reach public land is a unique and innovative way to increase public access, said Ken McDonald, FWP wildlife division administrator. We hope these new opportunities and incentives may appeal to landowners throughout the state.

The Unlocking Public Lands program is a product of the 2015 Legislature, which expanded a program called Unlocking State Land passed by the previous legislature. While Montana contains nearly 31 million acres of BLM, USFS, and state land, much of this land requires landowner permission to cross private land to reach the adjoining state or federal land.

More information about the program, including enrollment criteria and the application form, can be found at http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/hunterAccess/unlockingPublicLands/.
Takin Care of Business

Helena, Mont. - The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) will host the 4th Annual Small Business Summit, Takin Care of Business, February 12-14, 2019, in Helena.

This year, the summit kicks off with a reception at Exploration Works followed by two days of business development roundtables, training and networking with Montana businesses. The Summit will be held at the Best Western Helena Great Northern Hotel.

The primary goal of the Small Business Summit is to bring together the small business community in a supportive empowering environment to learn from the knowledge and experience of subject matter experts and each other. Summit attendees will have the opportunity to network and connect with the right people to build relationships and establish partnerships that lead to increased contract opportunities.

The Summit will feature keynote speaker Steve Beck, founder and president of Beck & Associates. He has been described as wildly entertaining, engaging, funny, and highly motivational. There will be break-out sessions featuring local speakers covering marketing, employee retention, contract law, cyber security, bonding, and government contracting with the practical instruction for implementation.

The cost for the Summit is $75, which includes breakfast and lunch. To register or view the full agenda, please visit http://2019summit.ezregister.com/ or call Shannon Hahn at 406.444.7287 or email [email protected]

MDT attempts to provide accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a persons participation in any service, program, or activity of the department. If you require reasonable accommodations to participate in this meeting, please call Shannon Hahn at (406) 444-7287 at least two days before the meeting.

Alternative accessible formats of this information will be provided upon request by contacting Alice Flesch, Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, P.O. Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620; (406) 444-9229; TTY (800) 335-7592; fax (406) 444-7243, or e-mail to [email protected]
The 86th annual Lutefisk and Meatball Dinner will be held Saturday, February 23 at First Lutherans Church Fellowship Hall, 916 Main St., Williston, ND from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until the food runs out.

The people in charge of the arrangements this year are David Brevik and Pat Hamers.

The public is invited to attend, tickets are available at the church office, Monday through Friday. Ticket prices are adults: $18, $15 before February 20; students through Junior High School, $8 and preschoolers are free.

Six hundred men, women and youth are involved preparing, planning and serving the family style dinner. There will be delivery service until 3 p.m., and take-out service from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please call First Lutheran Church, 701-572-6363 on the day of the dinner to arrange these services.

Over 2,800 people were served meatballs and lutefisk at the 2018 dinner. The church will be preparing 2,000 pounds of lutefisk,  ton of potatoes for the meal, and 650 pounds of hamburger for meatballs and all the trimmings for the meal.
The North Dakota State University Extension Service in Williams County started the new year with a new Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, Lucas Holmes.

Holmes is originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. "I've been a city slicker all my life and had no farming experience growing up," explained Holmes. Although he grew up in a non-agricultural community, he developed a passion and interest for agriculture-related sciences. "I've always been interested in biological sciences and when in college, I decided to pursue a degree either in animal science or plant science. Working a summer job for Monsanto as part of their field crew introduced me to the concept of plant breeding/research and agronomy in general. This topic interested me and therefore solidified my decision to pursue plant science, namely agriculture science," said Holmes.

Holmes attended South Dakota State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy. He also recently completed a Master of Science in Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University.

"For a while, I was very interested in plant breeding and had my heart set on that profession. However, after learning about the agriculture extension program and extension-based research, such as what I ended up studying for my Master's degree, I found extension work provided exposure to a wider variety of topics and a broader spectrum of knowledge/experience," stated Holmes.

When asked what drew him to the area, he said, "The main thing that drew me to Williston was the job offer for my current position. I was simply willing to go wherever the job took me. After the job interview, I drove around Williston a little bit to see what it was like. The main thing that drew me in then was not only how much this town has already grown, but also the potential that existed for this town to continue to grow."

So far Holmes has enjoyed his job as an extension agent. He explained that he thinks his career in extension has been successful. Holmes is currently involved with the 66th Annual Hard Spring Wheat Show and a community tree planting day in celebration/recognition of Arbor Day.

Holmes hopes to bring a positive attitude toward agriculture sustainability as well as towards environmental conservation. He also hopes to inspire young people in the area to not only learn about agriculture but to make an effort towards helping agricultural producers improve their livelihood.

Holmes said, "I hope to bring a desire to get out and see the world. I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia, Africa for two years. As a result, I have a deeper appreciation for the things I have here in America. I also have a better understanding of how to help people in developing countries such as Zambia and I hope to pass on that understanding to both current and future generations."
A PAEDOPHILE who had hundreds of indecent images of children  some as young as two  on his laptop has been spared jail.

Jonathan Welch (35), of Oaklands Place, Wath, downloaded 1,137 images to his computer, including 264 category A images  the most extreme kind.

He was given a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday.

Miss Susan Evans, prosecuting, said police officers had called at Welchs address in September, 2017, and spoken to his father.

Welch came to the door, told officers he was the man they were looking for and handed over his laptop.

The computer was seized and an overall analysis of the laptop revealed 264 category A images, 299 category B images, of which two were movies, and 574 category C images, said Miss Evans.

All of those were inaccessible to a normal user of a computer.

Officers found software on Welchs computer which was designed to destroy any evidence of the images.

The defendant was arrested and later interviewed and he made no comment in interview, said Miss Evans.

The children depicted in the images ranged in age from two to 12.

There were a large number of different individuals but its not possible to tell you how many, said Miss Evans.

There was discernable pain by the children in some of the images.

Welch pleaded guilty to making indecent pseudo-photographs of children at a previous hearing at Sheffield Crown Court.

A pseudo-photograph is an image made by computer graphics or otherwise which appears to be a photograph.

Mitigating, Mr Dermot Hughes said Welch felt genuine remorse for his actions.

He needs a lot of help to guard against any risk of repetition and against any offending of this kind, said Mr Hughes.

He understands that this offending is despicable.

He, now removed from it, abhors it and is, of course, anxious to avoid any engagement or activity with it.

Sentencing, Recorder Paul Reid ordered Welch to complete 60 days of rehabilitation activity requirement and 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was given a ten-year sexual harm prevention order and will be made to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Mr Reid said: These sorts of images are appalling.

They stem from abuse and their dissemination among the population is further abuse.

Mr Reid said children in some of the images were clearly showing signs of pain and suffering.

Your frankness and candour in your pre-sentence report give a good indication that you will be suitable for treatment from a probation service programme to ensure you do not commit any offence of this nature again, he said.

The Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence on a second count of distributing indecent pseudo-photographs of children and a not guilty verdict was returned.
MP SARAH Champion has added her support to a global awareness campaign and is encouraging constituents to help make the internet a better place this Safer Internet Day.



Millions across the UK and globally will be celebrating Safer Internet Day today and the Rotherham MP has pledged her support, along with hundreds of schools, parliamentarians and organisations across the UK.



I am supporting Internet Safer Day to ensure the message goes out that the Internet can be a dangerous place, she said.

Not only should we support Safer Internet Day but make sure its principles are embedded in our everyday activities to keep our children safe and create a secure internet for everyone.

Please take some time to visit their website to find out how to keep your family and friends safe and secure online.



At the UK Safer Internet Centre website (www.saferinternet.org.uk), you can take the Safer Internet Day quiz, download activities to do together, and find out more about what you can do to help your friends and family to stay safe online.



This years themes include:



1 Helping your family and friends to have a positive time online by giving them the information they need to stay safe. See advice at at www.saferinternet.org.uk for more.



2. Promoting positive messages online, whether this is by backing a cause, helping a friend, reporting abuse or by showing support for your local club!



3.Making the internet a better place this Safer Internet Day by taking positive action online. From liking your friend's content to sharing kind messages, post online using #SaferInternetDay2019 and #OurInternetOurChoice.



4. Encouraging everyone to think about the different ways in which they ask, give and receive consent online using the hashtag #OurInternetOurChoice.


A SCHOOL volunteer and governor has been honoured with a royal award.



Hilary Ford, who died last summer, was a loyal servant to Herringthorpe Junior School, where she was known for helping Year 6 students with their students.

And her service was recognised when she was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queens Birthday Honours.

Hilarys daughter Sarah McLaughlin was presented with the gong in a special assembly by the Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Mr Andrew Coombe.

A reading champions program has been launched in her memory at all schools in the Willow Tree Academy Trust and a new Hilary Ford Award will be presented to the most improved reader at the end of every term.
Ian Churchlow, Annette Churchlow, Helen Taylor and Peter Blyth.

THE 2.3 million upgrade of a rural road with new safety barriers has left the lane more dangerous and looking like an urban race circuit, according to angry residents.

The metal barriers installed beside the A634 outside Maltby could endanger the safety or bikers and other road users, said the protesters.

Experienced biker Ian Churchlow, of Stone village, led the protests, saying the makeover of Blyth Road had been more of a botched celebrity facelift.

Mr Churchlow said it was clear Rotherham and Nottinghamshire Councils main intention by bringing in the metal barriers was to cut the overall number collisions but this was at the expense of bikers, who he said would be more likely to be seriously injured if they hit the new crash barrier supports.

Mr Churchlow added: Its a country lane that now looks like a motorway.

Fellow Stone resident Peter Blyth said he objected both to the cost and also to what he saw as increased danger for road users: Ive lived here for 60 years and as far as I know theres only been one death. Tickhill Road (the other main road eastwards from Maltby) has seen more.

Theyve spent money on widening the road, supposedly to reduce speeds, only to narrow it again.

Its a waste of money.

Previously, people would have gone into fields and bushes and that wouldnt hurt anyone.

Neighbour Helen Taylor said the barriers, which were installed late last year, had spoiled what used to be a lovely pleasant drive and was unhappy at not having been notified of the changes.

Theyre spending our money on barriers we dont want, she said. They could have at least notified us and had a bit of civility.

Mr Churchlows wife, Annette, noted that Tickhill Road, which counts as part of Doncaster, had not been fitted with new barriers.

She said of the Blyth Road scheme: Its not based on past accident numbers but on software which they have used to predict there will be 25 serious accidents in the next 20 years.

Theyre not interested in how many accidents there have been but they have the money and want to spend it.

Mr Churchlow, a director of the 65,000-member national Motorcycle Action Group, also took issue with the new hatched areas painted in the centre of the road on the A634 Maltby Crags. which he said may leave drivers from both directions believing they have priority.

The councils acting assistant director for planning, regeneration and transport, Bronwen Knight, defended the changes, pointing out Blyth Road had been chosen for the Government-funded scheme because it had has one of the lowest ratings in the country in terms of road safety.

As well as barriers and the Maltby Crags hatching, it includes a 50mph speed limit, road widening and enhanced road markings .

Central carriageway hatchings acted as an effective warning to drivers to proceed with caution and were shown to reduce speed, improve traffic flow, and reduce accidents, she added.
So what happens when that Republican Congress thwarts a future Democratic president? That president will look around and find the precedent of Trumps state of emergency declaration  and find it quite useful. Trump thinks border security is a national emergency. Some future Democratic president may think national health insurance is a national emergency. Or climate change. Or something else. When a Republican Congress stands in the way, whats to stop that Democratic president from citing Trumps precedent and declaring a state of emergency to bypass Congress? Right now this is framed as a dispute between Democrats and Republicans over the nature of border security, but its really a dispute over the role of executive power versus that of the legislature. Republicans in favor of a strong executive today may rue that precedent when theres a Democrat in the Oval Office. Likewise, Democrats may secretly want Trump to prevail here  on the theory that the next Democratic president would simply tear down any wall but still have the state of emergency precedent sitting in the Resolute desk drawer to use on other issues.
The conservation council argued that any change to the management agreement required both parties consent. But the foundation argued that by notifying the council of its plans within 60 days, as required by the contract, it effectively terminated the agreement.

Circuit Court Judge David Carson, who is based in Roanoke, ordered a jury trial to rule on the ambiguous language of the contract. The jury decided in favor of the Rockbridge Area Conservation Council.

However, a few months later, Carson overturned the verdict, saying evidence at the trial established that the contract expired by its own terms.

The local conservation council then appealed to the Virginia Supreme Court, which has now declined to hear the case.

While we wish we hadnt been forced to spend significant public funds defending the Commonwealths interest in House Mountain, we are pleased the courts have upheld our position, Virginia Outdoors Foundation Executive Director Brett Glymph said in a statement. Now we can get back to the important work of managing and serving the needs of the property and the many people in Rockbridge and beyond who care about it.
Stanleys bill applies to people who pleaded not guilty or entered whats known as an Alford plea, which means they are not admitting guilt but acknowledge the evidence is enough to convict them. The bill has passed the Senate and will move on to the House.

If the Virginia Court of Appeals tosses out the conviction, prosecutors have the option to retry the case.

Addiction treatment

A House bill that is being considered in the Senate would prohibit physicians from taking cash from Medicaid patients for opioid pain management or medication-assisted treatment.

The bill from Del. Todd Pillion, R-Washington, is trying to address doctors who could be participating in Medicaid requiring cash for painkillers and drugs like methadone used for medication-assisted treatment. Medication-assisted treatment is an approach used to prescribe patients drugs such as methadone to treat their addiction.

The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, which administers Virginias Medicaid, launched an Addiction Recovery and Treatment Services program in 2017. The program has providers to offer treatment to those who would be covered who are going to these cash clinics.

Governors records
RICHMOND  Legislators returned to the Capitol on Monday for the first time since Gov. Ralph Northams tenure has been thrown into uncertainty after a racist photo in his yearbook emerged and a sexual assault allegation appeared against the man who would be first in line to succeed Northam.

As the General Assembly approached the critical halfway point this session of having to pass legislation to get it over to the other chamber, lawmakers said they remained focused on considering hundreds of bills.

Meanwhile, disruption occurred in spurts as national media converged on the Capitol to report on Northam staying in office despite calls for his resignation and a 2004 sexual assault allegation facing Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax.

Were focused on our work, is what the legislators say when asked how theyre handling governing in the current environment.

Northam hasnt spoken since Saturdays news conference, when he denied appearing in a photo from his 1984 medical school yearbook depicting a person in blackface and another person in a Ku Klux Klan outfit. His remarks that day were a turnaround from Friday, when he apologized for appearing in a clearly racist photo in the yearbook.
It gave no further details but Putin said last month he would convene such a gathering to discuss the situation in Syria, where Russia and Turkey have been trying to create a de-escalation zone.

This information was confirmed by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

Earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut avusoglu said that the next trilateral summit with the participation of Russia, Iran and Turkey was scheduled for February 14.
That is a man that knows more about Roanoke County than most, Assaid said of Mahoney. He knows whats going on in the county and, I think, will be able to transition very easily. It would probably be the easiest transition of any new board member.

Mahoney, a native of Northern Virginia, first came to the region in 1979 when he was appointed county attorney in Montgomery County.

He accepted the job with Roanoke County in 1984 and served until his retirement in 2015. He earned his law degree from Georgetown University and holds a bachelors from the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts.

This is his first run for elected office. Hes the only candidate whos filed to date in the Cave Spring District race, per the registrars office.

In announcing his run, Mahoney cited education, economic development, and public safety as his chief priorities.

Those issues are interrelated, he said, noting a community needs a well-prepared workforce, strong job opportunities, and reliable services in order to thrive.
Federal court officials are requesting public feedback on whether U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Ballou should serve a second term.

Ballou, a magistrate judge in Roanoke since 2011, will reach the end of his eight-year term in October. That has triggered the seating of a citizen panel to evaluate him for another period of service, according to a news release from the Western District of Virginia federal court.

John Fishwick, a former U.S. attorney, is chairman of the panel. The decision of whether to reappoint Ballou rests with the courts judges. If he gets another term, it would begin in October.

Meanwhile, Ballou is also in the running for a full-fledged federal judgeship. In November, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine told the White House they were recommending Ballou and Scott County Circuit Court Judge John Kilgore for a vacancy on the federal bench in Roanoke.

President Donald Trump hasnt announced a nominee. Trump has named dozens of judicial nominees for U.S. Senate approval, but the Senate has moved slowly, said Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law.

The vacant judgeship in Roanoke dates back to December 2017, when U.S. District Court Judge Glen Conrad declared himself on senior status after 41 years on the bench.

Public comments on Ballou can be emailed to the citizen panel at public-comment@vawd.uscourts.gov. Comments are due by March 1.

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During the intervening years, Roanoke City Council has sought other exceptions. Last year it asked for the option to ban guns in City Hall. The Senate Courts of Justice Committee killed that one.

This year, Edwards more narrowly tailored the measure to give the council the option of banning guns only in council chambers during public meetings.

The bill was formally introduced Jan. 9, a little more than a month after Robert Gravely, an ex-city worker who regularly attends council meetings, reiterated an alarming statement he first uttered to council members in 2006: I can and will have you shot.

Gravely, who was unarmed, was later charged with disorderly conduct; that case is pending.

On Jan. 16, Republicans on the Courts of Justice Committee killed Edwards bill in an 8-6 vote. The measure was a prime target of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, the states most active gun-rights group.

So thats the background to the 2004 law and why the Roanoke City Council might want it changed and why it wasnt.

Theres a different story behind what I call the Ted Nugent loophole, which is what allowed the aging rocker to ban guns at the Berglund Center last July.
Dowell had been with the department since 2014 and had been a member of the Virginia State Police Tactical Team since 2015. He was assigned to the state polices Appomattox Division, and his most recent posting was on patrol in an area including Lynchburg and Amherst and Campbell counties.

He graduated from Chilhowie High School in 2009 and was a standout athlete in high school who played on the 2008 Region C runner-up team in football and was a two-year starter in center field for two district championship teams in baseball.

Jeff Robinson, a teacher at Chilhowie High School, coached Dowell in baseball and football. He said two things he would always remember about Dowell was he was a great leader and teammate and always had a smile on his face.

His smile will forever be something I remember about him, he said. He would light up a room with his outgoing personality. He was from a good family and was just a first class person.

Robinson said he could see how Dowell became involved in law enforcement because he was a team player who was concerned more about others than himself, and those types of people go into professions that serve others.
The company forced its way onto the remaining properties  which according to court records have an estimated value of at least $8.5 million  by using the muscle of eminent domain, which it obtained after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission found there was a public need for the pipeline.

Of the 300-some properties covered by Dillions order, agreements on a price have been reached between the company and the owners in about two-thirds of the cases since her ruling a year ago. Other negotiations are continuing. In at least eight cases where no agreement has been struck, jury trials are being scheduled.

Because it can take so long to determine just compensation, Dillon and her two counterparts in West Virginia ruled that Mountain Valley would suffer irreparable harm if it was forced to wait until the process was completed before starting construction.

The district courts held that the balance of equities favored Mountain Valley, principally because the Landowners harms would be the same whether access was granted prior to or only after just compensation was paid, Judge Pamela Harris wrote in the panels opinion. We find no error in the courts reasoning.
Two new luxury hotels announced for Tulum

Tulum, Q.R.  Grupo Posadas has formally announced the companys expansion of two new hotels set for the Tulum area of Quintana Roo.

The two hotels will consist of a 340-room Live Aqua Beach Resort Tulkal and a new Fiesta Americana All Inclusive Tulkal with 515 rooms.

Mauricio Carreon Lavalle, Commercial Director for Vacation Properties of Posadas, says that Posadas currently has 12 hotels and 2,632 rooms in Quintana Roo in destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Chetumal and Kohunlich.

Throughout the southeast of the country, the company has 24 hotels and more than 4,500 rooms, which means that with the opening of the two new hotels, more than half of the companys hotel rooms will be located in Quintana Roo.

Photo: Posadas

Posadas considers the Mexican Caribbean a very important multi-destination to continue with its growth and consolidation plans in the coming years due to its incomparable natural beauty and the attractive tourist services it offers for all kinds of visitors, said Carreon Lavalle.

The selected location for its two hotels is 110 kilometers from Cancun in the municipality of Tulum, where Chemuyil stands out for having one of the most beautiful beaches in Riviera Maya, explained the manager.

The Live Aqua Beach Resort Tulkal hotel will be a luxury resort focused on tourists who prefer art, design and sophistication, he added, while the Fiesta Americana All Inclusive of Chemuyil will be part of the five-star hotel chain oriented to Mexican hospitality and warmth.

The two hotels will be an investment of more than $100 million USD and are set to open for 2021.
Government rates Quintana Roo municipalities as medium, low for violence

Cancun, Q.R.  According to the upcoming security plan of the National Guard, four municipalities of Quintana Roo are rated as medium and low for levels of violence in the country.

As of October, the country will implement its new Guardia Nacional security plan to help better control violence around Mexico. The new federal government program has assigned four municipalities in the state of Quintana Roo as medium or low for levels of violence.

Those listed are Benito Juarez as medium, Cozumel with a low level of violence, Solidaridad with a medium level of violence and Othon P. Blanco also with a low level of violence.

Other municipalities to make the regional list include Yucatan, with the cities of Merida, Valladolid, Ticul and Progreso all being classified as low.

Credit: Mexico SOS

The federal governments new National Guard will consist of 22,000 members from the states Navy, Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) who have classified the municipalities.

On their list of most violent municipalities are Mexicali, Tecate, Tijuana, Ensenada, La Paz, Los Cabos, Chihuahua, Ciudad Juarez, Piedras Negras, Torreon, Colima, to name a few, which according to the organization Mexico SOS, is coincident with the Pena Nietos six-year program.

According to Mexico SOS however, their strategy has left out more than 100 municipalities with problems of insecurity and violence, such as the case of Quintana Roo where the municipalities of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Isla Mujeres, Lazaro Cardenas and Tulum were left out.

The say that the managers proposed for the regions have already had meetings with the Mesas de Seguridad de Quintana Roo derived from the work and results carried out in previous years, to start operating the new security strategy.

In a position released in January, Mexico SOS and la Red Nacional de Mesas de Seguridad y Justicia said that the National Guard cannot, nor should be thought of as a final and unique solution and that dialogue cannot be ignored with the governments of the states and municipalities to build long-term solutions.
Not all the news around here is strange and confusing.

For instance, Richmond lands on all kinds of lists these days, but this one is among the best. The Reason Foundation, an economically literate nonprofit that encourages widespread prosperity, recently ranked the Greater Richmond metro area fourth in the nation in economic freedom, trailing only Tampa and Jacksonville, Fla., and Houston, which claimed the top spot.

The ranking of 52 American metro areas with a population of 1 million or more was based on levels of taxation and government spending, as well as labor conditions. Buffalo and Rochester, N.Y., and Riverside-San Bernadino, Calif., brought up the rear.

Economic freedom provides the essential foundation for growth that creates endless opportunity  and not only spreads the wealth, but ensures its mass expansion. The studys findings should make us proud. They bode well for the future.
Despite threats, pleas, and entreaties from senators and citizens, Democrats and Republicans, former governors and most of the General Assembly, Ralph Northam remains Virginias chief executive  at least the last time we checked. And it appears, according to the law, that might not change anytime soon.

The University of Virginias Larry Sabato, a relentlessly reliable source when it comes to the commonwealths politics, opined yesterday that in Virginia you cant force a Governor to resign if he doesnt want to. Since Northams actions took place decades before he became governor, Sabato added, the impeachment criteria in the state constitution dont seem to apply and a provision for removing a disabled governor certainly doesnt.

So the the decision whether to stay or go appears to rest primarily in the hands of Ralph Northam. The Times-Dispatch Editorial Page called for his resignation after he apologized Friday night for appearing in a photograph in which he wore either blackface or KKK robes. We also noted his troubling remarks about late-term abortion late last week.
The bill now heads to the House.

***

Dillon McGhee was 26 years old when she died in August 2017 after battling addiction for seven years. She was a graduate of Atlee High School and was attending Liberty University when she started using drugs.

She was within days of departing Richmond for yet more treatment in California when she went to visit John S. Nielsen in Chesterfield County, where she injected herself with heroin that he later said she brought to his house. Nielsen, also an addict, told police he left the house to get some drugs for himself.

When he returned, he said two women were waiting for him. When the three went inside, they saw McGhee slumped on a couch. She appeared blue and unresponsive. The two women left, one of them calling 911 to report the overdose.

When Chesterfield police arrived at Nielsens home and asked about McGhee, Nielsen said she had left. He refused to allow a search of his house and stonewalled police for 17 minutes. Believing McGhee was inside and in danger, officers entered the home and found her body in the laundry closet, where Nielsen put her.

Authorities said Nielsen later told police McGhee was a friend.
Homan told the Post that he did not think to review previous yearbooks at the time.

A Sunday news release from the school quotes Dr. Marcus Martin, a board member and the first African-American graduate of EVMS in 1976, defending the schools culture.

I did not personally experience overt racism while a medical student, Martin said in the release. I am distraught to see the blackface and KKK photo. It does not reflect the culture of the medical school.

At the same time, the release noted that the school has made progress under Homans leadership.

Since I joined the institution, EVMS has shown vast improvement with respect to diversity and mentoring students of all backgrounds, said Dr. Derwin Gray, the board treasurer, who has served on the board since 2008 and whose son graduated in 2016. In the last few years, EVMS has also taken measures to improve professionalism by re-establishing decorum for Match Day activities, eliminating the yearbook, and standardizing mentoring across the student body.
A week after thousands of teachers marched on the state Capitol to demand more education funding, the school system that played host to the rally expressed disappointment with lawmakers proposals.

Representatives from Richmond Public Schools on Monday told the city School Board that budgets laid out Sunday by the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Finance Committee constituted modest improvements.

They still fall short of the type of investment we have been asking for from the commonwealth, said Shadae Harris, the chief engagement officer for the district.

The House and Senate budgets both include the 5 percent teacher raise proposed by Gov. Ralph Northam in December. The raise would be 2 percent more than what lawmakers approved last year, with a total price tag of $88 million to the state.

Northams proposal and the Senates raise would go into effect July 1, while the House budget would be deferred until Jan. 1.

Teachers and other attendees at the Jan. 28 Red for Ed rally, inspired by strikes and teacher activism elsewhere, were told of the Houses inclusion of the raise at the end of the rally.
Chesterfield County police charged three juveniles after a masked robber fired a gun inside a store Monday night.

No one was injured in the robbery of the Exxon gas station at 2708 Buford Road on Monday about 10:40 p.m.

According to police, a robber wearing a mask displayed a gun and shot a single round inside the store. After getting money, the robber fled in a car.

Officers pulled over a suspicious vehicle a short time later. After further investigation, the three juveniles in the car were arrested and charged in the robbery, along with conspiracy and reckless handling of a firearm, police said in a news release.

The gas station is at the corner of Buford Road and Forest Hill Avenue in Bon Air.

Anyone with information can contact the Chesterfield Police Department at (804) 748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 748-0660 or through the P3 app.
A Richmond man who livestreamed himself holding a handgun was sentenced to seven years in prison Tuesday for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Timothy Cureton, 27, held a brown Glock handgun with an extended magazine during the video posted to his Facebook account on Jan. 25, 2018. The video was spotted by the Richmond Police Department.
The Virginia Division of Capitol Police is trying to identify two people of interest in connection with three recent acts of vandalism.

Police said Tuesday that they are investigating three acts of vandalism that happened in or around Capitol Square since Saturday.
Some of these people wore shiny cook-off medals, an indication of their chili-making prowess (also, that they were cook-off participants). I tried not to be intimidated.

Unlike many chili aficionados, I have no particular allegiance to one variety of chili  which is good, because the 14 before me varied widely. Most had beans of some sort. One featured chickpeas and Middle Eastern spices. One was intensely smoky. Another included beer, and several contained cocoa. Consistencies ranged from those with finely chopped ground beef to bite-sized meaty chucks of beef and chicken. I passed on the toppings set around the table  sour cream, cheddar and other cheeses, Fritos  as I wanted to taste each chili on its own.

That, and I didnt know there was cornbread until I was done sampling  bummer.

I moved around the table, trying to give each a careful taste. I stopped after every few bites to drink some water. I tried to ignore the growing crowd outside the door.

Ill spare the recounts of each and every sample. In the end, my favorite was a surprise, even to me.
Everyone deserves fairness in the process. This recent culture of guilty until proven innocent needs to stop.

4. Investigate objectively and thoroughly: Employers need to fully investigate and take the necessary time to review the evidence.

Even when there is pressure to take action against a person, telling the media or public that the matter is being investigated is a perfectly reasonable and appropriate response.

Simply stating, We are aware of the concerns and are conducting a fair and through investigation should suffice.

Employers should avoid succumbing to outside influences and pressure during the investigation.

Select an independent investigator who can fairly assess the facts, without bias and influence. Allow that person to objectively present the findings to decision-makers in confidence.

5. Render fair and objective findings: The decision you make might not be popular, but it needs to be fair.

These cases present complicated public relations concerns largely because the public relies upon misinformation it finds on social media from people with bias instead of relying upon evidence and facts.

Your organization needs to rely on investigatory findings and should take all the time it needs to render a fair and appropriate decision.
AKRON -- Erick Jamal Hendricks, 38, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio.

A jury in Akron convicted Hendricks last year of attempting and conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

The sentence was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith of the FBIs Cleveland Office.

This defendant sought to create a cell of ISIS supporters, train those people and then launch attacks from inside the United States, U.S. Attorney Herdman said. This defendant posed a very real threat to the safety of our community and nation.

According to court documents and trial testimony, Hendricks tried to recruit people to train together and conduct terrorist attacks in the United States on behalf of ISIS.

Erick Jamal Hendricks represents the significant online ISIS threat that we face daily  a US citizen that became radicalized online and attempted to recruit and train individuals to commit jihad, all while living in the United States, said Special Agent in Charge Smith. The FBI urges the public to report information regarding individuals pledging their allegiance to ISIS or other identified terrorist groups.

"The FBI is pleased that Hendricks was stopped before he was successful and now will spend a significant amount of time behind bars.

Amir Al-Ghazi was arrested in the Northern District of Ohio in June 2015 after attempting to purchase an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition from an undercover law enforcement officer. Al-Ghazi pledged allegiance to ISIS in social media and made statements expressing interest in conducting attacks in the U.S.

Hendricks contacted Al-Ghazi over social media to recruit him in the spring of 2015. Hendricks allegedly told Al-Ghazi that he needed people and wanted to meet in person; that there were several brothers located in Texas and Mexico; that he was attempting to get brothers to meet face to face; and that he wanted to get brothers to train together, according to court documents and trial testimony

Al-Ghazi said Hendricks tested his religious knowledge and commitment, inquiring about his willingness to commit jihad, to die as a martyr and his desire to enter jannah (paradise). Al-Ghazi understood these statements to mean that Hendricks was recruiting people to train together for the purpose of conducting a terrorist attack in the U.S. and to see if Al-Ghazi was suitable for recruitment, according to the allegations. Al-Ghazi believed that Hendricks and the brothers in Texas and Mexico may have been responsible for a thwarted terrorist attack in Garland, Texas, on May 3, 2015, and therefore he decided to stay away from social media for a period following the attack to minimize detection by law enforcement.

Hendricks also communicated over social media with several other people, including an undercover FBI employee (UCE-1). Hendricks on April 16, 2015 instructed UCE-1 to download the document GPS for the Ghuraba in the U.S., which included a section entitled Final Advice which advocated that brothers and sisters should not allow themselves to go to jail.

This section also allegedly encouraged Muslims to die as a Shaheed (martyr), to Boobie trap your homes, to lay in wait for them and to never leave your home without your AK-47 or M16. Hendricks also directed UCE-1 to communicate online with other people and stated Its hard to sift through brothers; Allah chooses only the few; and Everyday I do this day in and day out, according to court documents and trial testimony.

Hendricks told another person that his goal was to create a sleeper cell to be trained and housed at a secure compound that would conduct attacks in the U.S.

He mentioned that potential targets included military members whose information had been released by ISIS and the woman who organized the Draw Prophet Mohammad contest, and he claimed to have 10 members signed up for his group, according court documents and trial testimony.

On April 23, 2015, Hendricks used social media to contact Elton Simpson, who, along with Nadir Hamid Soofi, was inspired by ISIS and launched the attack on the First Annual Muhammad Art Exhibit and Contest in Garland. Simpson and Soofi opened fire, wounding a security guard, before Garland police returned fire and killed both Simpson and Soofi.

Hendricks also connected UCE-1 with Simpson via social media, communicated with UCE-1 about the contest in Garland, and directed UCE-1 to go to the contest. Hendricks said: If you see that pig (meaning the organizer of the contest) make your voice heard against her.

He also asked UCE-1 a series of questions related to security at the event, including: How big is the gathering? How many ppl? How many police/agents? Do you see feds there? Do you see snipers? and How many media? Shortly thereafter, Simpson and Soofi committed the attack on the cartoon drawing contest.

Al-Ghazi is serving a 16-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and being a felon in possession of firearms.

This case was investigated by the FBIs offices in Cleveland; Columbia, South Carolina; Baltimore; and Charlotte, with assistance from the U.S. Attorneys Offices in the District of Maryland, District of South Carolina and the Western District of North Carolina.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Mark S. Bennett and Trial Attorney Rebecca Magnone of the National Security Divisions Counterterrorism Section.
MANSFIELD -- Dave Kracker has announced the appointment of Rhonda Breit as sole Chairperson of the Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund.

Kracker established the Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund in 1996 in memory of his wife Pat, who lost her battle with breast cancer on her 61st birthday. The fund helps Richland County women fight breast cancer. Dave Kracker has been the funds sole Chairperson until this past year when he invited Rhonda to serve as Co-Chairperson.

Rhonda has done amazing work this past year helping us expand our mission, he said at a special advisory committee luncheon. Im extremely comfortable in asking her to assume sole responsibility of coordinating our efforts going forward.

Kracker assured the committee that he was stepping aside, not stepping down.

The work we do here is important and Im here with you until I cant, said Kracker, who will now serve in an advisory capacity.

Breit thanked Kracker and the committee for the confidence shown her.

Its been a wonderful learning experience being Daves Co-Chairperson this past year," Breit said. "I consider it a privilege to continue serve Richland County patients and survivors.

Breit will manage the funds activities, which include patient referrals and follow-up, public awareness, fund raising, donor interactions, and resource coordination.

Last year Breit, a breast cancer survivor, was honored at Ohio Healths Hero of Hope Ceremony, recognizing outstanding caregivers who demonstrate compassion, love, and hope for oncology patients.
Uzbekistan has reiterated its readiness to host talks between Afghan government officials and Taliban negotiators.

Uzbekistan's Foreign Ministry says Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov expressed the offer in Tashkent on February 5 to the United Nations' Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan Tadamichi Yamamoto.

The ministry quoted Kamilov as saying Uzbekistan is prepared to provide all necessary conditions for direct talks between the government of Afghanistan and Taliban negotiators to be organized "at any stage" of an Afghan peace process.

Uzbekistan started actively promoting regional cooperation after President Shavkat Mirziyoev took over power following the death of his predecessor Islam Karimov in 2016.
A court in Kyiv has ruled that U.S.-born acting Health Minister Ulyana Suprun can no longer head the ministry.

The Regional Administrative Court in Kyiv said that the decision was made on February 5 after taking into consideration a Ukrainian regulation that says a person can be an acting minister for only one month.

Suprun, who is officially the deputy health minister, has been serving as acting minister since August 1, 2016.

The court said that Suprun's role as acting health minister had been questioned by lawmaker Ihor Mosiychuk, who represents the populist Radical Party in the parliament.

The court said it also took into consideration Mosiychuk's concerns regarding Suprun's citizenship.

"Suprun obtained Ukrainian citizenship in 2015 but continues to be also a foreign [U.S.] citizen, while the Ukrainian Law on Citizenship recognizes only one citizenship," the court said.

However, the court also said that Suprun can serve as deputy health minister.

The Health Ministry said in a Facebook statement that it was consulting lawyers on its next steps in response to the ruling.

President Petro Poroshenko was quoted by his press service as saying that Suprun had his "full support.



"I appreciate what we have done together for medical reform, including the reform of rural medicine. Citizenship is the responsibility of the president," he added

British Ambassador to Ukraine Judith Gough wrote on Twitter that the court's decision may potentially have an impact on "Ukraine's vital healthcare reforms."
Authorities in Ukraine say they are investigating allegations that Viktor Medvedchuk, a shadowy Ukrainian political operative with close personal ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has committed high treason and sought to undermine the country's territorial integrity.

The spokeswoman for the Prosecutor-General's Office, Larysa Sarhan, wrote on Facebook on February 5 that Ukraine's Security Service will investigate the case that was launched following a complaint filed by lawmaker Andriy Teteruk.

Medvedchuk heads the Opposition Platform -- For Life party and Ukrainian Choice, two political organizations that many in Ukraine consider to be pro-Kremlin.

Teteruk claimed that Medvedchuk told his party congress on January 29 that territories controlled by Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine must be granted autonomous status within the country, according to Sarhan.

Sarhan cited the constitution stating that Ukraine is a "unitary country" and guaranteeing the countrys "territorial integrity."

The spokeswoman also said that Russia was "conducting aggressive operations against Ukraine" by supplying the separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk regions with military "personnel, weaponry, and other materials."

Granting autonomy to the eastern region known as Donbas would "legalize temporarily occupied territories," which would contradict the Ukrainian constitution and help "a foreign country to conduct sabotage operations against Ukraine," Sarhan added.

In a statement, the Opposition Platform -- For Life party denounced the accusations against Medvedchuk as "delusional," and said the investigation had been ordered by Kyiv's pro-Western authorities ahead of presidential elections set for March 31.

Medvedchuk is a regular participant in negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine that has killed more than 10,300 people since April 2014.
News reports say that U.S. prosecutors have asked the committee that planned President Donald Trump's inauguration to turn over documents and records related to the 2017 event.



The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times both reported on February 4 that the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan issued a subpoena seeking information on the committees donors and event attendees, ticket details, federal disclosure filings, and other details.



The Times said prosecutors appeared to be interested in whether any foreigners illegally donated to the committee.



U.S. law prohibits foreign contributions to federal campaigns, political action committees, and inauguration committees.



The subpoena was not brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is continuing to investigate Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 election and interactions between Russian officials and Trump associates.



But the Manhattan U.S. attorney's office is one of the most powerful offices in the country and has already opened other investigations that are directly connected to Trump.



That includes the case against Trump's longtime personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, who has pleaded guilty to campaign finance and other charges.



Another U.S. attorney's office in New York City -- in the Brooklyn district -- has its own investigation into whether foreigners sought to secretly donate money to Trump's inauguration.



In addition to the ceremony formally swearing in a newly elected president, inaugurations are lavish social events, with dozens of parties held around Washington, organized by a president's political allies as well as other groups.



Last year, Samuel Patten, a longtime Washington operative, admitted that he helped a Russian-Ukrainian man named Konstantin Kilimnik and another foreigner illegally obtain four tickets to Trumps inauguration.



Kilimnik has been indicted by Mueller on charges of witness tampering, connected to Trumps first campaign chairman, Paul Manafort.
KRASNODAR, Russia -- A Russian woman has been found guilty of incitement to murder and dismemberment of a person in a high-profile case known as the "Krasnodar cannibals."



Court officials in the southern city of Krasnodar told RFE/RL on February 5 that a jury found 43-year-old Natalya Baksheyeva guilty a day earlier.



Baksheyeva was accused of urging her husband, 36-year-old Dmitry Baksheyev, to kill a woman after an argument at the couple's home in September 2017.

She went on trial in late October.



Baksheyev was also arrested but is being treated for tuberculosis and is to be tried separately.



Investigators began suspecting that cannibalism was also involved when they found pickled body parts in the home Baksheyeva shared with her husband.



Investigators say forensic tests have revealed that pieces of flesh found in jars of brine in the couple's home were parts of the victim's body.



The couple were arrested in 2017, after authorities said they received a call from people who found a phone that Baksheyev had lost and which contained selfies showing him posing with human body parts.
MOSCOW -- A Russian judge has suspended the trial of famed theater director Kirill Serebrennikov, as she ordered new research into the activity of the film studio from which millions of rubles were allegedly embezzled.

Judge Yelena Akkuratova suspended the trial on February 5 after lawyers questioned a conclusion by experts upon which the allegation was based that Serebrennikov's Seventh Studio embezzled 133 million rubles (more than $2 million).

The document was based on data by sources the investigators themselves considered unreliable, the lawyers claimed.

Lawyer Ksenia Karpinskaya told RFE/RL that the judge gave the prosecutors and defense a deadline of February 12 to determine new experts who could testify at the trial, to prepare questions for them, and find an organization that could provide professional input.

"In fact, the judge agreed that everything the investigators had done cannot be admitted as evidence in the case," Karpinskaya said, adding that all hearings will be suspended until the conclusions of newly selected experts are made.

Serebrennikov's August 2017 arrest drew international attention and prompted accusations that Russian authorities were targeting cultural figures who are at odds with President Vladimir Putin's government.

The acclaimed 49-year-old director initially was charged with organizing the embezzlement of 68 million rubles ($1 million) in state funds granted from 2011 to 2014 to Seventh Studio, a nonprofit organization that Serebrennikov established.

In January 2018, prosecutors raised the amount Serebrennikov and his three co-defendants are accused of embezzling to 133 million rubles ($2 million).

All four defendants -- Serebrennikov, producers Aleksei Malobrodsky and Yury Itin, and former Culture Ministry employee Sofia Apfelbaum -- have pleaded not guilty.

Serebrennikov has called the trial "absurd."

A fifth person charged in the case, accountant Nina Maslyayeva, pleaded guilty and has provided testimony used as evidence against the defendants.

Maslyayeva is to be tried separately.

Serebrennikov's supporters say the case was part of a politically motivated crackdown on the arts community ahead of Russia's March 2018 presidential election in which Putin, a longtime Soviet KGB officer who has been president or prime minister since 1999, won a fourth term in office.

Serebrennikov had previously taken part in antigovernment protests and voiced concerns about the increasing influence in Russia of the Russian Orthodox Church, whose ties with the state have increased under Putin.
Romania's justice minister says he will do everything in his power to block the appointment of the lauded former head of Romania's anticorruption agency as the EU's new public prosecutor.

Laura Koevesi was named on February 4 as the preferred candidate for the job, followed by Jean-Francois Bohnert of France and Germany's Andres Ritter on a short list of three.

But Romanian Justice Minister Tudorel Toader said that the European Union was "unaware of the abuses carried out" by Koevesi when she was leading Romania's National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA).

"I will be writing to all of the European ministers of justice to inform them as to why she was removed from office," Toader, who is head of the EU's Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA) during Romania's current six-month presidency of the bloc, told Romanian media.

During her tenure, Koevesi was widely praised for her bold attempts to stamp out graft in Romania, one of the EU's most corruption-plagued member states.

Toader, a member of the center-left coalition government that came to power in January 2017, ordered Koevesi's dismissal as DNA chief in July 2018, accusing her of overstepping her authority. However, President Klaus Iohannis, a former leader of the center-right opposition, refused to endorse Koevesi's dismissal.



Utimately, Romania's Constitutional Court weighed in and ruled that Koevesi's dismissal was lawful.



The government's push to rapidly undo some of the anticorruption policies and reverse some convictions were seen by many as attempts to exonerate Liviu Dragnea, the head of the ruling Social Democrats and speaker of the lower house.



Dragnea was given a suspended prison sentence after being convicted of abuse of power and is accused of corruption in another pending case. His suspended sentence barred him from becoming prime minister.



The all-out assault of the Social-Democratic-led government against the judiciary in general and Koevesi in particular led to massive street protests in 2017-18, which culminated with a huge August 10 anticorruption protest in Bucharest.



The protest, attended by up to 100,000 Romanians, was violently repressed by riot police.



Koevesi in December filed a complaint at the European Court of Human Rights, arguing that her dismissal was unlawful.

Under her leadership, corruption conviction rates rose sharply as she went after high-ranking government officials, lawmakers, and others.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) was set up in 2017 by 22 of the EU's 28 member states, including Romania, and is due to be launched by the end of 2020.

The final decision on the EPPO appointment is to be made by a majority of EU member states at the end of the month.

The appointment, which cannot be vetoed by any single country, must then be approved by the European Parliament.

Romania currently holds the EU's rotating presidency.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Romanian Service and The Guardian
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow later this month for talks on Iran's presence in Syria, the Israeli leader has said.

The February 21 talks will focus on Israel's efforts to prevent Iran from "creating another front against us right here on the other side of the Golan Heights," Netanyahu said on February 5.

There was no immediate comment from Moscow.

If confirmed, the talks will be Netanyahu's third meeting with Putin since July 2018.

Russia and Iran have provided Syrian President Bashar al-Assad with crucial military support throughout the seven-year civil war in Syria, which has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions.

Israel has repeatedly pledged to stop Iran from entrenching itself militarily in Syria, carrying out hundreds of air strikes there against what it describes as Iranian targets in Syria and those of allied militia, including the Lebanon-based Shi'ite militant group Hizballah.

The secretary of Iran's National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, warned Israel on February 5 of a "firm and appropriate" response if it continued attacking targets in Syria, according to Fars news agency.

Shamkhani made the comment during a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem in Tehran, ahead of a summit of the leaders of Russia, Turkey, and Iran in the Russian Black Sea resort town Sochi on February 14 about the situation in Syria.

Last week, Netanyahu met with Russian officials in Jerusalem to discuss "strengthening the security coordination mechanism between the militaries" to avoid possible "friction" in the war-torn country, his office said at the time.

Israel and Russia maintain a hotline to prevent their air forces from clashing over Syria.

But in September, a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance plane was shot down by Syrian air defenses in the northwestern province of Latakia following an Israeli raid.

All 15 servicemen on board were killed and the Russian military accused the country's military of using the Russian plane as a cover to dodge Syrian air-defense systems.

In response, Moscow announced that it will deliver the S-300 missile system to improve Syria's defenses and will provide Syrian government forces with updated automated systems for its air-defense network.

Netanyahu's planned visit to Moscow also comes after President Donald Trump in December announced that he intends to withdraw all 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria.

Critics have said that a vacuum left by the departure of U.S. troops from Syria could result in a resurgence of the extremist group Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda in the country or neighboring Iraq.

There are about 2,000 U.S. troops currently deployed in Syria, where they are assisting a Syrian Arab and Kurdish alliance fighting against some of the last IS-held areas and other forces

Addressing the Senate Armed Services Committee on February 5, the head of the U.S. military's Central Command warned that the fight against IS militants and other extremists "is not over and our mission has not changed."

The militant group "retains leaders, fighters, facilitators, resources, and the profane ideology that fuels their efforts," General Joseph Votel said.

He also said that there were currently up to 1,500 IS fighters in the small area they still control in the southern part of the Euphrates River Valley near Iraq's border.

The remainder have "dispersed" and "gone to ground," he added.

A Defense Department watchdog report released on February 4 warned that IS could make a comeback within six to 12 months after the U.S. troops leave Syria and "regain limited territory."

With reporting by dpa, AP, AFP, and Reuters
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says Moscow will push to develop two new land-based missile systems before 2021 in response to Washington's planned exit from a landmark nuclear arms control agreement.



The U.S. withdrawal from the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty came after Washington repeatedly accused Moscow of violating the accord, which bans both countries from stationing short- and intermediate-range land-based missiles in Europe.

On February 1, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington was starting a process to withdraw from the 1987 treaty within six months.

In a tit-for-tat move on February 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow was also leaving the treaty and would begin work on new types of weapons that would breach the deal.

'Hypersonic' Missile



At a meeting with defense officials on February 5, Shoigu said Russia should develop two new missile systems during the next two years.

"From February 2, the United States suspended its obligations under the INF treaty," Shoigu said.

"At the same time they are actively working to create a land-based missile with a range of more than 500 kilometers which is outside the treaty's limits," Shoigu said. "President Putin has given the Defense Ministry the task of taking symmetrical measures."

Shoigu said during the course of 2020 and 2021, Russia "must develop a land-based version of the sea-based Kalibr system with a long-range cruise missile."

"In this same time frame, we must create a land-based missile system with a hypersonic long-range missile," he said.

Washington has not yet commented on Russia's announcement, but Trump administration officials were quoted as saying last week that there were no immediate plans to test or deploy missiles banned under the INF Treaty.



The bilateral treaty, the first of its kind to eliminate an entire class of missiles, was widely seen as a cornerstone of arms-control stability in Europe and elsewhere.



Washington and NATO have accused Russia of breaching the accord by developing the 9M729 cruise missile, also known as the SSC-8.



Moscow has denied that the missile was violating the treaty and accused the United States in turn of wanting to abandon the pact so it can start a new arms race.

U.S. disarmament ambassador Robert Wood told a UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament in Geneva on February 5 that the United States would reconsider its withdrawal from the INF treaty "should Russia return to full and verifiable compliance."

"This is Russia's final opportunity to return to compliance," Wood said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Moscow authorities have banned a "March of Maternal Anger" planned for February 10, but the organizers plan to hold it regardless.



The rally was announced on January 31 after news emerged that Anastasia Shevchenko, an activist for the NGO Open Russia, had been refused permission to visit her disabled daughter in hospital until the girl was in a critical state.



Similar events -- held in response to recent arrests of Russian mothers engaged in civic activism on behalf of organizations the government has branded "undesirable" -- are planned in four other Russian cities.



A letter from Moscow city authorities, with official notice that the request to hold the rally had been denied, was posted on Facebook on February 4 by Varvara Gryaznova, one of the organizers. "Our anger is not subject to permission," Gryaznova wrote. "Enough of being scared, they feed off our fear." She added that the rally would go ahead despite the ban.

Missed Deadline



According to the authorities, organizers missed the deadline for applying to hold the rally, which is planned for February 10. Russia's law on public gatherings stipulates that requests must be filed not earlier than 15 days and not later than 10 days before the day of the planned event. Gryaznova and her fellow activists submitted their request on February 1, nine days before the rally date.



In an interview with RFE/RL, Gryaznova said she decided to organize the rally after she learned of the death of Shevchenko's daughter.

Shevchenko was placed under house arrest on January 23 because of her work for Open Russia. She is the first person to face criminal charges under a new law against "undesirable organizations" introduced in 2015.

On January 30, her daughter Alina was transferred from the care home she lived in to the intensive care unit of a local hospital after suffering cardiac failure.

Shevchenko requested that she be released to see her daughter, but she says she was not let go until late evening and reached the hospital only hours before her daughter passed away.



Shevchenko's lawyer, Sergei Badamshin, told the independent news agency Meduza on February 1 that the hospital took a long time to issue confirmation that the teenager had been admitted.

Gryaznova said that she and her fellow activists understand the risks of ignoring the ban, and are not pressuring people to join them. But they're determined to hold the protest despite the authorities' prohibition.



"As usual, the Moscow authorities think that people should get permission to express their emotion," she said. "It's better to issue a ban, just in case."



So far, almost 1,700 people have expressed interest or confirmed attendance on the Moscow event's Facebook page.

Rally organizers in other cities have yet to confirm whether they've been given the go-ahead.
French President Emmanuel Macron has declared April 24 as a "national day of commemoration of the Armenian genocide."



Macron made the announcement on February 5 at a dinner for the Armenian community in France, honoring a campaign promise from his 2017 election campaign.



France was among the first nations to denounce "the murderous hunt of the Armenian people in the Ottoman Empire," he said at the annual dinner organized by the Coordinating Council of Armenian Organizations of France (CCAF).



France officially recognized the World War I-era mass slaughter and deportation of up to 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Turks as genocide in 2001. At least 22 other countries, including Germany, have taken a similar step.



Armenia says the mass killing is one of the first examples of genocide in modern history, predating the Holocaust carried out by Nazi Germany against more than 6 million Jews during World War II.



Turkey objects, saying that Armenians died in much smaller numbers and because of civil strife rather than a planned, systemic effort by the Ottoman government against the Christian minority.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters
DUSHANBE -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called a Russian military base in Tajikistan "an important factor for Tajikistan's security."

Speaking to journalists in Dushanbe on February 5 after talks with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Lavrov said Moscow is ready to assist Tajikistan in the modernization of its armed forces and "strengthening the state border," taking into account, among other things, "existing threats that continue to be imposed from the territory of Afghanistan."

"I would like to stress the role of Russias 201st Military Base [in Tajikistan], which is an important factor of Tajikistans security," Lavrov said.

About 7,000 troops from Russias 201st Motor Rifle Division are stationed at three facilities that are considered part of the Russian base in Tajikistan.

Lavrov, who started his Central Asian tour on February 4 with a visit to Kyrgyzstan, said in Bishkek earlier that Moscow is open to talks about setting up a second Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan if Kyrgyz authorities initiate the issue.

Lavrov is scheduled to conclude his tour of the region with a visit to Turkmenistan on February 6.
ASTANA -- Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev has said there are no immediate plans to push forward the date of the country's next presidential election, which is scheduled for 2020.

His remarks in a February 5 video statement came amid speculation about a possible early election after his request for Kazakhstan's Constitutional Council to provide an official interpretation of an article from the country's constitution that deals with the termination of presidential duties.

In a video statement, Nazarbaev said that his request to the Constitutional Council was a "routine move" to get clarification about "when and in what cases an incumbent president can be released from office."

Nazarbaev said "there are no clear explanations on the matter while in other countries, their constitutions clearly define that."

Nazarbaev also said he has not been unable to resolve questions on the issue himself.

"Yes, the president has a right to announce an early presidential election, but that is not the case at this point," Nazarbaev said at the end of his video statement.

Speculation that Nazarbaev might again announce an early presidential election circulated on social media after the Constitutional Council said in a February 4 statement that Nazarbaev had requested that the council clarify Article 42, Section 3 of Kazakhstan's constitution.

That article says the powers of the current Kazakh president shall terminate as of "the moment the newly elected President of the Republic takes office" as well as in the event of the current president's "release from office, resignation, or death."

"All former Presidents of the Republic except those who were discharged from office shall have the title of ex-President of the Republic of Kazakhstan," it adds.

The 78-year-old Nazarbaev has been in power in energy-rich Kazakhstan since before the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.

He was last elected in 2015, securing a five-year term after moving the date of the election vote up from 2016. That move was widely seen as an attempt to strengthen his grip on power.

Rights activists and critics say Nazarbaev has suppressed dissent, prolonged his time in office through undemocratic votes, and used the levers of power to neutralize potential political opponents.
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Mourners gathered by the blackened remains of a family home in which five girls perished in the Kazakh capital, Astana, after a tragic house fire.
Iran has criticized Greece and Italy for not buying its oil despite U.S. waivers, and said they had not offered Tehran any explanation.



"No European country is buying oil from Iran except Turkey," the semiofficial ISNA news agency quoted Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh as saying on February 5.



Zanganeh added that Greece and Italy "don't buy Iranian oil and they don't answer our questions."



"We have called them many times, but they do not return our calls," the minister also said, according to the Fars news agency.



The United States granted the two EU member states and six other countries - Turkey, China, India, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan  temporary waivers to import Iranian oil when the U.S. reimposed sanctions on Iran's energy sector in November.



The waivers were aimed at giving these countries more time to comply with the sanctions.



Zanganeh said the U.S. sanctions on Iran were more difficult than the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, but insisted that Tehran would not allow Washington to reduce its oil exports to zero.



Oil exports are a key source of revenue for Iran.



Washington ramped up sanctions against the Iranian economy after President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers last year.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AP
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has reiterated the U.S. commitment to Afghanistan in a telephone call with President Ashraf Ghani, the Afghan leader says.

"Secretary Pompeo stressed that there is no uncertainty and ambiguity about the U.S. commitment to Afghanistan and our enduring partnership," Ghani tweeted on February 5.

The Afghan president also quoted Pompeo as saying that "our military partnership is unwavering and will remain until a lasting and inclusive peace is achieved."

The telephone conversation comes days after President Donald Trump made clear that he wants to reduce U.S. military engagement in Afghanistan.

In the CBS interview broadcast on February 3, Trump said U.S. troops had been in Afghanistan for nearly 19 years, and, while the outcome of ongoing peace talks with the Afghan Taliban remains to be seen, "They want peace. They're tired. Everybody's tired."

The president said he planned to keep a small contingent of troops in Afghanistan for "real intelligence" purposes and said U.S. forces would return to that country if necessary.

There are currently about 11,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, where the Western-backed central government has struggled to fend off a resurgent Taliban and other militant groups since the withdrawal of most NATO forces in 2014.
The Washington-based rights group Freedom House has warned that "challenges to democracy" in the United States are "threatening to undermine political rights and civil liberties" around the world.



Freedom In The World 2019, the organization's latest country-by-country report on global democracy, gives a dismal assessment of events during 2018 -- registering declining political rights and civil liberties in 68 countries with gains in only 50 countries.



Released on February 5, the report includes criticism of Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Montenegro, Serbia, Hungary, and three former Soviet republics in Central Asia for contributing to what it calls "the 13th consecutive year of decline in global freedom."



The cover of the report features a political cartoon showing Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan bearing torches and standing beside a bonfire that burns the word "freedom."



The political cartoon shows Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pouring gasoline on the fire and the flames being fanned by the leaders of Iran, China, Venezuela, and Hungary. Meanwhile, it shows U.S. President Donald Trump using the fire to roast a marshmallow.



The report says democracy in the United States "remains robust by global standards" but has "weakened significantly over the past eight years" -- adding that Trump's "ongoing attacks on the rule of law, fact-based journalism, and other principles and norms of democracy threaten further decline."



It said the United States in 2018 saw "a decline in the rule of law" that put American democracy "on a level with Greece, Croatia, and Mongolia," and well below other long-standing democracies like Germany and Britain.



In particular, Freedom House, which gets much of its funding from the U.S. government, criticized the Trump administration for "improperly" restricting the legal rights of asylum seekers -- saying "discrimination became evident in the acceptance of refugees for resettlement, and immigration enforcement and detention policies were excessively harsh or haphazard."



"Other nations watch what is happening in the United States and take cues from its leaders' behavior," Freedom House President Michael Abramowitz said. "The ongoing deterioration of American democracy will accelerate the decline of democracy around the world."



"The weakening of democracy in the United States did not begin with Donald Trump," Abramowitz said. "But the president's rhetoric and actions have undermined key safeguards, including the rule of law and confidence that elections are free and fair."



The report says Russia and Iran are among a growing number of governments that are "reaching beyond their borders to target expatriates, exiles, and diasporas."



"Freedom House found 24 countries around the world -- including heavyweights like Russia, China, Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia -- that have recently targeted political dissidents abroad with practices such as harassment, extradition requests, kidnapping, and even assassination," it says.



It says Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev both won new presidential terms in 2018 through election campaigns that benefited from "strong-arm tactics that included the repression of independent media and civil society, the abuse of state resources, and the persecution of genuine political opponents -- as well as outright fraud."



Armenia was among the countries that received praise from Freedom House due to "a breakthrough" victory for "reform-minded" opposition leader Nikol Pashinian, who became prime minister in 2018 through early elections called "after unpopular incumbent [Serzh Sarkisian] attempted to evade term limits and extend his rule."



The report said that development serves as "a reminder that people continue to strive for freedom, accountability, and dignity, even in countries where the odds of success seem insurmountable."



European Union member Hungary, previously ranked by Freedom House as politically "free," was reclassified as "partly free" because of "sustained attacks" by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party on the media, courts, religious groups, academia, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector.



It said Orban "presided over the most dramatic decline" of political freedom and civil liberties ever charted by Freedom House within the EU.



Neighboring Serbia also dropped from "free" to "partly free" due to what Freedom House called "election irregularities, legal harassment and smear campaigns against independent journalists, and President Aleksandar Vucic's de facto accumulation of extraconstitutional powers."



Meanwhile, the report criticizes Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic as he "continued to consolidate state power around himself and his clique, subverting basic standards of good governance and exceeding his assigned constitutional role."



The Freedom House report says three former Soviet republics in Central Asia classified as "not free" -- Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan -- were among the countries with the world's worst situations for political rights and civil liberties.



As a result, those Central Asian states were grouped together comparably with countries like Syria, South Sudan, Eritrea, North Korea, Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Libya.



Still, Freedom House had some praise for Uzbekistan -- which previously has been grouped among the rights group's "worst-of-the-worst" list.



The report cautiously welcomed "another year of tentative improvement" in Uzbekistan under President Shavkat Mirziyoev, noting that his government "continued to release political prisoners and ease restrictions" on nongovernmental organizations.



Freedom House criticized China for forcing "more than a million ethnic [Uyghurs], Kazakhs, and Hui" into so-called "reeducation" centers, from which "grisly reports of torture and custodial deaths are emerging."
People who complain about abuse or corruption in Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya tend to do so anonymously. The few who are bold enough to speak out publicly against the government of strongman Ramzan Kadyrov tend to experience difficult-to-explain changes of heart.

In March 2017, Maryat Zanzulayeva was caught on video complaining about arbitrary arrests and police beatings. Two days after her video made the rounds on social media, she was "invited" to a televised meeting with Chechen parliament speaker Magomed Daudov, during which she sheepishly denied all her previous accusations as Daudov grilled her.

"I didn't know I was being filmed," she said. "Everything I said is untrue. I ask for your forgiveness."

In January 2016, local lawmaker Konstantin Senchenko posted on social media that Kadyrov was "a disgrace to Russia."

"You have discredited everything it is possible to discredit," Senchenko wrote.

Later the same day, Chechen TV broadcast audio of Senchenko saying, "I apologize for any incorrect and offensive words." Senchenko told RFE/RL at the time that he made the apology in a conversation with "a respected person" representing the Chechen community.

In October 2015, Chechen social worker Ayshat Inayeva, who had spoken out about corruption, was browbeaten on TV by Kadyrov himself. "How could I say such a thing?" she said during the broadcast. "I don't even know. I am guilty under the gaze of Allah, the people, my husband, and [Kadyrov]."

The latest apparent volte-face comes from Chechen resident Bekkhan Yusupov. On January 29, the Moscow newspaper Novaya gazeta, citing the gay-rights group LBGT-Network, mentioned Yusupov in an article about dozens of suspected gay men being rounded up and held by Chechen security forces.

Although the article said Yusupov was reportedly being held in Grozny "together with other people suspected of being homosexuals," it did not say that Yusupov himself was gay.

"It is possible that he was detained for his property (including the car that he drove from France in)," the article said. "In recent times, Chechen police across the republic have been detaining people in order to extort valuables in exchange for their freedom." Yusupov left Chechnya in 2011 and has been given refugee status in France. In December he returned to Chechnya to visit relatives, and he was expected to return to France before January 11, when he was scheduled to appear at a hearing relating to his citizenship application.

On February 1, however, Yusupov appeared in a short video clip shown on Chechen state TV in which he said he was "shocked" by the Novaya gazeta article and that he would "definitely" sue the newspaper in order to defend his "good name."

He did not explain in the video which part of the Novaya gazeta report he found to constitute "libel." However, the website Checheninfo.com on February 2 published the text of Yusupov's complaint to prosecutors, in which he alleged that the article said, "I was detained by police because of my supposed homosexual orientation."

In the statement, Yusupov acknowledged that he was detained "for several hours" by police for having in his possession "several rusty and spent bullet jackets" out of which he said he planned to make key chains.

"After I made the necessary statements, I was allowed to leave the police station without incident," he wrote.

The independent website Caucasus Knot interviewed several Chechen activists, all of whom requested anonymity, who expressed skepticism about Yusupov's statement. "What is this story about keychains from bullet jackets?" one interviewee said. "The fact that this version came out only several days after the scandal created by the Novaya gazeta article also raises questions."

On January 31, Chechen police briefly detained Aleksandr Karavayev, a Nizhny Novgorod-based lawyer who came to Grozny to represent Yusupov and who was trying to locate him. The same day, pro-Kadyrov activist Kheda Saratova posted a photograph of Yusupov and several of his relatives on her Facebook page, saying that they had come to complain to her about the Novaya gazeta article.

Karavayev met with Yusupov on February 1, although a mysterious woman who identified herself as journalist Yevdokia Moskvina was present the entire time. Karavayev told Novaya gazeta that Yusupov "gave the impression of a person who was lost, ill, and completely unfree in his actions who kept repeating the same thing over and over: 'Who gave them the right to use my personal information? I will sue!'"

The same day that Yusupov's video appeared, Chechen Press Minister Dzhambulat Umarov posted a video on Instagram in which he threateningly strokes a baby duck named "Novaya gazeta" and says he intends to "quietly educate her and turn her into a tame goose."

Novaya gazeta and the LGBT-Network began reporting about the alleged extrajudicial mass detentions of gay men in Chechnya in 2017. They believe that hundreds of men have been detained and many of them have been tortured. Several were reportedly killed.

Chechen officials have denied the allegations. Kadyrov has gone so far as to say there are no homosexuals in Chechnya. "We don't have those kinds of people here," he said in July 2017. "We don't have any gays. If there are any, take them to Canada.... Take them far from us so we don't have them at home. To purify our blood, if there are any here, take them."

In December 2018, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe issued a report citing "clear evidence of successive purges" against LGBT people in Chechnya and calling on Moscow "to fully investigate the allegations and to bring to justice the alleged perpetrators."

With reporting by Current Time
Amnesty International has called on Russian authorities to immediately free a Danish member of the Jehovah's Witnesses who was arrested in May 2017, a month after the Supreme Court ruled that the religious group should be closed down and no longer allowed to operate in the country.



"The Russian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Dennis Christensen, a Danish national and Jehovahs Witness, who has been facing trial simply for the exercise of his human rights including his right to freedom of religion," Amnesty International said in a February 5 statement.



A ruling on Christensen's case by the Zheleznodorozhny District Court in the western city of Oryol is expected on February 6.



Christensen, 46, became the first Jehovahs Witness to be detained in Russia following the ban, while several other members have been arrested since.



The defense argued for acquittal while prosecutors asked the court to convict Christensen of organizing the activities of an extremist group and sentence him to 6 1/2 years in prison. The maximum sentence for that crime is 10 years.



Final arguments in his trial were completed on January 30 in Oryol, where he has been jailed since shortly after his arrest in May 2017.



Dennis Christensen has been arrested and prosecuted by the authorities simply for practicing his religion as a Jehovahs Witness. His case is emblematic of the grave human rights violations including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and religion in the country," said Marie Struthers, director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at Amnesty International.



"The Russian authorities must halt the persecution of the estimated 175,000 Jehovahs Witnesses who are simply peacefully exercising their right to freedom of religion, she said.



The Russian authorities should respect, protect, promote, and fulfill the right to freedom of belief as enshrined in the countrys constitution and human rights treaties to which Russia is a state party. The intimidation and harassment of Jehovahs Witnesses must stop.
Taliban representatives and an Afghan delegation led by former President Hamid Karzai have begun two days of talks in Moscow billed as part of an "intra-Afghan" peace process -- despite the absence of Kabul government representatives and continued militant attacks back in Afghanistan.



The gathering has been criticized by the office of current Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.



It comes as broader peace talks aimed at ending the country's 17-year war appear to be gaining momentum, despite the Taliban's continued refusal to meet directly with Afghan government representatives.



The Russian government has denied organizing the meeting, which is being hosted by a Moscow-based organization of Afghan diaspora leaders.



However, it's highly unlikely such a high-profile event would be allowed to take place in Moscow without the Kremlin's blessing.



Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said as the talks got under way on February 5 that there were no contacts planned by the Kremlin to meet with any of the Taliban delegates.



The Moscow talks were also expected to be attended by delegates from Afghan diasporas from the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Europe, as well as representatives from Iran and Pakistan.

The Moscow meeting is "nothing more than a fantasy. No one can decide without the consent of the Afghan people," Ghani told Afghan broadcaster Tolo News.

"Those who have gathered in Moscow have no executive authority. They can say what they want," the Afghan president added.

Afghanistan's chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah, said the Afghan government should be at the center of any peace talks, adding that Kabul "would prefer the Moscow meeting had a different shape."



Abdullah also said the Taliban was the biggest obstacle to peace in Afghanistan. But he said that if the Moscow meeting creates "an opening for real peace talks, it would still be a step forward."



The United States has not commented publicly on the meeting, which includes a 10-member Taliban delegation led by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai.



Going into the negotiating room in Moscow on February 5, Stanikzai did not respond to questions from journalists about the Taliban's position on direct talks with an intra-Afghan delegation -- saying that "comments will come later."

Karzai described the talks as "very, very satisfactory."

"We understand that the government needs to be part of these negotiations. We wish they could have been here today," he told reporters.



Along with Karzai, the former president, many of the 38 delegates from Kabul have held prominent government positions.



Among them is potential presidential candidate Hanif Atmar, who resigned as Ghani's security adviser in August.



Former Vice President Mohammad Yunus Qanuni and former Balkh Governor Atta Mohammad Noor are also on the list of participants, along with former Taliban insurgents who reconciled with the Afghan government.



Since his appointment in September, U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has been holding separate negotiations with the Taliban. Hes also pressed for talks to bring together all major parties in the conflict.

Stanikzai, the head of the Taliban delegation visiting Moscow, said on February 5 that peace talks with the United States in Qatar last month had been a "success," Russia's Interfax news agency reported.



In Washington, U.S. General Joseph Votel, head of the U.S. military's Central Command, told a Senate hearing that talks between the United States and Taliban were in their "very, very early" stages.



The Afghan government has to be "a part of this solution and must be in the negotiation aspects of this," he also said, adding: "We can't do that on their behalf."

Meanwhile, Taliban attacks have continued in Afghanistan.

A predawn militant attack on February 5 on an army base in northern Kunduz Province killed at least 26 members of the security forces, said Mohammad Yusouf Ayubi, head of the provincial council.

Ayubi said the attackers were eventually repelled after reinforcements arrived at the besieged base on the outskirts of the provincial capital, Kunduz city.



Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the Kunduz attack.



Late on February 4, at least 21 people were killed in two Taliban attacks.



Eleven police officers were slain when the insurgents stormed a checkpoint in northern Baghlan Province, and 10 people were killed in a militant attack on a local pro-government militia in a village in northern Samangan Province.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, AP, Interfax, and TASS
A Radio Free Asia blogger from Vietnam is missing after he fled to Thailand to seek political asylum with a UN refugee agency, fueling fears in the exile community that he has been abducted by Vietnamese security agents.



There has been no word from Truong Duy Nhat, a weekly contributor for RFAs Vietnamese Services blog section, since Jan. 26. He last communicated with Washington-based RFA editors two days earlier over his commentary on the growing opposition movement in Venezuela and the prospects of change in Communist-ruled Vietnam.



We are extremely concerned about the safety and well-being of Truong Duy Nhat," RFA President Libby Liu said on Tuesday. "We hope to hear from him as soon as possible about his whereabouts and to be assured that hes not in any danger, she said.



Nhats disappearance has sent a chill through the Vietnamese refugee community in Thailand and prompted a call from Human Rights Watch for Thai authorities to investigate. RFA has also reported his case to the State Department and staff of several U.S. lawmakers.



Exile sources said that Nhat had gone to the office of the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees, or UNHCR, in Bangkok on Jan. 25 to apply for refugee status and they subsequently lost contact with him.



Thailand-based associates of Nhat, who requested anonymity because they feared for their own safety, said that he went missing on Jan. 26 during a visit to Future Park, a huge mall on the outskirts of Bangkok. One of the sources said Nhat was arrested at an ice cream shop on the third floor of the mall.



Thai police said they don't have Nhat in custody.



Weve checked through the list of detainees, we dont see him, Truong Duy Nhat, on the list, Police Colonel Tatpong Sarawanangkoon, who is in charge of the detention section at the Immigration Detention Center in Bangkok, told RFA.



The UNHCR was tightlipped, citing privacy concerns. Associate external relations officer Jennifer Harrison said: Due to reasons of confidentiality and data protection, we are unable to comment on [or even confirm/deny the existence of] individual cases.



Afraid to talk



Nhat's wife, who is in Vietnam, and their Canada-based daughter are afraid to talk about his fate, exile sources said.



The family believes Nhat left Vietnam for Thailand about three weeks before they heard he had gone missing, according to thevietnamese.org, an online magazine run by a group of Vietnamese activists and independent journalists.



The authoritarian Vietnamese government of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is at present holding more than 200 political prisoners, including rights advocates and bloggers deemed threats to national security, according to Nguyen Kim Binh of the California-based Vietnam Human Rights Network.



The government controls the news media, censors the internet, and restricts basic freedoms of expression.



Nhat himself served a two-year-imprisonment in 2014-2015 for his activism after being arrested in May 2013 and held in detention until his trial.



Human Rights Watch, or HRW, said Thai authorities have to investigate the case of Nhat, noting that he had come to Bangkok for the sole reason of applying for political asylum. The U.S.-based group called for the authorities to consult with his family until he is found."



HRW said Vietnams embassy in Bangkok may also be able to shed light on the bloggers whereabouts.



"[T]he Thai authorities have an urgent obligation to seriously investigate this disappearance, Phil Robertson, HRW's Bangkok-based deputy Asia director, told RFA, noting that the group itself did not yet know what had happened to Nhat.



"If it turns out that Vietnam and local Thai officials are found to be involved in his disappearance, there needs to be serious consequences for everyone responsible, he said.



Surveillance, harassment



Robertson accused Vietnam of "consistently engaging in hostile surveillance and harassment of Vietnamese and Montagnard [minority] who fled the country to escape political and religious persecution, and this includes activities in Bangkok."



"Pursuing dissidents and demanding the Thai government shut down events about human rights and democracy in Vietnam is just part of what makes Hanoi stand out as one of the worst rights abusing regimes in ASEAN [the Association of Southeast Asian Nations],"he said.



"So there is every possibility that the Vietnam Embassy may know much more about Truong Duy Nhats mysterious disappearance than they are letting on," Robertson said.



The circumstances of Nhats disappearance in Bangkok remain murky. But California-based blogger Nguyen Van Hai, who served in the same prison with Nhat before Hais release in 2014, and Germany-based blogger Bui Thanh Hieu said they suspect Nhat was abducted by Vietnamese security agents in Thailand.



"We are looking at the possibility that he has been abducted," Hai, who writes under the name Dieu Cay, told RFA.



"We know he arrived at Bangkok and went to the UNs office to apply for refugee status. If for any reason Nhat now appears in Vietnam, it must be against his will," he said.



Sources say that Vietnamese exiles have inquired about Nhat's whereabouts with hospitals and various district offices in Bangkok but to no avail. An associate of Nhats said his disappearance was also reported to Thai police late last week.



Fighting in the Party



Nhat is based in Da Nang city, next to Prime Minister Phuc's home province of Quang Nam where there is infighting within the Vietnamese Communist Party. He may have been privy to information that could be detrimental to the prime minister, activists said. Nhat had previously worked for a police newspaper in Da Nang, also Phucs stronghold.



Blogger Hieu said he suspected that Vietnamese military agents abducted Nhat from Bangkok on the orders of the prime minister.



"I think the prime minister wanted Nhat arrested at any costs because he has information about his faction in Quang Nam province [in Da Nang]," Hieu, who writes under the name 'Wind Trader,' said on his Facebook page.



This is not the first time the Vietnamese government has been accused of abducting its citizens from abroad.



Last year, a German court jailed a Vietnamese man almost four years for helping his countrys secret services kidnap a former oil executive from a Berlin street in 2017 and smuggle him back to Vietnam.



Ex-oil executive Trinh Xuan Thanh was seeking asylum in Germany at that time and his disappearance soured bilateral relations, with the German foreign ministry accusing Vietnam of breaching international law.



Thanh was subsequently tried and jailed for life on corruption charges in Vietnam.



Reported by RFA's Vietnamese Service and BenarNews. Written in English by Parameswaran Ponnudurai and Matthew Pennington.
Authorities in Vietnam have arrested a Facebook user after questioning her ties to accounts run by members of two organizations targeted by authorities, according to her husband, amid a wider crackdown on critical content posted on the social media network.



Duong Thi Lanh, 36, was taken into custody on Jan. 30 after being summoned for questioning by police in central Vietnams Dak Nong province over her connection to Facebook accounts Uyen Thuy and Mai Bui, Lanhs husband Tran Coi told RFAs Vietnamese Service over the weekend.



Coi said Lanh was told to arrive at the Nhan Co communal building for interrogation at 2:00 p.m., and when she arrived they arrested her immediately.



They drove her home to search our house and I asked them if they had a warrant, but they said that because my wife had been arrested, they were allowed to search, he said.



I asked for an arrest order and the reason for her arrest, and they said I had no business demanding them. They said I should ask my wife why she had been arrested.



During the search, police confiscated three cellphones and military uniforms for soldiers from the Republic of Vietnam, which governed southern Vietnam during the Vietnam War, Coi said.



He said police informed him that Lanh will be held in detention for three months, without providing further details.



An officer who answered a call to the Dak Nong provincial police station told RFA that he was unaware of Lanhs arrest.



On Jan. 27, Lanh told followers during a livestream she hosted on her Facebook account SG Ngoc Lan that she had joined thousands who took to the streets in rare demonstrations in several cities on June 10, 2018 to protest draft laws on Cybersecurity and government plans to grant long-term leases for foreign companies operating in special economic zones.



Lanh was detained along with 10 others a day later while at a park in Ho Chi Minh City, taken to a police station, and released after paying a fine of 150,000 dong (U.S. $6.50).



In the livestream, Lanh denied being a member of the Hien Phap Group, a network of activists calling for rights to freedom of speech and assembly guaranteed by Vietnams constitution, and said that while she had formerly supported the Temporary Vietnam Government, which authorities have labeled an overseas counter-revolutionary force, she withdrew her support in 2017.



Uyen Thuy is a Facebook account registered to a member of Hien Phap, while Mai Bui is tied to a member of the Temporary Vietnam Government.



Eight members of the Hien Phap Group were arrested for taking part in the June 10 protest, and authorities accuse the Temporary Vietnam Government of detonating a petrol bomb to blow up Tan Son Nhat airport on April 30 and May 1 of 2017, and implicate the group in the explosion of a gasoline tanker at the airport on April 22 of the same year.



Lanh has regularly written about human rights issues and democracy in posts on her Facebook account, and she is the second Facebook user to be arrested after Vietnams Cyber Security Law went into effect on Jan. 1.



Meanwhile, authorities in southern Vietnams Ben Tre province summoned university student Tran Ngoc Phuc, 21, for questioning on Feb. 1 after he posted content on his Facebook page deemed harmful to the ruling Communist Party and the government, according to official online newspaper Dong Khoi.



Truc was also accused of using Facebook to instigate people to protest and join reactionary Facebook groups, such as one called people who like the BBC.



It is unclear whether Phuc was arrested, but he could face charges of making, storing, and spreading information, materials, and items for the purpose of opposing the government of Vietnam under Article 117 of the 2015 Penal Code, which carries a minimum of three years in prison if convicted.



Police in Ben Tre also summoned Facebook user Dang Tri Thuc on Dec. 20 last year for using his account to instigate protests. Authorities said Thuc admitted his wrongdoing during questioning.



Alleged Viet Tan member



Lanhs arrest comes a week after authorities in Binh Duong province detained Facebook user Tran Van Quyen, 20, for allegedly joining Viet Tanan unsanctioned pro-democracy party with members inside Vietnam and abroad, according to his brother and lawyer.



Quyens brother, Tran Van Cuong, told RFA over the weekend that police came to their house early on the morning of Jan. 23 with an urgent search order, but Quyen had already left to visit with his friends at a nearby cafe.



They arrested him at the cafe and drove him home to read us the search order, Cuong said.



They rifled through the area where Quyen works in our house, but couldnt find anything and left after making me sign two documents about the search, without leaving me a copy, he said.



[Last week], they called me to tell me to bring some clothes for Quyen. I went to the station, but they wouldnt let me see Quyen. They told me he is in the B34 Detention Center in Cu Chi.



Quyens lawyer, Nguyen Van Mieng, said in a post on his Facebook page that police didnt provide an official letter informing the family about his arrest and the accusation against him, although one policeman told the family that Quyen was arrested for being a member of Viet Tan.



In a phone call with RFA, Mieng said that he was suspicious of the order that the policeman was alleged to have read to the family about Quyens arrest.



I think the order might not have been approved yet, or there might not even have been an order, he said, adding that the family eventually did receive one, but authorities only made it after the arrest, with the date and time he was taken into custody added to make it fit.



Hoang Tu Duy, Viet Tans spokesperson, did not confirm that Quyen is a member of the group, but expressed concern over his arrest.



There has been an increasing crackdown on political dissent in Vietnam in recent years and all of these arrests should be condemned, Duy said.



We are concerned about all of the recent arrests, including that of Tran Van Quyen.



Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Viet Ha. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Hollywood superstar and U.N. ambassador Angelina Jolie heard stories of abuse when she met Rohingya children and women at a refugee camp in southeastern Bangladesh on Monday, authorities said, as she began a three-day visit to the country.



Jolie, a special envoy for the UNHCR refugee agency, spent more than three hours at the Chakmarkul refugee camp in Coxs Bazar district, ahead of the launch of a new humanitarian funding appeal by the United Nations for almost $1 billion.



During her visit, she talked to refugees, including women and children, and listened to their stories of abuse toward them in Myanmar, Mahbubur Rahman, an official with Bangladeshs Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commission, told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.



More than 700,000 Rohingya have sought shelter at camps in the countrys southeast corner after fleeing their homes in neighboring Myanmar at the height of an army crackdown in August 2017.



Haresa Begum, a 10-year-old refugee, said she was among those who met the actress.



She asked me how Im doing now, which grade do I attend, and why I fled to Bangladesh, Begum told BenarNews.



I said, I am well now. I want to study more. I came here to escape torture by the Myanmar army. We were very badly abused there. We want justice, she said.



Mohammad Zaber, a Rohingya leader at the camp, said Jolie also visited the makeshift home of a Rohingya woman named Jahanara.



She asked Jahanara how is she doing now? Jahanara told her that she is OK here, but wanted to bring the Myanmar army to justice for abusing them, Zaber told Benar.



Jahanara also told Jolie that she wants to return to Myanmar with her Rohingya identity and citizenship rights.



Needs, challenges



Jolie came to Bangladesh to assess the humanitarian needs of the refugees and the challenges faced by Bangladesh in hosting the refugees from Myanmar, according to a statement issued by UNHCR on Monday.



The unprecedented influx of refugees who fled to Bangladesh because of the August 2017 crackdown in Rakhine state were escaping from what the United States and U.N. investigators had described as ethnic cleansing targeting the Rohingya people.



Her visit comes just before the launch of a new appeal for the humanitarian situation in Bangladesh  the 2019 Joint Response Plan  which seeks to raise some $920 million to continue meeting the basic needs of Rohingya refugees and the communities so generously hosting them, the statement said.



It said that Jolie, 43, who was representing the UN High Commissioner at the diplomatic level, was expected to meet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen and other officials to discuss safe and sustainable solutions to the plight of the refugees.



UNHCR said Jolie had previously met Rohingya refugees in Myanmar in 2015 and in India in 2006.



Buddhist-majority Myanmar regards the Rohingya as illegal migrants and has long denied them citizenship and basic rights, despite their long roots in Rakhine state.



Excuses, delays



Bangladesh has accused Myanmar of finding excuses to delay taking refugees back and Rohingya leaders have previously said that those sheltering at the overflowing refugee would not go back until their safety is guaranteed.



Jolie, who was appointed U.N. special envoy in April 2012, arrived at Coxs Bazar Airport on board a Novo Air flight. She had previously carried out almost 60 field missions related to refugees, officials said.



But Abdus Shukur, a Rohingya refugee, expressed skepticism about Jolies presence at the camp.



Many celebrities come to visit us, but did that make any change for us? Shukur told BenarNews.



They just come and go, but have we received justice? Could we manage to return home with our Rohingya identity?



Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
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HARTFORD  Passing paid family and medical leave legislation tops the list of Connecticut Democrats list of priorities for 2019.

It is one of the issues on which House and Senate Democrats have early consensus, said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, D-New Haven. Also on the list is raising the minimum wage, making prescription drugs more affordable, improving job development and training, allowing early voting and passing a green new deal to fund renewable energy and sustainability efforts.

Those are the values that we fought for on the campaign trail, said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk. We are keeping our promises. We want to fight hard to grow this economy and make sure we grow the state of Connecticut in a way that brings people to this state.

Legalizing recreational marijuana was not on the list of priorities, which Democrats unveiled Monday afternoon, because some Democrats oppose the idea, Looney said.

Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, as well as a Democratic governor, means these consensus items are likely to pass, if Democrats can agree on the specifics. They will spend the next few months negotiating and debating the exact language of each bill.

Some of these policies may have merit, but we need to see the details, said Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, in a written statement. Once those details are made known, Im interested in knowing how they can be enacted in a way which doesnt hurt Connecticut businesses. And how much do they cost? And how would they impact peoples paychecks?

State Rep. Robyn Porter, D-New Haven, who chairs the Labor and Public Employees Committee, said Democrats are currently considering a family and medical leave plan in which all workers in the state automatically contribute 0.5 percent of their paycheck to a family and medical leave fund administered by the state Department of Labor.

Workers could then access the fund to receive pay for up to 12 weeks while on leave to care for newborn babies, recover from a serious illness, or care for a sick family member, for example. Employees on leave would receive 100 percent of their weekly earnings, up to $1,000 per week.

New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Jersey have passed legislation for public family and medical leave programs, as well as California, Washington state and the District of Columbia.

I think we can look at whats been done and learn from it and make our bill even stronger and better for working families, said Sen. Julie Kushner, D-Danbury, who chairs the Labor Committee with Porter, in an interview Thursday. I think it will be one of those flagship bills that really publicizes that this is a great place to live and work and raise your family.

Looney observed that while he hopes Connecticuts bill is a model, it may not be the strongest of all states because their proposal would not require employer contributions into the fund. He called that a concession.

Republican Rep. Jason Perillo of Shelton, who attended the news conference Monday, called paid family and medical leave bill a payroll tax.

Everybody is going to have to take a chunk out of their paycheck to pay into this proposal, said Perillo. What Republicans proposed last year would actually be a tax credit for those employers who want to implement paid family and medical leave. It would be optional, but they would get a benefit.

Democrats also hope that Connecticut can catch up to other New England states by raising the minimum wage. Looney said he wants to see the states minimum wage, now $10.10 per hour, rise to $11.25 in Jan. 2020, $12.50 in 2021, $13.75 in 2022 and $15 in 2023. Democrats still need to decide whether and how they would then index the minimum wage, Looney added.

We need to be very careful not to pass policies which could obliterate our current economic momentum, Fasano responded. An onslaught of economic wrecking ball legislation would put Connecticut into freefall.

emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson
TORRINGTON  The Torrington Downtown Partners LLCs civil suit against Subway Real Estate LLC and SUBCON Inc. over the alleged failure to pay the rent for many months through November is headed to court next month.

The nonprofit groups complaint, filed late last year at Superior Court in Torrington, alleges that the corporation, as tenants at 11 Main St., agreed to pay the partners group $1,614 a month for rent. Court documents show the lease on the property was terminated for non-payment.

A set trial date of March 5 has been scheduled after a recent mediation session between the two parties was not productive.

We couldnt come to an agreement, Downtown Partners co-founder Stephen Temkin said.

We want to clear things up so we can get another tenant in there, said Temken. Hopefully, well come to some conclusion, before the trial begins. The group is represented by Attorney Stuart Margolis of New Haven, who would not comment about the civil action.

Subway Real Estate denied the non-payment of rent allegations in court documents. The corporations attorney, Michael E. Donahue, senior counsel for the Lease Resolution Group, did not return a call for comment.

The complaint from the nonprofit states that the time... for the defendants to quit possession has passed, but Subway still continues to be in possession of the premises.

In his response to the allegations cited in the complaint, Donahue agreed that the corporation entered into a lease with the plaintiff... but it denies that it is in possession of the premises as Plaintiff unlawfully locked (Subway)... out of the premises.

Weve never had the situation of a potential trial, in previous issues of tenant non-payment, Temken said. The nonprofit began its downtown revitalization plan in 2010, when it bought nine buildings in the space of three months.

Its an exciting time for downtown, Temkin said. Theres a wine bar that wants to go in, but we dont know the status of the now-closed Subway store.

The downtown Subway store opened in 2012 in the historic Lilley Block #2 after moving from the Torrington Commons Shopping Center on High Street.
TORRINGTON  A seamless transition is expected in the coming weeks as Ray Drew, newly appointed director of public works, steps into the job held by Jerry Rollette for more than two decades.

Drew has 19 years stacked up as the citys administrator for the Water Pollution Control Authority.

He unanimously was appointed to the position Monday night by the City Council.

I have a great deal of confidence in the succession, Mayor Elinor Carbone said.

Drew reported to Rollette during his tenure as the control authority administrator, she added.

Drew shared his admiration for his former boss in his remarks to the council following his appointment. He has never wavered in his dedication to serve the residents of this city, he said about Rollette.

I will continue my devotion to the city, Drew said. He noted that the public works department staff are experts in their field. I challenge them to become better.

I want to hear from the staff and the residents about what interests them, Drew told the council.

Carbone said over the past five years, she has asked the department heads to identify who are the next leaders and help them grow. Ray accepted that challenge.

Drew will be acting director until Rollettes official retirement May 1, Carbone said. Until then, he will divide his time between City Hall and the treatment plant.

I want to develop a comprehensive capital improvement plan, as his first order of business, Drew said after the meeting. He also will make a facility maintenance plan a priority, Drew added. All infrastructure is an inherent investment, we must ensure that we maintain it.

Asked how many miles of road are part of that infrastructure, Drew said about 163 miles.

Im looking forward to all the paperwork youll be showing me for the paving work, said councilor Frank Rubino, as he congratulated Drew.
School districts across the state have protocols for what to do if an active shooter forces his way into their buildings.

But under the chaos of gunfire, everything gets a lot more complicated.

The goal should be to ensure teachers and students are equipped to quickly react to any circumstance, said Greg Crane, founder of the ALICE Training Institute, which teaches civilians how to respond in active shooter situations

Having a predetermined plan of action is just really not acceptable, Crane said. Because it never really can take into consideration all of the dynamics of the event, the chaos of the event, the variables of the event.

Local school districts recognize this and have been training students and staff to respond under various scenarios.

We want to teach our kids situational awareness, Bethel Superintendent Christine Carver said. In any situation, it might be different how you react.

This is a change from the philosophy after the shooting at Columbine High School in 1999, she said. Carver recalled schools conducted drills in the classroom, where teachers would shut the shades and turn off the lights and students would stay put.

Unfortunately, its not that clean, she said, pointing out that last years shooting at a high school in Parkland, Fla., occurred during dismissal.

Research suggests the traditional lockdown alone is not the most effective way to protect students during school shootings.

The Journal of School Violence released a study in the fall that compared traditional lockdowns to a multi-option approach, where students and teachers evacuate an area, form barricades and, as a last resort, resist the gunman.

In simulations of that response, the situation ended sooner and fewer people were shot, compared to traditional lockdowns, according to the study.

Superintendents declined to get into specifics on their security procedures, citing safety reasons.

But area districts uses cameras and other measures to protect the buildings, while working closely with local police departments during emergencies.

Were always trying to train and communicate with the school teachers and administration and make sure were on the same page with things, said Bethel Police Capt. Stephen Pugner.

Connecticut also requires districts annually to review and if necessary improve their security plans and submit them to the state. Many districts formed committees after last years shooting in Parkland to examine upgrading emergency protocols.

Were always updating and refining our practice and keeping people apprised of whats going on, Brookfield Superintendent John Barile said.

In New Fairfield, the district this year started conducting drills at inopportune times, such as lunch or between class periods, said Richard Sanzo, director of business operations. Lockdown, evacuation, fire and shelter-in-place drills are held multiple times a month, he said.

It helps us to plan and be able to problem solve around different scenarios that can occur, he said.

Joel Barlow High School in Redding held a lockdown this week during passing time, said Thomas McMorran, superintendent of Easton, Redding and Region 9. The district plans again to conduct drills at odd times.

The drills prevent students and staff from panicking in an emergency because they know what to do, Carver said.

That helps keep people feel calm if, God forbid, there is a crisis, she said.

Newtown heightened its security measures after the Sandy Hook tragedy, where 26 children and educators were massacred in the elementary school.

The buildings are protected by surveillance cameras and access card systems, said Mark Pompano, director of security. Newtown holds drills once a month, in addition to drill week, where emergency drills are practiced.

Afterward, the district surveys students and staff on how these protocols could be improved, Pompano said.

Weve always had emergency response procedures, he said. Even on the day of the tragedy, those procedures were put into place. Weve practiced them. Weve continued to practice them.

Aside from drills, Pompano or principals train new hires on security protocols. Pompano also speaks at faculty meetings and to various unions.

In New Fairfield and Brookfield, the districts have held tabletop exercises with staff where participants are given scenarios to practice what they would do in various scenarios.

Each of us have different roles in responding to a crisis or event, Sanzo said. It helps us to think through the steps we would be taking.

Staff in Easton, Redding and Region 9 have teamed up with Bethel schools and the local police departments for similar exercises, McMorran said. He said this has been instrumental in figuring out little details, such as that certain staff members need walkie talkies or where administrators should keep their emergency vests.

The important thing is when youre in an actual crisis to be able to rely on training and previous thinking, McMorran said. Because when you're in a crisis, your body responds, your heart rate goes up, your sweat glands turn on. You want to make sure you have pre-positioned the places people will go, the things theyll do.

New Milford has not conducted these exercises yet, but hopes to do so in the spring after updating its security protocols, said Stephen Tracy, interim superintendent. He said this method has been effective in other districts he has worked for.

They are worthy exercises because you really walk through the process and you throw a few curveballs in to see how people respond, Tracy said.

After all, there is no step-by-step protocol students and staff can follow to protect themselves, Crane said.

What we need to do is tell people what all these options are and then give them the training, the confidence, the skill set, so they can make a decision in the moment, he said.

Some area school districts said they use pieces of the ALICE method, but havent been trained specifically through the institute. But Shelton High School conducted an ALICE drill a couple years ago.

Bethel considered this year reading a book to elementary-school students based on its teachings.

The picture book, Im not Scared...Im Prepared! Because I Know all about ALICE, encourages students to listen to their teacher during emergencies, while also teaching them to run, hide and fight if an active shooter comes into the building.

The book suggests students throw objects at the attacker and run in a zig-zaggy formation while waving their arms and making strange noises.

Crane said these methods distract and delay the attacker. If students simply hide under their desks, they could still be found, he said.

I dont want them to be calm, he said. I want chaos. Chaos is bad for the bad guy, too.

After backlash from parents over the book, Carver said the district is reevaluating whether teachers will read the text in class.

We were looking for a way to have a conversation with kids that is developmentally appropriate and not make them afraid, Carver said,

She said these discussions about how to respond during emergencies would still happen, even without the book.

Surveys of Bethel students have shown they feel safe from bullying and emergencies at the schools, Carver said.

Part of it is because they do understand we do take it seriously, and we want to make sure were giving them the proper drilling and procedures, so they know what to do in an emergency situation, she said.
WASHINGTON  Former U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty spent nearly a quarter of a million dollars in leftover campaign cash in the last quarter of 2018, but still had more than than $720,000 in her campaign account when she left office.

Estys year-end filings with the Federal Elections Commission shows the congresswoman gave the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee $15,100 and donated another $15,000 to the Association of Former Members of Congress.

Her FEC filings show she also gave $50,000 to the Newtown Action Alliance, a group formed after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School that seeks tighter gun regulations.

Alliance chairwoman Po Murray said Esty will continue to work with the group on its youth program, called the Jr. Newtown Action Alliance, to expand the youth program in Connecticut and beyond.

Esty made a single donation to a political campaign  that of Rep. Jahana Hayes, a fellow Democrat who won Estys 5th District congressional seat after she opted not to run for reelection. Esty donated $2,000 to Hayes campaign.

Esty decided against running for re-election after she was soundly criticized for her handling of an abusive former chief of staff.

After she announced her plans to retire from Congress in May, Esty was required under federal campaign law to return all contributions earmarked for the general election. She returned more than $262,000 in contributions.

But that left her campaign with more than $1 million that she could give to the campaigns of political candidates, to charities, or to other non-profit groups.

Esty is also allowed under federal campaign law to spend money closing out her campaign account and wrapping up her congressional business.

Her FEC filings show she spent about $30,000 on legal fees and more than $7,500 on food and catering expenses.

Esty spokesman Tim Daly said the money for food and catering was to host thank you events in Connecticut and Washington D.C. for supporters.

He said the legal fees were paid for a combination of closing out campaign accounts and fees for house ethics review.

Esty asked the House Ethics Committee to review her conduct in the case of former chief-of-staff Tony Baker, who had harassed and threatened a female staffer. Esty did not fire Baker for several months after learning of his behavior, and when she did terminate his employment she gave him a severance check and good recommendation for a job at Sandy Hook Promise, another group born out of the Newtown tragedy.

In a report issued in December, about three weeks before Estys last day in Congress, the House Ethics Committee determined many of Estys actions were ill advised but said the matter should be closed with no further action, meaning that the panel did not think any disciplinary action was warranted.

Esty left office with more than $720,000 in leftover campaign funds, her FEC filing shows.

Now that the congresswoman has competed her term, she will now be able to spend some time on whats next for that campaign fund, Daly said. With a busy end to the session, her focus had been on finishing her term strong.
Democratic lawmakers are hoping to pass at least four bills aimed at reducing gun violence this year, including one named after a 15-year-old killed last year in Guilford.

The Judiciary Committee, co-chaired by Sen. Gary Winfield and Rep. Steve Stafstrom, raised the concepts Friday for a public hearing. Only one of the concepts has been drafted as legislation.

Ethans Law, which is named after Ethan Song of Guilford, would require gun owners to lock up all firearms in homes with children age 18 or under  whether or not the weapons are loaded. If a tragedy similar to Songs death occurred, the owner of the gun would be charged with a felony, said Rep. Sean Scanlon, D-Guilford.

In Songs case, the homeowner left the gun unloaded in a cardboard box in a closet with the bullets nearby, according to an investigation by Waterbury States Attorney Maureen Platt. Song and the owners son were handling the gun when the 15-year-old was shot and killed.

Platt concluded that the owner couldnt be charged with a crime since under state law it is legal to leave an unloaded handgun unlocked. It is currently a felony to leave a loaded gun unlocked in a home with a child under the age of 16, lawmakers said.

The bill, which is new this year, would have saved Ethans life as well as other lives across the country, said Jeremy Stein, executive director of CT Against Gun Violence. Stein demonstrated for the crowd a quick access gun lock safe that would prevent children from access to the firearm but allow the owner to quickly get the gun out.

Safe storage is one of the prime responsibilities of any gun owner, Stein said.

Another concept backed by Democrats would require gun owners to lock firearms stored in vehicles.

People are stealing guns from cars and using them to commit crimes, Stein said after the press conference. We could easily reduce crime simply by getting rid of the supply of guns.

Stafstrom said the committee will also debate a measure that would make do-it-yourself so-called ghost guns and 3-D printed guns illegal in the state.

Ghost guns are homemade firearms from parts usually bought on the Internet. They are particularly dangerous since there has been no inspection process and the weapons dont have a serial number. They also arent recorded as a gun sale, making them impossible to trace, if the firearm was used in a crime, lawmakers said.

They arent serialized and the person who makes the gun doesnt have to pass a background check, said Stafstrom, who believes the concept has broad support among Democrats and Republicans. The bill made it out of committee last year, but it didnt receive a debate in either chamber.

A fourth bill, SB 60, would require those who open carry guns in public to produce their pistol permit if asked by a law enforcement officer. The measure is easily the most controversial, admitted Winfield who said a similar bill died in 2017 over concerns about racial profiling that were raised by the Black and Hispanic Caucus.

I have those concerns right now, Winfield said. We need to take some time to allow the bills to go to the public hearing process and get some feedback.

State Police have said there are 265,563 pistol permit holders in Connecticut.

Winfield admitted that some of the bills introduced Friday havent gotten to the finish line in previous years. He was open to changes that would make the bills more palatable to a wide range of lawmakers as long as the underlying sense of what were doing stays intact, he said.

The committee would also be raising three other gun-related bills Friday afternoon that werent favored by the Democratic leadership of the Judiciary Committee, including a bill to allow certain individuals to carry guns in state parks. Winfield didnt provide the specifics on the three bills but said they would go a public hearing.

Flanked by dozens of supporters including the president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Wethersfield Chief James Cetran, Winfield said he was confident all four concepts or in one case a bill would become law.

I think it is possible to get the four bills done, he said. Not just because we have the numbers, but because of the way we will have the conversation.

Second Amendment groups are likely to oppose many of the measures like they have in past because they believe the concepts punish law abiding gun owners and not criminals.
Joe Lieberman: Connecticut son, candidate for vice president, senator, state attorney general.

Lightning rod?

Yes, Joe Lieberman  who was Al Gores running mate in 2000 and would have been vice president if not for those pesky hanging chads  has more than once raised a few eyebrows.

Lieberman ran on the Democratic ticket, but raised the ire of more than a few Democrats more than a few times.

Here are nine times Joe Lieberman did or said things everyone hated.

1. He supported Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam

Lets get the latest news out of the way. The Virginia governor both apologized for a photo in his 1984 medical school yearbook  in which one man appears in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan outfit  but said neither man is him.

Northam has resisted calls for his resignation, mostly from Democrats, but Lieberman has supported him.

I think theres a rush to judgment that is unfair to him, Lieberman said of Northam on CNN. One, he says he wasnt in that picture. Two, I think we ought to fairly ask him, Did he know the picture was on his page of that yearbook? And then three, really, he ought to be judged on the context of his whole life.

2. He endorsed John McCain for president

McCain considered the senator from Arizona a friend, but many democrats couldnt forgive him when, at the 2008 Republican National Convention, he came in full-throated support of the Republican candidate.

I'm here tonight because John McCain is the best choice to bring our country together and lead our country forward, Lieberman said then.

After that, Lieberman began calling himself an Independent Democrat, and though he caucused with Democrats occasionally, he changed the D after his name to an I.

3. He endorsed Sarah Palin

There were some who said that Liebermans support of McCain was due to their long friendship, or that Lieberman was angling for a second chance at the second spot.

"I suppose if Senator McCain is going to be nominated, and he asks me, I will go," Lieberman told The New York Times.

McCain later said he regretted choosing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin over Lieberman.

But whatever the motivations, Liebermans speech offered support not only for McCain but for Palin, too, who he called a reformer who has taken on the special interests and reached across party lines.

She is a leader we can count on to help John shake up Washington, he said.

4. Supporting Donald Trump

Lieberman speculated on a Trump presidency as far back as 1999. The Donald is quite a ladies man, Lieberman said at a Washington event, as Newsweek reported. Hes going to have, if elected, an all-female cabinet. Secretary of Energy Carmen Electra, Secretary of Defense Xena the Warrior Princess.

His praise of Trump became more serious in more recent years. Lieberman said he agreed with Trumps decision to move the American embassy in Israel, and of Trumps policies on Iran.

Lieberman was reportedly being considered for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

Lieberman went so far as to criticize Democrats for their handling of the president.

I hope the Democrats will get over that soon, he told ABC News. It takes two to tango.

5. He joked about torture

At a private event, a roast, for Dick Cheney in 2013, Lieberman was caught making light about torture.

Lieberman said something to the effect that its nice that were all here at the Plaza instead of in cages after some war crimes trial, one attendee told BuzzFeed.

Cheney, too, told a real side-splitter about waterboarding, but torture jokes were over-the-top, even for some hawks.

There were some waterboarding jokes that were really tasteless," one guest told Buzzfeed. "I can see the case for enhanced interrogation techniques after Sept. 11 but I can't really endorse sitting there drinking wine and fancy dinner at the Plaza laughing uproariously about it.

6. He advocated for the Iraq War

The former senator from Connecticut was one of the most hawkish voices during debates about the invasion of Iraq.

Lieberman was actually the sponsor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002, which ultimately sent troops overseas.

Later, in 2005, McCain defended his position, and argued that troops had to stay on the ground.

As he told The Wall Street Journal, I am disappointed by Democrats who are more focused on how President Bush took America into the war in Iraq almost three years ago, and by Republicans who are more worried about whether the war will bring them down in next November's elections, than they are concerned about how we continue the progress in Iraq in the months and years ahead.

7. He wanted The New York Times investigated for spying

When WikiLeaks handed news agencies U.S. embassy cables, Lieberman suggested that news organizations should be investigated for espionage.

The New York Times and other news organisations publishing the US embassy cables being released by WikiLeaks could be investigated for breaking US espionage laws, he told Fox News. To me the New York Times has committed at least an act of, at best, bad citizenship, but whether they have committed a crime is a matter of discussion for the justice department."

8. He criticized Clinton during the Lewinsky scandal

Lieberman was yet to be the Democratic nominee for vice president when, in 1998, he took a stab at President Bill Clinton.

"I was disappointed because the president of the United States had just confessed to engaging in an extramarital affair with a young woman in his employ and to willfully deceiving the nation about his conduct, Lieberman told CNN then.

He called Clintons actions immoral, and said Clinton had put Democrats in jeopardy.

"I was personally angry because President Clinton had, by his disgraceful behavior, jeopardized his administration's historic record of accomplishment, much of which grew out of the principles and programs that he and I and many others had worked on together in the new Democratic movement, he said.

9. He killed the public option

When the Affordable Care Act was being debated Lieberman killed the so-called public option, almost single-handedly.

Then Sen. Harry Reid was trying to build a coalition and needed Lieberman, then an independent, for the 60th vote.

But Lieberman demurred, saying he would filibuster any bill that contained a public option.

The final bill excluded a public option.

jordan.fenster@hearstmediact.com
RAINELLE [ndash] Nancy Carol O'Neal, 77, of Dawson passed away on Friday, June 18, 2021, at Stonerise Nursing home in Rainelle. Born January 15, 1944, in Hinton, she was the daughter of the late Dewey and Pauline Bennett Miller. Apart from her parents, she was preceded in death by daughters:
To the Moon and Back West Virginia chapter members lobbied in Charleston last week for (NAS) Neonatal Abstinence Abuse children. From left to right: Amber Fuller, Birth to Three developmental specialist; Andrea Logwood, occupational therapist with Birth to Three; Kacy Burgess, foster parent; Sen. Stephen Baldwin, D-Greenbrier; Cindy Chamberlin, Birth to Three physical therapist and To The Moon and Back West Virginia President; and Amy Williams Birth to Three Service Coordinator.
Source:

February 05, 2019 16:23 IST

The Pune Police told the Bombay high court on Tuesday that it will not arrest activist Anand Teltumbde till February 12 midnight, even as the Dalit scholar termed the case a ploy to 'humiliate' and 'harass' him.

The statement was made by the state's counsel Aruna Pai on behalf of the Pune Police before a bench of Justice N W Sambre.

The court was hearing an application filed by Teltumbde seeking anticipatory bail in the Elgar Parishad-Koregaon Bhima case.

Teltumbde is an accused in the case, which was filed following violent clashes at Koregaon-Bhima village near Pune on January 1, 2018.

He was booked on several charges, including sections under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Justice Sambre on Tuesday directed Pai to give an oral undertaking as a pre-condition for securing time to file an affidavit opposing Teltumbde's plea.

The court said it would hear the plea on February 11.

Teltumbde later termed the police's case against him and several other social activists as 'harassment' and a ploy to 'humiliate' them.

"The police does not want to investigate the case... they just want to harass and humiliate us. I have been cooperating with the investigation since long. I don't understand why this sudden move to arrest me," he told reporters in Mumbai.

Teltumbde was arrested last week after a Pune court rejected his pre-arrest bail plea. He was, however, ordered to be released a day later on Saturday (February 2) following a court order.

He approached the high court on Monday seeking anticipatory bail and said he had no role to play in the case.

When the plea was heard on Tuesday by Justice Sambre, advocate Pai sought for it to be dismissed on the ground that UAPA Section 43D(4) bars granting anticipatory bail to an accused.

Pai also pointed out that earlier last year, Teltumbde, who the police claim has Maoist links, filed another plea in the high court denying all charges against him and urged the court to quash the first information report against him in the case.

However, another bench rejected the plea.

"The HC bench rejected the plea after analysing all evidence against him. That, too, should be a valid ground to dismiss the anticipatory bail application," Pai said.

Teltumbde's counsel Mihir Desai said the law provided for anticipatory bail even under the UAPA in 'exceptional cases'.

Pai asked the court to grant her time to put her arguments on an affidavit.

Justice Sambre granted her time till February 9 to file the affidavit after she assured the court that Teltumbde would not be arrested till February 12, considering that the Supreme Court had granted the activist time till February 11 to exhaust all his legal remedies seeking protection from arrest.

Teltumbde was arrested from the Mumbai airport last Saturday around 3 am.

His arrest was deemed illegal by a sessions court and he was released from custody.

Teltumbde was booked following an Elgar Parishad event on December 31, 2017, which, the police alleged, triggered violent clashes the next day at Koregaon-Bhima village in Pune district.

According to police, the event was funded and supported by Maoists.

At the event, some activists made inflammatory speeches and provocative statements that contributed to the January 1 violence, they had said.

Several activists were named in the FIR. Some of them, including Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj, P Varavara Rao and Gautam Navlakha, were initially put under house arrest on the directions of the Supreme Court.

All of them, except Navlakha, were recently re-arrested and taken into custody by police.

In October last year, Pune Police registered another FIR, naming eight more activists, including Teltumbde and Stan Swamy.
Source:

February 05, 2019 20:40 IST

At a time when the fate of the electoral tie-up between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiv Sena is hanging in the balance, political strategist and Janata Dal-United leader Prashant Kishor on Tuesday visited Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, and expressed a wish to join hands ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

IMAGE: Political strategist and Janata Dal-United leader Prashant Kishor met with Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya at their residence Matoshree in Mumbai. Photograph: @AUThackeray/Twitter

Both the Sena and the JD-U, which is headed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, are members of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

The Sena, which is part of the central and Maharashtra governments, has been at loggerheads with the BJP.

Kishor is credited with conceptualising and implementing innovative strategies like chai pe charcha with Narendra Modi, who was the BJPs prime ministerial nominee at that time, that are said to have contributed to the BJPs stupendous victory in the 2014 elections. He is currently the vice president of the JD-U.

As part of NDA, we look forward to joining forces with you in Maharashtra to help secure victory in upcoming Lok Sabha elections & beyond. @nitishkumar, Kishor tweeted while tagging JD-U president Nitish Kumar.

Kishor re-tweeted Shiv Sena youth wing president Aaditya Thackerays tweet welcoming him at their residence Matoshree in suburban Bandra.

Thank you for your warm hospitality Uddhav ji and @AUThackeray, he tweeted.

Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, Aaditya tweeted: Today Uddhav Thackeray ji and I had a special visitor over lunch. Some great talks @PrashantKishor ji.

Thackeray junior also tweeted photos of Kishor meeting his hosts.

A close aide of Uddhav Thackeray said no senior BJP leader had visited the residence of the Sena chief since 2014 except BJP chief Amit Shah, and held talks about the alliance between the two parties.

Sena leaders refused to divulge details of the meeting between Uddhav and Kishor.

After falling out with PM Modi, Kishor worked with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the 2015 assembly elections campaign. He was reportedly instrumental in bringing Nitish and his arch rival Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav to take on the BJP during the polls.

Kishor was later roped in by the Congress for the assembly elections held in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh in 2017.

While the Congress returned to power in Punjab, it fared badly in Uttar Pradesh.

Several Congress leaders like Randeep Surjewala had hailed Kishor for the Punjab outcome.

In Maharashtra, the future of electoral alliance between the Sena and the BJP is under cloud with the Uddhav Thackeray-led party giving mixed signals about its willingness to contest Lok Sabha polls with the BJP by its side.

Both the parties had contested the 2014 general elections in an alliance, but went solo in the assembly elections held in October that year.

Sena on January 24 last year announced to contest all the forthcoming elections on its own strength.

The party has been criticising the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a range of issues in the party mouthpiece Saamana.

Meanwhile, Sena leadership held meetings with its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs as well as with MLAs and MLCs on Tuesday.
February 05, 2019 08:41 IST

The annual Mumbai Police calendar, shot by ace photographer Pravin Talan, keeps getting bigger and grander every passing year and is universally hailed as the most aspirational and inspiring police calendar in the country.



The fourth edition of the Mumbai Police Calendar has stunning visuals and heartwarming emotions capturing the lives and duties of Mumbai cops through its sixteen pages. Each page of the calendar is filled with artistic interpretation of the act of policing filling you with awe and inspiration.

Pravin Talan, the ace photographer behind the calendar, said it is a tribute not just to one of the finest police forces in the world, but also to the city itself.

Tall, strong and magnificent, the Bandra-Worli Sealinks sheer splendour stands as a mere reflection of the glorious city itself.

The freedom of Mumbai's open waters secured with the confidence of Mumbai's finest.

Swift and steadfast in taking care of the wrongs, so that you don't have to.

Come smouldering heat, come pelting rain; armed with their mighty whistle, these masterful orchestrators of the road work tirelessly so you reach home on time.

Everyday in this workplace, courage is worn like armour. The intensity and the grit in her eyes define her role. Danger doesn't get into gender discrimination, once you put on that uniform, you need to ensure the law of land prevails.

For the protectors of a city this grand, a few punches in the gut are but warm up.

Against those terrorising their city's harmony, their bullets speak first.

Man's best friends, trained to get you out of 'ruff' spots!

For everything the city holds sacred, a glance away are the ever-watchful guardians, of the ever-vibrant city.

The reassurance that real superheroes walk among us.

Preserving the old, igniting the new; for the identifiers of the glorious city, it is all part of the job.

Be it the calm or the storm - the men in white are the mediators of both. With almost three million vehicles in Mumbai, it's a challenge for traffic police to ensure smooth flow of the traffic. Rich or poor you stay behind the zebra crossing or an e-challan would be on the way.

The protector of the good.

The destroyer of the evil.

Cover page: Serving Mumbai with Pride and honour.
February 05, 2019 14:38 IST

With the Supreme Court ordering Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation, the agency will finally be able to question the top cop in cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam probe.

The CBI's move to send a team to Kolkata to question Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar has led a major showdown between the government of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Centre.

The CM has been sitting on a Save the Constitution dharna since Sunday night, and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh terming the situation as a "constitutional breakdown".

Here's all you need to know about the unprecedented chaos and confrontation between the state government and the Centre.

Why is Mamata Banerjee sitting on a dharna

The showdown began after CBI officials landed at Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's Loudon House residence on Sunday to question him in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam.

Last year, West Bengal had withdrawn general consent granted to the CBI, effectively curtailing the agencys powers in the state without prior permission.

Consequently, a team of Kolkata police officers rushed to the spot to speak to CBI officials and tried to inquire if they had the requisite permission to question Kumar.

The Kolkata cops prevented the CBI team from entering Kumar's residence and forcefully took them to a nearby police station, where they were detained for some time.

Amidst all this drama, Banerjee reached Kumar's residence and, after a meeting, addressed the media accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval of misusing the CBI against her as she had led the grand opposition rally in Kolkata a few days ago.

She declared that she will stage a dharna to protest this action.

"This is a satyagraha and Ill continue (it) till the country is saved... Constitution is saved," she said at the protest site.

Why the CBI went to Kolkata

According to the CBI, Kumar was not responding to notices to appear before the agency.

The agency said it has been trying to locate Kumar to question him in connection with the scams, and that they might have to arrest the Kolkata police chief as a last resort.

Banerjee responded to this by terming Kolkata police commissioner among the best in the world and accusing the BJP leadership of pursuing the worst kind of political vendetta.

Why CBI wanted to question Rajeev Kumar

Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, had led a Special Investigation Team of West Bengal Police probing the scams.

The probe was transferred to the CBI in 2014 on the orders of the Supreme Court.

The central agency accuses Kumar of destroying important documents and evidences related to the scams.

The agency said it was trying to reach Kumar for questioning regarding the charges but he was being evasive.

However, the Kolkata police countered the claims.

What are Saradha and Rose Valley scams

Saradha and Rose Valley groups ran ponzi schemes which collapsed, resulting in a loss of billions of rupees to millions of investors.

The schemes followed the standard chit fund scheme model where old investors are paid returns by investment generated by new ones.

However, as fresh investments stopped, the schemes collapsed.

The people who ran the Saradha group were allegedly close to the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Prominent TMC politicians, including two MPs -- Kunal Ghosh and Srinjoy Bose -- and former state minister Madan Mitra were arrested for their alleged involvement in the scam.

Mamata vs CBI

Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant.

She alleged the Centre wants to impose President's rule in whatever states the opposition is in power.

Banerjee asked all opposition parties to unite to bring down the Modi government and, in a rare exhortation by a political leader, called upon personnel of security forces of the Centre and states, besides the Army, to "condemn" the attitude of the Modi government.

In a tit-for-tat move, a team of Kolkata police officials also cordoned off the CGO Complex-- the state headquarters of the CBI.

CBI officer Srivastava said, "I have also been detained and there are police officers standing outside my house."

Sources in the CBI claimed that hours before going to the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner, the agency wrote to the local police, informing about its secret operation and seeking adequate security for the same.

A letter was written by CBI Inspector Prasenjit Mukherjee to Officer-in-charge of Shakespeare Sarani police station, the agency sources said.

'In connection with a secret operation to be carried out at 2, No London Street, ie, the official residence of Sh Rajeev Kumar, the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata Police, by a CBI team today, your assistance by way of providing adequate security at the same place is required,' read the letter, which the CBI says was sent to the local police.

The agency later moved the Supreme Court alleging destruction of evidence by Kumar in ponzi scam cases.

What the Supreme Court said

Ordering Kumar to make himself available before the CBI and 'faithfully' cooperate with the agency in investigation, the apex court said no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata police chief, will take place during the course of the investigation.

The SC also sought Kumar's response on the allegations that he was tampering with electronic evidence and that the SIT headed by him provided the agency with doctored materials.

The apex court also directed the West Bengal chief secretary, the director general of police and the Kolkata police commissioner to file replies on the contempt pleas filed against them by the CBI.
Source:

February 05, 2019 17:04 IST

Rajeev Kumar, the Kolkata police commissioner, is known for his impeccable investigating and electronic surveillance skills.

IMAGE: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar. Photograph: Swapan Mahapatra/PTI Photo

During her days in opposition, Mamata Banerjee had accused an IPS officer of tapping the phones of political rivals of the ruling Left Front. A decade down the line, she is staging a dharna to protest the Central Bureau of Investigations bid to question him.

Meet Rajeev Kumar, the Kolkata police commissioner, known for his impeccable investigating and electronic surveillance skills, who was once a blue-eyed boy of former West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya.

Banerjee had then accused Kumar of snooping on telephonic conversations of opposition leaders, an allegation rejected by the then Left Front government.

An IPS officer of the 1989 batch, 53-year-old Kumar, who holds an engineering degree in computer science from IIT Roorkee, is a native of Uttar Pradesh.

During his impressive career, Kumar has held important positions including those of Joint Commissioner (Special Task Force) and Director General (CID).

It was under his helmsmanship that the Special Task Force of Kolkata Police became a byword for terror for several top Maoists leaders and notorious criminals.

He was instrumental in the arrest of Chattaradhar Mahato, the much-feared convenor of Peoples Committee against Police Atrocities, a frontal organisation of Communist Party of India-Maoist, at the height of Lalgarh movement. Kumars officers disguised as journalist had arrested Mahato.

The tribals of Lalgarh, backed by Maoists, had begun a movement in the region against alleged police atrocities over a decade-and-half ago. They had targeted the then chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjees convoy at Salboni in Paschim Medinipur, prompting the government to launch a massive crackdown to flush out the rebels.

Former Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar, in his book Dial D for Don, reminisced how Rajeev Kumar, then SSP (CID), did extensive work after the American Center attack in 2001 and the high-profile kidnapping case of Khadim shoe companys CEO Partha Pratim Roy Burman.

The former Delhi police boss was full of praise for Kumar.

Former IPS officers say Kumar always stood by his subordinates.

He always stood by his men and officers. He is a team leader in the true sense, a former IPS officer said, adding he enjoys immense respect among the rank and file of the Kolkata police force.

In 2011, when Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress came to power ending the 34-year Left Front rule, she wanted Kumar to be shunted to some insignificant position. She was, however, dissuaded by senior police officers from taking such a course.

Over the next eight years a lot of water has flown down the Howrah bridge.

In January 2012, when Bidhannagar Police Commissionarate was formed, Rajeev Kumar was appointed its first commissioner.

When the Saradha chit fund scam was busted in 2013, thousands of collection agents for the company converged at the Trinamool Congress headquarters and demanded action against its chairman Sudipta Sen. The first cases against the group were lodged under the jurisdiction of Bidhannagar police commissionerate.

Kumar and his team arrested Sen and his partner in crime Debjani Mukherjee from Jammu and Kashmir on April 18, 2013. The state government formed a special investigation team under him to probe the fraud which saw lakhs of depositors getting duped of their hard earned money with the promise of abnormally high returns.

It was during his stint as SIT chief that he grew closer to the ruling dispensation.

His proximity to the establishment also brought with it criticism, as opposition parties accused the SIT of trying to destroy evidences against ruling TMC leaders and stalling the probe.

In November 2013, rebel TMC MP Kunal Ghosh was arrested by the SIT.

A CBI probe into the chit fund scam was ordered by the Supreme Court in May 2014 on a petition by senior Congress leader Abdul Mannan.

Meanwhile, the TMC dispensation elevated him as Additional Director General of CID.

During his tenure as ADG (CID) he outsmarted the CBI and arrested the first accused in the case of rape of a 70-year-old nun. The nun was raped by a gang of seven dacoits inside a Convent in Nadia district on March 14, 2015.

Amid growing outrage, the state government had decided to hand over the case to the CBI on March 18, 2015. But before the federal probe agency could lay its hands on the perpetrators, Kumar arrested the first accused on March 26.

He took over as 21st police commissioner of Kolkata on February 2016, the year the state had its last assembly polls.

A month later, two officers of Kolkata police, disguised as cow smugglers, tried to bribe Bharatiya Janata Party national secretary Rahul Sinha to help them in their trade. The incident

happened just a fortnight after Narada news released sting videos showing Trinamool Congress leaders purportedly accepting money from a fictitious company.

In April that year, the Election Commission decided to replace Kumar with Somen Mitra.

Once back in power, Mamata Banerjee reinstated Kumar.

Last September, a series of audio clips of purported telephone conversations between Kailash Vijayvargiya, BJP general secretary in charge of West Bengal, and Mukul Roy, a former confidante of Banerjee and now a frontline leader of the saffron party, started doing the rounds in social media.

The clips included a conversation where Roy purportedly asked Vijayvargiya to talk to BJP president Amit Shah and get CBI to keep a watch on four IPS officers serving in the state so as to scare them.

Roy had then alleged that their phones were tapped by Kolkata police, which rejected the allegations.
Source:

February 05, 2019 22:25 IST

Taking on Mamata Banerjee on her home turf, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday accused her of trying to protect a corrupt officer and said there could be nothing more shameful and unconstitutional than a chief minister staging a sit-in to prevent secrets related to corruption from spilling out.

IMAGE: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addresses a BJP rally in Purulia district of West Bengal. Photograph: PTI Photo

The Bharatiya Janata Party leader, who travelled by road from Jharkhand to this West Bengal town to address a rally after being denied permission earlier for landing helicopter in the state, targeted the Trinamool Congress chief for opposing the Central Bureau of Investigations attempt to quiz the Kolkata police chief in connection with the ponzi scams.

He said the TMC goons will be put behind bars and will be begging for mercy once the BJP comes to power in West Bengal in the same way Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party goons have been reined in his state Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing the rally, Adityanath also accused Banerjee of exploiting the poor in West Bengal and not allowing benefits of central schemes to reach the people of the state.

He referred to the Supreme Courts order directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to faithfully cooperate with the CBI in the investigation of the Saradha scam.

WATCH: WB govt embroiled in undemocratic activities: Yogi Adityanath

Why was West Bengal Chief Minister Banerjee trying to protect the police officer?

You must have seen how she is trying to save a corrupt officer. Nothing can be more shameful, undemocratic and unconstitutional than a chief minister of a state sitting on a dharna (sit-in protest) to ensure that secrets of corruption dont spill out, the UP chief minister alleged.

Purulia had witnessed political violence last year. Three BJP supporters were murdered and their bodies found hanging from trees and in one case with a high tension wire in Purulia district last year, attracting angry reactions from BJP president Amit Shah and others.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee had taken a swipe at the Uttar Pradesh chief minister asking him to concentrate on his own state instead of roaming around in West Bengal.

IMAGE: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath being garlanded by the BJP workers during a rally in Purulia district of West Bengal. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh and party leader Rahul Sinha are also seen. Photograph: PTI Photo

Reacting to her remarks, Adityanath said, I want to tell Mamata ji that Uttar Pradesh is being taken care of very well... and the day BJP government is formed in West Bengal, TMC goons will be begging for mercy just like the goons of SP-BSP in Uttar Pradesh (Jis di Bhartiya Janata Party ki sarakar aayegi, TMC ke goonde apne gale mein takhtee laga ke chalenge jaise ke Uttar Pradesh mein SP-BSP goonde chalte hein aur kehte hein hame baksh do).

Instead of rioting and harassing people, goons in UP are now begging for their lives and promising to reform. This is the BJP rule in Uttar Pradesh, he said.

Adityanath said there was no violence in panchayat polls in UP unlike in West Bengal.

While I was coming by road, I saw how the people of this area have been deprived just because TMC cadres siphon off all the funds given by the central government, he said.

When the entire country has moved forward in last four-and-a-half years, why the TMC government has deprived the people of this area of those benefits. It has no right to continue in power. We need to fight hard to oust this corrupt and undemocratic TMC government, he said.

The West Bengal BJP had on Monday cancelled a public rally of Adityanath in Bankura scheduled for Tuesday claiming that the district administration was dilly-dallying on giving permission for the landing of his helicopter.

The tussle between the TMC and the BJP became uglier Sunday with the West Bengal government denying permission to the Uttar Pradesh chief ministers chopper to land in the state and let him address two scheduled rallies in north Bengal.

Adityanath had to address the rallies in Raigunj and Balurghat via telephone.
The deployment will raise the total active duty forces supporting US Customs and Border Protection agents to approximately 4,350, according to a statement released by the Pentagon.

"Additional units are being deployed for 90 days, and we will continue to evaluate the force composition required to meet the mission to protect and secure the southern border," the statement said.

The announcement came as bipartisan lawmakers are trying to negotiate a deal on border security funding with a view to averting another partial government shutdown.

US President Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of declaring a national emergency if the deal doesn't include money for a border wall with Mexico, a plank of his 2016 presidential campaign.

Such a declaration would enable him to bypass congressional approval and redirect funds already allocated by lawmakers for other purposes, possibly at the Pentagon, to his wall, but it is almost certain to draw political backlash and legal challenges.

In a CBS interview aired on Sunday, Trump said he doesn't "take anything off the table."

The lack of an agreement between the White House and Congressional Democrats on the border wall funding had led to a historic 35-day partial government shutdown that ended on January 25.

Trump initially ordered the deployment of thousands of active-duty troops to the border with Mexico in October last year to deter members of a caravan of Central American migrants from illegally entering the United States.

The new troops, the Pentagon said, will be used to install additional wire barriers and provide a large new system of mobile surveillance and monitoring of the border area.

The effort announced Sunday is separate from the potential White House-led effort to use existing Pentagon resources to help build new sections of the border wall, according to CNN.
Source:

Last updated on: February 05, 2019 21:16 IST

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called off her sit-in protest on Tuesday evening after the Supreme Court forbid the Central Bureau of Investigation from taking coercive action against Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar but vowed to wage a relentless battle against the Narendra Modi government till it was ousted from power.

IMAGE: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee welcomes Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu during a sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams in Kolkata. Photograph: Swapan Mahapatra/PTI Photo

Banerjee, who dramatically began the dharna on Sunday evening over the CBIs bid to question Kumar, in a throwback to her street fighter politician past, said she was ending the protest following a favourable Supreme Court order after

consulting leaders of like-minded political parties.

I will not give up... Modi hatao, desh bachao (oust Modi, save the country. The dharna is a victory of the people, of the country, of democracy. I will now take the fight to Delhi, she told a gathering of her supporters with Telugu Desam Party supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu by her side.

The stormy leader had begun the protest claiming that the spirit of Constitution and federalism was being stifled by the Modi government after a CBI team went to quiz the Kolkata police commissioner Sunday evening in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam case, setting the stage for a fresh

confrontation with the Centre.

CBI officials were dragged by Kolkata police, bundled into vehicles and detained, in a development Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh dubbed as constitutional breakdown.

Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, drew support from over 20 opposition parties as she claimed the Centre was plotting a coup to topple her government.

Asserting that opposition parties will take the fight against the Modi government to a logical conclusion, Naidu said their leaders will meet in the national capital on February 13-14 to chalk out an agitational programme.

Democracy is in danger. Everybody is under threat. If anybody raises his voice, you throw them in jail. Is it Emergency? It is worse than Emergency, he said.

Naidu said he, as a representative of 23 opposition parties, and Banerjee spoke to Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar, his Samajwadi Party counterpart Akhilesh Yadav, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, Dravida Munnetra Kazagham chief M K Stalin and former Union minister Sharad Yadav, and all favoured immediately calling off the dharna.

But the fight will not end here. We will fight in Delhi. We will take it to a logical conclusion, Naidu declared.

Banerjee called off her protest hours after the Supreme Court directed Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI and faithfully cooperate in the probe in the Saradha chit fund scam case but said he must not be arrested, an order which both Banerjee and the Centre claimed was their moral victory.

IMAGE: Mamata Banerjee sat on a dharna from Sunday evening and vowed she would continue to fight against the Modi dispensation. Photograph: PTI Photo

The Banerjee-Centre face-off resonated in Parliament for the second day running, with proceedings getting disrupted amid protests by opposition parties, including the TMC, SP and Congress, over alleged misuse of the CBI in West Bengal.

Banerjee said the court direction that no coercive steps, including arrest of Kumar, will take place during the course of investigation, is our moral victory and boost the morale of civil servants.

The Centre, however, insisted the court order directing Kumar to make himself available before the CBI was a blow to the Banerjee government and a moral victory for the investigating agency.

Welcoming the order, senior BJP leader and union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in New Delhi it showed that nobody is above the law, including the police commissioner.

Echoing Prasads views, Union minister Smriti Irani said political histrionics of Banerjee have been brought to a screeching halt by the apex court.

The apex court directed that Kumar will appear before the CBI for investigation in Meghalaya capital Shillong, and no coercive steps, including his arrest, will take place during the course of the probe.

The federal probe agency has accused Kumar of tampering with electronic evidence and claimed that the Special Investigation Team of West Bengal police headed by him provided the agency with doctored material.

The Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi also issued a notice to Kumar seeking his response to the allegations before February 20, the next date of hearing.

However, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the West Bengal police, rejected the allegations of the CBI, and called those an attempt to harass and humiliate Kumar.

Singhvi said till now no FIR has been lodged against Kumar and he has not even been made an accused in any of the cases arising out of the chit fund scam.

Lakhs of depositors in several eastern states including West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Bihar and Jharkhand were duped by the promoters of Saradha and Rose Valley groups of their hard earned money. The size of the Saradha swindle is pegged at roughly Rs 4,000 crore and that of Rose Valley a staggering Rs 15,000 crore.

Banerjees dharna opposite Metro cinema brought back memories of the 26-day hunger strike she undertook 13 years ago at the same place against forcible land acquisition in Singur by the then Left Front government for Tata Motors Nano

car plant.

The feisty West Bengal leaders 46-hour dharna this time also dominated the national TV coverage over the last two days and underscored how crucial she is for the oppositions efforts to forge a broad-based alliance to take on the Modi dispensation.
February 05, 2019 17:08 IST

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has graduated from being a stalwart of the CPM to a 'strong mass leader and arguably the most able administrator' that the state has seen in over three decades, reports Shine Jacob.

Owing to his style of functioning, many used to call him 'Trump in a dhoti' or 'Modi without a moustache' in the Communist Party of India-Marxist or CPM.

But in a span of over two years, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has graduated from being a stalwart of the CPM to a 'strong mass leader and arguably the most able administrator' that the state has seen in over three decades.

His loyalists line up the way he managed natural and political crises as proof of this.

The feathers to his cap were the managerial skills that he displayed while handling Cyclone Ockhi, the Nipah outbreak, the massive floods and the recent Sabarimala issue.

"He is not an image-conscious leader and is not playing to the gallery. He has not just managed these issues effectively, but also focused on growth by focusing on areas like tourism, information technology and biotechnology," said John Brittas, the media adviser to the chief minister and managing director of Kairali TV (a CPM-backed channel).

Brittas recalls the meeting of Vijayan with Prime Minister Narendra Modi way back in May 2016 when he took charge as chief minister.

One of the major issues that Modi raised with Vijayan was the slow pace of infrastructure works in the state -- highlighting the Rs 3,200-crore GAIL India pipeline project from Kochi to Mangaluru.

Then Vijayan promised Modi that next time the two meet, the Kerala stretch of the project will be over.

"After two years, the project is 95 per cent complete and had the floods been not there, it would have been 100 per cent," he said.

During the floods last year, Vijayan emerged as a communicator, too.

"He used to conduct at least two press conferences a day. That helped ease the panic," said Sunnykutty Abraham, a political analyst, who still believes that the floods were a man-made disaster due to bad dam management by the state government.

But one thing that stood out during the floods or Cyclone Ockhi was unlike several other politicians, Vijayan did not go for photo opportunities by visiting victims and instead, he worked behind the scenes.

Even his critics accept that had it been any other chief minister, Kerala would have opted for complete command of central forces in rescue operations. Instead, Vijayans government sought help from local fishermen and other organisations.

He helped Kerala tide over the crisis while going through health issues. Hence, his colleagues term him a no-nonsense person, while some call him iron-fisted.

But, critics also highlight that the post-flood management has loopholes.

"Non-inclusive attitude and arrogance are the key highlights of Vijayan as a leader," O Rajagopal, the only member of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the assembly, said.

Analysts like Sunnykutty Abraham indicate that except for CPM loyalists, a majority of victims are yet to get even immediate flood relief compensation of Rs 10,000.

"His efforts like Rebuild Kerala and salary challenge, asking people to contribute one month salary, appears to be a flop," Abraham said.

His handling of the ongoing Sabarimala issue helped establish him as a 'firm leader' and political strategist.

From the day the Supreme Court came out with its judgment allowing entry of women of all age groups into Sabarimala temple, Vijayan was clear about his stand that the state would follow the order.

"Recently, the prime minister came to Kerala and took a stand contrary to the Supreme Court order. On the other hand, Vijayan is trying is to maintain law and order in the state, Brittas said.

Despite violent protests by Hindu groups, Vijayan ensured that women of menstrual age entered the temple.

But, Rajagopal said: "The CPM managed the Sabarimala issue miserably. It failed to understand the feelings of believers. Vijayan needed a more diplomatic approach."

Many within the party, too, believed that the state should move a review petition or go slow on implementing the order.

This, because of the fear of a possible divide between believers and the rest, which the Congress and the BJP are trying to capitalise on.

Moreover, many fear the loss of upper caste votes to the party, especially of those belonging to the Nair community.

BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai has called the Sabarimala issue a 'golden opportunity' for the party in Kerala.

Despite all this, Vijayan stood firm. When the BJP came out with protests by women against allowing entry of women in a menstrual age into the temple, the strategist in Vijayan managed yet another show.

On January 1, he lined up over 5 million women in Kerala forming a 620-km 'wall (Vanitha Mathil)' to protect renaissance value. Many believe this silenced his critics on the issue.

"Vijayan was always the same. Just that the media and the people changed the way they used to see his style of functioning. It is all about perspectives," Brittas added.
Source:

February 05, 2019 19:16 IST

IMAGE: Trinamool Congress members walk out of the Lok Sabha during the Motion of Thanks on the Presidents Address, in New Delhi, on Tuesday. Photograph: LSTV grab via PTI

Acrimonious scenes were witnessed in Lok Sabha on Tuesday as agitated members of the Trinamool Congress, protesting alleged misuse of the Central Bureau of Investigation, and the treasury benches clashed when the Motion of Thanks on President's address was taken up for discussion.

Principal opposition Congress too staged a walk out saying its members should have been the first ones to speak but were being denied a chance.

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan told Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, that he wasn't present in the House when his name was called.

As Bharatiya Janata Party MP Humkmdev Narayan Yadav initiated the discussion, most the TMC members trooped into the Well and started shouting slogans.

Despite requests from the Speaker, they continued with their protest on the issue of CBI trying to question the Kolkata police chief in connection with the chit fund scam cases.

When Yadav alleged that 'corrupt and anti-social elements' were grouping together against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, most of the opposition members stood up and urged the Speaker to expunge the statement.

As the verbal duel continued, Aparupa Poddar (TMC) and Veena Devi (Lok Janshakti Party) made threatening gestures at each other.

The situation was salvaged by senior members of the House.

A visibly upset Speaker then asked the members to maintain decorum and adjourned the house for 10 minutes till 2.30 pm.

When the House reassembled, Yadav praised the various initiatives of the government for uplift of the poor, downtrodden and marginalised.

Invoking Mahabharata, he said that the 2019 general elections will be 'a battle between right and wrong'.

He urged the people to stop following their caste leader and not to be swayed away by them and instead vote for the BJP as it is working for social equality.

He also said it is only the BJP government which had the courage to bring in 10 per cent quota for general category, without disturbing the overall reservation limit.

Speaking during the discussion, Jagdambika Pal (BJP) praised the steps taken by the government for farmers and cited the recent income support scheme for small and marginal farmers.

When the Speaker called Kharge to speak, the Congress leader said as there was no order in the House, the discussion should be postponed to Wednesday.

To this, the Speaker asked as to what was the guarantee that the House would run smoothly on Wednesday.

Kharge replied that how can the Opposition remain quiet when the 'government is making so many mistakes'.

TMC leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay too demanded that the discussion be postponed to Wednesday and assured that his party will cooperate.

From the government side, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that those who want to speak on Wednesday should be given time, but those who want to participate in the discussion on Tuesday should be allowed to speak.

This was followed by slogan shouting by opposition members prompting the Speaker to adjourn the House for half an hour till 4 pm.

After the House resumed, TMC MP Sudip Bandopadhyay demanded a statement from the prime minister over the CBI issue.

Talking about the agrarian distress, Bhartuhari Mahtab (Biju Janata Dal) said the present method of calculating input cost is faulty and that the minimum support price (MSP) should be rectified.

He welcomed the government's scheme announced in the budget to give Rs 6,000 every year to farmers who own land below two hectares.

Terming the president's address as 'lacklustre', P Venugopal (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) said the Centre was giving step-motherly treatment to some states.

Madhukar Kukde (Nationalist Congress Party) raised the issue of fringe group members firing at an effigy of Mahatma Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh.

He also accused the BJP of not fulfilling the promise of carving out a separate Vidarbha state.

Kikde said his party would support a legislation on construction of Ram Temple if the government came up with one.

Earlier, the House was adjourned thrice as belligerent TMC members engaged in sloganeering against the government over the standoff between the CBI and the Kolkata Police.

The Question Hour was washed out and the proceedings were adjourned till noon.

The House was again adjourned till 2 pm after the papers were laid and members raised various issues during the Zero Hour which went on till around 12.30 pm.

The noisy protests continued as the House met again and the Speaker then adjourned it briefly till 2.30 pm.
February 05, 2019 20:00 IST

In the absence of the over-arching Jaya charisma, EPS has to convince the AIADMKs traditional constituencies, including those in his western districts, that his leadership would stand up against the BJP-led Centre even in a post-poll scenario, a la Jayalalithaa, and would not yield as much as party founder MGR had done, says N Sathiya Moorthy.

IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. Photograph: Courtesy, Edappadi K Palaniswami's Twitter page

With parliamentary polls not too far away, speculation in the media in Tamil Nadu is all about the ruling AIADMK having a poll alliance with the BJP-NDA counterpart at the national level, and possibly at the latters instance and insistence -- and on their terms, too.

Should such a situation emerge, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, or, EPS, may have to prove more for the self and the party than he has been able to do since coming to power in the midst of the post-Jayalalithaa splits and confusion that has seen him emerge stronger of the lot -- and with each passing day.

There is no denying that quietly and efficiently, EPS has taken over the party and convinced the AIADMKs unsure cadres that he is their go-to-man in these times of crises and continuing confusion. He has faced off threats from within and outside of the AIADMK hierarchy, to his leadership, the former from his predecessor and incumbent deputy chief minister, O Panneerselvam, and the latter from the breakaway faction under T T V Dhinakaran, nephew and chosen political heir of jailed Jaya aide, V K Sasikala Natarajan.

Better still for the party is that EPS has faced off legislative threats and legal challenges to his governments majority with astuteness that Tamil Nadu watchers are wont to confer only on the late rival DMK supremo, M Karunanidhi. By the same token, he may have also appealed to the non-traditional Jaya voters who were not AIADMK members but saw her more decisive and effective as chief minister than Karunanidhi -- even while conceding that all politicians and political parties, including the two Dravidian majors, were corrupt and nepotistic, one way or the other.

Be it in the handling of the NEET issue and protest, the on-again-off-again agitations by state government employees and teachers, or effectively implementing decisions, even if taken under court duress, EPS has shown that he can do it the Jaya way -- and without her charisma and the public controversies attending on her perceived mode of enforcement.

Even on the controversial eight-lane Chennai-Salem highway, where courts have halted his governments fast-track approach to land takeover, etc, EPSs decisive ways have won over admirers from the development constituency of the Jaya kind, though not as many critics and victims of the project, as he alone managed to make. Less said, however, about the state governments handling of the Sterlite issue in southern Thoothukudi, where the death of 13 protestors in police firing, did force the EPS leadership to re-visit its earlier position and clamp down on the continued operations of the private sector copper smelter.

It is thus that EPS has shown that he could let government employees agitation(s) fizzle out than putting them down with her proverbial iron hand as Jayalalithaa had done in 2003. The sacking of a hundred thousand employees overnight, and the midnight raids on their official quarters all made the Jaya leadership unpopular even with her traditional constituencies ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha polls of 2004.

It has been very different under EPSs guard -- twice in as many years -- though he can forget a substantial share of the high 20-25 per cent government employees constituency, comprising 1.2 million staff and another half a million pensioners -- and their families. Under Jayalalithaa in 2004, the AIADMK lost almost all of the government employees constituency, even though she got high praise from the Supreme Court and editorial writers of national newspapers.

More recently, the EPS government has been enforcing the plastic ban since New Year, but without all the hullabaloo and overstated praise that attended on Jayalalithaas forced implementation of even more beneficial schemes such as rain water harvesting. Even in terms of the recently-concluded Global Investor Meet, the EPS leadership left it bereft of the colour and pomp that attended on Jayas initiative in her fifth term as chief minister (2011-16) -- and so, too, without the attendant public controversies of those times, which went beyond motivated political criticism of whatever kind.

What really comes of GIM-2019 may become inconsequential, if the EPS leadership does not ultimately do well on the performance scorecard, but then it would not occupy as much media space as Jayas GIM 2015, in the absence of recurring controversies of the kind. The fact was that even the foreign investors that Jaya sought to woo as a praised package to her constituencies nearer home, were not impressed either with the offerings or the pageant that was put up for their benefit.

If EPS has thus quietly taken over the party machinery and also re-captured the imagination of the traditional AIADMK and not-so-traditional Jaya voters, he has also his own politico-electoral woes that he cannot put off, this time round.

Indications are that the BJP at the Centre has been wooing/pressuring the AIADMK leadership, almost since Jayalalithaa was hospitalised in September 2016, and more so afterwards, for an early alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls of May 2019. The party has hemmed and hummed thus far, but not anymore. This would also be EPSs test from within the party and outside.

There is no denying the emergence of a stronger anti-BJP minority vote-bank in Tamil Nadu since the NDA came to power at the Centre in 2014. Betting on the same and needing the same even more, rival DMK leader M K Stalin has been going hammer and tongs at the BJP leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially over the past couple of months.

In the same vein, he went ahead and declared Congress president Rahul Gandhi as his partys prime ministerial choice, possibly without consultation with other regional parties and probably without even informing his own second line. This, the DMK strategists close to Stalin seem to feel would (alone) ensure complete transfer of the minimalised Congress vote-bank in the state, and more so the substantial and even more consolidated minority/Dalit vote-bank in DMKs favour.

Under Stalin, the DMK has regained its public image as a cadre-based party, which it had originally gained -- and lost, too -- under predecessor and father, Karunanidhi. The positive public image of Stalin from his days as the first directly-elected mayor of Chennai Municipal Corporation over 20 years ago also lingers in the middle-aged voter population. Whether it may come in handy for the DMK-Congress combine in the parliamentary polls, as much as in the assembly polls of 2021, remains to be seen -- even granting that much of the 2-G odium from elections 2014 may have died a natural death already.

The problem for EPS and the AIADMK in having a pre-poll tie-up with the BJP is two-fold, or even multi-fold. One, there is greater traction for the BJP among soft Hindutva voters, who are an emerging phenomenon over the past nearly two decades, as much in Dravidian Tamil Nadu as elsewhere across the country. In elections 2019, their numbers may not be as high as seven per cent as it was for BJPs Vajpayee (1998-99) and Narendra Modi (2014), but could well be more than the partys traditional 2-3 per cent, as evidenced whenever it had contested the polls on its own.

The EPS leadership may be unsure if those BJPs votes could become transferrable to the AIADMK without an electoral alliance. This is because the AIADMK needs its own share of the minority votes, which Jayas Modi vs Lady campaign call settled for the party in elections 2014. They need the BJP votes, not the BJP per se if they could help, as the AIADMK needs its own share of the minority/Dalit votes even more, especially for the assembly polls, which are due two years hence, by 2021, if not earlier.

In the absence of the over-arching Jaya charisma, EPS has to convince the AIADMKs traditional constituencies, including those in his western districts, that his leadership would stand up against the BJP-led Centre even in a post-poll scenario, a la Jayalalithaa, and would not yield as much as party founder MGR had done -- as only their common DMK rival Karunanidhi too was often seen as doing.

The problem for EPS here is that he needed proving his credentials on this score, pre-poll, not post-poll, when Jayalalithaa too was dithering under similar circumstances in her time. But GenNext voters do not know that part and act of Jayalalithaa, not that they know anything about the MGR leadership even otherwise  barring, of course, his electoral legacy in the Two Leaves party symbol.

There is certainly a growing rank of pan-Tamil political sympathisers in every party across Tamil Nadu in recent years, as was the case only at the height of the anti-Hindi agitation of the mid-60s. To these constituencies, the ruling party at the Centre, this time round, the BJP under PM Modi, are the bad guys when it came to issues and projects pertaining to Tamil Nadu and the Tamils.

To them, NEET was bad as it truly would impact on public sector medi-care and the doctor-patient ratio in the state, over a period, going beyond the immediate loss of medical seats for students from rural Tamil Nadu, as highlighted by the Anitha suicide in the first year of the court-ordered nationwide common entrance examinations in 2017.

The Sri Lankan fishers issue, the Cauvery water dispute with neighbouring Tamil Nadu, the Centres handling of the Ockhi cyclone relief and rehabilitation work are all of greater concern. There is thus the internal contradiction in every political party in the state, including possibly the BJP, where cadres and voters alike are upset over the Modi Centres role, and/or non-role.

On issues such as GST and demonetisation, and the more recent core issue of unemployment, EPSs industry-laden western districts have a lot to complain against the Centre. This has also been a traditional stronghold of the AIADMK, which has beaten the rival DMK hollow in successive elections in this region. Any over-identification of the AIADMK with the BJP ruling the Centre at this stage, could not only weaken the party in the western region in elections 2019, but it could also weaken EPSs own command of the party, post-poll.

Underlying the unmentioned tensions in the AIADMK is the West-South divide in the party, where EPS comes from the former and OPS represents the latter. Stripped of regional identities of the kind, the Vellalar Gounder community from which EPS has emerged and the Mukkulathore castes of which OPS has been the frontal representative from Jayas time, have been traditional backers of the AIADMK, since MGRs time. With both MGR and Jaya coming from outside of these caste groupings, they could ride over them both at the same time. Not anymore.

Already weak and hurt, the OPS camp would be braying for an opportunity to hit out at EPS, especially if the latter were ready to provide one. Both sides are also aware that OPS has been rendered relatively weak, more than what EPSs machinations could do, owing to the split in the Mukkulathore ranks within the AIADMK, between OPS and TTV. It is also one reason why the EPS camp is dead set against the re-merger of AIADMK and TTV-led AMMK, which the BJP is said to be desirous of.

But then from within, EPS is also set against a western Gounder veteran in Lok Sabha, Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, who has been constantly pouring cold water on any electoral tie-up with the BJP. So have been other Gounder veterans of the C Ponnaiyan kind, also from the region -- who otherwise feel sidelined in EPSs scheme of things for the AIADMK.

In the larger , post-Jaya, post-Karuna Dravidian political context, prima facie, this is an occasion for the non-charismatic rival leaderships of EPS and Stalin to wipe out the national BJP alternatives of their times, as MGR-Jaya on the one hand and Karunanidhi on the other, had done with the Congress and communist parties, in theirs.

However, the situation could become trickier for EPS and the AIADMK, if the BJP does not require whatever Lok Sabha seats they may have won, to form a stable government at the Centre. It could be that the AIADMK wins or loses seats in the state, but the BJP-NDA does not require them to form a government, in the absence of a pre-poll alliance.

It could be worse for the AIADMK and EPS, if they do not get a government at the Centre that did not require their MPs for survival -- that too if the party performs creditably in the parliamentary polls, even if not winning the high 37 of 39 seats that Jaya had swept in 2014.

An interesting situation could be if the AIADMK has seats to offer, and a non-BJP, non-Congress Third Front emerges at the Centre, post-poll, as in 1996 and 1998. Having identified itself too much with the Congress and Rahul Gandhi for prime minister, the DMK may feel shy to approach the new formation as confidently as it did in 1996.

But an AIADMK sans BJP alliance, if it has MPs to offer, could become central to the formation of a new government at the Centre, at least from a Tamil Nadu perspective, as only MGR had done with the failed Charan Singh leadership in 1979, when for the first time, a Dravidian party had ministers at the Centre -- however controversial and however short-lived it was.

N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and political analyst, is director, Observer Research Foundation, Chennai chapter.
February 05, 2019 16:00 IST

Currently, airlines are required to pay compensation of Rs 5,000-10,000 to a passenger, in addition to a ticket refund in case of flight cancellation. Soon, all that may change. However, compensation is payable if the airline does not give advance intimation to a passenger, which is at least 24 hours before departure.

Flyers, alert! Paying compensation for flight cancellations will not be mandatory for airlines.

According to the revised draft of the passenger charter of rights, domestic carriers will now have the option to provide alternative flights to passengers affected by cancellations.

Last May, the civil aviation ministry had proposed passenger-friendly measures, including cap on ticket cancellation fee, increased compensation for loss of life or baggage in accidents, and payouts for delays and cancellations.

But the proposal was put on hold because of objections from airlines, which felt the charges would impact their already stretched financials.

The airlines had also asked the government to maintain status quo on revisions.

A meeting was chaired by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha last month to listen to airlines and airport operators concerns and finalise a proposal.

The ministry had sought further comments from stakeholders and was keen to issue the regulations in the next few weeks.

Currently, airlines are required to pay compensation of Rs 5,000-10,000 to a passenger, in addition to a ticket refund in case of flight cancellation.

Compensation is payable if the airline does not give advance intimation to a passenger, which is at least 24 hours before departure.

In its initial draft released last May, the ministry had made tweaks to that proposal.

Now, according to the revised draft, airlines shall either provide alternative flights which are acceptable to the passenger or provide compensation and refund the airfare.

On the ministrys revised proposal, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has proposed the regulation should be made applicable for departures from India and for Indian carriers only.

The Federation of Indian Airlines has suggested airlines first offer alternative flights within two hours of initial departure and an airline would be liable to compensate only if the alternative flight is not suitable.

The revised proposal also states airlines have the option to provide an alternative flight or full refund in case of flights delays of up to six hours.

Also, the proposal to provide compensation for missed connections has been dropped following objections from the IATA.

A balanced view must be taken while introducing the regulations.

"While it is good to safeguard consumer interest, the government should also consider airlines financial health, and the impact the regulations will have on them, said an executive of a private airline.

The ministry has studied European and US regulations while revising its proposals, it is learnt.

Airlines would also be required to provide a lock-in option for 24 hours after booking to allow a passenger to cancel or make amendments without additional charges.

Fare difference, if any, would be applicable and the facility would available up to seven days prior to departure.

Initially it was proposed to provide the facility up to 96 hours prior to departure, but it has been revised on airlines suggestions.

Passengers would also be allowed to make correction in the name printed on the ticket if a mistake is pointed out within 24 hours.

Also, airlines would be required to indicate cancellation charges on the ticket, according to the revised draft.

Photograph: Greg Baker/Reuters
February 05, 2019 22:00 IST

Allegations abound that traders milked the scheme to artificially keep prices down, while a significant amount of growers didnt even register owing to multiple difficulties in registration and were deprived of the payout.

Recently, the new Congress government in Madhya Pradesh put on hold the much-feted Flat Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana pending a review of its performance.

The scheme, which was touted as Indias first large-scale experiment with Deficiency Price Payment, has been riddled with controversies from the start but was considered a test case for other states where farmers were struggling with falling market prices.

Before this, there had been stray attempts to directly compensate farmers for market losses.

In 2009-10, for instance, a scheme for betel nut farmers was started in Goas Ponda.

Under this, the state set the base price at Rs 100 a kg, and paid farmer the difference if they sold below that.

In 2015, a pilot project for cotton growers in the Hinganghat taluka of Maharashtra paid farmers the difference between the minimum support price (MSP) and market price, if the latter fell below the MSP, in their bank accounts.

The results were not encouraging, preventing a countrywide rollout.

Under the Madhya Pradesh model, registered farmers were to be compensated for a fall in prices below the MSP but the payout was capped up to a pre-fixed model rate, which was the average price in nearby mandis.

Farmers were required to submit land details along with crop sown, and the average yield for a certain number of years was taken as benchmark for the payments.

If the actual price realisation was below the model rate, farmers got the difference between the MSP and model rate.

But if the difference was more than the model rate, the payment would be based on the actual difference.

This method of calculation was so complicated as was the process of registration involving multiple paperwork that it precluded success.

Despite several extensions, just 45 per cent (4.3 million hectares) of the total area under eight crops in which the scheme was launched was registered in the 2017 kharif season, according to an ICRIER paper co-authored by economist Ashok Gulati, Tirtha Chatterjee and former agriculture secretary Siraj Hussain in April 2018.

Thus, 55 per cent of the land was not even registered under the scheme.

It is clear that a large number of farmers did not register on the portal and they therefore had to sell their produce at prices which were lower than that of the announced MSPs, the paper said.

For the lentil urad, for example, though the average selling price in the October to December period was 42 per cent lower than the MSP, only 32 per cent of the total urad grown in Madhya Pradesh was compensated under the scheme.

In the case of soybeans, the difference between the MSP and average selling price was 12 per cent, and less than 19 per cent of the crop was compensated.

The bigger problem was the sharp drop in prices once the sale window under Bhavantar opened.

Allegations abounded of farmers conniving with traders to artificially lower market prices to widen the differential between actual price and the MSP, so that the payout could be shared between the two.

An investigative report by news website scroll.in published in June 2018 based on RTI responses revealed that Madhya Pradesh farmers lost almost Rs 200 crore owing to such manipulation, which in some cases was done by traders buying the same crop multiple times from a single trader.

Several experts, however, have countered this point on grounds that post-harvest arrivals of soybean and urad had risen, which pulled down prices.

Plus, they said, the fall wasnt restricted to the state alone but extended to Maharashtra and Rajasthan for nearly the same set of crops.

Data culled by Business Standard showed that between October and December 2017, soybean arrivals in Madhya Pradesh mandis was 43 per cent more than the same period last year, while urad arrivals were almost 200 per cent more than the same period of the previous year (see chart).

Clearly, Bhavantar was getting messier than anybody bargained for.

Bhavantar was a difficult scheme to operate in the first place.

"Moreover, allegations abound that traders milked the scheme to artificially keep prices down, while a significant amount of growers didnt even register owing to multiple difficulties in registration and were deprived of the payout, said Mahendra Dev, director of Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research.

In the following rabi season, the government withdrew some of the crops from the scheme (chana, masur and mustard) and decided to buy directly from farmers.

This was partly on account of the Centres reluctance to share the financial burden of the scheme till a decision on its nationwide rollout was taken (despite its multiple shortcomings other Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states such as Haryana and Uttar Pradesh had evinced interest).

With elections round the corner and farmers facing headwinds from falling prices, the state government introduced the Flat Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana, months ahead of the 2018 kharif season, involving a flat bonus payment fixed at Rs 500 per quintal for soybean and maize.

Till the middle of November 2018, state government estimates show that 34 per cent of the growers had registered for the revamped scheme, selling an estimated 6.38 million tonnes of both crops or roughly 20 per cent of the total.

Since the registrations continued till January 19 this year, this number is not final.

Still, the scheme was considered easier to administer because the calculation was simple and entailed less paperwork.

So why did the incoming state government put it on hold? The official reason is that there have been multiple complaints of irregularities.

Whatever the reason, this is an anxious time for farmers in Madhya Pradesh.
Shrivastav gave his speech as a candidate for senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. Shrivastav is the first of the four finalists for this position to give his presentation at the UGA Chapel.
Java Joy Days at the Roaster Java Joy will be at the Jittery Joe's roaster on these upcoming dates. When: March 4, April 1 and May 6, 10 a.m.

March 4, April 1 and May 6, 10 a.m. Where: Jittery Joe's Roaster, 425 Barber St., Athens, Georgia 30601

Something was in the air at Jittery Joes Roaster on Monday, and it wasnt just the aroma of coffee. Customers who came to the roaster were greeted by the smiling faces of Joyristas from Java Joy, a collaboration of Jittery Joes and Extra Special People.

According to Jake Sapp, the program staff manager for Extra Special People, ESP has partnered with Jittery Joes since December of 2016 to help people with disabilities work on communication skills and have a paying job. These employees, known as Joyristas, work a mobile coffee cart and serve Jittery Joes coffee, often accompanied by a hug.

1:40 VIDEO: Jittery Joes and Extra Special People partner to bring coffee and joy to Athens Joyristas seek to spread joy to every customer they interact with through the collaboration of Extra Special People and Jittery Joe's. On the 

In October of 2018, Joyristas began to visit the roaster on the first Monday of each month to help and learn how to roast, cool and pack coffee. Its also another opportunity to interact with customers that come between 10 a.m.-noon.

Sapp said Java Joy was born out of an idea to give some ESP participants opportunity in the workplace. The organization wants to bring happiness to the community and saw coffee and baked goods as a way to do so. ESP wanted to attach themselves to a brand of quality, and Jittery Joes mission matched with theirs and supported them in the building and running of Java Joy.

They have been such good friends to us, Sapp said. They just want what is best for us.

Michael Ripps, co-owner and president of Jittery Joes, has worked with Sapp on the cart and facilitated their partnership. Ripps said Java Joy has brought a new dynamic to its business and allowed Jittery Joes to find what its customers want.

What they were doing really meshed with Jittery Joes culture and goals, Ripps said.

The coffee cart creates a way for Joyristas to interact with people they wouldnt otherwise get to engage with and allows them to serve people with a coffee and a hug. Sapp said the Joyristas most important job is bringing joy.

Were not a brick-and-mortar coffee shop, Sapp said. Were meeting them where they are.

Java Joy is part of the Jittery Joes family. Were both creating the same product that I think we both agree brings happiness.

-- Michael Ripps, co-owner and president of Jittery Joes

Inside the roaster, Joyristas waited on customers with big smiles, while others helped with the roasting process or carrying the beans. Ripps said when the company first started, it was more about getting the participants out in the community, but it has become more focused on quality work and integrating them into the culture of Jittery Joes.

During the event, employees from both Jittery Joes and Java Joy mingled, working alongside each other and learning about what goes on behind the scene. Some worked the counter and greeted customers with a smile while others learned how the roasting process works.

Sapp is excited about upcoming Mondays at the roaster where participants are able to learn new skills, because theyre mastering the coffee cart and eager to face challenges. Many of the participants find their strengths as they learn a variety of skills and have found tasks they prefer.

They are learning more expansive stuff than me, who has zero coffee experience, can give them, Sapp said.

Ripps loves seeing the smile on customers faces as they interact with the Joyristas. He said the Athens community has been very welcoming to Java Joy, and he sees Java Joy not only ingrained in the company, but in the greater Athens community.

Java Joy is part of the Jittery Joes family, Ripps said. Were both creating the same product that I think we both agree brings happiness.
A 24-year-old man died after he was shot at an unspecified location on Sycamore Drive on Feb. 2 around 5 p.m., according to an Athens-Clarke County Police Department press release. The victim was still alive when he was taken to a local hospital.
Athens, GA (30605)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. High 83F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 62F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
The re-zoning requests drew questions from citizens on the amount of affordable housing in Athens, which has become an increasingly important issue, affecting lower-income communities and communities of color. Citizens also raised concerns about crime in East Athens, especially due to recent strings of murder and armed robbery.
Beaumont High School recognizes its Top 10 graduating seniors of the Class of 2021. They will celebrate their accolades at their in-person commencement on June 4. While the final grades have not all been compiled  and grade point averages could shift slightly  these were the class standing
Porterville, CA (93257)

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A mainly sunny sky. Hot. High 98F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph..

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Clear. Low around 60F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.
Traverse City, MI (49684)

Today

A shower or two possible early with partly cloudy skies in the afternoon. High 68F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

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Mostly clear skies. Low around 50F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Gettysburg, PA (17325)

Today

Chance of an isolated thunderstorm early, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%..

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Chance of an isolated thunderstorm early, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
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Two hundred and forty-five years ago, the parliamentary seat for the English port city of Bristol was up for grabs. After a tightly fought contest, the winner gave one of historys odder victory speeches. In effect, he thanked his constituents by telling them that whenever he knew better than they did -- given his self-assurance, this risked being most of the time -- he would vote against their own interests.

It wouldnt have been surprising if the speech was met with much shuffling of shoes and scratching of wigs. More than one Bristolian must have felt a pang of remorse over having just sent Edmund Burke to Westminster.

More than two centuries later, many of us also feel a pang -- not of remorse, but of regret. Burkes firm voice and clear vision are as exceptional in our own day as they were in his own. For this reason, it pays to revisit his speech. Not only did it have a remarkable impact on a founding father of our country, but its bracing claims also have vital relevance for our current political scene.

The voters of Bristol, a city second only to London in terms of political and economic importance, were pleased that Burke sought to represent them. By 1774, he had already won fame for his writings on political and philosophical matters. Samuel Johnson, himself no mean thinker and conversationalist, said of his friend: Burke does not talk from a desire for distinction, but because his mind is full.

The workings of that mind were on full display in Burkes Bristol speech. He told his constituents that he would value their opinion only when it deserved to be valued. If it was instead twisted by individual interest or ignorance, it was his parliamentary duty to stand athwart it. When voters chose him, Burke declared, he became not just a member of Bristol, but also a member of Parliament. This distinction meant that when ones constituents form an hasty opinion, evidently opposite to the real good of the rest of the community, the member for that place ought to be as far, as any other, from any endeavour, to give it effect.

By the time of the 1780 elections, Burkes constituents decided he had been far away not only from their concerns, but also their city: During his six years as Bristols MP, Burke visited the city just twice. It hardly helped when, opposing a law meant to help Bristols struggling merchants, Burke announced he had no choice but to speak the language of truth and sincerity. Having lost the support of his constituents, Burke stepped down from his parliamentary seat.

When Bristol and Burke parted ways, the democratic process came full circle: Just as Burke was not bound blindly and implicitly to obey his constituents, his constituents were not bound to blindly return him to office. For Burke, political representatives were duty-bound to represent their consciences as well as their constituents. When the two clashed, the representative had no choice but to vote his conscience, while his constituents were free to vote him out of office.

This conception of representation is not the philosophical equivalent of marmite, something only Brits can consume. One of the American founding fathers riffed on Burkes idea. In his Federalist Paper 69, James Madison urged that when the people are stimulated by irregular passion or misled by the artful misrepresentations of interested men, their elected officials must vote their own minds until reason, justice and truth can regain their authority over the public mind.

Or, for that matter, a presidents mind. When it comes to a political situation like our own, Burke again found the right words -- or, in this case, word. In a youthful philosophical essay, Burke took on the idea of the sublime, heaving it from the realm of art into that of politics. The sublime, he argued, is that which fills us with astonishment, or even with horror and fear.

For 18th Century Europeans, this was the case with the sight of mountain ranges and the expanse of oceans. With such vistas, the mind is so entirely filled with its object, that it cannot entertain any other. But disruptive man-made events like revolutions and counter-revolutions can achieve the same effect. For 21stCentury Americans, a single man has achieved this. For the past two years, Donald Trump has filled our minds completely, while his words and acts have inspired, for a growing majority of Americans, awe and dread.

The great danger is that we will become accustomed to this behavior. For this reason, if Burkes notion of the sublime diagnoses our present condition, the cure is to be found in his theory of representative democracy. In their recent votes on our military presence in Syria and Afghanistan, as well as on Russian sacntions, Senate Republicans have taken a step toward Burke. Yet many more steps remain to be taken in order to avoid Burkes warning that custom reconciles us to everything.

The views expressed are the author's own.
As the United States and China continue to battle on trade, one of the most critical regions to watch will be Latin America. The countries south of the Rio Grande are proceeding with caution as their two largest trading partners exchange economic blows. Even so, Beijing continues to make a strategic play in the hemisphere -- one that the United States would do well to emulate.

The recent growth of Chinas commercial relationship with Latin America is remarkable. Trade ties have grown eighteen-fold since 2000, while U.S. trade with the region has grown twofold over the same period. Chinas foreign direct investment flows into Latin America totaled $25 billion in 2017, more than five times what they were a decade earlier, and far outpacing U.S. FDI growth. But perhaps even more important than the magnitude of China-Latin America commercial ties is their changing face.

The Atlantic Councils Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center recently took a close look at the evolution of the Sino-Latin American economic relationship, particularly in the context of U.S.-China trade tensions. The study laid out a number of warning signs. The changes it found reveal a fundamental understanding in Beijing: The Latin America of tomorrow will look nothing like the Latin America of yesterday, and the time to get in on the action is now.

While Chinas trade relations with the region have long been by characterized by the export of Latin American commodities and the import of Chinese manufactured goods, a transition to a new phase is underway. As China shifts toward a new growth model, its fully intent on bringing Latin America into the fold, gradually moving the bilateral relationship toward services and value-added goods. The crux of this strategy is investment in the region, which Chinese President Xi Jinping famously pledged would total $250 billion by 2025.

Changes can already be seen. Chinese FDI in Latin America has traditionally been concentrated in just a few countries, namely Brazil, Argentina, and Peru, and in extractive industries. But Beijing is quickly expanding its investment portfolio in places such as Chile and Mexico. China is also placing a notable new emphasis on real estate, renewable energy, finance, and telecommunications.

It is also massively ramping up its M&A activity in the region and moving from mining and energy toward manufacturing and services. China is further positioning itself as Latin Americas go-to source for venture capital, taking note of the booming tech startup scenes in Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Medellin. The most publicized example came last year, when Chinese giant Didi Chuxing bought a majority stake in Brazilian ride-sharing app 99, valued at over $1 billion just a year after Didi invested $100 million. If the latest trends hold, the story of 99 will soon be far from unique.

While these shifts were already underway, the broad uncertainty stemming from U.S.-China trade tensions seems to be accelerating them. An unpredictable Washington is a big driver of outreach from the region to Beijing. Meanwhile, China is strategically positioning itself to be the most influential stakeholder in the increasingly prosperous, service-oriented Latin America of the future.

How should the United States respond? By seeking to emulate rather than counter.

Chinas economic hold in Latin America will not soon falter. China will play an important role in Latin Americas future, and if we ditch the zero-sum thinking, well have one, too. In this regard, we would do well to learn from Beijing. We should begin to see Latin America for the bastion of opportunity that it is, and treat it as such.

We cant let a lack of engagement, or the wrong kind of engagement, lead to lost opportunities. One way to ensure that it does not is to avoid strong-arming countries in the region. Admonishments to our Latin American partners that when China comes calling its not always for the good of your citizens tend not to be well received. Adversarial actions such as threatening to expel El Salvador and the Dominican Republic from the Central America Free Trade Agreement because of their warming relations with Beijing wont go over any better. Moving forward, tone will matter just as much as substance.

Instead we need to beef up our diplomatic networks in the region and rely on them more heavily in order to promote trade and investment ties with U.S. firms. One important development is last Octobers passage of the BUILD Act, which establishes a U.S. International Development Finance Corporation that will have double the lending capacity that the United States offers today -- hopefully a good portion of that will be spent in the Americas. This would be smart thinking. Issues of security, migration, and drug trafficking, while of course important, cannot be the only lens through which Washington views Latin America. No one stands to lose more from such myopia than us.

We should look at Beijings positioning with our southern neighbors. The regions economies are in a period of transformation. They are maturing, diversifying, and strengthening. A growing middle class is increasing its purchasing power, and Latin American countries are increasingly becoming outward investors and not just recipients. The United States has an incalculable amount to gain down the line from showing the region today that it is a priority. If we fail to do so now, the opportunity may not be there for long.

Jason Marczak is Director of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center at the Atlantic Council. He is on Twitter at @jmarczak. The views expressed are the authors own.
Good morning, its Tuesday, February 5, 2019. On this date in 1883, Southern Pacific Railroad began service from New Orleans to California. The company dubbed the line the Sunset Route, but passengers took to calling it Stormy for the summer thunderstorms that often enlivened the journey.

Weather was the least of the issues when it came to Southern Pacific. With a monopoly not just on passenger trains but, more significantly, all the freight moving in and out of the Golden State by land, SP soon came to dominate Californias economic and political life in a way difficult to comprehend today. Well, maybe not, as I think of Facebook and Amazon. But I digress, or perhaps thats a bit of foreshadowing.

In the latter 19th century and into the 20th century, Southern Pacific Railroads tentacles reached into the pockets of ranchers and wheat farmers' in the Central Valley and put money into politicians' war chests in Sacramento. The title of crusading journalist Frank Norris influential 1901 novel explaining turn-of-the century politics in the West was The Octopus: A Story of California.

Ill have a further word about that story, and its author, in a moment. First Id direct you to our front page, which aggregates an array of columns and stories spanning the political spectrum. We also offer original material from our own reporters and contributors, including the following:

* * *

Trump Administration Threads the Needle in Venezuela. Charles Lipson outlines the stakes and the strategy.

Heraclitus and Presidential Character. Jonathan N. Badger weighs in on a debate among conservatives regarding the importance of Donald Trumps character.

Why the Senate Should Confirm Neomi Rao. In RealClearPolicy, Roger D. Klein lauds the former law professor nominated to replace Justice Brett Kavanaugh on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Wealth Inequality Is the Greatest Enemy of Poverty. RealClearMarkets editor John Tamny argues that those calling for wealth redistribution forget that the rich often get wealthy by making inexpensive products that benefit the poor and working class.

The Chinese Are Leading Us to Privatize the Oceans. Also in RCM, Walter Block asserts that Chinas creation of territory in the South China Sea is a step in the direction of protecting the worlds seas.

Lessons From Bill Murray's Groundhog Day. In RealClearHistory, Brandon Christensen explains how this enduringly popular comedy is another example of American films impact on world culture.

* * *

Born in Chicago, Frank Norris was brought to California as a teenager. He studied art in Paris, literature at the University of California in Berkeley, and did a stint at Harvard before becoming a journalist. After befriending author Stephen Crane while covering the Spanish-American War in 1898, Norris became a prominent voice in a school of writing known as naturalism.

Although today we would say that he was writing historical fiction, turn-of-the-century naturalist authors were doing more than that. They were producing fiction with a moral purpose. Norris first major work, McTeague, dealt candidly with the themes of sex, domestic violence, and obsession -- not typical fare in 1899 literature. The Octopus, which was published two years later, was intended to be the first book in a trilogy. The second in that series was The Pit, and the third, which was never finished, was to be called The Wolf.

Although The Octopus and The Pit were influential until the mid-20th century, this is less true today. Upton Sinclair is still taught, but Frank Norris has gradually disappeared from college syllabuses and high school reading lists. I suspect three or four factors have played a role in this.

For one thing, Norris didnt live long enough to finish his final work. Unlike Sinclair, who lived to be 90 and had second and third acts in life -- including running for political office in California -- Frank Norris died young. He was 31 when The Octopus came out. He died the following year from a burst appendix. (The Pit, which he had finished, was published posthumously.)

Norris has also been shunted aside by modern literary critics for not being woke enough on issues of race and ethnicity, the primary critique being that The Octopus has an undercurrent of anti-Semitism.

This accusation strikes me as weak tea, a criticism leveled by lesser talents protected by tenure. The main evidence seems to be that a Southern Pacific land agent in the novel named S. Behrman is said to be drawn as a stereotypical greedy Jewish businessman. I dont see it, though its true that S. Behrman is an odious character who illustrates the insatiable avarice of the railroad. Heres a passage that will give you the flavor:

If the freight rates are to be adjusted to squeeze us a little harder, it is S. Behrman who regulates what we can stand. If theres a judge to be bought, it is S. Behrman who does the bargaining. If there is a jury to be bribed, it is S. Behrman who handles the money. If there is an election to be jobbed, it is S. Behrman who manipulates it. Its Behrman here and Behrman there.

Okay, hes a parasite, but Norris doesnt identify him as being Jewish. And the 1888 Mussel Slough Tragedy, a shootout in Tulare County that inspired the novel, was instigated by real-life railroad land agents and their allies: men such as W.H. Mills, Creed Haymond, W.W. Stow, and Boss Carr. But none of them were Jewish, either. Nor were the Big Four -- Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins, Collis P. Huntington, and Charles Crocker -- the railroad magnates who formed Southern Pacific.

There was an SP land agent at the time Norris would have been researching his book who had a Germanic name and could have been the inspiration for S. Behrman. His name was Daniel K. Zumwalt, and, like Frank Norris, he came to the West originally from Illinois. But Zumwalt was a Methodist.

In any event, the decades-long predation of Southern Pacific on Californias politics and agriculture ultimately prompted a backlash in the form of muckraking journalists, reform-minded politicians, and fed-up voters. Foremost among the reformers was Hiram Johnson, who won the states governorship in 1910 as a liberal Republican crusading against Southern Pacific.

Two years later, Johnson helped found the Progressive Party and was Theodore Roosevelts running mate in the three-way presidential race of 1912, in which a divided GOP handed the presidency to Woodrow Wilson. Hiram Johnson ran for governor again in 1914, winning in a landslide, and two years later he left Sacramento for Washington as a U.S. senator.

Looking back, Johnsons first campaign proved a harbinger of Californias future. Determined to show that he was a man who embraced science and technology -- and because he was running against the railroads -- Johnson mostly eschewed rail travel in 1910, preferring to campaign in a new-fangled mode of transport.

This contraption was, of course, the automobile. This historic example underscores the final reason Frank Norris is no longer relevant. As time marches forward, innovative technologies provide solutions to human beings ancient problems -- even as they create fresh social problems to be addressed anew.

Carl M. Cannon

Washington Bureau chief, RealClearPolitics

@CarlCannon (Twitter)

ccannon@realclearpolitics.com
Three years after the Obama administration galvanized the cancer community by unveiling Cancer Moonshot 2020, President Trump has settled on his own medical moonshot: making AIDS go the way of polio and smallpox.

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, has taken millions of lives since its discovery in the early 1980s, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than a million Americans still carry HIV today. When Trump delivers his State of the Union address Tuesday night, he is expected to announce plans to effectively end the disease.

As Politico first reported, the president will pledge to halt HIV transmission altogether by 2030. Details are still forthcoming. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services referred RealClearPolitics to the White House, where requests for comment were not returned.

Lack of specifics didnt stop critics from panning the yet unveiled strategy late Monday.

The Human Rights Campaign expressed skepticism that a real commitment to end the epidemic was being offered. GLAAD, an advocacy group for lesbian and gay individuals, was similarly dismissive, calling the Trump pledge empty rhetoric.

Likewise, Scott Schoettes, who resigned in protest from the presidential advisory council on HIV six months after Trumps inauguration, wondered in a RCP interview whether the president would make the pledge just to have something to talk about other than his border wall.

The criticism follows a familiar argument from the presidents critics. Trump cant be serious about combating HIV, they say, after proposing cuts to Medicare, scaling back the Affordable Care Act, and making a social conservative like Mike Pence his vice president.

It does feel like theyre just picking this issue up out of the air, added Schoettes, who asserted in a June 2017 Newsweek op-ed that Trump does not care about people living with the disease.

Even if this is a political calculation on Trumps part, however, it has been a point of focus for HHS Secretary Alex Azar, whom the AIDS Institute praised for his knowledge, expertise, and leadership. Azar has promised a plan to combat HIV not just as a biomedical issue, but as a social challenge.

Making that happen will likely fall to CDC Director Robert Redfield. A longtime AIDS researcher before heading the Atlanta-based agency, Redfield pioneered treatments at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and later at the University of Maryland School of Medicine as a virologist and physician.

When Redfield addressed CDC employees for the first time in March of 2017, the new director insisted that ending the AIDS epidemic could be done in the next three to seven years if we put our mind to it. A still bullish Redfield revised that timeline several months later, telling the Wall Street Journal the job could take seven years or maybe a little longer.

Redfield prescribed comprehensive prevention strategies, stressing the need for an approach called pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP. While no vaccine for HIV exists, this pharmaceutical treatment can significantly reduce the likelihood of infection among at-risk individuals with daily medication.

Although behavioral strategies are important, theyve always had limitations. And with the advent of PrEP, we know we have a biological mechanism that can prevent infection, he told the Journal. The data is rock solid.

Adopting a strategy designed by Redfield isnt without political risk for Trump. It could mean alienating social conservatives who have long been chary of government advice about sexually transmitted diseases  unless that advice is mostly focused on abstinence. Unlike Pence, who once panned condoms as a very poor protection against sexually transmitted diseases, the CDC director has said their use will be part of the solution and described himself as never having been an abstinence-only person.

James Curran, dean of the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, said a comprehensive approach works and likened HIV mortalities to deaths from treatable cancers. With the available treatments we have for HIV, he told RCP, it is really a shame people are dying of AIDS in the United States.

Curran, who led CDC efforts against HIV/AIDS for 15 years and was one of the first to recognize the illness as an infectious disease in the 1980s, said the Trump goal isnt implausible.

If we have the biologic tools for the virus, Curran argued, its simply a matter of applying those tools, motivating people, and paying for things that are needed to make sure it gets done.

Whether Trump can turn rhetorical aspiration into concrete health strategy will be a question that continues past the State of the Union address. Now-eradicated scourges such as polio and smallpox had more visible symptoms that led to more immediate treatment. HIV, by contrast, often goes years without detection, and as yet there is no cureonly preventive measures.

Political resentment could present another impediment to an already daunting task. If Trump demonstrates a visible commitment during Tuesdays speech, though, Curran urged the communities most effected to give the president a shot.

If the leadership is willing to take steps, then give them a chance and assume they want to reduce stigma and provide coordinated resources, Curran said. Hold them accountable for that, not accountable for whom they voted for in the last election.

While Trump hasnt demonstrated the most nuanced understanding of sexually transmitted diseaseshe was reportedly confused about the difference between HPV and HIV during a meeting with billionaire philanthropist Bill GatesCurran remains optimistic even if the moonshot falls short.

What if we were able to reduce the deaths by 50 percent in the next couple of years? he said. Wouldnt that be a remarkable thing?
In his fascinating new memoir (This Is Cuba) about his time as a photographer/reporter in CNNs Havana bureau, David Ariosto described a visit from a neighbor not long after he arrived. Interesting is that when the young Cuban woman arrived at his rental house, in her hands was a gleaming Apple iPhone. But how could that be? Not only was an iPhone (the meeting took place in 2009) well out of reach for most Cubans from a cost standpoint, theres a fairly strict embargo that limits U.S. exports to the country.

All of the above is true in a sense, but when it comes to trade theres no accounting for the final destination of any good. While Apple couldnt sell to Cuba during the time in question (at present the rules concerning trade are a bit hazier), it also couldnt control what its customers did with the iPhones legally sold to them. As readers can probably imagine, iPhones were in use in Cuba despite the embargo because those with family often brought them in.

Ariostos recall is a reminder of just how toothless are embargoes. If a product is high quality, its eventually going to end up where politicians would rather it not. Along these lines, readers can rest assured that Apple, Nike and all manner of other brands that scream America can be found in Iran despite naive attempts by the federal government to punish the Iranian people for having lousy leadership. Write it down over and over again: theres no accounting for the final destination of any good. This includes the U.S. dollars that are helping liquefy trade in Tehran as you read this column.

Which brings us to a recent Wall Street Journal opinion piece by former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers. Rogers cheered Mondays federal indictments of China-based technology company Huawei for alleged crimes including bank fraud, sanctions violations, and theft of trade secrets. Like a growing number of conservatives, Rogers is sadly of the view that Huawei, a corporation so effective that its products are in 178 countries around the world, represents a national security threat to the United States.

One reason for Rogers alarmism comes care of Huaweis presumed violation of U.S. sanctions on Iran. Ok, but any corporation producing desirable products is similarly in violation. This includes U.S. corporations. As previously mentioned, the final destination of any product is impossible to control. Even if U.S. corporations arent selling directly to Iranian consumers, theyre surely selling to them indirectly. To be clear, if your product has market value and you're mass producing same, you're ultimately exchanging your product with the enemy. And you know you are.

In Rogers' defense, the Wall Street Journal's brilliant editorial page largely shares his view of Huawei. In a column eerily titled "U.S. Can Destroy Huawei" the normally circumspect Holman Jenkins suggested China has the potential to become "North Korea writ huge" as it "thumbs its nose at international norms, a pirate nation living by blackmail and theft." Jenkins's words read as an overstatement, and that's an understatement. Lest he forget, some of the U.S.'s greatest corporations and brands (Apple, Nike, McDonald's, Starbucks, to name a few) view the commercial opportunities in China as vast, and likely wouldn't risk their brands on a "pirate nation living by blackmail and theft." Can the greatest businesses in the world know so little about the country they're operating in, and Jenkins, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, and President Trump know so much?

Jenkins views China and Huawei as major violators of all that's seemingly decent given his assertion that "Stealing is regarded as a national development strategy and patriotic duty" in this once desperately poor country, but isn't the latter a gross oversimplification of what's actually happening? If we ignore how readily Steve Jobs and Bill Gates admitted to aggressively lifting ideas from others, and if we more crucially ignore how incredibly difficult it is to mimic stolen genius, can Jenkins really believe theft even somewhat explains Huawei's status as (per Jenkins's column) "the world's largest telecom-equipment manufacturer and the second largest maker of smartphones"? Is there a comparable list of brilliant companies that similarly became great based on theft? More on this in a bit, but the Journal's editorial page has long decried industrial policy as the certain path to average (think countless editorials in the 1980s and '90s about Japan, the "China" of the late 20th century), but it seems to work in China given Jenkins's call for China to "start separating business from the state."

For now its worth stressing what realistically has Rogers up in arms, and perhaps surprisingly Jenkins: Huawei is a very successful company. If it weren't, its actions would in no way matter to the U.S.'s political or pundit classes. But since the China-based maker of telecom equipment and consumer electronics represents a competitive threat to U.S. corporations in their fight for market share, there's a lot of noise and - much more perilously - government force coming from the U.S. This better explains why Rogers and others are cheering the horrid protectionism thats behind these indictments. Crucial here is that the American people stand to lose the most from the federal governments efforts to slow Chinese businesses in their race to meet the needs of global consumers.

To understand why the above is true, readers need only consider where they presently live. Odds are most dont reside in Cupertino (CA), Beaverton (OR), or Dallas, but the free flow of goods and services throughout the United States means we benefit from the genius of Apple, Nike and AT&T as though each corporation is located right next door.

Huawei isn't all that different despite what Rogers and all-too-many conservatives sadly tell us. Rogers believes that 5G technology will revolutionize the way we use technology, but expresses worry that China seeks dominance from the start in the 5G space. And this is a problem because...? If we ignore how unlikely it is that Rogers has even a faint clue about what will revolutionize tomorrow's technology, Huaweis success is a function of the popularity of its products around the world. Assuming it builds the best 5G network, it will want a return on its investment. Theres no better way to achieve a return than to sell 5G networking services to the biggest market (that would be the U.S. market) in the world.

Implicit in the laughable notion that China or Huawei winning the race to 5G exists as a threat is that the rest of the world was harmed by the Apples stupendous success with the iPhone, and Microsofts with software. No, individuals the world over gained precisely because the products created by Apple and Microsoft were and are incredibly useful. The same applies to Huawei. Though most of us dont live in Shenzen (where Huawei is located), its once again similarly true that most us dont live in Cupertino. And it doesnt matter. So long as markets are open, we benefit from genius regardless of where it emerges from.

To all this, Rogers plainly doesnt agree. He claims that Through Huawei and the products it manufactures, Beijing is working to control the 5G network rollout, control the international standards for its deployment, and infect the foundation of the 5G system for its own benefit. Seriously, what happened to conservatives? While they used to heartily embrace Ronald Reagans line about the nine most terrifying words in the English language being Im from the government, and Im here to help, the Chinese have taken space inside their heads. Though conservatives once understood that industrial policy and other governmental interventions in the marketplace harmed their supposed beneficiaries, apparently those views go out the window when its Chinas government thats allegedly teaming up with a private corporation.

Rogers claims that Huawei and other Chinese companies care nothing about free-market competition, and Jenkins once again claims something similar in his call to separate "business from the state," but if true, Rogers, Jenkins and other conservatives have nothing to worry about. Indeed, as those on the right have long (correctly) stressed, a lack of free market discipline is the path to stagnation. Assuming the China plan to dominate 5G technology is government run as Rogers alludes, and is part of a "national development strategy" as Jenkins alludes, it will fail. Assuming whats more likely, that Huawei thrives precisely because its operations are driven far more by market forces (can Rogers and Jenkins name all the technology companies run by governments, and that thrive globally?), Americans will once again benefit as though Huawei were locally headquartered.

As for Huaweis ties to government and the Chinese military (Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei previously served as a Peoples Liberation Army officer), the suspected nefarious connection seems a reach. Goodness, top American companies are littered with former military brass. Are all of them suspect too? After that, lets be serious. Not only have conservatives long argued that tight working relationships between government and commerce weaken commerce, the simple truth is that its Huawei which is presently limited from legally selling some of its wares in the United States, and it's the federal government in the U.S. that presently has the power (according to Jenkins) to "destroy" Huawei. What this tells us is that one likely driver of U.S. disdain for China is a realization that "America" too is perilously close to U.S. businesses (how soon we forget those bailouts from 2008 that the Bushies said were so essential, or what about the CFIUS block of CNOOC's acquisition of Unocal...?); these relationships detrimental to American consumers and businesses alike given the endless benefits that come from free markets and competition. More than some would like to admit, there's a looking-in-the-mirror quality to U.S. frustration with China. And if it's ever proven that the Chinese government plans to access Huawei technology to "increase opportunities for cyber-spying and theft" (Wall Street Journal unsigned editorial) around the world, it's a safe bet that markets will quickly correct the error to the detriment of China's government and Huawei. One never knows, but odds are Zhengfei didn't painstakingly build a global business that could be taken down at a moment's notice by errors committed inside China's political bureaucracy.

Ultimately the whole Huawei story is strange. Again, whats happened to conservatives? Once for limited government, they now increasingly paranoid in their calls for government to manage competition with national security fears in mind. Sorry, but China was a much bigger national security threat when its people were destitute. Now theyre trying to meet our needs and conservatives are fearful? That the Wall Street Journals editorial page is giving voice to emerging protectionism on the right is all the more disturbing for it revealing how much the Lighthizer/Navarro/Trump view of China and trade has seemingly infected the Holy Grail of correct thinking. Pre-Trump, opinion pieces like the one by Rogers and columns like Jenkins' were much harder to find, assuming the editorial page printed them at all. Heres hoping wise thinking prevails at a time when China has market-oriented conservatives increasingly sounding like protectionists from the late 20th century back when "Japan" and its close ties with commerce had so many so mistakenly up in arms.
(This account of the wholesale destruction of Manila and its people is based on affidavits of victims and eyewitnesses of Japanese atrocities. Their testimony was collected by U. S. forces which liberated Manila. The affidavits were contained in a report made to the War Department by the Commander-in-Chief of the Southwest Pacific Area. For the sake of brevity, the actual wording of the original affidavits has been in most cases condensed, but the stark facts are exactly as related under oath. For security reasons, many of the persons making affidavits must remain unidentified.)

Manila has been destroyed. The once proud city of the Far East is dead. Its churches, convents, and universities are piles of rubble, bombed and burned beyond recognition. Its civilian population have been raped and burned, starved and murdered, its women mutilated, its babies bayoneted.

The order that brought this about came directly from Tokyo. Reliable evidence based on interrogation of prisoners of war, military personnel, Philippine officials and civilians, and Japanese documents reveals the staggering fact that the Sack of Manila and its attendant horrors were not the act of a crazed garrison in a last-ditch, berserk defense, but the coldly planned purpose of the Japanese high command.

Early in December, 1944, the puppet President Laurel, made a futile attempt to have Manila declared an open city. General Yamashita made a vague promise and even drafted plans for that possibility, then flew to Tokyo. But on his return, he moved his headquarters and the puppet government to Baguio. From that date, accelerated defense preparations in Manila forecasted its doom.
Africa has generally ranked near the bottom of U.S. foreign policy priorities. Historically, two-term presidents have waited until their second term to establish their legacies on the continent, and many one-term presidents have neglected it altogether. U.S. President Donald J. Trump has surprised many by bucking this trend.

In December, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton unveiled a formal strategy for Africa. The document was originally slated for public release but has subsequently been classified, meaning that many details of the strategy will remain hidden from public view. Nevertheless, Boltons comments provide some welcome insight into the Trump administrations philosophy on Africa and establish several benchmarks against which the administrations practices can be assessed.

Security

Since 9/11, Washington has deepened its military engagement with key African nations, both in response to persistent conflicts (in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example) and to stem radicalization (primarily in the Sahel, North Africa, and the Horn). The Bush administration announced the creation of a unified Africa Command (AFRICOM) in 2007. Under the Obama administration, the Pentagon established several new military outposts across the continent and launched counterterrorism partnerships with Cameroon, Uganda, and a host of other nations. In a move that was controversial within the ranks of his liberal base, U.S. President Barack Obama also dramatically boosted the presence of U.S. special operations forces on the ground and increased the tempo of airstrikes against suspected terrorists.

The first two years of the Trump administration have been marked by an even greater surge in kinetic engagements across the continent, especially in Somalia, where U.S. security forces conducted forty-seven airstrikes against al-Shabaab in 2018 (a 200 percent increase from 2016). In March of 2017, the White House decided to ease some of the rules and regulations surrounding combat strikes in the country, allowing the Pentagon to persecute targets more speedily without Oval Office approval. The administration also emboldened Central Intelligence Agency powers in Africa, allowing the Agency to conduct drone strikes against suspected terrorists from an airbase in northeastern Nigerauthorities the Obama administration had endeavored to curtail. This upsurge of kinetic operations has almost certainly made it more difficult for terrorist organizations to operate across the continent, but previous administrations have found that airstrike surges can spur public backlash and recruitment into extremist groups.

Previous administrations have taken a more holistic approach to security assistance on the continent, scaling up direct-action strikes in tandem with development assistance and military-to-military support. Trump, in contrast, is deeply skeptical of U.S. humanitarian and development efforts and has threatened to dramatically shrink funding for them. In his speech at the Heritage Foundation in Washington on December 13, Bolton made it clear that the United States intends to reserve security assistance for responsible regional stakeholders and to cut support for unproductive, unsuccessful, and unaccountable United Nations peacekeeping missions. Peacekeeping missions were the hallmark of the Obama administrations approach to African conflicts, embodied in his African solutions to African problems catchphrase, so this marks a dramatic shift in thinking.

Trade and Investment

The Trump administration is navigating a trade environment far different from that faced by its predecessors: in many African nations, the United States is simply no longer the investor of choice. U.S. trade with the continent has lagged since 2008, while rival powersincluding China, India, Turkey, Russia, and the Gulf stateshave amped up their diplomacy, trade, and investment. This has already undermined U.S. competitiveness in the region, and the trend is escalating. Bolton spent much of his speech excoriating Beijing and Moscow for predatory practices in Africa that he characterized as worsening indebtedness, exacerbating corruption, and fueling exploitative labor practices.

There is some truth to those allegations, and the United States is right to be wary of Chinese dominance of Africas growing markets. But it is not the whole picturemany Africans benefit substantially from Chinese investment, particularly in infrastructure. And the administrations tendency to portray Africa as merely a stage for great power competition (an Off-Broadway one, at that) may rub Africans the wrong way, particularly if it is accompanied by diplomatic strong-arming or a reduction in aid. Warning African nations of the risks of indebtedness to China will only be effective if the United States can offer them a compelling alternative for trade and financing. The reality is, that will be difficult to accomplish. Washington has far fewer strategic imperatives in Africa than China does; it has little capacity or desire to compete with China in obtaining petroleum or financing infrastructure loans. Likewise, most areas of U.S. competitiveness do not (yet) overlap with Chinas strengths. But Bolton is correct that the United States needs to position itself better if it wants to be a competitive player in Africas economic future.

The Trump administration is actually off to a good start in that regard. Last year, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross participated in a much-publicized trip to the continent, during which he announced billions of dollars in new investments and signed memorandums of understanding to promote public-private partnerships. More important, Trumps signing into law of the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act will create a new U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, which will streamline and empower U.S. commercial diplomacy throughout the developing world, but especially in Africa. The Trump administration has also announced a new initiative called Prosper Africa, which is currently in embryo but will eventually provide another vehicle to spur U.S. investment in Africa, secure funding from Congress for Africa-focused initiatives, and provide an alternative to China and Russias engagement strategies.

Finally, the Trump administration has expressed desire to finally negotiate a model free trade agreement (FTA) with an African nation. This is a welcome development. The goal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which currently gives forty African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market, has always been to bring these countries up to the high standards necessary to obtain a formal FTA with the United States. But it may also run counter to African efforts to boost trade, at a time when most African leaders are betting their economic futures on regionalism and aspiring to an African Continental Free Trade Agreement, rather than bilateral deals.

Democracy and Governance

The promotion of democracy, human rights, and good governance has been a pillar of U.S.-Africa policy for decades, and it is here that Trump appears most at odds with conventional approaches to the continent. His camaraderie with autocratic leaders and his indifference to exporting American values has led many observers to predict that his administration would ignore civil and human rights abuses in Africa, to the overall detriment of democracy on the continent.

That very much remains to be seen. Washingtons commitment to promoting human rights and democracy abroad has always been shaky. Previous administrations certainly have, on occasion, criticized African dictators for outstaying term limits, launching anti-gay crackdowns, arresting journalists, and manipulating elections. But they have as often ignored such problems when it serves U.S. security interests. Both the Obama and Bush administrations heaped weapons and funding on the Ugandan president, Yoweri Museveni, who manipulated his countrys constitution in order to stay in power for life. Ethiopia has enjoyed a similar immunity from U.S. criticism due its pivotal role in the war on terrorismObama praised its democratically elected government just months after the ruling party suspiciously won 100 percent of the seats in parliament and launched a brutal crackdown on the political opposition, youths, Muslims, journalists, and bloggers.

U.S. presidents oratory on human rights has often been designed to appeal to a political base in the United States; in this regard, Trump is probably no different. Some of his comments have certainly done harm to the United States standing in Africa. But in practice, the difference between Trump and Obama on human rights in Africa may prove to be largely rhetoricalsubordinate, in both cases, to U.S. security interests on the continent.

When Trump was elected, many predicted that U.S.-Africa policy would suffer, assuming that the continent would recede even further from the attention of U.S. policymakers. The Trump administration has surely surprised these critics by articulating a strategy for Africa so very early on. But the strategy is also, clearly, a shot across the bow, signaling the administrations intention to challenge long-standing norms in the areas of peacekeeping, humanitarian relief, and development. So far, Trumps focus on great power competition appears to have raised Africas profile and yielded a more business-friendly approach, particularly in the passage of the BUILD Act. In the end, Trump might just surprise us on Africa.

Jonny Gass is an assistant director in the Atlantic Councils Africa Center. You can follow him on Twitter @JonnyGass.

This article appeared originally at Atlantic Council.
The Trump administration has made it clear that it views China as one of the greatest threats to America's economic and security interests. Unfortunately, the administration treats China's activities in Africa with less urgency. The president's new Africa strategy lacks the teeth necessary to counter China's massive investments in infrastructure and military expansion on the African continent. A much more aggressive plan to beat China is needed.

Early in Trump's tenure, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford told the Senate Armed Services Committee, I think China probably poses the greatest threat to our nation by about 2025. A few months later, the Trump administration released its National Security Strategy, which said, China and Russia challenge American power, influence, and interests, attempting to erode American security and prosperity. They are determined to make economies less free and less fair, to grow their militaries, and to control information and data to repress their societies and expand their influence.
ITALY: Trenitalia has begun test running with one of the 17 AnsaldoBreda V250 trainsets which it acquired cheaply following their short and troubled life on Fyra services in the Netherlands and Belgium. The first test run left Milano Centrale for Bologna Centrale at 20:30 on February 4.
SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Railway Co has awarded Perpetuum a two-year contract to provide its vibration-based track condition monitoring system for use on the 1 242 km northsouth route between Al-Qurrayat and Riyadh.
NWA LEGENDS TO APPEAR AT CROCKETT CUP TOURNAMENT, ANNOUNCE TEAM FOR EVENT ANNOUNCED, PRE-SALE TOMORROW & MORE

The NWA released the following video following up on yesterday's video focused on NWA National Champion Willie Mack:

At the end ot the video, Jim Cornette appeared, officially announcing that Magnum TA, Nikita Koloff, The Rock N Roll Express, all three members of the Midnight Express and Cornette himself will appear on the 4/27 Crockett Cup event in Concord, NC are.

The announce team for the event will be Ian Riccaboni, Jim Cornette and Joe Galli, which means the show will likely air on Fite.tv, as did the NWA 70 event.

Jim Cornette, in making those announcements, noted the tournament would feature teams from the National Wrestling Alliance, Ring of Honor, Japan, Mexico and more.

Crockett Cup tickets will go on sale on tomorrow for ROH Honorclub members. The official on sale will be Friday 2/8 at 10 AM Eastern.

Villain Club and War Kings have already qualified for the tag team tournament.

For more details, click here.

If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  A Purdue University-based cybersecurity startup may soon help the U.S. Air Force monitor and track high-value and sensitive assets.

SensorHound Inc. has received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I contract, sponsored by the Air Force and AFWERX, the Air Forces technology and innovation hub. The Air Force is interested in exploring technological solutions that have proven their value and commercial potential in the non-defense commercial sector to see if they have applications for an Air Force problem. This phase of the SBIR includes conducting a feasibility study to determine the effectiveness of existing and upcoming commercial solutions for one or multiple Air Force and Department of Defense problems.

SensorHound has developed a unique cybersecure environmental condition monitoring and location-tracking device, Beagle, for high-value and sensitive assets. SensorHounds Beagle solution is currently being piloted in industry, including a Fortune 500 company. A video about the solution is available at https://bit.ly/2CMiq0G.

The Beagle solution is purpose-built for high-value assets addressing key requirements of high cybersecurity, long-lasting and remote configurability, said Vinai Sundaram, co-founder and CEO of SensorHound. Beagle uses SensorHounds core solution to monitor device firmware failures and intrusions in the field.

SensorHound provides lightweight software solutions to detect malicious intrusions and monitor firmware health in Internet of Things (IoT) devices like asset trackers and smart thermostats. The company, headquartered at Purdue Research Foundations Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette, also provides products to securely and reliably connect IoT devices to the cloud servers. These solutions help IoT device manufacturers and operators to significantly reduce their time to market and cost of ownership.

A successful Phase I project could lead to a multi-year Phase II award that would allow SensorHound to develop and demonstrate the adapted prototype system that meets the military standards and requirements.

In addition to this Air Force SBIR, SensorHound has been recognized again with a TechConnect Defense Innovation Award. Only 15 percent of all innovations submitted to the Defense Innovation Summit were selected for this award. Rankings are based on the potential positive impact the submitted technology will have for the warfighter and national security.

SensorHounds work aligns with Purdue's Giant Leaps celebration, celebrating the universitys global advancements in artificial intelligence as part of Purdues 150th anniversary. AI, including through defense cybersecurity, is one of the four themes of the yearlong celebrations Ideas Festival, designed to showcase Purdue as an intellectual center solving real-world issues.

SensorHounds technology is licensed through the Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization.

About SensorHound Inc.

SensorHound Inc. is a cybersecurity software company whose mission is to improve the security and reliability of the Internet of Things (IoT). The companys leading-edge software solutions proactively and automatically monitor IoT devices to provide effective insights into the devices operational health. SensorHounds patented technology has won several accolades including prestigious National Science Foundations SBIR Phase I & II awards. SensorHound is headquartered at Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette, Indiana. For more information, email contact@sensorhound.com.

About Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization

The Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the university's academic activities. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, which received the 2016 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Award for Innovation from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. For more information about funding and investment opportunities in startups based on a Purdue innovation, contact the Purdue Foundry at foundry@prf.org. For more information on licensing a Purdue innovation, contact the Office of Technology Commercialization at otcip@prf.org. The Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University.

About National Security Technology Accelerator

National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) accelerates the discovery, development and deployment of innovative technology solutions for operational missions and installations of the U.S. Military at home and abroad. NSTXL harvests innovative technology from the commercial and non-defense marketplace, ensuring the development of better, cheaper, and faster defense capabilities. We offer a unique and simplified approach to rapidly develop prototype that address a range of operational and installation needs, from individual warfighter technology up to large-scale installation projects. NSTXL delivers technology to the warfighter by serving as a one-stop shop to match government requirements with innovative private-sector solutions.

About TechConnect

For more than 20 years, TechConnect has provided strategic technology prospecting and commercialization services through the largest network of active innovators worldwide. Each year TechConnect prospects, vets, and connects thousands of emerging technologies for our industry, investment, and government clients.

Writer: Chris Adam, 765-588-3341, cladam@prf.org



Source: Matthew S. Potrawski, SensorHound Inc., mpotrawski@sensorhound.com
February 5, 2019

Purdue Polytechnic High School partners with Keystone Group to secure location for second school next to Broad Ripple High School

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 4, 2019  Purdue Polytechnic High School announced today its second charter school will open in the summer of 2019 in Broad Ripple, solidifying its commitment to Indianapolis north side and expanding its unique educational model to more urban high school students.

The STEM-focused innovative high school will occupy a 12,400-square-foot building at 1405 Broad Ripple Avenue, formerly home to the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF). Following minor renovations, the second location of Purdue Polytechnic High School will open in July with an inaugural class of up to 150 freshmen for the 2019-2020 school year.

The building will be owned and operated by Indianapolis-based Keystone, and will serve as a temporary location for Purdue Polytechnic High School while a permanent facility in Broad Ripple is secured in partnership with Keystone.

We have worked diligently with the residents and community leaders in Broad Ripple to ensure students and families on the north side of Indianapolis have an accessible, high-quality educational option. Were thrilled that we have found a centrally located building and can deliver our unique curriculum to more Marion County students, said Purdue Polytechnic High Schools Head of Schools Scott Bess. Purdue Polytechnic High School focuses on teaching students the skills and knowledge to succeed in a 21st Century economy through hands-on, STEM-focused curriculum and paves the way toward admission to a post-secondary institution.

Once we learned about Purdue Polytechnic High Schools desire for space in Broad Ripple, we were immediately excited to help in purchasing and developing a building to fit their needs, said Ersal Ozdemir, CEO of Keystone Group. As a Purdue Engineering alumnus, I am deeply connected to Purdue and also Purdue Polytechnic High Schools mission of equitable access to quality education. Our team will work through renovations quickly to ensure a successful opening for the high school this summer and over the next 12 months identify a permanent home for Purdue Polytechnic High School in the Broad Ripple Village.

Purdue Polytechnic High School opened its first Indianapolis charter school in 2017, and today has more than 250 freshman and sophomore students in its downtown Indianapolis location at the Circle Centre Mall. The schools second location was approved by Indianapolis Charter School Board in June 2018 based on the success of its downtown campus, unique teaching model and demonstrated community support for an innovative school in Broad Ripple.

This is the Broad Ripple I know and love, said Colleen Fanning, Indianapolis City-County Councillor for District 2. Innovative educators team up with a local entrepreneur and developer to bring secondary education back to our community. Working to bring the parties together, I was able to see this approach firsthand and consider this a gamechanger for Broad Ripples future. For too long, young families have left our community in droves to seek better public education options. No more. What was once our communitys most glaring weakness could soon become the main reason families choose Broad Ripple.

This is wonderful news for Broad Ripple, added Josh John, president, Broad Ripple Village Association (BRVA). Following the closure of our neighborhood high school, citizens expressed strong support for a high school option in Broad Ripple. BRVA and Purdue Polytechnic High School worked together to find a suitable facility and can now move forward to offer Broad Ripple families an innovative, attractive public education model.

When the schools interest in Broad Ripple became public last year, citizen feedback was overwhelmingly positive. This announcement shows what can be accomplished given effective collaboration and a shared commitment to making our community the best it can be.

Keeanna Warren will serve as the founding principal for the second location of Purdue Polytechnic High School. She previously worked with the Excel Center in the Meadows neighborhood since 2013 and was school director from February 2015 to July 2017. She began her career teaching fifth grade at the Andrew J. Brown Academy charter school and Washington Townships Nora Elementary School.

Purdue Polytechnic High School is a tuition-free public charter high school. Interested applicants should visit https://pphs.purdue.edu/apply.





Media contacts:

Laura Miller, for Purdue Polytechnic High School

Phone: 317-332-3306

Email: Laura@lauramillercommunications.com

Jasmin Shaheed-Young, for Keystone

Phone: 317-636-2000

Cell: 646-660-5131

Email: jsyoung@keystone-corp.com
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  When an HIV outbreak hit Indiana's rural Scott County in 2015, the sparsely staffed health department was stretched to confirm cases among an entire community with lab tests that aren't portable and could take weeks to return results.

This meant that it took over a year to confirm 235 HIV cases for the area. Even at-home tests for HIV currently require a person to wait a couple months after possible infection before testing themselves.

What if patients could reliably test themselves at home and know results in minutes, after less than a couple weeks of an infection?

A handheld diagnostic tool made out of paper already has that speed and would work not only for HIV, but many other infectious diseases. Using it would be like doing your own pregnancy test.

Jacqueline Linnes, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Purdue University, has been developing technology with her team that would make lab detection tests both faster and portable, thanks to the inherent properties of paper.

The first paper-based device out of Linnes' lab can detect HIV nucleic acids from the blood of a finger prick within 90 minutes. Her lab is working on using the same platform for detecting other diseases, ranging from whooping cough to cholera, since the process of extracting pathogens from a sample using paper would be the same.

The device has been designed so far to specifically address challenges with faster disease detection in countries such as Kenya and Haiti, which struggle with affording the costs of running lab facilities, maintaining a constant power supply and training staff to interpret results that are sometimes inaccurate.

"In rural areas, a local facility for HIV care can be as far as 10 miles away with poor transport and communication, so many patients on treatment give up and no longer return to health facilities for treatment monitoring," said Eddy Odari, a professor of biomedical research at Jomo Kenyatta University in Kenya, who develops and evaluates diagnostic assays for human pathogenic viruses.

"Such patients who don't return have been associated with sub-optimal HIV treatment and increased resistance to first-line antiretroviral therapy, which can lead to a population with transmitted resistance, " Odari said.

If an affordable and accurate device could run on low enough power to detect diseases on-the-spot for these countries, then it could also prove useful to communities in the U.S. with limited staff and facilities that are far apart.

Linnes and her collaborators plan to investigate the device's utility for rural areas of Indiana alongside addressing HIV in Kenya and cholera in Haiti.

"The idea is to more quickly detect what's causing an infection for patients both in areas of the world that have the lab facilities close by and those that don't," said Linnes, who specializes in building point-of-care diagnostic tools for the field.

For the past 30 years, researchers have been investigating paper-based devices for faster diagnostics because paper-like materials, such as glass fiber and cellulose, are robust and known to function as a pump.

This means that paper can carry samples, such as blood or water, without all the external equipment required within a lab to separate out the nucleic acids of a pathogen and make copies, or "amplify" them, for detection.

"'Paper' is a broad term for a porous material that can pull liquid along, not just the type that you can write on. Band-aid pads are paper-like, for example," Linnes said. "The downside is that paper doesn't have any controls."

For this reason, most paper-based devices relying on nucleic acid amplification are still in very early stages. Linnes' lab has been working to speed up how these devices operate in the field by reducing the number of steps needed to separate pathogens from a sample loaded onto paper.

So far, Linnes' lab and other researchers at Purdue have reduced these steps through an electronic circuit board that heats wax valves from beneath intricate channels of paper, controlling the flow of a sample in one step rather than multiple steps. The process starts with adding buffer liquid to a finger prick of blood within a vial, and then pouring the vial into a hole within the paper.

If a band shows up on the end of the paper strip after a sample has been loaded, in addition to the control band, then a person has tested positive for a disease.

Because reading a paper strip is easy and low cost, there wouldn't really be a need for the technology to go digital.

But Linnes and her collaborators have been working on another problem that calls for a digital solution: knowing how well a person is responding to treatment for an infectious disease.

Through a company that Linnes co-founded, OmniVis, Purdue researchers are investigating the use of smartphone technology to quantify HIV in the body.

"If you're on antiretroviral drugs and your body is responding well, then the amount of virus would be low, but if you're resistant to the drugs, then the amount of virus would increase," Linnes said.

Patents for the paper-based device have been filed through the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization. Linnes' work is partially funded by the National Science Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

This research aligns with Purdue's Giant Leaps celebration, acknowledging the universitys global advancements made in health, longevity and quality of life as part of Purdues 150th anniversary. This is one of the four themes of the yearlong celebrations Ideas Festival, designed to showcase Purdue as an intellectual center solving real-world issues.

Writer: Kayla Wiles, 765-494-2432, wiles5@purdue.edu

Source: Jacqueline Linnes, 765-496-1012, jlinnes@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: A YouTube video is available at https://youtu.be/iy7vf-yxLtg. Other multimedia can be found in a Google Drive folder at http://bit.ly/linnes-media. The video and materials were prepared by Erin Easterling, digital producer for the Purdue College of Engineering, 765-496-3388, easterling@purdue.edu.
Dundurn Press, one of Canada's largest independent trade publishing houses, has been sold to a group of technology entrepreneurs. Lorne Wallace, Jason Martin, and Randall Howard took ownership of the company on January 23 from the previous owner, Kirk Howard. (Randall Howard and Kirk Howard are unrelated).

The deal was for an undisclosed cash sum and covers all of Dundurn's titles. Scott Fraser, who previously worked at Lorimer and at Dundurn as an acquisitions editor, is serving in the role of acting publisher and president. Kirk Howard will continue to serve as publisher emeritus.

It has been widely known that Howard had been shopping the publishing house for sometime and its sale comes as something of a relief to many in the industry, who had feared the worst after several prominent staff had left key positions in recent years.

Since its inception, Dundurn had expanded by acquiring a variety of small presses, including Hounslow Press, Simon & Pierre, Boardwalk Books, Natural Heritage Books, XYZ Publishing, Napoleon and Company, Blue Butterfly Books, and Thomas Allen Publishers. As of 2017, the company had some 2,500 backlist titles and was publishing between 90 and 100 new titles per year, largely focused on Canadian history and fiction. Output slowed in 2018, as Howard was focused on finding a buyer.
Drawing upon a rich history of Iranian culture, while instilling a sense of tolerance and understanding in young readers, is the mission for the U.S. launch of Tiny Owl. The London-based childrens book imprint is set to enter the U.S. this spring. Tiny Owl is the brainchild of publisher and co-founder Delaram Ghanamifard, who was inspired by her experience immigrating from Iran to the United Kingdom in 2010 and her desire to introduce Iranian literature to a new audienceincluding her own children.

Upon settling her young son into his London school after the familys move, Ghanamifard noticed how, despite his teachers efforts, he became anxious trying to read and write in an unfamiliar language. I thought if my son could practice his reading with books that were in English, but had a feeling of home, he would feel safer, she recalled. It was then that I realized that there were very few books that reflected his culture or experience.

With the intent of providing stories that present Iranian culture for a young audience, Ghanamifard launched Tiny Owl (whose name symbolizes knowledge and wisdom) for the European market in 2015 and is preparing for its U.S. distribution this spring, in hopes of expanding the imprints presence on a global level. At present, there is a great need for books that offer a more positive image of the Middle East and that promote greater cultural awareness, understanding, and tolerance, she said. Tiny Owl books aid understanding, integration, and more positive community relations, as well as introduce children to a variety of art, philosophies, and cultures.

Bridging the Gap

For its first season in the States, Tiny Owl will roll out four picture books that showcase traditional and contemporary Iranian authors and artists, with minor tweaks to the text. The only adaptations to our titles was to make sure the text was Americanized so that they have the right language and spelling, and feel right for the American audience, Ghanamifard noted. The companys initial release, The Little Black Fish by Samad Behrangi, one of her childhood favorites, was originally published in 1968 and was later banned by the Iranian government. Its about a little fish who dares to dream big and swim against the mainstream, she said.

Following this title is the May release of The Parrot and the Merchant, part of the Tales by Rumi series that pays tribute to the 13th-century poet, philosopher, and mystic. The story chronicles the adventures of a female merchant, and artwork by Iranian illustrator Marjan Vafaeian draws upon Persian miniatures.

The remaining titles for Tiny Owls U.S. debut list include When I Colored the World (June), celebrating contemporary Iranian poet Ahmadreza Ahmadi; and Cinderella of the Nile (July), which has been retold by Beverley Naidoo and features illustrations by Marjan Vafaeian. Created with colored ballpoint pens, [they] bring a unique perspective to the story inspired by ancient Egyptian art, Ghanamifard said.

U.S. Expansion Takes Flight

To help spread word of Tiny Owl in the U.S., the imprint had its official launch at the ALA Midwinter meeting last month, where its titles were on display at the Publisher Spotlight booth. Consortium has signed on as distributor, and the company will also rely on targeted mailings and a limited-edition poster for The Parrot and the Merchant to promote the brand.

Looking ahead, Ghanamifard plans to grow the Tiny Owl brand by adding new authors and titles. As Tiny Owl takes flight and spreads its wings, she said, we will continue to publish books from around the world to broaden perspectives and celebrate marginalized voicesbut, most importantly, to speak to the heart of children.
Alli Cannon, Houston DWI Lawyer No scientific analysis performed by a government expert is one hundred percent accurate

After completing three rigorous courses, Alli Cannon of Cannon Law has attained the designation of Forensic Lawyer-Scientist, making her the youngest female attorney recognized by the Chemistry and Law Division of the American Chemical Society.

According to the American Chemical Society, The ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist is one who uses validated and legitimate science for the benefit of justice. These are lawyers who study the science and apply it legitimately in the courtroom. They expose invalid or non-validated science and use valid science in the courtroom. They eschew the smoke and mirrors techniques of old and embrace the science for the benefit of all.

The designation requires attorneys to take a series of courses presented by Axion Analytical Labs in Chicago, Illinois, and pass a comprehensive proficiency exam. The courses are designed specifically to help attorneys better defend clients accused of drug and alcohol-related crimes. The courses required to achieve designation are: the ACS Forensic Chromatography course, the ACS Solid Drug Dose (Forensic Drug Analysis) course, and the ACS Forensic DUID (Forensic Principles of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs) course.

In the Forensic Chromatography course, attorneys learn the classroom theory behind had chromatography, and how flame ionization detectors and mass spectrometry work. They then put that theory to practical use by watching how the instruments work and running their own hands-on tests under expert direction, including lab work to better understand blood ethanol sampling and the role that plays in DWI cases.

The Forensic Drug Analysis course reviews how seized substances such as marijuana, pharmaceuticals, synthetic cannabinoids, and other drugs are analyzed, how laboratory analyses are used in cases involving possession of pre-consumption substances, and how analytical techniques are used in the field to determine if a substance is illicit. For practical applications, students are able to view and run tests of their own.

The final class, Forensic Principles of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, focuses on the analysis of blood, urine, hair, and saliva for indications of drug use. It also provides an in-depth understanding of both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, the aim of which is to educate on the effects substance use has on the body and how that might influence a motorists ability to function.

For Cannon, this designation means she is able to bring a new level of confidence to representing people who have been charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute, and other drug and alcohol-related crimes.

Without forensic training, lawyers often have no choice but to accept the findings of the crime lab when preparing a defense. With this comprehensive, hands-on training, Cannon now has the specialized skills needed to understand and challenge any questionable scientific methods, results, and conclusions presented by the prosecution. This results in a much stronger defensive strategy for her clients.

No scientific analysis performed by a government expert is one hundred percent accurate each and every time they perform the test, said Cannon. My extensive scientific training and experience in the testing used by the government in driving while intoxicated cases is extremely beneficial in finding and exposing errors and inaccuracies.

Cannon is thrilled to bring this new knowledge and experience to her Houston law practice, Cannon Law. Her practice is solely focused on representing clients who are accused of drug and alcohol-related crimes.

More information can be found at https://cannonlawtexas.com/.

About Cannon Law

Alli Cannon is Houstons premier DWI lawyer, offering tailored services designed to protect clients rights, driving privileges, and reputations. Cannon Law staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week for client consultations.
The Club 180 multi-tier travel agency recognition program is designed to reward top-producing agencies with a top 10 Platinum distinction, a top 11-20 Gold award, and a 21+ Silver category.

Windstar Cruises is proud to announce a new travel agency recognition program dubbed Club 180, a riff on Windstars tagline that sailing with the small ship company is truly 180 Degrees from Ordinary. The multi-tier travel agency recognition program is designed to reward top-producing agencies with a top 10 Platinum distinction, a top 11-20 Gold award, and a 21+ Silver category.

Recognition is in the form of a number of amenities travel advisors can offer their clients (such as complimentary Wi-Fi and shipboard credit); additional marketing and sales support from Windstar (including advance notice on promotions and new product launches); priority service (such as a dedicated phone line); and benefits for travel advisors themselves when sailing on Windstar (including complimentary Wi-Fi and laundry service), with varying levels of benefits for the three tiers.

Inaugural members for the new Club 180 program have already been selected based upon 2018 sales production; however, membership will be renewed annually, with an opportunity to add new members in December 2019.

Club 180 recognizes domestic North America travel sellers  not consortium, explains Windstars Vice President of Sales Steve Simao, CTC. It is based primarily on top sales, though select travel agencies may be included in the program based on the history of our partnership and their overall support of the Windstar brand.

Windstar has been putting a renewed focus on its relationship with travel professionals and travel agencies in recent years, recognizing the power of the travel advisor and launching the Star Promise program in 2016 to help advisors increase sales and book more efficiently. Windstars Travel Advisor Hub, which grew out of that Star Promise program, has been an important resource for those advisors interested in expanding their Windstar business. Simao recommends that those interested in becoming a top agency with Windstar start with the lines travel agent website for tips and training to become a top producer in Windstars new Club 180.

For Wave Season, Windstars Beyond Ordinary Savings Event plus Star Perks bonus is on now and offers the best fares and availability of the year on 2019 and 2020 cruises. Fares start at $2,999 for all 11- and 12-day Alaskan Splendors cruises with nine departure dates May through August, featuring the second season of the award-winning Windstars Signature Expeditions program. Headlined by biologists, glaciologists, and scientists, the Expedition Leaders mix with guests onboard, give lectures and launch expedition field trips direct from the ship onto Zodiacs and kayaks. Windstars iconic 7-day Dreams of Tahiti vacation begins at $2,599 and visit six islands featuring a Bora Bora overnight with complimentary Destination Discovery cultural evening on a private motu, with traditional Polynesian performances headlined by the tantalizing fire dancers. Northern Europe is a top cruise pick for 2019 with more than 40 sailings April through September including an 8-day Gaelic Explorers voyage June 20 from Dublin to Edinburgh visiting Northern Ireland and the remote Isle of Man, Isle of Skye, and Isle of Lewis; wrapping up with a chance for cruise clients to spy the elusive Nessie in beautiful Loch Ness during a call to Invergordon, Scotland; also starts at $2,999 per person, double occupancy.

In addition guests may pick their perk  an attractive incentive to enjoy while the cruise is underway. Star Perks selections include: up to $1,000 shipboard credit, free Wi-Fi, or free gratuities. Available on hundreds of Windstar sailings worldwide, Beyond Ordinary savings and Star Perks both vary by cruise and destination. In addition, longer Star Collector sailings of 14 days and more offer up to 20 percent savings and free laundry service. The promotion runs through March 18, 2019.

To learn more about the new Club 180 and authentic small ship cruising with Windstar, contact the line by phone at 1-800-258-7245 and press #1 for travel advisor assistance; visit https://advisorhub.windstarcruises.com or https://www.windstarcruises.com.
TC Fraser, Wesley Bradley Park Campus Administrator

Not-for-profit Wesley retirement communities and home health services welcomes Thomas C. (TC) Fraser as the new administrator for Wesley Bradley Park in Puyallup, Washington.

As the inaugural campus administrator, Fraser oversees the brand new, 14-acre senior community on South Hill. The campus consists of a Brownstone with 32 apartments and the Lodge with 166 apartments: 99 independent living, 17 memory care and 50 Catered Living apartments, which are similar to assisted living. The community is projected to fully open in May of 2019. The Brownstone opened in July 2018.

Originally from South Dakota, Fraser has a masters in Business Administration with a focus in healthcare and holistic and spiritual wellness from the University of Sioux Falls.

Once Wesley began searching for an administrator, a mutual professional friend introduced Fraser and Wesley President and CEO Kevin Anderson. On their first meeting, Anderson took Fraser to all three Wesley communities in Des Moines, Auburn and Puyallup.

I wanted to make sure TC had a full understanding of what Wesley is accomplishing, the vision for the organization, said Anderson. I wanted him to see how important Puyallup is in our mission to serve older adults. It was evident the moment I met him that he would be a good fit.

Fraser, who was visiting the Seattle area from Tennessee, would be leaving a retirement community that received a five-star rating two years in a row.

Wesleys mission is near and dear to my heart, said Fraser. Its a Christian organization caring for older people, and the genuine and caring spirit I saw in Kevin is something that I greatly respect and continually strive to have as a leader. After praying on it, my wife and I decided to make the move to the Pacific Northwest.

Frasers path in senior care began when he was a child. His mother was a nurse and a nursing home administrator. He didnt realize it back then, but he now recognizes that his mother instilled in him an appreciation for seniors.

For February, Frasers goal is to begin to fill key positions for the campus. He looks forward to building his team and growing with them as a community to serve the residents and the Puyallup area.

All available positions for Wesley Bradley Park and other Wesley communities can be found at WesleyChoice.org. Job seekers are encouraged to revisit the Careers page as new positions will continue to be added.

Established in 1944, Wesley Homes is a not-for-profit organization that offers a continuum of care for older adults. Wesley operates three retirement communities and a home health agency. Wesley Des Moines and Wesley Lea Hill in Auburn provide a network of services, including independent living, assisted living and housing with services residences; skilled nursing and rehabilitation; and memory care. Wesley Bradley Park in Puyallup provides independent living, Catered Living and memory care. Wesley Health & Home Care provides Medicare- and Medicaid-certified services, in-home care and hospice services to clients in King and Pierce counties.
WeaveUp's online Customizer allows you to create the perfect design in minutes. WeaveUps innovative technology allows us to provide customized upholstery synthetics to our clients at a time when customization and unique design solutions is growing in importance, said Bruno Lehmann, responsible for interior surface materials at Continental.

WeaveUp, a software company focused on digital print room solutions and surface design customization tools, announced a partnership with Continental to provide customization software for skai Design Lab. Design Lab represents a new line of custom printed upholstery synthetics, allowing architects, interior designers and furniture manufacturers in Europe to customize thousands of designs on different base materials embossed with a choice of grain patterns.

We look to partner with industry leaders, companies in a position to appreciate and exploit the disruptive nature of the WeaveUp software platform. Continental is that kind of company. said Flint Davis, President of WeaveUp. Their focus on innovation and their passion for bringing their customers new products makes them a perfect fit. The flexibility of the skai Design Lab means their customers wont have to settle when specifying materials for their next contract interior.

WeaveUps innovative technology allows us to provide customized upholstery synthetics to our clients at a time when customization and unique design solutions is growing in importance, said Bruno Lehmann, responsible for interior surface materials at Continental. skai Design Lab means that our customers can choose the design, scale, color way and base material they want. Its a natural extension of the way weve been using digital printing, but now, getting a custom solution is faster, easier and the customer has complete control. Continentals customers can find additional information online at http://www.skai.com/interior.

WeaveUps software platform helps clients fully leverage digital textile printing opportunities including rapid product prototyping, sampling and print-on-demand in a production environment. The platform is color accurate, easy to use, flexible and fast. Customization and sampling can be done in minutes instead of weeks, inventory can be reduced or in some cases eliminated. WeaveUp is the first industrial-strength, modular, end-to-end digital textile solution.

Some of WeaveUps other global, industry-leading clients in window coverings, fabric and wallpaper include Budget Blinds, JOANN, Koroseal Interior Products, Valley Forge Fabrics and Materialised.

ABOUT WEAVEUP

WeaveUps proprietary software allows professional designers and consumers alike to customize a growing library of thousands of designs and digitally print them on multiple substrates. WeaveUps mission is to enable companies and customers to realize the full potential of digital textile printing by providing an industrial strength, end-to-end customization and production solution. WeaveUp, founded in 2015, is headquartered in Durham, NC. WeaveUp. Settle for perfect.TM For more information, please visit https://solutions.weaveup.com/

ABOUT CONTINENTAL

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2018, Continental generated preliminary sales of around 44.4 billion and currently employs around 244,000 people in 61 countries and markets.
Get the 2019 Ford Transit at Wade Ford.

Government and business agencies who are in or near Smyrna are encouraged to shop for their fleet vehicles at Wade Ford. This local dealership provides quality fleet vehicles and has an award-winning fleet center. Small and local businesses alike are welcome to shop at this minority-owned dealership.

A full list of the available vehicles can be found on the dealerships website at http://www.wadeford.com. The vehicles include popular models such as the Ford Transit Connect, which is a spacious and reliable vehicle that can store plenty of tools and cargo. The dealership also has a large supply of the Ford F-Series, including the F-150 up to the F-750 models. No matter what type of vehicle a shopper is searching for, Wade Ford is an excellent resource to utilize.

Wade Ford has been proudly serving their community since it was established in 1933. It has earned various awards in its fleet and service departments. The dealership prioritizes finding safe and reliable vehicles for its customers no matter if they are searching for personal or work models. Because of this, Wade Ford encourages any customer looking for their next personal or fleet vehicle to contact the dealership at 866-847-5880. Shoppers interested in test driving their future vehicle or speaking with an associate face to face can visit in person. Wade Ford is located at 3860 S Cobb Drive in Smyrna.
Novi Backyard, Pool & Spa Show Feb. 15 - 17 at Suburban Collection Showplace Novi Backyard, Pool & Spa Show is the premier event to meet with Michigans backyard, pool and spa industry professionals

The 24th annual Novi Backyard, Pool & Spa Show will run from Fri., Feb. 15 through Sun., Feb. 17 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi with the latest trends and technology in action for backyard living relaxation, escape and fun.

Novi Backyard, Pool & Spa Show is the premier event to meet with Michigans backyard, pool and spa industry professionals, said Sung Choe, president of APSP. Over 40 exhibitors are ready with everything needed for swimming, entertaining, exercising or relaxing this summer. APSP is the event sponsor and a non-profit local trade association comprised of member companies in the pool, spa and backyard living business.

Exhibitors will have a wide selection on display and showcase the latest trends, technology and innovations to fit any space or budget for enhanced backyard living relaxation and fun. Hundreds of ideas, products and services are available from the major outdoor living environment categories including inground and above ground pools, spas, swim spas, hot tubs, saunas, decks, patios, fencing, awnings, outdoor kitchens and living spaces, landscaping, water features, brick paving, decorative concrete, patio furniture and accessories. Medicine Springs will feature its mineral therapy that uses minerals found in natural hot springs around the world for use in spas and hot tubs.

Homeowners will find the information they need about building, buying or servicing a pool or spa at show exhibits. Experts are available with tips and advice on designing, building, purchasing, planning, maintenance, safety and landscaping. The best of backyard, pool and spa projects will be on display at the APSP consumer education and showcase area.

Our show is the place to make your new or renovated outdoor living space a reality, said Choe. Exhibitors can renew an existing backyard with a new design, equipment, construction, servicing or refurbishing.

Suburban Collection Showplace is located at 46100 Grand River Avenue between Novi and Beck Road in Novi. Show hours are from 3  9 p.m. Fri.; 11 a.m.  9 p.m. Sat. and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $12; and children 13 and under admitted free. Register for $2 off adult admission at the shows Web site. On-site parking is available for a fee. For information on APSP, visit http://www.APSPmi.org. For show information, visit http://www.NoviPoolShow.com, Facebook.com/backyardpoolspashow or call (734) 398-9700.
Restaurant businesses are unique working environments, and especially in the wake of #MeToo, anti-harassment training needs to be relevant and meaningful to foodservice employees and managers

Traliant, an innovator in online sexual harassment training, today announced the availability of a new interactive training course for employees and managers in the restaurant industry. Preventing Discrimination and Harassment for Restaurants covers sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, bystander intervention, diversity and inclusion, unconscious bias and other timely workplace topics tailored for the restaurant industry.

For more information, please visit Traliant at: Sexual Harassment Training for Restaurants

Restaurant businesses are unique working environments, and especially in the wake of #MeToo, anti-harassment training needs to be relevant and meaningful to foodservice employees and managers, said Mike Pallatta, Traliant CEO and Co-Founder. Our new Preventing Discrimination and Harassment for Restaurants course builds upon our modern approach to training with realistic video scenarios, insights and practical steps that focus on positive behaviors and creating a safe, respectful culture.

Accessible on any laptop, tablet or smartphone, Traliants anti-harassment training for restaurants is available in separate versions for employees and managers, including New York and California versions that comply with their respective new training requirements. Bite-sized episodes, interactive videos depicting real-world situations, and integrated quizzes engage and challenge employees to stay attentive throughout the course.

Traliants Preventing Discrimination Harassment Training Suite contains courses that comply with the training requirements for New York State and New York City, California (AB 1825, AB 2053, SB 396, SB 400, SB 1343) and Connecticut (CHRO Act).

On February 6-8, Traliant will be participating in the National Restaurant Associations Human Resources & Risk and Safety conference, at the Omni Louisville Hotel, in Louisville, KY and demonstrating the new course.

Traliants eLearning courses are designed to raise awareness of behaviors that can lead to unlawful conduct, and motivate employees and managers to take the right steps to prevent harassment and discrimination and create a respectful, inclusive culture.

About Traliant

Traliant was founded by industry veterans from some of the world's most successful compliance training companies to meet the challenge of transforming compliance training from boring to brilliant. Backed by Martinson Ventures, Traliant delivers immersive, bite-sized compliance training on an eLearning platform that enables fast and easy customization. Courses are available on numerous topics including Diversity Training and Sensitivity Training. For more information visit: http://www.traliant.com.


Our team of dedicated employees is truly the cornerstone of our business, so we feel incredibly honored and humbled to not only be chosen as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Dallas-Fort Worth region but also as one of the Best and Brightest in the Nation, [said Stone].

On January 28, 2019, The Trade Group, a leading exhibit house and event marketing solutions provider, was recognized at the annual awards celebration of the 2019 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in Dallas-Fort Worth. The event was held at the Dallas Marriott Quorum in Dallas and celebrated more than 60 notable organizations from the region.

Prior to the event, the company was excited to find out that it had also earned recognition as one of the 2019 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation.

According to President and CEO of The Trade Group Chris Stone, Our team of dedicated employees is truly the cornerstone of our business, so we feel incredibly honored and humbled to not only be chosen as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Dallas-Fort Worth region but also as one of the Best and Brightest in the Nation.

The competitions were founded by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR), an organization that connects, educates and empowers businesses across the country through focused programs, groundbreaking studies and field-leading support. Dallas-Fort Worth is one of numerous regions in the United States where companies can compete for Best and Brightest Companies to Work For recognition. NABR encourages organizations that embody Better Business, Richer Lives, Stronger Communities to take part in the program.

In order to be considered for the awards, companies must go through an extensive application and vetting process. To determine which organizations merit recognition in the annual competition, the NABR evaluates each company based on several categories, including communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, retention and others.

For Stone, the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For awards mean much more than recognition. The program provides tools and insights throughout the year that help us enhance the education, environment and benefits we offer employees. It really pushes us to keep raising the bar, Stone says.

To learn more about The Trade Groups innovative solutions for trade shows, live events, brand activations and more, call 800-343-2005 or visit http://www.tradegroup.com.

About The Trade Group

The Trade Group is an award winning, full-service event marketing and creative design firm, specializing in trade shows, esports events and activations, corporate events, brand activations, retail merchandising, commercial graphics and experiential solutions. Since 1986, the companys team of live event, design and engineering experts has helped thousands of clients amplify their brands and successfully navigate a wide range of events and experiences. Clients rely on The Trade Group for: event ideation, creation and production; esports expertise; exhibit design and fabrication; graphic design and production; strategic marketing solutions; technology integration and more.
By 2020, 1 in 6 people will be an entrepreneur. We need to train and support this fourth industrial revolution for an exponential future. -Ja-Nae Duane

The Revolution Factory today announced that it has moved to a new home for its innovation campus at the Landing at Hudson Mills in Hudson, Massachusetts and has formed a new partnership with Out of Office Coworking. The company will bring corporate innovation programming, an accelerator, a media lab, and an augmented/virtual reality lab to its new home in Hudson. The Revolution Factory chose Hudson due to the areas demand for entrepreneurial resources and skills training.

Previously, the Revolution Factory was located at Mill & Main in Maynard where through two MassDevelopment grants was able to incubate and scale nine companies and train over 300 entrepreneurs and small businesses in the year and a half that they were there.

We are proud of the accomplishments that were achieved in Maynard. Hudson is a logical next step in transforming the Metro West landscape into a vibrant, innovative hub ready to support the retraining of skills that are needed for economic development and growth. The Landing at Hudson Mills and Out of Office Coworking are great partners in supporting and aligning with this mission, says Co-Founder and Managing Director of Innovation at the Revolution Factory, Ja-Nae Duane. Research, cited in the bestselling book, The Startup Equation, shows that by 2020 one in six people will be an entrepreneur due to the paradigm shifts occurring within the changing landscape of how we work. Duane and her co-founder, Steven Fisher, believe that building up secondary and tertiary cities are the way to support these entrepreneurs as this shift occurs.

Out of Office Coworking Co-Founder, Richard Banfield states, "Building and supporting spaces for entrepreneurs and makers to design, test and engineer their ideas is essential. Out Of Office Coworking is delighted to be partnering with the Revolution Factory to provide the space and the tools necessary for innovation to happen. By combining our community with a multi-media studio were makers can create AR/VR content, we're providing a platform for these creators to be more successful."

Hudson is in the middle of an exciting renaissance that has a positive impact on the Metro West area and Joe Freeman, one of the property owners of the Landing at Hudson Mills, knows it. The Landing at Hudson Mills sits at the perfect location between Hudson, MA downtown and the Assabet River Rail Trail, Freeman added. Our campus caters to businesses aspiring to be innovative, creative and connected to the broader community. We're excited to add The Revolution Factory to our community. With access to the River Trail, restaurants, food trucks, several breweries, and a creamery and Rail Trail CrossFit, The Landing is designed to support and inspire the best knowledge workers working to accelerate this economy."

About The Revolution Factory

The Revolution Factory is bridging the gap between global organizations and startups to achieve revolutionary transformation through an innovation ecosystem using tools like applied neuroscience, experimental design, additive manufacturing, and customized programming to prepare and train skills for the future of work. They help their partners make the right connections to bring strategies to life and build companies that are future resilient. For more information go to http://revfactory.com.
TESCHGlobal (TG), a data-management professional services firm that solves customers challenges in modern data integration, enterprise analytics and software development, announced today its strategic analytics partnership with DataRobot, Inc., the leader in automated machine learning. DataRobot offers an enterprise machine learning platform that empowers users of all skill levels to develop and deploy machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) faster, accelerating their business data science capabilities. Incorporating a library of hundreds of the most powerful open source machine learning algorithms, the DataRobot platform automates, trains and evaluates models in parallel, delivering AI applications at scale.

Machine learning has the potential to drive significant business value, but a shortage of data scientist talent puts it out of reach for many organizations, said Will Tesch, CEO & founder of TESCHGlobal. DataRobot helps our customers overcome this obstacle by democratizing data science  putting the power of automated machine learning into the hands of more people to expedite their journey to data modernization. Theyll be able to derive greater value from their data to guide decisions and anticipate market direction as they plan and execute initiatives that will put or keep them at the forefront of their industry.

Machine learning performance and value rest on data quality and clear definition of business objectives. TESCHGlobal is well-positioned to help organizations optimize their investment in DataRobot by supporting the technical aspects of data preparation, architecture and integration, as well as definition of strategic targets and machine learning deployment across organizations. In addition, the firms partnership and experience with Tableau, a market-leading data analytics platform, enables customers to integrate DataRobot predictive models within their visual analytics dashboards for both actionable insights and prescriptive forecasts.

DataRobot combines best practices for data science with appropriate safeguards so business users and other non-data scientists can build and deploy advanced machine learning models for most sectors, including healthcare, said Tesch. Were very pleased to have their partnership, and excited to bring this innovative platform into the ecosystem of modern tools our team deploys to accelerate customers digital transformation.

TESCHGlobal has significant expertise in many of the industries where we have broad adoption of DataRobot, including healthcare, insurance, retail, manufacturing, and financial services, said Seann Gardiner, SVP of Business Development, DataRobot. Were excited to partner with TESCHGlobal to see firsthand the innovative AI applications theyll be able to develop for their clients using our world-class automated machine learning capabilities. Together, we will help organizations drive more intelligent business decisions  faster and at scale  and enable even more organizations to succeed in their journey to become an AI-driven enterprise.

About TESCHGlobal

TESCHGlobal (TG) is committed to revolutionizing the way organizations manage and utilize business data through best-in-class implementation services of modern technology tools and repeatable methodologies that automate processes while enabling full insight into operations. By deploying a specialized team of software engineers and strategists, TESCHGlobal provides unmatched delivery of digital transformation solutions which include customized application development and data management solutions, creating efficient, data-driven organizations worldwide. TESCHGlobal has extensive experience in the areas of Enterprise Integration, Enterprise Business Intelligence & Analytics, and Software Application Development in a variety of industries: healthcare, manufacturing, supply chain, retail, insurance, and more. TESCHGlobal is headquartered in Grafton, WI, USA and has offices in Boise, ID, Mexico City, MX, and Amsterdam, NL. For more information, visit http://www.teschglobal.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jennifer Behnke

Director of Marketing, TESCHGlobal

jennifer(dot)behnke(at)teschglobal(dot)com

About DataRobot

DataRobot is the leader in automated machine learning. Organizations worldwide use DataRobot to empower the teams they already have in place to rapidly build and deploy machine learning models and create advanced AI applications. With a library of hundreds of the most powerful open source machine learning algorithms, the DataRobot platform encapsulates every best practice and safeguard to accelerate and scale data science capabilities while maximizing transparency, accuracy and collaboration. By making data scientists more productive and enabling the democratization of data science, DataRobot helps organizations transform into AI-driven enterprises. With offices around the globe, DataRobot is backed by $225 million in funding from top-tier firms, including New Enterprise Associates, Sapphire Ventures, Meritech and DFJ. For more information, visit http://www.datarobot.com, and join the conversation on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Individuals who desire to become advanced photographers or at least hone their photo-taking skills can soon receive some guidance through a new blog website by photography expert Tatiana Kukanova Regan. Her new blog site will be accessible in February 2019.

Regans photography blog website, which can be accessed at http://www.tatianakukanova.com/, is slated to exit the beta phase in January and will be ready for public viewing on Feb. 15. Regan warned, however, that her photography blog is not for the faint of heart.

Regan travels to exotic locations all over the world and said she is currently in Africa capturing photos of things that most people have seen only in their dreams. She said her blog website is therefore for anyone who loves photography and going places that most people wouldnt dare to go.

On her blog, readers can access the latest information about the top equipment to use for capturing stunning shots. For instance, she will offer tips about the best telephoto lens to purchase as well as the best monocular or binocular options. Readers can also access information about the top tripod choices in the market and even the best lens sacks or bean bags to use when tripods are not available to use.

On another page, readers can discover in-depth information about some of Regans most favorite spots around the world to visit and photograph. Being that she is traveling in Africa at the moment, she plans to highlight the wonders of locations like Table Mountain South Africa, Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda, and even Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya.

Regans main goal with her blog website is to provide photography enthusiasts with the inspiration and the valuable information they need to perfect their craft and see nature in a whole new light in 2019 and beyond.
Often, we can process routine probate bonds in just one day. Were trying tokeep up with the growing focus on immediacy that everyone expects today."

Surety Bond Authority, Inc. recently launched its improved probate bond service aimed at making the probate surety bond process faster and simpler for fiduciaries.

Being a fiduciary is a tough job. We want to help fiduciaries by making this part of the process easier, Greg Rynerson, Surety Bond Authority CEO explains. Often, we can process routine probate bonds in just one day. Were trying to keep up with the growing focus on immediacy that everyone expects today. In an industry where long, careful assessment is usually required, fast processing used to be unthinkable. Due to our decades of experienceand with the help of technologyweve created a system that makes it possible to obtain a probate bond without sacrificing accuracy and excellence, he adds.

A probate bond is a financial tool that will ensure fiduciary accountability. The purpose of a probate bond is to make sure that the fiduciary will perform their duties in accordance with the law. The court requires a person to submit a probate bond before the said person can act as fiduciary. A probate bond will also serve as a path of recourse in case the fiduciary commits any wrongful acts. If such happens, the court can file a claim against the bond for the benefit of the person who has suffered damages.

There are different types of probate bonds that cater to the specific function of a fiduciary. Trustee Bond, for one, is a probate bond required of a fiduciary who will carry out trust provisions in a will. Administrator/Executor Bond is a probate bond for fiduciaries who will administer a deceased persons estate. Guardianship Bond is a type of probate bond that a fiduciary must furnish before he or she can manage an incompetent individuals personal and financial affairs.

Aside from making the bonding process faster and easier, Surety Bond Authority, Inc. has improved its way of assessing applicants as part of its effort in helping strengthen probate programs in all 50 states. This complies with the United States Senates Special Committee on Agings commitment to improving probate programsspecifically guardianshipall over the country.

About Surety Bond Authority, Inc.

Surety Bond Authority, Inc. is a mid-sized surety bond company located in Woodland Hills, California. Surety Bond Authority, Inc. understands that integrity and excellence matters. It has been providing surety bonds in all 50 states for more than 30 years. Some of these surety bonds are contractor bonds, license bonds, and court bonds.

Contact:

Surety Bond Authority, Inc.

Web: https://suretybondauthority.com/

Email: info(at)suretyauthority(dot)com
Steven Drexel, Cornerstone Staffing Solutions President and CEO "The remarkably strong report exceeded expectations and calmed the nerves of an anxious public who feared the temporary federal government shutdown would impact the overall results. This was the unprecedented 100th month of sequential job growth stretching all the way back to 2009.

Steven Drexel, Cornerstone Staffing Solutions president and CEO, shares his January 2019 labor market observations following the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) press releases on Feb. 1 describing The Employment Situation.

As an economist and seasoned staffing industry professional, Drexel is regularly asked to participate in monthly surveys and discussions that predict key elements of labor market activity.

Drexel says Januarys report was encouraging with much better than expected 304,000 net new jobs and the best earnings growth of the current expansion. This is a reassuring result given that economic anxiety had been elevated due to slowing global growth particularly in China and Europe, waning consumer confidence, trade tension with China, and the legislative tensions, he comments.

Drexel says that the remarkably strong employment report exceeded expectations and calmed the nerves of an anxious public who feared that the temporary federal government shutdown would impact the overall results along with slowing global growth particularly in China and Europe, waning consumer confidence, and ongoing legislative tensions. This was the unprecedented 100th month of sequential job growth stretching all the way back to 2009. The industry data was also reassuring in that the share of the 258 detailed industries that improved during January was 61 percent indicating fairly broad-based improvement, he states.

Unemployment Rate Update

Drexel notes that even though the unemployment rate increased by one tenth of a point to 4.0 percent, it is still at a historically low level indicating a tight labor market. The elevation in the unemployment rate was impacted from the temporary federal government shutdown because, for the household survey, furloughed workers are counted as unemployed despite the fact that they are eligible for back pay.

Wage Rate Update

Drexel points out that Average Hourly Earnings improved again during January resulting in an annual growth rate of 3.2 percent. This is the highest rate of the current expansion and the sixth consecutive month in which wage growth has exceeded 3 percent. At this point in a recovery, with a historically low unemployment rate, wage growth would be expected to be 4 percent or higher. This expansion has featured lower productivity growth, demographic changes (an aging workforce) and regional as well as global workforce competition all of which has the effect of suppressing wages, he says.

Employment Situation Retrospective

Drexel acknowledges that there was a high level of economic anxiety and uncertainty leading up to the BLS Employment Situation Report for January, but thankfully the January results were excellent and reassuring. The unemployment rate is quite low but reassuringly, relatively stable over the past year. The overall statistics show the labor market while strong and enduring, is not overheating and has room to continue to grow.

More About Cornerstone Staffing

Cornerstone Staffing Solutions is among the largest staffing firms in America and received Inaveros Best of Staffing Client Award in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Since 2003, Cornerstone has grown from a neighborhood staffing provider to a national firm that employs thousands of people at hundreds of companies from coast to coast, including California  San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento and Los Angeles metropolitan areas; central Michigan; New Jersey; Maryland; and Las Vegas, Nev. The Cornerstone family of companies also includes Dallas, Texas-based RightStone (http://www.rightstone.com), and Chicago, Illinois-based Arlington Resources, Inc. (http://www.arlingtonresources.com) and Casey Accounting & Finance Resources (http://www.caseyresources.com). Providing candidate searching and job placement for administrative, industrial, technical, sales and transportation positions, Cornerstone truly is where talent and jobs meet. Visit Cornerstone at http://www.cornerstone-staffing.com.
Track-Kit can save hospital staff time by alerting them if they need to take quick action, such as expediting a delayed specimen or to address quality or inventory concerns."

STACS DNA today announced the launch of Track-Kit for Hospitals, which helps birth hospitals reduce delays and mitigate risks related to shipping newborn blood spot (NBS) screening specimens to the state laboratory. Track-Kit for Hospitals supports state mandates of saving babies lives and improving quality of life through early detection of treatable conditions.

Today, staff at hospitals can check their courier application to see if a package of NBS specimens has been delivered to the state lab, but few have a paper trail to confirm that all specimens collected that day indeed made it into the package. It takes time for busy hospital staff to monitor every shipment to ensure on-time delivery. When a specimen is missed, days may pass before anyone realizes; by then, urgent treatment for that baby may be delayed and pre-screening costs have doubled.

Expedites Screening and Mitigates Risk

Designed to save hospital nursery and lab staff time, mitigate risk and liability and save money, Track-Kit for Hospitals tracks all specimens, and alerts hospital staff when action may be required. More specifically, Track-Kit:



Provides real-time status of individual specimensnot just packages

Alerts hospital staff if specimen delivery is late to expedite location or recollection of the specimen

Notifies hospital staff when a specimen has been delivered to the state lab, to meet hospital regulatory obligations

Tracks blood spot card inventory so you never run out of viable cards

Uses barcode scanning for easy tracking at every step

Uses data from the current courier system, so no changes in the current courier arrangement are required

Improves the shipping process by reducing data entry and automatically generating shipping manifests and labels

Is cloud-based and easy to implement, requiring little to no IT department effort

Hospitals face the daily challenge of providing exceptional patient care while under resource pressure, said Jocelyn Tremblay, President and COO of STACS DNA. Track-Kit can save hospital staff time by alerting them if they need to take quick action, such as expediting a delayed specimen or to address quality or inventory concerns. Now that Track-Kit has been proven in several states in other markets, we are confident to offer Track-Kit to hospitals together with OZ Systems.

Tracks Both Babies and Specimens

Track-Kit for Hospitals will be available from reseller OZ Systems. To deliver additional value to hospitals, OZ Systems will offer Track-Kit as part of an integrated solution called OZ Newborn Screening Suite for Hospitals. This robust NBS information system provides hospital staff with accurate data about both the baby and the specimen, all in one place, using proven OZ solutions and industry standard technologies. OZ Newborn Screening Suite for Hospitals:

Provides a baby-centric integrated child health record that tracks baby demographics and NBS information, in addition to specimens

Reduces the risk of missing a baby by providing a worklist of babies needing screening

Eliminates the errors and omissions related to hand-writing specimen cards

Prints a label with state-required data elements which is affixed to the specimen card, providing legible and complete information

Sends all required data to the state lab using an electronic lab order prior to delivery of the specimen

Identifies if specimens have been left in the hospital due to a missed courier pickup

Manages information for multiple specimens as they were collected for each baby

Makes staff aware if the specimen was collected but never shipped

Stores auditable information related to the babys specimen card

Track-Kit for Hospitals is part of the Track-Kit product line, which includes solutions for statewide newborn screening and sexual assault kit tracking.

For more information, visit http://www.stacsdna.com/track-kit/hospitals and http://www.ozsystems.com/hospitalsnbs.

About STACS DNA

STACS DNA delivers sample tracking systems to meet transparency, performance and regulatory expectations. Track-Kit tracks samples from collection to storage, preventing delayed or lost kits, and is the leading statewide sexual assault kit tracking system in the U.S. STACS is the hub of automated DNA labs, providing an audit trail of all lab activity to maximize case throughput and minimize risk and errors. Our customers are federal, state, regional and local agencies, including many of the largest forensics DNA labs in North America. Visit http://www.stacsdna.com

About OZ Systems

OZ Systems is an innovator in global screening solutions, bridging crucial information gaps to ensure quality care and timely interventions for patients and those who care for them. We develop end-to-end newborn screening software that reduces human errors and improves patient safety, quality of care and intervention timeliness. We are recognized for interoperability, and innovation in design and partnerships. OZ Systems has projects with U.S. and international health care providers and public health agencies. Visit http://www.ozsystems.com
Roland DGA Manager of Business Development Grant Davis (right) displays the NADL 2019 Supplier Member of the Year Award presented to Roland DGA Corporation by NADL President Travis Zick (left). Roland DGA has earned the 2019 NADL Supplier of the Year Award not only for bringing innovative products to the market, but also for its very strong customer service culture.  Travis Zick, NADL President

Roland DGA Corporation, a leading provider of advanced milling machines and 3D devices for the dental market, has received the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) Supplier of the Year Award for 2019. This prestigious award is presented annually to a company that has made significant contributions to and demonstrated leadership in the dental laboratory industry. NADL presented the award to Roland DGA during an evening ceremony at the recent NADL Vision 21 Meeting in Las Vegas.

Roland DGA has earned the 2019 NADL Supplier of the Year Award not only for bringing innovative products to the market, but also for its very strong customer service culture, said NADL President Travis Zick. The company embodies high standards in terms of its own workforce, the education and support it provides to the industry, and its social responsibility within their community.

In addition to advancing digital dentistry with its cutting-edge DGSHAPE DWX dental mills and 3D devices, Roland DGA is renowned for its best-in-class customer service and support, which includes a dedicated in-house support team as well as a channel of certified technicians. The company is a leader when it comes to education as well, offering online resources, regularly scheduled webinars, continuing education clinics, instructional workshops, and more.

Supplying labs with state-of-the-art dental equipment is just part of Roland DGAs overall operation. The company is also a top supplier of wide-format inkjet printers for the sign and graphics industry, rotary engravers and impact printers for gifts, awards, ADA signs and part marking, and 3D milling machines for industrial design and engineering.

Being recognized by the NADL as the industrys top vendor for 2019 is a great honor, said Roland DGA president, Andrew Oransky. At Roland DGA, we are committed to providing products and services that enable the success of our customers and the industry as a whole. Were equally committed to the wellbeing of our employees, our partners and our community.

According to Oransky, all these factors have made it possible for Roland DGAs dental business to grow from virtually non-existent just eight years ago into a leading provider of dental mills today. Roland DGA isnt the type of company that rests on its laurels, added Oransky, We are constantly working on improving our products, developing new technologies, and coming up with ways to deliver more value to users and the industry.

To learn more about Roland DGA, visit http://www.rolanddga.com. For more information on the complete line of DGSHAPE dental solutions from Roland, visit http://www.rolanddga.com/dental.

About Roland DGA Corporation

Roland DGA Corporation serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution and service arm for Roland DG Corporation. Founded in 1981 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Roland DG of Hamamatsu, Japan is a worldwide leader in wide-format inkjet printers for the sign, apparel, textile, personalization and vehicle graphics markets; engravers for awards, giftware and ADA signage; photo impact printers for direct part marking; and 3D printers and CNC milling machines for the dental CAD/CAM, rapid prototyping, part manufacturing and medical industries.

About DGSHAPE Corporation

DGSHAPE Corporation was spun-off of Roland DG Corporation in 2017 as a wholly-owned subsidiary to develop and market the companys innovative 3D products, including DWX mills and DWP 3D printer for the dental industry, MPX photo impact printers and EGX engravers for the industrial labeling and personalization industries, and MDX and monoFab series of desktop milling machines for the rapid prototyping, manufacturing, and hobby industries. The companys products are distributed worldwide.
Many states are simply adopting the FGI guidelines for assisted living without realizing that those guidelines have evolved from the FGIs original hospital construction focus.

Facility Guidelines Institute has invited Residential Assisted Living National Association legal expert, Michelle Pinkowski, to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Committee of Experts in preparation for the 2022 FGI Guidelines.

The FGI is an independent organization dedicated to developing guidance for the planning, design, and construction of hospitals, residential care, and support facilities, and oversees the development of safe, effective health and residential care environments.

Ms. Pinkowski, an attorney specializing in assisted living law, has been educating state health departments and local governments on the unique construction needs of non-institutional assisted living facilities. Many states are simply adopting the FGI guidelines for assisted living without realizing that those guidelines have evolved from the FGIs original hospital construction focus. These guidelines were intended for large hospital-like facilities, and not the approximately 10,000 residential assisted living facilities across the U.S. with 25 people or less.

Doug Erikson, Executive Director of FGI commended Ms. Pinkowski for her contribution to the national discussion while visiting the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. At the meeting, Mr. Erikson invited Ms. Pinkowski to attend the inaugural meeting of the Committee of Experts in April to begin developing the 2022 FGI Guidelines.

For more information, contact Info(at)RALNA.com or call 307-461-9331.
Photographer.org (https://www.photographer.org) is excited to announce they are accepting applications for The Photographer.org Annual Academic Scholarships. The Photographer.org Annual Academic Scholarships are annual $1,000 scholarships to be used to help pay tuition and academic expenses to an accredited non-profit college/university or vocational/technical school in the United States. Eligible students can apply to be awarded one of 3 academic scholarships to support their growth and education.

Established by Photographer.org as part of a new initiative to establish a channel of support for the next generation of photographers, The Photographer.org Annual Academic Scholarship supports the future of photographers and their photography education.

Any recently accepted high-school student, undergraduate or graduate student from an accredited college/university in the United States may apply.

Interested students are encouraged to visit The Photographer.org Annual Academic Scholarship page on their website for more information on submitting your entry.

https://www.photographer.org/academic-scholarships/

About Photographer.org

Photographer.org is a new kind of modern Photographer Membership Organization where membership is free and the focus is on helping photographers connect with new clients. It was created by photographers and it will always be free for both consumers and photographers to use.
When it comes to substance abuse, treatment options vary. But a brand-new Los Angeles recovery center says it seeks to cover all the bases with a holistic approach that addresses both the mind and body.

With this goal in mind, NuView announced the opening of its Integrative Recovery Center in Marina del Rey (West Los Angeles), CA, in January of 2019.

The facility offers convenient outpatient treatment and provides a variety of care options to meet the clients needs.

Individual Needs, Personalized Choices: How NuView Can Help

Across the U.S., about 23 million people need help with a substance abuse problem, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), yet only 2.5 million will seek professional treatment.

Intending to bridge that gap in the Los Angeles area, NuView is making things easier  and more all-inclusive  than ever, company owners told reporters in October.

The state-of-the-art facility offers professionally qualified staff and real-world solutions for people with busy lives who may only be able to spend a few hours a week in active recovery.

But its not just a business to NuViews staff. For some, things get more personal than that, adding an element that allows them to see the bigger picture for patients.

Theres nothing more rewarding to me than to help people overcome the pain and suffering thats caused by addiction, said Donna Stanley, program director for NuView. Its something many of us have experienced first-hand. We offer clients a highly personalized but professional experience. We realize all of our clients are different. Its never one size fits all.

What Makes NuView Different?

Substance abuse centers vary on their approaches to treatment, but few deliver a full range of categories that treat both the mind and the body the way this program does.

NuViews owners revealed that the new center in Marina del Rey puts together a complete range of integrative treatment options, from lab testing, genetic profiling, and IV treatments. This holistic approach can offer the best chance of recovery for individuals struggling with drug or alcohol abuse.

The result is treatment thats individualized, addressing all the elements that come with addiction, NuView owners said.

Our program is designed to avoid...temporary solutions that simply mask the symptoms of a deeper underlying condition, Robert Tropp, Health and Wellness Director, NuView revealed in an interview. We address the many complex elements of this disease to give our clients the best chance at permanently recovering both their physical and emotional health.

Treatment Options Offered at the Center

NuView company executives said the new facility offers all of the following:



Day and Night outpatient programs to work around the clients schedule (10AM-2PM or 6PM-9PM, M/T/Th)

A beautiful facility in a peaceful, healing environment, conveniently located in the Los Angeles area

Functional nutrition program that addresses the physiological aspects of addiction

Yoga, breath work and stress reduction programs

Nutrition guidance geared toward supporting the body and brain chemistry during the healing process

Advice on sleep habits, exercise and other elements that may impact ones recovery

A kind, understanding, and professionally trained staff

The center is currently taking new patients.

Its incredible to see peoples capacity to change, Stanley noted. Its what motivates us to do what we do.

For more information visit http://www.nuviewtreatment.com.

About NuView Integrative Recovery Center: Located in Marina del Rey, CA, NuView addresses the individual and often complex needs of individuals recovering from substance abuse. The center offers outpatient services including health and nutrition recommendations, yoga and other stress-reducing techniques, recovery options that focus on the correcting biochemical imbalances in the brain and advice on sleep and exercise. The Marina del Rey location opened its doors in October 2018.
Man excited about the new NTI website. "Companies interested in partnering with NTI to offer jobs will quickly understand the benefits employees with disabilities bring to the table, including higher revenue and net income to the company." Kate Brouse, Public Relations Administrator

NTI, the leader in providing job services to Americans with disabilities, today announced the launch of their new website at http://www.nticentral.org. Recent research shows companies that score high on the DEI (Disability Equality Index) experience up to 28% higher revenue and report twice the net income (Getting to Equal: The Disability Inclusion Advantage, Accenture 2018). As more companies see the benefit of disability inclusion to the bottom line, NTI stands poised to guide them into reaping the unique benefits employees with disabilities can bring.

NTIs newly designed website will help businesses that want to create an inclusive workforce hire Americans with disabilities. While there are two divisions of NTI that provide job services directly to the disability community--LandAjob and NTI@Home, each with its own new website--NTI is now adding a site designed specifically to attract and provide information to companies interested in making diversity and inclusion a business priority. The decision to revamp NTIs website to focus on businesses who want to create a more inclusive environment was a strategic one that NTI COO Alan Hubbard hopes will encourage partnerships between NTI and companies interested in making inclusion a priority. Potential clients looking for agents to staff a contact center can now find needed information quickly and easily, Hubbard said.

The mission of NTI is to provide job services to people with disabilities in the United States. To accomplish that mission, NTI partners with companies who can provide those jobs. NTI@Home (http://www.ntiathome.org) offers at-home jobs in the customer service sector and LandAjob (http://www.landajob.org) includes a database of companies hiring for traditional workplace jobs. The new website explains attrition rates for the kind of jobs NTI typically offers run between 30 and 45 percent, but employees hired through NTIs work-at-home program have attrition rates as low as 8 percent. Low turnover, combined with lower training costs, and savings on office space and equipment means additional savings to the bottom line for companies who use NTI-trained agents. The new website streamlines the process of partnership for interested companies.

Our new website has been in the works for a long time, and we are thrilled with the new look and design that will enable potential clients to understand NTI and the various job services we make available to Americans with disabilities, including disabled veterans, said Kate Brouse, Public Relations Administrator. Visitors who are looking for jobs will be able to understand what options and services are available, including free training, at-home jobs, and reimbursements for job-related expenses. Companies interested in partnering with NTI to offer jobs will quickly understand the benefits employees with disabilities bring to the table, including higher revenue and net income to the company.

Visitors are encouraged to explore and register for NTIs job services. This revamping of NTIs website is just one more way we are showing our commitment to helping Americans with disabilities gain freedom and independence by rejoining the workforce, said Mike Sanders, Director of Marketing. We hope visitors will appreciate the simplified layout designed to help job seekers set goals and understand timeframes and to help potential business partners see the benefits of collaborating with NTI. The website also includes a newsroom with updates about NTIs advocacy work across the nation and around the world and press releases about the non-profit's activities and contributions in the disability community.

NTI is a 501 (c)(3) (http://www.nticentral.org) non-profit organization headquartered in Boston, MA. NTI has been providing job services to Americans with disabilities since 1995. The NTI@Home program provides free training and job search services for work-at-home customer service positions across the United States. The LandAjob program helps Americans on SSI/SSDI search for on-site jobs and get reimbursed for job related expenses. NTI pioneered staffing virtual call centers with Americans with Disabilities, including Disabled Veterans, who work from home.

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MIA continues to explore innovative ways of streamlining and expediting the travel experience for visitors to our community, said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez.

Passengers departing from Miami International Airport to Munich on Lufthansa flight 461 can now board with the quick click of a camera instead of a boarding pass and passport, thanks to the airports launch of biometric exit technology last week.

MIA continues to explore innovative ways of streamlining and expediting the travel experience for visitors to our community, said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. I look forward to seeing biometric exit technology expand throughout MIA and enhance the level of customer service for its passengers.

Through a partnership between MIA, Lufthansa, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and global air transport IT provider SITA, a simple photograph taken at Lufthansas boarding gate is used to confirm passengers identities and their authorization to travel. The facial recognition verification process takes less than two seconds with a 99-percent matching rate, according to CBP. MIA expects to launch biometric boarding with additional airlines this year.

CBP is leading the transformation of the travel experience, but we could never do this alone, said CBP Miami Port Director Christopher Maston. Our collaboration with our partners at the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, Lufthansa and SITA has resulted in real momentum toward enhancing both traveler safety and convenience at MIA. Collectively, we are making history and delivering clear and undeniable benefits to travelers.

Lufthansa prides itself as being an industry leader and trendsetter in digitalization and innovation, and biometric boarding is a large part of this category, said Dr. Bjoern Becker, Lufthansa Group Senior Director Product Management Ground & Digital Services. Biometric boarding is an efficient and hassle-free form of travel that helps speed up the boarding process while also increasing security. We are thrilled to be the launch airline that introduces this technological advancement at MIA.

The launch of biometric exit at MIA follows the airports February 2018 opening of Americas first all-biometric entry facility at Concourse E, which screens all international arrivals via facial recognition. The facility, which has decreased processing times by as much as 80 percent for participating airlines, was chosen from among 80 nominations worldwide as the 2018 International Airport Review Award winner in the Passenger Experience and Seamless Travel category.

We are proud to partner with CBP and SITA to provide this cutting-edge technology for Lufthansa passengers at MIA, said Lester Sola, MIA Director and CEO. Biometrics is one of the many approaches we are taking to modernize our airport infrastructure, to make the travel experience as seamless as possible.

SITA and MIA have already partnered on a number of innovative travel experience solutions, including Mobile Passport Control and MIA Airport Official, the airports mobile app.

This is another great success at MIA where we have teamed up to improve the passenger experience through innovation, said Diana Einterz, SITA President, Americas. We have worked closely with the US CBP, airlines and airports to design a seamless biometric exit solution that meets the needs of all parties. SITA Smart Path is based on industry-standard common-use gates so it can be used by any other airline at MIA.

Miami International Airport offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport, is Americas third-busiest airport for international passengers, boasts a lineup of more than 100 air carriers and is the top U.S. airport for international freight. MIA, along with its general aviation airports, is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $30.9 billion annually and welcoming nearly 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida. MIAs vision is to grow from a recognized hemispheric hub to a global airport of choice that offers customers a world-class experience and an expanded route network with direct passenger and cargo access to all world regions. MIA is committed to sustainable practices. Learn more at http://www.MIAefficiency.com.
Chief Medical Officer of Next Level Urgent Care, LLC, Robbyn Traylor, MD, is named among the Texas Healthcare Diversity Councils Top 25 Women in Healthcare 2019. Its really more than an award for me. Its about showing other young women and other executives what can be achieved when you hire people with different life experiences and perspectives. It can strengthen the value of your company. Recognition is good for everyone at every level, said Traylor.

Chief Medical Officer of Next Level Urgent Care, LLC, Robbyn Traylor, MD, is named among the Texas Healthcare Diversity Councils Top 25 Women in Healthcare 2019. The council will present Traylor with the prestigious award at the upcoming Healthcare Diversity Summit to be held in Houston late February.

The award recognizes doctors, nurses, health system executives and other healthcare specialist who are making the biggest strides in inclusivity within the healthcare field.

A sixth generation Texan and native Houstonian, who has served as a panelist and mentor on the diversity council for several years, Traylor was the only African American in her graduating class of nearly 200 students when she received her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 2005.

She joined Next Level Urgent Care in 2014 after gaining valuable experience in emergency medicine, urgent care, hospital medicine and primary care. She was quickly promoted to Medical Director and then Chief Medical Officer of what is now the largest urgent care provider in the city  hiring, training and supervising a diverse team of more than 80 physicians and advanced practice providers.

I am surprised and honored that they would even consider me for this award. There are many professionals who do what they do because they love it and not because there are opportunities to be recognized. I count myself as one of those and am truly humbled to receive this accolade, said Traylor.

Traylor said that she watched her mother serve as a nurse executive at Ben Taub Hospital her entire life without an opportunity for such recognition  and while she herself would never seek such, she believes it is important for other young people, particularly young women of color, to see someone just like them not only function, but excel and be recognized in their executive positions.

Its really more than an award for me. Its about showing other young women and other executives what can be achieved when you hire people with different life experiences and perspectives. It can strengthen the value of your company. Recognition is good for everyone at every level, said Traylor.

According to Next Level Urgent Care founder and CEO Juliet Breeze, MD, no one is more deserving of this award than Traylor, attributing the continued growth and success of the company to the professionalism, conviction, optimism and enthusiasm of Traylor and the team that they have been able to assemble.

You can have a vision and a clear path to get there, but to be truly successful you need an exemplary team that shares that vision. Dr. Traylor personifies that. We couldnt be more proud of her many accomplishments and this recognition by the Texas Healthcare Diversity Council, said Breeze.

Traylor graduated with honors from I.H. Kempner High School, before attending Prairie View A&M University, where she earned Magna Cum Laude honors in 2000 and her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. After obtaining her medical degree, she served her residency at the University of Kansas Wesley Family Medicine program in Wichita. She is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is currently recognized as a Diplomate.

She is a certified Designated Doctor for the Texas Division of Workers Compensation and is a proud member of women-focused groups like the Greater Houston Womens Chamber of Commerce 2018-2019 Thought Leaders class, IGNITE Healthcare Network and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Traylor resides in Richmond, Texas with her husband and two daughters whom she considers to be her greatest accomplishment.

Contact Next Level Urgent Care for more information, or call 281.783.8162.

About Next Level Urgent Care

The largest and fastest growing woman-owned Urgent Care organization in Houston, Next Level Urgent Care, LLC and its family of 13 clinics located throughout Houston are the vision of Juliet Breeze, MD, a primary care physician and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. The organization is focused on the customer experience with quality and consistency of care, delivered using proprietary systems, organizational designs and next level clinical and business processes. On-staff physicians are procedurally trained to handle acute urgent medical conditions and are part of an established referral network and collaborative effort to facilitate continuation of care and other specialized medical services. The clinics offer extended hours seven days a week and on holidays, at a fraction of the price of hospital emergency room or ER clinic visits.

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Whether watching the news, scrolling through social media or talking with friends, it has become overwhelmingly clear that our world is fraught with social and political strife. Four out of five consumers believe society is more divided than ever before, leaving many wondering how to overcome these differences. Released today, Sprout Socials report Creating Connection: What Consumers Want From Brands in a Divided Society found that despite the negativity, people still express a strong desire to build connections and point to brands as drivers in accomplishing this, using social media as a primary tool.

Sprout Social, a leading provider of social media analytics, engagement and advocacy solutions for business, surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. consumers on their desire for greater connection with brands and with each other, as well as how brands benefit when they facilitate these connections on social. The report found that while 55 percent of people say social media is to blame for societal divisions, 91 percent also believe in socials power to connect people. And when it comes to championing these connections, 79 percent of consumers agree brands are well positioned to bring together people of varying backgrounds and beliefs.

The report further explores why consumers see brands as ideal facilitators of connection, and findings show how brands can establish meaningful relationships with consumers by acting as connectors first and sellers second. Key insights include:



Social is the number one channel for brands to connect with consumers. Of all the communication channels available to them, consumers point to social media as providing brands the greatest opportunity to truly connect with their audiences.

Connection breeds loyalty and bottom line growth. Sixty-four percent of consumers say that their loyalty to a brand increases when they feel connected. When customers feel connected to brands, more than half of consumers (57 percent) will increase their spending with that brand and 76 percent will buy from them over a competitor.

Real people are the key to authentic relationships. Seventy percent of consumers report feeling more connected when a brands CEO is active on social. And 72 percent of consumers report feeling similarly when employees share information about a brand online.

People want brands to connect them to others. More than half of consumers (55 percent) want brands to use social to help connect like-minded people with each other, while 52 percent want to meet people different from them and more than one third (36 percent) are looking for communities they can belong to.

As societal and political climates shift, consumers expectations are changing as well, said Jamie Gilpin, CMO at Sprout Social. Social media cant solely be used to inspire transactions. Today, social is a global force that drives conversations, creates authentic interactions and makes a measurable impact on issues that matter. Our data shows that brands have a responsibility to leverage social to build the connections people crave if they want to earn long-term customer loyalty.

For more insight on the role of brands and social media in building meaningful connections, download the full data report here.

About Sprout Social

Sprout Social offers deep social media listening and analytics, social management, customer care, and advocacy solutions to more than 25,000 leading brands and agencies, including Evernote, Grubhub, West Elm and Edelman. Sprout's suite of solutions supports every aspect of a cohesive social program and enables organizations of all sizes to extend their reach, amplify their brand and create the kind of real connection with their consumers that drives their businesses forward. Headquartered in Chicago, Sprout is a Twitter Official Partner, Facebook Marketing Partner, Pinterest Marketing Partner, Instagram Partner Program Member and LinkedIn Company Page Partner. Learn more at sproutsocial.com.

About the Data

The Creating Connection: What Consumers Want From Brands in a Divided Society study is based on a survey of 1,013 U.S. consumers. The survey was conducted online between Nov. 2026, 2018. The report is the third in Sprout Socials Brands Get Real series, which examines how social media is changing consumer expectations and the increasing power of brand authenticity.
Mount Sinai Health System will host its second annual live surgery training to educate health care professionals about gender affirmation procedures. The comprehensive three-day conference will occur from Thursday, February 28, to Saturday, March 2, at Stern Auditorium on The Mount Sinai Hospital campus. The groundbreaking conference is presented by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and their partners, the American Society of Gender Surgeons.

Five live surgeries will be featured, including metoidioplasty (female-to-male surgery), laryngeal surgeries for voice feminization, vaginoplasty, facial feminization, and chest surgery. The global education initiative conference will incorporate moderated video sessions, expert panel discussions, and didactic sessions analyzing hormone therapy, fertility preservation and hysterectomy, transfeminine procedures, transmasculine procedures, and sexual functioning after gender-affirming surgery. Thursdays session is the didactic portion of the conference and is available as a one-day offering to health care providers.

More than 200 world-renowned surgeons, surgical residents, surgical fellows, and peri- and postoperative providers who specialize in urology, plastic surgery, and gynecology are expected to attend. The conference provides the opportunity for health care professionals from fields ranging from behavioral health to endocrinology to collaborate on improving the quality of care offered to transgender patients.

The conferences co-directors include esteemed gender surgeons Jess Ting, MD, Director of Surgery at Mount Sinais Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery (CTMS), and Loren S. Schechter, MD, Medical Director, Weiss Memorial Hospital, Chicago.

WPATH and the American Society of Gender Surgeons instituted the conference to address large disparities in access to health care for transgender patients.

The need for high-quality transgender medical and surgical services remains massively unmet. Our mission at Mount Sinai is to not only care for patients, but also to improve the knowledge and skills of the medical community, says Joshua D. Safer, MD, Executive Director of CTMS. This is the second year of our unique live transgender surgery conference. The conference represents the highest level of interaction among so many surgeons learning, sharing, and improving quality in the field.

Transgender affirmation surgeries increased 155 percent from 2016 to 2017, and Mount Sinai has been at the forefront of transgender patient care. Since debuting in 2016, surgeons at CTMS have performed more than 800 transgender affirmation surgeries.

The program is funded in part by the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute.

For more information about the training and to register, please visit here.

About the Mount Sinai Health System

The Mount Sinai Health System is New York City's largest integrated delivery system, encompassing eight hospitals, a leading medical school, and a vast network of ambulatory practices throughout the greater New York region. Mount Sinai's vision is to produce the safest care, the highest quality, the highest satisfaction, the best access and the best value of any health system in the nation. The Health System includes approximately 7,480 primary and specialty care physicians; 11 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 410 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and 31 affiliated community health centers. The Icahn School of Medicine is one of three medical schools that have earned distinction by multiple indicators: ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News & World Report's "Best Medical Schools", aligned with a U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" Hospital, No. 12 in the nation for National Institutes of Health funding, and among the top 10 most innovative research institutions as ranked by the journal Nature in its Nature Innovation Index. This reflects a special level of excellence in education, clinical practice, and research. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked No. 18 on U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" of top U.S. hospitals; it is one of the nation's top 20 hospitals in Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Nephrology, and Neurology/Neurosurgery, and in the top 50 in six other specialties in the 2018-2019 "Best Hospitals" issue. Mount Sinai's Kravis Children's Hospital also is ranked nationally in five out of ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked 11th nationally for Ophthalmology and 44th for Ear, Nose, and Throat. Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai St. Luke's, Mount Sinai West, and South Nassau Communities Hospital are ranked regionally.

For more information, visit http://www.mountsinai.org/, or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.


The largest and longest-running conference dedicated to modular construction and attended by almost every major modular builder in North America

Hundreds of modular construction professionals are gathering this March 15  18th in Las Vegas, NV for World of Modular 2018, the modular building industrys largest and longest running event of the year. For 36 years, the Modular Building Institutes convention has provided professionals in the industry a place to network, exchange ideas, learn from experts, discuss issues, and display new products.

World of Modular serves as an open forum for anyone interested in the modular construction industry. For suppliers of building products, services, and financing, this MBI trade show remains the best place to reach manufacturers and dealers of modular buildings.

Keynote speaker Darren Woodson, three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys and five-time Pro Bowl selection, will speak about what leaders must embrace in order to build a culture of excellence within their teams. Woodson will address how to embrace change, competition, and confrontation with organizations.

Economist Anirban Basu, CEO of Sage Policy Group, returns to World of Modular to offer an informative and entertaining forecast for the construction marketplace.

Cindy Olsen, Director of Construction Municipal Onboarding at Katerra, and Brett Jones, Jurisdiction Manager at Katerra, will discuss Katerras latest innovations, and how they are building on expertise gained in electronics manufacturing to deliver better, faster, cheaper building projects in their presentation Advancing Offsite Construction: New Technology & Approaches.

Founder of iUnit, Brice Leconte, will talk about how modular construction is a viable way to meet continued changes in building codes requiring more efficient buildings while staying cost effective in his presentation A Developers Perspective: Modular as the Future of Sustainable Building.

Director of Product Management at GreenStaxx Jason Landrys session focuses on ways the modular design & construction industry can apply the concepts of standardization while still providing developers with the ability to customize their residential units and buildings to meet their local market needs.

Ron Ciotti, legal expert and partner at Hinckley Allen, will provide various risk mitigation strategies available at different stages of a modular project in order to mitigate the risk of material price escalation in order to preserve the feasibility and profitability of builders and prefabricators work in his session Tariffs, Taxes and Trade Wars: Strategies to Mitigate the Risk of Material Price Escalation in an Uncertain Political Climate.

ManufactOn Founder and CEO Raghi Iyengar will explore how ManufactOn, a SaaS (mobile/web) software platform built to help construction companies plan, track and optimize modular construction, connects all the critical pieces of the modular supply chain from design, to production in the factory, through installation at the jobsite in his session Connecting the Dots: Managing the Complete Lifecycle of Modular Construction.

William Huberty, Prescient Regional VP of Business Development  West, will discuss Prescients speed, hard cost savings, and overall site safety vs traditional concrete construction in his session Transitioning from Century Old Practices to a System Leverages Advanced Manufacturing. Prescient has either completed or is nearing completion of over 40 large assignments in the US in a span of only seven years and their system does not rely on a large supporting cast of skilled laborers to go vertical given there is no measuring, cutting, or welding required.

President of Stack Modular Jim Dunn will present a case study on the joint venture between STACK Modular and its partner, BIRD Construction to build a 94 suite modular hotel that will travel from Shanghai through the Panama Canal and back North to the most northern territory in world in his presentation Modular Hotel Designed, Manufactured, Delivered & Installed Under the Most Difficult Conditions on Earth. Dunn will table key client drivers and lessons learned to date on the turn key process that combines both conventional and modular methods of construction.

These are only a few of the top-notch educational breakout sessions that will be hosted at World of Modular. They will equip industry professionals with the latest knowledge in every facet of the commercial modular construction business.

With interest in modular and offsite construction at an all-time high, this event is a must-attend for anyone who wants to learn more about modular and prefab.

About MBI

The Modular Building Institute (MBI) is the international nonprofit trade association serving modular construction. As the Voice of Commercial Modular Construction , MBIs mission is to expand the use of offsite construction through innovative construction practices, outreach and education to the construction community and customers, and recognition of high-quality modular designs and facilities. For more information on MBI and World of Modular, please visit our website: http://www.worldofmodular.org
Receiving Diamond Tier status with FedEx, one of the most recognized and utilized global shippers, validates that the partnership between Logistyx and FedEx meets the highest standards for joint customer success.

Logistyx Technologies (http://www.logistyx.com), the leader in Transportation Management for parcel shipping, today announced it was honored by FedEx with the Diamond Tier Award for 2019.

Logistyx is dedicated to optimizing businesses transportation management for parcels and our relationship with carriers is a crucial component in those efforts, said Logistyx CEO Geoffrey Finlay. Receiving Diamond Tier status with FedEx, one of the most recognized and utilized global shippers, validates that the partnership between Logistyx and FedEx meets the highest standards for joint customer success.

FedEx only awards Diamond Tier to solutions demonstrating years of compatible integrations with the latest FedEx technologies and FedEx Services. Designed to help organizations identify qualified, third-party shipping solutions, The FedEx Compatible Solution program requires software developers be up-to-date on current software for FedEx Ship Manager Server or FedEx Web Services, and also maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.

A FedEx Platinum Compatible Solutions provider seven of the last eight years, Logistyx continues to build upon prior success to improve its performance and capabilities for the worlds top brands, manufacturers, distributors, e-commerce companies, and third-party logistics providers. Maintaining direct integrations with FedEx and many other global carriers, Logistyx combines these in its multi-carrier parcel shipping software to provide more than 8,500 carrier services.

To be one of the select few honored by FedEx with the Diamond Award for 2019 speaks volumes about Logistyxs ability to provide the control and visibility required to meet or exceed customer expectations for the worlds preeminent shippers, added Finlay.

Logistyx optimizes businesses transportation management for parcels with industry-leading software, hardware and knowledge to increase carrier choice and efficiency and reduce parcel shipping costs without sacrificing service. This unique, comprehensive package offers a configurable solution for smarter shipping anywhere by leveraging a global carrier network and predictive analytics for data and value-driven decisions.

About Logistyx Technologies:

Logistyx Technologies is the leader in Transportation Management for parcel shipping, providing an unmatched global multi-carrier network, predictive analytics and full visibility into customer deliveries. Its software boosts parcel shipping efficiencies and other business KPIs for many of the worlds top brands, manufacturers, retailers and logistics providers. Headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, Logistyx Technologies also has U.S. offices in New York, Philadelphia, San Diego and St. Louis, and international offices in Canada, the Netherlands, the UK and Singapore. For more information, visit http://www.Logistyx.com.
Wade T. Brooks - serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and former entrepreneurship professor is hired as CEO of Liv Foods, Inc., creator of LivBar. New Zealand is beautiful and I contemplated staying to research and teach, but the opportunity to jump back into a high growth company and take it national was too compelling to pass up.

Liv Foods, Inc., maker of LivBar, organic superfood energy bars, has hired Wade Brooks as their new CEO. Upon his arrival, Mr. Brooks raised a Series A investment round, led by Leatherwood Capital, to help grow the distribution channel and pursue a national product roll-out.

LivBar has everything you want to see in a consumer packaged goods company, beyond their healthy and delicious superfood bars, they have regional distribution, excellent branding and packaging, and are certified USDA Organic. What LivBar lacked, was growth capital to move beyond the regional markets and address a national audience hungry for their bars, said CEO Brooks.

Mr. Brooks is no stranger to running early stage, high growth companies. His first company, which he founded in college, went on to become the first Apple Computer Value-Added Reseller in the United States. Since those early years, he has run three companies and performed turnarounds for two additional companies. He is also one of the founding board members of The Greater Sum Foundation, providing funding to early stage, scalable, non-profit organizations. Most recently, he was Associate Professor of Entrepreneurial Practice at Willamette University MBA, founding the worlds first university angel investment fund in 2008 and named Faculty Member of Year in 2016. Mr. Brooks also recently spent a semester in New Zealand teaching early stage investing at Victoria University of Wellingtons School of Economics and Finance. New Zealand is beautiful and I contemplated staying to research and teach, but the opportunity to jump back into a high growth company and take it national was too compelling to pass up, said Brooks.

We are extremely excited that Wade decided to come on as our full-time CEO, said original founders, Jan and Gabe Johansen. As our company continues to grow, it is imperative we have someone with entrepreneurial expertise, financial acumen, and management experience.

LivBars are made with all natural, real-food ingredients, are 100% USDA Certified Organic, GMO-free, gluten free, other top allergen free (nut-free, soy-free, dairy-free, corn-free), and packaged in a compostable wrapper. All of the bars are vegetarian and two flavors are vegan. The bars are currently available nationwide through https://livbar.com and Amazon Prime, and locally, through New Seasons Market, Roths, Market of Choice, and Life Source Natural Foods. LivBar has also recently signed a national distribution contract with DPI Specialty Foods.

LivBar was founded in 2012 in Salem, Oregon by two nutrition and fitness experts, Jan and Gabe Johansen. When Jan could not find a truly healthy energy bar made from only real foods for her nutrition customers, she created the LivBar recipes. LivBars are crunchy and chewy and come in five delicious superfood flavors: Coffee Maple Cacao, Raspberry Kale Maca, Blueberry Vanilla Kale, Ginger Lemon Turmeric, and Lemongrass Cherry Matcha.

If you would like more information, please call Jessi Freitag, Marketing and Operations Manager, at (971) 239-1209.
Hunting For A Nap: a humorous short story for kids, is the creation of published author Little GR, a hunter, fisherman, and avid outdoorsman from Texas, where he lives with his wife and two kids.

Little GR writes, Hunting for a Nap is a tale about the joy and anticipation a hunting trip with Dad can bring to a young boy. Full of humor and fun, Hunting for a Nap is a playful story to share with the entire family. This book is the very first childrens book to be published by Little GR. Spending time in nature has always been a blessing for Little GR, and he is so excited God has allowed him to share this story with children and families around the world.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Little GRs new book is a beautiful little tale that awakens the young reader to the wonders of the natural world and the joys of spending time with their loved ones as they go on all sorts of adventures among Gods creation.

View a synopsis of Hunting For A Nap on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase Hunting For A Nap at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Hunting For A Nap, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Lehigh Valley drivers looking to learn more about new Ford Explorer SUV may do so with pages on Kovatch Ford's website.

The winter months demand much out of Pennsylvania drivers, as they must navigate through conditions that are often hazardous and slippery. Its because of this that many consumers opt for large, powerful SUVs for transport year-round, and with the recent introduction of the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer, residents of the Lehigh Valley have even more of an incentive to upgrade their rides. Local dealership Kovatch Ford is currently preparing its inventory for the 2020 Explorer models arrival, and promoting its top features via landing pages and blogs on its webpage.

The 2020 Ford Explorer will offer two distinct engines depending on the trim level that consumers choose. It features a 2.3-liter EcoBoost Inline 4 that can produce 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, as well as 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 which is capable of up to 365 horsepower. Both engines will have their power shifted through a 10-speed automatic transmission, which also includes Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive.

Inside, the 2020 Ford Explorer will feature SYNC 3 infotainment capabilities - including Waze navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility  that are hosted from a 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen interface. The 2020 Explorer is set to introduce the Ford lines all-new Co-Pilot Assist driver assistance suite as well, which promises to grant drivers increased security and peace of mind behind the wheel.

More information on the 2020 Ford Explorer may be found on the official Kovatch Ford blog, and interested members of the public who would like to reserve the model are encouraged to contact the dealership directly. Kovatch Ford may be reached online at kovatchford.com, over the phone at 570-669-5111, or in person at 428 West Catawissa Street in Nesquehoning.
Kenneth Ferris, a law enforcement police sergeant in the USAF, has completed his new book The Redhead Murders: an electrifying novel that tells of a detectives quest to put an end to a series of killings by a conniving murderer.

Author Ferris takes inspiration from personal circumstances in the law enforcement field and his dealings with criminals and the justice system: Detective Troy Wilson responds to a shooting at a restaurant parking lot, and he finds a man dead. His suspect, Mike Johnson, claims the man was robbing him and he shot him in self-defense. Now a serial killer who murdered three redhead women in Colorado Springs has moved to Atlanta to continue his killing spree! There is a race against time to stop the murders. He teams up with a homicide detective from Colorado Springs to put their clues together to track him down in this action-packed thriller!

Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Kenneth Ferriss rip-roaring tale lets readers witness an overwhelming fight against a dangerous enemy and how one man upholds his duty to the society to bring the culprit to the light of justice and conviction for his crimes.

Readers who wish to experience this electrifying work can purchase The Redhead Murders at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional New York based full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex and time-consuming issues, and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
Joseph Dick is an Ohio native with degrees from Ohio University and Belmont College. Michael Hans is a graphic artist, voice actor, and author. They have completed their book Tale of the Dragon Princess: an engrossing trans-dimensional fantasy for science fiction enthusiasts.

The authors share, Ryoko Matsumori is your average teenage high school girl in an average world. But her life is turned upside down when she is pulled through a portal that leads to another dimension, a dimension of dragons and mythical creatures. It is there that she meets Ryuunosuke Ryuu Yamaryuu, a dragon rider. Little does she know that she is to play a part in an ancient prophecy.

Ryoko now begins her quest to return home and save the world from the evil Dark Lord. With the help of Ryuu and her friends, she will save the world.

Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Joseph Dick and Michael Hanss book is an epic journey to another dimension, where an ordinary teenager is swept into the eternal battle between the forces of good and evil.

Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchaseTale of the Dragon Princess at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional New York-based, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not overwhelmed with logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of accomplished authors and publishing professionals allows writers to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues to focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.


Live By the Spirit: a soulful meditation of Christian life, is the creation of published author Jerry D. Warren, a retired journeyman electrician who began writing in his sixties.

I was inspired to publish this mainly by my granddaughter, Warren shares. I had been writing for a few years already. The material was on three-by-five notebooks. My granddaughter gathered these notebooks and wanted to put them in a book for our family. While transferring the material form notebooks to paper, she suggested that I should try to get them published. That was about a year ago. So I decided to see if someone was willing to take a chance, and Christian Publishing came up."

Many of my poems were inspired by, and the writing started while attending church service. I personally believe that the Holy Spirit was involved in some of these, if not all of these writings. They were about the constant battle between good and evil or darkness and light. For those who believe, it is an inspiration to continue and share belief when appropriate. The unbelievers will most likely never even look at this. Maybe it will inspire someone to turn to God and find the peace in the showdown of his light."

The philosophical parts are the To Be verses. These may cause some to have a deeper thought about things we may witness on a daily basis. Most are common sense, some have more than one train of thought, and others are kind of blunt."

Some of the poems are political in nature while others have a different aspect, all the while keeping in mind of Satan trying to inspire people to turn from God. The universal love of God and the giving of his life for each of us who believe allow us to start a new life through Jesus Christ, who suffered and died for our sin.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Jerry Warrens new book is an authentic attempt to rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit within believers who are looking to cast off the lukewarm effects of the world.

View a synopsis of Live By the Spirit on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase Live By the Spirit at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Live By the Spirit, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Former installation technicians who worked for Synergies3 TEC Services, LLC (Synergies) filed a lawsuit on February 4, 2019, alleging violations of federal and state overtime laws. The workers brought the case on behalf of themselves and all other similarly situated installation technicians nationwide who worked for Synergies as independent contractors.

The Complaint alleges that Synergies paid the independent contractor installation technicians by piece-rate or per job only and denied them overtime wages for the hours they worked over forty (40) per week. The workers further allege that Synergies purposefully classified its installation technicians as independent contractors to avoid paying overtime wages in violation of under federal and state law. The lawsuit was filed as a collective action under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and as a class action under Missouri and Illinois state laws. The workers seek unpaid overtime compensation and double damages.

Plaintiffs' attorney Rachhana T. Srey of Nichols Kaster, PLLP explained, Independent contractor misclassification is common, particularly in the cable/satellite TV installation industry. These workers typically work long hours and deserve to be paid for their overtime hours.

Plaintiffs are represented by Rachhana T. Srey and Jay E. Eidsness from Nichols Kaster, PLLP, Mark Potashnick from Weinhaus & Potashnick, Eli Karsh from Lieberman, Goldstein & Karsh, and Benjamin Westhoff from Sedey Harper Westhoff, P.C. The case is entitled, Jackson et al. v. Synergies3 TEC Services, LLC No. 4:19-cv-00178 (Eastern District of Missouri).

Additional information about how to make a claim for overtime pay in the case may be found at http://www.nka.com or by calling Nichols Kaster, PLLP toll free at (877) 448-0492, ext. 224.
David Jordan, President and CEO I look forward to working with Breckenridge's talented team and valued clients and partners.

Breckenridge Insurance Group today announced the appointment of David A. Jordan as president and chief executive officer of the wholesale insurance brokerage, programs and financial services company.

Jordan succeeds Tracey Carragher and was selected to lead Breckenridge as he brings nearly 40 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry to the entrepreneurial and well regarded organization. His career spans senior positions with three major insurance companies: W. R. Berkley Corporation, AIG and Atlantic Mutual Companies. He has extensive experience in commercial and personal lines, MGA, programs, brokerage business, captive and fronted programs and excess and surplus lines casualty and professional liability business sourced from wholesale brokers such as Breckenridge.

Commenting on his appointment, Jordan said, I am privileged to have the opportunity to lead Breckenridge, an organization with a great tradition, a firm foundation, dynamic culture and a bright future. I look forward to working with Breckenridges talented team and valued clients and partners to ensure continued success and continuity.

BRECKENRIDGE INSURANCE GROUP, headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., is an international specialty wholesale insurance broker, program manager, managing general agent (MGA) and insurance services provider. The company offers access to diverse range of commercial insurance and financial services products to businesses and professional services firms in a variety of industries. The company serves independent insurance agents, brokers, and financial institutions nationally by way of Blue River Underwriters, OSC, Breckenridge Insurance Services, Breckenridge Elevation Authorities contract binding group and Southeastern Underwriters, Inc. For more information, please visit http://www.BRECKGRP.COM or call 855.728.8822. CA Insurance License #0G13592
The fully realized potential of space lies at the intersection of data, AI, and other machine-intelligent technologies.

Hypergiant Industries today announced the launch of its Hypergiant Galactic Systems division, with the goal of helping mankind expand its horizon into the next frontier through orbital AI. Hypergiant Galactic Systems will focus on artificial intelligence-driven aerospace and astronautic software and hardware products for the booming space industry.

In its first step towards realizing this vision, Hypergiant Galactic Systems has acquired Satellite & Extraterrestrial Operations & Procedures (S.E.O.P.s), a Houston-based satellite deployment and services provider that offers innovative proprietary launch and deployment systems servicing the CubeSat and MicroSat markets. As a subsidiary of Hypergiant Galactic Systems, S.E.O.P.s will continue to serve customers in defense, government, as well as leading academic institutions in designing, developing, and deploying space satellite constellation arrays. S.E.O.P.s operates classified missions as well as unclassified missions for customers and partners including NASA, DARPA, and Northrop Grumman. S.E.O.P.s currently has allocation on all ISS visiting vehicles (SpaceX Dragon and Cygnus) through its partnership with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS).

We are beyond excited to welcome S.E.O.P.s to Hypergiant Galactic Systems. S.E.O.P.s will be our key entry platform for intelligent satellite technologies, said Ben Lamm, CEO of Hypergiant. As we launch Hypergiant Galactic Systems today, we do so knowing that on our first day of operation we have world-class launch and deployment capabilities for anyone seeking solutions for low-earth orbit and beyond. The fully realized potential of space lies at the intersection of data, AI, and other machine-intelligent technologies. We are excited to be at the leading edge of this movement.

S.E.O.P.s is led by CEO Chad Brinkley and CTO Michael Johnson. A space entrepreneur with nearly 20 years of experience in the Aerospace & Defense market, Brinkleys expertise spans the government, military, and commercial sectors. On the technical side, Johnson is the industry leader in designing space research platforms, habitats, modules, launch systems, and spacecraft. He was previously the co-founder of NanoRacks, the first commercial space company to launch CubeSats using the International Space Station (ISS). To date, over 210 CubeSats have been deployed, fueling the rise of commercial space investments. Both Brinkley and Johnson will continue to lead as CEO and CTO of Hypergiant S.E.O.P.s, a subsidiary of Hypergiant Galactic Systems.

S.E.O.P.s became a leader over the last decade in the industry by flying satellites and payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO), utilizing deployment off the International Space Station (ISS), as well as using ISS visiting vehicles. The S.E.O.P.s Slingshot CubeSat launch system was designed to exploit the unused Cygnus vestibule volume of the passive common berthing mechanism (PCBM) by deploying sideways using a zero tip-off mechanism. SlingShot Deployers accommodate any customers CubeSat formats and configurations. The system can also fly hosted payloads utilizing the core spacecraft for data, power, pointing, and communications. No other system provides comparable space agility. By working with Northrop Grumman, CASIS, and the U.S. National Laboratory, S.E.O.P.s is executing on the vision of the commercialization of space for industries spanning defense, energy, security, and more.

In joining Hypergiant Galactic Systems, we have gained access to invaluable resources in artificial intelligence, machine learning, intelligent sensors, and more, said Chad Brinkley, CEO and co-founder of S.E.O.P.s. As we leverage these technologies to enhance our offerings and develop entirely new services, were confident our customers will be delighted by the new value created through data and machine learning. Today is a great day for space science.

S.E.O.P.s proprietary sideways deployment also makes it possible to mount SlingShot deployers on a geosynchronous satellite bus such as a Boeing 702 or Lockheed 2100, opening small satellite deployment in the GEO belt. Furthermore, S.E.O.P.s has been testing its MicroSat solution (MACE), which is planned to come online in 2019 to deploy larger spacecraft.

The era of space commercialization is just beginning, and were thrilled for S.E.O.P.s to be part of Hypergiant Galactic Systems on this journey, said Michael Johnson, CTO and co-founder of S.E.O.P.s. Were not just building launch and deployment systems, were giving people access to corners of the universe previously untouchable in the commercial sector. Combined with the power of AI, the opportunities are truly endless.

Hypergiant Galactic Systems is a subsidiary of Hypergiant Industries, the first machine intelligence industrial complex, recently co-founded in Texas by Ben Lamm. Leveraging emerging technology in AI, space transport, and imaging techniques, Hypergiant Galactic Systems is completing the vision of a universe intelligently powered.

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to make virtually every machine more efficient. The same is especially true of spacecraft and all the ground systems required to support them. We wish Hypergiant Galactic Systems and S.E.O.P.s the very best as they help us accelerate space exploration beyond what was possible even a decade ago. said Bill Nye, CEO of the Planetary Society.

Hypergiant Galactic Systems will be based in Houston, Texas with a field office in Washington D.C.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hypergiant.com/divisions/galactic/

About Hypergiant Galactic Systems

Hypergiant Galactic Systems is a revolutionary orbital systems and constellations enterprise that combines artificial intelligence with proprietary hardware and the latest advancements in space access. Focused on evolving international commerce with more accessible and affordable space missions, Hypergiant Galactic Systems identifies, invests in, and acquires celestial technologies that can be integrated with and enhanced by machine intelligence. Currently, Hypergiant Galactic Systems operates Hypergiant S.E.O.P.s, a satellite launch and deployment company utilizing International Space Station infrastructure to service the CubeSat and MicroSat markets through its proprietary launch hardware and software. Hypergiant Galactic Systems is owned and operated by Hypergiant Industries.

About Hypergiant Industries:

Hypergiant Industries is the AI industrial complex for leading global enterprises and governments. We help major institutions innovate with breakthrough machine intelligence-driven technology. The solutions, products, and companies we create support our customers on their mission to speed beyond norms and realize an exploded potential of the future we were promised. We push the boundaries of what was previously thought technologically impossible. We meet our customers in the space where impossibility intersects reality. Where light filters out the dark. And machine intelligence makes everything about your business more intelligent.
At JW Maxx Solutions we suggest fixing the issue try to satisfy the client with a refund in full or partial or a service that can be done again at no charge. This shows a company that cares and will go the extra mile to make the client happy.

The online reputation experts at JW Maxx Solutions reveal special tips.

A Phoenix-based online reputation firm that specializes in both the corporate world of online reputation management and the personal reputation management of individuals offer these handy tips to help companies get better reviews by using online review generating systems. When it comes to reviews that are negative sometimes companies need to look at the comment to learn by their mistakes.

Never answer a review in a negative or combative tone. Try to feel and understand what caused a microburst of anger that made that person write that scathing negative review to happen. Your empathy and passion are what will set a good company apart from a great one.

JW Maxx Solutions is proud to announce its new review generating system that allows companies to send a message of thank you and gratitude for their service and ask for a review. The point is you can send out hundreds of these and SMS messages also but if the service or product is not there the feedback may not be what you want.

At JW Maxx Solutions we take safeguards in being able to try to isolate the bad reviews and give the client a chance to rectify the situation before it gets posted. However, doing an outstanding job will always win over any other program or software. There are some that will give clients a choice of 1 to 5 if the recipient chooses anything less than four it will divert the review to a private website. However, consumers are not easily fooled car dealerships have been doing this for quite some time, and when a consumer sees nothing negative, that becomes suspicious. Then simply backfires.

Every company makes mistakes. If there a few bad reviews here and there trying to get more so it does not look like a common practice is shown.

At JW Maxx Solutions we suggest fixing the issue try to satisfy the client with a refund in full or partial or a service that can be done again at no charge. This shows a company that cares and will go the extra mile to make the client happy.

JW Maxx Solutions is Rated A plus with the Phoenix BBB and has offices in Mexico and Panama City, Panama.
At the companys weekly sales meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 30, the top producers for 2018 were announced by Zephyr Management. Tim Gullicksen, along with others, was recognized for his success and dedication to the company.

The Gullicksen Group closed 43 transactions during 2018 for a total of $66 million in sales. This is the eighth year in a row that Gullicksen has been the top-selling agent in the Pacific Heights office, as well as the eighth year in a row that he has been in the top 1 percent of all San Francisco real estate agents. Gullicksen looks forward to continuing to serve his San Francisco clients with the top real estate service.

To find out why Gullicksen is so successful and well-liked by his clients, check out his reviews on Yelp.com. For more information, give Gullicksen a call at 415-370-5277.

About the company:

Tim Gullicksen has been a top-producing real estate agent since he first entered into the business, and takes great pride in managing every aspect of each transaction. After graduating from high school in the South Bay, Tim earned a bachelors degree in political science and history from the University of California-Berkeley. He went on to earn his teaching credentials from JFK University in Orinda, and taught kindergarten in the San Jose Unified School District. He brings an educational approach to real estate developed from that background, and sees himself as a facilitator of property transactions. For more information, visit his website at http://www.gullicksengroup.com/.
Hey Long Beach, Its me, Jesse! And today Id like you to come with me on a historical excursion across the city in search of fun and interesting historical landmarks. Join me as I explore the last remaining remnants of...
Ramtech's Roland Brown Reappointed to Texas Industrialized Building Code Council

The office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the reappointment of Ramtech Building Systems' Roland Brown to another term on the Texas Industrialized Building Code Council. Mr. Brown is one of ten new and existing member appointments made by Governor Abbot to the 12 member council. Originally appointed by former Governor Rick Perry in October 2010, Mr. Brown currently serves as the Presiding Officer of the council which functions as an advisory board for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation on issues related to the regulation of the industrialized housing and commercial building industries.

Mr. Brown of Midlothian, Texas is the vice president of Design and Development for Mansfield Texas-based Ramtech, an industry leader in the manufacture, installation, and site development for relocatable buildings and permanent modular construction. He also serves as the government affairs chairman and vice president-elect for the Modular Building Institute, an international nonprofit trade association serving the commercial modular construction industry. Mr. Brown began his career in the commercial modular industry in 1981 and is a member of the International Code Council where has contributed as an advocate to addressing code and compliance issues for the modular industry.

About Ramtech Building Systems

Since 1982 Ramtech Building Systems has been providing innovative relocatable and permanent modular buildings for educational institutions, government agencies, healthcare providers, and Fortune 500 companies throughout the Southern United States. As a design-build construction company, Ramtech provides full in-house design, a manufacturer direct product, and complete site construction services all within a single-source solution. Ramtech offers permanent modular construction on both a pier and beam or concrete slab foundation. Both options combine the best of off-site prefabrication and on-site construction techniques in order to produce a building faster and with less cost but identical in the look, functionality and life expectancy of a completely site-built structure. By emphasizing a value engineering approach, Ramtech has successfully completed over 4,000 diverse projects of all sizes. For more information, visit the company's website at RamtechModular.com.


The Wellness Network & Get Real Health Given the intense vetting process, we are honored to be chosen as a speaker for HIMSS19. There is no discounting the fact that policy plays a huge role in the adoption of health IT. -Robin Wiener, President and CEO of Get Real Health

HIMSS has named Mark Heaney, Chief Strategist & Founding Partner, Get Real Health and Adrian Byrne, CIO, University Southampton NHS Foundation Trust as speakers for the 2019 HIMSS Global Conference & Exhibition, held February 11-15, 2019 in Orlando, Florida at the Orange County Convention Center. HIMSS19 brings together 45,000+ health information and technology professionals, clinicians, executives and vendors from around the world. Exceptional education, excellent speakers, cutting-edge health information and technology products and powerful networking are hallmarks of this industry-leading conference.

This session, Accelerating Transformation Through Policy and Technology, will explore the ways in which both policy and technology advances are enabling Get Real Healths client, the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS), to share its award-winning innovations with other UK National Health Service Trusts. Global Digital Exemplar, UHS, will blueprint their journey, best practices and lessons learned in their quest to deliver digital capabilities more quickly and cost-effectively to others. This session will detail how a successful interoperable PHR, powered by Get Real Health technology, was implemented to eliminate data silos, and facilitate a free- flow of information between organizations and care teams. This information gateway led to a reduction in unnecessary appointments for patients, improved communications and increased patient engagement overall. All HIMSS attendees are encouraged to join, with a target audience of CIOs, CTOs, Government or Public Policy and Population Health Management Professionals.

The HIMSS Annual Conference Education Committee (ACEC) selected over 300 educational sessions on the conference program. Proposals under review by the ACEC have gone through a peer-review selection process for enhanced efficiency and quality in selection of the educational offerings at the conference. This committee, comprised of HIMSS volunteers, reviews and selects all presentations with those representing an organization or non-commercial interest given preference, a guideline followed to achieve continuing medical education or CME requirements.

Given the intense vetting process, we are honored to be chosen as a speaker for HIMSS19, said Get Real Health President and CEO, Robin Wiener. There is no discounting the fact that policy plays a huge role in the adoption of health IT. UHS is a stellar example of how organizations can have great success when coupling an open data platform with governmental support to foster data sharing and engagement.

About Get Real Health

Get Real Health combines a world of new information from patients, devices and apps with existing clinical data to help individuals and healthcare professionals engage and empower each other. By giving providers and patients the information and tools they need to work together, we help our customers meet their ever-changing patient engagement needs. We help them deliver value-based care, improve outcomes, activate patients, increase patient loyalty and satisfaction, all while meeting regulatory requirements. Visit: http://www.getrealhealth.com.

About University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust Foundation

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust provides services to some 1.9 million people living in Southampton and south Hampshire, plus specialist services such as neurosciences, cardiac services and children's intensive care to more than 3.7 million people in central southern England and the Channel Islands.

The Trust is also a major centre for teaching and research in association with the University of Southampton and partners including the Medical Research Council and Wellcome Trust. Visit: http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/
French Ready-to-Wear Leader Camaieu Selects Centric Software We met different PLM vendors but it was Centric that proved to be outstanding.

Camaieu, the leading French women's ready-to-wear brand, has selected Centric Softwares Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solution. Centric Software provides the most innovative enterprise solutions to fashion, retail, footwear, outdoor, luxury and consumer goods companies to achieve strategic and operational digital transformation goals.

Founded in 1984, Camaieu is a French women's ready-to-wear brand that produces exclusive collections entirely designed by its studio in Roubaix. The company, whose goal is to offer an excellent price to quality and trend value, offers full range of fun, playful, easy-to-wear styles for all occasions. Today, Camaieu is present in more than 22 countries with over 900 stores in Europe, Africa and the Middle East serving 37 million customers worldwide.

Camaieu wanted to equip themselves with a PLM solution to streamline operational processes and ensure a collaborative workflow across the entire company.

We wanted a PLM solution that would improve communication between departments and align our internal processes, explains Mathilde Ichac, Supply Manager at Camaieu. Our goal is to reduce the time spent organizing information in order to gain visibility on deadlines and activities throughout the organization.

Standardization and collaboration are a major issue in our field as we have teams in France, Morocco, Vietnam, Bangladesh and China. It is therefore essential to set up a common platform that everyone can use to work together, she continues.

Camaieu met several PLM vendors before deciding on Centric Softwares flagship Centric 8 PLM solution.

We met different PLM vendors but it was Centric that proved to be outstanding, says Ichac. In addition to being the PLM market leader in the fashion and apparel world, Centric offers an extremely ergonomic and intuitive PLM solution that is flexible and fast to implement, making it easy for users to adopt.

With the help of the Centric team, we will benefit from industry best practices for our ready-to-wear, accessories and lingerie lines, Ichac continues. We look forward to having a single, reliable view of each product, digitizing our manual processes and driving our business even more effectively. Centric is listening to its customers and has a scalable solution that will adapt to the development of our product offering.

We are very pleased that Camaieu has chosen to implement Centric Software's PLM solution, says Chris Groves, President and CEO of Centric Software. We are proud to embark on this new project with the French leader in women's ready-to-wear and we look forward to supporting the brands digital transformation now and in the future.

Request a Demo

Camaieu (http://www.camaieu.fr)

Founded more than 30 years ago, Camaieu is the leading and essential brand of women's ready-to-wear clothing in France and is supported by a network of more than 900 stores in 22 countries and territories around the world, including 650 in France. The Camaieu group has more than 5,200 employees, including 4,000 in France who work to offer 100 new products every week. Camaieu was recognized as the Best French Store Chain of the Year 2018-2019 in the Women's Fashion category (Procos Trophy  Best Store Chain).

Centric Software (http://www.centricsoftware.com)

From its headquarters in Silicon Valley and offices in trend capitals around the world, Centric Software provides a Digital Transformation Platform for the most prestigious names in fashion, retail, footwear, luxury, outdoor and consumer goods. Centric Visual Innovation Platform (VIP) is a visual, fully digital collection of boards for touch-based devices like iPad, iPhone and large-scale, touch-screen televisions. Centric VIP transforms decision making and automates execution to truly collapse time to market and distance to trend. Centrics flagship product lifecycle management (PLM) platform, Centric 8, delivers enterprise-class merchandise planning, product development, sourcing, business planning, quality, and collection management functionality tailored for fast-moving consumer industries. Centric SMB packages extended PLM including innovative technology and key industry learnings tailored for small businesses.

Centric Software has received multiple industry awards, including the Frost & Sullivan Global Product Differentiation Excellence Award in Retail, Fashion, and Apparel PLM in 2018 and Frost & Sullivans Global Retail, Fashion, and Apparel PLM Product Differentiation Excellence Award in 2016 and 2012. Red Herring named Centric to its Top 100 Global list in 2013, 2015, and 2016.

Centric is a registered trademark of Centric Software. All other brands and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contacts:

Centric Software

Americas: Jennifer Forsythe, jforsythe(at)centricsoftware(dot)com

Europe: Kristen Salaun Batby, ksalaun-batby(at)centricsoftware(dot)com

Asia: Lily Dong, lily(dot)dong(at)centricsoftware(dot)com
In todays world, consumers are accustomed to getting the best price for anything in the comfort of their pajamas. Florida residents deserve to be able to do the same when shopping for a homeowners insurance policy. Now they can.

Sinkholes. Hurricanes. Floods. Burst pipes. Florida has no shortage of catastrophes. Its no wonder we live in the most expensive state to insure a home.

To make things worse, the process of shopping insurance has been long, confusing, and full of unwanted phone calls. Until now, Florida homeowners have had to resort to rolling the dice with a local agent, who may or may not have access to the insurance companies that would offer the most competitive policy. Agents rarely work outside of typical 9-to-5 hours, and quotes often take hours or even days to get back, with very little transparency on price.

Many companies have offered online quotes, but did little more than collect your information and sell it to various agents whod pester you for the following weeks.

Panoramic Insurance Group, headquartered in downtown Tampa, saw this problem and brought Florida homeowners insurance into the future. By fusing deep insurance industry knowledge and modern technology, they released their website http://www.panoramic.insure. Florida homeowners or homebuyers are guided through some simple questions that only take a few minutes.

Once complete, quotes will generate from virtually every insurance company who will write a Florida homeowners policyand multiple flood insurance options are available, too. Seeing these different companies offers right in front of you lets you know which one is the best deal.

Starting the policy you like is just as easy and can also be done completely online. An agent is always only a few clicks away (via email or scheduling a phone call), but you never have to talk to one just to get prices and review the options.

Ken Parsons, a founding partner and executive director, said, We can be honest: No one likes talking to insurance agents, and Im an insurance agent. We also saw that all too often, most agents did little more than information gathering and data entry (when they werent harassing prospective customers with relentless phone calls).

In todays world, consumers are accustomed to getting the best price for anything in the comfort of their pajamas. Florida residents deserve to be able to do the same when shopping for a homeowners insurance policy. Now they can.

While we certainly agree that paying for insurance is never fun, our website makes it as quick and painless as possible.

About Panoramic: Panoramic Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency with access to nearly every homeowners insurance company in the state of Florida. Their management team touts decades of experience in insurance & technology and firmly believe in making consumers lives easier.
The NHP Foundation (NHPF), a national not-for-profit provider of affordable housing, announced today that it has finalized financing to renovate the 90-year old Mark Twain Hotel, a mixed use Single Room Occupancy (SRO) property the organization acquired in 2016.

The property, located at the intersection of North Clark and West Division Streets, will contain 148 studio apartments and seven retail stores once the year long renovation is complete. The property was purchased by The NHP Foundation in 2016 as part of Chicagos Single-Room Occupancy and Residential Hotel Preservation Ordinance of 2014, which requires sellers to notify the City of their intention to sell and incentivizes them to work with buyers who agree to maintain such properties as affordable housing. The SRO preservation initiative has preserved 11 buildings consisting of approximately 1,500 units to date.

The Mark Twain is located in the 27th Ward whose Alderman, Walter Burnett, Jr., was a champion for this ordinance. Explained Alderman Burnett, We introduced the ordinance to preserve SROs in expensive neighborhoods and ensure that owners would sell to the most qualified owner, not simply the highest bidder. We are seeing the fruits of these labors with projects like The Mark Twain where the property will be beautifully preserved and kept affordable.

The $53MM recapitalization is made possible by the Bellwether Enterprise , Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF), City of Chicago, ComEd , Enterprise Community Investment, The Chicago Housing Authority, and NHPF through a combination of Tax Exempt Bonds, an FHA 220 Loan, Tax Credit Equity Investments in Low Income Ho using and Historic Tax Credits, a Bridge Loan, Project Based Voucher Section 8 Contract, an Energy Grant, and a Sponsor Loan.

Added Victor E. Agusta, Jr., SVP, Bellwether Enterprise, Partnering with NHPF and the City of Chicago on this project allows Bellwether Enterprise to continue preserving one of Chicagos greatest strengths  its diverse housing stock, especially in this neighborhood.

The Mark Twain Hotel was originally built in 1932 as a Residential Hotel. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017, and is well-located in a mixed use neighborhood that has been experiencing improvements to the immediate area. The building is across from The Sinclair, a new luxury residential tower with a Jewel/Osco supermarket that was completed in 2017. The Red Line station beneath the building underwent a complete $50MM renovation in September 2015, including installation of elevators and escalators, a new entrance at LaSalle & Division, and a new 8,000 square foot mezzanine.

Added CCLF Lycrecia L. Parks, Vice President of Portfolio Management, CCLFs participation in this project furthers our mission of supporting efforts that benefit low income Chicagoans, especially in this increasingly affluent neighborhood, where displacement was a real possibility for Mark Twain residents.

NHPFs renovation plans call for the addition of private kitchenettes, new elevator, new plumbing and electrical work, a roof deck, making the property handicap accessible, and restoration of the buildings vintage facade and common areas. The renovation also calls for a planned upgrade to the buildings approximate 9,000 square foot ground floor retail space with several spaces under contract to deliver fast casual food and sale of goods, including the return of Mr. Gyros, a neighborhood favorite.

"This marks another important milestone in Chicagos efforts to create and preserve affordable housing units for its residents," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. Through its partnerships with the City, the Mark Twain has helped support the diversity, character and affordability of the Near North Side since the 1930s. I want to congratulate NHPF for ensuring this building will fulfill its historic role in the community for many years to come.

Upon completion, the residential units will be income restricted and remain affordable to existing tenants who qualify to return and to future low-income residents. For our returning residents, their quality of life will greatly improve, according to Richard Burns, CEO of NHPF. We will deliver durable apartment homes, new community areas, and in-house resident services; all for the long term. Residents of The Mark Twain have been temporarily relocated off-site with all costs being covered by ownership. The propertys Resident Services Coordinator remains a resource to residents and is located at NHPFs other SRO property, The Covent, near Clark & Diversey.

The development team includes Weese Langley Weese Architects Ltd.,and Linn-Mathes, Inc. Heartland Housing Property Management is the property manager. Construction began immediately after closing and it is expected to be complete by the end of 2019.

###

About The NHP Foundation

Headquartered in New York City with offices in Washington, DC, and Chicago, IL, The NHP Foundation (NHPF) is celebrating its 30th year as a publicly supported 501(c)(3) not-for- profit real estate corporation. NHPF is dedicated to preserving and creating sustainable, service-enriched multifamily housing that is both affordable to low and moderate income families and seniors, and beneficial to their communities. NHPF also provides a robust resident services program to nearly 18,000 community residents. Through partnerships with major financial institutions, the public sector, faith-based initiatives, and other not-for-profit organizations, NHPF has 49 properties in 15 states and the District of Columbia.

About Bellwether Enterprise

Bellwether Enterprise is a national, full-service commercial and multifamily mortgage banking company. As a subsidiary of Enterprise Community Investment, Bellwether Enterprise has production offices across the country and an integrated servicing platform based in Cleveland. With local market expertise, national lending relationships and financing structure experience, we provide clients with competitive, creative solutions for their financing needs. Bellwether Enterprise provides loans for a range of institutional investors including life insurance companies, pension funds, commercial banks and CMBS lenders and is a Fannie Mae Delegated Underwriting and Servicing (DUS) lender, Freddie Mac Targeted Affordable Housing lender and Program PlusSeller Servicer, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved Multifamily

Accelerated Processing (MAP) lender and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Section 538 Rural Development lender.

About Chicago Community Loan Fund

The mission of the Chicago Community Loan Fund is to provide flexible, affordable and responsible financing and technical assistance for community stabilization and development efforts and initiatives that benefit low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, families and individuals throughout metropolitan Chicago. CCLF was founded in 1991 by a group of visionary social-investment advocates. Their aim was to create a nimble, flexible nonprofit lender who would fill the community development credit gaps as they emerged across the city and region. In particular, CCLF was created to ensure that Chicagoland community developers (including small and emerging groups) would have a lender to turn to for harder-to-underwrite projects and enterprises.

About Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a proven and powerful nonprofit that improves communities and peoples lives by making well-designed homes affordable. We bring together the nationwide know-how, partners, policy leadership and investments to multiply the impact of local affordable housing development. Over 35 years, Enterprise has created nearly 529,000 homes, invested $36 billion and touched millions of lives.
Financial Writers Society (FWS), a nonprofit dedicated to fostering collaboration for financial writers around the world, today announced the release of its 2019 Board of Directors.

In addition to Charles Bovaird, president and founder of FWS, Pooranalingam Ravindran, Tim Enneking and Kevin Dinino have been named to the 2019 Board.

FWS is a tax-exempt trade association open to those with an interest in financial writing. Its members include reporters, editors, financial authors, bloggers, content developers and aspiring writers. The organization specializes in all things finance, from Wall Street, banking and personal finance to fintech and cryptocurrency.

We are excited to have this group of individuals serve on the FWS Board of Directors, said Bovaird. The organization made significant progress in 2018, and we believe that 2019 will be another year where the nonprofit grows by leaps and bounds.

Here is the full list of 2019 Board Members:

Charles Bovaird, President and Founder

Bovaird, a financial writer and consultant, is best known for his deep understanding of securities markets and investing concepts and ability to effectively communicate complex information to a broader audience. Bovaird has contributed to top-tier publications including Forbes, Fortune Magazine, Investopedia, The Washington Post and CoinDesk. He has published more than 500 times.

Pooranalingam Ravindran, Treasurer

Ravindran, an investment research analyst and writer with experience in financial analysis, fund management and performance measurement, has a masters degree from the London School of Economics. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder and has a Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement. Previously, he worked for Thomas White International and Moody's Analytics.

Tim Enneking, Non-Executive Director

Currently the managing director at Digital Capital Management (DCM), a digital asset manager located in La Jolla, California, Enneking has deep roots in financial services. He has a background in asset management, including managing funds ranging from trusts to private equity to crypto trading. Additionally, he served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve for more than 32 years, retiring in 2011 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Further, he has served as an adjunct professor at three different universities in three separate countries.

Kevin Dinino, Non-Executive Director

Regarded as a leader in financial public relations and strategic communications, Dinino is the founder and president of award-winning financial communications firm KCD PR. The firm specializes in servicing clients in financial services, financial technology (fintech), cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Prior to launching KCD PR, Dinino oversaw corporate communications at LPL Financial, the nations largest independent brokerage firm.

About Financial Writers Society

Financial Writers Society (FWS), a Massachusetts-based 501(c)6 trade association, aims to improve industry standards and provide members with opportunities to network, collaborate and support each other. We aim to be the principal voice, chief advocate and go-to resource for financial writers everywhere. Currently, we have members in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

The FWS community encompasses financial writers spanning the full spectrum in terms of careers - as well as levels of experience - from veterans writing for top publications such as Forbes and Bloomberg to aspiring writers just embarking on their careers. Not only does FWS foster professional development and collaboration, but we also connect job seekers with hiring managers, editors and producers.
As a Mortgage Broker serving Texas, especially the Houston and Woodlands community, for over 13 years, we've always put a heavy emphasis on finding the newest and best mortgage loan products available.

All new purchasing buyers and first time home buyers who are looking for a great loan program need to check out the FHA Community Loan Program. Texas Premier Mortgage, a local company specializing in purchase loans throughout the state of Texas, has launched a new specialized, niche mortgage program which only requires a credit score of 580 or above and zero lender fees. This program also allows for easier approval with flexible guidelines compared to conventional mortgage loan options.

The borrower must also meet all other standard FHA credit qualifications, and will need a small down payment of 3.5% which can also be gifted from a relative or employer.

Borrowers will want to start gathering the following upfront checklist: photo id, tax returns for 2 years including W2s, 30 days of their most recent pay stubs, and two months of bank statements.

This loan offers zero lender fees specific with Texas Premier Mortgage, saving clients thousands in closing costs. This loan product also offers the lowest rates available in the market.

"As a Mortgage Broker serving Texas, especially the Houston and Woodlands community, for over 13 years, we've always put a heavy emphasis on finding the newest and best mortgage loan products available," says Steve Head, President and Top Producing Loan Officer at Texas Premier Mortgage. "We think we've done that with this product."

When asked why Texas Premier Mortgage is able to offer such comparatively low rates, Head said, "We're able to offer the lowest wholesale rates directly to the consumer because we skip the 'big banks' and other middlemen, who drive up rates and extra unnecessary fees. Working directly with a Mortgage Broker provides instant access to streamlined rates, and reduced fees. These benefits aren't available through the traditional bank channels."

Texas Premier Mortgage is a BBB Pinnacle Award Winner, and was named the 2018 Best Mortgage Broker in Houston, by Expertise. Steve Head is a U.S. Small Business Administration's Emerging Leaders Graduate and committed to the local community offering personalized customer service.

Head stresses that working with Texas Premier Mortgage isn't just about low rates. "We work hard to create real relationships with our clients."

To learn more about Texas Premier Mortgage, their loan products and how they can help you today, visit http://www.txpremiermortgage.com.

CONTACT

Steve Head

Texas Premier Mortgage

281-627-4222

ABOUT TEXAS PREMIER MORTGAGE

Texas Premier Mortgage offers purchase, refinance, and home equity loans in Houston and the surrounding areas. Their goal is to provide clients with the best rates and the lowest fees, combined with award-winning service. The company offers Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, and USDA mortgage loans. They constantly seek the newest and best mortgage programs on the market. To learn more, visit http://www.txpremiermortgage.com.
WCG Market Intelligence & Insights

Biosimilars Regulation

Latest Regulatory, Compliance & Approval Developments

**An FDAnews Webinar**

Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.EST

http://www.fdanews.com/biosimilarsreg

Biologics account almost 40% of all prescription drug spending  and that percentage is growing.

In the last two months of 2018 the FDA approved three new biosimilar products. And, in December the FDA released three new guidances and a proposed rule concerning biosimilars.

Nicholas Mitrokostas, partner in the Boston office of Goodwin Procter LLP and Daniel Orr, partner in the Washington, DC office of Womble Bond Dickinson LLP, will provide an overview of the FDAs current review process, approval standards, and related issues confronting sponsors of reference biologics and biosimilars. Over the course of 90-minutes theyll discuss:



Common problems concerning reference product exclusivity

How FDA currently reviews and decides whether to approve a biosimilar application

Regulatory and IP considerations and implications of seeking a carve-out of therapeutic indications in the aBLA product label

Considerations and implications of using foreign approved products in clinical studies supporting approval of an aBLA, or running clinical trials in foreign countries

Insider insight into FDAs recently proposed rule and recent guidances

This presentation will help attendees understand current regulatory issues and problems confronting manufacturers of both reference biologics and biosimilars and the relevant intellectual property considerations that could impact regulatory strategy.

Meet Your Presenters:

Nicholas Mitrokostas is a Partner in the Boston office of Goodwin Procter LLP. He has extensive trial and PTAB experience representing clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in patent and antitrust litigation and counseling those clients with regard to their intellectual property and regulatory strategies. He has a wide-ranging pharmaceutical practice representing both innovator and challenger entities, including filers of 501(b)(1), 505(b)(2), 505(j) and aBLAs. He is the lead editor of the firms Biosimilars Reference Guide and the biosimilars blog, http://www.bigmoleculewatch.com, which provides resources, information and analysis on biologics, biosimilars and the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA).

Daniel Orr is a Partner in the Washington, DC office of Womble Bond Dickinson LLP and represents originator biopharmaceutical clients in FDA regulatory matters. He previously served as a Regulatory Counsel with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration where he advised the agency concerning a portfolio of products with combined annual sales of more than $37 billion, including review and approval of three biosimilars. While at the FDA, Dan chaired the agencys working group for the proposed rule Definition of the Term Biological Product as well as serving on the agencys Exclusivity Board for drugs and biologics.

Who Will Benefit:



Executive suite

Strategic planners

Regulatory affairs

R&D

Marketing/sales

Legal counsel

Webinar Details:

Biosimilars Regulation

Latest Regulatory, Compliance & Approval Developments

**An FDAnews Webinar**

Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.EST

http://www.fdanews.com/ biosimilarsreg

Tuition:

$287 per site

Easy Ways to Register:

Online: http://www.fdanews.com/biosimilarsreg

By phone: 888-838-5578 or 703-538-7600

About FDAnews:

FDAnews is the premier provider of domestic and international regulatory, legislative, and business news and information for executives in industries regulated by the US FDA and the European Medicines Agency. Pharmaceutical and medical device professionals rely on FDAnews' print and electronic newsletters, books and conferences to stay in compliance with international standards and the FDA's complex and ever-changing regulations.
The addition of Mickey Eberts, a seasoned healthcare facilities management professional, will help expedite the growth opportunity of Facilities Management Solutions within the healthcare industry - Jeff Perry, CEO

Facilities Management Solutions is pleased to announce the hiring of Mickey Eberts as Chief Operating Officer to lead activities in the Overland Park, Kansas and Nashville, Tennessee offices for the services offered by Facilities Management Services, Fire Door Solutions, and Life Safety Compliance Solutions.

Mr. Eberts has 20 years of healthcare facilities management, consulting, and project management experience. In addition, Mr. Eberts surveys the standards in the Comprehensive Accreditation Manual/Accreditation Manual for Hospitals, Ambulatory Care and Critical Access Hospitals for The Joint Commission.

Prior to joining The Joint Commission, Mr. Eberts was the senior operational leader for facility management operations of a large national nonprofit healthcare organization. Mr. Eberts led the creation and integration of a $1 billion-dollar facilities management portfolio (Plant Operations, Planning Design and Construction Services, Energy Management, Safety and Environment of Care). The organization started with four FTEs and within 2.5 years grew to over 3000 FTE. His teams removed millions of dollars of waste from the operations of the healthcare systems by employing a unique strategy based on insourcing high margin activities, implementing value chain strategies and creating cost control structures. He created intern, development and mentoring programs to bring new leaders into an industry that has a rapidly increasing retirement cycle.

Mr. Eberts has created energy management programs for hospitals of all sizes. The program focuses on consumption reduction strategies and delivering continuous improvement strategies to reduce overall utility spend and impact on the environment.

In addition to Facilities Management services, Mr. Eberts has extensive experience leading support service operations including Medical Equipment, Nutrition Services, Environmental Services, Safety, Emergency Management and Security operations. This model provides an immediate advantage to medium and small hospitals by using cross-functional leadership strategies to remove cost and improve quality of services.

Mr. Eberts formal education includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Clayton State University and an MBA from Strayer University.

Mickey is a member of American Society for Healthcare Engineering and has passed the Certified Energy Managers exam.

More than ever before, hospitals (acute care and rehabilitation), urgent care centers, specialty surgery centers, nursing homes, and assisted living centers are burdened with balancing limited resources between clinical care and related improved patient outcomes and deferred facility maintenance and life safety compliance needs; neither of which can fail or diminish. Facilities Management Solutions was created to take the worry out of, and to mitigate the risk of, facilities management and life safety compliance in each of these healthcare market segments served. Jeff Perry the CEO for Fire Door Solutions and Facilities Management Solutions stated, The addition of Mickey Eberts, a seasoned healthcare facilities management professional, will help expedite the growth opportunity of Facilities Management Solutions within the healthcare industry.

The promise of Facilities Management Solutions to be cost-effective and efficient is born from the advantage of placing a well-credentialed DFM on site, supported by arguably the nations best bench of facility director experts, and governed by a shared-savings model based upon agreed-upon client benchmarks/baselines. All of this is paired with Life Safety Compliance Solutions expertise in Environment of Care Assessments, the industrys best Life Safety Plans, the integration of Emergency Preparedness with facility management policies and procedures, and Fire Door Solutions core expertise in fire door, fire damper, and fire-stop compliance, among other life safety areas of exposure.

For more information regarding Mickey Eberts hiring or Facilities Management Solutions service offering from Fire Door Solutions, please visit http://www.facilitiesmgmtsolutions.com, call (855) 714-3473 or email Jeff Perry at jperry@facilitiesmgmtsolutions.com.
Dr Robin Unger in a detailed consultation with her patient Doctors dedicated to the ethical practice of hair restoration should stop fighting amongst themselves and focus on the real problem  the thousands of patients who will be harmed or misled by doctors claiming to perform state of the art hair transplant.

Below is a cyberchat was partially excerpted from a WhatsApp group to which she belongs. This is a particularly important topic to share, given the steady increase in providers of hair transplant surgery around the world.

The Black Market group is composed of ISHRS doctors who are opposed to the unlicensed and unethical practice of medicine and wish to preserve the integrity of their field. The group was formed after the announcement of this initiative at the most recent ISHRS meeting in Los Angeles. Physicians included in this conversation perform hair restoration around the globe: Australia, US, UK, Europe, Turkey, Central America and South America, Brazil, and Egypt. Unfortunately, the problem of the practice of unsupervised and/or untrained hair transplantation is increasing at a rapid pace. This is not a problem restricted to one country, but is becoming a global problem.

It is important to consider how this situation evolved. When Dr Robin Unger began training in the field of hair restoration, a surgical procedure required an experienced doctor and a relatively large and well-trained staff to produce a good result. The staff had to dissect the grafts and place them - but the remainder of the procedure was performed by the physician. The physician was usually someone who had trained fairly extensively to learn how to do the procedure and attended conferences and meetings. Their practices grew slowly and mostly by word of mouth. Thus, if results were poor, they could correct them OR stop getting referrals. As the internet became a location to find a doctor, many doctors began getting the majority of their referrals from online sources  and the doctor with the larger budget for marketing could see a lot of patients, very early in their career and potentially before having gained the necessary experience. As the procedures increased in size, some doctors felt comfortable delegating some of the responsibilities in stick and place to their especially skilled technicians. As FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) gained in popularity, there were many doctors in this field who did not want to perform the extractions themselves and delegated this to an individual they felt could produce good grafts.

And then. the companies and individuals driven primarily by profit entered the field.

Interestingly, one of the first questions posed was regarding the false promotion and promises made by doctors regarding PRP. This is also an important consideration. Dr Unger, has heard everything from: after one treatment it works forever in 99% of patients to the other extreme of a patient having to do it every month for a year to see results. The latest information was presented at our workshop in Prague. The doctors with best results had several things in common: 1) they all used double spin PRP, 2) most used microneedling, 3) most used ACell, and 4) most felt 1-3 sessions was optimal followed by repeat every 1-2 years offered the best results in their patients.

The false presentation of this procedure will put doubt on all of us who perform the procedure and undermine the patients confidence and trust in our field.

The next post was by a doctor who had just seen a patient who had his hair transplant performed in Turkey and had developed necrosis in the recipient area. This really should almost never occur (as a doctor, Dr Unger knows never to say never nor always). One of the causes of necrosis in the recipient area is caused being over aggressive and overzealous when trying for density of sites. This is often performed by inexperienced individuals who do not understand all the factors that influence blood supply. There should be a detailed consultation where the doctor goes through a list of items regarding the patients. For example: Is the patient is a smoker? Diabetic? Do they know how to evaluate blanching of the skin or poor capillary refill? Do they pay attention when a ruddy color develops? Or do they even see them post-operatively? This is the difference between having a hair transplant with an experienced doctor or a black market operation. Some of the clinics in countries like Turkey and Iran, have 10-60 patients a day, with only one supervising doctor. Other clinics in Europe and the US are less extreme, but often have a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who has tacked on the hair restoration by utilizing a per diem technician and the doctor doesnt actually know anything about hair transplant surgery.

Doctors dedicated to the ethical practice of hair restoration should stop fighting amongst themselves and focus on the real problem  the thousands of patients who will be harmed or misled by doctors claiming to perform state of the art hair transplant, which is always the phrase that is used. The more we encourage patients who have been harmed to stand up and tell their story, the more we will expose the bad  which must be countered with all the good results that are possible, too.

Catchy terms and gimmicks are used to reel in patients who are trying to do research: Sapphire micro FUE, DHI, ICE, nano FUE, MFUE, 4th gen FUE, ZTM, SHE, etc.. Many of these mean nothing and are at best misleading patients into thinking that the clinic is doing something different and advanced as compared with other surgeons.

The definition of a black market clinic is a clinic that operates either illegally or unethically and violates principles of proper informed consent, knowingly deceiving the patient regarding what sort of treatment they are receiving. There were many questions that were suggested to be asked of patients when interviewing such patients. Some of these include:

In your opinion do you feel you were operated at a clinic similar to the above?

What were you promised and why do you feel you were deceived?

Were you led to believe the doctor was going to do the surgical procedure and if he did not, how did you feel?

Did the doctor do the consultation and review your goals and objectives?

Did the doctor explain the risks and benefits of the procedure to properly inform you of long-term consequences?

Was there anything in the marketing or sales pitch that made you feel you were lied to or cheated?

How many grafts were promised/delivered and how long did the surgical procedure take?

Describe when you knew something was wrong and what led you to believe that? What led you to choose this clinic?

What kind of research did you do prior to choosing it?

What was the ultimate factor in deciding to choose this clinic?

Was it based on reputation and results or price alone?

Of course, one member pointed out, there are more gray areas. Turn-key operations popping up in the US, Australia, Canada and Europe. These are supervised by a doctor as the law requires, but that doctor knows nothing and cares nothing for the outcome of the surgery. FUE machines are provided by a variety of companies and many come with a technician who is trained. The doctor does not know about creating a natural hairline, appropriate density of extraction or site creation, or any of the other very detailed issues that HRS spend years learning and perfecting.

One doctor had just seen a patient in Australia who had been told he had 1000 grafts transplanted, by a technician not supervised by a physician, but only 208 grafts seemed to have grown. Another doctor posted photos of a woman with a donor area that had been completely decimated by FUE over-harvesting. Yet another saw two brothers with donor areas depleted by FUE and poor growth in the recipient area. For these latter patients, there are few remedies available.

It is important that all ethical HRS do their part to help get the word out to patients; to educate them and provide them with information to help them make good decisions. If there is a procedure that might help a patient, but the doctor does not perform it, the doctor should offer it to the patient and help them find an ethical doctor who can provide what they need. Just as an example, Dr. Unger met two patients recently that would benefit from hairline lowering, as opposed to follicular unit transplantation alone; so she referred those patients to a trusted doctor. Surgeons lacking experience or staff for strip harvest or FUE, should also refer to a doctor with the necessary skills and staff. Hair loss patients should have options and guidance, and ethical doctors need to continue to start getting their word out or only the Black Market clinics will be represented on the internet and social media.

Dr Robin Unger is honored to be the Chairperson of the ISHRS conference in Bangkok in 2019.

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robin-unger-a0a3865/
Our continuous investment in innovative materials such as this new soft skin adhesive is designed to help medical device companies develop the next generation of skin-adhered solutions for effective, comfortable monitoring and treatment.

DowDuPont Specialty Products Division is introducing its new DOW CORNING MG 7-1020 Soft Skin Adhesive, the latest addition to a growing portfolio of solutions for skin-adhered medical devices. Based on advanced silicone technology, this unique product delivers strong adhesion and extended wear, as well as design and manufacturing flexibility  while avoiding the skin irritation and discomfort more common with the removal of acrylic adhesives. DOW CORNING MG 7-1020 Soft Skin Adhesive can be used with fabric backing and addresses the health care industrys growing focus on biologic drugs that call for innovative delivery mechanisms such as patch pumps.

Learn more about this new offering and the combined portfolio of innovative, medical-grade specialty polymers and silicone technologies from DowDuPont Specialty Products Division at MD&M West in Anaheim, California, Feb. 5-7, 2019, in booth #3001/3005.

Our continuous investment in innovative materials such as this new soft skin adhesive is designed to help medical device companies develop the next generation of skin-adhered solutions for effective, comfortable monitoring and treatment, said Marie Crane, Global Medical Device Leader for DowDuPont Specialty Products Division. This versatile, strong, yet gentle high-performance adhesive offers benefits to device designers, manufacturers, clinicians and patients. It can play an important role in the usability and efficacy of tomorrows wearable technologies and drug delivery devices.

Strongest Adhesion and Longer Wear Time

New DOW CORNING MG 7-1020 Soft Skin Adhesive provides the strongest adhesion available from DowDuPont Specialty Products Divisions soft skin adhesive portfolio, making it suitable for wearable monitoring devices, medical tape and medical device attachments. It also delivers extended wear time up to more than one week. This combination of factors can work well for manufacturers using pumpable patches for biologic drug delivery as an alternative to injection pens.

Comfortable Wear and Painless Repositioning

Specially designed to be gentle, the new DOW CORNING MG 7-1020 Soft Skin Adhesive is ideal for patients with delicate, compromised or sensitive skin and is specifically designed to minimize irritation, sensitizing and cytotoxicity. Its high degree of penetration into the skin surface enhances conformability and the patient experience. Further, unlike traditional acrylic adhesives, it will not cause discomfort during removal.

While this new technology offers the highest level of adhesion in the companys soft skin product line enabling its use in load-bearing medical devices, it still allows devices to be repositioned several times  unlike typical pressure sensitive adhesives. This allows DOW CORNING MG 7-1020 Adhesive to be used in wearable devices and gives patients the ability to easily reposition their device if needed for comfort.

Flexible Design and Manufacturing

DOW CORNING MG 7-1020 Soft Skin Adhesive gives designers and engineers greater flexibility. Because this new solution maintains its adhesive strength even at lower coat weights, designers can fine-tune the coating application to match desired wear and cost parameters for the device. The product can be direct- or transfer-coated onto a variety of backing substrates, including woven and nonwoven fabrics.

For manufacturers, the new adhesive features a longer working (pot) life at higher ambient temperature and humidity conditions than traditional adhesives to avoid premature auto-curing, which can degrade the effectiveness of the adhesive. This two-part, low-viscosity silicone adhesive also offers fast cure rates across a wide range of temperatures.

Commercial leaders and technical experts are available at the companys stand throughout the show to discuss the new DOW CORNING MG 7-1020 Soft Skin Adhesive and the companys broader portfolio of medical adhesives, elastomers and fluids.

About DowDuPont Specialty Products Division

DowDuPont Specialty Products, a division of DowDuPont (NYSE: DWDP), is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, building and construction, health and wellness, food and worker safety. DowDuPont intends to separate the Specialty Products Division, which will be called DuPont, into an independent, publicly traded company. More information can be found at http://www.dow-dupont.com.

2/5/19

The DuPont Oval logo, DuPont and all products, unless otherwise noted, denoted with ,  or  are trademarks or registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.

 Dow Corning is a trademark of Dow Silicones, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company. The Corning portion of the Dow Corning name is a trademark of Corning Incorporated, used under license.
Beachfront Inn & Suites at Dana Point DKN will provide the service and operational efficiency that will result in higher ADRs and greater NOI.

DKN Hotels, a premier hotel management company built on a philosophy of integrity and balance, is pleased to welcome the Beachfront Inn & Suites at Dana Point to its family of managed hotels. With a storied history of accomplishment in hotel investment, development, and management operations, DKN Hotels looks forward to implementing its time-tested formula for success with this property.

Built in 1993, the Beachfront Inn & Suites at Dana Point is an independent, 33-room beachfront boutique hotel located between San Clemente and Dana Point. Spectacular ocean views and spacious guestrooms are staples of the property, and locals have long visited for the sense of escape it provides. The property recently became an independent hotel, as the current owner, Rachel Nasre, realized that a larger brand would restrict the hotels ability to realize its two greatest values  the view and location. With expert vision, Rachel has given the Beachfront Inn & Suites at Dana Point new life by remodeling the hotel her father built and rebranding it as an upscale boutique hotel. This allows for a more home like, comfortable and customized stay for guests.

Dropping the flag and positioning the Beachfront Inn & Suites as an upscale, boutique hotel was a smart move by Rachel and her father, said Jorge Azpeitia, Director of Strategic Development at DKN Hotels. It enabled them to have the freedom to design and take advantage of the beachfront location and the views. With DKN Hotels at the helm, we are excited to bring our expertise to this operation. Rachel provided the product. DKN will provide the service and operational efficiency that will result in higher ADRs and greater NOI.

The DKN team looks forward to applying DKN Hotels fundamental values to this new partnership with the Beachfront Inn & Suites at Dana Point while also providing the ongoing operations support, guidance, strategy and training critical to a hotels success in the hospitality industry.

About DKN Hotels:

Founded in 1984 by the Dahya family, DKN Hotels currently owns, operates, and manages a portfolio of Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Wyndham and independent properties throughout the greater Southern California area. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, DKN Hotels is dedicated to a three-legged stool approach, which uniquely champions an equal focus on stakeholder return on investment, team member engagement, and guest satisfaction. This has made DKN Hotels a preferred partner for hotel brands, vendors, investors, and team members alike. Get to know us at DKNHotels.com.
Joan Lipman, TAVR patient, with lead interventional cardiologist, Mark Warshofsky, MD at Danbury Hospital Those months before I had TAVR, I felt like my life stopped. Everyone involved in my care at Danbury Hospital gave me my life back; and, its going to be beautiful because I can breathe again, walk again, and be with my family and friends again. My heart is big and full! Joan Lipman, TAVR Patient

Summary:



Joan Lipman, an 86-year old woman from Danbury, Connecticut had Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) to treat severe aortic stenosis.

TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that is a safe alternative for patients who are at intermediate to high risk of complications from open heart surgery.

Western Connecticut Health Networks Structural Heart Program provides patients with vavlular and other forms of heart disease the most advanced treatment options.

Joan Lipman, an 86-year old retired nurse, has dedicated her life to caring for others. So, it was unusual for Joan, who is by nature active and optimistic, to find that she was the one who needed help when aortic stenosis symptoms prevented her from even leaving her home. The good news  Joan found the care she needed from a multidisciplinary team at Western Connecticut Health Network (WCHN), and a minimally invasive heart procedure at Danbury Hospital.

What is aortic stenosis?

Joan, a Danbury, Connecticut native, had a history of aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is one of the most common and serious heart valve disease problems. The heart has four valves that help regulate blood flow as it is pumped by the heart. One of these valves is the aortic valve. Aortic stenosis causes narrowing of the aortic valve opening. This means the valve cannot fully open and close, which makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. Aortic stenosis can weaken the heart muscle and lead to complications including heart failure.

Joans primary care physician of 20 years, Svetlana Tikhomirova, MD, a board-certified internist from Danbury Medical Group, noticed Joan had a heart murmur during a routine exam. Heart murmurs are common, but given Joans age (81 years old at the time), she referred her to Jonathan Alexander, MD for further evaluation.

Dr. Alexander, a board-certified cardiologist with Western Connecticut Medical Group Cardiology in Danbury and Ridgefield, has also known Joan for 20 years  ever since he treated her husband for aortic stenosis. Now it was Joans turn to be a patient. An echocardiogram confirmed her diagnosis.

Aortic stenosis can be mild, moderate, or severe. Medications may help to manage symptoms or minimize complications from the disease, but they will not prevent the disease from progressing. This is why for someone like Joan, close monitoring by a primary care provider and cardiologist are important. Severe aortic stenosis may require heart valve replacement surgery.

At the time, Joans aortic stenosis was mild  she was not experiencing any symptoms  so the treatment plan was to monitor her with checkups twice a year with Dr. Alexander and also Dr. Tikhomirova.

During Joans checkups, we reviewed her symptoms, if any, together. For example, was she experiencing any chest pain, fatigue, light headedness, or exercise intolerance? explained Dr. Alexander, who is also the medical director of cardiac rehabilitation and the director of nuclear cardiology at Danbury Hospital. Joan also had regular echocardiograms to evaluate her heart and valve function.

Living with Aortic Stenosis

Joan has always had a lot of energy. She constantly evolved during her career and had many different roles as a nurse. Once she retired, she devoted her time to her community and family. She arranged local blood drives and taught classes at her synagogue. She arranged a Gift of Life event in Danbury, an organization that finds bone marrow matches for people who have blood cancer. Joan also was the sole caregiver for her ailing husband.

When Joan was caring for her husband, she had to keep sitting down to catch her breath. She attributed her labored breathing to the emotional and physical toll of being a caregiver. But when her husband recently passed away from kidney failure, she continued to have trouble breathing.

Drs. Alexander and Tikhomirova said Joan had been fairly asymptomatic since being diagnosed with aortic stenosis about five years ago. Then, her symptoms abruptly progressed over just a couple of months.

Joan loves to walk and she lives on a long street. Every day she would walk her cherished rescue dog, Baby Bucky, down to the end of the street  counting the mail boxes to mark her progress. She started to count fewer and fewer mailboxes until she could only reach the end of her driveway before stopping to gasp for air.

With her endearing sense of humor Joan said, I took up a hobby many, many years ago, it was breathing  I happen to love breathing. When I started to fail at that hobby, my other activities got disrupted too.

Joan missed spending time with her family and friends. She was disappointed because she couldnt attend her nephews wedding. Her son had to take Baby Bucky because she couldnt care for him anymore.

It was very unlike me to stay inside and not do any activities. But I couldnt breathe well, so I couldnt move much. I also couldnt sleep because I had so much discomfort, said Joan. I was becoming extremely concerned for my life.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement at Danbury Hospital

Joans aortic stenosis had clearly progressed to the point where intervention was necessary. Given Joans age and overall health, Dr. Alexander recommended Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) as the best option for her. He contacted the structural heart team at Danbury Hospital; including, Mark Warshofsky, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and the medical director of cardiovascular services for WCHN; and, Eileen Hurley, APRN and network clinical program director of the Heart Valve Center at WCHN.

WCHNs Structural Heart Program provides patients who have vavlular and other forms of heart disease with the most advanced treatment options, including TAVR. TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that is a safe alternative for patients who are at intermediate to high risk of complications from open heart surgery.

Traditionally, severe aortic stenosis has been treated by replacing the damaged aortic valve during an open-heart procedure. This requires opening the chest and temporarily stopping the heart. The TAVR procedure does not require an open-heart procedure. Instead the valve replacement is performed through a small entry point in the upper leg (most common), or another alternative point of entry. The interventional cardiologist guides the new valve via a catheter through the artery to the heart and replaces the damaged valve. Patients who have the TAVR procedure typically recover faster, have less pain, and go home sooner after surgery.

After meeting with Dr. Warshofsky and Eileen to discuss TAVR, Joan felt comfortable with her treatment plan.

I wanted to be informed so I looked everything up online  I studied Dr. Warshofsky (wow!), and I studied TAVR. Eileen answered all of my questions and reassured me throughout the entire process, said Joan. I was determined to get better because I wanted to continue to live my life  I have so much to do! So, I decided to have the TAVR procedure.

Joan is a primary example of the reason why WCHN has advanced treatments like TAVR available for our patients.

Without TAVR, Joans options would have been much more limited because open heart surgery was not the safest option for her. Her quality of life would have continued to drastically decline due to the aortic stenosis symptoms, explained Dr. Warshofsky. Joan is full of life. She brings joy to everyone she meets. For folks like Joan that have so much to offer, TAVR is a great procedure that helps give them their life back.

Dr. Alexander concurred and said that his patients who have had the TAVR procedure have had very successful outcomes.

TAVR has taken aortic stenosis from a limiting and potentially fatal condition that required open heart surgery to treat, to a treatable condition with a minimally invasive procedure. Its an incredible advancement in the field of cardiovascular disease, especially for our older patients, said Dr. Alexander.

The Heart of the Matter

In October 2018, Joan had the TAVR procedure. She was home in just two days and was able to get back to the activities she loves, especially walking, soon after. Baby Bucky came home too! Joan is excited about the future. This year, she is looking forward to her birthday in April and attending her granddaughters wedding in June.

Those months before the TAVR procedure, I felt like my life stopped. Everyone involved in my care at Danbury Hospital gave me my life back; and, its going to be beautiful because I can breathe again, walk again, and be with my family and friends again. My heart is big and full!

Joan is thankful to her entire care team: From Drs. Alexander and Tikhomirova, who closely and carefully monitored her, to the administrative and medical staff at Danbury Hospital who coordinated all of her tests and helped her to mentally and physically prepare for surgery.

The highly skilled and dedicated multidisciplinary team at Danbury Hospital makes it possible to provide the best, safest and most advanced heart care for patients like Joan, said Dr. Warshofsky.

Joan was born at Danbury Hospital in 1932, when it was just a little brick building. As a lifelong Danbury resident, she has watched Danbury Hospital grow. She felt it was important to share her story so others would also know about the extraordinary care available to the community.

Im overwhelmed with the progress in heart care. Having worked as a nurse in an intensive care unit and coronary care, I never fathomed a procedure like TAVR would be possible. Its remarkable that Im here today, said Joan.

The heart team at Danbury Hospitals Praxair Regional Heart and Vascular Center has performed hundreds of TAVR procedures, with excellent patient outcomes. For more information about TAVR, or to schedule a consultation, please call (855) 743-2781.

About WCHN Heart & Vascular Care

February is American Heart Month. Now, more than ever, is a great time to think about your own heart health. Visit wchn.org/heartcare to learn more about the cutting-edge cardiovascular care available at the Praxair Regional Heart and Vascular Center at Danbury Hospital and New Milford Hospital, and the Phyllis and David Komansky Cardiac and Vascular Center at Norwalk Hospital. WCHNs Heart & Vascular Care services include prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of all heart and vascular diseases using todays most advanced technology and procedures.

Catch up on the latest news at WCHN. Visit wchn.org/news today!

About Western Connecticut Health Network

Western Connecticut Health Network is the regions premier, patient-centered healthcare organization serving residents of western Connecticut and adjacent New York. WCHN is anchored by three nationally recognized hospitals, Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital, and Norwalk Hospital. We have an integrated network of more than 1,300 employed and community physicians and specialists, 70 Western Connecticut Medical Group medical and sub-specialty practices across 16 communities, and Western Connecticut Home Care. Our nationally renowned Rudy L. Ruggles Biomedical Research Institute is leading innovative research, especially for cancer and Lyme disease. Many of our advancements have been made possible by generous donors from our community and through the Danbury Hospital & New Milford Hospital Foundation and the Norwalk Hospital Foundation. As an academic institution, we are proud to shape the future of care through our partnership with the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine. WCHN employs nearly 6,300 employees including about 1,900 clinical staff. For more information, visit wchn.org. Share your comments with us at Facebook.com/DanburyHospital, Facebook.com/NewMilfordHospital, and Facebook.com/NorwalkHospital.
"Eric is the caliber of talent that will help CSI achieve our growth goals.

Corporate Spending Innovations (CSI), a leader in B2B payment solutions recently acquired by Edenred SA, the world leader in transactional solutions for companies, employees and merchants, today officially welcomed Eric Riddle as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Riddle will be responsible for driving global sales efforts across all industry verticals and leading marketing initiatives that support CSIs accelerated growth objectives and new product development.

The addition of Eric Riddle to our executive team underscores both CSI and Edenreds commitment to reinvesting resources and driving a distinctive business model, said David Disque, President of CSI. We have an incredible vision for the growth of our company, its products, and the customer service experience. Eric is the caliber of talent that will help CSI achieve our growth goals.

Riddle brings a depth of executive experience in Enterprise and SaaS based, Procure-to-Pay (P2P) and Supply Chain Finance platform solutions that spans more than 25 years. His process-driven leadership, which includes executive management roles both in the U.S. and abroad, positions him to effectively identify risks and execute go-to-market strategies that increase internal efficiencies while strengthening global banking and corporate client relationships.

CSI already has a powerful position in the market and an incredible reputation in the industry, said Riddle. Im looking forward to building on that existing success with methodologies and disciplines that will catapult us even further into the B2B payments space. We really want to showcase the progressive innovation that defines CSI and demonstrate how our progressive payment solutions and unprecedented customer service are shaping and exceeding industry expectations.

About CSI

CSI provides enterprise-ready payment solutions to world-leading brands with their highly secure corporate payments platform that includes CSI Paysystems, CSI Travel, CSI Go, CSI Connect, CSI Invoice, and Global-Fleet fuel cards. CSI customers can automate 100 percent of B2B payables including virtual credit card, ghost card, proprietary network, ACH, check, or FX with cross-border payments settled in local currency. CSI is a certified Mastercard processor and has obtained Visa Ready for Business Solutions approval.
Former president of Technomic Inc. and current CEO of Foodservice Results, Darren Tristano, appointed to Cousins Subs Board of Directors. Cousins Board of Directors assess the direction and strategy of Cousins which boasts nearly 100 locations in Wisconsin and Illinois and provides guests a variety of made-to-order deli-fresh and grilled subs served atop the brands signature fresh baked bread.

Tristano brings more than 25 years of industry knowledge to the Board of Directors with immense insight from his time spent as president of Technomic, a research-based foodservice consulting firm. In January 2018, he founded his own research firm, Foodservice Results. The company specializes in consumer research and data analysis to equip restaurant operators, suppliers and distributors with knowledge of industry trends. Emerging as a leader in the industry over the last 25 years, Tristano has collected and analyzed foodservice data, presented his findings to countless industry professionals, developed industry standard data platforms to equip foodservice professionals with a better understanding of consumer behavior, and has regularly forecasted industry and consumer trends.

As a native of the Oak Park and River Forest areas of the Windy City, Tristano offers vital insight into the Chicago consumer just as the fast-casual sub shop forges ahead with its 40-unit development deal in Chicagoland and prepares for additional Midwest growth. For the last 20 years, Tristano has kept a weekend home in Wisconsin, and it was during these visits that he first became familiar with Cousins Subs. His love of the brands food and the draw of the talent embodied in Cousins leadership, brought Tristano onboard.

Cousins has worked very hard to focus on brand and concept, Tristano said. They have a good franchise group, a revamped concept thats more contemporary and attractive which appeals to a younger consumer, and they build local into what they do.

Cousins works with 13 Wisconsin-based companies to provide unique local offerings such as cheese curds, shakes made with Wisconsin dairy, Sprecher Root Beer, and Badger Ham.

They are a brand that uses different types of ingredients that are really more comfort-food oriented. You dont typically see that on a national or local level. They leverage local offerings and bring them to their menu, said Tristano.

Cousins also focuses on bringing guests a higher-quality sandwich than competitors, but at a comparable price point. A quality-focused, locally-inflected menu serves as a major point of differentiation compared to competitors, according to Tristano.

Cousins stays pretty close to their Midwestern roots, and I think they have a lot of opportunity to expand as a result, said Tristano.

Tristanos experience with Technomic cued him to the importance of understanding the landscape of a marketplace before trying to enter.

[Brands] need to understand who the competitors are and what the consumer base looks like. In the Chicago market, youre always going to have national competition, but also local. When you see brands success and failure, you have foresight into where the market is and what you need to operate to be successful. Im happy to bring my experience to Cousins, said Tristano.

While Cousins is not without competition, the brand plans to focus on catering and third-party delivery options to target the consumer needs of today and challenge legacy brands command of the segment.

Chicago is primed for that third-party delivery approach, and people expect it, Tristano said.

Tristano also emphasized the importance of cultivating a my store affinity from the consumer base.

That concept of my store is so important. Someone might say, Oh, my McDonalds is a mile away Once you have your store, as youre driving around, and you see that brand at another location, theres that sense of recognition. You want to go inside, Tristano said.

Building critical mass in the Chicago market via a Wisconsin-inspired menu, including options like fried cheese curds and creamy-smooth shakes, will be key to building the AUV level up to that of Wisconsin, according to Tristano.

Ultimately, Tristano said, Cousins emphasis on quality will be key to the brands growth.

As consumers become increasingly focused on quality, Cousins will emerge. Price is becoming less importantinnovation and quality are more important to todays consumer, said Tristano.

Cousins is positioned for exciting growth in the Chicago market and plans to open dozens of locations over the next six years. Cousins Subs first Chicago location can be found at 120 W. Madison St. in Chicagos Loop district.

ABOUT COUSINS SUBS

Wisconsin-based Cousins Subs, a family-owned, fast casual sub shop established in 1972 by Bill Specht and his cousin, is driven by the mission to Believe in Better  both in the quality of food it serves and in the communities it supports. Cousins Subs and its franchisees operate nearly 100 sub sandwich shops throughout Wisconsin and Illinois providing guests with quality deli fresh and made to order grilled subs using only the freshest ingredients on its signature bread baked daily. For more information, visit cousinssubs.com. You can also find Cousins Subs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Exhibit Hall is where everything happens...connectingeatingnetworking and doing business! says Blanche Williams, Assistant Managing Director at the iaedp Foundation.

On Thursday, February 7  opening day of the 2019 iaedp Symposium -- the Spring Ballroom of the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert, California will be transformed into an exclusive iaedp Foundation Exhibit Hall, a one-stop goldmine of more than 55 renowned treatment facilities, organizations and associations from around the country that serve the needs of those impacted by eating disorders. The exhibitors are all part of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp) Foundations annual Symposium, February 7 - 10. Recognized for its high-level education and training standards for eating disorder healthcare treatment providers and professionals, iaedp is preparing for this years event with expected record attendance. The Exhibit Hall is where everything happens...connectingeatingnetworking and doing business! says Blanche Williams, Assistant Managing Director at the iaedp Foundation. From early morning breakfast to end-of-day receptions, book signings and meet-ups, the Exhibit Hall is the hub and spirit of our community of professionals. Get to know more about our Exhibitors but taking a look around our Virtual Exhibit Hall and experience the spirit of the Exhibit Hall by viewing our MemberSHARE Photo Gallery.

Registration information, the 2019 program schedule and specific information about each presentation and all presenters at the 2018 iaedp Symposium can be found at http://www.iaedp.com.

About the iaedp Foundation: Since 1985, the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals has provided education and training standards to an international and multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions. MemberSHARE.iaedp.com is an iaedp business journal and online member resource to learn about noteworthy member achievements, continuing education webinars and U.S. and international chapter activity and events; for more information, visit MemberSHARE.

The iaedp Foundations Presidents Council, which provides organization support, includes: Center for Change; Center for Hope of the Sierras; Center For Discovery; Eating Recovery Center; Laureate Eating Disorders Program; McCallum Place Eating Disorder Centers; The Meadows Ranch; Rogers Behavioral Health; Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders; Selah House; Silver Hill Hospital; The Renfrew Center; Timberline Knolls; Turning Tides Eating Disorder Treatment Center; Veritas Collaborative; and Willow Place.

The iaedp Foundation proudly announces the supporting sponsors for the 2019 iaedp Symposium:

Bronze Sponsors: Montecatini Eating Disorder Treatment Centers and Pine Grove Behavioral Health

More information about all aspects of iaedp and the 2019 Symposium can be found at iaedp.com.
These acquisitions further expand our portfolio of multi-family properties located in coastal southern Orange County cities

Coast & City LLC recently announced the acquisition of two properties in the city of San Clemente, California. The new properties, located at 104 and 106 Avenida Pelayo, fit into the long-term investment strategy of the company and its founding partner Majd Aboul Hosn. These acquisitions further expand our portfolio of multi-family properties located in coastal southern Orange County cities, explains Majd Aboul Hosn. This most recent acquisition consists of a duplex and the neighboring vacant lot which is also zoned for multi-family development. Although the company is not bullish on construction or development, Hosn explains that this was a rare opportunity to acquire such a lot in a coastal city.

Since the companys inception in 2016, Coast & City LLC has focused primarily on acquiring multi-family properties in coastal Orange County. Majd Aboul Hosn gives some insight into the company strategy when he says the flexibility of being able to rent out the units and hedge vacancies with multiple units while still reaping the strong appreciation historically associated with these areas is a great position to be in.

Coastal Orange County has attracted investors to its shores for decades now. The sandy beaches and great weather attract tourists, investors, and homeowners all seeking to enjoy a piece of the quintessential California lifestyle. That demand has historically driven up prices of homes and rentals. For example, according to Trulia.com, the median sale price in Dana Point has increased 10.9% year-on-year for the months of June-August 2018.

Coast & City LLC sees Dana Point as a strong market which is only beginning to realize its true value. Dana Point will soon be welcoming the commencement of construction on the long-awaited $330 million Dana Point Harbor Revitalization project.

Whether it be Dana Point, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, or Newport Beach, Coast & City LLC sees hard to match long-term value in these cities. There is only a finite number of land or investment opportunities in these cities, and any investor with a vision knows it would be wise to get in while prices are still within reach, explains Hosn.

Coast & City LLC is excited about the opportunity to own property in San Clemente, California. Looking to the future, Majd Aboul Hosn sees San Clemente as an investment hub and Avenida Pelayo will be where it all started. The company plans to become a valuable member of the community. Whether through donations or the support of a local charity, Coast & City LLC takes pride in giving back to the local community.


Scott Reddig, New CEO of Christian Care Ministries Scott Reddig has the leadership, professional experience, vision, and abiding Christian convictions that we need to lead our ministry in this time of innovation, growth and opportunity in health sharing.Joe Turner, Chairman of the Board, Christian Care Ministry

Christian Care Ministry (CCM), which operates its flagship Medi-Share program, the nations leading healthcare sharing ministry, named Scott Reddig as their new CEO Monday. Board Chairman Joe Turner made the announcement to employees in a special chapel service at their Melbourne campus.

Reddig, who most recently served as the senior vice president and chief actuary for IAT Insurance, previously spent 18 years as a senior executive at GuideOne Insurance and before that was vice president and chief actuary for Allied Insurance and an actuarial officer for Nationwide. Reddig has been an active member of his local church and a variety of community organizations aimed at helping at-risk youth and alleviating poverty. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University and a leadership scholar at Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School of Business.

Christian Care Ministry operates the Medi-Share healthcare sharing program through which members voluntarily and directly share each others medical bills. Since the programs inception in 1993, Medi-Share members have shared more than $2 billion in medical bills. Because of access to an extensive network of more than 700,000 health care providers, members have saved an additional $1.3 billion in medical costs during that time. Medi-Share has over 400,000 members in all 50 states.

Speaking on behalf of the board, Joe Turner said, After an extensive nationwide search, one candidate truly embodied the CCM vision of creating an authentic Christian community that reflects the love of Christ. Scott is uniquely qualified to guide Christian Care Ministry to fully execute on its missional purpose of connecting and equipping Christians to share their lives, faith, talents and resources.

Reddig said, I am greatly humbled by the Godly purpose of Christian Care Ministry and my role in leading this wonderful organization. I am also truly blessed and honored to have the opportunity to work alongside a team of consummate professionals committed to serving Ministry members with excellence and diligence.

Reddigs first day will be Monday, Feb. 4.

About Christian Care Ministry

Florida-based Christian Care Ministry operates the Medi-Share healthcare sharing program through which members voluntarily and directly share each others medical bills. Since the programs inception in 1993, Medi-Share members have shared more than $2 billion in medical bills. And because of access to an extensive network of more than 700,000 health care providers, members have saved an additional $1.3 billion in medical costs during that time. Medi-Share has over 400,000 members in all 50 states.

More than just health care, Christian Care Ministry is a community of people who share their lives, faith, talents and resources and pray for and encourage one another. For more information, visit Medishare.com.

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As a long-time Central Penn Business Journal reader, active event participant and advertiser, Im honored to take the reins of these critical local resources.

Central Penn Business Journal today announced that Kathryn Ross has joined the award-winning business news organization as Publisher. A seasoned business executive with extensive multimedia experience, Ross is responsible for overseeing day to day operations of Central Penn Business Journal and Central Penn Parent, a family focused publication, event producer and web site. Ross will report to Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, Group Publisher at BridgeTower Media, the parent company of both properties.

Ross has extensive experience driving publishing, advertising and marketing strategies for companies across a range of industries. Most recently, she served as Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer at Kross Strategies in Lancaster, advising companies on how to successfully meet their business objectives and revenue goals. Prior to that, Ross held senior sales and marketing roles at Penn Waste and Ecore International, two leading Central Pennsylvania businesses. Ross began her career in publishing at The Meredith Corporation, Readers Digest and Gannetts USA Weekend working with well known brands John Deere, Hunter Douglas, SubZero and MetLife Auto & Home.

Kathryn has a rare combination of deep media experience and business acumen to add significant value to our readers, advertisers and partners, said Fischer-Huettner. Her local relationships and background working in the Central Pennsylvania community will also deepen our audience engagement. Shes the perfect leader to help take our properties to the next level as we execute on several important growth initiatives in 2019.

As a long-time Central Penn Business Journal reader, active event participant and advertiser, Im honored to take the reins of these critical local resources, said Ross. We have a great team that is committed to delivering the highest quality content and information to keep Central Pennsylvania businesses and families informed, engaged and connected.

In addition to 24/7 news updates on CPBJ.com and the publication of its weekly paper, Central Penn Business Journal will continue hosting its popular award programs, seminars and symposiums. Under Rosss leadership, Central Penn Business Journal and Central Penn Parent will look to expand their existing programs with fresh content and new events that meet the evolving needs of the local community.

An active community volunteer, Ross serves as a Trustee for Millersville University of Pennsylvania, a Mentor at SCORE Lancaster and is a member of the Board at Clare House, Advisory Board for New Choices, and Community Advisory Board for WITF. A graduate of Wake Forest University, she resides in Lancaster.

About Central Penn Business Journal and Central Penn Parent

The Central Penn Business Journal is the award-winning business news outlet for Central Pennsylvania, providing more information, analysis and events for the business community than any other local resource. The Central Penn Business Journal has served the business community for more than 30 years and is the most widely read local business publication in Central Pennsylvania. Central Penn Parent is a monthly local family publication and web site that provides information on caring for healthy, happy children. They are owned by BridgeTower Media, the leading provider of business-to-business information, research and marketing solutions across more than 20 local economies in the U.S. For more, please visit http://www.cpbj.com/ and http://www.centralpennparent.com/
* British Home Secretary Sajid Javid on February 3 dismissed newspaper speculation of a snap general election in June, saying that "last thing we want is an election, the people will never forgive us."

* Colombia's ELN rebels have freed three civilian helicopter crew members captured more than three weeks ago, the country's high peace commissioner said on February 3.

* Pope Francis arrived in the United Arab Emirates on February 3, the first visit by a pontiff to the Arabian Peninsula, where he will meet with Muslim and political leaders and celebrate an outdoor mass in the capital Abu Dhabi.

* British Prime Minister Theresa May said Sunday she plans to return to Brussels to battle for Britain and Northern Ireland in her quest to secure a Brexit deal.

* The European Commission has agreed to compensate Irish farmers for a collapse in beef and dairy prices in the event of a no-deal Brexit, the Irish edition of the Sunday Times newspaper said, quoting Irish government and EU sources.

* The Egyptian parliament discussed on February 3 extending the presidential term from four to six years and introducing the post of vice president, based on a petition submitted by one fifth of the total 596 lawmakers, official MENA news agency reported.

* At the invitation of Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi, King Abdullah II of Jordan paid a state visit to Tunisia on February 3, accompanied by his wife Queen Rania Al-Abdullah. The two leaders exchanged views on a number of issues that will be discussed at the summit, including the Palestinian cause.

* An Egyptian coalition of lawmakers submitted an official request to the country's parliament speaker on February 3 to amend the Egyptian constitution, official MENA news agency reported.

* The death toll from a devastating tornado that tore through Cuba's capital Havana a week ago reached six, health officials said on February 3. According to authorities, 1,238 homes suffered some damage, including 347 that were completely destroyed.

* The presidential elections in El Salvador began Sunday morning with the opening of more than 9,000 polling stations throughout the country. More than 5.2 million voters were registered by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), while about 6,000 Salvadorans signed up to send their vote from abroad.

* Representatives from Yemen's warring factions started talks aboard ship to discuss peace efforts in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah on February 3, a government official told Xinhua.

* Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on February 3 that Israel "will not hesitate" to use force against the Gaza Strip if the protest near the fence continues.

* The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) said it is expected to draw down soldiers by 1,000 this month in Somalia's HirShabelle State, where Burundi troops operating under AMISOM now have their main base in Jowhar, the capital of HirShabelle.

* The Libyan eastern-based army's air force on February 3 attacked Chadian opposition militants in the southern town of Murzuk, some 900 km south of the capital.

* More than 1.5 million people in Somalia are still facing acute food insecurity through June due to impacts of below-average Deyr season rainfall, said a United Nations-backed report released in Mogadishu on February 3.
Scott McPhillips will be working on brand identity, website, and animation projects. "I'm happy to welcome Scott to the team. He has an eye for detail and his approach to handling design challenges is creative and meticulous. He is a true asset to the team."

Calypso, a strategic brand identity agency, is pleased to welcome graphic designer Scott McPhillips to its growing creative team. McPhillips will be working on brand identity, website, and animation projects. He will create digital and print collateral tailored to all facets of a brand.

McPhillips will collaborate with Calypso's art directors to identify and conceptualize strategies that create meaningful solutions for the agency's clients. Among Calypso's partners are AES Corporation, Mason and Mason Insurance, Wentworth Senior Living, and Unitil.

"I'm thrilled to join a team where each person in the organization is a dynamic piece to a larger, masterful puzzle," said McPhillips. "I look forward to immersing myself in an environment where each day presents a new opportunity to hone in on my creative craft. I've come to realize the Calypso team truly practices what they preach; they create with a purpose."

"I'm happy to welcome Scott to the team," said Marc Checket, one of Calypso's art directors. "He has an eye for detail and his approach to handling design challenges is creative and meticulous. He is a true asset to the team."

A graduate of Keene State College, McPhillips earned a bachelor's degree in graphic design. His creativity stems from his passion for art and travel. He frequently visits art galleries and museums and also appreciates various genres of music. "I look forward to creating insightful work at Calypso for many years to come," said McPhillips.

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About Calypso

Calypso is a strategic brand identity agency that crafts marketing strategies to position brands for growth. Located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Calypso partners with its clients to build strong brands, create awareness, generate leads, and establish long-lasting relationships. For inspiring content and a comprehensive list of capabilities, please visit Calypso at http://www.calypso.agency.
It is important to read the car insurance contract and understand in what situations are you protected, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

Autoinsurancequotesave.com has launched a new blog post that presents the contents of a car insurance contract and why it is important to read it.

Policyholders that own a vehicle need to take care of it, and besides all of the basic maintenance costs, there is the need to have the proper coverage. But whatever type of coverage car owners need, it is important to read the car insurance contract.



Car insurance contracts have a section named "Declarations", that can cover a single page or more pages. And while a car insurance policy constitutes a collection of preprinted contract forms, the declarations are written specifically for the policyholder and his specific policy contract. The declarations are meant to specify with precision the item or items that are insured, the period, and the amount of coverage. The policyholder will also find out which of the preprinted insurance contract forms applies to him. The top of the page contains identification data, like the name of the insured, where they live, where the mail gets sent, and where the insured car is garaged.

The next section describes the vehicle or vehicles the policyholder wants to insure. This section includes a full description of the vehicle and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Policyholders should understand that the listed Named Insured has special rights under the policy. This person has full rights and is completely protected under all provisions of the car insurance policy. Someone who is simply a driver listed on the policy will not have the same benefits.

For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit http://www.autoinsurancequotesave.com/

Autoinsurancequotesave.com is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.
Collector Concierge International was pivotal in representing the core collection consignment while also assembling a partnership that is a Canadian firearms auction game changer.

Collector Concierge International is proud to be representing the main consignor with approximately (600 pieces) in this historic collectible 900 lot plus firearm auction partnering with Maynards Auctions and Borderview International Firearms logistics.

This two-day spectacular auction is historic as three industry leaders have come together to make the purchasing and shipping of the firearms across borders with ease and at a reduced cost to the successful buyers. Collector Concierge International was pivotal in representing the core collection consignment while also assembling a partnership that is a Canadian firearms auction game changer. Maynards is the highly recognized auction house, and Borderview International Firearms Logistics is key with transfer of items to new owners in the USA.

Would be bidders are encouraged to log on and register for this auction at: https://www.proxibid.com/Maynards-Fine-Art-Antiques/auction-house/11293

Often, International and USA bidders are reluctant with purchasing Canadian Firearms. This has been alleviated through Collector Concierge International and their exclusive and ongoing partnership and preferential pricing negotiated with Borderview International solving this problem.

Borderview`s services and pricing for the USA based buyers makes purchases at this auction both simple and very economical, especially when you consider the USA based purchasers have the advantage of the exchange rate. Complete rates, Borderviews contact information and a list of firearms importable or not to the USA can be seen here: https://www.borderview.com/maynards/

With this uniquely structured auction integrating Collector Concierge International, Maynards and Borderview, Rick Sky states "We are confident our main consignor client will achieve the maximum market return on their collection. There will also be a real opportunity especially for Canadian buyers to acquire exclusive lots of rare firearms that usually would be exported directly to the USA for auction or sale.

Two other current examples of CCI`s unique collection sales promotion approach can be viewed at

1) https://vimeo.com/300151695/3173ec7d82 promoting a Mold A Rama machine collection.

2) https://vimeo.com/289274041 promoting a trade stimulator collection.

For media information contact: Rick Sky

Email: ricksky(at)shaw(dot)ca

Phone: 604 230 3692
We are honored to be named a winner of the BIG Innovation Award. This award reiterates the broad recognition Apstra is receiving in the industry and emphasizes the importance Intent-Based Data Center Automation is having on enterprises, cloud providers, and telcos. said Michael Wood

Apstra Intent-Based Data Center Automation has been named a winner in the 2019 BIG Innovation Awards presented by the Business Intelligence Group. This award is given to organizations, products and people that are bringing new ideas to life.

Apstra Intent-Based Data Center Automation for enterprises, cloud providers, and telcos increases application reliability and availability, simplifies deployments and operations through automation, and reduces OpEx and CapEx costs. Apstra enables vendor agnostic data center lifecycle automation and is deployed by many businesses around the world including Fortune 100 Enterprises. These companies are taking advantage of game-changing agility, reliability and significantly lower TCO with complete flexibility to deploy the hardware and network operating system of their choice.

Organizations from across the globe submitted their innovations for consideration in the BIG Innovation Awards. Nominations were then judged by a select group of business leaders and executives who volunteer their time and expertise to score submissions.

This years winners show just how deep a role innovation plays in nearly every aspect of business, said Maria Jimenez, chief operating officer of the Business Intelligence Group. We are thrilled to be honoring Apstra as they are leading by example and making real progress on improving the daily lives of so many.

We are honored to be named a winner of the BIG Innovation Award, said Michael Wood, CMO and VP of Product at Apstra. This award reiterates the broad recognition Apstra is receiving in the industry and emphasizes the importance Intent-Based Data Center Automation is having on enterprises, cloud providers, and telcos.

For the complete list of this years BIG Innovation Award winners click here.

Schedule to meet with Apstra CEO Mansour Karam and the Apstra team at OCP 2019 in Booth #B21 on March 14 - 15 in San Jose.

See Apstras session at OCP to learn about Unlocking SONiCs Potential for Intent-Based Data Centers: Three Easy Steps.

About Apstra, Inc.

Apstra Intent-Based Data Center Automation increases application availability and reliability, simplifies deployment and operations, and dramatically reduces costs for Enterprises, Cloud Service Providers, and Telcos. Apstra empowers Intent-Based Data Centers through its pioneering Intent-Based Networking, distributed system architecture, and vendor-agnostic overlay. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California and privately funded, Apstra is a Gartner Cool Vendor and Best of VMworld winner. For more information visit: http://www.apstra.com or follow us on twitter @ApstraInc.

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The Anuta ATOM deployment at Tata Communications demonstrates the power of a cloud-native and extensible architecture that can deliver closed-loop automation for managed SD-WAN solutions globally.

Anuta Networks announced today that TMC, a global, integrated media company, has named Anuta Networks and its ATOM Closed-Loop Network Automation platform a winner of the 2019 SD-WAN Implementation Award. The award is presented by TMCs INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine at this years SD-WAN Expo and recognizes Anuta ATOMs deployment at Tata Communications (TCL) for automating the managed IZO SD-WAN roll-out to 15,000 CPE devices.

Anuta ATOM software facilitates the automation of complex network services and generates insights to deliver new applications and solutions for both service providers and enterprises. In the case of TCL, the company was forced to onboard new tenants manually which required 400 complex operations across four different vendor platforms. Consequently, the provisioning process was slow, expensive and error-prone. TCL evaluated multiple automation solutions from well-established vendors as well as open source tools. TCL ended up choosing ATOM for its scalability, closed-loop automation, analytics, and multi-vendor SD-WAN support. Through zero-touch provisioning from ATOM, TCL reduced the time to onboard a new customer from multiple days to 5 minutes with dramatically improved accuracy.

Through the deployment of Anuta Networks ATOM, we have been able to implement a net-new148 site deployment project with zero errors in less than 18 hours. Before ATOM, a project of similar scale would have involved over 100 engineering hours excluding audits and rework, said Peter Juffernholz, Associate Vice President, Virtualized Network Services at Tata Communications.

For the complete customer testimonial and case study, visit https://www.anutanetworks.com/anuta-atom-case-study-tata-communications-automates-sd-wan/

Its an honor to be named a winner by TMC for the Anuta ATOM deployment at Tata Communications, said Chandu Guntakala, President and CEO, Anuta Networks. The deployment demonstrates the power of a cloud-native, extensible and micro-services-based architecture to deliver closed-loop automation for managed SD-WAN solution in 2000 Cities in 130 Countries.

About Anuta Networks:

Anuta Networks is a leading provider of Web-Scale On-prem and Cloud Network Orchestration and Assurance software for the branch, campus, data center and service provider-managed multi-vendor enterprise networks. Anuta ATOM orchestration and assurance platform enables customers to automate and accelerate network services. Anuta ATOM offers complete Lifecycle Service Orchestration and Telemetry for the physical, virtual, and hybrid networks thus allowing customers to leverage their investments in existing network infrastructure and transition them seamlessly to Intent-Based SDN and NFV environments. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Anuta Networks is a Gartner Cool Vendor and Best of VMworld award winner three times in a row.

Anuta Networks is consistently recognized for its innovation and industry leadership. Most recently, Anuta Networks ATOM platform was selected as New Product of the Year 2018 by One Planet Awards. Additionally, ATOM was recognized as Automation Innovation of the year 2018 by SVC Awards.

Follow Anuta Networks on the web at:

http://www.anutanetworks.com

https://anutanetworks.com/anuta-blogs

Twitter (@anutanetworks)

LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/company/anuta-networks)

About TMC:

Global buyers rely on TMCs content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. This presents branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities for vendors/sellers. For more information about TMC, please visit http://www.tmcnet.com.

PRESS & ANALYST RELATIONS, CONTACT:

Kiran Sirupa

pr(at)anutanetworks(dot)com

Phone: 408-458-7955
Super Lawyers, a Thomson-Reuters business, is rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Founded in 1998, the Montgomery County-based law firm of Andalman & Flynn, P.C. is regularly recognized in the courts and by public opinion for their exceptional legal work in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. region. In testament to their excellence, all four of the firms attorneys were recently honored with 2019 Super Lawyer Awards.



Elliott Andalman: Super Lawyer Award (2015-2019)

Mary Ellen Flynn: Super Lawyer Award (2008-2019); Top 50 Women Lawyers

Peter Casciano: Rising Stars Award (2012-2019)

Amanda Vann: Rising Stars Award (2015-2019)

Super Lawyers, a Thomson-Reuters business, is rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The patented selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys.

About Andalman & Flynn, P.C.: Founded in 1998 in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, Andalman & Flynn has forged a distinguished reputation for legal excellence. The firm serves clients throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia, offering compassionate, quality service and winning representation across a broad range of legal areas. With a concentration on disability benefits law and family law, the firm focuses on cases that impact the rights of everyone, and they are there for clients when responsive legal help is most critical. The firm has provided legal analysis on national and local television and radio, and their attorneys often testify before legislative bodies and are routinely invited to contribute to prominent legal publications. For more information about Andalman & Flynn, please visit the website at https://andalmanflynn.com/ or call 301.563.6685.
As part of its ongoing effort to become the safest school system in Georgia, Habersham County Schools (Habersham) is collaborating with ACG Solutions and The Critical Response Group to implement innovative school security mapping technology. Known as Collaborative Response Graphics (CRGs), the technology will support transitioning Habershams paper-and texted based emergency operations plans into geo-spatial maps for all of its thirteen schools. These maps are designed to aid first responders in better coordinating a threat response and will provide Habersham County law enforcement a common, digitally displayed operating picture of a buildings structure. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance law enforcement response time, improve command and control, as well as communication with school officials and other first responders during emergencies.

As a system named among the 25 safest in the state two years in a row, we continue to make safety our top priority, said Matthew Cooper, Superintendent, Habersham County School System. Less than five minutes into viewing the potential of this cutting-edge technology, we knew it was an essential initiative to pursue. Not only is the solution practical and cost-effective, it stands to further our very strong relationship with our countys law enforcement and first-responder agencies by significantly increasing their ability to respond quickly and effectively.

In addition to geo-mapping of school structures, Habersham also is pursuing the development of reunification site maps that allow law enforcement and school administrators to effectively communicate at a pre-planned off-site location, should students and faculty need to be evacuated from campus grounds.

Intelligent situational awareness graphics

CRGs were adapted from a U.S. Special Operations military mapping technique used overseas to communicate during counter-terrorism missions. It is now nationally recognized and adopted in thousands of schools and private companies throughout the United States. CRGs combine a gridded overlay, high-resolution imagery, and floor plans together into a geospatially accurate map of a building or school. The graphic details encompass room labels, hallway names, external door numbers, and key utility locations. As a result, emergency response teams can instantly visualize their physical location on an actual building plan in real time.

We realized the majority of the countrys schools were sharing floor plans with first responders that were inaccurate both in the layout and labeling of the school, said Alex Carney, a former Marine Special Operations Officer and Vice President, Critical Response Group. With CRGs, Habersham County school administrators, law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics can communicate and collaborate easily using an accurate common operating picture of each school during the stress of an emergency.

Geo-spatial mapping technology will enhance the ability of Habersham County emergency services, as well as outside emergency service agencies, to provide mutual aid as they respond to, manage, and coordinate all activities related to a school incident, said Joey Terrell, Sheriff, Habersham County. It is a significant enhancement to our current Incident Command System process, and will certainly be of benefit in our ongoing efforts to keep our countys students, faculty, and staff safe.

Integration with existing safety technologies

According to Adam Bagwell, Safety Team Director, Habersham County School System, the geo-spatial maps are to become an integral part of each schools' safety protocols and safety training practices, and plans call for integration with the countys existing safety technologies, such as surveillance cameras to further aid staff in quickly and efficiently monitoring and responding to emergency situations.

We are very pleased to expand our relationship with Habersham County Schools as it takes a leadership role in the state of Georgia to optimize school emergency operations protocols, said Laura Faught, president and chief operations officer, ACG Solutions. Through our strategic partnership with CRG, ACG Solutions is uniquely positioned to provide not only cutting-edge safety and security technology solutions, but the services expertise required to address the full range of needs required to design an intelligent building that can support human response during an emergency.

CRGs part of SOR - a holistic threat response platform

CRGs are a key component of ACG Solutions Synchronized Orchestrated Response (SOR). SOR encompasses surveillance, gunshot and motion detection technologies, access controls and cameras, lockdown procedures and more, to increase threat response accuracy and timing through a combination of consultative assessment framework, a unifying platform to integrate disparate technologies, and a state-of-the-art virtual command center.

For more information about SOR, or to request a consultation with one of ACG's technology architects, visit: https://acg-solutions.com/contact-us/

About ACG Solutions

ACG Solutions serves all industries with a complete portfolio of information technology, security, and telecommunications solutions for powering the intelligent building.

For more information, please visit http://www.acg-solutions.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheACGTeam/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acgsolutions/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheACGTeam

About Critical Response Group, Inc.

Formed in 2016 and formerly the Geospatial Intelligence Division of The Rodgers Group, LLC, Critical Response Group is a team of dedicated, experienced and proven professionals from the U.S. Military Special Operations and domestic public safety communities. Members of our team have served as Police Chiefs, SWAT team commanders, Fire Chiefs, Emergency Management Coordinators, Fusion Center Directors and former members of the U.S. Military Special Operations Command who have served on numerous tours in combat. They have a proven record of success operating in environments ranging from the war on terror overseas to man-made and natural disasters here at home. For Further Information, Contact our office at: 732.779.4393 or http://www.crgplans.com or https://youtu.be/10aghbY3AKI
As we approach our 25th anniversary, we are making momentous enhancements that will equip us to serve our customers for the next 25 years.

Abel Solutions, Atlantas premier consulting firm helping customers achieve business excellence, today announced it has hired Jason Bell to serve as Chief Technologist. In that capacity, Bell will serve as a high-level technology advisor to Abel Solutions' customers. He will also be instrumental in the design and delivery of advanced technology solutions to address customers complex business problems.

Abel Solutions is unique in the technology industry today, said Bell. They not only guide and support companies as they streamline and accelerate their operations; they also have the capacity to assist with selection, adoption and management of on-premise and cloud infrastructure and solutions. They are at the vanguard of many emerging technologies and I am excited to be representing them.

Bell will engage with customers at all levels, providing thought leadership for business, technology and solution decisions throughout the complete engagement cycle. More than a technology guru, Bell will help the C-Suite explore and define their firms business challenges and goalsand determine if technology can help accomplish them. Serving as a mentor, he will offer strategic insight on how business leaders can best leverage existing/future technologies and human capital assets while achieving greater process efficiency.

Before joining Abel Solutions, Bell worked in a diverse array of leadership positions, from co-founding his own company to serving as Information Technology Services Leader for the City of Mesa, Arizona. Most recently, Bell served as a Senior Solution Architect for Perficient, helping customers become competitive in the marketplace. His varied leadership roles are one of the qualities that enables him to bring such an expansive viewpoint to discussions with Abel Solutions customers.

Bell joins Abel Solutions as the firm is nearing its 25th anniversarya date the company is commemorating with many announcements, including new and augmented service offerings. Abel Solutions is building up to the occasion by inviting corporate leaders in all industries to take a closer look at the firm and its broad slate of solutions and services, inviting them to see Abel Solutions differently.

As we approach our 25th anniversary, we are making momentous enhancements that will equip us to serve our customers for the next 25 years, said Abel Solutions President David Hammond. In October, we hired company Vice President Scott Burba, who will lead our business development, market positioning, and other big picture efforts. Like Scott, Jasons depth and breadth of technology leadership are rare in the industry, giving him a unique perspective into how we can provide maximum value for the customer. Together, the two of them are an unbeatable team.

About Abel Solutions

For 25 years, Abel Solutions has focused on helping our customers develop and deploy solutions that deliver Business Excellence in terms of profitability, productivity, and competitive leadership. We believe that the most effective solutions are those that leverage and combine a customers current strengths and assets with new people, process, and technology capabilities to accomplish business goals. Our consultants have the knowledge, experience, and tools to deliver a portfolio of services including business strategy, collaboration solutions, dashboards and analytics, and managed cloud and IT services. To learn more about partnering with Abel Solutions, go to http://www.abelsolutions.com.
During the US tour, guests will have the opportunity to discover this years newly added Oregon wineries, says Giancarlo Gariglio, Editor of Slow Wine.

Slow Food International and Slow Wine Editore are proud to announce the release of the latest English-language edition of Slow Wine, the acclaimed and comprehensive annual wine guide of over 500 different wineries worldwide, with its annual US Tour in March 2019.

This year, the Slow Wine guide continued their expansion into the US, by including Oregon wineries for the first time. The wineries were reviewed with the same Slow principles as their Italian peers. The Guides US editors, including Michael Alberty, Senior Editor for Oregon, drew a well-rounded yet selective map of over 40 of Oregons top wineries for whom sustainability is as important as the quality of the liquid that goes into the bottle.

Slow Wines move into the US started in California, where it officially opened its chapter in the summer of 2017. After visiting hundreds of producers on the West Coast and evaluating them according to the same high standards the guide is known for, 70 producers were selected and added to the 2018 guide. Now, moving into Oregon is a significant step for the Slow Wine Guide, as the pioneering state is home to internationally-celebrated wine producing areas. Oregons commitment to sustainable wine-making and respect for the terroir is consistent with Slow Wines principles and its mission to support local agriculture.

Slow Wine Editore, the Slow Wine guide publisher, and a delegation of its top wineries will hold tasting events for press and trade during their annual US tour, this year making stops in five cities nationwide. Attendees will get a chance to preview this innovative guide, discover new wines, and meet the people behind 100+ Italian and American select producers who represent the Slow Wine values. The Italian Trade Commission is a proud supporter of the Slow Wine US Tour and its events in Denver and Boston, both strong and upcoming markets for Italian products. We are excited to continue our support in 2019, says Maurizio Forte, Director of the Italian Trade Commision in New York. The Slow Wine tour is a wonderful way to showcase our quality-driven products, as well as the Made in Italy messaging, we are proud to present to the United States and the world.

During the US tour, guests will have the opportunity to discover this years newly added Oregon wineries, says Giancarlo Gariglio, Editor of Slow Wine. Our editors extensively reviewed wineries from all areas in Oregon; the selected wineries proudly represent our philosophies of wine quality, adherence to terroir, value for money and environmental sensitivity  just as their Italian counterparts.

The dates and locations of the 2019 Slow Wine US Tour are:

March 4th, San Francisco, California: Pier 27, The Embarcadero

March 5th, Portland, Oregon: Castaway, 1900 NW 18th Ave

March 7th, Denver, Colorado: The Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd

March 11th, New York, New York: Eataly Downtown, 4 World Trade Center

March 12th, Boston, Massachusetts: City Winery, 80 Beverly Street

To register for the Slow Wine trade and media events please visit the links below.

San Francisco https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slow-wine-2019-us-tour-san-francisco-tickets-52089322566

Portland https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slow-wine-2019-us-tour-portland-tickets-52089621460

Denver https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slow-wine-2019-us-tour-denver-tickets-52089809021

New York https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slow-wine-2019-us-tour-new-york-tickets-52089477028

Boston https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slow-wine-2019-us-tour-boston-tickets-52089850144

About Slow Wine

The Slow Wine Guide, published by Slow Food Editore (the publishing arm of Slow Food Italy*), adopts a new approach to wine criticism and looks at a variety of factors to evaluate wineries in their entirety. They take into consideration wine quality, history and adherence to terroir, value, environmental sensitivity and ecologically sustainable methods of practice. Slow Wine was conceived to give a realistic snapshot of the current Italian wine landscape. The guide features reviews of over 500 different wineries, each one visited by Slow Food experts. It is available for purchase on Amazon.com as well as in select bookstores.

*Slow Food International is a global grassroots organization that envisions a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow it, and good for the planet. A non-profit member-supported association, Slow Food was founded in Italy in 1989 to counter the rise of fast food and fast life and the disappearance of local food traditions, and to encourage people to be aware about the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes, and how our food choices affect the rest of the world.
Melbourne estate agent Glen Coutinho has joined the Harcourts USA team as its director of growth and training, for the Pacific Region.

He will also become owner of a new office in Beverly Hills.

We are very pleased to welcome Glen to the Harcourts group, said Harcourts International managing director Mike Green.

Coutinhos (pictured middle) is a director of RT Edgar Boroondara, in Melbourne, ranked among the top 10 real estate agents in Australia for the past six years running.

Coutinho is a licensed auctioneer and has conducted over 8000 auctions to date in his career.

As a keynote speaker for Harcourts Australia and Harcourts New Zealand events, Mr Coutinho sees this new chapter as an extension of a long relationship with Harcourts owners, Mike and Irene Green and Paul Wright.

With two of my sons recording music in LA, the opportunity to work with an established brand with people I already know and trust here in the USA was a simple fit, said Mr Coutinho.

I am a customer service fanatic and I enjoy having the same values as the company.

"The core value of People First is one that resonates with me at the heart of everything I do, in my professional and person life. His new book The People Lover will be released internationally in 2019.

Mr Coutinho is the director of the new office located on Camden Drive in Beverly Hills, one street from the iconic Rodeo Drive, which focuses on selling prestige property and the use of auctions for non-distressed properties.

He will be taking over from Alex Duk, who will be a partner in the business along with Deanna C D'Egidio, Krystle & Laurent Bijaoui. Joining them are Mr Coutinhos daughter Brooke Coutinho and Amy Perceval who have been with him for the last five years in the business.

Together with his wife Simonne, and children Brooke, Jack, Billy, Mason and Jules, the family has made the move to live in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.
This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices.
Former TV presenter Tom Williams has joined LJ Hooker Avnu's new office, the Michael Coombs team in Mosman.

Coombs was previously at McGrath for 16 years before McGrath ended its franchise agreement on the Lower North Shore late last year.

Williams (below), whose kids go to school in Mosman, told the Mosman Collective, who suggested he was always interested in real estate.

Property  and real estate is my thing," he said.

It always has been, but most people havent known about it - until now! My family are super excited about the incredible opportunity Ive been given, especially my young daughters. Im really excited about this new direction in my career and thrilled to be joining Team Coombs."

Williams turned to real estate late last year shortly after leaving Channel 7 where he was the co-host of The Daily Edition.

He joined project marketing company Boutique Estates International, where his sister in law Vanessa Gilbert is a director.

He was marketing Inspire Broadwater, the new Labrador tower on the Gold Coast.

Coombs greeted Williams on Facebook, saying he is "excited to have Tom join the team."

Coombs now have a team of five at LJ Hooker Avnu, carrying four over from the former McGrath office.

Coombs is a founding agent of LJ Hooker Avnu, a little-known, newly launched, technology-based full-service agency based at nearby Neutral Bay.

Coombs told the Mosman Collective appointing Williams was an "absolute no brainer".

Tom is a Mosman boy who has been involved in property for most of his life, Coombs said.

He is a passionate local, he understands our suburb and its people  and his knowledge of the lower north shore market is impressive.

Hes going to be a huge asset to Team Coombs.
One of Australias big 4 banks is set to launch a six-month pilot for fractional property investment using DomaCom.

This mutually exclusive agreement will see the bank trial DomaComs fractional investing model and, if successful, should lead to a commercial deployment within the bank.

DomaCom CEO Arthur Naoumidis said DomaCom has always been an intermediated business and had been seeking a large B2C partner for some time and we are looking forward to progressing this pilot with the bank.

Warren Gibson, DomaCom's marketing manager, said it's great news for DomaCom, following a three-month review process.

"It gives us an opportunity to market with a significant partner over the next 6 months in real terms with actual investment properties," Gibson said.

Last year DomaCom, a fractional property investment who offer alternate property assets, secured the first crowdfunded mortgage.

The company is yet to advise the bank and the arrangement's starting date.
GUEST OBSERVATION

The failure of the Opal Tower building in Sydney has highlighted the poor quality of speculatively built multi-unit housing in Australia.

The towers 392 apartments were evacuated on Christmas Eve when residents heard loud cracks and defects were found.

So far, the only reaction from government has been a knee-jerk promise to crack down on shonky building certifiers (thats you Matt Kean, minister for innovation and better regulation in New South Wales).

Unfortunately, there is no evidence this will make any difference.

Planning policies embraced by the NSW and Victorian governments mean a greater percentage of new housing is being constructed in tall multi-unit developments than ever before, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.

Between 50% and 80% of multi-unit buildings have defects serious enough to be the subject of strata committee involvement.

Possibly close to 100% have significant defects at completion.

Most of the problems are waterproofing issues (which may not be evident for years), malfunctioning services or a lack of proper compliance with fire codes and standards.

We can only fix this problem by changing the culture of the residential building industry.

Ten steps governments can take

We dont need another royal commission. Governments could implement all of the suggestions below using their existing powers.

1) Increase density by permitting more subdivisions on existing housing blocks rather than building tall buildings.

Two Torrens title townhouses can be built on a normal single-house quarter-acre block. Low-scale buildings will still suffer from defects, but are less problematic to build, inspect and repair than tall buildings and use simpler technology.

2) In the short term, provide occupation certificates to new residential buildings taller than three storeys only if they comply with an enhanced protocol of regulations and oversight.

State government would implement this, with a focus on waterproofing and fire performance.

A suitable code, standards and protocols could be developed in a few weeks. The necessary people to provide independent oversight could be drawn from qualified architects, builders and engineers who are able to pass a probing exam. They would be independent of the design and construction team. The government would fix their fees.

3) Develop a program to enhance the standards for residential building standards in the National Construction Code (NCC).

The current NCC codes for Class 2 buildings (home units) favour innovation and cost reduction over consumer protection. This is the wrong way around for housing. Section F, which covers health and amenity (including waterproofing), is weak and must be strengthened.

4) A voluntary quality scheme to star-rate all apartments, similar to ANCAP (Australasia New Car Assessment Program), might work with industry support.

The minimum standard permissible would comply with the enhanced standards. The NSW Building and Construction Council promoted a scheme in the 1990s but failed due to lack of government support. It was a good idea then, and it is still a good idea now.

5) If the industry wont support a voluntary scheme, government should introduce a coercive qualified practitioner (QP) scheme.

This would be a permanent version of the short-term scheme. If a building goes bad, the QP could lose the right to practise as a QP as well as being liable to the owners.

6) Revitalise trade training and certification to ensure all trade workers are properly trained and certified.

Many trades on building sites have no training and are not licensed. The requirement to read directions and document work against procedures means everyone on site must be functionally literate. The goal should be to have 30% of people working on site at Certificate 4 level by 2025. 100% of building workers should be literate by 2025. This should be a national requirement, checked by inspectors.

7) All leading hands for any trade should be educated up to Certificate 4 level.

This should be independently verified to cut out shonky training providers. Leading hands in all trades should be licensed and responsible for the work they do.

8) Enhance licensing of builders and subcontractors to ensure people in charge on site are educated beyond Certificate 4.

All people occupying construction roles with management responsibility should have valid qualifications in architecture, structural engineering or building.

9) Consider additional laws on contract provisions to reduce the economic power disparity between developers, head contractors and subcontractors.

Unfair commercial pressures are at the heart of much bad building. We should do more to cushion the smaller players from the larger ones.

10) And, while we are at it, we should ensure a value-capture process accompanies the development of tall residential buildings so the cost of upgrading social infrastructure is recovered.

High-density, high-rise buildings massively increase loads on socially owned infrastructure, such as schools, libraries, hospitals, parks and sporting facilities. The developers of tall buildings should be made to contribute adequately to the economic cost of enhancing these provisions, which can involve solutions that are unusually expensive, such as high-rise schools.

Geoff Hanmer, Adjunct Lecturer in Architecture, Univeristy of NSW, UNSW

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
EXPERT OBSERVER

Every 10 to 15 years its the same.

Ever since financial deregulation in the 1980s weve had a finance industry scandal followed by an inquiry, a quick fix, and a declaration that it shouldnt happen again.

In the early 1990s there were royal commissions into the A$1.7 billion Tri-continental/ State Bank Victoria collapse, the A$3.1 billion State Bank of South Australia collapse and the WA Inc collapse which explored the interrelated activities at Rothwells bank, the A$1.8 billion collapse of Bond Corporation and the A$1.2 billion siphoned from Bell Resources.

A decade later in 2003 Justice Owen reported on the A$5.3 billion collapse of Australias largest insurer HIH.

And now, bang on schedule, we have Kenneth Hayne delivering the final report of a royal commission into systemic misconduct in banking, superannuation and financial services industry to a government that voted 26 times against holding it.

There are two particularly striking things about the 10-15 year cycle.

One is the rhythm of public inquiries followed by reports, then (sometimes) trials, then books, then almost everyone forgetting (except for those personally scarred) only for problems to resurface later.

The other is that the times between have been punctuated by government-commissioned banking and financial system reviews: the 1991 Campbell Inauiry, the 1996 Wallis Inquiry, the 2010 Cooper superannuation review and the 2012 Murray Review . Each either missed or downplayed the links between poor governance, industry structure, systemic misconduct and prudential risk.

Has Kenneth got the frequency right this time?

Commissioner Kenneth Haynes 1000-page final report hasnt gone far enough to end this cycle.

While his referral of 24 misdeeds for possible criminal and civil prosecution will help in righting past wrongs and perhaps focus the minds of directors and executives, the impact will be generational rather than permanent.

The flurry of prosecutions and actions will again reveal problems with the law - gaps in coverage, inadequate penalties and cases the law wont allow to stand up.

Taken together the recommendations are a patchwork of measures that if implemented will over time be eaten away  and at some point will be dismantled  because the rationale for their adoption will be forgotten.

Even before they are implemented they will have to run the gauntlet of a massive subterranean lobbying effort from industry to water them down, something Hayne indicated he expected.

The deepest flaw lies unaddressed

Even though Hayne emphasises the link between systemic misconduct, governance, structure and prudential (system-wide) risk, something that Treasury, the RBA and Australias three business regulator amigos, APRA, ASIC and the ACCC, have long rejected, he makes no concrete suggestions to tackle it.

As we have written previously, research tells us big systemically important shareholder-focused universal for-profit banks that cross-sell products are more profitable than smaller banks in the good times but are more prone to misconduct and to failure in the worse times.

Australias big four fit the bill - theyre big, they have been vertically integrated one-stop shops, they are very, very profitable and they are very focused on shareholder returns.

While the banks, apart from Westpac, have divested themselves of wealth management and insurance arms for now there is nothing stopping them reacquiring them in the future.

This means we are once again 10 or 15 years away from systemic misconduct resurfacing as big banks seek to become more profitable.

and putting the onus on directors wont much help

While heads might roll in yet another round of internal investigations to fix bank culture, it is wise to remember that as Adele Ferguson observed ANZs internal investigation of the Opes Prime collapse left the bigger governance lessons unlearned.

Directors and senior executives of failed companies continue to live charmed lives.

The directors of Babcock and Brown were cheered as they left the building, while friends and family of the disgraced One.Tel director Jodee Rich have resurfaced at Hayne and other public inquiries.

Some of the One.Tel directors have had long corporate careers. The former chair at of the collapsed Allco Finance Group Bob Mansfield went on to review the ABC.

As Adam Schwab bluntly put it, corporate Australia is nothing if not forgiving.

Itll chase horses rather than close doors

Hayne is persisting with a chasing bolting horses approach to misconduct that relies on detection and enforcement.

We have argued this approach is just not as a effective as other alternatives such as two-tier boards and employee directors which have a better track record of keeping stable doors closed and horses tethered.

Without them we could very easily have another crisis and another royal commission in 15 to 15 years time.

Ireland has taken a been prepared to change corporate structures. After the meltdown of its financial system triggered by the end of a classic vanilla property boom its parliament legislated to appoint public interest directors to the boards of its failed banks.

These changes were designed to ensure banks directors put the public interest first, ahead of shareholders interests and even customers interests.

Its beyond time we did it here.

Andrew Linden, Sessional Lecturer, PhD (Management) Candidate, School of Management, RMIT University and Warren Staples, Senior Lecturer in Management, RMIT University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The Zenith, located in Chatswood on Sydneys North Shore, is to be sold by Centuria and a private fund managed by BlackRock.

Comprising of two buildings situated on a site of approximately 7,990 square metres, the property has price expectations of over $400 million.

The Zenith is an A-grade asset with circa 44,102 square metres of NLA set across 21 levels.

It is 100% occupied and with a WALE of 4.4 years with tenants including Property NSW, Commonwealth Government of Australia, Lendlease and Sage.

The Zenith is located at 821 Pacific Highway.

Prime office rents are 50% less than similar assets in the Sydney CBD and the soon to be completed Sydney Metro, located within 150 metres of the Zenith will decrease travel time to Barangaroo to about 11 minutes.

The office vacancy in Chatswood is at its lowest levels since 2000 at circa 5.5%, with the vacancy rate expected to fall below 5% by 2020, according to Centuria.
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Australias CBD office markets have recorded a drop in vacancy rates throughout the second half of 2018, with Canberra leading the charge by falling 200 basis points, according to Savills Australia.

The findings come as a preview to the Property Council of Australias (PCA) release of its 2019 Office Market Report on Thursday, with all CBD markets recording falls in their vacancy rates throughout the six months to December 2018.

Savills Australias director for Research & Consultancy, Shrabastee Mallik, said that the drivers for each CBD market were vastly different, though a normalisation in economic conditions across sectors and states, paired with strong office market fundamentals, were buoying CBD office markets across the country.

We are at a point where we are seeing significant growth across a diverse range of industries, which is evident from gains in corporate profits in 2018, she said.

This has organically translated to growing requirements for workers in these industries.

In the September quarter, we saw the healthcare, mining, construction, and professional and technical services sectors driving total economic growth.

NEW SOUTH WALES

In the Sydney CBD, the vacancy rate fell 50 basis points in the latter half of 2018 to 4.1 per cent, the lowest it has been since 2011, and one of the three lowest figures since the PCA started its Office Market Report series in 1990. There was a skew towards lessees from the property and business services, and finance and insurance industries seeking new office space.

NSW state director for Office Leasing, Tom Mott, said occupiers looking for office space greater than 3,000sqm with a start date in 2018 had been hard-pressed to find anything suitable.

There was also merger and acquisition activity among law firms, and centralisation from the suburbs to the CBD, and the co-working trend continued, he said.

Apart from the co-working deals, staff attraction and retention were at the top of the agenda for why major office moves took place.

Mr Mott went on to say that despite the upcoming state and federal elections, which would typically suppress demand, building owners would continue to benefit from the lack of supply.

As a result, we will continue to see net effective rental growth and ongoing competition for space, he said.

With the tight supply in 2019, many occupiers will look to refurbish their existing premises, which will see them upgrade their break-out areas and collaboration zones.

Were seeing an ongoing focus on mental health and overall wellness, which is an evolving trend to encourage staff to engage with each other on a more personal level, and in turn retain them.

Mr Mott said building owners with vacant space would be well advised to create a customer-focused, innovative and warm end-to-end experience in their buildings to capture the tenants looking to move.

Key lease deals in 2018 included Allianz for 10,820sqm at 10 Carrington Street; WeWork for 3,800sqm at 64 York Street; Mills Oakley for 5,673sqm and Pfizer for 4,640sqm, both at 151 Clarence Street; and Norton Rose Fulbright for 9,527sqm at 60 Martin Place.

VICTORIA

In Melbourne, the CBD office vacancy rate fell 40 basis points to 3.2 per cent in the six-month period to December 2018, the lowest of all CBD markets nationally, which was largely in line with market expectations, given the limited amount of space available to lease.

Savills research shows this phenomenon reflected in the leasing volumes, with just more than 250,000sqm (for space greater than 1,000sqm) leased in 2018, which was well below the numbers recorded in the past two years.

The simple fact is that office space in the Melbourne CBD is limited, Ms Mallik said.

The vacancy rate in June 2018 was already at a record low, so the scope for further downward movement is restricted.

Tellingly, of the total leasing volume that was recorded last year, nearly half was for pre-commitments, further highlighting the lack of space currently available in the CBD.

Melbournes CBD is experiencing a greater diversification in the tenant base, with government and education providers more prevalent than in Sydney, due to the lower rents.

Key lease deals in 2018 included NAB for 65,000sqm at 405 Bourke Street; Energy Australia for 22,000sqm at 697 Collins Street; Cbus Super for 9,600sqm at 130 Lonsdale Street; and the Australian Financial Complaints Authority for 7,600sqm, also at 130 Lonsdale Street.

VIC state director for Office Leasing, Mark Rasmussen, said Melbournes office market and economy had been the powerhouse of the nation in 2018, recently outpacing the rest of the eastern seaboard.

The dramatic falls in office vacancy rates throughout the past two years are becoming more gradual, as Melbourne moves towards a vacancy trough at the end of 2019, he said.

We simply do not have the space to lease.

Mr Rasmussen went on to say that the current vacancy rate was at an all-time low of circa 3.0 per cent, with the early 2020s trough expected to sink to mid-2.0 per cent, and A-grade office vacancy significantly lower again.

At the coalface of the leasing market, we feel the frenetic pace of the Melbourne economy will slow with the looming federal election, the expected change of government, the reduced availability of credit, and the geo-political challenges across the globe, he said.

Despite these challenges, tenants with leases expiring in 2019 are faced with a lack of options and continued high rental growth, which has been close to 10 per cent per annum these past two years.

Tenants with 2019 lease expiry dates and their landlords should ensure they seek advice to understand and keep up with this dynamic marketplace.

Mr Rasmussen predicted that despite the recent sharp increases to rental rates, the higher base would become the new normal, as Melbourne finally starts to catch up with other Australian capital city rents.

QUEENSLAND

PCA data showed the Brisbane CBDs office vacancy rate lead the national drop in office vacancy, falling 170 basis points in the latter half of 2018, to 13.0 per cent, which exceeded market expectations.

Recent leasing activity suggests there will be greater movement in the vacancy rate in the first half of 2019, with several large leasing deals currently underway.

Leasing activity in the CBD is often restricted by the proximity of the citys fringe office market, allowing occupiers to move easily between the two precincts, though similar rents and incentives are providing the impetus for occupiers to look for space in the more viable CBD, Ms Mallik said.

Complementary development activity in the form of Queens Wharf, has really brought the CBD to life, and the wellness movement that has taken off recently is also aiding occupier moves into the city.

Savills Office Leasing manager, Daniel Boyes, confirmed that Brisbanes leasing enquiry had continued to strengthen on the back of the downward trend in vacancy.

The CBD has seen several new additions with WeWork, Hub and various other groups absorbing large portions of space, he said.

Demand for smaller fitted suites has also seen consistent growth despite a significant increase in supply.

Mr Boyes went on to say that the Brisbane CBD hosted a healthy mix of tenants and was not as skewed towards the mining industry as the media was suggesting.

Throughout the past 12 months, we have actually seen several lessees from the finance and insurance industries capitalise on low rents and relatively high incentives to recentralise into the CBD, he said.

That said, we will see continued growth and demand from coal miners, along with the state government, two sectors we have identified as major growth occupiers in 2019.

Key lease deals in 2018 included Suncorp for 39,600sqm at 80 Ann Street; Deloitte for 8,000sqm at 123 Eagle Street; the state government for 5,319sqm Capital Hill; and Sonic Healthcare for 2,138sqm at 545 Queen Street.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

In Perth, PCA data showed the CBD office vacancy rate falling 90 basis points to 18.5 per cent in the six-month period to December 2018, with leasing activity showing an uplift, and recentralisation a recurring theme among occupiers.

In 2018, we saw just under 70,000sqm (for space greater than 1,000sqm) of leasing volume recorded, which was up from the year prior, Ms Mallik said.

We are likely to see leasing volumes continue to be supported by the recentralisation trend, as lessees look to capitalise on record low rents and relatively high incentives.

Perth is similar to Brisbane, in that we are seeing the city come alive with complementary development activity, most notably in the form of Elizabeth Quay.

Infrastructure activity is also pushing this story, with Perth City Link aiding connectivity to the CBD.

Savills national head of Office Leasing, Graham Postma, said the significant decline in vacancy was a direct result of the key trends of 2018  recentralisation to the CBD and the flight to quality.

This is clearly evidenced by the divergence in direction of the premium and A-grade vacancy, both of which are declining, compared to Sydney levels in the case of premium stock, while lower-grade stock continues to increase, he said.

Perth has long been known as the mining capital of Australia, with Ms Mallik saying the mining resurgence was underpinning the CBD leasing market.

In 2018, almost half of the total leasing volume was to tenants from the mining and utilities industry, she said.

Key lease deals included Wood Group for 9,198sqm at 240 St Georges Terrace; the Department of Human Services for a combined 13,037sqm across two deals at 556 Wellington Street and 226 Adelaide Terrace; Minter Ellison for 3,440sqm at 77 St Georges Terrace; and Macquarie Bank for 3,311sqm at 240 St Georges Terrace.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Adelaides CBD office market experienced a vacancy rate fall of 50 basis points to 14.2 per cent in the latter half of 2018, with leasing volumes recording a significant increase on 2017, and more than 30,000sqm (for space greater than 1,000sqm) of leasing transactions recorded in Savills research.

The city is at a turning point, with prospects for growth notably greater this year, according to SA director for Office Leasing, Adam Hartley.

This contraction is likely to continue in response to office relocations in the first quarter of 2019, he said.

Interestingly, the vacancy rate for prime-grade office space will contract the most, with the majority of office vacancy available in secondary-grade accommodation.

The contraction will swing the balance towards a lessor market, which in turn will reduce incentive rates in high B-grade and A-grade office buildings.

Mr Hartley said recent record-breaking transactions showcased the desire of several major international companies to establish a footprint in Adelaide.

Suncorp taking up 4,660sqm of space and building signage rights at 1 King William street represented Adelaides largest net-lettable-area deal to date, he said.

Mr Hartley went on to say that the entrance of global post-production effects company, Technicolor, into Adelaide at 178 North Terrace was another internationally successful outcome that reinforced South Australias position on the world map.

The Technicolor win for South Australia was the largest office accommodation tenant attracted to Adelaide, which will in turn employ up to 400 new staff, he said.

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Canberra had the second-largest drop in its vacancy rate in 2018, falling 140 basis points to 11.0 per cent between June and December, which was largely driven by a withdrawal of stock.

That said, prime-grade vacancy in city-fringe precincts like Barton were already at record low levels, with limited options for tenants to move around, according to ACT director for Office Leasing, Pip Doogan

We have seen demand shift from larger office spaces to smaller occupiers in the 250sqm to 500sqm market, making up the majority of the lease transactions across Canberra throughout the past six months, she said.

Spec fit-outs are proving to be the favorable option for tenants who are considering a move.

Ms Doogan said that Canberra hasnt really moved throughout the past 12 months in regards to rents or incentives across all markets.

Looking forward, we cannot see that it will shift in the next six months, especially with an election this year and the likelihood of a change in government, she said.

Private sectors are still floating around but the majority of the deals are being done in the sub-1,000sqm market.

Savills is a leading global real estate service provider offering the full spectrum of services from strategic advice to managing assets and projects and transacting deals. For further information, please feel free to reach out to any of our Office Leasing agents or Savills Director of Research & Consultancy Shrabastee Mallik. To learn more about Savills, visit savills.com.au.
Chris Joye's AFR column says the biggest winners from the royal commission are demonstrably the big banks while the largest losers are Australias mortgage brokers.

"Indeed, the top end of town have done an amazing job convincing everyone that brokers should be made the fall guys for their own deeds, surreptitiously fattening their profits, despite no evidence of pervasive misconduct," Joye noted.

Joye noted the single biggest cost a lender incurs when selling a home loan is the 0.6 per cent upfront commission and 0.2 per cent annual trailing commission that they pay to a mortgage broker.

Mortgage brokers currently settle around 59 per cent of all mortgages in Australia.

"If the royal commission has its way and/or Labor comes to power, these commissions will disappear completely, destroying the existing business models of the 20,000 mortgage brokers (and their employees) that rely on this revenue.

"This is horrific news for aggregator businesses that have built up large networks of brokers licenced by them in exchange for a share of the revenue they generate."

The only hope the latter have is to quickly shift into lending and securitising themselves, he says, adding the ban on broker commissions will radically reduce bank and non-bank mortgage distribution costs, which is "ironically going to be a huge profitability fillip for funders."

According to CBA evidence cited by the commission, a bank typically has to pay a mortgage broker $6,600 in fees to sell a loan via this channel, which accounts for almost 60 per cent of all residential mortgages written in Australia.

Under the commissions proposal, these costs will disappear and be shunted on to consumers, whom CBA says should be prepared to pay about $2,310 for the service.

Brokers are also set to be regulated for the first time under the much stricter future of financial advice (FoFA) laws that apply to planners.

Mortgage brokers will be subjected to a "best interests" duty.

The government has said it will move to ban trailing commissions from July 2020, after the royal commission final report declared the chief value of trail commissions to the recipient, "to put it bluntly, is that they are money for nothing".

The government said it would not immediately adopt Commissioner Kenneth Hayne's call for upfront commissions to also be banned and be replaced by a customer-paid fee, which Labor indicated it would support.
The February meeting of the RBA has seen the cash rate remain on hold at 1.5 percent.

It has now stayed at record lows for 27 consecutive meetings.

The last time the rate changed was in August 2016.

CoreLogic's head of research Tim Lawless said the declining house price market will likely put pressure on the RBA in the future, however he predicted a hold at today's meeting.

"The RBA has looked past the housing downturn which has gathered some momentum over the past three months", Lawless said.

"The hold decision was widely anticipated, considering a subtle uplift in CPI and steady labour market conditions, however financial markets are increasingly leaning towards the next move from the RBA being a cut rather than a hike.

"With CoreLogics January hedonic index revealing national dwelling values are falling at the fastest rate since the GFC, while Sydney and Melbournes rate of decline is now the most rapid since at least the early 1980s, there is the potential the RBA may be becoming less comfortable with the performance of the housing sector.

"Add to this a consistent downtrend in dwelling approvals, weakening consumer sentiment and softer retail trade figures, and it looks like the household sector could start to weigh down economic growth.

Figures released by the ABS yesterday showed dwelling approvals declined to lows not seen since 2018.

Lawless said the RBA may consider a rate cut due to a number of out of cycle rate hikes.

"The weeks preceding the RBA meeting saw several smaller lenders pushing mortgage rates higher in response to persistently high funding costs, following an average 14 basis point rise in owner occupier mortgage rates since September last year.

"If we see mortgage rates rising more broadly, we might see the RBA become more willing to consider a rate cut in an effort to offset higher funding costs and support heavily indebted household balance sheets."
Hong Kong based, Societe Generale's chief economist for Asia Pacific, Klaus Baader has joins the growing band of senior economists who foresee a rate cut in Australia in 2019.

He has issued a statement in light of recent economic events that a cash rate cut is more likely than a hike in Australia.

Klaus Baader said since the RBA's previous meeting in December, prospects for the global market have deteriorated markedly, several other central banks have shifted their guidance - some rather radically - "and Australia's economy looks notably less strong than it did then (two months ago)."

"The RBA's latest forecasts will illustrate this.

"Given this backdrop, we have ditched the view that rate normalisation would begin in May of this year."

"Indeed, with the US economy likely so slide into recession in 2020, we believe that the next RBA rate move is more likely to be a cut than a hike," he concluded.

Klaus joined Societe Generale in July 2009 and was Chief Euro Area Economist in London before moving to Hong Kong in 2012.

He had been Chief Europe Economist at Merrill Lynch since 2006 after working at Lehman Brothers, UBS and Deutsche Bank.

Klaus began his career at Salomon Brothers in 1989, after studying Economics and Political Science at the University of Cologne and the London School of Economics.

He received his B.Sc. in Economics from the LSE in 1988, and completed a Master course in Economics in 1989.
Real I.S. has acquired an office building situated in Hamburg for its Themenfonds Deutschland II. The multi-tenant property, revitalised and comprehensively extended in 2011, with a total rental area of around 7,800 sq m and 24 underground parking spaces, is virtually fully let. The parties have agreed to keep the

Photos: Aloys Kiefer



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AEW has entered the Hungarian market by acquiring 3 Vorosmarty Square in Budapest, a prime, retail-led asset, on behalf of the Europe City Retail fund for c. 18m. With the acquisition of the former Luxus department store, AEW has gained ownership of one of the most significant and well-positioned retail

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Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee during a sit-in (dharna) demonstration over the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with a ponzi scheme scam, in Kol Image Source: IANS News

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses during a sit-in (dharna) demonstration over the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with a ponzi scheme scam, in Kolkata on Feb 5, 2019. (Photo Image Source: IANS News

Kolkata, Feb 5 : Close to 45 hours after starting her 'save Constitution' dharna in the heart of the city, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday ended the sit-in to protest CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in a probe into the ponzi scheme scam.

While calling off the demonstration, she announced a meeting of opposition leaders next week in the national capital, where the Supreme Court during the day directed Kumar to appear before the federal probe agency in Shillong.

The Trinamool Congress supremo, who recently played a pivotal role in knitting an anti-BJP alliance across the country, was joined by a host of senior opposition leaders during the course of her demonstration.

These included Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and DMK MP Kanimozhi apart from her party leaders, intellectuals, celebrities and thousands of Trinamool activists.

Hearing a case filed by the CBI, the Supreme Court directed Kumar to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation in the Saradha cheat fund case in Shillong "on such date(s) as may be fixed and to "fruitfully cooperate with the investigating agency at all times".

It also asked the agency not to take any coercive action including arrest against the officer.

On a contempt petition filed by the CBI, the court directed the state chief secretary, the director general of police and the police commissioner to file their replies on or before February 18.

Shortly after the verdict, both the Centre and the Banerjee government in the state hailed it as a "moral victory".

"It is a moral victory for the CBI. The Supreme Court's order is clear -- the Kolkata Police Commissioner, who was not appearing before CBI despite notices, will have to appear before them now," said Union Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told the media outside Parliament.

"It is our moral victory. We said we have full respect for the judiciary and institutions," Banerjee told the media from the dais of her sit-in protest here.

"This order was passed earlier also that they can talk mutually in a mutual place. We are grateful for the verdict.

"Rajeev Kumar never said he would not cooperate. He gave five letters to the CBI asking the officials to meet him at a mutual place, but they went to his house to arrest him in a secret operation.

"Today the court said no arrest... We welcome the verdict. It will strengthen the morale of the officials," Banerjee said in the afternoon.

In the evening she announced the sit-in was being withdrawn, terming her dharna a victory for the "people, country and democracy" and said she was ending it as requested by senior opposition party leaders after the Supreme Court verdict.

Meanwhile, the Centre asked the Bengal government to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Kumar for participating in a street protest with Banerjee, an action that comes on top of an unprecedented stand-off between the two governments for the last three days.

The MHA letter sent to the Bengal government on February 5 claimed Kumar sat in a dharna (protest) along with some police officers with the Chief Minister at the Metro Channel in Kolkata "which is prima facie in contravention of the extant provisions of a AIS (Conduct) rules, 1968/AIS (Discipline and Appeal), Rules 1969".

Banerjee, with Naidu by her side, strongly refuted the Centre's allegations and launched a scathing attack at the Centre for trying to control the "state machinery".

Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of trying to control "even the state-run agencies", she demanded that Modi resigned and went back to the role of Gujarat Chief Minister if people re-elected him.

Echoing Banerjee, her Andhra Pradesh counterpart Naidu also hailed the apex court verdict, terming it as a "victory for Constitution, democracy and all constitutional bodies".

On the other hand, addressing a rally in Purulia, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused Banerjee of trying to protect Kumar from the ongoing CBI probe and hailed the Supreme Court verdict.

Flaying Banerjee for her actions, Adityanath said, "Nothing can be more shameful in a democracy than a state chief giving shelter to the corrupt".

"A chief minister herself tries to protect a corrupt officer -- nothing can be more shameful than this in a democracy. He must meet the CBI and reveal who all are involved in the Saradha scam," said the BJP leader.
Shillong, Feb 5 : Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People's Party (NPP) President Conrad Sangma on Tuesday said his party will decide at an "appropriate time" on snapping ties with the NDA government over the the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

"We will decide at an appropriate time, if the (Central) government goes ahead with the Bill in the Rajya Sabha," Sangma said responding to questions on the demand of several groups to snap ties with the BJP over the amendment Bill.

The tribal-centric NPP is supporting the BJP-led government in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. While the BJP is supporting the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government.

Sangma along with other North-East-based regional parties had sought support of several political parties not to vote in favour of the Bill if it is tabled in the Rajya Sabha.

The Bill, which was already passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8, seeks to remove hurdles for eligible migrants from six minority groups from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan from getting Indian citizenship.

"We have met several leaders cutting across party lines in the national capital and had sought their support not to vote in favour of the Bill if it is brought in the Rajya Sabha. We are also in touch with leaders of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party," the Chief Minister told IANS.

"We at the NPP along with several other political parties are totally against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill as it will change the demography of the region," Sangma said.

On BJP deciding to table the Bill in the Rajya Sabha with the support of BSP and SP, Sangma said, "It is not confirmed yet. Our opposition to the Bill continues and we will continue to ensure that the Bill is not passed."

Asked to comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi yet to to give him and other regional parties leaders time to discuss the issue, the NPP leader said, "We have requested for appointment, but the Prime Minister's Office has not been able to give dates. We hope to get an appointment soon."
Hyderabad/Vijayawada, Feb 5 : The Andhra Pradesh Police on Tuesday claimed to have cracked the murder case of Florida-based NRI businessman Chigurupati Jayaram with the arrest of a realtor and his driver, but hours later the victim's wife approached Telangana Police in Hyderabad and demanded a thorough probe.

Jayaram's wife Padmashri lodged a complaint with Jubilee Hills police station in Hyderabad, demanding that they investigate the case as Jayaram was murdered in the city.

After submitting a three-page letter to the police, she told reporters that investigations by Hyderabad police alone could bring out the truth.

Earlier, Andhra Pradesh police said Jayaram, who was found dead in his car in Krishna district on Friday, was killed over a money dispute.

Realtor Rakesh Reddy, the main accused, and his driver Srinivas were presented before media persons in Nandigama.

The body of Jayaram (55), who was director of Coastal Bank, was found on the back seat of his car off the national highway near Nandiagama close to Vijayawada on January 31.

After grilling many people including his relatives, police cracked the case. Krishna District's Superintendent of Police Sarvashresht Tripathi told reporters that Reddy murdered Jayaram as the latter had failed to repay a Rs 4 crore loan.

Jayaram, also a Managing Director of Express TV, a now defunct Telugu channel, had come to Hyderabad from the US a few days ago. As Reddy was demanding the money, he had blocked his mobile number.

The accused contacted Jayaram on WhatsApp from another number, using the display picture of a woman and started chatting with him. 'She' asked Jayaram to come alone to a house in Jubilee Hills.A

When the businessman reached there, Reddy and his driver overpowered him and tortured him. The realtor demanded Rs 6 crore including the interest. As Jayaram had only Rs 6 lakh with him, Reddy, in a fit of rage, banged him against a sofa. Jayaram sustained a head injury and died on the spot.

The accused then shifted the body to Jayaram's car and took it to Krishna district and left it in a field adjoining the national highway to make it appear like an accident. Before shifting the body, Rakesh spoke to two police officials of Hyderabad over phone.

Police gathered clues from the CCTV footage from different toll gates on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway. Reddy, who was driving the car, also stopped at a wine shop at Nandigama to buy liquor. Empty liquor bottles were later found in the car along with Jayaram's body.

Police investigations revealed that Reddy had come into contact with Jayaram after the latter had sought his help to deal with the problem created by lockout in his company on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Rakesh then became friends with Jayaram's niece Shikha Chowdary.

The SP said their investigations were continuing to find out if any other person or persons were involved in the murder.

Jayaram's wife told reporters in Hyderabad on Tuesday night that Shikha, instead of rushing to the scene, barged into their house in Jubilee Hills.

"May be," she replied when asked if Andhra Pradesh police were trying to shield some accused.

In a related development, two police officials in Telangana were transferred following allegations that after killing Jayaram, the accused spoke to them over phone. Assistant Commissioner of Police Malla Reddy and Circle Inspector Srinivasulu were transferred after their names cropped up during the investigations.
Bengaluru, Feb 5 : Japanese firms are keen to invest in Karnataka's industrial township being developed in Tumakuru district, Japan's Ambassador to India Kenji Hiramatsu said on Tuesday.

"Many Japanese companies are eager to invest in the upcoming Japanese Industrial Township at Vasanthanarasapura in Tumakuru (about 90km from Bengaluru), being developed by the Karnataka government," a statement from Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's office said quoting Hiramatsu.

A Japanese delegation, led by Hiramatsu, met the Chief Minister here on Tuesday.

The township was announced in 2016 by the state government as an exclusive facility to host Japanese businesses in the southern state.

A 519.5-acre area has been earmarked in the Vasanthanarasapura village for setting up of Japanese Industrial Township, Kumaraswamy said in the statement.

"The Township will be an integral part of Tumakuru industrial node in the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor," he added.

The Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor is among the five industrial corridors being developed by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry to boost economic activity and create jobs.

Heavy engineering, machine tools, automotive and aerospace components will be among the key sectors of the industrial township.

"Infrastructure facilities for the township like concrete roads, water supply and tertiary treatment plant, establishment of electric sub-station are in progress," the statement added.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : Delhi contributes 79 per cent of pollution load in the Yamuna river, Haryana government told the Delhi High Court on Tuesday.

Citing a November 2006 report of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Haryana told a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V. Kameswar Rao that Delhi contributes 79 per cent of pollution load in the river while pollution load of Haryana cities of Panipat and Sonipat is shown to be five per cent.

"Yamuna marginally get polluted in Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand before the water is received at Tajewala," Haryana government said.

In the last hearing, Delhi government told the court that the water meant for the city was polluted and Delhi was not getting clean water because Haryana was not allowing clean water to flow into the Yamuna.

The Delhi government has also said that national capital is facing scarcity of clean water due to Haryana which is obstructing the flow of the river.

On Tuesday, the Haryana government told the court that direction has been issued to remove the 'bundhs' .

Haryana also told the court it keeps releasing the nearly 1050 cusecs water from Munak canal for Delhi.

"It is the population of Haryana only, which suffers the vagaries of a lean season and not Delhi as the water works in Haryana would be partly filled/unfilled for some duration," the Haryana government said in a reply.

"Therefore Delhi should take urgent measures to reduce their losses which are alleged to be 10 per cent in treatment and 30 per cent post treatment. Some treatment and post-treatment loses are inevitable, but losses to the extent as projected by DJB are unpardonable and can be termed as criminal wastage of precious raw water."

The bench listed the matter for further hearing on March 13.A

The court was hearing a plea, filed by advocate S.B. Tripathi, who has sought direction to the DJB to provide 100 per cent sewage facility in the entire city and the Central government to provide financial assistance to the DJB for the work.

The plea said that in 2016, the DJB had told the court that only 55 per cent of the Delhi population was covered with sewage facility and there was no sewage facility available to the remaining 45 per cent.

Tripathi has said as 330 cusecs of water was supplied by Haryana through a 'kutcha' canal, 50 per cent of water was being lost due to seepage and Delhi got only about 170-180 cusec water per day.
Purulia, West Bengal : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday termed as "shameful" his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee's attempt to protect Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar from the ongoing CBI probe into the Saradha ponzi scam and hailed the Supreme Court verdict directing him to appear before the central agency.

Hitting out at Banerjee, he said "nothing can be more shameful in a democracy than a state chief minister giving shelter to the "corrupt".

"You have seen that how the state chief minister is busy to protect a state officer involved in Saradha chit fund scam. I want to thank the Supreme Court that has directed the corrupt officer to appear before the CBI," Adityanath said while addressing a huge rally in Bengal's Purulia.

"A chief minister herself tries to protect a corrupt officer -- nothing can be more shameful than this in a democracy. He must meet the CBI and reveal who all are involved in the Saradha scam," he added.

Adityanath, who reached the Purulia rally by road from Jharkhand's Bokaro after the Bengal government denied permission for his helicopter to land in the state, termed the Trinamool Congress government as "corrupt, undemocratic and unconstitutional and urged people to remove them from power.

He also accused the Banerjee government of looting the funds provided by the centre under various central government schemes for the poor.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : The government on Tuesday said it is planning to launch an index to rank states on the basis of 'ease of doing agri-business'.

Minister of State for Agriculture Parshottam Rupala informed the Lok Sabha, in a written reply, that a need was felt to develop a competitive spirit between the states to ensure that the reform agenda of the government was implemented at a desired pace.

"Keeping this in mind to rank the states through an Index i.e. Ease of Doing Agri-Business, a concept note along with parameters for developing an Index has been circulated to all States/UTs inviting their views," he said.

The concept is to consider farming not solely as a production-oriented activity carried out to achieve food security for the country, but as a business activity carried out by farmer as entrepreneur, Rupala noted.

"The proposed index has taken the aspects of increasing production/productivity, increasing price realisation of agri produce and decreasing input costs of production, risk mitigation and investment related attributes.

"The index will obviously help in fostering agriculture among states by promoting a competitive spirit amongst the states," he added.
Vijayawada, Feb 5 : The Andhra Pradesh Police on Tuesday claimed to have cracked the murder case of Florida-based NRI businessman Chigurupati Jayaram with the arrest of a realtor and his driver.

Police said Jayaram, who was found dead in his car in Krishna district on Friday, was killed over a money dispute.

Realtor Rakesh Reddy, the main accused, and his driver Srinivas were presented before media persons.

The body of Jayaram (55), who was director of Coastal Bank, was found on the back seat of his car off the national highway near Nandiagama close to Vijayawada on January 31.

After grilling many people including his relatives, police cracked the case. Krishna District's Superintendent of Police Sarvashresht Tripathi told reporters that Reddy murdered Jayaram as the latter had failed to repay a Rs. 4 crore loan.

Jayaram, also a Managing Director of Express TV, a now defunct Telugu channel, had come to Hyderabad from the US a few days ago. As Reddy was demanding the money, he had blocked his mobile number.

The accused contacted Jayaram on WhatsApp from another number, using the display picture of a woman and started chatting with him. 'She' asked Jayaram to come alone to a house in Jubilee Hills.

When the businessman reached there, Reddy and his driver overpowered him and tortured him. The realtor demanded Rs. 6 crore including the interest. As Jayaram had only Rs 6 lakh with him, Reddy, in a fit of rage, banged him against a sofa. Jayaram sustained a head injury and died on the spot.

The accused then shifted the body to Jayaram's car and took it to Krishna district and left it in a field adjoining the national highway to make it appear like an accident.

Police gathered clues from the CCTV footage from different toll gates on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway. Reddy, who was driving the car, also stopped at a wine shop at Nandigama to buy liquor. Empty liquor bottles were later found in the car along with Jayaram's body.

Police investigations revealed that Reddy had come into contact with Jayaram after the latter had sought his help to deal with the problem created by lockout in his company on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Rakesh then became friends with Jayaram's niece Shikha Chowdary.

The SP said their investigations were continuing to find out if any other person or persons were involved in the murder.
New Delhi: An artist during "Menstrual Health and Awareness Day" programme organised by Delhi government in New Delhi, on Feb 5, 2019. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi: New Delhi: An artist during "Menstrual Health and Awareness Day" programme organised by Delhi government in New Delhi, on Feb 5, 2019. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi: School students during "Menstrual Health and Awareness Day" programme organised by Delhi government in New Delhi, on Feb 5, 2019. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi: A child performs during "Menstrual Health and Awareness Day" programme organised by Delhi government in New Delhi, on Feb 5, 2019. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Feb 5 : Over 8,000 students from 65 schools in the national capital on Tuesday marched at Connaught Place to spread awareness about menstrual hygiene.

On Menstrual Hygiene Day Period Fest '19, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia flagged off the Pad 'Yatra' at Central Park in Connaught Place and asked school students to spread awareness about menstruation.

"I urge each one of you to become brand ambassadors of this message to eradicate shame and silence around periods. You are here to bring about change in the nation!"

The Yatra was organised by a Delhi-based NGO called Sachhi Saheli, which is working to eliminate shame and taboo related to menstruation.

The Fest was divided into various zones that aimed at providing all-round knowledge about period management, women's health, sexual and reproductive health. The 'Yatra' was part of the fest.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Monaco Head of State Prince Albert II during a bilateral meeting, in New Delhi, on Feb 5, 2019. (Photo: IANS/MEA) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Monaco's Head of State Prince Albert II at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, on Feb 5, 2019. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Monaco's Head of State Prince Albert II at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, on Feb 5, 2019. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Feb 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held talks with Monaco's ruler, Prince Albert II, with the two exchanging views on enhancing cooperation, especially in environment and climate change and renewable energy.

Prince Albert, who is on his first official visit to India, met the Prime Minister at Hyderabad House here and the two leaders agreed identified infrastructure as an area with vast potential to establish linkages.

They agreed that India's rapid economic growth offers an enhanced investment opportunity for companies from Monaco in various sectors and there is also scope for business cooperation.

It was also announced that a visa waiver will be granted to Monaco diplomat passport holders for visiting India and the officials from both sides will be working to finalise this agreement.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that there was "a good exchange of views on enhancing cooperation, especially in environment and climate change and renewable energy through sharing best practices".

He said that India and Monaco established diplomatic relations in 2007, though the friendship goes back much further in time.

The two leaders discussed ways to expand the multi-faceted partnership in areas of mutual interest.

"During the discussions, it was agreed that there is a vast potential for establishing linkages especially in the mutually beneficial area of infrastructure development," said a joint press communique after the meeting.

It said that India and Monaco have shared interest in tackling climate change and use of ocean resources along with commitment for sustainable growth.

"The visit also demonstrated willingness of both sides to step up cooperation in renewable energy, urban affairs (including smart cities) environment and climate issues," it said.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the visiting leader, while President Ram Nath Kovind hosted a lunch in his honour.
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee during a sit-in (dharna) demonstration over the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with a ponzi scheme scam, in Kol Image Source: IANS News

Kolkata, Feb 5 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday launched a scathing attack at the Centre for asking the state government to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar for participating in the sit-in here and claimed that the officer "never joined" her on the dais.

Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of trying to control "even the state-run agencies", she demanded that Modi should resign from the PM's chair and go back to the role of Gujrat Chief Minister if people re-elect him.

"He never joined, never joined, never joined. All the media from state, national and international level, have any of you seen him on the dais? Then why is the Centre so scared about a police officer? Why are they behaving like Rajeev Kumar is their nightmare?" Banerjee said, adding the Centre's allegation is a "blatant lie".

"It is a political vendetta. They want to control all the agencies including the state agencies. Then the Prime Minister should resign from Delhi and go back Gujrat if people elect him," she said.

The Trinamool Congress supremo mocked the saffron outfit saying she feels that Kumar could be a "good Prime Ministerial candidate" for BJP as they are giving so much importance to a police officer.

"Please remember that the duty of the police officer is to accompany the Chief Minister, the Prime Minister, the Governor or President to give them protection. It is the law," she said.

"I am the chief minister and I am sitting here. Can't they even talk to me downstairs? There is a special room behind the 'dharna-manch' (dais). Even we conducted the cabinet meeting there yesterday. Go and see this," she told the media persons present at the venue.

Terming the BJP-government at the Centre as a "one man government", Banerjee said the current regime should be ousted from power as they do not believe in democracy.

"Do you have to monitor the state administration, law and order, agriculture, education? You want to monitor everything? Then it is one-man government going on, a one-party government going on. There is no need for democracy," she said.

Banerjee said the BJP government at the Centre has become so desperate to retain power that they cannot bear any other political parties, media, even the IPS officers or the state officials who are not with them.

"Will Modi stay alone and all will go out of the country? Only he is the swadeshi (patriot) and the rest are foreigners. I think we need to oust the Modi government," she said.

"We want the atrocities to be stopped. If there are anymore atrocities, we will fight together. We will not allow this. We will only allow the constitutional and legal provisions," Banerjee added.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sources on Tuesday said a letter has been written to the West Bengal Chief Secretary to initiate action against the 1989-batch IPS officer citing "indiscipline, and violation of All India Services rules by the officer".
New Delhi, Feb 5 : A parliamentary committee headed by BJP MP Anurag Thakur has summoned Twitter India along with representatives from Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for alleged bias against "nationalist" accounts.

The Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology will examine the issue of 'Safeguarding citizens rights on social media/online news platforms' in its meeting on February 11, panel head Anurag Thakur tweeted.

This comes after activist-advocate Ishkaran Singh Bhandari met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on January 28 and apprised him of the alleged "discriminatory and unfair practices" by Twitter, which he said were a "threat to national security".

In his application, Bhandari alleged that Twitter was suspending accounts which either support "Indic ideals or the current government".

The panel is scheduled to meet on February 11 in Parliament complex.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : Suggesting all-round reforms, including in policies, laws and institutions along with the mechanism to implement them, a citizen collective on Tuesday sought the cognisance of political parties and voters at large in their bid to ensure that pertinent issues are raised during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The reforms document titled "Reclaiming the Republic" has been drafted by experts from various fields, including lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan, politician-psephologist Yogendra Yadav and economist Prabhat Patnaik, under the chairmanship of former Delhi High Court Chief Justice A.P. Shah.

Releasing the document here on Tuesday, they said the Indian republic was facing multiple challenges from the Narendra Modi-led dispensation and the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections were an opportunity to "retrieve and reclaim" the republic from manipulation and subversion.

"Today our republic is under great threat and we are here to defend it. Defend it not just by opposing one party or the other, but by coming out with a document which is a rough guide to democracy," said Yadav while talking to the media about the reforms.

Besides putting up the details of the reforms, including the mechanism to implement them, on a website "reclaimingtherepublic.in", the collective has invited all political parties to share suggestions and get them incorporated in their manifestos.

"The Lok Sabha elections are on the horizon and the only political discourse that we have is the blame game. We have invited all the political parties on February 8 and will share with them the reforms we have suggested so that they are incorporated in their manifestos. Pertinent issues like agrarian crisis, slumping economy and rising unemployment are not just raised during the elections but the ways to tackle them are also ensured," said Yadav.

The citizen collective will also campaign across the nation ahead of the general elections with the reforms that include guaranteeing universal basic services and social security, assured income for farmers, doing away with draconian laws and electoral reforms to reduce the influence of money in elections.

Speaking on the occasion, Shah expressed concerns over the way dissent was being crushed and democratic institutions subverted under the Modi regime.

"We are at a time when fundamental notions of a modern India appear to be under great threat. From the freedom to think and express being trampled upon to people's choice of food being dictated, there are numerous threats that the republic is facing today.

"Today our loyalty to the country is being tested on new grounds like chanting of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jay' or unfurling the tri-colour," said Shah.

Shah and Bhushan harped on the judicial and electoral reforms that include scrapping of draconian laws like sedition, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and criminal defamation and blasphemy laws.

The document also has elaborate details about the ways to implement the reforms, including the budget and the sources to fund them.

"The reforms that we have suggested will roughly need funds to the tune of 5 per cent of the GDP which can be achieved through increasing the level of direct taxes which is currently very low.

"We have suggested a combination of inheritance tax, wealth tax and income tax so as to raise the direct tax level," said Patnaik.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : UNICEF on Tuesday called for global concerted action to prevent online violence, cyberbullying and digital harassment for over 70 per cent of children and young people online.

The call, made on Safer Internet Day, comes following a recent United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) poll of young people, which received more than a million responses over five weeks from more than 160 countries, and suggestions from a series of student-led #ENDviolence Youth Talks held around the world.

"We've heard from children and young people from around the globe and what they are saying is clear: The Internet has become a kindness desert," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore.

That's why, she said, UNICEF is inviting everyone, young and old, to be kind online, and calling for greater action to make the Internet a safer place for everyone.

According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), while 94 per cent of young people, aged 15-24 in developed countries are online, more than 65 per cent of young people in developing countries are online. This is well ahead of the pace of Internet usage among the general population. Worldwide, half of the total population, regardless of age, is online.

"This online proliferation comes with increased risk," Fore said. According to data from UNESCO on the prevalence of cyberbullying in high-income countries, the proportion of children and adolescents who are affected by cyberbullying ranges from 5 per cent to 21 per cent, with girls appearing to be more likely to experience cyberbullying than boys.

Cyberbullying can cause profound harm as it can quickly reach a wide audience, and can remain accessible online indefinitely, virtually following its victims online for life. Victims of cyberbullying are more likely to use alcohol and drugs and skip school than other students. In extreme situations, cyberbullying has led to suicide.

In honour of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF also called for renewed urgency and cooperation to put children's rights at the forefront of digital efforts.

As part of this, it is implementing programmes to leverage the internet's promise of connectivity and education on behalf of the world's children.

"Thirty years after the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the creation of the World Wide Web, it is time for governments, families, academia and the private sector to put children and young people at the centre of digital policies," said Fore.
New Delhi/Bengaluru, Feb 5 : BJP's Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Tuesday sought a transparent inquiry into the crash of the upgraded IAF Mirage-2000 fighter in Bengaluru on February 1, resulting in the death of two ace test pilots.

"We need a thorough and transparent inquiry into the crash of an HAL-upgraded IAF Mirage in Bengaluru and the loss of life of its two brave warriors," said Chandrasekhar in a statement from New Delhi.

Although the lawmaker submitted a request for discussion on the crash in the Upper House, disruption of the proceedings by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) members did not allow the Zero Hour.

"Though I had submitted a Zero Hour mention on the issue, it could not be taken up due to disruption of the proceedings by the TMC members," lamented the member in the statement.

The test pilots -- Squadron Leader Samir Abrol from Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh and Squadron Leader Siddartha Negi from Dehradun in Uttarkhand died from fatal injuries after the fighter crashed while taking off from the military airport on an acceptance sortie after an upgrade by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

The pilots, commissioned in the air force a decade ago, were on deputation as test pilots at the IAF's Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) in this tech hub from their respective air bases.

"I appeal to those in the political class who dithered in the modernisation of the IAF combat fleet for over a decade whilst they bought helicopters for VIPs -- to not obstruct modernisation to score brownie points," he said.

"Doing so (politicking) would be to put our brave young aviators at risk unrelated to the enemy or combat mission," the lawmaker said.

Recalling that many brave air warriors lost their life in similar test flights or regular sorties, Chandrasekhar said the government should fix accountability for the mishaps.

"It is our collective duty to ensure the brave combat aviators fly the latest aircraft and not continue with 35-40-year-old aircraft to fulfil their missions in peace and war for our nation," the member added.

A joint inquiry by HAL and IAF will be held to ascertain the causes that led to the fatal crash of the ill-fated French fighter on a test flight.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : The US is trying to do to Venezuela what it did to Libya and Iraq with a military intervention on "artificial" grounds and attempts for a coup are underway through mercenaries, Venezuela Ambassador to India Augusto Montiel said on Tuesday.

Venezuela is mired in political turmoil which began when opposition leader Juan Guaido -- backed by the US -- rejected last year's election as not free and on January 23 declared himself "interim President" of the nation till fresh polls were conducted.

"The US has never accepted election results in Venezuela except when the winning candidate has been backed by it. It attempted a coup against Hugo Chavez in 2002 but failed. Same story is being repeated again. This is unacceptable to us," Montiel told reporters here.

He accused Washington of attempting to topple the "democratically elected" government of Nicolas Maduro through a military intervention.

He said that the US was going to use Brazil and Colombia as its military bases for its intervention through mercenaries.

Austria, Britain, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Spain and Sweden have recognized Guaido as interim President.

But Russia and China -- both UN Security Council members -- weighed in favour of Maduro.

The Ambassador said a "propaganda campaign was being run by international news agencies which were spreading lies about the conditions in Venezuela".

He called Guaido a "puppet of US" and a man "trained by the Central Intelligence Agency".

The diplomat added that the economic crisis in his country was because of the US-imposed sanctions, which led to a drop in its oil exports.

Since the US sanctions, imposed last week in an attempt to force Maduro out of power, India's oil import has reduced by 100,000 barrels per day.

India used to import 500,000 barrels per day from Venezuela, which has now come down to 400,000 barrels per day, the diplomat said.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to relax the July 31 deadline for publishing Assam's final National Register of Citizens (NRC) as it expressed its disapproval of the Centre's plea for putting the updation work on hold after the Lok Sabha election schedule is announced.

"The Ministry of Home Affairs is bent upon that NRC work is not carried out. The entire effort of the Ministry is to destroy this process. If you want NRC work to go on, there are 1,001 ways of doing it. The government is not co-operating," Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said.

His remarks came after Attorney General K.K. Venugopal apprised the apex court of the Centre's stand that work on NRC updation should be put on hold after the Lok Sabha elections are announced.

Brushing aside the Centre's request, the bench of Chief Justice Gogoi and Justice Rohinton Nariman asked the poll panel to examine if it could hold elections in the state by sparing 3,457 officers who would continue with the NRC work.

"We also request the Election Commission of India to examine the case of exemption of officers, in the rank of District Magistrates, Additional District Magistrates, etc..., from transfers which are likely to be made in view of the elections," the court said in its order.

The Election Commission, the order said, will consider the matter "keeping in mind that this Court which has consistently monitored the NRC work is of the view that least interference should come in such works so that final NRC is made and published on the stipulated date i.e. 31st July, 2019."

Declining to pass any order, at this stage, on the request made by the Centre, the Chief Justice said, "we direct that adequate number of state government officials (number indicated by the state Coordinator as 3,457) which would consist of officers in different ranks as stated in the report, be kept free for NRC work".

The availability of the said officers for NRC work, the court said "would still leave out over 2,000 persons currently engaged in NRC work for being engaged in the election work at the relevant point of time".

Expressing "disappointment" over the stand of the Central government and making it clear that they are not extending the deadline, Chief Justice Gogoi said: "Is it too much to ask the government of India for both works to go on? Both exercises are important for the country."

Attorney General Venugopal told the court that in 2014 polls, 2,500 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) were deployed and in 2019, this is likely to go up to 2,700 and would require withdrawing some of those currently posted in Assam.

Besides deployment for election duties, the central police forces are also required for guarding the borders, he added.

Noting a statement by the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs that there are 3,000 CAPF companies, Chief Justice Gogoi said that even if 2,700 of them are deployed for election duty, still there are enough to take care of other requirements.

Meanwhile, NRC state Co-ordinator Prateek Hajela urged the court to reschedule, by two weeks, the updation work of NRC which would involve hearing of claims and objections.

He said that with elections on, the process of holding hearings on claims and objections is also likely to generate passions.

The top court in the last hearing of the matter on January 24 had directed convening of a meeting of the Assam Chief Secretary, the Election Commission and the Co-ordinator to find a way to avoid any clash of work involving preparation of final NRC and holding of the Lok Sabha elections as it extended the publication of final NRC till July 31.

Making it clear that the work on the updation of NRC and the holding of Lok Sabha elections had to go together without any of the two coming each other's way, the court had then asked the three to "devise a way to deal with the situation".
Moscow, Feb 5 : The Russian Defence Ministry on Tuesday announced its plan to develop and deploy within two years two new cruise and hypersonic missiles as Moscow's initial response to the US' decision to abandon the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty .

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia will develop new ground versions of its intermediate-range Kalybr cruise missile and hypersonic missile, Efe news reported.

The INF Treaty was signed in 1987 between the then Soviet Union and the US on the elimination of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles.

Moscow and Washington have been accusing each other of violating the agreement in recent years amid increasing tensions.

"During 2019 and 2020 we will develop a new ground variant of the sea-launched long-range cruise missile that functioned so well in Syria," Shoigu said at a press conference.

"Within the same time-frame we will develop a ground version of our hypersonic missile."

The sea and air variants of these missiles were already operational, Shoigu said, adding that "it will allow a considerable reduction of the new missile's delivery schedule and overall project cost".

"Our priority is to increase the range of our current ground missile systems."

Shoigu ordered his Deputy Defence Minister Alexei Krivoruchko to begin developing both weapon projects "in the very near future" within the multi-annual budget assignment set aside for this purpose.

Last Saturday, Shoigu detailed these plans to President Vladimir Putin after the latter announced that Russia had also forsaken the INF Treaty.

The Russian Defence Minister also said that Washington was already actively developing new ground missiles with a range exceeding 500 km, therefore violating INF guidelines.

On Saturday, Putin assured Russia's response to the US decision would be "symmetrical" but that nevertheless, Moscow would still refrain from deploying weapons with a range between 500 and 5,500 km in European Russia and other global regions, so long as Washington also agreed not to.

On Friday, Washington announced that it had suspended its INF Treaty-related obligations after Russia refused to destroy its Novator 9M729 cruise missile which, according to Washington, allegedly violated the INF treaty.
Chandigarh, Feb 5 : Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal has expressed concern over the release of highly polluted water into the Yamuna river and the Gurugram canal by Delhi.

He directed departments concerned to ensure that no untreated or partially treated effluent is released into the Yamuna and the Gurugram canal.

In a letter addressed to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Manohar Lal has drawn his attention to the problem of sever pollution of the Yamuna water being caused as it flows through Delhi.

He said the Yamuna enters Delhi at Palla in Sonepat district and again near Okhla head in Basantpur village in Faridabad district.

It travels a stretch of around 52 km in Delhi. During this course, more than 60 drains having partially treated or untreated effluents of industrial or domestic sources flow into it.

This causes severe pollution of the river before its re-entry into Haryana, he added.

Manohar Lal highlighted that bio-chemical oxygen demand (BOD) in the river at Basantpur village during July-December 2018 has ranged from 45-46 milligram per litre against the permissible limit of 3.0 milligram per liter.

The BOD in Gurugram Canal, the only major source of irrigation water for the Mewat area, ranged from 32-45 milligram per liter during the same period.

This, he said, was a matter of grave concern as the release of highly polluted water into river Yamuna and Gurugram canal severely affects the health of a large number of families of Gurugram, Faridabad, Palwal and Nuh districts.

Besides, it also hits agricultural productivity in these districts.
Kolkata, Feb 5 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday ended her sit-in to protest against the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with its probe into the ponzi scheme scam after the "positive" apex court verdict.

She also announced a meeting of opposition leaders in the national capital next week.

Banerjee had begun her "Save Constitution" dharna on Sunday evening after a team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials showed up near the Loudon Street residence of the Kolkata Police chief and were taken away by state police personnel.

Terming her dharna a victory for the "people, country and democracy", she said she was ending it as requested by senior opposition party leaders after the Supreme Court verdict.

"I have decided (to end the dharna) because of the requests from all the political parties. I have no problem. I have previously done 26 day-hunger strike here. I have also done 14 days dharna in Singur also. But we have got the justice from at least one democratic institution.

"This dharna was not a political agitation. It was an agitation to save India and India's democracy. Let us end it today because the Supreme Court gave a very positive verdict. It was verdict of the people, by the people, for the people," Banerjee announced from the dais with her Andhra Pradesh counterpart Chandrababu Naidu by her side.

Hearing the case on Tuesday, the Supreme Court had ruled that Rajeev Kumar could be questioned by the probe agency but it could not arrest him or use any coercive action against him.

Banerjee said the officer concerned has already initiated proceedings to meet the central agency at a mutually agreed place as per the judgment.

She said she would attend an opposition party meeting to be held in Delhi next week, adding that it could be held on February 13-14 but the decision was yet to be taken.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday said Alka Lamba remains with the party, rejecting the claims of its Chandni Chowk MLA that she is being sidelined.

AAP spokesman Saurabh Bhardwaj said this to IANS after Lamba claimed that AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had unfollowed her on Twitter.

She also expressed her displeasure to the AAP leadership, asking them to clear their stance on her position in the party.

"The party has no intention of removing her. It is very easy for a party to suspend people. We even took back people after suspension when we found that they have changed," Bhardwaj said.

"You have to follow certain discipline and decorum in the party or for that matter in any organisation," he added.

Regarding the "unfollowing" on Twitter, he said it was purely the Chief Minister's choice who he wants to follow.

Party leader Gopal Rai also rejected Lamba's claim.

"The party is not distancing itself from her. She is part of the party and working for the party is her responsibility," Rai said, In December, Lamba claimed that the party had sought her resignation and had removed her from the WhatsApp groups. The party denied this.

Her isolation in the party comes amid speculation that she intended to join the Congress. Lamba had repeatedly denied this, saying she wishes to work with AAP.
Shimla, Feb 5 : The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday issued a travel advisory after an avalanche warning in the high hills by the Manali-based Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE).

The SASE issued an avalanche threat in Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, Kinnaur and Kullu districts.

A state government spokesperson said the district administrations have been advised to keep search and rescue teams on standby and ask people to avoid travel.

The western disturbances -- storm systems originating from Caspian Sea and moving across the Afghanistan-Pakistan region -- will be active in the region till Thursday, Met Office Director Manmohan Singh told IANS.

Under the influence of an active western disturbance, rain and snowfall is likely to occur at most places in the state on February 6 and 7, he said.

There are chances of heavy snowfall at some places in Kullu, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, Kangra and Kinnaur districts from Wednesday.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : Even as the Delhi High Court sought a response from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a plea challenging the detention of high profile 'corporate lobbyist' Deepak Talwar, information gathered during his questioning in custody is expected to open a Pandora's box, exposing close links between bureaucrats, politicians, big business, media and middlemen that has the prospect of triggering seismic jolts in Lutyen's Delhi.

Soon after his arrest -- his lawyer Mukul Rohatgi told the court earlier, "Government of India abducted my client" -- the ED said that Talwar, who had been brought in from Dubai along with Rajeev Saxena, was required to be questioned in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case and the manner in which national carrier Air India gave up profit-making routes to benefit domestic and foreign private airlines.

Talwar's return to India after over 20 months in Dubai, has turned the needle of suspicion towards a number of bureaucrats, politicians and journalists, mainly those connected with civil aviation.

These include Ministry of Civil Aviation officials, officials of the National Aviation Company of India Ltd and Air India, who favoured foreign airlines, including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia. The key person in the negotiations is said to be the then Minister for Civil Aviation.

There are reports that Talwar was handed a hefty sum every month by a key airline operator to identify officials and media persons who could be compromised and help its cause.

Talwar's arrest is likely to unnerve officials and politicians who have been on either side of the political divide because of the uncertainty over what he might reveal. A well-networked man, he started his lobbying career with Coca-Cola and was said to have been close to Ranjan Bhattacharya, the controversial foster son-in-law of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

His stars grew bright following his association with the then Minister for Civil Aviation. In fact, during those days he was known as the pointman of this Minister.

The journalists and bureaucrats on his payroll helped him to stay ahead of developments. In fact, for a long time after the lid blew off on his operations, there was little noise over his escape and that he was in hiding in Dubai -- which is being attributed to the pay-offs to people in positions of influence.

The deals over an increase in seats to the private domestic and foreign airlines were struck during meetings in Dubai, Sharjah, and Qatar. The discussions with Indian and UAE officials were held for Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras-al-Khaima after which there was an increase in the number of seats for the contracting countries.

There is an alleged correlation between the networking at the highest level of the power structure and a money trail that investigating agencies claim can be traced back to Talwar once he starts coming out with details during his interrogation.

There have allegedly been pay-offs to bureaucrats and media persons and at the root of this are Talwar's consultancy DTA, an NGO called Advantage India and public relations firm PR.

The ED says that between June and November, 2008, Talwar received $45 million in his Bank of Singapore account, and then another $15 million from Qatar and Air Arabia.

Talwar is described by the agency as a middleman in the negotiations that helped private airlines get lucrative routes that Air India operated on. The result was massive losses to the national carrier. The pay-offs and inducements to those who colluded in the scam that killed Air India is believed to have continued till the latter half of 2017.

The airline has accumulated losses of over Rs 55,000 crore. The government evidently believes it is a lost cause as it allocated a mere Rs 1,00,000 to it as extra budgetary support on Friday triggering rumours that it might finally be privatised.

Talwar's interrogation could well reveal the names of those who took down the national carrier while their pockets were being lined.

The ED told the court: "It has been alleged that officials of Ministry of Civil Aviation, NACIL, Air India, by abusing their official positions as public servants and receiving illegal gratification, in conspiracy with other public servants, private domestic and foreign airlines, made the national carrier give up profit-making routes and profit-making timings of Air India in favour of national and international domestic and foreign private airlines."
Dehradun: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman meets the family members of Squadron Leader Siddharth Negi who died when a newly-upgraded Mirage 2000 fighter crashed at the HAL airport on Bengaluru; in Dehradun, on Feb 5, 2019. Also seen Uttarkhand Chi Image Source: IANS News

Ghaziabad: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman meets family members of Squadron Leader Sameer Abrol, who died when a newly-upgraded Mirage 2000 fighter crashed at the HAL airport on Bengaluru; in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, on Feb 5, 2019. (Photo: IAN Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Feb 5 (IANS) "We give our warriors outdated machines to fight, they still deliver it with all their prowess and might," goes a viral message in the name of Garima Abrol, wife of Squadron Leader Samir Abrol who died in a Mirage-2000 crash along with his colleague Siddharth Negi.

But Samir's brother Sushant told IANS on Tuesday that it was him who penned the message not her. He said he was overcome by emotions while flying back with his brother's coffin and that it was a comment on the system in general with no reference to anyone specific.

"Never had he breathed so heavy, as for the last time, while the bureaucracy enjoyed its corrupt cheese and wine, " read the message, but Sushant said that the word "corrupt" has been taken in a wrong sense.

He said there were eight other officers on that flight and he saw tears in their eyes as they were my brother's course mates who had spent all the time with him. "I realised it could have happened with one of them also," he said. It is not the family's loss but loss for the air force, for his friends, he said. "What I wrote was in the flow of things," he said.

Sushant said the family is awaiting the outcome of the court of inquiry report of the accident to know about the causes and are with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Abrol and Negi were highly trained Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) test pilots.

Defense minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited the families of the two pilots on Tuesday to express her condolences.

The accident has brought HAL under accountability cloud. The aircraft was upgraded by HAL and was on an acceptance sortie.

Talking about his brother, Sushant said he opted to become a test pilot which is five times riskier than a normal fighter pilot.

(For more: ianstweets@ians.in)

(Gautam Datt can be contacted at datt.gautam@gmail.com)
New Delhi, Feb 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose a Sunday to tour the scenic Dal Lake in Srinagar. But much to the embarrassment of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a video of him waving at the empty lake gave many Twitteratis an occasion to poke fun at the Prime Minister and some to score a political point.

Despite the tight security measures put in place to make sure no civilian comes too close to the Prime Minister, Modi dressed up for the occasion just like any other tourist would. Besides covering himself up in warm clothes from head to toe, the Prime Minister did not even forget his black shades.

And he perhaps posed for the video which went viral on Monday just as he would on any other occasion - waving at enthusiastic crowd, except that there was no crowd that day.

Seeing the video, BJP's former ally and People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti mocked the Prime Minister, saying he was waving at countless imaginary "friends" in Kashmir.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was much less scathing though.

"This camera person has done the Hon PM a huge disservice by not showing all the people furiously waving back because there is no way the PM would be waving at an empty lake," Abdullah tweeted in his response to the video.

Some wondered if the Prime Minister was waving at the migratory birds at the lake. Whatever may be the reason, the video did serve to heat up discussions on Twitter in a wintry day.
Entrepreneur Reuben Singh -- also known as the Bill Gates of Britain -- took the Internet by storm when he updated the picture of his six newly-purchased Rolls-Royce luxury cars and added them to his personal "Jewels collection by Singh" fleet that c Image Source: IANS News

Entrepreneur Reuben Singh -- also known as the Bill Gates of Britain -- took the Internet by storm when he updated the picture of his six newly-purchased Rolls-Royce luxury cars and added them to his personal "Jewels collection by Singh" fleet that c Image Source: IANS News

London, Feb 5 : Entrepreneur Reuben Singh -- also known as the Bill Gates of Britain -- took the Internet by storm when he updated pictures of his six newly purchased Rolls-Royce cars and added them to his personal "Jewels Collection by Singh" fleet. Itcost him just Rs 50 crore.

Founder and CEO of the alldayPA contact centre company, Singh's latest Rolls-Royace collection includes three Phantom luxury sedans and three Cullinan luxury SUVs -- named Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds.

The "Jewel Collection" with Phantom -- the most expensive Rolls-Royce sedan in the market and Cullinan -- the only SUV produced by the British luxury car marker -- was delivered to Singh by Torsten Muller-Otvos, chief executive officer (CEO) of Rolls-Royce, himself, the media reported on Monday.

"There is always a little room for more," Singh captioned the picture of his grand new Rolls-Royace fleet on his Instagram account.

The British entrepreneur became an internet sensation in December 2017 for the "seven day Rolls-Royce Turban Challenge", in which he matched the colour of his turban with his 7 Rolls Royce for a week, after an Englishman mocked his turban.

With the latest addition to his garage, the total number of Rolls-Royce models in Singh's possession has reached 20.

The car-enthusiast is a proud owner of other super-expensive and desirable luxury cars like Bugatti Veyron, Porsche 918 Spyder, Pagani Huayara, Lamborghini Huracan and Ferrari F12 Berlinetta (the only one of its kind in the world).

Born into a business family, the entrepreneur is CEO of private equity fund Isher Capital and has served on a government advisory panel for small businesses under former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : Amar Nath Sehgal Private Collection, a studio-turned-museum celebrating the modernist sculptor Amar Nath Sehgal (1922-2007) who was part of a landmark case against the Union of India, opened for the public on Tuesday.

Located in Jangpura here, the museum has the Padma Bhushan (awarded posthumously in 2008) recipient's sculptures, sketches, sketchbooks, photographs, tapestries, poems and other documented ephemera curated on two consecutively elevated floors.

The museum opened its doors to viewing with the screening of a film on the artist, "Amar Nath Sehgal: A Portrait", directed by Rajiv Mehrotra with music by Pt Ravi Shankar and Yehudi Menuhin at the India International Centre, on the sculptor's birthday (February 5).

Catalogue "The Amar Nath Sehgal Project: Delhi-NCR Chapter" documenting his artworks, locating his lost sculptures and their restoration projects, was launched at the inauguration. It was prepared by a team spearheaded by curator-archiver Shruthi Issac.

His son and the museum's founder-director Rajan Sehgal, who received the studio in the sculptor's will, said that it took him a few years to gather the nerve to embark on the renovation.

"I was overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the task, given the vast number of sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and poetry that needed to be taken care of," he said at the opening.

Born in Campbellpur, in what is now Pakistani Punjab, Sehgal was also witness to the tragedy of the Partition, an event he described as a "holocaust".

"My nerves were shattered, having witnessed the holocaust, with millions killed and many more millions uprooted from their ancestral hearths and homes, on both sides of the border, to seek refuge, solace, security and peace, keeping their bodies and souls together," he wrote in "American Education: An Experience" sometime in the 1960s that dealt extensively with his three-year sojourn in the US from 1949. The memoir now resides in the museum.

Shifting to the Kullu Valley in the wake of Partition, Sehgal applied to study sculpture in the US coupled with the motive to "get out of India", he wrote in the memoir, explaining why the tragedy led to his search for a foreign land.

He returned to India in 1951, citing in his memoir a "strange pull" that spurred him to come back to India for the second time and work for the revival of folk arts in the country's rural space.

A famous case which closed in 2005, involved the court recognising the artists' moral rights to their works of art, after Sehgal demanded damages and apology when his Vigyan Bhawan sculpture was pulled down without permission or notice. The case is still held as a pioneering event for evolution for moral rights in India.
New Delhi/Mumbai, Feb 5 : The country's passenger vehicle (PV) segment might miss growth expectations of 7-9 per cent in FY19 as tight liquidity conditions and high interest cost continues to dent consumer sentiments, said a note by brokerage house Centrum Research.

In a research note on January automobile sales -- 2019 Starts in the Slow Lane -- the brokerage house cited that higher inventory levels, low consumer sentiment, tough market conditions and tight liquidity dampened sales in the domestic auto market during January 2019.

"Elections and low consumer market sentiment could continue to keep growth in PVs under check in the coming months as well," the note issued on February 4 said.

"Considering subdued sentiment, the PV segment looks to miss growth expectations of 7 per cent - 9 per cent in FY19."

According to the brokerage house, Maruti Suzuki once again posted subdued sales, just 0.2 per cent, in the domestic market in Jan'19. Hyundai's sales, too, were muted at 0.6 per cent and M&M showed marginal growth of 0.8 per cent. Tata Motors disappointed, posting a double-digit decline of 11.1 per cent in the domestic PV market.

In terms of commercial vehicles (CV), the note said low consumer sentiment and new axle norms have hit medium and heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) sales, in turn overall CV sales.

"Tata Motors posted a decline of 5.8 per cent whereas Ashok Leyland reported a good growth of 9.1 per cent, which was a positive surprise. Eicher Motors also posted a decline of 13.2 per cent. The surprise from Ashok Leyland may have come from stock adjustment at dealership levels," the note read.

"We expect pain for CVs to continue in the coming months."

On two-wheelers, the brokerage house said: "We continue to maintain our 9% (approx.)volume growth estimate in the domestic market, despite disappointment in Jan'19."

"This is primarily due to the government's strong focus on the rural economy as highlighted in the recent budget."

The note highlighted that Bajaj Auto is safely placed with 40 per cent sales exposure to export markets.
London, Feb 5 : John Cantlie, British photo-journalist who was taken hostage in Syria in 2012 and featured in a number of Islamic State (IS) terror group's propaganda videos, is believed to be alive, UK Security Minister Ben Wallace said on Tuesday.

He was kidnapped along with American journalist James Foley while covering the Syrian conflict in November 2012.

Wallace told reporters in London the British government believed Cantlie was still being held by the IS, the Independent reported.

Foley was beheaded alongside other British and American hostages in 2014, while Cantlie was forced to appear in propaganda videos criticising Western foreign policy and military action.

Cantlie was later featured in a series of mock news reports from different IS strongholds and his byline appeared on articles in the group's English-language magazine.

Asked about British hostages around the world, Wallace said the UK does not pay ransom and discourages other countries from doing so.

Cantlie's relatives had made a series of emotional appeals for his release. His father Paul Cantlie released a video shortly before dying, two years after his capture.

Cantlie's sister Jessica appealed for "direct contact" with the IS in 2014 and said the family was open to dialogue with the jihadis.

Cantlie is one of the three foreign journalists unaccounted for in Syria, including American Austin Tice and South African Shiraz Mohamed.
New Delhi, Feb 5 (IANS) Online share of smartphone shipments in India reached a record 36 per cent in 2018 driven by a strong performance by Flipkart and Amazon. These numbers are set to change drastically with the new FDI rules in e-commerce in place.

More than half of total online smartphone sales in India happen on Flipkart and with new rules settling in, the e-tailer is in for short-term losses in the days to come.

"There will be a short-term impact. On an average, the online contribution to the total smartphone sales remain around 32-33 per cent during this time which can go down by 2-3 per cent points due to new rules," Tarun Pathak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, told IANS.

As a consequence of the new e-commerce regulations, there will also be a market correction.

"While we would see online sales of smartphones and electronics dip on etailers like Flipkart and Amazon, we will have to wait until the beginning of Q2 to clearly evaluate and map the impact," added Prabhu Ram, Head-Industry Intelligence Group (IIG) at market research firm CMR.

A report by US investment banker Morgan Stanley said on Monday that the new FDI rules may require Flipkart to remove as much as 25 per cent products from its platform and most of those will be smartphones and electronics that constitute a bulk of sales.

An email sent to Flipkart went unanswered.

The new FDI rules come at a time when India's overall mobile phone shipments grew 11 per cent and smartphone shipments grew 10 per cent with feature phones growing faster than smartphones .

India was also the fastest-growing smartphone market in 2018 with an annual growth rate of 10 per cent and online sales contributed heavily, forcing traditional manufacturers to launch their products online.

Chinese brands, which are mostly online, registered their strongest ever annual performance in India capturing a record 60 per cent smartphone market share up from 54 per cent during 2017.

According to Morgan Stanley, retail giant Walmart may exit Flipkart over new FDI norms.

"An exit is likely, not completely out of the question, with the Indian e-commerce market becoming more complicated," the report said.

Pathak, however, said he does not see any major long-term implication as e-commerce market is still under-penetrated in India.

"Another implication will be around delay in new launches and new seller agreements for online companies which can push some of the product launches," Pathak noted.

The market can also see some other e-commerce companies getting new portfolio of smartphone brands which were earlier not available to them.

"Vendors would need to plan, and redraw their India strategies," added Ram.

(Nishant Arora can be contacted at nishant.a@ians.in)
New Delhi, Feb 5 : Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba held a high level meeting on Tuesday to fast-track the implementation of the Kartarpur corridor project.

Punjab Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh, BSF DG R.K. Misra, Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad Ajay Bisaria and senior officers of other agencies attended the meeting.

They discussed the acquisition of land for the highway as well as for the integrated check-post. It was informed that the preliminary notification for land acquisition for the highway has been issued.

Home Ministry sources said the Punjab government has assured that land for both the projects would be made available by mid-March.

Meanwhile, land to start preliminary work would be made available to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI).

A detailed plan is expected to be finalised in the next few days.

The meeting was informed that coordinates of zero point have been communicated to Pakistan.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : Digitally invested Assets Under Management (AUM) are likely to grow 80 per cent to Rs 450 billion in 2019, said a report said on Tuesday.

In 2018, the total value of AUM investments made through digital channels was Rs 250 billion.

"Deloitte India predicts that wealth management in the country will see a continuous and significant shift towards 'digital investing', i.e., investment in financial assets through mobile or web applications," said the 'Technology, Media and Telecommunications India Predictions 2019'.

"In comparison, overall retail AUM is expected to grow 37 per cent. In other words, digital investing will grow at more than double the rate of overall investment in mutual funds," it said.

It further said if the projected growth rate for 2019 continues beyond the year, the AUM for individual investments in mutual funds invested digitally will cross Rs 1 trillion by 2021.

In finance, assets under management, sometimes called funds under management, measures the total market value of all the financial assets which a financial institution such as a mutual fund, venture capital firm, or brokerage house manages on behalf of its clients and themselves Technology will play a crucial role in providing equal access to investments and wealth management, the report said.

On the over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms, the report said the segment will witness growth both in terms of demand and supply and the online video audience is likely to double over the next three years.

"Young population, smartphone penetration, low cost broadband quality and breadth of content, digital payment ecosystem are factors driving the demand for OTT video content in India," it said.

Jehil Thakkar, Partner, Deloitte India said: "This is a good time to be a consumer in the Indian market because of the availability of more options, improvement in quality and quantity of content, and attractive pricing driven by competition. Large players have entered the Indian OTT market and allocated sizeable budgets for creating original and exclusive content."

Thakkar, also noted that the industry's full potential is yet to be seen.
Chennai, Feb 5 : All is set for the launch of India's 40th communication satellite GSAT-31 early on Wednesday by an Ariane 5 rocket belonging to Arianespace, said the European space agency.

In a statement, Arianespace said the launch will be the first of the planned 12 missions in 2019 using its heavy-lift Ariane 5, medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega rockets.

The Ariane 5 rocket will carry two satellites - Saudi Geostationary Satellite 1/Hellas Sat 4 and the GSAT-31.

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the 2,535-kg GSAT-31 is the 40th communication satellite and would augment the Ku-band transponder capacity in geostationary orbit.

The ISRO said GSAT-31, with a mission life of 15 years, will be used for supporting VSAT networks, television uplinks, digital satellite news gathering, DTH television services, cellular backhaul connectivity and more.

The two Ku-band beacon downlink signals are transmitted by the satellite for ground tracking purpose, it said.
Lucknow, Feb 5 : The Bharatiya Janata Party's Uttar Pradesh unit chief Mahendra Nath Pandey on Tuesday slammed the Samajwadi Party for extending its support to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee in her stand-off with the Centre and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Questioning the criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, he said the opposition was like a "gang of corrupt" and rattled because of the ongoing investigations against them.

"These are the people of whom some are on bail, some on parole and the others on the verge of going into jail," Pandey claimed while reminding Akhilesh Yadav that while he is speaking of democracy, he himself was sitting in the lap of the Congress, which had sent socialist ideologues like Jai Prakash Narayan behind bars during the Emergency.

He also said that people who had undemocratically usurped power in their own party should not lecture others on democracy, referring to Akhilesh Yadav's takeover of his party.

He also attacked the opposition for alleging that the Modi government was trying to frame them through government agencies. "All these cases on which action was being taken had been filed during the UPA regime or have been directed by the Supreme Court or high courts," he said, while adding that all those who have plundered public money or misused their positions of power will have to pay for it.
Kabul, Feb 5 : As many as 41 Afghan security force personnel were killed and 15 others injured in attacks by Taliban militants at security check-posts in the country's Kunduz and Baghlan provinces, officials said on Tuesday.

Safi Amiri, Deputy Provincial Council Chief of Kunduz province, told Efe news that Taliban fighters attacked check-posts on the outskirts of Kunduz city shortly after midnight.

"In the overnight attack 27 soldiers and three members of the local police were martyred and up to 15 injured," Amiri said, adding the attack was carried out by Taliban's red unit commandos. THey were armed with modern weapons to launch quick attacks, he added.

"The militants took advantage of the snowstorm. Casualties were inflicted on the security forces before the reinforcement arrived," he said.

Inamuddin Rahmani, Kunduz police spokesperson, claimed that the security forces had foiled the attack in which 22 Taliban fighters were killed and 18 wounded.

In a separate attack in neighbouring Baghlan province, Taliban militants stormed an isolated check-post of the Afghan local police at 2 a.m.. The clash between the rebels and the security forces lasted two hours.

"Unfortunately, 11 security forces, including 10 members of the local police and one member of the local uprising force, were killed and five others injured," said Safdar Muhsini, the Provincial Council Chief for Baghlan.

"All weapons and equipment of the security forces were stolen by the enemy fighters," he said.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed in a statement that its "fighters" killed 30 soldiers and police officers in Kunduz and 10 police officers in the Baghlan province.
Dehradun: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman meets the family members of Squadron Leader Siddharth Negi who died when a newly-upgraded Mirage 2000 fighter crashed at the HAL airport on Bengaluru; in Dehradun, on Feb 5, 2019. Also seen Uttarkhand Chi Image Source: IANS News

Ghaziabad: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman meets family members of Squadron Leader Sameer Abrol, who died when a newly-upgraded Mirage 2000 fighter crashed at the HAL airport on Bengaluru; in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, on Feb 5, 2019. (Photo: IAN Image Source: IANS News

Ghaziabad, Feb 5 : Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday met the families of the two pilots killed in the Indian Air Force (IAF) plane crash in Bengaluru on February 1.

Squadron Leaders Samir Abrol and Siddhartha Negi died after a newly-upgraded Mirage 2000 fighter crashed at the HAL airport.

Sitharaman reached Ghaziabad at around 2.30 p.m. to console the family members of Abrol. Additional District Magistrate (City) Himanshu Gautam said the Defence Minister was at the Abrols' residence at Gandhi Nagar for approximately 20 minutes.

She consoled the parents and the wife of the deceased pilot before heading for New Delhi, the officer said.

Earlier in the day, the Defence Minister met Squadron Leader Negi's family in Dehradun.

The last rites of Abrol were held with full state honours here on Sunday. The body of Abrol was brought to his house on Saturday. It was then taken to the Hindon cremation ground where Union Minister General VK Singh (retd.), who is also the local MP, paid tributes. Uttar Pradesh Minister and local MLA Atul Garg and other politicians were also present.

A guard of honour was given to Abrol before his last rites.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI and faithfully co-operate in the probe into the Saradha chit fund scam, but said he must not be arrested.

A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice L. Nageswara Rao and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said the CBI must not resort to any coercive action, including arresting the officer.

Directing the Kolkata Police Commissioner to "appear and make himself available before the investigating agency ... the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)", the court order said that he would "faithfully cooperate with the investigating agency at all times".

In a rider, the court said, "however, we make it clear that no coercive steps including arrest shall be taken against the Commissioner of Police".

Attempting to avoid all "unnecessary controversy", the court ordered: "We direct the Commissioner of Police to appear before the investigating agency in Shillong, Meghalaya on such date(s) as may be fixed."

The court opted for a neutral place Shillong on a request from Attorney General K.K. Venugopal.

The court also sought responses from the West Bengal Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police (DGP) and Rajeev Kumar on a contempt petition moved on Monday by the CBI along with the one asking for direction to Kumar to surrender for investigation.

Directing the Chief Secretary, DGP and the Kolkata Police Commissioner to file their responses to the "statements made in the contempt petition on or before 18.2.2019", the order said that on consideration of their replies, if court requires their personal presence on February 20 -- the next date of hearing -- the same would be communicated to their respective offices on February 19.

During the hearing, Attorney General K.K. Venugopal described the situation as "a total breakdown of constitutional machinery" and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted that the CBI personnel were detained at a police station.

Appearing for the Kolkata Police Commissioner, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the court: "They have asked for surrender when no offence is made out.

"Rajeev Kumar is vilified. He has written to the CBI to meet at a neutral place where the entire SIT will be there to be questioned," Singhvi told the court.

Justice Gogoi said: "The problem with you is you assume too many things. What is your problem? You can cooperate."

The next hearing will held be on February 20.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : India and Monaco can further augment their ties by focusing on areas such as environment and climate change and renewable energy where they have a "strong meeting of minds", President Ram Nath Kovind said on Tuesday.

Welcoming Monaco's ruler, Prince Albert II, who is on a week-long visit to India, he said that the two countries have always enjoyed a relationship of trust, friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.

"India-Monaco ties are doing well. However, there is scope to do a lot more together. On issues such as renewable energy, climate change and the environment, there is a strong meeting of minds between us. We must prioritise these areas for bilateral cooperation," the President said.

"India is the fastest growing major economy in the world, and Monaco's technology and investment companies can significantly benefit from the Indian growth story."

President Kovind and Prince Albert also discussed various issues like trade and energy.

On Monday, Prince Albert had attended the India-Monaco Business Forum.

On the same day, The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation - founded by the Prince himself with an aim to protect the environment - had also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) to support work in areas of priority which include energy, environment, climate, resource efficiency and sustainable agriculture.

According to a statement released by TERI, both organisations will work towards information exchange on the strategies and programmes implemented in their countries, including sectoral policies, and priority actions to promote in those countries and the conditions for their implementation.

"They will also aim to implement joint projects in these areas. A committee will also be set up under the agreement in order to facilitate the exchange of technical and scientific knowledge to benefit the common areas of work," it said.

The Prince will proceed on a private tour of India after his official engagements and leave for home on February 10.
Chennai, Feb 5 : The Central government has approved the Dharmapuri-Morappur railway line, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss said on Tuesday.

In a statement here, Ramadoss, representing the Dharmapuri Lok Sabha constituency, said: "The Ministry of Railways has given its approval for the 36-km rail line between Dharmapuri and Morappur. Construction work will start soon."

The sanction comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and when both the BJP and AIADMK want the PMK as electoral allies.

Ramadoss said that with the proposed line, Dharmapuri will be linked to Chennai.

He said the Tamil Nadu government refused to implement the project on joint venture or to share 50 per cent of the project cost.

According to Ramadoss, during British rule, trains operated on this route on narrow gauge.
Hyderabad, Feb 5 : Chinese smartphone player Oppo on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Telangana government to support and develop the startup ecosystem in the state.

As part of the agreement, Oppo would provide technical expertise and mentoring support to startups helping the government create a supportive startup ecosystem for working in camera and image processing, battery, networks (5G), system performance, payments, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and gaming, the company said in a statement.

"Through this partnership with the government of Telangana, which has shown positive intent in fostering a conducive ecosystem of entrepreneurship in the state, we hope to encourage and co-develop innovative solutions that will transform the smartphone industry across the country," said Tasleem Arif, Vice President, Research and Development Head, Oppo India.

The company would also provide market access to chosen startups by Alpha/Beta testing their offerings with the "Oppo Color Operating System (OS)" community and helping them with feedbacks.

The startups would be selected on the basis of the the solutions they provide towards key problems faced by Indian mobile users, with the intention of using their idea, application, technology or service to help enhance consumer experience.

"Oppo aims to play an active role in mobilising the untapped potential of Indians entrepreneurs and support them in their journey towards developing and growing their respective startups," the company noted.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : Contrasting the grandly-funded Statue of Unity and the simple craft of envelope-making that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel undertook during a jail term during British rule to save money, former West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi recalled the Mahatma's Gujarati phrase "Vallabhbhai ni kala" to praise his co-prisoner's skill.

Speaking at the opening panel of international symposium 'Creativity And Freedom', which was inaugurated at the India International Centre (IIC) on Tuesday, Gandhi cited the vast body of Indian prison literature, especially the widely-read books written by the Mahatma, Jawaharlal Nehru and Bhagat Singh when behind the bars.

During a jail term from 1932-33, Patel, on the other hand, busied himself with "not a phenomenally intellectual activity, but a craft activity" -- making 'lifafas' (envelopes) -- and focused diligently over the task using the material he had "thriftily and creatively", the former civil servant said.

He recalled the politically, philosophically, and historically priceless letters his grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi, had sent to Devdas (the fourth and youngest son of the Mahatma) during the prison term. Many of the letters, preserved by Devdas, were sent in envelopes prepared by Vallabhbhai Patel.

In a letter dated May 11, 1932, the Mahatma had mentioned that the envelope containing the letter had been made by Patel. "We thus save money pai by pai," he had written. In another letter, Gandhi tells his son to observe the envelope for "Vallabhbhai ni kala" (Vallabhbhai's artistry), and in yet another, lauded his determination and said they "may well set up a fair-sized shop for envelopes" when they were free from jail.

But where did the paper for these envelopes come from?

"It was not bought. Remember they were saving 'pai by pai'. They were made from incoming letters," Gopal Gandhi said.

"One size of an incoming letter is blank, if one so wishes, that can be turned into an envelope. But not all letters with one page blank are turned into envelopes, only those, the contents of which, if read by another, will pose no problem. That is the uniqueness of this shop. Patel looked for incoming letters with an intentness in cat's mind for a mouse," he quoted from his grandfather's writings.

"What the simple envelopes tell is that, the man for whom a 182-metre -- the world's tallest and perhaps, the costliest -- statue has been built, made the smallest of the objects using one side of paper to save 'pai by pai'," Gandhi said.

The two-day symposium also opened with theatrist-filmmaker Suman Mukhopadhyay's personal account of encountering a world of censorship in performing arts, author Kunal Basu's emphasis on orthodoxy hindering creativity, and business journalist T. N. Ninan's speaking on how creative ideas move business, stocks and the market.

The panel also featured Victoria And Albert Museum chairman Nicholas Coleridge, who spoke on museums and creativity, and Ashoka University vice-chancellor Pratap Bhanu Mehta, who deliberated upon modern societies accepting arts' freedom by keeping them marginal.

The symposium relooks at creativity and freedom as two integral posts of society, which are being "reimagined and redefined", through the lens of thinkers, academics, filmmakers, artists and others from the creative world, who will present how they view freedom and creativity and their models for the future, Symposium director, art historian and curator Alka Pande told IANS.
Alappuzha : , Feb 5 (IANS) A Kerala court on Tuesday ordered registration of a case against Public Works Department Minister G. Sudhakaran after hearing a plea from one of his former woman staff who accused him of "abusing" her.

The First Class Judicial Magistrate Court asked the Minister to appear before it on March 29.

The complaint was filed by husband of Usha Sally, who Sudhakaran had "abused" at a public function in February 2016, when he was an opposition MLA, the litigant said.

According to Sally, Sudhakaran admonished Usha publicly by taking away a mike from her at a function in his constituency.

He also told her that her daughter's marriage was facilitated by him and he even helped them build their house.

"My wife was crying and he continued abusing her," said Sally to the media outside the court.

Usha, a former staff member of Sudhakaran in 2006-11, was a member of the Communist Party of India-Marxist.

Soon after the incident, the couple was ousted from the party as she approached the police against Sudhakaran. But no complaint was filed and it was then that they approached the court.
The contest is apparently evenly poised as on today, Tuesday, February 5. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has projected the Supreme Court order directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to make himself available before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as a blow to the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal and a moral victory for the investigating agency. The court, however, also said that no coercive steps should be taken against Kumar and noted that the questioning should be done at a neutral place (which is being finalized as Shillong now).

However, the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal also hailed the court's order as a vindication of its stand. Mamata Banerjee said that her government had never said it would not cooperate with the CBI, but her opposition was to the manner in which CBI swooped down on senior IPS officer Kumar's residence. She said that the court ordering that no coercive action could be taken against Kumar was a vindication of her stance.

And both are right in some measures.

It goes without saying that every IPS officer is expected to cooperate with government investigation against any crime if asked to. The office records show Rajeev Kumar was attending office, was on personal leave for a day, and was not absconding. However, he ignored a couple of summonses of the CBI earlier on this issue. It must also be noted that Rajeev Kumar, who headed the Special Investigative Team to probe the Sarada and Rose Valley ponzi scams before the cases were taken over by CBI, had already got several Trinamool Congress leaders, including ministers, arrested.

The CBI claims that he is protecting some others in the cases and is a "potential accused himself". It goes without mention too that the Kolkata Police Commissioner reports to the West Bengal government, being in state cadre and the Chief Minister had restrained the CBI from unilateral action in the state without keeping the state government and the state police informed as per CBI Act. Further, there was no explicit Supreme Court order for Rajeev Kumar's arrest and there was no FIR against him. These arguments placed before the Supreme Court led to the directives by it.

That the CBI's intentions in the case remain doubtful are due to the fact that two among the prime accused in the Sarada ponzi scam case, as per the CBI's own investigations earlier -- Mukul Roy, formerly of the Trinamool Congress, and Himanta Biswa Sarma, formerly of the Congress -- have been let off with no further investigation following initial interrogations after they both joined the BJP. They are BJP President Amit Shah's key political pointsmen in West Bengal and the North-East.

Himanta Biswa Sarma was not named in the charge sheet but his home and office were raided and he was named by the founder of Sarada chit fund. Roy was interrogated many times and his home raided and arrested in the case like TMC MP and media baron Kunal Ghosh. Without any progress in the probe against these two top political leaders of the BJP in the region, going after others will always remain suspect, and will be politically used by the Trinamool Congress and others in the polls ahead.

The current case comes up for further hearing in the Supreme Court on February 20 and the story is far from being over. There could be more arrests in the ponzi scams, and there could be more political leaders involved too. Beyond legalities, politics is also about optics. The West bengal Chief Minister has seized the opportunity and turned this into a David versus Goliath fight, coming out onto the streets, asserting her federal rights as Chief Minister with powers over the state police, and attempting to turn it into a Modi versus opposition-governed states impasse. And to a good extent she has succeeded.

So, we have the entire opposition standing with her through tweets and inside Parliament (both Houses being adjourned due to this). Apart from the opposition parties supporting her, including Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), except for an explicit support from the Communist Party of India-Marxist, even neutral Biju Janata Dal (BJD) of Naveen Patnaik and BJP ally Shiv Sena have expressed their dismay at the harsh CBI action in Kolkata of gheraoing Kumar's house, not taking the state government into confidence, and creating a "war-like situation on the streets of Kolkata", as a spokesman for an opposition party noted.

Optically, Mamata Banerjee on the streets a la her struggling days against the Left Front government is a strong political imagery. It becomes a strong image for the anti-Modi political spectrum. However, whether it is good enough to propel her to the leadership of anti-Modi politics of India is yet to be seen. But coming soon after her mega rally of all opposition parties against the Centre in Kolkata recently, this episode has further enhanced perceived bias of the CBI (named as a caged parrot even by a Supreme Court judge), emboldened the allegation that the Modi government is rabidly antagonistic towards non-BJP state governments, and has further positioned the Chief Minister as the strongest voice against Modi with just 10 weeks remaining for the next general elections.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on his own is still unable to bring the entire opposition at one table under his leadership and has been snubbed in Uttar Pradesh by the regional parties there. DMK chief Stalin and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejasvi Yadav apart, no other regional party leader has come out openly on Gandhi as the face of opposition unity.

The entire opposition, except for Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, is wary of Mayawati, the BSP supremo, for her inaccessibility, past association with BJP and sharing of power in Uttar Pradesh, and the fact that her leadership of the opposition camp may deprive other parties from their current Dalit support in various states. Mayawati as the main anti-Modi face will prompt a large section of the Dalit electorate from various states to move towards her from the BJP and more so from other opposition parties. That is a long-term loss.

So, Mamata is, by default, a possible choice. Her influence is limited to West Bengal and some pockets in the North-East, and hence, does not very much conflict with votebanks of any opposition party as such beyond this limited geography. In any case, she expects to be the third largest party in the next Lok Sabha, much in tune with the current Lok Sabha, and hence, as in Karnataka, Rahul Gandhi may spring a surprise by lending support to the leader of the third party, Trinamool Congress, to form the government should Modi and the NDA fail to do so. She is making her road to power stronger now.

The issue is of a consensus leader of the opposition ahead of the election, and the chances of finding one looks bleak as of now. But through the developments of the last one month, from the Brigade Parade ground rally of January 19 to the impasse now over CBI's actions in her state, Mamata Banerjee has surely bolstered her chances. And Modi has contributed to her scores that much and a shot up in the semblance of unity within the opposition camp.

(The writer is a known media academic)
Shimla, Feb 5 : Swine flu has claimed 16 lives in Himachal Pradesh so far this year against just two in 2018, state Health Minister Vipin Parmar told the Assembly on Tuesday. Two patients died here on Monday night.

In a suo-motu statement, Parmar said Kangra and Shimla districts recorded 36 and 33 positive cases, respectively. In total, 113 cases have been reported in the state.

Twenty one patients suffering from swine flu were undergoing treatment at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital here, while eight were admitted in Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda town.

The state recorded two swine flu deaths in 2018, while the figures were 15 in 2017, five in 2016 and seven in 2015.

The first case of swine flu in the state came to light in 2009.
Bengaluru, Feb 5 : Global software major Wipro on Tuesday set up a chair at a varsity in Australia to code Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) solutions.

"Swinburne University of Technology's lab director for intelligent software systems Ryszard Kowalczyk has been appointed as the professional chair of AI. He is also the head of AI and intelligent agent technology research group at the university," said the city-based IT behemoth in a statement here.

The outsourcing firm and the Melbourne-based university also plan to set up a joint innovation centre to conduct an industry-focused research in AI and ML with specific applications for digital health and smart cities.

"Our partnership will also focus on making innovations in AI that would benefit enterprises in Australia and Asean (Association of South East Asian Nations) region," said the company in the statement.

Through the power of Wipro's innovation ecosystem and Swinburne's research capabilities, the industry-academic partners will drive research in AI for impact on a global scale.

"We will also jointly develop innovations to our customers," said Wipro Vice-President Manoj Nagpaul on the occasion.

As part on industry-academia partnership, Wipro and Swinburne intend to transform AI and ML as they are coveted skills in the software sector.

"The innovation centre will fast track AI and ML courses for techies and provide the industry with access to large pool of doctorates and undergraduate students at the university," said Kowlaczyk in the statement.

Wipro's investment in the partnership enhances its digital transformation capability for clients using breakthrough innovations in AI and ML.

The partnership will also co-develop unique solutions and new IP, leveraging joint capabilities in advanced AI and ML research, development, consulting and solution delivery.
Lucknow, Feb 5 : The first day of the Budget Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly began on a stormy note on Tuesday as the opposition created a ruckus during Governor Ram Naik's address.

As soon as the House assembled, legislators of the Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Congress stormed to the Speaker's podium and raised anti-government slogans.

Some members also threw paper balls at the Governor.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who left for West Bengal after participating in the proceedings, condemned the unruly behaviour of the opposition and slammed them for showing disrespect to the Governor.

Naik completed his address amid the bedlam following which the House was adjourned till 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

While the Governor's address was on, opposition lawmakers crossed all limits of democratic decorum, the Chief Minister said adding that the "SP was unable to come out of its mindset of goondaism".

In the melee that ensued during the opposition protests, SP legislator from Saidpur, Subhash Pasi fainted and fell down. He was attended to by a medical team and later rushed to the Civil Hospital.

Talking to reporters in the Central Hall, Adityanath said the conduct of the Congress, SP and BSP MLAs was "unconstitutional and undemocratic".

"Their behaviour in the House shows enough how they would be behaving in normal life," he said.
Shimla, Feb 4 : Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Dev Vrat said 1,724 people, including 10 foreigners, have been arrested in the state in one year over charges of drug peddling. He was addressing the Assembly at the start of budget session here on Monday.

Recounting major decisions taken by the state government, the Governor said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has fulfilled most of its election promises in the first year of its term.

He said the state government ng takes place in a smooth and peaceful manner. Shouldn't they (police) be congratulated for this?" she added.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : Samsung on Tuesday released its two industry-first Galaxy 'M' smartphones -- "M10" and "M20" -- for sale on Amazon India that claimed to have witnessed an "unprecedented" first day sale record.

"The inaugural sale of Galaxy 'M10' and 'M20' saw millions of people logging into Amazon.in and Samsung.com to own these devices. We are delighted by the unprecedented consumer response and thank people for their love and support," the South Korean company said in a statement.

However, the company did not mention how many units were sold and for how long the online sale lasted before Amazon India put out the 'sold out' sign for the M-series smartphones.

The India-first smartphones come with features like Infinity V display and massive battery power and 3x faster charging technology.

While Galaxy "M20" houses a 5,000mAh battery, "M10" hosts a 3,400mAh battery.

The 2GB and 16GB version of "M10" is priced at Rs 7,990 and 3GB and 32GB version costs Rs 8,990, whereas the 3GB and 32GB variant of "M10" costs Rs 10,990 along with the 4GB and 64GB variant costing Rs 12,990.

"The next sale of Galaxy M Series is planned for February 7 at 12 noon on Samsung.com and Amazon.in," the company added.

These M-series smartphones are being manufactured at the world's largest mobile phone factory -- Samsung's facility in Noida.
New Delhi, Feb 4 : A series of proxies rigged up with great aplomb by the former promoter of Reid & Taylor has muddied the waters and delayed the entire process of finding a new owner to resuscitate the company.

Against the backdrop of the crucial NCLT meeting on Tuesday to take a view on the sale of Reid & Taylor as part of the IBC process, it is pertinent to mention that after two failed attempts at selling the company to the right bidder and despite creditors of the company having passed a resolution to liquidate the said company, not a single genuine investor has filed an EOI even as the 270 days were getting over.

Needless to say, the resolution professional (RP) has put in all the effort to get a resolution applicant. However, all efforts at doing so have failed primarily because the business was running into cash loss and the facilities, even at optimum capacity, cannot achieve a fourth of the turnover which the promoter used to disclose. The brand was owned by overseas entities whom the company used to pay a license fee to.

Immediately subsequent to filing liquidation by RP, the unregistered employees' union filed a petition that the RP was negligent in his efforts to get investors and they, in turn, propped up an investor called SPGP HOLDING (Hong Kong-based investor) and therefore he should be allowed to bid as liquidation would affect the livelihood of more than 1,000 workers.

NCLT, without even inquiring into the efforts made by the RP and ascertaining financial creditability of the investor, agreed to give time. The first fallacy was exposed when the investor claimed to have a net worth of more than Rs 50 crore. Moreover, the investor even dared to give self-certified net worth of Rs 50 crore, whereas on scrutiny the net worth was found to be Rs 7 crore as per accounts.

Instead of taking action for giving wrong declaration, NCLT decided to give time to deposit Rs 50 crore to show their genuine interest. Pankaj Agarwal appeared before the honourable bench and expressed inability to deposit any money.

The second fallacy was exposed when the employees' union introduced another investor called CFM ARC which expressed their interest to conduct due diligence and submit a resolution plan within two weeks. They handed over a Rs 2 crore pay order towards refundable deposit. On expiry of two weeks, ARC informed the bench that they were not interested in the resolution plan as they had found during due diligence that the brand was not owned by the company and the licence to use the brand had been terminated.

Manufacturing facilities are one-third of what they thought and they found it difficult to effect a turnaround. This has exposed the employees' union's game plan. Not only are the dilatory tactics being done with deliberate intent, but it is emerging that the union is merely a stalking horse for the promoters who don't want to let go of their company.

Fallacy three is now upon us. The employees' union has now rigged up yet another investor called Indian Gas Ltd in what has turned into a revolving door. The overarching shadow of the promoter and his invisible hand is known to one and all. Yet the flawed IBC process chooses to ignore this regulated delay.

On direction from the NCLT member to Finquest who is creditor for more than Rs 800 crore to verify genuineness of the so-called Indian Gas Ltd who has come before the bench after CFM ARC opted out, Finquest owner Bharat Patel has questioned the representative of Indian Gas Ltd and has found out that this attempt by the erstwhile promoter and employee union is also fake.

It was queried by Patel as to when and where did Indian Gas Ltd show interest. Patel reckons that Indian Gas Ltd is another dummy in the series of dummies that the promoter/union has created. It has no financial and administrative capacity, nor financial strength to provide a resolution plan. In spite of the above, the bench thought it right to allow him to do due diligence through statutory time limit 270 days over stipulated time by stase tourist inflow and showcase the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh at the national and international levels," he added.
Mumbai, Feb 5 : Actress Richa Chadha has penned a handwritten tribute to late Nelson Mandela which will feature in "The House of Commons Book of Tribute".

It is a book that has handwritten messages by people from across the world. The book has more than 700 handwritten messages from prominent people including former US President Barack Obama and celebrities like Paul McCartney, Russell Crowe, Chris Rock, Kylie Minogue and Will Smith.

Nic Careem, who is behind "The House of Commons Book of Tribute", extended his gratitude to Richa.

"I met Nic when I was in London recently. He has been working really hard to get together this amazing book. We all have heard and learnt a great deal about Mandela and what he contributed during his time for human right issues across the world," Richa said in a statement.

"His struggle as a world renowned leader to fight for rights of downtrodden people of his race has made him a legendary inspiring figure. To be part of this book which is so thoughtful to have handwritten notes by everyone be contributed as an overall message for the youth today is truly exceptional," she added.

The actress is happy to be a part of "this tribute the proceeds of which will be given towards a campaign to end poverty".

The book will soon be published. The proceeds from sales in each country will go towards fighting child poverty.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : The Lok Sabha was adjourned twice on Tuesday in the pre-lunch session following disruptions over the alleged misuse of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against political opponents.

After the first adjournment till noon, when the House reassembled, the scenes were no different. It forced Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the House again till 2 p.m.

Trinamool Congress members trooped to the Speaker's podium, raising slogans against the government: "CBI tota hai" and "Chowkidar chor hai".

They were protesting the CBI's action on Sunday when its officers showed up near the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who has been under the scanner in connection with the CBI probe into the ponzi scheme scam case.

Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Samajwadi Party members joined them.

The Congress renewed its demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Rafale fighter jet deal.

Members were forced to raise their issues during Zero Hour amid the ruckus.

Dharmendra Yadav of Samajwadi Party raised the issue of the 13-point roster in universities while Biju Janata Dal's (BJD) Bhartruhari Mahtab spoke on compulsory Sanskrit prayer in Kendriya Vidyalayas.

Pappu Yadav from Bihar demanded an inquiry into the derailment of Seemanchal Express on Sunday.

Congress' Shashi Tharoor raised the issue of Sabarimala temple and said "irresponsible political parties" were hijacking the genuine protests of devotees.

Bharatiya Janata Party's Nishikant Dubey raised the issue of Bangladeshi intruders and accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of protecting them.

Mahajan urged the agitating members to go back to their seats but they did not relent. As the din increased, she adjourned the House till 2 p.m.

The earlier adjournment took place after the Trinamool and some other opposition parties trooped near the podium and did not allow the Speaker to proceed with the Question Hour. She adjourned the House till noon.
New Delhi, Feb 5 (IANS) The government is planning to make the first payment under the Direct Income Support (DIS) for farmers, announced in the Interim Budget, before the model code of conduct sets in once the Lok Sabha election schedule is put in place.

The government wants that the final list of beneficiaries is prepared and the first due is paid before the model code of conduct comes into force so that the farmers get their instalments under the PM-KISAN scheme when the Lok Sabha polls are underway, officials said.

With the rural distress said to have been a major contributor for the BJP's defeat in the Assembly elections in three Hindi heartland states, the central government is banking on the DIS of Rs 6,000 per year to change the tide.

The Agriculture Ministry has asked the states to share land records as soon as possible so that the first instalment of Rs 2,000 is paid before the first week of March. Going by past experiences, the code of conduct for the 2019 general elections is expected to be announced in the first week of March.

According to informed sources, a senior Agriculture Ministry official has undertaken a tour of the some state capitals to expedite the procedure as a delay may leave out many farmers, making it difficult for the government to include them in the second instalment, mostly due in May, when the model code of conduct would be in force and the election would be at its peak.

"In some states, land records are well-kept and updated. However, there are a few states where the database about farmers is not maintained properly. So the Ministry is approaching some states with urgency," said an official.

"We want to be ready with the final list and start payments in the first week of March. If it is done before the elections are announced, we are sure there will not be any hurdle when the polls are underway."

In the Interim Budget, the government announced a DIS of Rs 6,000 per year to 12.5 crore small and marginal farmers with land holding of up to 2 hectares under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN).

The government will incur an annual expenditure of Rs 75,000 crore in 2019-20 while it has allocated Rs 20,000 crore in the revised estimates of the current year as the scheme will be effective from December 2018.

The scheme is based on the lines of Telangana's Rythu Bandhu and Odhisha's KALIA (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation) programmes.

Unlike the KALIA scheme, the Centre's PM-KISAN does not include landless farmers, sharecroppers and those indulging in allied activities such as fishery and animal husbandry.

If farmers in Odisha get more assistance through PM-KISAN, then it is to be welcomed, said Prasanna Acharya, a Rajya Sabha member and head of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) farmers' wing.

"However, tenant farmers, sharecroppers and those busy with animal husbandry and fishery are not a part of it. The KALIA scheme takes care of everyone, almost 92 per cent of farmers are covered. And the income support amount is also more, Rs 10,000 per year," he said.

A senior Ministry official said the landless farmers could not be a part of the PM-KISAN scheme since the government did not have the required data.

(Saurabh Katkurwar can be contacted at saurabh.k@ians.in)
New Delhi, Feb 5 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI and faithfully co-operate in the probe into the Saradha chit fund scam but said he must not be arrested.

A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice L. Nageswara Rao and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) must not resort to any coercive action, including arresting the officer.

Investigation would take place at a neutral place -- in Shillong.

The court also sought responses from the West Bengal Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police and Rajeev Kumar on a contempt petition moved on Monday by the CBI along with the one asking for direction to Rajeev Kumar to surrender for questioning.

During the hearing, Attorney General K.K. Venugopal described the situation as "a total breakdown of constitutional machinery" and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted that CBI personnel were detained at a police station.

Appearing for the Kolkata Police Commissioner, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the court: "They have asked for surrender when no offence is made out.

"Rajeev Kumar is vilified. He has written to the CBI to meet at a neutral place where the entire SIT will be there to be questioned," Singhvi told the court.

Justice Gogoi said: "The problem with you is you assume too many things. What is your problem, you can cooperate."

The next hearing will be on February 20.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : Congress President Rahul Gandhi will meet party general secretaries including newly inducted Priyanka Gandhi on Thursday followed by a meeting of state party chiefs on Saturday to chalk out the roadmap and strategies for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Priyanka Gandhi, who has been appointed as General Secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh (East), met brother Rahul Gandhi after her return to India on Monday.

Besides the Gandhis, the meeting was also attended by Jyotiraditya Scindia, who has been given charge of west Uttar Pradesh.

The three leaders discussed the plan of action for Uttar Pradesh, a state which is core to the Congress' Lok Sabha goals.

According to party sources, after meeting with the party general secretaries Gandhi will hold talks with state chiefs and other office bearers where plans and approach for the Lok Sabha polls for respective states will be chalked out.

These will then be finalised at the at the Congress Working Committee meeting slated later in February.

While the Congress has been harping on the need for a grand alliance of opposition parties to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), any such formal tie-up is yet to materialise.

The Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Akhilesh Yadav headed Samajwadi Party (SP) have already announced their alliance snubbing the Congress.

However, the party is still hopeful of a post-poll alliance with the SP-BSP combine and Uttar Pradesh will be high on the agenda in both the meetings.

Besides the SP-BSP combine, the Congress is also trying to woo the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress which too has appeared unwilling for any tie-up in West Bengal.

"Both the SP-BSP and the Trinamool will have a key role to play in government formation. But our first aim is to contest as many seats as possible in both UP and Bengal," said a party leader.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 5 : The Bhrataiya Janata Party's stand in the Sabarimala issue trying to protect the tradition of the famed temple will in turn help the saffron party open its account in the Lok Sabha from Kerala, a top party leader said.

The BJP-led NDA has over the years increased its vote share in the state and this time there has been a huge morale booster following its Sabarimala stand, also Prime Minister Narendra Modi's twin visit in January has injected the ground level workers with a new found energy, State BJP President P.S. Sreedharan Pillai told IANS.

Everyone in the party feels this time banking on the strong protest that the BJP and the sangh parivar forces launched against the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the Lord Ayyappa shrine since November will reap rich dividends.

They are expecting to put up their best-ever performance, the BJP leader said.

"You just wait and see the position that we took in the Sabarimala issue will certainly bring a huge difference in the political scenario in Kerala.

"It's during election time that the people will make their decision and we are hugely confident," said Pillai.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had a vote share of 10.33 per cent, which went up to 15.10 in the 2016 Assembly elections.

One poll survey has even predicted they would open their account in the Lok Sabha winning one of the 20 seats. O. Rajagopal in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls had come second from the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance has already completed one round of seat distribution talks.

The Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), the second biggest ally of the alliance has sought eight seats and the Kerala Congress (Thomas) one.

The final round of talks is scheduled for later in February.

Pillai said a broad understanding has been reached among the allies. "However, I am unable to reveal more on the list, as it has to be done at the national level. But we have more or less finished our job," added the leader keeping his cards close to his chest.

All their tested faces will be fielded, except for O. Rajagopal. The 89-years-old had won from the Nemom assembly seat becoming the first ever BJP MLA in Kerala in 2016.

The most likely faces to be fielded can include former state party presidents -- P.K. Krishna Das and C.K. Padmanabhan, senior party leaders like Sobha Surendran, K. Surendran, A.N. Radhakrishnan, M.T.Ramesh, P.M. Velayudhan, B.Gopalakrishnan among others.

Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman G. Madhavan Nair is also being considered, according to party leaders. Besides, superstar Mohanlal, who was given the Padma Bhushan. Although those close to the superstar have denied the news.

Others include Union Minister of Tourism, K.J.Alphons, former state BJP president, V. Muraleedharan, who is now a Rajya Sabha member from Maharashtra. Besides superstar Suresh Gopi, who is already a Rajya Sabha member.

BJP might go with all its tried and tested faces to make it big in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
New Delhi, Feb 5 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) agency in connection with the Saradha cheat fund case.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi directed the CBI not to take any coercive action against Kumar, including arrest.
Chicago, Feb 5 : Actor Jussie Smollett was initially reluctant to report that he had been racially attacked by two men last month in Chicago, according to a police report.

Smollett, the 36-year-old musician and actor who appears on the show "Empire", told the police that he was accosted on the street at 2 a.m. on January 29.

Television station ABC7 here obtained a partially redacted copy of the report through a Freedom of Information Request on Monday, reports variety.com.

According to the report, the officers were told that Smollett "did not want to report the offence however he believed it to be in the best interest to".

The report states that police found Smollett with a white rope around his neck, and that he stated the attackers threw an unknown chemical substance on him, staining his clothes.

Smollett said he was accosted by two men dressed in black, one of whom was wearing a ski mask. He did not remember any other details of the suspects.

Chicago Police have reviewed hundreds of hours of surveillance footage in an effort to find the attackers, but have not found video of the attack. The department released an image of two "persons of interest" in the case on January 30.

Smollett performed on February 2 at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, during which he sought to clarify some details of the incident.

"I was bruised but my ribs were not cracked; they were not broken. I went to the doctor immediately... I was not hospitalised. And above all: I fought the f-back,"he said on stage.
Caracas, Feb 5 : A group of 11 Latin American countries and 19 European Union member nations has recognised US-backed National Assembly speaker Juan Guaido as the interim President of Venezuela, after incumbent Nicolas Maduro failed to comply with an ultimatum calling for a snap presidential election.

In a 17-point declaration on Monday, 11 countries -- Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru -- of the 14 members of the Lima Group called for a change of power without the use of force and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid, the BBC reported.

The group issued the declaration following a meeting in the Canadian capital, Ottawa.

The 11 countries also urged the world community "to take measures to prevent Maduro's regime from conducting financial and trade transactions abroad, from having access to Venezuela's international assets and from doing business in oil, gold and other assets".

However, three members of the Lima Group - Guyana, Mexico and St Lucia - did not back the declaration.

The Lima Group was set up in 2017 with the aim of helping to find a peaceful solution to the Venezuela crisis.

Also on Monday, EU members Spain, Portugal, Germany, the UK, Denmark, Holland, France, Hungary, Austria, Finland, Belgium, Luxemburg, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Sweden and Croatia, signed a joint declaration in support and recognition of Guaido, with the aim of "calling free, fair and democratic presidential elections" in Venezuela.

Nine EU nations, including Italy, declined to sign the joint statement. Russia, which is one of Venezuela's principal creditors, also rejected the EU ultimatum that called on Maduro to call for a snap presidential election, reports Efe news.

The National Assembly is considered by the EU to be the only the legitimate parliamentary body in Venezuela.

In 2017, Venezuela's Supreme Court, whose members are mostly pro-Maduro, withdrew recognition of the National Assembly and the government proceeded with elections to a parallel body known as the National Constituent Assembly, which was boycotted by the opposition.

Maduro accuses the EU nations of bowing to the policies of US President Donald Trump.

Guaido secured the backing of Washington before declaring himself Acting President on January 23.

He took to social media on Monday to individually thank all the EU governments that had recognised him.
Tokyo, Feb 5 : Japan's Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso has come under fire for blaming childless women for the country's declining population, the media reported on Tuesday.

During a speech, Aso, 78, denied that the elderly were the cause of the decline and increasing social security costs, CNN reported.

"There are lots of strange people who say the elderly are to blame, but that is wrong," said Aso, who also holds the role of Finance Minister.

"The problem is with those who didn't give birth."

After being grilled by an opposition lawmaker during a budget committee session, Aso said on Monday that he would retract the remark "if it caused misunderstanding".

"It gave a false impression without conveying the meaning of my original remark," Aso explained, without giving much details.

Japan is a "super-aged" nation, meaning more than 20 per cent of its population is older than 65. It has been on a steady demographic decline since the 1970s.

In 2017, fewer than 950,000 babies were born while the number of deaths rose to a post-war high of 1.3 million, according to the Ministry of Health and Labour.

Since the 1990s, Japan has introduced policies to boost its birth rate, such as enhancing child care services and improving housing and public facilities for families with children.

However, structural issues still prevent both working men and women from balancing their careers with family life.
Berlin, Feb 5 : Anonymous British street artist Banksy' painting "Love is in the Bin" will open for public display on Tuesday at a gallery in Germany, for the first time since it shredded itself during an auction last October.

The partially destroyed artwork will be displayed at the Frieder Burda Museum in Baden-Baden, CNN reported.

Banksy shocked the art world last October when the 2006 painting slid into a shredder hidden inside its frame just seconds after selling at an auction at Sotheby's in London for $1.4 million.

Footage from Sotheby's London showed the concealed device coming to an abrupt stop, with the anonymous artist later suggesting that he had intended for the artwork to be entirely destroyed.

Frieder Burda Museum's Director, Henning Schaper, told the media on Monday that his staff had opened the frame to remove the shredder and batteries ahead of the exhibition.

The painting is being displayed with its strips hanging from the bottom, just as it appeared at the auction house before being carried away by officials.

Previously known as "Girl with Balloon", the artwork shows a girl reaching for a red heart-shaped balloon and was based on a 2002 mural by the artist.

It was renamed after the auction.

The painting's owner, who is identified only as a "European art collector" by the German museum, proceeded with the sale amid speculation that its value may have increased as a result of Banksy's intervention.
Washington, Feb 5 : US President Donald Trump is expected to name Treasury Department official David Malpass as his pick to lead the World Bank, according to senior administration officials.

Former World Bank President Jim Yong Kim stepped down abruptly on January 7, three years before the end of his term. Nominations for his replacement open on Thursday and close on March 14, reports Politico news.

The Trump administration plans to announce its selection on Wednesday, the officials said on Monday.

Malpass, the Treasury's Undersecretary for International Affairs, drove the negotiations on a capital increase and reform package for the World Bank last year.

He was part of the US delegation that headed to Beijing last month for trade talks, according to the officials.

Before joining the administration, Malpass was an economic adviser to Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign.

He previously served as the chief economist at Bear Stearns, reports Politico.

Malpass was also a deputy assistant Treasury secretary under President Ronald Reagan and deputy assistant secretary of State under President George H.W. Bush.

He later founded Encima Global, a market research firm focused on global economic and policy issues.

Since its founding at the end of World War II, the World Bank has been led by Americans, all of whom were appointed by the US President. The US is the bank's largest shareholder.
Shimla, Feb 5 : An intense cold wave continued in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, with the Met office forecasting widespread rainfall and snowfall likely in the state.

Residents and tourists have been advised not to venture out on the high hills as chances of snapping of road links were high.

The western disturbances -- storm systems originating from Caspian Sea and moving across the Afghanistan-Pakistan region -- will be active in the region till Thursday, Met Office Director Manmohan Singh told IANS.

Under the influence of an active western disturbance, rain and snowfall is likely to occur at many places on Tuesday and at most places on the subsequent two days, he said.

Chances of heavy snowfall at some places in Kullu, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, Kangra and Kinnaur districts from Wednesday.

"Due to moderate to heavy snowfall, roads are likely to be blocked, especially in Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti districts," Singh said.

Most of the prominent tourist towns like Shimla, Narkanda, Kufri, Manali and Dalhousie, located in mid-hills, may also witness snowfall.

Both Shimla and Manali, about 250-km from here, which is wrapped under a blanket of snow, on Tuesday saw the night temperature at 5.8 degrees Celsius each.

Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district was the coldest place in the state at minus 11 degrees Celsius.

It was minus 4.2 degrees in Kalpa and 3.8 degrees in Dharamsala.
Kathmandu, Feb 5 : At least a third of the ice in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region could melt by the end of this century due to climate change, even if there is aggressive action to curb greenhouse gases and meet the goals of the Paris climate agreement,according to a new study.

The study issued on Monday night said that rising temperatures are a serious threat to the eight countries -- India, China, Myanmar, Nepal, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan -- in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, CNN reported.

Fresh water from the region's glaciers flows into 10 major river basins, contributing to the drinking water, irrigation and energy needs of approximately 1.9 billion people, or about a quarter of the world's population.

"The consequences are pretty extreme. We are concerned, and we are worried," said one of the study's authors, Philippus Wester, chief scientist with the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development.

"Urgent climate action is needed," he said.

Glaciers have been retreating and thinning in the area since the 1970s but there has been an accelerating rate of retreat since then, the study said.

Climate change will also reduce how much food farmers will be able to produce in this part of the world. About 70 per cent of the population of this region are farmers, and there is already great food insecurity there, it added.

Warmer water temperatures will encourage the growth of invasive species. Extreme floods and droughts may "destroy the food production base of the region", the study said, adding the rivers that farmers and energy companies rely on, like the Ganges, Yangtze, Mekong and Indus, will also be affected by glacier melt.

The Hindu Kush Himalayan Assessment was put together by more than 200 authors aiming to create a baseline of knowledge to understand the region.
Amaravati, Feb 5 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday will visit Kolkata to meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and express his solidarity.

After presentation of the Vote-on-Account budget in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, Naidu will fly to Kolkata, where Banerjee continues her sit-in to protest against the attempted raid by the CBI on the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar.

According to the Chief Minister's Office, Naidu will reach Kolkata around 3.30 p.m. and meet Banerjee and extend his support.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader was among the first to condemn the happenings in Kolkata on Sunday night. He termed it as a glaring example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah destroying the institutions.

Naidu also said that attacking political opponents in different states, few days before the Parliament elections, will have disastrous consequences in the country.

"After opposition parties started uniting and started to fight together to save democracy, the Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party is losing all hope. The misuse of institutions by the union government to victimise political opponents in states is reaching dangerous proportions," said Naidu.
Honolulu, Feb 5 : Hawaii is considering a new Bill that will ban cigarette sales to anyone under the age of 100 in the US state by 2024, the media reported.

Hawaii has some of the most restrictive cigarette laws in the US. In 2016, it became the first state to raise the age to buy cigarettes to 21, reports CNN.

Now, the new Bill calls for raising the cigarette-buying age to 30 by next year, up to 40, 50 and 60 in each subsequent year, and up to 100 by 2024.

The age limits would not apply to e-cigarettes, cigars or chewing tobacco.

"The legislature finds that the cigarette is considered the deadliest artefact in human history," the proposed Bill says.

It also notes that Hawaii "is suffering from its own addiction to cigarettes in the form of the large sums of money that the state receives from state cigarette sales taxes", to the tune of $100 million annually.

The Bill's sponsor Representative Richard Creagan, said: "Basically, we essentially have a group who are heavily addicted... In my view, enslaved by a ridiculously bad industry which has enslaved them by designing a cigarette that is highly addictive, knowing that it highly lethal. And, it is."

Federal law requires US states to set the minimum tobacco-purchasing age at 18.
Washington/Seoul, Feb 5 : The US and South Korea have reached a preliminary agreement of keeping nearly 30,000 troops in Seoul, State Department officials said here, alleviating fears that President Donald Trump could move to withdraw American troops from the country.

Under the revised Special Measures Agreement, South Korea would boost its financial contribution to nearly $1 billion, CNN quoted the officials as saying on Tuesday.

That's an increase on the about $800 million South Korea had been paying per year during the previous five-year commitment.

The most recent agreement lapsed at the end of last year. Since then, Trump had been pressuring South Korea to double its financial support to $1.6 billion, making some of his own administration officials worry that the President might offer to withdraw US forces from South Korea during his second summit with Kim later this month.

"Both sides are committed to working out remaining technical issues as quickly as possible," the State Department said in a statement.

"The US appreciates the considerable resources South Korea provides to support the Alliance, including its contribution towards the cost of maintaining the presence of US forces in Korea through the Special Measures Agreement."

The revised Special Measures Agreement only a one year agreement, with the possibility for an extension. The previous agreements had been for five years.

The Department said Steve Biegun, the US special representative on North Korea who is currently in Seoul, will travel to Pyongyang on Wednesday to prepare for the upcoming second summit.

He will meet his newly appointed counterpart, Kim Hyok-chol and "advance further progress on the commitments the President and Chairman Kim made in Singapore", it added.

Biegun arrived in Seoul on Sunday for talks with South Korean officials ahead of his meeting with Kim Hyok-chol, who previously served as North Korea's ambassador to Spain.

Biegun last travelled to Pyongyang in October, when he accompanied US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to a meeting with Kim Jong-un.
Washington, Feb 5 : Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners have transferred American-made weapons to Al Qaeda-linked fighters, Salafi militias and other factions waging war in Yemen, in violation of their agreements with the US, according to a CNN report.

The weapons have also made their way into the hands of Iranian-backed rebels battling the coalition for control of Yemen, exposing some of America's sensitive military technology to Tehran and potentially endangering the lives of US troops in other conflict zones, the report based on an investigation said on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), its main partner in the war, have used the US-manufactured weapons as a form of currency to buy the loyalties of militias or tribes, bolster chosen armed actors, and influence the complex political landscape, according to local commanders on the ground and analysts who spoke to CNN.

By handing off this military equipment to third parties, the Saudi-led coalition is breaking the terms of its arms sales with the US, according to the Department of Defence.

In response to the CNN report, a US defence official confirmed that there was an ongoing investigation into the issue.

Previous CNN investigations had established that US-made weapons were used in a series of deadly Saudi coalition attacks that killed dozens of civilians, many of them children.

The Abu Abbas brigade, a militia group linked to the Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), possesses US-made Oshkosh armoured vehicles, which they had paraded in a 2015 show of force through the city.

Abu Abbas, the founder, was declared a terrorist by the US in 2017, but the group still enjoys support from the Saudi coalition and was absorbed into the coalition-supported 35th Brigade of the Yemeni Army.

In 2015, Riyadh launched the coalition to oust Iranian-supported Houthi rebels from Yemen's capital city of Sanaa and reinstate the internationally recognised government of President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi.

The war split the country in two, and with it came the weapons -- guns, anti-tank missiles, armoured vehicles, heat-seeking lasers and artillery, CNN said in the report.

Since then, some of America's military equipment has been passed on, sold, stolen or abandoned in Yemen.

Arms markets are illegal in Yemen, but they still operate openly in the mountainous city of Hodeidah located in the country's southwest.

To one side hang veils, abayas and colourful dresses for sale; to the other are pistols, hand grenades, and US assault rifles available on special order, according to the report.

The US is by far the biggest supplier of arms to both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and its support is crucial to the Saudi-led coalition's continuing war in Yemen.

US lawmakers are trying to pass a resolution ending the Trump administration's support for the coalition.
Lahore, Feb 5 : At least 13 people were arrested in Lahore for defying the Pakistan government's ban on kite flying, police said.

The police launched a crackdown in several areas of the city on Monday after two people were injured by the strings of kite flyers, reports Xinhua news agency.

The famous kite flying festival, locally called "Basant", was celebrated on the onset of spring in February every year till 2007 when the government slapped a ban on it after a surge in deaths caused by the glass or metal-coated strings of the kite flyers.

The police said that when the glass-coated string of a low flying kite hit someone's throat, it acted as a sharp knife, cutting the victim's throat.

The present government earlier announced to lift the ban but officials said that keeping the ban was "in the best interest of the people".

The government said that preventive steps will be taken in the future to celebrate the festival in a peaceful manner, butit will not be celebrated this year.
Islamabad, Feb 5 : Pakistani Finance Minister Asad Umar has proposed changes in the initial plan of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in order to make them more investor friendly.

In a meeting of Economic Cooperation Committee (ECC) here on Monday, Umar directed the Board of Investment, a department under the Prime Minister's Office which is responsible for making policies to mobilise and facilitate local and foreign investment, to approve application of companies interested in investing in the SEZs in 45 days from the previous 90 days, reports Xinhua news agency.

Chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the purpose of the meeting was to deliberate upon the country's economic situation, and form a future strategy for the stability and revival of economy.

Both China and Pakistan have agreed to make CPEC focus on industrial cooperation after the first five-year early harvest period since 2013.

The joint venture in the SEZs is a major area in the bilateral industrial cooperation between China and Pakistan under CPEC aiming at boost local economy and employment.
SixFifty is led by Kimball Dean Parker, president, and Lincoln Porter, CTO, both veteran legal technologists. Most recently, Parker and Porter created GDPR IQ, an automated software solution that generated GDPR compliance documents. The company behind GDPR IQ became profitable within six weeks and serviced hundreds of clients. Prior to that, the duo developed SoloSuit , an automated software tool that helped those who have been sued for a debt in Utah file legal responses. The site surpassed its annual forecast for users in just one month. Parker and Porter also developed CO/COUNSEL , a legal crowdsourcing website, which garnered tens of thousands of contributions and is used by law schools across the U.S. and U.K.

"SixFifty is a unique endeavor that is driven by two important ingredients: human expertise and machine efficiency," said Doug Clark, managing partner of WSGR. "With WSGR's industry-leading legal counsel and the experience Kimball and Lincoln have in creating automated legal solutions, SixFifty is positioned to deliver innovative efficiency and affordable answers to even the most complicated legal challenges facing small businesses and emerging companies."

SixFifty plans to develop and release multiple products, starting with SixFifty Privacy--a tool that businesses can use to assess and plan their compliance with California's Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). CCPA is a consumer privacy law that comes into effect on January 1, 2020, and establishes guidelines for the collection, use, disclosure, and sale of personal information. Guided by experts from WSGR's Privacy and Data Protection practice--which includes Lydia Parnes, the former director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the Federal Trade Commission, Chris Olsen, the former assistant director of the FTC's Division of Privacy and Identity Protection, and others--SixFifty will roll out a suite of automated CCPA tools later this year.

"The price and complexity of many legal services are common frustrations felt by businesses," said Parker, president of SixFifty and the director of LawX, the legal design lab at Brigham Young University's J. Reuben Clark Law School. "For most companies, complying with the CCPA will be a confusing and costly exercise. SixFifty's automated tools will provide a more affordable, efficient and convenient solution to help companies on the path to compliance. We are proud to bring the full unified resources of SixFifty to companies and individuals in need of assistance."

In addition to SixFifty Privacy, the company plans to develop solutions in other areas of law where technology can be leveraged to automate relatively routine processes. The hallmark of all SixFifty products is the combination of human expertise with automated functionality. The balance between human-delivered assistance and automation will vary depending on each company's needs. The type of human involvement may also vary, ranging from attorney expertise to other professionals who will assist SixFifty customers in their use of one or more products. For more information about SixFifty and to take a free assessment to see how the CCPA will impact your business, visit https://www.sixfifty.com/privacy/applicability.

About Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

For more than 50 years, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has offered a broad range of services and legal disciplines focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the management and boards of directors of business enterprises. The firm is nationally recognized as a leader in the fields of corporate governance and finance, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, securities litigation, employment law, intellectual property, and antitrust, among many other areas of law. With deep roots in Silicon Valley, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has offices in Austin; Beijing; Boston; Brussels; Hong Kong; London; Los Angeles; New York; Palo Alto; San Diego; San Francisco; Seattle; Shanghai; Washington, D.C.; and Wilmington, DE. For more information, please visit www.wsgr.com.

About SixFifty

Headquartered in the Silicon Slopes area of Utah, SixFifty is a subsidiary of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and combines the expertise of the world's leading technology law firm, made accessible through thoughtful technology. SixFifty streamlines complex areas of the law by providing actionable, efficient and affordable solutions for individuals and businesses. For more information, please visit www.sixfifty.com.

SOURCE Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

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DALLAS, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Wilson Perumal & Company (WP&C), a premier strategy consultancy, today launched the 2019 Global Markets Complexity Index (GMCI). Developed in partnership with The Wall Street Journal, the GMCI provides executives and decision makers with a new analytical framework and set of data for identifying and assessing geographic expansion opportunities. The tool and report are available at www.wilsonperumal.com/GMCI.

WP&C 2019 Global Markets Complexity Index

"By dividing countries into eight groups based on the complexity of operating a business there, the new index helps identify which countries have similar operating environments so investorsboth corporate and financialcan make more informed decisions on which countries they will be comfortable or capable of operating in," said Dan Keeler, Frontier Markets Editor at The Wall Street Journal.

Leveraging WP&C's deep understanding of complexity, the GMCI assesses 83 countries across 31 measures of market, operational and regulatory complexity, resulting in eight country groups with distinct complexity profiles. These groups are the crux of the GMCI, informing business leaders of what they may expect when expanding into each country, and which countries share similar complexity proles. Past success in one country may suggest an opportunity in another country in the same group.

"Companies need to continue to look for geographic expansion opportunities, but many underestimate the complexities associated with operating in a new geography," said Stephen Wilson, co-founder and managing partner of WP&C. "This can lead to increased risk, lower margins and even threats to the core business. We wanted to use our decade of leadership in the area of managing complexity to create this index and interactive tool to help corporate leaders bridge that gap, and identify the countries in which they are best equipped to succeed."

About Wilson Perumal & Company

Founded in 2009 and with offices in the U.S. and Europe, Wilson Perumal & Company is a leading management consulting firm with significant depth in strategy and operations and a focus on helping companies tackle complexity. As part of its mission supporting clients, WP&C is also a thought leader on the topic, with publications including Waging War on Complexity Costs and Growth in the Age of Complexity, both published by McGraw-Hill. WP&C partners with leading multinational corporations, private equity firms and governmental entities on their toughest strategic, organizational and operational challenges to help these organizations develop and execute strategies to thrive in a complex world.

For more information, visit Wilson Perumal & Company.

Media Contacts

Taylor Fenske Karen H. Ma Stern Strategy Group Wilson Perumal & Company +1 (908) 325-3866 +1 (972) 716-3930 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Wilson Perumal & Company
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Wilshire Quinn Capital Inc. announced Tuesday that its private lending fund, the Wilshire Quinn Income Fund, has provided a $2 million First Trust Deed loan in Modesto, California.

The subject property is a commercial industrial building consisting of 282,000 square feet on 76.9 acres.

"In this loan scenario, we were approached by a high credit borrower with a substantial real estate portfolio that needed to pull cash out quickly for an existing business. We were able to collateralize the investment property in a senior lien position and funded the loan in six business days," said CEO Christopher Garcia.

The property was appraised for $3,450,000, giving Wilshire Quinn a total loan-to-value of 57.9 percent on the transaction.

In addition to office and industrial properties, Wilshire Quinn provides bridge loans on a wide variety of property types including retail, hotel loans, mixed-use, multi-family and non-owner occupied SFRs.

Wilshire Quinn, a California bridge loan lender, typically funds in five to seven business days and originates bridge loans ranging from $200,000-$10 million. Wilshire Quinn works directly with real estate owners and mortgage professionals nationwide.

As for Wilshire Quinn's typical borrowers, their customer base is fairly diverse; borrowers range from builders looking for rehab financing to individuals who are looking to purchase or refinance an investment property.

ABOUT WILSHIRE QUINN

Wilshire Quinn is a California hard money lender that provides financing to borrowers who are unable to obtain credit from traditional lending institutions or need to close quickly on a property.

Loans are made or arranged by Wilshire Quinn Income Fund LLC pursuant to California Finance Lenders Law license #603J060. Wilshire Quinn Capital Inc. serves as manager of the Wilshire Quinn Income Fund LLC. The information above is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Portions of the loan described above may be sold to third-party purchasers and does not necessarily reflect the amount held in the fund's loan portfolio. Nothing contained in the information above is an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Any such offer to purchase securities will be made only through the Private Placement Memorandum of Wilshire Quinn Income Fund LLC.

Media Contact:

Leonard Bruno

Chief Marketing Officer

Phone: 619.872.6000

Email: [email protected]

Related Links

Recently Funded Bridge Loans

Bridge Loan Program Guidelines

SOURCE Wilshire Quinn Capital Inc.
The Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw gallery aspires to engage a diverse audience, create a sense of community, provide insight into the creative process, and challenge visitors to contemplate, discuss and understand the historical, social, and cultural context of contemporary art. It serves the Department of Visual Art & Design, Weber State University and the community of Northern Utah by presenting the work of local, regional, and nationally recognized artists, including new work, emerging media and original scholarship.

About the Artist: Yasuaki Onishi, B. 1979 Japan

Yasuaki Onishi studied sculpture at University of Tsukuba and Kyoto City University of Arts. He has had solo exhibitions throughout Japan and internationally, and his work was included in Ways of Worldmaking (2011), at the National Museum of Art, Osaka (NMAO). His solo exhibitions in the United States include the The Marlin and Regina Miller Gallery at Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, the Rice Gallery at Rice University in Houston, Texas, and the Coconino Center for the Arts in Flagstaff, Arizona. In 2010, Onishi was the recipient of a United States-Japan Foundation Fellowship that included a residency at the Vermont Studio Center, as well as a grant from The Pollock-Krasner Foundation Inc., New York.

What: "Reverse of Volume" [Feb. 8 - April 6, 2019]

In his installation, Reverse of Volume, Yasuaki Onishi uses the simplest materials  plastic sheeting and black hot glue  to create a monumental, mountainous form that appears to float in space. The process he calls "casting the invisible" is his meditation on the nature of the negative space, or void, left behind. Onishi creates physical manifestations of the unknown, invisible, or otherwise unseen. Using simple materials, his site-specific sculptural installations become landscapes of contemplation, inviting visitors to observe how the simplest qualities of light, form, and line change with each passing encounter.

Opening Reception: Friday, February 8 from 7  9 p.m.

Artist will be in attendance at the opening reception

Where: Weber State University Kimball Visual Arts Building (Map available here )

Info: Event is free and open to the public, no ticket is required

Contact: For more information or to arrange an interview with artist Yasuaki Onishi, please contact Christie Denniston, Director of Marketing & PR for the Lindquist College of Arts and Humanities at [email protected] or at 801-626-6431.

SOURCE Weber State University Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- We Stand With Seniors and the Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee, in partnership with West Health, The SCAN Foundation, Archstone Foundation, Sutter Health, UDW Home Care Union and AARP California, will host Lives Well Lived: A Capitol Screening and Policy Discussion on Aging in California on February 5, 2019 at the Crest Theater in Sacramento. Co-hosted by Alzheimer's Association, California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, California Commission on Aging, California Legislative Women's Caucus, LeadingAge California and Openhouse, the film screening and accompanying panel discussion will highlight the value of California's older adults and the need for a state Master Plan for Aging.

"Lives Well Lived' is a tribute to seniors who are defying the many negative stereotypes associated with growing older by living vibrant, productive lives and serving as inspirational role models for all of us to emulate," said Shelley Lyford, president and CEO of West Health. "Californians deserve the kind of transformational policy changes from our leadership in Sacramento and a comprehensive plan that will enable every adult to successfully age with dignity, quality of life and independence."

Lives Well Lived: Celebrating the Secrets of Wit & Wisdom of Age  a critically-acclaimed documentary film by Sky Bergman that celebrates the incredible lives of adults, ages 75 to 100, who are living their lives to the fullest  will be presented via a screening for Governor Gavin Newsom and his appointees, constitutional officers, legislators, aging advocates and the media.

"This film is a powerful statement for empowering our state's older adults, families and caregivers  as well as marginalized communities," said Bruce Chernof, MD, FACP, president and CEO of The SCAN Foundation. "Through a statewide, comprehensive Master Plan for Aging, California has an extraordinary opportunity to lead the nation in providing its aging population cost-effective, high-quality health and supportive services."

Moderated by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, the panel discussion will focus on how a Master Plan for Aging in California will help address and solve the myriad challenges currently faced by the state's diverse and rapidly aging population. Panelists include Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, Chair of the Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee; Shelley Lyford, West Health; Bruce Chernof, MD, FACP, The SCAN Foundation and Zach Gassoumis, PhD, University of Southern California's (USC) Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

Other speakers include Sky Bergman, Director of Lives Well Lived, Assemblymember Ash Kalra and Nina Weiler-Harwell, AARP California. For more information on partners and co-hosts, as well as tickets to Lives Well Lived: A Capitol Screening and Policy Discussion on Aging in California, visit www.WeStandWithSeniors.org/Lives-Well-Lived.

About We Stand With Seniors

West Health and The SCAN Foundation's We Stand With Seniors Will You? nonpartisan, public awareness and education campaign focuses on the specific challenges seniors and their families face in accessing high-quality, affordable healthcare, dental care and supportive services and the cost to the state if these challenges are not addressed. Keep up with #StandWithSeniors by visiting www.WeStandWithSeniors.org and following on Facebook @WeStandWithSeniors and Twitter @WeStandWSeniors.

About Lives Well Lived: Celebrating the Secrets, Wit & Wisdom of Age

The documentary film by Sky Bergman includes heartfelt interviews with forty older adults, encompassing over 3,000 years of life experience, who share their secrets and insights to living a meaningful life. Their intimate memories and inspiring personal histories entertain and inspire, while reminding us that older adults are, and should be, a valued part of our society. Watch the trailer at www.Lives-Well-Lived.com.

SOURCE We Stand With Seniors

Related Links

http://www.WeStandWithSeniors.org


PITTSBURGH, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard released the following statement in advance of President Trump's 2019 State of the Union address:

"In the everyday lives of American workers, far more threatening than immigration is offshoring. American workers are looking to President Trump to assure them in his State of the Union address that he will keep the pledges he made on the campaign trail to replace the broken free trade regime that has cost the United States tens of thousands of factories. Workers want fair trade that preserves family-supporting American jobs.

"President Trump has embarked on several trade reform efforts, but the work to secure jobs and prosperity is far from complete. The administration has made far too little progress to suggest that the president's trade promises have been kept. A good example of the ongoing problems is GM. The corporation announced late last year that it would shift significant vehicle production to Mexico while bringing nearly $7 billion into the United States for half the tax rate, a bonus for offshorers that was slipped into the 2017 GOP tax law.

"The incentives for manufacturers like GM to offshore jobs must be eliminated, and the proposed new NAFTA deal does not go far enough in doing that. The environmental and worker protections it contains must be swiftly and strictly enforceable, otherwise the deal is all talk and no action.

"When Canada signed onto the proposed new NAFTA, it was with the understanding that the United States would terminate the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum charged to our northern neighbor. The Section 232 tariffs have preserved some U.S. mills, spurred new investment and brought back some lost jobs. That was the intent  to protect two U.S. industries vital to national security.

"They would have worked better, however, if they had been imposed with the precision of a scalpel, not inflicted with the blunt force of a sledgehammer. In addition, they would have been far more effective if China had not been granted massive exceptions.

"Canada is an essential security ally and manufacturing partner, with metal forged in both countries crossing the border repeatedly for finishing into products ranging from cans to car engines. Canada should never have been included in the Section 232 tariffs, and the administration must immediately honor its pledge to end charging the penalties on Canadian steel and aluminum.

"This is particularly important because the United States has granted to Canada only miniscule exclusions from the tariffs  only 2 percent of its steel exports and .2 percent of its aluminum exports. Meanwhile, the United States handed to China, the primary violator of international trade regulations, such gargantuan exceptions that the tariffs on Beijing are virtually useless now. Forty percent of China's steel exports to the United States are excluded from the tariffs and a whopping 86 percent of aluminum exports.

"China is America's  and the world's  biggest trade problem. These colossal exclusions awarded to China defeat the purpose of the tariffs.

"Workers across the United States are looking to the Trump administration to stand strong in current negotiations to resolve China's pervasive trade violations that have cost millions of American jobs. U.S. negotiators must find a way to stop China from stealing intellectual property and forcing American companies to transfer technology.

"But, just as crucially, the administration must get China to end its predatory trade practices, including overproducing commodities such as aluminum and steel and flooding the world market with the excesses, causing prices to plummet and American and European mills to close.

"American workers are looking for action from the administration that promised trade transformation."

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service and public sectors.

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

Related Links

http://www.usw.org


NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- T. R. Affatato, engaged in a bi-racial marriage with multi-racial Grandchildren, delivers compelling, provocative and well-thought-out writing on a controversial subject to many: Racism. The new book "Racist Hate: The Human Condition and the Consequences" highlights how a civil war that began with blacks and law enforcement is now threatening to spread to society at large, how President Obama fanned the flames of hate, and how we learn to hate. The author explores how President Donald J. Trump has set off the worst firestorm of vitriolic hate that our nation has ever seen, not just splitting the country into political factions, but outright enemies.

Racist Hate: The Human Condition and the Consequences

Affatato's opening paragraph in 'Chapter 1: Hate Just Not Enough' of It is a warning to the reader. This may be overstated, but "Racist Sarcasm - Pay Attention and Do Not Put This Book Down" is a spot on warning for what to expect. View the opening paragraph excerpt here:

https://www.racisthatesconsequences.com/excerpt/

The human condition, as T.R. Affatato describes it, has been a part of our DNA since the beginning of time. It is a condition of hatred and inhumane treatment of one another for millennia. T. R. Affatato lives in one of the world's most culturally diverse cities in the world, New York City, which gives him a unique perspective on the subject of racist hate. The child of Italian immigrants, who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s surrounded by assassinations, the civil rights movement, Vietnam War demonstrations, race riots, and the constant threat of nuclear annihilation during the Cold War era, is more than troubled about the current affairs and future of the United States of America. T.R. Affatato knows hate and racism very well, as you will discover in these pages, and he fears the onset of civil war. The fear is real and cannot be overlooked. However, the real culprit in all of this hysteria is the human species.

Serial killers, much like Politicians, are often described as having high IQs; being charming, charismatic, and cunning; and fitting right into society. This description comes from psychologists, psychiatrists, and FBI profilers. The purpose of this book is to reveal in laymen's terms that history is rife with serial killers who controlled and killed not only their own people but millions of other people around the world. These killers include emperors, kings, queens, mullahs, popes, and even today's socialist leaders, dictators, and communist leaders. Their names are quite familiar, but any lessons that they've taught us seem to have been lost on society, especially in the sometimes unbearable rhetoric of America's political elite and the daily vitriol that permeates America's constant information feedor rather disinformation feedand relegates history to the trash heap. Racisthatesconsequences.com

The Author:

T. R. Affatato served in the U. S. Army and pursued a career in mechanical contracting and as a union contractor in New York City. He is disturbed by the vitriolic rhetoric of today and fears for the future of America. In this book, he offers anecdotal medicine that may be hard to swallow but is sorely needed.

Join the author as he sparks a serious and realistic conversation about the issues we must solve if we're to move forward as a nation.

Media Contact:

T.R. Affatato

[email protected]

718-725-7071

Also available on Amazon with Free Shipping: https://www.amazon.com/Racist-Hate-Human-Condition-Consequences/dp/1532063563

SOURCE T. R. Affatato
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, today announced the 2019 Best Hotels, which evaluate more than 30,000 luxury hotels and resorts across the USA , Europe , Canada , Mexico , Bermuda and the Caribbean .

In the Best Hotels in the USA rankings, Hawaii's Four Seasons Resort Hualalai took the No. 1 spot, followed by The Peninsula Chicago at No. 2 and the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida at No. 3. These high-ranking hotels are known for outstanding service, ample on-site amenities and elegant accommodations. U.S. News awards the top 10 percent of ranked hotels with a Gold badge. These five destinations are home to the highest number of Gold badge-winning hotels in the U.S. for 2019:

New York City has 39 Gold badge winners

has 39 Gold badge winners Las Vegas has 14 Gold badge winners

has 14 Gold badge winners Los Angeles has 14 Gold badge winners

has 14 Gold badge winners Washington, D.C. has 12 Gold badge winners

has 12 Gold badge winners Chicago has 12 Gold badge winners

For the Best Hotels in Mexico, Esperanza, an Auberge Resort in Cabo San Lucas takes the top spot, while Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun is the Best All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico. Jade Mountain in St. Lucia is the Best Hotel in the Caribbean and snags the top spot as the Best All-Inclusive Resort in the Caribbean, thanks to its various dining package options. The Rosewood Hotel Georgia earns recognition as the Best Hotel in Canada for the second year running, and The Loren at Pink Beach ranks No. 1 on this year's Best Hotels in Bermuda list. La Reserve Paris  Hotel and Spa is the No. 1 Best Hotel in Europe, followed by Copenhagen's Hotel Sanders at No. 2 and Rome's Hotel Eden at No 3.

U.S. News has also introduced additional destination-specific rankings to the Best Hotels in the USA portfolio, ranging from vacation spots like Lake Placid, New York, to smaller cities like Carlsbad, California, to college towns like State College, Pennsylvania, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. New this year, the rankings include 3.5-star hotels on select U.S. ranking lists to help a wider variety of travelers find the right hotel for them.

"The U.S. News Best Hotels rankings combine data from industry expert evaluations as well as traveler-focused reviews and insight to provide a more holistic idea of what each hotel has to offer," said Hannah Cheney, senior travel editor at U.S. News. "Readers can use the rankings to find a variety of options for every type of vacation. Whether that's a luxurious stay in Paris or a weekend getaway to a college or beach town, we've expanded the hotel rankings to give readers information on even more hotels."

Hotel Rankings in More Than 400 Destinations

U.S. News' 2019 Best Hotels rankings span more than 400 destinations. This time of year, the most popular hotel searches are in warm-weather spots, including Maui, Miami Beach and Playa del Carmen. Meanwhile, cold-weather fans flock to winter ski destinations like Aspen and Whistler. The Caribbean is making a comeback this year as well, with numerous hotels reopening after a devastating hurricane season in 2017. What's more, the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean and the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico rankings assist travelers seeking a no-hassle getaway  where drinks, meals and activities are covered  everywhere from Punta Cana to Cancun. Those looking for a resort getaway a bit closer to home can browse the Best Resorts in the USA and Best Resorts in Canada rankings.

The U.S. News Best Hotels rankings also highlight properties in traveler-favorite European hot spots like Paris, London and Rome, in addition to scenic but less-visited destinations like Istanbul, Dubrovnik, Croatia, and San Sebastian, Spain. For vacationers who have points with loyalty programs, such as Marriott Rewards or Hilton Honors, a Best Hotels by Brand directory is also available.

U.S. News scored luxury hotels using a methodology that combines each hotel's industry awards with its star rating and guest reviews. These rankings are part of the expanding U.S. News Travel channel, which evaluates the Best Vacations, Best Cruise Lines and Best Travel Rewards Programs.

2019 U.S. News Best Hotels Rankings

In the USA In Canada 1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai 1. Rosewood Hotel Georgia 2. The Peninsula Chicago 2. Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat 3. Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida 3. Wedgewood Hotel & Spa 4. Four Seasons Resort Lanai 4. Ritz-Carlton Montreal 5. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago 5. Fogo Island Inn



In Mexico In Europe 1. Esperanza, an Auberge Resort 1. La Reserve Paris  Hotel and Spa 2. One&Only Palmilla 2. Hotel Sanders 3. Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort 3. Hotel Eden 4. Rosewood Mayakoba 4. Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel 5. The Resort at Pedregal 5. Le Sirenuse Hotel



In the Caribbean In Bermuda 1. Jade Mountain 1. The Loren at Pink Beach 2. Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa 2. Rosewood Bermuda 3. Ladera Resort 3. Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club 4. Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour 4. The Reefs Resort & Club 5. Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve 5. Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa

For more information, visit Best Hotels and use #BestHotels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is a digital news and information company that empowers people to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. Focusing on Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars and Civic, USNews.com provides consumer advice, rankings and analysis to serve people making complex decisions throughout all stages of life. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

SOURCE U.S. News & World Report

Related Links

http://www.usnews.com


WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Many federal employees are still facing lingering back pay issues a full 11 days after the end of the longest ever government shutdown, adding to their anguish as they face the prospect of yet another shutdown next week, the largest federal employee union said today.

"The administration promised a 'prompt and orderly' return to normal as soon as the shutdown was over, but unfortunately the payroll process has been slow and chaotic," American Federation of Government Employees National President J. David Cox Sr. said.

The administration promised a prompt and orderly return to normal as soon as the shutdown was over, but some employees are still dealing with back pay issues, according to the American Federation of Government Employees.

"Forty percent of the federal workforce  some 800,000 employees across the country  were forced to go without any income for an unprecedented 35 days. Failing to make them whole as soon as possible, as the administration promised it would do, is yet another slap in the face to the hardworking women and men who were used as pawns during this deliberate shutdown," Cox said.

Among the issues federal employees are facing:

Some employees initially received only part of the back pay they are owed due to a decision by the federal agency processing their payroll to split the back pay into multiple checks;

Some payroll processors failed to process certain automatic deductions  including court-ordered child support and Thrift Savings Plan loan payments  forcing employees the nuisance of contacting each party, determining how much is owed, and making the payments on their own; and

Lacking clarity from agencies on when employees should expect to be fully paid.

The failure to process certain automatic deductions has been a major disruption for employees, said David Verardo, president of AFGE Local 3403, which represents more than 1,000 employees at the National Science Foundation, National Endowment of the Arts, National Endowment of the Humanities, and the U.S. Geological Survey.

"Employees are being told to make those payments straight to the creditor by themselves without the benefit of automatic deductions," Verardo said. "I am not sure how this will unfold but I am bracing for employees getting unpleasant notices from creditors or law enforcement if they miss their child support or alimony payments."

Some federal Railroad Safety Inspectors, many who ensure the safety of our rail system over geographic areas that stretch between 2,500 and 5,000 square miles, still are waiting for their full and complete compensation for all their time worked, said Scott H. Hoose, president of AFGE Local 2814, which represents more than 800 employees at the Federal Railroad Administration.

"During the shutdown, federal Railroad Safety Inspectors worked without pay to ensure the safety of our nation's rail network  inspecting rail equipment, bridges and tunnels, signal and train control systems, highway grade crossings, and hazardous materials, in addition to working with stakeholders to implement Positive Train Control systems as required by law to prevent train collisions and derailments," Hoose said. "In performance of these duties, several inspectors incurred mileage and travel expenses they had to pay out of pocket. We are working with every affected employee to make sure they receive all the back payments they are owed as soon as possible."

Employees at the National Archives and Records Administration received their back pay last week in two separate payments, although employees have not been able to verify the information because the payments do not appear in the Employee Express online payroll system, said Ashby Crowder, president of AFGE Local 2578.

Additionally, NARA's payroll provider  the Department of the Interior's Interior Business Center  refused to process certain deductions, including child support and alimony payments and TSP loan repayments, while others deductions like dental and vision premiums may be taken out in future checks, Crowder said.

"The back pay payments do not appear in Employee Express, and it's unclear whether we will have to make separate payments for things like dental insurance premiums," Crowder said.

The haphazard way the back pay payments have been handled by the various federal agencies that process federal employee payroll have only added to employees' stress, Cox said.

"Federal employees and their families suffered greatly as a result of this shutdown, and the last thing they need right now is more confusion and chaos over getting all the back pay they are owed and dealing with any unpaid obligations," Cox said. "Every day workers must deal with the lingering effects of this shutdown is another day of worry, stress, and distraction from their jobs."

President Cox sent a letter to the acting head of the Office of Management and Budget last week, asking for OMB to publicize when employees would be receiving their back pay. To date, no such schedule has been published.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 700,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees

Related Links

http://www.afge.org


The event featured the participation of the staff of the embassy and agencies next to the embassy, alongside representatives from the Vietnamese community living, studying and working in Russia.

Addressing the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Ngo Duc Manh stated that the Vietnam-Russia relations have grown significantly over recent times, especially after the official visit to Russia made by Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Ngo Duc Manh speaks at the get-together. (Photo: NDO/Nam Dong)



He highly appreciated the significant contributions of the overseas Vietnamese in enhancing and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, expressing his belief that in 2019 the Vietnamese community will work with the officials of the embassy to further diversify their activities in Russia.

The ambassador wished overseas expats and staff of the embassy a healthy and happy new year with even greater success.

A musical performance at the event. (Photo: NDO/Nam Dong)



During the get-together, participants enjoyed traditional Vietnamese dishes, as well as the musical and cultural performances imbued with national identity by the artists of the Vietnamese community.

* A variety of activities are also being held by the Vietnamese community in Australia to celebrate the Tet festival.

Young people are being guided in making Chung cakes, a unique and typical dish of the Vietnamese during the Tet days. (Photo: NDO/Hang Tran)



Together with the efforts to preserve the Vietnamese language for the younger generations, calligraphy writing on spring days has also attracted huge attention. (Photo: NDO/Hang Tran)



Children draw on lanterns by themselves to decorate their houses for the Tet occasion. (Photo: NDO/Hang Tran)



Displaying ornamental trees in their houses is favoured by many Vietnamese families. (Photo: NDO/Hang Tran)



Tet offers an occasion for the Vietnamese community in Australia to get together and look back towards the homeland. (Photo: NDO/Hang Tran)
NEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The increasing demand for frozen and chilled items will drive the truck refrigeration unit market.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05730818





The truck refrigeration unit market is estimated to be USD 10.5 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 15.0 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 5.21%. The demand for refrigeration unit is driven by the increasing demand for frozen and chilled products and increasing sales of commercial vehicles. However, cabin comfort norms are acting as restraints for the refrigeration unit market as cabin comfort is no more an optional technology for trucks, mainly in developed regions.



The Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment is estimated to be the largest truck refrigeration unit market, by vehicle type.

In terms of vehicle type, the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment is estimated to dominate the refrigeration unit market in 2018 and is anticipated to remain dominant in the vehicle type segment during the forecast period.LCVs are mostly preferred for the transportation of perishable goods within the city, and with a rising urbanization rate, especially in developing countries, the refrigeration unit market is expected to grow in the coming years.



However, as per an industry expert's insights, for fitment of the frozen refrigeration unit require certain power output of light trucks as frozen refrigeration unit comes with high capacity compressor. So, the refrigeration unit fitted in LCV is economical, which would offer lucrative business opportunities with low investment.



The roof mount system segment is estimated to grow at the fastest rate in the LCV refrigeration unit market by type.



The roof mount system segment is estimated to be the fastest light commercial vehicle refrigeration unit market during the forecast period.The reasons attributed to the growth of this system are enhanced operational efficiency, simple working mechanism, lightweight, compact size, and low maintenance cost among others.



On the other hand, the split systems are economical compared to the roof mount system, and hence, presently it has a higher adoption rate in the developing countries of Asia Pacific. However, owing to its benefits over the split system, the roof mount systems are projected to dominate during the forecast period.



Asia Pacific is estimated to be the largest truck refrigeration unit market during the forecast period.

The Asia Pacific region is projected to lead in the truck refrigeration market during the forecast period owing to the presence of countries such as India, China, and Japan, which have a substantial consumption of frozen and chilled products.Countries such as India and China are trying to improve their cold storage infrastructure in order to prevent wastage of items.



According to a leading supplier of the refrigeration unit, approximately USD 1.34 billion worth vegetables and fruits in India (which is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables) are wasted every year. Furthermore, increasing consumer demand for frozen food items has fueled the growth of supermarkets and quick-service restaurants such as KFC, Burger King, Subway, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and McDonald's among others in the region. This has led to an increase in the sales of consumer-ready items. Thus, to maintain the shelf life of perishable commodities, the demand for refrigeration unit is expected to remain significant in the coming years.



In-depth interviews were conducted with CEOs, marketing directors, innovation and technology directors, and executives from various key organizations operating in the refrigeration unit marketplace.

 By Company Type: System Manufacturer - 45%, Tier I - 35%, and Others - 20%

 By Designation: C level - 40%, D level - 35%, Other - 25%

 By Region: The Americas - 40%, EMEA - 35%, Asia Pacific - 25%



Note: Others includes sales managers, marketing managers, and product managers

Note: Tier-1 companies are component suppliers, and other companies are fleet owners, bodybuilders, and association among others

Some of the key players in the truck refrigeration unit market are Daikin (Japan), Carrier (US), Thermo King (US), Denso (Japan), Webasto (Germany), Mobile Climate Control (Sweden), Subros (India), Sanden (Japan), Klinge (US), and Utility Trailer (US). The study includes an in-depth competitive analysis of these key players in the truck refrigeration unit market, with their company profiles, SWOT analysis of the top 5 companies, recent developments, and key market strategies.



Research Coverage

The truck refrigeration unit market has been segmented on the basis of vehicle type (LCV, M&HCV, trailer, bus), LCV [by type (roof mount, split system), application (frozen, chilled), industry (frozen food, pharma drugs & chemicals, and ambulance & passenger transport)], trailer size (20-feet, 40-feet, and others), bus length (<8 meters, 812 meters, >12 meters), and region [Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Thailand), EMEA (UK, Germany, France, Spain, Russia, Turkey, and South Africa), and The Americas (US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil).



Key Benefits of Buying the Report:



This report provides insights with reference to the following points:

 Refrigeration Unit Market Size, by Vehicle Type: The report offers in-depth market sizing and forecast up to 2025, by vehicle type such as LCV, M&HCV, trailer (container), and bus. The market sizing for refrigeration unit by vehicle type is covered at the country and regional level that are considered under this study.

 LCV Refrigeration Unit Market Size, by Type: The report offers in-depth market sizing and forecast up to 2025, by type, such as split and roof mount system for LCVs. The market sizing for type is covered at the regional level considered in the study.

 LCV Refrigeration Unit Market Size, by Industry: The report offers in-depth market sizing and forecast up to 2025, by industry such as frozen food, pharma drugs & chemicals and ambulance & passenger transport for LCVs. The market sizing for the industry is covered at the regional level considered in the study.

 LCV Refrigeration Unit Market Size, by Application: The report offers in-depth market sizing and forecast up to 2025, by application such as frozen and chilled for LCVs. The market sizing for application is covered at the regional level considered in the study.

 Trailer Refrigeration Unit Market Size, by Size: The report offers in-depth market sizing and forecast up to 2025, by trailer size such as 20-feet, 40-feet, and others. The market sizing for trailers is covered for regions considered in the study.

 Bus Air Conditioning Unit Market, by Bus Length: The report offers in-depth market sizing and forecast up to 2025, by bus length <8 meters, 812 meters, and >12 meters.

 The report provides the "Market Share" of the leading players in the truck refrigeration unit market.

 Market Development: The report provides comprehensive information about lucrative emerging markets for the truck refrigeration unit across regions.

 Product Development/Innovation: The report gives detailed insights into R&D activities, upcoming technologies, and new product launches in the truck refrigeration unit market.

 Market Diversification: The report offers detailed information about untapped markets, investments, new products, and recent developments in the truck refrigeration unit market.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05730818



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

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SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- This Valentine's season, The San Francisco Dungeon wants to turn your busted, broken, budding-romantic text exchanges into national glory with its search to crown "America's Most Ghosted."

Click Here for Downloadable Photos

Photo Courtesy The San Francisco Dungeon

Ever found yourself on a movie date eating popcorn for two? Or waiting at a restaurantforever? Telling your friends "maybe they lost their phone?" Fear notThe San Francisco Dungeon, the live show experience dedicated to the Bay Area's most sordid history, has you covered.

We're calling all rejected Romeos and ditched dames to post screen shots of your final text exchanges with that special someone whofor a while, anywayseemed REALLY into you. Be selected as the ultimate "ghostee" and fly away on a San Francisco vacation for one, including free flights, accommodation and Dungeon admission.

"We're known as the place to encounter San Francisco's most infamous ghosts," explained Dalia Goldgor, general manager, The San Francisco Dungeon. "That's why we've set out to sooth App-induced agony by rewarding America's Most Ghosted."

To enter, follow @thesfdungeon on Twitter or Instagram. Post a screen shot of your final text exchange with the guilty "ghost" using the unique hashtag #AmericasMostGhosted, plus up to 10 words describing they were Just. The. Worst.

Entries will be accepted Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 9 a.m. PST through Thursday, Feb. 28, 5 p.m. PST. The winner will be announced Friday, March 1, by 12 p.m. PST. Entry instructions and terms and conditions are here.

ABOUT THE SAN FRANCISCO DUNGEON

The San Francisco Dungeon is the ultimate live action journey through the city's murky past where the audience is part of the show. The first attraction of its kind in North America, it brings to life the stories of the Bay Area from the last 100 years with a full theatrical cast, special effects, gripping storytelling, an underground boat ride and the city's only underground drop ride, Escape Alcatraz. Open 365 days a year, The San Francisco Dungeon is fully-ADA accessible and located at Fisherman's Wharf at 145 Jefferson Street next to Madame Tussauds San Francisco. Find on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @TheSFDungeon.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Marina Nicola

The Vox Agency

[email protected]

(702) 355-0845

HASHTAG:

#AmericasMostGhosted

SOURCE The San Francisco Dungeon

Related Links

https://www.thedungeons.com/san-francisco/en


LONDON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- About this market

Increasing initiatives to raise awareness of skin and tissue donation to drive market growth. Organizations such as Donate Life America are conducting an increasing number of awareness programs to increase the awareness of skin ailments that require replacement surgeries and the need for skin donation. Donate Life America is a non-profit organization that promotes the donation of organs, eyes, and tissue. The organization partners with other organizations such as the American Association of Tissue Banks to educate the population across the US about tissue donation and encourage people to donate tissue. Technavio's analysts have predicted that the permanent artificial skin market will register a CAGR of almost 19% by 2023.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5731047



Market Overview

Availability of cost-effective treatment in developing countries

The global permanent artificial skin market is not regulated in developing countries in South America and APAC. The high availability of certified doctors and the low cost of treatment is driving the growth of permanent artificial skin market in these regions. Countries such as China, India, Brazil, and South Korea are among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of the number of certified cosmetic surgeons.

Lack of accessibility and affordability of diagnostic test centers

Advanced diagnostic centers that offer a wide range of diagnostic tests are widely present in developing countries. However, there is a shortage of such centers in developing countries, where the disease burden is high. As a result, numerous patients with chronic diseases remain undiagnosed due to the lack of availability of diagnostic centers.

For the detailed list of factors that will drive and challenge the growth of the permanent artificial skin market during the 2019-2023, view our report.



Competitive Landscape

The market appears to be fragmented and with the presence of several companies including MiMedx and Solsys Medical the competitive environment is quite intense. Factors such as the increasing initiatives to raise awareness of skin and tissue donation and the expansion of aircraft manufacturing facilities, will provide considerable growth opportunities to permanent artificial skin manufactures. Avita Medical, EUCARE PHARMACEUTICALS, Integra LifeSciences, MiMedx, and Solsys Medical are some of the major companies covered in this report.



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Putnam co-founded The New Flat Rate with her father and pricing enthusiast, Rodney Koop. She's a strong advocate for the growth of women in the HVACR industry, which is why Women in HVACR was created. This growth includes all areas, such as technical, sales and management.

Women in HVACR was formed in 2002 as an organization to foster networking, education and mentoring for women in the HVACR industry. The group encourages women already in the industry as well as fosters growth for more females to become involved. The organization has scholarship and mentor programs aimed at not only helping women establish themselves in HVACR, but also to thrive. Women in HVACR is also implementing an ambassador program where HVACR professionals will go to schools to talk about careers in the trade that will eventually be rolled out in all 50 states.

"A lot of things have changed about this industry and society as a whole since my dad started his home service company," Putnam said. "Twenty or thirty years ago, it would have been a rarity to see a female working with HVAC, much less a female owner of an HVAC business. While it's becoming more commonplace, there is so much room to grow for women in the HVACR world. Women in HVACR has a lot of awesome things planned for this year, and I'm looking forward to leading the way."

For more information about Women in HVACR, please visit https://www.womeninhvacr.org/.

For more information about The New Flat Rate, please visit www.thenewflatrate.com.

About The New Flat Rate

The New Flat Rate, Inc. pioneered the first menu pricing system for in-home service providers which has doubled and tripled the average service ticket for contractors across the United States and Canada. Targeting HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical Service and Repair contractors, each market-specific edition is designed to do the bundling and upselling for technicians by providing hundreds of service, repair and equipment replacement "menus", each with up to five straightforward options consumers can choose. Voted No. 1 for two years in a row by Contracting Business, The New Flat Rate develops processes to eliminate objections and lower sales resistance for service technicians. For more information, visit http://thenewflatrate.com/ or call 706-259-8892.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865-977-1973

[email protected]

SOURCE The New Flat Rate

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NEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The delivery robots market projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.15% during 20182024

The delivery robots market is expected to grow from USD 11.9 billion in 2018 to USD 34.0 billion by 2024, at a CAGR of 19.15% during the forecast period. There are numerous giant online retailers in the global market, along with the emerging ones. Even some giant offline retailers are going online because people all over the world have started preferring online shopping owing to the huge discount and smooth delivery at their doorstep. The introduction of autonomous delivery robots in e-commerce will not only give customers greater convenience at a lower cost but also significantly alter the competitive landscape. Hence, the reduction in costs of last-mile deliveries is one of the key factors driving the market growth. However, stringent regulations pertaining to operations of delivery robots act as a key restraining factor for the market growth.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05730822



The delivery robots market for software to grow at a higher CAGR during forecast period

Owing to technological advancements, robot OEMs have started integrating data analytics platforms, such as big data analysis and predictive analysis, into the robotic system.With the help of the software, a delivery robot can perform various tasks, such as route mapping and navigation, dynamic path planning, and obstacle identification.



The fast growth of the market for software can also be attributed to the increased demand for delivery robots with auto navigation and autonomous decision-making capabilities.



The market for 6-wheeled delivery robots to grow at a high CAGR from 2018 to 2024

6-wheeled delivery robots can run on different types of terrain in a balanced way. In APAC, countries such as India and China will opt for 6-wheeled delivery robots, which would be widely used for the delivery of food items and beverages. Most of the 6-wheeled delivery robot manufacturers offer a delivery robot with all-wheel drive capability. This feature allows the robot to handle the toughest and steepest hill with an ability to drive 20 miles in a single charge, and these robots are costlier than 4-wheeled delivery robots, which is the key factor fueling the growth of the market for 6-wheeled delivery robots.



North America to dominate the delivery robots market in 2018

North America is expected to hold the largest share of the delivery robots market in 2018.The dominance of North America can be attributed to the increasing demand for delivery robots in the retail industry and growing labor charges for last-mile deliveries.



Apart from the retail industry, the delivery robots have also been adopted for delivering food items and beverages to the university and corporate campuses specifically in the US, which also is one of the key driving factors for the delivery robots market in North America. Further, restrictions on using drones for delivery applications create a growth opportunity for the delivery robots market in the region.

In the process of determining and verifying the market size for several segments and subsegments gathered through the secondary research, extensive primary interviews have been conducted with key industry experts in the delivery robots marketspace. The break-up of primary participants for the report has been shown below:

 By Company Type: Tier 1  40%, Tier 2  40%, and Tier 3  20%

 By Designation: C-level Executives  35%, Directors  25%, and Others  40%

 By Region: North America  50%, Europe  30%, Asia Pacific  15%, and RoW  5%



The report profiles key players in the delivery robots market with their respective market ranking analysis. Prominent players profiled in this report are Starship Technologies (US), JD.com (China), Panasonic System Solutions Asia Pacific (Singapore), Savioke (US), Nuro (US), Amazon Robotics (US), Robby Technologies (US), Boston Dynamics (US), Robomart (US), Eliport (Spain), Dispatch (US), Piaggio Fast Forward (US), Marble (US), TeleRetail (Switzerland), BoxBot (US), and Kiwi Campus (US).



Research Coverage:

This research report categorizes the global delivery robots market on the basis of load carrying capacity, component, number of wheels, speed limit, end-user industry, and geography. The report describes the major drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities pertaining to the delivery robots market and forecasts the same till 2024.



Key Benefits of Buying the Report



The report would help leaders/new entrants in this market in the following ways:

1. This report segments the delivery robots market comprehensively and provides the closest market size projection for all subsegments across different regions.

2. The report helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provides them with information on key drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities for market growth.

3. This report would help stakeholders understand their competitors better and gain more insights to improve their position in the business. The competitive landscape section includes competitor ecosystem, product developments and launches, partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions.



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CULVER CITY, Calif., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- SweetFlower, a cannabis lifestyle brand committed to modernizing the cannabis customer experience, has announced the appointment of former Google and Snap executive Terri Gilles as Chief Operating Officer.

Ms. Gilles will be responsible for design, construction and operations of all SweetFlower retail destinations, including the recently acquired Perennial Holistic Wellness Center, which will be rebranded as SweetFlower Studio City. She will work closely with SweetFlower's CEO and senior management team, as they further develop and expand SweetFlower's retail and community presence in greater Los Angeles, and will also oversee human resources to ensure SweetFlower develops a responsible and engaging workforce as it expands. Ms. Gilles will work alongside Chris Bonbright, who will continue as the Chief Operating Officer of SweetFlower Culver with respect to the company's application for a retail cannabis dispensary license in the City of Culver.

"Bringing someone of Terri's caliber on at this juncture of SweetFlower's growth, at the inception of our material store expansion and brand growth stage, is both critical and exciting," said Tim Dodd, CEO, SweetFlower. "Her extensive operations skills and tenures with unique brands like Google and Snap will be instrumental in shaping and defining SweetFlower at all levels of the organization, beginning with the experience customers have in each of our stores."

With Ms. Gilles, SweetFlower gains a Chief Operating Officer with deep expertise in real estate and operations, including the supervision of over five million square feet of construction. In her most recent role at Snap, Ms. Gilles was responsible for establishing Snap's entire facilities and operations teams, and building out more than one million square feet of Snap's operation footprint. Prior to Snap, while with Google, she oversaw the company's western region real estate portfolio, including daily operations of its space.

"SweetFlower is poised to become a leader in the California cannabis industry by delivering a differentiated experience to consumers throughout Los Angeles, the largest legal market in the state," said Ms. Gilles. "I've always looked to contribute my talents to a strong management team building brands, pushing boundaries and doing something that redefines customer expectations, and I could not be more excited to begin that journey with SweetFlower."

SweetFlower announced last month the opening of its corporate headquarters in Culver City, CA, where the company's senior team has deep roots and professional ties. SweetFlower is committed to integrating into the fabric of the community, providing good jobs to local residents and to giving back to the neighborhood in a sustainable and long-term manner.

About SweetFlower

SweetFlower is a cannabis lifestyle brand committed to modernizing the cannabis customer experience. The hallmarks of the SweetFlower experience are unparalleled customer service, the highest quality, locally-sourced products, and retail environments distinguished by their design and inviting ambience. Founded in 2018, the company is headquartered in Culver City, CA.

Media Contact:

Caroline Legg

978.255.4488

[email protected]

SOURCE SweetFlower
By utilizing advanced molecular discovery, Sound Agriculture has identified how plants interact with soil microbes, leading to the development of a new product called Source. Source is a crop input that stimulates natural microbes to increase the available nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, allowing them to be used by the plant. Traditionally, farmers have turned to synthetic fertilizers to provide these vital nutrients, but now Source can unlock the nutrients  and the potential  that already exists in the field.

Five years of field trials on corn show that Source improves yields by an average of 10 bushels per acre, with some fields seeing increases up to 30 bushels per acre. Lab and field studies also show that Source can replace approximately 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre, decreasing the amount of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer needed and supporting the health of the earth's soil, water and air.

Farmers who are interested in participating in the 2019 trial are invited to visit www.sourcebysound.com to learn more and connect with a Sound Agriculture team member. The current trial is being conducted on corn fields and space is limited. Source is available as a foliar spray making it easy to integrate into current farmer management practices.

Sound Agriculture

Sound Agriculture uses bio-inspired technologies to develop products that sustainably increase agriculture productivity by enhancing nutrient and water use among crops. The company is dedicated to fighting yield loss due to environmental stresses while decreasing reliance on fertilizers and other chemicals. Sound Agriculture is headquartered in Emeryville, CA with an additional office in North Carolina. For more information, visit www.soundagriculture.com and follow @sound_ag on Twitter.

SOURCE Sound Agriculture

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 1000 doctoral scientists from around the world have signed a statement publicly expressing their skepticism about the contemporary theory of Darwinian evolution, according to Discovery Institute. The statement, located online at www.dissentfromdarwin.org, reads: "We are skeptical of claims for the ability of random mutation and natural selection to account for the complexity of life. Careful examination of the evidence for Darwinian theory should be encouraged."

"Because no scientist can show how Darwin's mechanism can produce the complexity of life, every scientist should be skeptical," said biologist Douglas Axe, director of the Biologic Institute. "The fact that most won't admit to this exposes the unhealthy effect of peer pressure on scientific discourse."

Discovery Institute first published it's a Scientific Dissent from Darwinism list in the New York Review of Books in 2001 to challenge false statements about Darwinian evolution made in promoting PBS's "Evolution" series. At the time it was claimed that "virtually every scientist in the world believes the theory to be true."

Discovery Institute founder Bruce Chapman found 100 PhD scientists to sign the initial dissent statement. Realizing that there were likely more scientists worldwide who shared some skepticism of Darwinian evolution and were willing to go on record, the Institute has continued to maintain and add to the list.

The list of signatories now includes 15 scientists from the National Academies of Science in countries including Russia, the Czech Republic, Brazil, and the United States, as well as from the Royal Society. Many of the signers are professors or researchers at major universities and international research institutions such as: the University of Cambridge, the British Museum of Natural History, Moscow State University, Hong Kong University, University of Stellenbosch in South Africa, Institut de Paleontologie Humaine in France, Ben-Gurion University in Israel, MIT, The Smithsonian, Yale and Princeton.

"As a biochemist I become most skeptical about Darwinism when I was confronted with the extreme intricacy of the genetic code and its many most intelligent strategies to code, decode and protect its information," said Dr. Marcos Eberlin, founder of the Thomson Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences in Brazil.

SOURCE Discovery Institute
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- MakerSights, pioneer of the product decision platform for retail, today announced its vision for the New Retail paradigm, marrying art and science through the combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and creative instinct. The convergence of the mobile internet, automation and artificial intelligence is making it possible to close the annual multi-trillion dollar gap between what gets made and what customers buy. Three-year-old MakerSights is already profitable and has grown its business by 3X year over year. The company has seen widespread adoption among standout industry brands as well as leading digitally native players  new customers utilizing the platform include Levi's, Madewell, J.Crew, Allbirds, HOKA ONE ONE, Lucky Brand, Roots and Shinola. The company also expanded internationally over the past year and is now operating in North America, EMEA and APAC and announced investment to fuel its vision, bringing MakerSights total funding to date to $3.1 million. Concurrently, MakerSights today announced the powerful next generation of its product decision platform with a new AI-based product decision engine that is uniquely aligned to the retail calendar.

"The secret to MakerSights' success is a parallel focus on technology and people. They've built a one-of-a-kind SaaS platform that solves a meaningful problem at the heart of the retail and fashion industries by bringing predictability and consumer-centricity to the product development process. At the same time, they've built a team of true retail and technology experts, while fostering a positive, feedback-minded culture," said Steve Anderson, founder of Baseline Ventures. "It's clear to me that the MakerSights team has the right formula to continue achieving outsized success over the long term."

MakerSights' expanded international offering has provided a powerful unlock for brands looking to build global assortments. Through MakerSights' robust network of international consumer panels, brands are able to test and discern regional product preferences in more than 100 countries, allowing for more tailored investments across key markets. New language capabilities also allow MakerSights to reach and engage consumers in localized dialects beyond English, including Chinese, Japanese, French, German and Spanish.

Investors in MakerSights include: Steve Anderson, founder of Baseline Ventures, who was the lead investor in Stitch Fix, as well as an investor in Heroku, Instagram, Twitter; Hayley Barna, partner at First Round Capital and founder and former CEO at Birchbox; Bill McComb, former CEO of Kate Spade and Lucky Brand; Elizabeth Spaulding, senior partner at Bain & Company and leader of Bain's Global Digital practice; Jeff Epstein, operating partner at Bessemer Venture Partners and former CFO at Oracle and Doubleclick; and Nick Brown, founder of Imaginary Ventures.

"At MakerSights we believe that good go-to-market decisions combine merchant instinct, consumer sentiment and historical evidence. Yet until now, brands have lacked tools to surface these key inputs effectively, and as a result they've had to fall back on gut-based decisions, leading to massive financial and materials inefficiency," said Dan Leahy, co-founder and CEO at MakerSights. "MakerSights puts these mission critical inputs at decision makers' fingertips, enabling informed decisions throughout the entire go to market process. And the results have been tremendousin just three years, we've delivered hundreds of millions of incremental margin dollars to our brands by reducing both markdowns and out of stocks. In partnership with the world's top retail brands as customers and the best minds in venture capital, academia and retail as investors, we're thrilled by the opportunity to usher in a new era of retail that consumer-centric, data-driven and financially and environmentally sustainable."

The Fourth Industrial Revolution Reaches Retail, Sparking Digital Transformation

World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab has observed that the rise of the fourth industrial revolution is upon us, with its new economy powered by the mobile internet, automation and artificial intelligence. As the fourth industrial revolution reaches retail, investment in AI for retail will exceed $8 billion dollars by 2024 with brands and retailers applying the technology in new ways across the entire product cycle.

"For all the years of ecommerce, we're still woefully behind in using technology to change the innovation process in retail, especially fashion. Truly engaging customers isn't just a question of finding better ways to sell to them. It's a matter of engaging with them directly in the creation process. In the spirit of meeting customers where they are, digital channels can facilitate product development as well as commerce. The ability to test concepts and products directly with customers early in the process pays huge dividendsregardless of where they're ultimately sold," said Nicole France, Principal Analyst & VP, Constellation Research. "Informing decisions with data throughout the production cycle, as MakerSights does, makes basic business senseit reduces cost and accelerates time to market. Incorporating customer input throughout the design and development process increases the likelihood that products will be successful. The result is not only increased sales, but lower volumes of unsold stock."

The New Retail: Out With the Old, In With the New

The decades-old process of coming up with a product and bringing it to market is more than ready for a makeover. Until now, most products have been developed based on static historical sales data (often two years old) and gut intuition. The problem is that past consumer behavior and product instinct alone are not consistent indicators of how a new product or assortment will perform in the market. Further, in this new age of the empowered consumer the argument that consumers don't know what they want has been invalidated across the spectrumfrom fast fashion to luxury goods, companies burned or discarded billions of dollars in non-purchased stock last year alone.

In the New Retail paradigm, letting the consumer behind the curtain to take part in the product creation process breaks this cycle of making and selling only what has done well in the past, or what a group of people inside of a retail organization have convinced themselves will sell. This direct access to relevant feedback, when paired with capabilities such as AI, machine learning and predictive analytics, gives brands clearer insight into what their consumers want, and more ability to integrate this into their decision-making. As a result, retailers become more profitable, customers become more loyal and fashion becomes sustainable.

Collaboration is a defining feature of the New Retail paradigmcollaboration between brands and consumers, between people at all levels inside of retail companies, and between product teams and new "helping hand" technology. The New Retail paradigm is characterized by:

Empowered consumers who do not want to be dictated to and demand an on-brand experience

A symbiotic relationship between brands and consumers, with greater alignment between what brands make and what consumers value

A more collaborative and data-driven culture inside of product companies, including greater collaboration between people at all levels as well as between product teams and technologies like AI, machine learning, predictive analytics and data science

Better product outcomes  higher margins and less materials waste driven by better alignment between consumer expectations and brand actions

Increase in customer loyalty and consumer lifetime value  consumers feel like they are part of a brand's journey and are more loyal when they are able to volunteer their input and take part in the way products are made and merchandised

Results from a recent study, also announced today, revealed the role that consumers expect to have in the product creation process, highlighting the need for consumer-informed retail strategies.

"It's obvious you should make what customers want, but the question for brands is how. That's the problem we decided to solve in software, taking advantage of today's confluence of mobile internet, automation and artificial intelligence technologies to develop a tool that can partner with product teams on decision-making throughout their product creation and merchandising calendars," Leahy continued. "MakerSights puts the value of the new retail tech stack within reach of the product teams, the C-suite and even frontline employees. Product teams using MakerSights are empowered to make better choices than ever before."

About MakerSights

MakerSights, pioneer of the product decision platform for retail, provides a trusted digital feedback loop between the market and the makers, bridging the gap between what brands think consumers want and what consumers value. Tightly aligned to the retail calendar, MakerSights' AI-driven technology partners with product teams to support informed decision-making at every stage of the creation and go-to-market process, from ideation to line planning and sell-in. By capturing the combined wisdom of human instinct and machine learning, MakerSights accurately predicts which styles will be winners and losers, eliminating risk at all product development stages. The platform correlates feedback from existing and potential consumers with historical sales data and product professionals' creative intuitions to serve up "smart," stage-specific recommendations on how to take action. Teams can use MakerSights to rapidly validate entire assortments, product attributes, or what will appeal to target demographics  before time and money are committed. Up to 10X less costly and 20X more efficient than traditional focus groups, with MakerSights it's fast and easy to collect input from consumers at scale to test product hypotheses, while its mobile-first user experience inspires authentic responses from consumers. On average, brands using MakerSights experience a 3-5% margin lift. Top apparel, footwear and accessories brands worldwideincluding Levi's, J.Crew, Madewell, Shinola, Taylor Stitch, HOKA ONE ONE and Allbirdshave de-risked billions of inventory investments by using MakerSights to measure consumer appeal for new concepts, to make sustainable choices and increase profitability of assortments across regions, channels and key accounts.

Media Contact

Pam Njissang

Bhava Communications for MakerSights

510-984-1528

[email protected]

SOURCE MakerSights

Related Links

http://www.makersights.com


LONDON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Senzer has won a leading international design award for its unique respiratory inhaler, its second such prize in a month, the pharmaceutical cannabinoid company, said today.

Senzer's entry - its patented Systemic inhaled Delivery Device, SiDD is a winner of an iF Design Award in the Medicine/Health category. The competition run by the Hannover-based iF International Forum Design GmbH is the world's oldest independent design organization, and is recognized as one of the world's leading design prizes.

More than 6,400 entries were submitted from 50 countries, and the SiDD platform was evaluated by a 67-member jury, made up of independent experts. The European prize follows Senzer's victory last month in the Chicago-based GOOD DESIGN  Awards, in which the unique breath-operated inhaler was recognised for 'revolutionising the delivery of systemic medications through the lungs.'

The SiDD platform is designed to deliver drug particles of a small ideal size and at an optimal time rate deep into a patient's lungs, resulting in drug uptake being faster, more consistent and only requiring smaller doses. Unlike other respiratory presentations, SiDD delivers drugs comparably to an injection or an IV. Senzer has deployed the platform in the pharmaceutical cannabinoid space to treat conditions that require a rapid drug uptake, specifically chemotherapy side effects. The device is currently undergoing evaluation for FDA approval. The Company also intends to launch in selected EU markets in 2019 under prescription.

"Scooping a second design award in another prestigious design competition once again, underscores that our approach is unique and of real merit in the pharmaceutical respiratory space," said Paul Young, Head of Design & Engineering. "Our main motivation at Senzer is to get our devices into the hands of our target patient groups, as we are sure our platform will provide better treatment solutions for patients worldwide."

About SENZER Limited

SENZER Ltd. is a U.K.-based inhalation technology company specializing in the development and commercialization of therapeutic delivery systems of cannabinoid products, and it is developing a pipeline of inhalation and delivery products to meet unmet medical needs. Senzer's platform is based around a patented device that allows swift and effective inhaled delivery of cannabinoids, as well as other active pharmaceuticals.

About the iF DESIGN AWARD

For 66 years, the iF DESIGN AWARD has been recognized as an arbiter of quality for exceptional design. The iF label is renowned worldwide for outstanding design services, and the iF DESIGN AWARD is one of the most important design prizes in the world. All awarded entries will be featured on the iF WORLD DESIGN GUIDE, in the iF design app and are displayed at the iF design exhibition Hamburg.

Contact: Samantha Simpson, +44(0)203-457-0453, [email protected]

SOURCE Senzer Limited

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http://www.senzer.com/


WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon announced the appointment of Todd Pauley as the Director of the SBA's Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives (FBCI). In this role, Pauley will work together with faith-based and community leaders and organizations, whose purpose is to encourage entrepreneurship, spur economic growth, seek to preserve free enterprise and further strengthen our economy. As director of FBCI, Pauley will support the mission of the SBA by building deeper connections, strengthening relationships and enhancing communications with these leaders and organizations, improving economic development and job creation.

"I am pleased to welcome Todd to our team here at the SBA," McMahon said. "He brings a breadth of knowledge, expertise and experience that will support my continued commitment to unite SBA in partnership with faith-based and community organizations. These organizations are essential in empowering families and revitalizing communities. We will do our very best to serve these organizations, and those they serve, by purposefully providing opportunities to access federal programs, services and contracts at SBA. Working together toward an even stronger economy is a great benefit in our neighborhoods and to our nation."

Pauley brings nearly two decades of federal and state political, legislative and legal experience to the post. In addition to serving as an advisor and aide to members of Congress from Oklahoma, he has provided public affairs, public policy, and fundraising support to nonprofits, higher education, as well as, faith-based and community organizations, including Belmont University in Nashville, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Ethics and Religious Liberty Committee.

Pauley brings a history of community service to Washington. He has served in a gubernatorially appointed position as a commissioner on the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth responsible for developing or improving services to children and youth of the state and as a member of the board for the foundation of local area school districts, Putnam City and Piedmont. One experience Pauley is most proud of is having served as Chair of the Executive Committee for the Thunderbird Chapel at Camp Gruber. In this role, he provided leadership and support to the mission of making available the means and resources for the construction of a chapel at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma. The purpose of the chapel was to provide for more adequate counseling services and space for fostering spiritual fulfillment within members of the Oklahoma National Guard and the citizens of Oklahoma.

Pauley earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Belmont University and a juris doctor degree and certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Oklahoma City University School of Law.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Contact: [email protected] (202) 401-3059

Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Blogs & Instagram

Release Number: 19-04

SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration

Related Links

http://www.sba.gov


BEIJING, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- RYB Education, Inc. ("RYB" or the "Company") (NYSE: RYB), a leading early childhood education service provider in China, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire approximately 70% of a leading Singapore-based private childhood education group for approximately RMB125 million in cash.

Ms. Yanlai Shi, the Company's Co-founder, Director and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are excited to add this portfolio of childhood education assets to our platform. This acquisition expands our brands and service offerings to a wider audience and additional jurisdictions. Moreover, the international English and bilingual curriculum, along with the high-quality education management team we are acquiring, will generate great synergy with our China-based operations and enhance our competitive edge in our core China early childhood education market."

"This annoucement, together with our prior acquisitions and alliances, exemplifies our strategic and measured diversification across multiple business lines, products and geographies. It broadens our educational platform while allowing us to remain primarily focused on providing educational services to children from infancy to 6 years old. In addition, this acquisition demonstrates our commitment to constantly improving the quality of our educational offerings, and we firmly believe that this initiative will deliver long-term value for our shareholders," Ms. Shi concluded.

In conjunction with the above purchase, the Company intends to change its name from RYB Education to GEH Education to better reflect its growing platform of multiple brands, products and services in multiple markets and geographies. The Company's board of directors has approved the name change and it will be submitted to the Company's general meeting for further approval by the shareholders. The proposed new Company name is intended to strengthen the core RYB brand for kindergarten and Play-and-Learn services as well as other brands on the platform while providing a mechanism for continued brand, product and service expansion.

About RYB Education, Inc.

Founded on the core values of ''Care'' and ''Responsibility'', "Inspire" and "Innovate," RYB Education, Inc. is a leading early childhood education service provider in China. Since opening its first play-and-learn center in 1998, the Company has grown and flourished with the mission to provide high-quality, individualized and age-appropriate care and education to nurture and inspire each child for his or her betterment in life. During its more than two decades of operating history, the Company has built "RYB" into a well-recognized education brand and helped bring about many new educational practices in China's early childhood education industry. RYB's comprehensive early childhood education solutions meet the needs of children from infancy to 6 years old through structured courses at kindergartens and play-and-learn centers, as well as at-home educational products and services.

For more information, please visit http://ir.rybbaby.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's brand recognition and market reputation; student enrollment in the Company's teaching facilities; the Company's growth strategies; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; trends and competition in China's early childhood education market; changes in its revenues and certain cost or expense items; the expected growth of the Chinese early education market; Chinese governmental policies relating to the Company's industry and general economic conditions in China. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

RYB Education, Inc.

Investor Relations

Tel: +86-10-8767-5752

E-mail: [email protected]

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Ross Warner

Tel: +86 (10) 5730-6200

E-mail: [email protected]

In the United States:

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Brandi Piacente

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE RYB Education, Inc.

Related Links

www.rybbaby.com


TORONTO, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the world's preeminent competition for students from business and design schools returns this month for its 10th annual edition with more participating schools than ever and a new international sponsor. The Rotman Design Challenge (RDC) at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management is a unique event that allows students to put design theories into practice by tackling a complex business challenge.

This year's event, to be held at the Rotman School on February 9 to 10, is attracting 31 teams representing 16 different institutions including University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Parsons School of Design, Cambridge Judge Business School, and Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley.

Kingspan, the global leader in high performance insulation and building envelope solutions for the construction market, with its headquarters in Ireland, is this year's sponsor. Kingspan's ultimate business goal is to improve building performance and contribute to a more sustainable, energy-efficient future for their customers and the environment. That is why, during this time of evolution and change, where industries are being increasingly exposed to innovation-driven growth where disruptive technologies are a key player, Kingspan is looking to leverage digital technologies to better align their offerings with customer needs, while simultaneously addressing key challenges facing the industry. As such, participating teams are being asking to answer the following question:

"Within the next 5-10 years, how can Kingspan, the global leader in high performance insulation and building envelope solutions, and a company committed to sustainability, disrupt its own business model to be the leader in the future of digital construction?"

"Kingspan is always looking for new ways to encourage innovative thinking, and supporting the RDC is one way of doing this. It is a unique event that empowers participants to flex their creative talents in a practical and supportive environment," says Brian Glancy, Head of BIM Strategy for Kingspan Group.

"This is not just another case competition; the RDC is an event that allows students to put design theories into practice in a collaborative environment where they are supported by academics, professionals, and consultants from the fields of business and design," says Sarah Vandersluis, MBA'19 one of the RDC co-chairs, and a member of The Business Design Club at the Rotman School.

Additional information on the RDC is available at www.rotmanbdc.com/rotman-design-challenge/.

The Rotman School of Management is part of the University of Toronto, a global centre of research and teaching excellence at the heart of Canada's commercial capital. Rotman is a catalyst for transformative learning, insights and public engagement, bringing together diverse views and initiatives around a defining purpose: to create value for business and society. For more information, visit www.rotman.utoronto.ca

SOURCE Rotman School of Management

Related Links

http://www.rotman.utoronto.ca


BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- ROSS Companies, a leader in multifamily property management, acquisition and renovation in the Mid-Atlantic region, today announced that it has assumed property management of Creekside at Taskers Chance in Frederick, Md., on behalf of The BurnBrae Companies, a Bethesda based multifamily owner and residential land developer. The 120-unit Creekside at Taskers Chance is an affordable, independent living community for active adults 55 years and better.

ROSS will oversee community and amenity improvements and upgrades. Furthermore, the company will implement a more consumer-friendly operational strategy and revamp the community's digital marketing efforts to better position Creekside at Taskers Chance to meet the demand for active adult housing in Frederick.

"We are honored and excited by this new management assignment that allows us to begin a valued client relationship," said Dave Miskovich, CEO of ROSS. "With its excellent location and fulfillment of the high demand in Frederick for 55 and over housing, Creekside at Taskers Chance is poised to thrive. We look forward to making that happen and to continuing to grow our management portfolio throughout metro D.C. as well as other markets throughout the Mid-Atlantic."

Situated at 100 Burgess Hill Way, Creekside at Taskers Chance offers a quiet, wooded setting and convenient access to Interstate 70 and 270. The community is minutes from Frederick Memorial Hospital and Fort Detrick, and close to numerous shops, restaurants, schools and parks.

Creekside at Taskers Chance features one- and two-bedroom homes, ranging in size from 566 to 809 square feet. Apartment features include elevator access to each floor in the building, fully-equipped kitchens, wheelchair accessibility and an emergency response system. Select units also include walk-in showers and balconies. Community amenities include regularly scheduled social activities, weekly transportation, a hair salon, game room and fitness center.

About ROSS Companies

ROSS Companies, founded in 1983 in Bethesda, Md., is a recognized leader in multifamily acquisitions and investment, development, property management and renovation. With a managed portfolio of more than 10,000 apartment homes in more than 30 communities, the privately held company is one of the most active multifamily real estate firms in the Mid-Atlantic region, and recognized for its ability to add value to communities while driving high levels of resident satisfaction. ROSS Companies is comprised of three affiliates  ROSS Development & Investment, ROSS Management Services and ROSS Renovation & Construction. In 2018, ROSS Development & Investment celebrated its 35th anniversary and ROSS Management Services celebrated 30 years in business. ROSS Management Services was honored for the fourth consecutive year in 2018 with a National Resident Satisfaction Award from SatisFacts. In 2017, 10 ROSS-managed communities were awarded the Apartment Ratings' Top Rated Award for 2016, reflecting ROSS Companies' unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. These annual awards recognize communities with outstanding resident satisfaction ratings as measured on ApartmentRatings.com. For more information about ROSS Companies, visit TheRossCompanies.com.



SOURCE ROSS Companies

Related Links

https://ross-companies.com


BALTIMORE, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Jeffrey M. Stamps, R.Ph., President and CEO of Remedi SeniorCare, announces new members of the leadership team for its new pharmacy in Downers Grove, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Two long-term care pharmacy executives have joined Remedi as development progresses on the company's twelfth location. The 50,000 square foot pharmacy, slated to open in the third quarter of 2019, will dispense Remedi's proprietary dispensing system PAXIT and eventually employ more than 200 individuals.

Mike Milcarek, PharmD, MBA, has been named the pharmacy's General Manager. His over two decades of experience in local and regional pharmacy management include several years in Northern and Central Illinois. Michael's knowledge of account management, business development, and pharmacy dispensing will contribute to his role, where he will oversee all operations to ensure compliance with all aspects of preparation for medication administration for Remedi's customers. Joining as Operations Manager is Chris Frederick, another industry executive who has spent his two decades of long-term care pharmacy experience in the state of Illinois. He brings a vast knowledge of pharmacy operations, contracting, and customer relations to his role. As Operations Manager, Chris will be responsible for the day-to-day management and production of the back end of pharmacy operations, which include inventory, fulfillment, and electro-mechanics.

Both Milcarek and Frederick are well-known leaders within the long-term care pharmacy industry and adept in the integration of technology within pharmacy operations. Remedi's Chief Operating Officer, Mark Schroder added, "Mike and Chris are high-energy, results-driven individuals; just the kind of professionals to lead our new pharmacy to success. We look forward to continuing our customer-focused approach in a market where PAXIT is in high demand."

A leading innovator in long-term care pharmacy, Remedi SeniorCare brings cutting-edge technology which is transforming the long-term care service model. As the exclusive provider of the patented PAXIT medication administration system, Remedi SeniorCare has a long history of providing cost-effective and highly accurate pharmacy medication pass services to long-term care facilities, including skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities. Remedi SeniorCare supports more than 80,000 residents across 30 states and the District of Columbia. Through its technology-enabled pharmacy services, Remedi SeniorCare allows its customers to achieve higher levels of accuracy and quality in medication delivery while reducing unnecessary waste and cost.

For more information, visit www.RemediRx.com.

SOURCE Remedi SeniorCare

Related Links

https://www.remedirx.com


AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent Texas Supreme Court ruling leaves the door wide open for future legal challenges over electronic vote counting irregularities raised by a high-profile quest for election integrity.

"The election activities that Dr. [Laura] Pressley complains about could create a perception of impropriety, and such impropriety might make the election results unknowable," the Court ruling stated.

Dr. Laura Pressley's patient and persistent legal case paid off and those reaping the returns of improved election security for years to come are future candidates and all Texas voters.

"Now that the Texas Supreme Court has unanimously validated our legal arguments, we're going full speed ahead in the 86th Texas legislative session to strengthen Texas electronic vote counting laws and increase the penalties for county officials that violate those laws," Pressley said. "We want to ensure every vote is legally counted, and we're just getting started."

The unanimous ruling in Pressley v. Casar may be read here: https://www.scribd.com/document/398298296/SCOTX-Ruling-in-Laura-Pressley-Election-Challenge

Four years ago, Pressley filed an election contest in Texas, citing irregularities and illegalities which occurred in the tabulation and recount of her 2014 Austin City Council race. Because of the electronic tabulation errors, constitutional violations, and illegalities in her recount, Pressley argued that the results were unknowable. The evidentiary and legal claims she presented were a first in Texas.

Pressley's election contest was short-circuited from going to trial and was sanctioned by two lower courts more than $100,000 for what they claimed were frivolous legal arguments. But, on January 25th, in a unanimous decision, the Texas Supreme Court granted her Petition for Review and reversed the lower courts' judgments stating, "the sanctions were an abuse of discretion" and reversing the financial penalties. The Court went further and ordered Gregorio Casar, Pressley's City Council election opponent, to pay Pressley the costs incurred in the Texas Supreme Court.

Council member Casar has since been re-elected for a second term to the Austin City Council. Even though the Texas Supreme Court determined that the issue of who won the election is therefore moot, Dr. Pressley prevailed in every other aspect of the case.

The precedent set by Pressley v. Casar is an important one. Candidates now have the green light to challenge election results using evidence such as statistics, audit log error messages, corrupted memory cards, the lack of paper backup records, and criminal behavior that document mistakes, irregularities, and illegalities committed by election officials in the counting of votes, without the fear of being financially sanctioned for raising the issues.

"Contesting elections in Texas is a tedious process in need of reform," Pressley said.

The legal approach of trotting voters in to court to determine how they voted or going through absentee ballots to gain single or double digit votes to win an election contest is a classical approach to address small margins of victory. Given recent innovations in elections technology, voters and candidates are well-aware that thousands of votes  if not hundreds of thousands  can be manipulated with a push of a button on a central counting tabulation computer on election night. In those situations, candidates may win the vote, but not win the count.

In the past, election lawyers and candidates have shied away from challenging these types of serious election issues even when evidence exists that vote manipulation may have occurred. The Texas Supreme Court has now opened the door for candidates to challenge and bring evidence when election officers commit electronic counting irregularities and illegalities that could cause thousands of votes to be manipulated.

Pressley added, "There remain serious questions of integrity regarding our elections process and infrastructure. Many counties still don't have a verifiable numbered paper ballot consistent with our Texas Constitution and Election Code  so as we sit here today, a true manual recount cannot be performed. We are addressing this.."

About Dr. Laura Pressley

Dr. Laura Pressley earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin and holds four U.S. patents in semiconductor technology. She ran for the Austin City Council District 4 seat and ordered a recount in 2015. When Travis County Elections Office refused to produce authenticated and numbered recount ballots that met the Texas state constitutional and election code requirements, she sued in an election contest citing numerous illegalities and irregularities in the counting of her votes.

Since her contest began, she has given more than 250 presentations on elections transparency, sparking grassroots interest in a more permanent effort to protect ballot integrity all across the Lone Star State and beyond. She is the Founder of True Texas Elections, LLC, a company whose mission is to ensure transparency and accuracy in the counting of our votes.

For more information, contact Dr. Laura Pressley, Ph.D, at (512) 762-3825 or [email protected].

Contact: Andy Hogue

[email protected] | (512) 298-9996

SOURCE Laura Pressley
ALBANY, New York, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Transparency Market Research, the global polyamide 6 market is estimated to have a sluggish growth in the tenure of forecast period from 2017 to 2026. The market is estimated to project a slow CAGR of 3.5% in the coming years. In the span of forthcoming years, the polyamide 6 market is likely to peg the sales of more than 7,690 metric tons by the end of forecast period. Stringent industrial rules are expected to keep on creating hindrance in large-scale polyamide 6 production. The key players operating in the global polyamide 6 market are DSM Engineering Plastics, BASF SE, Grupa Azoty, Ube Industries, Ltd., Honeywell International Inc., Nycoa, Techmer PM LLC, Polymeric Resources Corporation (Nylene), EMS-Grivory, Evonik Industries AG, Arkema Group, SABIC, Lanxess AG, Asahi Kasei Corporation, and A. Schulman, Inc. These firms are likely to experience the backlash of the sluggish market growth.

Based on the products, the global polyamide 6 market is foreseen to experience a steady growth in the textile segment and polyamide 6 engineered resin, in terms of revenue. Aggregately, in 2017, more than 4,300 metric tons polyamide 6 was sold out all over the world under these product types. As indicated by the regional study, the production of global polyamide 6 will remain concentered in the Asia-Pacific region. Supportive industrial controls in Asia Pacific nations, for example, South Korea, China, and India will encourage large production of polyamide 6 materials.

Request a Sample of Global Polyamide 6 Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=36668

Rising Demand for Competent Synthetic Materials to Fuel Market Growth

Surging demand for skilled chemical materials and polymers over various end-use sectors has fueled the overall production of polyamide 6. The semi-crystalline compound of polyamide 6 materials keeps them at the cutting edge of industrial applications of polymers. Nevertheless, stringency in the mass-scale production of polyamide 6 has turned into a key restriction for the development of the global polyamide 6 market. Policies related to environment protection keep on hampering the making of polyamide 6, which involves the discharge of VOCs and lethal gases. This has hindered the volume-based shares of polyamide 6 since past few years.

The demand regarding polyamide 6 is estimated to remain usually consolidated in the automobile business. The compelling utilization of polyamide 6-based clothing material in the making of automobile materials will keep on calculating their developing applications in this modern vertical.

Request For Multiple Chapters: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=MC&rep_id=36668

Increased Usage in Sportswear Material to Augment Demand

With the surge in the demand for amide-based monomers over numerous end-use ventures, polyamide 6 materials keep on developing as a standout amongst the most capable industrial polymer. From abrasion linings to carpets, polyamide 6 materials have been broadly utilized in a various applications. Throughout the years, the rising utilization of polyamide 6, which is even called nylon 6, in sportswear and automobile materials has make new development roads for the global polyamide 6 market.

Request For Discount On This Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=36668

The review is based on the findings of a report by Transparency Market Research, titled "Polyamide 6 Market - (Product Type - Polyamide 6 Engineering Resin, BCF & Staple, High Ten Yarn, and Textile Filament; Commercial Grade - Fiber Grade, Injection Molding Grade, and Extrusion Grade; Applications - Automotive, Electrical & Electronics, Appliances, Films & Coatings, Wires & Cables, Consumer Goods, Industrial Machinery, and Others) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017  2026."

The Global Polymer 6 Market has been segmented as presented below:

Global Polymer 6 Market: Based on Region

North America

o U.S.

o Canada

Europe

o U.K.

o Italy

o Spain

o France

o Germany

o Rest Of Europe

Asia Pacific

o China

o India

o ASEAN

o Japan

o Rest Of Asia Pacific

Latin America

o Brazil

o Mexico

o Rest of South America

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

o GCC

o South Africa

o Rest of MEA

Browse Chemicals & Materials Market Research Reports

Popular Research Reports by TMR:

Engineering Plastic Compounds Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/engineering-plastics-market.html

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https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/specialty-resins-market.html Hot Melt Adhesives Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/hot-melt-adhesives-market.html

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Our reports are single-point solutions for businesses to grow, evolve, and mature. Our real-time data collection methods along with ability to track more than one million high growth niche products are aligned with your aims. The detailed and proprietary statistical models used by our analysts offer insights for making right decision in the shortest span of time. For organizations that require specific but comprehensive information we offer customized solutions through adhoc reports. These requests are delivered with the perfect combination of right sense of fact-oriented problem solving methodologies and leveraging existing data repositories.

TMR believes that unison of solutions for clients-specific problems with right methodology of research is the key to help enterprises reach right decision.

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Transparency Market Research

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SOURCE Transparency Market Research

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SILICON VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Personal Capital, a leading digital wealth management company, today announced that it has raised $50 million in a Series F funding round led by IGM Financial Inc., the largest investor and member of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies, at a higher valuation than prior rounds.

The additional investment comes amidst a flurry of development and growth for the business and reflects IGM Financial's confidence in the business. Personal Capital has recently surpassed $8.5 billion in assets under management and two million registered users on its platform, which tracks more than $650 billion in aggregated account value.

"We have stayed laser focused on our mission of building a business that uses the ideal combination of technology and advisors to help Americans achieve clarity and confidence in their financial lives," said Jay Shah, CEO of Personal Capital. "Ongoing support from our investors has been integral to scaling up Personal Capital and delivering on our mission."

In addition to growing assets and user-base, Personal Capital has continued to develop innovative personal finance technology with the launch of Smart Withdrawal, a personalized, tax-efficient, and interactive withdrawal strategy planner for retirement. The company also announced a partnership with Alight Solutions and AllianceBernstein to create WealthSpark that will provide American workers with holistic, personalized insights to their finances through Personal Capital's best-in-class technology.

"We remain extremely excited about how Personal Capital is changing the wealth management landscape and the company's role within our broader fintech growth strategy," said Jeff Carney, President and CEO of IGM Financial. "As the fintech space gets more crowded, Personal Capital is uniquely positioned with its offering of smart technology accompanied by human advice for mass affluent and high-net-worth clients."

With the additional capital, the company plans to further drive growth, enhance its leading technology platform, and invest in value added partnerships.

About Personal Capital

Personal Capital transforms financial lives through technology and people. Free online tools create total clarity with all your accounts in one place and advisors provide advice you can easily understand. The result is complete confidence in how you plan for and achieve your financial goals. Personal Capital is headquartered in Redwood City with hubs in San Francisco, Denver, Dallas, and Atlanta. Connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook. For more information and to open an account, visit https://www.personalcapital.com/.

"Personal Capital" and "Smart Withdrawal" are registered or unregistered trademarks of Personal Capital Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About IGM Financial

IGM Financial Inc. is one of Canada's premier personal financial services companies, and one of the country's largest managers and distributors of mutual funds and other managed asset products, with approximately $154 billion in total assets under management. Its activities are carried out principally through IG Wealth Management, Mackenzie Investments and Investment Planning Counsel.

Contact Information

Rebecca Neufeld

Director of Public Relations

[email protected]

(415) 231-3055

SOURCE Personal Capital

Related Links

http://www.personalcapital.com


NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- ORHub, Inc. ( OTC: ORHB ) (the "Company" or "ORHub"), a SaaS-based healthcare data analytics company focused on the business of surgery to improve the profitability of hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and health systems today announces that ORHub expands its national sales and distribution force to over 50 representatives to accelerate market share in the healthcare data analytics market.

According to MarketsandMarkets Research, the healthcare analytics market is expected to reach $50 Billion by 2024 representing a high compounded annual growth rate of 28.3% over five years in a young and dynamic market1.

"We are extremely delighted to add experienced healthcare sales representatives and distributors to the team, who are already tackling over 10,000 hospitals and ASCs in the U.S.," said Colt Melby, Chief Executive Officer of ORHub. "We looked no further than to our clients who have validated the product with great reviews. By adding powerful resources to the national sales effort, we expect to gain market share much more quickly."

Terry Roth, Executive Director of Hoag Orthopedic Institute said, "ORHub ingests data from any Electronic Health Record, then analyzes, manipulates and displays it in a way which enables facilities to influence physicians and staff to work towards improved hospital and patient outcomes. It provides a comprehensive view of material that is both user-friendly and easy to grasp. Working in ORHub has allowed me to prioritize my efforts towards increased efficiencies in many aspects of the preoperative process. I love it!"

1 MarketsAndMarkets, "Healthcare Analytics Market by Type (Predictive, Prescriptive, Cognitive) Application (Clinical, RCM, Claim, Fraud, Waste, Supply Chain, PHM) Component (Service, Software) Delivery (On-demand, Cloud) End User (Payer, Hospital) - Global Forecast to 2024", 2019, https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/healthcare-data-analytics-market-905.html

About ORHub, Inc.

ORHub, born from the Microsoft for Start-Ups program, is an advanced surgical software provider focused on the Business of Surgery through the foundation of electronic data capture at the point-of- surgical care to improve workflow, simplify work processes and access data intelligence. The Company's suite of products serves the needs of the health care industry including providers, patients, the government and the medical device vendors. ORHub provides a cloud-based software solution that captures information before, during and after surgery, filling a void in the current surgical information infrastructure and providing the first process to capture and measure the surgical process -- evolving Big Data into Intelligent Digital Data.

Hospitals and surgeons can make data-driven decisions to improve business profitability and the quality of patient care. This innovative technology results in hospitals understanding costs and identifying areas of cost reductions, as well as results in increased accountability, analytics, improved efficiencies, and compliance with existing government regulations. ORHub has offices in Tempe, Arizona; Southern California; Bellevue, Washington; and Jacksonville, Florida.

For more information, visit www.ORHub.com

To view a previously released Microsoft Case Study on HOI and ORHub visit:

https://customers.microsoft.com/en-us/story/hoi-health-azure

Forward-Looking Statements.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurances that its expectations will be attained. Such statements are inherently uncertain, and actual results and activities may differ materially from those estimated or projected. Certain factors that can affect the Company's ability to achieve its anticipated results include, among others, uncertainties inherent in the development of a new software product business.

ORHub Contact: Jason Brown, Shareholder Communications [email protected] 714-228-5667 Media Relations: Cathy Loos, Senior Media Relations Specialist [email protected] 347.334.4135

SOURCE ORHub, Inc.

Related Links

www.orhub.com


TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- A would-be savior is striding onto the stage at the time of the State of the Union to announce a plan to rescue the world from certain climate doom in 12 years. Young, hip, Hispanic, proud former bartender Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ("AOC") (D-N.Y.) is seeking sponsors for World War II-level mobilization, and to raise awareness, Varshini Prakash, founder of the Sunrise Movement, will be a guest at the SOTU address. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) have tentatively endorsed the plan.

Details are sketchy, but suggestions include:

using eminent domain to seize plants closed by companies like General Motors

using government to "take control" of corporate production capacity

eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing and agriculture

"dramatically" expanding energy sources to meet 100 percent of power demand through renewable sources.

"'Green' apparently means wind and solar, which are neither clean, green, nor safe," states Physicians for Civil Defense president Jane Orient, M.D. "Why aren't the carbon-based fuels that supply 80 percent of the world's energy considered 'green'? The carbon dioxide they release is essential for life and is measurably greening the earth."

"There is no way to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing and agriculture without eliminating manufacturing and agriculture," she added.

"Without reliable, affordable electricity and fuelnot possible with wind and solar, industrial civilization cannot survive. And without industrial civilization, AOC's constituents in the Bronx could not live."

According to Al Gore and other global warming (now known as climate change) zealots, the climate apocalypse has been imminent for 40 years, but keeps getting postponed, allowing us more time to adopt global socialism with energy rationingthe real object.

"The Green New Deal would be a multi-trillion-dollar disasterand would have a negligible effect on the climate," Dr Orient concluded.

Physicians for Civil Defense distributes information to help to save lives in the event of war or other disaster.

www.physiciansforcivildefense.org

Contact: Jane M. Orient, M.D., (520) 323-3110, [email protected]

SOURCE Physicians for Civil Defense

Related Links

http://www.physiciansforcivildefense.org


CLEVELAND, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today OAREX released its Q4 credit and payments report on ad tech and digital media. The report is OAREX's role to the industry-wide effort of transparency, including payment data on 127 digital media firms and over 3,000 invoices purchased by OAREX.

Key highlights of the Q4 2018 report include:

38% of all payments received in 2018 were late;

Late payments declined in Q4 vs. the rest of the year (38% vs. 45%);

Payments late by more than 15 days doubled in December;

Mobile platforms are at the extreme with the best and worst payment performance;

Video platforms, and acquired firms, are always inconsistent or late to pay;

Average days by which firms pay late got longer  9 days in Q4 vs. 6.5 days late for 2018;

Hanna Kassis, CEO of OAREX, says a payment delay by 9 days will require a firm to maintain 15-20% extra cash on hand. "Given how hard publishers are getting squeezed, this can ruin cash flow," said Kassis. If a digital media firm is looking to sign up with new demand partners, they have to ask the right questions. The answers are found in the report.

OAREX gets this info because they buy invoices from digital media firms. Since OAREX does not provide a loan, they do not take credit risk in their customers, per se. Instead, OAREX takes credit risk in the company that pays the invoice in 30, 60 or 90 days.

The internal debate to release data began after OAREX came across two now-defunct ad exchanges that were in financial trouble; information OAREX's clients found extremely useful. "We thought, why not release our payment data into the digital media ecosystem and help everyone out?" said Kassis. "Our publishers were extremely thankful, so it just made sense to give the info to everyone," he added.

That is what lead to the quarterly Digital Media Payments Report, offering detailed payment history by company, available for download on OAREX's blog.

OAREX, the Online Advertising Revenue Exchange, is backed by Arena Investors, LP of New York City, with offices in Cleveland and New York City. OAREX funding is available in the US, UK, Canada, Netherlands, Australia and MENA region. For more, visit www.oarex.com.

SOURCE OAREX Capital Markets, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.oarex.com


DALLAS, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Advisors, L.P. ("NexPoint") reiterated its opposition of Medley Management Inc.'s ("MDLY") (NYSE: MDLY) role in the proposed merger between Medley Capital Corporation ("MCC";NYSE: MCC; TASE: MCC), a closed-end investment company that is regulated as a business development company ("BDC"), and Sierra Income Corporation ("Sierra"), a non-traded BDC (the "Merger Transaction").

Given its view on the flaws of the Merger Transaction, NexPoint encourages stockholders of both MCC and Sierra to vote AGAINST the proposed merger on or before the special meeting of stockholders scheduled for February 8, 2019 (the "Special Meeting").

NexPoint now joins leading independent proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS") in urging stockholders to vote AGAINST the proposed merger. ISS reversed its initial recommendation following NexPoint's submission of a competing proposal (the "NexPoint Proposal").

The NexPoint Proposal was submitted to the respective Special Committees of the Boards of Directors of MCC and Sierra on January 31, 2019. The following day, NexPoint issued a press release (see: "NexPoint Advisors Proposers Merger Transaction to Sierra Income Corporation and Medley Capital Corporation Boards, Offers $225 Million of Net Value in Favor of Stockholders Over Existing Proposal") highlighting the merits of the NexPoint Proposal. At this time, NexPoint has only received an acknowledgment of receipt of its proposal, and only from counsel to Sierra's Special Committee.

NexPoint continues to believe that the NexPoint Proposal, which includes plans to streamline and simplify the proposed Merger Transaction and externalize management of the combined MCC and Sierra entity (the "Surviving Company"), is superior to the Merger Transaction. The NexPoint Proposal directs value to Surviving Company stockholders and offers a compelling fee structure under proven management, providing a welcome alternative to the flawed Merger Transaction presented to stockholders by the MCC and Sierra Boards, along with MDLY management. The emergence of a viable alternative from NexPoint led ISS to reverse its prior recommendation; recognizing the merits in the NexPoint Proposal, ISS now encourages stockholders to vote AGAINST the proposed combination of MCC, Sierra and MDLY.

Many MCC stockholders have likewise voiced their support for an alternative to the Merger Transaction and criticized the MCC Board for ignoring NexPoint's submissions. FrontFour Capital Group LLC ("FrontFour"), a significant shareholder of MCC, commented, "[T]he submission of the NexPoint proposal and the manner in which [MCC] sat on and then dismissed NexPoint's initial indication of interest heightens our concern that the Board refuses to take sufficient steps to review alternatives that are most favorable to [stockholders]. We reiterate our belief that the NexPoint proposal represents a credible, superior offer and we call upon the Special Committee to immediately review all strategic alternatives to maximize value for all shareholders."

While NexPoint received no direct, substantive response regarding its proposal, MCC and Sierra issued a press release on February 2, 2019 disputing NexPoint's value proposition to stockholders. Specifically, MCC and Sierra challenge the assertion that the NexPoint Proposal offers over $225 million of net value in favor of stockholders. While this information was clearly stated in NexPoint's communication to the MCC and Sierra Special Committees, the calculation of Surviving Company stockholder benefits over at least the next three years are reiterated below:

Proposal Item Data Inputs Consideration in Favor of Stockholders Elimination of MDLY cash payout 30,533,1161 shares $4.09/per share2 $124,880,444 Annual management fee savings 1.25% on gross assets3 over at least a 3-year period $27,000,000 $25 million NexPoint payment $25 million $25,000,000 $50 million in NexPoint purchases At least $5 million per quarter plus additional $25 million4 $50,000,000 Net Value in Favor of Surviving Company Stockholders from NexPoint Proposal $226,880,444

NexPoint believes this misdirected concern by MCC and Sierra is an attempt to distract stockholders from the material conflicts of interest associated with the Merger Transaction. The Boards' failure to meaningfully respond to the NexPoint Proposalespecially in the case of the MCC Board, which ignored NexPoint's initial attempts to offer a superior proposal as early as January 24, 2019raises serious concerns about their ability to uphold their fiduciary responsibility to stockholders. This deliberate inaction calls into question the independence of the Board members charged with protecting stockholders from affiliated transactions like the MDLY merger, which entrenches underperforming management and promotes management's interests over those of stockholders. Additionally, we have reason to believe that the independent directors of MCC and Sierra are longtime friends of brothers Brook and Seth Taube, the co-founders and co-CEOs of MDLY, and that there is an understanding that management would seek the removal of any board member who speaks out against management proposals.

For these reasons and others set forth in its February 1, 2019 press release, NexPoint encourages stockholders of MCC and Sierra to vote AGAINST the Merger Transaction on or before the Special Meeting.

About NexPoint Advisors, L.P.

NexPoint, together with its affiliates, is a multibillion-dollar global alternative investment manager founded in 1993 by Jim Dondero and Mark Okada. A pioneer in the leveraged loan market, the firm has evolved over 25 years, building on its credit expertise and value-based approach to expand into other asset classes. Today, NexPoint and its affiliates operate a diverse investment platform, serving both institutional and retail investors worldwide. In addition to high yield credit, the firm's investment capabilities include public equities, real estate, private equity and special situations, structured credit, and sector- and region-specific verticals built around specialized teams.

Not a Proxy Solicitation

NexPoint reserves the right to change any of its opinions expressed herein at any time as it deems appropriate and disclaims any obligation to notify the market or any other party of any such changes. NexPoint disclaims any obligation to update the information or opinions contained herein.

These materials are provided for information purposes only, and are not intended to be, nor should they be construed as, an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. These materials do not recommend the purchase or sale of any security.

Written materials are submitted voluntarily pursuant to Rule 14a-6(g)(1) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These materials are not a solicitation of authority to vote proxies. The cost of this filing is being borne entirely by NexPoint and its affiliates.

NexPoint is not asking stockholders for their proxy cards and cannot accept proxy cards if sent. Shareholders SHOULD NOT send NexPoint their proxy cards.

Media Contact

Lucy Bannon

(972) 419-6272

[email protected]

1 MDLY Class A shares outstanding of 5,693,814, as disclosed in MDLY's 10-Q filed November 14, 2018; plus an additional 24,839,302 MDLY shares to be issued immediately preceding the MDLY Merger, resulting in total MDLY shares of 30,533,116 eligible to receive the $4.09 per share cash from Sierra. Sierra's Prospectus Supplement dated December 21, 2018 (the "Prospectus Supplement") makes it clear that 81.4% of MDLY Class A Common Stock, as converted, would be held by MDLY insiders.

2 Aggregate cash per share from Sierra to MDLY of $4.09, as disclosed in the Prospectus Supplement.

3 Approximately $5.3 million of savings to Sierra stockholders and $3.7 million of savings to MCC stockholders over the current fee arrangement (based on assets as of September 30, 2018).

4 NexPoint and its affiliates will purchase a minimum of $5 million of the Surviving Company's shares per quarter over the next five quarters, either directly from the Surviving Company at the volume weighted average price of the shares over the 30 days prior to each quarter end or in open market purchases at then current market price. In addition, NexPoint would make an additional $25 million of such purchases to the extent of incentive fees received from the Surviving Company post-merger.

SOURCE NexPoint Advisors, L.P.
COLD SPRING, N.Y., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) software company CloudVisit has a renewable energy software solution for the growing demand for clean energy. Since 2010, the cost of solar power has plunged 78 percent for utility-scale projects and the cost of wind power has decreased almost a quarter. As renewable energy becomes more cost-efficient, the demand for it has increased, which has resulted in a boom in wind and solar hybrid energy which combines these stand-alone systems. By 2024, the hybrid power market is expected to exceed $60 billion, according to a study by Global Market Insights Inc., a market research and consulting firm. Energy software can provide a simple solution to this growing demand. CloudVisit's MRO software enables industry experts with remote inspection tools. Using these tools, experts can remotely accept inspections of hybrid systems' installation and MRO processes, enabling the hybrid energy industry to expand quicker.

CloudVisit energy software enables remote inspection of wind turbines, solar panels and hybrid systems

"CloudVisit's industry-specific MRO software can be used to inspect both wind and solar power individually or as a combined hybrid system," explained CEO and founder Daniel Gilbert. Hybrid systems generate a steadier output of power than either wind or solar when used alone, yet there are still drawbacks to hybrid power and CloudVisit's MRO software can help overcome these drawbacks. Hybrid farms are in remote locations and often exposed to harsh environmental conditions. This means that once installed, the farms require ongoing maintenance, repair and operations and inspectors need to travel to these isolated sites. The consistent demand of inspectors to travel to distant sites can cause unnecessary delays in both the installation and MRO processes of hybrid farms.

MRO Software Enables Remote Inspection of Distant Sites

CloudVisit's MRO software empowers inspectors to remotely view and approve inspections from the office so they do not have to spend time traveling to these remote locations. Remote inspections cut down on travel time and enable on-site technicians to manage their time effectively.

Since on-site technicians can request to conference with inspectors, the utilization of remote inspections means the availability of inspectors increases. With an increased availability of inspectors, maintenance problems can be quickly identified and resolved.

CloudVisit's Remote Inspections Can Improve Safety and Quality of Inspections

MRO software combines multiple-participant video conferencing with a workflow management system so every procedure is completed up to standard. Video and audio recordings, as well as images and chats, are securely stored in the cloud and serve as proof of a completed project. No inspection can be approved without documentation and signoff that each step has been completed. This documentation validates that the hybrid wind farm is safe to use.

Software Solutions to Improve Renewable Energy Output

The expansion of hybrid energy demands a solution, which can be used by both wind and solar infrastructure to decrease the time needed to install and maintain farms. MRO software can do just that. "CloudVisit's MRO software can create a transformative increase in the use of renewable energy - and quickly," urged Gilbert.

CloudVisit MRO software provides industry-specific remote inspections. This software enables experts to inspect projects from their office and can lead to reduced travel time as well as overtime paid to on-site workers waiting for the inspectors to arrive. CloudVisit serves many industries and offers construction software, aviation software, maritime software, transportation software and telemedicine software, and is expanding. The company is backed by 15 years of success in software programming, video conferencing, telemedicine and telecommunications with a proven record of excellence, efficiency, customer satisfaction and security. For questions about our quality control and inspection software or to request a no-obligation demo, call 845-809-5770.

Contact:

CloudVisit Inc.

Daniel Gilbert

CEO, President and Founder

3182 Route 9, Suite 107A

Cold Spring, New York, 10516

Related Images

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CloudVisit Energy Software

CloudVisit energy software enables remote inspection of wind turbines, solar panels and hybrid systems

cloudvisit-mro-software.png

CloudVisit MRO Software

CloudVisit offers energy software, aviation software, construction software, transportation software, telecommunications software, telemedicine software and maritime vessel inspection software

cloudvisit-remote-inspection-and.jpg

CloudVisit Remote Inspection and MRO Software

CloudVisit MRO software enables industry-specific remote inspections for energy, aviation, construction, transportation, maritime, telecommunications and more

cloudvisit-remote-inspection.jpg

CloudVisit Remote Inspection Software

CloudVisit software enables remote inspections and can be used in the wind, solar, nuclear, hydroelectric, natural gas and hydrogen fuel cell industries

Related Links

CloudVisit Energy Software

CloudVisit Energy Industries

SOURCE CloudVisit

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VANCOUVER, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - MGX Minerals Inc. ("MGX" or the "Company") (CSE: XMG / OTCQB: MGXMF / FSE: 1MG) is pleased to report that its wholly owned subsidiary MGX Renewables Inc. ("MGXR"), a leader in the development of low-cost energy storage systems, has appointed former Canadian Member of Parliament and renewables / infrastructure industry veteran and energy specialist Ron MacDonald to its Board of Directors effective immediately.

Mr. MacDonald has over 35 years of both public and private sector experience, ranging from international roles within the Parliament of Canada to serving on the boards of numerous publicly listed resource companies. From 1988 to 1997, he was the Member of Parliament for Halifax, Nova Scotia, during which time he was appointed by the Prime Minister of Canada as Parliamentary Secretary of International Trade. From 1997-2002, Mr. MacDonald was President and CEO of the Council of Forest Industries, a large lumber manufacturing, grading and marketing group, where he developed new markets in China, Korea, India and Japan. Ron was a Director and Founding Member of Canada Wood, one of Canada's most successful marketing programs opening up global markets for Canadian Wood Products. Mr. MacDonald has served as Executive Chairman and Director of American Vanadium Corp. as well as Executive Chairmen of Critical Elements Corp. Ron has also been a contributor to the EU Commission Framework 7 policy paper on "Scarcity of Strategic Minerals" and a presenter at conferences throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia on strategic minerals needed to support the renewable energy and storage industries. In recent years Mr. MacDonald has served as President of NRStor Remote Communities and Mines, a Canadian company focused on partnering with off-grid Indigenous communities and mines to develop renewable energy and energy storage projects.

"Mr. MacDonald's appointment to MGXR's board of directors comes at an exciting time, "stated MGXR President and CEO Jared Lazerson. "As we begin rolling out our new lineup of zinc-battery modular storage systems and file the public listing for MGXR, Mr. MacDonald's vision, experience, and vast global network will be crucial in the sales and energy arbitrage opportunities based on the MGXR product line. As both a great Canadian and global citizen, Mr. MacDonald is well qualified to be entrusted with this low-cost battery technology that can only be described as the missing link in the global shift to renewable energy and on demand distributed power."

The Company is also pleased to report that MGXR has receive final court approval for its plan of arrangement (see press release dated December 18, 2018) as well as submitted an initial filing to obtain a public listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE).

About MGX Renewables

MGX Renewables has developed a patented zinc-air flow battery that efficiently stores energy in the form of zinc particles and contains none of the traditional high cost battery commodities such as lithium, vanadium, or cobalt. The technology allows for low cost mass storage of energy and can be deployed into a wide range of applications scalable energy storage applications.

Unlike conventional batteries such as lithium-ion, which have a fixed energy/power ratio, the technology uses a fuel tank system that offers flexible energy storage to power ratios and scalability. The storage capacity is directly tied to the size of the fuel tank and the quantity of recharged zinc fuel, making low cost scalability a major advantage of the flow battery system. In addition, a further major advantage of the zinc-air flow battery is the ability to charge and discharge simultaneously and at different maximum charge or discharge rates since each of the charge and discharge circuits is separate and independent. Other types of standard and flow batteries are limited to a maximum charge and discharge by the total number of cells as there is no separation of the charge, discharge and storage components. For more information visit www.mgxrenewables.com.

About MGX Minerals

MGX Minerals is a diversified Canadian resource and technology company with interests in global advanced material, energy, and water assets. Learn more at www.mgxminerals.com .

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potentially" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors. The reader is referred to the Company's public filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects which may be accessed through the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE MGX Minerals Inc.

Related Links

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DARMSTADT, Germany, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company and GSK, a science-led global healthcare company, today announced that the companies have entered into a global strategic alliance to jointly develop and commercialize M7824 (bintrafusp alfa*). M7824 is an investigational bifunctional fusion protein immunotherapy that is currently in clinical development, including potential registration studies, for multiple difficult-to-treat cancers. This includes a Phase II trial to investigate M7824 compared with pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment in patients with PD-L1 expressing advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8491651-merck-kgaa-and-gsk-announce-global-alliance/

M7824 is designed to simultaneously target two immuno-suppressive pathways, transforming growth factor- (TGF-) trap and an anti-programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), that are commonly used by cancer cells to evade the immune system. Bifunctional antibodies aim to increase efficacy above and beyond that achieved with individual therapies or combinations of individual therapies.1 M7824 has the potential to offer new ways to fight difficult-to-treat cancers beyond the established PD-1/PD-L1 class. In addition to use as a single agent, M7824 is also being considered for use in combination with other assets from the pipelines of both companies.

"Our bifunctional fusion protein M7824 has the potential to bring new answers to patients living with cancer. Together with GSK we aim to drive a paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer as the leader in this novel class of immunotherapies," said Belen Garijo, Member of the Executive Board and CEO Healthcare of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. "GSK clearly emerged as the ideal partner due to their strong commitment to oncology, and the complementary talent and capabilities they will bring to our alliance. We now look forward to harnessing the full potential of M7824 across a broad range of cancer indications as we continue to advance our oncology portfolio."

"Despite recent medical advances, many patients with difficult-to-treat cancers don't currently benefit from immuno-oncology therapies leaving them with limited treatment options. M7824 brings together two different biological functions in a single molecule and we have observed encouraging clinical results in treating certain cancer patients, particularly those people with non-small cell lung cancer," said Hal Barron, Chief Scientific Officer and President R&D, GSK. "I'm excited by the potential impact this first-in-class immunotherapy could have on the lives of cancer patients."

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany will receive an upfront payment of 300 million and is eligible for potential development milestone payments of up to 500 million triggered by data from the M7824 lung cancer program. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany will also be eligible for further payments upon successfully achieving future approval and commercial milestones of up to 2.9 billion. The total potential deal value is up to 3.7 billion. Both companies will jointly conduct development and commercialization with all profits and costs from the collaboration being shared equally on a global basis.

This alliance reflects the strategic approach of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt Germany to oncology R&D, identifying those opportunities that can progress the company's highly promising clinical stage assets as efficiently and rapidly as possible, whether through internal expertise and capabilities or external collaborations.

For GSK, this alliance is a further step in the company's priority to strengthen its pharmaceuticals pipeline. This follows the company's recent acquisition of TESARO, an oncology-focused company based in Waltham, Massachusetts. GSK's approach to oncology is focused on innovation in the areas of immuno-oncology, cell therapy, cancer epigenetics and, most recently, genetic medicine.

With this alliance, both companies have the leadership position in this new class of immunotherapies, specifically leveraging TGF- biology.

*Bintrafusp alfa is the proposed International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for the bifunctional immunotherapy M7824. Bintrafusp alfa is currently under clinical investigation and not approved for any use anywhere in the world.

About M7824 (also now known as bintrafusp alfa)

M7824 is an investigational bifunctional immunotherapy that is designed to combine a TGF- trap with the anti-PD-L1 mechanism in one fusion protein. M7824 is designed to combine co-localized blocking of the two immuno-suppressive pathways  targeting both pathways aims to control tumor growth by potentially restoring and enhancing anti-tumor responses. M7824 is currently in Phase I studies for solid tumors, as well as a randomized Phase II trial to investigate M7824 compared with pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment in patients with PD-L1 expressing advanced NSCLC. The multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled study is evaluating the safety and efficacy of M7824 versus pembrolizumab as a monotherapy treatment.

To-date, nearly 700 patients have been treated with M7824 across more than 10 tumor types in Phase I studies. Encouraging data from the ongoing Phase I studies indicates M7824's potential safety and clinical anti-tumor activity across multiple types of difficult-to-treat cancers, including advanced NSCLC, human papillomavirus-associated cancers, biliary tract carcinoma (BTC) and gastric cancer. In addition, in pre-clinical studies M7824 demonstrated superior anti-tumor activity, compared with anti-PD-L1 alone or with anti-PD-L1 and TGF- trap when co-administered. In total, eight high priority immuno-oncology clinical development studies are ongoing or expected to commence in 2019, including studies in non-small cell lung and biliary tract cancers.

References

Lan Y, et al. Enhanced preclinical antitumor activity of M7824, a bifunctional fusion protein simultaneously targeting PD-L1 and TGF-. Science Translational Medicine. 2018 Jan; 10(424).

GSK  one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies  is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com.

All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the EMD Group Website. In case you are a resident of the USA or Canada please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register for your online subscription of this service as our geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service.

About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 51,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices  the company is everywhere. In 2017, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of  15.3 billion in 66 countries.

The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark "Merck" internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Performance Materials. Since its founding 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company's technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company.

Media Relations

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Phone: +49-6151-72-6328

Investor Relations

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Phone: +49-6151-72-3321

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SOURCE Merck KGaA

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STAINES-UPON-THAMES, United Kingdom, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc (NYSE: MNK), a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company, has completed the open-label phase of the ongoing Phase 4, multicenter study assessing the efficacy and safety of H.P. Acthar Gel in patients with persistently active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were previously treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and corticosteroids.

H.P. Acthar Gel is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved as adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in RA including juvenile RA (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy).

Primary end point results observed from the 100% patient enrollment (n=259) point in the study's open-label phase are consistent1 with those observed at the 25% and 50% milestone assessments. As most recently reported relative to 50% patient enrollment data (n=116)  where primary end point results showed 61% of the 100 patients with persistently active RA who completed the open-label period achieved low disease activity (LDA) at 12 weeks  H.P. Acthar Gel continued to produce reduction in joint disease activity in patients whose disease was uncontrolled on prednisone and DMARDs. The company intends to present full open-label phase findings by mid-2019.

"We are pleased with the insights gleaned thus far into the clinical utility of H.P. Acthar Gel in patients with persistently active rheumatoid arthritis who were previously treated with disease-modifying drugs and corticosteroids," said Steven Romano, M.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at Mallinckrodt. "Mallinckrodt remains committed to the ongoing study of H.P. Acthar Gel in rheumatology  building on the decades of clinical experience for the product  and continuing to meet the needs of the rheumatology community. We look forward to presenting the RA trial data at conferences later this year."

The controlled, double-blind phase of the study is ongoing with completion expected in the first quarter of 2019, and full results targeted for presentation at a research meeting later this year.

About the Study

The study is a Phase 4, multicenter, two-part study assessing the efficacy and safety of H.P. Acthar Gel in adult subjects with rheumatoid arthritis with persistently active disease who were previously treated with DMARDs and corticosteroids. The primary endpoint of the study is the proportion of patients reaching LDA at 12 weeks.

Part 1 of the study was an open-label period. After 12 weeks of treatment with H.P. Acthar Gel, subjects were evaluated for treatment response using the DAS28-ESR2. At the interim analysis completed at the midway point of study enrollment (n=116), 14 patients had withdrawn and two patients were still active in Part 1. The most common adverse events (AEs) reported at the midway point  a secondary endpoint  were headache (10), urinary tract infection (4), hyperglycemia (3) and pharyngitis (3). Two patients reported serious AEs (chest pain and pneumonia).

The trial is now fully enrolled with 259 patients with persistently active RA who were previously treated with corticosteroids and conventional synthetic and/or biologic DMARDs.

Study Limitations

Data previously reported were from a pre-planned 50% data review of the open-label phase of an ongoing study. The 50% interim analysis was for 116 patients in a larger 2-part study with no comparator arm in Part 1. Because it was an interim report, significance tests were not conducted, and therefore P values are not reported. Full results of this 2-part study may vary from the interim analysis. 3,4

values are not reported. Full results of this 2-part study may vary from the interim analysis. Sample bias may exist since this was an open-label phase of an ongoing study, and patients were aware that they were receiving H.P. Acthar Gel. 3

Examiner bias may also exist as the patient had to reach low disease activity in order to enter the second phase of the study. 3

The results cannot be solely attributed to H.P. Acthar Gel since patients were on different medications at the start of the trial and no washout periods were undertaken. H.P. Acthar Gel has not been formally studied in combination with other treatments.3

Find more information about the study here on the ClinicalTrials.gov website.

About Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is an autoimmune disease. It is a chronic condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling of the jointsall symptoms caused by inflammation.5 An estimated 1.5 million U.S. adults are living with RA.6 Treatment is aimed at stopping inflammation to put the disease in remission and relieve symptoms.7 Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to ease symptoms whereas corticosteroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and biologics are used to slow down the disease activity.

H.P. Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) Indications

H.P. Acthar Gel is an injectable drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of 19 indications. Of these, today the majority of Acthar use is in these indications:

Adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy)

Monotherapy for the treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age

Treatment during an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus

The treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis in adults. Controlled clinical trials have shown H.P. Acthar Gel to be effective in speeding the resolution of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease

Inducing a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Treatment during an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)

The treatment of symptomatic sarcoidosis

Treatment of severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa such as: keratitis, iritis, iridocyclitis, diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis, optic neuritis, chorioretinitis, anterior segment inflammation

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Contraindications

Acthar should never be administered intravenously

Administration of live or live attenuated vaccines is contraindicated in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of Acthar

Acthar is contraindicated where congenital infections are suspected in infants

Acthar is contraindicated in patients with scleroderma, osteoporosis, systemic fungal infections, ocular herpes simplex, recent surgery, history of or the presence of a peptic ulcer, congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, primary adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenocortical hyperfunction or sensitivity to proteins of porcine origins

Warnings and Precautions

The adverse effects of Acthar are related primarily to its steroidogenic effects

Acthar may increase susceptibility to new infection or reactivation of latent infections

Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-axis (HPA) may occur following prolonged therapy with the potential for adrenal insufficiency after withdrawal of the medication. Adrenal insufficiency may be minimized by tapering of the dose when discontinuing treatment. During recovery of the adrenal gland patients should be protected from the stress (e.g. trauma or surgery) by the use of corticosteroids. Monitor patients for effects of HPA suppression after stopping treatment

Cushing's syndrome may occur during therapy but generally resolves after therapy is stopped. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms

Acthar can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and hypokalemia. Blood pressure, sodium and potassium levels may need to be monitored

Acthar often acts by masking symptoms of other diseases/disorders. Monitor patients carefully during and for a period following discontinuation of therapy

Acthar can cause GI bleeding and gastric ulcer. There is also an increased risk for perforation in patients with certain gastrointestinal disorders. Monitor for signs of bleeding

Acthar may be associated with central nervous system effects ranging from euphoria, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression, and psychosis. Existing conditions may be aggravated

Patients with comorbid disease may have that disease worsened. Caution should be used when prescribing Acthar in patients with diabetes and myasthenia gravis

Prolonged use of Acthar may produce cataracts, glaucoma and secondary ocular infections. Monitor for signs and symptoms

Acthar is immunogenic and prolonged administration of Acthar may increase the risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Neutralizing antibodies with chronic administration may lead to loss of endogenous ACTH activity

There is an enhanced effect in patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis of the liver

Long-term use may have negative effects on growth and physical development in children. Monitor pediatric patients

Decrease in bone density may occur. Bone density should be monitored for patients on long-term therapy

Pregnancy Class C: Acthar has been shown to have an embryocidal effect and should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus

Adverse Reactions

Common adverse reactions for Acthar are similar to those of corticosteroids and include fluid retention, alteration in glucose tolerance, elevation in blood pressure, behavioral and mood changes, increased appetite and weight gain

Specific adverse reactions reported in IS clinical trials in infants and children under 2 years of age included: infection, hypertension, irritability, Cushingoid symptoms, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, pyrexia, weight gain, increased appetite, decreased appetite, nasal congestion, acne, rash, and cardiac hypertrophy. Convulsions were also reported, but these may actually be occurring because some IS patients progress to other forms of seizures and IS sometimes mask other seizures, which become visible once the clinical spasms from IS resolve

Other adverse events reported are included in the full Prescribing Information.

Please see full Prescribing Information.

ABOUT MALLINCKRODT

Mallinckrodt is a global business that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes specialty pharmaceutical products and therapies. Areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, nephrology, pulmonology and ophthalmology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; analgesics and gastrointestinal products. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com.

Mallinckrodt uses its website as a channel of distribution of important company information, such as press releases, investor presentations and other financial information. It also uses its website to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a press release or a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to the Investor Relations page of the website for important and time-critical information. Visitors to the website can also register to receive automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is made available on the Investor Relations page of the website.



CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELATED TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release includes forward-looking statements concerning H.P. Acthar Gel including expectations with regard to the study described in this release. The statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: satisfaction of regulatory and other requirements; actions of regulatory bodies and other governmental authorities; changes in laws and regulations; issues with product quality, manufacturing or supply, or patient safety issues; and other risks identified and described in more detail in the "Risk Factors" section of Mallinckrodt's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC, all of which are available on its website. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date hereof and Mallinckrodt does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONTACTS

Media

Daniel Yunger

Kekst CNC

212-521-4879

[email protected]

Investor Relations

Daniel J. Speciale, CPA

Investor Relations and Strategy Officer

314-654-3638

[email protected]

1. Data on file, Mallinckrodt, 2019

2. DAS28-ESR=Disease Activity Score with 28 joint count and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

3. Fleischmann R, Furst DE, Brasington R, Connolly-Strong E, Liu J, Barton ME. A multicenter study assessing the efficacy and safety of repository corticotropin injection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: preliminary interim data from the open-label treatment period. Poster presented at: American College of Rheumatology and Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ACR/ARHP) Annual Meeting; October 19-24, 2018; Chicago, IL.

4. National Institutes of Health. A multicenter, 2 part study to assess the efficacy and safety of H.P. Acthar Gel in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis. ClinicalTrials.gov Web site. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02919761. Accessed November 8, 2018.

5. Mayo Clinic website. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Overview. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353648. Accessed October 11, 2018.

6. What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Arthritis Foundation. Available at: http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/rheumatoid-arthritis/what-is-rheumatoid-arthritis.php. Accessed September 10, 2018.

7. Arthritis Foundation. Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment. Available at: http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/rheumatoid-arthritis/treatment.php. Accessed September 10, 2018.

Mallinckrodt, the "M" brand mark and the Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals logo are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company. Other brands are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company or their respective owners.  2019 Mallinckrodt. US-1900100 2/19

SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc

Related Links

http://www.mallinckrodt.com


DENVER, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Employee wellbeing is living up to the hype with Welltok's Total Wellbeing Solution that supports all aspects of health, including financial, social, emotional and physical health. Welltok, the leading consumer health SaaS company, designed its highly-personalized solution to make it easy and rewarding for employees to take control of their health, and employers to achieve value with a more productive, healthy and happy workforce. The solution's versatility addresses the diverse workforces of clients representing seven major sectors, including technology, finance, food and beverage, retail, health, government and transportation.

Major corporations, many of which are recognized as Best Places to Work, successfully launched total wellbeing programs with Welltok this month. Millions of employees and dependents now have access to Welltok's consumer activation platform, which organizes benefits, health and wellbeing, and company resources into a seamless and unified experience. Based on predictive modeling and personal goals, employees are connected with relevant programs such as building resilience, diabetes 101, cut the sugar, unplug before bed and money matters.

Welltok's Total Wellbeing Solution is industry agnostic and helps all types of employers address the biggest challenges associated with employee health and wellbeing. These include low employee engagement with existing programs, lack of personalization, absence of an organized way to select and manage health and wellbeing resources, increasing healthcare costs and the inability to measure program value.

Only Welltok's Total Wellbeing Solution improves employee engagement and satisfaction, while maximizing investments by:

Organizing resources into one seamless web and mobile experience

Applying advanced analytics and a proprietary consumer database of 275 million Americans and 800 predictive variables to create a personalized experience for each employee based on their unique needs and preferences

Helping employers identify which programs are best for their population, as well as curating, managing and integrating existing and third-party programs

Connecting employees with the right programs, at the right time and making it easy for employers to see what actions are being completed

Leveraging multiple channels such as text, AI-powered chatbot, automated calls, mail and email, to meet employees where they are

Creating a safe, secure and private environment that fosters trust and ensures compliance

"We are proud of the impressive and growing roster of companies we are working with who are making significant strides with total wellbeing initiatives and seeing the value of investing in both their people and their business," said Scott Rotermund, Welltok's co-founder and chief growth officer.

The Health Transformation Alliance, a co-op of 50 major corporations, saw the value as well. To accelerate the HTA's mission of elevating the wellbeing of millions of employees and dependents nationwide, Welltok was selected as its principle partner for consumer health engagement, and data aggregator to analyze performance and share learnings.

"The health of employees and their family members is directly tied to the health of our companies," said Robert E. Andrews, HTA chief executive officer. "Welltok stood out for its data-driven approach to more effectively get consumers actively involved in their health with the right programs and incentives, as well as evaluate program effectiveness within and across the HTA members."

Welltok will soon be releasing the Wellbeing Wake-Up Report, a new nationwide survey of 1,000 employees. The report reveals employers are missing the mark (many employees feel wellbeing programs are irrelevant), what type of support employees want (fitness challenges alone are insufficient) and how to increase participation (non-traditional incentives are on the rise). Register here for a free webinar to hear the results and get early access to the survey report.

About Welltok, Inc.

Welltok is a data-driven, enterprise SaaS company that delivers the healthcare industry's leading consumer activation platform. Welltok's solutions empower leading health plans, employers, providers and public entities to connect consumers with personalized health improvement resources, making it easy and rewarding for consumers to complete actions that optimize their health and wellbeing. Only Welltok leverages a machine-learning, multi-channel approach proven to help innovative organizations power growth and retention initiatives, improve healthcare value, and streamline the consumer experience, while upholding the highest security and compliance standards. Follow Welltok on Twitter @Welltok.

Contact:

Erica Sniad Morgenstern

415.697.3496

[email protected]

SOURCE Welltok

Related Links

https://www.welltok.com


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifestyle Delivery Systems Inc. (CSE: LDS), (OTCQB: LDSYF) and (Frankfurt: LD6, WKN: A14XHT) ("LDS" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its board of directors has appointed Casey Fenwick as the Company's President.

On February 1, 2019, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, CSPA Group, Inc. ("CSPA"), and Mr. Fenwick entered into an employment agreement (the "Agreement"), for an initial period ending on January 31, 2020, and renewing on a month-to-month basis thereafter. Pursuant to the Agreement, Mr. Fenwick will serve as CSPA's Director of Northern California Operations and Marketing Director, and serve as the Company's President.

The Company agreed to a base annual salary of USD $180,000, which will be payable in monthly installments consistent with CSPA's payroll practices. In addition, the Company agreed to grant Mr. Fenwick an option to acquire up to 2,000,000 shares of its common stock. The options will vest over a two-year period from the date of grant, at 250,000 shares per quarter, and may be exercised at a price of $0.465 per share expiring five years after each vesting date.

Mr. Fenwick has been in sales and marketing for the majority of his professional career. Mr. Fenwick brings with him wealth of knowledge he accumulated from working within various industries, which span large oil and gas projects to high profile digital advertising companies all over the world. In recent years Mr. Fenwick has worked closely with several cannabis manufacturing companies helping them to get off the ground with one of these projects recently reaching sales of $8 million dollars per quarter.

Lifestyle Delivery Systems Inc.'s CEO, Brad Eckenweiler, stated, "The addition of Mr. Fenwick to the LDS team will bring significant market knowledge and resources for the CSPA Group, Inc. to draw upon. Mr. Fenwick's passion for growing businesses has already helped shape the cannabis industry and we anticipate his marketing abilities to be an extremely valuable asset for the Company's 2019 product line launch."

About Lifestyle Delivery Systems Inc.

Lifestyle Delivery Systems Inc. is a technology company that licenses its technology to a state-of-the-art production and packaging facility located in Southern California. The Company's technology produces infused strips (similar to breath strips) that are not only a safer, healthier option to other forms of delivery but also superior bioavailability of cannabis constituents. Some strips will also include supplemental co-active ingredients such as nutraceuticals, vitamins and peptides. The technology provides a new way to accurately meter the dosage and assure the purity of selected product. From start to finish, the production process, based on the Company's technology, tests for quality and composition of all the ingredients used in each and every strip which results in a delivery system that is safe, consistent and effective.

On behalf of the board of directors of Lifestyle Delivery Systems Inc.

Brad Eckenweiler

CEO & Director

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

[email protected]

1-866-347-5058

Cautionary Disclaimer Statement:

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. In addition, marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under the United States Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Although Congress has prohibited the US Justice Department from spending federal funds to interfere with the implementation of state medical marijuana laws, this prohibition must be renewed each year to remain in effect. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

SOURCE Lifestyle Delivery Systems Inc.

Related Links

http://www.lifestyledeliverysystem.com


HOUSTON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Rowan Companies plc ("Rowan" or the "Company") (NYSE: RDC) today announced that Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. ("ISS") and Egan-Jones Proxy Services ("Egan-Jones"), two leading proxy advisory firms, recommend that Rowan shareholders vote "FOR" the Company's pending combination with Ensco plc ("Ensco").

As disclosed on January 29, 2019, Rowan and Ensco have amended the Transaction Agreement the companies entered into on October 7, 2018. Under the amended agreement, upon closing Rowan shareholders will receive 2.750 shares of Ensco for each share of Rowan they own. All other terms and conditions of the agreement remain the same.

In its February 4, 2019 report, ISS concluded: "Given the material improvement in terms, along with the compelling strategic rationale for the combination, as noted in our original analysis, support FOR the transaction is now warranted."

Commenting on the recommendations, Rowan issued the following statement:

We are pleased that ISS and Egan-Jones recognize the compelling rationale behind our proposed combination with Ensco, and that ISS highlighted the thorough, multi-year review process undertaken by Rowan's Board of Directors that led to this transaction. Their recommendations in support of this amended transaction at a 2.750 exchange ratio echoes the significant positive feedback we have received from many investors. The Board remains confident that combining with Ensco maximizes value for all Rowan shareholders and represents the best path forward for the Company. With substantial synergies, as well as enhanced scale, backlog and financial flexibility, this combination creates a premiere offshore service provider poised to succeed in any operating environment.

We look forward to completing this transaction during the first half of the year. Following closing, our immediate priorities will be to successfully integrate the two companies, achieve the substantial identified synergies, and opportunistically manage our balance sheet, which is expected to create meaningful value for shareholders.

In connection with the amended transaction agreement, Odey Asset Management LLP, one of Rowan's largest shareholders as of the most recent regulatory filings, has pledged its support to Ensco by entering into an irrevocable voting agreement for the firm's holdings of approximately 9% of Rowan's shares outstanding.

Rowan's Court and General Meetings to approve resolutions relating to the transaction with Ensco will occur on February 21, 2019.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal advisor to the Company.

Rowan shareholders who have questions or need assistance voting their shares should contact Rowan's proxy solicitor, MacKenzie Partners, Inc., by calling toll-free at (800) 322-2885 (from the U.S. and Canada) or (212) 929-5500 (call collect from other locations) or via email at [email protected].

About Rowan

Rowan is a global provider of contract drilling services with a current fleet of 25 mobile offshore drilling units, composed of 21 self-elevating jack-up rigs and four ultra-deepwater drillships. The company's fleet operates worldwide, including the United States Gulf of Mexico, the United Kingdom and Norwegian sectors of the North Sea, the Middle East, the Mediterranean Sea, and Trinidad. Additionally, the company is a 50/50 partner in a joint venture with Saudi Aramco, entitled ARO Drilling that owns a fleet of seven self-elevating jack-up rigs that operate in the Arabian Gulf. The company's Class A Ordinary Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RDC." For more information on the company, please visit www.rowan.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements included in this document regarding the proposed transaction between Ensco plc ("Ensco") and Rowan, including benefits, expected synergies and other expense savings and operational and administrative efficiencies, opportunities, timing, expense and effects of the transaction, financial performance, accretion to cash flows, revenue growth, credit ratings or other attributes of Ensco plc following the completion of the transaction and other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")). Forward-looking statements include words or phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "could," "may," "might," "should," "will" and words and phrases of similar import. These statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, actions by regulatory authorities, rating agencies or other third parties, actions by the respective companies' security holders, costs and difficulties related to integration of Ensco and Rowan, delays, costs and difficulties related to the transaction, market conditions, and Ensco's financial results and performance following the completion of the transaction, satisfaction of closing conditions, ability to repay debt and timing thereof, availability and terms of any financing and other factors detailed in the risk factors section and elsewhere in Ensco's and Rowan's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and their respective other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize (or the other consequences of such a development worsen), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those forecasted or expected. All information in this document is as of today. Except as required by law, both Ensco and Rowan disclaim any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Additional Information and Where to Find it

In connection with the proposed transaction, Ensco and Rowan have filed a joint proxy statement on Schedule 14A with the SEC. Ensco and Rowan intend that the proposed transaction will be implemented by means of a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement between Rowan and Rowan's shareholders under the UK Companies Act 2006, as amended, in which case the issuance of Ensco's ordinary shares in the proposed transaction would not be expected to require registration under the Securities Act, pursuant to an exemption provided by Section 3(a)(10) under the Securities Act. In the event that Ensco determines, with Rowan's consent, to structure the transaction as an offer or otherwise in a manner that is not exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, Ensco will file a registration statement with the SEC containing a prospectus with respect to Ensco's ordinary shares that would be issued in the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF ENSCO AND ROWAN ARE ADVISED TO CAREFULLY READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT (WHICH INCLUDES AN EXPLANATORY STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF ANY SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENT OF ROWAN, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE UK COMPANIES ACT 2006) AND ANY REGISTRATION STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION, THE PARTIES TO THE TRANSACTION AND THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRANSACTION. A definitive joint proxy statement has been and any registration statement/prospectus, as applicable, will be sent to security holders of Ensco and Rowan in connection with the Ensco and Rowan shareholder meetings. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of the joint proxy statement (when available), any registration statement/prospectus, and other relevant documents filed by Ensco and Rowan with the SEC from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Security holders and other interested parties will also be able to obtain, without charge, a copy of the joint proxy statement, any registration statement/prospectus, and other relevant documents (when available) by directing a request by mail or telephone to either Investor Relations, Ensco plc, 5847 San Felipe, Suite 3300, Houston, Texas 77057, telephone 713-789-1400, or Investor Relations, Rowan Companies plc, 2800 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 5450, Houston, Texas 77056, telephone 713-621-7800. Copies of the documents filed by Ensco with the SEC will be available free of charge on Ensco's website at www.enscoplc.com under the tab "Investors." Copies of the documents filed by Rowan with the SEC will be available free of charge on Rowan's website at www.rowan.com/investor-relations.

Participants in the Solicitation

Ensco and Rowan and their respective directors, executive officers and certain other members of management may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from their respective security holders with respect to the transaction. Information about these persons is set forth in the joint proxy statement filed by Ensco and Rowan with the SEC on December 11, 2018, respectively, and subsequent statements of changes in beneficial ownership on file with the SEC. Security holders and investors may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such persons, which may be different than those of the respective companies' security holders generally, by reading the joint proxy statement, any registration statement and other relevant documents regarding the transaction, which will be filed with the SEC.

No Offer or Solicitation

This document is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy or an invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities or the solicitation of any vote in any jurisdiction pursuant to the proposed transaction or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. Subject to certain exceptions to be approved by the relevant regulators or certain facts to be ascertained, the public offer will not be made directly or indirectly, in or into any jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the laws of such jurisdiction, or by use of the mails or by any means or instrumentality (including without limitation, facsimile transmission, telephone and the internet) of interstate or foreign commerce, or any facility of a national securities exchange, of any such jurisdiction.

Service of Process

Ensco and Rowan are incorporated under the laws of England and Wales. In addition, some of their respective officers and directors reside outside the United States, and some or all of their respective assets are or may be located in jurisdictions outside the United States. Therefore, investors may have difficulty effecting service of process within the United States upon those persons or recovering against Ensco, Rowan or their respective officers or directors on judgments of United States courts, including judgments based upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws. It may not be possible to sue Ensco, Rowan or their respective officers or directors in a non-U.S. court for violations of the U.S. securities laws.

Contact

Rowan Companies plc

Son Vann

Vice President Corporate Development

+1-713-960-7655

OR

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

Andrew Siegel / Dan Moore

+1-212-355-4449

SOURCE Rowan Companies plc

Related Links

http://www.rowan.com


SAO PAULO, Feb. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. ("Company" or "Itau Unibanco"), in compliance with Article 157, Paragraph 4 of Law 6,404/76 and Instruction no. 358/02 of the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission, informs its stockholders and the market in general that as of this date it has announced its projections for the year 2019 in accordance with the provision in item 11 ("Projections") of the Reference Form.

Reference: https://www.itau.com.br/relacoes-com-investidores/Download.aspx?Arquivo=702F7fth86gGhg+xkROp0A==

It is noteworthy mentioning, currently, the Company considers, for management purposes, a cost of capital of around 14.0% per year.

Information on outlooks for the business, projections and operational and financial goals are solely forecasts, based on management's current outlook in relation to the future of Itau Unibanco. These expectations are highly dependent on market conditions, general economic performance of the country, of the sector and the international markets. Therefore, our effective results and performance may differ from those forecasted in this prospective information.

ALEXSANDRO BROEDEL

Group Executive Finance Director and Head of Investor Relations

Contact:

Itau Unibanco - Corporate Communication

(11) 5019-8880 / 8881 - [email protected]

SOURCE Itau Unibanco Holding S.A.

Related Links

https://www.itau.com.br


SAO PAULO, Feb. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- ITAU UNIBANCO HOLDING S.A. ("Company") informs its stockholders that the Board of Directors, which met on February 4, 2019, approved the payment, on March 7, 2019, of the following earnings to stockholders based on the final stockholding position recorded on February 21, 2019:

a) dividends in the amount of R$ 1.0507 per share, of which R$ 0.7607 per share is from net income for 2018, and R$ 0.2900 is debit from the Statutory Profit Reserve account; and

b) interest on capital in the amount of R$ 0.7494 per share, with the retention of 15% related to withholding income tax, resulting in a net interest of R$ 0.63699 per share, except for the corporate stockholders that are able to prove that they are immune or exempt.

It also approved the payment of the interest on capital declared by the Board of Directors on November 29, 2018, in the gross amount of R$ 0.0106 per share (net amount of R$ 0.00901 per share) on March 7, 2019 to stockholders based on the final stockholding position recorded on December 17, 2018.

These earnings comply with the practice of payment of dividends and interest on capital announced by means of the Material Fact of September 26, 2017(1). Therefore, for the base year of 2018 (accrual), the Company's stockholders will receive R$ 2.3086(2) per share, which totals R$ 22.4 billion in dividends and interest on capital (net of income tax), which is equivalent to 87.2% of the consolidated recurring net income for 2018, representing an increase of 27.8% from 2017.

Additionally, taking into considerations the repurchase of its own shares in 2018, the payout reaches 89.2% of consolidated recurring net income for 2018.

ALEXSANDRO BROEDEL

Group Executive Finance Director and Head of Investor Relations

(1) As informed by the Company, the total amount to be distributed every year shall be established by the Board of Directors, taking into consideration, among other factors: (i) the level of the Company's capitalization in accordance with the rules determined by the Central Bank of Brazil; (ii) the minimum level established by the Board of Directors (Tier 1 Capital fully loaded = 13.5%); (iii) profitability for the year; (iv) the expectations of capital usage due to the growth expected from business, stock buyback programs, mergers and acquisitions and regulatory changes that may change capital requirements; and (v) tax changes. Therefore, the percentage to be distributed may vary year-on-year based on the Company's profitability and capital requirements, always taking into consideration the minimum amount provided for in its Bylaws.

(2) Amount adjusted by the stock split by 50% related to the stockholding position on November 19, 2018.

Contact:

Itau Unibanco - Corporate Communication

(11) 5019-8880 / 8881 - [email protected]

SOURCE Itau Unibanco Holding S.A.

Related Links

https://www.itau.com.br


NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- iProspect, a leading global digital performance agency, announced today the appointment of Doug O'Reilly as SVP, Head of Data and Insights, a newly-created role to bolster the agency's data and insights capabilities. Effective immediately, Doug will report directly to Mike Gullaksen, President, iProspect US.

"Clients today are still trying to make sense of their data, technology platforms and their own internal organizational structure," said Gullaksen. "As we look forward to the rest of 2019, data and insights is hugely important to the work we are doing. Our ultimate goal is to create one-to-one conversations between consumers and brands. Doug's background and expert command of all data and insights is critical in helping us deliver this type of relationship to clients."

O'Reilly, who works out of iProspect's New York office, is responsible for overseeing the entire data and insights team and ensuring the practice is evolving as clients' needs do as well. Together with his teams, he will focus on expanding iProspect's offerings in marketing technology, measurement and data strategy, analytics and data management. In this role, O'Reilly will work across all clients at iProspect, showcasing the agency's ability to deliver personalized media experiences that drive business results.

O'Reilly has more than 25 years of experience growing data and strategy offerings across a variety of businesses. Prior to joining iProspect, he was with MRM//McCann, where he served as SVP, Director of Data Science. In this role, O'Reilly lead the development and growth of the data strategy group, while also providing crucial insights in data and marketing tech to the agency as a whole.

"I am excited to join iProspect at a point of inflection for performance marketing where agencies and marketing organizations are rapidly differentiating on their data maturity and analytics capabilities," said O'Reilly. "iProspect not only has a strong, data-driven culture, but also possesses market-leading technology, infrastructure and partnerships critical to igniting ongoing analytical innovation. I am looking forward to the opportunity to further fuel the growth of our teams, as well as our long list of world-class clients."

For further information, contact:

Gabriella Berman

Director, Public Relations

646.880.3187

[email protected]

About iProspect

iProspect is the first truly global digital marketing agency, with 4,200+ employees in 91 offices across 55 countries. A trusted partner with an in-depth understanding of consumer behavior, iProspect reshapes brand strategies to meet the fast-paced demands of the convergent world with a focus on exceeding the client's business objectives.

Our global reach, in-depth knowledge of diverse local markets, and expertise produce award-winning, performance-based marketing strategies for leading brands such as General Motors, Hilton, Procter & Gamble, Microsoft, and many others. In 2017, iProspect was named a leader in Forrester Research Inc.'s "The Forrester Wave" Report for search marketing agencies. iProspect has also been listed as the "Best Agency for Performance Marketing" by iMedia three years in a row, MediaPost's 2015 Search Agency of the Year and iMedia's Best Agency for Search.

For more information, visit www.iProspect.com or follow us on Twitter @iProspect.

SOURCE iProspect

Related Links

http://www.iProspect.com


BOZEMAN, Mont., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- DiscoverWater.org, the world's leading water education website for children, can now be used on all operating systems and devices, thanks to a grant from Ecolab. Ecolab has also supported a complete Chinese translation at DiscoverWater.org/cn, making the site's interactive digital activities accessible to Mandarin speakers around the world. Both DiscoverWater.org and DiscoverWater.org/cn are available for use free of charge for children, parents, educators and anyone else interested in water.

Bridger, a water-loving dog, guides learners through nine different interactive water lessons DiscoverWater.org is a free, interactive water education website for young learners. It is available in English and Chinese.

"Knowing that educators and parents rely on many different devices to help young people learn, we are excited that learners on desktop computers, tablets and even mobile devices can use DiscoverWater.org," said Morgan Close, Vice President for Projects and Programs at the Project WET Foundation, which developed DiscoverWater.org. "Having a complete Chinese translation at DiscoverWater.org/cn gives the 1.2 billion people around the world who speak Mandarin the chance to learn and teach about water in a new way. We are grateful for Ecolab's support in reaching more people with digital, interactive water education."

The site's mascot, a water-loving guide dog named Bridger, invites users to "Explore Watersheds", "Discover Our Ocean", "Investigate Fresh Water" and "Use Water Wisely". Other units cover concepts such as the water cycle, healthy hydration, how soap and water interact to remove germs and how water is used in the production of everyday items. Short, animated videos introduce each topic. Resources for educators and parents, as well as assessment tools, are available.

Project WET and Ecolab have worked together since 2014 on the Clean and Conserve education program, which seeks to make the world a safer and healthier place through water conservation and hygiene education. To date, the program has reached nearly 7.5 million people worldwide.

The global leader in water education, Project WET first launched DiscoverWater.org in 2011 with an investment from Nestle Waters North America.

About the Project WET Foundation: Since 1984, the Project WET Foundation has been dedicated to solving critical water challenges by teaching the world about water. Project WET ("WET" stands for "Water Education for Teachers") is active in all 50 U.S. states and more than 70 countries worldwide. Learn more at www.projectwet.org. Follow @projectwet on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Ecolab: A trusted partner at more than two million customer locations, Ecolab (ECL) is the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that protect people and vital resources. With annual sales of $14 billion and 48,000 associates, Ecolab delivers comprehensive solutions, data-driven insights and on-site service to promote safe food, maintain clean environments, optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies for customers in the food, healthcare, energy, hospitality and industrial markets in more than 170 countries around the world. For more Ecolab news and information, visit www.ecolab.com. Follow @ecolab on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn or on Instagram at @ecolab_inc.

Media Contact:

Nicole Rosenleaf Ritter

406.585.4115

[email protected]

SOURCE Project WET Foundation

Related Links

http://www.projectwet.org


MANCHESTER, N.H., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than 25 years, INTEGRIM has assisted Canadian businesses with Electronic Content Management (ECM) and Process Automation. During a recent official ceremony with the New Hampshire and Massachusetts business community and Government representatives, INTEGRIM has announced the opening of its US company and its new headquarters in the Manchester Area, NH. INTEGRIM is now positioned as an important paperless document automation partner in the US Market.

INTEGRIM US

"Our company, created in 1992, has kept a focus on building the foundations for solutions whose goals are to bridge the gap between unstructured content and corporate transactional content, thus our name, INTEGRIM, which stands for INTEGRation and IMaging.

"We chose Manchester for our US headquarters due to this community's great location and the unparalleled support we received from the local stakeholders we met during our selection process. We're beyond proud to be part of this great community today. In New Hampshire, we have found a dynamic and vibrant professional environment along with many friends, as well as a fantastic place to live and get involved, " said Andre Denis, President & Founder, INTEGRIM.

INTEGRIM footprints in the United States will enable the company to serve a market that is ripe for Process Automation solutions nationwide. It was essential for INTEGRIM to ensure that their US clients get access to the experienced resources and solutions that has made their success in Canada over the last 25 years, enhancing administrative operations and business document processes.

"Among those we want to recognize for their support, we would like to specifically thank Michael Bergeron and Benoit Lamontagne (NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs), Yann Lamarche (Quebec Government Office in Boston), Mike Skelton and Heather Avella (Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce). "We really appreciate the hard work, guidance and support you provided in helping us get established in our new office," said Ben Rioux, US General Manager, INTEGRIM.

Mike Skelton, President & CEO for Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce said, "I always look forward to new projects and pitches that have the potential to become great additions in our stable of New Hampshire businesses. While success is never guaranteed, some pitches have the potential to turn out to be great projects and solid contributors to our community. It's important we're there because we want to help bring in businesses and create jobs in our community. It's been great to see Marc Voyer and Ben Rioux get involved early on with the business community at our Chamber events and connect with other Chamber members. I am looking forward to hearing their success stories. "

Marc Voyer, Chief Commercial Officer, INTEGRIM said, "After several months of preparation, the establishment of our US headquarters in Manchester is now a reality. This process required over a year of development and due diligence because everything needed to be done perfectly to ensure that a strong foundation was in place to collaborate effectively with this community in the hopes of growing our business and create opportunities for all involved.

"It was important for us to establish our US Headquarters in a community that aligns with our corporate and personal values. In New Hampshire, the high level of entrepreneurial energy, the receptivity of the business community to our project and the growth mentality of the Greater Manchester Area seduced us and convinced us to involve ourselves not only professionally but also personally."

Daniel Desgagne, COO, INTEGRIM said, "It is our hope that through this process we are also able to help you seize the emotion that has driven us to come, live and grow with you. The US expansion is extremely strategic for our organization. We are here to stay, and in order to do so, we must make sure that we make a difference and earn our place in this incredible market. To achieve this we pledge to bring you our best practices, solutions and professionalism to make a tangible positive impact on the way businesses work".

For more information or to get in contact with INTEGRIM team, contact [email protected].

About INTEGRIM

Since 1992, INTEGRIM has supported businesses and organizations with the digital processing and management of corporate documents by connecting data and images through the use of various financial and other computer-based systems.

We help your operation achieve the highest level of efficiency through automation best practices, then trim costs and eliminate paper while enhancing the productivity of your administrative resources.

Our integrated platform SenSaaS! help you enhance productivity and efficiency by simplifying and automating business processes.

For further details, please visit www.integrim.com

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Ben Rioux, General Manager INTEGRIM US, Mike Skelton President & CEO, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Marc Voyer, CCO, INTEGRIM.

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SOURCE INTEGRIM US

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WELLESLEY, Mass., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Institute for Family Entrepreneurship (IFE) at Babson College has established a new Board of Advisors composed of global family entrepreneurship leaders.

Board members include:

(from left) Executive Director of Babsons Institute for Family Entrepreneurship Lauri Union, Babson College President Kerry Healey, and Bertarelli Foundation Distinguished Professor of Family Entrepreneurship William Gartner

Stephen Martiros '83, MBA'85 is Chair of the Advisory Board for the Babson Institute of Family Entrepreneurship.

'83, MBA'85 is Chair of the Advisory Board for the Babson Institute of Family Entrepreneurship. Luis Alberto Atala is the Executive Vice-President of Ficohsa Financial Group, which provides banking, insurance, and pension funds services in Central America .

is the Executive Vice-President of Ficohsa Financial Group, which provides banking, insurance, and pension funds services in . Korakot Asvalertson (Nat) is from Bangkok, Thailand . She is a student in the one-year MBA program. Nat is part of a Family Entrepreneurship Peer Forum, and is currently in the Butler Launch Pad program working on importing healthy snacks to Thailand .

. She is a student in the one-year MBA program. Nat is part of a Family Entrepreneurship Peer Forum, and is currently in the Butler Launch Pad program working on importing healthy snacks to . Linda Bourn MBA '11 is Executive Managing Director of Crystal & Company's Family Enterprise Risk Practice.

Born in Cognac, France in 1971, Cyril Camus is the fifth-generation owner and President of the world's leading independent Cognac House.

in 1971, is the fifth-generation owner and President of the world's leading independent Cognac House. Thiraphong Chansiri is President and CEO, Thai Union Group, effective 1995.

is President and CEO, Thai Union Group, effective 1995. Thomas F. Gilbane, Jr. is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gilbane, Inc., a holding company with subsidiaries, Gilbane Building Company of which he is Chairman, James F. Freeman of which he is CEO, and Gilbane Development Company.

is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gilbane, Inc., a holding company with subsidiaries, Gilbane Building Company of which he is Chairman, of which he is CEO, and Gilbane Development Company. Ingrid Prasatya is a Director and Managing Partner of Entebe Shipping and PT. Energy Samudera Logistics.

Fazal Ahmed Sheikh joined Fatima Group (a family owned business) in 1988 as a Director after completing a degree in Economics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor .

joined Fatima Group (a family owned business) in 1988 as a Director after completing a degree in Economics from the . Sylvia Shepard is a Family Firm Institute certified family business advisor, with 15 years of experience in family governance, education and leadership development.

is a Family Firm Institute certified family business advisor, with 15 years of experience in family governance, education and leadership development. Elizabeth Reed is an undergraduate senior of the class of 2019 and the undergraduate student representative for the IFE Board of Directors. She represents her family business, Storee Construction, in the IFE Family Amplifier Course.

is an undergraduate senior of the class of 2019 and the undergraduate student representative for the IFE Board of Directors. She represents her family business, Storee Construction, in the IFE Family Amplifier Course. William B. Gartner is the Bertarelli Foundation Distinguished Professor of Family Entrepreneurship at Babson College .

is the Bertarelli Foundation Distinguished Professor of Family Entrepreneurship at . Lauri Union , Executive Director, Institute for Family Entrepreneurship, comes to Babson with extensive experience both in family business leadership and in entrepreneurship through organizational transformation.

During its inaugural meeting, Stephen Martiros '83, MBA '85, Chair of the Board, welcomed the 12-member board and thanked them for supporting IFE's vision to be the world leader in family entrepreneurship. The Institute for Family Entrepreneurship, launched in April 2018, builds upon Babson's nearly 100-year history of educating family entrepreneurs.

Martiros, who has been instrumental in the creation of IFE and its Board of Advisors, said that he believed IFE could benefit immensely from the strategic input from board members. "Our board members have a wealth of experience in business generally and family entrepreneurship specifically. Our global board, with members from Asia, the Middle East, North and South America, reflects the broad scope of our program. I'm honored to be working with such an esteemed group of professionals," said Martiros.

In addition to business leaders, the Board also include two Babson students, one undergraduate and one graduate.

"One of IFE's core focus areas is to prepare the next generation to create economic, social, and family value through their families' entrepreneurial legacy. That's why it is critical for us to include our students in the board," explained IFE Executive Director Lauri Union.

William Gartner, Bertarelli Foundation Distinguished Professor of Family Entrepreneurship at Babson College, is the faculty representative of the Board.

"Family entrepreneurship is an area of emerging scholarship. I'm excited to see that Babson is taking significant strides on this front. With their direct experience and global perspective, the Board of Advisors will be fabulous partners for the IFE," said Gartner.

The IFE Board of Advisors meets twice per academic year. The next meeting will be in the spring of 2019.

About the Institute for Family Entrepreneurship

The Institute for Family Entrepreneurship is a hub for research, resources, and innovative programming dedicated to entrepreneurial students and their families.

The business, investment, and philanthropic activities of entrepreneurial families are significant drivers of the global economy. Consistent with Babson's leadership in entrepreneurship education, and unlike any other school, Babson's commitment to family entrepreneurs recognizes that families, not just family businesses, drive entrepreneurial behavior. This includes the support of multigenerational family businesses, family foundations, startups and acquisitions supported by families, spousal startups, entrepreneurial family members embarking on separate ventures, and many other value-creating family activities.

About Babson College



Babson College is the educator, convener, and thought leader of Entrepreneurship of All Kinds. The top-ranked college for entrepreneurship education, Babson is a dynamic living and learning laboratory where students, faculty, and staff work together to address the real-world problems of business and society. We prepare the entrepreneurial leaders our world needs most: those with strong functional knowledge and the skills and vision to navigate change, accommodate ambiguity, surmount complexity, and motivate teams in a common purpose to make a difference in the world, and have an impact on organizations of all sizes and types. As we have for nearly a half-century, Babson continues to advance Entrepreneurial Thought & Action as the most positive force on the planet for generating sustainable economic and social value.

SOURCE Babson College

Related Links

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ST. LOUIS, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand has already taken the lead in the travel industry in 2019 by earning gold in four car rental categories: Overall, Domestic, Luxury/Exotic Fleet and Website. Enterprise also scored an additional silver award in the International category.

2019 Gold Travvy Winner

The 2019 Travvy Awards, presented by travAlliancemedia, recognize the highest standards of excellence in the travel industry and honor travel companies, travel products, travel agencies and destinations for their outstanding achievement with a prize considered to be the Academy Awards of the travel industry. More than 100,000 votes  cast by the agents who sell the vast majority of these trips to tens of millions of consumers yearly  determined this year's Travvy Award winners.

Enterprise earned five total awards, more than any other brand in the car rental category. "Our growth and success have always been achieved by providing unsurpassed customer service and a superior rental experience," said Christine Taylor, President and Chief Operating Officer of Enterprise Holdings, which owns Enterprise Rent-A-Car as well as the National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands.

"These awards reflect our commitment to developing strong relationships with our travel partners and constantly seeking out new ideas and technologies to help us improve the rental experience," added Taylor, who participated in last year's Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) panel discussion, "Is Bigger Better? The Impact of Industry Consolidation on Business Travel."

During the GBTA discussion, Taylor stressed that "our customers push us to innovate every single day." For example, Enterprise Holdings' acquisition and corporate venture-capital strategy focuses on technologies and business models that not only accelerate industry-leading transportation solutions, but also guarantee customer satisfaction in a rapidly changing marketplace.

Most recently, Enterprise Holdings announced its acquisition of San Francisco-based Deem  an innovative managed-travel technology platform that includes a suite of online booking and travel technology products for business travelers, travel managers, travel-management companies and suppliers called Deem Work Fource and Deem Ground Work.

Enterprise Holdings also partnered with Deem in 2018 to help business travelers to China book the National Car Rental brand's "National Car and Driver" service either directly through the Deem Work Fource application, or their travel management partner. Such acquisitions and partnerships enhance the services available to customers and position Enterprise Holdings as a long-term industry leader in mobility and innovation  regardless of whether vehicles are rented by the hour, day, week or longer.

Since 2008, Enterprise Holdings has spent almost $2.4 billion making acquisitions and corporate-venture capital investments or commitments in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, Ireland, Spain, Brazil and China. Acquisitions include car rental companies, carshare operations, technology platforms and franchises.

About Enterprise Holdings

Enterprise Holdings  through its integrated global network of independent regional subsidiaries and franchises  operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands at more than 10,000 fully staffed neighborhood and airport locations. Combined, Enterprise Holdings and its affiliate Enterprise Fleet Management accounted for $24.1 billion in revenue and owned 2 million vehicles throughout the world in fiscal year 2018. Enterprise Holdings ranks near the top of the global travel industry, ahead of many airlines and most cruise lines, hotels, tour operators and online travel agencies. Enterprise Holdings' regional subsidiaries and Enterprise Fleet Management currently employ 100,000 worldwide. Enterprise Holdings currently is ranked as one of America's Largest Private Companies. Furthermore, if it were publicly traded, Enterprise Holdings would rank on Fortune's list of the 500 largest American public companies.

SOURCE Enterprise Holdings
The new health supplement, Omega Q Plus MAX, combines highly recommended and efficacious doses of Turmeric, Omega-3s, CoQ10, L-Carnitine, Resveratrol, Chromium and B vitamins. There is no other heart health product in the United States that combines all of these highly researched ingredients that support healthy aging, overall heart health, inflammation and endothelial health.

Max joins a lineup of groundbreaking Omega Q Plus health supplements now available for the first time ever at GNC stores nationwide, as well as through the Healthy Directions and Dr. Stephen Sinatra catalogs and websites (healthydirections.com and drsinatra.com).

Dr. Stephen Sinatra, one of the leading integrative cardiologists in the United States, has extensively studied and written about the importance of Omega-3s and Coenzyme Q10 ("CoQ10") for overall cardiovascular health. Both ingredients are featured in all of the Omega Q Plus products now available at GNC (NYSE: GNC).

"It's a real privilege to be able to offer these new products to any consumer seeking to maintain overall heart health. These nutritional supplements, having sold over 16 million bottles since their introduction, have helped hundreds of thousands of people achieve and maintain their heart health goals," said Dr. Sinatra. "Maintaining optimal heart health nutrition through the comprehensive multi-nutrient formulation found in the Omega Q Plus product line, including new Omega Q Plus MAX, is more important now than ever before, and our partnership with GNC means getting access to the product is even easier."

Dr. Sinatra's Omega Q product line was one of the first robust, multi-ingredient heart health product lines offered when it was originally introduced in 2006, and it has been an example of continued innovation ever since its original introduction. Most recently, Dr. Sinatra added Crominex 3 to Omega Q, which provides an additional level of heart health, blood sugar and endothelial support.

"We appreciate GNC's leadership and desire to broaden retail availability of this incredible product," said Ben Teicher, President of Healthy Directions. "Their commitment to science, quality, and innovation closely resembles our own, and therefore makes them a terrific retail partner for us" Teicher added. To support the launch of the Omega Q product line in GNC, both companies will be hosting a Facebook Live event with Dr. Stephen Sinatra on February 12th at 3pm ET. Anyone interested in viewing this even live will find it on Facebook at Facebook.com/GNCLiveWell. Anyone interested in learning more about Dr. Stephen Sinatra may visit his Facebook page at Facebook.com/SinatraMD or visit DrSinatra.com/About-Dr-Sinatra

About Healthy Directions: Healthy Directions LLC, a subsidiary of Adaptive Health LLC, is a leading health publisher and direct-to-consumer retailer of doctor-formulated nutritional supplements and skincare products, dedicated to providing people with a better path to better health. Healthy Directions provides expert guidance and advanced nutritional supplements from some of America's most knowledgeable and highly respected integrative- and alternative-health doctors including Julian Whitaker, MD; Dr. David Williams; Stephen Sinatra, MD; Aaron Tabor, MD; Drew Sinatra, ND; Richard Wurtman, MD; and Joseph Pergolizzi, Jr., MD. For more information, please visit healthydirections.com/about-us

About Adaptive Health: Adaptive Health, LLC, formerly known as Direct Digital, LLC, is a leader in science-based product development with a full portfolio of scientifically formulated nutritional health brands, including Instaflex, Nugenix, Peptiva, Lumiday, Dr. Sinatra, Dr. Williams, Dr. Whitaker, Sleep Answer and OxyRub.

The company rebranded as Adaptive Health after its acquisition of Healthy Directions, LLC in December 2017. With Healthy Directions' vast product line and extensive board of medical advisors and doctors, it contributes to the company's longstanding commitment to science and innovation.

Adaptive Health has over 250 employees across offices in Charlotte, NC, Boston, MA, Salt Lake City, UT and Bethesda, MD. Its products are sold in many major retailers across North America and internationally, as well as via its innovative direct-to-consumer ecommerce platform. For more information, please visit www.AdaptiveHealth.com.

SOURCE Adaptive Health

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"GridBeyond's technology platform helps balance the electricity grid, aids the integration of more renewables, and optimises the plans, designs, and finances of both existing and new plants," said Swagath Navin Manohar, Senior Research Analyst. "In integrating customers' storage batteries into its virtual power plants (VPPs), GridBeyond has formed the world's first hybrid battery and DR network. In addition, it trades customers' capacity and the electricity generated in the European energy markets and offers ancillary services to help balance the transmission system."

GridBeyond stands out from other DR providers in generating new revenue streams for customers without requiring them to change their onsite hardware, as its solution is technology agnostic, vendor independent, and tailor-made based on the customers' business size and types of assets. Furthermore, as DR in Europe transitions from a centralised market to a more localised market, the platform will prove highly valuable due to its ability to offer asset-by-asset and site-by-site analytics, reporting, and benchmarking across every area of energy management and demand-side response.

GridBeyond's unified platform allows customers to deliver various energy market services, such as balancing services, capacity, smart tariffs, energy trading, and enhanced on-site energy services, through a single solution. It has been successfully deployed at hundreds of sites in the United Kingdom and Ireland for numerous market majors, including Kellogg's, National Health Service (NHS), Northern Ireland Water, and the Ardagh Group.

"GridBeyond plays a central role in bringing together all stakeholders, including grid operators, intensive energy users, suppliers, distribution networks, and battery providers, to solve the issues inherent in balancing the grid. For end users, it presents the technology, expertise, and experience needed to optimize returns, while for grid operators, it presents a technical solution to meet the challenge of grid balancing, thereby minimizing the costs associated with achieving a truly balanced and smart' grid," noted Manohar. "GridBeyond is expected to maintain its market leadership position due to the high revenues from its platform, effective site utilisation, and low carbon footprint."

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the European Technology Innovation Award to the company that has developed a product with innovative features and functionality that is gaining rapid acceptance in the market. The award recognises the quality of the solution and the customer value enhancements it enables.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About GridBeyond

GridBeyond, founded in 2007, is the leading provider of demand side response, intelligent energy services and flexibility solutions for industrial and commercial organisations.

Energy, financial and operational stakeholders are empowered to deliver performance, sustainability and cost optimisation via the cloud-based machine learning platform.

With a wealth of engineering and technology expertise, GridBeyond delivers a complete energy solution from install to insights.

Contact:

Joanna Spirodek, PR Manager

P: +44 1923 431 638

E: [email protected]

W: www.gridbeyond.com

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector, and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion .

Contact:

Kristen Moore

P: 210.247.3823

E: [email protected]

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

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DUBLIN, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Cardiovascular Drug Delivery - Technologies, Markets & Companies" report from Jain PharmaBiotech has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The cardiovascular drug delivery markets are estimated for the years 2018 to 2028 on the basis of epidemiology and total markets for cardiovascular therapeutics. The estimates take into consideration the anticipated advances and availability of various technologies, particularly drug delivery devices in the future. Markets for drug-eluting stents are calculated separately. Role of drug delivery in developing cardiovascular markets is defined and unmet needs in cardiovascular drug delivery technologies are identified.



Drug delivery to the cardiovascular system is different from delivery to other systems because of the anatomy and physiology of the vascular system; it supplies blood and nutrients to all organs of the body. Drugs can be introduced into the vascular system for systemic effects or targeted to an organ via the regional blood supply. In addition to the usual formulations of drugs such as controlled release, devices are used as well. This report starts with an introduction to molecular cardiology and discusses its relationship to biotechnology and drug delivery systems.

Drug delivery to the cardiovascular system is approached at three levels: (1) routes of drug delivery; (2) formulations; and finally (3) applications to various diseases. Formulations for drug delivery to the cardiovascular system range from controlled release preparations to delivery of proteins and peptides. Cell and gene therapies, including antisense and RNA interference, are described in full chapters as they are the most innovative methods of delivery of therapeutics. Various methods of improving systemic administration of drugs for cardiovascular disorders are described including use of nanotechnology.

Cell-selective targeted drug delivery has emerged as one of the most significant areas of biomedical engineering research, to optimize the therapeutic efficacy of a drug by strictly localizing its pharmacological activity to a pathophysiologically relevant tissue system. These concepts have been applied to targeted drug delivery to the cardiovascular system. Devices for drug delivery to the cardiovascular system are also described.

Role of drug delivery in various cardiovascular disorders such as myocardial ischemia, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia is discussed. Cardioprotection is also discussed. Some of the preparations and technologies are also applicable to peripheral arterial diseases. Controlled release systems are based on chronopharmacology, which deals with the effects of circadian biological rhythms on drug actions.A full chapter is devoted to drug-eluting stents as treatment for restenosis following stenting of coronary arteries.Fifteen companies are involved in drug-eluting stents.

New cell-based therapeutic strategies are being developed in response to the shortcomings of available treatments for heart disease. Potential repair by cell grafting or mobilizing endogenous cells holds particular attraction in heart disease, where the meager capacity for cardiomyocyte proliferation likely contributes to the irreversibility of heart failure. Cell therapy approaches include attempts to reinitiate cardiomyocyte proliferation in the adult, conversion of fibroblasts to contractile myocytes, conversion of bone marrow stem cells into cardiomyocytes, and transplantation of myocytes or other cells into injured myocardium.

Advances in molecular pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases have brought gene therapy within the realm of possibility as a novel approach to treatment of these diseases. It is hoped that gene therapy will be less expensive and affordable because the techniques involved are simpler than those involved in cardiac bypass surgery, heart transplantation and stent implantation. Gene therapy would be a more physiologic approach to deliver vasoprotective molecules to the site of vascular lesion. Gene therapy is not only a sophisticated method of drug delivery; it may at time need drug delivery devices such as catheters for transfer of genes to various parts of the cardiovascular system.

Selected 82 companies that either develop technologies for drug delivery to the cardiovascular system or products using these technologies are profiled and 80 collaborations between companies are tabulated. The bibliography includes 200 selected references from recent literature on this topic. The report is supplemented with 31 tables and 9 figures.



Key Topics Covered:



Executive Summary



1. Cardiovascular Diseases



2. Methods for Drug Delivery to the Cardiovascular System



3. Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Disorders



4. Gene Therapy for Cardiovascular Disorders



5. Drug-Eluting Stents



6. Markets for Cardiovascular Drug Delivery



7. Companies involved in Cardiovascular Drug Delivery



8. References



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/s8b8bk/global?w=5



Source: Jain PharmaBiotech

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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SOURCE Research and Markets

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Among HR practitioners planning changes, 72 percent are seeking to enhance benefits, thereby improving their employer brand and becoming more competitive in recruitment. The second most popular planned change is improving flexibility in benefits, with 47 percent attempting to bolster flexible options to extend individual choice.

"While cost is always central to business performance, we are seeing a shift in the market as employers are having to compete for talent in a very diverse workforce," said Leslie Lemenager, President of Gallagher's International Employee Benefits Consulting and Brokerage. "The fact that 47 percent of organisations are aiming to enhance flexibility in benefits provisions  despite cost management being their biggest challenge  points to a strong recognition that there is a need to go above and beyond to attract and retain talent."

The Gallagher Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey provides practical insights and data from more than 170 UK-based employers, helping HR leaders make better strategic investments in employee health, financial security, and career growth  and within the right cost structure.

Below are summaries of some of the report's most critical findings.

EMPLOYERS DON'T KNOW WHERE THEY STAND

Part of the difficulty organisations have in forging a distinct employer brand stems from not knowing where they stand: understanding position against the market was the third-most commonly cited challenge to benefit offerings. Consequently, most organisations do not recognise their competitive position as employers. More than half of respondents (52 percent) report that it is difficult to adequately benchmark their benefits offering against the market  a problem that data and insights can help address.

TO STAND OUT, EMPLOYERS SHOULD ADD FLEXIBLE BENEFITS

Flexible working has been gaining traction as an important part of benefit packages, thanks to its measurable impact on employees' physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as motivation. Employers have been largely receptive to flexible working: 91 percent offer part-time work or shorter hours, and 69 percent allow workers to personalise their hours within certain parameters.

However, organisations are restrained in their approaches to other types of flexible working, despite an increasingly diverse workforce needing more than a single, one-size-fits-all policy.

For instance, only one in five organisations allow employees to customise their individual benefit packages, and customisation is available for only a few benefits, such as contribution levels to retirement savings plans. Indeed, most employers struggle to offer benefits with breadth as diverse as their employees: benefits that appeal to a diverse workforce  comprising individuals with different preferences  is the second-most commonly cited obstacle to sufficient benefits provision, with two-thirds (66 percent) of HR professionals identifying it as a major challenge.

As a result, organisations should strive for a holistic approach to benefits flexibility, which can elevate their employer brand and improve recruitment. However, a surprisingly high 52 percent of organisations do not allow employees to work from home (i.e., teleworking or telecommuting). Furthermore, other benefits that suit a diverse workforce are uncommon: only 43 percent offer a condensed working week; just 24 percent offer agile working; and a scant 14 percent offer term-time only working. If organisations wish to set themselves apart, flexible benefits and flexible work are excellent places to begin.

INEFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS ARE A BARRIER TO BENEFITS STRATEGIES

Despite the need to communicate the availability and value of benefits to employees, most respondents do not consider benefits communications a priority. Whilst there is significant investment in delivery methods, communications channels dedicated to benefits are less common. In fact, more than one-third of organisations (36 percent) identified communications as a barrier to effective benefits, making it the fourth-most commonly cited challenge.

The survey found 84 percent of organisations do not use total reward statements to communicate the value of their benefits package. Such communication tools provide a single, succinct and practical source of information that improves employee appreciation for the real value of benefits and elevates the employer brand.

Of those using total reward statements, 77 percent send these communications digitally; such organisations recognise that whilst it may be tempting to cut corners with communication costs, digital interfaces provide an easy, cost-effective, and sustainable solution to improve how they discuss organisational wellbeing.

For more information about the Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey, visit: ajg.com/NBS-UK-2018

ABOUT THE BENEFITS STRATEGY & BENCHMARKING SURVEY

Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc., the employee benefits consulting and brokerage operation of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., developed the first UK version of the Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey to provide employers with insights into how their peers are addressing benefit and human capital challenges. The survey, conducted from August 2018 to October 2018, aggregates responses from 172 organisations across the UK. The survey has previously been conducted in the U.S. and Canada. Additional survey results can be found at ajg.com/NBS-UK-2018.

ABOUT GALLAGHER

Gallagher (NYSE: AJG) is a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The company has operations in 35 countries and offers client-service capabilities in more than 150 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

Contact: Anna Rozenich, Gallagher Benefit Services Media Relations

630-285-5954 or [email protected]

SOURCE Gallagher
TORONTO, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - Since 2004, FreshBooks has helped more than 20 million people in 160 countries around the world to easily send invoices, track their time, manage expenses and get paid online. Today, the company has added even greater functionality to its software, designed for small businesses that invoice; FreshBooks will now offer bank reconciliation and double-entry accounting to help its fastest-growing customers unlock even more of their potential.

FreshBooks' new, more robust accounting offering now includes a General Ledger, Chart of Accounts, Accountant Access, Bank Reconciliation, and more, to enable growing service-based businesses to scale on FreshBooks with confidence, work seamlessly with an accountant, and be 100% tax time ready.

For freelancers and business owners just starting out, FreshBooks remains the easiest tool for managing the day-to-day tasks they care about most: tracking their time and managing their receivables. This new advanced accounting functionality will live in the background of the software, ready for the business owner or their accountant to access when needed.

"At FreshBooks, we understand that small business owners went into business to serve their clients and do the work they lovenot to learn accounting," said FreshBooks CEO and Co-founder, Mike McDerment. "Our team is proud to have added greater functionality to FreshBooks that will help our customers accomplish even more, on their terms, without adding any unnecessary complexity."

A new report from FreshBooks shows that accountants and bookkeepers recognize that complex accounting software is a huge problem for small business owners. The report shows that almost 70 percent say that small business owners find accounting software intimidating, and 83 percent say it's typical for small business owners to make mistakes when using it. It's no surprise then, that so many small business owners don't use accounting software at all. "Small businesses that send invoices have unique needs that are hugely underserved by the accounting software market. FreshBooks focuses on these businesses exclusively because we believe that by trying to serve everyone, you serve no one," said McDerment.

"FreshBooks has been a gamechanger for us as we've scaled our business," said Adrian Joaquin, Founding Partner and CEO of Workhaus, a collection of coworking spaces across Canada. "It's simple to use for everyone we work with, and it's ideal for a high-billing service business like ours, since we have to send hundreds of invoices every month. More advanced accounting in FreshBooks means we'll be able to keep growing Workhaus without worrying about having to migrate to more complicated software."

Since FreshBooks announced its completely redesigned and rebuilt platform in September, 2016, the company has added 100+ new apps and integrations to help customers automate more of their workflow, save time, and making running their business easier than ever before. These apps and integrations include G Suite by Google Cloud, Slack, HubSpot, Salesforce, Everlance, MailChimp, ZenDesk, Proposify, Trello, Basecamp, Asana, and more.

About FreshBooks

FreshBooks is the #1 invoicing and accounting software in the cloud designed exclusively for freelancers and growing service-based businesses. The company has helped more than 20 million people process billions of dollars through its easy-to-use invoicing, time-tracking, expense management, and online payments features. Recognized with eight Stevie awards for best customer service in the world, the company's mantra is to "execute extraordinary experiences everyday." Based in Toronto, Canada, FreshBooks serves paying customers in 160 countries. FreshBooks.com

SOURCE FreshBooks

Related Links

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Doors open with a light breakfast of assorted pastries, coffee and tea at 8:30 a.m. The program will begin promptly at 9 a.m.

Tickets cost $10 for members and $15 for non-members. To purchase your tickets, click here. You will also have the option of purchasing a book, which will be available for pick up and signing at the event.

The book, using the examples of two legacy heavyweights, The New York Times and The Washington Post, and two digital upstarts, BuzzFeed and Vice, dissects the disruption of the news media, its attempts to adjust and its uncertain future amid President Trump's war on the press.

Abramson, who witnessed the struggles firsthand in senior editorial positions at the Times and the Wall Street Journal, gives readers insight into the biggest players in media including Jeff Bezos, Marty Baron, Arthur Sulzberger, Dean Banquet, Jonah Peretti and Shane Smith.

Walter Isaacson called the book "essential for anyone who wants to understand today's media and how it is affecting our society."

Proceeds from the book sales will benefit the National Press Club Journalism Institute, the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club, so the Institute asks that you leave all outside books at home.

PRESS CONTACT: Lindsay Underwood for The National Press Club, [email protected], (202) 662-7561

SOURCE National Press Club
SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Every year, Teleton Chile, a telethon charity, raises millions of dollars in funds for children with developmental disabilities.

Since 1978, the telethon has raised enough to help build 13 rehabilitation centers in Chile, known as the Teleton Rehabilitation Institute.

As the charity and institute expanded, so did the number of ambulances and other transportation vehicles used in their rehabilitation centers.

To keep up with the growth, the charity chose FleetUp, a software engineering company, to help keep track of their growing vehicle numbers.

"It's been very gratifying to find that sort of technology system service that is easy to use. In our past experiences with other systems, our operators and controllers couldn't use it due to its complex system. But with FleetUp, it's simple to track and it's user friendly for our employees," said Jaime Carmona Gonzalez, Teleton Chief Transportation Supervisor.

Gonzalez said since using FleetUp's tracking services, they've had complete visibility of their vehicles that drive thousands of miles on several routes from the mountains to the sea. According to Gonzalez, FleetUp delivers outstanding performances in location, route, platform management, expense control, consumption and other endless services.

"They've made us feel like a valued customer, it's great having an exceptional team that is committed to providing permanent support in everything that we need," said Gonzalez.

"We're proud of the hard work our FleetUp team has done to make sure charities like Teleton thrive over the years," said Ezra Kwak, FleetUp Chief Technology Officer. "Our bond with Teleton Chile is unique and we are humbled to work for such a great cause and even greater people."

About Teleton

Teleton is a charity event held in Chile on a yearly basis since 1978. It is usually held during the first week of December, unless a political election occurs at the same time. The major Chilean television networks hold a 27-hour transmission, to raise funds to help children with developmental disabilities (most commonly cerebral palsy) treated at Instituto de Rehabilitacion Infantil ("Infant Rehabilitation Institute") centers of the Fundacion Teleton.

About FleetUp

Founded in 2013 and based in the heart of Silicon Valley, FleetUp offers a patented, FMCSA-compliant suite of integrated telematics and GPS applications. FleetUp provides service and distribution companies with unprecedented insight into their operations, empowering them with actionable data to optimize the efforts of vehicles and drivers, allowing for maximum revenue while reducing operating costs. For more information, please visit fleetup.com.

CONTACT: Yessenia Chavez, [email protected]

SOURCE FleetUp

Related Links

http://www.fleetup.com


MADISON, N.J., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- ERA Real Estate, a global franchising leader, today announced the results of their national "Feed the Need" campaign in collaboration with Move For Hunger, a non-profit organization that mobilizes the relocation industry to reduce food waste and fight hunger. 74 ERA affiliated brokerages, representing more than 160 offices and over 6,000 agents, collaborated with Move For Hunger to collect a total of over 53,506 pounds of non-perishable food items, the equivalent of 44,588 meals, to fill food pantries in advance of the holiday season.

"ERA's dedication to fighting hunger in communities across the country has resulted in an incredible partnership," said Adam Lowy, founder and executive director of Move For Hunger. "It's been amazing to watch the collaborative efforts between our organizations as we've come together to effect change on such a vast scale."

Nearly 42 million Americans lack reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. 1 in 6 children in the U.S. are considered to be food insecure. Meanwhile, 40% of the food produced every year is wasted. By providing people with the opportunity to donate their food when they move, Move For Hunger offers a sustainable solution to this massive problem. ERA's extensive network combined with its culture of collaboration and giving back have resulted in the initiative having an impact that has gone above and beyond expectations. For four weeks, boxes filled with canned foods, granola bars, pasta, cereal, peanut butter, and other such items were taken directly from ERA brokerages straight to local food banks and pantries.

"We are so thrilled by the outpouring of generous donations and willingness to help feed those in need in our communities," said Stephanie Reyna, national vice president of growth & engagement for ERA Real Estate. "Our affiliates have been creative in incentivizing their agents, employees and clients to get involved. The results are streaming across social media in order to further awareness of the human need in their communities and the role we can all play in helping out."

Wyoming-based ERA Priority Real Estate is an ERA brokerage that is emblematic of the spirit of the nationwide campaign. They collected an outstanding 65,237 food items totaling an outstanding 33,540 pounds. Neubauer Real Estate, Inc., based in Panama City and Panama City Beach Florida, is another example of brand's "all-in" culture -- agents from ERA Neubauer eagerly participated in the Move For Hunger efforts despite their office having been completely destroyed by Hurricane Michael just a month prior to the campaign's kickoff. Other impressive efforts were made by ERA Valley Pro Realty, based in Visalia, California, which offered a free bowl of pozole, a traditional Mexican soup, to anyone who brought in three or more cans of food as well as Knipe Realty ERA Powered based in Oregon and Southwest Washington, who collected an impressive 772 pounds of food.

The Feed the Need Campaign officially kicked off on Tuesday, November 27, also known as #GivingTuesday, and formally ran through December 11. However, due to the high volume of donations and overwhelming public interest, donations were accepted through December 21.

For more information, you can go to facebook.com/ERArealestate or search the hashtag, #GivingTuesdayERA.

About ERA Real Estate

At ERA Real Estate , we don't adapt to change, we create it. We believe that our core business values of collaboration, innovation, diversity and growth are needed now more than ever. As a global leader in the residential real estate industry for more than 40 years, ERA was the first real estate franchise to expand internationally, the first to post listings online, and is the only national company that offers the Sellers Security Plan program. The ERA Real Estate network includes 40,000 affiliated brokers and independent sales associates and approximately 2,300 offices throughout the United States and 31 other countries and territories. ERA Franchise Systems LLC ( www.ERA.com ) which operates the ERA Real Estate system, is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global provider of real estate services. ERA Real Estate information is available at www.ExploreERA.com.

About Move For Hunger

Move For Hunger is a non-profit organization that mobilizes the relocation industry to fight hunger and reduce food waste. In addition to collecting food from people who are moving to new homes, Move For Hunger helps companies and individuals across the United States and Canada organize successful food drives. To date, they have collected more than 11.5 million pounds of food. For more information, or to find out how you can host your own food drive, visit www.MoveForHunger.org .

Media Contact:

Maggie Rohr

973-407-4027

[email protected]

Katharine Dunn

502-419-8507

[email protected]

SOURCE ERA Real Estate

Related Links

http://www.ExploreERA.com


Featured in numerous on-screen romances and real-life proposals, the world-famous 86 th floor Observatory with its 360-degree views of New York City and beyond is the ideal location for the winning couples to exchange their vows and affirm their love. Hundreds of couples have wed or renewed their vows at The World's Most Romantic Building, and to mark the contest's silver anniversary two more couples will continue the tradition and be married this Valentine's Day.

ESB will host 15-minute wedding ceremonies on its famed 86th floor Observatory as follows:

7 a.m.  Fabiana Faria and Helena Barquet : Fabiana and Helena exemplify a true NYC love story. Co-owners of home design store Coming Soon on the Lower East Side, Fabiana proposed to Helena at the Plaza Hotel after falling in love almost seven years ago. With a shared fascination in the Empire State Building and the meaning behind its nightly tower lightings, Fabiana and Helena are excited to celebrate their love story and marry on the landmark's 86th floor Observatory.

7:30 a.m.  Chitra Pathak and Nachiket Patel : Originally from India , Nachiket and Chitra met ten years ago after an introduction was made through Chitra's brother. Following a five year relationship, which included almost two years of long-distance dating, they are now happily living in Jersey City, New Jersey . The Empire State Building is Nachiket's favorite building, and while the couple still plans to host a big traditional wedding in India , he submitted his entry in the hopes of surprising Chitra with a wedding in their adopted home. Chitra is thrilled to have a wedding in the heart of New York , the city where she and Nachiket were reunited.

To celebrate this significant milestone event, and for the first time, this year's Valentine's Day Wedding Contest was open to the building's international fan base via https://esbvalentinesday.com/.

"With over 1,000 entries from both near and far, it's evident that the storied history and romance surrounding the Empire State Building continue to touch lives around the globe," said Jean-Yves Ghazi, Senior Vice President of the Observatory. "I'm excited to officiate at the weddings for Helena and Fabiana as well as Chitra and Nachiket, and continue this tradition for its 25th year."

Each bride will be gifted a dress of her choice from Kleinfeld Bridal's famous flagship location in New York City. Additionally, a winning couple may receive prize packages from Grand Hyatt New York, STATE Grill and Bar, Turkish Airlines, and Boca Raton Resort & Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, from Discover The Palm Beaches, the official tourism marketing organization for Palm Beach County, Florida.

For complete contest details, please visit www.facebook.com/empirestatebuilding. For more information about Kleinfeld Bridal, Grand Hyatt New York, Discover The Palm Beaches, Turkish Airlines, and STATE Grill & Bar, visit https://www.kleinfeldbridal.com/, http://newyork.grand.hyatt.com/, https://www.thepalmbeaches.com, https://www.turkishairlines.com/, and www.stategrillesb.com.

About the Empire State Building

Soaring 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan (from base to antenna top), the Empire State Building, owned by Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., is the "World's Most Famous Building." With new investments in energy efficiency, infrastructure, public areas and amenities, the Empire State Building has attracted first-rate tenants in a diverse array of industries from around the world. The Empire State Building was named the world's most popular travel destination in a study conducted by Uber and was named America's favorite building in a poll conducted by the American Institute of Architects. For more information on the Empire State Building, please visit www.empirestatebuilding.com, www.facebook.com/empirestatebuilding, @EmpireStateBldg, www.instagram.com/empirestatebldg, http://weibo.com/empirestatebuilding, www.youtube.com/esbnyc or www.pinterest.com/empirestatebldg/.

About Empire State Realty Trust

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT), a leading real estate investment trust (REIT), owns, manages, operates, acquires and repositions office and retail properties in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area, including the Empire State Building, the "World's Most Famous Building." Headquartered in New York, New York, the Company's office and retail portfolio covers 10.1 million rentable square feet, as of September 30, 2018, consisting of 9.4 million rentable square feet in 14 office properties, including nine in Manhattan, three in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and two in Westchester County, New York; and approximately 700,000 rentable square feet in the retail portfolio.

SOURCE Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.esbnyc.com


BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- EBSCO Industries, Inc. (EBSCO), a privately held global company, announced today that it has renamed its risk consulting and insurance division to Valent Group.

Previously known as S.S. Nesbitt & Co., the firm has been a part of the EBSCO family of companies since 2001, providing risk consulting for businesses, employer benefit groups and individuals across Alabama and the Southeast.

"EBSCO's legacy has been one of putting our customers first by providing a differentiated customer experience. Valent Group continues that tradition by focusing on the needs of its clients," says David Walker, CEO of EBSCO Industries. "Their collaborative, consultative approach and commitment to the businesses and individuals they serve leads to positive outcomes. We are proud to have Valent Group, and the clients they serve, as part of the EBSCO family."

In summer 2017, EBSCO hired industry leader and national insurance brokerage executive Paul Barber of Birmingham, Alabama, to grow and expand the firm's services. Today that expansion includes a new company identity.

"We're excited about our new firm name, Valent Group," says Barber, who serves as president. "Great companies are built by great teams, and our team is committed to caring for and serving our customers while caring for and supporting each other. We're positioned now, better than ever before, to deliver what we know makes our firm extra special: providing a Fortune 1000 experience for the middle market."

This "experience" is something Valent Group says they want clients to know sets them apart. In fact, Valent Group is simultaneously releasing a new company tagline, "Experience the Difference."

"The 'difference' starts with our culture," adds Barber. "Our culture is built first on caring for our employees so that they can best care for our clients and their employees, and it is founded in our Core Values: passion, attitude, curiosity and team. Our 'PACT' sets us apart as a positive place for people to grow their careers while helping our clients improve and grow their businesses."

Clients also experience the difference when they work with Valent Group's team of consultants, who have expertise working with large, multinational businesses; publicly traded companies; specialty industries; as well as through the utilization of their in-house suite of professional capabilities including claims advocacy, loss control analysis, legal and human resource compliance, data analysis and wellness consulting.

The Valent Group team successfully brings this experience, which is typically reserved for the largest of companies, to a middle market that is all too often not receiving the level of risk consulting it should. This same level of customer service is also offered to individuals seeking a personal insurance partner.

Valent Group maintains its Birmingham headquarters at 3500 Blue Lake Drive, with additional offices located in Huntsville, Mobile and Decatur.

ABOUT VALENT GROUP:

Valent Group provides risk consulting and insurance for businesses, employer benefit groups and individuals across Alabama and nationwide. Valent Group is an independently owned firm headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, with offices in Huntsville, Mobile and Decatur. They are a division of EBSCO Industries, a privately held global company. For more information, visit www.valentgroup.com

ABOUT EBSCO INDUSTRIES, INC.:

Founded in 1944 by the late Elton B. Stephens, EBSCO Industries, Inc. has evolved into a global company with businesses in a range of industries including Information Services, Publishing and Digital Media, Outdoor Products, Real Estate, Manufacturing and Distribution and Business Services. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, EBSCO operates divisions and subsidiaries in 23 countries, employing almost 5,000 people. For a complete listing of EBSCO's business groups, please visit www.ebscoind.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sonia Blumstein

Vice President, Marketing & Corporate Communications

[email protected]

205.262.2699

Related Images

valent-groups-new-logo.png

image2.png

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MENxUPU920U

SOURCE Valent Group
WOBURN, Massachusetts, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- EarlySense, the market leader in contact-free continuous monitoring solutions across the care continuum, announced today that it has been selected for a pilot project with Save the Children, an international nonprofit that works in 120 countries. This work is supported by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Continuous monitoring sensors will be tested first at Aga Khan University - Nairobi teaching hospital and then Pumwani Maternity Hospital, to monitor key health vitals of neonates in Nairobi, Kenya.

According to USAID, Sub-Saharan Africa has the world's highest newborn death rate (34 per 1,000 births), with its infant deaths accounting for one-third of under-five deaths globally. With EarlySense sensors, nurses and physicians will be able to continuously track key vital signs, including heart rate and respiratory rate, as well as motion. This real-time monitoring is designed to provide a broad picture of neonates' health and alert staff ahead of potential adverse events, enabling them to act quickly to improve care and prevent deaths. The contact-free sensor is placed under the bed mattress and requires no wires or hookups to the neonate.

"EarlySense's contact-free continuous monitoring technology is a novel approach in newborn care," said Rasa Izadnegahdar, deputy director on the Maternal Newborn Child Health Discovery & Tools team at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "We look forward to the evaluation by Save the Children and using the results to inform best practices in the clinical care of vulnerable newborns born in low and middle-income countries."

This will be EarlySense's first application of its contact-free continuous monitoring technology to monitor neonates. Currently, EarlySense sensors are used worldwide in hospitals, rehab and skilled nursing facilities. The sensors leverage advanced algorithms to notify nurses of potentially adverse changes in patient vital signs, sending alerts to physicians' pagers and to the central display station. The FDA-cleared and CE-approved solution has been clinically proven to help healthcare providers to prevent adverse events, including code blues resulting from cardiac or respiratory arrest, preventable ICU transfers, patient falls, pressure ulcers, and hospital readmissions for adult population.

"Part of Save the Children's core mission is to give every child a healthy start at life," said Dr. Amy Ginsburg, head of Save the Children's Technology Accelerator Unit. "We are excited to assess EarlySense's technology among newborns in African hospitals."

"We are honored to have been chosen for this important project, and to work together with Save the Children in a project supported by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation," said Avner Halperin, Co-Founder and CEO of EarlySense. "The infant mortality rate is a key measure of a society's overall health, and I am confident that our continuous monitoring solutions will help local health teams save lives and improve outcomes. This is another prime example of how EarlySense's continuous monitoring technology is positively impacting patients, families and health teams across the healthcare continuum and around the world."

About EarlySense

EarlySense is the global leader in contact-free, continuous monitoring solutions for the healthcare continuum. Used worldwide in hospitals, post-acute care facilities, and homes, EarlySense assists clinicians in early detection of patient deterioration. The solution has been proven to help prevent adverse events, including code blue events which are a result of cardiac or respiratory arrest, preventable ICU transfers, patient falls, pressure ulcers, and hospital readmissions. EarlySense's FDA-cleared solutions leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data analytics to provide actionable health insights and improve clinical outcomes. The company has partnered with leading global technology companies including Hill-Rom, Philips, Welch Allyn, Mitsui and Beurer. EarlySense is based in Ramat Gan, Israel and Woburn, Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.earlysense.com.

Follow EarlySense on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

About Save the Children

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In the United States and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children's unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach. We do whatever it takes for children  every day and in times of crisis  transforming their lives and the future we share.

Media Contact:

Goel Jasper

Finn Partners

+1-929-222-8002

[email protected]

Company Contact:

Hila Peleg

+972-54-527-3117

[email protected]

SOURCE EarlySense

Related Links

https://www.earlysense.com/


BEIJING, Feb. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, DOSC Chain officially released its white paper. With the development of the main chain and internal testing, DOSC Chain will launch in the near future.

DOSC Chain is a public-chain platform for financial payments, aiming to build a future-oriented and completely decentralized digital ecological platform. The goal of the platform is to provide users with a variety of personalized financial services, including investment and financial management, intelligent payments and other fields. DOSC Chain Blockchain Protocol uses a token mechanism, which provides users and developers with a consumer-oriented and decentralized financial service platform. Users do not need to know about encryption and blockchain technology. DOSC tokens enable users to deal with intelligent contracts and trust mechanisms, which build a convenient and fast payment system. Based on an open ecological environment, DOSC Chain can provide services to organizations of different forms in different cultures and languages in different countries around the world. DOSC Chain's mission is to enable online users worldwide to achieve fast and secure payment and reshape the payment rules of the payment community through the "blockchain + smart payment" pattern, helping global users enjoy an unprecedented trading experience with DOSC Chain's platform.

DOSC Chain is responsible for innovating intelligent payments, upgrading the global digital ecological business model and building a new vision of a better life. By innovating and digitizing the blockchain industrial ecology, DOSC Chain can further the development of blockchain technology and promote blockchain applications to serve social progress and business development.

DOSC Chain will provide a safe, fair and open platform for global users, building a world-class distributed digital currency ecological model. DOSC Chain will exploit the powerful strength of our team, applying our overwhelming core of convergence technology, working with high-quality investors and consultants to achieve our vision and goals with 100% enthusiasm and resources.

SOURCE DOSC Chain
Personal Capital, a Redwood City, CA-based digital wealth management company, raised $50m in Series F funding.

The round was led by IGM Financial Inc., member of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies.

The company, which has recently surpassed $8.5 billion in assets under management and two million registered users on its platform, tracking more than $650 billion in aggregated account value, intends to use the funds to further drive growth, enhance its technology platform, and invest in value added partnerships.

Led by Jay Shah, CEO, Personal Capital provides free online tools that create clarity with all peoples accounts in one place In addition, including recently launched Smart Withdrawal, a personalized, tax-efficient, and interactive withdrawal strategy planner for retirement. The company also announced a partnership with Alight Solutions and AllianceBernstein to create WealthSpark, which will provide American workers with holistic, personalized insights to their finances through its technology.

Personal Capital also has hubs in San Francisco, Denver, Dallas, and Atlanta.

FinSMEs

05/02/2019
KODIAK, Alaska, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing the significant impact of the government shutdown on Kodiak Island's Coast Guard servicemembers, Alaska Native Corporations and a local Tribe with ties to the island collectively donated $32,000 to help Coast Guard families in need. More than 1,000 enlisted Coast Guard servicemembers on Kodiak Island were working without pay due to the shutdown.

Seven corporations donated: Koniag, Afognak Native Corporation, Ouzinkie and Katmai Corporation, Old Harbor Native Corporation, Natives of Kodiak, Leisnoi and Akhiok-Kaguyak, Inc. The Tribe that donated is the Native Village of Port Lions. The donations were delivered to the Coast Guard Enlisted Association (CGEA) and help provide food, utility assistance, and other vital services and supplies to those in need.

"The generosity shown by these organizations is so encouraging," said Aimee Williams, Director of Discover Kodiak and Coast Guard veteran. "The effects the shutdown has had on our community cannot be understated. Our Coast Guard families have been struggling, and these donations have gone a long way to help them."

The drive began when Stacey Simmons, Senior Director of Shareholder Services at Koniag, recognized the drastic toll that the government shutdown caused to the community's Coast Guard servicemembers and their families. She brought the issue to Koniag's leadership, who pledged to donate $2,500 to the CGEA and issued a challenge to the village corporations from Kodiak. Simmons is also the Vice President of the Discover Kodiak Board of Directors and Past President of the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce.

"Our Alutiiq people have been on Kodiak Island for thousands of years and we take care of our guests. It is a cultural value to take care of people in times of need. Our Coast Guard families are no different from our own. They are our neighbors, friends and heroes. Our region understands the importance of the Coast Guard and the safety they bring to our island. We did what we could because it was the right thing to do," said Simmons.

"While a temporary three-week government opening has been announced, it is unclear whether the government will remain open beyond that time. Regardless of when people are paid, it will likely take weeks or months for families to get back on their feet. We are pleased to help the CGEA continue to provide necessary support and we are proud that our corporations are able to be a part of this effort," said Shauna Hegna, President of Koniag.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Aimee Williams

Discover Kodiak

[email protected]

907-486-4782

Charles Fedullo

[email protected]

907-388-8055

SOURCE Discover Kodiak
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association President Patrick Hogan issued the following statement in advance of the State of the Union:

"Investing in America's drinking water infrastructure will give Congress and the White House a rare bipartisan achievement that will also stimulate our economy and grow American jobs. Our federal representatives and the President should make a renewed commitment to the more than 1 million miles of buried infrastructure that deliver a staggering 42 billion gallons of water a day to our communities by investing in innovative and resilient water systems with proven and durable materials.

"All too often, these drinking water systems are 'out of sight, out of mind.' If politicians are looking for a reason to fight for this critical need: large blocks of voters say that investing in infrastructure should be among the top priorities for Congress and the White House.

"Clean drinking water is not a partisan issue. In fact, it is not a political issue. Clean water is a human right, and we must do a better job as a nation ensuring that every single person in our country has clean, safe water to drink every single day."

About DIPRA: Founded in 1915, the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) has served as a resource and technical advisor to the water industry. DIPRA also provides representation on standards-making committees as well as technical research on a variety of applications-based topics. While DIPRA member companies have different names and locations, they share a common commitment to produce and deliver the finest quality water and wastewater pipe material in the world, Ductile Iron Pipe, and at the greatest possible value to its purchasers.

SOURCE Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/DeWALT-Recalls-Drills-Due-to-Shock-Hazard

NOTE: This recall was previously announced independently on January 10, 2019 by the firm due to the government furlough.

Recall Summary

Name of Product: DEWALT DWD110 and DWD112 drills

Hazard: The drill's wiring can contact internal moving parts, posing a shock hazard.

Remedy: Repair

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drills and contact DeWALT to schedule a free inspection and repair.

Consumer Contact:

DeWALT toll-free at 855-752-5259 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET,Monday through Friday, emailat [email protected] or online at www.dewalt.com and click on Service and Support then Safety Recall Notice for more information.

Recall Details

Units: About 122,000 (in addition, about 8,000 were sold in Canada)

Description:

This recall involves the DeWALT DWD110 and DWD112 3/8-inch variable speed reversing drills. The drills are yellow with black accents and have a power cable connected at one end. Only drills with date codes 2017-37-FY through 2018-22-FY are affected. If the drill is marked with an "X" after the date code it has already been inspected and is not affected. The model number is located on a label on the right side of the drill. The date code is etched into the body of the drill below the label. Consumers whose drill does not have a date code, or who cannot locate the date code should contact the company.

Product Name UPC DeWALT DWD110 885911037518 DeWALT DWD112 885911057319

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold At: The Home Depot, Lowe's and other hardware stores nationwide, and online at Amazon.com and other online retailers, from September 2017 through November 2018 for between $60 and $70.

Manufacturer: DEWALT Industrial Tool Company, of Towson, Md.

Manufactured in: USA

In Conjunction With: Canada

Health Canada's press release is available at: http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2019/68804r-eng.php

This recall was conducted, voluntarily by the company, under CPSC's Fast Track Recall process. Fast Track recalls are initiated by firms, who commit to work with CPSC to quickly announce the recall and remedy to protect consumers.

About U.S. CPSC:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals  contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.

Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.

For more lifesaving information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter @USCPSC or sign up to receive our e-mail alerts. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired.

CPSC Consumer Information Hotline

Contact us at this toll-free number if you have questions about a recall:

800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054)

Times: 8 a.m.  5:30 p.m. ET; Messages can be left anytime

Call to get product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products.

Media Contact

Please use the phone numbers below for all media requests.

Phone: 301-504-7908

Spanish: 301-504-7800

Recall Number: 19-059

SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Related Links

http://www.cpsc.gov


VALLEY COTTAGE, New York, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 49 thousand units of deblistering machines were sold in 2018, equaling revenue generation worth over US$ 110 million. FMI's new study estimates that sales of deblistering machines will grow at 2.5% y-o-y in 2019. The projected growth of the deblistering machines market can be attributed to:

Increased emphasis on quality control in packaging in the pharmaceutical industry

Intensifying competition among pharma companies who are vying to shorten time to market for medicines

Application of a range of deblistering machines to address bottlenecks of the production line in pharma companies

FMI research found that 5 in 10 deblistering machines were sold to pharma manufacturers who heavily rely on efficient, flexible and speedy functioning of the blister packaging process. As the competition among pharmaceutical companies intensifies, manufacturers are attuning to advanced production processes to shorten the time to market of medicines.

While deblistering machines significantly improve the efficiency of blister packaging, pharma companies will continue to register significant application of deblistering machines in the coming years. Medical waste recyclers are the second prominent end users of deblistering machines and accounted for 3 in 10 deblistering machine sales in 2018.

Request a Sample Report with Table of Contents and Figures: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6645

Shift towards Automatic Deblistering Machines Growing

The FMI study finds that demand for automatic deblistering machines will continue to rise in the 2019 and beyond. Over 28 thousand deblistering machines are expected to be sold in 2019, with sales expected to grow at 2.3%.

Automatic deblistering machines transform a manual and laborious deblistering task into an automated process. Superior operational output of automatic deblistering machines in terms of short-run recovery of delicate and high-value blister packs of different types including alu/alu packs, paper backed, child resistant and senior friendly are influencing adoption among end-users.

According to the study, sales of semi-automatic deblistering machines are expected to increase at a considerably higher rate and account for over 29% of all the deblistering machines sales in 2019. Semi-automatic deblistering machines are highly used for tablets and capsules recovery from push-through blisters. Usually, these machines are smaller, portable and used for low-volume deblistering tasks.

Preview Analysis of Deblistering Machines Market: Increasing Use of Low Volume and Compact Deblistering Machines in Pharmacies Expected to Boost Sales: Global Industry Analysis 2013-2018 and Opportunity Assessment 2019-2027: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/deblistering-machines-market

Deblistering Machines with 30-60 bpm Output Highly Preferred

FMI study estimates that nearly 6 in 10 deblistering machines sold in 2018 were with 30-60 bpm output. According to the study, demand for deblistering machines with 30-60 bpm output is estimated to grow at 2.8% in 2019.

The study also analyzes the demand for deblistering machines with 'less than 30 bpm' and '60 bpm and above' output. Collectively, they are likely to account for 4 in 10 sales of deblistering machines in 2019.

Europe Continue to Spearhead Rally

Regional analysis carried out by FMI reveals that Europe continued to lead demand for deblistering machines. According to FMI's analysis, North America is the second leading consumer of deblistering machines whereas APEJ is estimated to register a rapid rise in demand. Collectively, both regions will account for two fifth of the global deblistering machine demand in 2019.

The FMI report tracks the deblistering machines market for the period 2018-2027. According to the report, the deblistering machines market is projected to grow at 2.6% volume CAGR through 2027. For more insights, write in to FMI analysts at [email protected]

Our advisory services are aimed at helping you with specific, customized insights that are relevant to your specific challenges. Let us know about your challenges and our trusted advisors will connect with you: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-the-analyst/rep-gb-6645

More from Packaging Market Intelligence:

Moulded Fibre Pulp Packaging Market Segmentation By Product Type  Tray, Clamshell Container, Boxes, End Caps, Cups, Drink Carriers, Plates; Bowls; By Moulded Pulp Type - Thick Wall, Transfer Moulded, Thermoformed Fibre, Processed Pulp; By Material Source Type -Wood Pulp, Non-Wood Pulp; By End Use Type - Consumer Durables & Electronics Goods Packaging, Food Service Disposables, Food & Beverage Packaging, Egg Packaging, Wine Packaging, Fruit Packaging, Others ,Cosmetic & Beauty products Packaging: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/moulded-fibre-pulp-packaging-market

Segmentation By Product Type  Tray, Clamshell Container, Boxes, End Caps, Cups, Drink Carriers, Plates; Bowls; By Moulded Pulp Type - Thick Wall, Transfer Moulded, Thermoformed Fibre, Processed Pulp; By Material Source Type -Wood Pulp, Non-Wood Pulp; By End Use Type - Consumer Durables & Electronics Goods Packaging, Food Service Disposables, Food & Beverage Packaging, Egg Packaging, Wine Packaging, Fruit Packaging, Others ,Cosmetic & Beauty products Packaging: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/moulded-fibre-pulp-packaging-market Window Packaging Market Segmented By material type - paper & paperboard (corrugated paper, Kraft paper, poly coated paper, folding box board and others), plastic, glass, and others; By product type - boxes, pouches, bottles & jars, containers, and others : https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/window-packaging-market

Segmented By material type - paper & paperboard (corrugated paper, Kraft paper, poly coated paper, folding box board and others), plastic, glass, and others; By product type - boxes, pouches, bottles & jars, containers, and others : https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/window-packaging-market Barricade Tape Market Segmented By material type - polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), nylon and others; By product type - standard barricade tape, heavy duty barricade tape, woven barricade tape, custom barricade tape, underground warning tape, pennant barricade tape : https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/barricade-tape-market

About Us

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights and an aerial view of the competitive framework and future market trends.

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ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- WireWheel, Inc., a leading data privacy platform, today has been named one of 10 finalists for the RSA Conference 2019 Innovation Sandbox Contest. On Monday, March 4, WireWheel will present its cybersecurity technology to a panel of industry veteran judges and a live audience in a three-minute quick-pitch and Q&A, competing for the coveted title of "Most Innovative Start Up" at RSA Conference 2019 in San Francisco. In the past five years alone, the contest's top 10 finalists have collectively seen 14 acquisitions and have received over $2 billion in investments.

WireWheel provides data privacy and data protection as-a-service. The WireWheel Privacy and Data Protection Platform supports all phases of a global privacy management and compliance program, uniquely addressing requirements around data inventory and process mapping, collaboration, vendor risk management, and more. Critically, WireWheel enables privacy, security, technical and business teams to address privacy issues collaboratively from a single pane of glass, leveraging on-premise and cloud infrastructure to enable faster and more efficient discovery where possible.

"In just two years, our team has made tremendous strides simplifying data privacy and protection for organizations of all sizes," said WireWheel CEO, Justin Antonipillai, who founded the company in late 2016, after leading the Economic and Statistics Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce under President Obama and leading the American negotiating team in reaching the landmark EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework with Europe.

"Companies are trying to build trust around personal information and data ethics, and WireWheel provides a platform to do just that. Privacy and security management is more important than ever, and not just because an ever-growing body of regulation says it is, but because customers are demanding it. WireWheel was created to allow organizations to turn privacy into a differentiator for their businesses, to do the right thing with personal information and to be transparent and proud about their approach."

RSAC Innovation Sandbox Contest is the leading platform for entrepreneurial cybersecurity companies to launch their ground-breaking research and innovation in front of venture capitalists, industry experts, senior level business practitioners and thought leaders. The event gives startups visibility and validation that turn into rapid growth and increased funding year after year.

"Every year our expectations are blown out of the water by the ideas presented at the RSAC Innovation Sandbox Contest, and this year was no exception," said Sandra Toms, Vice President and Curator of RSA Conference. "The cybersecurity industry needs the bold, bright and innovative ideas being developed by these start ups today more than ever. I applaud this year's finalists on their amazing work and dedication to making our world more secure, and I'm looking forward to seeing the impact they'll make at RSA Conference and beyond."

Doors will open to the RSAC Innovation Sandbox Contest at 1:30 p.m. PT on March 4 at the Marriott Marquis in the Yerba Buena Ballroom. The winner will be announced in front of a live audience later that day at 4:30 p.m. PT. Dr. Herbert (Hugh) Thompson returns to emcee the contest, and the panel of five judges includes Asheem Chandna, Partner, Greylock Partners; Patrick Heim, Operating Partner and Chief Information Security Officer, ClearSky; Niloofar Razi Howe, Cybersecurity Entrepreneur and Investor; Shlomo Kramer, CEO and Co-Founder, Cato Networks; and Richard Seiersen, CISO, Author and Advisor.

More information regarding RSA Conference 2019, taking place at the Moscone Center and the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco from March 4-8, can be found at: www.rsaconference.com .



About WireWheel, Inc.

Based in Arlington, VA, WireWheel's intuitive privacy and data protection platform manages privacy programs at scale, enabling collaboration and leveraging integrations into cloud infrastructure and on-premises and cloud data stores. With WireWheel, companies can comply more quickly and efficiently with privacy regulations around the world, including the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the new California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Founded by leading experts in privacy protection, application development, and data engineering, WireWheel supports all phases of a privacy management program, including data inventory and mapping, collaboration, vendor risk management and more. Learn more at www.wirewheel.io, or arrange a demo at [email protected] .

About RSA Conference

RSA Conference is the premier series of global events and onDemand programs where the world talks security and leadership gathers, advances and emerges. Whether attending in the U.S., the EMEA region, the Asia-Pacific region or online, RSA Conference events are where the security industry converges to discuss current and future concerns and get access to the people, content and ideas that help enable individuals and companies to win, grow and do their best. It's about bringing all people in the cybersecurity industry together and empowering the collective "we" of the cybersecurity industry to stand against cyberthreats around the world. RSA Conference is the ultimate marketplace for the latest technologies and hands-on educational opportunities that help industry professionals discover how to make their companies more secure while showcasing the most enterprising, influential and thought-provoking thinkers and leaders in security today. For information on events, online programming and the most up-to-date news pertaining to the information security industry visit www.rsaconference.com .

Media contacts:

Ema Gantcheva

[email protected]

443-326-9918

SOURCE WireWheel, Inc.

Related Links

https://wirewheel.io


PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Analytics, a global leader in providing trusted insights and analytics to accelerate the pace of innovation, today launched Cortellis Cloud, an integrated, scalable technology platform that serves as a single point of access to Cortellis, the company's suite of life science intelligence solutions. Along with hosting Cortellis, Cortellis Cloud supports direct feeds of industry-leading R&D content to customers and partners along with cloud applications that enable integration of Cortellis content into partner and third-party applications.

With the exponential proliferation of data and an increasingly complex development landscape, drug, device and diagnostic researchers need more efficient and effective methods to collect, analyze and apply information across the entire R&D lifecycle. Built on Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cortellis Cloud enables integrated data models that support seamless connectivity across Cortellis solutions, enhancing collaboration via access to on-demand, enterprise-wide R&D intelligence.

Cortellis Cloud harmonizes datapoints from thousands of sources within a single unified platform, making it the industry's richest resource for data-driven insights and advanced analytics for Life Science professionals. New Cortellis features and additional data assets will be rapidly deployed as they become available, making it easy for users to immediately adopt the latest content and product enhancements. Through the platform, Cortellis delivers real-time insights, predictive analytics, and advanced intelligence solutions powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities.

"Cortellis Cloud allows us to ingest, integrate, synthesize and share high volumes of information from a variety of sources and in disparate formats," says Mukhtar Ahmed, President, Life Sciences, Clarivate Analytics. "This means we can better support our customers and alliance partners via a secure, single point of access to the entire continuum of Cortellis solutions, applications and data sets. By applying Cortellis intelligence  whether through licensed subscriptions, direct data feeds or API-enabled integration  our customers gain significant operating efficiencies and can confidently make the data-driven decisions required to accelerate pharmaceutical and medical device/diagnostic innovation."

The expertly-curated content in Cortellis spans drug discovery through IND and NDA submission and includes scientific, patent, regulatory, clinical trial and commercial intelligence. Key applications include:



About Cortellis

Cortellis gives life to science by unlocking the hidden insights in data. This industry-leading solution curates the broadest and deepest sources of intelligence to enable precise, actionable answers to specific questions across the R&D lifecycle  from discovery and clinical development through regulatory submission and commercialization. By supporting data-driven decisions, Cortellis helps pharmaceutical companies, biotech and medical device/diagnostic firms accelerate innovation. In 2017, 80% of U.S. companies filing NMEs, 91% of companies achieving breakthrough therapy status and 70% of the top licensing deals were informed by Cortellis intelligence.

To learn more, visit www.clarivate.com/Cortellis.

Clarivate Analytics

Clarivate Analytics is a global leader in providing trusted insights and analytics to accelerate the pace of innovation. Building on a heritage going back more than a century and a half, we have built some of the most trusted brands across the innovation lifecycle, including the Web of Science, Cortellis, Derwent, CompuMark, MarkMonitor and Techstreet. Today, Clarivate Analytics is a new and independent company on a bold entrepreneurial mission, to help our clients radically reduce the time from new ideas to life-changing innovations.

For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and oral statements made with respect to information contained in this release may contain forward-looking statements regarding Clarivate Analytics. Forward-looking statements provide Clarivate Analytics' current expectations or forecasts of future events and may include statements regarding anticipated synergies and other future expectations. These statements involve risks and uncertainties including factors outside of Clarivate Analytics' control that may cause actual results to differ materially. Clarivate Analytics undertakes no obligation to update or revise the statements made herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Clarivate Analytics
FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Civitas Senior Living and Trepex Construction have broken ground on a new, premier senior living community northeast of San Antonio. The Brooks of Cibolo will feature independent living, assisted living, and memory care and is the first senior living project in the Greater San Antonio area for both companies.

"We are really excited to bring passionate senior living to the fast-growing Northeast San Antonio area," said Wayne Powell, Founder and CEO of Civitas. "We have communities all across Texas, including parts of Austin, so Cibolo serves as both a logical next step for our portfolio and a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the ongoing massive growth and success of this area." The close proximity to Randall Air Force Base was also an important factor. "We take honoring and giving back to our veterans very seriously here at Civitas, and we look forward to serving them at The Brooks of Cibolo," Powell said.

The Brooks of Cibolo will have 192,981 SF of independent living space and 54,840 SF of assisted living and memory care space. It will be conveniently located just outside the Bentwood Ranch neighborhood behind Walmart. The new community will feature 156 independent living, 54 assisted living, and 24 memory care residences with a variety of premium amenities, such as:

Dog Park

Movie Theater

Wine Bar

Garages and Covered Parking Spaces

Fitness Room

Salon

Restaurant-Style Dining

In addition to premier senior accommodations and compassionate senior care, The Brooks of Cibolo will also bring around 85 to 100 full-time jobs to the area. The project has the city's full support and everyone in the area is already excited about what the new development will bring.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome The Brooks of Cibolo into our growing community," said Mayor Stosh Boyle. "The entire population of Cibolo and the surrounding communities are already anxiously and eagerly awaiting the opening of this facility. As our city grows, so does our senior population - and this is the first step to both promote and guide their quality of life to the forefront of our great community."

The Brooks of Cibolo is the product of a joint effort between Civitas Senior Living and Trepex Construction. Civitas is the owner/operator of the community and will also be its manager. Trepex Construction is the co-developer and general contractor for the project, as well as the architect for the assisted living and memory care part of the facility.

"Trepex has been working with the City of Cibolo since 2017 to bring this project to reality. The Brooks of Cibolo will be the largest Trepex development to date and we are excited to be well on our way to delivering this much-needed project to the community," said David Ferrette, Director of Development at Trepex.

Also contributing to the project are preferred vendors Cross Architects and Senior By Design - responsible for the independent living architecture and the interior and exterior design, respectively. The Brooks of Cibolo is expected to open in February of 2020.

About Trepex Construction

Trepex Construction was founded in 2014 as a general contractor with a senior housing focus. The owners and executives of Trepex Construction bring a diverse background of senior housing development, construction, operations, and property ownership to every project. Whether a client is looking for a professional general contractor, a design-build facilitator, a co-developer, or even all three, Trepex Construction offers a high level of value and professionalism throughout the whole process. For more information about Trepex Construction, please visit http://www.trepexconstruction.com/ or call (512) 369-2252.

About Civitas Senior Living, LLC

Civitas Senior Living is a senior living owner/operator, property management, and consulting company based in Fort Worth that specializes in the development, acquisition, and operational management of senior housing properties. These properties include assisted living and memory care residences and independent senior living facilities. Civitas is known for its signature Passion Program, which ensures a high-quality, comprehensive continuum of care through a unique integration of all the factors that affect community management. For more information about Civitas, please visit www.CivitasSeniorLiving.com , or call (817) 386-8888.

Media Contact:

Cami Bachman

Civitas Senior Living

[email protected]

(817) 386-8888

SOURCE Civitas Senior Living

Related Links

https://www.civitasseniorliving.com


SAN DIEGO, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Cannabiniers, a beverage, technology & brand management company revolutionizing the cannabis industry with first-to-market, patented, safe, natural and fast acting infusion technology, today announced the expansion of its line of non-alcoholic cannabinoid infused craft "Cannabier," Two Roots Brewing Co, to California. Two Roots will be offered in both THC-infused and full spectrum CBD-infused options and will be available for purchase in select dispensaries throughout California, including San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

U.S. legal marijuana peaked at an impressive $10.4 billion industry at the close of 2018, and with an increasing number of states legalizing cannabis for recreational use, that figure is expected to swell to more than $23 billion by 2022. As California's marijuana marketplace continues to grow after an estimated $2.5 billion in sales in 2018, Cannabiniers' move to the state is a major step in the company's plans for national expansion and the rapidly growing cannabis-infused beverage industry.

"We've seen a tremendously positive response to Two Roots Brewing since its initial debut in Nevada," said Timothy Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer of Cannabiniers. "As more states legalize recreational cannabis, users will continue to seek new, more sociable ways to consume, and companies will increasingly look to adapt to this new wave of consumption. We are thrilled to bring Two Roots to residents throughout California, offering a more enjoyable and socially integrated way to consume cannabis."

This expansion coincides with the company's recent execution of its first strategic brewing agreement supporting up to 50,000 annual beer barrels, forecasting Two Roots Brewing sales to reach 500,000 bbls annually by mid to late 2020. "One of the primary drivers to support expanding our brewery operations was due to insights gathered on the sell-through rates in the Nevada market," said Kevin Love, Vice President of Market Activations for Cannabiniers. "Our initial forecasted run rate to support the entire Nevada market was 2,000 bbls a year. What we found was that we were hitting those annualized volumes in 10 stores alone. With this heightened sell-through rate, several stores are reporting that Two Roots represents 10% of their total SKUs sold. Since October, we have executed LOI's to acquire 3 breweries in the greater San Diego area, which represents 200,000 bbls of capacity and expect to add 2-3 breweries under LOI before the end of Q1 supporting an additional 200,000  300,000 bbls annually; allowing us to reach our national target of 500,000 bbls annually ahead of plan."

The company also recently welcomed its newest board member Michael Lorelli, former President of PepsiCo-East, who brings his decades-long experience focused on building brands and managing public and private boards to enhance leadership and brand strength throughout this expansion.

For more information about Two Roots, please visit: www.tworootsbrewing.com. For more information on Cannabiniers and its other products, please visit: www.cannabiniers.com

Investor Inquiries Wholesale Inquiries Nevada Retail Inquiries California Retail Inquiries Justin Mayol, Jeff Paul KC Thompson Renny Bowden Director of Finance V.P. of Sales Sales Director Market Director 909.477.7261 855.436.7876, ext. 701

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

About Two Roots Brewing Co.

At Two Roots Brewing Co, we've combined a passion for all things science, innovation, and social responsibility to create a new class of adult beverages poised to change the cannabis and beer markets. To pioneer this artisan fusion, Two Roots has sourced expert brewers and artisans as well as the first of its kind manufacturing and design technology to enter the United States. Through this union, consumers are given a responsibly formulated beverage that inspires positive shifts in perceptions of cannabis for both medical and adult-use users. Two Roots' initial product offering consists of five styles including Lager, Stout, New West IPA, Blonde Ale, and Wheat; with a "Tribute" style beer that tastes like cannabis to immediately follow.

About Cannabiniers

Cannabiniers is a beverage, technology, and brand management company revolutionizing the cannabis industry with first to market, patented, safe, natural and fast acting infusion technology. The company focuses on products that offer healthier consumption and that positively impact the environment with a product portfolio directed at normalizing cannabis use.

SOURCE Cannabiniers

Related Links

http://www.cannabiniers.com


WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group, today condemned the U.S. Senate's adoption of the misleadingly titled " Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act " (Senate Bill 1), an anti-BDS bill that would provide federal protection to states that pass laws penalizing Americans who participate in political boycotts aimed at Israel and its illegal settlements in occupied territories. It passed 77 to 23.

[NOTE: BDS refers to Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions in support of Palestinian human rights.]

Video: Sen. Rand Paul Says Right to Boycott is a Fundamental Aspect of Freedom

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmNKUdfl3a8

"It is a shame that the U.S. Senate would pass such an unconstitutional bill that violates the First Amendment right of all Americans to challenge the illegal and discriminatory actions of a foreign government and goes against the principles of free speech on which our country was founded," said CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw. "CAIR urges all members of the House who support free speech to oppose and remove the anti-BDS provisions of Senate Bill 1."

McCaw noted that the bill would make Israel the only country in the world, including the United States itself, that it is illegal to boycott.

Senate Bill 1, which includes an anti-BDS law, would provide federal protection to states that pass laws penalizing Americans who participate in political boycotts aimed at Israel and its illegal settlements in occupied territories. It also confirms $38 billion in military assistance to Israel over the next 10 years and extends the U.S.-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION, URGE YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS TO OPPOSE ANTI-BDS LEGISLATION:

https://oneclickpolitics.com/messages/edit?promo_id=5108

There are currently 26 states with anti-BDS laws already on the books. The two federal courts that have ruled on these laws in Arizona and Kansas have both declared them unconstitutional and in violation of the First Amendment.

In December, CAIR filed a motion on behalf of a Texas speech pathologist who was fired for refusing to sign a statement certifying that she does not, and will not, boycott Israel or Israeli settlements.

SEE: CAIR Files Motion to Enjoin Texas Anti-BDS Act as Unconstitutional

https://www.cair.com/cair_files_motion_to_enjoin_texas_anti_bds_act_as_unconstitutional

In January, CAIR filed a motion to challenge Maryland's "No Boycott of Israel" or "anti-BDS" law (Executive Order 01.01.2017.25) enacted in October 2017.CAIR's lawsuit, on behalf of former Maryland lawmaker Syed Saqib Ali, says the Maryland order is a violation of the First and 14th Amendments to the Constitution.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

La mision de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprension mutua.

CONTACT: CAIR Government Affairs Department Director Robert S. McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Related Links

https://www.cair.com


OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Brown & Toland Chairman of the Board, Neal Birnbaum, M.D. will be retiring from his position effective February 28, 2019 after 10 years of service as chair and nearly two decades of service to the company. Fabiola Cobarrubias, M.D., M.B.A., will assume the role as chair.

Dr. Birnbaum played an integral role in maintaining the independent physician practice that Brown & Toland Physicians is known for throughout the region. During his tenure, Brown & Toland was named a Medicare Pioneer Accountable Care Organization (ACO) and has since become a leader in the development of ACOs across the Bay Area. Brown & Toland today boasts over 2,500 board-certified physicians, 23 in-network hospitals, and 22 urgent cares across seven counties.

"Brown & Toland's Board of Directors and administrative leaders thank Dr. Birnbaum for his vision and leadership. We feel privileged to have worked with him on the critically important matters facing healthcare over the last decade. We want to express our gratitude for all that Dr. Birnbaum has accomplished," said Kelly Robison, Brown & Toland's Chief Executive Officer.

Dr. Birnbaum is an original member of Brown & Toland's physician network. He currently serves as chief of rheumatology at California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC), where he was also twice-elected chief of staff. Dr. Birnbaum is clinical professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco and a past president of the American College of Rheumatology. He was named an ACR Master in 2012 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the California Rheumatology Alliance in 2018. A highly respected clinician, Dr. Birnbaum remains in practice as the managing partner of Pacific Rheumatology Associates.

Dr. Birnbaum stated, "It has been very fulfilling to serve on behalf of our 2,500 physicians in Brown & Toland for all of these years. As I continue my private practice in Brown & Toland's network, I look forward to an exciting future. I am proud of all that we have done at Brown & Toland. I believe the membership, the board of directors and the leadership team of the company are aligned and well positioned for the future of independent physicians." While Dr. Birnbaum is stepping down from the board, his fellow board members have recognized his long tenure and many accomplishments by naming him Brown and Toland's first Board Chair Emeritus.

Dr. Cobarrubias has served on the Brown & Toland Physicians' Board for five years, and has been a practicing physician in the network for 23 years. She is an experienced physician executive with a demonstrated track record of medical group management and administration.

President and CEO of Pacific Inpatient Medical Group, Dr. Cobarrubias has board and corporate governance experience, and is a current Governance Fellow of the National Association of Corporate Directors. Her current active board service includes NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company, a national medical professional liability carrier, and Brown & Toland Physicians in the San Francisco Bay Area.

"It is truly an honor to serve as Chair of the Brown & Toland Physicians Board of Directors and I look forward to working with the board and the leadership team. As the Bay Area navigates the complex healthcare landscape, there is now an even more compelling reason for organizations like ours to model the efficiency and affordability of quality care," noted Dr. Cobarrubias. "Clearly, physicians need a partner that is leading the way in business process solutions for private practice physicians. I'm excited for what the future holds for Brown & Toland."

About Brown & Toland Physicians

Brown & Toland Physicians is a leading network of independent doctors focused on delivering personalized and high-quality healthcare to the San Francisco Bay Area. Its network of more than 2,500 physicians, serving more than 330,000 HMO, ACO and PPO patients, is dedicated to improving care and reducing costs through business process management including care management, care coordination programs, healthcare technology, and population health management strategies. Brown & Toland, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018, collaborates with leading hospitals and health plan providers to provide high quality care in the Bay Area. To learn more, visit www.brownandtoland.com.

SOURCE Brown & Toland Physicians

Related Links

http://www.brownandtoland.com


Growth Street, a London, UK-based business lending platform, raised 7.5m in funding.

The round, which valued Growth Street at 27.5m, was led by Merian Chrysalis, with participation from Zeus Capital, Rob Rankin, Peter Brodnicki, Christiaen van Lanschot, Paolo Cuniberti, and David Giampaolo.

The company intends to continue to expand its business reach.

Led by co-founder and CEO Greg Carter, Growth Street provides SMEs with flexible working capital from 25k up to 2m to help them grow. Its flagship business finance product, GrowthLine, works much like an overdraft: once theyve given a client a limit, the client can draw down funds and make repayments as often as they like in a given month. And theyll only pay for what they use: if their balance stays at 0 through a month, that period wont cost a thing.

To date, the platform has matched 175m of investors funds with growing businesses.

FinSMEs

04/02/2019
NORWICH, England, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

Norwich-based digital media company BizClik Media has launched the February issue of Business Chief Asia.

Generali has become one of the world's largest insurance providers, with clients in over 160 countries. Laura Mullan caught up with Hayden Seach, Head of Global Corporate & Commercial Asia at Generali, to discuss the firm's exciting customer-centric digital transformation. "We position ourselves as a company that responds to customers' needs, rather than selling them an insurance policy or a product," Seach says. "At Generali, our focus is on being agile, flexible and adaptable so we can meet the needs of our clients". Discussing Generali's four key digital transformation tools  data consolidation, business enablement, customer service and business management  Seach offers an excellent insight from the heart of the process.

For this month's Leadership piece, Marcus Lawrence speaks with Delphix's General Manager and Vice President of Sales in APJ, Richard Gerdis, about the firm's successful expansion strategy across the APAC region, and how digital transformation is combined with a focus on clients and strategic partnerships to expand Delphix's reach. "So many people are seeking out Delphix and looking for opportunities to work with us, and I guess the reason being is we have a great product and we have very vocal customers that are continuing to talk about Delphix," Gerdis explains.

For this month's City Focus, Harry Menear explores the South Korean capital of Seoul, a booming tech hub in Southeast Asia and home to an array of disruptive technology firms. For this month's Top 10, we rank the tallest buildings in the region.

Don't forget to check out our in-depth company profiles for AXA Singapore, Marsh, Essilor, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bupa Australia and New Zealand, Airservices Australia, University of Technology, Sydney,

The February issue of Business Chief Asia can be read here.

About Business Chief

Business Chief is a media brand fit for the digital age, providing cutting-edge content tailored for company executives, business pioneers and industry thinkers.

Divided into eight separate regional titles, Business Chief tells the stories that matter to business leaders and professionals on their way to the top. Through our expertly-crafted digital magazines, websites, videos and social media, those stories reach the right people. Our flagship features are the Leadership Showcases; exclusive interviews with key decision-makers at some of the biggest companies on the globe, documenting their journeys to business transformation and the lessons they've learned along the way.

With further themes focused on technology, talent and sustainability, Business Chief has insight on the trends that matter to C and V-level executives, while also delivering consumer-friendly lifestyle content to reflect their interests and wider ambitions. On top of all that and more, Business Chief showcases in-depth digital reports on companies every month, ensuring it covers every angle in the world of business.

www.businesschief.com

About BizClik Media

BizClik Media Ltd is a diverse, multi-platform digital media company focusing on the global B2B marketplace. We have a passion for great content and we collaborate with the world's most inspiring and innovative business leaders to deliver only the best, most engaging and relevant content to you.

With a trusted and recognised publishing portfolio that is home to over 16 brands, including e-magazines and web platforms, combined with our social media marketing and data marketing tools, we have the experience, approach and know-how, to deliver your brand in front of the people that matter.

www.bizclikmedia.com

Media Contact:

Marcus Lawrence

[email protected]

+44-(0)-1603-215-072

SOURCE BizClik Media
NORWICH, England, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

BizClik Media, the innovative-focused Norfolk-based digital media firm, had published its latest issue of the Europe edition of Business Chief.

The February edition of the magazine addresses digital transformations within the telecommunications, hospitality, and electric vehicle sectors.

For this month's cover feature, Liberty Global's Vice President of Consumer Solutions and Digital Transformation, Duncan Macdonald, discusses the implementation of artificial intelligence within operations.

Sophie Chapman talks to Erik Fairbairn, CEO of Pod Point, to understand the future of the electric vehicle industry and charging technologies.

AMAN's Archie Natividad, Director of IT, spoke to Business Chief's Sean Galea-Pace, revealing how technology is transforming the way companies operate and conduct their business.

Catherine Sturman discovers how Collins Aerospace has made acquisitions to propel the business to new heights.

Business Chief explores how INEA, the supplier of telecommunications services to Poland, is utilising technology amid digital transformation in the industry.

Digital Transformation Officer for EMEA North at SAP, Jesper Schleimann, talks to Dale Benton about the firm's partnership with Intel.

This month's city focus looks at Switzerland's Zurich. Known as the world's financial hub, Business Chief explores what else the city of gnomes has to offer.

Business Chief reveals the top 10 tallest skyscrapers on the continent. Spanning from Moscow to London, the building's heights range from 867ft to 1,516ft.

The issue can be read here.

About Business Chief

Business Chief is a media brand fit for the digital age, providing cutting-edge content tailored for company executives, business pioneers and industry thinkers.

Divided into eight separate regional titles, Business Chief tells the stories that matter to business leaders and professionals on their way to the top. Through our expertly-crafted digital magazines, websites, videos and social media, those stories reach the right people. Our flagship features are the Leadership Showcases; exclusive interviews with key decision-makers at some of the biggest companies on the globe, documenting their journeys to business transformation and the lessons they've learned along the way.

About BizClik Media

BizClik Media Ltd is a diverse, multi-platform digital media company focusing on the global B2B marketplace. We have a passion for great content and we collaborate with the world's most inspiring and innovative business leaders to deliver only the best, most engaging and relevant content to you.

Media Contact

Sophie Chapman

Tel: +44-(0)-1603-215-079

Email: [email protected]



SOURCE BizClik Media
LUND, Sweden, Feb. 5, 2019 BioInvent International AB (OMXS: BINV) announces today that its Chief Scientific Officer, Bjorn Frendeus, will hold a presentation about its phenotypic discovery platform F.I.R.S.T. at the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) 2019 meeting in Washington, D.C. for professionals in the life science industry.

Identification of novel targets, pathways and drugs to help boost activity of and overcome resistance to currently available drugs provide a formidable challenge to improve cancer patient survival. BioInvent has developed F.I.R.S.T.TM, which uses primary patient cells, immune competent- and humanized experimental models, and a human recombinant antibody library, to identify clinically relevant target-antibody pairs in an integrated manner.

"It is a great pleasure and privilege to be invited to explain our unique discovery platform to so many distinguished industry colleagues at SLAS2019," says Bjorn Frendeus, CSO of BioInvent. "This talk will introduce and exemplify how F.I.R.S.T.TM has been used to successfully identify multiple target-antibody pairs that modulate key pathways critical to overcome immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment. The focus will be on complementary strategies to identify novel Treg pathways, and overcoming antibody drug resistance."

The fully integrated patient-centric drug discovery platform combines an unbiased translational discovery approach with patient primary cells and immune-competent animal models. The technology platform consists of the n-CoDeR antibody library and the F.I.R.S.T.TM development tool. The platform has been validated by Pfizer and is used in a collaboration program focused on tumor-associated myeloid cells.

Presentation details:

Track: Biologics Discovery

Podium Presentation

Session: Phenotypic selections and novel assays to enable biologics discovery (10:30 AM  12:30 PM)

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

10:30 AM  11:00 AM (EST)

Room: 146C



Notes to editors:

About BioInvent

BioInvent International AB (OMXS: BINV) is focused on the discovery and development of novel and first-in-class immuno-modulatory antibodies to treat cancer. The Company's lead program BI-1206, is currently in Phase l/ll for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphatic leukemia. BioInvent's exciting pre-clinical portfolio is focused on targeting key immune suppressive cells and pathways of the tumor microenvironment, including regulatory T cells, tumor-associated myeloid cells and mechanisms of antibody drug-resistance. The Company has a strategic research collaboration with Pfizer Inc., and partnerships with Transgene, Bayer Pharma, Daiichi Sankyo, and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma. BioInvent generates near term revenues from its fully integrated manufacturing unit producing antibodies for third parties for research through to late-stage clinical trials. More information is available at www.bioinvent.com.

The press release contains statements about the future, consisting of subjective assumptions and forecasts for future scenarios. Predictions for the future only apply as the date they are made and are, by their very nature, in the same way as research and development work in the biotech segment, associated with risk and uncertainty. With this in mind, the actual outcome may deviate significantly from the scenarios described in this press release.

For further information, please contact:

BioInvent International AB (publ)

Co. Reg. No. Org nr: 556537-7263

Visiting address: Solvegatan 41

Mailing address: 223 70 LUND

Phone: +46(0)46-286-85-50

www.bioinvent.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/583/2731975/985758.pdf Press release (PDF)

SOURCE BioInvent

Related Links

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NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationwide law firm representing the victims of defective drugs, medical devices, and consumer products, is investigating potential legal claims on behalf of United States military veterans who suffered permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, eardrum ruptures, and other hearing-related disorders allegedly caused by 3M Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2.

"3M Combat Arm Earplugs, Version 2, were distributed to all United States military personal serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones from 2003 through 2015," said Sandy A. Liebhard, a partner at Bernstein Liebhard LLP. "Unfortunately, evidence suggests that the 3M Company's military earplugs were defective and may have exposed users to an unacceptable risk of permanent hearing loss and other hearing-related disorders."

The firm is now offering free legal evaluations to military veterans who developed hearing problems, including permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, or ruptured eardrums, after being issued 3M Combat Arms Earplugs while serving in a combat zone from 2003 through 2015.

3M Combat Arms Earplugs and Permanent Hearing Loss

Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2) were developed by Aearo Technologies, Inc., which won an exclusive contract to supply military earplugs to the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency in 2003. The 3M Company inherited the contract when it acquired Aearo Technologies in 2008.

From 2003 through 2015, thousands of United States military personnel were issued CAEv2 while serving in the following combat theaters:

Afghanistan

Iraq

North-West Pakistan

Somalia

Operation Ocean Shield in the Indian Ocean

Syria

Yemen

Libya

These 3M military earplugs featured a dual-ended design, with each end providing a different level of protection. The olive-green end performed like a traditional earplug, and blocked all sound. The yellow end allowed users to hear normal speech and other low levels sounds, but blocked gunfire, explosions, and other damaging concussive sounds commonly encountered in combat situations.

3M Combat Arms Lawsuits Allegations

In July 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a $9.1 million settlement to resolve allegations that the 3M Company knowingly provided American soldiers with defective military earplugs. The case was originally filed under the Whistleblower Provisions of the Federal False Claims Act, and charged that the 3M Company and is predecessor, Aearo Technologies, were aware that Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2, were defective and did not meet government standards as early as 2000. The complaint further charged that the 3M Company and Aearo Technologies intentionally concealed these defects from the military, thus exposing thousands of soldiers to an unacceptable risk of permanent hearing loss and other hearing impairments.

Since then, at least a dozen 3M Combat Arms Earplugs lawsuits have been filed in courts throughout the country on behalf of American veterans who suffered permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and eardrum ruptures, while serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones from 2003 through 2015. These plaintiffs claim that the CAEv2 design was too short to fit properly, causing the earplugs to loosen in certain individuals. Because the alleged loosening went unnoticed, plaintiffs claim they were exposed to dangerous, concussive sounds that damaged their hearing.

On January 25th, a motion was filed with the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation that seeks to centralize all pending 3M Combat Arms Earplugs lawsuits, as well as any filed in the future, in a single federal court for coordinated discovery and other pretrial proceedings. Among other things, the motion predicted that thousands of similar lawsuits would likely be filed in the future, and asserted that coordinated pretrial proceedings would promote judicial efficiency, avoid duplicative discovery and inconsistent rulings, and preserve the resources of the courts, parties, and witnesses involved in the growing litigation. (In Re: 3M Combat Arms Earplug Litigation, MDL Case Pending No. 5)

Learn More About Filing a 3M Combat Arms Earplugs Lawsuit

Bernstein Liebhard LLP is now offering free, no-obligation legal reviews to United States military veterans who may be eligible to file a 3M Combat Arms Earplugs Lawsuit.

If you suffered permanent hearing loss or other hearing problems, and were issued 3M military earplugs while serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, or another combat zone from 2003 through 2015, please visit Bernstein Liebhard LLP's website, or contact the firm directly at 800-511-5092.

About Bernstein Liebhard LLP

Bernstein Liebhard LLP is a New York-based law firm exclusively representing injured persons in complex individual and class action lawsuits nationwide since 1993. As a national law firm, Bernstein Liebhard LLP possesses all the legal and financial resources required to successfully challenge billion dollar pharmaceutical and medical device companies. As a result, our attorneys and legal staff have been able to recover more than $3.5 billion on behalf of our clients. Bernstein Liebhard LLP has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" 13 times and listed in The Legal 500 for 10 consecutive years.

Bernstein Liebhard LLP

10 East 40th Street

New York, New York 10016

800-511-5092

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.  2019 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, 800-511-5092. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

Contact Information:

Sandy A. Liebhard, Esq.

Bernstein Liebhard LLP

info(at)consumerinjurylawyers(dot)com

http://www.rxinjuryhelp.com/

https://plus.google.com/115936073311125306742?rel=author

SOURCE Bernstein Liebhard LLP

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MIAMI, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Barry University has announced the seven alumni who will be honored for their outstanding achievements and contributions to society at the Distinguished Alumni Awards on Feb. 15, 2019 at the Shepard & Ruth K. Broad Center for the Performing Arts at Barry University.

The Distinguished Alumni Awards honor members of the Barry community who exemplify the University's Mission and Core Commitments, which include: Knowledge and Truth; Inclusive Community; Social Justice; and Collaborative Service. Barry University alumni come from diverse backgrounds and work in a variety of sectors, including education, law enforcement, health care and the wine industry.

The Distinguished Alumni award is the highest honor bestowed upon Barry alumni by the president of the University. Less than 100 alumni have received this honor.

The 2019 recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award are:

Fanny Saadi Clonch , BA '88

Teacher, Chicago Public Schools

Cynthia Connolly , PhD '71

President, Monticello Vineyards & Winery Inc.

Larry Juriga , BS '93

Chief of Police, City of North Miami

Mark Kilpatrick , BFA '11

Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer, Urban FT ( North America ) LLC

Lisa Bardil Moscaritolo, EdS '98, PhD '99

Associate Vice President & Dean of Students, Pace University

Patricia Rosello , BSN '82, MSN '89

Chief Executive Officer, Baptist Hospital of Miami

Rae Weiss Wruble , RN, BPS '86, MBA '89

Clinical Genetics Nurse, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida

The VIP reception starts at 5:30 p.m. and tickets are $25 per person. The Awards Ceremony, starting at 7 p.m., is free of charge and open to the public. For more information, please contact [email protected] or call 1-877-899-ALUM. To purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.

About Barry University

Founded in 1940 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, Barry University offers more than 100 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. Based in Miami, the university is composed of two colleges and six schools in the areas of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Law, Nursing and Health Sciences, Podiatry, Professional and Career Education (PACE), and Social Work. The University enrolls approximately 7,500 students from nearly all 50 states and 80 countries and has more than 65,000 alumni worldwide.

SOURCE Barry University

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CALABASAS, Calif., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Anchor Loans , the nation's leading provider of financing to fix-and-flip entrepreneurs, contributed $8,000 and hundreds of volunteer hours to Homes 4 Families (H4F) in a local TEAMbuild, constructing a new home for a veteran and his family in a 78-home Enriched Neighborhood in Santa Clarita, California. H4F developed the Enriched Neighborhood model to move low-income families up the economic ladder with full-equity affordable homeownership and wraparound support services that empower families to become resilient and self-sufficient.

From October 2018 through January 2019, Anchor's employees conducted a fundraising campaign aimed at sending 60 staff members to the Santa Clarita H4F TeamBuild. With a pledge from Anchor management to match employee contributions dollar for dollar, a campaign goal of $7,500 was set in October, and a total of $8,085 was raised for the project. As a result, on Saturday, January 26th, 60 Anchor staff members helped to build the home with H4F, surpassing the day's construction goal for the project.

Anchor Loans team members helped build the home of Daniel C., who served honorably in the United States Army. Daniel was deployed for 4 years to Afghanistan to OED (Operation Enduring Freedom), serving our Country as a sharp shooter. He married his High School Sweetheart and has three boys. Daniel and his family were virtually homeless at one point after his discharge from the military, living in a garage. They are now looking forward to a home where everyone will have their own space. Daniel suffers from PTSD and finds the silent bond of the Enriched Neighborhood very helpful in talking things through, as there are many things he doesn't even share with his wife or family that he has been through and seen.

"We are proud and excited to partner with Homes 4 Families, especially because their mission to transform neighborhoods and provide homes for veterans like Daniel aligns with Anchor Loans' mission to help real estate investors rehabilitate distressed properties and give back to the community," said Steve Pollack, Anchor Loans CEO.

"We are so thrilled that Daniel and his beautiful family have all taken part in our Veteran Enriched Neighborhood which has provided full wrap around social services to both Daniel and his family," said Donielle De Leon, Director of Corporate and Community Engagement for H4F. "We are happy to report that Daniel and his family will be moving into their new home by April 1st. Welcome home Daniel!"

About Homes 4 Families

Homes 4 Families was founded in Los Angeles in 2008 and exists to meet the significant need for affordable housing and effective, no-cost services that equip and prepare veteran families for home ownership and movement up the housing ladder. With the support of CalVet and generous corporate sponsors and individual donors, we have helped over 365 low-income families achieve their dreams of safe, affordable home ownership. This includes 138 low-income veterans and military families. In the next few years, we will add 86 additional homes to this number.

About Anchor Loans

At Anchor Loans, we have brought borrowers and investors together for more than 20 years to create mutually beneficial opportunities for all parties. We do this by specializing in the financing of rehab properties that contribute to the improvement of the neighborhoods where they reside. Because we know, understand and anticipate the needs of our clients, we offer the fastest and most reliable funding options on the market resulting in lucrative, honest and long-term relationships. By focusing our mission on these key areas, we continue to grow at a record pace, expanding into new markets and establishing ourselves as a leader in the lending sector for real estate investments.

CONTACT: Alexis Woody

[email protected]

419-244-7766

SOURCE Anchor Loans

Related Links

https://www.anchorloans.com


LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Air Products (NYSE:APD) will showcase its latest innovations in cryogenic technology and equipment for poultry and meat production at the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia, from February 12-14. The company will have multiple pieces of equipment on display at its booth to help visitors learn about the many benefits of cryogenic technology for food processing.

Poultry and meat producers attending the show are invited to Air Products' booth #B7253 to check out the company's Freshline MP and Freshline IQ tunnel freezers, which offer efficiency, economy and hygiene, along with an optional remote monitoring system for troubleshooting and efficiency tracking from afar. Also on display will be the company's Freshline IS solution, a tailor-made temperature control system that uses liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide to deliver rapid, precise temperature control to a blender or mixer/grinder, enabling food manufacturers to optimize processing speed and product quality. The company will also highlight its ability to supply nitrogen and CO2 spiral freezers, which use a small footprint to provide continuous freezing or chilling of a wide variety of food products at high production rates.

Additionally, Air Products' knowledgeable food specialists will be on-hand to speak with poultry and meat processors about their specific food processing challenges. The company provides a range of cryogenic freezing and chilling solutions that can offer these processors multiple benefits over alternative systems, including faster freeze times, increased throughput, improved product quality and more.

Air Products also provides liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide in a variety of flexible and reliable supply options. It also offers gaseous solutions including controlled atmosphere stunning, wastewater treatment, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and inerting.

As a leader in cryogenic technology applications, Air Products has the experience and technical know-how to help food processors address some of their toughest challenges. With food laboratories located in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, the company can test a customer's product on commercial-scale equipment to determine the feasibility of using cryogenic freezing or chilling for their specific process.

For more information about Air Products' complete portfolio of Freshline solutions for poultry and meat production, call 800-654-4567 (outside of the U.S. 610-706-4730) or visit www.airproducts.com/food.

About Air Products

Air Products (NYSE:APD) is a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for over 75 years. The Company provides industrial gases and related equipment to dozens of industries, including refining, chemical, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food and beverage. Air Products is also the world's leading supplier of liquefied natural gas process technology and equipment.

The Company had fiscal 2018 sales of $8.9 billion from operations in 50 countries and has a current market capitalization of about $35 billion. Approximately 16,000 passionate, talented and committed employees from diverse backgrounds are driven by Air Products' higher purpose to create innovative solutions that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability and address the challenges facing customers, communities, and the world. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

SOURCE Air Products

Related Links

http://www.airproducts.com


COLUMBUS, Ga., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the leader in supplemental insurance sales at U.S. worksites,* today announced its collaboration with 2019 GRAMMY nominees, including PJ Morton as well as iHeartRadio LIVE with Leon Bridges, to celebrate the launch of the company's long-term commitment to connecting with consumers through music as part of its "Aflac Isn't" marketing campaign. The new campaign uses commonly held misconceptions  what "Aflac isn't"  and turns them into opportunities to educate consumers about what Aflac is. And as an official partner of the GRAMMY Awards, Aflac is using today's top artists and songs to forge a unique musical bond with consumers.

"Our 'Aflac Isn't' message focuses on educating consumers about the value of our products, but if we want people to hear us  and take action to learn more about and then apply for Aflac products  we must connect with consumers in more meaningful ways," said Shannon Watkins, vice president of Brand and Creative Services at Aflac. "Our research shows that the people we want to connect with share a love for music events, making music a great opportunity to reach them, as well as an important tool for creating relationships. We're using national events like the GRAMMYs to drive our message home  to show consumers that Aflac isn't what they think it is."

Aflac has an incredible lineup of events planned for 2019 under the theme of "Celebrities, Music, Questions about Aflac." Throughout the year, the company will clear up misconceptions by positioning the Aflac Duck behind a three-dimensional Aflac Help Desk to deliver its core message that Aflac helps with expenses health insurance doesn't cover. Music award shows, festivals and concert series will be used as connection points.

"Aflac views the GRAMMY Awards, an event honoring music and musicians from every genre  from classical and country to rap, R&B and rock  as the perfect opportunity to reach our target audience," Watkins added.

Leading up to Music's Biggest Night, airing Sunday, Feb. 10, on CBS at 8 p.m. ET, the brand will launch an array of custom content and even host a private pop-up concert using partnerships with the Recording Academy, Billboard and iHeartRadio. Each touchpoint is an opportunity to bond with music lovers of all ages and backgrounds.

GRAMMY Week Brings Celebrities, Music, Questions About Aflac

Aflac will cover it all GRAMMY Week, integrating "Aflac Isn't" messaging into the following music moments:

Monday, Feb. 4 : Aflac and iHeartRadio aired a GRAMMY-themed audio episode, "For the Record," to help set the record straight on the iconic awards show. The episode will run across iHeartRadio stations throughout GRAMMY Week.

: Aflac and iHeartRadio aired a GRAMMY-themed audio episode, "For the Record," to help set the record straight on the iconic awards show. The episode will run across iHeartRadio stations throughout GRAMMY Week. Tuesday, Feb. 5 : GRAMMY-nominated artist Leon Bridges will perform during iHeartRadio LIVE with Leon Bridges Presented by Aflac. The event will feature a moderated Q&A session and intimate performance with the Best R&B Album nominee at the iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles . The Aflac music experience will come to life through a three-dimensional Aflac Help Desk outside of the iHeartRadio Theater. This special event will broadcast live across iHeartMedia's Urban AC radio stations and livestream at iheartradio.com/aflac for fans across the world to experience at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET . In addition to the performance, an on-site activation will allow consumers the opportunity to meet the Aflac Duck while engaging in activities designed to highlight how Aflac, like music, is often misunderstood and really more than it appears to be.

: GRAMMY-nominated artist will perform during iHeartRadio LIVE with Leon Bridges Presented by Aflac. The event will feature a moderated Q&A session and intimate performance with the Best R&B Album nominee at the iHeartRadio Theater in . The Aflac music experience will come to life through a three-dimensional Aflac Help Desk outside of the iHeartRadio Theater. This special event will broadcast live across iHeartMedia's Urban AC radio stations and livestream at iheartradio.com/aflac for fans across the world to experience at / . In addition to the performance, an on-site activation will allow consumers the opportunity to meet the Aflac Duck while engaging in activities designed to highlight how Aflac, like music, is often misunderstood and really more than it appears to be. Mid-week : The Aflac Duck will take to social media, continuing to build excitement with his fans for the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards. To join the conversation and view behind-the-scenes updates, follow #AflacHelpDesk and the Aflac Duck (@AflacDuck) on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook throughout the week.

: The Aflac Duck will take to social media, continuing to build excitement with his fans for the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards. To join the conversation and view behind-the-scenes updates, follow #AflacHelpDesk and the Aflac Duck (@AflacDuck) on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook throughout the week. GRAMMY Weekend, Saturday, Feb. 9-Sunday, Feb. 10 :

: The Aflac Duck's newest television commercial, "Award Show," will air throughout GRAMMY weekend, including during "E! Live from the Red Carpet," which airs Sunday, Feb. 10 , starting at 4 p.m. ET on E! Network. In the spot, the Aflac Duck  from behind the Help Desk  reminds an artist's limousine driver that Aflac isn't car insurance, followed by celebratory fanfare for an award winner who is sporting a broken arm in a cast but knows that Aflac pays policyholders directly when they get sick or injured, unless otherwise assigned.

, starting at on E! Network. In the spot, the Aflac Duck  from behind the Help Desk  reminds an artist's limousine driver that Aflac isn't car insurance, followed by celebratory fanfare for an award winner who is sporting a broken arm in a cast but knows that Aflac pays policyholders directly when they get sick or injured, unless otherwise assigned.

The Aflac Duck will return to the Aflac Help Desk to conduct exclusive interviews with artists including Best R&B Album nominee PJ Morton. The behind-the-scenes interviews will give fans unprecedented access to the artists while clearing up common misconceptions about the music industry and Aflac. Fans can watch segments of the interviews online during Billboard's official GRAMMY livestream of the red-carpet preshow on Sunday, Feb. 10 , from 6-8 p.m. ET at twitter.com/billboard.

"I've seen and heard a fair share of public misconceptions about myself, so I'm looking forward to having some fun debunking them with the help of the iconic Aflac Duck," said Morton. "My fans will have the opportunity to learn a few things they have never heard about me  all in celebration of the biggest night of the year for music."

Get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover. Get to know us at Aflac.com.

*Supplemental sales is defined as 100 percent employee-paid through payroll deduction.

About the Recording Academy

The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards  music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, Tumblr and YouTube.

About Aflac Incorporated

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) is a Fortune 500 company, helping provide protection to more than 50 million people through its subsidiaries in Japan and the U.S., where it is a leading supplemental insurer by paying cash fast when policyholders get sick or injured. For more than six decades, insurance policies of Aflac Incorporated's subsidiaries have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of medical and cancer insurance in Japan where it insures 1 in 4 households. Through its trailblazing One Day PaySM initiative in the United States, for eligible claims, Aflac can process, approve and electronically send funds to claimants for quick access to cash in just one business day. For 12 consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2018, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in America for the 20th consecutive year and in 2019 Fortune included Aflac on its list of World's Most Admired Companies for the 18th time. To find out more about One Day PaySM and learn how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com.

Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999.

Media contact: Kristen Fraser, 706.580.3813 or [email protected]

Aflac analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706.596.3264 or [email protected]

SOURCE Aflac

Related Links

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Actuaries will continue to offer public policymakers unique insights on financial security and risk issues from the U.S. actuarial profession's perspective as legislative and regulatory efforts in Washington come into focus after President Trump's State of the Union address tonight.

"The Academy has a long-established, well-respected track record of effectively working with policymakers on a nonpartisan basis to provide objective, actuarially informed analysis of insurance, pension, and other financial security and risk issues that impact Americans deeply," said Academy President Shawna Ackerman. "With the benefit of actuarial perspectives on issues such as health insurance, prescription drug costs, retirement security, and climate risk, legislators and regulators are better able to make the most informed decisions possible for good public policy outcomes. The Academy stands ready to contribute its relevant expertise to the development of sound policy after the State of the Union address and throughout the 116th Congress."

Already the Academy is arranging meetings this spring between its volunteers and congressional and federal agency offices to discuss health and pension policy issues. The Academy plans to engage congressional and federal agency offices on a variety of other issues in 2019, including climate risk, flood insurance, and financial regulatory reform, and to provide written actuarial analyses on financial security and risk issues. The Academy's extensive work on many issues that have received, or could receive, attention on Capitol Hill and from the Trump administration this year includes:

Learn more about the Academy's work on these and other public policy issues under the "Public Policy" tab at www.actuary.org.

The American Academy of Actuaries is a 19,500-member professional association whose mission is to serve the public and the U.S. actuarial profession. For more than 50 years, the Academy has assisted public policymakers on all levels by providing leadership, objective expertise, and actuarial advice on risk and financial security issues. The Academy also sets qualification, practice, and professionalism standards for actuaries in the United States.

SOURCE American Academy of Actuaries

Related Links

http://www.actuary.org


NEEDHAM, Mass., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- AccuFund, Inc., provider of financial reporting and accounting software for nonprofit, municipal and government organizations, is proud to partner with Brisbane Consulting Group, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lumsden & McCormick, LLP Certified Public Accountants, to expand its presence in the New York municipality marketplace.

AccuFund and Brisbane Consulting Group work together to provide a powerful financial management system, designed to streamline manual activities and enhance financial reporting, to New York municipalities.

AccuFund, Inc. provides scalable accounting/ERP software systems to nonprofit organizations and government agencies. AccuFund uses award-winning financial software, consulting services and industry best practices to help organizations streamline processes, improve efficiency and lower costs. Their nonprofit and government financial solutions are available in the cloud or on-premise. Brisbane Consulting Group, LLC, is a New York-based provider of technology solutions to government municipalities and nonprofits, with implementation, training and consulting expertise.

"Doing my job more efficient, with more ease and a financial savings, describes what AccuFund has provided to the Town. All needed documents are created or can be created within the software including the automation of our payroll accruals. Brisbane Consulting Group was great to work with for the implementation of the software and continue to be. Brisbane Consulting Group recognizes the needs of towns," shared Patricia Christensen, Town Clerk & Tax Collector, Town of Milo.

AccuFund's and Brisbane Consulting Group's marketplace expertise and top-rated consulting services help New York municipalities:

Streamline operations

Improve New York state reporting

reporting Satisfy New York state regulations and reporting requirements with confidence

regulations and reporting requirements with confidence Improve transparency, simplify audit processes

Effectively manage payroll processes, accruals and labor distributions

"We are excited to partner with Brisbane Consulting Group to help New York municipalities improve their financial management. With changes to reporting requirements and increased demands on financial managers, we continually enhance AccuFund Accounting Suite to stay ahead of the curve in offering municipalities the tools and resources they need to be accountable to their constituents," explained Ian Scotland, Vice President and General Manager, AccuFund.

Visit www.accufund.com/gov to watch a short, 3-minute overview and register for a more in-depth live webinar about the AccuFund for Government financial accounting solution.

About Brisbane

Brisbane Consulting Group, LLC is a New York-based provider of technology solutions to government municipalities and nonprofits, with implementation, training and consulting expertise. They have deep industry knowledge of all facets of New York State municipalities which adds value to the AccuFund product and the customer  client relationship. Brisbane Consulting Group works to ensure that the entire implementation process together with the industry expertise provides the clients with an enjoyable experience and predictable solution.

About AccuFund

AccuFund, Inc. provides scalable accounting/ERP software systems to nonprofit organizations and government agencies. AccuFund uses award-winning financial software, consulting services and industry best practices to help organizations streamline processes, improve efficiency and lower costs. Their nonprofit and government financial solutions are available in the cloud or on-premise.

AccuFund's products are available exclusively through Value Added Resellers (VARs) located throughout the United States. The VARs provide AccuFund's customers with cost-effective onsite training and installation assistance.

For more information, call 877-872-2228 ext. 231, email [email protected] or visit www.accufund.com .

Contact:

Kristen Faiola, Marketing & Media

AccuFund, Inc.

400 Hillside Ave.

Needham, MA 02494

Phone: 781-433-0233 ext. 231 Fax: 781-453-0460

[email protected]

SOURCE AccuFund, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.accufund.com


Active Capital, a San Antonio, Texas-based venture capital firm designed to lead seed rounds for B2B SaaS companies, raised $21.5m for its debut fund.

It is anchored by former Rackspace founders and executives.

Founded by Pat Matthews, co-founder of Webmail.us, which sold to Rackspace in 2007, Active invests in B2B SaaS companies. The firm is strategically small and focused on companies in emerging tech ecosystems across the country, many of them outside of Silicon Valley.

Matthews, an entrepreneur, executive, and angel investor in more than 50 startup companies, raised the capital and invested in 20 founder-led B2B SaaS companies in parallel over the last 18 months.

FinSMEs

05/02/2019
Patterson has big goals. She also has Down syndrome. And up until recently, asset limits for federal benefits, such as Social Security and Medicaid, kept Patterson and other individuals with disabilities from being able to save money for things like a college education or housing.

Patterson, who is 16 years old, has her sights on a promising future: "When I am an adult, I want to teach art in the Child Life program at Seattle Children's Hospital," said the 16-year-old from Lake Stevens, Washington. "I will need to go to college and have an apartment in Seattle to do this job."

Last year, for the first time, Patterson and her family were finally able to begin saving for her future without fear of losing federal benefits, thanks to the Washington State ABLE Savings Plan, a new way for people with disabilities to save for today and tomorrow.

"My family and I can save money so I can live the life I want, and a Washington ABLE account will help us do that," Patterson said.

"Financial education and empowerment for all Washingtonians is extremely important," said Washington State Treasurer Duane Davidson. "Washington's ABLE program offers citizens with disabilities greater access to opportunities for saving and investing their money, learning financial management and increasing their independence."

Washington's ABLE program, which is housed within the Washington State Department of Commerce, was launched in 2018. Federal legislators passed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in 2014, which allowed states to create these savings accounts for people living with disabilities and their families. U.S. citizens or legal residents who have a disability or blindness that developed by age 26 are eligible for ABLE.

ABLE account holders can set aside money and make investments in stocks and bonds. Withdrawals from an ABLE account are tax-free and can be used for many types of monthly living expenses, like groceries, housing, technology or transportation. ABLE account holders can also save toward big goals, like a trip, college, or vehicle or house purchase.

SOURCE Washington State ABLE Savings Plan

Related Links

http://www.washingtonstateable.com


HOUSTON, Feb. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Global Platts ("Platts"), the leading independent provider of information, benchmark prices and analytics for the commodities and energy markets, has launched two new daily spot physical price assessments for South American corn. The two assessments, as announced by subscriber note in January, will reflect the daily traded or tradable value price of cargoes free on board (FOB) at the Santos port for Brazil and FOB Up-River for Argentina.

Sophie Byron, senior managing editor for the Americas agriculture pricing team, S&P Global Platts: "We are pleased to be bringing independent price assessment processes to these important markets, especially at this important juncture, when there is clear advancement of the role that Argentina and Brazil are playing in satisfying global corn demand, and given the heightened focus on agricultural commodities information needs amid the US-China and global trade war tensions."

The new assessments augment S&P Global Platts' pre-existing suite of agricultural price assessments and complement its coverage of key export and import regions for international corn and grains trade flows. To view graphics, click this graphics link.

Argentina and Brazil's market share of the international corn trade flows has more than doubled in the last 10 years.

Pete Meyer, head of grain and oilseed analytics, S&P Global Platts: "In 2009 the global corn export market totaled approximately 80 million metric tons, of which Argentina supplied 12.5% while Brazil was not even considered a 'major exporter' by the US Department of Agriculture at the time. Much like soybeans, the corn export market will likely double that size in 2019, with Brazil and Argentina contributing identical amounts for a combined 35% share, reflecting growth as impressive as that in soybeans. We expect the attention on corn and soybeans, the exports of these two countries, and the implications to global flows and pricing to grow, with any key changes wielding market-moving potential."

The new S&P Global Platts South America corn assessments will reflect cargoes of 60,000 metric tons, plus or minus 10% operational tolerance, and will meet, respectively, the Brazil's National Association of Grain Exporters (ANEC) corn specifications, and the Argentina assessment will reflect the Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA) grade 2 corn specifications. Assessments will take into account each country's export market seasonality and will be quoted as cent-per-bushel differentials or basis, as well as US$-per-metric-ton ($/mt) values, using the settlement value of the CBOT corn futures contract.

Full details of the S&P Global Platts price assessment methodology are available here.

Media Contact:

Global, Americas, Asia: Kathleen Tanzy, + 1 917 331 4607, [email protected]

About S&P Global Platts

At S&P Global Platts, we provide the insights; you make better-informed trading and business decisions with confidence. We're the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets. Customers in over 150 countries look to our expertise in news, pricing and analytics to deliver greater transparency and efficiency to markets. S&P Global Platts coverage includes oil and gas, power, petrochemicals, metals, agriculture and shipping.

S&P Global Platts is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for companies, governments and individuals to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit http://spglobal.com/platts.

SOURCE S&P Global Platts

Related Links

http://www.platts.com


WESTON, Mass., Feb. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Fastweb (www.fastweb.com), the leading website for scholarship and financial aid information and a member of the Monster network, focuses on resources for African American students in celebration of Black History Month.

Fastweb encourages undergraduate, graduate and college-bound African American and all minority students to help fund their college education by applying for scholarship opportunities, available now. In their annual free resource  Scholarships for African American Students  students will find scholarships available in a variety of areas, including: engineering, radiologic sciences, nursing, planning and public policy, business and financial services, manufacturing operations and various other academic areas. Award amounts range from $500 to $75,000.

"Fastweb is committed to helping provide access to scholarships for African American students to help them achieve their academic goals," said Mark Nelson, Vice President, Fastweb. "In our new resource, students will find opportunities from educational institutions, foundations and other organizations across a variety of career disciplines. There are approximately 1,000 scholarship opportunities with a focus on African American students in our scholarship database," said Nelson.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the initial starting salary projections for the Class of 2019 bachelor's degree graduates strongly indicate that those with STEM degrees will continue to earn the highest starting salaries. Students interested in today's top majors will find numerous scholarship opportunities in Fastweb's database which matches students to relevant scholarship opportunities based on their extensive online profile.

With Fastweb's Scholarship Directory, all students can search for awards by school year, ethnicity, race, unique situations and more. For more helpful free online resources, visit Fastweb.com or download the Fastweb app.

About Fastweb:

Fastweb, a top site in the Monster network, is the nation's recognized leader in helping students pay for school, by providing scholarship and financial aid information, as well as information on jobs and internships. As the oldest and most popular free online scholarship matching service, one out of three college-bound seniors use the site and more than 50 million users have benefitted from Fastweb's information and services. Fastweb lets students create personalized profiles that can be matched against its expansive databases of colleges and scholarships. To learn more about Fastweb, visit www.fastweb.com and follow Fastweb on social media for the latest on paying for school all year long: Twitter (at @PayingForSchool); Facebook; Instagram and Pinterest.

About Monster

Monster is a global leader in connecting people and jobs. Every day, Monster makes meaningful human connections that advance lives and strengthen businesses by helping individuals find better jobs and employers find the best talent. For more than 20 years, Monster has worked to transform the recruiting industry. Today, the company leverages advanced technology using intelligent digital, social and mobile solutions, including the flagship website Monster.com, Monster's innovative app, and a vast array of products and services. Monster is a digital venture owned by Randstad North America, a subsidiary of Randstad Holding, a $26 billion (US) global provider of HR services.

SOURCE Fastweb

Related Links

http://www.fastweb.com


STOCKHOLM, Feb. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- SCA Wood France and the French company Innovation Solutions Bois, ISB, are considering a merger of its operations on wood processing and distribution of wood products in France. The potential merger would result in a large and resourceful supplier of wood products to the French building material sector.

"The French building materials sector develops over time in a positive direction and sharpens demands on the suppliers, regarding volume and product portfolio, as well as quality and service", says Jerry Larsson, President SCA Wood.

The company will provide more information during the first quarter of 2019, given that discussions with ISB develop in a positive direction.

SCA Wood France supplys more than 100 000 m3 of wood products to the French building materials trade. The products includes wood paneling, flooring, decking and construction timber. SCA Wood France has approximately 80 employees and sales of 40 M.

Innovation Solutions Bois is France's largest supplier of wood products to the building materials trade. ISB has sales all over France and wood processing in five locations. ISB has approximately 470 employees and sales of more than 230 M.

For further information, please contact:

Bjorn Lyngfelt, Vice President Group Communication, tel. +46-60-19-34-98

Jerry Larsson, President SCA Wood, tel. +46-60-19-33-08

The core of SCA's business is the forest, Europe's largest private forest holding. Around this unique resource, we have built a well-developed value chain based on renewable raw material from our own and others' forests.

We offer paper for packaging and print, pulp, wood products, renewable energy, services for forest owners and efficient transport solutions.

2018 the forest products company SCA had approximately 4,000 employees and sales amounted to approximately SEK 18.8 bn (EUR 1,8 bn). SCA was founded in 1929 and has its headquarters in Sundsvall, Sweden. More information at www.sca.com.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/sca/r/sca-wood-france-and-isb-consider-merger,c2731221

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/600/2731221/985308.pdf Press release (PDF)

SOURCE SCA
An early strike of this coin was recently presented to Viola Desmond's sister, Ms. Wanda Robson, as a gesture of thanks for Ms. Desmond's special contribution to Canada. "The engraved details in Viola's portrait are beautiful, it is so striking. That's Viola," said Ms. Robson.

"While diversity and respect for civil rights are widely hailed as defining Canadian values, it is important for us to remember that achieving equality in Canada required courageous acts such as Viola Desmond's defiance of unfair local segregation customs in 1946," said Jennifer Camelon, Interim President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "Sharing the honest and compelling story of Viola Desmond on our very first coin honouring Black History Month is an excellent way to celebrate an extraordinary Canadian who helped our nation become admired for our cultural diversity and compassion."

Working with Wanda Robson and her husband Joe, Mint engravers adapted the famous portrait of Viola Desmond to design the 2019 $20 fine silver coin crafted in her memory. Her image is accompanied by a double date separated by a stylized heart evoking the pendant she wore in her iconic photograph. Ms. Desmond's signature adds yet another personal touch to the design of this coin which is accompanied by a new $10 Viola Desmond banknote.

Limited to a mintage of 8,000 the Viola Desmond fine silver coin and bank note set retails for $149.95 and will be available for purchase in late June 2019.

Images of this coin can be found here.

The origins of Black History Month are traced to Harvard-educated African American historian Carter G. Woodson who, in 1926, proposed setting aside a period of time to honour the accomplishments of African Americans and raise awareness of Black history. A similar observance soon followed in Canada. After the unanimous approval of a motion proposed by Senator Donald Oliver in February 2008, the month of February was officially declared Black History Month in Canada.

About the Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca.

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint

Related Links

http://www.mint.ca/royalcanadianmintpublic/


PHOENIX, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Re-Bath , the nation's largest complete bathroom remodeling company, has joined forces with Quote Countertops to debut a new, revolutionary technology tool called "Bathroom Visualizer." Designed to take the headache out of the complex bathroom remodel experience, the Bathroom Visualizer tool is an easy-to-use online platform where consumers can visualize and design their dream bathroom instantly on any device.

"Bathroom remodels are a complex journey of putting together many different products and configurations," said Alan Lerner, CEO of Quote Countertops. "Quote Countertops and Re-Bath have collaborated their efforts to streamline this complex process to inspire customer creativity from the comfort of their own home."

For many, bathroom remodels have long been an intricate experience of multiple choices with just as many places to shop for products and services. The Bathroom Visualizer tool helps consumers simplify a typically overwhelming selection process of thousands of products from cabinets, countertops, tile, fixtures, showers, tubs, toilets, mirrors, paint, and much more. The tool gives the power of design to the customer and creates an in-home design experience that supports the visual needs of consumers without a lengthy process. With the use of cutting-edge technology, Re-Bath has created a fun and exciting approach for consumers to dream, design, and share their remodel ideas with family and friends  even through social media.

"We understand the challenges and hesitation involved with embarking on a new bathroom remodel project," said Brad Hillier, CEO of Re-Bath. "As our company continues to grow and evolve, it is our goal to simplify the process and reassure our customers that a remodel can be effortless, convenient and affordable. With the launch of the Bathroom Visualizer tool, we aim to enhance the consumer experience."

Once a customer designs a bathroom in the tool and fills out their contact information for next steps, a picture of the bathroom they designed along with an itemized list of products used in the design are sent to their local Re-Bath franchise location. This allows for a streamlined process and quicker turnaround on projects.

Re-Bath has grown into a trusted and respected brand known for providing expert, affordable, and effortless bathroom remodeling solutions that transform homeowners' bathrooms in days, not weeks. Whether seeking a tub or shower area update, better accessibility and safety in your bathroom or a complete bathroom remodel, Re-Bath takes the headache out of bathroom remodeling. The company's exclusive remodel process removes old materials and fixtures and replaces them with beautiful new options in a wide variety of colors.

Re-Bath has grown to nearly 100 locations in 43 states and continues to seek strategic franchise partners to expand its footprint nationwide.

To learn more about Re-Bath and your bathroom remodeling needs, visit https://www.rebath.com/.

About Re-Bath

Re-Bath is the nation's largest complete bathroom remodeling franchise located in more than 100 cities across the country. The parent company's first entry in the bathroom remodeling industry occurred in 1978 and focused on the hospitality sector. In 1991, Re-Bath launched its first franchise location to focus on the residential market. The company offers complete bathroom remodels, tub and shower updates, plus aging and accessibility solutions. From simple bathtub replacements to complete bathroom redesigns, Re-Bath makes bathroom remodeling effortless, convenient and affordable, all with professional, friendly and factory-trained installers. Re-Bath is a one-stop service that covers the entire process  from design to done  in three easy steps: consultation, removal, and installation. Re-Bath assembles its own exclusive line of products at its headquarters located in Phoenix, Ariz., and offers best-in-class products from national brands for its customers. For more information please visit www.rebath.com or www.rebathfranchise.com for more details on the franchise opportunity.

Contact: Kelly McNamara, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300, [email protected]

SOURCE Re-Bath

Related Links

https://www.rebath.com


UNIVERSITY PARK, Pennsylvania, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Penn State and Lightsource BP announced Tuesday, Feb. 5, the development of 70 megawatts of large-scale offsite solar to support the University's Strategic Plan, which cites stewardship of the planet's resources as a key priority. The project to install large-scale solar arrays will provide 25 percent of Penn State's state-wide electricity requirements over a 25-year term, while driving economic development and educational opportunities for the host community.

"This project is a win for Penn State, a win for Pennsylvania and a win for the environment," said Rob Cooper, senior director of Energy and Engineering in the Penn State Office of Physical Plant. "Among the many benefits of this significant investment in solar-based electric generation include cost savings, lower greenhouse gas emissions in support of Penn State's aggressive sustainability goals, economic development with job creation and income for host communities through development of the Pennsylvania solar market."

The targeted completion date is set for July 2020.

Guiding the solar project's development are specific goals and objectives, including:

Lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the equivalent of 57,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, the equivalent of taking 15,250 internal combustion engine vehicles off the road;

Reducing the University's annual electric costs;

Providing long-term budget certainty for a portion of the University's electric generation requirements; and

Continuing support of the University's Strategic Plan

The project, a large-scale ground mounted solar array using over 150,000 solar panels in three locations emcompassing roughly 500 acres of Franklin County land, will be just outside of Chambersburg near Penn State's Mont Alto campus. Because these solar facilities will be located close to a Penn State campus, the students and community will benefit from access and educational support provided by Lightsource BP, as well as benefiting from local air pollutant reduction, increased energy resiliency, and increased local economic development. The project is tied for the largest solar project in the state of Pennsylvania.

Since 2005, Penn State has reduced its GHG emissions by 32 percent. The first 17.5 percent reduction goal for 2012 was achieved by investment in energy conserviation projects through the Energy Savings Program and increased system efficiency from a Combined Heat and Power installation of a combustion turbine and heat recovery system at the East Campus Steam Plant. Penn State's 2020 GHG reduction goal is 35 percent. While progress toward that goal has been supported by eliminating coal at the West Campus Steam Plant, additional strategies are required. These include an onsite solar installation and continued investments in Energy Savings Projects. With this new offsite solar purchase with Lightsource BP providing 25 percent of Penn State's current electricity consumption, more than 57,000 tons per year of GHG emissions will be saved, boosting Penn State's GHG emission reduction to 43 percent.

"I'm thrilled to be supporting another solar project that will provide a number of benefits to the University," said David Gray, senior vice president for Finance and Business at Penn State. "This project not only provides the University with a reliable and sustainable energy source, but continues our progress toward our GHG reduction goals. In addition, our goals and this project align with Governor Wolf's executive order establishing the first statewide goal to reduce carbon pollution and procure renewable energy to offset at least 40 percent of the Commonwealth's annual electricity usage."

"It has been a pleasure and an honor working with Penn State and we look forward to delivering affordable, local solar to our Penn State partners," said Katherine Ryzhaya, Lightsource BP's Chief Commercial Officer "Our Pennsylvania-located solar projects will drive economic development and job growth, increase biodiversity, support Penn State's sustainability goals, and provide a cleaner, healthier environment for the community. These projects demonstrate Lightsource BP's strength in addressing the unique needs of universities and local communities."

This is not the first solar project the University has supported or sponsored. In the fall of 2018, OPP and the Alternative Energy Development Group (AEDG) signed a 25-year power purchase agreement for an onsite solar array, which provides 1 percent of University Park's campus electricity needs and is located along Orchard Road. In 2015, OPP, with the help of students and a $75,000 grant from the Sustainability Institute's Reinvention Fund, installed a solar array outside its main facility to provide power to charge its 100 percent electric vehicles. The MorningStar Solar Home, located in the Sustainability Experience Center, was built in 2007 and is a 100 percent renewable energy powered home. It is used by teachers and faculty as an immersive learning destination. In addition, the Penn State Class of 2015's gift was a solar panel array powering a bus stop near Beaver Stadium.

SOURCE Lightsource BP

Related Links

https://www.psu.edu/


"While New York offers enormous resources to startups  from networking to access to technology to impressive talent  housing can be a hurdle. Many veterans aren't in a position to move to a new city and be burdened with finding an apartment in New York's competitive real estate market," said James Hendon, VFL director. "Our first Apex cohort helped incubate and mentor 22 talented founders, but many of them were already located in the tri-state area. By offering free housing, we will make our program more accessible to veterans across the country and not just those in the Northeast."

"While we all acknowledge that New York is a capital of the tech and innovation sector, as a place of higher education we are always striving to bring new talent to the city," said Kurt Becker, Vice Dean for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at NYU Tandon. "Apex, under this new program, will bring talented veteran entrepreneurs to our community, equip them with the tools for success, and help them join and be a vibrant part of the city's thriving economy."

Fort Hamilton Army Base is just a short commute from the VFL and its prototyping space, ProtoShop, located in Industry City in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Apex was created to support veteran entrepreneurship and to allow entrepreneurs who have spent years serving their country the opportunity to achieve their own business goals. It provides entrepreneurs access to NYU Tandon's dedicated incubation program, globally recognized faculty, and its students and staff, as well as prototyping facilities, free desk space, and up to $500,000 in top-tier in-kind benefits. Apex also offers a community of military veterans and their spouses who are invested in each others' successes, along with an ecosystem of more than 150 current and graduate companies across the Future Labs network.

The first Apex cohort supported veteran-owned startups across a range of industries, including Emcee Invest, a platform allowing users to invest together and mirror peer investments; Proactive Risk, a digital tool to test the internet security of connected assets; and Heleot, a social platform for short product review videos that are crowd-sourced and community-moderated.

"The Apex program has been a significant source of support and resources, and helped me build my company much faster than I would have on my own," said Terry Kim, CEO/Founder of Heleot and a Marine Corps veteran. "The staff truly cares about making the Apex program the best it can be, and they work hard to assist you with everything you need to build your business. It's great to be surrounded by a network of people who look out for one another and connect you to others who can open more doors of opportunity. Starting a company is a lot of hard work, but the Apex program helps."

The VFL and its Apex program are supported by Barclays; Empire State Development (ESD); Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP; the U.S. Small Business Administration; State of New York; and NYS Assembly Member Joseph R. Lentol.

"Barclays is proud to support the NYU Tandon Veterans Future Lab and drive job creation through support for veteran entrepreneurs," said Deborah Goldfarb, Global Head of Citizenship at Barclays International. "We look forward to leveraging the skills and expertise of our colleagues to support the second cohort of the Apex program and are excited that through this new partnership with Fort Hamilton the Veterans Future Lab can expand its reach to support veterans from across the country."

About the New York University Tandon School of Engineering

The NYU Tandon School of Engineering dates to 1854, the founding date for both the New York University School of Civil Engineering and Architecture and the Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute (widely known as Brooklyn Poly). A January 2014 merger created a comprehensive school of education and research in engineering and applied sciences, rooted in a tradition of invention and entrepreneurship and dedicated to furthering technology in service to society. In addition to its main location in Brooklyn, NYU Tandon collaborates with other schools within NYU, one of the country's foremost private research universities, and is closely connected to engineering programs at NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai. It operates Future Labs focused on start-up businesses in downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn and an award-winning online graduate program. For more information, visit http://engineering.nyu.edu.

About the NYU Tandon Future Labs

The Veterans Future Lab is a part of the NYU Tandon Future Labs, a network of innovation spaces and programs that support the early stage startups of tomorrow through personalized and curated support services, mentorships, and resources. Operated by the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, the companies work at the intersection of a leading academic institution and the City of New York. For more information, visit https://futurelabs.nyc.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nyutandon Twitter: @NYUTandon

SOURCE NYU Tandon School of Engineering

Related Links

http://www.poly.edu


ST. LOUIS, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- NewLeaf Symbiotics, a company dedicated to sustainable agriculture and singularly focused on beneficial microbes known as M-trophs, announces two strategic appointments. Desmond R. Jimenez, Ph.D., Vice President Product Development and Manufacturing is named Chief Product Officer. Janne Kerovuo, Ph.D., Vice President, Research & Discovery is named Chief Technology Officer.

Dr. Desmond Jimenez joined NewLeaf in 2014. He led the successful development of four Terrasym products. Each product contains a different beneficial microbe (M-trophs) that makes crops stronger and more tolerant of stress. Des is a leader in the agricultural biologicals industry, with over 30 years experience, including leadership roles at Bayer, AgraQuest Inc. and Novo Nordisk. He is credited with the development of Bacillus-based biopesticides and feed additives. He holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Nutritional Biochemistry from the University of Arizona.

"Des continues to lead our efforts at NLS, helping growers and agriculture become more sustainable with innovative products," said Tom Laurita, CEO. "As the need to improve agriculture becomes increasingly complex, NewLeaf is positioned to achieve the full potential of M-trophs under Des' direction."

"As a passionate and tenacious scientist, I am honored to serve as Chief Product Officer at NewLeaf," said Jimenez. "I believe that M-trophs have the potential to make step change improvements in the agricultural ecosystem system and that we can deliver these opportunities around the world."

Dr. Janne Kerovuo joined NewLeaf in 2016 and re-designed NewLeaf's Research and Discovery screening pipeline. He led the optimization of the Prescriptive Biologicals Knowledgebase, a state of the art computational bioinformatics engine identifying the best wild-type M-trophs to productize, helping growers increase yield and overcome biotic and abiotic stress while reducing environmental impact. Kerovuo also leads NewLeaf's Scientific Advisory Board. He previously held leadership positions at Monsanto, Agradis, Synthetic Genomics and Diversa. He earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from University of Helsinki in his native Finland.

"Years of research at NewLeaf have convinced us that M-trophs will transform agriculture. That's why it is so important to have Janne in this role, to drive our singular focus on this new class of agricultural inputs to help farmers and growers find solutions to their biggest challenges,." said Laurita.

"I joined NewLeaf because I strongly believe there's incredible potential within this family of microbes that has been co-evolving with plants for millions of years," said Kerovuo. "In my new role, I can reinforce our commitment to fully exploring M-trophs and their role in sustainable agriculture."

About NewLeaf Symbiotics

NewLeaf Symbiotics is an agricultural technology company engaged in discovery, development, production, and commercialization of products containing beneficial plant microbes (M-trophs). NewLeaf's family of products help farmers increase yield by promoting stronger plants and better nutrient uptake, ultimately contributing to the transformation of agriculture towards a more sustainable future. Its 40+member team is based in BRDG Park at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, MO. Visit NewLeaf Symbiotics at www.newleafsym.com .

SOURCE NewLeaf Symbiotics

Related Links

http://newleafsym.com


WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- DKT International, one of the largest private providers of family planning products and services in the developing world, is proud to report on their expansion progress in Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lybia and Somalia.

"Much like Europe after World War II, political instability, social and economic upheaval, religious constraints, and large refugee populations, significantly set back public health initiatives like family planning in war torn countries. Clinics close, doctors move on and despite such challenges, DKT programs have stepped in to fill a growing unmet need, becoming critical providers of condoms and other contraception," says Chris Purdy, President and CEO, DKT. "Often, in times of conflict, the right or ability to access family planning is one of the first things women lose. We have made it our mission to find creative ways to train providers and mid-wives to ensure contraceptive availability, avert unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal and child mortality."

DKT's work in the Middle East and North Africa (DKT MENA) is an extension of their social marketing program in Egypt. In 2017, DKT Egypt generated over 1.7 million couple years of protection (CYPs) through cost-effective contraceptives and in the past year, provided 2.4 million condoms.

A few highlights include:

DKT Egypt/MENA, along with DKT Womancare , recently participated in one of the region's biggest events, "Arab Health" in Dubai for the first time from January 27-31 . It was a successful platform and an exciting growth opportunity to reach more women in-need, especially in Sudan , Yemen , Somalia and Iraq .

, recently participated in one of the region's biggest events, "Arab Health" in for the first time from . It was a successful platform and an exciting growth opportunity to reach more women in-need, especially in , , and . Sales in Somalia : DKT is one step closer towards providing family planning products in Somalia. DKT Egypt coordinated with the African Training Center to host a family planning training for 34 Somali healthcare providers in Punt Land, Somalia . DKT customized training manuals on counseling techniques and reproductive health information to meet the needs of Somali practitioners.

DKT is one step closer towards providing family planning products in Somalia. DKT Egypt coordinated with the African Training Center to host a family planning training for 34 Somali healthcare providers in Punt Land, . DKT customized training manuals on counseling techniques and reproductive health information to meet the needs of Somali practitioners. In Egypt , mosques provide contraceptive access to women . On any given day, the El-Hosary Mosque in Egypt is filled with physicians who are not there to pray or participate in religious ceremonies, but to attend an IUD (intrauterine device) insertion training session conducted by DKT. Trained physicians can now provide family planning services to the many women who cannot afford a trip to a regular clinic.

. On any given day, the El-Hosary Mosque in is filled with physicians who are not there to pray or participate in religious ceremonies, but to attend an IUD (intrauterine device) insertion training session conducted by DKT. Trained physicians can now provide family planning services to the many women who cannot afford a trip to a regular clinic. In Syria , with approximately 3 million women of reproductive age in the midst of Syria's crisis, and an additional one million female refugees of reproductive age in neighboring countries, DKT supplied 25,000 IUDs to Syrian women in the past year. They also provided support, education and training to ensure contraception becomes a strong tool for determining a better future for themselves and their families.

, with approximately 3 million women of reproductive age in the midst of crisis, and an additional one million female refugees of reproductive age in neighboring countries, DKT supplied 25,000 IUDs to Syrian women in the past year. They also provided support, education and training to ensure contraception becomes a strong tool for determining a better future for themselves and their families. In 2017, DKT Turkey provided 4.4 million condoms and 24,410 IUDs.

DKT has plans to expand to other markets in the region and is laying the groundwork to respond to a range of challenges facing women of reproductive age in markets like Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine. The Jordan office will initially provide IUDs, condoms, and MVA abortion kits.

"We will continue to ensure access to family planning triumphs differences in culture, economics, politics, gender, and religion. Supporting women in choosing a better future for themselves, especially in places where there are social and political conflicts, is what drives DKT's mission," adds Purdy.

SOURCE DKT International

Related Links

https://www.dktinternational.org


The Mugla region has endured one of the worst winters in living memory  but it may not be over just yet.

There have already been tornadoes, powerful winds, flooding and some spectacular thunderstorms along the Turquoise Coast right from Bodrum to Antalya.

However, another storm system is currently edging its way eastwards across the Mediterranean and seems set to make landfall in Turkey from around 10pm this evening.

Forecasters are predicting yet more heavy rain and high winds with the potential for damage, continuing into tomorrow afternoon.

The storm is the latest to be generated by a series of low pressure systems which have developed over the Mediterranean since December, sweeping across the Greek Islands before slamming into the Turkish coast.

The severe weather has caused flash flooding in Bodrum and storm surges which have damaged seafront properties in Marmaris and Fethiye and even along the lakeside in Koycegiz.

A tornado ripped through Kumluca in the Antalya district last month, causing an estimated 100 million liras worth of damage, while another damaged aircraft and ground vehicles at Antalya airport.

The sheer volume of rain which fell around Fethiye last week also led to storm drains bursting their banks in the mountain village Uzumlu while farmland and a number of homes in the Belen and Knal area of Kayakoy had to be evacuated as water levels rose.

Source:

https://www.muglaweather.com

www.lightningmaps.org
"This new plane featuring Captain Marvel will delight guests of all ages," said Natalie Bowman, Alaska Airlines' managing director of marketing and advertising. "We're excited to showcase a pilot who's risen to Super Hero statusan image that embodies strength and confidence and inspires future aviators across our expansive network to go further."

Decked out in a stunning red and navy suit, Captain Marvel is taking flight and commands the attention she deserves as a female pilot who acquired special powers to fight for the greater good. Guests boarding the Captain Marvel-themed plane will see a film logo when they board. An image of a cat named Goose from the film, will surprise guests seated over the wings.

"Our collaboration with Alaska Airlines is taking our fans 'Higher, Further, Faster' with this amazing opportunity to fly with our fearless Super Hero and pilot, Captain Marvel," said Mindy Hamilton, SVP of Global Partnerships for Marvel. "We are so excited that our fans will be accompanied by Carol Danvers on their next adventure."

The Captain Marvel-themed 737-800, tail number N531AS, begins flying throughout Alaska's route network today. With a cruising speed of 530 mph and sporting a larger-than-life image of the movie's namesake Captain Marvel, the plane will visit fans throughout the country via cross-country routes and flights to Hawaii.

Marvel Studios fans can follow Alaska Airlines on Twitter and on Facebook to learn about the promotions related to the new film. From Feb. 6-9, Alaska Airlines social fans and followers can enter for a chance to win one pair of tickets to the premiere of Marvel Studios' Captain Marvel, including roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations for two in Los Angeles. Terms and conditions are available online.

About Marvel Studios' Captain Marvel

Set in the 1990s, Marvel Studios' "Captain Marvel" is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that follows the journey of Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe's most powerful heroes. While a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom.

The film stars Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, Lashana Lynch, Gemma Chan, Rune Temte, Algenis Perez Soto, Mckenna Grace, with Annette Bening, with Clark Gregg, and Jude Law.

Marvel Studios' "Captain Marvel" is produced by Kevin Feige and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. Louis D'Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Jonathan Schwartz, Patricia Whitcher and Stan Lee are the executive producers. The story is by Nicole Perlman & Meg LeFauve and Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck & Geneva Robertson-Dworet, and the screenplay is by Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck & Geneva Robertson-Dworet. "Captain Marvel" opens on March 8, 2019 in U.S. theaters.

About Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines and its regional partners fly 44 million guests a year to more than 115 destinations with an average of 1,200 daily flights across the United States and to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica. With Alaska and Alaska Global Partners , guests can earn and redeem miles on flights to more than 900 destinations worldwide. Learn about Alaska's award-winning service at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines, Virgin America and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).

SOURCE Alaska Airlines

Related Links

http://www.alaskaair.com


EVANSTON, Ill., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- New, groundbreaking research recently released by Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging shows Life Plan Community residents report more healthy behaviors and have greater emotional, social, physical, intellectual, and vocational wellness than those living in the community at large. The five-year Age Well Study is the most extensive longitudinal research to date exploring health and evaluating the impact living in a Life Plan Community has on residents' well-being, as compared to those living in the community at large. The Year 1 Report of The Age Well Study includes responses by 5,148 residents from 80 Life Plan Communities from 28 states nationwide and is available to download for free at www.TheAgeWellStudy.com.

Among the findings, evidence shows that Life Plan Community residents engage in more intellectual pursuits including reading, games, trainings or other educational activities, and use social media and meet up with friends more often than older adults in the community at large. Nearly 70% of older adults surveyed reported that moving to a Life Plan Community has somewhat or greatly improved their social wellness. The study also found that certain organizational factors, such as geographic location or living in an urban vs. rural or suburban setting, were associated with feelings of youth, optimism, and life satisfaction.

Age Well Study key findings show Life Plan Community residents report:

Greater satisfaction with life

More physical activity

Increased personal connections

Higher frequency of volunteering

More optimism

Greater life purpose

Better self-reported health, and fewer chronic conditions

"The Age Well Study shows that Life Plan Communities offer tremendous opportunities for resident well-being," said Mary Leary, President and CEO, Mather LifeWays. "The five-year study will inform the industry for years to come. But beyond simply providing data, these results may motivate more people to consider a Life Plan Community."

The Age Well Study measures residents' self-reported health and wellness metrics through a survey taken annually over five years. Results are being compared against a demographically similar sample drawn from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) conducted by the University of Michigan. Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging's research partners include Northwestern University, ASHA, LeadingAge, Ziegler, Novare, Life Care Services, and National Investment Center.

"We were delighted with the outcomes from the first year of the study. It demonstrated that Life Plan Communities, and Moorings Park specifically, do make an impact on the quality of lives of residents compared to those outside the Life Plan Communities," said Dan Lavender, CEO, Moorings Park, Naples, Florida. "It also gave us great data to design new programming to ensure we are continually improving and meeting unmet needs of our residents. We are looking forward to year two and thankful for the vision of Mather LifeWays and Northwestern to foster aging well."

To download the Year 1 report of the Age Well Study, visit www.TheAgeWellStudy.com.

About Mather LifeWays www.matherlifeways.com

Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather LifeWays is a 75+-year-old unique, nondenominational not-for-profit organization that enhances the lives of older adults by creating Ways to Age Well.SM Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging serves as an award-winning resource for research and information about wellness, aging, trends in senior living, and successful aging service innovations. Known for its vision of changing the way society views aging, Mather LifeWays is committed to transforming practices, perspectives, and language surrounding aging, and partnered with LeadingAge in 2015 to change the category name for Life Plan Communities. The landmark Age Well Study is the latest example of its commitment to the industry.

SOURCE Mather LifeWays

Related Links

http://www.matherlifeways.com


COLUMBIA, S.C., Feb. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Colorado Governor and potential 2020 presidential hopeful John Hickenlooper will be in South Carolina this week to speak at the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) Annual Meeting. His address will be open to the media as Governor Hickenlooper introduces himself to South Carolina healthcare leaders and voters.

A laid off geologist who started a brewpub, John Hickenlooper is a lifetime entrepreneur who ran, and won, as a "dark horse" for Mayor of Denver in 2003. In 2005 TIME Magazine named him one of the top five big-city mayors in America. He ran winning campaigns for Governor in 2010 and 2014 -- two of the worst cycles for Democrats in 25 years -- and is leaving 16 years of service to Colorado as the most popular outgoing Governor in 50+ years, with an approval rating of 59%.

As Colorado Governor, he prioritized healthcare and expanded Medicaid so that more than 94% of Coloradoans now have health insurance. Considered a contender in the 2020 presidential race, his combination of small business background, proven executive experience, and progressive policy accomplishments has already generated significant buzz in the national media.

Governor John Hickenlooper will address the 2019 SCHA Annual Meeting on Wednesday, February 6 at 11am at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center located at 1101 Lincoln Street in Columbia, SC. His keynote address is expected to last approximately 30 minutes and will be open to the media. This event is in no way an endorsement for a political candidate and SCHA is proud to offer opportunities for its members to hear from state and national leaders.

Founded in 1921, the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) is the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state's hospitals and healthcare systems. Based in Columbia, SCHA works with its members to improve access, quality, and cost-effectiveness of health care for all South Carolinians. The state's hospitals and healthcare systems employ more than 70,000 persons statewide. Learn more about SCHA at www.scha.org.

CONTACT:

Schipp Ames

Vice President, Communications, Education & Member Services

[email protected]

803-744-3543

SOURCE South Carolina Hospital Association

Related Links

https://www.scha.org


CHICAGO, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, Jim Beam Bourbon unveiled its global "Raised Right" marketing campaign, which shares what the brand has learned from seven generations of familyhow to treat a person, and how to make a whiskey.

Jim Beam debuts global marketing campaign that celebrates treating people right and making great whiskey. The first TV advertisement under Jim Beams new campaign, titled Celebration, tells the story of James B. Beam leading up to the end of Prohibitionand the group of family and friends who helped him rebuild the brands now iconic distillery in a mere 120 days following the laws repeal.

The first TV advertisement under Jim Beam's new campaign, titled "Celebration," premiered in select U.S. marketsNew York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Lexington, Ky. and Louisville, Ky.during the Super Bowl and is now rolling out nationwide. The spot tells the story of James B. Beam leading up to the end of Prohibitionand the group of family and friends who helped him rebuild the brand's now iconic distillery in a mere 120 days following the law's repeal.

"Jim Beam's explosive growth in the U.S. and overseas in recent years has shown us that our consumers appreciate the brand's heritage and the way we make our bourbon," said David Campbell, vice president of global integrated marketing communications at Beam Suntory. "We set out to create a campaign that focuses on the good created by treating those around you like family. The little-known story from our past that is told in 'Celebration' illustrates how those values are just as relevant now as back then, and establishes the meaning of our 'Raised Right' campaign."

"Raised Right" launched in the U.S., Australia and Germany and will soon be expanding to other markets globally. This 360-degree marketing campaign is supported with TV, digital and print advertising, local activations and retail marketing.

The "Raised Right" campaign and "Celebration" TV advertisement mark Jim Beam's first collaboration with global advertising agency adam&eveNYC. "Celebration" will appear on a variety of television networks worldwide. The campaign will also feature "Watching," a shorter film set in modern day that heroes the Beam family's distilling legacy, as well as national print and outdoor placements throughout the year. Starcom USA oversees media on behalf of Jim Beam.

For more information about Jim Beam, follow Jim Beam on Twitter (@jimbeam) and Instagram (@jimbeamofficial) or visit http://www.jimbeam.com.

About Jim Beam Bourbon

Jim Beam is the world's best-selling bourbon, crafted by seven generations of family distillers since 1795. Elegant. Smooth. Refined. That's what years of aging in new charred oak barrels does to our Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Fred Noe, Jim Beam's seventh generation master distiller, has stayed true to the family recipe that's been passed down through generations. The Jim Beam portfolio of products includes Jim Beam Bourbon, Jim Beam Black, Jim Beam Double Oak, Jim Beam Devil's Cut, Jim Beam Bonded, Jim Beam Rye, Jim Beam Distiller's Masterpiece, Jim Beam Vanilla, Jim Beam Apple, Jim Beam Honey and Jim Beam Kentucky Fire among other offerings.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin, and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world-renowned premium brands, including Knob Creek and Basil Hayden's bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher's, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith and Roku gin, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and a vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Drink Smart

Jim Beam Original Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 40% Alc./Vol.

2019 James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, KY

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners

SOURCE Jim Beam

Related Links

https://www.jimbeam.com


CHICAGO, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Hub International Limited (Hub), a leading global insurance brokerage, announced today that it has acquired a book of business from Fortenberry McNamara, LLC (Fortenberry McNamara). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Fortenberry McNamara, an affiliate of Executive Planning Group, P.A. and located in Jackson, Mississippi, is an employee benefits consulting firm providing insurance underwriting, employee benefits and human resource consulting services. William McNamara, one of the owners of Fortenberry McNamara, will join Hub Gulf South. H. Larry Fortenberry will continue to operate Executive Planning Group's wealth management and individual insurance operations.

About Hub's M&A Activities

Hub International Limited is committed to growing organically and through acquisitions to expand its geographic footprint and strengthen industry and product expertise. For more information on the Hub M&A experience, visit WeAreHub.com.

About Hub International

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Hub International Limited is a leading full-service global insurance broker providing property and casualty, life and health, employee benefits, investment and risk management products and services. With more than 11,000 employees in offices located throughout North America, Hub's vast network of specialists provides peace of mind on what matters most by protecting clients through unrelenting advocacy and tailored insurance solutions. For more information, please visit www.hubinternational.com.

CONTACT:

Media: Marni Gordon

Phone: 312-279-4601

[email protected]

M&A: Clark Wormer

Phone: 312.279.4848

[email protected]

SOURCE Hub International Limited

Related Links

http://www.hubinternational.com


SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- HireVue, provider of the most comprehensive AI-driven talent assessment suite and video interviewing solutions, has created an Expert Advisory Board to help guide ethical AI development and to advise on issues of diversity and inclusion, algorithmic bias and data security and privacy. It is the first company developing artificial intelligence-driven products in the human resources technology industry to do so.

"HireVue considers the ethical development of AI along with data security and privacy to be core values," said HireVue Chief Technology Officer Loren Larsen. "Creating a level playing field for anyone seeking a job has always been our mission, and we have always endeavored to build products that are ethical by design. Having recently hosted our nine millionth video interview, we see the rapidly increasing pace at which our technology is impacting jobseekers, and we know how important it is that we formalize our principles. To that end, we're honored to consult with the world-class experts in algorithmic bias, IO psychology, and data privacy and security who have joined our Expert Advisory Board."

The HireVue Expert Advisory Board has confirmed its first four members and held its inaugural meeting at company headquarters. The experts participating in the board to date are:

Dr. Suresh Venkatasubramanian , Professor in the School of Computer Science at the University of Utah . Venkatasubramanian is known for his contributions to the study of algorithmic bias, computational geometry and data mining. He is a founding member of the ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability and Transparency, a multi-disciplinary conference that presents research on fairness, accountability and transparency in socio-technical systems. Venkatasubramanian is also a member of the Board of Directors of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Utah .

, Professor in the School of Computer Science at the . Venkatasubramanian is known for his contributions to the study of algorithmic bias, computational geometry and data mining. He is a founding member of the ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability and Transparency, a multi-disciplinary conference that presents research on fairness, accountability and transparency in socio-technical systems. Venkatasubramanian is also a member of the Board of Directors of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of . Sheryl Falk , Partner and co-leader of the Global Privacy and Data Security Task Force at Winston & Strawn. Falk brings significant investigation and litigation experience to her practice to navigate regulatory issues and litigation arising out of privacy and data security matters. A former Assistant U.S. Attorney, she has 25 years of litigation experience before state and federal courts and arbitration panels.

, Partner and co-leader of the Global Privacy and Data Security Task Force at Winston & Strawn. Falk brings significant investigation and litigation experience to her practice to navigate regulatory issues and litigation arising out of privacy and data security matters. A former Assistant U.S. Attorney, she has 25 years of litigation experience before state and federal courts and arbitration panels. Dr. Michael Campion , the Herman C. Krannert Chaired Professor of Management at Purdue University . Campion is the past president of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) and the 2010 winner of SIOP's Scientific Contribution Award. He is among the 10 most published authors in the top journals in his field for the last three decades and the second most cited author in textbooks in both I/O and Human Resource Management.

, the Herman C. Krannert Chaired Professor of Management at . Campion is the past president of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) and the 2010 winner of SIOP's Scientific Contribution Award. He is among the 10 most published authors in the top journals in his field for the last three decades and the second most cited author in textbooks in both I/O and Human Resource Management. Ben Taylor , Chief AI Officer and co-founder at Ziff.ai. Taylor has over 14 years of machine learning experience, previously served as HireVue's Chief Data Scientist, and is known for his research on bias and for pushing the boundaries of what is possible with deep learning. Earlier in his career he worked in the semiconductor industry for Intel and Micron in photolithography, process control, and yield prediction, and as a Wall Street quant building sentiment stock models for a hedge fund trading the S&P 1500.

HireVue has consulted with its Expert Advisory Board on the AI Ethical Principles presented below.

"We have formalized the following ethical principles to guide our work:

We are committed to benefiting society.

We design to promote diversity and fairness.

We design to help people make better decisions.

We design for privacy and data protection.

We validate and test continuously."

For more information on the HireVue Expert Advisory Board, visit this page . For more information on the HireVue AI Ethical Principles, visit this page .

About HireVue

HireVue is transforming the way companies discover, hire and develop the best talent globally with Hiring Intelligence and its HireVue Video Interviewing platform. Using a ground-breaking combination of industrial/organizational science and rigorously tested, predictive artificial intelligence, customers are hiring higher quality talent, faster. HireVue is available worldwide in over 30 languages and has hosted more than nine million on-demand interviews and one million assessments. Its more than 700 customers worldwide include over one-third of the Fortune 100 and leading brands such as Unilever, Hilton, JP Morgan Chase, Delta Air Lines, Vodafone, Carnival Cruise Line, and Goldman Sachs. For more information, visit www.hirevue.com .

HireVue Social Networks

Twitter: www.twitter.com/HireVue

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/HireVue

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HireVue

YouTube: www.YouTube.com/user/HireVue

Instagram: www.instagram.com/hirevue/

SOURCE HireVue

Related Links

http://www.hirevue.com


ATLANTA, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Anish Bikmal, 17, of Cumming and Seth De La Pena, 13, of Alpharetta today were named Georgia's top two youth volunteers of 2019 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism.

As State Honorees, Anish

and

Seth

each will receive $1,000 , an engraved silver medallion and an all-expense-paid trip in early May to Washington, D.C. , where they will join

the top two honorees from each of the

other

states and the District of Columbia

for

four

days of

national

recognition events.

During the trip, 10 students

will be named America's top youth volunteers

of 2019

.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, now in its 24th year, is conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

These are Georgia's top youth volunteers of 2019:

High School State Honoree: Anish Bikmal

Nominated by South Forsyth High School

Anish, a senior at South Forsyth High School, co-founded a nonprofit organization that operates a tutoring academy for local students, and uses the proceeds to benefit charities in India serving subsistence farmers, hungry children and people with cataracts. On a visit to India several years ago, Anish had the chance to meet farmers near Mumbai who work 70 hours a week but use agricultural techniques that can damage soil quality and produce harvests too meager to adequately support their families, he said. "I wanted to help, but how?" he wondered, and then concluded: "Although I can't educate the farmers directly, I can educate students in my local community and then, using the profits from tutoring, I can educate farmers indirectly."

Anish and his older brother recruited other high school students to join them in providing academic assistance in a variety of subjects to kids in grades 3-12 through weekly classes, summer camps, motivational talks, college counseling and mentoring relationships. Since then, three branches of their "Motivate and Inspire" academy have taken root, and more than $50,000 has been donated to philanthropic organizations in India to educate and provide tools to 104 farmers, serve approximately 30,000 meals to children in need and pay for 44 cataract surgeries. As the current president, Anish delegates tasks to the academy's tutors, organizes events, manages advertising and finances, and conducts four classes a week himself. "I would tell other young people that the best way to show your appreciation for the resources you have is to share it with others," he said. "The only way we can improve as a society is by working together."

Middle Level State Honoree: Seth De La Pena

Nominated by Fulton Science Academy

Seth, an eighth-grader at Fulton Science Academy, started a service group that provides clothing and school supplies to students in need at an elementary school in an area of the Philippines affected by a volcanic eruption early last year. Seth's parents immigrated to the United States from that country and took him to visit when he was younger. "I came back home with a heavy heart thinking of the unfortunate kids my age," said Seth. "My parents' constant reminders not to waste food and be grateful for what I have convinced me to spend my time not on games or otherwise pointless tasks, but instead on running an organization that would provide for the misfortunate."

Seth recruited other students at his school to help him begin an information and fundraising campaign in support of students at Tinago Elementary School in Albay, Philippines. The effort got off to a slow start, but after the Mayon volcano erupted and displaced many nearby residents, Seth's group collected approximately $1,000 and many boxes of clothing, and then delivered school supplies and clothing to young students at the elementary school. "The smile on their faces after seeing their new items and the pure innocence of their lives were heartwarming," he said.

Distinguished Finalists

The program judges also recognized six other Georgia students as Distinguished Finalists for their impressive community service activities. Each will receive an engraved bronze medallion.

These are Georgia's Distinguished Finalists for 2019:

Rachel Korynoski, 19, of Flowery Branch, Ga., a senior at Johnson High School, has initiated and coordinated numerous community service projects for fellow students while serving as a leader of her school's Interact Club and National Honor Society chapter. Her projects have benefited homeless and hungry families, abandoned pets, the environment and many other causes.

Sanjeev Kumar, 17, of Johns Creek, Ga., a senior at Northview High School, is the founder and president of "WHOLE Fit," a nonprofit that promotes healthy lifestyles for young people through classes and presentations at schools and a summer camp, relationships with other nonprofits and an annual field day. Sanjeev's organization, which now has chapters at several high schools, also holds a yearly food drive for a local food bank.

Jessica Lao, 18, of Johns Creek, Ga., a senior at The Westminster Schools, led a six-month, $20,000 fundraising drive through a school club to build dormitories and a computer lab for indigenous girls in Peru's Sacred Valley. Under Jessica's direction, her school's Circle of Women chapter won grants, secured corporate sponsors and conducted a wide variety of fundraisers for the project, which was completed last spring.

Isabella Miller, 16, of Cumming, Ga., a sophomore at Lambert High School, has delivered more than 2,000 "bags of hope" containing toiletries and snacks over the past three years to sober living facilities and charities serving the homeless in Atlanta. She also has sent her bags of hope to storm victims across the country, and donated 17 bicycles and home-cooked meals to benefit recovering addicts and people experiencing homelessness.

Jalisa Peterson, 17, of Midway, Ga., a senior at Liberty County High School, has been a dedicated volunteer at a nearby orphanage since 2010, building relationships with the children there, ranging from newborns to 18-year-olds. She plays games with the kids, reads to them, works on arts and crafts projects, and sometimes invites friends to come with her on her visits.

Shanzeh Sheikh, 17, of Marietta, Ga., a member of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta and a junior at The Walker School, has educated students and teachers in Georgia and Pakistan about the importance of vaccinations to prevent meningitis and polio. Shanzeh delivered a presentation about the subject to 400 students and faculty members at her school, and distributed informational brochures to 18 regional high schools and to a school in rural Pakistan, where polio is still prevalent.

"These young volunteers learned and demonstrated that they can make meaningful contributions to individuals and communities through their service," said Prudential CEO Charles Lowrey. "It's an honor to recognize their great work, and we hope that shining a spotlight on their service inspires others to consider how they might make a difference."

"Each of these honorees is proof that students have the energy, creativity and unique perspectives to create positive change," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We commend each of the 2019 honorees for their outstanding volunteer service, and for the invaluable example they've set for their peers."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards represents the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service. All public and private middle level and high schools in the country, as well as all Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and affiliates of Points of Light's HandsOn Network, were eligible to select a student or member for a local Prudential Spirit of Community Award. These Local Honorees were then reviewed by an independent judging panel, which selected State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists based on criteria including personal initiative, effort, impact and personal growth.

While in Washington, D.C., the 102 State Honorees  one middle level and one high school student from each state and the District of Columbia  will tour the capital's landmarks, meet top youth volunteers from other parts of the world, attend a gala awards ceremony at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural

History, and visit their congressional representatives on Capitol Hill. On May 6, 10 of the State Honorees  five middle level and five high school students  will be named America's top youth volunteers of 2019. These National Honorees will receive additional $5,000 awards, gold medallions, crystal trophies and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Since the program began in 1995, more than 125,000 young volunteers have been honored at the local, state and national level. The program also is conducted by Prudential subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China and Brazil. In addition to granting its own awards, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program also distributes President's Volunteer Service Awards to qualifying Local Honorees.

For information on all of this year's Prudential Spirit of Community State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists, visit http://spirit.prudential.com or www.nassp.org/spirit.

About NASSP

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for principals and other school leaders across the United States. NASSP seeks to transform education through school leadership, recognizing that the fulfillment of each student's potential relies on great leaders in every school committed to the success of each student. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. Learn more at www.nassp.org.

About Prudential Financial

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

For Spirit of Community Awards program logo and medallion graphics, please visit https://spirit.prudential.com/resources/media

SOURCE Prudential Financial, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


DUBLIN, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Enterprise Mobility - Global Market Outlook (2017-2026)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Global Enterprise Mobility market accounted for $206.13 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach $1225.78 billion by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 21.9% during the forecast period.

The increasing demand for the smartphone, trend of choose your own device and bring your own, increase in mobile data and mobile devices and increase in adoption of cloud-based technology are some factors fueling the market growth. However, device and data security risks are hampering the market growth.

Modern enterprise business strategies need a much faster pace of operations, particularly if the enterprises are looking to expand into a worldwide chief entity. In order to achieve this highly sought-after competitive advantage, companies are looking to the solutions offered by enterprise mobility players. Enterprise mobility services and solutions have established to improve the decision-making speed of enterprises, thereby generating an increasing demand for enterprise mobility solutions.

By Device, smartphone held considerable market share due to increasing demand for the smart phones. By geography, North America dominated the global market which can be attributed to the high concentration of leading vendors and high rate of adoption of technological advances across enterprises.

Moreover, Asia Pacific market will gain traction due to the increasing workforce of mobile device users, acceptance of cloud infrastructure, flourishing end-use industries, and growing demand for digital advancements across enterprise infrastructures.

What our report offers:

Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments

Market share analysis of the top industry players

Strategic recommendations for the new entrants

Market forecasts for a minimum of 9 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets

Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)

Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations

Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends

Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments

Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Key Topics Covered:



1 Executive Summary



2 Preface

2.1 Abstract

2.2 Stake Holders

2.3 Research Scope

2.4 Research Methodology

2.5 Research Sources



3 Market Trend Analysis

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Drivers

3.3 Restraints

3.4 Opportunities

3.5 Threats

3.6 End User Analysis

3.7 Emerging Markets

3.8 Futuristic Market Scenario



4 Porters Five Force Analysis

4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers

4.2 Bargaining power of buyers

4.3 Threat of substitutes

4.4 Threat of new entrants

4.5 Competitive rivalry



5 Global Enterprise Mobility Market, By Software

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Enterprise Email and Content Management

5.3 Mobile Device Management

5.4 Mobile Application Management

5.5 Other Software s



6 Global Enterprise Mobility Market, By Device

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Tablets

6.3 Laptops

6.4 Smartphones



7 Global Enterprise Mobility Market, By Security Solution

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Network Security

7.3 Mobile ID Security

7.4 Mobile Device Security

7.5 Mobile Data Security



8 Global Enterprise Mobility Market, By End user

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Manufacturing and Automotive

8.3 IT and Telecommunication

8.4 Hospitality and Retail

8.5 Government and Education

8.6 Banking, Financial services and Insurance (BFSI)



9 Global Enterprise Mobility Market, By Geography

9.1 Introduction

9.2 North America

9.2.1 US

9.2.2 Canada

9.2.3 Mexico

9.3 Europe

9.3.1 Germany

9.3.2 UK

9.3.3 Italy

9.3.4 France

9.3.5 Spain

9.3.6 Rest of Europe

9.4 Asia Pacific

9.4.1 Japan

9.4.2 China

9.4.3 India

9.4.4 Australia

9.4.5 New Zealand

9.4.6 South Korea

9.4.7 Rest of Asia Pacific

9.5 South America

9.5.1 Argentina

9.5.2 Brazil

9.5.3 Chile

9.5.4 Rest of South America

9.6 Middle East & Africa

9.6.1 Saudi Arabia

9.6.2 UAE

9.6.3 Qatar

9.6.4 South Africa

9.6.5 Rest of Middle East & Africa



10 Key Developments

10.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures

10.2 Acquisitions & Mergers

10.3 New Product Launch

10.4 Expansions

10.5 Other Key Strategies



11 Company Profiling

11.1 Verizon Enterprise Solutions

11.2 Symantec Corporation

11.3 SAP SE

11.4 Panasonic Corporation

11.5 Nokia Corporation

11.6 Microsoft Corporation

11.7 Meru Networks

11.8 iPass, Inc.

11.9 IBM Corporation

11.10 Hewlett-Packard Development Company Ltd.

11.11 Globo PLC

11.12 Enterprise Mobile, Inc.

11.13 Citrix Systems, Inc.

11.14 Cisco Systems, Inc.

11.15 Cerner Corporation

11.16 BlackBerry, Ltd.

11.17 Avaya Inc.

11.18 AT&T, Inc.

11.19 Aruba Networks, Inc.

11.20 Alcatel-Lucent S.A.



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/z3ds7r/future_1225?w=5

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


MADISON, N.J., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Industries such as real estate, healthcare and education are female-dominated*, however, at the executive level, there's a stark lack of women. A new survey from Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, conducted online by The Harris Poll, revealed that 34 percent of Americans working in female-dominated industries agree that women in their industry face a "glass ceiling," making it more difficult for them to reach executive or senior-level positions.

The Coldwell Banker Examining Women and Leadership Survey compares the leadership and professional ambitions of men and women who work in female-dominated industries, as determined by data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The survey found that in female-dominated industries, men are 75 percent more likely than women to hold an executive-level position. With this survey the Coldwell Banker brand aims to probe the causes of this gender leadership gap and then work to demolish the glass ceiling. One way the brand has already begun to address the issue is through its Women in Leadership Initiative, including a blog series that kicked off in 2018 with a post on narrowing the female leadership gap in real estate; the full series can be found here.

QUOTE:

"Women in real estate face an upward mobility challenge, and it's our responsibility to help correct the gender leadership gap," says Zoe Horneck, vice president of product marketing and communications, Coldwell Banker. "Our brand is supporting current and aspiring women leaders by providing formal management training, online courses and in-person networking opportunities at events including our annual Leadership Summit and Gen Blue conference. Our Women in Leadership Series, which started as a series of monthly calls and blog posts and will soon add a podcast, allows female trailblazers to share their success stories and empower others to do the same. This May will be Coldwell Banker Women in Leadership Month, celebrating the tremendous work of women in real estate and encouraging more women to seek ownership and leadership opportunities. Our work has only just begun and we're committed to ensuring that women across our network can envision a path to leadership and are given a variety of opportunities to exercise their leadership skills."

Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of working adults in the U.S. agree that working for a company that has female representation at the executive level is important to them, yet a full 41 percent agree that women have to work harder than men to earn an executive level position at their company.

Looking at the real estate industry specifically, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2018 Member Profile Report shows women account for 63 percent of all REALTORS, yet more men lead real estate companies as a broker-owner** (52 percent) or a selling manager (57 percent).

Open dialogue about women as leaders in the workplace, mentorship and training, combined with opportunities to grow and lead, are critical to empowering women in all industries. However, among all employed U.S. adults, 40 percent say their company does not offer formal leadership training programs or sessions.

QUOTE:

"As the owner of the largest female-operated Coldwell Banker affiliate, I'm motivated to inspire the women in my community to reach their professional goals," says Lori Arnold, broker-owner, Coldwell Banker Apex in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. "Women succeed at our brokerage because of the continuous support from all members of our team and the initiatives of the Coldwell Banker brand to empower its agents. To me, being a female broker-owner means thinking outside of my comfort zone and saying YES to every opportunity for growth."

ADDITIONAL FINDINGS:

Among U.S. adults working in female-dominated industries, the survey found:

Men are 20 percent more likely than women to state that they have asked a supervisor/boss directly for a raise or promotion.

Forty-two percent of women and 37 percent of men say they would be hesitant to ask for a raise or promotion even if they met most or all of the qualifications.

Men are 32% more likely than women to say that they have ambitions of one day holding an executive-level position in the industry they currently work in

CLICK TO TWEET: "Glass ceiling" exists even in female-dominated industries, such as real estate, according to 34% of American workers in those industries in recent @Coldwell Banker survey. https://bit.ly/2MMCxAg

For the full results of the Coldwell Banker Real Estate Women and Leadership Survey, please visit here.

If you would like to know more about what it means to be a Coldwell Banker affiliated agent, head to https://www.cbwomen.com and explore the possibilities of moving your real estate business to Coldwell Banker.

Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of Coldwell Banker Real Estate from December 4-7, 2018 among 2,252 employed U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 861 work in female-dominated industries as defined by Coldwell Banker. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and sample sizes, please contact Athena Snow ([email protected]) or Rachel Braude ([email protected]).

About Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC

Powered by its network of over 92,000 affiliated sales professionals in 3,000 offices across 47 countries and territories, the Coldwell Banker organization is a leading provider of full-service residential and commercial real estate brokerage services. The Coldwell Banker brand prides itself on its history of expertise, honesty and an empowering culture of excellence since its beginnings in 1906. Coldwell Banker Real Estate is committed to providing its network of sales professionals with the tools and insights needed to excel in today's marketplace and is known for its bold leadership and dedication to driving the industry forward with big data and smart home expertise. Coldwell Banker Real Estate was the first real estate brand to harness the power of big data; the CBx Technology Suite uses predictive analytics and machine learning to analyze markets, target buyers and sellers and provide agents with a simple platform to create unique and effective marketing plans for each listing. The brand was named among the 2018 Women's Choice Award Most Recommended brands for customer experience and overall quality. Blue is bold and the integrity and values of Coldwell Banker give the Gen Blue network an unbeatable edge. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. To join Coldwell Banker Real Estate and unlock the possibilities of Gen Blue, please visit www.coldwellbanker.com/join.

Media Inquiries:





Athena Snow Rachel Braude Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC G&S for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC 973.407.5590 917.595.3061 [email protected] [email protected]

*Female-dominated and male-dominated industries identified based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Population Survey 2016 annual averages of employed people by detailed occupation.

**NAR defines a broker as a real estate licensee (including brokers and sales associates) acting as an agent or in a legally recognized non-agency capacity.

SOURCE Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC

Related Links

http://www.coldwellbanker.com


The Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition , a nonprofit coalition focused on clean-transportation solutions for the six-county Chicago area, is hosting an EV Experience where attendees can learn more about plug-in vehicles and charging from industry experts and local electric vehicle owners. This experience is made possible via the American Lung Association's Midwest EVOLVE program.

"We invite the curious, the doubters, and the advocates to participate," said Samantha Bingham, coordinator, Chicago Area Clean Cities. "For many consumers, this is the first time they've had a chance to drive electric. After taking a test drive, drivers discover that electric vehicles have outstanding performance and are better for the environment, lung health, and potentially their pocketbook."

Attendees who would like to test-drive vehicles should register during auto show days, Feb. 9-18, at the Chicago Area Clean Cities tent in McCormick Place's South Building, Gate 2, near the escalators. The information about EVs and test drives will be available weekends 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Feb. 18 test drives will conclude at 3 p.m.

Midwest EVOLVE, a partnership between the American Lung Association and Clean Cities coalitions in seven Midwestern states, emphasizes the clean-air advantages, cost-savings, and performance of electric vehicles. The project was introduced at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, and test drives also were conducted at the 2018 show.

Midwest EVOLVE, which stands for Electric Vehicle Opportunities: Learning, eVents, Experience, has more than 60 partners, including Argonne National Laboratory, PlugInConnect, automakers, utilities, state agencies, municipalities, dealerships, and dealer associations.

As a part of the project, EVs are showcased at community events, auto shows, workplace-charging seminars, and ride-and-drives in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The events help to educate consumers about finding a vehicle that fits their needs and provide information about the ease of charging vehicles at home, at work, or at public charging stations.

The Midwest EVOLVE project is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), under Award Number DE-EE0007743.

To learn more or locate Midwest EVOLVE events, visit MidwestEVOLVE.org or follow EVOLVE via Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Chicago Area Clean Cities (CACC), which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is a nonprofit coalition focused on promoting clean transportation in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

The coalition hosts its Annual Meeting, Green Fleet Leadership Awards, and 25th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO, American Lung Association will speak at the program about the work of the American Lung Association and the importance of clean vehicles and clean transportation to the environment, clean air, and lung health. He also will highlight the Lung Association's green-fleet and clean-vehicle projects and initiatives. To register for the event, visit ChicagoCleanCities.org/Events.

CACC is one of more than 90 coalitions across the country that are affiliated with the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities program, which brings together stakeholders to increase the use of alternative fuel and advanced-vehicle technologies, reduce idling, and improve fuel economy and air quality.

The Chicago Auto Show (Feb. 9-18) is the largest auto show in North America. For tickets, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.

SOURCE Midwest EVOLVE

Related Links

https://www.midwestevolve.org


In a filing with the SEC, Goldman Sachs said 2018 equity-based pay awards would be subject to clawbacks depending on the results of the 1MDB investigations.

According to the filing, Chairman and CEO David Solomon received $23 million in total 2018 annual compensation. Former Chairman and CEO, Lloyd Blankfein, received $20.5 million.

The awards paid to both Solomon and Blankfein could be subject to clawbacks.

Blankfein transitioned out of the CEO role at the end of September 2018 and remained Chairman of the Board through the end of the year.

From Goldmans February 1, 2019 Form 8-K (courtesy of FCPA Tracker):

In light of the ongoing governmental and regulatory investigations relating to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), the Board also approved a new forfeiture provision that was included in the terms and conditions of the 2018 year-end equity-based awards granted to each of the employees serving as the firms Senior Executives as of December 31, 2018. This provision will provide the Committee with the flexibility to reduce the size of the award prior to payment and/or forfeit the underlying transfer-restricted shares (which transfer restrictions release approximately five years after the grant date) if it is later determined that the results of the 1MDB proceedings would have impacted the Committees 2018 year-end compensation decisions for any of these individuals.

Last month, actor Leonardo DiCaprio appeared secretly before a Washington, D.C. grand jury to testify as part of the DOJs investigation into the looting of Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB.

In November, Tim Leissner, the former Goldman Sachs chairman in Southeast Asia, pleaded guilty to FCPA and money laundering conspiracies for a plot to loot the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund formally known as 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

Leissner forfeited $43.7 million as part of his plea deal. Hes waiting to be sentenced.

Goldman Sachs raised around $6.5 billion for the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund.

The DOJ said Malaysian officials looted around $4.5 billion was looted from 1MBD.

In a November SEC filing, Goldman Sachs said the firm is cooperating with the DOJ and all other governmental and regulatory investigations relating to 1MDB.

____

Harry Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog.
Promotion is for US residents only and begins February 5th and will end on February 19th at 5:00PM EST. All entries must be submitted by the conclusion of the promotion entry period. For details, visit China Southern Airlines Terms and Conditions page here



About China Southern Airlines



China Southern Airlines, operates the largest fleet (820 aircrafts) and transported over 139 million passengers in 2017, ranking number one in Asia and number four in the world.



The award-winning airline is a Skytrax four-star carrier, the world's most prestigious airline performance evaluation organization. China Southern was recognized as Top 50, Most Admired Chinese Company by "FORTUNE China Magazine". In 2015, China Southern was rewarded as Excellent A330 Operator by Airbus, China's Top 100 Valuable Brand Enterprise Award & Golden Pegasus Award by the 15th China International Transportation & Logistics Expo. In 2016, China Southern was listed among Top 500 corporations in China by "FORTUNE China Magazine" as the No. 1 company in the transportation industry. In 2017, China Southern was named among the most valuable airline brands by Brand Finance ranking 1st in China and 6th globally.



For more information, please visit: global.csair.com

[email protected] /+ 1888-338-8988



Media Contact:



EMMA WORLDWIDE

Chih-Chin Sun

[email protected] / +1 212- 867-0880



SOURCE China Southern Airlines

Related Links

https://global.csair.com


"I know quality when I see it," said Gunvalson, a self-made lady boss with a successful insurance business Coto; based in Orange County, CA. "It's no wonder that tanzanite is 1,000 times rarer than a diamond  the vibrant color is spectacular. I look forward to meeting the Safi Kilima Tanzanite customer and connecting with them over our love for high-quality jewelry and the Caribbean's largest tanzanite brand."

Gunvalson is an original cast member of Bravo TV's first Real Housewives franchise. Since the Real Housewives of Orange County premiered in 2006, she has been a key member of the cast and fan favorite over the past 13 years.

Diamonds International President and CEO Morris Gad said, "I'm very excited about this personal appearance in one of our top stores, Diamonds International and Tanzanite International Bahamas." He continued, "Knowing the global reach of The Real Housewives of Orange County and Vicki herself, we know our customers will enjoy this personal appearance. I am so pleased I can share this passion for Safi Kilima Tanzanite with Vicki and our customers."

Gad founded Diamonds International in 1988, and while the Safi Kilima Tanzanite brand is the newest proprietary collection in the Diamonds International portfolio (founded in 2010), tanzanite itself celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018.

About Safi Kilima Tanzanite:

Founded in 2010, Safi Kilima Tanzanite is a global leader in tanzanite. The premier brand is exclusive to Diamonds International and Tanzanite International stores; the largest tax and duty-free jewelry retailer in the Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska. In 2017, Tanzanite celebrated its 50th anniversary and the timeless quality, superior grade and value that has become synonymous with the rare, blue and violet colored stone. For more information please visit www.safikilima.com.

About Diamonds International:

With over 125 stores, Diamonds International is the largest and most prominent privately held jewelry retailer in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska. Established in 1988, Diamonds International is the world's largest tax-free, duty-free jewelry retailer providing tourists with an extensive portfolio of fine jewelry and elegant timepieces. Sourcing from the world's largest and most important mines, while supporting ethical mine-to-market practices, the patented 90 faceted Crown of Light diamond cut and acclaimed Safi Kilima Tanzanite collection are both exclusive to the Diamonds International and Tanzanite International retail chain and its affiliate fine jeweler U.S. based company. For more information about Diamonds International, visit www.diamondsinternational.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Diamonds International

Samantha Eng

e. [email protected]

t. (516) 250-8914

SOURCE Diamonds International

Related Links

http://www.diamondsinternational.com


FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- After 36 years of dedicated service to Ben E. Keith Foods, Senior Vice President of Purchasing and Logistics Andy McCaskill is retiring from the 113-year-old foodservice distribution company.

His replacement, Mike Needham, will assume his new role as Vice President of Purchasing and Logistics on July 15, 2019. Stepping into Mr. Needham's current role as General Manager of the Gulf Coast Division for Ben E. Keith Foods will be Jerry DuBose, who has been that division's Assistant General Manager since 2014.

"Andy's grit and wisdom, and bulldog approach to every challenge and opportunity, has helped build Ben E. Keith into a leading Foodservice Distributor," said Mike Sweet, President, Ben E. Keith Foods. "We wish Andy, and his wife, Lissa, a happy, fulfilling and well-deserved retirement."

While he has served as Senior Vice President of Purchasing and Logistics since 2011, Mr. McCaskill had previously touched virtually every corner of Ben E. Keith Foods since arriving in the Dallas purchasing department in 1982 after graduating from Texas Tech University. A few of his many roles have included: Director of Grocery, Vice President of Grocery Non-Foods and Vice President of Purchasing.

A Ben E. Keith employee since 1991, Mike Needham has led the Missouri City-based Gulf Coast Division since 2014. Previously, he served in a variety of sales and purchasing managerial positions in the Oklahoma and San Antonio divisions and was General Manager of the latter from 2008-2014. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.

Jerry DuBose joined Ben E. Keith in 1996, as a District Sales Representative in his hometown of College Station. Success in that role led to his promotion to District Sales Manager, and he led a College Station-based team in that capacity until 2009 when he was promoted to Director of Sales Training. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University.

Mike and Jerry exemplify the term "servant leader," and they have built tremendous careers here because of their commitment to leading by example. Their work ethic and dedication to serving our stakeholders make them worthy successors, and I am confident they will lead their respective teams to even greater heights.

Mr. McCaskill's retirement becomes effective July 15, 2019.

About Ben E. Keith Foods

Established in Fort Worth, Texas in 1906, Ben E. Keith Foods is the nation's eighth largest broad line foodservice distributor and operates today with eight divisions shipping to 15 states throughout the country.

For more information about Ben E. Keith contact: David Werner, Vice President,

Independent Sale & Marketing. 817-759-6826. [email protected]

SOURCE Ben E. Keith Foods

Related Links

http://www.benekeith.com


AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Apparent Insurance recently announced a partnership with Project Yellow Light, an annual national scholarship competition that raises awareness for and encourages peers to develop and embrace safe driving habits. The scholarship competition is fueled by compelling stories and content submitted by college students and high school juniors and seniors that motivate and persuade their peers to drive distraction free.

"We are focused on making life easier and safer for parents and families," said Colleen Benzin, managing director of Apparent Insurance. "Apparent was crafted for parents by parents, and in our development discussions all parents expressed a common thread of concern for their family: safety while driving. We are committed to sharing the importance of safe driving habits and delighted to partner with Project Yellow Light to help amplify and support their efforts," she continued.

"We are thrilled to partner with Apparent Insurance," said Julie Garner, founder of Project Yellow Light. "Apparent's mission aligns perfectly with our cause and will help amplify our shared message to keep our youngest drivers safe and to combat distracted driving."

Project Yellow Light's competition includes categories for billboard, video, and radio and awards the winning submissions with scholarships that range from $1,000 to $5,000 and the opportunity to have their stories distributed nationally to roughly 1,600 TV stations or displayed across the Clear Channel Outdoor network of digital billboards, or iHeartRadio's national network of radio stations.

Billboard submissions are due March 1, 2019 with video and radio submissions due by April 1, 2019.

About Project Yellow Light:

Hunter Garner died in a car crash on June 10, 2007 at the age of 16. He had a dry wit, a wicked sense of humor and a creative mind; all lost due to distracted driving. Project Yellow Light was founded as a legacy to honor Hunter and to prevent other youth from meeting that same demise. It began as a short film scholarship competition created to put a stop to one of the leading causes of death  car crashes. Now, this annual film scholarship has expanded to include a billboard and radio competition where students create public service ads that share the importance of distraction-free safe driving in a peer to peer format. Visit www.ProjectYellowLight.com to learn more or submit an entry.

About Apparent Insurance:

Apparent Insurance is a company designed for parents by parents to meet the unique needs of families. Apparent offers insurance plans that give parents savings and peace of mind at every stage of life. Apparent coverage protects families with children of all ages, and the features, benefits, discounts, and services evolve alongside the families they serve. Backed and secured by parent company, Admiral Group, which oversees over 6 million customers across 7 countries, Apparent Insurance is currently available to consumers across the state of Texas, with additional states being announced soon.

Learn more about Apparent Insurance and receive a quote at www.ApparentInsurance.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram at @ApparentInsurance and on Twitter at @ApparentAuto and @AskApparent

CONTACT:

James Shackelford / (972) 848-1010 / [email protected]

SOURCE Apparent Insurance

Related Links

http://www.projectyellowlight.com


The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator  the most capable midsize truck ever  is going racing at this year's Every Man Challenge during the King of the Hammers Desert Off-road race. Savvy Off-Road, an aftermarket shop based in Corona, California, is handling competition preparations, bringing expertise gained while earning the overall win at five consecutive Every Man Challenges from 2012 to 2016, and again in 2018.



Legendary and versatile racing driver Robby Gordon, who boasts a decades-long racing career in the desert, NASCAR, IndyCar and many road racing series, and two-time King of the Hammers champion Erik Miller will handle driving duties, competing in the Spidertrax 4600 Stock Class. Gordon will be tasked with the high-speed portions of the course, while Miller will demonstrate Gladiator's unmatched off-road capability in the tight rock sections of the famed Hammers trails. The race takes place February 6 at 8 a.m. PST in Johnson Valley, California. Behind the wheel of the Jeep Gladiator, Miller set the fastest time in the 4600 class yesterday on the two-mile qualifying course, besting the next closest competitor by more than 10 seconds.



"Jeep has been attending King of the Hammers for many years, listening to, observing and engaging the group of hardcore off-road enthusiasts who gather there," said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Jeep Brand - North America. "The all-new Jeep Gladiator's high-speed locker protocol is a direct outcome of their input. So we figured even though we haven't built the first customer unit yet, why not bring it out and put it to the test at this ultimate proving ground  the toughest one-day off-road race in the world?"



All vehicles competing in the Spidertrax 4600 Stock Class of the King of the Hammers Every Man Challenge are required to utilize a factory engine, stock frame and body, a single shock at each wheel and 35-inch tires.



The all-new Jeep Gladiator is powered by the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, rated at 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, with Engine Start Stop (ESS), and mated to a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission. Gladiator is the latest in a long line of tough, dependable Jeep trucks with a body-on-frame design that uses advanced materials and engineering to be lightweight yet stiff and durable, and features an all-new high-strength steel frame.



Savvy Off-Road created a custom link-and-coil suspension with Fox remote reservoir shocks, and added Dynatrac 60 front and rear axles, beadlock wheels with 35-inch Falken Wildpeak M/T tires, a winch and a safety cage. Gladiator Rubicon's "Redical Red" interior remains relatively unchanged, though Sparco racing seats have been added and rear seats have been removed.



Jeep Gladiator/King of the Hammers updates will be available at:

Facebook

@ultra4racing

@kingofthehammers

Instagram

@ultra4racing

Twitter

@ultra4racing

@kingofthehammers

YouTube

Ultra4Racing

The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator will enter dealer showrooms in the second quarter of 2019.



ULTRA4 Racing

ULTRA4 is a vehicle type, a class, and an International race series. ULTRA4 Racing was born from the popularity of the annual Nitto King of the Hammers, the toughest one-day off-road race in the world. In just a little over a decade, the sport has grown from the single King of the Hammers race to an 11-race national series and five International King of the Hammers qualifiers. The vehicles are unlimited four-wheel-drive creations, capable of competing in multiple racing disciplines, from extreme rock crawling, to high-speed desert racing, to short course. Learn more at www.ultra4racing.com .

2020 Jeep Gladiator

The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator - the most capable midsize truck ever - builds on a rich heritage of tough, dependable Jeep trucks with an unmatched combination of rugged utility, authentic Jeep design, open-air freedom, clever functionality and versatility and best-in-class towing and 4x4 payload. Available with three different powertrain combinations and equipped with a versatile cargo box, Gladiator is built to handle the demands of an active lifestyle while delivering an open-air driving experience in a design that is unmistakably Jeep. Combining traditional Jeep attributes with strong truck credentials, the Jeep Gladiator is a unique vehicle capable of taking passengers and cargo anywhere. A multitude of technology features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and safety features such as Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Crosspath Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning Plus+ further Gladiator's appeal.



All Gladiator models are Trail Rated with a badge indicating that the vehicle is designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording. Gladiator Rubicon models are equipped with signature red tow hooks, Rock-Trac 4x4 system, featuring a two-speed transfer case with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio, front and rear heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lok electric front- and rear-axle lockers, segment-exclusive electronic sway bar disconnect, cab and bed rock rails and standard 33-inch Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain off-road tires.

Jeep Brand

Built on more than 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Renegade and Wrangler. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options.

Follow Jeep and FCA US news and video on:

Company blog: http://blog.fcanorthamerica.com

Media website: http://media.fcanorthamerica.com

Jeep brand: www.jeep.com

Jeep blog: blog.jeep.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeep or https://www.facebook.com/FiatChrysler.NorthAmerica/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeep or www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NA

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeep or www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NA

YouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or www.youtube.com/fcanorthamerica

SOURCE FCA US LLC

Related Links

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GURUGRAM, India, January 31, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

Kuwait Hospital Market By Public and Private Hospitals, By Inpatients and Outpatients, By General and Specialty Hospital and By Region (Al Asima, Hawalli, Al Farwaniya, Al Ahmadi, Al Jahra and Mubarak Al-Kabeer).

The hospital market in Kuwait has been dominated by the private hospitals in terms of revenues, while in terms of no. of outpatients and inpatients public sector hospitals recorded a much larger number than private hospitals.

has been dominated by the private hospitals in terms of revenues, while in terms of no. of outpatients and inpatients public sector hospitals recorded a much larger number than private hospitals. The number of outpatients and inpatients has gradually and continuously increased over the years.

The private players in Kuwait hospital market are introducing luxurious value added and hospitality services along with healthcare services to target customers with high paying capacity.

Rise in Number of Inpatients & Outpatients: The hospital market in Kuwait has been supported by the rising number of outpatients and inpatients. The increasing incidence of non communicable diseases and the ageing population have further enhanced the demand for primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities. The healthcare facilities in public hospitals are free for native Kuwaiti citizens and highly subsidized for expatriates. Owing to all these reasons, the pressure on public healthcare facilities has increased significantly. Motivated by its rule in keeping up with the population growth and urban expansion in Kuwait, the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Kuwait signed several contract for designing, equipping, maintenance and expansion of mega projects to build public hospitals and health care centres across the country.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661352/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg )



Rise in No. of Hospitals: Many private players realized the growth potential of the Kuwait hospital market and have invested heavily in building hospitals across the country. The Kuwait hospital market is likely to witness addition of around 15 hospitals in the next five years which will add substantial number of beds in both; the public and private hospitals. The private hospital industry in Kuwait is witnessing a new trend, where luxurious comfort is one of the major selling points for healthcare services. Private hospitals are promoting high end hospitality experience along with state-of-the-art healthcare services.

Improved Availability of Tertiary Healthcare: Rising focus on high revenue intensity streams which includes secondary care, tertiary care and quaternary care and comprehensive health screening programs to increase contribution from outpatients coupled with elevating prevalence of chronic and lifestyle diseases will propel the Kuwaiti hospital market revenue in future.

Analysts at Ken Research in their latest publication "Kuwait Hospital Market Outlook to 2022- By Public and Private Hospitals, By Inpatients and Outpatients, By General and Specialty Hospital and By Region (Al Asima, Hawalli, Al Farwaniya, Al Ahmadi, Al Jahra and Mubarak Al-Kabeer) " believe that widening the service portfolio to include tertiary and quaternary care, retaining skilled workforce and encouraging native citizens to enter healthcare industry will help the hospital industry in the country to augment its revenues.

The market is expected to register a positive CAGR of more than 5% in terms of revenue during the forecast period 2018-2022. The market is further expected to be driven by the rise in expatriate, foreign patients and diversifying to tertiary healthcare services.

Key Segments Covered

Market Segmentation

By Public and Private Hospitals

By Inpatients and Outpatients

By General and Specialty Hospital

By Region ( Al Asima , Hawalli, Al Farwaniya, Al Ahmadi , Al Jahra and Mubarak Al-Kabeer)

Companies/Hospitals Covered:

Dar Al Shifa Hospital

Al Salam International Hospital

New Mowasat Hospital

Royal Hayat Hospital

Al Seef Hospital

Key Topic Covered in the Report

Kuwait Hospital Market Ecosystem

GCC Healthcare Market

Kuwait Healthcare Market Key Metrics

Kuwait Hospital Market

Kuwait Hospital Market Segmentation

Trends and Developments in Kuwait Hospital Market

Hospital Market Regulatory Environment in Kuwait Hospital Market

Hospital Market Snapshots on National Insurance Program

Snapshot on AL Ahmadi Hospital Run by Kuwait Oil Company

Major Hospital Project Development in Kuwait Hospital Market

Hospital Market Competitive Scenario Kuwait Hospital Market

Kuwait Hospital Market Future Projections, 2017-2022E

Analyst Recommendations

For more information on the research report, refer to below link:

https://www.kenresearch.com/healthcare/general-healthcare/kuwait-hospital-market/177074-91.html

Related Reports by Ken Research

Philippines Hospitals Market Outlook to 2021 - Rising Prevalence of Diseases coupled with Increasing Penetration of Health Insurance to Drive the Market

Ken Research announced its latest publication which provides a comprehensive analysis of the hospitals market in the Philippines. The report includes the cumulative revenue generated by the market players from hospital services including both government and private hospitals. The hospitals of the country have been further explained with details on market share contributed by single specialty and multi specialty hospitals; primary, secondary and tertiary hospitals; and by hospitals operating in various regions of the Philippines. The share by government players has also been provided in detail to clearly explain the present competition scenario in the market. The stakeholders of this report include hospitals, companies involved in research, distribution, and marketing of medical devices used during hospital activities, and the new entrants and venture capitalists who wish to invest in hospitals market in future.

Indonesia Hospital Market Outlook to 2022 - By Public & Private Hospital, By General & Specialty Hospital, By Region

The report provides information on market size for Indonesia Healthcare and hospital. The report covers hospital market segment by public & private hospitals, by general & specialty hospitals and by region along with competitive landscape of major hospitals including Mitra Keluarga Karyasehat Tbk Pt, Siloam Hospitals, PT Sejahteraraya Anugrahjaya, Sarana Meditama, Rumah Sakit Pondok Indah, Surya Husadha General Hospital, Jakarta Eye Center, Rumah Sakit Dr Oen Surakarta, Pertamedika (Rumah Sakit Pusat Pertamina), Kaish Ibu Hospital, Hermina Hospital Group, Awal Bros Hospital Group and Sari Asih. The report concludes with market projections for future and analyst recommendations highlighting the major opportunities and cautions.

Singapore Hospital Market Outlook to 2022 - by Public, Private Hospital & not-for-Profit Hospital, by Inpatient & Outpatient, by Acute, Community & Psychiatry Hospitals

The report provides information on market size for Singapore hospital. The report covers aspects such as hospital market segment (by public, private & not-for-profit hospitals, by Inpatient & Outpatient and by Acute, Community & Psychiatry Hospitals), competitive landscape of major players in the Singapore hospital market including Singapore General Hospital, KK Women's and Children Hospital, Bright Vision Hospital, Changi general hospital, Raffles Medical group, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, Yishun Community Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, IHH healthcare Berhad, and Raffles Medical Group. The report concludes with market projection for future and analyst recommendations highlighting the major opportunities and cautions.

Contact Us:

Ankur Gupta

Ken Research, Head Marketing & Communications

Ankur@kenresearch.com

+91-9015378249





SOURCE Ken Research
Daily Mail

February 5, 2019

Earths predicted overpopulation crisis might not be as dire as weve thought  instead, a new book argues our numbers will soon start plummeting.

The United Nations has long warned that the worlds population is fast approaching a point at which Earths resources may not be able to support humanity.

There are currently 7.7 billion people living on the planet, and this is expected to climb to 9 billion by 2050.

But, Canadian journalist John Ibbitson and political scientist Darrell Bricker have found that these predictions may have missed the mark completely.

In Empty Planet, the pair re-examines the forecasting models to conclude that global population will start dropping in about 30 years, and warn once that decline begins, it will never end.

Empty Planet upends the long-held assumptions about global population, using statistics and interviews with people all around the world to paint a fuller picture of the issue.

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This article was posted: Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 7:09 am

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CNBC

February 5, 2019

A coalition group of Latin American countries and Canada has urged the Venezuelan military to sever ties with President Nicolas Maduro.

It comes at a time when political tensions in Venezuela are reaching boiling point, with the oil-rich, but cash-poor, country in the midst of the Western Hemispheres worst humanitarian crisis in recent memory.

In a statement published Monday, 11 of the 14 members of the Lima Group called for a peaceful transition through political and diplomatic means without the use of force.

The group also underscored the need for an urgent delivery of humanitarian aid and insisted international governments take measures to prevent the Maduro regime  from doing business in oil, gold and other assets. 

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This article was posted: Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 7:28 am

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Michael Snyder

Economic Collapse

February 5, 2019

Is the United States about to be dragged into another pointless war that will drag on for years?

Have we learned nothing form the wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq? When Juan Guaido boldly declared himself the new leader of Venezuela during an opposition rally on January 23rd, everybody realized that something was up. There is no way that he ever would have done that unless he knew in advance that the United States was going to publicly back him. And when John Bolton appeared at a White House briefing with 5,000 troops to Colombiascribbled on a yellow note pad, it became exceedingly clear what was about to happen. Diplomatic pressure would be used to try to force Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro from power, but if that didnt work then regime change would be achieved by force.

Maduro has seen this playbook before, and he has told the Venezuelan people that if the North American empire attacks us, we will have to defend ourselves. He is officially freaked out, and for good reason.

The push toward war is officially on, and over the weekend Donald Trump told CBS reporter Margaret Brennan that sending U.S. troops to Venezuela is an optionthat is being considered

MARGARET BRENNAN: What would make you use the U.S. military in Venezuela? Whats the national security interest? PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Well, I dont want to say that. But certainly its something thats on the  its an option.

Yes, Nicolas Maduro is an absolutely horrible leader, but do we get to overthrow the governments of other countries just because we dont like who is in charge?

And how would you feel if somebody else decided to attack us because they dont like who is in the White House?

The U.S. was the first major power to recognize Juan Guaido as the legitimate president of Venezuela, and now the UK and most other European nations have also backed Guaido.

But Russia and China continue to back Maduro, and so that sets up a very interesting situation.

Will the western powers go ahead with their plans for regime change even though the international community is divided?

In particular, Russia has a very strong incentive to keep Maduro in power. The following comes from Zero Hedge

Russia is now so deeply invested in the Maduro regime that the only realistic option is to double down, writes senior fellow at the Carnegie Moscow Center Alexander Gabuev. He details in a Financial Times op-ed that Moscow-based state oil giant Rosneft owns two offshore gas fields in Venezuela and further has stakes in assets boasting more than 20m tonnes of crude. But as embattled President Nicolas Maduro faces US-led efforts to oust him in favor of opposition leader Juan Guaido, billions are on the line for Moscow making its interest in preserving the regime run deep.

So just like in Syria and Ukraine, the U.S. and Russia once again find themselves on opposite sides in a very tense conflict.

This crisis could end very quickly if Maduro steps down, but that isnt going to happen. In fact, he was quite defiant when the major European powers decided to recognize Guaido

He also rejected European calls for elections, saying: We dont accept ultimatums from anyone. I refuse to call for elections now  there will be elections in 2024. We dont care what Europe says.

And he warned Trump that this will be a war that will leave the presidency stained with blood

Stop. Stop, Trump! Hold it right there! You are making mistakes that will leave your hands covered in blood and you will leave the presidency stained with blood, Maduro warned during a combative interview with the Spanish journalist Jordi Evole. Why would you want a repeat of Vietnam?

That certainly doesnt sound like someone that intends to throw in the towel. Maduro has the Venezuelan military and the Venezuelan police solidly behind him, and former State Department official Eric Farnsworth thinks that it is unlikely that Maduro will leave without violence

If people are not prepared to take steps designed to support the nascent Guaido government, this could flop and that would be a huge setback, Farnsworth said. Does that mean the ultimate answer is U.S. troops? I dont think thats a healthy conversation to have. If Maduro wants to have U.S. troops at his doorstep, hell start targeting U.S. citizens. Farnsworth said the only scenario where Maduro is pressured to leave without violence involves Russia and China becoming convinced that Maduros potential successor would be better for them than the status quo and working with the international community on a transition plan. Russia and China continue to recognize Maduro, and Russia has sent aircraft to Venezuela amid reports that Maduro is looking to remove gold reserves from the country.

If the U.S. wants Guaido to be successful, he is going to need military help, and that would mean a full-blown invasion of Venezuela.

A full-blown invasion of Venezuela would be an ugly, bloody war. Without a doubt, the U.S. would ultimately win, but global opinion would turn against us very rapidly just like it did during the wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq.

We live at a time of wars and rumors of wars, and hopefully this will just turn out to be one of those rumors.

Because going to war with Venezuela is one of the stupidest ideas that I have heard in a very long time, and President Trump must not do it.

This article was posted: Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 6:11 am

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Zero Hedge

February 5, 2019

Considering the vast technological progression witnessed in the last decade, 50 years was sufficient to close several gaps with human beings and mankind must set thorough rules and defined boundaries before it is too late.

That is the ominous warning from Luca De Ambroggi, the research and analysis lead for AI solutions within the Transformative Technology team at London-based global information provider IHS Markit:

In 50 years, it is reasonable to think that robots will be able to support and replace human being in several activities. Already electro-mechanical devices outperform humans in sensitiveness and reaction time.

He said: Artificial Intelligence is here, and its here for the long haul.

We are into the so called Narrow or Weak era of AI. It is weaker than human or is equal or superior just on few limited tasks and senses. If we fast forward 50 years, science fiction might come easily back in our mind. The difference is that by then we might not consider it anymore fiction.  This era is Generic  Multi Modal AI. It is comparable to human intelligence applied in all senses, working powerfully in parallel. However it is disrupting society and as it evolves, it will have major impacts on data security, labour and ethics.

Most alarmingly, Ambroggi notes that humans have to prevent machines being in a position to replace us, and no one else.

We need to go back into ethics. It is a common view that AI, and AI-driven devices/robots, will increase business and wealth all over the world.  It is again up to the regulator and administrator to be sure that all humans will benefit of it and not a few corporations. Even if our brain will still have advantages and human beings will remain more dynamic and versatile, electronics will be able to outperform humans in several specific functions, as it does today, from machine vision, to audio/speech recognition.

We already see the evolution

A few years ago Honhai implemented intelligence machine personnel in their production lines in the same way as computers or other equipment replaced humans 30-40 years back. 

Looking further ahead, The Express reports that Mr. Ambroggi considered the idea of robots one day being regarded as having consciousness, and therefore being considered independent lifeforms. He explained:

We should also mention consciousness. We can argue that even consciousness comes from experience, as you see in the human behaviour that is extremely differentiated in the various part of the world. If so, AI can and will address it, because experience is replicable. This is very possible to be a reality as well, perhaps not in the next 50 years, but technology has evolved so quickly I wouldnt want to doubt itWhen we study biology, a living being has to have at least one living cellular unit. 

All of which leads to the last, final solution, question

The longer term question is, can the replaced people be re-qualified and be allowed to still add value in our society?

He has an answer for that too Superhumans !!

So far it is not the case but clearly this might be overcome in the future. Human intelligence can be enhanced with an AI-Chip implant, but then are we entering new realms and defining what is and what isnt a hybrid humanoid? Superhuman is the last step, and I fear to use the word last. It is what drives the future of the research.  Whatever will be above human capabilities. Before that, we better be sure to have in place good regulations, methodologies and ethical processes to ensure to take advantage of the positive side of the technology.

Perhaps, the majority of Americans are right after  to fear the AI Apocalypse

Statistas Katharina Buchholz reports that according to a survey conducted byOxford Universitys Center for the Governance of AI, many Americans fear a future where mechanisms of AI become too intelligent. When asked what kind of impact high-level machine intelligence would have on humanity, 34 percent of respondents thought it would be negative, with 12 percent going for the option very bad, possibly human extinction. Only 27 percent of respondents believed in a positive outcome, 21 percent thought AI wouldnt change the future much and 18 percent said they didnt know what impact AI would have.

When asked to consider a negative future outcome of AI technology, Americans ranked the AI apocalypse as more catastrophic than the possible failure to address climate change, even though respondents said that it was less likely to happen.

You will find more infographics at Statista

The respondents of the study said that they would trust university researchers most to build and responsibly manage AI technology. 50 percent said they had at least a fair amount of confidence in their ability in the field. The U.S. military at 49 percent came in a close second. Also, more Americans trust Microsoft with advanced AI technology (44 percent) than Amazon (41 percent), Google (39 percent), Apple (36 percent) or Facebook (18 percent).

Overall, a large majority of Americans agreed that robots and other systems of artificial intelligence needed careful supervision. Despite the fears, more Americans agreed that high-level machine intelligence should be developed than said it should not.

The survey also found that respondents underestimated the prevalence of AI technology. While Americans rightly assumed that driverless cars and virtual assistants use AI and machine learning mechanisms, fewer thought of Netflix recommendations, Google Translate or Google Search as products that use those technologies.

This article was posted: Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 6:35 am

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Politburo member Hue asked after the health and lives of locals and delivered 100 Tet gifts to social welfare beneficiaries and poor households in the two communes of Nghi Phong and Nghi Thai.

Voicing his delight at the socio-economic achievements attained by Nghi Loc over the past year, the deputy PM asked the local Party committee, authorities and people to continue fostering solidarity and strive to harvest greater results in 2019.

He urged for measures taken to support the disadvantaged households, encouraging the needy households to rise above and promptly overcome difficulties.

On the same day, Nguyen Thien Nhan, Politburo member and Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, headed a delegation of the city to visit and offer Tet greetings to officers and soldiers of the HCM City Police and the municipal High Command on the occasion of the Lunar New Year and the 89th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3, 1930-2019).

Nguyen Thien Nhan, Politburo member and Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, extends Tet greetings to officiers and soldiers of the HCM City Police.

Nhan recognised and highly appreciated the significant contributions of the municipal police force in ensuring political security, social order and safety across the locality, especially during the upcoming Tet.

Visiting the HCM City High Command, the Politburo member extended his Tet greetings to all the officers, soldiers and their families.

He spoke highly of the crucial role of the army force in advisory work, combat readiness and exercises, especially in the coordination with functional forces to ensure political security and social order and safety ahead of, during and after the Tet festival.

On the same day, the municipal leader also paid pre-Tet visits to the Party organisations, authorities and people in District 10 and District 11.
ABC/Randy HolmesIn 2019, Michael Rays set to play an array of fairs, festivals, and club dates, as well as a couple shows with Old Dominion. Appropriately, hes calling his shows this year the Nineteen Tour.

Next month, the Florida native heads across the Atlantic to do his first shows in the United Kingdom, with stops in Glasgow, Scotland and London, England, as part of the Country 2 Country festival. Immediately afterwards, hell fly to Australia for four dates that are part of CMC Rocks.

You can check out Michael's full schedule on his website.

Also on the agenda for Michael this year may very well be his wedding to Carly Pearce. The two got engaged in December, though they havent revealed exactly when they plan to tie the knot.

Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
New York Times publishes glowing article about group

Paul Joseph Watson

PrisonPlanet.com

February 5, 2019

Muslims in NYC are carrying out community patrols in Brooklyn while driving cars that look almost identical to NYPD vehicles, leading some to describe the situation as Sharia Police.

The New York Times wrote a lengthy, glowing piece about the patrols, with one hijab-wearing Muslim woman commenting that they made her feel safe from harassment.

With everything going on, you sort of feel like the whole world is against Muslims, she said. So it feels good to know that there is someone there, watching out.

According to CAIR, the group is the first of its kind in the entire country, and a justifiable response to the 14 bias-crime incidents recorded against Muslims last year (in a city of 8.6 million people).

The groups vice president Noor Rabah said the patrols were like a neighborhood watch but on steroids. Currently boasting 30 members, the group plans to grow its fleet of two cars to five by the end of the month and eventually expanding citywide.

Not at all comfortable with this. Muslim Community Patrol in NYC, driving cars that look identical to NYPD RMPs, commented John Cardillo, adding, This looks a lot like Sharia Police. In Brooklyn.

Not at all comfortable with this. Muslim Community Patrol in NYC, driving cars that look identical to NYPD RMPs. This looks a lot like Sharia Police. In Brooklyn. pic.twitter.com/U5RNy5clc8  John Cardillo (@johncardillo) 4 February 2019

Similar patrols in East London didnt turn out to be so community-friendly, with hardline Islamists attempting to impose Sharia law on unsuspecting members of the public.

A CNN report shows Muslim men harassing alcohol drinkers, gay men and women wearing skirts above their knees.

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Paul Joseph Watson is the editor at large of Infowars.com and Prison Planet.com.

This article was posted: Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 11:26 am

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The more money communists make the more they preach morality to others

Paul Joseph Watson

PrisonPlanet.com

February 5, 2019

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini told an open borders leftist that the government would send him 10 to 20 migrants to personally take care of before commenting, the more money communists make the more they preach morality to others.

The exchange happened during Salvinis appearance in the Adriatic resort town of Giulianova this past weekend.

After the leftist called Salvini a shitty murderer, the Italian populist responded, A round of applause for the gentleman who has won ten immigrants for his home. Give your first name, family name, fiscal code, we will send you 20, and you take care of them. Lunch, supper, dinner, my friend.

Salvini then pointed out the hypocrisy of middle class leftists who welcome mass immigration while largely avoiding its consequences, which instead burden the poor.

The more money communists make, the more they preach morality to others, he remarked.

The murderers are those who have been the accomplices of the smugglers who have transformed the Mediterranean Sea into an open air cemetery, Salvini asserted.

He also pointed out that criminal people smugglers buy arms and drugs which are then sold in Italy.

I will never in my life be an accomplice to drug dealers in Giulianova, and I will send those people back home, from the first to the last, from the first to the last, said Salvini.

Salvinis comments serve as a reminder that studies show leftists, despite all their virtue signalling, are more miserly when it comes to donating to charity, with poorer conservatives being more generous.

Over the last few years, numerous social experiments, such as the one below, have proven that leftists are enthusiastic about mass immigration but suddenly go shy when asked to personally house migrants themselves.

Pro-migrant French welcome more refugees! But when asked to house one, their enthusiasm suddenly disappears. https://t.co/GQMwUZZOAp pic.twitter.com/DHH4R6hyPK  Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) May 5, 2017

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Paul Joseph Watson is the editor at large of Infowars.com and Prison Planet.com.

This article was posted: Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 10:45 am

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Breitbart

February 5, 2019

Covington Catholic High School student Nick Sandmanns legal team released a 15-minute video on Friday exposing the truth about what happened to him at Januarys March for Life.



Sandmanns lead attorney, nationally-recognized First Amendment expert L. Lin Wood, said in a tweet Saturday that the release of the full video was meant to show the full truth of what happened to his client at the March for Life, combating many of the agenda-driven accusations and threats resulting from the piecemeal 30-second clips circulating the Internet:

Some say a 15-minute video is too long to go viral. Will we allow incomplete 30-second video clips to be basis for agenda-driven false accusations & threats against a 16-year old student? Please share the full truth about what was done to Nick Sandmann. https://t.co/QGglyZwiIa  Lin Wood (@LLinWood) February 2, 2019

The 15-minute video montage placed all the 30-second video clips together in one timeline to combat some of the false narratives promoted by figures in the mainstream media, celebrities, politicians, and church leaders, and to show all of Sandmanns actions leading up to the confrontation with Native American activist Nathan Phillips.

Two weeks ago, the mainstream media, politicians, church officials, commentators & celebrities rushed to judgment to wrongfully condemn, threaten, disparage & vilify Nick Sandmann based solely on a few seconds of an out-of-context video clip. It only takes 15 minutes to learn the truth, the YouTube videos description stated.

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Michael Snyder

End Of The American Dream

February 5, 2019

Scientists tell us that someday the Big One will strike California and large portions of the coastline will plunge into the ocean almost instantly.

Could it be possible that we are a lot closer to that day than many had anticipated? Over the past several days, there has been a lot of shaking along the North American portion of the Ring of Fire. In particular, during a 24 hour period over the weekend one area of the California coastline was hit by 10 earthquakes of at least magnitude 3.0, and this created such a stir that it made the front page of the Drudge Report. The following comes from a local California newspaper

Ten earthquakes of preliminary magnitudes between 3.0 and 4.5 struck off the coast of Northern California between Saturday and Sunday, the United States Geological Survey reports.

Hopefully all of this shaking will turn out to be nothing, but many are concerned that they could potentially be foreshocks of a larger event.

Once the first quake hit early on Saturday, they just kept happening one after another

The first earthquake struck early Saturday morning at a magnitude of 4.3, while a second earthquake, of 3.2 magnitude, rumbled about 30 minutes later. Three additional earthquakes hit between 4:30 p.m. and 5:38 p.m. Saturday in the same area, registering magnitudes between 2.9 and 3.6, USGS reported. A 3.0-magnitude earthquake struck that night, at 11:37 p.m. The geological activity continued into Sunday. USGS reported four earthquakes near Petrolia between 2:18 p.m. and 4:05 p.m. The earthquakes ranged in magnitude from 3.4 to 4.5.

Further south along the Ring of Fire, Mexico was hit by an even larger earthquake on Friday

A strong earthquake jolted southern Mexico on Friday, rattling nerves and swaying tall buildings hundreds of miles away in the capital, but there were no reports of serious damage, injuries or deaths. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the quake had a magnitude of 6.6. It was centered about 10 miles from the city of Tapachula in Chiapas state and struck at a depth of 40 miles.

If you follow my work on a regular basis, then you already know that I have been regularly documenting the dramatic rise in global seismic activity.

The crust of our planet is cracked, and we are just floating on the pieces. Now those pieces appear to be getting increasingly unstable, and that could mean big trouble for all of us.

I know that the weather is nice and that there are lots of good paying jobs out there, but at this point I dont know why anyone would still want to live along the California coast. In a previous article, I shared a quote from a news story about a scientific study that had come to the conclusion that a massive earthquake could plunge large parts of California into the sea almost instantly

The Big One may be overdue to hit California, but scientists near LA have found a new risk for the area during a major earthquake. They claim that if a major tremor hits the area, it could plunge large parts of California into the sea almost instantly. The discovery was made after studying the Newport-Inglewood fault, which has long been believed to be one of Southern Californias danger zones.

And there probably will be little to no warning when that occurs.

One day it will seem like everything is just fine, and then disaster will strike.

According to Cal State Fullerton professor Matt Kirby, it is something that would happen relatively instantaneously

Cal State Fullerton professor Matt Kirby, who worked with the Leeper on the study, said the sinking would occur quickly and likely result in part of California being covered by the sea. Its something that would happen relatively instantaneously, Prof Kirby said. Probably today if it happened, you would see seawater rushing in.

In other words, by the time you have figured out what is happening it will be too late.

Meanwhile, scientists are alarmed by the drama that continues to unfold at Mount St. Helens.

Most Americans think that it no longer poses an imminent threat, but the truth is that the area around the volcano has been very active in recent years

Since 1980, the area around the volcano has experienced tens of thousands of small earthquakes and numerous minor eruptions. Most notably, as of 2004, the volcano has been continuously erupting lava, which has created a large dome that is still growing.

Scientists tell us that the dome is now taller than the Empire State building and that it continues to grow about five meters a day

He added: What is really phenomenal is how much rock is still coming out of the ground. Its now taller than the Empire State building. Its coming up at five metres a day, more than 200 metres wide and its right here in our back yard.

It is just a matter of time before we see another eruption like the one that we witnessed back in 1980.

We live at a time when global seismic activity is going to continue to increase, and North America is going to get hit particularly hard because the entire west coast sits directly along the Ring of Fire.

And if you have been a regular reader of my work for a long time, than you already know that I am even more concerned about Mount Rainier than I am about Mount St. Helens. But that is a topic for another article.

I know that there are a lot of people out there that plan to leave the west coast once things start getting really crazy, but when it comes to major seismic events, you might not get any warning.

Hopefully there will not be a major seismic event in the U.S. in the very near future, but without a doubt global seismic activity is on the rise, and all of this shaking on the west coast has a lot of people very, very nervous right now.

This article was posted: Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 6:15 am

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Free Beacon

February 5, 2019

Democratic Rep. Xochitl Torres Small, a freshman from New Mexico, said on Saturday that she had seen parts of the border between the United States and Mexico where the wall works.

Torres Small was interviewed by a local New Mexico television station about her recent appointment to chair the House Homeland Security Committees subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and Accountability. During the interview, Torres Small expressed that Congress had to take a comprehensive approach to border security that considered needs on the ground.

The last time physical barriers were funded by Congress it was based on a mile-by-mile assessment of what was needed on the terrain, the congresswoman told KOB, an NBC-affiliated station. Thats a real plan. Thats real border security. Not just a bunch of money that you want for a barrier.

Torres Small, whose congressional district contains New Mexicos entire border with Mexico, admitted that there were areas where more border patrol was required and even areas where the wall works.

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This article was posted: Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 7:37 am

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The Last Refuge

February 5, 2019

The front-story is that Mitch McConnell organized his Decepticon coalition to warn President Trump not to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan and Syria. However, the more true back-story is McConnell warning President Trump that he has assembled his impeachment coalition.

The Senate passed a sense of the senate resolution today demanding that President Trump keep troops actively engaged in perpetual war.

The resolution passed the cloture vote by a margin of 68 to 23. When you understand the background of the Senate Cloture Scheme (see Trade Promotion Authority and TPP), todays Senate vote essentially highlights the Decepticon caucus. [The Big Club]

Heres how they voted:

(link)

Those who have followed Mitch McConnell for a long time will immediately notice the republican names in his coalition. They are the identical recipients of direct payments made by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue.

Notice also that Senator McConnell timed his rebuke against President Trump to take place just prior to the State of the Union address.

A d v e r t i s e m e n t



In addition to demanding perpetual war (and all the financial benefits therein), the republican vote is a signal to the republican President that he will not be allowed to defy the will of the Big Club.

In many ways this is also the deep swamp protecting themselves from the structural reform which would happen as a consequence of President Trump draining the swamp. Remember, the 2016/2017 Intelligence Community (CIA, DOJ, FBI) operation against Donald Trump was NOT exclusively supported by Democrats. Just like the Republican apparatus supported the DOJ/IRS targeting of the Tea Party, the Republican wing of the same apparatus also supported the Spygate agenda against Donald Trump.

With this vote McConnell is warning President Trump he has enough votes to support the Pelosi/Schumer impeachment agenda; if needed.

This article was posted: Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 6:24 am

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Newsbusters

February 5, 2019

As part of First Lady Melania Trumps Be Best anti-bullying campaign, she invited Wilmington, Delaware 6th grader Joshua Trump to be one of the guests at Tuesdays State of the Union. By now you probably figured out that while he shared no relation with the President, Joshua was bullied because they share the same last name. But that gesture rubbed CNN hosts Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon the wrong way during Mondays Prime Time.

I hate bullies, you hate bullies. You got to feel for this kid. My concern, though, about tomorrow night is that hes going to be used as a political pawn, Cuomo speculated. That of all the different kinds of bullying that goes on, theyre highlighting somebody giving Trump a hard time.

Despite claiming he thought it was a good thing that she invited him, Lemon also suggested Joshua was going to be used as a political pawn. You know, I dont know. I hope that theyre not using it for political expediency, he sighed.

Cuomo then seemed to take a shot at Joshuas parents for allowing him to be a guest of the White House:

No, Im just worried the  Im worried about the kid because hes got enough trouble, you know? His family is letting him go out there, hopefully, to empower him, give him some confidence in himself. And now if he becomes representative of the President you dont want to put that on somebody, let alone this kid.

Thats where I was going, Lemon agreed. If they really dont want to draw attention to his last name and keep him from being bullied, maybe its not the best thing for him to go to the State of the Union and get all of this press.

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This article was posted: Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 7:34 am

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American Mirror

February 5, 2019

Democrats wont give $5.7 billion for a border wall, but they want to give $100 billion to virtue signal.

Marianne Williamson, a best selling author and 2020 Democratic candidate, appeared on CNNs New Day late last week and called for $100 billion in reparations for African-Americans for slavery.

We need a moral and spiritual awakening in the country, Williamson said.

Nothing short of that is adequate to fundamentally change the patterns of our political dysfunction, she added.

We need someone to articulate whats happening, the deeper levels of moral dysfunction, she continued.

I have had a 35-year career in naming and transforming those dynamics. Thats my qualification for the presidency at this time, she said.

A d v e r t i s e m e n t



As CNN anchor John Berman lobbed softball questions about her proposal  which would certainly face an uphill battle in Congress  it became clear that Williamson is dead serious about it.

I believe $100 billion given to a council to apply this money to economic projects and educational projects of renewal for that population is a debt to be paid, she said.

Williamson is a self-described spiritual friend and counselor to Oprah Winfrey and believes that her proposals align with public opinion.

When asked by Berman how she sees a path to victory, Williamson bizarrely said, My strategy isnt strategy.

My strategy is that I seek to speak as deeply, articulately and passionately as I can, she said.

Im not trying to figure out what to say to get people to vote for me. Im seeking to have the conversation that I believe we need to be having. These are very serious times. We need to be very serious, deep thinkers, she added.

Less than two weeks ago, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., also made a similar argument.

While speaking at an event honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., the 29-year-old lawmaker appeared to be arguing for racial reparations in America.

This article was posted: Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 6:19 am

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Southbury, CT (06488)

Today

Showers and thundershowers this morning, then cloudy with rain likely during the afternoon. High 73F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low 49F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
South Africa gems that sparked rush are quartz not diamonds The South African government says that stones found in a village last month are

Police arrest two Karela fans over attack on Medeama players Police have arrested two persons believed to be Karela United fans who attacked
German watchdog probes Apple's market dominance The Federal Cartel Office (FCO) said the initial investigation will look at

Judiciary not above criticism  NDC tells CJ, stands with Dr Ayine The NDC has jumped to the defense of Dr Ayine after the Chief Justice seeks to
Ghana to establish cocoa processing plant in Rwanda Ghana is collaborating to establish a chocolate production plant in Rwanda to

Tokyo Olympics: Ugandan tests positive for Covid in Japan A member of Uganda's Olympic squad has become the first to test positive for
Ghana to establish cocoa processing plant in Rwanda Ghana is collaborating to establish a chocolate production plant in Rwanda to

Police arrest two Karela fans over attack on Medeama players Police have arrested two persons believed to be Karela United fans who attacked
FRANCONIA [mdash] Donald "Don" Swift was born in Montreal, Quebec, on March 3, 1954, and passed peacefully from his battle with cancer on June 13, 2021, with some family by his side. He is formerly of Scarborough, Ontario, and Beaconsfield, Quebec. He is survived by his two daughters: Katie 
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.
It seems like right now that NJ Transit is giving us excuses and, quite frankly, lies, Mazzeo said Tuesday. Now Im wondering  is there a bigger issue going on that the Atlantic City Rail Line isnt going to be running again?

The revelation that NJ Transit wasnt beholden to the FRAs approval felt like another blow to commuters, he said.

Apparently that wasnt the truth at all and it has nothing to do with the feds inspecting it, he said. Its unfortunate. The riders are going to be the ones hurting from this.

+3 Mazzeo, Armato demand answers on Atlantic City Rail Line reopening Assemblymen Vincent Mazzeo and John Armato are urging NJ Transit to announce when the Atlant

The statutory 90-day period for the review of NJ Transits application ends March 14, a spokesperson said, but the FRA hopes to finish it as soon as possible.

U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, D-2nd, said the FRAs clarification raises questions about NJ Transit reliability.

Again: Are we getting accurate information from NJ Transit? Van Drew asked. Of course they told us that (the FRA) was restricting us, that they couldnt (reopen the line) because of the federal government  and then we found out that, no, that isnt accurate.

Many commuters in South Jersey need the line to get to work, so the Atlantic City line should be restored before others, Van Drew said, but most of all, they need to be told the truth.
ATLANTIC CITY  The newly formed Atlantic City Community Fund has raised more than $30,000 from its founding supporters, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the Community Foundation of South Jersey, and is ready to fund its first projects, organizers said Tuesday.

The fund, led by Evan Sanchez of Hayday Coffee and efforts to develop the Orange Loop on the beach blocks of New York and Tennessee avenues and St. James Place, will begin accepting grant applications.

The group is looking to fund activities that improve the conditions and quality of life of all who live, work and play in Atlantic City, it said in a news release.

Grant guidelines and application instructions can be found at ACCommunityFund.org/apply. The deadline to apply for the first round of funding is April 1.

Atlantic City is in the midst of a renaissance, and the Atlantic City Community Fund is here to help ensure that it is community-driven and sustainable over the long haul, said Sanchez, president of the Atlantic City Community Fund Board of Advisers. We strongly believe a thriving Atlantic City includes all of the citys stakeholders.
Goldsmith said that was one of the reasons Weymouth wanted to join the lawsuit, along with the Brick Township, Toms River and Freehold Regional school districts, against the state over the new formula.

I think theres strength in numbers, and because were such a small district, anything that we try to do on our own would be very difficult, Goldsmith said. By joining with a group of other districts, most of which are much larger than ours, were playing with the big boys and well be part of a combined voice that will be very powerful.

Schools with the biggest enrollment changes in five years School districts in Atlantic County shed thousands of students in the last five years, accor

This school year, Weymouths state aid was cut 3.45 percent, or $80,000, from the $2.33 million it received in 2017-18. The districts state aid makes up nearly half of its $5 million budget. Alfieri said it would be impossible for the district to raise the revenue it lost through a tax increase.

In a community like this, one penny of tax increase raises only $16,000, Alfieri said, citing the 2 percent cap on tax-levy increases.

He said nearly 25 percent of the townships 2,700 residents live in a mobile home park and dont pay property taxes on their homes, and that the township has a low ratable base with few commercial properties.
The outgoing governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday presented the 2019 budget proposal of N852.316 billion to the House of Assembly.

He said the proposals were carefully prepared to be all-encompassing and dedicated to complete major ongoing projects in the state.

Mr Ambode said 54 per cent of the budget  462.757 billion  had been earmarked for capital expenditure while 46 per cent  389.560 billion had been dedicated to recurrent expenditure.

He said key projects such as the Oshodi-Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road and Oshodi Interchange Terminal, among others would be completed.

The 2019 budget presentation came amidst a protracted disagreement between the executive and the legislature resulting in the latter threatening to begin impeachment proceedings against the governor.

The lawmakers accused the governor of illegal budgetary spendings and gross misconduct.

The crisis, however, was settled last Sunday as the All Progressives Congress national leader, Bola Tinubu, and other party leaders waded in.

Mr Ambode said from the inception of his administration, nine key areas were given priority after careful assessment of the needs of the citizens. He said such had informed the massive investment in the said sectors.

Giving details of what informed the budget size, Mr Ambode said the performance of the 2018 budget of N1.046 trillion as at November 2018 stood at 60 per cent owing to a reduction in revenue projections, while the total revenue stood at N530.192 billion.

In the outgoing year, however, we experienced a reduction in our revenue projections, which affected our projected performance and our desired implementation of the Y2018 Budget, Mr Ambode said.

The overall Budget performance as at November 2018 stood at 60 percent/N574,206billion with actual cumulative total revenue of N530,192billion/64 per cent, Capital Expenditure closed at N311,930billion/49 per cent and Recurrent Expenditure performed at N262,276billion/82 per cent.

In preparing the Year 2019 Budget, therefore, we were very mindful of the out-going year performance, the yearnings of our people and the fact that we are going into an election year. Consequently, we are today presenting a Budget that will be all-encompassing, reflect the level of resources that will be available and with special consideration to the completion of major on-going projects in the State.

While outlining the key components of the 2019 budget and the sectoral allocations, the governor said with priority given to completion of major infrastructure projects and smooth transition to the next administration, the government was proposing a total budget size of N852,316,936,483, including a deficit financing of N77.086 billion which is expected to be sourced from internal loans and other sources.

The projected total revenue for Year 2019 is 775.231billion, of which 606.291billion is expected to be generated internally,168.940billion is expected from Federal Transfers while a total of 77.086billion will be sourced through deficit financing within our medium term expenditure framework.

In 2019, as was with our previous budgets, Economic Affairs still dominates the sectoral allocation of the proposed budget.

This is due to our continued focus on the completion of major on-going projects such as: Oshodi-Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road; Agege Pen Cinema Flyover; Phase II of Aradagun-Iworo -Epeme Road, Oshodi Interchange Terminal; completion of JK Randle Complex, Onikan Stadium; Imota Rice Mill; Renovation/Furnishing of Lagos Revenue House, amongst others in order to meet their specified deliverable outcomes without any bias or prejudice to others.

Expressing optimism that the revenue of the state would improve in 2019, Mr Ambode said the government had begun consolidating on the already established public financial management and technology-driven revenue reforms through data integration and use of multi-payment channels, just as he said that every stratum of the society would benefit from the budget.

The Year 2019 Budget has been carefully planned to accommodate all and sundry; women, youth and physically challenged, young and old. We will continue to spread development to all part of our state even as we embark on effective transition knowing fully well that the implementation, failure or success of the Budget depend on all of us, he said.

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In his address, Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, denied the allegations that the lawmakers spend 800 monthly as running cost.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday took his campaign to Ekiti State, restating his commitment to fighting corruption.

Mr Buhari who was greeted by a huge crowd at the State Pavillion, Ado Ekiti, said fighting corruption in Nigeria is not an easy task.

He, however, vowed never to be dissuaded in the task of ridding the nation of corruption in line with the promise he made in 2015.

At the rally were the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; Governors

Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo),

Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Ibikule Amosun (Ogun); former All Progressives

Congress (APC) Interim National Chairman, Bisi Akande, and Olusola Oke, among others.

Some members of the state House of Assembly and chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also used the campaign rally to decamp to the APC.

The lawmakers were led by the Speaker, Ebenezer Alagbada. They include Cecelia Dada representing Ilejemeje constituency and Olanrewaju Olayanju from Emure constituency.

According to the president, he is conscious of the promises he made

four years ago, particularly the fight against corruption, insecurity and economic diversification.

We are fighting corruption but it has not been easy. But we told the security agencies to keep a tab on those on our watch list and ensure that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that those who have cases to answer doe not escape justice, he said.

As part of our promises, we are building roads, rail lines and fighting corruption. We introduced Treasury Single Account and increased power supply, so Nigerians can have their own businesses.

I want to be grateful to Ekiti voters because the two times I came here, I achieved successes. I came here in 2014 and I also came here to campaign for Fayemi, he won the governorship election, so I thank you.

In an earlier meeting with traditional rulers in Ekiti, Mr Buhari urged them to support his reelection bid and his government for sustainable peace in Ekiti State and beyond.

He said he had not betrayed the country on the promises he made in 2015 to secure the nation, fight corruption and diversify the economy and make Nigeria self-sustaining through local production.

Mr Osinbajo, who addressed the crown in Yoruba, said $383 billion was received as proceeds from oil between 2010 and 2014 under Goodluck Jonathan, but nothing was achieved with it.

If that money had been utilised judiciously, all the roads, rail lines and employment we are creating would have long been in place for Nigerians, he said.

Buhari built three refineries as Minister of Petroleum under military era. No government has ever added one, not even during the 16 years of PDP

Dont let them deceive you, vote for a president you can trust, that is President Buhari.

Mr Osinbajo added that youth employment is paramount to Buharis government, saying this was why the administration brought about N-power scheme to empower young graduates.

Also speaking, the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, said it would be a big mistake if Nigerians returned the PDPs presidential candidate, Abubakar Atiku, in the February 16 polls.

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How many times did Obasanjo say Atiku stole PTDFs money? The answer he always gave was that his former boss too stole money. Is this the kind of person you want to vote for? Mr Oshiomhole said.
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The Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has sentenced a 29-year-old woman, Sekinat Owolabi, to nine years imprisonment for human trafficking.

This information was contained in a statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Tuesday.

Ms Owolabi was arraigned by NAPTIP at court, on a three-count charge of organising the foreign travel of a 19-year-old female victim to Mali, for exploitative prostitution.

According to the statement, This contravenes sections 15 (a), 16 and 19 (b) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003 (as amended in 2005).

The victim, who was rescued by the Nigeria Immigration Services and handed over to NAPTIP, aided the agency in the subsequent arrest of the suspect.

Having listened to the witness and the evidence tendered by the Agencys prosecutors, the presiding Judge, Maureen Onyetenu, found the defendant guilty of the three-count Charge and sentenced Ms Owolabi to prison.

According to Ms Oyentenu, the defendant is to serve three years imprisonment on the first count, four years on the second count, and two years on the third count.

Ms Onyetenu added that the sentences are, however, to run concurrently for four years without an option of fine.

The statement adds that the director-general of NAPTIP, Julie Okah-Donli, while reacting to the news of the conviction, lauded the collaborative efforts of the officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service in rescuing the victim and handing her over to NAPTIP, which led to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect.

According to Ms Okah-Donli This kind of collaboration among law enforcement agencies is what is needed in combating human trafficking in Nigeria.

Our prosecutors will do their utmost best to successfully prosecute the human traffickers and cases handed over to us, she said.

It would be recalled that NAPTIP had, a few weeks ago, raised an alarm about the high number of Nigerian girls trafficked to Mali, and who are under sexually exploitative conditions.

Ms Okah-Donli also called on all concerned arms of government and the international community to help in working out modalities towards the successful rescue and effective rehabilitation of these Nigerian girls, the statement highlighted.
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The Ondo State Police Command will be deploying a total of 2000 police personnel for the operation of ensuring total security in Akure, the Ondo State capital and its environs on Tuesday.

The reason for such deployment is that Nigerias president, who is also the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari, and his campaign team will arrive in the state for a mega rally.

The police spokesperson, Femi Joseph, told PREMIUM TIMES on Monday in a telephone conversation that adequate arrangements had been made to provide the needed security to make sure that party adherents, the president and others attending the rally were protected.

He said the police was also working on avoiding ugly occurrences, such as the one that was recorded in Oyo State, where two persons were left dead after an APC rally.

We are fully prepared, body and soul; physically and logistically, the police spokesperson, said.

We have prepared an operational order, and 2000 police officers will be deployed and supervised by the Commissioner of Police and other Area Commanders.

We are starting our operations from the Akure Airport to the Moshood Abiola Democracy Park and other areas where the President will be visiting.

Mr Joseph further disclosed that other security agencies such as the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Security, and Civil Defence Corps and related agencies would be complementing the efforts of the police.

According to him, efforts were being made to ensure that no harm comes to the President during the visit, adding that although there could be some over-zealous persons who might be making efforts to reach the president, the task of the police would be that such moves would not be allowed to degenerate into violence.

We are, no doubt, expecting a huge crowd, given that Ondo State is an APC state, but we are prepared to handle any situation that may arise, Mr Joseph added.

The president had earlier visited Akwa Ibom and Delta States and had commenced the tour of South West states with a visit to Osun State last week.
A forensic expert, Raphael Onwuzuligbo, on Monday, told a Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, that one Semasa James, a prince in Badagry, forged the signatures of the administrators of his late fathers estate.

Mr James and his alleged accomplice, Afolabi Kazeem, are facing trial over a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, forgery of company resolution, and fraudulent disposal of trust property.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Mr James fraudulently converted a N500 million property belonging to his late father between 2000 and 2017.

According to O. O Olabisi, the prosecutor for the police Special Fraud Unit: To gain illegal access to his late fathers estate, the defendant had in 2011, forged the resolution of a company called CAJ Industrial Enterprises dated Nov. 28, 2011.

He had purported that the resolution was signed by his father, who was one of the directors of the company meanwhile his father had died nine years earlier on January 30, 2002.

The defendant had forged the resolution with the intent that it will be acted upon as genuine to the prejudice of any person, he said.

The prosecutor also noted that Mr James had also forged a purchase receipt dated November 15, 2004, and an undated deed of assignment between himself, Bolarinwa James, Alakija (nee James), Hon. Justice Adebayo Adeniji and Mrs Saidat Taiwo.

The offences, the police said, contravened sections 383(1), 383(2)(f), 390(9), 421,434, 465 and 467 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

At the resumed trial on Monday, Mr Onwuzuligbo, a former Assistant Superintendent of Police, said the result of his forensic analysis showed that the defendant forged the signatures of the administrators of his late fathers estate.

Mr Onwuzuligbo, who said he has more than 27 years experience in forensic examination, was formerly attached to the Forensic Science Laboratory, Force CID, Alagbon, Lagos.

The administrators, whose signatures were allegedly forged by the defendant, according to him, are Mausi James-Alakija, the first defendants sister; late Bolarinwa James; and Adebayo Adeniji who were all administrators to the family estate.

My employer, Master Patterns Forensic Services Ltd, received a purchase receipt, deed of assignment and the international passport of one Bolarinwa James to analyse, Mr Onwuzuligbo said.

The forensic examiner showed the court a side by side comparison of the samples of the real signatures of the administrators and the purported fake signatures.

He noted that he had found that the real signature samples of the administrators of the late kings estate which were given to him by the complainant for analysis to be clear and legible.

During the analysis, I was able to extract these master patterns.

My Lord these are the doubted (forged) signatures and these are the undoubted (original) signatures.

He said he used analysers, magnifiers, and other forensic tools to arrive at his conclusion.

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The judge, Oluwatoyin Taiwo, adjourned till February 8 and 13 for the continuation of trial.

At the last court sitting, Mrs Alakija-James, while testifying against the first defendant, her elder brother, accused him of mismanaging their late fathers estate.

She said their father passed away in January 2002, and left behind 26 children out of which three are deceased.

He left behind properties in areas such as Surulere, Lagos Island, and a lot of land in Badagry.
The Federal High Court, Abuja, has declared George Ogara as the authentic governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu state.

Justice Inyang Ekwo on Tuesday ordered that Mr Ogaras name be forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the duly nominated governorship candidate of the APC in Enugu state.

This, he said, was because Mr Ogara scored the highest votes cast in the 270 wards of the 17 local government areas of the state.

Mr Ogara had filed a suit against Ayogu Eze; the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole; Moses Momoh and INEC before the court, challenging Mr Ezes emergence as the APC governorship candidate for the March 2, elections.

Justice Ekwo, therefore, directed the INEC to recognise Mr Ogara as the candidate of the APC for the purpose of 2019 governorship election in the state.

He held that the direct primary election of the party that produced Mr Ogara as the partys governorship candidate was in compliance with the partys guidelines as well as the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended).

The judge restrained INEC from accepting any other name than Mr Ogaras, for the purpose of the election in Enugu state.

The plaintiff, having scored the highest number of votes cast by members of the APC in Enugu state for the governorship direct primary election at the 260 wards, is the nominated candidate of the APC, the judge said.

Justice Ekwo held that Mr Oshiomhole, Mr Momoh and the APCs refusal, neglect and/or failure to forward Mr Ogaras name to INEC as the candidate of APC contravened the law.

He also held that the refusal of INEC to publish Mr Ogaras name as the candidate of APC for the governorship election was contrary to provisions of Section 87 (3) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and Article 20 of the APC Constitution.

In his reaction, Mr Eze vowed to reclaim his ticket.

Mr Eze made the vow in a statement issued by his campaign organisations chief spokesperson, Okey Ezirigwe, in Enugu on Tuesday.

Mr Ezirigwe said that the movement towards President Buharis re-election and the decisive victory in the governorship elections in Enugu State remained `unwaveringly on course.

Our train is on the move. There is no stopping this great Rescue race to victory

Our lawyers have briefed us about a strange judgment by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja which tends to void the primaries conducted by the party in Enugu State.

We want our teeming party supporters to disregard this reckless adventure from the bench, an adventure they knew would be discharged in due course.

Our lawyers have assured us that all necessary legal steps are being taken to discharge this obvious miscarriage of justice within the next couple of days.

Our party faithful and supporters from across the parties should remain calm and resolute while our lawyers are dealing with this minor distraction and irritation.

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We are however, humbled by the overwhelming outpouring of solidarity from our large supporters and ever growing support base, not only from every corner of our dear Enugu but from beyond.

We appreciate their calling our attention to a curious Abuja court order which, as the saying goes, is really of no issue at all, he said.

The spokesperson said Mr Eze remained the candidate of APC in Enugu State.

He said that they were going on with their campaign in full assurance that Mr Eze would emerge as the Governor of Enugu State in March 2.

Mr Ezirigwe said that the alleged celebration by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its leadership over this judgment had further indicated that Mr Eze was a big scare to the rattled PDP.

He called on the teeming supporters to ignore the court decision purchased by a desperate political party for their sponsored agent to cause distraction and continue with the already laid down campaign programmes.

Mr Ezirigwe used the opportunity to congratulate the APC on the victory secured at the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt in respect to the Rivers State governorship and other candidates.

(NAN)
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will deploy 277 generating sets to its Registration Area Centres (RAC) in Enugu State for the general elections.

Emeka Ononamadu, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that the generating sets were both brand new and refurbished ones.

He said one generating set would be deployed to each of the 260 political wards in the state while the remaining sets would be on stand-by at the state headquarters.

We are going to deploy generating sets and non-sensitive materials before the election day.

INEC Enugu has concluded final verification of conditions of polling unit locations and RAC centres before now.

We had started preparation of the RAC, which are mostly in public schools for our ad hoc staffs comfort.

After refurbishing some of the RAC centres, we will move the non-sensitive materials including the generating sets to the RAC centres in the state, he said.

Enugu State currently has 1,942,776 registered voters and 4,146 voting locations comprising 2,958 polling units and 1,188 voting points.

(NAN)
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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it will deploy its entire staff in Enugu State Command for the general elections.

The Commandant of NSCDC in Enugu State, Steve Amoga, made the disclosure in Enugu on Tuesday in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

NAN reports that the general elections had been fixed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for February 16 and March 2 for Presidential/National Assembly and Governorship/State Assembly respectively.

Mr Amoga, who did not disclose the number of personnel to be deployed, said the personnel would include arm bearing officers, non-arm bearing officers, and plain-cloth officers.

We have a robust plan for the election to ensure security in the state before, during and after the elections.

We have concluded arms training for some staff as well as surveillance and intelligence training for other staff.

The command had done internal training on election duties for its entire staff.

There had been external election duty training by INEC and other agencies for some of the commands unit and section commanders as well as some selected staff.

We have fixed all our vehicles to give the officers and men the latitude for maximum mobility on the D-Days of the elections.

We are ensuring that no stone would be left unturned in our election preparation, he said.

The commandant, however, assured residents of the state of adequate security before, during and after the elections.

I urge the residents to work closely with NSCDC officers and men as well as members of sister security agencies to ensure violence-free and credible elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the fate of owners of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) lost in its Abia office fire would be decided after investigations.

It said that it has directed its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Abia to investigate and ascertain the level of damage at its office in Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area.

Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Okoye said that the eligibility of the owners of the burnt PVCs to participate in the forthcoming elections would be determined after the investigation.

The REC for Abia in conjunction with the security agency has been asked to ascertain the extent of the damage done to that office. He has also been asked to compile the list of PVCs burnt and other equipment that are inside that office.

It is when we get the comprehensive report in relation to the damage that was done that we will take a decision on what has happened.

On the issue of PVCs collection, you know we have taken a decison that it will end on February 8, which is already here.

But when we get the report, maybe tomorrow or next, we will take a decision on what to do in relation to PVCs that were burnt.

On whether we have the capacity to replace the PVCs before the election, it is when we get the report from the REC that we will take a decision on those PVCs that were affected.

Mr Okoye said that if there was still time, INEC would reprint the affected PVCs after the damage was ascertained, but whether it is possible for them to collect them within the short period remaining is another thing.

We have taken a decision that PVCs collection will end on February 8 and after that we will retrieve all remaining PVCs and deposits them with CBN until the elections are over.

The moment we get the report we will take a decision, Okoye said.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Abia command, Geoffrey Ogbonna, on Sunday confirmed to NAN the burning down of the INEC office in Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia.

Mr Ogbonna said that the fire occurred on Saturday night, adding that information available to the police showed that the fire started from the toilet and extended to where the PVCs were stored.

The police spokesman said that some of the PVCs were already destroyed before the fire was eventually put out on Sunday morning.

Speaking further, the Head of Public Affairs of the commission in Abia, Bamidele Oyetunji, said that police had taken over the investigation of the incident.

Mr Oyetunji said that the police were in a better position to find the perpetrators of the act and that the commission was not suspecting any politician or its member of staff.

(NAN)

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The federal government on Tuesday said it has mobilised 16 contractors to carry out environmental remediation and cleanup of oil spill in Ogoniland.

The Minister of Environment, Suleiman Zarma, said this when a group of Ambassadors, interested in the remediation of the oil spill in Niger Delta, visited him in Abuja.

The group includes ambassadors from Norway, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, France, European Union and United States.

Mr Zarma, who expressed the federal governments determination to restore departed land of Ogoni oil spill, said that mobilisation fees had been paid to contractors to enable them commence the remediation.

He said the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), a federal governments coordinating office saddled with responsibility of remediation commenced the implementation of project through consultation and sensitisation of communities.

The minister said the idea was to involve communities to take ownership of the project.

According to him, all scientists driving the remediation project in HYPREP are indigenous people.

The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Marvin Dekil, said that HYPREP had Board of Trustee which determined the release of fund for the implementation of remediation project.

Mr Dekil added that the Governing Council of HYPREP, chaired by the Minister of Environment would serve as administrative body for the project implementation.

According to him, HYPREP also has livelihood programme aimed at restoring livable life for people of Ogoniland.

Earlier, the group of ambassadors led by Michel Deelen, Deputy Ambassador in charge of Affairs, Netherlands, said that the international community is interested in the environmental remediation and cleanup of Ogoniland oil spill.

Mr Deelen said that the visit was to get a direct update on the cleanup project from the ministry.

(NAN)
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Magnus Abe, a senator from Rivers State, has lauded the Appeal Court ruling on the All Progressives Congress (APC) crisis in the state, describing it as a welcome development.

The Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt, on Monday granted a stay of execution on the judgment of a lower court which nullified the primaries of the APC in Rivers State.

The ruling also put on hold an order which restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from having the names of APC candidates on the ballots in the forthcoming general elections in the state.

Mr Abe, who is claiming to be the authentic APC governorship candidate in Rivers, filed the lawsuits which eventually created the legal bumps on the partys road to the elections.

The senator felt shortchanged by a faction of the APC, led by Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transport, and backed by the national leadership of the party.

What the court did was to grant a stay in favour of the APC so that we can campaign and we can be on the ballot, Mr Abe told PREMIUM TIMES, Monday, while reacting to the court ruling.

We think this position is in tandem with what Nigerians expect since there was a lawful direct primary conducted by the APC in the state that has no legal entanglement such as it has bedeviled the indirect primary that was conducted in violation of court orders.

Mr Abe said the Appeal Court did not rule on who becomes the lawful and rightful candidates of the APC.

In fact, the court specifically refused to grant that prayer, he said.

On the possibility of having Tonye Cole and others from Mr Amaechis faction stand as the candidates of the APC in the elections, Mr Abe said, There is no way you can stretch the order of the court to accommodate something that was before the court and the court did not grant.

Tonye Cole

He reiterated, The issue of who are the legitimate candidates of the party has not been decided by any court.

He spoke on the need to resolve as quickly as possible the issue of who is the partys lawful candidates.

The important thing is that there is a motion for accelerated hearing of these matters before the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.

If these matters are very quickly decided, the parties should be able to know their fate before the elections, Mr Abe said.

Mr Cole took to Twitter on Monday to react to the court ruling.

As we celebrate todays victory, we must not lose sight of the other hurdles we must scale to get to the Brick House, Mr Cole said through his personal handle @TonyeCole1.
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Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, has lost his Commissioner for Information, Bello Goronyo, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr Goronyo, who was also the State PDP Campaign Councils Publicity Committee Chairman, announced his defection on Tuesday at the APC campaign rally in Wamakko.

He said his defection became necessary due to many reasons which would be revealed at the appropriate time, adding that his action is to complement the laudable initiatives of President Muhammadu Buhari.

I am here to formally inform the people that I have return to my real home, I have resolve to follow the president and Sen. Aliyu Wamakko for their integrity and developmental stride in the state.

I want to assure you that the APC train has just started, as more and more passengers will join the journey before the forthcoming general election.

Therefore, we will together continue to move the train to the nooks and crannies across the three Senatorial Districts of the state to enable us succeed in the general election, he said.

Mr Wamakko, who is the APC leader in the state, commended the people for their continued support to candidates of the party and call on them to be vigilant during the poll.

On election days, the electorate should also be vigilant and ensure that, only voters who hail from their respective polling units cast their votes in the various areas.

On those days, we should also massively cast our votes for the candidates of the party at all levels, guard them jealously until the votes are counted and duly declared.

I have no doubt that victory is ours by this impressive turnout and support shown by the people as well as keeping the momentum across the state, he said.

The governorship candidate of the party, Ahmed Aliyu, stressed the need for the people to vote for credible leaders and promised to consolidate on the unrivaled achievements of Mr Wamakko.

If elected, I will strive to emulate Wamakkos achievments, and urgently fill the existing wide gap in terms of the deficit of developmental projects in our state, he said.

The State APC Chairman, Isa Achida, while receiving defectors to the party from Wamakko Local Government Area (LGA), assured that people in the state would vote massively for the partys candidates at all levels.

(NAN)
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said no fewer than 132, 091 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were still uncollected in Sokoto State.

The INEC Spokesperson in the state, Muhammad Musa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Sokoto State that the PVCs were received in batches by the commission.

Mr Musa said appreciable progress was ensured as the commission had conducted ward level distribution of PVCs which was concluded on January 21.

He urged eligible voters to present themselves for the collection of PVCs, adding that the collection would not be through proxy.

As at today, Tuesday, the commission has distributed 1,760, 906 PVCs across the state, Musa said.

According to him, the commission is expected to engage no fewer than 15, 002 election adhoc staff based on configured breakdown of 3, 035 polling units and 954 voting points in the state.

Mr Musa explained that four ad hoc workers are required in each polling units while three ad hoc workers are needed at voting points.

The INEC spokesperson said training of election ad hoc workers is ongoing, noting that each of the volunteers from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) that attended training would be captured for the exercise.

He added that proper arrangements were on to ensure successful conduct of the elections at all levels.

Meanwhile, Philip Enaberue, the Sokoto State Coordinator of the NYSC, said no fewer than 5, 500 corps members were trained preparatory to participating in the 2019 election duties in the state.

Mr Enaberue urged the corps members to ensure due diligence and transparency in their conducts.

He also enjoined other stakeholders in the election process to cooperate with corps members.

He advised them to be ready for election challenges, noting that INEC as a body had absolute responsibility in the conduct of all elections and the corps members should be seen to complement such effort diligently.

(NAN)
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The Zamfara State Police Command on Tuesday said 15 persons were killed while six others were kidnapped in Gusau Local Government Area of the state.

The police said the bandits on Monday attacked Wonaka, Ajja, Mada, Ruwan Baure, Doka, Takoka and Tudun Maijatau, all under Gusau Local Government Area.

Also on Monday, the district head of Gwashi in Bukkuyum Local Government Area reported that armed bandits stormed Batauna village and killed 11 persons.

They also set several houses ablaze, he added. The police are yet to confirm this figure.

But the police explained that details of the attack in Bukkuyum were still sketchy due to the areas inaccessibility and lack of GSM coverage.

The command spokesperson, Muhammad Shehu, stated this in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday.

He added that the six abducted women had regained their freedom.

He also said normalcy had been restored to the affected villages with the deployment of special forces and the military.

He said the attack was presumably a reprisal, in reaction to an earlier attack on some Fulani on January 1.

In the attack, he said seven Fulani and some cows were killed and set ablaze by an outlawed group- Yansakai.

Units of PMF/CTU/Special Forces and Military were mobilised to complement the effort of security personnel already on the ground and also confirm the authenticity of the report from Bukkuyum, he said. The entire axis and environs have been subjected to coordinate bush combing for possible arrest of the perpetrators.

The command calls on members of the public to avoid taking laws into their hands but report all complaint and grievances to a constituted authority for legal redress.

Discreet investigation into this act has already commenced, and all perpetrators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law, Mr Shehu said.
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The entire Executive Council members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and an estimated 4,000 members of the party in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi have announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defectors, who were received by the Sectary to the State Government, Umare Babale, and APC state chairman, Bala Kangiwa, at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, said they were swayed by laudable programmes of the APC government at state and federal level.

Mr Babale welcomed the defectors, saying it is a good sign of victory for APC in the state.

He assured them that the party would not discriminate against them, but provide a level playing ground for them to realise their political goals.

The state chairman of APC, Alhaji Bala Kangiwa also assured the defectors that their interests would be protected.

Mr Kangiwa commended them for taking the decision to join the APC, saying they took the right decision and urged them to ensure a landslide victory for the APC in the general election.

The Shanga local government SDP chairman, Umaru Sawashi, and his secretary, Abdullahi Shanga, said they defected along with 4,000 SDP members in the area. He pledged to work for the victory of President Muhammad Buhari, Gov. Abubakar Bagudu and other APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

According to them, their defection was in appreciation of the laudable programmes of the Buhari administration especially in agriculture.

(NAN)
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The information minister, Lai Mohammed, has said only criminals and political thugs need to be worried in Kwara State.

He said this is because they (miscreants) will not be allowed to cause violence or disrupt the forthcoming elections.

In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, the minister said the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Kwara State Chapter, had alleged that the federal government was planning to clamp down on opposition parties.

He said the allegation by the shadowy CNPP is a panic reaction to his consistent call on the security agencies to rid the nation of all known thugs in Kwara State, to provide a level playing field for all the parties.

A similar action by the security agencies went a long way in ensuring the success of the 17 Nov. 2018 by-election in the Irepodun/Ekiti/Oke-Ero/Isin Federal Constituency in Kwara, which was won by our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and which was widely adjudged to be free, fair and peaceful, he said.

He said thugs and other criminals in the state need to be worried as they wont get the chance to disrupt the conduct of the forthcoming elections.

He said the move had made those whose modus operandi is to use thugs and hooligans to snatch ballot papers, disenfranchise voters and generally terrorise the citizenry during elections restless and uneasy.

We have no apologies for ridding the state of these delinquents, he said

However, he said all law-abiding residents of the state have nothing to fear.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) on Tuesday presented provisional licences to four newly approved private universities in Nigeria.

The new universities are Greenfield University, Kaduna; Dominion University, Ibadan Oyo State; Trinity University, Ogun State; and Westland University in Iwo, Osun State.

The Federal Executive Council gave approval for the new private universities in January.

On Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, presented the licences at the NUC headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Mr Adamu said access to university education in Nigeria continues to pose serious challenges and requires continuous effort to address.

For the avoidance of doubt, the provisional approval for the four universities to operate is intended to create room for effective mentoring and qualitative growth within the first three years of operation, Mr Adamu said.

During the probationary period, the four universities will be attached to older generation federal universities for academic and administrative mentoring to be moderated by NUC.

The minister, who was represented by the Registrar of the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board, Ishaq Oloyede, said substantive licences would only be issued to the universities if they are adjudged as being well-governed after three years of probation.

The minister urged the proprietors of the universities to ensure that admission of students is carried out through JAMB.

It is also advised that upon commencement of academic activities, the proprietor should sustain funding towards improving the infrastructure, equipment for teaching, learning and research as well as human resources, he said.

The executive secretary of NUC, Abubakar Rasheed, said the four universities had gone through stringent assessment leading to the final approval by the Federal Executive Council.

According to him, the four universities being presented licence today have been under scrutiny since 2002.

In the case of Westland University, a period of 16 years, 2006 in the case of Dominion University, a period of 13 years. 2010, 8 years in the case of Trinity University. 2013, a period of five years in the case of Greenfield University, he said.

Mr Rasheed said the present numbers of universities in Nigeria is inadequate to meet with the nations annual demand for access to university education, considering the increasing population of the country.

However, the commission is not ready to sacrifice access on the altar of quality and that is why we will keep on beaming our searchlight on the governance of your private universities to ensure adherence to best practices in support of quality university education delivery, he said.

He said there are procedures to take before opening a university. About fourteen steps must be taken, he said.

He said the commission has over 200 applications to process for new private universities in the country.

Sometimes, it is not the fault of the NUC nor the fault of the applicants. It is simply some people start early. Before they give you licence you are required to present the physical infrastructure. But if you are applying without any infrastructure it will take a longer time before you get the licence.

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In the last one or two years, we have been trying to make the steps easier without compromising more stringent steps required, he said.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, the chairman, Board of Trustees of Trinity University, Samuel Olatunji, said the institution intends to define education into a very valuable transformative tool in order to resolve the increasing challenges of the sector.

Our focus will be to ensure that we get rid of the challenges and we will ensure that culture attributes must be part of our learning because character is major in life, he said.

Nigeria, with a population estimated to be close to 200 million, has 170 universities (43 federal universities, 48 state-owned universities, and 79 private universities).

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY IN NIGERIA

Application, in writing, stating the intent for the establishment of the University (Step 1)

Interested applicants are expected to apply in writing, to the Executive Secretary, NUC, stating the intent for the establishment of the university. The declaration of intent should include, in brief, the name of the proposed University, the location, the mission and vision, the nature of the proposed university and its proposed focal niche in the current Nigerian University System, etc.

Interview of Promoters to Ascertain their Seriousness (Step 2)

Collection of Application Forms (Step 3)

Following due consideration of the application in writing, individuals or corporate bodies seeking to establish a private university are expected to send a representative to come to the Commission with the prescribed payment to collect a set of ten (10) application forms in person. Upon collection of the forms, copies of guidelines and other requirements are also given for proper guidance. Other clarifications are also sought and given as appropriate.

Submission of Application Forms and Relevant Documents (Step 4)

The completed application forms are forwarded with a non-refundable processing fee in Bank Draft addressed to NUC along with one or more of the following documents, if ready:

* Draft Academic Brief;

* Draft Physical Masterplan;

* Draft University Law;

* Counterpart Deed of Assignment;

* Certificate of Incorporation/Registration of Proprietors (accompanied with Articles and Memorandum of Association);

* Deed of Assignment/Certificate of Occupancy;

* Letter of Available Liquid Cash; and

* Bank Guarantee of Funds to the tune of N200 Million from a reputable Bank.

It is usually advised that the last two documents should not be procured by the applicant until processing of the application has reached an advanced stage. Submission should also be at the instance of the Directorate of Establishment of Private Universities (DEPU).

Interactive Meeting of DEPU with the proposed university (Step 5)

Normally, DEPU invites the members of the Planning & Implementation Committee of the proposed university to NUC for an interactive meeting as a prelude to the first verification visit to its campus site. During the meeting, the process of documentation and other matters bordering on university governance are discussed and many grey areas are resolved. The meeting also affords the proposed university the opportunity to interact with the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive of NUC and his Management team for words of advice and encouragement. Also, a seminar presentation is delivered to avail the prospective Proprietors of the basic philosophy of universities and their societal roles.

Completion of Submission of Outstanding relevant documents (Step 6)

The Proprietors of the private Universities who had submitted part of the relevant documents are expected to make full submissions at this stage. The relevant documents include the draft Academic Briefs, draft Masterplan and the draft University Law.

Intensive Review/Analysis of Documents by experts in Relevant NUC Departments (Step 7)

Following submission of the completed application forms and relevant documents, the documents are forwarded to the professional Departments for analysis after which their comments and observations on such documents are sent to the Committee for onward transmission to the proposed university. For instance, Academic Brief and Masterplan documents are forwarded to the Department of Academic Standards. The legal documents such as the University Law, Counterpart Deed of Assignment, Certificate of Incorporation/Registration and Deed of Assignment/Certificate of Occupancy are usually forwarded to the Legal Unit of the Office of the Executive Secretary.

First Verification Visit (Step 8)

DEPU undertakes a verification visit to the proposed university to review their documents with them on a one-on-one basis and to assess the level of preparedness in terms of documentation. During this visit, inspection of physical facilities is also undertaken to ascertain their adequacy for the proposed Colleges for the first phase. In addition, courtesy calls are paid to the government establishments that provide infrastructural facilities such as electricity, water and telecommunication including the traditional rulers and local government headquarters of where the proposed university is located. These visits are undertaken to solicit the support of the host community for the proposed university and also let them know that a university is being proposed in that area. This visit is considered very important as it reveals whether the Proprietor is committed to the project and is a prerequisite to the final verification visit.

Revision of Documentation by Proprietors based on Report by DEPU of NUC (Step 9)

Following the first visit, the proposed university is expected to revise its documents and undertake the modifications of its facilities to reflect the prescriptions given during the visit. The revised documents are forwarded to NUC for assessment of compliance. If found that progress has been made in that direction, the second (final) verification visit is scheduled to the proposed university.

Second Verification Visit (Step 10)

This is expected to be the final visit to the proposed university, depending on the level of compliance with the given prescriptions. As a result, the documents are reviewed along with the Planning & Implementation Committee with a view to perfecting them to bring them to an acceptable level. The evidence of available liquid cash documents is inspected and analyzed by the financial expert on the Committee. The Bank Guarantee of Fund to the tune of N200 million will also be sighted along with other legal documents for eventual submission to NUC. Final inspection of physical facilities is also carried out to ascertain whether they are in consonance with the approved NUC norms.

Security Screening of Proprietors and Board of Trustees (Step 11)

The purpose of screening the proprietor (Promoter) and members of Board of Trustees of the proposed universities is to enable the Government to ascertain the credibility of those who are sponsoring the university project and to ensure that they are not persons of questionable character.

Approval By NUC Management (Step 12)

DEPU, on return to NUC from the final verification visit, writes a comprehensive report with scores to the NUC Management for its consideration and further necessary action.

Approval By NUC Board (Step 13)

The NUC Management, upon receipt of DEPU report on the proposed university, considers and makes appropriate recommendation to the University Development Committee (UDC) of the NUC Board for its consideration after which the latter submits it to the Board for ratification. The Board, thereafter, forwards its recommendation to the Federal Government through the Honourable Minister of Education for its consideration and approval.

Approval by Federal Executive Council (Step 14)

The Federal Executive Council considers the recommendations of the NUC Board and Security report on the proposed university
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The World Bank has announced the death of Haruna Mohammed, Executive Director for Nigeria, Angola, and South Africa.

Ousmane Diagana, World Bank Groups Vice President, Human Resources, said in a statement that Mr Mohammed passed away on Friday at Georgetown Hospital in Washington, DC.

Before being appointed Executive Director in October 2018, Mohammed had been serving as the Alternate Executive Director of his constituency since January of 2017 when he rejoined the Board.

He had previously represented his home country of Nigeria as both an Adviser and Senior Adviser between 2001 and 2006, Mr Diagana said.

Mr Mohammed was born in Katsina, and before joining the Board of the World Bank, he had a long and distinguished career in the Federal Ministry of Finance where he started as an Economic Planning Officer in 1983 and rose to the positions of Chief Economist and Director of International Economic Relations.

In that capacity, he took part in the Washington DC Deputies meeting in Mexico City in 2008, and his participation was instrumental in the creation of a third African Chair at the World Bank Board.

He was also the co-author of the current Board capacity building programme  the Voice Secondment Program, which brings officials of developing member countries to work in the World Bank in Washington for six months to acquire skills needed in their work with the Bank.

Mr Mohammed also represented Nigeria as Alternate Governor of the OPEC Fund for International Development, served as the Director for Nigeria at the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development and Chair of its Audit Committee, and as the Alternate Director for Nigeria at the Africa Export-Import Bank.

During his time at the Executive Board of the World Bank, he brought focus to issues he considered of utmost priority to his country, to his constituency and to Africa in general.

These are reduction of poverty, improvement of business environment, addressing fragility, and bolstering resilience of the most vulnerable, Diagana said

He was a member of the Human Resources and Ethics Committees at the time of his passing, and he quickly positioned himself as an advocate for Bank staff, particularly those in country offices, whom he recognised as the face of the institution in the developing world.

Mohammeds colleagues and staff members warmly remember him as someone who possessed a humble, kind, generous, spiritual and deeply compassionate disposition.

This was beautifully balanced by his extensive knowledge of West African perspectives and history, and his thorough understanding of the issues most pressing to African countries.

He is survived by his wife, Inno and their children. Our deepest sympathy is extended to them, as well as to Harunas extended family and friends, he said.

The Nigerian Embassy in Washington, DC, in a statement issued by Mohammed Suleiman, Head of Chancery, announced that late Mohammed was buried at Maryland on Monday.

Nigerias former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in a tribute, described Mohammed as an effective Executive Director at the Board of the World Bank.

(NAN)
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As Nigeria prepares for the 2019 general elections, the American ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, has called for free and fair polls.

In his goodwill message, Mr Symington said the coming elections is expected to be a remarkable experience for Nigerian citizens to express their will.

He also said his government hopes to see peaceful, free, fair and transparent elections.

The official disclosed this in a video posted on the U.S. missions Twitter page on Tuesday.

He urged Nigerian citizens to work together by taking apart in the elections and making sure the votes are counted.

These elections are a remarkable experience for every Nigerian and for every citizen to express their will.

What the united states hope to see in your elections, in this year of 2019 are elections that are free fair and credible, transparent and above all peaceful.

In this process, I know one thing, it is important for the citizens of Nigeria to personally take part beginning right now by making sure you know what your rights are, he said.

He urged Nigerians not to be influenced by politicians, security forces in a manner that is not in accordance with the law.

On election day, you wont affect unless you vote, he said. It is important that you work together so that you make sure your vote is counted.

As we get ready for your elections, one of the most important things is that there should be a level playing field meaning that no officials, no security forces, no electoral officials, no politicians seek to influence you in a way that is not consistent with Nigerian law.

He urged Nigerians to defend their rights.

There it is in a nutshell, one thing, know your rights; number two, vote and exercise them; number three, if you work for the government or if you work for a party make sure you remember that it is your responsibility to act consistently with the laws, he said.

Nigeria holds presidential and federal parliamentary elections on February 16. State elections hold two weeks later on March 2.
The founder and presidential candidate of the National Interest Party (NIP), Eunice Atuejide, has declared President Muhammadu Buhari mentally and physically unfit to continue in office, saying she has commenced legal action to stop him.

Mrs Atuejide, 39, said even if Mr Buhari wins at the polls on February 16, he can still be disqualified in the courts.

We will file the matter in court and we will serve him before elections. Lets see if we can stop him even from contesting so that we see if we can create chances for people like me that is contesting, Mrs Atuejide, a lawyer, explained in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES.

We have to stop him. Even after he wins, he can still be nullified.

The interview was conducted a week before the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) said it filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja asking that President Buhari be declared unfit to seek re-election.

Mrs Atuejide is among the plaintiffs in the suit while the President and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are the defendants, according to court papers seen by Punch Newspapers.

The group said their decision was based on the presidents performance at different rallies where he almost fell at one and made some blunders at others.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) however dismissed the concern raised by the group which it described as fictional and a tool of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The president is hale and hearty, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC said.

However, Mrs Etuejide in the interview last month, said the president is unsound and explained why he should not be reelected.

He is not fit to run. Our constitution under section 137 (C) says if you dont have sound mind, dont contest. Weve seen him say he does know that the IGP did not to Benue. He forgets things. He talks about things in the 80s as if they are happening now. These are normal for his age. So, if you are that old and the natural effect has started to tell on you, the reasonable thing is not to contest.

That is why we are suing him. The National hospital needs to check him to ascertain whether his mind is sound enough and once the court orders that check, we will know why he is having early memory loss problem. He definitely has that behaviour.

People like me will throw him out. The wife has been complaining and I believe it is because Buhari did not have the mental capacity to rule the country. He doesnt need to contest and if he is doing it, we will stop him.

Mr Buharis health became a major concern since he declared to seek reelection especially after he spent over 100 days in London for treatment of an undisclosed illness two years ago.

The opposition has repeatedly insisted he is unfit to go for a second term.

Mr Buhari has also been quoted as saying he would seek only one term in office.

In an interview he granted Sunday Trust four years ago, before his victory in 2015, Mr Buhari said he would contest for only one term due to his old age.

Also, 20 days after his swearing-in, Mr Buhari made reference to the old age again, saying he would have loved being a president when he was at a younger age.

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Born on December 17, 1942, Mr Buhari became the military governor of North-eastern state in 1975 at age 33.

After a successful coup ousting the second republic government of Shehu Shagari, he became the Head of State in 1983, at the age of 40. He held this post until 1985.

Mr Buhari came back to the political scene in the 4th Republic when he sought to be a civilian president under the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP). He lost the presidential elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011.

Mr Buhari, profiting from a merger of opposition parties, defeated his incumbent opponent, Goodluck Jonathan of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, to emerge president in 2015

He is now seeking reelection under the APC with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP as his main challenger in the elections coming only 11 days from now.
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A former President of the United States of America, Bill Clinton, is reportedly planning to visit Nigeria ahead of the February 16 presidential election.

Mr Clinton is expected to arrive in Nigeria a day before the presidential elections.

According to a report by the PUNCH, Mr Clinton will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari who is the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

The report also said Mr Clinton would return to his country the same day after the meetings to allow the two political leaders cast their votes.

President Buhari is expected to exercise his franchise in his home state Katsina state, Daura LGA, While Mr Abubakar would cast his vote in Adamawa state. Ganye Local Government Area.

Confirmation

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of APC, Yekini Nabena in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES said he was aware of the intended visit.

He, however, said it was not an official visit.

Mr Clintons visit is not an official visit, it has no consequence to the party. I am aware that President (Donald) Trump did not even direct him to come and discuss any matter with President Buhari, he said.

Maybe he (Clinton) just wants to visit Mr Buhari as a former president as he has no influence or anything to do with the government, he added.
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A Lagos High Court on Tuesday sentenced one Kamoru Kushimo to 10 years imprisonment for stabbing his friend to death during an argument over who would win the countrys 2015 general election.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari were the two frontline candidates in the 2015 presidential candidates.

While Mr Jonathan was the candidate of the PDP, Mr Buhari, who won the election, was the flag bearer of the APC.

Mr Kushimo was arraigned on February 10, 2016 by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, charged with manslaughter.

The convict pleaded not guilty, but was remanded in custody.

Justice Sedoten Ogunsanya sentenced Mr Kushimo after reviewing the facts and evidence of the case.

Mrs Ogunsanya said the defendant was guilty of the offence of manslaughter and sentenced him accordingly.

The judge said from the evidence before her, the prosecution, was able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The convict is hereby sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, and the sentence will take effect from the date of arraignment, the Judge held.

The sentenced was without an option of fine.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Adebayo Haroun, had told the court that the defendant committed the offence on November 5, 2014 at a viewing centre, Alaafia Street, Alaagba Bus Stop, Lagos.

Trouble started when the deceased, Mubarak Salau, and the defendant argued on which political party would win 2015 general election, Mr Haroun said.

The duo engaged in a fight using abusive words on each other, however, the deceased picked a knife to fight the defendant, and the defendant picked a broken bottle and stabbed the deceased on his chest and back.

The injuries the deceased sustained as a resulted of the stab by the defendant led to his death, he said.

The prosecution called four witnesses who testified before the court.

(NAN)
The governor of Jigawa State, Mohammad Badaru, was embarrassed on Tuesday by locals who shunned his re-election campaign rally in Gagarawa Local Government Area of the state.

The rally was arranged to enable the governor, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), solicit the support of voters in Gagarawa and Kazaure local government areas.

Mr Badaru flagged off his re-election campaign at Guri and Hadejia local government areas of the state on January 21.

Of the 17 candidates vying for the gubernatorial position in the state on March 2, the Social Democratic Party (SDP)s Bashir Adamu and Aminu Ringim of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are considered Mr BAdarus main rivals.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the people of Gagarawa are angry with the governor over the seizure of their farmlands, which the state government handed over to foreign investors for an irrigation farming project.

Idris Garin-Ciroma, a resident of the area, said the locals felt the state government did not adequately compensate them for the seized land.

Thats was part of the reasons we agreed to shun the campaign venue, he said.While addressing the few people who turned up at the rally, Mr Badaru defended the project.

I know that youre angry with me over your farmland, but I pray for you to live long and you will praise my administration over the investment that I brought to this community, he said at the event.Mr Badaru cited the example of a similar development in Kano under Audu Bako who was the military governor of the state from 1967 to 1975.

Mr Bako, a police commissioner, had acquired a large parcel of land in now Kura Local government area for the Kadawa Irrigation Farming Project, which he introduced.According to Mr Badaru, although the people were livid at the time, they are now proud of Kura as one of the biggest producers of rice in Nigeria.

While the governor addressed the rally, many residents assembled at Garin Ciroma for a protest when the governors entourage would pass through the place.

However, after being briefed on the planned protest, the governor took a different route to avoid the assembled locals.Also in Kazaure, the governors convoy came under attack by angry youth at Dandi community. It took the intervention of a lawmaker, Gudaje Kazaure, who sped ahead of the governors convoy to clear the way for the entourage.

Receiving the governor at his palace, the Emir of Kazaure, Najib Husseini, advised him on issues bothering the people, which he said needed to be urgently addressed. The traditional ruler told the governor that the cold reception he got in the town was provoked by his representatives in the area.

He also called for the rehabilitation of the Kazaure-Roni road which he said is in bad shape.

At Gwaram, the most populous local government area in the state, the campaign trail met another resistance as a senator seeking reelection, Sabo Nakudu, was booed off the podium.The constituents accused Mr. Nakudu of poor representation and desertion of both the National Assembly and his constituency since his election in 2015.

However, the day was pleasant for the governors entourage in Jigawa North-east senatorial district, as Mr Badaru succeeded in reconciling an influential politician in Hadejia, Ahmad Garba, and the deputy governor, Ibrahim Hassan.

At the event, Mr Garba called on his supporters to sheathe their swords and vote for all APC candidates in the zone.

The comment of Mr Garba received thunderous applause from thousands of his supporters, signalling an end to the feud between the two political leaders.

In his remarks at Hadejia, Mr Badaru reminded the gathering of his campaign promises he claimed he has fulfilled. He promised to do more to improve the living standard of the rural dwellers through the provision of social services if reelected.

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At the event, the state deputy governor, Mr Hassan, who is running for the Senate in the zone, said he was confident of victory, judging by the size of the crowd at the rally.

The area consisting of eight local government councils: Hadejia, Auyo, Mallamadori, Kafin-Hausa, Guri, Kirikassamma, Kaugama and Birniwa, is a stronghold of the APC.

The spokesperson for the governor, Bello Zaki, said the protests in Gagarawa was instigated by party members, he said, failed at the primary elections.

We have already settled the issue and invited all the stakeholders in the area. They have agreed to support the governor, Mr Zaki said.

It was a minor political disagreement between politicians in the area. The former minister, Bello Maitama; the speaker, Idris Isa; among others were in the Government House and assured the governor that all the issues had been resolved.

About the incident in Kazaure where the governor was booed, the governors aide said the area is dominated by the opposition.

We didnt take it that seriously because theyre a minority. Were determined to win 85 percent of the votes in the coming election.
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The federal government will place a final ban on the importation of tomato paste before the end of 2019, the minister of agriculture and natural resources, Audu Ogbeh, has said.

Mr Ogbeh said this during a tour of the Dangote Tomato Processing Plant in Kadawa, Kano State, a report by The Cable, highlighted.

According to the report, Mr Ogbeh said the ban will encourage massive tomato production.

The federal government has set aside N250 billion through the Central Bank of Nigeria and Bank Agriculture to disburse as soft loans to tomato farmers as part of the Anchor Borrower scheme.

Federal government will continue to encourage Dangote agro-farms and the farmers to grow massive tomatoes in Nigeria and with this kind of outfit, farmers will earn more with better seedlings from the Dangote greenhouse and get better results, the minister said, according to the report, explaining that $22 billion is spent on tomato paste importation annually.

The farmers will supply to the processor and eventually join tomato breeders in the world. In a short while, Nigeria will simply stop importation and dependence on other sources for tomato supply.

The CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, who was also on the tour, said the bank supported Dangote greenhouse with N1.3billion to produce hybrid tomato seedlings to enhance massive local cultivation.

The greenhouse plant will produce 3 million seedlings which will supply to farmers. With this hybrid tomato seedling, farmers will be able to produce over 70,000 tons per hectare against the 10,000 tons, he said.

To this end, this output will encourage farmers to increase their production and provide job opportunity. Let me emphasize the federal government ban on those foods and other items we can produce in this country still remain on the banning list, he said, according to the report.

Dangote Group, the Nigerian conglomerate owned by Aliko Dangote, launched the $20 million tomato processing facility in early 2016.

The tomato processing plant had a daily production capacity of 1,200 metric tons per day.

But operations at the plant were suspended in 2016 after an invasion by Tuta Absoluta, a leaf-mining moth, which destroyed tomato farms.
Displaced residents of Baga, a border community in Borno State recently taken over by the Boko Haram insurgents, said the Nigerian government is lying in the claims that the town has been reclaimed by government troops.

According to multiple civilian sources, all IDPs from Baga, the insurgent are not only flying their flags in the commercial border town but are also controlling the movement of civilians in an out of the town.

But the military has described the report as another propaganda of the Boko Haram. It insisted that its troops are currently in charge of Baga.

PREMIUM TIMES on January 11 published a statement by the Nigeria Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, that government troops had reclaimed Baga. He said the troops gave the terrorists a bloody nose during a fierce fight to liberate the town. Mr Usman, a brigadier general, said two soldiers died as soldiers killed several members of Boko Haram.

But weeks after celebrating the militarys reported liberation of Baga, residents just returning from the community said the insurgents had not moved an inch since they took over the town.

Most of them said the insurgents were not only in control of the town but also allow civilians to return and pick up their belongings without harming them. The sources who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES said the insurgents had deployed their men to various exits of the town where they were screening anyone coming in or going to be sure they are not spies or allies of government forces.

Not quite long ago today, some of our people from Baga just returned after going to get some of their personal effects and they were all allowed entry after the Boko Haram had searched them, said Baba Inuwa, a displaced vegetable farmer.

As far as Baga is concerned, it is still the Boko Haram that is in charge; and it is them that would grant us permission to enter the town and pick our luggage and then rerun to Monguno or Maiduguri.

Mr Inuwa said the soldiers who are based in their brigade camp at a place called Mile-4 have not gone into Baga town as claimed. He also said returnee IDPs used footpaths through the desert to get to Baga where they were screened by Boko Haram gunmen.

Another resident, Abba Mustapha, said it was not true that Baga was reclaimed by Nigerian soldiers.

The place that was attacked in Baga on that fateful Wednesday was a place called Mile-4, that is where the military brigade is located. It was overrun by the insurgents and many soldiers fled. So when the soldiers mobilised for a counter-offensive days later, they were only able to reclaim the brigade, but Baga is still in the hands of Boko Haram as at today.

Modu Muhammed, a trader, recalled that the attack on Baga started at about 5 p.m on a Wednesday in January when they heard shooting. He said such shootings had become a common occurrence to them because the soldiers routinely fire heavy equipment in the evenings.

So we didnt take it seriously when we heard the shootings until when, suddenly, we saw soldiers running. When we tried to find out what went wrong, some of them told us Boko Haram had taken over the brigade.

That was how we closed our shops and houses and ran to the outskirts of the town to pass the night, thinking things would subside so that we could return home.

At the outskirts of the town on Thursday morning, we saw more people, including the soldiers, running out that the Boko Haram gunmen had invaded the town. That was how the soldiers guarding the outskirts parapet too abandoned their posts and joined us in fleeing.

We left Baga at about 11 a.m and spent the night on the way fleeing and arrived Monguno, which is 75km away, at about 12 p.m. It was from Monguno that we finally boarded a vehicle to Maiduguri. Some days later, we heard in the news that Baga has been recaptured from the Boko Haram.

But even before we started fleeing, the Boko Haram gunmen kept telling us that they were not there to harm us but to fight the soldiers and anyone whom they suspect is an agent of the government or the soldiers. Hence they said anyone that is willing to stay can stay and if we dont want to stay, they said we can pick our things and leave the town.

Boko Haram sect used to illustrate the story

Most of us chose to leave because we have had unpleasant experiences with them about four years ago when they attacked Baga. Nobody will stay where there is no government representation in place.

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And since that day till now, Boko Haram is still in Baga. Some of us heard from those that fled the town late that the Boko Haram people are not attacking the civilians as they promised. That was why we too decided to go back to get our belongings. We were allowed to go in and get some of our belongings after they had thoroughly frisked and searched us. They were behaving as if they are the government, while the soldiers at the Mile4 are still out there.

He said once the insurgents were convinced that a person was not a threat, they directed one of them to escort them to the house and supervise whatever they do or pick from the house and then accompany them back to the outskirts of the town where commercial trucks from Monguno are waiting in turns to pick passengers.

Mr Muhammed said a young man who had gone to get some of his belongings was not so lucky with the Boko Haram because they found an ID card of the Civilian-JTF with him.

When they searched him and found the ID card of Civilian-JTF on him, they said he was one of their enemies, so they dragged him away, said Mr Muhammed.

Asked if the military in Baga were aware of movement in and out of the town, the resident said they were using a different earth route that links the town from the Monguno-Cross-Kauwa highway.

The soldiers are in their brigade base in Mile-4 along the way to Baga coming from Kauwa, and we use the northeastern route, a footpath by the right-hand side before Kauwa; it leads straight to Baga, said Mr Muhammed.

A young woman and mother of two told PREMIUM TIMES that she spent three days on the way to Monguno.

It took us three days to get to Monguno as we fled Baga after the insurgents came in and began to burn some of the houses that belong to politicians, said the woman who gave her name as Yagana.

The gunmen told us that they would not harm us, that we should stay and do our normal business. But no one can trust them especially when we saw soldiers fleeing alongside we civilians.

One of my brothers who joined other people to return to Baga helped me to bring some of my personal effects. He said he was not touched by the Boko Haram; they only searched him. When they saw his voters card, they told him you can go out there and vote for your sinful politicians but not here in Baga.

Responding to PREMIUM TIMES inquest on this matter, the deputy director, Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, said the claims of the Baga IDPs were not only false but propaganda of the Boko Haram aimed at winning public sympathy.

Images of the Nigerian Army as they reclaim Baga from Boko Haram sect. [PHOTO CREDIT: SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN, Brigadier General, Director Army Public Relations]

Mr Nwachukwu, an army colonel, insisted that Baga is under the full control of the Nigerian troops.

Baga is firmly under control of troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE who overpowered the insurgents in a fierce battle when the insurgents contested control over the town, said Mr Nwachukwu, who is the spokesman of the Lafiya Dole Theatre Command.

Currently, there are ongoing follow up clearance operations in villages around Baga where troops are conducting offensives against the insurgents. Civilians have been urged to vacate to forestall preventable collateral damage.

Boko Haram is not holding any territory, but hibernating in the Tumbus. Therefore insinuations that Baga is under control of the insurgents is outright propaganda by BHT. The public should discountenance such misinformation.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will on Thursday next week arraign a former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Dikko, and two others for allegedly stealing more than N1 billion.

The matter, suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/21/2019-FRN v Abdullahi Inde Dikko & Ors, is billed to come up before Justice Lucia Ojukwu of Court 7, Abuja Federal High Court.

A former Assistant Comptroller-General of the agency in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, Garba Makarfi, and Umar Hussaini, a lawyer and owner of Capital Law Office, are also listed as defendants in the suit.

According to the charge sheet exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, they are accused of inducing the Managing Director of Cambial Limited, Yemi Obadeyi, to pay N1.1 billion (N1,100, 952,380.96) into the account of Capital Law Office as a refundable completion security deposit for the purchase of 120 units of duplexes as residential accommodation for officers of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The ICPC accuses Messrs Dikko and Makarfi of using the bank account of Mr Hussainis firms to illegally receive the money. The anti-graft agency further alleged that Mr Hussaini within the same period between April 6 and December 2010 shared the money into various accounts.

Mr Makarfi was accused of receiving three million dollars between April and December 2010, apparently as part of the proceeds of corruption.

ICPCs legal officer, Ephraim Otti, in his affidavit sworn to on January 25, 2019 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, said the defendants were investigated for alleged violation of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000; Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, and Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).

According to Mr Otti, evidence from the investigation established a prima facie case against the accused.

Dikkos Previous Corruption

Mr Dikko, who was the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service between August 2009 and August 2015, has faced several allegations of fraudulently enriching himself and certificate forgery.

In 2017, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seized 17 exotic vehicles from Mr Dikko, after Justice S. M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court in Kaduna gave an interim order for their forfeiture to the federal government.

Less than a week after the forfeiture order, EFCC recovered dozens of brand new tricycles and motorcycles from a warehouse allegedly belonging to Mr Dikko.

Operatives of the commissions Kaduna Zonal office acting on intelligence stormed the facility on February 28 and executed a search warrant which led to the recovery of the following items, the EFCC said at that time.

The commission listed the recovered items to include: 42 brand new customised yellow-coloured tricycles; 16 brand new cargo motorcycles; one brand new white 32-seater Nissan civilian bus; one MAN diesel truck; 515 brand new imported rugs of different colours and sizes; two metal bulletproof safe with N1.565 billion and documents of transactions in different currencies within and outside the country.

In a similar development, the Nigeria Customs Service under Mr Dikko was accused of paying N12 million into the account of a company belonging to an embattled Federal High Court judge, Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia.

The fifth prosecution witness for the EFCC in a matter filed against Mrs Ofili-Ajumogobia, Omale Ujah, had narrated to a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja how he was instructed sometimes in 2014 to pay N12million into the account of a company, Nigel and Colive Limited, belonging to the judge.

Mr Ujah, an Assistant Controller of Customs, told the court that the N12million payment was at the instruction of one Musa Tahir, who was the Deputy Controller-General of Customs.

In the course of my duty in 2014, the Deputy Controller-General that I was working with, Musa Tahir, came down from the office of the Comptroller-General of Customs and gave me the account number of Nigel and Colive limited, saying that the CGC said we should liaise with 12 commands and they should pay N1m each to my account, and I should transfer the whole sum to Nigel and Colive Limited. And that instruction was carried out, Mr Ujah said.

He said he paid the money in three tranches of N4m, N3m and N5m. He said he was not aware of any services rendered by the beneficiary company to the Nigeria Customs Service.

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Meanwhile, the federal government had included Mr Dikkos name in the list of looters released last year by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Muhammed.

The ICPC told the court that Mr Dikko is currently on the run.
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Saturday, stirred controversy when he alleged that Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is not originally a Nigerian.

Do you know that Atiku Abubakar is from Cameroon? His area of Adamawa was in Cameroon, Mr Kanu said in a live broadcast on Radio Biafra which commenced 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The claim by the separatist leader has generated a buzz, especially on the social media.

But, how true is that claim by Mr Kanu?

Going by history, he is in fact not entirely wrong in his assertion, a fact-check by PREMIUM TIMES shows.

Jada History

Atiku Abubakar is from Jada town in Adamawa State of Nigeria. However, Jada used to be in Ganye Local Government Area in Adamawa. Ganye is regarded as the mother of the whole Chamba tribe.

This area was never part of Nigeria legally until the February 1961 plebiscite where the people of the then Northern Cameroon voted to join Nigeria.

The area had been entrusted to Britain by a League of Nations mandate in 1919 and later as Trust Territory by the United Nations in 1946, according to an article published on Myculturebase.

A plebiscite was held in British Cameroons to determine whether the people preferred to stay in Cameroon or align with Nigeria. While Northern Cameroon preferred a union with Nigeria, Southern Cameroon chose alignment with the mother country. On June 1, 1961, Northern Cameroon became part of Nigeria, and on October 1, 1961, the southern territory dissolved into Cameroon.

Ganye, which incorporates Atikus birthplace of Jada was the headquarters of British Cameroons, but following the plebiscite, joined Nigeria.

Though Mr Kanu is correct about the historical origin of Atikus Jada, it is, however, instructive to note that when Mr Abubakar was on November 25, 1946 born to a Fulani trader and farmer Garba Abubakar, Jada village and other parts of Chamba land in the then Northern Cameroon were still known as British Cameroons.

With the defeat of Germany in World War I, Kamerun became a League of Nations mandate territory and was split into French Cameroons and British Cameroons in 1919.

While France integrated the economy of their part of Cameroon with that of France, the British administered theirs from neighbouring Nigeria, making Atikus Jada a British franchise.

Aside from these historical twists, the fact, however, remains that the PDP presidential candidate is legally a Nigerian as Jada became a full Nigerian territory after the plebiscite 59 years ago.

Kanus Call

The IPOB leader in Saturdays broadcast cited the plebiscite that incorporated parts of Chamba land into Nigeria as a justification for his call for a referendum.

Mr Kanu has been at the vanguard of the call for a break of the area he calls Biafra Republic from Nigeria through a referendum. The area incorporates South-east Nigeria dominated by the Igbos.

The IPOB leader, who is facing charges of treasonable felony at the Federal High Court in Abuja, had called for a boycott of elections in Anambra in November 2017 if the government failed to set a date for the referendum.

The call for a boycott failed as the election witnessed a large turnout.

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Also, clashes occurred last September  two months before the Anambra election  between IPOB members and soldiers when the military commenced operation in South-east states.

Mr Kanus whereabouts were unknown until his reappearance last October in video footage, which showed him in Israel. He later made a broadcast on the Biafra Radio.

The IPOB leader also reiterated his call for a boycott of the February 16 elections by his supporters. He called on all Biafrans to sit at home on election day.
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More than 700 statutory delegates and observers are expected to take part in the two-day National Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Peter Ozo-Eson, general secretary of NLC, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, that the conference would deliberate on national issues and unity in the labour movement.

The theme of the conference is, Towards a Decade of Activism for the Promotion of Labour Unity and National Rebirth and Development.

Mr Ozo-Eson said that the constitution provides how the delegates would be selected.

We are expecting 700 delegates for todays (February 5) program from industrial unions in the country.

The constitution provides how delegates are allocated. Three delegates are allocated to each industrial union on the basis of equality and one additional delegate is then allocated to every N5 million check-off dues.

Based on that contribution, we have just about 700 delegates. But beyond the delegates, unions are also free to bring in observers. Because this is a key event and most unions want to have many of their members to be part of it.

In addition, we have guests that are invited from within and outside the country. About 1,500 people will be present at the opening ceremony, he said.

Mr Ozo-Eson was optimistic that after the conference the NLC and the labour movement would be able to play active roles in promoting the ideals and goals specified in the theme of the conference.

NAN also reports that the tenure of the current leadership led by Ayuba Wabba, elected in 2015, expires this month.

The two-day conference, according to an inside source, is expected to affirm the current leadership of the union led by Wabba for a second term.

(NAN)
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The Nigerian Army said troops of 159 Battalion, have repelled an attack by Boko Haram.

The soldiers were deployed at Kanama, Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.

According to an army spokesperson, Injoka Irabo, the terrorists came on Monday evening in their numbers through the border town of Kanama and began to shoot sporadically. But they were engaged by the vigilant troops.

In a press release sent to PREMIUM TIMES, he said although two soldiers sustained injuries in the battle, the troops inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers. He said the terrorists were overwhelmed.

Troops of 159 Battalion, Forward Operational Base (FOB), Sector 2, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, deployed at Kanama, Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State, have today evening thwarted Boko Haram terrorists attempted incursion into the border town of Kanama.

The terrorists came in at about 5:30 pm and started shooting sporadically. The vigilant troops of the FOB engaged them.

Consequently, the terrorists were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the gallant troops of 159 Battalion and the well-coordinated air support from the Air Component of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. This resulted in inflicting casualty on the terrorists, while some of them retreated with gunshot wounds.

The resilient troops have embarked on (a) hot pursuit of the fleeing surviving attackers towards the border with Niger Republic. Unfortunately, two of our gallant soldiers sustained injuries, but they are in stable condition and receiving medical attention, the statement highlighted.

Mr Irabo added that further details on the terrorists casualties and recoveries would be provided on completion of the mop up and pursuit operations.

The Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria has caused tens of thousands of deaths since 2009. Although the terrorists have been largely limited to Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states since 2015, they still carry out attacks on civilian and military targets there.
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Turkish prosecutors on Tuesday issued detention warrants for over 100 people, including soldiers in active service, over their suspected links to a failed coup in 2016.

According to news reports, police launched simultaneous operations in 58 provinces across the country to catch the suspects on the orders of the prosecutors in the provinces of central Konya, northwestern Bursa, and western Izmir.

Those targeted allegedly had contact via pay phone with the network headed by U.S.-based Turkish cleric, Fethullah Gulen.

The Turkish government blames Gulen and his network for masterminding the coup bid in July 2016, in which 250 people were killed, and has been pushing for his extradition.

(Xinhua/NAN)
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The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Economic Community Of West African States Commission (ECOWAS) are proposing the construction of a 1,000 kilometres, a six-lane motorway that will connect four major West African capital cities.

The cities include Lagos in Nigeria, Accra in Ghana, Lome in Togo, Cotonou in the Benin Republic and Abidjan in Cote dIvoire.

The agreement was signed on Monday in Abuja for a study on the technical, implementation and operational aspects of the project considered a new initiative in building regional integration and trade.

The project is coming nearly five years after the presidents of Cote dIvoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria, signed a treaty on the establishment of the common highway in March 2014.

The president of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean Claude Brou, along with the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Finda Koroma, the Nigerian Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and Chairman of the Ministerial Steering Committee for the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Program, Babatunde Fashola, signed the agreement.

An AfDB statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday said the Head of Cooperation, European Union (EU) in Abuja, Kurt Cornelis, witnessed the ceremony in the company of representatives of other interest groups.

The statement said the partners have already approved a $22.7 million financing package for the technical study.

The package consists about $12.6 million from AfDB and another Euro 9.1 million grant from the EU Commission.

By linking some of Africas largest and economically dynamic cities, the road will promote cross-border trade and integrate fast-growing economies within the ECOWAS, AfDB said in the statement.

This is expected to contribute to reducing the poverty levels of the population that depends on inter-regional trade for livelihood, the Bank added.

The senior director of the Banks Nigeria office, Ebrima Faal, said the project is a demonstration of the Banks full commitment to the 2020 ECOWAS Vision.

We will work closely with the public and private sectors to unlock new sources of growth for Africa while reducing inequality between countries and within countries. Together, we can unlock the enormous potentials of the West African region and deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals for the region, Mr Faal said.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 12:09:21

Future Market Insights delivers key insights on the global zinc chloride market in its latest report titled Zinc Chloride market: Global Industry Analysis 2013-2017 and Opportunity Assessment, 2018-2028. The long-term outlook of the global zinc chloride market remains positive and its market value is expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.6 % during the forecast period (2018  2028). On the basis of grade type, the global zinc chloride market is dominated by the high purity grade segment, which accounts for ~43.6% of the global zinc chloride demand. The segment is estimated register a moderate CAGR over the forecast period and the demand for the segment is mostly driven by the chemical industry. Battery grade zinc chloride is widely used in the manufacturing of dry cell batteries. Technical grade and commercial grade zinc chloride segments are projected to witness high acceptability and growth rates in the latter half of the forecast period as these grades are used in electronic and other industrial applications. Global sales of zinc chloride is valued at US$ 270.9 Mn by the end of 2018  witnessing Y-o-Y growth of 4.6% over 2017. China accounts for a value share of ~21.9% of the global zinc chloride market in 2018 end and it is anticipated to register significant demand for zinc chloride from chemical and agriculture industries.Zinc chloride or ZnCl2 is a deliquescent salt, which is white in color and forms acidic solutions in polar organic solvents such as ether, acetone, water and ethanol. Zinc chloride is hygroscopic in nature and thus, must be kept away from water vapors and moisture sources. By adding zinc chloride and acetone, a neutral solution of zinc chloride is prepared.Increasing demand for zinc chloride from chemical and textile industries can be attributed to the growth in usage in these industries. Other than this, zinc chloride also finds a number of other applications in various end-use industries such as in galvanizing, tinning of fluxes and soldering. It can also be used as an odor controller, due to which its demand is increasing in the market. The reaction of sulfide with zinc chloride minimizes the release of H2S gas in waste water treatment facilities, thereby aiding in odor control. Zinc chloride is used in the rubber industry for the vulcanization of rubber. That apart, dissolution of cellulosic fibers in scrap is done with the help of zinc chloride. Zinc chloride is also used for various other applications such as textile finishing, liquid fertilizers, organic synthesis, dry cell batteries and wood preservatives, among others.Request For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6541 However, the global zinc chloride market is projected to face numerous challenges as zinc chloride is toxic in nature and can cause skin & eye burns. Zinc chloride and water, on contact with eyes, can cause permanent damage. Such factors are further expected to hamper the growth of the zinc chloride market.One of the recent trends observed in the global zinc chloride market includes the use of zinc chloride as a catalyst in the automotive industry.Segmentation AnalysisOn the basis of grade type, the high purity grade segment is projected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period with a share of ~43.6% by the end 2018On the basis of application type, the global zinc chloride market is projected to be dominated by the dry cell batteries segment, which is expected to register a CAGR of 4.5% over the forecast period. However, the catalyst segment is expected to witness a higher growth rateOn the basis of end use, the use of zinc chloride in the chemical industry is projected to remain the relatively larger end use segment; however, other applications such agriculture and electronics are expected to expand at relatively moderate growth ratesRegional AnalysisFrom a regional perspective, China is projected to dominate the global zinc chloride market throughout the forecast period. The region is a production base for a number of global manufacturers and also, exports to Asian and other countries. North America also holds a significant share of ~20% in the global zinc chloride market with the U.S. representing the major market demand. India is projected to be a higher growth country with significant growth opportunities in the latter half of the forecast period. ASEAN, Poland, Brazil and other countries are majorly dependent on the import of zinc chloride from the U.S., China and Europe. Therefore, a number of manufacturers are planning to strategically invest in expanding their sales and production footprint in the region. Latin America and MEA are projected to remain low volume  high growth regions over the forecast period.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-6541 Vendor InsightsThe report highlights some of the top companies operating in the global zinc chloride market such Zaclon LLC, Flaurea Chemicals, Vijaychem Industries, FInOrIC, American Elements, Pan-Continental Chemical Co., Global Chemical Co. Ltd., TIB Chemicals, S.A. Lipmes, Haihua Industry and Yanggu Zhongtian Zinc Industry Co. Ltd., among others.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the X-by-Wire Market: Throttle-by-Wire Technology to Lead with Maximum Penetration During the Forecast Period: Global Industry Analysis (2012 - 2016) and Opportunity Assessment (2017 - 2027)" report to their offering.

X-by-Wire Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 07:41:24

According to a new report published by Future Market Insights titled X-by-Wire Market: Global Industry Analysis (2012  2016) and Opportunity Assessment (2017  2027), the global x-by-wire is in the growing stage and is expected to show potential growth signs by the end of 2027. The demand for x-by-wire systems is increasing with every passing day as their installation is increasing in the military vehicles as well as construction equipment. Automotive companies are also focusing on installing x-by-wire systems in economy cars as well. Electric and hybrid vehicles manufacturers, on the other hand, are looking forward to adopt brake-by-wire in the vehicles, thus making it a feasible option for the consumers. The global x-by-wire market is expected to witness a volume CAGR of 13.8% and is likely to reach a volume of over 395,000 000 units by the end of 2027.Rising Demand for Automotive Components to Trigger Adoption of X-by-WireThe global automotive components market is expected to rise at a healthy rate over the forecast period owing to the substantial rise in the global demand for light vehicles. As a result of this, the sales of x-by-wire is expected to increase by almost 40%. Furthermore, the sales are supported by the stable demand arising from Asia Pacific and Europe. The sales are likely to constant in developing regions but slower growth is likely to be witnessed in emerging markets, especially China.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6324 Along with the luxury and premium vehicles sector; mid-sized and economical cars are also featuring advanced systems in their vehicle models in order to remain competitive in the market. These factors are expected to fuel growth of the x-by-wire technologies such as throttle-by-wire, shift-by-wire and brake-by-wire. The global automotive production rate is expected to have a high impact on the x-by wire market. The passenger cars sector, in particular, is anticipated to witness high growth over the forecast period. It has been projected that there will be a rather sound automotive production rate in developed economies such as Europe and the U.S. with the key emphasis being on sedan and luxury car sectors owing to changing consumer preference and lifestyle.Asia Pacific Excluding Japan to Emerge as a Leading Region in Terms of Number of DeploymentsThe market for x-by-wire in APAC is expected to witness a volume CAGR of 16.3% from 2017 and 2027 owing to the high penetration of automotive in the region. China is on the forefront at present and is expected to stay the same by the end of the forecast period. In spite of an unstable economy in the last couple of years, the automotive industry has performed quite well, thus increasing the sales of automotive, both passenger and commercial in the region. In addition, the production of automotive is anticipated to be comparatively high in the developing regions as compared to the developed ones. Factors such as shifting customer preferences towards luxury vehicles, developing infrastructure, as well as rising disposable income of consumers in the region are likely to support the automotive industry in the region, thus supplementing the sales of x-by-wire in return.Need more information about Report Methodology @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-6324 Partnerships to be the Core Strategy of Key Market PlayersStrategic partnerships of auto component manufacturers with technology providers is likely to be the core focus of companies. The companies operating in the x-by-wire market are Continental AG, Kongsberg Automotive, Curtiss-Wright Corporation, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH, SKF AB, Denso Corporation, and Ficosa International SA, among others.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 21:41:50

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Research N Reports has acknowledged another research report which is titled as Global Winches Market Research that offers an exclusive understanding of the topic. It figures out the ways in which the organizations can reinforce their stand in the market and increase their revenues in the upcoming years. It also tries to clasp the important methodologies.Key companies profiled in this reports:TWG, Paccarwinch, Ingersoll Rand, Cargotec, Huisman Group, Bosch Rexroth, Thern, ROLLS-ROYCE, Brevini, IHC Hytop B.V., Fukushima Ltd, Manabe Zoki, Korea Hoist, Ini Hydraulic, Shenyu, AolongGet Sample Copy of Report: https://www.researchnreports.com/request_sample.php?id=217021 This statistical report also offers a detailed study of Winches projects and analyses the investment and return feasibility of these projects in the keen markets. A detailed account of supply and demand chain of the Winches market and an analysis of marketing channels, clients and industry development trends, is also included in the report.Precisely, the report emphases on the competitive landscape of the Winches industry and abides the persuasive development policies and plans that will decide the markets trail in the forecast period. An exploration of the major players functioning in the Winches market is included in the report, segmenting and unfolding them on the constraints of manufacturing procedures and business strategies, information related to product classification and profit margins regarding the same. The cost dynamics of the market are also scrutinized and related to the ample breakdown of the markets competitive landscape which provides a complete generous range of price dynamics in the Winches industry for the readers to comprehend it clearly.Get Discount on this Report: https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=217021 Winches Market is the best way to win the finest business selections. Numerous organizations are starting to know about the implication and outcome of the market in each part of their business. Many more are willing to spend more currency just to get the exact and precise demographics of their market. The massive rate of the customers select products and services from an organization that has a strong and accurate marketing research. The products and services that have high rankings are in addition that are boosted in large numbers.Analyzed in a descriptive manner, the global Winches market report presents an all-inclusive outline of the market based on the facets that are expected to have an extensive influence on the development of the market over the forecasts period.For More Queries: https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=217021
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 19:01:15

LEVITTOWN, PA / ACCESSWIRE / February 5, 2019 / William Penn Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") (OTC PINK: WMPN), the holding company for William Penn Bank (the "Bank"), announced quarterly net income of $518 thousand ($0.13 per basic and diluted share) for the three months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to $770 thousand ($0.19 per basic and diluted share) for the three months ended September 30, 2018. For the first six months of its 2019 fiscal year, the Company earned $1.29 million, or $0.32 per share, compared to $282 thousand, or $0.08 per share, for the six months ended December 31, 2017.The decline in quarterly earnings was primarily due to an increase in noninterest expenses resulting from non-recurring charges associated with the conversion of data processors from the merger between Audubon Savings Bank and William Penn Bank. Total noninterest expense increased $313 thousand in the quarter for a total of $3.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018. Noninterest expenses as a percentage of average assets increased from 2.68% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 to 3.18% for the three months ended December 31, 2018.Net interest income increased $21 thousand quarter over quarter due primarily to a decline in interest expense on borrowed funds. The Bank's net interest margin increased from 3.86% to 3.95% quarter over quarter.The Bank posted $88 thousand in provision for loan and lease losses within the quarter resulting in an ALLL/loan ratio of 0.94%, consistent with the September 2018 quarter end. The increase in provision expense was due to the $9.0 million increase in loans quarter over quarter.Noninterest income was relatively unchanged quarter over quarter with the Company earning $263 thousand in fee income for the three months ended December 31, 2018 versus $262 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2018 quarter. Noninterest income as a percentage of average assets increased to 0.26% for the three months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 0.25% for the three months ended September 30, 2018.Total assets declined $3.4 million, or 0.80%, to $403.2 million at December 31, 2018. Total net loans increased $9.0 million, or 2.8% in the quarter to settle at $331.6 million as of December 31, 2018. Loans as a percentage of assets increased from 80.4% to 83.3% quarter over quarter.Total liabilities from September 30, 2018 declined $3.9 million, or 1.2%, to $329.0 million at December 31, 2018. Total deposits declined $4.0 million, from $280.2 million to $276.2 million with the deposit mix modestly shifting out of nonmaturity deposits into time deposits. Within the quarter, the Bank was able to reduce its reliance on advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank from $46.5 million to $45.0 million.Total shareholders' equity increased $535 thousand to $74.2 million at December 31, 2018 due primarily to an increase in retained earnings.As of December 31, 2018, the Company had 4,158,113 shares of common stock issued and 3,980,154 shares outstanding, of which 3,189,840 shares were held by William Penn, MHC, the Company's mutual holding company parent (the "MHC").COMPLETION OF EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT SUCCESSION PLANIn addition to announcing second quarter earnings, the Company also announced the successful completion of its Executive Management succession plan.Kenneth J. Stephon succeeded Terry L. Sager as Chief Executive Officer on February 1, 2019. Mr. Stephon has been President since October 1, 2018, after having served as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer following the merger with Audubon Savings Bank on July 1, 2018. At Audubon Savings Bank he was President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director from October 2013 to June 2018. Before joining Audubon Savings, Mr. Stephon was CEO of Liberty Savings Bank in Pennsylvania and Clover Bank in New Jersey. He is on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers and Insured Financial Institutions of the Delaware Valley. Mr. Stephon graduated from Trenton State College and received an M.B.A. from Rider University.Mrs. Sager had been the Chief Executive Officer since April 2010, and also served as President from April 2010 until October 1, 2018. She joined the Bank in 1986. Mrs. Sager will remain on the Board of Directors.Commenting on the change, Mrs. Sager said, "It has been my honor to serve this institution for more than 32 years. I am pleased that we have already completed many of our merger milestones, and I am looking forward to doing whatever I can to support Ken and the senior leadership team as we move forward." Mr. Stephon added, "Terry has been a terrific partner through this transition, and I look forward to her ongoing support in the future. I am very excited about the opportunity to lead this great company." Gregory Garcia was appointed Chief Financial Officer on January 1, 2019, succeeding Jan Summers, who retired as planned on December 31, 2018. Mr. Garcia was hired as Senior Vice President in September 2018 and worked closely with Ms. Summers to ensure an effective transition of responsibilities. Prior to joining William Penn, Mr. Garcia was previously an Executive Managing Director of FinPro, Inc. a consulting firm specializing in providing advisory services to the financial institutions industry, where he worked for 14 years. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Rutgers University and also studied at the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking.Ms. Summers had joined William Penn on July 1, 2018 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer following the merger with Audubon Savings Bank, where Ms. Summers had served as EVP, CFO, and Treasurer from 2014 until the merger. Her banking career spanned 35 years.Bruce Knipe was appointed Chief Lending Officer on January 1, 2019, succeeding James Douglas. Mr. Knipe previously served as Senior Vice President and Director of Commercial Lending following the merger with Audubon Savings Bank, where Mr. Knipe was Sr. VP and Chief Lending Officer. Prior to joining Audubon Savings, Mr. Knipe was Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Bucks County Bank in Doylestown, PA for 7 years. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Delaware Valley College, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He also is a graduate of the CBA Graduate School of Bank Management at the University of Virginia and the PBA School of Commercial Lending at Bucknell University.Mr. Douglas was Senior Vice President and had joined the Bank in
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 09:06:52

One of Only Ten New Licenses Granted, First Northern Lights Supply Retail Store to be Open in FebruaryVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 5, 2019 / Weekend Unlimited Inc.("Weekend" or the "Company") (CSE: POT  FSE: 0OS1  OTC Pink: WKULF) is pleased to announce that Northern Lights Supply, for which Weekend Unlimited has previously announced an arms-length agreement to acquire 49% of, was one of ten to get a new cannabis retail store operating license in Alberta.Key points:Northern Lights Supply is the FIRST retail cannabis store servicing the Edmonton International Airport, Canada's largest oilfield industrial park and the cities of Leduc and BeaumontNorthern Lights Supply is situated adjacent Highway 2, Alberta's busiest corridor and is the FIRST cannabis retail store to receive approval to advertise their brand along the main entrance to Edmonton with published traffic counts of 100,000 + vehicles a dayThe store provides 6,500 square feet of retail space, making it one of the largest approved retail Cannabis stores in AlbertaNorthern Lights Supply was designed to take advantage of the upcoming edible and infused cannabis products schedule to be legal in the fall of 2019Opening planned for mid-February"After 16 months of planning and preparation we are excited but prepared to begin operating and serving this community," stated Northern Lights Supply President Derek Shields."We are thrilled to one of a lucky ten to get a license to operate at this time.We have a strong business plan with extensive outreach partnerships in the works aimed at delivering educational seminars for the hospitality industry and business organizations," added Mr.Shields "We are passionate about this new store and aim to be at the forefront of education within Alberta, using the store to educate businesses and the community overall about the cannabis industry.Our store model has been designed to be replicated in Alberta as additional opportunities to expand arise and the partnerships we build in the community are essential to do so in a sustainable way," explained Mr.Shields For further information, please contact: Mr.Paul Chu, President and CEOTelephone: 1 (236) 317-2812 - Toll free 1(888) 556-9656E-mail: IR@ weekendunlimited.com About Weekend Unlimited Inc.Weekend Unlimited is capitalizing on its vast industry relationships to establish a lifestyle brand featuring premium products and delivering life's highest moments.The company aggregates and scales small to medium brands, primarily in the categories of flower, extracts and edibles.Weekend Unlimited brands have best of class operations, distribution and strong revenue trajectories, making them ideal candidates for the deployment of capital and expertise through access to technologies, infrastructure and centralized systems.Learn more at www.weekendunlimited.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Forward Looking StatementsCertain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties.All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company.Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management.Often , but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals.Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws.SOURCE: Weekend Unlimited Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 12:45:56

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The introduction of value based healthcare services has changed the traditional way in which providers used to bill for care. Providers need to pay on the value of care they provide instead of paying based on the number of visits and treatment the patients undergo. This change in the reimbursement platform is driving the value based healthcare services by directing better care at low costs. But for those healthcare providers who cannot achieve the required targets, the financial fines and lower reimbursement can create a prominent financial liability. As a patient and a healthcare customer, they pay more for the services and the treatment they get, where sometimes the cost can go out of the control of the patient. But with the introduction of new health plans and value based healthcare services are coming together on the solutions which will benefit the patients wallet and health. Value based healthcare services address to the rising healthcare expenditure, clinical inefficiency and repetition of services.Request For Report Sample@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3265 Global Value Based Healthcare Services Market- Market Segmentation:On the basis of Models, the Global Value Based Healthcare Services market can be segmented into,Accountable care organization (ACO)Patient-centered medical home (PCMH)Pay for performance (P4P)Bundled paymentsOn the basis of End User, the Global Value Based Healthcare Services market can be segmented intoProvidersHospitalsClinicsOthersPayersInsurance CompaniesGovernmentOthersOn the basis of Deployment, the Global Value Based Healthcare Services market can be segmented intoCloud BasedOn-PremiseOn the basis of Platform, the Global Value Based Healthcare Services market can be segmented intoStand-aloneIntegratedOn the basis of Region, the Global Value Based Healthcare Services market can be segmented into,North AmericaWestern EuropeEastern EuropeAsia Pacific Excluding JapanJapanLatin AmericaMiddle East & AfricaGlobal Value Based Healthcare Services Market- Market Dynamics:The most significant driver for the rapid development of the global Value Based Healthcare Services market is the healthcare-related risks shifting from the patients to their healthcare providers. With patient focused healthcare policies having changed the way medical care is delivered, it is now easy to see why the demand for Value Based Healthcare Services rising steadily. Where until a few years ago manual processes were the only means of carrying out everyday operations, automation and interconnectivity have made that approach nearly obsolete. Also, the global medical tourism industry is recording good growth numbers every year. This has helped healthcare providers in emerging economies adopt a positive investment option as far as care management solutions are concerned. However, it would be too early to say that the growth of the Value Based Healthcare Services market has taken off in the real sense. Several regions that have high investment potential but are restrained by the lack of internet connectivity are a missed opportunity for companies in the global Value Based Healthcare Services market. Moreover, in some countries in Asia and Latin America where basic healthcare infrastructure still remains below the desired levels, it will be a while before the environment becomes conducive to the adoption of Value Based Healthcare Services.Global Value Based Healthcare Services Market-Regional Outlook:Geographically, the Value Based Healthcare Services market has been segmented into North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Regionally, North America was the largest market for Value Based Healthcare Services and North America is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the forecast period due to rise in the healthcare reforms. Followed by Europe and then Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is the most progressive market for Value Based Healthcare Services. This growth is mainly attributed to factors such as improving population perspective and increasing awareness Furthermore, the Value Based Healthcare Services market in Latin America is likely to expand at a significant CAGR. Brazil and Mexico are driving the Value Based Healthcare Services market in the region due to favorable initiatives taken by the respective governments. Moreover, rising research and development would fuel market growth in Latin America.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3265 Global Value Based Healthcare Services Market- Major Players:Currently, the global Value Based Healthcare Services market is highly competitive owing to the involvement of many established players and government policies. Some of the key players in the global Value Based Healthcare Services market are Deloitte, McKesson Corporation, NextGen Healthcare, Genpact Limited, Athena Healthcare, Siemens Healthcare and many others.
Some of the key players in Tuberculosis therapeutics market are Sigma Pharmaceutical Pty Limited, Aventis Pharmaceuticals Limited, Novartis AG, Sanofi -aventis U.S LLC, Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Versapharma Incorporated, Bayer Health care.

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 11:59:40

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Tuberculosis (or) TB is a chronic infectious disease which is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis, also known as pulmonary tuberculosis, infects to any part of the body majorly affects lungs. Extra pulmonary tuberculosis occurs when infection spreads other than the lungs. The bacterial infection that spreads through lymph nodes, blood stream to any organ in body. Tuberculosis is a contagious disease and transmitted from person to person through microscopic droplets released into the air. Tuberculosis is mainly of two typeslatent tuberculosis and active tuberculosis. In latent TB condition, person infected with the bacteria but it is inactive state and cause no symptoms. It isn't contagious. It is also called inactive tuberculosis (or) TB. It can turn into active TB, so treatment is important for the person with latent TB and to help control the spread of TB. Active Tuberculosis stage enable bacteria spread to others. It can occur in initial stages after infection with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, or it might occur years later. Tuberculosis can be diagnosed through the tuberculin skin test or blood test. The positive tuberculin test or blood test enable to detect person infected with bacteria but it unable to detect latent tuberculosis infection.Tuberculosis Therapeutics Market: Drivers and restraintsIncreasing prevalence rate of tuberculosis provides the lucrative market for the global tuberculosis therapeutics market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about one-third of the worlds population diagnosed with latent tuberculosis (TB), 9.6 million people diagnosed with tuberculosis in 2014. 1 million children diagnosed and 0.14 million children died in 2014. Low income and middle income countries more prevalent to the tuberculosis. People infected with HIV are 20-30 times more likely to develop active tuberculosis. The risk to occurrence active TB greater in persons suffering from other conditions that impair the immune system. Program to treat tuberculosis Directly Observed Treatment, Short Course (DOTS) developed by WHO, witnessed robust growth of global tuberculosis therapeutics market. Shortage of anti-tubercular drugs to treat TB in children.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1303 Tuberculosis Therapeutics Market: SegmentationGlobal Tuberculosis Therapeutics Market can be segmented as following typesBy Product:Hydrazine derivativesIsoniazidMiscellaneous anti tubercular drugsRifampinEthambutolPyrazinamideBy End user:Hospital PharmaciesAmbulatory Surgical CentersIndividual PharmaciesTuberculosis Therapeutics Market: OverviewIncreasing demand for advance medication to treat tuberculosis and rising awareness among people and novel medications to treat the tuberculosis is expected to account for a robust growth of global tuberculosis therapeutics market over the forecasted period.Tuberculosis Therapeutics Market: Region-Wise OutlookDepending upon the geographic regions tuberculosis therapeutics market segmented into seven key regions: Those are North America, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Asia pacific excluding japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa.North America and Latin America regions is expected to dominate the tuberculosis therapeutics market throughout the forecast period. People are becoming health conscious and aware of treatments of tuberculosis in the region. Asian Pacific region and MEA are anticipated to register double digit CAGR over the forecasted period.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1303 Tuberculosis Therapeutics Market: Key playersSome of the key players in Tuberculosis therapeutics market are Sigma Pharmaceutical Pty Limited, Aventis Pharmaceuticals Limited, Novartis AG, Sanofi -aventis U.S LLC, Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Versapharma Incorporated, Bayer Health care.
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Dilated cardiomyopathy is condition caused due to enlargement of left ventricle in the heart. In this state left ventricle gets enlarged, and the heart walls become thinner to pump blood from heart to other body parts of the body. Dilated cardiomyopathy can be developed at any age however it is more common in the people age between 20 to 60 years. In some cases, right ventricle also might be affected due to myopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is often caused by genetic mutations and non-genetic conditions like exposure to toxins, autoimmune diseases, heart valve abnormalities and diabetes disease conditions. However, there was no drug approved by FDA to treat dilated cardiomyopathy conditions. Companies are actively working on to develop molecules to treat dilated cardiomyopathy conditions. Array BioPharma carrying out Phase 2 clinical trial for ARRY-797 that inhibits p38 mitogen-activated kinase inhibitor to treat dilated cardiomyopathy. In December 2015, U.S. FDA gave Orphan drug status to the Vasomera (PB1046) molecule developed by PhaseBio Pharmaceuticals that is used treat X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy conditions. Vericel Corporation working on innovative concept to treat dilated cardiomyopathy conditions. Company has developed Ixmyelocel-T, multicellular therapy to treat dilated cardiomyopathy.Dilated Cardiomyopathy Market: Drivers and RestraintsGlobally increase in incidences of congestive heart failure conditions which is leading cause of dilated cardiomyopathy conditions. According to American Heart Association, around 5.3 million Americans have congestive heart failure within an incidence of 660,000 cases diagnosed yearly this signifies potential of the market. The major restraints for the market lack of proper drugs, increase in usage of defibrillators and pacemakers are effecting growth of this market.Request For Report Sample@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2830 Dilated Cardiomyopathy Market: SegmentationThe global Dilated Cardiomyopathy Market is classified on the basis of drug class, distribution channel and geography.Based on drug class, the dilated cardiomyopathy market is segmented into the following:Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitorsAngiotensin II receptor blockersBeta blockersDiureticsBlood thinning medicationsCardiac glycosidesBased on distribution channel, the dilated cardiomyopathy market is segmented into the following:Retail PharmaciesOnline PharmaciesHospital PharmaciesMail order PharmaciesDilated Cardiomyopathy Market: OverviewNormally to treat dilated cardiomyopathy conditions, physicians use the drugs that can treat for congestive heart failure conditions this is due to lack of drugs for dilated cardiomyopathy conditions. Angiotensin receptor blockers occupy the major market share followed by beta blockers by beta blockers. In case of distribution channel, retail pharmacies hold the major market share followed by hospital pharmacies due to easy availability of drugs.Dilated Cardiomyopathy Market: Regional OverviewDilated Cardiomyopathy Market is classified into seven regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America occupies the significant market share in dilated cardiomyopathy market. Due to high incidence rates of congestive heart failures in the region. Next to North America, Europe holds the second leading market share for dilated cardiomyopathy conditions. According to European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, over 6000,000 are admitted to hospital, and 55,000 deaths are caused due to the congestive heart failure conditions in Europe. However, APEJ market is expected to grow over the forecast due to increase in awareness and increasing demand for generic drugs are responsible for growth of the market over the forecast period.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2830 Dilated Cardiomyopathy Market: PlayersSome of the players in the dilated cardiomyopathy Pfizer Inc., Array BioPharma, Vericel Corporation,PhaseBio Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Johnson and Johnson, Merck & Co., Inc, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Astrazeneca plc and Sanofi
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 17:01:42

IRVING, TX / ACCESSWIRE / February 5, 2019 / Targetbase is pleased to announce the promotion of Stacey Crumbley from Chief Client Officer to President. Crumbley has been with Targetbase for almost 25 years and has played an instrumental role in the growth of the company.In her position as President, Crumbley will work directly with Mark Wright, CEO of Targetbase, to manage operations, focus on strategic partnerships with current clients and explore business opportunities.Targetbase President, Stacey CrumbleyCrumbley has worked with a portfolio of clients including American Honda, Galderma, Southwest Airlines, Michaels Arts and Crafts Store, Albertson's, Warner Welcome, AT&T, Dr. Pepper/7-UP and Shopko.''I look forward to sharing my passion for creating strategic solutions that are grounded in intelligence and generated from our clients' greatest assets: customer data and insights,'' Crumbley said. ''Targetbase has a team of amazing individuals whose shared goal is driving results for our clients. This new role provides me the opportunity to work more closely with all of our clients and the gifted, multi-faceted talent that resides within Targetbase. Together, our focus is driving measurable outcomes for all of our current and future clients.'' Crumbley has the ability to guide and manage large-scale, multi-faceted engagements. Her experience lies in business building via strategically focused customer acquisition, retention, and maximization of solutions. She has expertise in leveraging appropriate combinations of technology, analytics, creative and strategy in the delivery of impactful programs, campaigns and other consumer engagement agency initiatives.Crumbley has made long-lasting relationships with many clients, including Chuck Kendig, Assistant Vice President of Automotive Operations at American Honda Motor Co., Inc.''When I think of Stacey Crumbley and Targetbase, I think of partnership,'' Kendig said. ''Long-term partnerships happen when both parties share core values and corporate DNA. For 23 years, Stacey and the team at Targetbase served as an extension of our team and a large driver in Honda's growth and success. At Honda, one of our aspirations is to be a company that society wants to exist' and that people can't imagine life without. In the sphere of partners, I would say that Stacey and Targetbase hold that status with Honda.'' Bryan Fogg, Senior Vice President, Consumer Insights and Analytics at PVH Corp., also explains his memorable experience working with Crumbley."Stacey is a strategic and thoughtful visionary that, with the support of a talented team, ensures actionable details receive the proper attention, while never wavering in her focus on the larger goal,'' Fogg said. ''Stacey is tireless in her devotion to clients and analytical in her solution-creation. It has been a profitable pleasure to work with the team under Stacey's leadership, and I look forward to doing so again." During her time at Targetbase, Crumbley has been recognized for many outstanding achievements. She has also been a key part of enriching the client relationships. Crumbley is a proven leader with a track record of establishing a clear and compelling vision for a client's business. She is able to incorporate input from a variety of constituencies, make decisions, and build consensus.Crumbley truly understands the business of CRM, the strength in first and third-party data and has a heart for Targetbase, its clients and its employees.About TargetbaseAs a data-driven, strategic communications agency, we believe our clients become stronger when they leverage the wealth of information consumers provide every day. At Targetbase, we integrate technology, analytics, creative, and strategy to create a better consumer experience, which improves consumer engagement and drives a more profitable outcome for clients. Our agency is a part of the Omnicom Precision Marketing Group. For more information, visit www.targetbase.com About Omnicom Precision Marketing GroupOmnicom Precision Marketing Group (OPMG) aligns Omnicom's global digital, data and CRM capabilities to deliver precisely targeted and meaningful customer experiences at scale. Using its universal framework of connected data, connected intelligence, and connected experiences, OPMG provides services that include data-driven product / service design, technology strategy and implementation, CRM / loyalty strategy and activation, econometric and attribution modeling, technical and business consulting and digital experience design and development. At the core of delivering these services is Omni, an advanced technology platform that combines a powerful cultural insights engine with massively scaled data insights from first-, second- and third-party sources, including several proprietary Omnicom data partnerships.Omnicom Precision Marketing Group is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. that includes more than 200 companies in a wide range of marketing disciplines including advertising, public relations, healthcare, customer relationship management, events, promotional marketing, branding, and research.Contact for information or questions about Targetbase:Taylor Mullan972-506-3799SOURCE: Targetbase
Sterilization Services Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 14:20:24

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Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: http://www.persistencemarketresearch.comAssociate Consultant800-961-0353

With the growing need to disinfect medical devices in the healthcare industry has led to an upsurge in demand for sterilization services globally. In addition, prevalence of various diseases in the hospitals and clinics is further projected to impact the global market growth of sterilization services positively. Persistence Market Research states that the global market of sterilization services is projected to reflect a CAGR of 6.0% over the forecast period, 2017-2026.Request for Report Methodology @: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/20770 Factors Fuelling Global Market GrowthGrowth of the global sterilization services market is mainly bound to various macro-economic and micro-economic factors. Surge in demand for hygienisation of medical instruments will continue to rev up demand for sterilization services in the healthcare sector. Preference for uncontaminated medical instruments in the healthcare institutions is projected to remain high attributed to growing need to conduct surgeries. In order to cease the propagation of contaminations in various equipment and instruments manufactured for various industries, the ruling authorities in various countries are imposing stringent regulations to meet the specifications regarding decontamination. In addition, strict assessment of medical instruments by FDA has further led the manufacturers to include sterilization as an important production process.Growing need to meet the specified sterility assessment is propelling manufacturers to focus on routine terminal sterilization. Reuse of various medical devices such as endoscopes, ultrasounds and surgical instruments will further rev up sales of the sterility services globally. Increasing adoption of the contaminated medical instruments, of food equipment can propagate various diseases among the patients and customers. In order to ensure adoption of the sterile and uncontaminated devices, manufacturers are ensuring the products are tagged with the sterility labels and FDA approval.In addition, manufacturing companies are also offering one-stop solutions for decontamination and validation services to various industries. Companies in the food and beverages, healthcare, pharmaceutical, vets, dentists, cosmetics and packaging are increasingly collaborating with various manufacturing companies to avail assured and reliable sterilization services quickly. These factors will continue to impact the global market growth of sterilization services positively during the forecast period.Application of chemical sterilants including ethylene oxide can have respiratory and bodily distress as it is carcinogenic in nature. Moreover, increasing application of chemical sterilants is also expected to impose negative effects on the electronic parts of the medical instruments. Attributed to these hazards, manufacturers prefer opting for alternative techniques such as hydrogen peroxide and chlorine dioxide. These factors are expected to inhibit the global market growth of sterilization services significantly.Sales to Remain High for Medical DevicesAs the requirement for decontaminating medical instruments continue to increase, demand for the physical methods of sterilization is projected to remain high in the global market. In terms of revenue, the physical method type segment is projected to represent the highest growth, recording more than US$ 700 Mn by 2026-end. On the other hand, the mechanical method type segment is projected to reflect significant CAGR over the forecast period. By 2017-end, the medical devices manufacturers end users segment is projected to witness a robust revenue growth, representing for more than US$ 300 Mn. In contrary, the research and academic institute end users segment is projected to reflect the fastest growth in the global market of sterilization services during the forecast period.In terms of application, the raw materials segment is projected to reflect a healthy CAGR by 2026-end. On the other hand, the medical devices application segment is projected to generate significant revenues, recording more than US$ 680 Mn throughout the forecast period. By service type, the validation segment and the contract segment is projected to reflect an equivalent CAGR by 2026-end. However, the contract service type segment is projected to represent a significant revenue growth, accounting for more than US$ 590 Mn by 2017-end.Request Report Sample@ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/20770 Market PlayersMajor players operating in the global market of sterilization services include Solvay SA, E I Dupont DE Nemours & Company, 3M Company, Asahi Glass Co. Ltd., Honeywell International, Inc., Daikin Industries Ltd., Mexichem S.A.B. de C.V., The Chemours Company, Zeus Industrial Products Inc., W L Gore & Associates, Inc. and Compagnie de Saint-Gobain SA (Saint Gobain Performance Plastics).
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 08:26:53

Soybean is processed primarily into three forms which includes soy protein isolates comprise ~90% protein, soy protein concentrates with ~70% protein, and soy flour with ~50% protein. Soy protein ingredient is considered to be the best substitute for animal protein. Soy protein ingredient comprises amino acids and are also rich in fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, polyunsaturated fats and lecithin, magnesium and vitamin B. Thus it contains high health-related benefits and functional properties. Due to its characteristics it primarily used as emulsifier, gel, tenderizer, binder, stabilizer, and thickener by food and beverages processing industry. Soy protein ingredients are also environmental friendly as they require less amount of water while processing.Soy Protein Ingredient Market SegmentationOn the basis of type soy protein ingredient can be segmented as soy protein isolates, soy protein concentrates and soy flour. Among all these product type soy protein isolates is expected to account for the potential market share followed by soy protein concentrates. Due to high percentage of protein content in soy protein isolates is supporting the demand for the same during the forecast period. Soy flour is also expected to show a substantial growth in the near future. However due to less protein content in the soy flour is expected to restrain its growth in the near future.Furthermore the soy protein ingredient market is segmented on the basis of application which includes bakery and confectionary, processed meat products, functional foods, dairy replacers, infant foods and others. Among all these segment functional food is expected to be the major contributor in supporting the growth soy protein ingredient followed by processed meat products. Rising awareness among the consumer for health beneficiary products is supporting the demand for soy protein ingredient market during the forecast period. Moreover, infant food is also expected to support the demand of soy protein ingredient market. This is due to the increasing parental concern for providing the nutritious and healthy food to their child.Geographically Europe and North America is expected to account for the major market share in the forecast period. However these region is expected to record moderate growth. In North America, U.S. is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Canada. Moreover Asia pacific is expected to show the double digit CAGR growth during the forecast period followed by Latin America. In Asia pacific region China and India is expected to account for the substantial growth due to increased demand for nutritional food among the consumers. Moreover in Latin America, Brazil is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Mexico.Request Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-628 Soy Protein Ingredient Market DriversHigh functional properties of the soy protein ingredient coupled with ecofriendly and natural health benefits is driving the demand of soy protein during the forecast period. Moreover it is cost effective than the animal protein and reflects the same protein content. This is expected to enhance adoption of soy protein across various end-use industries resulting in increasing the shelf life of the processed food, so it is also considered as the most sustainable protein ingredients which is favoring its growth in alternate way.Soy Protein Ingredient Restraining FactorsHowever, its anti-nutrients and allergic nature of soy protein ingredients is restraining its growth during the forecast period. Moreover, negative impact of genetically modified (GM) soy coupled with the availability of various alternatives such as milk proteins, pea proteins and other animal proteins are also effecting the growth of soy protein ingredient in the forecast period.Ask the Analyst @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/soy-protein-ingredient-market#engage_analyst Soy Protein Ingredient Market: Key PlayersKey international players operating in the soy protein ingredient market are, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Company, Dean Foods Company, Armor Proteins, Gelita Group, Bunge Alimentos SA, Kerry Ingredients Inc., Burcon NutraScience, Cargill Health & Food Technologies, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Kellogg Company, Doves Farm Foods, Kraft Foods Group Inc., Manildra Group, MGP Ingredients, Omega Protein Corporation, George Weston Foods and others.
The schizophrenia treatment market is also segmented on the basis of geography, such as North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. The North American region is considered as the largest market, followed by Europe. However, Asia-Pacific region is considered as the most promising market in the upcoming future.

Schizophrenia Treatment

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 12:12:11

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Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comSEO Manager3479183531

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder, characterized by poor emotional responses, breakdown of thinking and lack of social and physical motivation. The prominent causes of the disease include genetic malignancies, neuro-trauma, shocking incidence in life, drug and alcohol abuse and many others. Schizophrenia is a serious disorder which affects how a person thinks, feels and acts. Successful treatment for schizophrenia aims to relieve current symptoms, prevent future psychotic episodes and restore ones ability to function and enjoy a meaningful life. The signs of schizophrenia are different for everyone. Symptoms may develop slowly over months or years, or may appear very abruptly. The disease may come and go in relapse and remission.Hence , recovery from schizophrenia is a lifelong process.SchizophreniaTreatment Market:Drivers and RestraintsThe schizophrenia treatment market is primarily driven by increased prevalence of schizophrenic disorders due to change in lifestyle, extensive R&D, increase in incidence of various addictions such as alcohol, narcotics and others. Demand of sophisticated therapy by physicians and patients is also driving the schizophrenic treatment market to a great extent. On the contrary, huge cost of R&D and therapy, lack of medical infrastructure, and lack of awareness in certain regions of the world are some of the hurdles that are expected to restrict the growth of this market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1329 SchizophreniaTreatment Market:SegmentationSchizophrenia treatment market is segmented on the basis of product type, distribution channel and geography.Based on product type, schizophrenia treatment market is segmented as follows:MedicationsConventional or typical antipsychotic drugsAtypical antipsychotic drugsTherapiesBased on distribution channel, schizophrenia treatment market is segmented as follows:Hospitals including hospital pharmaciesClinicsRetail pharmaciesRehabilitation CentersSchizophreniaTreatment Market:OverviewAccording to WHO, there are around 24 million people suffering from either schizophrenia or similar symptoms. Moreover, due to strong R&D activities, newer drugs and treatments are being introduced in the market, such as ziprasidone hydrochloride. Medications are the cornerstone for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, medications may lead to side effects. Hence, medication with supportive services and therapies is a perfect combination to treat schizophrenia. Relationship problems, risk of attempting suicide, alcohol and drug abuse and consequently, disruption to normal daily activities has led to the growth of schizophrenia treatment market.SchizophreniaTreatment Market:Region-wise OutlookThe schizophrenia treatment market is also segmented on the basis of geography, such as North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. The North American region is considered as the largest market, followed by Europe. However, Asia-Pacific region is considered as the most promising market in the upcoming future.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1329 SchizophreniaTreatment Market: Key PlayersSome of the top key players in schizophrenia treatment market include Novartis AG, AbbVie, Inc., PsychoGenics, Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Eli-Lilly and Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, AstraZeneca Plc., Avineuro Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH.
Research Report Insights

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 14:38:17

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Research Report Insights42 joseph street,Portcarling P0B 1J0,Muskoka, OntarioT: +1-631-721-4201Manager6317214201

The rising use of herbs and spices in food and beverages industry is one of the key factors estimated to encourage the growth of the global market throughout the forecast period. The increasing focus on Ayurveda and the increasing awareness regarding its combination and benefits are further estimated to accelerate the growth of the global herbs and spices extracts market in the next few years.The key drivers leading to the growth of the spice and herb extract markets are the increased availability of international cuisines in the major economies, shifting consumer focus towards natural products, increasing demand for convenience foods and rising preference for organic flavors among consumers. According to Research Report Insights predictions, the global herb and spice extracts market is estimated to be valued at US$ 11.4 Bn by 2017 end and this is anticipated to increase to US$ 18.7 Bn by the end of the forecast period in 2027, witnessing a CAGR of 5.1% in terms of valueRequest For Report Sample with Table of Contents@ https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/sample/110114942/Herb-and-Spice-Extracts-Market Many companies like Doehler are focusing on natural herb & spice extracts as they are becoming popular in every segment of the food and beverage industry and offer plenty of scope for new and attractive taste creations. The inconsistencies in the prices and high cost of production are primary challenges hampering the growth of the market.By Form, the Liquid segment is expected to dominate the global market in terms of value share and is estimated to hold about 49% share of the global herb and spice extracts market by 2027 end. Powder is the most commonly used form as it has a wide application in home cooked foods and other food preparations. Spice Extracts is the largest segment by Product Type, with a market share of more than 50% recorded during the forecast period. A high demand for spices in food and beverages, seasonings, and condiments is expected to fuel segmental growth over the forecast period.In terms of Application, the Food segment will dominate the global herb and spice extracts market, with an estimated market share of more than 40% throughout the forecast period. The demand for herb and spice extracts in the food segment is likely to grow continuously during the forecast period owing to their wide application as flavouring enhancers in different types of foods and beverages.By Sales Channel, the Direct Sales segment is anticipated to be the most attractive during the forecast period, with estimated market revenue to the tune of about US$ 9.7 Bn by the end of the forecast period in 2027.Request For Report Discount@ https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/discount/110114942/Herb-and-Spice-Extracts-Market Global Herb & Spice Extracts Market: Regional AnalysisThe global herb and spice extracts market revenue has been estimated by taking into account revenue of the regional herb and spice extracts markets of North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, APEJ, Japan, and MEA. APEJ is slated to remain the largest and dominant market for herb and spice extracts throughout the forecast period, with a market value of about US$ 7.1 Billion expected by the end of the assessment period in 2027. The APEJ regional market is anticipated to grow 1.7x over the forecast period and represent absolute $ opportunity of just under US$ 3 Billion between 2017 and 2027.Key Players:As per the report some of the top companies operating in the global herb and spice extracts market such as Givaudan SA, Kerry Group Plc., Takasago International corporation, Dohler GmbH, Sensient Technologies Corporation, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Symrise AG, Firmenich S A, Naturex SA, Kalsec Inc., Olam International, Foodchem International Corporation, McCormick and Company, Inc, Frutarom Industries Ltd., Robertet SA, Synthite Industries Ltd., International Taste Solutions Ltd., Organic Herb Inc., British Pepper & spice Company.Report Analysis@ https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/rd/110114942/Herb-and-Spice-Extracts-Market
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 21:42:51

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The social media management software provides the ability to manage social media accounts, book posts, suggest content, and enhance posts. Social media management software is used by social media managers, marketing and communications departments to increase brand awareness, manage workflow, and participate in online communities.The social media team uses social media management software to create engaging content that can be used in marketing campaigns and maintain their presence online.Products often provide tools such as user access control, content libraries, timelines, scheduling, and archiving. This social media management software is designed to maximize search engine optimization and increase inbound traffic, customer satisfaction, and customer conversion rates.Ask for Sample copy: https://www.qyreports.com/request-sample?report-id=88074 Top Key Players Included in This Report: daPulse, Zoho Social, HootSuite Media, Sprout Social, AgoraPulse, Nuvi, Kontentino, Strea.ma , Roeder Studios, Social Board, Echosec, GAIN, OrangeTwig, Satyam Technologies.QY Reports has declared the addition of another research report to its developing repository. The exploration report, titled "Global Social Media Management Software Market Report 2026," offers an unmistakable understanding of the subject matter. The research report tries to understand the cutting-edge methodologies taken by merchants in the overall market to offer product separation through Porter's five forces analysis.Mobile devices are increasingly being used by enterprises and consumers alike and are becoming preferred devices for web browsing, e-mailing, corporate data access, social networking, and applications. The consequences of hackers gaining access to personal information on these devices can be disastrous and irreparable. Hence, the solutions provided by the Global Social Media Management Software Market envelop the security of cell phones from malware, data theft, and unauthorized access, viruses, spyware, hacking endeavors, online data fraud, and accidental loss.Get Discount on this Report: https://www.qyreports.com/ask-for-discount?report-id=88074 A closer look at the report highlights the development of social media management software market development, competitive landscape analysis, market development policies and plans, manufacturing processes and cost structures, and key regional and global social media management software markets. The report also shares total margins by import / export, cost, price, market revenue, and region as well as supply and consumption figures.The report focuses on several key regions, including the US, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Central and South America, as major emerging areas in the social media management software market. With increasing disposable income in developing countries, the region's overall economic growth and industrialization fuel the entire region. Market forecasts vary by region, based on individual characteristics of each market, product life cycle, government regulations, and economic outlook.The early adoption of the Internet in the region has led to advances in security threats and new types of cybercrime techniques, such as mobile malware attacks and DDoS. This has resulted in increased adoption of the Social Media Management Software Market solutions.Get more information: http://qyreports.com/enquiry-before-buying?report-id=88074 Major Factors: Global Social Media Management Software Market Overview Economic Impact on Industry Market Competition by Manufacturers Production, Revenue (Value) by Region Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type Market Analysis by Application Manufacturing Cost Analysis Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders Market Effect Factors Analysis Global Social Media Management Software Market Forecast
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PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 08:22:38

Poultry feed market is a part of vast animal feed market and makes an important part of it as poultry is invariably consumed in most parts of the world. The concept of animal feed has been there in the market for several years especially in the developed markets. However, with the advent of globalization and rise in the standard of living of consumers, companies are expanding in the emerging markets of the world with improved products and wide range of options for each animal group. Poultry meat is the highest among others such as pork, beef and fish meat. Therefore, vast opportunity lies in the poultry feed segment.Poultry Feed Market: Drivers & RestraintsRising per capita income and widespread poultry diseases are the major driving factors of the poultry feed market globally. In addition, growth of domestic and international quick service restaurants in developing countries and demand for quality meat products by consumers has significantly contributed to the rising demand of poultry feed those regions. In 2014, Asia Pacific was the largest market in terms of poultry feed demand and revenue and would continue to dominate the market for several factors. The market growth is attributed to the higher standard of living among consumers coupled with shift towards away-from-home-eating. Manufacturers are closely working with the factory farmers to direct them towards higher yield of poultry thereby increasing their return on investment (ROI). For instance, Cargill Inc. were engaged closely with Malaysia based TD Poultry to deliver best poultry solution. As a result, TD Poultry could achieve remarkable results in broilers with 1.63 feed conversion rates. Also, 2.35 kg body weight was achieved in 35 days, down from previous 40 days.Request Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-716 Poultry Feed Market: SegmentationThe various type of poultry feed additives available in the market consists of antibiotics, vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, feed enzymes and feed acidifiers. Feed acidifiers are the largest among all other poultry additive segment across the world. The regional segmentation includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is the largest market followed by North America. On the basis of type, the poultry feed market can be segmented as broilers, layers, turkey and others. The consumption of meat varies from region to region, for instance, in North America, broilers is the most preferred meat category and antibiotics falls under the largest category under the feed additives segment.Poultry Feed Market: Market OverviewPoultry feed is required to increase the feed conversion ratio by improving gut micro flora thereby enhancing animals health. It also maintains animal health by preventing diseases among them. The manufacturers are concentrating more on the developing markets to tap the under penetrated feed market in countries such as Vietnam, India, Indonesia, South Africa, Lebanon and Turkey. These markets offer greater opportunities to increase revenue and sales with higher per capita expenditure on quality food. Moreover, it is a proven fact that with rise in per capita income, people tend to consume more meat and meat products. Therefore the poultry feed market is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR through the forecast period (2015-2020).Ask the Analyst @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/poultry-feed-market#engage_analyst Poultry Feed Market: Recent DevelopmentPlayers such as Novus International, Inc. and Kemin group continue to deliver new products for poultry farmers. In November 2012, Novus International, Inc. launched AVIMATRIX- a feed solution for optimized broiler performance by acting over gut environment through targeted and controlled release of compounds in the broilers gut. There is an increasing demand of solution oriented customized products from the poultry farmers in the emerging markets. In May 2013, a South African firm AgriProtein Technologies bagged the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) for developing a commercial method to develop animal feed through maggots.Poultry Feed Market: Key PlayersKey global players of the poultry feed market include Alltech Inc., ADM (Archer Daniels Midland Company), ABF Plc (Associated British Food), BASF (Badishce Anilin und Soda Fabrik), Charoen Popkhand Foods, Cargill Inc., Evonik Industries AG, CHR.Hansen Holdings A/S, Novus International Inc, Nutreco NV, Royal DSM N.V., DLG Group and InVivo NSA.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 14:54:15

Polyethylene terephthalate, which is also called PET is a thermoplastic polymer resin produced by the reaction of raw materials monoethylene glycol (MEG) and purified terephthalic acid (PTA). The material exhibits exceptional barrier properties towords moisture and water. Polyethylene terephthalatefinds applications across diverse industries such as automotive, food and beverage packaging, electronics among the others.Recently, Reliance Industries have announced to open two petrochemical plants in Dahej, Gujrat, for making polyester plastic and would also commissioned a 650 KTA polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin capacity and purified terephthalic acid (PTA) plant. It will increase their global capacity share of almost 4 percent and would also lower the operational cost and achieve full chain margins.Request For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-622 Polyethylene Terephthalate Market: Drivers & RestraintsIncreasing demand of polyethylene terephthalate from food and beverage sector like in carbonated soft drinks packaging, increase demand for packaged food due to rise in consumption of frozen and processed food, rise in demand for electronics and automotive applications/industries and eco friendly substitution are the most important driving factors in the polyethylene terephthalate market. Also, rapid urbanization, innovative packaging and high economic growth is contribution in increasing the demand for polyethylene terephthalate regardless of the geographical location.Stringent environmental rules and regulations by government and threat of substitutes, are acting as a barrier for polyethylene terephthalate market.Polyethylene Terephthalate Market: SegmentationPolyethylene terephthalate market are broadly classified on the basis of the following segments By Application:Sheets/FilmsPackaging (Bottles)Consumer GoodsOthersBy End User:AutomotiveElectronicsFood and BeveragesOthersPolyethylene Terephthalate Market: OverviewPolyethylene terephthalate market has grown substantially at a healthy CAGR due to an increase use of PET in food and beverages industry. With rapid technological advancement market and increasing demand from end user industries like automotive, packaging and electronics is expected to fuel the growth of the polyethylene terephthalate market. Asia Pacific represents the largest market for this product category. China and India will emerge as the fastest growing region for polyethylene terephthalate market.Polyethylene Terephthalate Market: Region-wise OutlookPolyethylene terephthalate market is expected to register a double-digit CAGR for the forecast period. Depending on geographic regions polyethylene terephthalate market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market followed by Europe and North America. This is due to the increasing demand of polyethylene terephthalate and ethylene from these regions. Theres is a robust demand of polyethylene terephthalate from Africa and Middle East.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-622 Polyethylene Terephthalate Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in polyethylene terephthalate market are Toray Industries, Badische Anilin- und Soda-Fabrik (BASF), DuPont, DSM, M&G Group, Indorama Ventures, Jiangsu Sanfangxiang Group, Lanxess Corporation, Nan Ya Plastics, Far Eastern New Century.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 14:54:36

Polybutylene succinate (PBS), also referred to as polytetramethylene succinate, is a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester resin synthesized by polycondensation of succinic acid with 1, 4 butanediol. Polybutylene succinate belongs to the family of biodegradable polymers, and is metabolized by microorganisms present in the ground. Moreover, Polybutylene succinate is characterized by mechanical properties that are comparable with those of widely used polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The favorable properties coupled with ease of processing has resulted in emergence of a variety of application areas across diverse end use industries for Polybutylene succinate.Polybutylene succinate Market: Drivers & RestraintsPolybutylene succinate is biodegradable polymer, as such, the growing demand for biodegradable polymers across the globe is expected to in turn result in a steady growth of global Polybutylene succinate market. Also, growing adoption in agricultural applications such as for mulch films is expected to set the pace for growth of Polybutylene succinate market. Furthermore, the growth in end use industries such as that in packaging industry is expected to bolster the growth of Polybutylene succinate market during the forecast period. The raw materials for Polybutylene succinate namely succinic acid and 1, 4 butanediol are produced from petroleum feedstock, as such, price of these is susceptible to fluctuations resulting from volatility of crude oil price. This is expected to act as an impediment to the growth of Polybutylene succinate market during the forecast period. However, a recent trend witnessed among Polybutylene succinate market is that efforts are channelized towards developing bio-based Polybutylene succinate from bio based 1, 4 butanediol and succinic acid.Request For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-516 Polybutylene succinate Market: SegmentationOn the basis of end use industry, the global Polybutylene succinate market has been segmented into the following key market segments:PackagingAgricultureTextileConsumer goodsElectronics and electricalAutomotiveOthersPolybutylene succinate Market: Region-wise OutlookOn the basis of geographic regions, global Polybutylene succinate market is segmented into seven key segments namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Among the regional segments, Asia Pacific Polybutylene succinate market is expected to register fastest growth during the forecast period. The global polybutylene succinate market is expected to witness a steady growth during the forecast period.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-516 Polybutylene succinate Market: Key PlayersSome of the identified major participants of the global polybutylene succinate market are as follows:Mitsubishi ChemicalsShowa Denko K.KPTT MCC Biochem Co., Ltd.IRe Chemical Ltd.Sinoven Biopolymers Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 16:09:50

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PET Cups Market: An OverviewThe PET cups market is gaining traction due to growing demand for packaged food and beverages in countries categorized by rising per capita expenditure and increasing consumer disposable income. Moreover, the growing food and beverages market across developed as well as developing markets will act as a catalyst for the growth of the global PET cups market. Manufacturers operating in the PET cups market are being constantly challenged by growing penetration of alternative packaging solutions, such as bottles, flexible pouches, etc. PET cups offer printing capabilities  their surface can be printed on, and hence, they help in branding and promotion. PET cups find applications in ice cream packaging and fruits & vegetable packaging, among others. The global PET cups market is anticipated to witness moderate growth over the forecast period.Get Free Exclusive Sample Copy of This Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=2901 PET Cups Market: SegmentationThe global PET Cups has been categorized on the basis of closure type, distribution channel, application and end use industry.On the basis of closure type, the global PET Cups market has been segmented as:With LidWithout LidOn the basis of distribution channel, the global PET Cups market has been segmented as:HypermarketsSupermarketsDepartmental StoresOn the basis of application, the global PET Cups market has been segmented as:Food PackagingReady-to-Eat PackagingDairy PackagingBakery & Confectionery PackagingOther Food PackagingBeverages PackagingOn the basis of end use, the global PET Cups market has been segmented as:Food service outletsBars & PubsRestaurantsOther Food OutletsRequest Brochure of this Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=B&rep_id=2901 PET Cups Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe global market for PET cups is anticipated to grow against the backdrop of increasing consumption of packaged food & beverage products among consumers. Keeping in mind the busy lifestyle of consumers, packaging manufacturers are focusing on the manufacturing of consumer friendly and convenient packaging solutions. The global PET cups market is being primarily driven by growing demand for packaging solutions for beverages and dairy products. Manufacturers, these days, produce PET cups in a variety of sizes. PET cups are commonly used in cafes, restaurants, foodservice outlets and quick service outlets. PET cups make a better barrier to moisture, air and aroma and keep packaged products fresh. However, there are some factors that might hamper the growth of the PET cups market globally. For instance, stringent government rules and regulations regarding the use of plastic based packaging products may hamper the growth of the PET cups market during the forecast period.France became the first country to ban the use of plastic cups, plates, and bags. Many more countries have reduced the use of plastic products by implementing stringent rules and laws against the use of plasticAlong with this, easy availability of alternative solutions, such as paper cups and PLA cups, is another factor that might hamper the growth of the PET cups market during the forecast period. Due to product evolution and technological advancements, PET cups have emerged as an efficient and cost-effective packaging option for the food and beverage packaging manufacturers and are now much preferred over traditional polyethylene based packaging. However, paper cups are expected to overtake the market of PET cups during the forecast period.PET Cups Market: Regional OutlookGlobally, the PVC market is divided into seven key regions - North America, Western Europe, Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Middle East & Africa, and Japan. Asia Pacific excluding Japan market for PET cups is expected to grow at an above average growth rate during the forecast period. North America and Europe regions are anticipated to witness sluggish growth over the forecast period.PET Cups Market: Some of the Key PlayersSome of the key players operating in the PET Cups market are Ningbo Yi Sheng Plastic Co., Ltd., Huhtamaki Oyj, NNZ Group, Macpac S.A., Sonoco Products Company, Temma Shiki Co., Ltd., among others.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Paper Napkin Converting Lines Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013 - 2017 and Opportunity Assessment; 2018 - 2028" report to their offering.

Paper Napkin Converting Lines Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 06:25:27

Paper napkin is a widely used product across the globe, and its demand is continuously growing. Paper napkin converting lines help in paving the bridge between demand-supply of paper napkins. With changing lifestyle and increasing modernization, consumer base is shifting from generalized to premium products, especially when it comes to hygiene. Paper napkin converting lines helps in conversion of the large size paper rolls into rectangular and square paper napkins. The paper napkin converting lines also perform embossing, color printing, folding, and counting. Paper napkin converting lines include machines for different purposes such as paper napkin printing machines, paper napkin cutting machines and paper napkin folding machines. These paper napkins are then used as tissues, wipes or for other sanitary purposes. Due to growing popularity, many tissue paper manufacturers are investing in paper napkins production. Overall, the outlook for the paper napkin converting lines market is expected to be positive throughout the forecast period.Paper Napkin Converting Lines Market: DynamicsThe major portion of the global population is shifted from poverty to the middle class. The rising awareness among people regarding health and hygiene coupled with increasing disposable income is expected to boost the demand for paper napkins and other hygiene products. These factors are supposed to fuel the demand for paper napkin converting lines during the forecast period. Shifting of tissue paper manufacturers towards the production of paper napkins also fuels the market growth shortly. The throughput of paper napkin converting lines is monitored with the help of an electronic counter.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8536 This feature eases the production process of paper napkins for the manufacturers. Also, the printing unit in paper napkin converting lines is equipped with back and forth adjustment, automatically adjustable resolution, and other features. These factors are expected to drive the global paper napkin converting lines market during the forecast period during the next decade. The growing initiatives by schools, government, and non-government organizations regarding health and hygiene helps in the rising demand of paper napkins, which in turn fuels the demand for paper napkin converting lines during the forecast period. Paper napkin converting lines produced paper napkins with varying speeds ranging from 250 to 800 sheets per minute. The paper napkin converting lines market is expected to witness favorable growth prospects during the forecast period.Paper Napkin Converting Lines Market: SegmentationGlobally, the paper napkin converting lines market has been segmented on the basis of product type, speed and region:On the basis of product type, the global paper napkin converting lines market has been segmented as:Semi-automaticAutomaticOn the basis of speed, the global paper napkin converting lines market has been segmented as:150 to 250 sheets/min250 to 500 sheets/min500 to 750 sheets/min750 sheets/min & aboveRegional OutlookIn APEJ region, China is supposed to be the leading market for paper napkin converting lines. It is attributed to the fact that China is specialized in the production of low-cost paper napkin converting lines in the global marketplace. China is followed by the U.S., where the consumption of paper napkin is extensively high. European countries including the U.K., France, and Germany are expected to be the key consumers of paper napkin converting lines. It is attributed to the high living standards and high disposable income of the people who invests more on hygiene products. The countries are expected to witness above-average growth rate in the paper napkin converting lines market. Japan is expected to witness stagnant growth rate in the paper napkin converting lines market due to the availability of various manufacturers in the country.Request Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-8536 Paper Napkin Converting Lines Market: Key PlayersSome of the leading players operating in the global paper napkin converting lines market are:Jiuhyan Precision Machinery Co., Ltd.Gambini S.p.A.Kuo's Gang Precision MachineryBirla Hi Tech MachinesFoshan Nanhai Dechangyu Paper Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Foshan Baosuo Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 16:08:05

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Global Paper Carrier Bags Market: An OverviewCarrier bags are shopping bags often made of paper and have handles attached to them. Paper carrier bags are made from different varieties of kraft paper. These bags offer several benefits such as consumer convenience, durability, and are environment-friendly. Along with this, these bags can be recycled and reused, which is an additional benefit to the environment. Manufacturers of paper carrier bags produce bags with different dimensions, size, and colors. Paper carrier bags also offer printability for branding and promotion. The paper carrier bags market is expected to witness growth during the forecast period due to the global push for the adoption of sustainable solutions. Globally, there have been several incidences of bans on plastic bags and sacks, as well as the imposition of taxes on the use of single-use plastic products. Increasing scrutiny and regulations on the use of plastic bags create ample opportunities for the growth of the global paper carrier bags market. The outlook for growth of the global paper carrier bags market is expected to remain positive during the forecast period.Get Free Exclusive Sample Copy of This Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=2902 Global Paper Carrier Bags Market: DynamicsThe global market for paper carrier bags is expected to flourish during the forecast period, owing to the increasing awareness among end-use consumers and paper carrier bag manufacturers regarding the effects of conventional plastic bags on the environment. This has resulted in the inclination towards environment-friendly packaging products, such as paper. One of the key drivers for the growth of the global paper carrier bags market is the booming retail sector in developing countries such as India. Stringent government laws and regulations against the use of non-degradable conventional plastic packaging solutions, and the push for using biodegradable packaging solutions, such as paper carrier bags, are anticipated to further propel the global market for paper carrier bags during the forecast period.Despite the positive outlook, there are some factors affecting the growth of the global paper carrier bags market, such as the availability of alternative solutions like plastic and fabric bags. Until there is a complete ban on the usage of non-degradable and non-recyclable materials for the manufacturing of bags, the global paper carrier bags market is expected to face strong competition. The reduction in the use of plastic bags and sacks is currently a slow process, and therefore, acts as a key restraint to the growth of the global paper carrier bags market.Global Paper Carrier Bags Market: SegmentationThe global paper carrier bags market has been segmented on the basis of handle type, material type, thickness, and end use industry.On the basis of handle type, the global paper carrier bags market is segmented into Flat HandlesTwist HandlesOn the basis of material type, the global paper carrier bags market is segmented into Brown KraftWhite KraftOn the basis of thickness, the global paper carrier bags market is segmented into Less than 2 Ply2 Ply3 PlyMore than 3 PlyOn the basis of end use, the global paper carrier bags market is segmented into Food & BeveragesPharmaceuticalsElectrical & ElectronicsHousehold & Personal CareCosmeticsApparelsOther Consumer GoodsRequest Brochure of this Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=B&rep_id=2902 Global Paper Carrier Bags Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global paper carrier bags market is segmented into North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Middle East & Africa, and Japan. Among these, Europe is expected to lead the market in terms of both, volume and value, owing to the increasing awareness regarding using sustainable packaging solutions supported by governing bodies in countries such as France, Spain, and others region. The market in Asia Pacific excluding Japan is anticipated to expand at an above average growth rate during the forecast period.Global Paper Carrier Bags Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players operating in the global paper carrier bags market are International Paper Company, Mondi Group Plc, Walter Packaging, Smurfit Kappa Group, ProAmpac LLC, American Paper Bag, LLC, etc. Many more local and unorganized market players are expected to contribute to the global paper carrier bags market.Ask For Customized Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=2902 The report on the global paper carrier bags market is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, and inputs from industry experts, and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the market trends, macroeconomic indicators, and governing factors, along with market attractiveness as per segment. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.Regional analysis includes North AmericaLatin AmericaWestern EuropeEastern EuropeAsia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ)JapanMiddle East & Africa (MEA)Report Highlights:A detailed overview of the paper carrier bags market, as well as the parent marketChanging dynamicsIn-depth market segmentationHistorical, current, and projected size of the market regarding volume and valueRecent industry trends and developmentsCompetitive landscapeStrategies for key players in market, and products offered by themPotential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growthA neutral perspective on the performance of the marketMust-have information for players in the market to sustain and enhance their market footprintFor more information on this report, please visit: https://www.factmr.com/report/2902/paper-carrier-bags-market About Fact.MR Fact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFactMR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@ factmr.com Web: www.factmr.com/ Read Industrial News : http://insiderstribune.com/
Palletizers Market

Palletizers Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 08:22:39

According to the latest market report published by Future Market Insights titled Palletizers Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2018-2028, Palletizers being a highly productive material handling solution is expected to be the prime driver of the global palletizers market during the forecast period, 2018-2028. Globally, the revenue generated from sales of palletizers has been estimated to be around US$ 2,084.4 Mn in 2018, and is projected to increase at a CAGR of 4.9%, during the forecast period 2018-2028.The palletizers market in the developed region of North America and Western Europe together estimated to account for around 40% of the global palletizers market and are projected to witness low growth during the forecast period. The developed countries of North America and Western Europe region has high adoption rate for recently developed technology. This has resulted into high demand of advanced technology for robotic palletizers as compared to other regions. Large number of palletizers manufacturers are based in these regions only. Although, the manufacturing output growth in these regions have matured, the continuous developments introduced in the robotic palletizers and the end-user industries aiming highest automation possible has propelled the palletizers market in North America and Western Europe.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7084 China, India and South Korea are some of the rapidly developing manufacturing industries in the world and large market for robotics in the world. These countries are estimated to account for more than 85% of the APEJ palletizers market. Although, China is the largest palletizers market and the largest robotics market in the world, the industrial robot density of China is below global average. Millions of manufacturing and warehousing facilities, and huge domestic production of economical palletizers has created large opportunity for the palletizers market in the country.Japan is exhibited to possess similar characteristics as that of North America and Western Europe, which are maturing the demand of palletizers, large palletizers market share and rapid adoption of technology. Fanuc, Kuka and other globally leading companies in robotics industry and providing palletizers are based in Japan.Central Europe & Baltics region includes countries such as Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Croatia and others. The total labour force in the region has remained almost constant since 2002 while the manufacturing output in the region has expanded by around 2.7 times. This has created immense opportunity in the region for palletizers market and other industrial automation solutions. Availability of economical and skilled labour in Poland has attracted manufacturing industries in the Western Europe region to shift their production facility to Poland and other countries in the Central Europe and Baltics region.In the MEA region, Turkey and GCC region are estimated to account for around 60% of the MEA palletizers market in 2018 and are further expected to expand palletizers market at a significantly high pace as compared to African countries. MEA region has considerably higher demand share of conventional palletizers as compared to other regions. The rapidly developing pharmaceutical industry in the North Africa and GCC region has propelled the demand of palletizers in the region. Due to lack of manufacturing capability, the majority of the demand of palletizers is served by imports from Asia Pacific and Western European countries.The market volume for global palletizers is expected to expand at 1.6X over the forecast period 2018-2028Detailed profiles of palletizers companies are also included in the report to evaluate their strategies, key product offerings and recent developments. The key players of the global palletizers market are Premier Tech Chronos Ltd., ABB Ltd., FANUC Corp., Kion Group, Kuka Group, Honeywell International Inc., Okura Yusoki Co., Ltd., Columbia Machine, Inc., Fuji Yusoki Kogyo Co., Ltd. and Concetti S.P.A.In global palletizers market report, we have discussed individual strategies followed by these companies in terms of enhancing their product portfolio, creating new marketing techniques, mergers and acquisitions. The Competitive Landscape section is included to provide report audiences with a dashboard view and company share collectively.Get full report now @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/7084
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 12:41:04

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According to a recent report published by WHO (World Health Organization) 360 million people worldwide is presently victims of some kind of audibility related disease. More than 32 million children are victims of deafness. Apart from this a massive pool of an adult population of the world is also crippled by deafness. This population is swelling alarmingly every year in South-Asia, Asia-Pacific and sub-Saharan Africa, which is also promoting the prospects of the emerging otoscope market in these regions of the world. The otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes are predominantly used by ENT specialists across the world for detecting any sort of ENT related disease. Presently a population of 285million visually impaired adults and children are living in this world. The population is rising every day. The otoscope/ophthalmoscope market can fetch the direct benefits of this rise as they are mostly needed for diagnosing eye and ear related ailments. Countries like India, China, Oman, Brazil and Morocco are some of the nation living in the shadows of diseases like glaucoma. Over the years they have made several consorted efforts to eradicate the disease but still it is prevalent amongst a large population. The market is completely untouched and mostly dominated by few domestic players and it is definitely under the radar of some of the biggies of the otoscope market. The US is not only one of the leading producers of otoscope devices, it also caters to the demand of the large global and local population. Statistics shows that almost 37 million Americans are suffering from sinus-related diseases. Thus the US is one of the largest thriving otoscope markets of the world.Otoscope market: DriversThere are several key components which are driving the growth and expansion of the otoscope market. The prime factor which is pushing the growth of this industry is the overall development of the healthcare infrastructure. Apart from this, the steady rise of the ENT related diseases around the world is another significant reason which are multiplying the development of the otoscope markets spread around the world. The constant economic rise of India in the recent past has had an positive effect on the entire healthcare and also on the otoscope market spread across the country The otoscope market in India is not only giving stiff competition to its western contenders but it is also fulfilling the demands of the local and regional demands through its domestic production.Request For Report Sample@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2474 Otoscope market: RestraintsThough the otoscope market is out of its slumber and ginning pace with every single day. The regional markets spread across US, UK, Australia and New Zealand, India and China, Brazil, Morocco, Chile, Japan are performing properly for the last few years. But the dominance of the bi players based in the first world countries and the cloning of products in the Chinese and Indian otoscope markets are creating a massive gulf. It is also disturbing the uniformity of the otoscope market in this south East Asian regions and Latin American countries.Otoscope market: Key regionsThe growth of the entire otoscope market is concentrated on some of the prime pockets. The market is mushrooming in regions like India, China, US, UK and several other Latin American countries where the spread of disease related to ENT are galloping with time. A massive chunk of the market production is consumed by the healthcare giants present in these regions. The ENT industry is booming in India and it churns a few billion revenue from the different adjacent neighbouring markets. The production is high and cost effective which is also a major factor which is sustaining the players present in this segment in India.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2474 Otoscope market: Key PlayersSome of the front runners of this section are camped in countries like Germany, US, UK , Japan, China and India. Heine, Riester, Welch Allen are some of the market leaders has been impacting the otoscope market for the last 100 years. Their quality products and robust market policies are the key ingredients which are fuelling their exports and providing them with the necessary tinder for survival.
The report focuses on the main power and constraint of the major players. This research report also provides detailed analysis of market share, segmentation, revenue forecasting and geographical areas of the market. Global Medical Spa Software Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study of the current state of the global Medical Spa Software market.

Medical Spa Software

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 23:18:24

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The report focuses on the main power and constraint of the major players. This research report also provides detailed analysis of market share, segmentation, revenue forecasting and geographical areas of the market. Global Medical Spa Software Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study of the current state of the global Medical Spa Software market.For Sample Copy:This report focuses on the top players in global market, like:Acuity Scheduling, You'reOnTime, SimpleSpa, Orchid Spa Software, Bookeo, Reservio, CHIDESK, MassageBook, Elite Salon & Spa Management, Milano Medi, Advantage, mSPAObjective of Medical Spa Software Market Study:- To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 05 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Medical Spa Software Market.- To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth.- To analyze the Medical Spa Software Market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc.- To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW).- To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective- To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by technologies, by applications and sub-segments.- To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market- To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Medical Spa Software Market.Avail Discount at:It also provides a practical picture of the spill and the state of the traditional market. The pros and cons of this market investment are controversial in the Business Process Management (BPM) cloud, mobile and pattern market reports.Medical Spa Software Markets have recognized that change is absolutely critical to driving growth. In keeping with the urgent need for innovation, the report has tracked the evolution of modern times and the researchers have made every effort to recognize new business opportunities.Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report covers United States Europe China Japan Southeast Asia India Central & South AmericaFor More Information:In conclusion, this report includes business process management (BPM) cloud, mobile and pattern new projects, SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, ROI analysis and development trend analysis.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 21:41:58

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Research N Reports has acknowledged another research report which is titled as Global Outdoor Flooring Market Research Report that offers an exclusive understanding of the topic. It figures out the ways in which the organizations can reinforce their stand in the market and increase their revenues in the upcoming years. It also tries to clasp the important methodologies.Key companies profiled in this reports:Armstrong Flooring, Fiberon, Mohawk Industries, Timber Holdings USA, AZEK Building Products, DuPont (EI) De Nemours, Beaulieu International, The Biltrite, Tandus Centiva, Congoleum, Connor Sport Court International, Citadel Floors, Florim Ceramiche, Forbo Holding, Fritztile, Interface, Internacional De Ceramica, Kaindl Flooring, Lonseal, Marley Floors, Mullican Flooring, Polyflor, Porcelanosa, Roppe Holding, Superior Manufacturing, Witex Flooring ProductsGet Sample Copy of Report: https://www.researchnreports.com/request_sample.php?id=183248 Rendering to the research report, the global Outdoor Flooring market has gained substantial momentum over the past few years. The swelling acceptance, the escalating demand and need for this markets product are mentioned in this study. The factors powering their adoption among consumers are stated in this report study. This market report offers a wide-ranging analysis of the overall situation in the Outdoor Flooring market. It estimates the market taking up a number of imperative parameters such as the type and application into consideration. In addition to this, the geographical occurrence of this market has been scrutinized closely in the research study.The overview of the market includes the applications of the global market along with the regional outlook and industry policies. It also summarizes about various provisions and descriptions from it. The report scrutinizes the production index of the Outdoor Flooring market in terms of region, technology, types, end-users and materials. The report on global Outdoor Flooring market, is a comprehensive overview of different aspects based on various parameters, such as production base, distribution channel, and potential customers. The key players in Outdoor Flooring market include different regions like United States, China, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, India.Get Discount on this Report: https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=183248 The research study throws more light on the competitive landscape of the market across the globe along with product portfolio, company profiles, financial overview, business strategies, SWOT analysis, and gives an understanding into the newest expansions of the key players that have been tinted in the study. The report also uses feedbacks given by industry experts to support the present and new players in enclosing effective business policies in the upcoming years. The report has been accumulated by taking the aid of info graphics, charts and tables to present the historical data .The drivers, restraints and opportunities have permitted an access to know more about the market growth and the future scope in the Outdoor Flooring market. Since the market is still in its development stage, small scale traders have the odds of being purchased by the rich contributors in the market. It is stated that the market rises on the basis of value, growth, advantages, distribution and advertising. To know more about the key players in the Outdoor Flooring market, it is recommended to do an insight and ranking analysis on the same.For More Queries: https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=183248
Some of the key players in global myocardial infarction therapeutics market are Novartis N.V., Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, AstraZeneca, Apotex Inc., Sandoz, Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc., Mylan N.V., Pfizer Inc.

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 11:53:57

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Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comSEO Manager3479183531

Myocardial infarction, generally called as heart attack is characterized by reduced blood supply to the heart muscles, primarily due to coronary artery disease. According to American Heart Association (AHA), every year around 17.3 Mn people die of heart diseases worldwide, with myocardial infarction being the leading cause of death. In 2012, British Heart Foundation reported 73,680 deaths in United Kingdom due to coronary heart disease. Mortality from acute myocardial infarction can be decreased if patient receives the emergency access to the treatment. The global cardiovascular treatment market generated a revenue of 170 Bn in 2010 and is expected to expand drastically over the forecast period of 2016-2026. Multitude of products available for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction with different indications include Zorprin, Plavix, Angiomax, Diovan, Lovenox, Aggrastat, NitroStat, Benicar and many more.Myocardial Infarction Therapeutics Market: Drivers and RestraintsIncreasing incidence of coronary artery disease and changes in lifestyle are the major factors expected to drive the growth of global myocardial infarction therapeutics market. Increasing number of smokers, increasing incidence of obesity and blood pressures, lack of exercise can be some other reasons likely to flourish the global myocardial infarction therapeutics market over the forecast period of 2016-2026. WHO findings show that the death rate due to cardiovascular diseases is more in smokers than that in non-smokers. Whereas, saturation in R&D can be the major restraint for the growth of global myocardial infarction therapeutics market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1263 Myocardial Infarction Therapeutics Market: SegmentationThe global myocardial infarction therapeutics market has been classified on the basis product type, distribution channel and geography.Based on product type, the global myocardial infarction therapeutics market is divided into following:AnalgesicsAntiplatelet agentsVasodilatorsThrombolytics and anti-thrombotic agentsGlycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors adrenergic blockersAngiotensin receptor antagonistsAngiotensin converting enzyme inhibitorsBased on distribution channel, the global blood canner treatment market is divided into following:HospitalsHospital PharmaciesDrug StoresOnline drug storesMyocardial Infarction Therapeutics Market: OverviewAnalgesics and antiplatelet agents segments are foreseen to hold more share in global myocardial infarction therapeutics market as these agents are used for initial treatment of an acute myocardial infarction. Amongst sales channels, hospital pharmacy segment is expected to contribute more into global myocardial infarction therapeutics market. The global myocardial infarction therapeutics market is foreseen to experience the boost in market volume over the forecast period due to the launch of several new products such as Apixaban, Xarelto and introduction of generic drugs after expiration of patents for Crestor and Benicar.Myocardial Infarction Therapeutics Market: Regional OverviewGeographically, the global myocardial infarction terapeutic market is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America will continue to take leading position in global myocardial infarction therapeutic market owing to expanding aging population and prevalence of co-morbidities. The expiry of blockbuster drugs in European market is likely to deter the segment share in global myocardial infarction therapeutics market. Japan is expected to experience the stagnancy in global myocardial infarction therapeutics market, in part due to saturation in R&D.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1263 Myocardial Infarction Therapeutics Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global myocardial infarction therapeutics market are Novartis N.V., Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, AstraZeneca, Apotex Inc., Sandoz, Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc., Mylan N.V., Pfizer Inc.
Military Night Vision Device Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 11:05:39

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Military Night Vision Device Market: IntroductionNight vision devices are used to enhance the ability to see in dark using various technologies. These devices tend to increase the perception of the human eye by creating brighter images. The Military sector has a wide application for night vision devices in order to sense as well as identify aims and targets during the situations which involve dark and under poor visibility levels. Military night vision devices are necessarily used by soldier or riflemen to helicopter pilot, tank and other military vehicle drivers. The growing need of modern army to operate at night and during poor visibility conditions has led to the significant advancement in the technologies of night vision devices. Being one of the most crucial equipment for a soldier during the war, significant investment has been done in the research and development of the night vision device technologies. As a result, various types of technologies have been invented implementing a wide range of military night vision devices.Military Night Vision Device Market: DynamicsIncreasing demand for continuous innovation in the technology to be the most developed fighting force is expected to be the key driver for the military night vision device market. Increasing armed conflicts in various regions is contributing significantly to the rising demand for night vision devices serving military purposes. With the increased spending by the government on the devices to fulfill patrolling and combat operations, the global night vision device market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period.Request For Report Sample@ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/19621 The night vision device technology has been significantly evolved from the use of bulky optical instrument to the lightweight and easy to handle goggles by the implementation of image intensification technology. The use of thermal imaging system by detecting infrared rays emitted by the heat sources, is an ongoing trend in the global military night vision device market.Increasing developments in the electro optical technology creating the war field for the 24 hour battle ground have influenced the demand for night vision devices to a significant extent. Hence the manufacturers of night vision devices have to come up with innovative ideas and technology in order to manage their dominance in the market.Military Night Vision Device Market: SegmentGlobal military night vision market can be segmented by device, by technology and by applicationOn the basis of type of device the global military night vision market can be segmented asGogglesCamerasScopes/TubesOn the basis of type of technology the global military night vision market can be segmented asImage intensifierThermal imagingOn the basis of application the global military night vision market can be segmented asInfantry Weapon Sights (IWS)Gunner SightsNaval TrackersRemotely Piloted Vehicles (RPVs)Driving SightsMilitary Night Vision Device Market: Regional OutlookGrowing technological advancement in the military sector is expected to fuel the demand for new and innovative night vision devices across the globe. Increasing safety and security threat in various forms has led the military, paramilitary and other security forces to be more cautious which in turn is expected to drive the worldwide demand for military night vision device over the forecast period. Various proposals made by UK government to increase the national budget for armed forces for protection against potential attacks is expected to increase the demand for military night vision device in the European region. Involvement of US in the armed conflicts in militarized zones in non-daylight timings has been a major endorsement of military night vision device. Asia is also expected to drive the market for military night vision device in the region during the forecast period owing to scope of military combat operations as well as night surveillance activities along the borders of sovereign states. The naval patrolling activity in North America and Asia is also expected to offer significant opportunities for the growth of night vision device marketMilitary Night Vision Device Market: Key ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants identified across the value chain of the Global Military Night Vision Device Market include:BAE Systems.FLIR Systems, Inc.Elbit Systems Ltd.L3 Technologies, Inc.Thales GroupBharat Electronics Limited (BEL)Harris CorporationMeoptaNewcon OptikRequest For Report Table of Content (TOC)@ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/19621
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Medical Device Trays Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013 - 2017 and Opportunity Assessment; 2018 - 2028" report to their offering.

Medical Device Trays Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 06:24:21

Medical devices are widely used in the healthcare sector. They are important for effective and safe prevention and treatment of diseases and illness by ensuring the sterility of products. For the proper storage and prevention from bacteria, medical device trays are used. Medical device trays help in placing device together at one place so that they can be used during the medical procedure. Medical device trays can be customized as per the operations and procedures. Medical device trays are the perfect solution for keeping devices clean and sterile. Medical device trays are thermoformed trays generally used as orthopedic implant trays, ophthalmology trays and catheter trays. Medical device trays are also useful during clinical trials and used in hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers. The outlook for the growth of the global medical device trays market is supposed to be positive during the forecast period.Medical Device Trays Market: DynamicsThe rise in the surgical volumes across the globe is backing the growing demand for the medical device trays. The continuous push by the governments regarding the degree of sterility that has to be retained during the medical procedures is expected to drive the demand for medical device trays during the next decade. The initiatives by various governments around the world is to encourage the use of single used devices and instruments to avoid any infections.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8535 The growing focus of hospitals on time, cost and reduction on workload along with the existing trend of outsourcing of medical devices and their sterilization is expected to boost the demand for medical device trays. These factors are supposed to drive the growth of the global medical device trays market during the forecast period. The medical device trays market also benefits from the increase in non-invasive surgical procedures, especially the increase in the ambulatory surgical centers and outpatient surgery centers. Medical device trays allow quick access to devices and instruments and in turn, reduced the risk of human errors. These factors are also projected to fuel the demand for medical device trays during the forecast period. The medical device trays market is supposed to witness high growth prospects in the near future.Medical device trays Market: SegmentationGlobally, the medical device trays market has been segmented on the basis of product type, application, end use, and region.On the basis of product type, the global medical device trays market has been segmented as:Single UseMultiple UseCovered and Stackable TraysOn the basis of application, the global medical device trays market has been segmented as:AngiographyOphthalmicOrthopedicOthersOn the basis of end use, the global medical device trays market has been segmented as:HospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersClinicsRegional OutlookThe North America, especially the U.S. is supposed to drive the global medical device trays market during the forecast period. It is attributed to the availability of finest healthcare infrastructure and offerings. Also, the country is home to some of the most prominent manufacturers in the world. The similar trend is followed by countries in Europe including France, Germany, and U.K., among others. These countries are equipped with world-class facilities and are always on the forefront to opt the changing scenario. Also, the volume of surgeries in Europe is rising annually. This factor is expected to fuel the growth of the medical device trays market during the forecast period. India is among one of the countries with top medical facilities. The outlook for the global medical device trays market is expected to be positive during forecast period. Japan is projected to witness above-average growth in the global medical device trays market.Request Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-8535 Medical device trays Market: Key PlayersSome of the leading players operating in the global medical device trays market are PlaconBoston Scientific Corp.GY PackagingNelipak Healthcare PackagingSterizign Precision TechnologiesInstrusafe
The Manufacturing process management Market Report includes a comprehensive analysis of the present market. This report gives a comprehensively widespread analysis of the market expansion drivers, factors regulating and avoiding market expansion, prevailing business sector summaries, market association, market predictions for coming years.

Manufacturing process management Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 21:29:06

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Manufacturing process management (MPM) is a collection of technologies and methods used to define how products are to be manufactured. MPM differs from ERP/MRP which is used to plan the ordering of materials and other resources, set manufacturing schedules, and compile cost data. The benefits of manufacturing process management is to improved efficiency of engineering and design processes through reuse of standardized products designs and production plans, Lower costs of product-design changes, Support a globally distributed product and production lifecycle, Increase visibility into global operations, Respond to market demands with greater confidence. Now a days manufacturing process management Market is booming worldwide.This report is a detailed report on Manufacturing process management Market, which presents a combination of industry knowledge and research expertise based on regions too. This report delivers the market trends along with the market size for every individual sector. The report incorporates the various drivers as well the factors impeding the growth of this market during the forecast period. The report, provides the opportunities in the market and their substantial impact on the major players dominating the market.Get Sample Copy of this Report @Top Key Players:Bain & company, Bosch, Prevas, WNS, SiemensThis report highlights the manufacturing cost structure includes the cost of the materials, labor cost, depreciation cost, and the cost of manufacturing procedures. Price analysis and analysis of equipment suppliers are also done by the analysts in the report. As analytics have become an inherent part of every business activity and role, form a central role in the decision-making process of companies these days is mentioned in this report. In the next few years, the demand for the market is expected to substantially rise globally, enabling healthy growth of the Manufacturing process management Market is also detailed in the report.Enquiry before Buying:A 360 degree synopsis of the competitive scenario of the Manufacturing process management Market is presented in this report. It has an enormous data allied to the recent product and technological developments in the markets. It has a comprehensive analysis of the impact of these advancements on the markets future growth, wide-ranging analysis of these expansions on the markets future growthKey questions answered in the report include: What will be the market size and the growth rate by the end of the forecast period? What are the key Manufacturing process management Market trends impacting the growth of the market? What are the potential growth opportunities and threats faced by the leading competitors in the market? What are the key outcomes of Porters five forces analysis and the SWOT analysis of the key players functioning in the global Manufacturing process management Market? This report gives all the information regarding industry Overview, analysis and revenue of this market.Table of Content:Manufacturing process management Market Research Report 2019-2025.Chapter 1: Industry OverviewChapter 2: Analysis of Revenue by ClassificationsChapter 3: Analysis of Revenue by Regions and ApplicationsChapter 6: Analysis of Manufacturing process management Market Revenue Market Status.Chapter 4: Analysis of Manufacturing process management Industry Key ManufacturersChapter 5: Marketing Trader or Distributor Analysis of Manufacturing process management.Chapter 6: Development Trend of Manufacturing process management market 2019-2025.Continue for TOCAsk for discount@About Us:Report Consultant - A global leader in analytics, research and advisory that can assist you to renovate your business and modify your approach. With us, you will learn to take decisions intrepidly. We make sense of drawbacks, opportunities, circumstances, estimations and information using our experienced skills and verified methodologies.Our research reports will give you an exceptional experience of innovative solutions and outcomes. We have effectively steered businesses all over the world with our market research reports and are outstandingly positioned to lead digital transformations. Thus, we craft greater value for clients by presenting advanced opportunities in the global market.Contact us:Rebecca Parker(Report Consultant)Akasaka biz tower,5-3-1 akasaka minato-ku,Tokyo, JapanContact No: +81-368444299sales@ reportconsultant.com
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 14:15:30

Future Market Insights presents an analysis of the U.S lime market in a new publication titled Lime Market: U.S. Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 20162026. The consumption of lime in the U.S. was pegged at 19,600 KT in 2015 and this is expected to increase to 27,074 KT by the end of 2026. The U. S lime market is projected to represent incremental $ opportunity of US$ 1,096.8 Mn during 2016  2026. In this report, Future Market Insights throws light on the various drivers and restraints likely to influence the market during the forecast period (2016  2026).Segmentation highlightsThe U.S lime market is segmented on the basis of Product Type into Quick Lime and Hydrated Lime; and on the basis of Application into Cement Manufacturing, Metal Manufacturing, Chemical (Water Treatment, Flue Gas, Others), Fertilizer, Pulp & Paper, and Others.The Quick Lime product type segment is expected to account for a market value share of 83.3% by 2016 end and is expected to gain 90 BPS over the forecast periodThe Hydrated Lime product type segment is projected to account for a market value share of 16.7% by 2016 end and is estimated to be pegged at 2,967 KT in terms of volume by 2016 endThe Metal Manufacturing application segment is anticipated to account for a market value share of 32.8% by 2016 end and is estimated to be pegged at 6,614 KT in terms of volume by 2016 endThe Chemical application segment is likely to account for a market value share of 33.3% by 2016 end and is anticipated to be pegged at 6,724 KT in terms of volume by 2016 endRequest For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-us-2209 Regional projectionsThe U.S lime market is segmented into the key regions of Northeast, Midwest, South, and Western. The Northeast U.S. lime market is estimated to account for a value share of 7.1% of the U.S lime market by 2016 end. Demand for lime in the Northeast U.S lime market is expected to be driven by water treatment plants. The Western U.S. lime market is estimated to account for a market value share of 16.7% by 2016 end, owing to an increasing production in the paper and pulp manufacturing industries.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-us-2209 Vendor insightsThe report profiles a few leading companies operating in the U.S lime market such as Mississippi Lime Company, Linwood Mining & Minerals Corporation, United States Lime & Minerals Inc., Lhoist, Valley Minerals LLC., CHENEY LIME & CEMENT COMPANY, Pete Lien & Sons Inc., CARMEUSE, and Graymont Limited. Top market players are increasing their production facilities and introducing advanced technology and tools to cater to market demands, besides adopting strategies such as acquisitions and partnerships to expand geographically and increase market share.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 12:40:29

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Life science multichannel campaign management system helps companies to orchestrate, define and communicate their product offers to customers through social, mobile, call centres, direct mails and websites. Digital marketing is an integral part of multichannel campaign management that includes addressable advertising/branding, transactional marketing and contextual marketing. In short multichannel campaign management is a marketing process that extends through channels like video, web, mobile, kiosks, terminals of point of sales, digital signage and social applications. Global companies have urged for advanced version multichannel campaign management solutions to get the valuable information from the customers and plan for new ways for customer retention and acquisition of new customers. The traditional marketing practices have reformed due to the implementation of such kind of multichannel campaign management solutions implementations. The global life science multichannel campaign management market is expected to expand at a modest CAGR in the forecast period.Global Life Science Multichannel Campaign Management Market: Drivers and RestrainsThe major drivers for global multichannel campaign management market are trending digital marketing, technological advancements, advanced mobility solutions such as tablets, smartphones, and other kind of hand held devices. Also the ease of marketing through these multichannel campaign management solution and better service to the customer through these solutions are propelling the growth of this market.Request For Report Sample@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1639 However, the restrains for this market can be the factors like rapid technological advancements, due to which the companies needs to keep pace with the upcoming technology and their costly implementation can hamper the global life science multichannel campaign management market. Also most of the customers are still not accessible to the technologies needed to avail the benefits of these kind of multichannel campaign management solutions, this can again act as a barrier in the growth of global life science multichannel campaign management market.Global Life Science Multichannel Campaign Management Market: SegmentationOn the basis of Services, the global life science multichannel campaign management market can be segmented as follows:System implementationSystem integrationTraining & supportConsultingOn the basis of applications, the global life science multichannel campaign management market can be segmented as follows:AdvertisingBrandingPromotionSellingOn the basis of end-use industry, the global life science multichannel campaign management market can be segmented as follows:PharmaceuticalsRetailHealthcareTransportationTelecommunicationsInformation technologyTourismGlobal Life Science Multichannel Campaign Management Market: Region Wise OutlookThe global life science multichannel campaign management market can be divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific is the leader in the global life science multichannel campaign management market due to the upcoming retail, transportation and tourism industry in this region. China and India are the major contributors in this region for the growth of the market. North America is following Asia Pacific in term of the market share in global life science multichannel campaign management market owing to its ever increasing pharmaceuticals industry and the existing information technology sector. Europe is the next major contributor in the market due to its significant automobile sector and the other retail industry flourishing in this region due to the automobile sector. Latin America and Middle East and Africa are at a nascent stage in global life science multichannel campaign management market but are expected to expand at a significant growth in the forecast period.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1639 Global Life Science Multichannel Campaign Management Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global life science multichannel campaign management market are:TeradataAdobe Systems IncorporatedMarketo, Inc.IBM CorporationSAP AGInforSAS Institute Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 12:44:32

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Filtration is one of the commonly used separation process for removing solid particles, microorganisms or droplets from a liquid or a gas by depositing them on a filter medium. Laboratory filtration devices have enormous applications in everyday research practices being performed in various setups including research and development laboratories, academic institutes, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, food industries and many more. In all these industries filter membranes or filter assemblies are routinely used for water treatment and filtration of particulate matter. Filtration is the important process used in many chemical, clinical, biological and analytical laboratories for various applications such as water treatment, percolation, concentrating the solution, gas purification in analytical processes etc. Various filtration techniques are used to separate solid from liquids or solutions by interposing a filter medium through which solutions or liquids can pass. Ultrafiltration technique is commonly used in biotechnology industry for protein concentration or purification, DNA or RNA concentration, etc. Microfiltration techniques are commonly used in pharmaceutical industry in preparation of sterile formulations. Some of the commonly used brands of laboratory filtration devices are Whatman, Millex syringe filters, Minisart syringe filters, Vivapore ultrafiltration membrane filters, AKTAcrossflow systems and others. Cross flow filtration techniques are specifically in bioprocess filtration where purification of biomolecules is desired.Laboratory Filtration Devices Market: Drivers and RestraintsGlobal market for laboratory filtration devices is expected to be driven by increasing pace of research and development activities in pharmaceutical, life sciences and biotechnology industry. Thus, increasing research activities in the biopharmaceuticals segment, and focus on development of biopharmaceutical molecules is fueling the growth of global laboratory filtration devices market. However, increasing competition from local and Chinese players and requirement of is expected to hinder the growth of laboratory filtration devices market over the forecast period.Request For Report Sample@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2835 Laboratory Filtration Devices Market: SegmentationThe global laboratory filtration devices market has been segmented on the basis of product type, utility, technology, end user, and geography.Based on product type, the global laboratory filtration devices market is divided into following:Membrane FiltersFilter papersFibrous Filters (glass fibers, quartz filters etc.)Syringe FiltersCapsule FiltersFiltration MicroplatesBottle-top UnitsFiltration AssemblyVacuum Filtration DevicesPressure Driven Filtration DevicesStirred CellsBased on utility, the laboratory filtration devices market is divided into following:DisposableReusableBased on technology, the laboratory filtration devices market is divided into following:MicrofiltrationMacrofiltrationUltrafiltrationCross Flow FiltrationBased on retail end user, the laboratory filtration devices market is segmented as below:Academic and Research InstitutesPharmaceutical CompaniesBiotechnology CompaniesDiagnostic CentersContract Research OrganizationsFood and Beverage CompaniesLaboratory Filtration Devices Market: OverviewThe global market for laboratory filtration devices is highly fragmented with presence of local and regional players. Top 5 players in the market account for more than half of the market share due to specific product features offered specifically for use in life science and biotechnology industry. Obvious use of Whatman and other filter papers in academic and research laboratories causes the highest demand for membrane filters followed by syringe filters. Based on techniques, microfiltration techniques are expected to hold the largest share in the global laboratory filtration devices market.Laboratory Filtration Devices Market: Regional Wise OutlookGeographically, the laboratory filtration devices market is classified into regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. The market in Asia Pacific and Japan is expected to grow at significant CAGR due to increasing number of research institutes in countries such as India, Australia and Japan. North America will continue to hold largest share in the laboratory filtration devices market. Many of the best academic institutions are located in the U.S. and a culture positive to innovation as well as the presence of venture capital has led to the emergence of a number of regions with top universities and businesses.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2835 Laboratory Filtration Devices Market: Key PlayersSome of the players operating in the global laboratory filtration devices market are Spectum Inc., GE Healthcare, Merck KGaA, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Cole-Parmer Instrument Company, LLC., Spectrum Chemical Manufacturing Corp., Sartorius AG, Pall Corporation and others.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 09:06:02

New GridGain Support Service Provides Rapid Access to the Worlds Most Knowledgeable Apache Ignite Experts

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GridGain  Systems , provider of enterprise-grade in-memory computing solutions based on Apache Ignite, today announced GridGain Basic Support , the first support offering specifically designed for Apache Ignite users. GridGain Support for Apache Ignite enables companies with new or existing Apache Ignite deployments to access the deep expertise of GridGains support engineers to troubleshoot performance or reliability issues and identify configuration optimizations, workarounds or software patches to improve the performance of their Ignite environment.

The GridGain subscription-based support service includes timely web and email access to GridGains support engineering staff via the GridGain Support Portal. GridGain Basic Support also includes a two-hour initial consultation to review the customers current environment and identify opportunities for performance or reliability improvements. In addition to identifying opportunities for improvements, GridGains experts help troubleshoot Apache Ignite bugs or product limitations and suggest workarounds or existing software patches.

GridGain developed the software that became Apache Ignite, donating the original code to the Apache Software Foundation (ASF) in 2014. Apache Ignite, one of the fastest ASF projects to graduate to top level status, is now a top 5 ASF project in terms of contributions and dev-list activity and is downloaded millions of times annually. GridGain engineers have been leading contributors to the Apache Ignite code base and community since the original donation.

Companies putting Apache Ignite into production can also engage with GridGain for consulting services and training. Expert GridGain consultants are available on a short or long-term basis to assist with designing architectures for new applications, reviewing the architecture of existing applications, performance optimizations, proof of concepts, third-party integrations, interim staffing or related services. Training is available through GridGain Professional Services.

GridGain Support for Apache Ignite is affordably priced at $2,500 per year per compute unit (4 cores and 16GB of RAM).

GridGain Quote

Over the past four years, Apache Ignite has become the de facto open source platform for distributed in-memory computing  essential technology for high performance and highly scalable applications, said Abe Kleinfeld, president and CEO of GridGain. Corporations across all industries have turned to in-memory computing to power their digital transformation and omnichannel customer experience initiatives, leading to tens of thousands of Apache Ignite deployments worldwide. With todays announcement, GridGain now offers these organizations access to the worlds most experienced Apache Ignite professionals to ensure production-quality results.

About GridGain Systems

GridGain Systems is revolutionizing real-time data access and processing by offering an in-memory computing platform built on Apache Ignite. GridGain solutions are used by global enterprises in financial services, software, e-commerce, retail, online business services, healthcare, telecom, transportation and other major sectors, with a client list that includes ING, Raymond James, American Express, Societe Generale, Finastra, IHS Markit, ServiceNow, Marketo, RingCentral, American Airlines, Agilent, and UnitedHealthcare. GridGain delivers unprecedented speed and massive scalability to both legacy and greenfield applications. Deployed on a distributed cluster of commodity servers, GridGain software can reside between the application and data layers (RDBMS, NoSQL and Apache Hadoop), requiring no rip-and-replace of the existing databases, or it can be deployed as an in-memory database. GridGain is the most comprehensive in-memory computing platform for high-volume ACID transactions, real-time analytics, web-scale applications, continuous learning and hybrid transactional/analytical processing (HTAP). For more information, visit gridgain.com.

CONTACT:

Terry Erisman

GridGain Systems

terisman@gridgain.com

(650) 241-2281

GridGain is a trademark or registered trademark of GridGain Systems, Inc. Apache, Apache Hadoop, Hadoop, Apache Ignite, Ignite, Apache Kafka, Kafka, Apache Spark, and Spark, are trademarks of The Apache Software Foundation. All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.
Latest Trend on Life Insurance Market with leading key players like Nippon Life Insurance, Asahi Mutual Life Insurance, Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company, Standard Life Assurance, Zurich Financial Services, State Farm Insurance, American Intl. Group

Life Insurance Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 21:31:43

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Akasaka biz tower,5-3-1 akasaka minato-ku,Tokyo, JapanSales Manager+81-368444299

Life insurance is a contract between an insurance policy holder and an insurer or assurer, where the insurer promises to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money in exchange for a premium, upon the death of an insured person. The purpose of life insurance is to provide financial protection to surviving dependents after the death of an insured. It is essential for applicants to analyze their financial situation and determine the standard of living needed for their surviving dependents before purchasing a life insurance policy.Life Insurance Market sector is the biggest in the world with about +360 million policies which are expected to increase between 12-15% over the next five years.Request Sample Copy of this Report@:The Top Key Players included in this Market:AXA, Nippon Life Insurance, American Intl. Group, Aviva, Assicurazioni Generali, State Farm Insurance, Dai-ichi Mutual Life Insurance, Munich Re Group, Zurich Financial Services, Prudential, Asahi Mutual Life Insurance, Sumitomo Life Insurance, Aegon, MetLife, Swiss Reinsurance, CNP Assurances, Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company, Standard Life Assurance, WanaArtha LifeThe Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), a public company, is the largest player in the life insurance business. The market research collects data about the customers, marketing strategy, competitors. The Life Insurance Manufacturing industry is becoming increasingly dynamic and innovative, with more number of private players entering the industry.The report was hoarded with primary and secondary research methods. Both methods are aimed at working together with accurate and accurate data related to market dynamics, historical events and the current market scenario. In addition, the report includes a SWOT analysis that highlights the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks of the market segments as a whole.Life Insurance market Reports category offer helpful insight into this field, providing information on market share, opportunities, market trends, sales, projections, and marketing strategies. Specifics on size, growth, segmentation, marketing strategies, and granularity with both the US and global markets make these reports essential for anyone who needs information on this field.Get Reasonable Discount on this Premium Report @:Market segment by Application, split into1. Agency2. Brokers3. Banc assurance4. Digital & Direct ChannelsGlobal Life Insurance Research for a Leading company is an intelligent process of gathering and analyzing the numerical data related to services and products. This Research Give idea to aims at your targeted customers understanding, needs and wants.Life Insurance Market Major Factors:-Industry Overview-Manufacturing Cost Structure-Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants- Regional Analysis-Development Trend-Type Analysis- ConsequenceRegion Analysis:The regional segmentation is done on the basis of key regions such as North America, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Europe, Middle East & Africa and Latin America (MEA). The Asia Pacific has been noted to have a significant growth supplementing India and China to register as key contributors in the global manufacturing activities of Life Insurance Market.Major Factors: Global Life Insurance Market Overview Economic Impact on Industry Market Competition by Manufacturers Production, Revenue (Value) by Region Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type Market Analysis by Application Manufacturing Cost Analysis Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders Market Effect Factors Analysis Global Life Insurance Market ForecastFor More information:Reason to buy this report:This report is a full analysis which includes product type, applications, deployment, verticals, technology and regional segmentations. To gain a clear understanding of the breakdown of the market, the report also reviews the performance of its in the market scenario.
Research Solution Insights (RSI) has launched the report titled,  Gamma Knife Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Sales and Forecast By 2025 : Research Solution Insights.

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 08:26:55

The global gamma knife market secured US$ 172 Mn in 2015, and is expected to grow at more than 9% CAGR through 2025, accounting for over US$ 400 Mn in terms of revenues. Strong growth is expected in regions such as India, South Korea, the U.S., Japan, EU5 and China. Varian and Elekta medical systems are likely to retain their dominance in developed economies, whereas Huiheng Medical, Inc. based at China will consolidate its position in Asia Pacific. Currently, North America, the biggest market for the gamma knife is likely to demote to second position due to robust acceptance of the gamma knife equipment in Asia Pacific.Report For Sample with Table of Contents@ https://www.researchsolutioninsights.com/report/sample/230118-Gamma-Knife-Market Drivers and Trends of MarketInclination towards non-invasive treatments have positively impacted adoption of radiation therapy, with Gamma Knife, LINAC and Cyber Knife gaining traction in healthcare sector. Positive perception toward gamma knife, rising preference for minimally-invasive surgeries and huge success rate are among the key factors anticipated to propel adoption of gamma knife treatment over the forecast period. Medical tourism, emphasis on R&D and increasing expenditure per capita on healthcare are some other factors anticipated to support growth of the market in long run. Improvements in technology that makes gamma knife more effective and safer are also expected to expand its adoption among end-users throughout the forecast period. Yet, high cost continues to be main challenge for widespread adoption and is likely to limit its adoption in developing economies.Brain Metastasis to Remain Largest Disease Indication SegmentGamma knife treatment is applicable to treat various disease indications, including trigeminal neuralgia, cancer, brain metastasis, and AVM. Among these, application of gamma knife for remedying brain metastasis is likely to account for significant percentage of total market revenues, trailed by cancer and trigeminal neuralgia. Brain metastasis is likely to remain largest disease indication segment for gamma knife market over the forecast period.Asia Pacific Gamma Knife Market to Expand at Significant CAGRAsia Pacific is likely to pip both Europe and North America to emerge as the largest market for gamma knife by 2025-end. Increasing adoption of gamma knife equipment in India, South Korea, Japan, and China will support expansion of the gamma knife market in Asia Pacific. The gamma knife market in Asia Pacific is estimated to expand at CAGR of more than 10% throughout the forecast period. APEJ will emerge as more lucrative region than Europe and North America however, collectively secure nearly two-fourth revenue share of the global gamma knife market by the end of 2025.Request For Report Discount@ https://www.researchsolutioninsights.com/report/discount/230118-Gamma-Knife-Market Prominent Market Players Strategies to Maintain Market PositionHuiheng Medical, Inc., Elekta, and Varian Medical Systems are prominent gamma knife equipment manufacturers. These players are likely to maintain their position in the market through continuous innovative product development and stepping in into new marketsReport Analysis@ https://www.researchsolutioninsights.com/report/analysis/230118-Gamma-Knife-Market
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 10:04:02

Ceridian Europe continues growth in the United Kingdom

Essentra and Orvis Modernise Their People Processes with Dayforce

Teri Murphy

647.417.2117

teri.murphy@ceridian.com

Ceridian, a global human capital management (HCM) technology company, continues its UK momentum with the roll-out of its cloud-based platform, Dayforce, to Essentra and Orvis. The duo will use Ceridians Dayforce UK payroll functionality to help ensure employees are paid accurately and on time, while eliminating time-consuming paper-based processes.

Essentra, a manufacturer and supplier of plastic components, chose Dayforce to create efficiencies, simplify their people processes, and to gain insights across their global organisation. Already a customer in the U.S., Essentra is now leveraging Dayforces payroll and workforce management modules in the UK.

Dayforce played an integral role in modernising our people processes, and has proved beneficial to the entire organisation, said Richard Galletly, Director of Compensation and Benefits, Essentra. We chose to continue to work with Ceridian as we believe the platforms combination of automation, flexibility, and accessibility has significantly helped us cut down our processing times and introduce changes in staffing, operations and policies, with ease.

Mail order retailer Orvis, a family-owned business specialising in fly fishing, hunting, and sporting goods, has also recently signed on with Dayforce for their UK operations. Orvis is also a Dayforce customer in the U.S. and have extended their use of the pay and benefits module to their UK team.

Were proud to announce that Essentra and Orvis have rolled out the Dayforce platform, leading to more simplified processes and increased internal efficiencies, said Ross Tracey, Managing Director, Ceridian Europe. The past year was a big milestone for our team as we launched Dayforce in the United Kingdom. We look forward to supporting all our new customers as they work to build strong, connected, and engaged workforces using the Dayforce data-first, cloud-based platform.

Through Dayforces single, robust, real-time application, UK organisations benefit from a full offering, including:

One solution: Develop, schedule, and pay employees in a single application and access employee information on demand

Workforce management: Manage your workforce, increase operational efficiency, and help improve compliance with complex labour rules

Payroll accuracy: Pay employees accurately, on time, and from anywhere with integrated time and pay

Scheduling: Automate employee schedules and track and monitor overtime in real-time

Talent acquisition and retention: Recruit, develop, and reward the best talent with an end-to-end talent acquisition and development solution

Mobile: Trusted by more than a million employees daily, the award-winning Dayforce app lets workers access and manage their work-life  anytime, from anywhere, with intuitive and seamless mobile experiences

Ceridians local market expertise provides greater insight into the challenges organisations face and allows us to constantly deliver innovative solutions that help our customers achieve their global objectives. The Ceridian Europe headquarters in Glasgow serves as a base for support, implementation, R&D, and sales for customers in the region.

For more information about Dayforce HCM, visit Ceridian.com/UK.

About Ceridian

Ceridian. Makes Work Life Better.

Ceridian is a global human capital management software company. Dayforce, our flagship cloud HCM platform, provides human resources, payroll, benefits, workforce management, and talent management functionality. Our platform is used to optimize management of the entire employee lifecycle, including attracting, engaging, paying, deploying, and developing people. Ceridian has solutions for organizations of all sizes. Visit Ceridian.com or follow us @Ceridian.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 12:41:12

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Equine veterinary therapeutics is the branch of equine healthcare that deals with the prevention and treatment of several diseases. Equine veterinary therapeutics includes drugs that is used for the treatment of equine diseases, vaccines that used for the prevention of several disease and prevention of equine from various pathological conditions and additives that is used for the overall maintenance of heath and providing with sufficient minerals for a healthy life. The overall veterinary therapeutic market is growing in the past few years due to the increasing awareness towards veterinary healthcare. Increasing importance among human life for horses is an underpinning factor for the growth of equine veterinary therapeutic market. The increasing zoonotic diseases affecting horses are expected to fuel the market of equine veterinary therapeutic market. The increasing awareness towards prevention and well-being of livestock and companion animals is expected to fuel the market of equine veterinary therapeutics market. The equines are majorly consisting of horse racing and betting, leisure and competitive riding. Equines are also used in equinefacilitated therapy which includes therapy for specific motor, sensory and social responses.Therapy with equines is used to promote occupational, emotional and physical growth in patients with several mental disorders. These therapies include therapeutic horseback riding and hippotherapy. Equines healthcare includes equine therapeutics market and equine vaccines market. There are many companies and government initiatives taken to make horse owners and trainers to understand and improve the management of the requirements of their horse. This is one of the reasons for the growth of equine veterinary therapeutics market. The policies includes providing owners with articles written by veterinarians and nutritionists about the requirements and amount of nutrition intakes for the better well-being of equine. There are many research performed for better function of equine muscles using different stimulation process. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is used now for injury healing and enhancement of healing.Request For Report Sample@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2500 Equine Veterinary Therapeutics Market: Drivers and RestraintsEquine veterinary therapeutics market is growing with the increasing focus on return over investment are growing the market. The growing investments on international racing competition from different geographical regions are expected to fuel the market. The increasing animal healthcare base, growing economy, increasing trend towards pet ownerships is also expected to increase the equine veterinary therapeutic market. The increasing pet population and introduction of new products is expected to increase the market of equine therapeutics. The stringent regulations by government are expected to act as a restraint to the market.Equine Veterinary Therapeutics Market: SegmentationThe global Equine Veterinary Therapeutics market is classified on the basis of product type, Route of administration and distribution channelGlobal equine Veterinary Therapeutics Market, by Product TypeDrugsAnti- InflammatoryAnti  InfectiveParasiticidesOthersVaccinesRecombinant vaccinesInactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccinesOthersFeed additivesVitaminsAntibioticsAmino acidsEnzymesOthersGlobal equine Veterinary Therapeutics Market, by route of administrationOralParentalTopicalGlobal equine Veterinary Therapeutics Market, by Distribution ChannelVeterinary HospitalVeterinary ClinicsPharmacies and drug storesE-commerceOtherEquine Veterinary Therapeutics Market: OverviewDrug is the major segment of the market that includes anti-inflammatory, anti- infective, parasitives and others. The other two segment includes vaccines and feed additives. The global vaccine segment is further divided into Recombinant vaccines, Inactivated Vaccines, Live attenuated vaccines and others. The rising awareness among population about different vaccines for equine is expected to boost the market of vaccine segment. The other segment includes medicated feed additives that includes vitamins, antibiotics, amino acids, enzymes and others. The increasing demand for feed additives and affordability is expected to rise the market of this segment. Amino acids are used for better protein production and quality.Equine Veterinary Therapeutics Market: Regional OverviewRegion wise, the global equine veterinary therapeutics market is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America is expected to lead the market due to better economic condition, better government initiatives and more business investments. Latin America market is expected to hold second largest market share followed by Europe due to increasing trend towards racing competitions and awareness among population.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2500 Market: Key PlayersSome of the players in equine veterinary therapeutics market includes: Merck animal heath, Affymetrix, Elanco animal heath,Zoetis (Pfizer Animal Health), Equine Health U.K.and others.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Engine Flush Market: Semi-synthetic Oils to Register Nearly 48% of Market Value through 2026: Global Industry Analysis (2012 - 2016) & Opportunity Assessment (2017 - 2026)" report to their offering.

Engine Flush Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 07:38:44

Advancements in fuel consumption technologies has necessitated the need for using oils or lubricants to flush out the dirt collected in combustion engines. Diesel and gasoline continues to be adulterated across the globe, and the demand for such lubricants  known as engine flush  continues to gain traction. Vehicle owners are servicing their automobiles with proper use of engine flush products. The role of these oils in improving the performance of the engine, extending vehicle life, and lowering the overall carbon footprint of combustion engines continues to extend their use in the automotive sector. Future Market Insights recent study on the global engine flush market projects that the demand for engine flush will gain moderate traction in the foreseeable years.Key findings from the report reveal that the global engine flush market will expand at an estimated 3.5% CAGR in terms of volume over the forecast period, 2017-2026. The report also projects that by the end of 2026, engine flush worth nearly US$ 1.87 Bn will be sold across the globe. Fluctuating oil prices and transformations in the designs of combustion engines for the future automotive industry are observed as the key deterrents for growth of the global engine flush market.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6153 Semi-synthetic Oils to Register Highest Value CAGR during 2017-2026Flushing out the sludge from combustion chambers and other key components of engines requires the use of advanced engine oils. Fully-synthetic oils have been widely used as engine flush by vehicle owners, however, high cost of production has curbed their penetration in the global engine flush manufacturing landscape. Improved viscosity indexes offered by semi-synthetic oils are supplanting the adoption of fully-synthetic oils. In addition, the extended lubricant life of semi-synthetic oils is also expected to drive their use as engine flush in the foreseeable future. The report estimates that by the end of 2026, around 47.6% of engine flush sold in the global market will be made of semi-synthetic oils. The report further estimates that sales of fully-synthetic oils will bring in nearly US$ 750 Mn in the global engine flush market by the end of 2026.Majority of engine flush produced across the globe will be used in the automotive industry. Petrol and diesel engines, that account 100% consumption of the overall engine flush produced in the world, will showcase a 40:60 split respectively, in terms of global market value share percentage throughout the forecast period. While engine flush will be predominantly used in the automotive industry, the report projects a growing end-use of engine flush in servicing of industrial equipment. Over the forecast period, the end-use of engine flush in industrial equipment servicing will register a global value CAGR of 4.3%.Need more information about Report Methodology @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-6153 North America to Represent Largest Market for Engine Flush through 2026Highest share of engine flush produced in the world will be used by consumers in the US and Canada. In 2017, North Americas engine flush market surpassed a valuation of US$ 360 Mn, representing the largest market ahead of Europe and the Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region. Several players in the global engine flush market are focusing on increasing their exports to North America. Companies namely, BULLSONE Co. Ltd., 3M Company, BARDAHL Manufacturing Corporation, Penrite Oil Company, International Lubricants, Inc., Valvoline Inc., LIQUI MOLY GmbH, Tec4 Lubricants, Berner Group, LUBRITA EUROPE B.V., Petra Oil, and AMSOIL INC. are observed as the leading producers of engine flush in the global landscape. The report further estimates that the APEJ engine flush market will remain attractive for global players in terms of production through 2026.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 12:42:18

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Endometrial cancer or uterine cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers and 2.8% of women are diagnosed with the endometrial cancer at some point in their lives. According to National Cancer Institute statistics, in 2015 endometrial cancer contributed to 1.8% of all cancers and 3.6% of all new cancer cases were diagnosed as endometrial cancer. Early detection of endometrial cancer helps in the selection of proper treatment options. Endometrial cancers are typically diagnosed as type I and type II tumors and majority of the patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer represent early-stage cancers. According to Yale University School of Medicine, U.S., in 2014, type I tumors constitute 80% of all cases of endometrial cancers diagnosed in the U.S. Endometrial cancer can be treated by one or combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy. Most of the physicians recommend combination treatments as chemotherapy alone has traditionally been deem ineffective. Adjuvant radiation therapy is preferred in patients who have diagnosed with sage I or II endometrial cancer. Radiation therapy is also recommended in patients who have undergone the surgery, in order to avoid the relapse of endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancer is often detected in women above the age of 50 years and risk of endometrial cancer increases with the age. Also the risk of development of endometrial cancer is more in breast cancer patients who are being treated with tamoxifen or estrogen for long time. Plenty of chemotherapeutic agents are available and are recommended in the combination for the treatment of endometrial cancer. Some of the combination therapies include carboplatin & paclitaxel, Cisplatin & doxorubicin, Carboplatin & docetaxel and others.Endometrial Cancer Treatment Market: Drivers and RestraintsIncreasing incidence of uterine serous carcinoma  a highly aggressive variant of endometrial cancer  and relapse of endometrial cancers in patients treated with chemotherapy are the prime factors driving the growth of global endometrial cancer treatment market over the forecast period. In 2014, uterine serous carcinoma represented 10% of all caseload of endometrial cancers in the U.S. Some of the risk factors of endometrial cancer include obesity, presence of polycystic ovarian syndrome, long-term consumption of birth control pills, delayed pregnancy etc. Increasing incidence of obesity in the women aged above 50 can lead to the growth of endometrial cancer treatment market. However, divergent nature of cancer and increasing stringency in the regulatory requirements are the prime factors limiting the growth of global endometrial cancer treatment market. Besides this, side effects related to chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy also restricts the adoption of these agents for endometrial cancer treatment.Request For Report Sample@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2834 Endometrial Cancer Treatment Market: SegmentationThe global endometrial cancer treatment market has been segmented on the basis of treatment type, end user, and geography.Based on treatment type, the global endometrial cancer treatment market is divided into following:ChemotherapyCarboplatinPaclitaxelIxabepiloneOthersHormonal TherapyMegestrol (Megace)Medroxyprogesterone (PROVERA)Others (anastrozole, letrozole, etc.)Radiation TherapyWhole Pelvic External-beam Radiation TherapyVaginal BrachytherapySurgeryHysterectomyBilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries)Based on end user, the global endometrial cancer treatment market is segmented as below:Retail PharmacyHospital pharmacyClinicsEndometrial Cancer Treatment Market: OverviewGlobal market for endometrial cancer treatment is forecast to grow at moderate rate owing to less number of drugs approved for treatment of endometrial cancer. Despite of this, chemotherapy segment is expected to hold the highest share in the global endometrial cancer treatment market due to high adoption rate of chemotherapy over radiation and surgical treatment. Also chemotherapeutic agents such as carboplatin and paclitaxel are recommended as a first line of therapy in majority of the cases, which increases demand for these products. Recent FDA approval of IXEMPRA (ixabepilone) for use in the treatment of endometrial cancer treatment is expected to fuel the growth of global market over the forecast period.Endometrial Cancer Treatment Market: Regional Wise OutlookGeographically, the global endometrial cancer treatment market is classified into regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America will continue to hold largest share in the global endometrial cancer treatment market due to high incidence of uterine serous carcinoma. Europe is expected to hold the second largest share in the global market partly due to increasing product availability in the region. North America is expected to expand at the highest rate over the forecast period.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2834 Endometrial Cancer Treatment Market: Key PlayersSome of the players operating in the global endometrial cancer treatment market include R-Pharm-US LLC., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Pfizer Inc., AstraZeneca Plc., Novartis AG and others. The global endometrial cancer treatment market is expected to grow in future due to increasing investment by multinational companies in cancer research.
The global endocavity transducer market is expected to register a healthy CAGR during the forecast perioddue to its better quality over generic clinical diagnosis. Also, factors such asrapid technological advancement, increase in the number of surgical process and demand for advance diagnosis are expected to boost the growth of global endocavity transducer market across the globe.

Endocavity Transducer Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-05 11:48:04

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Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comSEO Manager3479183531

Endocavity transducer is a device which is used to visualize the colorectal and transvaginal areas internally by the help of ultrasonic sound waves.They are inserted into body cavities to diagnose problems associated with colorectal and transvaginal body parts. Endocavity transducer is combination of sensor and actuator. Endocavity transducer is device which converts electrical signal into ultrasonic energy that can be transferred into tissue and emit ultrasonic energy back from the tissue into an electrical signal which can be displayed as an image. A corresponding layer of material is placed on the tip of transducer to increase the effectiveness of energy transmission into patient.Endocavity transducer is a device that has ultrasound capabilities and is different from other imaging devices such as MRI, traditional X-rays which are used for diagnosis and monitoring internal organs. Endocavity transducer produces real-time images during surgical procedures allowing the surgeons to see into patients anatomy leading the procedures to be less disturbing and more efficient. Endocavity transducer is a specific and precise device that reduces uncomfortable patient experience in several types of surgical and non-surgical (diagnosis) procedures.Endocavity Transducer Market: Drivers and RestraintsGlobal endocavity transducers market is driven by the technological advancement, rapid innovation in production technologies and increase in surgical process across the globe. Increasing privatization in healthcare sector and adoption of new technologies in emerging countries are also fuelling the global market for endocavity transducers devices. Along with this rapid market authorizations, increase in awareness through education, increase in research and development activities are playing key role in driving the global market for endocavity transducer. Although, absence of regulation and harmonization of guidelines and lack of expert professionals act as a major barriers for global endocavity transducers market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1256 Endocavity Transducer Market: SegmentationGlobal endocavity transducer devices market is classified on the basis of application type and product type:Based on application type endocavity transducer market is segmented into the following:By Application typeObstetrics/ GynaecologyUrologyBased on product type endocavity transducer market is segmented into the following:By Product TypeCurvilinearPhased arrayEndocavityLinearBy End UserHospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentresClinicsDiagnostic CentresEndocavity TransducerMarket: OverviewThe global endocavity transducer market is expected to register a healthy CAGR during the forecast perioddue to its better quality over generic clinical diagnosis. Also, factors such asrapid technological advancement, increase in the number of surgical process and demand for advance diagnosis are expected to boost the growth of global endocavity transducer market across the globe.Endocavity Transducer Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global endocavity transducermarket is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.North America endocavity transducer market is estimated to hold maximum revenue share due to increase in awareness for endocavity transducer devices, increase in adoption of innovative products and growing infrastructure investment to support medical and healthcare development. Whereas, Europe is estimated to be second most lucrative market for endocavity transducer devices. The market for endocavity transducer in various regions is specifically driven by progressively rising awareness and increase in adoption of advance clinical diagnosis.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1256 Endocavity Transducer Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating global players in endocavity transducer global market are Philips Healthcare, GE Healthcare, Mindray ZONARE, Toshiba Medical Systems, FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc., Hitachi Medical Systems,Providian Medical and others.
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Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: www.futuremarketinsights.commanager+1 03479183531

Products which are obtained from different blends and components of eggs and are ready for human consumption are known as egg products. Egg products can partly be complemented by additives or some other food products. They can be found in different forms such as concentrated, crystallized, deep-frozen, liquid, solid, and frozen with a shelf life of three weeks.About 70% of the eggs are mainly produce in the economies of China, India, U.S., Japan, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, and France. In which 36% of the eggs are produce in China and about 11% in Latin America. There are different types of eggs products available in the market which includes pasteurized liquid egg, pasteurized liquid yolk, pasteurized liquid white, dehydrated white, dehydrated egg, hardboiled egg, dehydrated yolk, and ready-cooked meals with egg as their main ingredient.Request Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-217 As egg and egg products offers a source of protein to the consumers with the slightest environment impact is the major factor driving the growth of the market. Technology changes, government regulations are some of the factors contributing to the growth of the market. As the industry is continuously changing due to rising demand, increasing consumption and production of egg and egg products and technology advancement the market has huge growth opportunities in future. But, the insignificant growth in the international trade with some exceptions can act as a restraint for the market.Some of the key players of the market are Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., Land O'Lakes, Inc., Noble Foods Ltd, Tyson Foods, Inc., and Ningbo Jiangbei Dexi Foods Co. Ltd.This research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data and statistically-supported and industry-validated market data and projections with a suitable set of assumptions and methodology. It provides analysis and information by categories such as market segments, regions, product type and distribution channels.Ask the Analyst @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/egg-products-market#engage_analyst The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Market SegmentsMarket DynamicsMarket SizeSupply & DemandCurrent Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedTechnologyValue ChainRegional analysis includesNorth AmericaLatin AmericaWestern EuropeEastern EuropeAsia PacificJapanMiddle East and Africa
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Depression is a serious mood disorder which causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest thus affecting daily routine activities such as sleeping, walking, talking, thinking, eating etc. depression is different from temporary feeling of sadness. Signs and symptoms of depression includes persistent sadness, irritability, loss of interest in daily routine activities, feelings of worthlessness and pessimism, guilt, social withdrawal, fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, headache, cramps, digestive problems, weight changes, restlessness, and suicide attempts however alcoholism and drug abuse may also be the signs of depression. Signs and symptoms of depression vary from person to person depending upon the risk factors and individual thinking and lifestyle. Also there are different forms of depression which has unique character tics such as persistent depressive disorder, perinatal depression disorder, psychotic depression, Seasonal affective disorder and bipolar depression. Depression is also categorised based on its severity as mild, moderate and severe. Psychotic depression, persistent depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are the severe form of depression and should be treated with anti-depressants and psychotherapies. Depression can occur at any age but often initiates in adulthood.Depression drugs market comprises of the drugs which cures signs and symptoms caused by the depression, these drugs are known as anti-depressants. Anti-depressants includes tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, atypical antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. These drugs are also utilized in the treatment of a number of other mood disorders such as anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder.Request For Report Sample@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3290 Depression Drugs Market: Drivers and RestraintsDepression drugs market is growing, this is attributed to increasing prevalence of depression and other mood disorders with increasing availability of various anti-depressants in the market. Factors such as increasing reliance on medications for controlling the symptoms of depression is expected to contribute significantly to the depression drugs market revenue in the near future. In addition to this, growing healthcare expenditure, and rising insurance coverage also aids the growth of depression drugs market as increasing number of relatives of depressive cases are adopting early measures to halt the deterioration process. Also, availability of newer anti-depressants drives the depression drugs market, giving enormous opportunities to the companies within this market. However side effects associated with these drugs along with availability of other treatment methods such as psychotherapy is anticipated to hamper the revenue growth of depression drugs market over the forecast period.The depression drugs market is segment based on the drug type and end user.Depression drugs market is segmented into following types:By Drug TypeSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI)Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)OthersBased on distribution channel, depression drugs market is segmented into following:Hospital PharmaciesClinicsRetail PharmaciesOnline PharmaciesDepression DrugsMarket: OverviewDepression drugs market is expected to grow at a significant rate, over the forecast period. The market is anticipated to perform well over the forecast period attributed to increasing number of patients suffering from mild to moderate depression along with the availability of more drugs in the market. Also the depression drugs market is expanding globally due to increasing distribution partnerships among depression drug manufactures. The Depression Drugs market is expected to grow with a fastest CAGR over the forecast period due to increasing number of pipeline antidepressants. Increasing competition among major companies in the market to develop new formulation drugs which cures more than one symptoms also drives the depression drugs market towards the growth curve.Depression Drugs Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic region, the depression drugs market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.North America is the largest regional market owing to high patient awareness levels regarding availability of various drugs for depression, rising healthcare expenditure and relatively larger number of R&D exercises pertaining to drug manufacturing and marketing etc. these factors contribute for significant revenue generation from the region.Asia Pacific excluding Japan is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR because of increasing prevalence of depression and mood disorders in the region along with more focus of the companies to target the markets such as India and China leads to increase in the revenue growth of depression drugs market throughout the forecast period.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3290 Depression Drugs Market: Key PlayersSome of the players in depression drugs marketinclude AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co., SK Biopharmaceuticals, Novartis, Forest Laboratories, Naurex etc. whereas some and regionalplayers also have a significant presence in depression drugs market.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the  Demand for Petroleum Liquid Feedstock to Grow in Tandem with Increase in Oil Prices  report to their offering Upcoming

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In a recently released research intelligence outlook, Future Market Insights forecasts high value-low growth landscape for the global petroleum liquid feedstock market over the course of next few years. The global revenue through consumption of petroleum liquid feedstock will reportedly reach around US$ 270 billion in 2019, demonstrating an estimated yearly revenue growth of 3.6% over that attained in 2018.A steady upsurge in the demand for petroleum liquid feedstock is expected in coming years owing to a positive expansion outlook reflected by the global petrochemicals industry.Growing Feedstock Applications in Chemicals & Automotive IndustriesMounting consumption of motor fuels and other prominently sold end products such as aromatics, olefins, solvents, and gasoline is primarily driving the revenue of petroleum liquid feedstock at a global level. Applications in aromatics currently account for over 50% revenue share, whereas olefins are positioned by the report as an attractive segment in petroleum liquid feedstock landscape.With soaring uptake of aromatics by chemicals industry stakeholders, it is most likely that the demand for petroleum liquid feedstock, the key component used during the manufacturing of aromatics, will also witness a strong hike in the near future. Besides chemicals industry, the automotive industry has also been a creating significant revenue generation opportunities for manufacturers of petroleum liquid feedstock.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3663 With a dramatically expanding vehicular fleet and the subsequent demand growth in motor fuels and gasoline, it is most likely that the consumption of petroleum liquid feedstock would experience high growth over upcoming years, states a senior market research analyst at FMI.Key Manufacturers Enlarging Naphtha Production CapacitiesRefinery processes tend to produce higher proportions of naphtha compared to that of gas oil, which enables the former to retain top ranking segment in the market on the basis of type of petroleum liquid feedstock.Naphtha consumption currently accounts for a whopping 91% share in the global petroleum liquid feedstock market value; the report however projects that gas oil would gradually emerge as an attractive segment over the years.A majority of industry giants have been concentrating on increasing their naphtha production capacities by strategizing on production plants expansion across multiple geographical markets. Manufacturers based in Middle Eastern countries have been observed to have augmented their naphtha production recently.However, with growing availability of low-priced substitutes for petroleum liquid feedstock such as propane and ethane, the naphtha space has been witnessing an oversupply scenario.China Slated for Maximum Market Attractiveness in Coming YearsWith more than 71% market value share held collectively, petroleum liquid feedstock market in China, Europe, and Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) are likely to demonstrate notable expansion over coming years. Considerable rise in the automotive production and sales across Europe, China, and other Asian economies remains a key driving force pushing the consumption of petroleum liquid feedstock across these regions.China however is forecast to emerge as the most lucrative market for manufacturers of petroleum liquid feedstock, and the report estimates around 4% yearly growth in Chinas market value, in 2019. Moreover, Asian market for petroleum liquid feedstock still continues to face consequences of a severe demand-supply gap that is likely to trigger increased export from Europe and present multiple business opportunities for leading manufacturing companies.Fragmented Market Landscape to Witness a Growing Focus on Capacity ExpansionIn a fairly fragmented competitive landscape of the global petroleum liquid feedstock market, the Tier 1 players account a mere revenue share of 25-35%.Prominent companies such as TOTAL S.A., BP p.l.c, Royal Dutch Shell plc, Exxon Mobil Corporation, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, and China National Petroleum Corporation continue to remain top performers.The report indicates that a majority of Tier 1 players are currently focusing on petroleum liquid feedstock production expansion, in addition to the integration of the production of other end products with that of petroleum liquid feedstock.Whereas, the Tier 2 companies, including Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd., Flint Hills Resources, and YPF, and other smaller local players collectively hold the lions share in the market in terms of revenue.Request to Browse Report Customization@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-3663
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Warehousing of industrial output has generated the need for material handling equipment, and industrial racking systems offer a solution for this requirement. From aerospace to construction, all industries require well maintained storage systems for proper preservation of their product line, which is the main factor spurring growth of the industrial racking system market. The industrial racking system offers optimum techniques for storage in different forms, such as pallet racks, light duty and heavy duty racks, shelving racks and others. Conventional storage racks have insecure working conditions, due to which the racking system evolved with new technologies, including satellite pallet racking, auto-shuttle racking and gravity flow pallet racking.Mobilized pallet racks have helped organizations eliminate or reduce building construction costs, building expansions, auxiliary warehouses and lessened ongoing operational costs by capitalizing the use of their storage floor space. The industrial racking system makes warehouse design and product flow optimization flexible with low initial investment. Furthermore, there is rising demand from industries to provide storage facilities for their goods and bonded warehousing is an added new field, which is now increasingly being made available to these organizations. Specialized fumigation service is another offshoot of the warehousing business, which boosts the demand for industrial racking systems.Request Report TOC@ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/18838 Global Industrial Racking System Market: DynamicsDrivers:Growth of industrial racking systems can be attributed to their ability to maximize storage space and safety. Pallet racking provides accessibility for each pallet and this is perfect for gaining supply chain efficiency. In industrial racking systems, optimal storage design becomes a wooing factor for market growth. Qualities, such as storage density, low maintenance and others, achieve greater market hype for the industrial racking system market.Restraints:Industrial racking systems are not designed to withstand seismic activities, such as earthquake, tsunami, and flood. Moreover, goods stored in an industrial raking system should be restrained to prevent them from creeping and falling from the racking system. The aforementioned natural disasters make racking systems unsuitable for storage purpose. These are factors hindering growth of the industrial racking system market.Global Industrial Racking System Market: Segmentation :- BAE Systems,Lockheed Martin Corporation,Raytheon company,Saab AB,Terma A/S,Hanwha corporation,Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL),DRS Technologies, Inc.,ASELSAN,Tata Advanced Systems Limited,The Atlas Elektronik Group,Atos SE,ECA Group (A GORGE Group Company)Global Industrial Racking System Market: Regional OutlookThe Europe market is expected to dominate the global industrial racking system market, owing to the high adoption of automation in the automotive industry in countries, such as Germany, France and others. The Asia pacific region is anticipated to grow due to a rise in the number of manufacturing facilities in some countries, such as India and China. India is predominantly an agricultural economy and agriculture commodities need warehousing for storage purpose, in turn necessitating industrial racking systems. North America, followed by Asia Pacific, is expected to exhibit significant growth due to the elevated demand for safety handling equipment and growing construction industry in the U.S. market. Consequently, the Latin America market is expected to show steady growth in the industrial racking system market over the forecast period. Demand from the Middle East and Africa region for material handling equipment is slated to be sluggish, due to steady industrialization in e-commerce, food and packaging, pharmaceutical and chemical industries.Request For Report Sample@ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/18838 Global Industrial Racking System Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants in the industrial racking system market are: Kardex,Daifuku Co., Ltd,Velca Racking Systems Pvt. Ltd.,Toyota forklifts,SSI Schaefer,Universal Storage Systems (SA) (Pty) Ltd,Steel king,Bulldog rack,Racks Industries Limited,North American Steel,Arpac Storage Systems Corporation,Constructor Group,Hannibal Industries,Redirack,CWH Storage System SDN BHD,Foothills Systems
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Enzyme inhibition means interruption or decrease in the enzyme activity. The enzyme inhibitors are substances that abolish or reduce the rate of enzyme action. Though enzymes are essential for life, abnormally high enzyme activity can lead to disease conditions. Hence, manipulation of enzyme catalysis with inhibitors is critical for prevention of infectious diseases, treatment of hypertension, control of inflammatory response, intervention in cell growth and cell cycle and much more. Also, besides acting as therapeutic agents, enzyme inhibitors play important roles in biological and clinical research.Enzyme Inhibitors Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe route of inhibitor administration is dependent on the properties and objective of the experiment to be carried out. Immobilized enzymes are used in industries and have a high value for industrial and medicinal enzyme products. Some of the examples of industrial enzymes are glucoamylase, amylase, pepsin, trypsin, glucose isomerase, cellulase and many others. With the emergence of new inhibitor enzymes in the quest for drug discovery, several new inhibition mechanisms are expected. Recently, several software programs have emerged to visualize custom visual interface to see curve fits in real-time, graph transforms, equations using kinetic data and these data tables are directly generated. The challenge is that most times, basic presumptions do not hold true in enzyme reactions and addition of new factors further complicate the calculation of reactor outcome. The outcomes of computer-based kinetic calculations are less realistic with more chances of variants. Another major challenge in the enzyme inhibitor market is that it is less reproducible and bio-applications are unpredictable because of synergy, the interplay of known and unknown physiological, biological, physical, and molecular factors affecting the reaction kinetics.Request For Report Sample@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3260 Enzyme Inhibitors Market: SegmentationOn the basis of disease indication, the enzyme inhibitor market can be segmented into:Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DisordersCardiovascular DiseaseGastrointestinal DisordersArthritisInflammatory DiseasesOthersOn the basis of end use industry, the enzyme inhibitor market can be segmented into:PharmaceuticalBiotechnologyFood & BeverageOthersThe majority of drugs to treat a number of chronic and life-threatening diseases are developed with a mechanism of action directed towards enzyme inhibition. Enzyme specificity and potency are the important factors considered while developing a drug. A high specificity and potency ensure that a drug will have fewer side effects and a strong therapeutic effect. Enzyme inhibitors are used as diagnostic agents to screen various diseases thus propelling the growth of enzyme inhibitor market.Enzyme Inhibitors Market: OverviewThe emerging therapeutic market for enzyme inhibitors used in human therapeutics is very high. New information is available on biochemistry for enzyme inhibitors and classes of enzyme-inhibiting products with broad current or potential therapeutic applications in large markets. However, more than 90 enzyme inhibitors are currently marketed and double those are under development. A better understanding of the emerging enzyme inhibitors on enzyme mechanism is key. In recent years, use of chemical immobilization has extended to immobilized antibodies or antigens in bio-affinity chromatography. In coming years, it is speculated that immobilization techniques of proteins and enzymes will have a greater impact on point-of-care medical and health business in the enzyme inhibitor market.Enzyme Inhibitors Market: Region-wise OutlookOn the basis of region, the market is segmented into North America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, Latin America and the Middle East and Africa. The market for enzyme inhibitors is expanding with the rising incidence of enzyme-based diseases and increasing research and development activities. In developed countries like the U.S. and Europe, the market growth for enzyme inhibitors is high because of better availability of medical facilities, diagnosis rate for the diseases, infrastructure, awareness and available treatment options. In Asia Pacific region, China, Japan, and India are most potential markets for enzyme inhibitors due to growing population, improvement in medical facilities and economic development.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3260 Enzyme Inhibitors Market: Key PlayersSome of the players in the enzyme inhibitors market are AstraZeneca, Merck and Co. Inc., Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd, Roche-Genentech Holding Ltd., and Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Other prominent players are Abbott Laboratories Inc., Bayer AG, and Johnson and Johnson Ltd. Vendors in this market are outsourcing different parts of their research work such as toxicology testing, product characterization testing to various contract research organizations. Also, vendors are increasingly engaged in outsourcing part of their enzyme inhibitor drug manufacturing or the entire manufacturing process to various contract manufacturing organizations. Thus, the increase in outsourcing of drug manufacturing is one of the trends witnessed in the enzyme inhibitors market.
Meritorious Artisan Nong Van Huu, a Tay ethnic minority peeson originated from Cao Bang, is the head of Nam Dong Then singing Club in Cu Jut district, Dak Nong province. He used Then songs and Tinh flute to bring pleasure and connect the local people together.

Artisans like Nong Van Huu encouraged villagers in Dak Nong and Dak Lak provinces to form Then singing groups to exchange during Tet (Lunar New Year) days. Then tunes have become songs for childrens lullabies and mediation for the bickering in the daily lives of local people.

Considering Tinh flute and Then songs as the breath of life over half a century, artisan Nong Van Huu realised that the sound of the flute depicts peoples heart and minds. In more than 200 Then songs composed by himself, all words bear positive meanings. He and the other artisans think that the beauty, affection and gratitude can defeat the bad.

Tinh flute is regarded as an instrument bestowed by heaven. It accompanies Then songs to create a special harmony, making life more pleasurable and happier. People who learn Then singing and way to play Tinh flute will learn the virtue and courtesy in the behaviour among families and ethnic groups.

Normally, from the 25th day of the last lunar month, Then songs highlighting the beauty of spring and praising the country echoeverywhere. So far, over 100 Tay, Nung and E De people have learnt dozens of Then songs by heart so that they can teach their relatives. Every day, Dam Thi Tuyen, deputy head of Nam Dong Then Club, performs Then singing and teaches other residents, particularly younger generations for a few hours.

Then songs by Nam Dong Clubs members have not only been performed at spring festivals but are also popular around the country. The songKhuc tam tinh Dac Nong (The confession of Dak Nong) that was created and performed by the Club won the B prize at the second National Tinh flute Festival in Cao Bang.

Realising the power of the spiritual encouragement of Then melodies, artisan Nong Van Huu has taught and instructed hundreds of farmers on how to find addresses and emails of many well-known Then singing clubs around the country via theinternet to exchange together. He said that many locals were willing to pay money to participate in competitions to improve their skills of playing Tinh flute and Then singing. During Tet festival, the local people are always ready to introduce Then songs to thousands of foreigners travelling to the Central Highlands region, contributing to conveying a beautiful cultural heritage of Vietnam to international friends.

The Central Highlands gathers dozens of ethnic groups, including nearly 3,000 Tay and Nung people coming from the north. Then singing is considered as a special ambassador that can enhance the connectivity among the community. Since the Then singing clubs formed, the local peoples spiritual lives have been more pleasurable and richer. From Nam Dong, the Then singing movement has spread to surrounding districts such as Krong No and Dak Min. Nam Dong commune has formed an arts fund to support Then singing artisans. This folk genre has also been added to the extracurricular programmes at schools in the commune.
The Conversational system Market Report includes a comprehensive analysis of the present market. This report gives a comprehensively widespread analysis of the market expansion drivers, factors regulating and avoiding market expansion, prevailing business sector summaries, market association, market predictions for coming years.

Conversational System Market

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The Conversational system Market is expected to reach +26% CAGR during forecast period 2018-2023.Conversational system is a computer system intended to converse with a human with a coherent structure. Conversational system have employed text, speech, graphics, haptics, gestures, and other modes for communication on both the input and output channel. Conversational systems implement the functionalities of cognitive computing, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and others. As the IoT continues to grow, these conversations become a greater necessity. The essential feature for conversational systems is as excessive silence after an utterance can easily be interpreted as meaningful or may cause the listener to lose interest.This market research report on the Conversational system Market is an all-encompassing study of the business sectors up-to-date frameworks, industry enrichment drivers, and manacles. It provides market forecasts for the coming years. It contains an analysis of late amplifications in innovation, Porter's five force model analysis and advanced profiles of hand-picked industry competitors. The report additionally articulates a survey of minor and full-scale factors charging for the new candidates in the market and the ones as of now in the market along with a systematic value chain exploration.Get Sample Copy of this Report @Top Key Players:Google, Cognitive Scale, IBM Corporation, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Nuance Communications Inc, SAP SE, Tibco Software, Saffron Technology, and others.This Conversational system Market research report underlines on the key players in this market everywhere throughout the world. This segment of the report comprises the organization frameworks, prerequisites, and product outlines, expertise, manufacture, contact data, cost, and income. Likewise, the program assembly, upstream raw materials, and downstream demand analysis are similarly overseen. This Market research report underlines on the key players in this market everywhere throughout the world. This segment of the report comprises the organization frameworks, prerequisites, and product outlines, expertise, manufacture, contact data, cost, and income.This market offers the latest industry updates, market trends, and research tools. Then, it uses the reports they gather to plan strategies and solutions for the company. Not only is it available in the world of commerce, but it also works across several industry sectors. The best thing about this measurable surveying report is that the significance and presentation of this market have been described. Moreover, several market essential experts and purchasing criteria have been upheld in the report. Accordingly, this measurable reviewing report is an incredible breath for sorting out new speculation endeavors, arranging how to deal with the market patterns and so on of the Conversational system Market.Enquiry before Buying:Table of Content:Conversational system Market research Report 2018-2025Chapter 1: Industry OverviewChapter 2: Conversational system Market International and China Market AnalysisChapter 3: Environment Analysis of Conversational system.Chapter 4: Analysis of Revenue by ClassificationsChapter 5: Analysis of Revenue by Regions and ApplicationsChapter 6: Analysis of Conversational system Market Revenue Market Status.Chapter 7: Analysis of Conversational system Industry Key ManufacturersChapter 8: Sales Price and Gross Margin AnalysisChapter 9: Marketing Trader or Distributor Analysis of Conversational system.Chapter 10: Development Trend of Conversational system Market 2018-2023.Chapter 11: Industry Chain Suppliers of Conversational system with Contact InformationChapter 12: New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis of Conversational systemChapter 13: Conclusion of the Conversational system Market Industry 2023 Market Research ReportAsk for discount@About Us:Report Consultant - A global leader in analytics, research and advisory that can assist you to renovate your business and modify your approach. With us, you will learn to take decisions intrepidly. We make sense of drawbacks, opportunities, circumstances, estimations and information using our experienced skills and verified methodologies.Our research reports will give you an exceptional experience of innovative solutions and outcomes. We have effectively steered businesses all over the world with our market research reports and are outstandingly positioned to lead digital transformations. Thus, we craft greater value for clients by presenting advanced opportunities in the global market.Contact us:Rebecca Parker(Report Consultant)Akasaka biz tower,5-3-1 akasaka minato-ku,Tokyo, JapanContact No: +81-368444299sales@ reportconsultant.com
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The Global Automatic Speech Recognition Market from the viewpoint of all its existing trends that are prompting it is imperative to comprehend in order to attain the most effective solution for business strategies. These trends are of different types including geographical, socioeconomic, economic, consumer, political, cultural. Their overall effect on client or consumer preferences will have a major contribution in how this market will develop itself in the following years to come. Market Dynamics and the way they influence the Global Automatic Speech Recognition Market have been analyzed in detail throughout the report.The competitive hierarchy of the global Automatic Speech Recognition sector has been elaborated by examining the different verticals of companies such as business profiles of companies, specifications, revenue generation, profit margins, and capacity. To understand the international trading clearly, researchers gives more focus on the study the statistics of local consumption, import, and exports. Collectively, it highlights the several case studies from various c level peoples like business owners, policymakers and industry experts.Top Key Companies are: Sensory Inc. Nuance Communications Lumenvox Llc Telisma S.A/On Mobile Global Ltd. Raytheon Bbn Technologies Microsoft Tellme Dolby Fusion Speech Voxeo Voice Trust AgGet Sample copy of this Report @:The research report assesses the market for Automatic Speech Recognition in a comprehensive way by explaining key market characteristics that can be quantified into progressive scenarios over the forecast period. Investigate key drivers, challenges and propensities driving the global market. The report also presents thorough qualitative and quantitative data on the predictable impact of these factors on the market's future growth prospects.Automatic Speech Recognition Market research is an intelligence report with meticulous efforts undertaken to study the right and valuable information. The data which has been looked upon is done considering both, the existing top players and the upcoming competitors. Business strategies of the key players and the new entering market industries are studied in detail. Well explained.Access Complete Report @:The market is escalating rapidly, owing to rising digitization and continuous advancements in the field of cognitive science and computer science that are shaping the way for a new technology. Be that as it may, the cost acquired in making the products is more and the unmistakable degree of profitability is low, in this way representing a major restraining factor for the market's development.To offer a clear understanding of the global Automatic Speech Recognition market, several questions have been addressed in the research study concerning the growth of the global Specialty Automatic Speech Recognition market. It is also been discussed with respect to projected growth rate of the global Specialty Automatic Speech Recognition market in the near future. Also, depending on the ongoing trend of the market, the region which is anticipated to witness high growth in the next few years is studied in detail.Early Buyers will get Upto 20% Discount on this Premium Research @:
Depending on geographic regions, global companion diagnostics market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.

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Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comSEO Manager3479183531

Companion diagnostics are tests to understand which patient can be benefited from a certain drug or what dosage should be prescribed based upon patients clinical diagnosis, which provides evidence required for the successful and harmless use of an equivalent drug or biological product to treat the medical condition. These are medical instruments that support doctors to elect which treatment and dosage should be given to patients personalized to their necessity.Companion Diagnostics is utilized to ascertain who would benefit from treatment and it comes in handy to identify if someone cannot be cured, but also conversely can be harmed by use of specific drug used for their ailment. Technological advancements has brought a lot of changes in the method of disease treatment. Companion diagnostics is characterized by growing requirement for enhancedpersonalized patient treatment that gives healthcare providers and their patients an assurance about the treatment result in a positive way, contrary to traditional treatment procedure. Major impact of companion diagnostic will been on oncology therapy area.Companion Diagnostics Market: Drivers and RestraintsPresently, companion diagnostics global market is driven by the technological advancement in healthcare industry, increase in various treatment procedures. Number of companion diagnostics can be given approval for a single drug as scientific knowledge advances with practical application of treatment. Although, cost related with latest technology acts as a key barrier for the growth of global companion diagnostics market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1255 Companion Diagnostics Market: SegmentationCompanion diagnostic global market is segmented into following segments:By ApplicationColorectal CancerBreast CancerLung CancerMelanomaUrologyGastric CancerBy TechnologyImmunohistochemistryMolecular DiagnosticsIn-situ HybridizationFISHCISHReal Time PCRGene SequencingBy RegionNorth America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico. Brazil)Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)JapanMiddle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa)Companion Diagnostics Market: OverviewWith rapid technological advancement, increase in the incidence of chronic disease, rise in aging population, increasing adoption rate of treatment of chronic disease, increase in number of prevalence of chronic disease around the globe are the factors expected to boost the companion diagnostics market over the forecast period.Companion Diagnostics Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global companion diagnostics market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.North America is the leading market for companion diagnostics because of rapid technical inventions, huge investment on research and development in this region. Whereas, Asia-Pacificand Europeis projected to grow at a significant growth due to large consumer base, rising government initiatives for enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and high disposable income.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1255 Companion Diagnostics Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating global players in companion diagnostics market global market are ARUP Laboratories, Roche Molecular Systems Inc., Dako Inc., Qiagen Ltd., bioMerieux Inc.,Ventana Medical Systems Inc., Abbott Molecular Inc., Myriad Genetics Inc.,Biogenex Laboratories, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH and others.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Collation Shrink Films Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013 - 2017 and Opportunity Assessment; 2018 - 2028" report to their offering.

Collation Shrink Films Market

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Collation shrink films are polymer plastic films manufactured from high-quality raw materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and others. On the effect of heat, collation shrink films soften and shrink. Then, the material is cooled down to ensure good holding strength for the product, both transversely and longitudinally. Collation shrink films offer secondary packaging solutions with an outstanding amalgamation of strength, stiffness, holding force, and excellent shrink performance. Collation shrink films are a cost-effective method of collating cans, bottles, cartons, books & magazines, and palletized goods. Also, collation shrink films cover the surface of the product, protecting it from dust and physical damage. The low weight of collation shrink films enables easier handling and transportation. Collation shrink films are 100% recyclable, and this factor is expected to create a positive outlook for the growth of the global collation shrink films market during the forecast period.Collation Shrink Films Market: DynamicsAcross the globe, the demand for reliable packaging is increasing and the applications are becoming more diverse. Increasing requirement for thinner, stronger, and cost-effective films for secondary packaging applications which ensure that bundled products stay exceptionally secure, right from the packaging to the consumer, is likely to create significant demand in years to come. This factor is expected to fuel the growth of the collation shrink films market during the forecast period.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8549 Characterized by its puncture-resistant nature, along with optimum tightness, stability, and high gloss, collation shrink films are widely used for bundling cans, bottles, cartons, fruits & vegetables, and other products. Also, the low weight of collation shrink films offers multiple storage and transportation benefits over corrugated boxes and trays without compromising the security across the supply chain. This factor is foreseen to drive the growth of the global collation shrink films market during the forecast period. The availability of transparent collation shrink films which offer good see-through, is proven to bolster brand identification and recognition. The printability option on collation shrink films offers a unique promotional opportunity for manufacturers and brand owners. Together, such factors are likely to push the growth of the global collation shrink films market during the forecast period. Collation shrink films are extruded under stringent quality control conditions which ensure safety and quality. Overall, the global collation shrink films market is expected to register significant momentum during the forecast period.Collation Shrink Films Market: SegmentationOn the basis of material type, the collation shrink films market is segmented into:PolyethyleneLow-density Polyethylene (LDPE)High-density Polyethylene (HDPE)Linear Low-density Polyethylene (LLDPE)PolypropylenePolyvinyl ChlorideOthersOn the basis of number of layers, the collation shrink films market is segmented into:MonolayerMultilayersOn the basis of application, the collation shrink films market is segmented into:BottlesCartonsCansBooks & MagazinesOthersOn the basis of end use, the collation shrink films market is segmented into:Food and BeveragesCosmetics & Personal CareHealthcareIndustrialHouseholdOthersCollation Shrink Films Market: Regional OutlookThe rapid expansion of the packaging industry, increasing consumption of packed food and beverages, rising urban population, and increasing disposable incomes are together fueling the growth of the collation shrink films market in emerging economies of the Asia Pacific including Japan region (APEJ). In terms of market share, China is expected to remain dominant during the forecast period. The growth rate of collation shrink films in India and ASEAN Countries is expected to be high during the forecast period. Changing packaging patterns, the requirement for reliable packaging solutions, and the rapid expansion of various end-use industries are driving the collation shrink films market in North America and Western Europe regions. Germany in Western Europe and the U.S. in North America are expected to witness notable growth of the collation shrink films market during the forecast period. Rising preference towards flexible packaging solutions and high disposable incomes appear as the key factors for the growth of collation shrink films market in Germany and the U.S. Japan is expected to witness a sluggish growth rate of the collation shrink films market during the forecast period.Request Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-8549 Collation Shrink Films Market: Key PlayersExamples of some of the key players operating in the global collation shrink films market are:The Dow Chemical CompanyExxon Mobil CorporationCoveris Holdings S.A.NPP Group LimitedLyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.Telko Ltd.SilvalacRapid Plastics Media Ltd.MURAPLAST d.o.o.FolplastPolystar Plastics LtdPOLIPAKS Ltd.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the  Coal Tar Pitch Market: Global Industry Trend Analysis and Competition Tracking  report to their offering Upcoming

Future Market Insights

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Tier-1 companies in coal tar manufacturing represent 60-70% share of the total market revenue. With massive coal tar distillation capacities across the globe, these players in coal tar pitch landscape maintain their focus on both, standard grade and special grade coal tar pitch (CTP) production.Tier 2 players have a strong presence over restricted regions, whereas that of Tier 3 competitors is limited to regional sales. Standard grade coal tar pitch is the key focus area for the latter two, according to Future Market Insights study on the global coal tar pitch landscape.Production facility expansion, strategic acquisitions, and CTP product innovation will remain the key developmental strategies trending among leading players, says a senior research analyst at FMI. The analyst adds further, Massive Aluminum demand from automotive and transportation sectors has been pushing the Aluminum production levels 4-5% (yearly) since the recent past. Growing demand for lightweight vehicles is among the most impactful factors driving the consumption of Aluminum, subsequently contributing to sales of coal tar pitch.Long-term Contractual Partnerships & Backward Integrated Supply Rule Strategic Minds of Coal Tar Pitch ManufacturersRequest Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/REP-GB-7186 While manufacturers of coal tar pitch are preferring long-term supply contracts with leading coal tar manufacturers, FMI has also identified these players entering strategic partnerships with steel manufacturers, where coal tar is often the byproduct of coke processing ovens. A few other activities that make this landscape dynamic include long-term contracts between manufacturers of coal tar pitch and those of primary aluminum and graphite electrode, with a sole objective to sustain the coal tar pitch supply to end markets.Aluminum Grade CTP Holds a Winning Revenue Share in Coal Tar Pitch MarketApplication-wise, around 80% revenue share belongs to the aluminum electrode, according to the study. As coal tar pitch is increasingly being consumed by aluminum smelters lowing to higher sustainability and economic feasibility, the mushrooming Aluminum production is constantly driving the growth of coal tar pitch landscape. In 2019, the revenue of Aluminum grade coal tar pitch is pegged for over 5% Y-o-Y growth. Besides, Graphite electrode is also slated for promising performance and the application base of coal tar pitch as a chemical intermediate in carbon black manufacturing is visibly growing.Development of Specialized Zero QI Impregnating Coal Tar Pitch Expands ApplicabilityA specialized impregnating pitch obtained by processing coal tar at a high temperature is widely used in the Graphite industry during the electrode manufacturing process. The resultant technological advancements in the life of electrodes pushes CTP applications in roofing, coating, electrode, refractory, and others.China Commands over Global Coal Tar Pitch Landscape, India Leads Asia Pacifics CTP ScenarioChina, India, Russia, and Western Europe have a significant aluminum production base, whereas MEA is demonstrating promising growth in coal tar pitch landscape in recent years. North America, however, is observing passive growth over the recent past, post decline in the aluminum production levels.According to the FMIs report, China is the global leader in coal tar pitch ecosystem owing to significant Aluminum production and thriving production levels of Graphite electrode. China is projected for a 6% year on year revenue growth by this years end, reflecting ample growth opportunities for coal tar pitch manufacturers.On the other side, APACs market for coal tar pitch is witnessing growth concentration in India that has been attributed to an impressive rate of Aluminum production in the country.Request to Browse Report Customization@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/REP-GB-7186
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Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a blood and bone marrow disease that usually gets adverse slowly. It is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes.It may affect red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the second most common cancer in adult males. About 90% of chronic lymphocytic leukemia is diagnosed in middle age. Incidence rate of CLL is high in men and women over 50 years of age or middle age. It is rarely seen in people under age 40, and is extremely rare in children. In CLL, majority of the blood stem cells become abnormal lymphocytes healthy white blood cells. The abnormal lymphocytes may also be called leukemia cells. These abnormal lymphocytes are not able to fight infection very well. Also, as the number of lymphocytes increases in the blood and bone marrow, there is less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This may cause infection, anemia, and easy bleeding which may result in death. In 2016, American Cancer Society has estimated that in the United States about18,960 new cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)and approximately 4,660 deaths by CLL are observed up till now.Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Market: Drivers and RestraintsIncrease in aging population is an impetus for the growth of the CLL market. The increasing incidences of cancers in developed and developing countries such as India, and Brazil are expected to boost market growth. Moreover, exceptional regulatory designations offered to certain drugs. CLL is a disease which affects a minute percentage of the population, thats why they are treated by a few marketed drugs only. A small or medium number of patients creates a very small market for these drugs. So it may or may not be profitable for companies to develop these drugs as recovering the research and developments of the drug expenses would be difficult. Thats why collaboration agreements and co-development are some of the key strategies adopted by top market players. For example, recently GlaxoSmithKline plc and Genmab A/S, have entered into co-development and collaboration agreement for drug Arzerra (ofatumumab), used in the treatment of relapsed CLL. Other two important drivers for CLL treatment market are family history of blood disorders and excessive exposure to harmful chemicals. Another trend that is expected to inspire market growth is a rise in the development of combination of drug therapies.Request For Report Sample@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2481 Combination therapies for the treatment of CLL were available only in the form of chemotherapy combination drugs. Previously approved combinations were only few.However , stringent regulatory guidelines are expected to hamper market growth. Moreover, the high overall treatment cost for the therapy is another factor inhibiting the market growth. For example, GA101/RG7159 was launched in the market in 2014 by Genentech Inc (U.S.). The drug costs approximately at $409,580 for patients who take them annually.Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Market: SegmentationThe global chronic lymphocytic leukemiamarket is classified on the basis of type, route of administration, type of drug, end user.Based on type, the global chronic lymphocytic leukemiamarket is segmented into the following:Acute myeloid (or myelogenous) leukemia (AML)Chronic myeloid (or myelogenous) leukemia (CML)Acute lymphocytic (or lymphoblastic) leukemia (ALL)Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)Based on Drug Route Administration (ROA) the global chronic Lymphocytic Leukemiamarket is segmented into the following:OralParenteralBased on types of chemo drugs used the global chronic lymphocytic leukemiamarket is segmented into the following:Purine analogs.Alkylating agentsCorticosteroidsOther drugsBased on end user global chronic lymphocytic leukemiamarket is segmented into the following:HospitalsPrivate ClinicsDiagnostic LaboratoriesResearch LaboratoriesResearch InstitutesDrug StoreChronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Market overview:Conventionally, the CLL therapeutics market is dominated by the parenteral segment. In the parenteral ROA, the drug is administered by the intravenous, subcutaneous, intrathecal, or intramuscular routes. But slowly oral drugs are expected to capture vast market share. Drugs delivered by oral route are absorbed rapidly and the onset of action is fast. Moreover, oral ROA is essential during emergencies when there is a need for greater patient compliance.For example: - Imbruvica, rituximab, idelalisib are oral tablets given to CLL patients alone or in combination. The efficacy of ibrutinib (Imbruvica) and idelalisib (Zydelig) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) suggests the drugs could potentially replace chemoimmunotherapy completely for some patients.Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Market: Regional OverviewRegion wise, the global chronic lymphocytic leukemiamarket is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America dominated the global market for chronic lymphocytic leukemiadue to good reimbursement policies for diagnostic, therapeutic procedures and number of government organizations investigating the efficiency. After North America this market is followed by Europe due to increase in the number of patients suffering from CLL. Asia Pacific region is expected to perceive a significantly faster growth over the forecast period due to a number of branded drugs will become available over the next four years, with the expanding patient pool receiving greater access to such new treatments.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2481 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the market of near patient molecular solution are F. Hoffman-La Roche, AbbVie, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Gilead Sciences, Novartis, and Johnson & Johnson.
Bronchitis treatment market is driven by sedentary lifestyle, addiction to cigarette smoke and chemical pollutants. Guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), stringent regulations to pollutant emission control, adherence to various international protocol such as Montreal Protocol and World Bank Millennium Development Goal is expected to boost overall bronchitis treatment market.

Bronchitis Treatment Market

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The chronic bronchitis is defined as the inflammation of the bronchi that lasts for more than 3 months for consecutive 2 years. The bronchi are the tubes which carry air in to the lungs. The major symptom of bronchitis is persistent cough associated with mucus expectoration, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat and fatigue. Risk factors for bronchitis include irritants, chemicals, air pollution and smoke. There are mainly two types of bronchitisacute (short term) and chronic (long term). Acute bronchitis is mainly caused due to viral infection and last for around 10 to 15 days. The first line of treatment for acute bronchitis is symptomatic treatment, however, if the symptoms persists, antimicrobial therapy is advised. Mostly antibacterial such as clarithromycin or azithromycin are administered.The treatment for chronic bronchitis includes bronchodilators and steroids. The bronchodilators such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil, Vospire, ProAir), metaporterenol (Alupent), formoterol and salmeterol, helps in relaxation of the smooth muscles of the bronchi which helps in expansion of the inner wall for better airway passage. Moreover, certain steroids are used such as prednisone, methylprednisolone that help in reducing the inflammation consequently helping in reduction of mucus secretion. Sometimes antibiotics are administered especially when there is an exacerbation of chronic bronchitis caused as a result of bacterial infection. Furthermore, PDE4 inhibitors are also being tested for their use in treatment of chronic bronchitis. For instance, Arcapta Neohaler received a FDA approval from NovartisRequest Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1277 Bronchitis Treatment Market: Drivers and RestraintsBronchitis treatment market is driven by sedentary lifestyle, addiction to cigarette smoke and chemical pollutants. Guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), stringent regulations to pollutant emission control, adherence to various international protocol such as Montreal Protocol and World Bank Millennium Development Goal is expected to boost overall bronchitis treatment market.Bronchitis Treatment Market: SegmentationBronchitis Treatment Market further segmented into following typesBy Treatment:DrugsOxygen therapyBy Class of Drugs:AntibioticsBronchodilatorsMucolyticsAnti-inflammatory DrugsBy End UserHospitalsClinicsDrug storesBronchitis Treatment Market: OverviewSignificant increase in respiratory disorders along with alarming rise in chemical pollutants is expected to drive the demand for effective bronchitis treatment. The market is expected to witness healthy growth during the forecast period.Bronchitis Treatment Market: Region- wise OutlookThe global Bronchitis Treatment Market is expected to register significant CAGR during the forecast period. Depending on geographic regions, global Bronchitis Treatment Market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & AfricaNorth America dominates the global Bronchitis Treatment Market due to good awareness of healthcare in people and having good health care setup. Europe occupies second place in this market with its new regulations in the major economies. Asia Pacific is expected to witness fastest growth and is expected to gain significant market share over the forecast period.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1277 Bronchitis Treatment Market: Key PlayersMajor players of this market includePfizer Inc.GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals LimitedSanofi AventisBoehringer IngelheimDr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd
Animal Health Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market

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Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: http://www.persistencemarketresearch.comAssociate Consultant800-961-0353

The global animal health active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) market is projected to register an impressive expansion at 7.3% CAGR during the forecast period 2017 to 2025, according to a recent study by Persistence Market Research (PMR). PMRs study estimates the market to increase from revenues worth US$ 5,216.1 Mn in 2017 to reach US$ 9,162.2 Mn by 2025-end.Limited Insurance or Government Intervention Provides Smooth Flow to the Market Growth in APACAsia Pacific (APAC) will continue to be the most lucrative region in the global animal health active pharmaceutical ingredient market, with sales exhibiting the second highest CAGR through 2025. APAC has remained one of the largest API suppliers, at affordable costs. Governments across APAC have been making investments and focusing on local manufacturing facilities of APIs. Favorable policies offered by these governments have been shifting the focus of API manufacturers in moving their production bases to APAC countries, such as India and China. In addition, limited insurance or government intervention provides smooth flow to market growth in these regions.Request Sample Report@ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/16972 However, animal health API products manufactured in APAC countries do not meet regulatory standards, and there has been increasing concerns pertaining to the quality of APIs, especially those produced in China and India. Western regulatory bodies are becoming stricter in the inspection of APIs produced in these regions. Manufacturers are further facing challenges in bridging the gap between the cost and quality of APIs. These factors will inhibit growth of the market in APAC.Europe to Remain the Second Largest Market for Animal Health APIsEurope will remain the second largest market for animal health active pharmaceutical ingredients. Leading healthcare companies are located in the Europe, which in turn has boosted requirement for veterinary APIs in the region. Consumption of veterinary drugs in Europe has surged substantially over the past few years. Spain has been witnessed to be the largest consumer of veterinary antimicrobial APIs in the EU. In addition, rising improvements in the animal productivity has driven growth of the animal health industry in this region. These incidences are expected to augment growth of the animal health API market in Europe.However, the pharmaceutical industry in Europe has been concerned with potential short-term impacts of REACH regulations. This is likely to result in decreased supply of materials, or reagents, which are not preregistered by EU suppliers. In addition, dynamic changes in Europes macro-economic environment, such as the Brexit, has been impacting the intra-European trade and overall pharmaceutical sector. These factors might curb growth of the animal health API market in Europe.Request Report TOC@ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/16972 Antiparasitics to Remain the Largest Adopted APIs in the MarketAntiparasitics will continue to be the largest adopted API in the market, followed by anti-infectives. Sales of Antiparasitics are expected to register the fastest expansion, to account for the largest revenues by 2025-end. In contrast, revenues from sales of anesthetics and NSAIDs will remain comparatively lower than antiparasitics and anti-infectives.Key market players profiled in PMRs report include Glenmark Pharmaceutical Limited., Zoetis, Inc., Eli Lilly & Co., Sanofi Winthrop Industrie (CEPiA), Indukern, S.A., Ofichem BV, P&R S.p.A (Olon S.p.A), Lonza Group AG, Huvepharma AD, Ourofino Saude Animal, Blanver Farmoquimica E Farmaceutica S.A., Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Changzhou Yabang-Qh Pharmachem Co., Ltd., Shanghai Pharmtech Co., Ltd., Ningxia Tairui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shaanxi Hanjiang Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Sequent Scientific Ltd., NGL Fine-Chem Ltd., Omkar Speciality Chemicals Ltd., Excel Industries Ltd.
The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies.

Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment

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Swelling of conjunctiva (tissue covering white portion of eye) due to allergy is known as allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused due to allergens in patients such as household dust, mold spores, pollen from trees and grass, chemical scents (e.g., household detergents or perfume) and animal dander. Allergic conjunctivitis treatment includes medication for redness and inflammation caused to the conjunctiva. International Ocular Inflammation Society (IOIS) describes allergic conjunctivitis as a type of ocular allergy that is further classified into two types, namely, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and perennial allergic conjunctivitis. In the U.S., allergic conjunctivitis affects 15-20% of the general population while in other parts of the world, the estimates vary from 5-22% depending upon the topographical and demographic variations annually.Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment Market: Drivers and RestraintsEnhanced awareness about allergic conjunctivitis among the patients, medical community and people associated with the patients is one of the major driver for the growth of global allergic conjunctivitis market. Development in lifestyle and overall growth in number of patients suffering from allergic conjunctivitis are key factors boosting the growth of the global allergic conjunctivitis market. Hence, treatments that can reduce allergic conjunctivitis are in demand. However, high cost associated with clinical trials acts as a major barrier for global allergic conjunctivitis market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1318 Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment Market: SegmentationAllergic conjunctivitis market is classified on the basis of allergy type, drug type and geography.Based on the type of allergy, the global allergic conjunctivitis market is segmented into the following:Acute Allergic ConjunctivitisChronic Allergic ConjunctivitisBased on the drug type, the global allergic conjunctivitis market is segmented into the following:AntihistaminesVasoconstrictorsMast Cell StabilizersNon-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)CorticosteroidsGlobal Allergic Conjunctivitis Market: OverviewRapid technological advancement, increase in the number of patients, increasing aging population, increasing demand for efficient drug types, increase in the incidence and prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis cases is expected to fuel growth of the global allergic conjunctivitis market during forecast period.Global Allergic Conjunctivitis Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global allergic conjunctivitis market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa. North America is the largest market owing to the high prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in the region. According to estimates, approximately 60 Mn to 90 Mn Americans suffer from ocular allergy. The APAC market is poised to grow rapidly in the near future owing to large population base which boosts demand for better healthcare facilities. Rapid urbanization and increasing particulate pollution has increased incidences of allergic conjunctivitis in several Asian countries such as India even though, the market has certain restraints such as awareness among general public regarding eye disorders and lack of health insurance.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1318 Global Allergic Conjunctivitis Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global allergic conjunctivitis treatment market are Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Allergan Inc., Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis AG, Bausch & Lomb Inc., CIBA Vision Ophthalmics, Pfizer Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., and Santen Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd.
President Trump and Congress have adopted a novel approach to combating the drug epidemic in America: release large-scale drug dealers from prison. Our friend Sen. Tom Cotton is the leading critic of this counter-intuitive, if not insane, approach.

Yesterday, Sen. Cotton spoke to the National Narcotics Officers Associations Coalition about the ongoing fight against the deadliest drug war in our nations history. Below is a slightly shortened version of his remarks:

Good morning, its an honor to be with the National Narcotics Officers Associations Coalition. Thank you to Bob Bushman for that kind introduction.

Im honored to receive your Member of the Senate award. In truth, though, I ought to be honoring all of you. Without your help, I would not be so well-equipped with the facts and knowledge I need to defend law enforcement in the Senate. Your authority and expertise were invaluable during the debate last year over the FIRST STEP Act. Thanks to your coalitions work and Bobs outstanding leadership, we improved the bill a lot before it passed.

My views on that criminal-leniency bill are well-known, and I wont restate them here. I will take a moment, though, to point out that we just learned of a high-level marijuana trafficker named Noah Landfried who was sentenced to life in prison in 2010 but ended up serving less than eight years thanks to Obama-era leniency changes.

Landfried immediately resumed trafficking after getting outonly this time, instead of trafficking marijuana, he upgraded to fentanyl. Meanwhile, the connections he made inside prison allowed him to coordinate a drug ring of current inmates that jeopardized the safety of correctional officers and inmates alike. U.S. Attorney Scott Brady nicely summed up the situation when he said, If this type of conduct doesnt demonstrate the need for tougher drug sentences, I dont know what does. Sadly, with every new leniency law our country risks going in the opposite direction.

Let me here at the outset also acknowledge last weeks tragic shooting of four narcotics officers in Houston, Texas. It seems all four will survive, thankfully, but their recovery may take a very long time. This attack is a sobering reminder of the threats law-enforcement officers face every day. . . .

Today our nation is in the middle of the greatest drug war in history. It may not be fashionable to use that phrase in some quarters any more. But make no mistake: This is a war, one that is stacking its victims like cordwood.

More than 70,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2017, the latest year for which we have data. This is a higher death toll in a single year than Americans suffered in the two-decade-long Vietnam War. . . .

Your field reports illustrate the severity of the threat we face from illegal drugs. Just last week, Border Patrol agents stopped an 18-wheeler driven by a Mexican national at the Port of Nogales. A search of the vehicle revealed 650 pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl worth $4.6 million. It was the largest fentanyl seizure in American history, enough to kill 57 million Americans.

This was not just a drug-smuggling bustit was law enforcement saving America from a mass-casualty attack. This trafficking was no victimless crime, the big lie that so much of our culture tells us about drugs. This was law enforcement defusing a dirty bomb at our southern border.

But as you know, this is not just a border problem. The drug crisis has spared no state and no community. Within the last two years, similar amounts of fentanyl have been discovered in a Queens apartment and a truck in rural Nebraska. Two more dirty bombs, located in the heartland and the heart of the Big City.

My home state, Arkansas, is fighting a drug war on multiple fronts against methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and heroin. Arkansas has the second-highest rate of opioid prescriptions per capita, after only Ohio. There are enough opioids prescribed in my state for every Arkansan to get 80 pills every year.

It takes a psychological toll to be a narcotics officer in such an environment. An Arkansas agent who is in the room today, retired Jonesboro Police Investigator Wes Baxter, describes standing by the hospital bed of an overdose victim as the doctors packed his overheating body with ice from head to toe. That agent watched the young mans temperature rise to 116 degreesbefore plummeting to room temperature.

Nor is the toll merely psychological. Garry Collins and I are childhood friends and classmates going back to elementary school. Garry was a corporal on the Russellville Police Department. He sustained a serious injury during a stairway struggle with a violent drug offender. As a result, Garry was medically retired after 20 years of honorable service. The media focuses on overdoses, but the drug crisis doesnt just harm abusers. It takes some of our most valuable officers off the beatwhen it does not take their lives. . . .

Pundits and politicians have proposed all kinds of theories to explain this American carnage, to borrow a phrase. They speculate that the drug epidemic was caused by economic hardship, or loneliness, or despair.

There is probably some truth to these theories, yet they fail to explain the magnitude of the crisis. Something else is at play.

One additional cause, I would suggest, is the radical political movement for leniency that has emerged over the last several decades. Over that period, we have endured activist campaigns to vilify law enforcement and the criminal justice systemwith special contempt for drug enforcement.

Its easy and fashionable for the wealthy and well connected who live behind walls and have armed guards to say were too tough on crime. But tell that to the mom who lost her son to an overdose, or the police officer injured during a drug bust, or the nurse who treats addicts every night in the ER. Im tough on crime for their sakefor your sakeand I dont care if the in crowd doesnt like it.

Most of you are old enough to remember the drug epidemic and the crime waves of the 1980s and 90s. We cant forget the hard-learned lessons from those decades, when law enforcement developed tools that ended a 30-year crime spree.

Another cause of this drug crisis, probably the most important cause, is even simpler than wooly-headed thinking about criminal justice: There is more drug abuse in America today because there are more drugs in America today.

This is not a demand problem or a supply problemits both. The rising tide of drugs makes it easier than ever for Americans to get their hands on illicit drugs. So easy, that if you go on Amazon right now, you can have opium-laced poppy products delivered right to your doorstep. A young man from my state, Stephen Hacala Jr., died after consuming such a product. I met with his grieving parents last year, then urged federal law enforcement to crack down on the sale of raw poppy products. Thanks to the Hacala familys tireless advocacy, the FDA, DEA, and Justice Department have all taken steps to get this poison off the Web.

But drugs are all around us. It is our jobour dutyto cut off this deadly flow of poison and apprehend the criminals who facilitate it. If we do not, many more of our fellow citizens will suffer and die.

Who is responsible for this drug epidemic? First and foremost, we can lay blame on Mexican and Colombian cartels that are sending tons of high-purity, low-cost narcotics.

These cartels smuggle narcotics across our southern border. The sad truth is that most of this poison likely passes within six feet of a uniformed officerbut we have not given those officers the resources they need to detect more than a fraction of the narcotics passing right in front of their noses.

Indeed, the Border Patrol cant concentrate the resources it has because it is spread out across 2,000 miles of open desert and mountains, fighting illegal immigration without the help of a border wall.

Mexican heroin put the opioid crisis on the map, but it was synthetic opioids like fentanyl that supercharged drug deaths. These new drugs are so potent that they pose a direct threat to anyone who encounters them. Last year, an officer in Ohio suffered an accidental overdose by simply coming into accidental skin contact with it. It took four doses of Narcan to keep him alive.

Some of this fentanyl comes from cartels in Mexico, but the precursors trace back to China, the real source of our fentanyl problem. For years, China has flooded our country with poisonous drugs that are killing Americans by the thousands. Im hardly exaggerating to say that China is waging an opium war in reverse. Its time to put a stop to it, and make China pay.

What will it take for us to turn the tide of this new drug war? First we must decide to fight it. That will require a sustained commitment by law enforcement at all levels to disrupt the supply of drugs.

We ought to start at the source, by bringing pressure to bear on any foreign government that is complicit or negligent in poisoning our citizens. We must impose consequences on those nations that refuse to eradicate drug crops, shut down production facilities, and destroy trafficking networks.

Closer to home, we must ensure that law enforcement officers at every level have the resources, intelligence, and respect they deserve.

We can start by hardening our southern border so that cartel traffickers cannot use it as an expressway into America. If we would only build a wall to stop illegal aliens from entering our country, our brave Border Patrol agents could refocus their efforts on stopping drugs from pouring into our country.

We have to keep funding the grant programs that you depend on to do your jobsand that money needs to go directly to law enforcement, not the pet projects of the leniency lobby.

We also must improve information sharing between jurisdictions so that law enforcement acts in unison to neutralize threats. . .We ought to build an information-sharing system that moves in real time, because thats how criminals move. If we can track al Qaeda and ISIS around the world in real time, surely we can afford the same treatment for MS-13.

Additionally, we can increase criminal penalties and prosecution of unscrupulous pharmaceutical manufacturers, pill-mill operators, and other drug dealers, so they know their sham business wont enrich themit will ruin them.

Thats why I have introduced two bills that would toughen mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl traffickers and make them ineligible for early release. These traffickers are killers, and killers on a very large scale, so we should treat them like it.

Finally, I have a special bill to commemorate one of your owna law-enforcement brother who gave his life in the line of duty: Corporal Ronil Singh of California, who was murdered at age 33 during a gun battle with an intoxicated illegal alien.

Its a tragedy that we have to commemorate fallen officers so often. But its essential we do so, to recognize those who stood between us and chaosand paid the highest possible price for our sake. . . .

All of these measures are necessary, not luxuries. Its essential for Congress to pass them, if were serious about stopping the drug crisis.

Because for every moment that Washington fails to act, the burden will fall where it always does: On countless American families whose lives are shattered by the drug trade. And on the brave agents and officers who put on bulletproof vests every morning instead of suits and ties.

Law enforcement shoulders this burden with heroic resolve, in the face of media scorn and political setbacks. It is your resolve we need most of all to turn the tide in the battle against drugs. Thank you for the fight, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.
Birthdays

Richard Heller of Portsmouth will mark his 90th birthday on Aug. 19. His family is planning a card shower in his honor. Cards will reach him if sent to PO Box 92, Portsmouth IA 51565. His family 
Here in Minnesota, we are witnessing two instances of the collapse of our educational institutions, both having to do with controversial literature. One year ago in Duluth, the public school administration banned both Huckleberry Finn and To Kill a Mockingbirdtwo indisputably great American novelsfrom the classroom. Now, sixteen brave Duluth teachers have protested the administrations decision. My colleague Tom Steward has the story. The teachers letter is here. The letter is well worth reading in its entirety, but here are some excerpts:

5. Administrators removed the novels without any teacher input. They failed to ask teachers how they teach the novels and how students receive them.

***

8. Administrators hundreds of students letters and survey responses protesting the decision.

***

English teachers are angry and demoralized. The district is about to spend a lot of money to implement a book that is not engaging and simply makes a lateral move from discussing the historical oppression of African Americans to that of Native Americans, while lacking an engaging story line. [Ed.: Apparently it goes without saying that books assigned to public school students must be about oppression by white Americans.] Most importantly, students will be adversely affected. Instead of reading the Pulitzer Prize-winning best-loved novel in the country written by the recipient of two presidential medals, they will be required to read something that everyone present on January 10 agreed would not engage them.

But then, we all know that public education is not carried out for the benefit of the students! Leftist narratives uber alles.

It is too soon to tell what will happen in Duluth. Meanwhile, moving to the college level, Minneapoliss Augsburg University is embroiled in an even dumber controversy. Again, Tom Steward has the facts.

Briefly, an award-winning Augsburg professor named Phillip Adamo has been suspended from teaching at Augsburg because he read to a class a passage from James Baldwins The Fire Next Time that included the word nigger. The Fire Next Time is a formidable production which Scott has praised on this site. Unfortunately, the excerpt from the book that Professor Adamo read to his class containedwait for it!the dreaded N-word. Once again, my colleague Tom Steward reports:

Augsburg Universitys suspension of a respected history and medieval studies professor who quoted a passage from a James Baldwin book that included the N-word in an honors seminar has ignited an intense debate over academic freedom on campus. Professor Phillip Adamo was suspended in October but the controversy only came to light recently after Augsburg took further steps to sanction him. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has come to Adamos defense raising concerns over the climate for academic freedom at Augsburg and due process on campus.

It is refreshing to see a mainstream academic group taking a rational position. What needs to be emphasized here is that Professor Adamo simply read a passage of Baldwins book in which the African-American author used the word nigger. It is deeply ironic that white liberals in academia are now trying to censor one of the seminal black activist authors. Perhaps they just dont know any better: my opinion of school administrators has fallen about as low as it can get.

Highlights from the AAUP letter:

Professor Adamos suspension also raises the concern that it was effected in violation of his academic freedom, as it appears to have been primarily based on classroom speech that was clearly protected by principles of academic freedom.

***

Citing On Freedom of Expression, Freedom in the Classroom acknowledges the need to foster an atmosphere respectful of and welcoming to all persons, adding, An instructor may not harass a student nor act on an invidiously discriminatory ground toward a student. However, Freedom in the Classroom observes that [i]deas that are germane to a subject under discussion in a classroom cannot be censored because a student might be offended. To the extent that the administrations actions against Professor Adamo are based on his reading from The Fire Next Time in his class, they violate his freedom in the classroom under principles of academic freedom long recognized by this Association and in Augsburg Universitys faculty handbook.

Rampant political correctness has pretty much overridden quaint notions of academic freedom in Americas educational institutions. We see the consequences all around us. But it is good to see that here and there, denizens of the academic swamp, who may be liberal but are not completely crazy, are fighting back.
Kamala Harris is simply American, but so much more. Shes a three-fer: Asian American, African-American, and female.

In not sure how much Harris Asian heritage will help her in her quest for the Democratic nomination, but the other two identities are crucial to that quest. If Harris obtains majority support from African-American and from female Democrats, shes virtually a shoe-in for the nomination, assuming a decent share of the African-American support comes from males.

Unlike Barack Obama, though, Harris faces black opposition. And unlike Hillary Clinton, she faces female opposition.

If Cory Booker gains traction, he might outdo Harris among African-American Democrats, especially males. So Harris must make sure shes not outdone among female Democrats.

This may explain why Harris is so determined to prevent anyone from getting to her left on abortion. Jon Schweppe of the American Principles Project shows just how determined Harris has been.

Just a few days after Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed New Yorks 40-week bill legalizing abortion up to the moment of birth, and the same day Del. Kathy Tran introduced a 40-week bill in Virginia, Harris declared: Im running to fight for an America. . .where reproductive rights are not just protected by the Constitution of the United States but guaranteed in every state.

I agree with Schweppe that Harris demand that abortion rights be guaranteed in every state was a nod toward her support for the 40-week bill.

Schweppe finds that Harris has a radical record of abortion advocacy to go with her rhetoric.

In 2016, in a stunning conflict of interest while running for U.S. senator and while receiving campaign contributions from Planned Parenthood, then-California Attorney General Harris weaponized the criminal justice system against pro-life activist David Daleiden, even going as far as obtaining a search warrant and seizing his personal property. Daleiden made waves that year when he released a shocking series of undercover videos that showed Planned Parenthood executives discussing the harvesting and sale of baby body parts for profit. Harriss record as a senator should keep her abortion industry friends happy as well. She earned a 100 percent voting score from the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) in 2017, mostly due to her opposition of President Trumps judicial nominees. She has helped vote down two key pro-life bills: the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, a bill that would have banned abortion after 20 weeks, and also the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act, a bill that would have protected Americans from paying for abortion on demand through either their tax dollars or their insurance premiums. She also signed on to the Womens Health Protection Act, a euphemistically named bill that would strike down state limitations on abortion and enshrine third-trimester abortions into law.

This week, Sen. Ben Sasse plans to force a floor vote on his Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, a bill that would make it illegal for health care practitioners to fail to exercise the proper degree of care in the case of a child who survives an abortion or an attempted abortion. Planned Parenthood opposes this bill.

Schweppe expects Harris duly to oppose it, as well. Hes probably right. Harris can ill afford to alienate Planned Parenthood, its action PAC, and the legion of female Democrats who agree with its abortion absolutism.

To summarize, it seems clear that Harris supports abortion on demand, paid for by the taxpayer, up to the moment of birth. And she will likely vote against a prohibition on infanticide  the murder of live children outside the womb.

These positions are probably essential to Harris quest for the Democratic nomination. But how would they play with the larger electorate?
That headline might overstate the case, but only slightly. In 2013, left-wing activist (now Congresswoman) Ilhan Omar was interviewed by Ahmed Tharwat, whofor some reasonhad a television show on public television in Minnesota. What sort of a guy is Tharwat? His Facebook page includes this delusional headline: Winston Churchill killed as many as the worst genocidal dictators of the 20th Century, says Indian politician.

So thats the context. Omars interview took place in the immediate aftermath of the 2013 attack on a Kenyan shopping mall by the Islamic terrorist group al Shabaab, which originated in Omars Somalia. Hence the interview. I wrote about that horrific terrorist attack here and elsewhere. The al Shabaab attack was brutal, as I reported:

Soldiers told of the horrific torture meted out by terrorists in the Nairobi mall massacre yesterday with claims hostages were dismembered, had their eyes gouged out and were left hanging from hooks in the ceiling. Men were said to have been castrated and had fingers removed with pliers before being blinded and hanged. Children were found dead in the food court fridges with knives still embedded in their bodies, it was claimed.

Photos at the link confirm the horror of the Islamic terrorist attack. It is revealing to compare the appalling facts of the shopping mall attack with the dispassionate, liberal treatment it got from Ilhan Omar and her host.

You really should watch the whole thing if you are interested in Ms. Omars role in contemporary politics. The short version is that she blamed the U.S.her country, ostensiblyfor al Shabaabs shopping center massacre. Omar said:

Usually most people want to not look internal and see what their actions that makes another react. For us, its always I must have not done anything. Why is it happening to me? Nobody wants to take accountability of how these are byproducts of the actions of our involvement in other peoples affairs.

Right. Al Shabaab massacred dozens at a Kenyan shopping mall because of the actions of our involvement in other peoples affairs. How does that work, exactly? Dont look to Ilhan for a coherent explanation. She isnt very bright. More important, she has chosen a side, and it isnt ours.

Sadly, Omar is not alone. The socialist it-girl, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is swooning over the notorious British anti-Semite Jeremy Corbyn:

It was an honor to share such a lovely and wide-reaching conversation with you, @jeremycorbyn! Also honored to share a great hope in the peace, prosperity, + justice that everyday people can create when we uplift one another across class, race, + identity both at home & abroad. https://t.co/7qnz42I8du  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 3, 2019

Anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism are breaking out across the American Left. I dunno, it might just be a coincidence. But I doubt it.
Editorial

Peaceful end of Afghan war may be in sight
Commentary >> E.J. Dionne

The State of the Union: Petrified
Commentary >> David Shribman

State of the Union arrives with deadline looming
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Evan Brandt has been a staff reporter for The Mercury for more than 20 years. He covers municipal, school district, political, state government, federal government and environmental news.
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Carl Hessler Jr. is a multi-media reporter who writes about crime and justice from the Montgomery County Courthouse for 21st Century Media Newspapers Greater Philadelphia area publications. Follow Carl on Twitter: @MontcoCourtNews
Janet Colliton, Esq. is a Certified Elder Law Attorney and limits her practice to elder law, retirement and estate planning, Medicaid, Medicare, life care and special needs at 790 East Market St., Suite 250, West Chester, Pa., 19382, 610-436-6674, colliton@collitonlaw.com. She is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and, with Jeffrey Jones, CSA, co-founder of Life Transition Services LLC, a service for families with long term care needs. Tune in on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. to radio WCHE 1520, 50+ Planning Ahead, with Janet Colliton, Colliton Elder Law Associates, and Phil McFadden, Home Instead Senior Care.
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Former Sen. Carlotta Leon Guerrero, the governor's senior adviser on military issues, said she misspoke in describing the circumstances of Maj. Gen. Roderick Leon Guerrero's departure from the top leadership of the Guam National Guard. He was the adjutant general of the Guam Guard for years.

"While speaking on a local talk radio show this morning, I erroneously addressed the resignation of (Maj.) Gen. Roderick Leon Guerrero from the position of adjutant general of the Guam National Guard," Carlotta Leon Guerrero said. "I drew my own conclusions about this matter and was not fully aware of the facts before I spoke on the radio."

The governor has corrected Carlotta Leon Guerrero, saying Maj. Gen. Leon Guerrero was not insubordinate.

The governor said earlier Tuesday the major general resigned  not fired  because he and the governor have different visions.

"Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has clarified the situation for me and I apologize for any confusion this may have caused. As always I remain committed to the governor, her vision, and serving her better in the future," Carlotta Leon Guerrero said.
The Work Zone

My son and I were running errands on a recent day, when he said, Dad, did you ever think about suicide? Read more
CHICAGO  Morgan Richardson was out on a walk one evening when she got a cellphone notification: The DNA testing website she was using had found a new relative.

Richardson stopped on the street to check the details, and thats how she discovered, at age 31, that she had a half-sibling shed never seen or heard of before.

"Its exciting, but it is a little bit jarring," said Richardson, who was conceived via a sperm donor and has found 15 half-siblings in the past four years.

"I always wonder, What do they do? Where do they live? What are they like? Whats their experience as a donor-offspring child?"

Richardson, a multimedia artist who lives in Chicagos Pilsen neighborhood, was mostly curious about her donor and her ancestors countries of origin when she started her DNA search. But 23andMe quickly found a half-sibling, launching her on a journey thats increasingly common in the age of consumer DNA testing.

At the nonprofit Donor Sibling Registry, director Wendy Kramer said she and her son Ryan, who was conceived via a sperm donor, learned of two half-siblings in January, bringing the total number of half-siblings they know about to 17.

"Its a wild ride, and we know its not going to be over," said Kramer, whose registry includes half-sibling groups with more than 100 members. "In a donor-conceived persons life, every day there is the possibility of a half-sibling coming along."

There are limits

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine doesnt set a specific limit on the number children an individual sperm donor should be allowed to produce, but its guidelines say "it has been suggested" that in an area with a population of 800,000, limiting a donor to 25 births would avoid any significant added risk that half-siblings would meet without knowing their common ancestry and have children together.

For as far back as she can remember, Richardson knew how she and her twin sister Lauren were conceived. Her mother, a math teacher, was 35 and divorced when she made what was, at the time, an unusual decision: She decided to become a single mom via in vitro fertilization.

"She was such a tremendous mother that I never felt that there was something wrong with only having one parent," Richardson said. "She was really caring, and I didnt feel like I was missing out on anything."

Still, when Richardson was in her 20s, she decided she wanted to know more about her familys origins. Her mother, who had died of breast cancer when Richardson was 16, came from a family that Richardson had been told was "mostly German," but was that the whole story? She also was interested in learning more about her biological father, who was found by one of Richardsons half-siblings last month with the aid of the DNA search.

Richardson, who also works as a case manager at a youth emergency shelter, submitted her DNA to 23andMe, which determined that she was mostly British and Irish, with some German, French and Eastern European.

Missed connection

But that wasnt the only revelation. The website gives you the option of seeing matches with consenting DNA relatives and allowing them to see matches with you. Richardson quickly found that she had a half-sibling. But there was one problem: That person had never been told he was conceived via a sperm donor, and he thought there must be some mistake. After a while, he stopped responding to Richardsons messages.

Kramer said many of the half-siblings now being identified by DNA testing websites dont know they were conceived via sperm donors, and when they find out, they react in a variety of ways.

"In our research, what we found, surprisingly, is that the No. 1 emotion that people feel when they find out as adults is relief," she said. "For a lot of them, they always felt there was something off  either they were adopted, or maybe their mother had an affair. So they suspected something, but even when they pressed their parents, their parents denied it."

It can feel good to know that your intuition was correct and you werent just imagining things, Kramer said, but there can also be anger that you werent told the truth.

Richardsons second match with a biological half-sibling came about six months after the first. This time her half-brother, who is 30 and lives in Toronto, knew he was donor-conceived and wanted to communicate. The half-siblings messaged each other, became Facebook friends, and video-chatted. They got along well, discovered a shared interest in the arts and noticed a family resemblance.

"Its so strange. I can see myself in your eyes," Richardson told her Toronto half-sibling when he visited her in Chicago, adding that shes been told she has kind eyes. "Ive been told I have kind eyes too," he said.

Richardsons half-sibling matches started coming faster in 2017, at first from 23andMe, and then from and Ancestry.com, which Richardsons twin sister, Lauren, a site manager at a college readiness outreach program in Ann Arbor, Mich., joined in 2018. There was also a match that came from the Donor Sibling Registry.

Today, there are so many Richardson-related half-siblings that the group has attempted to streamline the entry process for new members with spreadsheets and a Facebook group.

And the surprises keep coming.

One of the half-siblings, Marie McCulloch, 35, proved to have a knack for DNA sleuthing. She made family trees using DNA information and historical records, and tracked down the man she thought could be the sperm donor, who had raised two sons.

McCulloch sent a letter to the home of the older son last month. Within six days, she got a voicemail: "Hey, its your half-brother. Give me a call back."

McCulloch hasnt yet talked to her biological father, who is in his 80s, but shes in contact with the son, who has sent photos.

For McCulloch, a medical coder who lives near Binghamton, N.Y., the experience has been mostly positive. She feels a little heartache over missed opportunities to know her biological father and his relatives, but now she knows her eyes and nose resemble his, and she doesnt have to wonder if he might be the stranger she passes on the street.

"Finding these people I didnt know I was related to, I feel a lot more grounded and more sure of myself," she said. "Its like I discovered a limb I didnt know I had."

For Richardson, the journey has been less emotional, but rewarding nonetheless. She views her Toronto half-sibling as a close friend, shes glad to have more information about her familys medical history, shes learned a lot about the donor-offspring experience, and shes grateful to McCulloch for finding the donor.

"As someone whos an artist, I always hoped that (my biological father) would be this bohemian musician or artist, but he was an airline pilot, which is a very skilled and challenging job," she said.

"It feels nice to have found him. Maybe well be able to meet him someday."
Political Reporter

Caitlin Byrd is a political reporter at The Post and Courier and author of the Palmetto Politics newsletter. Before moving to Charleston in 2016, her byline appeared in the Asheville Citizen-Times. To date, Byrd has won 17 awards for her work.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz shakes hands after speaking, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, at an event to promote his book, "From the Ground Up," in Seattle. Schultz has faced a rocky reception since he announced earlier in January that he's considering an independent presidential bid. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
DENMARK  The water in this small town near Orangeburg has become infamous in recent months because it was treated for a decade with a chemical, HaloSan, that hasn't been used in any other public drinking system.

That fact already had stirred distrust in the town and its water supply. But residents should know about other concerns hiding in their pipes, a scientist says.

Kenneth Rudo, who worked for the state of North Carolina as a toxicologist for 28 years, announced at a rally in Denmark that records he's examined from the town show many past episodes of contamination. Those include carcinogenic leachates from a dry cleaner that were present for years before the town shut down affected wells in 2006, and indications that gasoline had seeped into the water supply between 2006 and 2008.

There's no evidence those contaminants persist in the water today, Rudo said, and the town has not used HaloSan since last summer.

A spokesman for the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control acknowledged that dry-cleaning chemicals had been detected as early as 2002 but said readings did not reach the Environmental Protection Agency's threshold for action and the agency had never seen clear evidence of gasoline contamination.

What persisted, however, is the town's water also contains a naturally occurring metal: manganese.

The element is not uncommon in groundwater wells and, along with iron, causes the occasional water discoloration residents have reported. But the concentrations seen in Denmark on and off for at least a decade reach levels that emerging science shows could be harmful to young children's brain development, said Rudo, who has been hired by a law firm suing the town of Denmark.

"Look after your health," Rudo told a group of about 150 people at the Jan. 26 rally. "Get your doctor to look at you before something bad could happen."

Emerging science

Manganese is an essential nutrient to humans. But like many other environmental threats, its amount determines its toxicity. The metal has long been known to cause a condition similar to Parkinson's Disease in adults who inhale it in large concentrations.

In water systems in the United States, it's treated as an aesthetic concern. The EPA has a secondary standard for how much should be in the water, but it's a recommendation; water systems aren't required to regularly monitor for manganese.

In the past decade, however, researchers have begun to link drinking water laced with the metal to developmental problems in young children. Studies tracking the average concentration of manganese in well water in North Carolina counties have shown correlations between higher levels of the metal and increased infant mortality, heart defects and neurodevelopmental defects.

One study in Canada, published in 2011, showed an even stronger connection. The study of 362 children aged 6 to 13 years old showed that children who drank water with higher manganese levels had lower IQ scores.

"It's up to the regulators to decide, 'OK, what's the magnitude of the IQ deficit we are willing to accept?'" said Maryse Bouchard of the University of Quebec at Montreal, the lead author of the study.

It was Bouchard's work that helped convince regulators in Minnesota to set a health standard for manganese, said Sarah Johnson, of the Minnesota Department of Public Health. State officials there were most concerned about children younger than a year, who are even more sensitive because they may not have developed the ability to excrete the metal yet, as older people can.

"Infants have a unique susceptibility to manganese," Johnson said.

Minnesota is largely at the forefront of regulation. Rules on manganese are still under development in Canada, Bouchard said. Many states, including South Carolina, do not have any standards in place beyond the EPA's recommendation, even though concentrations well above Bourchard's recommended limit of .1 miligrams per liter have been found in wells in the piedmont region.

The state is now collecting data on the metal as the EPA monitors manganese across the country, said Tommy Crosby, a spokesman for DHEC. That data may form the basis for future rules on manganese.

A history of infractions

Other contaminants found so far by Rudo's review of Denmark's own water sampling largely tell the story of a water system that has been beleaguered for years.

Attorneys representing Denmark in two class-action lawsuits are not speaking about the town's water system, a receptionist at the law firm Ness & Jett LLC said. Denmark Mayor Gerald Wright previously directed The Post and Courier to speak with those attorneys. Wright also has said repeatedly the city's water is safe to drink.

Chlorinated solvents, a cleaning chemicals that are known human carcinogens, were in the town's water for years before a contaminated well was taken offline in 2006, Rudo said. The compound is so dangerous in part because even one molecule can change human DNA, starting off the cancer process.

Crosby said the amounts of the chemical did not meet EPA's standards for action until 2006. But the EPA's standard is not solely based on health effects: The agency's health-based rules for chlorinated solvents say there should be none in the water at all.

Either way, the episode sparked an emergency hookup to nearby Bamberg's water supply that lasted for two years.

By 2010, the town entered a consent order with DHEC because of complaints of discolored water and because it did not have basic system maintenance procedures. A year later, DHEC found that the town still had not fixed some of the maintenance deficiencies. It wasn't until 2013 that the dropped the orders.

But during both censures, the town was still using HaloSan  a chemical that wouldn't spark a flurry of renewed attention and public mistrust of its water until 10 years later.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston is delaying the release of names of priests credibly accused of sexually abusing minors in South Carolina dating back to 1950.

The diocese originally planned to make the names public by mid-February, but it now plans to do so by the end of March.

Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone said the delay is due to the time it's taking to review priest personnel records from 2007 through today.

"When we release the list of names, we want it to be accurate to the best of our knowledge. We owe that to the victims, the faithful and the public," Guglielmone said in a news release Monday.

The diocese previously reviewed files dating to 1950 in connection with a class-action settlement. In 2007, the diocese agreed to pay up to $12 million to nearly 150 people  victims born before Aug. 30, 1980, who were sexually abused by priests and diocese employees, and victims eligible family members. Those payouts ranged from $13,000 to $425,000 each.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests urged Guglielmone to immediately release the names of priests who have already been deemed credibly accused of abusing children and add to that list later. The peer support group said victims continue to suffer when the names of predators remain hidden.

"Given everything that the world has learned about clergy sex abuse and cover-ups in the past six months, especially the revelations that bishops continue to carefully curate lists and keep the names of the accused hidden, we would think that Church officials in South Carolina would be stepping all over themselves trying to demonstrate their 'transparency' to parishioners and the public," SNAP said in a statement.

Guglielmone has said the diocese is "committed to transparency" and that releasing the names of those accused will be a step in the healing process for victims.
Charleston, SC (29403)

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Donald Trumps guest list of people he and the First Lady have invited to tonights State of the Union address is generally unremarkable. For example, they invited the family of a couple killed by an undocumented immigrant, an official investigating human trafficking, former convicted drug trafficker Alice Johnson, survivors of the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue massacre, a recovering opioid addict, a laid-off sawmill employee who got his job back, and a child cancer survivor.

But one of the guests on his list, invited by First Lady Melania Trump, is very strange, and illustrates the depth of their narcissism:

>@FLOTUS is bringing a kid named Joshua Trump to the State of the Union. Unfortunately, Joshua has been bullied in school due to his last name. He is thankful to the First Lady and the Trump family for their support.

>@FLOTUS is bringing a kid named Joshua Trump to the State of the Union. "Unfortunately, Joshua has been bullied in school due to his last name. He is thankful to the First Lady and the Trump family for their support. https://t.co/EGeH8hU4ly  Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) February 5, 2019

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Here is Joshuas description, as reported in a White House press release:

Joshua Trump is a 6th grade student in Wilmington, Delaware. He appreciates science, art, and history. He also loves animals and hopes to pursue a related career in the future. His hero and best friend is his Uncle Cody, who serves in the United States Air Force. Unfortunately, Joshua has been bullied in school due to his last name. He is thankful to the First Lady and the Trump family for their support.

Certainly bullying is a serious and important issue, and a cause that is proper for the First Lady to champion. No child should ever be bullied. (Ironically, last fall Melania said that she was the most bullied person in the world.)

So why, out of the potentially millions of bullying victims in the country, did the Trumps choose this particular bullying victim? Weirdly, the only possible explanation is that this boy has the same last name as the First Family. This is more than a little narcissistic.

The President and First Lady would have received massive amounts of praise for bringing one of the millions of Hispanic children who have been bullied ever since Trump won election after attacking Mexicans and other Latinos.

Or how about bringing one of the thousands of transgender students who have been taunted and bullied because of what bathroom they use?

If the Trumps are so concerned about bullying based on their last name, how about considering the African-American student in Tennessee who was blocked from entering his classroom by two white students shouting Trump! Trump!?

One of the planks of Melanias Be Best campaign, which was first advertised with a pamphlet plagiarized from President Barack Obamas Federal Trade Commission, is to combat cyberbullying. That is certainly a good cause, but it is hard to take seriously since one study found that areas of the country that voted for Trump have seen sharp upswings in school bullying, and given that Trump himself is the worlds most famous cyberbully.

Donald and Melania Trump have once again shown that they dont really care about other people. They only care about themselves  and other people with the last name of Trump.
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NEW YORK (Reuters)  President Donald Trumps inaugural committee said it had received a subpoena on Monday for documents from the Manhattan U.S. Attorneys Office, which is investigating the group.

We have just received a subpoena for documents. While we are still reviewing the subpoena, it is our intention to cooperate with the inquiry, a spokesperson for the committee said in a statement.

The subpoena requests documents related to the committees donors and spending, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times reported.

In December, the Journal reported that federal prosecutors were investigating whether the inaugural committee misspent some of the record $107 million it had raised from donors.

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The investigation is examining whether some of the committees donors gave money in exchange for policy concessions, influencing administration positions or access to the incoming administration, the Journal reported.

Prosecutors also showed interest in whether any foreigners illegally donated to the committee, the New York Times reported. Federal law prohibits foreign contributions to inaugural funds.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Manhattan declined to comment to Reuters.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Although campaign finance laws restrict the size of campaign contributions, inaugurations can accept unlimited donations, including from corporations. The amount raised by Trumps inaugural committee, chaired by real estate developer and investor Thomas Barrack, was the largest in history, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

(Reporting by Nathan Layne; Editing by Sandra Maler)
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Embattled Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has been in constant meetings with his aides and his cabinet members over the past 24 hours. He is attempting to determine if they will support him in the face of the revelation his medical school yearbook page included a photo of a man in blackface and another in KKK robes and hood.

They have all said they will not, and yet, according to CNN, Governor Northam says he is not going to resign and be known as a racist for life.

CNN wrote:

Northam said that the only way he can clear his name is to stay in office and convince people that he is not in that photo and that the photo does not represent who he is.

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An anonymous source who participated in Northams cabinet meeting late Monday night said:

We are struggling here, there is no better way to put it. We all love the governor.

We dont think he has a racist bone in his body  but he cant seem to explain this, and it is making it very difficult for us to stick by him.

Insiders say that Northam is just not ready to resign. He still doesnt think he did anything wrong, and it would be an injustice if he is forced from office. He reportedly told his staff members that he is looking for a way forward.

Nearly the entire Democratic Party  nationally and in Virginia  has said Northam should resign. And of course Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and other Republicans are piling on and gleefully condemning the Democratic governor.

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who is African American, has also been caught up in the controversy. His position has been that Northam should do what is in the best interests of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Governor Northam is in a very difficult situation, but what he should do is not clear cut. After former Minnesota Senator Al Franken was forced to resign due to an old photograph which appeared to show sexual misconduct, many people believe that a better course might have been for him to remain in the Senate and fight the charges against him.

It is doubtful that Northam is really a racist, and he should be judged by his positions and his policies, not by a questionable photograph taken decades ago which may not even be of him.
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Donald Trumps inauguration committee has been accused of money laundering and making false statements in a subpoena from prosecutors with the Southern District of New York (SDNY). And it appears that both the president and the vice president could soon be facing criminal charges as a result.

CNNs Shimon Prokupecz reported on Twitter that on the cover of the subpoena, prosecutors alleged that the committee partook in conspiracy against the US, false statements, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, inaugural committee disclosure violations, and laws prohibiting contributions by foreign nations and contributions in the name of another person.

The violations alleged in the subpoena cover:

Conspiracy against the US, false statements, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, inaugural committee disclosure violations, and laws prohibiting contributions by foreign nations and contributions in the name of another person https://t.co/ZDjequ6OuL  Shimon Prokupecz (@ShimonPro) February 5, 2019

These are the charges that the SDNY is planning against Donald Trump and his family. But others in Trumps inner circle  including Mike Pence  are likely to be charged also.

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This is a big deal because the inauguration reportedly was little more than a front for Trump and his family to take illegal foreign bribes and then pocket the money.

The SDNY subpoena is notable because its the first time theyve published a detailed list of criminal charges they plan to file against Donald Trump, his family, and members of his inner circle.

Some people believe that Robert Mueller plans to have his allies at SDNY bring criminal charges against Trumps kids as a way of forcing Trump out of office. That may or may not be true. But it appears that Trump is the primary subject of the SDNY investigation, and this has major implications for Vice President Mike Pence.

In December we reported that Mueller would probably soon be charging Pence with some very serious crimes due to his role as head of the transition team.

Earlier today we reported that when Trump fired Chris Christie as head of the transition team  and replaced him with Pence  it was because Christie would not go along with Trumps scheme to steal $107 million in inauguration funds.

But what has not been reported is how this implicates the vice president in Trumps obvious crimes. The only reason for Trump to put Pence in charge of the transition would be that Pence would raise no objections to letting him steal the $107 million. Trump knew Pence would do whatever he was told to do.

There is no doubt that the federal prosecutors in the SDNY have strong evidence against Trump for his inauguration crimes. This evidence includes not just a paper trail proving the crimes, but also witnesses who can testify about Trumps criminal intent. It looks like a slam-dunk case against the president.

We have to assume that in their mountains of evidence, the SDNY also has the evidence they need to prove that Vice President Pence was in on the criminal conspiracy.

Even if the Department of Justice refuses to indict the sitting president, this wont stop them from indicting the vice president.

Mike Pence may find that his history of licking Donald Trumps boots and doing whatever he is ordered to do will make him the subject of a federal indictment very soon  and may end up sending him to prison.

The odds of Nancy Pelosi becoming President of the United States seem to be increasing every day.
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By Timothy Gardner

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  President Donald Trump said on Monday he would nominate David Bernhardt, a former energy lobbyist, to be secretary of the interior, the department that oversees U.S. public lands.

Bernhardt, currently the acting secretary at the Interior Department, is widely expected to continue pushing the Trump administrations plan to boost domestic fossil fuels production by opening more U.S. public lands to drilling and mining.

David has done a fantastic job from the day he arrived, and we look forward to having his nomination officially confirmed, Trump said on Twitter.

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Bernhardt would replace Ryan Zinke, who was under a cloud of ethics investigations and announced his resignation in December.

The Interior Department, which employs more than 70,000 people and oversees more than 20 percent of the U.S. land surface, has been central to Trumps energy dominance policy of boosting energy production.

As Zinkes deputy, Bernhardt has played a role in efforts to open Alaskas Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, ease Obama-era protections on a bird called the greater sage grouse to boost drilling and mining across the West, and open federal lands to leases for coal mining.

Ann Navaro, a former Department of Interior official who served in the Obama and Trump administrations and worked closely with Bernhardt, said he is a rare lawyers lawyer who prepares thoroughly for meetings, often being the only one in a room to have read full environmental assessments of projects and plans.

Bernhardt, who prefers conservative suits to Zinkes cowboy hats and boots, also worked a series of jobs at the Interior Department under former President George W. Bush from 2001 to early 2009, including as the departments solicitor.

After working under Bush, Bernhardt became a lawyer and lobbyist at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck for water and oil interests. He represented Noble Energy Inc , Rosemont Copper Co, Sempra Energy , and Californias Westlands Water District, among others.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Bernhardt has long been an advocate of reforming the Endangered Species Act, the law that protects plants and animals at risk from resource extraction and development. If he is approved by the Senate, Bernhardt is expected to continue that work.

Critics say Bernhardts previous work as a lobbyist could risk conflicts of interest, unless he recuses himself from certain issues, because he worked for companies that could benefit by opening up lands to development.

About 150 environmental groups in 2017, including the business-friendly Natural Resources Defense Council, urged senators to oppose Bernhardt in the confirmation vote for his deputy position, saying his previous lobbyist work raised questions about his ability to act in the public interest.

Despite their letter calling him a walking conflict of interest, the Senate confirmed Bernhardt 53-43, on a mostly party-line vote, and with strong support from Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski and other lawmakers who have large areas of U.S. lands in their states.

If Bernhardt ascends to secretary, it would mirror the change of guard at the Environmental Protection Agency where last July Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist, replaced Scott Pruitt, who stepped down after a series of probes into his conduct. Wheeler is a staunch proponent of Trumps energy dominance agenda to produce oil, gas and coal for both domestic use and export.

(Reporting by Timothy Gardner; additional reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Peter Cooney, Susan Thomas and Bill Berkrot)
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Donald Trumps inaugural committee is about to get hit with a subpoena as the New York Southern District seeks documents related to potential fundraising corruption within the organization.

According to ABC News, Prosecutors in New Yorks Southern District have reached out to President Donald Trumps inauguration committee and plan to subpoena the organization for documents, sources with direct knowledge tell ABC News, indicating that even as the special counsel probe appears to be nearing an end, another investigation that could hamstring the president and his lawyers is widening.

The report notes that the subpoena is coming from the public corruption section of New Yorks Southern District. It is likely related to the record-breaking $107 million raised for the inaugural fund, despite the modest scale of Trumps inauguration festivities.

The New York Times added more reporting to the story:

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President Trumps inaugural committee was ordered on Monday to turn over documents about its donors, finances and activities to federal prosecutors in Manhattan, according to two people familiar with their investigation into the committees activities. A lawyer working with the inaugural committee received a subpoena on Monday evening seeking documents related to all of the committees donors and event attendees; any benefits handed out, including tickets and photo opportunities with the president; federal disclosure filings; vendors; contracts; and more, one of the people said. Prosecutors also showed interest in whether any foreigners illegally donated to the committee, as well as whether committee staff knew that such donations were illegal, asking for documents laying out legal requirements for donations. Federal law prohibits foreign contributions to federal campaigns, political action committees and inaugural funds.

The escalating investigation aligns with the previous reporting that indicated Trumps inauguration committee was essentially a pay-to-play operation, selling access and influence over the president.

As I noted in December, citing a Wall Street Journal Report at the time, misusing inauguration funds could violate multiple federal laws.

Trumps legal problems wont end after Muellers probe concludes

While the White House continues to brace itself for Robert Muellers final report, which is expected over the next couple of months, the conclusion of that probe wont be the end of his legal nightmares.

As ABC News pointed out, the investigation over Trumps inaugural fund is likely to carry on beyond the special counsel inquiry.

With Democrats in the House ready to launch more necessary oversight, the White House will likely remain busy in the legal department. As Axios reported shortly after last years elections, there are at least 85 subjects Democrats want to target for investigation.

Even though Muellers probe appears to be in the homestretch, there is no end in sight as Trump, his businesses, his family members and his inauguration committee are likely to remain under investigation for months  or years  to come.

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Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said on Monday that Donald Trump has a lot more to worry about than special counsel Robert Muellers ongoing investigation.

According to Christie, prosecutors in the Southern District of New York could be much more dangerous to Trumps presidency due to the fact that their scope isnt limited like Muellers.

The Southern District of New York has no restrictions on their purview, the former governor said. Bob Mueller has a task. Its Russian interference and potential collusion in the 2016 election. Southern District of New York is whatever the heck you want.

Video:

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Chris Christie says Donald Trump has more to worry about than Robert Mueller. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/PIyMWHnIFq  PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) February 5, 2019

Christie said:

I always thought that that was the bigger problem for two reasons. One because the Southern District of New York has no restrictions on their purview. Bob Mueller has a task. Its Russian interference and potential collusion in the 2016 election. Southern District of New York is whatever the heck you want.  And youve got Michael Cohen, the presidents former lawyer, as a tour guide, that means you could go anywhere. And so I have always thought that was the much more problematic thing. And, listen, I know why there is a focus on Mueller and it is appropriate. But people should not take their eye off the ball.

The Southern District of New York is investigating more Trump corruption

More indications of just how much trouble New York prosecutors pose to Trump came on Monday as the presidents inauguration committee was subpoenaed for potential corruption as it relates to fundraising, donors and foreign entanglements.

And thats only the tip of the iceberg. As Chris Christie noted on Monday, former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen has the keys to the presidents closet of skeletons and hes likely handed it all over to state prosecutors.

Ultimately, there are serious indications that Robert Muellers ongoing investigation poses a major legal threat to Donald Trump, his family members and associates.

But it should worry Trump that Chris Christie, one of his allies and supporters, believes that he could be in even more legal trouble from prosecutors in New York.

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Competitors in class. Gregory Bartadon, Courtesy Prix de Lausanne.

Live Stream the 2019 Prix de Lausanne All Week (with More Hours Available Than Ever Before)
Vermillion, SD (57069)

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Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 87F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

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Some clouds early will give way to generally clear conditions overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 59F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
Homebuilder Toll Bros. is moving its headquarters from its longtime Horsham location to a building in the Fort Washington Office Park.

Toll will move its 900 employees to the 163,000-square-foot building at 1140 Virginia Dr. this fall, real estate services firm CBRE, which represented the company in the lease, said in a news release Tuesday.

The Fort Washington buildings landlord, Somerset Properties, spent more than $10 million redeveloping the property, which included the conversion of former warehouse space to office space, CBRE said.

Toll plans to have the buildings interior renovated and to put a Toll Bros. stamp on the exterior, Toll chairman and chief executive Douglas C. Yearley Jr. said in the release.

Toll is relocating from a building it leased at 250 Gibraltar Rd. It began looking for new space after its landlord at the site fell into foreclosure in 2017.

The CBRE team handling the lease negotiations was led by brokers Scott Miller and Rija Beares.
Items on a typical thief's wish list: cash, jewelry, TVs, and other electronics. Heirloom silverware, maybe.

But a Gooty sapphire tarantula?

The exotic blue spider is just one of thousands of crawly creatures missing from the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, chief executive officer John Cambridge said. Philadelphia police said they were looking at three current or former employees as suspects in the heist. Cambridge, an entomologist, estimated the critters' value at more than $40,000, speculating that many were destined for resale to collectors.

The museum director said some creatures seemed to be missing on Aug. 21, but he was not immediately sure if anything was wrong, as the insects, scorpions, and other specimens are sometimes moved between the exhibit space and breeding colonies in the back, or taken out of the building, in the 8000 block of Frankford Avenue, for traveling educational shows.

Then he checked the security cameras, and saw employees carrying out bugs and lizards in plastic containers and boxes over the course of several days, he said. Still, he waited a day to call police, first approaching the employees to request the return of the stolen animals.

Cambridge said he did so in part because some of the creatures did not belong to the museum, but were being held temporarily at the request of federal authorities who had seized them on suspicion that they were illegally imported. That means the potential for serious felony charges, he said.

"These are young people," Cambridge said. "We don't want to see this follow them around for the rest of their lives."

One employee gave back a few creatures, including a Mexican fireleg tarantula, but that was it, Cambridge said. He added that there may be an "emotional" component to the theft, as he found blue employee uniforms hanging from knives that had been thrust into a wall. Police are now on the case.

The museum opened in early 2017, at the former site of a much smaller bug exhibit run by an exterminator.

More than 7,000 bugs and other creepy-crawlies were taken from the museum, but that number is somewhat misleading. Many were roaches and other insects that the museum was raising to feed the stars of the exhibit. Still, they were crucial to the operation, and their loss has dealt the 18-month-old museum a serious blow, he said.

Among the display species stolen were giant African millipedes, leopard geckos, orchid mantises, and scorpions, Cambridge said.

For now, he plans to shut down the second and third floors of the building, keeping the first-floor butterfly pavilion and gift shop open. The full museum will reopen Nov. 3 with an event called the Philadelphia Oddities Expo, featuring special presentations and a tattoo parlor.
In the bitter debate about charter schools vs. District schools, heres a question: Why are we still arguing about this?

The fight is over. Families all over Philadelphia have chosen, and charter schools now educate nearly 40 percent of Philadelphias school children. Like it or not, theres no point in debating the question any longer: Charter schools are here to stay, and lets remember, charter or District, theyre all public schools.

Lets stop wasting energy on that issue, and instead focus on what really matters when we examine the schools our children attend. In every case, we should be asking one fundamental question: Does this school add value? Adding value means that the school provides a quality education for children, and that it is accountable to the families it serves and to the taxpayers of Philadelphia.

Every school, in every neighborhood, should provide the same quality education that wealthier families fight over when it comes to getting their kids admitted to Masterman, or Central, or S.L.A., or Jackson Elementary School.

Thats the real problem: Depending on your zip code, Philadelphia can offer an education that is world class. But if youre poor and a person of color, the choice too often means being stranded in neighborhood public schools that wealthy (mostly white) people wouldnt tolerate for 10 seconds.

For children in poverty, charters are a much better option. Consider:

 In the 2016-2017 School Progress Report, compiled by the School District to measure performance, charters outperformed District public schools, 43.8 to 33.6;

 Charters outperformed District schools on the states School Performance Profile, 57.6 to 52.5. In the most recent PSSA results, 50 percent of charter school third-graders scored proficient in reading, compared to just 35 percent of District third-graders; and

 SPP scores show significantly more economically-disadvantaged students are attending quality charter schools as opposed to District schools. Just 2 in 10 students (22 percent) living in poverty attend quality District schools (schools with an SPP of 60 or higher), while 40 percent attend quality charter schools.

These facts demonstrate the value of charter schools, particularly for the economically-disadvantaged, the overwhelming majority of whom are children of color. Unless you live there, you cannot appreciate the tremendous anxiety that parents face every day trying to get their kids a decent and safe education. For these families, charters often provide the only realistic alternative to neighborhood schools so awful that attending them could be considered a life sentence.

Fixing the system starts with acknowledging these realities and recognizing that we should be focused on supporting good schools of every type. Where charters add value, we should protect them and help them grow. The same is true with District schools. Conversely, when a charter underperforms, it should be held accountable and fixed or closed. But lets hold the District schools to the same standard: Support great schools, close bad ones. Period.

The real battle is to provide high-quality schools for all children, not just those whose families have the means to insist on it. Its no accident that in the highest-achieving District schools, the student body is only 16 percent African American; while in the Districts lowest-achieving schools, the student population is 69 percent African American.

So lets stop debating issues that are already settled, like whether charter schools deserve public support. And lets get down to the real fight: Allocating scarce public tax dollars to support good schools, charter and District alike, so that every child has equal access to a great education.

State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams represents the Eighth Senatorial District in West Philadelphia.
Pennsylvanias elections  like many other states  are vulnerable to cyber attack, leaving our democracy in a precarious state. As a former Pennsylvania legislator and member of Congress representing the Keystone State, I know how important free, fair, and secure elections are to governing. A lack of public trust in the vote imperils our great American experiment in popular sovereignty.

Despite these serious threats to our election architecture, there are known solutions that we can, and must, implement. The report of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Pennsylvanias Election Security provides this blueprint to secure our elections.

The most pressing challenge in Pennsylvania rests with our voting machines. In the 2018 midterm elections, more than 80 percent of Pennsylvania voters cast their ballots on less secure, paperless machines (called direct-recording electronic systems, or DREs). These machines are vulnerable to hacking and technological errors, something that researchers have long demonstrated. The machines used also lack a paper trail, making it impossible for officials to recount individual ballots in close races or conduct routine post-election audits. Pennsylvania is not alone: 13 states total used paperless DREs in this past Novembers elections.

These threats are grave enough to demand action in any state, and Pennsylvanias status as a perennial battleground adds to the immediacy of the problem. In 2016, for example, Donald Trump prevailed in Pennsylvania by fewer than 50,000 votes, and in this past Novembers congressional elections, voters decided several races by a few percentage points. These close races coupled with the commonwealths vulnerable voting machines make Pennsylvania a prime target for any sophisticated attacker set on shifting the results of national elections.

Nation-state adversaries have the means to conduct such an attack, which would exploit long-known vulnerabilities. We are fortunate that sophisticated hackers have not yet, as far as we know, stolen an election.

Rather than wait for the worst, officials should instead be taking decisive action to protect our elections. The Blue Ribbon Commission on Pennsylvanias Election Security (on which I serve as a senior adviser) brought together an impressive group of leaders from across Pennsylvania to study the states election cybersecurity. This independent, bipartisan commission chronicled the weaknesses in Pennsylvanias cyber readiness and issued a report with concrete, actionable recommendations.

Chief among those recommendations: Replace paperless DREs with voter-marked paper ballots, backed up by robust, post-election audits. The commission also called on the General Assembly to help counties bear the financial burden of replacing voting systems and asked Congress to further support such efforts in the states. These recommendations and others are detailed in the commissions comprehensive report, which officials ought to heed as a call to action.

Implementing these measures will require a financial investment. In Pennsylvania, the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania estimates the cost of replacing voting systems statewide at $125 million. As a fiscal conservative, I am sensitive to the budgetary concerns of state and county officials, but the cost of leaving vulnerable machines in place is far greater than the price tag to replace them.

I am confident that Pennsylvanias leaders, from both political parties, are up to the task of doing what is necessary to protect our elections.

Our leaders should embrace the recommendations of the commissions report, which are supported by the evidence and work of experts in the field and  importantly  are achievable. And across the country, officials should look to the commission as a model for how to work in a bipartisan fashion to offer tangible solutions to secure our elections.

Our citizens deserve nothing less.

Charlie Dent represented Pennsylvanias 15th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2005 to 2018 and served in the Pennsylvania General Assembly from 1991 to 2004.
Trina Garnett was 14 years old when she killed two people in Chester. Garnett had been abused and neglected for most of her life, suffered a serious intellectual disability, and was homeless at the time of her offense. Despite these challenges, the girl was tried in adult court for the murders and sentenced to life without parole. She remains in prison today, 40 years later.

Pennsylvania has the third-largest number of people serving life-without-parole sentences in the U.S., after Florida and Louisiana. The state is leading a nationwide trend of ever-lengthening prison terms. In Pennsylvania, one in six prisoners is serving a life sentence, the vast majority of whom have no chance at a parole review. There are nearly the same number of people serving life sentences in Pennsylvania today as the entire state prison population back in 1980. This growth poses a major obstacle to ending mass incarceration, and is counterproductive to public safety.

In a new book on life imprisonment in the United States, authored by Marc Mauer and myself, we document that life sentences accelerated rapidly amid a harsh political environment looking to assuage public fears about victimization. The punitive policy approach lacked research showing effectiveness over less punitive sentences. Philadelphia is the home for most of the people serving life sentences in the state. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, it experienced a sharp, temporary rise in violence as a result of the crack epidemic. Residents worries about crime were not unfounded, but the solutions adopted were far from evidence-based. As the tough on crime movement advanced in the 1980s and beyond, much of its focus was to extend the length of prison terms through policies, such as mandatory sentencing, three strikes and youre out, abolishment of parole, and trying juveniles in the adult system. Because most of the people sentenced under such provisions had committed violent crimes, there was little pushback.

Pennsylvania maintains such a high proportion of life-sentenced prisoners for two reasons: first the state abolished its parole system for all people serving life sentences. Second, people convicted of first-degree or second-degree murder receive a mandatory life sentence. Moreover, the states placement of teens as young as 14 in adult criminal court compounds these numbers to produce the nations  and the worlds  largest population of lifers who were juveniles at the time of their offense.

The diminishing impact of long sentences on public safety is largely a function of two dynamics. First, criminologists have long known that people age out of crime. Involvement in criminal behavior rises sharply in the late teen years among those who are at-risk, but declines significantly by the mid- to late-twenties for most. Thus, imposing a decades-long prison term on a 22-year-old means that we will be spending enormous sums of money to prevent a declining proportion of crime over time.

Second, public safety resources are finite. The $66,000 or so that is spent annually incarcerating a person in their 50s or 60s is money not available to work with the 14- and 15-year-olds who are beginning to engage in risky behaviors. It would be far more effective to invest in strengthening the capacity of families, schools, and communities to foster resilience and opportunities for young people that would avoid future incarceration.

This reorientation will involve a series of shifts in sentencing policy, including: repealing felony murder statutes that penalize a getaway driver as harshly as the triggerman in a homicide; bringing back the system of parole for lifers; and ending the one size fits all structure of mandatory sentencing by restoring discretion to sentencing judges in order to impose individualized sentences by person and offense.

Pennsylvania is now poised for meaningful reform as prominent elected officials have offered bold proposals to reorient the states sentencing policy. Reevaluation of prosecutorial practices in Philadelphia, led by the election of Larry Krasner in 2018, could place the city as a national leader in criminal justice reform. In the legislature, one proposed reform would reinstate parole for lifers. While there is no single action that will end mass incarceration, a stepped-up focus on excessive sentences is critical to making that goal a reality.

Ashley Nellis, Ph.D. is a senior research analyst at The Sentencing Project and coauthor of The Meaning of Life: The Case for Abolishing Life Sentences. She will be at Industrious (230 S. Broad St.) discussing her book at a community forum on life sentences 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
God save the king.

The only thing thats as predictable as a political corruption scandal in Philadelphia  like last weeks federal indictment of union boss John Johnny Doc Dougherty, City Councilman Bobby Henon, and six others  is what follows: the Jacob Marley-like wailing from the accused pols peers, who warn that the city is going to be worse off in the long run if prosecutors succeed in getting a conviction.

Dougherty spent 25 years controlling some of the biggest chess pieces in Philadelphia, building Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers into a political powerhouse that helped to elect mayors, council members, and members of the state Supreme Court, including his brother, Justice Kevin Dougherty. Hes been credited with playing an integral role in the ongoing redevelopment of the citys Market East corridor, ensuring union members have steady work, and even helping the Phillies to land Jim Thome.

But the indictment showed a darker side of Doc, a man who allegedly used his power and influence to fleece his own union of hundreds of thousands of dollars, and bully the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia  allegedly with Henons help  when it tried to use nonunion labor to install new MRI machines. Let the outrageousness of that last one marinate for a minute. Who strong-arms a childrens hospital?

Yet a day after the U.S. Attorneys Office detailed those allegations in a 116-count indictment, an anonymous Democratic consultant bemoaned the potential loss of Dougherty, asking Politicos Holly Otterbein: Now, who is going to do big things?

Its a premise weve been presented with before: Philadelphia cant survive without its kingmakers, the political figures who amass power behind the scenes, and then exert their influence on the city in not-so-subtle ways. One of the more blatant examples of this style of politics unfolded in 2015, when Dougherty correctly predicted that most of the citys labor unions would unite around a single mayoral candidate. They eventually found one in Jim Kenney.

In this fairy-tale version of reality, were encouraged to look the other way on the corruption stuff, unless we want the city to turn into a dilapidated shantytown, devoid of ambition and possibility.

When then-Congressman Chaka Fattah was preparing to face a federal corruption trial in 2016, it was then-U.S. Rep. Bob Brady who stood up and waved a warning flag. Its billions of dollars he brought back, and it would be billions of dollars that we would be losing, Brady, who remains the chairman of Philadelphias Democratic City Committee, said at the time. Why would we lose that? Because somebody thinks that something went wrong? That dont work. It doesnt work in the United States. Youre innocent until proven otherwise.

Fattah, accused of siphoning money from an education nonprofit to repay an illegal campaign loan, was convicted on racketeering charges, and sentenced to a decade in prison.

A similar defense was offered on behalf of former State Sen. Vince Fumo, whose 2009 federal corruption trial introduced OPM  Other Peoples Money  into the political lexicon. Being a senator is the next best thing to royalty, he once wrote to an ex-girlfriend.

Fumo defrauded the Senate and a pair of local nonprofits to the tune of $3.5 million, resulting in a 55-month prison sentence. Still, during Fumos trial, former Gov. Ed Rendell suggested that Fumo had faced an unfair amount of scrutiny, given all that he accomplished. [T]he microscope is so intense, Rendell testified, I sometimes wonder how we will continue to get people into public service.

The takeaway, for Philadelphians, was that no truly great men or women would want to bother running for office if they knew they might have to contend with being held accountable.

David Thornburgh, president of the good-government group the Committee of Seventy, has one word for the political establishments tendency to defend its disgraced leaders by hoisting them on a heavenly pedestal: Pathetic.

You wander into this closed-loop thinking that the only people we can depend on are political fixers, he said. Thats our choice? That either we get big stuff done with people who are under investigation or indicted, or we dont get big stuff done at all? Really? Come on.

Thornburgh argues that the forces that drive Philadelphia are bigger than a Dougherty, Fumo, or Fattah, that developers, employers, and students flock to the region  or dont  for myriad reasons. And despite all of the deal-making clout those kingpins brought to the table, Philadelphia continues to wear the banner of the poorest big city in America.

In 2008, Dougherty took his only swing at elected office, spending more than a million dollars on a bid for Fumos old Senate seat. Fumo backed Larry Farnese, who handed Dougherty a stunning defeat. Fumo wore a Cheshire Cat grin during Farneses victory party at a crowded Italian restaurant in South Philly, chanting Doc is dead! Doc is dead! along with the rest of the revelers.

But Fumos career was the one that was about to flatline. Dougherty grew so powerful that he was soon able to pressure a conglomerate like Comcast, during private hotel meetings, to steer nearly $2 million worth of work to his old friends electrical company.

The time has come to put a final nail in the coffin of the kingmaker myth, to write a future for the city that isnt dependent on the largesse of leaders who believe theyre too important to be toppled by rules and laws that apply to everyone else  while they take, take, take to their hearts content.

So how do we avoid a retelling of this very Philadelphia story?

This is an election year for City Council; two incumbents are iffy on their intentions, and a record number of primary challengers are expected to flood the ballot. Kenney, too, is up for reelection. Those races could end up serving as a possible referendum of Doughertys influence and alleged misdeeds, assuming a large number of voters are stirred to life.

This should be a campaign issue, Thornburgh said. If it isnt, then were in trouble.

David Gambacorta is a writer-at-large at the Philadelphia Inquirer. Hes lost count of the number of corruption scandals hes covered since he was first hired by the Daily News in 2005.
All eyes are on several high-profile cases of abuse and its cover-up in the Roman Catholic Church. Many of them include bishops and priests from the Washington areaformer Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, disgraced Opus Dei priest John McCloskey, the now-retired Cardinal Donald Wuerl, and so on. And yet, what is happening in the seemingly isolated and unimportant Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia is also important to watch.

The investigation of former Bishop Michael Bransfield, who resigned in September and is now accused of sexually harassing adults, is wrapping up. Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, who is currently in charge of the West Virginia diocese and the investigation, appointed five laypeople to investigate Bransfield and tapped a layperson to oversee daily operations of the diocese as a move toward greater transparency and lay involvement. Yet, instead of full transparency and thorough truth-telling, Loris investigation remains tainted by the hierarchys habitual secrecy.

For example, the Baltimore Sun confirmed that one of the five investigators is a Baltimore lawyer who defended abuser priests for Loris archdiocese. His presence raises questions about the investigations credibility, as do reports that Bransfield has been in regular contact with West Virginia clergy and diocesan officials despite his banishment from the state during the investigation. Bransfield has also been calling and texting diocesan seminarians, the very group he is alleged to have harassed. And although Lori has promised to meet with local Catholic reform groups to hear concerns, these meetings have not materialized. Rather, Lori has prioritized closed meetings with the diocesan finance council and seminarians over open consultations with laity, suggesting a desire to keep the future inheritors of the clerical caste system happy, loyal, and quiet.

Most troubling is that while Lori has urged investigators to follow the truth wherever it leads, it is unclear to what extent they will probe older allegations from Bransfields history in Philadelphia and Washington. At last count, reports state that more than 75 calls have come in, alleging misconduct in West Virginia, Washington, and Philadelphia that stretches back decades. Additionally, the current investigation takes place just six years after allegations surfaced that Bransfield abused minors decades ago in Philadelphia, allegations that Cardinal Justin Rigali reportedly chose not to disclose to his archdiocesan abuse review board.

Bransfield and other diocesan officials have denied those allegations. However, since the opening of the present investigation, the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese released a list of credibly accused clergy, and Bransfields glaring absence from that list prompted questions about whether the Philadelphia allegations were fully resolved. In their defense, diocese officials stated that any questions about the allegations should be forwarded to Philadelphia, implying on jurisdictional grounds that the West Virginia diocese had no further responsibility to investigate. But many questions remain about how those allegations were handled, both internally by the archdiocese and by the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office, which reportedly reopened its own investigation in 2012. In a recent conversation, a West Virginia official could not recall how they were deemed non-credible or who precisely had deemed them such.

The allegations against Bransfield of harassment of adults are indeed serious in themselves. For a bishop to make sexual advances toward seminarians and priests is an abuse of power that can never be considered consensual. But knowing the whole truth about the Philadelphia allegations is also crucial, and West Virginians will be expecting this to be addressed when the investigation results are publicized.

To make that happen, the Bransfield investigation team should be the ones forwarding questions to the Philadelphia Archdiocese, to Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, and to Philadelphias civil authorities, rather than hiding behind jurisdictional boundaries. The alleged actions of Rigali, whose known failures in dealing with sexual abuse raise a serious red flag about Bransfields time in Philadelphia, must be scrutinized. Philadelphia authorities should cooperate with these inquiries. A clear statement of the truth would go a long way in legitimizing Loris own efforts in Baltimore to hold bishops accountable.

Jurisdictional boundaries havent stopped Bransfield from contacting his former seminarians and underlings in West Virginia. Those boundaries should not stop the investigation from learning the truth about Bransfields time in Philadelphia. If church authorities in the dioceses implicated in the Bransfield case are serious about transparency, accountability, and justice, wouldnt they be eager to use whatever resources they have to truly follow the truth wherever it leads? And if not, why not? West Virginia Catholics call on Archbishop Chaput and his archdiocese to help us connect the dots.

Michael J. Iafrate and Jeannie Kirkhope are co-coordinators of the Catholic Committee of Appalachia, based in Spencer, W.Va.
John J. Duffy Jr., 85, of West Chester, a Chester County criminal defense lawyer known as much for his courtroom manner as his efforts to help fellow alcoholics face down their addiction and go on to recovery, died Friday, Feb. 1, of pneumonia at St. Marthas Manor in Downingtown.

In courtrooms throughout the Philadelphia area, Mr. Duffy was known as a skilled legal tactician and a gifted storyteller who deftly humanized his clients and mesmerized juries with his charm.

John was a giant of a defense lawyer, said attorney William H. Lamb of Lamb McErlane in West Chester. He and I tried many cases against each other. No one had a better touch with juries than John. He leaves a legacy that will not be matched.

Gregarious by birthright, Mr. Duffy had a sort of roguish Irish charm to him, Lamb recalled. He had that gift of gab that endeared him to juries.

On more than one occasion, after hearing Mr. Duffys opening argument, Lamb thought, How do I match that? Lamb would try to snap the jury out of his opponents spell by returning to the facts.

Mr. Duffy built a reputation as the defense counsel in a string of high-profile murder trials and remained sought after in homicide cases for a half-century ending in 2015. His license plate read ACQUIT.

Born in West Philadelphia to John J. Sr. and Jane Bowers Duffy, he was a member of a large Irish American family. He completed St. Thomas More High School, and was a 1959 graduate of La Salle University and a 1962 graduate of Villanova Law School.

In 1964, he went to Mississippi to work against suppression of African American votes at the call of then-U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. As he left Mississippi, Mr. Duffy met the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Mr. Duffy defended one of a group of gamblers who in April 1980 rigged the Pennsylvania Lotterys Daily Number to come out as 6-6-6 in a scandal known as the Triple Six Fix.

Most of the table tennis balls used in the TV drawing were injected with white paint, making them heavy. The three "6 balls without paint were lighter and floated to the top of air machines used in the drawing.

The gamblers won $1.2 million by buying up tickets in advance. The defendants attracted attention by holding up the line at convenience stores, Mr. Duffy told son Shannon. Caught and charged, the gamblers avoided jail time in 1981 by agreeing to testify against the accused mastermind of the scam, TV announcer Nick Perry.

Mr. Duffys life took a downward turn in 1974 when he began associating with his clients. He was charged with assault at a bar, causing a disturbance in West Chester, and conspiring with some clients in the handling of a stolen car.

He was convicted of conspiracy in connection with the latter crime in Common Pleas Court, had his law license suspended for several years, and served prison time. While there, he redirected his life.

He completed the 30-day treatment program at the Caron Foundation in Berks County. Afterward, he joined Carons board and made 1,000 referrals to the facility over the years

On the day his license was reinstated, he dashed up the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, Rocky Balboa-style. Soon, he joined the law firm of Carroll, Creamer, Carroll & Duffy. Later, he joined with attorney Joseph R. Green Jr. in Duffy & Green.

Green said that although Mr. Duffy was known for his flair, the things that were most important to him were quiet and not done for aggrandizement. They were to help people.

He cofounded the Pennsylvania chapter of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, and was a member and trustee of International Lawyers in Alcoholics Anonymous.

In 2009, he received the Osceola Wesley Award from Chester County Drug Court for his public-service work. When Chester County District Attorney John W. Carroll presented the award, there was a standing ovation.

Mr. Duffy married Bridget Cotter in 1953. They had seven children before divorcing in 1984.

He was married in 1986 to Marie DelVecchio. In addition to his wife and son Shannon, he is survived by daughters Bridget Wilson and Jane Maughan; sons Casey, Seamus, Fitz, and Shavin; 19 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A visitation starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at St. Agnes Church, 233 W. Gay St., West Chester, will be followed by an 11 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment is in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Caron Foundation, 243 N. Galen Hall Rd., c/o Development Office, Wernersville, Pa. 19565, or via https://www.caron.org/give-to-caron/donate-to-caron.
HARRISBURG  Gov. Tom Wolf on Tuesday unveiled a $34.1 billion budget that would boost funding for public schools, raise the minimum wage, and help counties update their voting machines, while steering clear of the broad-based tax increases that sank some of his earlier initiatives.

The Democratic governors budget  his first since reelection  was a return to some of his more progressive wishes and a nod to the realities of negotiating with the Republican-controlled legislature, which has refused to consider increases in the state sales and personal income taxes.

Still, Wolf is seeking other changes that have been rejected in the past, among them a severance tax on natural gas  albeit, this time one that would be dedicated to refurbishing aging infrastructure instead of propping up the states general fund. That tax proposal is not in the budget, which must be approved by June 30, but is expected to be part of the overall debate.

In the coming weeks, well have the chance to discuss, debate, and negotiate the details, Wolf told a joint session of the legislature in his 27-minute speech.

He later added: While the rest of this country  and indeed the rest of the world  descends into divisive, nasty, and unproductive bouts of shouting, we are showing everyone else, right here in the heart of democracy, how democracy is supposed to work.

After the speech, Republicans struck an optimistic tone, saying they thought there were many areas where the two sides could agree.

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R., Jefferson) said he was pleased with Wolfs overall message, but warned there are other policy changes that the governor did not address but that he believes are necessary. That includes a reduction in the states 9.99 percent corporate net income tax and an emphasis on cutting expenditures.

This budget is not just going to be a slam dunk, Scarnati said.

In all, the governors plan would increase spending by $1.4 billion  or 4.2 percent  over this years approved $32.7 billion budget. (That, however, does not include the $500 million needed to fill a projected gap in the current budget.)

To pay for it, Wolf is relying on a projection that revenue from taxes and fees will grow 2.6 percent  or nearly $900 million  in the next fiscal year. The plan also counts on people making a higher minimum wage paying more in sales and income taxes; and raising new dollars from a new fee on State Police coverage in municipalities with no police of their own. Both are proposals the legislature has opposed before.

On the spending side, Wolfs plan calls for an additional $200 million in funding for K-12 instruction in public schools, an extra $50 million for special education and an additional $7 million for Pennsylvanias 14 state universities.

It also calls for educational-policy changes, such as raising the school dropout age from 17 to 18, while lowering the age at which children must begin attending school from 8 to 6. The governor also wants to set a $45,000 minimum salary for public school teachers, up from $18,500. That would affect roughly 3,200 teachers, many in rural districts, administration officials said.

The four state-related universities  Temple, Lincoln, Penn State, and the University of Pittsburgh  would receive no boost over this fiscal years spending. Wolf, however, is proposing $8 million for grants to community college students who remain in the state for work.

Outside of education, the governors budget proposes a $15 million increase to serve more people with intellectual disabilities who are currently on a waiting list for services.

The governors plan includes $15 million to help counties cover the cost of updating their voting machines. Wolfs administration last year directed counties to begin using machines that create a paper record of votes to verify the accuracy of results. The goal is to have the new machines operating by the 2020 primary.

Counties have estimated the total cost at $125 million, and have balked at the expense. The administration has said it will propose similar annual infusions to help offset those costs, for a total of $75 million, over five years.

Wolf will ask state lawmakers to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $12 per hour starting in July, with additional increases coming each year until 2025, when it would reach $15 an hour.

His administration expects the measure would save the state $36 million in the 2019-20 fiscal year, an amount it attributes in part to lower costs for social services.

Republican leaders have repeatedly resisted attempts to increase the minimum wage, arguing that such changes should be driven by the marketplace rather than the government. The last change to the states minimum wage came a decade ago, when federal officials raised the rate.

Wolf isseeking to raise $103 million by imposing a sliding-scale fee on municipalities that rely on the State Police for patrol coverage. The fee would range from $8 to $166 per person, depending on a communitys population. Wolf in the past has proposed a flat fee, which has been blocked by the legislature.

And a debate is expected over Wolfs effort to impose a severance tax on natural gas extracted through Marcellus Shale drilling.

You cant escape it, said Sen. Vincent Hughes of Philadelphia, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee who supports a new drilling tax.

The governor has proposed borrowing $4.5 billion over four years and dedicating the money to help fund disaster recovery and infrastructure improvement, the latter a longtime goal for legislative Republicans. The loan, the governor said, would be paid off using money from a severance tax.

Republican leaders have resisted past severance tax proposals, citing potential harm to the natural gas industry. The Wolf administration has said the governor will take out the loan only if legislators approve the levy.

Other areas of Wolfs budget are likely to be easier sells.

Both Republicans and Democrats on Tuesday praised the governors emphasis on enhancing work development and job training programs. Wolf, for example, called for creating a workforce command center to coordinate and streamline programs aimed at connecting employers with a trained workforce.

We have not had that kind of recognition that our government can be better organized to respond to workforce demands, said Sen. Arthur Haywood, a Democrat whose district includes portions of Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties.

The governor has also proposed dedicating additional money for agricultural projects, including $2.6 million to increase organic farming in the state and $2 million to create a center to help farmers create business plans. And he asks for a $1.5 million increase in funding to provide people with the opioid overdose-reversal drug Naloxone.

Kate Giammarise of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette contributed to this article.
Between July 2018 and January 2019, the City of Philadelphia received 40 complaints of sexual harassment or misconduct within city government, a number officials say is higher since the administration created a tool to file complaints online.

Of the complaints fielded, inquiries were completed in 16 cases and, of those, nine complaints were substantiated by city investigators, said William Twardzik, deputy director of the Mayors Office of Labor Relations. Of the nine substantiated complaints, there was a range of disciplinary action including verbal warnings and suspension, Twardzik said. No one has been fired.

The remaining 24 complaints are still under investigation. Twardzik added that most of the complaints received were allegations an employee created a hostile work environment," and about half were about incidents that took place prior to July. (For context, there were 121 sexual-misconduct case files spanning six years between July 2012 and April 2018.)

The figures were disclosed Tuesday during a briefing with administration officials who provided a six-month update on the implementation of revised policies and procedures related to sexual-harassment reporting and investigations within city government.

Monica Marchetti-Brock, director of the Mayors Office of Labor Relations, said new sexual-harassment training procedures are well underway. The Ballard Spahr law firm was retained to provide investigation training to HR professionals. Rank-and-file employees will undergo training via an online regimen that remains under development.

Philadelphia voters last year approved a ballot measure requiring that all city employees receive sexual-harassment training at least every three years. Training is to be delivered to all employees by this fall.

Some of the feedback weve received regarding the training is that people didnt know what they didnt know, Marchetti-Brock said. And really breaking down the examples into language that they can understand was really helpful for them.

She said the city will soon add three staff members to her Employee Relations Unit (ERU), which now has 11 staffers and serves as a sort of clearinghouse for sexual-harassment complaints lodged by any of the citys more than 20,000 employees. Under the citys new policy, the unit tracks complaints through a case-management tracking system. Once a complaint is entered into the system, the ERU will investigate the complaint itself or refer it to the departments human resources officer.

Employees can make a complaint several ways, including through the new online portal. They can also report to the designated HR professional in their department or directly to the ERU.

In July, Mayor Jim Kenney signed an executive order instituting the new policy as City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart released an audit critical of the citys procedures, calling its sexual-harassment policy "opaque and complicated. Her office reported the city had spent at least $2.2 million over six years to settle sexual-misconduct claims.

Rhynharts office recommended the city create a centralized unit that would investigate all sexual-harassment complaints across city government and codify a citywide disciplinary schedule to ensure penalties are uniform. Neither of those recommendations has been implemented as Rhynharts office outlined.

Marchetti-Brock said the city sees the ERU as a centralized unit because it oversees all investigations. Rhynhart said the lack of a unit to actually investigate all complaints allows for bias because investigators are embedded in city departments. She said the idea that dozens of city departments will handle sexual-misconduct investigations in a consistent manner is hard to fathom.

The city also does not plan to implement a disciplinary schedule because every case is different and needs to be looked at individually," Marchetti-Brock said, though she noted the ERU makes disciplinary recommendations to departments.

Rhynhart said auditors from her office found discipline for sexual harassment and misconduct varied between departments prior to the implementation of the new sexual-harassment policy. For example, several departments issued suspensions for inappropriate conversations, while another issued a written warning to an employee accused of groping a coworker. In addition, they found five departments where lower-level employees were punished more severely than supervisors for similar conduct, she said.

Having one phone line into a centralized unit, thats the way to protect the workers of the city," Rhynhart said. And unfortunately its not happening.

Kenneys administration has said the policy and procedures will be reviewed annually.
Former Radnor Township Commissioners President Phil Ahr pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to sending, receiving, and possessing thousands of images of child pornography under the online identities Daddy X and Daddy XX," charges that have shaken the Main Line community he was elected to serve.

His plea came during a hearing in Philadelphia a year after Ahr, 68, turned himself in on federal child porn charges.

In a green prison jumpsuit, a stoic Ahr answered U.S. District Judge Michael Baylsons questions in a calm, loud voice, repeating, Yes, your honor, and, No, your honor."

When Baylson asked why Ahr had decided to plead guilty, Ahr replied, Because its a true fact.

No relatives or friends of Ahr were in court Tuesday. His lawyer, Stephen P. Patrizio, declined comment after the hearing.

Authorities began investigating Ahr in September 2017. After receiving a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, county officials raided Ahrs Bryn Mawr home. A few weeks later, he was arrested, and investigators revealed the allegations against him.

From his basement, Ahr  a marketing director for Progressive Business Publications, a University of Notre Dame graduate, and a 22-year Radnor resident  had for years logged into illicit online chat rooms to exchange images of infants and toddlers being abused by adults, authorities said. Investigators also found images and videos involving sadomasochistic sexual abuse and abuse involving animals and children.

Ahr tried to hide his illegal activity, they said, storing more than a thousand links to pornographic images and websites on Excel spreadsheets that on the surface appeared to be for mundane data-keeping.

Until federal charges were filed last year, Ahr was free on bail, and he and his lawyers remained mum about the allegations. He resigned first from his position as president of the Radnor Township Board of Commissioners, then from the board entirely. When he turned in his township-issued iPad, additional suspicious and concerning images were discovered on the device, authorities said.

Ahr had deleted the browser history before turning in the iPad, but county investigators discovered that he had used it, too, to view child pornography, according to federal court documents.

At the time of his arrest, Ahr, a Democrat, had served as a commissioner since 2016. He has been held at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia for the last year.

Ahr is set to be sentenced on May 23. He faces a statutory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 60, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Rotella said.
HARRISBURG  State Sen. Daylin Leach announced on Monday that he is stepping aside, at least temporarily, from his role as the Democratic leader on an influential Senate committee as he fights decades-old allegations of sexual abuse.

I have always believed that as elected officials, we should always avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest, Leach, who has for years served as the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said in a statement. "Given that the Judiciary Committee will potentially be taking up legislation that could theoretically be relevant to the battle I am fighting, I thought it was best that I allow the debates on such issues to play out without the distraction of such an appearance. "

Senate Democrats are awaiting the results of a law firms investigation into a complaint that Leach lured a woman into oral sex in 1991, when she was 17 and he was representing her mother in a criminal case. Leach, of Montgomery County, has repeatedly denied the allegations and last month filed a defamation suit against the woman and two activists who have supported her.

It also comes as a large contingent of Senate Democrats are seeking support for a bill that would abolish the statute of limitations for sexual abuse, assault, and misconduct for all victims. Previous bills seeking to change the criminal statute of limitations for such crimes have passed through the Judiciary Committee, but failed to win full Senate support.

Leach wrote in his statement that he spoke to Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D., Allegheny) on Monday about allowing me to take a leave from my duties" while he works "to clear my name against completely false assertions about events 28 years ago.

The three-term senator from Wayne wrote that he intends to be the Democratic chair of a different, unspecified committee where the legislation we consider will be less likely to present the appearance of a conflict.

Costa said Monday that a decision had not been made regarding whether Leach would be reassigned as Democratic leader on a different committee. Costa said he had not seen Leachs statement and cant speak" to it. The minority leader declined to comment when asked whether he or anyone else in the caucus asked Leach to step aside.

Because their party has the majority in both chambers, Republican chairs currently decide which bills come up for a vote in committee. The Democratic leaders such as Leach serve as a voice for the minority party.

Committee assignments are generally set at the beginning of each two-year session. Absent a death or resignation, its rare for major changes to occur outside of that initial selection.

Earlier this year, House Republicans announced that they had suspended Republican State Rep. Brian Ellis' chairmanship of the House Consumer Affairs committee after the Inquirer and the Caucus reported that prosecutors were investigating an allegation that he sexually assaulted a woman who was incapacitated.
HARRISBURG  Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday announced plans to again seek a severance tax on Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling, promising to use the money for disaster recovery, infrastructure, and the expansion of broadband internet, among other projects.

The Democratic governor plans to approach state lawmakers this year with a proposal to borrow $4.5 billion over four years by selling bonds. The money would be paid back over 20 years using revenue from a severance tax, which would vary depending on the price of gas and the amount of it extracted.

It is far past time that Pennsylvanians stop allowing our commonwealth to be the only state losing out on the opportunity to reinvest in our communities, Wolf said in a statement. And as long as that is allowed to continue, my vision of a restored Pennsylvania that is ready to compete in the 21st century economy will never become reality.

The proposal drew swift backlash from key Republican legislative leaders, who have successfully blocked past efforts to impose a severance tax. Hours after the governor unveiled his plan, GOP leaders who control the calendar in the House issued a statement saying it was riddled with bad economic ideas.

While improving Pennsylvanias aging infrastructure is a shared goal, it cannot come at the expense of the Commonwealths economy and taxpayers," the Republican leaders wrote.

Unfortunately, the governor has not included the General Assembly in the development of this proposal. If he had, he would know that there are not enough votes to enact a new energy tax, borrow billions of dollars and spend moneys on more government programs.

This is not the first time Wolf and the legislature have fought over a shale tax. The governor has repeatedly included a severance tax as part of his annual state budget proposal, with proceeds designated to the general fund to help pay for public education.

Each time, the GOP-led legislature has blocked the effort, often expressing fears that a tax would weaken the industry in Pennsylvania  assertions that mirror those raised by some drillers.

Pennsylvania currently imposes an impact fee on shale gas wells but does not tax the amount extracted.

Natural gas drillers and their industry groups spent at least $61 million on lobbying and campaign contributions to state lawmakers between 2010 and 2017, according to an analysis by the Inquirer and Daily News and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

On Thursday, one leading industry group, the Marcellus Shale Coalition, also quickly criticized the governors proposal, saying it would cost consumers, hurt local jobs  and negatively impact investment.

The fight over a severance tax on shale drillers has in some years contributed to protracted budget impasses.

Unlike in previous years, Wolf is not planning to incorporate the tax into his annual budget proposal  which will be unveiled next week  but rather is seeking to fund it separately.

Im not looking to make ends meet with this, he said.

Wolf could borrow the money for the projects without the legislatures approval but would need lawmakers to sign off on a severance tax itself. The administration said the governor would borrow the money only if the legislature approves the tax.

Asked whether there would be other ways to fund the same projects if the legislature rejects his request for a severance tax, the governor said: No.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Staff Writer Laura Legere contributed to this report.
County Supervisor Denny Barney got flowers and kudos during his final meeting on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. While he takes the reins of the East Valley Partnership, his fellow board members will be looking for his replacement from among 13 applicants.
HARRISBURG  Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf is again seeking to raise the states minimum wage to $15 by 2025, even though the issue has for years been opposed by Republicans who control both legislative chambers.

Wolf, a Democrat, on Wednesday proposed raising the states current minimum of $7.25  the same as the federal minimum  on a sliding scale, starting with a bump to $12 this July. It would rise by 50 cents every year until 2025, when it would be $15. The wage would increase with the cost of living every year after that.

At a news conference in the state Capitol, Wolf noted that 29 states have a higher minimum wage than the one set at the federal level. That includes all of Pennsylvanias surrounding states, according to data compiled by the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Raising the wage just to $12 an hour, Wolf said, would give a raise to one million Pennsylvania workers.

Pennsylvania has to be a place where hard work is rewarded, said Wolf, who was flanked by Democratic lawmakers, low-wage workers, and other advocates. Too many people are working harder and harder and they still cant afford basics like food, transportation, and shelter.

Wolf has proposed a minimum-wage increase every year since taking office in 2015, a call that has gone nowhere.

Republicans control both the House and Senate, and have the power to determine what measures get a vote. For years, GOP leaders have balked, with many saying they would prefer the federal government deal with the wage issue.

Business groups also oppose a minimum-wage boost in Pennsylvania, saying it would cause financial hardship  from reduced hours and benefits to outright job cuts  that would ultimately harm workers.

We think there is a broad agreement that policymakers should focus on policies that help single parents and low-income families  we just dont think that this is the most effective and smart way to address that, said Alex Halper, director of government affairs for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.

Pennsylvanias minimum wage has not risen in a decade. Lawmakers last approved a boost in 2006, with the rate eventually moving to $7.15 an hour. But it only reached $7.25 an hour in 2009 to match the federal minimum wage.

Meanwhile, surrounding states have been upping theirs. According to the U.S, Department of Labor, Maryland set its minimum at $10.10 per hour; West Virginia is at $8.75 per hour; New York is $11.10 per hour; and Ohio is $8.55 an hour.

And in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy and Democratic leaders of the state Legislature earlier this month reached an agreement to raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2024.

According to a 2018 study by the Keystone Research Center, a liberal-leaning think tank in Harrisburg, a $15 hourly minimum wage would give a raise to 253,698 Philadelphia residents. In Allegheny County, it would increase the wages of 216,710 residents.
Five years ago, nearly 200 elderly lifers were released from prison en masse  people who had been convicted and sentenced before 1981, under jury instructions that were found unconstitutional in the case Unger v. Maryland. It created a natural experiment: Was it safe to release all these one-time violent criminals? Or would they land right back in prison?

The results are in, according to a study from Justice Policy Institute (JPI), a Washington-based nonprofit. The Ungers, as theyre called, have clocked a recidivism rate of just 3 percent. Researchers have found that on average, two-thirds of the state prisoners in the United States are arrested again within three years of release; about half are reincarcerated. JPI estimates the states averted costs at close to $1 million per individual released.

It was not an easy path, but with a relatively small investment in supportive services (about $6,000 per person), the Ungers, on average 64 years old, are finding their way in society.

We know people age out of crime, and this is further evidence of that, said Marc Schindler, the reports author and JPIs executive director. At a fraction of the cost it would take to continue to incarcerate an older individual like this, this is really strong evidence ... to say we really can safely release this population.

He said that could be an important lesson for Pennsylvania, which is home to more than 5,400 lifers  including at least 1,800 who are 55 or older (in prison, 55 is considered geriatric). Overall, the number of geriatric inmates in Pennsylvanias prison system has increased fourfold in the last 20 years. Its estimated that each of these prisoners costs two to three times more than a younger inmate to care for each year.

The result echoes a similar court-ordered experiment in Pennsylvania: the release, so far, of 158 juvenile lifers on parole, following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that their sentences were unconstitutional. Since the first was released in 2016, none has been convicted of a new crime, though five have been taken back into custody on parole violations.

Gregg Bernstein, who was Baltimore City states attorney when the Ungers were released, said he could have retried the cases, but instead cut deals. That was a calculation based in part on whether the cases were winnable, given that many witnesses were deceased and some forensic evidence had been lost. As well, he said, we had to take a really hard look at, what is the purpose to be served by the continued incarceration of these individuals after so many years?

Bernstein couldnt see one, though he pushed to require a support system, a home plan, and supervision for each person released.

Even with all that, freedom made for a jarring adjustment for men like Stanley Mitchell, 70, who was locked up about 36 years  Its like 36 years, 10 months, 19 days, and 22 hours, but thats cool  and released with just a few weeks' notice.

One day Im in a dormitory with people over 50," he said, "the next day Im in downtown Baltimore, its 100 degrees outside, and I got a white T-shirt on, and my blood pressure medication in a paper bag.

Mitchell felt like hed emerged from a cave into a Star Trek episode.

Youre constantly turning your head, like, Whats that? Your necks almost snapping, he said. You go to the bathroom and the toilet flushes by itself, or you see someone in a car and theyre talking to themselves.

One thing that helped, Mitchell said, were supports provided by the University of Maryland Law and Social Work Services Program, where staff and students students helped the Ungers figure out how to apply for drivers licenses and benefits, obtain prescriptions, navigate the transit system, and locate housing.

Rebecca Bowman-Rivas, who runs that program, said $400,000 in funding from the Open Society Institute stretched to serve 130 men and one woman over five years with services and occasional emergency funds for medical copayments, deposits for housing, groceries, even underwear and socks for people released with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

One guy who was 85, his whole family, including his kids, had died, so he had nobody when he came out, she said.

Almost everyone had pressing medical needs. Some were released directly into hospice. One man died 12 hours after his release: Hed stopped taking his medication because he didnt think he needed it outside.

Yet, she said, it was people younger than 65 who struggled the most.

They wanted to work, to contribute to society, she said. But it was hard to get them hired. Not only do you have a criminal record, but you also have age discrimination. And jobs available through reentry programs mostly required physical labor ill-suited for this crew of elderly men.

Mtichell adapted, though, and began driving for Uber and Lyft, earning a five-star rating and even taking on a role as a supervisor for Lyft. That ended when it learned of his record and deactivated his accounts.

He said many have figured out unofficial means of employment, like selling baked goods or hauling away junk.

We had to use our hustling skills we had in jail to make our own job, because nobodys hiring us, Mitchell said.

But Bowman-Rivas noted a remarkable sense of solidarity among the Ungers, whom she brought together for monthly gatherings that included communal meals, support groups, activities, and workshops on everything from nutrition to banking and STDs.

'Failure is not an option' is the motto," she said. "They would check in on each other, provide support for each other. ... Thats a very big piece of their success: They have each other.

Schindler said their story has inspired Maryland policymakers to look at possible mechanisms to seriously review the rest of its geriatric inmates  3,000 more people over 55  for parole. Its come up as part of Marylands Justice Reinvestment Initiative conversations.

Theres no reason that cant happen in Pennsylvania, Schindler said. Then, he added: No reason other than politics.

In Pennsylvania, which also takes part in the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, many comparatively modest criminal-justice reforms failed to pass out of the General Assembly in the last session. A bill to make lifers eligible for parole after 15 years died without coming up for a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Nathan Benefield, vice president of the Commonwealth Foundation, a conservative Harrisburg think tank, blames personality conflicts and political squabbling rather than principled objections. He points to Congress, where the First Step criminal justice reform bill advocated by President Trump appears to have bipartisan support.

Given that Pennsylvania struggles to bring down its more than $2 billion prison budget, he believes even tough-on-crime lawmakers can be sold on changes like release for geriatric inmates or long-term lifers.

These are low-risk offenders, he said. I think theres also support for reducing costs in our criminal-justice system and understanding that what we have been doing since the 80s and 90s hasnt been the most effective.

For now, Mitchell said, he and his peers are determined to provide living proof.

Now that were out, were Ungers, he said. We have an obligation to the people we left behind.
In Bucks County, an undocumented Mexican national was detained by immigration authorities when he went to the Ottsville Magisterial District Court to pay a fine for driving without a license.

In Montgomery County, federal agents commonly wait outside the courthouse with photos of their targets, arresting immigrants before they go into the building.

In Berks County, an attorney reported that agents sat through her clients Protection from Abuse hearing, then arrested him at its conclusion. Another man was arrested when making a child-support payment at the courthouse.

Those allegations and more are contained in a new report by the Sheller Center for Social Justice at Temple University, which says that apprehensions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in and around local courthouses in Pennsylvania have frightened away undocumented witnesses and victims, disrupting the course of justice. ICE agents often are assisted in making arrests by local courthouse personnel who provide information on peoples legal statuses, the study added.

The report helped confirm that this is not exclusively a Philadelphia problem, said Jennifer Lee, a Temple law professor and a leader of the Sheller Center. Its about the Philadelphia ICE office reaching out across the state, in counties with significant immigrant populations.

The report found:

Problems related to ICE enforcement in and around Pennsylvania courthouses are widespread in communities with large immigrant populations.

Immigrants' ICE-driven fear of going to court means they may not attend legal proceedings, so courts are in turn less able to effectively adjudicate cases.

ICE has made arrests or collaborated with court staff, particularly probation workers, in at least 13 counties, including Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, and Bucks.

Asked about the new Sheller Center report, ICE officials said their courthouse enforcement includes actions against specific targets who have criminal convictions, are gang members or national-security threats, or have been ordered to be deported or were previously deported. Witnesses in cases, and family members or friends who are accompanying the target alien, are not to be arrested except in special circumstances, such as if they pose a threat to public safety or interfere with ICE, the agency said.

ICE officials said arrests undertaken in courthouses are safer for its officers, the public, and the person being arrested, because all those entering are screened and searched for weapons. Agents are directed to generally avoid making arrests in civil proceedings and in places such as Family Court or Small Claims Court.

The report, Obstructing Justice: The Chilling Effect of ICEs Arrests of Immigrants at Pennsylvania Courthouses, was released Wednesday, two days after a study by the advocacy group Immigrant Defense Project harshly criticized ICE enforcement in New York courts.

The IDP said ICE had made more arrests, expanded operations into upstate counties it had previously ignored, and targeted particularly vulnerable immigrants, including victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.

Last year, a joint ProPublica-Inquirer investigation showed that the Philadelphia ICE office has been particularly aggressive. In 2017, the Philadelphia office, with agents fanning out across its three-state region, arrested more undocumented immigrants without criminal convictions than any of the 23 other ICE offices in the nation. That was especially striking given that Pennsylvanias undocumented population ranks 16th in the country, with West Virginia and Delaware far behind.

Since President Donald Trump took office, deportation officers have been freed from an Obama-era mandate to focus their resources on deporting immigrants with serious criminal convictions. Now every undocumented immigrant is a potential target for arrest.

ICE generally refrains from making arrests in churches, schools, hospitals, and college campuses, operating under what are called sensitive locations guidelines.

That guidance does not cover courthouses, which have become a battleground: ICE says its actions are consistent with long-standing law-enforcement practices, while immigration advocates and some judges say courts are being undermined because undocumented victims and witnesses stay away.

In 2018, ICE codified its guidelines for sending deportation agents to federal, state, and local courthouses to make arrests.

When practicable, ICE officers and agents will conduct enforcement actions discreetly to minimize their impact on court proceedings, the directive said. Courthouse arrests are often necessitated by the unwillingness of jurisdictions to cooperate with ICE in the transfer of custody of aliens from their prisons and jails.

The Sheller Center study is based on surveys and interviews with lawyers, legal-aid organizations, victim-services advocates, and community organizations across Pennsylvania. It also relied on questionnaires and on ICE material that was obtained by the Immigration Legal Resource Center under the Freedom of Information Act.

The report urged the state Supreme Court to develop protocols to limit ICE enforcement at courthouses, stop court personnel from cooperating, and bar immigrants legal statuses from being collected by the courts. The cases mentioned in the report occurred mostly in 2017 and 2018.

The center described cases where ICE agents entered courtrooms, apprehended people in hallways and common areas, and waited outside courthouses to arrest undocumented migrants when they arrived or left. An attorney in Philadelphia said she received notification from ICE that her juvenile client, who had been adjudicated delinquent but was doing well in foster care, would be arrested at the childs next hearing.

Philadelphia attorneys reported that clients were arrested by ICE when they came to check in with probation officials. The same thing happened in Chester and Allegheny Counties, the study said.

The report describes an email conversation between a Beaver County probation officer and an ICE agent, who sought to arrest an undocumented man:

I can attempt to get him to report in person if he needs to be taken into custody, the probation officer wrote.

Sounds good, the ICE agent responded. Appreciate your willingness to assist.

He was just sentenced only a week ago, so chances are good that I can get him in here without suspicion, the probation officer answered. I can tell him he has to sign supervision papers, etc. Just let me know.
The former owner of Old Citys Eulogy Belgian Tavern is in a Las Vegas jail awaiting extradition to Philadelphia for allegedly sending a letter with racist and threatening language to a Philadelphia judge last year, according to law enforcement officials, court records, and sources familiar with the situation.

Michael Naessens, 54, was arrested Jan. 22 in Clark County, Nev., and was being held as a fugitive wanted in another state, according to online court records.

Ben Waxman, spokesperson for Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, said Tuesday that the warrant was for charges including threats and other improper influence in official and political matters," a felony because the target of Naessens' alleged threats was a Common Pleas Court judge. Waxman declined to comment further because Naessens had not been extradited.

Philadelphia police said the alleged threat occurred in Overbrook on June 5. A police spokesperson declined to elaborate.

Sources familiar with the case, who asked not to be identified, said Naessens is accused of sending a letter that appeared like a greeting card to the home of Common Pleas Court Judge Timika Lane. The sources said the letter included a menacing and racist remark directed at Lane, who is black. Lane was elected to the bench in 2013 and currently oversees criminal cases, having imposed prison sentences against convicted child molesters and white supremacists, among others.

A call to Lanes chambers Tuesday was returned by Gabriel Roberts, spokesperson for the First Judicial District, who said neither he nor the judge would comment.

Attempts to reach officials in Clark County were unsuccessful.

It was not immediately clear whether Naessens had an attorney or when he might be extradited. It also was not clear why Naessens allegedly threatened the judge, or if he is accused of threatening anyone else.

Naessens, who says he is of Belgian ancestry, was a financial executive at Campbells Soup with an M.B.A. from Drexel University before he became a restaurateur. In addition to Eulogy, he opened and operated the former Old City bars Beneluxx and Bierstube. He has lived in Las Vegas off and on for at least the last decade.

In 2017 Naessens closed Eulogy, saying he was concerned for his safety because employees at the bar had gotten caught up in drugs or criminal charges. He also said that he had been threatened after working with prosecutors on several cases.

Eulogy, at 136 Chestnut St., had an extensive beer collection, including many rare or unusual varieties from Belgium. It was open for 15 years and was a pioneer in the city for offering hard-to-find or imported beers.
When politicians see something bad heading at them, theyre advised to hang a lantern on it, to put it in a spotlight they can control.

Thats what the Kenney administration is doing with the nations highest soda tax, the controversy around which they thought was a dead horse and which the Inquirer Editorial Board also hoped had passed.

But the soda tax issue, a zombie that refuses to die, was resuscitated by the federal indictment against the Local 98 Eight. It reveals a fascinating tale about alleged union skulduggery that makes it seem (to careless readers) as if Local 98 invented the soda tax to punish its frenemy, the local Teamsters union.

It is not true, but some people are buying it. Or saying it, anyway.

Local 98 leader John Johnny Doc Dougherty may have backed the tax proposal to hurt the Teamsters for saying bad things about him  what is this, eighth grade?  but his union did not birth the tax.

In an early defense of his signature achievement, Mayor Jim Kenney last week told reporters the soda tax idea came from Finance Director Rob Dubow, but that is not entirely true.

In an op-ed in the Inquirer posted Feb. 1, Dubow and mayoral Chief of Staff Jim Engler hung a lantern on the soda tax problem. Engler also talked about it Monday morning on WHYY as part of the cleanup squad.

In brief, the indictment says Dougherty got BFF/employee City Councilman Bobby Henon to push the soda tax because it would cost about 100 Teamsters jobs.

In addition to allegedly bad-mouthing Johnny Doc, the Teamsters supported Anthony H. Williams for mayor, while Local 98 supported Kenney.

So much for background.

Fair discussion of the oppressive tax was made impossible by the Kenney Progressive Gangs Alinsky tactic of painting the bottling industry as robber barons who eat children for breakfast.

In the op-ed, when Dubow/Engler  who did not respond to emailed questions  write that Kenney didnt get the tax idea from Dougherty, that is true. When they later write that the tax was the result of creative thinking, that is not true, unless you define plagiarism as creative thinking.

The soda tax was floated almost a decade earlier by Mayor Michael Nutter.

And who opposed it? If you guessed then-Councilman Jim Kenney, give yourself a prize off the top shelf. The Daily News also opposed it.

A few years later, campaigning for mayor, Kenney said he would pay for his ideas using zero-based budgeting as an elixir for what ails us.

His words: Through zero-based budgeting, Philadelphia will have $80 million to reinvest in schools, or universal pre-K.

But after his election Mayor Houdini made that vanish and pounced on the soda tax.

Kenney vilified the bottling and soda retail industry, creating a false narrative that painted it as a criminal enterprise that was bilking customers, profiteering off the poor, and being callous to the children. He said seven-figure bonuses were paid to soda execs, but he couldnt back that up when he was challenged. It was vicious and false.

When Kenney was making his pitch for the children, he forgot to mention a walloping $24 million earmarked for the city (slush) fund balance. No lantern was hung on that.

Now it seems some crimes may have been committed  but by Kenney allies, not the bottlers.

Thats why the Kenney Progressive Gang is scrambling to keep his one big achievement walled off from Local 98 activities. It doesnt want to be defined by half-truths, a technique it uses itself.

Call it karma.
Maybe its the unpleasant (OK, fetid) atmosphere created by a government shutdown, too much partisanship, and a long-playing record of little, if anything, getting done.

Maybe elected officials, even in Pennsylvania, finally are sick of being labeled loathsome, listless, nonstarters.

Whatever it is, theres suddenly evidence in Harrisburg of bipartisan efforts that could, if successful, begin to alter the states image, the land of low expectations.

Look at just this week.

Republican and Democratic senators joined to urge commonsense probation reforms and voting reforms. And Republican and Democratic House members joined to call for reforming House rules to make the legislative process less polarized, more collaborative.

On Monday, Sens. Anthony Williams (D., Phila.) and Camera Bartolotta (R., Washington), at a Capitol news conference with other lawmakers and advocates, pushed a bill they just introduced to reform probation policy.

Their bill (SB 14) is aimed at helping those on probation who have served prison terms for past crimes get back into society quicker. It would, among other things, cap the length of supervision, allow judges to end probation early for good behavior, and minimize risks of ex-cons being subject to probation extensions, even additional jail time, for technical violations such as minor traffic offenses.

Bartolotta said Pennsylvania should join 30 other states in capping probation sentences. Williams said the issue isnt conservative, liberal, Republican or Democrat, and is not an abdication of justice. He said the bill would allow quicker full reentry into society and help reduce over-incarceration.

Philadelphia Democratic Sens. Art Haywood, Sharif Street, and Vincent Hughes are cosponsors.

The measure is supported by groups as diverse as the conservative Commonwealth Foundation and the ACLU.

On Tuesday, another bipartisan effort popped up: a package of election-reform bills aimed at making voting easier.

This comes from Sens. Mike Folmer (R., Lebanon) and Judy Schwank (D., Berks) and includes allowing no-excuse absentee voting, as is done in most states, expanded deadlines for absentee voting (a needed change addressed by my colleague Jonathan Lais recent report on thousands of rejected ballots due to too-tight deadlines), and allowing counties to create curbside voting at polling places to better assist those with disabilities.

Also, on Tuesday, a bipartisan group of eight House members laid out a series of resolutions to streamline and possibly depolarize House business by making it harder for overly partisan committee chairmen to kill bills in their committees.

Democratic Rep. Pam DeLissio, who represents parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County, for example, wants to ensure any bill with 20 cosponsors from each party gets a committee vote. And GOP Rep. Gene DiGirolamo, of Bucks County, proposes a study of House rules with recommendations for changes.

All this comes on the heels of Philadelphia Democrats this month introducing an aggressive, sweeping agenda to attack poverty: 23 specific proposals ranging from expanded workforce development programs to additional aid for small businesses and neighborhoods.

And when I ask newly minted House GOP Leader Bryan Cutler about receptivity to rules changes and Philly-backed antipoverty efforts, he says hes open to reviewing the former and finds, in the latter, half a-dozen proposals he could support.

Well see.

But you and I know our legislature isnt usually, or ever, into change and/or bipartisanship. This could be a feint to make it seem that normally snoozing Harrisburg is opening its eyes to possibility.

Same for signs the legislature might be starting to understand #MeToo.

(House GOP leadership called for the resignation of its most recently accused member, Rep. Brian Ellis, of Butler County; Senate Democrats say, albeit late, theyre investigating accusations against Montgomery County Sen. Daylin Leach.)

Yes. there are big issues left over from last session, such as redistricting reform and changing statutes of limitations to help victims of child sex abuse, that appear to be sitting idle  two issues surely on the list of Gridlocks Greatest Hits.

So, Im not saying things in your Capitol suddenly are better. All Im saying is suddenly theres evidence they might be moving in a better direction.
Bucks County socialite and Republican Party fund-raiser Claire Risoldi was found guilty Tuesday in a Doylestown courtroom of a $20 million insurance fraud.

A jury of 10 men and two women deliberated for more than four hours before finding the 71-year-old woman guilty of six of nine charges, including insurance fraud, theft by deception, and receiving stolen property.

The Bucks County Court jury found that Risoldi and her family conspired to dupe insurers after three fires between 2009 and 2013 at the familys 10-acre New Hope estate, Clairemont. The prosecution noted that Risoldi and family members expanded and increased coverage on more than 50 pieces of jewelry weeks before the third fire in 2013.

She was first charged in 2014 with attempting to defraud the insurer, AIG.

Linda Montag, Pennsylvania senior deputy attorney general, said Risoldi could face a maximum of 60 years in prison. A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled, but must take place between 60 and 90 days after the verdict.

Risoldi wore a black sweater and blue jeans, ditching the sparkly knit hat she had donned for most of the three-week trial, and pulled back her straw-blonde hair. She was expressionless as the foreman read the verdict. Her two children, Carl and Carla, entered late and departed quickly.

Jack McMahon, Risoldis defense attorney, had spun a narrative Monday during closing arguments that the government and AIG were conspiring against his client, who he said had simply tried to cash in a substantial insurance claim.

Montag disputed that contention. Defense would have you believe that we were complicit in a crime, she said Monday. It doesnt make sense that were helping AIG to deny a claim, especially since they paid her so much money in the past. They denied it because of fraud.

Montag said the Risoldis were continually asking for repayment on items for which they already had collected. The goal, Montag said, was to fund an increasingly luxurious lifestyle for a family known for throwing lavish fund-raisers for county Republicans.

McMahon said Tuesday that he was dismayed by the verdict. We thought we put on a strong case, and the jury spoke otherwise, he said. Were disappointed, but we respect it.

McMahon said it was too early to tell whether the verdict would be appealed.

While Risoldi remains free on bail, Chester County Senior Judge Thomas Gavin warned her not to publicly or privately discuss her case or the upcoming case of her son, scheduled for next month. Gavin was presiding over the case because of the Risoldi familys ties to the Bucks County GOP.

You can be your own worst enemy when you contact people, he said. It is obviously in your best interest to conduct yourself in a manner that would present you in the most favorable light to the court.

After the verdict was announced, Risoldi stood in the middle of the hallway outside the courtroom. When she attempted to answer a reporters question, McMahon interrupted, yelling from the doorway of a nearby conference room: Claire!
If Netflixs Tidying Up with Marie Kondo has you panicked about the disarray of your living space, take heart: You can start decluttering today, and you dont need to go at it alone. Scattered throughout the region are professional organizers for hire who will bring order to your home  sans the tell-all/see-all reality-TV exposure.

Is an organizer right for you? We talked to three of Phillys dozens of professionals about what they do, who their clients are, what their rates are like, and if Kondos way is the only way.

From pantries to paperwork

You may think professional organizers only tackle closets, kitchens, and kids' bedrooms, but they also take on more detailed tasks, like sifting through old hard drives and overflowing file cabinets. No project is too small  something as simple as creating a labeling system for a home office is common.

Its like hiring a painter, explains veteran organizer Darla DeMorrow, owner of Waynes Heart Work Organizing. Sure, you could probably paint the house yourself, but you might feel more comfortable and get the job done a lot quicker if you hire a professional.

Organizers keep clients accountable  forcing them to make time and mental space for tidying up. As Debbie Sokoli, 61, will tell you, theres no getting away with keeping multiples of anything once your hired organizer shows up.

I have three kids, so I save things for three kids, says Sokoli, who recently used a professional organizer while renovating her Merion home of 28 years. Ninety-five percent of the walls were being repainted, so piles of stuff were just everywhere, and I didnt know where to start. Having an organizer pushed me to realize my kids can buy their own pie pan when they get married, and their own baby clothes and their own books.

>>READ MORE: Philly thrifts see surge in donations as people go all Marie Kondo on their homes

Organizers work alongside their clients and aim to enable them to continue organizing on their own, like a personal trainer would. You might argue that organizers are part therapists, too  because, more often than not, decluttering requires letting go of emotional attachments as much as tossing out objects themselves.

A lot of people hold onto things just because it came from a loved one or elicits a certain memory, says Annie Kilbride, owner of Havertown organizing outfit Life Simplified.

When Kilbride works with clients, she asks about the memories each object holds. It helps her determine if an object warrants physical space inside a persons home  or if theres a neater way to preserve the memories.

Ill often have people take photos of items that feel meaningful, and well make an album, Kilbride says. Or, if they feel joy in being able to touch and hold certain items, well create something tangible, like a memory quilt.

The final step is to teach clients how to avoid re-creating the mayhem.

Theres no course in school about conscious consumerism, DeMorrow says. We discuss ways to be more mindful  so that you dont end up in this yo-yo pattern of purging and then rebuying and then purging and then rebuying.

Whats the cost (and the reward)?

While costs depend on an organizers experience level, professional organizers arent cheap. Even Christina Rosenbruch, owner of Bucks Countys SparkJoy.Space, describes her service as a last resort.

I tell people to go the professional route when theyre completely frustrated with their space, can no longer function within in it in a way thats not stressing them out, and have tried on their own to make changes but just arent making progress, Rosenbruch says. People get so overwhelmed that they dont have the motivation to get started, and thats when its going to be worth the investment.

>>READ MORE: Organizing tips from Marie Kondos Philly-based comrades

Rosenbruch charges $375 for a five-hour session. For $1,687, customers get five sessions over 25 hours  which doesnt necessarily guarantee a complete reorganization, Rosenbruch notes. That depends on the size of the space and degree of disarray.

Kilbride agrees that the time required for each project is space-dependent. At Life Simplified, she charges an hourly rate of $70 but also offers discounted packages, including 16 hours for $1,000.

Some organizers charge by the project and wont give an estimate until they assess the space. For instance, DeMorrow charges $350 (or $495 for two professionals) for an initial home visit, which entails about a half-day of professional organizing. She strongly emphasizes that a projects degree of difficulty varies from house to house.

To reorganize an entire room, you can expect to pay at least a hundred dollars, often more. For a whole house, the average is closer to $1,000-plus. Project assessments are generally free and often entail sending photos of your space.

The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals' website (napo.net) lets you plug in your zip code and pull up a list of professionals in your area; from there, you can do a little price shopping.

And while hiring an organizer is a step to a tidier space, sometimes thats just the tip of the iceberg.

This process begins this mindfulness in other areas of your life, and you start questioning why youre doing the things youre doing, Rosenbruch says. Its not unusual to get calls from clients six months after the process where they tell me theyve changed careers, or sell their house, or get out of a bad relationship, or make some other big life change.

Is Tidying Up the only way?

If you do hire a professional organizer, dont expect every session to look like an episode of Tidying Up. The shows star and author of the best-selling 2014 book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Kondo has a trademark strategy  literally.

Rosenbruch is one of two Philadelphia-based organizers certified in the KonMari Method. She and other KonMari-certified organizers straighten up by category rather than location. Start with clothes, move to books, papers, and so on. Sentimental items such as photos and keepsakes come last. Individuals are instructed to hold each item as they declutter; if the item doesnt spark joy, it goes in the discard pile.

The progression moves from easiest to hardest, Rosenbruch explains.

Its easier to give away a T-shirt than it is a piece of furniture," she says. "And its easier to let go of a chair than an item thats sentimental to you.

Other professional organizers can be less austere in their methods.

Its often too overwhelming for my clients to go grab items all throughout the house, Kilbride says. We start by getting them comfortable in their main living spaces and then work towards organizing the peripherals. Sometimes were just tackling one drawer at a time  you need to get rid of things at your own pace.

DeMorrow agrees, pointing out that Americans on average own much larger homes than those in other countries.

Culturally, Kondos used to working in much smaller spaces than my clients', DeMorrow says. Its not all about giving up stuff. If you have the space for something  like an extra spatula  that doesnt necessarily bring you joy but that youll use, its OK to keep it.

Kilbride has seen clients throw out everything at once, only to end up buying the same things months later.

When youre not ready yet to actually let go, it can end up being destructive Kilbride says.

If youre feeling inspired to tidy up but dont want to shell out for a pro, they have plenty of advice for tackling projects on your own.
Another longtime restaurant is making the leap into Center City.

Picanha Brazilian Grill, the popular, critically acclaimed Brazilian steakhouse at Castor Avenue and Hellerman Street in Northeast Philadelphia, has signed a lease for a second location, at 1111 Locust St. in Washington Square West, the former site of Garces Trading Co.

Amabilis Silva, who with her family runs Picanha, said the churrascarias opening is about six weeks away.

Though Silva said a liquor license is in the works, Picanha initially will operate as a BYOB, as is the original spot. Nostalgists remember that Oxford Circle location as the former Gingham House, a diner that operated for decades before its closing in the early 2000s. Picanha opened in 2005 under different owners, and the Silvas took over in 2006.

Silva said the restaurant will offer fast options for lunch, while dinner will bring the familiar combination of all-you-can-eat salad bar backed by skewer-proffering waitstaff that roams the dining room. Prices have not been set but are likely to be lower than those at Center Citys chain churrascarias, Chima and Fogo de Chao.

As Inquirer critic Craig LaBan noted in a 2006 review:

The primal smell of rodizio meats  sizzling as they turn on swordlike skewers atop a barbecue pit at the back of the room  is as close to the South American pampas as Philadelphians can get. Even the rock salt that crusts the meat and the handmade natural charcoal, called carvao, are imported from Brazil.

Picanha is following the operators of the two El Balconcito restaurants, which opened Vista Peru in Old City in early 2018, and the Olney Korean destination Seorabol, which opened a branch in Center City last fall. (Also, just FYI, the West Oak Lane-rooted Lees Hoagie House is making a Center City comeback, opening a location at 246 S. 11th St. on Feb. 1.)
Groton, CT (06349)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 66F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 66F. Winds light and variable.
While headed to King of Prussia in 2016 and 2017 before the opening of Mistral restaurant, Princeton-based restaurateur Fia Berisha took side trips to Fishtown.

Fascinated with the neighborhoods growth, she went on a real estate hunt and found a new building on Frankford Avenue just above Berks Street. Then, a year after her first trip, she convinced investor Stephen Distler and chef-coowner Scott Anderson to take the plunge with a fourth restaurant, after their Mistrals in KoP and Princeton and its fancier upstairs sibling, Elements in Princeton.

On Feb. 7, the three open the candle-lit stunner Aether, what they bill as a neighborhood-friendly bar-restaurant with a raw bar ($2 Little Neck clams and $3 oysters year-round), worldly wine and cocktail list, and an almost all-seafood menu that includes crab linguine among the pastas, a shrimp poboy among sandwiches, and crispy fried whole branzino among the entrees. (The nonseafood dishes are roasted chicken breast with Thai sausage, shiitake, bok choy, tom yum, and chili oil; steak frites; and a dry-aged burger with bacon jam and garlic aioli.)

Oh, and say it EEE-ther.

Either way.

Small plates start at $11 for cauliflower tahini (one of the few vegetarian dishes) and top out at $18 for creme fraiche and trout roe. Three pastas: $16 for cavatelli, $18 for crab linguine, and $21 for saffron risotto. Three sandwiches: lobster roll ($28), shrimp poboy ($17), and burger ($16). Three salads: smoked trout ($16), squid and watercress ($15), and kale ($12). Large plates are in the mid- to high-$20s, except for the steak frites, which clock in at $39.

Seafood towers start at $60.

Aether is stretching the Fishtown restaurant scene north. Its about four blocks north of Suraya, five above Cheu Fishtown and Nunu, and nearly six above La Colombe. Its also two blocks south of St. Oners, the forthcoming restaurant from Tired Hands Brewing.

The restaurant starts at Frankford Avenue with a bar area framed in white painted brick, segues into a middle dining room, and ends up with a third room, complete with decorative fireplace, that looks out to Blair Street behind a garage door.

Aether has become a personal project for Berisha, 33, a restaurant lifer who got into the business at age 9 at her immigrant parents' pizzeria in central New Jersey. Last year, she moved to Fishtown, requiring a commute among Princeton, where she oversees Mistral and Elements, and King of Prussia for Mistral.

Berisha embraced the area, seeking out artisans. She brought her wine bottle collection to Remark Glass at the Bok Building in South Philadelphia to be blown into sconces.

The banquettes, tables, and shelving were created by woodworker-designer Kirk Loubier, custom mirrors (distressed to look old) are by Cimone Berman of Argent Mirror, steel doors separating two dining areas were made by Cottingham Ltd, leather detailing was done by Mr. Bar Stool, and textured plaster walls were created by Fishtown resident Christopher Thomas.

In a novel arrangement, the front of the house and back of the house will be integrated. Berisha will not only run the day to day; she will work one day a week in the kitchen. (She had developed the menu with Anderson and chef de cuisine Mike Ryan.) By the same token, head chef Christopher Boyce will work the floor one day a week. The idea, she said, is to help break down the walls between the kitchen and dining room staffs.

In a bid for solidarity with women, Berisha and Distler plan to donate a portion of proceeds between Feb. 7 and March 31 to Women Against Abuse.

Kitchen hours will be 4:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, and Sunday; 4:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The bar will be open till 1 a.m. The restaurant is closed Mondays.
Trombonist Dan Blacksberg can easily walk from his home to Kol Tzedek, the West Philly synagogue where he serves as klezmer musician in residence. Both are just a few blocks from the Mothership, the small storefront venue where Blacksberg will take up a very different residency this weekend with his series Encounters @ the Mothership.

The proximity of these three sites seems to lay out Blacksbergs musical life in geographical form, with klezmer and avant-garde jazz existing side by side, both being a close and vital part of his community.

My klezmer work is extremely serious and busy and rigorous, Blacksberg says, and my jazz and improvised music is extremely serious and busy and rigorous, as well. Ive gotten very comfortable playing to my strengths recently, and that includes being able to change hats very easily and to play a lot of different kinds of music with a lot of different people.

In recent years, Blacksbergs work in klezmer has begun to eclipse his life in jazz. He maintains a busy schedule teaching at international festivals like Klezkanada and Yiddish New York in addition to his responsibilities at Kol Tzedek. So he decided it was time to launch an event that would spur his experimental music side in an equally intense way.

Encounters @ the Mothership will feature four nights of concerts, each with a different ensemble of invited guests playing new music that ranges from solo chamber pieces to songs that border on pop music to all-out free jazz chaos. The lineup includes 94-year-old Sun Ra Arkestra bandleader and saxophonist Marshall Allen, pedal steel guitar improviser Susan Alcorn, and Temple Universitys Boyer College Electroacoustic Ensemble Project, in addition to frequent local collaborators like drummer Mike Szekely, vibraphonist Ashley Tini, and guitarist Nick Millevoi, who has been playing with Blacksberg since the two were at Masterman High School together.

At the same time, Blacksberg is in the initial stages of composing a new piece for the Kimmel Centers annual Jazz Residency program, to be premiered in June. Undertaken in collaboration with cantor Yosef Goldman, the project will explore the connections among Jewish, Arabic, and non-Jewish musical cultures. At a kick-off concert for the residency in January, Blacksberg offered a packed audience at SEI Innovation Studio, the intimate room tucked away in the Kimmels basement, a fairly exhaustive overview of the varied ways that jazz and klezmer have intertwined in his music throughout his career.

"I was learning about both of these things at the same time, Blacksberg recalls. It was in high school that he started exploring adventurous jazz after hearing trumpeter Cuong Vu on J. Michael Harrisons long-running WRTI-FM show The Bridge; around the same time, he started obsessively listening to Jews with Horns, the 1995 album by pioneering American klezmer band the Klezmatics.

Combining the two musical forms is far from a novelty. Almost as soon as the traditional music of Ashkenazi Jews landed on U.S. shores via Eastern European immigrants, jazz melded with and transformed what had traditionally been known as klezmer into its more familiar American variant.

But Blacksberg discovered echoes in other places, as well, most notably in the music of jazz legend Ornette Coleman, whose harmolodic theory has been key to Blacksbergs own sonic experiments. I think the harmolodic world is the key for experimentalizing musical cultures that have clear traditions, he says. In the case of Ornettes early music, he did it for jazz; in the case of [his electric band] Prime Time, he did it with funk and rock. That to me is whats interesting as an artist, to not take music away from where it comes from, but to push into where it lives.

Blacksberg has done just that with bands that find unexpected resonances in distinct musical styles. Simcha fused klezmer, jazz, and hardcore punk, while Deveykus melded the slow, meditative melodies of Hasidic nigunnim with the heavy, droning sound of doom metal and the aggressive improvisation of free jazz. By collaborating with Goldman, Blacksberg introduces the traditions of Jewish music from the Middle East into the already rich mix.

For now, Blacksberg is simply looking forward to the new connections that will be forged through the four nights of his Encounters series. Whatever comes of the experience, he says, Im going to have played with all these people, not as a milestone for my career but so that I know what that feels like and whats possible. Once youve done these things, instead of something you have to reach for, it becomes part of your story and your vocabulary. Then you can think about whats next.

MUSIC

Encounters @ the Mothership

8:15 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 7-10, the Mothership, 602 S. 52nd St., $15 danblacksberg.com
Public faith in the media has endured a precipitous decline over decades, and thats continued in the age of fake news.

Now, a commission of leaders  including Amy Gutmann, president of the University of Pennsylvania  has issued a 200-plus-page report on how to restore faith in the media and create more civically minded citizens.

Crisis in Democracy: Renewing Trust in America, produced by the Knight Foundation and the Aspen Institute, recommends that members of the media work together to launch a national campaign on the role of journalism and offer radical transparency on how journalists do their jobs.

We all need to work to help people discern whats truthful from what is really fake news," Gutmann said Monday. "We all need to work to also increase justifiable trust in responsible journalism.

Gutmann was one of 27 Knight Commission members from a variety of disciplines, including academia, the arts, media and business, who developed the report. A Harvard-educated political scientist, Gutmann has written on the importance of compromise in politics and the ability to engage in robust discussion with political adversaries; she has brought both former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democrat, and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a Republican, to Penn to teach. She also has been outspoken about the importance of a free press.

The Knight Commission report paints a dire picture of declining trust in the media and a free-for-all information landscape where citizens are getting news from less-than-reliable sources.

Americans cannot assume that their fellow citizens are operating under the same set of facts, the report said.

The sweeping report also calls for efforts to create more civic-minded citizens better able to evaluate information. Fewer than 25 percent of eighth graders could pass a basic proficiency test in civics in 2014, the report notes. State legislatures and colleges should consider incentives  including tuition benefits, student loan forgiveness and admission advantages  to encourage people to engage in a year of voluntary national service, it adds.

Penn already provides monetary awards to seniors to spend the year after graduation on projects that will improve their communities and the world.

But Gutmann said the Ivy League university can and will do more.

Its more important than ever before," Gutmann said. Sometime, I hope before the end of this year, we will develop an educational program that will prominently feature citizenship.

The commission report included some startling statistics about the decline in faith in the media: In 1976, according to Gallup, 72 percent of U.S. adults said they trusted the media  newspapers, TV and radio  to report news fully, accurately and fairly. Now that percentage has declined to 41 percent, and among those who identify as Republicans, only 14 percent.

The reasons for declining trust of democratic institutions are many, the commission found, including the political polarization gripping the country; government gridlock; the gap between wealthy and poor, and racial tensions.

The good news? More than 70 percent of the population still trusts their local media, the report notes.

While it may appear that an erosion of trust has escalated during Donald Trumps presidency, the problem has been building for decades. The Knight Commission report would have been necessary with or without a Trump presidency, Gutmann said.

We have needed it for decades, she said. Theres been an erosion, a long-term erosion, of trust here, which is just more obvious to some people today because they are so shocked by national politics.

The commission included members with diverse viewpoints, including some who believed Trump is right to be critical of the coverage he has received.

They can cite examples where they believe the press is prejudicial in its coverage of him, his actions and policies, the report said. That sentiment has come through clearly in the hearings we held across the country in 2018 and in other writings.

But the commission also stands together behind the importance of a free and open press and does not regard the media as the enemy, a sentiment expressed by Trump.

We are unanimous that a free press is not, and must not be seen as, the enemy of the people, the report said.

Newsrooms must become more diverse, both racially and gender-wise, but also geographically and politically.

We call on and depend upon media for speaking across multiple perspectives, Gutmann said. "You can only do that if you have a newsroom where there is that kind of diversity of backgrounds and perspectives."

News organizations also must clearly distinguish opinion pieces from news, and be more transparent in how they develop, write, and correct stories.

This includes a call for news entities to disclose the context for every facet of their operations, ranging from business infrastructure to editorial decision-making to community engagement, the report said.
A Newark, Del., software firm that makes light-based fast-computing systems and a video-enhancement platform used by the U.S. military for war intelligence and weapons testing, has agreed to pay $2.75 million to resolve civil allegations of federal contracting fraud.

The 11-member firm, E.M. Photonics Inc., and Eric Kelmelis, the companys chief executive, had each been accused of falsified labor costs and duplicative work in order to maximize charges," under special programs run by the Small Business Administration for U.S. contractors with under 500 employees, according to a statement by David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for Delaware.

The company  cofounded by Kelmelis in 2001 while working on his masters degree in electrical engineering at the University of Delaware  has filled 100 contracts with the U.S. Navy and Air Force, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, NASA, the Department of Energy, and other agencies.

Photonics officials said they settled accusations with the agencies and prosecutors in late December, after a four-year investigation of billing and timekeeping issues from 2009 to 2014. However, the deal was announced only this week by federal prosecutors in Wilmington after the end of the partial shutdown of the federal government.

The government got the quality research and work it paid for, and the company and Kelmelis both deny that they made any misrepresentations, according to defense lawyer Nathan J. Andrisani of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Philadelphia. And, the agencies have given the company 20 more contracts since the period covered by the investigation ended.

Andrisani said the company and Kelmelis were disappointed that they had to settle but thought that putting the matter behind them was the best option as they go back to work on new and better technology.

Kelmelis agreed to pay half the settlement immediately, while E.M. Photonics will pay the other half over the next three years. The settlement includes $1.18 million in restitution, and does not cover any tax or criminal liability. The settlement agreement says both sides agreed to the payments to avoid the delay, uncertainty, inconvenience and expense of protracted litigation.

During the five years covered by the investigation, the company and its boss engaged in two principal schemes to defraud" federal procurement programs meant to help small businesses, prosecutors alleged in Weiss statement on the settlement.

First, Kelmelis and his company told employees to falsely complete time sheets for direct labor that the employees did not perform and submit false invoices and public vouchers to the funding agencies for direct labor that was not performed on these contracts and grants. Also, prosecutors say the company sought and received government funding for essentially equivalent work already performed and funded by another government agency, but falsely certified that the work wasnt duplicative.

The government alleged that both of these schemes were designed to maximize charges to each contract or grant, the statement added.

The civil allegations resolved in the settlement are the latest in a series that government procurement investigators have made in recent years against firms participating in the federal Small Business Administrations Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. These programs are the nations largest source of early-stage/high-risk funding for start-ups and small businesses," according to the E.M. Photonics settlement.

Some other cases included criminal charges and resulted in prison sentences. No criminal charges have been filed in the Delaware case. Asked whether the government is done with the company, Weiss' spokeswoman, Kimberlynn Reeves, said the office had nothing to share.

The settlement followed a joint investigation by Jamie M. McCall and Jennifer Hall, of Weiss office; the federal Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and NASA, Army, Navy, Air Force and Energy Department investigators, to ensure the integrity of the U.S. Department of Defenses procurement system," including research and development, said Leigh-Alistair Barzey, special agent-in-charge of the services Northeast field office.

In 2017, the federal Government Accountability Office urged Congress to tighten requirements for small businesses that participate in the small-business contractor programs.

GAO noted that federal agencies have awarded $2 billion a year through SBIR and tech transfer for the last 25 years, and that from 2010 to 2016, prosecutors used information collected by federal inspectors general to win 14 guilty verdicts or criminal pleas for violating program guidelines, collected $31 million in restitution, and suspended 40 people from federal contracting, with other cases in the works.

In one such case, a Lehigh University professor was convicted in 2016 on criminal charges and sentenced to prison for defrauding NASA and other agencies in connection with a $700,000 grant that was partly backed by the SBA SBIR program.

In that case, Lehigh University engineering professor Yujie Ding was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for lying to win the contract. Ding told the government he would use public funds to pay scientists to do the research in his company lab. Instead, the court found that Ding had a grad student do the work in a Lehigh lab, illegally boosting Dings firms profits.

We are a Band-Aid. The agencies needs to firm up these programs, Jim Ives, assistant inspector general for investigations at NASA, told me after Dings conviction was appealed (the Third Circuit appeals court upheld Dings sentence).

Ives urged SBA and the agencies who hire SBA-backed contractors to get folks out to visit [contractor workplaces]. Review their financial records. Its not brain surgery. Its keeping an eye on whats going on.
Philadelphia City Council members advanced a bill on Tuesday that would prohibit most city stores from going cashless.

The Law and Government Committee approved the bill by 4-1 after a hearing. The bill would prohibit retail locations from refusing to accept cash or charging cash-paying customers a higher price. Violators could be fined up to $2,000.

The legislation now goes before the full Council for consideration. The earliest it could be voted on is Feb. 14.

As technology gives consumers more ways to pay, including with their smartphones, some stores have gone cashless to improve efficiency, avoid the hassle of handling cash, and reduce the risk of robbery. In Philadelphia, that includes the salad chain Sweetgreen and Bluestone Lane, a coffee shop.

But proponents of the bill argue that cashless stores effectively discriminate against poor consumers who do not have access to credit or bank accounts, especially in a city with one of the highest poverty levels in the country. Nearly 6 percent of the Philadelphia region was unbanked in 2017 and roughly 22 percent was considered underbanked, according to the Federal Insurance Deposit Corporation.

Most speakers at the hearing supported the bill, but even proponents said a ban should not be permanent. Some said a cashless economy is inevitable, but a pause is needed to get more people into bank accounts.

Its about making sure that all of our citizens are included in our future, said Kevin Thomas Jr. of Drexel Universitys Center for Hunger Free Communities. This bill stops discrimination and gives innovation and exclusion a chance to catch up.

Sylvie Gallier Howard, first deputy director of the city Commerce Department, said there are about five businesses in Philadelphia that are currently cashless, less than many other major cities. But she said the department is confident that the cashless business model will proliferate.

At some point, probably in the near future, a ban on cashless businesses could impact our competitiveness as a city, which would negatively impact those that are already the most disadvantaged, she said. We must prepare our city for the rapid pace of modernization.

New Jersey lawmakers passed a similar bill last week to ban cashless stores statewide, sending the proposal to Gov. Phil Murphy.

In Philadelphia, lawmakers amended the bill to carve out some businesses from the proposed ban. Parking lots and garages, wholesale clubs, retailers with membership programs, and rental companies could still refuse to take cash if the ordinance is adopted. Sales made by phone, mail, and online would also be excluded, as well as goods and services sold exclusively to employees.

Councilman David Oh, a Republican, was the lone vote against the bill.

I oppose the bill primarily because I dont think its the role of government to tell business what to do, he said. He noted there are costs associated with handling cash, and argued that allowing businesses to go cashless would let them lower prices for consumers.

Oh also pointed out that City Hall doesnt accept cash for some services. Democratic Councilman Bill Greenlee, one of the bills sponsors, said the city should start to take cash too.
Whether you consider yourself a natural born artist or a stick-figure-drawer for life, creating a colorful masterpiece has never been easier, thanks to the Color Our Collections campaign. The week-long initiative (through Feb. 8) invites you to choose from hundreds of adult coloring books, featuring images from the collections of quirky museums, libraries, and archives around the world.

All of the black-and-white images are free to download from the official campaign website, library.nyam.org/colorourcollections. Simply print out the pages that catch your eye and get to work filling in the empty spaces with gel pen, pencil, marker, crayon, or whatever else you have on hand.

You wont find coloring sheets of paintings from the Louvre here, or from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. But you will find five images from the Historical Medical Library of the College of Physicians, home to the Mutter Museum  including a U.S. Public Health Service Syphilis Wrecks Marriage advertisement.

Other local institutions that are participating include the Library Company of Philadelphia, the Rosenbach, Drexels College of Medicine, the Swarthmore College Libraries, the Science History Institute, and the Delaware Museum of Natural History.

The annual campaign was launched in 2016 by the New York Academy of Medicine Library. This years version features new submissions from 90 different institutions.

Along with the syphilis advisory, the College of Physicians, encourages you to color a crocodile skeleton hanging out in front of a pyramid, or a superficial muscle dissection of conjoined twins.

Images from Drexel Universitys College of Medicine archives include fairytale-like images. In one, a farmer stands in a field amidst an assortment of vegetables that have faces. In another, a womans hair is being combed by flying fairies.

Images from the Digital Library at Villanova University include illustrations from The Gentlewoman, an early 20th-century magazine for women showcasing the fashion of the time. There are also samples of Coca Cola ads dating back to 1916.

International entries in this years Color our Collections campaign include range from Londons Lambeth Palace Library to to New Zealands Auckland War Memorial Museum, the Lithuanian Art Museum, and Germanys Cologne Public Library.

Participants are encouraged to use the hashtag #ColorOurCollections across social media to show off their creativity.
Staff reports

The Petoskey News-Review

The Little Traverse Bay Humane Society will host a Rock Out For Rescue from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15 at Staffords Perry Hotel in Petoskey.

The event will feature Main Street Dueling Pianos from Grand Rapids, in addition to a silent auction, hors doeuvres, a cash bar and dancing.

This is going to be a fun evening to benefit all of the animals at the shelter, said Little Traverse Bay Humane Society executive director, Deter Racine. Each year, we rescue hundreds of animals and provide them with nutritious food, a warm bed, medical care and individual love and attention until they find their forever home. Events such as Rock Out for Rescue help us continue to provide exceptional care to all of the animals at the shelter.

Little Traverse Bay Humane Society is a no-kill shelter that is funded solely by donations, grants, fundraisers and shelter operations. In addition to being an adoption center, Little Traverse Bay Humane Society offers a variety of proactive programs including those for low-cost spay/neuter, behavioral training, and outreach in addition to boarding, grooming and training services and a full-service veterinary clinic.

Tickets are $50 in advance or $60 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (231) 347-2396, or go to www.ltbhs.com.
Jennifer McKay, policy director

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

2018 concluded with a legislative lame duck session for the books. In total, 408 bills were sent to former Gov. Snyders desk, many of which were highly controversial. While some negative legislation passed, the Watershed Council, our partners, and Michigans citizens were able to defeat or amend many other anti-environmental bills.

Here is a recap of a few of the bills that became law in former Gov. Snyders final days in office.

Senate Bill 1197 (Public Act 359)  Authorizing a Utility Tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac

Public Act 359 creates a new Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority. The Authority will oversee construction and operation of a tunnel proposed to go under the Straits of Mackinac to house Enbridge Energys Line 5. Just one week after being signed into law, at the inaugural meeting of the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority, the Authority approved agreements that will allow Enbridge Energy to pursue construction of the utility tunnel.

Senate Bill 1211 (Public Act 631)  Changes to Michigans Wetlands, Inland Lakes, and Streams Programs

Public Act (PA) 631 ended up being a significantly scaled-back version of the original bill. Under the original proposal, more than 550,000 acres of wetlands and 4,200 lakes would have lost protections.

In the end, PA 631 adds the federal definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) to the current definition of lakes and streams and wetlands. The federal definition is unclear and has been in legal flux since 2001. By including WOTUS in the definitions, it is tying Michigans program to a non-stable and complicated federal standard that could lead to time delays, lack of clarity, and lack of predictability. In addition, PA 631 awards expert witness fees for violations and contested cases. Because the program has no funding source for this and there is no limit or criteria for amounts, it is likely that our state programs will suffer financially as a result.

House Bill 4205 (Public Act 602)  No Stricter than Federal

Public Act 602 prevents the State of Michigan from adopting environmental rules more stringent than federal standards, thereby, handcuffing the state in its effort to protect public health and the environment. The legislation is overly broad and would impede necessary regulatory flexibility that is vital for many programs including protection of the Great Lakes.

Federal regulations are only intended to be the lowest standard that states must meet. Tying regulations to federal standards would prevent the state from meeting the specific needs of Michigan citizens and businesses. In order to protect Michigan residents from PFAS and other toxins, our environmental regulations should be shaped by state decision-makers, based on the best science available, and reflect the values of Michigan residents.

Senate Bill 1244 (Public Act 581)  Part 201 Cleanup Standards for Contaminated Sites

Public Act 581 prevents the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality from using the best science to develop cleanup standards for contaminated sites, including for chemicals like PFAS. Instead, the MDEQ is required to use federal toxicity values when setting cleanup criteria for hazardous substances. If the chemical is not in the federal database, the DEQ will be required to undergo an enhanced review process, essentially jumping through additional hoops to verify other scientific data. This is why 80 MDEQ employees with extensive knowledge of the states cleanup program and development of cleanup criteria sent a letter to the governor requesting a veto, stating the legislation will threaten health and safety of the people of Michigan.

In 2019, Michigan transitioned to the new administration of Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel. The incoming administration has a tremendous opportunity to reset course in Lansing and restore Michigans legacy as a national leader in public health and environmental protection.

Under the new regime, a number of the bills mentioned above have been called into question. On her first full day in office, Governor Whitmer requested an opinion from Attorney General Nessel regarding the constitutionality of PA 359 forming the new Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority, as well as if the actions taken by the new board are legal.

In addition, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council joined forces with Michigan Environmental Council, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and more than 20 organizations across the state to develop an Environmental Roadmap. This roadmap provides a comprehensive policy agenda for the first 100 days and first term of the Whitmer administration. Here are four of our top policy priorities:

 Establish an enforceable PFAS drinking water standard so we can protect communities and ensure clean drinking water.

 Identify and secure new funding to replace all lead service lines and upgrade our states crumbling water infrastructure.

 Replace the Clean Michigan Initiative, a critical funding source responsible for the cleanup of hundreds of polluted waterways and brownfields.

 Support funding and construction projects like the Brandon Lock and Dam and working with other Great Lakes states to protect our states greatest natural resource  our water.

With a presidential administration set on weakening environmental protections designed to safeguard our families and our public health, its time to put Michigan in the drivers seat and ensure our elected leaders push forward comprehensive solutions that will address our States drinking water crises, protect our Great Lakes, and combat climate change.

We look forward to working with the new administration and state legislature to advance the policy recommendations outlined in the Environmental Roadmap. Together, with our partners and Watershed Council members, we will ensure that Michigan makes up the ground lost in recent years.

The Environmental Roadmap can be accessed at https://michiganlcv.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=547b6c211c91436c9453db35bd78bcfb
Staff reports

The Petoskey News-Review

HARBOR SPRINGS  Bioacoustic monitoring, a method which can help provide a better understanding of what wildlife is inhabiting conservancy land, will be the focus during an upcoming Petoskey Regional Audubon Society program.

The program is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the conference room at Northern Lights Recreation, 8865 M-119, Harbor Springs. Admission is free and open to the public.

During the program, Derek Shiels of the Little Traverse Conservancy and Darrell Lawson of the Petoskey Regional Audubon Society will introduce and demonstrate bioacoustic monitoring techniques, equipment, and software.

Bioacoustic monitoring is a way to detect the presence of many species of bird, amphibian, bat and mammals. Shiels will also explain the conservancys current and future land management activities and how the data collected through bioacoustic monitoring will help the conservancy to make informed decisions regarding management practices.

The society is a local chapter of Michigan Audubon since 1966 and has more than 200 members from Charlevoix and Emmet counties. The society is dedicated to creating a greater awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the inter-relatedness of all Michigans wild places and wildlife and the need for stewardship, with emphasis on our local region.
Staff reports

The Petoskey News-Review

A coalition of Northern Michigan community foundations recently launched Water First, an effort to support communities in protecting the regions fresh water resources.

The Community Foundation coalition includes the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, Charlevoix County Community Foundation, Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, Leelanau Township Community Foundation and Manistee County Community Foundation.

This initiative, which is envisioned to leverage at least $500,000 toward the protection goals, will focus on the development of innovative water policies and green infrastructure in the eight counties served by the participating community foundations.

Our work is part of a larger Great Lakes One Water Partnership supported by the Council of Michigan Foundations and the Great Lakes Protection Fund, said Steve Wade, Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation vice-president of gift planning. After an initial planning process last year, our coalition has developed a proposed action plan to support emphasizing water as a first priority in local decision-making.

The community foundation coalition has engaged regional partner Networks Northwest to design, seek feedback on, and deliver a program to support communities in efforts to implement green infrastructure policies, practices, and projects.

Water First is proposing to support the creation of Water First Action Teams to build engagement and participation from local governments and other water partners in four of the regions watersheds, said Sarah Lucas, whos helping to coordinate the initiative on behalf of Networks Northwest. These teams will identify watershed-wide priorities for action, using adopted watershed management plans as a foundation.

Lucas added that the initiative is proposing to support the Action Teams through:

 planning support to help communities develop local policies that provide increased water quality protections and green infrastructure

 fundraising support to help communities find, access, and leverage financial resources that can support priorities

 action grants that provide financial support for implementation of high-priority green infrastructure projects

The coalition of foundations is currently seeking input on the proposed initiative design.

We are inviting interested water resource stakeholders, as well as members of the public, to share their thoughts on local needs and on the direction of Water First, Wade said.

Feedback is being captured at surveymonkey.com/r/waterfirst1
Jillian Fellows (231) 439-9389 jfellows@petoskeynews.com

The Petoskey News-Review

HARBOR SPRINGS  The possibility of using a special assessment to cover costs for a portion of an upcoming floodplain reduction project was discussed by city council members on Monday.

The project, which is divided into northern and southern sections, is designed to reduce the updated floodplain map provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The updated map covers a far larger part of the city than the previous floodplain and would impact hundreds of properties.

For the southern section of the project, estimated to cost $996,000, a special assessment on private property owners in the floodplain has been introduced as a possibility.

City manager Tom Richards said the special assessment is designed to recover the portion of the project cost linked to the benefits that private property owners would receive through the project.

Those (benefits) are preventing flood damage, which FEMA predicts will happen and has happened twice within the last century, preventing the need for those property owners to have flood insurance or restrictions on their property should they want to add a building or build a new building or something, and then one critical item is the predictable decline in property value, Richards said. If youre looking at a home and find out, Oh, yeah, its in the floodplain, I think thats going to have an impact.

Council had previously asked for more information on the special assessment process from city attorney Jim Ramer. Ramer provided that information, including a timeline and memorandum, at Mondays meeting. No action was taken by council.

It was an interesting reading exercise, said council member John Lio.

The floodplain reduction project is still awaiting approvals from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for the southern section of the project, as it involves building a culvert under M-119. Without approval, cost estimates for the project cannot be finalized.

In other business, council members heard an update on the ongoing lawsuit filed by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians against former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder regarding tribal reservation boundaries. Harbor Springs is among the municipalities which have entered the case as intervening defendants.

Ramer said the judge in the case recently denied two motions and that motions for summary judgments are expected to be filed by all sides by March 18.

City council members also approved participation in a new generating plant project near downstate Coldwater through the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA). The councils approval authorizes Richards to join the project committee.
William T. Perkins

(231) 439-9353

Environmental groups are applauding recent actions Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took this week changing the structure of the states environmental and natural resource agencies.

The changes come as the result of two executive orders and one executive directive the governor signed Monday afternoon. One result of those changes is that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality will be rebranded as Environment, Great Lakes and Energy Department (EGLE). The new department will also include the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes and Michigan Agency for Energy, and will create new offices within the department, including the Office of the Clean Water Public Advocate, the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate, and the Interagency Environmental Justice Response Team, according to a press release from the governors office.

The change doesnt bring in any new funding for the department, but comments from the governor suggest the goal is to shift the focus of the agency away from business interests and toward environmental issues in state communities, especially in light of continued drinking water contamination concerns in parts of the state.

This is about finding real solutions to clean up our drinking water so every Michigander can bathe their kids and give them a glass of water at the dinner table safely, Whitmer said in a press release. We have a chance to build a system that really works so we can protect our water and improve public health.

Environmental groups, including the local Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, were supportive of the changes.

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is hopeful that the changes made by Governor Whitmer will refocus the Department to be a leader in the protection of Michigans environment, the Great Lakes, and the residents who rely upon them, Tip of the Mitt policy director Jennifer McKay said in an email statement.

Whitmers other two measures permanently codified the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART), and entered the state into the U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition now made up of 20 states focused on curbing greenhouse emissions.

The measures also rolled back a controversial Gov. Rick Snyder-era measure: the Environmental Rules Review Committees, which were labeled polluter panels by some, as they gave industry officials a seat at the table in approving DEQ policies. This committees were created last year through a set of bills that critics called the Fox Guarding the Henhouse measures.

We are extremely pleased to see the elimination of the environmental rules review and permit oversight committees, McKay said. The removal of these committees puts the decision-making and control of Michigans environmental protections back where it should be.

The measures also create the office of Energy and Climate Change, which will advise the governor on issues of climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable energy.

It is clear the administration is dedicated to addressing one of our greatest threats, McKay said.

She added: We look forward to seeing how these changes will be implemented and working with the administration and department to protect the health of drinking water and Great Lakes and combat climate change.
William T. Perkins

(231) 439-9353

Environmental groups in Michigan are asking for increased attention to their concerns during the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer administration.

Late last week, a coalition of five state environmental groups released their 2019-2022 Environmental Roadmap, a collection of goals they hope will influence the decisions new state government leaders make during their terms.

Those five groups include the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan Environmental Council, We the People of Detroit, Lean & Green Michigan and National Wildlife Federation, although material from those groups states that they said they fielded input from more than 20 organizations to come up with their goals, including the Petoskey-based Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council.

The Environmental Roadmap offers clear policy recommendations and actions for the administration and state Legislature to take in the first 100 days and beyond to ensure all Michiganders have safe drinking water and clean air, James Clift, policy director at Michigan Environmental Council, said in a press release.

One major issue that pervaded throughout the document was that of per- and polyfluoroalkyls (PFAS) contamination. So far, alarming levels of such synthetic substances have not been identified in Charlevoix or Emmet counties water supplies, but increased research, especially within the past year, has shown 40 state-recognized contaminated sites throughout the state. Activists are calling for the state to define a strict drinking water advisory level for the chemicals, and to pursue funding to address the contaminated sites.

Striking a little closer to home were references to Enbridge and Line 5, a major target of environmental activists in Northern Michigan.

Animosity over the petroleum pipeline  particularly the 65-year-old underwater portion crossing the Straits of Mackinac  has been escalating for years and was exacerbated at an ever-increasing rate as former Gov. Rick Snyder drew closer to his final days in office. In one of his final acts, he cleared the way for the current Straits section of the pipeline to be replaced and housed inside a utility tunnel built into the bedrock below the lake bottom.

The 15-page roadmap only refers to pipelines a total of three times. But in one instance, it calls on the administration to file a legal action against Line 5 to have it decommissioned within the first 100 days. Beyond that, it calls on the administration to follow the goals outlined by the now-defunct Pipeline Safety Advisory Board subcommittee at the end of last year to tighten regulations.

Gov. Whitmer, who campaigned on promises to shut down Line 5, has already asked Attorney General Dana Nessel to examine the legality of Snyders end-of-term actions on Line 5. A report on those findings is still forthcoming.

The roadmap also focuses on rolling back other lame-duck session measures. For example, one bullet point calls on officials to bring Michigans wetlands protection program ... in line with federal minimum standards.

Michigan, which has some of its own authority to enforce the Clean Water Act through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, has already taken some steps outside the bounds of federal regulations on wetlands protection. But those protections were threatened even further when a bill proposed by state Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, proposed slashing the number of wetlands that would be protected under the states framework. By the time of passage, legislators had dramatically scaled back on the bill, but opponents said it still dramatically decreased the DEQs protective powers.

Other parts of the policy agenda call for continued incentives to reduce reliance on nonrenewable resources, an increased reliance on clean energy, and the acquisition of public lands, especially in southern, urban parts of the state.

On Nov. 6, the people of Michigan took their priorities to the ballot box and voted for leaders who will address our states drinking water crises, protect our Great Lakes, combat climate change and position our state to be a leader in clean energy, said Lisa Wozniak, executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, in a press release.

Full text of the document can be found online at michiganlcv.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=547b6c211c91436c9453db35bd78bcfb
A Pennsylvania woman twice convicted of animal cruelty charges for hoarding and criminally neglecting dogs deserves to stay caged, a state appeals court panel has ruled.

The Superior Court opinion, written by Judge Mary P. Murray, rejected Sandy Blagdans claim that her 2- to 11-year prison sentence is unjustifiably long.

Instead, Murray agreed with Jefferson County President Judge John H. Foradora that the Punxsutawney woman needs to be behind bars because she cannot be controlled.

Blagdan, 49, was convicted in her first animal cruelty case in 2016. Authorities said she hoarded dogs inside a home and allowed them starve, become flea infested and suffer from untreated bite wounds and skin infections.

She was found guilty of 18 cruelty counts in that case and in November 2016 was sentenced to 2 days in jail and nearly 18 months of probation. She also was barred from owning any animals for 4 years.

Yet in September 2017 Blagdan was again found to be hoarding neglected, sick and starving dogs, Murray noted. She pleaded guilty to 11 more cruelty counts and received her prison term last February.

On appeal, Blagdan claimed Foradora imposed a sentence that is manifestly excessive, inflicting too severe a punishment that is disproportionate to the crimes.

In disagreeing, Murray cited the explanation Floradora gave when he sent Blagdan to prison.

Theres nothing that can be done to control you, Floradora told Blagdan at her sentencing hearing. You were the worst offender Ive ever seen, periodYouve already killed dogs andyoure not amenable to county probation.
Following the publication of a story about how a York College of Pennsylvania billboard was edited to appear more diverse, the college president has released a statement.

The story, posted Monday by education news website Inside Higher Ed, describes how a photo of a handful of students was edited so that two white students were replaced by two students of color.

Social media posts of both photos side by side, pointing out the changes, circulated, and the school began defending their choices to the publish the photo by saying the new version reflected the diversity of those who attend York College.

Did York College photoshop in people of different ethnicities to make them look like a more diverse campus or.. pic.twitter.com/DheEBZQIZU  Corey C-137 (@CoreyReever) January 29, 2019

However, the spokesperson also told Inside Higher Ed that they were up against a deadline, and they should have made a better decision.

York College President Pamela Gunter-Smith echoed that sentiment in a letter sent to campus community after the article was written.

Gunter-Smith confirmed what the article stated: that the original photo taken for the billboard was edited to show a more diverse group of students than the original.

The message received by some was not as intended; it was in no way meant to falsely misrepresent our diversity at YCP, she said.

The photo was not meant to show a ratio of white students to minority students, Gunter-Smith said. It was meant to celebrate the range of student ethnicities present at the college. The desire to show diversity remains a goal of the college.

We are not as diverse in number as we would like to be, but we are, nevertheless, a diverse campus in all respects. We want all students to feel welcome at YCP and to see themselves here, Gunter-Smith said.

Gunter-Smith took responsibility for the billboard, as she takes responsibility for all York College publications and materials, she said. With that said, she still wants these publications to reflect all students at the college.

There is never an attempt to do so in a way that lacks integrity, regardless as to how well-meaning the intention, Gunter-Smith said. In retrospect, we should have achieved the message of the billboard differently and certainly authentically. We will ensure that this is the case in the future.
Lawmakers and public officials who plead guilty to crimes related to their jobs would have to forfeit their taxpayer-funded pension benefits, under a bill approved by the state Senate Monday.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. John DiSanto, R-Dauphin County, won Senate passage by a 49-0 vote. Its one of the first bills to pass the state Senate in the 2019-20 legislative term. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The measure closes a loophole that allowed former state Sen. Robert Mellow to collect his $246,000 a year annual pension after he pleaded guilty in 2012 to federal conspiracy charges. Mellows attorneys argued to the State Employees Retirement System board that the crime to which he pleaded guilty isnt comparable to the state crimes listed under the pension forfeiture law and the board narrowly agreed to restore his pension.

Under DiSantos bill, public officials would lose their pension benefits for pleading guilty or no contest to any felony offense that relates to the office they hold.

Too often these lawbreakers have cut deals whereby they plead guilty to a nonforfeiture felony so they can keep their pension, DiSanto told his Senate colleagues on Monday.

Over the past 10 years, the State Employees' Retirement System and Public School Employees' Retirement System have identified potentially hundreds of such instances, DiSanto said.

At a time when public pensions are wreaking havoc on state and school district budgets, its unconscionable taxpayers must continue to fund lifetime benefits for those who commit felonies on the job, DiSanto said. Voting in favor of this bill today is a significant step forward strengthening our anti-corruption laws and also sends a clear message to our constituents that we are serious about restoring public trust.

Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York County, called it a disgrace the legislation is needed.

She said when she tells taxpayers in her district about Mellow having his pension restored after pleading guilty to a federal crime and serving time in prison, they are outraged and rightfully so. This legislation is a step in the right direction to strengthen the integrity of state government."

A similar bill that DiSanto offered in the last legislative session won unanimous passage in the Senate as well. It also got a stamp of approval from the House Judiciary Committee but it never was put to a vote by the full House before the session ended.
Last year, Vietnam successfully held a lot of multilateral external events, notably the World Economic Forum on ASEAN themed ASEAN 4.0: Entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which drew more than 1,000 delegates, including nine heads of state and Government leaders of regional countries and over 800 leading officials from leading groups in the region and the world.

Considered the most successful regional meeting of the WEF in East Asia in 27 years, the forum put forward policy recommendations on important issues for the development and integration of ASEAN member countries and the whole region in the fourth Industrial Revolution. It also offered a chance to promote Vietnams image as well as its development potential to the region and the world and connect Vietnamese enterprises and others in the world, Son wrote.

Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (Source: VNA)



The country also experienced a breakthrough in speeding up the negotiation and signing of new-generation free trade agreement (FTAs). On March 8th, Vietnam and its partners signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The agreement comprises of 11 members whose gross domestic product (GDP) is totalled at around USD10 trillion, accounting for 13 percent of the globes GDP. The Vietnamese National Assembly ratified the CPTPP on November 12th, 2018. The countrys participation in the agreement showed its strong commitments to renewal and inclusive international integration, and aimed to boost external economy and complete the market economic institution in Vietnam, Son wrote.

He recalled Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucs Europe tour from October 16th-21st, during which the European Commission adopted a decision to submit to the European Council towards the approval of the signing of the EU  Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) between Vietnam and the EU. The EVFTA is expected to help increase Vietnams GDP by 10-15 percent and its exports to the EU by 30-40 percent in the next 10 years.

Another milestone was associated with the implementation of international economic commitments. According to Mr. Bui Thanh Son, from now to 2030, Vietnam will basically complete the enforcement of its commitments within the framework of FTAs and other economic cooperation frameworks to which it is a member. The enforcement of international commitments proved effective, helping attract more foreign investment and raise export turnover.

In 2018, Vietnam also made a breakthrough in the promulgation and implementation of polices related to international integration, reflected through the Party Central Committee Secretariats issuance of Directive No.25-CT/TW on intensifying and increasing the role of multilateral external relations until 2030, and the Prime Ministers promulgation of Directive No.26/CT-TTg on stepping up international economic integration in a more valid and effective manner. Ministries, sectors and localities also took the initiative in negotiating, participating in and taking advantages of opportunities brought by international economic commitments.

In the 2019-2020 period, Vietnam will officially carry out new-generation FTAs, including the CPTPP which came into force in the country on January 14, 2019. The country will also fulfil its commitments in many important economic cooperation frameworks such as the ASEAN-China FTA and the ASEAN-Hong Kong FTA, as well as assuming the ASEAN Chair position in 2020, Son noted.

To effectively implement international economic integration and connectivity, he suggested Vietnam promote its role as a responsible member of the international community, complete the law and policy framework in a synchronous and comprehensive manner, improve the capacity of economic integration and connection, speed up the dissemination of information about advantages and challenges brought by FTAs, and increase the efficiency of a mechanism to solve international trade disputes and trade protection./.
Panther Valley School District third-grade teacher Tori Koerbler is among the 5,100 Pennsylvanians who would get a big pay raise under Gov. Tom Wolfs proposal to raise the minimum salary for public school district teachers.

In the 2019-20 state budget that he unveiled Tuesday, Wolf proposed setting Pennsylvanias new minimum salary for teachers at $45,000. The starting pay for teachers has been stuck at $18,500 for the past 30 years.

Koerbler, a married mother of three, said the additional money in her paycheck would help her familys finances. But more importantly, she said a higher minimum salary would provide something that she sees as lacking in the public perception of those in the teaching profession: respect.

We have a very, I believe, under-respected profession and I just feel that if we could have the respect that we deserve and have our pay reflect that, it would mean a lot to me and some of the other fellow teachers, she said.

Across Pennsylvania, 180 school districts have teachers earning salaries below $45,000, according to the state Department of Education

Several midstate school districts were on the departments list of districts that had teachers earning under $45,000 in 2017-18. They are: Steelton-Highspire, Millersburg Area, and Upper Dauphin Area in Dauphin County; Annville-Cleona in Lebanon County; Newport and West Perry in Perry County; and Northern York County in York County.

Administration officials estimate it will cost almost $14 million to bring the states teachers earning under $45,000 up to that level. Wolf is calling for the state to pick up the cost by targeting dollars for that purpose in its basic education funding provided to school districts.

But skeptics suggest the price tag will be higher than $14 million. They note raising salaries at the bottom of the salary schedule will likely have ripple effects that will lead to higher salaries for those higher up the pay scale. So the full cost of this initiative is unknown and that has school district officials nervous.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say the idea of exploring teacher compensation is worthy of consideration, but not necessarily limited to the proposal the governor has put on the table.

Ive always been very interested in efforts that will allow Pennsylvania to recruit and retain high quality educators, said Senate Education Committee Chairman Ryan Aument, R-Lancaster County. Its very clear in the data that the quality of teacher in the classroom is the number one in-school factor to student achievement. So from that perspective, we have to look at teacher salaries.

While he has yet to be convinced increasing the minimum salary is the best way to attract and retain people to the teaching profession instead of focusing on attracting prospective candidates to the academic disciplines where teacher shortages exist, Aument said the governors proposal helps to elevate a conversation around teacher compensation.

Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee Chairman Vince Hughes said there needs to be a broader investment in the states teacher community to address what he terms a teacher crisis. The Philadelphia lawmaker said a number of teachers are hitting retirement age and fewer students are entering the teaching profession. In addition to raising the minimum teacher salary, he said there also is interest in augmenting that by possibly offering student loan forgiveness.

We need to talk about those kinds of things to attract individuals to the teaching profession and I think this may be the first start of the conversation, he said.

Rich Askey, president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, said his union, which in December identified raising the teacher minimum salary as a priority, will work to achieve the minimum salary initiative.

Over the past 30 years, the teaching profession has gotten much more challenging, the student debt burden has exploded, and were facing a significant teacher shortage, he said in a statement. We shouldnt have experienced teachers who earn less than other professionals with bachelors and masters degrees, and we shouldnt have highly educated, dedicated people who teach our kids strapped with student loan debt and struggle to make ends meet.

A PSEA analysis found that the median salary of educators statewide earning less than the proposed minimum is $42,481, which is 12 percent less than the $47,470 statewide median salary of Pennsylvanians with bachelors degrees.

For Koerbler, the percentage difference is even greater. She earns around $37,000, which is some $2,000 more than she earned the $34,795 salary she was paid when she was first hired in 2015 by the Carbon County school district.

She and her husband have three children, live paycheck to paycheck, pay a mortgage on their small house, and continue to chisel away at her mountain of student loan debt that she expects will take her whole career to pay off.

On top of that, she said they are struggling to pay for the college credits that she needs to earn a Level 2 teaching certification to keep her job. Panther Valley is covering the cost of nine credits. She needs a total of 24.

Still, the teacher said, That doesnt deter me from my job. I still love my job and my heart is definitely in it.

However, if the governors minimum salary proposal fails to pass, Koerbler said she could see in the long-term it might lead her to make some different life choices but still suspects she would remain in the field of education.

Nathan Benefield, vice president of the Commonwealth Foundation, a conservative leaning policy center in Harrisburg, said he doesnt dispute that teachers deserve a competitive wage. But his analysis indicates the cost of the governors proposal to be closer to $39 million instead of $14 million but that would only be the case if the minimum salary were applied to charter school teachers. Wolf spokesman J.J. Abbott told him that the proposal applies only to teachers who work for school districts.

Nonetheless, Benefield said the salary teachers earn is only part of the story. Their compensation package also includes a public-funded pension and health benefits, which as he has seen with other public sector workers, brings the total compensation above $100,000 on average.

Whats more, he said, rural districts, where starting salaries tend to be lower, are where this change will have the most impact."

He suggests the governor look to merit pay and higher salaries to attract teachers to high-demand disciplines to improve education outcomes instead.

In pitching the idea to the General Assembly during his budget address, Wolf called the proposal a game-changer, especially for schools in rural and urban areas that have difficulty attracting and retaining teachers.

Our classroom teachers have too often been getting the short end of the stick, Wolf said. I dont think anyone here in Harrisburg would say that we shouldnt value the contributions our educators have made over the last 30 years  and I dont think anyone would disagree that they have a crucial role to play in securing our prosperity over the next 30. And yet, our government has failed to address this injustice. That has to end now.

*This post has been updated to include a clarification in Nathan Benefields comments to reflect that the proposal applies only to teachers who work for school districts and to provide revised information from the administration on the districts with teachers that now earn less than $45,000.
At a glance: Gov. Tom Wolfs 2019-20 budget unveiled on Tuesday pushes the states investment in preschool-to-grade 12 education up nearly 3 percent to a record level of more than $9.6 billion - a little more than 28 percent of the general fund budget.

It includes a $200 million increase in direct funding to school districts to cover basic educational costs and moves $242 million from the Ready to Learn block grant program into basic education funding as well, bringing the total to nearly $6.1 billion.

It also calls for $50 million more for special education, $50 million more for preschool, and $10 million more for career and technical education.

The budget also calls for lowering the states compulsory school attendance age to 6 from the current 8 years old, while raising the dropout age from 17 to 18 years old. Wolf also proposes studying the idea of universal free full-day kindergarten for all children, and raising the minimum teachers starting salary to $45,000. The governor earmarks some of the funding for basic education to cover the proposed minimum salary mandate.

What it means: School districts would have more help from the state in covering their mandated pension, special education and charter school costs in the next school year that school officials have lamented is eating up the increases in state funding they are receiving. Additionally, the governors call for changing the compulsory attendance and dropout ages will put Pennsylvania in line with other states and better prepare students for the education and training levels in the 21st century. Whats more, the governor is continuing to put emphasis on career and technical education to help train workers to fill current and anticipated job vacancies.

Verdict: If this education funding proposal comes to pass, its a true win for public schools and employers who reap the benefits of a more highly trained and educated future workforce.

*This post was updated to correct the size of increase for career and technical education.
At a glance: The governor is proposing a 1.1 percent increase in funding for higher education in his 2019-20 budget proposal, bringing the total to $1.85 billion. Higher education funding accounts for 5.2 percent of the governors total general fund budget but the total spending remains around $1.8 billion.

State funding for the 14 state-owned universities, including Shippensburg, Millersville, and West Chester would rise by $7 million  or 1.5 percent  to $475.1 million (although still less than the $38 million the State System of Higher Educations board requested). No increase in funding is included for the state-related universities  Penn State, Pitt, Temple and Lincoln. Community colleges and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology are level funded as well.

Additionally, the governor is proposing to launch an $8 million Stay in PA pilot program to provide up to one-time $2,500 grants to students or graduates of a Pennsylvania community colleges with a goal of getting them to stay in the commonwealth.

The proposal provides for a $36.8 million increase in state funding for the student grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. In addition, the governor is looking to PHEAA to provide $58 million more for grants from agency funds. However, PHEAA has signaled that the money it had set aside from agency funds to supplement state funding for the grant program was used to fund grants this year. Even if PHEAA is able to come up with the $58 million, it still means overall funding for the grant program will decline by $6.5 million from this year, meaning smaller or fewer grant awards may be in the offing next year.

What it means: More than likely, it means schools once again will likely look for additional funding from their other major revenue source: the students.

Verdict: Its a winner overall since funding for higher education is up. However, for those colleges and universities that are not receiving an increase, they might not see it that way unless they consider that its better than a state funding cut.
At a glance: For the third year, Gov. Tom Wolfs budget proposal includes a fee for municipalities that rely solely on the state police for protection. This year, the proposal ditches the original $25 per capita fee that drew the ire of many small, cash-strapped communities in favor of a sliding scale. In all, the fee is projected to bring in $103.9 million, offsetting funding cuts elsewhere. Across all funds, including federal and special fund dollars, the agencys budget will increase slightly to $1.34 billion.

Over at the Department of Criminal Justice (corrections, probation and parole to us laypeople), funding remains essentially flat at $2.77 billion across all funds, reflecting a $12 million increase.

What it means: The long-simmering debate over how to fund the massive Pennsylvania State Police continues. On one hand, fee proponents say the nearly 1,300 communities that rely solely on the state police are benefitting from the largesse of taxpayers who pay for both a local department and the state police. Some of the communities that would pay the fee argue they dont see (or, in some cases, need) much police protection under the current system and they worry that residents who tend to be living on low- or fixed incomes cant shoulder a fee that would be passed along as a local tax hike. This new proposal seeks to address some of those concerns by using a sliding scale that starts at $8 per capita for communities with less than 2,000 residents and increases to $166 per capita for those with more than 20,000 residents. Municipalities that use state police for partial coverage would not pay the fee under the current proposal.

The looming glut of state police retirements remains, however. Wolfs proposal would fund three cadet classes to help offset 100 projected retirements through the end of the upcoming fiscal year. The overall state police complement would remain flat at 6,446. The complement of troopers is 4,719. Elsewhere, the state police budget includes $25 million for the costly and long-gestating radio system upgrade and another $25 million for state agencies to replace their radios.

Pennsylvanias inmate population declined over the last decade and, according to Wolfs budget, thats expected to tick down again in the coming year to 46,988. Increasing operational costs (food service, building maintenance, staffing) mean that the state wont see any immediate savings in the year ahead.

Verdict: Whatever one thinks of the local policing fee, the state polices operating budget would basically remain status quo under Wolfs budget. Ditto corrections. Lets call it a toss-up.

Wallace McKelvey may be reached at wmckelvey@pennlive.com. Follow him on Twitter @wjmckelvey. Find PennLive on Facebook.

Read the TAPPED OUT special investigation of drinking water.
MIDDLEBURG - One of two men accused of pistol whipping the owner of a coin shop in Snyder County to obtain money they owed for methamphetamine has pleaded no contest to a robbery charge.

David T. Bobe, 40, of Berwick, entered the plea Monday in Snyder County court as his trial was about to begin.

Co-defendant Michael A. Rodenizer, 39, of Beaver Springs, pleaded guilty in December to charges of theft and conspiracy charges. He has yet to be sentenced.

Both were on parole when they robbed Sterner's Coin Shop along Routes 11/15 in Shamokin Dam Sept. 25, 2017, of approximately $45,000 in gold and $30,000 in currency.

Robert Sterner, the coin shop owner, told police that Rodenizer had made arrangements to sell three pieces of jewelry.

He said he paid Rodenizer $60 for a gold class ring and was evaluating the jewelry when he was struck on the head twice with a handgun and several times again after he fell to the floor.

After his hands were duct-taped, the intruders placed coins, gold bars, jewelry and currency in the duffle bags each had and fled, he told police. They left behind a .22-caliber handgun, police said.

Rodenizer claimed they committed the robbery because they had been threatened by a man for not paying a debt for methamphetamine, the arrest affidavit states.
UPDATE: State police have ruled the shooting did not involve road rage.

A man found dead late Monday after what police say is an apparent road-rage incident on Interstate 81 was shot in the head, according to authorities.

Tyrone M. Shaw, 46, of Roselle Park, N.J. was found bleeding from the head, where he suffered an apparent gunshot wound, Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers said in a news release.

About 11:13 p.m. Monday, police saw a black 2004 GMC Yukon sitting along the shoulder of I-81 northbound near mile marker 75.4 in West Hanover Township, Dauphin County, according to the release.

The vehicle had its hazard lights activated, and its rear driver-side tire was flat, authorities said.

When a state police trooper stopped to assist, he found Shaw lying on the ground between the passenger-side of the vehicle and a guardrail. He was dead, police said.

Dauphin County Coroner Graham Hetrick confirmed that Shaws death was a homicide.

Authorities said the vehicle may have been a part of an earlier road-rage incident near mile marker 72 before it became disabled.

The Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers have asked anyone with information about the incident to call 1-800-4PA-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward, they said.
Liam Neeson says he once roamed the streets in pursuit of a black person to murder after a close friend of his disclosed that she had been raped by a (different) black person. The actor recalled this awful impulse during a recent press junket for Cold Pursuit, the latest film in which he plays a wronged man seeking revenge.

"I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping I'd be approached by somebody - I'm ashamed to say that - and I did it maybe for a week, hoping some 'black bastard' would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know?" Neeson told the Independent's Clemence Michallon in an article published Monday. "So that I could . . . kill him." ("Cosh" is a British slang term for a bludgeon.)

Michallon noted that she, Neeson and his co-star Tom Bateman all acknowledged that this was a "distressing admission," which Neeson volunteered out of the blue. The "Taken" star said the impulse lasted about a week and a half before he realized it "was horrible, horrible."

After Bateman reacted with a concise "Holy s---," Neeson brought up his upbringing in Northern Ireland during a decades-long period of violence called the Troubles: "I knew a couple guys that died on hunger strike, and I had acquaintances who were very caught up in the Troubles, and I understand that need for revenge, but it just leads to more revenge, to more killing and more killing, and Northern Ireland's proof of that," he said. "All this stuff that's happening in the world, the violence, is proof of that, you know. But that primal need, I understand."

In "Cold Pursuit," Neeson plays a snowplow driver who seeks revenge against the drug dealers he believes murdered his son. In "Taken," which spawned two sequels, he plays a former CIA operative who seeks revenge against sex traffickers who kidnapped his daughter and her best friend. But many have reacted to Neeson's story in surprise - and disgust - given that the actor had never publicly admitted to this racist impulse before.

Neesons publicist has not returned The Washington Posts request for comment.
The Lancaster County Drug Task Force stopped a major movement of fentanyl and heroin during an operation in January.

That operation not only resulted in three arrests, but also potentially one of the largest seizures of fentanyl in the countys history.

The task force conducted the operation on Jan. 31 in the 1300 block of Lititz Pike in Manheim Township, according to a news release. Detectives had information that a major movement of heroin" would be happening that night.

With the aid of a National Guard helicopter, detectives on the ground were able to box in a pair of vehicles involved in the drug movement.

The following three suspects, all from Philadelphia, were arrested:

Eric Moran, 26

Luis C. Mercado, 32

Katherine Joubert, 27

Along with the arrests, detectives seized nearly three pounds of heroin, both in bundles and in bulk form.

That bulk form, weighing in at about 2 pounds, tested positive as pure fentanyl, according to the release. The drug is so potent that even the smallest amount can prove to be fatal, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to name it the deadliest drug in the country.

If the heroin/fentanyl was sold in street quantities, its value could have exceeded $500,000.

There is no telling how many people could have been killed by the deadly poisons that are now in police custody rather than on the streets, Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman said Tuesday in a statement. This could be one of the biggest fentanyl seizures weve had in this county."

Moran, Mercado, and Joubert were each charged with felony possession with intent to deliver (fentanyl) and conspiracy. Moran is also charged with fleeing police and reckless endangerment after police say he tried to escape the scene.

Each suspect are at Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $2 million bail a piece.
Sierra Nelsons now 3-year-old daughter Ava cannot sit up by herself.

The little girl cant walk, either, and she must be fed through a tube.

That, Chief Deputy District Attorney Sean McCormack said, is because of the severe brain injuries and 39 bone fractures inflicted on Ava by her mom.

Ava, in short, cannot live like a normal 3-year-old, and will be afflicted with disabilities for the rest of her life, the prosecutor said.

On Tuesday, Dauphin County Judge Deborah E. Curcillo ensured Nelsons life will change for the worse as well. She ordered the Harrisburg woman to serve 7 to 17 years in state prison on the aggravated assault and child endangerment convictions a county jury handed down against the 26-year-old last month.

That childput her trust in you, Curcillo told Nelson. And you violated every duty that could possibly be given to a mother.

Investigators said the then 4-month-old Ava was found to have sustained severe brain trauma, 33 rib fractures, four skull fractures and a fractured clavicle and vertebrae when she was rushed to the hospital in March 2016. She was also severely under-weight, McCormack said.

Nelson consistently blamed the childs father, Andre Houston, for the infants injuries. Houston pleaded guilty to a child endangerment charge in December and is serving a 2- to 4-year prison sentence. He testified for the prosecution during Nelsons trial in January.

Nelson rejected an offer to plead guilty to the same charge in return for a 3- to 6-year jail sentence. Her court-appointed attorney, Gerard Mangieri asked Curcillo on Tuesday to sentence his client to 5 to 10 years behind bars.

Despite the jurys verdict, Nelson refused to acknowledge guilt. Im still innocent, she told the judge. I lost my daughter, but spiritually and emotionally shes still right here in my heart.

Then, addressing the absent Ava, Nelson said, I did not hurt you and I am so sorry mommy wasnt there to protect you.

There is no question that both parents failed their daughter, McCormack said when Nelson finished speaking. Theres no question the person who inflicted these injuries knew damage was being done.

I dont think shes evil. I dont think shes a monster, he said of Nelson. I think shes like so many other parents who are put in a situation that can be difficult to deal with.

But theres a bright line that parents cannot step across, McCormack added. And in this case that line was crossed.

Ava has been adopted. Her adoptive mother told Curcillo about the little girls physical limitations and the pain Ava endures during seemingly endless medical procedures.

Despite everything shes gone through, she is the happiest, sweetest, most loving little girl Ive ever met, the adoptive mother added. Her bones may have been broken, but her spirit wasnt broken.
Dale Hanlin made an admission as he was being prosecuted in a crystal meth-by-mail case.

I suck as a drug dealer, the 67-year-old Pennsylvania man said.

He didnt do too well appealing his 8- to 17-year prison sentence for drug trafficking, either.

In a ruling issued Monday, a state Superior Court ruled that penalty isnt unreasonably excessive, as Hanlin claimed.

Whether Hanlins assertion that it is tantamount to a life sentence remains to be seen.

As Judge Mary P. Murray noted in the state courts opinion denying the appeal, Hanlins age worked both for and against him last year as a Jefferson County judge weighed what punishment to impose.

Hanlin, a Brookville resident, was among 30 people charged in an investigation by the state attorney generals office. Investigators said he was the recipient of meth mailed from Tucson, Arizona.

The loosely-organized ring of which Hanlin was a part distributed an estimated $1.6 million worth of the powerful stimulant in Jefferson, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk and Forest counties, the AGs office said.

On appeal to the state court, Hanlin argued that county President Judge John H. Foradora didnt consider several factors, including his cooperation with investigators, in choosing his punishment.

Murray disagreed. She cited, and backed, Foradoras reasons for clapping Hanlin behind bars until hes at least well into his 70s.

Foradora fashioned the sentence after Hanlin pleaded guilty of charges of corrupt organizations, conspiracy and drug delivery. The county judge called the activities of Hanlin and the others accused in the case nefarious and far-reaching.

While Hanlin contended that he should have gotten a break on his sentence because of his age, Foradora acknowledged that youre certainly the oldest defendant Ive ever sentenced for a drug offense.

However, Foradora said he regarded Hanlins age as more of an aggravating factor, because while one typically finds an inverse relationship between age and criminality (Hanlin) defied conventional wisdom by embarking on a new criminal career in his twilight years.

Murrays court declined to second-guess that opinion.


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Gov. Tom Wolf introduced his 2019-20 state budget in a joint address before the General Assembly today.

Here are the winners and losers in the $34 billion plan. Follow the links for more details in specific areas, such as schools, business and state police.

Schools: Public schools see a big boost in aid under Wolfs budget. Theres also a healthy increase for special education programs.

Colleges: The State System of Higher Education sees a slight uptick, but funding is flat for Penn State and the other state-related" universities. On the upside, Wolf calls for more money for a grant program to help families pay for college.

State police: The governor wants to boost funding for state troopers. But Wolf is calling for a fee on towns that rely on state police.

Taxes: Theres no increase in the states sales tax or income tax in the governors plan.

Health care: Many health-related programs would get a slight boost in state aid. The plan offers more for long-term living services, programs to serve those with disabilities and efforts to aid those struggling with substance abuse.

Business: Companies are likely to cheer initiatives to bolster the states workforce and help workers prepare for jobs. But business leaders have already come out against Wolfs plan to raise the minimum wage.

Environment: Programs designed to protect the environment will be asked to rely on money that may not materialize.

State workforce: There are no layoffs of any state workers in the governors budget.

Legislature: Theres a slight cut in funds for the General Assembly.

Libraries: The states libraries get flat funding, which is not good news for community libraries. Pennsylvanias libraries get much less in state aid than they did in 2001.

Museums: The states museum commission would get a small boost in Wolfs budget.

Harrisburg: The budget includes money for fire protection in the capital city.

Other takeaways: Heres a concise look at highlights in the budget.

Deeper dives

Funding the state police: PennLives Wallace McKelvey looks at the impact of Wolfs proposal to charge a per capita fee to municipalities that rely solely on the state police for protection.

The pragmatic governor: PennLives Charles Thompson looks at the practical approach Wolf employed in his first budget of his second term and why some Republican lawmakers offered praise for the governor.

Teacher pay: PennLives Jan Murphy examines the governors proposal to raise the starting salary for teachers in public schools.

See for yourself

Text: Heres the prepared text of the governors budget address.

The full budget: Heres a link to the entire 2019-20 budget proposal. Note: Its nearly 900 pages! Heres a shorter list of the administrations proposed line-item appropriations (9 pages).

Whats next: The governor has pitched his budget. Now lawmakers will have their say.

And the GOP-controlled Legislature will have issues with the Democratic governors plan.

Over the next few months, lawmakers will review the spending plan in a series of hearings. The state Senate and state House of Representatives must both approve the plan, which then goes to Wolf for his signature. The final product is likely to look different than Wolfs proposal.

The budget is supposed to be done by July 1, the start of the new fiscal year. But governors and lawmakers have missed that deadline in the past.

Reporting by PennLive staff writers Jan Murphy, Charles Thompson, Wallace McKelvey, David Wenner, Ivey DeJesus and Jana Benscoter.
Jim Vail, the recently installed president of Bishop McDevitt High School who found himself at odds with some at the suburban Harrisburg school, is on personal leave, the school announced on Tuesday.

Vail is the first to hold the new position of president after Bishop McDevitt switched to a new model for running the school. Under the new model, the high school principal is responsible for things including the educational program, and the president oversees things including the building and grounds and the budget.

Vail had come under fire from some people connected to the school, including some who blamed him for high faculty turnover.

The schools faculty in January presented a no-confidence letter to school trustees.

A letter posted on Bishop McDevitts web site on Tuesday said, because of privacy, the school couldnt provide specifics concerning Vail beyond stating he is currently on personal leave from his duties at the school.

Note: this article has been corrected to say the letter was posted on the schools web site.
An early morning DUI crash in Philadelphia led to a pregnant woman giving birth at the scene, and now the newborn is in critical condition.

As NBC-10 in Philly reports, the two-car crash occurred around 3 a.m. Tuesday along Haverford Avenue near Overbrook Avenue in Philadelphias Overbrook neighborhood.

Philly police tell the news station a suspected impaired driver on a suspended license slammed into the rear of pickup the pregnant woman was riding in.

The violent crash caused the woman to go into premature labor, police said, with the woman giving birth on the scene, assisted by medics.

Mother and baby were then rushed to a nearby hospital, where the mother was listed in stable condition and the newborn was listed in critical condition.

The male driver of the car, who police say they suspect of DUI, suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The driver of the pickup wasnt injured.

Police continue to investigate the crash, but tell NBC-10 the suspected DUI driver also has a suspended license.

Charges against the suspected DUI driver, as well as the identities of the people involved, were still pending. The sex of the baby wasnt immediately made public.
The conclusion of an investigation into a fatal Dec. 18 police-involved shooting will be revealed at a Wednesday news conference, according to Lebanon County officials.

The conference, which is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, is to reveal the results of an investigation into the shooting death of Mitchell J. Hammer, 27, of Annville, officials said.

Hammer was shot during a confrontation with a state police trooper about 10:30 a.m. Dec. 18, when troopers went to Hammers workplace, Boots and Hanks Truck Parts on Coon Creek Road in East Hanover Township.

There, they attempted to serve an arrest warrant.

The day before, Hammer was involved in an assault at a home on Jonestown Road, where he became angry with a woman and chased her with a knife, police said.

On Dec. 18, Hammer ran from the troopers, who chased him through a wooded area for about one or two miles, ending about 300 yards behind Lindley Murray Road, police previously said.

There, Hammer moved toward the trooper with an 8-inch knife and the trooper made attempts to gain cover, but he slipped, falling on his back, at which time he fired his department issued handgun," police have said.

Hammer was shot.

After Hammer was shot, troopers carried him through the woods to a state police helicopter, which flew him to Hershey Medical Center, where he died from his injuries, police said.

No troopers were injured in the incident, and the trooper who shot Hammer was placed on paid administrative leave, officials said.

The Wednesday news conference is to be hosted by the Lebanon County District Attorneys Office and the Lebanon County Detective Bureau.

District Attorney Dave Arnold and state police officials are to speak at the conference, which is to be held in the Lebanon County Courthouse, officials said.

The purpose of the conference is to set forth the results and final conclusion of the investigation, officials said.
Harpist and composer Jessica Browning will perform a concert on Feb. 5 at Dickinson College.

Her performance will also include discussion about her experience as a survivor of childhood sexual assault, and how she found music to be a tool for healing.

Brownings uncle, Tim Hurley, assaulted her at the age of 10. He was convicted in 2006 in Cumberland County, and has served time in prison in Somerset.

Browning, who currently resides in France, has taken both her music and her story on tour to Australia, New Zealand, India and Europe, in the hopes of helping survivors process and heal.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. in Rubendall Recital Hall in the Weiss Center for the Arts at Dickinson. The performance is free, and light refreshments will be served. For more information, visit Dickinsons website.
Step off to the side and watch the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd at the Great American Outdoor Show and youll soon notice a common theme.

About half of those people are wearing camouflage as they wander through the halls of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg.

That will be a constant throughout the show, which continues through Sunday, February 10.

I spent about a half-hour at the show trying to count the number of different camo patterns I could count on people attending the show. I came up with 37, everything from the modern digital-speck pattern to the old-fashioned woodland print, and almost certainly missed some.

With modern digital technology allowing for constant, real-time variations, no one seems to have a tally on just how many camo patterns there really are.

Cabelas online Camo Pattern Buyers Guide shows 88 different patterns of camouflage, everything from the companys own line through the patterns of the big camouflage copyrighting companies like Mossy Oak and Realtree. But thats just the patterns that the company sells. Patterns include everything from Mossy Oak Forest Floor to Farmland Corn Belt to Cabelas Seclusion 3D Winter.

Google searches online fail to locate an answer. Even camouflage-focused websites dont really address the question.

Even accepting more than 88 as a modern approximation shows an amazing growth and diversification from the choices available in the 1950s, when Pennsylvania held its first archery deer season. The choices at the time were the basic woodland pattern of green, brown and black blotches or sticks and leaves foraged on site or nothing.
From left are DCS Assoc. Supt. Van Alexander, Iris Xue, Elisia Campbell, and Hernando Middle School principal Dr. Jerry Floate. Xue, a student at DeSoto Central Middle School, won the DeSoto County Spelling Bee held in Hernando and qualified for state and possible national competition. Campbell finished second and will represent the county at state if Xue is unable to do so.
Before leaving for Abu Dhabi Pope Francis tweeted, I am about to leave for the United Arab Emirates. I am visiting that country as a brother, in order to write a page of dialogue together and to travel the paths of peace together. Pray for me!

After a grand arrival yesterday where a young man greeted him in perfect Spanish and the Pope commended him for it, today the Pope visited the presidential palace where he was greeted with an artillery salute and airplanes that released yellow and white smoke resembling the Vatican flag.

Today he also gathered with Jewish and Muslim leaders for an inter-religious service. Tomorrow he will celebrate a Mass at a stadium with about 100,000 faithful.

To say this visit is historic is an understatement. This is the first time that the Roman Pontiff visits the Arabian Peninsula. In a country where non-Muslim religions are heavily controlled and restricted, and where conversions away from Islam are punishable by death, it is significant that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has invited the Pope and allowed him to celebrate Mass in public.

This visit will bring to light the plight of the over one million Catholic faithful who live in the United Arab Emirates, most doing grueling jobs, being paid little and living sometimes in subhuman conditions. Many of them are Filipino and Indian, but many other countries are represented. Of the nine million residents of the UAE, only roughly one million are native Arabs, and as already mentioned, about one million are Catholic immigrants. These Catholics are served by nine parishes, including two in Abu Dhabi.

Many years ago I learned an interesting fact about Catholic parishes in the UAE. Since Friday is the day of rest in the Muslim world, parishes hold a full schedule of Masses on Friday which serve as the weekly obligation of the Lords Day. Who said the Catholic Church does not accommodate?

Now, to answer the question posed by the title of my post.

The greatest moment of the Popes apostolic journey will be tomorrow when he celebrates Mass for the Catholics of the UAE in a public setting. One of the primary tasks of the successor of Peter is to encourage and affirm the faithful of Christs Church. Pope Francis is doing this through his presence for the million Catholics in this Muslim nation. Francis is reaching out to the margins of the Church by remembering these fellow Catholics who find themselves in a world very different from their native lands. His visit to the UAE is consistent with his previous trips where he goes out to the periphery even though this periphery of is surrounded by the opulence of the UAE.

Picture: ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES  February 4, 2019: Day two of the UAE papal visit  His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church (R), presents a gift to HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces (L), during an official reception at the Presidential Palace.

( Ryan Carter / Ministry of Presidential Affairs )
He has to explain also how it is that an act of God (the crucifixion: an act of Jesus Who is God as well as man) could be in time. So how does he explain all this? Or does he even try? Once again, the Catholic view takes in and incorporates all of the Bible: not just the passages that teach one aspect of a multi-faceted truth or state of affairs.

But Calvin, when various of his arguments are taken together (along with related Scripture), actually proves by his own reasoning the possibility and plausibility of the Sacrifice of the Mass. It can be demonstrated as following, or at least not being at all inconsistent with, his own premises. Here is how it works:

1) What God decrees, and His acts (and one may contend that for God, these are one and the same), are from Gods perspective outside of time, or decreed from eternity, because He is outside of time. They may intersect with history and be in time in that sense, from our perspective, but for God they are timeless and present:

When we attribute prescience to God, we mean that all things always were, and ever continue, under his eye; that to his knowledge there is no past or future, but all things are present, and indeed so present, that it is not merely the idea of them that is before him (as those objects are which we retain in our memory), but that he truly sees and contemplates them as actually under his immediate inspection. This prescience extends to the whole circuit of the world, and to all creatures. (Inst., III, 21:5) Should any one object, that in this there is nothing to prevent the same Christ who redeemed us when condemned from also testifying his love to us when safe by assuming our nature, we have the brief answer, that when the Spirit declares that by the eternal decree of God the two things were connected togetherviz. that Christ should be our Redeemer, and, at the same time, a partaker of our nature, it is unlawful to inquire further. He who is tickled with a desire of knowing something more, not contented with the immutable ordination of God, shows also that he is not even contented with that Christ who has been given us as the price of redemption. (Inst., II, 12:5) Isaiah 46:9-10 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, [10] declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, `My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose, Lamentations 2:17 The LORD has done what he purposed, has carried out his threat; as he ordained long ago, Lamentations 3:37 Who has commanded and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it?

2) It was God Who died on the cross, since Jesus Christ is true God and true man; therefore, the sacrifice of the cross was undertaken by God (the Son) Himself, and God (the Father) decreed this from eternity:

It deeply concerned us, that he who was to be our Mediator should be very God and very man. If the necessity be inquired into, it was not what is commonly termed simple or absolute, but flowed from the divine decree on which the salvation of man depended. What was best for us, our most merciful Father determined. Our iniquities, like a cloud intervening between Him and us, having utterly alienated us from the kingdom of heaven, none but a person reaching to him could be the medium of restoring peace. But who could thus reach to him? Could any of the sons of Adam? All of them, with their parents, shuddered at the sight of God. Could any of the angels? They had need of a head, by connection with which they might adhere to their God entirely and inseparably. What then? The case was certainly desperate, if the Godhead itself did not descend to us, it being impossible for us to ascend. Thus the Son of God behoved to become our Emmanuel, the God with us; and in such a way, that by mutual union his divinity and our nature might be combined; otherwise, neither was the proximity near enough, nor the affinity strong enough, to give us hope that God would dwell with us; so great was the repugnance between our pollution and the spotless purity of God. (Inst., II, 12:1) Finally, since as God only he could not suffer, and as man only could not overcome death, he united the human nature with the divine, that he might subject the weakness of the one to death as an expiation of sin, and by the power of the other, maintaining a struggle with death, might gain us the victory. Those, therefore, who rob Christ of divinity or humanity either detract from his majesty and glory, or obscure his goodness. (Inst., II, 12:3) Ephesians 3:8-11 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, [9] and to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; [10] that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. [11] This was according to the eternal purpose which he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 2 Timothy 1:9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago,

3) The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was decreed from eternity:

We know well why Christ was at first promisedviz. that he might renew a fallen world, and succour lost man. Hence under the Law he was typified by sacrifices, to inspire believers with the hope that God would be propitious to them after he was reconciled by the expiation of their sins. Since from the earliest age, even before the Law was promulgated, there was never any promise of a Mediator without blood, we justly infer that he was destined in the eternal counsel of God to purge the pollution of man, the shedding of blood being the symbol of expiation. Thus, too, the prophets, in discoursing of him, foretold that he would be the Mediator between God and man. It is sufficient to refer to the very remarkable prophecy of Isaiah (Is. 53:4, 5), in which he foretells that he was smitten for our iniquities; that the chastisement of our peace was upon him; that as a priest he was made an offering for sin; that by his stripes we are healed; that as all like lost sheep have gone astray, it pleased the Lord to bruise him, and put him to grief, that he might bear our iniquities. After hearing that Christ was divinely appointed to bring relief to miserable sinners, whose overleaps these limits gives too much indulgence to a foolish curiosity. (Inst., II, 12:4) Acts 4:26-28 The kings of the earth set themselves in array, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed  [27] for truly in this city there were gathered together against thy holy servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, [28] to do whatever thy hand and thy plan had predestined to take place. 1 Corinthians 2:2, 6-8 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. . . . [6] Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. [7] But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glorification. [8] None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Ephesians 1:5-12 He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, [6] to the praise of his glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. [7] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace [8] which he lavished upon us. [9] For he has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ [10] as a plan for the fulness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. [11] In him, according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will, [12] we who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of his glory. 1 Peter 1:18-20 You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. [20] He was destined before the foundation of the world but was made manifest at the end of the times for your sake.

4) The future can be made, in a sense, present to us in prophecy, and in a broader sense, in written revelation itself, since the God Who communicates it to us through a prophet is outside of time, and the future is already present to Him:

Isaiah 42:9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. Isaiah 44:7-8 Who is like me? Let him proclaim it, let him declare and set it forth before me. Who has announced from of old the things to come? Let them tell us what is yet to be. [8] Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? . . . Isaiah 45:21 . . . Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? . . . Isaiah 48:3 The former things I declared of old, they went forth from my mouth and I made them known; then suddenly I did them and they came to pass. Isaiah 48:5 I declared them to you from of old, before they came to pass I announced them to you, Sirach 42:19 He declares what has been and what is to be, and he reveals the tracks of hidden things. Sirach 48:25 He revealed what was to occur to the end of time, and the hidden things before they came to pass. Acts 2:17 And in the last days it shall be, God declares, . . . Acts 3:21 whom heaven must receive until the time for establishing all that God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old. Acts 15:18 says the Lord, who has made these things known from of old.

5) Moreover, God has the ability to allow human beings to be present at events from another time, such as St. Johns revelation (the entire Book of Revelation). Therefore, He can just as easily decide to make the cross present to Christians, even though to us it is a past event.

6) Therefore, the sacrifice of the cross can be made present to us in the Sacrifice of the Mass, by Gods design and power, and this all follows from explicit arguments from Calvin himself, following his own premises. The timelessness of the Mass is indicated by continued biblical references to the table of the Lord, altars, and the Lamb (Jesus). Continued sacrifice in the New Covenant can only refer to Jesus death on the cross (especially in light of the book of Hebrews).

7) Moreover, references to Jesus as a perpetual high priest (not just a temporary one at the time of His crucifixion: see especially Heb 7:23-25 below) suggest that the sacrifice is timeless or ongoing: the same notion entailed in the Sacrifice of the Mass:
Matthew 3:13-17

Mark 1:9-11

Luke 3:21-22

John 1:29-34

All four gospels describe the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River at the hand of John but, in certain regards, they do it rather differently.

Only John 1:29, for example, has the Baptist exclaim to the crowd, when he sees Jesus approaching, Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Only Matthew 3:13-14 has the Baptist try to persuade Jesus not to be baptized, saying I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me? And only Matthew 3:15 gives us the reply of Jesus (Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness) and the Baptists relenting consent.

All four gospels mention a dove, but their descriptions vary:

Matthew 3:16 and Mark 1:10 both describe Jesus seeing the heavens open (nominative plural in Matthew and accusative plural in Mark). Both say that he saw the Spirit of God (Matthew) or simply the Spirit (Mark) descending upon him like a dove (respectively,   and  ). In Luke, the heaven (singular) is seen to open and the Holy Spirit is seen descending upon Jesus in bodily form, like a dove (   ), but were not told who sees these things. In John 1:32, its the Baptist who sees the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven (   ).

In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, a voice  implicitly but clearly that of God the Father  comes from the heavens (Matthew and Mark) or heaven (Luke), testifying that Jesus is my beloved Son in whom the speaker is well pleased. In John, the Baptist is quoted as saying that he had been divinely advised aforetime that the person on whom he saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven would be the one he was awaiting, and it is John the Baptist himself who bears witness that Jesus is the Son of God.

Julie Smiths 2018 volume in the BYU New Testament Commentary, The Gospel according to Mark, discusses this episode beginning on page 86. She allows for various possibilities. Does descending like a dove suggest the serenity or gentleness of the Spirits coming down? Was an actual dove really present? She cites Joseph Smith as teaching that, from the Creation, the symbol of the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit has been a dove.

S. Kent Browns 2015 volume The Testimony of Luke (also a part of the BYU New Testament Commentary) treats the baptism of Jesus commencing on page 206. All the Gospels, he observes on pages 207-208, record that the Holy Ghost descends onto Jesus, plainly implying that the Holy Ghost bears characteristics that fit within our terrestrial time and place. . . . Only Luke notes the bodily shape, imputing physical characteristics to the Holy Ghost, though he does not appear as a bird. The Prophet Joseph Smith teaches that the sign of the dove was instituted before the creation of the world and that the devil cannot come in the sign of a dove (208).
Robert Mueller pushed back against BuzzFeed Newss report that the special counsel has proof that Trump told Michael Cohen to lie to Congress about Trump Tower Moscow. BuzzFeed News has responded by standing by that report and subsequently reporting even more news about Trump Tower Moscow that buttress their initial assertion, like the e-mail you will read below.

Yesterday, their investigative team reported that Rinat Akhmetshina Soviet military officer turned Washington lobbyistdeposited a half million dollars in suspicious transactions before and after the famed 2016 Trump Tower meeting. Today, BuzzFeed News dropped a huge cache of documents (284 pages) along with their report about how these secret files show how Trump Moscow talks unfolded while Trump heaped praise on Putin.

One e-mail certainly stood out, and it was sent to Michael Cohen by Felix Sater, the longtime Trumpworld deputy and U.S.S.R.-born financial criminal-turned-U.S. intelligence asset who gave us information crucial to national security according to former Attorney General Loretta Lynch in her confirmation hearing.

Per Sater to Cohen:

Got the signed [Letter of Intent] for Trump Moscow, I am on a plane to Nassau, Bahamas to spend 8 day with Andrey and I just watched the Trump press conference. Loved Putin/Russia reference. I need that part of the press conference cut into a short clip to be played for PutinBTW a very close person & partner to Putins closest friend, partner and advisor who has been with Putin since teenage years his friend and partner (on the largest shopping center in Moscow) is flying in to the private island in the Bahamas Andrey rented next week.

Michael I arranged for Ivanka to sit in Putins private chair at his desk and office in the Kremlin. I will get Putin on this program and we will get Donald electedBuddy our boy can become President of the USA and we can engineer it. I will get all of Putins team to buy in on this, I will manage this process.



Michael, Putin gets on stage with Donald for a ribbon cutting for Trump Moscow, and Donald claims the Republican nominationYou and I will get Donald and Vladimir on a stage together very shortly. This is a game changer.

Get me the clip I will get it to Putin and his people quickly and it will help our cause and process. Thanks for getting the Trump LOI signed by Donald. Now the hard work begins.

Thank you,

Felix Sater

Felix Sater is not a nobody in Trumps world. He is someone who is continually near projects of importance. The BBC reported that Michael Cohen was paid at least $400,000 by forces connected to Ukranian president Petro Poroshenko in order to influence Trump, and that Sater was the intermediary. Sater even confirmed to Fox News that he was involved with Ukraines government the year before the BBC report, saying he was just trying to help with the highly scrutinized Ukrainian peace plan in early 2017.

Justin Henderson, a developer in Denver who worked with Trump and Sater on an unsuccessful deal to try to bring a Trump Tower to Colorado in 2005, told the Rocky Mountain News that they seemed to get along just fine. It seemed that Mr. Trump relied heavily on Mr. Saters opinion on certain markets. Sater even donated the maximum amount to Trumps 2016 campaign (he actually gave too much, and FEC records show the Trump campaign refunded him $120), and Sater still lists senior advisor to Donald Trump in 2010-2011 on his LinkedIn profile.

Sater testified under oath that he took Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump to Moscow in 2006, had met personally with the elder Donald over the course of the 2000s, and confirmed the aforementioned trip to Colorado, yet in 2013, Trump said about Felix Sater in court: if he were sitting in the room right now, I really wouldnt know what he looked like.

Jacob Weindling is a staff writer for Paste politics. Follow him on Twitter at @Jakeweindling.
Things are looking up for Glass star Anya Taylor-Joy. According to Variety, the 22-year-old starlet will play one of the leads in Edgar Wrights upcoming Last Night in Soho, another chance for Taylor-Joy to work with a big-name director.

All signs point toward Last Night in Soho being a significant thematic and tonal departure for Wright, whose career has been built largely on expertly photographed and edited action and comedy. This one, on the other hand, has repeatedly been described as a psychological horror-thriller, which sounds like a deviation even from the light horror present in Shaun of the Dead. Not much else is known, except for the fact that the film is set in Londons Soho district, with production intended to begin this summer in London. Could we be looking at an Edgar Wright movie, but with more of a Jordan Peele/Get Out mentality? The fact that he wrote the script alongside Penny Dreadful writer Krysty Wilson-Cairns seems telling.

Taylor-Joys career was kick-started by her starring, central role in Robert Eggers The Witch in 2015, which shes followed up with films that both impressed (Thoroughbreds, Split) and disappeared into the ether (Morgan). One of her highest-profile roles, in Foxs The New Mutants, is still hanging in limbo as the studio waffles on whether it will receive a theatrical release. But a new Edgar Wright movie could very well represent Taylor-Joys most prominent exposure to date.

Wright, meanwhile, is reportedly considering the viability of several different projects in addition to Last Night in Soho, including a possible follow-up to Ansel Elgorts Baby Driver. Well bring you more information on any of these projects as it becomes available.
Bringing everyday Americans to the State of the Union address is no new traditionneither is the political symbolism of these guests. Since 1982, when Ronald Reagan first ushered in the custom by inviting Lenny Skutnik (a citizen hero who jumped into the freezing Potomac River to help rescue a drowning woman in the Air Florida Flight 90 crash) to the address, SOTU guests have included everyone from teachers and music prodigies to Rosa Parks. In 2001, George W. Bush left a seat empty to honor the victims of 9/11. In 2016, Barack Obama left a seat empty for victims of gun violence.

In the wake of such civic affairs as the Supreme Court confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh, a record-breaking number of women elected to the 116th Congress, and the nations longest government shutdown, expect those seats to be filled this year with pointedly political attendees.

After hinting on Twitter that her guest reflected the mantra well-behaved women rarely make history, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) announced Monday that activist and survivor Ana Maria Archila, who famously confronted Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) in an elevator during the Kavanaugh hearings, would be joining her for the address.

Yall arent ready for NY-14s #StateOfTheUnion guest!Heres a hint: I just picked up this gift for them at our very own Lockwood Shop in Jackson Heights pic.twitter.com/wSv23WmJ9k  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 2, 2019

Archila is not only one of the representatives constituents, but also an active community organizer and co-executive director for the Center for Popular Democracy Action. In addition to her advocacy work for sexual assault survivors, Archila, who is an immigrant, has spent the last 20 years rallying for immigrant rights.

The noteworthy roster certainly wont stop at Archila, however. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is bringing Sajid Shahriar, a Housing and Urban Development employee who organized rallies during the governments shutdown. Senator Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) guest is Trisha Pesiri-Dybvik, a furloughed air traffic controller whose home was lost during the 2017 California wildfires. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) will bring Navy Lt. Cmdr. Blake Dremann, a trans soldier affected by Trumps transgender military ban. Freshman class Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) will bring along Linda Clark, an immigrant who fled Liberia during a civil war and is now facing possible deportation as a result of policy changes under the Trump administration.

With eyes held especially close on the throng of Democrat 2020 hopefuls, every movement becomes a political statement, and a chance to highlight ongoing issues and policy proposals. Not unlike Omars clever Twitter rebuttal, the House chamber on Tuesday evening will reseble and represent an America whose concerns are typically marginalized.

Well-behaved women rarely make history, indeed.
Michael Reagan excoriated Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a recent column (President AOC? No way," Jan. 31). He specifically attacked her socialist proposals for free healthcare for all, free college for all, and a 70 percent tax on millionaires.

Ocasio-Cortez will never become president, he says because, American voters  especially the older ones of both parties who remember when America was great  are too smart and sensible.

Reagan and I were born within five years of each other in the 1940s, so this period of greatness he experienced must be mine as well, and the likely candidate would be the period of American prosperity following World War II.

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In 1964, the Johnson administration lowered the top rate on high incomes from 90 percent to 70 percent, the same rate Ocasio-Cortez advocates. There it remained for nearly two decades.

The following year, Medicare was enacted, providing taxpayer-subsidized health insurance for seniors. The congressmen who originally proposed the program intended it as a starting point to be expanded upon until it covered all Americans of all ages.

When I started college, taxpayer-subsidized tuition at the University of Illinois was $135 per semester. Not free  I would have had to move to California or New York for that  but less than a thousand 2019 dollars.

So the proposals Reagan derides as anathema to American prosperity were, in fact, the very policies that were embraced in the period of American prosperity to which he seems to allude.

Daniel Steffen, El Paso

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The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan

The partial government shutdown is over  temporarily.

What was solved by the shutdown? Nothing.

It was simply a waste of 35 days  35 days in which 800,000 federal workers didn't get paid. It was 35 days in which many federal workers dutifully reported for work, knowing there was no paycheck coming at the end of the week.

The shutdown created great anxiety in countless households around the country, but accomplished nothing. Government shutdowns never do. And, they always hurt the poor, the most vulnerable and shutdowns normally have an adverse political effect on the party driving the shutdown.

The most disgusting element of this self-inflicted crisis is the root cause  President Trump's desire for a border wall between the United States and Mexico. The president tried to convince us that the situation on the border was an emergency, yet nothing appears to have changed in recent months, except Democrats now control the House of Representatives.

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We elect leaders to govern, not score political points. We pay them well to work FOR us. It's time they earn their money and work for every American citizen, regardless of political affiliation.

The (Champaign) News-Gazette

Anyone who's been paying attention knows that this state's public-pension systems are in deep financial trouble. Experts estimated a total underfunding of roughly $134 billion last year, up from $130 billion the year before and expected to continue to go up at a dramatic rate.

Indeed, Illinois is drowning in debt, much of it due to the wholesale mismanagement of public-pension funds by elected officials.

Between promising too much to public employees and contributing too little, Illinois has dug itself a hole that appears inescapable, all so politicians can live like kings.

What can't last forever won't  at least, that's what sensible economists say. But until the whole system comes crashing down, taxpayers will have to make larger and larger contributions to public-pension systems that will crowd out funding for core public services.

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SPRINGFIELD  Supporters of legalizing recreational marijuana in Illinois will face stiff opposition this year from leaders of the states largest religious denomination.

The six Catholic bishops in Illinois issued a joint statement Monday urging lawmakers to reject any attempt to legalize marijuana.

As lawmakers consider this issue, it is important to remember they are not only debating legalization of marijuana, but also commercialization of a drug into an industry the state will profit from, the bishops said in the statement. In seeking the common good, the state should protect its citizens.

The six bishops are leaders of the six Catholic dioceses in Illinois, which compose the Catholic Conference of Illinois. CCI is made up of the Archdiocese of Chicago and other dioceses in Belleville, Joliet, Peoria, Rockford and Springfield.

CCI Executive Director Bob Gillespie said in an interview that there are roughly 3.5 million Catholics in the state. Thats about 28 percent of the states population, making Catholicism the single largest denomination in Illinois, according to the Pew Research Center.

Illinois legalized marijuana for certain medical uses in 2013, and state lawmakers are expected to consider proposals this year to expand the list of conditions for which people can obtain prescriptions for the drug. CCI did not take an official position on that issue, Gillespie said.

But legalizing it for recreational use was also a major issue for Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzkers successful campaign in 2018, and a number of supporters have already begun trying to draft legislation.

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In addition, voters in Cook County in March 2018 overwhelmingly approved a nonbinding ballot referendum calling for statewide legalization of recreational pot for people over age 21, subject to state regulation and taxation.

As of 2018, according to Governing magazine, 10 states and the District of Columbia had legalized recreational marijuana. But as Illinois ponders whether to become the 11th state to do so, Gillespie said he believes the momentum for it is waning.

I think there was a lot of energy, and theres still a lot of energy behind the efforts to legalize it, but that was in a campaign mode prior to November, he said. This was on some ballots where you saw a fairly large number of people supporting it. But now that its time for those people to figure out how to implement this in such a way that it does not harm the public, the momentum that youre seeing is slowing down considerably.

The statement from the bishops did not reference any specific theological objection to marijuana use. Rather, it suggested there would be a danger of widespread public health and safety consequences.

Data collected by government agencies and public-interest groups document that drug use is rampant in modern society, the bishops said. Just a few years ago, we heard too many stories of children turned into orphans after their parents overdosed on heroin. Today, we hear of the opioid crisis and the lives it claims. If marijuana is legalized, it will only add to the problem.

Pritzkers press secretary, Jordan Abudayyeh, said in an email statement that the governor remains committed to legalization.

Gov. Pritzker supports legalizing and taxing the recreational use of marijuana and is confident we are ready to do this in a safe and economically beneficial way in Illinois, Abudayyeh said. He is committed to working with leaders in the General Assembly, listening to experts and community leaders, and drawing lessons and best practices from other states to move this forward.

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In what was, so far, the best baseball game of the week, the Jaguars pulled their 33rd win out of the fire and salvaged a gem of a start from their star pitcher.
It's unclear whether Monday's statement by the state's six Roman Catholic bishops opposing recreational use of marijuana will make it harder to pass legislation allowing the practice in Illinois, a key lawmaker advocating legalization says.

State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, said it was no shock that the six bishops -- including Thomas John Paprocki of the Springfield Diocese, Daniel Jenky of the Peoria Diocese and David Malloy of the Rockford Diocese -- oppose legalization.

Paprocki, through a spokesman, declined comment on the bishops' statement, which says legalization would be contrary to the "public good" because it would promote marijuana addiction, lead more people to use marijuana and result in more people progressing to "harder" drugs.

"Proponents of legalization say marijuana is not addictive, yet peer-reviewed research concludes that it is," the statement says. "Proponents also say that most people who use marijuana will not move on to harder drugs, yet other studies note that most people who are addicted to other drugs started with alcohol and marijuana."

Cassidy told The State Journal-Register that the bishops' statement was predicable.

"Prohibitionists are going to prohibit," she said. "It just doesn't surprise me that they want to cling to the old ways. I don't know that anybody's going to be surprised by this."

Cassidy said she doesn't know yet when she and state Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, will introduce a formal bill, but the two lawmakers said at a Springfield town-hall meeting last week that they are crafting legalization legislation and hope to have bipartisan support this year in the Democratic-controlled General Assembly.

They said they also expect support from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat who campaigned on a promise to back recreational use of marijuana for adults.

Cassidy and Steans said their bill, not yet introduced, would allow Illinoisans 21 and older to purchase and possess up to 30 grams, or about 1 ounce, of marijuana. Nonresidents would be able to buy and possess half that amount. Use of the drug in public wouldn't be allowed.

The bishops' statement tries to poke holes in the argument that legalization would, as they say, reduce the "racial disparity of our jail and prison populations."

The bishops say they "recognize the truth" of the premise that marijuana-related infractions "often lead to lives trapped in the criminal-justice system." But they add that a 2016 Illinois law making possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana a civil offense rather than a misdemeanor crime "should soon reverse that trend."

The spiritual leaders of Illinois' 3.5 million Catholics also note that Pope Francis has gone on record opposing recreational drugs. The pope said in 2014 that attempts to legalize such drugs "are not only highly questionable from a legislative standpoint, but they fail to produce the desired effects."

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The bishops say proposed legalization of cannabis in Illinois would allow "commercialization of a drug into an industry the state will profit from. In seeking the common good, the state should protect its citizens."

Cassidy, however, said prohibition of recreational use "hasn't worked" and that legalization would cut into the black market and criminal activity and actually reduce underage access to cannabis.

Cassidy, who was raised Catholic and now is Jewish, said: "There's no such thing as a gateway drug. The reality is the gateway is the dealer. And if we take this product off the street, we reduce the street market. ... In particular, we reduce access by kids or by dealers to kids."

Cassidy sponsored the 2016 legislation decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana. But she said legislation also is needed to legalize recreational marijuana. She said the bill she will introduce also would expunge marijuana-related convictions from the past.

With decriminalization alone, Cassidy said: "All that does is legitimize the street market. All that does is perpetuate the problem and worsen it."

Bob Gilligan, executive director of the Catholic Conference of Illinois, the bishops' public-policy arm, said the clergymen have taken actions similar to bishops in Colorado and the nine other states in which broad laws legalizing recreational use have been enacted.

Illinois' bishops didn't take a formal stance on the state's ongoing medical-marijuana pilot program, Gilligan said.

"We don't argue that there could be, and there probably are, certain chemical properties of marijuana that can be used for positive health outcomes," he said. "That does not mean that we need to legalize so-called recreational marijuana for everyone."

The risks of allowing recreational marijuana -- including impaired judgment, addiction and mental-health problems -- outweigh any potential benefits, he said.

The bishops are particularly concerned about the commercialization that would be allowed under the proposed legislation, Gilligan said.

"There are significant corporate, commercial interests that are going to profit from this, along with the state," he said. "Is that what we want to do -- allocate more of an incentive for people to potentially destroy their lives?"

The bishops disagree with Cassidy's contention that legalization generally won't lead to more people using marijuana.

"Whenever the state sanctions something and gives it the green light," Gilligan said, "there's no disincentive not to try it. ... More people will use, and they will be using more of it."

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NORMAL  Authorities confirmed Monday they are investigating the death of an 8-year-old girl brought to a Twin City hospital last month.

"We are looking into the circumstances of the death of a young girl. We are working with other agencies and the investigation continues," said Normal Police Chief Rick Bleichner.

The child, a third-grader at Prairieland Elementary School on East Raab Road in Normal, was brought to Advocate BroMenn Medical Center Jan. 25 and transferred to a Peoria hospital where she died.

Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said Monday his office is working with Normal police on the child-death investigation.

Normal Police investigating armed robbery near ISU campus NORMAL  Police in Normal are investigating an armed robbery near the Illinois State University campus late Sunday night.

"At this point, we are in the preliminary part of the investigation," said Harwood.

Authorities declined to disclose the child's identity or the circumstances surrounding her death.

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The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is among the agencies working with police on the child-death case, said Bleichner.

Meanwhile, the child's father and stepmother have retained legal counsel, The Pantagraph has learned.

Bloomington defense lawyer Brendan Bukalski said he could not identify his clients by name, but confirmed he is representing them.

Bukalski said the family also is awaiting autopsy and other test results.

"I don't believe there is any wrongdoing here. It sounds like a very tragic case. I'm confident the people will be cleared," said Bukalski.

When asked why the father and stepmother have secured legal counsel, Bukalski said, "Anytime someone is being investigated, it's a good idea to have an attorney by your side."

Hiring an attorney "is not a consciousness of guilt," he added.

Parents of other Prairieland third-graders received a letter from Principal Scott Peters after the girl's death explaining that she "passed away unexpectedly." Parents were provided with resources to help them discuss the matter with their children.

Contact Edith Brady-Lunny at (309) 820-3276. Follow her on Twitter: @pg_blunny

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NORMAL  Normal will proceed with a plan to tear down three buildings and erect a new structure on the east side of Uptown Circle despite objections from the town's Historic Preservation Commission and others.

The Normal City Council did not act on the commission's Jan. 8 recommendation to preserve 104, 106 and 108 E. Beaufort St., the proposed site of its five-story Trail East building, on Monday. It was the last regular meeting before a 30-day window to pursue historic landmark status expires Friday.

"We're sticking to the plan that we initiated," said Mayor Chris Koos after the meeting. The council signed off on plans for the development Jan. 7.

Koos said the buildings will stay for a while anyway because Windy City Wieners is expected to stay open at 106 E. Beaufort until the end of the Illinois State University school year in May. The town owns the buildings at 104 and 108 and will give them to the developer of the $30 million project along with $8.65 million in potential future property and sales taxes from the project.

"(The building at 104) is in very bad shape and is not savable. ... 106 was sold by the owners to (developer) Bush Construction. 108 we have, but just because it's old doesn't make it historic," said Koos.

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Council candidate Karyn Smith attended the meeting and asked to speak about the issue but was blocked because, Koos said, the town doesn't allow public comment about topics not on the council's agenda.

Koos noted the Illinois Attorney General's Office has stood by the town's right to do so. Officials made other concessions following an unfavorable ruling from the same office on the town's public comment policy in 2017.

"Public comment is for the public to talk about items of business that were conducted," said Koos. "That's why I turned it down. It wasn't an agenda item."

Smith said in prepared comments provided to The Pantagraph that she'd like "the council (to) take action to modify the Trail East plans to save the facades if the council is unwilling to preserve the entire structures in its gesture of good faith to the citizens of Normal who signed (opposing) petitions."

"I believe it is not unreasonable to ask the developer to bear the expense for this modification as a good faith gesture to the Normal townspeople," said Smith, referring to Bush, the Iowa company working to open the mixed-use building in summer 2020.

Officials have noted the community mural on the side of 104 E. Beaufort St., which will be destroyed for the project, would be wiped away with regular maintenance of the building regardless.

Contact Derek Beigh at (309) 820-3234. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_beigh

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BLOOMINGTON  U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis learned a lot about what he already knew during a tour Monday of the Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington.

A partial government shutdown doesnt just impact people in Washington, D.C. who work in big concrete buildings on a regular basis, he said after completing the tour with the airports executive director, Carl Olson. They are impacting people who work and live in our communities on a regular basis. It impacts people who rely on these services to travel to and from our community on a regular basis.

The airport was the last of three stops Davis has made since Friday, visiting employees impacted by the government shutdown that started Dec. 22 and ended Jan. 25.

The TSA agents do a great job and speaking with the agents, I know they are going to do their job, he said. They are going to do what they signed up to do as TSA agents. That doesnt negate the fact that they ought to be able to get paid while they do it. They shouldnt have to rely on communities to come together to give them the basic necessities like food.

There are 33 full- or part-time TSA agents who work at the airport, said Olson. There also are six air traffic controllers.

We are just very hopeful that we can avoid another government shutdown, Olson said. We are keeping our fingers crossed.

Davis said in talking with TSA agents, they expressed their frustration with the shutdown.

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Its an interesting time in Washington, Davis said. Its the first time I can remember and first time I would have ever thought that a shutdown occurred at the end of one Congress and into a new Congress.

Davis said even though only 25 percent of the government was not funded during the shutdown, those positions are very important.

These are TSA agents. These are our border patrol agents. These are our air traffic controllers. These are folks who work at our national parks or at the national historic site in Springfield and are so important to what the fabric of Springfield is and the history of Illinois and how it relates to our countrys history, he said.

The 35-day shutdown centered around a disagreement over border security between the Republicans and Democrats. President Trump wants $5.7 billion to build a wall along part of the southern border. The deadlock ended when Trump lifted the shutdown and the House and Senate approved a plan to re-open the government for three weeks while border talks continue.

Davis urged Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Trump to come to a new agreement before a Feb. 15 deadline to avoid another shutdown.

I think another shutdown would be devastating, Davis said. Its only 25 percent of the government, but its a very important 25 percent. TSA agents are leaving the forces right now. Our border patrol agents  those who we should rely on to find out what measures we should rely on to protect us  are leaving and are very important to our economy and our nations security.

A private company contracts the air traffic controllers and the company paid the controllers through the shutdown.

But thats not going to last forever, Davis said. The company will have to be reimbursed by the federal government in order to continue to do that. Thats why it is imperative that the message gets out to get both sides to sit down and work a deal out.

Contact Kevin Barlow at (309) 820-3238. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_barlow

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NORMAL  Spring semester brought slight decreases in enrollment compared to a year ago at some area colleges and universities, such as Illinois State University, and increases at others, such as Illinois Wesleyan University.

School officials tend to focus more on spring-to-spring changes rather than fall-to-spring numbers because of the impact of such things as December graduations.

We do have a large graduating class every fall term, said Jana Albrecht, ISU's associate vice president for enrollment management. Numbers are always a lot lower in spring.

ISU has 19,521 students enrolled this spring, about a 1 percent decrease from last spring's enrollment.

IWU saw its spring enrollment increase about 2.1 percent, from 1,590 a year ago to 1,625 this spring.

LeAnn Hughes, IWU's vice president of enrollment and marketing, said, Our largest class of first-year students in five years returned to campus earlier this month for spring semester.

She added, In the spirit of our commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse group of high-achieving students, we are excited to welcome back more than 95 percent of the first-year-students who joined us in fall.

Albrecht said ISU will continue to study the numbers, looking closely at retention, new freshmen, transfers and international students.

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We feel really good about next fall, she said. Applications are up and admits are up.

Eastern Illinois University, recovering from recent devastating blows to its enrollment, had good news to report, with a nearly 7 percent increase in enrollment this spring compared to a year ago. EIU reported an enrollment of 7,503 this spring compared to 7,026 in 2018.

Heartland Community College saw its headcount drop 2.3 percent from 5,029 in spring 2018 to 4,913 as of Jan. 28, and the number of credit hours generated from 43,484 a year ago to 41,424, a decline of 4.7 percent. The decline was projected in the budget assumption for the year, said President Keith Cornille.

Although declines in enrollment have been seen across the state and nationally, the drop in enrollment is a concern that we must and are addressing, said Cornille.

A strategic enrollment management plan is being developed that will not only help shape enrollment strategies to reverse the enrollment trend but also provide direction on the program mix necessary for serving our students and the workforce of tomorrow," he said.

Lincoln College, which is in the midst of returning to its roots as a bachelor's degree granting institution, saw its spring enrollment tick up from 549 a year ago to 559 this year, an increase of about 2 percent.

More than half of Lincoln College students have declared an intent to pursue a bachelor's degree  364 students in the 2018-19 school year compared to 267 in 2017-18, an increase of 36 percent.

Eureka College has 507 students enrolled this spring, down from 545 in spring 2018, a drop of nearly 7 percent.

President Jamel Santa Cruze Wright said, With a new dean of enrollment management, Mac Ingmire, in place, as well as the Uniquely Eureka Promise, which offers free tuition to qualifying transfer students from Illinois community colleges, we look forward to another strong fall class.

Contact Lenore Sobota at (309) 820-3240. Follow her on Twitter: @Pg_Sobota

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NORMAL  Students at Calvary Christian Academy in Normal have gone seven months without playground equipment after an accidental fire set theirs ablaze.

Before January, students at Shalom Community School in Mugona South outside Bugiri, Uganda, had never seen playground equipment.

As a schoolwide Christmas project, the Calvary students resolved to help these students living 8,000 miles away and started a coin drive to raise money to buy playground equipment such as a slide, swing set and merry-go-round for the school.

I am not surprised that our students were motivated by their own adversity to help a group of students theyve never met nor likely will ever meet  these kids are the greatest, said Aaron Whisler, principal at Calvary Christian Academy in Normal.

Because of the fire over the summer, the new Calvary playground won't be ready until April.

Marcia Grabow, a Calvary parent who works with an organization called Upwards Uganda, helped the school come together to raise money.

Each day the students were challenged to bring in a different coin  pennies on Monday, nickels on Tuesday and so on. They filled jars in every classroom and reached $1,210 at the end of the weeklong effort.

The original plan was to buy three pieces for the playground, but Rus Kinzinger, founder of Upwards Uganda, said the Calvary students exceeded his expectations and were like flies to honey pushing to raise as much money as they could.

With their donation, the students at Shalom now have four new pieces of playground equipment installed.

The Ugandan kids were so excited to try out their new playground, they were racing down the slide before everything was even cemented into the ground, Kinzinger said.

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Once the equipment was properly installed, the students were a little intimidated and clung tight to the handles as they played because, as Kinzinger said, its all very strange for them.

It seems almost like theyre afraid as they are sitting there on the playground stuff, he said.

Shalom Community School is in a very poor, rural area in southeast Uganda, just north of Lake Victoria. Many of the students are orphans or come from families who cant afford to send their children to school all year, Kinzinger says.

The need is huge, he said. I thought it was just exceptional for kids in our area to understand the need in other parts of the world.

Upwards Uganda raises money to meet other needs as well, but Kinzinger said playground equipment is an important part of childhood education and helped the Calvary student relate to those at Shalom.

It was interesting for us to hear how something as simple as clean water and a playground could make such a big difference, Whisler said, noting how easy it could be to take these things for granted.

Whisler and Kinzinger are hoping to work together on more fundraising projects in the future, including expanding the organizations well drilling or helping widows in need.

I think its been really exciting to learn about the Upwards Uganda ministry. It seems like theyre doing a lot of good, Whisler said.

I am convinced that this meaningful act of giving unselfishly will not only shape the kids of Mugona South in a positive way, it will also make a lifelong impact on students at our school, he said.

Photos: School in Uganda gets play time

Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer.

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CEDARVILLE  A northern Illinois man has been charged with murder in the fatal shootings of two men at a Cedarville bar.

Stephenson's County sheriff's officials said Devin Marcum shot and killed 35-year-old Kyle Tucker and 36-year-old Shaun Bradbury at the Cedar Inn Bar about 1:45 a.m. Sunday. All three came from Freeport.

A third man was wounded and taken to a hospital with undisclosed injuries.

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Marcum, 23, was at large for about two hours before police officers found him in Freeport. Authorities said he was in possession of a firearm that matched the shell casings found at the scene, The (Freeport) Journal-Standard reported.

Stephenson County Chief Deputy Mark Marti did not go into details about what led to the shooting except that there had been a disagreement at the bar. The disagreement wasn't necessarily among the people involved in the shooting, Marti said.

Marcum was being held at the Stephenson County jail on $600,000 bail. He is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm and possession of weapon by a felon.

He doesn't have a listed phone number to pursue comment and his case was not listed in online court records.

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BLOOMINGTON  First we had loads of snow. Then record-breaking cold followed by above-normal temperatures. What's next? A potential coating of ice.

Winter weather advisories for freezing rain were issued Monday by the National Weather Service offices in Lincoln and Chicago, in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday. The advisory includes McLean, Livingston, LaSalle and Woodford counties in The Pantagraph area.

Scott Baker, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Lincoln, said Monday afternoon that Bloomington can expect about 0.1 of an inch of ice. Areas farther north, and in the Peoria area, could receive as much as 0.2 of an inch of ice, he said.

Areas to the south, including Decatur, Lincoln and Springfield, should get only rain, said Baker.

The freezing rain is expected to cause slippery roads as the surface temperature hovers around freezing.

By 9 or 10 in the morning (Wednesday), there should be no issue of icy roads as the temperature rises above freezing, Baker said. Salt will be able to effectively work at these temperatures to lessen the risk on treated roads.

The key factors are the surface temperature and the temperature just above the surface. Surface temperatures are expected to be close to freezing, with areas to the north falling into the upper 20s.

A shift in the system could move the freezing rain farther north, but most of the models are showing Bloomington-Normal to be within the freezing rain area, said Baker.

The latest road conditions can be found at www.gettingaroundillinois.com.

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Wild fluctuations in the weather do happen frequently, especially in the winter time, noted Baker.

But the area's recent peaks and valleys were more extreme than normal, thanks to a polar jet stream arriving from the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, allowing cold temperatures to dive in, then a more tropical jet stream taking its place, he explained.

The polar jet stream has pushed back up and the area has entered a moist weather pattern, said Baker.

We'll still have our cold temperatures slide through, said Baker, but forecasters are not expecting anything like arctic, subzero conditions experienced last week.

But it will get much colder. After a high of 48 on Thursday, temperatures are expected to fall to 11 degrees overnight and only reach 19 on Friday before starting a slow warm-up.

The forecast is similar for the Decatur area, including a rainy pattern, with a high Tuesday of 39, but the low remaining above freezing at 36. Wednesday and Thursday will see highs of 51, then a forecast low of 13 on Thursday night and a high on Friday of 22.

The rainfall this week and recent snow melt also are causing area creeks, streams and rivers to rise. The NWS is advising people living along a river or in other flood-prone locations to keep up with the latest forecast.

Photos: Commuters brave winter Monday morning in Bloomington

Contact Lenore Sobota at (309) 820-3240. Follow her on Twitter: @Pg_Sobota

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CLINTON  Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries will join Tractor Supply Co. in the former Walmart building in Clinton.

Were very excited about expanding into Clinton, Sharon Durbin, Goodwill CEO, said in a news release Monday. Clinton is a wonderful community and we expect our retail store to provide great values for local residents while also providing them an opportunity to donate used items that directly help us provide career training and employment opportunities locally.

Announced plans have the Goodwill store opening in late spring or early summer. Tractor Supply, which will fill a majority of the building, is expected to open in late summer, officials have said.

The Goodwill store will provide new and gently worn clothing for men, women, teens and children in addition to housewares, shoes, accessories, jewelry and small appliances, and it will have a special boutique section. The store also will serve as a donation drop-off point.

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It never hurts to have another retail business, said Clinton Accounts and Finance Commissioner Tom Edmunds. We are very fortunate that we have two very good thrift stores in town now with Encore and Love it Once More. They are both very good, and thrift stores are always good for folks and we are thrilled to have another one coming.

The Goodwill store will be the 15th retail location in Central Illinois for the Springfield-based group. Other area locations are in Bloomington-Normal, Champaign, Effingham, Lincoln, Springfield and Vandalia.

Missing from the list is Decatur, which Patrick Anderson, vice president of marketing and communications for Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries, said hasn't gone unnoticed.

We're anxious to get into Decatur, Anderson said, noting a search for a retail location has been ongoing for the past couple years. We think we can have a pretty large impact.

Anderson said the retail locations serve as a launching point for the group, providing the necessary funding and connections for its services.

Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries is a nonprofit organization that provides job training, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have a disability, lack education or job experience, or face employment challenges.

Contact Scott Perry at (217) 421-7976. Follow him on Twitter: @scottperry66 Kevin Barlow contributed to this report.

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The image is a rendering of the IDI Logistics Stateline Business Park Building G, now under construction with an expected completion day of June 2019. It will be the final building in the center located just two miles from I-55 and the FedEx Air Cargo Superhub at the Memphis International Airport.
Palestine, TX (75801)

Today

Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 71F. Winds light and variable.
The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriff's Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Mitchell Kukulka.

Friday, Feb. 1

10:27 p.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to a Mills Township residence for a report of an unwanted person. The caller, a 38-year-old man, said his 37-year-old ex-wife was at his home and refused to leave. The woman was contacted and said she was there because her children wanted to stay the night with her. Contrary to a court agreement, the man let his daughters, an 11-year-old and a 7-year-old, stay with the mother for the night.

8:52 p.m. -- A deputy was dispatched to the area of South Meridian Road near East Freeland Road for a car-deer crash.

8:05 p.m. -- Officers responded to a domestic assault in the area of Swede Avenue and Hillgrove Parkway.

7:48 p.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to a Lee Township residence to check the well-being of a 36-year-old woman at the request of her 62-year-old father, who said his daughter was not taking her medications. The woman was contacted by the deputy via phone, and said she was not refusing to take her medication, she just could not afford them. She was given information about local entities that could help her if she needed.

7:26 p.m. -- Deputies responded to a Lee Township location for a traffic crash that resulted in a personal injury. The at-fault driver was issued a citation for a left-of-center violation, and treated at the MidMichigan Medical Center emergency room for minor injuries.

7:13 p.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to a Larkin Township residence in reference to a verbal argument between a 42-year-old father, 41-year-old mother, 17-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter. The argument began after the father and son began arguing. The mother then "kicked" her daughter out of her bedroom for the night so the son could sleep in the room, so he would not have to sleep downstairs, where his father might continue to yell at him. The 15-year-old daughter left with her 19-year-old sister for the night. All parties were advised to leave each other alone and go to their separate rooms.

5:36 p.m. -- Officers responded to a retail fraud in the 400 Block of East Main Street.

3:51 p.m. -- A deputy assisted emergency services with an intoxicated man who had fallen outside of his Hope Township residence.

2:36 p.m. -- A 43-year-old man reported that his 11-year-old daughter had her arm grabbed by a 35-year-old woman who had lived at their home months ago. The incident allegedly occurred after the child and refused to listen to the woman as she was watching the child. The man and his daughter reported no injuries, and the woman no longer lives with the family. The father just wanted the incident to be reported and documented.

1:31 p.m. -- A 59-year-old Jerome Township woman called because she was upset with her 24-year-old daughter's unknown boyfriend because she felt that a Facebook message sent to her from the daughter and boyfriend was possibly threatening in nature. The deputy made contact with the daughter, who said her mother had made racist remarks directed at her boyfriend that had upset them both. The deputy told the mother and daughter to avoid contacting each other if they were unable to get along peacefully, which they all agreed to.

11:44 a.m. -- Officers responded to a hit-and-run in the 2000 Block of Virginia Street.

11:05 a.m. -- A 61-year-old Jerome Township man reported a larceny of his laptop computer from his garage.

8:15 a.m. -- Officers responded to an animal complaint in the 500 Block of Bark Lane.

6:58 a.m. -- Officers responded to a traffic hazard near the intersection of Patrick Road and Waldo Avenue.

12:36 a.m. -- Officers responded to a traffic crash near the intersection of Swede Avenue and East Ashman Street.

Thursday, Jan. 3

10:51 p.m. -- Officers performed a liquor inspection in the 100 Block of East Main Street.

9:25 p.m. -- A deputy responded to a single-vehicle traffic crash in the area of East Shaffer Road and North Meridian Road.

9:09 p.m. -- A 57-year-old Warren Township man lost his cellphone while in the City of Midland. Deputies located the phone and returned it to the man at his residence.

8:29 p.m. -- A deputy was dispatched to an Edenville Township residence in reference to an alarm called in by the alarm company. The home was checked and found to be secure. The homeowner, a 55-year-old woman, was contacted and informed of the situation. She said she had just left the home, and might not have armed it correctly.

5:52 p.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to a Greendale Township location for a report of a 32-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman sitting in their vehicle outside of a business. Deputies made contact with the couple and discovered the man was on probation out of Emmet County, and was not to have contact with the woman. A report was forwarded to Emmet County Probation.

4:22 p.m. -- Officers responded to a domestic verbal dispute in the 3800 Block of Robinhood Terrace.

4:09 p.m. -- Officers responded to a property damage accident near the intersection of Bayliss Street and Rodd Street.

2:55 p.m. -- Deputies responded to a property damage crash in Homer Township.

2:29 p.m. -- Officers responded to a vehicle crash on private property in the 6200 Block of Jefferson Avenue.

1:55 p.m. -- Officers responded to a property damage accident near the intersection of Eastman Avenue and and West Sugnet Road.

1:29 p.m. -- Officers responded to a property damage accident near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and East Wheeler Street.

1:11 p.m. -- Officers responded to a larceny in the 4300 Block of East Ashman Street.

11:56 a.m. -- Deputies responded to a report of a verbal dispute in Homer Township between a 34-year-old woman and her 39-year-old husband. The couple got in a heated argument over the way they parent their own children, as they have a "blended family." Both parents said they have had marital issues in the past. The woman decided to leave with her 6-year-old son for a few hours to reduce tension in the house. Deputies provided the couple with information for local counseling resources.

11:27 a.m. -- Officers responded to a property damage accident near the intersection of East Ashman Street and Swede Avenue.

11:23 a.m. -- Officers responded to a property damage accident near the intersection of East Patrick Road and Swede Avenue.

10:20 a.m. -- Officers responded to an animal bite in the 1500 Block of East Patrick Road.

9:01 a.m. -- A deputy responded to a vehicle that ran off the road into the median on US-10 near M-30. There was no damage to the vehicle and it was towed out by a local towing service.

2:39 a.m. -- Deputies, along with emergency services and the Jerome Township Fire Department were dispatched to an area near Blakely Road and Lakeview Road in Jerome Township for a vehicle in a ditch. After investigating, it was learned that the driver, a 35-year-old woman and cancer patient, had tried to commit suicide by driving into the ditch. She was not injured, and was transferred to the MidMichigan Medical Center emergency room for treatment. A mental health petition was filled out.
Meridian Girl Scout Troop 50350 has announced that all four of its members have completed the requirements for their Silver Award, which is the second highest award in Girl Scouting.

Madison Dougherty, Kayla Funk, Bobbie Thielen and Jillian Todd worked together as a team to address a local issue. They invested time in learning about potential local projects. Together, they chose to provide free books to local children who live a distance from our nearest public library.
Get ready for two nights of magic and mayhem this week because "Potted Potter" is coming to Midland Center for the Arts. Based on the bestselling Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling, the show appeals to both fans and novices of the wizarding world.

Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner created "Potted Potter" in 2005 during the midnight release of the sixth Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." While fans waited to purchase the novel, Clarkson and Turner entertained the crowds with a recap of the five previous installments. They developed their 15-minute performance into an hour-long show for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe the following year.

After touring around the United Kingdom, the show appeared off of West End in London and crossed the Atlantic to Toronto, Canada.

"From there, it went crazy," stated Turner in a recent phone interview.

"Potted Potter" performed briefly off-Broadway in 2012. That December, Clarkson and Turner began an American tour in Chicago. They eventually brought on two new actors, Joseph Maudsley and James Percy, who will be coming to Midland. Turner, who worked with Maudsley, praised his and Percy's commitment and enthusiasm in each of their performances.

"They're a great double act. They still have the boundless energy," he stated.

The show's running time has expanded to 70 minutes to encompass the plot arc through all seven books and even allows for time for the audience to engage in a game of Quidditch - a popular wizarding sport - which is the highlight of the performance.

"We wanted to get a part of (audience participation) without terrifying people," Turner explained.

A love for the Harry Potter series, a healthy sense of humor and a focus on family fun has kept the show going, according to Turner.

"Like the books, (the show) appealed to people across the age ranges," Turner observed.

Across the years both Potter fans as well as individuals who have never picked up the books or seen the film adaptations have expressed their appreciation for "Potted Potter." While the former group understands the inside jokes, the latter are able to come away with a better understanding of what Harry Potter is about.

"You don't have to be a Harry Potter super fan to enjoy the show," Turner stated.

"Potted Potter" will perform this week at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Midland Center for the Arts, 1801 W. St. Andrews Road, Midland. Tickets are $47 and $32 for adults, $42 and $37 for students and can be purchased by calling 989-631-8250, visiting www.mcfta.org/event/pottedpotter or in person at the ticket office.
By Hayley Dunning

30 January 2019

(Imperial College London)  Extreme rainfall  defined as the top five percent of rainy days  often forms a pattern at the local level, for example tracking across Europe. But new research, published today in Nature, reveals that there are also larger-scale global patterns to extreme rainfall events.These patterns connect through the atmosphere rather than over land  for example, extreme rainfall in Europe can precede extreme rainfall in India by around five days, without extreme rain in the countries in between.The research, led by a team at Imperial College London and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, could help better predict when and where extreme rainfall events will occur around the world. The insights can be used to test and improve global climate models, leading to better predictions.The study additionally provides a baseline for climate change studies. By knowing how the atmosphere behaves to create patterns of extreme rainfall events, scientists will be able to gain new insights into changes that may be caused by global warming. Predicting extreme rainfall Lead author Dr Niklas Boers, from Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and the Grantham Institute  Climate Change and Environment at Imperial, said: Uncovering this global pattern of connections in the data can improve weather and climate models. This is especially true for the emerging picture of couplings between the tropics and the European and North American regions and their consequences for extreme rainfall.This finding could also help us understand the connections between different monsoon systems and extreme events within them. I hope that our results will, in the long term, help to predict extreme rainfall and associated flash floods and landslides in northeast Pakistan, north India, and Nepal. There have been several such hazards in recent years, with devastating consequences in these regions, such as the 2010 Pakistan flood.To find patterns in extreme rainfall events, the team developed a new method rooted in complex system theory to study high-resolution satellite data of rainfall. The data comes from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission and covers the region between 50? North and South since 1998.

By breaking the globe into a grid, the team could see where events occurred and determine how synchronous they were  a statistical measure that assesses connections even if the events did not occur at exactly the same time.The results from this complex network model, analysed using our understanding of the motion of the atmosphere, revealed a possible mechanism for how the events were connected. The patterns appear to be created by Rossby waves  wiggles in fast-flowing currents of air high in the atmosphere, known as the jet streams.Rossby waves have been connected to regular rainfall, but this study is the first to connect them to extreme rainfall event patterns. A strong test for weather and climate models Co-author Professor Brian Hoskins, Chair of the Grantham Institute at Imperial, said: The new technique applied to satellite data shows very surprising relationships between extreme rainfall events in different regions around the world.For example, extreme events in the South Asian Summer Monsoon are, on average, linked to events in the East Asian, African, European, and North American regions. Although rains in Europe do not cause the rain in Pakistan and India, they belong to the same atmospheric wave pattern, with the European rains being triggered first.This should provide a strong test for weather and climate models and gives promise of better predictions.Co-author Jurgen Kurths, from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, said: This truly interdisciplinary study, which combines complex network science with atmospheric science, is an outstanding example for the great potential of the rather young field of complexity studies. As well providing insight into the spread of epidemics or information flow across networks, it can also be used to improve our understanding of extreme events in the climate system.

Extreme rainfall events are connected across the world

ABSTRACT: Climatic observables are often correlated across long spatial distances, and extreme events, such as heatwaves or floods, are typically assumed to be related to such teleconnections1,2. Revealing atmospheric teleconnection patterns and understanding their underlying mechanisms is of great importance for weather forecasting in general and extreme-event prediction in particular3,4, especially considering that the characteristics of extreme events have been suggested to change under ongoing anthropogenic climate change5,6,7,8. Here we reveal the global coupling pattern of extreme-rainfall events by applying complex-network methodology to high-resolution satellite data and introducing a technique that corrects for multiple-comparison bias in functional networks. We find that the distance distribution of significant connections (P < 0.005) around the globe decays according to a power law up to distances of about 2,500 kilometres. For longer distances, the probability of significant connections is much higher than expected from the scaling of the power law. We attribute the shorter, power-law-distributed connections to regional weather systems. The longer, super-power-law-distributed connections form a global rainfall teleconnection pattern that is probably controlled by upper-level Rossby waves. We show that extreme-rainfall events in the monsoon systems of south-central Asia, east Asia and Africa are significantly synchronized. Moreover, we uncover concise links between south-central Asia and the European and North American extratropics, as well as the Southern Hemisphere extratropics. Analysis of the atmospheric conditions that lead to these teleconnections confirms Rossby waves as the physical mechanism underlying these global teleconnection patterns and emphasizes their crucial role in dynamical tropicalextratropical couplings. Our results provide insights into the function of Rossby waves in creating stable, global-scale dependencies of extreme-rainfall events, and into the potential predictability of associated natural hazards.

Complex networks reveal global pattern of extreme-rainfall teleconnections
Ottumwa, IA (52501)

Today

Partly cloudy early. Scattered thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High around 80F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening. Partly cloudy skies overnight. Low 63F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
A plumber was arrested last week after authorities say he stole more than $17,000 from an elderly Beaverton woman in December by using her debit card and having her write him personal checks under the guise of buying materials for repair work at her home.

Cris Brackens, 60, of Tigard was arrested Thursday on suspicion of aggravated identity theft, aggravated first-degree theft, first-degree theft and fraudulent use of a credit card. Brackens told investigators he never did any of the plumbing work he told the 88-year-old woman she was paying him to complete, according to the Washington County Sheriffs Office.

The womans credit union reported what appeared to be financial elder abuse to the Department of Human Service on Jan. 10 and that agency contacted police, the sheriffs office said.

The woman hired Kennedy Plumbing, Brackens employer, in early December to conduct repairs, the sheriffs office said. Brackens contacted the woman after the job was finished, suggested more repairs were needed and told her to pay him directly, rather than through her employer, to save money, authorities said.

According to the sheriffs office, Brackens told her to write him checks and later convinced her to give him her debit card to buy materials directly.

Brackens used the womans card 24 times and racked up $13,000 in late December by making ATM withdrawals and buying low-cost items and then withdrawing the maximum amount of cash back from each purchase, the sheriffs office said.

He also is suspected of cashing nine checks from the woman totaling more than $4,500.

In 2012, Brackens was among several employees of plumbing contractor American Residential Services identified in a state license revocation notice as persuading customers to agree to unnecessary equipment and repairs.

In some cases, Oregon homeowners were charged thousands of dollars more than the industry norm for sewer line work.

According to the notice from the Oregon Construction Contractors Board, Brackens was sent by his company to fix an elderly Salem couples bathroom toilet in 2010. He told the couple the malfunction was because the water was bad, that the citys water was destroying their pipes and all the appliances linked to the water lines were doomed to fail because of it, the notice said.

Brackens told the couple that their water pipes under their home needed to be replaced, when they declined, he suggested installing a water system that he claimed would make the pipes and appliances last longer and charged them $3,550, the notice said. At time it would have actually cost at least $1,500 for a sewer pipe replacement, according to the comment.

American Residential Services, which operates in Oregon as Jack Howk Plumbing and Rescue Rooter, was later fined $623,500 by the state board after an investigation. The fine was later reduced to $540,000.

The Washington County Sheriffs Office said investigators suspect there may be other victims in alleged scams similar to the Beaverton case and asks if anyone has more information to call detectives at 503-846-2700.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com | 503-221-8343 |@EvertonBailey

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.
Intel acknowledged late Monday it will soon begin building a massive new semiconductor factory in Hillsboro, which will surely run in the billions of dollars and rank among the largest capital projects in Oregon history.

The company told about 50 residents living near its Ronler Acres campus that it will build a third phase of its massive D1X manufacturing complex, confirming a report last month by The Oregonian/OregonLive. Additionally, Intel said it plans a new technology building to support the factory with emergency generators, utilities and additional parking.

Intel was vague on many details, including the projects exact size and timing. Hillsboro says the chipmaker recently submitted construction permitting applications but the city has yet to fulfill a public records requests for the documents.

Sources in Oregons construction industry say Intel has indicated it hopes to begin construction during the first half of the year but the chipmaker would only say it plans to start work in Hillsboro sometime in 2019.

And theres a big caveat: Intel says plans remain contingent on unspecified business and economic factors.

D1X Mod 3 What it is: The third phase, or module, of Intels massive D1X research factory. Intel develops each new class of microprocessor there, then duplicates the manufacturing process at factories around the world. Intel will also add a support building with utilities and other manufacturing services, and more parking. Where it is: Ronler Acres is south of Highway 26 near Hillsboro Stadium. The expansion is on the southeast corner of Intels property, near Northeast Shute Road and Northeast Butler Street. Size: Intel hasnt specified but it appears to be about equal in size to each of D1Xs first two phases, 1.1 million square feet apiece. When it starts: Intel says it plans to begin construction this year, contingent on market and economic factors. Impacts: Intel says a new traffic signal on Shute and a new right-turn lane from Northeast Brookwood Parkway onto Northeast Evergreen Parkway will mitigate traffic impacts from the project. The company says it will install new fencing and walls to shield the finished factory from the neighborhood.

Intel is among Oregons largest economic engines. Though its headquarters are in Silicon Valley the company has 20,000 workers in Washington County, more than anywhere else it operates and more than any other Oregon business.

Intel announced in December that it will expand production capacity in Oregon, Ireland and Israel beginning in 2019. Monday nights neighborhood meeting is the first time the chipmaker has provided any public details of those plans.

Intels new factory will be the third phase of D1X, a massive factory Intel began in 2010. Each of the first two phases were 1.1. million square feet, creating a combined facility equivalent to 15 Costco warehouse stores. The third phase will apparently increase D1Xs manufacturing space by about 50 percent, based on images of the new factory presented Monday night.

Chip factories cost billions of dollars apiece and each of the first two phases of D1X represented a considerable stimulus for the state economy. When work on the first phase began nine years ago, Intel held a major announcement in Hillsboro with Oregons governor and members of its congressional delegation.

Josh Lehner of the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis said Intels plans represent a long-term economic win for the state.

This proposed investment and expansion signals that Oregon will remain the home to significant, cutting-edge (research and development) operations for the foreseeable future, Lehner wrote last month in response to The Oregonian/OregonLives report on Intels plans.

Silicon Forest manufacturing hasnt grown since the dot-com era, Lehner wrote, and he doesnt forecast any growth in the future. But he said the share of well-paid engineering and managerial jobs in Oregon tech manufacturing has increased, helping compensate for slower overall job growth.

The average Oregon technology manufacturing job paid an annual wage of $126,000 in 2017, Lehner said, skewed upwards by white-collar, manufacturing-related work. Workers physically making the products earn just $40,000 annually, in line with wages in other manufacturing sectors.

Intel enjoys some of the nations largest tax breaks, with billions of dollars in manufacturing equipment exempt from the property taxes other businesses pay. Those incentives saved the company nearly $200 million last year alone and will apply to the new factory, too.

Additionally, Intel said the companys existing environmental permits cover the pending expansion.

Intel says its factory expansion will enable it to respond 60 percent faster to chip shortages. The company endured a major shortfall at the end of 2018, with unexpected demand constraining supply for PCs and laptops.

As a result, Intel left billions of dollars in potential revenue on the table and exasperated clients who couldnt get the microprocessors they needed to make the computers their own customers wanted.

D1X is Intels first facility equipped for a new class of huge manufacturing tool known as extreme ultraviolet lithography, or EUV. Intel needs the new technology for tiny features on its forthcoming 7-nanometer class of computer chips.

By starting construction now, and adding to factories equipped for EUV, Intel is positioning itself to have significantly more production capacity ready when the 7nm technology is ready sometime in the next few years.

Clarification: This article has been updated to clarify that technology manufacturing wages are inflated by white-collar jobs at the top end of the pay scale, and that tech workers on the front lines earn wages comparable to other manufacturing jobs.

-- Mike Rogoway | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699
More than 100 marched through downtown Portland on Saturday to protest the death of Patrick Kimmons, who was fatally shot by police officers last Sunday.

The group, which included members of Kimmons' family, gathered near a memorial supporters have set up near Southwest 4th Avenue and Harvey Milk Street, at the parking lot where the shooting occurred.

They marched to the downtown Justice Center, where speakers, including relatives of Kimmons, demanded police accountability in the shooting.

"We're not here to riot. We're here for justice," said Charles Kimmons, a family member. "We need to fight this all the way to the end. These cops need to be locked up."

The group then marched back to the parking lot where the protest began, where they blocked Southwest Fourth Avenue but directed traffic around the demonstration.

Protesters mixed with traffic, mostly without incident, but reporters for Oregon Public Broadcasting and KATU-TV said a driver struck a protester near the Justice Center and drove away. The protester was not seriously injured.

WATCH: A driver plowed through protesters in downtown Portland this afternoon. Police say they have not heard from either the driver or victim yet. https://t.co/OBeORYW7Rf pic.twitter.com/18wQ8hb0nH  KATU News (@KATUNews) October 7, 2018

Police presence was minimal. Officers were seen monitoring the protest from a block away.

Kimmons was shot shortly after 3 a.m. Sept. 30, when the Portland Police Bureau said Sgt. Garry Britt and Officer Jeffrey Livingston heard gunshots from inside their vehicles, parked near.

At the other end of the lot nearer to Southwest Third Avenue, there was a fight and a shooting, leaving two men wounded. Police then saw Kimmons turn toward them or head their way holding a gun, sources told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

The officers yelled commands and fired at Kimmons with their handguns, striking him in the upper torso and leg. Between the sergeant and officer, 10 to 12 shots were fired.

Police are awaiting forensic analyses from the state crime lab on a revolver found near Kimmons and four other guns recovered at the scene, but suspect Kimmons shot the two other men at the scene, the sources said.

Police officials have said little publicly about the circumstances of the shooting, despite pleas from Kimmons' family and other supporters.

Demonstrators have gathered in front of the Justice Center in downtown Portland. They're marching to protest the death of Patrick Kimmons, who was fatally shot by Portland police last weekend. pic.twitter.com/0g6JwlYUwh  Elliot Njus  (@enjus) October 6, 2018

Save for a one man yelling at protesters who just left, things are quiet. Protesters are blocking SW Fourth Ave. at Harvey Milk. Police are monitoring from a block away. pic.twitter.com/MoAurW2o0I  Elliot Njus  (@enjus) October 7, 2018

-- Elliot Njus

enjus@oregonian.com

503-294-5034

@enjus

Maxine Bernstein contributed reporting.
Updated at 8:30 p.m.

Demonstrators blocked traffic Wednesday in downtown Portland in protest of grand jury findings on the fatal police shooting of a black man last month.

A small group of demonstrators said they wanted justice for Patrick Kimmons. They stood in the street as cars honked and tried to make their way past.

Police moved patrol cars to block off Southwest Fourth Avenue and Madison Street intersection and the Third Avenue and Main Street intersections.

The protest later moved to Portland City Hall. The demonstration was over by 5:15 p.m.

It didnt appear the protester was hurt. A small police presence is on hand; I think the driver kept going. Testy interaction with another driver here. Video: pic.twitter.com/KtqXLKKvMu  Jim Ryan (@Jimryan015) October 31, 2018

Kimmons was killed by police shortly after 3 a.m. Sept. 30 in a downtown Portland parking lot. Portland police Wednesday released video of the shooting after a Multnomah County grand jury found no criminal wrongdoing by the two Portland police officers involved.

The grand jury, which met over two days, found the shooting of Kimmons by Sgt. Garry Britt and Officer Jeffrey Livingston was justified.

The officers said Kimmons was running toward them with a gun when they fired 12 rounds, killing him. Kimmons was struck nine times, police said.

Letha Winston, Kimmons' mother, was among the protesters.

"The verdict is not justifiable," she said. "I'm gonna fight for my baby. How could you shoot a man after he already laid down flat. The video I've seen in the D.A.'s office his hands was up."

I asked Letha Winston, Kimmons mother, whats she wants the public to know. Her response: pic.twitter.com/Kt4uS9uSp4  Jim Ryan (@Jimryan015) October 31, 2018

During the protest, Arthuray Dudley, a man who identified himself as Kimmons' older brother, was hit twice by a car but appears to not have sustained serious injuries.

Mark Dickerson

Police pulled over a truck, cuffed the driver and put him in a police vehicle, though it wasn't immediately clear if it was related to the protester being hit.

Mark A. Dickerson, a 55-year-old Portland man, was later identified as the driver of the Chevrolet 2500 pickup involved in the incident. Police said Dickerson was booked in the county jail on suspicion of fourth- degree assault, reckless endangering and reckless driving.

Dickerson later told The Associated Press that he had business at the courthouse and was trying to park when a man jumped in front of his truck.

Warning: Graphic language in video below

The man who was hit by the truck recounts the run-in (one bit of graphic language): pic.twitter.com/nyvf4zk30Q  Jim Ryan (@Jimryan015) October 31, 2018

-- Jim Ryan and Andrew Theen
If Oregon lawmakers are going to pass legislation to address climate change, 2019 could very well be their year.

Such legislation has been floating around the capitol in one form or another for a decade. But it remains deeply controversial because of its complexity, its potential cost to consumers and businesses, and ongoing questions over what works.

Contrary to past efforts, however, most of the forces in Salem are now pulling in the same direction. Consider:

Gov. Kate Brown, Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Tina Kotek are all committed to passing a climate bill. The Legislature created a Carbon Policy Office early this year and Brown has made climate change policy a centerpiece of her post-election agenda. Courtney and Kotek, meanwhile, took the unprecedented step of co-leading the Joint Interim Committee on Carbon Reduction.

While the legislation doesn't require a supermajority vote, Democrats' expanded majorities in both chambers could help proponents find enough votes to pass it. Several newly elected Democrats actively campaigned on climate change and endorsed the bill.

A statewide business group, Oregon Business for Climate, was formed late last year to back the legislation, and now counts 100 members, including prominent companies such as Nike and Adidas. Meanwhile the traditional business lobby, which has opposed past versions of the legislation, is in disarray and going into the 2019 session flat footed.

Lawmakers have signaled their willingness to meet one of Portland General Electric and PacifiCorp's key demands on the bill, a move designed to win their support for the legislation and remove a powerful barrier.

Successive reports are painting an increasingly dire picture of the effects and pace of climate change, backing the case for immediate action. The most recent came in this week's biennial report to the Legislature by the state Global Warming Commission. It suggests that Oregon's emissions are on the rise again, and that the state is unlikely to meet its emission-reduction goals. Meanwhile, the effects of climate change are already being felt regionally and will intensify.

None of this is to say that passage of the Clean Energy Jobs bill is a lock. It is still a highly complex piece of legislation, one that is effectively a new tax on businesses and consumers and could easily get entangled in the end-of-session logjam with other revenue measures.

While backers claim their polling shows strong support of climate legislation, voters in Washington have twice rejected a carbon tax, most recently last month. Though the policy differs from the cap-and-trade system Oregon is considering, the outcome reflects deep-seated opposition in some corners of the business community and the voting public.

For Brown, the climate change legislation could define both her legacy and her future. She admits as much: "This is absolutely a legacy issue," she said. "Future generations will judge us not on the fact of global climate change, but what we've done to tackle it."

For a governor who is staunchly pro-environment but regularly criticized for her failure to lead on big issues, enacting the nation's second economy-wide cap on greenhouse gas emissions would be signature legislation  no matter what happens on the perennial question of taxes and education funding.

"People have been waiting for her to use her political capital to publicly lead the charge on a big issue, not just negotiate behind the scenes," said Jim Moore, a political scientist at Pacific University. "This is something you can nail to the wall and say, 'I did this, and the world is a better place for it.'"

Dave Robertson, PGE's vice president of public policy, says it's hard to overstate the importance of the governor's role. Her championing the work of the Carbon Policy Office, and coordinating with lawmakers to head off any problems is a prime example, he said.

"This is such a complicated and time-intensive legislative lift," he said. "If you don't have someone like the governor making it a priority, without that bully pulpit push, it's easy to say, 'That's too complicated. Let's do it later.'"

For her part, Brown says her role "is to set the broader principles and, behind the scenes, to do the arm-twisting, the carrot, and the kick in the rear to get this done."

Sen. Peter Courtney addresses the Joint Interim Committee on Climate Reduction on Friday.

The legacy question may be an important one for Courtney as well. The often-cantankerous 75-year-old, who has been the upper chamber's presiding officer for the last 15 years, openly mulled retirement after the 2017 Legislative session. In 34 years in the Legislature, he has shepherded countless pieces of legislation to passage. But more recently, he has been criticized from within his own party for failing to move bills that don't have at least some bipartisan support.

Courtney says that criticism stings. And while he claims not to believe in legacies, success on the climate bill would give him another significant victory, even amid a potential brawl over new taxes. After this year's short legislative session ended, he told fellow lawmakers that if they weren't willing to pass a carbon cap, they shouldn't bother showing up in 2019. And he says he doesn't intend to shelve the bill if it doesn't find any Republican support.

"This is an incredibly important piece of legislation," he said. "I don't want to do it just with D votes, but if we have to do it, we will go that way."

Sen. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario and co-vice chair of the Joint Interim Committee on Carbon Reduction, says he won't be that bipartisan vote, even if the Legislature was willing to do away with the Clean Fuels Program, long a target of his ire. Bentz says it's a waste of time to argue about the existence of climate change. The planet is warming, he said, and we need to adapt. His worry is that a cap-and-trade system won't work.

"There is going to be a cap and trade bill," he said. "I can't stop it. I'm at the table trying to make the package less damaging to Oregon."

Though the Clean Energy Jobs bill has already been through three sessions, the highly complicated policy has lots of potential sticking points. Even the fundamentals  what will the state's carbon caps be  are subject to debate. The eventual goal is for Oregon to slash greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. But there is debate about how quickly the emissions cap should decline between now and 2035, as the scientific consensus is that early actions are becoming more crucial.

The governor and other sponsors are ready to make at least one big concession to win over the electric utilities. The previous version of the legislation would have required the companies to buy allowances and offsets to cover their emissions, just like industrial companies and fuels providers. The utilities have argued, however, that they already are subject to mandates forcing them to stop using coal-fired power and meet half their customer demand with renewable energy by 2040  laws that will push them into compliance with the greenhouse gas targets.

Rather than asking ratepayers to pay twice for the same emissions reductions, they maintain, the state should provide the utilities with free allowances and let them go about their business. The governor's climate agenda proposes to do exactly that.

"We're cautiously optimistic," Robertson said. "As far as the principles we've been working on  customers not paying twice, maintaining affordability  she's hitting on those notes so we were fairly pleased. It's a good start. Now we need to get into the workgroups."

In this file photo from 2008, coal mined in Wyoming is piled at the power generating station in Boardman operated by Portland General Electric, which agreed to close the plant by 2020.

Environmental advocates say much of the utilities' emissions reductions are more than a decade away as they accelerate the closure of coal plants after 2030. They don't oppose some level of free allowances for utilities but don't want to see the state let the sector entirely off the hook between now and 2030.

The utilities may get much of what they want. Big timber and agriculture also have been exempted from regulation. That leaves manufacturing and industrial companies, particularly those that are "emissions-intensive-trade-exposed"  companies that have high emissions per unit of production, limited opportunities for emissions reductions, and an inability to pass a carbon cost through to customers without losing market share.

From a policy standpoint, the concern here is "leakage"  that Oregon's carbon pricing will push companies to shift production and employment elsewhere, harming the economy without generating any climate benefit. Bentz points to Ore-Ida Foods in Ontario. "I do not want to drive it 150 yards away into Idaho," he said. "It will be devastating."

Crafting a policy that prevents leakage while preserving the integrity of the carbon caps is the toughest piece of this policy puzzle, Brown said. She says her policy adviser Kristen Sheeran has met with every entity whose emissions would be regulated under the law. The Carbon Policy Office also hired a consultant to identify which businesses are truly vulnerable.

That report was delivered this week and found that all Oregon manufacturing and industrial sectors to be regulated under a carbon cap are at risk for leakage. The report's authors, Vivid Economics, recommended providing free allowances to all of them.

That's not a welcome proposal among environmental advocates, who say their top priority is enacting a meaningful carbon emissions cap, with hard interim targets, that will achieve real reductions in greenhouse gas. It would also eliminate a big chunk of allowance revenue the groups are expecting to reinvest in carbon reduction and climate change adaptation programs.

Tera Hurst, executive director of the Renew Oregon coalition, said the last Senate version of the legislation singled out too many industries for free allowances. Though utilities should receive some consideration for the investments they're already making to cut emissions, she said, "you need to have stringent sideboards for other sectors."

"We want the strongest bill possible," she said. "Some of these companies have valid concerns. But let's not just do a bunch of free giveaways."

Car and trucks are Oregon's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and are seen as the toughest nut to crack in terms of reducing emissions. No one is talking about free allowances for transportation fuel suppliers, but there is deep concern, particularly among rural legislators, about the impact carbon pricing will have at the fuel pump.

Lawmakers also face legal questions about how the state could use the revenue generated by selling emissions allowances to fuel suppliers. Backers aim to use them exclusively for programs that decarbonize transportation, such as charging stations for electric vehicles. But the Oregon Constitution mandates that the funds go into the state's highway trust fund. It's an open question whether they would be available for any highway project, such as adding lanes on Interstate 5.

"We are planning to put a provision in the bill for a direct route to the Supreme Court if suits are brought, and we fully expect that to happen," said Sen. Michael Dembrow, D-Portland, who helped sponsor the legislation last year and is co-vice chair of the Joint Committee on Carbon Reduction.

Governance is still an issue as well. In her budget, Brown proposed creating a new agency  the Oregon Climate Authority  to replace the Department of Energy and run the state's climate programs. She would appoint a director and an advisory board, which would take over the role of the state's Global Warming Commission.

A similar plan was considered two years ago when the Legislature was looking to restructure or even shutter the dysfunctional Energy Department. But lawmakers and other stakeholders ultimately rejected the idea of expanding the Energy Department's mandate. Brown insists her plan is different and that some energy programs would migrate to other agencies.

The bill's backers also are looking to link Oregon's program to other jurisdictions, such as California, through the Western Climate Initiative. That would entail joint auctions of allowances and the ability to trade them between participating jurisdictions. But Bentz said he's worried Oregon will be the tail to California's dog and shunt its authority over the program to Sacramento.

Angus Duncan, head of Oregon's Global Warming Commission, says he hopes the legislation moves early and avoids the contentious, end-of-session debate over new taxes. What's important is actually passing a cap, he said, and the environmental community "can afford to give a little here and there."

Brown already has proposed raising $2 billion in new revenue for education, plus enacting a package of tax and fee increases to raise $700 million for the state's Medicaid program, also known as the Oregon Health Plan, as the federal government dials back the share it pays for.

Many observers view the proposed carbon policy as yet another tax, even if a ruling by the legislature's chief lawyer doesn't call it one.

Brown chuckles at the notion of early passage. She says lawmakers and stakeholders need a few months to get the policy right. Still, she's intent on "passing this in the 2019 session."

Courtney expressed a similar sentiment Thursday during the final meeting of the Joint Interim Committee on Carbon Reduction.

"As a 75-year older person  you know I'm going to go to the children and grandchildren  I cannot think of a more serious issue," he said. "I look forward to the piece of the legislation you come up with together, together, together, together, together. And I look forward to us feeling that the one thing we did that was extraordinary for mother nature and human nature at the end of the 2019 legislative session was to deal very aggressively, very fairly, with the issue that is before us."

- Ted Sickinger

503-221-8505; @tedsickinger
Its unacceptable Oregon allows cruel wildlife killing contests. Recent examples include the Oregon Farm Bureau-sponsored Young Farmers & Ranchers First Annual Coyote Hunting Tournament in Burns, the Annual Lake County Coyote Calling Derby in Lakeview, the Harney County Coyote Classic in Burns and the JMK Coyote Hunt in Bend.

In these gruesome events, participants compete for cash and prizes for killing the most or heaviest coyotes, foxes, bobcats and other species. A recent Humane Society of the United States undercover investigation showed contest participants piling up coyotes and foxes they had killed -- laughing and posing for photos in front of the dead animals.

Theres no point to this. Studies show that the mass slaughter of coyotes wont protect livestock or reduce coyote numbers. In fact, it could increase the population by destabilizing family structures and allowing more coyotes to reproduce.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission stated in 2016, After decades of using predator control (such as paying bounties) with no effect, and the emergence of wildlife management as a science, the agency finally accepted the reality that predator control does not work.

Coyotes do vital work like balancing ecosystems, protecting ground-nesting birds from smaller carnivores, protecting crops, and controlling rodent populations -- curtailing hantavirus, a rodent-borne illness that has infected 23 people in Oregon since 1993. Wildlife killing contests are an affront to science-based wildlife management and the humane values held by most Oregonians. Our state should ban them.

-- Andrea Kozil, Portland
Oregons senior U.S. senator on Wednesday blasted Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over the State Departments ongoing silence about multiple cases involving students from Saudi Arabia who vanished while facing criminal charges.

Sen. Ron Wyden reiterated his demands for answers and action from the nations top diplomat over the Saudi governments suspected role in these defendants disappearance from Oregon and elsewhere throughout the country.

He also criticized the Trump administration for its failure to publicly address the findings of an Oregonian/OregonLive investigation, which have received national and international attention.

Wydens rebuke comes more than six weeks after he first requested that the State Department look into these cases.

It is unacceptable that you failed to respond to my letter sent December 28, 2018 or indicate any concern whatsoever about the apparent pattern of Saudi fugitives evading justice for serious, violent crimes, Wyden, a Democrat, wrote to Pompeo in a letter obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive.

I now expect the State Department to use all of the tools and resources at its disposal to investigate this issue and hold the Saudi government accountable.

The Oregonian/OregonLive has revealed criminal cases involving at least five Saudi nationals who disappeared from Oregon before they faced trial or completed their jail sentence.

They include two accused rapists, a pair of suspected hit-and-run drivers and one man accused of having a trove of child pornography on his computer.

All were young men studying at a public college or university in Oregon with assistance from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the time of their arrest.

In at least four of those cases, the Saudi government paid the defendants bail and legal fees.

Federal law enforcement officials told The Oregonian/OregonLive in December they believe the Saudi government helped at least one of these suspects, Abdulrahman Sameer Noorah, flee the U.S. before his 2017 trial in the hit-and-run death of a Portland teen.

Prosecutors in Ohio also allege Saudi officials helped orchestrate the escape of a manslaughter suspect in 1988, suggesting the wealthy kingdom has spent decades helping its citizens avoid prosecution in the U.S. and leaving untold numbers of victims without recourse.

In addition to the State Department, Wyden, who sits on the Senates Select Committee on Intelligence, has formally sought answers about the Saudi fugitives from the Department of Justice and Customs and Border protection. He has not received a response from either.

Last week, during a gathering of intelligence officials in Washington, D.C., the senator publicly prodded FBI Director Christopher Wray about the missing students. Wyden and fellow Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley have also introduced bills targeting foreign consulates that help their citizens escape criminal prosecution in the U.S.

In his letter Tuesday, Wyden also urged Pompeo to push for answers from Prince Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi ambassador to the U.S.

While I recognize that the United States does not have an extradition treaty with Saudi Arabia, this does not relieve the Administration from its responsibility of pressing for justice on behalf of these American citizens, Wyden said.

Foreign governments cannot disregard U.S. laws and abuse diplomatic privileges by helping criminals escape, he continued. The Administration has failed to explain what, if anything, it is doing to ensure these men face American justice.

The State Department and Saudi embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Read Wydens full letter here.

Read other stories from this series:

He was accused of killing a Portland teen. Feds believe the Saudis helped him escape

Gone: More cases emerge of Saudi students vanishing while facing Oregon charges

Saudi students who vanish before trial span states, decades

Oregons Merkley and Wyden seek to punish Saudi Arabia over students who vanished before trial

Oregons Wyden prods FBI director for answers about Saudi role in student disappearances

-- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh; 503-294-7632
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA  Though the TV landscape is changing, with streaming platforms going great guns and corporate shifts remaking how networks look, so far at least, the FX cable network keeps programming series that makes critics happy.

During a day devoted to FX programming at the Television Critics Association 2019 winter press tour, FX CEO John Landgraf got things off to a lively start by taking aim at Netflix, for its self-generated, cherry-picked viewership stats, while reminding journalists in attendance that FX series routinely are included in TV critics 10-best lists.

Though weve only seen one episode, it was so good that it looks like FX will have another critical darling with Fosse/Verdon. The eight-episode limited series, like FXs Feud: Bette and Joan and others before it, features talented actors in roles drawn from real life.

Sam Rockwell (Oscar winner for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) plays dancer/choreographer/director Bob Fosse. Michelle Williams (whose resume includes the Oregon-filmed Wendy and Lucy and Meeks Cutoff) costars as Gwen Verdon, the dancer and actress who was married to Fosse and was his creative collaborator.

Everyone on the panel for Fosse/Verdon are also executive producers for the show. The lineup included Rockwell; Williams; director director Thomas Kail (Hamilton); writers Steven Levenson and Joel Fields; and Nicole Fosse, Verdon and Fosses daughter, and a creative consultant on the series.

Inspired by Fosse, Sam Wassons highly readable biography, the series will focus not only on Fosse and Verdons work together on the stage and film versions of Sweet Charity and the movie adaptation of Cabaret, but on the enduring relationship between the couple.

While Fosse has become legendary for his pioneering choreographic styles, the series makers also want to focus on Verdons contributions, not just as a famed dancer, but as a resource and sounding board for Fosse.

Nicole Fosse, who was singled out as a constant source of information and archival materials, said of her late mother, Everybody adored her. The series, however, will go beyond that, Fosse said, to show the whole human being that was her mother.

Williams agreed. In her research, she said, she kept hearing over and over again that Verdon was like the sunshine in the room. Things didnt always go her way, but she was constantly trying to rise above.

Nicole Fosse said that dancers who worked with her parents were a resource for the performers in Fosse/Verdon, in terms of helping to recreate the choreography and share memories.

Asked how it felt to be working on Fosse/Verdon after his years on the FX undercover Russian-spies series, The Americans, Fields joked that in this one, theres more dancing, less killing.

Though the opening of Fosse/Verdon will bring back memories of All That Jazz, Fosses semi-autobiographical 1979 movie, Nicole Fosse said the film presented something of a whitewashed romanticized version of his life. The movie was also a nod to Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, she said.

Neither Rockwell or Williams  though she played Sally Bowles in a Cabaret theatrical revival  are specifically known for dancing.

I can hoof, Rockwell said, but added that but he admired the ability of the professional dancers in Fosse/Verdon.

Williams recalled that shed had a little bit of training, and was grateful that her recent career included more dancing. Her work in Fosse/Verdon, Williams said, was the next level of difficulty.

Stay tuned for more news and notes from the TCA 2019 winter press tour.

-- Kristi Turnquist

kturnquist@oregonian.com 503-221-8227 @Kristiturnquist

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.
Update, June 23, 2020: El Inka announced will reopen in Southeast Portland.

Original story: Pollos a la Brasa El Inka, the beloved family-run Peruvian rotisserie chicken spot, quietly closed earlier this month, The Oregonian has confirmed. The restaurant, better known simply as El Inka, announced the news on their Facebook page with an elegiac message posted in both Spanish and English.

For the past decade, the restaurant was a magnet for Peruvian food fans from throughout the metro area, and a fixture in our annual guides to the regions best places to eat.

Claudia Fernandez, who opened the restaurant nearly a decade ago with husband Luis, hails from Guatemala, but fell in love with Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken after visiting a restaurant in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles. They opened El Inka near downtown Gresham in 2009 with a few Guatemalan dishes hiding out on the mostly Peruvian menu.

That menu was built around crazily inexpensive roast chickens that were marinated, rubbed with cumin and black pepper and slowly cooked in a fragrant wood-fired rotisserie built into the west wall of the dining room. Orders came with thick fries, a salad and a trio of vibrant house-made sauces in forest green, creamy yellow, spicy red. Ceviche, skewered beef hearts and cool cans of neon-yellow, bubblegum-flavored Inca Kola were all musts.

When a reporter tried to visit for lunch last week, the lights were dark and a closed sign was in the window. The Facebook message doesnt spell out the reason for the closure, only noting that the restaurant had rowed against the current, behind a lost cause. El Inkas shutter came just a week after another local Peruvian favorite, Paiche, closed its doors for good.

But there might be some good news on the horizon. Eater PDX, which also spotted El Inkas Facebook message, notes in a recent post that Char Latin Grill, a new Southeast Belmont Street restaurant with a loud sign, comes from the owner of Polli-Tico, the Peruvian rotisserie chicken spot that was one of our favorite new food carts of 2015. As of yet, Char mostly serves burritos, sandwiches and bowls, though the website reports that owner Kenny Fonseca hopes to have the permits in place to get a charcoal rotisserie up and running by this summer.

-- Michael Russell
By Guy Davies

4 February 2019

LONDON (ABC News)  The Australian government is warning citizens to be on the look out for crocodiles and snakes in the streets amid severe rainfall and flooding in north Queensland over the past few days. Crocodiles prefer calmer waters and they may move around in search of a quiet place to wait for floodwaters to recede, Leeanne Enoch, Queenslands minister for environment, said in a statement Monday.She continued, Crocodiles may be seen crossing roads, and when flooding recedes, crocodiles can turn up in unusual places such as farm dams or waterholes where they have not been seen before. Similarly, snakes are very good swimmers and they too may turn up unexpectedly. The coastal city of Townsville has been the most affected by the flooding. Local media outlet 7news posted a video on Twitter of an 11-foot crocodile crawling up a highway to the north of the city. One image of a crocodile roaming the streets has been shared over 20,000 times on Facebook.

Townsville has been brought to a standstill by severe flooding after an all-time record rainfall, the premier of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said Saturday. The town has experienced the equivalent of 3.2 feet of rainfall over the past week. []Its basically not just a one in 20-year event, its a one in 100-year event, she said Saturday, according to the AFP. Heavy rain continues to drench Townsville, with 6 to 10 inches of rainfall lashing the city since Sunday morning, according to the Townsville Bulletin. Around 17,000 properties in Townsville are believed to be without power. The Queensland Bureau of Meteorology issued a major flood warning for Townsville on Sunday night, saying that conditions will change rapidly & continuously due to unprecedented areas of flooding. [more]

Crocodile warning issued as Australian city faces unprecedented levels of flooding



By Ben Smee

4 February 2019

TOWNSVILLE (The Guardian)  After eight days of heavy monsoonal rain, authorities in the north Queensland city of Townsville had no choice but to open the floodgates of the Ross River Dam, deliberately flooding about 2,000 homes.

The decision was made as the Queensland government also published a warning to people to beware of crocodiles, snakes and other wildlife, which were reported to have left the swollen river and headed into some suburban areas.

Some parts of Queensland have had more than 1.5m of rain since last weekend. At Ingham, north of Townsville, 419mm fell in a single day on Sunday.

At Townsville almost 1m was recorded at Townsville airport across eight days of torrential rain. The average annual rainfall for the same weather gauge is 1127.9mm.

In parts of north Queensland, monsoonal rains have bucketed more water in eight days than in a typical year. The Ross River dam above Townsville was measured at a remarkable 247% capacity on Sunday night before the decision was made to release more water, in an attempt to avert a catastrophic collapse.

With the floodgates fully open, about 1,900 cubic metres of water a second was released. That stabilised the dam, which on Monday afternoon was holding 523,475 megalitres, or 225% its typical capacity.

But the fast-flowing water release caused the Ross River to break its banks and inundate several low-lying areas on Townsvilles south side. []

Andrew Roberts said he was more worried about being eaten by a crocodile in his Townsville home than chest-high water surging through the ground floor.

Its a little bit scary because, when it floods in Townsville, the crocs get into the water.

Roberts, who lives in low-lying Hermit Park, was also angry about the decision to release water from the Ross River dam.

We were lambs to the slaughter, he said. Our homes have been sacrificed to save the rest of Townsville. It should never have been this bad. Why didnt they have releases earlier and give the water a chance to get away?

Heads should roll over this. []

Prof Jamie Pittock from the Fenner School of Environment and Society at the Australian National University said the need to spill water from the dam highlighted the limits to using dams for flood control.

Dams cannot control the biggest floods, Pittock said. Large flood return frequency is projected to worsen with climate change. [more]

Australian authorities deliberately flood 2,000 Queensland homes after record downpours
An Oregon man who as a teenager killed his mother is now headed to prison as one of the leaders of an international fraud ring that used stolen debit and credit card numbers from foreign banks to buy high-end merchandise in three states.

Jonathan Dominic Coons, also known as Dom, coordinated and planned the conspiracy  unusual for its targeting of banks outside the U.S., federal investigators said.

The fraud involved up to 10 people, more than 1,160 stolen card numbers from banks in Australia and Canada and over $500,0000 in merchandise purchased from hundreds of merchants in Oregon, Washington and Idaho with the fake cards, investigators said.

Coons, who pleaded guilty to his role, said he and his co-defendants sold the merchandise online and used the cash to feed their drug and gambling addictions. When they werent crashing at a flophouse in Vancouver, they used the fraudulent cards to rent hotel rooms on their regionwide shopping trips, prosecutors said.

I pretty much lived day to day to get high, Coons, now 40, said at his sentencing in U.S. District Court in Portland late last month.

Its been that way, he said, since his release from Oregons youth prison after serving time for the 1994 murder of his mother. Hes used methamphetamine daily since then, he and his lawyer said.

He was 16 at the time he stabbed his mother 29 times on a wooded path near their upscale home in south Salem. He served 4  years at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility until he turned 21 and was released, convicted and sentenced just before the adoption of the states Measure 11 mandatory sentencing law that would have required a lengthier sentence and likely some prison time.

Coons said he started out shoplifting and then learned from an ex-girlfriend how to make fraudulent credit cards. Hed trade merchandise bought with the cards for drugs or money. He used the money to pay for hotel rooms and rental cars.

Wed wake up and look for ways to get high and go gamble, he said.

Coons coordinated and planned the conspiracy, recruited others, claimed the larger share of the crimes proceeds and had control over those involved and the equipment used, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford.

Coons defense lawyer, Bear Wilner-Nugent, countered that Coons and the others were not an organized enterprise but a loose group of addicts crashing together in a flophouse doing what they could to get by to have a roof over their head. Coons may have been a manager, but wasnt a mastermind, he said.

While credit card fraud is rampant, stealing card numbers from foreign banks is rare, said Steve Goldman, FBI special agent in charge of the criminal branch in Oregon.

Those involved in this case targeted those banks because they didnt think they could be prosecuted for the international fraud and thought local police wouldnt pursue cases involving victims abroad, said Vancouver Police Detective Zachary Ripp, one of the lead investigators. Foreign bank cards dont require a three-digit security code or a ZIP code for verification, he said.

STOPPED FOR SPEEDING

The investigation began with a traffic stop.

Vancouver police stopped a white Toyota sedan for speeding on Nov. 10, 2017, according to court records.

Kevin Leighty was at the wheel and told police he had no license on him and was unsure if his drivers license was suspended. Police noticed his passenger squirming around in the front seat and spotted a tag on her jacket that she tried to conceal.

After police asked both to step out of the car, Leighty told officers that the two were traveling to meet up with someone from online marketplace OfferUp to sell the jacket.

A search of Leighty and the rental car turned up 33 fake bank cards, including 21 cards embossed with card numbers belonging to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and six bank cards embossed with bank numbers from Toronto-Dominion Bank, according to a federal complaint.

More than $30,000 worth of transactions had been made with the bank numbers found with Leighty and passenger Kimberly Patterson, a co-defendant in the case. Most occurred in Portland, but others happened in Eugene and in Washington in Vancouver, Puyallup and Seattle, court records indicated.

The search of Leighty also turned up a receipt showing purchases of North Face, Under Armour, Lucky Jeans and Michael Kors goods, and on the back, notes depicting drug sales. Patterson admitted to police that her jacket came from Cabelas and that she had Michael Kors purses inside the car from Nordstrom.

The car had been rented from Crown Plaza Hotel Hertz in Northeast Portland using a fake bank card under the name of a woman who had her drivers license stolen from her work in Portland, according to a federal affidavit.

Investigators learned that the group first got financial information for the foreign bank cards.

They would find the first six digits of a credit card from the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, the Toronto-Dominion Bank or the Royal Bank of Canada. The numbers identify the bank and country.

Then theyd get the remaining numbers to add from so-called dump sites on the open or dark web that rely on credit card generator apps, Ripp said.

Next, they would steal gift cards or prepaid Visa debit cards, remove their numbers using an acetone or sandpaper, demagnetize or alter the magnetic strip and use an embosser to put on their own numbers and names.

ANYTHING YOU WANT ME TO GET FOR YOU?

Coons and co-defendant Mikayla Brewington provided the fake cards to others, who would then crisscross Oregon and Washington to buy things to sell for drugs and money.

Coons, for instance, would drive his accomplices to shopping centers throughout the Pacific Northwest and give them shopping lists of merchandise to get, prosecutors said.

When a clerk would swipe the card into a machine, it wouldnt work, prompting the clerk instead to enter the credit card number manually.

The co-defendants first fanned out in metro Portland. Once the area was played out, they expanded from Eugene to Seattle along the Interstate 5 corridor and then east to Boise, according to Ripp.

A search of co-defendant Dawn Szabos cellphone turned up shopping lists with check marks by items bought, including a $1,495 mens Movado watch from TJ Maxx and a $348 Kate Spade purse.

On Nov. 14, 2017, Szabo texted her boyfriend Gary Peck: Morning babe  Is there anything you want me to get for you?

Peck wrote back, Anything! You know what I like! Xbox? Sunglasses.

In other text exchanges, Peck directed Szabo to buy a drone, tools and colognes.

About the same time, a Portland detective tracked a womans purchase of a car, an Infiniti FX35 from B & R auto wrecking shop in North Portland, through the use of a stolen bank card from Canada. The white Infiniti was then placed for sale on the online website, OfferUp, and linked to a Facebook account of Coons.

Police searched the Vancouver residence where the Infiniti was parked, 6200 N.E. 70th Court, and found another trove of identity fraud: Nearly 1,000 bank card numbers, some embossed on cards, others handwritten in notebooks and some kept on cellphones; numerous gift cards, shopping lists, check printing devices and a credit card embossing machine, according to court records.

The investigation also led authorities to a business warehouse that Coons and others called The Shop at 8013 N.E. St. Johns Road in Vancouver. It served as a front for making the fake cards with an embosser and for storing merchandise, prosecutors said.

Cash obtained in the scheme immediately went toward drugs or gambling at area casinos or on video lottery machines.

Wed pretty much head that direction after getting money, Coons said.

Once Coons caught wind of the investigation, he and co-defendant Samantha Rudd fled and were stopped in Idaho, according to court records.

I owe an apology to the courts, to the community, the people I defrauded, owners of hotel rooms I got high in and didnt pay for, Coons told a judge last Thursday.

Among the rooms not paid for was a Nov. 6, 2017, stay at the Inn at the Market in Seattle, where video surveillance showed Leighty and Patterson checking in using a fraudulent credit card, charging $482.31 for the room, valet parking and room service.

Coons pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and fraud in connection with access devices and was sentenced to six years and three months in federal prison.

Eight others  including Brewington, Leighty, Patterson, Rudd and Szabo -- have pleaded guilty to various charges in the case and await sentencing. Peck is headed for trial.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian
With Michelle Obamas Portland stop on her book tour less than a week away, the moderator for the event was announced Tuesday. Phoebe Robinson will join the former first lady on stage at the Moda Center on Feb. 9, according to a press release.

Robinson is a writer and stand-up comic and co-host of the podcast that became an HBO series 2 Dope Queens with Jessica Williams.

Obama is on tour for her book Becoming, which landed at No. 1 on the New York Times best seller list a week after it was published. The memoir tells the story of her life from growing up in Chicago to her years in the White House.

The cheapest tickets for the event billed as An intimate conversation with Michelle Obama are currently listed on Ticketmaster for $500.

-- Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052

lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.
Tactical Communications Market is set to exceed USD 30 billion by 2024 | Top Players including- CeoTronics, David Clark Inc., Silynx Communications, Invisio Communications, 3M, Sepura, Bose Coporation

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Profitable Trending Report on Global Luxury Hotel Design Market by 2019-2026 with Key Players Like HBA, Rockwell Group, Gensler, Wilson Associates, HKS, Pierre-Yves Rochon, Daroff Design

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Luxury Hotel Design includes hotel planning, drawing creation, design and development. The concept of Luxury Hotel Design is rooted in the tradition of hospitality for travelers dating back to ancient times and the development of various types of hotels in many cultures.The report, titled Luxury Hotel Design market research, provides actionable insights that supplement the growth strategies of market players. This market research report provides growth estimates, forecasts, and an in-depth analysis of all key factors at play in the global Luxury Hotel Design market.Ask for Sample copy:Top Key Players Included in This Report: HBA, Rockwell Group, Gensler, Wilson Associates, Leo A Daly, HKS, Pierre-Yves Rochon, ForrestPerkins | Perkins Eastman, Stonehill Taylor Architects, Daroff Design.There are many kinds of Luxury Hotel Designs in the world. Examples of Luxury Hotel Design are no-frills, which offers basic amenities at affordable rates, including guest palaces throughout Asia, America, UK. Another types like Country inns, hotel casino resorts, designer and art hotels, hotel-spa resorts, boutique hotels, the hotel offers a refuge, a monastery and an extra bedroom for rent in a typical home. Another type of capsule hotel is offered in Japan as an option for those who need basic necessities during their stay.Key Questions and Answers Covered in This Report: What will be the market size in 2026 and what will be the growth rate? What are the key market trends? What is driving the global Luxury Hotel Design market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the major suppliers of global Luxury Hotel Design market space? What are the key market trends that affect the growth of the global LuxuryHotel Design market? 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The research report also analyzes the market hierarchy carrying out a SWOT analysis of the key players operating on the global Luxury Hotel Design market in order to provide an overall picture of the competitive landscape in the industry and assist the participants to come up with market winning strategies to gain an edge over their peers.Get more information:The report additionally defines the various marketing channels prevailing in the global Luxury Hotel Design market and delivers information about some of the imperative distributors operating in the market. The report serves as a helpful guide for the new as well as existing players in the market.Overview of This Report: Global Luxury Hotel Design Market Overview Economic Impact on Industry Market Competition by Manufacturers Production, Revenue (Value) by Region Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type Market Analysis by Application Manufacturing Cost Analysis Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders Market Effect Factors Analysis Global Luxury Hotel Design Market ForecastAbout Company:We at IT Intelligence Markets conduct intensive market research and generate detailed reports about the products and services offered in the IT domain. Our team is devoted to providing custom reports that are taylor-made to suit the customers requirements. 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BIO Key International, David Link are profiled in Biometrics Market will hit the USD 50 billion by 2024 | Top Vendors like- EyeVerfiy, Iris ID, and NEC Corporation

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Market Study Report, LLC, post a thorough analysis of the Biometrics market, has developed a comprehensive Report emphasizing every vital aspect of the business vertical. The study has collectively presented refined data characterized by market valuation, SWOT analysis, market participants, regional segmentation, and revenue forecasts, enabling stakeholders to make logical business decisions. Biometrics Market size is estimated to surpass USD 50 billion by 2024; according to a new research Report by Global Market Insights, Inc.High acceptance among various verticals including mobile banking and financial services owing to rising security concerns has enhanced biometrics market size. Government initiatives for biometrics implementation coupled with high deployment for criminal identification will remain the key factors driving industry demand.Request a sample of this premium Report at:Global industry share is highly fragmented with various participants across the globe. BIO Key International, David Link, EyeVerfiy, Iris ID, and NEC Corporation are among the prominent players in the biometrics market. Other notable players include Lockheed Martin, Green Bit Biometric Systems, FaceFirst, ZKTeco, and 3M Cogent.Industry players focus on technological advancements and new product launches to cater to the customer requirements. Benefits offered including provision of precise and accurate validation as compared to traditional validation methods such as PINs and ID cards, are anticipated to increase the industry penetration across the globe till 2024.Increased smartphone penetration coupled with expansion of consumer electronics will favor the biometrics market share over the forecast timeframe. In addition, rising investment in military & defense due to authentication concerns is anticipated to offer high growth potential. Multimodal biometrics system is an emerging trend in public and private work space for stringent attendance recording purposes. However, high implementation cost and stored data uncertainty may hamper industry growth over the forecast timeframe.Request a discount on standard prices of this premium Report at:Non-AFIS will account for the highest biometrics market share, surpassing USD 18 billion till 2024. This can be attributed to its high usage in various applications which include cashless vending and workforce management. Moreover, it finds use in various public areas that assure keyless entry and efficient security. Iris recognition will exhibit over 20% CAGR owing to wide integration of iris scanners mainly in smartphones.Benefits such as unauthorized vehicle use detection, reduction of overtime expenses, and identification of billing anomalies will support the transportation & logistics segment growth from 2017 to 2024. Banking & finance applications will benefit from the rising demand from various financial institutions for precise authentication and streamlining of operations.North America biometrics market is expected to account for more than 30% share till 2024. Rising demand from government & security sector in U.S. coupled with the presence of major industry participants will escalate the industry growth. Moreover, favorable regulatory landscape in the U.S will help in fostering the industry demand. Asia Pacific is poised to grow at the highest CAGR owing to various government initiatives in the countries including China and India. National enrollment program (UIDAI Aadhar) in India, and China Resident Identity Card (CRIC) are among the implementation examples across the region.More Details on this Report:About Us:MarketstudyReport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Contact Us:Market Study Report4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyReport.com
Airport Security Market 2024| Top players analysis includes -Thales Group, American Science and Engineering, Inc, Westminster Group PLC, Axis Communications, Scanna MSC Ltd., Bosch Security Systems and many more

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The Airport Security market research Report by Market Study Report, LLC, is a compilation of pivotal insights pertaining to market size, competitive spectrum, geographical outlook, contender share, and consumption trends of this industry. The Report also highlights the key drivers and challenges influencing the revenue graph of this vertical along with strategies adopted by distinguished players to enhance their footprints in the Airport Security market. Airport Security Market is set to exceed USD 16 billion by 2024; according to a new research Report by Global Market Insights, Inc.Some of the players operating in the global airport security market include Thales Group, American Science and Engineering, Inc, Westminster Group PLC, Axis Communications, Scanna MSC Ltd., Bosch Security Systems, RedXDefense LLC, Fisher Research Laboratory, Hitachi Ltd, OSI Systems, Inc., and MilliVision Technologies.Request a sample of this premium Report at:Companies are increasingly entering into long term partnerships with airports for the testing and deployment of their technologies. For instance, Izmir International Airport has entered into an agreement with Tyco Security Products for the provision of unified security solutions such as access control, location monitoring, and intrusion tracking.High penetration of these solutions is due to the demand for advanced security systems such as biometrics in identity and access monitoring, contactless entryway checkpoints, x-ray scanners, and thermal cameras. Conventional security measures employ invasive procedures and protocols such as physical checks and body pat-downs which are highly uncomfortable. To boost passenger convenience, airport security market vendors are investing in R&D activities for the development of technologies such as x-ray scanners. In high-risk settings, preventive measures are required over reactive technologies. In such cases, it is essential to track and forecast security threats in contrast to taking measures to fix the issues after their occurrence.The rising penetration of smart technologies and IoT in airports is fueling the demand for airport security market. These include technologies such as remote check-ins, sensor equipment, e-gates, RFID baggage reconciliation systems, etc. A major portion of the data is collected in real-time and stored in large central databases. The presence of security issues in such cases can leave the data vulnerable to attacks from internal and external parties. Wireless tracking technologies, for instance, can allow a hacker to utilize triangular algorithms or Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) Information to track the location of the Wi-Fi end-point user and unearth historical data such as the route taken by the users, purchasing data, etc.Request a discount on standard prices of this premium Report at:A major factor contributing to the high growth of the airport security market is the increase in the traveler populations, primarily in the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Large scale globalization and rapid industrialization is driving the movement of goods and people across country borders. Owing to this, airports in urban locations are increasingly experiencing high passenger traffic causing governments of varying economies to undertake massive projects for the upgrade of existing technologies and the development of new airports. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the U.S government has increased the stringency of security procedures in and around the aircraft and passenger areas.The airport surveillance system market is anticipated to exhibit substantial growth during the forecast time-period. These systems are required to be functional at all times and sense multiple movements occurring at varying ranges. Additionally, these systems are supposed to function effectively in intense environmental conditions such as fog and storms and capture images in reduced visibility settings. The advent of 4K cameras and video units has revolutionized the airport security market owing to their sharper and improved image quality and provide coverage for a wider area.The North America airport security market is anticipated to dominate in terms of revenue in the following years. This is mainly attributed to the high emphasis of the U.S government on security measures such as surveillance cameras and cyber security solutions. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched the testing of 3D checkpoint scanning technology at the Phoenix Sky Harbor and the Logan International Airport. The computed tomography screening equipment improves the threat detection capabilities by providing a more through 3D image of the screened cargo.More Details on this Report:About Us:MarketstudyReport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Contact Us:Market Study Report4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyReport.com
Interceptor Missiles Market to Witness Growth Acceleration for Raytheon Co., Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co., Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Aerojet Rocketdyne

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Data collated by Market Study Report, LLC, regarding Interceptor Missiles Market unveils a succinct analysis of the market size, regional spectrum and revenue forecast about Interceptor Missiles market. Furthermore, the report points out major challenges and latest growth plans embraced by key manufacturers that constitute the competitive spectrum of this business domain.Interceptor Missiles Market is estimated to surpass USD 14 billion by 2024; according to a new research report.Global interceptor missiles market is expected to cross 3,000 units till 2024. Continuously increasing threat of attacks from rival countries has resulted in proliferating demand for interceptor missiles over the forecast timeframe. Multiple countries across the globe including Netherlands, U.S, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, etc., have purchased patriot interceptor missiles to strengthen their defense inventory, impacting the industry positively.Interceptor missiles of up to 125 kms range are anticipated to dominate the interceptor missiles market, generating a demand of over 2,000 units till 2024. Continuously increasing penetration of missiles conforming to this range such as PAC-3, Iron Dome, and SM-3, from MEA including UAE, Israel, and Saudi Arabia will primarily support the industry dominance. Interceptor missiles of range above 200 kms will exhibit over 18% CAGR in terms of revenue owing to rising deployment of advanced missiles such as HQ-19. Regular innovations in these missiles in countries such as China will further strengthen the industry penetration over the forecast timeframe.Request a sample of this premium report at:Countries across the globe have witnessed a considerable increase in their defense budget. For instance, in 2015, the defense budget of China was USD 131 billion, which was increased by 11% and crossed USD 145 billion in 2016 and was further increased by 7% in 2017. This will accelerate the revenue generation owing to their enhanced purchasing power for defense systems. However, high initial investment and high manufacturing costs may restrain new entrants from entering the interceptor missile market.Industry is witnessing regular upgradations and innovations in interceptor missiles. For instance, HQ-19 is a significant upgradation of HQ-9 and has gained prominence in 2017. It is capable of targeting satellites and ballistic missiles in lower earth orbit and is featured with kinetic kill vehicle. Moreover, it can intercept the ballistic missiles from a range of 3,000 kms. These innovations are anticipated to induce immense growth potential to the interceptor missiles market over the coming years.Surface to air missiles are expected to capture maximum interceptor missiles market revenue share of more than 80% by 2024. Some of the benefits offered includes light-weight and portability which in turn will drive the industry demand. Water to air missiles will exhibit approximately 7% CAGR owing to rising adoption of these missiles in various countries across the globe for naval border protection.Request a discount on standard prices of this premium report at:PAC-3 is expected to account for highest interceptor missile market share crossing USD 6 billion over the coming years. Proliferating demand of these missiles, especially in developed countries will primarily support the revenue generation. For instance, in January 2013, the U.S. army entered into several contracts worth USD 755 million for purchasing 168 PAC-3 missiles and associated services and equipment. HQ-19 will exhibit over 40% CAGR till 2024 owing to its continuously rising usage as an upgradation of HQ-9. Its enhanced features as compared to its counterparts will further support the industry growth till 2024.MEA interceptor missiles market will showcase dominance over the next eight years owing to rising threat of enemy attacks across the region. Collaborations of various countries with industry players for purchasing of these missiles will further contribute towards the high revenue generation. For instance, UAE and Qatar are anticipated to enter an agreement with Lockheed Martin for supplying patriot missiles. Europe will witness over 7% CAGR till 2024 owing to rising sales of interceptor missiles from countries including Sweden and Poland.Complete report for 2017-2024 on Interceptor Missiles market is now available atRelated Report:Global and Southeast Asia Gas-electric Welding Flux Core Wire Industry, 2018 Market Research ReportGlobal and Southeast Asia Gas-electric Welding Flux Core Wire Market research report is added by Market Study report by covering all major market aspects. The report also touches the key scenarios like top players, competition, types, applications, regions, recent developments and future market predictions.About Us:Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Contact Us:Market Study Report LLC.4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:Blog:
Antibacterial Drugs Market is Anticipated to Reach a Value of US$ 51,447.6 Mn by the End of 2025

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Antibacterial drugs are the chemical substances which are derived from bacterium to cure bacterial infections. The global antibacterial drugs market is driven by the rapidly growing antibacterial resistance and demand for new broad spectrum agents. The same market is likely to face two challenges such as deficiency of return on investment and expiry of patented drugs. The global antibacterial drugs market also exhibits a robust pipeline and market penetration of generic drugs. This market identifies opportunities in Spanish market through investments by the major players. Additionally, an economic growth in Latin America would bring a positive impact on the global antibacterial drugs market.Read Report Overview:Enteral Segment Held Lead among Routes of AdministrationIn terms of routes of administration, the global antibacterial drugs market has been segmented into enteral, parenteral and others. The enteral segment is expected to witness the largest market share in 2016 and is expected to grow by a remarkable rate during the forecast period. The parenteral segment claimed the second largest market shared in 2016 although it is estimated that the market share of parenteral segment will decline during the forecast period, owning to a global trend of switching over parenteral route of administration to enteral route. The others segment (such as topical, inhalation) is expected to claim the least market share in 2016 although the market share is estimated to rise during the forecast period, due to increasing number of skin infections, conjunctivitis, inflammation in the middle ear etc.Retail Stores and Drugs Stores Exhibit High Demand for Antibacterial DrugsThe global antibacterial drugs market has been further segmented into hospital pharmacies, drug stores and retail pharmacies and online sales, in terms of distribution channel. The retail stores and drug stores segment is anticipated to experience the largest market share in 2016 and this segment will grow by a significant rate during the forecast period, due to the increasing number of retail drugs stores, and the availability of antibacterial drugs through retail pharmacies and drugs stores. The hospital pharmacies segment is estimated to encounter the second largest market share in 2016 although the market share will decline during the forecast period, owing to the worldwide trend of hospital consolidations. The online sales segment is expected to face the least market share in 2016, although it will grow by a significant rate during the forecast period, owing to the global emerging trend of e-pharmacy.Perceive the Sample of the Report:North America Emerged as Leading Contributor but Europe to Report Higher GrowthGeographically, the global antibacterial drugs market is categorized into five regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa. The North America region is the leading contributor to the global antibacterial drugs market and will grow by a significant rate during the forecast period, due to the high infections rate, high diagnosis and treatment rate. Compared to the North America region, the Europe will grow by much faster rate during the forecast period, owing to the continuous inventions of antibacterial drugs in Europe. The Asia Pacific region is expected to claim the third largest share and this region will grow by the fastest rate among five regions, because of the huge patient pool and growing number of infected cases. The tendency of self-medications of antibacterial drugs is currently exhibited in Middle East and Africa and Latin America region.Prominent key players are Bayer AG, Pfizer Inc., Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline Plc. (GSK), Merck & Co., Inc., AstraZeneca, Johnson and Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Novartis Ag, and Allergen Plc. In August 2016, Pfizer entered into an agreement with AstraZeneca to acquire the development and commercialization rights to its late-stage small molecule anti-infective business, primarily outside the U.S. GlaxoSmithKline Plc. acquired GlycoVaxyn AG, a specialist vaccine biopharmaceutical company. The acquisition will allow GlaxoSmithKline Plc. to share the innovative biological platform technology used for the development of therapeutic vaccines in treating bacterial infections in January 2015.Obtain the Brochure of the Report:About UsTransparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: amanpreet@tmr.comWebsite:
Wine Bottles Market Pegged for Robust Expansion by 2026

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To improve the distribution process through economies of scales packaging manufacturers are focusing in the developed regions. Globally, wine bottles manufacturers are focusing on providing environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging solutions. Bottles manufacturers have also contributed with the increase in demand of wine bottles market by designing, innovating, and attractive shaped wine bottles which stirs up the purchase desire among the consumers.To meet the expectations of the consumers such as reliable, healthy, sustainable wine bottles manufacturers will continue to innovate designs and to improve the quality of glass used in wine bottles. Also the increasing penetration of printing on wine bottles offers the numerous opportunity to wine bottles manufacturers and brand owners to boost their wine bottles brand in the current market. Overall, the global outlook for the wine bottle market is expected to remain progressive during the forecast period.Read Report Overview:The global wine bottles market is expected to grow on the backdrop of the growth of beverage packaging industry, globally. The global wine bottles market represents continuous designs innovation to encompass flexible functional performances and attractive product solutions. The market of wine bottles is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period.Glass wine bottles preserve the wine carbon dioxide content for the long time, ensuring that the taste and the quality of the wine remains same. Growing customer inclination towards the purchase of wine & other beverages through the online portals is one of the prominent factor boosting the growth of the global wine bottles market. Growing urban population, rising disposable income, modernization, growing preference of the wine is expected to fuel the growth of the global wine bottles market.Obtain the Brochure of the Report:Growing number of individuals are consuming wine, owing to perception that it relaxes the state of the mind which results in increase in the sales of the wine bottles. Despite the positive factors, which hinder the growth of the global wine bottles market. Alternative packaging solutions such as metals cans over the wine bottle is expected to hamper the growth of the global wine bottles market. However in order to attract the consumer, wine bottles manufacturers are constantly focusing on the high-quality wine bottle manufacturing which is expected to boost the growth of the global wine bottles market.The Europe wine bottles consumption is expected to remain at the top in terms of value and volume during the forecast period. The Italy wine bottles market will be the key contributor to the growth of the Europe wine bottles market. This is attributed to the growth in consumption of wine in the country. The Asia Pacific region is expected to closely follow the Europe wine bottles market in terms of wine bottles market size during the forecast period.Wine is the most consumed beverage in this region and is likely expected to create the significant demand of the wine bottles market during the forecast period. High consumption of wine in North America region is likely to fuel the growth of the global wine bottles market. The Uniteottlesd States (U.S.) will remain the largest market for wine bottles, while Canada is expected register a notable growth of the global wine bottles market during the forecast period.Request Report TOC:About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: aman.j@tmr.comWebsite:
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Test Market to Develop Rapidly by 2026

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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that occurs widely among the population. In the U.S., 50%-85% of adults have been infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV). Most people who are infected with the virus do not experience any significant symptoms or health problems. CMV testing involves either a measurement of cytomegalovirus antibodies, immune proteins produced in response to CMV exposure, or the detection of the virus itself. CMV is found in many body fluids during an active infection, including saliva, urine, blood, breast milk, semen, vaginal secretions, and cerebrospinal fluid. It is easily transmitted to others through close physical contact or by contact with infected objects such as diapers or toys. The cytomegalovirus (CMV) test is important as the virus causes significant health problems among the population. In infants, a CMV infection causes serious physical and developmental problems.Read Report Overview:Most newborns (about 90%) who are infected appear healthy at birth but may develop hearing or vision problems, pneumonia, seizures, and/or delayed mental development a few months later. A few babies may be stillborn, while others may have symptoms at birth such as jaundice, anemia, an enlarged spleen or liver, and a small head. CMV test assays aid in the detection of cytomegalovirus. This is likely expand the research capabilities on cytomegalovirus (CMV) drugs and enable new diagnostic and treatment applications for patients. Many research institutes and laboratories are focusing on cytomegalovirus (CMV) tests for the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus through different technologies. Modulation of a unique technology and approach by physicians ensures better functional ability of this test. New developments in pharmological and CMV vaccine therapy approaches allow to image the function of immune system at the cellular and molecular level. This is positively affecting early diagnosis and treatment of diseases.High prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes , rise in the incidence of congenital CMV, increase in patient awareness about CMV, rise in research and development initiatives, advent of high-throughput screening (HTS) for drug discovery and vaccination, and development in genomic technology are key factors driving the cytomegalovirus (CMV) test market. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 50% of adults in the U.S. are infected with CMV by the age of 40. Around 90% of babies born with CMV have no symptoms, but 10% to 15% develop hearing loss, normally during their first six months of life. The severity ranges from slight to total hearing loss. Despite the progress in infection rates, CMV testing is also increasing across the globe. An increase in the number of patients with cancer, rise in neonatal births rates, and rapidly increasing awareness about therapeutics and vaccines are projected to fuel the cytomegalovirus (CMV) test market. However, factors such as high cost of diagnosis are expected to hamper the cytomegalovirus (CMV) test market in the coming years.Obtain the Brochure of the Report:The global cytomegalovirus (CMV) test drugs market can be segmented based on assay type, application, end-user, and region. In terms of assay type, the market can be classified into enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), PCR assays, DNA assay, and others. Based on application, the market can be categorized into DNA probes, monoclonal antibodies, immunoassays, and others. DNA probes is a rapidly expanding segment owing to an increase in the incidence of cancer globally. In terms of end-user, the market can be split into diagnostic laboratories, pathology labs, life sciences and research labs, and others.In terms of region, the market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the global cytomegalovirus (CMV) test market due to an increase in funding for the development of research and health care infrastructure in the region. Rise in the incidence of diseases such as cancer and HIV and early phase diagnosis and treatment of the diseases are driving the biotechnology and research sector. This, in turn, is expected to boost the cytomegalovirus (CMV) test market in North America. Europe is a prominent region of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) test market due to favorable government policies regarding the development of health care infrastructure and diagnostic laboratories.The market in Asia Pacific is expected to expand at a high growth rate during the forecast period due to a rise in birth rates, changing lifestyle, and increasing awareness among patients about diseases such as cancer and HIV, and rise in per capita expenditure. Additionally, the economic growth in India and China is augmenting health care infrastructure and boosting the expansion of pharmaceutical companies and biotech labs. This is expected to fuel the cytomegalovirus (CMV) test market in Asia Pacific in the near future.Request Report TOC:About Us:Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact Us:90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: akash.p@tmr.comWebsite:
Stuart Tomc, vice president for human nutrition with CV Sciences. Courtesy

A relatively new industry that manufactures and markets products containing cannabidiol (CBD) oil, which is extracted from the hemp plant, just received a major boost with the federal governments decision to remove hemp products from its list of controlled substances.

The action was part of a farm bill approved by Congress and signed by President Trump in December. The change means that, rather than coming under the purview of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, hemp products including CBD oil will be regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Although some companies, such as San Diego-based CV Sciences, have already been marketing products with CBD oil in health food stores and online, the new federal legislation takes the hemp industry out of a legal gray area and into the mainstream.

This should give comfort to federally regulated institutions  pharmacies, banks, merchant services, credit card companies, e-commerce sites and advertising platforms  to conduct commerce with the hemp and hemp CBD industry, said a statement from the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, a national hemp industry trade group.

The hemp plant is a genetically distinct relative of marijuana, with a much lower amount of THC, the compound in marijuana that produces a high in its users, said Stuart Tomc, vice president for human nutrition with CV Sciences, which has offices in Sorrento Valley.

Tomc, in differentiating between the plants and products, said there are three lanes - pharmaceutical drugs made with CBD, marijuana sold in dispensaries, and nutritional supplements sold in health food stores. CV Sciences has two divisions, which focus respectively on pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements.

CV Sciences, a public company, had sales of $35 million in the first three quarters of 2018, said Tomc. A company spokeswoman said its product, PlusCBD Oil, is the No. 1 selling CBD oil in the U.S.

The company markets three different CBD oil products for different purposes, said Tomc, which can all be found in health food stores. The red-label product is made from raw hemp seeds, stems and stalks, and used by consumers to reduce inflammation.

The green-label product is a heat-activated extract used for stress, and the gold-label product contains triple-concentrated CBD oil for pain, said Tomc.

Various establishments in San Diego also offer CBD-infused cocktails, coffee and food, said the company spokeswoman.

The popularity of the products sold in health food stores speaks to their effectiveness, said Tomc.

If this is a placebo effect, this is the most widespread, sweeping placebo effect Ive ever seen, said Tomc. People dont buy things that dont work over and over. It certainly suggests that were on to something.

CV Sciences has conducted studies regarding the safety of CBD oil, and the company now has a study in progress to look at its effectiveness.

Dr. Joe Maroon Courtesy

Dr. Joe Maroon, a member of CV Sciences board of directors and a practicing neurosurgeon in Pittsburgh (he is also the team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers), said studies have indicated that CBD oil can help with inflammation, pain and anxiety, and also may help insomnia sufferers.

CBD oil, he said, is a very safe, natural substance derived from hemp, with very minimal side effects, although caution needs to be used with anyone taking blood thinners for other medical conditions.

Maroon, a triathlete, said he uses CBD oil to treat his own pain and inflammation, which he prefers over drugs such as ibuprofen.

Consumers can protect themselves by using products from well-known companies that publish their test results online, Maroon said.

Maroon said he has seen his patients benefit from taking CBD oil, but he cant say for sure how much of the effect is placebo and how much is therapeutic effect.

Thats why we need more clinical studies to thoroughly assess the therapeutic efficacy of this, Maroon said.
Urodynamic Testing Market Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2018 - 2026

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Urodynamic studies determine how the bladder, sphincters, and urethra hold and release urine. Urodynamic testing helps to ascertain how well the bladder functions. The test also helps to find the reasons for urine leakage or blockage in the bladder or in the pathway of urine. Urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, urine urgency, painful urination, recurrent urinary tract infections, weak urine flow, and incontinence can be due to several factors. An urodynamic test helps to determine the specific cause of the condition. The test is painless and can be done by sophisticated instruments or placing a small catheter into bladder to measure the pressure generated with different actions.Read Report Overview:Based on test type, the global urodynamic testing market can be segmented into uroflowmetry, electromyography, cystometric test, leak point pressure measurement test, and others. The cystometric test segment is projected to grow at a rapid pace during the forecast period, as the test is a doctors first choice to check bladders ability to hold urine and emptying capacity and to determine if other test is required to diagnose the condition. Urinary disorders are mostly associated with the bladder. Cystometric test is the most value added test to measure how much urine the bladder can hold, determine the pressure build up inside bladders, and identify involuntary bladder contractions. In terms of end-user, the global urodynamic testing market can be classified into hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and others. The hospitals segment is expected to expand at a high CAGR during the forecast period, as large number of patients prefer diagnosis of diseases in hospitals due to the availability of treatment and diagnostics under one roof.Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine due to loss of bladder control. An estimated 500 million people in the world are affected by urinary incontinence and it is one of the major factors driving the global urodynamic testing market. Moreover, increasing prevalence of problems in the urinary system due to pregnancy, injuries, increasing age etc. which require compulsory urine testing in order to stat treatment are also anticipated the urodynamic testing market. According to a report published by the European Association of Urology (2013), the Global Prevalence Infection in Urology (GPIU) study data indicated that nearly 10% of patients hospitalized in urological wards have a health care associated infection.Obtain the Brochure of the Report:In terms of region, the global urodynamic testing market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominated the global urodynamic testing market in 2017. The region is projected to account for significant share of the global urodynamic testing market during the forecast period, due to rise in prevalence of urinary incontinence. According to the National Association for Incontinence, over 25 million adults in North America suffer from some form of urinary incontinence each year, and 75% to 80% of these are women. Rise in prevalence of urinary infection in countries such as India and China, availability of advanced test kits, and increase in awareness about urinary diseases and their effects on life are likely to propel the urodynamic testing market in Asia Pacific during the forecast period.Request Report TOC:Key players operating in the global urodynamic testing market are Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Accu Reference Medical Labs, Quest Diagnostics, Eurofins Scientific, Urology Specialists, Arkansas Urology, and Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: rakesh@tmr.comWebsite:
Global Healthcare Business Intelligence Market is anticipated to shoot off by the end of 2022 :Top keyplayers are Accenture, IBM, Microsoft, SAP, SAS, and Oracle and so on

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DescriptionBusiness intelligence is a very powerful tool for determining the recent trends in any field and also forecasting the areas of growth so that the firms can prepare themselves beforehand and therefore can chalk out strategies' for entering new markets and thus enhancing their profitability. Similarly, healthcare business intelligence aims at determining the areas of growth in the healthcare business, regionally so that the players can develop appropriate technologies at adequate prices and hence acquire a greater market share and hence, serve the growing population in the best way.Request For Free Sample@End-User/TechnologyThe end users are mainly the established players who may be looking forward to diversifying their product line. However, the end users may also be the budding new companies and startups aimed at providing healthcare through the online medium as well as targeting the medical tourism market.The technology involved here is the new tools of data analysis aimed at doing proper big data analysis, especially geographically to understand the proper growth potential of these markets.Market DynamicsIn today's world, with the coming up new kinds of diseases and also the increasing prevalence of existing diseases, every major player wants to have a larger market share in their existing market and also want to have a first mover advantage in case they are entering any developing new market. The major drivers for this market are the advancements in the data collection methods, data analytics, growing complexity of data and rising competition in the market space due to better funding of newer companies by venture capitalists.Market SegmentationThe global healthcare business intelligence market is segmented mainly on the basis of the functions performed on the data, like predictive data analytics, data mining, prescriptive analytics, data warehousing, forecasting and so on. One more aspect of segmentation is the application of data which may be based on the patient care, market growth analysis and so on.Finally, the market can be segmented on the basis of demographics as this may determine the type of methods used in data collection and analysis and also the costs and returns involved in the process.Regional/Geographic AnalysisOn the basis of geography, the developed countries have been the initiators as the major players are from these regions and they have the aim of entering into new markets. Also, the aging population in major economies is leading to the generation of more data regarding the expansion of the new-user market.Buy Now@OpportunitiesDue to the increasing population and aging trend in the developed countries, the need for proper data is expected to be the driver of the future healthcare industry as such data will give proper direction for expansion in new segments. Also, this data will help in identification of new regions such as developing regions in the Asia Pacific region where there is a rapid rise in population.Key PlayersSome prominent players in the market are Accenture, IBM, Microsoft, SAP, SAS, and Oracle and so on.Report Contents Regional Analysis Report HighlightsMarket segmentsMarket Drivers, Restraints and OpportunitiesMarket Size & Forecast 2016 to 2022Supply & Demand Value ChainMarket - Current TrendsCompetition & Major CompaniesTechnology and R&D StatusPorters Five Force AnalysisStrategic and Critical Success Factor Analysis of Key PlayersNorth AmericaUS and CanadaLatin AmericaMexico, Brazil, Argentina and Rest of Latin AmericaWestern EuropeEU5 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, U.K.)Nordic Countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden)Benelux (Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Rest of Western EuropeEastern EuropeRussiaPolandRest of Eastern EuropeAsia PacificChinaIndiaJapanAustralia and New ZealandRest of Asia PacificMiddle East and AfricaGCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE and Kuwait)South AfricaNorth AfricaRest of Middle East and AfricaThis report is an elaborate aggregation of primary inputs from industry experts and participants across the supply chain. It provides details on market segmentation which is derived from several product mapping exercises, macroeconomic parameters and other qualitative and quantitative insights. The impact of all such factors is delivered across multiple market segments and geographies.Read More@Detailed Historical Overview (Market Origins, Product Launch Timeline, etc.)Consumer and Pricing AnalysisMarket dynamics of the industryMarket SegmentationEstimated Market Sizing in terms of volume and valueRecent trends in Market and impactResearch Status and Technology OverviewExtensive Industry Structure CoverageAbout Kenneth ResearchKenneth Research is a reselling agency providing market research solutions in different verticals such as Automotive and Transportation, Chemicals and Materials, Healthcare, Food & Beverage and Consumer Packaged Goods, Semiconductors, Electronics & ICT, Packaging, and Others. Our portfolio includes set of market research insights such as market sizing and market forecasting, market share analysis and key positioning of the players (manufacturers, deals and distributors, etc), understanding the competitive landscape and their business at a ground level and many more. Our research experts deliver the offerings efficiently and effectively within a stipulated time. The market study provided by Kenneth Research helps the Industry veterans/investors to think and to act wisely in their overall strategy formulationContact Us1412 Broadway,21st Floor Suite MA111,New York, NY 10018Name:DavidEmail:sales@kennethresearch.comPhone: +1 313 462 0609
Automotive Refinish Coating Market to 2022: BASF SE, The Sherwin-Williams Company, KCC Corporation, Nippon Paint Holdings Co Ltd, Akzo Nobel NV, PPG Industries, DowDuPont Inc., Axalta Coating Systems Ltd

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Research Solution Insights presents professional and in-depth study of "Automotive Refinish Coating Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Sales and Forecast By 2022".The automotive refinish coating market is the major part of the automotive market and has been observed considerable expansion in the previous decade. The growth of the market is attributed to swift expansion in ownership of vehicle which in turn resulting in increased accidental rate. High government rules and regulations related to volatile organic compounds are likely to further exhibit robust single-digit CAGR during 2017-2022.Request For Report Sample:Analysis of Market Based on SegmentsPolyurethane consists of maximal potential in market for automotive refinish coatings and is projected to procure share at the expenditure of other resign type segment by the end of 2017. By the end of 2022, the polyurethane is estimated to reach more than US$ 4.5 Bn. In the polyurethane segment, the North America is anticipated to remain most lucrative region in the market. Based on resin type, alkyd is projected to hold second position however, it is projected to lose shares of the market in the medium term. The alkyd segment in the Europe along with the North America is forecasted to surpass billion dollars by the end of assessment period.By vehicle type, light commercial vehicles as well as heavy commercial vehicles are projected to secure comparative same share of the market throughout the forecast period. However, both the segments are projected to lose market share points, while relatively steeper drop is likely to be experienced by the heavy commercial segment. Further, the segment is poised to expand at low CAGR of single-digit through 2022. It is advised to major stakeholders in the market to take into consideration while devising its strategies.Request Report Discount:The battle in between mid-sized and compact passenger cars for supremacy in the market with final inching ahead. A total dollar opening of over US$ 855 Mn occurs in the mid-sized passengers cars are usually preferred in the North America as well as Europe owing to such counties are well-developed as well as the consumers are less sensitive for price compared than its counterparts in developing countries. Though, if any market player is planning to enter into compact passenger car segment, the report advices to concentrate over APEJ region as it exhibits highest CAGR throughout the assessment period.In terms of revenue the primer segment secure share of almost one-third of the market by coating structure as well as it is poised to secure substantial market share during the forecast period. The primer market in North America is estimated to contribute one-third share to the market during the assessment period and is projected to secure value of more than US$ 1.2 Bn by the end of 2022.Competitive LandscapeThe leading players operating in the market have been profiled in the report, which includes BASF SE, The Sherwin-Williams Company, KCC Corporation, Nippon Paint Holdings Co Ltd, Akzo Nobel NV, PPG Industries, DowDuPont Inc., Axalta Coating Systems Ltd., Kansai Paint Co., and 3M Company. The report reveals that these leading market players will have large contribution in the growth of the market throughout the forecast period. Key strategies of these players and their long-term vision is also included in the report.Report Analysis:About Us :Research Solution Insights is a U.S. based market research and consulting company. We are the best destination for your research and analytical solutions; simply because our primary and secondary sources of information are adroit to give one stop solutions.Company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. We offer the comprehensive market research solution for all the industries by performing the in-depth study of industry trends, verticals globally. We believe in building an eternal bond with our customers through providing them inclusive research study both customized and syndicated based on their specific requirements.Contact Us:Research Solution Insights (RSI)42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +44-1618508625Website:Email: sales@researchsolutioninsights.comFollow me on:
Advance Automotive Clean Cold Technology Market Volume Analysis, Segments, Value Share and Key Trends 2016-2026

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Automotive clean cold technology is an emerging zero-emission technology which is especially design to provide power and refrigeration for automotive which used for transportation and logistics of variety of temperature sensitive goods. This technology uses a mature process of liquefaction, in which liquid nitrogen is used to provide power and refrigeration to an automotive. The technology offers advantages such as potential savings in fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and better cold chain temperature control and stability.Delivery truck using refrigeration system is operates through two diesel engines, primary engine provides optimum power to drive truck and secondary engine is used to provide cold space inside truck. According to the report published by 19th European Cold Chain Conference, secondary engine used for providing cold space is consume up to 20% of vehicle diesel, releases 6 times more mono nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 29 times more particulate matter than Euro VI engine, and also leaks up to 30% refrigerants.Refrigerants have high global warming potential and emission of refrigerants can impact adversely air quality. Hence there is a need of clean technology which not only provides efficient cooling function but also ensure low emission for an automotive. Clean cold technology is a novel approach to overcome fuel efficiency and pollution problems associated with an automobiles. This technology utilize vast amount of cold lost to environment during regasification of liquefied natural gas or nitrogen or liquid air. Cold lost to environment can be used to boost efficiency of engine at low temperature, to provide zero emission cooling and power for an automobile.Request Sample Report@Automotive Clean Cold Technology Market: Market DynamicsTransportation and logistics plays an important role in keeping the product handling and transportation among the safest in the world. Refrigeration is an essential need of transportation industry, to deliver intact temperature sensitive products such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and vegetables among other. Growing demand for energy efficient cooling technology for automobile and governments regulation over pollution control are two key drivers for adoption of clean cold technology in automobiles. Growing food and beverage and pharmaceuticals industry which highly rely on clean cold technologies, is expected to increase adoption of this technology across the globe. Additionally, rising government regulation over emission of air pollutants is expected to boost adoption of clean cold technology across the globe. However sustainability of the global clean cold technology market is majorly depends on further innovation and product development.Automotive Clean Cold Technology Market: Market SegmentationOn basis of fluid used, global market of automotive clean cold technology can be segmented as follow as:NitrogenLiquefied AirLiquefied Natural Gas (LNG)On basis of end-use industries, global market of automotive clean cold technology can be segmented as follow as:North AmericaLatin AmericaWestern EuropeEastern EuropeAsia Pacific Excluding JapanJapanMiddle East and AfricaAutomotive Clean Cold Technology Market: Regional OutlookGrowing demand for sustainable cold chain of refrigerated warehousing and transport is expected to drive adoption of automotive clean cold technology across the world. North America and Europe are expected to be most attractive segments in global market of automotive clean cold technology market. According to a study published by the University of Birmingham, almost 20% of temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals products are delivered damage or degraded due to inefficient cold chains in India. This can offers an opportunity to clean cold technology developer to penetrate in to high potential market of India. China is the largest market in Asia-Pacific followed by India in 2020, and is expected to grow rapidly in the near future. This is primarily because of growing industries such as food and beverages and pharmaceuticals which are highly rely on efficient refrigerated transportation in China.Request to View TOC @Automotive Clean Cold Technology Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global market of automotive clean cold technology are as follow as;The Dearman Engine CompanyCarrier CorporationRinac India LimitedUnited Technologies CorporationABOUT US:Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb:
Public Relations Tools Market Scenario Highlighting Major Drivers & Trends, 2019  2025 | Google, Business Wire, Salesforce, Meltwater, Cision AB

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The global Public Relations Tools Market report focuses on key drivers and constraints of key players. This research report also provides detailed analysis of market share, segmentation, revenue forecasts and geographical areas of the market. Global Public Relations Tools Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study of the current state of the global Public Relations Tools market.The report on the Public Relations (PR) tools market argues that the industry is growing at a slower pace over the forecast period as it emerges as one of the most profitable spaces over the next few years. Enumerating a thorough overview of this business area, this report includes the industry's current total value assessment, a brief classification of this market and geographic expansion as well as industry growth opportunities.The latest knowledge has been awarded in the Global Public Relations (PR) Tools Market Survey on Sales, Product Details and Major Enterprise Sales. In addition to the current data, this data includes a breakdown of revenue for the Public Relations (PR) tools market, which further claims forecasts of similarity within the computable time. In this report, strategic business techniques accepted by members of the noteworthy global PR market are jointly integrated.Get sample copy of this report @Top Key Players Are Including in This Report: Google, Business Wire, Salesforce, Meltwater, Cision AB, Cision AB, IrisPR Software, ISentia, Onalytica, Prezly, IPR Software, TrendKite, Agility, Red Wheat etc.Public Relations devices and practices can help you improve your business with mental practices that help turn interesting buyers into customers. Public Relations tools are very cost-effective and provide more noticeable control over users than focusing on campaign promotion. Take advantage of these Public Relations devices to gain a reputation.Based on the solution, the market is categorized as relationship management, publishing tools, data aggregation, monitoring and analysis, social media monitoring and management, and content creation and distribution. The social media monitoring section is leading the market due to more demand for social networking and other factors.Get discount copy of this report @The market based on the application is classified as content marketing and online media. The content marketing section is leading the market as the need to create, improve, and automate processes that can lead to a successful campaign at a reasonable price. The North American region is leading the public relations tools market by increasing Internet usage rate, rapid technological development and population growth.The report on what we provide provides written account fact sheets on strategic mergers, acquisitions, venture activities and partnerships in the Public Relations (PR) tools market. The senior's excellent proposal for strategic decision-making in analysis and development can positively support companies with high penetration in the development of the PR tools market. Market players can apply transparent perceptions of competitors in the public relations tools market to future predictions. This report analyzes both market size [k MT] and turnover [Million USD] together.If you have any query, Ask our experts:Major Factors Covered in This Report: Global Public Relations Tools Market Overview Economic Impact on Market Market Competition Global Public Relations Tools Market Analysis by Application Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders Global Public Relations Tools Market Effect, Factors, Analysis Global Public Relations Tools Market ForecastAbout Us:Report Consultant - A global leader in analytics, research and advisory that can assist you to renovate your business and modify your approach. With us, you will learn to take decisions intrepidly. We make sense of drawbacks, opportunities, circumstances, estimations and information using our experienced skills and verified methodologies.Our research reports will give you an exceptional experience of innovative solutions and outcomes. We have effectively steered businesses all over the world with our market research reports and are outstandingly positioned to lead digital transformations. Thus, we craft greater value for clients by presenting advanced opportunities in the global market.Contact us:Rebecca Parker(Report Consultant)Akasaka biz tower,5-3-1 akasaka minato-ku,Tokyo, JapanContact No: +81-368444299sales@reportconsultant.com
Single-mode Optical Fiber Market to 2025 (CAGR of 10.8% expected): Growth Drivers and Trends

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High adoption rate of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connectivity and emergence of the internet of things (IoT) drive the growth of the global single-mode optical fiber market. However, high installation cost and growth in wireless communication systems hinder the market growth. On the contrary, rapid technological advancements in the fiber optic cable technology, implementation of 5G, and increasing investments in optical fiber cable (OFC) network infrastructure are expected to create lucrative opportunities for the market players in near future.Download a Sample copy of Report@The report provides detailed analyses of the top winning strategies, growth factors & opportunities, market size & estimations, major market segments, and competitive landscape. According to the report, the global single-mode optical fiber market was pegged at $3.02 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach $6.81 billion by 2025, registering a CAGR of 10.8% during the forecast period.Implementation of 5G, the high adoption rate of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connectivity, and rapid technological advancements in optical fiber cable network infrastructure would propel the growth of the global single-mode optical fiber market.G.652 type optical fiber segment to dominate the market through 2025:The G.652 type optical fiber segment held the largest share in 2017, contributing about 87% of the total market revenue, as they are majorly deployed in long-haul and metro-city networks. However, the G.657 type optical fiber segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 19.8% during the forecast period, as they offer remarkable bend performance for FTTX and enterprise network. The other segments analyzed in the report include G.653, G.655, and G.656 type single-mode optical modes.For Purchase Inquiry@CATV application segment to manifest the fastest growth through 2025:The CATV segment is projected to portray the fastest CAGR of 16.5% during the forecast period, owing to increase in broadband penetration and digitalization of CATV. However, the telecommunication & networking segment held the largest share, contributing about 59% of total market revenue, owing to rise in need for greater bandwidth and faster speed connections. The other segments considered in the scope of the study include data centers, factory automation & industrial networking, military, and others.Key market playersThe report analyzes various leading major market players including CommScope, FiberHome, Furukawa Electronic Co. Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., The Prysmian Group, Corning Inc., Fujikura Ltd., Nexans S.A., Cable Joint Stock Limited Company, Sterlite Technologies Ltd., and Yangtze Optical Fiber.Single-mode Optical Fiber Market:About Us:Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.Contact:David Correa5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesToll Free (USA/Canada):+1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141UK: +44-845-528-1300Hong Kong: +852-301-84916India (Pune): +91-20-66346060Fax: +1-855-550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.comWeb:
Truck-As-A-Service Market Growth Opportunities And Forecast 2026

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Rise in adoption of telematics systems and adoption of latest technologies in order to enhance driver and vehicle performance along with fuel economy, safe driving promotion and to avoid unwanted breakdowns adoption of latest technologies is increasing. Moreover, the trucking business has become highly competitive and truck manufacturers focusing on cutting-edge technology in order to capture the market.Truck manufacturers are emphasizing on those technologies that reduce downtime, enhance efficiency, and enhance safety parameters. Adoption of highly technical electronic components transforming the product based business model into service based business model likely to drive the truck-as-a-service market. Rapid changes and innovation in driver monitoring, transmission, infotainment system, truck safety, comfort, and convince are likely to increase integration of technology during the forecast period. Expansion of the e-commerce industry in developing countries along with increasing industrialization and rise in number of manufacturing plants are anticipated increase the demand for trucking service technologies, which in turn is anticipated to drive the truck-as-a-service market during the forecast period.Read Report Overview @The global truck-as-a-service market can be segmented into digital freight brokerage, telematics services, business analytics, and digitalization of retail and platooning. Telematics services for commercial vehicle is likely to expand significantly during the forecast period which is anticipated to propel the truck-as-a-service market during the forecast period. Telematics services such as live traffic updates, road side assistance, and smart routing are likely to be integrated by fleet owners in order enhance safety. Rise in demand for goods tracking, optimizing operational activities, and real-time connectivity is projected to boost the telematics services segment during the forecast period.Request Report Brochure @The digital fright brokerage segment is anticipate expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period owing to an increase in use of smartphone technology, growing penetration of wireless connectivity and other digital platforms. Currently, consumers prefer digital channels to purchase goods from OEMs owing to the quick and ease of transaction and saving in brokerage money. Consequently, the digital fright brokerage segment is likely to expand significantly during the forecast period.Developments in autonomous vehicles is likely to create more opportunities in the field of autonomous services such as platooning technology. Furthermore, rising connectivity, data security, and government mandates regarding vehicle safety are projected to boost the demand for advanced technology.Request Report TOC @In terms of region, the truck-as-a-service market can be classified into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America and Europe is likely to dominate the global truck-as-a-service market during the forecast period. High rate adoption of telematics services, digital fright brokerage in commercial and light commercial vehicles is anticipated to boost the truck-as-a-service market during the forecast period. Furthermore, rapid industrialization in China and India owing to expansion of the warehousing industry and manufacturing plants are likely to propel the truck-as-a-service market significantly during the forecast period.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: shreyash@tmr.comWebsite:
Pyelonephritis Treatment Market Size Estimated to Observe Significant Growth by 2026

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A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is a type of urinary tract infection, wherein one or both kidneys are infected. The infection is caused by bacteria or a virus that commonly begins to infect urinary bladder and moves up to one or both the kidneys. Signs or symptoms of pyelonephritis can vary depending on age and could include confusion & back pain, chills & high fever, nausea & vomiting, back, side, and groin pain, and painful urination. Predisposing factors of pyelonephritis include kidney stones, weakened immune system, structural problems of the urinary tract, urine reflux problems, and damage to nerves around the bladder.View Report -The global pyelonephritis treatment market is projected to witness strong growth during the forecast period due to high prevalence and incidence rates of pyelonephritis disorder across the globe. Around 200,000 hospitalizations for acute pyelonephritis are reported in the U.S. each year. Hence, a large population base with kidney infection across the globe is expected to drive the global pyelonephritis treatment market during the forecast period. High per capita health care expenditure in developed countries, availability of technologically advanced hemodialysis systems, and favorable medical reimbursement in developed countries are anticipated to boost the pyelonephritis treatment market during the forecast period. Moreover, rise in demand for kidney care centers in countries such as India, China, Brazil, and South Korea is expected to drive the global pyelonephritis treatment market.The global pyelonephritis treatment market can be segmented based on treatment algorithm and region. In terms of treatment algorithm, the pyelonephritis treatment market can be classified into initial pyelonephritis, acute pyelonephritis, and ongoing pyelonephritis. The pipeline of drugs for nephrotic syndrome is relatively small, with around 15 products in active development at public and private research centers and industries. Antibiotics is the initial treatment for pyelonephritis. Several new antibiotics are expected to be launched during the forecast period.Obtain the Brochure of the Report:These novel drugs will not only provide additional treatment options, especially for pyelonephritis treatment, but also drive market size, as these products will have higher price points than the generic products currently dominating the pyelonephritis treatment market. High prevalence of antibiotic resistance, particularly of strains with resistance, will drive pyelonephritis treatment market size, as treatment options for those infections will include non-generic antibiotics. Companies are presenting their pipeline molecule results in their annual meetings and conferences. In May 2018, Melinta Therapeutics highlighted Vabomere at making a difference in infectious diseases (MAD-ID) 2018 Annual Meeting. In August 2018, Entasis Therapeutics announced a positive topline results from phase II of ETX2514SUL in patients with complicated urinary tract infections including acute pyelonephritis.In terms of region, North America dominated the global pyelonephritis treatment market in 2017. The market in the region is primarily powered by the U.S., which has witnessed highest incidence of the disease. State-of-the-art health care facilities that offer latest and the best treatment, high per capita health care spending among people, and awareness about available treatments for pyelonephritis augment the market in the region. Europe is another key market for pyelonephritis treatment. Germany and the U.K. are the major markets in the region. Greater degree of awareness with respect to overall kidney health has led to a large number of people undergoing screening for kidney diseases. Emerging economies such as India and China are the key markets for pyelonephritis treatment in Asia Pacific. Rise in population contributed to the growth of the pyelonephritis treatment market in the region.Request Report TOC:Major players having pyelonephritis treatment products in the pipeline are Merck & Co, Inc., Wockhardt Ltd., AstraZeneca plc, Entasis Therapeutics, Inc., Iterum Therapeutics plc, Meiji Seika Pharma Co. Ltd., Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Nabriva Therapeutics plc, MerLion Pharmaceuticals Pte. Ltd., and Melinta Therapeutics, Inc.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: aman.j@tmr.comWebsite:
Waterjet Cutting Machinery Market to Reach a Worth US$ 4,246.8 Mn by 2026-End

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According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research titled Waterjet Cutting Machinery Market  Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2018  2026, the global waterjet cutting machinery market is expected to reach US$ 4,246.8 Mn by 2026, expanding at a CAGR of 8.0% from 2018 to 2026. In terms of volume, the market is expected to reach 77.01 thousand units by 2026, expanding at a CAGR of 7.7% from 2018 to 2026. North America held a prominent share in the global waterjet cutting machinery market in 2017.Generally, a waterjet cutting system consists of three parts: the waterjet cutting machine, the control system, and an ultra-high-pressure pump. The function of the pump is to supply high-pressure water for the waterjet cutting machine. It is observed that when the pressure of water is increased by ultra-high-pressure pumps, it increases the cutting speed of waterjet cutting machines. For example, when pressure of water is 2,758 bar, the cutting speed is 47.1 inches/min and when the pressure of water is increased to 5,5516 bar, the cutting speed of waterjet cutting machines is increased to 148 inches/min.Read Report Overview:Waterjet cutting technology is a cold cutting process and does not create any HAZ (Heat- Affected Zone); hence there is no thermal deformation of materials that are cut. These machines can perform minute cutting jobs with a high level of precision and minimum kerf. A kerf is defined as width of a cut made by a waterjet cutting machine. The machines are environment friendly as they cut materials without producing any heat, dust, or smoke unlike other cutting technologies such as laser cutting or plasma cutting. Water is a naturally found material, so no additional cost is involved in sourcing of raw materials. Globally, there is an increasing demand for waterjet cutting machines due to all these factors.Robotic waterjet cutting machines have more or less automated the cutting process in the waterjet cutting machinery market and they also provide high precision cutting. Presently, waterjet cutting is computer operated, reducing human error. The cuts made by a waterjet machine are so fine that they do not require any secondary finishing cut. Rising automation along with high quality secondary finishing is increasing the demand for waterjet cutting machines across all industries in the world.Perceive the Sample of the Report:In developed regions such as North America and Europe, significant number of waterjet cutting machinery is installed in various manufacturing facilities. End-use industries expect to use the latest waterjet machines to increase their manufacturing efficiency. Thus, a lot of replacement of old waterjet machines are expected in developed markets. All these factors present a huge opportunity to waterjet cutting manufacturers to tap the replacement waterjet cutting machinery market in North America and Europe.There is a good opportunity for waterjet cutting manufacturers to penetrate the Asia Pacific textile industry. In textile industry, soft fabric, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and other health care products are cut through waterjet cutting machines. Majority of the cutting in the textile industry is done through these high speed cutting machines. Asia Pacific is a major textile region in the world where China is the largest exporter of textile globally, followed by India. All these factors offer a huge opportunity for growth of waterjet cutting machines in the Asia Pacific textile industry.Obtain the Brochure of the Report:The study provides a decisive view of the global waterjet cutting machinery market by segmenting it in terms of product type, machine size, application, pressure range, and horse power. In terms of product type, waterjet cutting machinery are classified as 3D waterjet cutting, micro waterjet cutting, and robotic waterjet. Based on machine size, the market is classified as small size, medium size, and large size.On the basis of end-use application, the market segmented into job and machine shop, exotic metal and non-traditional material cutting, machine manufacturing, ceramic/ stone cutting, glass/ metal artwork, gasket cutting, fiberglass cutting, surgical instrument manufacturing, foam product cutting, slitting operations, electronics and others. Based on pressure range, the market is segmented into up to 4,200 bar and more than 4,200 bar. Further in terms of horse power, the market is segmented into 0 to 50 HP, 51 to 100 HP, and others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: aman.j@tmr.comWebsite:
Jen Laffler will oversee children's programming for the inaugural San Diego Writers Festival. Courtesy

As a published author of children's books, Jen Laffler had plenty of ideas to bring literature alive for young readers.

So when the Encinitas resident was invited to oversee children's programming for the inaugural San Diego Writers Festival - to be held at the San Diego downtown central library on April 13 - she jumped at the chance.

"It's a passion project," she said of her volunteer role as coordinator of children's programming.

The day-long event, which is free and open to the public, will include author talks, book signings, readings, workshops, crafts, live music and educational panels. The keynote speaker will be Piper Kerman, author of "Orange is the New Black," which chronicles the 13 months she spent in federal prison on money laundering charges. The book was also the inspiration for a hit TV series of the same name on Netflix.

Also speaking will be Alephonsion Deng, a former refugee and "lost boy" from Sudan, who fled that war-torn nation and made a home in San Diego. Deng will discuss his new memoir, about his first year in America, called, "Disturbed in their Nests."

The festival was the brainchild of Marni Freedman, a published author, and Jeniffer Thompson, a publishing industry veteran.

The event will also include a full slate of activities for the younger set, from arts and crafts to author readings, to a poetry slam and a kids' writer's showcase.

"Kids have fabulous things to say and they deserve a showcase," Laffler said. Young writers ages 6 to 18 are invited to submit a poem, short story or essay by March 13 for inclusion in the KidsWrite! writers showcase. Entries will be judged and winners awarded cash prizes and a chance to read their work aloud at the festival, as well as have their work published on the festival website. For more information, visit sandiegowritersfestival.com/kidswrite-san-diego/

Laffler is working with staff from the Denny Sanford Children's Library, which is on the first floor of the central library. Another event will be the poetry slam, at which children and adults can read a favorite poem from the library's collection, or an original poem, on stage at the children's library.

Another highlight of the festival, said Laffler, will be a performance by teens from the North Coast Rep theater school, who will act out selected highlights from the works of William Shakespeare.

Laffler has been writing poetry for some 20 years, but only recently began showing her work to others. In 2016, she published her first book of children's poetry, "J is for Jitterbug: A Fanciful Animal Alphabet," which is available on Amazon,com. The book merges her poems about animals from A to Z with illustrations by Tony Perrin.

Late in 2018, she published her latest book, "Poem Seeds & Fine Messes." She has also published poems in a number of print and online poetry journals.

In March 2018, she read her poem, "Bring on the Brainstorm," at the March for our Lives rally for sensible gun laws, a gathering of several thousand people in Encinitas.

Laffler said she will read poems from her new book at the poetry slam to be held at the San Diego Writers Festival.

The writers festival will allow writers of many genres - including poetry, books, plays, music, graphic novels and comic books - to share their stories and celebrate their work.

"We've had a ton of interest from beyond San Diego, from all over the country," Laffler said.
Lung Cancer Therapeutics Market 2019 Expected To Growth With high CAGR % With Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi, GSK, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, Celgene, Roche, AstraZeneca, Array BioPharma Inc., Agennix,

Lung Cancer Therapeutics Market

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Lung Cancer Therapeutics Market report offers majority of the latest and newest industry data that covers the overall market situation along with future prospects for market around the globe. The report gives a clear understanding of the current market situation which includes of antique and projected upcoming market size based on technological growth, value and volume, projecting cost-effective and leading fundamentals in market.For In-Depth Review | Get Free Sample Copy@Lung Cancer Therapeutics Market is expected to growing at a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period of 2018 to 2025. The upcoming market report contains data for historic years 2014 & 2015, the base year of calculation is 2016 and the forecast period is 2018 to 2025.Market key Players: Roche, AstraZeneca Plc, Agennix AG, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck, Sanofi-Aventis, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Hoffman-La Roche, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Pfizer Inc., Sanofi-Aventis, Celgene Corporation, Sanofi, Merck & Co., Inc among others.Competitive Analysis:The global lung cancer therapeutics market is highly fragmented and the major players have used various strategies such as new product launches, expansions, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, acquisitions, and others to increase their footprints in this market. The report includes market shares of lung cancer therapeutics market for global, Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and South AmericaMarket Key Developments 2018:In April 2018:- AstraZeneca announced that US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Tagrisso for the 1st-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumours have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, (exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations), as detected by an FDA-approved test. The approval is based on results from the Phase III FLAURA trial, which were presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology 2017 Congress.Speak To Industry Experts, Request For Details Report@TABLE OF CONTENTS:Chapter. Introduction Report description and scope Research scope Research met Market research process Market research methodologyChapter: Porters five forces analysis Bargaining power of suppliers Bargaining power of buyers Threat from new entrants Threat from new substitutes Degree of competition Market attractiveness analysis Market attractiveness analysis, by product type segment Market attractiveness analysis, by type of segment Market attractiveness analysis, by end user segmentChapter: Global Lung Cancer Therapeutics Market  Competitive Landscape Company Market Share Analysis Global Lung Cancer Therapeutics Market: company market share, 2018 Strategic Development Acquisitions & Mergers New Therapy Launch Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures Research and Development, Therapy and Regional ExpansionChapter: INDUSTRY ANALYSIS Value Chain Analysis Technology Roadmap Market Attractiveness AnalysisChapter: Market Dynamics Introduction Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Market TrendsChapter: Major Application Analysis Major Application Market Share Major Down Stream Customers Analysis Others GlobalChapter: New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis: New Project SWOT Analysis New Project Investment Feasibility AnalysisToc continued!For Full Toc Visit @Market Drivers and Restraints: Increasing incidences of lung cancer due to rising smoking population. Players are adopting various strategies to expand their product portfolio Growing demand for targeted therapies, presence of highly efficient drugs, increase in geriatric population, and rise in the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles. Poor cancer diagnostic facilities in many developing countries. Limited options for treatment, and the vast unmet requirement for diagnosisMarket Segments:On the basis of Disease Type the global lung cancer therapeutics market is classified into: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC).On the basis of Type of Molecule the market is segmented into: small molecules, biologics.Based on geography: North America & South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa.GET CUSTOMIZED REPORTThis report can be personalized according to your needs. Our analysts and industry experts will work directly with you to understand your requirements and provide you with customized data in a short amount of time. (sopan.gedam@databridgemarketresearch.com) will ensure that you get a report that suits your needs.Note: If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Make an Inquiry for Discount On this Report@About Data Bridge Market Research:Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Contact:Data Bridge Market ResearchTel: +1-888-387-2818Email: sopan.gedam@databridgemarketresearch.com
Global Artificial Intelligence Market In Energy & Utilities Market Product Overview, Growth Prospect and Top Companies | Alpiq, Smart Cloud, Inc., General Electric, Siemens AG

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is described as a function of machines that can perform real-time tasks at the human expert level. The energy and utilities sector comprise sectors such as oil, oil and gas, power generation and other energy production and distribution related industries. As competition intensifies and technology evolves, the energy and utility sectors will face defects such as energy storage technologies, price conflicts, and rapid changes in regulation and distribution complexity that are expected to be overcome by interactions with technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.This statistical surveying report on the Worldwide Artificial Intelligence Market In Energy & Utilities Market is a comprehensive investigation of the business parts cutting-edge structures, industry improvement drivers, and wrist bindings. It gives showcase gauges to the coming years. It contains an investigation of late amplifications in innovation, Doorman's five power demonstrate examination and propelled profiles of hand-picked industry contenders. The report also articulates a study of minor and full-scale factors charging for the new candidates in the market and the ones starting at now in the market alongside a systematic esteem chain exploration.Get sample copy of this report at:Major Key Players in this report are: Alpiq, Smart Cloud, Inc., General Electric, Siemens AGIn like manner, this examination is especially portrayed generally recollecting the assorted sections of this market. It correspondingly assesses the present scene and a complete aftereffect of the market by utilizing the discernment prospect. The guess is dissected in light of the limit and income of this market. The instruments utilized for inspecting the Artificial Intelligence Market In Energy & Utilities Market investigate report incorporate Watchman's five powers examination and SWOT investigation.Get discount at:Pediatrics area is depended upon to observe the speediest improvement in the midst of the estimated time span. Creating selection as a result of extending care, accessibility of reimbursement, and lesser holding up time, when stood out from adults, are the factors that drive the market in the midst of the check time span. The US advertise alone is figure to be worth $XX billion of every 2025, representing XX% of the general Artificial Intelligence Market In Energy & Utilities showcase.Moreover, the significant difficulties looked by the market is the costly cost of the gadgets. Distinctive end-clients don't have the budgetary sponsorship to profit by exorbitant hearing gadget procedures.According to the geology, the Worldwide Artificial Intelligence Market In Energy & Utilities Market was dominated by the Americas, which spoke to over XX% of the aggregate bit of the general business in the midst of 2017. In the Americas, the US was the greatest salary patron as it spoke to a basic offer of the overall market. Factors, for example, the nearness of great repayment strategies in this locale and the high purchasing intensity of the masses in North America will goad the prospects for showcase development in this area. Europe represented the biggest offer of the considerable number of areas in 2015. This can be credited to the high penetration of inserts, favorable wellbeing framework of the European Association, and nearness of a vast patient base in the area.For Enquiry OR Any Query? Ask to our Expert @What our report offers: Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments Market share analysis of the top industry players Strategic recommendations for the new entrants Market forecasts for a minimum of 7 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations) Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsAbout Research N Reports:Research N Reports is a new age market research firm where we focus on providing information that can be effectively applied. Today being a consumer driven market, companies require information to deal with the complex and dynamic world of choices. Where relying on a sound board firm for your decisions becomes crucial. Research N Reports specializes in industry analysis, market forecasts and as a result getting quality reports covering all verticals, whether be it gaining perspective on current market conditions or being ahead in the cut throat Global competition. Since we excel at business research to help businesses grow, we also offer consulting as an extended arm to our services which only helps us gain more insight into current trends and problems. Consequently, we keep evolving as an all-rounder provider of viable information under one roof.Contact:Sunny Denis(Sales Manager),(Research N Reports)10916, Gold Point Dr,Houston, TX, Pin  77064,+1-8886316977,sales@researchnreports.com,
Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market Size By Technology & Growth Forecast to 2024: Ancestry, Color, EasyDNA, Family Tree DNA, Full Genomes, Genesis HealthCare, Helix, Identigene, Karmagenes

Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market

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The global direct-to-consumer genetic testing market is projected to gain immense momentum in the coming years owing to increasing awareness about genetic testing of fetus along with the adoption of ancestral tests for criminal investigation.DTC genetic tests are primarily used by mothers to be for detecting genetic disorders in the baby. Recently, a group of scientists used genome sequencing to enhance the diagnosis of detecting abnormalities during ultrasound by 10 percent. Without this technology, it wouldnt have been possible to diagnose abnormalities until after pregnancy. The findings further suggest that around three percent of pregnancies tend to have an abnormality in the structure of the baby, which can be detected through a routine prenatal ultrasound scan. Once the abnormality has been diagnosed, parents are keen to know the possible outcome for their child. Therefore, the fear of passing on a genetic disorder followed by the need to prevent it will continue to drive the DTC genetic testing market.Request a sample of this premium report at:Increasing prevalence of genetic diseases globally has proven beneficial for the industry growth as it increases the demand of DTC genetic tests. According to Global Genes, around 7,000 different genetic diseases have been discovered and more are being discovered each day. However, cost of genetic testing is predicted to hamper it?s affordability in developing and underdeveloped region that will impede industry growth to some extent.Nutrigenomics segment will grow at 20.3% from 2018 to 2024 Growing preference for nutrigenomics tests amongst the adult population should propel business growth over forecast timeframe. Nutrigenomic tests provide information regarding the patient?s metabolic requirements. Every individual has unique set of genes that influence the metabolism. Defects in the metabolism due to alteration in genes may lead to various genetic metabolic and endocrine disorders that will positively influence the demand for nutrigenomic tests escalating segmental growth.Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) segment held 49.5% revenue share in 2017 and it should expand enormously in foreseeable future due to its increasing usage in analyzing the genome. 23andMe majority of companies extensively use SNP chips in providing information regarding carrier status for a genetic disease. Preference is high for SNP technology as it is comparatively affordable than the whole genome sequencing technology.Request a discount on standard prices of this premium report at:Germany direct-to-consumer genetic testing market will grow at 18.3% over forecast timeframe owing to growing adoption of technologically advanced DTC genetic tests. Growing prevalence of genetic diseases such as anemia and thalassemia will drive the demand in Germany. For instance, according to The World Bank, increasing prevalence of anemia among the women in reproductive age group of 15-49 years in Germany will escalate demand for DTC genetic tests boosting the industry growth.China direct-to-consumer genetic testing market was valued at USD 29.1 million in 2017, as a result of increasing per capita income, healthcare expenditures and awareness regarding DTC genetic test. Rising awareness regarding availability of technologically advanced DTC genetic tests amongst population in China will positively influence the market growth. Furthermore, growing popularity for prenatal and cancer DTC tests along with presence of significant number of DTC genetic test suppliers will positively impact the industry growth.Prominent industry players operational in the direct-to-consumer genetic testing market include 23andMe, Ancestry, Color, EasyDNA, Family Tree DNA, Full Genomes, Genesis HealthCare, Helix, Identigene, Karmagenes, Living DNA, MapMyGenome, MyHeritage and Pathway Genomics. Key industry players adopt various strategic initiatives such as acquisitions and new product launch, that enable them in sustaining market competition. For instance, in March 2018, 23andMe received FDA approval for marketing newly developed cancer screening tests that will prove beneficial for the company?s growth.Table of Content:Chapter 1. Methodology1.1. Methodology1.2. Market definition1.3. Forecast parameters1.4. Data sources1.4.1. Secondary1.4.1.1. Paid sources1.4.1.2. Unpaid sources1.4.2. PrimaryChapter 2. Executive Summary2.1. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing industry 360 synopsis, 2014 - 20242.1.1. Business trends2.1.2. Test type trends2.1.3. Technology trends2.1.4. Regional trendsChapter 3. Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Industry Insights3.1. Industry segmentation3.2. Industry landscape, 2014 - 20243.3. Industry impact forces3.3.1. Growth drivers3.3.1.1. Rising public awareness in North America3.3.1.2. Increasing income level in emerging economies3.3.1.3. Growing incidences of genetic disorders globally3.3.1.4. Increasing demand for service personalization in North America and Europe3.3.2. Industry pitfalls & challenges3.3.2.1. High cost of DTC genetic testing3.3.2.2. Defects in the DTC testing kits3.4. Regulatory landscape3.5. Growth potential analysis3.5.1. By test type3.5.2. By technology3.6. Porter's analysis3.7. Competitive landscape, 20173.7.1. Strategy dashboard3.8. PESTEL analysisChapter 4. Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market, By Test Type4.1. Key segment trends4.2. Carrier testing4.2.1. Carrier testing market, by region, 2014-2024 (USD Million)4.2.2. Carrier testing market, by region, 2014-2024 (000' Units)4.3. Predictive testing4.3.1. Predictive testing market, by region, 2014-2024 (USD Million)4.3.2. Predictive testing market, by region, 2014-2024 (000' Units)4.4. Ancestry & relationship testing4.4.1. Ancestry & relationship testing market, by region, 2014-2024 (USD Million)4.4.2. Ancestry & relationship testing market, by region, 2014-2024 (000' Units)4.5. Nutrigenomics testing4.5.1. Nutrigenomics testing market, by region, 2014-2024 (USD Million)4.5.2. Nutrigenomics testing market, by region, 2014-2024 (000' Units)4.6. Others4.6.1. Others market, by region, 2014-2024 (USD Million)4.6.2. Others market, by region, 2014-2024 (000' Units)Chapter 5. Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market, By TechnologyOuter scope of this report owing to the growing popularity of genetic tests, the technology has also caught the attention of law enforcement bodies across the world. Recently, for instance, British officers approached UKs largest family tree website Ancestry to access user data to resolve identity fraud cases. The website which is accessed by 10 million users looking to discover their family history has reportedly received over 50 user data requests from law enforcement bodies between 2015 and 2017.Therefore, the increasing use of data from ancestry tests for criminal investigation will further contribute to the expansion of the DTC genetic testing market over the ensuing years.For more information on this report at:Related Report:Global Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Industry Market Research ReportBased on the Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing industrial chain, this report mainly elaborates the definition, types, applications and major players of Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing market in details. Deep analysis about market status (2014-2019), enterprise competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of enterprise products, industry development trends (2019-2024), regional industrial layout characteristics and macroeconomic policies, industrial policy has also be included. From raw materials to downstream buyers of this industry will be analyzed scientifically, the feature of product circulation and sales channel will be presented as well. In a word, this report will help you to establish a panorama of industrial development and characteristics of the Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing market.About Us:Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. 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Insulin API Market will register 4.2% CAGR in-terms of Revenue and Market Size will reach US$ 2120 million by 2024-Top Manufacturers (Novo Nordisk, Sanofi-Aventis, Eli Lilly, Tonghua Dongbao, United Laboratory and more)

Insulin API Market 2019-2024, Insulin API Market Sales, Insulin API Market Survey, Insulin API Market Insights, Insulin API Market

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www.MarketResearchNest.com adds Latest Report in 2019, the Global Insulin API Market Growth 2019-2024.Insulin is used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). It is also used to treat people with type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in blood) who need insulin to control their diabetes. Nowadays, Insulin as an important drug is widely used to treat diabetes.In China and Chinese insulin market, animal insulin, called first generation insulin, has been almost replaced by new type generation insulin. Basing on the trend of China and Chinese insulin industry, this report researches the market of human insulin and insulin analogue in China.In this report, the statistics of insulin industry is based on Insulin API, the physical features of insulin API is Freeze-dried powder. The weight unite of insulin API weight is Kg in this report.Insulin API is a relatively concentrated industry in China, The main production are concentrated in Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, Sanofi several companies but their products are for their own use. Gan Lee Tonghua Dongbao in recent years to expand production capacity, and they are the main providers of insulin APIThe overall domestic policy for the development of insulin API is supported. Local governments have a lot of policies to support the development of the industry. But in recent years environmental protection requirements for the fermentation industry are also getting higher and higher.Inquire for buying sample copy of Insulin API Market @According to this study, over the next five years the Insulin API market will register a 4.2% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach US$ 2120 million by 2024, from US$ 1660 million in 2019. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in Insulin API business, shared in Chapter 3.This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of Insulin API market by product type, application, key manufacturers and key regions and countries.The report also presents the market competition landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the major vendor/manufacturers in the market. The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3: Novo Nordisk Sanofi-Aventis Eli Lilly Tonghua Dongbao United Laboratory Biocon Torrent Pharma Amphastar Ganlee Julphar Diabetes WockhardtSegmentation by product type: breakdown data from 2014 to 2019, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2024 in section 11.7: Regular Human Insulin Insulin AnalogueBrowse the full summary and TOC of Insulin API Market @Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2014 to 2019, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2024 in section 11.8: Fast-acting Premix Long-actingThis report also splits the market by region: Breakdown data in Chapter 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8: Americas: United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil APAC: China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia Europe: Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain Middle East and Africa: Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC CountriesKey questions answered in this report: What will the Insulin API Market Size is in 2024 and what will the growth rate be? What is the key Insulin API Market Trends? What is driving this Insulin API Market? What are the challenges to Insulin API Market Growth? Who are the key vendors in this Insulin API Market Space? What are the Insulin API Market Opportunities and Threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Insulin API Market Key Vendor?Request a sample copy of Insulin API Market @In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, the challenges and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.Research objectives: To study and analyze the global Insulin API consumption (value and volume) by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2014 to 2018, and forecast to 2024. To understand the structure of Insulin API market by identifying its various subsegments. Focuses on the key global Insulin API manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years. To analyze the Insulin API with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market. To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks). To project the consumption of Insulin API submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries). To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market. To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.Browse more details @About us: - MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the Global and Southeast Asias most complete and recent database of expert insights on industries, organizations, products, and trends.Contact us: - Mr. Jeet Jain, Sales Manager, sales@marketresearchnest.com ;+1-240-284-8070, +44-20-3290-4151;Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Market Top Industry Players Checkpoint Systems Inc., ALL-TAG Security Americas Inc., Tyco Retail Solutions, Ketec Inc., Sentry Technology Corp.

Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Market

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The Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems market revenue was xx.xx Million USD in 2013, grew to xx.xx Million USD in 2017, and will reach xx.xx Million USD in 2023, with a CAGR of x.x% during 2018-2023. Based on the Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems industrial chain, this report mainly elaborate the definition, types, applications and major players of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems market in details. Deep analysis about market status (2013-2018), enterprise competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of enterprise Products, industry development trends (2018-2023), regional industrial layout characteristics and macroeconomic policies, industrial policy has also be included. From raw materials to downstream buyers of this industry will be analyzed scientifically, the feature of product circulation and sales channel will be presented as well. In a word, this report will help you to establish a panorama of industrial development and characteristics of the Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems market.Get Sample Copy of this Report @The Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems market can be split based on product types, major applications, and important regions.Major Players in Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems market are: Checkpoint Systems Inc., ALL-TAG Security Americas Inc., Tyco Retail Solutions, Ketec Inc., Sentry Technology Corp.Major Regions play vital role in Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems market are: North America Europe China Japan Middle East & Africa India South America OthersThere are 13 Chapters to thoroughly display the Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems market. This report included the analysis of market overview, market characteristics, industry chain, competition landscape, historical and future data by types, applications and regions.Chapter 1: Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Market Overview, Product Overview, Market Segmentation, Market Overview of Regions, Market Dynamics, Limitations, Opportunities and Industry News and Policies.Chapter 2: Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Industry Chain Analysis, Upstream Raw Material Suppliers, Major Players, Production Process Analysis, Cost Analysis, Market Channels and Major Downstream Buyers.Chapter 3: Value Analysis, Production, Growth Rate and Price Analysis by Type of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems.Chapter 4: Downstream Characteristics, Consumption and Market Share by Application of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems.Chapter 5: Production Volume, Price, Gross Margin, and Revenue ($) of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems by Regions (2013-2018).Chapter 6: Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Production, Consumption, Export and Import by Regions (2013-2018).Chapter 7: Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Market Status and SWOT Analysis by Regions.Chapter 8: Competitive Landscape, Product Introduction, Company Profiles, Market Distribution Status by Players of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems.Chapter 9: Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Market Analysis and Forecast by Type and Application (2018-2023).Chapter 10: Market Analysis and Forecast by Regions (2018-2023).Chapter 11: Industry Characteristics, Key Factors, New Entrants SWOT Analysis, Investment Feasibility Analysis.Chapter 12: Market Conclusion of the Whole Report.Chapter 13: Appendix Such as Methodology and Data Resources of This Research.Get a discount on this research report @Table of Content:Global Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Industry Market Research Report1 Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Introduction and Market Overview1.1 Objectives of the Study1.2 Definition of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems1.3 Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Market Scope and Market Size Estimation1.3.1 Market Concentration Ratio and Market Maturity Analysis1.3.2 Global Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Value ($) and Growth Rate from 2013-20231.4 Market Segmentation1.4.1 Types of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems1.4.2 Applications of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems1.4.3 Research Regions1.4.3.1 North America Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)1.4.3.2 Europe Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)1.4.3.3 China Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)1.4.3.4 Japan Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)1.4.3.5 Middle East & Africa Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)1.4.3.6 India Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)1.4.3.7 South America Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2013-2018)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Drivers1.5.1.1 Emerging Countries of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems1.5.1.2 Growing Market of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems1.5.2 Limitations1.5.3 Opportunities1.6 Industry News and Policies by Regions1.6.1 Industry News1.6.2 Industry Policies2 Industry Chain Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Material Suppliers of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Analysis2.2 Major Players of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems2.2.1 Major Players Manufacturing Base and Market Share of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems in 20172.2.2 Major Players Product Types in 20172.3 Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.3.1 Production Process Analysis2.3.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems2.3.3 Raw Material Cost of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems2.3.4 Labor Cost of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems2.4 Market Channel Analysis of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems2.5 Major Downstream Buyers of Electronic Article Surveillance (Eas) Systems AnalysisInquiry before Buy @About Us:Industry executives tend to keep a tab on their business competitors. This keeps them updated on strategic business activities and investment trends. Company profiles are crucial to participating players of interconnected verticals.5933 NE Win Sivers Drive, #205, Portland,OR 97220 United StatesCall answer Direct: +1-971-202-1575Call answer Toll Free: +1-800-910-6452Email help@bigmarketresearch.com
Guaiacol Market will register 1.6% CAGR in-terms of Revenue and Market Size will reach US$ 330 million by 2024-Top Manufacturers (Zhonghua Chemical, Solvay, Anhui Bayi, Zheng Agrolooks, Cayman Chemical and more)

Guaiacol Market 2019-2024, Guaiacol Market Sales, Guaiacol Market Survey, Guaiacol Market Insights, Guaiacol Market Forecasts

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www.MarketResearchNest.com adds Latest Report in 2019, the Global Guaiacol Market Growth 2019-2024.Guaiacol, a natural organic matter, usually produced by hdrolysis synthesis in industry.,is colorless to light yellow clear liquid. Guaiacol often used to produced various spices in industry and often used as a pharmaceutical intermediates for the pharmaceutical industry.Guaiacol is widely used in spices industry. With the development of economy, not only food but also pharmaceutical industry needs more guaiacol. So, guaiacol has a huge market potential.All manufactures in the world are committed to the improvement of production technology. In recent years, some Chinese manufactures can almost catch up with the world's leading technology.This industry is affected by the economy and policy, so it's important to put an eye to economic indexes and leaders' prefer.Inquire for buying sample copy of Guaiacol Market @According to this study, over the next five years the Guaiacol market will register a 1.6% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach US$ 330 million by 2024, from US$ 300 million in 2019. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in Guaiacol business, shared in Chapter 3.This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of Guaiacol market by product type, application, key manufacturers and key regions and countries.The report also presents the market competition landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the major vendor/manufacturers in the market. The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3: Zhonghua Chemical Solvay Anhui Bayi Zheng Agrolooks Cayman Chemical Hubei Ju Sheng Liaoning Shixing Emdmillipore Derek Clarke Vandana Chemicals Helly Chem Tianyuan ChemicalSegmentation by product type: breakdown data from 2014 to 2019, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2024 in section 11.7: Industrial Grade Pharmaceutical GradeBrowse the full summary and TOC of Guaiacol Market @Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2014 to 2019, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2024 in section 11.8: Pharmaceutical Spice OthersThis report also splits the market by region: Breakdown data in Chapter 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8: Americas: United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil APAC: China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia Europe: Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain Middle East and Africa: Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC CountriesKey questions answered in this report: What will the Guaiacol Market Size is in 2024 and what will the growth rate be? What is the key Guaiacol Market Trends? What is driving this Guaiacol Market? What are the challenges to Guaiacol Market Growth? Who are the key vendors in this Guaiacol Market Space? What are the Guaiacol Market Opportunities and Threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Guaiacol Market Key Vendor?Request a sample copy of Guaiacol Market @In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, the challenges and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.Research objectives: To study and analyze the global Guaiacol consumption (value and volume) by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2014 to 2018, and forecast to 2024. To understand the structure of Guaiacol market by identifying its various subsegments. Focuses on the key global Guaiacol manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years. To analyze the Guaiacol with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market. To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks). To project the consumption of Guaiacol submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries). To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market. To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.Browse more details @About us: - MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the Global and Southeast Asias most complete and recent database of expert insights on industries, organizations, products, and trends.Contact us: - Mr. Jeet Jain, Sales Manager, sales@marketresearchnest.com ;+1-240-284-8070, +44-20-3290-4151;Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
Craft Beer Market Grows with a Huge CAGR by Top Players - D.G. Yuengling and Son, Gambrinus Company, Heineken N.V, Boston Beer Company, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Craft beer Market

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Craft beers, loaded with flavors and minerals, are also rich in healthy anti-inflammatory polyphenols. Low ABV content of the beverage further balances these flavours and minerals, reducing the risk for diabetes, cancer, heart disease and effects of aging. Shifting consumers preferences towards healthy lifestyle is reducing excessive consumption of alcohol. Recent self-grooming trend has influenced younger population to adopt healthier beverages with low alcohol content like craft beer, backed by the influence of digital media.Craft Beers are produced in small breweries, using traditional methods and ingredients, inspired by local taste, texture, and flavors. Moreover, it is produced in small quantity. Hence, growth of Microbreweries and brew pubs, across the globe, will positively drive the demand for craft beers, brewed by small, independent and traditional brewers. Increasing government support in countries, like Australia, Belgium, Germany, United States, China, Mexico, United Kingdom, etc., is supporting the production of craft beers, via start-up breweries, that contribute to economic development and creation of job in these countries.The Global Craft Beer Market was valued at US$ 105.78 Bn in 2017 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 22.75% from 2018 to 2025, reaching US$ 469.15 Bn by the end of the forecast period. According to the report, North America was the largest contributor in terms of revenue to the craft beer market in 2017.Request for PDF Sample@Key Product AnalysisCraft Beers are segmented in various product types which include Lager, Ale and Stout & PorterLager and Ale both are derived from yeast. Lager yeasts are those that can be fermented at cool temperatures, generally in between 6C and 13C. Lager yeasts used in craft beers tend to produce fewer fermentation by-products and are perceived to offer cleaner and crisper taste to the craft beer drinkers.Ale is also derived from yeasts that can be fermented at relatively warmer temperature, generally in between 15C and 24C. Lager yeasts are bottom-fermenting yeasts while ale yeasts are top-fermenting yeastsThe term Stout & Porter are used interchangeably for dark style craft beer that is produced using roasted barley, hops yeast and water. These are very strong beer types which became popular a long ago due to their increasing demandDistribution Channel AnalysisOn-Trade distribution channel of craft beer contribute to more than 50% of overall sale, in terms of volume. This is majorly due to high consumption of products in restaurants, clubs, and bars in developed countries like US, Australia, UK, Belgium, etc. Moreover, the growth of microbreweries that offer their own craft beers also contribute to the On-Trade craft beer businessOff-Trade distribution channel is witnessing significant growth, mainly in developing countries because they offer craft beers in much cheaper rate than their On-Trade counterpart.Competitive DynamicsCompanies, such as D.G. Yuengling and Son, Gambrinus Company, Heineken N.V, Boston Beer Company, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., and Belgium Brewing Company are the key players in manufacturing craft beer. In terms of product offerings, Boston Beer Company and D.G. Yuengling and Son are the major players in the market, providing various tastes and flavours of craft beer.Market Segmentation: Global Craft Beer MarketBy ProductLagerAleStout & PorterOthersBy Distribution ChannelOn-tradeOff-tradeIn addition, the report provides analysis of the Smart Cities market with respect to the following geographic segments:North AmericaEuropeAsia Pacific (APAC)LATAMMEAAccess Full Research Report@Contact Us:info@blueweaveconsulting.comGlobal Contacts: +18666586826About BlueWeave Consulting & Research Pvt Ltd.BlueWeave Consulting provides a full scope of business intelligence solution for solving your toughest challenges. BWC is an emerging global expert & pioneer in the market research and provision of exclusive market INTEL. We optimize your decision making by equipping your industry with an accurate & better market research according to your industry demands through our professionally designed qualitative & quantitative research methods. Our trendy & efficient sample collection methods, integrated data solutions as well as methodologies certainly make us a better partner that you can rely on. With collective experience in the varied fields of retail, market research and reporting, we provide the business insight and business practices that would give the required impetus for your companys growth.GD-69, Sector G, East kolkata Twp,Kolkata, West Bengal
Cinnamic Aldehyde Market Size, Share, Industry Segments, Sales, Consumption, Landscape, Company Profiles, Demand and Forecast to 2023

Cinnamic Aldehyde Market Research Report

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Global Cinnamic Aldehyde Market Information: by Nature (nature and synthetic), Application (fragrance, flavor, insecticides, household, and animal feed), by End Use (food & beverages, cosmetics & personal care, healthcare), by Region: Forecast till 2023Global Key Players and Competition AnalysisSome of the key players in the global cinnamic aldehyde market are Kao Corporation (U.S.), Emerald Performance Materials (U.S.), Finoric (U.S.), Jayshree Aromatics Pvt Ltd (India), Muby Chemicals (India), Payan Bertrand S.A. (France), LANXESS (Germany), Yingcheng Wuhan Organic Material Co., Ltd (China), Merck KGaA, Sigma-Aldrich (Germany), and Graham Chemical (U.S.).Get a Sample Report @Segmentation AnalysisThe global cinnamic aldehyde market is segmented into nature, application, end use industry, and region. Based on nature, the market is segregated into organic and synthetic. The synthetic cinnamic aldehyde is produced by reacting benzaldehyde with acetaldehyde.Based on the application, the market is segmented into fragrance agent, flavor agent, insecticides, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, oral care, animal feed, and others. Flavor agent accounted for the largest market share as a result of increasing use in the households and food & beverage industry. The product use, as a fragrance agent, is increasing in deodorants, detergents, cleansers, and cosmetics. Cinnamic aldehyde helps to fight against tooth decay, bad breath, cure diabetes and reduce infections owing to antibacterial and antifungal properties.Based on the end use industry, the market is divided into household, food & beverages, cosmetic & personal care, agriculture, healthcare, and others. The food & beverage industry accounted for the largest market share as a result of increasing demand for nutritious food products and beverages. The product consumption is rising in cosmetics & personal care industry with growing prevalence of various cosmetics brands in the market such as LOreal, Avon, and Lakme across the regions.Enquiry Before Buying @Regional AnalysisBased on the region, the cinnamic aldehyde market is segregated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.North America is the second largest region in the cinnamic aldehyde market with increasing spending on personal care products coupled with high per capita income. Moreover, growing aging population coupled with rising health awareness is uplifting the market growth.Europe is another significant region in the market due to growing food & beverage industry with increasing consumption of packaged food products among working population.Latin America and the Middle East & South Africa regions are likely to witness moderate growth during the review period with significant growth of cosmetics and personal care industry.Market ScopeCinnamic aldehyde is widely preferred in the households as a flavoring agent. The product demand is majorly influenced by the rapidly growing food and beverage industry across the regions. Escalating demand for the packaged food and beverages from the working population owing to convenience and long shelf life is uplifting the market growth. Prevalence of many online food delivery applications such as Zomato and Food Panda in India are likely to boost the product demand further.Browse the market data and information spread across 100 pages with 47 data tables and 12 figures of the report Cinnamic Aldehyde Market Research Report  Forecast to 2023 in-depth alongside table of content (TOC) at:Industry News:May, 2018 Market Research Future Published a Half Cooked Research Report on Global Cinnamic Aldehyde Research Report.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.To stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +16468459312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Emerging Trends & Growing Popularity in 2024 | Global Key Players - Abbott Laboratories, Amgen, Pfizer, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Genentech

Hormone Replacement Therapy Market

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A fresh report has been added to the wide database of Business Industry Reports. The research study is titled Hormone Replacement Therapy Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2024 which provides important data about the production, consumption, revenue and company profiles for key industry participants.Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Synopsis:This report studies the Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Market over the forecast period of 2019 to 2024. The Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Market is expected to grow at an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2019 to 2024.Get Exclusive Sample Study Papers of Hormone Replacement Therapy Market @Hormone replacement therapy refers to the treatment of the patients with growth hormone deficiency due to conditions such as dwarfism or women nearing menopause, which requires replacement of hormones in the body whose levels have become low. According to Market Research, Rising incidences of hormonal imbalance disorders and increasing geriatric and the neonatal population suffering from these diseases are expected to promote growth.Furthermore, Menopausal females form the largest section affecting the market and hence, rising female population between the age group of 45 to 59 and increasing range of the menopausal window are expected to propel growth.The global hormone replacement therapy market can be segmented on the basis of type of therapy, route of administration, and geography. By type of therapy, the market can be divided into estrogen replacement therapy, which remains most in-demand, and growth hormone replacement therapy. By route of administration, the market can be segmented into oral, parenteral, and transdermal. The oral route of administration is a sub-division of enteral administration and is considered the safest routes of drugs administration. Premarin and Estrace are some of the examples of oral administration route.Regionally, North America, particularly the U.S. dominated the industry revenue contribution. Increasing cases of hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, and other growth hormone deficiencies along with rising population of newborns and menopausal women are the key drivers of the region.Complete report on Hormone Replacement Therapy Market spread across 104 Pages and No. of Table of contents. Buy Research @The Market is segmented and projected on the basis of major key players:1 Abbott Laboratories2 Amgen3 Pfizer4 Novartis5 Novo Nordisk6 Genentech7 Merck & Co.8 Mylan Laboratories9 BayerMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report covers:1 North America2 Europe3 China4 Japan5 Middle East & Africa6 India7 South America8 OthersRequest a Discount on standard prices of this premium report @The prime objective of this report is to help the user understand the market in terms of its definition, segmentation, market potential, influential trends, and the challenges that the market is facing. Deep researches and analysis were done during the preparation of the report. The readers will find this report very helpful in understanding the market in depth. The facts and data are represented in the report using diagrams, graphs, pie charts, and other pictorial representations. This enhances the visual representation and also helps in understanding the facts much better.Key Questions Answered in this Report:1 What are the major market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Global Hormone Replacement Therapy market?2 What was the market value of the leading segments and sub-segments of the Global Hormone Replacement Therapy market in 2018?3 What are the influencing factors that may affect the market share of the key players?4 Who are the key players in Hormone Replacement Therapy Market?5 How will the industry evolve during the forecast period 2019-2024?TABLE OF CONTENTS1 Hormone Replacement Therapy Introduction and Market Overview2 Industry Chain Analysis3 Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Market, by Type4 Hormone Replacement Therapy Market, by Application5 Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Production, Value ($) by Region (2014-2019)6 Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2014-2019)7 Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Status and SWOT Analysis by Regions8 Competitive Landscape9 Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Analysis and Forecast by Type and Application10 Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Analysis and Forecast by Region11 New Project Feasibility Analysis12 Research Finding and Conclusion13 AppendixAbout usBusinessindustryReports.com is digital database of comprehensive market reports for global industries. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined  we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Media ContactBusiness Industry ReportsPune  Indiasales@businessindustryreports.com+19376349940
Global Paper Shredder Industry Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023

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Global Paper Shredder Industry Market is a gadget which is utilized for cutting paper into either strips or fine particles. Paper shredders are accessible in various sizes and cost. They guarantee the security of touchy and private data. Paper shredders are utilized to evacuate squander around the workplace or home. According to the Data Protection Act, any classified waste which incorporates compensation points of interest, restorative records, and legitimate papers must be arranged accurately. Every one of these components are relied upon to quicken the development of the general paper shredders showcase all around.Get sample copy of report:Table of Contents1 Industry Overview1.1 Paper Shredder Industry1.1.1 Overview1.1.2 Development of Paper Shredder1.2 Market Segment1.2.1 Upstream1.2.2 Downstream1.3 Cost Analysis2 Industry Environment2.1 Policy2.2 Economics2.3 Sociology2.4 Technology3 Paper Shredder Market by Type3.1 By Type3.1.1 Strip-Cut3.1.2 Cross-Cut3.1.3 Micro-Cut3.2 Market Size3.3 Market Forecast4 Major Companies List4.1 Fujitsu (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.2 AmazonBasics (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.3 Fellowes (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.4 KOBRA (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.5 Ideal (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.6 HSM (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.7 Intimus (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.8 Meiko Shokai (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.9 Shred-it (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.10 GBC Shredder (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.11 Comet (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.12 Sun wood (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.13 COMIX (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.14 Deli (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.15 Bonsail (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.16 Golden (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.17 Husn (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.18 SMPIC (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.19 AURORA (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)5 Market Competition5.1 Company Competition5.2 Regional Market by Company6 Market Demand6.1 Demand Situation6.1.1 Demand in Home Use6.1.2 Demand in Commercial Use6.1.3 Demand in Government Use6.1.4 Demand in Other6.2 Regional Demand Comparison6.3 Demand Forecast7 Region Operation7.1 Regional Output7.2 Regional Market7.3 by Region7.3.1 North America7.3.1.1 Overview7.3.1.2 by Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico)7.3.2 Europe7.3.2.1 Overview7.3.2.2 by Country (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Russia, Spain etc.)7.3.3 Asia-Pacific7.3.3.1 Overview7.3.3.2 by Country (China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia etc.)7.3.4 South America7.3.4.1 Overview7.3.4.2 by Country (Brazil, Argentina etc.)7.3.5 Middle East & Africa7.3.5.1 Overview7.3.5.2 by Country (Saudi Arabia, South Africa etc.)7.4 Regional Forecast8 Marketing & Price8.1 Price and Margin8.1.1 Price Trends8.1.2 Factors of Price Change8.1.3 Manufacturers Gross Margin Analysis8.2 Value Chain8.3 Marketing Channel9 Research ConclusionBy this report online:About Market Density:Market Density is your one stop market research and industry analysis reports' library providing business data and intelligence information on thousands of micro markets with global as well as regional coverage.Market Density offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Market Density understands how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available.Contact Us:Email: Support@marketdensity.comWebsite:Phone: +1 669 264 16564340 Stevens Creek Blvd,Suite # 172,San Jose, CA 95129
Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps Market 2019-2025 | Estimated By Top Key Players Teikoku, Nikkiso, Kirloskar Brothers, HERMETIC-Pumpen, Dynamic Pumps

Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps Market 2019-2025

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UpMarketResearch offers a latest published report on Global Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps Market Analysis and Forecast delivering key insights and providing a competitive advantage to clients through a detailed report. This report focuses on current market analysis scenario, upcoming as well as future opportunities, revenue growth, pricing and profitability.Get Exclusive FREE Sample Copy Of this Report @Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps Market research report delivers a close watch on leading competitors with strategic analysis, micro and macro market trend and scenarios, pricing analysis and a holistic overview of the market situations in the forecast period. This report focuses on the Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type, segments and application.Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps Market research report is a professional and a detailed report focusing on primary and secondary drivers, market share, leading segments and geographical analysis. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The report contains basic, secondary and advanced information pertaining to the Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps Market global status and trend, market size, share, growth, trends analysis, segment and forecasts upto 2025.The scope of the report extends from market scenarios to comparative pricing between major players, cost and profit of the specified market regions. The numerical data is backed up by statistical tools such as SWOT analysis, BCG matrix, SCOT analysis, PESTLE analysis and so on. The statistics are represented in graphical format for a clear understanding on facts and figures.For More Information On This Report, Please VisitThe generated report is firmly based on primary research, interviews with top executives, news sources and information insiders. Secondary research techniques are implemented for better understanding and clarity for data analysis.The report for Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps market analysis & forecast 2018- 2025 is segmented into Product Segment, Application Segment & Major players.Region- wise Analysis Global Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps Market covers: North America Europe China Japan India Southeast Asia Other regions (Central & South America, Middle East & Africa)The Major players reported in the market include: Teikoku Nikkiso Kirloskar Brothers HERMETIC-Pumpen Dynamic Pumps OPTIMEX Dalian Huanyou Chemmp Hydrodyne India Private Limited Shigme Hayward TylerGlobal Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps Market: Product Segment Analysis: Horizontal Type Vertica TypeGlobal Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps Market: Application Segment Analysis: Chemical Industry Oil & GasAvail Discount On this Report @Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps Market Analysis and Forecast 2018- 2025 report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. The report also calls for market- driven results deriving feasibility studies for client needs. UpMarketResearch ensures qualified and verifiable aspects of market data operating in the real- time scenario. The analytical studies are conducted ensuring client needs with a thorough understanding of market capacities in the real- time scenario.Global Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps Market: Key Stakeholders: Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps Manufacturers Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps Subcomponent Manufacturers Industry Association Downstream VendorsIn this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps are as follows: History Year: 2013-2017 Base Year: 2017 Estimated Year: 2018 Forecast Year 2018 to 2025Key Reasons to Purchase: To gain insightful analyses of the market and have a comprehensive understanding of the Global Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps Market Analysis and Forecast 2018- 2025 and its commercial landscape. Learn about the market strategies that are being adopted by your competitors and leading organizations. To understand the future outlook and prospects for Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps market analysis and forecast 2018- 2025.Get Exclusive FREE Sample Copy Of this Report @Customization of the Report:UpMarketResearch provides free customization of reports as per your need. This report can be personalized to meet your requirements. Get in touch with our sales team, who will guarantee you to get a report that suits your necessities.You can also ask for region wise market research report, as below: Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps - Global Market Status & Trend Report 2013- 2025 Top 20 Countries Data Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps - North America Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps - South America Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps - Europe Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps - EMEA Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps - Asia Pacific Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps - China Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps - India Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Reverse Circulation Canned Motor Pumps - United States Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025About UpMarketResearch:The UpMarketResearch () is a leading distributor of market research report with more than 800+ global clients. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well- defined  we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Contact Info:Name: Alex MathewsEmail: Alex@upmarketresearch.comOrganization: UpMarketResearchAddress: 500 East E Street, Ontario, CA 91764, United States.
Eyewear Market Current Trends 2018 - 2026 | Major Players Luxottica Group S.p.A, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc., Fielmann A.G., CooperVision Inc., Safilo Group S.p.A., Carl Zeiss A.G. and Essilor International

Eyewear

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Eyewear is an important accessory that aid in numerous visual defects such as myopia and hyperopia. Apart from this, it is used as a fashion accessory and for protection against sunlight and harmful U.V. radiations. Eyeglasses are also used in industries for protection against debris and for welding, in order for protection against high intensity light and heat. Factors such as acute myopia at a younger age and rising awareness about eye health are expected to drive growth of the eyewear market over the forecast period. For instance, according to WHO in 2017, around 253 million people had vision impairment of which 36 million were blind and 217 million had moderate to severe vision impairment, globally.Get a PDF Sample of Research Report @The increasing use of computers and smartphones results has resulted in rising cases of Computer vision syndrome (CVS) caused due to focusing the eyes on a computer or other display device for long. This is expected to be another factor driving the growth of the eyewear market. Apart from this the changing fashion trends and availability of new lens technologies is expected to drive the growth of the market. For instance Chinese police have launched sunglasses with built-in facial recognition which are still in their testing stages. These factors are expected to drive the growth of the global eyewear marketEurope was the most dominant market in terms of revenue share in 2016 and is expected to continue its dominance over the forecast period. European market was valued at over US$ 32.15 billion in 2016, due to high demand for eyewear, especially for premium sunglasses coupled with the presence of major eyewear manufacturers such as Luxottica and Safilo in Europe. End-users are increasing adopting scratch proof, Anti-Reflective, and UV protection eyewear resulting in an increasing demand for eyewear in this region. Moreover, major eyewear manufacturers such as Luxottica and Safilo are based in Europe, which is another factor for the dominance of the region.Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing region in the eyewear market, witnessing a CAGR of 8.63% over the forecast period. The reason for the same is due to the rising penetration of international eyewear brands such as Rayban, Dior and D&G amongst others in the Asia Pacific region. Apart from this the large population suffering from visual defects coupled with a low usage of any visual correction aids provides the manufacturers with a huge untapped market. For instance according to the Asia Pacific Optometrists Organization, India in 2014 approximately 153 million people in India required spectacles but do not have access to them.Request Customization Of Research Report @Some of the major market players operating in the eyewear market include Luxottica Group S.p.A, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc., Fielmann A.G., CooperVision Inc., Safilo Group S.p.A., Carl Zeiss A.G. and Essilor International among others.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com
Nerve Stimulator Market Development Status and Outlook 2025; Key Players NeuroPace Inc, Boston Scientific Corporation, Aleva Neurotherapeutics SA, Cochlear Ltd, Cyberonics Inc, Medtronic, St Jude Medical Inc

Nerve Stimulator Market Development Status and Outlook 2025

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The Leading Report Published by Crystal Market Research titled, Nerve Stimulator Market, approximates that the Nerve Stimulator market size is estimated to flourish at a significant CAGR in the future.The nerve stimulation could be the Process that utilizes an electrical current or some other technique for the treatment of chronic pain. The procedure of nerve stimulation is passed out in two steps. To see in the event that it'll present assistance to the torment, the specialist will begin with insertion of the temporary cathode via the skin (percutaneously) to offer the treatment the trial run. The cathode is connected to the stimulator which the patient can handle. If the test runs effectively, the specialist can insert the permanent stimulator beneath the skin. This can be ordinarily done employing the local sedative and a anesthetic. The stimulator is fixed beneath the skin and the little coated wires (leads) are embedded beneath the skin where they are inserted in spinal cord or connected to the nerves.Read Sample Report @Scope of the Report 2019:Nerve Stimulator Industry By Type (Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS), Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS) and Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS)), Application (Parkinsons Disease, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy and Depression) and End User (Trauma Centers, Ambulatory Surgical Centers and Hospital & Clinics)Major Companies 2019:NeuroPace IncBoston Scientific CorporationAleva Neurotherapeutics SACochlear LtdCyberonics IncMedtronicSt Jude Medical Inc...Key Growth Factors 2019:The driving factors of the industry are increasing number of cases related to different chronic health disorders, rising development in the technology, rising aged population across the globe, advancement in the refunding policies, rising demand for the minimally invasive procedures and various other factors. The restraining factor of the industry can be; more cost of the treatment and less number of skilled medical professionals available.Regional Outlook and Trend Analysis 2019:Key countries, regions, and sub-sectors have been studied for giving improved knowledge of the market scope across the globe. The market report classifies the market by assessing the manufacturing chain, market manufacturers and their contribution to the industry, dominant policies and revenue structure, and regulatory aspects. The geographical markets of the Nerve Stimulator Market are thoroughly examined by assessing the profits garnered, product pricing, demand, logistics, production capacity, and supply, along with the past performance of the market in the said region.Get Full Research Report @Table of Contents:Chapter 1, Definition, Specifications and Classification of Nerve Stimulator Industry , Applications of Nerve Stimulator, Segment by Regions;Chapter 2, Nerve Stimulator Industry Manufacturing Cost Structure, Raw Material and Suppliers, Manufacturing Process, Industry Chain Structure;Chapter 3, Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Nerve Stimulator , Capacity and Commercial Production Date, Manufacturing Plants Distribution, R&D Status and Technology Source, Raw Materials Sources Analysis;Chapter 4, Overall Nerve Stimulator industry Analysis, Capacity Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment);Chapter 5 and 6, Regional Market Analysis that includes United States, China, Europe, Japan, Korea & Taiwan, Nerve Stimulator Segment Market Analysis (by Type);...The report penetrates into the competitive landscape of the global market industry along with major manufacturers profiled in the report. The Nerve Stimulator Market is extremely competitive and regulated. Lastly, trends, plans, company profiles, business strategies, M&As, financial metrics and strategic business planning of the leading market players in the global market of this industry have been analyzed in this study.Key Company Profiles Analysis:9.5. Cyberonics, Inc.9.5.1.Business Overview9.5.2. Service Portfolio9.5.3.Strategic Developments9.5.4. Revenue and Market Share9.6. Medtronic9.6.1.Business Overview9.6.2. Service Portfolio9.6.3.Strategic Developments9.6.4. Revenue and Market Share9.7. St Jude Medical, Inc.9.7.1.Business Overview9.7.2. Service Portfolio9.7.3.Strategic Developments9.7.4. Revenue and Market Share10.Global Nerve StimulatorMarket Competition, by Manufacturer10.1. Global Nerve StimulatorRevenue and Market Share by Manufacturer (2016-2017)10.2. Global Nerve StimulatorPrice By Region (2016-2017)10.3. Top 5 Nerve StimulatorManufacturer Market Share10.4. Market Competition Trend11.Nerve StimulatorMarket Forecast (2018-2025)11.1. Global Nerve StimulatorRevenue (Millions USD) and Growth Rate (2018-2025)11.2. Nerve StimulatorMarket Forecast by Regions (2018-2025)11.2.1.North America Nerve StimulatorMarket Forecast (2018-2025)11.2.1.1. United States Nerve StimulatorMarket Forecast (2018-2025)11.2.1.2. Canada Nerve StimulatorMarket Forecast (2018-2025)11.2.1.3. Mexico Nerve StimulatorMarket Forecast (2018-2025)11.2.2.Europe Nerve StimulatorMarket Forecast (2018-2025)...Click to get more information @Contacts UsJudy | 304 South Jones Blvd, Suite 1896,Las Vegas NV 89107,United StatesE-mail: sales@crystalmarketresearch.com | Ph: +1-888-213-4282
Rubber Antioxidan Market outlook 2019-2026| Key Players: Agrofert(Duslo), Lanxess, Ouchi Shinko Chemical, Kumho Petrochemical, NOCIL, XiangYu-Chem, Sunsine, Shandong Ekesen Chemical, Eastman, General Quimica S.A

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Global Rubber Antioxidan Market Analysis to 2025 is a specialized and in-depth study of the Rubber Antioxidan industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of the global Rubber Antioxidan market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global Rubber Antioxidan market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Rubber Antioxidan players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.Request for a sample copy of this report@The key market company covered in the report is: Agrofert(Duslo) Lanxess Ouchi Shinko Chemical Kumho Petrochemical NOCIL XiangYu-Chem Sunsine Shandong Ekesen Chemical Eastman General Quimica S.ABy Type RD (TMQ) PPDs OtherBy Application Automotive Rubber Products Tires Other ApplicationThis global Rubber Antioxidan market report orbits the industry, predominantly in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America and the Middle East and Africa. This Rubber Antioxidan report fragments the market based on many regions, market manufacturers and the segments in which the market is split into.Request for a Discount of this report@Global Rubber Antioxidan Market study covers market-space, opportunities and risks faced by most vendors from the Rubber Antioxidan Market, chances, and promote risk and market review of this Market.Additionally, key Rubber Antioxidan market players impacting the Market are profiled from the analysis together side their SWOT analysis and market plans. The Rubber Antioxidan Market report also targets leading industry players along with advice like company profiles, services, and products offered, financial information of the past three decades, an important development in the last five decades.Points Covered In The Report: The major drivers, restraints, opportunities, challenges, and industry trends and their impact on the Rubber Antioxidan Market forecast are discussed thoroughly. Detailed profiles of various Rubber Antioxidan Market key companies are covered in the report along with their business overview, strategic development and financial data. Every Rubber Antioxidan Market is studied based on their historical data from 2014 to 2017 and forecast data from 2018 to 2025. The developing factors of the market are discussed in-depth and different segments of the Rubber Antioxidan Market are explained in detail.Buy now@About Us:Global Info Reports is a pioneer in off-the-rack market research. We study markets across the globe to assist our clients to analyze competitive activity and perceive further than market disruptions, and eventually grow intellectual business strategies. We offer vast portfolio of research reports with respect to geographical coverage, topics, and profiled companies. Global Info Reports has an experienced and skilled team which is dedicated to top-notch analysis and research. Our research team comprehends the demands of its clients and therefore keeps updating the reports as the market requirement changes. Our in-house professionals are highly motivated towards their work and meet the clients demands and deadlines irrespective of any time zone, thereby impeccably delivering projects.Contact Us:Web:Email: sales@globalinforeports.com
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea And Vomiting Therapeutics Market Detail Study Report Analysis By Therapy Type, Distribution Channel, Dynamics, Growth By GlaxoSmithKline plc, Merck & Co., Inc, Teva Pharmaceuticals & Forecast - 2027

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Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting nearly 1.4 million new cases in 2012. The most common cause of cancer is lung cancer accounting about 1.59 million deaths, globally. Other prominent cancers are liver cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal and stomach cancer. In 2012, nearly 8.2 million deaths occurred from aforementioned indication, globally. Cancer can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, precision medicine and stem cell transplantation. The most common treatment for cancer is chemotherapy; it uses drugs to kill cancer cells that cause pain and other problems. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with other cancer treatments. Chemotherapy given before surgery and radiation therapy to make the tumor cell smaller is known as neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and chemotherapy given after treatment with surgery or radiation therapy is known as adjuvant chemotherapy.Chemotherapy, not only kills the cancer cells but also attacks healthy cells that leads to side effects such as fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and vomiting. Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) is one of the most serious side effects that is taken into account. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting are classified as acute, that occurs within 24 hours of the treatment; anticipatory, that is triggered due to some exposed stimuli; other are refractory; delayed and breakthrough. Incidence, timing, and intensity of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting vary on chemotherapeutic agents and patient factors. CINV occurs in about 80% of patients and has a severe impact on patients life.Request Sample Report @Antiemetics are less effective in controlling nausea and vomiting because the intensity is high than actual vomiting. Proper antiemetics can prevent CINV in about 60%-70% of patients. Nowadays due to research and development in the field of cancer therapeutics, many treatment options are available to manage and treat CINV by addressing antiemetic property to an individual patient. Conventionally Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting was managed with dopamine receptor antagonists only. Currently, multiple options are available that is used in the prevention and management of CINV.Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting Therapeutics Market: Drivers and RestrainsAccording to Word Health Organization, it is estimated that by 2030, about 23.6 million new cases of cancer will prevail worldwide. Agents are available for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting NK1 receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, -HT3 receptor antagonists and others. Governmental guidelines from American Society of Clinical Oncology and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN /ASCO) are providing help to healthcare professionals to manage antiemetic regimens for patients. Intense research and development in cancer therapeutics, the rise in the incidence of cancer cases, increased preference toward chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer and the use of chemotherapy in combination with other cancer treatment are anticipated to fuel the growth of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The decline in the use of chemotherapy drugs in future can decline the growth of chemotherapy-induces nausea and vomiting therapeutics market.Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting Therapeutics Market: SegmentationThe global chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting therapeutics market has been classified by therapy type, route of administration, distribution channel, and geography.Based on Therapy Type, the Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting Therapeutics Market is divided into following:Dopamine AntagonistsSerotonin Receptor AntagonistsCorticosteroidsBenzodiazepinesNeurokinin NK1 receptor antagonistBased on the Route of Administration, the global Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting Therapeutics Market is divided into following:OralIntravenousBased on the Distribution Channel, the global Chemotherapy-induced Nausea, and Vomiting Therapeutics Market is divided into following:Hospital PharmacyDrug StoresRetail PharmacyE-commerceChemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting Therapeutics Market: OverviewBased on the therapy type, the global chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting therapeutics market is segmented into dopamine antagonists, serotonin receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, benzodiazepines, and neurokinin NK1 receptor antagonist. Serotonin receptor antagonists are said to account the major share in the chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting therapeutics market as it is most commonly used and is effective. It blocks the binding of serotonin to its receptor, thus stopping the signal to the brain. By route of administration the chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting therapeutics market is segmented into oral and intravenous administration. Based on the distribution channel the CINV market is segmented into hospital pharmacy, drug store, retail pharmacy, and e-commerce. The rise in cancer patient population, funding by the governmental bodies, focus on acquisition and merger by various key manufacturers is attributed towards the growth of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting therapeutics.Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting Therapeutics Market: Regional OverviewRegion-wise, the global Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting Therapeutics Market is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. More than 70% of world's cancer death occurs in Africa, Asia, and South America. Around 33% of cancer cases worldwide are due to smoke and tobacco. Along with expansion in the emerging markets, and a greater focus on early diagnosis, screening, monitoring and clinical development of CINV drugs have been the major strategies adopted by major players in the global chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting therapeutics market.Request to View TOC @Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting Therapeutics Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting Therapeutics Market are GlaxoSmithKline plc, Merck & Co., Inc, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Heron Therapeutics, Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Tesaro, Inc., Acacia Pharma, Baxter international Inc., Lee's Pharmaceutical Holdings, Mundipharma International limited, Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd.and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb:
Global Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor Market Analysis and Forecast From 2019  2025: TE Connectivity Ltd. (Switzerland), SICK AG (Germany), Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Japan) etc.

Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor Market

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Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor MarketThe global Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor market was million US$ in 2018 and is expected to million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of between 2019 and 2025.This report studies the Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor market size (value and volume) by players, regions, product types and end industries, history data 2014-2018 and forecast data 2019-2025; This report also studies the global market competition landscape, market drivers and trends, opportunities and challenges, risks and entry barriers, sales channels, distributors and Porter's Five Forces Analysis.To Access PDF Sample Report, With 30 mins free consultation! Click:The key manufacturers in this market includeTE Connectivity Ltd. (Switzerland)SICK AG (Germany)Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Japan)Pepperl+Fuchs Vertrieb GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)Level Developments Ltd. (UK)By the product type, the market is primarily split intoMetalNonmetalBy the end users/application, this report covers the following segmentsMining and ConstructionAerospace and DefenseAutomotive and TransportationTelecommunicationsOthersSave Up-to 50% Discount for this report :@:Manufacturing cost structure:The Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor Market report also studies the manufacturing cost structure and presents the various details such as raw material, overall production process, and the industry chain structure. Every region key factors are provided which is attracting this market towards growth. The report also elaborates on the opportunities the emerging markets of Asia Pacific and Latin America offer and Globally.Important Facts About Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor Market Report:-This research report reveals Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor business overview, product overview, market share, supply chain analysis, demand and supply ratio and import/export details.-The Industry report features different approaches and procedures endorsed by the Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor market key players to make vital business decisions.-Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor market depicts some parameters such as production value, Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor marketing strategy analysis, Distributors/Traders and effect factors is also mentioned in this Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor research report.Key questions answered in the report include:What will the market growth rate of Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor market in 2025?What are the key factors driving the Global Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor market?Who are the key manufacturers in Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor market space?What are the market opportunities, market risk and market overview of the Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor market?What are sales, revenue, and price analysis of top manufacturers of Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor market?Who are the distributors, traders and dealers of Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor market?Detailed TOC and Charts Tables of Global Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor Market research Report available at :Reasons for Buying this Report:-Fluid Filled Tilt Sensor market report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics.-It provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growth.-It provides a six-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow.-It helps in understanding the key product segments and their future.-It provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitors.About Us:Reports Monitor is a market research and consulting company that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries including Healthcare, Technology, Chemicals, Materials, and Energy. With an intrinsic understanding of many business environments, Reports Monitor provides strategic objective insights.Contact Us:Jay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-591481 (U.S.)+44 203 318 2846 (U.K.)Email: sales@reportsmonitor.com
Global Dimethylacetamide Market 2019  Huge Market Growth Till 2024: Dupont, Zhejiang Jiangshan Chemical, Shandong Jinmei Riyue Industry, etc.

Dimethylacetamide Market

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Dimethylacetamide MarketDimethylacetamide (DMAc) is a colorless, high boiling, polar, hygroscopic liquid. DMAC is a good solvent for a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds and it is miscible with water, ethers, esters, ketones and aromatics compounds. It is used in the production of polyacrylonitrile and polyurethane based fibers, films and coatings. The polar nature of DMAC enables it to act as a combined solvent and reaction catalyst in many reactions producing high yields and pure product in short time periods.More Insightful Information | Request a Sample Copy @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversDupont, Zhejiang Jiangshan Chemical, Shandong Jinmei Riyue Industry, BASF, OthersMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , South America , Middle East and AfricaMarket Segment by Type, coversFiber Grade Dimethylacetamide, Industrial Grade Dimethylacetamide, Medical Grade DimethylacetamideMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoPharmaceutical Industry, Fiber Industry, Plastic Industry, Cosmetic Industry, Organic Synthesis, OthersEnquire Here to Get customization & check discount for report @Manufacturing cost structure:The Dimethylacetamide Market report also studies the manufacturing cost structure and presents the various details such as raw material, overall production process, and the industry chain structure. Every region key factors are provided which is attracting this market towards growth. The report also elaborates on the opportunities the emerging markets of Asia Pacific and Latin America offer and Globally.Important Facts About Dimethylacetamide Market Report:-This research report reveals Dimethylacetamide business overview, product overview, market share, supply chain analysis, demand and supply ratio and import/export details.-The Industry report features different approaches and procedures endorsed by the Dimethylacetamide market key players to make vital business decisions.-Dimethylacetamide market depicts some parameters such as production value, Dimethylacetamide marketing strategy analysis, Distributors/Traders and effect factors is also mentioned in this Dimethylacetamide research report.Key questions answered in the report include:What will the market growth rate of Dimethylacetamide market in 2024?What are the key factors driving the global Dimethylacetamide market?Who are the key manufacturers in this market space?What are the market opportunities, market risk and market overview of the Dimethylacetamide market?What are sales, revenue, and price analysis of top manufacturers of this market?Who are the distributors, traders and dealers of this market?What are the this market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global Dimethylacetamide market?Access Complete Report with TOC, Tables and Figures and Major Companies Profile:Reasons for Buying this Report:1.To gain insightful analyses of the Dimethylacetamide Industry and have comprehensive understanding of the global market and its commercial landscape2.Assess the production processes, major issues, and solutions.3.Market strategies that are being adopted by leading respective organizations4.The report gives specific analysis for rapidly changing dynamics of this Industry.5.To understand the future outlook and prospects for the this market with Marketing & Price (Price and Margin, Factors of Price Change, Manufacturers Gross Margin Analysis)About Us:Reports Monitor is a market research and consulting company that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries including Healthcare, Technology, Chemicals, Materials, and Energy. With an intrinsic understanding of many business environments, Reports Monitor provides strategic objective insights.Contact UsJay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-591481 (U.S.)+44 203 318 2848 (U.K.)Email: sales@reportsmonitor.com
Flu Shots Market Likely to Emerge over a Period of 2019 - 2025: GSK, SINOVAC, CHANGSHENG, CCBIO, ALEPH BIOMEDICAL, SANOFI, LANZHOU INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGICAL PRODUCT, etc.

Flu Shots Market

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Garner Insights recently released Global Flu Shots Market research study with over 100 industry informative desk and Figures stretched through Pages and self-explanatory detailed TOC on Flu Shots Market.Global Flu Shots market 2019 research assists you to attain positive growth and try out different methods for maximizing your profit. The market study gives estimates for Global Flu Shots Market 2019 analysis and Forecast till 2025. Some of the major Companys included for this Research are GSK, SINOVAC, CHANGSHENG, CCBIO, ALEPH BIOMEDICAL, SANOFI, LANZHOU INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGICAL PRODUCT, SIOBP, HUALAN BIO, TIANYUAN BIO-PHARMA, VAXTEC, .Read More @Global Flu Shots market engineering includes the structured, organized and theoretically founded practice of analyzing, designing, introducing and also a quality assessment of markets besides their legal framework regarding their market processes and trading rules, platforms and media, systems, and their business models.The Flu Shots market can be segmented in terms of product types and Its sub-type, major applications, and Third-Party usage area, and crucial regions.Global Flu Shots Research for a major company is a fruitful method of gathering and analyzing the numerical data related to services and products. This Research tries to focus on the idea to aim at your targeted customers understanding, needs and wants. It also displays how effectively a company can meet their requirements.Garner Insights is any well-organized attempt to gather information about the targeted market which is Flu Shots. It is a very crucial element of business strategy. The term is usually used against marketing research; however, expert Market research is one of the major factors used in sustaining competitiveness over competitors.Click Here to Get Sample PDF Copy of Latest Research on Flu Shots Market 2019: Get Flu Shots Market Research Sample Report:Why Global Flu Shots market 2019 Research Report?1. Market research lays out important information which helps to -Identify and examine the needs of the market, the market size, and the competition.2. Market-research techniques include both qualitative techniques such as -Focus groupsIn-depth interviewsEthnography.3. Quantitative techniques like -customer surveysanalysis of secondary data.Garner Insights, which involves social and opinion research, is the organized gathering and interpretation of data about individuals or organizations using statistical and analytical methods and techniques of the applied social sciences to achieve insight or assist in decision making.What we offer -We are a multi-service provider, advisor, and consultants for market research reports for mid-size, small and large companies. Our specialist team includes market research trackers, research coordinators, research specialists who serve to the client needs. We possess a comprehensive collection of market research reports to fit under required categories and sub-categories.Fill Free with your Queries to Get a Call from Our Industry Expert @ sales@garnerinsights.comAbout Garner Insights:Garner Insights is a Market Intelligence and consulting firm with an all-inclusive experience and vast knowledge of the market research industry.Our vast storage of research reports across various categories, gives you a complete view of the ever changing and developing trends and current topics worldwide. Our constant endeavor is to keep on improving our storage information by providing rich market reports and constantly improving them.Contact Us:Kevin ThomasContact No: +1 513 549 5911 (US)+44 203 318 2846 (UK)Email: sales@garnerinsights.com
Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Industry Market Analysis & Forecasts 2018-2023

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Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Industry Market might be isolated by Type of Use, and Area. Hydrodynamic Cavitation alludes to the technique of dissipation, making of air pocket and air pocket crumple, which occurs in a streaming fluid as a result of a decrease and ensuing ascent in local weight. The Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Industry Market will just occur if the local weight drops to pretty much point under the doused vapor worry of the fluid and succeeding recovery over the vapor weight. In the event that the recovery weight isn't past the vapor weight, flickering is expected to have occurred.Get sample copy of report:Table of ContentsChapter 1 Hydrodynamic Cavitation Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Hydrodynamic Cavitation1.2 Hydrodynamic Cavitation Market Segmentation by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Hydrodynamic Cavitation by Type1.2.1 Type 11.2.2 Type 21.2.3 Type 31.3 Hydrodynamic Cavitation Market Segmentation by Application1.3.1 Hydrodynamic Cavitation Consumption Market Share by Application1.3.2 Pharma & Healthcare1.3.3 Defense1.3.4 Application 31.4 Hydrodynamic Cavitation Market Segmentation by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Hydrodynamic Cavitation1.5.1 Global Product Sales and Growth Rate1.5.2 Global Product Revenue and Growth RateChapter 2 Global Economic Impact on Hydrodynamic Cavitation Industry2.1 Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis2.1.1 Global Macroeconomic Analysis2.1.2 Global Macroeconomic Environment Development Trend2.2 Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis by RegionsChapter 3 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Market Competition by Manufacturers3.1 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Share by Manufacturers3.2 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Revenue and Share by Manufacturers3.3 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Average Price by Manufacturers3.4 Manufacturers Hydrodynamic Cavitation Manufacturing Base Distribution, Production Area and Product Type3.5 Hydrodynamic Cavitation Market Competitive Situation and Trends3.5.1 Hydrodynamic Cavitation Market Concentration Rate3.5.2 Hydrodynamic Cavitation Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers3.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionChapter 4 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Revenue (Value) by Region4.1 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production by Region4.2 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production Market Share by Region4.3 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region4.4 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.5 North America Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.5.1 North America Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Manufacturers4.5.2 North America Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Type4.5.3 North America Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Application4.6 Europe Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.6.1 Europe Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Manufacturers4.6.2 Europe Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Type4.6.3 Europe Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Application4.7 China Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.7.1 China Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Manufacturers4.7.2 China Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Type4.7.3 China Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Application4.8 Japan Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.8.1 Japan Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Manufacturers4.8.2 Japan Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Type4.8.3 Japan Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Application4.9 Southeast Asia Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.9.1 Southeast Asia Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Manufacturers4.9.2 Southeast Asia Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Type4.9.3 Southeast Asia Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Application4.10 India Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.10.1 India Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Manufacturers4.10.2 India Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Type4.10.3 India Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by ApplicationChapter 5 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.1 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Consumption by Regions5.2 North America Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.3 Europe Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.4 China Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.5 Japan Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.6 Southeast Asia Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.7 India Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6.1 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production and Market Share by Type6.2 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Revenue and Market Share by Type6.3 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Price by Type6.4 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production Growth by TypeChapter 7 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Market Analysis by Application7.1 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Consumption and Market Share by Application7.2 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Revenue and Market Share by Type7.3 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Consumption Growth Rate by Application7.4 Market Drivers and Opportunities7.4.1 Potential Applications7.4.2 Emerging Markets/CountriesChapter 8 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Manufacturers Analysis8.1 Advanced Diamond Technologies, Inc. (US)8.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.1.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.1.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.1.4 Business Overview8.2 Advanced Nano Products Co., Limited (South Korea)8.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.2.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.2.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.2.4 Business Overview8.3 Altair Nanotechnologies Inc. (US)8.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.3.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.3.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.3.4 Business Overview8.4 Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (US)8.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.4.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.4.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.4.4 Business Overview8.5 Bruker Corporation (US)8.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.5.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.5.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.5.4 Business Overview8.6 Catalytic Materials, LLC (US)8.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.6.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.6.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.6.4 Business Overview8.7 Chemat Technology Inc. (US)8.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.7.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.7.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.7.4 Business Overview8.8 eSpin Technologies, Inc. (US)8.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.8.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.8.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.8.4 Business Overview8.9 ELITech Group (France)8.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.9.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.9.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.9.4 Business OverviewChapter 9 Hydrodynamic Cavitation Manufacturing Cost Analysis9.1 Hydrodynamic Cavitation Key Raw Materials Analysis9.1.1 Key Raw Materials9.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials9.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials9.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials9.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure9.2.1 Raw Materials9.2.2 Labor Cost9.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses9.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Hydrodynamic CavitationChapter 10 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10.1 Hydrodynamic Cavitation Industrial Chain Analysis10.2 Upstream Raw Materials Sourcing10.3 Raw Materials Sources of Hydrodynamic Cavitation Major Manufacturers10.4 Downstream BuyersChapter 11 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11.1 Marketing Channel11.1.1 Direct Marketing11.1.2 Indirect Marketing11.1.3 Marketing Channel Development Trend11.2 Market Positioning11.2.1 Pricing Strategy11.2.2 Brand Strategy11.2.3 Target Client11.3 Distributors/Traders ListChapter 12 Market Effect Factors Analysis12.1 Technology Progress/Risk12.1.1 Substitutes Threat12.1.2 Technology Progress in Related Industry12.2 Consumer Needs/Customer Preference Change12.3 Economic/Political Environmental ChangeChapter 13 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Market Forecast13.1 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Revenue Forecast13.2 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production, Consumption Forecast by Regions13.3 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Production Forecast by Type13.4 Global Hydrodynamic Cavitation Consumption Forecast by Application13.5 Hydrodynamic Cavitation Price ForecastChapter 14 AppendixBy this report online:About Market Density:Market Density is your one stop market research and industry analysis reports' library providing business data and intelligence information on thousands of micro markets with global as well as regional coverage.Market Density offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Market Density understands how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. 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Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Industry Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023

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Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Industry Market, regularly named as oil and gas warehouses, tank ranches or tank terminals, encourage capacity of oil, gas and related items. These are along these lines, middle of the road center points which store and encourage the circulation of oil and gas to end clients. Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Industry Market is coordinated arrangements which encourage less demanding checking and control of different item dealing with activities, from receipt of items through capacity and circulation. These frameworks contain an arrangement of coordinated apparatuses that empower access to constant information, in this manner guaranteeing well-being and effective administration of everyday terminal activities.Get sample copy of report :Table of ContentsChapter 1 Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment1.2 Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Market Segmentation by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment by Type1.2.1 Type 11.2.2 Type 21.2.3 Type 31.3 Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Market Segmentation by Application1.3.1 Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Consumption Market Share by Application1.3.2 Oil Industry1.3.3 Gas Industry1.3.4 Application 31.4 Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Market Segmentation by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Oil and Gas Terminal Automation EquipmentChapter 2 Global Economic Impact on Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Industry2.1 Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis2.1.1 Global Macroeconomic Analysis2.1.2 Global Macroeconomic Environment Development Trend2.2 Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis by RegionsChapter 3 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Market Competition by Manufacturers3.1 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production and Share by Manufacturers3.2 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Revenue and Share by Manufacturers3.3 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Average Price by Manufacturers3.4 Manufacturers Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Manufacturing Base Distribution, Production Area and Product Type3.5 Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Market Competitive Situation and Trends3.5.1 Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Market Concentration Rate3.5.2 Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers3.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionChapter 4 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Revenue (Value) by Region4.1 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production by Region4.2 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production Market Share by Region4.3 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region4.4 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.5 North America Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.6 Europe Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.7 China Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.8 Japan Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.9 Southeast Asia Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin4.10 India Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Revenue, Price and Gross MarginChapter 5 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.1 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Consumption by Regions5.2 North America Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.3 Europe Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.4 China Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.5 Japan Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.6 Southeast Asia Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5.7 India Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6.1 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production and Market Share by Type6.2 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Revenue and Market Share by Type6.3 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Price by Type6.4 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production Growth by TypeChapter 7 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Market Analysis by Application7.1 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Consumption and Market Share by Application7.2 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Consumption Growth Rate by Application7.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities7.3.1 Potential Applications7.3.2 Emerging Markets/CountriesChapter 8 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Manufacturers Analysis8.1 Emerson Electric Co.8.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.1.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.1.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.1.4 Business Overview8.2 ABB Group8.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.2.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.2.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.2.4 Business Overview8.3 Rockwell Automation, Inc.8.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.3.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.3.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.3.4 Business Overview8.4 Honeywell International, Inc.8.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.4.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.4.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.4.4 Business Overview8.5 Schneider Electric SE.8.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.5.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.5.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.5.4 Business Overview8.6 Yokogawa Electric Corporation8.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.6.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.6.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.6.4 Business Overview8.7 Siemens AG.8.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.7.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.7.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.7.4 Business Overview8.8 FMC Technologies, Inc.8.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.8.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.8.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.8.4 Business Overview8.9 company 98.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.9.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.9.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin8.9.4 Business OverviewChapter 9 Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Manufacturing Cost Analysis9.1 Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Key Raw Materials Analysis9.1.1 Key Raw Materials9.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials9.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials9.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials9.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure9.2.1 Raw Materials9.2.2 Labor Cost9.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses9.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Oil and Gas Terminal Automation EquipmentChapter 10 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10.1 Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Industrial Chain Analysis10.2 Upstream Raw Materials Sourcing10.3 Raw Materials Sources of Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Major Manufacturers in 201510.4 Downstream BuyersChapter 11 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11.1 Marketing Channel11.1.1 Direct Marketing11.1.2 Indirect Marketing11.1.3 Marketing Channel Development Trend11.2 Market Positioning11.2.1 Pricing Strategy11.2.2 Brand Strategy11.2.3 Target Client11.3 Distributors/Traders ListChapter 12 Market Effect Factors Analysis12.1 Technology Progress/Risk12.1.1 Substitutes Threat12.1.2 Technology Progress in Related Industry12.2 Consumer Needs/Customer Preference Change12.3 Economic/Political Environmental ChangeChapter 13 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Market Forecast13.1 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Revenue Forecast13.2 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production, Consumption Forecast by Regions13.3 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Production Forecast by Type13.4 Global Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Consumption Forecast by Application13.5 Oil and Gas Terminal Automation Equipment Price ForecastChapter 14 AppendixBy this report online:About Market Density:Market Density is your one stop market research and industry analysis reports' library providing business data and intelligence information on thousands of micro markets with global as well as regional coverage.Market Density offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Market Density understands how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available.Contact Us:Email: Support@marketdensity.comWebsite:Phone: +1 669 264 16564340 Stevens Creek Blvd,Suite # 172,San Jose, CA 95129
Neel Bhatt, a UW assistant professor of otolaryngology, specializes in treating patients with voice problems. Through his work, he began to realize people did not like the sound of their own voices. With the transition to school over Zoom, many students can relate to the discomfort of hearin
President Yoweri Museveni has said the effects of post Gadafi governance problems in Libya can be solved through the building of a national army asserting that by doing so, a lasting solution to the Libyan conflict can be found.

The President, who is the patron of the Afro-Arab Youth Council, made the comments when he received the delegation led by Mr. Abdulhadi Elhwig at State House, Nakasero.

The African Union is more important than the tribal conflicts prevailing in Libya today. The problems in Libya can be solved through the building of a national army where they incorporate both the old and new members of the forces. I also propose that they hold elections where all the Libyans will participate fairly, he said.

Stories Continues after ad

The delegations main purpose of meeting the Museveni was to consult him ahead of preparations for the 3rd General Assembly of the Afro-Arab Youth Council Summit that is slated to take place in Kampala in August this year. The 2nd General Assembly of the organization last took place in Kampala in 2008.

The leader of the Afro-Arab Youth, Abdulhadi Elhwig, on his part, saluted Museveni for the immense support to the group during the 2008 Summit in Kampala that was also attended by the late President Muammar Gaddafi of Libya. He observed that the event, attended by 5,000 delegates, was a big success.

He further thanked the President for accepting to host the Summit in Kampala in August this year. The event will coincide with the International Day of the Youth at which over 50 countries would be represented.
Hungary Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband Market Growth Analysis, Challenges and Industry Key Players  Vodafone Hungary, Maygar Telecom, UPC Hungary, Hungarotel | 2019-2023

Hungary Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband Market 2019-2023

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WiseGuyReports.com Hungary - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses report has been added to its Research Database.Scope of the Report:Hungary - TelecomsHungarys telcos look to expand cross-platform servicesAs in many other markets in the region, in Hungary the number of fixed-lines, as also fixed-line revenue, has been affected by the changing consumer use of such services and by the trend for fixed-to-mobile substitution. Fixed-line operators have thus looked to fixed-line and mobile broadband services to boost revenue. The economic crisis also affected telecom revenue, though recovery since 2013 has increased disposable income among consumers and so helped revitalise sector revenue.In late 2015 the government struck deals with Maygar Telekom and a number of other operators under which the telcos are extending super-fast broadband access to underserved areas. These efforts are being supported by intense infrastructure-based competition in the broadband market, with the result that broadband penetration is relatively high for the region. There is an extensive cable network competing against DSL services and a vibrant and rapidly expanding fibre sector. In May 2018 Liberty Global agreed to sell its cable unit UPC Hungary to Vodafone Group, a deal which will see Vodafone Hungary improve its position in the market for bundled services.The incumbent telco Maygar Telekom has built an extensive 1Gb/s fibre-based footprint and has also launched a 2Gb/s service. FttP and the expansion of services based on the DOCSIS3.1 standard will help drive the take-up of fixed broadband services, though from about 2023 it is anticipated that growth will slow as customers adopt voice and data services on 5G infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.Amendments to the Utility Tax have also encouraged operators to accelerate the deployment of superfast networks (those which provide data of at least 30Mb/s). These connections accounted for more than 68% of all fixed broadband connections by mid-2018.Hungarys dynamic mobile market is served by three mobile network operators and a growing number of MVNOs. The bundled services operator Digi Telecommunications is building up a mobile network based on its 1800MHz and 3.4GHz concessions and has expanded into the fixed-line market through its May 2018 acquisition of Invitel.Request Sample Report:Mobile penetration is relatively high for the region, and there remains considerable growth in mobile broadband services delivered via upgraded networks. Revenue growth is focused on mobile data as operators struggle with competition and regulated tariff reductions, as well as reduced MTRs.Maygar Telekom is at the forefront of 5G developments, supported by the government, universities, other telcos and vendors forming the Hungarian 5G CoalitionThis report provides an overview of Hungarys telecoms market, highlighting regulatory developments, the major operators, fixed-line network infrastructure and a variety of statistics. The report also covers the mobile voice, data and broadband segments, covering the strategies of the major providers as well as regulatory measures. In addition the report reviews the fixed-line and fixed-wireless broadband markets, including market analyses, statistics and subscriber forecasts.Key developments:Maygar Telekom launches a 2Gb/s fibre service;Government invests HUF150 billion in program to deliver universal 30Mb/s broadband services;Vodafone Group acquires UPC Hungary from Liberty Global;Digi Telecom acquires Invitel;Telcos strike deal with the government to extend broadband to underserved areas;Utility Tax amendments favouring superfast broadband network roll-outs;FttX subscriber base broaches 668,000;Regulator preps for 5G spectrum auction in Q3 2019;Telenor Group sells it Hungarian business to PPF Group;Maygar Telekom launches NB-IoT platform;Hungarian 5G Coalition partners trial data rates at up to 22Gb/s;Report update includes the regulators market data to June 2018, telcos financial and operating data to Q2 2018, recent market developments.Companies mentioned in this report:Vodafone Hungary, Maygar Telecom, UPC Hungary, Hungarotel, GTS Datanet, B2B Europe, Invitel, Antenna Hungaria.Leave a Query @Major Key Points in Table of Content:1. Key statistics1.1 Country overview2. Telecommunications market2.1 Telecom tax2.2 Internet tax2.3 Utility Tax3. Regulatory environment3.1 Historical overview3.2 Unified Telecommunications Act 20013.3 Electronic Communications Act 20033.4 Regulatory authority3.4.1 Telecom sector liberalisation3.4.2 Privatisation3.4.3 Interconnect3.4.4 Access3.4.5 Number Portability (NP)3.4.6 Carrier selection (CS) and carrier preselection (CPS)4. Fixed network operators4.1 Introduction4.2 Magyar Telekom4.2.1 International expansion4.3 Invitel4.4 Monor4.5 B2B Europe4.6 Antenna Hungaria5. Telecommunications infrastructure5.1 National telecom network5.1.1 Magyar Telekom5.1.2 Alternative operators5.2 International infrastructure5.3 Wholesaling6. Broadband market6.1 Introduction and statistical overview6.1.1 Market analysis6.1.2 Broadband statistics6.1.3 Forecasts  fixed broadband subscribers  2019; 2021; 20236.2 Hybrid Fibre Coax (HFC) networks6.3 Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) networks6.4 Fibre-to-the-Premises (FttP)6.5 Other fixed broadband services6.5.1 Wi-Fi6.5.2 Satellite broadband7. Digital economy7.1 E-government7.1.1 Infrastructure7.2 E-health7.3 E-Commerce7.4 E-education8. Mobile communications8.1 Market analysis8.2 Mobile statistics8.2.1 General statistics8.2.2 Mobile data8.2.3 Mobile broadband8.3 Regulatory issues8.3.1 GSM licences8.3.2 3G licence awards8.3.3 Multi-spectrum auction8.3.4 900MHz spectrumContinued.....About Us:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Contact Us: Sales@Wiseguyreports.Com Ph: +1-646-845-9349 (Us) Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (Uk)
Diagnostic Catheter Market Worth Reach US$ 4.30 Billion by 2021 - Top Trends | Key Insights | Company Profiles for North America and Europe Region Analysis and Forecast

Diagnostic Catheter

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#Download Diagnostic Catheter Market PDF Brochure Now atKey insights and diagnostic catheter market sizing for different end users of diagnostic catheters market, namely, hospitals and diagnostic & imaging centers. Country-wise market size and forecast for all subsegments. The market size numbers provided in report will enable market players to identify not only high growth technology and product areas but also geographic markets. Diagnostic catheter market is projected to reach USD 4.30 Billion by 2021 from USD 3.02 Billion in 2016, at a CAGR of around 7.3% from 2016 to 2021. This market is primarily driven by factors such as rising geriatric population, increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disorders, growing number of minimally invasive surgeries, growth in number of diagnostic & imaging centers.Some of major players in diagnostic catheters market are Boston Scientific Corporation (U.S.), St. Jude Medical, Inc. (U.S.), Medtronic plc (Ireland), Johnson & Johnson (U.S.), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), B. Braun Melsungen AG (Germany), C.R. Bard, Inc. (U.S.), Cardinal Health, Inc. (U.S.), Edward LifeSciences Corporation (U.S.), and Terumo Corporation (Japan).Competitive Landscape1 Overview2 Market Ranking Analysis3 Strategic Benchmarking4 Competitive Situation and Trends5 Acquisitions6 Product Launches7 Agreements, Partnerships, and Collaborations8 Expansions9 Regulatory ApprovalsIn global diagnostic catheter market report segmented on basis of type, application areas, and end user. On basis of type, market is segmented into imaging catheters and non-imaging catheters. Imaging catheters are further segmented into angiography catheters, ultrasound catheters, OCT catheters, electrophysiology catheters, & other imaging catheters.#Download Complete Report Now atThe global diagnostic catheters market is segmented on the basis of type, application areas, and end user. On the basis of type, the market is segmented into imaging catheters and non-imaging catheters. The imaging catheters are segmented into angiography catheters, ultrasound catheters, OCT catheters, electrophysiology catheters, and other imaging catheters.Report also provides information on key players in this market & their growth strategies and recent developments. This can help the company to assess competition at global and regional levels in a better manner.#Table of Content1 Introduction2 Research Methodology3 Executive Summary4 Premium Insights5 Market Overview6 Industry Insights7 Diagnostic Catheter Market, By Sales Channel8 Diagnostic Catheter Market, By Type of Application9 Diagnostic Catheter Market, By Region10 Competitive Landscape11 Company Profiles12 AppendixAccess Discount Now at Diagnostic Catheter Market by Type (Angiography, OCT, Ultrasound, Electrophysiology, Pressure and Hemodynamic Monitoring), Application Area (Cardiology, Urology, Neurology, Gastroenterology), End User (Hospitals, Imaging Centers) - Global Forecast to 2021 report atResearch Coverage:Detailed insights on all the submarkets, based on type (angiography catheters, electrophysiology catheters, ultrasound catheters, OCT catheters, pressure and hemodynamic monitoring catheters, temperature monitoring catheters, and other diagnostic catheters), based on application area (cardiology, urology, gastroenterology, neurology, and others).Target Audience: Hospitals and Clinics Medical Research and Development (R&D) Companies Diagnostic Catheter Manufacturers and Distributors Medical Device Companies Imaging and Diagnostic Centers Market Research and Consulting Firms Venture Capitalists and InvestorsNorth America accounted for largest share to diagnostic catheters market, followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific, & RoW. Growth in North American market driven by rising geriatric population &increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disorders in region, growing demand for minimally invasive surgeries, growth in number of diagnostic & imaging centers, and technological advancements in imaging catheters.ReportsnReports is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 95 leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets.Corporate HeadquartersTower B5, office 101,Magarpatta SEZ,Hadapsar, Pune-411013, India+ 1 888 391 5441sales@reportsandreports.com
Catering Services Market Competitive Analysis to 2022: Emirates Flight Catering, gategroup, Lufthansa Group, Newrest, SATS and DO & CO

Catering Services Market

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The Catering Services Market research report helps the clients understand the various drivers and restraints impacting the market during the forecast period. Various trustworthy sources such as journals, websites, and annual reports of the companies, white papers, and mergers are used for assembling data and information mentioned in this report. The collected data is then checked and validated by the market experts for the readers and end users.Catering is a business that provides food service to an event or location. Catering services are often sold on a per-person basis. A catering proposal will usually include rental arrival time, staff arrival time, bar open and close time, meal time and rental pick up. There are many factors that can affect the price of catering such as menu choices, furniture or supply rentals, labor and service charges. There are many types of food catering services included in the market, including mobile catering, airline catering, and event catering.Some Of The Key Players Of The Catering Services Market Include: Emirates Flight Catering Gategroup Lufthansa Group Newrest SATS DO & CORequest Sample Copy of the Report @This report studies the global Catering Services market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity. This research report categorizes the global Catering Services market by companies, region, type and end-use industry.Major drivers of the global in-flight catering services market include the rising expectations of all the passengers irrespective of class of seating to want to have healthy nutritious food and growing number of flyers. In addition to that economy class passengers are now demanding to have high quality food, which is boosting in-flight catering services market.EMEA accounted for the majority market share of in-flight catering services market during 2017. The growth in the tourism segment in EMEA will drive the growth prospects of the airline catering services market in the region for the next four years.By Application: Catering Services Market In-Flight Food Services In-Flight Beverage ServicesBy End Use: Catering Services Market Economy Class Business Class First Class OthersRequest for Report Brochure for Latest Industry Insights @Major Table of Contents: Catering Services Market1 Industry Overview of Catering Services2 Global Catering Services Competition Analysis by Players3 Company (Top Players) Profiles4 Global Catering Services Market Size by Type and Application (2013-2018)5 United States Catering Services Development Status and Outlook6 Europe Catering Services Development Status and Outlook7 China Catering Services Development Status and Outlook8 Japan Catering Services Development Status and Outlook9 Southeast Asia Catering Services Development Status and Outlook10 India Catering Services Development Status and Outlook11 Market Forecast by Regions, Type and Application (2018-2025)12 Catering Services Market Dynamics13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Research Finding/Conclusion15 AppendixInquire More or Share Questions if any before the Purchase on This Report @High points of the reportCAGR values in the market for the forecast periodKey trends in the market placeMajor players and brandsDrivers and restrains of the marketCompetitive landscapePotential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growthNote: Any special requirements about this report, please let us know and we can provide custom report.About Research for Markets:Research for Markets indulges in detailed and diligent research on different markets, trends and emerging opportunities in the successive direction to cater to your business needs. We have established the pillars of our flourishing institute on the grounds of Credibility and Reliability. RFM delve into the markets across Asia Pacific, North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa.Contact:Mr. A NaiduResearch for MarketsTel: +44 8000-4182-37 (UK)Email: alan.naidu@researchformarkets.com
Future Innovations of Enterprise Network Managed Service Market: By Demanding Players like Ericson, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd, Cisco Systems, IBM Corporation, Fujitsu Technology Solutions

Enterprise Network Managed Service market

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Enterprise Network Managed Service Market report provides in-depth statistics and analysis available on the market status of the Enterprise Network Managed Service Manufacturers and is a valuable method of obtaining guidance and direction for companies and business enterprise insider considering the Enterprise Network Managed Service market. It contains the analysis of drivers, challenges, and restraints impacting the industry.The report titled as Enterprise Network Managed Service market provides actionable data that increments the growth strategies of the key market players. This statistical report provides growth estimations, forecast and an in-depth analysis of all the key factors in the Enterprise Network Managed Service market. The Global Enterprise Network Managed Service market size was xx million US$ and it is expected to reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of xx% between 2019 and 2025.Enterprise networking Managed Services provides support and tools you need to not just keep the information flowing, but management reports and data mining to provide you with the data you need to make smarter, faster business decisions.Request for Sample Copy Of this Report @This report focuses on the global top players, covered Ericson, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd, Cisco Systems, IBM Corporation, Fujitsu Technology Solutions, Accenture plc, and Alcatel- LucentIn this research report the analysts have employed the arduous primary and secondary research procedures of the Enterprise Network Managed Service market which can increase the product demand in the market. Along with a precise analysis and forecasts, it also scrutinizes the market from a wide-ranging perspective. In this report, regions like North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America are included. This helps in attaining a better understanding about the leading key players that has been given major value to ensure their strategies are understood in this Enterprise Network Managed Service market.Precisely, the report emphases on the competitive landscape of the Enterprise Network Managed Service market and abides the persuasive development policies and plans that will decide the markets trail in the forecast period. An exploration of the major players functioning in the Enterprise Network Managed Service market is included in the report, segmenting and unfolding them on the constraints of manufacturing procedures and business strategies, information related to product classification and profit margins regarding the same.For more Information and Enquiry Click Here:The cost dynamics of the market are also scrutinized and related to the ample breakdown of the markets competitive landscape which provides a complete generous range of price dynamics in the Enterprise Network Managed Service industry for the readers to comprehend it clearly.The main points which are answered and covered in this Report are-What will be the total market size in the coming years till 2025?What will be the key factors which will be overall affecting the market?What are the various challenges addressed?Which are the major companies included?Buyers will get up to 30% discount on this report Click Here:If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.About Us:Report Consultant - A global leader in analytics, research and advisory that can assist you to renovate your business and modify your approach. With us, you will learn to take decisions intrepidly. We make sense of drawbacks, opportunities, circumstances, estimations and information using our experienced skills and verified methodologies.Our research reports will give you an exceptional experience of innovative solutions and outcomes. We have effectively steered businesses all over the world with our market research reports and are outstandingly positioned to lead digital transformations. Thus, we craft greater value for clients by presenting advanced opportunities in the global market.Contact us:Rebecca Parker(Report Consultant)Akasaka biz tower,5-3-1 akasaka minato-ku,Tokyo, JapanContact No: +81-368444299sales@reportconsultant.com
Gypsum Board 2019 Global Industry Key Players  BNBM , Saint-Gobain , Etex Corp , Knauf Market Analysis And Forecast To 2025

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Global Gypsum Board MarketGypsum board is the generic name for a family of panel products that consist of a noncombustible core, composed primarily of gypsum, and a paper surfacing on the face, back and long edges. Gypsum board is one of several building materials covered by the umbrella term gypsum panel products. All gypsum panel products contain gypsum cores; however, they can be faced with a variety of different materials, including paper and fiberglass mats.Request a Sample Report @Gypsum board is often called drywall, wallboard, or plasterboard. It differs from other panel-type building products, such as plywood, hardboard, and fiberboard, because of its noncombustible core and paper facers. When joints and fastener heads are covered with a joint compound system, gypsum wall board creates a continuous surface suitable for most types of interior decoration.Gypsum board is a kind of building materials, mainly used in building industry. It is not only with the paper drywall better performance, but also with better moisture proof properties, higher strength performance. Certainly it can replace paper drywall in some fields.Gypsum and fibers are the main raw materials for the produce of gypsum board. With the development of the downstream industries, gypsum board production keeps increase recent years, some gypsum and fibers manufacturers entered the gypsum board industry.This industry is affected by the economy and policy, so its important to put an eye to economic indexes and leaders prefer. Recent years, the industry growth rate was slowing down because of the downstream demand.Global Gypsum Board market size will increase to xx Million US$ by 2025, from xx Million US$ in 2018, at a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period. In this study, 2018 has been considered as the base year and 2019 to 2025 as the forecast period to estimate the market size for Gypsum Board.This report researches the worldwide Gypsum Board market size (value, capacity, production and consumption) in key regions like United States, Europe, Asia Pacific (China, Japan) and other regions.This study categorizes the global Gypsum Board breakdown data by manufacturers, region, type and application, also analyzes the market status, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, risks and entry barriers, sales channels, distributors and Porter's Five Forces Analysis.The following manufacturers are covered in this report:BNBMSaint-GobainEtex CorpKnaufUSGNational GypsumBoralYoshinoBaierJasonGypsum Board Breakdown Data by TypeRegularMoisture ResistantFire ResistantGypsum Board Breakdown Data by ApplicationResidentialCommercialIndustrialOthersGypsum Board Production Breakdown Data by RegionUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanOther RegionsGypsum Board Consumption Breakdown Data by RegionNorth AmericaUnited StatesCanadaMexicoAsia-PacificChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaAustraliaIndonesiaMalaysiaPhilippinesThailandVietnamEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalyRussiaRest of EuropeCentral & South AmericaBrazilRest of South AmericaMiddle East & AfricaGCC CountriesTurkeyEgyptSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaThe study objectives are:To analyze and research the global Gypsum Board capacity, production, value, consumption, status and forecast;To focus on the key Gypsum Board manufacturers and study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in next few years.To focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the market.To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.Table of Contents-Key Points CoveredGlobal Gypsum Board Market Research Report 2019-2025, by Manufacturers, Regions, Types and Applications1 Study Coverage1.1 Gypsum Board Product1.2 Key Market Segments in This Study1.3 Key Manufacturers Covered1.4 Market by Type1.4.1 Global Gypsum Board Market Size Growth Rate by Type1.4.2 Regular1.4.3 Moisture Resistant1.4.4 Fire Resistant1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Gypsum Board Market Size Growth Rate by Application1.5.2 Residential1.5.3 Commercial1.5.4 Industrial1.5.5 Others1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years Considered8 Manufacturers Profiles8.1 BNBM8.1.1 BNBM Company Details8.1.2 Company Description8.1.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gypsum Board8.1.4 Gypsum Board Product Description8.1.5 SWOT Analysis8.2 Saint-Gobain8.2.1 Saint-Gobain Company Details8.2.2 Company Description8.2.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gypsum Board8.2.4 Gypsum Board Product Description8.2.5 SWOT Analysis8.3 Etex Corp8.3.1 Etex Corp Company Details8.3.2 Company Description8.3.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gypsum Board8.3.4 Gypsum Board Product Description8.3.5 SWOT Analysis8.4 Knauf8.4.1 Knauf Company Details8.4.2 Company Description8.4.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gypsum Board8.4.4 Gypsum Board Product Description8.4.5 SWOT Analysis8.5 USG8.5.1 USG Company Details8.5.2 Company Description8.5.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gypsum Board8.5.4 Gypsum Board Product Description8.5.5 SWOT Analysis8.6 National Gypsum8.6.1 National Gypsum Company Details8.6.2 Company Description8.6.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gypsum Board8.6.4 Gypsum Board Product Description8.6.5 SWOT Analysis8.7 Boral8.7.1 Boral Company Details8.7.2 Company Description8.7.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gypsum Board8.7.4 Gypsum Board Product Description8.7.5 SWOT Analysis8.8 Yoshino8.8.1 Yoshino Company Details8.8.2 Company Description8.8.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gypsum Board8.8.4 Gypsum Board Product Description8.8.5 SWOT Analysis8.9 Baier8.9.1 Baier Company Details8.9.2 Company Description8.9.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gypsum Board8.9.4 Gypsum Board Product Description8.9.5 SWOT Analysis8.10 Jason8.10.1 Jason Company Details8.10.2 Company Description8.10.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gypsum Board8.10.4 Gypsum Board Product Description8.10.5 SWOT AnalysisContinued.Enquiry For Buying Report@Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Office No. 528/524, Amanora Chambers, Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar Pune, Maharashtra 411028
Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! US Department Of Labor Announces Growth in Labor Market

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The Secretary of Labor for the United States, Alexander Acosta has issued the Employment Situation report for January 2019. In the report, the secretary has stated that the job report reflects the strength of the US economy, which grew robustly despite various hurdles. The report which will come as a piece of good news for thousands of aspirants who are interested in immigration to USA stated that more than 300,000 new jobs were added in various industries. The job surge came mainly from the private sector and carried forward job growth despite a partial shutdown of the government. According to the report released by the labor secretary, there has been strong and significant growth in the mining, transportation and warehousing, and construction sectors in the past year.This report comes as another piece of welcome news for persons who were aspiring for immigration to USA(). An increase in job requirements will improve prospects for skilled as well as unskilled immigrant workers in the US, with more employers seeking to hire employees from abroad, with the requisite skill sets.On a related note, the average earnings per hour rose by more than three percent over the month, which has been the sixth consecutive month in which the hourly wages have been growing. The average weekly earnings too rose by more than 3.5 percent from the corresponding period last year, while labor force participation ratee increased to more than 63 percent, which is the largest increase in six years.While an increase in the number of jobs available in the US labor market, may not directly translate to an increase in the number of visas, it will mean that as US corporations start to look for more suitable employees to fill vacant job positions across industries and across skill sets, they will start to hire more skilled workers from abroad, which in turn will lead to better prospects for those who aspire for immigration to USA.This news which comes on the heels of president Trumps positive announcement on the fate of H1B visa applicants is likely to be welcomed by aspiring immigrants to USA.For more Information on about above content kindly contact Global Tree at Immigration Services() department.Ever since its inception in 2006, Global Tree overseas education ltd has been growing from strength to strength to become the most trusted immigration and overseas education consultancy in India. The consultancy boasts of 15 branches pan India and thousands of success stories.D.NO 6-3-879/B/2 3rd Floor,G.Pulla Reddy Sweets Building,Beside CM Camp Office Begumpet,Hyderabad- 500016
Gum Arabic (E414) 2019 Global Industry Key Players  Nexira , Alland & Robert , ISC , TIC Gums Market Analysis And Forecast To 2025

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Global Gum Arabic (E414) MarketGum arabic, also known as acacia gum, chaar gund, char goond, or meska, is a natural gum made of hardened sap taken from two species of the acacia tree; Senegalia (Acacia) senegal and Vachellia (Acacia) seyal.Gum arabic is used primarily in the food industry as a stabilizer. It is edible and has E number E414. Gum arabic is a key ingredient in traditional lithography and is used in printing, paint production, glue, cosmetics and various industrial applications, including viscosity control in inks and in textile industries, although less expensive materials compete with it for many of these roles.While gum arabic is now produced mostly throughout the African Sahel, it is still harvested and used in the Middle East. For example, Arab populations use the natural gum to make a chilled, sweetened, and flavored gelato-like dessert.Request a Sample Report @In this report, we separate the gum arabic (E414) into raw grade gum arabic and refined gum arabic in the data section.At present, the raw grade gum and refined grade gum both are circulated in the market and the end consumers can purchase each kind gum directly. The refined gum players purchase the raw gum from the raw grade gum players and process the refined level and then push the refined gum to the market. In order to avoid duplication of statistics, we separate the gum arabic (E414) into raw grade gum arabic and refined gum arabic in the data section. While, most of the raw grade gum companies acquire the hand-picked gum from the local farmers of Sudan, Chad and other original place.Global Gum Arabic (E414) market size will increase to xx Million US$ by 2025, from xx Million US$ in 2018, at a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period. In this study, 2018 has been considered as the base year and 2019 to 2025 as the forecast period to estimate the market size for Gum Arabic (E414).This report researches the worldwide Gum Arabic (E414) market size (value, capacity, production and consumption) in key regions like United States, Europe, Asia Pacific (China, Japan) and other regions.This study categorizes the global Gum Arabic (E414) breakdown data by manufacturers, region, type and application, also analyzes the market status, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, risks and entry barriers, sales channels, distributors and Porter's Five Forces Analysis.The following manufacturers are covered in this report:NexiraAlland & RobertISCTIC GumsNorevo GermanyAfrigum InternationalHawkins WattsKerry GroupAfritec IngredientsElanan TradingDansa GumDangate DanjadeedAlategahat AlmtadedaProdigy NIG LimitedGum Arabic (E414) Breakdown Data by TypeAcacia Seyal GumsAcacia Senegal GumsOthersGum Arabic (E414) Breakdown Data by ApplicationFood IndustryPrinting IndustryCosmeticsPharmaceuticalOthersGum Arabic (E414) Production Breakdown Data by RegionUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanOther RegionsGum Arabic (E414) Consumption Breakdown Data by RegionNorth AmericaUnited StatesCanadaMexicoAsia-PacificChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaAustraliaIndonesiaMalaysiaPhilippinesThailandVietnamEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalyRussiaRest of EuropeCentral & South AmericaBrazilRest of South AmericaMiddle East & AfricaGCC CountriesTurkeyEgyptSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaThe study objectives are:To analyze and research the global Gum Arabic (E414) capacity, production, value, consumption, status and forecast;To focus on the key Gum Arabic (E414) manufacturers and study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in next few years.To focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the market.To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.Table of Contents-Key Points CoveredGlobal Gum Arabic (E414) Market Research Report 2019-2025, by Manufacturers, Regions, Types and Applications1 Study Coverage1.1 Gum Arabic (E414) Product1.2 Key Market Segments in This Study1.3 Key Manufacturers Covered1.4 Market by Type1.4.1 Global Gum Arabic (E414) Market Size Growth Rate by Type1.4.2 Acacia Seyal Gums1.4.3 Acacia Senegal Gums1.4.4 Others1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Gum Arabic (E414) Market Size Growth Rate by Application1.5.2 Food Industry1.5.3 Printing Industry1.5.4 Cosmetics1.5.5 Pharmaceutical1.5.6 Others1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years Considered.8 Manufacturers Profiles8.1 Nexira8.1.1 Nexira Company Details8.1.2 Company Description8.1.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gum Arabic (E414)8.1.4 Gum Arabic (E414) Product Description8.1.5 SWOT Analysis8.2 Alland & Robert8.2.1 Alland & Robert Company Details8.2.2 Company Description8.2.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gum Arabic (E414)8.2.4 Gum Arabic (E414) Product Description8.2.5 SWOT Analysis8.3 ISC8.3.1 ISC Company Details8.3.2 Company Description8.3.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gum Arabic (E414)8.3.4 Gum Arabic (E414) Product Description8.3.5 SWOT Analysis8.4 TIC Gums8.4.1 TIC Gums Company Details8.4.2 Company Description8.4.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gum Arabic (E414)8.4.4 Gum Arabic (E414) Product Description8.4.5 SWOT Analysis8.5 Norevo Germany8.5.1 Norevo Germany Company Details8.5.2 Company Description8.5.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gum Arabic (E414)8.5.4 Gum Arabic (E414) Product Description8.5.5 SWOT Analysis8.6 Afrigum International8.6.1 Afrigum International Company Details8.6.2 Company Description8.6.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gum Arabic (E414)8.6.4 Gum Arabic (E414) Product Description8.6.5 SWOT Analysis8.7 Hawkins Watts8.7.1 Hawkins Watts Company Details8.7.2 Company Description8.7.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gum Arabic (E414)8.7.4 Gum Arabic (E414) Product Description8.7.5 SWOT Analysis8.8 Kerry Group8.8.1 Kerry Group Company Details8.8.2 Company Description8.8.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gum Arabic (E414)8.8.4 Gum Arabic (E414) Product Description8.8.5 SWOT Analysis8.9 Afritec Ingredients8.9.1 Afritec Ingredients Company Details8.9.2 Company Description8.9.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gum Arabic (E414)8.9.4 Gum Arabic (E414) Product Description8.9.5 SWOT Analysis8.10 Elanan Trading8.10.1 Elanan Trading Company Details8.10.2 Company Description8.10.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Gum Arabic (E414)8.10.4 Gum Arabic (E414) Product Description8.10.5 SWOT Analysis8.11 Dansa Gum8.12 Dangate Danjadeed8.13 Alategahat Almtadeda8.14 Prodigy NIG LimitedContinued.Enquiry For Buying Report@Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Office No. 528/524, Amanora Chambers, Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar Pune, Maharashtra 411028
Global Study on Medical Image Analysis Software Market || Key Players - GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Agfa-Gevaert N.V., Hologic Inc., Pie Medical Imaging, Media Cybernetics Inc.

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The expanding database of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) has been recently updated by the addition of a new study which is titled as Medical Image Analysis Software Market  Investigation & Industry Evolution till 2026. The fact-based research report on the global Medical Image Analysis Software market covers various aspects such as trends, drivers, challenges and opportunities that have an influence on the growth and expansion of the global market. All these factors are analyzed across key regions of Latin America, North America, Europe, Middle and Africa (MEA) and the Asia Pacific. In order to provide an accurate forecast, analysts have presented the current market, which forms the basis of how the metal caps and closures market is expected to develop in the future.The global medical image analysis software market report comprises an elaborate executive summary, which includes a snapshot that provides information about various segments of the market. It also provides information and data analysis of the global market with respect to the segments based on software type, imaging type, modality, application, end-user, and region. A detailed qualitative analysis of drivers and restraints of the market and opportunities has been provided in the overview section. Additionally, the section comprises a competitive matrix and company profiles along with business overview to understand the competitive landscape in the market. This section of the report also provides market share analysis by key players, thereby presenting a thorough analysis of the overall competitive scenario in the global medical image analysis software market.To Get Sample Copy of Report, Click here @The global medical image analysis software market has been segmented based on software type, imaging type, modality, application, end-user, and region. In terms of software type, the global market has been classified into integrated software and standalone software. Based on imaging type, the medical image analysis software market has been categorized into 2D imaging, 3D imaging, and 4D imaging. In terms of modality, the market has been bifurcated into CT, MRI, PET, SPECT, ultrasound, radiographic imaging, and other modalities. Based on application, the market has been segregated into cardiology, orthopedic, oncology, neurology, nephrology, dental, gynecology, and others. In terms of end-user, the market has been split into hospitals, clinics, research and academic institutes, diagnostic centers, and ambulatory surgical centers. Based on region, the global market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.In terms of region, the global medical image analysis software market has been segmented into North America (the U.S. and Canada), Europe (the U.K., Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (India, China, Japan, Australia & New Zealand, and Rest of Asia Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America), and Middle East & Africa. The market size and forecast for each of these regions and the mentioned countries/sub-regions have been provided for the period from 2016 to 2026, along with their respective CAGRs for the forecast period from 2018 to 2026, considering 2017 as the base year. The research study also covers the competitive scenario in these regions.Companies Mentioned in the ReportThe report also profiles major players in the global medical image analysis software market based on various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies, and recent developments. The major players profiled in the market report include GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Agfa-Gevaert N.V., Hologic Inc., Pie Medical Imaging, Media Cybernetics, Inc., AQUILAB, MIM Software Inc., Merge Healthcare Incorporated., and ScienceSoft USA Corporation.Browse Complete Report with TOC @The global medical image analysis software market has been segmented as below:Global Medical Image Analysis Software Market, by Software TypeIntegratedStandaloneGlobal Medical Image Analysis Software Market, by Imaging Type2D imaging3D imaging4D imagingGlobal Medical Image Analysis Software Market, by ModalityCTMRIPETSPECTUltrasoundRadiographic imagingOther ModalitiesGlobal Medical Image Analysis Software Market, by ApplicationCardiologyOrthopedicOncologyNeurologyNephrologyDentalGynecologyOthersGlobal Medical Image Analysis Software Market, by End-userHospitalsClinicsResearch and academic institutesDiagnostic centersAmbulatory Surgical CentersGlobal Medical Image Analysis Software Market, by RegionNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyU.K.ItalyFranceSpainRest of EuropeAsia PacificIndiaChinaJapanAustralia & New ZealandRest of Asia PacificLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaMiddle East & AfricaGCC CountriesSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaEnquire about this Report @About Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:
Global Wireless Charging Technologies Market Growth Analysis 2019-2024 by Key Players AVID Technologies,Powermat Technologies,Apple,Samsung

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conductive charging uses conductive power transfer to eliminate wires between the charger and the charging device. It requires the use of a charging board as the power transmitter to deliver the power, and a charging device, with a built-in receiver, to receive the power. Once the charging board recognise the valid receiver, the charging begins.Get Sample PDF Copy@According to this study, over the next five years the Wireless Charging Technologies market will register a xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach US$ xx million by 2024, from US$ xx million in 2019. In particular, this report presents the global revenue market share of key companies in Wireless Charging Technologies business, shared in Chapter 3.This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares and growth opportunities of Wireless Charging Technologies market by product type, application, key companies and key regions.This study considers the Wireless Charging Technologies value generated from the sales of the following segments:Segmentation by product type: breakdown data from 2014 to 2019 in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2024 in section 10.7.Low-Power ChargingMedium-Power ChargingSegmentation by application: breakdown data from 2014 to 2019, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2024 in section 10.8.Consumer ElectronicsElectric VehiclesOthersGrab Guaranteed Discount@This report also splits the market by region: Breakdown data in Chapter 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.AmericasUnited StatesCanadaMexicoBrazilAPACChinaJapanKoreaSoutheast AsiaIndiaAustraliaEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalyRussiaSpainMiddle East & AfricaEgyptSouth AfricaIsraelTurkeyGCC CountriesThe report also presents the market competition landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the major vendor/manufacturers in the market. The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in in Chapter 3.AVID TechnologiesPowermat TechnologiesAppleSamsungHuiweiLGSonyQualcommIn addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, the challenges and the risks faced by key players and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.Buy Now@Research objectivesTo study and analyze the global Wireless Charging Technologies market size by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2014 to 2018, and forecast to 2024.To understand the structure of Wireless Charging Technologies market by identifying its various subsegments.Focuses on the key global Wireless Charging Technologies players, to define, describe and analyze the value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years.To analyze the Wireless Charging Technologies with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).To project the size of Wireless Charging Technologies submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches and acquisitions in the market.To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.About Us:Research Reports Inc. is one of the leading destinations for market research reports across all industries, companies, and technologies. Our repository features an exhaustive list of market research reports from thousands of publishers worldwide.US / Canada Toll Free: +18554192424, UK :+4403308087757 | Email: info@researchreportsinc.com
In-Depth Analysis of Drugs for Schistosomiasis Market by 2023 | Significant Players Bayer, Merck, CBC Pharma, Taj Pharmaceutical

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Schistosomiasis is a chronic and acute disease, which is caused by parasitic trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma. This parasite is transmitted to human body when people consume infested water that contains larval forms of the parasite. Hence, this disease is mainly witnessed among people who regularly work in agricultural, domestic, occupational, and recreational sectors (that expose them to infested water). Since past few years, the prevalence of schistosomiasis is increasing continuously.This is evident from the estimates of WHO, which states that at least 218 million people required preventive treatment for schistosomiasis in 2015. Moreover, up till 2017, schistosomiasis transmission has been reported from 78 countries. Such high prevalence of the disease clearly showcases the need for effective treatment drugs that prevent schistosomiasis occurrence. Currently, praziquantel drug is the recommended treatment against all forms of schistosomiasis.Get Access to TOC / Sample Report @The factors that drive the growth of the global drugs for schistosomiasis market include rise in prevalence of schistosomiasis, lack of safe drinking water in developing countries, and inadequate healthcare facilities. However, high cost of drugs and stringent approval process restrains the market growth. Presence of large patient pool and unmet medical needs are anticipated to provide lucrative opportunities for the market growth.The report segments the global drugs for schistosomiasis market based on site, species type, and drug type. In terms of site, the market is bifurcated into intestinal and urogenital. On the basis of species type, it is categorized into Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japonicum, Schistosoma mekongi, Schistosoma guineensis, and Schistosoma haematobium. By drug type, it is classified into praziquantel metrifonate, biltricide, oxamniquine, and others. Geographic breakdown and deep analysis of each of the aforesaid segments is included for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.Get Purchase Enquiry On this Report @Major Market Players:Merck & Co. Inc.Bayer AGEgyptian International Pharmaceuticals Industries Co SAE (EIPICO)CBC Pharma.Taj Pharmaceuticals Ltd.V.H. Bhagat Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.VHB Life Science Inc.Key Benefits:This report provides an extensive analysis of the current and emerging market trends and dynamics in the global drugs for schistosomiasis market.In-depth analysis has been done in this report by constructing market estimations for the key market segments between 2016 and 2023.Comprehensive analysis of factors that drive and restrict the growth of the global drugs for schistosomiasis market is provided.Key market players within the drugs for schistosomiasis market are profiled in this report and their strategies are analyzed thoroughly, which help to understand the competitive outlook of the market.Browse More Details of Report @About Us:Allied Market Research, a market research and advisory company of Allied Analytics LLP, provides business insights and market research reports to large as well as small & medium enterprises. The company assists its clients to strategize business policies and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.Allied Market Research provides one stop solution from the beginning of data collection to investment advice. The analysts at Allied Market Research dig out factors that help clients to understand the significance and impact of market dynamics. The company amplies clients insight on the factors, such as strategies, future estimations, growth or fall forecasting, opportunity analysis, and consumer surveys among others. As follows, the company offers consistent business intelligent support to aid the clients to turn into prominent business firm.Contact:David Correa5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesToll Free (USA/Canada):+1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141UK: +44-845-528-1300Hong Kong: +852-301-84916India (Pune): +91-20-66346060Fax: +1855550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.comWeb:
New Growth of Educational Software Market By Top Players Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Neusoft, Wisedu, Jucheng, Kingsun, Hongen, Guangdong Dongtian Digital Technology, Zhengfang Software

Educational Software Market

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This report on global Educational Software market is a detailed research study that helps provides answers and pertinent questions with respect to the emerging trends and growth opportunities in this particular industry. It helps identify each of the prominent barriers to growth, apart from identifying the trends within various application segments of the global market for Educational Software. Collecting historical and recent data from various authentic resources, and depending on all the factors and trends, the report presents a figurative estimate of the future market condition.The global Educational Software market succeeding at a CAGR of +20% during the forecast period. The global market has been fragmented into different segments and sub-segments. It offers the size of the market along with the number of potential customers in each region. It has been split into several segments such as applications like, Quality-oriented Education Software, Examination-oriented Education Software.Various aspects are been elucidated including primary application areas, latest trends, leading players operating in the global Educational Software Market, factors which are expected to accelerate the growth, primary challenges faced by the leading players and many more.Request for Sample Copy of this report:Top Key Vendors:Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Neusoft, Wisedu, Jucheng, Kingsun, Hongen, Guangdong Dongtian Digital Technology, Zhengfang Software, Kingosoft, Beijing China Education Star Technolog, IntelHouse TechnologyEducational Software Market gives a detailed description of successful business strategies operating in global regions such as North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and India. It gives more focus on historical developments, existing scenarios as well as futuristic innovations to get a comprehensive analysis of each and every stages of the businesses over the several time periods.Market segment by Type, Educational Software can be split intoK-12 Educational SoftwareUniversity Education SoftwareAdult Education SoftwareElderly Education SoftwareEnquiry Before Buying:Along with the scope of the applications, it gives more priorities to the measurements of the quality with respect to different competitors at global as well as domestic level. Risks are considered, while curating the Educational Software market research.The study objectives of this report are: To study and conjecture the Educational Software market size in worldwide market. To examine the worldwide key players, SWOT examination, esteem and worldwide piece of the overall industry for best players. To break down the worldwide key districts advertise potential and favorable position, opportunity and test, restrictions and dangers. To distinguish critical patterns and factors driving or hindering the Educational Software market development. To break down the open doors in the market for partners by distinguishing the high development portions. To examine focused advancements, for example, extensions, understandings, new item dispatches, and acquisitions in the market.Ask For Discount:About usThe Research Insights  A global leader in analytics, research and advisory that can assist you to renovate your business and modify your approach. With us, you will learn to take decisions intrepidly. We make sense of drawbacks, opportunities, circumstances, estimations and information using our experienced skills and verified methodologies. Our research reports will give you an exceptional experience of innovative solutions and outcomes. We have effectively steered businesses all over the world with our market research reports and are outstandingly positioned to lead digital transformations. Thus, we craft greater value for clients by presenting advanced opportunities in the global market.Contact usRobinSales manager+91-996-067-0000sales@theresearchinsights.com
Global LFP Battery Market 2019 Insights, Size, Share, in-coming Trends, Demand and Top Key Players - A123 Systems, Valence, EuropeanBatteriesOy, General Electronics Battery etc.

LFP Battery Market

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The global LFP Battery Market 2019 research is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the industry and provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure.Global LFP Battery Market Report including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. Global LFP Battery Market status, size, outlook of global and major regions, from angles of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries.Complete report on LFP Battery Market spread across 111 pages, profiling 09 companies and supported with tables and figures is now available @The various contributors involved in the value chain of LFP Battery include manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, intermediaries, and customers.Top leading key Players in the LFP Battery Market- A123 Systems- Valence- EuropeanBatteriesOy- General Electronics Battery- Conhis Motor Technology- Howell Energy- Electric Vehicle Power System Technology- Shenzhen OptimumNano Energy- GUOXUANLFP Battery Breakdown Data by Type- =500mAh- 500-1000mAh- =1000mAhLFP Battery Breakdown Data by Application- Electric Vehicles- Electric Tool- Medical EquipmentLFP Battery Production by Region- United States- Europe- China- Japan- Other RegionsThis report presents the worldwide LFP Battery Market size (value, production and consumption), splits the breakdown (data status 2014-2018 and forecast to 2025), by manufacturers, region, type and application. This study also analyzes the market status, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, risks and entry barriers, sales channels, distributors and Porters Five Forces Analysis.The report focuses on global major leading industry players of LFP Battery Market providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. The LFP Battery Market development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.Order a copy of Global LFP Battery Market Report 2019 @Global LFP Battery market size will increase to Million US$ by 2025, from Million US$ in 2018, at a CAGR of during the forecast period. In this study, 2018 has been considered as the base year and 2019 to 2025 as the forecast period to estimate the market size for LFP Battery. With tables and figures helping analyze worldwide LFP Battery Market, this research provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Major Points from Table of ContentsCharpter 1-LFP Battery Market OverviewCharpter 2-Global LFP Battery Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and ApplicationCharpter 3-United States LFP Battery (Volume, Value and Sales Price)Charpter 4-China LFP Battery (Volume, Value and Sales Price)Charpter 5-Europe LFP Battery (Volume, Value and Sales Price)Charpter 6-Japan LFP Battery (Volume, Value and Sales Price)Charpter 7-Southeast Asia LFP Battery (Volume, Value and Sales Price)Charpter 8-India LFP Battery (Volume, Value and Sales Price)Charpter 9-Global LFP Battery Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales DataCharpter 10-LFP Battery Maufacturing Cost AnalysisCharpter 11-Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersCharpter 12-Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersCharpter 13-Market Effect Factors AnalysisCharpter 14-Global LFP Battery Market Forecast (2019-2025)Charpter 15-Research Findings and ConclusionCharpter 16-AppendixA discount can be asked before order a copy of LFP Battery Market report atAbout Us:ReportsnReports.com is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 95 leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets.Contact Us:sales@reportsandreports.com+ 1 888 391 5441
Innovation in Gamification for Business and Education Market | Coca-Cola, RMH Franchise Corporation, NBC, MTV, Adobe, Mattel, Cisco

Gamification for Business and Education Market

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Gamification is a psychological- and design-oriented discipline, Gamification is a new route to educational development. It is increasingly difficult to maintain student interest and school programs must evolve and devise ways to create more interactive lessons while dealing with the necessary materials. Also, as e-learning rates increase, it is not easy to engage students in distance learning.The Global Gamification for Business and Education Market provides up-to-date information on current and future industry trends, enabling readers to identify products and services to increase revenue growth and profitability. This research report provides in-depth study of all key factors affecting global and regional markets, including drivers, imprisonment, threats, challenges, opportunities and industry-specific trends. This report cites worldwide trust and specimens with leading players downstream and upstream analysis.Request Sample Copy of this Report@:This market research report on analyzes the growth prospects for the key vendors operating in this market space including Coca-Cola, RMH Franchise Corporation, NBC, MTV, Adobe, Mattel, Cisco, and Intercontinental Hotels Group, Siemens AG, Daimler AG, and Roland Berger Strategy ConsultantsThe increasing demand for the above-mentioned market in the well-established and emerging regions as well as latest technological advancements, and the increasing penetration of the end-use industries are all together driving the growth of the Gamification for Business and Education Market.Gamification means mixing core elements of games (that make them fun) with scientific methods of driving user engagement. For instance, having employees win points, badges and rewards when they reach goals, and compete with one another to gain those rewards.New vendors entering the marketplace are hard to compete with international vendors based on technology quality, reliability and innovation. The main areas covered by the report are the United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Central and South America.Get Reasonable Discount Upto 50% on this Premium Report @:Key questions answered in the report include:-What will the market size and the growth rate be in 2026?-What are the key factors driving the global Gamification for Business and Education market?-What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global Gamification for Business and Education market?-What are the challenges to market growth?-Who are the key vendors in the global Gamification for Business and Education market?-What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global Gamification for Business and Education market?-Trending factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, Europe, and MEA.-What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the global Gamification for Business and Education market?This report provides an effective business outlook, different case studies from various top-level industry experts, business owners, and policymakers have been included to get a clear vision about business methodologies to the readers. SWOT and Porters Five model have been used for analyzing the Gamification for Business and Education Market on the basis of strengths, challenges and global opportunities in front of the businesses.For More Information:About Us:Report Consultant - A global leader in analytics, research and advisory that can assist you to renovate your business and modify your approach. With us, you will learn to take decisions intrepidly. We make sense of drawbacks, opportunities, circumstances, estimations and information using our experienced skills and verified methodologies.Our research reports will give you an exceptional experience of innovative solutions and outcomes. We have effectively steered businesses all over the world with our market research reports and are outstandingly positioned to lead digital transformations. Thus, we craft greater value for clients by presenting advanced opportunities in the global market.Contact us:Rebecca Parker(Report Consultant)Akasaka biz tower,5-3-1 akasaka minato-ku,Tokyo, JapanContact No: +81-368444299sales@reportconsultant.com
Automated External Defibrillators Market| key manufacturers- NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION, GE Healthcare, Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co.

MRRSE

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This report on the Global Automated External Defibrillators Market analyzes the current and future scenario of the global market. Rise in private and public funding for automated external defibrillators, rising prevalence of sudden cardiac arrest, and favorable regulatory scenario for new device launch are boosting the growth of the global automated external defibrillators market. Increasing geriatric population across the world and rising awareness among the people and lawmakers about their need for automated external defibrillators in transportation centers, large buildings and other public places are some of the factors expected to drive the growth of global automated external defibrillators market during the forecast period.Get free Sample Copy @The global automated external defibrillators market report comprises an elaborate executive summary, which includes market snapshot that provides information about various segments. It also provides information and data analysis of the global market with respect to the segments based on of technology, size, end-user, and geography. A detailed qualitative analysis of drivers and restraints, opportunities and trends have been provided in the market overview section. Additionally, the section comprises Porters Five Forces Analysis to help understand the competitive landscape in the market. This section also provides market attractiveness analysis in terms of geography and market share analysis by key players, thus presenting a thorough analysis of the overall competitive scenario in the global automated external defibrillators market.Based on the technology, the market is divided into semi-automatic, and fully-automatic. The semi-automatic technology dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2016, due to its high awareness. Semi-automatic is expected to lead the market in the forecast period, owing to the rising geriatric population and high per capita income. Fully-automatic technology is anticipated to grow during the forecast period owing the ease of usage of the fully automated external defibrillator.In terms of size, the global automated external defibrillators market has been segmented into standard automated external defibrillator, and pediatric automated external defibrillator. Standard automated external defibrillator accounted for highest market share due to high prevalence of sudden cardiac arrest in adults, and growing geriatric population all over the world. Pediatric automated external defibrillators segment is anticipated to show growth during the forecast period owing to increasing awareness government initiatives to install theses AEDs in schools.Based on end-user, the global automated external defibrillators market has been categorized into hospitals, public access, emergency medical services, homes, work spaces, and private cardiac clinics. The hospitals segment accounted highest market share during the forecast period and is expected to grow during the forecast period. The public access segment is anticipated to grow exponentially during the forecast period owing to the fact that large number of deaths due to sudden cardiac arrest occur out of hospitals. Emergency medical services segment is anticipated to grow during the forecast period due to increasing number of deaths due to sudden cardiac arrest before reaching hospital such as ambulances. The homes, work spaces, and private cardiac clinic segments are anticipated to grow during the forecast period due to increasing prevalence of heart diseases that may any time lead to sudden cardiac arrest.Geographically, the Global Automated External Defibrillators Market has been categorized into five major regions and the key countries in the respective region: North America (US and Canada), Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, and Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia & New Zealand, and Rest of Asia Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America) and Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, and Rest of Middle East & Africa).Get Complete Research Report With TOC @The report also profiles major players in the global automated external defibrillators market based on various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies, SWOT analysis, and recent developments. Major players profiled in this report include Koninklijke Philips N.V., Physio-Control, Inc. (Stryker), NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION, Schiller AG, Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd., GE Healthcare, Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd, Cardiac Science Corporation, and PRIMEDIC (Metrax GmbH - MEMBER OF YUWELL GROUP).The global automated external defibrillators market has been segmented as below:Global Automated External Defibrillators Market, by TechnologySemi-AutomaticFully-AutomaticGlobal Automated External Defibrillators Market, by SizeStandard Automated External DefibrillatorsPediatric Automated External DefibrillatorsGlobal Automated External Defibrillators Market, by End-userHospitalsPublic AccessEmergency Medical ServicesHomesWork SpacesPrivate Cardiac ClinicsGlobal Automated External Defibrillators Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyFranceItalySpainUKRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaAustralia & New ZealandRest of Asia PacificMiddle East & AfricaGCC CountriesSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaAny Question? Ask our expert @About Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY  12207(United State)United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.com
Global Data Discovery Market Research Report 2019 | Industry Size, Share and Top Key Players  Oracle Corporation, Clearstory Data, Cloudera, Inc., Qlik Technologies, Inc. Forecast to 2023

Data Discovery , Data Discovery Market, Data Discovery Market Trends

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Global Data Discovery Market Research Report 2019-2023Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Data Discovery - Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and Analysis of Top Key Players to 2023 To Its Research DatabaseBased on the Data Discovery industrial chain, this report mainly elaborate the definition, types, applications and major players of Data Discovery market in details. Deep analysis about market status (2012-2017), enterprise competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of enterprise Products, industry development trends (2017-2022), regional industrial layout characteristics and macroeconomic policies, industrial policy has also be included. From raw materials to downstream buyers of this industry will be analyzed scientifically, the feature of product circulation and sales channel will be presented as well. In a word, this report will help you to establish a panorama of industrial development and characteristics of the Data Discovery market.The Data Discovery market can be split based on product types, major applications, and important regions.Major Players in Data Discovery market are:PlatforaOracle CorporationClearstory DataTableau Software, Inc.Tibco Software Inc.SAP SE.Cloudera, Inc.Birst, IncDatameer, Inc.Qlik Technologies, Inc.Datawatch CorporationMicrostrategy, Inc.Get Sample Report of Data Discovery Market@Major Regions play vital role in Data Discovery market are:North AmericaEuropeChinaJapanMiddle East & AfricaIndiaSouth AmericaOthersMost important types of Data Discovery products covered in this report are:On-PremisesCloudMost widely used downstream fields of Data Discovery market covered in this report are:Risk ManagementCustomer Experience ManagementSocial Network AnalysisCost OptimizationSupply Chain Management and ProcurementSales and Marketing OptimizationAssets ManagementOthersComplete report with Comprehensive table of contents@Major Key Points in Table of ContentGlobal Data Discovery Industry Market Research Report1 Data Discovery Introduction and Market Overview1.1 Objectives of the Study1.2 Definition of Data Discovery1.3 Data Discovery Market Scope and Market Size Estimation1.3.1 Market Concentration Ratio and Market Maturity Analysis1.3.2 Global Data Discovery Value ($) and Growth Rate from 2012-20221.4 Market Segmentation1.4.1 Types of Data Discovery1.4.2 Applications of Data Discovery1.4.3 Research Regions1.4.3.1 North America Data Discovery Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)1.4.3.2 Europe Data Discovery Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)1.4.3.3 China Data Discovery Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)1.4.3.4 Japan Data Discovery Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)1.4.3.5 Middle East & Africa Data Discovery Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)1.4.3.6 India Data Discovery Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)1.4.3.7 South America Data Discovery Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Drivers1.5.1.1 Emerging Countries of Data Discovery1.5.1.2 Growing Market of Data Discovery1.5.2 Limitations1.5.3 Opportunities1.6 Industry News and Policies by Regions1.6.1 Industry News1.6.2 Industry Policies5 Global Data Discovery Production, Value ($) by Region (2012-2017)5.1 Global Data Discovery Value ($) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)5.2 Global Data Discovery Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)5.3 Global Data Discovery Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)5.4 North America Data Discovery Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)5.5 Europe Data Discovery Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)5.6 China Data Discovery Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)5.7 Japan Data Discovery Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)5.8 Middle East & Africa Data Discovery Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)5.9 India Data Discovery Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)5.10 South America Data Discovery Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6 Global Data Discovery Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017)6.1 Global Data Discovery Consumption by Regions (2012-2017)6.2 North America Data Discovery Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)6.3 Europe Data Discovery Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)6.4 China Data Discovery Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)6.5 Japan Data Discovery Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)6.6 Middle East & Africa Data Discovery Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)6.7 India Data Discovery Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)6.8 South America Data Discovery Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)Continued................Contact US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:: Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt Ltd: Pune  411028: Maharashtra,: Ph: +91 841 198 5042
Protein Sequencing Market Improvised Report 2027 : Bioinformatics Solutions Inc., Bio-Synthesis, Inc., Charles River, Rapid Novor Inc, Selvita S.A, Shimadzu Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc

Protein Sequencing Market to 2027

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An exclusive Protein Sequencing Market research report created through broad primary research (inputs from industry experts, companies, and stakeholders) and secondary research, the report aims to present the analysis of Global Protein Sequencing Market by Type, By Application, By Region - North America, Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment evaluation. Besides, the report also identifies and analyses the emerging trends along with major drivers, challenges and opportunities in the global Protein Sequencing Market. Additionally, the report also highlights market entry strategies for various companies across the globe.Get Sample Copy of this Report atThe availability of funds from government bodies in R&D activities along with advancements in techniques is expected to fuel the growth of the protein sequencing market during the forecast period. Moreover, the rising demand from the biotechnological as well as pharmaceutical companies is expected to offer significant growth opportunities in the market during the forecast period.Leading Protein Sequencing Market Players:1. Agilent Technologies, Inc.2. Bioinformatics Solutions Inc.3. Bio-Synthesis, Inc.4. Charles River5. Rapid Novor Inc6. Selvita S.A7. Shimadzu Corporation8. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.9. WATERS10. GenScriptProtein sequencing refers to a process which is used to determine the sequence of amino acid in a protein. The techniques used for protein sequencing include mass spectrometry and Edman degradation. Protein sequencing is an important aspect in the field of research and development, hence are being performed on a large scale, fueling the growth of the market.Worldwide Protein Sequencing Market Analysis to 2027 is a specialized and in-depth study of the Protein Sequencing industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global Protein Sequencing Market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global Protein Sequencing Market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.The report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global Protein Sequencing Market based on product and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2027 for overall Protein Sequencing Market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM), which is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report evaluates market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend and provides exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions.Request a discount on standard prices of this premium report at:Also, key Protein Sequencing Market players influencing the market are profiled in the study along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. The report also focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products and services offered, financial information of last 3 years, key development in past five years.Reason to Buy- Save and reduce time carrying out entry-level research by identifying the growth, size, leading players and segments in the global Protein Sequencing Market- Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies.- The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in the Protein Sequencing Market, thereby allowing players to develop effective long term strategies.- Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets.- Scrutinize in-depth global market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the market, as well as those hindering it.- Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to products, segmentation and industry verticals.If You want to Purchase the Report Directly:About Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services.Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.com
Medical Image Processing Market - Research Analysis, Key Manufacturers, Market Strategies with Growing Demand Focuses for New Technologies with Future Scenario

Medical Image Processing Market

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Medical imaging is a technique used to create visual representations of internal body parts for clinical analysis and medical intervention. The use of this technique values the internal structures hidden in the skin and bones for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Medical imaging technologies include the use of CT scan, ultrasound, X-ray, MRI, and many other modern equipment.The medical imaging market has grown strongly due to increased use of these technologies in medical diagnostics, disease monitoring and disease treatment. Growth will occur as government investment in medical infrastructure develops. In addition, with the help of the medical imaging process, the growing awareness of early diagnosis of diseases is accelerating the growth of the global medical imaging market.Download PDF Report Sample @The key players of the market includes GE Healthcare Philips Healthcare Hitachi Medical Corporation Hologic Inc. Siemens Healthcare Samsung Medison Shimadzu Corporation Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation.Global medical imaging process market is segment based on the techniques into CT scan, X-ray, MRI, Ultrasound, nuclear imaging, and others. CT scan and X-ray technique segment hold the dominant share in the market. The availability of handheld X-ray devices and MRI scanners are fuelling the growth of global medical image processing market. Based on the image type, the market is segmented into 2D image, 3D image and 4D image. The introduction of 4D imaging have injected new momentum in the radiation therapy and it has also minimized the small tissue complications. The 4D imaging technology aims to track and compensate the target motion during radiation treatment and minimization of normal tissue injuries.The market is further segmented based on the application such as cardiology, gynaecology, breast mammography, neurology, oncology, autoimmune disease and others. Based on the geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and LAMEA. North America holds the dominant share in the market owing to the early acceptance of the technology. Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing segment due to the increasing government initiatives in the healthcare industry. Moreover, the rising awareness of these techniques has been playing a key role in the growth of Asia-Pacific medical image processing market.Make an Enquiry before Buy @KEY BENEFITS Market analysis based on current market scenario and expected future trends to enable stakeholders take strategic decisions Analysis of the factors impacting the market to understand business opportunities Analysis of the market based on devices and geography as well as forecast from 2014  2021 Identification of key investment pockets for various applications, services and geographies Identification of the key players and their strategic moves Implications of the regulations and reimbursement scenario in diabetes care Evaluation of market trends to provide deep-dive intelligence into every market segment Competitive analysis to effectively plan and execute business plan Micro level analysis based on application, service and geographyAccess Full Summery @About Us:Allied Market Research, a market research and advisory company of Allied Analytics LLP, provides business insights and market research reports to large as well as small & medium enterprises. The company assists its clients to strategize business policies and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.Contact:David Correa5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesToll Free (USA/Canada):+1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141UK: +44-845-528-1300Hong Kong: +852-301-84916India (Pune): +91-20-66346060Fax: +1855550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.com
Indirect Calorimeter Market| key manufacturers-MGC Diagnostics, Microlife USA, Pacific Medico, Korr Medical Technologies, GE Healthcare,

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This report analyzes the current and future scenario of the global indirect calorimeter market. Advancements in technology, high prevalence of obesity, and surge in patient awareness are major drivers of the global market.The global indirect calorimeter market report comprises an elaborate executive summary, which includes a snapshot that provides information about various segments of the market. It also provides information and data analysis of the global market with respect to segments based on type, end-user, and region. A detailed qualitative analysis of drivers and restraints of the market and opportunities has been provided in the overview section. Additionally, the section comprises a competitive matrix and company profiles with business overview to understand the competitive landscape in the market. This section of the report also provides market attractiveness analysis, by region, and market share analysis, by key players, thereby presenting a thorough analysis of the overall competitive scenario in the global indirect calorimeter market.Get free Sample Copy @The global indirect calorimeter market has been segmented based on type, end-user, and region. In terms of type, the global market has been divided into standalone and portable. The standalone segment is likely to account for a leading share of the global market during the forecast period, owing to the rise in adoption of standalone indirect calorimeter in critical care units. However, the portable indirect calorimeter segment is expected to expand at a higher CAGR during the forecast period owing to its easy operability and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, developments in technology in portable indirect calorimeters are estimated to boost the segment during the forecast period. Based on end-user, the indirect calorimeter market has been classified into hospital (critical care), diagnostic centers, research institutes, and others (sports centers, etc.). The hospital (critical care) segment is expected to hold a significant share of the global indirect calorimeter market, due to a rise in adoption of indirect calorimeter in intensive care units. The market size and forecast for each of these segments have been provided for the period from 2016 to 2026, along with their respective CAGRs for the forecast period from 2018 to 2026, considering 2017 as the base year.In terms of region, the global indirect calorimeter market has been segmented into five major regions and key countries/sub-regions: North America (the U.S. and Canada), Europe (the U.K., Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (India, China, Japan, Australia & New Zealand, and Rest of Asia Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America), and Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, and Rest of Middle East & Africa). The market size and forecast for each of these regions and countries/sub-regions have been provided for the period from 2016 to 2026, along with their respective CAGRs for the forecast period from 2018 to 2026, considering 2017 as the base year. The research study also covers the competitive scenario in these regions.The report also profiles major players in the global indirect calorimeter market based on various attributes such as company overview, product portfolio, business strategies, and recent developments. Key players in the global indirect calorimeter market included Cosmed srl, MGC Diagnostics, Microlife USA, Pacific Medico, Korr Medical Technologies, Maastricht Instruments BV, GE Healthcare, Vyaire Medical, and Parvo Medics.Get Complete Research Report With TOC @The global Indirect Calorimeter market has been segmented as below:Global Indirect Calorimeter Market, by TypeStandalonePortableGlobal Indirect Calorimeter Market, by End-userHospital (Critical Care)Diagnostic CenterResearch InstitutesOthers (Sports Centers, etc.)Global Indirect Calorimeter Market, by RegionNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyU.K.ItalyFranceSpainRest of EuropeAsia PacificIndiaChinaJapanAustralia & New ZealandRest of Asia PacificLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaMiddle East & AfricaGCC CountriesSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaAny Question? Ask our expert @About Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY  12207(United State)United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.com
Contraceptive Drugs Market Expected Reach USD at 22.15 Bn Till 2023 | By Pfizer Inc, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Bayer AG, Piramal Enterprises Ltd, Mayer Laboratories, Cooper Surgical Etc

Contraceptive Drugs Market

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The Global Contraceptive Drugs Market is showing the Moderate Growth and Detail Analysis of Contraceptive Drugs Market with all Possible Segmentation and Key Player of Market  Avail Prime Report by MarketResearchFuture.comGlobal Contraceptive Drugs Market  SegmentationGlobal contraceptive drugs market is segmented on two category type and end user.On the basis of type they are oral contraceptive, injectable and other.Oral contraceptives are further sub segmented into combined oral contraceptive pills and progestogen-only pills.On the basis of end user they are segmented as hospitals, clinics and others.Request Sample Report atGlobal Contraceptive Drugs Market - Key PlayersMerck & Co., Inc (US), Pfizer Inc (US), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Israel), Bayer AG (Germany), Allergan plc. (Ireland), Janssen Global Services llc. (US), Mankind Pharma Ltd. (India), Piramal Enterprises Ltd (India), Reckitt Benckiser Plc (UK), Church & Dwight (US), The Female Health Company (US), Mayer Laboratories (US), Cooper Surgical (US).Global Contraceptive Drugs Market - ScenarioBirth controls are been used since ancient times but the safe and effective methods are introduce and available from 20th century. Contraceptive drugs are used to prevent the unwanted pregnancy by blocking the normal process of ovulations or by altering the process which support the fertilization of egg.Global contraceptive drugs market is driven by increasing need of population controls and increasing prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. Necessity of avoiding the unwanted pregnancy especially in the teenage women and increasing awareness among peoples also contributed in the growth of the market.Contraceptive pills is the third most widely used contraceptive method. Beside this cultural and religious opposition in developing countries is also responsible for hindering the market. The global market for contraceptive drugs is expected to reach US$ 22.15 billion by the end of the 2023 with a CAGR of 6.5%.Global Contraceptive drugs Market - Regional AnalysisThe market of contraceptive drugs is much higher in the Americas region owing to increasing awareness among the people and high incidence rates of abortion. According to the report published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2015, around 229,715 babies were born from women aged between 15 to 19 years.Europe is also considering the huge market for contraceptive drugs players, owing to the increasing government support and awareness about healthcare industries, and well developed technology. Moreover, companies from these regions are more into export to the developing region which increase the market share around the globe.Browse Complete 80 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with Respective Tables and Figures atAsia Pacific and the Middle East and Africa region are considering the big market. Whereas country like India and china of Asia Pacific region are considering fastest growing region due to the high rate of incidence of teen pregnancy. According to WHO, adolescent birth rates is 45 births per 1000 women in South-Eastern Asia and 7 births per 1000 women in Eastern Asia. Additionally they are open to adopt new treatment option from a developed country, this gap between the developed and developing countries will present significant growth opportunities for the contraceptive drugs market players in the coming years.Major Table of Contents - Contraceptive Drugs Market Research Report- Global Forecast to 20231 INTRODUCTION1.1 DEFINITION1.2 SCOPE OF STUDY1.2.1 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE1.2.2 ASSUMPTIONS & LIMITATIONS1.2.2.1 ASSUMPTIONS1.2.2.2 LIMITATIONS1.3 MARKET STRUCTURE:2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY2.1 RESEARCH PROCESS:2.2 PRIMARY RESEARCH2.3 SECONDARY RESEARCH:3 MARKET DYNAMICS3.1 DRIVERS3.2 RESTRAINTS3.3 OPPORTUNITIESGet Exclusive Discount atAbout US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Nut Ingredients Market

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https://The global Nut Ingredients market is valued at million US$ in 2018 and will reach million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of during 20192025. The objectives of this study are to define, segment, and project the size of the Nut Ingredients market based on company, product type, end user and key regions.https://This report studies the global market size of Nut Ingredients in key regions like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America and Middle East & Africa, focuses on the consumption of Nut Ingredients in these regions.This research report categorizes the global Nut Ingredients market by top players/brands, region, type and end user. This report also studies the global Nut Ingredients market status, competition landscape, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, sales channels and distributors.The following manufacturers are covered in this report, with sales, revenue, market share for each company:ADMOlamKanegradeBredabestBarry Callebaut SchweizIntersnackBorgesCG Hacking & SonsBesanaworldVoicevaleBarry Callebaut Schweiz AGKerry GroupGroupe Soparind Bongrain FruisecHershey CompanyMarket size by ProductAlmondsCashewsHazelnutsWalnutsOthersMarket size by End UserConfectioneriesDairy productsBakery productsSnacks & BarsOthershttps://Market size by RegionNorth AmericaUnited StatesCanadaMexicoAsiaPacificChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaAustraliaIndonesiaSingaporeMalaysiaPhilippinesThailandVietnamEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalySpainRussiaCentral & South AmericaBrazilRest of Central & South AmericaMiddle East & AfricaGCC CountriesTurkeyEgyptSouth AfricaThe study objectives of this report are:To study and analyze the global Nut Ingredients market size value & volume by company, key regions, products and end user, breakdown data from 2014 to 2018, and forecast to 2025.To understand the structure of Nut Ingredients market by identifying its various subsegments.To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industryspecific challenges and risks.Focuses on the key global Nut Ingredients companies, to define, describe and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape and recent development.To project the value and sales volume of Nut Ingredients submarkets, with respect to key regions.To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Nut Ingredients are as follows:History Year: 20142018Base Year: 2018Estimated Year: 2019Forecast Year 2019 to 2025https://This report includes the estimation of market size for value million US$ and volume K MT. Both topdown and bottomup approaches have been used to estimate and validate the market size of Nut Ingredients market, to estimate the size of various other dependent submarkets in the overall market. Key players in the market have been identified through secondary research, and their market shares have been determined through primary and secondary research. All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns have been determined using secondary sources and verified primary sources.For the data information by region, company, type and application, 2018 is considered as the base year. Whenever data information was unavailable for the base year, the prior year has been considered.QandQ Market Research is a Market aggregator brand owned solely by Megamind Research Pvt Ltd., an India based company. QandQ Market Research is an online marketplace of research report published by leading market research agencies by collecting their global and regional market reports on 100+ industry verticals.Our database includes 1,000,000+ market research reports from over 75 leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets. With vast years of experience in the research field and comprehensive information about the publishers and their respective industrial expertise, we have gained grass root knowledge about the gaps prevailing within the research industry. Using this, we enable our clients to compare comprehensive research studies of various publishers so that they can procure best researching solutions for their organization. With this, we wish to collaborate with top companies across globe in being a trusted name for their researching requirements.QandQ Market Research constantly strives to expand its existing market report collection to give broader choices to its esteemed clients.Be it first time or every time, with our expertise in research offerings and wide range of publications, we ensure we deliver all your research needs.We are available 24/7 to offer support to our customers. So contact us anytime for your specific research needs and we will get in touch immediately to help you find a market research report you need.QandQ Market ResearchVia dell'Archeologia 29,Roma 00133,Italy.Call us : +1 833 267 4156Email : lokesh@qandqmarketresearch.com
Contrast Media Market 2019 - Major Participants: are GE Healthcare, Daiichi, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, AMAG Pharmaceuticals, NanoScan Imaging, Medrad Inc, Targeson, Guerbet Etc.

Contrast Media Market

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The Global Contrast Media Market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% during the assessment period of 2017-2023, asserts Market Research Future (MRFR) in a detailed research report. Contrast Media substances or agents assist in increasing the contrast of structures or fluids of the body during medical imaging. They enhance the visibility of blood vessels.Global Contrast Media Market - Key PlayersGE Healthcare (US), Daiichi (Japan), Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals (Germany), AMAG Pharmaceuticals (US), NanoScan Imaging (US), Medrad Inc (US), Targeson (US), Guerbet (Japan), Bracco Diagnostic Inc. (Italy), Guerbet Group (France), Covidien (Ireland), Lantheus Medical Imaging (U.S.), ), Bracco Imaging S.p.A. (Italy), Subhra Pharma Private Limited (India), nanoPET Pharma GmbH (Germany), CMC Contrast AB (Sweden), Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals (UK)Global Contrast Media Market - SegmentationBy type, the Market for Contrast Media has been segmented into intravenous contrast materials, iodine-based, and, other.By procedures, the market has been segmented into X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and, other.By application, the global contrast media has been segmented into X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and, other.Get Sample Report @Global Contrast Media Market - InsightsRising prevalence of various chronic diseases, increasing burden of cancer, and hike in mortality rates on a global scale which generates high demand for diagnosis and image-guided procedures. Contrast media finds application in diverse modalities such as ultrasound, MRI scans, x-rays and in cath lab procedures.Unlike x-rays, contrast agents are associated with fewer adverse drug reactions. The favorable safety profile of contrast media makes them the preferred choice for medical imaging purposes as they can even be used to diagnose pregnant women without any side effects. Rise in a number of approvals for innovative and advanced contrast media by FDA and other administrative bodies coupled with growth in the number of diagnostic centers across the globe has spurred the market growth of contrast media.Advancement in contrast agents and technical capabilities of medical imaging has inflated the accuracy of medical imaging procedures which further fuels the growth of the market. Other driving factors include growth in global geriatric population, increasing R&D activities and government funding. However, the growth of the market might be dampened by the economic slowdown in various economies and side effects associated with contrast media.Competitive Analysis:GE Healthcare an American multinational company headquartered in the U.S., is one of the leading players in the contrast medium market with manufacturing and distribution of diagnostic imaging agents with more than 100 countries. OMNISCAN and VISIPAQUE are the major products of the company. Recently in March 2017, the company showcased its MRI contrast media product range at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2017 meeting by launching Clariscan, which is a macrocyclic agent and is a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA). Clariscan is intended to support effective visualization of abnormalities in the brain, spine, and associated tissues. The launch of this product will be provided alongside GE Healthcares comprehensive support services and solutions to healthcare physicians across the globe. The demand for contrast media has altogether expanded over the previous decade because of increasing advancement in procedures in MR imaging, raising the significance of uninterrupted and sustainable product supply, and in addition meeting the individual needs of patients undergoing diagnostic techniques. Knowing the demand for contrast medium, GE healthcare invested over USD 65 million in its overall supply across the globe from 2013 and 2016, to increase its manufacturing capacity. GE contrast media products are utilized as a part of more than 70 million systems for every year, identical to infusion in two patients for each second. In 2015, 62 million patients diagnosed using GE contrast media and acquired major share for the global contrast media market.Daiichi a global pharmaceutical company and the second largest pharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan. Sonazoid an ultrasound contrast medium is widely used product of the company. In 2014, company has acquired Ambit Biosciences.Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Inc. is headquartered in Germany. It is a multinational chemical, pharmaceutical, and life sciences company. In April 2016, the company announced the approval of, Gadavist injection that is the first contrast agent used with magnetic resonance angiography. Gadavist MRA significantly improved the visualization, or assess ability when compared to unenhanced MRA. This approval of the advanced product will enhance the revenue growth which will further boost the growth of the market. Ultravist, Eovist and Magnevist are the some of the major products of the company.Industry News:In November 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the clinical use of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner which allows spotting pituitary tumors in crushing's patients. The new ultra-high field 7T Terra MRI scanner allows more reliable images of the brain and facilitates identification of very small tumors which standard MRI fails to spot.In October 2018, Israeli startup iNNOGING innovated breakthrough in sonography technology. The innovation will enable physicians to manipulate captured ultrasound video and allow virtual dynamic examination by conversion of the video clip into a 3D model without the presence of the patient.Browse Complete 80 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with Tables and Figures @Global Contrast Media Market - Regional AnalysisOn regional basis, contrast media market is dominated by North America which is followed by Europe. Presence of major players in North America and Europe and increasing prevalence of GI disease are the major factor for the growth of the market in this region. Asia Pacific is the third largest market and the fastest growing contrast media market. Rising awareness regarding product benefits among consumers and a huge population base in this region is the major factor for the growth of the market.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune  411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: salesteam@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Power Strip Industry Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023

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The extent of the Global Power Strip Industry Market report stretches out from market situations to similar estimating between significant players, cost and benefit of the predetermined market districts. The numerical information is upheld up by measurable devices, for example, SWOT investigation, BCG grid, SCOT examination, PESTLE examination, etc. The measurements are spoken to in graphical configuration for a reasonable comprehension on statistical data points.Get sample copy of report:Table of ContentsGlobal Power Strips Market Professional Survey Report 20181 Industry Overview of Power Strips1.1 Definition and Specifications of Power Strips1.1.1 Definition of Power Strips1.1.2 Specifications of Power Strips1.2 Classification of Power Strips1.2.1 Drive Power Strips1.2.2 Control Power Strips1.2.3 Other1.3 Applications of Power Strips1.3.1 Online1.3.2 Offline1.3.3 Application 31.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 Europe1.4.3 China1.4.4 Japan1.4.5 Southeast Asia1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Power Strips2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Power Strips2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Power Strips2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Power Strips3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Power Strips3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Power Strips Major Manufacturers in Global3.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Power Strips Major Manufacturers in Global3.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Power Strips Major Manufacturers in Global3.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Power Strips Major Manufacturers in Global4 Global Power Strips Overall Market Overview4.1 Global Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 Global Power Strips Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 Global Power Strips Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 Global Power Strips Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 Global Power Strips Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 Global Power Strips Sales Price4.4.2 Global Power Strips Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)5 Power Strips Regional Market Analysis5.1 North America Power Strips Market Analysis5.1.1 North America Power Strips Market Overview5.1.2 North America Global Power Strips Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.1.3 North America Global Power Strips Sales Price Analysis5.1.4 North America Global Power Strips Market Share Analysis5.2 Europe Power Strips Market Analysis5.2.1 Europe Power Strips Market Overview5.2.2 Europe Global Power Strips Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.2.3 Europe Global Power Strips Sales Price Analysis5.2.4 Europe Global Power Strips Market Share Analysis5.3 China Power Strips Market Analysis5.3.1 China Power Strips Market Overview5.3.2 China Global Power Strips Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.3.3 China Global Power Strips Sales Price Analysis5.3.4 China Global Power Strips Market Share Analysis5.4 Japan Power Strips Market Analysis5.4.1 Japan Power Strips Market Overview5.4.2 Japan Global Power Strips Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.4.3 Japan Global Power Strips Sales Price Analysis5.4.4 Japan Global Power Strips Market Share Analysis5.5 Southeast Asia Power Strips Market Analysis5.5.1 Southeast Asia Power Strips Market Overview5.5.2 Southeast Asia Global Power Strips Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.5.3 Southeast Asia Global Power Strips Sales Price Analysis5.5.4 Southeast Asia Global Power Strips Market Share Analysis5.6 India Power Strips Market Analysis5.6.1 India Power Strips Market Overview5.6.2 India Global Power Strips Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.6.3 India Global Power Strips Sales Price Analysis5.6.4 India Global Power Strips Market Share Analysis6 Global Power Strips Segment Market Analysis (by Type)6.1 Global Power Strips Sales by Type6.2 Different Types of Power Strips Product Interview Price Analysis6.3 Different Types of Power Strips Product Driving Factors Analysis6.3.1 Drive Power Strips of Power Strips Growth Driving Factor Analysis6.3.2 Control Power Strips of Power Strips Growth Driving Factor Analysis6.3.3 Other of Power Strips Growth Driving Factor Analysis7 Global Power Strips Segment Market Analysis (by Application)7.1 Global Power Strips Consumption by Application7.2 Different Application of Power Strips Product Interview Price Analysis7.3 Different Application of Power Strips Product Driving Factors Analysis7.3.1 Online of Power Strips Growth Driving Factor Analysis7.3.2 Offline of Power Strips Growth Driving Factor Analysis8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Power Strips8.1 APC8.1.1 Company Profile8.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.1.2.1 Product A8.1.2.2 Product B8.1.3 APC Global Power Strips Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.1.4 APC Global Power Strips Business Region Distribution Analysis8.2 Belkin8.2.1 Company Profile8.2.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.2.2.1 Product A8.2.2.2 Product B8.2.3 Belkin Global Power Strips Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.2.4 Belkin Global Power Strips Business Region Distribution Analysis8.3 Coleman Cable8.3.1 Company Profile8.3.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.3.2.1 Product A8.3.2.2 Product B8.3.3 Coleman Cable Global Power Strips Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.3.4 Coleman Cable Global Power Strips Business Region Distribution Analysis8.4 Cyber Power8.4.1 Company Profile8.4.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.4.2.1 Product A8.4.2.2 Product B8.4.3 Cyber Power Global Power Strips Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.4.4 Cyber Power Global Power Strips Business Region Distribution Analysis8.5 Fellowes8.5.1 Company Profile8.5.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.5.2.1 Product A8.5.2.2 Product B8.5.3 Fellowes Global Power Strips Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.5.4 Fellowes Global Power Strips Business Region Distribution Analysis8.6 GE8.6.1 Company Profile8.6.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.6.2.1 Product A8.6.2.2 Product B8.6.3 GE Global Power Strips Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.6.4 GE Global Power Strips Business Region Distribution Analysis8.7 HP8.7.1 Company Profile8.7.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.7.2.1 Product A8.7.2.2 Product B8.7.3 HP Global Power Strips Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.7.4 HP Global Power Strips Business Region Distribution Analysis8.8 Leviton8.8.1 Company Profile8.8.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.8.2.1 Product A8.8.2.2 Product B8.8.3 Leviton Global Power Strips Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.8.4 Leviton Global Power Strips Business Region Distribution Analysis8.9 Moonrise8.9.1 Company Profile8.9.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.9.2.1 Product A8.9.2.2 Product B8.9.3 Moonrise Global Power Strips Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.9.4 Monoprice Global Power Strips Business Region Distribution Analysis8.10 Monster8.10.1 Company Profile8.10.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.10.2.1 Product A8.10.2.2 Product B8.10.3 Monster Global Power Strips Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.10.4 Monster Global Power Strips Business Region Distribution Analysis8.11 Panamax8.12 Prime8.13 TrickleStar8.14 Tripp Lite8.15 Wiremold9 Development Trend of Analysis of Power Strips Market9.1 Global Power Strips Market Trend Analysis9.1.1 Global Power Strips Market Size (Volume and Value) Forecast9.1.2 Global Power Strips Sales Price Forecast9.2 Power Strips Regional Market Trend9.2.1 North America Global Power Strips Consumption Forecast9.2.2 Europe Global Power Strips Consumption Forecast9.2.3 China Global Power Strips Consumption Forecast9.2.4 Japan Global Power Strips Consumption Forecast9.2.5 Southeast Asia Global Power Strips Consumption Forecast9.2.6 India Global Power Strips Consumption Forecast9.3 Power Strips Market Trend (Product Type)9.4 Power Strips Market Trend (Application)10 Power Strips Marketing Type Analysis10.1 Power Strips Regional Marketing Type Analysis10.2 Power Strips International Trade Type Analysis10.3 Traders or Distributors with Contact Information of Power Strips by Region10.4 Power Strips Supply Chain Analysis11 Consumers Analysis of Power Strips11.1 Consumer 1 Analysis11.2 Consumer 2 Analysis11.3 Consumer 3 Analysis11.4 Consumer 4 Analysis12 Conclusion of the Global Power Strips Market Professional Survey Report GlobalMethodologyAnalyst IntroductionData SourceBy this report online:About Market Density:Market Density is your one stop market research and industry analysis reports' library providing business data and intelligence information on thousands of micro markets with global as well as regional coverage.Market Density offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Market Density understands how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available.Contact Us:Email: Support@marketdensity.comWebsite:Phone: +1 669 264 16564340 Stevens Creek Blvd,Suite # 172,San Jose, CA 95129
Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Industry 2019-2024 Global Market Share, Segments, Types, Regions, Revenue and Top Key Players are Network Rail, Deutsche Bahn AG, Russian Railways, SNCF ADIF, FS Group, etc

Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Market

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Infrastructure maintenance covers spending on preservation of the existing transport network. It only covers maintenance expenditure financed by public administrations. Efficient transport infrastructure provides economic and social benefits to both advanced and emerging economies by: improving market accessibility and productivity, ensuring balanced regional economic development, creating employment, promoting labor mobility and connecting communities.Get Sample Copy of this Report@Global Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Market competition by top manufacturers, with Production, Price, Revenue (value) and Market share for each manufacturer including: China Railway Corporation Network Rail Deutsche Bahn AG Russian Railways SNCF ADIF FS Group ...Key segments covered in this report: Geography segment, end use/application segment, and competitor segment. The key countries in each region are taken into consideration as well, such as United States, China, Japan, India, Korea, ASEAN, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, CIS, and Brazil etc. For end use/application segment, this report focuses on the status and outlook for key applications. End users also can be listed.Global Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Industry 2019 Market Research Report is spread across 136 pages and provides exclusive vital statistics, data, information, trends and competitive landscape details in this niche sector.Inquire more or share questions if any before the purchase on this report@This report focuses on price, sales, revenue and growth rate of each type, as well as the types and each type price of key manufacturers, through interviewing key manufacturers. Second on basis of segments by manufacturers, this report focuses on the sales, price of each type, average price of Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance, revenue and market share, for key manufacturers.Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.The study objectives of this report are: To analyze and study the global Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance sales, value, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2019-2023). Focuses on the key Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance manufacturers, to study the sales, value, market share and development plans in future. Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis. To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region. To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks. To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth. To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments. To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the market To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.Order a Copy of Global Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Market Report@The main contents of the report including:1 Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Market Overview2 Manufacturers Profiles3 Global Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Market Competition, by Players4 Global Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Market Size by Regions5 North America Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Revenue by Countries6 Europe Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Revenue by Countries7 Asia-Pacific Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Revenue by Countries8 South America Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Revenue by Countries9 Middle East and Africa Revenue Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance by Countries10 Global Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Market Segment by Type11 Global Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Market Segment by Application12 Global Freight Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Market Size Forecast (2019-2023)13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 Appendix.Research MethodologyData SourceAbout UsOrian Research is one of the most comprehensive collections of market intelligence reports on the World Wide Web. Our reports repository boasts of over 500000+ industry and country research reports from over 100 top publishers. We continuously update our repository so as to provide our clients easy access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, and products. We also specialize in custom research in situations where our syndicate research offerings do not meet the specific requirements of our esteemed clients.Contact Us:Ruwin MendezVice President  Global Sales & Partner RelationsOrian Research ConsultantsUS: +1 (415) 830-3727 | UK: +44 020 8144-71-27Email: info@orianresearch.comWebsite:Follow Us on LinkedIn:
Global Artificial Intelligence Products Industry Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023

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Artificial Intelligence Products Market is ready to become solid amid the gauge time frame 2018 to 2023. A portion of the conspicuous patterns that the market is seeing incorporate expanding reception of Artificial Intelligence in various end clients, developing examination and improvement exercises, and raising utilization of shrewd wearable.Get sample copy of report:Table of Contents1 Artificial Intelligence Products Introduction and Market Overview1.1 Objectives of the Study1.2 Definition of Artificial Intelligence Products1.3 Artificial Intelligence Products Market Scope and Market Size Estimation1.3.1 Market Concentration Ratio and Market Maturity Analysis1.3.2 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Value ($) and Growth Rate1.4 Market Segmentation1.4.1 Types of Artificial Intelligence Products1.4.2 Applications of Artificial Intelligence Products1.4.3 Research Regions1.4.3.1 North America Artificial Intelligence Products Production Value ($) and Growth Rate1.4.3.2 Europe Artificial Intelligence Products Production Value ($) and Growth Rate1.4.3.3 China Artificial Intelligence Products Production Value ($) and Growth Rate1.4.3.4 Japan Artificial Intelligence Products Production Value ($) and Growth Rate1.4.3.5 Middle East & Africa Artificial Intelligence Products Production Value ($) and Growth Rate1.4.3.6 India Artificial Intelligence Products Production Value ($) and Growth Rate1.4.3.7 South America Artificial Intelligence Products Production Value ($) and Growth Rate1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Drivers1.5.1.1 Emerging Countries of Artificial Intelligence Products1.5.1.2 Growing Market of Artificial Intelligence Products1.5.2 Limitations1.5.3 Opportunities1.6 Industry News and Policies by Regions1.6.1 Industry News1.6.2 Industry Policies2 Industry Chain Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Material Suppliers of Artificial Intelligence Products Analysis2.2 Major Players of Artificial Intelligence Products2.2.1 Major Players Manufacturing Base and Market Share of Artificial Intelligence Products2.2.2 Major Players Product Types2.3 Artificial Intelligence Products Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.3.1 Production Process Analysis2.3.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure of Artificial Intelligence Products2.3.3 Raw Material Cost of Artificial Intelligence Products2.3.4 Labor Cost of Artificial Intelligence Products2.4 Market Channel Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Products2.5 Major Downstream Buyers of Artificial Intelligence Products Analysis3 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Market, by Type3.1 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Value ($) and Market Share by Type3.2 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Production and Market Share by Type3.3 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Value ($) and Growth Rate by Type3.4 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Price Analysis by Type4 Artificial Intelligence Products Market, by Application4.1 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Consumption and Market Share by Application4.2 Downstream Buyers by Application4.3 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Consumption and Growth Rate by Application5 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Value ($) by Region5.1 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Value ($) and Market Share by Region5.2 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Production and Market Share by Region5.3 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin5.4 North America Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin5.5 Europe Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin5.6 China Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin5.7 Japan Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin5.8 Middle East & Africa Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin5.9 India Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin5.10 South America Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Value ($), Price and Gross Margin6 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions6.1 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Consumption by Regions6.2 North America Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Consumption, Export, Import6.3 Europe Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Consumption, Export, Import6.4 China Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Consumption, Export, Import6.5 Japan Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Consumption, Export, Import6.6 Middle East & Africa Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Consumption, Export, Import6.7 India Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Consumption, Export, Import6.8 South America Artificial Intelligence Products Production, Consumption, Export, Import7 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Market Status and SWOT Analysis by Regions7.1 North America Artificial Intelligence Products Market Status and SWOT Analysis7.2 Europe Artificial Intelligence Products Market Status and SWOT Analysis7.3 China Artificial Intelligence Products Market Status and SWOT Analysis7.4 Japan Artificial Intelligence Products Market Status and SWOT Analysis7.5 Middle East & Africa Artificial Intelligence Products Market Status and SWOT Analysis7.6 India Artificial Intelligence Products Market Status and SWOT Analysis7.7 South America Artificial Intelligence Products Market Status and SWOT Analysis8 Competitive Landscape8.1 Competitive Profile8.2 Brighterion Inc.8.2.1 Company Profiles8.2.2 Artificial Intelligence Products Product Introduction8.2.3 Brighterion Inc. Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin8.2.4 Brighterion Inc. Market Share of Artificial Intelligence Products Segmented by Region8.3 Rocket Fuel Inc.8.3.1 Company Profiles8.3.2 Artificial Intelligence Products Product Introduction8.3.3 Rocket Fuel Inc. Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin8.3.4 Rocket Fuel Inc. Market Share of Artificial Intelligence Products Segmented by Region8.4 MicroStrategy Inc.8.4.1 Company Profiles8.4.2 Artificial Intelligence Products Product Introduction8.4.3 MicroStrategy Inc. Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin8.4.4 MicroStrategy Inc. Market Share of Artificial Intelligence Products Segmented by Region8.5 IBM8.5.1 Company Profiles8.5.2 Artificial Intelligence Products Product Introduction8.5.3 IBM Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin8.5.4 IBM Market Share of Artificial Intelligence Products Segmented by Region8.6 Next IT Corporation8.6.1 Company Profiles8.6.2 Artificial Intelligence Products Product Introduction8.6.3 Next IT Corporation Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin8.6.4 Next IT Corporation Market Share of Artificial Intelligence Products Segmented by Region8.7 IntelliResponse Systems Inc.8.7.1 Company Profiles8.7.2 Artificial Intelligence Products Product Introduction8.7.3 IntelliResponse Systems Inc. Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin8.7.4 IntelliResponse Systems Inc. Market Share of Artificial Intelligence Products Segmented by Region8.8 Google8.8.1 Company Profiles8.8.2 Artificial Intelligence Products Product Introduction8.8.3 Google Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin8.8.4 Google Market Share of Artificial Intelligence Products Segmented by Region8.9 Open AI8.9.1 Company Profiles8.9.2 Artificial Intelligence Products Product Introduction8.9.3 Open AI Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin8.9.4 Open AI Market Share of Artificial Intelligence Products Segmented by Region8.10 eGain Corporation.8.10.1 Company Profiles8.10.2 Artificial Intelligence Products Product Introduction8.10.3 eGain Corporation. Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin8.10.4 eGain Corporation. Market Share of Artificial Intelligence Products Segmented by Region8.11 Microsoft Corp.8.11.1 Company Profiles8.11.2 Artificial Intelligence Products Product Introduction8.11.3 Microsoft Corp. Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin8.11.4 Microsoft Corp. Market Share of Artificial Intelligence Products Segmented by Region8.12 NEC8.12.1 Company Profiles8.12.2 Artificial Intelligence Products Product Introduction8.12.3 NEC Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin8.12.4 NEC Market Share of Artificial Intelligence Products Segmented by Region8.13 Fingenius Ltd.8.13.1 Company Profiles8.13.2 Artificial Intelligence Products Product Introduction8.13.3 Fingenius Ltd. Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin8.13.4 Fingenius Ltd. Market Share of Artificial Intelligence Products Segmented by Region8.14 QlikTech International AB8.14.1 Company Profiles8.14.2 Artificial Intelligence Products Product Introduction8.14.3 QlikTech International AB Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin8.14.4 QlikTech International AB Market Share of Artificial Intelligence Products Segmented by Region8.15 Ipsoft8.15.1 Company Profiles8.15.2 Artificial Intelligence Products Product Introduction8.15.3 Ipsoft Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin8.15.4 Ipsoft Market Share of Artificial Intelligence Products Segmented by Region8.16 Nuance's8.16.1 Company Profiles8.16.2 Artificial Intelligence Products Product Introduction8.16.3 Nuance's Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin8.16.4 Nuance's Market Share of Artificial Intelligence Products Segmented by Region8.17 Nuance Communications9 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Market Analysis and Forecast by Type and Application9.1 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Market Value ($) & Volume Forecast, by Type9.1.1 Hardware Market Value ($) and Volume Forecast9.1.2 Software Market Value ($) and Volume Forecast9.1.3 Services Market Value ($) and Volume Forecast9.2 Global Artificial Intelligence Products Market Value ($) & Volume Forecast, by Application 9.2.1 Media & Advertising Market Value ($) and Volume Forecast9.2.2 BFSI Market Value ($) and Volume Forecast9.2.3 IT & Telecom Market Value ($) and Volume Forecast9.2.4 Retail Market Value ($) and Volume Forecast9.2.5 Healthcare Market Value ($) and Volume Forecast9.2.6 Others (Automotive, Agriculture, and Educational Institutions) Market Value ($) and Volume Forecast10 Artificial Intelligence Products Market Analysis and Forecast by Region10.1 North America Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast10.2 Europe Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast10.3 China Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast10.4 Japan Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast10.5 Middle East & Africa Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast10.6 India Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast10.7 South America Market Value ($) and Consumption Forecast11 New Project Feasibility Analysis11.1 Industry Barriers and New Entrants SWOT Analysis11.2 Analysis and Suggestions on New Project Investment12 Research Finding and Conclusion13 Appendix13.1 Discussion Guide13.2 Knowledge Store: Maia Subscription Portal13.3 Research Data Source13.4 Research Assumptions and Acronyms UsedBy this report online:About Market Density:Market Density is your one stop market research and industry analysis reports' library providing business data and intelligence information on thousands of micro markets with global as well as regional coverage.Market Density offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Market Density understands how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available.Contact Us:Email: Support@marketdensity.comWebsite:Phone: +1 669 264 16564340 Stevens Creek Blvd,Suite # 172,San Jose, CA 95129
Parallel System Market 2019: Top Key Players are Parallel-Systems(UK), ACM Instruments(USA), Cleaver Scientific(UK), IBM(USA), Cummins(USA) etc.

Parallel System Market

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Parallel System Market 2019 Report analyses the industry status, size, share, trends, growth opportunity, competition landscape and forecast to 2025. This report also provides data on patterns, improvements, target business sectors, limits and advancements. Furthermore, this research report categorizes the market by companies, region, type and end-use industry.Get Sample Copy of this Report@ -Global Parallel System market 2019 research provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Global Parallel System market analysis is provided for the international markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status. Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures are also analysed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.Parallel System Market research report spread across 97 pages with top key manufacturers and list of tables and figures.Inquire more or share questions if any before the purchase on this report @ -Global Parallel System market competition by TOP MANUFACTURERS, with production, price, revenue (value) and each manufacturer including Parallel-Systems(UK) ACM Instruments(USA) Cleaver Scientific(UK) IBM(USA) Cummins(USA) ...This report studies the top producers and consumers, focuses on product capacity, production, value, consumption, market share and growth opportunity in these key regions, covering North America Europe China Japan Southeast Asia IndiaGlobal Parallel System Market providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. The Global Parallel System market development trends and marketing channels are analysed. Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed and overall research conclusions offered.With tables and figures helping analyse worldwide Global Parallel System market, this research provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Order a copy of Global Parallel System Market Report 2019 @ -Market segment by Type, the product can be split into Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) Systems Massively Parallel Processing (MPP) SystemsMarket segment by Application, split into Standard Package Process Data Robust ControlThe study objectives of this report are: To analyse global Parallel System status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players. To present the Parallel System development in United States, Europe and China. To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyse their development plan and strategies. To define, describe and forecast the market by product type, market and key regions.There are 14 Chapters to deeply display the global Parallel System marketChapter 1: To describe Parallel System Market Overview, Introduction, product scope, market opportunities, Application.Chapter 2: To analyse the Top Manufacturers of Parallel System, with sales, capacity, production, revenue, and price of Parallel System, in 2014 and 2019.Chapter 3: Parallel System, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers with capacity, production, share by region, sales, revenue, gross margin and market share in 2014 and 2019.Chapter 4: To show the global market by regions, supply, consumption, with sales, export-import, revenue and market share of Parallel System, for each region, from 2014 Parallel System to 2019.Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 To analyse the market by countries, by type, by application and by manufacturers, with sales, analysis by application, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions.Chapter 10 and 11 To show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, strategy analysis and factor analysis from 2014 Parallel System to 2019.Chapter 12 Parallel System market forecast, by regions, type, with sales and revenue, growth rate, price Forecast from 2019 to 2025 Parallel System.Chapter 13: Connected Parallel System.Chapter 14: To describe Parallel System sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.About Us:Research Reports World is the credible source for gaining the market reports that will provide you with the lead your business needs. At Research Reports World, our objective is providing a platform for many top-notch market research firms worldwide to publish their research reports, as well as helping the decision makers in finding most suitable market research solutions under one roof. Our aim is to provide the best solution that matches the exact customer requirements. This drives us to provide you with custom or syndicated research reports.Contact Us:Name: Mr. Ajay MoreEmail: sales@researchreportsworld.comOrganization: Research Reports WorldPhone: +1 408 520 9750/+44 203 239 8187
Healthcare Reimbursement Market Outlook to 2027 - Max Bupa, Allianz Groups, Religare Health Insurance, Medica, Aetna, Unitedhealth Group, Boston Healthcare Associates,

Healthcare Reimbursement Market to 2027 - Global Analysis and Forecasts

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The Healthcare Reimbursement Market report analyzes factors affecting healthcare reimbursement market from both demand and supply side and further evaluates market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend. The report also provides exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions namely; North America, Europe, APAC, MEA and South & Central America after evaluating political, economic, social and technological factors effecting the healthcare reimbursement market in these regions.The "Global Healthcare Reimbursement Market Analysis to 2027" is a specialized and in-depth study of the healthcare IT industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global healthcare reimbursement market with detailed market segmentation by claim, service provider, payer and geography.Get Sample PDF Copy @Profiles of key healthcare reimbursement market companies- Aetna Inc.- Religare Health Insurance- WellCare Health Plans, Inc.- Agile Health Insurance- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina- Allianz Groups- Unitedhealth Group- Boston Healthcare Associates, Inc.- Medica- Max Bupa Health Insurance Company LimitedAn exclusive Healthcare Reimbursement market research report created through broad primary research (inputs from industry experts, companies and stakeholders) and secondary research, the report aims to present the analysis of Global Healthcare Reimbursement market with Segments. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment evaluation. Besides, the report also identifies and analyses the emerging trends along with major drivers, challenges and opportunities in the global Healthcare Reimbursement market. Additionally, the report also highlights market entry strategies for various companies across the globe.Key Benefits:- This study provides the analytical depiction of the global Healthcare Reimbursement market along with the trends and future estimations to depict the imminent investment pockets.- The overall Immersive Healthcare Reimbursement market potential is determined to understand the profitable trends to gain stronger coverage in the market.- The report presents information regarding key drivers, restraints, and opportunities along with detailed impact analyses.- Quantitative analysis of the Healthcare Reimbursement market for the period of 2018 - 2027 is provided to determine its financial competency.- Porters five forces analysis of the global Healthcare Reimbursement industry illustrates the potency of Buyers and suppliers in the Healthcare Reimbursement industryHealthcare reimbursement is the payment received by the hospitals, doctors and diagnostic facilities or the other healthcare providers when they provide medical services. The payment is generally provided by the public or government payers or the private health insurance companies. Reimbursement for the healthcare is long procedure which consist of various steps and the providers are paid after the services.The report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global healthcare reimbursement market based on claim, service provider and payer. It also provides market size and forecast till 2027 for overall market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South & Central America. The healthcare reimbursement market by each region is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report covers analysis and forecast of 18 countries globally along with current trend and opportunities prevailing in the region.The global healthcare reimbursement market is segmented on the basis of claim and service provider and payer. Based claim, the market is segmented as underpaid and fully-paid. The market on the basis of the service provider is classified as hospitals, diagnostic laboratories and others. On the basis of the payer the market is segmented as public payers and private payers.Also, key Healthcare Reimbursement market players influencing the market are profiled in the study along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. The report also focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products and services offered, financial information of last 3 years, key development in past five years.Buy Now @Reason to Buy- Save and reduce time carrying out entry-level research by identifying the growth, size, leading players and segments in the global Healthcare Reimbursement Market.- Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies.- The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in Healthcare Reimbursement Market, thereby allowing players to develop effective long term strategies.- Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets.- Scrutinize in-depth global market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the market, as well as those hindering it.- Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to produ cts, segmentation and industry verticalsAbout UsThe Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. 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Refurbished Computer and laptop Market 2025 | Dell Corporation, ASUSTeK Computer Inc., HP Development Company, L.P., Apple Inc., Overcart, Reboot, Lenovo Group Limited, Amazon.com, Inc., Acer Inc

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Market Overview:Refurbished computer and laptopis a computer/laptop that has been returned to the retailer or manufacturer for a refund by a customer or it can be a computer that has just come off a lease. Also, a refurbished computer can have a slight defect or simply not met a customer's expectations.Global Refurbished computer and laptopMarket was valued USD XX million in in 2018, the market is expected to grow with the CAGR of XX % in the forecasted period and to reach USD XX million by 2025.Market Dynamics:Increase in e-waste dumping and growing demand for affordable laptop and P.C are coupled together to spur the demand for refurbished computer and laptops market during the forecast period.In addition, the company owned refurbished laptops and computers are backed by warranty, which are attracting consumers to use the low-cost product without compromising on standard working quality. This is anticipated to be a crucial factor piloting the growth of the refurbished laptops and computers market globally.However, less consumer awareness about refurbished goods and limited supply chain of the required products are the major factor restraining the growth of the Refurbished Computer and Laptops market in the forthcoming year.Request For Report Sample:Key Players:The Refurbished computer and laptopmarket consists global and regional players includingDell Corporation, ASUSTeK Computer Inc., HP Development Company, L.P., Apple Inc., Overcart, Reboot, Lenovo Group Limited, Amazon.com, Inc., Acer Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.and other.Market Segmentation:The Refurbished computer and laptopmarket is bifurcated on the basis of type, end user, and region. On the basis of end user, the Refurbished computer and laptop machinemarket is classified into corporate offices, schools and colleges, government offices and low funded organisation. Further, based on type the market is fragmented into Company and Consumer Owned Refurbished Computer and LaptopsRefurbished computer and laptopmarket by region segmented into North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa.Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the refurbished computer and laptops market in the fastest period, due to increase in the number of new start-up company and spurring demand for used and refurbished products such as Laptops and P.C by low funded start-up companies.Market segmented on the basis of end user:- Corporate Offices- Schools and Colleges- Government Offices- Low Funded OrganizationMarket segmented on the basis of type:- Company Owned Refurbished Computer and Laptops- Consumer Owned Refurbished Computer and LaptopsRequest For Report TOC:Market segmented on the basis of region:- North America US Canada Mexico- Europe UK Germany France Rest of Europe- Asia-Pacific China Japan India Australia Rest of Asia-Pacific- Latin America Brazil Rest of Latin America- Middle East and Africa (MEA) South Africa Saudi Arabia Rest of MEAReport Analysis:Research Report Insights (RRI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver a host of services including custom research reports, syndicated research reports, and consulting services which are personalized in nature. RRI delivers a complete packaged solution to clients; this combines current market intelligence, technology inputs, statistical anecdotes, valuable growth insights, 360-degree view of the competitive framework, and anticipated market trendsResearch Report Insights (RRI42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website:Email: sales@researchreportinsights.com
Analog To Digital Converter Market Is Among Typical Semiconductor Industry, It Is Expected To Have a Steady Growth For The Forecast Period 2017-2027

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MarketResearchReports.Biz is providing you Retail Market Research report of "Analog To Digital Converter Market: Global Industry Analysis 2012-2016 and Opportunity Assessment 2017-2027 ".Analog to digital converters (ADC) is an electric component that translates analog signals, physical world signals such as pressure, temperature, current, voltage, distance or light intensity into a digital representation of that signal which can be stored, manipulated, computed, and processed. Analog to digital converters are used to convert signals from analog to digital signals so that the signals can be read by the digital devices.As the global analog to digital converter market is among typical semiconductor market, it is expected to have a steady growth for the forecast period. Next generation communication systems and various other advanced consumer electronics are expected to influence the growth in deployment of analog to digital converter devices influencing a steady rise in the revenue of the global analog to digital converter market.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Global Analog to Digital Converter Market: Drivers and ChallengesWith increasing government initiative to digitize working processes and encouraging smart living, and increasing disposable income of the population in growing economic countries is rising the adoption of consumer electronics among the people. Innovation in technology is also making use of analog to digital converters in various devices including consumer electronics and automotive equipment. Hence, these factors have a positive impact on adoption and penetration of analog to digital converters driving the revenue growth of global analog to digital converter market.However, few challenges faced by the analog to digital converter devices manufacturers while designing an analog to digital converter device are pressure for product differentiation, continuously improving efficiency of the product or having better performance goals, fast time-to-market and others.Global Analog to Digital Converter Market: SegmentationGlobal analog to digital converter market can be segmented into product type, resolution, application and regions.On the basis of product type, global analog to digital converter market can be segmented into pipelined ADC, display ADC, dual slope ADC, delta-sigma ADC, and others.On the basis of resolution, global analog to digital converter market can be segmented into 8-bit, 10-bit, 12-bit, 14-bit, 16-bit and others.On the basis of application, global analog to digital converter market can be segmented into consumer electronics, IT and telecommunication, automotive and industrial.Global Analog to Digital Converter Market: Regional OutlookOn the basis of regions, global Analog to Digital Converter Market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East and Africa.North America accounts for largest market share in the global analog to digital converter market owing to the advanced technology and easy adoption in the countries such as the U.S. The expansion in the industrial and automotive sectors are offering lucrative growth opportunities for Western Europe analog to digital converter market. Asia Pacific excluding Japan is expected to have maximum potential for the revenue growth of global analog to digital converter market during the forecast period. Latin America, Middle East and Africa, Eastern Europe are among the regions which are expected to witness positive growth during the forecast period.Global Analog to Digital Converter Market: Competition LandscapeSome of the key players for analog to digital converter market are Texas Instruments Incorporated, Analog Devices, Inc., Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation, Microchip Technology Inc., Intersil Americas LLC, Sony Corporation, National Instruments, Maxim Integrated, Diligent Inc., and Adafruit Industries.Request For TOC @The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Analog to Digital Converter Market SegmentsAnalog to Digital Converter Market DynamicsAnalog to Digital Converter Market Size, 2014 - 2016Analog to Digital Converter Market Size & Forecast 2017 to 2027Value ChainAnalog to Digital Converter Market Current Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedAnalog to Digital Converter Market Drivers and RestraintsRegional analysis for Analog to Digital Converter Market includes development of these systems in the following regions:North AmericaUSCanadaLatin AmericaBrazilArgentinaMexicoRest of Latin AmericaWestern EuropeU.K.FranceGermanyItalyFranceSpainNordic CountriesBeneluxRest of Western EuropeEastern EuropePolandRussiaRest of Eastern EuropeAsia Pacific Excluding JapanAustralia and New ZealandGreater ChinaIndiaASEANRest of Asia Pacific excluding JapanJapanMiddle East and AfricaGCC CountriesSouth AfricaNorth AfricaRest of Middle East and AfricaMRR.BIZ has been compiled in-depth market research data in the report after exhaustive primary and secondary research. Our team of able, experienced in-house analysts has collated the information through personal interviews and study of industry databases, journals, and reputable paid sources.The report provides the following information:Tailwinds and headwinds molding the markets trajectoryMarket segments based on products, technology, and applicationsProspects of each segmentOverall current and possible future size of the marketGrowth pace of the marketCompetitive landscape and key players strategiesThe main aim of the report is to:Enable key stakeholders in the market bet right on itUnderstand the opportunities and pitfalls awaiting themAssess the overall growth scope in the near termStrategize effectively with respect to production and distributionMRR.BIZ is a leading provider of strategic market research. Our vast repository consists research reports, data books, company profiles, and regional market data sheets. We regularly update the data and analysis of a wide-ranging products and services around the world. As readers, you will have access to the latest information on almost 300 industries and their sub-segments. Both large Fortune 500 companies and SMEs have found those useful. This is because we customize our offerings keeping in mind the specific requirements of our clients.Pre Book Report @About UsMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact UsMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Pretreatment Coatings Market Trends - Industry Share, Size Report 2024 | Key Players are Henkel, PPG Industries, Chemetall, AkzoNobel, 3M, Sherwin-Williams, Jotun, Hempel A/S, BASF, Kansai Paint Co.,Ltd

Pretreatment Coatings Market

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Pretreatment Coatings Market size worth USD 9 billion in 2015, is expected to register a CAGR of 5.5% over the period of 2016-2024. The rise in global automotive sale and infrastructure spending will propel the growth of pretreatment coatings market over the coming years. Increasing automotive production, particularly in China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan is generating heavy growth prospects for the worldwide pretreatment coatings industry. Automobiles comprise majorly of the steel body parts, which needs to be treated before installation. This in turn makes pretreatment coating a mandatory process, as insufficient coating on metal surface may result in oxidation or rust over time. Moreover, escalating growth of aerospace and paints & coatings industry will boost the pretreatment coatings industry trends across the globe.Request for a sample of this research report @The pretreatment coatings market, primarily driven by its favorable properties such as increased corrosion resistance, enhanced finished coating performance, and improved bonding will witness a highly profitable roadmap over the coming timeframe. Major pretreatment coatings product comprises Pre-paints conversion coatings, Anti-corrosion coatings, Cleaners, Final Seals, and Metalworking Fluids.Global Anti-corrosive Coatings Market size was valued at over USD 3 billion in 2015 and is projected to observe rapid surge over the coming timeframe. These coatings obstruct the contact between metal surface and the chemical compounds, thereby, increasing the coat shelf life. Moreover, anti-corrosion coatings protect metal surfaces from oxidation, moisture, and direct exposure to environmental chemicals.Pre-paints conversion coatings are classified as iron and zinc phosphating. Amongst the two, iron phosphate is anticipated to generate revenue of over USD 2.2 billion by 2024, driven by its low price and unit chemical cost. Its superior properties of providing higher corrosion resistance along with effortless coating work in comparison to zinc phosphate will drive the iron phosphate conversion coatings industry growth over the coming years.Metalworking Fluids Market is anticipated to witness an annual growth rate of 3% over the coming seven years. The growth can be attributed to its extensive use as coolants in metal forming, metal treating, metal removal and metal protecting processes.Company profiled in this report based on Business overview, Financial data, Product landscape, Strategic outlook & SWOT analysis:1. Henkel2. PPG Industries3. Chemetall4. Nihon Parkerizing India Pvt Ltd.5. AkzoNobel6. 3M7. Nippon Paint (Pakistan) (Pvt) Ltd8. Axalta Coating Systems9. Sherwin-Williams10. Kansai Paint Co.,Ltd11. AT Abrasives, LLC12. AB SHOT TECNICS, S.L13. BARTON International14. Blastech15. Crystal Mark, Inc.16. CYM Materiales SA17. GMA Garnet Group18. Avudai surface treatments pvt ltd19. Troy Chemical Industries20. Jotun21. Hempel A/S22. BASF23. Altech Anodizing Ltd24. Chugoku Marine Paints, Ltd25. Tnemec Company, Inc.26. AnCatt27. Plasma Coating Products28. NEI CorporationMake an inquiry for purchasing this report @Expanding aerospace industry is estimated to significantly influence global the pretreatment coatings market shareEnd-use industries such as aerospace, automotive, packaging, etc. are significantly participating in the pretreatment coatings business share. Increasing aircraft production, rising air travels, and prominent use of aluminum, titanium, and steel metals in manufacturing of airplanes are estimated to drive pretreatment coatings market size in the aerospace industry. APAC, with expanding aircraft industry, will contribute noticeably towards the global revenue. China is likely to be the major revenue for APAC, with its pretreatment coatings market to register an annual growth rate of 5.5% over the period of 2016-2024.The expanding automotive industry will build huge growth avenues for pretreatment coatings market, driven by the shifting consumer focus towards improved vehicle appearance, protection against UV radiation, and enhanced durability. Pretreatment coating industry share in the automotive sector was worth over USD 2.8 billion in 2015 and is estimated to register a CAGR of 4.5% over the period of 2016-2024.Germany, being the leading automobile manufacturing country in Europe is expected to generate demand of over 600 kilotons by 2024. The increase in production of vehicles across the UK, France, Italy, and Germany will contribute heavily towards Europe pretreatment coatings industry growth.Global Pretreatment Coatings Market By Applicationo Metalo Aluminumo Zn-Al Alloys & Die Castingso OthersBrowse key industry insights spread across 365 pages with 405 market data tables & 19 figures & charts from the report, Pretreatment Coatings Market in detail along with the table of contents:Highest consumption from metal applications is expected to drive pretreatment coatings marketMetal applications market share worth over USD 6.5 billion in 2015, is forecast to attain promising gains over the coming timeframe, owing to the capability of metal to strengthen the vehicle structure. In terms of revenue generation, aluminum applications will witness highest gains at over 4.5% over the period of 2016-2024. The varied use of aluminum in food packaging, architectural and transport industry will drive the application demand.The industry is quite consolidated with top four participants having accounted for over 50% of the overall pretreatment coatings market share in 2015. Key market players include Henkel, Chemetall, PPG industries, Nippon Paints, Barton International Inc., Akzo Nobel, 3M Company, Kansai Paint, Axalta Coating Systems, etc.About Global Market InsightsGlobal Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:
Danisco Foods B.V., Megazyme Profiled in Brewing Enzymes Market | Top Players  Novozymes, DSM, AB Enzymes, Dyadic International, Inc., Aumgene Biosciences Pvt Ltd, Specialty Enzymes & Probiotics

Brewing Enzymes Market

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Surging demand for beer, wine, whisky & other beverages among the young population owing to the rising disposable income and changing consumer lifestyle will propel the brewing enzymes market size. Shifting consumer buying behavior, creation & rejuvenation of urban centers, and proliferation of the lifestyle centers will be a key impetus for the industry landscape. Economic regimes such as lowered tax rates & incentives, coupled with various government subsidies will promote new companies to invest significantly in brewing R&D and innovations.Request Sample Copy of this Report @Company Profiles1. Novozymes2. DSM3. AB Enzymes4. Amano5. Danisco Foods B.V.6. DENYKEM LIMITED7. Lyven8. Dyadic International, Inc.9. Z.A. Biotech10. Megazyme11. Jiangsu Boli Bioproducts Co., Ltd.12. Hobio Bioengineering13. Specialty Enzymes14. Customized Brewing Solutions15. Aumgene Biosciences Pvt LtdThe consumption of beer has almost always outweighed the consumption of any other kind of alcohol by a wide margin, a factor that has been positively reflected on the brewing enzymes market as demand for brewing enzymes has not only increased with the increase of beer consumption but has also evolved as the need for faster demand production has soared. The United States, UK, and Germany had led the world in terms of beer consumption till 1960 and accounted for nearly half of worldwide beer consumption by volume. Consequently, brewing enzymes market has registered commendable profitability in North America and is expected to grow at a substantial growth rate over 2018-2024.Browse key industry insights spread across 250 pages with 198 market data tables & 10 figures & charts from the report, Brewing Enzymes Market Size By Product (Amylases, Proteases, -glucanases, Xylanases), By Function (Amylases [Decotion vessel/ cereal cooker, Mashing, Fermentation], Proteases [Conditioning Tank], -glucanases [Decotion vessel/ cereal cooker, Mashing, Fermentation], Xylanases [Mashing]), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Poland, Netherlands, Ukraine, Belgium, Czech Republic, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt), Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018  2024 in detail along with the table of contents:-glucanases segment in the brewing enzymes market will witness CAGR at over 7% in the forecast period 2018 to 2024. Positive application outlook of -glucanases in the beer production processes owing to its ability of viscosity reduction will foster product penetration. These chemicals help in the breakdown of beta-glucans that are present in the barley endosperm cell wall. High quantity of beta-glucans in the brewing process may cause problems during beer filtration process, thus propelling the demand for -glucanases across various breweries.Asia Pacific brewing enzymes market was valued at over USD 80 million in 2017. Increasing demand for innovative & improved beer variants among developing economies such as China, Japan, and India will fuel the high-quality product demand among several brewers in the forecast period. Also, shifting consumer preferences towards low-cost beer variants coupled with rising popularity of malt & wheat beer variants will further support the product penetration across the region.Europe brewing enzyme market is projected to surpass over USD 110 million in the forecast period 2018 to 2024. Rising number of craft breweries owing to exponentially growing demand for craft beer in the region will fuel the brewing enzymes market growth. As per Brewers of Europe Association, the number of active breweries in EU-28 were 8,490 in 2016 as compared to 4,035 in 2010, growing at over 13% CAGR from 2010 to 2016. The major industry players across the region include Koninklijke DSM N.V., Novozymes A/S, AB Enzymes, and Danisco.Global brewing enzymes market share has competitive nature owing to the limited players capturing major industry share. Key manufacturers include Royal DSM, Novozymes, Danisco, Lyven, Megazyme, Habio Bioengineering, Jiangsu Boli Bioproducts, Advanced Enzymes, and Enzyme Innovation. The manufacturers are involved in new product launches, production capacity expansions and mergers & acquisitions to gain competitive advantage. For instance, in January 2017, Danisco launched a new product Danisco Alphalase Advance 4000 which provided a robust solution for brewers in eliminating or reducing diacetyl content while beer fermentation.Inquiry before buying @ContinueAbout Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Explore Our Blog @Connect with us: Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter
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Bankruptcy Attorney Michelle Labayen Expands to New York City Area

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NEW YORK, NY  February 3, 2019  Bankruptcy lawyer Michelle Labayen is expanding her practice to the New York City area, allowing more people to seek help on their path to financial freedom.The New York City bankruptcy attorney has practiced consumer law and bankruptcy law for 15 years. She believes in aggressively pursuing debtors rights including those provided by the Fair Debt Collection Practice and Fair Credit Reporting Act.Car accidents, injuries, illnesses, job loss and ore can drain savings and lead to increased expenses. Bills may pile up, forcing people to find a way to reach financial stability. Labayen works with clients to assess their financial situation and understand what filing bankruptcy means. If they plan to proceed, the Law Office of Michelle Labayen can help file with the bankruptcy court and complete the process to help clients discharge their debts.Her 15 years dedicated to debt relief gives her insight into the process of filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Her firm pays close attention to details while communicating with clients and providing honest advice.Attorneys such as Michelle Labayen are few and far between, said Angelo Vargas, one of her clients. Not only was she able and knowledgeable of the legal aspects of our case, her empathy made us feel that we were talking to a friend.Labayen is especially passionate about advocating on the behalf of student loan recipients in need of financial help. Student loans can only be discharged in certain circumstances and attempting to do so takes the help of an experienced bankruptcy lawyer. She can help clients navigate through the process required to provide evidence of undue hardship, which requires extensive evidence to prove.Potential clients can seek a free consultation by filling out an online firm or calling the law office. Labayens blog on her website provides valuable information on filing for bankruptcy including how to pay related expenses and what steps to take.The Law Office of Michelle Labayen also remains active in supporting social and political concerns, providing pro bono assistance through New Jersey Law Volunteers and Wounded Warriors.For more information on the New York bankruptcy attorneys services, visit the law firms website ator call 212-381-6083.Michelle Labayen is a NYC Bankruptcy Lawyer committed to meeting the needs of each and every client. For more information, contact her today. The path to financial freedom begins with a single step.CONTACT: Michelle LabayenLaw Offices of Michelle Labayen P.C.600 3rd Ave. 2nd FloorNew York, NY 10016212.381.6083 | info@bankruptcyhelpnyc.com
Motorized Positioners For Robots Market Complete survey 2018-2026 Featuring Top Players: Koike, SPINEA, Optosigma, Standa, LinTech, KUKA Roboter, Zaber Tech, Elliot Scientific

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The Motorized Positioners For Robots study sheds light on industry profiles across several countries and regions. The extensive document is a rich source of information on market size, share and growth rate. The industry profiles discussed in the Motorized Positioners For Robots report further identifies market segmentation, profit, and competitive landscape and offers forecast information on industry performance and trends for the period, 2018 to 2026. The detailed report offers comprehensive analyses about a particular market situation within a geographic region.The major players covered in this Motorized Positioners For Robots report areKoike, SPINEA, Optosigma, H2W Technologies, SINCOSALD, Hyundai Heavy Industries-Robotics ,System, Standa, LinTech, ETS Lindgren, Teknodrom International AB, SmarAct, Kinematics Manufacturing, CSi industries B.V., KUKA Roboter, Zaber Technologies, Elliot ScientificRequest for free sample copy of Motorized Positioners For Robots report in PDF format to understand the structure of complete report@Estimating the potential size of the Motorized Positioners For Robots industryIndustry experts conducting the study further estimate the potential of the Motorized Positioners For Robots industry. Such information is important for firms looking to launch an innovative service or product on the market. Industry experts have measured the total volume of the given market. Researchers have calculated the industry in terms of sales by the competitors and end-user  customers. Data on the entire size of the Motorized Positioners For Robots market for a particular product or a service for the forecast period, 2018 to 2025 covered in the report makes it valuable. This information reveals the upper limit of the Motorized Positioners For Robots industry for a specific product or service.Exploring Motorized Positioners For Robots growth rate over a periodBusiness owners looking to scale up their business can refer this report that contains data regarding the rise in sales within a given consumer base for the forecast period, 2018 to 2025. Product owners can use this information along with the driving factors such as demographics and revenue generated from other products discussed in the report to get a better analysis of their products and services. Besides, the research analysts have compared the market growth rate with the product sales to enable business owners to determine the success or failure of a specific product or service.Grow with the Motorized Positioners For Robots trendThe Motorized Positioners For Robots helps product owners learn how certain trends will shape the growth of the Motorized Positioners For Robots industry over a long term. The study closely looks at the historical price pattern of various products and services and empowers entrepreneurs to form the right opinion about the future trends. Accordingly, business owners will be able to decide their course of action and make a wise decision.Motorized Positioners For Robots Market split by Type, can be divided into: 2-axis 1-axis Multi-axis OthersMotorized Positioners For Robots Market split by Application, can be divided into: Industrial Research Aerospace OthersMotorized Positioners For Robots Market split by Sales Channel, can be divided into: Direct Channel Distribution ChannelGeographically, this report studies the key regions, focuses on product sales, value, market share and growth opportunity in these regions, covering: United States Europe China Japan Southeast Asia IndiaWe can also provide the customized separate regional or country-level reports, for the following regions:North America, United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia-Pacific, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Europe, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, Rest of Europe, Central & South America, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Middle East & Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Rest of Middle East & AfricaIn this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Motorized Positioners For Robots are as follows:History Year: 2013-2017Base Year: 2017Estimated Year: 2018Forecast Year 2018 to 2026Purchase full report through this link and get 15% free customization on the Motorized Positioners For Robots report@The Motorized Positioners For Robots further aims at providing insight into: The major industry terms and forecasts the Motorized Positioners For Robots, in terms of growth rate, value as well as segmentation on the basis of technology advancements, application share, and geography. The market size across major regions including North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, as well as Rest of the World. The micro markets with regards to company growth, prospects, as well as a contribution to the Motorized Positioners For Robots industry. Data regarding the major drivers, restraining factors, challenges and opportunities affecting the growth rate of the industry. Information about growing investment pockets and competitive landscape for prominent players in the industry. The value chain pertaining to the Motorized Positioners For Robots market. The report provides answers to the questions below: `What will be the status of competitive development including expansion, product and service launches and other developments? How much funds are major companies rolling out for their research and development activities in the Motorized Positioners For Robots space? Based on the end user, which category of the Motorized Positioners For Robots is projected to grow rapidly at the highest CAGR from 2018 to 2026? Among product and service types, which segment will lead the Motorized Positioners For Robots industry during the forecast period? Which region is expected to make more sales from 2018 to 2026?To conclude the status of import and export, supply chain management, distribution channels, production volume, production capacity, product price, profit, sale and others elements are covered in the report.Key points from table of content:Chapter 1 Motorized Positioners For Robots Market Overview1.1 Motorized Positioners For Robots Definition1.2 Global Motorized Positioners For Robots Market Size Status and Outlook (2013-2026)1.3 Global Motorized Positioners For Robots Market Size Comparison by Region (2013-2026)1.4 Global Motorized Positioners For Robots Market Size Comparison by Type (2013-2026)1.5 Global Motorized Positioners For Robots Market Size Comparison by Application (2013-2026)1.6 Global Motorized Positioners For Robots Market Size Comparison by Sales Channel (2013-2026)1.7 Motorized Positioners For Robots Market Dynamics1.7.1 Market Drivers/Opportunities1.7.2 Market Challenges/Risks1.7.3 Market News (Mergers/Acquisitions/ Expansion)Chapter 2 Motorized Positioners For Robots Market Segment Analysis by Player2.1 Global Motorized Positioners For Robots Sales and Market Share by Player (2016-2026)2.2 Global Motorized Positioners For Robots Revenue and Market Share by Player (2016-2026)2.3 Global Motorized Positioners For Robots Average Price by Player (2016-2026)2.4 Players Competition Situation & Trends2.5 Conclusion of Segment by PlayerContinued.Browse complete Motorized Positioners For Robots report description@Planning to invest in market intelligence products or offerings on the web? Then marketexpertz has just the thing for you - reports from over 500 prominent publishers and updates on our collection daily to empower companies and individuals catch-up with the vital insights on industries operating across different geography, trends, share, size and growth rate. There's more to what we offer to our customers. With marketexpertz you have the choice to tap into the specialized services without any additional charges.John WatsonHead of Business Development40 Wall St. 28th floor New York CityNY 10005 United StatesMarket Expertz | Web:Direct Line: +1-800-819-3052E-mail: sales@marketexpertz.comNews:
Students attended the Health Professions School Fair and had the chance to meet with representatives from approximately 50 schools and learn about different programs like nursing, medical, dental, pharmacy, physical therapy, public health and more. The fair took place on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the SUB Ballroom.
Bangladesh steps up security along border with Myanmar to prevent influx of Rohingyas

Not possible to order release, deport Rohingyas detained in Jammu without following law: SC

'No comments' from Angelina Jolie after visit to Rohingya camps in Bangladesh

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oi-Chennabasaveshwar P

Dhaka, Feb 5: Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, the Special Envoy for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is on a 3-day visit to Cox Bazaar to assess the humanitarian needs of the Rohingya refugees and critical challenges facing Bangladesh as a host country.

Angelina Jolie's visit comes ahead of a new appeal for the humanitarian situation in Bangladesh - the 2019 Joint Response Plan - to raise $920 million to meet the basic needs of Rohingya refugees and the communities so generously hosting them.

International Conference on Rohingya Muslims:

The Free Rohingya Coalition (FRC), a leading global activist group led by and for the Rohingya people, is set to host a two-day international conference at Barnard College in New York City from February 8-9.

At the international conference, the FRC will call for accountability and protection for national minorities in Burma (Myanmar), said a press release from the activist group posted on its website on February 1. The two-day webcast LIVE event will be held at Barnard College.

"On September 18, 2018, the United Nations International Independent Fact-Finding Mission released a 440-page report at the Human Rights Council in Geneva that found 'overwhelming evidence' that Myanmar, now run jointly by disgraced human rights icon Aung San Suu Kyi and the country's military, is committing the gravest crimes in international law," the press release said.

Angelina Jolie's first visit to Bangladesh This is Special Envoy Angelina Jolie's first visit to Bangladesh. Jolie has also met with displaced Rohingya people during a prior visit to Myanmar in July 2015 and in India in 2006. The 43-year-old made no immediate public comment, but Cox's Bazar district deputy police chief Ikbal Hossain told AFP that Jolie will be visiting more camps on Tuesday. Aerial view of Rohingya camp Kutapalong Bangladesh has been heavily affected by the influx of more than 730,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar since August 2017. The majority of refugees - more than 620,000 people - live in Kutapalong, the largest refugee settlement anywhere in the world today. Image Courtesy: @Refugees Rohingyas detained in Tripura Seven Rohingya children detained by the security forces from a railway station in northern Tripura adjoining Assam, at Dharmanagar, Sunday, Feb. 03, 2019. (PTI Photo) Unchiprang refugee camp Rohingya refugees shout slogans against repatriation at Unchiprang refugee camp near Cox's Bazar, in Bangladesh, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. About 1,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees demonstrated Thursday at a camp in Bangladesh against plans to repatriate them to Myanmar, from where hundreds of thousands fled army-led violence last year. AP/PTI
Name, patronage of PM Modi enough to win UP polls says aide

Yeddyurappa to be CM by March 5: 2 astrologers ready to quit profession if prediction fails

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar P

Bengaluru, Feb 5: A pair of astrologers are ready to quit their profession if their prediction with respect to Karnataka politics goes wrong.

Vidwan Ganesh Hegde and Pavan Joshi have predicted state BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa will become the chief minister within a month. Both claimed they have studied the horoscope of the BJP leader and insist Yeddyurappa will be installed as CM by March 5, according to Times of India. Also, they said if their prediction fails, they will quit personal consultations.

'Only one in BJP with some guts': Rahul Gandhi compliments Gadkari

"But his [Yeddyurappa] journey as CM will not be smooth till October," Hegde was quoted as saying by TOI. He further said that the planets do not favour chief minister HD Kumaraswamy and he will lose power no matter what 'homa' or 'havan' he performs.

Also, prediction about BJP's performance in 2019 Lok Sabha elections, both astrologers said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fame will increase significantly after March and the BJP will win more than 285 seats in the Lok Sabha elections.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 15:42 [IST]
Vijay Mallya has applied for another route to stay in the UK, says lawyer

Why is extradition of Vijay Mallya not a cakewalk for India?

India

oi-Hardeep Singh Bedi

New Delhi, Feb 5: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led Narendra Modi government was delighted on Monday after the British government cleared one more step in the direction of the extradition process of businessman Vijay Mallya, wanted in multi-crore loan recovery cases by several banks, to India.

British Home Secretary Sajid Javid formally signed the extradition order for Mallya. The order came after the Westminster magistrates court on December 10 allowed his extradition to India to face legal proceedings in the cases, which was sent to the Secretary of State for approval.

"On 3 February, the Secretary of State, having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed the order for Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. Vijay Mallya is accused in India of conspiracy to defraud, making false representations and money laundering offences," a British home office spokesperson said.

ED has no objection to restoration of Mallya's properties to banks

However, Mallya has 14 days to appeal the government order, which gives the embattled liquor baron relief at this juncture.

Though there is euphoria in Indian media and political circles, but Mallya as well as Indian authorities know very well that his extradition to India, if it happens, will not happen overnight.

He is fighting his extradition case under the British Extradition Act 2003, which provides a framework for extradition proceedings in the UK.

The Act came into effect on 1 January 2004 and transposes the Framework Decision on the European Arrest Warrant into domestic legislation and retains, with some modifications, arrangements for extradition to non-EU territories.

The Act draws a distinction between category 1 territories which are European Union Member States, and category 2 territories, which are all other territories, including India, with which the UK has extradition arrangements.

The extradition process to category 2 territories follows these steps: 1. extradition request is made to the Secretary of State; 2. Secretary of State decides whether to certify the request; 3. Judge decides whether to issue a warrant for arrest; 4. The person wanted is arrested and brought before the court; 5. Preliminary hearing; 6. Extradition hearing; 7. Secretary of State decides whether to order extradition.

With Mondays development, Mallya has gone through all above seven steps, including being arrested twice and getting bail.

One more step cleared to extradite Mallya: Jaitley

Another aspect of the Secretary of States Monday order is that it didnt come due to any extra efforts of the Indian government, but the UK Extradition Act 2003 mandates the Secretary of State to order extradition unless the surrender of a person is prohibited by certain statutory provisions in the Act.

Under the Act, extradition is prohibited by statute if: 1. the person could face the death penalty (unless the Secretary of State gets adequate written assurance that the death penalty will not be imposed or, if imposed, will not be carried out); 2. there are no speciality arrangements with the requesting country - 'speciality' requires that the person must be dealt with in the requesting state only for the offences for which they have been extradited (except in certain limited circumstances) ; 3. the person has already been extradited to the UK from a third state or transferred from the International Criminal Court and consent for onward extradition is required from that third state or that Court (unless the Secretary of State has received consent)

"If none of these prohibitions apply, the Secretary of State must order extradition. Or, if surrender is prohibited, the person must be discharged," says the UK Extradition Act.

Now that the Home Secretary has approved his extradition, Mallya's appeal against the decision of the Westminster Magistrate's Court to send the case to the Home Secretary, will also finally be heard as per the provisions of the Extradition Act 2003.

Mallya filed this appeal back in December 2018 itself after magistrate Emma Arbuthnot recommended his extradition.

Soon after Javid signed the extradition orders, Mallya tweeted: "After the decision was handed down on December 10, 2018 by the Westminster Magistrates Court, I stated my intention to appeal. I could not initiate the appeal process before a decision by the Home Secretary. Now I will initiate the appeal process."

Now, Mallya has the option to appeal against the Secretary of State's orders in the High Court under Section 108 of the Extradition Act 2003.

However, the High Court may allow or dismiss the appeal.

Section 109 of the Extradition Act defines Court's powers on appeal under section 108.

It says that the court may allow the appeal only if the conditions in subsection (3) or the conditions in subsection (4) are satisfied.

Vijay Mallya's extradition cleared by UK, has two weeks to appeal

The subsection 3 defines the conditions that : (a) the Secretary of State ought to have decided a question before him differently; (b) if he had decided the question in the way he ought to have done, he would not have ordered the person's extradition.

The subsection 4 defines the conditions that: (a) an issue is raised that was not raised when the case was being considered by the Secretary of State or information is available that was not available at that time; (b) the issue or information would have resulted in the Secretary of State deciding a question before him differently; (c) if he had decided the question in that way, he would not have ordered the person's extradition.

The appeals are only likely to be heard after several months, subject to the High Court's schedule, and could take a further few months for the hearings to be completed.

The other step of the extradition process is appeal in the Supreme Court, but there is a catch: appeals to the Supreme Court can only be made if the High Court has certified that the case involves a point of law of general public importance.

The UK Extradition Act 2003 also gives an option to the aggrieved party to appeal before the House of Lords under Section 114.

The 2003 Act says: An application to the House of Lords for leave to appeal under this section (114) must be made before the end of the permitted period, which is 14 days starting with the day on which the High Court refuses leave to appeal.

Its notable that Sections 21 and 87 of the Extradition Act 2003 deal with Human Rights and a Joint Committee of House of Lords and House of Commons on Human Rights in Fifteenth Report titled The Human Rights Implications of UK Extradition Policy has heavily emphasised on protecting the human rights of the extradited or to be extradited persons.

It recommends to the UK government that "we have heard evidence that Sections 21 and 87 of the Extradition Act 2003 do not, in practice, offer adequate human rights protection for those subject to proceedings and that the courts have set their interpretation of the threshold too high".

Therefore, it is likely that a persons case whose extradition is sought reaches before the House of Lords then the person has very high chances of getting a relief on human rights grounds.

It is notable that during the extradition proceedings, Mallyas lawyers also challenged the case on human rights grounds, questioning the conditions at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, where the businessman is to be held post-extradition, but they failed to convince the lower court.

However, it will not deter his lawyers to challenge the extradition order on the human rights grounds in the High Court or if required before the House of Lords.

In 2017, a judge at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London rejected UK-based alleged bookie Sanjeev Kumar Chawlas extradition request by saying that his human rights will be violated in Tihar Jail.

"There are strong grounds for believing that the RP (Requested Person: Chawla) would be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in the Tihar prison complex, due to the overcrowding, lack of medical provision, risk of being subjected to torture and violence either from other inmates or prison staff which is endemic in Tihar," Judge Crane noted in her judgment.

Mallya and Indian government are also aware of the fact that the UK Extradition law does not easily allows final extradition. The total number of fugitives India requested UK to extradite since 2002 is 28 but only one - Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel - has so far been extradited.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 18:23 [IST]
Summer Solstice 2021: All you need to know about the first day of summer

Weather forecast for Feb 6: Rain in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal likely

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Feb 05: Here is the weather forecast for Delhi, Jammu and Himachal Pradesh on February 6.

New Delhi

The winter season in Delhi-NCR is here to stay a while. The Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a couple of rather rainy, wintry days this week. As per their predictions, parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir are likely to witness heavy snowfall as well as hailstorm this week.

"Thunderstorm accompanied with isolated hailstorm is very likely in these states," said IMD especially mentioning February 6 and 7. The red warning for these three states also means that temperature is going to dip in Delhi-NCR.

According to the Delhi-NCR weather forecast, the wind speed over the region is likely to touch 20-25 kmph on February 6 and 7.

Jammu and Kahmir, Himachal

Western Disturbance is moving away eastwards and presently lies over East Jammu and Kashmir. However, due to its remnants and approaching of fresh Western Disturbance, spell of light rain and snow will occur over the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, according to Skymet.

Not only this, there are chances of avalanche and landslides over Baramulla, Kupwara, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Lahaul Spiti and Kinnaur. Probability of cloud burst in Uttarakhand cannot be ruled out.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 20:46 [IST]
Rule of land supreme, not your policy: Parliamentary panel on IT to Twitter

Twitter India summoned by Parliament panel over citizens' social media rights

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Feb 05: The parliamentary panel on information technology has summoned Twitter officials over the issue of safeguarding citizens' rights on social media platforms, its head Anurag Thakur said on Tuesday.

The panel has also called representatives of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to appear before it during its meeting scheduled for February 11.

Thakur, a BJP MP, tweeted the agenda of the panel's meeting to be held next week, saying the panel has called representatives of Twitter to appear before the panel on the issue.

He also sought views and suggestions from the general public on the matter. The social media giant has been summoned days after the members of Youth for Social Media Democracy, a right wing group, protested outside its office alleging that Twitter has acquired an "anti-right-wing attitude" and has been blocking their accounts.

Apparently some of the members of the right wing group have also written to Thakur.

Last year, following the Cambridge Analytica scandal, the government had issued a notice to Facebook, seeking its response over user data breach and details of the measures it had put in place to ensure the safety and prevention of misuse of personal data.

The panel had also directed the Information Technology Ministry officials to get in "written commitment" from Facebook and other social networking sites that their platforms would not be used to manipulate Indian elections.

Of late, Twitter has become an important tool for all political leaders in communicating and sharing their views on various issues with the people. The social networking platforms such as Twitter could play an important role in influencing the parliamentary election due this summer.

PTI
All shops in Pune to be shut until April 30: Essential services allowed

Will return to India from London in a few days, says Adar Poonawalla

18 dead in fire at Pune sanitiser firm, search on for missing staff

Trainee aircraft crashes in Pune, pilot injured

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar P

Pune, Feb 5: A trainee aircraft of Carver aviation (pilot training institute) crashed near Indapur, Pune, on Tuesday. The trainee pilot, who is injured, has been rushed to a hospital in Baramati.

Incident took place around 12:15 PM. It was a solo cross country flight of this four-seater, Cessna 172S single engine aircraft.

The pilot has been with the institute since three years and has around 130 hours of flying experience. The pilot, Sidharth Titus, fractured his right hand in the accident, police told PTI.
National Selfie Day 2019: Remembering the man who took the first selfie in the world in 1839

There is something special with this selfie; even celebs cant ignore it

India

oi-Shubham Ghosh

New Delhi, Feb 5: There are some simple joys in life that can never be fathomed. An innocuous photograph of five children posing for a selfie with a 'chappal' has gone viral and besides common men, even celebrities could not stop themselves from reacting to the picture which is all about oozing innocence.

The location of the photograph and also the hands that clicked it were unknown but its appeal on the Internet was too strong to be overlooked.

Senior actor Boman Irani shared the picture on Instagram said "You're only as happy as you choose to be" and hoped that it received more likes than most.

Television personality and producer Siddhartha Basu also got glued to it and sharing it, he gave the caption: "Cannot get the smile off my face, or the lump out of my throat."

Im sharing this image that came in on text cause d unbridled innocence n joy of these lovely kids moved me n made me smile in equal measure



Super image that asks questions



If anyone can reliably locate these munchkins n d photog Id love to personally send them something each pic.twitter.com/5JWBmixzSH  atul kasbekar (@atulkasbekar) February 3, 2019

This pics gone viral on the net. Cannot get the smile off my face, or the lump out of my throat pic.twitter.com/fzMO9JwCo5  Siddhartha Basu (@babubasu) February 3, 2019

Amit ji 

Nice to hear from u



Checked wt 3 post prod experts independently



- Doo Creative, Hyd

- Khurshed Poonawala

- @HappyFinishAsia



All of them said its NOT photoshopped

The hand wt the chappal looking enlarged is a matter of perspective distortion standard on smartphones  atul kasbekar (@atulkasbekar) February 4, 2019

However, celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan was of the opinion that the picture was photoshopped for he felt the right hand of the child who is holding the chappal like a mobile phone was bigger compared to the rest of his body.

Atul Kasbekar, the photographer who shared the photo, however, said that it was not photoshopped as he got it checked by experts.

Here is how some common people reacted to the picture:

Im sharing this image that came in on text cause d unbridled innocence n joy of these lovely kids moved me n made me smile in equal measure



Super image that asks questions



If anyone can reliably locate these munchkins n d photog Id love to personally send them something each pic.twitter.com/5JWBmixzSH  atul kasbekar (@atulkasbekar) February 3, 2019

When life gives you a slipper, take a selfie. https://t.co/8t0LmZak2v  Don (@GenerationDon) February 3, 2019

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 18:32 [IST]
Will return to India from London in a few days, says Adar Poonawalla

Teltumbde won't be arrested till Feb 12: Pune Police tells HC

India

pti-PTI

Mumbai, Feb 5: The Pune Police told the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it will not arrest activist Anand Teltumbde till February 12 midnight, even as the Dalit scholar termed the case a ploy to "humiliate" and "harass" him.

The statement was made by the state's counsel Aruna Pai on behalf of the Pune Police before a bench of Justice N W Sambre. The court was hearing an application filed by Teltumbde seeking anticipatory bail in the Elgar Parishad-Koregaon Bhima case.

Teltumbde is an accused in the case, which was filed following violent clashes at Koregaon-Bhima village near Pune on January 1, 2018. He was booked on several charges, including sections under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Justice Sambre on Tuesday directed Pai to give an oral undertaking as a pre-condition for securing time to file an affidavit opposing Teltumbde's plea.

The court said it would hear the plea on February 11. Teltumbde later termed the police's case against him and several other social activists as "harassment" and a ploy to "humiliate" them.

'TMC 'goons' will be hunted down if BJP comes to power,' says Yogi Adityanath in Purulia

"The police does not want to investigate the case... they just want to harass and humiliate us. I have been cooperating with the investigation since long. I don't understand why this sudden move to arrest me," he told reporters here.

Teltumbde was arrested last week after a Pune court rejected his pre-arrest bail plea. He was, however, ordered to be released a day later on Saturday (February 2) following a court order.

He approached the high court on Monday seeking anticipatory bail and said he had no role to play in the case. When the plea was heard on Tuesday by Justice Sambre, advocate Pai sought for it to be dismissed on the ground that UAPA Section 43D(4) bars granting anticipatory bail to an accused.

Pai also pointed out that earlier last year, Teltumbde, who the police claim has Maoist links, filed another plea in the high court denying all charges against him and urged the court to quash the FIR against him in the case.

However, another bench rejected the plea. "The HC bench rejected the plea after analysing all evidence against him. That, too, should be a valid ground to dismiss the anticipatory bail application," Pai said. Teltumbde's counsel Mihir Desai said the law provided for anticipatory bail even under the UAPA in "exceptional cases".

Pai asked the court to grant her time to put her arguments on an affidavit. Justice Sambre granted her time till February 9 to file the affidavit after she assured the court that Teltumbde would not be arrested till February 12, considering that the Supreme Court had granted the activist time till February 11 to exhaust all his legal remedies seeking protection from arrest. Teltumbde was arrested from the Mumbai airport last Saturday around 3 am.

His arrest was deemed illegal by a sessions court and he was released from custody. Teltumbde was booked following an Elgar Parishad event on December 31, 2017, which, the police alleged, triggered violent clashes the next day at Koregaon-Bhima village in Pune district.

According to police, the event was funded and supported by Maoists. At the event, some activists made inflammatory speeches and provocative statements that contributed to the January 1 violence, they had said.

Several activists were named in the FIR. Some of them, including Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj, P Varavara Rao and Gautam Navlakha, were initially put under house arrest on the directions of the Supreme Court.

All of them, except Navlakha, were recently re-arrested and taken into custody by police. In October last year, Pune Police registered another FIR, naming eight more activists, including Teltumbde and Stan Swamy.

PTI
Stalin asks why have civic polls in TN not been held

Tamil Nadu: AIADMK slams Stalin for barb against Vedic ceremony

India

pti-PTI

Chennai, Feb 5: The ruling AIADMK slammed DMK president M K Stalin Tuesday accusing him of trying to divide people on religious lines after a two-year-old video clip surfaced on social media purportedly showing him criticising Vedic ceremonies of weddings.

Hitting out at Stalin, without naming him, the ruling party said he has "offended Hindu rituals, and in particular Brahmins reciting Vedas," while taking part in a function held by a minority community.

In the 1.28-minute video that appeared on social media last weekend, Stalin purportedly takes potshots at "Vaidika," Hindu marriages presided over by a Brahmin priest.

The smoke from the yagna (havan) makes not only the bride and groom "cry a little," but also those around to witness the ceremony and creates a sombre ambience, he is seen saying in the video.

The temple in Madurai that serves chicken & mutton biryani as prasad during a festival

The Sanskrit 'shlokas' cannot be comprehended by anyone including the priest and its "inner meaning," is "disgustful," Stalin allegedly says in the video clip. Also, the bride and groom would not be comfortably seated on chairs and they have to sit on the floor, he says.

The video clip triggered outrage on the social media with several users attacking the leader. However, Stalin got some support also from a few quarters for speaking out the Dravidian ideology.

AIADMK's mouthpiece 'Namadhu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma', in a write up titled "Arrogant speech," alongside a caricature of Stalin, wondered why Hindu beliefs should be derided.

The ruling party said such "derision" stemmed from a "miscalculation that minority community people will vote for them and it is an attempt to divide people on religious lines."

Quoting verses of renowned Tamil poet and freedom fighter 'Namakkal Kavignar' V Ramalingam Pillai that unthoughtful barbs will only harbour hate, the AIADMK advocated vigil against it.

Hindu Munnani founder organiser Rama Gopalan demanded Stalin apologise for his comments, saying a political party should be for all people and respect every community.

"No one can interfere and say that only a particular kind of (weddings sans rituals) marriages should be performed," the Sangh parivar outfit leader said.

Rejecting claims that Stalin's speech was offensive, a DMK spokesperson told PTI that marriages sans ceremonies have all along been the cornerstone of the party's ideology.

"It is a two-year-old video clip and it has now been released seeking to gain political mileage by right wing supporters," he said and added that the video features only a portion of his speech.

PTI
Robert Vadra may appear before ED in money laundering case today

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi,Feb 06: Businessman Robert Vadra, who is the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, is expected to appear before the Enforcement Directorate today in connection with a money laundering case relating to alleged possession of illegal foreign assets, official sources said.

Vadra has been asked by a Delhi court to cooperate with the investigation by the central probe agency after he approached the court for anticipatory bail in the case.

Sources said Vadra, once he appears before the Enforcement Directorate, will be grilled about the transactions, purchase and possession of certain immovable assets in London and his statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Why is extradition of Vijay Mallya not a cakewalk for India?

A Delhi court last week granted interim bail to Robert Vadra till February 16 and asked him to join the probe by appearing in person on February 6 in this case.

The case relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property - located at 12, Bryanston Square - worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Vadra.

The agency had told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belongs to Vadra including two houses of five and four million each, six other flats and more properties.

"We just want him to come and inform about his properties," the Enforcement Directorate counsel had said in the court.

In his anticipatory bail plea, Vadra had said he was being subjected to "unwarranted, unjustified and malicious criminal prosecution which on the face of it is completely politically motivated and is being carried out for reasons other than those prescribed under law".

The Enforcement Directorate had carried out raids in this case in December last year at premises of a firm linked to Vadra in Delhi. It also grilled his associate Manoj Arora in connection with the case.

Vadra had alleged he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Arora had also alleged before the court that the case was foisted on him by the NDA government out of "political vendetta".

However, the Enforcement Directorate had refuted the allegations, asking that "should no authority investigate any political bigwig because that will be called a political vendetta?"

The agency had told the court that it filed the money laundering case against Mr Arora after his role came up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It had alleged that the London-based property was bought by Sanjay Bhandari for GBP 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately GBP 65,900 on its renovation.

"This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," the Enforcement Directorate had told the court.

Arora, an employee of Robert Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, was a key person in the case and he was aware of the latter's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, the Enforcement Directorate had alleged.

PTI

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Story first published: Wednesday, February 6, 2019, 0:50 [IST]
Had not gone to meet Nawaz Sharif: Uddhav Thackeray on personal meeting with PM Modi

Prashant Kishor meets Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena calls it courtesy meeting

India

oi-Deepika S

Mumbai, Feb 05: Eyebrows are being raised over Election strategist Prashant Kishor's meeting with Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree. While Shiv Sena maintained it was a "courtesy" meeting, Kishor's visit to Thackeray's residence gave fodder to speculations in political circles.

The meeting, which lasted for around one and half hours, led to speculations that Kishor has offered his skills and knowledge to Shiv Sena for the upcoming General Election.

Aditya Thackeray described him as "special visitor" in a tweet that showed the Thackeray duo chatting with Prashant Kishor.

"Today Uddhav Thackeray ji and I had a special visitor over lunch. Some great talks Prashant Kishore ji," tweeted Aaditya Thackeray. The meeting comes at a time when the Shiv Sena is at loggerheads with its NDA partner BJP, especially over big brother tag in the alliance.

Anna Hazare's hunger strike enters 7th day; Fadnavis, 2 Union Ministers meet him

Talking to reporters, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that Prashant is a senior leader of JD(U), which is an important ally of NDA and the meeting between him and Uddhav Thackeray was in that regard. He added that the meeting should be seen a courtesy visit and not a political visit.

In September last year, he joined the JD-U and elevated to the post of national vice-president weeks later triggering speculation that he was being thought of by Kumar as his political heir. Under Kishor's leadership, the JD-U had defeated BJP's student wing ABVP the Patna University Students Union (PUSU) election held in December last year.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 18:56 [IST]
Mumbai man plans to sue own parents because they gave him birth without his consent

India

oi-Shubham Ghosh

Mumbai, Feb 5: This world never ceases to surprise us. A man from Mumbai has decided to sue his own parents because they brought them into the world without taking his 'consent'.

The 27-year-old, named Raphael Samuel, is upset that his parents did not take his permission for giving him birth, as per reports and posts on social media site Facebook.

Samuel, a believer in anti-natalism, which assigns a negative value to birth, and is convinced that human beings are a destructive force on earth and it is wrong to reproduce more of them.

Watch the video here

If one thinks that the man has a bad relationship with his parents and hence taking such a stand, it is not true. In fact, he has a cordial relationship with them but ideologically, he is opposed to people giving birth to a child just for the sake of it.

Mumbai: Man gets 20 yrs in jail for raping minor

"I love my parents, and we have a great relationship, but they had me for their joy and their pleasure. My life has been amazing, but I don't see why I should put another life through the rigamarole of school and finding a career, especially when they didn't ask to exist," The Print quoted Raphael as saying.

Raphael has a Facebook page called 'Nihiland' where he preached about his beliefs of a child-free world.

On the face of it, Raphael certainly sounds bizarre but deep within, his analysis perhaps is another angle to see at the world of today.
Mamatas PM dream and how Rose Valley, Saradha kingpins used to their advantage

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Feb 05: The Saradha and Rose Valley scam are back in the news with an unprecedented incident in which, CBI officials were detained by the Kolkata Police. While the CBI has always been under attack since it took over the probe, this incident was a new low where the investigation of this scam is concerned.

When the CBI began its probe, it learnt that the kingpins of the Saradha and Rose Valley scams- Sudipta Sen and Gautam Kundu had both met with Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee.

Blocking in offing since long, how Mamata gave CBI hell since 2015

CBI officials say that they did not find any direct evidence of the meetings and the scam, but added that both the kingpins had used this meeting to their advantage. Both Sen and Kundu told investigators that they met with with Mamata at Kalimpong's Deolo.

When Kundu was questioned, he said that he had meeting with Mamata at Deolo as well. Investigating officers say that the meeting was a routine one. It was under our scanner, but it appears that Kundu was trying to be in the good books of the chief minister, the officer added.

There were two separate meetings in 2012 of Mamata with Sen and Kundu. According to investigators, Sen was trying to push his own agenda with the promise that he would promote Mamata as a PM candidate after he purchases news channels.

Kundu too said during his questioning he had met Mamata in the capacity of a news channel owner. He said that one member of one of his news channels insisted that he met with Mamata. "It was a courtesy call and one should not read much into it," he told the Enforcement Directorate.

Back in 2012, Mamata, according to many, was nurturing an ambition of becoming the prime minister. Several persons close to her felt that in order to push this ambition forward, they must have news channels under their control. This was made known to both Sen and Kundu who owned channels.

Investigating agencies feel that at some level Sen and Kundu knew that Mamata was aspiring ambitions of becoming the PM. These were meetings of 2012 and many in the TMC had told her that she should aim to become the PM.

Kolkata Police wanted info on our 'investigation plan', say CBI officials

A host of TMC leaders then decided that the campaign to make her the PM must kickstart immediately and it was important that they had news channels under their control in order to further her cause. People like Sen realised her ambition and decided to meet and tell her that with the news channels he would purchase they would run a Mamata for PM campaign.

While it appeared impressive to the TMC leadership, Sen and the rest also managed to remain in the top circles of the ruling party and go about their business without being detected.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 10:52 [IST]
Explained: Can Mukul Roy be disqualified as MLA for jumping from BJP to TMC

Mamata vs CBI Highlights: Mamata Banerjee ends 'Save the Constitution' dharna

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar P

Kolkata Feb 5: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday called off her dharna, which she had started on Sunday night after the CBI's attempt to arrest Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar.

Her protest came hours after officials of the Central Bureau of Investigation attempted to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with two Ponzi scams.

Today, all eyes were on the Supreme Court which will hear the CBI Vs Bengal case . On Monday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought for an urgent hearing after its officers were detained by the West Bengal police, while attempting to probe into chit fund scams.

CBI vs Bengal: Gov took into account all aspects while submitting report

The Supreme Court directed Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI after the investigative agency filed filed additional documents in the court to back up its claim that he had destroyed evidence related to the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams.

"We will direct the Police Commissioner to make himself available and fully cooperate. We will deal with contempt petition later," observed CJI.

The Police Commissioner of Kolkata Rajeev Kumar will appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Shillong, Meghalaya as a neutral place.

Appear before CBI at neutral venue, SC tells Kolkata Police Commissioner

Mamata vs CBI: Highlights

Newest First Oldest First West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata: This dharna (Save the Constitution) is victory for the Constitution and democracy, so, let us end it today. Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu meets West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee at the stage where she has been sitting on 'Save the Constitution' dharna since February 3 over CBI issue. Andhra Pradesh CM and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu arrives in Kolkata. Mamata Banerjee says, "Media is misinterpreting that Rajeev Kumar will have to face CBI. Supreme Court has upheld the previous order; it is not about facing CBI but co-operating with the CBI." Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik backs West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. CBI must do a professional, non-political job, says Patnaik. "No one from TMC has been in contact with us for at least a year. We would like the CBI to do a professional and non-political job, " says Odisha CM Naveen Pataniak "I feel that in West Bengal democracy is in peril. Someone occupying a constitutional post is violating the federal structure of the country. This certainly does not augur well for the democracy of the country," Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya was quoted by PTI. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, says, "Today we've to ask larger questions on behalf of the party. Lakhs of small investors were cheated&looted off their money. Is it not our moral obligation for an investigation? Why is Mamata ji silent on this? Why are the other political parties silent on this?" Despite the moral victory, Banerjee has said that she wont call off her dharna yet and will only take a decision after consulting opposition leaders like Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who will reach Kolkata today afternoon to offer her support. Mamata Banerjee on SC order that no coercive steps would be taken against Rajeev Kumar, "Its a moral victory. We have great respect for judiciary&all institutions. We are so grateful. We're so obliged." Nalin Kohli, senior lawyer & BJP leader, says, "CJI bench ordered that Rajeev Kumar would make himself available in the light of prayer of the application of CBI to join the investigation, make himself available & cooperate fully. The SC pointed out that no coercive steps would be taken." Mamata Banerjee's first reaction after SC order, She says, "I haven't seen it (judgement) yet. Will talk only after reading the entire judgement." The Supreme Court orders Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI in the Sarada chit fund scam case. No coercive action will be taken against Kumar, the court has said. The top court will take up the contempt of court plea of February 20. The Police Commissioner of Kolkata Rajeev Kumar will appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Shillong, Meghalaya as a neutral place. West Bengal CBI matter: Yesterday Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar had filed a petition in Kolkata HC seeking interim relief. Today court postponed the case as the matter between WB Police and CBI is sub-judice in SC. Next hearing on Thursday, 7 Feb Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will meet Mamata Banerjee today afternoon. The investigative agency has claimed that there is a nexus between the Police and the chit fund firms. SIT did not act against Sarada, Rose Valley as they had contributed to the ruling party, CBI has claimed. Affidavit also states,return of crucial evidence to main accused by the SIT, despite regular monitoring by HC, clearly show connivance of SIT to a larger conspiracy wherein local authorities obstructed probe&attempted to destroy evidence prior to transfer of the case to CBI by SC West Bengal CBI matter: CBI files an affidavit in the Supreme Court alleging there are several incriminating material/correspondence that was collected during the investigation by the CBI against the senior police officials as well as senior politicians. On Mamata Banerjee's dharna, former chief minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah, says, "I support it, Mamata Banerjee did the right thing. She'll face court later but nobody should misuse ED, IT or any agency. Narendra Modi is creating anarchy. Can anybody raid your house? They have rights to work as per law. They didn't have any order or warrant." With bad intention & by keeping election in mind, they are (Centre) misusing the power & conducted raid at Commissioner's house. Mamata Banerjee opposed it by saying this is part of political vendetta West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with DMK MP Kanimozhi (L) and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav at Banerjee's sit-in over the CBI attempt's to question the Kolkata Police Commssioner in connection with chit funds scam, in Kolkata, Monday, Feb 4, 2019. (PTI Photo) Union Minister Arun Jaitley on February 5 called West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees move to stage a dharna over the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)s attempt to quiz Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in relation to the Sarada chit fund scam case a 'disgraceful and disproportionate over-reaction'. Opposition leaders meet at Pawar's residence, discuss 'misuse' of CBI Leaders of various Opposition parties met at NCP chief Sharad Pawar's residence in Delhi yesterday and discussed their joint strategy to take on the ruling BJP on various issues, including what they say is misuse of CBI by the Centre. Sources said among those present at the meeting included Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and former J&K chief minister Farooq Abdullah. TMC leader Derek O'Brien and NCP leader Supriya Sule were also present, besides AAP leader Sanjay Singh. (PTI) Kolkata: Latest #visuals from the site of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's 'Save the Constitution' dharna near Metro Channel. The stage is currently covered with curtains. The dharna over the CBI issue began on the night of February 3. pic.twitter.com/orN4Krt6sB  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019 Latest visuals from the site of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's 'Save the Constitution' dharna near Metro Channel. The stage is currently covered with curtains. The dharna over the CBI issue began on the night of February 3. Actress and TMC's Indrani Halder meets Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at 'Save the Constitution' dharna in Kolkata. The CM has been on the dharna since the night of February 3. Chandrababu Naidu on West Bengal CM blocking BJP leaders for rallies: Nobody is blocking anybody. If you behave vulgarly, then they have to attack. Even they have gone to Andhra,they're talking as they like. Then I've to attack, I have to use the same language Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu on West Bengal CM's dharna over CBI issue: We're all together to save this country and protect democracy.There's attack on democratic institutions.A month before elections,they went to Commissioner of Police&harassed him. It's totally undemocratic Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu on West Bengal CM's dharna over CBI issue: We're all together to save this country and protect democracy.There's attack on democratic institutions.A month before elections,they went to Commissioner of Police&harassed him. It's totally undemocratic Chandrababu Naidu on West Bengal CM blocking BJP leaders for rallies: Nobody is blocking anybody. If you behave vulgarly, then they have to attack. Even they have gone to Andhra,they're talking as they like. Then I've to attack, I have to use the same language Actress and TMC's Indrani Halder meets Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at 'Save the Constitution' dharna in Kolkata. The CM has been on the dharna since the night of February 3. Kolkata: Latest #visuals from the site of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's 'Save the Constitution' dharna near Metro Channel. The stage is currently covered with curtains. The dharna over the CBI issue began on the night of February 3. pic.twitter.com/orN4Krt6sB  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019 Latest visuals from the site of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's 'Save the Constitution' dharna near Metro Channel. The stage is currently covered with curtains. The dharna over the CBI issue began on the night of February 3. Opposition leaders meet at Pawar's residence, discuss 'misuse' of CBI Leaders of various Opposition parties met at NCP chief Sharad Pawar's residence in Delhi yesterday and discussed their joint strategy to take on the ruling BJP on various issues, including what they say is misuse of CBI by the Centre. Sources said among those present at the meeting included Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and former J&K chief minister Farooq Abdullah. TMC leader Derek O'Brien and NCP leader Supriya Sule were also present, besides AAP leader Sanjay Singh. (PTI) Union Minister Arun Jaitley on February 5 called West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees move to stage a dharna over the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)s attempt to quiz Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in relation to the Sarada chit fund scam case a 'disgraceful and disproportionate over-reaction'. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with DMK MP Kanimozhi (L) and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav at Banerjee's sit-in over the CBI attempt's to question the Kolkata Police Commssioner in connection with chit funds scam, in Kolkata, Monday, Feb 4, 2019. (PTI Photo) On Mamata Banerjee's dharna, former chief minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah, says, "I support it, Mamata Banerjee did the right thing. She'll face court later but nobody should misuse ED, IT or any agency. Narendra Modi is creating anarchy. Can anybody raid your house? They have rights to work as per law. They didn't have any order or warrant." With bad intention & by keeping election in mind, they are (Centre) misusing the power & conducted raid at Commissioner's house. Mamata Banerjee opposed it by saying this is part of political vendetta West Bengal CBI matter: CBI files an affidavit in the Supreme Court alleging there are several incriminating material/correspondence that was collected during the investigation by the CBI against the senior police officials as well as senior politicians. The investigative agency has claimed that there is a nexus between the Police and the chit fund firms. SIT did not act against Sarada, Rose Valley as they had contributed to the ruling party, CBI has claimed. Affidavit also states,return of crucial evidence to main accused by the SIT, despite regular monitoring by HC, clearly show connivance of SIT to a larger conspiracy wherein local authorities obstructed probe&attempted to destroy evidence prior to transfer of the case to CBI by SC Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will meet Mamata Banerjee today afternoon. West Bengal CBI matter: Yesterday Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar had filed a petition in Kolkata HC seeking interim relief. Today court postponed the case as the matter between WB Police and CBI is sub-judice in SC. Next hearing on Thursday, 7 Feb The Supreme Court orders Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI in the Sarada chit fund scam case. No coercive action will be taken against Kumar, the court has said. The top court will take up the contempt of court plea of February 20. The Police Commissioner of Kolkata Rajeev Kumar will appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Shillong, Meghalaya as a neutral place. Mamata Banerjee's first reaction after SC order, She says, "I haven't seen it (judgement) yet. Will talk only after reading the entire judgement." Nalin Kohli, senior lawyer & BJP leader, says, "CJI bench ordered that Rajeev Kumar would make himself available in the light of prayer of the application of CBI to join the investigation, make himself available & cooperate fully. The SC pointed out that no coercive steps would be taken." Mamata Banerjee on SC order that no coercive steps would be taken against Rajeev Kumar, "Its a moral victory. We have great respect for judiciary&all institutions. We are so grateful. We're so obliged." Despite the moral victory, Banerjee has said that she wont call off her dharna yet and will only take a decision after consulting opposition leaders like Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who will reach Kolkata today afternoon to offer her support. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, says, "Today we've to ask larger questions on behalf of the party. Lakhs of small investors were cheated&looted off their money. Is it not our moral obligation for an investigation? Why is Mamata ji silent on this? Why are the other political parties silent on this?" "I feel that in West Bengal democracy is in peril. Someone occupying a constitutional post is violating the federal structure of the country. This certainly does not augur well for the democracy of the country," Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya was quoted by PTI. "No one from TMC has been in contact with us for at least a year. We would like the CBI to do a professional and non-political job, " says Odisha CM Naveen Pataniak Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik backs West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. CBI must do a professional, non-political job, says Patnaik. Mamata Banerjee says, "Media is misinterpreting that Rajeev Kumar will have to face CBI. Supreme Court has upheld the previous order; it is not about facing CBI but co-operating with the CBI." Andhra Pradesh CM and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu arrives in Kolkata. Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu meets West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee at the stage where she has been sitting on 'Save the Constitution' dharna since February 3 over CBI issue. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata: This dharna (Save the Constitution) is victory for the Constitution and democracy, so, let us end it today.

The failed attempt by the CBI to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams on Sunday became the latest flashpoint between the BJP-led Centre and Banerjee, one of its bitter critics. The CBI has accused Kumar of destroying evidence related to the two fraud cases.

A CBI team was bodily prevented from entering the residence of Kumar by Kolkata police personnel, bundled into vehicles, and detained. Contingents of West Bengal police also descended on CBI premises in the city, as a furious Banerjee rushed to Kumar's residence before beginning a dharna opposite Metro Cinema, one of Kolkata's landmarks.
Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand cancel class 12 boards, others states to take a call soon

Man held after threatening to hijack planes from MP and take them to Pakistan

MP: BJP Yuva Morcha leader fined Rs 10,000 for flouting COVID-19 norms but no case as he expresses 'remorse'

No room for vaccine hesitancy: This village in MP vaccinates all eligible residents with 1st dose of COVID-19

Madhya Pradesh: National Security Act invoked against 3 men accused of cow slaughter

India

oi-Deepika S

Khandwa, Feb 05: The National Security Act (NSA) was on Tuesday invoked against three persons accused of illegal cow slaughter in the communally sensitive Khandwa region.

"Acting on a tip that a few persons were allegedly involved in illegal act of slaughtering a cow, police raided a place at Kharkali village near here last Friday and seized a large knife and beef from the spot," Mohan Singore, the officer in charge of the Moghat police station said. However, the accused fled during the raid, he added.

They were arrested on Saturday from different areas in Khandwa, and District Collector Vishesh Garhpale decided to charge them under the National Security Act, Singore said. People charged under the law can be put in detention for up to 12 months.

Budget 2019: Govt to set up Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog for welfare of cows

Singore added that Nadeem had previously been booked under the law against cow slaughter.

Superintendent of Police Siddharth Bahuguna said the police found the cow carcass, ANI reported.

This is the first instance of people accused of cow slaughter being booked under the National Security Act under the Kamal Nath-led Congress government.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 22:33 [IST]
At all party meet with PM, J&K parties to demand for restoration of statehood

All parties under Gupkar Alliance to meet PM, will demand restoration of statehood for J&K

J&K: Pak troops violate ceasefire in Poonch's Krishna Ghati sector

India

oi-Vikas SV

Srinagar, Feb 5: The Pakistani troops on Tuesday resorted to ceasefire violation yet again along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch region. The ceasefire violation is said to have taken place around 10.30 am this morning at Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch.

The year 2018 had witnessed 2,936 ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the India-Pakistan border, the highest in the last 15 years.

MEA lodges strong protest with Pak High Commission official for ceasefire violation

On January 9, Pakistani troops indulged in ceasefire violation in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch sector which was said to be fourth in 2019. Even on January 2, Pakistan violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch sector.

On Janaury 11, Pakistan troops had resorted to firing and shelling along the LoC in forward areas of the Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir in which an army porter was killed. Army porter, Hemraj, was critically injured when Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing in Sunderbani Sector of Rajouri district. He was provided immediate resuscitation and medical aid, but he succumbed to the gunshot wounds, an Army PRO had said.

On December 21, 2018, two Army officers were killed as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district.

No respite, Pakistan continues to support terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had on January 16 had summoned Pakistan High Commission official to register a strong protest over the death of Army porter Hemraj in unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan forces on January 11 in Sunderbani Sector.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 14:12 [IST]
J&K: All party meet with Centre to focus on seat de-limitation say sources

At all party meet with PM, J&K parties to demand for restoration of statehood

All parties under Gupkar Alliance to meet PM, will demand restoration of statehood for J&K

J&K: 191 local joined terror groups in 2018

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

Jammu, Feb 05: As many as 191 local youths joined various terror outfits in Jammu & Kashmir in 2018, 65 more than 2017, a senior Army official said.

The new recruits mostly hailed from the restive south Kashmir region, he added.

CRPF camp attack: NIA arrests key conspirator

"As many as 191 Kashmiri youths joined terrorism in 2018," the official told.

In 2017, 126 locals had joined terrorist ranks, he said.

South Kashmir districts - Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag - have become a breeding ground for terrorists with many youths joining their rank and file, the officer said.

Outfits like the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashker-e- Taiba find more recruits, he said.

The official said out of the 191 recruits in 2018, 139 alone hailed from south Kashmir. The highest - 59 - was from Pulwama, he added.

J&K: JeM module busted, 3 arrested in connection with Sopore grenade attack

In 2016, the official said, 88 Kashmiri youths had joined terrorism.

Since 2016, there has been a constant rise in the number, he added. As many as 66 in 2015 and 53 in 2014. In 2010, 54 youths had joined terrorism, while in 2011 the number came down to 23. It further dipped to 21 in 2012 and 16 in 2013, the official said.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 8:17 [IST]
Is Modi destabilising Karnataka govt? Gowda doesnt think so

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

Bengaluru, Feb 05: Senior JD(S) leader H D Deve Gowda Monday said he did not think Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished to destabilise the ruling coalition in Karnataka, but sought to know whether BJP Chief Amit Shah was guiding the state unit to do so."Whether the party President (Shah) is guiding them or...I dont think the Prime Minister wants to destabilisehe has got some responsibility," Gowda told reporters here.

However, attempts were being made by the BJP's state unit under the leadership of its Chief B S Yeddyurappa, the JD(S) supremo alleged."...BJP is a national party, if the state party (unit) is moving forward, in other words it means they have the permission of the central party.

Traditional rivals to allies: How effective is the Cong-JD(S) alliance in Karnataka

Speaking to reporters here, he said, "the state unit normally...the leader of the opposition and the party (state) president (Yeddyurapa) who was there for three days as Chief Minister, naturally he has been hurt, having lost thegaddi (seat) of Chief Minister in three days, so it is natural..." Yeddyurappa, the leader of the single largest party, took over as Chief Minister following the May 2018 polls that threw up a hung verdict.But with defeat staring him in the face, he announced his decision to quit on the floor of the Assembly during the May 19 floor test.

Gowdas comments gains significance as several coalition leaders, including Coordination Committee chief and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, had charged Modi along with Shah with trying to destabilise the coalition government, as they fear getting just three our four seats in the coming Lok Sabha polls."Not only state leaders of BJP, central leaders of the party, including Modi,Shah and central Ministers were involved in attempts to destabilise the coalition government," he had alleged soon after the recent Congress Legisltature Party meeting, amid alleged attempts by BJP to poach its MLAs.

Does BJP have the numbers: To form Karnataka govt, House strength should drop from 224 to 211

Stating that the coalition government was in a 'coma', BJP had expressed doubts whether Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy would even present his government's second budget on February 8.Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister R Ashoka had claimed that 20 to 25 disgruntled MLAs of the alliance were out of reach of their leaders.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 7:11 [IST]
Woman gives birth to 10 children: The earlier Guinness Book of World Record was 9

Brazil: Woman 'cuts off husband's private parts' and cooks it after killing him

19-year-old woman arrested under Section 377 for raping another woman using sex toy in Delhi

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 05: A 19-year-old woman was arrested on charges of 'raping' another woman under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, making it the first such development ever, especially after the Supreme Court decriminalised same sex relations in September last year.

The victim alleged that the accused identified as Shivani had tied an artificial male genitalia to her waist through a belt and then forcefully committed anal sex upon her.

Shivani was produced before the Karkardooma Court where the police was granted a day to interrogate her and thereafter she was sent for judicial custody in Tihar jail.

According to News18, the victim was subject to repeated sexual and physical assaults.

It all began in March 2018, when the victim who hails from Northeast India quit her job in Gurugram to start her own business. She underwent preliminary training in Punjab's Rajpura and had to give Rs. 1.5 lakh as investment money.

The victim was taught to approach people at bus stops, railway stations etc., and explain the scheme to them. During this process she met Rohit, another accused, who lied to her that he worked for HCL and was ready to invest in her business.

The man took the victim to an apartment in Dilshad colony where he and another accused Rahul raped her and shot videos to blackmail her.

Things turned uglier, when she was sent to serve clients. The woman alleged that the accused woman often tried to get close to her and whenever she resisted she used to beat her.

Recalling the horror, the victim said she was pinned down to bed by Rohit and Rahul. The woman used sex toys to 'prepare' her for clients. She also hid the ordeal from her parents. Months later, the victim was rescued by social activist Hemant Sharma. But filing the case wasn't easy.

After the Supreme Court's Constitution Bench read down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, carnal same-sex intercourse is no longer an offence. However, the aspect of consent remains a debatable topic.
GSAT-31 launch from French Guiana: 10 things to know about ISRO's 2.5 Ton satellite

India

oi-Vikas SV

New Delhi, Feb 06: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s massive 2,535 kg satellite, GSAT-31, was launch onboard Ariane-5 launch vehicle (VA 247) from French Guiana in the wee hours of Wednesday (IST). The Ariane-5 vehicle injected GSAT-31 into the orbit in a flawless flight lasting about 42 minutes.

GSAT-31 separated from the Ariane-5 in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit with a perigee (nearest point to Earth) of 250 km and an apogee (farthest point to Earth) of 35,850 km, inclined at an angle of 3.0 degree to the equator, ISRO said in a release after the launch.

Ariane 5 is a European heavy-lift launch vehicle that carry payloads weighing more than 10 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) with a high degree of accuracy.

[ISRO's communication satellite GSAT-31 launched from French Guiana]

Now the question arises, why the ISRO has chose to go for GSAT-31's launch from French Guiana onboard Ariane-5 when India has its own launchpads in Shriharikota. Firstly, Ariane-5 launch vehicle has a good track record of launching heavy satellites into geostationary transfer orbits with great precision. Ariane-5 can carry payloads weighing more than 10 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and over 20 metric tons into low-Earth orbit (LEO).

ISRO also has heavy duty launch vehicle- the GSLV series. The payload capacity of the GSLV Mk-2 is about 2 metric tonnes to GTO which will not be able to insert this satellite into orbit. GSLV Mk-3 has payload capacity of 4 metric tonne to GTO. GSLV-Mk III, which is three-stage vehicle with two solid motor strap-ons, a liquid propellant core stage and a cryogenic stage, can technically launch GSAT-31 into GTO.

The probable reason could be this. Launch contracts are often done a couple of years ahead of the launch for such large satellites. Since GSLV Mark III was then technically still in developmental phase, ISRO might have taken a decision to go with Ariane-5, in case GSLV Mk III development gets delayed. GSLV Mk III is designed to carry 4 ton class of satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) or about 10 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is about twice the capability of GSLV Mk II.

GSLV MkIII-D2, the second developmental flight of GSLV MkIII, successfully launched GSAT-29, a high throughput communication satellite on November 14, 2018 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota. GSAT-29 satellite weighed 3423 kg, far heavier than GSAT-31.

10 things to know about GSAT-31 launch:

GSAT-31 is the 40th communication satellite of India. The satellite derives its heritage from ISRO's earlier INSAT/GSAT satellite series.

GSAT-31 will be used for supporting VSAT networks, television uplinks, digital satellite news gathering, DTH television services, cellular back haul connectivity and many such applications.

GSAT-31 is configured on ISRO's enhanced I-2K Bus, utilising the maximum bus capabilities of this type.

GSAT-31, with a mission life of 15 years, will augment the Ku-band transponder capacity in Geostationary Orbit.

The satellite will also provide wide beam coverage to facilitate communication over large oceanic region comprising large part of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean using wide band transponder.

Arianespace will orbit two telecommunications satellites using an Ariane 5 from the Guiana Space Center - Saudi Geostationary Satellite 1/Hellas Sat 4, a condosat for KACST (and Hellas Sat; along with GSAT-31 for the ISRO.

This launch is Ariane 5's 103rd mission and the 70th with an Ariane 5 ECA version.

Since the launch of India's APPLE experimental satellite on Ariane Flight L03 in 1981, Arianespace has orbited 22 satellites and signed 24 launch contracts with the ISRO.

Arianespace has signed contracts for Ariane 5 ECA launches up till 2022, after planned introduction of Ariane 6 in 2020.

Arianespace also won 89% of the geostationary orbit launch contracts opened to non-Indian launch vehicles.
Disputes relating to Rafale jets to be sorted by high level group

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Feb 05: Any dispute in the execution of Inter-Governmental Agreement for Rafale jets will be settled through the Bilateral High Level Group established by India and France, the government said Monday. In a written response to a question in the Upper House, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said if any dispute between the two sides remains unresolved by the group, it will be settled by arbitration in accordance with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law.

Elaborating on the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA), she said the defence deal was signed on September 23, 2016 for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in fly-away condition, along with an initial consignment of weapons, maintenance support through performance-based logistic, simulator and associated equipment. In the IGA, the French government has provided a 'Letter of Comfort' signed by the French prime minister. The provision in the IGA along with the Letter of Comfort "provides adequate safeguards" to the Government of India, Sitharaman said.

'Congenital liar': Smriti Irani hits back at Rahul on Rafale

"Any dispute in the execution of the IGA will be settled through the Bilateral High Level Group established by the Government of India and Government of French Republic. Any dispute not settled by this group shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with UNCITRAL arbitration rules," she said.The minister said the unit cost of basic Rafale aircraft in procurement through the IGA was about 9 per cent cheaper than the price arrived at in unconcluded MMRCA process in which Dassault Aviation was L1 bidder in a global open tender.

In the procurement of 36 fighter jet, provisions of Capital Acquisition as provided in the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) have been followed, the minister noted.Elucidating the price of the fighter jet, she said the basic aircraft price has been disclosed to Parliament and the government has shared all pricing details with the Comptroller and Auditor General."Disclosure of comprehensive pricing details in the public domain which overlap with sensitive details of kind of systems, equipment, weaponry etc. will not be in the interest of national security. Further, pricing details are covered by Article 10 of the IGA which provides that the protection of the classified information and the material exchanged under IGA shall be governed by the provisions of the Security Agreement signed between Government of India and Government of France on 25th January 2008," she said.

Never spoke to Rahul on Rafale: Manohar Parrikar

The supply protocol for 36 Rafale jets has provision for commercial confidentiality, Sitharaman noted.The non-disclosure of the Rafale jet's price has been one of the major issues over which the Opposition has been attacking the government.The package cost of 36 Rafale fighter jets through IGA route includes design and development and there was no increase in prices and the total package price was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, she said.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 7:02 [IST]
Name, patronage of PM Modi enough to win UP polls says aide

Despite Rahul's full support to 'Didi', Bengal Cong unit to hold massive protest against TMC

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Kolkata, Feb 05: Despite Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has lent full support to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for her protest against the Centre's 'misuse' of CBI, the state unit of his own party has declared that it will hold a massive protest against the Trinamool Congress for its alleged involvement in the chit fund scams.

The Congress party in the state will organise a rally on February 6 to demand the immediate conclusion of the investigation in Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams, refund to the investors and immediate arrest and prosecution of the accused in the Narada scam.

Taking a stand contradictory to the party's high command over the imbroglio involving the CBI, West Bengal state Congress president Somen Mitra on Monday questioned why Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar is avoiding interrogation by the central investigating agency in the chit fund scam.

"If he [Rajeev Kumar] is not in the wrong then why is he avoiding the CBI?" Mitra asked at a press conference here. The state unit's position is a contrast to that of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who had on Sunday called up Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and extended support to her.

On Sunday evening, Mamata Banerjee sat on a dharna after the CBI tried to quiz Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with Saradha and Rose Valley Chit Fund scams. Most opposition parties have extended their support to Mamata Banerjee in her fight against the CBI.

On the other hand, describing the showdown in Kolkata as a "Constitutional crisis", the BJP has demanded that President's Rule be imposed in West Bengal.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 9:37 [IST]
We are anguished how things transpired during second wave: Delhi HC

Delhi HC issues notice, seeks ED response on Deepak Talwar's plea challenging deportation

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar P

New Delhi, Feb 5: Delhi High Court issued notice to Enforcement Directorate (ED) on corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar's petition challenging his deportation and claiming it to be illegal. ED has to submit a short reply by 11 February.

Deepak Talwar is in ED's custody in connection with allegedly facilitating dispersal of profit making routes of Air India to private airlines using his contacts. The notice has been issued regarding this case.

Despite Rahul's full support to 'Didi', Bengal Cong unit to hold massive protest against TMC

According to reports, the ED told a Delhi special court that consultant Deepak Talwar, deported to India from the UAE , was one of the main accused who allegedly facilitated dispersal of profit-making routes of Air India to private airlines using his connection with the then Civil Aviation Minister. It claimed five companies associated with Talwar were paid in excess of Rs 212 crore in connection with the Air India case.

The ED named Air Arabia, Emirates and Qatar Airways as "beneficiaries of route dispersal".

He has been charged with criminal conspiracy, forgery and under various other sections of the FCRA for allegedly diverting Rs 90.72 crore worth of foreign funds meant for ambulances and other articles received by his NGO from Europe's leading missile manufacturing company.

Talwar was booked by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in criminal cases of corruption, while the Income Tax Department charged him with tax evasion.

(With PTI inputs)

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 13:58 [IST]
"I'm not a prize show barn," she said in 2016. "What you see is what you get. My grass may be grown, but my horses are taken care of. My time is spent with the horses in the barn and with the (horse) babies.
Unlock Uttar Pradesh: Malls and restaurants to reopen from today; What is open, what is not?

Chaos in UP assembly on first day of Budget Session, paper balls hurled during Governor's speech

India

pti-PTI

Lucknow, Feb 05: Opposition members hurled paper balls towards the podium and raised slogans as Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik addressed a joint sitting of the state legislature on the Budget Session's first day on Tuesday.

In his about 55-minute speech, the Governor highlighted the welfare and development schemes of the state government, and also justified the renaming of Allahabad and Faizabad districts, saying, "my government has restored their cultural names."

Opposition members, including those from the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Congress, started raising slogans against the government and shouted 'rajyapal wapas Jao (Governor Go Back)' as soon as Naik began addressing the state legislature.

SP members hurled paper balls at the podium, but Naik continued to address the House, with staff using cardboard files to deflect the paper balls. Speaking to reporters at the Central Hall of the House, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the behaviour of the opposition leaders and termed it "undemocratic" and "unparliamentary".

During the uproar, Subhash Pasi of SP, who was standing on a chair, fell and fainted after which he was rushed to a hospital. In red, blue and white caps, members of the SP, BSP and other opposition parties also held placards reading, "gathbandhan se ghabraye hain; CBI, ED laye hain" (afraid of an alliance, they have unleashed CBI and ED), "jhoothey vaade band karo, mukhya mantri sharm karo" (stop making false promises, CM should be ashamed) and "khet bachao saando sey, desh bachao choron sey" (save fields from bulls and the country from thieves).

[SP-BSP alliance: How arch-rivals became friends again]

The opposition members also had posters in their hands in which the CBI was shown as a "cadged parrot". One of these posters had a picture of a dog with a strap attached to its neck and CBI was written on it. Some members also had small replicas of cows and bulls in an obvious bid to show that government was not concerned with the stray cattle menace in the state. In his 28-pages address, Naik said there has been "considerable improvement in the law and order (situation) in the state".

"Now, the common man is fear free and women are not afraid of coming out of their houses even during the night," he said.

The governor said due to the drive against criminals, there has been a substantial decline in serious crimes as compared to the last year.

"As many as 7,626 culprits were arrested in 3,285 police action against them. During these actions, 946 culprits sustained injuries, 73 others were killed. In these operations, 576 police personnel sustained injuries and four jawans attained martyrdom," Naik said.

['TMC 'goons' will be hunted down if BJP comes to power,' says Yogi Adityanath in Purulia]

Property worth about Rs 179 crore was seized while taking action against 289 criminals under the National Security Act and 10,541 others under the Gangster Act, he said. The address also mentioned the ongoing Kumbh and highlighted works being done by the state government for organising the mega event. Justifying the renaming of districts in the state, he said that "by changing name of Allahabad to Prayagraj and Faizabad to Ayodhya, my government has restored their cultural names."

On farmer's welfare, Naik said, "A record purchase of 52.92 lakh metric tonnes of wheat was made from 11,27,195 farmers under the price support scheme in 2018-19 and online payment of Rs 9231.99 crore was made within 72 hours."

Naik claimed that MoUs worth Rs 4.68 lakh crore were signed during the investor summit in February 2018 and foundation stones of 81 projects, involving an investment of over Rs 61,000 crore, was laid in July by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the power sector, he said in the past 22 months, 94 lakh electricity connections, the highest and a record in itself, have been given in the state. The state has bagged 12 national awards for successful execution and implementation of central schemes, Naik said.

He said the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was held successfully for the first time in the state in January in Varanasi. Referring to the Lok Sabha polls, the governor said he would like to urge all voters to exercise their right to vote and ensure maximum voting.

On the uproar in the House, Adityanath condemned behaviour of opposition members in front of governor and termed it as undemocratic. "Behaviour of the SP, the BSP and the Congress in front of the governor is condemnable. It is unparliamentary and undemocratic and such agitation lower their dignity. The Samajwadi Party crossed limits of hooliganism by hurling paper balls and targeted the governor," he said.

PTI
Who is Subodh Kumar Jaiswal? Former Maharashtra IPS officer apointed as new CBI Director

CBI vs Bengal: Gov took into account all aspects while submitting report

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

New Delhi, Feb 05: West Bengal Governor K N Tripathi has submitted a report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the situation that unfolded in the city after a CBI team was allegedly obstructed by the police from questioning Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha scam, Raj Bhavan sources said Monday.

The contents of the report were, however, not immediately known.

"The governor has submitted his report to the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs). Today, in the morning, he spoke to Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh," sources told PTI.

Kolkata cops detained CBI officials to unearth probe plan

The report was prepared by combining the report of the Special Investigation Branch and the reports submitted to the governor by the state chief secretary and the home secretary late Sunday night, the sources said.

In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday.

Hours after the incident, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant.

Tripathi had last night summoned the state chief secretary and state director general of police and asked them to take immediate action to resolve the situation.

Rajnath Singh had called up the governor to know the facts of the "unfortunate and unprecedented situation of CBI officers being manhandled, detained, intimidated and obstructed", the officials said.

The home ministry on Sunday evening received information that CBI officers in Kolkata had experienced "intimidation and threat to personal safety in course of investigation into the Saradha scam being conducted under the directions of the Supreme Court", they said.

The ministry has deployed central forces at the CBI office and residential premises of the probe agency officials in the state and it is now "closely monitoring the situation", they said.

CBI vs Bengal: Did Rajeev Kumar, withhold or destroy evidence?

According to the CBI, IPS officer Rajeev Kumar, who led a Special Investigation Team of the West Bengal Police probing the ponzi scams, needs to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he has not responded to notices to appear before the agency.

Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, did not even attend a meeting with Election Commission officials who had gone to Kolkata to review election preparedness.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 8:11 [IST]
CBI-Mamata spat: Yechury slams both TMC, BJP

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Feb 05: CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said the Supreme Court order on Tuesday showed both the BJP and the TMC their place and that the two parties were hand in gloves in "sharing the spoils" of the chit fund scam.

Speaking to reporters, Yechury said he did not find anything wrong in the way the CBI had embarked on the investigations into the scam in Kolkata and pointed out that its actions could have been objectionable if the agency had proceeded suo motu.

"In this instance when the judiciary orders the CBI to investigate a case, the CBI's movement in the investigation into any state or territory cannot be construed as an attack on the authority or the powers of the state government. What is objectionable is when the CBI suo motu takes action and investigate without permission of the state government. That would be a violation. That is not the case here. So it is not a issue of Centre-state relation," he said.

[Both Mamata, Centre claim 'moral victory'; Whose win is it anyway?]

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to make himself available before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate with the agency in investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam probe.

The apex court said Kumar will appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigation at Shillong in Meghalaya. The apex court also said no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata Police chief, will take place during the course of investigation.

[No arrest, but appear before CBI at neutral venue, SC to Kolkata top cop]

"Both corrupt parties, the TMC and the BJP get put in their place by the Supreme Court. Must investigate the top leadership of the TMC too, of loot. Several TMC MPs have already faced arrests and charge sheets. Why did the BJP wait for five years to investigate? To pull corrupt members into its own fold?" he said.

PTI
Both Mamata, Centre claim 'moral victory'; Whose win is it anyway?

India

oi-Vikas SV

New Delhi, Feb 5: The Supreme Court's order allowing the CBI to question Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar is being dubbed as the "great moral victory" for the top investigating agency by the Union Government. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also claimed that the apex court order is a "moral victory" and would "strengthen the the morale of the officers".

The entire row erupted on Sunday evening when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials reached the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the probe into chit fund scams. The Kolkata police, in an unprecedented chain of events, detained the CBI team and took them to to Shakespeare Sarani police station.

No arrest, but appear before CBI at neutral venue, SC to Kolkata top cop

The CBI officials had reportedly reached Kolkata to question city police chief Rajeev Kumar, but were prevented from questioning the police commissioner as they were allegedly detained at a police station.

The CBI then approached the Supreme Court on Monday and sought for an urgent hearing after its officers were detained. The CBI raised suspicions that the Kolkata top cop was destroying evidence in the chit fund case.

The Supreme Court today (February 5) directed the Kolkata Police Commissioner to appear before the CBI, but also made it clear that no coercive steps, including arrest, can be taken against Rajeev Kumar.

"This order was given by the Supreme Court to investigate the conspiracy angle and also money laundering angle. This investigation must be done in a fair manner. Let's not politicise it. This is a great moral victory for CBI," Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told the media after the apex court order.

"Today we have to ask larger questions on behalf of the party. Lakhs of small investors were cheated and looted off their money. Is it not our moral obligation for an investigation? Why is Mamata ji silent on this? Why are the other political parties silent on this?" Prasad added.

Meanwhile, Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is sitting on a dharna since Sunday evening against CBI's attempts to question Rajeev Kumar, also termed that the apex court order as a "moral victory" which would "strengthen the the morale of the officers".

"Rajeev Kumar never said I will not be available. They (CBI) came to arrest. The court said no arrest," she said.

Whose win is it anyway?

A PTI report while quoting a senior CBI official says that the top investigating agency had written thrice seeking presence of Kumar, who was member of the Special Investigation Team of the Kolkata Police probing the chit fund scam.

CBI vs Bengal: Did Rajeev Kumar, withhold or destroy evidence?

The first notice to the Kolkata police commissioner was sent on October 18, 2017 to appear for questioning next day but he cited law and order duties of the ensuing festive season. The next notice was issued on October 23, 2017 but again he excused himself from the questioning. The CBI had sent a third notice on December 8, 2018 but he responded saying the queries can be sent to him and he will reply.

Not getting any "positive response" from him, a team of 11 CBI officials along with two independent witnesses and support staff had approached the residence of Kumar at 5.45pm on Sunday where they found the gate closed, another official, on the condition of anonymity, told PTI.

After that, some of the CBI officers went to the Shakespeare Sarani police station, where they reached at 6pm to inform the local police about the visit and sought cooperation, the officials said. But the officer concerned refused them any acknowledgement, the official said.

After the Supreme Court order today, Banerjee said that the CBI came to arrest Rajeev Kumar on Sunday and the top court said no coercive action, including arrest, against Kolkata police chief. On this basis, Banerjee also claimed that it was a 'moral victory'.

The entire matter should not be looked in terms of win or loss to any side. It was a stand-off between a central agancy and the state police which the Supreme Court has, for time being, resolved. The apex court allowed the CBI to question Kumar and directed the Kolkata police commissioner to cooperate. The SC said that he will meet the CBI at Shillong, a neutral place.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 13:16 [IST]
Blocking in offing since long, how Mamata gave CBI hell since 2015

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Feb 05: The unprecedented incident in which CBI officers being detained by the Kolkata police, while trying to probe the chit fund cases is the talking point in the country today.

West Bengal Chief Minister is on a protest since the past two days and it is being made to look as though the action by the CBI is fresh in nature. It is a well known fact that the CBI began the probe into the chit fund cases running into Rs 17,460 crore following a Supreme Court verdict.

Despite Rahul's full support to 'Didi', Bengal Cong unit to hold massive protest against TMC

The CBI was looking to question, Kolkata Police commissioner, Rajeev Kumar, who had initially headed an SIT to probe into these cases. The CBI alleges that he has either hidden or destroyed the evidence and hence they need to question him.

CBI sources tell OneIndia that it has been a problematic case for them to probe due to non-cooperation. It is not as though our officers decided to land up one fine day to probe Kumar. We have sent ample reminders and notices over the past three years, but none of them were answered.

The first notice to Kumar was sent in 2017 to join the probe. The notice was sent after the CBI questioned two inspectors. However Kumar refused to join the probe citing prior engagements. The same year, he was sent another notice, but he said that it would not be right to issue one under Section 160 of the CRPC and a questionnaire should be sent instead. Last year, the CBI issued the third notice to him, but his response remained the same.

Blocking in the offing since 2015:

The probes into both the Rose Valley and Saradha scams have been uncomfortable subjects for the TMC government in Bengal. Although the Supreme Court ordered the CBI probe, the Mamata Banerjee led government has always felt that it was a witch-hunt.

It may be recalled that the Bengal government had decided to move the Supreme Court in 2015 alleging a witch-hunt by the CBI. A large part of the bureaucracy was unhappy with the decision of the government and felt that such a petition is political in nature.

Many bureaucrats had advised that the plea that sought a monitoring of the CBI probe by the Supreme Court would be rejected. Further it was said that the petition may not be taken in good light as it was coming at a time, when the CBI was seeking the transfer of the trial in the Saradha cases out of Bengal.

CBI officials tell OneIndia that there was always a problem with this case. In 2014, the CBI had contemplated getting the trial into these cases transferred out of West Bengal. One such incident which promoted the CBI to take such a decision was when TMC workers laid siege at its office in Salt Lake.

Mamata vs CBI escalates into Opposition against Modi govt; BJP calls it 'alliance of corrupt'

The TMC protested the arrest of Madan Mitra and Mamata had declared that there would be protest rallies. The TMC members came out in large numbers and blocked traffic movement in many parts of Kolkata.

The CBI has always complained about the lack of cooperation. Just six vehicles and no manpower had been provided by the state, despite several requests by the CBI. The Enforcement Directorate and the Finance Ministry had written several letters to the Bengal government seeking more manpower, but none of the requests were heeded to.

The CBI also has on several occasions complained about the VVIP treatment being accorded to TMC leaders arrested in connection with this case. For instance after Madan Mitra was discharged from the state run SSKM hospital, he was immediately moved to the jail hospital. This was done despite him being declared fit, officials said.

The authorities also accorded a similar treatment to former DGP Rajat Majumdar and Srinjoy Bose, a TMC leader. Many questioned the logic behind keeping these men in hospitals despite them being fit.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 10:26 [IST]
As France take on Belgium in WC semis, French media goes gaga over Asterix vs Tintin 'rivalry'

Belgian woman harassed, leaves India within 24 hours; 1 arrested

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Feb 05: A Belgian tourist who had come to India in December went back home less than 24 hours after allegedly being harassed by several people.

After returning to her country, the woman, Esther Deleu wrote a complaint to the Belgium embassy which was further directed to the Ministry of External Affairs. The Delhi Police have now arrested a 30-year-old travel agent.

In the complaint sent by the Belgium embassy the woman has written that after arriving in India on December 6, she took an auto to her hotel and after reaching Minto road, the driver took the woman to a parking lot where two men posing like police officers were waiting.

"They told me there were demonstrations taking place near my hotel and the entire street was cordoned off. They said I needed permission from police to get into the hotel," Deleu's complaint read.

The woman said she was handed a piece of paper with the address of a 'police centre' on it. She was taken there, and six men in police uniforms "showed her videos of protests on their mobile phones", she alleged reports Indian Express.

"They told me to leave Delhi. They also spotted my gold jewellery and told me that I should take it off as it will cut my fingers," the complaint read. When she told them about her reservation at the hotel, they made a call and told her it had been cancelled.

The con men also talked her into accepting a more expensive hotel for $40, to which she was transported to in an auto-rickshaw. The a room had no windows nor internet access.

She had to lock herself in because there were people knocking on the door. She later called a contact in Rishikesh who checked said her original hotel booking wasn't cancelled.

On getting out of the hotel, she went to the airport and took the first flight back to Belgium.

In the complaint to the police, the Ministry wrote that the woman was harassed by several people including an autorickshaw driver, a travel agency, a hotel as well as fake police forces. "Such incidents bring disrepute to the Indians thereby discouraging tourists to visit India," the complaint stated.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 23:33 [IST]
Assam NRC: Are you trying to destroy the process, SC asks home ministry

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Feb 05: The Supreme Court on Tuesday slammed the Centre after it sought suspension of the NRC work in Assam. The government said that it wanted suspension of the work from the date of notification of the Lok Sabha elections to two weeks after voting.

The Centre in its plea sought for the withdrawal of 167 companies of combined armed police forces involved in the Assam NRC work for the Lok Sabha elections. Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi lashed out the Ministry for Home Affairs and said that since the start the ministry has been making efforts to to destroy the NRC process.

Assam NRC: No extension beyond July 31 says SC

If you wanted the NRC process to go on, then there were several ways to get it done. Is it too much to ask that the LS polls and NRC work should go on peacefully and simultaneously, the CJI also asked.

The Centre however said that the this election is anticipated to be held in a highly surcharged atmosphere. Undertaking the NRC work at this time would be difficult. It is the security of the nation that is involved, the Centre also said.

NRC: 30 lakh people left out of final draft re-apply in Assam

The CJI however asked, " you have 3,000 combined armed police companies. You need 2,700 for the LS polls. The Assam NRC work required 167 companies, so what is the problem. The Centre however said that it needs to protect the borders too. The security of the nation is involved.
Anna Hazare's hunger strike enters 7th day; Fadnavis, 2 Union Ministers meet him

India

oi-Vikas SV

Ralegan Siddhi (Maharashtra), Feb 05: Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare's indefinite hunger strike entered seventh day on Tuesday. Hazare has been on a hunger strike since last Wednesday (January 30) at his native Ralegan Siddhi village in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district, demanding appointments of Lokpal and Lokayuktas and resolution of farmers' issue.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre met Hazare at Ralegan Siddhi today.

Will return Padma Bhushan if govt doesn't fulfil promises: Anna Hazare

Hazare has been demanding appointment of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states where such statutory anti-corruption watchdogs do not exist. He has also been demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on ways to address agrarian distress, besides electoral reforms.

The anti-corruption crusader had told PTI that he welcomed the Maharashtra cabinet's decision to bring the office of the chief minister under the ambit of the Lokayukta.

On Monday, MNS chief Raj Thackeray met the 81-year-old anti-graft crusader and extended his full support to his agitation. Urging the social activist to end his hunger strike, Thackeray asked the 81-year-old not to sacrifice his life for the "useless" government. He asked Hazare to end his protest and conduct a joint tour of the state with him to "bury" the BJP-led government. Thackeray was accompanied by noted water conservationist Rajendra Singh.

Hazare had on Sunday warned that if the Narendra Modi government did not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan. The 81-year-old was awarded the third-highest civilian honour of the country in 1992.

Anna Hazare launches hunger strike from today over delay in appointing Lokpal

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray had earlier appealed to the BJP-led state government -- of which his party is a part -- to intervene and asked it to not to "play" with Hazare's life. Thackeray also asked Hazare to take to the streets instead of "giving up" his life, and urged him to emulate the role played by Narayan in the 1970s when the socialist leader took on the Indira Gandhi government.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 15:12 [IST]
'My last': Anna Hazare to launch protest for farmers in Jan

Anna Hazare ends fast after Fadnavis govt accepts demands

India

oi-Deepika S

Mumbai, Feb 05: Social activist Anna Hazare, who had been on a hunger strike for seven days, called off his fast after an assurance from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that his demands would be met.

"I am happy with the talks with the CM and hence, I am calling off the strike. We demanded implementation of Lokpal. And a decision on this will be taken on February 13," the activist said.

Assuring that the government will prepare a new bill on Lokpal, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said that the Lokpal search committee will meet on 13 February. " A joint drafting committee has been set up, it will prepare a new bill and we will introduce it in next session, he added.

Raj Thackeray meets Anna Hazare, asks anti-graft crusader not to trust PM Modi

Hazare began his fast demanding appointment of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states where such statutory anti-corruption watchdogs do not exist, and resolution of farmers' issues.

He has also been demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on ways to address agrarian distress, besides electoral reforms.

Hazare, who began his indefinite fast on January 30 over the appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs, has lost around 4.30 kg weight in the last seven days, doctors said.

"Anna has expressed his disappointment with the Central and state governments over appointment of Lokpal and Lokayukta. If Fadnavis proposes something concrete, then only is there hope for a solution," an aide of the activist said.COMMENT

The anti-graft crusader earlier said if the Modi government does not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan award.

Hazare Monday claimed that senior BJP leaders who once vehemently backed his Lokpal demand had turned 'allergic' to it after coming to power and accused the ruling dispensation of betraying people who voted it to power in 2014.

"During my Ramlila Maidan agitation on Lokpal and Lokayukta, the entire country stood up. An atmosphere was created. That is the reason why you (BJP) came to power. Now you are betraying the people who brought you to power," Hazare had said.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, whose party is an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra, has extended his support to Hazare, asking him to emulate socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan and lead an agitation against corruption.
In this 500-year-old Assam fair, barter system comes alive

India

oi-Shubham Ghosh

Dispur, Feb 5: At an age when the global economy is doing with post-cash means, there are parts that are still in the pre-cash days. The annual Jonbeel Mela in Morigaon district of Assam is one such occasion where transactions take place not through money but barter system.

Local tribal groups like Karbi, Khasi, Jaintia and Tiwa participate in the festival that signifies harmony and exchange required items with others. It is also an opportunity for the local people to socialise besides meeting their everyday needs.

The annual festival takes place for three days (it was held between January 17 and 19 this year) and it is being held at a location named Dayang Belguri (32 kilometres from Guwahati) since the 15th century.

The fair has seen inclusion of some modern-day aspects like selling of factory-made items and bike stunts but the basic transaction mode remained the same.

"The tribal people coming from Hills had disposed of their stock of turmeric, ginger, pepper, bamboo shoot, pumpkin, ash gourd, green chilli from their jhum (slash and burn cultivation practice) fields and also medicil herbs. In return, they had plenty of pitha (a traditiol Assamese rice cake made during Magh Bihu), dried fish, chira (flattened rice) sandoh (roasted and grounded rice) that they will get to take back home," Assam's noted daily 'The Sentinel' reported.

Political dignitaries, including Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, attended the fair. The government of Assam has vowed to make the fair a global tourist attraction.

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Story first published: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 9:58 [IST]
We have a procurement contract with Henderson where they do the design and build work, where in other projects we would typically do a design, he said. They did not consult us. Their position is that they consulted the project consultant, but we have discussed and taken care of the change order process for the rest of the project.
Photo from American Heart Association - Mohawk Valley

Bassett Medical Center demonstrated how to use an AED during the #WearRedDay celebration on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, in Rome, N.Y.
My Uncle Jimmy wouldve hated the late-model SUV I rented for a recent trip to New Jersey. I sure did.

You see, this modern SUV boasted smart technology designed to keep me safe and happy. It made me miserable.

Every time I switched lanes, the white stripes on the pavement triggered safety sensors, sending annoying vibrations to the steering wheel. It felt like the struts had just blown out.

Hey, automakers! I dont need alerts every time I change lanes. And while were at it, I know when to turn my windshield wipers on (when rain starts) and off (when rain stops)  so I dont need your computer deciding that for me.

Same goes for high beams. I dont need your computer for that, because I already have a powerful one: When Im on a dark road, my retinas send signals to my optic nerves, telling my brain to tell my left hand to flick on the brights.

And whats with your center-console touch screens? I had to pull that SUV over twice to figure out how to play music  because some safety sensor shut me down for trying to play music with the car moving.
Opioid toolkit fights epidemic

A recent report published by the National Safety Council stated that for the first time on record, your odds of dying from an accidental opioid overdose are greater than dying in a motor vehicle crash.

In response to this opioid epidemic, we at the Nebraska Hospital Association felt it our duty to step forward and do our part.

So we formed an Opioid Steering Council, made up of representatives from several organizations, including the Nebraska Medical Association, the Nebraska Pharmacists Association, Bryan College of Health Sciences and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

As a result of this collaboration, a new opioid toolkit was developed to provide:

Recommendations regarding appropriate prescribing to reduce the risk of addiction/abuse.

Recommendations regarding screening and appropriate treatment for those who are already addicted to opioids.

Tactics and methods to appropriately manage public expectations around opioid use.

We sent this toolkit to all Nebraska hospitals, clinics and Area Health Education Centers in the state.
Mentors are an invaluable asset for our society. They set an important example through their hard work and dedication. They nurture talent in the next generation. They earn respect by acting with integrity.

Anne Boyle, a long-time leader in Nebraska Democratic Party circles and a three-term member of the Nebraska Public Service Commission, earned wide respect for meeting that standard.

Boyle, who died Saturday at age 76, devoted great energy to addressing the complex issues facing the commission. Throughout her life, she also held firm to her principles of helping the disadvantaged. She encouraged the flowering of talent in younger generations of Nebraska women.

Nebraska State Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb described her as a trailblazer, bringing women along with her at all levels of government. Speaker of the Legislature Jim Scheer, a Republican, praised her in floor remarks Monday.

Anne Boyle leaves a legacy of laudable commitment to public service, working for a stronger future for Nebraska.

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The following editorial appears on Bloomberg Opinion.

Now that U.S. negotiators have reached a draft agreement with the Taliban, theres new hope of bringing Americas longest war to a close. The challenge will be to end it without betraying Americas Afghan allies and reversing the progress that the country has made in recent years.

The discussions between U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representatives are encouraging. Direct talks are the only way to end the fighting and, for the first time in 17 years, the U.S. is negotiating with one of the most powerful Taliban leaders. Under U.S. pressure, Pakistan, which has long enabled the Taliban insurgency, seems to be helping. And the core of the framework agreement  a phased withdrawal of foreign troops in exchange for a pledge by the Taliban to cut ties to global terrorist groups such as al-Qaida  addresses each sides central demand. Khalilzad says the Taliban have agreed to a way to enforce that promise, the details of which will be crucial.

Equally crucial, though, is Khalilzads insistence that the Taliban agree to a cease-fire and to direct negotiations with the Afghan government (which the insurgents have refused) before any troops are pulled out.
Indian Bowl is open in Blackstone

The new fast-casual Indian Bowl is open off 39th and Farnam Streets.

The restaurant, at 3901 Farnam, serves both classic Indian dishes in bowls and burritos with an Indian bent, as well as samosas, Masala fries and Indian breads.

For more information, visit indianbowlomaha.com.

Rockbrook Village now has a ramen bar

Rizin Ramen is open and serving from-scratch ramen, rice bowls, sushi and shared plates.

Owner Hidehisa Takahashi, a native of Japan, said he took more than three years to come up with the ramen recipes hes serving in Omaha. He has worked in restaurants for almost 30 years in ramen spots in both Japan and Las Vegas.

The restaurant is at 2814 S.108th St. For more information, visit facebook.com/Rizin.Ramen.AuthenticJapaneseRamen.
He might make that move, which would redirect some federal funds toward border wall construction without approval from Congress. However, Senate Republicans also are overwhelmingly resistant, according to two senior aides, and the move would draw legal challenges.

How has Congress changed since his last address?

This will be his third prime-time address to the nation from the House chambers, but his first appearance with Democrats in charge of the House. The party retook the lower chamber in the 2018 midterms and gained greater capability to thwart the presidents agenda. Republicans still control the Senate.

Do members of Congress invite guests?

Lawmakers invite guests to make a statement on an issue they wish to highlight. For example, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., who recently announced a presidential bid, will bring Trisha Pesiri-Dybvik, an air traffic controller who lost her home in 2017s Thomas Fire and was affected by the shutdown.

Who is the designated survivor?
The Implications of 5,000 troops to Colombia

The following is a guest post by Carla Martinez Machain, Michael Allen, Michael E. Flynn, and Andrew Stravers.

One week ago, National Security Adviser John Bolton appeared at a White House briefing holding a note pad with the phrase 5,000 troops to Colombia written on it. This occurred in the context of rising tensions between the U.S. and the Maduro government in Venezuela after the U.S. recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate leader of Venezuela . Since then, there has been much speculation about how likely a deployment is to happen and what it means for the possibility of a US intervention in Venezuela . Of note, Congress currently limits the U.S. presence in Colombia to 800 military personnel (and 600 contractors).

A potential deployment of this size has serious implications for US relations with Colombia , Venezuela, and the Latin American region as a whole. In particular, it can affect how populations perceive the U.S. government and its military. What does current research on the effects of U.S. deployments tell us about how such a move would affect public opinion of the U.S. in Latin America?

U.S. Military Deployments in Latin America

This past summer, our research team traveled to Central and South America to interview local government officials, U.S. embassy officials, and local members of civil society on how a U.S. military presence affects views of the U.S. in host countries. During these interviews, locals repeatedly reported a perception that the U.S. had plans to deploy troops to friendly countries in the region in order to launch an intervention in Venezuela. For example, interview subjects at the U.S. embassy in Panama told us that whenever U.S. troops deploy to Panama for training exercises , there are reports in the local press about Americans going to Panama to establish a base to spy on Venezuela and to prepare for an invasion. Another subject, a Panamanian journalist, confirmed this view.

Some embassy personnel noted that this was not necessarily a bad thing, as it could potentially place pressure on Venezuela to democratize . Given that this view was already prevalent in diplomatic circles last year, it is even harder to believe that Boltons mistake was an accident. Such a moment could serve as another (less subtle) form of pressure on the Maduro regime.

As shown by the figure above, since the 1990s Colombia has had a history of hosting US troop deployments, many of them as part of Plan Colombia . At the same time, these numbers never approximated the size of the deployment that Bolton may have been considering. At the peak of the U.S. military presence, in the year 2000, there were 225 active duty US troops deployed to Colombia (this number does not include military contractors or other DOD personnel who have been present in support of the troops ). As of the most recent reports from the U.S. Department of Defense (September 2018), there are currently 64 active duty US military personnel deployed to Colombia. A 5,000 deployment of military personnel would be a substantial increase over historical numbers.

Implications for Perceptions of the US in the Region

Latin America is a region that traditionally has had positive perceptions of the U.S . At the same time, the United States previous military interventions in the region as part of its drug wars and counterinsurgency operations have also bred suspicion about U.S. interventionism. As part of our research project, we conducted a 14,000 person survey across 14 countries that have had large peacetime U.S. troop deployments. Our results show that all else being equal, having direct contact with a member of the U.S. military actually leads to more positive perceptions of the U.S. military and of the American people as a whole. This implies that a military presence in and of itself will not necessarily lead to negative views on the U.S. Of course, the context of the deployment would matter as well.

A large U.S. deployment to Colombia could easily play into the hands of many leftist groups throughout the region and perpetuate ideas that U.S. humanitarian assistance and military exercises (such as medical care provided in November 2018 by the US navy hospital ship USNS Comfort to Venezuelan refugees in Colombia ) have ulterior motives. Additionally, criminal behavior by military personnel can become national news stories and feed anti-US sentiment. Our past research shows that humanitarian assistance provided by the U.S. military is correlated with greater trust in the U.S. government and military . If leftist groups are indeed able to link these deployments with interventionism, that trust could be eroded.

Some may argue that a greater U.S. military presence in the region could prevent future human rights violations by Latin American government. After all, even Colombia, often held up by the U.S. as a counterinsurgency success story, has experienced human rights violations in heavy-handed counterinsurgency operations by the military. Existing work has shown that in some cases, U.S. troop deployments are correlated with greater respect for human rights. Yet, this is true only in areas that are of low security salience for the United States. Given the high security interest that the U.S. has in Colombia, both because of counterdrug operations and because of its proximity to Venezuelas leftist government, a large deployment would be unlikely to lead to improved respect for human rights in the region.

Recent talk from Bolton about the benefits of opening Venezuelan oil to U.S. companies did little to contradict narratives of renewed U.S. interventionism in Latin America, and signaling U.S. intentions to send more military forces to the region also makes the suspicion seem more plausible. While pressuring the Maduro regime through these signals may have the intended effect in Venezuela, it would be wise for the Trump administration to take these more region-wide political dynamics into account, if its goal is to diminish Maduro-style forces throughout the whole of Central and South America.

This material is based upon work supported by, or in part by, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and the U.S. Army Research Office under grant number W911NF-18-1-0087.
Some have racist content, including an April 2011 email in which Ricketts responded great laugh regarding a forwarded joke with a punchline that includes the word n-----. He responded I like this to another forwarded message that complains about special days for certain groups, including Yom Hashoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, and Martin Luther King Day.

The email exchanges were from 2009 through 2013. The Splinter News story did not say how the emails were obtained.

Gov. Ricketts issued a statement Tuesday that echoed his fathers: My father said he deeply regrets and apologizes for some of the exchanges in his emails. He admitted that he has said things that dont reflect his value system and that he strongly believes that bigoted ideas are wrong.

I also believe bigoted ideas are wrong, the governor added. The language and views expressed in those emails do not in any way reflect my views and are not appropriate.

Gov. Ricketts was not a party to most of the emails. But in a 2010 exchange, he questioned the reliability of the emails being sent by his father. Joe Ricketts had sent son Pete an email chain titled Americans believe in religious freedom  Muslims dont.
Recently our group returned from Africa after having visited some of the schools we support.

Attached is information on a Muslim school I support in Uganda. Their Thank You letter is the attachment above and a video of their school and our visit is shown below.

I particularly like helping Muslim schools to show them that we are not bad people.

From: [Family friend] S.V.

To: Joe Ricketts

Date: June 3, 2012

Subject: FW: Islam in a nutshell?

Joe,

This is very high on facts. It shows how Islam works and the plan for Sharia Law to become the law of the land. Thought you would be interested. Read it to the very end and send it on to your family. SV
WASHINGTON  Kathy Bossman will be able to watch President Donald Trumps big Tuesday night speech live and in person.

Omahas first female assistant fire chief will be in the House chamber for the State of the Union address as a guest of Rep. Don Bacon.

The Omaha-area congressman praised Bossman for not only making history with her promotion but also for building relationships within the community.

The work she is doing to recruit future firefighters helps make the department a better place for not only women, but for all who join the ranks, Bacon said.

Its the second time in a row that Bacon has opted to have a first responder as his guest at the speech. Last year he tapped Omaha Police Sgt. Jeff Kopietz, who received the Medal of Valor for his actions in 2015. He and Officer Kerrie Orozco were trying to arrest a suspect on a felony warrant and the suspect opened fire, killing Orozco. Kopietz returned fire, killing the suspect.

Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of the Lincoln-based 1st District has chosen Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad to be his guest.
The World-Heralds statehouse reporters round up news highlights from the Legislature and state government into the Capitol Digest  a daily briefing for the political newshound with a busy schedule.

Early childhood. Nebraska lawmakers killed a bill Monday that would have required cities and towns to consider early childhood education needs when developing comprehensive plans. Legislative Bill 66 fell six short of the number needed to advance, with 23 senators voting against the bill, 19 voting for it and six abstaining.

State Sen. Matt Hansen of Lincoln introduced the measure as a way to ensure that parents needs for child care are taken into account.

Lawmakers passed a similar requirement last year as part of a legislative package. Gov. Pete Ricketts vetoed the legislation because he objected to another part of the package.

Unemployment insurance. For the sixth straight year, state unemployment taxes on Nebraska businesses will be lower.

In a telephone call with reporters, Ricketts said employers in Nebraska will pay about $4.3 million less in unemployment insurance in 2019, which meets his goal of delivering tax relief.
LINCOLN  More than two decades have passed since Sean Miller spent a year in New Yorks Rikers Island prison on a felony conviction.

Now age 38, hes settled down with a wife, two young children and a college degree. But that long-ago conviction continues to dog his life, the Lincoln man told state lawmakers Monday.

Miller said he has been rejected for 131 jobs with the State of Nebraska over the years, as well as with UPS, Uber and other employers. Attorneys have refused to hire him as a paralegal, despite his degree in the field.

He said he doesnt believe that most employers even consider his application once they see his conviction listed there. He works now at a local grocery store, where he earns about $10 an hour and gets no health insurance for himself or his family.

Its very frustrating, he said. Its even put a wrench in my marriage.

Miller spoke out for Legislative Bill 254, a measure aimed at giving people with criminal records a better chance of finding work and turning their lives around.
Everyone wants high-speed (Internet) connectivity, Friesen said. While it will mean more competition for the cable industry, he said, you shouldnt over-regulate new technology.

But representatives of the cities of Omaha, Lincoln, Papillion and Grand Island, as well as the League of Nebraska Municipalities, said that LB 184 is unnecessary and that the free market  which allows cities to negotiate their own fees and conditions with wireless firms  is working fine.

The premise that you need this law to deploy (small-cell wireless) is a false narrative, said Lash Chaffin of the municipalities organization.

He and other opponents said that Nebraska would not be an outlier by not passing the bill and that cities deserve to have control over the right of way that they lease to wireless companies.

Alan Thelen, an attorney for the City of Omaha, said the proposed bill would force Omaha to allow small-cell antennas on traffic signal poles, which could compromise the signals.

Tom Mumgaard, a member of the Papillion City Council, said it would render the city powerless to prevent installation of boxes up to 28 cubic feet in size on a pole in someones front yard.
Tony Damewood, Clarkson Colleges president since 2016, has resigned, and his mentor, Dr. Louis Burgher, has resigned as president emeritus, a Clarkson spokesman said.

Aubray Orduna, dean of nursing, took over the interim presidency. Orduna joined Clarkson College in 1978 as a part-time faculty member.

In an email Damewood sent to the college last week, he first cited Burghers resignation as president emeritus. Then Damewood wrote: It is also with a heavy heart that I offer my resignation as President of Clarkson College.

No reasons were mentioned. Burgher was president from 2007-2016. He was lauded for increasing Clarksons enrollment and for generally bringing stability to the health care college at 42nd and Dodge Streets.

Burgher said three years ago that he selected Damewood to succeed him, and the board agreed. Damewood had worked in a variety of administrative jobs at Clarkson over about 16 years before taking over the presidency in August 2016.

Clarkson spokesman Alex Maltese said that as far as he knew, the resignations were made amicably. We havent been told otherwise, Maltese said.

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A California man has been arrested and 90 pounds of marijuana have been seized after a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Nebraska.

The arrest was made after a Nebraska State Patrol trooper pulled the driver over for failing to signal a lane change near Shelton, which is between Grand Island and Kearney.

A State Patrol dog detected a controlled substance, and troopers searched the vehicle, a 2007 GMC pickup. The marijuana was inside cabinets and boxes.

The California man was arrested on drug charges and taken to the Buffalo County Jail.

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My father had been doing this since, you know, for 50 years, says Speake, who now runs the family business with his brother Mark. Thats all weve ever done.
An Omaha man was arrested early Tuesday after an investigation indicated that he had allowed two adult pit bulls to starve to death.

Officers with the Metro Area Fugitive Task Force arrested Shane T. Palmer, 43, on a felony animal cruelty warrant that had been obtained by Nebraska Humane Society investigators.

On Jan. 9, officials said, the bodies of the two male dogs, Pokie and Boss, were found after they had been thrown down a ravine east of Palmers house near 16th and Pratt Streets in northeast Omaha. The dogs had no tags, officials said, but one had been microchipped. The microchip led investigators to Palmers house.

A necropsy by a Nebraska Humane Society veterinarian verified the primary cause of death as starvation and the secondary cause as hypothermia, officials said.

We see things like this way too often, said Mark Langan, vice president of field operations for the Nebraska Humane Society. Stories like this evoke a lot of emotion in the community, and I think people are getting tired of people starving their dogs to death.

People who are struggling to take care of their pets can hand them over to the Humane Society, Langan said. We accept any pet for any reason, he said.
I read this book hundreds of times, and I dont think I ever did return it to my sister. Over the years, I have tried to pinpoint my love for this story, and I think it comes down to one passage that reads, The adventure is over. Everything gets over, and nothing is ever enough. Except the part you carry with you. This book taught me to enjoy the journey and be truly present in the moment, because its your memories that keep each of your adventures alive. Ive taken this lesson with me in life and on the stage, keeping pieces of each role with me. As a new mom I am looking forward to again experiencing the adventures found in not only this book but many others with my son.
WASHINGTON  Sen. Ben Sasse was blocked Monday night in an effort to swiftly pass his proposal to protect infants born alive during an abortion.

The Nebraska Republican asked unanimous consent on the Senate floor that his legislation be approved.

There are only two sides of the debate on the floor tonight, Sasse said. Youre either for babies or youre defending infanticide.

Often used to pass noncontroversial measures, the process of unanimous consent can be derailed by a single senator opposing it.

Sasse made his request following a couple of roll call votes, and by that time most of his fellow senators had already left the chamber. Several of his Republican colleagues remained on the floor in support.

The only Democrat on the floor, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, stood listening to Sasses remarks and then objected to his request.

We have laws against infanticide in this country, Murray said. This is a gross misinterpretation of the actual language of the bill that is being asked to be considered and therefore I object.

Murray then walked off the floor without elaborating.
Gov. Pete Ricketts, Attorney General Doug Peterson and former Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne have been among those lining up against legalization. They question the effectiveness of marijuana and its derivatives as medicine and say its a step toward legalization of pot for recreational use.

Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeld, another co-sponsor of LB 110, said the proposed constitutional amendment would protect patients and establish the foundation upon which a medical marijuana program will be built.

If voters approved a constitutional amendment, access to medical marijuana would become a constitutional right, Morfeld said. The Legislature would then need to enact detailed regulations into law.

Some have argued that it would be better if the Legislature passed a bill, because then lawmakers would have more control over how a medical marijuana system would be set up. But backers of the issue feel that approval is assured if they take it to the voters.
Kearney police are looking to identify the woman who left her days-old twin sons at a local hospital.

Officers went to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney on Monday afternoon after learning that two baby boys had been left at the hospital by their mother. The twins were born Saturday at the hospital.

The babies are now in the custody of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and are in the newborn intensive care unit, said Kearney Police Capt. Mike Young.

Hospital and law enforcement officials are working to identify the mother to determine her well-being and decision about the children. She may have given false information when she was admitted to the hospital, as officers have been unsuccessful in contacting her using those details.

The woman is about 25 years old with brown hair and glasses. She was wearing gray sweatpants, black tennis shoes and a dark navy or black jacket.

Anyone with information should call the police department at 308-237-2104.

Young said he doesnt want to speculate about the mothers wishes, which is why officials want to talk to her.
Dr. Todd Fisher. Submitted photo.

Dr. Todd Fisher to speak at Founders Day Chapel Feb. 6 February 5, 2019

OBU will observe its annual Founders Day celebration during the chapel service Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m. in Raley Chapels Potter Auditorium. Dr. Todd Fisher, senior pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church of Shawnee, will deliver the chapel address.

Founders Day is held each year near the beginning of the spring semester to commemorate the Universitys incorporation in 1910. Founders Day is also dedicated to honoring those who have faithfully served as faculty and staff at OBU in the past.

Fisher has 27 years of pastoral ministry and has been the senior pastor at Immanuel since 2003. Born and raised in Fort Worth, he made his way to Oklahoma to attend OBU, where he met his wife Jamy whom he married in 1994. They have three children and love serving together as a part of the amazing things God is doing at IBC Shawnee.

A 1992 graduate of OBU, Fisher completed his Master of Divinity in Biblical Languages at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1996. He completed a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2001 at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. and Th.M. in 2018 at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

Fisher is committed to encouraging and equipping people to grow as disciples through his ministry at IBC, blogging and speaking opportunities. Passionate about preaching and teaching the Bible, he serves as an adjunct faculty member at OBU and SWBTS. He loves spending time with his family and attending his childrens activities.
Even though I feel like Im just getting started, the reality is the group needs to go ahead and keep it going, the godfather of funk said.

Last year, George Clinton said that he would retire from touring in 2019 but not before doing a final One Nation Under a Groove tour with Parliament-Funkadelic. Now, Clinton has announced that tour.

READ: George Clinton Calls Flying Lotus, Thundercat & Kendrick Lamar The New Generation Of Funk Musicians

The One Nation Under a Groove Tour will begin on May 30 and end in August. Clinton revealed the tour dates in an interview with Rolling Stone.

I would love to keep on doing this but Ill be 78 in a few more months, Clinton said. Even though I feel like Im just getting started, the reality is the group needs to go ahead and keep it going. Weve got a new vibe in the band, and theyve been carrying it for the last three years. Ive been up there representing for people, but theyve actually been turning the place out. And weve been selling out for the last five years, every night.

The tour will feature openers Zapp, Fishbone, Dumpstaphunk, and Miss Velvet & The Blue Wolf. On February, Clinton and the rest of Parliament-Funkadelic will serve as the openers for the Red Hot Chili Peppers during their tour in Australia.

! Red Hot Chili Peppers are pleased to announce @george_clinton and Parliament Funkadelic as the special guest in Sydney, Hunter Valley, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide & Perth. Extra tickets just released: https://t.co/NnvRibxiNa pic.twitter.com/jJiOqJYyE3  Red Hot ChiliPeppers (@ChiliPeppers) February 4, 2019

Check out Clintons final tour dates with Parliament-Funkadelic below.

TRENDING VIDEOS

George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic Tour Dates

3/10  Northampton, MA @ Mass MOCA

4/11  Honolulu, HI @ Blue Note Hawaii

4/12  Honolulu, HI @ Blue Note Hawaii

4/13  Honolulu, HI @ Blue Note Hawaii

4/14  Honolulu, HI @ Blue Note Hawaii

5/26  Chillicothe, IL @ Summer Camp Music Festival

5/30  Milwaukee, WI @ Miller High Life Theatre *

5/31  Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom *

6/1  Cincinnati, OH @ Riverfront Live *

6/4  New York, NY @ Central Park Summerstage **

6/5  Boston, MA @ Blue Hills Pavilion **

6/6  Philadelphia, PA @ Franklin Music Hall **

6/9  Columbia, MD @ Capital Jazz Festival

6/15  Tunica, MS @ Gold Strike Casino

8/2  Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theater **

8/3  Saratoga, CA @ Mountain Winery **

8/4  Lincoln, CA @ Thunder Valley Casino ***

8/8  Seattle, WA @ Showbox Sodo **

8/10  Portland, OR @ Oregon Zoo **

8/11  Eugene, OR @ Cuthbert Amphitheater **

8/15  Denver, CO @ TBA **

8/17  Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theater **

8/18  Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl **

* with Galactic, Fishbone and Miss Velvet and the Blue Wolf

** with Fishbone, Dumpstaphunk and Miss Velvet and the Blue Wolf

*** with Zapp, Fishbone, Dumpstaphunk and Miss Velvet and the Blue Wolf

Source: Rolling Stone
Offaly Fine Gael TD, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy has welcomed funding of 300,000 towards the progression of the N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan link road.

I am really pleased to have secured confirmation from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD that Offaly County Council has been allocated 300,000 to progress the planning and design work on the project. This time last year, the Council was approved 25,000 to carry out pre-appraisal plans and the latest allocation is a positive endorsement of this project," she said.

This link road project has been in the pipeline for many years and a lot of planning and design work was completed and a preferred route was identified. Unfortunately, the project became a victim of the economic crash and no progress was made."

"As the local Government TD, I have prioritised the delivery of this much-needed infrastructure project and following my invitation, Minister Ross travelled to Durrow in October 2017 to see for himself the need to progress the link road."

Further progress was made in February last year when the Governments National Development Plan, Project 2040 contained a specific commitment to the delivery of the N52 link road. Tullamore as the capital town needs the link to the Galway-Dublin motorway as it will greatly enhance Offalys ability to develop in the years ahead. This N52 road is a major North/South link and the planned addition of this carriageway will greatly improve the road network for the entire region."

My understanding is that due to the period of time that has lapsed since the initial planning and design work was completed, the project is starting from scratch again."

"I am anxious to see that the planning and design stage is completed as soon as possible and I very much welcome confirmation from Offaly County Council, the lead agency for this project, that the National Road Design Office is actively working on this project," Marcella concluded.
Having spent 27 years working for the state of Virginia, Wittman said, what frustrated me tremendously is watching the things that happened on the science side, the work that we did with (VIMS), with Virginia Tech, with the University of Virginia, with ODU, and seeing all that good science out there and then not seeing it result in public policy.
Fianna Fail TD for Offaly, Barry Cowen, has said that the Government must stop dragging its heels on Durrow Abbey House and monastic site and develop it once and for all. He has also called for its protection after a recent 'rave' in the area.

Deputy Cowen was commenting as the Durrow High Cross Committee met with Minister Kevin Boxer Moran in Leinster House to discuss the ownership and use of Durrow Monastic Site and Abbey.

Deputy Cowen explained, For over twenty years the Durrow High Cross Committee has been fighting for the development of Durrow Abbey House and Monastic Site as a tourist attraction. This would bring much-needed investment to the community with knock-on benefits to the wider area."

"Recently we have seen what can only be described as the misuse of the site. Without any communication to the local community, the Abbey House was used for a rave party on New Years Eve with buses parked on slip roads, and at the pulling up at the entrance on the N52," he said.

"Not only is it inappropriate for the site, which has been allowed fall into disrepair, to be used in this manner, but it is also highly hypocritical that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) refused to have the site sign-posted as they deemed access to the site to be dangerous."

"I want Minister Moran to listen to the concerns of the committee today; I have raised this matter in the Dail and will continue to do so, the Minister cannot keep hiding behind legal advice, what we are asking for is that he listen to concerns", concluded Deputy Cowen.
Any Offaly vet and farmer are set to feature on RTE's Ear To The Ground on Thursday, February 14, as they discuss the issue of TB in the Irish farming community.

Seventy years after the TB eradication scheme was introduced, this costly disease still strikes fear into every cattle farmer in the country.

Every year, every bovine must be tested for the disease. If the animal reacts to the test, it must be removed from the herd and the farm is locked up, meaning no animals can leave the farm until the next test is clear. It is costly, as the farmer must be compensated, but the disruption is more than just the loss of the animal.

Presenter Helen Carroll travels with Offaly-based vet Donal Lynch as he visits farms to carry out TB testing, and also to deliver results to farmers who depend on an all-clear result in order to allow them to continue farming without restrictions.

One of those farmers is Noel Keyes from Killina who is waiting for test results, and is anxious about what they may hold. The segment will air on Ear To The Ground on RTE One at 7pm on Thursday, February 14.



Also on the show is Lowe and Co, is a small shop in Athlone, Westmeath, which is reviving an old style of retailing, and bucking the trend towards chain stores and out of town malls.

Lynda McFarland and Eddie Lowe returned from the UK to set up an artisan grocery store, and sell locally sourced products without the ubiquitous plastic packaging. It is a formula that has charmed local shoppers hankering after an old-style food shop.

Ella McSweeney visits the shop, and also some of its suppliers who are renewing a tradition in the midlands.


Heather Janik

Glen Echo Group has brought on Heather Janik as VP. She joins the firm from hunger charity Feeding America, where she led thought leadership and media relations efforts. Prior to Feeding America, she oversaw communications efforts for the nonprofit Council for a Strong America. She also served lead spokesperson for homelessness under former New York City mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and has worked as a producer for Fox News. During George W. Bushs presidency, Janik was deputy press secretary for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.







Erica Bartsch

Sloane & Company has promoted Erica Bartsch to managing director. Bartsch has been with Sloane since 2008, most recently as a senior vice president. Before coming to Sloane, she was a sell-side analyst at Rochdale Securities. At Sloane, Bartsch has served as an advisor on various high-stakes matters for a range of companies and organizations, providing strategic counsel and messaging support around quarterly earnings, initial public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, crises and other investor relations engagements. In her new position, she will continue working with Sloanes investor relations practice and lending her expertise to the agencys special situations capabilities. In addition, she will play a greater role in helping to determine the direction of the agency in the years ahead.



Debora Tomlin

Cyber security company Symantec Corp. has appointed Debora Tomlin chief marketing officer, effective Feb. 22. Tomlin comes to Symantec from CSAA Insurance Group, where she has served as EVP, chief marketing and customer officer, leading all aspects of marketing, customer experience and data strategies. Prior to CSAA Insurance Group, she held several senior leadership positions at Capital One Bank, including vice president of brand marketing, and has also served as senior marketing officer and head of corporate branding for USAA Insurance Company. At Symantec, Tomlin will oversee the companys global marketing organization and report directly to Symantec president and CEO Greg Clark.
Bob Gold & Associates has been selected to manage corporate communication efforts for Fathom Events, a company that shows over 160 titles on more than 2,100 movie screens in 44 countries per year. The agency is tasked with helping to better communicate the unique big-screen experiences that Fathom Events provides. In addition to the TCM Big Screen Classics series, Fathoms programming includes stage productions, sporting events and the Metropolitan Opera. The company says that events attract over five million viewers annually.



The Sebastian

Hawkins International Public Relations has been selected as agency of record for Inspirato, The Sebastian, Imago Artis and Pikaia Lodge. For Inspirato, which runs a membership-based destination club, Hawkins International will lead a strategic campaign to generate greater awareness of the brand through targeted media and influencer relations. For The Sebastian, a boutique hotel and residence club in Vail, CO, the agency will work to gain media exposure for the property and its on-site amenities, including the Bloom Spa, Frost Bar and Leonora restaurant. Hawkins will handle media/influencer relations and strategic media visits for both Imago Artis, a luxury hospitality company, and PIkaia Lodge, a 14-room property in the Galapagos Islands.

Cindy Riccio Communications has been selected as agency of record for KISS Hair Tools. CRC is now running PR and influencer campaigns for KISS, which markets a line of products that the company says mend the gap between product and accessory, with both their dependability and appearance. The agency has worked on creating video tutorials from influencers Vale Loren and Marikh Mathias, generating one million impressions.

D&D PR is now working with Bankside, a new 161-room hotel located on Londons South Bank, near the Tate Modern, British Film Institute and Borough Market. D&D is working to introduce the property in the US market, generating awareness among key audiences, and raising its profile among affluent consumers. The agency is also focusing on the travel trade community, with coverage in industry-specific media. Part of the One Blackfriars mixed-use development, Bankside will include live-work lounges, white cube gallery space, and a restaurant and bar with outdoor terrace.
William J. Gallagher, a 68-year-old career criminal who had just been released from prison after a 20-year sentence, recently robbed a Wisconsin bank, with the sole purpose of getting arrested and sent back to prison.

Six months after finishing his 20-year prison sentence at a penitentiary in New Jersey for attempted homicide, Gallagher took an Amtrak train to Chicago, then another one to Milwaukee, in Winsconsin, where he headed straight to a Chase bank with the intention to rob it. But this wasnt your usual bank robbery. Instead of getting as much money as possible and trying to escape before the police arrived, Gallagher demanded some $100 bills, then casually asked the bank teller to call the police, and simply waited for them to arrive and arrest him. His goal was never to escape with the money, but to get sent back to prison for his crime.

The New York native had spent so much time behind bars that he simply couldnt adjust to life on the outside, and after remembering that a fellow inmate had once told him that prisons in Wisconsin were the best in the United States, he decided to travel there and commit a crime so he could go back to his old life.

Photo: tadah/Pixabay

About 48 years ago, Im sitting with a 72-year-old con, and he had been in just about every prison in the country and he did two bids in Wisconsin, William J. Gallagher said, according to a plea hearing transcript. And he said it was the best food, commissary, this, that, everything.

Another incentive for Gallagher to get imprisoned in Wisconsin was the great healthcare inmates here receive, which reportedly rivals the care offered through the US Department of Veterans Affairs. VA doctors had recently removed cancerous growths off of his back and had found three other lymph nodes in his stomach and a nodule on his lung. He figured they could be taken care of in prison.

But it wasnt just the superior amenities and healthcare of Wisconsin prisons that made this Vietnam veteran go to such extreme lengths to get locked up again. He had been institutionalized for so long that he simply couldnt adjust to life on the outside, and he didnt want to be a burden for his children either, so he did what he felt he had to do.

Im not crazy, your honor, Gallagher told Judge David Hansher during his hearing. Im 68. I just got out. Every day Im looking at my watch. Oh, theyre in the yard now.  Instead of leaving, trying to lead a life out here, Im thinking about whats going on where I just left.

Bewildered by the 68-year-olds explanation, the judge asked him if he had seen the 1994 movie Shawshank Redemption, referring specifically to the character Brooks Hatlen, a longtime inmate and prison librarian, who took his own life after being released, because he couldnt adjust.

Thats me. The librarian guy, Gallagher answered. Institutionalized, couldnt adjust, everything fell apart, he hung himself. Im not hanging myself but, you know, thats it.

Photo: TryJimmy/Pixabay

Even the assistant district attorney prosecuting Gallagher in this bizarre case, James Griffin, was shocked by the mans explanation.

Ive never heard anyone rob a bank so they can get to prison so they could get health care, Griffin said. Its a sad comment on the situation of health care in America.  That a guys got to rob a bank to get health care is unfortunate, to say the least.

William J. Gallagher asked for a 10-year prison sentence, but Judge Hansher decided not to sentence him just yet. Instead, he asked for a presentence investigation to be conducted, and scheduled a sentencing hearing for February 13.

Gallaghers request to go to prison for at least a decade puts Charles Roozen, his attorney, in a difficult and strange position. Lawyers usually try to get their clients off the hook or at least get reduced sentences for them, but at the same time they have to abide by the clients wishes too.

This is the complete opposite role that Im used to or want to be in, Roozen said.

This bizarre case reminds me of another surreal story we reported a few years back, about a man who robbed a bank and simply waited for the police to arrest him, just so he could go to prison and escape his nagging wife.
Weve seen a lot of interesting dating services in the last few years, like Hater, an app that matches people by things they both hate, Dating AI, a service that lets you date people who look like your favorite celebrities, or Trump Singles, a dating site catering exclusively to Donald Trump supporters. But if you prefer a more scientific approach to dating, you may want to try Pheramor, a unique dating service that matches people by chemical compatibility, by analyzing and comparing their DNA.

Pheramors approach to finding suitable matches for singles is a bit different than that of most dating services. For $29.99, the company will ship users a DNA kit containing a buccal swab that they have to return for analysis after swabbing the inside of their cheeks. Pheramor will then analyze the samples and sequence 11 genes allegedly linked to attraction and compares the results with others in its database to determine chemical compatibility. The company then sends the user three potential match in their area (with their photos blurred) every day, each graded from 0 to 100, based on estimated compatibility.

Photo: Pheramor/Facebook

When Pheramor receives your swab back, we send it to our laboratory, where they isolate your cheek cells and take out the DNA. From the DNA, we sequence your human leukocyte antigen genes, or HLA genes. This is what predicts attraction, Pheramor CEO and founder Dr. Brittany Barreto recently told KHOU. These genes encode proteins for your immune system. Scientists have shown in dozens of publications that people are attracted to one another when their HLA genes are different. Thats right! Opposites attract is biologically true.

As the companys name clearly suggests, Pheramors approach is based on the concept of pheromones, chemical substances produced and released into the environment that can affect the behavior and physiology of other individuals of a certain species. The way species can sense how different the DNA is in a potential mate is through smelling their pheromones, the Pheramor website states.

However, the mere existence of human pheromones is heavily contested by most scientists. For example, Professor Richard Doty, who studies smell and taste at the University of Pennsylvania, told Wired that the notion that there are these magical genes that are somehow associated with smells that permeate the environment and dictate our attraction to people is total nonsense.

If human pheromones actually elicited the kinds of behaviors we see in other mammals the subways of New York City would be in a constant state of mayhem with people hopping all over each other, Doty added.

The DNA-based dating service encourages users to also link their social media profiles with its dedicated app, thus allowing an algorithm to data-mine for personality traits and mutual interests, to increase the chances of finding a great match.

Pheramor sends blurred profile photos of potential matches to its users in order to discourage mindless swiping based on physical appearance, and while that may be a deal-breaker for a lot of people, the company claims that its system actually works better. Its data allegedly shows that users have more second dates than people using traditional dating apps.



If the idea of pheromone-based dating sounds familiar, its because it has been done before, albeit in a less scientific manner. Back in 2014, we wrote about pheromone parties, casual events that allowed people to sniff out the perfect partner by smelling bags full of strangers worn clothes. If any of the clothes smelled right, it was time to meet the wearer.

Founded in February 2018, in Houston, Pheramor is currently expanding its DNA-dating services nationwide.
And the Senate Finance Committee, unlike the House Appropriations Committee, did not whack a $1.2 billion windfall expected this year and next from federal tax changes. That means the House has no formal way of dealing with that money when it flows in, except to put it into a kind of lockbox, to hold for tax relief for Virginians whose state income tax bills went up because of the federal changes.
"My office will continue to work with all of our law enforcement partners to identify and dismantle these drug trafficking organizations.

Other defendants in the case resided in locations in Lee County, Montgomery, Atlanta and areas in California; which is also the areas the drug operation stretched, according to the statement. Sentencing for the defendants ranged from six months to 420 months imprisonment.

Each of the defendants pleaded guilty to drug, gun and money laundering offenses, including four who did so after a trial had commenced, the statement read.

In the mid-90s, Lester Holstick, Worldly Holsticks father, and five of Lester Holsticks siblings were convicted on federal drug trafficking charges. Lester Holstick was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment and his brother, Mack, was sentenced to 30.

This was a huge impact investigation for the Auburn and Lee County communities, said acting assistant special agent in charge Andy Langan in the news release. It shines a spotlight on the great things that are accomplished when federal, state, and local law enforcement partners work together with their prosecuting counterparts toward a common goal.
A male suffered a minor, non-life-threatening gunshot wound after being shot near an Opelika trailer park Monday evening.

At about 6 p.m., Opelika police responded to the area of Brook Haven Trailer Park, located at 1775 Hurt St., in reference to gunshots being fired.

A short time later, a male gunshot victim was taken to East Alabama Medical Center where he was treated for a non-life-threatening injury. The victim stated that he had been shot in the area near the trailer park, according to police.

Police ask that anyone with information on this incident to call the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at 334-705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at 334-745-8665. Callers may remain anonymous.

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His decisions in the past 48 hours  to seek out close friends and cabinet members  is telling of his inability to see how he has so clearly diluted the trust of the communities most pained by revelations a racist photo was published on his medical school yearbook page. In his attempts to distance himself from the photo, Northam also divulged he participated in a dance contest while wearing blackface.
Lincoln, NE (68508)

Today

Mainly clear skies. Low 57F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear skies. Low 57F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
But a woman sitting nearby jumps in: If Labor wants to change its image, she says, its Michal.

At the very top, Israeli politics is consumed with the fate of Benjamin Netanyahu, the embattled prime minister, in Aprils elections. But at the local level, the identity politics that divides Israelis in myriad ways  Arab and Jewish; Ashkenazi and Mizrachi; pro- and anti-settlement; secular and religious; left, right and center, and so on  has been producing unexpected results, nowhere more so than among the Jewish religious right.

In Beit Shemesh, a fast-growing ultra-Orthodox center, thousands ignored their rabbis orders and helped elect a woman mayor in October. In Bnei Brak, where Ms. Zernowitski was raised, Mr. Netanyahus Likud party won two seats, a signal achievement on a city council long dominated by Haredi parties. And in Telzstone, a tiny Haredi enclave on the outskirts of Jerusalem, an upstart who took on the rabbis anointed candidate in a special mayoral election last month earned 40 percent of the vote  a seismic shift, despite falling short, for a population that has long exerted power by voting in lock step.

The overwhelming majority of ultra-Orthodox still identify with right-wing policies, experts say. But those who do not are making their presence felt: In Aprils elections, Adina Bar-Shalom, the daughter of the founder of one of the main Haredi parties, is running for Parliament on a social-justice platform and is widely expected to join a centrist ticket.

Ms. Zernowitski  who in keeping with modesty strictures wears a wig, but one so subtle it is impossible to notice  sees herself as embodying the generational yearnings of ultra-Orthodox voters who, unlike forebears who saw the land of Israel as holy but were uncertain about the state, want to feel more fully a part of the country in which they are citizens. Theyre trying to integrate into Israel and leave their ghettos, she said.

As an advocate for women, too, she has an added motivation to break out of the confines of the Haredi world. After she finished a radio interview recently, she said, the station brought on a sitting Haredi lawmaker who said that women did not belong in politics just as they did not belong working at a garbage dump, because politics is garbage.
HASAKA, Syria  More than six years after he was abducted in Syria by jihadists, John Cantlie, a British journalist, is believed to be still alive, a British government official said on Tuesday.

Mr. Cantlie has been seen in several propaganda videos made by the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, but the last one was released more than two years ago. On Tuesday, Ben Wallace, Britains minister for security, told journalists at a Home Office briefing that Mr. Cantlie was thought to be alive, though he did not disclose how the government might have knowledge of his condition.

The Islamic State held Mr. Cantlie in a series of locations before moving him to a prison next to an oil installation near the Syrian city of Raqqa, where he became one of 23 Western captives held at the site in two cells, divided by sex. If he is still alive, he is one of the few people who might be able to tell what became of other inmates in the underground gulag that held them, including many hostages whose families know little about their fates.

Mr. Cantlie, a freelance photographer, was taken hostage in November 2012, along with the American journalist James Foley, who filed for GlobalPost and Agence France-Presse. After leaving an internet cafe in the Syrian town of Binesh, they drove toward Turkey, but armed men forced them to stop 25 miles short of the border and abducted them.
What can a remote outpost tell us about how the U.S. got pulled so deep into Syrias war? The answer might be easiest to understand if we start out small. In March of 2016  a series of victories in a desolate patch of the Syrian desert. A band of rebels captures a border crossing. And then they move and capture a rectangular compound thats been in the hands of the Islamic State. Now, like a lot of forces in Syria, big and small, these guys want to be known. Theyd sent out promotional videos. Theyd made the TV news. Theyd even made a YouTube page, and asked visitors to subscribe, to follow along while they go fight ISIS. But all these videos, they tell us something else. American weapon. American weapon. American weapon. And all this propaganda? Behind the scenes are coalition advisers. Theyre coaching the rebels with how to introduce themselves to the world. Theyre backing the rebels because, at the time, this was part of Americas big plan for defeating the Islamic State in Syria: Train and equip local rebels to do the fighting. We will advise, and we will assist. These rebels are called the New Syrian Army. And that compound they captured? That rectangle in the desert? It turned into a small military base called Al-Tanf. Thats far away from all other U.S. and coalition bases in Syria. In the years to come, the base will be attacked by ISIS, threatened by Iranian proxies and become the subject of Russian conspiracy theories. This base will illustrate how it can be easy to get involved in a war  This is a transnational long-term threat.  but much harder to get out of one. Senator, that would have to be provided in a different setting. Wait a minute. Why cant you   Wait. Wait a minute. How the mission can change in unexpected ways. But the original mission, of course, was to defeat the Islamic State. The choice of Al-Tanf as a base was a good one. Right off the bat, the rebels build a couple walls. And this gives them control of a major road. That lets them disrupt the Islamic States ability to move between Syria and Iraq, and to stop them from entering Jordan, which is an important American ally. But the rebels main objective is to use Al-Tanf as a staging ground to seize the region back from ISIS. In their first year, the rebels have some failures   and they have some successes. American and coalition soldiers are there with them doing the training. The rebels managed to recapture a good amount of land, along with other rebel groups in the area. Thats seen in blue. But heres where Al-Tanf is forced to take on an entirely new, entirely unexpected role, an example of Americas expanding mission in Syria  Iran. See, when the American-backed rebels capture land from ISIS  remember, that was their original mission  theyre also capturing land that President Bashar al-Assad wants back, after losing it earlier in the civil war that began in 2011. So the regimes coming after them, like it or not. Irans been supporting the regime, and has its own reasons for wanting control of this rebel area. See this road that Al-Tanfs on? It leads all the way to Iran. Iran wants to be the dominant player in the region. Do you think it wants a little U.S. base blocking a valuable supply route that carries Iranian influence and materiel all the way to the Mediterranean? No. So in the spring of 2017, the Syrian army and Iranian-backed militias decide to take the region back with an offensive. Their objective is to reach the Jordanian and Iraqi borders. In the way is Al-Tanf. And by this time, the U.S. has established a protective circle around the base thats called a deconfliction zone. Basically, it means cross into that circle uninvited and you risk an American attack. But the pro-regime forces advance anyway. The Americans strike, saying its in self-defense. [explosion] These videos claim to show the strikes on pro-regime forces. [Arabic shouting, in reaction to blast] Then the Americans drop leaflets warning the oncoming forces to stay away from the deconfliction zone. But they keep coming. [explosion] And the U.S. keeps striking. And heres where our story comes to a pivotal moment that shows just how messy it can be when you get involved in a civil war. The U.S. told the world that it was in Syria to fight the Islamic State. Tonight, on my orders, Americas armed forces began strikes against ISIL targets in Syria. And now, its attacking Syrians and Iranian proxies. It was necessitated by offensive movement  I dont know there were Iranians on the ground  but by Iranian-directed forces. So now we get more American hardware coming in. Meanwhile, the base that looked like this when the rebels took over has now grown to look like this. But if Iran has become a factor in the U.S. mission in Syria, heres an example of how the government doesnt want to publicly admit that this has expanded the mission. So lets head to Washington for a second. Dont click away. I know congressional hearings arent always a thrill a minute, but this one   stand.  gets interesting. So let me  so what is the   A senator asks a high-ranking State Department official what U.S. troops will do in Syria once ISIS is defeated    non-ISIS priorities.  but question seems to strike a nerve. Senator, that would have to be provided in a different setting. He doesnt want to say that Irans part of the Syrian strategy now. Um. Why not? Wait a minute. Why cant you   Wait. Wait a minute. That wont pass muster. So he relents, just a bit. We are deeply concerned with the activities of Iran, with the ability of Iran to enhance those activities through a greater ability to move materiel into Syria. And I would rather leave the discussion at that point. The Iranian threat came just up the road from Al-Tanf. But Americas mission in Syria is also growing beyond ISIS because of what lies just 12 miles to the south  Trapped in a no mans land, but still the numbers grow.  the lives of 50,000 refugees. 50,000. They live in a camp called Rukban. Many of them have fled the Syrian regime and the Islamic State. The camp is so close to Al-Tanf that its protected by the bases deconfliction zone. And were going to be present at Al-Tanf to make sure ISIS cannot return and also to manage this difficult humanitarian situation. Hear that? Yet another reason to stay in Syria  protect the refugees. But these refugees serve another purpose  [Russian speech]  as props for Russian misinformation. See, Russias got bases in Syria, too. It wants to secure its own influence in the region. But the American presence in Syria, including at Al-Tanf, is getting in the way. So the Russians try to make the Americans and rebels at Al-Tanf look so bad that theyll be forced to give it up. [Russian speech] They often claim that the Americans and rebels at Al-Tanf block aid shipments to the Rukban refugees, creating a humanitarian crisis. But the internet is also full of conspiracy theories about the base. Some seem to have been influenced by Russias statements. Take Al-Tanfs Wikipedia page. The original entry smears the Al-Tanf rebels by calling them armed gangs and militants that are training terrorists, who the U.S. helps transport. The user who wrote all this has uploaded photos elsewhere that show a Russia connection. How? Well, one, they show a city Russian advisers were in at the time. Two, the file names are all in Russian. And, three, one is taken from the inside of a Russian military vehicle, like the one seen here elsewhere in Syria. Al-Tanf is just one example of how Russias presence in Syria has contributed to yet another reason the U.S. mission has expanded  preventing unchecked Russian influence. After more recent Russian threats, the U.S. sends Marines to Al-Tanf as a show of force. [gunfire] The base that looked like this after those airstrikes against pro-regime forces, has grown even bigger. And soon after, a top general arrives, stressing Americas support for the base. Construction on a new expansion begins three weeks later. I dont want to be in Syria forever. Its sand. And its death. President Trump reverses course, and orders a troop pullout from Syria. But theres an ongoing debate in the government about whether to make Al-Tanf the exception, to keep troops there even after all other U.S. troops in the country have left. Will the bases story end with the rebels and refugees left to fend for themselves, or will the U.S. decide to stay put to counter its rivals and small pockets of ISIS in a mission that has no end in sight? Whatever happens, remember: This is all taking place in just one small, remote corner of Syria, a country thats in conflict from end to end. So 23 seconds into this video, I mentioned a border crossing, the one the rebels use to cross into Syria. Turns out, the Syrian civil war isnt the only time conflict touched this crossing. I found these images from the Iraq war from 2007. These are refugees flooding the Al-Tanf crossing, trying to get out of Iraq. Back then, Syria was far safer.
CARACAS, Venezuela  Venezuelas opposition says it is preparing to deliver tens of millions of dollars in food and medicine to ease devastating shortages and undermine the authoritarian rule of Nicolas Maduro. But some major relief organizations are reluctant to cooperate, fearing the plan could turn humanitarian aid into a political weapon.

On Tuesday, the opposition said it would begin stocking warehouses near the Venezuelan border with supplies donated by the United States, Colombia and Venezuelans abroad. The humanitarian aid  baby formula, nutritional supplements, medicine and hospital supplies  could provide the opposition with a tangible way of weakening Mr. Maduro, who has long relied on food handouts to keep his political base loyal during the countrys long economic collapse.

Getting the aid into Venezuela, past Mr. Maduros security forces and into the right hands will be a critical test of the oppositions ability to rally the nation and establish an interim government. While the United States and more than 30 other nations have recognized the opposition leader, Juan Guaido, as Venezuelas rightful leader, he and his supporters still need to show that they can run the country effectively.

We want to provide tangible early results, said Miguel Pizarro, the opposition lawmaker in charge of organizing the aid delivery. We cant wait for the political transition to start reducing the peoples suffering.
Thinking back to the afternoon when she said Mr. Arias had grabbed her, Dr. Arce said she regretted not having fought back. She was in shock, she said. She had first met Mr. Arias through her mother, a former legislator in his party, and had visited his house with her mother in the past.

I just froze, and I didnt know what to do, she said in an interview. I was so much in shock. That had never happened to me before.

Dr. Arce said the only thing that occurred to her at the time was to cry out: Youre married!

She said she made up an excuse about having an appointment at the National Assembly and hurried out. She was in such a panic, she said, that she actually went to the National Assembly, even though she had no meeting scheduled.

There, Dr. Arce met a member of Congress she knew and told her what had just happened, she said.

That legislators aide, who did not want his name published because he did not wish to get entangled in a scandal involving such an influential person, confirmed the account to The Times. The aide said Dr. Arce had been teary-eyed and nervous.

That same day, Dr. Arce also called her boyfriend, who lives in France, and told him.

I immediately trusted Alex, the boyfriend, Jean Marie Collin, said in an interview. I never had a doubt about what she told me.

Dr. Arce also said she told her brother, her father, and several other people in the nuclear disarmament movement. Her complaint says she spoke to 15 people. One of those people, with whom Dr. Arce shared the story during the meeting in Vienna, told The Times that Dr. Arce had been in tears when she spoke about it.
Another congregation that is working with those grappling with religious trauma is the Holy Trinity Community Church in Nashville, with a membership that is over 80 percent L.G.B.T.

Brice Thomas, the lead pastor, says he first grasped religions capacity for harm when his father, a Pentecostal faith healer, died of a treatable skin cancer because the church did not believe in going to doctors. After a stint in the military, Mr. Thomas, who is gay, became ordained in the United Church of Christ, one of the first denominations to affirm marriage equality, and took up his duties in Nashville last year. Together with Jennifer Strickland, a licensed therapist, he is setting up a Recovering from Religious Trauma Syndrome group at the church.

Pastor Thomas says that releasing feelings of shame and unworthiness takes time and the support of a loving community. He adds, however, that being ostracized by religion can be a blessing in disguise if it pushes one to develop a more authentic personal faith.

Im grateful to the religious community that I grew up in because the challenges that they presented have brought me to the place I am today, he said. Im also thankful for my sexual orientation because it has opened me to deeper ways of being in relationship to God.

Even after people leave religions where they have suffered abuse, they can still harbor the emotional conviction that they are basically sinful and wrong, says Marlene Winell, a human development expert who coined the term religious trauma syndrome in a series of articles in 2011.

Dr. Winell was raised by missionary parents in Taiwan whose religion, she says, taught her that she was never good enough as a child. She struggled for years to figure out how to enjoy life, whose pleasures she had been made to feel guilty about.

Dr. Winells group, Journey Free, runs retreats where people suffering from religious trauma share personal stories and engage in nurturing exercises like the baby wrap, in which participants are swaddled in a blanket and rocked by the others who read statements like I love you and you are welcome to the world.
Immigration: Making the case for a crisis (again).

Immigration policy dominated the presidents agenda during his second year in office, and most likely will again during the third. Mr. Trump has consistently tried to make the case that there is a crisis  of crime, drugs and human trafficking  at the border with Mexico, an emergency that can be dealt with only by building a border wall.

The president is also likely to call for a legislative solution to address the so-called Dreamers, younger immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children and have no criminal record. This is one area of possible cooperation with Democrats, but there are significant disagreements about details.

Mr. Trump is not expected to veer from his demands for billions of dollars in funding for border security, including some kind of barrier. Congressional negotiators from both parties are trying to hammer out a deal on border security, but Democrats have been adamant that they will not agree to money for Mr. Trumps wall, and the president has been pessimistic about the chances of Capitol Hill coming up with an agreement that meets his approval.

Still, he is not expected to use the address on Tuesday to declare a national emergency, which potentially would enable him to construct additional barriers along the border using presidential authority.

An appeal to the Republican base on abortion?

White House officials said the president is also likely to talk about abortion and the fundamental importance and respect for human life. Mr. Trumps evangelical supporters, who fervently oppose abortion, have been the bulwark of his political base.

He might also talk about Chinas program of forced abortion and sterilization, and perhaps even efforts in the United States to ease some abortion restrictions, such as a contentious amendment regarding late-term abortions being considered by the legislature in Virginia.

A rationale for reducing troop levels in Syria and Afghanistan.

Mr. Trump has called for a substantial withdrawal of troops from the war in Afghanistan, where the United States military has been fighting for more than 17 years. But he has encountered uncharacteristic pushback from Republicans about taking troops out of Syria.
michael barbaro

From The New York Times, Im Michael Barbaro. This is The Daily. Today: In his first State of the Union address since losing control of Congress, the president repeatedly spoke of bipartisan unity. But a history of these speeches suggests that its everything else he said that will best predict how he actually governs. Its Wednesday, February 6. Mark?

mark landler

Yeah, Michael?

michael barbaro

Hey.

mark landler

How are you?

michael barbaro

Good. Happy State of the Union.

mark landler

Same to you.

michael barbaro

I really dont like this language people use, S.O.T.U.

mark landler

Yeah, its really awful.

michael barbaro

Awful. So lets not do that.

mark landler

Its kind of a dismal evening anyway, and calling it S.O.T.U. just sort of deepens the gloom that hangs over the whole thing.

michael barbaro

And yeah, why is it so gloomy?

mark landler

I dont know. I mean, you wouldnt believe it there were, like, 50 people in the meeting today for S.O.T.U. planning.

michael barbaro

What did we say about that word?

mark landler

O.K.

michael barbaro

O.K., everybody good? Mark, whats the significance of this particular State of the Union in your mind?

mark landler

For President Trump, this is the first State of the Union address hes delivered since his party was swept out of power in the midterm election last November. And so its the first time hes facing a divided Congress. And the president is really forced to conduct a very public reset of his presidency to take account of a divided Washington. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president bill clinton)

Mr. President, Mr. Speaker. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

Its not a unique situation, by any stretch. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president george w. bush)

Madame Speaker, Vice President Cheney, members of Congress, distinguished guests and fellow citizens.

archived recording (president barack obama)

Members of Congress, distinguished guests and fellow Americans. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

All three of Mr. Trumps immediate predecessors faced the same situation. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president bill clinton)

Again, we are here in the sanctuary of democracy.

archived recording (president george w. bush)

The rite of custom brings us together at a defining hour. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

With State of the Union addresses they gave after their party suffered defeats in midterm elections. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president george w. bush)

When decisions are hard and courage is needed.

archived recording (president barack obama)

I believe we can, and I believe we must. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

Each of them approached the situation in different ways. And in each case, it provided a sort of a telling glimpse, a blueprint for how they were going to behave over the coming two years of their presidencies. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president george w. bush)

And this is the business before us tonight.

archived recording (president barack obama)

Thats what the people who sent us here expect of us.

archived recording (president bill clinton)

Well, my fellow Americans, thats my agenda for Americas future. [END PLAYBACK]

michael barbaro

So take us through the examples of these last three presidents who have given these speeches after they lost a midterm election. How have they approached the speech?

mark landler

Well, lets start with Bill Clinton. Bill Clinton gave his State of the Union address in January 1995  [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording

Democrats lost the House, they lost the Senate. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

Three months after his party suffered a devastating defeat in the midterm elections. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording

The Democratic chairman David Wilhelm said, simply, we got our butts kicked. Not one incumbent Republican lost. The anti-Clinton tide was fueled largely by frustration. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

Time Magazine put him on the cover under the headline The Incredible Shrinking President. Journalists even asked him whether he was still relevant anymore. And so this relatively young, untested president was dealt a very serious blow. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording

Mr. Speaker, the president of the United States. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

And he really came into his State of the Union address acknowledging that fact. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president bill clinton)

If we agree on nothing else tonight, we must agree that the American people certainly voted for change in 1992 and in 1994. As I look out at you, I know how some of you must have felt in 1992. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

Bill Clinton took a very contrite tone. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president bill clinton)

In this effort, I am trying to say that I have made my mistakes. And I have learned, again, the importance of humility in all human endeavor. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

So this was a president who admitted that he had screwed up and he pledged to learn from this experience. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president bill clinton)

I think we all agree that we have to change the way the government works. Lets make it smaller, less costly and smarter leaner and not meaner. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

And even more than that, he pledged to take seriously the message that this incoming Republican majority brought with it. He acknowledged that, to some extent, the era of big government was over. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president bill clinton)

And were working on getting rid of unnecessary regulations and making them more sensible. The programs and regulations that have outlived their usefulness should go. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

Bill Kristol, a conservative commentator, commented after this speech was given that it was the most conservative State of the Union address any Democratic president had ever delivered. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president bill clinton)

This is a very, very great country. And our best days are still to come. Thank you, and God bless you all. [END PLAYBACK]

michael barbaro

So how much did Clintons message at this State of the Union this conciliatory tone, these promises of bipartisanship and an acknowledgment of this conservative agenda how much did it predict how he was going to govern for the next two years?

mark landler

So, in fact, Bill Clinton did adjust. He did govern more as a centrist. He did pursue policies where he tried to find some common ground. And in the end, by moving toward his opponents, he wound up being very successful. And two years later, he was re-elected by a comfortable margin over his Republican opponent, Bob Dole. And Newt Gingrich, his antagonist the man who sat behind him that night at the speech wound up being the wounded figure, because he had gone to war with President Clinton over a government shutdown, and he ended up shouldering the blame, not Clinton. In other words, the State of the Union actually showed that this was a president who was learning on the job, who was willing to adjust course, and came out of it victorious. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording

Washington turned upside down. The Democrats in, Rumsfeld out tonight on Washington Week.

archived recording (president george w. bush)

If you look at race by race, it was close. The cumulative effect, however, was not too close. It was a thumping.

archived recording

Even the president could not find a silver lining this time. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

Twelve years later, Bill Clintons successor, George W. Bush, found himself in a very similar situation. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording

Republicans licked their wounds. Don Rumsfeld lost his job. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

The Iraq War has gone very badly. Hes been widely condemned for his handling of Hurricane Katrina. And in the midterm elections of 2006, the voters deliver a brutal message. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording

I think you could say the driving force was that old refrain, Im mad as hell, and Im not going to take it anymore. And thats what we heard. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

They send Congress back into the control of the Democrats. And President Bush turns up for his State of the Union address. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (speaker nancy pelosi)

The president of the United States. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

Facing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president george w. bush)

And tonight, I have the high privilege and distinct honor of my own as the first president to begin the State of the Union message with these words: Madame Speaker. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

Hes extremely gracious to her. He congratulates her. He refers to her father, who was a Democratic lawmaker from Baltimore, and the pride he would have felt if he had seen his daughter presiding in the chamber that night. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president george w. bush)

But nothing could compare with the sight of his only daughter, Nancy. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

And then he delivers a speech. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president george w. bush)

Some in this chamber are new to the House and the Senate, and I congratulate the Democrat majority. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

Where he takes account of the bitterness that Iraq has caused and the opposition that it has stirred up. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president george w. bush)

With the distance of time, we find ourselves debating the causes of conflict and the course we have followed. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

Not just among Democrats, but among members of his own party. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president george w. bush)

Ive spoken with many of you in person. I respect you and the arguments youve made. We went into this largely united in our assumptions and in our convictions. And whatever you voted for, you did not vote for failure. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

And he, in effect, pleads for more time. He says that in this difficult situation, he and his military advisers have decided on a troop surge. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president george w. bush)

So were deploying reinforcements of more than 20,000 additional soldiers and Marines to Iraq. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

And he basically asks for time to get this war right. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president george w. bush)

Our country is pursuing a new strategy in Iraq, and I ask you to give it a chance to work. And I ask you to support our troops in the field and those on their way. [END PLAYBACK]

michael barbaro

So President Bush uses this speech to acknowledge the unhappiness in the country. But unlike Clinton after the midterms, he doesnt change his approach. In fact, he leans into it and doubles down on it when it comes to the war in Iraq. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president george w. bush)

Our cause in the world is right. And tonight, that cause goes on. God bless. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

And he also sticks to it afterward. So this speech is a very accurate blueprint for what the rest of the Bush presidency looks like. He does send the troops, they wind up having more success than many of the critics expected, and this becomes the way the United States winds down the war in Iraq. He really lays out the end game in Iraq in this State of the Union address. It actually proves to be a very, very accurate predictor of how things play out. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording

Right now, were looking at a live picture of the U.S. Capitol, where the Republicans will seize control of the House of Representatives. Picking up more than 60 seats now. Ohios John Boehner now stands to become the next speaker, replacing Nancy Pelosi. He already got a call. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

And then came President Obama, who spoke before Congress in January 2011, three months after his party lost control of Congress. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording

The American people have sent an unmistakable message to him tonight, and that message is change course. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

And left this young president very much on his back foot. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president barack obama)

Tonight, I want to begin by congratulating the men and women of the 112th Congress as well as your new speaker, John Boehner. [END PLAYBACK]

michael barbaro

And how did Obamas State of the Union confront that?

mark landler

Well, Obama responds to this setback, to this defeat, not by being contrite or acknowledging error. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president barack obama)

For the challenges we face are bigger than party, bigger than politics. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

But by, in effect, pushing past it. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president barack obama)

At stake right now is not who wins the next election after all, we just had an election. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

By brushing it aside, by saying there are bigger things that we need to focus on than petty politics. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president barack obama)

At stake is whether new jobs and industries take root in this country or somewhere else. [END PLAYBACK]

michael barbaro

Essentially, by ignoring it.

mark landler

Indeed. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president barack obama)

The future is ours to win. But to get there, we cant just stand still. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

So it was a very soaring message that was in keeping with the way President Obama ran for office, but one that didnt necessarily acknowledge the defeat that his party had just suffered.

michael barbaro

So does the way that Obama responds to this division in this speech by kind of ignoring it, by not fully acknowledging the new political terrain he has to confront does this forecast how he ends up working with Congress for the next two years?

mark landler

I think it does quite accurately. Because if you look at what happens in the years after this, President Obama never really does form a good working relationship. He never really does roll up his sleeves and attempt to find much common ground with Republicans in Congress. And so, to some extent, these grand ideas remain just that grand ideas, because he wasnt able to work with Republicans to translate them into more of a tangible reality.

michael barbaro

So in that sense, the speech was a very honest and accurate predictor.

mark landler

Exactly. Indeed.

michael barbaro

O.K. So it is 7:52, Mark a little over an hour before President Trump gives his State of the Union. Given the history youve just described, what do you expect his message to be now that he has divided government?

mark landler

We dont know exactly what hes going to say, but we do know that whatever their differences, all three of his predecessors issued a call for unity. Unity is the one theme that we can almost certainly expect to hear in virtually any State of the Union address. But whats really interesting is less that than whats between the lines, whats the subtext or the nuance in the State of the Union address. Thats where you can really see what the president plans to do, how he plans to govern, what blueprint or what predicate hes putting in place. So whats going to be interesting in President Trumps address is not a call for unity. Its almost certainly going to be there. Its the other things that are in the speech that are going to really tell you what we can expect.

michael barbaro

So, Mark, thank you for now. We will talk to you after Trumps State of the Union in, I guess, an hour or two.

mark landler

Look forward to it.

michael barbaro

So, Mark, what did President Trump do tonight?

mark landler

Well, when President Trump took the rostrum in the House chamber tonight  [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

Thank you very much. Madame Speaker. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

He uttered the phrase Madame Speaker in deference to Nancy Pelosi, but he avoided giving her any further congratulations on taking up her position. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

We meet tonight at a moment of unlimited potential. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

He did, nevertheless, start off with [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

As we begin a new Congress, I stand here ready to work with you to achieve historic breakthroughs for all Americans. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

A pretty standard call for bipartisanship and for unity. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

Hoping that we will govern not as two parties, but as one nation. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

He said at one point [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

Victory is not winning for our party [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

Victory is not winning for our party, victory is winning for our country. From there, he sort of segued into the economic achievements of his administration. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

In just over two years since the election, we have launched an unprecedented economic boom. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

But at that point, he took a distinct turn in tone. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

An economic miracle is taking place in the United States, and the only thing that can stop it [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

He basically said at this point [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

Are foolish wars, politics or ridiculous partisan investigations. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

There cant be any cooperation on legislation if theres going to be what he called ridiculous partisan investigations of his presidency. This was a reference not only to potential future investigations by Congress, but also the Mueller investigation. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation. It just doesnt work that way. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

And he actually put a fairly menacing tone on it. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

Now is the time for bipartisan action. Believe it or not, we have already proven that thats possible. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

From there, he turns to a more bipartisan issue criminal justice reform. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

Criminal justice reform they said it couldnt be done. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

But almost immediately [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

Now Republicans and Democrats must join forces again to confront an urgent national crisis. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

He then segues into immigration, talks about the virtues and importance of building a wall. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

Wealthy politicians and donors push for open borders. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

And accuses the political elite of being divided from ordinary, working-class Americans. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

While living their lives behind walls and gates and guards. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

So the language here is extremely uncompromising. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

Simply put walls work, and walls save lives. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

And this toggling continues throughout the speech. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

Two weeks ago, the United States officially recognized the legitimate government of Venezuela. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

At one point, hes talking about the global coalition to force out a tyrant, an autocrat in Venezuela. And yet in his next breath [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

Here in the United States, we are alarmed by the new calls to adopt socialism in our country. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

Hes likening this new class of Democrats in Congress to socialists. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

America was founded on liberty and independence. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

And saying, America will never be a socialist country. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

We are born free, and we will stay free. [END PLAYBACK]

michael barbaro

But it sounds like you think that the conciliatory language is just the obligatory language of the State of the Union, and its the harder-edged stuff that we should be listening to and thinking about in relation to past State of the Unions that you outlined before.

mark landler

I do. I think that if you look at the things the president talks about that are more conciliatory, they tend to be on the level of symbolism. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

In recent years, we have made remarkable progress in the fight against H.I.V. and AIDS. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

A campaign to fight AIDS with no dollar sign attached to it. A campaign to fight cancer in children with no specifics attached to it. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

My budget will ask Congress for $500 million over the next 10 years to fund this critical, life-saving research. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

While the areas where hes hard-edged are really the ones that matter to the future direction of governance and of his relationship with Congress. Whether he resolves this issue over funding the wall and, more broadly, whether he and the Democrats ever come to terms on immigration is really a core issue of how the rest of the Trump presidency will play out. That, much more than these conciliatory stories, these nice images, are really what matter in this speech. And I think the speechwriters were very careful to lard this speech with this kind of uplifting material. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

In 2019, we also celebrate 50 years since brave young pilots flew a quarter of a million miles through space to plant the American flag on the face of the moon. [END PLAYBACK] To make it more attractive to a broad audience while also speaking to the presidents political base. But make no mistake this speech was targeted to the political base. It was meant to mollify that base. And I think its important that we not lose sight of that reality.

michael barbaro

So where does this speech fit into the history of State of the Unions that have come after the dawn of divided government?

mark landler

Well, I think whats most significant is that there is really no acknowledgment in this speech of the changed circumstances. Theres no acknowledgment here that President Trump faces a new political reality, that he has to do business with the Democrats if he wants to get any significant legislation passed. This is the speech given by a president who is behaving very much like he did the week he was inaugurated, when he had a unified Congress under his control.

michael barbaro

Does that make this, then, an Obama-like State of the Union?

mark landler

I think the difference with President Obama is that, while he did not suggest that the defeat in the midterms was really going to change how he approached governing, he did at least acknowledge the fact that he had suffered an electoral setback in the midterms. In Mr. Trumps case, he didnt acknowledge the defeat he suffered in the midterm elections except in a highly indirect way. And it was actually one of the most remarkable moments of the evening. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

No one has benefited more from our thriving economy than women. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

President Trump was talking about the increasing numbers of women in the workplace, including in Congress. And spontaneously, this group of young, female Democratic lawmakers rose in unison and began chanting U.S.A and cheering and clapping. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

Very good. And congratulations, thats great. [END PLAYBACK]

mark landler

And the president broke into a smile and appeared, in a funny way, to be taking credit for their presence in the House which, of course, is deeply ironic, because the reason theyre in the House is because they were elected largely as a repudiation of him. So I think if youre looking for any signs of a newly pragmatic president or a president who will take heed of some of the concerns of the opposing party, I dont think we saw any of that in the speech tonight. And I would not expect to see any of that in his governing style over the next couple of years.

michael barbaro

Well, Mark, it is almost 1:00 a.m. We are really grateful to you, thank you so much.

mark landler

Thank you, Michael. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording (president donald trump)

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless America. Thank you very much. [END PLAYBACK]

michael barbaro

Heres what else you need to know today. On Tuesday, in the latest sign of progress toward a peace deal, leaders of the Taliban met with former high-ranking leaders of the Afghan government, including its former president in Moscow. The session excluded the leaders of Afghanistans current government, who the Taliban views as a US puppet but was still the most significant contact between the Taliban and Afghan leaders since the US drove the Taliban from power in 2001. In a surprising development during the negotiations, the Taliban said it now respected womens rights, including the right to education and work, despite having banned women from public life when the group was in power. And. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording

For example, you wrote in the 1990s that climate change is nothing more than a major environmental boogey man and the greenhouse effort is a controversial theory pushed by environmental groups. You still stand by those assertions? [END PLAYBACK]

michael barbaro

During a heated confirmation hearing on Tuesday, senators from both parties questioned the past writings of Naomi Rowe, president Trumps nominee to replace Brett Kavanaugh on the powerful federal appeals court in Washington. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording

Senator Leahy, those are statements from college, as you said, a few decades old when I think some of these issues were more hotly debated. And, no, I mean, I think the science has become much more conclusive over time. Conclusive in what way? Well, I think theyre my understanding is that theres an overwhelming scientific consensus that there is climate change. [END PLAYBACK]

michael barbaro

Senators repeatedly asked Rowe to explain a series of provocative columns she wrote as a college student expressing skepticism about global warming and calling equality between women and men a dangerous concept. [AUDIO PLAYBACK]

archived recording

A dangerous feminist ideal is that women are created equal? Senator, I very much regret that statement and Ive always believed strongly in the equality of women and men and for equal rights and opportunities for women. Im honestly not sure why I wrote that in college. [END PLAYBACK]

michael barbaro
All Americans can be proud that we have more women in the work force than ever before, Mr. Trump went on, adding, Dont sit yet. Youre going to like this.

And then he delivered his biggest applause line: Exactly one century after Congress passed the constitutional amendment giving women the right to vote, we also have more women serving in Congress than at any time before.

It was a striking moment for a president who has been routinely accused of misogyny, who paid hush money to a pornographic film actress and a Playboy model and who spoke in vulgar terms as he admitted on videotape that he had sexually assaulted women.

The Democratic response: race and voting rights.

Stacey Abrams, the former minority leader of the Georgia legislature, narrowly lost her bid to be the first African-American female governor in the South, but it was the way she lost  amid charges of voter suppression and vote rigging  that really rankled.

In choosing Ms. Abrams to give the Democratic response, her partys leaders were tapping a crusader for voting rights, and that is what she delivered.

While I acknowledged the results of the 2018 election here in Georgia, I did not and we cannot accept efforts to undermine our right to vote, Ms. Abrams said. This is the next battle for our democracy, one where all eligible citizens can have their say about the vision we want for our country. We must reject the cynicism that says allowing every eligible vote to be cast and counted is a power grab. Americans understand that these are the values our brave men and women in uniform and our veterans risk their lives to defend.
WASHINGTON  The Senate overwhelmingly approved a Middle East policy bill on Tuesday that included both a rebuke to President Trump over his withdrawal of troops from Syria and Afghanistan and a contested measure to allow state and municipal governments to punish companies that boycott, divest from or place sanctions on Israel.

The measure, which passed 77 to 23, started as the kind of routine policy bill that passes the Senate with little to no opposition. It reauthorizes at least $3.3 billion in military financing to Israel and extends security aid to Jordan, imposes new sanctions on individuals who provide support to the Syrian government and directs the Treasury Department to determine whether the Central Bank of Syria is engaged in money laundering.

This represents the broad consensus of this body about our nations responsibilities as an ally and a partner, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, said on Tuesday.

But the late inclusions of the anti-boycott, divest and sanction  or anti-B.D.S.  provision and an amendment by Mr. McConnell reproaching the president for a precipitous withdrawal of troops from Syria and Afghanistan raised some concerns in both parties.
They leapt to their feet, dozens of Democratic women, jubilant in their hues of suffragist white as they hugged and grasped hands. For most of the night, they had frequently been stone-faced, often reluctant to applaud President Trumps declarations.

But at his acknowledgment of their own accomplishment in his Tuesday night State of the Union address  a record number of women elected to Congress  they broke out into beaming smiles matching Mr. Trumps, waving and joining in a U.S.A. chant across the House chamber.

It was a culmination of emotion after a long day of preparation and anticipation for one of the capitals most elaborate rituals. After a cancellation of the speech and weeks of posturing amid a government shutdown, and with another potential funding lapse looming, it was finally time to hear what, exactly, the state of the union was.
Paul Manafort was once President Trumps campaign manager. By the fall of 2018, he was expected to face at least a decade in prison for 10 felony counts. Those counts included financial fraud and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Mr. Manafort is disappointed of not getting acquittals all the way through. He is evaluating all of his options at this point. In the hopes of getting a more lenient punishment, Manafort agreed to fully cooperate with the special counsel, Robert Mueller. Now, federal prosecutors are saying he violated his plea deal by repeatedly lying during their investigation. Manaforts lawyer also allegedly passed information to President Trumps legal team. But this isnt Manaforts first scandal. Controversy has trailed the veteran Republican adviser since his earliest work as an international lobbyist and consultant. In the 1980s, Manafort testified before Congress and admitted to using his political influence to win millions of dollars in contracts from federal low-income housing programs. The technical term for what we do and what law firms, associations and professional groups do is lobbying. For purposes of today, I will admit that in a narrow sense some people might term it influence peddling. That same decade, Manafort advised the Philippine dictator, Ferdinand Marcos, on improving his image in the U.S. Manafort allegedly received $10 million in cash from a Marcos confidante. It was apparently money intended for Ronald Reagans presidential campaign. But the campaign said it never received that money. Foreign contributions to U.S. presidential elections are illegal. Also in the 1980s, Manafort was linked to the prime minister of the Bahamas at a time when the island nation had alleged ties to drug traffickers. Manaforts company said that the goal of its work was to help the Bahamas obtain more U.S. aid to help curb the drug smuggling. Decades later, Manafort would run Trumps presidential campaign. We want America to understand who Donald Trump the man is. Not just Donald Trump the candidate. The composite of his career. Not just from a business standpoint or a political standpoint, from a human standpoint as well. But he resigned five months into the job in August 2016, in the wake of reports that he received more than $12 million from Viktor Yanukovich, the former Ukrainian president and pro-Russia politician. Yanukovich and his political party relied on advice from Manafort and his firm, which helped them win several elections. The Times uncovered that Manafort and others close to Trump met with the Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer in June 2016. That lawyer claimed to have damaging political information about Hillary Clinton. As for this latest brush with controversy, Manaforts lawyers insist that their client has been truthful. But they acknowledge that Manafort and Muellers team are at an impasse.
Good Tuesday morning. Here are some of the stories making news in Washington and politics today.

_____________________

 Virginias turmoil deepened on Monday as Gov. Ralph Northam, struggling with fallout from the revelation of a racist photo on his medical school yearbook page, was indirectly accused of sabotage by his own lieutenant governor. Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax suggested the governors allies had a hand in unearthing sexual assault claims made against him, to stop him from becoming governor should Mr. Northam resign.

 In tonights State of the Union speech, which he spent the weekend preparing for, President Trump is expected to announce a national commitment to end the spread of H.I.V. by 2030.

 From immigration to infrastructure, heres what to expect from Mr. Trumps address tonight.

 Stacy Abrams, whose unsuccessful run for governor of Georgia attracted much attention, and who will deliver the Democratic rebuttal to the State of the Union, is being courted to run for the Senate in 2020.
Members of Congress tend to be far wealthier than the average American, and Ms. Warren is the first presidential hopeful to swiftly release her personal financial disclosure. Ethics rules require presidential candidates to release the financial disclosures within weeks of announcing their candidacy, though candidates are also allowed to ask for an extension (Texas Democrat Julian Castro already has).

[Check out the Democratic field with our candidate tracker.]

Like Ms. Warren, other Democratic contenders have pledged to be similarly transparent throughout the nomination process  in part because they want to draw sharp contrasts with President Trump. Mr. Trump has released his personal financial disclosure form, but a large portion of his financial history remains unknown. Unlike every other president in modern history, he has refused to release his tax returns.

Ms. Warrens financial disclosure forms were first reported by The Center for Public Integrity in Washington. She has released 10 years of tax returns on her website, stretching back to her first year in public office.

In those forms, Ms. Warren and her husband reported an adjusted gross income of $913,000. The returns listed their total tax as about $268,000 and their total tax payments as $302,227. They were eligible for a refund of $34,000.

On the campaign trail, Ms. Warren frequently mentions her transparency regarding tax returns, and her policy proposal called the Anti-Corruption and Public Integrity Act, which would, among other things, require all candidates for federal office to release their taxes before taking office. That same proposal would end lobbying as we know it, Ms. Warren says, by eliminating foreign lobbying, ban stock trading from members of Congress, and not allow individuals to frequently rotate between public service jobs and lobbying firms.
The appointed panel that ran the program, the Board of Commerce and Industry, handed out nearly $10 billion in local tax exemptions between 2008 and 2016, but its actions were rarely covered in the press. Many Louisianans had no idea what the board did.

Nobody knew about it, Ms. Collins said. It had gone on for so long that people had forgotten.

Together Baton Rouge and its sister organization, Together Louisiana, argue that the industrial tax breaks starve local schools and governments of badly needed funds and leave them unable to lift a state mired toward the bottom of national rankings on education, crime and infrastructure. In Baton Rouge, one in four residents lives in poverty.

Their message has found an audience: Together Louisianas YouTube video about the exemptions, posted in November and titled Why Louisiana Stays Poor, has been viewed more than 600,000 times.

A few days before the Baton Rouge school board vote, the groups held a meeting at St. Mary Baptist Church to organize opposition to the Exxon Mobil application. Scores of people crammed into a Bible study classroom decorated with maps and photos of the Holy Land.

Edgar Cage, who organized the meeting, was careful to say that no one was accusing Exxon Mobil of any wrongdoing. All were saying is, we want a change, he said. We want a balance.

Business leaders reacted strongly to the Baton Rouge vote because they are worried about much more than just how a few capital improvements are taxed. As much as $90 billion in oil and gas industry investments could come the states way in the next decade, driven in large part by the boom in domestic shale gas drilling, according to David Dismukes, executive director of the Center for Energy Studies at Louisiana State University.

By itself, Dr. Dismukes said, the school boards vote was not a big deal  but the precedent it sets is going to be really big for these projects on the drawing board that are $100 million or $200 million.
Four of Americas largest cities are under the dark clouds of major federal corruption investigations. Residents, politicians and power brokers in all of them are holding their breath, waiting for signs of how deeply their civic cultures will be shaken.

The investigations raise questions not just about who else might be caught up in them, but also about whether there can be any lasting cure for the chronic corruption problems that seem to dog big cities, so often dominated by a single party or political machine.

In Chicago, Dick Simpson, a former alderman who is a political scientist at the University of Illinois at Chicago, called corruption a part of the municipal culture there. To change that, he said, you have to not only destroy the political machine, but also actually create a history of clean government  thatll be decades of work.

Engulfed by Scandal

The investigations have already had a palpable impact.

In Chicago, the criminal charges against Alderman Ed Burke have created all kinds of complications for the municipal elections set for Feb. 26. Political insiders are watching uncomfortably to see whether the scandal will harm any of the 14 candidates vying to succeed Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

In Atlanta, Kasim Reed, who was mayor from 2010 to 2018, has not been implicated in the investigation swirling around his former administration, and he has vigorously maintained his innocence. Even so, the scandal has effectively sidelined Mr. Reed, once a rising Democratic star in the South and one of Georgias most powerful politicians.
Jill Cowan: What are you expecting to hear from President Trump, and what will be your response?

Xavier Becerra: I suspect itll be vintage Donald Trump, whatever year of the vintage were going to get. And I suspect were going to hear a lot about walls; I suspect were going to hear a lot about No collusion. Well probably hear that everythings been a wild success and I think Ill be ready to talk about whats really going on in America.

Your office has been seen as a leader in Californias fights with the Trump administration. Whats the count of lawsuits youve filed against the administration?

I think were at about 45.

What do you consider your most important battle?

It is hard to narrow, because so many of these are consequential  these arent lawsuits that affect just a small community or part of California. Most of these lawsuits impact the entire state, plus people outside. I suspect that because health care has become such an expensive commodity and finally we were beginning to find the secret sauce on it, our defense of the Affordable Care Act for not just Californians, but every American carries consequences that reverberate way beyond just one state.

What do you consider your biggest victory so far in any of those lawsuits?

Weve had success on the health care side, stopping some of the erosion of services under the Affordable Care Act  for example, womens reproductive rights services. We were able to get injunctions to stop the Trump administration from eliminating some of those services. That was critical.

The protection of all people, if they want to give service in the military, to our government, they should be able to regardless of their gender identity status.
British Baron Lord Naseby has said Sri Lanka is not a country that has to be monitored by the Western countries almost everyday, the Politics Home reported today.

He said now is the time for closure and to let Sri Lanka stand on its own two feet.

Is this really a country that has to be monitored by the West almost every day. My view as President of the All Party British Sri Lanka Parliamentary Group is no. I shall put all these points and more in a Debate. I shall finish by reminding Her Majestys Government of the old adage 'keep your friendships in repair'. We may well need Sri Lankas friendship again soon over Brexit, he said.

He said about six months ago, he was conscious that the UN Motions on Sri Lanka would be reviewed in March 2019 by the UNHCR in Geneva.

I decided I should try to initiate a debate as near to Independence Day on February 4th as I could. After all it is nearly four years since these resolutions were passed; being originally moved by the USA and the UK and co-sponsored by the Government of Sri Lanka who welcomed help.

Specifically two resolutions were adopted by the UNHCR in September 2015 & again in March 2017. The resolutions were entitled Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka.

The motivation for the alleged need for the resolutions at all was the very heavy lobbying by that section of the diaspora in the USA, UK and Canada who in their heart of hearts still wanted an independent state Eelam. They had lost the war when the LTTE Tamil Tigers were finally defeated on the battlefield on May 18th 2009. It was no secret that many of those lobbying had been closely associated with the LTTE Tamil Tigers indeed some were actual members.

My reading was they wanted to see some sort of revenge against the leadership of the democratically elected Government who according to the Diaspora and their media friends had carried out War Crimes in particular the alleged killing of 40,000 Tamil civilians in a genocide along with a host of other allegations. We now know from the UK military attache that the real numbers of civilians killed were about 6,000 and further more the Sri Lanka armed forces took real trouble to look after the fleeing Tamil Civilians.

Interestingly the USA has recently withdrawn from being a sponsor. My guess is the US Government assess the Sri Lankan Government has done a huge amount to meet the UN requirements, so sees little purpose in prolonging what is in effect almost a policing surveillance of the actions of another sovereign state now 71 years old.

The UK government has been helpful in the reconciliation process through its Conflict, Security and Stabilisation Fund. Halo Trust have done a wonderful job helping with clearing the near 1 million mines left by the Tamil Tigers. I have visited Halo in action twice and marvelled at the painstaking, dangerous work of a Sri Lanka operative clearing a square metre a day.

The UK have assisted in setting up the Office of Missing Persons. I reflect that hundreds if not thousands of Tamil Cadres or sympathizers vanished abroad claiming asylum or were just winkled out through Tamil Nadu in India or wherever. Even recently a whole activist Tamil family believed missing came to light in France.

The Sri Lanka government themselves has passed an Act to establish an Office for Reparations and a proposal to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

In reality, Sri Lanka has taken positive steps on the four pillars of transitional justice-truth, reconciliation, accountability and guarantees of non-recurrence which must be taken into account by the Human rights Council. Add to this the continuing cooperation Sri Lanka has maintained with UN Human Rights mechanisms and the international community, the question has to be asked what is the point of the continuation of this resolution, he said.
A winding drive through the dense boxwood hedges and neo-Classical mansions of Bel-Air leads to the unassuming two-bedroom ranch house where Elizabeth Baudouin and Natalie Shirinian, along with their dog, a Japanese Chin named Toni, have lived, for several months a year, since 2017 (they also have a home in New York City). Here, in contrast to the neutral cream-plaster facade of their bungalow and the grand houses of the surrounding neighborhood, they have created a colorful, deeply personalized home that reflects their bold approach to design.

Together, the couple runs NES Creative, a creative communications agency that represents designers and artists including JF Chen, Allied Maker, Meyer Davis and Commune. But it was their respective side projects that brought them west. We went into this looking for a temporary sanctuary, not a permanent home, says Baudouin. She longed for the peace and isolation that Los Angeles can offer so that she could finish her book (about her coming of age in an alternative family in New England in the 90s), while Shirinian is a filmmaker whose documentary about the intersection of fashion, interior and product design, Interior Motives, is currently in postproduction in Los Angeles.
A Small Hand in Mine

At first, she was the little face I saw in pictures when her mother and I began dating. When the time was right, she was the tiny body standing cautiously in the corner of the living room  wondering, waiting. Before long, she was the small hand in mine as we crossed the street, the smile to prove she had brushed her teeth and the curious voice whispering until we fell asleep. It began to feel as if she were mine. Now, six months after the split with her mother, I realize she was not mine. But I loved her.  Nicole DeMouth
The State of the Union address is an elaborate form of political gamesmanship. Members of Congress trot out guests who will help them make a point, good or bad, about the presidents agenda, and vice versa.

When we asked readers whom they would invite to the address on Tuesday, we heard from many liberals who described their fantasies of inviting guests to rebuke President Trump.

Some people came up repeatedly: Christine Blasey Ford, Colin Kaepernick and immigrants whose families were separated at the border. We also heard from some who chose nonpartisan guests  relatives, personal heroes and co-workers.

Here are some of their answers, which have been condensed and edited for clarity.

Mr. Rogers

Fred Rogers might have been capable of showing partisan zealots how to listen and get along with one another.

 David Hill, Rochester, N.Y.
A war correspondent of extraordinary courage, Marie Colvin knew the danger she faced. She had reported from such places as Iraq, Chechnya, East Timor, Sierra Leone and Sri Lanka, where she lost an eye to a government-fired rocket-propelled grenade. Her last war, the Syrian Armys bombardment of rebels in Homs, she told a friend, was the worst weve ever seen. But it was not a stray round that killed her and a French photojournalist, Remi Ochlik, there in February 2012.

Officials at the highest level of the Syrian government carefully planned and executed the artillery assault on the Baba Amr media center for the specific purpose of killing the journalists inside, wrote Judge Amy Berman Jackson of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia last week in awarding Ms. Colvins relatives $302.5 million, including $300 million in punitive damages against the Syrian strongman, Bashar al-Assad, and his associates. She was specifically targeted because of her profession, for the purpose of silencing those reporting on the growing opposition movement in the country, Judge Jackson wrote.

Ms. Colvins relatives may never collect the money, though there is frozen al-Assad loot outside Syria they could eventually tap. The greater importance of the ruling  which was based in part on a trove of documents smuggled out of Syria by defectors that also implicate the al-Assad regime in innumerable crimes against humanity  is to shine a light on the dangers journalists face around the world not only from the violence they cover but also from autocratic rulers who would silence them.

Ms. Colvin, an American who reported for The Sunday Times of London and other outlets, has gained considerable renown since her death and is the subject of a movie, A Private War; a biography, In Extremis; and a documentary, Under the Wire. But the targeting of journalists has also increased in these intervening years.
We expect it to pass with overwhelming support from both Republicans and Democrats, but given the misleading arguments and amount of misinformation being spread by opponents of the bill, it is worth clarifying what the bill does.

The Combating B.D.S. Act does not infringe on Americans First Amendment rights or prohibit their right to engage in boycotts. By design, it focuses on business entities  not individuals  and, consistent with the Supreme Courts unanimous ruling in Rumsfeld v. Forum for Academic and Institutional Rights (2006), it focuses on conduct, not speech. Indeed, it does not restrict citizens or associations of citizens from engaging in political speech, including against Israel.

Rather, the bill merely clarifies that entities  such as corporations, companies, business associations, partnerships or trusts  have no fundamental right to government contracts and government investment. Similar to federal statutes protecting state governments that choose to divest from companies engaged in business with Sudan and Iran, the bill clarifies that state anti-B.D.S. laws meeting its criteria are not inconsistent with federal policy. By empowering states to counter discriminatory economic warfare targeting Israel, this bill also reinforces American policy insisting that only direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations can resolve that conflict.

Just as United States court rulings have repeatedly affirmed that states have discretion over whether to invest or contract with a company undertaking actions at variance with their laws or policies, companies remain free to cow to radical anti-Israel interests and engage in discriminatory economic warfare against one of Americas closest allies. Indeed, a federal court in Arkansas last month upheld the constitutionality of that states anti-B.D.S. law.

Yet its disturbing to see the bills opponents challenge anti-discrimination principles to create an open field for B.D.S. Anti-discrimination restrictions on government contractors are commonplace and a normal requirement for government funding Eugene Kontorovich, a law professor at George Mason University, notes. Of course, some who oppose discrimination against gays may think boycotting Israel is more defensible. But First Amendment protection or lack thereof does not turn on the popularity or content of the relevant views.

The pro-Israel Combating B.D.S. Act enjoyed strong bipartisan support last year. Senate co-sponsors included the majority leader, Mitch McConnell, and the minority leader, Chuck Schumer; the current Foreign Relations Committee chairman, James Risch, Republican of Idaho; the committees ranking member, Bob Menendez, Democrat of New Jersey; the current Finance Committee chairman, Charles Grassley, Republican of Iowa; and Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon. The Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs under Mike Crapo, Republican of Idaho, discharged the bill and tried to fast-track it for passage last December.

Despite the growing influence of anti-Israel voices on the left, which accounts for a growing share of the Democratic political base, the Senate is poised to pass the Combating B.D.S. Act in a bipartisan supermajority vote. I urge Speaker Nancy Pelosi to quickly pass the measure in the House of Representatives. Lets stand with our ally in its fight against the B.D.S. movements discriminatory economic warfare.

Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) is a Republican senator from Florida.
To the Editor:

Re Challenge to President and His View of News (news article, Feb. 2):

At the White House, President Trump submits to questioning by The New York Times about his threats to the news media. His answers are for the most part a litany of vague personal grievances. The same day , across town, in the United States District Court in Washington, Judge Amy Berman Jackson speaks to an altogether different order of values.

Her award of $302.5 million against President Bashar al-Assad for Syrias targeted assassination of the war reporter Marie Colvin (news article, Feb. 1) is nothing less than a resounding exposition of the necessity of a free press and the courage of individual journalists who embody it.

The next time that President Trump is asked to account for his reckless incitements against enemies of the people, he should be pressed to have the United States at last join the 174 countries that have ratified Article 79 of the Geneva Conventions for the protection of journalists and the additional Protocol 1 .

And thats only a start in following Judge Jacksons lead. Nine out of every 10 of the killers of j ournalists have never been investigated.
Amid the disarray in Washington, here is a ray of hope: It seems possible that Congress could pass energy legislation this year with the support of both parties. It would not be the sweeping measure to tackle climate change that is really needed, but there is at least a chance of getting a bill that does more good than harm for the climate and the country.

The point person on this effort will be Lisa Murkowski, the maverick Republican from Alaska who heads the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. She has a history of working with Democrats on energy legislation, and got 85 Senate votes for passage of a major energy bill in 2016, only to see it bog down in negotiations with a House then also led by Republicans.

Newly installed as leader of the Democrats on her committee is Joe Manchin, of West Virginia. Both senators are beholden to fossil-fuel interests, and it is inevitable that any bill they draft will seek to include provisions sought by that powerful lobby. But Ms. Murkowski has seen the effects of climate change firsthand in Alaska, and takes the problem seriously. Mr. Manchin declared the other day, We want clean water; we want clean air; we want to have an economy that works in balance with the environment, we really do.

In the House, newly empowered Democrats are eager to tackle climate change, but as long as Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, controls the Senate calendar, getting a sweeping climate bill through that body will be impossible. So, even as Democrats work to take control of the Senate in the 2020 election, they ought to engage with Ms. Murkowski to try to get a reasonable measure out of Congress  and to keep it focused on clean energy.
This article is part of David Leonhardts newsletter. You can sign up here to receive it each weekday.

Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of Britains Labour Party, has a long history of playing footsie with bigotry  specifically with anti-Semitism.

Over the years, he has attended protests and conferences alongside campaigners who have expressed anti-Semitic views, Sam Knight, the London-based New Yorker writer, has noted. As Josh Glancy of The Sunday Times of London detailed : Mr. Corbyn has described the constitutionally genocidal Hamas as his friends. Hes appeared on stage with inveterate anti-Semites. Hes defended a mural that depicted hooknosed bankers running the world. Hes attended a wreath-laying ceremony that celebrated the perpetrators of the Munich Olympics massacre.

When confronted about these instances, he has repeatedly claimed to have been unaware of his friends hatred. Corbyn has an odd knack for stumbling into the arms of the Hebraically disinclined, my colleague Bret Stephens has written.
William Van Alstyne, an outspoken scholar whose interpretations of the Constitution were invoked by Supreme Court justices, civil libertarians and advocates for a diverse spectrum of causes, including gun ownership and abortion rights, died on Jan. 29 at his home in Huntington Beach, Calif. He was 84.

The cause was heart failure, his son, Marshall, said.

Professor Van Alstyne, who taught for 39 years at Duke University School of Law in Durham, N.C., defied political or ideological pigeonholing: He was both an enrolled Republican and a national board member of the American Civil Liberties Union.

He argued that banning abortion would be unconstitutional; that the Second Amendment guaranteed individuals  not only militias  the right to own guns; and that warrantless wiretapping by the administration of President George W. Bush was illegal.

In 1982, he vigorously opposed a proposed constitutional amendment to permit voluntary school prayer, concluding that it would install the first seeds of theocracy into our government institutions.
Izzy Young, whose Greenwich Village shop, the Folklore Center, was the beating heart of the midcentury folk music revival  and who in 1961 presented the first New York concert by a young Bob Dylan  died on Monday at his home in Stockholm. He was 90.

His death was confirmed by his daughter, Philomene Grandin.

Anyone wanting to capture the essence of the times could do far worse than head to the Folklore Center, at 110 Macdougal Street, between Bleecker and West Third Streets. Established in 1957, it was nominally a music store, selling records, books, instruments, sheet music and fan magazines, most sprung from sweat and mimeograph machines, like Sing Out!, Caravan and Gardyloo.

In actual practice, the center was also equal parts hiring hall; Schwabs Pharmacy, where young hopefuls awaited discovery; matchbox recital space for organized performances and impromptu jam sessions; nerve center for gossip on a par with any small-town barbershop; and forum for continuing, crackling debate on the all-consuming subject of folk music, which thanks in no small part to Mr. Young was enjoying wide, renewed attention.

I began hanging out at the Folklore Center, the citadel of Americana folk music, Mr. Dylan wrote in his memoir Chronicles: Volume One (2004), recalling his arrival in New York in 1961. The small store was up a flight of stairs and the place had an antique grace. It was like an ancient chapel, like a shoebox sized institute.
OPPOunveiled its Find X 5G Prototype for the first time at the China Mobile Global Partners Conference, which was held recently in Guangzhou. As an important strategic partner of China Mobile  Chinas largest telecom service provider, OPPO said it would work together with industry partners worldwide to develop a new 5G ecosystem.

The OPPO Find X flagship smartphone, launched earlier last year, leads the all-screen trend in the smartphone industry. With the Find X, OPPO officially entered the Western European market, enabling the company to reach more consumers in developed countries. The OPPO Find X 5G prototype, with its engineering sample Snapdragon 855 and X50 5G modem, offers outstanding 5G performance, and garnered much attention from visitors to the Global Partners Conference. At the event, OPPO, Qualcomm and Keysight Technologies Inc., a world-leading electronic measurement company, demonstrated 5G data connectivity and applications including browsing, online video replay and video call using the Find X 5G prototype.

Speaking at the conference, Brian Shen, OPPO Global Vice President and President of China Business, said: We are confident OPPO will be one of the first companies to launch commercial 5G smartphones in 2019. As a pioneer in the 5G era, OPPO has been working on 5G standards, product R&D and the exploration of applications since early in 2015 and has made a series of leading achievements. In May 2018, OPPO completed the worlds first 5G 3D video call featuring structured light technology and proposed the concept of Ubiquitous Reality. OPPO then completed one of the worlds first 5G signaling and data connections on a smartphone in August and became the first company to complete a 5G Internet access test on a smartphone in October. In its latest 5G milestone, on November 30th OPPO made the world's first multiparty video call on a smartphone via 5G network.

Looking forward to the longer term, OPPO has introduced the concept of 5G+, with a belief that the 5G+ era will be an era where everything is connected and experience is king. The smartphone will be at the core of a wide range of smart devices, which will all be connected through the 5G network. To address the areas of smart health and smart home, OPPO has already begun work on several smart devices, exploring the intersection of 5G and cutting-edge technologies, and is collaboratively building a 5G+ innovation ecosystem with the entire industry, said Shen.

Levin Liu, Head of OPPO Research Institute, added that OPPO will drive the advancement of 5G together with AI, Big data and Cloud Computing (5G + ABC), making smartphones and smart devices true intelligent personal assistants. We believe that rich 5G application scenarios and killer 5G applications will emerge in the future, bringing disruptive experiences to users.

In building a 5G ecosystem, OPPO will continue deepening its collaboration with Qualcomm, network infrastructure manufacturers telecom service providers and other supply chain partners. In China, OPPO will work with China Mobile to accelerate the commercialization of 5G devices and build a new ecosystem for the 5G industry through China Mobiles 5G Device Forerunner Initiative. Outside China, OPPO is in talks with telecom service providers in Europe, Australia and other overseas markets, with plans to launch commercial 5G products this year.
Yesterday the temperature hit 61 degrees. Today its expected to do the same. Thats quite a change from the polar vortex that passed through last week, bringing near-zero readings.

For many people  particularly the folks who have to work outdoors  the warmth is a welcome reprieve. They dont have to suit up in layers for work. For the rest of us, its so nice you could sunbathe on your fire escape or at a park.

So, why the big change?

It was just a different air mass, Carlie Buccola, a National Weather Service meteorologist, said of the polar vortex. Now we have a different air mass that is not originating in the Arctic, so its warmer.

This temperature whipsaw is not uncommon, she said. Same thing happened last winter.

On Jan. 7 last year, it was 5 degrees. Five days later, the mercury hit 61.
James R. McManus, the last of the long-reigning leaders of a Tammany Hall Democratic dynasty that presided over Manhattans politically tempestuous West Side since 1892, died on Monday at his home in the heart of it, Hells Kitchen. He was 84.

The cause was heart failure, his nephew Thomas McManus said.

The McManus familys dominion was inaugurated by Jamess great-uncle Thomas J. McManus, who was universally known as The McManus, to distinguish him as undisputed leader of the clan.

In 1905 he deposed the West Side district leader George Washington Plunkitt, the quotable courthouse philosopher who unabashedly professed, I seen my opportunities and I took em.

Like his father, grandfather and great-uncle, Jim McManus was an elected district leader, a relatively minor functionary in the great scheme of political office but a major neighborhood figure in the days when the clubhouses were cogs of well-greased machine politics, when a well-connected local party boss could find a loyal constituent a job, an apartment or a key to getting out of jail.
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For months, the top-selling item at Fat Cat Kitchen was a cookie packed with chocolate chunks, dusted with salt flakes and infused with the stylish cannabis derivative cannabidiol, or CBD.

But as of last week, customers wont find the cookie on the Manhattan restaurant and bakerys menu.

On Friday, a health inspector sealed up the restaurants supply of CBD-infused baked goods in a plastic bag and told Fat Cat Kitchen to stop selling them as part of a citywide embargo on food products containing CBD.

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene confirmed on Tuesday that it was ordering restaurants under its jurisdiction not to sell food products containing CBD.

In a statement, the health department said that New York City eateries were not permitted to add anything to food or drink that is not approved as safe to eat. That included CBD, which had not been deemed safe as a food additive, the department said. The crackdown was first reported by Eater.
The other women in the movie fare only slightly better, except for Laura Dern, who plays Nelss wife and gets out as quickly as she can. Emmy Rossum as a ski-town cop is supposed to remind us of Frances McDormand in Fargo, but bases her successful police work on the sexual manipulation of some poor sap in Denver. She is encouraged in this by her patrol partner (John Doman), who otherwise embodies what happens to a white man when he gives in to the imperatives of political correctness.

Perhaps you think the same about me. I dont really care. And please dont get me wrong. Im not accusing Cold Pursuit of being casually sexist or accidentally racist. On the contrary: Its misogyny and racism strike me as perfectly deliberate, if also mostly disingenuous. That is, the movie works very hard to provoke a reaction like the one in the previous two paragraphs to justify the inevitable counter-reaction. Why make everything political? Lighten up, snowflake! Its just a movie.

And enjoying it can feel like an act of rebellion. Which I totally get. I have kids and grievances of my own and blah blah blah. I cant deny that the glum, resentful, not-giving-a-damn masculine vibe of Cold Pursuit has its appeal, as does Molands blunt knack for efficient screen violence. As for the star, Neeson has whittled his winter persona down to a haggard nub of weary anger, purging any inkling of gentleness, melancholy or self-awareness. The deadpan extremity of his performance is almost funny, except that in light of what we know now about Neesons past, its not funny at all. The thirst for revenge, in movies as in life, almost necessarily involves the dehumanization of its target. And if the movie itself is best taken as a joke, its a very bad dad joke.
In November, a former Special Forces team leader with whom I had served in Afghanistan sent me an article announcing another milestone for women in the military. For the first time, a female soldier had passed Special Forces Assessment and Selection, a grueling preliminary step to becoming a Green Beret. Awesome news, he wrote. While I agreed, my own experience had left me feeling skeptical. The article quoted prior remarks from then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who had said the jury is out on integrating women into infantry roles and that the Pentagon was trying to give it every opportunity to succeed if it can. As a woman who had worked in Afghanistan alongside two teams of Green Berets  one open-minded and mission-oriented, the other prone to sexism and insularity  my success had been dependent on whether I was supported and respected by my male colleagues. This servicewomans advancement would likely rely on the same thing.

I began working with the first team of Green Berets in 2012 on Combat Outpost Herrera in Paktia Province, a remote base in eastern Afghanistan occupied primarily by a company from the Fourth Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division out of Alaska. The Green Berets mission was to reduce the influence of the Taliban by improving local development, security and governance. They worked well with the district governor, the police chief and other officials. But the team was made up entirely of men, and they could not interact with the women in their area, leaving them unable to interact with half the population. Knowing this, they requested a Cultural Support Team, a small all-female unit trained to engage Afghan women and children.

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I led the Cultural Support Team, which consisted of myself; Leigh Murchison, an Army master sergeant; and a female interpreter. Winnowed from a group of 280 female soldiers and officers who had volunteered, Leigh and I were two of the 28 who had passed a series of physical, mental and intellectual evaluations, completed training at Fort Bragg, N.C., and had been selected to work with Special Forces. As an intel analyst and a logistics officer, Leigh and I studied Afghan and Islamic culture before deploying, and we refined the military skills needed for an assignment alongside elite troops, including weapons use, trauma care, radio communications, intelligence gathering and driving the vehicles used by Special Forces teams in Afghanistans harsh terrain. The Army, following the counterinsurgency doctrine of the time, expected us to help all-male combat units identify causes of instability, in part by meeting with influential villagers and officials, and also by meeting with local women who were not accessible to these male units.
Name Withheld

Everything you say about your friends situation is, if true, known to her. What you want her to do is to draw what you think is the obvious conclusion: that she needs to break up with her partner, find a new one and settle down to motherhood. Perhaps you think that forcing her to face reality will get her to snap out of it and take some new course of action.

If you had reason to be confident that your promptings would guide her to a life as a happily married mother, it would certainly be ethical to proceed. Youd be offering a gift of friendship. But I suspect you dont have reason to be confident about this. And youve identified the downsides: adding to her anxiety, sparking her resentment. It is an important maxim, widely ignored, that intervention is a good idea only if it is likely to make things better. Many people think that a mediocre partner is better than no partner at all. And depending on their character and temperament, they may be right.

At the gym, I often see a woman who appears to be severely underweight; I cant help thinking that she may have an eating disorder. Im not a medical professional, I dont know her, I dont work at the gym and I dont have any information that isnt plainly visible. I dont want to intrude on her privacy (for all I know, this woman may have some other underlying medical condition and already be receiving medical care for it), but at the same time, its difficult for me to see someone looking so painfully thin. For what its worth, Ive seen this woman at the gym for a year or more, which suggests that her weight is relatively stable, albeit very low.

What is the most ethical course of action? And how would it be most helpful to engage with this woman if ethics demand that I cant simply be a bystander?

Name Withheld

You know almost nothing about this woman and have no relationship with her. Unless shes completely friendless, theres almost certainly someone who is better placed than you to judge whether shes ill and, if so, to help her deal with it. Maybe that has already happened.

You dont have very good reason, in short, to involve yourself here. And bear in mind that one feature of eating disorders is a preoccupation with how you look to others; being addressed by a stranger in a gym who is worried by your appearance is likely to exacerbate that problem. Shame is part of the psychic burden of many eating disorders (she may be struggling to recover from it), but so is a profound body dysmorphia. Hearing that shes too thin may have the opposite effect than what you intend, by making her feel pleased that her behavior has succeeded in making her look the way she wants to look. As I cautioned in my previous answer, we should intervene only when were likely to make things better.

I recently started a new job. During the application process, I was asked if I would be applying to graduate school in the near future, as their intention was to have the new hire stay on for two to three years. At the time, I was not intending on applying to graduate school, but this has since changed. Must I inform my new employers of my change in plans? There is a chance I may not be accepted into a program or receive enough funding to attend. I also took on personal risk by moving to the other side of the country when accepting the offer.

Name Withheld

Unless you promised your new employers not to apply to graduate school, the truthful answer you offered in the interview was what you owed them. You might consider sticking around for a year, though, so that you could give them a good chunk of what theyd been hoping for. That youre not obliged to do so doesnt mean that it wouldnt be a decent thing to do.
Tara Pixley often felt isolated in the newsrooms where she worked as a photographer or photo editor. As a black woman who was the child of immigrants, raised by a single mom, and also a first-generation college student, she struggled for a decade to fit in. She was the only woman of color in the photo departments where she worked and was ignored or treated dismissively.

She originally blamed herself for not fitting in, but after talking with other photographers who were women of color, she realized that they all had similar experiences of being shut out of conversations.

There is a three-prong gender/race/class identity space, and the bias and marginalization that it brings down on a visual journalist is very real and makes it difficult for women of color to succeed in this industry, Ms. Pixley said. Add to that being gender nonconforming, non-binary or trans, then youre just this kind of oddity that no one seems to know how to engage.
President Trump delivered his second State of the Union address on Tuesday night. The speech was scheduled for last month, but was postponed because of the partial government shutdown, prompted by Mr. Trumps demand that Congress pay for a wall along the southern border with Mexico.

Were you watching? Why or why not?

Though we welcome your reactions to what the president said  and to the Democratic response  in this forum were chiefly asking how you think our country is doing right now.

Are we better off than we were a year ago? Two years ago? Why or why not? What are the main issues we face, in your opinion? In general, how strong is the state of our union right now?

In Trump Asks for Unity, but Presses Hard Line on Immigration, The Times summarizes the speech and the reaction to it:

President Trump delivered a message of bipartisan unity on Tuesday night in his first address to Congress in the new era of divided government, but signaled that he would continue to wage war for the hard-line immigration policies that have polarized the capital and the nation. In a nationally televised speech that toggled between conciliation and confrontation, Mr. Trump presented himself as a leader who could work across party lines even as he pressed lawmakers to build a wall along the nations southwestern border that leaders of the newly empowered congressional Democrats have adamantly rejected. ...The change in the power structure in a Capitol long dominated by men was on display as Ms. Pelosi and scores of House Democratic women wore white, the color of the suffrage movement, reflecting the fact that 131 women were sworn into the new Congress, the most in American history. When Mr. Trump noted this breakthrough, the women leapt to their feet, cheering, dancing and high-fiving each other. Thats really great, he said. Congratulations. He made no direct mention of the issues that may yet come to dominate the year, such as the Russia investigation by the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, or the parallel inquiries that House Democrats intend to conduct into his campaigns ties with Russia and efforts to impede investigations. Instead, he alluded to them only in passing, but pointedly. An economic miracle is taking place in the United States, he said, and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics or ridiculous partisan investigations. But Mr. Trump indicated no retreat from his almost singular pursuit of a border wall, directly taking on Ms. Pelosi, who has called it immoral. He devoted 15 minutes of the hour-and-22-minute speech to immigration with no concession to Democratic priorities like a path to citizenship for immigrants brought into the country illegally as children. This is a moral issue, Mr. Trump said as Ms. Pelosi sat unmoved behind him. No issue better illustrates the divide between Americas working class and Americas political class than illegal immigration, he added. Wealthy politicians and donors push for open borders while living their lives behind walls and gates and guards. In the official Democratic response, Stacey Abrams, who lost a close race for governor of Georgia in November, scorned the idea of unity from a president who has practiced the politics of division. We know bipartisanship could craft a 21st-century immigration plan, she said, but this administration chooses to cage children and tear families apart. Ms. Abrams, who is African-American, challenged Mr. Trumps history of racial provocation, saying, We must hold everyone from the highest offices to our families accountable for racist words and deeds and call racism what it is  wrong. The presidents speech, built on a theme of choosing greatness, came at a pivotal moment halfway through the presidents term as he seeks to regain momentum after the midterm election defeat that handed control of the House to Democrats and after his failed effort to use a partial government shutdown to extract money for the wall.

Students, please tell us:

 Is the state of our union strong, in your opinion? In other words, how do you think the country is doing right now? Are we doing better, worse or the same as we were a year ago? What should be the nations priorities? What are the biggest issues we face? For instance, do you agree with President Trumps focus on immigration and the need for a border wall?

 What is your reaction to President Trumps State of the Union address? What, to you, were the most memorable moments or lines? How effective do you think it was over all?

 What reactions to the address  whether from political commentators, members of Congress, social media or your friends and family  did you find most interesting? Why?

 Which descriptions of the state of our union that you have heard or read this week do you find most compelling or persuasive? Why?

 If you were to make your own one-minute State of the Union speech, what would you say? Why? What issues, policies, ideas or themes would you highlight?
The Trump administration has made lowering drug prices one of its top priorities, and last week it unveiled a proposal that could vastly rewrite the way drugs are sold in the United States.

The proposal takes aim at the secret deals that drug companies strike with pharmacy benefit managers, the industry intermediaries that negotiate the price of drugs for insurers and large employers.

These after-the-fact discounts, called rebates, have come under harsh criticism and are blamed for helping to push up the list price of drugs, which consumers are increasingly responsible for paying.

Under the proposed rule, released on Thursday, pharmacy benefit managers would lose the legal protections that allow them to accept rebates from drug companies for brand-name drugs covered under the Medicaid and Medicare government programs. Any such discounts would instead have to be credited at the pharmacy counter when patients fill a prescription.
People who study complaints divide them into two categories, instrumental and expressive. An instrumental complaint is directed toward a specific target and intended to bring about a specific outcome, according to Robin Kowalski, a professor of psychology at Clemson University who has studied the social functions of complaining. Calling a restaurants owner the next day to say that you waited an hour for dessert and dont intend to come back is an instrumental complaint. Texting a friend to say the polar vortex is making your skin peel off is an expressive complaint. We call expressive complaints venting, kvetching, griping or a number of other names.

Its important to know which of the two types of complaint is right for you before opening the first can of invective. Venting has its uses. In one study, Dr. Kowalski and some colleagues showed that when we are asked to put our feelings of dissatisfaction with somebody into writing, our positive affect  good feelings, basically  will rise about 15 minutes later, after an initial downswing. In the same way, if a meal lets you down, taking a pair of pliers and a blowtorch to the restaurant on Yelp might give you a brief lift.

But once the rush of having gotten it off your chest is gone, youd realize nothing has changed. Youre still out the price of dinner, and you wont find out whether your grievance has reached the right ears unless somebody at the restaurant responds. Some owners make a point of scouring review sites so they can do just that. Others use the reviews date and details to identify and get in touch with the kvetcher. But there are more direct ways to get your gripe acknowledged than scrawling it on the walls of the internet.

If theres something thats really bothering you, the ultimate benefits are going to come from targeted complaining , Dr. Kowalski said. Telling the person or restaurant.

I know, I know. This is the part I avoid, too, by saving all my criticisms for my reviews. I hate confrontations, I run from them, Id rather pay the check, even with my own money, and walk out never to return.
Sri Lankas flagship real estate event of the year, the Lanka Property Show 2019 will return for the 4th successive instalment, which will be held. on 9th and 10th February at the Kingsbury Hotels Balmoral Hall.The event is organized by LankaPropertyWeb, the leading property portal of the country. https://www.lankapropertyweb.com/events/

The Lanka Property show 2019 is ideal if youre interested in joining discussions and having in person conversations about the current state and future of the real estate market.

The event is Sri Lankas largest property show, attracting the countrys most renowned property developers, real estate agents and banks coming together all under one roof to offer consumers a chance to view, express interest in, and eventually have an opportunity to invest in Sri Lankas fast growing real-estate and property sector.

This year in addition to the developers showcasing their latest and finest projects, the event will also focus on providing assistance to buyers and sellers with their property needs. LankaPropertyWeb (LPW) in partnership with Nations Trust Bank (NTB), will host a home loans day, where buyers can either obtain to financial health checkup or get a free loan pre-approval for their mortgage. LankaPropertyWeb team will also be at hand to provide guidance and advisory on purchasing property for locals and foreigners.

Lanka Property Web Managing Director Daham Gunaratna said following two highly successful property shows last year, we aim to make this years event even larger and more successful with over 30exhibitors participating at the show and over 50 projects showcased.Gunaratna also touched base on something he spoke at the previous eventregarding Lanka Property Webs journey, stating that, We are pleased to say we began with a vision of making buying and selling of property in Sri Lanka easier and the success of all the Lanka Property Shows up to date, is a testament to showcase we have achieved that vision.

This would be the ideal platform for anyone looking to buy property to find great deals on sale prices and save on the 15% VAT that will be imposed on apartment sales from 1 April.

Mr. Gunaratne also said: We hope that the buyers will be able to find their dream homes that they have being looking for and that the exhibitors find the right buyers for their properties that they have tirelessly planned and designed. Our previous shows have had tremendous success with many properties sold during the event or soon after where most of the developers were happy

The Property Show thereby aims to bring various projects together under one roof that will benefit both buyers and sellers alike. In addition to the above benefits, some of the banks at the venue will be offering special discounted rates for visitors who takes out a loan during the show. There will be a special bank loan assistance scheme powered by Nations Trust Bank throughout the event for any advice or concerns the participants need to clarify or even to get your loan pre-approved. There will be special rewards and offers in partnership with exhibitors, to buyers that confirm a sale during or through the event.

This years event will also feature seminars and discussions about property investments, which was a major success with the attendees at the previous events. The show will comprise of panel discussions connected to the market outlook of 2019 and presentations from the developers related to their products and services to give the participants great knowledge and valuable insights.

Visitors can also speak with the real estate agents present, so they will be able to better grasp the industrys traits and assess their investment options more comprehensively. The Lanka Property Show 2019 will undoubtedly be an instrumental platform for real estate professionals and the public alike. With many property developers, exhibitors and buyers all gathered for a mutual purpose, there is an abundance of experts to liaise with and many insightful discussions to be had.

About LankaPropertyWeb.com

Having grown from strength to strength in the last 12 years through its focused vision on offering property buyers and sellers the best service for finding and selling property, has to-date remained the premier property website in Sri Lanka, facilitating numerous dealings since its inception.
When they arrived in the Americas centuries ago, European colonists brought pestilence and death. Their arrival was so devastating, in fact, that it may have contributed to a period of global cooling, according to a new study.

The research, to be published in the March issue of the journal Quaternary Science Reviews, represents an ambitious attempt to show that, through a series of events, human activity was affecting the climate long before the industrial revolution and global warming.

The authors found that disease and war wiped out 90 percent of the indigenous population in the Americas, or about 55 million people. The earth, they argue, then reclaimed the land that these populations left behind. The new vegetation pulled heat-trapping carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and into the land, contributing to what scientists refer to as the Little Ice Age.

It was a drastic change in the earths system, said Alexander Koch, the studys lead author and a Ph.D. candidate at the University College London Department of Geography.
Theres Bitcoin. Theres Litecoin. Theres Ethereum. So just what is cryptocurrency, and how does it work? Essentially, its digital money thats bought and sold online. Theres no bills or coins. Its not based on another asset like gold. And it doesnt go through traditional financial institutions like banks. Instead, these currencies operate in a completely decentralized system that uses so-called blockchain technology to track transactions. To see how this works, lets look at how youd buy something with cryptocurrency. Say that Alice wants to buy a bike from Dan using Bitcoin, her cryptocurrency of choice. Alice begins by logging into her Bitcoin wallet with a private key, a unique combination of letters and numbers. With a traditional financial transaction, the exchanges get sent to banks on each side who record the money being subtracted from one account and added to another. But remember, in this scenario, there are no banks or middlemen. Instead, Alices transaction is shared with everyone in the Bitcoin network. These networked computers add Alices transaction to a shared list of recent transactions, known as a block. Every 10 minutes, the newest block of transactions is added on, or chained, to all the previous blocks. Thats how you get a blockchain. To ensure that each block of transactions on the chain is verified, a subset of Bitcoins network joins a race to solve a difficult math puzzle. And if they solve it first, their record of the block of transactions becomes the official record. Theyre rewarded with Bitcoins of their own, and the network gets a new block on the chain. This entire process is known as mining. But instead of chipping away at rock, youre solving complex puzzles. The fact that many computers are competing to verify a block ensures that no single computer can monopolize the Bitcoin market. To ensure the competition stays fair and evenly timed, the puzzle becomes harder when more computers join in. The Bitcoin protocol says mining will continue until there are 21 million Bitcoins in existence. Thats set to happen around 2140  if Bitcoin lasts that long.
For Qatar, this serves as a counterbalance to the Saudi-U.S. relationship, said Leslie Palti-Guzman, president of GasVista, a New York-based consulting firm. Saudi Arabia and Qatar right now are looking to invest in the U.S. liquefied natural gas play, and both think its going to carry favor with the Trump administration.

The administration has attempted periodically to mediate Qatars dispute with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Egypt since the Saudi-led bloc cut economic and diplomatic ties with Qatar in 2017. But President Trump has sent conflicting signals about his intentions by, at times, appearing to support Saudi Arabia and its allies in the dispute.

Qatar has long leveraged its gas wealth to exert political influence around the Middle East and North Africa, with television broadcasting, financial support for Hamas in Gaza and alliances with Muslim Brotherhood chapters and militia groups around the region. The country also hosts a major American military base.

Qatar Petroleum has been a big investor in Golden Pass for years. Originally the giant terminal in Sabine Pass, Tex., was designed to import gas, and cost $2 billion to build about a decade ago. But the frenzy of natural gas drilling in shale fields created a domestic glut, and the facility has been dormant for the last eight years.

Exxon Mobil and Qatar Petroleum will reverse some pipelines and add several enormous refrigerant plants to Golden Pass. The plants will cool gas to minus-260 degrees Fahrenheit and condense it into a liquid to be loaded onto tankers and shipped to Latin America, Asia and Europe.
Details: The talks offer a window into any future peace deal. The Taliban, which barred women from public life during their time in power, said they now respected womens rights to education and work  a claim met with immediate skepticism in Afghanistan. One former governor who was forced from office last year urged a gradual withdrawal of foreign troops.

In Afghanistan: None of the talks have included representatives of the U.S.-backed government in Kabul. President Ashraf Ghani criticized the Moscow meeting as an attempt to undermine the authority of the Afghan state, though Afghanistans political elite is beginning to rally around the peace effort.

Of note: Thirty years after the Soviet Union retreated from Afghanistan, the Russian government played a quiet but major role in orchestrating this meeting, and has pointed to the U.S. military presence in the country as the main hindrance to peace.

Heres what else is happening

Venezuela: Opposition leaders said theyre preparing to deliver food and medicine donations to ease the countrys shortages, which would likely weaken the authority of President Nicolas Maduro. But some major relief organizations are reluctant to cooperate, fearing that the plan could turn aid into a political weapon.

#MeToo: A psychiatrist and nuclear disarmament activist has accused the former president of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias Sanchez, of sexually assaulting her four years ago, bringing the movement to one of Latin Americas most revered statesman.

Paris: At least 10 people were killed and 37 injured after a fire tore through an eight-story building in a residential part of the city  the deadliest in the French capital in over a decade. The fire appeared to be tied to a neighborhood dispute, and the authorities are treating it as a possible case of arson.
1. President Trump struck some unifying notes in his second State of the Union address, and he also made an extended argument for his border wall.

Our coverage includes video of the speech, and analysis, takeaways and fact-checks by our correspondents.

The chambers Republicans broke out into chants of U.S.A.! U.S.A.! more than once. The many newly elected Democratic lawmakers also listening were less enthusiastic.
There are also frequent examples of simply thoughtless writing. For instance, the first chapter features an individual, John Michell, who is introduced with a single quote attributed to his contemporaries. Yet it seems implausible that all or even several of his contemporaries said this one thing  and indeed its hard to judge, as it is not until several paragraphs later that we find out the century in which Michell and his contemporaries lived.

Several chapters later, there is a particularly bizarre jump from a discussion of poisonous snakes of Australia to one of telescope instrumentation, separated only by a paragraph break, immediately bucking the reader from the page.

The book does improve from there, and later portions are more readable and clear. But stray sentences, awkward transitions and confusing tense disagreements, while less frequent in the second half, never disappear entirely.

This is all especially disappointing because black holes are fascinating, and because Impey knows so much about them. There are glimpses of several good lectures that Impey could give (and likely has given) on how black holes power the most spectacularly bright objects in the universe, active galactic nuclei, as well as the history of how we came to understand these strange and violent objects. Unfortunately, glimpses are all we get.

295 pp. Norton. $26.95.

BREAKFAST WITH EINSTEIN

The Exotic Physics of Everyday Objects

By Chad Orzel

Image

The nuclear physics of breakfast may not sound particularly appetizing, but Orzel is determined to put it on the menu. A physics professor at Union College, he is (rightly) concerned that quantum physics usually conjures up images of the bizarre and exotic, when its effects are in fact with us every day. Even the most ordinary of activities, those that make up our morning routine, are fundamentally quantum, he reminds us. Indeed, the phenomena that drove the development of the theory are surprisingly prosaic: The quantum revolution was kicked off by Max Planck in 1900, when he successfully discovered a law governing the different colors of light emitted by hot glowing things, like an electric stovetop or campfire embers.

Using his morning routine as an example, Orzel sets out to show the reader how quantum physics is a part of our everyday lives, and he largely succeeds in this informative and friendly book. He gives clear, detailed explanations of a wide variety of quotidian physical phenomena and how we came to understand them. Indeed, the book is largely dedicated to revealing that the quantum is ordinary, that there is magic in the mundane.
After this initial view of two contrasting European programs, A Bright Future is largely devoted to debunking the many attacks nuclear power has weathered over the years. The antinuclear movement has progressed through reasons to oppose nuclear power, the authors write, one after another. It was too dangerous. Then it would lead to weapons proliferation. Then it was uneconomical, an argument still made, one the authors debunk when it comes to countries like Sweden and South Korea that havent experienced the strangulating effect of heavy government regulation and antinuclear litigation.

Then it was unnecessary because it was argued that renewables could do the job. But in every case where nuclear power was shut down, renewables have not filled the gap and CO 2 emissions have gone up, whereas in places such as Ontario that expanded nuclear power, emissions went down.

A final claim, that nuclear power is politically infeasible, is just a self-fulfilling prophecy, and we should not be so quick to write off the most practical solution for humanitys most serious problem.  Politics have a way of catching up with necessity.

I happen to be in sympathy with these authors view that nuclear power must be a major part of the worldwide campaign to limit and reverse global warming. Their discussion omits an important historical component, however, one that has subverted logical argument.

Historically, the antinuclear movement didnt emerge from environmental concerns, which is why arguments for nuclears environmental advantages often fall on deaf ears. The movement originated out of a panic among European and American intellectuals in the 1950s and 60s about overpopulation, expressed most luridly in such popular books as the entomologist Paul Ehrlichs 1969 The Population Bomb. They believed more power plants would exacerbate human density and urban growth. But nuclear power champions like Alvin Weinberg, the longtime director of Americas Oak Ridge National Laboratory, countered that nuclear could supply energy enough to forestall the social collapse the neo-Malthusians feared. In the end, the green revolution and the demographic transition that followed third-world economic development met food needs and limited population growth, now predicted to level off at 10 billion by 2100. But by then nuclear power was anathema to the Democratic Party and American and European Greens, a tragic misalignment of liberal values.
LONDON  Time hasnt been kind to the reputation of John Ruskin. Two hundred years after his birth, hardly anyone today remembers Victorian Englands pre-eminent art critic and social philosopher for his books. Instead, his main claim to fame is his ill-starred wedding night, during which unspecified circumstances in the person of his beautiful young wife, Effie Gray, repelled the religious-minded Ruskin. The marriage was never consummated.

The subject of a 2014 movie and a fair amount of inconclusive scholarly research, his miserable six-year marriage with a woman almost a decade his junior was annulled in 1854 on the grounds of Ruskins incurable impotency. (Soon after, Gray married the Pre-Raphaelite painter John Everett Millais, by whom she had eight children.)

Ruskin would seem to be an eminent Victorian way out of step with our times.

But are his ideas due for a comeback? The 200th anniversary of Ruskins birth is being celebrated in Britain and beyond with a yearlong program of exhibitions, conferences and other events that will highlight the progressive influence he once exerted  and might continue to exert  on culture and society.
The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas in Austin has been at the forefront among museums in collecting modern and contemporary Latin American art since it opened in 1963. It is now strategically building up its holdings from the Spanish and Portuguese colonial era with an acquisition of 119 paintings, sculptures, furniture and silverwork collected by Roberta and Richard Huber.

The works, from countries across modern-day Latin America including Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru and dating from the late 1600s to the early 1800s, are valued at approximately $2.5 million.

The Hubers started putting together this collection back in the 70s when the world wasnt paying attention to this area, certainly not in the United States, said Simone Wicha, the director of the Blanton. It fits so beautifully into us being able to contextualize Latin America, both at the museum and with our colleagues at the university, one of the leading research institutions dedicated to Latin American studies broadly.

The Blanton first focused on pre-modern Latin America in 2016 by partnering with the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation to fund a curator in Spanish colonial art and lend works long-term from its collection in this period. This fall, Painted Cloth: Fashion and Ritual in Colonial America, showcasing objects from the Huber acquisition and Thoma collection, looks at the social role of textiles produced in Bolivia, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela during the 1600s and 1700s.
Mr. Trumps visit to Al Asad in December provoked similar anger from Iraqi politicians, some of whom called it an arrogant affront that recalled American behavior dating back to the 2003 invasion and what followed: the abuses at Abu Ghraib prison; incidents with civilian casualties; and widespread sectarian violence.

The decision that upset the broadest spectrum of Iraqis was the departure of American troops from the country once the status of forces agreement, which set the terms for United States forces in Iraq, expired in 2011. Although American troops had little choice but to leave the country after the expiration  and though Iraqs leaders played a large role in their exit  many Iraqis now describe the departure as an abandonment and part of what led to the growth of the Islamic State and continued fighting on Iraqi soil.

It will not be forgotten what happened after the American withdrawal, said Jowad al-Musawi, a member of Parliament from the bloc allied with Moktada al-Sadr, a Shiite leader. It will not be forgotten that America would at any moment leave you alone to confront war or terrorism.

With the Islamic States territory in Iraq and Syria dwindling to just a sliver, many Iraqis are not sure what American forces are doing and where they are now based. They are fearful that Iraq will become the turf for a conflict between the United States and Iran, and they recognize that many Iraqis rely on Iran, which in recent years has been an ally, supplying some of southern Iraqs electricity and supporting Iraq when the Islamic State invaded in 2014.
Iran completes forty years to its revolution this month. The 40-year history of the Islamic Republic of Iran is nothing but a history of defiance to the hegemonic world powers that have always remained hell-bent to suppress nations and people who aspire to stand on their own feet.

In light of the fate that befell many leaders in the Middle-East who challenged those powers that resorted to exploit natural resources of their countries, the post-revolution Irans survival for 40 years and its march forward without giving in to the wishes of those powers, are attestations to the political and diplomatic maturity of the Islamic Republics leaders and the unwavering support extended to them by the Iranian people.

It is not our objective to portray Iran as a perfect country in every aspect. Yet, its influence along with that of countries like China and Cuba in striking a balance in world politics after the collapse of the Soviet Union cannot be ignored or suppressed. The significance of these countries in an almost unipolar world is that they come forward to assist the countries that are targeted by the Western powers at world fora such as the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The Republic of Iran has not only survived many an odds such as endless sanctions, coups, assassinations of leaders, insurgencies by various groups, military provocations and even the longest war in the world in the twentieth century, but managed to emerge as a regional power that has to be reckoned with.

The 1979 Iranian Revolution was a revolution in essence. It was not a coup by a small group of politicos or military personnel; it was rather a mass uprising by millions of people guided by Imam Ayatollah Khomeini who had no vested interests in the struggle. His simple lifestyle was testimony to his honesty towards his struggle.

The Iranian Revolution transformed almost all facets of the Iranian society, politics, economy, culture, education, sports, arts and so forth. It introduced a government elected by the people, instead of a despotic and ruthless monarch, the Reza Shah Pahlavi. And the establishment of the Iranian Republic in place of the monarchy was endorsed by a thumping 98.2 per cent of voters at a referendum held on March 30 and 31, 1979  50 days after the overthrow of Shahs regime. Yet, the Western powers that protected the Iranian monarchy and still acts hand in glove with the military rulers across the world call the Iranian Government dictatorial and have been involved in various conspiracies against the Iranian Republic to date.

The pinnacle of these conspiracies was the bombing of the young Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Javad Bahonars office on August 30, 1981, during the initial years of the Islamic revolution where besides Bahonar, the countrys President Mohammad Ali Rajai and six other senior officials were killed. The briefcase bombing came two months after another massive and savage attack; Hafte Tir bombing which killed over 70 senior Iranian officials including countrys Chief Justice Mohammad Behesti, the then Irans second highest official. Ironically, no Western power called these bombings terrorist attacks.

Iran faced these attacks during the initial years of the eight-year war triggered by the invasion of Irans oil-producing border region, Kuzestan by Iraqi forces led by Saddam Hussein who was then backed by the Western powers. The young revolutionary Iran after eight years agreed to the ceasefire proposed by the UN only after its forces managed to push back the invading Iraqi forces which were supported by some other oil-rich countries besides the Western powers, to their original positions.

Economically, the revolution put an end to the exploitation of the countrys oil resources by the Western companies by nationalising the oil industry and diversified the economy with a view to ensure economic independence of the Iranian people. This is the thorn in the flesh of the hegemonic world powers with regard to the Iranian revolution. They wouldnt have found terrorists or fundamentalists on Iranian side, had they been allowed to plunder the regions second largest oil reserve that lies under the Iranian soil.

It is vividly evident that the economic independence established by the Islamic revolution was the strength of the country to face the unending sanctions by world powers against Iran, since the overthrow of Shah, under various pretexts. The sanctions, alienation or isolation by the hegemonic powers have failed in compelling Iran to submit.

Today, Iran tops the region in education for both men and women with its chain of universities and higher education institutions, and it is in the forefront in the technological field. Currently, a million students are studying medicine at Iranian universities. The 5,000 maternal deaths for 500,000 births before revolution have dwindled to less than 300 deaths for 1.2 million births in 2016. In the same year, Bloomberg News had ranked Iran as the 30th most efficient healthcare system ahead of the US and Brazil. And the very US-sponsored sanctions against Iran are testimony for the defence capability of the country. These factors indicate that the Iranian revolution is in fact a revolution in essence, despite the country being not perfect in all aspects.

Iran has been a friend of Sri Lanka throughout the latters difficult years, especially during the war against the LTTE.
PARIS  At least 10 people were killed and 37 injured after a fast-moving fire that may have been intentionally set coursed through an eight-story building in a residential part of western Paris on Tuesday.

The fire, which the authorities were treating as a possible case of arson and which appeared to be tied to a neighborhood dispute, was the deadliest in the French capital in over a decade.

Footage from the scene provided by the Paris Fire Department to French television showed flames bursting through the upper windows of the building and black smoke swirling around the courtyard, as firefighters climbed up ladders to reach people at their windows. Some were lowered to the ground using harnesses.

The police opened a criminal investigation and Remy Heitz, the Paris prosecutor, told reporters early Tuesday that a 40-year-old woman who lived in the building, on Rue Erlanger, in the 16th Arrondissement, had been taken into custody nearby.
BERLIN  For all Berlins attractions, it is a small, wooden shack that tops the must-see lists of many tourists here.

The former guard house stands behind a row of sandbags at a busy intersection in the heart of the citys downtown, beneath a sign announcing U.S. Army Checkpoint. The world knows the spot better as Checkpoint Charlie.

It was at this crossing, during the Berlin Crisis of 1961, that Soviet and American tanks stood muzzle to muzzle in a standoff that threatened to plunge humanity into yet another war, this one to be fought with nuclear weapons. After six tense days, the two sides backed off without firing a shot. But the site remained ground zero of the Cold War division that split the world into opposing blocs.

There is no equivalent anywhere, where tanks stood off and the world worried we were on the brink of World War III, said Hope M. Harrison, a professor of history at George Washington University, who has studied Cold War Berlin and the citys development since the Berlin Wall came down. That is what is so unique about Checkpoint Charlie.
Venezuelas crisis has raised questions that could determine the countrys future  and that a far-off news reader could be forgiven for finding confusing.

Juan Guaido, the opposition leader, has declared that President Nicolas Maduro is illegitimate and has asserted himself as Venezuelas interim president.

So who is the legitimate leader, how can we tell and who gets to decide?

The United States and several countries in Latin America and Europe have recognized Mr. Guaido as the rightful leader, and he has called on the military to withdraw its support for Mr. Maduro.

But would elevating Mr. Guaido constitute a democratic transition or a coup?

The answers to these questions, though urgently important, are not at all straightforward. Here is some help in trying to think them through.
Mr. Trump, meanwhile, has teased his address as a place to declare a national emergency, something that his own aides and Republican lawmakers have warned him against, and where he might also announce the details of a second summit meeting with the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un. In an interview on Sunday, Mr. Trump said he would not reveal the details of that meeting, but noted, Youll be finding out probably State of the Union or shortly before.

Last years address was punctuated by the death of Otto Warmbier, the American student who was killed in North Korean custody. At the time, Mr. Trump gave a saber-rattling address condemning the brutality of the North Korean government, and saluting Mr. Warmbiers parents, who were his guests. Since then, however, Mr. Trump has sought common cause with Mr. Kim, and it is unclear how the relationship will factor into the speech.

Those teasers from the president, coupled with Mr. Trumps propensity to change his mind, have made White House officials who have seen a draft of the speech cautious about saying definitively what will be in it in the end.

Mr. Trumps prep work still pales in comparison to the effort some of his predecessors put into the State of the Union speech. For weeks leading up to the address, President Barack Obama would stay up late handwriting portions of his speech on yellow legal pads and bringing them to the Oval Office in the morning for his speechwriter to incorporate, according to former aides.

Mr. Trump does not write out his speech in longhand. But he is unusually involved in different drafts and updates, and he has a familiarity with the changing versions. In 2017, before his first address in front of a joint session of Congress, Mr. Trump grew frustrated when he realized he was reading off an old draft and that the latest revisions had not been incorporated into the text that he had been practicing.

Why am I here? he barked at his aides in frustration.

For a White House with a poorly organized policy process, the presidents interest in the State of the Union address has also become a helpful vehicle to try to set a legislative and foreign policy agenda. Last year, however, some of the promises that Mr. Trump made in his speech  uniting Republicans and Democrats behind a $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan, for instance  fell by the wayside as his interest in his own stated policies waned.

This year, there has also been concern among the presidents allies that Mr. Miller, who in previous years has bristled at losing control of the speech-writing process, has been trying to reassert himself as the final voice on a speech that will most likely lean heavily on immigration.
Escalating one of the investigations into President Trumps inaugural committee, federal prosecutors ordered on Monday that its officials turn over documents about donors, finances and activities, according to two people familiar with the inquiry.

The subpoena seeks documents related to all of the committees donors and guests; any benefits handed out, including tickets and photo opportunities with the president; federal disclosure filings; vendors; contracts; and more, one of the people said.

The new requests expand an investigation prosecutors opened late last year amid a flurry of scrutiny of the inaugural committee. And they showed that the investigations surrounding Mr. Trump, once centered on potential ties to Russia during the 2016 presidential election, have spread far beyond the special counsels office to include virtually all aspects of his adult life: his business, his campaign, his inauguration and his presidency.

In the subpoena, investigators also showed interest in whether any foreigners illegally donated to the committee, as well as whether committee staff members knew that such donations were illegal, asking for documents laying out legal requirements for donations. Federal law prohibits foreign contributions to federal campaigns, political action committees and inaugural funds.
Building a border wall. Its the holy grail of President Trumps immigration policy. The United States will not be a migrant camp, and it will not be a refugee holding facility. It wont be. But at the border, theres a kind of chaos unfolding that a wall might not fix. The Trump administrations hard-line stance on keeping migrants out is pushing asylum seekers to take remote and dangerous routes into the United States. Heres how this is playing out. The border stretches nearly 2,000 miles, and these are the official ports of entry. More than 650 miles already have barriers installed. Fences, barbed wire or vehicle barricades. Over the years, thats pushed people to try riskier routes to get across. And since 2014, more families have been arriving. And many of them are seeking asylum, a human right protected by both U.S. and international law. The Trump administrations hard-hitting crackdown includes a tactic called metering. Documents ready. Entering through an official border crossing is one way to request asylum. But thats become more difficult under Trump. The practice of metering allows border agents to limit the number of asylum seekers that are processed each day by delaying them from setting foot into the U.S. We can see it in action here, at the Paso del Norte crossing in El Paso, Texas. Officers are standing right at the border, trying to intercept people before they get to the border station. This tactic is deliberate. Once people reach U.S. soil, they have the right to claim asylum. But if they never cross the border, they have to come back another day. Metering is not new. But the Trump administration has taken it to a new level. Were metering, which means that if we dont have the resources to let them in on a particular day, theyre going to come back. So theyre going to wait their turn. But as the government is limiting asylum seekers, theyre still funneling people to these same ports of entry to seek asylum. Instead migrants seeking asylum will have to present themselves lawfully at a port of entry. This is creating bottlenecks. Here, in Tijuana, is a vivid example of how metering plays out. Thousands of migrants are stuck. Human rights observers say that some are camping in squalid and dangerous conditions. The situation is leading migrants to try riskier routes through desolate terrain, where theyre at greater risk of dehydration and other illnesses. Theyre showing up in places like Antelope Wells, N.M. Its extremely remote and mountainous. Antelope Wells is part of the El Paso border area, which has seen a dramatic increase in the number of families crossing far away from official border stations. As you can see here, this increase happened right when the practice of metering expanded. And many are crossing in groups of 100 or more, like this one that arrived in January. But these remote outposts lack facilities, especially to deal with children. 7-year-old Jakelin Caal Maquin and her father crossed here on Dec. 6, where they encountered Border Patrol. They were brought to a nearby outpost, where Jakelin got sick. It took an overnight journey with multiple stops, including a 94-mile bus ride and an air ambulance evacuation to get her to the childrens hospital in El Paso. Her condition worsened, and she later died. 12 days later, another father crossed the border in the El Paso area with his 8-year-old child. Felipe Gomez Alonzo was in custody for six days. He died from the flu on Christmas Eve. Border Patrol officials say that theyre not equipped to deal with all of this. Our infrastructure is incompatible with this reality. Our Border Patrol stations and ports of entry were built to handle mostly male, single adults in custody, not families or children. But the practice of metering is forcing people through more remote routes, in turn overtaxing these far-flung outposts and putting a strain on officers. Its also leading to ever-more-dangerous consequences for migrants.
The family of a couple who were killed by an undocumented immigrant; a police officer and a synagogue member who survived a mass shooting in Pittsburgh; a woman who was granted clemency by President Trump; and a sixth grader who has been bullied because he shares the commander in chiefs last name.

These are seven of the 13 guests who the White House announced Monday would join Mr. Trump and his wife, Melania, on Tuesday for the State of the Union address.

This years guests come from all different walks of life, and each has an incredible story to tell, the White Houses announcement said. No matter their background, each one has something important in common: They represent the very best of America.

Image Judah Samet Credit... Keegan Barber/The White House

One of the guests, Judah Samet, survived both the Holocaust and the shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh last October. Another, Timothy Matson, responded to the attack and was shot multiple times, the White Houses announcement said.
A racist photograph on the 1984 yearbook page of Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia.

An accusation of sexual assault against Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax.

Both reports  the first triggering an earthquake in Virginia politics last week, the second setting off an aftershock on Monday  were originally published by an obscure right-wing news site, Big League Politics, which has promoted conspiracy theories and written favorably about white nationalist candidates.

But as mainstream news outlets scrambled to confirm the photograph on Mr. Northams medical school yearbook page on Friday, it became clear that Big League Politics  and its mission of promoting the Trump agenda and nationalist causes  had assumed outsized influence in an increasingly Democratic state.

[Make sense of the people, issues and ideas shaping American politics with our newsletter.]

The website has dealt a severe blow to Mr. Northam, who first admitted to posing for the photograph, then reversed himself and has refused to resign despite enormous pressure from fellow Democrats in Virginia and around the nation, throwing his states politics into a crisis.
It is a common trait among those who ran privately held corporations, said Ari Fleischer, who served as White House press secretary for George W. Bush and frequently defends Mr. Trump. Their way is the only way. Their will gets it done. Theyve been successful against all odds, built something huge, and when they declare it so they expect everybody around them to make it so. Thats Donald Trumps behavior, and that doesnt always work in politics or in government.

Politicians dont operate the way he does, Mr. Fleischer said. Frankly, its put him at risk and put the Republican Party at risk, but it also allows him to take on China and do something of tremendous consequences that no politician would ever do. If Trump is successful, this will be a better country and a better world for it.

Yet there is little evidence that President Xi Jinping of China, or any other foreign leader, is cowed.

And certainly not Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The president initially said he felt comfortable negotiating with Ms. Pelosi, but in interviews aired on Sunday, he sharpened his attacks on her and said her obstinacy on the border wall was damaging the country.

Mr. Trump has found that his lack of experience in politics and diplomacy, which require policy knowledge, team building and nuanced negotiating ability, has left him at a decided disadvantage despite his boasts about his deal-making prowess.

Hes surrounded in these standoffs by people who have all those boxes checked, said Timothy OBrien, the author of TrumpNation: The Art of Being the Donald. Nancy Pelosi has been doing this for quite a while, Putin has been doing this for a quite a while, Xi has been doing this quite a while. Theyve all been running circles around him.

The next question is when does he really realize that for what it is, and I think the answer for that is he never will, Mr. OBrien said, because it would admit either defeat or acknowledgment of his inadequacies, and he will just never do that.
One certainty: There was not  and is not  a border emergency meriting the infliction of such pain and damage, or the waste of billions on a futile wall.

Mr. Trump has said that his big speech on Tuesday will cover a lot of territory and emphasize unity. Considering that he pledged the same last year, its wise to remain skeptical. But if he is interested in assuring the public that he can see beyond his narrow politicking on immigration to tackle truly urgent problems, heres a starter list of possibilities:

Health care. Were going to have insurance for everybody, Mr. Trump promised. Instead, after laboring to gut the Affordable Care Act, he has so far produced only higher premiums and, according to a recent Gallup survey, seven million more uninsured Americans.

Opioids. Mr. Trump was on the right track when, in October 2017, he declared opioid abuse a public health emergency. Yet almost 50,000 Americans died of opioid overdoses in 2017, more than were ever killed by guns or H.I.V. in a single year.

Economic inequality. In many ways this is the greatest economy in the HISTORY of America and the best time EVER to look for a job! the president tweeted last June. Not for all Americans. Real wages have barely budged for decades; the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour has not risen in nearly 10 years. Though oversimplified, Bernie Sanderss claim that the top 0.1 percent control almost as much wealth as the bottom 90 percent is basically correct. Before falling silent on the question, Trump once vowed to eliminate a tax loophole that benefits wealthy hedge fund managers and private equity executives; that might be one proposal on which he could team up with the newly Democratic House.

Infrastructure. The president once sought $1.5 trillion in new spending on infrastructure, but Congress allocated only $21.2 billion  or slightly more than 1 percent of Mr. Trumps pledge. One-quarter of bridges in the United States are structurally deficient or not designed to handle the current traffic, the Department of Transportation estimates. The lead contamination in the water system of Flint, Mich., shocked America, but it was one of many examples of lead-poisoned water around the country. New Yorks subways and public housing have fallen into decrepitude. Schools in Baltimore went without heat during last winter.
Although some comments made by President Maithripala Sirisena during his Independence Day speech yesterday might be inappropriate to the occasion, the view he expressed on the move by the Government to increase the number of Ministers hiding behind the term National Government might have been endorsed by the majority of people in the country.

He said that attempting to increase the number of Ministers through a National Government with a political party which had only one member in Parliament was ethically wrong. And bewildering the country he stated that he got to know about this move through the media.

What is the difference then between the President and the ordinary people in this country? People were also informed by the media on Friday that the Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella had handed over a motion to the Secretary-General of Parliament to form a National Government with 48 Ministers, under the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

It is ironic and puzzling when the President, as the head of the Cabinet, was not aware of the matter beforehand. Did the Government present this motion bypassing the Cabinet? However, the stand taken by the President on the matter is correct. It was the United National Front (UNF) that on behalf of their Presidential Candidate Maithripala Sirisena promised the country during the last Presidential Election that it would limit the number of Ministers to 30.

Yet, when the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was introduced in April 2015 by the new UNF Government, an Article which can be misused by any future Government to increase the number of Ministers was also introduced to it. According to that Article, the political party that has the most number of seats in Parliament together with other political parties can form a National Government and increase the number of Ministers.

It is obvious that one or the other political party would definitely get the highest number of seats in Parliament after any Parliamentary Elections and that party can form a coalition Government with some other party or parties, as happened after almost every election in the past and increase the number of Ministers above 30.

Thus, the purpose of the Article on limiting the size of the Cabinet has been negated by another Article of the very Constitutional amendment. The Government, after being sworn in December last year, following the 51-day Constitutional and political impasse appointed a 30-member Cabinet. But, during the process, it attempted to increase the number of Ministers at least by two, claiming that the number of Ministers did not include the President and the Prime Minister.

Later the Government played another trick by appointing a new category of Ministers called non-Cabinet Ministers, but with the same powers, privileges and perks as those enjoyed by the Cabinet Ministers. Now the Government is attempting to further increase the number of Ministers (mis)using the Article in the Constitution on the National Government.

No party in Parliament, other than those that are already in the Government, seems to want to join the Government. Hence, the Government is said to be planning to form the so-called National Government with the member of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) who was the only member returned under that partys symbol and was already in the Government.

The legality, as well as the ethics of forming such a National Government, is highly questionable. Despite Batticaloa District Parliamentarian Ali Zahir Mowlana having been elected under the SLMCs Tree symbol, several other members of the party including its leader have been elected under the UNPs Elephant symbol.

On the other hand, the Government is attempting to appoint a number of Ministers by coalescing with a single member of a party and that clearly points to the purpose of the so-called national Government. Even if forming a National Government with a single member of the SLMC is legal, it is clearly unethical.

Besides, what is the need for more Ministers? It is a well-known fact that this is nothing but a move just to satisfy the members of the UNF, at the expense of the masses.
But why are there so few voters holding the reverse position, combining social/racial liberalism and economic conservatism? The answer, Id argue, lies in just how far to the right the G.O.P. has gone.

Polling is unambiguous here. If you define the center as a position somewhere between those of the two parties, when it comes to economic issues the public is overwhelmingly left of center; if anything, its to the left of the Democrats. Tax cuts for the rich are the G.O.P.s defining policy, but two-thirds of voters believe that taxes on the rich are actually too low, while only 7 percent believe that theyre too high. Voters support Elizabeth Warrens proposed tax on large fortunes by a three-to-one majority. Only a small minority want to see cuts in Medicaid, even though such cuts have been central to every G.O.P. health care proposal in recent years.

Why did Republicans stake out a position so far from voters preferences? Because they could. As Democrats became the party of civil rights, the G.O.P. could attract working-class whites by catering to their social and racial illiberalism, even while pursuing policies that hurt ordinary workers.

The result is that to be an economic conservative in America means advocating policies that, on their merits, only appeal to a small elite. Basically nobody wants these policies on their own; they only sell if theyre packaged with racial hostility.

So what do the empty quarters of U.S. politics mean for the future? First, of course, that Schultz is a fool  and so are those who dream of a reformed G.O.P. that remains conservative but drops its association with racists. Theres hardly anyone who wants that mix of positions.

Second, fears that Democrats are putting their electoral prospects in danger by moving too far left, for example by proposing higher taxes on the rich and Medicare expansion, are grossly exaggerated. Voters want an economic move to the left  its just that some of them dislike Democratic support for civil rights, which the party cant drop without losing its soul.

Whats less clear is whether theres room for politicians willing to be true racist populists, unlike Trump, who was faking the second part. Theres a substantial bloc of racist-populist voters, and you might think that someone would try to serve them. But maybe the gravitational attraction of big money  which has completely captured the G.O.P., and has arguably kept Democrats from moving as far left as the electorate really wants  is too great.

In any case, if theres a real opening for an independent, that candidate will look more like George Wallace than like Howard Schultz. Billionaires who despise the conventional parties should beware of what they wish for.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com.

Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram.
The problem may be more than government indifference, said Josh Wright, executive director of Ideas42, which uses behavioral science to study and design public policies. Some states  lets be realistic: They dont want it to be easier, he said.

Signing up for SNAP, getting a shelter bed, going to housing court or getting out of jail after an arrest can involve considerable amounts of frustration, confusion and disrespect. And its often said that being poor is expensive. Late fees, money-transfer fees, check-cashing fees, exorbitant interest, reconnection fees and overdraft fees all add up to poor people spending proportionally more on financial services than wealthier people.

Technology can provide solutions to obstacles:

Systems dont take human nature into account.

The early SNAP payment did, in fact, set off a flood of early spending. Communications about the early payment werent very good; many beneficiaries might have thought that the money was extra, or that their benefits card wouldnt work in February. Mr. Kaiser gave an example from Vermont, which normally deposits benefits on the first of the month: The average balance on Feb. 3 was $88, compared with $145 on Jan. 3.

But not for Ms. Stoneman. She was relieved when she learned February benefits were coming, despite the shutdown. But she knew she had to be careful. I might go too far on buying groceries and not be able to be prepared for next month, she said. My kids have birthdays next month, and I want to be able to make a cake.

Then Ms. Stoneman got a message on her Fresh EBT app: Want help budgeting your February benefits? Hide some of your benefits from your balance to help you budget. You can still spend your full amount any time.

She eagerly signed up. I knew I needed to set this aside and not spend it, she said.

Others didnt manage it. Mr. Kaiser said that a third of Fresh EBT users benefits had already been spent by Feb 1. (He said the company doesn't know yet whether the "hide my benefits" tool helped.) In mid-January, he said, Propel went to Full Cart, which ships free meal kits as a part of the organization Feeding Children Everywhere, offering to raise the money to pay for at least half a million meals for the end of February. They have so far raised a quarter of the needed funds, he said.

In normal months, most people with Fresh EBT use it to check their balance. Before the app, they had to buy something, creating what Mr. Kaiser calls the balance banana. Or they had to call an 800 number. That took 10 or 15 minutes, Ms. Stoneman said. The app is better. Im on it every day.
Two years into Donald Trumps presidency, American democracy has in many ways proved fairly resilient. Several of the criminals who helped Trump get elected either have gone to prison or soon will. Democrats won control of the House in 2018 and have already started checking the presidents power. The courts have blocked some of Trumps more egregious nativist policies, including his effort to rescind Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. Trumps attempts at racist demagogy often end up mobilizing public opinion against him. Theres been a revival of civic activism; according to Freedom House, the United States score for freedom of assembly has actually improved in the last year.

[Listen to The Argument podcast every Thursday morning, with Ross Douthat, Michelle Goldberg and David Leonhardt.]

But the Freedom House report gives us at least two reasons for continuing alarm.

The first is that it usually takes more than two years for a democracy to collapse. Elsewhere in the world, in places like Hungary, Venezuela or Turkey, Freedom House has watched as democratic institutions gradually succumbed to sustained pressure from an antidemocratic leadership, often after a halting start, the report said. Abramowitz told me that an increase in corruption and a decrease in transparency  both hallmarks of this administration  are often early warning indicators of problems in a democracy, undermining public faith in the legitimacy of the system.

Second, if Americans increasingly ignore Trumps words, foreign leaders dont. Authoritarianism is on the rise all over the globe  according to the Freedom House report, this is the 13th consecutive year that global freedom has declined. Trumps presidency is a consequence of this trend, but its also become an accelerant of it.

There are plenty of reasons to be cynical about the idea  once a consensus view in American foreign policy  that its the sacred duty of the United States to promote democracy around the world. One of the pretexts for Americas war in Iraq, after all, was that it would spread democracy in the Middle East. Under Trump, however, were learning that an American approach to the world that is completely amoral and transactional creates its own dangers.
As China and the United States engage in high-level negotiations over a possible trade deal, its puzzling to see whats been left off the table: the Chinese internet market. China blocks or hinders nearly every important foreign competitor online, including Google, Facebook, Wikipedia in Chinese, Pinterest, Line (the major Japanese messaging company), Reddit and The New York Times. Even Peppa Pig, a British cartoon character and internet video sensation, has been censored on and off; an editorial in the Communist Partys official Peoples Daily newspaper once warned that she could destroy childrens youth .

China has long defended its censorship as a political matter, a legitimate attempt to protect citizens from what the government regards as harmful information, including material that spreads unhealthy lifestyles and pop culture. But you dont need to be a trade theorist to realize that the censorship is also an extremely effective barrier to international trade. The global internet economy is worth at least $8 trillion and growing, yet the Trump administration has focused chiefly on manufacturing, technology transfers and agriculture , and does not seem to have pressed for concessions on this issue.

Sheltered from American, Japanese and European competition, Chinese internet businesses have grown enormously over the past decade. Nine of the worlds 20 largest internet firms, by market value, are now Chinese. Some of this growth reflects the skill and innovation of Chinese engineers, a vibrant start-up culture and the success of Chinese business in catering to local tastes. But its hard to believe that this has been unaided by censorship.

And the barriers to foreign competition have more than just economic effects. Without any better options, Chinese users are forced to put up with companies like Tencent, which owns the private messaging app WeChat, and the online payment company Ant Financial, whose privacy violations are, amazingly, even more troubling than those of Facebook and Cambridge Analytica. By tolerating Chinese censorship, the United States encourages other countries to do the same.
It was the Sonata that three of the youths rode on Monday morning to Sheridan Avenue and 162nd Street, where one had to answer a charge in Bronx Criminal Court, the police said.

What they did not know is that police license-plate readers had tracked the car to the spot where it was parked, Chief Monahan said. After the court appearance, the three returned to the car and were about to drive away when the officer and her partner approached, the chief said.

The wild scene unfolded along Sheridan Avenue around 11:30 a.m., as dozens of people were going in and out of the area courts, restaurants and law offices.

Nathaliz Martinez, a legal secretary at the Goodfriend Document Center across from the family court entrance, said she heard the gunshots from the second-floor office and tried to convince herself it was just a car backfiring.

It wasnt even afternoon yet, she said incredulously. Are you serious?

A man who did not want to be identified because he was on parole said he was coming out of the Social Security office a block away when he saw the officer spin around before hearing three shots. Within minutes, police helicopters were hovering overhead and police officers swarmed the area.

Another man, Jason Rogers, 32, said he was coming out of the Bronx Criminal Court next door on East 161st Street when he heard the shots, ducked and peered around.

I was trying to look for the shooter, Mr. Rogers said. It was a rush.

Jose Sanchez, 30, had just passed through the scanners in the Family Court when he heard a female officer yelling, Sir, this is not an exit! Moments later, he heard gunshots.
Christel Cao-Delebarre, the global privacy officer in London for Carlson Wagonlit Travel, a travel management company, advises being very careful about speaking with colleagues and possibly sharing confidential information in public places. She also urges travelers not to leave confidential documents unattended either in conference or guest rooms at hotels and elsewhere.

When it comes to working online, Mr. Rubin advises using two-factor authentication on all Internet-accessible accounts. He suggests locking and password-protecting your mobile phone and configuring it to automatically lock after a period of inactivity, and using secure passwords, with a different password for each device and account. Password managers like LastPass and Keeper can help you remember and manage these.

As for making purchases online, consider signing up for a credit card to be used only for such transactions. You also can set up a virtual credit card for a one-time purchase whose cost you can limit. Some of these can also be used to pay for recurring charges; those amounts can also be limited. Virtual credit cards are issued by companies such as Bank of America, Citi, Capital One, American Express and Privacy.com. According to Mr. Rubin, if the virtual credit card is compromised, it should have no impact on your physical card.

Another payment option, possibly more secure than credit cards, is PayPal, said Robert Austin, president of KoreLogic, a cybersecurity company.

BCD Travel, another travel management company, advises against posting pictures online of your itineraries, tickets or boarding passes. It also urges travelers to never leave their boarding passes and tickets on an airplane or in a hotel room, and to shred these once youve used them, all steps to keep cyberthieves from obtaining your travel details. Another protective measure is to use digital boarding passes issued by the airline, and apps like BCDs TripSource, TripLingo, Apple Wallet and Google Pay. This information will be protected by the security code on your mobile phone even if the phone is lost or stolen.

John Reed Stark, former chief of the S.E.C.s Office of Internet Enforcement and author of The Cybersecurity Due Diligence Handbook, advises setting up your credit card account to automatically notify you of all transactions via email or its app, which he said will make you aware of every transaction as it occurs. He also suggests setting up a separate email account for these alerts, so you can easily track them and not clog up other accounts.

To further track any suspicious activity, he advises subscribing to a credit and identity monitoring company  such as Experian, TransUnion or Equifax  that can provide alerts relating to your credit rating, credit cards and banking.
And many Senate Republicans are uneasy about the White Houses notion of bypassing Congress and building the wall under the aegis of a state of emergency on the border.

Behind the scenes: Mr. Trump has told people close to him that he views the threat of declaring such an emergency as his last remaining leverage in the wall fight. But during a White House meeting last week , Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, warned him that doing so would almost certainly prompt a rebellion within the Republican Party  and very possibly a successful vote in Congress to overrule him.

Analysis: Mr. Trump has tried to intimidate foreign allies and Democrats. But few outside the Republican Party are still afraid, our reporters write. The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, has indicated to people that she does not consider Mr. Trump a serious person.

Other Washington news: Mr. Trumps inaugural committee was ordered on Monday to turn over documents about its donors, finances and activities to federal prosecutors in Manhattan .
CULVER, Ind.  An Indiana veteran who recently adopted the bomb-sniffing dog he served with in Afghanistan says the retired canine is settling in to a pampered life.

Army veteran Joseph Steenbeke hadn't seen the now 11-year-old Belgian Malinois since during his return home from Afghanistan in February 2013.

Steenbeke spent years trying to adopt the dog named Tess, who served with the Connecticut National Guard until last week. On Saturday, Steenbeke and his wife returned home after picking Tess up in Connecticut.

The playful canine is now getting used to her new home in the northern Indiana town of Culver.

With a laugh, Steenbeke tells the South Bend Tribune: "She's worked so hard her entire life, now she gets to sit back and have fun, and live like an eccentric billionaire."



Information from: South Bend Tribune, http://www.southbendtribune.com

Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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GARY  A 21-year-old man was killed and three others were wounded in four shootings last weekend, police said.

Cameron Briscoe, of Gary, was gunned down about 12:45 p.m. Sunday inside an apartment on North County Line Road in the Garys Miller section, according to police and the Lake County coroners office.

Police said the homicide occurred in the 900 block of North County Line Road. The coroner's office said the homicide occurred in the 800 block of North County Line.*

Briscoe, one of three men charged in the robbery and shooting of a retired Gary police captain in March 2017, was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds, officials said.

Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to call Detective Kris Adams, of the Lake County/Gary Metro Homicide Unit, at 219-755-3855.

A 41-year-old Gary man was shot about 9:25 p.m. Friday while sitting in a car in the area of 21st Avenue and Jackson Street, police said.

The man was treated at a local hospital and later transferred to an Illinois hospital for further treatment, police said.
By early June, we will have a traffic signal at Delaware Parkway and 109th Avenue where there is not one now, Ban said.

With the recent opening of Chipotle at 10715 Broadway in Crown Point, Ban said inquiries by national restaurant chains have been coming in looking to locate on 109th Avenue.

Whats good about getting out of our town is looking to see what others see, how they are looking at us and how others compare to us. We think we are growing fast, and we are, but were not growing as fast as a lot of other places where theres a lot of activity, Ban said.

Were getting there in our population. The 30,000 people will help not just Beacon Hill but all the other commercial areas of growth in the community.

The Crown Point Redevelopment Commission is partnering with the city for the infrastructure improvements in the Beacon Hill area.

"The commercial development along these corridors will provide a strong economic stimulus to the Region and positively impact many sectors of our economy," said Commission President Andrew Kyres.

The commission discussed the status of the 109th Avenue widening through to the Interstate 65 interchange during the meeting.
The Customs work-to-rule reached its seventh day today as attempts to meet Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe failed last evening.

Union leaders, however, remained hopeful of a solution after todays Cabinet meeting. If not, they would seek President Maithripala Sirisena's intervention as a last resort.

The indefinite work-to-rule launched over the replacement of Customs Director General Ms. P S M Charles with a retired Navy officer currently has the backing of 12 TUs of leading state departments, institutions and corporations.

The Inland Revenue Department, Excise Department, and TUs of the Bank of Ceylon and Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) are also opposing Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera's decision to replace Ms. Charles. The Unity of Excise TUs also threatened to launch their own work-to-rule campaign.

Attempts to meet PM Wickremesinghe were unsuccessful last evening, as union leaders waited till late last night for word from Temple Trees.

Union leader Sudath de Silva told Daily Mirror that they had tried to meet the PM through a high-level mediator, but they had not received a favourable response although they were asked to be ready by 6.00 pm yesterday.

Nevertheless, TU's are hopeful of a favourable outcome from the todays Cabinet meeting, and if not, they would meet President Sirisena as a last resort.

President Sirisena on Thursday expressed his displeasure over the Finance Ministers actions, but had indicated that he would not interfere, though promising to keep a close watch if the situation led to a domestic economic crisis.

TUs said the Finance Minister had no reason to replace the Customs chief except for claims of poor revenue generation targets and incompetent practices in narcotics detections.

The TUs said the Minister wanted to bungle two sensitive investigations, including 134 imported black pepper containers detained at the Colombo Port and a 12 metric ton container load of beedi leaves imported from India, caught while being attempted to be smuggled out of the harbour two weeks ago.

They charged that a close ministerial staff member had tried to influence Ms. Charles to replace the two investigation officers of the Customs Bonds Division that undertook these major probes.

Asked why no complaints were made concerning the constant pressure on Ms. Charles, the TUs said they had no faith that the police would act against a powerful minister.

Meanwhile, the Customs DG's office remains vacant as the recently appointed Additional Secretary to Finance Ministry H.G. Sumanasinghe, following the replacement of formerly appointed Rtd. Rear Admiral Shermal Fernando, has not reported to duty so far, whilst former DG Ms. Charles has gone on leave. (Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana)
Northwest Indiana is expected to escape the brunt of an ice storm that will hit much of the Chicago area. However, prepare for possible slick roads Tuesday night.

Illinois was expected to take the hardest hit this round because of the storm's orientation, said Charles Mott, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Romeoville office.

"It's going to be taking more of a north-northeast track, so Indiana is not going to see much," Mott said.

Precipitation was expected to move into Northwest Indiana by about 8 p.m. with a chance of thunderstorms.

Tuesday night temps are expected to stay in the low to mid-30s throughout Northwest Indiana, which could cause a period of slick travel as precipitation collects on roads in freezing temps.

"There is still some potential for light freezing rains in Northwest Indiana," said Stephen Rodriguez, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Romeoville office.

Lake and Porter counties were under a winter weather advisory from 6 p.m. to midnight. Up to one-tenth of an inch of ice could accumulate in Northwest Indiana, the weather service said.
INDIANAPOLIS  Voting in a primary election could get less contentious under a proposal approved 31 to 18 Monday by the Indiana Senate.

Senate Bill 194, sponsored by state Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, eliminates the opportunity to challenge a voter's political party affiliation and force the voter to swear allegiance to a particular party to cast a primary election ballot.

"You can see how cumbersome that could be and serve to disenfranchise voters and plug up the electoral system," Bohacek said.

"We need not look any further than the Porter County elections of this last cycle to see that's not a good thing."

Bohacek also pointed out that requiring a primary voter whose party loyalty is challenged to agree to support the party in the general election is "absolutely, positively unenforceable," since Indiana uses secret ballots.

Under the plan, which now goes to the House, voters still could be challenged at the polls for any other customary reason, such as identity or precinct residency.
That all sounded quite familiar to state Rep. Karlee Macer, D-Indianapolis, who unsuccessfully pursued a veterans retirement income tax exemption for several years before Holcomb and House Republicans got on board.

"I'm grateful that the governor thinks that my idea is a great idea, too," Macer said.

But state Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, believes the proposal is unconstitutional because the Indiana Constitution prohibits the General Assembly from granting "privileges and immunities" to any citizen, or class of citizens, that are not equally available to all citizens.

"We're singling out veterans in this. What about police officers that retire? What about teachers? We don't need them in our state?" asked Lucas, a Marine Corps veteran.

Lucas said if the House is serious about helping veterans it would put the revenue it's about to give up toward reducing Hoosier veteran suicides, which claimed the lives of 832 former servicemembers between 2011 and 2015, according to the State Department of Health.

Alternatively, Lucas said the General Assembly simply should eliminate for all Hoosiers the state income tax that produced $5.8 billion of Indiana's $15.5 billion in general fund revenue during the 2018 budget year.
GRIFFITH  The town of Griffith is partnering with Lake Area United Way to help its residents in need of assistance get connected to more than 100 service providers through LAUWs United for Families Network partners.

Specifics of the partnership will be detailed at the Griffith Town Council meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Town Hall.

"We look forward to partnering with Lake Area United Way to help offer these valuable services to our residents," said Council President Rick Ryfa. Officials from Lake Area United Way will be at the meeting to give an overview of the initiative.

As an example, residents will be able to dial 2-1-1 for free, confidential telephone assistance provided by trained call specialists who can assess residents' needs and potentially connect them with emergency services such as food, utility, shelter and housing assistance. The call center is a service provided by Northwest Indiana Community Action Corporation (NWICA), funded in part by LAUW.

Another example is the FamilyWize prescription discount card available through LAUW, which has saved families an average of 45 percent on prescriptions. The program is free, requires no registration or eligibility criteria and can be used whether individuals are insured or uninsured. This program has saved Lake County families more than $6 million.
VALPARAISO  After pulling over a rented SUV with Florida license plates Friday along the Indiana Toll Road near Portage, a state police officer said he began questioning the driver using a list of potential illegal cargo.

"One by one, (the driver) shook her head left and right and stated 'no.' Until I asked about illegal drugs," the officer wrote in the charging document.

After freezing for a moment, Rochelle Lehr, 45, of Anderson, Indiana, denied she had any drugs, but a police dog later proved her wrong, according to police.

Police said they found four rectangular-shaped and shrink-wrapped packages in the trunk that were later determined to be nearly 5.5 pounds of heroin.

Lehr was charged with felony counts of dealing a narcotic drug and possession of heroin, according to court documents.

The passenger in the vehicle, Jesus Gonzalez Lopez, 30, of Mexico, was charged with felony counts of dealing in a narcotic drug and possession of heroin, police said.

Lehr was given a bond of $5,000 cash and $20,000 surety, while Lopez is being held on no bond.
Other messages show Rice allegedly asking her to pose naked during live video chats and engage in sexual activity on camera, records state. He would take screenshots and send them back to the girl, commenting on her looks, the complaint states.

"Jane Doe was afraid of what would happen to her if she did not send him the pictures that he wanted," records state.

The girl said she sent nude videos of herself to Rice when she was 11 and 12. She said Rice first asked for photos from her when she was 10, and the last time she communicated with him was in June 2016. The last time she saw Rice in person was when she was 8 years old, records sate.

A separate Lake Criminal Court case against him remains pending.

In that case, an 11-year-old girl reported to a school counselor Feb. 16, 2018, that she was inappropriately touched by Rice while the family was living at a residence on Baring Street in East Chicago, according to court records.

The girl said Rice entered her room while she slept and groped her. The girl said she was 5 or 6 years old at the time.
Federal prosecutors, however, described the encounter at the apartment as "conversational in nature and tone," arguing Jackson provided verbal and written consent to search his room. His grandmother, the apartment lessee, also signed a consent form that allowed police to search the entire apartment.

In Jackson's room, investigators allegedly uncovered $6,621 cash, a firearm, a handwritten note detailing the robbery and ammunition, and in the common area, a hand-drawn diagram of the robbery crime scene, records state. The indictment states the drawings were labeled with "ATM" and "truck," and even listed the names or nicknames of other robbers, and how much each participant would receive from split earnings.

Brown claims a "coercive atmosphere" forced Jackson into believing he had no choice but to ride with detectives to the Hammond Police Department, where he was reportedly forced into a confession during the five-hour interrogation in a windowless room.

"Although an FBI agent told Jackson that he was not in custody ... Jackson did not realistically have an option to oppose law enforcement's authority concerning his freedom of movement," Brown wrote.
VALPARAISO  Bond has been set at $2,500 cash for a 41-year-old Highland man accused of fondling a 14-year-old girl Saturday during a birthday sleepover at her friend's house.

Joshua Johnson had not yet bonded out of the Porter County Jail as of late Tuesday morning, according to police.

If Johnson does not bond out by Thursday, Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford will hold an initial hearing via a video conferencing call between his court and the jail.

If he posts bond earlier, he will be required to show up in court for an initial hearing that has yet to be scheduled, according to the court.

Johnson has no prior criminal offenses from Porter County, according to court files.

He was charged Monday with felony counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, child solicitation and sexual battery, according to court records.

The 14-year-old girl told police she was sleeping at 6 a.m. Saturday on a basement couch at her friend's house in Washington Township when she was awakened by Johnson fondling her and trying to kiss her, police said. The girl said she rolled over and pretended to go back asleep in an attempt to make it stop, but sat up when the abuse progressed.
An exhibit featuring graffiti and street artists from Northwest Indiana and Chicago that's been on display at the South Shore Arts gallery in Munster is headed to Gary's lakefront Miller neighborhood.

The Indy Windy: A Love Story exhibit will open at the Marshall J. Gardner Art Center 540 S. Lake St. Friday and run through March 10.

The inspiration for the exhibition is tied to the hustle of being an artist in Northwest Indiana and the relationships built along the way," curator Ish Muhammad said. "What started out with artists building professional networks has evolved into true friendships with wedding invitations, graduations and rent parties. Each has served as mentors, mentees, participated in exhibitions, organized events and collaborated with each other. This exhibit presents artists who respect each other and sincerely desire success for their peers.

The exhibit displays the work of graffiti artists who have created large public artwork in urban and manufacturing areas, including some who have worked together for 30 years. It features the work of more than a dozen artists, including from the FAB Crew, The Unwonted artist collective from Hammond and the Crazy Indiana Style Artists from East Chicago.
The Centre for Research and Development (CRD) is now gearing itself to manufacture a 20-barrel multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) in the wake of its experts successfully manufacturing a ten-barreled MBRL, CRD Director General Brigadier Dr. Thiran de Silva said.

The multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL), manufactured by the CRD of the Ministry of Defence, was unveiled for the first time at the 71st Independence Day Parade on Monday.

Brigadier de Silva said the 10-barrel rocket launcher has a maximum firing range of about 20 km.

He said the shells used in the MBRL was also been manufactured by the CRD.

A CRD team comprising experts from the Sri Lanka Army, the local universities and Dr. Chandana Perera were able to manufacture the MBRL at a cost of Rs.7 million. The MBRL was manufactured according to international standards and can use shells or rounds used in the MBRLs made in China and Pakistan, Brigadier de Silva said.

He said the CRD had the capability to manufacture a 40-barrel MBRL at a cost of Rs.10 million but had initially focused on manufacturing the 20-barrel MBRL.

We will hand over our locally made MBRL to the Sri Lanka army for training after adjusting the firing range. We have to reduce the firing range to one km because the army cannot use a 20 km firing range for training purpose, Brigadier de Silva said.

He said the CRD had also manufactured a short range missile. (Darshana Sanjeewa)
Cousins Subs, a popular sandwich chain in Wisconsin, is entering the Northwest Indiana market, starting with Crown Point.

The 47-year-old Milwaukee-based chain serves East Coast-style deli sandwiches, cheese curds and grilled cheesesteaks at 95 locations across the Badger state. Franchisees Amit Patel and Kalpesh Patel, who is a Munster resident, said they plan to open more Cousins in the Chicago area in coming years.

The Patels are looking to open a Cousins Subs shop this summer at the intersection of Broadway and 107th Street in Crown Point. It will be located in a new strip mall near a Tomato Bar currently under construction.

"We've got a couple of other areas in Northwest Indiana that we are looking at," Cousins Subs Vice President of Development Joseph Ferguson said. "There is the possibility there will be more."

Most Cousins Subs restaurants have about 32 seats, an open kitchen concept, and 15 to 25 employees, Ferguson said. They typically require about $300,000 to $500,000 in investment.

The Crown Point location will be on the end of a new strip mall that's expected to go up over the next few months. It will have a drive-through.
Charlotte Russe Holdings Corp., owner of the popular shopping mall apparel brand Charlotte Russe, announced Sunday it has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The company will begin closing as many as 94 of its stores, according to a company news release, while seeking a going-concern sale of its business and assets. The closures will include Charlotte Russe's Hobart location in Southlake Mall, according to the company's bankruptcy filing.

The company currently operates 13 Charlotte Russe stores in Indiana and and more than 20 in the Chicago area, according to the store's website.

Six Illinois stores will close, including locations in Algonquin, Joliet, Lincolnwood, Lombard, Peoria and Skokie.

The company operates more than 500 Charlotte Russe stores in every state but Alaska, as well as 10 Peek Kinds brand stores and an e-commerce website.

Charlotte Russe Holdings Corp. has secured $50 million in debt financing, according to the company's bankruptcy filling. If approved in court, the funding will help finance operations and administration throughout the company's Chapter 11 proceedings.
Evans: Increased politics is not what the Iowa court system needs
Andy Schmookler is a prize-winning author many of whose works can be found at www.ABetterHumanStory.org.
DeAndra Dycus has many titles, but the one she uses first and foremost is simple: a mom.

Five years ago, her then 13-year-old son, Dre, was hit by a stray bullet.

He doesn't walk. He doesn't talk. He doesn't have the ability of his hands. He doesn't have an ability of a regular thought process, she said, as she broke into tears Monday at the Statehouse. He can't hug me. He can't tell me he loves me. Oftentimes, I grab his hands and I make him wrap his arms around me because that's what he did before a 17-year-old boy took a gun and shot my son in the back of the head. A bullet flew through a window. My son was not the intended target. And it doesn't matter if he was or was not. At 13 years old you should not have to be worried about never walking again, never talking again.

Now the founder of Purpose 4 My Pain, Dycus and other advocates joined lawmakers in support of several pieces of gun control legislation introduced this session.

House Bill 1149, authored by Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, would hold a person criminally responsible if a child gains access to his or her unsecured loaded firearm.

House Bill 1290, authored by Rep. Carey Hamilton, D-Indianapolis, would require individuals convicted of domestic violence to surrender their firearms within 72 hours, closing a loophole in current law.

House Bill 1291, also authored by Hamilton, would require universal background checks for anyone wishing to purchase or take possession of a firearm, closing a loophole in current law.

Dycus said she supported these pieces of legislation, while also supporting the Second Amendment. She said her personal experience gave her a mission to see change enacted.

I had aspirations for my child, she said. I had dreams of him going to college. He's 18 years old right now and he lives his life in a hospital bed in a wheelchair. He can't do anything for himself. And, many of the moms that I console and I work with in this community, they visit grave sides, I visit bed sides.

Another parent who was unexpectedly been thrown into the debate was J.D. Durst, a member of the group Noblesville Stands Together. On May 25, 2018, his wife was a teacher and their two children were students at Noblesville West Middle School. That day, a male student asked to be excused from class to use the restroom. When he returned, he had two handguns and he started firing. He shot 13-year-old Ella Whistler in the chest and science teacher Jason Seaman three times, in the abdomen, hip and forearm. Seaman charged the student with the gun, swatted the weapon away and tackled him.

Durst said he also supported the Right to Bear Arms, and was a gun owner, an outdoorsman, and possess[es] a permit to carry a handgun.

But, I also firmly believe that the responsible gun owners must take responsibility to help keep guns out of the hands people who we all agree should not have them, he said.

Durst said Noblesville Stands Together supported HB 1149 and HB 1291, calling them constitutional and effective measures.

The Noblesville West shooting has had a serious and lasting effect on our community, he said. We now have a new generation of children and teachers aware of what could happen in a classroom, fearful of what they would do if someone entered their school with a gun.

ADDITIONAL LEGISLATION CALLED FOR

Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary, said in addition to the bills proposed by Hamilton and DeLaney, she also supported simplifying the gun licensing process.

If we can make the process more streamlined, we may end up with more people registered and more guns registered, she said. It would help us to tighten up who owns what.

Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry gestured toward a large photo of an AK-47-style semi-automatic rifle. The firearm in question was used July 5, 2014 by a man named Major Davis. That day at around 9:30 p.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer Perry Renn and two other policemen responded to a shots-fired report on the city's east side. When Renn and the other officers got to the scene, they found Major Davis Jr. brandishing the weapon. Davis fired on the officers. Renn fired back. The exchange of gunshots wounded both men. Davis was transported to an Indianapolis hospital in critical condition. Renn died half an hour later.

Major Davis' only criminal history was he had a prior misdemeanor conviction, so under Indiana law there was nothing that forbid Major Davis from walking around a neighborhood cookout with an AK-47, said Curry.

Thanks Rep. Hamilton, and Rep. Delaney for the bills they've introduced and we should have that conversation, not only about their bills but other subjects as well, but a ban on bump stocks, ban on extended magazines, permitting for firearms such as semi-automatic rifles. It is past time that we have a serious discussion and call upon the leadership in the legislature to allow these bills to have a hearing so the public can express their views of where we need to go in the state of Indiana.

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS OTHER BILLS

Meanwhile, the country's most formidable gun rights organization is throwing its ample support in other directions. The National Rifle Associations Institute for Legislative Action is supporting House Bill 1643, authored by Rep. Ben Smaltz, R-Auburn.

According to a Thursday statement by Catherine Mortensen, media liaison, HB 1643 would make it easier for honest, hard-working Hoosiers to defend themselves by eliminating state fees for a lifetime state License to Carry a Handgun, allowing law-abiding gun owners greater ability to carry for self-protection in churches; and allowing gun owners to register to vote when they apply for a license.

Additionally, the NRA-ILA is backing House Bill 1284, authored Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, a measure that would give greater protection to gun owners who use their firearms in self-defense.

When asked by NUVO about the NRA's inherent opposition to any legislation even resembling gun control, Hamilton said she welcomed the inevitable debate.

We just need to rise up with facts and with our voices and keep pushing for common sense debate to happen, she said.

Curry echoed that sentiment.

I think implicit in what all of have said is certainly we would anticipate those who take a contrary view to us will participate in the discussion that we've asked for, and from our perspective we welcome that, he said.
U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun arrived at Incheon International Airport on Feb. 3 to meet his counterparts from the two Koreas ahead of a second summit between the United States and North Korea expected held later this month.

Biegun is expected to meet his North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol at the truce village of Panmunjom as early as Feb. 4 to prepare for the second summit of their leaders, said Seouls Yonhap News Agency citing its sources.

The U.S. envoy is also expected to discuss the next steps to advance the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and progress on commitments from the Singapore summit, between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to the U.S. Department of State.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Jan. 30 that he was dispatching a team to make preparations for the summit to be held someplace in Asia in late February.

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Jan. 31 that the date and location of the summit with Kim would be announced early next week and probably during his State of the Union speech on Feb. 5.

US Will Suspend Obligations Under Nuclear Treaty With Russia on Feb. 2

The United States will suspend its obligations under a landmark nuclear treaty with Russia starting on Feb. 2, according to simultaneous statements issued by the White House and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

For years, Washington has accused Moscow of violating the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The pact prohibits both nations from possessing short- and mid-range ground-launched missiles.

The United States has fully adhered to the INF Treaty for more than 30 years, but we will not remain constrained by its terms while Russia misrepresents its actions, Trump said in a statement issued by the White House. We cannot be the only country in the world unilaterally bound by this treaty, or any other.

Both Trump and Pompeo said the United States withdrawal is backed by NATO allies that joined Washington in December to declare Moscow in material breach of the treaty. NATO issued a statement on Feb. 1 backing the withdrawal decision by the United States.

Unless Russia honors its INF Treaty obligations through the verifiable destruction of all of its 9M729 systems, thereby returning to full and verifiable compliance before the U.S. withdrawal takes effect in six months, Russia will bear sole responsibility for the end of the Treaty, the NATO declaration states.

The withdrawal will be complete six months after the official notice is served on Feb. 2. During that time, Russia will have another opportunity to return to compliance by destroying the missiles, which are allegedly in violation.

American officials made more than 30 attempts over the past six years to bring Russia into compliance. Pompeo said on Feb. 1 that Moscow has refused to take any steps to comply with the requests. In December, Pompeo gave Russia 60 days to return to compliance with the treaty. He noted at the time that European allies have lobbied for the additional time in order to mount a diplomatic campaign to return Russia into compliance.

Russias violation puts millions of Europeans and Americans at greater risk, Pompeo said on Feb. 1. It aims to put the United States at a military disadvantage and it undercuts the chances of moving our bilateral relationship in a better direction.

Its our duty to respond appropriately, he added. When an agreement is so brazenly disregarded and our security is so openly threatened, we must respond.

The United States alleges that Russias 9M729 missile is in violation of the INF treaty because it operates in a prohibited range. The treaty prohibits Russia and the United States from deploying ground-launched missiles with ranges of 300 to 3,400 miles.

Russia denies the allegation, saying that the missiles range is a few miles short of 300 miles. Washington asked to test the missiles range, but Moscow refused and offered a testing scenario U.S. officials found unacceptable.

Trump said that the United States will now move forward to respond to Russias deployments.

We will move forward with developing our own military response options and will work with NATO and our other allies and partners to deny Russia any military advantage from its unlawful conduct, Trump said.

Russia made a last-ditch attempt to preserve the treaty and displayed the disputed missile on Jan. 23 as proof, which American officials rejected.

Trump noted that the United States stands ready to engage with Russia on arms control negotiations. The president also suggested that a positive resolution of arms control issues would pave the way to an outstanding relationship on economic, trade, political, and military levels.

This would be a fantastic thing for Russia and the United States, and would also be great for the world, Trump said.

A senior Trump administration official told reporters on Feb. 1 that the exit from the treaty has nothing to do with China, which has deployed more than 1,000 missiles neither Washington nor Moscow could deploy under the INF. The threat from China is a much bigger problem for Russia than it is for the United States, the official said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced concerns about other nations fielding INF-prohibited missiles as early as 2007, noting that South Korea, North Korea, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Israel have those weapons.

Epoch Times reporter Ivan Pentchoukov contributed to this article.
TAIPEITaiwan President Tsai Ing-wen indirectly criticized Chinas lack of freedom in a message to mark the start of the Lunar New Year on Feb. 5, saying she hoped ethnic Chinese all over the world could experience the blessing of democracy.

Self-governed Taiwan is Chinas most sensitive issue and is claimed by Beijing as its sacred territory.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has stepped up pressure on the democratic island since Tsai, from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, became president in 2016.

Xi kicked off 2019 with a speech warning that China reserves the right to use force to bring Taiwan under its control, though it will strive for peaceful reunification.

Taiwan is able to maintain cultural traditions and is committed to uphold the values of freedom and democracy, Tsai said in the message, posted late on Sunday on her official social media accounts.

Those in places lacking democracy may not understand this commitment. We hope that ethnic Chinese all over the world can experience this blessing, she added, without directly mentioning China.

So I want to make three new years wishes for our ethnic Chinese friends both at home and abroad. I hope that you may all enjoy democracy, freedom and continued prosperity.

There was no immediate reaction from Beijing. Xis new years speech, also on Sunday, did not mention Taiwan, apart from new year wishes to people on the island.

Taiwan is gearing up for presidential elections early next year. Tsais party suffered stinging losses to the China-friendly Kuomintang in mayoral and local elections in November.

Tsai has repeatedly called on China to respect Taiwans democracy, and to embrace democratic reforms itself.

Taiwan has shown no interest in being ruled by autocratic China, where Xi has overseen a sweeping crackdown on dissent since assuming office six years ago and the ruling Communist Party has tightened controls on all facets of society.

By Yimou Lee & Ben Blanchard. The Epoch Times edited this report.
WASHINGTONThe Department of Homeland Security has issued visa sanctions against Ghana for failing to accept their nationals that the United States is trying to deport.

The African nation is the seventh country hit with such sanctions by the Trump administration.

In September 2017, Cambodia, Eritrea, Guinea, and Sierra Leone were sanctioned, and in July 2018, Burma and Laos were added.

The sanctions most-often involve the suspension of B visas (temporary visitors for business or pleasure) to government officials.

American citizens have been harmed because foreign governments refuse to take back their citizens. These sanctions will ensure that the problem these countries pose will get no worse as ICE continues its work to remove dangerous criminals from the United States, then-ICE Acting Director Thomas Homan said in September 2017.

After six months, ICE is forced to release illegal immigrants who are in detention and ready for deportation if their country of origin wont accept them or issue travel documents for them. The six-month deadline is pursuant to a 2001 Supreme Court ruling, Zadvydas vs. Davis.

In 2015, a Haitian man, whom Haiti failed to accept back when the United States tried to deport him, was released after six months and subsequently murdered a 25-year-old Connecticut woman in her home.

ICE had attempted to deport Jean Jacques, according to a 2016 Inspector General report. He was listed as a passenger on three charter flights to Haiti in June, August, and October of 2012, but the government of Haiti refused to accept him.

The Trump administration has been extremely active on recalcitrant countries, said Sarah Pierce, policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute.

Recalcitrant countries is just one strategy in their broader scheme of trying to increase interior enforcement, Pierce said.

But, the sanctions may work, she said. One example is Iraq, which was included on the initial travel ban that imposed tight restrictions on visas from several countries.

Iraq wasnt included in the final iteration of the travel ban and Pierce said one of the things that had changed was Iraq agreed to accept deported nationals.

Before Trump, only two countriesThe Gambia (2016) and Guyana (2001)were sanctioned for not accepting back their nationals.

Pierce said the population of illegal aliens that have been released from detention due to the Zadvydas ruling should be simple for ICE to remove.

And just the missing piece is the fact that their home countries arent accepting them, she said. So by putting all of these pressures on these foreign nations, this administration has been able to kind of open up this population to ICE to execute their removal orders and increase those numbers.

From The Epoch Times
Roseburg, OR (97470)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 89F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 58F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
The Payment Card Industry Association of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Banks Association in a brief joint statement yesterday urged the public to inform their respective banks immediately in the event of any suspicious transaction noticed on their account.

The statement came in the wake of complaints from some customers that their savings/ current accounts have been debited through fraudulent ATM withdrawals.

This was a result of some card data that has been compromised through ATM skimming activities, where cloned cards have been created to make these fraudulent withdrawals.

No sooner receiving the complaints, the member banks have taken prompt action to attend to the complaints received and credit the accounts upon verification, the joint statement said.

In addition, it said the banks proactively contacted the customers whose cards had been used at identified ATM locations, where the skimming had taken place. We wish to confirm that all member banks have taken steps to bring the situation under control no sooner the compromised details were identified. Also, as a body, all banks are working collectively with the relevant authorities to bring the fraudsters to justice.

We also wish to inform the public that the ATM networks and cards are safe for transacting.

The public is also advised to subscribe for the SMS transaction alert facility through their respective banks, the statement noted.
No set schedule for the tour was announced, the magazine said, but North Platte appeared on a list of stops passed along to employees. Others, in no particular order, were Proviso Yard near Chicago, where the tour began Dec. 15; Fort Worth and Houston in Texas; Kansas City and St. Louis in Missouri; Los Angeles; Pine Bluff/North Little Rock, Arkansas; Ogden, Utah; Portland, Oregon; and Roseville, California.

Engine 4141, bearing the blue-and-white colors of Air Force One, was unveiled at Bushs presidential library on Oct. 18, 2005. It has mostly been kept in storage for a decade but was sent to Houston upon Bushs death at age 94.

The Bush engine and Spirit of the Union Pacific have been sitting near the intersection of Front and Walnut streets on a sidetrack regularly used for display of U.P. historic steam locomotives and Heritage Fleet passenger cars.

The location has borne special importance in North Platte railroad history since at least April 21, 1945, when Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King  on his way to San Francisco for the conference that founded the United Nations  stopped there for a visit to North Plattes world-famous World War II Canteen.
Instead, he may ask, Were you in the area of the fire?

And Do you know who started the fire?

With the interview techniques and device combined, the Sheriffs Office has never had a failure in the device, Kramer and Meyer said.

At the State Capitol, State Patrol Sgt. Ryan Phinney testified about another part of the proposed changes to the law. Phinney, who has been a licensed polygraph examiner for 11 years, said the proposed changes could weaken the credibility and usefulness of truth and deception examinations in Nebraska, he said in written testimony to the Nebraska Legislature.

The reduction of these standards will increase the liability of the state, county or municipalities by allowing underqualified individuals to perform examinations, he said.

Phinney also addressed parts of the proposed changes that would strike out the language that someone giving a truth examination must have good moral character.

It would also eliminate the requirement that someone conducting a lie detector test not have a misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude.

The ban on someone with such a felony conviction would remain under Groenes bill.
But employees who are furloughed or placed on AWTS will be called back once we have the need to have more employees, she said.

Its uncertain at best, union leaders said, how many of the affected employees can afford to stick around for that to happen.

Jeff Haddow, Local 334 chairman of the SMART (Sheet Metal/Air/Rail/Transportation) Mechanical Division, found himself Saturday among 10 members of his own union who were furloughed.

I moved here 10 years ago from Michigan and started planting my roots here, Haddow said Monday. I honestly felt I was safe from all that. And then this happens.

For his childrens sake, Haddow said, hell seek other job opportunities in North Platte and hope to return to Bailey Yard sometime. But other union leaders said theyre encouraging their furloughed members who want to stay in railroading to seek jobs elsewhere  if they can find them.

A lot of them dont ever consider coming back, said Mike Gage, president of Local 1920 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Initially, a lot say theyll never come back, and if they call them later, some of them might.
February 2, 2019

Contact: Phil Lupsiewicz, (978) 275-1705

Lowell Quarter Launch and Coin Exchange

Lowell Memorial Auditorium, February 6, 2019, 10 a.m.

LOWELL, MA- Lowell National Historical Park is reopened with winter programs, events, and attractions back up and running. The Lowell National Historical Park (NHP) Quarter Launch & Coin Exchange will take place on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium (50 East Merrimack Street). The event, presented by Lowell NHP in partnership with the United States Mint, provides an opportunity for the public to acquire the Lowell NHP quarter, the 46th coin released in the US Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The United States Mint will also host a coin forum Tuesday evening, February 5, 2019 from 6:30 p.m - 7:30 p.m. at the Lowell National Historical Park visitor center (246 Market Street). The forum provides a unique opportunity to talk with a United States Mint representative and get an inside look at the Mints programs and products. Both programs are free and open to the public.The Lowell National Historical Park Quarter Launch & Coin Exchange will include remarks from former Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, National Park Service Northeast Region Deputy Director Rosalyn Fennell, and Acting Associate Director of the United States Mint Marc Landry; musical performances by the Lowell High School band and chorus; and a traditional coin pour to launch the Lowell NHP quarter into circulation. Lowell NHP Superintendent Celeste Bernardo and park partners Lowell City Manager Eileen Donoghue, University of Massachusetts Lowell Chancellor Jacqueline Moloney, Community Teamwork, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Karen Frederick, and Coalition for a Better Acre Executive Director Yun-Ju Choi will emcee the event.Following the program, all children 18 and under in attendance, including all Lowell Public School Fourth Graders, will receive a new Lowell NHP quarter from the United States Mint. The public is then invited to acquire Lowell NHP quarters at face value ($10 per roll, one roll minimum/ten roll maximum, cash only accepted). Through this coin exchange, program attendees will be the first in the country to own a circulating Lowell NHP quarter.The Lowell Development & Financial Corporation (LDFC), a non-profit development corporation created to assist in the economic revitalization of Lowell, is a partner in the event. The LDFC has partnered with the Lowell NHP on major development projects in the city of Lowell and has done so with its partners in the lending field; Align Credit Union, Eastern Bank, Enterprise Bank, Jeanne DArc Credit Union, Lowell Five, Salem Five, TD Bank and Washington Savings Bank. These same lending institutions are supporting and participating in the Lowell NHP Quarter Launch & Coin Exchange.Acting Associate Director Landry will be available for media interviews before and after the quarter launch on February 6, and at the evening coin forum on February 5. Interviews may be arranged at the event with the staff of the United States Mint. For any questions, please contact park public relations specialist Phil Lupsiewicz at (978) 275-1705.The design of the Lowell NHP Quarter was created by artist Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by sculptor/engraver Phebe Hemphill, and was selected in August 2018 from among 18 designs submitted by members of the Mints Artistic Infusion Program. The design weaves together the key elements of the human story of the industrial revolution and its legacies, innovations in technology, and the preservation of the industrial cityscape. In a very compact space, the design conveys a broad range of Lowell National Historical Parks stories and themes.The public is invited to explore 1840s mill life with the United States Mints new chose your own adventure game https://www.usmint.gov/learn/kids/games/textile-tales . Teachers can also share the story of Lowells role in the industrial revolution with their students using free lesson plans from the United States Mint found at https://www.usmint.gov/learn/educators/lesson-plans/technology-and-labor-reform-the-role-of-lowell-in-the-industrial-revolution For more information about Lowell National Historical Park, visit www/nps.gov/lowe , connect with us on social media at #LowellNPS, or call 978-970-5000. And, look for additional upcoming happenings at the park for 2019.
Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi is reconsidering its marketing strategies. Up until now, Redmi has been focusing on premium mid-range phones, but it looks like Xiaomi will allow it to release flagships, as well. The Note 7 Pro is going to be released soon, and afterwards, Redmi intends to launch a value high-end handheld powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 855 SoC.

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Ever since its release in 2013, the Redmi lineup of smartphones from Xiaomi has been bringing serious ravenous, and the Chinese company has already turned these devices into a specific sub-brand, similar to what Xiaomi did with the Black Shark phones. The Redmi by Xiaomi phones were initially thought to be marketed as premium mid-range models, but it looks like Xiaomi has revised its strategy and is now considering to launch high-end Redmi models.



A recent Weibo post shows Redmi CEO Lu Weibing discussing the future of the Redmi devices with his team. The post informs that Redmi will launch a Snapdragon 855 high-end model this year, and the Redmi sub-brand is to focus on mid-range as well as value high-end handhelds from now. Moreover, the post mentions that the upcoming Pro version for the freshly released Redmi Note 7 will be released in the coming months. This sub-branding strategy seems to be working well for Xiaomi, as 2018 has shown steady growth across the board, with increased revenues coming from the Black Shark, POCO and, more recently, Redmi lineups.



Unfortunately, the Weibo post does not mention any other specs for the future Redmi flagship, but the new shift in focus towards value is most likely to bring competitive prices for all upcoming Redmi devices.
The upcoming Vivo V15 Pro managed to score 2,382 points in the single-core test and 6,479 multi-core points on Geekbench, where it can be found as the Vivo 1818. Running Android Pie-based software and featuring a pop-up camera, this mid-range handset is expected to hit the Indian market on February 20.

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Pop-up cameras are an interesting concept, but only a few (quite expensive, to be honest) handsets use this design approach right now. Fortunately, the popular Chinese brand Vivo is ready to bring this gimmick to the mid-range sector of the market with the help of the upcoming V15 Pro handset. After quite a few leaks and rumors, this handset has been spotted at Geekbench.

The listing that belongs to the Vivo 1818 device also mentions a Snapdragon 6150 SoC, but a recent certification confirmed that this is, in fact, the V15 Pro. Recent evidence also suggests that the aforementioned chipset is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 675.

According to Geekbench, the Vivo V15 Pro will come with 6 GB of memory and will run Android Pie-based firmware out of the box. Obviously, Vivo will spice up Google's mobile operating system with its own Funtouch OS interface.

Other details that have been mentioned in various leaks and rumors include a full HD+ AMOLED display with a generous size of around 6.5 inches, an in-display fingerprint reader, 128 GB of internal storage, and an impressive array of cameras. The 32 MP pop-up AI selfie shooter is accompanied by a triple main camera with 48 + 8 + 5 MP.
NVIDIA has announced the release of a new GeForce Game Ready driver that brings support for new RTX laptops and also improves performance in the 3DMark Port Royal benchmark. 3DMark Port Royal has now added DLSS support, which offers a nice performance boost and improved image quality. The latest Game Ready 418.81 driver can be downloaded via the GeForce Experience app or directly from NVIDIA's website.

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Now that laptops with GeForce RTX GPUs have started becoming available, NVIDIA has announced new game ready drivers that now include support for the new mobile RTX GPUs. The new GeFroce Game Ready 418.81 WHQL drivers can now be downloaded via the GeForce Experience app or from NVIDIA's website.

Apart from introducing support for the new mobile RTX GPUs, the latest driver also enables improved performance in the 3DMark Port Royal benchmark. 3DMark Port Royal is a benchmark to evaluate ray tracing and has recently added support for NVIDIA's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) tech. NVIDIA says that using Port Royal with the latest Game Ready driver should boost benchmark performance by up to 50% while offering improved image quality. The GPU maker showed FPS boosts with DLSS On across the consumer 'Turing' lineup running the 3DMark Port Royal benchmark.

NVIDIA's RTX mobility lineup was officially announced at CES 2019 and we've seen laptops with the new GPUs hitting the shelves towards the end of January. In our review, we've seen improved performance with 'Turing' over its 'Pascal' counterparts although, we weren't very impressed with the performance of the new Max-Q variants. It remains to be seen if this new driver addresses some of the performance concerns.

Most major OEMs have started offering RTX GPU choices in their laptop models. We've consolidated a list of all known RTX laptop launches at the following links 

Have you downloaded the new Game Ready driver and taken it for a spin? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Samsung is going all out with its new Galaxy S10 lineup. Already rumored to feature a model fitted with next-gen 5G cellular compatibility, FCC certification confirms that the range will also include the latest specification Wi-Fi 6 for ultra-fast Wi-Fi connectivity.

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Looks like Samsung is giving users every reason to upgrade to a Galaxy S10 model when it launches later this month. Already fitted with a range of state-of-the-art technologies including a model with support for 5G cellular connectivity, FCC certification confirms that the eagerly anticipated smartphone lineup will also include Wi-Fi 6 compatibility. The new standard is capable of delivering Wi-Fi speeds of up 10Gbps, which is significantly faster than the 1.3Gbps cap of Wi-Fi 802.11ac (or Wi-Fi 5).

No one likes to be left behind on any technology if at all possible when upgrading a device, something of which Samsung seems to be keenly aware. Although the rumored 5G variant could be priced north of US $1500, it will give users peace of mind knowing that they wont need to upgrade to another flagship for at least a couple of years. With Wi-Fi 6 now confirmed for the S10 line as well, Galaxy S10 users will be well-placed to be early adopters of the very latest in wireless connectivity.

Samsung has every reason to want to encourage users to upgrade or switch to the Galaxy S10 line. Its financial results for the last quarter showed a drop in earnings of 27 percent year-over-year as its Galaxy S9 and Note 9 failed to set the sales charts alight as hoped. Like Apple, which is feeling the pinch with sales of its high-end iPhone line dropping 15 percent for the same quarter, the global smartphone market has cooled at the same time as Chinese competitors have started to eat into their bottom lines. The February 20 launch of the Galaxy S10 range cant come soon enough.
As we celebrate 71 years of Independence from the British, challenges that await us as a sovereign state are formidable. On that account, there seems to be hardly anything to be celebrated. As politicians, military officials, ambassadors as well as common people gather to the Galle Face Green to celebrate independence, the challenges that confront us as a nation remain, blurring our modest achievements into oblivion.

Here are a dozen such challenges, to occupy the mind, one for each month until the next independence day comes to the Galle Face Green!

1) Despite violent and armed challenges to the sovereignty of our country we have been able to maintain constitutional governance. A desperate effort to wrest state power through a constitutional coup was defeated barely two months ago. Yet the political ramifications of the developments that took place during that coup, seem to have a bearing on the future of governance. Yet it highlights the ever-present danger the presence of an executive Presidency poses to constitutional governance. Although brave and unflinching judicial action has saved the day, for the time being, the need to have a system where the constitution, instead of a monarch that uses the constitution as a facade rules the country, remains the dire need of the day.

2) The constitutional changes that had been a standout promise of the good governance mandate( now largely abandoned) seem very unlikely to become reality, despite the Report of the Panel of Experts being presented to the Parliament by the PM. In view of the upcoming national level elections, neither of the main parties of the coalition seems too keen on presenting a draft constitution in an atmosphere where the Maha Sangha and the nationalist elements are hell-bent on preventing such a new Constitution. Accusations, largely unfounded, that a scheme of Federalism has been introduced, seems to polarize the body politic beyond a point of consensus. Given the numbers in Parliament which would become a constitutional assembly in the eventuality of drafting a new constitution, it is almost impossible.

3) Despite the conclusion of the civil war ten years ago, reconciliation remains as elusive as ever. Many issues with regard to releasing of land occupied by the military in the North and East, Persons who have gone missing during the last phases of the war, devolution of power in a substantial degree remain sore points that make reconciliation very difficult. The conduct of politicians on either side does not help the situation either and act as an insurmountable barrier in ensuring mutual trust, a prerequisite for a meaningful dialogue aimed at a solution to the ethnic problem.

4) The most ominous aspect is with regard to the economy. We are under a very heavy foreign debt load, yet successive governments have relied heavily on them and made it an issue beyond salvage. The collapse of every imaginable local industry has led to an ever-increasing budget deficit and leaves us heavily dependent on foreign countries for even our essentials. When a shipload carrying fuel to the island is delayed by a few days, the entire transport system in our country is affected beyond measure, as we witnessed recently. The military budget does not seem to have lessened despite there being no war in the country and the leaders have not managed to channel those resources for important areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, transport etc.

5) Corruption is rampant in every sector of society reaching State institutions, individual relations, corporate affairs, education, law enforcement etc. All these areas which are under a cloud and statistics show that many citizens, although disapproving of bribery, are not hesitant to oiling the palm of someone, mostly officers in state institutions. They bribe to get children into schools, house plans approved, goods released from the Customs, preferential treatment at Police, Hospital, courts etc. Corruption is a cancer that has spread to every aspect of life warranting immediate counter measures.

6) Racial and religious disharmony needs to be addressed without further delay. For long politicians not only have turned a blind eye to racism but, in fact, have benefitted from it using it to come to and remain in power, hoodwinking the majority and creating bogeymen in other ethnic segments. The Black July is not totally beyond repetition as the recent incidents in Digana and Aluthgama suggest. In an atmosphere where the three national leaders seem anxious to pacify the Sinhala nationalist sentiment in view of the upcoming elections, racial harmony is at stake.

7) Despite the seeming upward mobility of the Economy witnessed by Sri Lanka entering the threshold of a lower middle-income country, the income gap among the population is ever widening. While the rich get super rich by the day, the poorer strata of society are driven to the brink of survival. In areas such as education, access to law, representation in governance etc. this disparity is amply evident.

8) The total disintegration of society as seen by the collapse of the social order, discipline and mutual respect to each other is abysmal. There seems to be little fear of the law and utter disregard for the rights of others. Grab what you can by hook or crook, seems to be the order of the day. In the short term, at least, that type of attitude seems to yield dividends, egging on others to take a cue thus pushing the entire country into a status of lawlessness and anarchy.

9) Absence or lack of policy-making at the national level has eaten into any progress that we have achieved in the seven decades after gaining independence. Whether it is education, health, social welfare, economy building, waste management, the approach seems to be nothing but haphazard and ad hoc; political mileage seems to be the only stimulus that ticks the political authority to act in each of these areas.

10) The environment has been ravished and damaged beyond recognition. The beautiful and scenic country it was is no longer there other than in the postcards issued by the Tourist Board to attract foreigners. The beaches, lakes, canals, rivers, marshy lands are massive dumping grounds for waste and sometimes harmful chemical refuse. Air pollution is rapidly on the rise and before long it will be on par with cities like Delhi, Tokyo, Beijing, making it unsafe for humans to go out without a mask. Water resources are drying up or polluted, wasting rampant with no awareness of the fact that water is going to be more valuable in another few decades.

11) The governments that came to power had shown remarkable idiocy in our foreign policy decisions. From being pro-US during the JR regime to being on the verge of becoming a Chinese colony during the Rajapaksa era, to the present time where we seem to be dictated to terms by institutions like the IMF and the World Bank; our foreign policy has not been wise, to say the least. In the current reality of international geopolitics, it is important that policymakers are able to read developments in this regard with cold logic.

12) Patriotism has been mistakenly identified with support for the military forces alone and politicians who pay lip service to such patriotic ventures. Yet in countries like Japan, a person who toils hard in his area of work and contributes to the development of the economy are hailed as heroes. It is that type of heroes that is the need of the hour.

All is not lost, yet. But the vistas are bleak!
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HARRISBURG  A resolution cosponsored by state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) that designates the week of Feb. 16-23, 2019 as FFA Week in Pennsylvania was unanimously adopted by the Senate on Monday.

FFAs all across Pennsylvania are helping to foster a new generation of farmers, teachers and entrepreneurs, Sen. Yaw said. Agriculture today is multifaceted and innovative, and that is why it is so good to see this organization training our future leaders to move the states agriculture and agri-businesses forward into the 21st century.

The National FFA Organization (formerly known as Future Farmers of America) provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education. Today, there are 669,989 FFA members in grades seven through 12 who belong to one of 8,630 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

State FFA officers joined Senator Yaw in the Senate prior to passage of the Resolution. Pennsylvanias FFA President Jenna Harnish, an Athens Area High School graduate and Bradford County resident, also participated in the event. To preview Jenna Harnishs discussion with Senator Yaw, click here.

For more state-related news and information, visit Senator Yaws website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or on Facebook and Twitter @SenatorGeneYaw.

State FFA President Jenna Harnish joins Sen. Gene Yaw in the state Senate Chamber on Monday. Harnish and state FFA officers were at the State Capitol to support a Senate Resolution, which designates the week of Feb. 16-23, as FFA Week in Pennsylvania.

State FFA Officers joined Senator Elder Vogel (left) and Senator Gene Yaw in Harrisburg on Monday.

The post Yaw Cosponsors Resolution to Designate FFA Week in Pennsylvania appeared first on Senator Gene Yaw.
Just days after an Iowa judge overturned what would have been the nations most restrictive abortion law, nearly three-fifths of the members of the Republican-controlled Iowa Senate have voiced support for a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at weakening the state court systems power to review abortion restrictions.

The amendment would expressly state that the Iowa Constitution does not secure or protect a right to abortion.

The proposed Iowa amendment was introduced by Sen. Jake Chapman, R-Adel, two days after a state court judge struck down yet another attempt by the Legislature to limit abortion.

Spurred by the legal defeat of a measure seeking to ban abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, Chapmans proposal is a brash attempt at nullifying Iowa Supreme Court precedent declaring that women have a fundamental right to control their own bodies.

Last month, Judge Michael Huppert struck down as unconstitutional the fetal heartbeat law that Gov. Kim Reynolds signed last May. The measure would have outlawed abortions as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. Huppert concluded that the Iowa Supreme Court affirmed in a June 2018 ruling that women have a fundamental right to an abortion under the Iowa Constitution, and the heartbeat law violated that precedent.
An Omaha man who appeared in Pottawattamie County Court Monday faces 40 years in prison if convicted on drug and weapons charges. Officers allege they found him with meth, prohibited ammunition and bulletproof vests during a traffic stop, according to court records.

Mathew Finken, 43, was being held on a $40,000 bond as of Monday at the Pottawattamie County Jail. His public defender, attorney Andrew Munger, could not be reached for comment.

Finken is charged with a controlled substance violation, theft, failure to affix a drug stamp, control of a firearm by a felon and possession of marijuana.

According to Council Bluffs Police, an officer on patrol at 2:33 p.m. Jan. 25 noticed a pickup truck with the wrong license plates near the 3300 block of Avenue G.

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When officers pulled Finken over, he told them he did not have ID, proof of purchase, proof of insurance or registration for the truck. While checking the trucks VIN number, the officer noticed a black case which appeared to have meth in it, the report states.

Finken was found to have a suspended license through Nebraska, and the plates on the truck were fraudulent. The officer told Finken the truck would be towed and then asked if there was any contraband inside.
In todays fast changing market landscape, customer intimacy is critical for every companys success. Digital maturity is fast becoming the differentiator in getting traction in a crowded market place. STAXs Digital Customer Experience Audit, which has been developed taking into account 20+ years of global corporate growth experience, helps identify areas of improvement while benchmarking a companys digital footprint with peers.

In a comprehensive island-wide survey conducted by STAX,it was revealed that 7 out of 10 Sri Lankans take a relevant action on the internet, prior to making a purchase online or offline. Given this background, the service is intended to help Sri Lankan companies evaluate their customers facing digital operations i.e. digital marketing and social media, to understand strengths and weaknesses, based on global and local benchmarks and best practices.

Snapshot of Sri Lankan Consumers OnlineBehavior





As more customers shift their purchases and engagement online, catering to the exact requirements are a must have to play in a competitive local and global playing field. As more and more customers shifting online, we are starting to realize how much customer centricity and an obsession with what the customer is looking for matters. Our clients are increasingly reaching out to us to understand the digital customer journey that is specific to them and how we can support them in catering to these unique needs.

5 Guidelines to Enhance Your Online Engagement





Were living in an environment where the first 4 results of a Google search get 70% of the traffic and where 40% of traffic, on average, abandon a website if it takes over the 3 seconds to load. So, companies really need to understand the impact that subpar practices can have on their digital operations.

The audit has been developed based on the global expertise STAX has garnered through serving Fortune 500 corporations, large investment firms, and leading internet companies and is now available to Sri Lankan companies, across the B2B and B2C spectrum.



Reach out to strategy@stax.com for more information on this article.
A total 160,376 signed up to participate Monday to win prizes up $1 million as part of the Shot At A Million campaign that the state launched to reward residents who have been  or soon will be  vaccinated against COVID-19.
The in-person audience for President Donald Trumps State of the Union address Tuesday night (Feb. 5) in the U.S. House of Representatives will extend well beyond members of Congress and high-ranking government officials. In addition to guests of the president, each lawmaker is allowed to invite one person to attend.

Who the president invites to the State of the Union tends to be incorporated into his speech. Among the 10 guests joining first lady Melania Trump will be relatives of Gerald and Sharon David, a Nevada couple murdered in their home earlier this year allegedly by an immigrant in the country illegally. The president is expected to reiterate his call for border wall funding in his address, an issue that has deeply divided Congress and prompted Trump to partially shut down the federal government for more than a month.

The invitees of Louisianas congressional delegation appear far less controversial, at least on the surface. NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune reached out to Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy as well as the six House members from the state and learned that at least six of them will have guests for the State of the Union.

For the second year in a row, Kennedy, a Republican, has invited an employee with the AbilityOne Program, an effort that finds employment for people with significant disabilities. The program works with nonprofits that contract with the federal government.

Kennedys guest, Justina Pettway of Washington, D.C., works with AbilityOne through Goodwill Industries as a custodian at the Russell Senate Office Building. Pettway was not directly impacted in the recent government shutdown although a number of AbilityOne contracts were, said Lauren Lawson-Zilai with Goodwills public relations department.

7 things to look for during Donald Trump's State of the Union address

Cassidy, a Republican, is bringing along Dan Shapiro, an executive with the Lafayette-based Krispy Krunchy Chicken franchise which has expanded internationally.

Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-Alto, who has announced his bid for Louisiana governor, has also invited a businessman to the State of the Union. Jim Davison of Ruston sold his family trucking business to oil and gas transportation company Genesis Energy for $560 million in 2007, according to the Monroe News Star.

Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard will be the guest of Rep. Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge. The sheriffs name was recently in the news after three Livingston residents were among the five victims of Dakota Theriot. Ard said the 21-year-old admitted to killing his girlfriend and her brother and father near Walker before fatally shooting his parents in Ascension Parish. Theriot fled the state and was apprehended in Virginia last week.

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Congressman Clay Higgins, R-Port Barre, has invited state Rep. Julie Emerson to attend Trumps speech. A Republican from Carencro, one of Emersons most notable proposals in the Louisiana Legislature would have allowed college students to carry concealed guns on campus. She pulled her bill from consideration, facing stiff opposition from Gov. John Bel Edwards as well as the Louisiana Sheriffs Association.

Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Shreveport, will bring one of his sons, Jack, according to his office.

Rep. Steve Scalise, the second-highest ranking Republican in the House, gave his invitation seat to another member who wanted to bring an additional guest, press secretary Lauren Fine said.

Jalina Porter, communications director for Rep. Cedric Richmond, said plans for his guest had not been confirmed as of early Tuesday.

Other guests of the president are already garnering attention. They include Alice Johnson, a nonviolent drug offender who had been serving a life sentence in prison when the president granted her clemency. Trump is expected to touch on his criminal justice reform efforts in his address. He was convinced to release Johnson after a meeting with Kim Kardashian West.

Another guest of the president will be 11-year-old Joshua Trump of Delaware, whose parents say their son is the victim of bullying because of his last name. The first lady has targeted bullying in her Be Best initiative.

Four members of Congress have invited transgender members of the military to the State of the Union. Their attendance comes as the Pentagon is being directed, at Trumps direction, to ban transgender people from serving in the armed forces.

This story was updated to include a response from Goodwill Industries.
Ed Cushman, a North Carolina man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, who scored tickets to the Super Bowl with help from Team Gleason, was en route to Atlanta for the Super Bowl Saturday (Feb. 2) when his minivan caught fire, according to a report by FOX 8.

His older brother, Rob Cushman, and father attempted to rescue Cushman, 39, from the smoking minivan on the side of a Georgia highway. But he ultimately succumbed in the flames.

In a public Facebook post, Cushmans brother called his death a freak accident, and said the family is hurting, but grateful Cushman is no longer in pain.

Team Gleason, an organization that helps people with ALS, called Cushmans death a tragedy and celebrated Cushmans zest for life despite his debilitating disease.

Read the full report from FOX 8.
Weeks after school boards in two different parts of the state rejected corporate requests for property tax breaks, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) is saying the states Industrial Tax Exemption Program needs to be simplified at the local level.

In a report issued Monday (Feb. 4), LABI, the states biggest and most influential business organization, urged Gov. John Bel Edwards to streamline the process for local government approval of one of the states oldest and biggest business tax breaks. The group also wants the governor to allow local governments to make the tax break more generous.

The Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) has been around since the 1930s, but has gotten an overhaul by Edwards over the past two years.

For decades, the program allowed large corporations to avoid paying local property taxes that fund services, such as public schools and local law enforcement, for up to 10 years if they upgraded or expanded their facilities. Then, Edwards, a Democrat, added new restrictions after he took office.

He requires companies applying for the tax break to offer more jobs. Previously, companies had received the exemption for modernizing their facilities and retaining positions, but not necessarily creating new ones. In some cases, The Advocate discovered through an investigative series, a few companies eliminated jobs after receiving the tax advantage.

The Edwards administration has also capped the tax break at 80 percent of taxes owed over two periods of five years. Previously, companies had been exempted from paying their entire local property tax bill for a decade if they were part of ITEP.

New Orleans launches a tax exemption revolt

The change that has created the most heartburn of late is the governors injection of local governing bodies into the process.

For most of its 80-year existence, ITEP was managed by the state, even though the tax breaks being doled out only affected local government. Now, the governor has given local taxing authorities, including parish councils, school boards, police juries and sheriffs, the ability to veto any ITEP application in their community.

Edwards said Louisiana was the only state in the country with an ITEP where local governments werent given a say over the tax break.

Stephen Waguespack, president of LABI, said he agrees that local governments should be involved in the decision-making process, but called the current arrangement set up by the governor local chaos" at a meeting of the Baton Rouge Press Club Monday.

Waguespack said the governor or the Louisiana Legislature should require parishes that want to weigh in on ITEP to have a single local policy and point of contact" for companies seeking the tax break. Businesses should not have to get separate approval from all the local taxing entities in a single jurisdiction, he said.

Waguespack wasnt clear about what form or structure a single point of contact would take. With separately elected sheriffs, councils and schools boards, local politicians dont always get along with each other and may have different views on corporate tax breaks.

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LABI also wants ITEP rules to be tweaked so that local governments can expand the tax break to a 100 percent exemption if desired.

For industrial tax exemptions, New Orleans sets bar higher

Waguespack said Louisiana parishes with ITEP-backed projects tend to have higher tax collections and better-paid teachers as a result of economic development they spur. He has argued ITEP is economically beneficial for communities, while opponents characterize the incentive as an unfair giveaway for politically connected businesses.

The Edwards administration said the governor will consider LABIs suggestions. Weve taken comments, concerns and suggestions from industry into account throughout the entire process, and well certainly take a look at LABIs report when they send it along, spokeswoman Christina Stephens said.

Since Edwards made the ITEP changes, a few major projects -- including a $15.9 billion liquefied natural gas export terminal in Calcasieu Parish -- have received tax breaks from local governments. That incentive alone could be worth more than $2 billion during the next decade.

Others have been rejected, though Waguespack said LABI isnt asking for ITEP changes as a result of those recent decisions.

Last month, the East Baton Rouge School Board rejected an ITEP application from ExxonMobil, creating a public stir in the process. Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome went out of her way to express support for Exxon, one of the areas largest employers, after the school boards decision. She even held a pro-Exxon rally in response to the school boards vote.

More quietly, the St. Bernard Parish School Board and Sheriff James Pohlmann rejected applications for the ITEP from Chalmette Refining. The school board made a decision based on the financial situation of the district and the community, Schools Superintendent Doris Voitier said in an interview Monday.

Voitier said the school board intends to use the tax revenue that would have been exempted through the ITEP to pay for teacher and support staff pay raises.

Edwards' changes to the ITEP arent permanent and could disappear if he loses his re-election campaign this year. They are being imposed through a gubernatorial executive order, which could be lifted if another person is elected.

One of the governors opponents, Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone, has already said he is unhappy with the ITEP adjustments. Rispone runs a major construction firm that works on many of the facilities which are part of the ITEP.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
John Ehret High School in Marrero was vandalized overnight, a spokesman for the Jefferson Parish Public School System confirmed Tuesday morning (Feb. 5). The Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office is investigating.

UPDATE: 12-and 10-year-old accused of vandalizing John Ehret High School: JPSO

The vandalism included damage to the cafeteria, gym and the schools 600 and 700 buildings, according to school district spokesman Ted Beasley. He said the vandalism happened sometime Monday night or early Tuesday morning, and there was no immediate threat to students or staff members. The school is operating on a normal schedule Tuesday, he said.

The school told parents in a letter that the vandalism caused extensive damage. Beasley also said the damage includes broken windows and damaged computers.

A mother of a John Ehret student told NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune that JPSO deputies were at the school at 6:45 a.m. Tuesday when she dropped her son off. Her son sent several photos to her that show smashed windows with police tape roping off areas outside the school. It wasnt immediately clear who was responsible or if surveillance cameras recorded the vandalism.

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The letter to parents said repairs have already begun. Here is the full letter sent to parents:

"Good Morning Ehret Parents,

All students and teachers at Ehret are safe. At some time last night or early this morning, vandals entered our campus and caused extensive damage. JPSO is on site investigating and contractors are beginning to make repairs. We will make the necessary adjustments to operate a regular schedule."

Our news partners at WVUE Fox 8 first reported this story.

Carlie Kollath Wells is a morning reporter at NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Have an early-bird tip? Send it to her: cwells@nola.com or Twitter @carlie_kollath.
Research shows students who chronically miss school are less likely to succeed academically and more likely to drop out of high school. Starting this year, New Orleans public schools are partnering with community leaders to address the citys own high rate of absenteeism through an initiative called Keeping Kids in School."

Nearly a quarter of the 48,000 students in Orleans Parish public school missed 15 to 18 days of class during the 2017-2018 school year, according to the Orleans Parish School Board, which is helming the initiative. That adds up to more than 10 percent of the school year. Additionally, the latest data shows chronic absenteeism is on the rise in New Orleans in recent years.

Angela Wiggins, executive director of the OPSBs Office of Child Welfare and Attendance, said the new initiative aims to address all the causes of absences, from truancy, or cases where students are intentionally skipping school, to absences caused by medical problems. The school board noted a wide range of issues affect school attendance, including poverty, juvenile arrests, lack of access to social services, and weak, uncoordinated support systems for students and their families.

What we know is that many kids are enrolled and registered for school but theyre not always attending school on a regular basis, Wiggins said.

School board needs money to run Harney, but cant access federal funds: report

The OPSB launched the Keeping Kids in School initiative last Monday (Jan. 28) at a breakfast with representatives from Mayor LaToya Cantrells office as well as more than 30 community members and representatives from local businesses and non-profits. Attendees signed letters of commitment agreeing to help do their part to curb absenteeism in their community. Among other ideas, the school district is encouraging community members to mentor chronically absent students.

The OPSB is also asking businesses for help rewarding students who are attending school on a regular basis. Tony Duhon, founder and owner of Premier Automotive, donates a new car to one Orleans Parish public schooler with perfect attendance each year.

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Wiggins also called on businesses to look for signs that children are skipping school.

If you are a business, were asking that businesses do not serve kids during school hours, Wiggins said.

Research from the U.S. Department of Education shows chronically absent students in preschool, kindergarten and 1st grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the 3rd grade. Students with frequent absences are also more at risk of dropping out of school, the department stated.

Wiggins added community members can do their part as well. She asked residents who see students outside of school between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to report their location to the OPSB Truancy Center by calling 504-218-5386. The center does not punish students, Wiggins said. Rather, it connects students with a team of social workers who work on understanding the reasons why theyre missing school, she said.

In order for kids to achieve academically, they need to be present in school, Wiggins said.

New Orleans expected to pass regulations for school bus operators

Wilborn P. Nobles III is an education reporter based in New Orleans. He can be reached at wnobles@nola.com or on Twitter at @WilNobles.
A Westwego man has been arrested in connection with a West Bank shooting that left one man in critical condition.

Jordy Robertson ordered to be held without bail in federal drug case

Theron Williams, 24, was booked Friday (Jan. 31), with attempted second-degree murder, obstruction of justice and two counts of simple criminal damage to property, according to a Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office arrest report.

He is accused in a Jan. 10 shooting that occurred in the 600 block of Rene Street near Westwego. Deputies were dispatched to the area just about 7:10 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting, authorities said.

There was no victim on scene, but deputies found several spent shell casings, a set of dice and a rat tied to a string, an incident report said. Investigators also noticed two nearby vehicles that had been hit by gunfire.

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While collecting evidence, JPSO received notice that a 29-year-old man had arrived at West Jefferson Medical Center with a gunshot wound, the report said. He was transported to University Medical Center in critical condition.

No details about his current condition were available Monday (Feb. 4).

Detective Scott Bradley identified Williams as a suspect in the case and obtained a warrant for his arrest. Williams was booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna. He was still being held there Monday.

Bond on the charges related to the shooting was set at $350,000. But Williams was also booked with several outstanding traffic and municipal attachments. Bond was set at $22,400 for 10 of the attachments.

Williams was being held without bond on an 11th attachment issued after he missed an October court date on a marijuana charge, according to Jefferson Parish court records.
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A Madisonville man pleaded guilty to 500 counts of possessing child pornography Tuesday (Feb. 5) as a panel of jurors was about to enter the courtroom for the mans trial, the North Shore district attorneys office said.

Ryan Horak, 21, pleaded guilty as charged. Sentencing will be held in April before state Judge Martin Coady.

Horak faces 10 to 40 years in prison without probation, parole or suspension of sentence, DA Warren Montgomerys office said in a news release. He will be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years after his release.

The investigation began when the Louisiana Attorney Generals Office was alerted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that a St. Tammany Parish resident was uploading thousands of images of suspected child pornography to his Dropbox account, the release said. Supervisory Special Agent Brian Brown of the AGs Office investigated the case.

Assistant district attorneys Holly McGinness and Josephine Heller were prepared for trial with witnesses and evidence when Horak decided to plead guilty, just before the jury panel entered the courtroom, the DAs office said.
Jordy Robertson, the father of New Orleans Saints superfan Jarrius JJ Robertson, was ordered Monday (Feb. 4) to be held in jail without bond after his arrest last week on a federal criminal complaint.

Robertson, was arrested Thursday on conspiracy to distribute cocaine, wire fraud and witness retaliation charges. Federal authorities have accused Robertson of gambling money meant to benefit the charitable foundation he created in honor of his son's battle against liver disease at local casinos, and for personal expenses.

At a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael B. North Monday, Robertson's attorney, Michael T. Bell, argued for his release.

The government said Robertson should remain in jail, as no conditions of bond could reasonably ensure his appearance in court. A representative from the federal probation and parole department said Robertson has a "significant record" of fugitive warrants and a history of committing crimes while under supervision.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Moses said Robertson has two previous convictions for possession of Schedule II narcotics.

Bell, argued Robertson should be released on bond because he's not a flight risk and not a danger to his community. He's lived in the same house for several years, doesn't have a passport and doesn't have any family who lives out of town, Bell said.

Bell called two people to testify on Robertson's behalf at the hearing Monday, his fiancee and his pastor. Both said they didn't know Robertson to own a gun.

Ashley Dewey, his fiancee, said DEA agents didnt find any drugs or weapons during an October search of the trailer her and Robertson share in Reserve. They also didnt find any drugs or weapons during an October search of his foundations office, and during a search of his car after his arrest last week, she said.

She said Robertson makes money working odd jobs, and an important construction job was waiting for him in Gonzales. Robertson helps her pay bills, Dewey said.

Moses asked Dewey to interpret a Facebook post the government cited in their complaint against Robertson, in which they allege he identified confidential informant by name and called him a "rat."

Dewey said that was her first time seeing the post.

Under questioning from Bell, Dewey suggested the post could have been written by someone else posing as Robertson.

The Rev. Forell Bering, the pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Reserve, said Robertson is a good, family man.

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He scoffed when Bell asked if he's ever seen Robertson act aggressive or mean.

"Even when things don't go right he has a calm, compassionate spirit," Bering said.

Moses asked Bering if Robertson had ever gone to him seeking guidance for a gambling problem. Bering said if Robertson has a gambling problem, he's unaware of it.

North found probable cause based on the affidavit DEA Task Force Officer Jason Renton filed in Robertson's case. He said he appreciated hearing from Dewey and Bering, but didnt think their testimony was enough to overcome presumption.

DEA raids foundation of Saints superfan Jarrius 'JJ' Robertson

The U.S. Marshals Service arrested Robertson Thursday on a criminal complaint that stemmed from a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigation.

According to the complaint, Robertson spent thousands of dollars donated through a GoFundMe account on groceries, household goods and other personal items. Authorities also allege he withdrew large amounts of cash at local casinos.

The GoFundMe page said the money was going to be used to pay Jarrius' Robertson's medical bills, then later to support his "It Takes Lives to Save Lives" Foundation. The foundation promotes organ donation awareness and was started in honor of Jarrius Robertson, who is battling a chronic liver disease.

Federal authorities said Jarrius Robertson didnt incur any medical bills and Medicaid covered the cost of his liver transplant. The family had to pay for hotel stays and other costs related to Jarrius liver transplant, but Jordy Robertson did not contribute to those expenses, according to court records.

Robertson is also accused of arranging to sell kilograms of cocaine and of intimidating a confidential informant in the DEA's investigation.

Robertson is scheduled to appear in court next week for a preliminary hearing.

Michelle Hunter contributed to this report.
A driver crashed into a Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office deputys vehicle early Monday (Feb. 4), sending the cruiser into a nearby canal, according to police.

The driver collided with the deputys car around 2:30 a.m. near the intersection of Cleary and West Metairie avenues (map). The deputys car went into the canal separating the westbound and eastbound roadways of West Metairie Avenue. Both the driver and the deputy were transported to a hospital after the collision and released shortly after, according to JPSO Captain Jason Rivarde.

Rivarde said the cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Heading into the offseason following the 2018 World Series, free-agent slugger Bryce Harper made his love for the New York Yankees known. In fact, when he dabbled with playing first base during 2018, speculation was Harper did that in an attempt to show the Yankees he can coexist with the teams All-Star outfielders of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.

Harper primarily plays right field and Judge is the Yankees regular right-fielder, with Stanton getting some reps in right (and left) when he isnt the DH. Aaron Hicks is locked in at center field with Brett Gardner splitting time with Stanton in left.

It turns out, if the Yankees sign Harper, he might not have to change positions at all, thanks to Judge.

Per TMZ:

Judge is excited about the possibility -- explaining, Anytime you can add an MVP to a team, its going to make them better.

...

Judge is willing to do whatever it takes to get Bryce in pinstripes. Wherever he wants to play, wherever he wants to play -- well make it work.

While Judges willingness to do whats best for the team is admirable, it is also highly unlikely to come into play.

General manager Brian Cashman has been on the sidelines for Harper, with the Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals and Chicago White Sox among the front-runners for the 2015 National League MVP.

Members of the Phillies' front office flew to Las Vegas in January to meet with Harper. The San Diego Padres jumped into the mix last week when they made their own visit to Harper in Sin City.

The Nationals are believed to have made Harper a 10-year, $300 million offer before the end of the 2018 season.

Harper and free-agent slugger Manny Machado remain unsigned with spring training starting next week.
Ten days after police were called to a firehouse in Sussex County to investigate the theft of money at a fundraising event, the Franklin Borough fire department was searched Monday by investigators from the states Alcoholic Beverage Control division, authorities said Tuesday.

The Sussex County Prosecutors Office was notified of the circumstances surrounding the Franklin firehouse, First Assistant Prosecutor Gregory Mueller said in a statement. "The investigation is being conducted by the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Our office will review the matter and take any action warranted from that review.

NJHerald.com reported that Franklin police officers who came to the firehouse after money was stolen last month spotted gambling equipment in a social area on the second floor. Franklin Borough police wouldnt confirm to NJ Advance Media that the reported theft and the ABC investigation were related.

Lt. Nevin J. Mattessich, a Franklin police spokesman, told NJ Advance Media that police showed up at the firehouse on Buckwheat Road just before 9 p.m. on Jan. 25 to to check into a reported theft at an event. He declined to offer additional information, citing the ongoing investigation, but said no charges had been filed as of Tuesday morning.

During the Monday afternoon search of the firehouse, a New Jersey Herald reporter saw plastic containers filled with bottles of alcohol being removed The reporter also watched as people carried felt-covered equipment from the building and loaded it into a public works truck.

Franklin police were present while ABC personnel went in and out of the building, Mattessich said.

The action you reference was carried out by the ABC," borough attorney John Ursin wrote in email to NJ Advance Media. I understand that the ABC is investigating possible liquor license infractions. If violations are found, they will take appropriate action. The borough is not involved.

A spokeswoman for the ABC, which is part of the state Attorney Generals Office declined to comment.

Multiple calls to the firehouse on Tuesday went unanswered.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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State lawmakers may have hoped that the director of personnel for Gov. Phil Murphys transition would be able to clear up lingering questions over who hired Albert J. Alvarez, the state staffer accused of rape.

But for now, theyre still searching for answers.

Lynn Haynes, director of personnel on the transition  the brief period between Murphys November 2017 election victory and January 2018 swearing in  testified before a special legislative committee that one of three top aides must have hired Alvarez, but she did not know who actually did.

The committee has been trying to piece together for two months now how Murphys transition and administration responded to Katie Brennans allegation that Alvarez raped her after a campaign gathering in April 2017. But exactly who hired Alvarez as chief of staff to the New Jersey Schools Development Authority has become the great mystery of these proceedings.

Haynes testified Tuesday that Alvarez, her deputy director of personnel, told her as the transition was winding down that theyre sending me over to SDA to be chief of staff. Haynes said that was soon confirmed by Jose Lozano, who was leading the transition.

Haynes said she was not surprised that Alvarez would be placed in that role. He was involved in the campaign and transition, had a long-standing relationship with the governor, friends on the campaign, and he was a lawyer whod served as deputy chief of staff for a previous administration.

It just seemed like a natural progression, Haynes said at the Statehouse in Trenton during the committees seventh public hearing.

She shut down speculation that Alvarez may have hired himself but said she cannot say who ultimately signed off on the hire.

Haynes did tell the committee only three people would have had the authority: Lozano, Pete Cammarano, the then-incoming chief of staff, and Matt Platkin, chief counsel. All three, however, have testified under oath they did not hire Alvarez.

I dont see another way, Haynes said.

State Sen. Sandra Cunningham, D-Hudson, asked if perhaps it was the governor himself who made the decision. Haynes said she didnt know that to be the case, either.

"That wasnt part of the process, having the governor involved, she said. And so, I dont know. I would just be speculating.

State Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor-Marin, D-Essex, who is co-chairing the committee, said Tuesday the lack of answers is becoming more and more insane.

The more you dont give us an answer, the bigger of a deal it becomes, she said.

The other co-chairwoman, State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, told NJ Advance Media she would not rule out subpoenaing Alvarez to pose the question to him directly.

We havent ruled out anything, Weinberg said. While the committee is empowered to compel witnesses to testify, it has not yet used that authority. Alvarez previously turned down an invitation to appear.

Haynes served as a deputy chief of staff in Murphys administration until last month. She is the 11th official to testify before the special legislative committee, and her testimony continued Tuesday afternoon.

Cammarano made his third appearance before the committee Tuesday morning, as lawyers for the state Senate and Assembly emphasized contradictions between his testimony and others'.

Brennan accused Alvarez of raping her in her apartment in April 2017. In the months that followed, she or and emissary alerted members of the transition and the administration. The committee is investigating how Alvarez was hired despite this allegation and how he stayed in his job until he was contacted by the Wall Street Journal in October.

Alvarez has denied the charges and two county prosecutors have declined to press charges.

The committee also heard from Melissa Liebermann, chief of staff to the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office, about its determination the state had no jurisdiction to investigate Brennans complaint under the states equal employment opportunity rules.

The chief ethics officer who testified previously, Heather Taylor, said Platkin forwarded the allegation to her and she passed it along to the Attorney Generals Office.

Liebermann, however, said the allegation was conveyed to her as sexual harassment during the campaign, not rape.

If a sexual assault or rape had been reported to me, I believe I would have had a conversation about whether there had been a criminal investigation into the matter, and that was not the conversation that I had, Liebermann said.

Liebermamn said she took the matter seriously but because neither Brennan nor Alvarez were state employees at the time, the states rules did not apply, she said. She added that the states EEO officer agreed and state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal was present for at least one meeting where the sexual harassment allegation was discussed.

Even so, Liebermann said also looked into whether the state could hire outside counsel to investigate and recommended the campaign conduct its own investigation, Lieberman said.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report.

Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
WASHINGTON  The final unresolved ethics case against U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez has ended.

The Senate Ethics Committee closed the books on its investigation after Menendez officially amended his personal financial disclosure forms to acknowledge that he had repaid $112,418 worth of travel costs, most of them initially covered by Dr. Salomon Melgen, a friend and campaign donor. All but $2,000 had been repaid in 2013 and 2014, with the final check written last fall.

Senate Ethics Committee Chairman Johnny Isakson, R-La., and Vice Chairman Chris Coons, D-Del., told Menendez that he had met the panels requirements in a letter dated last Friday and obtained by NJ Advance Media.

Im pleased this issue is closed, said Menendez, D-N.J.

In rebuking Menendez in April after he accepted numerous gifts from Dr. Melgen and took official actions related to his interests, the committee ordered the senator to repay their value and amend the disclosure forms.

Menendezs ethical problems loomed large in his 2018 U.S. Senate campaign, when his Republican challenger, former Celgene Corp. executive Bob Hugin, spent $36 million of his own money to highlight them. Polls initially showed Menendez with only a slight lead but he easily was re-elected.

The ethics committee acted after Menendez first stood trial on federal corruption charges. The first case ended in a mistrial, and then after a judge acquitted the senator on several counts, federal prosecutors dropped the rest of the charges.

In testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee last month, Attorney General nominee William Barr said he told Justice Department officials that they shouldnt prosecute Menendez.

I thought the prosecution was based on a fallacious theory that would have had bad long-term consequences, Barr told the committee.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

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UPDATE: Charges have been dropped against the woman whose sister allegedly used her name to beat prostitution charge.

Its the tale of two sisters from New Jersey  one in college trying to earn a teaching degree, the other one simply trying to stay out of jail.

In November, Samantha Humienny, 24, was stopped by police officers while walking on a Paterson street and given a citation for prostitution, according to her family. But Samantha misidentified herself as Jaclyn Humienny  her 20-year-old sister who is in Florida studying to be a teacher.

Samantha Humiennys use of her sister as an alias is now threatening the future of Jaclyn Humienny, who must pass background checks before she can be hired as a special education teacher, her parents said Tuesday.

Jaclyn Humienny and her parents  Brian and Cynthia  have been fighting for weeks to clear their younger daughters name, ever since a citation was mailed to their home in Florida, along with a demand for more than a $530 fine for failing to appear in court.

This will ruin my daughters future, Brian Humienny told NJ Advance Media on Tuesday. To make matters worse, Paterson police have insisted the only way to straighten things out is for Jaclyn to come to New Jersey, he said.

We have asked Paterson repeatedly to help us, Brian Humienny said. Theyve been hanging up the phone on us."

The Humienny family accuses police of writing the citation without verifying the correct name.

There was no drivers license number on the citation. There was nothing, Humienny said. They didnt even get a library card from her.

Paterson Police Director Jerry Speziale said Tuesday he believes that Samantha Humienny must be carrying some form of false identification with the name of her sister and the officers did nothing wrong in issuing the citation.

We only issue these citations when you have ID," Speziale said. "She must be carrying around some sort of ID of the sister, whether its something she had made up or something she stole.

Speziale said officers are not required to record the type of identification they receive when writing citations.

Brian Humienny said the family moved from Morris County to Florida more than 12 years ago. A few years after the move Samantha, then 16, ran away and returned to New Jersey.

Shes a heroin addict, her father said. We havent seen her in years. We dont blame her for what shes done. She has warrants and shes trying to stay out of jail. We blame Paterson.

To make matters worse, within hours after Samantha received the citation, she checked into the emergency room at St. Josephs Hospital in Paterson and identified herself as Jaclyn Humienny.

The bill came to $4,000 and was also mailed to his other daughter in Florida, the father said.

Were fighting that, too, Brian Humienny said.

Brian Humienny said Jaclyn sent copies of her work hours to Paterson Municipal Court to prove she was in Florida when her sister got into trouble. But that wasnt good enough for the police and courts in Paterson.

Speziale said he asked for Jaclyn Humiennys college attendance records, but that the family has been unable to come up with those documents or an affidavit from the professor to say she was in class.

I have compassion and empathy. I have children and I understand the kids dilemma, Speziale said. Unfortunately, in this age of technology people are stealing identities. This really needs to be dealt with in person."

He said the parents have focused much of their anger on the police department and not placing the blame where it belongs  on their older daughter.

We didnt create this, Speziale said. Their daughter decided to become an addict and a prostitute and wander the streets of Paterson. We are restricted to the four corners of the law  thats how we operate.

Speziale said there currently is not enough evidence to drop the charge against the younger sister. He said the family has been resisting traveling to New Jersey, telling him over the phone that airline tickets are too expensive.

The police director plans to ask the judge in the case to order a video conference, where Jaclyn Humienny could remain in Florida while testifying before the Paterson court.

But he called the move highly unusual, saying it would raise several issues  including whether Jaclyn Humienny could legally be represented by a Florida attorney.

She really needs to appear here, Speziale said.

Samantha Humienny currently has at least two warrants out for her arrest, including one in Sussex County from an incident in 2017, police said.

Speziale said Samantha Humienny could face additional charges for giving police a false name when she received the citation in November. Police dont know where she is, Speziale said.

Wed love to have her come forward, he said.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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There is speculation that President Trump will use the occasion of his annual State of the Union address to declare a state of emergency and build his border wall with funds appropriated for other uses.

When I called Fox News legal analyst and Jersey guy Andrew Napolitano to ask the chances of that surviving a court challenge, he answered none and none.

He cannot spend money that hasnt been appropriated, Napolitano said.

But it might be politically useful even if it fails in court, he added.

Thats likely the case, said Mark Krikorian of the Center for Immigration Studies, a Washington think tank that tends to favor strict enforcement of immigration law.

Krikorian said Trump has trapped himself in a corner by making the wall his central demand while there are so many other approaches that are also needed.

One is e-verify, the program that would have every potential employee checked against a national data base, Krikorian said. Another is the hiring of enough asylum judges to handle claims immediately and end the current catch and release policy that permits applicants to enter the U.S. while awaiting court dates that can be months or even years away.

Until they change the asylum rules they could build walls everywhere they want, he said. But these people want to be caught.

That assessment was shared by Rick Cavazos, a former Border Patrol agent who is the mayor of the border town of Los Indios, Texas. I met him when I was on the border last month and he made a sound argument for building new walls in the urban areas where migrants can cross the Rio Grande in as little as a minute.

But walls and/or fences are just another tool in the toolbox Cavazos said when I called him the other day. Walls wont stop people from coming over the border and turning themselves into border patrol with a request for asylum, he said.

The best way to adjudicate all these cases is to bring as many judges as you can to the border and see that you can streamline that process here on the border, he said.

If those who are denied asylum were to be immediately returned to their countries of origin, he said, then others would stop making the long trip and paying coyotes to get across the river.

Cavazos said that by obsessing on the wall, Trump has failed to make what would be his strongest argument: Its been almost 18 years since the 9/11 attacks, after which there was a bipartisan consensus that the government needed to document who is in the country.

That effort got off to a good start but was never completed, he said.

Before 9/11 if we wanted to check somebodys fingerprints we had the old manual ink process, he recalled. Wed put them in a pre-addressed envelope and send it to the FBI and then wait till we got the results back.

That could take weeks, he said, But 9/11 changed all that and we were now connected to FBI, he said.

The momentum carried through 2005 with the passage of the Real ID Act, which passed 100-0 in the Senate. The law stated that the Attorney General shall take such actions as may be necessary to install additional physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the United States border to deter illegal crossings in areas of high illegal entry into the United States."

The following year Congress also adopted on a bipartisan basis the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which built 600 miles of new barriers as opposed to the approximately 150 miles for which Trump seeks funding.

The fact is that post-9/11 most of these Democrats voted for the Secure Fence Act," Cavazos said.

A big proponent was New York Sen. Chuck Schumer. As minority leader, hes leading the charge against Trumps wall. But back when he was supporting a longer wall Schumer said, Between 2005 and 2009, a vast amount of progress has been made on our borders and ports of entry.

That progress failed to reverse the tide. Department of Homeland Security statistics show that there were 8 million undocumented aliens in the year of the World Trade Center attacks but 12 million by 2015, the last year for which DHS figures are available.

The rate of growth has slowed recently, other studies show, but we still have more illegals than when we set out to solve the problem in 2001.

So why is Trump losing the debate? Krikorian said its because of his over-reliance on the wall as opposed to a multi-faceted approach.

Its not like hes always been pushing for a wall, he said. But when he mentioned it at a rally he got a great response. Like a stand-up comedian he returned to his best material.

Now, the Democrats have him backed into a corner, Krikorian said.

Will he get out? Tune in and see.

BELOW: Democrats like Schumer are arguing that what supported in 2006 was a fence rather than a wall. Thats a distinction without a difference, as you will see in this video we shot during a trip to the border last month. The metal fence is perched over a concrete wall, the standard designed following the 2006 law that Schumer supported.

Whether you call it a wall or a fence, we could use a lot more of it in the places where illegals can cross the Rio Grande in a minute with no barriers.
When it comes to proposed marijuana legalization legislation, we stand with the mayors of the states two biggest cities in their demand that automatic and immediate expungement for certain past convictions be included.

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka held a joint appearance last week vowing that they wont allow marijuana dispensaries in their cities if stronger social justice provisions arent included in the legal pot legislation that eventually becomes law in New Jersey.

The current version of proposed legislation would carry with it deep-seated inequalities, Baraka said.

As we noted last month, to be fair, legislators must ensure immediate expungements of criminal records for past actions that will be legal under new laws.

Far too many lives -- particularly in the black and Hispanic communities -- have been adversely affected by arrests and incarceration for low-level possession and distribution, a prime reason many support legalization. In order for those affected in the past to move forward, their records need to be wiped clean.

It would be a major contradiction that someone in our community will remain haunted by a past marijuana arrest while corporations throughout the state will make millions of dollars for selling the same product, Fulop said in a statement. No matter where you stand on legalization, expungement touches every municipality throughout our state.

State legislators are to restart their discussions on legalizing marijuana this month. They must listen to Fulop, Baraka and other mayors pushing for automatic and immediate expungements and get the legislation right.

Submit letters to the editor and guest columns to jjletters@jjournal.com.
A man is in custody after allegedly fleeing from police trying to get him to drop his guns.

Plumsted Police were called to a home on Carter Lane on Sunday for reports of a man smashing things inside, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said.

Officers found Nicholas Markee, 31 of New Egypt, wielding two handguns, waving them in the air, Billhimer said in a statement. Markee ignored an officers commands and then fled into the woods behind the home.

After interviewing residents, investigators learned Markee had fired one of the guns into a wood pile outside.

An initial search did not find Markee, so law enforcement secured a perimeter and sent in the Ocean County Swat Team and the Plumsted Police K-9 Lock and handler Officer Ryan Nani.

Markee was then arrested, and is now in the Ocean County Jail on criminal mischief and weapons charges. That jail database lists Hick Life as one of his aliases. He also uses the Hick Life moniker on social media.

Joe Brandt can be reached at jbrandt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JBrandt_NJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Names of the facility residents quoted in this story have been changed to protect their identities because they are juvenile offenders.

Marking an eyeglass lens with a lensometer. Matching prescriptions. And shipping eyeglasses across the state.

It might not sound like a typical day in prison, but for the inmates at the New Jersey Juvenile Training School in Monroe Township, it is.

I would have never considered doing something like this before, said Andrew, a resident at the Middlesex County school. Like sitting and watching commercials for Lenscrafters, this is something I would have never thought of pursuing.

But on any given day, six to eight of the juvenile inmates at the facility are working at what is essentially an eyeglass manufacturing plant inside the jail.

The detention center, which houses about 200 male inmates ages 12 to 23, fabricates eyeglasses for all of the child and adult inmates in detention centers across the state. Most of the inmates, who are referred to as residents, at the facility are between 16 and 18-years-old.

The optical lab program, its organizers say, aims to give those enrolled practical work experience, and put them on a path to develop a real career opportunity. The boys are taught by Alan Rosenberg -- who is affectionately called Doc by the residents. He has been working with this program for eight and a half years, and has 30 years of experience as a licensed optician.

Starting at about 8:30 a.m., the residents enter the brightly-lit workshop, each taking a position at one of the machines that line its perimeter. They work in a makeshift assembly line, with checks by Rosenberg along the way.

Its not a program for everybody, Rosenberg said. But for those that get into it, weve had residents go on to study this in college and have jobs in the field.

A resident selects the correct lens prescription from the tray. (Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

The vocational program accepts a small number of residents at a time in order to keep everyone focused on the task at hand. To enroll in the program, residents must have their GED or high school degree, be over 18 years old and have a good understanding of basic math concepts, Rosenberg said.

The young men in the program learn the tools of the trade -- everything from reading a prescription to finding the right lenses, cutting them into the right shape and fitting lenses into the proper set of frames.

On a busy day, they can make 100 pairs of glasses, and often average 500 pairs a month.

Some people come in and are intimidated by the machines. But, you can learn everything you need to in a month, Andrew said. Hes been in the program for almost a year. Seeing two older residents who were involved inspired him to join the program, he said.

I wanted to jump right in, but I had to take a step back and learn the process, he said. After a few weeks, he was familiar with all of the machines. Now, he has progressed so much that he has helped train almost everyone else currently on the work roster.

Before his time in the detention center, Andrew had worked in restaurants and had done other odd jobs, but nothing, he said, that prepared him for a career. He is now planning on pursuing ophthalmic science technology at a community college, he said.

Rosenberg said he does his best to recommend the young men he works with go to community colleges that have such programs. Those that do go on to more schooling often find themselves with an advantage, because they already have hands-on experience, he said.

This program gives you endless opportunities, said Michael, another resident at the school who has been in the program a little less than a year.

Alan Rosenberg, optician (right) speaks with a resident (left). (Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Both Andrew and Michael said the best part of making eyeglasses is seeing the interconnected pieces of the glasses become something bigger.

Seeing everything come together to know that you can improve someones vision is the best, Andrew said.

The campus -- which includes seven residential buildings, a school, recreation facilities, and a medical facility, as well as the vocational building -- aims to rehabilitate juvenile offenders who have been committed by the court. It doesnt only offer its residents this job training opportunity, but also has programs in horticulture, equine science, and communications.

The biggest perk for the boys in the programs, Rosenberg said, is the opportunity to interact with professionals in a work environment. While working, the boys are also supervised by senior youth workers, who serve as motivators, and to keep everyone focused and on-task when they are working.

If I see him everyday, I have the chance to align him with a path to the outside, Rosenberg said.

Every day, theyre going to come in and produce something. Every day they are going to learn to follow leadership and learn how to fix mistakes.

This article is part of Unknown New Jersey, an ongoing series that highlights interesting and little-known stories about our past, present, and future -- all the unusual things that make our great state what is it. Got a story to pitch? Email it to local@njadvancemedia.com.

Olivia Rizzo may be reached at orizzo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter@LivRizz. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Through his latest role (and with the use of a virtual reality headset) you can see Union City resident and veteran actor Jim Thalman portray a character practically in the room with you.

In the short film Vera, Thalman plays Robert  one of two former lovers who meet up in a New York City restaurant during WW1. Actress Caroline Duncan, like Thalman a veteran of stage and screen, plays the eponymous Vera.

Thalman describes the period, costume drama as a dialogue-intensive, emotionally-heavy, raw, visceral love story, and what distinguishes and maybe enhances it as an experience is that director Krzysztof Pietroszek and his team shot it all with multiple 8K cameras, making for what theyre billing the first 5D film in the world.

8K is presently the highest video quality available, and like 4K, the present most widely-used (and not particularly so) form of high definition, the K stands for processing roughly a thousand pixels. Broadcast television is presented at about 1,000 pixels. Being able to process eight times that requires a lot of processing power, and while a few Hollywood films like Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 and Mortal Engines have been shot in 8K, theyve mostly used the format to capture the best 4K-level footage they can  including for use in 3D presentations.

While what was often billed as 4D used to be an enhanced 3D presentation (in venues that provided scents and water spraying on your face to mimic what characters were experiencing in a film, 4D is what were now deeming virtual reality, Thalman said in an interview with The Jersey Journal.

Were the first 5D film in the world, which means you can actually come in and sit and be inside the movie with us, the principal actors, Thalman said. You can actually put on the Oculus glasses (a brand of virtual reality headset) and be surrounded by us. Although your level of participation is minimized, nonetheless you can be in the world.

Thalman is excited by the possibilities that this new medium offers, specifically if one university experiment pans out. Were talking about this in a manner of where interactive gaming meets the filmmaking, he said. Now, I do know for a fact that theres an experiment going on right now at UCLA that theyre looking at ways to block the synaptic receptors in the brain that let you know that this is not reality  Once they block the receptor, that in in my eyes create a whole new generation of horror and sci-fi film that can be really terrifying and a whole lot of fun in a lot of different ways.

Thalman, who built his career on period films and costume dramas, has become increasing enamored with genre fare. I hope ... that horror and science fiction storytellers will gravitate toward this kind of storytelling, because all of a sudden it becomes a multibillion dollar marketplace, Thalman said. You just have to have those first few films that are, for lack of a better term, the guinea pigs  the people that really take the big risks, which is in this case our director and our producer Emma Mankey Hidem.

But were the first into the foray and hopefully we become one of the teams that adds bigger companies  that say, OK these guys and gals know what theyre doing. They understand the technology, the obligation to filmmaking, they just need more money to do it with. Lets fund these guys and allow them to build a library for us.

Thalman, who co-founded Union City-based multimedia production group the Hudson Exploited Theater Company (HexTC), got involved with this film because director Pietroszek knew of his work. Im a little more famous in Europe, Thalman said, and the director had to have seen some of my movies.

According to Thalman, Vera, which is distinctly not a horror or sci-fi film, goes through huge strides to make great use of the other unique strengths of the volumetric medium. I say it brings me back to my theater roots because the trick with shooting in 5D is you cant cut. We had to do the whole film in one take (the director wanted actors who straddle the film and theatrical worlds for this reason, said Thalman)  We shot three films simultaneously and well allow the filmmakers to screen this film in different venues in different mediums all over the globe.

What makes one version of Vera particularly new is that they want to do these installations around the world where they actually bind the pixelation of the world to rooted and grounded objects, so (...) you as the viewer with the Oculus goggles on, youll sit down on a chair thats been created by the FX department but in the installation therell be a seat there waiting for you," Thalman said. "Theyre creating a world in a computer for you as a human being to experience in the world. Once, during rehearsals, Thalman said having to stop so a technical glitch could be worked out made him look at the robot he was working with, think, then go holy s--t.

This robot was capturing everything Im doing (and) the person on the other end gets to be my leading lady  male or female doesnt matter. That person on the other on the end could be a widow, 73 years old ... They get to say, Oh, let me step out of this and immerse myself in something else.

When Thalman told Pietroszek that, he said the director laughed hysterically and told him, Thats what Im talking about. Were in a world where the sky is the limit."

To follow news on Vera, including on a podcast discussion on making the film Thursday, Feb. 7, follow Jim Thalman at instagram.com/jim.thalman and visit Sunnyside V.R. at https://m.facebook.com/sunnysidevr/.
JERSEY CITY  The controversy surrounding Thursdays sacking of Jersey City Schools Superintendent Marcia V. Lyles turned chaotic in recent days, with a state official calling the action invalid on Friday and the school board hastily convening on Sunday night to clarify that it is putting Lyles on paid administrative leave for the next 17 months.

Sundays meeting, when board members also voted to bar Lyles from school district property, has Lyles attorney threatening to add more claims to a federal lawsuit she filed against the board last week, which accuses it of harassing her in an effort to make her fail. The attorney, Stephen Edelstein, said the boards recent actions are evidence that board members intend to drag her through the mud however they can.

One of Lyles advisers, meanwhile, filed a lawsuit in Hudson County Superior Court Monday afternoon asking a judge to invalidate the action the board took Sunday. Cathy Coyle, who worked with Lyles as a monitor for state education officials, alleges in the lawsuit the boards Sunday action is void because it met without notifying the public first.

In a statement, Jersey City Board of Education President Sudhan Thomas said the board has acted properly when it comes to Lyles.

The boards actions were taken in accordance with applicable law and the terms of her employment agreement, Thomas said.

The nine-member school board has been clashing with Lyles for years, accusing her of mismanaging the district, offering misleading data about student achievement and more. It voted on Thursday to relieve Lyles of her duties effectively immediately, the day after Lyles filed her four-count lawsuit.

Lyles contract requires the district to keep paying her $231,000 salary and benefits until her contract ends in June 2020.

On Friday, Melissa A. Pearce, the acting Hudson County superintendent, sent Thomas a letter saying the boards action violated the law and is, therefore, invalid and void. Pearce cited a law requiring the state education commissioners prior approval for early terminations, a law also cited in Lyles contract.

Thomas statement says Pearces letter mischaracterizes what the board did on Thursday. Her decision that the action is invalid and void is itself invalid and void because Lyles was not terminated, just told to stay home, Thomas said. He added on Monday that he believed the letter was a fake at first.

On Sunday, Chris Huber, an attorney with the state Department of Education, stayed Pearces determination and gave the school board a chance to clarify their action, according to Thomas. Thomas emailed board members at 5:06 p.m. that night to say the board would meet for an emergency meeting 20 minutes later at the boards central office on Claremont Avenue. At that meeting, the board approved a resolution saying Lyles was put on paid administrative leave and that she was barred from school property.

An email seeking comment from Huber was not returned.

Coyles lawsuit led the board to vote for a third time at a special Monday afternoon meeting to relieve Lyles of her duties, an action Thomas said the board took out of an abundance of caution. Asked at the meeting whether the boards newest vote made her lawsuit moot, Coyle declined to comment.

At Mondays meeting, board member Matt Schapiro raised objections to Sundays last-minute meeting and castigated the board for voting Monday on Lyles employment without notifying the public first. Schapiro is the only board member who voted Thursday against the measure that sent Lyles packing.

I dont honestly know where we are right now, Schapiro said Monday. This district is in  the leadership, certainly here, is obviously in chaos.

Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
Two people have been arrested after an attack by a group sent a man to the hospital, authorities said.

The victim of the attack, which occurred in the area of 11th and Adams streets in the early hours Tuesday, told police that he is familiar with his assailants, Lt. Edgardo Cruz said. He was taken to Hoboken University Medical Center.

Hoboken police officers responded to reports of a man calling for help found that he had already been taken to the hospital, Cruz said.

After speaking with the victim, police determined that this was not a random attack that the victim knew the assailants, Cruz said.

Detectives responded to the scene of the incident has led to the arrest of a man and a woman from Guttenberg, Cruz said. The names of the two people have not been released. The charges they face range from aggravated assault to endangering an injured victim to weapons offenses. They are expected to be sent to Hudson County jail.

Hoboken police continue to search for the other people involved in the attack, Cruz said. Anyone with information is asked to call or email Det. Adam Colon or Sgt William Collins from the Investigations Bureau. Colon can be reached at 201-420-5102 or email colona@hobokenpd.org and Collins at 201-420-2111 or email collinsw@hobokenpd.org.
Q. I am waiting on inheritance from my great uncle who passed in 2015. I was one of the beneficiaries of his estate, which is in probate court. Another niece is the executor and she said it's taking so long because she doesn't know if she will have to pay more inheritance tax for New Jersey. What do I need to know?

-- Beneficiary

A. We're sorry to hear about your uncle.

The New Jersey inheritance tax is due eight months after the decedent's death, said Catherine Romania,an estate planning attorney with Witman Stadtmauer in Florham Park.

She said unless your late uncle in his will provided otherwise, inheritance tax is deducted from the bequest prior to distribution to the beneficiary. So you, as beneficiary, would receive the bequest less the inheritance tax, which the executor pays directly to the state.

"If the bequest is not cash, the executor will collect the tax from the beneficiary based on the value of the property before making distribution," she said.

New Jersey holds the fiduciary - the executor, administrator or trustee of a trust - personally liable for the tax if distribution is made to a beneficiary before the tax is paid, Romania said.

This is perhaps the reason for the executor's hesitancy in making the distribution in this case.

Inheritance tax remains a lien on the decedent's property for 15 years unless paid, Romania said. However, once the tax is paid, New Jersey will issue a Notice of Assessment indicating whether additional tax is due or showing zero tax is due.

The state will also issue waivers (Forms 0-1), releasing the lien for taxes on the decedent's New Jersey property, which could include New Jersey bank and brokerage accounts, real property located in New Jersey, New Jersey stocks and bonds, she said.

You need to know whether the executor has paid the inheritance tax and whether the waivers have been issued.

If so, outright bequests may be distributed and bequests directed to be held in trust are subject to the terms of a trust, if any, she said.

"The executor can further protect herself from the assessment of additional tax by holding a small reserve to pay any additional tax due and/or having each beneficiary execute a refunding bond which states that if any additional tax is due on his or her inheritance, then such beneficiary agrees to pay such tax," Romania said. "If after the waivers have been issued, you sign a refunding bond and give it to the executor, you can demand your bequest and bring an action in the Superior Court if the bequest is not paid."

You can learn more about how the inheritance tax works here.

Email your questions to Ask@NJMoneyHelp.com.

Karin Price Mueller writes the Bamboozled column for NJ Advance Media and is the founder of NJMoneyHelp.com. Follow NJMoneyHelp on Twitter @NJMoneyHelp. Find NJMoneyHelp on Facebook. Sign up for NJMoneyHelp.com's weekly e-newsletter.
After serving more than 1 million meals over nearly four decades, an Atlantic City charity in a declining, century-old church must close its doors, potentially leaving hundreds who rely on it without a steady lunch.

The Victory First Presbyterian Church, which was deemed an unsafe structure, must cease operations Thursday, said Dale Finch, director of Atlantic Citys licensing and inspection department. The 1800s church is largely vacant these days, aside from bustling Sister Jeans Kitchen, which rents space there.

The closure doesnt come as a shock. The buildings steady decline led the kitchen to seek out a new home in 2017, although plans to move have now come to a halt.

It started with Superstorm Sandy, Finch said. They had some issues with the roof coverings. You can see daylight in certain sections. Its just deteriorated."

To begin the costly process of reopening, an engineers report would have to be completed, listing the necessary work to get the building back in order, he said.

In a city where poverty and food insecurity are all too common and blatantly juxtaposed alongside luxury casinos and resorts, the loss of Sister Jeans could leave a major hole in vital community services.

Rev. John R. Scotland, executive director of the Friends of Jean Webster Inc., which operates the kitchen, said the news has devastated those who rely on the services.

Its our worst nightmare to be put out of business, he said in a phone call Tuesday morning. We know these people and we know theyre hungry. We want to, of course, give them all the help we can.

The kitchen provides lunch for 100 to 300 people from Mondays to Fridays, and brings a sense of community and belonging to those in need, he said. Its all in the legacy of Jean Webster, a former casino chef who started feeding the needy in 1982, according to the kitchens website.

She died in 2011, but the kitchen has continued to carry out her mission for the past eight years. They provide lunch, but also push extra food onto anyone who needs it to take home.

Its awful, Scotland said of the pending closure, and having to tell regulars there wont be daily meals for them at the end of the week. They get the message that people dont care.

And the solution, Scotland said, is an easy one: He and the four employees of Sister Jeans want to move just a flew blocks away to St. Monicas Church, keeping the charity in the city.

But ever since they purchased three buildings from the church using reserve funds in August 2017, the rehabilitation and move have stalled. The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) approved up to $1 million in funding at the time to fix up the space, which had shuttered after the Diocese of Camden consolidated. The funds were allocated to bring the facility up to code, purchase commercial kitchen equipment and demolish an old building and turn it into a parking lot.

That never happened. The grant money from the CRDA is gone, languishing after the kitchens plan failed to account for several new building requirements, which would have pushed costs over the allotted amount, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Without a concrete plan, the funding expired.

Scotland confirmed that the kitchen has not found a suitable, within budget plan regarding the new space.

But he said unfair treatment from Mayor Frank Gilliam is also to blame. In a letter to the community, Scotland said the mayor publicly stated that he would work to close down our current location. While the kitchen sought other options, it did not receive responses from the mayors offices to letters inquiring about alternate locales, he said.

He wants us to go somewhere else," Scotland said in the call. "He has been unreachable. He wont return letters, messages. [He] doesnt acknowledge them.

He said he did not know for certain why the mayor would oppose the kitchen, but the letter cites the revitalization of tourism in the city, and the perceived image problem the charitys presence creates in its current district.

The mayors office and the CRDA did not respond to requests for comment via phone and email Tuesday.

But Lisa Ryan, a New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) spokesperson, said that agency, the mayors office and the CRDA invited employees of Sister Jeans Kitchen to attend a meeting at City Hall that focused on effective ways to provide food and social services to people in need in the city.

Those representing Sister Jeans Kitchen did not attend, the Ryan said.

Sister Jeans will serve its last meal Wednesday, using Thursday to tie up loose ends and clear out of the building. The Atlantic City Rescue Mission plans to provide lunches, funded by the CRDA, once Sister Jeans closes, Ryan said.

Scotland said hes not asking for community donations, but instead for another house of worship that may be able to host the kitchen temporarily, and for the mayors attention on the issue.

We do this without asking any questions. We dont ask them if theyre from here, their nationality, their orientation, Scotland said. "All we ask, is are you hungry? And that is because of our founder Jean Webster. She said, I want you to feed people as if you were inviting them into your home. "

This story has been updated to include comment from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

Amanda Hoover can be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Japan Data

Since the 1980s, Japan has seen a dramatic decrease in cavities among children, demonstrating that school and other oral hygiene programs have been effective.

Over the past 20 years in Japan, efforts to fight cavitiesthe dreaded mushibaamong children have paid off with the country seeing a dramatic decrease in rates of tooth decay. Statistics on school childrens health released in December 2018 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) show that 45.3% of elementary school students, 35.4% of junior high students, and 45.3% of high school students had cavities, including ones that had been treated. The finding marked a year-on-year decreases for all three groups and an all-time low for junior high school and high school students.

The long-term data for cavities among children reveals that in the 1980s over 90% of junior high school students had cavities. However, the rate began to decline in the 1990s until now only around one in three students suffer tooth decay.

Education programs have been key to improving dental hygiene. Japan in the past did little to promote cavity prevention among children based on the view that baby teeth would eventually be replaced by adult teeth. But starting in the 1980s, authorities have provided guidance to elementary and junior high school students on how to avoid cavities. Childcare magazines also began recommending that parents brush the teeth of their small children rather than letting them do it themselves.

In addition, candies and sweets made with artificial sweeteners that do not easily cause cavities became increasingly available, and fluoride toothpaste began to be more widely used.

The government since 1984 has surveyed the rate of adult-tooth cavities among seventh-grade students aged 12 years old. This year the per capita cavity figure, which has been decreasing almost every year since the survey began, fell year-on-year by 0.08 to 0.74, marking a new low.

(Translated from Japanese. Banner photo  Pixta.)
The Niagara Beautification Commission (NBC) continues to work with the City of Niagara Falls with beautification projects  regular citywide cleanups and other assistance when needed.
NEW HAVEN  A day ahead of the presidents State of the Union address, Mayor Toni N. Harp delivered the annual State of the City address at the Board of Alders regular meeting Monday.

Her message centered around the ways the city cares for not simply its residents as a whole, but for each person.

In a word, New Haven is moving beyond providing services and opportunity for all its residents, Harp said. New Haven has started providing services and opportunity for each of its residents. There is an important distinction to make in the public service New Haven provides, not just to residents, property owners, business operators, students and visitors, but to the people who have these roles. Those of us engaged in the public sector serve the people who live here, own property, run businesses, study and visit.

Harp said New Haven is a service organization dedicated to the best interests of the people it serves: one person after another, one person at a time.

Harp used the mass drug reaction on the Green from last August to exemplify the citys role as a service organization for individual lives. More then 70 people on the Green had a bad reaction to a synthetic drug, and over multiple days first responders attended to every person, sometimes multiple times.

I remain so proud to be mayor of a city where first responders worked tirelessly throughout this mass-casualty circumstance to effectively treat  and save  every single one of those victims, Harp said. What mattered to all those responding on behalf of the City of New Haven was that these were individuals who needed help, and they responded with compassionate care, one person to another.

Harp cited the recent ice storm, in which 8,000 residents endured sub-zero temperatures without power after trees came down on utility lines, as another example of New Haven at work serving people. Tree crews worked with utility companies to repair the grid and LCI neighborhood specialists delivered portable heaters and other emergency services to people in crisis, she said.

The people behind these relief efforts were doing so much more than what their jobs required of them, Harp said. They were safeguarding the best interests of other people. Once again, it was New Haven, the public service organization, caring for New Haven, the community.

Harps address was full of thank-yous to city staff who help provide the citys many services and highlights from the past year of what the city has accomplished, including the passage of a civilian review board, completion of the Police Departments indoor firing range, securing funding for a new Fire Department heavy rescue truck and the citywide effort to bring culture and activities to communities through the One City initiative.

You dont realize how much is under the citys umbrella, Newhallville resident Janette Sykes said. She said Harps address showed how all the departments work with one another to deliver the services, which people may not otherwise understand.

Harp made mention of all the department leaders throughout economic development, public works, finance, parks and recreation, fire, police, youth services, New Haven public schools, New Haven libraries, elderly services, community services administration, homeless services, emergency operations and others.

I loved that she recognized the people who are working hard to make these things happen, Newhallville Management Team Chairwoman Kim Harris said. Ive never heard the mayor talk about the city from a people perspective because this is a business. Running a city is a business and to hear her talk about it, I felt like what she was talking about is transcending to all departments.

Harp brought to light a few specific areas in which the city provides services to people, including the citys Small Business Academy, the Small Business Resource Center, the Bike New Haven bike-share program, air service from Tweed New Haven Regional Airport to Charlotte, N.C., and partnership with Yales Urban Resource Initiative to beautify green spaces.

There are a lot of services people dont know anything about, East Shore Management Team Chairwoman Lisa Milone said. A lot of these services cost money and sometimes it ends up hurting but yet its reality. There are a lot of people in New Haven that are needy.

The progress New Haven is making toward personification described tonight is the byproduct of a sincere, effective, and in many cases extraordinary effort by the people behind it, Harp said. I couldnt be more proud to be mayor of a city where this is the case. With all credit and great thanks to all the people I mentioned and countless other individuals who make this city all it is, every single day, I look forward to the continuing advancement of these efforts to the benefit of every single person we serve.

mdignan@hearstmediact.com
HAMDEN - Police are asking for the publics help in identifying two people suspected of stealing a tool kit at The Home Depot on Dixwell Avenue.

The two were caught on camera at the store. Now, police are looking for information that could lead to their arrests.
MIDDLETOWN  The citys tranquil park that honors the 65 Connecticut heroes who lost their lives in service to the country while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will soon include a tribute to a very special service dog.

Some 25 people gathered recently at Veterans Memorial Park to reveal plans for a bronze statue to be erected this spring in the entrance way area of the Connecticut Trees of Honor to memorialize Sgt. Stubby.

It took more than 30 years for the Deane family find the perfect resting place for Americas best-known military working dog, said Curt Deane, grandson of Cpl. J. Robert Conroy of New Britain. His grandfather found the stray mixed breed he named Stubby while training near the Yale University campus in New Haven during the spring and summer of 1917.

They think hes more Staffordshire Bull Terrier than anything else, said Deane, a Lyme and New York City resident.

Conroy was there with the 102nd Regiment of the 26th Yankee Division before the unit was shipped off to France at the start of Americas entry into WWI.

The men very quickly became endeared to the canine, designating him Sgt. Stubby.

Very soon, the canine will have another grand tribute  on a national stage  when the animated movie Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero will premier nationwide April 13.

It really is a fulfillment of promise I made to my grandfather back in the 80s. When I realized it was the centennial (of the U.S. involvement in World War I), it was the right time to do it, said Deane, who met Trees of Honor founder Sue Martucci through a friend of a friend.

His family had been trying to find locations in Connecticut to bring Stubby home to, including New Haven and Hartford, but encountered political resistance.

No matter, since once he met Martucci, things moved very quickly, Deane said. She soon convinced him Middletown should be Stubbys forever home.

I felt like it was absolutely right. Sue is smart. She gets stuff done  shes really committed to this park. Thats what really drove me, and then when she started talking about wanting to have a plaque for service members with PTSD, to me, that was ideal, Deane said.

California sculptress Susan Bahary, who has work on view around the world, is creating the piece. Shes best known for the World War II War Dog Memorial Always Faithful in Guam, which was dedicated July 21, 1994.

She just unveiled in New Zealand a tribute to horses sent to WWI, Deane said. She has an extraordinary way of capturing animals.

Stubby was not really a war dog per se, he was Americas first service dog and the United States War Dog Association recognizes that, as does dog historian Mary Elizabeth Thurston, Deane said.

Ironically, the canine brought a sense of humanity to the battlefield.

Stubby was a way to take the hard edges off the war for the soldiers, Deane said. If a soldier got hit or wounded, Stubby was out of the trench into the field, and would sit by the soldier so the medics knew where to go to get him.

Stubbys olfactory senses were so acute that he could smell gas on the wind moving toward his infantrymen.

He could hear the whistle of the shells as they were heading their way, so he would run up and down the trenches warning the soldiers to get their gas masks on and take cover, Deane said.

Stubby was Americas first unofficial service dog, something Vietnam veteran Larry Riley, who joined the U.S. Air Force in 1966, and eventually became an expert combat dog handler, would like to see formalized.

Officially making him a sergeant would be great, Riley said.

Canines have been used for hundreds of years in wartime.

They used to tie dogs to outside of castles as an alert system, Riley told those gathered at Fridays event.

He trained two dogs in Vietnam.

They both saved my life several times, along with alerting the base, so we could get people to the proper areas and repel the attack, he said.

In order to perform as one on missions, handlers form a tight bond with their canines  something that must be broken when a tour of duty ends, Riley said. Its not easy.

Its amazing how loyal they are. In Vietnam, we had to leave those dogs there, Riley said. After they did so much for us, the last thing we had to do was say goodbye to them  which was heartbreaking. Still, to this day, while Im talking about it now, my eyes are starting to well up.

As Deputy Mayor Robert Santangelo, a Vietnam veteran, rose to speak at the ceremony, he took one look at the artistic rendering of the statue next to a photograph of the clay cast of Stubby.

Bob Conroy was one heck of a dog trainer, he quipped. How many of you can get your dog to stand up like that?

The sculpture will be dedicated May 26, said Martucci, who couldnt be more pleased with the match.

Its beyond words, its just amazing, Martucci said. Were saying Stubby is finding his forever home here in the Trees of Honor memorial  amongst all the other heroes. Its exciting.

On the horizon are two more projects, Martucci said.

Plans are in the works for two large, black laser-etched granite plaques at the entryway to the park.

This will be a tribute to military working dogs, trying to make it somewhat more customized to Connecticut veterans, said Martucci, who has already been receiving photos from veterans of their service dogs.

Her hope is to have one of the dogs likeness laser etched in the background of the plaque.

A second tribute will show awareness and empathy for veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder, Martucci said. Well reach out to those that suffer wounds of war from combat, she said.

The U.S. War Dog Association has offered a $30,000 matching fund grant to the Trees of Honor project. Donations are still needed. Those interested in contributing can make checks out to the Stubby statue project and mail them to: CTHM, Inc., P.O. Box 86, Cromwell, CT 06416, or send payment via PayPal at cttreesofhonor.com.

For more information, visit Sgtstubbysalutes.org.
Taiwans Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) made public a revised national energy policy to continue a nuclear energy phaseout despite a vote by the people of Taiwan to continue using nuclear power.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has determined that the No. 1 nuclear power plant will be decommissioned as scheduled, the service times of the second and third will not be extended, and the project of the fourth will not be restarted.

DPP Leading Taiwan to Power Shortages

Minister of Economic Affairs Shen Jong-chin warned that Taiwan will suffer power shortages from 2021 due to increasing demand.

DPP President Tsai Ing-wen will stick to the goal of making Taiwan a nuclear-free by 2025 despite repeated calls to restart the fourth nuclear power plant and the results of the Nov. 24 referendums on the issue.

What Will Happen in the 2020 General Election?

There will be new General elections in Taiwan in 2020. Ignoring the will of 59% of the Taiwanese population who voted for nuclear energy seems like it will cause a bad result in the 2020 election.

Nextbigfuture Covered the 2018 Taiwan Election

Nextbigfuture had live blogging coverage on the night of the 2018 Taiwan election. Brian Wang was visiting Taiwan and watched the live broadcast of the voting.

Taiwanese votersdecisively rejected the governments phase-out of nuclear power, 59% to 41%.

Taiwan 2018 Election Results

The DPP has lost seven of 13 cities and counties.

The KMT had a terrible 2016 election where they lost the Presidency.

China cut relations after the 2016 election.

The KMT was in favor of closer relations with China and has pro-business policies.

President Xi of China threatened Taiwan with a violent reunification. This has caused both KMT and the DPP to reject reunification.
During his first two years in office, President Donald Trump's aberrant impulses on foreign policy - toward pulling out of NATO, withdrawing U.S. troops from South Korea or cozying up to Vladimir Putin - were mostly restrained by the first team of senior aides he recruited. Then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, for example, repeatedly explained to the president why the Atlantic alliance is essential and how the presence of U.S. troops in Asia advances U.S. security.

Now Mattis, along with former national security adviser H.R. McMaster and former chief of staff John Kelly are gone, replaced by more pliant personalities - including an acting chief of staff and an acting defense secretary with no military experience. The danger that Trump will act on his uninformed and unreasonable prejudices has grown. It is more vital than ever that Congress, to the extent that it is able, check the president's actions.
Joshua Trump, a sixth-grader from Delaware, has been bullied because he shares a last name with the president. "They curse at him, they call him an idiot, they call him stupid," his mother, Megan Trump Berto, told a local TV station last year.

Yakelin Garcia Contreras, from Guatemala, was the same age as Joshua, 11, when she was separated from her mother last year after they arrived at the southern border to seek asylum. "We fled our homes seeking protection from violence and a better life for my daughter," said Albertina Contreras Telator, her mother, who got her back after two months apart. "The treatment we were met with was horrifying."

Joshua will be President Donald Trump's guest during tonight's State of the Union. He'll be seated in the first lady's box, the White House announced late Monday.

Yakelin will be the guest of Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., who helped draw public attention to the Trump administration's family separation policy last June at a time when the White House was denying the very existence of such a policy. Merkley is now seriously considering a run for president. "We need to bear witness to the suffering that this cruel policy inflicted and resolve to make sure that nothing like this ever happens in the United States of America again," the senator said, explaining why he's bringing a preteen to watch a man who doesn't want her in this country deliver a speech in her non-native tongue. (Tuesday also happens to be her 12th birthday.)

Merkley is part of a bumper crop of Democratic lawmakers who have their eyes set on the White House this year. They may be in the minority, but they're using Trump's State of the Union to draw attention to causes close to their hearts and to appeal to constituencies important to their campaigns. Ambitious members now approach the big speech as if they're asking someone to prom or maybe, because of the growing ranks of women in the legislative branch, the Sadie Hawkins dance.

In 1913, Woodrow Wilson started the tradition of presidents delivering the constitutionally required update on the state of the country in person, rather than via letter. Ronald Reagan humanized it in 1982, starting what's become a ritual of presidents giving shout-outs to their guests when he praised Congressional Budget Office staffer Lenny Skutnik for jumping into the Potomac River to save a woman after a plane crash. In recent years, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have become much more deliberate about whom they give their tickets to. These invites often get positive coverage from hometown outlets that don't cover politics as much as they used to. Like so much else, this trend has supercharged in the Trump era. The guests have become symbols. Some might use a less charitable term: Props.

Here's who other 2020 contenders invited - and what it says about their campaigns:

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., who has been making a play for the LGBT donor community and has carved out a niche on the Armed Services committee, is bringing a transgender Navy officer. Lt. Commander Blake Dremann, who has had 11 overseas deployments, is president of SPARTA, an organization that advocates for transgender troops. Gillibrand will introduce a bill this week to protect transgender members who are already in the armed forces. The Supreme Court agreed two weeks ago to let the Trump administration's broad restrictions on transgender troops go into effect while the legal battle plays out in lower courts. "Transgender service members like Lt. Commander Dremann make extraordinary sacrifices every day to defend our freedom and our most sacred values, and President Trump's decision to ban them from military service is cruel and undermines our military readiness," Gillibrand said in a statement.

Health care will be a top-tier issue once again in next year's election, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., has focused on lowering drug prices. She's bringing Nicole Smith-Holt, whose son Alec had Type 1 diabetes and died at age 26 after losing health insurance coverage through her plan. She believes he was rationing insulin because of its high cost. The Washington Post Magazine published a profile last month of the mom from Richfield, Minnesota. "Nicole's story is absolutely heartbreaking - no mother should have to watch her son decide between food and medication," Klobuchar said.

Most of the Democratic candidates are trying to woo organized labor with their invitations. Trump's third address from the House chamber, after all, was postponed because of the longest partial government shutdown in U.S. history, which affected 800,000 mostly unionized federal workers.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is bringing Sajid Shahriar, a Boston-based employee of the Department of Housing and Urban Development who was furloughed during the shutdown. Shahriar is executive vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3258 and sits on the board of Massachusetts AFL-CIO. "Sajid has devoted his career to fighting for fair housing, equal pay, the dignity of all work, and strong collective bargaining rights for workers across this country," Warren's office said in a news release. "It's time to send a message to President Trump and Senate Republicans: Federal and contract workers are the backbone of our economy and their livelihoods should never be used as pawns in Republican political games," Warren said in a statement.

Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., found an air traffic controller who got furloughed during the shutdown after losing her home in a wildfire. Trisha Pesiri-Dybvik is also active in the AFL-CIO - one of the most sought-after endorsements in a Democratic primary - and has three young kids. Her husband, Jed, is a Navy veteran who was forced to work without pay throughout the 35-day shutdown because his job as a controller was deemed essential. (Her position was not.)

Harris said she chose Pesiri-Dybvik because she's the living embodiment of "strength and resilience." Adding insult to injury, the threat of flooding and mudslides - which have gotten worse in California because of climate change - forced the family to flee the property they rented in Camarillo after their home in Ventura burned down. "Since the tragic loss of their home, Trisha, Jed, and their three children have worked diligently to bounce back and re-establish a sense of normalcy in their lives, even amidst an unnecessary government shutdown that caused both of them to miss their paychecks for over a month," Harris said in a statement. "Washington needs to hear her story."

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, is bringing Rita Lewis for the second year in a row. Rita's husband Butch, who passed away in 2015, was a Vietnam veteran, truck driver and a member of the Teamsters who became an activist to preserve underfunded pension plans. She's continued his work. "Brown continues working to highlight the pension crisis that threatens more than 60,000 Ohioans and 1.3 million workers and retirees nationwide," his office said in a news release.

Bernie Sanders will again deliver his own live-streamed response, in addition to the official Democratic speech by former Georgia gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams and the Spanish-language response from California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. The Vermont senator's spokesman didn't respond to an email asking who will get his tickets. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., will announce his guest later Tuesday, a spokeswoman said.

Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., who is not as serious about running for president as his colleagues but continues to keep the door open, is bringing his daughter with him, an aide emailed this morning.

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., who has been traveling to the early states as he mulls a long-shot bid for the Democratic nomination, is highlighting his support for gun control by bringing a survivor of last February's shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida. The student, Cameron Kasky, has advocated for tough new gun laws since the massacre that killed 17 people last Valentine's Day. The 18-year-old co-founded an advocacy group called Never Again MSD and helped organize the March for Our Lives protests. "The shooting massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., happened while I was in congressional orientation in December 2012, and I figured Congress would have to act," Swalwell said in a statement. "As Republicans stymied all efforts since then, I started to grow frustrated but the . . . voices of the Parkland generation have inspired me to renew our efforts."
Brian Koonz / Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW MILFORD  A New Milford police officer  Louis Taranto, 42, of New Milford  is due to appear at state Superior Court in Torrington on Friday after crashing into a sign on Bridge Street in New Milford and fleeing the scene.

Around 1:10 a.m. Monday, Sgt. Frank Masi discovered the damaged state traffic control sign, along with a Connecticut license plate, which helped police identify the vehicle involved in the collision.
Elizabeth City, NC (27909)

Today

A few passing clouds. Low 77F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low 77F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.
Washington:

The eight Indians, who were recently arrested for recruiting several hundred students mostly from India to stay illegally in the US by enrolling in a fake university, have pleaded "not guilty" before a federal court in Michigan. One of them Phanideep Karnati, 35, who is on a H-1B visa and lives in Louisville, Kentucky was released on a bond of $10,000 on Monday. The seven others - Barath Kakireddy, Suresh Kandala, Prem Rampeesa, Santosh Sama, Avinash Thakkallapally, Aswanth Nune, and Naveen Prathipati - consented to their continued detention before a judge in the Eastern District of Michigan, where they were produced along with Karnati days after their arrest.

They were arrested last Monday from Detroit, Florida and Virginia in a nationwide Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation. The ICE also detained some 130 students, out of which 129 were Indians. All of them pleaded "not guilty", John W Brusstar, attorney for Karanati told PTI over phone from Michigan.

He accused the federal government of entrapping people by carrying out such a sting operation. "It was all choreographed," Brusstar told PTI in response to a question. Except for Karnati, none of the seven Indians, arrested on criminal charges for recruiting foreign students to enroll in a fake university to illegally stay in the US, had hired an attorney on Monday. All of them are in late 20s or 30s. Brusstar said Karnati was released on a bail because of his good track record.

An information technology engineer on H-1B visa, Karnati came to the US some 10 years ago. If convicted he and seven others face imprisonment of up to five years.

According to the 16-page indictment, from February 2017 to January 2019, these eight Indians conspired to fraudulently facilitate hundreds of foreign nationals in illegally remaining and working in the US by actively recruiting them to enroll into a metro Detroit private university Framington University. Unbeknownst to the conspirators, Framington University was operated by special agents of the Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) as part of an undercover operation, ICE said in a statement. As part of the scheme, the defendants and recruiters assisted foreign citizen students in fraudulently obtaining immigration documents from the school and facilitated the creation of false student records, including transcripts, for the purpose of deceiving immigration authorities.

The illegal documents obtained as a result of the conspirators' actions were based on false claims, false statements and fraud since the purported foreign students had no intention of attending school, nor attended a single class, and were not bona fide students. The ICE said that all participants in the scheme knew that the school had no instructors or actual classes.

The defendants intended to help shield and hide their customers/"students" from United States immigration authorities for money and collectively profited in excess of a quarter of a million dollars as a result of their scheme. According to the indictment, the university was being used by foreign citizens as a "pay to stay" scheme which allowed these individuals to stay in the US as a result of foreign citizens falsely asserting that they were enrolled as full-time students in an approved educational program and that they were making normal progress toward completion of the course of study.

"Each of the foreign citizen who enrolled and made tuition payments to the university knew that they would not attend accrual classes, earn credits or make progress towards an actual degree in a particular field of study - a pay to stay scheme," it said.

"Rather their intent was to fraudulently maintain their student visa status and to obtain work authorisation under the CPT program," the indictment said. It claims that each student knew that the university's program was not approved by the Department of Homeland Security and was illegal and that discretion should be used when discussing the programme with others.

This is the second such case when Department of Homeland Security has used a fake university to unearth a fake student visa racket. In 2016, the ICE had arrested some 21 people on similar charges for a fake University of Northern New Jersey.

The ICE is a law enforcement agency of the federal government of the US tasked to enforce the immigration laws of the United States and to investigate criminal and terrorist activity of foreign nationals residing in America.

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Abu Dhabi:

Pope Francis and a top Muslim cleric have issued a joint call for freedom of belief during the first visit by the head of the Catholic church to the birthplace of Islam - the Arabian Peninsula. Francis, who has made outreach to Muslim communities a cornerstone of his papacy, is on an historic three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates. He is due to hold an open-air mass on Tuesday for 135,000 of the Muslim country's million Catholic residents, set to be the largest ever public gathering in the Gulf state.

On Monday, the pope held talks in Abu Dhabi with Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb - imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's prestigious seat of learning. The two religious leaders signed a document on "human fraternity for world peace and living together", described by the Vatican as an "important step forward in the dialogue between Christians and Muslims".

They called for "freedom of belief", the "promotion of a culture of tolerance", the "protection of places of worship" and "full citizenship" rights for minorities. "It is... crucial to establish in our societies the concept of full citizenship and reject the discriminatory use of the term minorities which engenders feelings of isolation and inferiority," read the document.

It said "freedom is a right of every person: each individual enjoys the freedom of belief, thought, expression and action" and that "pluralism and the diversity of religions, colour, sex, race and language are willed by God".

"The fact that people are forced to adhere to a certain religion or culture must be rejected, as too the imposition of a cultural way of life that others do not accept," it said.

Francis also delivered an address at an interfaith meeting attended by Sheikh Ahmed and UAE leaders, and pushed for an end to all wars in the Middle East, including in Yemen.

The United Arab Emirates and neighbouring Saudi Arabia are key allies of the Yemeni government, which is locked in a war against Iran-linked rebels that has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine.

The pope said all religious leaders had a "duty to reject every nuance of approval from the word war".

"I am thinking in particular of Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Libya," he said.

is the scene of what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, triggered by the intervention of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and their allies in a war between the government and Huthi rebels.

More than 10 million Yemenis now risk imminent starvation. The UAE, which prides itself on its religious diversity in the Gulf, is also a member of the US-led coalition battling the Islamic State group in both Syria and Iraq.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, one of the most powerful rulers in the seven emirates, on Monday gifted the pope a deed for the plot of land on which the first church in the UAE was built. Pope Francis in turn gave him a framed medallion of the meeting between St Francis Assisi - the pope's namesake - and the Sultan of Egypt Malek al-Kamel, in 1219.

While the pope did not openly discuss politics, he called for "the full recognition" of rights for people across the Middle East, a potential reference to communities including Shiites in Saudi Arabia, refugees and migrants, stateless peoples and other minorities. "I look forward to societies where people of different beliefs have the same right of citizenship and where only in the case of violence in any of its forms is that right removed," he said.

The Emirates has dubbed 2019 its "year of tolerance" but rights groups have criticised it for its role in Yemen, where an estimated 10,000 people have been killed since the Saudi-led alliance the government's fight against the Huthis in 2015. Muslims make up nearly four fifths of the UAE's population, but the country is also home to nearly a million Catholics, according to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia.

Migrants from Asian countries make up about 65 percent of the population. The UAE has pushed itself as an open society in a conservative region. The country is home to eight Catholic churches, Hindu temples and a place of prayer that serves as a synagogue.

Bahrain and Qatar are home to one Catholic church each while Oman, Kuwait and Yemen each have four while Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia bans all non-Muslim places of worship.

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New Delhi:

Film stars, high-profile politicians, several newspapers and anything and everything one can imagine at its dazzling peak, Saradha Group had it all. Reports suggest that at one point of time, the Group had as many as eight newspapers. An Editor at one of its newspaper was getting whopping Rs 16 lakh per month! So what exactly happened that changed the fortune of the Group and turned it into one of the biggest ponzi scams that India has seen? As Mamata Banerjee fights it out with the Narendra Modi government at the Centre over the CBI probe, we bring you the ultimate guide on Saradha scam:

1: It all began in early 2000s, when well-known businessman Sudipta Sen set up the Saradha Group. It was around this time that he also launched unique collective scheme. With thousands of commission agents spread across West Bengal, Odisha, Assam and Jharkhand, Saradha Group offered its investors very high returns.

2: From National Award actor and Rajya Sabha MP Mithun Chakraborty to popular matinee star Satabdi Roy, Saradha Group had many high-profile brand ambassadors. In no time, the group amassed assets worth Rs 2,500 crore.

3: But the alarm bells started ringing in 2009 when several politicians claimed the Saradha Group was laundering the money of the investors. In 2013, the scheme collapsed. On April 20, 2003, Sen and his close aide Debjani Mukherjee were arrested from Jammu and Kashmirs Sonmarg.

4: In 2014, the Supreme Court transferred all cases related to Saradha Scam to CBI. The probe agency discovered that Sens Group had laundered money to places such as Singapore and South Africa.

5: But how exactly is Saradha Scam connected to Trinamool Congress. At the heart of the scam is Senss brilliant networking skill. At the height of his popularity, Sen was friends with top Trinamool leaders. In fact, Saradha Group donated several bikes to Kolkata Police for patrolling purpose. Bengal Transport Minister Madan Mitra was heading the employee union of the Group. During the probe, ex-Assam DGP Shankar Barua allegedly committed suicide after the CBI questioned him and searched his house in the chit fund case.

6: Rajeev Kumar, the Kolkata Police Commissioner, has been accused of destroying the evidence in the case. Despite several notices from the CBI, Kumar never joined the investigation. According to the CBI, the SIT did not hand over the Sudipta Sens diary, which allegedly has all details of the payments made to important individuals

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New Delhi:

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday claimed moral victory after the Supreme Court said no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar, will take place during the course of the investigation in Sharda chit fund scam. The Supreme Court said this while saying that Kumar will appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigation at Shillong in Meghalaya.

Banerjee's sit-in - against the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scam - continued for the third day on Tuesday, despite the Supreme Courts order. When News Nation asked Banerjee how justified it is for a chief minister to sit on dharna, she replied: Arvind Kejriwal and Jayalalitha too sat on dharna.

#ModiVsDidi | How justified it is for a Chief Minister to sit on dharna? Asks @NewsNationTV reporter to CM @MamataOfficial



Arvind Kejriwal and Jayalalitha too sat on dharna, @MamataOfficial replies



Follow LIVE updates: https://t.co/7lS7T29rzz pic.twitter.com/Tj0rk7a2Ql  News Nation (@NewsNationTV) February 5, 2019

"Let me talk to my leaders, I dont go alone. Today Chandrababu Naidu is also coming, I will consult other leaders also. I will also consult Naveen Patnaik Ji, then I will let you know," Banerjee said when asked about if she is going to continue with her sit-in.

Banerjee started "Save India" dharna in front of Metro Cinema in the heart of the city on Sunday night insisting that the latest CBI action was tantamount to stifling the spirit of "Constitution and federalism" in the country.

"I will continue my Satyagraha till the country is saved. If you want to save the country then you will have to remove (Narendra) Modi," Banerjee had said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu are expected to visit the dharna site at Metro Channel today.

Prominent leaders like RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and DMK's Kanimozhi have already visited the dharna venue on Monday to express solidarity with the firebrand Bengal leader.

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New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI in the ongoing Saradha Chit Fund scam probe. The top court also said that the Kolkata Police chief cant be arrested. Kumar has been ordered to appear before the probe agency in Shillong as it is the neutral place. Appearing on behalf of the West Bengal government, Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that, It's an attempt to humiliate and score point. Whats the great urgency? For 5 years there was no FIR. There is not a single FIR against Rajeev Kumar under 201 (Destruction of evidence) of the IPC.

The top court also issued notice the state and police in contempt of court application. The next hearing in the case is on February 20. Reacting on the top courts order, Mamata Banerjee said that, I am not pleading for Rajeev Kumar alone, I am pleading for millions of people. On contrary to usual inference, Banerjee termed the order as her victory. It's not our victory, it's a victory of the constitution. It's a victory of the common man of the country, the chief minister said.

It's not our victory, it's a victory of the constitution. It's a victory of the common man of the country, says @MamataOfficial



Follow LIVE updates: https://t.co/7lS7T29rzz pic.twitter.com/wslU19OxHp  News Nation (@NewsNationTV) February 5, 2019

Calling it a victory of India, Banerjee however didnt say whether she would now call off her dharna. The CBI affidavit, a copy of which is accessed by News Nation, said that the Kolkata Police Commissioner didnt join its probe in the Saradha scam. The CBI stated that it had issued three notices to Rajeev Kumar on October 18, 2017, October 23, 2017 and August 18, 2018. However, despite these notices, Kumar didnt join the investigation.

In one of the sensational allegations against Kumar, the CBI said that. crucial evidence such as laptops, mobile phones etc were handed over to the main accused in Saradha scam case by the investigating officer of WB police working under direct supervision of Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar.

The entire administration of West Bengal government has exhibited non-cooperation and is preventing the CBI from conducting free, fair and impartial investigation, the CBI affidavit said. Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge was among the first leaders to respond on the Supreme Court order. The government is settling scores with Opposition after interfering in autonomous bodies. We are fighting against those elements. It is not about an individual, an officer or a party, we are fighting against govt's attempt to discredit autonomous bodies, Kharge said.

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New Delhi:

Just days after deadly Mirage 2000 crash that claimed lives of two Indian Air Force Pilots, another pilot was injured after an aircraft of a private training institute crashed near Maharashtras Pune on Tuesday. According to initial reports, the villagers took the pilot to a local hospital. The situation of the pilot is yet not known. The early crash photographs tweeted by news agency ANI showed the intensity of the crash. The trainee aircraft hit the ground and broke its nose. But luckily, there was no fire in the aircraft. This means that the pilot has the chance of surviving the crash.

The February 1 crash that had killed two In dian Air Force pilots has brought the performance factor of the HAL back in limelight. The Mirage 2000 is a French multirole, single-engine fourth-generation jet fighter manufactured by Dassault Aviation.

On January 28, a Jaguar aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed near Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. However, the pilot ejected safely using a parachute. A Jaguar aircraft while on a routine mission from Gorakhpur, crashed. Pilot ejected safely. A court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the accident, the air force said in a statement.

Last year, an IAF pilot was killed after a Jaguar crashed in Gujarats Kutch in June. On March 14 last year, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre had told Parliament that there were five crashes of IAF aircraft in 2017-2018, and 31 crashes in four years. The force has an estimated 600 fighter jets across 31 squadrons. According to a report, there were 11 crashes noted in 2018. The old inventory of the Air Force needs an urgent upgrade.

The crash comes after 12-day war game in Jodhpur last year. On December 10, 2018, the Indian and Russian air forces began a 12-day war game in Jodhpur with an aim to enhance their operational coordination. The exercise Aviaindra was very unique as the Russian Air Force did not bring its assets and took part in the drill using Indian platforms, an IAF official had said. The first edition of the exercise was held in 2014.

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New Delhi:

The Centre has forwarded a bill of Rs 102 crore to the Kerala government for the use of Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters for flood relief operations in the state, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday. In a written reply to a question in the Upper House, Minister of State in the Defence Ministry Subhash Bhamre said during Kerala floods, the IAF had carried out 517 sorties of Fixed Wing aircraft, airlifting 3,787 people and 1,350 tonnes of load, and 634 sorties of helicopters, winching 584 people and airlifting 247 tonnes of load.

"Bills of approximately Rs 102.6 crores have been forwarded to the Kerala Government for use of IAF aircraft / helicopters for Kerala Flood relief. The recoveries for providing services of IAF aircraft / helicopters are effected from the State Government and the Administration of Union Territories," Bhamre said.

The Army and the Navy are also preparing details of expenditure with respect to assistance rendered in wake of the floods in Kerala, he said.

Heavy rains caused floods in large parts of Kerala in August last year, resulting in loss of human lives and property. The assistance by armed forces to civil administration is governed by the "Instructions on aid to Civil Authority by the Armed Forces, 1970", wherein recovery of expenditure incurred by the forces in rendering such aid is specified, he said.

The armed forces compile the details of expenditure incurred and forward the same to the state government, Bhamre said. "The bills duly scrutinised are forwarded by the state government to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for reimbursement," he added.

The armed forces were lauded by many, including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, for their efforts during the Kerala flood relief operations.

Early in August, Kerala witnessed incessant rain and worst floods in a century. The deadly monsoon rains savaged the southern state of India, leaving over 370 people dead and thousands return to damaged homes and properties with nothing to hold on to.

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New Delhi:

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has finally ended her 3-day-long dharna on Tuesday over the CBI action against Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. After completing her dharna, the Trinamool Congress chief said that she will be soon landing in Delhi to discuss the future course of action. "The court gave a positive judgement today. Next week, we will continue to take up the issue in Delhi," she said. "They (Central government) want to control all the agencies including the state agencies also. PM you resign from Delhi and go back to Gujarat. One man government, one party government is there," she added. "This dharna (Save the Constitution) is a victory for the Constitution and democracy, so, let us end it today," Mamata said.

While answering the question raised by the News Nation over the success of the dharna, Mamata Banerjee said, "of course dharna was successful and it's because of you all."

The Supreme Court's direction that no coercive step, including the arrest of Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar, will take place during the course of an investigation is "our moral victory", she said. The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Kumar to make himself available before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate with the agency in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam probe.

The court also said no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata Police chief, will take place during the course of the investigation. Banerjee is on a sit-in against the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams. Her protest entered the third day on Tuesday.

The Supreme Court's order is a victory of the common man, democracy and the Constitution, Banerjee told reporters at the dharna venue in central Kolkata. "There must be some story behind this. Nobody can dare to speak against (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) Modi. Ours is a mass agitation and we are going to fight it unitedly," the chief minister said.

Banerjee sat on a "Save India" dharna in front of Metro Cinema in the heart of Kolkata on Sunday night insisting that the latest CBI action was tantamount to stifling the spirit of "Constitution and federalism" in the country.

"We always respect the law and feel that things should run as per the law. But, if someone tries to destroy the pillars on which democracy stands, then there would be nothing left of the democratic process that we are so proud of.

"We really welcome the [Supreme Court] verdict. It is absolutely correct. Our case is very strong. We never said we will not cooperate. This is a political vendetta," Banerjee said. Several opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, DMK's Kanimozhi, RJD's Tejaswhi Yadav, have supported Banerjee's protest.

Mamata Banerjee says police commissioner not on dharna with her

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday described as "blatant lie" the Union Home Ministry charge that Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar participated in her dharna, and said the officer never went up to the dais of her three-day sit-in.

Banerjee slammed the Centre for asking West Bengal government to initiate proceedings against Kumar for indiscipline and violation of service rules, and termed the act a "political vendetta". "Why is the central government so scared? Has Rajeev become their nightmare? I do not know what is going on. He never joined the dharna. Absolutely blatant lie," Banerjee told reporters after calling off her demonstration on the third day this evening.

Earlier during the day, the Union Home Ministry, which is the cadre controlling authority of the Indian Police Service officers in the country, asked the West Bengal chief secretary to initiate the process against Kumar. The ministry said that as per information received by it, Kumar sat on a dharna along with some police officers with the West Bengal chief minister, which is prima facie in contravention of the extant provisions of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 and All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969.

Banerjee said it was the job of a police officer to give protection to the prime minister and chief ministers. "And please remember the duty of the police as per protocol is to be with the prime minister, the chief minister or the governor to give security to them. That is the law. Even during election time, the CPs, SPs stay at the spot with VIPs while performing their duty," she said.

"I am the chief minister. Can't they talk to me downstairs if any consultation is needed," she said adding that she held a Cabinet meeting with all her ministers inside a police outpost next to the dais Monday. What is this going on," she asked slamming the MHA missive.

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New Delhi:

An Indian Army helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in a potato field near Karnataka capital Bengaluru on Tuesday. News Nation has the exclusive footage of the incident. The chopper made the emergency landing in a field at Talghatpora Police Station Limit in Kanakpora Taluk at around 1:15pm. The initial reports say that the pilot is safe. No damage was reported to the chopper also.

FIRST ON NEWS NATION: Indian Army chopper makes an emergency landing in a potato field in Kanakpura near Bengaluru. Watch #Exclusive video pic.twitter.com/o2QDlyhYT5  News Nation (@NewsNationTV) February 5, 2019

The incident comes a day after Army chief General Bipin Rawat visited Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland to review the military preparedness. Arunachal Pradesh shares a 1,080 km border with China, 520 km border with Myanmar and 217-km border with Bhutan. The Army chief started his North East tour with a visit to the Spear Corps headquarters, Rangapahar Military Station, Dimapur in Nagaland on Sunday, they said. Gen Rawat reviewed the operational preparedness of Spear Corps and expressed satisfaction with the preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and lauded its people friendly counter-insurgency operations, officials said.

Meanwhile, there are reports that the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force are embroiled in a tussle over who will control the attack choppers. The issue includes the role of the Apache choppers. General Rawat has been quoted as saying that Apaches need to be grouped with the armys strike formation. According to an Economic Times report, India has spent close to $3 billion for 15 Chinook and 22 Apache helicopters for the Indian Air Force. The army will separately get six Apaches, through an option clause of the earlier deal.

The report also quoted General Rawat as saying that there will be anti-helicopters for the Indian Army. The Advanced Light Helicopter-Weapon system integrated will have missiles especially meant for anti-helicopter operations.

On Tuesday, another incident involving a private aircraft was reported from Pune. The pilot was injured after the aircraft of a private tarining institute crashed near Pune today. Earlier on February 1, two Indian Air Force pilots had lost their lives during Mirage 2000 sortie after it was upgraded by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

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New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up the Centre for delaying the Assam National Register of Citizens (NRC) process, saying the deadline will not be extended beyond July 31 as elections and the NRC must go together. The top court rapped MHA for its plea seeking to stall the NRC work for two weeks keeping in mind the role of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the election duty. Reiterating that July 31 deadline for the completion of NRC exercise will not be extended, a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the Centre is not cooperating in the NRC process and it seems the entire effort of the MHA is to destroy the NRC process. The apex court asked the Election Commission to consider exempting certain state officers from election duty to ensure that NRC process continues.

"We are getting an impression that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) wants to destroy the whole process," the court observes. The Supreme Court said every time the MHA comes up with different stories to destroy this process.

Supreme Court slams Ministry of Home Affiairs (MHA) saying it doesnt want the NRC to carry on and every time it comes up with different stories to destroy this process. pic.twitter.com/3Jn6iyhICD  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

Expressing anguish, the top court said the Centre is hell bent on not allowing the Assam NRC process to go on.

On January 24, the Supreme Court said the July 31, 2019, deadline to finalise the NRC for Assam cannot be extended and asked the state government, the NRC co-ordinator and the EC to ensure that the upcoming general elections do not slow down the process. A bench headed by Gogoi had asked the NRC state coordinator Prateek Hajela, Secretary of the Election Commission and the Assam chief secretary to conduct a meeting within a week to ensure that the NRC finalisation process and the upcoming parliamentary elections go "hand-in-hand" and there is no dearth of government officials for either process. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Assam Government, had told the bench, also comprising Justice RF Nariman, that such a meeting would be held and the court would be apprised of the deliberations.

The draft National Register of Citizens for Assam was published on July 30, 2018 in which the names of 2.89 crore of the 3.29 crore people were included.The names of 40,70,707 people did not figure in the list. Of these, 37,59,630 names have been rejected and the remaining 2,48,077 are on hold. Hajela said that out of about 40 lakh persons, who were left out of draft NRC, 36.2 lakh persons have filed claims with the authorities for inclusion of their names in the final NRC.

Earlier, the apex court had extended till December 31, 2018, the deadline for filing claims and objections for inclusion of names in the NRC in Assam by those who have been left out in the draft NRC. It had also made clear that the deadline for verifying the claims for inclusion in the NRC would be now February 15, 2019 instead of February 1. The apex court had allowed the use of five more documents by claimants for the draft Assam NRC, saying the premise "better to exclude genuine person than to include a wrongful person" can't be accepted.

(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi:

Social activist Anna Hazare was admitted to a hospital in Maharashtras Ahmednagar after his health deteriorated on Wednesday. This is the second time within a week that Hazare had to be taken to the hospital. It comes after week-long hunger strike for demanding Lokpal Bill. News Nation has learnt that doctors at the Ahmednagar hospital say that the oxygen supply to his brain has been affected, which may result in brain haemorrhage.

Hazare had earlier warned that if the Modi government did not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan award. The hospitalisation of the Gandhian comes on the seventh day of his hunger strike. Hazare had refused to call off his protest saying the government is handling the issue of corruption in a casual manner. The talks between Union minister Subhash Bhamre, state minister Girish Mahajan and Hazare in the latter's Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmed Nagar district, the venue of his fast since January 30, remained inconclusive Monday.

The 82-year-old had lost 4.25 kg in the last six days. However, repeating his demands, the anti-graft crusader said the ministers who called on him Monday had nothing concrete to offer.

"This insincere attitude of the government is very disappointing," Hazare had told Press Trust of India. "I will not call off my hunger strike till the government initiates concrete steps beyond hollow assurances," he said. "They (Centre) are misleading the people on Lokpal bill. Also, the draft of Lokayukta bill by the Maharashtra government is also misleading, hence I am not accepting it," he said. "I was also told that the Supreme Court has given a date to the Centre for submission of its plan for appointing a search committee for Lokpal. The Centre also said that it will abide by the search committee's report. I will wait for it," he said.

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Washington:

Eyeing a greater pie in India's massive military modernisation, a top American defence manufacturing company has said it has proposed a "game-changing" partnership with India. "Lockheed Martin is committed to strategic, long-term international defense partnerships with India. India has a pressing need for advanced, scalable defense capabilities," Vivek Lall, vice president, Aeronautics Strategy and Business Development at Lockheed Martin told PTI.

Lockheed Martin is "proposing game-changing defense partnerships that benefit multiple stakeholders" not only in India, but also in the US and beyond, he said on Monday. "We believe our proposed partnerships with India fighter aircraft - for new fighter aircraft, helicopters and other platforms - are ideally suited to not just meet, but exceed India's capability and defense -industrial needs in the near-term and well into the future," he said.

Lall asserted that the company had demonstrated this commitment by announcing last September that it will partner with Tata to produce F-16 wings in India for future customers. "This landmark 'Make in India' partnership is a natural next step that builds on our successful partnerships with Tata on the C-130J airlifter and other premiere defence and aerospace platforms," he said.

"We're also engaging with numerous others in India, the US and beyond to unleash the power of partnership and Indian innovation. We're very excited about all of the potential we see in India," he said. When asked about the status of 24 helicopters for the Indian Navy, Lall said the Indian government had issued a Letter of Request (LOR) for Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) to the US government for the acquisition of 24 MH-60R helicopters.

"The US Navy is preparing its response, which is expected to be delivered shortly. We are confident the MH-60R "Romeo" is the right aircraft for India's Navy as it provides a vital capability for the Navy in the Indo-Pacific region," he said.

Lockheed Martin is also planning to participate in the Indian Navy's move to acquire 111 utility helicopters. The S-76D helicopter is the right platform for the India Naval Utility Helicopter programme, he said. "Combining the attributes of the S-76 helicopter family with today's latest technologies, the S-76D helicopter offers unrivaled levels of safety with experience gained through the S-76 family's more than 7.2 million fleet flight hours," Lall said.

"Reliable, powerful, available, proven and trusted, the S-76D aircraft is capable of performing diverse naval missions in some of the most challenging environments," he said in response to a question.

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Rep. J.P. Sredzinski, R-Monroe, said he was open to the idea. "Id have to look at the numbers but I think ... its something that could work [on] as long as its done the right way, following the law that we have now,'' he said.
New Delhi:

2018 saw ground-breaking movies like Ayushman Khurranas Andhadhun, Stree, Raazi among others. Hence, to dissociate ourselves with the exemplary performances from the actors isn't very likely to cross the mind. Kartik Aaryan, however, appearing at the Koffee With Karan 6 says otherwise. For the upcoming episode of Koffee With Karan, Luka Chhupi stars, Kartik Aaryan and co-star Kirti Sanon made a feature at the red-couch. The chitter-chatter talk show of Karan Johar, however, took a jostling turn when Aaryan, during the rapid fire round said that he could have done a better job as the piano-player by Ayushman Khurrana in the 2018 crime movie.

While we love both Ayushman and Aaryan, we dont know how to feel about Kartik taking on the role of Akash, given the fact that Ayushman Khurrana had delivered one of his finest performances in Andhadhun.

The 40-second teaser shared on the Star World social media pages also shows host Karan Johar unveiling some of the unknown facts about Kartik, such as him studying to become an engineer, but had quit to pursue a career in acting. We also see Kriti raising her hand and also informing that she like Kartik, too is an engineer.

Watch the teaser video of Kartik here:

Talking about delivering better performance, Karan tells Kartik that rapper Badshah called him overrated on the show, ouch!

Another teaser shows Kartik and Kirti are seen arguing with each other in the gaming round. Karan also went on to ask the one question we have been dying to know-if he is interested in Sara Ali Khan and Kirti adding if he has sent her his address, to this question Kartik chooses to say nothing.

Watch the other teaser video of Kartik and Kriti here:

The upcoming episode of Koffee With Karan 6 will air on Star World next Sunday at 9 pm.

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Mumbai:

Anil Kapoor became a part of history when the Indian cast-led Slumdog Millionaire swept the Oscars in 2009 but the actor remembers the eve of the ceremony for being scolded by his wife. Directed by Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire received 10 nominations at the 81st Academy Awards, out of which the film bagged eight trophies.

Anil played the role of a slimy game show host in the movie. "For family, Oscar doesn't matter. My wife and I were discussing Sonam (daughter) the night before Oscar! I said 'let me sleep now' and she said 'leave Oscar, listen to me first.' So even then, family was my priority. I got a lot of firing from Sunita the night before Oscar ceremony," Anil told PTI.

The actor was speaking at a special ceremony here to celebrate ten years of the iconic win, along with Gulzar and AR Rahman. Rahman made history by becoming the first Indian to bag two oscars the same night for his score and song (Jai Ho) along with Gulzar in the film.

The movie also won the Oscar for best film, direction, adapted screenplay, cinematography, editing and sound mixing for Resul Pookutty. Anil said the moment Slumdog Millionaire was announced as the best film, he had a "massive temptation" to break into his famous Ram Lakhan dance step.

"But I thought if I do it, I'll break the protocol and they might arrest me! Had it been India, I would've done it. I was dying to dance. When the dancers were dancing on 'Jai Ho', imagine how much I had to control myself to not dance."

Looking back, the 62-year-old actor said winning the Oscar was phenomenal and a moment the entire country was "proud" of. Post his international debut, Anil worked in Mission Impossible. He also produced and starred in the Indian version of terrorism drama 24.

"Whatever I've done, it has been fantastic and I'm very proud. 24, Mission Impossible and Slumdog Millionaire, they have all been critically-acclaimed and hugely successful. I did get a lot of offers from big directors and production houses.

"But nothing was exciting enough for me, I had to raise my own bar. It has to be worth my wait. You'll be surprised?I don't want to take names?the film in which directors or producers had considered me. But I was not happy with what I was being offered."

With a screenplay written by Simon Beaufoy, the film was inspired by the novel Q & A by author Vikas Swarup and featured Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Irrfan Khan among others.

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New Delhi:

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, newly appointed Congress General Secretary (UP East), held a meeting with Congress president Rahul Gandhi and party MP Jyotiraditya Scindia in New Delhi on Tuesday to chalk-out the party's Uttar Pradesh strategy. Continuing to hold a low profile, Priyanka made a back-door entry into Rahul Gandhis residence after visiting a differently abled boy, Ashish, at Aurangzeb Road cluster housing. Ashish's father Subhash Yadav said: "She comes every in two months, spends time with us and asks us about our well-being. She has been helping us in Ashish's treatment for last three-four years." She avoided the media before reaching Rahul's residence.

Delhi:Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited a differently-abled boy Ashish at Aurangzeb Road cluster housing,today.Ashish's father Subhash Yadav says,"She comes every 2 months,spends time with us&asks us about our well-being.She has been helping us in Ashish's treatment for last 3-4 yrs" pic.twitter.com/JXUsO2wqAN  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

Priyanka said she will officially attend a meeting called by Rahul Gandhi of partys all general secretaries on February 7. Scindia, who was recently appointed the Congress in-charge in UP (West), said he will officially take charge at 4pm on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, the Congress headquarters saw a new change that has the potential to make or break the Grand Old Party in upcoming Lok Sabha Elections. The party officials were seen putting Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's nameplate outside her office allotted at the party headquarters located at 24, Akbar Road in New Delhi.

The development comes a day after Priyanka returned to India and met her brother Rahul Gandhi. Sources say that both leaders discussed crucial 'Mission UP' during the key meeting at the Congress president's Tughlaq Road residence. This was the first time that Priyanka met the Congress chief after she was inducted in the Grand Old Party on January 23 and appointed as General Secretary Uttar Pradesh (East).

According to Press Trust of India, the Monday meeting was just a prelude to Priyankas packed schedule in coming days. On Thursday, she is set to take part in the Congress meeting in which all AICC general secretaries and in-charges of various states will plan the strategy for the Lok Sabha election due by May.

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highlights Top cops said that Yogi was not granted permission to hold the rally.

Bengal govt had earlier denied permission to Yogi's chopper to land.

Banerjee had earlier denied Amit Shah's chopper entry in West Bengal.

Kolkata:

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath on Tuesday slammed the Mamata government in West Bengal for not allowing his chopper to land in Balurghat for a rally. Addressing a public rally in West Bengal's Purulia, where he reached by road from Bokaro in Jharkhand, he said poor people have been exploited under the Mamata Banerjee's rule in the state, she is trying to protect officer allegedly involved in Saradha scam. Earlier in the day, senior police officials on Tuesday said that the UP chief minister was not granted permission to hold the rally. "Action will be taken against the Chief Minister if holds the rally," said Superintendent of Police, Purulia.

The state government had earlier denied permission to Yogi's chopper to land in Bengal where he was scheduled to address rallies. Following which, Adityanath's chopper will be landing in Jharkhand from where he will be taking roadway to reach Purulia.

Earlier, the UP chief minister who was scheduled to address the "Ganatantra Bachao Rally" at Balurghat in South Dinajpur district on Sunday could not attend the rally after permission was denied for his chopper to land near the venue.

"The TMC government didn't allow me to come and meet you all. That is why I had to resort to Digital India of Modiji to address you. This TMC government is anti-people, anti-democratic and have compromised with national security," Adityanath said while addressing the rally via the audio link. "The TMC government is afraid of the BJP as it very well knows that its days in Bengal are numbered," he said.

Yogi Adityanath holds rally in West Bengal's Purulia | Highlights:

17:12 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In "Poor people have been exploited under the Mamata Banerjee's rule, she is trying to protect officer allegedly involved in Saradha scam," says Yogi Adityanath.

16:55 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In "Nothing can be more shameful for a democracy than a Chief Minister sitting on a dharna," says Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Purulia, West Bengal.



Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Purulia, West Bengal: Nothing can be more shameful for a democracy than a Chief Minister sitting on a dharna. pic.twitter.com/5HKFsKDbmx

 ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019



16:54 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Mamata Banerjee is trying to save a man accused in the Saradha chit fund scam, says Yogi Adityanath referring to Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar

16:43 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In UP CM Yogi Adityanath on his way to Purulia, WB from Bokaro, Jharkhand: This (West Bengal) government is embroiled in undemocratic and unconstitutional activities and that is the reason why a 'sanyasi' and 'yogi' like me is not being allowed to step on the soil of Bengal.



UP CM Yogi Adityanath on his way to Purulia, WB from Bokaro, Jharkhand: This (West Bengal) government is embroiled in undemocratic and unconstitutional activities and that is the reason why a 'sanyasi' and 'yogi' like me is not being allowed to step on the soil of Bengal. pic.twitter.com/pgS64tqz2T

 ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019



16:16 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Yogi Adityanath enters West Bengal. He is on his way to Purulia to address a public meeting.



#ModiVsDidi | Yogi Adityanath enters West Bengal. He is on his way to Purulia to address a public meeting.



Follow LIVE updates: https://t.co/CMmIINB1b7 pic.twitter.com/FgqXacjrY8

 News Nation (@NewsNationTV) February 5, 2019



16:13 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Jharkhand: UP CM Yogi Adityanath's convoy en route from Bokaro to Purulia in West Bengal where he will address a public rally.



Jharkhand: UP CM @myogiadityanath arrives in Bokaro. He will leave for Purulia, West Bengal by road to address a public rally there.



: ANI



Follow LIVE updates here: https://t.co/CMmIINB1b7 pic.twitter.com/Xgxrw2r7MU

 News Nation (@NewsNationTV) February 5, 2019



15:50 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath's chopper lands in Bokaro. He will now proceed to Purilia by road.

15:15 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Action will be taken against Yogi if he holds the rally," said Superintendent of Police, Purulia.

15:02 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Mamata Banerjee had earlier denied Amit Shah's chopper entry in West Bengal for his rally on January 21.

15:00 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In You can see democracy is being murdered. Anybody from any political party can go anywhere in country. CM of an elected govt of largest state isn't being permitted to land there and address rally but he will go via Jharkhand. People of Purulia are waiting for him, Jharkhand CM Raghubar Das.



Jharkhand CM on UP CM: You can see democracy is being murdered. Anybody from any political party can go anywhere in country. CM of an elected govt of largest state isn't being permitted to land there&address rally but he'll go via Jharkhand. People of Purulia are waiting for him. pic.twitter.com/up8v3qdh2Z

 ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019



14:57 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In There is no democracy in Mamata's government and then she is talking about democracy, Dilip Ghosh, West Bengal BJP chief.

14:56 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Earlier, the West Bengal government has denied permission to Yogis chopper to land in the state.
New Delhi:

Union Minister Arun Jaitely on Tuesday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her protest against the CBI. Dubbing the entire Opposition as the Kleptocrats Club, Jaitley questioned the intent of Banerjees dharna. What is the strategy behind Chief Ministers disgraceful and disproportionate reaction? What is her strategy in inviting all other leaders belonging to every opposition to join her on the Dharna, Jaitley said in his latest blog. Jaitley said that Banerjee was staging dharna to shift focus and hog the centrestage.

As Banerjees dharna entered third day, Jaitley said that, Mamata Banerjees latest acrobatics are the best evidence of the kind of governance Indias opposition can provide.

As Banerjees dharna entered third day, Jaitley said that, Mamata Banerjees latest acrobatics are the best evidence of the kind of governance Indias opposition can provide. Countering Mamata Banerjee, Jaitley said that the dharna was an attack on federalism. Federalism is not a slogan. It is a delicate balance of the Centre-State relationship. Our Constitutional framework clearly defines the sharing of functions between the Centre and the State. It does not permit an overlap. There are Central agencies and organizations which conduct legitimate investigation in States. Today the CBI is being brutally prevented by physical force and detention of its officer from investigating a crime legally within its jurisdiction, in the State of West Bengal. It is a textbook illustration of a State Government assaulting Federalism, Jaitley wrote.

The Union Minister also took a dig at those supporting Mamata Banerjees protest. Most of them, or their affiliates are today being investigated, prosecuted and in some cases have also been convicted for crimes of corruption. Her ally from Bihar represents the party of the convicted. The friend from Andhra Pradesh runs a party of contractors, thekhedaars and money-launderers. Her two friends from Uttar Pradesh represent the scandalous legacy of corruption. Her Anarchic brother from the Delhi Government is at his wits end because the penny stock companies of his Ministerial colleagues have been found out. Curiously, the AICC President somersaulted his position from Saradha being a scam to shoulder-to-shoulder support to the scamster. This somersaulter belongs to the first family of the Congress Party where most members of the family are on bail. It has been argued in the past that the Opposition is going in for a non-ideological short-lived coalition. India cannot afford instability.
New Delhi :

Ramkrishna Kusmaria, former BJP MP and senior Madhya Pradesh leader, is likely to join the Congress on February 8. According to reports, Kusmaria may join the ruling party in Madhya Pradesh in the presence of Congress party chief Rahul Gandhi in Bhopal. He was the member of Lok Sabha from Damoh constituency in Madhya Pradesh from 1991 to 1999 and went on to win Khajuraho seat in 2004. He is also a former state agriculture minister. The disgruntled leader also met Babulal Gaur, another BJP dissident, recently. Gaur was the chief minister of the state between the period of 2004 and 2005.

Earlier, Kusmaria claimed that he was offered a Congress ticket for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from the Bundelkhand region. The saffron party is facing a lot of trouble in Madhya Pradesh due to the disenchantment of several senior party leaders. Not only Kusmaria and Gaur, but Sartaj Singh, Kusuk Mehdele and Raghunandan Sharma have been at the loggerheads with the state party leadership. Sartaj Singh even deserted the party and joined the Congress just ahead of the Assembly elections but lost the polls from Hoshangabad Assembly seat.

It was also alleged that Kusmaria was instrumental in the defeats of two BJP candidates in Damoh and Pathariya Assembly seats. Kusmaria also claimed that Chief Minister Kamal Nath congratulated him after BJP's rout in the Bundelkhand region and also added that the CM has offered him a ticket from the Congress party but he is still undecided about it. The BJP lost the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections last year after 15 years of power since 2003. Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the chief minister of the state from 2005 to 2018. However, the BJP's vote share was more than the Congress party in the elections.
New Delhi:

Its official! The Congress Headquarters on Tuesday saw a new change that has the potential to make or break the Grand Old Party in upcoming Lok Sabha Elections. The party officials were seen putting Priyanka Gandhi Vadras nameplate outside her office allotted at the party headquarters located at 24, Akbar Road in New Delhi.

The development comes a day after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra returned to India on Monday night and met her brother and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. Sources say that both leaders discussed crucial Mission UP during the key meeting at the Congress presidents Tughlaq Road residence. This was the first time that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met Congress chief after she was inducted in the Grand Old Party on January 23 and appointed as General Secretary Uttar Pradesh (East). Apart from her, Jyotiraditya Scindia was also present in the meeting. Scindia was appointed as Congress General Secretary Uttar Pradesh (West).

According to Press Trust of India, the Monday meeting was just a prelude to Priyanka Gandhi Vadras packed schedule in coming days. On Thursday, she is set to take part in the Congress meeting in which all AICC general secretaries and in-charges of various states will plan the strategy for the Lok Sabha election due by May.

Rahul Gandhi has also called a meeting of state chiefs and Congress Legislature Party leaders on Saturday in the national capital, to review preparedness for the general election.

Nameplate of #PriyankaGandhiVadra being put up outside the room allotted to her at Congress Headquarters. She has been appointed as the General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East.



(ANI) pic.twitter.com/WmtCjL9Kd8  News Nation (@NewsNationTV) February 5, 2019

Sisters entry into active politics is seen as much-needed help for brother Rahul Gandhi. After Priyanka Gandhi Vadras appointment as General Secretary, the Congress chief had expressed his happiness. Talking to media in Amethi, Gandhi had said that he was very happy with the news. I am personally very happy that she will work with me now. She is extremely capable person, a visibly happy Congress president said. On the impact of Mrs Vadras entry into politics, Gandhi said that we can totally trust her. The Congress wont work on backfoot now in Uttar Pradesh. Priyanka has mission UP with her. On his political opponents, Gandhi said that BJP wale ghabraaye hue hain (BJP is very scared).

Gandhi had also congratulated Jyotiraditya Scindia for the new role as Congress in-charge in UP (West). Scindia is a very dynamic leader. The Congress chief also didnt shy away from talking about the crucial SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh. We have no enmity with Mayawati ji and Akhilesh ji, in fact I respect them a lot. We are ready to cooperate with them wherever possible. Ultimately the aim of all three of us is to defeat BJP, but yes our fight is to save Congress ideology, Gandhi said.

Numerous Congress leaders were seen congratulating Priyanka Gandhi Vadra after her appointment. As Priyanka Vadra Gandhi takes charge of Uttar Pradesh as AICC gen secy the politics of the Hindi heartland is about to change. With a new general in command each UP Congressman is battle ready, former minister Jitin Prasada said on Twitter.

Reacting to the story, BJP UP in-charge JP Nadda said, Priyanka Gandhi officially becomes General Secretary of Congress, but everyone knows how this household company works. It is also first official declaration from Congress that Rahul ji has failed, he should tell what is his view of Parivarwadi soch?
New Delhi:

Amid intense speculations over her impending public programme, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra returned to India on Monday night and met her brother and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. Sources say that both leaders discussed crucial Mission UP during the key meeting at the Congress presidents Tughlaq Road residence. This was the first time that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met Congress chief after she was inducted in the Grand Old Party on January 23 and appointed as General Secretary Uttar Pradesh (East). Apart from her, Jyotiraditya Scindia was also present in the meeting. Scindia was appointed as Congress General Secretary Uttar Pradesh (West).

According to Press Trust of India, the Monday meeting was just a prelude to Priyanka Gandhi Vadras packed schedule in coming days. On Thursday, she is set to take part in the Congress meeting in which all AICC general secretaries and in-charges of various states will plan the strategy for the Lok Sabha election due by May.

Rahul Gandhi has also called a meeting of state chiefs and Congress Legislature Party leaders on Saturday in the national capital, to review preparedness for the general election.

Sisters entry into active politics is seen as much-needed help for brother Rahul Gandhi. After Priyanka Gandhi Vadras appointment as General Secretary, the Congress chief had expressed his happiness. Talking to media in Amethi, Gandhi had said that he was very happy with the news. I am personally very happy that she will work with me now. She is extremely capable person, a visibly happy Congress president said. On the impact of Mrs Vadras entry into politics, Gandhi said that we can totally trust her. The Congress wont work on backfoot now in Uttar Pradesh. Priyanka has mission UP with her. On his political opponents, Gandhi said that BJP wale ghabraaye hue hain (BJP is very scared).

Gandhi had also congratulated Jyotiraditya Scindia for the new role as Congress in-charge in UP (West). Scindia is a very dynamic leader. The Congress chief also didnt shy away from talking about the crucial SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh. We have no enmity with Mayawati ji and Akhilesh ji, in fact I respect them a lot. We are ready to cooperate with them wherever possible. Ultimately the aim of all three of us is to defeat BJP, but yes our fight is to save Congress ideology, Gandhi said.

Numerous Congress leaders were seen congratulating Priyanka Gandhi Vadra after her appointment. As Priyanka Vadra Gandhi takes charge of Uttar Pradesh as AICC gen secy the politics of the Hindi heartland is about to change. With a new general in command each UP Congressman is battle ready, former minister Jitin Prasada said on Twitter.

Reacting to the story, BJP UP in-charge JP Nadda said, Priyanka Gandhi officially becomes General Secretary of Congress, but everyone knows how this household company works. It is also first official declaration from Congress that Rahul ji has failed, he should tell what is his view of Parivarwadi soch?
New Delhi:

The Delhi University has issued an advisory against the use of loudspeakers, public address systems "beyond permissible limits" on the varsity premises, saying it disturbs the teaching and research environment. An area not less than 100 metres around the premises of the Delhi University is a "silence zone" according to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 and the directions of the Delhi High Court and the National Green Tribunal, the advisory said.

"Please note that the use of loudspeakers/public address system/beating of drums/sound amplifiers/sound-emitting fire crackers beyond permissible limits is not advisable as it disturbs the teaching and research environment of the varsity," the advisory read.

The advisory comes in the wake of protests by student groups and DUTA on various issues over the last few months wherein loudspeakers, public address systems and drums were actively used.

The Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) called the advisory an 'empty threat' and asserted it would not have an impact on them.

Students and teachers are not habitual offenders. The varsity must play a proactive role in solving our problems. These kinds of empty threats will not have an impact on us, the teachers' body said.

The All India Students Association (AISA) said the rule should apply to all, as it targeted the ABVP for "managing" to use a sound amplifier on various events.

"The practice of not using speakers and mics nearby classrooms and libraries is something that exists even now. But it is all out in open that people in power especially the student group, the ABVP has managed to use sound amplifier on various events that they have organised in the university.

"If there happens to be rule it should apply to all and not just be used as an excuse to curb spaces for some section of students who happen to speak against the university administration and the people in power," said AISA's Kanwalpreet Kaur.

DUSU president Shakti Singh opposed the advisory saying they will protest against it.

"They should close the varsity campus. It is a democratic university and if we cannot voice our grievances towards the administration, what should we do?" he added.
New Delhi:

The Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) has released the admit cards for class 10 and class 12 examinations. The candidates who are preparing for the examinations can now visit the official website of Madhya Pradesh board i.e. mpbse.mponline.gov.in to download the admit cards. The class 10 and class 12 admit cards are available at the login.

On February 02, MP board had activated the link of the admit card on its website. The link will remain active till April 30, 2019. For the convenience of the students, we have mentioned the steps through which the candidates can download the admit card.

Step 1: The candidates will first have to visit the official website of board i.e. mpbse.mponline.gov.in

Step 2: After this, a window will open with the list of different events.

Step 3: Click on the link of Main exam admit card 2018-19.

Step 4: Enter the application number and type the answer to the question in the space provided.

Step 5: Click on the submit button.

Step 6: The admit card will display on the screen. To take the print out of the admit card click on the print button only.

Madhya Pradesh Board class 10th and 12th examinations are going to commence from the month of March. MP class 10th examinations are going to start from March 01 and will continue till Mar 28, 2019. While the class 12th examinations are scheduled from March 02 to Apr 02, 2019. On the other hand, the practical examinations of class 10th and 12th are going to conduct from February 12 to 26 in their respective schools.
President Donald Trump listens as Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, right, speaks during a meeting with American manufacturers in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, in Washington. Trump was signing an executive order pushing those who receive federal funds to "buy American." Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon is second from right.( AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)
New Delhi:

The Madras University has announced the result of UG, PG, and Professional Degree Exam. The candidates who had appeared for the examinations can now visit the official website of the university i.e. www.unom.ac.in to check the result. The examinations were held in the month of November by the university. The declaration of the results has sealed the fate of thousands of students who had appeared for the examination.

For the convenience of the students, we have mentioned the steps through which the candidates can download the results. The Madras University Results is available on the official website only and can be checked in a few simple steps.

Visit the website www.unom.ac.in

Click the link For Result Click, Result Server 1, and Result Server 2 (anyone)

Enter the register number and check the result

All the students appeared for the semester exam are eligible to apply for the revaluation of the answer script but PG students are not eligible to apply for the re-totalling of answer script.

All UG & PG students can download the answer script if they have applied for the revaluation of the answer script. Students can download the photocopy of answer script from the website of the university after 15 days from the date of result publication.
New Delhi:

A woman was arrested by the Delhi police on charges of 'raping' another woman under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. The accused, Shivani, had allegedly tried an artificial male genitalia to her waist through a belt and then forcefully committed anal sex upon the survivor. News18 reported that Shivani was produced before the Karkardooma Court where the police were granted a day to interrogate her and thereafter she was sent for judicial custody in Tihar jail. According to the report, the victim was subject to repeated sexual and physical assaults.

It all began in March 2018, when the victim who hails from Northeast India resigned from her job in Gurugram to start her own business. She underwent preliminary training in Punjab's Rajpura and had to give Rs 1.5 lakh as investment money. The victim was taught to approach people at bus stops, railway stations and other places, and explain the scheme to them.

During this process she met Rohit, another accused, who lied to her that he worked for HCL and was ready to invest in her business. The man took the victim to an apartment in Dilshad colony where he and another accused identified as Rahul raped her and shot videos to blackmail her. Later, she was sent to serve clients.

The victim alleged that Shivani often tried to get close to her and whenever she resisted she used to beat her. The victim Rohit and Rahul pinned her down on all fours on the bed while the accused woman raped her using a sex toy to make her ready for anal sex for her customers".

Months later, the victim was rescued by social activist Hemant Sharma. But filing the case wasn't easy. After the Supreme Court's Constitution Bench read down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, carnal same-sex intercourse is no longer an offence. However, the aspect of consent remains a debatable topic.

On September 6 last year, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court unanimously decriminalised part of the 158-year-old colonial law under Section 377 of the IPC which criminalises consensual unnatural sex. The bench headed had termed the part of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which crimiminalises unnatural sex as irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary. The bench struck down Section 377 as being violative of right to equality. The top court, in four separate but concurring judgments, set aside its own verdict in the Suresh Kaushal case.

Section 377 refers to 'unnatural offences' and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine. The apex court, however, said other aspects of Section 377 of IPC dealing with unnatural sex with animals and children shall remain in force.

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New Delhi:

In a macabre incident, a couple allegedly murdered an Uber driver, chopped his body into pieces and tried to dump the remains in a Greater Noida drain to run away with his cab. The Delhi Police has arrested the couple from Uttar Pradeshs Amroha. According to an IANS report, the accused have been identified as 34-year-old Farhat Ali and 30-year-old Seema Sharma. The couple had boarded the cab from Madangir in New Delhi. They had told the victim that they wanted to travel to Kapashera.

The police began the investigation after victim Ram Govinds wife lodged a missing complaint in the Shakarpur Police Station. "During investigation, we found it was a blind case as there were no witnesses. The last ride of the cab was booked from Madangir to Kapashera border and thereafter the GPS device was found to have stopped working," Deputy Commissioner of Police Vijayanta Arya was quoted as saying.

According to the police probe, Ali and Sharma booked the cab on January 29. They told the victim that they will first go to their Ghaziabad home. On the way, the couple hatched the plan to murder Govind and run away with his car. After befriending him, the accused offered him spiked tea. Later they strangled him, cut the body in pieces. Next day, they arranged a cutter and blades in order to cut the body into small pieces and wrapped it three separates bundles. They later threw them in a drain at Greater Noida, the official said.

The shocking incident comes days after the cab-hailing company issued a warning to its passengers. Uber said that it will now remove riders who despite repeated warnings misbehave or damage the driver or co-passenger's property, as per the updated community guidelines. The US-based company has also added a 'Driver Safety Toolkit' - designed on the lines of a similar offering for riders - to offer a suite of in-app safety features for its driver-partners in India. "Courtesy matters. Riders are expected to exercise good judgement and behave decently towards other people in the car when riding with Uber... Riders may lose access to Uber if they don't meet the star ratings requirements set out in the community guidelines," Uber Head of Cities (India and South Asia) Prabhjeet Singh had said.

For all the Latest Crime News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Shamokin, PA (17872)

Today

Rain ending early. Remaining cloudy. Thunder possible. High 66F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

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Some clouds early will give way to generally clear conditions overnight. Low near 45F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
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The New Zealand woman who perished in an avalanche on the Italian Alps has been named.

Katherine Clarke, 39, born in New Zealand and based in London, was found dead in a valley in the Aosta valley region bordering France, the Guardian reports.

Her body was discovered alongside three other people, including British national Matthew Ziegler, 43, French national Nicolas Bruno Vergez, 36, and Polish national Wespazjan Wisla, 38.

Authorities had warned the avalanche danger in the Italian Alps was high over the weekend. The alarm was raised when the group of skiers failed to return to their hotels on Sunday evening (local time).

The Valdostano Alpine Rescue spotted three bodies early in the morning while searching for the four missing, the Washington Post reports.

They were reportedly found buried under six feet of snow, with efforts to recover the bodies hampered by steep terrain and the risk of more avalanches.

A total of eight people were killed in avalanches in Italy over the weekend, according to the Guardian.

Newshub.
Controversial former politician Don Brash says his hosts at Te Tii Marae were more willing to hear his views on New Zealand race relations than most universities.

On Tuesday, Dr Brash arrived to speak on the marae after being invited by organiser Rueben Taipari, and although the site is well-known for its protests outside its gates, he was welcomed peacefully.

Dr Brash was there in his role as a spokesperson for Hobson's Pledge, which supports one law for all and is against targeted, race-based Government policies.

Speaking to reporters before he entered the gates, Dr Brash said he had been "very impressed" that he was invited, but wasn't sure what the reaction would be to his speech, which he kept under wraps.

"I respect the fact that I have been invited, and I don't doubt I will be treated with the courtesy with which Maori are famous for," he said.

"I am here to give a speech, and to listen. I understand there will be a panel discussion after my speech, and there will be several people on it that disagree with my views. I will be very keen to hear their views."
We see this as a public health measure similar to what weve done in the state of Connecticut with increasing the tax on cigarettes, Gilchrest said. When we increase that tax weve seen a reduction in use. And so we want to continue Connecticuts legacy of being a leader on preventing and addressing gun violence and we see this as another step forward in that direction.
With not a cloud in the early morning sky and the sound of waves crashing against the foreshore as they did in 1840, Waitangi Day kicked off at Waitangi with a stirring dawn service and a barbecue hosted by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Hundreds gathered on Wednesday morning at the Upper Marae ground's Whare Runanga for the 179th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

After the Prime Minister and a group of ministers, including Kelvin Davis, Willie Jackson and Jenny Salsea, were escorted onto the marae with a traditional Maori greeting, the public followed.

While some were Kiwis, tourists from as far as Switzerland all scurried past the Maori wardens in attempt to get inside the marae where Ms Ardern and other esteemed guests were seated.

Most had to sit outside in the rays of a stunning Waitangi sunrise, but others had to line the banks around the marae, which didn't have enough seats for the incredible number of people who had come to celebrate New Zealand's national day.

Although the service began with a moment of silence, the speeches that followed were a powerful reflection upon the partnership built between Maori and Pakeha in 1840, as well as an inspirational look forward at the opportunities to grow as a nation.

"We say thanks for this our perfect country [and] how the children grow, so will be the shape of Aotearoa. [God] made us of one blood, now make us of one people," a prayer Ms Ardern read out said.

Her brief speech was followed by that of the Samoan Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, who said there was still more to do to "keep us as a peaceful Pacific".

"Teach us to listen to those we disagree with, to hear stories that make us comfortable, heal the hatred in the world around us by healing our own hearts first," he said.

"We are good at paying lip service to these principles but do not follow through with action."

Politicians from across Parliament, figures from the Navy and Fire and Emergency, and Chief Justice Sian Elias also all provided a series of brief comments, prayers, or songs.

New Zealand First Minister Tracey Martin captured the tone of many in asking God to ensure future generations continue to understand the partnership our ancestors desired.

"179 years later we still strive, we still attempt to bring this to be a truth," she said.
Controversial former politician Don Brash has said New Zealand is at a "dangerous junction" as he rallied against race-based policies and reliance upon treaty settlements in a speech at Te Tii Marae.

Te Tii Marae is well known for the protests outside its gates, but on Tuesday Dr Brash was welcomed peacefully after receiving an invite by organiser Rueben Taipari to discuss his views and what he believed Ngapuhi could do to boost its economy.

Recommending that iwi like Ngapuhi don't rely on treaty settlements, Dr Brash said New Zealand was at a "dangerous junction" with many "non-Maori New Zealanders" fed up with the "never-ending settlement process" and "constitutional preferences which have increasingly been written into law".

He claimed many Kiwis reject the notion that the Treaty of Waitangi created a partnership between Maori and the Crown - an interpretation Dr Brash believes is "more and more taken as the foundation of Government policy".

As a spokesperson for Hobson's Pledge, Dr Brash supports one law for all and is against targeted race-based Government policies which he believes discourage Maori from hard work.

He said Article III of the Treaty affirmed the equality of political rights for all New Zealanders and that alternative standards and systems for Maori were creating a culture of dependence - giving the example of required representation for Maori on government boards.

"It has led many Maori to assume that other taxpayers owe them a living, and that in due course other taxpayers will have to discharge that obligation," he said.

He said despite the policies of successive governments and attempts at "affirmative action", many Maori still feel left behind.

"What on earth could be more demotivating than to be told, again and again, that your poor education, your poor housing, your low income or inability to get a job is not your responsibility at all.

"It's the fault of a grossly unfair system arising from injustices done to some of your great-grandparents by some of your other great-grandparents?"

Instead, Dr Brash said iwi should ensure their rangatahi secure proper educations that put them in the best step for future opportunities and allow them to contribute to growing their economy.

"That does not necessarily mean getting a tertiary qualification, but it does mean coming out of secondary school having a strong ability to read, to write, and to reason logically," he said.

But some suggest more targeted funding is needed to tackle Maori incarceration and mental health figures being disproportionate to Pakeha.

Maori make up 15 percent of the New Zealand population, but 51 percent of the prison population.

Others, like one lady who yelled out during Dr Brash's speech, simply believe the "affirmative action" as he put it, was "justice".

Dr Brash's views have been criticised as racist in the past, with Massey University barring him from speaking after concerns from senior staff about him endorsing racist behaviours.

Earlier on Tuesday, he told reporters he was impressed by Te Tii Marae's willingness to hear his thoughts.

"This [invitation] was a particularly significant one I thought, a chance to come back to Waitangi... I had a somewhat robust treatment last time, and I respect the fact that they are willing to listen to views which may differ from their's, it is fantastic.

"I contrast their willingness to hear to different views with the attitude of some universities in the country, which have been a good deal less welcoming to views they don't agree with."

While a few placards were on show past the Marae's gates, the only locals to approach the former National Party leader and Reserve Bank Governor came to give him their support.

One lady, Katie Tahere, who advocates for greater suicide prevention and was sighted throughout the day with a large flag, said her conversation with Mr Brash had been special and he spoke of his family's own history with mental health.

When the two hugged after their conversation, she said she could tell it wasn't just a friendly hug, but that it "meant something".

Newshub.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made a rousing speech at Tuesday morning's Waitangi powhiri, explaining there's a lot more work to be done to help Maori development.

Waitangi celebrations are underway after a powhiri welcomed political leaders onto the marae at the Treaty Grounds in Northland.

A number of party leaders spoke, including Green Party co-leader James Shaw, National Party leader Simon Bridges, New Zealand First leader and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, and Ms Ardern.

She said it had been "one year since I asked all of you to hold all of us, and myself, to account".

"There is still more to do. And I didn't learn that looking at numbers on a page, I learnt that visiting the city mission. I can see that there is still more to do."

Watch the full speech above.

Newshub.
Newshub can reveal six Chinese carpenters brought here to help with the construction boom ended up living - potentially illegally - in a garage for five weeks.

The workers say a Chinese recruitment agent, who's currently under investigation, arranged the accommodation for them.

Inside the single-car garage in central Tauranga was a basin, fridge, toaster and a table. It's apparently suitable lodgings for six grown men.

A former worker for labour-hire firm National Personnel Limited - or NPL -says conditions inside were "pretty abysmal".

"Don't think even a dog would live in those conditions," he told Newshub.

NPL used to have a business relationship with agent Peter Li, who helped bring in Chinese carpenters for the company.

"The guys were cooking off the ground - off those gas cookers off the ground. No bathroom, no toilets," the former NPL worker says.

"I was shocked that that happens in New Zealand."

NPL told Newshub it employed a total of 38 Chinese carpenters.

But when it comes to the garage the company says it "had nothing to do with this accommodation" and those staying there were "working for another employer".

We tracked down three of those who were put up in the garage.

They say Mr Li arranged it, but some workers were dropped off there by a representative of NPL.

"I lived on the sofa - no bed. I initially had no job, so I just had to accept the conditions," says carpenter Jianjun Haung.

Another carpenter, Yungping Liang, says for three weeks while at the garage he had no work at all.

"We each paid $120 per week," he says.

The Tauranga City Council didn't know whether the garage was approved for residential purposes or not, but told Newshub "there is no building consent on record that mentions a sleep-out".

"We didn't really have any choice. I thought I was lucky as at that time I had a job. Others didn't have a job," carpenter Xinjian Xu says.

We visited another Tauranga flat where the tenants told us the Chinese carpenters who used to stay there were also struggling.

The flatmates say the workers eventually ran out of money because they were not being paid when they were not on the job and they had to go fishing to get food.

All the men say they signed contracts with NPL before arriving in New Zealand.

But Newshub has learned that on arrival they were taken by Mr Li to another Tauranga labour hire firm and told to sign another set of documents. They say they didn't understand what they were signing.

Mr Li is accused by the workers of charging each of them up to $43,000 as a fee for getting them to New Zealand - claiming they'd have consistent paid work.

Newshub has tried contacting Mr Li by phone and email to discuss their plight - he hasn't responded.

If you have more information and wish to contact Michael Morrah confidentially, you can do so by emailing MichaelMorrah@mediaworks.co.nz

Newshub.
There are fresh calls for a royal commission into the New Zealand banking sector after Australian banks were slammed for gross-misconduct fuelled by greed.

It found customers were sold products they couldn't afford and even dead people were charged fees.

The royal commission report into the Australian banking sector was scathing and damning of its culture, calling it greedy, unethical and possibly criminal.

"In almost every case, the conduct was driven by profit and gain," it found.

It recommended wholesale changes, including banning commissions and tighter regulation.

"Banks understand these failures have caused deep hurt, suffering and heartache," says Australian Bank Association chief executive Anna Bligh.

Our four biggest banks - Westpac, ASB, ANZ and BNZ - are all owned by the Australian banks caught up in the review.

"You will continue to see the Australian banks making a fortune from New Zealand but I think New Zealanders are going to get wiser, I think there's going to be a lot more competition," says managing director of KiwiSaver provider Simplicity, Sam Stubbs.

After banks made $5b in profit combined last year he wants to see a New Zealand royal commission set up despite regulators here finding no extreme or systemic wrongdoing last year.

"The lesson we've learnt from the royal commission in Australia is the more you look, the more you find and in this case they found some really horrible things," he says.

Horrible things like taking fees and providing no service, charging dead people for insurance policies and selling products to people they knew couldn't meet the repayments.

And for that the Australian banks are looking down the barrel at multi-billion dollar fines.

"Effectively New Zealanders are going to help pay off the banks fines in Australia? That's what I'm really concerned about," Mr Stubbs says.

"Unless we pay particular attention to what the banks are doing that they will look at New Zealand the way they traditionally have - as a cash cow."

But on Tuesday Finance Minister Grant Robertson reiterated that there's no need for a royal commission here but will be keeping a very close eye on the fallout across the ditch.

Newshub.
"It was the best thing for us but there were times where it was just like 'do people care?'" Georgia told Newshub. "We had this thing we believed in so much and it was like 'shit, does anyone else?

"I think you can get a little bit too sucked in how well other people are doing as well, especially living in LA where there are so many successful people and we're surrounded by people that are like killing it and at times it feels like you are such a small fish, in such a big pond."

They've come back with a tasteful confidence and are far less obsessed with what other people think.

It was in taking time to breathe and realign that subsequently pushed the Nelson-bred hit-makers to this month proudly unveil their 12-song strong offering Don't Feed The Pop Monster with a side of renewed purpose and sense of selves.

From contemplating a return to their parent's home in the South Island and brainstorming ideas to come up with funding for the record, they have been able to grow and create something remarkable - and that's the point they are keen to make.

"It's crazy because I don't think we would have the album that we have if we didn't go through those things that were hard," Georgia says.

"You've got to keep thinking that every experience that you go through - whether it's good or bad - is going to make you more you or a stronger version of yourself or more self-aware and that's something we've really learned, we need to be checking in with ourselves."
One commentator who took issue with gesture was journalist and TV host Piers Morgan, who has made mention of his disdain for the Duchess on several occasions previously.

"Giving a sex worker a banana is clearly exposing her to potential mockery, I'm sorry," he told his co-hosts on Good Morning Britain.

"If you'd been advising Meghan Markle before this, would you have said maybe not the bananas?"

"It's so patronising - 'You are strong,' come on."

Morgan has previously accused the former Suits star of "acting" in her role in the Royal family, claiming she dropped him as a friend once she started dating Harry.

Despite being told to "tone it down" by his fellow presenters, the controversial broadcaster doubled down on his comments about Meghan's banana messages in an angry rant published in the Daily Mail.

"Giving schoolchildren an 'empowering' banana with their lunch is one thing," he wrote, referencing the Duchess' inspiration for the act of kindness, a school cafeteria worker in the US.

"Giving prostitutes an 'empowering' banana after they've spent the night subjecting their bodies to often vile, sexually depraved men, is quite another.

"There is no escaping the fact that bananas have long been the subject of ribald humour for their phallic shape."

But as so often with Meghan, sadly, it was all about her, and not really about the sex workers."

Newshub.
Hollywood actor Liam Neeson has made a shocking admission about his one-time desire to kill a "black bastard" after discovering a friend of his was raped by a person of colour.

In an interview with The Independent, Neeson said he reacted badly to news of a close female friend's assault, prompting actions that he now dubs "awful".

"I asked, did she know who it was? No. What colour were they? She said it was a black person," he told journalist Clemence Michallon.

"I went up and down areas with a cosh [a heavy stick or bar used as a weapon], hoping I'd be approached by somebody.

"I'm ashamed to say that, and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some 'black bastard' would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know?

"So that I could kill him."

Michallon wrote that she found the admission "appalling," and could tell that Neeson and his Cold Pursuit co-star did, too.

"'Holy shit,' says Tom Bateman, his co-star, who is sitting beside him," she said in the article.

The 66-year-old actor expressed remorse for his mindset at the time, adding that he felt a lesson had been learned from his week-and-a-half-long experience.

"It was horrible, horrible, when I think back, that I did that," he said.

"And I've never admitted that, and I'm saying it to a journalist. God forbid.

"I eventually thought, 'What the f**k are you doing,' you know?"

Unsurprisingly, Neeson's confession has sparked a raft of furious backlash online.

"I am mortified by Liam Neeson," Irish author Marian Keyes wrote on Twitter.
During Fishers call to 911 reporting the bodies, he told a dispatcher he was there for an event that had happened several hours prior. When asked if he was on medication or drinking alcohol, he said he could go for some medication.
The best Marvel Comics stories of all time according to the readers

The ten top stories from Marvel's House of Ideas
Gilbert F. Kraemer, 74 years of age, passed away on Monday, May 31, 2021. He was born on November 9, 1946 in New Albany, Indiana to the late Edward and Henrietta (Renn) Kraemer. Gilbert was an Army Veteran serving in the 24th Infantry and was a 1965 graduate of Providence High School. Along 
Funeral services for Thomas Armond "Tommy" Ritch, 72, will be Friday, June 11 at 11 a.m. from the Chapel of Kilgroe Funeral Home. Interment to followe at Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Cemetery in Gallant. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10 a.m. until service time at funeral home
Legislation that would allow for a local referendum on allowing a casino in Bristol passed the Virginia Senate Monday by a vote of 28-12 and is headed to the House.

Last Wednesday, Virginias Senate Finance Committee voted 12-4 to approve substitute gaming legislation that could ultimately delay action until next year.

Language in the revised bill would direct the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission  rather than the Virginia Lottery Board  to review casino gaming laws in other states and assess impacts on Virginia. It would mean no referenda could occur before the General Assembly digests that study, and it would also prohibit the Lottery Board from issuing any license to operate a gaming operation before July 1, 2020.

The legislation passed with 28 yes votes and 12 no votes. It now moves to the House.

Backers of the proposed $250 million Bristol Resort and Casino at the former Bristol Mall were hoping a public referendum could occur this fall. Twin City businessmen Jim McGlothlin and Clyde Stacy announced the project last August.
Carrico moved that the Senate adjourn in honor of Dowell, which the Senate did.

At the age of 19, Johnson was convicted in Chesterfield County of attempted murder, robbery and two firearm charges in connection with an incident where he was accused of robbing a man at a bank ATM, according to court papers.

Herbert C. Gill Jr., then a Chesterfield Circuit Court judge, told Johnson at a June 1994 sentencing hearing that given the defendants young age, he struggled to comprehend how Johnson could be before the court. But then the judge said things started to make sense when he looked at Johnsons criminal record.

Looking at your juvenile record, which is abominable, youre familiar with guns, Gill said, according to the transcript of the hearing. Youre familiar with carrying guns to school. Youre familiar with brandishing guns. So it is not difficult for me to look at your record and know why you are before the court.

The attempted murder and robbery charges against Johnson stemmed from a December 1993 incident where Johnson was accused of appearing with a gun at the truck window of a customer who had just withdrawn $150 from a drive-through ATM, according to a 1995 decision from the Virginia Court of Appeals that upheld Johnsons convictions on those charges.
Gov. Ralph Northam remained hunkered down Monday as Virginias political crisis widened to include an uncorroborated sexual assault allegation against Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax.

Northam made no new public statements as attention shifted to the accusation against Fairfax, who would succeed Northam if the governor chooses to heed his colleagues resounding calls to resign over a racist photo that appeared in his 1984 medical school yearbook.

After apologizing for appearing in the photo showing a man in blackface next to a figure in Ku Klux Klan robes, Northam has said that he now believes he was not in the photo and that it may have been placed on his yearbook page by mistake.

Though Northam has lost the support of virtually his entire party, he appears to have bought himself more time to try to clear his name.

Im going to let him breathe a little bit, said Del. Lamont Bagby, the chairman of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. Im confident hes going to make the right decision.

Northam met with his Cabinet Monday morning and the meeting ended without any decision on whether Northam would resign, according to a source with knowledge of the meeting.
LPD was alerted by other law enforcement agencies over the summer Anderson was communicating with a 14-year-old girl under an alias of a 24-year-old named Brian Thompson, according to warrants in the case. Investigators determined he flew to Fargo, North Dakota to meet the girl in December 2016 and have sex with her.

The two discussed the sexual activity over social media and exchanged lewd images and videos, the warrant states.

Andersons attorney, E. Gordon Peters, said Monday his client still is presumed innocent until proven guilty no matter how scandalous the charges may appear.

Anderson is being held in jail without bond and is scheduled for an April 16 jury trial.

Larry Anthony Booker, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was indicted Monday on charges of obstruction of justice, assault and battery of law enforcement, firearm possession and three other related charges.

Booker, 31, was arrested July 19 after officers saw him run a stop sign at 17th and Floyd streets. According to LPD testimony at his preliminary hearing last month, he resisted arrest and flailed while officers were trying to arrest him after a police dog alerted to the presence of drugs in the vehicle. LPD said at the time officers seized suspected methamphetamine from his car.
Why do some patients recover quickly after surgery, while others don't? That is an important question when treating older frail patients suffering from aortic stenosis. Lead author Dae Hyun Kim, M.D., M.P.H., Sc.D., and principle investigator Director Lewis A. Lipsitz in the Marcus Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife explore this question in a paper published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine.

Aortic stenosis is a disease that more often than not develops late in life. It occurs in 2% of people over 65 and affects more men than women. The condition causes the aorta -the main artery that carries blood to the rest of the body - to constrict reducing blood flow from the heart. The disease poses a serious health threat to older adults, impacting function and quality of life at best, and at worse, threatening survival.

With recent advances in surgical techniques, more patients are undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) to treat aortic stenosis. However, this study shows that serious risks of functional decline associated with surgery in older patients may well outweigh the benefits, and in particular, may not meet an individual's goals for treatment. Although outcomes have improved over time, older patients continue to experience high rates of functional decline, particularly if they are frail before surgery. Many older patients, given the option, would often choose quality of life over longevity when making choices about their care.

Earlier clinical trials and observational studies demonstrated improvement in functional status after TAVR and SAVR. However, these studies' results may not be applicable to all patients. The studies also assessed functional limitations due to heart failure using disease-specific measures, rather than measures that looked at, for example, how patients were doing with activities of daily living, capturing a broader picture of how patients were fairing after surgery.

As this study shows, the functional status of a patient before surgery impacts post-operative outcomes, including rates of recovery and long-range functional status. After heart valve replacement, five paths were identified that describe how much patients recover. After minimally invasive transcatheter replacement, many patients did not have improvement in functional status. In particular, patients who were very frail before their procedures tended to have the worst outcomes. Patients who are stronger generally get open heart surgery, and after surgical valve replacement, patients generally did better. Discussion of expected recovery can help to inform patient centered decision making.

According to Dr. Kim, "Although older patients with severe aortic valve stenosis undergo these procedures with expectation that their functional status improves, those with severe frailty, have functional decline. We emphasize the various processes of "how" they get to where they are at 12 months, and identified preoperative frailty, postoperative complications and delirium as strong predictors of functional decline, which can be potential targets for intervention."
Computational method helps scientists examine microbes at a larger, more comprehensive scale than previously possible

During the Zika virus outbreak of 2015-16, public health officials scrambled to contain the epidemic and curb the pathogen's devastating effects on pregnant women. At the same time, scientists around the globe tried to understand the genetics of this mysterious virus.

The problem was, there just aren't many Zika virus particles in the blood of a sick patient. Looking for it in clinical samples can be like fishing for a minnow in an ocean.

A new computational method developed by Broad Institute scientists helps overcome this hurdle. Built in the lab of Broad Institute researcher Pardis Sabeti, the "CATCH" method can be used to design molecular "baits" for any virus known to infect humans and all their known strains, including those that are present in low abundance in clinical samples, such as Zika. The approach can help small sequencing centers around the globe conduct disease surveillance more efficiently and cost-effectively, which can provide crucial information for controlling outbreaks.

The new study was led by MIT graduate student Hayden Metsky and postdoctoral researcher Katie Siddle, and it appears online in Nature Biotechnology.

"As genomic sequencing becomes a critical part of disease surveillance, tools like CATCH will help us and others detect outbreaks earlier and generate more data on pathogens that can be shared with the wider scientific and medical research communities," said Christian Matranga, a co-senior author of the new study who has joined a local biotech startup.

Scientists have been able to detect some low-abundance viruses by analyzing all the genetic material in a clinical sample, a technique known as "metagenomic" sequencing, but the approach often misses viral material that gets lost in the abundance of other microbes and the patient's own DNA.

Another approach is to "enrich" clinical samples for a particular virus. To do this, researchers use a kind of genetic "bait" to immobilize the target virus's genetic material, so that other genetic material can be washed away. Scientists in the Sabeti lab had successfully used baits, which are molecular probes made of short strands of RNA or DNA that pair with bits of viral DNA in the sample, to analyze the Ebola and Lassa virus genomes. However, the probes were always directed at a single microbe, meaning they had to know exactly what they were looking for, and they were not designed in a rigorous, efficient way.

What they needed was a computational method for designing probes that could provide a comprehensive view of the diverse microbial content in clinical samples, while enriching for low-abundance microbes like Zika.

"We wanted to rethink how we were actually designing the probes to do capture," said Metsky. "We realized that we could capture viruses, including their known diversity, with fewer probes than we'd used before. To make this an effective tool for surveillance, we then decided to try targeting about 20 viruses at a time, and we eventually scaled up to the 356 viral species known to infect humans."

Short for "Compact Aggregation of Targets for Comprehensive Hybridization," CATCH allows users to design custom sets of probes to capture genetic material of any combination of microbial species, including viruses or even all forms of all viruses known to infect humans.

To run CATCH truly comprehensively, users can easily input genomes from all forms of all human viruses that have been uploaded to the National Center for Biotechnology Information's GenBank sequence database. The program determines the best set of probes based on what the user wants to recover, whether that's all viruses or only a subset. The list of probe sequences can be sent to one of a few companies that synthesize probes for research. Scientists and clinical researchers looking to detect and study the microbes can then use the probes like fishing hooks to catch desired microbial DNA for sequencing, thereby enriching the samples for the microbe of interest.

Tests of probe sets designed with CATCH showed that after enrichment, viral content made up 18 times more of the sequencing data than before enrichment, allowing the team to assemble genomes that could not be generated from un-enriched samples. They validated the method by examining 30 samples with known content spanning eight viruses. The researchers also showed that samples of Lassa virus from the 2018 Lassa outbreak in Nigeria that proved difficult to sequence without enrichment could be "rescued" by using a set of CATCH-designed probes against all human viruses. In addition, the team was able to improve viral detection in samples with unknown content from patients and mosquitos.

Using CATCH, Metsky and colleagues generated a subset of viral probes directed at Zika and chikungunya, another mosquito-borne virus found in the same geographic regions. Along with Zika genomes generated with other methods, the data they generated using CATCH-designed probes helped them discover that the Zika virus had been introduced in several regions months before scientists were able to detect it, a finding that can inform efforts to control future outbreaks.

To demonstrate other potential applications of CATCH, Siddle used samples from a range of different viruses. Siddle and others have been working with scientists in West Africa, where viral outbreaks and hard-to-diagnose fevers are common, to establish laboratories and workflows for analyzing pathogen genomes on-site. "We'd like our partners in Nigeria to be able to efficiently perform metagenomic sequencing from diverse samples, and CATCH helps them boost the sensitivity for these pathogens," said Siddle.

The method is also a powerful way to investigate undiagnosed fevers with a suspected viral cause. "We're excited about the potential to use metagenomic sequencing to shed light on those cases and, in particular, the possibility of doing so locally in affected countries," said Siddle.

One advantage of the CATCH method is its adaptability. As new mutations are identified and new sequences are added to GenBank, users can quickly redesign a set of probes with up-to-date information. In addition, while most probe designs are proprietary, Metsky and Siddle have made publicly available all of the ones they designed with CATCH. Users have access to the actual probe sequences in CATCH, allowing researchers to explore and customize the probe designs before they are synthesized.

Sabeti and fellow researchers are excited about the potential for CATCH to improve large-scale high-resolution studies of microbial communities. They are also hopeful that the method could one day have utility in diagnostic applications, in which results are returned to patients to make clinical decisions. For now, they're encouraged by its potential to improve genomic surveillance of viral outbreaks like Zika and Lassa, and other applications requiring a comprehensive view of low-level microbial content.

The CATCH software is publicly accessible on GitHub. Its development and validation, supervised by Sabeti and Matranga, is described online in Nature Biotechnology.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the landmark federal act that encouraged hospitals, clinics, and physician offices to adopt electronic health record systems (EHRs), MedStar Health experts in patient safety and health information technology are collaborating with the American Medical Association (AMA) to push for changes to address the known risks to patient safety and clinician burnout that stem from poor EHR usability.

In their latest joint effort, MedStar and the AMA are making available for the first time videos from the clinician's point of view that demonstrate the risks and challenges caused by poor EHR usability, which is the extent to which the technology can be used efficiently, effectively, and satisfactorily. The videos have just been made available on a new website, EHRSeeWhatWeMean.org, that presents compelling evidence for the need to act. The site specifically calls out what multiple stakeholders--policymakers, healthcare providers, EHR vendors and patients--can do. The theme of the website and campaign is 'Everybody Has Responsibilities' to stress the need for increased collaboration.

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act was passed in February 2009 to encourage the adoption and meaningful use of EHRs to ultimately improve the safety, quality, and efficiency of patient care. As a result of this legislation and the $40 billion investment supporting it, EHRs are now used by the vast majority of hospitals, clinics, and physician offices in the United States.

As part of the push for EHR usability and safety on the HITECH Act anniversary, MedStar is gathering signatures on a letter to the elected leaders of the United States Senate and House committees encouraging them to prioritize EHR usability and safety in their oversight of new policies being put in place by the Department of Health and Human Services. Central to this effort is a program that would allow for the open reporting of usability and safety challenges by both providers and patients so that common themes can be identified and addressed more rapidly.

"EHR safety must be a priority for all stakeholders. Nearly every high-risk industry promotes the sharing of safety information to foster improvement, and health information technology should be no different," said Raj M. Ratwani, PhD, a leading EHR safety researcher and director of the MedStar Health National Center for Human Factors in Healthcare.

MedStar built the video website based on research they conducted recently on the usability of Cerner and Epic products, which comprise more than 50 percent of the market. The research findings, "A usability and safety analysis of electronic health records: a multi-center study," were published July 2, 2018, in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association.

For the study, 12 to 15 emergency physicians from four health systems (two using Cerner and two using Epic) were given common tasks mimicking real patient cases--placing orders for medical imaging, lab tests and medications. Researchers collected data pertaining to the variability of performance at each site.

"The results of this study reinforce the assessment that ensuring the usability and safety of EHRs is a joint responsibility between physicians, technology vendors and technology purchasers that requires collaboration with these stakeholders at each stage of design, development and implementation," said AMA CMIO Michael Hodgkins, M.D. "The health care system must have confidence in the EHR systems used to manage patient care."

Dr. Ratwani and MedStar Health have worked extensively with the AMA, Pew Charitable Trusts and other collaborators on EHR safety and usability over the past several years.

Source: https://bcw-global.com/
When President Donald Trump demands a border wall or threatens to deport young unauthorized immigrants, one of the loudest opposition voices comes from the son of Mexican immigrants  who also happens to be California's top lawyer.

Democrat Xavier Becerra, the state's first Latino attorney general, is not only one of Trump's biggest critics, he is an unrelenting adversary in court, striking at Republican efforts to overturn federal rules not just on immigration, but on health care, birth control, climate change and more.

On Tuesday, Becerra, 61, will take the national stage when he gives the Spanish-language rebuttal to the president's State of the Union address. He has challenged the Trump agenda before.

Becerra has taken the Trump administration to court 45 times since former Gov. Jerry Brown appointed him to the job in 2017. In November, voters overwhelmingly gave him a four-year term, validating his decision to leave Congress after 24 years.

Becerra, whose wife is a doctor, is leading a coalition of 20 states and the District of Columbia in defending the Affordable Care Act against a Texas lawsuit that could determine the fate of the law  and with it, health coverage for millions of Americans. And he won a nationwide court injunction last year that blocked the Trump administration's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which allows qualified young people who were brought into the U.S. illegally as children to obtain temporary work permits.

When news reports last month revealed that Trump was considering diverting emergency disaster relief funds from California, Florida and Texas during the partial federal government shutdown, Becerra condemned the president on Twitter for poaching funds for a "reckless & lawless" border wall.

The fights are ones that Becerra describes as personal. He talked to California Healthline's Samantha Young about his role  and how his upbringing influences his legal decisions.

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: You were a veteran member of Congress in a leadership role. Why did you take this job?

November 2016 hits. We have the election. All the things that I cared about were going to be placed in jeopardy by this new president.

I found myself thinking I probably could make a bigger difference as the attorney general for the entire state of California, defending everything I fought to erect, than as a minority member in the House of Representatives trying to make my point, but always losing.

I made a calculation. I think I made the right choice.

Q: You have sued the Trump administration 45 times on education, immigration, health care, birth control access, climate change and more. What's the one case you really wanted to win?

I'll give you two.

First, the Affordable Care Act, knowing how much it has been a game changer for families. I would never have believed that I'd be leading the effort to protect the entire Affordable Care Act as an attorney general for one of 50 states. But here I am.

The second one is the DACA litigation, because as the son of immigrants, I watched my parents struggle and saw the things they had to live through. I believe these DACA recipients are going to be some of the greatest leaders America has and it's because they had to go through so much like my parents did. So, it's very personal.

Q: Do you remember your parents' economic struggles as a child?

I thought I was middle class growing up as a kid. It really wasn't until I was driving with my mom to start my first day at Stanford University, driving through Palo Alto, that I realized I'm not middle class.

We always had decent food to eat. I never got a pair of Converse. I never had a pair of Levi's jeans. Never had that kind of stuff, but I always had clothes. It didn't dawn on me that we were much different than other folks.

Q: How does your upbringing influence your decisions as attorney general?

Everything I do is informed by what I grew up with. I defend immigrants with a passion because I saw immigrants every day of my life. And I know how hard they work. I never saw a day where my dad didn't work.

My mom came here when she was 18 from Guadalajara, when she married my dad. Didn't know English. Learned it. She could always find a job, and when she learned English it became easier. But she could never go very high because she never went to college.

So, when someone wants to knock an immigrant, you're knocking my dad and my mom.

Q: You believe everyone should have access to health care. Was there ever a period in your life when you didn't have health insurance?

I don't ever recall a time when I didn't. That's why I'm such a big defender of unions. My dad was a construction worker. My dad got to the sixth grade. As difficult as it is for someone with a sixth-grade education to get a decent job, and while being a manual laborer and working construction doesn't make you a millionaire, if you work for a union it gets you basic benefits.

I knew what it meant to have health insurance, especially on the day my mom ended up having a miscarriage. She was hemorrhaging at home and she had to be rushed to the hospital. There was no hesitation.

We knew we could go to the doctor  and everybody should know that. For me, health care is a right. I've been a single-payer advocate all my life.

Q: Why do you think it's important to build coalitions with other states when challenging the Trump administration?

Lifting something by yourself is very difficult. When you get a team to do it, it just clicks so much easier. Maybe it's because I went through Congress more years in the minority than the majority, where you realize what it takes to actually cobble together a coalition to get something done. Or, maybe it's just that when you've been in a minority all your life, the son of immigrants with very little, you know it takes a team effort.

I got through Stanford knowing my family didn't have a lot of money, so I had to work, take out student loans and receive help from the government. It was a combination of a lot of things.

Q: What's your response to critics who say state attorneys general are "militarizing" their office to overturn policies your party can't block in Congress?

Which of the cases should we not have filed? The one to defend the Affordable Care Act, or the one to prevent women from losing access to birth control, or is it the one to allow DACA Dreamers to be deported, or is it the one to make sure that we are defending against a crazy border wall, or is it the one that should allow predatory for-profit colleges to continue to avoid having to provide relief to students who were defrauded?

We're not doing this because we're trying to attack the federal government or because we've got it out for this particular president. How would we explain to the people who would have been unprotected why we just watched, why we just spectated?

This KHN story first published on California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation.
New research carried out by forensic scientists at Anglia Ruskin University has shown that commonly-used emollients can pose a significant fire risk once they have dried on fabric such as clothing and bedding.

The scientists tested a variety of emollients, some of which are commonly used for treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The findings have been published in the Fire Safety Journal and were presented at the UK Association of Fire Investigators conference in Leeds last week.

Initial work focused on creams, lotions and ointments with a paraffin base, but their recent laboratory research has indicated that the presence of paraffin-free emollient increases the flammability of fabrics.

Dr Sarah Hall and Joanne Morrissey of Anglia Ruskin University measured the time it takes for fabrics - including cotton of different thread counts and polyester-cotton blend - to ignite once contaminated with an emollient and in close proximity of a naked flame.

Non-contaminated fabrics took an average of 65 seconds to ignite, while those containing emollient residue, from both paraffin and paraffin-free creams, caught fire in less than 20 seconds.

Dr Hall, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science at Anglia Ruskin University, said: "We were driven to carry out this work following a couple of tragic cases reported to us by Essex Fire and Rescue Service that were linked to fires and the use of emollients. Since then we have worked jointly with Essex Fire and Rescue, London Fire Brigade and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"Our initial research focused on the range of paraffin-based creams, as this seemed the most obvious reason for flammability. However, we are now seeing that fabric that has been in contaminated with any of these creams reacts in a similar way.

"We are now carrying out further research to try and identify any common ingredients as well as the best ways of removing the residue from clothing and bedding, for example the ideal washing temperature."

Watch Manager Chris Bell, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and National Fire Chiefs Council Emollient Lead, said: "We welcome the report from Anglia Ruskin University and we thank the researchers for their commitment to exploring this issue further.

"We want to reassure people that emollients are safe to use. They are an effective treatment for skin conditions so people should continue to use them.

"However, people should be aware that when using emollients they can come into contact with fabrics, clothing, bedding or bandages which then dries leaving a flammable residue. The fabric can then be easily ignited with smoking materials such as matches and lighters, naked flames or other heat sources.

"We are asking people who prescribe, dispense or apply these products to be aware that switching to a lower or paraffin-free emollient will not reduce the fire risk. Washing fabrics will reduce the risk but may not totally remove it."

West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service's safety messages:
Endoscopic endonasal brain surgery is a minimally invasive technique that is associated with reduced recovery times compared with traditional techniques such as craniotomy. The total amount of time required to recover following this procedure will vary by;

tumor location areas of the brain affected by surgery age and general health of the patient whether the patient encounters any complications or requires further treatment

Waking up after the operation

Following endoscopic endonasal surgery, patients spend on average of 2 to 5 days in the hospital. Immediately following surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room, where you will wake up as the anaesthetia wears off. You may experience nasal congestion, nausea, headaches, and pain after surgery. However, these symptoms will be managed by medication. If your vital signs (heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and temperature) require closer monitoring, you may spend a night in the intensive care unit (ICU). Your family members will be able to visit once you are in a stable condition and the medical professionals have completed their initial post-surgical assessment.

Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery: Endoscopic Endonasal Approach | UPMC Play

What happens immediately after surgery?

Once you have been moved to a regular hospital room, the nurses will encourage you to increase your activity level. You will begin this recovery by sitting up in a chair then progressing to standing and walking. You will be given something to drink, and, if you tolerate this well, you will soon be able to eat as well.

What is the recovery from endonasal endoscopy?

Following endoscopic endonasal surgery, a nasal dressing and nasal packs are applied to your nose. These help contain any drainage of fluids from the nose and back of the throat. They will be removed the day after surgery. To prevent injury to the surgical site, it is advised that you refrain from activities that could increase pressure of spinal fluid inside the head (such as blowing your nose, bending over, lifting, or straining) for up to a month. Many patients report a decrease in smell and taste for several months following surgery, due to decreased air flow through the nasal passage.

What post-operative assessments will be performed?

During your hospital stay, you will be closely monitored by a team of medical professionals. A range of assessments and tests may be undertaken during this time related to the specific site of your brain surgery. For instance, if the tumor was located near your pituitary gland, the nurses will assess for changes in your vision, fluid intake, and urine production (signs for diabetes insipidus), and any nasal discharge. An endocrinologist may also visit to check your hormone levels. You may be prescribed hormone-replacement medications if your pituitary gland function has been affected. Further imaging scans, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) scans will be performed during the first few days after surgery. These assessments help to determine the success of the surgery, the rate of resection, and to establish a post-operative baseline for future comparisons.

Rehabilitation

Surgical procedures on the brain can affect a persons thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Extra support may be needed to help you overcome any problems you have. This may include therapies such as

Physical therapy to help you walk and move safely before your release from hospital. Occupational therapy to help identify any problems you may have with daily activities, and to make any necessary adjustments to your home. They will also help to assess your ability to return to work and drive a vehicle safely. Speech and language therapy to help evaluate and overcome any difficulties with communication, speech, or swallowing.

What happens after hospital discharge?

Your medical team will brief you and your family about home care and what to expect during the healing process. They will also give you details of any follow up appointments with your medical team.

You will be advised to avoid heavy lifting (anything heavier than 10 to 15 pounds) for a month. It is also advised that you avoid any activities where your arms are above your shoulders for a long time. Doctors often recommend a home routine of increasing activity as your fatigue and pain subside over the first few weeks.

Driving

You may not be allowed to drive for awhile after undergoing brain surgery. It is best to wait until after your follow-up medical evaluation before you start to drive again.

When can I return to work?

The length of time it takes for you to return to work will vary significantly depending on how physical your job role is. Fatigue is a common symptom after brain surgery, which often restricts your return to work. It is advised that you create a staggered return to work plan with your employers, at first returning on a part-time basis, before returning to full-time employment when you feel comfortable.

Further Reading
Other towns in the state have had similar complaints from residents about college students renting in their neighborhoods. Filchak suggested the town create an ordinance that would address such issues. Such an ordinance would need to be taken up by the Ordinance Review Committee, which meets on an as needed basis. The committee would have to send it to the Board of Selectmen and residents would have to vote on it.
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A group of East Texas residents is facing federal drug charges after officials said they dis
A demonstrator holds a sign as Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, speaks during a press conference at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Jan. 31, 2019.
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DANBURY  No one has ever come as close to defeating Mayor Mark Boughton in a municipal election as Chris Setaro, so Democrats are clearing the decks to give him another shot this year.

The Danbury Democratic Town Committee voted unanimously Monday night to endorse the attorney and former City Council president to run a rematch of his hotly contested 2001 race against Boughton, which the mayor won by fewer than 140 votes.

Boughton has walloped every Democratic challenger since, usually by a margin of about 2-1, but Setaro and the Democrats believe this could be their chance to parlay upsets in Novembers state midterm elections into gains in GOP-dominated municipal offices.

We are on our way to laying down the groundwork for our local elections to be as successful s we were last November, Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Andrea Gartner said. This past year as chair has been a lively one and Im confident the upcoming one will be just as exhilarating  All I can say is fasten your seatbelts.

Setaro already was considered the partys favored candidate, but other local Democratic leaders reportedly considered mayoral runs through the holidays, including Gartner and 2017 mayoral candidate Al Almeida. The committees vote on Monday night was designed to quash any of those rumors for good and potentially draw state support for the highly anticipated race.

Setaro is the earliest a challenger has announced and been endorsed by the party over at least the past two decades and he is using his head start to frame the race as upsetting the status quo. He already posted more than $25,000 in contributions in early January.

We are full of hope, were excited, Setaro said. Were excited for our party and were excited for our city. When our party is united, when our party is together, Danbury sees good things happen and I know thats where we start from today.

The closest any challenger has come to upsetting an incumbent Boughton was Democrat Dean Esposito in 2005, who secured 42 percent of the vote that fall. Esposito, in a twist, is now the mayors chief of staff and was a close adviser on the mayors third unsuccessful bid for the Republican nomination for governor last year.

But this year the party is making an aggressive, early push to get Setaro the volunteer corps and financial contributions he will need to make the partys most serious run against Boughton since he was elected, former mayor Gene Eriquez said.

The early announcement and even earlier committee endorsement  which typically waits until the partys summer convention  paves the way to bring those state resources to the race, he said.

Were all in, Eriquez said. Its a Democratic city and its time it looked like it at the top.

The Democrats also are facing the departure of longtime Minority Leader Tom Saadi, however, who will resign his Fourth Ward seat on the City Council on Tuesday after 20 years on the council.

Saadi was re-nominated last month to stay on as Commissioner of Veterans Affairs under new Gov. Ned Lamont and has decided he must focus on his state service.

The committee has nominated school board member Farley Santos, a banker who is the child of Brazilian immigrants. Santos has been intimately involved in local party politics who considers Saadi a mentor after working with him over the past almost eight years.

I want to be able to follow in Toms footsteps and continue local advocacy for the ward as we push the issues that matter to Danbury, Santos said. Im proud of who I am, Im proud of my service on the board of education and Im proud were going to continue keeping up with the diversity that makes up the mosaic of Danbury.

Santos expected appointment to the City Council will create the fourth vacancy on the 11-member school board in the past year. Democratic leaders will consider nominations for the school board position later this month and the board will interview and seat a new member over the next month.
Much of the work on the trail will be unseen, said Celtruda. The trail itself will be built up with a solid foundation, a 10-foot width and a smooth, well-drained surface. Ten of the trails intersections with roads will be enhanced with signs, crosswalks, and bollards to improve safety and prevent motor vehicles from using the trail.
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West Berkshire Council's response time to the most urgent potholes is two hours

WEST Berkshire Councils aim of repairing the districts most severe potholes within two hours mirrors that of most other local authorities.

A Freedom of Information request conducted by the RAC Foundation asked 190 of the 207 local highway authorities in Britain about how and when councils repair roads.

The motoring charity found that the quickest-acting councils in the UK aim to fill in the most severe potholes in their roads within minutes.

Cumbria, Flintshire and South Lanarkshire councils all try to act immediately to sort out defects.

The most common response time to the most urgent problems is two hours, with 79 councils  including West Berkshire  looking to patch up the road within this period.

Less urgent ruts throughout the district can take anywhere between 24 hours and 38 days to be filled in.

Elsewhere in Berkshire, Slough Borough Council and Bracknell Forest Council aim to respond to severe potholes in just 30 minutes.

But it takes Reading Borough Council and Windsor and Maidenhead Councils up to three hours to repair a serious hole in the road.

The RAC said response times to the most serious defects will be influenced by how many miles of road a council has to manage and the geographical size of the council area.

Analysis shows that local highway authorities across the country are increasingly adopting the risk-based approach to fixing road defects.

This means that not only will the size  width and depth  of a pothole be taken into account, but also the type of road it is on, the volume of traffic that road carries and the mix of road users.

Most authorities still set minimum investigation levels  based on depth and width measurements  below which they wont assess potholes, nor assign response times based on the dangers they pose.

West Berkshire Council is one of 26 local highway authorities which only repair potholes if they are deeper than 50mm (5cm) and measure 300mm (30cm) wide.

This is contrary to more than half (56 per cent) of local highway authorities in the country that fill in potholes if they have a depth of 40mm (4cm) or above.

RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding said: It is understandable that large rural authorities set themselves longer response times, simply as a result of having to travel further to effect repairs, but motorists might still be surprised to see such a wide variation across the country.

Those particularly vulnerable to potholes  cyclists and motorcyclists  might ask whether the speed of pothole investigation should be based solely on the risk to users.

In December, West Berkshire Council received a 2m grant from the Department of Transport to smooth over potholes following the harsh Beast from the East winter, which took its toll on the districts roads last year.

In 2018, the local authority invested 3.6m on resurfacing and a further 1.06m on other road repairs to maintain the districts 1,292km road network.

All road-related problems can be reported to the council directly by visiting www.westberks.gov.uk/reportaproblem
Sarah Bosley talks to the owners of Newbury Electronics and the Highnett Group about their succession planning

(L to R) Nicky Varley, Stewart Highnett, Toby Bartlett, Philip King and John Rowley

Two long-standing Newbury businesses have started the New Year under new management.

At Newbury Electronics, Philip King has handed the managing director reins over to John Rowley and taken on the role of chairman. Both men are pictured below.

The firm has been trading for 60 years and is a leader in the provision of bare printed circuit boards (PCBs), assembled electronics and electronics design.

Mr King, who joined Newbury Electronics 37 years ago, has overseen 3.5m of capital investment at the company during his seven years as MD.

He said: It is time to move on and hand the baton to the next generation.

It was quite a lengthy search to find John as we wanted somebody who totally understood the issues that an independent business like ours has.

There is no major group to back you up.

You have to be aware and to a degree cautious, but you have to consistently reinvest to move forwards.

The process has been like a rebirth for the business.

We have be doing quite well over the last few years and prospects look very promising.

Mr Rowley, who is 37-years-old and has nearly 20 years of experience in the electronics sector, added: I am excited about taking on this pivotal role at Newbury Electronics, a company that has gone from strength to strength under Phils leadership.

With over 3.5m worth of capital investment in the last few years and more to follow in the next few months, the company is one of the best equipped in the country to meet the demands of modern electronics engineering production and deliver a comprehensive and reliable service to both new and existing customers.

We are a very well-known brand in the industry and the quality of our products is very solid.

Before joining the Newbury company at the end of last year, Mr Rowley had previously worked as an operations manager, operations director and most recently as the managing director of SMT Developments.

He completed an MBA in business administration in 2012 and graduated from the Great 200 Leaders programme.

He is also a recipient of The Manufacturers Top 100 award.

A project for the coming year is the launch of the companys multi-national websites, which will begin with a Dutch launch and will quickly roll out across a number of European languages  a huge undertaking for a relatively small, independent business.

The two men are currently in the process of a year-long handover and said they didnt have too many concerns for the business in the aftermath of Brexit.

We are looking to change our shift patterns and to recruit locally, 67-year-old Mr King said.

We are hoping to add 10 to 15 trainees to train as assembly technicians.

Manufacturing is an industry that has an ageing workforce and there is a big gap in the middle, but people are starting to become interested in industry again.

I want the business to carry on doing good things for its clients and ensuring the longevity of the business is one of my priorities.

The company has a close working relationship with another Newbury business that is also undergoing some changes in 2019.

After 40 years at the helm of the Highnett Group, founders Stewart and Christine Highnett have handed control to Toby Bartlett and Nicky Varley (all pictured below).

The decision to step aside has been made all the easier, Mr Highnett admits, by the fact that it is an employee who is taking over.

He said: I started the business 40 years ago and that anniversary prompted me to start thinking about leaving.

Now is the right time for Christine and myself to step away from the business.

We hoped it would be a success, but never imagined we would be where we are now, with national and international clients, a committed and skilled team of employees and regular new business enquiries.

I would now quite like to retire and spend more time rebuilding classic cars.

Psychologically I am ready to go and I have complete confidence in the guys we have here.

The new owner and managing director, Toby Bartlett, aged 40, joined the company six years ago and so has a clear understanding of how the business works and was the perfect person to take over when Mr and Mrs Highnett decided to take a step back.

This is an amazing opportunity and I am determined to build on the success and reputation of the company, said Mr Bartlett.

In addition to the support and encouragement Im receiving from Stewart and Christine, my colleagues are also right behind me and Im looking forward to 2019.

One of the biggest challenges for Mr Bartlett this year is finding more skilled staff.

He said: We currently have two apprentices completing their final year of the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in electrotecnical technology and we are keen to talk to anyone who may be interested in developing their career with us.

The Highnett Group, which employs 10 people at its Newbury offices, comprises of Highnett Controls, Macklin Controls and Solatest Renewables  a division that was at the forefront of the solar energy boom.

Highnett Controls, the foundation of the group, designs, manufactures and maintains control panels, alongside M&E installation and maintenance, servicing and repairs for a range of systems, including fire and emergency, lighting, plumbing and motor and machine fault diagnosis and repair.

We are only a small company, so it is in its best interests for me to let go and I am ready to do that, Mr Highnett added.

We have run it for 40 years and have had good and bad times and I think it is time for someone else to take up the challenge.

This is the ideal solution and it means all the employees keep their jobs and everything stays the same.

And I am going to be in the background for a year or so.

Looking back, 66-year-old Mr Highnett said, they have enjoyed some exciting times during their 40-year tenure, from helicopter ditch training to allow them to work in places such as the Outer Hebrides, to building panels for the London Olympics.

What exciting things both of these companies will get up to in the future is now in the hands of a new generation.
The students were notified of their preliminary acceptance in November, but they had to make several adjustments to the experiments design. They had to modify the types and amounts of materials they planned to send into space.
Newburyport, MA (01950)

Today

Cloudy skies with periods of rain later in the day. Thunder possible. High around 80F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Showers in the evening, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 52F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Vermont State Police are seeking the publics help in locating a missing 24-year-old man from Benson who may be driving a stolen vehicle.

Brady Dugan was reported missing shortly after 1 a.m. on Tuesday, authorities said. Around the same time, a 2005 Chevy Equinox went missing and had since been reported stolen.

State police said they believe Dugan may be driving the stolen vehicle. The car bears a Vermont registration with a license plate that reads GKW704.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dugan or who sees the vehicle is asked to contact Vermont State Police, Rutland Barracks at 802-773-9101.
A Maine man is accused of marrying a New Hampshire woman while married to women in Alabama and Georgia and officials say it is possible there were more marriages, as well.

Prosecutors say 44-year-old Michael Middleton of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, had a pattern of marrying women he met online and then vanishing after gaining control of their assets.

The Journal Tribune reports that detectives painstakingly obtained and reviewed records from other states to build a case.

The investigation revealed that he was married to women in Alabama and Georgia, and that there may be other undiscovered marriages.

In New Hampshire, bigamy carries a penalty of up to 7 years in prison. Middleton is in jail pending a hearing on Thursday. It's unknown if he has a lawyer.
Massachusetts State Police announced Monday that they have begun a 6-month body camera pilot program.

The program consists of devices from several vendors which will be tested by 100 state troopers. The purpose of the cameras is to provide accountability and accuracy for troopers during public interactions and increase trooper safety.

"Body cameras offer the potential to bring a new level of officer safety, transparency, and accurate documentation to the tens of thousands of interactions our personnel have with the public every year," said Col. Kerry A. Gilpin, superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police.

Mark Lynch, president of the State Police Association of Massachusetts, said his members were looking forward to working with state officials to "employ new technologies."

"(The union) supports the administrations body-worn camera pilot program and looks forward to examining the perceived benefits and potential improvements with the use of these technologies," Lynch said.

The program is among the latest operational and fiscal reforms Gilpin and state police command staff have undertaken in the past 10 months.

Following a scandal where eight state troopers at the now-defunct Troop E were arrested and charged with embezzlement as part of an ongoing overtime abuse scandal, the department has also installed automated vehicle locator systems in all patrol cruisers, conducts quarterly audits of the department's top 50 earners and contracts with a major audit firm to review payroll functions.

The city of Boston expanded its body camera program last summer following the release of a report that found the pilot program generated "meaningful benefits" between encounters of officers and residents.

Former Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said the study showed there was a positive impact to using the cameras.
Investigators are trying to determine what sparked a massive 4-alarm fire that charred an apartment building in Townsend, Massachusetts.

Utility crews and authorities assessed the scene early Tuesday as they worked to determine if the Pine Ridge Estates apartment building could be salvaged.

The blaze was reported sometime before 9 p.m. Monday on Fitchburg Road, where the roaring fire shot flames through the roof of the building before crews were able to douse the blaze.

One resident said the fire left her shaken up.

"Not sure what to do after all this ends," resident Galina Seregina said. "My keys are left in the apartment. My purse is there. I only have two cats with me, so it's a little bit stressful."

Seregina said she smelled smoke then saw smoke emitting from the light fixture in her bathroom.

NBC10 Boston's Skyranger helicopter was over the scene of the inferno, where heavy flames and smoke could be seen coming from the roof of the structure.

Townsend Fire Chief Mark Boynton said that at one point, the blaze was too dangerous for crews to continue to be inside.

No injuries were reported in the fire.
What to Know DEP informed a Blackstone homeowner she was responsible for a heating oil spill that had happened 11 years earlier and two owners prior.

DEP records show the previous homeowners told the agency they did not have the money to pay for the entire cleanup in 2007.

Officials with DEP say they will not pursue enforcement against the homeowner who is filing financial inability paperwork with the agency.

It is a construction project no homeowner wants to see: The damage and disruption of a heating oil spill cleanup.

The emergency remediation typically leaves concrete basement floors pulverized as workers shovel up contaminated soil and carry it away in large metal drums.

Long after the jackhammering subsides, the emotional and financial toll of an oil cleanup can persist for months, even years. Especially, when its unexpected.

NBC10 Boston

An expensive cleanup was the last thing on Donna Barrons mind when she saved up her money and bought a home in Blackstone for her and her three kids in 2017.

It was a quiet neighborhood on a dead-end street. Barron made some minor improvements around the property, purchased some new appliances, and settled into the new home with her family.

Everything was going great, Barron recalled. Until I got a letter from the DEP.

The letter in October 2018 was from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which informed Barron her property was considered a disposal site because of a heating oil spill that had occurred 11 years and two separate property owners earlier.

According to letter, which described the situation as an urgent legal matter, the 200-gallon spill from an above-ground storage tank had never been fully cleaned up. Even worse, the letter stated she was responsible for the cost of the cleanup as the current property owner.

This was 11 years ago. I didnt own the house. Youre kidding me, right?! Barron reacted.

The old tank in the side yard is long gone. The dirt basement has since been paved, showing no signs or smells of a previous spill. Even more surprising: Nothing was flagged during a title search when Barron purchased the home.

I was completely blindsided, she said.

DEP records show the previous homeowners told the agency they did not have the money to pay for the entire cleanup in 2007, buying them some time.

They eventually sold the property to a new owner in 2015. It is unknown if the unresolved oil spill was disclosed during that purchase process.

It certainly never came up when she bought the home in January 2017, Barron said.

And then, a decade after its last communication about the spill, staffers at the DEP finally got around to following up, sending the letter that landed in Barrons mailbox.

Its terrible. Its an injustice to me. Im an innocent homeowner! Barron expressed.

The NBC10 Boston Investigators took Barrons situation to Paul Locke, Assistant Commissioner for the Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup at DEP.

Locke called the situation very unusual, saying the vast majority of heating oil spill cleanups are completed within a year. He admitted the agency dropped the ball by allowing the property to transfer owners twice since its previous communication.

I think we shouldve followed up more frequently and I think most of the time we do, Locke said.

The assistant commissioner said DEP tries to balance enforcement of spill cleanups with homeowners who might not have the financial resources to get the full job completed.

When the NBC10 Boston Investigators asked why DEP does not go after the previous owners who never took care of the spill, Locke responded, The short answer, which is not satisfying, is thats the way the law is written. For oil releases, the responsibility lies with the owner of the property.

In other words, the person who owns the house also owns the problem.

As unfair as that might seem, Barron is stuck with the tab. The estimates she received just to test the soil around her property start at $14,000. If major work is still required to remove contaminated soil that threatens groundwater or neighboring properties, the tab could grow to six figures.

I put all my money into this house. I dont know how Im going to pay for this. Its devastating, Barron said.

That brings up another big issue: Barrons insurance has already denied her claim for cleanup costs.

The NBC10 Boston Investigators learned if there is a heating oil spill at a Massachusetts home, theres a good chance that homeowner would get a similar rejection letter, too.

Ive never met a homeowner who isnt shocked, said Susan Crane, an environmental attorney who has helped people cope with heating oil spills for more than 20 years. Their reactions are beyond description. Homeowners call me crying.

Crane said the typical insurance policy has a pollution exclusion for these types of catastrophes. As a result, she has watched clients clean out retirement savings or college funds for extreme projects that sometimes require moving homes off their foundations.

The worst cleanups, and Ive handled several of them, have been over $1 million, Crane said. This is financially devastating.

A decade ago, Crane was part of a legislative effort to improve insurance coverage for families affected by heating oil spills. However, she said the law that took effect in 2010 had a loophole: Instead of mandating insurance companies to provide coverage, the statute requires them to make it available.

That means homeowners have to proactively opt in to the additional coverage. And it seems many of them remain in the dark that the coverage even exists or is necessary.

DEP records show since 2012, there is an average of 118 heating oil spills per year in Massachusetts. Despite an insurance rider that is less than $100 for $100,000 of coverage, only 5 percent of homes with heating oil have the policy.

I think it has not been well advertised, Locke, the assistant DEP commissioner said. Outreach needs to be a lot better.

Carl Shapiro is a licensed site professional who is hired by homeowners to oversee heating oil cleanups from start to finish.

He recently gave the NBC10 Boston Investigators an up-close look at the headache after 250 gallons of oil leaked from a rusted hole in a tank at a Roslindale home.

On a cold January morning, a crew of workers swarmed the basement, hanging plastic sheeting to contain vapors, jackhammering cement flooring, testing soil samples, and shoveling out contaminated material.

When I told the owner about the insurance, she told me she never knew about it, Shapiro said.

In an odd way, Shapiro said homeowners in the insurance predicament have to almost hope the spill reaches neighboring properties, triggering third-party liability coverage.

At the Roslindale home, the owners are already running up a pricey tab on their credit cards.

They know this is just the beginning and it has already been in excess of $10,000. They are shocked and confused, Shapiro said.

Back in Blackstone, Baron said shes learned the tough lesson that homeowners have to do their own research instead of relying solely on title insurance and real estate attorneys.

The NBC10 Boston Investigators discovered there is a DEP database of all oil spills in Massachusetts where people can look up specific addresses. However, it seems this is not a standard practice during the residential home purchase process.

Barron contacted an attorney to see if she had any recourse. However, the original owners applied for a financial waiver, meaning there might not be many assets to pursue. The fact she did not purchase the home directly from them is another issue when it comes to property disclosures.

As a result, Barron said spending money on a legal battle could prove to be a futile effort.

DEP officials say they will not pursue enforcement against Barron, who is filing financial inability paperwork with the agency. Locke said they are exploring a pilot project where DEP can use its own contractors to finish cleanup work. A payment plan can then be arranged with the homeowner to reimburse the agency over a number of years.

Regardless, Barron feels like her major investment is suddenly on very shaky ground.

Its flipped my life upside down, she said. Ive lost a lot of sleep and been very stressed. Its been a nightmare.

Consumer Takeaways

Get your oil tank inspected and complete any mandatory upgrades

Ask your insurance company about heating oil coverage

If you are looking at a potential home purchase, check DEP database for history at that address or neighboring properties

Ryan Kath can be reached at ryan.kath@nbcuni.com. You can also follow him on Twitter or connect with him Facebook.
Former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld has changed his party registration from Libertarian back to Republican as he mulls a possible primary challenge against President Donald Trump.

Weld served as a Republican governor from 1991 until 1997. He later became a Libertarian and ran for vice president on a ticket with former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson in the 2016 election.

The clerk's office in Canton, Massachusetts confirmed Tuesday that Weld recently changed his party registration to the GOP.

If he runs for president as a Republican, he could be Trump's first challenger within the party.

Weld has not returned messages from The Associated Press. Weld is expected to visit New Hampshire Feb. 15.
Everybody wins when there is an accurate record of interactions between our men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line every day to serve our community and those residents with whom they interact, he said Monday, as he and police Chief David Rosado announced the launch.
The latest migrant caravan from Central America is en route to the U.S. and already crossed the borders of two countries in the hopes of making it to the third and final border near San Diego.

NBC 7s Rigo Villalobos is traveling alongside the new caravan, providing updates along the way.

The latest migrant caravan is using public transit, which may have them at the border near San Diego sooner than expected. NBC 7's Rigo Villalobos has more.

During President Trumps State of the Union address Tuesday, he said the U.S.s southern border was very dangerous. He called for a bipartisan effort to confront an urgent national crisis to secure the border.

"It is time for congress to show the world that America is committed to end illegal immigration," President Trump said.

The latest migrant caravan reached Chiapas, Mexico, by Wednesday, roughly 2,300 miles from San Diego.

When hearing President Trumps comments, some of the migrants said they were not scared, but rather said that the president doesnt understand their situation.

Many of the people in the new caravan said they are fleeing their countries because they are afraid to be killed by gang members.

Bryan Duran, a member of the caravan, called President Trump very racist. Duran said the presidents plan sounded like a threat because he is against immigrants.

President Trump also said he will build a proper wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, saying I will get it built. He cited San Diegos border security in the project.

NBC 7's Rigo Villalobos shares a growing frustration among a migrant caravan as some are unable to cross into Mexico.

On Monday, the caravan had entered into Mexico from Guatemala.

The group then rested in a park in Tapachula, Mexico, still roughly 2,500 miles from the San Diego-Tijuana border.

A new migrant caravan arrived at the border of Mexico and Guatemala in their journey to America. NBC 7's Rigo Villalobos has more.

Several Mexican citizens spoke with NBC 7 about the new caravan, some of whom arent happy with their arrival.

They said the migrant group leaves behind trash, while a member of the caravan said she always cleans up after herself and her family.

Others in the caravan said they dont want any trouble and that they feel embarrassed when some arent clean because they said it makes them all look bad.

Its heartbreaking, said a Canadian woman visiting the area. We cannot feed everybody, but I am definitely going to the market to buy them some food because I am sure they do not have any money either.

NBC 7's Rigo Villolobos is shadowing the latest migrant caravan as hundreds of Central Americans are making their way to the U.S.-Mexico Border.

One father in the caravan said his family is fleeing Honduras because he said his daughter witnessed a crime and was threatened by people he believes are gang members.

Reaching the U.S. border will be a big challenge ahead, but the migrants said it was worth a try.

Some residents in Tapachula said they wish the migrant group the best but hope they are the last caravan to spend the night in their town.

Images from NBC 7s Rigo Villalobos journey alongside the latest migrant caravan traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border.

This new caravan is much smaller than the group that traveled to Tijuana in 2018. To learn more about the timeline of that migrant caravan, click here.
The Mexican Federal Government on Friday sent 90 National Guard troops to Tijuana where more than 200 people have been killed in homicides already this year.

"Coordination is being sought for municipal and state police to participate, because what matters to us is public safety," President of Mexico Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said. The citizens of Tijuana may be thinking that nothing is being done about the situation of violence that has been occurring in recent times."

Violence in the streets has taken a toll on tourism, and merchants in the city are worried that this type of violence will further damage the citys image. A man who lives in the United States told Telemundo 20 he suffered injuries in a random attack in Tijuana.

"They started to follow us and then one hit me in the face," Cesar Salgado said. Salgado said he was in Tijuana just looking for a good time.

Juan Zendejas has worked on Avenida Revolucion, a street lined with restaurants and bars that attracts many tourists, since he was 13 years old. He said that amid the recent stretch of violence in the city, even the busiest seasons saw a decrease in sales.

"Last year at Spring Break was nothing, before they came. Now they tell the spring breakers not to come to Mexico because it is dangerous, he said.

Federal agents are expected to settle in the La Morita, El Mariano Matamoros, Natura and El Refugio neighborhoods of Tijuana, as well as Playas de Rosarito, a beach community south of Tijuana popular with Spring Break tourists.
A judge in San Diego has dropped two charges against a Navy SEAL accused of stabbing a teenage Islamic State prisoner in Iraq and posing with the corpse.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Monday that the judge in the court-martial of Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher dropped a count related to the officer's battlefield re-enlistment ceremony next to the body. Also dropped was a charge related to Gallagher allegedly operating a drone over the corpse.

Gallagher attorney Colby Vokey calls those charges "character-smearing."

A Navy spokesperson, Brian O'Rourke, says that won't affect the rest of the case.

Gallagher faced an Article 32 hearing in November at Naval Base San Diego. During the hearing, U.S. Navy prosecutors accused Gallagher of premeditated murder for the stabbing death of an injured ISIS fighter who they estimate was about 15 years old. The stabbing happened in Mosul, Iraq, in May 2017.

Gallagher is still accused of stabbing the wounded fighter, firing on civilian crowds and shooting a girl and an elderly man during his 2017 deployment. He's pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder.

The decorated veteran has been held in the Miramar Brig since Sept. 11 when he was arrested at the Camp Pendleton Intrepid Spirit Center.

Gallagher has served 19 years in the U.S. Navy and more than 14 years as a Navy SEAL. He served eight tours of duty with six as an elite special forces operator.

In 2017, Gallagher was ranked as the top SEAL chief and his platoon was ranked as the top SEAL platoon.
What to Know Trisha Pesiri-Dybvik, air traffic control specialist, lost her home in the 2017 Thomas Fire and was laid off during the government shutdown.

Pesiri-Dybvik and her family have since moved to a rental property in Camarillo, but have had to evacuate due to the recent rain storms.

The 2019 State of the Union address will be Tuesday.

U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris has invited Trisha Pesiri-Dybvik, an air traffic control specialist who lost her home in the 2017 Thomas Fire and who was furloughed throughout the 35-day long government shutdown, to be her guest at Tuesday's State of the Union address.

Pesiri-Dybvik's husband, Jed, is a Navy veteran and air traffic controller with close to 25 years of experience who worked without pay throughout the shutdown.

"Since the tragic loss of their home, Trisha, Jed and their three children have worked diligently to bounce back and reestablish a sense of normalcy in their lives, even amidst an unnecessary government shutdown that caused both of them to miss their paychecks for over a month," Harris said. "Trisha's story is just one of many stories I heard during the shutdown of Americans whose lives were upended and who faced those difficult days with strength and resilience."

Pesiri-Dybvik blames both parties for the recent government shutdown and urges them to put aside politics for the good of the country.

"Every day of the last shutdown," Pesiri-Dybvik said, "the system was less safe than it was prior to, so these critical layers of safety are being stripped away."

During the government shutdown, Pesiri-Dybvik's job was deemed non-essential and her husband's workload was increased to compensate for the furloughed personnel and 30-year low staffing shortage of air traffic controllers.

"As my family and I have begun to rebuild after losing our home in the Thomas Fire, the hardship we faced during the government shutdown and the looming uncertainty of another potential shutdown have added a further layer of stress to our already challenging situation," said Pesiri-Dybvik. "Further, as an air traffic control specialist I know that the shutdown eroded critical layers of safety within the National Airspace System and forced my NATCA brothers and sisters to show up at work with the burden of not knowing when their next paycheck would come."

On the evening of Dec. 4, 2017, Trisha and Jed were both at work when they began to hear news of a wildfire spreading towards their home in Ventura. The Thomas fire would become one of largest and most destructive wildfires in state history.

While still at work, the couple asked their nanny to evacuate the house with their children. Ultimately, Trisha and Jed never returned to their home, which was destroyed in the fire.

Harris has previously shared the family's story on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

They have since moved to a rental property in Camarillo, which they were recently forced to evacuate when heavy rain sweeping across Southern California threatened floods and mudslides in burn areas left by the 2018 Woolsey and Hill fires.

NBC4's Ted Chan contributed to this report.
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Face to face with emboldened Democrats, President Donald Trump on Tuesday called on Washington to cast aside "revenge, resistance and retribution" and end "ridiculous partisan investigations" in a State of the Union address delivered at a vulnerable moment for his presidency.

Trump appealed for bipartisanship but refused to yield on the hard-line immigration policies that have infuriated Democrats and forced the recent government shutdown. He renewed his call for a border wall and cast illegal immigration as a threat to Americans' safety and economic security.

Trump accepted no blame for his role in cultivating the rancorous atmosphere in the nation's capital, and he didn't outline a clear path for collaborating with Democrats who are eager to block his agenda. Their opposition was on vivid display as Democratic congresswomen in the audience formed a sea of white in a nod to early 20th-century suffragettes.

(Read a fact check of the State of the Union.)

Trump is staring down a two-year stretch that will determine whether he is re-elected or leaves office in defeat. His speech sought to shore up Republican support that had eroded slightly during the recent government shutdown and previewed a fresh defense against Democrats as they ready a round of investigations into every aspect of his administration.

"If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation," he declared. Lawmakers in the cavernous House chamber sat largely silent.

Looming over the president's address was a fast-approaching Feb. 15 deadline to fund the government and avoid another shutdown. Democrats have refused to acquiesce to his demands for a border wall, and Republicans are increasingly unwilling to shut down the government to help him fulfill his signature campaign pledge. Nor does the GOP support the president's plan to declare a national emergency if Congress won't fund the wall.

Wary of publicly highlighting those intraparty divisions, Trump made no mention of an emergency declaration in his remarks. He did offer a lengthy defense of his call for a border wall, declaring: "I will build it." But he delivered no ultimatums about what it would take for him to sign legislation to keep the government open.

"I am asking you to defend our very dangerous southern border out of love and devotion to our fellow citizens and to our country," he said, painting a dark and foreboding picture of the risks posed to Americans by illegal immigration.

The 72-year-old Trump harkened back to moments of American greatness, celebrating the moon landing as astronaut Buzz Aldrin looked on from the audience and heralding the liberation of Europe from the Nazis. He led the House chamber in singing happy birthday to a Holocaust survivor sitting with first lady Melania Trump.

"Together, we represent the most extraordinary nation in all of history. What will we do with this moment? How will we be remembered?" Trump said.

The president ticked through a litany of issues with crossover appeal, including boosting infrastructure, lowering prescription drug costs and combating childhood cancer. But he also appealed to his political base, both with his harsh rhetoric on immigration and a call for Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the "late-term abortion of children."

Trump devoted much of his speech to foreign policy, another area where Republicans have increasingly distanced themselves from the White House. He announced details of a second meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, outlining a Feb. 27-28 summit in Vietnam.

Trump and Kim's first summit garnered only a vaguely worded commitment by the North to denuclearize. But the president said his outreach to Pyongyang had made the U.S. safer.

"If I had not been elected president of the United States, we would right now, in my opinion, be in a major war with North Korea," he said.

As he condemned political turmoil in Venezuela, Trump declared that "America will never be a socialist country"  a remark that may also have been targeted at high-profile Democrats who identify as socialists.

The president was surrounded by symbols of his emboldened political opposition. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was praised by Democrats for her hard-line negotiating during the shutdown, sat behind Trump as he spoke. And several senators running for president were also in the audience, including Sens. Kamala Harris of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey.

Another Democratic star, Stacey Abrams, delivered the party's response to Trump. Abrams narrowly lost her bid in November to become America's first black female governor, and party leaders are aggressively recruiting her to run for U.S. Senate from Georgia.

Speaking from Atlanta, Abrams calls the shutdown a political stunt that "defied every tenet of fairness and abandoned not just our people, but our values."

Trump's address amounted to an opening argument for his re-election campaign. Polls show he has work to do, with his approval rating falling to just 34 percent after the shutdown, according to a recent survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

One bright spot for the president has been the economy, which has added jobs for 100 straight months.

"The only thing that can stop it," he said, "are foolish wars, politics or ridiculous partisan investigations"  an apparent swipe at the special counsel investigation into ties between Russia and Trump's 2016 campaign, as well as the upcoming congressional investigations.

The diverse Democratic caucus, which includes a bevy of women, sat silently for much of Trump's speech. But they leapt to their feet when he noted there are "more women in the workforce than ever before."

The increase is due to population growth  and not something Trump can credit to any of his policies.

The president also defended his decisions to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria and Afghanistan over the opposition from national security officials and many Republican lawmakers.

"Great nations do not fight endless wars," he said, adding that the U.S. is working with allies to "destroy the remnants" of the Islamic State group and that he has "accelerated" efforts to reach a settlement in Afghanistan.

IS militants have lost territory since Trump's surprise announcement in December that he was pulling U.S. forces out, but military officials warn the fighters could regroup within six months to a year of the Americans leaving. Several leading GOP lawmakers have sharply criticized his plans to withdraw from Syria, as well as from Afghanistan.

Trump's guests for the speech included Alice Marie Johnson, a woman whose life sentence for drug offenses was commuted by the president, and Joshua Trump, a sixth-grade student from Wilmington, Delaware, who has been bullied over his last name. They sat with Mrs. Trump during the address.
Sweden's crown jewels, stolen this summer in a Hollywood-style heist involving a speedboat, have been found on top of a trash can in a suburb of the capital, Stockholm, NBC News reported.

Swedish police say "every indication" suggests the 17th-century crowns and a royal orb have been located months after the the raid on Strangnas Cathedral. "The police are working intensively to have it confirmed 100 percent," officers said in a statement.

A security guard found the jewels, though police didn't say if both the crowns and the orb were among the recovered items. They were stolen in July from alarmed displays and the thieves are believed to have escaped over a network of lakes.

A man is on trial for the heist.
What to Know Philip Looby was arrested and charged with killing his mother, Maryanne Looby, inside her Lower Saucon Township home.

Philip Looby told police his mother attacked him with an X-Acto knife and he acted in self-defense.

Maryanne Looby was the widow of Philip P. Looby, an executive Vice President of Manufacturing for Fechheimer Brothers of Cincinnati.

A man was arrested and charged with murdering his mother, the widow of a former COO, inside a Lower Saucon Township home.

On Monday around 9:20 a.m., police responded to a home on the 1900 block of West Point Drive for a welfare check of Maryanne Looby, 70. Investigators say the check was issued after Bethlehem City Communications received a report accusing Loobys son, Philip Looby, of killing his mother.

Police arrived at the house and knocked on the door. As they waited, they spotted Philip Looby, 49, walking down the stairs from the second floor of the home while talking on a cellphone, according to the criminal complaint.

After Looby answered the door, the officers noticed blood on his hands, investigators said. When the officers indicated they were going to check on his mother, Looby allegedly told them they were not going to like what they found.

The officers found Maryanne Looby dead on the floor of the home. Philip Looby told the officers his mother attacked him with an X-Acto knife and he acted in self-defense, police said.

The Northampton County Coroner also responded to the scene and determined Maryanne Looby suffered several sharp force and blunt force injuries, some of which appeared to be defensive wounds to her hands and forearms. Her manner of death was ruled a homicide. The coroner also spotted blood and bloody footprints on the floor as well as a broken and bloody candle base near Maryanne Loobys body.

Police say in addition to his hands, they also found blood on Philip Loobys feet and clothing. Philip Looby was arrested and charged with criminal homicide.

Maryanne Looby was the widow of Philip P. Looby, the former executive Vice President of Manufacturing for Fechheimer Brothers of Cincinnati as well as the former Chief Operating Officer for the Bayer Clothing Group Limited.
By then, the company had already blown past a goal set by former CEO and executive chairman Bruno Wu, to open parts of Fintech Village Center for Technology and Innovation by September or October 2018. The company also requires a zoning change from the town before it can do business on the site, which is only zoned for residential use. Thats a two- to three-month process, at minimum.
The clothing store chain Charlotte Russe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced plans to close 94 stores, including three in the Philadelphia region.

The fashion brand supplied NBC10 with a list of stores slated to close including one in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and two in South Jersey. No word yet on when the stores will close.

These are the Philadelphia area Charlotte Russe stores slated to close:

Tanger Outlets Atlantic City, 122 Christopher Columbus Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Moorestown Mall, 400 Route 38, Moorestown, NJ 08057

Willow Grove Park Mall, 2500 Moreland Rd., Willow Grove, PA 19090

Four other Charlotte Russe locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are also slated to close:

Brunswick Square, 755 State Route 18, East Brunswick, NJ 08816

Logan Valley, Route 220 & Goods Lane, Altoona, PA 16602

Robinson Mall, 100 Robinson Centre Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15205

York Galleria, 2899 Whiteford Rd., York, PA 17402

CNBC reports that the company has more than 500 brick-and-mortar locations. Of those, more than one dozen other mall and outlet locations in the tri-state region, including stores in Cherry Hill, New Jersey; Whitehall, Pennsylvania; Dover, Delaware; and Philadelphia, are not included on the store closing list.

Charlotte Russe and Peek stores and online platforms are currently open and continuing to serve customers," a news release said.

Charlotte Russe calls itself a "fashion brand for young women, offering affordable on-trend apparel, shoes and accessories for all sizes, with a fun and engaging shopping experience wherever and whenever she wants."

[NATL] Top Entertainment Photos: Best of the American Music Awards, and More
President Donald Trump said Monday that he is nominating David Bernhardt, a former lobbyist for oil and gas companies and other industries, to head the Interior Department despite objections from environmental groups that Bernhardt already was making regulatory decisions on the country's natural resources to benefit industries.

Trump tweeted his intention to nominate Bernhardt, now the Interior Department's acting head, to replace former Secretary Ryan Zinke. Zinke resigned in December amid ethics investigations.

"David has done a fantastic job from the day he arrived," Trump tweeted.

In a statement, Bernhardt called it a "humbling privilege to be nominated to lead a department whose mission I love, to accomplish the balanced, commonsense vision of our president."

Bernhardt's reputation as a technocrat working efficiently behind the scenes stands as a 180-degree turn from that of his flamboyant predecessor. Zinke grabbed attention when he rode a horse to his first day at Interior. Zinke soon was garnering headlines over allegations involving travel and allegations of possible conflicts of interest.

Bernhardt has remained low-profile as Trump weighed him and a half-dozen other reported contenders  chiefly, Western lawmakers  as successors to Zinke.

As acting secretary, Bernhardt drew criticism in recent weeks from environmental groups, tribes and others for continuing to process paperwork for oil and gas projects while other agencies were closed for routine work during this winter's partial government shutdown.

The Interior Department called its effort important to bolstering U.S. energy independence.

"Bernhardt got this nomination as a reward for months of work cramming America's natural heritage into a wood chipper," said Kieran Suckling, executive director of the Center for Biological Diversity advocacy group, one of many environmental organizations condemning Trump's intended nomination. "Confirming him as Interior secretary would be a boon to polluters and a colossal disaster for our public lands and endangered species."

Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, said lawmakers would be watching to see whether Bernhardt's former industry ties were influencing his policy decisions.

"David Bernhardt spent much of his career lobbying for fossil fuel and agricultural interests, and the president putting him in charge of regulating his former clients is a perfect example of everything wrong with this administration," Grijalva said in a statement.

Republican lawmakers praised Trump's pick.

"David Bernhardt ... brings tremendous leadership with him from our home state of #Colorado and I look forward to a swift confirmation process," Rep. Ken Buck tweeted.

Bernhardt, who is from Colorado, first served in Interior as a political appointee under President George W. Bush, becoming the agency's top lawyer.

After his first round at Interior, Bernhardt worked at a Washington law and lobbying firm on behalf of mining companies, oil and gas giants, a politically powerful Western water agency and other groups that have business before the Interior Department.

Coming back to Interior as Zinke's deputy, Bernhardt recused himself from decisions involving a long list of former industry clients to avoid conflicts of interest under ethics rules.

Republicans say Bernhardt's revolving-door experience makes him an informed regulator in matters before the agency. Democrats and environmental groups say he's vulnerable to conflicts of interest.

Under leadership of Zinke and Bernhardt, the Interior Department has pushed to open more Alaskan wilderness and offshore waters to oil and gas development.
After nearly three months of testimony about a vast drug-smuggling conspiracy steeped in violence, a jury began deliberations Monday at the U.S. trial of the infamous Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

The day ended without jurors reaching a verdict for Guzman, who faces life in prison if convicted. They were to resume deliberations Tuesday morning.

The jury has heard months of testimony about Guzman's rise to power as the head of the Sinaloa cartel. Prosecutors say he is responsible for smuggling at least 200 tons of cocaine into the United States and for a wave of killings in turf wars with other cartels.

Guzman, 61, is notorious for escaping from prison twice in Mexico. In closing arguments, prosecutor Andrea Goldbarg said he was plotting yet another breakout when was he was sent in 2017 to the U.S., where he has been in solitary confinement ever since.

The defendant wanted to escape "because he is guilty and he never wanted to be in a position where he would have to answer for his crimes," Goldbarg told the jury. "He wanted to avoid sitting right there. In front of you."

The defense claims Guzman's role has been exaggerated by cooperating witnesses who are seeking leniency in their own cases. In his closing, defense attorney Jeffrey Lichtman assailed the case as a "fantasy" and urged the jury not to believe cooperators who "lie, steal, cheat, deal drugs and kill people" for a living.

Last week, newly unsealed court papers revealed disturbing allegations not heard by the jury  that Guzman had sex with girls as young as 13. A Colombian drug trafficker told investigators that the kingpin paid $5,000 to have the girls brought to him, and that he sometimes drugged them, the papers say.

The start of the proceedings Monday was briefly delayed after two jurors indicated to the judge they were aware of reports about the alleged sex crimes. He questioned both behind closed doors before allowing them to remain on the jury.

The unsealing of the documents came at the request of The New York Times and Vice News. U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan had ordered prosecutors to review the material  originally sealed because it was deemed unrelated to the drug charges  and make portions of it public within four days of the government resting its case against Guzman.

Guzman's attorneys said their client denies the allegations.

Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, on a visit to New York City, stopped by the courtroom, with the jury not present, to thank the government's trial team.
Immigration authorities were trying to "unnecessarily punish" and "intimidate" 21 Savage into giving up his fight to remain in the United States, his lawyer said Monday, as the rapper faces deportation and potentially a 10-year ban from reentering the country, NBC News reported.

The U.K. national, whose real name is Sheyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, never hid his immigration status from the U.S. government and has a pending U visa as the victim of a crime, his attorney, Charles Kuck, said in a statement. The musician has U.S.-born children whom he supports, which could make him eligible to stay as well, Kuck said.

Abraham-Joseph, 26, was taken into custody Sunday in the Atlanta area for allegedly being in the country illegally, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement.
What to Know The White House says Trump will call for optimism and unity in his State of the Union address, using the moment to attempt a reset

Gov. Ralph Northam consulted with top administration officials about whether to resign amid a furor over a racist photo in his 1984 yearbook

'Empire' star Jussie Smollett, who told police he was attacked last month, did not want to report the incident but was convinced to

Get the top headlines of the day in your morning briefing from NBC 4 New York, Monday through Friday. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Trump to Call for Unity, Face Skepticism in State of the Union

The White House says President Trump will call for optimism and unity in his State of the Union address, using the moment to attempt a reset after two years of bitter partisanship and deeply personal attacks. But will anyone buy it? Skepticism will emanate from both sides of the aisle when Trump enters the House chamber for the prime-time address to lawmakers and the nation. Democrats, emboldened after the midterm elections and the recent shutdown fight, see little evidence of a president willing to compromise. And even the president's staunchest allies know that bipartisan rhetoric read off a teleprompter is usually undermined by scorching tweets and unpredictable policy maneuvers. Still, the fact that Trump's advisers feel a need to try a different approach is a tacit acknowledgment that the president's standing is weakened as he begins his third year in office.

Virginia Governor Weighs His Future Amid Pressure to Resign

A political death watch took shape at Virginia's Capitol as Gov. Ralph Northam consulted with top administration officials about whether to resign amid a furor over a racist photo in his 1984 yearbook. Practically all of the state's Democratic establishment  and Republican leaders, too  turned against the 59-year-old Democrat after the picture surfaced late last week of someone in blackface next to another person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe. The photo was on Northam's medical school yearbook page. The sense of crisis deepened as the politician next in line to be governor, Democratic Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, denied an uncorroborated allegation of sexual misconduct first reported by a conservative website. Fairfax told reporters that the 2004 encounter with a woman was consensual, and he called the accusation a political "smear." Protest chants, meanwhile, echoed around Capitol Square. Lobbyists complained they were unable to get legislators to focus on bills. Security guards joked about who was going to be the next governor. Cafeteria workers and members of the cleaning staff shook their heads in wonder. And banks of news cameras were set up outside the governor's Executive Mansion.

Federal Prosecutors Subpoena Trump's Inaugural Committee

Federal prosecutors in New York issued a subpoena seeking documents from Donald Trump's inaugural committee, furthering a federal inquiry into a fund that has faced mounting scrutiny into how it raised and spent its money. Inaugural committee spokeswoman Kristin Celauro told The Associated Press that the committee had received the subpoena and was still reviewing it. "It is our intention to cooperate with the inquiry," she said. A second spokesman, Owen Blicksilver, declined to answer questions about which documents prosecutors requested. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan, which issued the subpoena, declined to comment. The investigation is the latest in a series of criminal inquiries into Trump's campaign and presidency.

'Empire' Actor Did Not Want to Report Attack, Document Shows

"Empire" star Jussie Smollett, who told police he was attacked last month in Chicago, did not want to report the incident but was convinced it was "in the best interest" to do so, according to a police report. Smollett told police on Jan. 29 two masked men punched him, subjected him to racist and homophobic insults, threw an "unknown chemical substance" on him and put a thin rope around his neck before fleeing. It's unclear why the television star was hesitant to report the attack, but the person who called it in -- whose name is redacted in the document but who police have said was Smollett's manager -- convinced the actor to do so. That person also requested the officers turn off their body-worn cameras, according to the police report. The report also states that Smollett's injuries were minor and he was "bruised." Under "weapon used" section of the document, it reads "Hand/Feet/Teeth/Etc." Smollett has recently thanked fans for their support.

Liam Neeson Recalls Racist Response to Rape of Person Close to Him

Liam Neeson has said he is ashamed to admit he had violent thoughts about killing a black person after learning that someone close to him had been raped. In an interview, Neeson said after being told the attacker was black, he "went up and down areas with a cosh (stick or truncheon)" hoping a black person "would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him." "It took me a week, maybe a week and a half, to go through that," Neeson said. Many social media users expressed shock at his admission, accusing the "Taken" star of racism. he Northern Ireland-born actor recounted the story in an interview with The Independent while promoting his new thriller "Cold Pursuit," about a father who seeks violent revenge for his son's death. He said the incident happened some time ago.
What to Know Seven Catholic schools in New York will close after the school year ends, due in part to declining enrollment

Five of the schools are in New York City, one is in Dutchess County, and one is in Sullivan County, the Archdiocese of New York said

In a statement on Twitter, Cardinal Timothy Dolan called the decision to close the schools painful and difficult"

Seven Catholic schools in New York will close after the school year ends, due in part to declining enrollment, the Archdiocese of New York said.

St. Rose of Lima Elementary School and St. Brigid School in Manhattan; Our Lady Help of Christians Elementary School on Staten Island; St. Nicholas of Tolentine Elementary School and St. Joseph Elementary School in the Bronx; St. Mary Elementary School-Wappingers Falls in Dutchess County; and St. Peters Regional School in Sullivan County are all slated for closure in June.

Despite the Archdioceses best efforts to maintain the operational and financial viability of these schools, continuing to educate students in buildings that are underutilized and/or in need of significant improvements has proven unfeasible, the Archdiocese said in a statement.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan called the decision to close the schools painful and difficult.

You know, Id rather be opening some new ones instead of closing some of the gems that weve got, but reality sets in, he said in a video posted on Twitter.

If we had 10 percent more kids in each of those schools, they wouldnt be closing, he added, noting that the schools current students would be enthusiastically welcomed at nearby Catholic schools.

Parents at St. Brigid's in the East Village said they're shocked by the sudden announcement.

"We have questions. We don't know what's happening in the school," said Christina Funes.

"Where were they four, five months ago to say, 'Can we do something? What can we do to keep this from going under?'" said grandparent Tony Pupello.

Signs drawn in crayon were plastered to the doors of St. Brigid's on East 7th Street and Avenue B, pleas from children desperate to save their school. It opened in 1856, and parents said the fight is also about preserving history.

"It's not OK. It's not OK," said parent Amanda Daloisio. "It's painful, and all the more painful in the way in which we were told."

The same community was tested a decade ago, when then Catholic Church next door nearly closed. A multi-million dollar donation saved it, and neighbors are praying it will happen again.

The Archdiocese plans to host informational meetings for parents interested in applying for financial aid and scholarships for the 2019-2020 school year.

We understand these are challenging times for many families, and we will work with all students who are seeking to continue their Catholic education to find a seat at another excellent school in the Archdiocese, Superintendent of Schools Timothy McNiff said in a statement.
What to Know A bullet grazed a deli workers head after a would-be thief shot at him during a robbery attempt, the NYPD said

The attempted robbery happened at Gourmet Deli, on Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens, around 12:40 a.m. on Saturday

The would-be thief shot the worker when he refused to hand over cash, police said

A bullet grazed a deli workers head after a would-be thief shot at him during a robbery attempt, the NYPD said.

The male and two accomplices went into Gourmet Deli, on Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens, around 12:40 a.m. on Saturday, flashed a gun at a 27-year-old worker and demanded cash, police said.

When the worker refused, one of the would-be thieves fired a shot at him, grazing his head, according to police.

The shooting was caught on the deli's surveillance camera.

The trio fled the deli on 110th Avenue after the shooting, the NYPD said. A fourth accomplice stood outside the deli acting as a lookout during the attempted robbery, police said.

The worker was taken to the hospital in stable condition, the NYPD said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to cal the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
A woman freed from federal prison after President Donald Trump cut short her life sentence for drug offenses and a Delaware boy allegedly bullied because his last name is Trump headline a varied group of 13 guests who will sit with first lady Melania Trump for the State of the Union address.

Alice Marie Johnson, 63, served more than two decades of a life sentence without parole before Trump commuted her sentence last year. Johnson's case had been championed by reality TV star Kim Kardashian West, who personally lobbied Trump in the Oval Office.

Delaware's Brandywine School District said last year that steps had been taken to support Joshua Trump, a middle-school student who reportedly had been bullied for years because he shares the president's last name.

Guests the White House invites to the State of the Union typically serve to help put a face on policies the president will promote in the nationally televised address.

Johnson's case spotlights legislation Trump signed into law last year to address concerns about the criminal justice system, including giving judges more discretion in sentencing some drug offenders. Bullying prevention is a key element of an initiative Mrs. Trump named "Be Best."

Other guests will represent Trump's opposition to illegal immigration, his push to halt human trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border, efforts to stem the deadly opioid addiction epidemic and his economic policies.

The remaining guests are:

 Debra Bissell, Heather Armstrong and Madison Armstrong, the daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter, respectively, of a Reno, Nevada, couple allegedly killed in their home last month by a person illegally in the U.S.

 Matthew Charles, a Tennessee man who was among the first prisoners released under the First Step criminal justice legislation Trump signed in December.

 Grace Eline, a 9-year-old brain cancer survivor.

 Ashley Evans, a former opioid addict nearing one year and one month of sobriety who hopes to be reunited with her daughter full-time.

 Elvin Hernandez, a special agent with the Homeland Security Department's human trafficking unit.

 Roy James, plant manager of a lumber facility in Vicksburg, Mississippi, that the White House says was reopened under provisions in Trump's tax cut legislation.

 Timothy Matson, a Pittsburgh police officer and SWAT team member who was shot multiple times while responding to the deadly October 2018 shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. Eleven people were killed.

 Judah Samet, a Holocaust survivor and member of the Tree of Life Synagogue.

 Tom Wibberley, father of Navy seaman Craig Wibberley, who was killed in the October 2000 bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen.

Johnson was convicted in 1996 on eight criminal counts related to a Memphis-based cocaine trafficking ring. Federal courts, including the Supreme Court, rejected her appeals. Her requests for clemency had been rejected by President Barack Obama, who during eight years in office commuted the sentences of hundreds of federal inmates convicted of drug crimes.
A man who survived a shark bite in waters off Key Biscayne over the weekend spoke with reporters from a hospital Tuesday to give an update on his recovery.

Alvaro Ordonez held a press conference at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Ordonez was reportedly bitten by a shark Saturday morning near Cape Florida Beach.

Ordonez said he was diving and spearfishing with a friend when a shark which he estimated was about 10 feet long charged at him. As he was trying to fend the shark off, he says he was cut by one of the shark's teeth in his hand or wrist area.

"I was bleeding massively, it was like a hose," Ordonez said.

Ordonez said more sharks swam into the area after he started bleeding, but one of the people on the boat he was on was able to pull him on board.

He was taken to Jackson for treatment. Doctors said Ordonez had injuries to his artery, vein and nerves but they expect he'll make a full recovery.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the incident.
An officer caught up with Sidoti at another bar a few hours later, and he refused to answer questions. He was not wearing the vest, although he and his friends were wearing similar clothing, the warrant said. His hands were not bruised, and he had no weapons on him.
As pressure mounts for Robert Runcie to step down or to be removed from office, one civil rights organization is stepping in to show their support for the Broward County Superintendent.

Adora Obi Nweze, the president of the NAACP Florida State Conference, said if Gov. Ron DeSantis removed Runcie as Superintendent, the organization believes "this would be an extreme overreach, highly political and racist," the Sun-Sentinel reported.

Community leaders and organizations rallied at the school board's monthly meeting Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale to show support for Runcie.

"The whole situation doesn't look good that you got a lot of angry white parents from Parkland that were victims of this horrendous crime that is now going at a black Superintendent," said one supporter, Wayne Barton.

Parents of Parkland victims tweeted their disagreement.

"Dear NAACP, do not make this about race," Fred Guttenberg said. "My daughter and 16 others were murdered on his watch. This is about the Superintendents. I was supportive of him at first, but not any longer  he needs to resign."

"Criticism of (Runcie) is neither political or racist," Andrew Pollack said. "Our concern is for the safety of ALL Broward students and teachers. To suggest his competency can't be questioned is in fact racist."

Runcie told NBC 6 he wants to keep his job and continue to work for the community he loves.

"Everywhere I go, people come up to me and they are appreciative of the job we're doing in Broward County," he said. "They understand it's a difficult time and the only way to move forward is for the community is ultimately going to have to come together."

DeSantis conceded he likely cannot fire Runcie, although he may put pressure on the school board to do so. At least two school board members say they would terminate his contract.

Meanwhile, emotions ran high for one school board member at Tuesday's meeting.

Board member Robin Bartleman alleged Runcie and staff purposefully scheduled an MSD public safety commission meeting the same night as a ceremony to honor Lori Alhadeff's daughter Alyssa, who was killed in the Parkland shooting.

"Am I crazy that our staff wouldn't call her and schedule her to show up at a town hall meeting the day of a religious ceremony for her daughter? That is sickening," Bartleman said.

Runcie said he wasn't aware of the ceremony and would have rescheduled it.
A man wearing a "Father of the Year" T-shirt was arrested in Florida after he was wanted for alleged child sex crimes in Ohio, authorities said.

Clarence Sheese, 50, was taken into custody Monday in Fleming Island, near Jacksonville, as a fugitive from justice, Clay County Sheriff's Office officials said.

"Clarence Sheese, your decision to flee here was a bad one," the sheriff's office posted on Facebook Tuesday, along with a photo of Sheese wearing the shirt with his hands behind his back.

Sheese was booked into jail, where he was being held without bond, records showed. Attorney information wasn't available.
Worried about a potential Republican primary challenge, President Donald Trump's campaign has launched a state-by-state effort to prevent an intraparty fight that could spill over into the general-election campaign.

The nascent initiative has been an intense focus in recent weeks and includes taking steps to change state party rules, crowd out potential rivals and quell any early signs of opposition that could embarrass the president.

It is an acknowledgment that Trump, who effectively hijacked the Republican Party in 2016, hasn't completely cemented his grip on the GOP and, in any event, is not likely to coast to the 2020 GOP nomination without some form of opposition. While any primary challenge would almost certainly be unsuccessful, Trump aides are looking to prevent a repeat of the convention discord that highlighted the electoral weaknesses of Presidents George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter in their failed re-election campaigns.

To defend against that prospect, Trump's campaign has deployed what it calls an unprecedented effort to monitor and influence local party operations. It has used endorsements, lobbying and rule changes to increase the likelihood that only loyal Trump activists make it to the Republican nominating convention in August 2020.

Bill Stepien, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, calls it all a "process of ensuring that the national convention is a television commercial for the president for an audience of 300 million and not an internal fight."

One early success for Trump's campaign was in Massachusetts, where Trump backer and former state Rep. Jim Lyons last month defeated the candidate backed by Massachusetts Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, a Trump critic, to serve as the state party chairman.

"We have a constant focus on tracking everything regarding this process," Stepien said. "Who's running, what their level of support for the president is and what their vote counts are."

The campaign's work extends beyond state party leadership races, which are taking place in many key states in the coming weeks. Trump's team plans to organize at county and state caucuses and conventions over the next 18 months to elevate pro-Trump leaders and potential delegates. Ahead of the convention, it aims to have complete control of the convention agenda, rules and platform  and to identify any potential trouble-makers well in advance.

That sort of organization is a leap from Trump's 2016 delegate operation, which faced challenges by anti-Trump activists in the party. Trump aides say it's the most aggressive effort ever launched to protect an incumbent.

Nick Trainer, a White House veteran named last month as the campaign's director of delegates and party organization, is leading a team of three to coordinate with state and local parties in the run-up to the convention.

Yet the efforts to protect Trump simply highlight his vulnerability, said an adviser to one potential Republican opponent.

"They're not talented, but they're not idiotic. They rightfully understand that he could be badly damaged or lose in a nomination battle. They're doing too much. It looks weak," said John Weaver, a senior adviser to former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, one of the few high-profile Republicans seriously contemplating a primary challenge.

Trump's campaign is closely monitoring the intentions of Kasich and other potential primary challengers, and aides said they expect someone to mount a campaign for the nomination. But they insist their efforts are not borne out of fear that Trump is vulnerable.

Primary challenges against incumbent presidents have never been successful in the modern era. And Trump's poll numbers among Republican voters have proven to be resilient. Still, his aides said they are taking lessons from one-term leaders who lost their re-elections after embarrassing nominating fights.

Those in the past who challenged a president both distracted the incumbent from the November campaign and offered a voice to intraparty discontent, seeding weaknesses that were exploited by a general-election rival.

Pat Buchanan's campaign against Bush in 1992 focused in part on highlighting Bush's broken pledge not to raise taxes, a vulnerability that dogged Bush throughout the campaign. In a show of party unity Buchanan was awarded the opening night keynote at that year's GOP convention. He delivered a "culture war" speech that Bush loyalists believed contributed to his loss.

As an incumbent, Trump already wields control over the Republican National Committee, which voted last month to express its "undivided support" for Trump and his "effective presidency." But he's getting a boost from well-placed allies at the state level.

In Iowa, the state Republican Party adopted new rules more than a year ago to seize control of the delegate selection process in direct response to the messy convention floor fight in Cleveland in 2016. Virtually all of Iowa's delegates had preferred Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, and they fought unsuccessfully to oppose Trump at the convention.

"It was embarrassing. It was troubling. To be honest with you, it made me mad," said Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufman, a strong Trump supporter. "Donald Trump won the Republican nomination fair and square. That was about people not accepting a loss."

The new rules, made in consultation with the White House, would make it much more difficult for a Trump challenger to install anti-Trump delegates after the caucuses. Smart campaigns with energized activists, like Cruz's and Ron Paul's before him, had been able to send their own loyalists to the national convention regardless of the wishes of party leaders or caucus voters. No more.

Going forward, a nominating committee that's already been named by the pro-Trump state central committee will control the delegate selection process.

Kaufman said that technically, he and the rest of the state GOP would be neutral should Trump face a primary challenge. He makes clear, however, that he's been a strong supporter of the president and doesn't see a serious primary challenge on the horizon.

It's much the same in New Hampshire, where party leaders must technically remain neutral to preserve their status as the first-in-the-nation primary. But the Trump campaign backed Saturday's election of new state GOP Chairman Stephen Stepanek, who served as Trump's state co-chairman in 2016.

Stepanek was viewed as decidedly more supportive of the president than former state chairwoman Jennifer Horn, who emerged as an outspoken Trump critic since leaving the position after the 2016 election.

Meanwhile, states like South Carolina and Kansas are openly discussing canceling their primaries and caucuses, but the Trump campaign insists it is staying out of those discussions, noting that state parties in some states are required to foot the bill for nominating contests.
Editor's Note Tuesday, Feb. 5: Authorities say the pilot aboard the small plane was carrying fake credentials, and was not a former Chicago police officer. Read the latest update to this story here.

Julia Ackley said her her father was known as Antonio or Tony Pastini but was born Jordan Isaacson and was an experienced pilot.

He had been flying for decades and like he often he did came to Orange County to visit her and her daughter.

He lived in Nevada, a popular businessman who trained restaurant owners about food and health safety. He also owned a sushi restaurant, a tree farm in Oregon and also has a twin brother.

He died when his Cessna airplane broke apart and crashed into a Yorba Linda home Sunday, also killing four people inside the home.

While the National Transportation Safety Board investigates, his daughter spoke out about the licensed pilot who could fly single and multi-engine planes and helicopters. He was recently certified to fly medical missions for Angel Flights, a non profit organization that provides free air transportation to people with medical needs.

Ackley said her father was her hero.

She shared their last conversation with her father and pictures of him and her family.

"He was heading home," she said sobbing. "The conversation was about his granddaughters grades, about starting the softball team and how excited she was that he was coming to her very first game and making plans to go flying with him. "I just love him more than anything. I miss him more than anything."

Pastini leaves behind four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A grieving family remembered a father of seven who died in a wrong-way crash in San Francisco this weekend.

The wrong-way driver was identified late Sunday as 21-year-old Kayla Wilson of San Jose, and the other victim was identified as 40-year-old Waheed Etimad of Concord, according to the San Francisco Medical Examiner's Office.

Etimad was a student at Diablo Valley College, a part-time Uber driver and a father of seven, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched to aid his family.

Etimad and his family came to the Bay Area from Afghanistan after he received special permission for helping the United States Military as a translator there.

All lanes of northbound Highway 101 reopened as of 10 a.m. Sunday after both drivers killed in a collision with three vehicles, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Nine other people were injured in the multiple collisions first reported at 2:33 a.m. as a wrong-way, hit-and-run collision with a vehicle traveling southbound in the northbound lanes near Vermont Street striking two vehicles, according to CHP Officer Bert Diaz. The wrong-way vehicle is believed to have come from the Vermont Street off-ramp, Diaz said.

The wrong-way driver then struck another vehicle just south of Cesar Chavez Street, according to Diaz, resulting in one person being ejected from a vehicle.

Uber released a statement late Sunday, saying: "This was a horribly tragic incident and our hearts go out to the victim and his grieving family. We stand ready to work with authorities to assist their investigation in any way we can."

Diaz was unable to confirm if the victim that was ejected was riding in the wrong-way vehicle or the vehicle traveling in the northbound direction.

All lanes of the northbound U.S. Highway 101 freeway were blocked for more than seven hours.
An audit of the Los Angeles Police Departments gang unit found several instances when investigative stops or searches of suspected gang members last summer appeared to be legally unjustified or outside of LAPD policy.

The majority of the officers conduct, often recorded on body-worn video reviewed by the auditors, was within policy and lawful.

The new report, prepared by the Inspector General, the investigative arm of the civilian Board of Police Commissioners, is set for discussion at a public meeting Tuesday.

The report said the Office of the Inspector General examined a sample of 91 stops made by LAPD Gang Enforcement Detail, or GED, officers during July and August 2018 and examined whether or not the stops were reasonable and justified. The audit also looked at whether follow up searches of persons or cars were reasonable and justified.

The report said there was more information available to reviewers than ever before because of the LAPDs widespread use of body-worn cameras and a new state law that requires all officers to collect data on people detained and searched.

This is the first instance for which each officer has been equipped with body-worn video, the report said. As such the OIG had significantly more information from which to conduct its review than was available in previous reports.

The GED audit showed the officers stopped 11,673 people citywide in the course of 8,246 stops during July and August last year. During this two-month period, gang officers stopped 4,576 people described in data as Black/African American, 6,273 people described as, Hispanic/Latino, and 513 people described as, White. Two-hundred ninety nine other people stopped were listed as Asian, Middle Eastern, Multi-Ethnic, Native American or Pacific Islander.

The 91 audited stops were drawn from this pool of data.

The Inspector General, Mark P. Smith, said last week he was preparing a companion report on the activities of the LAPDs Metropolitan Division officers, who are often dispatched to areas with violent or unusual crime trends to do, proactive, patrols. The Metro report from the OIG is expected in the second half of 2019.

The Los Angeles Times said in a report Metro officers had stopped a disproportionate number of black motorists in comparison to the overall ethnic makeup of the population, based on the Times analysis of some statistical data.

LAPD Chief Michel Moore, who announced with Mayor Eric Garcetti that the violent crime rate had been reduced in 2018, declined to say whether he believed the proactive policing techniques of Metro officers had some connection with the stop data cited by the Times.

I think it needs much more discussion, Moore said last week.
President Donald Trump is expected to declare near-total triumph over the Islamic State group in Syria in his State of the Union address Tuesday, but U.S. defense officials are increasingly fearful that the militants are simply biding their time until the Americans leave the battlefield as planned.

IS militants have lost territory since Trump's surprise announcement in December that he was pulling U.S. forces out, but military officials warn the fighters could regroup within six months to a year after the Americans leave.

A Defense Department watchdog report released Monday warned of just such a possibility.

The Islamic State group "remains a potent force of battle-hardened and well-disciplined fighters that 'could likely resurge in Syria' absent continued counterterrorism pressure," the report from the inspector general said.

The top commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, Gen. Joseph Votel, told a Senate committee on Tuesday that of the 34,000 square miles of territory that IS once held, it now controls less than 20 square miles.

"It is important to understand that even though this territory has been reclaimed, the fight against ISIS and violent extremists is not over and our mission has not changed," Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

"The coalition's hard-won battlefield gains can only be secured by maintaining a vigilant offensive against the now largely dispersed and disaggregated ISIS that retains leaders, fighters, facilitators, resources and the profane ideology that fuels their efforts."

Votel said there are now between 1,000 and 1,500 IS fighters in the small area they still control in the southern part of the Euphrates River Valley near the Iraqi border. The remainder, he said, have "dispersed" and "gone to ground," suggesting they retain the potential to return.

Trump's decision to leave Syria, which he initially said would be rapid but later slowed down, shocked U.S. allies led to the resignations of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the top envoy to the anti-IS coalition, Brett McGurk.

Votel was asked at Tuesday's hearing whether he was asked for his advice about a Syria withdrawal before Trump announced his decision.

"I was not consulted," the general said.

The withdrawal will fulfill Trump's goal of bringing troops home from Syria, but military leaders have pushed back for months, arguing that IS remains a threat and could regroup. U.S. policy has been to keep troops in place until the extremists are eradicated.

Fears that IS fighters are making strategic maneuvers ahead of a U.S. pullout could also fuel criticism that Trump is telegraphing his military plans  the same thing he accused President Barack Obama of doing in Afghanistan.

U.S. officials in recent weeks say IS has lost 99.5 percent of its territory and is holding on to fewer than 10 square kilometers of turf in Syria  an area smaller than New York's Central Park. In late November and December that figure had been estimated at between 400 and 600 square kilometers, according to officials briefed on the matter.

But several defense officials said Monday that many fighters fled to ungoverned spaces and other pockets in the north and in the west and are likely hiding out until they can regroup.

Trump said in a weekend interview that the caliphate is "almost knocked out."

"We're at 99 percent right now, we'll be at 100," he said on CBS' "Face the Nation."

U.S. officials say that IS fighters hold only several villages in the Middle Euphrates River Valley that amount to significantly less than 10 square kilometers. But, they say they don't expect that area to be cleared of militants for another several weeks, at best.

Officials say that overall, there are about 2,000 IS militants in Syria.

The Defense Department watchdog report warned that even with the IS forces on the run, the group "is still able to coordinate offensives and counter-offensives, as well as operate as a decentralized insurgency."

The report, which covers October through December 2018, also includes a classified section that was provided to Congress and includes a more detailed Pentagon assessment on the impact of the troops withdrawal and the status of IS militants and other foreign fighters in Syria.

According to the report, U.S. Central Command believes that IS fighters will continue to conduct "opportunistic attacks" on U.S. troops as they withdraw. And it says, "If Sunni socio-economic, political, and sectarian grievances are not adequately addressed by the national and local governments of Iraq and Syria it is very likely that ISIS will have the opportunity to set conditions for future resurgence and territorial control."

Central Command said that the Islamic State group is "regenerating key functions and capabilities more quickly in Iraq than in Syria," but unless there is sustained counterterrorism pressure, IS militants "could likely resurge in Syria within six to twelve months and regain limited territory" in the Middle Euphrates River Valley.

Despite Trump's order to withdraw, American officials maintain that the goal remains the "enduring defeat" of the Islamic State group and are moving ahead with a long-planned meeting of top diplomats from the 79-member U.S.-led anti-IS coalition this week. The aim of the conference is to recommit the coalition to that aim and ensure that the departure of U.S. troops does not overly complicate that mission.

Trump is expected to speak to the gathered foreign ministers at the State Department-hosted conference on Wednesday is widely expected to reiterate and expand on his anti-IS message from the State of the Union, officials said.

___

Associated Press writer Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report.
A San Antonio man is suing his son's middle school classmates and their parents, accusing the students of starting online rumors suggesting his teenage son was planning a school shooting.

Derek Rothschild's lawsuit seeks to unmask the unnamed Tex Hill Middle School students who spread the gossip on social media in January, the San Antonio Express-News reported. It's the first lawsuit to invoke David's Law, named for a Texas high school student who killed himself in 2016 after being cyberbullied.

The lawsuit also seeks $50,000 in damages.

The lawsuit alleges that the students posted on social media that Rothschild's 14-year-old son was most likely to shoot up a school and spread rumors about an alleged planned attack.

School officials investigated the claims and determined they weren't credible, according to the lawsuit. District officials have refused to identify the students who spread the rumors, but said they have been disciplined.

"The rumors were mean-spirited, wholly false and intended to hurt" the eighth-grader, said Justin Nichols, the family's attorney.

Rothschild said the district didn't clear his son's name or provide him with counseling and resources as required under David's Law. The 2017 legislation makes specific requirements for a school's response to cyberbullying, which Nichols said the school district failed to follow.

Nichols said other students had overheard Rothschild's son joking about the rumors with his friends and reported the comments to school officials, who interpreted them as threatening. It led school officials to order the teen to attend a disciplinary alternative education program until the end of the school year, even though they found no credibility to the rumors, Nichols said.

His parents decided to home school him instead.

Aubrey Chancellor, a spokeswoman for the North East Independent School District, said administrators took appropriate actions to address the situation.

"The district made it clear at the beginning of the school year that all threats against schools would be subject to disciplinary action," Chancellor said.
Tuesday, a second chance job fair promises to help a part of the North Texas population that is often overlooked.

Nearly 500 men and women with criminal backgrounds will have a show at a good job and a needed boost for their futures. Its all a part of the "Continuing the Climb" Reentry Job and Resource fair.

The job fair will be held at Tarrant County Resource Connection Conference Center located at 2300 Circle Drive, Fort Worth, Texas, 76119 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"We offer opportunities for individuals who are transitioning back into the community. Whether it is short term training or employment or housing," Andre Johnson with the Reentry First Stop Center explained.

This is the second year for the job fair.

"The last job fair there were 47 individuals hired on the spot and another 295 interviews scheduled from that job fair. So, they were really excited about it," Johnson said.

Several groups including Cornerstone Assistance Network's Reentry First Stop Center for Tarrant County, Unlocking DOORS, Redemption Bridge, Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.) and CPC Tarrant County and Goodwill Industry of Fort Worth work together to make the job fair a success.

"Its really important for the community, because if individuals go back to work and they are pursuing a career path they are less likely to reoffend. Which means the recidivism rate in Tarrant County starts to go down," Johnson said.
What to Know North Texas leaders met at a Climate Change Symposium in Dallas.

Local experts said the climate vulnerability is impacting our health.

Dallas city leaders say by 2020, they will have a plan approved to slowly ramp down emissions.

From escalating wildfires in California that broke three records in 12 months, to the monstrous hurricanes and devastating floods along the Gulf Coast, severe weather events are becoming more common.

"Some people may say well, if we already get all those naturally, what's the big deal? The big deal is that climate change is loading the dice against us. It's taking those dice and decade by decade it's replacing another and another and another with a six," said Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, a professor & climate scientist at Texas Tech.

Dr. Hayhoe is a world renowned climate scientist. She gave the keynote speech at the North Texas Climate Change Symposium in Dallas Monday. She said since 1980, Texas has seen 105 weather and climate disasters that have caused at least $1 billion in damage. She calls Dallas one of the most vulnerable cities in the country.

"Texas Trees Foundation conducted a study with Dr. Brian Stone at Georgia Tech and found that Dallas is heating up at the third highest rate, behind just Phoenix and Louisville," said James McGuire, director of the Office of Environmental Quality in Dallas.

Local experts said the vulnerability is impacting our health.

"Tropical diseases that we never would have had as the breeding season for these insects get longer, Chikungunya, West Nile," McGuire said.

The symposium was the first chance for the public to interact on the city's Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan that got the go ahead from the Dallas City Council late last month.

"By 2020, we'll have a plan approved and in place and it's gonna include goals for us to slowly ramp down our emissions," McGuire said.

"What can we do to build resilience to the impacts of a changing climate? And how can we ensure that Texas continues as an energy leader in the coming century," Dr. Hayhoe asked.

She said while there are many steps we can take, the first one is simply to talk about it.

"It wasn't a concern for me at first and now it's just like okay, maybe I should read more about this and see what's been going on more often," said Zuri Davis, a student at Paul Quinn College who attended the symposium. "Just like I was before I came here, people are not thinking about these type of things."
I thought, Wow, this is the kind of environment and culture I see myself in and would like to come to,' Katsouleas said. ... I want to build the programs and the environment that lead people to say, You know, it might be an honor for me to go to Yale, but it might be an advantage for me to come to UConn.'"
What to Know Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has said that property tax reform is a priority for this year's legislative session.

In Collin County, officials have differing opinions as to the best way to continue to bring enough money to serve booming populations.

The Texas Municipal League said lawmakers first need to reform the state's school finance system in order to tackle property taxes.

This legislative session, state lawmakers are promising to tackle property tax reform. The governor has called it a priority and companion bills in the Texas House and Texas Senate would limit how much cities, counties and school districts could collect in property tax revenue.

The proposals would cap property tax revenue for local taxing entities at 2.5 percent on existing properties over the previous year. If a county, city or school district seeks to take in more than a 2.5 percent increase, voters would be given final approval. The cap would not apply to smaller taxing entities, only those with tax collections of more than $15 million.

Monday, Collin County commissioners approved a resolution showing support for a cap, but other local cities argued a cap is a one-size-fits-all solution that would hurt growing communities.

Chris Hill, the county judge for Collin County, said a revenue cap would serve as a step toward decreasing the tax burden on homeowners.

"They're getting taxed out of their home," Hill said. "They could afford the mortgage payment they agreed to, but they can't afford the taxes that have risen year after year."

Hill said the county has adopted a no new revenue tax rate for three years and taxpayers are demanding decreases.

"If the elected officials aren't willing to make those hard choices between one expenditure and another, they're offsetting those hard choices on to the taxpayers," Hill said.

But other cities said the cap would have unintended consequences, like limiting police, fire and other services in growing communities.

In Frisco, the city said a cap would save a homeowner with a home value of $453,842 around $67. The city said a 10 percent homestead exemption, approved by the council last year, would save the same homeowner $203.

"Our argument is if you let cities have local control and make decisions for their residents, we can actually deliver more tax reform than they can from Austin," Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney said.

The city estimated a cap would equate to a $3.9 million less in the city's budget.

"We're adding 1,000 new residents to Frisco every single month. It's a challenge sometimes to keep up with that growth and all the residents that have been here expect that same level of service," Cheney said.

The Texas Municipal League published a legislative update that said lawmakers have to reform the state's school finance system in order to provide meaningful property tax reform.

"If school finance reform fails this session, and we sincerely hope it doesn't, perhaps some state leaders will no longer think that quickly shifting the focus to cities will provide them any needed political cover from criticism that property taxes are too high," TML's legislative update said.

Most of homeowners' property tax payments are captured by school districts.

"I understand the need for funding infrastructure and schools in a high-growth area, but it seems like a disproportionate amount is placed on the home owner," said Eric Burkes, a homeowner in Frisco.

"If there's a more equitable way to do it, I would certainly be open to that."
What to Know William Eric Brown died after an electronic cigarette exploded and cut his carotid artery, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner.

He passed away several day after the incident, in the hospital, when doctors tried to remove a three-inch piece of metal from his head.

His grandmother, Alice Brown, said she hoped others would recognize the dangers of vape pens.

A Fort Worth man died last week after an electronic cigarette he was using exploded, cutting a major artery in his neck, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner.

William Eric Brown, 24, died Jan. 29 at John Peter Smith Hospital due to "penetrating trauma from exploding vaporizer pen," the medical examiner said, noting shrapnel from the blast severed his left carotid artery.

The report did not identify the brand of electronic cigarette or offer other details.

Brown's grandmother Alice Brown said he told her he was going out to buy some vaping products.

"He said, 'I'll be right back granny,'" Alice Brown said.

Brown was sitting in his car in front of a vape supply store on the 4500 block of Golden Triangle when his pen exploded, Alice Brown said. An employee at the store said Brown never entered the store and declined to comment further.

The medical examiner's website listed the store as the location where the incident occurred.

Brown was rushed to the hospital and his grandmother said he was talking when he arrived. He died several days later after doctors had difficulty removing a three-inch piece of jagged metal from his head, she said.

"Now he's got a new address in heaven," Alice Brown said.

His grandmother said Brown was a certified electrician and took "good care" of her and her family.

Alice Brown said what happened to her grandson should serve as a lesson of how dangerous vaping pens can be.

Brown is believed to be only the second person to die in the U.S. from an exploding vape pen.

In May, a Florida man died from a "projectile wound to the head" after an electronic cigarette exploded, according to The New York Times.
The Dallas Ethics Advisory Commission dismissed a complaint Tuesday morning that was filed against City Council member Philip Kingston over a recent tweet he posted.

On Jan. 13, Kingston wrote:

"I had a City of Dallas van down at the Capitol last week, and I had a daydream about ramming it onto that obelisk by the east entrance and just walking down Congress to the Stephen F. Uh oh. Now I'm really thinking about it."

The obelisk he's referring to is the Hood's Texas Brigade monument, which sits on the Capitol Grounds in Austin. It is topped with a Confederate soldier.

The tweet was part of a thread about the recent removal of a Confederate plaque from the State Capitol -- and specifically, a response to a question about whether state leaders would remove more Confederate symbols from the Capitol Grounds.

Former council member and local activist Sandra Crenshaw saw the tweet and filed an ethics complaint with the city, accusing Kingston of making a threat.

She insisted she had no personal vendetta against Kingston, but admitted she was displeased with how he and other city leaders have handled discussions about what to do with Confederate monuments in Dallas -- and felt in this case, he was out of line.

Kingston has been a vocal opponent of the monuments and has pushed for their removal.

During a hearing Tuesday morning, the Ethics Advisory Commission unanimously voted to dismiss the complaint. They noted Kingston's use of the word "daydream" -- and that he posted the tweet long after he returned from Austin.

"I do think that it perhaps was imprudent for a City Council member to send a text like this," said John Rogers, who chairs the commission. "But I don't think that it rises to the level of an ethics violation."

Kingston attended the hearing, but did not speak. He left the room without making any comment.

Crenshaw said she was disappointed.

"But I'm not surprised," said Crenshaw. "This ethics commission, time and time again -- you would think that they're attorneys for the council people because nothing they can do is wrong."

The full council will receive an updated briefing on the city's Confederate monument plan Wednesday.
What to Know NBC 5 Responds reported Jan. 28 on a group of 117 consumers filing a class action lawsuit against contractor House of Tomorrow.

K-Rose Custom Homes called NBC 5 Responds and offered to repair some of the complainants' roofs for free.

Attorney Steven Badger said he was working with Texas lawmakers to introduce a bill that would help hold roofing contractors accountable.

Joseph Dickens hasn't been this happy in a long time.

For two years, he's been waiting on a contractor to come back and start to repair his roof.

"I was just going to have to crawl myself up there and start knocking the nails and do what I had to do," he said.

Dickens signed a contract and paid the roofer nearly $10,000, but his home remained untouched.

"I was kind of stuck. That's all there was to it. I was just stuck," Dickens said.

He's among thousands of people in Texas who have been played by dishonest roofers.

Last week, NBC 5 Responds delved into the laws on roofing contractors and learned that consumers had very little protection.

"Every week, I get a call from a homeowner ripped off by a bad roofer. It is time for Texas to regulate roofers," Steven Badger, an attorney who represents a group of consumers filing a lawsuit against contractor House of Tomorrow.

That's why Badger said he was working with lawmakers to introduce the "Re-Roofing Registration Bill" to the Texas legislature next month.

Under this law, every roofer in Texas would be required to register with the state, provide a physical business address and contact number, and pay a small registration fee.

Getting the bill passed could take some time, leaving consumers like Dickens in despair.

But just as he was ready to give up on all contractors, Robin Lloyd of K-Rose Custom Homes called NBC 5 Responds.

"Each one, reach one," Lloyd said. "When someone reached out to me, I in turn reached out to Mr. Dickens."

Lloyd received a lump sum of cash from a local donor who would like to remain anonymous, and K-Rose Customs Homes got to work.

"We picked up everything we needed last night and we're here," he said.

A project that Dickens has waited on for two years was finished in a matter of hours.

K-Rose Customs Homes repaired Dickens' roof free of charge.

"Somebody cares," Lloyd said. "We're not all bad."

Lloyd restored Dickens' faith in the construction industry.

Loyd said he planned to help two other consumers in NBC 5 Responds' first story on roofing contractors.

He wanted to serve as a reminder that there are still good roofing contractors out there with honest intentions and big hearts.
A Fort Worth mother whose 12-day-old daughter died after contracting HSV-1 saved the life of another Texas infant with a powerful post she shared on Facebook.

Trejo Family

Herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1, is what caused the death of Emerson Trejo, Presley Trejo's only daughter.

Most commonly, HSV-1 causes sores around the mouth and lips, sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores.

In newborns, it can cause serve complications, or even death, if left untreated.[[505333961,R]]

Trejo said in the first few days at home after Emerson's birth, she began to show signs of loss of appetite and abnormal fatigue.

"She wouldn't cry in the middle of the night to eat. She was sleeping all through the night, all through the day. I was freaking out every single day," Trejo said.

She told NBC 5 that she warned doctors that Emerson had a small spot inside her mouth, but Trejo claimed they told her not to worry.

On Emerson's 12th day of life, Trejo said she suffered a seizure. The Trejos returned to the hospital where doctors diagnosed the virus and said it had spread to the baby's organs, which were shutting down.

Emerson died that same day.

"It was traumatizing. Sickening. She never woke up again. She was gone," said Elias Trejo, Emerson's father.

The Trejos still don't know how Emerson contracted the virus.

"I am grateful that she got to be with us and that she died in my arms. I am grateful for that, but we would much rather have her here," Presley recalled.

Trejo family

Two months after Emerson's death, Presley shared her story on Facebook, including pictures of their final moments with Emerson.

"Everyone needs to know about this virus and what it does to children and their families! PEOPLE!!!! STOP KISSING BABIES THAT ARE NOT YOURS!!!!! WASH YOUR HANDS WHEN YOU ARE AROUND NEWBORNS!!!!!" Presley wrote.

Ashley Pool, of Bryan, Texas, was one of the more than 254,000 people (and counting) to have read Presley's story on Facebook.

Pool family

"I cried. I cried because I just had a baby," Pool said.

One week after reading Trejo's post, she said she began to notice the symptoms of HSV-1 in her newborn. She rushed her daughter to the hospital, where doctors confirmed Pool's suspicion and started the baby on antivirals before the virus could spread.

"I would have never thought anything was wrong with her if I hadn't seen Presley's post. It saved Reagan's life and I'm eternally grateful for that," Pool said.

A few weeks later, Pool and Trejo were able to talk, via FaceTime.

"I just want to tell you thank you so much. I can't imagine how hard it is to share so soon after it happened," Pool told Trejo.

NBC 5 News

"I know for my husband and I, this is exactly what we wanted to do, whenever I posted this, so I'm just glad that I was able to help you and save a little baby," Trejo responded.

Trejo, now pregnant with twin girls, hopes more families become aware of the danger posted by HSV-1 to newborns.

"I'm so grateful for how her outcome turned out [with Ashley's daughter]. [It's] the outcome I would have wished for, for my daughter," Presley said.

About one of every 3,500 babies born in the United States, or less than one percent, contracts herpes simplex virus each year, according to the March of Dimes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, from 2015-2016, 47.8 percent of the U.S. population between the ages of 14-49 carried HSV-1. The virus is a common, lifelong infection with often carries no symptoms. People with symptoms may have painful blisters or sores at the site of infection. The viruses are transmitted through contact with an infected persons lesion, mucosal surface, or genital or oral secretions.
Hamden Police are attempting to identify a man and a woman who are accused of stealing items from multiple Home Depot stores in two different states.

Officers responded to the Home Depot on Dixwell Avenue on January 27 after getting a report of a theft.

Investigators said that two people left the store with a stolen tool kit. They then got into a blue Honda Civic and fled northbound on Dixwell Avenue.

In photos released by police, the woman can be seen wearing a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt and dark-colored pants. The photos show the man wearing a hat, a light-colored hooded sweatshirt with a dark-colored jacket on top and dark pants.

The Home Depot Loss Prevention Division said the pair are responsible for numerous thefts at their stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Derick Manning of the Hamden Police Department at (203) 230-4030.
Massachusetts police are asking for the public's help in finding a man they say is wanted in connection with an armed home invasion Sunday night in Concord.

Julian Field, 24, of Bedford, is wanted for armed home invasion, kidnapping, armed assault on a person 60 years of age or older, armed assault in a dwelling, and armed burglary with assault on occupants.

Police said a victim called for help at 3:45 a.m. Sunday saying that hours earlier, a man entered his home and held him at knifepoint. That man, identified by police as Field, forced him to drive to locations in western Massachusetts and southern Connecticut.

At about midnight, the suspect got out of the victim's vehicle in New Haven, Connecticut. The victim then drove back to his home in Concord and called police. He was not hurt.

Police said Field had been wanted by Bedford Police earlier Sunday in connection with a disturbance.

Officers recovered a knife from the victim's vehicle but said Field still should be considered armed and dangerous.

An arrest warrant has been obtained for Field's arrest.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Concord Police at 978-318-3400 or the Concord Police Departments Anonymous Tip Line at 978-318-3407.
Hamden Police have arrested a woman who is accused of assaulting her neighbor with a steak sauce bottle early Saturday morning.

Officers responded to a home on Dix Street around 3:30 a.m. after getting a report of an aggravated assault.

Investigators learned that 56-year-old Patricia Knotts was involved in a verbal argument with her 55-year-old neighbor when it escalated into a physical confrontation.

Knotts then hit her neighbor in the head with a bottle of steak sauce, police said.

The neighbor, who officers said was bleeding profusely, was treated by medical personnel at the scene and was then transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Knotts was arrested and is facing an assault charge. She was detained on a $1,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on February 19.
Police continue to investigate after the body of a young woman was found bound in a suitcase along an affluent road in Greenwich Tuesday morning.

Greenwich highway workers discovered the body along Glenville Road, just north of Stillman Lane, around 8:15 a.m., according to police. Officers responded found what appears to be the body of a woman between 18 and 30 years old around 10- to 15-feet off the road.

The victim was found bound at the hands and at the feet and the victim was found in a suitcase, Capt. Robert Berry, from the Greenwich Police Detective Division, said.

Police said they have some leads on who the victim is, but they are not able to confirm anything. They encourage anyone with information to call the Greenwich Police tip line at 203-622-3333 or email tips@greenwichct.org.

Its not known what caused the womans death or where she died, but an autopsy will be performed Wedneday.

Police said the woman was not killed in the same location where she was found.

Greenwich police are working with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the States Attorneys Office in Stamford.
This winter has already been deadly in Connecticut after a man fell through ice in Old Lyme recently, now experts are warning the recent warmup could create dangerous conditions.

On Monday training was underway for ice rescues that could help save someones life.

Hypothermia sets in very quick. So its important to get right out there, said Captain Jonn Massirio of the Berlin Fire Department.

Massirio and other volunteer firefighters headed to Silver Lake and also Paper Goods Pond in Berlin. Their mission was to help the pretend victims.

We always like to talk to the victim first. Try to work them out. Sometimes the victims can self-rescue. They just need to calm down, said Massirio.

If that doesnt work they can throw a line to the victim.

If all else fails, well go out with our rescuers and then try to get them out of the water using our personnel. So thats the last resort, obviously. We dont like to put more people in the water, said Massirio.

Rescues like this have already been needed this season in the state. About a week ago first responders rushed to save two men who went through the ice on Rogers Lake in Old Lyme. One man died and the other was hospitalized.

Back in Berlin, firefighters say its time to be especially cautious.

With the changing temperatures, obviously watch the weather, said Massirio.

Massiro tells us when ice first forms its clear and solid.

If you notice the ice turning white from freezing and thawing and refreezing, then its going to be a lot weaker. So you want to be a lot more wary of going out in the varying temperatures, said Massirio.

If you do fall in, experts suggest using your elbows to lift yourself up onto the ice and then kick with your legs to get your whole body out of the water. Then roll back to safety.
They obtained a warrant for the arrest of Benjamin Morales, 42, on a charge of murder, police said Tuesday. Morales is known to frequent the New Britain and Hartford areas and is considered armed and dangerous, they said. He should not be approached.
What to Know As Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam faces pressure to resign over a racist photo, his deputy denied an allegation of a 2004 sexual assault.

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax said the claim of an assault at the Democratic National Convention is false. He said he had a consensual encounter.

The same conservative website that published a photo of Northam's 1984 yearbook page was first to post about the woman's allegation.

As Virginia's governor faces calls to resign over a racist photo, the man who would succeed him is denying an allegation of a 2004 sex assault.

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax denied a sexual assault allegation on Monday that was reported on the same conservative website that first posted a racist photo found in Gov. Ralph Northam's 1984 yearbook.

Fairfax told reporters on Monday afternoon that the media report alleging an assault in 2004 was false and unsubstantiated.

"It's not only from left field. It's from planet Mars, because it didn't happen," he said.

Fairfax  who would become governor if Northam resigned  said he had never assaulted anyone.

The website Big League Politics published a story late Sunday with an image of a woman's Facebook post about being sexually assaulted at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. In the post, the woman said the perpetrator was a man who won statewide office in 2017 and "seems increasingly likely" to get a "very big promotion."

In the Facebook post, the woman did not specifically name Fairfax as the perpetrator.

Fairfax, a married, 39-year-old father of two, said Monday that when he was 25, he had a "100 percent consensual" encounter in a hotel room with a woman he met at the convention.

He said he spoke with The Washington Post about the woman's allegation after she contacted the paper more than a year ago. The Post said they chose not publish a story after being unable to find anyone who could corroborate the accounts of either Fairfax or the woman, according to a Post article published Monday afternoon. Also, the paper said they chose not to publish after finding no similar complaints of sexual misconduct against Fairfax.

According to the Post's article Monday, the woman described an encounter that began consensually and ended with a forced sexual act.

Fairfax called the re-emergence of the allegation a smear.

"Does anybody think it's any coincidence that on the eve of, potentially, my being elevated that that's when this uncorroborated smear comes out?" he said.

"It goes away for a year and then it crops up at just this moment," he continued.

If Northam resigned, Fairfax would be in line to become the second African-American governor in the state's history. He stopped short of calling for Northam's departure but said he "cannot condone actions" from Northam's past that "suggest a comfort with Virginia's darker history of white supremacy, racial stereotyping and intimidation."

Northam faces pressure to resign after a photo from his 1984 medical school yearbook surfaced Friday. The photo shows someone in blackface and another person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe. Northam said Friday that he did appear in the photo. On Saturday, he said he was not in the photo but did once put on blackface to imitate Michael Jackson in a dance contest.

After Fairfax, Democratic State Attorney General Mark Herring is next in line for the governorship.

Fairfax has experienced a brief, meteoric rise through Virginia politics. His supporters have touted him as a fresh face whose charisma has allowed him to connect with voters. His detractors suggest he is unproven and inexperienced.

The lieutenant governor has held elected office for only one year. A descendant of slaves, he carried a copy of his ancestor's manumission papers with him as he was sworn in. Since then, he has become best known in Virginia for refusing to preside over the Senate chamber as lawmakers offered tributes to Confederate leaders on Virginia's Lee-Jackson Day, in January. He said he stepped off the dais to honor his family.

Before entering politics, Fairfax served for two years as a federal prosecutor in Alexandria, a prestigious outpost within the Department of Justice that handles numerous high-profile cases. He did not work on any of those cases, however.

Fairfax graduated from Duke University and Columbia Law School. He worked for Tipper Gore during Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign. He also worked for former Sen. John Edwards.

Political observers say Fairfax would have an enormous learning curve ahead of him as Virginia's governor.

His biggest challenge would be building effective relationships with the legislature, something it took Northam years to do before he was able to achieve such accomplishments as passing Medicaid expansion last year.

"Is he capable of doing this? Yes, he's a smart person and organized, has some good people around him," Quentin Kidd, a political science professor at Christopher Newport University, said of Fairfax. "But this is an enormous job. A large part of the job is building relationship over time."
Pope Francis on Tuesday publicly acknowledged the scandal of priests and bishops sexually abusing nuns and vowed to do more to fight the problem, the latest sign that there is no end in sight to the Catholic Church's abuse crisis  and that it now has a reckoning from the #MeToo movement.

Francis admitted to the problem for the first time in public during a news conference while returning to Rome from the United Arab Emirates. The acknowledgment comes just two weeks before he hosts an unprecedented gathering of bishops to craft a global response to the scandal of priestly predators who target children and the superiors who covered up the crimes.

Francis was asked about priests who target adult women  the religious sisters who are the backbone of the Catholic Church's education, health care and social service ministries around the globe  and whether the Holy See might consider a similar universal approach to combat that issue.

"It's not that everyone does this, but there have been priests and bishops who have," Francis told reporters. "And I think that it's continuing because it's not like once you realize it that it stops. It continues. And for some time we've been working on it."

"Should we do something more? Yes. Is there the will? Yes. But it's a path that we have already begun," Francis said.

The issue has come to the fore amid the Catholic Church's overall reckoning with the sexual abuse of minors and the #MeToo-inspired acknowledgement that adults can be victims of abuse whenever there is an imbalance of power in a relationship. In the past year, The Associated Press and other media have reported on cases of abused nuns in India , Africa, Europe and South America  evidence that the problem is by no means limited to a certain geographic area.

In November, the organization representing all the world's female Catholic religious orders, the International Union of Superiors General, publicly denounced the "culture of silence and secrecy" that prevented nuns from speaking out and urged sisters to report abuse to their superiors and police. And just last week, the women's magazine of the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano identified the clerical culture of the all-powerful clergy as the culprit.

The magazine, "Women Church World," noted that the scandal involves a corollary: nuns being forced to abort the priests' children or bear children that the priests refuse to recognize.

Francis' acknowledgement of the problem comes as he prepares to decide the fate of the disgraced American ex-cardinal, Theodore McCarrick, who is accused of abusing minors as well as adult seminarians. That case also cast a spotlight on the issue of abusive power relationships, and whether the Catholic Church ought to consider seminarians and sisters as "vulnerable adults" when compared to the priests and bishops who control everything from their vocations to their studies and salaries.

Francis noted that Pope Benedict XVI had taken action against a France-based order that admitted the priest who founded it had violated his chastity vows with his female recruits. Francis said the sisters had been reduced to "sexual slavery" at the hands of the Rev. Marie-Dominique Philippe and other priests.

The Community of St. Jean admitted in 2013 that Philippe had behaved "in ways that went against chastity" with several women in the order, according to the French Catholic newspaper La Croix. Francis' comments about "sexual slavery" suggested that the relations were not consensual and could have involved abuse of conscience and power as well.

Phillipe died in 2006. Three years later, the local bishop imposed a new superior on the order's contemplative branch of nuns. Some rejected the new leader and followed their old female superior to found a new institute in Spain. Benedict eventually dissolved that, a decision Francis held up Tuesday as evidence of Benedict's hard line in the case.

He said Benedict acted "because a certain slavery of women had crept in, slavery to the point of sexual slavery on the part of clergy or the founder," he said.

"Sometimes the founder takes away, or empties the freedom of the sisters. It can come to this," Francis said.

Asked if any universal norms might be in the works to tackle the problem  as has been done to handle cases of clergy sexual abuse of minors  Francis implied that the priestly abuse of nuns was still being dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

"There are cases, usually in new congregations and in some regions more than others," he said. "We're working on it."

"Pray that this goes forward," he said of the Vatican efforts to fight it. "I want it to go forward."
A 55-year-old woman was shot to death Monday evening on Interstate-57, according to police.

The shooting happened about 10 p.m. in the inbound lanes of the expressway near Cicero Avenue, Illinois State Police said.

The woman who was later identified as Tamara Clayton-Shelton, was a postal worker who was driving north on I-57 when she was fatally shot.

Police say she was the only person in the car and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Postal Service is deeply saddened on hearing of this tragedy and share our thoughts and prayers with the family, USPS spokesman Tim Norman said in a statement.

An autopsy Tuesday found she died of multiple gunshot wounds to the head, according to the Cook County medical examiners office. Her death was ruled a homicide.

All inbound lanes of the expressway were closed for an investigation until after midnight, police said. Three shell casings were recovered from the ground.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is assisting with the investigation as the circumstances regarding the shooting remain unknown.

Earlier that day, three people, including a 15-year-old were wounded in a shooting on I-57 near Calumet Park.
After dueling with Speaker Nancy Pelosi over an invitation to address Congress amid the recent government shutdown, President Donald Trump will deliver his State of the Union address Tuesday night, his first to a divided Congress and the second of his presidency.

Now that the government is back open, some of the Illinois Democrats in Congress have invited guests theyre hoping will keep the effects of the shutdown front-and-center.

Sen. Dick Durbin invited Toby Hauck, an air traffic controller in Aurora and a veteran of the Air Force, whose story Durbin told on the Senate floor during the recent government shutdown.

Air traffic controllers were given partial credit for bringing about an end to the 35-day shutdown when scores of workers didnt show up for work after not being paid for more than a month. Several of the nations busiest airports faced massive delays as a result.

"Federal employees  like Toby  never deserved to be punished and forced to work without pay while Washington squabbled over a political disagreement," Durbin said in a statement. "Their stories and pleas to reopen the government in the name of public safety stopped this President from inflicting more damage to our country."

Rep. Jan Schakowsky also invited a federal worker impacted by the shutdown: Environmental Protection Agency Project Manager Frank Lagunas. Lagunas, also an Air Force veteran, has served on emergency deployments to Flint, Michigan, during the water crisis and to Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and was furloughed during the recent shutdown.

"I want to show President Trump how his hostage-taking of American workers has a continuing impact on the lives of every day citizens, especially those who are dedicated to the public good," Schakowsky said in a statement.

Rep. Mike Quigley invited a federal worker who was furloughed during the shutdown: IRS employee Chante Copeland-Smith.

Freshman Rep. Sean Casten invited Judie Caribeaux, the executive director of the Family Shelter Service in Naperville, a nonprofit that aids victims of domestic abuse. The shelter was forced to leave counseling positions vacant after federal money stopped flowing during the shutdown.

Illinois other freshman, Rep. Lauren Underwood, is bringing 7-year-old Allie Bland, who Underwood noticed leaving handwritten notes and drawings for domestic violence survivors at a local shelter.

"I was visiting a domestic violence shelter that was affected by the government shutdown when I spotted one of her notes and was deeply touched  it was such a good reminder that our country is a better place when we all are doing our part to spread kindness and make positive change in our communities," Underwood said in a statement.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth went a different route when she invited Lily Wu, a first-generation American and a third-year apprentice electrician with IBEW Local 134, a male-dominated trade union.

Duckworth said she invited Wu because of her support for community investment, infrastructure spending and apprenticeship programs, as well as her support for immigrants.

"In the face of the Presidents attacks on immigrants, I also believe it is important to send a message about the valuable contributions immigrant families make to our country, Duckworth said in a statement.

Illinois Republican delegation opted to invite first responders.

Rep. Adam Kinzinger invited Officer Mark Dallas of the Dixon Police Department who was hailed as a hero by Vice President Mike Pence for thwarting a school shooting at Dixon High School. Dallas chased the gunman out of the school and wounded him after they exchanged gunfire and no one else was injured.

Rep. Rodney Davis invited another first responder  Taylorville Fire Chief Mike Crews. Crews was "instrumental" in the response to an EF-3 tornado that touched down on Dec. 1, 2018.

"Chief Crews undoubtedly saved lives that day. When he learned of the weather and the storm approaching our hometown, he made all the right decisions that resulted in zero fatalities and fewer injuries than what would have happened otherwise," Davis said in a statement.

Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia opted not to make a political statement with his guest of honor  his wife.

Rep. Darin LaHoods office could not say who his guest would be.

The president and First Lady Melania Trump invited 13 guests to the address. Among them are the family of two people murdered by an undocumented immigrant last month, a survivor of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and a 6th-grader from Delaware who has been bullied because his last name is Trump (no relation to the president).
Video was released Monday of what happened the night police mistakenly shot and killed a nightclub security guard named Jamel Roberson.

An officer responding from nearby Midlothian killed Roberson last November when he was subduing a gunman after a shooting at Manny's Bar in Robbins where he worked as a security guard.

The video released Monday shows the initial shooting inside the bar, but not the police shooting. Cellphone video from witnesses shows the aftermath in the bars parking lot.

Damn! Police are shooting people, a voice in the video shouts.

He just blew him down," a voice says. "He just killed that boy."

One of the first officers on the scene shot and killed a security guard.

Police recorded witnesses after the chaos on their body cameras.

He said Im detaining the suspect and then boom, boom, boom, one witness told police.

A security guard says his co-worker was detaining the bar shooter when police arrived.

He had his gun, still out holding the offender on the ground," the guard said of Roberson. "My officer here, he tell him to drop his gun. Im telling him hes working with us. Cool out. Hes working with us. He shot him 4 or 5 times."

As Roberson lies on the ground, voices cry out.

Get somebody to help him out," a voice shouts.

Police tell the crowd they need to secure the scene first.

Why is he still lying on the ground," a voice demands.

An officer responds.

The ambulance wont come in here with this many people out," he can be heard saying on video.

Five others including the original gunman were shot in the incident.

Officers call for ambulances as they try to calm the crowd about the police shooting.

"It was wrong, bro!" one man shouts.

An officer responds "then he's going to be held accountable."

The incident is being investigated by the Cook County Sheriff's police and the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Unit.
Liam Neeson has said he is ashamed to admit he had violent thoughts about killing a black person after learning that someone close to him had been raped.

In an interview published Monday, Neeson said that after being told the attacker was black, he "went up and down areas with a cosh (stick or truncheon)" hoping a black person "would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him."

"It took me a week, maybe a week and a half, to go through that," Neeson said.

Many social media users expressed shock at his admission, accusing the "Taken" star of racism.

The Northern Ireland-born actor recounted the story in an interview with The Independent while promoting his new thriller "Cold Pursuit," about a father who seeks violent revenge for his son's death.

He said the incident happened some time ago.

Neeson, 66, called his reaction "horrible," saying it taught him a lesson about the "primal need" for revenge.

Neeson, who grew up in Northern Ireland during the decades of violence known as the Troubles, said: "I understand that need for revenge, but it just leads to more revenge, to more killing and more killing, and Northern Ireland's proof of that."

Neeson's publicist didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
A prime-time televised debate in the Chicago mayors race is running into a legal challenge. Almost two-thirds of the mayoral ballot has been excluded from a forum set to take place Thursday night, and Amara Enyia and Paul Vallas are fighting to be included.

Lawyers for Enyia and the former Chicago Public Schools CEO both sent cease and desist letters to Fox 32, who is hosting the debate in conjunction with the Lincoln Forum, arguing their exclusion puts them at a disadvantage, and that the forums sponsors are essentially endorsing specific candidates as legitimate.

The candidates have complained that their campaigns have not been told what polling data is being used to determine the top five candidates despite requesting it.

The most recent poll, released by the Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 25, showed the five front-runners are Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who is leading with 12.7 percent, Bill Daley with 12.1 percent, former Board of Education Chairman Gery Chico with 9.3 percent, Willie Wilson with 9 percent and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza with 8.7 percent.

The other nine candidates on the ballot were not invited to the $35-per-ticket forum being held at the Union League Club.

Vallas called the decision to exclude the nine candidates blatantly unfair and threatened to file a lawsuit against the debate sponsors just to make a point.

The Lincoln Forum notified all the announced mayoral candidates several weeks ago regarding the selection process for participants in the upcoming Candidate Forum, the Lincoln Forum said in a statement. At that time no candidate voiced any objection or concerns regarding participant selection.

The Sun-Times poll was conducted before Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown, who was polling at 4.7 percent, was kicked off the ballot, leading to questions of whether or not supporters of Brown could have boosted another candidate into the top five had the poll been conducted more recently.

Enyia polled at 3.1 percent, but Brown endorsed her after she was kicked off the ballot. If all of Browns supporters flocked to Enyia, she could be within a knifes edge of the top five.

The voices of all our supporters, including the 62,000 who signed our petitions () they deserve to have their voices represented in a debate, Enyia said at a press conference Monday. We still have to be afforded the same exposure, the same time to respond to questions and the same format.

At 25.8 percent, the largest group of voters are those still undecided.

Vallas said he was feeling a bit like chopped liver after being left out of the forum on his way to a press conference Monday.

We have an election where none of the candidates, not one, has more than 14 percent in the polls, Vallas said. Its not like weve got a lot of fringe candidates running around with 3 or 4 percent of the vote and weve got candidates whove got 50, 60, 70 percent of the vote. So cmon now.

Vallas also said the debates sponsors could be in violation of the Fairness Doctrine, a Federal Communications Commission mandate that said broadcasters had to present public issues in a fair and balanced light. The policy was eliminated in 1987.
The first ever global summit on abuse is scheduled to take place later this month at the Vatican.

Pope Francis says it will focus on how how church leaders handle allegations. But in Chicago Monday, two lead investigators say the catholic church can no longer police itself.

This summer first it was the Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro who released his shocking grand jury report. Then, Attorney General Lisa Madigan opened an Illinois investigation.

Shapiro alongside Madigan at the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics -- detailed what they uncovered as they examined the Catholic Church records on priest abuse.

Over the weekend an audio message was played at Chicago churches from Cardinal Blase Cupich. He is one of the lead organizers for the Feb. 21 global summit on abuse.

The archdiocese is providing new updates on this website healarchchicago.org.

Many of those named nationwide as abusers in recent months date back many years but were not named until Shapiro and Madigan forced the church to do so.

The church's response in the past has varied from country to country.

One of the goals of the summit later this month is to establish clear protocols on how to prevent abuse and help victims.
A popular female sea otter who served as a surrogate mother to several rescued baby sea otters at Monterey Bay Aquarium died Sunday after a battle with chronic health problems, according to aquarium officials.

Gidget, who was 10 years old, suffered from osteoarthritis in her hips, and her condition declined rather quickly over the past week, even as the aquarium's veterinary teams tried to alter the course of her illness, the aquarium said.

"Gidget touched millions of people with her beauty, charm and an exuberance of mischief," veterinarian Dr. Mike Murray said in a statement. "She is an example of why we do what we do for the animals in our care and for their wild kin."

Gidget was found stranded on Morro Strand State Beach in San Luis Obispo County in October 2008 as a 10-week-old pup, the aquarium said. She was rescued by volunteers from The Marine Mammal Center and a California Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist, and taken to the aquarium for care.

After a stint at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, she was returned to the Monterey facilities in January 2013 and became one of the otter exhibit's most popular attractions. She also reared four rescued pups there before being retired from those duties for health reasons, the aquarium said.

A necropsy is planned to learn more about the exact cause of Gidget's death.
Police suspect this woman played a role in a recent theft at The Home Depot in Hamden and in other Home Depot stores both in and out of the state. (Provided by Hamden police)
China, as part of its recent military and foreign policies, has planned to upgrade on a large scale its first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, to sell it to Pakistan, its ally, in order to compete with India. This selling is to increase Pakistani Navy's strength, facing India equally and making of Pak a better ally for China.

China, as part of its recent military and foreign policies, has planned to upgrade on a large scale its first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, to sell it to Pakistan, its ally, in order to compete with India. This selling is to increase Pakistani Navy's strength, facing India equally and making of Pak a better ally for China.

An aircraft carrier fleet of the Chinese PLA Navy arrives in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on July 7 for a visit to mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. The fleet comprises the country's first aircraft carrier Liaoning, two destroyers and a frigate. The fleet will leave Hong Kong on July 11. (Picture source : PLA HK Garrison)

An official media report separately disclosed that China has planned to carry out a large-scale upgrade of Chinas first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, and sell it to Pakistan to compete with India! It described Pakistan as the best destination for it and said that by then the Liaoning, which was commissioned into the PLAN in September 2012, will have served the Chinese Navy for about 18 years. Gwadar and Karachi are already described by Chinese Navy strategists as a logistics base and PLA Navy (PLAN) base respectively. This does mean that the carrier could be sold to Pak by 2020.

This isn't the only military vehicle that China wants to sell to Pakistan. During the past few months, plenty of armament and vehicles have been sold to Pakistani armed forces, including nuclear weapons technology, warships, aircraft and missiles. In addition to that, China and Pakistan both take part to more and more joint exercises on their shared borders. Moreover is China sending aircraft to Pakistan to help them understand Indian aircraft's technologies and characteristics, in order to counter them more efficiently (J-11, J-11B and Su-30MKK to simulate India's Su-30MKI, and J-10C to simulate the Rafale fighters India is to acquire).

Military cooperation between those two countries seems to increase more and more all along the months. And China appears intending to integrate Pakistan into its military system to fulfil its global ambitions. Pakistan would then become an outpost for Chinese extended global maritime reach.

All of this can largely be explained by the intentions China has to extend its military and political influence beyond its borders. Recently, China actually showned to the world its desire to military secure the South China Sea, and maybe even the Indian Ocean, by increasing its military power and presence in these areas. In order to make it possible, China has made the decision to deeply transform its armed forces by enhancing its naval capabilities, through the building of brand new vessels, but also through the training of more maritime personnel.

PLA Navy (PLAN) strategists emphasized that, in order to be able to achieve such goals, China would have to launch new carrier battle formations in East and South China. Therefore, China has decided to build 5 aircraft carriers and launch them by 2025-2030. Another 6th could even be considered but whether this one will be built remains uncertain.
The Royal Marines of 1 Assault Group Royal Marines (1AGRM), specialists in amphibious warfare, will soon conduct their Arctic cold weather training in Norway, near Hellarbogen. 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines and their raiding and landing craft are readying themselves for war games in the icy waters of the high north.

The Royal Marines of 1 Assault Group Royal Marines (1AGRM), specialists in amphibious warfare, will soon conduct their Arctic cold weather training in Norway, near Hellarbogen. 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines and their raiding and landing craft are readying themselves for war games in the icy waters of the high north.

539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines (Picture source : Royal Navy)

An advanced party of the Plymouth-based Green Berets (the Corps specialists in amphibious warfare based at RM Tamar in Devonport Naval Base) have arrived in Hellarbogen, Norway, and are now conducting their Arctic cold weather training before the main body of the squadron arrives shortly.

About 16 craft have arrived in the high north (six Offshore Raiding Craft, eight Inshore Raiding Craft and two Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel) having been loaded up in the UK and transported by Sealift Ro-Ro, MV Hurst Point, to the frozen north. These vehicles give 539 ASRM the capacity to quickly deliver a company into the heart of combat, in every environment.

Marines are scheduled to operate all around the world, in plenty of various environments. Therefore, they have to conduct training in lots of weather conditions, to be operational when wartime arises. As the UKs riverine warfare specialists, 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines (ASRM) has to perform in every environment in which the Royal Marines may be called to operate, said Major Matt Baylis, Officer Commanding 539 ASRM.

Besides, lots of powerful countries were lately to secure paths through the Arctic (as it is increasingly melting). Among them, we can mention Russia, China or even the US. Therefore, such cold weather training appears to be even more appropriate for each country eying to remain a powerful nation and wishing to be ready for any massive amphibious conflict.
Seismologists use waves generated by earthquakes to scan the interior of our planet, much like doctors image their patients using medical tomography. Earth imaging has helped us track down the deep origins of volcanic islands such as Hawaii, and identify the source zones of deep earthquakes.

"Imagine a radiologist forced to work with a CAT scanner that is missing two-thirds of its necessary sensors," said Frederik Simons, a professor of geosciences at Princeton. "Two-thirds is the fraction of the Earth that is covered by oceans and therefore lacking seismic recording stations. Such is the situation faced by seismologists attempting to sharpen their images of the inside of our planet."

Some 15 years ago, when he was a postdoctoral researcher, Simons partnered with Guust Nolet, now the George J. Magee Professor of Geoscience and Geological Engineering, Emeritus, and they resolved to remediate this situation by building an undersea robot equipped with a hydrophone -- an underwater microphone that can pick up the sounds of distant earthquakes whose waves deliver acoustic energy into the oceans through the ocean floor.

This week, Nolet, Simons and an international team of researchers published the first scientific results from the revolutionary seismic floats, dubbed MERMAIDs -- Mobile Earthquake Recording in Marine Areas by Independent Divers.

The researchers, from institutions in the United States, France, Ecuador and China, found that the volcanoes on Galapagos are fed by a source 1,200 miles (1,900 km) deep, via a narrow conduit that is bringing hot rock to the surface. Such "mantle plumes" were first proposed in 1971 by one of the fathers of plate tectonics, Princeton geophysicist W. Jason Morgan, but they have resisted attempts at detailed seismic imaging because they are found in the oceans, rarely near any seismic stations.

MERMAIDs drift passively, normally at a depth of 1,500 meters -- about a mile below the sea surface -- moving 2-3 miles per day. When one detects a possible incoming earthquake, it rises to the surface, usually within 95 minutes, to determine its position with GPS and transmit the seismic data.

By letting their nine robots float freely for two years, the scientists created an artificial network of oceanic seismometers that could fill in one of the blank areas on the global geologic map, where otherwise no seismic information is available.

The unexpectedly high temperature that their model shows in the Galapagos mantle plume "hints at the important role that plumes play in the mechanism that allows the Earth to keep itself warm," said Nolet.

"Since the 19th century, when Lord Kelvin predicted that Earth should cool to be a dead planet within a hundred million years, geophysicists have struggled with the mystery that the Earth has kept a fairly constant temperature over more than 4.5 billion years," Nolet explained. "It could have done so only if some of the original heat from its accretion, and that created since by radioactive minerals, could stay locked inside the lower mantle. But most models of the Earth predict that the mantle should be convecting vigorously and releasing this heat much more quickly. These results of the Galapagos experiment point to an alternative explanation: the lower mantle may well resist convection, and instead only bring heat to the surface in the form of mantle plumes such as the ones creating Galapagos and Hawaii."

To further answer questions on the heat budget of the Earth and the role that mantle plumes play in it, Simons and Nolet have teamed up with seismologists from the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China, and from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). Together, and with vessels provided by the French research fleet, they are in the process of launching some 50 MERMAIDs in the South Pacific to study the mantle plume region under the island of Tahiti.

"Stay tuned! There are many more discoveries to come," said professor Yongshun (John) Chen, a 1989 Princeton graduate alumnus who is head of the Department of Ocean Science and Engineering at SUSTech, which is leading the next phase of what they and their international team have called EarthScope-Oceans.
David P. Moran, 38, of Cedar Swamp Road in Deep River, died after the crash at Exit 4, they said. Joseph Louis Kaplowe, 70, of Pequot Avenue in New London was rushed to Hartford Hospital with injuries police called significant.
(Natural News) As the Democrat Party moves further to the Left  that is, as it is steadily taken over by the Marxist Left  the attack on traditional American values, federalism, and the very foundation of our constitutional republic is being increasingly assaulted.

The latest evidence that todays Democratic Party isnt the party of your grandfather comes from Oregon, where Leftist extremists who dominate the states levers of power are moving to essentially render the Second Amendment null and void  unless, of course, you happen to own a musket.

As reported by Ammoland, Left-wing gun control zealots have filed a ballot measure with the secretary of states office that, if passed, would ban modern firearms and ammunition feeding devices  that is, normal gun magazines  while simultaneously making thousands upon thousands of residents criminals overnight.

Gun controllers have re-introduced IP 43, which was prevented from being placed on the ballot in 2018 by gun rights groups. This new assault on self-defense, property, and common sense is currently IP 16, Ammoland noted, the details of which are available here.

Called The Common Sense Gun Regulation Act, it notes:

The people of the State of Oregon find and declare that a reduction in the availability of assault weapons and large capacity ammunition magazines will promote the public health and safety of Oregon residents.

The measure defines assault weapon as any semiautomatic rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and comes with at least one of the following characteristics: A pistol grip which includes a thumbhole stock; an additional protruding grip held by the non-trigger hand; a folding or telescopic stock; a barrel shroud allowing the bearer to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned but excluding a slide (like youd find on a pump shotgun); a forward pistol grip; a flash suppressor, muzzle brake, or threaded barrel where one could be attached; a bayonet mount; or a grenade or flare launcher. (Related: Wave of red flag laws are coming that will deprive all Americans of their firearms because owning one is deemed crazy by left-wing bureaucrats.)

These measures could be successfully challenged in federal court soon

Also, semiautomatic pistols and rifles that can accept a fixed magazine with 10 or more rounds, a semiautomatic rifle of fewer than 30 inches in length, and semi-auto handguns with features similar to assault rifles are also going to be banned under the measure.

As you may know, the Democrats in the Oregon legislature have numerous bills to essentially achieve the same end. The most extreme is SB 501, but there are others that are just as dangerous, Ammoland reports. Governor Browns HB 2251 defines assault weapons as any long gun you can hold with two hands. There are several bills that would require that your guns be locked up and useless. Except, of course, to a thief who could easily defeat the cable locks required. Those locks can get you killed but do nothing to stop a theft.

In addition, the proposed lock up bills would hold the owner responsible if a thief were to gain access to the weapon and defeat the lock with a device  like, say, a heavy-duty wire cutter.

The Oregon Firearms Federation, among other gun rights groups, has vowed to fight the various measures. But as the states politics continue to shift overwhelmingly to the Left, gun rights advocates are fighting a losing battle. At some point, the Left will own Oregon completely like it does California and Washington.

There is hope, however, that these measures can be successfully challenged in federal court. POTUS Trump is continuing to nominate constitutionalists to the historically liberal 9th Circuit Court, which covers Alaska, Hawaii, and the West Coast states. Also, the U.S. Supreme Court appears willing to begin hearing Second Amendment cases again.

Read more about how gun rights remain under assault by the Left at Guns.news.

Sources include:

USAToday.com

TheNationalSentinel.com

Ammoland.com
(Natural News) Most Americans who dont earn their living in the news business dont know that in recent weeks some 2,100 journalists, most of them from online news sources, have lost their jobs in a sort of industry bloodletting similar to the loss of factory jobs over the decades thanks to Left-wing trade policies.

As reported by The Cut:

On February 1, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Vice Media would be laying off 10 percent of its staff, or approximately 250 workers, as part of a reorganization effort; just hours later, the Miami New Times reported that McClatchy, which operates newspapers across the country, had offered voluntary buyouts to 450 workers. These reports come just one week after Verizon (which owns HuffPost, Yahoo, and AOL) laid off seven percent of its staff, including Pulitzer Prize-finalist Jason Cherkis; BuzzFeed cut 15 percent of its workforce, decimating entire verticals; and the Gannett Company, which owns more than 1,000 daily and weekly newspapers across the country, eliminated approximately 400 jobs.

In sum, that comes to at least 2,100 jobs that are either eliminated or will be soon.

The Leftist media commentariat, as well as the targeted media victims, blamed the layoffs on a usual suspect: Greedy capitalists. Rather than learn a basic free-market economics lesson that outlays without matching revenue equals a failed business model  even media businesses who employ noble scribes skilled in such in-demand discussions of anarchy and gender issues  they would rather blame shareholders and the whims of investors (who put their money up expecting a return  what heathens!).

But according to Infowars, there is likely another culprit responsible for the news media hemorrhaging: The U.S. government, and, specifically, President Obama.

In a video segment of his popular talk radio program on Monday, host Alex Jones cited a July 2013 Foreign Policy report noting that the Obama administration repealed a propaganda ban ahead of spreading government-made news to Americans. (Related: Americas major media outlets are now making up EVERYTHING they report four huge media hoaxes blow up in their faces.)

The end of funding for legalized propaganda caused layoffs?

Specifically, FP reported:

For decades, a so-called anti-propaganda law prevented the U.S. governments mammoth broadcasting arm from delivering programming to American audiences. But on July 2, that came silently to an end with the implementation of a new reform passed in January. The result: an unleashing of thousands of hours per week of government-funded radio and TV programs.

In other words, propaganda.

Prior to lifting the ban, programming created by the Broadcasting Board of Governors and distributed via outlets like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty could only be listened to or watched in foreign countries. Those restrictions were implemented under provisions of the Smith-Mundt Act, also known formally as the U.S. Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948, a piece of legislation that authorized government propaganda activities (often referred to colloquially as public diplomacy).

The act was modernized in 2012 and passed as part of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act.

According to Jones, provisions of the act expired last week, ironically at the same time that mass layoffs across what can only be described accurately as Left-wing media companies. He theorized that the U.S. government, under Obama, authorized funding that went to many of the media outlets now laying off thousands of reporters.

The funding effort was apparently reintroduced in November 2016  just days after POTUS Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton  by Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), who introduced a provision included in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2017 for $160 million over two years, according to VOANews.

The funding just ran out, Jones says.

At this point, its not clear whether new funding for similar propaganda efforts is in the pipeline. However, it is clear that there are no more barriers to spreading government-funded propaganda to the American people via Left-wing media organizations.

Watch:

Read more about how the Left continues to spread disinformation to Americans at Disinfo.news.

Sources include:

Infowars.com

GovInfo.gov

TheCut.com

Collapse.news
(Natural News) People who practice natural medicine and the healing arts must denounce the Democrat party, which has now become the party of infanticide.

The post-birth murder of living human babies is now applauded by Democrats, who claim that murdering a human child is a womans choice. Instead of calling it murder, of course, they deceptively label it, womens reproductive health, twisting the murder of children into an innocent sounding health issue.

Just recently, New York Democrats voted and signed into law a shockingly violent abortion law that quite literally legalizes the killing of babies who survive abortion attempts and are born alive. That same law also legalizes abortion right up to the due date, openly allowing the murder of babies as they are being born (partial-birth abortion).

To the horror of every empathetic human being, not a single prominent Democrat in America denounced the NY law. There was exactly zero push back from anyone with a (D) next to their name. In fact, the new law spurred celebration and rejoicing across the liberal, left-wing media, with Hollywood lunatics chiming in and applauded the new right of women.

Not long after that law was passed, the Democrat Governor of Virginia  Ralph Northam  publicly endorsed infanticide of human babies that were already born. When pressed on the issue, he doubled down and insisted that womens rights includes the right to murder a child that has already been born. This is what Democrats have now become. They no longer hide what they truly believe, and they believe in extreme violence against infants and children. (These are the same people who pushed SB 277 in California that mandated the toxic vaccine injections of all California children, essentially at gunpoint.)

It should be obvious, but needs to be stated for clarity: Murdering human babies after they are born has nothing to do with womens health. The child is already apart from the woman. Yet Demoncrats now openly advocate the murder of this child merely because the new mom decides she doesnt want it. Thats not abortion its infanticide, plain and simple.

NY law could technically legalize the murder of infants of any age by calling it womens health

Notably, there is no time limit in any of these bills specifying exactly how long after birth a woman may decide to kill her baby. With Democrats now arguing that new mothers may abort their babies for their own mental health reasons  i.e. the mother decides she can no longer deal with being a mom  the stage has been set to allow infanticide at any age.

Under this new wave of abortion violence being fronted exclusively by Democrats, children could be murdered at age five and deemed nothing more than unwanted tissue. Even while the child is screaming, No! Dont kill me! a New York Democrat could simply declare that such speech is a mindless, automatic response, much like bacteria moving away from light. The dehumanization of human children has already been accomplished by the abortionists who say that even after a child is born, it still doesnt count as a human being unless the mother wants that child.

This is what Democrats have become: Murderers of children. Its no longer a secret agenda; its being advocated right out in the open. If only babies were born with guns in their hands, they could shoot the abortionists in self-defense. Every human has the right to defend herself against violence, including newborn babies. (This is another reason why violent left-wing abortionists also want to take away firearms from citizens because they dont want anyone being able to defend themselves when the fascist left-wing murder squads are unleashed.)

The murder of children is incompatible with natural medicine and the healing arts

Obviously, murdering children is utterly incompatible with natural medicine and the healing arts, which aims to protect life by promoting healing and health during all stages of life (including during pregnancy).

Any natural medicine practitioner who associates with the Democrat party is now complicit in the systematic murder of children. All those who seek to protect life and end human suffering must denounce the Democrats and leave the party forever.

No practice involving essential oils, herbs, massage therapy, acupuncture, energy healing, Reiki or any other form of naturopathic medicine can coexist with a political party that openly espouses the violent medical murder of human children.

It is time for all who practice natural medicine, holistic healing and the healing arts to denounce and leave the Democrat party forever.

Never vote for a Democrat again, not for the rest of your life. Any vote for a Democrat is a vote for murdering innocent children.

Listen to my full podcast for more details:

Brighteon.com/5998807533001

Read more at Abortions.news.
(Natural News) Emotionally-unstable and in need of safe spaces, left-wing Californians hate their country and the principles it stands for. This couldnt be more evident than when the president of the Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees, Robert Miller, announced an end to the pledge of allegiance during board meetings because it is steeped in expressions of nativism and white nationalism. According to Miller, the pledge of allegiance implies racism, heralding white-skinned people as the superior race.

Robert Miller expressly stated in an email that he decided to discontinue use of the Pledge of Allegiance at board meetings because of its symbolism and history of white supremacy. Miller revealed his delusional intentions in an email to Celeste Barber, a former adjunct instructor at SBCC. The email was obtained by Campus Reform after live video feed of the board meetings showed new president Robert Miller forgoing the pledge of allegiance.

With liberty and justice for all is not something Miller wants the SBCC Board of Trustees to recite any longer because this phrase somehow pits the countrys native born population against immigrants. This is the same kind of leftist lunacy that is triggered by hats that read: Make America Great Again.

Miller also wrote in objection to the phrase One nation under God. He believes the phrase establishes a religion by law and violates the first amendment to the U.S. constitution. He believes the phrase needs to be removed from campus meetings because, The U.S. Supreme Court has expressly extended those rights to those who express no belief in God. It seems his own religion of atheism should supersede two powerful words within the Pledge that speak of reverence and humility. Because Miller is offended by the existence of the words under God, he believes no one else can speak aloud their reverence for a higher power; everyone else must be silent instead. At some point, he must realize his grievances toward the Pledge of Allegiance are petty at best.

Brave former instructor stands up to leftist America-hating mob

In a Jan. 24 SBCC Board of Trustees meeting, Celeste Barber opposed Millers removal of the Pledge of Allegiance. You are an elected body at a public institution serving a community college, Barber said. The meeting was overrun by the America-hating leftists mobs from the college campus. During the meeting, these entitled leftists sat down during the Pledge of Allegiance, stomped on the ground, and shouted after Barber spoke.

When you recite the Pledge of Allegiance, you are recommitting your oath to uphold and defend this countrys constitution. Barber recalls a time when she lived behind the wall in East Berlin and held the flag dear because that bit of cloth represented home in a faraway place. Barbers reverence for the flag and what it stands for comes from her upbringing. In the neighborhood where she grew up, the fathers were World War II and Korean War veterans who made real sacrifices. Standing up and showing respect for those sacrifices is the least anyone can do.

We were in awe of them. They defended our country on two fronts from two formidable threats, Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, and six years later, North Korea, Barber stated. Those men saved the world from a tyranny too horrifying to imagine. They stopped fascism and halted communism. Some of those fathers never returned home.

The leftist cry-bullies who cross their arms and sit during the pledge of allegiance could never understand the concepts of indivisible, liberty and justice for all, and so they continue to stomp, kick, and pout for a cause they call social justice.

If my fathers generation, young men were willing to stake their lives on this republic, how could I not recite one single sentence professing allegiance to our country? Barber said, paying respect to the real men and women who fought for true values. Because Barber stood up, the Pledge of Allegiance has been re-instated for 2019 board meetings.

Sources include:

CampusReform.org

S3.AmazonAWS.com

Insider.FoxNews.com
(Natural News) According to one medical practitioner, Type 2 diabetes is anything but. Sir Muir Gray, an Honorary Professor at Oxford University, asserts that it should be renamed walking deficiency syndrome, reports Daily Mail.

Gray, a pioneer of breast and cervical screening, has promoted exercise and social remedies as means to repel a number of diseases. Among these is Type 2 diabetes, a condition Gray doesnt consider a real illness. He views it more as a self-inflicted condition than anything else, the result of a sedentary lifestyle with little to no physical activity.

I wrote about this and somebody wrote back and said it was called a metabolic syndrome. I said I dont believe in metabolic syndromes, stated Gray at the Oxford Literary Festival. The problem with calling it Type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome makes you think its like rheumatoid arthritis or a real disease. These are conditions caused by the modern environment.

Gray has extensively researched on how inactivity greatly contributes to the risk of disease. He believes that doing simple activities could help one live a healthier and longer life. While watching television, Gray suggests that you always keep the remote control far away from you. Always stand during advertisements on one leg. Never sit down for the weather. For older people, Gray suggest standing when traveling.

Others have criticized Gray for his claims. Among them is Dr. Stephen Lawrence, Clinical Lead for Diabetes for the Royal College of General Practitioners and Principal Teaching Fellow in Diabetes at Warwick University. Of Grays assertions, Lawrence has said that, Type 2 diabetes is primarily caused by lifestyle factors, but it is associated with other demographic and genetic factors as well  to say it isnt a real disease is unhelpful, and will only serve to stigmatize those patients who have it.

Lawrence goes on to add, We know that making simple lifestyle changes, including being more active and taking steps to lose weight can have real benefits for patients with Type 2 diabetes  but we need to be encouraging patients to do this, not blaming them for having the condition, which could be counter-productive in inspiring lifestyle change.

Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum and Action on Sugar also has some choice words for Gray. I think Muir Gray is going too far. Diabetes is a disease, you dont spend a billion pounds on a drug if its not a disease. The real problem with changing its name is it is mixed messages. We are tuned to diabetes 1 and diabetes 2. Not sleepy walky syndrome or whatever it is he wants to call it, he said, according to an article uploaded to Press Reader.

Walking is shown to lower ones risk of diabetes. Researchers at Cambridge University claim that inactivity is as deadly as smoking, and is even more dangerous than obesity. Those who lead inactive lifestyles are more prone to largely preventable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, cancer, and dementia, researchers say.

Gray was knighted in 2005 for his work in fetal, maternal, and child screening programs, in addition to creating the National Library for Health. He has also written a number of books covering the topic of healthcare, including one entitled Midlife: Look Younger, Live Longer and Look Better.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

PressReader.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) For decades the Leftists who run the Southern Poverty Law Center have taken it upon themselves to declare what does and does not amount to hate speech in America, as well as which organizations are hate groups and which ones are not.

On more than one occasion such designations have been controversial, especially in recent years as the group focused more of its designations  and ire  on conservative, Patriot, and pro-Trump groups, deeming them hate groups just because the SLPC disagreed with their political, religious, or cultural positions.

Now, one conservative whos been wrongly targeted as a purveyor of hate  Gavin McInnes, who helped found the patriot group Proud Boys  is fighting back.

In a press release, McInnes, a talk show host, notes he has filed suit against the hyper partisan Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) in a 61-page complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama alleging defamation and other torturous acts resulting in reputational and economic damages.

The press release notes further:

The Canadian-immigrant talk show host is demanding an apology from the left-wing SPLC for purposefully misrepresenting his beliefs in a defamatory manner and the defamatory mischaracterization of a fraternal club he founded, Proud Boys.

In a post on its website, the SPLC claims that rank-and-file members of the Proud Boys and their leaders regularly spout white nationalist memes and maintain affiliations with known extremists. In addition, the SLPC claims that the group is known for anti-Muslim and misogynistic rhetoric.

The Left-wing group also claims that the Proud Boys have demonstrated alongside other hate groups at extremist rallies such as the Unite the Right protest event in Charlottesville, N.C., in 2017. Indeed, SLPC says on its site, former Proud Boys member Jason Kessler helped to organized the event, which brought together Klansman, antisemites, Southern racists, and militias.

The SLPC claims that Kessler was only expelled from Proud Boys following violence at the event that the Leftist media widely blamed only on Right-leaning groups, though members of the Left-wing Antifa were also engaged in violence (and hate).

Please join me

McInnes says that the SLPCs characterization of the Proud Boys and him is grossly inaccurate and defamatory.

The SPLC has gone from a noble institution genuinely dedicated to eradicating hate to a hate group in and of itself that pretends this country is frothing with bigots desperate to foment WW3, he said.

They purposely lie about their enemies in an attempt to destroy them (their words) and its become a very effective way to make money. Scaremongering brought them the $50m their founder originally set out to make. Since then, its garnered hundreds of millions including untold millions in the Cayman Islands, the latter a reference to a report in September 2017 noting that the group transferred millions there, as well as other offshore entities. (Related: SPLC caught faking numbers of Muslim hate groups in U.S. to fundraise off Trump hate.)

After naming notable conservatives such as Laura Ingraham, Trump administration official and former neurosurgeon Ben Carson, and the Tea Party as having been defamed by the SLPC as extremists, McInnes said hes had enough of America being portrayed as a racist, Islamophobic, sexist, homophobic country full of White nationalists created by POTUS Donald Trump.

Im unable to defend myself against the lies being spread around the Internet. My family has been attacked and so have my friends. The pro-Trump mens club I started, the Proud Boys, have been rounded up and arrested facing serious felonies for daring to defend themselves against the radical left, he said.

McInnes has launched a website  DefendGavin.com  to help fund his lawsuit. Supporters are encouraged to contribute what they can.

Please join me in the fight of my life, he said. I want to help you take this country back.

Read more about the Left-wing cult supporting Democrats at LeftCult.com.

Sources include:

Infowars.com

TheNationalSentinel.com
(Natural News) In a story that flew under the radar last week, no doubt because the Left-wing mainstream media (MSM) knows most Americans would be horrified and reviled by it, the New York Senate passed an extremely radical pro-abortion bill that permits the killing of an unborn baby right up until the time of natural birth.

Whats more, the bill also legalizes infant murder by allowing abortion doctors to kill babies that somehow survive the procedure. In addition, the new law would allow non-physicians to perform abortions as well.

Abortion activists have been attempting to get this monstrous bill passed for a decade but were unable to do so because rational, pro-life Republicans controlled the chamber. That all changed during the 2018 midterms, which saw Democrats take the majority.

After the bill passed, A New York Public Radio reporter noted that she heard someone shout in the Senate chamber, May almighty God have mercy on this state!

Liberalism is a sickness, a disease

Why are Democrats and their supporters so enamored with murdering the most innocent among us  unborn children  yet will go to any lengths to save a cold-blooded killer on death row?

Democrats moral compasses so seriously damaged, does anyone seriously doubt that they would support the Nazi-style roundup and gassing of conservatives and Trump supporters? If you do, take a look at this brief interview:

Here is @uofcincy student @prestonbrwn_ saying Covington Catholic students deserve to die in a school shooting. "Life happens, you get what's coming to you". The left doesn't care about kids OR gun violence. pic.twitter.com/TLbtPB5FP4  Kaitlin Bennett (@KaitMarieox) January 27, 2019

The student is being told that minor teenage boys are being threatened with death and hes okay with it. I dont care, he says. People get whats coming to them, even though the Covington Catholic School teens themselves were targets of racism, harassment, and bigotry, not the other way around. (Related: Catholic leaders dump all over their own youth to appease the lunatic Left the truth no longer matters to the Church.)

There are those who call liberalism a disease. Given the perverted sickness pervasive within the Democratic Party, no reasonable person can deny that it is.

Read more about the increasingly unhinged nature of liberalism at Unhinged.news.

Sources include:

LifeNews.com

TheNationalSentinel.com
(Natural News) Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has not been seen in public since she underwent surgery to remove several cancerous lung growths back in December. The 85-year-old has cancelled all public appearances since then and has not attended any oral arguments before the Supreme Court, and rumors are swirling that she is either covering up a serious illness or is already dead. Of course, when she does pass away, President Trump will be able to fill her seat, fueling speculation that Democrats might want to cover up any near-death state on her behalf.

Trump has said that the next person that he nominates to fill a vacancy in the Supreme Court will likely come from the list he has already released; he shared one list as a presidential candidate in May 2016 and then added five names to it in November 2017. Speaking of Ginsburgs health recently, he said: I hope that shes healthy  I hope shes happy  I hope she lives for a long time.

Fox News didnt help matters when it inadvertently aired an obituary graphic for the Supreme Court justice, an accident it claimed was due to a control room error. Meanwhile, the #WheresRuth hashtag has been trending nationally since the end of January on Twitter, helped in part by tweets from actor James Woods.

The only possible sign of her is a short video published by TMZ claiming to depict Ginsburg being ushered into a car, but the lack of face shots mean it could actually be anyone.

Media demanded answers about Melania Trumps whereabouts, but theyre oddly quiet about Ginsburg.

Remember how the media responded when First Lady Melania Trump disappeared entirely from the public eye for a few weeks after kidney surgery? CNN even crafted a graphic showing a calendar listing all the days she wasnt seen. Rumors began to spread that she had moved out of the White House or was in hiding because she feared her husband.

We may find out more tomorrow if she appears at President Trumps State of the Union address. Some say attendance by Supreme Court justices is mandatory, but this isnt exactly true; five of them sat it out last year. Nevertheless, attendance would go a long way toward silencing the rumors.

As someone with a lifetime appointment to our countrys highest court, transparency is essential. Americans have a right to know if she is close to stepping down or passing away, Given that replacing her would be President Trumps third Supreme Court justice nominee so far and would likely create one of the most conservative Supreme Courts ever seen, its strange that the media isnt looking into this more closely.

Perhaps she really is in recovery, but given all the buzz about her true status, if things were well, wouldnt she want to be seen to put an end to the rumors? Shouldnt those in her circle be pushing her to make an appearance or otherwise provide some proof that shes in recovery so all this speculation can stop? The fact that theres nothing but radio silence only seems to support the theories about her condition.

While we wish her well for her recovery and understand that it takes time to get back into your routine after a major operation, especially at her age, it has been nearly 60 days since she was last seen. Its time for Ginsburg to either show her face and be honest about whatever is keeping her out of the public eye or resign.

Sources for this article include:

AllNewsPipeline.com

DailyCaller.com
(Natural News) The historic 2018 United States-North Korea summit seemed too good to be true but thankfully resulted with a plan to denuclearize North Korea and de-escalate tensions at the Korean border. After years of conflict, the start of a new diplomatic era between the two countries has begun. As Kim Jong-un regains reputation and trust with the rest of the world, North Korea could find the perfect opportunity to prepare undetectable stealth weapons that could cause far greater terror and death on human populations. As Pyongyang and Washington continue to discuss nuclear arms, is this the perfect opportunity for Kim Jong-un to pursue biological weapons?

A recent New York Times report warns that North Korea is pursuing biological weapons that could exterminate humanity. The report was echoed by conservative South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo. As nuclear disarmament continues, the Middlebury Institute of International Studies warns that de-nuclearization of North Korea will not end the dire threat that the dictatorship poses to the rest of the world. Nuclear bomb facilities are easy to recognize and audit; whereas, biological weapons facilities can be disguised as beneficial research labs.

North Korean defectors claim that the rogue dictatorship has tested biological agents on political prisoners for years. A report by Harvard Kennedy Schools Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs claims that North Korean military defectors have tested positive for smallpox antibodies, an indicator that defectors are subjected to biological agents in some shape or form. Therefore, national security advisors are concerned that North Korea possesses vast quantities of highly infectious forms of smallpox, bubonic plague, and/or anthrax. These pathogens could be edited at the genetic level to enhance their virulence. North Korean military analyst, Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., believes that North Korea has already experimented with gene editing that could enhance the lethal consequences of biological agents. To make matters worse, these experiments could easily fly under the radar and be conducted in pesticide or vaccine research facilities. South Korea recently published a defense paper revealing North Koreas long history of producing biological and chemical weapons. The paper estimates that North Korea has generated between 2,500 and 5,000 tons of biological weapons since the 1980s.

Pound for pound, biological weapons are more deadly than nuclear bombs and harder to detect

According to the Times, A single gallon of anthrax, if suitably distributed, could end human life on Earth. Nuclear chemical and biological defense expert Andrew C. Weber says that North Korea is far more likely to use biological weapons than nuclear ones.

[North Koreas] programme is advanced, underestimated, and highly lethal, says Weber, a former Pentagon official. The Pentagon is also aware of North Koreas work with phosgene, sarin, tabun, chlorine, and hydrogen cyanide, all of which could be weaponized against humanity. The threat of these experiments is similar to Monsantos work with the U.S. military back in Vietnam, when Agent Orange unleashed horrifying consequences.

In 2015, one of North Koreas facilities, the Bio-Technical Institute, came under international scrutiny. Photos show Kim Jong-un smiling alongside military officers and scientists in an agricultural plant that contained machinery disavowed by U.S. sanctions. The photos show fermenting machines that grow microbes and sophisticated spray dryers that can turn biological agents into a fine dispersal powder. According to scholar Melissa Hanham, North Korea obtained the machinery on the black market through bribes and fake companies. She warns that North Korea has the ability to convert a supposedly harmless pesticide plant into a bio-weapon manufacturing facility within weeks. Security advisors warn that these facilities should be routinely investigated to ensure they are not used for nefarious goals. As U.S. President Donald Trump continues to negotiate with North Korea, the issue of bio-weapons should be brought to the table.

Read Bioterrorism.news to stay informed about biological weapons.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

NYTimes.com

English.Chosun.com

BelferCenter.org

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The Internet once seemed poised to utterly destroy the establishment media. In an era where everyone with a phone and a social media account could reach an audience of millions, the need for professional journalists gatekeeping information seemed pointless.

(Article by Allum Bokhari republished from Breitbart.com)

Yet journalists have savagely fought back against the social media companies that once threatened to displace them. Today, one angry email from a left-wing journalist is enough to get a tech giant to frantically manipulate its algorithms  or even create manual blacklists  to appease them.

The journalists at BuzzFeed have become masters of this tactic. Recently, they launched an investigation into misinformation and hyper-partisan content on YouTube. A day after the publication of BuzzFeeds report, YouTube announced it would adjust its algorithms to tackle misinformation. The outlet led the media pressure campaign to have Alex Jones booted from Twitter. Anti-censorship comedian Michael Meecham (aka Count Dankula) says it was BuzzFeed that made YouTube demonetize his channel, effectively firing him.

Hey I'd have hired some but I can't afford it since BuzzFeed lied about me to YouTube and got my channel demonetized. But hey keep making "great stuff". https://t.co/rrTOOQAJTS  Loli Lover 42069 (@CountDankulaTV) January 26, 2019

For another example, look at Breitbart News latest scoop on YouTube, which caught the company red-handed altering search results for abortion mere hours after a Slate writer complained about the prominence of pro-life content on the platform.

Increasingly, Silicon Valley seems to be governed by a Mafia-like cycle of shakedowns imposed by the mainstream media. It usually follows the same pattern.

First, a relentless wave of negative coverage, aimed at causing outrage about the success of the mainstream medias competitors on social media. Words like misinformation, hate, and conspiracy theories usually feature in such reports. Example: BuzzFeed  We Followed YouTubes Recommendation Algorithm Down The Rabbithole.

Second, disingenuous requests for comment to advertisers, sponsors, business partners  anyone who the social media platform or the content creator relies on for revenue. (Example: Mandatory.com  PewDiePie Claims Wall Street Journal Tried To Get Him Fired From YouTube.

Third, unconditional surrender by the social media platform, which promises to ban or cut ties with whoever the journalist objected to, or adjust its search results or algorithm to better appease the mainstream critics. (Example: YouTube Official Blog  Continuing Our Work To Improve Recommendations on YouTube.

Having seen how easy this game is, other journalists follow suit, taking aim at their personal favorite targets  whether its search results on YouTube or the criticism of progressive activists on Twitter. Silicon Valley might consider the advice of Rudyard Kipling  once you pay the Dane-geld, you never get rid of the Dane.

Whereas the alternative medias main criticism of Silicon Valley is its increasing censorship and favoritism, the objective of the mainstream media seems to be the artificial elevation of its own content on these platforms, and, in true Dane-geld fashion, even extracting payment from the tech giants.

Consider the following examples.

This isnt a left or right issue, by the way. When Facebook purged independent media pages in November, plenty of left-wing anti-establishment pages were affected too  especially if they leaned libertarian and anti-war.

In other news that should alarm the anti-establishment of both the left and right, Microsoft recently installed the NewsGuard browser extension on its mobile Edge browser by default. Founded by two neoconservative ex-journalists, the extension grants a green trustworthy or red untrustworthy rating to all news sources the user encounters.

Naturally, virtually every establishment news source gets a green tick. You know, the same establishment news sources responsible for fake news panics like Saddam Husseins WMDs, terrorist dirty bombs, the fictional rape epidemic on American campuses, the bogus Trump-Russia pee dossier, the smears against the kids at Covington Catholic high school, the bogus Moscow Tower story, etc etc etc.

Another fun fact about NewsGuard  the journalist-run project that seeks to restore trust and accountability to the media is funded by an advertising corporation whose D.C.-based subsidiary spins positive press coverage for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sounds trustworthy!

Journalists complaining about recent layoffs want you to think that their entire profession is at risk. And maybe it was, at one point. But those same journalists now receive hundreds of millions of dollars from both national governments and tech giants, special favors in the latters algorithms, and the regular banning of their competitors. An industry on the verge of extinction? Not while the protection money keeps flowing.

Read more at: Breitbart.com
Police are waiting for the results of an autopsy by the office of the chief medical examiner. They are asking anyone who may have information about the shooting to contact detectives at 203-581-5227,
(Natural News) Fewer people are having children, it would seem. Scores of research suggests that more couples are opting to remain childless, leaving many experts to claim a baby bust to explain the rapidly declining fertility rates currently being experienced worldwide. According to the latest data from the U.S.-based Population Reference Bureau (PRB), the worldwide fertility rate in 2018 was 2.4 births per woman, down from around five in the 1960s.

But why are so many couples choosing to remain childless? The answer may be that not all of them deliberately choose to be. Experts from various fields are warning that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure may be damaging health, particularly fertility.

In April 2018, an international consortium called for a moratorium to be made on the potential health hazards of 5G (fifth generation cellular technology) in the European Union. The declaration, which appealed to both the government and several health institutions to look at how RF-EMF from 5G technology could damage health, explained that it would be unethical to ignore the available evidence waiting a possible a posteriori demonstration of health damages in the presence of a present and potentially manageable risk for public health.

In particular, the members of this consortium (which included several organizations from 27 countries), noted the potential health hazards 5G may have on fertility. While several studies were referred to, one study published in Cell in 2015 was highlighted. Here, scientists from Zanjan University of Medical Sciences in Zanjan, Iran, found that 2.45 GHz radiation (the postulated amount of frequency people would be exposed to under 5G technology) radically changed the sperm parameters of the tested mice. Animals that were constantly exposed to this radiation displayed histomorphometric changes in their testicles, effectively decreasing the quality of sperm produced. This, in turn, made it more difficult for the males to impregnate females (who, the researchers noted, may also have experienced changes in their reproductive systems.)

Decline in male fertility, as one of the parameters in this study, is considered as a major concern during the past several decades. It has been suggested that direct or indirect exposure to RF-EMW as the main environmental factor plays a dominant role in the observed decline, the researchers noted.

Several more studies have suggested a link between direct and indirect exposure to these frequencies and decline in fertility. And while correlation does not signify causation, the fact that there is a link between these two factors does spell a troubling potential health hazard once 5G becomes the standard.

Call to mind that fertility may not be the only thing being affected by this new technology. Lawmakers are concerned that this new technology may increase the risk of cancer. In December 2018, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) and Representative Anna Eshoo (D-Calif) sent a letter to FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr asking for guidance on 5G.

To ensure we communicate accurate information to our constituents  we respectfully request you provide to our offices the 5G safety determination from FCC and relevant health agencies, they wrote. Most of our current regulations regarding radiofrequency safety were adopted in 1996 and have not yet been updated.

In particular, they noted that the current FCCs specific adoption rate (SAR) limits did not apply to devices operating above 6 GHz. (Related: Experts WARN: 5G technology will blanket the Earth with ultra-high microwave frequencies.)

Current research on 5G technology has provided evidence that high levels of radiofrequency radiation significantly increased the risk of cancer.

Sources include:

WakingTimes.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 1

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 2

ScienceDirect.com

SafeReMr.com

TheWeek.co.uk

WorldPopulationReview.com

FierceWireless.com
(Natural News) Antibiotics have been heavily scrutinized for killing off the good bacteria that live in your gut, but it turns out bacteria arent the only thing antibiotics can kill. Now, recent research has found there is an even more alarming risk that comes with taking these allegedly innocuous drugs: They stop the growth of new brain cells.

Scientists say that antibiotics strong enough to kill gut bacteria are also potent enough to disrupt the development of new brain cells in the hippocampus region of the brain.

The hippocampus is part of the limbic system and is most recognized for its roles in memory formation and spatial recognition. As sources note, the hippocampus is typically the first region of the brain affected by Alzheimers disease; in fact, damage to the hippocampus is a hallmark trait of the condition.

Alzheimers disease is already a leading cause of death in the United States, and estimates suggest that some 14 million people will be affected by 2050.

And now, it turns out one of the most heavily prescribed class of drugs in the world interferes with the formation of new brain cells in that very same region.

Antibiotics are anti-brain cell, too

Researchers have long studied the effects antibiotics have on the GI tract, but science is only just beginning to look at how these over-prescribed drugs affect the whole system. And these latest findings arent doing Big Pharma any favors.

A team of German scientists recently published research which demonstrated antibiotics capable of killing gut bacteria are capable of harming more than their intended target.

Senior author Susanne Asu Wolf, from the Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin, commented on the findings, stating, We found prolonged antibiotic treatment might impact brain function.

Some ten years ago, Wolf first became aware of the immune systems influence on the growth and health of brain cells. But the link between brain health and gut health had not really been investigated  even though we know how tightly linked gut health and immunity are.

The human body consists of many different organ systems, but it often seems as though modern medicine neglects the fact that all of these bodily systems were designed to work together and not as separate entities.

As Wolf and her team discovered, there is a type of white blood cell which communicates with the brain, the immune system and the gut, Ly6Chi monocytes. In a series of experiments scientists found low levels of these monocytes correlated with the appearance of cognitive deficits  and that antibiotic use could reduce the Ly6Chi monocytes population.

Probiotics can help

According to Wolf, probiotics and exercise can help mitigate the harmful effects antibiotic use might have on the brain. In fact, she suggests that probiotics and physical activity should be considered real treatment options.

In the teams studies, mice who were given probiotics or used an exercise wheel were able to restore their memory capacity and regain brain cells. The scientists say they are looking forward to future research investigating probiotics as a treatment for conditions of mental health and cognition.

Probiotics have been linked to a number of health benefits, including immune system support, weight loss and heart health. Recent research has also shown that probiotics can help protect the body against the hazards of chemotherapy. While Big Pharma has been touting antibiotics as miracle drugs for decades, studies continue to show that probiotics are better in every way.

You can learn more about the pitfalls of antibiotics and other harmful drugs at DangerousMedicine.com.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalHealth365.com

News-medical.net

ALZ.org
On 22 January 2019, NATO and Morocco organized a joint public diplomacy event in Rabat, Morocco to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Mediterranean Dialogue and NATO-Morocco cooperation.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Morocco, Mr Nasser Bourita, the NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Ambassador Alejandro Alvargonzalez, and the Minister Delegate in Charge of the Administration of Defence, Mr Abdellatif Loudiyi.

In their opening statements, both Minister Bourita and Ambassador Alvargonzalez underlined the achievements of NATO-Morocco cooperation and emphasized the added value of the Mediterranean Dialogue in addressing the common security challenges faced by Morocco and NATO.

The first session of the seminar revolved around NATO-Morocco cooperation. The first speaker, NATOs Head of Middle East and North Africa Section, Mr Nicola de Santis, provided an overview of the achievements of the Mediterranean Dialogue and NATO-Morocco cooperation, through the active contribution offered to the Kingdom for the modernization of its security and defense institutions.

Other speakers from NATO were Navy Captain Mathea Giacometti, Staff Officer South in the International Military Staff who spoke on NATO-Morocco military cooperation and Dr Eyup Turmus, Adviser in the Science for Peace and Security Programme, who elaborated on the current and upcoming cooperative projects with Morocco, in the fields of SPS.

The seminar was attended by a mix of civil society representatives, academics, officials from Morocco, from Mediterranean Dialogue and NATO countries, and media representatives.

During his visit, Assistant Secretary General Alvargonzalez held bilateral talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Morocco, Mr Nasser Bourita, the Minister Delegate in Charge of the Administation of Defence Mr Abdellatif Loudiyi and Mr Youssine Mansouri, Director General of the General Directorate for Studies and Documentation. The Assistant Secretary General also met Allied Ambassadors and officials in the Residence of the Belgian Ambassador to Morocco. Belgium serves also as NATO Contact Point Embassy in Morocco.
President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has invited opposition political party leaders who contested as Presidential candidates during the 2018 harmonised elections to meet him for dialogue at State House on Wednesday at 1600hrs.

The invitation was made known after one of the candidates Dr. Noah Manyika who is leader of Build Zimbabwe Alliance wrote a public letter in response to the invitation for dialogue with President Mnangagwa.

Commenting on the meeting exiled former Cabinet Minister Jonathan Moyo said, As the leader of the violent party of atrocities, Mnangagwa has no moral or convening authority to invite presidential candidates in the 2018 election and other handpicked individuals for the so-called Framework for Post Election Dialogue by Political Parties.

https://twitter.com/ProfJNMoyo/status/1092845459184537603

Find Dr. Manyikas full letter below:

Earlier today I received a letter signed by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Misheck Sibanda inviting me and the other candidates who participated in the 2018 election to a meeting with the President at Munhumutapa Offices on Thursday the 7th of February at 10:00am to discuss The Framework for Post Election Dialogue by Political Parties. I am attaching a copy of the invitation letter below.

I have since received a second message indicating that the meeting has been brought forward to tomorrow the 6th and will now be held at State House at 4pm.

My views on what needs to happen in order for us to have meaningful dialogue are a matter of public record. It is my intention to attend the meeting if as stated in the invitation it is to discuss the framework for dialogue. In my view, real and meaningful dialogue that will lead to the change we desperately need in our country can only happen if the people wrongfully detained have been released and the army is withdrawn completely from the streets and from manning roadblocks. It can only take place if, as the President promised upon his return from his overseas trip, the heads of those who have been responsible for brutalizing citizens roll.

Let me state clearly and unequivocally that I dont believe the president has created the right conditions for dialogue, something that is in his power to do. I will attend this meeting to hear if he is now prepared to do so and will only be prepared to join any continuing dialogue if this is clearly the case.

Dr. Noah Manyika

February 5, 2019.

_____________________________________________________________________

MNANGAGWAS LETTER

INVITATION TO DISCUSS THE FRAMEWORK FOR POST-ELECTION DIALOGUE BY POLITICAL PARTIES

The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Cde E.D. Mnangagwa is inviting leaders of political parties who participated in the Presidential election of 30 July 2018 to a meeting to discuss a framework for dialogue and interaction.

Each Presidential candidate is expected to bring three delegates and for those candidates with parliamentary representation, one extra delegate can be from Parliament.

The meeting will be facilitated by the Office of the President and Cabinet, and will be held on 7 February 2019 at 1000 hours in the New Munhumutapa 2nd floor Boardroom.

Delegates are expected to be seated by 0930 hours.

Please ensure that delegates have identification documents for ease of entry.

Dr MJM Sibanda

CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT AND CABINET

Opposition Leaders invited by Mnangagwa

In December last year, Chamisa appealed for dialogue with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stabilise the faltering economy, but the Zanu PF leader ruled out such a possibility, saying he does not work with losers.

We had our peaceful and non-violent elections, and we won with a two-thirds majority, a combative Mnangagwa told a meeting of his partys central committee in Harare in December.

If you think we will form a GNU (government of national unit), then you should be dreaming.

You have to wake up as soon as possible because it is a nightmare.

We will run the country for the next five years as provided for by the Constitution, and in the meantime, we are preoccupied with fixing the economy, the Zanu PF strongman said back then.

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Britain will not support Zimbabwes debt clearance plan and would not back its application for readmission to the Commonwealth over sickening human rights violations seen over the past weeks, the UKs foreign secretary Harriet Baldwin said Tuesday.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube is desperate to clear $2 billion worth of arrears to lenders such as the African Development Bank and the World Bank, and appeared to have secured a breakthrough last October when he presented his economic plan to EU countries in Bali. He hoped to clear arrears this year, which would allow Zimbabwe to access the new credit it badly needs.

But his road map appears to be heading for a dead end, after Baldwin told the International Development Committee, which monitors the UKs development programmes for the British parliament, that events of the past two weeks make it hard for the UK to support any such plan.

There needs to be progress in terms of the arrears that Zimbabwe has to international finance institutions, and the recent violence from state actors makes it very difficult for me personally to try and argue that this is the time for the UK to be stepping up to the plate working with international partners to do this, Baldwin said.

The idea that we would step up to the plate and say look guys, the government is doing this to its own citizens, shooting them with live ammunition, a range of other egregious violations, and you know what, the UK is really happy to argue that now is the time for them to be helped with their international arrears; you may push back on this, but I find that a very difficult political case to make.

Baldwin visited South Africa last week, and she said officials there are discussing a package to help Zimbabwe clear its arrears.

We will listen to that plan, but as the UK governments Minister for Africa, I cannot say that now is the time for us to really be sticking our necks out politically on the back of the kind of behaviour that weve seen from the government, Baldwin declared.

Asked whether the UK would continue engaging with Zimbabwe, Baldwin added: It is right to engage in terms of the messaging, and to set out the kinds of reforms that would enable Western democracies and organisations to work more closely with tackling the governments outstanding international debts, but I think we are a long way from that, and weve gone further away from that as a result of the human rights violations by the security forces.

Zimbabwe has cleared its arrears with the IMF, but the country still owes $687 million to the AfDB, $1.4 billion to the World Bank and $322 million to the European Investment Bank. In total, foreign debt stands at $7.6 billion with $1.3 billion in arrears.

To qualify for new credit, Zimbabwe has to clear its arrears first. Under the pari pasu rule, the country must simultaneously pay off what it owes to the World Bank, AfDB and other priority lenders. Ncube had been holding meetings, including with the UK, to have this requirement waived.

After meetings in Bali in October, Matthew Rycroft, the UKs Permanent Secretary to its development arm DFID, showed some cautious support for Ncubes plan, tweeting: Long road ahead on political and economic reforms. The UK, and others, stand ready to support reform efforts.

However, this progress, and President Emmerson Mnangagwas year-long carefully crafted plan to end Zimbabwes international isolation, appears to have been shattered by his security forces use of deadly force to quell violent protests over a fuel price hike.

Returning to the Commonwealth, from which Robert Mugabe withdrew the country in a rage in 2003, was a major part of Mnangagwas reengagement plan. To be admitted, a country needs all members to vote in its favour. But if a vote was to be taken on that today, Baldwin says, Britain would vote against Zimbabwes readmission.

Says Baldwin: UK as one of the members of the Commonwealth it would have to be a unanimous decision by all 53 members, but as of today, the UK would not be able to support that application because we dont believe that the kind of human rights violations that we are seeing from security forces in Zimbabwe are the kind of behaviour that you would need to see from a Commonwealth member.

Baldwin said she had summoned Zimbabwes ambassador to the UK, Christian Katsande, to take back to his government the message that we deplored this form of disproportionate violence from security forces. She had also taken a call from Zimbabwe Foreign Affairs Minister, SB Moyo, and expressed her concern over the violence.

New sanctions era?

The EU imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe after the country expelled the head of the EU election observer mission in 2002. Over the years, the sanctions were pared down to leave only senior officials and the Zimbabwe Defence Industries. Now, Britain is considering widening the sanctions once again to target the people that Baldwin says are responsible for the crackdown.

Asked if the UK government had been too quick to back the current president since he and others had been on the EU travel ban, Baldwin said support had always been conditional on a free and fair election.

The annual process of rolling over the EU sanctions has begun and the UK has been arguing that its too early to remove sanctions, she says. With recent events, the UK is in fact looking to have sanctions widened to include further individuals.

We have been aware that the President has said heads will roll, but we havent seen any specific heads rolling, but these would be the people to be added on a new sanctions list.

Describing the reports of rape as sickening, Baldwin said it defies imagination that the victims of violence could not report violations because they hold the same authorities responsible.

UK looks to Zims neighbours

While touring SADC last week, Baldwin held talks with South Africa and Mozambique, and she says the UK will let the region take the lead on how to solve the Zimbabwe crisis.

Asked how the UK could support Zimbabwe, as it did under the GNU when it channelled funding to non-ZANU PF ministries, Baldwin said on her last visit to Zimbabwe in 2018, she had announced a package of 5 million pounds to civil society groups. She would not disclose who these were, citing the nature of their operations. We believe its quite sensitive work, and we are really not able to disclose who it is we work with, and who we fund.

Civil society members travelled to meet Baldwin in South Africa last week, where she said they briefed her on completely egregious human rights violations which appeared to target women deemed to be pro-opposition.

On reforms, Baldwin said after the disbanding of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, the UK is waiting to see the new appointments.

The previous one had obviously been very ineffective, so it may be that we see some good appointments to that.

 NewsWire

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MDC president Nelson Chamisa took the unusual step to answer to online bashers (Varakashi) over claims the MDC leader was having an extra-marital affair with a Harare woman and that a nude video had been leaked by a named female MDC MP.

A ZANU-PF propagandist going by the Facebook name Jones Musara had made the claim on his own Facebook page, attaching a photo of Chamisa with a young woman, forcing Chamisa to respond.

Chamisa is fixated on (extra-marital affairs) instead of nation building hence he is not Presidential material, Musara said, attaching a photo.

Nelson Chamisa responded: Please be truthful. This photo was actually taken at some restaurant on Saturday last week where I was having lunch with the legend Thomas Mapfumo. I also had the pleasure of meeting the young musician Enzo of the Kanjiva fame for the first time.

I dont expect such embarrassing lies. I dont even know that girl whom you unfortunately seek to diminish in standing. Im not that filthy! Ngativake Zimbabwe nerudo kwete kuiputsa neruvengo!

Chamisa decried the fact that an innocent woman who only asked for a selfie was having her name soiled all for politics.

I dont even know the girl personally, Chamisa said. Would it be fair to turn away a fellow zimbabwean who request just a selfie? Kuti takosheiko?

Chamisa added: Only weak people invest in inventing weak lies and low propaganda.

Jones Musara, a staunch ZAN-PF supporter known for posting hundreds of tweets and Facebook posts daily in support of thw ruling party, also claimed that a named MDC female MP had leaked a nude video of Chamisa.

MyZimbabwe is in possession of a video of the same woman in which she invites men to come get her.

The video, titled Ndinyengei (propose to me), has been taken by some as a sign the woman, whose real name is Lorraine Guyo, could be targeting top public officials for fame and relationships.

A person close to Chamisa told ZOOMZimbabwe: Chamisa must further clear the air that he is not interested in her because we know this girl is searching as she says it in her video titled ndinyengei!

She met him at a public place and asked for a selfie, which Advocate Chamisa agreed to as he takes selfies with hundreds of different people at different places, including ZANU-PF people like Energy Mutodi.

Just like Mutodi went on to abuse the selfie with Advocate Chamisa at the Oliver Mtukudzi funeral some days ago, this same woman seems to have gone around splashing it on social media with subtle messages like ndinyengeyi..

We cannot judge her as we do not exactly know the motive, but the fact that she has a video inviting men to come for her made Advocate Chamisa feels he had to clear his name and put varakashi in their rightful place.

ZOOMZimbabwe has images of the same woman wearing ZANU-PF regalia.

Lorraine Guyo in ZANU-PF regalia

Efforts to reach Lorraine for her comment were not successful at the time of publishing as she repeatedly ignored messages and did not pick up the phone.

 ZOOMZimbabwe

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SOUTH Africas Western Cape Health Department has told protesting Zimbabweans to leave Cape Towns Groote Schuur Hospital saying vice president Constantino Chiwenga is not being treated there.

Western Cape Health Department confirms Zimbabwes Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga is not being treated at Cape Towns Groote Schuur Hospital, SAfm radio revealed on Twitter Monday.

A group of Zimbabwean nationals are protesting outside the hospital, calling for Chiwenga to go back home to receive treatment there.

Chiwenga was reportedly airlifted to South Africa at the weekend for emergency medical treatment after allegedly being taken ill while attending a Zanu PF politburo meeting in Harare.

The Harare government has not commented on the reports.

It was however, claimed that the former defence forces chief was admitted at Groote Schuur Hospital resulting in scores of protesting Zimbabweans gathering at the facility.

The demonstrators demanded that the vice president returns home to be treated in the same run-down state hospitals his government forcing Zimbabweans to rely on.

They said Chiwenga is part of a government which has presided over the collapse of the countrys health sector which was recently hit by a two-month strike by doctors complaining about the lack of drugs and power conditions.

Said lobby group Citizens Forum Zimbabwe; We must help our people by telling Chiwenga to go back home and get treated at Parirenyatwa like the rest of us!

Those who visited the hospital as part of the demonstration included comedian the Comic Pastor.

And concerned about the disruption protest was causing, the Western Cape Health Department issued a statement Monday confirming the at Chiwenga was not admitted at the hospital.

A statement attributed the departments communications officer, called on the protestors to direct their demands at Zimbabwean authorities.

In honour of our commitment to patient confidentiality, we cannot discuss patient details. however, we can confirm that he was not or currently is a patient at the hospital, read the statement.

While we understand the concern of the Zimbabwean community, we need to balance this with the rights of other patients to receive care.

We urge the community to direct their requests to the Zimbabwean authorities and to respect our hospital premises as a healing environment for patients.

Health staff should be given the space to continue uninterrupted with their patient care.

Chiwenga was head of the military when the long-serving president Robert Mugabe was toppled by a coup in November 2017.

The vice president and his wife, Mary, have however, have been showing signs of illness, with visibly swollen hands and discoloured skin patches, something he said was due to poisoning.

Chiwenga appeared agitated and angrily fidgety in recent public appearances, raising fears about his health, added the report.

Last year, Chiwenga suggested he was paying the price for removing former President Robert Mugabe, triggering speculation he might have been poisoned.

 NewZimbabwe

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THE Government on Friday granted permission for nurses and other health workers to adjust their working hours to 154 hours monthly which translates to three days a week.

In a letter addressed to Provincial Medical Officers and Chief Executive Officers, the acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Gibson Mhlanga, said the proposal would help health workers cope with transport challenges.

According to the proposal, health workers will work a total of 77 hours in two weeks with shifts starting from 7AM up to 7PM.

Dated February 1, the letter said nurses had already started implementing the schedule and it was time other health workers joined.

Reference is made to minute dated December 7, 2018 where it had been suggested that the implementation of this interim arrangement was to start with nurses and extended to other categories. Heads of institutions who had not yet done so are requested to extend the interim arrangement to other categories of health workers, said Dr Mhlanga.

He said this will enable the health workers to cope with the current prevailing transport challenges until the environment stabilises.

It is important that adherence to a minimum 154 working hours per month is maintained and in a manner that ensures continuity in service provision and adequate coverage, said Dr Mhlanga.

He said members who are not comfortable with the extended working hours will continue with the normal working hours and days.

You are further advised that members should not use the days not worked in terms of this interim framework to do locum duties, said Dr Mhlanga.

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As far back as I can remember, my parents told me that education was very important and that I was going to college. Even growing up on San Antonios South Side, attending Kindred Elementary and Sydney Wright Elementary, access to education for a young Latina like me was never in question. That is not the case everywhere.

Let us consider, for example, the inspirational story of Malala Yousafzai, who grew up in a small village in Pakistan where the Taliban intimidated girls and women from getting an education. Malalas father operated a girls school there and was determined his daughter would receive an education equal to boys. Malala had a passion for education and was outspoken about girls having a right to learn. Drawing the attention of the Taliban, Malala was shot while riding a school bus in 2012. She was only 15. Incredibly, she recovered and continued championing girls right to education. Malala earned the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize at age 17. In her book, I Am Malala, she wrote, Let us pick up our books and our pensThey are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.
The late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote in a 1947 article for Morehouse Colleges Maroon Tiger, It seems to me that education has a two-fold function to perform in the life of man and in society: the one is utility and the other is culture. What Dr. King says is what I believe to be true at Palo Alto College: that we teach our students the knowledge needed to successfully complete a degree or certificate, but more importantly, we provide the tools and resources for our students to become well-rounded individuals that will change the trajectory of their lives.

In celebration of Black History Month, Palo Alto College will provide our South Side community with free exhibits, musical performances, cultural events, and literary readings.
Update at 8 a.m. on Feb. 5: Melissa Nicole Peoples, 48, was arrested in connection to the bicyclist's death. She faces charges of intoxication manslaughter and failure to stop and render aid. Her bail totals $50,000 for both charges.

A suspected drunken driver was arrested after police say she fatally rear-ended a bicyclist and struck another car Monday afternoon on the far North Side.

San Antonio Police Department Sgt. Don Gatten said the cyclist was struck at about 5:15 p.m. on the access road in the 21000 block of Interstate 10 West, near Milsa Drive.

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Gatten said officers found the man, in his 40s, in full cyclist gear lying on the ground when they arrived.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Investigators said the man was struck by a white BMW SUV that drove away from the scene after the impact.

"He was doing everything right," Gatten said. "The problem is this kind of traffic, it's dangerous."

RELATED: Minor crash leads to car fire near Alamo Quarry

A woman suspected of being involved in the accident then got into a fender bender at Interstate 10 and Camp Bullis.

She fled that scene as well, but was arrested moments later by Bexar County Sheriff's deputies, Gatten said.

Authorities have not yet identified the woman or the man involved.

Jacob Beltran is a reporter covering San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | | Twitter:
Two suspects broke through the walls of several businesses to get inside a Verizon store before leading police on a short chase in north Houston early Tuesday morning, police said.

An alarm company called police around 12:15 a.m. regarding a burglary at the cell phone store along the North Freeway and Crosstimbers Road, according to Metro Video.
A man once convicted of murder is accused of killing again.

Jaimel Demetrius Smith is alleged to have shot his roommate to death Sunday afternoon inside their home along the 7900 block of Braeswood Boulevard, police said.

Smith, 43, was still inside the southwest Houston home when police arrived. The slain 39-year-old roommate, who was shot more than once, was identified in court records as Taariq Muhamed.

SCANDAL: Houston law enforcement investigating sex abuse claims against local priests

Smith was convicted of murder in 1995 but records do not show when he was released from prison. Details from that case were not immediately available from the Harris County District Clerk's Office.

Prosecutors requested a bond of $250,000 or more against Smith, citing the decades-old murder conviction.
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Industrial Thermal Insulation Market  Overview:

Thermal Insulation are used to restrict the flow of heat energy from hotter side to colder side. They are predominantly utilized in numerous end use industries such as power generation, automotive, petrochemical & refineries, aerospace & defense, and others. Industrial Thermal Insulation Market is expected to witness moderate growth due to their demand for various process control in petrochemical & refineries, power generation, and other end use industries. In addition, among the material segment calcium silicate accounted for the largest market share due to their broad service temperature range around 35 deg C to 815 deg C. Furthermore, Perlite segment is estimated to with the tremendous CAGR due to their heavy usage in many industrial application. Among the end use segment, petrochemical & refineries segment accounted for the largest market share and holds for around 45 % due to their robust presence in across the globe.

Geographically, North America emerged as the largest market for Industrial Thermal Insulation followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The Asia Pacific Industrial Thermal Insulation Market is predicted to witness healthy growth with a moderate CAGR over the forecast year on account of rising industrial base for many end use industries in these region. Furthermore, the demand for industrial thermal insulation is estimated to rise in various countries of Asia Pacific such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea due to continuous expansion of automotive sector combined with high adoption rate from numerous end use industries. Apart from this, growing investment by major market players in their innovation and research & development activities and shifting of Industrial Thermal Insulation manufacturing unit in this region is estimated to fuel the Industrial Thermal Insulation regional market growth. North American market is estimated to witness healthy growth on account rising demand for Industrial Thermal Insulation in petrochemical & refineries. North American market is further segmented into U.S. and Canada, among them U.S. is predicted to be the major contributor in the regional market growth due to robust growth of aerospace & defense and petrochemical & refineries. European market is expected to witness above average growth owing to rising awareness regarding the benefits associated with the product as well as increasing purchasing power of consumer. In addition, developing countries of Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are estimated to witness steady growth on account of strong consumer base for automobile and power generation.

Get a Sample Report for Brief Overview @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4876

Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:

June 2017- Recticel Insulation, a Belgian Group, one of the leading manufacturer of PIR insulation announced to expand its production facilities located in Finland. The new manufacturing unit will manufacture high performance rigid polyurethane foam (PIR) panels for thermal insulation for the construction sector. With this expansion, the company will able to meet the increasing demand for thermal insulation in North Europe.

May 2017- Hitachi Chemical Co. Ltd announced to acquire Isolite GmbH, German manufacturer of thermal insulations for aircraft, automobiles, and other industrial applications. With this acquisition Company is following its medium term management plan in which the company aim is to strengthen their automotive products business by expanding their overseas development, manufacturing and sales bases.

February 2017- Synavax announced to launch its industrial thermal insulation coating. This product is used to withstand harsh industrial and outdoor environments and offers an economical spray on application with no exterior jacketing required. These are used in various industrial application such as industrial furnaces, heat exchangers, industrial ovens, steam pipes and valves, brewing tanks, and others. With this product launch the company strengthen its position in industrial thermal insulation market.

June 2017- ISD Solutions, one of the subsidiary of P&M Group announced to acquire PLG Insulations, an industrial insulation company. With this acquisition, the company extend their range of complementary services offered to clients.

Competitive Landscape:

The Industrial Thermal Insulation Report has analysed the level of competition among the key operating players as well as sector growth and market scenario. The Global Industrial Thermal Insulation Market includes a large number of suppliers operating in the market which includes large scale and medium scale producers. Some of the prominent market players operating in the Global Industrial Thermal Insulation Industry has shifted their focus towards growth association specifically by Asia Pacific as medium level and small scale manufacturers are from this region specifically from China, Singapore, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia, and Japan. Apart from this, the key manufacturers are focusing on expanding their product portfolio by strategic acquisition and mergers, joint ventures, product launches, and exclusive agreements. Many operating players are increasing their manufacturing capacity of industrial thermal insulation to meet the growing demand for Industrial Thermal Insulation.

View Complete TOC with Tables and Figures at: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/industrial-thermal-insulation-market-4876

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Serial killer Ted Bundy is back in the limelight thanks to a new Zac Efron movie and a four-part Netflix documentary series. Bundys crimes  the murder of at least 30 people in the mid to late 1970s  along with the subsequent trials and escapes, took America by storm.

Before he was executed at Florida State Prison in 1989, Bundy became a father for what is believed to be the first and only time when his wife Carole Ann Boone gave birth to a girl. In the decades since Bundys death, mentions of his daughter have been few and far between, understandably, but heres what we know today:

Bundy proposed to Boone while on trial

Carole Ann Boone, played by Kaya Scodelario in "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile," first met Bundy at the Department of Emergency Services in Olympia, Washington, where they both worked six years before Bundys infamous court proposal. While he was on trial in Florida in 1980, Bundy, who was representing himself, asked Boone if she wanted to marry him during a question period about their relationship.

Bundys proposal at the time was considered legal thanks to an arcane Florida law that stated as long as a judge was present for a marriage declaration in court, the transaction would be allowed. Per Ann Rules 1980 biography of Bundy, "The Stranger Beside Me," Bundy proposed a second time after mixing up the terminology (I do hereby marry you made it legit). Bundy was subsequently sentenced to death for a third time; he would remain on death row for the next nine years. According to Rule, Boone divorced Bundy three years prior to his execution.



Bundy and Boones daughter was conceived in prison



More for you News Netflix's Ted Bundy documentary is almost everything...

Per a September 1981 Associated Press story published in Utah paper The Deseret News, Boone told reporters its nobodys business how the child was conceived. At the time, AP pointed out that Boone lived (with her son from a previous relationship) and worked near the Florida prison and made frequent visits to Bundy at the prisons park. Conjugal visits were prohibited for inmates on death row, but as Rule revealed in her book, the bribing of guards who patrolled such areas was not uncommon.

A prison superintendent interviewed by the AP in 1981 offered this: Im not saying they couldnt have some sexual contact but in that park it would be mighty difficult. Its stopped as soon as it starts.



Rose (or Rosa) Bundy was born in the fall of 1981

The Orlando Sentinels coverage of Bundys final days before his execution confirmed that Boone became pregnant in early 1981 and gave birth to a daughter that October. The folks at Oxygen, who identify the daughter as Rose Bundy (sometimes called Rosa), claim the birth happened in 1982, which would make the daughter 36 or 37 today.



Theres a good reason why not much is known about Bundys daughter today

As Rule pointed out in her book, invasion of privacy was a main issue while writing about Bundys ex-wife and their daughter. In a 2008 reprint of her book, Rule did offer this vague update to the curious: I have heard that Teds daughter is a kind and intelligent young woman, but I have no idea where she and her mother may live. They have been through enough pain.

She also writes on her official website, I have deliberately avoided knowing anything about Ted's ex-wife and daughter's whereabouts because they deserve privacy. I don't want to know where they are; I never want to be caught off guard by some reporter's question about them. All I know is that Ted's daughter has grown up to be a fine young woman.

Rose is barely mentioned in Efron's movie

Minor spoiler alert: Rose, or rather, the journey Bundy and Boone took to conceive the child, is not a big part of "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile," as the film is told from the perspective of Bundys girlfriend of seven years, Elizabeth Kloepfer (played Lily Collins). What the movie does show is Bundys relationship with Kloepfers daughter Tina. While he was not Tinas biological father, Bundy was present for much of Tinas early years.


Pope Francis has for the first time publicly acknowledged the scandal of priests and bishops sexually abusing nuns and says he is committed to doing more to fight the problem.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Francis said: "Should we do something more? Yes. Is there the will? Yes. But it's a path that we have already begun."
The busy streets of downtown Austin, Texas, are awash in electric scooters that zip through traffic, crowd street corners and sit parked outside bustling hotels by the dozen.

For months now, the city's emergency rooms have been awash in something else: severely injured people, many of them young and formerly uninhibited.

The latest example is Mark Sands, a 21-year-old exchange student from Ireland who now holds the tragic distinction of becoming the first Austin resident killed in an accident involving an electric scooter.

Police say Sands was riding a Lime scooter and traveling in the wrong direction on a busy downtown street early Friday morning when he was struck by an Uber driver, leaving him badly injured. He was taken to Dell Seton Medical Center, where he died the next day, authorities said.

Though no official tally is known, an unofficial count suggests that Sands is at least the third person to die in an accident involving the electric mobility devices that have swept across the nation in the past year.

At Dell alone, doctors have documented 61 incidents of severe trauma, including 18 head injuries, 36 orthopedic injuries and 14 facial injuries, linked to electric scooters since April, a hospital spokesman told The Washington Post. Those numbers do not include less-severe injuries that are also treated at the facility, the spokesman noted.

Sands' death has reverberated across Austin. Though the fast-growing city is home to tens of thousands of students, the community's small-town feel means locals still reel each time a young person is killed.

"If you've ever been lucky enough to meet Mark you've surely noticed his constant smile," a statement on Sands' GoFundMe page says. "He was one of the most charming and amusing people you will ever meet."

"Mark never met a stranger or someone he didn't like," the statement adds. "He had a passion for everyone he knew and he always looked out for others."

Though the number of deaths linked to electric scooters remains low, severe injuries are fairly common, according to trauma doctors around the country, many of whom have reported a steady influx of injured riders pouring into emergency rooms for months.

Over a one-year period in two Los Angeles emergency departments, more people were injured while riding standing electric scooters than by riding bicycles or traveling on foot, according to the results of a study published last month in the medical journal JAMA Network Open that documented injury statistics from September 2017 to August 2018.

Of the 249 patients who received treatment for scooter-related injuries, nearly 28 percent suffered contusions, sprains and lacerations. About 30 percent had fractures, and just over 40 percent were treated for head injuries, the study found. Nearly all the patients were discharged from emergency departments, but 15 were admitted to a hospital, including two with severe head injuries who were placed in intensive-care units.

In recent months, numerous riders have reported being injured by scooters that malfunction, throwing riders off the vehicles at high speed. Last year, Lime - one of the world's largest scooter companies - was forced to issue two recalls after The Washington Post reported that some scooters had batteries capable of catching fire and others included baseboards that split in half while people rode them.

Pedestrians, particularly elderly ones, have also been severely injured after being struck by electric scooters or tripping over devices that have been haphazardly left on the sidewalk, according to doctors.

Some health professionals have referred to the wave of injuries as a public health crisis. In December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced plans to study the health risks associated with the two-wheeled vehicles by analyzing injuries to riders and pedestrians in Austin, Texas, over two months.

Austin Public Safety Commission member Ed Scruggs told NBC affiliate KXAN that Sands's death "was an unfortunate set of circumstances that led to that tragic accident" but added that the city needs more "hard facts" about the number and location of e-scooter accidents before officials can address the issue.

"Because right now we basically have a group of people who have found a mode of transportation that they enjoy and that they feel they seriously need, and then on the other hand you have a group of people that don't use and don't take advantage of that mode of transportation that feel a little threatened by it and a little annoyed by it," Scruggs said.

In a statement emailed to The Washington Post, Collin Morgan, Lime's general manager in Austin, said the company was "devastated" to learn about Sands' death.

"We have been in contact with local authorities and will continue to assist however possible," the statement added.

Sands's death follows the deaths of two other men in recent months. Jacoby Stoneking - a 24-year-old Dallas man - died after falling off a Lime electric scooter in September and receiving blunt force head injuries, authorities said. Carlos Sanchez-Martin, of Silver Spring, Maryland, was struck and killed by an SUV in September while riding a Lime scooter in Washington, D.C.

Sands was studying computer science at University College Dublin's School of Computer Science and planned to continue his studies after returning to Ireland next semester, according to a statement posted on the school's Facebook page. While in Austin, he joined the Texas Iron Spikes, a men's student organization, according to KXAN.

The toxicology results from the Sands case are pending, police said.

The moderator of Sands' GoFundMe page posted a statement from the student's mother, who was not identified. The statement said Sands' organs were donated and asked people to remember her son while listening to the U2 song "Elevation."

"It was a very special song between Mark and I and one I was going to dance with him at his wedding and do our goofy dance," she wrote. "It will be playing in the operating theatre when they work on him."
The Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce held it annual awards banquet on Jan. 25 at the Cleveland Civic Center with style.

The theme for this years awards banquet was Cleveland through the ages.

Chamber members and other community dwellers looked at old pieces of work from the city to celebrate the development of the Cleveland area.

Several awards were given out at the banquet to honor what the members do for the Cleveland business community and their contribution to its growth.

Hart RV and Boat Storage was named the 2018 Business of the Year by voters. John and Tammy Hart accepted the award. John has served on the Outdoor Expo and the Rock N Ride committee as well.

The 2018 Jean Noble McAdams Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Victoria Good of CBS Furniture. Good has donated her time serving the chamber, City of Cleveland and non-profits in the area. Good will serve as the 2020 President and Chairman of the Board for the Chamber.

Jeff McLain was named the 2018 Citizen of the Year. The board voted unanimously that the Citizen of the Year Award will be called the Alfred G. Anderson Citizen of the Year Award. Anderson passed away in 2018, but helped the chamber and the city of Cleveland throughout his years of living.

Kari Duggar of Edward Jones was named the 2018 Ambassador of the Year. Duggar sits on several committees in the area and will serve on the 2019 Board of Directors as a financial office.

marcus.gutierrez@chron.com
More than 80 San Antonio restaurants, bars and snack shops started the year off on the right foot and received perfect health inspections during the month of January.

Notable spots include J-Prime Steakhouse, MAAR's Pizza & More, Pharm Table, Snooze AM Eatery and Churroholic.
Houston pipeline and storage terminal operator Kinder Morgan has begun the weeks-long startup process at its Elba Island liquefied natural gas export terminal in Savannah, Ga.

In an order handed down Friday, officials with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gave Kinder Morgan permission to start introducing natural gas to test equipment at the $2 billion facility.

Currently under construction, Elba Island LNG is being developed as a joint venture between Kinder Morgan and EIG Global Energy Partners, a private equity firm based in Washington, D.C.

If the commissioning tests are successful, the first of 10 production units under construction will be fully operational and capable of producing exports by the end of the first quarter.

Domestic consumption is increasing in power generation and industrial, but increasingly, U.S. natural gas demand is export-driven, Kinder Morgan Chief Executive Steve Kean said during the companys Jan. 23 investors day conference.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Kinder Morgan sets 2019 budget with emphasis on natural gas projects

Originally built as a facility to import natural gas, record production in U.S. shale basins prompted Kinder Morgan to seek permission from the federal government to reconfigure part of the facility into an export terminal. Federal officials gave Kinder Morgan a permit to build the export terminal in June 2016.

The company awarded a contract to build the terminal to Houston engineering procurement and construction company IHI E&C. Once the 10 production units are operational, the facility will be able to produce up to 2.5 million metric tons of LNG a year, roughly enough natural gas to fuel about 1.75 million U.S. homes for a day.

Elba Island LNG is coming online at a time of growing global demand for liquefied natural gas. The U.S. LNG industry currently exports 3 billion cubic feet of natural gas a day, but that figure is expected to grow to 17 billion cubic feet a day by 2030  an increase of nearly 500 percent.

Related: U.S. LNG export capacity to more than double by end of 2019

As a fee-based pipeline and storage terminal company, Kinder Morgan does not produce natural gas or sell it, acting instead as a middleman charging producers or buyers to move it from one point to another. The company is extending that business model to the burgeoning LNG business along the Gulf Coast.

We participate in a very low-risk way, Kean told investors about the companys LNG business. Weve got the infrastructure that serves those export facilities. We wrap ourselves right around them in Texas and Louisiana. We serve those markets, and we serve them with our domestics assets.

In the case of Elba Island LNG, Kinder Morgan decided to build 10 liquefaction plants to supercool natural gas and condense it to a liquid form that makes it easier to ship. Oil and refining giant Shell entered into a 20-year deal with Kinder Morgan to market and export all the LNG produced at the Georgia facility.

We can make a lot of money in the LNG business by providing services to the LNG market without participating in the global risk and the commodity risk that goes along with deep participation in those markets, Kean said.

sergio.chapa@chron.com

@SergioChapa on Twitter
Microphone and US Flag View Photos

During the Democratic Weekly Address, Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) stated that Congress is trying to iron out a bipartisan border security agreement.

Cardin was Tuesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words:

Hi. Im Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland.

Shutting down the federal government is never a good idea. It shakes confidence in our country, rattles the economy, and hurts hard-working employees, as well as millions of individual families and businesses across the country who rely on or interact with some facet of the federal government every day.

This isnt hyperbole. We all saw it firsthand.

According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the recently ended 35-day shutdown reduced economic activity in our country by $11 billion  and nearly $3 billion of that money will never be recovered.

Consumer confidence also plummeted, by a record 16 points over the last quarter, owing greatly to the shutdown.

The growing disruption to our air traffic system, increasing public health risks as food inspections ceased, and immense damage to our national park system were only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Whats worse, the historic shutdown of our federal government never should have happened.

In December, the Senate passed a short-term measure to fully fund the government, which included robust funding for border security. The House of Representatives was going to approve it.

Only then did the president  goaded by conservative talking heads  suddenly slam the brakes and shut down the government to salvage what was left of his medieval wall.

It was for his wall that the president put our national security at risk every time he directed the Republican Senate leader, Mitch McConnell, to block reopening the federal government.

I would like to deeply thank the 800,000 federal workers and the millions of service contractors whom the shutdown hurt most directly.

These women and men were holding the bare bones of government together without pay, working on behalf of the American people in positions that are stressful on a normal day. Or they were locked out on furlough, with the stress of no pay and no idea when they could get back on the job serving the American people. Either way, their struggle to make ends meet was real.

Nearly 80 percent of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck and federal workers are no different from their neighbors in this respect. While Congress was able to guarantee back pay for federal workers, the promise of a paycheck at some future unknown date did nothing to pay for groceries or put gas in their cars.

During the shutdown, I met with workers from Maryland, and representatives of workers nationwide, who had to forgo doctor visits because they could not afford the copay. I talked with personnel at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport who were contemplating temp jobs to pay their bills. I heard from people with disabilities, employed by the government in entry-level jobs, who were distraught that they would lose their health insurance  and their independence. I also met with small business owners, many of which had nothing to do with the federal government, but the shutdown stopped their work, too.

Even now that the government is back to work, service contractors  the cleaning crews, security guards, and others who make federal buildings across the country run efficiently  may never fully recover. We are working to expedite legislation that would provide lost wages for these low-wage contractors, but they and the businesses who employ them may never fully recoup lost funds.

The hardship caused by this Trump Shutdown will take months and years to overcome. For many the scars of financial uncertainty will remain indefinitely.

Never in my life did I ever think I would see federal workers lining up for a foodbank or soup kitchen. But, sadly, it happened.

To all those who donated and distributed free groceries or hosted a hot meal for struggling federal workers, you have my gratitude. To all who extended grace periods or allowed for a skipped payment, thank you, too.

Now back to the wall.

Democrats have always supported comprehensive border security solutions. What we do not support are one-off ideas that are more tweet than policy. To the president, it has been all about an absurd campaign promise rather than using taxpayer resources appropriately to protect our borders.

We have long agreed with Republicans that our immigration system is broken and we need a comprehensive, bipartisan solution to border security. It is why, in 2013, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan, comprehensive border security plan.

We think we can do it again, guided by the experts who have studied what can be the most useful at different locations along the southern border and all ports of entry.

I believe that we can find a reasonable, comprehensive plan that will keep our nation secure.

The Trump Shutdown was eye-opening. After 35 days, a greater number of Americans have a better appreciation for the hard work done by our federal workforce in support of our national and economic security, public health, and daily lives.

I was proud to work with Democratic and Republican colleagues to find a path to reopen government and to support a true, bipartisan package on border security. It is important that the president allow Congress to do its work without interference. We all pledged to engage in good faith negotiations on border security now that the federal government has reopened. Americans want us to come together to protect our country. Now we must do just that.

The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.
By

Links checked and updated for 2019. With DIY tax prep software, it is always wise to note the cost of your state return and e-File as it may actually cost more than your federal return (especially if you wait until April to file). As such, you may wish to do your state return separately. Based on their current, regular published prices at time of writing:

TurboTax Online Deluxe and Premier charge $39.99 for a single state return with free state e-File. Simple state tax returns are free (no itemized deductions, no 1099-MISC, no stock sales).

H&R Block Online Deluxe and Premium charge $36.99 for a single state return with free state e-File. Simple state tax returns are free (no itemized deductions, no 1099-MISC, no stock sales).

TaxACT Online Plus and Premium charges charges $39.95 for a single state return with free state e-File. Basic state tax returns are $19.95.*

Got a simple return? Both TurboTax Free Edition and H&R Block Free Edition will let you file Fed + State + eFile for $0 if you only have the following situations:

W-2 income

Limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV

Claim the standard deduction

Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC)

Child tax credits

You cant itemize deductions, have stock sales, or have 1099-MISC income, for example.

Now, the convenience that these programs offer may be worth the extra money to you. But there may be other options available. States that levy individual income taxes fall into three categories:

They offer all taxpayers free electronic filing via official state-supported software. They offer all taxpayers access to free fillable forms which are basically electronic versions of the paper forms where you can type in numbers and any mathematical calculations are done for you. If your state tax returns are relatively simple, this may be all you really need. They allow commercial vendors via the FreeFile Alliance to offer free online filing for certain groups, usually through income limits, age restrictions, and/or active duty military personnel. The vendors in turn make money when some folks end up not qualifying and have to pay at the end.

Below, youll find free e-file information for all 50 states.

In alphabetical order (just click on the state):

State Restrictions Alabama Free electronic filing using through My Alabama Taxes (MAT). No income restrictions. Alaska (no state income tax) Arizona File using AZ-specific fillable forms; No income restrictions. FreeFile options also available; income and/or other restrictions apply. Arkansas Various FreeFile options; Income and/or other restrictions apply. California Free electronic filing using through CalFile, UDS, and others. No income restrictions.



Whew, that took a while. Please share this if you think itll help others! Also let me know if you find any errors or changed links.
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February 05, 2019: This report focuses on the global Time Clock Software status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players. The study objectives are to present the Time Clock Software development in United States, Europe and China.

In 2017, the global Time Clock Software market size was million US$ and it is expected to reach million US$ by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of during 2018-2025.

The key players covered in this study

Acroprint

Icon

Lathem

Neonetics

Download sample Copy of This Report at: https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-time-clock-software-market-size-status-and-forecast-2018-2025/request-sample

Pyramid Tech

uAttend

Stratustime

TSheets

TimeClock Plus

Market segment by Type, the product can be split into

Computers

Smartphones

Others

Access This Full Report @ https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-time-clock-software-market-size-status-and-forecast-2018-2025

Market segment by Application, split into

Enterprise

Government

Other(Hospital,Hchool,etc.)

Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report covers

United States

Europe

China

Japan

Southeast Asia

India

Central & South America

The study objectives of this report are:

To analyze global Time Clock Software status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players.

To present the Time Clock Software development in United States, Europe and China.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their development plan and strategies.

To define, describe and forecast the market by product type, market and key regions.

In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Time Clock Software are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2018

Forecast Year 2018 to 2025

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Radiant Insights is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. We assist and facilitate organizations and individuals procure market research reports, helping them in the decision making process. We have a comprehensive collection of reports, covering over 40 key industries and a host of micro markets. In addition to over extensive database of reports, our experienced research coordinators also offer a host of ancillary services such as, research partnerships/ tie-ups and customized research solutions.

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In April 2017, police in Will County discovered the body of a Joliet Township toddler wedged under a couch in her home. The death of 17-month-old Semaj Crosby prompted public outrage and upheaval at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, whose case workers had been monitoring the family  but not intensely enough.

The job of leading DCFS reforms fell to the agencys brand-new director, Beverly B.J. Walker, whom then-Gov. Bruce Rauner tapped to take over one month after Semajs death. There was no time for a soft on-boarding or welcome parties for the new director. The tragedy of Semaj was now hers. More tragedies would follow. Sadly but not always preventably, that is the nature of this difficult work.

Not even two years later, Walker is on her way out. She told the Tribune that she handed in her resignation and that Gov. J.B. Pritzker would initiate a nationwide search for her replacement. That person, whoever it is, will be the agencys 10th director or acting director since 2011.

Eight years, 10 bosses.

Here we go again. New governor. New department head. New shake-up.

Thats often how it works in government but its particularly risky at DCFS. Politicians want their own teams in place, not holdovers from previous administrations. Yet at what cost? What is the trickle-down effect when department heads come and go? One result is more employee focus on perpetual internal changes  and thus less agency bandwidth devoted to the safety of children. Remember them? The C in DCFS?

The D in DCFS shouldnt stand for Disruption, but it can become the norm: The new boss has new priorities, new protocols, new training initiatives and, because everyone is human, new worries that if something goes wrong somewhere in Illinois, the politicians will want his or her head.

All of which cascades down on workers and the kids theyre to protect. That volatility is one of the reasons DCFS continues to be an agency lurching day-to-day from one crisis to the next. Its a pattern. A scandal or highly publicized death  or an election  pushes a director out. The revolving door spins. A new director zooms in.

During her short tenure, Walker had expedited hiring within DCFS to relieve investigator caseloads. She moved complex cases in-house, rather than assign them to outside social service agencies. She set up a system that flagged investigators when families had multiple contacts with DCFS. And she focused on children in the system who are younger than 4 and deemed most vulnerable.

She faced criticism for the agencys track record with older children. News reports highlighted a lack of suitable treatment centers and group homes, not enough foster families willing to take teens with mental health issues, and kids spending too much time hospitalized in psychiatric wards  all issues Walker acknowledged and was trying to fix.

But as weve said before: Overseeing DCFS is an exercise in daily crisis management. In addition to Semajs death, Walker dealt with the case of a young mother who allegedly left her 2-year-old in a playpen for an entire weekend. The little boy died of starvation and dehydration. She dealt with a 6-year-old boy whose parents starved him as punishment. She dealt with a 3-year-old foster child who died in a house fire, alone. An adult with him in the home escaped but didnt know the 3-year-old was trapped inside.

Horrific cases of abuse and neglect routinely cross the desks of DCFS workers. Its why the agency needs a strong and stable presence at the top.

Walkers replacement has yet to be named. We urge Pritzker to choose thoughtfully, to select someone with a deep resume in child protective services, and to remember the importance of stability. The revolving door at DCFS is inexcusable. Of those 10 directors, some were experienced in child services and some were unprepared, incompetent political hacks.

So, governor, choose carefully. Small lives are counting on you.

 Chicago Tribune
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In the last month, Ive added a new word to my vocabulary  kayfabe. What does it mean? Its the theatrical master plan that people involved in pro wrestling engage in when deciding whether Boris the Black or The White Snake will win or lose a match.
ALBANY  Legislation intended to improve pre-trial discovery as part of a state criminal justice reform package could have a silencing effect on victims of rape and sexual assault, according to National Organization of Women President Sonia Ossorio.

The bill, proposed by Sen. Jamaal Bailey and Assemblyman Joe Lentol, would require prosecutors to disclose to a defense counsel the names and addresses of victims and witnesses to an incident within 15 days of arrest, unless a protective order is sought.

"The prospect of having your name, address and phone disclosed will chill victim and witness cooperation, and runs counter to the great work being done by our leaders in Albany to revolutionize our criminal justice system," Ossorio said. "It simply cannot be done at the expense of rape victims."

Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas, a sex crimes prosecutor, said the 15-day timeline is "completely unworkable."

Singas said protective orders are typically issued only in rare cases, but if the legislation passed, "90 percent of the cases we prosecute would require protective orders."

She also criticized a proposal that makes those charged with a slew of violent and sexual offenses ineligible for pretrial detention, enabling them to be released awaiting trial.

"The safety of victims and witnesses is paramount for us," Singas said.

Prosecutors around the state are also expressing concern over a report in the New York Law Journal that the Legislature could pass its criminal justice reform package by next week, which they argue is not enough time to solicit adequate feedback from stakeholders.

Historically, Assembly Democrats have passed a criminal justice reform package around the time of the annual conference held by the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, which is scheduled to take place on Feb. 15.

With both houses controlled by Democrats this year, a broad array of reforms is expected to pass the Legislature and be signed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York (DAASNY), in testimony submitted to lawmakers at a legislative public safety hearing last week, also raised concerns with the bail reform, speedy trial and asset forfeiture legislation.

"Some of these proposals are fraught with problems and could have a negative impact on public safety in our state," Albany County District Attorney David Soares, who is president of DAASNY, said at the group's annual winter conference in Manhattan last week.

Criminal defense attorneys dispute Soares' narrative, noting that New York's pre-trial discovery laws are among the worst in the nation.

"Police reports, witness statements, scientific data and minutes of grand jury presentations are often withheld from the defense until a trial begins, long past the time to make critical decisions and mount a proper defense based on an authentic investigation," wrote Lori Cohen, president of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, in the Times Union last month.

Currently, 36 other states have open discovery similar to the proposed legislation.

Mike Murphy, a spokesman for the Senate Majority, noted that the bills have been discussed for years.

"We will move at a deliberative pace to give New York the criminal justice reforms they deserve," Murphy said.

Updated to include comment from criminal defense attorneys.
SPRINGFIELD  A Carlinville man was sentenced Feb. 1 to 17-and-a-half years in federal prison for trafficking ice methamphetamine and weapons possession.

Shawn Lee, 45, of the 100 block of E. Haig Street, was indicted and arrested in March 2018. He will serve 12-and-a-half years for trafficking ice methamphetamine, followed by a mandatory five years for possession of firearms related to the underlying drug offense. A dozen firearms were recovered, including an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle.

According to information from the U.S. Attorneys office for central Illinois, Lee was responsible for distributing approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine over a period of 18 to 24 months before his arrest in March 2018.

Ice methamphetamine is a purer form of the drug produced by chemically distilling methamphetamine to a crystal form. It is typically smoked. According to prosecutors it is not produced locally, but is produced in Mexico and other countries and smuggled into the U.S.

These drugs, brought into our country, are destroying families, said U.S. Attorney John Milhiser. We will continue to identify and prosecute those who distribute these deadly substances in our communities.

Lee pleaded guilty in July.

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers became aware that Lee was to receive a package of ice methamphetamine from a source in California on Jan. 23, 2018. On that date, officers observed Lee pick up a FedEx package from a home in Chatham, Illinois. Officers subsequently stopped Lees vehicle and after an ISP K-9 alerted to the presence of drugs in the car, officers found 7.15 pounds of ice methamphetamine and $20,170.

Later that day officers executed a search warrant at Lees home in Carlinville and recovered 12 firearms, including the AR-15, and an assortment of other loaded guns including 22 caliber rifles and several handguns, five ounces (approximately 140 grams ) of ice, and paraphernalia used in selling drugs such as scales and baggies.

U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough ordered that Lee pay a fine of $20,000 to be paid with the transfer of a savings bond to the government prior to his transfer to the federal Bureau of Prisons. In addition, Lee agreed to the forfeiture of 12 guns and $20,170 in currency seized during the investigation. Lees federal sentence will be served concurrent to any sentence ordered for several pending unrelated cases in Macoupin County.

The charges are the result of investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Central Illinois Enforcement Group, the South Central Illinois Task Force; Carlinville Police Department; Illinois State Police; Jacksonville Police Department; and, the Macoupin County Sheriffs Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the case prosecution.
As other states look at upping financial literacy requirements, should Illinois high schools require students to learn basic budgeting before getting a diploma?

Just this month, lawmakers in Florida introduced a bill that would require all students to take a class on basic skills, like how to save money and apply for loans. A new bill in South Carolina would make passing a financial literacy test a graduation requirement.

Starting in 2017, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs office has partnered with Econ Illinois, a nonprofit affiliated with Northern Illinois University, to create the first ever standards-based financial literacy curriculum for grades 1-8 in Illinois. According to spokesman Greg Rivara, grades 1-3 currently are online at the treasurys website. Grades 4-8 will be available soon.

The state does not require standardized testing on the topic.

Linda Simpson teaches financial literacy curriculum at Eastern Illinois University. She said many students in her class dont have a solid grasp on their finances.

In their freshman year of college when the students are on their own for the first time without parents, she said. In tracking expenses, its one of my favorite assignments because theyre like I had no idea how much I spend per month.

A recent University of Illinois study found more than a third of the students they surveyed were considered financially at-risk because they lacked money management skills.

Adults without these financial skills end up costing taxpayers more than a mandatory class, Simpson said.

Its not going to do anybody any good if these adults are in debt up to their eyeballs, she said. Then, taxpayers are taking care of them in helping them manage their needs.

One reason some students may miss out on learning financial skills is that they are forgoing summer jobs for extracurricular sports.

Kids are doing that more and more; getting into these busy schedules, Simpson said.

While she was in favor of continued financial education classed throughout the K-12 curriculum, Simpson maintained that the best teacher for financial literacy is a parent.
During a speech to U.S. Air Force personnel station in the United Kingdom recently, President Joe Biden warned that global warming is the greatest physical theat to the nations security. Biden has suggested that climate change poses a threat to U.S. military security on multiple occasions. In February, he noted that he had directed the Pentagon to reimagine the countrys strategy for dealing with the impact of climate change. Do you agree with the President that climate change is the great physical threat to the United States? Choices are:

You voted:
Water rights trial stalled as U.S. tried to enter exhibit not shared with defense
Jamison Jaron Weeden, 28, Okmulgee resident, left us June 5, 2021. Service of Remembrance will be Friday, 11:00 AM, The Chapel of Peace of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., of Okmulgee. biglowfunerals.com
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3 1 of 3 Odessa Police Department Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Odessa Police Department Show More Show Less 3 of 3





Counterfeit bills are circulating in Odessa, according to a press release from the Odessa Police Department.

OPDs Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Secret Service are investigating more than 50 cases involving counterfeit $100 and $50 bills, including several counterfeit bills with Chinese lettering, according to the release.
HOBBS, N.M. (AP)  Realtors in the heart of New Mexico's booming oil country say home sales broke records last year and that could spell more housing shortages.

The Hobbs Sun-News reports real estate agents reported record sales in 2018 with a median home price of $165,000 in Lea County.
Total

An energy service company from Houston has landed a contract to improve the efficiency of a refinery in Saudi Arabia.

Houston engineering, procurement and construction company KBR announced on Monday that it was awarded a contract to debottleneck a production unit at a 440,000 barrel-per-day refinery in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
Its going to streamline the entire user experience, and for me, I think that when it comes to this industry as far as mortgage brokers go, its very hard to grow your business because you have to do so many things, you have to be so involved in certain different things, and its not very scalable, Casa said. I think this is going to create a platform where you can be a one man shop that can triple your business in one year, simply because now you can focus on the relationship development.

Relationships will also develop between mortgage brokers across the country through ARIVEs global community, a social feed-like area of the platform where users can ask questions, post polls, share lender insights, and have other interactions. The more engaged a user is, the more points they will earn. The ARIVE team has a supreme vision for this engagement that theyve integrated in the platform: lead sharing.

One of the problems that the broker channel faces is that sometimes a referral will contact someone who cant help them. A person living in Maryland, for example, is referred to a mortgage broker by their colleague who works in Texas. The broker isnt licensed to do business in Maryland, and thats where the conversation endsleaving the borrower free to consult the internet and leave the broker channel entirely. ARIVE has created a lead share mechanism, where brokers can look to put those consumers in touch with another broker in their local community. The gamification will dictate which brokers get the appropriate leads, based on customer reviews, average length of time from origination to closing, and proximity to the borrower. Casa said that this lead sharing in itself could double the entire channel.

We believe thatll create this competition-like mechanism where everybodys going to be focused on having the best customer service reviews, close loans the quickest, and to really, really engage in this program so that if they do, and they do have the highest rating, that when a lead or consumer comes into their community that needs a mortgage, theyll get assigned that lead, and they wont have to pay for it, itll all be aggregated based upon their performance.

Casa said another point is making sure that underserved consumers are able to get in touch with originators who can help them. If a borrowers first language isnt English for example, then they need to find an originator who speaks their mother tongue. ARIVE makes all of that resource-sharing possible.
The firm is currently inviting property owners and their agents to submit properties to potentially be included in the March auction. The properties will be promoted to around 550,000 high-net-worth individuals.

What do wealthy Chinese buyers want?

The homes that typically appeal to wealthy Chinese buyers are in well-known destinations with ultra-luxury price points, with proximity to top-notch schools and easy access to China via direct flights.

They are looking for solid investments for future generations and want homes that are valued at a price in comparison to Chinese real estate.

They are also interested in financial security, a possibility for rental income, and visas that benefit Chinese tourists, investors and migrants.

Chinese buyers also highly value characteristics that adhere to Feng Shui and numerology guidelines (a propensity for the numbers 6, 8 and 9).
Moultrie, GA (31768)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 78F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely in the evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms later on. Low near 70F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
In a motion presented to Ottawa earlier this week, Calgary Councillor George Chahal called for the delegation of mortgage rules to local governments, instead of the current federal stress test.

Chahal argued that comprehensively addressing the affordability issue  ostensibly among the purposes of the B-20 regulations implemented last year  requires a case-to-case approach that can be best gauged on the ground by local officials.

Such a set-up would be preferable to the current federal-level regulatory regime, which helps some markets more than others, multiple observers have noted.

[B-20] was created to deal with the unstable real estate markets in Vancouver and Toronto where red flags have been raised in recent years regarding the combination of unsustainable price appreciation and high-debt ratios, Chahal explained in his notice of motion, as quoted by the Calgary Herald.

Read more: How B-20 impacts family-sized condos

And what might work for the hottest markets would not necessarily be effective in other settings.

If youre attempting to apply a single rule across the board because of a few situations that may not apply across Canada, then certainly we should be able to look at it slightly different in this regard, Coun. Shane Keating said in agreement with Chahals motion.

Coun. Joe Magliocca added that the devolution of mortgage regulation could help provide a lot of jobs and get our construction going again, which would be a valuable boost to a long-struggling provincial economy.

I understand why they do it in Toronto and I understand why they do it in Vancouver because of their economy there, but they should not be equal all throughout Canada.
Transparency is how we protect the integrity of our work and keep empowering investors to achieve their goals and dreams. And we have unwavering standards for how we keep that integrity intact, from our research and data to our policies on content and your personal data.

Wed like to share more about how we work and what drives our day-to-day business.
Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Elliott Kirkland, 29, of Lorain, (left) sits next to defense attorney Ken Lieux on Feb. 4 as they await closing arguments in Kirkland's mitigation hearing.
Elyria

Police say two arrested in robbery
Two men are accused of two separate assault and robbery incidents in Elyria within one hour of each other Feb. 4, according to a police report.
A man is facing two more charges after two women say he exposed himself to them Tuesday night.
Despite the smackdown Australian banks experienced yesterday with the release of Kenneth Haynes 954-page report from the Banking Royal Commission, the Big Four Australian banks are trading higher today.

At time of writing, National Australia Bank Ltd [ASX:NAB] is up 4.54%, Commonwealth Bank of Australia [ASX:CBA] is up 4.67%, and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd [ASX:ANZ] sitting the highest, at 7.00%, despite the report listing them as the culprits subject to further action.

Westpac Banking Corporation [ASX:WBC] remains the only major bank to not be listed for further action. Their share price has risen by 7.56%, at time of writing.

Even AMP Ltd [ASX:AMP], which lost more than half their market value since their misconduct was made public by the royal commission, saw their stock rise by 11.54%.

Granted, analysts have said that the recommendations were not as severe as one would have previously expected. In fact, many have called them disappointing. But these stock market gains have been incredibly surprising.

So why did the Big Four rise?

Before the report was released after market close yesterday, Westpac, NAB and ANZ shares jumped by more than 1%. The Commonwealth Bank rose by 0.8%.

Did investors expect the reports conclusions to be even worse than they were, and are instead reacting positively now?

Or is it just a matter of that old market chestnut, sell the rumour, buy the fact? Simply that the anticipation of the report was worse than the reality?

Perhaps. Yesterday was the warm up, today theyre on the playing field. And theyve only been pushing higher.

Whats next?

Its difficult to say. To be honest, this is not the reaction many expected. But it seems fairly plausible that in the coming days and further weeks, as the banks deal with the recommendations they have handled, and some start to face possible criminal and civil prosecutions, their values will fluctuate.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, amid dodging questions on why the Coalition had avoided the investigation for so long, has promised that the government will take immediate action on all 76 recommendations and deliver trust back to the Australian community. He announced the government were putting a legislative framework in place which would provide the regulators with the power and resources to reprimand the perpetrators.

Whether this will have a devastating effect on the Big Four is unknown for the moment.

As Ben Udy from Capital Economics told the ABC, The report did not recommend much that is likely to cause an upheaval for the finance industry. So perhaps the Big Four will bounce back after clearing out the garbage. Or perhaps they wont.

Just know, its nowhere near over.

Whether the banks will fully recover from their recent falls is something only time, as well as the governments response to the report, will tell.

Regards,

Ryan Clarkson-Ledward,

For Money Morning

PS: See what five stocks Matt Hibbard calls the best dividend paying stocks on the Aussie market today in this FREE report: Click here to download The Top Five Dividend Stocks in Australia for 2018.
Not that long ago, we had our fence fixed.

A guy by the name of Tony came around.

Tony did a great job, he didnt charge too much for the work and I got some material for Money Morning out of it.

Tony is semi-retired. Although I dont think hes more than 50 years old.

Hes a handyman on the side. He sets his own hours. He makes money when he wants.

Its was a far better life than his 20-plus years as a banker.

I couldnt resist talking to Tony about the Banking Royal Commission.

Nothing will change, Tony thought. They might get slapped with some fines and rules. But itll go back to how its always been.

From low level employees to higher ups, theyll all be chasing the short-term incentives.

Theyll try to rack in more dollars, more business, so they can go home with a bigger pay cheque.

It was one of the reasons Tony decided to leave banking. He just didnt like the short-term mentality.

Its also why we see banks (many other industries do the same, you just dont hear about it) do terrible things, like charge people for services they didnt get or sell insurance to vulnerable customers.

We look at this today and rightly point out how disgusting it is.

To change it, all we might need is another look at incentive structures

Four-Step Guide to Small-Cap Success. Download your free report now.

The great banking shame

If you havent kept up with all the findings from the royal commission, here are a few of them

We found out AMP charged customers for services they didnt receive. Then they lied to ASIC about whether they provided those services or not.

At NAB they charged customers for services they didnt receive too.

Wealth manager, IOOF got some really bad press during the inquiry. The Australian Financial Review (AFR) writes:

The case concerns a cash management trust and allegations IOOF used fund reserves to square investors after a botched payment. APRA wrote to the company in September saying it had concerns with Mr Kelahers ability to manage conflicts and protect beneficiaries, saying he seemed to demonstrate a failure to understand the covenants under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act and the obligations of a trustee under trust law. The matter will return to court for a directions hearing on March 19.

Over at CBA, selling dubious insurance to help consumers pay their credit card in times of sickness, death, or unemployment came to the forefront.

The AFR continues:

Over the past 12 months, after 68 days of hearings, 130 witnesses and more than 10,000 public submissions, the royal commission has tabled a catalogue of breathtaking behaviour, providing plenty of drama, tears, and public outrage  and a mounting customer compensation bill.

It was only yesterday that we saw some of the recommendations from Commissioner Kenneth Hayne.

The AFR gives us a summarised version of the 951-page report:

The four pillars of the banking system will be unshaken by Commissioner Kenneth Haynes final report, which leaves the core businesses of the big four bruised, but not broken from a humiliating public inquiry. The report stops well short of fears of forcibly separating banks from financial advice divisions or making narrow recommendations for how bankers are paid. A key proposal to shake-up mortgage broker pay is even expected to further enshrine the dominance of the big four banks, and was the only one of the 76 changes to split the two major political parties. The report refers 24 cases to regulators for civil and potentially criminal breaches of the law. The federal government says the referrals can apply to individuals as well as companies putting executives at AMP, ANZ, CBA, NAB, IOOF, Suncorp, TAL and Allianz on notice. Financial services businesses adjacent to the banks such as insurance companies, mortgage brokers, financial advisers and super funds stand poised to have longstanding business models up-ended by the report, with reforms that have the potential to render uneconomic those operating at the margins.

Right before the report was released, we saw pollies like Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Prime Minister Scott Morrison come out with words.

The former said the government needs to do more to ensure competition and more credit creation.

Yeah, good luck with that one.

The Big Four Aussie banks control 80% of the home loan market and 85% of all other loans. Regulators have also given the big banks the luxury of self-calculating the riskiness of their home loans.

This means the Big Four can classify their loans as less risky, increasing their reserve of safe assets, allowing them to lend out even more.

What we need is not more regulations on big banks, we need less regulatory help for big banks

Why local is better

Small isnt always better. But it is when it comes to banking.

Local banks dont care about creating a $200 million loan to BHP or CSL. They care about you and the businesses in your community.

Their aim is to service the local economy. That means local homebuyers and local businesses. The latter is probably the biggest advantage of a local bank, as it spurs local economic growth.

A side benefit is also their constant duty to make customers happy. Not only do local banks need to offer great rates, they need to make customers happy to bank with them.

Imagine a local bank does what the Big Four dothey charge for services they dont provide and sell you products you dont need.

Pretty soon, customers wake up and move their business to another bank.

Right now, they cant do this with the Big Fours strangle hold on the loan market. And that hold wont loosen until regulators de-regulate banks (the Big Four are favoured by regulators).

And until that happens, maybe Tony will be right.

Banks will just get a slap on the hands and it will be business as usual in a matter of months.

Your friend,

Harje Ronngard,

Editor, Money Morning

Free Guide: How to Invest in the Massive Infrastructure Boom. Download now.
A chastened collective of five leading mutual fund (MF) CEOs (chief executive officers) and ratings agency chiefs emerged from a meeting with SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) member Madhabi Puri Buch on Monday morning, following a story broken by IANS on Sunday, after a shellacking over lapses in their judgement in taking huge debt exposure to the Zee group promoters against inadequate and illiquid collateral.

The Indian MF industry has lent a staggering Rs7,000 crore to Zee group's promoters and after the recent debacle in the stock price, the value of the security is less than even the principal amount due to them, leave aside any margin.

Sources in SEBI revealed that the regulator was categorical in its assessment over what had transpired and had firmly communicated it to the delegation.

Firstly, MF industry players could not enter into any moratorium dialogue or agreement with an errant corporate group under existing MF rules and regulations. This tantamounted to restructuring which banks could do, but not MFs. The regulator clearly told the industry representatives that what they were contemplating was akin to shadow banking, something clearly beyond their permitted activities.

Secondly, the MF industry was told it should have done a well-rounded risk assessment of its massive exposure to a corporate group where the debt levels were worrisome, before taking on such concentrated exposure. The regulator said if the only justification for not liquidating the shares now was the expected loss to investors, the industry should not have made such investments; otherwise, what was the purpose of taking any security?

Thirdly, the MFs should have given adequate warning to investors who had subscribed to the MF schemes that they were taking on the risk of illiquid security for debt investments which might not be encashable on default and might lead to losses for investors.

On an impassioned request by the five CEOs that SEBI should 'bless' the contemplated moratorium as a one-off case, the regulator categorically and firmly rejected this plea, stating that there was no provision in existing rules and regulations for any such moratorium, leave alone for a condonation of the same.

The regulator's tone and tenor was clear as daylight that the MF industry heavy hitters had gravely erred in their judgement, and now it was for them and their respective boards of directors/trustees to decide how to proceed in the matter.

The regulator also refused to countenance the MF industry stand that the moratorium was in the best interests of investors, stating this was something time alone would tell, and SEBI was holding out no assurance that in subsequent inspections/audits this was something which would be overlooked.

Separately, in a statement, Essel group has denied receiving any communication from the market regulator or any mutual fund company about its moratorium. "This is with reference to some media reports and independent comments or opinions shared on social media platforms. Vide this press note, Essel Group wishes to state that we have not sought any permission from SEBI, as there is no regulatory requirement, and hence we have not received any communication from SEBI or from any mutual fund company, pertaining to a decision taken with regards to the moratorium," Essel group said in the statement.
Everyday there are news reports and information coming out in public domain about leakage of Aadhaar data. However, every time the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the agency that issues Aadhaar, provides a standard reply that tries to say 'all is well' at their end. Unfortunately, UIDAI does not even have a chief information security officer (CISO), reveals a reply received under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Internet researcher and alumnus of IIT Madras, Srinivas Kodali had asked for names and tenure of CISO in UIDAI since 2009. Replying to the query, Virender Prasad, additional director general and chief public information officer (CPIO) of UIDAI, stated, "UIDAI has not employed any CISO. Therefore, the information (sought) may be treated as 'Nil'."

So @UIDAI has not employed any Chief Information Officer Security officer for the #Aadhaar project. No wonder their security is shit pic.twitter.com/z36cFs97bQ  Srinivas Kodali (@digitaldutta) February 5, 2019

. TechCrunch asked Baptiste Robert, a French security researcher who goes by the online handle Elliot Alderson, to take a look at the Jharkhand government's website. "Robert has prior experience in revealing Aadhaar-related data leaks. Using less than a hundred lines of Python code, Robert demonstrated that it was easy for anyone to scrape the entire site in batches to download their photos and corresponding Aadhaar numbers," the report says. Just few days ago, technology news portal, Techcrunch.com exposed how the security lapses involving India's Aadhaar continues . TechCrunch asked Baptiste Robert, a French security researcher who goes by the online handle Elliot Alderson, to take a look at the Jharkhand government's website. "Robert has prior experience in revealing Aadhaar-related data leaks. Using less than a hundred lines of Python code, Robert demonstrated that it was easy for anyone to scrape the entire site in batches to download their photos and corresponding Aadhaar numbers," the report says.

Indian government district leaks thousands of Aadhaar numbers https://t.co/ftoZicI4wm  TechCrunch (@TechCrunch) February 1, 2019

TechCrunch says it verified a small selection of Aadhaar numbers from the site using UIDAIs own verification tool on its website using a virtual private network (VPN) in Bengaluru as the page was unavailable in the US. Each record came back as a positive match, it added.

It says, "The exposure may represent a fraction of the billion-plus users registered with Aadhaar, but uncovers yet another inadvertent disclosure of citizen data from a system that UIDAI claims is impenetrable. Instead of learning from mistakes and mishaps, UIDAI instead has shown a long history of rebuffing evidence of security incidents or breaches with mockery and declaring findings as 'fake news,' by claiming to refute evidence without presenting any of its own."

However, according to Techcrunch, the exposure alone contradicts the Indian governments claims that the Aadhaar system as a whole is secure.

"In recent years, several security lapses involving data relating to Aadhaar have reignited fresh concerns about the centralised databaseincluding several issues found by Robert. Last year, security researcher Karan Saini, a New Delhi-based security researcher, found a poorly secured web address used by state-owned utility company Indane that had direct access to the Aadhaar database, allowing him to query results from the system. UIDAI rubbished the reports, baselessly claiming that there was 'no truth to this story' in a series of tweets from its official Twitter account, despite evidence to the contrary. In the same year, Indias Tribune newspaper reported that some were selling direct access to the Aadhaar database. UIDAI responded by filing a complaint against the reporter with police," Techcrunch says.
Washington: FILE- In this combination of file photos, U.S. President Donald Trump, left, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on May 16, 2018, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a meeting with South Korean leader Moon Jae-in in Panmunjom, South Korea, on April 27, 2018. Ahead of a planned summit Tuesday, June 12, in Singapore between President Donald Trump and North Korean autocrat Kim Jong Un, there has been talk of complete denuclearization, North Korea has shut down (for now) its nuclear test site, and senior U.S. and North Korean officials have shuttled between Pyongyang and Washington for meetings with Kim and Trump. The top U.S. diplomat declared that AuChairman Kim shares the objectives with the American peopleAu amid talk of a grand bargain that could see North Korean disarmament met with a massive influx of outside aid. AP/PTI(AP6_8_2018_000010B)

The U.S. special envoy for North Korea will meet with his North Korean counterpart on Wednesday in Pyongyang to prepare for a summit later this month between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the U.S. State Department said on Monday.

U.S. envoy Stephen Biegun said last week he aimed in working-level negotiations with his new North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol to map out "a set of concrete deliverables" for the second summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Biegun said he would be aiming for "a roadmap of negotiations and declarations going forward, and a shared understanding of the desired outcomes of our joint efforts."

An unprecedented first summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un last June in Singapore yielded a vague commitment by Kim to work towards the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, where U.S. troops have been stationed since the 1950-53 Korean War.

In the U.S. view, Pyongyang has yet to take concrete steps to give up a nuclear weapons programme that threatens the United States, while North Korea has complained that Washington has done little to reciprocate its freezing of nuclear and missile testing and dismantling of some nuclear facilities.

Pyongyang has repeatedly urged a lifting of punishing U.S.-led sanctions, a formal end to the war, and security guarantees.

On Thursday, Biegun said Kim Jong Un had committed during an October visit by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to the dismantling and destruction his country's plutonium and uranium enrichment facilities in return for "corresponding measures" from the United States.

Biegun said such corresponding steps would be the subject of this week's talks and Washington was willing to discuss "many actions" to improve ties and entice Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. At the same time, he set out an extensive list of demands, including a full disclosure of North Korea's arms programme.

Biegun held talks with South Korean officials in Seoul on Sunday and Monday.

Trump on Thursday hailed "tremendous progress" in his dealings with North Korea and said the date and location of a second summit would be announced "early next week" - probably during his State of the Union speech on Tuesday.

Vietnam's central resort town of Danang has been seen as the most likely location.

The director of U.S. national intelligence, Dan Coats, told Congress on Tuesday that North Korea was unlikely to give up all its nuclear weapons and has continued activity inconsistent with pledges to denuclearize.
Oil prices edged up on February 5, buoyed by expectations of tightening global supply due to US sanctions on Venezuela and production cuts led by OPEC.

But disappointing US factory data weighed on the market, which on Monday saw US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude reach 2019 highs, as concern about the global economy persisted.

WTI futures were at $54.65 per barrel at 0810 GMT, up 9 cents or 0.16 percent. They touched their highest level in more than two months at $55.75 the previoUSday.

International Brent crude futures were at $62.56 a barrel, up 5 cents or 0.08 percent.

Analysts said US sanctions on Venezuela had focused market attention on tighter global supplies.

"Fresh US sanctions on the country could see 0.5-1 percent of global supply curtailed," said Vivek Dhar, mining and energy analyst at Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

The sanctions will sharply limit oil transactions between Venezuela and other countries and are similar to but slightly less extensive than those imposed on Iran last year, experts said on Friday after looking at details posted by the Treasury Department.

A flotilla loaded with about 7 million barrels of Venezuelan oil has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, some holding cargoes bought ahead of the latest US sanctions and others whose buyers are weighing whom to pay, according to traders, shippers and Refinitiv Eikon data.

Meanwhile, oil supply from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries fell in January by the largest amount in two years, a Reuters survey found.

Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies over-delivered on the group's supply-cutting pact while Iran, Libya and Venezuela registered involuntary declines.

Russia is fully complying with its pledge to cut oil production gradually, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Monday, adding that production fell by 47,000 barrels per day in January from October.

Weighing on oil markets, US government data showed new orders for US-made goods unexpectedly fell in November, with sharp declines in demand for machinery and electrical equipment.

The global economic outlook and prospects for growth in fuel demand have been clouded by poor economic data in China and US-China trade tensions.

US President Donald Trump last week said he would meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in coming weeks to try to settle the two countries' dispute.
In a world where buying one Rolls Royce car is considered the epitome of luxury, a London-based businessman has purchased six of them, and for a queer reason too. Calling it The Jewel Collection, British entrepreneur Reuben Singh purchased six Rolls Royce cars in the colours of Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald. While the rest of the cars were Ruebens purchases, the latest SUV Cullinan was personally delivered to him by the CEO of Rolls Royce, Torsten Muller-Otvos.

Entrepreneurs are Visionaries who dare to be different, bringing game changing ideas to market. The CEO of @rollsroycecars Torsten Muller-Otvos is truly one. Thank you RR for special invite yesterday for the global launch of the #Cullinan the new RR SUV #EffortlessEverywhere. pic.twitter.com/yQEBQAu3kM Reuben Singh (@ReubenSingh) May 11, 2018

Reuben Singh is the founder and CEO of the alldayPA contact centre company, which was launched in 2000. He has also served in the British Government as a part of the advisory panel on small businesses and the Competitiveness Council.

Reuben became interested in Rolls Royce cars early in his days of entrepreneurship and began his spree of purchasing the exotic luxury cars. This is not to say that the British exotics are the only crown-jewels of his garage. He also owns more than nine other Rolls Royce cars, 7 of which were used by him last year in what he called The Turban Challenge. The British businessman posted one photo on Instagram every day for a week, wearing a turban which either matched or complemented the colour of his car.

Apart from the fantastic Rolls Royce collection, he also owns a Bugatti Veyron, Porsche 918 Spyder, Pagani Huayara, Lamborghini Huracan and a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta limited edition.
(Representational image)

Googles lifesciences are Verily is looking for partners to make smart shoes that would track weight and also monitor falls. The company is looking for partners to co-develop the shoes with embedded trackers and sensors to achieve its product goals.

A report by CNBC stated that three people who are involved in the development process said that the company has been showing different prototypes of the design in private meetings to potential partners in order to attract them to co-develop the product and take it to the market.

Although there is no clarity on whether the project is still active or not, if Verily decides to produce these shoes, it could detect many health-related issues that arise due to weight. For example, sudden weight gain could mean that the body is retaining fluid, which is a symptom of congestive heart failure.

Another feature that the smart shoes could provide is fall detection. Apple already provides this feature in its smartwatch Series 4. When a person wearing an Apple Watch falls and does not move, the watch automatically calls an emergency number which has been updated by the user. The feature, if made available, could make Verilys shoes very popular as falls are the number one cause of injuries and deaths due to injuries for senior citizens in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Verily would not be the first company to develop smart shoes with such features. E-VONE designs smart shoes in 26 different styles that have sensors which detect a fall.

Verily, previously known as Google Life Sciences became a separate company under Alphabet, which is also Googles parent company.The company is already working on other healthcare related projects like Liftware, a stabilising spoon that helps people with movement disorders eat, a smart contact lens for elderly who have issues with sight or for the ones who want to improve their eyesight after cataract surgery. Verily is also using Googles machine learning to detect heart-disease risks through scans of a persons eyes. The company has partnered with several companies for these projects in order to develop and manufacture the products.
Rahul Gandhi

With trouble brewing in West Bengal and Nitin Gadkari making oblique references to our Prime Minister Narendra Modis modus operandi, it comes as no surprise that the Congress chief poured his heart out on almost every burning issue in the country. In an interview to Livemint, he spoke on a plethora of topics ranging from the never-seen-before unity among the Opposition parties to the agrarian crisis and unemployment. Heres all he had to say:

On CBI-Mamata clash in West Bengal

"Every institution in India is facing Mr Modis autocratic backlash. Mr Modi believes that he is the lord of India, just like the British believed. He can brush aside the Supreme Court, he can extort any amount of money he wants from any corporate, he can go and brush aside the Election Commission, he can tell his MPs and MLAs to shut up and break the federal structure for fulfilling his political whims."

Seventeen rupees per day for a farmer family is an insult. Obviously, Modi government is trapped with nowhere to go. Hence, these are panic stopgap reactions; but it is not going to work.

On loan waivers

The question is not about farm loan waiver alone. The question is that Mr Narendra Modi has waived off Rs 3.5 trillion bank loans for 20-25 crony friends. Earlier, the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh had no qualms about waiving off loans of defaulting industrialists, but refused to provide relief to farmers. Hence, farm loan waiver is a question of fairness also."

On unemployment and job creation

"You are not going to get jobs from 15-20 biggest industrialists in the country alone. You will generate jobs from unleashing the huge potential of micro, small and medium businesses. Thats where the jobs will come from and thats where manufacturing is going to come from."

Every single district in India has some special skill, capability and a unique product that they produce. Link these to the manufacturing structure. Mr Modi keeps talking about startup, startup, and startup. How many startups has he created? So, you cannot completely ignore and disrespect traditional skills and then say we are going to enable manufacturing.

On unity among Opposition leaders

"All the forces are standing together; Mr Modi calls these forces divided, but they are absolutely united on a couple of things. One, we have a job crisis. Two, we have an agriculture crisis. And three, we are not going to let Mr Modi and the RSS destroy Indias institutions. I have not seen in my 15 years of political career the type of opposition unity that I am seeing today. Mr Chandrababu Naidu fought us tooth and nail, and now he is working with us. I have no doubt that the opposition unity will work for it is founded upon defending Indias intrinsic values, constitutional guarantees and institutional integrity. This is a united fight for India of today and of the future."

On people drawing parallel between Narendra Modi and Indira Gandhi

"I think thats an insult to Indiraji. My grandmothers decisions came from love and affection, her work was uniting in nature and she carried along people and cared for Indias poor. Mr Modis decisions come from anger and hatred and his decisions divide the country. And Mr Narendra Modi has absolutely no empathy for the weak and the poor."
Rahul Gandhi

Moneycontrol News

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has been expanding his social media footprint and his image is witnessing a makeover, according to a report in the Economic Times.

Citing data put out by Twitter during the period from January 31-February 3, the report states that the Gandhi scion's tweets during the interim budget received more retweets than Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tweet on the same subject. This, despite PM Modi having more followers than Gandhi.

Gandhi's tweet, which alleged that five years of Modi government had "destroyed the lives of our farmers" and giving them Rs 17 a day is "an insult to everything they stand and work for" was retweeted over 12,000 times. In comparison, a tweet by Modi on the same day garnered over 7,000 retweets.

The Congress president was referring to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, which would give direct income support of Rs 6,000 per annum to farmers who own less than two hectares of land. The scheme was proposed by interim Finance Minister Piyush Goyal during the budget on February 1.

A Congress leader quoted by the news agency blamed mainstream media for the traction that Gandhi's tweets have been gaining. The leader reasoned that since the media is "pro-Modi" and against the Congress president, his social media presence gets more attention.

"As the content of the tweets often make it to the instant messaging platform WhatsApp which has a wider reach in rural India than Twitter, greater retweets of Rahul's messages is good news for the Grand Old Party," the leader said.

However, social media expert Anoop Mishra cautioned that a greater number of retweets does not necessarily mean the person's influence has also expanded.

"What they indicate is people's interest in the subject that has been tweeted," Mishra said. He, however, said the Congress president's reach has increased dramatically over the past five years.

"As per my study done on the social reach of political leaders including Rahul Gandhi on September 5, 2018, the current statistics shows higher growth in his tweets, number of followers and retweets," Mishra said, adding that Gandhi's follower base is expanding at the rate of more than 6,000 followers per day. The Congress chief's tweets also earn better engagement on Twitter and Instagram, according to the report.
Iran | Cost per litre - Rs 20.58 | A gas flare at an oil production platform is seen in the Soroush oil fields alongside an Iranian flag in Iran. (Image: Reuters)

Gulshan Sachdeva

To further strengthen its commitment to the Iran nuclear deal or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the European Union (EU) has taken a concrete step. To circumvent US sanctions, Iran and the EU had already agreed to set up a separate legal payment mechanism in September 2018.

On January 31, three European countries  France, Germany and UK (named as E3) have launched a special payment vehicle called INSTEX or Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges. This EU-supported mechanism will facilitate European trade with Iran. The E3 foreign ministers declared in a joint statement that initially, the INSTEX will support pharmaceutical, medical devices and agri-food goods.

To begin with, the Euro-denominated barter arrangement will work for limited transactions. Later, it could be extended to energy transactions and also to third countries. In a statement, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy Federica Mogherini asserted that the mechanism will provide economic operators with the necessary framework to pursue legitimate trade with Iran.

The INSTEX is registered in Paris with an initial capital of 3,000. Per Fischer, a German citizen and former director of Commerzbank will head this instrument. The Board will be chaired by the UK with members from E3 countries. Although European companies were allowed to trade with Iran on non-sanctioned goods, most banks having exposure in the US avoided Iranian payments.

This new non-dollar channel will help EU and possibly companies from other countries to facilitate their Iranian trade. At the moment, the relevance is limited, as payments will be made only between importers and exporters of the same European country. This will not result in direct monetary flows towards Iran. To make it fully operational, a similar mechanism needs to be established in Iran as well.

More than immediate economic relevance, this is clearly a political and strategic move by the EU. This will help smaller European companies with their Iranian trade as they were finding it difficult to make financial transactions. Large companies with significant US exposure may still avoid transactions with Iran. The real evidence of European commitment will be tested if the arrangement is extended to sanctioned goods and also to countries outside the EU, particularly having tensed relations with the US.

Apart from China, India, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and Turkey, two EU countries viz. Italy and Greece also received limited oil import waivers till April 2019. Despite these waivers, exports of Iranian oil were down to about 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in November and December 2018. Just few months back these exports were about 2.5 million bpd. Apart from hesitation by large private companies from these eight countries, financial transactions with Iran have been a major issue. None of these problems are going to be resolved by INSTEX.

Despite not following US sanctions and receiving waivers from the US for limited oil imports, as well as Chabahar port-related transactions, India is struggling to keep its economic ties with Tehran intact. In 2018, Iran was Indias third major supplier of oil after Iraq and Saudi Arabia. India imported 5,31,000 barrels per day (bpd) from Iran last year.

Although Washington granted six-month waiver to India, intake is restricted to 3,00,000 bpd. This has resulted in only 3,02,000 bpd imports in December 2018. In the absence of any other mechanism, Indian companies are paying in rupees through an arrangement facilitated by public sector UCO Bank. Since India has a large trade deficit with Iran, bilateral arrangement can facilitate further Indian investments in Iran including projects around Chabahar.

Successful implementation of INSTEX and extension to other countries could benefit Iran both financially as well as politically. Compared to bilateral arrangements with India or China, the Euro-denominated instrument will be sustainable and more beneficial to Tehran. If major buyers of Iranian energy viz China, the EU and India are able to able to work out a mechanism to bypass US sanctions, the whole sanction regime may just collapse in a matter of few months.

The Europeans have the resources and institutional capacity to lead an alternative mechanism to help Iran. However, the real question is whether they will have political will to counter Americas obsession with Iran. As Iran is crucial for India to expand its options in the entire Eurasian region, establishment of any additional alternative mechanism of financial interaction with Tehran is going to be useful.

European elite, however, has to decide if they want to play an independent role in a changing world order or buckle under US pressure and keep the arrangement limited to humanitarian engagement.

The Iran nuclear deal had provided the EU a good opportunity to project itself as a significant global player. At the moment, the relevance of INSTEX seems limited and symbolic. Iran has welcomed it but called it a long overdue first step. However, if the mechanism is extended to energy deals and third countries, it will make Europe a credible actor in global affairs.

Gulshan Sachdeva is Jean Monnet Chair & Director, Europe Area Studies Programme, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi. Views are personal.

For more Opinion pieces, click here
Demonstrator holds a placards and pictures of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament Square, London, Britain, April 18, 2018. REUTERS/Hannah McKay

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expects around 5,000 volunteers, belonging to the Indian diaspora, to spend about a fortnight during the upcoming Lok Sabha polls to campaign for the party, the Economic Times has reported.

The saffron party has started pushing its non-residential Indian (NRI) supporters to reach out to voters through several social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter. The party also expects the volunteers to campaign for the party on the ground, particularly in their hometowns.

"The party has asked these volunteers to work in their hometowns where they would be familiar with the people and the language. They should get in touch with their relatives and friends to ensure their vote for the BJP," Vijay Chauthaiwale, head of BJP's foreign affairs department, told the newspaper.

According to the report, while the first stage of the campaigning would involve spreading BJP's message on ground, the party expects the volunteers to take the campaigning to social media during the next stage.

According to Chauthaiwale, while Twitter is more popular in urban areas, WhatsApp has percolated down to village level and hence should be put to use accordingly.

According to the report, the party has already enrolled more than 2,000 volunteers for the campaign, out of which 1,500 are from the United Kingdom (UK), 500 from the United States and 200 from Canada.

BJP had held a meeting of over 150 NRIs from over 25 countries on the eve of Republic Day at the BJP headquarters to draw up a plan for the campaign strategy. The party had reached out to those NRIs who had come to India to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya celebrations and Kumbh Mela.
Representative Image: Reuters

Neither protagonist in the US-China trade war stands to benefit from their stand-off, the UN said February 4, suggesting others could cash in instead, with the EU possibly winning big.

In a report, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) examined the repercussions of the tariff tit-for-tat already under way between the two trade giants, as well as the expected impact of a significant tariff hike scheduled to take effect on March 1.

The report, titled "The Trade Wars: The Pain and the Gain", said that "bilateral tariffs alter global competitiveness to the advantage of firms operating in countries not directly affected by them".

It predicted that the European Union would be the biggest winner, taking home some $70 billion in additional trade thanks to the trade war.

Last year, Washington and Beijing imposed tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade, after Trump initiated the trade war because of complaints over unfair trade practices.

The two countries hailed "progress" in talks held in Washington last week aimed at avoiding an escalation of the conflict.

But if no deal is reached by March 1, US duty rates on $ 200 billion in Chinese goods are due to rise to 25 percent from 10 percent.

"Our analysis shows that while bilateral tariffs are not very effective in protecting domestic firms, they are very valid instruments to limit trade from the targeted country," Pamela Coke-Hamilton, head of UNCTAD's international trade division, said in a statement.

"The effect of US-China tariffs would be mainly distortionary. US-China bilateral trade will decline and replaced by trade originating in other countries," she said.

The study estimated that out of the $250 billion in Chinese exports subject to US tariffs, some 80 per cent would be captured by firms in other countries, while 12 per cent would be retained by Chinese firms and only six percent would be captured by US firms.

A similar scenario would apply to the $ 85 billion in US exports hit by Chinese tariffs, the report said, estimating that 85 per cent would go to companies in other countries, 10 per cent would remain in the US and only about five per cent would go to Chinese firms.

"Countries that are expected to benefit the most from US-China tensions are those which are more competitive and have the economic capacity to replace US and Chinese firms," UNCTAD said.

The report indicated that the EU stood to benefit the most, with companies in the bloc likely to capture around 50 billion of Chinese exports to the US and about $20 billion of US exports to China.

Japan, Mexico and Canada would meanwhile each capture more than $20 billion in additional trade thanks to the tariff war, the study found.

Australia, Brazil, India, Philippines, Pakistan and would also notice "substantial effects relative to the size of their exports," it said.

But the trade war will also have a number of negative effects on global trade, especially within certain markets.

The UNCTAD study pointed to the soybean market, where the tit-for-tat tariffs have resulted in "trade distortionary effects" that have benefitted Brazil especially, since the country has suddenly become the main soybean supplier to China.

"But because the magnitude and duration of tariffs is unclear, Brazilian producers have been reluctant to make investment decisions that may turn out to be unprofitable if the tariffs are revoked," the UN agency said.

Brazilian companies that purchase soybeans, meanwhile, stand to lose out amid inevitable price hikes, it added.

The study also said that positive effect for some countries will likely be outweighed by the negative global effects.

A major concern, the report authors said, is the impact the trade dispute will have on a still-fragile global economy.

This is especially worrying if trade tensions spiral into currency wars, which would threaten the ability of people and companies around the world to pay off dollar-denominated debt, they said.
Production of the worlds cheapest car Nano has come to a grinding halt, as Tata Motors has begun the process of bringing down the curtains on the troubled car.

As indicated by the company, Nano, unlike its peers, will not get any regulatory upgrades essential to keep it going.

From 83 units in January 2018, the production of Nano hit zero in the same month this year. This is the first time since its launch in 2008 that not a single Nano was either produced or sold in any month.

The Nano was pulled out of export markets such as Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh since the start of the calendar last year.

As mentioned before, the Nano in its current form will not meet the new safety and emission norms and may need an infusion of fresh investments. No decision has been made yet in this regard. We continue to produce Nano catering to customer demands, said a statement from Tata Motors.

For the past several months Tata Motors has been producing the Nano as per orders confirmed by its dealers. However, it was getting increasingly difficult to manage the production of the Nano alongside other models such as Tiago and Tigor at the Gujarat plant, which is running at full capacity. The mini cars old generation build had to be matched with the new generation Tiago on the same production line.

While the company has not agreed to phase out the Nano completely for the time being, it will have to mandatorily bring an end to the cars production by March 31, 2019. As none of the variants of the Nano houses an airbag the model will not be allowed to be produced after April 1, 2019, which is when all cars sold in India will need to have at least one airbag.

Decisions on product life cycle is a holistic view taken after considering the market developments, regulations and emerging competitive landscape. Any such decisions are announced as and when its taken. Production planning of a car is conscious management of demand, system inventory and planned efficiencies. Therefore, speculating on the fate of a car based on a months production figure is something the company would not like to participate in, the statement further added.

As per government directives, auto companies will be allowed to sell cars without airbags after March 31, 2019, but will not be allowed to produce them.

Commercially launched in March 2009 (but first unveiled at a glitzy Auto Expo event in 2008) as the Rs 1 lakh car the Nano saw several iterations in its decade long career. Ratan Tatas car gathered iconic status and praise from across the world even from renowned European and Japanese companies that called it an engineering marvel.

However, despite multiple efforts including adding a boot space in the rear, power steering option, CNG fuel option and even a repositioning of the brand, the Nano failed to rise.

Last year, Tata Motors decided it will take forward only those projects under the Fit for Future programme which are commercially viable. The company is ready to bring down the axe on a number of ageing models that have become a drag on its financials.

The company has already withdrawn models such as Indica, Indigo, Manza and Vista. Sumo and Safari will also be withdrawn subsequently.
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The Egyptian government is building itself a new capital from scratch and strangely this is sending shockwaves around 5,000 kms away to Bajaj Auto, which supplies three-wheelers (3Ws) to that country.

Nearly a fourth of Bajaj Autos three-wheeler overseas shipments head to Egypt, making it the second largest market in the world for the Pune-based company after Sri Lanka.

But in late November 2018, Egypt Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli called for a restriction on free imports of three-wheelers (locally called toktoks) into the country in a push to make its youth take up serious jobs that can help develop and build the country.

Rakesh Sharma, director, Bajaj Auto, said, There was some discussion in the (Egyptian) government of curtailing the imports of three wheelers because of a really ludicrous logic of labour getting employed as 3W drivers and not being available for building the new Cairo (new capital).

During Q3 FY19, the maker of motorcycles such as Pulsar and Avenger exported 90,426 units of 3Ws from India, a year-on-year growth of 24 percent.

Though 3W export growth during the third quarter was in healthy double-digits, it was the slowest of the three quarters for the year led by Egypt. In Q1, Bajaj Auto 3W exports grew 69 percent, whereas in Q2 the segment clocked 49 percent over the corresponding quarter last year. This notable growth was a result of pre-buying by Bajaj Autos distributors in Egypt.

As a preemptive step, our importer and distributor in Egypt decided to advance a lot of the purchases just in case the government takes some punitive action for one or two months. So, we will see a kicker in the international business purely on account of extra volumes from Egypt, Sharma added.

While the Bajaj toktok has become a household name as it is the most preferred means of transport in Eqypt not just for locals but for millions of tourists visiting each year to see the pyramids, it has also invited the ire of government authorities.

As early as 2014, the Egypt Industry Ministry decided to stop imports of toktoks as it was found that the three-wheeled passenger carriers were used in committing crimes as well in terrorist attacks. Several of such vehicles were found to be invalid and driven by youths without driving license. However, subsequently the ban lifted and imports resumed.

Now as a means to appease to the government, Bajaj Auto has announced plans to set-up a factory in Egypt that would manufacture the toktoks.

What will work in our favour is that since the last one-a-and-half year we have been localising a lot of our components. Around 30 percent of the value of 3Ws is put together in Egypt itself and there are plans for setting up a new factory in Egypt, Sharma stated.
The Bombay High Court on February 5 asked the National Investigation Agency (NIA) if it had sought permission to truncate the documents and witnesses' statements that were part of the 2008 Malegaon blast case charge sheet.

A division bench of Justices A S Oka and Ajey Gadkari was hearing an application filed by one of the accused, Lt Col Prasad Purohit, seeking non-truncated copies of the documents and statements of witnesses.

Purohit had earlier filed the application in the high court challenging the applicability of provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in the case.

His advocate, Shrikant Shivade, told the court on February 5 that when the first probe agency, the state Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS), filed its charge sheet in the case, several documents and witnesses' statements were truncated or masked.

He claimed that the agency never sought the court's permission to truncate or mask the documents and had done so at its own discretion.

The bench then sought to know if the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is now the prosecuting agency, had taken court's permission for it.

"Has the court passed any order allowing the documents and statements to be truncated? Or has the prosecution filed any application before the court to this effect? The investigating officer does not have the powers to truncate documents like this," Justice Oka said.

The bench directed NIA lawyer Sandesh Patil to take instructions from the officers concerned and posted the matter for further hearing on February 26.

Six people were killed and over 100 injured when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon, a town about 200 km from here in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008.

In October last year, a special court had framed charges under the UAPA against Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and some other accused persons in the case
Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday complimented Union minister Nitin Gadkari for his remarks that "one who cannot take care of home, cannot manage the country", saying he has guts and should also comment on the Rafale deal, "farmers distress and destruction of institutions".

The Congress president cited a report quoting Gadkari as saying that party workers should first fulfil their domestic responsibilities as "those who cannot do that cannot manage the country".

"Gadkari Ji, compliments. You are the only one in the BJP with some guts. Please also comment on: The Rafale scam and Anil Ambani, farmers' distress and destruction of institutions," he tweeted and tagged with it the report on Gadkari's comments.

The Union minister had made the remarks on Saturday while addressing former workers of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the BJP's student wing, in Nagpur.

The Congress chief's comments praising Gadkari came in the wake of various other Congress leaders lauding the Union minister for his recent statements they view as a swipe at the BJP leadership.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari had last week lauded Gadkari for his remarks that "leaders who fail to fulfil promises get 'beaten up' by people", but at the same time took a swipe at him saying his target was Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his eyes were on the PM's chair.

In December, Gadkari had said at an event in Pune that leadership should have the tendency to own up defeat and failures. The remarks had come days after the BJP's loss in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh assembly polls.

Incidently, Rahul Gandhi was seen exchanging notes with Gadkari while being seated along with him in the front row at the Republic Day parade at Rajpath.
BJP_bhartiya Janta party

Mizoram BJP chief John V Hluna on February 5 threatened to dissolve the party's state unit if the national leadership goes ahead with the passage of the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, "harming the interests of northeast people". He stressed that people of Mizoram and their safety were of "primary importance".

"The BJP state unit was formed to safeguard the interests of the people of Mizoram. If the central leadership decides to legislate the proposed amendment, the state unit would have no option but to dissolve itself," Hluna told reporters here.

He said he had approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and other national leaders over the controversial bill and appealed to the party's central leadership to revoke it.

He added that as an alternative, the state BJP unit also requested the national leaders that the bill, if not revoked, should at least keep the northeastern states out of its purview.

"We would be left with no choice but to dissolve the BJP state unit if our appeals are not taken into consideration," Hluna said.

The churches in the Christian-majority state have been asked to organise a mass prayer for the bill's defeat in Parliament, he said.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8. It seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12, which is the norm currently, even if they do not possess any document.

Protests against the bill have rocked the entire northeast, including the Mizo National Front-ruled Mizoram.

Several organisations and political parties claim that the bill threatens the identity, language and culture of indigenous people.
Image: Twitter/ @milinddeora

Former Congress MP from South Mumbai Milind Deora may not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections over infighting in the party and clashes with Mumbai Congress President Sanjay Nirupam, CNN News 18 has reported.

In an interview with the news channel, Deora opened up about the infighting in the party's Mumbai unit, claiming that it was "no secret that there are problems in the party.



I'm disappointed with what is happening - and the party is aware of my stance on fighting the Lok Sabha elections. However, I have full faith in our central leadership and its commitment to our party's ideology and principles. Especially in Mumbai, where the Congress was born.

 Milind Deora (@milinddeora) February 5, 2019

Currently a part of the Congress publicity committee for the Lok Sabha elections, Deora said Nirupam's leadership has failed party members. I am hurt and disappointed. Many Congress leaders are sitting at home today. One should talk to these leaders about why they feel dejected, disillusioned, he told the news channel.

Deora and Nirupam have locked horns in the past over leadership of the party's Mumbai unit. Deora had lost out to Nirupam over the position of party president.

In the interview, Deora said, "I may not want to fight elections due to this infighting." He added that he had conveyed his concerns to Congress President Rahul Gandhi over the matter.

Saying that he does not wish to take the responsibility of fixing the situation in the party, Deora said, "I don't want to wash our dirty linen in public. Am sure the party leadership will take care of it. If the party doesn't fix this, it may affect poll performance."
Manohar Parrikar

Goa will plunge into a political crisis the day Manohar Parrikar steps down as chief minister, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Deputy Speaker of the state Assembly Michael Lobo warned on February 4, according to a report in the Hindustan Times.

Lobo also said that Parrikar is surviving on Gods blessings in combating the ailment that has got no cure.

"As long as Manohar Parrikar is the Chief Minister there will be no crisis. The day Manohar Parrikar steps down as chief minister or if something happens, the day he leaves the job, there will be a political crisis," Lobo was quoted by the newspaper as saying.



Human mind can overcome any disease. #WorldCancerDay

 Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) February 4, 2019

On February 4, Parrikar tweeted a message on the occasion of World Cancer Day: Human mind can overcome any disease.

Parrikar is currently admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi is reportedly a routine medical check-up.

The BJP government in the coastal state is running with the support of smaller parties and independents. BJP does not have a majority in the Legislative Assembly.

ALSO READ: Manohar Parrikar 'very unwell', living with God's blessings: Goa deputy speaker

There were speculation in the past if Parrikar would step down from the position. There was also a power tussle among BJP leaders and some of its allies on the succession issue.

Last week, Congress leader Reginaldo Lourenco had asked the chief minister to step aside.

The Congress also claimed that the state assembly may be dissolved soon, highlighting that the government only presented a vote-on-account Budget when it could have presented a full Budget.

The Chief Minister has however told its allies that the Assembly will not be prematurely dissolved.
Rahul Gandhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will address a farmers rally at the BHEL Jamboree Maidan here on February 8, the party's media cell coordinator Narendra Saluja said.

Saluja termed it a "thanksgiving rally" where farmers would felicitate Gandhi for the farm loan waiver announced in the state after a Congress-led government under Chief Minister Kamal Nath took over.

Gandhi, during the campaign for the MP Assembly polls in November last year, had promised a farm loan waiver if his party was elected to power.

"All top Congress leaders from the state, including (CM) Kamal Nath ji, Jyotiraditya Scindia ji (AICC general secretary) and Digvijay Singh ji (ex-CM), will participate in the rally," he said.

Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi claimed more than two lakh farmers from the state are likely to participate in the rally.

The MP government had earlier said the Rs 50,000 crore farm loan waiver scheme titled 'Jai Kisan Rin Mukti Yojana' would benefit 50-55 lakh farmers.

Under the scheme, loans up to Rs 2 lakh of eligible farmers are to be waived off.

The government has said that farmers will start receiving benefits of the waiver in their bank accounts from February 22.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Karnataka cheif minister HD Kumaraswamy

Viju Cherian

What is the toughest job in India? Its hard to put a finger on it, because every job comes with its challenges. If you ask me, Id say, at present, the toughest job in India belongs to Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy.

After the May 2018 Karnataka assembly elections, no political party won a majority in the 224-member House. With 104 seats the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was the single-largest party  but the Congress (78 seats) extended unconditional support to Kumaraswamys Janata Dal (Secular), which had 37 seats, and formed a government. Kumaraswamy was chosen Chief Minister, but little did he know that heading a coalition government, in a House in which his party (the JD(S)) had less than one-fifth of the strength, comes with its challenges. In the eight months since then he has at least twice offered to quit. Evidently, running coalition governments is a thankless job.

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee coined the term coalition dharma to suggest the broad principles of treating a coalition of political parties. His successor Manmohan Singh showed us the helplessness of coalition compulsions. Kumaraswamys contribution to the lexicon of Indian politics could be coalition navarasas.

Kumaraswamy has confessed that he is a very emotional person  at the same time he has also acknowledged that his emotional swings will win him the sympathy of the people. In these eight months since May 2018, he has showed various expressions of the mind: anger, laughter, disgust, sorrow, etc.

In July 2018, a few weeks after assuming power, Kumaraswamy broke down at a JD(S) event saying: "You are standing with bouquets to wish me, as one of your brothers has become the chief minister, and you all are happy, but I'm not. I know the pain of running a coalition government. I became like Lord Vishkanth and swallowed the pain of this government.

In November 2018, he showed his anger towards the media when he said that he would restrict his interactions with the media to what I speak from the stage. He blamed the media of misinterpreting his words.

A month prior to that an angry Kumaraswamy warned the BJP against attacking his family members while targeting his government. In December, he showed his menacing side while instructing on the phone to kill the assailants of a JD(S) worker mercilessly in a shootout.

At the time of writing this, news reports suggest that Kumaraswamy is a man at peace. Dismissing reports about his governments instability, on February 4 he said that all Congress MLAs were happy with him.

The JD(S) leader has not completed the set of emotions in the navarasas but, hey, hes got four years left for that.

The jury is out whether history will highlight HD Kumaraswamys political contribution to India  that said, Kumaraswamys significant contribution to the Indian political theatre cannot be overlooked. It is doubtful whether India has seen a Chief Minister who has emoted so much in such a short span of time.

For more Opinion pieces, click here
Shiv Sena_BJP_Devendra Fadnavis_uddhav thackeray

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the BJP's alliance with the Shiv Sena for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections is "certain" and all internal differences will be resolved by the two parties.

He said there are differences of opinion in every home, but they are ultimately resolved.

Fadnavis said it is "certain" that the BJP will have an alliance with the Shiv Sena for the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, which sends 48 members, the second highest, to the Lower House of Parliament.

The CM was talking to reporters after the concluding programme of an animal fair held here in the Marathwada region of central Maharashtra.

Early last year, Sena president Uddhav Thackeray had declared that his party will fight all future elections on its own.

The Sena is a constituent of the BJP-led ruling coalitions in Maharashtra and also at the Centre, but it routinely criticises its alliance partner's leaders and government policies.

Minister of State for Diary Development and Shiv Sena leader Arjun Khotkar was also present.

On differences between Khotkar and Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve, Fadnavis said, "I havecome (to (Jalna) to resolve differences."

It may be noted thatKhotkar andDanve have been attacking each other at public platforms.

Khotkar has declared that he will contest the Lok Sabha election against Danve from Jalna, the seat currently held by the BJP leader.

Danve was not present at the programme.

Speaking to media persons, Khotkar, who also hails from Jalna district, asserted he would not backout from his decision to contest against Danve.

The Sena leader claimed the people of Jalna are with him..
BJP_bhartiya Janta party

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on February 5 said the TMC-led government in West Bengal has denied the party permission for a rally in Murshidabad and alleged that there is complete lawlessness in the state. Hussain said he will still go to Murshidabad and is already on the way.

Last week, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was denied permission to hold a rally in the state, which is witnessing a political slugfest between the ruling TMC and the BJP.

"I have been told that the district administration has not given permission to hold a rally in Murshidabad, which was scheduled for today. The party had sought permission and had informed the local administration in advance," Hussain told PTI.

The Mamata Banerjee-led government in the state and BJP are at loggerheads after the CBI tried to question Kolkata's police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee has been on a 'dharna' since Sunday night over the CBI's attempts to interrogate the police chief.
Moneycontrol Contributors

It has not been a happy new year for the promoters of Essar Steel. On February 4, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) directed the Ahmedabad bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to decide on the insolvency plea filed against Essar Steel (India) Ltd. by February 11. A two-member NCLAT bench headed by Justice SJ Mukhopadhaya said the appellate tribunal would hear the matter on 12 February, but only after it had been heard at NCLT, Ahmedabad.

The appellate tribunal asked that operational creditors choose a sole representative as the bench will not be hear all of them individually. It issued such a directive as it was hearing a petition filed by the committee of creditors (CoC) of Essar Steel, through State Bank of India, against resolution professional Satish Kumar Gupta and others.

A week ago, the Ahmedabad bankruptcy court had snubbed a bid by Essar Steel Asia Holdings Ltd (or ESAHL) to regain control over debt-ridden Essar Steel. That snub came as a major setback to the Ruia family, who are the promoters of the company. The Ruias have sought the withdrawal of the petition under Section 12A of the IBC, or the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, that allows such a move subject to the approval of 90% of the creditors as well as the NCLT. Their offer came on a day that saw more than 92% of creditors to Essar Steel vote in favour of handing over the company to ArcelorMittal Netherlands BV. Yes, the ArcelorMittal.

A recap of the saga

Ruia-family promoted Essar Steel ran into debt troubles some years ago and, following directions from the Reserve Bank of India, was among the first 12 large cases admitted to insolvency proceedings in 2017. However, the insolvency resolution process has been beset by litigation. The Ruias attempted a backdoor entry into the resolution process via equity interest in Numetal -- a consortium led by Russian financier VTB. For the record, the IBC disallows a promoter of a corporate defaulter from participating in the insolvency process. Among the bidders eyeing Essar Steel were the worlds largest steel company ArcelorMittal, Anil Agarwals Vedanta Group and Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Steel Ltd. The race eventually narrowed down to Numetal and ArcelorMittal but a Supreme Court order placed stipulations on each for their bids to be considered valid. ArcelorMittal paid Rs 7,469 crore dues pending towards another NPA, or non-performing asset, -Uttam Galva Steels- for its bid to earn eligibility. Numetal failed to cure its ineligibility and repay Ruia related debt.

Last week, Moneycontrol had reported that the Ruias had presented a Rs 54,389 crore proposal to withdraw Essar Steel from insolvency courts. The withdrawal is allowed under Section 12A of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. Their offer was higher than the Rs 42,000-crore bid from ArcelorMittal, which, as per the report, had the backing of lenders. ArcelorMittals resolution plan includes the upfront payment of 42,000 crores to lenders and an additional 8,000 crores towards capital expenditure. Livemint reported that Standard Chartered Bank had also approached the bankruptcy court challenging the resolution plan approved by the majority of the financial lenders. Standard Chartered, which has more than 7.5% weight in the voting process, voted against ArcelorMittals resolution plan.

A BloombergQuint report stated that, according to Mohit Saraf -senior partner, L&L Partners- the order by the Supreme Court upholding the validity of the IBC and all its segments under the constitution was enough to stop any discussion around promoters rights in the matter. L&L Partners advised ArcelorMittal during the bidding process for Essar Steel.

The tribunal then stated that withdrawal of the insolvency case can only be done by the applicant who had initiated the process - in this case, State Bank of India, the lead lender. In a body blow to the Ruias hopes of retaining the crown that is jewel Essar Steel, the NCLT rejected the promoters' plea to repay the debt of the company. There were rumors that the Ruias would move the NCLAT against that order. (Which they did this week, of course. More about that in a bit.)

An Essar spokesperson read out a statement that said, We continue to believe that our offer of Rs 54,389 crore is the most compelling proposal available to Essar Steel creditors. It seeks to repay all classes of creditors and fulfills the IBCs overriding objective of value maximisation that has been established time and again by courts at all levels. He added, We submitted the proposal under the recently introduced Section 12A of the IBC and the recent judgement of the Supreme Court has established that the section's provisions are applicable retrospectively. We are awaiting a copy of the full NCLT order, and will take a call on next steps after we have thoroughly gone through the contents.

Babu Sivaprakasam, Partner, Economic Laws Practice, explained to Moneycontrol, A borrower can argue that if they are ready to repay the entire debt including all dues to all the creditors then its no more an IBC resolution, not even a settlement but repayment of all the dues by a borrower. It will not be an easy proposition for any party to take a stand that a borrower or guarantor shall be barred from not paying their dues in entirety and once all dues including CIRP costs are fully paid the IBC petitions become infructuous as no resolution is warranted.

Worryingly for the Ruias, a statement by the chairman of SBI, Rajnish Kumar (the lead lender to Essar Steel) alluded to the recent Supreme Court judgment that upheld the validity of the IBC and clarified the provision for withdrawal of insolvency proceedings. Kumar said, The Supreme Court order last week on IBC was a speaking order. That has put to rest all debate around promoters finding a way to get back into the company. We will be waiting for the adjudicating authority to decide on the resolution plan submitted by the committee of creditors. As far as the sale of Essar Steel loan is concerned, weve already deferred it to Feb. 11. Hopefully, a decision in this matter is reached before that. We will wait and see.

The bigger picture

To see it from a larger perspective, we must zoom out, as it were, to get the bigger picture. The central government set a March 2019 deadline for lenders and resolution professionals to speed up resolution plans of nine of the twelve high-value insolvency cases. This is being emphasised in order to complete the resolution of large stressed accounts, and there does seem to be special focus on Essar Steel and Jaypee Infratech, according to a report by Business Today.

The twelve accounts -which include Bhushan Power, Alok Industries, ABG shipyards, Amtek Auto, Lanco, Era Infrastructure and Jyoti Structures- owe nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore to various lenders. After 18 months, insolvency proceedings against them are yet to be completed. A Times of India report said that exceeds the 270-day deadline specified in the law.

Under the IBC, or the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, when a case is admitted by the NCLT, a resolution plan must be in place within 180 days, or 6 months, of admission. This is extendable by up to 90 days, or three months. In case the turnaround doesn't happen, the company's assets will be liquidated.

These cases have tended to be high profile. For instance, Tata Steel had acquired Bhushan Steel under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process in April 2018 for a princely sum of Rs 35,200 crore. Then there was the Anil Agarwal-controlled Vedanta that took over the bankrupt Electrosteel Steels. JSW Steel, and its promoters, acquired something like 88% in Monnet Ispat and Energy Ltd, or MIEL, after the completion of insolvency resolution proceedings.

Another high profile case that consumed a lot of newsprint was that of Jaypee Infratech. It is a subsidiary of Jaypee Group's flagship firm Jaiprakash Associates, and is yet to deliver over 20,000 apartments, villas and plots to home buyers. According to Business Today, the centre has directed resolution professionals to initiate steps, including seeking legal remedy to speed up a decision. In the second half of January, various creditors and home buyers of Jaypee Infratech extended the deadline till February 15 for shortlisted bidders to submit proposals to revive the debt-ridden realty firm.

ArcelorMittals entry into Indias steel sector is a landmark, according to Amit Dixit, an analyst at Edelweiss Research. He told BloombergQuint, We consider it a landmark in Indian ferrous space as: 1) the company will be a significant player in the ferrous space acquiring a running capacity of 6.5-7 mtpa; 2) In the medium term, we see imminent consolidation in domestic steel sector with 3 strong players operating capacity of 20 mtpa plus each and; 3) ArcelorMittals strong product line and cutting edge technology will spur similar development in India by the incumbents, a welcome relief from the race for capacity aggrandizement.

The home teams counterpunch

But Essars promoters havent thrown in the towel just yet. Yesterday, Essar Group director Prashant Ruia has moved a fresh application before the NCLT Ahmedabad bench seeking the quashing of ArcelorMittal's takeover bid of the insolvent steelmaker. Business Standard reported that the petition moved on February 1 includes Essar Steel's former MD Dilip Oommen and project director Rajiv Kumar Bhatnagar as joint petitioners. Media reports claim the Ruia family is making an attempt to delay Essar Steel's insolvency - the petition calls for a stay on any further proceedings in Interlocutory Application No.431 of 2018, preferred by the Resolution Professional under Section 30(6) of the Code.

Taking a cue from the recent Supreme Court judgment in case of Ruchi Soya, the petitioners who have sought that the suspended Board of Directors be included in all CoC, or Committee of Creditors, meetings now onwards.

The Economic Times reported that the petition claims though Oommen and Bhatnagar were removed after the insolvency process began, they continue to be part of the day-to-day management of Essar Steel and hold the designations of managing director and director (projects), respectively. The SC order cited in the application says resolution plans submitted by applicants should also be shared with the suspended board of the directors. Supreme Court judges RF Nariman and Navin Sinha had said on January 31, in the hearing on Ruchi Soya Ltd, the country's largest edible oil maker that is now in the insolvency courts, The appellants (the director) will be given copies of all resolution plans submitted to the CoC within a period of two weeks from the date of this judgment. The resolution applicant in each of these cases will then convene a meeting of the CoC within two weeks thereafter, which will include the appellants as participants.

However, according to a BloombergQuint report, the Essar Steel directors ...claimed that they were asked to step out of multiple CoC meetings as the matters being discussed were deemed to be confidential. This was against the insolvency code, the application said, adding that a letter to the resolution professional in October 2017 didnt change the conduct of the CoC.

Based on those words, the directors of Essar Steel sought to "quash and set aside" the lenders' decision to accept ArcelorMittal's lower bid to take over Essar Steel, claiming the process prescribed by the SC on January 31 was not followed in this instance.

The petition also requests the NCLT Ahmedabad bench to direct Essar Steel's resolution professional Satish Kumar Gupta to convene a meeting of the Committee of Creditors, wherein the Resolution Plans submitted by the potential Resolution Applicants be deliberated and discussed afresh and thereafter voted upon.

The Essar Steel insolvency case has seen extraordinary delays due to endless litigation. The company was admitted for insolvency action way back in August 2017. Over 500 days have passed, nearly double the stipulated time of 270 days. The creditors of Essar Steel have said in various courts that they have been losing Rs 500 crore per month in interest earnings due to the delays in the insolvency process.

As the high profile Essar Steel case seems to go on interminably, all eyes will be on the Ahmedabad bench of the NCLT on February 11.
Answer: Vijay Mallya

Hours after his extradition to India was approved by the UK government, fugitive business tycoon Vijay Mallya on February 4 said he will initiate the appeal process. The 63-year-old business tycoon had been found to have a case to answer before the Indian courts by Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on December 10, 2018.

Under the Extradition Treaty procedures, the Chief Magistrate's verdict was sent to Home Secretary Sajid Javid because only he was authorised to order Mallya's extradition.

Javid, the UK's senior-most Pakistani-origin minister, had two months from that date to sign off on that order.

The UK Home Office confirmed on February 4 that after considering all matters, Javid had signed Mallya's extradition order on February 3.

"On February 3 the Secretary of State, having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed the order for Vijay Mallya's extradition to India," a Home Office spokesperson said.

Also read | UK home secretary approves extradition of Vijay Mallya

"Vijay Mallya is accused in India of conspiracy to defraud, making false representations and money laundering offences," the spokesperson added.

Mallya now has 14 days from February 4 to apply for leave to appeal to the UK High Court.

In a tweet, Mallya said he will initiate the appeal process against his extradition.

Also read | Vijay Mallya is India's first Fugitive Economic Offender: Timeline of the tycoon's fall

"After the decision was handed down on December 10,2018 by the Westminster Magistrates Court, I stated my intention to appeal. I could not initiate the appeal process before a decision by the Home Secretary. Now I will initiate the appeal process," he tweeted.

Mallya is currently on bail on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard in April 2017 after the Indian authorities brought fraud and money laundering charges amounting to Rs 9,000 crores against the former Kingfisher Airlines boss.
Nitin Gadkari

Alleging that the opposition parties who are talking about unity are united only in opposing BJP, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said they should debate on the basis of manifesto and performance.

"That's why the opposition parties who are talking about unity, they are talking about unity only in opposing BJP and Modiji...., why you don't debate on the basis of manifesto and performance," he said, addressing a meeting of BJP functionaries here.

"What work we are going to do (for people), what work you are going to do, what we have done, what you have done, the history of 70 years... is in front us. Why you don't come forward? Our programme is to work for the welfare of village, poor and worker and farmer. Definitely discuss that," he said.

He alleged that efforts would be repeatedly made to change the agenda of elections from development to casteism and communalism and false propaganda.

The BJP's effort is to seek votes for the NDA government on the basis of what it has done and what it intends to do and to work for the welfare of the poor, the farmers and workers, he said.

Those who were not used to even wish each other are now coming together in opposing BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he alleged.

Can a "khichdi government" comprising those lacking mutual understanding ensure the development of the country, he asked.

Gadkari, who spoke elaborately on the performance and schemes of the NDA government in various sectors, expressed confidence that it would be re-elected.

"The country's image is changing. If the performance of our government is to be counted, I can speak for two hours more...," he said.

The senior BJP leader alleged that BJP's rivals, including the Congress, are creating fear in the minds of Muslim minorities against the BJP-led NDA government instead of discussing the government's performance.

"That's why, our rivals are not discussing our performance, programmes, the work of our government and implementation. Their capital is fear. They are creating fear in the minds of Muslims. This government of Modiji, BJP will... and send to Pakistan, choose Congress to stay safe," he said.

Dalits and Adivasis are being told that the NDA government is against them, he said.

The opposition parties are talking about forming an alliance out of fear that they would be able to defeat BJP by coming together, he claimed.

He expressed confidence that BJP can achieve a major victory in Telangana as well if the party's activists can convince people about the good work of the NDA government.

"Also remember that when the competence to convince ends, then (attempt) to confuse begins," he said, alleging that opposition and some sections in the media show statements out of context in a way that confuse the party's activists and supporters.

"I don't say all are like that. It's okay. All have rights in a democracy," he said.

He also said the BJP-led NDA government gave a corruption-free rule, without discriminating among states on political considerations.

The party worked for the welfare of people without the narrow considerations of caste, creed or religion, he said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee gestures during a sit-in in Kolkata. (Reuters)

United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths and International Committee of the Red Cross President Peter Maurer speak to the media during a new round of talks by Yemen's warring parties on a prisoners swap deal, in Amman, Jordan. (Reuters)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel stands in front of a large screen introducing NEC's satellite-mounted radar system for monitoring urban infrastructure and disaster prevention as she visits NEC Future Creation Hub at the headquarters of NEC in Tokyo, Japan. (Reuters)

Tourists pray with unlit incense ahead of the Lunar New Year at Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand. (Reuters)

A performer blows fire during Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown, Binondo, Manila, Philippines. (Reuters)

A ground staffer carries a Barn Owl that had entered the cockpit of a Jet Airways Boeing 777 at the Mumbai airport. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Monaco's head of state Prince Albert II, before a meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. (PTI)

Congress and BJP MLA's raise slogans over the issue of chit fund scam during the Budget Session of Odisha Assembly, in Bhubaneswar. (PTI)

Pope Francis, left, and Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, the grand imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar, exchange a joint statement on "human fraternity" after an interfaith meeting at the Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Pope Francis has asserted in the first-ever papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula that religious leaders have a duty to reject all war and commit themselves to dialogue. (AP/PTI)
February 05, 2019 / 10:16 PM IST

The fast-paced development started unfolding yesterday evening when a team of 40-odd Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers arrived at Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar's residence at Loudon Street in central Kolkata, but they were stopped by sentries and officials.

The team had gone to question Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases.

When the CBI team arrived at Kumars
Kamal Nath

The Madhya Pradesh government has made it mandatory for all state funded industries to hire 70 percent of their staff from within the state.

Chief Minister Kamal Nath on February 4 announced on Twitter: vachan patra ke vaadon par amal karte huye humne rajya sarkar dwara poshit sabhi udyogon mein 70 fisadi rojgar Madhya Pradesh ke sthaniya logon ke liye anivarya kar diya (Implementing the manifesto promise, we have made 70 percent employment to the local people of Madhya Pradesh in all industries funded by the state government mandatory).

Nath had, in his first press conference after taking over as the states chief minister said that his government would have a new industrial policy to promote investment in the state and those who seek state incentives would have to comply with the rules.

"Our schemes of providing incentives of investment will only be imposed after 70 percent people from MP get employment, he had said.



                70            pic.twitter.com/HH9ULxxDkW

 Office Of Kamal Nath (@OfficeOfKNath) February 4, 2019

He had also said: "Lot of industries are set up in which people from other states, like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, come to work. I do not want to criticise them, but the youth of Madhya Pradesh are deprived (of jobs)."

This 'job deprivation' remarks had drawn criticism, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Janata Dal (United) expressing their disapproval.

The government is however working on the industrial policy sticking on mandatory 70 percent employment to local youths to take advantage of the investment policies in the state.

According to a report in The Times of India, the government has decided to set up training sessions and employment fairs in each district to register unemployed youths. Youth will be first provided a stipend and later jobs under states 70 percent clause.
Man serves food to Sikhs from India outside the shrine of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Kartarpur

India will send a draft to Pakistan for finalisation of an agreement for opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, which will facilitate easy passage to Sikh pilgrims to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, officials said. This was decided at a high-level meeting, convened to discuss how to fast-track the implementation of the Kartarpur corridor project.

The meeting was chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and attended by Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria, Punjab Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh and others.

Kartarpur is located in Shakargarh in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab. Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, had spent more than 18 years of his life there. The Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara is located on the banks of the Ravi river, about three-four km from the border in Pakistan.

"India will send within a month the draft of the agreement to be signed with Pakistan for the Kartarpur corridor. We hope the modalities will be completed soon," Punajb Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh told reporters after the hour-long meeting.

India has already communicated to Pakistan the coordinates of Zero Point for the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, a home ministry official said.

The meeting discussed land acquisition for the highway and for the Integrated Check Post (ICP).

At the meeting, it was informed that the preliminary notification for land acquisition for highway has already been issued and the notification to acquire land for ICP will be issued on Wednesday.

The Punjab government has assured that the land will be made available for both the projects by mid-March, the official said.

Meanwhile, the possession of the land to commence preliminary work will be made available to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI).

According to the official, a detailed plan of ICP is expected to be finalised within the next few days.

The Punjab Chief Secretary said the process of land acquisition is on the second stage.

On November 26 last year, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone of the Dera Baba Nanak - Kartarpur Sahib Corridor (up to the International Border) at an event at Mann village of Gurdaspur district of Punjab. On November 28, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone for the 4-km corridor which is expected to be completed by 2019.

The much-awaited corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Guru Nanak Dev.
On jobs creation | The BJP chief said: We have to stop looking at data from the Western perspective. NSSO data is correct. But we need to have a re-look at the system. A recent NSSO report quoted by several media organisations had pointed out that job creation was at a historic low in the current period. (Image: Twitter/@CNNnews18)

BJP president Amit Shah will visit Odisha again on February 15 and address a rally at Sambalpur, state BJP chief Basant Panda said here Tuesday.

Shah will have a meeting with the booth level organisers of four Lok Sabha constituencies of Dhenkanal, Sambalpur, Bargarh and Sundargarh. About 60,000 booth level organisers will attend the meeting, he said.

This will be Shah's third visit to Odisha this year and second within 12 days. His last visit was on February 3 when he addressed a meeting of BJP's ST Morcha at Puri.

Earlier, he had visited Cuttack district and addressed a public meeting at Kulia on January 29.

In both the occasions, Shah had criticised the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government in Odisha.
Indian students study inside the Delhi University campus in New Delhi September 20, 2013. Picture taken September 20, 2013. To match INDIA-EDUCATION/ REUTERS/Anindito Mukherjee (INDIA - Tags: EDUCATION) - GM1E9A30U6M01

129 Indian students have been detained in the United States for allegedly violating immigration rules and face possible deportation, CNN News 18 has reported. Once they are deported, it would take the students at least a couple of years before they can get another visa to study in the US.

The students were detained after raids by the US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Agency at a fake university in Farmington Hills.

Sources have told the news channel that even if the students were to apply for the American Visa, the popping of the Farmington University in their database will be a major red flag.

All 129 Indians were aware that they were committing a crime to fraudulently remain in the country, the State Department has said amid claims that they knew nothing about the varsity's illegal operation.

The State Department's response came after India issued a demarche to the American Embassy in New Delhi expressing its concern over the detention of Indian students and sought immediate consular access to them.

The foreign students were arrested last week by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for enrolling at the University of Farmington allegedly to remain in America.

The fake university was set up by the DHS's investigating unit in Greater Detroit area to bust the "pay-and-stay" racket. Eight individuals  either Indian citizens or Indian-Americans  have been arrested for running the racket. They have pleaded "not guilty" before a federal court in Michigan.

One of them Phanideep Karnati, 35, who is on a H-1B visa and lives in Louisville, Kentucky was released on a bond of USD 10,000 on Monday.

The seven others - Barath Kakireddy, Suresh Kandala, Prem Rampeesa, Santosh Sama, Avinash Thakkallapally, Aswanth Nune, and Naveen Prathipati consented to their continued detention before a judge in the Eastern District of Michigan, where they were produced along with Karnati.

"All participants in this scheme knew that the University of Farmington had no instructors or classes (neither online nor in-person) and were aware they were committing a crime in an attempt to fraudulently remain in the United States," a State Department spokesperson said in a statement on Monday.

The fake university which had no classes, a low tuition fee and gave work permits on the very first day of the enrolment had some 600 students, an overwhelming majority of whom are Indians. The actual number of those detained is much higher. Some of the students were released from detention and many of those who escaped detention have left the country.

An unknown number of Indian students have been radio-tagged and authorities have put restrictions on their movement. The Indian Embassy here has made an aggressive effort to reach out to these students and is providing them with legal help with the support of the community leaders,

Indian Ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, on Sunday said that the Ministry of External Affairs will have access to all the students soon.

Shringla said that the embassy officials have been travelling across the US and meeting students at the detention centres since the matter was first reported.

Immigration attorneys have criticised authorities for using "troubling" methods to trap them. They said the students were not aware of the varsity's illegitimate operation.

Eminent Indian-Americans and some media outlets have also questioned the modus operandi of the US government in busting the racket, saying "trapping of innocent students" is a "crime".

"More than a million international students' study at US institutions each year, including approximately 196,000 Indian students last year. Instances of fraud schemes are rare, unfortunate aberrations in the proud history of educational exchange between the United States and India," the State Department said.

The US government fully supports international education and is committed to facilitating legitimate student travel, it said in an apparent reference to the panic that the latest US move has created and reports coming out from India that students are now considering option to study in other countries and not the US.

"International students are a valuable asset to our universities and our economy and enrich our communities through sharing their diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences," it said, acknowledging that Indian students not only bring in about USD 6 billion per annum but also become instrumental in creation of thousands of jobs in the US.

"It is unfortunate that some student recruiters and individuals seek to use the international student programme to foster illegal immigration status in the United States," the State Department said.

Overseas Friends of BJP USA, in a statement, said that it was shocked to learn that 129 students of Indian-origin were arrested by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with about 600 students' fate in jeopardy.

"If some university is offering a CPT without any course, it is not true at all," it said.

The Indian embassy in the US has also opened a 24/7 hotline to assist 129 Indian students. It has appointed a nodal officer to help the students in distress.
Asserting that India-Monaco ties are doing well, President Ram Nath Kovind on February 5 said the two nations need to prioritise areas like renewable energy and climate change for mutual benefit, according to an official statement.

Welcoming Prince Albert II of Monaco, who had called on Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President said that India and Monaco have always enjoyed a relationship of trust, friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The current visit imparts a strong impetus towards taking the relationship to newer heights, he said.

The President said that India-Monaco ties are doing well.

"However, there is scope to do a lot more together. On issues such as renewable energy, climate change and the environment, there is a strong meeting of minds between us. We must prioritise these areas for bilateral cooperation," Kovind was quoted as having said in the statement issued by his office.

The President said India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. "Monaco's technology and investment companies can significantly benefit from the Indian growth story," Kovind said.

Later, the President hosted a lunch for the Prince and his accompanying delegation.
Nitesh Khandelwal

As we observed in the previous article of this series, the global algorithmic trading market is growing rapidly, leading to a rising need for individuals skilled for it. With algorithmic trading contributing a majority of overall trading volume in most geographies, picking these skills is more important than ever for traders and other financial market participants.

Algorithmic trading has a lot of, might I say 'components' like programming, quantitative analysis techniques, and much more. Some pursue learning in this domain to keep ahead of the times, while others do it for a passion of technology, or to create benefits, upgrade their skills, get their dream job or to simply be future ready.

Giants from the industry - trading firms, brokers, global banks, investment firms, etc. continue to adopt technological advancements. They are always on a lookout to hire individuals who have acquired the relevant skills important in this domain. They need people with algorithmic trading skills. But then, there is the big question - what key algorithmic trading skills would they be looking for?

Here are some vital skills if you aspire to become a part of this domain:

Mathematical prowess i.e. the knowledge of statistics, mathematical models, statistical research methods govern your quantitative skills. It doesnt make sense limiting your approach to only number crunching agility. You are expected to know about finding suitable models to define randomness or calculate asset price movements, examine the statistical properties of market data, etc. With the quantity of data available with you, these skills are a weapon in your arsenal constantly firing off and steadily modifying your techniques, programs, strategies and evolving your algorithms in these rapidly moving markets.

Coding or programming is another key skill that is very much essential to pick in order to become a successful algorithmic trader. Contrary to popular belief, programming is not just a requirement to automate a trading strategy but is also required through most of the trading life cycle. An algorithmic and quantitative trader uses programming right from validating the strategy hypothesis, to modelling and from back-testing and optimisation, to execution. With the rise of data sciences, Python has become the world's most popular programming language in 2017-18, including in the financial markets.

Any type of trading methodology needs a clear understanding and knowledge of the financial markets. All the statistical prowess and programming skills are of no use if you don't understand the concepts of financial markets and trading in general. What type of concepts are we talking about here? It requires an understanding of basic terminologies like bid-ask to understanding the fundamental reasons for price movement in stocks or in any asset class that you intend to trade.

Trading is the perfect platform to help you put into practice your problem-solving capabilities. It is an important skill that will really benefit you while coming up with the trade ideas, as well as while modelling those ideas. Modelling strategies can be complex at times and strong problem-solving skills help in coming up with intuitive solutions and frameworks.

Getting access to quality data is important for any kind of trader. While there are ample sources of data available for daily price data, access to historical intraday data can be restricted. It is important to understand the patterns of data from across various markets and exchanges across the globe. One of the most important tasks for a trader/analyst is cleaning the data, structuring it to be uniform with the database (e.g. converting integers, floating decimals, etc.), and then using it to identify patterns, create and optimise strategies. Please do note that while price and volume data has a high prevalence in most trading strategies, there are other data sets that algorithmic traders often manage like the data related to the economy, sentiment, fundamentals, etc.

As important as it is to know how to use a trading system, it is also important to know the inside of a trading system. An algorithmic trader needs to know about various components of a trading system including the adaptors, Complex Event Processing (CEP) engine, etc. Further, it is important to know about the infrastructure aspects from both hardware and network perspective. This part is an absolute necessity if one intends to trade HFT strategies. In the case of medium or low-frequency strategies, a basic understanding of these things can work too.

Risk management is another important component. The strategies will help you make money, but your risk management system is the one that is often responsible for preserving it. In any kind of trading, market risk is something that a trader is trying to mitigate through various means. In the case of automated trading, mitigating operational risk takes the centre-stage. I often tell our EPAT course participants that when you are trading manually, you have a very powerful risk management tool with you, which is common sense. When it comes to a machine, that critical part is missing and youve to take care of that by carefully adding the appropriate risk checks in your strategy and overall code base.

Every country and region has its own set of regulations and compliance requirements that it must adhere to trade in the respective trading destinations. There are rules related to short-selling, co-location, system approvals, etc. that one needs to know about. For example, some exchanges would need the approval to be taken at an overall system level, while in other exchanges (in India as well as few other countries), you need to get approval at each strategy level. Additionally, if you intend to trade/manage other peoples money, knowledge of regulations becomes even more critical.

The above list is not comprehensive but still attempts to cover the majority of the skills/factors that are critical to success in an algorithmic trading setup. Even if you dont have all these skills, it doesnt mean that you cant be an algorithmic trader. The idea is to start with a few skills and keep picking and adding the rest to your skill-set over time. More the skills you have in your arsenal, higher the probability of success in this domain.

So, dive right in. #GoAlgo and be a part of this industry.

The author is the co-founder of QuantInsti, an Algorithmic Trading training institute.
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Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani on February 5 met Saudi Aramco chief executive Amin Nasser to discuss Aramco's businesses including crude, chemicals and non-metallics, the national oil company of Saudi Arabia said in a tweet.

Reliance operates the world's biggest refining complex at Jamnagar in Gujarat. Its two refineries, adjacent to each other, have the capacity to process about 1.6 million barrels of crude daily.
Less than a year after Walmart acquired Flipkart, Morgan Stanley said the US retail giant may exit the e-tailer if it does not see long-term profitability. This worry was triggered by the new government norms that came into effect from February 1, The Economic Times reported.

In a report titled 'Assessing Flipkart Risk to Walmart EPS', the brokerage firm said an exit is not "completely out of the question, with the Indian e-commerce market becoming more complicated".

In December 2018, the government banned e-tailers from offering deep discounts and cashback offers to customers, aiming to put an end to 'predatory pricing' in the sector. Under the new rules, firms will have minimal control over vendors and inventory sold on their websites. "There is a precedent for an exit as Amazon retreated from China in late 2017 after seeing that the model no longer worked for them," the report said.

The new FDI rules may require Flipkart to remove as much as 25 percent products from its platform, Morgan Stanley said. The norms also do not allow exclusive brand deals and representation of products where e-commerce firms may have equity relations. This takes away profitable smartphones and electronics deals that were so successful on its platforms during sale seasons.

The report estimates that Flipkart derives 50 percent of its revenue from this category, meaning it could face meaningful disruption and near term topline pressures.

Walmart is optimistic about e-commerce opportunities in India because of the size of the market, despite change in regulations, a spokesperson told the newspaper. "As Walmart scales in India, the company will continue to partner to create sustained economic growth across agriculture, food and retail. Future investments will support national initiatives and will bring sustainable benefits to the country," the person added.

Industry players, especially market leaders Amazon and Flipkart, reportedly saw a 25-30 percent drop in their sales after the new rules came into effect.
Moneycontrol Research

Going by media reports, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has asked the government and Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) to provide a list of group companies that have the ability to meet payment obligations over the next one year. The Mumbai bench of NCLAT has further suggested that the companies be split into three categories -- green, amber and red -- according to their solvency and cash flow.

The bench said companies under the green category should not be put under moratorium and those under the amber category should pay their secured creditors.

This should bring a lot of relief to banks with exposure to IL&FS group companies that have operating assets. In the absence of this, a lot of those exposures supported by steady cash flow would have technically slipped to non-performing on account of the moratorium. Federal Bank, for instance, has exposure to only operating assets of IL&FS and this should bring it relief.
Franklin Templeton Investments India, which is the largest foreign fund house operating in the country, on Tuesday said recent corporate events exposing the follies in governance are a "big worry" for investors.

The comments come amid difficulties being faced by the Subhash Chandra-led Essel group or the Wadhawans' DHFL and the ILF&FS crisis, which have been facing liquidity issues leading to investor concerns.

"It is a big worry for us in terms of the strength of governance," Franklin Templeton Investments India chief investment officer Anand Radhakrishnan told reporters.

He said while the country has been very quick to adopt governance practices, events like these will test the quality of the adoption of such governance framework.

As a practice, the fund house with 35 funds here, actively votes on every proposal of an investment company, he said, stressing on better governance at invested companies.

Radhakrishnan claimed it is the fund house with maximum number of voting decisions against managements.

It can be noted that the past few months have seen massive erosion in stock prices of many companies following events at companies or sectors.

While it was liquidity concerns followed by allegations which pulled down DHFL in two episodes since September, it was the promoters' alleged mismanagement that has proved to be a drag on Chandra-led Zee group. Each of these instances has seen massive corrections upwards of 40 percent in a few trading sessions on the counters.

"It is a big risk for investors," he said, adding the fund house has also faced challenges. It believes in pushing a company hard or finds other companies to invest in when faced with a trouble, he said.

Radhakrishnan said his fund house does not have any equity exposure to either Zee or DHFL, but may have some exposure to their debt.

The equity market will be volatile till the outcome of the general elections in the summer and a clear directional move for the market will happen only after that, he said.

The only negative for the markets will be if wobbly coalition forms the next government, he said, adding there is an 80-85 per cent possibility of the ruling BJP or a Congress-led government being formed.

Radhakrishnan said there is sufficient interest among foreign portfolio investors and they are also waiting for the outcome of the election. But he quickly pointed out that there is no problem in the macroeconomic fundamentals and sectors like auto, and financials will continue doing good, while infrastructure, healthcare and capital goods would be sluggishness.

The hustings will impact only the sentiment, and the results can either be a booster or a dampener, he said, adding probability of a good return after the election is very high. A senior fund house official said the small and mid caps have a larger scope of growing in 2019 after the rout in 2018.

Radhakrishnan said from a long-term perspective, consumption, infrastructure and government reforms will be the primary factors driving the market in the long term.

Franklin, celebrating silver jubilee in the country, has affirmed its commitment to continue keeping in mind the interest of investors without compromising on the governance at companies.
Shares of Dominos Pizza India operator, Jubilant FoodWorks, fell over 4 percent after the National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) fined the company for not passing on GST rate cut benefits to customers.

The stock touched an intraday high of Rs 1,365.00 and an intraday low of Rs 1,327.00.

The anti-profiteering body passed an order on February 4, 2019 concluding a profiteering of Rs. 41.42 crore, Jubilant FoodWorks informed in an exchange filing.

Further it stated that the loss to company due to input credit withdrawal was higher than price increase that was taken and this wasnt taken into account by the NAA.

The company also said, Jubilant FoodWorks unreservedly supported the reduction of GST on restaurants to 5%, as we believed it to be an extremely progressive and growth-enabling measure. In the absence of any explicit rules and guidelines, we followed the spirit of the law and passed on the benefits of GST reduction to our customers with immediate effect.

At 10:01 hrs Jubilant Foodworks was quoting at Rs 1,329.50, down Rs 63.65, or 4.57 percent.
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Hindustan Petroleum Corporation limited (HPCL) reported a weak performance over a sharp sequential decline in its operating and net profits.

Gross refining margins (GRMs) saw a dip that was much in line with the global contraction, with substantial inventory losses also having impacted the company's profits.

-GRMs for the 9M from April to December were at $5.17 per barrel , as compared to $7.51 per barrel in 9M FY18. The calculated GRM for the quarter comes to around $3.5-4 per barrel. There has been an expected weakness in GRMs globally with the Singapore benchmark at $4.5 per barrel, as compared to $6.1 in Q2.

-Earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) saw a sharp 70 percent year-on-year (YoY) decline, in comparison to a drop of 54 percent sequentially over high inventory losses, an increase in input costs, employee expenses and finance costs.

-A sharp correction in global crude prices since October 2018 has led to a substantial inventory loss for the company which ate away at the quarters' profitability. This compares to an inventory gain in the same quarter last year.

-Other expenses saw a noticeable cut, which worked a bit in favour of margins. The company has highlighted that Other Expenses for 9M FY19 include Rs 827 crore towards losses on account of foreign currency transactions and translations. This is in comparison to a Rs 406 crore gain during 9M FY18 period.

-While volumes in the domestic business saw a 7 percent QoQ uptick, as compared to a 2.3 percent rise YoY, export volumes dipped 6.3 percent QoQ in comparison to 42.9 percent YoY rise.

-Crude throughput remained largely flat YoY , as against a drop of 4.2 percent QoQ.

-Pipeline throughput remained flat both YoY and sequentially

-Finance costs went up 63 percent YoY, however there was a 26 percent decrease in the costs QoQ.

-The overall performance of the company appears weak, much in line with expectations. With volatile crude prices, upcoming central elections and tweaking of marketing margins around elections, we remain cautious on the companys performance.

Follow @Ruchiagrawal

For more research articles, visit our Moneycontrol Research Page.
Budget 2019_Piyush Goyal

Rajesh Kumar

In an interaction with BloombergQuint in December, former chief economic advisor (CEA) Arvind Subramanian predicted that the concept of universal basic income (UBI) will figure in the manifesto of every political party. The adoption of the idea has been much faster than Subramanian would have imagined.

While the leader of the main opposition party, Rahul Gandhi, promised to give basic minimum income to the poor, provided his party is voted back to power, the government has implemented an income support scheme for small land-owning farmers, retrospectively.

The way the idea of basic income support has caught public and political imagination in India is fascinating. For instance, in his book, Of Counsel: The Challenges of the Modi-Jaitley Economy, Subramanian noted: UBI was not something I had even heard of when I took up the job of the CEA. Four years later, I had become one of its main proponents, and the list of convertsis growing.

Since a version of the idea has been implemented, and its scope is likely to widen in the future, its important that all possibilities are widely debated.

As announced in the interim budget, farm households with cultivable land up to two hectares will get Rs 6,000 per year. Predictably, the opposition has criticized the scheme and Gandhi called it an insult to farmers. In other words, the amount is not sufficient. Meanwhile, Union minister Arun Jaitley has indicated that the support may be increased in the future.

There is no doubt that the state needs to support the poor and those left behind. However, this should be done in an efficient way while keeping the availability of fiscal resources in mind. Since both the government and the leading opposition party have accepted the idea of basic income support, its time to debate the details.

For example, the government should inform citizens as to how it arrived at a figure of Rs 6,000 per year, and to what extent this will solve the problem in the agriculture sector? Further, should the government be creating such a large recurring liability for taxpayers without any public debate? The estimated expenditure on Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is Rs 75,000 crore per year, which is marginally lower than the current years disinvestment target. Hopefully, some of these issues will be debated before the passage of the Budget.

The Congress party should also explain how it intends to implement the income support programme.

Ideally, such a scheme should be fiscally neutral and not create additional liability for taxpayers. However, the issue of rationalising expenditure never finds a place in the political discourse. This allows the government to push deficit targets with practically no political cost.
India is among the several countries that stand to benefit from the ongoing trade tensions between the world's top two economies - the US and China, the UN has said in its latest report.

The US and China are locked in a trade war since President Donald Trump imposed heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items in March last year, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war.

In response, China imposed tit-for-tat tariffs on billions of dollars worth of American imports.

The United Nations experts said Monday that the tit-for-tat trade dispute between China and the United States may do little to protect domestic producers in either country and could have "massive" implications on the global economy unless it is resolved.

Of the $250 billion in Chinese exports that are subject to US tariffs, only about six per cent will be picked up by firms in the US, according to a report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

And of the approximately $85 billion in US exports that are subject to China's tariffs, only about five per cent of this will be taken up by Chinese firms, according to the UN research.

In a bid to meet the US' demand of bringing down the $375 billion bilateral trade deficit, China has pledged to take measures to step-up American imports and investments. March 1, 2019 is the deadline for implementing the measures.

Unless the US and China agree to drop their tariff dispute by March 1, duty on each country's products will rise to 25 per cent, up from the current 10 per cent level, the UN said.

Countries that are expected to benefit the most from the trade war are the EU members as exports in the bloc are likely to grow by $70 billion. Japan and Canada will see exports increase by more than $20 billion each, it said.

Other countries set to benefit from the trade tensions include Australia, with 4.6 per cent export gains, Brazil (3.8) India (3.5), Philippines (3.2) and Vietnam (5), the study said.

Quoting former US Secretary of State Cordell Hull, UNCTAD's Pamela Coke-Hamilton repeated his description of protective tariffs as "a gun that recoils on ourselves", which had also contributed to the Great Depression of the 1930s and the rise of extremism.

"I think that is a single lesson from what we have had here today. If - barring an agreement between the US, China on March 1 - tariffs will escalate to 25 per cent, which is a significant difference from the 10 per cent as it currently exists," Coke-Hamilton said.

The implications of such a development would be "massive", the UNCTAD Director, Division on International Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities, continued, adding that its effects would first of all involve "an economic downturn... due to instability in commodities and financial markets".

"One major concern is the risk that trade tensions could spiral into currency wars, making dollar-denominated debt more difficult to service," the report added.

Imposing tariffs make US-made products cheaper than imported ones, and encourage consumers to buy American.
We are in the last phase of the September quarter earnings season, and the results announced by the BSE 500 companies so far have shown signs of a sharp recovery, as compared to the June quarter, when the economic activity in the country was compromised due to lockdown in various regions. From the BSE 500 list, 216 companies have announced their September quarter results so far. We excluded banking and financial companies. Along with the index stocks we also analyse each sector quarterly earnings. (Data Source: ACE Equity)

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Air conditioning and commercial refrigeration firm Blue Star posted a loss of Rs 94 lakh in the December quarter compared to a profit of Rs 13.36 crore in the year-ago period.

The company reasoned that this was due to a one-time expense of Rs 7.17 crore on its platinum jubilee celebrations and provision of Rs 14.46 crore towards exposure in its joint venture in Oman.

The company posted an 18.5 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase in total income to Rs 1,109.34 crore in Q3. Among the business segments, electro-mechanical projects and packaged air-conditioning systems saw a 15.8 percent YoY increase in revenue to Rs 655.47 crore.

Unitary products' segment revenues increased by 22 percent YoY to Rs 391.52 crore in the third quarter. This, the company said, was driven by enhanced demand for deep freezers and storage water coolers in the commercial refrigeration business, and by growth in the air coolers and water purifiers businesses.

"In view of cost overrun in the projects executed by Blue Star Oman Electro-Mechanical Company, the joint venture in Oman and unattractive business potential in Oman, the Board approved the proposal to exit the Joint Venture," said the company.

It also added that this is subject to regulatory approvals. Further, it also said that the as a prudent measure, the entire residual exposure has been provided for.

"I am confident that the continuing value engineering initiatives, rejigging of the product portfolio and several cost correction measures will yield improvement in profitability in the months ahead," said Suneel M Advani, Chairman of the board, Blue Star.
Jindal Steel | Omaxe entered into steel supply deal with Jindal Steel. (Image: Reuters)

Indian steel firms are putting pressure on the government to impose higher duties on imports as trade disputes and a global economic slowdown divert surplus Asian steel stocks to India, industry executives and government sources said.

Local producers are suffering from the double whammy of a rise in cheap imports and low domestic steel prices, which threatens to wipeout the healthy profits made in the past couple of years.

The steel companies have approached the ministry multiple times over the past few months, alleging China, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam are dumping various grades of low-cost steel into the Indian market and stealing market share as a result, three government sources said.

India's top four steelmakers - JSW Steel Ltd, Tata Steel Ltd, state-owned Steel Authority of India Ltd and Jindal Steel and Power Ltd - who together control over 45 percent of India's total steel production, are the key companies who have complained, the sources said.

The ministry has given various indications that some measures might be taken, the sources added. However, they are more likely to be non-tariff measures as India has already suffered defeat in a dispute with Japan at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on charges that New Delhi unfairly imposed import duties in 2016 to safeguard its steel industry.

The WTO upheld Japan's complaint in November but India is planning to appeal.

The steel ministry did not respond to a Reuters email seeking comment.

RISING IMPORTS

Imports of various grades of steel into India rose by around 8 percent in the April-December 2018 period, compared with a year earlier, government data showed.

During the same period, exports from India fell by more than 17 percent, making the country a net importer of steel, mainly because the U.S., one of India's biggest markets, imposed additional duties last year on steel coming from some Asian countries, including India.

As a result, the nation's steel imports from countries such as Japan, South Korea and Indonesia surged. Chinese imports also climbed in the final quarter of 2018, Indian companies say.

According to government figures, for the April-September 2018 period imports from South Korea rose 29 percent from the year-earlier period, Japanese imports increased 35 percent, and Indonesian imports by 106 percent.

"The worry is imports," said Seshagiri Rao, joint managing director at JSW Steel, India's biggest steel company based on local production. He said the government had to "ensure that our borders are protected and goods will not come into India and hurt the domestic steel industry."

The price of steel in India dropped by an average of more than 10 percent between October and December, according to government data.

Domestic brokerage firm Edelweiss Securities said that they see earnings at metals companies "going downhill" after the third quarter.

Anil Kumar Chaudhary, chairman of SAIL, and Rao from JSW Steel, told Reuters they have both told the government of their concerns about imports.

Tata Steel and JSPL did not reply to an email seeking comment.

EXISTING MEASURES

India has been monitoring the impact of imported cheaper steel from China on domestic industry, the government said last month.

In a bid to support use of locally made steel, the ministry has urged automakers to cut imports from Japan and Korea. That has led to a dispute between the government and automakers who claim local producers are unable to make the high-quality steel they need.

India has already imposed stricter quality controls on more than 85 percent of steel products and it is expanding the list of locally made steel that must be used in government infrastructure projects, two government sources said. It is unclear if any low quality shipments have been turned back.

India's steel minister Chaudhary Birender Singh told Reuters earlier this month that the government wants to expand the quality control regime to all steel products very soon.

The government is also considering imposing higher duties on the import of iron ore, a key raw material, to help state-owned miner NMDC Ltd, the sources said. While this could hurt JSW Steel, other steel majors have their own captive iron ore mines which shields them from price volatility.

Abhyuday Jindal, managing director of Jindal Stainless, the country's largest stainless steel producer, said the company had asked the government review import duty on raw materials, as well as the impact of free trade agreements with the likes of Japan, South Korea and southeast Asian countries.
A.O. Centrul de Drept al Femeilor" anunta concurs de oferte pentru selectarea unei companii care va oferi locatie, servicii de cazare si alimentatie pentru desfasurarea Conferintei Internationale
This week, state Senate Democrats raised the stakes in the standoff over the siting of a new Amazon headquarters in Queens: They appointed state Sen. Michael Gianaris, an outspoken opponent of a secretly negotiated $3 billion deal, to a key state board that must grant its approval.

Gianaris appointment comes just a few days after Amazon executives once again were grilled by the New York City Council as they sought to sell the deal to skeptical lawmakers while also emphasizing they they want their company to be welcomed in the community.

Among Amazons promised benefits are thousands of new jobs  including job training and some hiring at a local public housing complex. But critics have called for the company to be more union-friendly, while others have pointed out existing problems that could be exacerbated by the move, including overcrowded subways and aging sewer systems.

Back in early December, a majority of New York City voters supported the plan, according to a Quinnipiac poll, although there was more of a split over the generous city and state incentives offered to entice the company. This week, were asking you, our readers, to weigh in on the plan, including whether its still going to happen and what Amazon should do  if anything  to placate its critics.
ABC/Heidi GutmanLast summer, Green Day drummer Tre Cool revealed that the punk trio had been rehearsing their iconic 1994 album, Dookie, in full, leading to speculation that the band might be planning some kind of 25th anniversary celebration. Well, now we know why it never happened.

Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong has revealed that the band did want to do something to celebrate 25 years of Dookie, but nothing came together.

"We wanted to think of something special to do but we couldn't quite come up with anything," Armstrong writes in an Instagram post.

Some of the ideas that Green Day apparently floated include performing Dookie in full at the pyramids of Egypt or Machu Picchu, or at a special concert in the Italian town of Viggiano, where some of Armstrong's ancestors lived before immigrating to America.

But, as Armstrong puts it, none of those ideas "came to fruition." However, he's still leaving the door open for something Dookie-related to happen this year.

"Never despair," Armstrong writes. "2019 still has time."

Dookie celebrated its 25th anniversary on February 1. The album, which features the singles "Basket Case," "Longview" and "When I Come Around," is Green Day's best-selling record, and has been certified Diamond by the RIAA for 10 million copies sold.

Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Posted Tuesday, February 5, 2019 9:43 am

On Saturday, the cloud of tension and drama hovering over Twin Transits downtown Centralia headquarters may have finally burst. We at The Chronicle strongly advise the Twin Transit Advisory Board to take serious action to prevent further harm to the publics investment.

In the past several months, The Chronicle has reported on the commotion surrounding Twin Transit, its failed quest to go county-wide and build a regional transit hub, the potential spreading of misinformation to achieve that end, an investigation into state campaign law violations and, most recently, a spate of employee complaints against its general manager.

On Jan. 15, the Twin Transit Advisory Board, responding to some of those complaints  which came from two managers  ordered general manager Derrick Wojcik-Damers to work from home, communicating with only Board Chair Bobby Jackson and the districts attorney, pending an internal investigation.

Friday evening, in advance of our Saturday edition, the Chronicle ran an article online quoting two current employees on allegations of poor management and revealing a letter of no confidence in Wojcik-Damers signed by more than half of the agencys staff.

On Saturday morning, several Twin Transit employees reported to The Chronicle that, despite his employers directive, Wojick-Damers showed up at the office with Jackson, throwing the agencys operations into what can best be described as, based on staff accounts, a tizzy.

A flustered weekend office staff called their supervisors, who advised them to vacate the building. Drivers were told to work out of Centralias Amtrak station while they were there. Jackson and Wojcik-Damers were reportedly alone in the building for a short time, before Maintenance Manager Steve Wark showed up.

Earlier in January, Jackson himself sent a memo to staff telling them that any communications with Wojcik-Damers should be made through the agencys HR manager, to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

Wark told The Chronicle Wojcik-Damers appeared to be alone in his office for a time before leaving. He didnt see Jackson leave with Wojcik-Damers, and we dont know the exact sequence of events, but he wasnt supposed to be there in the first place.

Employee Alison Meyn gave her account in the form of an allegation of a hostile work environment Monday morning. Meyn, one of the employees who spoke to The Chronicle on the record about Wojcik-Damers, drew a connection between the timing of the articles publication, her work schedule and Wojcik-Damers and Jacksons surprise visit.

Meyn showed up to work Saturday not long after Jackson and Wojcik-Damers, and was stopped in the parking lot by Road Supervisor Donna Gauger, Meyn wrote in her letter.

She said to me that when Bobby Jackson knocked on her door, she thought it was me coming to work, she looked up and noticed Derrick, they said they were going to be looking at the new bus that was delivered, Meyn wrote. She called (Operations Manager) Aaron Rollins. He told her to vacate the building. They both realized that I was due to show up.

Meyn reports being scared and worried about her coworkers.

I felt intimidated and a little bit scared, she wrote. I felt I was going into a hostile work environment, knowing that the article was out online the night before and in print.

This is getting out of hand  were concerned about what happens next too.

Twin Transits attorneys response to our questions can be translated as  Whats the big deal?

The visit was necessary to complete a few work items that required his presence at the building. Board Member Jackson has confirmed that Mr. Wojcik-Damers was not alone on the premises and did not communicate with staff. As such, these actions do not impact the investigation, attorney Janean Parker wrote.

The investigation is regarding allegations that Wojcik-Damers wont follow policy, disregards the feelings and advice of his staff and is a poor manager. We think his most recent actions absolutely impact the investigation. If anything, Saturdays events should be added to the investigations findings, though given Parkers response, were not hopeful of a full accounting of the facts.

At what point will someone call it like it is? This is not acceptable behavior by the leadership of a public agency. Whether or not Wojcik-Damers talked to anyone, he was instructed to not come to Twin Transits office, and he defied that order, with the help of the board member whos always had his back. Never, until after the fact, did anyone suggest he could go into work if escorted.

Beyond that, his actions caused a major disturbance in the ability of his staff to do their jobs, and caused emotional distress  at least one staff member was so upset she was visibly shaking, according to sources.

Let us be clear, we at The Chronicle are not out to get Twin Transit, Bobby Jackson or Derrick Wojcik-Damers just because were mean. Were not just doing this to be difficult, or because we get some kind of sadistic kick out of it.

We are critical of Twin Transit, as we are critical of all governmental bodies in our coverage area when it is appropriate. We do not work for these agencies. Its the other way around. We, and the residents of Lewis County who we represent, are Bobby Jacksons boss. Were Derrick Wojcik-Damers boss, too. We pay their salaries through our tax dollars.

Were critical of poor governance, because we want our government to succeed and our hard-earned tax dollars to be put to good use, not wasted on pie-in-the-sky transit temples on Pearl Street.

Its time for the Twin Transit Advisory Board  all elected officials  to earn the trust their constituents put in them, and pull Twin Transit back from the brink.
Posted Tuesday, February 5, 2019 9:42 am

In 1968, like in the rest of America, change permeated the Evergreen States culture, college campuses, and political institutions. Civil rights workers marched for equality among the races. Women battled for leadership roles in politics and business. Native Americans fought for fishing rights. Musicians sang revolutionary songs about the need for change.

And Bryon Loucks, retired Weyerhaeuser Co. forester in Centralia, arrived in Vietnam, a Green Beret medic.

Loucks experience is among a collection of stories in a book by the Secretary of States Legacy Washington program, 1968: The Year That Rocked Washington. Among activists featured in the book, which includes photos and memorabilia, are Polly Dyer (environmental), Art Fletcher of the Tri-Cities (civil rights), former Secretary of State Ralph Munro (disabilities), Karen Fraser (feminist), Larry Gossett (minorities) and Rep. Norm Dicks (political). Talented artists such as Pat ODay, a well-known Seattle radio disc jockey, and Tom Robbins, a literary author and poet, are also featured.

The book launch is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 12 in the Legislative Building at the Secretary of States Office. Stories included in the book can be read online at www.sos.wa.gov/legacy/sixty-eight/exhibit-opening.aspx.

John Hughes, chief historian for Legacy Washington, spoke about The Art of Oral History in a presentation last month at the historic Schmidt House in Tumwater. Legacy Washington has published 14 books, opened nine exhibits, and completed 37 oral history profiles since it was launched in the fall of 2008. Hughes also spoke about the 1968 project.

No story of 1968 would be complete without a Vietnam veteran, he said. We found an extraordinary one.

Like many Vietnam veterans, he said, Loucks didnt want to talk about the war, but eventually worked with Hughes to share a memoir he wrote about his mentor, Specialist 5 John J. Kedenburg, a young man from Long Island, N.Y., who joined the Green Berets in 1965.

Hughes noted that between 1963 and 1975, 1,124 Washingtonians were killed in combat or missing in action. My husband, Larry Zander, who also served in Vietnam during 1968, knew several of them. Just before shipping off to Vietnam, he served as a pallbearer for his childhood friend and schoolmate from Whatcom County, Donald Nelson, who was killed Dec. 14, 1967; he served in the 25th Infantry with Kenneth Sills of Spokane, who died in a firefight Oct. 7, 1968, at Hua Nghia in South Vietnam.

Loucks was the oldest of six children born to a police officer and a nurse in Port Angeles. After graduating from high school in 1964, he studied two years at junior college and then enlisted in 1966, eventually training for a year as a combat medic in the Army Special Forces, known as the Green Berets.

Today, when I review some of my notebooks it amazes me how much information we were processing, Loucks told Hughes. We jokingly used to say we were qualified to do anything except brain surgery or open heart surgery. And thats not far off the mark.

At his request, Loucks was selected to serve with an elite reconnaissance group known as MACV SOG, the Military Assistance Command Vietnam, Studies & Observations Group along the Ho Chi Minh Trail doing clandestine work interdicting supply lines. The forward operating base was outside Kontum in Vietnams Central Highlands.

The story describes his early experiences on clandestine missions behind enemy lines, dressed in nondescript clothing with nothing to identify them as Americans, carrying packs that weighed up to 80 pounds.

Kedenburg cared for others and taught Loucks and other newcomers how to sound-proof equipment, pack armament, pick out a place to sleep, and determine which rifles to use.

Then on June 13, 1968, he learned that Kedenburgs team was inbound on the ropes or in serious trouble in the southeast corner of Laos.

When the helicopters arrived, we got the devastating news that John had given his seat to another team member, an indigenous soldier, Loucks wrote in his memoir. John was still missing and not responding to radio calls. That was 50 years ago. Its hard to share something I tried to forget for more than 20 of those years.

Kedenburgs team had been in a running firefight that day, pursued by North Vietnamese soldiers, when rescue helicopters arrived. After the first chopper left, Kedenburg and three other team members were in their seats when a missing man rushed from the thick jungle.

In a matter of seconds Kedenburg was out of his harness and directing that soldier to take his place, Loucks wrote.

Kedenburg raced into the brush near the extraction zone as the helicopter lifted off, but Air Force jets he had called in began a bombing run without realizing he was still on the ground.

Loucks volunteered for the Bright Light Mission, a larger team sent in to rescue Kedenburg or recover his body. They arrived at an area pockmarked with B-52 bomb craters where Kedenburg had last been seen, and found his body within 100 yards of the extraction point, his crypto book, maps and mission notes still in his gear.

The conclusion we drew from Johns wounds and the fact that the enemy had not taken the valuable code book and radio was that bombs from our own jets had killed him, Loucks wrote.

A North Vietnamese soldier threw a concussion grenade that knocked Loucks unconscious as a major firefight erupted. His team leader retrieved him and dragged him to the main bomb crater. When he regained consciousness, he asked what to do and they told him to lob grenades, which he did until one hit a tree and rolled back close to them. He started treating the wounds of the injured.

During that first tumultuous baptism by fire, I was convinced there was no way I was going to come through alive. We were totally surrounded by enemy troops. Numerous attempts to extract us had failed. The number of enemy killed by us and the air component must have been staggering. Yet they kept coming in greater numbers.

Air Force Skyraider jets dropped cluster bombs that eventually cleared the area near them so the men could be extracted from the landing zone by three helicopters. Loucks flew on the first helicopter.

For some reason the decision was made to send me out with the first helicopter with our dead, Loucks wrote. The ship was loaded and I was the only live team member on board. It was a sobering moment.

He fired into the jungle as the helicopter lifted off and hot shell casings from his M-60 machine gun landed in his lap and caused first-degree burns to his inner thigh.

Once I knew what had happened, I slumped down on the body bags and slept until we arrived back at camp, Loucks wrote.

The team lost some indigenous Montagnard members, all the Americans were wounded, and Kedenburg was dead. But they retrieved his body and his vital crypto books.

Loucks had no time to mourn. He hardened his heart to survive. He left Vietnam nine months later.

For me it was meeting a girl who would become my wife and lifelong partner that helped me get over the feeling of not being capable of loving someone, Loucks said.

Bryon and Donna Loucks, recognized statewide as outstanding tree farmers, are active volunteers at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis.



Julie McDonald, a personal historian from Toledo, may be reached at chaptersoflife1999@gmail.com.
Posted Monday, February 4, 2019 2:29 pm

Charlotte Anne (Koepke) Copeland, 76, passed away peacefully in Kelso, Wash., after a battle with Alzheimer's. She was one of six children from Otto and Elsie Koepke, now deceased.

Charlotte attended Chehalis schools and graduated from Centralia College and the University of Washington. She worked as a social worker for over 30 years as a Washington employee with distinction.

For 50 years, she attended the meetings at the Logan Hill Grange. Grange members remember Charlotte as someone who was always helpful, always pleasurable, always loving and a joy to be around. One personal joy of her's was being involved with the Ladies Society.

Charlotte is survived by her husband of 34 years, Bill Copeland; brothers, Alan, Norman and Dale; and twin sister, Sharon (Koepke) Klump of Longview.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Erenestine.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, at the Longview United Methodist Church, 2851 30th Ave., Longview, Wash. In lieu of flowers, please donate to any dementia research group.
Posted Tuesday, February 5, 2019 1:19 pm

OLYMPIA  A bipartisan group of 22 representatives is working to improve crisis planning in Washington schools to prevent youth suicides.

I know for a fact I am not the only one that considers suicide every single day, said Maverick Mendoza from Issaquah High School. The 17-year-old has suffered from major depressive disorder and severe anxiety for multiple years. His most-recent suicide attempt was two weeks ago.

House Bill 1221 aims to implement a two-year program for mental health promotion and suicide prevention in schools. The bill requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to select up to 12 high schools east of the Cascade mountains to participate in the pilot program.

The Washington State Institute for Public Policy would report to the governor, the legislature and the state schools superintendent with an evaluation of the program by January of 2023 to compare those outcomes with information obtained from high schools west of the Cascades.

Forefront Suicide Prevention, a social impact center at the University of Washington School of Social Work, is taking sustainable action toward preventing suicide. According to the bill, Forefront must work with the selected schools to provide best practices related to suicide prevention.

Dr. Jennifer Studer, director of Forefront suicide prevention, lost her husband to suicide in 2011.

I think about our snow day today and the fact that we were all notified in the school about what to do immediately  its all systemized, Studer said. But, We have virtually no investment in youth suicide in the state.

HB 1221 places emphasis on the need for school-based approaches to overcome the urgent health problem of youth suicide. Mental health issues are one of the strongest predictors among adolescents for engaging in self-harm and suicidal behavior, the bill states.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate among 10- to 17-year-olds increased by 70 percent between 2006 and 2016. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for youths ages 10 to 19, as referenced by the centers.

We have an epidemic in our state, said the primary sponsor of the bill, Rep. Tina Orwall, D-Des Moines. We are losing two to three young adults every week to suicide.

According to the bill, one in five adolescents who are attending school have a diagnosable mental health disorder and only half actually seek help from professional services. Symptoms of an underlying mental health disorder include feelings of depression, anxiety, hopelessness and distress.

Our high school specifically has about 2,400 students. If you divide that by only five counselors, thats nearly 500 students per counselor, Mendoza said. I highly doubt that my own counselor would remember the name associated with my face.
Posted Monday, February 4, 2019 5:26 pm

Lewis County commissioners turned sympathetic ears toward citizens who gathered Monday to urge them to disregard the gun regulations passed by Washington voters last fall  but its unclear if the commissioners plan to take action on the groups proposed ordinance to declare a sanctuary county.

It disturbs me that there seems to be a continuing movement toward taking these basic civil rights away from us, said county commissioner Bobby Jackson. While we dont agree with the law, as county commissioners we are bound to uphold the law.

Initiative 1639, which voters approved in November, adds more extensive background checks for semi-automatic rifle purchases, raises the age limit for such purchases to 21 and mandates storage requirements for firearm owners. It passed with a healthy majority statewide, but 70 percent of Lewis County voters checked their box in opposition.

Mondays meeting was called after several advocates spoke up at last weeks county commission meeting, pressing county leaders to pass the ordinance theyd drafted  one which would serve as notice that Lewis County has no intention of enforcing the gun laws now recognized by Washington state.

In response, commissioners scheduled a separate meeting for the advocates to make their case, and at least a dozen were in attendance Monday afternoon.

My request is that Lewis County commissioners declare Lewis County a sanctuary county that would protect each and every resident to exercise their legal rights, said Bill Jones.

The meeting opened with Sheriff Rob Snaza restating his position on the measure. He has said his department will not actively seek out violations, and will refer incidents as they come up in the course of an investigation to the prosecutors office. Snaza said his view is the the court cases currently challenging the measure as a Second Amendment infringement will win out, but until then he is in a difficult position as an official sworn to uphold both federal and state law.

We have the state constitution and the U.S. Constitution, and as a sheriff were sworn to both, and thats challenging, he said. At the end of the day, the Second Amendment is huge.  This decision that I made did not come lightly. It came with a lot of forethought, a lot of research and a lot of praying.

The gun activists who attended Monday thanked Snaza for his stance, but said it was also important for county commissioners to take an official position that the regulations will not be enforced in Lewis County.

I will not live under tyranny, said Mark Jensen. I see it as extremely concerning whats happening in this state.  Were looking for a bold step from this commission to say, No further can you go down this road of tyranny.

Civil deputy prosecutor Eric Eisenberg also joined commissioners at the meeting, and he informed the group that, legally, the initiative is in good standing until a court finds it to be in conflict with the Constitution.

The most direct and most appropriate way to challenge the constitutionality of a law is to file suit, he said. Before any court has ruled on it, youre supposed to presume that the branch of government that enacted the law was right to do so.  When the people pass an initiative under Washington law, they are treated as though they were the state Legislature. Its presumed to be constitutional until its proven to be unconstitutional.

County commissioner Gary Stamper said he grew up with firearms and is concerned that our rights are being taken away. He did not indicate whether that concern would translate to support for the sanctuary county ordinance.

Were going get advice from our counsel to see where this goes, he said. We need to take it very cautious.

Following the meeting, Jackson  the commission chair  said the group had not yet decided whether to act on the proposed ordinance.

Were going to have further discussions, he said. At this point, this was a very important meeting for us to have so that we could share our thoughts with the community. Were going to continue to work with our prosecuting attorneys office and have further discussion, so no decision made today.
Caracas trains troops to protect the sacred homeland and to ensure that the US pays an excessively high price for invasion, Nicolas Maduro told RT. Yet, he believes, diplomacy should prevail over threats in the 21st century.

The Venezuelan president said his government is preparing for a potential military intervention from the outside, but insists dialogue is the way to solve the crisis. I dont believe in war, violence or military threats, he told RT in an exclusive interview. Whatever they want, there will be peace in Venezuela.

The comment came days after Washington floated the idea of using a military option against Venezuela. Asked what he could do about it, Maduro replied:

We have to make sure that the price of a US military intervention would be excessively high, in terms of expenditures and human casualties.

Reiterating that there will be no war or military intervention in Venezuela, Maduro stated that it doesnt mean we shouldnt defend our sacred homeland.

Also on rt.com Maduro: David v Goliath conflict between Venezuela & US will leave Trump stained with blood

That said, the army, air force, and national guard will be pushed to their limits in a series of drills. Additionally, as many as 2 million volunteers will be trained to thwart illegitimate threats.

On Monday, Maduro struck the same tone, telling Spanish journalist Jordi Evole: If the North American empire attacks us, we will have to defend ourselves  We have our secrets too  and we have our sling. Davids sling is in our hands.

Speaking to RT, he said there is still hope that this scenario can be avoided. I believe in dialogue, problems are solved through mutual understanding.

[The] 21st century is a bad time for cannon fire and military intimidation it should be a century of dialogue, civilization, politics and respect [for] diversity.

Speculation about the US sending troops to Venezuela soared after US National Security Advisor John Bolton was caught holding a yellow legal notebook during a press briefing that said 5,000 troops to Colombia.

Also on rt.com Maduro: Oil, gold & other riches behind Trumps Venezuela crusade

The White House would not expand on this, only saying it is considering all options on the table. Bogota said it has no clue what it meant and that it would act only politically and diplomatically with its neighbor.

Maduro also noted that the US made a political and diplomatic mistake in piling pressure on Venezuela. International relations in [the] 21st century cant be built upon ultimatums when one country tells another: I give you seven days so that you do this or that in my interests. If you dont do that, Ill attack you or something else, he stated.

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Venezuelas oil production could be disrupted to a greater degree than most analysts first thought, as the US government seeks essentially shut in the countrys oil sector.

When the Trump administration first announced sanctions on Venezuelas oil sector a little over a week ago, it sounded as if they would simply bar US companies from buying oil. That would still mean that Venezuela could ship the oil elsewhere, albeit at a painful discount.

However, the US Treasury issued some more details on February 1, sketching out a harsher sanctions regime. The sanctions on Venezuela will actually resemble the measures targeting Iran in that it will bar companies from using the US financial system to do business with PDVSA. As such, the reach of the sanctions will extend well beyond the shores of the United States.

Also on rt.com Oil price surges amid OPEC cuts & US sanctions against Venezuela

Reuters reported that even prior to last Fridays clarification from the US Treasury, European buyers were already slashing purchases because of concerns over payments. Reuters reported that two of the worlds largest oil traders, Vitol and Trafigura, said that they would comply with all US sanctions.

As a result, PDVSA and Maduros government could have a much harder time finding destinations for Venezuelan oil than first thought. The Wall Street Journal reported oil storage is filling up in Venezuela because of a lack of buyers.

Moreover, not only are the effects of the sanctions more far-reaching, but also more immediate than first thought. At first, the US seemed to exempt shipments that were underway, outlining a sort of phased approach that would allow a handful of American refiners to gradually unwind their oil purchase from Venezuela. The phased approach, which was supposed to be extended into April, would help to minimize any immediate disruptions, US Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin said in late January.

But that now does not appear to be what is unfolding. PDVSA has demanded upfront payment, likely because it fears not being paid at all or having the revenues steered to the opposition. Indeed, the US effort to steer PDVSA and its revenues into the hands of the US-backed opposition leader Juan Gauido appears to be a decisive turning point.

Oil tankers linked to Chevron, Lukoil and Respsol are delayed, redirected or sitting offshore because of lack of payment. The WSJ says that several of those tankers had recently sent oil to Corpus Christi, Texas, but are now anchored off the coast of Maracaibo sitting idle. This is an absolute disaster, Luis Hernandez, a Venezuelan oil union leader, told the WSJ. Theres almost no way to move the oil.

Unable to sell any oil, Maduros regime could quickly run out of cash. The result could be a humanitarian catastrophe, a merciless and destructive objective that the Trump administration seems to have in mind. The US government is essentially betting that by driving the country into the ground, the military and the people will turn on Maduro. It could yet turn out that way, but it could also deepen the misery and exact an unspeakable toll on the Venezuelan population, the very people the Trump administration says it is trying to help.

In the meantime, oil exports are likely heading into a freefall. The WSJ says that labor problems, including mass defections of workers are accelerating declines. PDVSA could soon run out of refined fuel.

Officials with knowledge of the situation told the WSJ that Venezuelas oil production has likely already fallen well below 1 million barrels per day (mb/d), down more than 10 percent  at least  from December levels.

Wood Mackenzie estimates that production probably stands a little bit higher at about 1.1 mb/d, but that it could soon fall to 900,000 bpd.

Also on rt.com Venezuela to sell gold reserves to UAE without Russias help  report

Its hard to imagine how Maduro can hang on if oil exports fall precipitously from here. But even if he does manage to stay in power, the US may escalate the situation. Last month, US national security adviser John Bolton had 5,000 troops to Colombia written on his legal pad. President Trump himself said that a military intervention is an option.

For the oil market, the crisis presents a series of problems. If Maduro hangs on and the US continues to heap more pressure on his government, Venezuelan oil production and exports will continue to fall. Alternatively, the US is hoping for a quick regime change, after which it would lift sanctions, which it believes will lead to a reversal in output losses.

The next round of Iran sanctions is nearing, with US sanctions waivers expiring in May. As such, the window of opportunity for the Trump administration is open only a crack, necessitating a quick political change, Barclays wrote in a note. By the third quarter, the loss of Venezuelan output, Iran sanctions, and the looming regulations from the International Maritime Organization will put an increasing premium on medium and heavy oils.

That would push up oil prices significantly. But the US government has blown past the point of no return, leaving it with no other options except to escalate. That means that Venezuela is set to lose a lot more oil than analysts thought only two weeks ago.

This article was originally published on Oilprice.com
Numerous photos of evacuations have been posted on social media after Russia was targeted by a massive wave of anonymous bombs threats which saw thousands leave buildings as a precaution.

Warnings of explosives planted in the Russian capital, the Moscow Region and elsewhere in the country started to arrive early on Tuesday via telephone and email, Russian news agencies and social media reported.

There has so far been no official confirmation of those reports from law enforcement agencies. But a source in the emergency services told the RIA-Novosti news agency that almost 40,000 people were evacuated across the country after bomb threats against more than 150 buildings. Not a single explosive device has been found so far.

Almost a hundred of the targeted buildings were in Moscow, including several universities and schools, the 302-meter-tall City of Capitals tower in Moscow City, malls, hotels, stadiums, a church and administrative buildings. Public servants from the local government in the Moscow region also had to be evacuated.

A police source told Tass news agency that the bomb threats originated from phone numbers and IP addresses located outside Russia. Some reports claim that they came from Ukraine.

In mid-January, police arrested a man who claimed that explosives were planted at three Moscow airports and the Parliament. The anonymous caller was identified as a mentally-ill patient from the Republic of Tatarstan.

The country faced a massive wave of bomb threats last autumn when almost 2 million people were evacuated in 75 regions. All the reports turned out to be fake, with police saying that the messages were sent by extremists linked to Islamic State.

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After blocking a Brussels backed migration proposal, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto spoke out against EU leaderships attempt to enforce consensus, staunchly maintaining his countrys zero tolerance migration policy.

Szijjarto told reporters he had vetoed the draft Joint Declaration prepared for the upcoming EU - Arab league summit at the end of the month because it was based on the UN Global Compact for Migration which Hungary rejected last year.

[The compact] cannot be incorporated. It would only trigger another wave of migration and neglect the rights of those who want to live peacefully in their own country, Szijjarto stated.

He made clear that his government would never support an agreement referring to the compact, which he says was adopted to facilitate migration in spite of security concerns and without consensus. He believes that the legislation discussed at Mondays meeting in Brussels was stealthily trying to push through and make the UN migration pact a reference point, despite Budapests objections.

While the compact was officially endorsed by the UN at the end of last year, 5 member nations voted against the bill, and dozens abstained. Hungary has since maintained that without unanimous agreement by UN members, the document cannot be used as a point of reference.

Needless to say, other EU members present at the meeting were less than thrilled that Hungary had outright rejected a document which they saw as a compromise.

The Hungarian government has rejected far-reaching compromise proposals for ideological reasons and has isolated itself with this blockade in the EU circle, a diplomat in attendance said, according to German press agency DPA.

Szijjarto retorted that while Hungarys isolation has long been a pipe-dream for pro-migration politicians, Anyone who says no to migration will continue to be our ally.

Also on rt.com Hungarys FM blasts Swedens arrogant claim that Budapest endangers EU unity

Despite rejecting the draft, Szijjarto expressed his belief that the EU should work with the Arab League on the premise of mutual respect to promote security, stability and economic development. Attempts at intervention  have resulted in destabilization in a number of countries, he continued, adding that trying to export democracy should be ruled out.

Last month, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also called out pro-migration EU leader Emmanuel Macron, vowing to fight him in order to protect Hungarys future.



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New head of UN observer mission arrives in Sanaa, Yemen

New head of UN observer mission arrives in Sanaa, Yemen

Retired Danish general Michael Lollesgaard arrived on Tuesday in Sanaa to head the UN observer mission in Yemen and replace his predecessor whose ties with the rebels were reportedly strained. Lollesgaard replaces Patrick Cammaert, the Dutch general who had been tapped a little over a month ago to lead the mission deployed in the lifeline Red Sea port city of Hodeida. It is not clear when exactly Lollesgaard will begin his mission in Hodeida, AFP said. He will oversee a team of 75 unarmed observers to monitor a fragile ceasefire deal for Hodeida agreed in December between the Houthis and the Yemeni government at UN-brokered talks in Sweden.Source : RT - Daily news
A disturbing media report claims that the British Army allowed soldiers to shoot unarmed civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan. Soldiers say they killed children and covered up civilian deaths by planting weapons beside bodies.

Speaking to Middle East Eye (MEE), soldiers detailed the relaxed rules of engagement that instructed them to shoot at unarmed civilians who they thought were involved in surveillance of the British troops, with one veteran describing it as a killing spree.

Also on rt.com Propaganda of omission: Britains role in Rohingya genocide absent from UK reports

In Basra, Iraq, in 2007 soldiers say they were told it was okay to shoot anyone holding a phone or a shovel, or anyone who looked suspicious. The relaxation of the rules was said to be due to concerns that these unarmed civilians were acting as spies for combatants, or that they were involved in planting roadside IEDs.

We were shooting old men, young men. This is what I witnessed, a soldier told MEE. I have never seen such lawlessness.

The soldiers who spoke to MEE revealed instances in which young boys were killed and explained there were cover-ups to make slain civilians appear as though they were combatants. When two unarmed teenagers were killed in Helmand in Afghanistan, an ex-soldier alleges that a Soviet-era assault rifle and a machine gun were taken from storage in the base and placed next to the dead teenagers bodies before they were photographed.

I think that explains why we were keeping those weapons on the bases, he said.

A Royal Marine told the outlet that one of his men was forced to admit to killing an Afghan boy, who was about eight years old, when the boys father arrived at the base carrying his dead child and demanded an explanation.

Also on rt.com Gamers, snowflakes & selfie-addicts: UK army lures recruits with bizarre ad

Our commanders, they would tell us: We will protect you if any investigation comes. Just say you genuinely thought your life was at risk - those words will protect you, one of the ex-soldiers said.

RT has contacted Britains Ministry of Defense (MoD) for details on the soldiers accounts. It has yet to receive a response. The MoD declined to comment when MEE invited them to respond to the allegations laid out in their report.

READ MORE: Ex-soldier sues British Army after contracting chronic disease from animal excrement

While the publication said it was unable to independently verify each claim made by the soldiers, their stories are backed up with other accounts from the wars, such as in the Sniper One book by Dan Mills, a sergeant who fought in Amarah in 2004 in the Princess of Waless Royal Regiment and explained a colonel told them they could hit unarmed spotters.

Nowhere in the Rules of Engagement does it say you cant shoot unarmed people, he reportedly said.

In 2017, it was revealed that the UKs Royal Military Police were investigating reports of the Special Air Service (SAS) planting weapons beside Afghan men killed in raids on their homes.

An infantryman who served in Nad-e Ali in Helmand, Afghanistan, told MEE troops were told in 2010 that they were no longer shooting dickers [suspected lookouts] but said these shootings continued. The cover-up of the killing of the two teenage boys took place after this announcement.

Also on rt.com SAS should have oversight - MPs call for end to special forces secrecy

He explained that the two boys approached their base on a scooter and troops fired warning shots at them. The pair continued heading in their direction, but then turned to go another way. It was then that the corporal decided to fire a GPMG (general-purpose machine gun) into them, the infantryman said. He fired about 10 or 12 rounds. They were hit three times.

We were told that our story was this: they were armed and we believed they posed a threat to one of our patrols that was in the area they were driving towards. Then we were asked: Does anyone have a problem with this? If so, tell us now, he recounted.

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Posted Monday, February 4, 2019 4:47 pm

OLYMPIA  Longtime Seattle resident Gina Owens was left unable to work after a car accident rendered her disabled in 2000, forcing her to fall behind on her rent, only being able to pay a portion.

That led to eviction in a process that lasted just three weeks before Owens and her teenage daughter became homeless. Owens said they stayed in shelters for two and a half years, living in conditions she described as "horrid."

"I just think if I had a longer time to pay before a landlord could evict me, such as 14 or 21 days; if there had been a law or provision allowing judges to consider my circumstances before I was evicted, would I have gone through the kind of traumas I did," said Owens at a public hearing Monday in support of broad eviction reform legislation being considered in the state Legislature.

After years of consternation on housing, state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agree that the problem of housing affordability has come to a head, and are pushing to diminish evictions, promote density and change condo liability laws that have helped stunt development of cheaper homes.

"Quite honestly, we have to do something," said Sen. Patty Kuderer, D-Bellevue, who is pushing the eviction legislation. "We're at a crisis level."

A recent Seattle Women's Commission (SWC) and King County Bar Association's Housing Justice Project study analyzed nearly 1,600 evictions in Seattle in 2017 and 2018 and found that nearly 90 percent of people evicted ended up living with friends or family, in transitional housing or without any other options for immediate shelter.

King County remains the epicenter of the homeless crisis, with 12,112 homeless people counted in last year's point-in-time count, the sixth year in a row the numbers increased. But homelessness is not just a Seattle problem as more and more suburban and rural areas tackle the expanding crisis.

Washington, the 13th largest state in America, had the fifth largest homeless population of any state, according to federal data. At the same time, homelessness increased nearly seven percent outside of King County between 2017 and 2018 -- nearly twice the rate of increase as in King County -- in annual point-in-time counts.

"This is one of the things that should unify us, it's not a purely urban problem anymore," House Minority Leader J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm, said at a news conference before the session.

Kuderer's bill, SB 5600, would, among other things, extend the pay-or-vacate notice timeline from three days to 14 days and require the document be written in plain language and include information on civil legal aid resources. It would also extend the mandatory notice period for a change in rent from 30 to 60 days, according to a legislative analysis. These extensions are meant to give tenants a little more time to pull money together to stay in their home.

Over half of Seattle renters saddled with eviction notices in 2017 owed one month's rent or less, and many tenants who were ultimately evicted ended up homeless, according to the SWC and Housing Justice Project study.

"It's just ridiculous that we are so far behind," said Xochitl Maykovich, the political director for the advocacy group Washington Community Action Network. She noted that other states, such as Tennessee, have longer notice periods. "If we want to actually address the housing crisis, if we want to stop seeing as many people on the streets as we do, we need to reform the eviction process."

In a recent hearing, Washington Landlord Association President Rob Trickler said that tenants are not the only ones dealing with economic concerns, as landlords also have to grapple with mortgage payments.

"They are not living in mattresses of money, they're struggling day to day," Trickler said. He says his organization's membership has fallen to just 7,000 members, down from 12,000 two years ago. Trickler believes Kuderer's bill will encourage even more landlords to leave the industry, which would, in his assessment, lessen the supply of rental housing, and, by extension, increase the cost of available units.

With 25 years under his belt as a landlord, Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, hopes to use his own experiences to reform the state's eviction system.

Highlights of his four-bill package include requiring landlords give 120-day notice before an eviction if they plan to demolish the residence and 60-day written notice if rent is being increased by more than ten percent. It also would mandate that landlords give tenants an information guide when they move that explains their rights and responsibilities as well as includes information on low-cost legal services.

"What we're trying to do is help those who are in financial struggles or challenges to be able to have a little better opportunity to remedy and to stay in their homes," Barkis said.

Meanwhile, Rep. Nicole Macri, D-Seattle, has been working since April to develop a plan that now looks similar to Kuderer's. She watched eviction hearings as research before the legislative session, and wants to extend the pay-or-vacate notice period longer than Kuderer, to 21 days.

Another Macri proposal aims to eliminate evictions that lack just cause.

She says that tenants have told her that Barkis's bills, each of which has at least two Democratic co-sponsors, would not help them much. Instead, Macri hopes to bring him on board to her plan, which she says has earned the support of her caucus, which holds a 57-41 majority over the GOP.

"I don't think his bills are harmful at all," said Macri, who works for the homelessness services nonprofit Downtown Emergency Service Center in Seattle. "It's like good and better, I think."

Much of the Barkis and Macri legislation is scheduled for public hearings Tuesday and Wednesday in the House Committee on Civil Rights and Judiciary.

Owens, whose daughter developed medical issues and died at 27, now lives in low-income public housing in the Central District with her three grandchildren. After her eviction, she became an advocate for reforming the process, fighting so that single mothers like her don't have to go through the same ordeal.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has said that he will not betray his country by yielding to Washingtons desire for regime change in Caracas, telling RT that he will not let history remember him as a traitor.

I do not care how Im going to go down in history, Im not going to be a traitor, a weak one, like a man who turned his back on his historic commitments to his people, he said in an exclusive interview with RT Spanish.

I take advantage of every means of communication to ask the whole world to denounce and stop the madness of Donald Trump. Venezuela is never going to give in, he told RT.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW
Greek PM Tsipras hold talks with Turkish President Erdogan to ease tensions

Greek PM Tsipras hold talks with Turkish President Erdogan to ease tensions

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras visits Turkey on Tuesday to hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan aimed at easing tensions over bilateral disputes and the long-running Cyprus problem. The two leaders are expected to discuss disputed Cyprus energy exploration, Aegean sea issues, a migrant deal and economic cooperation though analysts see little concrete progress. We are going through a difficult period in our relations with Turkey, which is why we have to continue to discuss, Greek government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos said. This visit can contribute to de-escalation of tensions. In December 2017, Erdogan became the first Turkish president to visit Greece in 65 years. He stunned his hosts when he asked for a revision of the 1923 Lausanne Treaty that defines the borders of modern Turkey after the collapse of Ottoman Empire, AFP said.Source : RT - Daily news
A former Dutch politician from Geert Wilders right-wing Freedom Party (PVV) has announced his unexpected conversion to Islam. Joram Van Klaverens Road to Mecca moment occurred while researching a book critical of the faith.

Van Klaveren had been a staunch critic of Islam and was elected to Parliament in 2010, as part of the groundswell of support for Wilders anti-Muslim rhetoric which saw the PVV become the third-largest party in the Netherlands.

During his stint in politics, Van Klaveren became known for his inflammatory anti-Islam statements. He had previously called Islam a lie, its holy book the Koran poison and the prophet Muhammad a crook.

Also on rt.com Wilders cancels Dutch Mohammed cartoon contest after threats & violence

He quit the PVV in 2014 after disagreeing with Wilders asking supporters at a campaign rally if they wanted fewer or more Moroccans in the country (they answered fewer!). Van Klaveren failed to get re-elected in 2017 after setting up his own conservative party.

Without politicking to occupy his time, the firebrand turned towards writing a critical book on Islam. However, while in the middle of his research Van Klaveren had to reassess and rewrite the book, eventually converting to the faith in October and announcing the news on Monday.

During that writing I encountered more and more things that shook my vision of Islam, he told a Dutch radio program.

Also on rt.com Islamic face veils banned in public buildings by Dutch parliament

However, his biggest obstacle was eliminating his negative perceptions of Mohammad. There are a lot of lies spread out about that man, he said adding that it was only after realising this that I could say that I was a Muslim.

Having now disavowed his former views on Islam as simply wrong, Van Klaveren took aim at his former partys policy stating that everything wrong had to be linked to Islam in one way or another.

READ MORE: American BDS activist becomes ardent Israel supporter after falling in love with IDF soldier

Commenting on Van Klaverens conversion was another former PVV official and Islam convert, Arnoud Van Doorn. Writing on Twitter he said: [I] never thought that the PVV would become a breeding ground for converts.

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Despite being granted exemptions from US sanctions against Iran to enable them to buy Tehrans oil, some European countries fully cut off crude imports from the Islamic Republic, according to Irans oil minister.

Washington agreed to give temporary waivers to several Iranian oil buyers when it imposed an embargo on oil shipments from the country in November after it pulled out from the landmark nuclear agreement. Those granted waivers included China, India, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, allowing them to continue purchases without penalties.

Also on rt.com Japan resumes oil imports from Iran after latest US sanctions

However, not all countries opted to use the waivers, as the US attempts to push Tehrans oil export revenues to zero and tries to block any money transfer, the Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Namdar Zangeneh stated.

Among the Europeans, except for Turkey, no other nation has purchased oil from Iran. Greece and Italy refuse to buy Irans oil despite winning waivers. Nor do they respond to our correspondence, the minister said on Tuesday.

Irans crude exports, which contribute to a significant part of the countrys revenues, have been dropping since the US embargo took effect. In April, the crude and oil condensates exports were estimated to be about 2.8 million barrels per day. Zangeneh declined to announce the current export figures, but earlier reports suggest that the shipments fell by more than half.

Also on rt.com Iran has new potential buyers for its oil, defying US sanctions

Iranian officials have previously said that countries have to be extremely cautious in dealing with Tehran, as they face financial pressure from Washington. In January, Irans Deputy Minister of Petroleum Amir Hossein Zamaninia said that even those who dare to buy its crude, would not even buy an additional one barrel.

The 180-day US waivers expire in May and it is believed that their number will be reduced. However, Iran stressed that it had already found new potential buyers for its oil without revealing who exactly they were.

The last country who decided to finally to resume purchases of Iranian oil was Japan. On January 21, a large tanker with two million barrels of crude, destined for Japanese companies, left Iran and is expected to reach buyers on February 9.

For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section
An unfortunate New York Times op-ed which argues that Russia has a genetic affinity for corruption has disgusted even the most vocal Kremlin critics  an impressive feat considering the US appetite for mindless Russia bashing.

Around-the-clock Russiagate hysteria has produced an impressive array of poorly conceived, xenophobic-laced Kremlinology  but the Times latest offering, The Putin I Knew; the Putin I Know, is a rare delicacy that not even the most accomplished truffle dog could dig up.

Penned by one Franz J. Sedelmayer, the piece uses anecdotes about Vladimir Putin when he was deputy mayor of St. Petersburg to argue that Putins Russia is hardwired to hate democracy. Sedelmayer, were told, ran a security company that received a contract in St. Petersburg  resulting in several run-ins with Putin in the 90s.

Also on rt.com 1919-2019: UK still involved in anti-Russian campaign after 100 years

Corruption is in Russias DNA, as it is in Mr. Putins, the German author theorizes. Not satisfied with pontificating about Russias genetic defects, Sedelmayer later quips that sharings not the Russian way.

Some might applaud Sedelmayer for not trying to mask his expert analysis with flowery innuendo, but even the most hardened Russia critics found his casual generalizations too nauseating to stomach.

Corruption is in Russias DNA. This is racism masquerading as analysis, wrote NPR Moscow correspondent Lucian Kim.

Maxim Edwards, a former editor at the profoundly anti-Putin Open Democracy, mocked the op-ed as a smorgasbord of cliches.

The articles comment section was also peppered with messages expressing disbelief that the New York Times provided a platform for the German businessmans fact-deficient rant.

Corruption is in Russias DNA... Could you imagine a statement like that directed at any other ethnic group? Or did NYT conduct a pioneering DNA study, and discover that bigotry is ok, if its anti-russian? one comment read.

Alas, the op-ed boasts more than just unapologetic prejudice. In an ill-fated attempt to demonstrate his deep understanding of Russia and its genetic aversion to democracy, Sedelmayer rolled out an italicized list of scary Russian words, proving once and for all that the Russian language has a word for lies.

A former K.G.B. officer, he [Putin] understands how to use disinformation (deza), lies (vranyo), and compromise (kompromat) to create chaos in the West and at home, Sedelmayer states matter-of-factly.

Actually, vranyo is not some sort of sneaky KGB code word  it literally just means lies. And Sedelmayer might want to run kompromat through Google Translate again. (Free Russian lesson: It means compromising material, not compromise.)

Sedelmayers impressive Russian language flexing did not go unappreciated on social media, with even the likes of Julia Ioffe expressing dismay at the New York Times subpar translation skills.

Summing up the overarching problem with Sedelmayers salty word salad, Soviet-American journalist Yasha Levine posited an uncomfortable hypothetical scenario:

Imagine a NYT op-ed casually stating: corruption is in the Jewish DNA. But as long as were talking about Russians, this kind of gross xenophobia is totally fine.

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Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Francisco Liriano has signed a minor-league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Reporters Ken Rosenthal and Joel Sherman reported the news Wednesday afternoon. The deal will be worth $1.8 million if Liriano makes the club, and he can earn another $1.5 million in incentives, according to Robert Murray.

Liriano was one of four Tigers who became a Major League free agent after the 2018 season. Victor Martinez and Jarrod Saltalamacchia have retired. Shortstop Jose Iglesias remains unsigned.

Liriano, 35, pitched for the Pirates from 2013 to 2016.

Liriano signed with the Tigers last February at the start of spring training. He went 5-12 with a 4.58 ERA in 2018, striking out 110 and walking 73 in 133 2/3 innings.

The Tigers have signed two free-agent pitchers to Major League deals this winter -- right-hander Tyson Ross and left-hander Matt Moore.
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY, MI -- A pair of Saginaw Township police officers recently delivered a gift for the Shiawassee County Sheriffs Office detective who helped end the search for a suspect in the Jan. 22 shooting of Officer Jeff Koenig.

Township officers Randy Schroeder and Jeff Fenton dropped off a fruit basket for the detective whos still on administrative leave as Michigan State Police conduct their investigation into the incident.

Your bravery and dedication to police work is a great example of Law Enforcement Solidarity, reads a message on the Saginaw Township Police Department Facebook page. No matter where you are from or where you go, we hold the thin blue line across our nation. A fruit basket from Jacks on Bay Rd and some S.T.P.D. schwag was given to Sheriff Brian BeGole who would present to the Det./Lt.

The detective is not being named.

Meanwhile the suspect, 29-year-old Joshua Rosebush, is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday, Feb. 5 in front of Saginaw County District Judge David Hoffman after Saginaw County Prosecutor John McColgan charged the suspect on Monday with numerous felonies, including assault with intent to murder the police officer.

He will appear by way of video conferencing from the Woodland Center Correctional Facility where Rosebush in currently lodged for violating parole.

Koenig was performing a traffic stop around 2 a.m. Jan. 22 between Fashion Square Boulevard and Bay Road in Kochville Township when he approached a vehicle and was shot in the face. The driver then fled, authorities have said.

He was able to radio other officers who arrived on the scene and transported him to an area hospital where hes been listed in critical, but stable, condition. Koenig is expected to be flown to a hospital in Ann Arbor.

The shooting sparked a region-wide manhunt for Rosebush. The manhunt led police to the Home Depot on Corunna Road in Flint Township.

Another person then gave Rosebush a ride from Flint Township to Burton where Rosebush allegedly stole a vehicle that he was spotted in on westbound Interstate 69 in Shiawassee County.

Shiawassee County Sheriff Brian BeGole previously told MLive-The Flint Journal that the detective was patrolling I-69 after picking up radio traffic from Genesee County of a van stolen out of Burton.

He got a description of the vehicle. He called and confirmed, got a further description of the stolen vehicle and what the suspect was last seen wearing, commented BeGole.

The detective spotted a vehicle fitting the description heading west on I-69, but it turned out not to be the suspect.

BeGole said the detective turned around and began traveling east on I-69 when he spotted another vehicle matching the description.

He got behind that one and everything started adding up description-wise on what he was wearing, noted the sheriff.

The detective began following the suspect vehicle to allow for other units to get in place, but it then exited at the Woodbury Road exit and continued until stopping between Lansing and Braden roads in Woodhull Township, just south of the interstate.

Thats when the suspect got out of the vehicle.

He did pull over and, at some point, he exited his vehicle with a handgun and pointed it at the detective, said BeGole. Several shots were fired by the detective in which time the suspect was struck.

The suspect was shot in the face and taken into custody soon after the encounter. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded during the arrest, including the Perry Police Department, Michigan State Police, East Lansing Police Department and the Bath Township Police Department.

All of our thoughts are focused on Jeff so when they walked in carrying that basket for the detective we were taken by total surprise," said BeGole. We have had a lot of contact with Saginaw Township since this happened, from the personal phone call I received from the chief to the updates the detectives were giving us about Jeffs condition.

Koening, 48, a 16-year department veteran who received the Chiefs Commendation Award in 2013 and 2016, has undergone at least two surgeries at University Hospital since the shooting. The community has shown an outpouring of support for the officer including fundraisers and messages left outside businesses.

From what I understand, the doctors want the jaw to heal somewhat before they go in and start doing more surgeries, Saginaw Township Police Don Pussehl previously said, adding it could be six weeks or more before Koenigs next surgery takes place.

After the conversations with members of the Saginaw Township Police Department, BeGole said: I can tell you that sure is a great group of men and women. Obviously our detective felt as though he was just doing his job, but he was very humbled by the gift and appreciates it very much.
SAGINAW, MI  About a dozen police officers congregated in Saginaw County District Judge David Hoffmans courtroom on Tuesday, watching a television monitor as Hoffman read 26 charges against a man accused of shooting a traffic cop.

Joshua M. Rosebush, 29, sat on the other side of the monitor inside a brick room at Woodland Center Correctional Facility, where is he is lodged for violating parole.

Rosebush is accused of shooting Saginaw Township Police Officer Jeff Koenig in the face from a stolen vehicle during a traffic stop in Kochville Township about 2 a.m. on Jan. 22.

A manhunt ensued for Rosebush that spanned three counties and involved three stolen vehicles before Rosebush himself was shot in the face by a Shiawassee County Sheriffs Office lieutenant and taken into custody.

Rosebush is charged with crimes that occurred in Saginaw, Genesee and Shiawassee counties

Rosebush sat quietly at a small square metal table as Hoffman read the charges against him.

The most serious charge is assault with intent to murder, punishable by life in prison with the possibility of parole. He faces two counts on that charge.

Rosebush also is charged with one count of receiving and concealing a stolen firearm, a 10-year felony; three counts of unlawfully driving away an automobile, five-year felonies; one count of assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer, punishable by up to two years; six counts of felon in possession of a firearm, five-year felonies and 13 counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony, which carries a mandatory two-year sentence to be served consecutive with and preceding any other sentence.

Previous crimes

Rosebush previously accumulated 13 felonies from 2006 through 2015.

In December of 2015, Rosebush was charged with assaulting or obstructing a police officer and two counts of stealing and retaining a financial transaction device without consent in Tuscola County. He was sentenced to two to 15 years in prison.

Rosebush was a parole absconder when he was shot and captured.

In May 2013, he was charged in Tuscola County with two counts of stealing and retaining a financial device without consent and one count of larceny from a motor vehicle.

Rosebush was charged in December 2011 with a count of assaulting or obstructing a police officer in Tuscola County. Later that month, he was charged in Midland County with three counts of breaking and entering a building with intent.

Rosebush was charged with three counts of the same crime in Midland County in 2006.

His preliminary examination in the current case is set for Feb. 21 in Saginaw District Court.
Update: Jason Dalton sentenced to life in prison for 2016 Kalamazoo killings

KALAMAZOO, MI  The man who admitted to shooting eight people, killing six, in February 2016 while working as an Uber driver will be sentenced today.

Jason Dalton, 48, pleaded guilty Jan. 7, to six counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and several felony firearms charges for the Feb. 20, 2016, shooting rampage. Dalton entered his surprise plea just before the prosecutor and defense attorney were supposed to start voir dire, the process of questioning 112 potential jurors in his case.

Kalamazoo Uber shooter sentencing Families of Kalamazoo Uber shooter victims face Jason Dalton in court Posted by MLive.com on Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Dalton faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison for each of the first-degree murder convictions.

Dalton shot Tiana Carruthers, 25, in the parking lot of the Meadows town home complex, 5066 Meadows Blvd,, just before 6 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2016. Dalton shot and killed father and son Rich, 53, and Tyler Smith, 17, in the parking lot of Seelye Kia on Stadium Drive just after 10 p.m. that same evening. He then shot four women and a 14-year-old girl in the parking lot of Cracker Barrel, 5581 S. 9th St. in Texas Township.

Mary Lou Nye, 62, of Baroda; Mary Jo Nye, 60, Dorothy Judy Brown, 74, and Barbara Hawthorne, 68, all of Battle Creek, were killed and the 14-year-old girl, Abigail Kopf, survived but was critically injured.

Dalton drove erratically that afternoon, picking up Uber fares between the shootings.

Daltons sentencing hearing starts at 10 a.m. During the hearing, family members of his victims will be allowed to give victim-impact statements, where they can say how his crimes affected their lives.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- An annual evaluation shows the city of Kalamazoo is making progress toward its goals to improve access to affordable housing and assist people experiencing homeless.

Every year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires communities that receive direct funding to report their progress. A 63-page report evaluating Kalamazoos work from July 2017 to June 2018 found the city effectively used $2.53 million in federal grant funds to address housing and community development needs, but also shows room for improvement.

According to the report, a lack of funding remains the primary obstacle to meeting underserved needs of low- and moderate-income populations.

Organizations serving these populations continue to experience significant reductions in funding from both governmental and private sources, the report states. This challenge is beyond the capacity of the local jurisdiction to satisfactorily address. Where practical the City has strongly encouraged organizations to consider collaborating in the provision of serves to low-income residents in an effort to improve efficiency, strengthen capacity, and best meet the needs of the underserved.

Grants are used to repair blighted properties, replace furnaces and other appliances, build new units, subsidize rent, offer down payment assistance to promote home ownership, among other things.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allows federal grant monies to be spent in Census tracts where at least half of the households are making 80 percent or less of the area medium income. This includes the Douglas, Eastside, Edison, Northside, Oakwood, Southside, Stuart and Vine neighborhoods, as well as the citys Central Business District.

According to the report, the city fell short in meeting its goals to address an affordable housing shortage. The report acknowledge there arent enough units for families in need of affordable housing.

The city provided 316 households that had been experiencing homelessness with affordable housing, 136 fewer than its goal. The city also fell short of its goal to provide 153 households with affordable units, reaching 43 instead.

READ THE FULL KALAMAZOO EVALUATION HERE

Funding for projects that provide outreach and assistance to people experiencing homelessness through the Emergency Solutions Grant decreased from $339,416 in 2015 to $141,755. The federal government did not allocate Emergency Solutions Grant funding to the city in 2018.

Community Development Manager Dorla Bonner said the city was made ineligible for grant funding after a recent Census count caused it to fall under a population requirement.

The report, presented Monday, highlights accomplishments and progress toward overarching goals to improve the amount of decent and affordable housing, work toward ending homelessness, advance the sustainability of neighborhoods using community development block grants and support youth programs.

A few of the statistics in the report highlighted by the city include:

55 households received tenant-based rental assistance and rapid rehousing support.

298 families received homeless overnight shelter and homelessness prevention aid

115 homeowner rehabilitation projects were completed, including roof and electrical and utility repairs as well as accessibility upgrades

Two new rental units were built and three were rehabilitated

One new homeowner received direct financial support through down payment assistance.

Kalamazoos code enforcement and anti-blight teams are working to identify and and repair neglected housing units to make them available for low- and moderate-income families. Subrecipients of grant funds reported its become increasing difficult to find skilled labor for rehabilitation and construction work.

A total of 389 families were assisted using the federal grants, according to the report. Sixty-one percent of those families identified as being black, while a quarter were white. The remaining 14 percent of families identified as either Native American, Hispanic or mixed race.

The city of Kalamazoo is part of a Continuum of Care Network comprised of many other agencies, advocates, and nonprofits that tasked with tracking and assisting the homeless community in their area. The report lists multiple ways Kalamazoo Countys network engages with people, including street-level outreach teams and efforts by local public safety departments.

Every year, Michigan Continuum of Care networks count the number of homeless people and available housing capacity on a single night in January. The figures are reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which compiles a report based on the information.

Kalamazoo Countys point-in-time count will take place on Feb. 20 after being postponed last week due to inclement weather.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation is the network coordinator for Kalamazoo County. It has assisted in coordinating housing development efforts on a county-wide basis since 2006. The city committed general fund dollars to LISC to provide capacity building and technical assistance to organizations operating within Kalamazoo.

The current program year started in July 2018 and will end in June. Federal funds are expected to total $2.4 million, according to an action plan approved last year.

Most of Kalamazoos funds, $1.89 million, will go toward community development block grants (CDBG). This money funds public infrastructure projects, building rehabilitation, code enforcement, crime prevention, homeless assistance and youth programs.

Homelessness remains at forefront

Chronic homelessness remains among the most prominent issues being discussed by the City Commission. Residents asked the commission Monday what more could be done to shelter people sleeping outside during severe weather events.

Deputy City Manager Jeff Chamberlain thanked volunteers and community organizations that opened three shelters for people who would otherwise be exposed to the elements.

We truly were in a life or death situation, Chamberlain said.

Emergency shelters opened in Kalamazoo first through grassroots efforts, starting with independent volunteers and the faith community. Local units of government became involved after those efforts became overwhelmed.

When forecasts from the National Weather Service last week showed hazardous amounts of snow as well as high winds and subzero temperatures, First Baptist Church and First Congregational Church opened their doors to protect homeless people sleeping outside. A third shelter at the Douglass Community Association was opened by the city of Kalamazoo, the American Red Cross and Kalamazoo County.

Downtown shelters Ministry With Community and the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, the communitys main overnight shelter, extended their hours. Both organizations said they would not turn away anyone in need of shelter from the cold.

Chamberlain said the city is working with community foundations to reimburse volunteers after it receives a budget for what was spent.

Commissioner Shannon Sykes Nehring applauded the efforts of volunteers and organizations. She said it represents a step forward in how the community is addressing the needs of homeless people.

I cannot overstate the magic of what happened this past week, she said. Everybody was at the table.

Commissioner Don Cooney said the weather event made the problem of homelessness more visible. He and Commissioner Jack Urban also urged the city to come up with an emergency plan to use during future weather events.

I want to see that written out and I want to see it endorsed by the other jurisdictions in the county, Urban said. I want to make something more definite come out of this.

Chamberlain said the city has emergency management plans outlining the chain of command during natural disasters. Those plans dont identify emergency shelters, he said.
Posted Monday, February 4, 2019 4:46 pm

Anne McEnerny-Ogle recalls several years ago after Oregon tightened its laws over massage facilities she started noticing businesses that would pop up in strip malls in Vancouver. She observed how these businesses often had odd hours and customers who would park in nearby neighborhoods.

When neighbors got involved, they realized these businesses were fronts for possible illegal sexual activity and human trafficking, said McEnerny-Ogle, who has since been elected mayor of Vancouver. Since then, she said local and state government have been nibbling away at the problem.

"This is an old problem that our officers have been working on for years, oh my gosh," McEnerny-Ogle said.

Now, legislation is advancing in Olympia intended to give police officers one more tool to crack down on unscrupulous massage parlors that law enforcement and neighborhood activists have long grappled with in Clark County.

'Without photo ID'

Since the problem emerged, both the city of Vancouver and Clark County passed ordinances in 2014 requiring businesses that offer massage therapy and reflexology to provide proof their employees are licensed by the state. A year later, lawmakers passed a bill targeting owners who allow the unlicensed practice of massage therapy or reflexology.

But McEnerny-Ogle said that some of these massage parlors found a loophole to evade scrutiny.

When law enforcement officers show up to a questionable massage parlor, employees show various state certificates allowing them to practice massage therapy or reflexology. None of the employees have identification verifying they are the legitimate holder of the certificate, she said. Currently, the employees are not required to have identification that matches their professional certificate.

"You can't even get into Costco without your photo ID, and yet we are not requiring individuals who are touching your body to show you photo ID," McEnerny-Ogle said, speaking before a Jan. 18 hearing of the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee.

State Rep. Vicki Kraft, R-Vancouver, said law enforcement officers have told her they've heard certificates being printed off as soon as they enter a massage parlor.

In response, Kraft has introduced House Bill 1082. The bill is intended to remedy the situation by requiring massage or reflexology therapists to carry government-issued identification that matches their certificate. Sens. Annette Cleveland, D-Vancouver, and Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver, have sponsored Senate Bill 5097 as companion legislation.

"This bill addresses organizations that may appear from the outside to look like a legitimate massage or reflexology establishment," Kraft said at a Jan. 25 hearing of her bill before the House Health Care and Wellness Committee. "However, on the inside, there are very different activities taking place, some that are part of sex trafficking operations in which women are forced to work in an illegitimate and illegal practice."

Kraft told the committee the bill would help law enforcement and health inspectors determine if the business is legitimate.

During the committee hearing, Chief Assistant Vancouver City Attorney Jonathan Young said he regularly hears frustrations from officers who make contact with businesses suspected of illegal activity but are stymied when the employees show a massage or reflexology certificate.

"This isn't just a Vancouver problem," Young said. "This is a statewide problem."

During the hearings, both Kraft and McEnerny-Ogle said the legislation would protect legitimate massage and reflexology therapists. Melanie Stewart, a representative of the Washington chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association, told both the Senate and House committees her group supports the legislation.

Kraft introduced legislation during last year's 60-day session, but it ended up stalling. During the Legislature's current 105-day session, both bills have passed out of committee.
KALAMAZOO, MI  Jason Dalton will spend the rest of his life in prison.

The 48-year-old Cooper Township resident was sentenced Tuesday, Feb. 5, to life in prison without the possibility of parole for shooting eight people and killing six in a rampage around Kalamazoo County on Feb. 20, 2016.

Kalamazoo County Circuit Court Judge Alexander C. Lipsey said a number people have asked why Dalton went on the shooting spree.

That, as best the court can see, is only known to you and to your creator," Lipsey said before telling Dalton that he would be sentenced to prison for life.

By your actions, Kalamazoo has been given an opportunity to show the world, in the words of Desmond Tutu, that goodness is stronger than evil, love is stronger than hate, love is stronger than darkness and life is stronger than death," Lipsey said.

Dalton remained silent throughout the proceedings Tuesday.

Dalton pleaded guilty Jan. 7 to six counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and several felony firearms charges for the shootings. Dalton pleaded guilty just before the prosecutor and defense attorney were supposed to start voir dire, the process of questioning 112 potential jurors in his case.

Kalamazoo Uber shooter sentencing Families of Kalamazoo Uber shooter victims face Jason Dalton in court Posted by MLive.com on Tuesday, February 5, 2019

The guilty plea surprised family members of the victims, who had waited for more than two years as Daltons case went through appellate courts. Daltons defense attorney, Eusebio Solis, said Dalton entered the plea against his legal advice.

Dalton will serve a mandatory sentence of life in prison for each of the first-degree murder convictions.

Dalton shot Tiana Carruthers, 25, in the parking lot of the Meadows town home complex, 5066 Meadows Blvd,, just before 6 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2016. Dalton shot and killed father and son Rich, 53, and Tyler Smith, 17, in the parking lot of Seelye Kia on Stadium Drive just after 10 p.m. that same evening. He then shot four women and a 14-year-old girl in the parking lot of Cracker Barrel, 5581 S. 9th St. in Texas Township.

Mary Lou Nye, 62, of Baroda; Mary Jo Nye, 60, Dorothy Judy Brown, 74, and Barbara Hawthorne, 68, all of Battle Creek, were killed and the 14-year-old girl, Abigail Kopf, survived but was critically injured.

Dalton drove erratically that afternoon, picking up Uber fares between the shootings. In an interview with detectives after his arrest, Dalton said the Uber app literally took over his mind and body on Feb. 20 when the color of the apps symbol changed from red to black. Dalton told the detectives the image for the app changed colors when he spoke the name of the Eastern Star symbol.

The six people that were killed on Feb. 20, 2016 (from top left) Dorothy "Judy" Brown, 74, of Battle Creek, Mary Lou Nye, 62, of Battle Creek, Richard Eugene Smith, 53, of Mattawan, Mary Jo Nye, 60, of Battle Creek, Barbara Hawthorne, 68, of Battle Creek and Tyler Smith, 17, of Mattawan. (Courtesy photos)

On Tuesday, Feb. 5, family members of the victims had the chance to face Dalton in court and tell him how his crimes changed their lives. In all, 10 family members and survivor Tiana Carruthers spoke, with several more submitting written victim-impact statements.

Weve waited nearly three years of difficult delays for this evil murderer to be brought to justice, Jeff Reynolds, son of victim Dorothy Judy Brown, said. Each delay of the trial has reopened wounds for myself and each of the families, and it sometimes has felt like this will never end.

Reynolds said while the court case may be coming to an end, families of the victims and survivors will never see closure.

I, and all of the individuals and families whose lives you have shattered, are at least pleased to know you will never walk free again," Reynolds said. "We will never have a day where we can walk free of the devastating loss you have needlessly caused.

Reynolds said he hopes Daltons prison sentence gives his time to ponder his atrocious crimes.

I am a man of faith, and I trust that the almighty God will haunt you eternally starting now with the fact that you are nothing but a pile of worthless evil. Worthless," Reynolds said.

Laurie Smith, wife of victim Richard Smith and mother of victim Tyler Smith, said in her victim-impact statement she lost her soulmate and her baby boy.

You have children and you have a spouse, so why did you decide to take mine away from me?" Smith said.

Smith said her husband was loving, caring, and thoughtful, someone who would do anything for anyone. She said her son was a friend to everyone, including her.

I hope you realize what youve done to all of the victims, to my family, to your kids, to your family, your parents, and to the community as a whole," Smith said. "I hope it haunts you and I hope you experience deep sorrow to your soul for the rest of your life.

Smiths daughter, Emily Lemmer, said she was supposed to grow up with her brother. She said living without her dad and brother is impossible. She said she is terrified and anxious and is afraid something is going to happen and she is going to lose more people she loves.

What kind of a person walks up to a father and son and shoots them over and over and over again until they dont move?" Lemmer said. "A coward, thats who.

Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting addressed Dalton in court before his sentence was handed down.

1,080 days in jail is barely a down payment for the damage youve caused, Getting said. Its nothing, nothing in comparison to the loss of a loved one, to the alteration, to the change in the future for Abigail (Kopf) and Alexis (Cornish), and Tiana (Carruthers).

Getting said he estimates Dalton will spend around 10,000 days in prison.

Ten thousand days in a Michigan prison where I hope that every morning you wake up seeing the faces of those you killed and injured, Getting said to Dalton. When you lay down at night I hope the last thought is the damage youve done to this community, to those families, to your own. Ten thousand days doesnt come close to what you deserve. I wish somehow it could be more because you deserve more.

Getting said today is the last day that Kalamazoo will suffer Dalton.

Tomorrow well continue to be a community that has somehow rallied together, that will support these victims families, that will support our survivors, that will continue to be stronger despite everything that you have done. Well celebrate that you will never, ever, ever be with us again.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Minutes after he was sentenced to life in prison for shooting eight people and killing six, transportation was arranged to take Jason Dalton away from Kalamazoo County to a state prison.

County Prosecutor Jeff Getting said Tuesday, Feb. 5, will be the last day the community has to suffer Daltons presence in Kalamazoo. He will be driven to Jackson County in shackles to be quarantined while awaiting transfer to another Michigan Department of Corrections facility, Getting said.

Good riddance, Getting said while flanked by family members of Daltons victims outside the countys Michigan Avenue courthouse.

Its hard to verbalize the idea that cancer is still there," he said. "He was right down the road over at the sheriffs department. So long as he was here, youre not free of that weight. Now we are.

Dalton, 48, pleaded guilty on Jan. 7 to six counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and several felony firearm charges for the 2016 shootings. On Tuesday, victims had the opportunity to address Dalton before he was sentenced by Kalamazoo County Circuit Court Judge Alexander C. Lipsey.

It is an important part of the process for people impacted by the tragedy, Getting said. Ten family members of those killed, and one survivor of the shooting addressed Dalton directly in court before he was sentenced. Additional written victim impact statements were submitted, Getting said.

For the prosecutors office, the sentencing marks the end of an almost 3-year process to convict Dalton.

His rampage started just before 6 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2016, when Dalton shot Tiana Carruthers, 25, in the parking lot of the Meadows town home complex, 5066 Meadows Blvd. Carruthers, who spoke in court Tuesday, was wounded by not killed in the shooting.

Dalton then shot and killed father and son Rich, 53, and Tyler Smith, 17, in the parking lot of Seelye Kia on Stadium Drive just after 10 p.m.

He then shot four women and a 14-year-old girl in the parking lot of Cracker Barrel, 5581 S. 9th St. in Texas Township.

Mary Lou Nye, 62, of Baroda; Mary Jo Nye, 60, Dorothy Judy Brown, 74, and Barbara Hawthorne, 68, all of Battle Creek, were killed. The 14-year-old girl, Abigail Kopf, survived but was critically injured.

Dalton picked up Uber fares between the shootings and switched vehicles that night after sideswiping a car. He was arrested during a traffic stop in the early morning hours of Feb. 21, 2016.

Live: Kalamazoo Uber Shooter Sentencing Families of Kalamazoo Uber shooter victims face Jason Dalton in court Posted by MLive.com on Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Getting was unable to estimate how many hours law enforcement officers, the prosecutors office, victims advocate specialists and others spent working on the case. But the conclusion was ultimately satisfying for those involved.

Seeing him held accountable; there is a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that there is accountability, knowing there is consequence, knowing that every day he will go to bed in a prison cell and wake up in the same prison cell until he is dead, Getting said. We would do whatever it took to be here today.

Kalamazoo County Prosecutor addresses media after Jason Dalton sentencing. Posted by Kalamazoo Gazette on Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Dalton has been in jail in Kalamazoo County for 1,080 days, as of Feb. 5. Addressing Dalton directly in court, Getting said that time behind bars is barely a down payment for the damage Dalton caused.

Its nothing, nothing in comparison to the loss of a loved one, to the alteration, to the change in the future for Abigail (Kopf) and Alexis (Cornish), and Tiana (Carruthers), Getting said.

Getting said he estimates Dalton will spend around 10,000 days in prison.

Ten thousand days in a Michigan prison where I hope that every morning you wake up seeing the faces of those you killed and injured, Getting said to Dalton. When you lay down at night I hope the last thought is the damage youve done to this community, to those families, to your own. Ten thousand days doesnt come close to what you deserve. I wish somehow it could be more because you deserve more.

During the sentencing, Lipsey told Dalton that prisons are designed to hold people the community is afraid of, not those with which it is angry. This was an opportunity for the Kalamazoo community to show the world that good is stronger than evil, Lipsey said.

Daltons sentencing this week comes in the wake of the 2018 conviction of Charles Pickett, who is serving a 40 to 75-year prison sentence for driving into a group of nine bicyclists, killing five, in 2016. Daltons killing spree happened around five months before Picketts murders, rocking the community with two high profile tragedies in the same year.

Nate Hawthorne, a nephew of Barbara Hawthorne, thanked the community for their support during court proceedings.

We all know where we were when we found out, Nate said. Having that support behind us as families who have gone something horrible, even though it might not have always been spoken, I felt it.

Getting said Kalamazoo as a whole was given some closure Tuesday, but that victims and survivors of those incidents will be remembered.

Tomorrow well continue to be a community that has somehow rallied together, that will support these victims families, that will support our survivors, that will continue to be stronger despite everything that you have done," Getting said to Dalton. "Well celebrate that you will never, ever, ever be with us again.

By pleading guilty, Dalton stopped what could have been a lengthy jury trial. The families were given no explanation of why Dalton killed their loved ones, but several said that revelation is less important than was ensuring Dalton is behind bars.

Robert Reynolds said he was prepared to learn the grim details of what happened the night his mother Judy Brown died, but is happy not to. Reynolds says he felt Dalton expressed no remorse.

He said guilty,' thats fine for me," said Laura Hawthorne, a niece of Barbara Hawthorne. "There is no answer that he could ever give, even if it was the truth, that could fully explain why. All that matters is he is not going to be with the rest of us ever again.

Though Jeff Reynolds, Browns other son, said life in prison is the best legal outcome family members could expect, Daltons actions offer him no closure. Reynolds personally thanked Gettings office and victims advocates for their help.

Getting said his office took extra care to provide some relief to people impacted by the murders.

I think that in some ways theyll be glad to be rid of us, Getting said, sharing a laugh with family members during a press conference after the sentencing.

Were a reminder of something really awful," he said. "But theres been relationships that have been developed in this case ... this is a really tight group of people who have bonded over something absolutely awful.
WYOMING, MI -- A YMCA child care program in Wyoming will close after repeated violations of inappropriate supervision," state officials say.

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids officials announced Tuesday, Feb. 5, they are closing the early child care program at Spartan Stores YMCA following a comprehensive review of the child care program in partnership with state licensing officials.

Though the YMCA press release makes no mention of why the program is closing, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs says they recommended revoking the facilitys child care license after repeated violations of inappropriate supervision.

The program has tallied a number of complaints from the LARA since 2014, according to state records. Spartan Stores YMCA opened in 2011.

Those complaints include staff using physical discipline, staff failing to provide appropriate care and supervision of children at all times, staff failing to be fingerprinted for a criminal history check and staff failing to be of responsible character, according to the LARA reports.

Pardeep Toor, a LARA spokesperson, said the agency recommended revoking the child care license after an investigation into inappropriate supervision" in January. Less than two months before, in November 2018, LARA officials were investigating two other allegations of inappropriate supervision.

Some of the supervision complaints stem from staff failure to address children misbehaving and hurting others, LARA reports state.

According to WOOD TV8, the state also investigated allegations in December 2017 that a male worker sexually abused a child who attended the program.

Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker told MLive there was insufficient evidence to charge the man for allegedly sexually abusing the 4-year-old boy. Becker said the 4-year-old was unable to provide a consistent interview with investigators.

In announcing the closure Tuesday, YMCA officials said that theyve had significant growth in their child care programs and difficulty recruiting and training enough staff to meet the growing demand, while ensuring a high quality, safe and supportive program.

Shannon Matthews, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids' chief operating officer, said they plan to train staff, address the shortages across the association and "take additional steps to ensure we are able to maintain a safe, supportive and caring environment for all children enrolled in our care.

YMCA officials want to reopen the Spartan Stores YMCA child care program after continued conversations with the state and an intensive effort to recruit new staff and conduct a development program for child care staff, the release states.

We know the impact this decision has on our families and staff and we are committed to working with them to ensure as smooth a transition as possible, Matthews said.

The program currently serves up to 82 children. It will close March 29.

Matthews said they will retain all of the child care staff from the Spartan Stores YMCA.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Since taking office four months ago, Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington has put an emphasis on developing a strategic plan that lays out the citys objectives and avenues for achieving them over the next three to five years.

On Monday, Feb. 4, Washington and Mayor Rosalynn Bliss hosted an online forum -- nicknamed the Digital Town Hall -- to provide residents and community stakeholders with a progress report on the citys strategic planning process.

Were known as furniture city and cool city and beer city," Washington said. "There are lots of tags in this community but I think we have engaged in real meaningful dialogue about what kind of vision do we have for our community and how do we want to be a vibrant, welcoming, inclusive community. Thats the conversation were having now.

Washington and Bliss opened up the citys first online town hall by providing a progress report of the citys strategic planning process, which has included a pair of three-hour work sessions in December and January, and conversations with more than 1,000 city employees to gauge how best to prioritize the next three to five years.

The priorities set by the city commission include a prosperous and affordable economy, an engaged and connected community, safety, health and environment, equity, governmental excellence and mobility.

Smart leadership really needs clear direction, and we need to have a strategy if were going to be the city that we want to be, Bliss said.

The strategic plan is meant to be a middle ground between the one-year annual fiscal plan and the 20-30 year master plan, city leaders said. Its the framework for what the citys priorities are and how to reach them.

Weve talked at length about our desire to be a welcoming city, Bliss said. Weve talked about making sure people feel connected, that theyre informed. Weve talked about our desire to be a city where people feel like they belong.

The two city leaders also answered a handful of viewer-submitted questions Tuesday evening during the hour-long event. Washington said city staff will respond to additional questions that werent answered before the end of the forum, and post them in the comments section of the video on the on the citys Facebook and YouTube pages. A draft of the strategic plan is available online.

Here are five takeaways from Mondays town hall:

Charter changes being considered

Bliss was asked Monday evening about a recent push by Empower the Citizens, a grassroots, non-partisan local organization, to move local elections to even-numbered years instead of the current odd-year system.

She said the city commission is looking into that, among other potential changes to the citys charter, though no decisions have been made at this time. The other changes she discussed included expanding the city from three wards to six, and changing how the city fills a vacant commission seat mid-term.

Whenever were looking at potentially changing our charter or changing our local form of government, we need to do that really thoughtfully and strategically," Bliss said.

Grand Rapids holds its local elections during odd-numbered years, but the resident group pushing for that to change says the move would increase voter turnout, reduce costs, and combat historical efforts to silence the minority vote.

Some commissioners have said the move would add to the already long even-year ballots, and open the door to local elections being partisan and susceptible to influence from special interest groups. Other city leaders have said they will further research the option before taking a side on the issue.

On Monday, Bliss said the city has also heard requests to have a vacancy on the commission be filled by a special election instead of the current appointment process, and to expand the citys ward layout from three to six.

I think all of these discussions related to our structure of local government are really important questions, Bliss said. Cities often take a look at that and I think its incumbent on us to take a look at it but also to be very thoughtful and strategic and make sure we have all the information before making a decision that could potentially impact the future of local government.

Police chief search

The city manager was asked what he will do to make sure the next chief of the Grand Rapids Police Department is committed to equity and strong relationships with the community.

Washington said the community will play an active role in the selection process. Residents and community stakeholders are invited to a pair of feedback sessions on Feb. 19 and 20, where they will be asked what should be prioritized in hiring the next police chief.

Additionally, Washington said he intends to hire a chief who already has a track record of collaboration with community and who understands 21st century principles of community policing and policing with the community, not just to the community.

He said he envisions having multiple public panels to assess the group of finalists, who will be selected by Public Sector Search & Consulting -- the firm contracted by the city for $34,000.

Washington hopes to have the next police chief in place by summer 2019. While the city waits for former chief David Rahinskys replacement, former deputy chief David Kiddle is filling in as interim police chief.

Ensuring equity is a priority

One viewer of Mondays town hall asked the city manager what direct initiatives he has in mind to promote equity, particularly for the African American community.

Washington said there is an emphasis on equity throughout the strategic plan, including in areas like housing, mobility and transportation, economic development and prosperity, and public safety.

"We have a growing Latino community, as well as an African American community that continues to be in the marginalized or impacted area of some of the services, where they are disparately impacted in terms of certain outcomes, Washington said.

We want to make sure we evaluate all areas of our community with disparate impacts affecting people of color and making sure we have policies in place to promote equity in our community."

The city manager said city staff members are having ongoing conversations about increasing awareness, training and development, and said its important to gather data to ensure the citys efforts are having the desired outcomes.

In terms of hiring by the city, Washington said its incumbent on him as manager to make sure the governments workforce is as diverse as the community it serves, and that theres sufficient focus on cultural competence to appreciate a growing and diverse community.

Washington also acknowledged that Grand Rapids doesnt have a chief equity officer, whose job would be to ensure equitable outcomes both internally and externally as a municipal organization. He didnt elaborate on if the city will add such a position in the future.

Affordability

The cost of living in Grand Rapids remains a hot topic, especially when it comes to affordable housing.

Its important that we have a lot of discussion now around housing affordability and making sure as the cost of living continues to increase, and Grand Rapids continues to grow, that its a community that remains affordable to everyone, Washington said.

Mayor Bliss said there are some misconceptions about what the city can do based on state law, like requiring developers to have a certain number of affordable housing units. But she said affordability remains one of the most important issues to the city commission.

Bliss highlighted a handful of city efforts to combat the issue, including passing zoning ordinance changes to incentivize affordable housing developments, supporting an eviction prevention pilot program with the district court, and getting state support for six affordable housing projects last fall that are expected to break ground in 2019.

Snow clearing at bus stops

With the memory of last weeks winter snowstorm still fresh in residents' minds, a handful of questions pitched to the city leaders Monday involved snow removal. One in particular was regarding a prospective program for removing snow from local bus stops.

Washington said he has started having conversations with city staff, Grand Rapids Public Schools, and other local partners about a program that would better target snow removal at stops around the city. He said other cities have similar programs.

Weve talked about a pilot and were in the process of planning, he said. I think it will help the city be more pedestrian-friendly year-round.

Following Mondays video forum, the city is asking community members to provide feedback on its first digital town hall event through a four-question online survey available on the citys website.
FLINT, MI -- A veteran employee of the Flint Water Department says he hand-delivered evidence of serious water system problems to his boss just months after the citys water source was switched to the Flint River in 2014.

Senior operator Mark Pavwoski told Genesee District Court Judge Jennifer Manley Monday, Feb. 4, that he brought pieces of water service lines, badly damaged by corrosion from short-term exposure to Flints new water source, to former Department of Public Works Director Howard Croft in fall 2014.

Pavwoski wasnt allowed to answer what his department head did in response to his discovery, but the city continued to distribute improperly treated river water until October 2015, and Croft continued to defend the safety and quality of city water until that time.

MLive-The Flint Journal could not reach James White, an attorney for Croft, on Monday.

I handed him the pipe, Pavwoski said of the service lines he said he brought to Croft. (I) gave him the evidence that there was something going on in our system ... The lead (in the pipe) was completely exposed -- absolutely nothing inside.

Pavwoski, testifying as one of the last prosecution witnesses at the preliminary examination of Patrick Cook, a community drinking water specialist with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, said even before the discovery of damaged water pipes it was clear something wasnt right with Flint water.

Having drank it, I literally spit it back up because of the taste ... I wouldnt drink it after that, he said. It was probably a week after (the) switch ... It had a bad taste to it. Almost fishy.

As weeks passed, Pavwoski said, the city received increasing complaints of dirty water and breaks -- typically not in water mains but in service lines to individual homes.

Researchers from Virginia Tech university have said Flint River water was many times more corrosive to lead service lines than water that had been used in the city for decades before the switch -- Lake Huron water treated with orthophosphates.

The DEQ never required the city to treat the river water to make it less corrosive to pipes and plumbing, causing damage to lead service lines and elevated levels of lead in city water.

Pavwoski said he had never seen service lines stripped of protective interior coatings, which build up after years, like he did after the change in water source.

He wasnt allowed to testify further Monday about what he recalled having told and or heard from Croft in the fall 2014 because of hearsay objections.

In response to questions about water quality from Flint residents in 2014, Pavwoski said, I told them if it was me personally, I wouldnt drink it or cook with it.

Cook, 55, is the last of four current and former DEQ officials originally charged with criminal wrongdoing related to the Flint water crisis. Three other DEQ defendants accepted plea agreements with prosecutors in the past several weeks.

Cook remains charged with willful neglect of duty, misconduct in office and conspiracy.

Special prosecutor Todd Flood said Monday he expected to wrap up the preliminary examination against Cook on Thursday, Feb. 7.

Prosecutors allege Cook signed a state permit in 2014 that was necessary for the use of the Flint water plant.

They claim he was aware of problems tied to Flints attempt to put the citys water treatment plant into full-time operation for the first time since 1967 and misled the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the necessity of treating Flint River water to make it less corrosive.

Cooks attorneys have claimed their client is not guilty and have yet to present a preliminary exam case.

Croft was the head of the DPW in Flint from December 2011 until November 2015.

His preliminary examination on charges of false pretenses and conspiracy to commit false pretenses is scheduled to resume in district court Feb. 25.

Croft has also been put on notice that Flood intends to ask Judge Nathaniel Perry to bind him over for trial on an additional charge of involuntary manslaughter.
ANN ARBOR, MI  The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing more than $1 million in funding for continued farmland preservation efforts in Washtenaw County.

Ann Arbors greenbelt program is encouraging owners of farmland outside the city to apply if theyre interested in taking advantage of the funds and selling their properties' development rights.

Partners in the Ann Arbor Greenbelt: Saving Michigan Farms Regional Conservation Partnership Program will submit applications to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services for funds to purchase conservation easements multiple times over a five-year period.

While applications are accepted on a continuous basis, the first 2019 funding cycle will be Feb. 11 to March 18.

The Ann Arbor greenbelt program, which has protected more than 5,200 acres of farmland and open space outside the city, is the lead organizer of the project.

Find out how to apply.

In addition to the USDA and the city, other partners include Washtenaw Countys Natural Areas Preservation Program, Scio Township, Ann Arbor Township, Augusta Township, Legacy Land Conservancy, Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy and The Conservation Fund.

In most cases, landowners should apply to the greenbelt program if theyre in the greenbelt district, or to Washtenaw Countys Natural Areas Preservation Program, according to the city.

We appreciate NRCSs leadership and the Michigan United States congressional delegations support for this project and farmland protection in southeast Michigan, and we look forward to advancing land protection in the communities we serve, Remy Long, the citys greenbelt program manager, said in a statement.

The project provides an opportunity to protect agricultural lands key to food security and the local economy, and to preserve the agricultural heritage and quality of life of residents, the USDA website states, noting it also helps address concerns about water and soil quality degradation and inadequate habitat for fish and wildlife.

Ann Arbor voters overwhelmingly approved a 30-year tax to launch the greenbelt program in 2003. The conservation easements keep the lands in private hands and on tax rolls, allowing them to be farmed, while ensuring they can never be developed.

The greenbelt program has leveraged more than $25 million through grants, landowner donations and other locally funded programs since its launch, according to the city.

The City Council voted to accept USDA grant funding to put toward purchasing a 75-acre conservation easement on a Northfield Township farm in September, but the citys new council decided against following through on the purchase last month after finding out the county and the township werent contributing funds.

After hearing an emotional plea from the farmers affected, the council plans to revisit the issue later this month.
ANN ARBOR, MI - In an effort to enhance pedestrian safety across the city, officials are planning a number of improvements across Ann Arbor, including 13 new crosswalks.

City Administrator Howard Lazarus recapped transportation improvements from the past three years at Mondays city council meeting in response to a December 2018 resolution to address crosswalk improvements and provide information about the current condition, recent improvements, and planned projects for significant pedestrian safety improvements."

Previous improvements included: crosswalks at 20 new locations, gateway treatments, updated pavement marks at 174 locations, bump-outs, lighting, updated signage and school speed zones.

The council on Jan. 15 submitted crosswalk design guidelines, highlighted here, in response to concerns about lighting and high-visibility markings.

The guidelines are based on crash history, pedestrian and vehicle volumes, street types and school routes, which determine when to include features like high-visibility markings, different signage, audible warning devices, flashing beacons and refuge islands.

The new crosswalks will tentatively be installed at the following locations, according to a city memo:

Ellsworth and Research Park

Geddes outside of Concordia College

Gralake near school entrance

Huron Street and Arbana

Jackson between Revena and Maple

Maple outside Peace Neighborhood Center

Maple outside Alano Club

Maple between Dexter and Miller

Pontiac Trail and Polson

Pontiac Trail and Montana

Research Park outside U.S. Social Security Office

Scio Church and Chaucer

Washtenaw and Pittsfield

Ann Arbor is planning plenty more this year, including:

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon signs at nine new locations

Gateway treatments at one new location

Updated pavement markings at eight locations

Bump-outs at 14 new locations

Lighting at 41 new locations

Updated signage at three locations

Pedestrian signal improvements at two locations

School speed zones at one location

School safety improvements at four locations

Improvements at eight other locations for treatments that have not yet been finalized

MLive/The Ann Arbor News reporter Ryan Stanton contributed to this story.
ANN ARBOR, MI  The Ann Arbor City Council is calling on community members to boycott Wendys.

Thats until the fast-food chain can demonstrate its commitment to farmworkers rights by joining the Fair Food Program, according to a resolution the council approved 10-0 Monday night, Feb. 4.

The council also is encouraging the University of Michigan to reject any bid from Wendys to be a vendor in the Michigan Union.

Wendys being pointed out specifically in this particular situation really is because the University of Michigan is in our backyard and they previously had a Wendys in the Michigan Union, said Council Member Elizabeth Nelson, D-4th Ward, who introduced the boycott resolution.

UM is in a competitive bid process for three fast food-casual restaurant spots in the Michigan Union, which reopens in 2020.

Washtenaw Solidarity with Farmworkers, a group of students and community activists, has circulated an online petition urging UM to ban Wendys from campus and endorse the Fair Food Program.

Wendys Director of Corporate Communications Heidi Schauer said last week the franchisee owner and operator of the Wendys previously located in the Michigan Union made the decision to not pursue a new lease when the Union closed in April 2018.

Its unclear if theres still a chance another Wendys franchisee might be considered for a spot, Nelson said Monday night.

We dont know, she said, arguing the boycott is still consistent with Ann Arbor values.

Its the right thing to do to send this message that we support humane work conditions for farmworkers.

The Fair Food Program, organized by Coalition of Immokalee Workers, is a partnership among farmers, farmworkers and retail food companies that ensures humane wages and working conditions for workers who pick fruits and vegetables on participating farms.

Participating buyers from the Fair Food Program include McDonalds, Burger King, Subway and Chipotle, as well as grocery distributors such as Walmart and Whole Foods. Given that list, its remarkable that Wendys is still a holdout, Nelson said.

There are several Wendys restaurants in the Ann Arbor area, including on Plymouth Road, on Boardwalk, on Zeeb Road, on Carpenter Road and on Washtenaw Avenue.

Wendys has defended the relationships it has with food growers and suppliers. Wendys Chief Communication Officer Liliana Esposito previously noted the Coalition of Immokalee Workers requires participants to pay an extra fee to tomato harvesters that work for the growers, on top of the price it pays for the product.

We support the goals of any organization that seeks to improve human rights, but we dont believe we should pay another companys employees  just as we do not pay factory workers, truck drivers or maintenance personnel that work for our other suppliers, Esposito said in a 2016 post on Wendys blog.

The Wendys boycott is about social justice for farmworkers who are exploited, said Council Member Jack Eaton, D-4th Ward, arguing the U.S. has a history of treating farmworkers poorly.

We all eat rather cheaply because, in fact, we are unwilling to extend just basic human consideration to the people who pick our food, and for that reason I believe that we should be speaking out, he said.

The original resolution presented Monday night was broader, calling for a boycott of Wendys and other food service retailers that have not joined the Fair Food Program.

Council Member Jane Lumm, an independent from the 2nd Ward, argued that went too far, including establishments such as Kroger. She won support for scaling it back to just Wendys.

Council Member Zachary Ackerman, D-3rd Ward, was absent.

MLive reporter Martin Slagter contributed to this story.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Ann Arbor officials are unanimously in support of better preparing for nuclear disaster, and its not just the potential risk of a meltdown at the Fermi 2 power plant.

As the City Council voted 10-0 to approve a resolution in support of stockpiling potassium iodide tablets, also known as KI, Monday night, Feb. 4, one council member noted the recent unraveling of a nuclear arms pact between Russia and the U.S.

Were entering a new arms race possibly with nuclear weapons, said Council Member Ali Ramlawi, D-5th Ward.

For a cost of less than a dollar per person, I think this is a sound investment, he said of stockpiling KI tablets, which can reduce the risk of thyroid cancer in the event of a nuclear disaster. I feel this is a very wise and prudent measure to take.

The approved resolution directs the citys lobbying team to advocate to the state and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to provide the same level of KI protection to residents here as Canadian authorities provide to Ontario residents within 50 miles of the Fermi 2 nuclear power plant in southeast Michigan.

Ann Arbor is roughly 30 miles from the plant operated by DTE Energy along Lake Erie. DTE maintains the plant, in operation since the 1980s, is safe and an important part of its energy portfolio, providing about 20 percent of the power generated by DTE.

The American Thyroid Association has called for pre-distribution of potassium iodide, also known as KI, to households within a 10-mile radius of nuclear power plants such as Fermi 2, and stockpiling it in public facilities such as schools, hospitals, clinics, post offices and police and fire stations in up to a 50-mile radius.

Timely ingestion of KI can reduce the effects of radiation and help prevent thyroid cancer in the event of a nuclear fallout, notes the resolution brought forward by Council Members Anne Bannister, D-1st Ward, and Chip Smith, D-5th Ward.

Smith hopes the city can work with federal lawmakers to get legislation passed to make DTE pay for stockpiling KI in communities within 50 miles of Fermi 2. DTE already provides KI to people within 10 miles of the plant through a voucher program.

Its not an issue on a lot of peoples minds, Smith said, but after the 2011 nuclear disaster in Japan, Its worth discussing and worth bringing into our local emergency-management planning.

KI tablets cost between 25 cents and a $1 each, and have a shelf life of about five to seven years, Bannister said.

The sooner a person takes KI, the more time the thyroid will have to fill up with stable iodine, blocking radioactive iodine from entering the thyroid, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

People should take KI only if advised to do so by public health or emergency management officials, as there are health risks associated with taking KI, according to the CDC.

KI cant protect the body from radioactive elements other than radioactive iodine, and if radioactive iodine is not present, taking KI is not protective and could cause harm, according to the CDC.

Infants who receive more than one dose could develop hypothyroidism, which can cause brain damage, according to the CDC.

Council Member Zachary Ackerman, D-3rd Ward, was absent.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Now that Michigan voters have legalized recreational marijuana, a longtime Ann Arbor pot activist is hoping the city can take another leap forward.

Chuck Ream, a retired kindergarten teacher and regular speaker at the annual Hash Bash rally in Ann Arbor, wants to integrate cannabis into modern culture as much as possible.

He announced plans for a 2020 social marijuana ballot initiative at the City Council meeting Monday night, Feb. 4.

Our voters are the most advanced in the world regarding cannabis policy, and you know, or I am letting you know, that there will be a ballot initiative in Ann Arbor in 2020 for the adult social use of cannabis, Ream told city officials, suggesting local businesses should be able to get licenses to allow onsite use of marijuana products.

We could have coffee shops and restaurants and licenses for yoga studios or dance clubs or health clubs or whatever. How about a pot park? Wouldnt that be wonderful.

A ballot question committee called the Safer Ann Arbor Adult Social Use Committee was formed Monday, Ream said. He told city officials hes seeking their cooperation and input, as well as other community input, on next steps for local cannabis policy.

We would like all good input, but nothing will stop Ann Arbor from becoming the most advanced city on the planet in terms of the adult social use of cannabis, Ream said.

Ann Arbor decriminalized marijuana locally in the 1970s and is considered by some the cannabis capital of the Midwest.

Seventy-four percent of Ann Arbor voters in 2004 supported a medical marijuana city charter amendment, and 78 percent of city voters in November favored statewide legalization of recreational pot.

I believe that most Ann Arborites would support a reasonable social-use policy that would accommodate non-disruptive, marijuana-based businesses, Mayor Christopher Taylor said.

I look forward to learning more about other jurisdictions experiences and to working with staff, my colleagues and the public to devise a set of marijuana-related authorizations and regulations that are right for our community.

Prior to announcing the 2020 ballot initiative, Ream thanked council members for their decision in September to not require dispensaries to be 1,000 feet from child care centers.

This was a critically important vote, he said. The reefer madness gang got this distance requirement passed in Denver and it totally killed the ability to implement Initiative 300, their social use initiative, which passed at the polls.

The social marijuana initiative approved by 54 percent of Denver voters in 2016 made the Colorado city the first in the nation to launch a program allowing limited public consumption of bring-your-own marijuana at businesses such as bars and coffee shops.

While businesses must follow the states indoor smoking ban, they can allow edibles and vaping indoors if they secure a license.

Because of restrictions in the initiative and regulations added by the city, prospective applicants for I-300 licenses have run into roadblocks trying to open businesses, The Denver Post reported.

The only two businesses successful in navigating Denvers maze of restrictions for social marijuana licenses as of last August were a combined coffee shop and vape bar called The Coffee Joint, and a bar and lounge called Vape and Play, The Denver Post reported, calling the social marijuana initiative mostly a bust.

Ream said hes looking for the Ann Arbor City Council to act on cannabis policy in 2019, since 2020 will be spent gathering signatures, fundraising and campaigning for the Ann Arbor initiative.

Ann Arbor has approved plans for 25 medical marijuana dispensaries, along with four processing facilities, three grow facilities and one safety compliance facility. Sixteen have secured permits so far, which requires paying an annual fee of $5,000 to the city.

The city has capped the number of dispensaries allowed in the city at 28 for now, and more are in line to secure the final spots.

City officials still have to figure out how recreational marijuana might fit into the city from a zoning and permitting perspective.

State-licensed retail sales of recreational pot could begin in 2020 and the state is expecting hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue from it, with tens of millions going to local communities.
Posted Tuesday, February 5, 2019 9:58 am

A dozen Morton High School students started filing into Lewis County Superior Court Monday in the midst of a slew of preliminary appearances  a hearing that determines the bail amount for each person charged with a felony.

The students were part of a mock trial class  an extracurricular thats the only of its kind in Lewis County  and they were there to glean some actual courtroom experience and some knowledge from Judge James Lawler.

Centralia-based attorney and city councilor Peter Abbarno introduced the class to Lawler after the last case of the day was heard. Abbarno has lent a hand to the students on about a monthly basis, and has been involved in the class for the past two years.

Theyll be participating in a mock trial competition in Vancouver with numerous other schools at the end of the month, said Abbarno, and they were hoping for some advice and for a chance to get their last-minute questions answered.

After each student introduced him or herself, Lawler told them he noticed some of them seemed a little shy about talking in the courtroom. Thats going to have to change for the competition, and in any real-life courtroom experience, he told them.

Exude confidence whether you feel it or not, he said.

Lawler answered a range of questions, from the process of submitting evidence for the record to strategies on where to stand to ensure the jury is looking where you want them to look.

The students practiced a portion of a mock trial, with the classs teacher, Amanda West, giving pointers and occasionally yelling objection. West was the one who brought the mock trial class to the school, said Jessica Scogin, who was there as a chaperone.

Lawler also interjected with some tips. And as the day went on past the normal hours of Superior Court, he excused himself, and Judge Andrew Toynbee filled his spot for the rest of the mock trial.

Scogin, whose daughter is in the class, said the attorneys prepare their own questions, and the witnesses are tasked with knowing their character and story inside and out, that way they can confidently answer the questions the defense or prosecution throw their way.

First up on the stand was Morton High School senior Darren Davis, who played the part of cattle farmer Kit Keller as he answered questions about his property when asked by senior Lucinda Scogin, who was filling the role of the prosecutor.
WOW air has been known to run some eye-catching deals on flights to Iceland since coming to Detroit and the Midwest, but the budget Icelandic airlines Valentines Day promotion takes things to a whole other level.

If your first or last name is Valentine, the airline will fly you to Iceland for free between Feb. 10 and Feb. 19. Flights must be booked between now and Feb. 14, and to redeem the offer you just need to send a passport photo to Valentines@wow.is.

Thats it.

Once the photo of your passport is submitted to the email address listed above, WOW air says it will refund all costs included with the ticket. While the promotion will only refund the literal Valentine" in the group, there must be two passengers to redeem the offer.

The refund will not consist of anything more than the airfare ticket, airport taxes, one hand luggage and one check-in luggage. All other services purchased on the WOW air website will not be included in the refund," the airline explains.

The booking must be made on WOW air flights. Under no circumstances will WOW air issue a refund for flights with other air carriers. All bookings must be made directly through a WOW air website.

Related: Budget Icelandic airline now operating out of Detroit with $69 one-way flights

The Icelandic airline first started operating out of Detroit Metro Airport back in April of this year when it was offering $69 one-way trips to Iceland.

WOW first expanded into the U.S. Midwest when it started offering the $69 one-way trips to Reykjavik out of Chicago OHare International Airport. After taking off from the Windy City, Wow added service in New York, Miami, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and, of course, Detroit.

For passengers out of Detroit, WOW Air offers affordable flights to Iceland, Amsterdam, Paris, London and many more.

"We are pleased WOW air will bring new visitors to see Detroit's revitalization firsthand, thanks to the airline's low fares," Wayne County Airport Authority Air Service Development Director Joe Cambron said in a previous news release.

This partnership also means there are more ways for travelers to reach Europe, whether theyre planning to explore Reykjavik, Iceland or connect to other great cities including Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. WOW is the first new international carrier for our North Terminal since it opened in 2008.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Fourteen students at an elementary school were given gummy candy that may have been laced with marijuana, according to CBS-19 in Cleveland.

Nine of the students were taken to the hospital and released after complaining of illness, but it is unclear how many students may have ingested the candy. The parents of five other students refused to have their children taken to the hospital. The students who were given the candy ranged in age from 5 to 9 years old.

In statement released by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, officials said staff at the school noticed the candys packaging was not recognizable as the kids were sharing it during lunch. The children attend the Anton Grdina School in Cleveland.
DETROIT -- Detroit Police chief James Craig announced Monday that two officers have been suspended with pay while an investigation continues into a social media post made by an officer where a young black woman was mocked while she walked home in the cold, according to the Associated Press.

One of the officers -- identified as Gary Steele -- allegedly made the post last week on his Snapchat which contained a video of the woman walking with the phrases What black girl magic looks like and celebrating Black History Month on them. The other officer has not been identified by police.

The officers had stopped the woman for driving with expired plates and told her she could not drive the car home -- which was only a couple blocks away -- because the car would be towed. At a prior press conference, Craig said body camera footage shows the woman was offered a ride home by police, but she refused. Thats when Steele allegedly began filming and posted the video to his Snapchat.

Craig previously announced that Steele has been demoted from his rank as corporal in the department.

The AP was unable to reach Steele for comment or to determine if he had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf.
The Rangers have agreed to a minor-league deal with righty Ricardo Rodriguez, according to Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News. Whether hell receive a MLB spring invite isnt yet known.

Rodriguez was dropped from the 40-man roster last fall after an injury-limited campaign. Arm troubles arent a new phenomenon for the 26-year-old, who sat out the 2016 campaign owing to Tommy John surgery and has only once completed a campaign with more than 47 total innings.

Despite boasting a mid-nineties heater to work off of, Rodriguez has failed to generate many swings and misses over his twenty MLB appearances. He carries an anemic 6.8% swinging-strike rate in that stretch. Perhaps theres more in the tank in that regard, as Rodriguez has compiled 287 strikeouts in 292 1/3 career minor-league innings. His most notable skill as a prospect, though, has been the ability to limit the long ball. Rodriguez has allowed just a dozen dingers in his seven years in the minors.
How to use the mindat.org media viewer

Click/touch this help panel to close it.

Welcome to the mindat.org media viewer. Here is a quick guide to some of the options available to you. Different controls are available depending on the type of media being shown (photo, video, animation, 3d image)

Controls - all media types

Zoom in and out of media using your mousewheel or with a two-finger 'resize' action on a touch device.

Use the mouse or your finger to drag the image or the view area of the image around the screen.

< and > at the left and right hand side of the screen move forwards and backwards for the other images associated with the media you selected. Usually this is used for previous/next photo in a gallery, in an article or in search results. Keyboard shortcuts: use shift + the left and right arrow keys.

< and > in the bottom center are used for switching between the photos of the same specimen. Keyboard shortcuts: use the left and right arrow keys.

> in the bottom center, raises the information box giving details and further options for the media, < at the top of this box then hides it. Keyboard shortcuts: use the up and down arrow keys.

? opens this help window. Keyboard shortcuts: use the H key or the ? key.

Other keyboard shortcuts:

1 Fit image to screen 2 Fill screen with image 5 Display at full resolution < Make background darker > Make background lighter space Hide/dim titles and buttons

Scalebar

If the field of view (FOV) is specified for the photo, the scalebar appears in the left bottom corner of the viewer. The scalebar is draggable and resizeable. Drag the right edge to resize it. Double click will reset the scalebar to it's default size and position. If the scalebar is in default position, double click will make it circular.

Controls - Video

Video files have a standard set of video controls: - Reset to start, - Skip back, - Play, - Pause, - Skip forwards. Keyboard shortcuts: You can stop/start video play with the P key.

Controls - Animation (Spin Rotation)

Animation (usually 360 degree spin rotations) have their own controls: - enable spin mode. Note that while images are loading this option will not be available but will be automatically activated when the animation has loaded. Once active you can spin the image/change the animation by moving your mouse or finger on the image left/right or by pressing the [ or ] keys.

The button switches to move mode so that you can use your mouse/fingers to move the image around the screen as with other media types.

The button, or the P key will start playing the animation directly, you can interrupt this by using the mouse or finger on the image to regain manual movement control.

Controls - 3D Stereoscopic images

If a stereoscopic 3D image is opened in the viewer, the 3D button appears in the bottom right corner giving access to "3D settings" menu. The 3D images can be viewed in several ways:

- without any special equipment using cross-eyed or parallel-eyed method

- with stereoscope

- with anaglyph glasses.

- on a suitable 3D TV or monitor (passive 3D system)

For details about 3D refer to: Mindat manuals: Mindat Media Viewer: 3D

To enable/disable 3D stereo display of a compatible stereo pair image press the 3 key. If the left/right images are reversed on your display (this often happens in full-screen mode) press the 4 key to reverse them.

Controls - photo comparison mode

If a photo with activated comparison mode is opened in the viewer, the button appears in the bottom right corner giving access to "Comparison mode settings" menu.

Several layouts are supported: slider and side by-side comparison with up to 6 photos shown synchronously on the screen. On each of the compared photos a view selector is placed, e.g.: Longwave UV . It shows the name of currently selected view and allows to select a view for each placeholder.

Summary of all keyboard shortcuts
If you're a plugged-in military spouse, I'm sure you see all sorts of career advice -- how to build a portable career, how to hide the gaps in your patchwork resume, how to use volunteer work as a career-builder, and so on. There is no shortage of practical tips for those of us trying to cobble together some sort of a career while living a military life.

Yet we don't always teach other how to make that career work in our crazy military lives once we've landed a job. The challenge isn't just about getting a job, it's about being able to sustain that employment through the roller coaster ride of military moves, deployments, parenting demands and household needs (sometimes single-handedly).

In my new book, Silent Sacrifice on the Homefront, you can read about the real-life stories of military spouses who have struggled to make a career work.

Some have found their own personal version of success, while others are still painfully wrestling with lost dreams. The common thread through all these candid stories is the fact that each military spouse who has found some satisfaction in their career has found a way to integrate those aspirations with the realities of their daily roles. I call this the 3Ms (Marriage, Motherhood or Fatherhood, and Military Life).

Here are some lessons I've learned from the spouses who have successfully fit these roles together:

1. Forge a true partnership with your spouse. You and your spouse need to be on the same page regarding your career plans. What support do you need from him or her to be successful in your job? Does it mean renegotiating the workload at home or with kids? Do you need to reconsider your service member's career plans in order to meet your goals? Whatever the answer is, it requires open and honest communication about your needs and desires.

2. Honor your own needs as a parent. So many new parents feel conflicted about working while their children are young, or feel guilty for wanting to work. Others believe they are better parents when they are fulfilled by their work. And, many of us have to work out financial necessity. There is no right answer, except the answer that fits for you. Honor your beliefs and your desires as a parent instead of doing what you think other people expect of you.

3. Decide if you are truly committed to military life. The spouses I talked to who were happiest in their careers were also the ones happiest with military life in general. They were not naive about the challenges of military life, but they were committed to their spouse's service and were willing to build their plans around that reality. If you're struggling with this commitment to military service, talk honestly with your spouse about your concerns, and decide together what your future looks like.

4. Choose a career path that is realistically sustainable and compatible with military life. Here is where a certain amount of flexibility may come into play. Can you find a career that suits you while still being portable enough to carry with you? The most successful military spouses I know are those who have broken the connection between employment and geography. Either they can work virtually or take their employment with them at each new assignment.

5. Learn to live with resilience and grace, without compromising who you are. Truly successful military spouses are agile and able to roll with changes. They think creatively about opportunities that fit for them in each situation. They are flexible, but not to the point that they give up core aspects of their identity. The spouses I know who are devastated by this military life are those who feel like they've given up who they are in the process. Know who you are and what you love about yourself, and never give that up.

6. Renegotiate the 3Ms as needed. Change is constant in our military lives. Just when you start feeling comfortable, a new set of orders comes along. Or perhaps you finally find the perfect job and you find out you're pregnant. Managing the 3Ms requires regular care and feeding to make sure the different parts of our lives are in alignment. Does this path I'm on still work for me and for my family? What course corrections do I need to make when new things pop up?

The good news is that this is not a test to pass or fail. This is your adventure to create, enjoy, and experience. It's okay to choose new trails on the path or take a break and regroup. Who knows? When you stop by the stream to take a rest you might discover some amazing new mountains to climb on the horizon.

Michelle Still Mehta, PhD, is a consultant, researcher, writer, and coach specializing in military spouse employment, the psychology of working life, and organizational change. Through her writing, Dr. Mehta hopes to promote open dialogue and positive culture change within the military community. She is also an Air Force spouse and resides with her family in the Washington, DC, area. Find her on Facebook.

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Army Tests New Smart Medical Records Device

The Army is getting ready to field a medical communication device that aims to improve comms between the field and receiving hospital, potentially saving the lives of patients. Called the Medical Hands-free Unified Broadcast, or MEDHUB, it features smart automation technology, allowing medics to send ahead patient information on a handheld tablet, using buttons instead of typing in words and characters. According to an Army release, it increases "accuracy in completeness" by about two to three times compared with the old system using a tactical combat casualty care card. MEDHUB recently completed soldier testing at the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory ahead of an end-to-end operational test, set to take place in March, in which MEDHUB will be tested from point of injury through transit to the hospital. Read more about the new device here.

For more on military healthcare, visit the Military.com Benefits section.
LAS VEGAS -- Remington and Mossberg showed off two new compact pistols at SHOT Show 2019 that cater to female shooters and those with small hands.

Remington has a new version of its RM380 sub-combat pistol available in a light blue that's very close to the color made iconic by Tiffany & Co.

"This is a new finish for us -- the light blue and stainless top end," said Travis Tomasie, a member of Remington's pro shooter team. "This is a great concealed carry pistol ... My wife chose it."

The RM380 is chambered for .380 and has a double-action trigger to help reduce the need for an external safety, Tomasie said.

Remingtons RM380 pistol comes in a shade of blue like that made iconic by Tiffany & Co. (Matthew Cox/Staff)

"We didn't want an external safety," he said, explaining that it's another muscle memory step that many shooters don't want to adapt to. "The double action is going to have a longer, heavier trigger pull, less likely to have a negligent discharge."

It has a six-round magazine and a substantial beaver tail "so you can get a good grip on it when you draw it quickly," Tomasie said.

"A lot of these little guns, when you draw it out of the holster, it's hard to get a good grip," he said. "With this, it's very easy because we designed it for that."

The RM380 is also very easy to rack the slide to chamber a round, Tomasie said.

"I can rack it with one finger, so when you talk about female shooters, smaller-stature shooters or older shooters -- anybody can rack this gun. And part of being confident with your handgun is being able to load it," he said.

The RM380 retails for about $415.

Mossbergs new MCIsc subcompact striker-fired pistol. (Matthew Cox/Staff)

Mossberg also unveiled a new pocket-size pistol this year at SHOT -- the MC1sc striker-fired pistol.

The new sub-compact MC1 pistol is chambered for 9mm and features an optional, extended magazine to fit more hand sizes, according to Joseph Kiesel, senior design engineer with O.F. Mossberg & Sons Inc.

The MC1 has a stainless steel slide with special carbon coating for durability.

"It's a striker-fired pistol so it doesn't require you to pull the trigger to disassemble it," Kiesel said, describing the "safe takedown system."

"Press a button, remove the back, slide cover plate off, remove the striker and slide the and barrel off," he said.

The MCI is also available in a night-sight version with Tritium night sights.

Each MCI comes with a seven-round extended magazine and a six-round flush magazine and retails for $425.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.
The Army, the Air Force and the National Guard soon won't be the only ones sporting the Operational Camouflage Uniform.

A non-Defense Department state volunteer defense force is next in line to get the new camo.

Beginning in March, the New York Guard state defense force will begin transitioning from the digital camouflage Army Combat Uniform to the OCP for practicality, according to a news release.

The volunteer force -- which augments the National Guard -- will switch to the new uniforms because they are more readily available than the older ones, which are no longer being manufactured, the release said. The announcement has since been removed.

Roughly 500 members make up the New York Guard, a spokesman for the New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs told Military.com on Tuesday.

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The members, who may be prior military or retirees, are paid when they're on a state duty assignment, but train on their own. They often act as additional manpower for logistics and command-post duties and are not considered an armed force.

The New York Guard will use the Army's OCP rather than the Air Force's, which has more nuanced patch color schemes, according to the DVIDs release. They will also sport the New York State flag in place of the American flag, which is standard practice, and the New York Guard patch as their unit patch.

"New York Guard members wear a black patrol cap with gold rank for enlisted members and silver rank for officers. The rank structure mirrors that of the Army," the release states. "New York Guard members will wear black name and service tapes with silver lettering."

By moving to the OCP, more uniforms, including cold-weather gear, will be available for the state force. Members can wear their old uniforms for up to three more years until the OCP is transitioned in, the release said.

There are 22 state defense forces across the U.S., and each operates differently, a Guard spokesperson said.

The decision to switch to the OCP is up to each state.

"Each state force or volunteer force falls under the command of its respective adjutant general and governor," said Capt. Alicia Lacy, a National Guard Bureau spokeswoman, said in an email Tuesday. "As such, their uniform policies are all unique to each state/territory."

The organization traces its roots back to the early 1900s, when they were known as "Home Guards."

During World War I, Congress authorized some states to equip and activate their "Home Guards" as more and more soldiers deployed overseas.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
It's not much bigger than a dishwasher, but the Leonardo DRS permanent magnet motor, used for years to power oil rigs, will help propel the Coast Guard's new offshore patrol cutter, or OPC.

The Arlington, Virginia-based company was awarded a $10.7 million contract in 2017 to furnish nine hybrid electric drive systems for the Heritage-class OPC, the first of which is under construction in Panama City, Florida, by Eastern Shipbuilding Group.

Leonardo DRS is currently building its second system for the second OPC, the Chase, even as Eastern Shipbuilding just began cutting steel in January for the first ship in the class, the Argus.

Two 625-horsepower permanent magnet motors will power the OPCs hybrid-electric drive system, designed to provide auxiliary propulsion to the ship's main diesel engines. The system will increase fuel efficiency, decrease emissions and reduce wear and tear on the main diesel engines, according to Greg Reed, senior director for business development in Leonardo DRS' naval power unit.

Reed said the auxiliary system will allow the ship to operate at slow speeds or "low load," reducing the need to run diesel engines at low loads, which causes significant stress and deposits buildup.

"[We think the Coast Guard] selected this out of maintenance concerns," Reed said during an interview at the Surface Warfare Association's annual conference in January. "But the other thing is, the U.S. is behind on this technology. Navies internationally, with their frigates and other ships, if they aren't using full-on electric drives, they have hybrid-electric drive systems."

Leonardo DRS' 30- x 26- x 8-inch permanent magnet motor has been used by the oil and gas industry for more than 20 years for drive applications. But in terms of ship propulsion, larger versions have been patrol-tested by the Republic of Korea's Navy, which uses them to power the Daegu-class multipurpose frigates, also known as FFX II.

Working alongside -- and in many cases instead of -- the Daegu class' gas turbine engines, the Leonardo DRS motors provide quiet operations at speeds up to 8 knots -- slow, Reed said, but well-suited for anti-submarine warfare operations and other types of patrols.

The company hopes the U.S. Navy might see the benefits of such a propulsion system for its new frigate, the FFG[X]. According to Reed, in addition to offering fuel savings and whisper-quiet propulsion, it provides greater power efficiency than induction motors and redundancy in case main propulsion systems fail.

"We are trying to convince the Navy that this isn't just about fuel savings and efficiency, it's about capability," he said.

Reed said Leonardo DRS is excited to be working with Eastern Shipbuilding Group, which is expected to deliver the Argus to the Coast Guard in 2021. Work on the 360-foot ship restarted this month following a hiatus after Hurricane Michael nearly wiped out Eastern's shipyards last October.

In addition to cutting steel for Argus, Eastern is pulling together the propulsion systems and machinery for the Chase. The Coast Guard intends to buy 25 OPCs, according to the service.

-- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime.
While the U.S. Air Force hasn't closed the door to a possible light attack program, efforts to procure a new turboprop aircraft for training with allies appear to have lost steam as other priorities have come to the fore.

Service leaders in recent weeks said they're looking at the possibility of another light attack "experiment," one that could involve helicopters, drones and even participation by allies who already have light attack aircraft.

"What is the right mix of fixed-wing, rotary-wing, manned and unmanned [aircraft] that can do the business of light attack?" Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein told Defense News in a Jan. 26 interview. "What is the right mix and how do we bring allies and partners in right now with us -- not just periodically parachute in -- but how do we expand this experiment to bring them into the tent with us?"

Lt. Gen. Arnold Bunch, the Air Force's military deputy for the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, said the concept of light attack began as a way to support allies and partners, but was designed to fill other needs as well.

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Bunch told audiences at an Air Force Association breakfast Feb. 1 that light attack was also intended to be an "additive mix" to the service's own force of fourth- and fifth-gen planes.

Goldfein in the past has described light attack as a "network approach" to help share intelligence between partners.

"It was additive. [Light attack] could not take the place of any of the other missions we have. It would be added on top," Bunch said.

But in line with the Pentagon's National Defense Strategy, other priorities have climbed up the Air Force's wish list for the next fiscal budget request, he said.

And there's a good chance the service's light attack plan will never become a reality.

"I have ideas of how we go forward, and I think I know how we go forward," Bunch said. "There will be more that will come out of this over time. We are planning to broaden the experimentation out and carry [that] forward, and I think when our budget hits, you'll understand more of what we're doing."

He said the Air Force needs to keep an open dialogue with companies, and be transparent about the fact that not every experiment will lead to an acquisition program.

"If we're really going to do this, it's going to take all of us working together," Bunch said, speaking broadly to any new programs the service is shopping around for. "Are all of them going to work out? We do experiments to experiment. Not everything is going to result going forward on programs. We learn. That's part of experimentation."

Should companies invest resources in Air Force experiments, then, if there's no guarantee of a payoff?

One expert suggests treading lightly.

"The contractors are totally right on this one. Why get burned?" said Richard Aboulafia, vice president and analyst at the Teal Group.

"If this was a smart program with a necessary requirement and a bright future, there's a lot to be said for investing in it. But it's more likely that this program falls somewhere between political messaging and temporary foolishness," Aboulafia told Military.com on Monday.

Congress thus far has been eager to see a plan. In November 2017, key lawmakers agreed to provide the Air Force $400 million to continue experimenting with the light attack concept. The Senate Armed Services Committee, in its fiscal 2019 proposal, then added $350 million to procure a future light attack aircraft.

The Air Force was supposed to publish a final request for proposal in December for a light attack aircraft, but it never happened.

The service first held a series of light attack experimental fly-offs and maneuvers at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The Air Force in 2016 announced plans to hold the flight demonstrations with a handful of aircraft to test whether lighter, less expensive off-the-shelf aircraft might be suitable for lower-risk missions in places such as Afghanistan.

The second phase of the experiment was canceled in July following a fatal crash.

But even with the second phase cut short, Air Force officials have said the best fits for light attack are the Textron Aviation AT-6 Wolverine and Sierra Nevada/Embraer A-29 Super Tucano.

Whether other turboprop aircraft will come back into the experiment has not been disclosed.

With so many hypotheticals, Aboulafia said the Air Force needs to be clear about its new path forward on light attack, especially if it wants to expand the enterprise with drone and helicopter makers.

Otherwise, its message may be lost. Aboulafia said he expected contractors to "vote with their feet," walking away from the light attack effort.

"The service will need to decide on the basis of off-the-shelf models and knowledge," he said. "But that doesn't matter, since this rather absurd requirement will likely be canceled anyway."

Bunch, however, said light attack has been a successful effort for the Air Force.

"I do believe it has been a success. I may be the only one that believes it, but I actually believe it has been a success," he said. "We tried something we hadn't done. We built a partnership with industry. We experimented. We learned a lot, and we got to the point where we weren't ready to make a large buy decision at this stage. I still believe that is learning."

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect that the event occurred on a test vessel, not aboard the Ford as previously stated.

The Navy recently got a step closer to getting the first ship in its new class of aircraft carriers ready for combat missions with a live-fire test off the coast of California.

A drone was taken out by Raytheon's latest integrated combat system thats being developed for the supercarrier Gerald R. Ford, Raytheon announced Tuesday. The event took place on a test vessel off the coast of California, said Ian Davis, a Raytheon spokesman.

The system the Navy used to take down the drone is called the Ship Self-Defense System. It integrates a myriad of equipment that will be used aboard the Navys first Ford-class carrier, such as sensors, missiles and radars.

Raytheon program manager Mike Fabel said in a release that the new system allowed for "seamless integration" when its sensors and missiles were put to the test.

"This first-of-its-kind test [proves] the ability of the system to defend our sailors," Fabel said. "This integrated combat system success brings Ford [herself] one step closer to operational testing and deployment."

Related: Navy Finally Has One Weapons Elevator Working on Its Newest Carrier

At least five of the integrated-combat system's capabilities, which are also used on amphibious assault ships, were used during the live-fire event, according to the release detailing the test.

That included a radar that searched for, tracked and illuminated the target; the Ship Self-Defense System, which processed the data and passed launch commands to the missile; and missiles that took out the targeted drone.

The Ford, which is the first in its class of next-generation carriers, is expected to deploy in 2022.

The first in the new generation of carriers, the flattop has faced a series of mechanical and technological setbacks. That has left lawmakers and the commander in chief pressing Navy officials to explain the issues, including those with the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System and advanced weapons elevators.

The problems have even left some members of Congress reluctant to bless future multi-carrier purchases, a process that some say saves the service billions.

Navy and Raytheon officials are planning to conduct more live-fire events this year as they continue putting the Ford's integrated combat system to the test.

-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins.
The Air Force Knew It Had an Ejection Seat Problem, But Didn't Speed Up a Fix. Then a Pilot Died

And his widow fears that another pilot may suffer the same fate.
WASHINGTON -- A group of key congressional members are demanding top military officials explain how they will update a series of medical rules and a failed waiver process that led to the deployment of a Navy linguist killed in Syria.

Navy Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent, 35, a mother of two, was killed last month by a suicide bomber at a restaurant in the Syrian city of Manbij. She was on her fifth combat tour.

Last fall, Kent was to attend a clinical psychology doctoral program in lieu of the deployment. But the Navy reversed the move because she previously had cancer and rejected her waiver applications; instead, she received orders to deploy to Syria.

She was killed less than two months later.

"It is difficult to understand why the department would require a long, drawn-out waiver process when she was cancer-free and in remission," the lawmakers who represent Kent's home states of New York and Maryland asked acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan and Navy Secretary Richard Spencer in a letter. "If CPO Kent was fit to deploy to a war zone, we believe she was fit to serve her country as a clinical psychologist."

The letter dated Friday was signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Sens. Ben Cardin, D-Md., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and House Reps. Walter Jones, R-N.C., Anthony Brown, D-Md., and Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Md.

Kent, along with 18 others, including another U.S. service member, a Defense Intelligence Agency civilian and a Defense Department contractor, were killed Jan. 16 in Syria. Kent was the first female U.S. service member killed in Syria since the U.S.-led coalition's campaign against Islamic State began there in late 2014.

A private memorial service for Kent is slated for Friday.

The Pine Plains, N.Y., native enlisted in the military in December 2003 shortly after high school, fueled by the 9/11 attacks and her service-oriented family. She spoke seven languages, including four dialects of Arabic.

Last year, Kent was slated to attend the Navy's psychology doctorate program at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md. After the Navy blocked the move, she lobbied lawmakers on Capitol Hill for change, but her efforts to alter the rule stalled.

Now, her family wants to finish Kent's fight.

"The regulation still hasn't been fixed and that's something we're working on now," Joe Kent, 38, her widower and father of their two children, said last week. "We'd like to change it in her honor."

Shannon Kent wanted to attend the psychology program so she could help service members suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, Joe Kent has said. With that, she also could have been closer to her children because there would have been less chance that she would deploy into combat zones.

She got initial Navy clearance to attend the program in early February 2018, but they reversed plans by the end of the month.

The Navy said Kent had to meet higher medical standards reserved for joining the service than the requirements for remaining an active service member, ruling her out because of the previous cancer.

A regulation contained within several sections of Chapter 15 of the Navy's Manual of Medical Department, which covers physical standards for medical examinations, lists several health conditions, including cancer, that can disqualify service members from receiving commissions.

"The causes for rejection," reads section 15-34 of the chapter, which goes on to list several health conditions, including "tumor of thyroid or other structures of the neck."

Jones, a longtime vocal opponent of the post-9/11 wars who is now in hospice care battling his own health issues, had asked Spencer last year to revise the Defense Department rule that led to Kent's deployment.

"I am writing to ask for consideration of a potential policy change about the use of 'initial entry' medical standards as opposed to 'retention' medical standards in respect to officer accessions," he wrote in the Aug. 17, 2018 letter to Spencer. "I think these practices may be discriminatory while prohibiting upward mobility and advancement opportunities."

Spencer responded to Jones on Sept. 20, writing the Navy could not change a Defense Department rule, entitled Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction into the Military Services," but could address the waiver process that also stopped Kent's request. Lawmakers on Friday also referenced the exchange in their letter to Shanahan and Spencer.

"To our knowledge, the status of her waiver application was unresolved at the time of her death in Syria," the lawmakers wrote. "When service members like CPO Kent seek to continue their service but require a waiver to do so, providing efficient and thoughtful consideration of their requests is essential."

The lawmakers asked Spencer provide an update on the Navy's efforts to revise the regulations to ensure a clear mechanism to appeal waivers and to standardize the process. They are also requesting an update of Kent's specific waiver application.

The lawmakers also want a briefing from military officials on how it delineates between service members who meet retention and deployment standards versus standards required to enter the service.

"We recognize the importance in this distinction, as it allows some service members with medical challenges to remain in uniform and continue adding value to our military even though they would not be qualified to join as a new recruit," they wrote.

Kent was part of a small, secretive cryptologic intelligence community. She was based out of Fort Meade, Md., and was part of the Navy's Cryptologic Warfare Activity 66, a unit within Cryptologic Warfare Group 6 that focuses on national-, strategic- and tactical-level intelligence, military officials have said.

She was killed doing intelligence legwork as part of larger efforts to track remnants of ISIS, Joe Kent said.

Shannon Kent was due to return to the U.S. by April and hoped to attend Officer Development School in June and her postponed academic studies as part of her commissioning program in August.

Last year, the Navy essentially disqualified Kent from pursuing her doctoral studies because she had thyroid cancer in 2016. The thyroid was removed and the cancer was cured that year, followed by several scans showing she was clear of the illness, her family said.

"If we are healthy enough to deploy worldwide, why are we not healthy enough to pursue officer programs?" Shannon Kent wrote in an April 2018 letter to the then-chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the late Arizona Republican John McCain, who died in August.

Last week, Kent's family wrote to Adm. William Moran, the vice chief of naval operations, to ask for his help in changing the rule that they contend has blocked some enlisted personnel from becoming officers.

The family met Moran on at Dover Air Force Base, Del., when Shannon's remains were returned from overseas on Jan. 19. Kent is slated to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia in the coming weeks.

Shanahan's office declined to comment Monday on the letter, but said they will respond directly to the lawmakers. Spencer's office did not comment immediately. However, Navy officials have said the regulation is now under review.

"The first thing we ought to make sure that we honor Chief Kent for her tremendous sacrifice and her commitment to her oath to support and defend the Constitution," Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson told reporters Friday at the Pentagon. "We want to be mindful that we're standing and communicating with her family first and foremost as we work through this. And so I would just want to leave it there out of respect."

Stars and Stripes staff writer Caitlin Kenney contributed to this report.
Every lawmaker on Capitol Hill is allowed to bring a guest of his or her choice to the annual State of the Union address. And this year, more than a dozen are bringing active-duty troops or military veterans as their plus-one.

According to a list compiled by the Democratic leadership staff of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, 10 lawmakers are bringing military veterans as their guests -- their stories and backgrounds underscoring messaging about the impact of the government shutdown, the harm done by for-profit colleges and other policy issues.

A handful of lawmakers are bringing active-duty and veteran transgender troops, a statement regarding President Donald Trump's proposed ban on transgender service members. A version of that proposal may soon become Pentagon policy.

Here are some of the veterans, and veteran spouses, expected to attend tonight's State of the Union address:

Darrin Kelly

Invited by Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pennsylvania, Kelly is a Navy veteran who worked in damage control from 1994 to 1997, according to his LinkedIn profile. He's also a firefighter for the city of Pittsburgh and the president of the Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO.

Isaac Saldivar

Invited by Rep. Susie Lee, D-Nevada, Saldivar is a Marine Corps veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq who now works as the Las Vegas program coordinator for the organization Merging Vets and Players. According to a House Veterans Affairs Committee release, Saldivar lost two years of GI Bill benefits when the for-profit college he had enrolled in closed.

Jennie Taylor

A guest of Rep. Bob Bishop, R-Utah, Taylor is the widow of Maj. Brent Taylor, a Utah Army National Guard officer and mayor of North Ogden, Utah. Maj. Taylor was killed in November while deployed to Afghanistan.

Chris Gutierrez

A guest of Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Floria, Gutierrez will attend the State of the Union with his wife Chelsey. A petty officer in the United States Coast Guard, he is stationed at Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater. Chelsey Gutierrez has written publicly about the hardships her family endured due to a missed paycheck during the government shutdown in December and January.

Tiphanie Carter

A guest of Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, Carter was the wife of Birmingham Police Sergeant WyTasha Carter, killed in the line of duty in January. Sgt. Carter was an Air Force veteran.

Doug Lowe

Invited by Rep. Darren Soto, D-Florida, Lowe is a Marine Corps veteran now working as an Airways Transportation Systems Specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration at the Orlando International Airport. Lowe was among those affected by the recent government shutdown.

Charlene Downey

A guest of Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragan, D-California, Downey is a former Coast Guard captain who retired in 2018. She served as commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles prior to her retirement.

Ralph Velez

A guest of Rep. Val Demings, D-Florida, Velez is an 11-year Army veteran and now a federal employee of the Transportation Security Administration at Orlando International Airport. He was also affected by the government shutdown.

Jamie Green

Invited by Rep. David Cicilline, D-Rhode Island, Green served in the Navy for five years. Now working as an air traffic controller, Green went without pay for five weeks during the shutdown, according to a release.

Robert Martinez Jr.

A guest of Rep. Donald Norcross, D-New Jersey, Martinez is a Navy veteran and president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).

Logan Ireland

A guest of Rep. Jackie Speier, D-California, Ireland is a transgender Air Force staff sergeant and advocate who has deployed to Afghanistan and Qatar.

Lt. Cmdr. Blake Dremann

Dremann, a guest of Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, is an active-duty transgender Navy submarine officer who has spoken out about LGBT issues.

Megan Winters

Winters, guest of A. Donald McEachin, D-Virginia, is an active-duty Navy petty officer second class who is openly transgender. She was a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the Pentagon's proposed restrictions on transgender troops.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
Army Gen. Joseph Votel, commander of U.S. forces in the Mideast, said Tuesday that President Donald Trump did not consult him before announcing Dec. 19 that he was ordering the withdrawal of the estimated 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria.

"I was not aware of the specific announcement," Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, told a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. But he added that he and others in the high command knew in general terms of Trump's "desire and intent in the past to depart Iraq, depart Syria."

Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, asked: "So you weren't consulted before that decision was announced?"

Votel responded, "We were not -- I was not consulted."

On Dec. 20, the day after the president made the Syria withdrawal announcement, then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis resigned, stating that Trump as commander-in-chief should have a defense secretary whose views are "better aligned" with his own.

Votel's statement appears to be the first confirmation on the record from anyone in the high command that Trump's order to pull out from Syria blindsided the military in its mission to inflict a lasting defeat on the Islamic State.

The highly respected Votel, former head of the Joint Special Operations Command, also appears to be at odds with Trump on the resiliency of ISIS and the terror group's ability to surge again once U.S. troops leave.

In December, Trump tweeted, "We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump presidency."

He has since said that the withdrawal will be gradual, with some of the U.S. troops in Syria re-deploying to Iraq while others return to the States. There have been no reports to date of U.S. troops leaving Syria.

In response to questions from the committee, Votel, who will be retiring in the coming months after 38 years of service, said the fight against ISIS in Syria is not over. He gave no timetable for completing the mission.

He said that about 1,500 to 2,000 ISIS fighters remain in a 20-square-mile pocket in Syria near the Iraqi border. He also estimated that there are about 20,000 to 30,000 ISIS fighters or sympathizers in the region who have mostly gone to ground and are carrying out sporadic insurgent activities.

"The fight against ISIS and violent extremists is not over, and our mission has not changed," Votel said.

"I am not under pressure to be out by a specific date," he said, but "the fact is, the president made a decision and we are going to execute his orders here to withdraw forces from Syria and, as we do that, we're going to do that in a very deliberate manner."

During the withdrawal, "We should expect that they [ISIS fighters] will attempt to attack us and regenerate themselves, and we will continue to put pressure on them to prevent that," Votel said.

He gave the committee assurances that the U.S. will seek to protect the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, who have led the fight against ISIS in Syria, and the Syrian-Kurdish fighters within the SDF.

Votel said that a "key task" for the U.S. during the withdrawal will be "the protection of those who have fought valiantly with us and ensuring that they remain safe as our diplomats and United Nations and others pursue a political solution here in Syria."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Build the border wall. Or build an engineering center at West Point. Or an aircraft hangar in North Carolina. Or flood control projects. Or a vehicle maintenance center in the home state of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky.

President Donald Trump's State of the Union address tonight is expected to present members of Congress with difficult choices: Come up with $5.7 billion to build the border wall, or forgo a number of politically popular and job-producing projects in the Defense Department's military construction budget.

White House adviser Kellyanne Conway said on Fox News Monday that Trump will make the case for constructing a "physical barrier that you can't crawl under or climb over" on the border as part of his speech to the nation from the chamber of the House of Representatives.

The president has repeatedly said that he will declare a national emergency to allow him to dip into the military construction budget, or a separate funding source from the Army Corps of Engineers, if Congress fails to provide money for the wall by Feb. 15 to avoid another government shutdown.

Via Twitter early Tuesday, Trump suggested that he might resort to a "Human Wall" of additional U.S. troops if there is no funding for additional segments of the existing wall.

"Tremendous numbers of people are coming up through Mexico in the hopes of flooding our Southern Border," he wrote. "We have sent additional military. We will build a Human Wall if necessary. If we had a real Wall, this would be a non-event!"

The Pentagon announced Monday that an additional 3,750 active-duty troops will be deployed to bring the total on the border to about 4,350. In addition, about 2,300 National Guard troops have been on the border since last April.

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-New York, has already gone into detail on what diverting money from the military construction budget could mean to his district north of New York City.

In a statement Monday, Maloney said that a national emergency declaration could threaten $252 million worth of funding already allocated for construction projects at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

The projects include a new engineering center, a water treatment plant, additional parking facilities, and upgrades to the West Point Cemetery, he said.

"It doesn't matter if you support building a wall or not, we can't steal funding from the next generation of military leaders to do it," Maloney said. "We set money aside to pay for projects like the engineering center and getting clean water for our cadets, not a wall."

In statements last month, and in remarks to defense reporters, Reps. Adam Smith, D-Washington, the new chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, the ranking committee member, said that Trump could draw on "unobligated funds" in the military construction budget during a national emergency.

Smith and Thornberry also said that such a move would immediately be challenged in the courts.

Among the "unobligated funds" projects -- those for which money has been set aside but not yet committed -- are $60 million for an aircraft maintenance hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina; $105 million for a command-and-control facility at Fort Shafter in Hawaii; and $32 million for a vehicle maintenance shop at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.

In addition to other projects in the U.S., "unobligated funds" could also apply to about $800 million in the 2019 defense budget for projects in Europe under the European Defense Initiative to shore up defenses against threats from Russia.

Another possible resource for the border wall could come from a separate source of funding as yet unspent by the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control projects and to repair damage from last year's hurricane season, Smith said.

In a statement last month, Smith said that declaring a national emergency to dip into the military construction budget "is as clear a statement as any that President Trump values the construction of a wall over military readiness and support for our troops and their families."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's guest for the State of the Union address Tuesday night will be transgender Navy Lt. Cmdr. Blake Dremann, who transitioned from female to male while serving on active duty.

Gillibrand, a New York Democrat who recently announced her candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination, said Dremann's presence would highlight the bill she plans to introduce this week to block President Donald Trump from banning transgender individuals from serving in the military.

"Any transgender American who meets the standards should be able to sign up to join our armed forces, and that's why I'm going to introduce new legislation this week to protect current and future transgender service member," she said in a statement.

The legislation would prohibit the Defense Department from discharging currently serving members based solely on gender identity and prevent it from blocking the recruitment of transgender individuals.

In an interview last March with Military.com, Dremann, a supply officer who served more than three years aboard the Ohio-class ballistic submarine Maine and went on patrol five times, said that as a woman, he helped with the integration of women aboard submarines.

In his transition from female to male, Dremann said he never missed training or a deployment.

"You just don't miss deployments; you handle your medical problems" to comply with the needs of the service, he said.

Dremann, president of the Spart*A advocacy group representing about 800 transgender active-duty, reserve and Guard service members, said last year that the continuing lawsuits and debates on the proposed ban had put transgender service members "in a technical state of limbo" and led to confusion among commanders.

Rep. Donald McEachin, a Democrat from southeastern Virginia, also has invited an active-duty transgender service member, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Megan Winters, as his guest.

McEachin, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said he invited Winters to support the rights of transgender individuals to serve openly in the military and show opposition to Trump's proposed ban.

"As many as 15,000 transgender individuals currently serve in the U.S. military, and they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude," McEachin said in a statement, referring to an estimate by the Williams Institute, a think tank based at the University of California-Los Angeles School of Law devoted to research on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Other Democrats have invited guests to highlight their opposition to the president's policies on a range of issues, including health care, civil rights, gun rights, the government shutdown, the economy and border wall. All members of Congress are entitled to bring one guest.

At least two Democrats, Rep. Jimmy Gomez of California, and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey, have invited immigrants from Central America who were undocumented when they worked at Trump properties.

The White House has yet to release the list of guests who will sit in the special section of the House gallery with first lady Melania Trump.

The State of the Union was delayed during the partial, 35-day government shutdown when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, declined to issue the invitation to Trump to speak.

Last year, Trump's special guests included several current and former members of the military and law enforcement officers.

The service members included retired Sgt. Matthew Bradford, the first blind, double amputee to re-enlist in the Marines after losing his legs and his sight in Iraq in 2007, and Coast Guard Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Ashlee Leppert, who was involved with several rescues in the 2017 hurricane season.

Transgender service members continue to serve on active duty while the president's proposal is being challenged in the U.S. courts.

In a July 2017 Tweet, Trump proposed a total ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, stating that his administration would "not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military." He later directed then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to draw up a policy.

Mattis' proposed policy, however, is not a total ban. It would allow transgender individuals to continue serving if they began transitioning their gender during President Barack Obama's presidency, when transgender individuals could serve openly.

Mattis' policy also would bar transgender individuals from starting transition while in the military and block anyone from joining if they had already transitioned.

The Defense Department has not implemented the policy while lawsuits make their way through the U.S. court system. Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted injunctions in a number of the suits against implementing the policy while the court cases continue, but one remaining lawsuit blocking implementation remains in place in U.S. District Court in Maryland.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Connecticut girls in grades K-12 can sign up now to attend one of Girl Scouts of Connecticuts sSummer camps.

The summer camps are licensed by the State of Connecticut and accredited by the American Camp Association. Girl Scouts of Connecticut operates seven day camps and one resident camp in the following towns: Camp An-Se-Ox: Oxford; Camp Aspetuck: Weston; Camp Carlson: Bristol; Camp Clatter Valley: New Milford; Camp Katoya: Milford; Camp Merrie-Wood: Manchester; and Camp Laurel: LebanonDay and Resident Camp.

At summer camp, girls can develop the kind of outdoor skills its hard to get anywhere else: building a campfire, pitching a tent, canoeing across the lake, and hiking the trails, horseback riding, outdoor adventure, swimming, and archery. Girls explore leadership, build skills, and develop a deep appreciation for nature. Whether for a day, a week, or longer, Girl Scout camp gives girls an opportunity to grow, explore, and have fun under the guidance of caring, trained adults. Girls with more frequent outdoor experiences are more likely to seek challenges and solve problemsqualities that will help them embark on a lifetime of leadership. Spending time in nature improves a girls concentration and creative reasoning. Outdoor experiences also help promote healthy social development and increases her self-esteem, Girl Scouts of Connecticut said in a statement.

Girl Scouts of Connecticut offers free bus services from many local towns. Financial aid is available and we accept Care 4 Kids. Girl Scouts of Connecticut will also be hosting camp information and registration nights in February and March. For more information, visit gsofct.org, call 800-922-2770, or email camp@gsofct.org.

Baby & Me oils, massage program offered

DEEP RIVER  Babies and caregivers are invited to a world of sensory exploration at the Deep River Library on March 2 at 10:30 a.m. Caregivers can learn the benefits of essential oils from a certified Aroma Touch Therapist and get an opportunity to apply oils to babies with a gentle, soothing touch to promote relaxation and calmness. Bring a blanket for the baby to relax on.

Registration is required for this event, which is recommended for babies 6 -12 months. Go to the calendar page at http://deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.comand or Facebook event page to register. For more information or help registering, email the Childrens Department at drplchildrensdept@gmail.com, or call 860-526-6039.

Fuel assistance applications available

Operation Fuels winter energy assistance program began Dec. 3, when its statewide network of over 100 fuel banks, also known as intake sites, begin accepting energy assistance applications. Connecticut families and individuals who are struggling financially and need emergency energy assistance should call 211 to find their closest fuel bank.

According to the United Way's most recent ALICE Report, more than 500,000 Connecticut households cannot afford the cost of basic needs; and as home living expenses continue to rise, Operation Fuel expects to see an increased need for energy assistance this winter.

Operation Fuel wants to ensure that households struggling with home energy costs, have access to heating, electricity and water assistance and are able to stay warm and safe in their homes this winter. As we are all susceptible to extreme weather, we must ensure that those who are even more vulnerable to colder temperatures, children and the elderly especially, have access to our programs. This holiday season, we are asking Connecticut residents to consider making a donation to Operation Fuel. The assistance can very well help your neighbor or a relative, explained Operation Fuel Executive Director Brenda Watson.

Operation Fuel provides year-round emergency energy assistance throughout Connecticut to lower-income working families and individuals, the elderly, and disabled individuals who are in a financial crisis. For more information on Operation Fuel, or to make a donation, go to www.operationfuel.org.

Donations also can be mailed to Operation Fuel, 75 Charter Oak Avenue, Suite 2-240, Hartford, CT 06106. Utility customers can donate to Operation Fuel through the nonprofits Add-a-Dollar program when paying their utility bills. Operation Fuel uses 100 percent of the donations made to the Add-a-Dollar program for energy assistance.

Brick Patio Fundraiser has begun

DURHAM  The Durham Agricultural Fair is holding a 100th Fair Everlasting Tribute Brick Patio Fundraiser.

In commemoration of the 100th Durham Fair in 2019, an Everlasting Tribute patio area will be constructed on the fairgrounds. The tribute area will include a personal inscription brick patio with seating, and will incorporate three illuminated flagpoles to be visible throughout the fairgrounds.

The bricks are being made available to all and cost $40/each. See www.durhamfair.com/100 for details.

Goff House seeks board members

EAST HAMPTON  The Joseph N. Goff House is looking for additional volunteer board members to help plan Goff House events such as the annual celebration of East Hampton's Top 10 Students, the annual Goff House Gazebo Concert series held each Thursday in the summer in the East Hampton Village Center, participation in East Hampton Village Center events and the creation of historical exhibits in the museum space at 2 Barton Hill Road.

Meetings are held every second Wednesday at the museum at 6:30 p.m. Visit the blog at http://goffhouseehct.blogspot.com to learn more, or contact Dean Markham, deanmarkham@comcast.net or call 860-860-918-4400.

Denim & Diamonds auction benefits school

OLD SAYBROOK  The Children's Tree Montessori School will hold a Denim & Diamonds themed Silent Auction fundraiser Feb. 9. The event will be held at the Vicki G. Duffy Pavilion at Old Saybrook Point, 155 College St, Old Saybrook, 6-9 p.m.

This public, adult only event, will feature live music, food donated by featured area restaurants, drinks, friends, and a little friendly competition over desired auction items.

This fundraiser will benefit The Childrens Tree Montessori School, a non-profit school in Old Saybrook, devoted to making a positive difference in the community. They provide the highest quality programs that benefit residents in our town and surrounding areas.

Tickets are $25 at the door. Tickets can be reserved online at www.childrenstree.org or call the school at 860-388-3536.
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DURHAM  Durham constituents and residents in the surrounding area received a legislative update from state Reps. Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford) and Noreen Kokoruda (R-Madison) Jan. 16 at The Whole Enchilada on Main Street.

The lawmakers addressed concerns from constituents, answered questions, and discussed the 2019 legislative session, as well as current happenings at the Capitol, according to a press release. Other topics included the upcoming budget, potential cuts and taxes, and constituents concerns about Connecticut being an unaffordable place to live.
MIDDLETOWN - Mayor Daniel Drew is proposing the city join the burgeoning effort to eliminate one-time use plastic bags.

In conjunction with environmental groups and his legal staff, Drew has drafted a proposed ordinance he intends to bring to the Common Council next month.

We also looked at what other and towns and cities in the state have come up with, he added.

The two-page proposed ordinance is justified because Plastic checkout bags pollute our local streams and rivers, disintegrate into smaller bits that contaminate soil and waterways and enter into the food supply of animals, fish and humans.

They further contribute to litter and increase the volume and toxicity of waste materials in our solid waste stream costing the City considerable economic resources, he said.

In a conversation Monday, Drew said he is proposing the ban because there are less expensive options, but chiefly because its better for the environment and theres less clutter in peoples homes.

If the council supports his proposal, Drew said the ban would not take effect until 2020, which would give everyone the chance to adapt to it.

The effort to reduce plastic waste worldwide has gained momentum of late, what with the growing awareness of ever-expanding North Pacific Gyre (The Great Pacific Garbage Pile), staggering photos of tons of plastic wastes inundating beaches and harming marine life.

In Connecticut, the General Assembly has yet to take up the issue. Instead, individual cities and towns have addressed the issue, with Greenwich and Westport having banned them.

Stamford is moving to do so and New Haven, Guilford and Branford among other towns have or are discussing bans as well, according to an Associated Press article from last month. Hamden most recently held a hearing on the issue in January.

Drew said many businesses are already moving to curb single-use bags.

Aldis, the German-owned grocery chain, already bans single-use plastic bags and last month, Big Y, the Springfield-based supermarket chain announced it would eliminate single-use plastic bags by 2020.

Krogers, the largest grocery chain in the U.S., said it will eliminate single-use plastic bags in its stores by 2025.

A Krogers spokeswoman told Bloomberg News the step will eliminate six billion bags - out of the approximately 100 billion that are thrown away each year in the U.S.

Of that number, less than 5 percent of the bags are recycled, Krogers said.

The Connecticut Food Association is a statewide association that represents the Connecticuts grocery community.

In an interview with the Associated Press last month, the CFAs president, Wayne Pesce, said leaving the issue to be dealt with by each of the states 169 cities and towns doesnt make sense.

Its difficult for retailers to comply and is confusing for consumers, Pesce said.

Instead, over the past year, Pesce said the CFA has been working with legislators, recyclers, and environmental groups to solve this problem via statewide legislation.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., state Consumer Consumer Counsel Elin Swanson Katz and a number of consumer groups are calling for an end to the third-party residential electric market.

The market, which debuted in Connecticut in 2000, is part of a larger electric utility deregulation that proponents promised would yield savings on customers energy bills. With it, consumers are able to chose from a variety of third-party power suppliers or let the states electric distribution companies continue to buy electricity for customers, as they had prior to deregulation.

But now, Blumenthal, Katz and the consumer groups contend the promise of savings through third-party power suppliers has not materialized. They said during a press conference at the Legislative Office Building Monday that consumers using third-party suppliers have paid an estimated $200 million more than utility customers who the states electric distribution companies continue to buy electricity for them, which is known as the standard service offer.

Third-party electric suppliers rely on predatory sales tactics to trick folks into unwittingly signing up for contracts, Katz said in a statement. Whats more, our residents - especially those who are low-income, elderly, use English as a second language, and other vulnerable populations - are getting ripped off by these third-party suppliers, which often charge significantly higher rates than the electric utility default service. Enough is enough.

Consumers desperately need and deserve protection from abuses in the residential electric supply market, Blumenthal said. Ending this fraught market - so hazardous and harmful to consumer pocketbooks - should be a priority.

One of the consumer groups calling on Connecticut lawmakers to put an end to the third-party electric supplier market is the Connecticut chapter of AARP. John Erlingheuser, AARP Connecticuts advocacy director, said the process of selecting a third-party electric supplier is confusing and complex.

Even if we could eradicate all of the deceptive suppliers and build a wall of consumer protections around the third-party market, ratepayers will still be stuck with contracts that cost more money than the traditional default standard electric service, Erlingheuser said in a statement. The process does not allow for an apples to apples comparison.

An official with the Retail Energy Supply Association, a Pennsylvania-based national trade group representing third-party power suppliers, said ending Connecticut consumers rights to select third-party electric suppliers could cost homeowners millions of dollars in potential savings. Last month alone, Connecticut residential energy customers could have saved more than $14 million compared to standard offer rates, according to Matt White, president of the trade group.

The state of Connecticut gave customers the power to choose their electric supplier 20 years ago, White said. For the OCC to attempt to arbitrarily unplug customer choice would short-circuit Connecticut energy customers of potential savings, cleaner energy, energy management tools and other benefits of the competitive market. Our analysis concludes that residential customers choosing competitive electricity suppliers could have saved millions in just the first month of this year, discrediting assertions that retail choice does not benefit Connecticut consumers.

The analysis done for the group was conducted by Intelometry, a Houston-based retail energy systems and data provider that specializes in retail energy markets and operations. The analysis found there were 70 offers from third-party electricity provides that were cheaper than the standard offer price last month.

Guy Sharfman, managing director for Intelometry, said there were 141 retail supplier offers posted on Connecticuts Official Rate Board.

White said that price is only one factor consumers consider when choosing electricity supppliers.

From multi-year contracts that offer longer term price stability, to smart thermostats, and loyalty rewards, suppliers are routinely developing value-added products and services that allow customers to choose the products that meet their own individual needs. Important among these value-added products are green energy options, he said.

The move to eliminate third-party suppliers in Connecticut comes after Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey introduced legislation in that state last month to end the residential retail choice market there. Healey has sought to eliminate third-party suppliers in Massachusetts since early last year.

Under the current standard offer system, new electric rates are established every six months using a procurement process that undergoes the scrutiny of state utility regulators.

Katz said that in addition to overcharging Connecticut consumers, third-party electric suppliers do not bring meaningful employment to our state as the jobs are often located outside of the state.

Even with new consumer protections put into place by Connecticut lawmakers in 2014 and the following year, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority has been involved in numerous enforcement proceedings investigating the marketing practices of individual suppliers. PURA consumer protection enforcement proceedings have yielded more than $12.1 in settlements and regulators have imposed civil penalties against third-party electric suppliers for more than $1 million .

luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com
LANSING  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed two executive orders and one executive directive in efforts to protect the Great Lakes, clean up our drinking water, and combat the impacts of climate change.

With its 93 miles of shoreline, the moves could definitely have an impact on Huron County.

Executive Order 2019-2 restructures the Department of Environmental Quality as the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). The executive order also creates new offices within the department, including the Office of the Clean Water Public Advocate, the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate, and the Interagency Environmental Justice Response Team.

Executive Order 2019-3 strengthens the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team as an effort to inform the public about perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), locate contamination, and take action to protect sources of drinking water from these dangerous chemicals.

Rep. Phil Green, a Millington Republican who represents Huron and Tuscola counties, expressed a "measured excitement" about seeing the PFAS team bolstered.

"I think that is something that we have to deal with and I'm hoping that the federal government will get on board and help us deal with the problems that were developed there," said Green.

Executive Directive 2019-12 enters Michigan into the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of governors from 19 other states that have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

This is about finding real solutions to clean up our drinking water so every Michigander can bathe their kids and give them a glass of water at the dinner table safely, said Whitmer. We have a chance to build a system that really works so we can protect our water and improve public health. Weve also got to take action to protect our state from the effects of climate change. The science is in, and its time we get to work to mitigate the impact of climate change for the sake of our kids and future generations in Michigan.

This executive order will make sure that our state government is more responsive to problems with our drinking water and our environment, said Liesl Clark, who will serve as the director of EGLE. By creating offices like the Clean Water Public Advocate, we can get to work solving the problems that dozens of communities are facing with their drinking water. Im ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work with Gov. Whitmer to protect Pure Michigan and strengthen our economy.

Executive Order 2019-2 also creates a new office of climate and energy that will work with the governor to mitigate the impacts of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and embrace more sustainable energy solutions.

The executive order is an attempt to make state government more efficient, responsive and effective by transferring duties related to process improvement and good government to the Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB).

DTMB is committed to developing and supporting meaningful process improvement and risk management tools across the state to make government more efficient and accountable, said DTMB Director Tricia Foster. I look forward to working with all departments to enact Gov. Whitmers vision of a more responsive and effective state government here in Michigan.

Additionally, the executive order will streamline the regulatory process in state government by creating the Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules and by eliminating unnecessary commissions.
Come hell or high water, Anthony Gerald shows up. Be it with a cane, a walker or simply limping; he rarely misses a community event because he knows how important it is to be a shining example to his children, often seeks out every opportunity he can to serve as a blessing to someone else.
Pastor Rick Warren, the founder of Saddleback Church announced the ministrys plans to launch a Los Angeles campus. The pastor also announced that there will be a special Easter Worship as part of the launch.

Saddleback Church is planning to hold its Easter services on the 20th of April at the auditorium of Hollywood High. The actual location of the Los Angeles branch of the church is still up in the air. The schedule of services that will be happening after Easter has not yet been finalized either. However, over 1,000 people have expressed agreement with the need of the L.A. campus. 300 people have even signed up to help with the Easter services on the 20th.

Pastor Jeremy Haynes was hired by Saddleback Church to specifically lead and look after the Los Angeles Campus. He himself is from the city of Los Angeles and expressed great excitement at the idea of Saddleback coming to his home town.

Saddleback Church first started in Lakewood and currently has eight different branches across Southern California. The mega church continues to plant campuses in various regions as an effort to fulfill the Great Commission.
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By Beth Allcock, Daily Express | Feb. 04, 2019

Turkmenistan Airlines routes to the UK have been suspended to the UK in a decision enacted with immediate effect. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has taken away the firm's right to operate across the European Union, including from terminals in Birmingham and London's Heathrow. The UK's Civil Aviation Authority told how its chartered routes from the UK hubs to destinations including Amritsar, Bangkok, Beijing and Delhi, via Asghabat, would now not run. Where does that leave tourists and what advice has been given?

What Is the Situation with Turkmenistan Airlines?

Turkmenistan Airlines is the flag carrier and only airline of Turkmenistan, headquartered in Ashgabat.

The company's flights to the European Union were suspended on February 4, by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), in the grounds of international air safety.

Shortly after its decision, the Civil Aviation Authority issued a statement advising passengers of the huge range and said: "Following the decision on 4 February 2018, by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to suspend permission for Turkmenistan Airlines to operate services to the European Union, Turkmenistan Airline flights from Birmingham and Heathrow to Amritsar, and Heathrow to New Delhi - which fly via Ashgabat - are suspended with immediate effect.

"The UK Civil Aviation Authority is required under European law to withdraw Turkmenistan Airlines' permit to operate to the UK pending EASA's restoration of their approval that it meets international air safety standards."

It remains possible the firm can re-gain its license to fly at some point in the future.

What Action Can UK Travellers Affected by the Decision Take?

The CAA has offered advice to UK travellers, and stated on its website: "Passengers who have travelled may need to make their own arrangements to return home.

"They should contact Turkmenistan Airlines, your travel insurer or travel agent for assistance."

For ticket refunds for journeys not yet taken, passengers should again get in touch with the airline.

Those who booked with a credit, charge or debit card may be able to make a claim against their card provider.

The airline has not yet commented on the ban.

What Are the Alternative Routes People Can Use to Get Home to the UK?

Turkmenistan Airlines operates from bases at Birmingham and Heathrow Airports in the UK.

Other airlines which could help stranded passengers return to the UK include Air India, British Airways, Jet Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Meanwhile for those in Turkey, Turkish Airlines could assist with direct flights.
Automaker Ford Motor Co, China's Huayou Cobalt and South Korean battery supplier LG Chem have joined forces in a blockchain project to monitor cobalt supplies from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, an executive at Ford said.Leads three-month price on the London Metal Exchange surged to its highest level since August 2018 during afternoon trading on Monday February 4, breaching the nearby $2,100-per-tonne support level while nickel and zinc futures similarly gathered momentum.A Brazilian court has decided that iron ore miner Vale should halt operations at eight tailings dams in the countrys southeastern state of Minas Gerais, where a dam failed recently, the company said on Monday.The Malaysian government's decision to stop levying anti-dumping duties on imported material will create a more level playing field for hot-rolled coil producers in China and Indonesia that are looking to export to Malaysia, market sources told Fastmarkets MB.Mexicos steel industry association Canacero has demanded the renewal of a safeguarding duty of 15% imposed on imports of steel products, after it expired on January 31, it told Fastmarkets on Monday.
CITY OF BLAINE COUNTIES OF ANOKA AND RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council (the Council) of the City of Blaine, Minnesota, will hold a public hearing on October 4, 2018, at a meeting of the Council beginning at approximately 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in the Council Chambers of the City, City Hall, 10801 Town Square Drive, Blaine, Minnesota, relating to the proposal of the Blaine Economic Development Authority (the EDA) to establish Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-21 (South Terrace Cove Project, a Redevelopment District) (the TIF District) within the Blaine Economic Development Project Area (the Project Area) and adopt a Tax Increment Financing Plan therefor (the Plan); all pursuant to and in conformity with applicable law, including Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.090 through 469.108, and 469.174 through 469.1794 (the TIF Act). A copy of the documentation proposed to be considered at the hearing will be on file and available for public inspection during regular business hours at the office of the Citys Community Development Director at the Blaine City Hall at least 10 days prior to the public hearing. Adjacent to this notice is a map which shows the area of the proposed the TIF District and the boundaries of the Project Area where the increments may be collected and expended, respectively, pursuant to the TIF Act. In addition, the EDA proposes entering into an agreement with Shade Tree Construction, Inc., a Minnesota corporation or an affiliate thereof (the Developer) under which the EDA will provide tax increment assistance to the Developer, and the Developer will agree to demolish three existing office buildings, clear the site and construct approximately 43 owner-occupied townhomes and related improvements to be located at the northeast corner of 102nd Avenue and University Avenue within the Development District. The assistance will be exempt from the requirements of Minnesota Statues, Sections 116J.993 to 116J.995 (the Business Subsidy Law). However, a copy of the proposed business subsidy agreement is on file and available for public inspection at the office of the Community Development Director in City Hall. At the time and place fixed for the public hearing, the Council will give all persons who appear or submit comments in writing prior to the hearing, an opportunity to express their views with respect to the proposal. Interested persons may file written comments respecting the proposal with the City Clerk at or prior to said public hearing. Map Depicting Project Area and TIF District Published in the Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life September 21, 2018 860342

Ad details CITY OF BLAINE COUNTIES OF ANOKA AND RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council (the Council) of the City of Blaine, Minnesota, will hold a public hearing on October 4, 2018, at a meeting of the Council beginning at approximately 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in the Council Chambers of the City, City Hall, 10801 Town Square Drive, Blaine, Minnesota, relating to the proposal of the Blaine Economic Development Authority (the EDA) to establish Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-21 (South Terrace Cove Project, a Redevelopment District) (the TIF District) within the Blaine Economic Development Project Area (the Project Area) and adopt a Tax Increment Financing Plan therefor (the Plan); all pursuant to and in conformity with applicable law, including Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.090 through 469.108, and 469.174 through 469.1794 (the TIF Act). A copy of the documentation proposed to be considered at the hearing will be on file and available for public inspection during regular business hours at the office of the Citys Community Development Director at the Blaine City Hall at least 10 days prior to the public hearing. Adjacent to this notice is a map which shows the area of the proposed the TIF District and the boundaries of the Project Area where the increments may be collected and expended, respectively, pursuant to the TIF Act. In addition, the EDA proposes entering into an agreement with Shade Tree Construction, Inc., a Minnesota corporation or an affiliate thereof (the Developer) under which the EDA will provide tax increment assistance to the Developer, and the Developer will agree to demolish three existing office buildings, clear the site and construct approximately 43 owner-occupied townhomes and related improvements to be located at the northeast corner of 102nd Avenue and University Avenue within the Development District. The assistance will be exempt from the requirements of Minnesota Statues, Sections 116J.993 to 116J.995 (the Business Subsidy Law). However, a copy of the proposed business subsidy agreement is on file and available for public inspection at the office of the Community Development Director in City Hall. At the time and place fixed for the public hearing, the Council will give all persons who appear or submit comments in writing prior to the hearing, an opportunity to express their views with respect to the proposal. Interested persons may file written comments respecting the proposal with the City Clerk at or prior to said public hearing. Map Depicting Project Area and TIF District Published in the Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life September 21, 2018 860342
On Saturday, June 19, 2021, Emmett Colon Mitcham Jr. died at Rush Foundation Hospital. He was a true gentleman; He loved God, his family, his church, and his work. Emmett was kind-hearted and quick-witted, often making up songs to describe his current situation. To him, work was the joy of a
OTTAWA, ON , June 18, 2021 /CNW/ - As youth vaping continues to rise, the Government of Canada is taking action to address it. While youth smoking is at its lowest level in decades, vaping is putting a new generation of Canadians at risk of ...
SALEM, Ore.

Feb. 5, 2019

Wade Brooks

the United States

Willamette University

New Zealand

Victoria University

Wellington's

New Zealand

Jan and Gabe Johansen

Salem, Oregon

Jan and Gabe Johansen

Jessi Freitag

/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Liv Foods, Inc., maker of LivBar, organic superfood energy bars, has hiredas their new CEO. Upon his arrival, Mr. Brooks raised a Series A investment round, led by Leatherwood Capital, to help grow the distribution channel and pursue a national product roll-out."LivBar has everything you want to see in a consumer packaged goods company, beyond their healthy and delicious superfood bars, they have regional distribution, excellent branding and packaging, and are certified USDA Organic. What LivBar lacked, was growth capital to move beyond the regional markets and address a national audience hungry for their bars," said CEO Brooks.Mr. Brooks is no stranger to running early stage, high growth companies. His first company, which he founded in college, went on to become the first Apple Computer Value-Added Reseller in. Since those early years, he has run three companies and performed turnarounds for two additional companies. He is also one of the founding board members of The Greater Sum Foundation, providing funding to early stage, scalable, non-profit organizations. Most recently, he was Associate Professor of Entrepreneurial Practice atMBA, founding the world's first university angel investment fund in 2008 and named Faculty Member of Year in 2016. Mr. Brooks also recently spent a semester inteaching early stage investing atofSchool of Economics and Finance. "is beautiful and I contemplated staying to research and teach, but the opportunity to jump back into a high growth company and take it national was too compelling to pass up," said Brooks."We are extremely excited that Wade decided to come on as our full-time CEO," said original founders,. "As our company continues to grow, it is imperative we have someone with entrepreneurial expertise, financial acumen, and management experience."LivBars are made with all natural, real-food ingredients, are 100% USDA Certified Organic, GMO-free, gluten free, other top allergen free (nut-free, soy-free, dairy-free, corn-free), and packaged in a compostable wrapper. All of the bars are vegetarian and two flavors are vegan. The bars are currently available nationwide through https://livbar.com and Amazon Prime, and locally, through New Seasons Market, Roth's, Market of Choice, and Life Source Natural Foods. LivBar has also recently signed a national distribution contract with DPI Specialty Foods.LivBar was founded in 2012 inby two nutrition and fitness experts,. When Jan could not find a truly healthy energy bar made from only real foods for her nutrition customers, she created the LivBar recipes. LivBars are crunchy and chewy and come in five delicious superfood flavors: Coffee Maple Cacao, Raspberry Kale Maca, Blueberry Vanilla Kale, Ginger Lemon Turmeric, and Lemongrass Cherry Matcha.If you would like more information, please call, Marketing and Operations Manager, at (971) 239-1209.SOURCE LivBar
Recent research reveals for the first time that people can learn new information while they are asleep. Share on Pinterest Learning can also occur during sleep, new research shows. Scientists already know that sleep consolidates learning of new information that we acquire during wakefulness. Now, researchers at the University of Bern in Switzerland suggest that learning can also take place during deep, or slow-wave sleep. In a study that features in the journal Current Biology, they show how associations with new foreign words can occur at certain phases of slow-wave sleep. Much sleep research concerns the processes that stabilize and consolidate memories that form during periods of wakefulness. There is now considerable evidence that replay during sleep strengthens memories and embeds them in the previously acquired knowledge store in the brain. The study authors note that many deem it impossible that learning can take place during sleep because sleep lacks the conscious awareness and the necessary brain chemistry and activity. In addition, studies that have examined sleep learning in humans have yielded conflicting results.

Learning during daytime naps The researchers were intrigued by the question: If the sleep state strengthens a memory trace that forms during wakefulness, then why cant the sleep state itself form a memory trace that endures into wakefulness? Using electroencephalograms (EEGs), they recorded brainwave activity in 41 healthy male and female volunteers as they took a daytime nap and while they underwent subsequent memory tests. During the nap, the volunteers also wore in-ear headphones through which the researchers played recordings of numerous verbal word pairs. They devised each word pair so that one word was a familiar, native-language word while the other was a made-up pseudoword. For example, they paired the word house with the pseudoword tofer. In another pair, the familiar word was cork, and the pseudoword was aryl. After the nap, the volunteers underwent a test of their sleep-formed associations. The test presented them with random samples of the pseudowords. At each presentation, they had to say whether the object the word described could fit inside a shoebox or not. The results showed that the size classification of the pseudowords was better than chance if the acoustic presentation of the second word of a pair during sleep repeatedly hit an ongoing slow-wave peak.
By Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY | Feb. 04, 2019

Southwest Airlines appears to be inching ever-closer to launching its long-anticipated service to Hawaii.

The carrier plans to make its first flight to the state this week, the airline confirmed Monday.

But there won't be any passengers on board. Instead, the flight from Oakland, California, to Honolulu, will be a proving flight that's part of Southwest's effort to secure the "ETOPS" certification it needs from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate long overwater flights with its two-engine Boeing 737 jets.

The airline's first Hawaii flight is scheduled for Tuesday, "barring any unforeseen changes," Southwest spokesman Brian Parrish said in a statement to USA TODAY's Today in the Sky blog.

"Tomorrow's validation flight is not a regular, scheduled flight and only FAA Representatives along with Southwest ETOPS Program Team Representatives and ETOPS-trained Southwest Pilots will be onboard to demonstrate our long range navigation and communication procedures and equipment," Parrish added, noting that additional steps will be required to receive the certification.

"Once we pass all phases of the ETOPS application process to the satisfaction of the FAA and receive our ETOPS authorization, we will announce further details of timing for selling and operating flights," he said.

Southwest had already been in the process of securing that needed certification, but the effort received an unexpected delay during the federal government shutdown that furloughed federal workers, including FAA inspectors.

Speaking during the airline's earnings call in late January, Kelly said he expected that his airline would be able to begin Hawaii flights approximately six to eight weeks after the FAA approval process resumed. Before the shutdown, he said, Southwest was aiming for a Feb. 1 startup, though it never publicized that target date.

He suggested then that if the shutdown ended within a week - which it did - the airline might be able to begin passenger flights by mid-March. One potential trouble spot, however, is that a deadline looms later this month for another possible shutdown.

Whenever its Hawaii service does begin, Southwest's first flights will be from California to Hawaii. Inter-island flights would come after that, though the airline has not provided any sort of time frame.

For now, Southwest continues its efforts to secure the certification that would allow its 737s to fly between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. The certification - short for "Extended-range, Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards" - is standard for airlines wishing to deploy two-engine aircraft on long overwater routes where diversion airports are scarce.

As aircraft technology has advanced in recent decades, the certification has become common. From the mainland U.S., it's frequently used for widebody jets making long-haul transoceanic routes to Europe and Asia. For Hawaii flights, many U.S. airlines already have ETOPS certification to fly narrowbody planes to and from the state.

While many of its U.S. rivals already have the certification, Southwest's effort to seek it is a recent development. Since its launch in 1971, the carrier flew only within the mainland United States for more than 40 years. But that changed in 2014, when Southwest began flying to several destinations in the Caribbean. It has since expanded its footprint to include Mexico and Costa Rica, but none of those flights require ETOPS certification. But, with the planned Hawaii service, Southwest has finally had to seek approval for ETOPS service.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that usually begins in the late teenage years or early adulthood. People with bipolar disorder can experience mood shifts between depressive and manic episodes. It is important to note that many teenagers go through shifts in mood during puberty as their bodies adapt to changing hormones. Bipolar disorder, on the other hand, is a condition that disrupts a persons daily life and requires treatment. Caregivers need to understand bipolar disorder and how it relates to teens. This will help them spot the early signs and differentiate bipolar disorder from typical mood changes.

Understanding bipolar disorder Share on Pinterest Bipolar disorder causes drastic changes in a persons mood and energy level Bipolar disorder is a long lasting condition that causes drastic changes in a persons mood and energy levels. This radical change is usually between two states called manic and depressive. However, some people will experience only mania and not depression. During a manic episode, a person feels unusually energized or excited and might be more active than usual. They may describe themselves as feeling extremely happy or as though they are high on life. They may also engage in impulsive behaviors during these times. During a depressive episode, a person feels sad, down, or hopeless. They may be much less active than usual and have little or no interest in the things that would usually excite them. Between these stages, people may return to relatively typical mood and behavior. There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but people can manage their symptoms using a range of treatments, such as medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Early signs of bipolar disorder in teenagers Bipolar disorder can arise at any age, including in children, but it most commonly develops in the late teens and early adult years. An estimated 2.8 percent of people over the age of 18 years in the United States have bipolar disorder. The prevalence of the condition in men and women is approximately the same. When symptoms show up during a persons adolescence or teenage years, it is important to consider that they are already going through a lot of changes due to puberty and hormonal shifts. As a result, doctors will want to take great care to monitor the teen to ensure that they are not mistaking typical mood changes for signs of bipolar disorder. Signs to look out for during a manic episode include: a short temper or unusual outbursts

appearing extremely happy or acting very silly in a way that is not typical for people their age

trouble sleeping or not sleeping at all

not feeling tired

having trouble staying focused on one thing

talking very quickly or trying to talk about many things at once

talking or thinking about sex or engaging in it more often

risky or impulsive behaviors

inflated ego or feeling very self-important During a depressive episode, signs to look out for include: feeling very sad or depressed

crying regularly

feeling lonely or isolating themselves

complaining about pains, such as headaches or stomachaches

feeling guilty

feeling worthless

anxiety

feeling angry or irritated with no known cause

changes in eating habits, for example, eating too much or too little

having very little energy even if they got enough sleep

taking little interest in activities that would usually excite them

romanticizing death or thinking about taking their own life In adults, an episode may range in duration from a few weeks to a few months. Between episodes, people may experience periods in which they have normal moods. They may also worry about the disorder itself and be upset or frustrated with their symptoms and not knowing the root cause. It is important to understand that this is not merely a mood that a teenager can pull themselves out of easily. Bipolar disorder is a serious medical condition that requires treatment.

Causes Share on Pinterest Genetics, environmental factors, and brain chemistry may all have a role in bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a complex condition, and doctors do not fully understand what causes it. However, they believe that genetics, environmental factors, and brain chemistry may all play a role in causing bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorders may also accompany other disorders. As a study that featured in Child and Adolescent Mental Health pointed out, there is between a 20 and 80 percent chance that a person with bipolar disorder will also experience another disorder, such as: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

anxiety disorders

disruptive behavior disorders

substance use disorders These accompanying disorders can make diagnosing bipolar disorder quite challenging, as some symptoms of these disorders overlap and may appear to be symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis It may be more challenging for a doctor to diagnose bipolar disorder in teens than in adults, and this process may take some time. As there are no blood tests or brain scans that can confirm bipolar disorder, doctors will first want to ask the individual about their medical history before asking them to describe their sleeping patterns and mood changes. The doctor may ask similar questions to a guardian to get a more well-rounded picture of the teens behaviors. They may also ask about the familys medical history to find out about any relatives with depression or substance use disorders. Doctors may want to monitor the teen for a period and refer them to a psychologist or psychiatrist. However, symptoms can be so severe that hospitalization may be necessary to keep the adolescent safe. A healthcare professional may also test for any other accompanying conditions, as these symptoms may appear to be symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Treatment Share on Pinterest Undergoing therapy can help teens cope with bipolar disorder more effectively. There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but people can manage their symptoms using a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Treatment in teens is usually the same as treatment in adults. Doctors may prescribe a few different types of medication to help teens manage their symptoms, and more than one drug may sometimes be necessary. Doctors may recommend the following medications: antidepressant drugs, under special circumstances

mood stabilizers

antipsychotic drugs

anti-anxiety drugs, in small amounts The right medication may change from person to person, and finding the right combination and dosage is critical to managing the condition. Therapy is the other important part of treatment. Forms of talk therapy may help teens cope with the disorder and understand what they are going through. Therapy may also help teens understand their behavioral patterns and manage their routines more effectively. Therapy techniques for teens with bipolar disorder include: psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy

family-focused therapy

interpersonal therapy Bipolar disorder may change as the person matures, and their treatment plan will need to change along with it. Anyone noticing unwanted side effects should talk to their doctor about changing the type or dosage of their medications. As a guardian, it is essential to support a teen with bipolar disorder and help them find effective treatments. Be patient with them and try to understand how difficult it is for them to deal with this condition. Encourage teens to talk about their feelings, and then listen to what they have to say. Help them keep track of their symptoms to discuss with a therapist later. Encourage teens with bipolar disorder to maintain a healthful lifestyle. Overall, as a guardian or friend of a teen with bipolar, be supportive and help them have fun and enjoy life.
Small amounts of bleeding during the second trimester are typical and may not signal a problem, though it is important to get checked if something feels wrong. In this article, we look at the possible causes and when to see a doctor.

For many people, the second trimester marks a moment of calm in pregnancy. The intense symptoms of the first trimester often dissipate, and the exhaustion, muscle pain, and anxiety about birth that are common during the third trimester may not have appeared.

Some pain and a small amount of spotting are normal during the second trimester. However, it is essential to know when to see a doctor.

Women who experience mild bleeding, spotting, or unusual discharge should contact their healthcare providers. When bleeding is heavy or painful, it is a medical emergency.

Bleeding does not usually mean a woman is going into labor or having a miscarriage.

Bleeding in the second trimester is less usual, with heavier bleeding being a more serious sign than light bleeding. Causes can range from mild inflammation to problems with the placenta or cervix.

Bleeding is common during the first trimester of pregnancy, affecting 15 to 25 percent of pregnant women.

Possible causes of bleeding in the second trimester include:

Minor cervical irritation

Light spotting does not usually mean that there is a serious problem with the pregnancy, especially if the spotting goes away on its own within a day or two.

During pregnancy, the blood vessels in the cervix may become inflamed, especially when the weight of the uterus puts pressure on them. Some women can experience light bleeding after a pelvic exam or sex.

Cervical growths

Cervical polyps are benign, or non-cancerous, growths on the cervix. They are common and rarely cause any problems.

During pregnancy, cervical polyps may swell or become irritated, causing them to bleed. A doctor can often carry out a quick exam to identify whether a cervical growth is a reason for a persons bleeding

Placenta issues

The placenta is an organ that nourishes and protects the developing baby. Problems with this organ are a leading cause of bleeding during birth.

Anyone who suspects problems with the placenta must seek immediate treatment, as issues with the placenta can injure the baby and cause dangerous bleeding in the pregnant woman.

Some placenta issues that may cause bleeding in the second trimester include:

Placenta previa: This is when the placenta is very low in the uterus. It may fully or partially cover the cervix, causing bleeding throughout pregnancy. In severe cases, doctors may recommend extra monitoring or a cesarean delivery.

This is when the placenta is very low in the uterus. It may fully or partially cover the cervix, causing bleeding throughout pregnancy. In severe cases, doctors may recommend extra monitoring or a cesarean delivery. Placenta accreta: Placenta accreta causes the placenta to grow much deeper into the uterus than usual. It is more likely to cause bleeding during the third trimester than the second, however. During delivery, the bleeding may become life-threatening, so healthcare professionals will monitor the pregnancy carefully, often in a setting with emergency medical care, which may be critical to the mothers safety.

Placenta accreta causes the placenta to grow much deeper into the uterus than usual. It is more likely to cause bleeding during the third trimester than the second, however. During delivery, the bleeding may become life-threatening, so healthcare professionals will monitor the pregnancy carefully, often in a setting with emergency medical care, which may be critical to the mothers safety. Placenta abruption: Sometimes the placenta detaches from the uterus too early. It can cause bleeding, back pain, and intense stomach cramps. Early diagnosis can prevent severe complications to the woman and the baby.

Preterm labor

Bleeding can be an early sign of labor. Some women may also notice an unusual discharge, called a mucous plug. A mucous plug looks like a combination of vaginal discharge, mucous, and blood.

When labor begins before 37 weeks, it is more likely that the baby will need to stay in the intensive care unit and may also experience other problems. During the second trimester, preterm labor endangers the babys life.

Bleeding can be a risk factor for preterm labor. Women who have a history of bleeding during the second trimester can talk to their doctors about whether they are at risk of preterm labor and how best to minimize that risk.

Vasa previa

Vasa previa is a problem with the babys blood vessels. It causes some of the babys blood vessels to run parallel to the cervix, left unprotected by the umbilical cord or placenta. These blood vessels may cause unusual bleeding, especially late in pregnancy or during preterm labor.

When the membranes burst, these vessels may also burst. Women with vasa previa usually have a cesarean delivery. A woman with a history of preterm labor or bleeding who has contractions or other intense pain should go to the emergency room.

Uterine rupture

Uterine rupture happens when the uterus tears. This can endanger the mother and the baby by causing severe bleeding and depriving the baby of oxygen. It can also trigger labor.

A woman who experiences bleeding, pain, a fever, or who has recently suffered an injury to the stomach or uterus may be experiencing a uterine rupture and should go to the emergency room.

Gestational trophoblastic disease

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a group of rare diseases that causes abnormal cells to grow in the uterus during and after pregnancy. These cells can form tumors and masses. Sometimes these masses turn cancerous, though most forms of GTD are benign.

Women with GTD may have bleeding and an unusually large uterus.

Treatment depends on the type of GTD, how large the growth is, and other factors. A surgeon may need to remove the mass during or after pregnancy.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, February 5, 2019

Moz has announced an upgrade to how it measures an internal metric the company calls domain authority, a score that estimates the value of a domain based on how well it ranks in Google, Bing or other search engine query results.

The SEO tool company, founded by Rand Fishkin and Gillian Muessig, uses this domain authority metric as a search engine ranking score, from one to 100. It predicts how well a website will rank in search engine result pages (SERPs). The higher the score, the greater the ability for it to rank higher on the page.

Moz plans to release the new domain authority scores March 5. This will allow marketers to prepare for the change and confirm that they have implemented best practices.

The changes improve correlations between spam scored and link patterns. Russ Jones, principal search scientist at Moz, explained the technical changes of how the domain authority calculates and reacts to changes in search engine algorithm updates. He also talked about using domain authority as a relative metric and not as an absolute one.

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"Domain authority is meaningless when it isn't compared to other sites,' Jones wrote in an email to Search Marketing Daily. "What matters isn't whether your site drops or increases. It's whether it drops or increases relative to your competitors."

When Moz rolls out the update, he said to make sure to also check competitors' scores, because both will likely fluctuate in a similar direction.

Google doesnt use domain authority as a score, but many SEO professionals do to gauge the strength of websites relative to competitors. It guides them on the use of keywords, as well as topics, technical site issues and link building.

Jones outlined the changes in a blog post. The new Domain Authority, for example, is better at understanding factors that reveal why certain sites don't rank for any keywords in the past.

Moz also made the switch from relying on a complex linear model to using a neural network, which offers a much more nuanced model that can detect when someone or something is manipulating links. It also can more easily identify ranking factors.

Domain authority analyzes more than link counts. Moz can integrate its proprietary Spam Score and complex distributions of links based on quality and traffic, along with other factors.

Theres also a new Moz Link Explorer, analyzing more than 35 trillion links to turn data into statistical work.

Similar to the way Google makes changes to its algorithm, Moz will make changes to domain authority in response to Google's changes.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, February 5, 2019

Two Illinois residents are asking a federal appellate court to revive a class-action complaint accusing Google of violating a biometric privacy law by compiling faceprints.

U.S. District Court Judge Edmond Chang in Illinois threw out the lawsuit last month, ruling that the residents -- Lindabeth Rivera and Joseph Weiss -- didn't suffer any concrete injury from Google's alleged faceprint practices.

Rivera and Weiss are now appealing that ruling to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. The pair also are pursuing the same allegations against Google in state court.

They alleged that Google's use of technology to identify people based on their photos violates the Illinois Biometric Privacy Information Act.

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That law, passed in 2008, requires companies to obtain written releases from people before collecting biometric data like fingerprints, voiceprints and scans of face geometry. The law provides for damages of up to $5,000 per violation.

When Chang dismissed the case, he ruled that faces are public information, and Google's creation of a facial template based on public information didn't cause the kind of injury that would warrant a federal lawsuit.

After that decision came out, the highest court in Illinois ruled in a different lawsuit that people can sue over violations of the biometric privacy law even if they weren't injured.

In that matter, the judges ruled that a mother could sue the amusement park Six Flags Great America over allegations that it fingerprinted her 14-year-old son without first complying with all requirements of the biometric privacy law.

Other companies including Facebook and Shutterfly are facing suits for allegedly violating the Illinois law.

Facebook recently failed in a bid to persuade U.S. District Court Judge James Donato in the Northern District of California to dismiss the case.

Facebook is currently appealing that decision to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
by Alex Weprin , February 5, 2019

AT&Ts Xandr business unit is gearing up to expand its addressable and audience-based advertising business, which it calls Xandr Media.

The company has hired Jay Askinasi as vice president, head of agency and digital partnerships for Xandr Media.

Askinasi, most recently global president of Publicis Media, will be tasked with leading go-to-market sales and strategy for Xandr Media. He will report to Jason Brown, senior vice president-head of advertising sales partnerships for Xandr Media.

The addition of Askinasi is part of a larger recruitment push by Xandr to expand its addressable ad business.

The company states it is recruiting talent across four key pillars representing business priorities for the company, including: agency and digital sales, industry sales, portfolio sales and regional sales.

The idea is to offer a one-stop-shop buy-side service, meant to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the convergence of video and traditional linear television.
The Detroit News, Tuesday, February 5, 2019 7:19 AM

A Super Bowl ad that ran only in Canada sponsored by an auto workers union called General Motors greedy and un-Canadian. GM of Canada sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Unifor union, but the demand wasnt heeded. GM says in a statement that the ad is misleading and inaccurate. The ad calls for a boycott of Mexican-built GM vehicles in an effort to save the Oshawa, Ontario plant, set to close at the end of this year.

Read the whole story at The Detroit News 
by Sara Guaglione , February 4, 2019

The renowned Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter is gearing up for his next act, following his exit from the magazine at the end of 2017 after 25 years at the helm.

He is launching Air Mail, a digital, international news platform with a focus on a weekend newsletter.

Carter, who also ran New York Observer before joining Vanity Fair in 1992, spent the better part of 2018 on a break in France with his wife.

Back in New York City, Carter has partnered with New York Times writer Alessandra Stanley on the project, which will debut this summer.

Air Mailwill include a Saturday newsletter, articles and podcasts, according to The New York Times, which first reported the news.

Carter told The Times the ideal Air Mail reader will be a sophisticated person.

They're not backpackers, and they're not in Las Vegas, drinking champagne and sitting around in their heart-shaped bathtub, he said.

Air Mail will target a young, urban audience interested in global affairs, similar to a weekend edition of international newspapers, like The Economist, The Financial Times or the former International Herald Tribune.

It will unfold like the better weekend editions of your favorite newspapers, the site reads.

Air Mail will be international in focus and chiefly will cover the world outside of America on topics such as politics, business, the environment, the arts, literature, film and television, food, design, travel, architecture, society, fashion, and crime. And it will do it with sophistication, authority and wit.

The newsletter, according to The Times, will not cover national politics. Carter is a longtime critic of Donald Trump.

Air Mail has has a vintage, postal look.

Each newsletter issue will look for a single sponsor.Air Mail will also send out subscription information a month before its launch, according to its site.

One of the investors in Air Mail is TPG Growth, a private-equity firm.


by Laurie Sullivan , Staff Writer @lauriesullivan, February 4, 2019

Last year a bartender in a London cocktail bar let John Burke, CMO and president of Bacardi Global Brands Limited, get behind the bar and shake some drinks for people during the first annual Back to the Bar initiative, which celebrates the companys Founders Day.

I even got a reorder, he said. This year Im in Hamilton, Bermuda, so Im sure Ill have different experiences there.

Bacardis opportunity to build relationships between about 7,000 employees with their customers and bartenders in 133 cities worldwide across 31 countries returns on February 7.

Its easy to get lost in the day job and forget who youre serving, he said. This initiative is part of a broader initiative of looking out externally and listing to understand how to join their party, rather than ask them to come to ours. Its about embedding our brands into their culture.

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Six Bacardi brands are mixed into classic cocktail recipes for the promotion such as Bacardi Cuba Libre, Martini & Rossi Negroni, Grey Goose Martini cocktail, Dewars High Ball, Patron Margarita, and Bombay Sapphire & Tonic.

Its a bit of a step into the unknown, he said, adding that stepping out from the corporate environment and into the bars and pubs enables company employees who make and market the products to better understand its consumer likes and dislikes.

Last years Back to the Bar initiative generated about 1,000 posts on social media. This year Burke wants to see about 5,000. Those who participate are encouraged to share the photos with tags such as #BacktotheBar.

Last year was a walk, this year is jog and next year a run, he said.

Burke said it varies by brand, but some spend up to 80% of the marketing and advertising budgets on digital. Typically, he said, about half is spent on digital.

This year Bacardi is shifting away from traditional demographic targeting and more toward psychographics targeting using mindsets -- targeting consumers with a shared attitude and aspirations that resonate with each brand.

Its a big shift for us to put the consumers at the heart of the relationship, he said.

As for new types of technology, Burke said, calling it a different language, Bacardi Global Brands Limited has been experimenting in voice search. The company also created Amazon Alexa skills that provide information on how to build cocktails and pair with foods.

Bacardi has also experimented with virtual reality and augmented reality, as well as the potential for a super-fast 5G, which will become a game changer.

Consumers are adopting technology much faster than brands, he said. The gap that opens requires us to step in.
The study report worldwide Human Identification Analysis Software covers the market analysis for the regions  North America, Europe, Asia Pacific/ Southeast Asia and Row and country analysis of China, Japan, and India focusing on top manufacturers in world market and the market share they hold including their contribution to the market growth

The Global Human Identification Analysis Software Market is growing at the CAGR of ~8.1% during the forecast period and expected to reach US$ 873.2 million by 2023.

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Key Players for Global Human Identification Analysis Software Market:

Agilent Technologies (US), Laboratory Corporation of America (US), GE Healthcare (US), Human Identification Technologies (US), LabCorp DNA Identity (US), Illumina, Inc. (US), LGC Limited (UK), Promega Corporation. (US), QIAGEN (Germany), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US), and others.

Market Scenario:

Global human identification analysis software market is growing moderately. Increasing demand for DNA database, government initiatives, increasing funding and advancement in the field of biotechnology are key drivers for the global human identification analysis software market. All the companies are investing money to develop new solutions that driving the market growth. Innovation and rapid adoption are also major driving forces for the growth of global human identification analysis software market.

Segments:

Global Human Identification Analysis Software Market has been segmented on the basis of products which Instrumentation, Consumables, and others. Instruments are further sub segmented into DNA Extraction, DNA Amplification, DNA Quantification, kits and others. On the basis of diagnosis, it is segmented into Electroencephalogram (EEG), Electronystagmography (ENG), Head CT, Head MRI, Hearing test, Magnetic resonance angiography, Caloric stimulation, and others. On the basis of technology, the market is segmented into DNA Testing, Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Automated Liquid Handling, Microarray, Next Generation Sequencing, Purification & Extraction and Others. On the basis of application it is segmented into Forensics, DNA analysis, Genetic studies, Anthropology, and others. Forensics is sub segmented into Facial Recognition, Fingerprint Identification, Evidence Collection, and others. DNA analysis is Sub segmented into STR analysis, DNA data basing, DNA casework, Paternity testing, and others.

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Regional Analysis of Global Human Identification Analysis Software Market:

Considering the global scenario of the market, due to continuous innovation and rapid adoption of new technology, North America is the largest market for Human Identification Analysis Software. US is holding the largest market share in North America region. European market is second largest, west European countries are dominating in this market. On the other hand, due developing healthcare infrastructure, and increasing healthcare spending, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) is fastest growing market for Human Identification Analysis Software and expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. Middle East and Africa (ME&A) is likely to have a limited growth in the market due to comparatively low adoption of new technology.

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The Global Capnography Market is expected to grow during the forecast period from 2018 to 2027 at a CAGR of ~19.5%. Capnography is the process used to measure and determine the concentration of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in respiratory gases by using the capnograph device. It helps to measure the actual concentration of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. The capnograph is used to monitor the inhaled and exhaled concentration of CO2. The growing pediatric population, increasing number of patients suffering from cardiac diseases, and increasing aging population are expected to drive the growth of the market. The global capnography market is estimated to grow during the forecast period due to factors such as innovation, technological advancements, and advancement of the capnography device. A strong recommendation about capnography was made by healthcare bodies such as the American Society of Anesthesiologists, European Resuscitation Council, and others to include capnography devices in healthcare facilities compulsorily. This fuels the growth of the Global Capnography Market.

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Key players:

Smiths Medical Inc, Nonin medical Inc, Dreagerwerk AG & CO. KGaA, Welch Allyn, Medtronic, Masimo, Nihon Kohden Corporation, Care fusion cooperation, Covidien Ltd, Diamedica Limited, Edan Instruments, Inc., Hill Rom Holding Inc, Koninklijke Philips N.V., and BD

Segmentation:

The Global Capnography Market is segmented on the basis of type, devices, application, and end-user. The global capnography market on the basis of type is segmented into capnograph and disposable. Capnograph is further subdivided into three segments, namely, mainstream capnography, sidestream capnography, and micro stream capnography. Mainstream capnography is further subdivided sand alone monitor, handheld monitor, and multi-parameter monitor. Based on device, the global capnography market is segmented into handheld monitors, stand-alone monitors, and others. Based on application the global capnography market is segmented into procedural sedation, critical care, emergency medicine, pain management, and general floor. Based on end-user the global capnography market is segmented into hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers.

Regional Market:

Based on region, the Global Capnography Market is segmented into the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.

The Americas is sub-segmented into North America and South America. The North American region is further segmented into the US and Canada. The European region is divided into two, namely, Western Europe and Eastern Europe. Western Europe is further classified into Germany, Italy, France, the UK, Spain, and the rest of Western Europe. The Asia-Pacific region is sub-segmented into Japan, China, India, Australia, the Republic of Korea, and the rest of Asia-Pacific. The Middle Eastern and African region is sub-segmented into the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and the rest of the Middle East and Africa.

The American market is likely to dominate the Global Capnography Market owing to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases in the aging population and the growing occurrence of asthma in pediatrics. North America dominates the Global Capnography Market due to the development of advanced products in this region. Latin America is showing significant growth in the capnography market due to increasing use of capnography devices in healthcare facilities as recommended by government bodies. The World Health Organization has published a report on Safe Surgery that recommended the use of capnography monitoring devices during the endotracheal tube placement surgery. The American Society of Anesthesiologists also recommended the use of capnography during procedural sedation and anesthesia. The rising problems of respiratory diseases because of an unhealthy lifestyle and high-stress level impact have led to significant growth in this market.

The European market is the second largest in the Global Capnography Market. The market growth in this region is due to government funding and support from the healthcare sector. However, growing number of surgeries and changing lifestyle have contributed to the growth of the market in this region.

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Asia-Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest growing market owing to the increasing aging population and rising prevalence of diseases. The capnography market in Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow during the forecast period due to rising healthcare expenditure and increasing awareness about the capnography technique.

Countries such as India and China are more focused on the global capnography market because of the growing purchasing power and the increasing population as compared to other developing countries.

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With the sale of Mission Health, a new private foundation now exists to improve the health of western North Carolina, including McDowell County.

With Fridays announcement of the completion of Mission Health Systems sale of assets to HCA Healthcare, the Dogwood Health Trust is now officially operating as a private, non-profit foundation whose purpose is to dramatically improve the health and well-being of all people and communities in western North Carolina, according to a news release.

This is an historic day for western North Carolina as we realize the creation of what we believe is the nations largest per capita foundation focused on addressing the underlying factors that impact the health of our community, said Dogwood Health Trust Board of Directors Chairwoman Janice Brumit. With substantial resources and a strategic focus on addressing causes and not just symptoms, Dogwood Health Trust stands to affect community wellness on a scale that hasn't been possible.

HCA Healthcare paid approximately $1.5 billion for the assets of Mission Health, which previously operated as a private not-for-profit health system that was the sixth-largest in North Carolina. Proceeds from the purchase will be combined with Mission Health's remaining cash and investments  after all debts and obligations are paid  and transferred to Dogwood Trust.
The hunt for a kidnapping and assault fugitive ended when deputies received a Crime Stoppers tip last weekend that led to the suspect, as well as vehicle and foot pursuits, authorities said Tuesday.

Deputy Jordon Frisbee of the McDowell County Sheriffs Office charged Christopher Lee Cannon, 41, address listed as Sugar Hill Road in Marion, with resisting a public officer. Cannon was also charged with outstanding warrants for second-degree kidnapping and assault inflicting serious injury, as well as two probation violations.

Deputy Seth Leopold of the Sheriffs Office charged Michael Bradley Dalton, 38, address listed as Hawkins Road in Marion, with failure to heed a blue light and siren and possession of marijuana.

On Thursday, Jan. 3, Chasity Richter, 38, address listed as Sugar Hill Road, reported that, during an argument, Cannon, who is her boyfriend, physically forced her into a vehicle, breaking her wrist. He then reportedly drove her around and wouldnt let her get out of the automobile.

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At 9:12 p.m. on Feb. 2, Frisbee and Leopold were in the area of U.S. 221 South in search of a white Toyota FJ occupied by Cannon, who had been on the run from the kidnapping and assault charges. The deputies had received a tip that Cannon would be in that vehicle in the vicinity of Super 8 Motel.
A 36-year-old Framingham man is expected to survive after police say he was shot in Worcester Monday.

The Worcester Police Department is asking anyone with information about the shooting, which happened in the area of Camp Street Monday around 1:54 p.m., to contact authorities. Officials said the man was shot in the side.

Anonymous texts can be sent to 274637 TIPWPD + your message, or send an anonymous web-based message at worcesterma.gov/police. Calls can also be made to the Worcester Police Detective Bureau at 508-799-8651.
A sit-in at the College of the Holy Cross is expected to continue Tuesday as students demand that the Worcester college sever all ties with a professor accused of sexual misconduct, among other requests.

The sit-in started at 10 a.m. Monday as students lined the hallway outside the office of Holy Cross President Rev. Philip Boroughs.

Students stayed outside the office until 8 p.m., according to Mia Yee, a senior and the schools Fenwick Scholar, who was one of the students to organize the sit-in.

The demonstration peaked at 340 students, Yee said.

At 10 a.m. Tuesday, students are planning to fill the hallway again, Yee said.

On Monday afternoon, Boroughs and Dean of Students Michele Murray met with a few of the students involved in the sit-in. The two agreed to meet with students again on Tuesday to continue this important conversation, Holy Cross spokesman John Hill wrote in a statement.

The sit-in was spurred by alleged sexual violence on campus by both students and faculty, as well as complaints about the colleges Title IX process.

Students gave Boroughs a list of demands:

I. A full acknowledgement from the College President that (1) for twenty months while Christopher Dustin was under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct, the college failed to alert the student body, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees of Professor Christopher Dustins misconduct and that (2) the College should not have allowed Professor Dustin to continue to interact with students. In future circumstances of faculty and staff misconduct, especially in cases involving students, the College shall take steps to remove said person from campus and prohibit any interaction with students.

II. The College must terminate their professional relationship with Christopher Dustin for his violation of the Colleges sexual misconduct policy and mission statement pending the thorough and timely completion of the investigation he is currently undergoing. In the Colleges own words, sexual misconduct, in all forms, violates the sanctity of the human body and spirit and will not be tolerated within the College community, and Professor Dustins behavior should not be an exception. Additionally, the Distinguished Teaching Award received by Professor Dustin in 2004 must be revoked.

III. An external audit by an impartial third party of the Title IX Office, its practices and officers, and the Colleges policy surrounding sexual harassment and faculty misconduct. Dean Irish, due to his unique role as the Student Conduct Officer and his proximity to information about sexual assault on campus, must be placed under review with a signed promise by Dean Murray that the results of such a review will be publicly available to the fullest legal extent.The Board of Trustees must be informed of any faculty under review for gross misconduct at the beginning of the review, and of any findings of any investigation.

IV. A preliminary report from Philip Catanzano detailing a timeline of his investigation  published by March 1, 2019  and a promise that the findings of the investigation will be made publicly available to the fullest legal extent upon its completion.

If the college is legally unable to meet any of these demands, we must be informed of such legalities in full detail, the list read.

A statement from sit-in organizers indicated that demands three and four would be met.

Tuesday afternoon, Hill said, Fr. Boroughs, his team and the students had a good conversation yesterday, and they did find some areas of understanding and agreement, and some areas where there needs to be more discussion. That conversation is continuing today.

day 2 of the sit in begins with the following press release from the organizers #EndSexualViolenceAtHolyCross pic.twitter.com/jloWcoyow0  Holy Cross YDSA (@holycrossydsa) February 5, 2019

The demonstration comes after philosophy professor Christopher Dustin was placed on administrative leave following allegations of sexual misconduct.

Last summer, organist James David Christie resigned from his post as an artist-in-residence at Holy Cross following allegations from several students who said they were sexually abused by him.

In recent months, an Instagram account called @SexualAssaultontheHill has shared more than 100 stories from students regarding sexual assault incidents on campus.

The sit-in was not organized by a particular group on campus.

Yee said Tuesday that student groups and organizations have been afraid to lead any such demonstrations, fearing the administration would strip funding. Individual students have been afraid of losing financial aid, Yee said.
The Lawrence police officer who worked through the evening in September during the Merrimack Valley gas explosions despite his own house burning to the ground will be the guest of U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan for the State of the Union address.

Trahan announced Monday that Officer Ivan Soto would be her guest for the address, which is scheduled for 9 p.m. Tuesday.

"During the deadly gas explosions across the Merrimack Valley in September of 2018, Lawrence Police Officer Ivan Soto worked tirelessly in support of his community, responding to fires even when his own house went up in flames from a gas explosion," Trahan's office wrote in a statement. "Officer Soto courageously evacuated all of his neighbors, leaving his home burning so he could go back on duty to assist others."

Even though Soto was given the option to spend the night with his family, he returned back to duty as upwards of 70 fires sparked in Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover on Sept. 13 following a pressure issue with a gas line belonging to Columbia Gas of Massachusetts.

"During last September's disaster, Ivan became a symbol of resilience and courage that our community needed, and still needs as we continue to recover from this unimaginable tragedy," Trahan wrote in the statement. "Even as his own house burned and his life was flipped upside down, Ivan turned his attention to the community he swore to protect and serve. His selflessness and dedication to others is an inspiration."

Soto had moved into his home about three years prior after more than a decade of penny-pinching, he told MassLive after the explosions.

"As the communities of Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover continue to recover, I am proud to shine a spotlight on Officer Soto's heroic actions," Trahan wrote. "I will continue to do everything in my power to hold those responsible for this disaster accountable so that the tragedies experienced in our communities are never experienced elsewhere. In this time of great political division, we are reminded of what matters most- commitment to community and lifting up the stories of Americans who are making a difference."

Columbia Gas has paid out more than $75 million to reimburse losses following the explosions.

The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the explosions.
President Donald Trump will lay out his vision for the United States and highlight priorities his administration will pursue in the coming months Tuesday, as he delivers his second State of the Union Address before a joint session of Congress.

The presidents annual remarks -- which were rescheduled in wake of the 35-day partial government shutdown that ended late last month -- will allow Trump to make his case for various policies directly to the American people and to tout his administrations work over the last year.

Democrats, who have vocally opposed many of the administrations actions, meanwhile, are expected to use their State of the Union response to argue against Trumps policy proposals and question his accomplishments.

Heres what you need to know about the 2019 State of the Union Address:

President Donald Trump walks into the House Chamber as he arrives for his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)AP

What time is the presidents speech?

Trump is set to deliver the address at 9:10 p.m. ET.

According to White House officials, the presidents remarks are expected to offer an "aspirational path for the country, with Trump calling on federal lawmakers to join him in supporting infrastructure and health care initiatives.

The president is also expected to use his prime time speech to reiterate his push for stronger immigration laws and trade policies -- particularly with China -- as well as to comment on the political situation in Venezuela, aides told The Washington Post last week.

President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)AP

Where can I watch the State of the Union Address?

Most major cable networks will air the presidents remarks live on television, with coverage beginning ahead of the 9 p.m. speech.

Several news outlets will also stream the address live online, including MassLive.com.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California talks with Senate Minority Chuck Schumer of New York before the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)AP

Who is giving the Democrats' response?

Stacey Abrams, who narrowly lost her 2018 bid for Georgias governor, has been selected to deliver the Democratic Partys response to the presidents State of the Union Address.

Xavier Becerra, Californias Attorney General and a former member of House Democratic leadership, meanwhile, will give the Democrats' Spanish-language response.

Albuquerque Police Officer Ryan Holets and his wife Rebecca acknowledge their introduction by President Donald Trump as they stand with first lady Melania Trump during the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)AP

Who will be the presidents guests?

The White House announced that the guests set to accompany the first lady for the State of the Union Address include:

- Debra Bissell, Heather Armstrong and Madison Armstrong: The relatives of Gerald and Sharon David, who were killed last month by an immigrant who reportedly came to the United States illegally.

- Matthew Charles: The first prisoner released as a result of the First Step Act.

- Grace Eline: A young cancer survivor who is determined to help other children fighting the disease.

- Ashley Evans: A mother who is set to celebrate 1 year and 1 month in recovery from opioid abuse and soon be reunited with her daughter.

- Elvin Hernandez: A special agent with the Trafficking in Persons Unit of the Department of Homeland Securitys Homeland Security Investigations division.

- Roy James: The plant manager of the Vicksburg Forest Products lumber facility, which benefitted from the Opportunity Zone provisions included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

- Alice Johnson: Johnson was granted clemency on June 6, 2018. She had been serving a mandatory life sentence without parole for charges associated with a nonviolent drug case.

- Timothy Matson: A key member of the Pittsburgh Police Departments SWAT team, who responded to the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue.

- Judah Samet: A member of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, who also survived the mass shooting that killed 11 members of his community.

- Joshua Trump: A sixth grade student in Wilmington, Delaware, who has been bullied in school due to his last name.

- Tom Wibberley: The father of Navy Seaman Craig Wibberley, who was killed on the U.S.S. Cole.

President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)AP

Who have Massachusetts lawmakers invited to the address?

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, announced Monday that Sajid Shahriar, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development employee who was furloughed during the recent shutdown, will accompany her to State of the Union Address.

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, invited Varshini Prakash, the executive director and co-founder of Sunrise -- which seeks to stop climate change -- as his guest for the joint congressional speech.

Congresswoman Katherine Clark, D-Melrose, meanwhile, asked Angela Tejada-Soliz, a Malden constituent and student gun violence activist to join her for the State of the Union Address.

U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Westford, invited Ivan Soto, an officer with the Lawrence Police Department who lost his house to the deadly September 2018 gas explosions, to be her guest for the annual speech.

Congressman Seth Moulton, D-Salem, announced that he has invited U.S. Coast Guard Seaman Sarai Childs as his guest to the State of the Union. Childs was one of the 42,000 members of the U.S. Coast Guard who went without pay during the 35-day government shutdown.

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Boston, asked Estefany Pineda, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program recipient and Unafraid Scholarship recipient, to join her for the presidents annual address.
SPRINGFIELD  The Massachusetts Democratic Party is not inviting Mayor Domenic J. Sarno to speak at its annual convention here in September, due at least in part to his endorsement of Republican Gov. Charlie Baker in 2018.

A spokesman for the state Democratic Party confirmed that a vote occurred Monday at a meeting in Worcester to not invite Sarno, who is a Democrat, to speak at the convention in his own city on Sept. 14, 2019.

Gus Bickford, chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, would not comment on the snub.

In response, Bickford issued a single-sentence statement: Massachusetts Democrats are excited to return to Springfield for our annual convention in 2019, and to experience everything this wonderful city has to offer.

Sarno welcomed the group to Springfield, but defended his support of Baker. He said the snub will allow him to spend more time with my family and our Springfield residents at neighborhood events.

My endorsement for Governor Baker was based on the fact that he has worked very effectively with our Democratic legislature to implement programs to the benefit of Springfield and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Sarno said in a prepared response. His bipartisan approach is more of what we need in government. My administration works very hard to bring various conventions to our City, which is always good news for our hotels, restaurants, bars, businesses and tourist attractions.

The report of Sarnos snub first appeared in Politico, an online publication.

Politico cited two unnamed party members, who said that Sarnos support of Baker was a factor in the decision not to invite him to speak. In addition, members were displeased that Sarno was among mayors featured in a televised campaign advertisement for Baker last fall, a source said.

In addition, Politico said some Democrats were critical of Sarno for his veto of Springfield being a welcoming community to all immigrants, regardless of their legal status. The City Council overrode that veto.

Baker won a second term as Governor in November, defeating Democratic challenger Jay Gonzalez.

Sarno sent a letter to Bickford on Tuesday, thanking him and the Democratic party for selecting Springfield as the site for the convention.

"if I or my city team can be of any assistance to you for a successful event, please do not hesitate to contact me. Welcome back to Springfield! Wishing you and your families good health, luck and continued success in all your future endeavors. Take care and God Bless.
PITTSFIELD - A North Adams man who mistakenly sent a text message to a police officer about arranging a drug deal pleaded guilty in Berkshire Superior Court to illegally distributing Ritalin pills.

Christopher Letalien, 34, admitted on Monday to a single count of possession of a class B substance, second offense. Judge John Agostini sentenced him to 2 1/2 years in Berkshire County House of Correction, with the last six months suspended for a probation period of two years.

Letalien was arrested in North Adams on Dec. 11. The arrest and the amount of drugs involved were each unremarkable, except for one detail: Letalien by mistake texted a police officer to arrange a meeting to sell him some Ritalin.

Ritalin is the brand name for methylphenidate, a medication used for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The officer was apparently more than willing to arrange a time and place, and when Letalien showed up, he was arrested.

According to the Berkshire Eagle, Letalien was apprehended with a container with 16 Ritalin tablets.
Massachusetts campaign finance regulators are on the verge of lowering the amount unions can donate to state political candidates.

The Office of Campaign and Political Finance released draft regulations Monday that would decrease the amount of money a union can contribute to a candidate from $15,000 a year to $1,000 a year.

Its important that we have consistent contribution limits that are applied across the board and without big exceptions, so this makes sense in that context, said Pam Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts, which supported the change.

Under state law until now, unions and trade associations were allowed to contribute up to $15,000 to a candidate. Individuals can contribute up to $1,000 and businesses cannot contribute anything.

Two business owners who are active in the conservative Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, founder Rick Green and board member Mike Kane, challenged the ban in court. They argued that businesses and unions should be subject to the same campaign finance restrictions.

The Supreme Judicial Court upheld Massachusetts ban on corporate contributions, but noted that Massachusetts state law is unclear regarding the different treatment of unions.

The $15,000 union limit was based on an interpretive bulletin, and Common Cause Massachusetts, a government reform group, wrote to the OCPF after the SJC ruling urging the office to reconsider that limit through a traditional rulemaking process.

That rulemaking process, which included a public hearing, resulted in the draft regulations released Monday, which would limit annual union and trade association contributions to $1,000 to a candidate, $500 to a PAC and $5,000 to a political party.

We are pleased to see the union loophole get dramatically smaller, said Paul Craney, a spokesman for Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. This will result is more competitive elections and more equality in campaign finance law.

The Massachusetts AFL-CIO and the Massachusetts Teachers Association had urged OCPF to keep the higher contribution limits for unions. Spokesmen for both organizations could not immediately be reached for comment.

OCPF will hold a public hearing March 15 on the draft regulations and release final regulations in May.
SPRINGFIELD  A Springfield man on Tuesday pleaded guilty to 10 crimes in connection with a Chicopee incident in which he struck a police officer and crashed into a police cruiser while driving a minivan with three young children inside.

Enrique Santiago, 33, was sentenced to two years probation by Hampden Superior Court Judge Daniel A. Ford. That was the sentence recommended by prosecution and defense.

Assistant District Attorney James M. Forsyth said Santiago, after the incident Sept. 28, 2017, assisted police with information about stolen auto parts and electronics with which he was found.

When Ford questioned Forsyth further, Forsyth suggested a private sidebar conference with Ford and defense lawyer Daniel R. Bergin. After that conference, Ford said he was convinced it was a fair sentence.

Santiago pleaded guilty to two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, three counts of leaving the scene of a property damage accidents, two counts of receiving stolen property worth over $250, and a count each of assault with a dangerous weapon, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and reckless endangerment of a child.

Forsyth said Chicopee police were investigating Santiago relative to stolen property at a garage he rented from the property owner. Police got a search warrant for the space and were let in by the landlord when they went there at about 5 p.m., Forsyth said.

Police had the landlord ask Santiago to come to the property. When Santiago drove up in a van, police officers went near it and showed their badges. Santiago accelerated, hitting one officer in the leg and causing another to jump out of the way.

Forsyth said Santiago took off in the van and hit a fire hydrant, a cruiser occupied by another officer, and a parked car. Santiago then fled on foot, leaving a woman and three children in the van, he said.

Officer Ryan Romano and his dog Kane tracked Santiago to a vacant house, where he was arrested.
Liam Neeson sought to clarify remarks he made to a British newspaper about stalking the streets armed with a bludgeon hoping to kill a black man after a friend was raped.

The 66-year-old Academy Award winner appeared on ABCs Good Morning America on Tuesday, a day after he revealed he "went up and down areas with a cosh (bludgeon), hoping Id be approached by ... some black bastard (who) would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him.

Neeson told Robin Roberts of GMA he understood his comments were hurtful, but insisted: Im not racist, this was nearly 40 years ago."

He said he would have had the same reaction if his friend had described her attacker as Irish, a Scot, Brit or Lithuanian.

He noted he grew up surrounded by the violence of The Troubles of Northern Ireland.

The action star said he had gone to church because he became scared by his desire to unleash physical violence" on a total stranger.

I did seek help. I went to a priest, who heard my confession, Neeson said.

Neesons remarks to The Independent came under fire on social media with some calling the actor a racist and others vowing to stop watching his films.

His revenge thriller Cold Pursuit opens this weekend.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (AP)  Jennifer Thurston's family spends up to $50 a week on phone calls to stay in touch with her while she is in custody. It's a lot for a family struggling with poverty and poor health.

"My husband's on disability," said Thurston, an Adams woman serving time for embezzlement. "He doesn't have a lot of money."

Phone calls are sometimes the only comfort for families who live far from the Western Massachusetts Regional Women's Correctional Center, run by the Hampden County Sheriff's Department, where Thurston and other women from surrounding counties are held both before trial and while serving sentences.

But the calls are costly because they must be made through an outside company  much more costly than for people outside jails.

Calls at the jail cost 12 cents per minute. While this is one of the lowest rates in jails across the state, and 42 percent lower than the 21-cents-per-minute rate cap set by the state Department of Telecommunications and Cable, critics say the cost penalizes poor people.

"It is perverse to rack up (phone) charges for a vulnerable population," said Brian Highsmith, an attorney with the National Consumer Law Center in Boston. "It's their only lifeline to the outside world."

Prisoners and their families pay the jail's phone company, Global Tel-Link Corp., in order to make and receive calls. The company then returns a percentage of that revenue back to the jail, which the jail uses to pay some of its costs, including security costs of call monitoring.

In Hampden County, the revenue pays for valuable programs and activities, says Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi. The revenue returned to the jail provides library services, education supplies, teachers and mentors, GED testing, culinary training and other programs. The department also uses the money to pay the Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority to run a dedicated bus from downtown Springfield to the Ludlow men's jail, at an $118,000 yearly cost.

"Each inmate pays a small fee per individual call which then results in a pool of funds directed right back into inmate programs," Cocchi said in an email. The jail also gives inmates unlimited free phone calls to their attorneys, and five free calls.

But the expenses make families rush through phone calls.

"She has to (talk) a hundred miles an hour to get it all out, in case we get cut off," said Wahya Wolfpaw, of Worcester, while her daughter was in jail.

Global Tel-Link Corp. is one of two corrections phone companies that dominate the national $1.2 billion per year industry. It paid the Hampden County department $725,000 for phone calls to and from all its facilities between July 2016 and June 2017, according to records supplied by the department. Phone calls to and from the women's jail during that same period netted the department $110,000.

Opponents see the system as unethical and predatory. Companies are using jails and prisons as a profit center, they say, and shifting what should be governmental costs onto people who are poor and powerless.

More than eight states agree. New York, California and Michigan are among states that have reduced the cost of calls by outlawing or curbing revenue-sharing.

Around the country, lawsuits have been filed over excessive jail and prison phone costs. Activists and attorneys say the families of prisoners, most of them poor, should not be shouldering what is the responsibility of the state, and paying significantly more for phone calls than free citizens.

Highsmith and attorneys for Prisoners' Legal Services of Massachusetts are among several groups representing four people in a class-action lawsuit against the Bristol County Sheriff, and Securus, the company that charges inmates 16 cents per minute, and $3.16 for the first minute, even for redials made after the first is disconnected.

Highsmith and other attorneys are pushing a consumer protection argument. They liken the setup to an illegal kickback scheme in which state institutions are indirectly extracting extra revenue by outsourcing with a private-sector company.

A Global Tel-Link representative declined to comment.

The practice will end altogether in New York City jails, after Mayor Bill de Blasio in August signed a bill to stop call charges that earn the city $5 million per year.

The Federal Communications Commission tried to cap the rates lower than the current 21 cents per minute for out-of-state calls, citing concerns about "excessive rates and egregious fees on phone calls paid by some of society's most vulnerable people."

Global Tel-Link opposed the move.

When FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai was seated in 2017, the commission dropped its court efforts to fight Global Tel-Link's appeal.

The interim rate cap remains at 21 cents per minute for out-of-state calls. But for most calls within the state, there is no cap.

Peter Wagner, an attorney and executive director of the Prison Policy Initiative in Northampton, said sheriffs choose phone providers based on how much commission they'll get.

"This is a regressive tax," Wagner said. "Why do we charge the poorest families in the state to pay for what the government thinks is an essential service?"

Wagner's organization collects nationwide data from jails and prisons about this phone call commission structure.

The Berkshire County Jail and House of Corrections, for instance, takes a 45 percent cut of profits earned by Securus, which has cornered most of this U.S. market, but charges inmates 20 cents per minute, and $3.20 for the first minute.

The Hampden County jails, though charging 12 cents per minute, take an even larger share. Global Tel-Link pays the department a commission of 70 percent.

"(The Hampden Sheriff) may advertise the low rate, but they could have used their negotiated rate to give a far lower rate to the families of Western Massachusetts (inmates)," Wagner said. "The 12 cents could be less than 4 cents. The jail could change this in five minutes."

Wagner said sheriffs should be asking state legislators for program money instead.

"Why didn't they convince the legislature to pay for the bus?" he asked. "They use the (money) to benefit projects they think are important rather than going to the legislature. If it's a social good, then the state should pay for it."

Wagner said Berkshire County families pay exorbitant phone costs, but those commissions don't help them with public transportation to the jail.

Sen. Mark Montigny, D-New Bedford, has sponsored a bill to eliminate commissions to jails and prisons, to charge inmates the same rate for comparable residential service, and for phone contracts to be negotiated based on the lowest rate. Montigny did not respond to calls and emails seeking comment.

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Online: https://bit.ly/2MPzgjQ

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Information from: The Berkshire (Mass.) Eagle, http://www.berkshireeagle.com
CHICOPEE - The city has filed a civil suit against more than 30 opioid manufacturers, distributors, executives and board members claiming they caused a devastating epidemic which killed 88 residents over five years and caused 313 overdoses just in 2017.

The suit, one of hundreds filed across the country, is calling for relief from the expenses associated with the epidemic including law enforcement investigations, the purchase and training to use Narcan, school prevention programs and counseling.

"The manufacturer defendants' scheme of deception and the distributor defendants' failure to conduct their business in a lawful and reasonable manner in compliance with state common law and state and federal statutory law have flooded the city with opioids and created a greatly increased number of opioid addicted individuals that has strained the city's resources to cope with the epidemics," the suit said.

The 173-page suit was filed on Monday in Middlesex Superior Court. It is an individual suit but was done in conjunction with similar suits brought by officials in Springfield, Haverhill, Framingham, Gloucester, Salem, Lynnfield and Wakefield. Worcester officials filed a similar suit in July, city officials said.

In July, Mayor Richard J. Kos announced the city would join a number of other communities to sue opioid manufacturers and retained Scott + Scott Attorneys, which has offices in Connecticut. Under the agreement Chicopee will not be responsible for any attorney fees or expenses but the firm will receive a percentage of any funds earned in a judgement.

Three months earlier three City Councilors jointly wrote a letter to Kos showing support for joining a class-action suit against pharmaceutical companies.

The city of Chicopee will continue to provide for the safety and well-being of its residents, but will hold those in the pharmaceutical world responsible where appropriate. This litigation is one way to enable us to do so, Kos said in a written statement Monday.

The suit accuses companies such as Purdue Pharma, Cardinal Health Inc., and Johnson & Johnson of using deceptive practices to push doctors to prescribe opioids in many cases where scientific research showed they were inappropriate.

It argued the companies engaged in a scheme to boost sales by pushing the drugs for long-term use of aches and pains instead of the previous practice of prescribing them only for acute and palliative care.

"Defendants accomplished this reversal by falsely exaggerating the safety of opioid use and, recklessly and negligently, and with wanton disregard for the public health, denying or trivializing the risk of addiction," the suit said.

It paints a horrifying picture of how companies ignored previous studies showing the effectiveness of opioids decreases over time requiring increasing doses to reduce pain. They also pushed the use of the drugs although there were no clinical trial results showing opioids were safe or even effective for long-term treatment of chronic pain.

The suit lists a wide variety of questionable practices the companies used to push doctors to prescribe opioids and flood Chicopee with the drugs.

Research shows in 2013, the peak distribution year, the equivalent of 8.5 million oxycodone pills were prescribed for Chicopee residents. In 2017 the equivalent of 4.9 million oxycodone pills were sent to the city, the suit said.

Chicopee has of the highest per-capita overdose death rates in Western Massachusetts. Only Ware and three towns with very small populations have higher per-capita rates, according to state Department of Public Health statistics.

"Each call for a drug-related overdose puts an enormous strain and burden on the City of Chicopee." It takes a team of firefighters, who are trained as EMTs, dispatchers and police to respond to each call, the suit said.

But the epidemic has many other costs including law enforcement expenses of trying to shut down drug dealing rings and investigating theft-related crimes committed by addicts stealing money for opioids, the suit said.

The costs are direct and indirect and include the development of collection program for unused prescription drugs, continually purchasing Narcan used to block opioid overdoses, increasing surveillance equipment to deter drug-related crimes and cleaning parks and other public places of used needles, the suit said.

There are also costs of treating drug addicts, providing extra educational prevention programs in schools, increasing counseling for students who are dealing with addicted family members and caring for children born addicted who have learning disabilities, the suit said.

There are losses in tax revenue from those who cannot work and losses caused by diminished property value in neighborhoods where the opioid epidemic has taken root, the suit said.
SPRINGFIELD  Baystate Healths plan to build a behavioral health hospital has left folks who work in mental health in the Pioneer Valley with a lot of questions, as well as a sense of reassurance.

The new hospital will be for children and adolescents as well as adults and will serve patients with mental health and substance abuse needs, Baystate announced Monday. It will be a partnership with for-profit provider US HealthVest of New York.

Its good to see that they are reviewing their utilization of psychiatric beds, said Nick Fleisher, vice president of community-based services for Clinical & Support Options in Hampshire and Franklin counties. As for the impact. Its impossible to tell until we know more. There is a lot of challenges in getting people into psychiatric beds and getting them in quickly.

The challenges are exacerbated by the states expected closure the Department of Mental Health Intermediate Unit at Vibra Hospital in Springfield. The unit has about 30 inpatient psychiatric beds. Vibra had planned to close the hospital on State Street last year, but the state prevailed upon Vibra to keep it open for another year, Fleisher said.

He said the state has put out a formal request for agencies that could replace those 30 beds.

Meanwhile, Providence Behavioral Health in Holyoke announced layoffs in August. Part of Trinity Health of New England, Providence also closed 12 of its pediatric and adolescent inpatient beds  about half its capacity. It said the payments it gets for mental health treatment dont keep up with expenses.

Jim Frutkin, senior vice president of strategy and business development at ServiceNet, a mental health and human services agency, said he is pleased to see an infusion of capital into the region to keep psychiatric beds sustainable.

Though we dont yet know the full details of the plan, we look forward to continuing our collaborative relationship with Baystate Health as we work together to address the needs of people in the communities we serve, Frutkin wrote in an email.

Baystate said in a news release that the new facility, which would take at least two years to build after a site is secured, would increase the total number of inpatient behavioral health beds in the Baystate system by at least 30 percent to about 130. Baystate has 98 inpatient psychiatric beds now.

Baystate doesnt have a location yet for the new hospital, said spokeswoman Shelly Hazlett. But she stressed that it would be centrally located within Baystates Pioneer Valley service territory.

"Baystate Health is partnering with U.S. HealthVest to build a dedicated behavioral health hospital in western Massachusetts and increase capacity by greater than 30 percent for inpatient behavioral healthcare for adults and children/adolescents. We are committed to serving our community and the increasing needs for care for individuals facing behavioral health and substance use challenges," Hazlett wrote in an email.

She didn't address questions about Vibra and the fate of those beds.

As a sign of just how early the project was announced, neither the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission nor the state Department of Public Health have yet received applications and required paperwork form Baystate on the project, according to spokespeople for both those agencies.

In Mondays news release, Baystate said that when the new hospital opens it will close behavioral health units at Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, which has 22 beds, Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield, which has 20, and Baystate Wing Hospital in Palmer, which has 28 beds. Baystate will still provide outpatient and partial hospitalization services at those community hospitals.

The 28 inpatient psychiatric beds at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield will remain.

The shutdown of inpatient psychiatric beds in Greenfield, Westfield and Palmer worries the Massachusetts Nurses Association and its membership, said Joe Markman, associate communications director for the union.

If those beds are closed it can be very difficult for patients to find the services they need if they have to travel to Springfield, Markman said.

There are logistical problems, like transporting someone from Greenfield to wherever the new hospital is built rather than just taking them to another part of the same hospital. Also, it can be hard for families to travel even small distances to visit a loved one.

Bishop Neal Anthony Boyd, president National Alliance on Mental Illness-Western Massachusetts, said the priority is keeping and developing beds in the region and not worrying about which city they are in.

As long as its in Western Mass, people will be able to deal with it, Boyd said. Instead of going to Worcester or Boston.

Markman said the Massachusetts Nurses Association is also concerned about the possible loss of union jobs. The MNA represents nurses at Baystate Franklin and Baystate Noble, but not other Baystate locations. He doesnt know yet if the jobs at the new hospital would be union jobs.

U.S. HealthVest is a for-profit company. Markman wondered what that would mean for behavioral health patients who use Medicare or Medicaid or dont have insurance.

Nurses also are worried that the new behavioral health hospital will be nonmedical. That is, it wont offer the medical care that a hospital offers. Thats important for patients who have chronic physical illnesses as well as psychiatric complaints.

Markman said the union and its members learned of the plan Monday. This disturbed some union members who wish they were consulted early on.

We were wondering who in the community people were talking to, he said. This is one of those situations where there is a lot more information that we need to get. Well be speaking with relative state agencies, policy makers, the nurses, members of the community.

UMass Memorial Medical Center plans to open its own partnership hospital with US HealthVest on Feb. 11, said UMass Memorial spokesman Anthony Berry. The new Hospital for Behavioral Medicine is a 120-bed inpatient psychiatric hospital at 100 Century Drive in Worcester, about seven minutes or three miles away from the UMass Memorial campus.

US HealthVest is an ideal partner for this hospital, Berry wrote in an email answer to questions from The Republican. They have the knowledge, experience, and history of demonstrated excellence in this field. We want the best for our patients, we ensure that by partnering with an organization of US HealthVests stature.

UMass Memorial announced the partnership back in 2017, just as it was also working to close 28 inpatient psychiatric beds at its main hospital to make room for surgical services there, according to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

Baystates announcement comes as it prepares this month to open a 54,000-square-foot health and wellness center on Dwight Road in Longmeadow.
SPRINGFIELD  Police Commissioner John Barbieri told city councilors Monday that he looks forward to a consultants recommendations for improving the internal investigation system for citizen complaints and continues to push for body cameras for all officers.

Barbieris comments followed a $250,000 award in a police brutality lawsuit last week in U.S. District Court in Boston in which the jury found that the city was deliberately indifferent to the civil rights of its citizens through a policy or custom of inadequately supervising or disciplining its police officers.

The jury ruled last week that police officer Thomas Hervieux used excessive force in hitting Lee Hutchins Sr. with a baton during a domestic disturbance, but added that the city bore responsibility in its policy or custom of discipline.

The ruling in the 2013 case drew renewed criticism from some city councilors who have questioned a multitude of lawsuits and large judgments in police misconduct cases.

Councilors have been seeking to have a five-member citizen police commission oversee the police department, including discipline, but Mayor Domenic J. Sarno has blocked the move thus far by not appointing the board, defending having a single police commissioner handling all department matters.

At Mondays meeting, Barbieri said a report is expected soon from its consultant, the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), of Washington, that will detail recommended policy changes in the way the police department investigates potential officer misconduct internally. He said he shares councilors wishes to find the best possible system for dealing with citizen complaints.

The best, biggest picture is community trust  a better understanding of the internal investigation process by not just the people involved in it but by the community, Barbieri said.

Barbieri said he favors a buy-in to the best model in the country, and "if there are any weaknesses to resolve them."

The adopted changes must ensure that reporting is accurate and the investigations are being conducted professionally, and reviewed in the best possible method, Barbieri said. The adopted changes must ensure there are checks and balances, and that 'the community can rest assured that the police department is policing itself," he said.

At Mondays meeting with the councils Public Safety Committee, Barbieri listed numerous steps the police department is taking to expand training and to de-escalate violent situations. It is a job, however, where there is resistance and danger, and a lot of times people get hit in arrests, he said.

He said he is pushing for all officers to wear body cameras as soon as possible, but said it could be six months or longer to allow for a consultant to devise the body camera program in Springfield and for the city to buy the equipment and train officers. Some have said it might take significantly longer than six months, he said.

Councilor Orlando Ramos, chairman of the Public Safety Committee, said the body camera system is not "re-inventing the wheel" and should not take a prolonged period to implement.

Ramos said it was very productive meeting with Barbieri and law department officials. He is pleased the consultants report is coming soon and that the body cameras are coming as soon as possible.

I appreciate the commissioners efforts, Ramos said. I think he is supportive of all this extra training for police officers, which is great. However, when we see these stories come out publicly and were still in litigation for cases related to police misconduct, its discouraging. So we want to make sure were doing everything we can to avoid these things form happening again.
Florence + The Machine has announced plans for a North American tour with a scheduled date in the Boston area.

The band will play Xfinity Centre in Mansfield, MA on May 20.

Tickets for the event will go on sale Friday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. through Live Nation at livenation.com.

Florence + The Machine's "High As Hope" tour is in support of its latest release "Moderation." The group has plotted 17 dates in North America sandwiched between two European swings.
Evanescence is headed out on tour and will include a stop in Connecticut.

The band will play Mohegan Sun Arena on May 19 at 8 p.m.

Tickets for the show will go on sale beginning Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets and locations including ticketmaster.com and by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Evanescence toured with a live orchestra in 2017 to support its "Synthesis" release. The band returns to its original rock configuration for this leg of the tour.
The Boston Celtics will be without Marcus Morris in addition to Kyrie Irving and Aron Baynes when they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.

Irvings absence was announced on Monday, due to a hip strain which has bothered him recently. Morris' reason for absence is a sore right knee -- a recurring problem for Morris, which the Celtics have been monitoring.

The Cavaliers are not a particularly strong opponent, entrenched in a tanking season, hoping for a shot at Zion Williamson in the lottery. They are currently one game away from having the worst record in the NBA, trailing both the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks in the tanking lottery.

The Celtics will be without Baynes through the All-Star break. Irving has missed several games against the Cavaliers recently, and the Celtics may be preserving him (and giving Terry Rozier a chance to shine) against some of the leagues worst teams. One other notable date: Thursdays trade deadline at 3 p.m., which will spell an end (at least for now) to some of the questions about free agency and player movement. If Irving -- who has visibly bristled at questions about his future -- is hoping to avoid those questions, skipping Tuesdays game makes a lot of sense. By the time he will be available to the media next (after Thursdays game), the deadline will have passed.

Anyway, the point is the Celtics will be short-handed against the second-worst team in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday.
Turner was out of the office said he didnt have immediate access to exact figures available when he talked with the Bulletin late Monday, but he estimated that the storm clean-up cost the city between $350,000 to $400,000.

For initial consideration by VDEM, a locality has to have all cost calculations submitted within 72 hours, Turner said. Because the storm happened on a Thursday, city officials couldnt get everything calculated until the following Monday, so we were outside the initial time.

VDEM approved by Dec. 18 the counties of Amelia, Appomattox, Brunswick, Campbell, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Essex, Floyd, Fluvanna, Franklin, Halifax, King and Queen, Lunenburg, Montgomery, New Kent, Northumberland, Nottoway, Pittsylvania, Powhatan, Prince Edward and Rappahannock and the cities of Roanoke, Danville, Galax and Richmond, according to a press release.

As well as Martinsville, areas announced Monday were the counties of Grayson, James City, King William, Lancaster, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, Northampton and Westmoreland.

Now its just a matter of waiting for FEMA to contact the city to begin the application process, Turner said, adding that he had no idea when that might be.
Henry County authorities continue to search for a 17-year-old they think shot and killed a man on Saturday night.

The Henry County Sheriff's Office didn't release any new details about the suspect on Monday, but officials said as of mid-afternoon the teenager, identified only as male, remained at large.

He is suspected in the death of Eric Montequilla Barksdale, 32 of 1648 Rivermont Heights Road.

Deputies responded to that address shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday after receiving a call that someone had been shot outside the home, according to a news release the sheriff's office.

They found Barksdale on the front porch with apparent gunshot injuries. Barksdale was transported to Sovah Health-Martinsville, where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities report there had been an argument between Barksdale and a 17-year-old male.

The victim and juvenile went outside, where the juvenile shot Barksdale then fled on foot, the release stated.
The juvenile suspect has not been taken into custody, Davis wrote in an email to the Bulletin at 6:54 p.m. Monday. As we discussed earlier the sheriff's office cannot release the identity of the juvenile at this time. I do not have a timetable as to when that information may be available for release.

The search warrant said an argument that led to the shooting began inside the residence and as it continued to escalate, the victim and suspect walked outside. Once they were on the porch, the argument continued, and Richardson then shot Barksdale in the chest.

Jerome Turner was at the residence when the altercation took place inside. He also stated that he was approximately 8 feet away from Barksdale and Richardson when he saw the fire come from Richardsons hand. There was blood located on the rear steps and door to the home. Blood is also on the front porch just outside of the door. With the blood located on the rear door and in close proximity to the front door, it is believed that either the victim or suspect may have entered the home after the shooting took place, the search warrant said.

Items seized during a search include the victims clothing from the yard, a swab of red substance on porch, a swab of red substance on back door, a swab of red substance on chair and a cell phone on kitchen counter.
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Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Sanchez, a crew chief with the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Air Refueling Wing prepares to service a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Michigan Air National Guard's 127th Wing at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, Nov. 5, 2018. The Michigan aircraft was passing through Hawaii on a mission to pick up cargo and personnel in Guam.
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Patient accused of carjacking ambulance had been sedated
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Closing arguments set for this afternoon in Fiacco murder trial
Lebanon lives on freedom and would die without it

Michel Chiha



Dear Readers,

As we celebrate our 95th anniversary, LOrient-Le Jour is facing a highly challenging environment. Despite this, the wealth of opportunities within touching distance keeps us confident in our future. With our capital increase now behind us, we wanted to take this opportunity to state our aspirations and explain how we operate, with a concern for transparency that is all too often found lacking in the Lebanese media.





Unwavering commitment to our mission coupled with a clear vision for our publications

Our core mission is to inform and provide clear insights about Lebanon and the Middle East, to strengthen the connection between the Lebanese diaspora and its homeland, to defend freedom, and to raise the profile of the French-speaking world. To accomplish this, we believe in qualitative journalism, and so we have invested in LOrient-Le Jour and Le Commerce du Levants editorial offering. Our team of fifty journalists are on the ground around the clock, cross-checking sources, analyzing information and sharing commentary to ensure that your newspaper and your magazine, whether offline or online, are the gold standard when it comes to understanding Lebanon and the region.

In line with this ambition, we have decided to no longer confine ourselves to sharing our expertise in French. At the end of 2018, we started providing a selection of LOrient-Le Jour and Le Commerce du Levant articles in English. Far from diluting our francophone identity, this selection of translated articles aims to make our content accessible to as many readers as possible.

Promoting fundamental values thanks to our independence

At a time when freedom of expression is curtailed throughout the Middle East and considering the desolate state of Lebanons media (newspaper bankruptcies, political interference), we consider this mission to be more crucial than ever, and our responsibility all the greater. We are proud of our heritage  LOrient-Le Jour is the oldest Lebanese newspaper in circulation while Le Commerce du Levant is the oldest business periodical  but more than anything we derive our strength from our independence. We are proud to be independent from all political parties and we do not receive funds from any of them.

The following fundamental values are the building blocks of our mission: freedom, promoting culture (particularly among the young), and human rights. We strive to show these values through our pages, such as when we condemn the scandalous treatment of migrant workers in Lebanon, and when we give the utmost priority to the fight for environmental protection (investigating the quarries, #mabaddaplastic campaign) and for Lebanese architectural and cultural heritage. Transparency and civil rights are at the heart of our everyday work in a country where the State is in decline.

Creating a new business model

Faced with declining traditional revenues (from newsstand sales and advertising), we have launched a strategy to develop new revenue streams: in 2018, around 25% of our turnover was generated from our digital editions (subscriptions and advertising), and from diversification (projects and events). The components of our business model are as follows:

- Traditional advertisements, which are shrinking in the print version, and are negligible in the digital version, mainly due to the stranglehold of the Google-Facebook duopoly on the market

- Revenues from print sales and subscriptions, which are holding up despite a slow decline in circulation

- The emergence of sponsored editorial projects, and the development of our events business

- Our growing online edition and our digital subscriptions, spread evenly between Lebanon and abroad  a clear sign of diaspora support.

It is to our subscribers that we owe this success, which is the foundation of our business model for the future. To rely first and foremost on our readers, what could be more a noble aim for a newspaper? Our new model is making progress every day, but it is not yet able to compensate for our dwindling print revenues. Hence our focus on increasing growth further in coming years. To achieve this, we are committed to continuously improving our editorial content and digital formats, and we invite you to support us by subscribing online.

More transparency on our revenues



Sponsored projects, events and advertorials constitute new sources of revenue. In recent years, we have launched several projects which are in line with the values we defend. Most of these projects are supported by partners joining forces with us in our ongoing civic engagement (Fransabank, SGBL, CMA CGM for instance, and institutions such as the AUF or the UNDP). This allows us to offer you richer content, while adapting our advertising offering to a changing market. With each of these partnerships, we respect a golden rule: editorial content is always kept separate from the commercial objectives of the advertiser. Likewise, we will continue to be transparent with our readers when news content is sponsored or there are advertorials. Finally, in our complex digital transition, we have benefitted again this year from the precious support of the French media development agency, CFI, through professional training and advice.





A solid financial footing

In order to finance this ambitious editorial strategy in such a tough market, we have completed a USD 1.2m fundraising, our first in nearly 15 years. The shares were placed among our existing owners (mainly Michel Edde, Choueiri Group, the Pharaon family and the Rizk family), 97% of whom participated in this fundraising - testimony to their shared belief in our model.

In return, we stand fully committed to both our owners and to you, our readers. That is the bedrock of our strategic plan. With this plan and your support, we are convinced that we can return to self-sufficiency as soon as possible and safeguard our financial independence, without which there can be no political independence.

Here is our promise to you for 2019: to cover all major political, economic, cultural, and sporting events; to analyze, surprise and entertain with the same focus on quality and honesty. We will also celebrate the 90th anniversary of Le Commerce du Levant, the business periodical founded in 1929, and we have an outstanding event planned to show that this publication is as vibrant as ever.

We would like to thank you for your trust.

LOrient-Le Jour and Le Commerce du Levant




Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has shattered the hopes of the revolution by seizing all our territories. They are real savages. They remind me of how the Islamic State (IS) started, Bilal*, a journalist living in Idlib, said recently.

As IS expanded, it tried to dominate every aspect of life in areas under its control. Now, the formerly al-Qaeda affiliated group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is trying to bring the province of Idlib under its administrative control. Following a military campaign against the National Front for Liberation (NFL), a Turkish backed collection of rebel factions, at the beginning of January, it appears to have succeeded in becoming the sole leader of Syrias last anti-Assad stronghold.

The group is ruling Idlib through its political wing, the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG), which it created in November 2017 as a rival to the provisional government established by the exiled opposition in Gaziantep, Turkey. "HTS has created this sham government to control the local economy, services, justice, education and so on. When you control that, you control everything, Haitham*, a Syrian scholar, said.

But as HTS imposes its control it is also breeding resentment among the population. After eight years of civil war, Syria is fragmented, and the last anti-Assad stronghold is now falling under the control of a totalitarian administration that, according to many, is no better than the regime. HTS is registering vehicles with the SSG and mandating owners of food shops obtain licenses. The group is even imposing its laws and ideology on the education system in the province of Idlib.





"We saw what they did at the University of Aleppo"

What better way to propagate its ideology and indoctrinate a new generation of jihadists than controlling education?. "We had to leave the university because of Bashar (al-Assad) in 2011, and today we might have to leave again because of HTS, a student wrote on a WhatsApp group of journalists and activists.

All universities in Idlib province are facing a choice: accept HTSs authority or close. The International Salvation University in the city of Maarrat al-Numan is trying to resist. The private institution hosts more than 1,600 students and has refused to comply with HTSs requirements. "They came to tell us to close the university, but we refused because they have no reason to do so. We are not going to let them ruin our children's future, Dr. Mazen Saoud, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, said via WhatsApp.

The university has a satellite campus in the neighboring city of Ariha and offers courses in more than 20 disciplines. For young people in the area, it is one of the few options they have to avoid the armed struggle going on around them. "Its very important for us. We have the choice between psychology, medicine, political science, journalism, English, Turkish, Ahmad*, a first year student in dentistry, said. There are young people like me, but also some who are almost in their thirties who had to interrupt their studies because of the war.

"We try to give a quality education in harsh conditions. This is not Switzerland or Great Britain. we must be realistic. We are in Syria. We have been living a war for the past 8 years, said Dr. Saoud.

Last month, students of the university organized two sit-ins outside the campus bullet scarred building to protest HTSs threats. Our university will remain a sun of knowledge that no cloud can veil, one sign read. Another said: Our university is private, non lucrative and meets international standards.Why do you want to take it away?

If HTS were to take over, the school would not provide the group with any financial benefit. "We do absolutely no profit. A year of medicine, the most expensive department... costs only $400. It's nothing compared to other universities, Dr. Saoud argued.

"I work as a reporter to be able to afford the annual fee. But many rely on scholarships that the institution grants, such as the wives of prisoners or deceased fighters, but also the displaced and wounded, Ahmad explained.

"They feel threatened by our school, a serious competitor to theirs, and that's why they want to shut us down. We saw what they did at the University of Aleppo, Dr. Saoud said.

In December 2017, the SSG tried to take over the Free University of Aleppo. The school was created in 2015 by rebel groups in Aleppo province and was placed under the control of the Syrian National Council. Teachers and the students refused to obey HTS at the time and were forced to leave the schools buildings.





"Who deserves to be killed? "

In a clear sign that it is not willing to negotiate, HTS released a statement last week threatening to close the university if it doesnt obey the new rules. We either belong to them or we leave, Youssef*, a student in his final year of English literature, said.

If HTS takes over, the university would be forced to sever its ties with the interim government in Gaziantep, which would mean losing crucial support, including financial, from many Western countries. "If HTS controls us, we will never have international recognition, Youssef worried.

"Imagine their signature on our degrees," another student said.

"Nobody wants to belong to this government because we know very well that it belongs to Jolani," added Haitham, referring to the leader of HTS and al-Nusra founder Abu Mohammad al-Jolani.

Universities already taken over by the jihadists offer a cautionary tale to the International Salvation Universitys students. The University of Idlib, with 13,000 students, has been controlled by the SSG for two years. The administration blindly obeys HTS and its fighters. "Everywhere else the law and studies of Islam are two separate departments, but not at the University of Idlib. After all, Abu Fath al-Farghali teaches there, so this is not surprising, said Haitham.

Abu Fath al-Farghali, an Egyptian-born scholar, is among the most important, and radical, religious figures in Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. He has nearly 10,000 followers on his Telegram account where he regularly issues fatwas and promises up to $100 to people who correctly answer questions about Islam.

Second-year students in the law and Islamic studies program at the University of Idlib are required to study the legal and religious aspects of jihad. LOrient-Le Jour (OLJ) recently obtained a copy of one of their exams. It contained questions about the rights of prisoners, the treatment of spies and the spoils of war. "Even people who are extremely religious-savvy could have difficulties with these kinds of questions," said Haitham.

The exam included questions about the difference between suicide and martyrdom operations, the statuses of Christians and Alawites under jizya (a tax imposed on non-Muslims) and what people deserve to be subdued or killed. There was also a question about whether Islam allowed people to fight alongside Turkey. In the context of northern Syria, it was politically charged. The rest of the opposition is working with the Turkish army to fight the YPG, the Syrian Kurdish branch of the PKK, which Ankara considers a terrorist organization.





"More and more fear"

Just a few months ago, people in Idlib were openly expressing their opposition to HTS, but it is no longer possible to speak out against the group, especially while talking to journalists. "I was not afraid of them before, but things have changed, Haitham explained.

HTS is quick to retaliate against its critics. "Even in the towns it has been controlling for a long time, the group does not have popular support. Many young people fled the country because of HTS just as others did because of Bashar. It has replaced the regime in its repressive behavior, explained Oum Abdallah, a resident of Maarrat al-Numan.

"There is more and more fear, certainly. Already in 2017, when we demonstrated against HTS in Saraqeb calling for Jolani to leave, we were scared off. They have very powerful secret services and we know what they are capable of, a Syrian journalist based in Idlib said.

"We refuse their intrusion. We have lived under a military regime for 55 years. We wont end up under another, Dr. Saoud added.

Maarrat al-Numan has a reputation for being openly hostile to the jihadist group and was among the last areas to fall under its control in recent weeks. Universities and schools are not the only institutions are are being threatened. The entire infrastructure of civil society is in danger. A committee of negotiators carefully chosen by the citys residents is hoping to voice its grievances and to prevent HTS from setting up a permanent presence in the town.

Members of the negotiating committee said that the are approaching their interactions with the powerful jihadist group cautiously. A couple of years ago, HTS clashed with the rebel forces that ran the city. "We have already paid with blood. Today, we do not want to see it happen again," said a doctor who on the committee.





*Names were changed for safety reasons.

(This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour on the 28th of January)




Nature & Weather, Local News, Press Releases, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: February 05 2019

LaValle co-sponsored the measure that would prohibit offshore oil and gas production.

Long Island, NY - February 5, 2019 - Senator Ken LaValle reported today that the New York State Legislature approved a ban on offshore drilling. Senator LaValle co-sponsored the measure (S2316) that would Senator Ken LaValle reported today that the New York State Legislature approved a ban on offshore drilling. Senator LaValle co-sponsored the measure (S2316) that would prohibit offshore oil and gas production

Senator Ken LaValle said, As the original lead sponsor of the legislation, I am pleased that the bill was approved by the Senate and Assembly. We have painstakingly worked to preserve and protect our pristine waters, and we certainly do not want to imperil all of our efforts to maintain clean water by allowing drilling off our shoreline. I request that the Governor sign the bill into law, so we can further protect our waters.
Nature & Weather, Local News, Press Releases, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: February 05 2019

Sand from the dredge was placed at Webby Beach to extend the length of the beach and combat erosion.

Center Moriches, NY - February 5, 2019 - Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) was joined by Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) was joined by Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, Brookhaven Deputy Town Supervisor and Councilman Dan Panico, stakeholders and local residents at Webby Beach in Center Moriches to announce the completion of the dredge of the Long Island Intracoastal Waterway. Sand from the dredge was placed at Webby Beach to extend the length of the beach and combat erosion, as well as at Smith Point County Park and Great Gun Beach . A map of both the Moriches Inlet emergency dredge and the Long Island Intracoastal Waterway dredge and their respective sand placements is available here

Congressman Lee Zeldin said, Coming on the heels of the completion of the Moriches Inlet emergency dredge, the conclusion of the dredge of the Long Island Intracoastal Waterway is continued good news for our local tourism and maritime industries, environment, public safety and way of life. Its thanks to the hard work of the Army Corps of Engineers, local elected officials, fishermen, boaters and residents that were revitalizing and restoring our local waterways, but our work isnt done yet. Theres so much more we can and will continue to do to improve our local beaches and waterways and ensure our area is a vibrant tourism and maritime business hub and great place to live.

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine said, I want to thank Congressman Zeldin for his efforts to secure the funding and bring in the Army Corps of Engineers to complete this absolutely critical project. By restoring this beach, homeowners in neighborhood can now be more confident that the flooding they have been experiencing will not be an issue for a long time to come.

Brookhaven Councilman Dan Panico said, Long Islands economy is tied to our environment. Thank you to Congressman Zeldin and everyone who helped get this done.

Captain Joe Tangel, Owner of KING COD Fishing in Center Moriches said, I just want to thank Congressman Zeldin for his efforts in coordinating the emergency dredging project in Moriches Inlet, and Bay. It is a great relief for boaters and fishermen in the area to know that something will finally be done to ensure our safety and economic viability.

In April 2018, Rep. Zeldin worked with Colonel Thomas Asbery of the Army Corps to receive the needed Emergency Declaration from the Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division Brigadier General William Graham, granting Rep. Zeldins request to perform emergency dredging of the Moriches Inlet. This emergency declaration began the process of coordinating funding and permits so dredging vessels could begin work, which also included placement of the sand at Smith Point County Park at Rep. Zeldins request.
Local News, Business & Finance, Health & Wellness, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: February 05 2019

95 Awards Will Support Essential Health Care Services in New York State.

New York, NY - February 5, 2019 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced $204 million to support 95 projects that will protect and transform New York State's health care system. This funding from the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program will improve patient care through the development of high-quality medical facilities and programs serving the inpatient, primary care, mental health, substance use disorder and long-term care needs of communities throughout the State.

"While the federal administration has spent two years working to roll back healthcare access, we are investing more than ever in programs and facilities to ensure New Yorkers get the high-quality services they need," Governor Cuomo said. "These investments in cutting-edge infrastructure will expand 21st century healthcare options in every corner of the state and improve the health and wellbeing of families for decades to come."

"Access to affordable, high-quality health care is a basic human right," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "This critical investment will improve access and deliver expanded medical services for every level of care. Our commitment to the health care needs of all New Yorkers is strengthened by this significant funding."

For more information about the 95 awarded providers, the specific funding awarded, and details about the awarded projects, click on the region below:

The funding was awarded under the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program, which was enacted as part of the FY 2018 Budget. These awards continue the State's commitment to preserve and expand essential healthcare services in communities throughout New York State. In addition, the Governor's 2019-20 Executive Budget will authorize the Department of Health to allocate up to $300 million of the $525 million in Health Care Facility Transformation Funds authorized in the 2018-19 Enacted Budget to support project applications from health care providers that were not awarded grants during this round of funding.

The program is administered by the Department of Health and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York and will help support the objectives of the Delivery System Reform Incentive Program. The purpose of the Delivery System Reform Incentive Program is to reduce health care costs and improve the health outcomes of New Yorkers by expanding access to inpatient, primary, preventative and other ambulatory care services as part of regionally integrated healthcare delivery systems. The Delivery System Reform Incentive Program's primary goal is to reduce avoidable hospital visits by 25 percent by 2020. The Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program awards are also focused on projects which will help ensure the financial sustainability of safety-net healthcare providers, and the preservation or expansion of essential health care services.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "These funds will enable our healthcare partners and facilities to further modernize and integrate healthcare services as part of our shared goal of improving patient care and access. New York is a national leader in delivering first-class health care thanks to Governor Cuomo's steadfast commitment to making sure our healthcare systems have the resources necessary to provide the best possible care."
Lockport, NY (14094)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. Cooler. High near 65F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies. Low 49F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Legislation to help prevent deaths from underride crashes has stalled in the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

What is an Underride Crash?

An underride crash is a severe accident when a vehicle slides underneath a large truck or semi-trailer. Head and neck injuries suffered as a result of an underride crash are often fatal.

Information About the Stop Underrides Act of 2017

In 2017, a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers introduced a bill to prevent fatal underride crashes. According to RTV6 Indianapolis, the Stop Underrides Act of 2017 would require large trucks to have guards on the front and sides of the vehicle in addition to annual inspections.

The legislation would also require the Department of Transportation to review underride standards every five years. According to current laws, guards are only required on the backs of trucks.

The legislation has not advanced beyond the Senate Committee in the past year, leaving safety advocates frustrated with the slow process.

Underride Crash Statistics

Underride crashes make up half of all accidents between cars and trucks, resulting in 750 deaths in 2015 alone.

A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety determined that additional guards could reduce the severity of injuries in 90% of underride crashes.

Contact an Experienced San Antonio Car Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced San Antonio auto accident attorneys have experience handling a multitude of injury accidents, no matter how severe the crash or injury. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages if another driver acted negligently. Our firm has the experienced lawyers and financial resources that you need to achieve the real results you deserve.

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review  attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends. If you cannot make it to our office, we can visit you at your home, in the hospital, or at work.

Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com.
When a property owner fails to maintain their property or neglects to caution guests of potential dangers, it can prompt mishaps which are typically classified as slip and falls. Victims can sustain serious injuries in these falls and compensation may be recovered through premises liability lawsuits.

More than one million people need emergency medical care each year in the United States for Slip and fall accidents, and the average hospital cost of a slip and fall is more than $30,000. Five percent of the cases have a broken bone and about 20-30 percent gets seriously injured. Nearly one-third of adults over 65 falls each year. Slip and fall accidents cost Americans more than $34 billion each year.

Types of Slip and Fall Accidents

The majority of slip and falls can be broken into the following two categories: how they occur and where they occur. Common locations where Slip and Fall Accidents typically occur are grocery stores, small businesses, private homes, hotels and resorts, and public places and parks. Typically, store owners and homeowners have insurance to cover these kinds of incidents.

How many slip and falls occur include:

Icy walkways.

Cluttered floors.

Inadequate lighting.

Wet or slippery floors

Ditches, trenches or potholes.

Damaged sidewalks.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries in slip and fall accidents are cracks or broken bones. Every year, a considerable number of youngsters and older adults break bones in falls along with cracks to the legs, arms, ribs, and hands. Spinal cord damage. Is also possible.

Premises Liability Law in Texas

Premises liability law makes the owner of the premises responsible for injuries suffered by the injured persons on their property. To prove liability, the injured party needs to show that the danger was well known to the property owner but neglected to remove the threat.

There are three categories of premises liability law cases in the State of Texas: Standard Premises Negligence Case, Negligent Activity and Negligent Undertaking.

In Texas, its important to understand the difference between a standard premises liability case and a negligent activities case, because more elements need to be proven in a standard liability case than in a negligent activities case. In Texas, a negligent act occurs when there is an ongoing activity that caused injury to a plaintiff, but at the time of injury, if the act is not constant, it is considered a standard premises liability case.

Suppose, for example, an employee spills water on the floor and then forgets to clean it up before he leaves. After that, a customer slipped and fell because of the spill and was injured Such a situation would be considered a standard liability case because the negligent act was not ongoing at the time of injury.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you are injured in a slip and fall, there are certain steps you should take immediately:

First and foremost, seek medical treatment for any injuries you suffer. Visit a doctor immediately so that your injuries are properly recorded.

Report the accident to the premises owner, manager or someone in charge of the business.

Write the names and contact numbers of the people with whom you talked. Ask them to make a written report and ensure you receive a copy.

If possible, take pictures or video of the place where you fell and also the surroundings.

Identify any witnesses, if possible.

You should try to limit your communication with the property owner or manager. Remain calm and decline to give any statement to the insurance company before you contact an attorney.

Contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

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Of all the crackpots on social media, is any more untethered to reality than the president of the United States?

Seriously, there are tinfoil-hatted lunatics yelling on street corners who make more sense than President Donald Trumps increasingly loopy Twitter feed. Think about it: Most mornings, and some evenings as well, the most powerful man in the world rants and raves like someone youd urgently tell the gate agent about if you were waiting to board the same airplane.

This is not normal. This is alarming.

I know, theres a school of thought that says Trumps tweets are nothing but weapons of mass distraction and should be ignored. But if you want to know the administrations policy on just about anything, what other reliable source is there? Surely not press secretary Sarah Sanders and the other White House mouthpieces, whose main job is to invent evidence to back up Trumps misstatements, distortions and pants-on-fire lies.

And surely not Trumps own high-level appointees. After Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told Congress this week that North Korea is unlikely ever to give up its nuclear weapons, Trump tweeted that there is a decent chance of Denuclearization  Progress being made  big difference.

After CIA chief Gina Haspel said that Iran is abiding by the terms of the nuclear deal that Trump renounced, the president used a tweet to slap her down: The Intelligence people seem to be extremely passive and naive when it comes to the dangers of Iran. They are wrong!  Perhaps Intelligence should go back to school!

Take a moment to absorb how crazy this is. The informed assessments of Trumps intelligence chiefs disagree with Trumps uninformed or misinformed prejudgments  so he attacks and belittles his own handpicked team.

What are Coats, Haspel and all the others who work for Trump supposed to do? Grin and bear it? Shrug and carry on? Quit and write books telling how the chaos and dysfunction inside Trumpworld are worse than we could possibly imagine?

The president also uses Twitter  where he has nearly 60 million followers  to cut the legs from under members of Congress who are gamely trying to carry his water. This weeks victims are the GOP members of the bipartisan committee that is supposed to be negotiating a spending package for border security. Those Republicans are wasting their time, Trump tweeted, because Democrats do not want to approve money to build the imaginary border wall that Mexico was supposed to pay for.

One way to end this farce would be for the committee to come up with funds to replace or upgrade existing border fences and barriers. Trump could say this was money for the wall, Democrats could say it wasnt, and there would be no threat of another government shutdown or an unconstitutional declaration of national emergency. But another Trump tweet seemed to rule that solution out: Lets just call them WALLS from now on and stop playing political games! A WALL is a WALL.

One of the scariest things about Trumps tweets is that you can read them and immediately know what hes been watching on television. He often repeats what he has just heard on Fox News  to the point that the hosts of his favorite show, Fox & Friends, often appear to be setting the administrations agenda. If I worked for Trump, Id watch the show to get my marching orders for the day.

To review: The president wont accept the conclusions of the intelligence community, which are synthesized by thousands of public servants with great expertise in their subject areas. But he treats three blow-dried talking heads sitting on a couch in Manhattan as Delphic oracles.

Perhaps above all, Trump uses his Twitter feed to lie and mislead. On Thursday morning alone, he claimed in four separate tweets that his promised border wall is already being built. Thats an utter, shameless lie. Some existing fencing has been replaced, but not a single mile of new wall has been constructed. Not one.

Rare is the Trump tweet that does not include at least one lie, exaggeration or distortion. Ill leave it to my Fact Checker colleagues at the Washington Post to keep track of them all. But think about it: We have a chief executive who gushes toxic falsehood like Drunk Uncle at closing time.

How can the nation respect the presidency when it cant believe a word the president says?

I dont know, either.

eugenerobinson@washpost.com
The director of a day care center in La Vernia, Texas, told an 8-year-old who said she had been sexually assaulted that she was "lying" and was "in trouble" for reporting the abuse, according to court records obtained by MySA.com.

Amanda Tatum, the 36-year-old director of Grandma's House Child Care Center, now faces a charge of professional failed to make request-child abuse report. Tatum's parents, Douglas and Stella Coats, who own the day care, were arrested on the same charge. All were booked into the Wilson County Jail on $6,000 bails.

According to their arrest warrants, the investigation into Tatum and the Coats began on Jan. 23, when a 4-year-old girl told La Vernia police she had been abused by a 10-year-old boy at Grandma's House on Jan. 21. Due to the suspect's age, his identity is not public information.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services began investigating the allegation and learned of another victim, an 8-year-old girl, who said she had been abused by the same suspect in November, according to the affidavit.

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Investigators interviewed the 8-year-old girl. She said she reported the abuse to Tatum, but rather than call the authorities, Tatum told the victim she was "lying" about the abuse and was "in trouble" for reporting it, according to the affidavit. Tatum said the girl "must have been 'dreaming' and the sexual abuse did not occur."

Tatum told investigators the 8-year-old girl's parents had texted her about the child's accusations shortly after the alleged abuse occurred.

"Well, I will talk to my mom, (Stella Coats) she will be pissed, it pisses me off that she told us different stories here, all licensing is going to do is see if the day care was at fault of anything happened, we would have to call the police to do any kind of investigation," Tatum texted the parent in response, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit doesn't say whether the parents went to police at that point.

La Vernia police later interviewed Stella and Douglas Coats about the abuse allegation. Both admitted they had been informed of the girl's story, but failed to report it to authorities. Stella Coats said she didn't believe the girl.

According to Texas Health and Human Services records, Grandma's House Child Care Center has been cited for 18 deficiencies since opening in 2016. Seven of those were categorized as high risk deficiencies, including slapping children's hands and making them do wall squats as forms of punishment.

The 10-year-old suspect was charged with two counts of indecency with a child.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

Caleb Downs covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com |

cdowns@mysa.com | @calebjdowns
The young politician spearheading efforts to remove Venezuela's authoritarian leader called for a "transparent relationship" with China, a key investor in the country, saying any agreements made with the regime of Nicolas Maduro would be honored as long as they were done lawfully.

Juan Guaido, the National Assembly leader, is at the forefront of a renewed push to remove Maduro who, with his grip on the military and courts, has presided over crackdowns on protesters, the opposition and a hollowing out of Venezuela's economy. The desperate conditions for ordinary people struggling with skyrocketing prices and power outages has spurred one of the biggest mass migrations of modern times.

"I will be very clear: all agreements that have been signed following the law will be respected," Guaido said in a written interview. "If previous agreements were signed by adhering to the due process of approval by the National Assembly, they will be accepted and honored."

Guaido has the backing of countries including the U.S. and Brazil, and is seeking to put a noose around Maduro's access to funds, primarily oil and gold exports and income from state-dominated businesses. China is one of the biggest investors in Venezuela, and while it has been an ally of socialist administrations dating back to Hugo Chavez, Guaido portrayed it as having suffered from Maduro's corruption and financial mismanagement.

"We want to establish a transparent relationship with China and put an end to the plundering of our resources that has prevailed under Maduro's government, which has ultimately also affected Chinese investors," he said. "China's development projects in Venezuela have been falling as they have been affected and destroyed by corruption or debt default."

The stance of China and Russia is crucial to Maduro's ability to hold onto power. The countries have filled the investment and security vacuum caused by Washington's decades-long estrangement from Caracas. But the resurgent U.S. interest makes things more complicated.

Russia has strongly supported Maduro while China has been more equivocal, mostly falling back on citing a longstanding policy of noninterference in other states' affairs.

Asked three times last week if China still saw Maduro as Venezuela's president, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang simply noted that a special envoy of President Xi Jinping attended his inauguration in January. On Friday, Geng said China has "maintained close communication with all parties" and ties "shouldn't be undermined no matter how the situation evolves."

China is the second-biggest importer of crude from the country, but receives its barrels as repayments of debt. Venezuela hasn't been able to send enough crude to meet its obligations in recent years as its production cratered and crude prices tumbled.

Beijing has invested more than $62 billion in Venezuela, mostly through loans, since 2007. Last year, it imported 3.6 percent of its oil supply from the country, down from just over 5 percent in 2017. In the throes of a financial crisis last September, Maduro flew to Beijing to win a $5 billion credit line from his "big sister" China. Chinese technology giants Huawei Technologies Corp. and ZTE Corp. have invested heavily in the country.

Not everyone views Beijing's behavior as benign. Ricardo Hausmann, an acclaimed Venezuelan economist and adviser to Guaido who runs Harvard University's Center for International Development, has called the China Development Bank a "disgrace."

Still, China has shown itself able to navigate doing business in difficult places before. And it has probably learned lessons from Sri Lanka, Malaysia and the Maldives, where it cozied up to authoritarian leaders only to be caught wrong-footed by quick power shifts that saw new governments launch probes of Chinese-funded projects and loans.

While investments often come with strategic objectives, Beijing's leaders are also pragmatic, and a change of leadership that incurred losses for China would be affordable for its $12 trillion economy.

"China is in a wait-and-see mode," said Pang Zhongying, a former Chinese diplomat who is an international relations professor at the Macau University of Science and Technology. "People shouldn't assume that China will lend a hand based on the similarity in socialist systems."

Humanitarian aid would pour in in response to a change in government, and institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank would probably play a role -- as the U.S. helped facilitate funding -- but Venezuela's economy would require funds for infrastructure that would be unlikely to generate a return for some time. That's where China, with its deep pockets and longer-term horizon, could come in.

"Any Venezuelan government will recognize the irreplaceable value of China as a large customer," said Mei Xinyu, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation affiliated with the Ministry of Commerce. "China's lending is mutually beneficial for both sides."

Russia in contrast probably cannot afford to keep its investments open-ended and has some payments already due from the current regime.

"There is a lot of work to do in this regard and we want to continue working closely with China," Guaido said, referring to reconstruction. He cited sectors including oil and mining, plus light industry and assembly.

"With the reactivation of our country's productivity we see a cooperation with China as an opportunity, rather than a threat," he added. "We are ready to begin a constructive relationship and dialogue with China as soon as possible."

Guaido did not confirm if there had been any outreach to Beijing, only saying he would like to meet with officials "in the shortest possible time to relaunch our relationship." A person in Caracas with knowledge of the interactions said there had already been some contact with the Chinese embassy.

Those conversations center around a commitment to honor debts to China, plus Venezuela's reconstruction needs, the person said, asking not to be identified talking about private conversations.

The outreach is being carefully done, the person added, because Guaido's focus is on his relationship with the U.S., which views China's presence in the region with suspicion. President Donald Trump has escalated trade tensions with China since coming to power, leading Beijing to claim the U.S. is increasingly attempting to contain it.

"If the regime changes quickly and peacefully, it will depend on whether the U.S.-backed government in Guaido recognizes the loans made under the past government," said Gui Chenxi, an oil analyst at CITIC Futures. "For now, Guaido has signaled that payments will be maintained, but America will probably call the shots if he takes office."

Guaido described the U.S. as both a commercial supporter and an important ally in the effort to oust Maduro. "Bilateral relationships are established on the basis of mutual respect and our relationship with the U.S. is historic," he said.

Even so, he added "the fact that we have consolidated relationships with other nations does not mean that we cannot open ourselves up to establishing relations with other nations."

"We live in an interconnected world where all nations have their own potential," Guaido said. "Within that space, China has an important role to play because of its capabilities and flexibility as a commercial partner."

- - - With assistance from Bloomberg's Sarah Chen, David Tweed, Dan Murtaugh, Serene Cheong, Ramsey Al-Rikabi, Karen Leigh, Patricia Laya, Alex Vasquez and Brendan Scott.
TOKYO - U.S. envoy Stephen Biegun travels Wednesday to meet his North Korean counterpart in Pyongyang, where he will try to advance a plan to reinvigorate denuclearization talks ahead of a new summit.

President Donald Trump gets credit from many North Korea experts for opening a dialogue with Kim Jong Un after years of drift under his predecessor, Barack Obama - a period when North Korea built up its nuclear and missile programs. But Trump has been criticized for failing to elicit any firm commitment from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to begin the process of denuclearization when they met for the first time in Singapore last June.

Since his appointment in August as special representative for North Korea, Biegun has played a central role in trying to put substance around what the United States wants and how it wants to achieve it.

Initially frozen out by the North Koreans, he accompanied Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to meet Kim Jong Un last October, and met his newly appointed counterpart, Kim Hyok Chol, in Washington last month for what he called an "extended working-level discussion" that was "productive, focused, results-oriented."

Biegun was initially expected to meet Kim Hyok Chol in the Korean border village of Panmunjom for a second time on Tuesday, but the fact that he has been invited to Pyongyang suggests the North Koreans are taking him more seriously, experts said.

Last Thursday, Biegun set out for the first time in a speech at Stanford University how he hopes to move the denuclearization process forward, taking what several experts described as a more flexible and realistic approach than the administration has adopted thus far.

"His speech represents a genuine breakthrough in thinking about North Korea as a U.S. policy dilemma," said John Delury, an associate professor at Yonsei University Graduate School of International Studies in Seoul.

Delury said he believes the Trump administration is pursuing a radical shift in U.S. policy toward North Korea - advancing denuclearization as part of a larger process of fundamentally transforming relations between the two countries - a shift that he said Biegun set out "with a level of detail and thoughtfulness that is revelatory."

Biegun said the administration is ready to engage with North Korea despite "dramatically different views on individual rights and on human rights," and with Trump "deeply and personally committed to once and for all bringing an end to 70 years of war and hostility."

In particular, he spelled out that the United States hopes to move "simultaneously and in parallel" with the North Koreans in implementing the pledges their two leaders made in Singapore, including denuclearization, transforming their relations and building lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

In the recent past, Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton have given the impression that the United States wanted North Korea to move unilaterally to surrender its nuclear and missile program completely before obtaining sanctions relief. That brought a warning from Kim Jong Un in a New Year's Day speech that he might be forced to follow a new path if Washington continues to insist he move unilaterally while sanctions are maintained.

Biegun has advanced a slightly more nuanced position. It was correct to say that sanctions would be lifted only when denuclearization is achieved, he said, but that is not the same as saying "we won't do anything until you do everything" - in other words, that there are steps the United States could take to build confidence in the meantime.

He reiterated that the U.S. administration wants to see a "comprehensive declaration" of North Korea's "weapons of mass destruction missile programs" but said that should come "at some point" before complete denuclearization.

Until now, the administration has been asking for a full declaration up front, something Pyongyang has resisted, and the South Korean government has seen as unrealistic.

Biegun also said that Kim Jong Un had told Pompeo that he was prepared to dismantle and destroy all of North Korea's plutonium and uranium enrichment facilities, at "a complex of sites" extending beyond the main, well-known complex at Yongbyon, provided the United States takes "corresponding measures."

That would extend the offer that Kim Jong Un apparently made when he met South Korean President Moon Jae-in last September, to dismantle Yongbyon. But experts said the fact that he has not made such an offer publicly, and because it is conditional on unspecified U.S. concessions, it was hard to know how seriously to take it.

Biegun also won praise from some North Korea watchers for admitting that both sides had made mistakes over the past 25 years of negotiations, a far cry from Washington's usual position of blaming Pyongyang only for its cheating and perfidy.

He was also realistic enough to admit that in Singapore "there was no detailed definition or shared agreement of what denuclearization entails."

Shin Beom-chul of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul said it was a good sign that Washington was not hiding the divergence on this issue.

"President Trump was entrapped by North Koreans in Singapore after front-loading too many actions for that first summit," he said. "The U.S. is taking a more realistic approach to the second summit, with clear demands and firm commitments."

Mintaro Oba, a speechwriter at West Wing Writers and a former diplomat at the State Department's Korea desk, said Biegun had taken "baby steps" in two key areas where U.S. policy had been severely deficient, namely in better managing public expectations and in "proactively defining a public narrative" on U.S. terms, instead of allowing itself to be outmanoeuvred by Pyongyang.

"By making a speech with a healthy amount of positive, public signals, Biegun took a step toward making the United States seem like it is actively trying to make progress and putting the onus on North Korea," Oba said.

The question now is how the North Koreans will react.

In the past Pyongyang has given the impression it was not interested in working-level talks and instead wanted to leave all the big decisions to Trump and Kim Jong Un - perhaps because they felt Trump was more easily outmaneuvered. But experts say it is unrealistic to expect success in Vietnam unless Biegun and Kim Hyok Chol prepare the ground in advance.

"U.S. and North Koreans negotiators only have two or three weeks to form very important agreements," said Junya Nishino, director of Contemporary Korean Studies at Keio University in Tokyo. "Actually I don't think there is enough time."

- - - The Washington Post's Min Joo Kim in Seoul contributed to this report.
The ACTS Chapter of the Diocese of Laredo is asking the community to pray for two women who were allegedly kidnapped in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

In a Facebook post, the chapter said that Leyda Argote and her mother were kidnapped on Sunday.
A 16-year-old boy was shot shortly after midnight Tuesday in central Laredo, authorities said.

Laredo police officers responded to the 700 block of East Lyon Street. A woman stated that her son had been shot.

READ ALSO: S.A.-area daycare director allegedly told child sex assault victim she 'must have been 'dreaming''

He was taken to a local hospital and later flown out to San Antonio. He was listed in critical but stable condition.

No one has been arrested. People with information on the case can call LPD at 795-2800 or Laredo Crime Stoppers at 727-TIPS (8477).

Callers may remain anonymous.
A juvenile has been arrested for leading multiple law enforcement agencies on a lengthy vehicle pursuit, Laredo sector Border Patrol said Monday.

The incident occurred late Thursday, when a Border Patrol agent attempted to stop a silver Ford F-250 south of Encinal that had been reported stolen. The driver of the pickup refused to pull over. The agent requested assistance from the Cotulla Border Patrol station, the Texas Department of Public Safety and other local agencies.

Texas DPS took over the vehicle pursuit that eventually ended about 80 miles later on I-35.

The pursuit ended after Texas DPS troopers deployed a controlled tire deflation device on the pickup. Following deployment of the device, the driver of the pickup struck a concrete barrier. Its occupants, including the driver, ran from the vehicle and attempted to evade apprehension.

All occupants were subsequently detained. The driver was determined to be a U.S. citizen. His nine passengers were determined to be undocumented immigrants; five from Mexico, three from Brazil and one from Guatemala. Following his arrest, a handgun was found on the front seat of the pickup.

Texas DPS troopers took custody of the juvenile driver pending prosecution of multiple state charges. They also took custody of the vehicle and the handgun. The immigrants were turned over to Border Patrol.

Two of them, along with the juvenile driver, suffered injuries in the crash. Each was taken to a San Antonio hospital for treatment.
Recently retired Deputy City Manager Cynthia Collazo was recognized Monday night by City Council and city department heads for her 41 years of service at the City of Laredo.

Council made a motion to rename Maryland Toddler Park to Cynthia Collazo Park in her honor.

Mayor Pete Saenz attributed Collazo's success at the city to her patience.

"She was patient and respectful and she had a knack for working with just about anyone," he said.

And her years of experience weighed heavily on her impact, which was significant, Saenz added. She was a vessel of information and good performance, he said.

"We can truly say she was an institution," the mayor said.

This sentiment is reflected among city department directors as well.

Public Works Director John Orfila has known Collazo since he was a kid. His father was a land acquisition manager and worked with her at Community Development.

"She's been with all the city managers, all the mayors, from '78 on, which was (Aldo) Tatangelo, all the way up to date. ... It will be hard for anybody to fill her shoes, with her experience, her personality, her work ethic," Orfila said.

Aileen Ramos, Convention & Visitors Bureau director, said she was grateful to have learned from somebody who had all this experience.

"She walked the walk and talked the talk. She was somebody that showed you in her day-to-day work how to conduct yourself as a city employee. She was a great example for all of us," Ramos said.
San Antonio news couple Myrna Salas and Anuar Revuelta have exchanged scripts for diapers as they welcomed their first child into the world.

Paula Camila Revuelta was born December 4, 2018, but the pregnancy journey for the first-time mom was anything but easy.

"As a reporter I had to stop going outside almost since the beginning because I had a high risk pregnancy," Salas told mySA. "As an anchor I had to stand for half an hour. But on election night I had to anchor both newscast and social media broadcasts, it was exhausting. I was eight months pregnant and to be awake and alert that late was hard."

READ MORE TV NEWS: San Antonio news director dubbed 'La Dancing Jefa'

Pregnancy can be a nervous time for any first-time moms and even new dads.

"I was nervous since the day one. Pregnancy comes with a lot of new thoughts and feelings but also I was super excited and always trying to make Myrna feel comfortable, happy and take care of her," Revuelta told mySA.

Taking care of his wife include those infamous pregnancy cravings.

"My cravings were Sonic slushes and Topo Chico with lime and tajin (spicy seasoning)," Salas said.

At 37 weeks, Salas' paid a visit to doctor who told her it was best for her and the baby that she have a cesarean section that day.

"I had only one hour to go back home and finished the bag so I can register at the hospital," she said. "We weren't nervous until the moment we step into the operating room. Then 30 minutes after we had our princess in arms."

The new parents named their daughter Paula after Salas' favorite song and Camila after a name they both liked.

READ MORE TV NEWS: KENS-5 anchor shares details on intimate beach wedding

"We wanted something strong and sweet and that was the result."

They say the feeling to be parents for the first time is indescribable. "It is an experience full of joy and love." Salas said. "Everything is new, you discover feelings you didn't know you had and even if you worry sometimes - when you hold your baby you just now what to do."

The couple tells mySA they would love to have another baby - boy or girl - it doesn't matter.

Almost two months into this world and they say Paula has taught them a few things: "We've learned what true love means - the kind of love you give everything for, how strong we can be and now everything is for her."

Candice.Garcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @_candicegarcia
Government says proposals are more liberal, allowing continuing cabotage, and UK is discussing with the Commission whether there is scope to extend the EUs offer to match ours

The UK government has produced draft legislation to give access to the UK for EU hauliers in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

The move follows a proposal last December from the European Commission, which proposed legislation that would allow UK hauliers basic rights to conduct operations to, from and through the EU for a limited period of 9 months after exit, if there is no deal, subject to the UK agreeing reciprocal access for EU hauliers.

As a result, a road haulage statutory instrument has been laid in Parliament which is designed to ensure UK law operates effectively if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the UK government said.

Jesse Norman MP, Minister of State for the Department for Transport, commented: The government is making preparations to allow hauliers and other businesses to continue to transport goods between the UK and the EU, once the UK has left the EU. These include preparations for leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement.

Accordingly, I am today laying a draft haulage statutory instrument designed to ensure that UK law continues to operate effectively in this area if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. The government will continue to license UK hauliers to the same high safety, environmental and operating standards as at present, and will require foreign hauliers operating in this country to do the same.

The legislation also provides for continued access to the UK market, after exit, for hauliers from the 27 EU member states. Over 80% of haulage between the UK and continental Europe is undertaken by EU hauliers and it is important to ensure that the UKs supply chains are protected.

He stressed that the UK needs to be sure that foreign products can be imported and UK products exported as usual, adding: Our approach of offering access at this stage aims both to provide the reassurance needed for international freight flows to continue, and also to help ensure reciprocal arrangements for UK hauliers.

On its side, the European Commission has proposed legislation that would allow UK hauliers basic rights to conduct operations to, from and through the EU for a limited period of 9 months after exit, if there is no deal. The Commissions proposal will need to be agreed by the Council and European Parliament, and is being considered by both institutions urgently.

This proposal is predicated on the UKs granting equivalent access for EU hauliers to the UK, and the legislation laid before the House today provides for that access. Indeed, it is a more liberal offer, and we are discussing with the Commission whether there is scope for them to extend the EUs offer so as to match ours.

Depending on the outcome of these discussions, we will review the UKs offer to EU hauliers. Our legislation contains provision to suspend EU hauliers rights to undertake cabotage operations in the UK. We are putting in place measures to introduce such a suspension, which could be put into effect immediately after exit day if needed. Our expectation, however, is that such a suspension will not be necessary.

In parallel with these measures, he said the UK has been considering bilateral and unilateral measures with EU member states, noting: France is separately progressing with a unilateral measure to provide wider access to UK hauliers in the event of no deal. There are also 22 historic bilateral agreements that would come back into effect if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

In addition, a multilateral quota of transport licences was introduced by the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) in 1974 to support liberalised road freight transport between member states of that body. The licences, known as ECMT permits, allow for access between the 43 member states (which include all EU member states except Cyprus).

He noted that the UK has an allocation of 984 annual and 2,832 short-term (valid for 30 days) ECMTpermits for 2019, adding: These levels were agreed through a long-standing formula approach before it was known that the UK would be leaving the EU. The governments expectation is that hauliers should not need an ECMT permit to continue doing a range of business in all or much of the EU, even in the event of no deal.

But it is important to continue to prepare for all possible scenarios, and if it should prove necessary to use some of these permits for UK hauliers operating to EU countries, the government has put in place a scheme to allocate these permits, as detailed under the Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Act 2018.

UK hauliers have been applying for ECMT permits and the government expects to inform applicants of the outcome of their applications later this week. As we expect UK hauliers will have other means of ensuing market access to the EU, we will inform UK hauliers of the outcomes to provide certainty, but will allow a period of time before these need to be formally taken and paid for by successful hauliers.

He said this approach had been agreed with road haulage stakeholders, adding: The 2018 Act provides appropriate arrangements for distributing new permits as may be required under any future bilateral arrangements, if these are needed.

Overall, we continue to believe that reciprocal market access will be secured for UK hauliers. While continuing to plan for all eventualities, we also believe that it is right to underline the fact that the UK is taking a positive and pragmatic approach.

Image: Shutterstock.com
Feeder vessel APL Vancouver caught fire last Thursday while en route from Shekou to Singapore. The blaze is still being fought, with shore support and firefighting tugs deployed for recovery operations as well as the assistance of Vietnamese Coast Guard vessels

APL is still working with the Vietnamese Coast Guard to put out a fire that broke out on board its feeder box ship APL Vancouver last Thursday.

The fire broke out in one of the vessels cargo compartments at 0430 hrs on January 31 while it was en route from the western Pearl River Delta port of Shekou to Singapore.

The incident took place at Bay 7, four miles off Mui Lo, in the Vung Ro Bay off Vietnams Phu Yen province, according to data from Lloyds List Intelligence.

The Singapore-flagged, 9,200 teu APL Vancouver was built in 2013. It is operated by APL and owned by the financial leasing arm of China Merchants Bank.

An APL spokesperson said: There are ongoing efforts to extinguish the fire Crew members have all been reported safe.

APL did not advise further on the number or composition of the crew or passengers on board the vessel at the time of the incident. However, Lloyds List Intelligence data shows the vessel was sailing with a crew of 24.

A Vietnamese press report separately said that foreigners rescued from the distressed vessel included some Dutch nationals, at least one Singaporean and one Malaysian.

APL also added on Monday that shore support and firefighting tugs have been deployed for the recovery operations.

These are in addition to the Vietnamese Coast Guard vessels that are presently on site.

First published on www.lloydslist.com
An enormous male sperm whale carcass that looks like the world's biggest marshmallow has been haunting the beaches of Oahu, Hawaii, for the past month. Now, scientists are taking advantage of the dead sperm whale's close proximity to the shore and using it as an opportunity to learn more about these large marine mammals.

The floating, bloated white carcass first showed up on Jan. 10 near Oahu's south shore. Twice, authorities towed the carcass out to sea in an effort to keep it away from the beach. "The thinking is that they [whale carcasses] often have sharks feeding on them, and if they get close to a beach, they could get close to shore where people are swimming," said Kristi West, director of the marine mammal stranding program at the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology.

But after both tows, just days later, the carcass returned to shore. After the second attempt failed, authorities decided to leave the carcass where it landed, on a remote beach on Oahu's west side that's not frequented by swimmers. [Whale Album: Giants of the Deep]

During its floating journey around Oahu, the whale carcass was in a pretty advanced state of decomposition, appearing like a slightly cooked, puffy marshmallow. That's because the whale's outer layer of gray-colored skin very quickly sloughed off after it died, revealing the top of the whale's thick, white blubber layer, West said.

"When they're [whales] alive and well, you wouldn't see the white," she said. Inside the carcass, gases were released that caused the abdominal cavity to expand outward. "That explains the balloon look."

A sperm whale carcass that washed up in Hawaii looks more like a gigantic marshmallow than a dead marine mammal. Photo taken under NOAA permit #932-1905. (Image credit: Kristi West )

Bloated, white whale carcasses aren't researchers' favorite form of marine mammals to examine because it means the animal has been dead for quite a while. Not only are they really smelly and kind of gross, but "we can't do all the testing we could do on a really fresh [dead] whale that strands," West said.

Nonetheless, West and her colleagues are doing their best to learn what they can about the animal and why it died. "We've been monitoring it every day," she said.

The whale is positioned right along the shoreline, so during a recent low tide, scientists worked quickly to necropsy the abdomen of the whale. They were most interested in the whale's stomach contents, West said. The researchers found no evidence of plastic or marine debris ingestion, which has been known to cause harm to sperm whales and other whale species around the world. Instead, the whale's stomach was empty, "so that tells us the animal hadn't foraged," West said.

West and her colleagues suspect that the empty stomach means the animal was probably sick when it died. Sperm whales dive thousands of feet to hunt their preferred prey: deep-water squid and octopuses. These marine giants consume about 2,000 lbs. (900 kilograms) of food each day, according to the American Cetacean Society, and it takes a lot of energy to catch that much prey. If this sperm whale wasn't in good health, it wouldn't have had the energy to hunt, West said.

Researchers took advantage of a recent low tide to necropsy the sperm whale's abdomen. They found an empty stomach, which suggests the whale wasn't in good health when it died. Photo taken under NOAA permit #932-1905. (Image credit: Kristi West)

The necropsy also allowed the researchers to take measurements and estimate that the whale was about 55 feet (16.7 meters) long, which is around the maximum size for a male sperm whale, West said. As the carcass continues to decompose, West and her team will examine the whale's bone material to determine if the creature was struck by a ship. But so far, not enough bone has been exposed to definitively say there was a ship strike.

When people come across a dead marine mammal, they should be sure to let authorities know immediately so that researchers can examine the animal as soon as possible, West said. "As the decomposition goes on and on, there's less detailed information that we can gain from these animals that live far out at sea," she said. "We really depend on the public to report them."

Originally published on Live Science.
Now that the government shutdown is over, federal agencies have finally released an early edition of the World Magnetic Model, almost a full year before the next one was scheduled to be released, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced today (Feb. 4).

Previously, the World Magnetic Model, which tracks Earth's roving magnetic north pole, was updated in 2015 with the intent that the model would last until 2020. But the magnetic north pole had other plans. It began lurching unexpectedly away from the Canadian Arctic and toward Siberia more quickly than expected.

"We regularly assess the quality and accuracy of the model by comparing it with more recent data," said Arnaud Chulliat, a geophysicist at the University of Colorado Boulder and NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). In January 2018, "we figured out that the error was increasing relatively fast, especially in the Arctic region. And the error was on track to exceed the specification before the end of the five-year interval." [Earth from Above: 101 Stunning Images from Orbit]

Almost immediately, NOAA scientists began to work with their counterparts at the British Geological Survey in Edinburgh, Scotland, to produce an update. The scientists collected the most recent data of magnetic field recordings from the past few years and plugged that into the model, which allowed the researchers to extrapolate where the pole would be in the near future, Chulliat said.

The updated model was initially slated to be released on Jan. 15, but the release was delayed because of the 35-day government shutdown, which lasted from Dec. 22, 2018, until Jan. 25, 2019.

However, this update will be used only for 2019. At the end of this year, the new World Magnetic Model for 2020 through 2025 will be released, Chulliat told Live Science.

This map shows the location of the north magnetic pole (the white star) and the magnetic declination (see contour interval of 2 degrees) at the beginning of 2019. (Image credit: Courtesy of NOAA NCEI/CIRES)

Despite its short-term use, this unexpected update is vital to navigators the world over, including those in charge of military, undersea and aircraft navigation; commercial airlines; search-and-rescue operations and other projects circling the North Pole, NCEI reported.

Other agencies, such as NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Forest Service also rely on the model for surveying and mapping, satellite and antenna tracking, and air-traffic management. Even smartphone and consumer electronics companies need an accurate model so that they can provide users with up-to-date maps, compass applications and GPS services.

Researchers have known since the 1800s that magnetic north isn't static. But in the 1990s, it started moving faster, from just over 9 miles (15 kilometers) a year to about 34 miles (55 km) annually, Chulliat said. Then, in 2018, it took a leap over the international date line and took up residence in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Interestingly, magnetic north has been moving closer to true north over the past few years. "It's coming from a place where it was farther away from the north geographic pole, and now it's very close to the geographic pole," Chulliat said. "But, of course, if it continues in the same direction, it will go past the geographic pole and farther away again, but on the other side of the Earth, on the Russian side."

Unpredictable flows in the Earth's core are responsible for magnetic north's unusual behavior, the NCEI said. Scientists are still trying to understand the movement, but one idea is that a high-speed jet of liquid iron under Canada is being smeared out and essentially weakened over time, Phil Livermore, a geomagnetist at the University of Leeds in England, told Nature in January.

"The location of the north magnetic pole appears to be governed by two large-scale patches of magnetic field, one beneath Canada and one beneath Siberia," Livermore told Nature. "The Siberian patch is winning the competition."

Originally published on Live Science.
According to MMRP director Lars Bejder, who took the drone footage in January off the Maui coast, the condition of both mother and baby whale suggests that the little humpback was mere minutes old. [Photos: World's Cutest Baby Wild Animals]

"[Local tour operators] had just seen all this whitewater and commotion in the water and weren't quite sure what it was," Bejder said in a statement from UH. "Suddenly there was all this blood in the water, which made us go over there and that's what we discovered  a newborn calf."

As the baby whale takes its fist "steps," so to speak, you can see how its never-used fins and tail flukes wobble around in the water. Sometimes, Bejder noted, the mama humpback could be seen supporting the baby on its back as they moved through the water together. (That gives "humpback" a new meaning, eh?)

Humpback whales are some of the largest whales on Earth, measuring up to 60 feet (18 meters) long and weighing up to 40 tons (36 metric tonnes). That's big  about the size of a school bus (though still only half as heavy as the biggest mature blue whales). Newborn humpback calves measure about 13 to 16 feet long (4 to 5 m), and tend to spend the first year of their lives traveling alongside mom, according to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). If this newborn calf is a male, he will one day learn to sing  and probably steal other whales' songs.

Originally published on Live Science.
When the woman woke up from her sedation, she felt anxious and started crying.

Thats not atypical, given the circumstances: The woman, an patient with epilepsy, was undergoing awake open-brain surgery at the Emory University School of Medicine. Her head was locked in place, and her brain was exposed. But she needed to stay awake for her own safety  so that doctors could talk to her during the operation and therefore ensure they didn't interfere with other areas of the brain involved in skills such as language.

Typically, doctors use a combination of sedation and distraction to keep patients calm during awake open-brain surgery; however, this approach doesn't always work. When it doesn't, patients can be in danger of panicking and moving their heads or even reaching their hands up toward their exposed brain. [Inside the Brain: A Photo Journey Through Time]

So this time, doctors tried a new approach: They made the woman laugh. And, according a recent report of her case, published online on Dec. 27, 2018, in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, it worked.

Laughing through surgery

Of course, making a person laugh during awake open-brain surgery isn't as simple as telling a really good joke. Instead, the doctors went straight to the source: the brain, according to the report. To induce laughter, they stimulated a specific area in a long bundle of brain cell tails that run from the front of the brain to the back. The subsequent laughter helped calm the woman for the duration of the surgery.

"Immediately she had profound relief, she was happy, able to communicate and able to make jokes" said senior case report author Dr. Jon Willie, a neurosurgeon at Emory University School of Medicine. Willie was one of the surgeons who operated on the woman.

In fact, when the doctors tried this type of stimulation on two other patients with epilepsy (who had electrodes implanted in the brains for monitoring of their seizures but werent undergoing awake open-brain surgery), they found consistent results  stimulating this area of the brain caused a sense of well-being and relieved anxiety, Willie told Live Science.

The doctors targeted a part of the brain called the cingulum bundle. The bundle is made up of white matter  the parts of the brain made up of the tails of brain cells, or axons, that signals travel across. The cingulum bundle connects to many parts of the brain that coordinate emotions.

Willie said that in previous studies in which doctors attempted to stimulate certain parts of the brain, the doctors typically targeted gray matter, which is the area of the brain that contains the brain cells' bodies. But some of these past studies didn't claim results that were as strong and consistent as theirs, when they stimulated the white matter, he said.

Think of the white matter as the trunk of a tree and the grey matter as the branches and leaves, Willie said. By stimulating a larger part of the structure, doctors have better access to greater functions of the brain, he said.

Fausto Caruana, a neuroscientist at the University of Parma in Italy, who was not part of this new study, conducted similar tests a few years ago and found that stimulating the gray-matter regions right next to this bundle also successfully elicited laughter and the emotions that come with it.

Scientists had long thought that this area of the brain was involved in only the control of the muscles that pull the sides of the mouth upward during laughter, and that it had nothing to do with the emotions.

"A few years ago, nobody was ready to believe" that the cingulum bundle and grey matter around it also played a role in emotions, Caruana told Live Science.

But the new study "seems to support and even capitalize on this idea" that stimulating this area of the brain elicits both laughter and the emotions that come with it, he said.

However, Caruana noted that he doesn't necessarily agree with the takeaway that stimulating white matter is better than stimulating grey matter. White matter, like a bundle of wires running across the ground, is "messy" and makes it "far more difficult to understand the origin of the signal," he said. Which wire plugs into which device?

Indeed, because this bundle of wires runs through so many different areas of the brain, Willie and his team also wanted to see if stimulating the specific spot they were looking at caused any side effects. They didn't find evidence that such stimulation harmed the mental status of the patients, Willie said. But in one of their patients, they found one "side effect": a delay in recall on a list-learning task. However, the effect went away once the stimulation ended.

"I'm hopeful that someday we'll have a less-invasive type of stimulation," Willie said. Indeed, such stimulation could one day even help with anxiety and depression, he added.

Originally published on Live Science.
Workers in a Hong Kong potato chip factory recently unpacked a bushel of trouble, when they discovered that a shipment of French potatoes contained a German hand grenade dating to World War I.

The spherical grenade was found on Feb. 2 at about 9 a.m. local time at the Calbee Four Seas Company factory in Hong Kong, China, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported. It measured about 3 inches (8 centimeters) wide, weighed about 2 lbs. (1 kilogram) and was thought to be in "an unstable condition," Hong Kong Police Force superintendent Wilfred Wong Ho-hon told AFP.

Police identified the bomb as German-made, deployed in a war that ended more than a century ago. Judging by the grenade's potato-like camouflage of mud and soil, the bomb was likely long buried on a French WWI battlefield that later became a potato farm, the AFP reported. [10 of the Most Powerful Explosions Ever]

After securing the area, officers with the Hong Kong Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau detonated the grenade outdoors at the factory site around noon; they placed it in a hole in the road and triggered an explosion with a high-pressure water jet, police representatives posted on Facebook.

Using powerful water jets to detonate or even destroy bombs from a distance is a method that has been employed by demolitions experts since the 1990s, according to the U.S. Navy. One method used by bomb-disposal robots to prevent explosions is to shoot high-pressure water jets at exposed wires; dislodging them could break a critical circuit, disrupting a bomb's power supply and rendering it inert, the BBC reported in 2016.

In Hong Kong, Police recorded time-lapse video of the detonation and shared it on Twitter, offering an exclusive glimpse at preparations that ended (safely) with a bang.

See more

Infantry soldiers during WWI used dozens of types of grenades, including spherical ball grenades like this one, according to the Canadian War Museum. Though the Hong Kong grenade is thought to have been German in origin, German soldiers at the time typically favored the stick grenade; it had a smaller explosive charge, but could be thrown farther.

In similar news, a recently found WWII-era grenade was detonated safely by bomb experts in Florida. However, officials didn't learn about the grenade until after the couple who found it brought it to their local Taco Bell.

Originally published on Live Science.
TOP politicians in the Mid-West have leaped to Minister for Health Simon Harris defence after it was confirmed that no funding had been approved for a crucial bed block at University Hospital Limerick.

In a report in this Mondays Limerick Leader, it was revealed that the HSE had written to Deputy Alan Kelly that a 19.5m 60-bed block awaits confirmation in the 2019 capital plan.

But during a visit to Limerick in November 2018, Minister Harris announced that funding was committed to the project.

A proposal for the development of a 60-bed ward block at University Hospital Limerick is being considered for inclusion in the HSE Capital Plan along with other initiatives, said the letter to Deputy Kelly, following a parliamentary question he submitted last week.

The proposed project was approved by the National Capital & Property Steering Committee and awaits the confirmation of capital funding and will be assessed in the context of completing priorities.

In a statement to the Leader, this week the Department of Health said: The Health Service Executive is currently developing its Capital Plan for 2019. The development of additional beds at University Hospital Limerick and other health capital projects, currently at various stages of development, are being considered as part of this process.

Though the Department of Health said the 60 beds are being considered, Senators Kieran ODonnell and Maria Byrne and Minister of State Pat Breen all spoke to Minister Harris on Monday, who confirmed to them he will be providing capital funding for the 60-bed block unit at UHL.

However, it has not been confirmed how much of the required 19.5m will be allocated to the crucial project.
HUNDREDS of nurses and midwives are enduring torrential weather conditions in another day of national strike action this Tuesday, as the Government faces increasing pressure over pay, conditions and staffing.

It is the second time in a week that around 40,000 members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) have been deployed to the picket lines nationwide.

As a result of the ongoing dispute between the union and the Government, there are significant disruptions to healthcare services in Limerick and nationwide.

Patients are advised that local injury units at St Johns Hospital, Ennis and Nenagh are closed, and are urged to only attend the emergency department in serious cases.

Seamus Keogh, a Dooradoyle resident who has been a nurse for 20 years, said that none of them want to be staging these protests.

Patients need to be looked after. We need to put the patients first. Secondly, we are not getting paid for this. No one wants that. Thirdly, the weather, its absolutely shocking. But the resolve is there and a bit of rain wont deter us anyway, he told the Limerick Leader during a heavy spell of rainfall at University Hospital Limerick.

Marie Byrne and Maura Keating who have been nurses since 1988 and 1992 say conditions have hit an all time low @Limerick_Leader pic.twitter.com/3JxaZuZ0ao February 5, 2019

INMO members are also protesting at Croom Orthopaedic Hospital, St John's Hospital, University Maternity Hospital Limerick and various primary care centres, including the new Barrack View centre in the city.

He said that burnout and stress are such massive issues that there are nurses driving home and driving to work crying.

I know of nurses that drive home in the evening crying. I know nurses that have drove in the morning crying, especially those who have kids.

He said his message to the Government is that they need to engage in meaningful discussions around pay and conditions in the hospitals.

I go up to the wards every day, giving out medication for procedures and patients, and I can see how hard it is. And to be quite frank, I am glad when I am walking out of it and back to my own area. Id say I would probably leave nursing if I was in that situation.

When I started in the hospital, I worked in one of the wards. I was very happy there, to be honest with you. Staffing was at a really, really good level. You had one nurse to two patients, and that never changed. Unlike the wards when you could have one to ten, one to fifteen, or possibly even more, Mr Keogh explained.

Galbally woman Marie Byrne, who has been a nurse since 1988, said the conditions have hit an all-time low.

Her colleague Maura Keating, an experienced nurse since 1992, said she is joining the protests for pay parity, pay restoration, retention and recruitment of staff and an improvement in overall working conditions.

Hope for a resolution in the dispute appeared to dissipate following a joint statement by Minister for Health Simon Harris and Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe.

Noting the disappointment by the members, the Ministers stated that the Government has always listened to the concerns expressed by nurses in relation to their working conditions and job satisfaction.

They added that they continue to be willing to engage in talks on the range of workplace related issues other than pay to try to resolve the dispute.

However, within hours of this statement, INMO secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said that this was spin masquerading as substance.

Government by press release is unfair and confusing to patients and insulting to nurses and midwives on the picket lines, she said.

A spokesperson for the UL Hospitals Group said that a small number of outpatient appointments will go ahead this Tuesday.

However, injury units at St Johns Hospital, Ennis and Nenagh hospitals remain closed.

UL Hospitals continues to work with the INMO to secure the safest possible level of nursing and midwifery cover in our hospitals during the period of the strike and contingency arrangements are being finalised.

The UL Hospitals Group is encouraging patients to attend the emergency department if seriously injured or ill or worried if your life is at risk.

A third day of strike action is scheduled for this Thursday. If discussions continue to breakdown between the union and the Government, there will be three consecutive days of strike action next week, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
A LANDBANK on the southside of Limerick city which was once proposed for a supermarket could now be returned to community use.

Thats according to the early ideas in the southside plan, which were presented to members of the public at the Strand Hotel on Thursday.

Top architectural firm Allies and Morrison have been commissioned by the council to provide a blueprint for 75 hectares of land, primarily in public ownership on the citys southside, including the Baggott Estate, Ballinacurra Creek, Toppins Field and the Rosbrien lands adjacent to the M20.

Following an initial public consultation in November, more than 100 people were at a second event in the Strand Hotel, where the results of the public feedback were unveiled.

Speaking at the meeting, Steve Walker, Allies and Morrison referred to Toppins Field in Roxboro, land which was once suggested as a shopping centre.

We are starting to think about how this site can accommodate uses which might have a strategic benefit to the whole city, rather than just being yet another piece of employment land, he told the meeting.

A new link could connect through the area, he suggested.

Meanwhile, the plan will also include putting public footpaths through fields, to make them more walkable.

What were looking at is how we can improve connections, how can we make difficult access points work better. Potentially how we can threat pedestrian routes through the land so we can start connecting neighbourgoods with the open landscape which lies beyond the park, he explained.

Mark Taylor, Allies and Morrison said at the Baggott Estate, various elements such as allotments, adventure play areas, gathering spaces and a community orchard are under consideration.

As we go south of the motorway, there is an opportunity to take advantage of the natural heritage, the [Ballinacurra] creek itself, and the wetlands which are around it. Making it a more resilient and robust landscape, he said.

Part of the issue in the Ballinacurra Road is that the backs of buildings face onto much of the road, Mr Walker said.

He said the layouts could be redesignated, so homes could have two entrances to allow a more attractive facade.

This isnt about the council taking land and doing something with it. Its about enabling people to do something with their own land, make their own decision with it, so we start to create a frontage which is not there at the moment, he added. The next step will see the plans being put on public display, before the councillors then approve it. It will be then used to guide development of the area.
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One of the European Committee of the Regions' political groups, the European Alliance, will hold a meeting in Lough Rynn Castle next Monday, February 11 which will focus on helping towns and villages drive rural revival.



Cllr Enda Stenson, initiated the meeting to show delegates from across the EU the difficulties faced by local, rural and border communities and send a message that EU programmes need to be adapted to let those communities invest in broadband, energy and other projects which will help them prosper.

Cllr Enda Stenson

Stenson told the paper, "Mohill is a SMART, active age and friendly town and one that is trying to hold on to our young people."

"We can't do projects without funding and there is an agenda to favour urban over rural. The north-west of Ireland is the most neglected in Ireland, I want to highlight this region and raise it's profile within Europe," Stenson explained.

Along with representatives of Europe's local and regional authorities, speakers will include: Sean Canney TD, Minister of State; Mairi Gougeon; Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment of Scotland and MEP Marian Harkin.

The meeting will examine the importance of cross-border co-operation approaching the Brexit deadline as well as the European elections.

The meeting is supported by the European Committee of the Regions; the Northern and Western Regional Assembly; Leitrim Enterprise Office.

Also read: A no-deal Brexit will destroy everything we've worked for
COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Support Ireland is calling on people with undiagnosed COPD to see a doctor and get an official diagnosis.

According to COPD Ireland, 1,729 of the 3,525 people with COPD in Leitrim remain undiagnosed.

The FREE COPD and Asthma Adviceline can play a key role in helping a person who has recently had a COPD or asthma diagnosis  people phone 1800 832 146 to speak to a respiratory nurse about a number of topics on managing and improving their condition.

Read Also: New look Leitrim Observer in shops tomorrow

Professor JJ Gilmartin, Chairperson of COPD Support Ireland, said: "500,000 people In Ireland have COPD and estimates suggest that 50% of these people are undiagnosed. If you find yourself experiencing COPD symptoms like shortness of breath, persistent coughing, coughing up mucus/phlegm and wheezing, you should see a doctor who can help you investigate if you may have COPD - especially if you are over 40 years old. Being diagnosed with COPD will allow you to get in control of your condition and avail of all our COPD services which includes the COPD and Asthma Adviceline."

Sarah OConnor, CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland, said It is so important that people with COPD and asthma properly control their conditions and the joint COPD and Asthma Adviceline is the perfect way for them to do so. Pick up the phone to the Adviceline on 1800 832 146 - its a great first step in taking charge of your COPD and/or asthma and moving toward a better quality of life.

The Advicelines respiratory nurse specialists work through every aspect of life with callers who have asthma and/or COPD. They can help with what to do in the event of COPD emergency, the signs and symptoms of COPD, answer questions after a GP or consultant appointment, deal with triggers that may cause a serious escalation, help you put a COPD self-management plan in place, including smoking cessation and exercise plans. After speaking to one of our nurses, youll be fully equipped with the information and skills you need to improve your health and to stay as well as possible.

Nicky Coules, COPD patient ambassador, said: I don't know long I had COPD before it was diagnosed. I got chest infections regularly but I probably would just get a cough bottle at the chemist and got on with things. When I was younger, I suppose my immunity system would deal with it. As for a shortness of breath, some people I worked with may have mentioned it, but I just got on with things. I had to earn a living. But one day in work it just got so bad that I couldn't go on. I could barely breathe. I put away my tools and a chippy I was working with had to carry them to my car for me. I think it must have been at that point that the doctor put a name on it - COPD. That was the turning point. From there on, the hospital sorted the infection, prescribed inhalers and, in time, I did a pulmonary rehabilitation course. I've never looked back. I still have COPD but I have a good life and I try not to let COPD decide things for me.

I would encourage anybody who suspects they might have COPD to get diagnosed and start treatment. This illness is progressive and the sooner you start looking after yourself the more you can slow it down  Adviceline can help with that. Then get fit and stay fit.

The COPD Adviceline is available at 1800 83 21 46. The Asthma Adviceline is available on 1800 44 54 64.

Read Also:

Smoking and alcohol consumption are the main risk factors for oral cancer
This weekend will see the unveiling of two new plaques as part of the Made of Athy project.

The first, on Saturday, will see the unveiling of one to Neil Hannon, of the band Divine Comedy. Mr Hannon will be perhaps be better known to many for the theme tune to Fr Ted, and My Lovely Horse, the famous song that is associated with the comedy.

Mr Hannons link to Athy is a family one. His grandfather left the area just over 100 years ago in 1917 to go to the Shankill in Belfast as a Protestant missionary.

Neil Hannon was born in Derry and grew up in Enniskillen. His father Brian was a minister in the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe and later, Bishop of Clogher.

The Divine Comedy, of which he is founder and mainstay, was founded in 1990 and has produced 12 albums to date.

He has also been involved in numerous collaborations including with Pugwash, two operas and, in recent times, Fr Ted, the musical.

Read also: WATCH: Shan Tynan posts adorable video to 'world's most incredible mother' who hails from Newbridge

He lives in rural Kildare with his partner, the musician Cathy Davey at the My Lovely Horse Rescue centre.

The unveiling of his plaque will take place at Ardree Lock on Saturday, February 9 at 4pm.

On Sunday, at 2pm, the photographer John Minihan will be honoured in the town, before giving a speech in the library at 4pm.

Although born in Dublin, Mr Minihan was raised in Athy before, at the age of 12 going to live in London, where he went on to become an apprentice photographer with the Daily Mail.

At 21 he became the youngest staff photographer for the Evening Standard and for 30 years he remained in London, returning every year to his hometown of Athy to record the people and their daily lives.

One of John Minihan's iconic photographs of Samuel Beckett

His work in Athy makes up a large part of his canon. The photos are an attempt to document the lives of the ordinary people of the town in their day-to-day business and also in times of joy and sadness, notably during the wake of a woman called Katy Tyrrell.

In between documenting Athy on visits home, Minihan continued his career on Fleet Street.

Some of his favourite photographs include that the iconic snap of the 19-year-old Lady Diana Spencer and Samuel Beckett.

Minihans photos of Beckett are some of his best known, one in particular is described as one of the greatest photos of the twentieth century. William S. Burroughs once referred to Minihan as "a painless photographer".

The Irish playwright (although living in Paris), Beckett greatly admired Minihans photographs from Athy.

John Minihan
Hundreds of GPs from every part of Ireland will be holding a mass protest outside Dail Eireann on Wednesday, February 6.



According to the National Association of General Practitioners (NAGP), "this will mean that on the day, many GP practices maybe be closed to patients, or will have limited services available.

"There is likely to be significant disruption to the GP service around the country on the day of the national protest.



"GPs will be protesting on behalf of patients, as the family doctor service is, or has in some areas, completely collapsed.

Read also: PATIENTS WAITING SIX MONTHS TO GET A GP IN LAOIS





"They are tired of having to say sorry to patients.



Sorry we cant give you a same day appointment

Sorry our nurse is only here part-time

Sorry I can only give you a few minutes per consultation

Sorry, you have to wait four years for your hip replacement.

Sorry, you have to wait two years for an outpatient appointment.

Sorry, you have to wait five years for your cataract surgery.

Sorry, you are unable to access physiotherapy, psychology, podiatry and all the other ancillary services that make a health system work efficiently and safely.

Sorry, your relative died on a waiting list before their appointment came around.



"We have not chosen this decision lightly but it is vital for us to make the Government and others fully aware that our health system is in crisis and has been so for years.



"This is despite that fact that we have one of the most expensive health systems in the world.



"Evidence from around the world confirms that community based health systems, like the family doctor system, are the most efficient, safe and effective.



"Years of successive cuts in Government funding for general practice have created an inefficient unstructured health system which is collapsing.

"Also, promised extra investment in developing the GP service, like the fairytale promises under Slaintecare, have not even been begun to be delivered, so that the family doctor service can be healthy and sustainable for the future.



"For months, the Government have promised to reverse the 38% cuts imposed over past years (FEMPI cuts to GPs) and to offer - and properly fund a new, modernised GP contract - but these things have not materialised.



"The number of doctors who can no longer take on any more patients is a growing crisis.



"The medical card system can no longer cope, having been starved of resources.



"Not enough new doctors are being appointed by the State, to serve the public and many are having to retire early, due to burnout.



"GPs are at, and many have passed, breaking point.



"The future survival of the GP service is vital, to enable it to serve patients.



"This issue affects whole communities around Ireland.

"For these reasons, GPs will be taking unprecedented action on Wednesday, February 6."

Laois GPs expected to take part -

Dr David Booth

Dr Robert Lawlor

Dr Michelle Byrne

Dr Conor Grimes

Dr Peter Kemple

Dr Paddy O Dwyer

Dr Maria Carroll

Dr John Geraghty

Dr Simon Honan

Dr Maeve Lee

Dr Julie Cunningham

Dr Mary Sheehan

Dr Sinead Burke

Dr Sarah Punch

Dr Vivek Mahadev

Dr Sean Montague

Dr Andrew Lavin

Dr Sharon McDonald

Dr Adrian McDonald

Dr Sharon Delaney

Dr David Rabinowicz

Dr Anne Marie Miller

Dr John Paul Campion

Dr Averil Atkinson

Dr Caitlin McFadden

Dr Deirdre Honan

Dr Anna Gullane

Dr John Madden
A resident-led effort to oust the mayor of Phillipsburg will not be able to rally enough support by todays deadline to trigger a recall election, according to one of the organizers.

It is the second time in Mayor Stephen Ellis tumultuous four-year term that the Democrat will dodge an attempt to remove him from office.

Ellis -- who has yet to say if he will seek re-election this year -- said the latest try was "an organized effort to shame, humiliate, intimidate (and) slander" him.

The recall process is a difficult one: Through petitions, organizers must show that a substantial number of residents support a recall before a special election can be scheduled. Few recall efforts ever make it to a vote.

Phillipsburgs latest petition was launched last summer during some particularly nasty public fights between Ellis and the Republican-led council. On the document, residents Blaine Fehley, William Mravlag Jr. and Meliss Paulus echoed councils rhetoric at the time, accusing the mayor creating a hostile environment with the governing body, employees and residents.

They had 160 days to collect signatures showing that at least a quarter of Phillipsburg's registered voters supported a recall election. That meant 1,725 people had to sign the petition by Tuesday for the process to continue.

That wont happen. Last Friday, Fehley said they had 1,352 signatures, putting them within 400 of their goal. But by Monday, he said, they had only collected seven more. (Those numbers could not immediately be independently verified as they have not yet been turned over to the town clerk.)

Though the mayor will not be recalled, Fehley said the petition got almost as much support as the mayor himself in the 2015 election, when Ellis won in an upset with 1,417 votes.

"Regardless of the outcome we are declaring this a victory as it proves the voters of Phillipsburg can see right through the charade Steve Ellis has put on over the past three years," Fehley said.

Blaine Fehley, pictured here for a 2011 profile, has helped lead two recall efforts against Phillipsburg Mayor Stephen Ellis. (lehighvalleylive.com file photo)Express-Times

This is not the first time the two Pburg personalities have clashed. Fehley -- who ran a failed campaign for town council in 2013 -- has a history of picking fights with public officials, and once accused the mayor of assault, without success. He also led the 2017 effort to recall Ellis; that one stalled when one of the other leaders dropped out.

And Phillipsburgs political troubles extend beyond the recall. The mayor has not appeared at a council meeting since September, when he was asked to leave for talking back to residents -- including Fehley.

Their fight continued in separate phone interviews on Monday. Fehley said more residents might have signed the recall petition, but they were afraid of retaliation by the mayor. Ellis said thats nonsense.

Investors see this. They ask me about it, the mayor said of the recall. I see it as a very reckless action for anyone to take.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveNovakLVL and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A Middlesex County Sheriffs officer had sex with a 17-year-old in Lehigh Valley and used social media to try to have sex with a 14-year-old, who turned out to be an undercover cop, Pennsylvania authorities allege.

Joshua Padilla, 33, of Eatontown, was arrested Friday by the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office and Pennsylvania police on felony child porn and sex assault charges, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said Monday.

Padilla, who joined the county agency in July 2015 and had an annual salary of $56,690, has been suspended without pay, according to payroll information obtained through a public records request.

The sheriffs officer is facing charges that include unlawful contact with a minor and sexual abuse of children  manufacturing, disseminating and possessing child pornography, according to authorities.

Authorities say they were tipped off last month to Padillas relationship with the teen in Northampton County, in which he recorded the two in sexual acts last spring and uploaded the videos to adultfriendfinder.com, where they were watched and shared with others. They allegedly met online.

During the investigation, Padilla texted sexually explicit language with a person he believed was a 14-year-old and sent two photos of his genitals, while asking the teen for photos of herself, according to authorities.

Padilla is in jail in New Jersey and awaiting extradition to Northampton County, Pennsylvania. It was unknown if he had obtained legal counsel.

Craig McCarthy may be reached at 732-372-2078 or at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig and on Facebook here. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Charles Duenos crimes were so heinous they defied description from a prosecutor and a judge.

Even the 47-year-old child rapists attorney was at a loss to explain why he raped a young girl and molested a second.

I have a lot of emotions, Dueno said in court Friday. I tried to hurt myself four times. Believe me it weighs on my mind.

Northampton County Judge Stephen Baratta said Duenos suicide attempts in no way mitigate the horrific crimes Dueno perpetrated. The judge handed down a 24- to 50-year sentence which makes it unlikely Dueno will ever hurt a child again.

You thought about punishing yourself, (and yet) you still continued with that behavior, Baratta told Dueno. Even though you had these thoughts, you also didnt stop abusing (the girls). You continued to use them for your own pleasure. Maybe you should have ended your life instead of using your (victims) for your own sexual gratification.

A 15-year-old girl told Easton police in January 2018 that Dueno had raped her and had been sexually abusing her for the previous six years. Then a second girl told police Dueno molested her once between the ages of 12 and 14. That crime was also in Easton.

Baratta said Dueno admitted he had sex with a third girl, although she told police she didnt remember what happened and didnt want to confuse her dreams with reality. The offenses were in Georgia so they were outside the Northampton County court jurisdiction, the judge said.

When confronted with the stories, Dueno told police he considered himself a caged beast with impulse issues who might molest more children.

Asked by police whether he molested the girls, Dueno allegedly said, If they say it happened, it happened.

He downplayed his behavior, saying he and the girls were fooling around and that he would have stopped had they asked him to, according to Baratta. He allegedly claimed a positive outcome of his abuse was that the victims learned to say no to anyone who sexually abuses them in the future, according to Assistant District Attorney Tatum Wilson.

Its perverse. Its criminal. Its disgusting, she said of Duenos justification.

Defense attorney Anthony Rybak said Dueno was himself sexually abused three times by different men. He said Dueno saw his cousin murdered before his eyes.

Baratta acknowledged the difficulties in Duenos upbringing but none of them justify what he did to the girls.

You used them, abused them and destroyed them, the judge said.

Rybak said Dueno dropped out of Liberty High School but got his GED, became a computer-aided draftsman, set up displays a trade shows and made something of himself. Dueno is now homeless, court records say. Rybak said Dueno is estranged from his wife and children.

Rybak said even Dueno himself has a hard time accepting and understanding his crimes.

I cant explain why my client did what he did. I dont think he can. I dont think anybody can, Rybak said.

Dueno was found to be a sexually violent predator, which means he must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. He pleaded guilty to rape of a child and aggravated indecent assault in connection to his offenses against the first girl and to endangering the welfare of a child in connection to crimes against the second girl. Six other charges were dropped as part of the plea deal.

Just because he pleaded guilty doesnt mean Dueno accepted responsibility for what he did, Baratta said. He said blaming the victims for not telling him to stop is reprehensible.

You dont recognize how horrible you are as a person, Baratta said. As you stand in front of me right now, you dont have a clue.  Dont even tell me you accept responsibility. You do not.

Rybak said theres hope Dueno can be redeemed. He urged the judge to leave open a window so that if therapists say Dueno is cured someday he can be released.

How long does he need? How long do we need to feel OK? Rybak asked. Im never going to feel OK, Baratta said.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf is seeking hundreds of millions of dollars more for schools in his budget proposal released Tuesday, as well as a sprinkling of money for new voting machines and programs to improve worker training and the agricultural sector.

The Democrat is also seeking new college benefits for members of the National Guard who re-enlist and tuition aid for community college students who remain in Pennsylvania.

In his budget address to a joint session of the Republican-controlled Legislature, Wolf said the most significant element of the $34.1 billion budget plan, his first since winning a second term, is its efforts to help Pennsylvanians compete in a changing economy by bolstering skills and education.

Including nearly $500 million in supplemental cash for the current fiscal year, Wolf is seeking authorization for another $1.9 billion in new spending, or nearly 6 percent more.

The proposal would not increase the state's taxes on income and sales. But Wolf last week laid out a parallel plan to impose a severance tax on Marcellus Shale natural gas production to finance borrowing for an ambitious capital plan that would fund a wide range of projects.

Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf delivers his budget address for the 2019-20 fiscal year to a joint session of the Pennsylvania House and Senate in Harrisburg, Pa., Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019.AP

Wolf's first term was marked by long, drawn-out budget fights with Republican lawmakers. The new proposal is modest in comparison to his earliest plans, which carried multibillion-dollar tax increases, and seems to reflect Wolf's shift in strategy in the past couple years to the realities of negotiating with big Republican majorities.

The extra spending would largely go toward public schools, prisons, pension obligations, health care for the poor, mental health services and social services for children, the elderly and disabled. The administration said the plan carries a half-billion dollars in new initiatives.

To help fund it, Wolfs administration is counting on tax collections to rise by a solid 3 percent, plus hundreds of millions of dollars from money already appropriated, higher assessments on Medicaid providers and a fee on municipalities that rely only on state troopers to provide police coverage.

Budget address

Here is the text of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolfs 2019 budget address, as prepared for delivery on Tuesday:

This is my fifth budget address, and for the last four years sitting to my left was Karen Coates: a trusted adviser to Speaker Turzai, a friend, mother, sister, daughter, and respected member of our community.

And for the same four years, I would look out into the chamber and see Flo Fabrizio, Mike O'Brien, and Sid Kavulich. This year, they are not with us. Let us all remember their lasting impact, commitment to service, and carry forward in their memory.

Three weeks ago, I had the honor of taking the oath of office for another term as governor.

I spoke of a commonwealth on a comeback  a Pennsylvania on a path to a more functional government, a more prosperous economy and a brighter future for our children.

The people of our commonwealth have proven that, despite the challenges we face, Pennsylvania remains a place worthy of its history  a place where people can find good work, strong communities and opportunity for their kids.

And, here in Harrisburg, we've proven that despite our differences, we remain capable of doing what Washington just cannot seem able to do: tackle big challenges, put aside petty partisanship and serve the public interest.

We must never forget that embedded in Pennsylvania's history is the fact that not one, but two noble experiments were launched here.

First, there was William Penn's "Holy Experiment."

Second, the Founders launched their own experiment in self-government.

Both of these are perpetual experiments.

When we reaffirm our commitment to these experiments we honor both our history and those Founders.

And we show our constituents that, whether they voted for us or not, those experiments are in good hands and their government is worthy of their trust.

Now, we have a chance to show that good faith once again.

In proposing and debating this budget, we get to the heart of our perpetual experiment in self-government.

We show the Founders that we can govern ourselves.

Today, I put forth my budget proposal.

And let me cut to the chase.

This proposal asks for no new taxes. Not one dollar. Not one dime. Not one penny.

At the same time, this budget proposes to do a number of things aimed at improving the lives of our fellow citizens. The people of Pennsylvania have made substantial sacrifices in recent years to help our state get up off the mat  and despite a budget that asks for no new taxes, we now have a chance to continue making some important new investments on their behalf.

Investments in our schools. Investments to make sure more Pennsylvanians of all ages have real choices when it comes to their health care decisions. Continued investments to reinforce our commitment to the battle against the opioid epidemic that has claimed the lives of so many of our neighbors. Investments to support our farmers and agricultural producers so they can continue to sustain our rural communities for generations to come.

In the coming weeks, we'll have the chance to discuss, debate and negotiate the details.

And I will ask for your partnership in ensuring that this important work continues and that we maintain our commitment to advancing this experiment in self-government.

A pedestrian walks past the dome of the Pennsylvania Capitol on the morning of Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf's scheduled budget address for the 2019-20 fiscal year in Harrisburg, Pa., Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019.AP

My administration has worked hard to make these investments possible  striving to run our government not just more ethically, but more efficiently, so that it is worthy of the public trust and capable of advancing the public interest.

We've saved billions of taxpayer dollars and reduced the number of state employees  without furloughs, all while improving customer service.

We've gotten rid of facilities and leases that we don't use or need while consolidating commonwealth operations within the Capitol complex.

We've made the procurement process smarter and more efficient.

And we will continue to look for ways to streamline government so we can invest in the things that matter to Pennsylvanians while at the same time serving them better.

Today, however, I want to focus on the most significant element of this budget proposal  a comprehensive plan for preparing Pennsylvanians to compete, and win, in our rapidly changing economy.

A plan to create a new generation of prosperity in our commonwealth by building the strongest workforce in the nation.

The credit for our economic success has always belonged to the people of Pennsylvania, the innovators who turned new ideas into new industries, the business leaders who built great companies large and small, and the working women and men who toiled in fields and mines and factories  not to mention research labs and classrooms and cubicles.

There's a reason Pennsylvanians know names like Carnegie, Hershey, Westinghouse  and a reason why we believe so strongly in the power of our work ethic and the importance of individual responsibility.

That's who we are.

But, in the background, government has been there working on our behalf: building canals and highways so manufacturers could get their goods to market, protecting the integrity of the marketplace to ensure fair competition and helping to unlock the potential offered by our abundant resources.

In the end, however, our most important economic resource has always been our people.

It's always been workers that have propelled our prosperity.

That's why we've always made sure to invest in public schools, universities and training centers.

The path to prosperity begins with an educated workforce.

That's as true today as it's always been.

But while that principle remains intact, a lot about our economy has changed.

New businesses. New industries. New technology. New competition.

And with all that, we have a need for new skills.

Over the last four years, Pennsylvania has created more than 12,000 new businesses, and more than 239,000 new jobs.

We've begun to match and advance beyond our neighbors.

Now it's time for us to really pull ahead.

Today, I present a comprehensive plan to help grow our economy by continuing to invest in our workforce.

This plan calls on contributions from the business community, labor unions, educators, research institutions, students, parents and adult workers.

And it increases opportunity for every Pennsylvanian at every stage of life  from birth to retirement.

I'm proposing a package of policies and investments called the Statewide Workforce, Education, and Accountability Program.

It's the next step we can take together to build on all of the work we've done over the past four years.

Consider just how far we've already come.

We've made Pennsylvania a leader in computer science education by establishing a workforce development initiative that invests in computer science and STEM education programs for K-12 students.

We've increased the number of career and technical education students earning industry-recognized credentials by 34 percent and increased the number of credentials earned by students enrolled in career and technical education programs by 27 percent.

We've provided high school students options to demonstrate graduation readiness as alternatives to high-stakes standardized testing.

We've increased participation to nearly 800 registered apprenticeship programs and almost 17,000 active apprenticeships.

And we've assisted nearly 3,000 companies in training more than 145,000 incumbent workers across the commonwealth to help employees develop new skills to thrive in their jobs.

But we know there is more to do.

When Amazon made its decision not to locate its second headquarters in Pennsylvania, it cited workforce concerns as a main reason. And in western Pennsylvania, we've struggled to find Pennsylvanians to fill the jobs as welders and pipefitters at the Shell cracker plant.

Across the commonwealth, we have workers aging out of our workforce, and too often the next generation of worker is not there or doesn't have the skills to replace them.

If we can't strengthen our workforce, we will fall behind.

And we cannot let our government's response to this problem be handcuffed by stale habit.

We need to continue to break down silos.

We need to inject our efforts with common purpose.

And we need to make sure that, as leaders, we are providing direction and giving teeth to our workforce efforts.

That's why we are going to do something a little different.

Starting immediately, we are going to put together a Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center.

Agency secretaries are going to meet each week with plans in hand and sit together to make sure no workforce effort walks alone or falls through some crack in the state government.

If the Department of Community and Economic Development knows a company that needs 20 welders and the Department of Labor and Industry has a welding program, we're going to connect them.

Those connections within state government are valuable and necessary.

But we also need to hear from businesses and labor. Not just when they're upset, and not just when we tour a facility in a hard hat. We need to hear from them constantly.

We need to know when there is a problem right away so we can fix it.

If a labor union is having trouble establishing a training program because of antiquated procedures, then we need to fix it.

We need to get those workers trained and into the workforce.

If a business can't hire a worker because of an out-of-date or unnecessary rule or regulation, we need to know about it so we can take action.

If medical professionals are concerned about a licensing backlog, they need receptive ears in state government.

We're also not going to try to solve every workforce problem on our own.

The command center will have a first-of-its-kind Employer Fund, a public-private partnership that empowers businesses to address the skills gap from their end and encourages them to share their best ideas and best practices so that we can scale them up and learn from their success.

After all, government doesn't have a monopoly on good ideas for addressing these challenges  but it can serve as an incubator for the best ones, and a partner for putting them into action.

The dome of the Pennsylvania Capitol is visible on the morning of Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf's scheduled budget address for the 2019-20 fiscal year in Harrisburg, Pa., Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019.AP

The Command Center is going to be led by the secretaries of the departments of Community and Economic Development, Labor and Industry, and State, three agencies that have the largest impact on Pennsylvania's workforce and business development.

We are also going to bring outside voices in.

My friends Gene Barr and Rick Bloomingdale will also be co-chairs. They co-chaired my Middle Class Task Force, which helped launch many of the workforce development ideas we implemented last year and that I'm proposing to build on in this plan.

And they'll be joined by Tony Bartolomeo of Team PA and Auditor General DePasquale, who has worked on these issues and will have important recommendations.

But we need to do more.

We need policies that start at the very beginning, and end with every Pennsylvanian receiving an excellent education and the opportunity to land a good job.

Last year, I convened a Ready To Start Task Force, charging it with finding ways to improve the lives of children under three and their families.

I know that no new parent looks at their baby and sees a spreadsheet, but the fact is that preparing our kids for success starts long before they ever enter a classroom or even take their first steps. And providing services for children helps to get parents into the workforce and fight poverty.

That's why this new program includes funding for home visits to support vulnerable pregnant women, new mothers and at-risk infants and toddlers.

Home visiting programs promote healthy relationships and safe and stable home environments.

They're proven to work in preventing adverse childhood experiences, giving children and their parents the skills they need to reach their full potential and lift families out of poverty and into good jobs.

You know: we already have programs like this working in Pennsylvania.

Misericordia University is home to one of only eight programs in the country that helps single mothers who are struggling economically to complete a college degree.

The program provides counseling, housing and other services to help mothers get into the workforce.

We plan to replicate this innovative job training program all across the commonwealth.

And this program leverages federal funds to improve our child care system, so we can get more kids off of waiting lists and into high-quality support systems  and help more parents make their way into the workforce.

Pennsylvania's children deserve every opportunity to succeed when they enter our public school system.

And they deserve to enter a public school system that isn't just adequate, but world-class.

Restoring $1 billion in funding to our schools was an important first step. But now we need to go further.

We must continue to increase funding for education  starting with pre-K and culminating at the end of a student's journey.

But that's not all.

It's time to lower the age of compulsory attendance to age 6, bringing our commonwealth in line with the vast majority of other states.

And we should consider going even further  with a careful study of the costs and benefits of moving to universal free full-day kindergarten for every 5-year-old in Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, we should increase the minimum dropout age to 18, and partner with school districts to keep our graduation rate rising.

Of course, no governor or legislator can do more for a child than a teacher can. And my program empowers teachers to do even more through a program called TeacherWORKS that provides them with workplace experience in Pennsylvania businesses so they can better understand the needs of employers.

We ask a lot of our teachers. And if we're going to prepare the next generation of Pennsylvanians for the jobs of the future, we're going to be asking even more of those teachers  including more training, and more accountability.

Teachers, on the other hand? They just want safe schools to work in; support from administrative staff; a fair wage for the important work they do. That's not asking a lot.

But the law governing teacher pay hasn't been updated since the 1980s. And so our classroom teachers have been too often getting the short end of the stick.

I don't think anyone here in Harrisburg would say that we shouldn't value the contributions our educators have made over the last 30 years  and I don't think anyone would disagree that they have a critical role to play in securing our prosperity over the next 30.

And yet, our government has failed to address this injustice.

That ends now.

My plan increases the pay floor for teachers to $45,000 a year. This is a real investment in our future.

It's an investment the state  not local school districts  will make  and it's included in this budget.

This is a fully funded mandate.

We are going to start competing to recruit and retain the very best education professionals, not just in well-funded suburban school districts, but in every community  every ZIP code in our commonwealth.

This could be a game-changer for our schools  especially for our communities that are struggling to attract and retain the next generation of educators.

In fact, most districts that cannot afford to pay their teachers more are located in the heart of rural Pennsylvania, and it is time to make sure we are investing in educators in those areas today to prepare our kids for the competitive world of tomorrow.

We're also going to do more to recruit students  ambitious, brilliant, creative young women and men who are looking for the next step in their education.

Our commonwealth is blessed with a terrific system of colleges and universities  including community colleges.

We all know that our post-secondary institutions are laboratories for innovation.

But they are also launch pads for job creators and the skilled workers that will fill those jobs.

That's why my plan creates a new grant program for students who graduate from a Pennsylvania community college with an associate's degree or other industry-recognized credential  and then stay in Pennsylvania to start their careers. If you're willing to put your newly-acquired skills to work here in our commonwealth, the least we can do is help you avoid carrying around a crushing burden of student debt.

And if you're a parent who wants to trade up from a job that pays the bills to a job that can sustain your family, my plan includes a Parent Pathway initiative designed to help you get the education you need to get ahead even while you prepare your own kids for success.

Indeed, my workforce program isn't just about the jobs of tomorrow.

It's about the jobs of today.

Last year, we launched PAsmart, a comprehensive, new initiative focusing on STEM skills, apprenticeships, career counseling and public-private partnerships.

No matter how old you are, now is a great time to acquire new skills  and we want to make that opportunity available to every Pennsylvanian.

As part of the PAsmart initiative, we just launched a new website  PA SMART DOT GOV  that consolidates workforce resources and information for Pennsylvanians who want to get training and education to enter the workforce or expand their skills.

It's similar to the Business One-Stop Shop we built last year, and that we're still improving upon.

We need comprehensive digital portals for both businesses and workers that gets them all the information they need in one place, and breaks down agency barriers.

This year, I'm proposing $10 million in new funding for PAsmart so we can fill more advanced manufacturing positions, help more non-traditional students obtain the training they need to compete in the job market and create more jobs at better wages for more Pennsylvania workers.

This program also includes funding to help returning veterans get the training they need to continue their contributions to our commonwealth as members of our workforce  and, even better, that funding is transferable, meaning that veterans can use it to help their kids get a college degree or career credential, as well.

It's a GI Bill for Pennsylvania.

One more thing.

We cannot comprehensively address our workforce development system without fixing our criminal justice system.

Tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians are shut out of our workforce or underemployed because of mistakes they've made in their past.

Families are being denied providers. Employers are being denied skilled workers.

We've already passed clean slate legislation, making us the first state in the country to do so.

But we need to go further and make our criminal justice system more equitable and fair while helping people who have made amends enter the workforce.

Indeed, even as we work on this budget, we also have to improve re-entry programs and make it easier for those who have done their time to succeed in the workforce and their daily lives.

Our challenge demands an all-hands-on-deck approach.

And this budget proposal itself asks Pennsylvanians to come together  business leaders, educators, students, parents, workers  to address the challenge of renewing our prosperity for another generation.

In my inaugural address, I asked us to do our best  right here in Harrisburg  to do two things.

First to ensure that the interests of all Pennsylvanians are reflected in the policies we pursue.

And, second, to show the world that Pennsylvanians know how to make representative democracy work.

This budget is the embodiment of that noble effort.

It asks for no new taxes  no new burdens on our citizens  while at the same time increasing dramatically our investments in the public goods that will make life better for all Pennsylvanians.

This budget recognizes that government should not try to do everything; we have a long-held faith in our tradition of limited government and individual responsibility.

But it also recognizes that government should not do nothing, either.

The public goods government invests in should make the lives of our fellow citizens better; public goods that give Pennsylvanians the skills they need to thrive in our 21st century economy; public goods that promote their safety and health; public goods that connect them more seamlessly with each other; public goods that keep our air and water clean.

That's what this budget aims to do.

It makes investments in workforce readiness: our early childhood system, our schools, our universities, our community colleges, our apprenticeship training programs.

It makes investments in ensuring that Pennsylvanians of all ages have real choices when it comes to their health care decisions.

And, it continues to prioritize the fight against the opioid epidemic that has destroyed the lives of so many of our friends and neighbors.

But above all else, this budget proclaims to the world that right here in Pennsylvania we do not indulge in the sterile politics of anger and insult; that here we know how to engage in the respectful and honest give and take that must stand at the heart of a functional democracy.

While the rest of this country  and indeed the rest of the world  descends into divisive, nasty, and unproductive bouts of shouting, we are showing everyone else how democracy is supposed to work.

So this is our challenge.

It's not just about yet another budget, it's about our democracy.

Let us show the world  along with the rest of our country  that right here in Pennsylvania we are making this experiment work; that we are re-dedicating ourselves to this noble experiment in democratic self-governance.

Let's show that in the way we tackle the challenge of preparing our commonwealth for a brighter future  starting with this budget.

This  and no less than this  is our task.

This is also our privilege.

May God bless us in this task.

And may God bless the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Thank you.

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Pennsylvania State Police are trying to identify a masked man who on Thursday night robbed a Stockertown gas station, according to a news release Tuesday.

No weapon was shown after the robber at 7:58 p.m. entered Tolinos Speedbreak at 307 Main St., state police at Belfast said.

The robber is described as white, about 6 feet tall, with a medium build and was wearing dark blue work pants, a dark blue or black crewneck sweatshirt, a black full-face mask, a dark skull cap, black gloves and dark sneakers or shoes.

He had been waiting outside until the employee was alone in the store, police said. The man came in through the front door, with his right hand in a pocket and told the clerk to hand over all the money in the register and that the clerk had, police said.

After the robbery, the man fled on foot along bike trails past a nearby restaurant, where surveillance video loses track of him, police said.

Pennsylvania State Police are trying to identify the masked man to the right who they say robbed a Stockertown gas station. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com

Anyone who has information on the robber or the robbery is asked to call police at 610-759-6106. The incident number to reference is PA19-130419.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Mikayla Resh has been an inspiration for people to build understanding and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Resh was brain damaged at birth, resulting in spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, severe intellectual disability, seizure disorder, legal blindness, hearing impairment and numerous medical conditions related to her disabilities. She passed away on Jan. 30 at the age of 24.

Her voice, according to her mother Kimberly Resh, will continue to be heard.

Kimberly Resh is the founder of Mikaylas Voice, a nonprofit organization designed to empower children with disabilities and educate others about diversity and inclusion.

Mikayla Resh lived in Nazareth and attended Nazareth Area School District schools. In 2006, her third-grade classmates helped write a book, Our Friend Mikayla, which was distributed to every Pennsylvania elementary school in 2012.

Over the last several years, the mother and daughter have traveled to various schools for student assemblies where they discuss the importance of inclusion in schools and society for people with disabilities.

Kimberly Resh said now that her daughter has passed, the mission of the nonprofit organization will continue.

"I promised her before she died that I would make sure that her voice was louder than ever," Kimberly Resh said.

The group has also published High Fives and A Big Heart, which about what it is like to have a disability. The book Super Brady: Always on the Move! about a boy with autism was distributed to every third-, fourth- and fifth-grade class in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Another 1,800 copies were distributed across Pennsylvania.

Kimberly Resh said the goal is to reach out to children and answer their questions. People can be afraid because they aren't sure what to say or how to act around a person with disabilities, according to Resh.

"It can be intimidating to meet someone who seems very different from you," Resh said. "In reality, they are not very different."

The goal of the books and the assemblies is to engage children and dispel any fears they may have, Resh said.

"The kids have never let me down," Resh said. "They are born without bias and judgement."

The group holds an annual triathlon for children of all abilities and has a program where children paint with the wheels of wheelchairs.

Resh said the group plans to keep Mikayla's Voice going strong for the future.

John Best is a freelance writer. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Theres now a 24/7 hotline in Pennsylvania for students to turn to when grappling with bullying, school threats or a suicidal friend.

Since the Safe2Say Something youth violence prevention tipline launched statewide Jan. 14, Lehigh Valley school districts have been holding training sessions to introduce the tipline to students and encourage them to use it.

The program teaches teens and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially on social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and speak up before its too late.

The site shares some sobering facts.

One million students report being harassed, threatened or subjected to other types of bullying, according to Safe2Say. Eighty percent of school shooters told someone about their plans and 59 percent told more than one person. And 70 percent of people who commit suicide shared their plans or gave a warning sign.

Anyone -- students, parents, school staff, community members -- can call, text or email the anonymous hotline to share their concerns. Tipsters will be connected with the crisis center, manned by specially trained agents from the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office in Harrisburg.

Agents triage calls while trying to coax out as many details from the callers as possible and notify the right people within seconds. When credible reports are made, designated teams in the states 500 school districts are immediately alerted. If theres a concern that someone is in imminent danger or harm, the call is escalated to law enforcement immediately.

Safe2Say was created by Sandy Hook Promise, a non-profit formed following the 2012 school shooting to find ways to prevent such violence.

Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent Joseph Roy said in the last week district middle and high school students were introduced to Safe2Say via assemblies and health class presentations. He predicts the tipline will most bring out friends worried about friends with suicidal ideations. He noted schools have been reporting a spike in tips once students undergo the training.

It is pretty impressive with the technology what theyve created, Roy said.

The Easton Area School District created its own internal anonymous reporting system about two years ago and it has now rolled out Safe2Say Something too, said John Remaley, district director of safety. The districts elected to keep both systems running as a redundancy to make sure nothing is missed, he said.

We have been using it, Remaley said. Personally, I think it is a great idea.

Safe2Say Something is an important tool for parents as well, Remaley said. If theres a child displaying alarming behavior that other parents are chatting about it or concerned by, district officials need to hear about that, he said.

It is a pretty user-friendly system, Remaley said. It really shouldnt take all that much for people to get comfortable with using it.

Roy has been impressed with the interface of the technology, which allows the tracking of every response through the process. When reports are made involving his district, five district officials, including Roy, are alerted every time.

Theres a deep bench (to ensure nothing slips through the cracks), he said.

If there is a bullying incident at Broughal Middle School, Roy might note that the principal is going to follow up with certain steps. When those steps are taken, the case can be closed out.

If an anonymous tips comes with too little detail to act, the system allows the district to reach out to the tipster and ask for more information without compromising the tipsters anonymity, Roy said.

There are very strong rules to protecting the tipster, he said.

A series of information collecting hearings held as part of the effort found many school officials believe school staff is well-aware of the students who seem troubled and who might turn violent. However, they cited a major lack of resources such as counselors and mental health services needed to effectively intervene.

Pennlive.com contributed to this report.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
UPDATE: Did you see Lower Saucon woman before she was killed? Investigators want to know.

A man with blood-stained hands answered the door Monday morning at his mothers Lower Saucon Township home and told police officers they were not going to like what they found, according to township police.

Officers found Maryanne Looby dead on the first floor of her home at 1997 West Point Drive. Her son, 49-year-old Philip Looby, is accused of killing her.

Philip Looby reportedly told officers his mother came after him with a hobby knife and he defended himself.

Police found a broken and bloody candlestick near Maryanne Loobys body, but prosecutors said they are still investigating how Maryanne Looby died.

We found things at the scene, First Deputy District Attorney Terry Houck said.

Northampton County Coroner Zach Lysek said the injuries are consistent with her being killed hours before police arrived. District Attorney John Morganelli said authorities did not know when Maryanne Looby was last heard from alive.

She had been deceased for some time, Lysek said.

At his arraignment Monday afternoon, Philip Looby wore blue scrubs, shackles and no shoes. He sat calmly with his leg crossed in District Judge Alan Meges courtroom, with what appeared to be dried blood around his fingernails.

Looby faces a single charge of homicide, and was sent to Northampton County Prison without bail. Looby did not have an attorney with him, and did not comment after the Monday afternoon hearing.

Looby said he lives in the 1000 block of East Fourth Street in Bethlehem, although court records list his mothers home as his address. Lower Saucon police said they had been called to the residence before, but would not elaborate on the type of calls.

Looby told the district judge his mother was infirm, mentally and physically, and he had been taking care of her and the house. Lysek said Maryanne Looby did have some medical conditions, but was able to move around.

Police said they were called to the home for a welfare check at 9:25 a.m. Monday. A friend had called Bethlehem 911 and authorities said they learned Philip Looby killed his mother.

When officers knocked on the homes door, they could see Philip Looby talking on a cellphone as he came down the stairs from the second floor, according to court records.

Lysek said in court paperwork that Maryanne Looby had sharp and blunt force injuries, including what appeared to be defensive wounds on her hands and forearms. There was blood and bloody footprints on the floor, and Looby had blood on his hands, feet and clothing, police said.

Philip Loobys recent criminal record included two summary citations last year -- for harassment and disorderly conduct -- that were eventually dismissed, records show.

In 2013, he faced aggravated assault, obstructing a highway and other charges in Allegheny County. The most serious charges were withdrawn, and he pleaded guilty to summary counts of public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and harassment.

In court Monday, Philip Looby said he previously faced alcohol-related charges in Colorado and Iowa.

Looby leaving court pic.twitter.com/6rDmND2lON  Sarah Cassi (@SarahCassi) February 4, 2019

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter@SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Prosecutors allege Philip Looby killed his mother in her Lower Saucon Township home, but now investigators are working to uncover a number of details about what happened, including when she was killed.

An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday to determine the cause of 70-year-old Maryanne Loobys death, the first homicide this year in Northampton County.

Philip Looby, of the 1000 block of East Fourth Street in Bethlehem, faces a single charge of homicide in his mothers killing, and was sent to Northampton County Prison without the possibility of bail. He faces a preliminary hearing in the case tentatively scheduled Feb. 15 before District Judge Alan Mege.

Philip Looby was charged with homicide and sent to Northampton County Prison without bail after Lower Saucon Township police on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, discovered his mother, Maryanne Looby, dead inside her home.

First Deputy District Attorney Terry Houck had said prosecutors found a number of items at the scene inside 1997 West Point Drive.

In an interview Tuesday, Houck declined to say what they were, but court papers said a bloody candle holder was found near Maryanne Loobys body. Philip Looby, 49, reportedly told police his mother came after him with a hobby knife.

Houck said Tuesday the investigation is still in the early stages, and police still have a lot of work to do.

Authorities were expected to be at the home Tuesday; Lower Saucon police are being assisted by the Pennsylvania State Police forensic unit. Investigators will also be speaking to family members and witnesses, including the friend who dialed 911 and reported Looby killed his mother.

Investigators were still working on a timeline of when Maryanne Looby was killed. The coroner had said it appeared she was dead for hours before police responded to her home on Monday morning, and authorities are trying to determine when Maryanne Looby was last seen or heard from alive.

Houck said anyone with information should contact Lower Saucon police at 610-317-6110.

Police on Tuesday morning were not yet at the stage of looking into Philip Loobys criminal record, Houck said, and were focusing on the homicide investigation.

Looby told a district judge he had alcohol-related charges in Colorado and Iowa. Locally, Looby was charged last year with harassment and disorderly conduct, but the counts were dismissed, records show.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A Bethlehem man is in prison, accused of threatening to shoot up an AT&T store after problems with a $25 refund.

Joseph Jackson, 48, of the 600 block of North Circle in the city, was charged Thursday with two counts of disorderly conduct, as well as single counts of making terroristic threats and harassment.

Jacksons bail was set at $75,000, and he remained in Northampton County Prison as of Tuesday.

Bethlehem Township police said they were called at 4:19 p.m. Jan. 29 to the store at 3859 Nazareth Pike for a man threatening staff.

Employees told officers a man, later identified as Jackson, came in to buy a pre-paid cellphone plan. When the employees said they made a mistake with his plan and would need to give a refund, Jackson allegedly became hostile and started yelling.

Dont mess with me. I get violent. I have fully loaded guns. Im gonna shoot it up, he allegedly told the employees.

One of the employees asked Jackson to leave, but he demanded his $25, police said. Jackson was shouting when another employee went against store policy and gave him money from the register, police said.

Jackson then left the store. Police said the sales invoice for the transaction listed the name Jackson Caltlin and a Bethlehem address, and Bethlehem police reported Jackson lived at the home.

Bethlehem Township police said they printed Jacksons photo, and both store employees identified him as the man who threatened them.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
- United States Embassy in Nigeria has spoken on the forthcoming general elections in the country

- In a video broadcast, US ambassador to Nigeria urged Nigerians to vote according to conscience without influence

- Stuart Symington also used the platform to call for a level-playing field for candidates of political parties

The United States ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, has called for peace during the February 2019 general elections, adding that Nigeria must move out en mass to perform their civic duty and make sure that their votes count.

Symington made this known on Tuesday, February 5, during a video broadcast, which was also published on the verified official Twitter handle of the US.

Legit.ng gathers that Symington, who said the elections must be free and credible, warned that the world will be watching Nigeria, hence calling for unity and sense of patriotism during elections.

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He said: "The elections are a remarkable opportunity for all Nigerians to come together and for every citizen to express their will. What the United States hopes to see in your elections in this year 2019 are elections that are free, fair, credible and above all transparent.

"In this process, I know one thing: it is absolutely important for the citizens of Nigeria to personally take part, beginning right now by knowing what your rights are.

"On election day, you wont have an effect unless you vote. Its important that you work together to make sure that your votes are counted."

Symington also used the platform to call for a level-playing field for candidates of political parties, adding that Nigeria must avoid being influenced by desperate politicians.

He said: As we get ready for your elections, one of the most important things is that there is level-playing field, meaning that no officials, no security forces, no electoral officials, no politicians seek to influence you in a way that is not consistent with Nigerian law.

Elections are only one part of the democratic process. The words and the actions that happen in these final days and all the work of government afterwards, are as important to democracy as the elections themselves.

"So, in a nutshell, know your rights. Two, Vote and exercise them. Three, if you work for the government or for a party, make sure you remember that it is your individual responsibility to act consistently with the laws."

See tweets:

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the United States Embassy in Nigeria had reacted to the federal government's suspension and replacement of Justice Walter Onnoghen.

The embassy said that it was concerned over the fact that the decision has triggered a lot of negative reactions and criticisms from most Nigerians.

The US embassy called on the presidency to swiftly resolve the issues that have stemmed from the decision with due process.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: Same great journalism, upgraded for better service!

Nigeria Latest News: Buhari vs Atiku - 2019 Elections | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
Editor's note: One of the major challenges facing Nigeria as a nation is Boko Haram insurgency. The successive governments have made concerted efforts to end the needles killing of Nigerians by the insurgents.

In this article, Olajide Adelana, x-rays the genesis of the dreaded group, its negative effects on Nigerians and the efforts of the government to stem its activities.

In today's dynamic world of prosecuting wars, a good offence is said to be the best defense. Being on the offensive whenever it is applied to any endeavour including military combat is hinged on the elevation of proactivity above passive attitude.

Undoubtedly, being proactive brings the fight to the opponent, and ultimately culminates in hindering the ability of the opponent to mount any attack. Although debatable, the reverse is the case if one is laid back.

Boko Haram, arguably Nigerias greatest headache has been around for a decade without shying away from consuming 27,000 people and destroying their livelihoods in the process.

Within this period, United Nations reports that about 2.5 million people have been displaced throughout the Lake Chad Basin (LCB) while 1.8 million are internally displaced in northeastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe and live in internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps and host communities.

READ ALSO: Atiku's alleged secret plot if he wins presidential poll - Buhari's aide

There are also displaced Nigerians living in camps and improverished host communities in Cameroun, Niger and Chad, thus aggravating the already dire conditions in these communities.

The casualties have grown in the past few years. For instance, a UN report says thousands of women and girls were abducted in the last two years while it is estimated that close to 300 children have been used as human bombs.

Contentiously, these attacks have grown in the past year or two when government was busy claiming it has technically defeated Boko Haram and seems to have reduced its offensive against the terrorists.

Many politicians, analysts and scholars within and without Nigeria have agreed and disagreed on the possible reasons for the emergence of Boko Haram and its continued relevance and capacity to launch attacks within Nigerias territory.

Truly, Boko Haram crisis can be explained from different perspectives but as with most complex crises, these explanations are inexhaustible as more facts and scenarios present themselves quite often.

Research has, however, shown that a number of vital pull and push factors of the crisis in Nigeria are largely economic and social in nature.

That is why the recently concluded Second Regional Protection Dialogue (RPD2) hosted by the Nigerian Government and organised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Abuja could not have come at a better time.

The RPD2 came on the heels of the first which took place over 2 years ago and led to the adoption of an action plan called Abuja Declaration by countries within the LCB. It also afforded relevant UN agencies and Lake Chad Basin governments to take stock of progress made in the implementation of Abuja Declaration, examine challenges faced and proffer the way forward.

The Dialogue which culminated into the simultaneous launching of a three-year Humanitarian Response Strategy (HRS) from 2019 to 2021 and Nigerian Regional Refugees Response Plan (RRRP) from 2019 to 2020 is seeking the total sum of $983 million for implementation of the two plans. Of this amount, $840 million is needed to implement the HRS while $135 million is required for the RRRP to provide food, water, shelter and protection to IDPs and refugees, the UN says.

If there is any take home from these plans, it would seem that more than ever before and with the cooperation of relevant humanitarian actors there is a renewed attempt to explore the nexus between economic and social aftermaths of the crises in the region by decisively attending to the nucleus of prevailing conditions that may have brought Nigeria down this road.

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Understanding the vicious nature of war especially the type Nigeria and other LCB countries are contending with and finding every opportunity to starve the enemies of instruments of war by cutting down on human supply and sympathizers to Boko Harams ideology could not have been better addressed in the newly launched plans.

This move by UN and its partners, applauded by President Buhari who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the unveiling of the strategy documents serves Nigeria with another moment of retrospection.

I must say that the current rate of return of these IDPs and refugees is encouraging; and this is due to improving security in many areas that were once out of bounds.

"Let me also specially commend the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and other development partners for their efforts in ensuring the safe return of the IDP and Refugees.

Our challenge now is to ensure that this improving security extends to the other areas in which we have witnessed recent unfortunate setbacks, Osinbajo said.

The need to wake up to the reality that Boko Harams capacity to launch attacks is still very much potent, that there is need for all hands to be on deck and recommit to the speedy implementation of all the objectives of RPD2 has arguably never been so apt.

Time is however of the essence. Accordingly, the sum of $50 million is urgently required to implement a 90-day plan to address the needs of those newly displaced in the past few weeks, says Edem Worsonu, head of office, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

We are about to launch a ninety-day plan within this plan, seeking for $50 million right now within the 840 million to assist new arrivals who have moved recently from insecurity.

"We also call on the Nigerian private sector and the government, so that we can join hands and deliver the assistance to the people. But we call for urgent funding for people in need right now, Worsonu said.

Herein lies the challenge. Not unknown to Worsonu and other humanitarian actors is the issue of funding. While donors should be commended for their continued support in ameliorating the sufferings of the people in north east Nigeria and the entire LCB, more still needs to be done.

For instance, an estimated 6.2 million people worst-hit by Boko Haram crisis in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, the same number of people in 2018 are being targeted with less budget due to the assessed needs and the realistic capacity to deliver aid.

This years budget which is around $250 million less than the previous year represents about 36 per cent of the total funds realised from donors in 2018.

READ ALSO: Breaking: Adamawa town is reportedly under Boko Haram attack

If there is anything as important as time, it is the decision by humanitarian actors to be wholly committed to implementing the objectives of the second dialogue to the latter not only as a policy document but as arguably the greatest non-military offensive against Boko Haram in a long while.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that suspected members of the Boko Haram sect reportedly attacked a community in Michika local government area of Adamawa state.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better.

Can Nigerian Soldiers really not deal with Boko Haram fighters?| - on Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
- A group has openly disagreed with a House of Representatives member over claims he made concerning the 2019 elections

- The Niger state based group, Niger Against Corruption says Honourable Abdullahi Garba openly boasted of securing a court verdict

- The group also vowed to mobilise against the lawamaker's return to the green chambers

A Niger state based group, Niger Against Corruption, has disagreed with a House of Representatives member, Honourable Abdullahi Garba, over claims he made concerning the forthcoming 2019 elections.

The group accused the federal lawmaker of openly boasting of securing a court verdict in his favour, vowing to mobilise against the lawmaker's return to the green chambers.

The lawmaker represents Kontagora Mariga Wushishi and Mashegu federal constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the group, Honourable Garba boasted during a campaign rally in Wushishi local government area that the court case challenging his candidacy is not an issue.

READ ALSO: Bandits kill Senator Marafas sister, abduct her husband

Part of the statement read: This man, despite losing in the primaries as the people are already tired of his representation, had his mandate challenged in court but instead of focusing on the legal work before him, he went about compromising.

He even had the audacity to openly tell his supporters in Wushishi local government during his campaign that the case he has in court is not an issue.

We hope that the people will take note. But most importantly Nigerlites need to wake up and force these dishonorable Honourables out of power.

Meanwhile, an election expert, Mr Jide Ojo, on Friday, February 1, urged the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to track and arrest politicians involved in vote buying ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Ojo, Who is the Executive Director of OJA Development Consult, made the call at a two-day training for personnel of the NPF on election security and vote buying held in Abuja.

READ ALSO: Enugu 2019: Court sacks Ayogu Eze as APC governorship candidate

The training was organised by ANS Consulting Limited in collaboration with the NPF to sensitize officers and men of the police on what constitute vote buying and how they can help curb the menace especially as the 2019 election approaches.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: We have updated to serve you better!

Were Ekiti Residents Paid to Vote? | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
- The inspector general of police has been mandated by the Court of Appeal to reopen Peace Corps headquarters

- In a judgement by Justice Stephen Jonah Adah, the police was mandated to obey court orders and unseal the corps office in Abuja

- Recall that police had rejected two court orders by Justice Tsoho and Kolawole to unseal the headquarters which has been under police lock since 2017

The Abuja Court of Appeal has mandated the inspector general of police, Adamu Abubakar, to respect its judgement and unseal the corporate head office of the Peace Corps of Nigeria in Abuja which has been under police lock since 2017.

Justice Stephen Jonah Adah, who noted that the police is a respectable security agency, called on the security institution to respect the power of the judiciary and decision of the court, PRNigeria reports.

Legit.ng gathers that Justice Adah gave this order when he was reacting to a prayer by Joshua Musa, the counsel to the Peace Corps of Nigeria, who said the police was still disobeying the two orders by the Federal High Court mandating it to reopen the corps office.

Musa had complained to a three-man panel of the appellate court justices that the action of police was worrisome and dangerous for the law of the country.

He noted that the attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, had written to the security agency twice directing them to comply with the high court orders and vacate the Peace Corps headquarters.

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It would be recalled that the headquarters of the Corps has been sealed off since 2017 following President's Muhammadu Buhari's refusal to sign the Peace Corps bill into law.

Following the closure, the Federal High Court, in two different judgments by Justices Gabriel Kolawole and John Tsoho in 2018, ordered police to vacate the office.

The two judges said the sealing off was unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional, making Justice Tsoho to decline further audience to police's over its gross disobedience.

Justice Kolawole, in his judgment, imposed a fine of N12.5 million on police force for disrespecting the power of the courts.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Gombe zonal office, had arrested Ambore Enoch, the commandant, Nigerian Peace Corps, Gombe over alleged extortion of money for employment purposes.

Bello Adamu, public relations officer of the anti-graft agency in the zone, who made this known in a release on Wednesday, October 17, said the financial impropriety amounted to N54 million.

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The EFCC stages a walk against corruption / Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng
- The police in Nasarawa have made arrangement for security ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari's scheduled visit to the state

- The police say they have deployed 2,000 personnel to provide security during the president's visit

- President Buhari is expected to be in the state for his presidential rally on Wednesday, February 6

The Nasarawa state police command has said it has deployed 2,000 personnel to provide security during President Muhammadu Buharis re-election rally on Wednesday, February 6, in Lafia, the state capital.

The command spokesman, ASP Samaila Usman, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia on Tuesday, February 5, that the aim was to ensure a hitch-free visit by the president.

Legit.ng gathers that Usman said the personnel were drawn from the Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism and Intelligence units.

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According to him, the states commissioner of police, Adebola Emmanuel-Longe, also deployed men of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) unit as well as conventional policemen.

Usman added that there would be diversion of traffic within Lafia during the period of the rally and urged the public to cooperate with the police.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gave the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 24 hours to publish the list of all officials and ad hoc staff that would play any form of role in the forthcoming general elections at all levels.

The national publicity secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, who made the call at a press conference on Monday, February 4, in Abuja said that the list should be published for verification by stakeholders.

Ologbondiyan said that any delay or refusal by INEC to publish the list within 48 hours would be a clear acceptance that the commission had been compromised by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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He accused the INEC leadership of plotting to rig the forthcoming general elections for President Muhammadu Buhari APC.

The PDP spokesman also called on the international community to place the INEC chairman, directors and commissioners of the electoral body responsible for the election on its watch list in the conduct of the elections.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better

Young ladies weigh in on President Buhari's re-election | - on Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
- Nigerian filmmaker becomes the first black woman to win big at the Sundance Film Festival

- The Nigerian lady had won the Grand Jury Prize for her US dramatic entry Clemency

- It was gathered that the lady wrote and directed the movie that got her the winning prize

Chinonye Chukwu, a Nigerian filmmaker who is based in the United States, has made Nigeria proud after she won big at the Sundance Film Festival. The young lady is the first black woman to win this particular prize.

The talented filmmaker won the Sundance Film Festival's Grand Jury Prize for her movie Clemency.

Clemency is a 2019 drama about a female prison warden who was getting tired of years of carrying out death row executions. The warden now has to battled the psychological and emotional trauma her job creates.

Chinonye Chukwu is the first black woman to win Sundance Film Festivals biggest prize Essence.com

Source: Depositphotos

READ ALSO: Making Nigeria proud: Man breaks world record for spinning a Guinness World Records book

According to Essence.com, the young lady had written and directed the drama which starred a popular Hollywood actress, Alfre Woodard.

Chukwu joined host of women, like Desiree Akhavan, Ryan Coogler, Damien Chazelle, Rebecca Miller and more, who have also won the Grand Jury Prize for their US dramatic entries.

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In a related news, Legit.ng had reported that a 24-year-old Nigerian man made the country with his success outside Nigeria. The young man had graduated with a first class in computer science from Shenyang University of Technology.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better

I have trained four graduates with this fish business - fishseller- Legit TV

Source: Legit
- Governor Seriake Dickson has said that there are plans to cause unrest in Bayelsa state during the forthcoming elections

- Dickson also expressed serious worry over the impartiality of the INEC during the coming polls

- The governor called for support for his reelection with the promise that he would ensure total development in the state

The governor of Bayelsa state, Henry Seriake Dickson, has raised alarm that some people in the state are planning to cause insecurity during the next elections.

The governor said despite the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the forthcoming elections would be free of violence and fair, there are fears that the commission would not be totally sincere in its conduct of the exercise, Channels TV reports.

Dickson disclosed this in a special statement that was signed by his special adviser on public affairs, Daniel Alabrah, on Monday, February 4.

READ ALSO: Atiku's alleged secret plot if he wins presidential poll - Buhari's aide

He said: On the elections, we have expectations and we also have concerns. Expectation that there should be fair play and fair exercise of public power and authority and that the agencies and institutions of state are able to do their job. That the people are not intimidated and harassed during the elections.

Let me, however, alert that the signs are not too good. There are people playing politics with security - what I call the politics of insecurity and the insecurity of politics. It is unfortunate that sometimes people dont have the courage to do what is right. We have political leaders who dont give the right directives.

We are concerned about the state of law, order and security during the elections. There is also the general concern about the impartiality of the electoral umpires and their agents.

The Bayelsa state governor also asked for the support of the people in the state, promising that the state would get a total development and security if he is reelected.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Dickson, on Thursday, January 31, declared that Nigerian leaders should embark on building more prisons and cemeteries if they fail to invest in education.

Dickson disclosed that there is a direct relationship between the unrest in the Niger Delta and the low level of education, unemployment and underemployment.

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South-South governors condemn trial of CJN Onnoghen | Legit TV

Source: Legit
Suspected members of the Boko Haram sect are reportedly attacking a community in Michika local government area of Adamawa state.

The Cable reports that a source disclosed that the insurgents stormed the town on the night of Monday, February 4.

Legit.ng gathered that Buba Marwa, a former military administrator of Lagos state, is from the town.

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It was gathered that the incident happened after Marwa led 13 major generals, eight air vice marshals, two rear admirals, 11 brigadier-generals, nine air commodores, eight commodores and 17 former military administrators  all retired, to Aso Rock to endorse President Muhammadu Buhari.

Marwa, who currently heads the presidential advisory committee on the elimination of drug abuse in the country, said if Buhari had failed in his duties, they would not have endorsed him.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that the Nigerian Army on Sunday, February 3, said its troops successfully foiled an attack and killed four Boko Haram insurgents at Malumfatori community in Abadam local government area of Borno.

Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, deputy director, Army public relations, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, made the disclosure in a statement in Maiduguri. Nwachukwu disclosed that gallant troops of the 118 and 119 Battalions engaged the insurgents when they attempted to attack the border community on Saturday night.

READ ALSO: 2019: Publish list of ad hoc staff within 24hrs - PDP tells INEC

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better.

Can Nigerian Soldiers really not deal with Boko Haram fighters?| - on Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
- President Muhammadu Buhari praises Sweden for its assistance to victims of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria

- Buhari notes that Swedes are known to help the poor and assist displaced communities to return to their normal lives

- The president wants Inger Ultvedt, the ambassador to Sweden, to return to Nigeria once she recovers from her illness

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, February 4, in Abuja commended Sweden for its humanitarian assistance to victims of insurgency in the country as he bid farewell to the countrys ambassador to Nigeria, Inger Ultvedt.

Legit.ng reports that while speaking at the State House, President Buhari said Nigeria can now speak of the well-known humanitarian spirit of the Swedes.

He noted that the Swedes helps the poor and assists displaced Nigerian communities to return to their normal lives.

READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda

President Buhari wants the Swedish ambassador to return to Nigeria once she gets well Credit: Femi Adesina

Source: Facebook

You are well-known for helping the poor. You should extend our gratitude to your country for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us in helping the victims of insurgency in their moment of suffering, he said.

A statement from Garba Shehu, the presidential spokesperson, said Buhari wished Ambassador Ultvedt, who is leaving Nigeria ahead of the scheduled end of her tour due to health reasons, quick recovery.

Buhari expressed the hope that given the ambassadors active duty tour and knowledge of Nigeria, she would upon full recovery, come back one way or the other to help in deepening bilateral relations.

President Buhari bids farewell to the ambassador of Sweden Credit: Femi Adesina

Source: Facebook

The statement said the outgoing ambassador, who said she found her two-and-a-half-year stay in Nigeria very interesting and rewarding, also listed the highlights of her achievements to include assistance to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in 10 camps in the north east paid for by Swedish taxpayers, as well as other forms of humanitarian and technical support all over Nigeria.

Legit.ng earlier reported that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Zamfara, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, reportedly endorsed Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the February 16, presidential election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sani made his decision known in Bungudu, the headquarters of Bungudu local government area of the state, while on his campaign.

He was reported to have said: I am aware that my party (APGA) has its presidential candidate in the coming presidential election, but I also believe in making the right choice.

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l, therefore, wish to announce that my choice is the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari and l enjoin all well-meaning Nigerians to vote for him again so that he will continue with the good work he is doing for the country.

l also want to call on you, my good people of Zamfara, to vote for me as the next governor so that I can improve your general well-being."

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better.

Presidency, Nigerians give their thoughts on the fight against corruption| Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
What do we know about social problems in Nigeria? This is a country in Africa with a population of almost 200 million. With a population that high, it is not difficult to wonder if Nigerians are mostly living fine or struggling with all kinds of social and political problems.

Photo: www.1prof.by

Source: UGC

What is social problem?

Problems exist in different areas of human life. People in Nigeria suffer from many social problems majorly caused by corruption and mismanagement.

List of problems in Nigeria

Although Nigeria is a very wealthy country, majority of Nigeria's population still suffer different social problems in Nigeria today. Let's go through the list of the most prominent ones.

Poverty

More than 70% of the population of Nigeria live below the poverty line. It is hard for people to earn enough even for food due to low job opportunities and high cost of living.

Crime

Armed robbery is a serious issue in the country, it has claimed uncountable innocent lives. There are also constant reports of kidnappings in Nigeria. Things can get even more serious with reports of ritual killings in almost every part of the country.

Armed conflicts

The terrorist group Boko Haram has already abducted a large number of people, mostly women and children, whose fate have remained unknown. Boko Haram has destroyed many villages and cities in the north of Nigeria. As a result, a large number of people lost their homes and became refugees. Armed conflicts in Nigeria is often fuelled by religious and ethnic differences.

Poor quality of education

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Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Current environmental issues in Nigeria and possible solutions

Education in some parts of the country is subpar and yet it is not even available to everyone. Of course, there are elementary schools in Nigeria as well as universities and technical schools. But the quality of education is still very poor when compared with European educational institutions. A third of the population remains uneducated, while those who seek education abroad tend to not come back to the country.

Lack of proper healthcare

Things are not great with healthcare in the country. Medical education in Nigeria can still be obtained, but it cannot be compared to the quality of education in European, America and even some Asian countries. Quality medical care is only available in few private hospitals which most Nigerians cannot afford due to the high cost of treatment. Government hospitals offer healthcare services at highly subsidized rate, however, these hospitals are in need of urgent renovation.

Environmental issues

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Source: UGC

The country's ecology suffers tremendously from various factors. There are oil, mining, chemical, rubber industries in Nigeria that emit all kinds of gases into the atmosphere. Garbage is piled around even in the center of the capital and in almost all the big cities in the country.

Are there solutions to these problems?

Some of these problems can be solved easily. Environmental pollution can be solved if people take responsibility for it and stop throwing garbage on the streets and into drainages especially when it rains. People have to take responsibility for their health and start at least with personal hygiene.

Others require more efforts. An education reform should be put in place, qualified teachers should be paid better and parents should be required to send their kids to school. The country should be interested in keeping skilled and educated individuals, instead of making things so bad for them that they leave the country.

It is tough to offer solutions to issues as big as we have just discussed, but we start with the simple things, our lives and country will become better.

Life in Nigeria is very hard because there are problems almost at every turn. Most people live in poverty and they essentially survive on a daily basis. The country is quite dangerous because of high crime rate. There are very serious social problems in Nigeria, however, solutions to these problems lie in the hands of the government and the people.

READ ALSO: Violence against children in Nigeria: how to protect our kids?

Source: Legit
Online jobs in Nigeria are many. Whether you are a skilled professional looking for a full-time remote job or a student who wants to get some extra cash, there are jobs for everyone.

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Source: UGC

How to make money online in Nigeria

Digitalization of many processes and availability of personal computers decreased the need for people to work from offices. Moreover, many companies save a lot of money by hiring specialists who work from home because it reduces cost of running the business. Thus, online jobs have become popular with both employees and employers.

Each year brings more job opportunities in Nigeria. Lets review the top online jobs in Nigeria that pays.

Software and web developer

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Source: UGC

Software or web developer is one of the most well-paid jobs in Nigeria. It requires a lot of knowledge and experience to work as a developer from home.

With the growing demand for such specialists, it has become quite easy to find an online job as a web developer.

Illustrator and graphic designer

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Source: UGC

Graphic designers are greatly needed as mind-blowing number of mobile apps, games, PCs and console games are created almost every day. Graphic designers are the ones responsible for how they all look. There is no problem in finding a job online if you are a skilled artist, of course.

SEO specialist

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Source: UGC

SEO specialists are also in high demand in Nigeria today. Job descriptions for such positions often state that the work can be done either from the office or remotely. There are quite a lot of opened positions as practically every website owner wants their website to get the most visitors. Therefore, they all are looking for a skilled SEO specialist.

Virtual assistant

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Source: UGC

You would be surprised how many people need a virtual assistant to organize their work for them. Such assistants work from home. They schedule meetings, prepare presentations and get in touch with people. All this is done via the Internet.

Online seller

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Source: UGC

READ ALSO: How to make quick money online in Nigeria

Online seller is among the latest jobs in Nigeria. All you have to do to start the job is to buy or make the goods you want to sell and place them on any marketplace you like. Managing all the processes may be hard from the start. However, you can always hire a virtual assistant to help you with some tasks!

Online tutor

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Source: UGC

If you are skilled in teaching and sharing information, you can become an online tutor. All you need for this job is to record some tutoring videos and upload them to educational websites. Usually, such websites pay for each student that enrolls for your course. Therefore, you have to make your videos informative and enticing to earn more money.

Translator

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Source: UGC

There has always been a need for good translators. In the era of globalization, this need has only become more fierce. Translations can be done easily from home. Many enterprises require good translators permanently or temporarily.

Online jobs in Nigeria for students

Online jobs for Nigerian students are also numerous. Check out the following variants.

Data entry

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Source: UGC

Many companies require someone to enter data. This job does not require any specific training. You only have to know some text editing software and to be able to type more or less rapidly.

Online surveys

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Source: UGC

Online surveys are among the most popular ways for students to get extra cash. You can register on websites offering paid surveys and get some money for passing each. They do not pay very much, approximately $5-$15. However, if you do the surveys regularly, you can earn quite a bit of extra money.

Social media manager

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Source: UGC

Managing social media pages has also been a popular job among students. They spend quite a lot of time on social media anyway. Therefore, managing pages of other people or organizations is often not difficult at all for students.

Writer/copywriter

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Source: UGC

If you are good at articulating your thoughts, you can become an online writer. Many employers are looking for good writers. These could be educational websites, news or informational websites. Therefore, you can always choose between them to write on topics that are most interesting for you.

As the era of Internet and digitization moves on, new online job opportunities in Nigeria emerge. There are many online jobs that require a set of special skills and there are jobs that can be done even by students in their first year.

READ ALSO: Best money making ideas in Nigeria

Source: Legit
With the rampant growth in online services and internet use, there are many opportunities for criminals to carry out online fraud using various techniques. We have known that online fraudsters are everywhere, irrespective of the region and country and that their scams are numerous. Out of all online frauds we know, the most common types are phishing, spoofing and pop-up frauds. In phishing, the fraudster collects the personal details of an individual, like usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, claiming to be legitimate. Meanwhile spoofing is the act of disguising a communication from an unknown source as being from a trusted source and can be applied to emails, phone calls, and websites. Safer Internet Day 2019: How To Ensure Safety For Your Online Transactions?

Apart from being an amazing invention, the internet is a double-edged sword. As technology has made it easier to reach out to people at any nook and corner of the world, it has also paved way for fraudsters to mask their identity, and create fake emails and websites to dupe people. It so happens that most of the times an e-mail directs you to a website where you are asked to update your personal information. As the website often looks official and credible, a person may be tricked to disclosing valuable information, which he would not normally reveal. Such activities result in frauds and many have suffered major financial losses. Google Highlights These Simple Steps To Remain Safe on Internet.

What is Safer Internet Day?

Safer Internet Day aims to make the internet a place where everyone is empowered to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. It came into existence officially in 2012. Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre the celebration sees hundreds of organisations get involved to help promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.

Surveys on Online Frauds:

According to a global survey conducted by FIS, a financial services technology firm, Indians are among the most frequent victims of online banking frauds. According to reports, nearly 18 percent of Indians surveyed reported fraud in the preceding year, which was a higher percentage than any respondents in other countries. In comparison, only 8 percent of people from Germany reported a fraud followed by 6 percent in the United Kingdom. In December, Ravi Shankar Prasad, the minister for information technology, said that there were over 25,800 cases of digital fraud in India in 2017. What is Safer Internet Day? Know History and Significance.

Meanwhile, according to data collated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), a total of 972 such incidents were reported in 2017-18. This accounts for roughly three cases on a daily basis. The information was given by the Minister of State (MoS) for Finance in the Lok Sabha on 25th August 2018 in response to a question on the number of ATM robberies, and the safety of financial outposts in the country. The data included incidents of robbery, dacoity, burglary, and theft directed at financial institutions in the last three years.

Reports inform that the banking sector lost a total of Rs 168.74 crore to organised crime directed at ATMs in the past three years from 2015. Reports inform that between April and June 2018, 261 incidents were reported, entailing a loss of Rs 18.85 crore to banks. However, as per reports, the maximum number of untoward incidents in banks and ATMs was reported in Bihar in the financial year that ended in March 2018.

Together for a better internet is the theme of Safer Internet Day 2019. While the push for Digital India at an all-time high across the country, the risks haved increased too. Here are some famous frauds that question digital security:

Cosmos Bank Fraud:

The Cosmos Bank Fraud is one of the famous incidents of online scams in India where hackers managed to syphon off over Rs 94 crore through a malware attack on the server of Pune-based Cosmos Bank. The hackers cloned thousands of the bank's debit cards over a period of two days. On August 11 and 13, the hackers stole information of the bank's VISA and Rupay card customers, attacked the SWIFT system and syphoned the money. The malware attack on the banks systems raises several questions about the security controls. Four people were arrested in connection with a cyber fraud case in September 2018.

Police believe that after stealing information, money was withdrawn from ATMs in as many as 28 countries. Investigations revealed similarities between the heists at the Pune-based Cosmos Bank and Chennai's City Union Bank. Reports inform that the malware attack by the hackers originated in Canada. In a release, NPCI said one of its network members has confirmed about a malware-based attack on their system which has caused a fraud loss of over Rs 90 crore.

Online Fraud in Pune:

A major online fraud was reported from Pune in November 2018 where a woman was duped of Rs 37 lakh. According to reports, a 37-year-old woman working for an aviation company was cheated by online fraudsters. The Police termed the online fraud as an advanced fee scam. According to a report by the Indian Express, the victim was made to deposit different sums on various fake pretexts like anti-drug clearances, terrorist form, arrangements for the mans accommodation, upgrading complainants bank account and currency transfer fees, among others. The report stated that the complainant was asked to transfer Rs 33.5 lakh over a period of around two weeks into nine different bank accounts. She approached the police after she realised she had been cheated.

SBI UPI fraud in Delhi:

In another incident of online fraud, a State Bank of India (SBI) account holder from Noida was duped of Rs 6.8 lakh via the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) app. According to a report by Business Today, the savings account targeted by the alleged hackers belongs to a man named Mohan Lal from Sector 12 of Noida in Delhi. Lal said he found out about the fraud when he visited an ATM to withdraw money. Upon visiting the SBI branch in December 2018, Lal found out that money has been transferred from his account seven times since September 29.

UPI Fraud in Uttar Pradesh:

A shocking UPI app fraud was reported from Uttar Pradesh in December 2018, where just a SIM swap caused a man to lose almost all his savings. According to a TOI report, 30-year-old Mohan Lal, from Noida said he has been cheated of Rs 6.80 lakh via a UPI app. He said he was a victim of the fraud even though he did not own a smartphone. Describing his ordeal, Lal said the amount was transferred from his SBI saving account using a UPI app and the hackers continued this for two months. The fraud came to light when the man visited an ATM to withdraw money in December. The man was shocked to find that money was transferred seven times from his account since 29 September 2018.

According to reports, India has now become the second largest internet user base in the world with over 446 million internet users. By 2021, it is estimated that there will be about 635.8 million internet users in India. While technology has made life easier for everyone, it has also given hackers more opportunities to carry out fraudulent activities. On safer internet day today, let's pledge to take simple steps to avoid falling prey to online frauds; adding a screen lock or a fingerprint lock on your mobile phone can make you a lot safer on the Internet.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 05, 2019 04:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
LAURIE, Mo.  A family with marijuana-growing experience in Colorado hopes to open an operation at the Lake of the Ozarks, now that medicinal marijuana is legal in Missouri.

Tracey Smith, Four Seasons, Mo., addressed the Laurie Board of Alderman at both the December and January board meetings about a proposal to open a marijuana cultivation facility in Laurie.

I wanted to see if they would be receptive, Smith said. The idea seemed to be positively received by the board, the mayor and the police chief. The board did not comment on their opinion of the proposal in the open board meeting.

Smith said the purpose of his business plan was to cultivate and provide high-quality marijuana, for approved Missouri residents in need, through legal, safe and secure methods, in concert with state and local community efforts. The final product would be sold and transported to different locations around the state.

Amendment 2

Missouri voters passed Amendment 2, by a margin of 66 to 34 percent, changing the Missouri Constitution, in November 2019, to allow the purchase, cultivation, dispensing, manufacturing, transporting and testing of medicinal marijuana in Missouri. Each activity requires a different license and will only be sold to a limited number of applicants. Amendment 2 became effective on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018. One thing is for sure, medical marijuana will be expensive because of the number of licensed operators it will take to bring it from licensure to purchase.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services allowed persons interested in obtaining a license to begin paying a $10,000 non-refundable prepaid license application fee on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019. If Smith is approved to receive a license, he will also be required to pay a $25,000 annual fee. The state needs the money to fund a new department to regulate this and hire employees, Smith said. There will be a four percent tax on medical cannabis sales, with revenue being earmarked for services for military veterans, once implementation and regulation costs are covered. The applications for licensure will begin being accepted by the state, on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019. The state then has until Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019 to approve or deny the applications.

Controversy

Americans are divided on the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes, though the issue has been gaining supporters, as evidenced by its legalization in Missouri and other states in recent elections. Opponents of medical marijuana say legalizing marijuana has the potential to harm through chronic use because of easier access, especially in children and teens. They also have concerns that the legalization of marijuana could change public opinion of harm potential.

Today, we have discovered there are many positives with medical marijuana," Smith said. Medical marijuana has been demonstrated to reduce and combat opioid addiction and we have major opioid crisis. It also is a safer way to control pain. When pain is controlled by opioids, you are limited, because over a period of time your body gets used to it, and you have to take more, and opioids are three times as addictive as marijuana. Im not saying marijuana doesnt have problems, but overall if you look at the choices, it is a pretty good compound for fighting pain.

Persons with approved medical conditions, who want to purchase marijuana, will be required to apply for $25 annual identification card from the state. Those persons will be required to buy from dispensaries, since pharmacies cannot touch marijuana, because it is not been approved federally.

A Major Investment

Smith has already invested $10,000 in the application fee and approximately $600,000 on a 12,500 sq. ft. building, on 4.5 acres, on Sherman Ridge Road, off Highway 5 in Laurie, for the cultivation facility. If approved, he plans to add another 20,000 ft. canopy and a state-of-the-art security system. Once its all said and done, Smith said his family and investors will have approximately $2.5 million in the business. You cant get bank financing for this type of business because it is not federally recognized, Smith said. He believes there is a potential to earn up to $10 million annually, minus expenses, which he estimates could result in an approximate $6 million net annual income.

Why Laurie?

We chose Laurie because it is an economically underserved area, Smith said. If you look through the amendment, you will find 20 specifications, and a big part is how it will impact the community, Smith said. Laurie has lost a lot of businesses and this has the potential to bring in millions of dollars in product sales, creating a financial stimulus for the city, as well as a couple of dozen jobs. He added that having a local cultivation facility would better position product availability to Laurie dispensaries, again boosting sales tax revenues.

The location of the building in a rural area was a big factor. Marijuana has a strong odor and we dont want to bother our neighbors, so the building being on the edge of town was a plus, Smith said.

Power is a big deal too, Smith said. I have already spoken with Co Mo Electric Cooperative and they have what we need. You cant just put a three-phase growing process in without the right power availability.

Marijuana plants go through a three-phase growing process and each one requires a different environment. We have to have the best HVAC for a perfectly regulated climate, Smith said. In the first phase, seedlings grow in a grow room using florescent lighting. This phase is the least expensive, Smith explained. In phase 2, the plants are moved to a vegetative room that requires different lighting. In phase three, the plants are moved to a flowering room which is a larger room, used for final growth and harvesting. There will be a variety of plants grown for different uses.

According to state statute, if the state approves the cultivation facility license, the city of Laurie has the prerogative to enact ordinances governing the time, place and manner of operation, as well as the civil monetary penalties for violations of said ordinances.

A Family Operation

Smiths family has marijuana operations in both Oklahoma and Colorado. The Missouri facility is planned to be set up in the same way. My wife and son have been operating the facility in Oklahoma for a year, Smith said. Smith reported that his family that will be involved in the endeavor include his wife, who is a teacher, three sons, who are a urologist, a dentist and an attorney, as well as a niece who is a master grower. Smiths part in the business will be that of a landlord.

Smith also has relatives that operate nine facilities in Colorado, and he has hired two separate Colorado marijuana consulting firms. We have a professional team in place and we can do this the right way, according to the law, he said.

Yes, we are taking a gamble and it is a long shot, Smith said. Ive heard the state has received more than $2 million in application fees already. The Amendment will only allow one cultivation center in Missouri per 100,000 people. Missouri has 6.2 million people, so they could allow approximately 62 cultivation facility licenses. There is so much money being poured into this in the big cities, like St. Louis and Kansas City, they are sucking up all the licenses. Getting it in Laurie is a gamble and if it kicks off in 2020, it will be a slow start.

Its all up to the state now. Smith said citizens can call or write their legislators and put in a good word for the business. Whatever support we can rally would be great. Ive done my part, now lets see what happens at the state level. Smith said he would be willing to speak at a town hall meeting to answer any questions or concerns the public might have.
The 1950s were interesting times at the Lake. Simple roadside attractions were the rule of the day, and that usually included a trip to the dam to sample the various amusements and souvenir shops, and maybe take an excursion boat ride. Those boat rides at the dam had been around since the 30s, and were immensely popular. Beginning in the post-war years a new twist was offered -- seaplane rides.

A host of different seaplanes were used over the years. Old postcard views show Republic Seabees, Aeroncas, and Cessnas at the Loc-Wood dock, the closest commercial dock to the dam. (Near the end of the era, in the 60s and early 70s a Bell helicopter joined the flying fleet.)

Tommy Webber was among the first seaplane pilots at the dam; some say he was the first. He flew excursion flights from the late 40s through 1956. He captained the Larry Don in its early days and drove speedboats at the dam. But those were merely the final accomplishments of an extraordinary life.

Thomas Bert Webber was born in Great Britain in 1884. In 1909 he witnessed the first airplane crossing of the English Channel. That was at Dover, England. Tommy was 25; he decided then and there to become a pilot. It took four years, but he got his license. A year later World War One broke out in Europe and Tommy became a Royal Air Force pilot. He was shot down over France in 1915.

Hospitalized for seven months with a crushed throat, Webber then went to Canada to train military pilots for the Royal Canadian Air Force. In 1917 he came to the United States and served in the Marine Corps air arm.

After the war Tommy remained in the United States and took up barnstorming. He flew at exhibitions throughout the central states and became a flight instructor. By 1934 he operated his own flying school in Sedalia. He held pilots license number 1786.

When World War Two broke out, Tommy became a civilian instructor at army airfields in California and Kansas. By wars end he had accumulated 18,000 flying hours.

Shortly after the end of the war, Webber began piloting excursion flights and boat rides for Glenn Wood, owner of the Loc-Wood boat concession at Bagnell Dam.

Glenn Wood marveled at his new employee. Tommy Webber was well into his sixties, a lean man standing five-foot-seven, with a bronzed face deeply etched by lines of age and experience. He usually wore a boat captains hat with the edges rolled down in the thousand-hour crush made famous by World War Two pilots. Pilots that he had trained. Tommy was thought to be the oldest active commercial pilot in the country. His health was excellent; his eyes were sharp. He still retained a British accent.

By the late-40s, the excursion business at the dam was booming. Interviewed by a Kansas City Star reporter in 1949, Glenn Wood estimated that 100,000 people were riding the boats and planes each summer. When Tommy Webber wasnt flying or piloting the boats, he would hawk the rides over a loudspeaker. Here you are, folks, he would call out in the Kings English. Right here for those speedboat rides; those thrilling airplane flights. Tickets on sale below, step right along. Its exciting, its marvelous. See the lakeshore from the skies.

Wood said that Webber could even stop a school bus with that chatter. They love it!

From the days of open cockpits and canvas-covered wings, Tommy Webber had flown for three air forces and had trained hundreds of pilots in two world wars. Later in life he had charmed countless tourists and had taken them on a magical ride over the lake that he had come to love.

The excursion business was still brisk in 1956. On September 27, an elderly couple from Ontario, Canada, visited the strip and talked with Tommy Webber. They had never flown before, but after chatting with the former RAF pilot, they decided that Webber was the kind of man they could trust in the air. So they bought their tickets and soon found themselves a thousand feet above the lake, circling over Horseshoe and Shawnee Bends. Tommy then turned the plane back to land in the waters in front of the dam. He pulled the nose up when just a few feet above the water to lose airspeed. For a few seconds the nose obstructed his view ahead and to the right.

Thats where the boat hit him.

An excursion speedboat had come tearing out of the Loc-Wood dock on its usual high-speed thrill ride. The boat pilot didnt see the plane flaring overhead. The boat grazed the right pontoon of the plane just as the aircraft settled onto the water. Miraculously, the boat missed the airplanes propeller and tail section.

Webbers plane touched down and slowed to taxiing speed, but something was wrong. The plane began to list; the right pontoon was punctured. Webber cut the engine and the aircraft started to settle into the water on its right side. A second boat came out from the dock to assist. Webber, 72 years old at the time, got the woman passenger out of the plane and into the boat. By that time, the airplanes only door had dipped into the water. Tommy swam under the wing, and through the half-submerged door, to rescue the trapped man inside.

Tommy was unhurt, but it was his last flight. A friend convinced him that after 43 years of flying, it might be time to quit. Webber had logged over 20,000 total hours in the air.

Webber continued to live at Lake Ozark, in a stone house that he built himself. In the spring of 1963, his failing health forced him into a Sedalia rest home. He died on October 10 of that year.

From the days of open cockpits and canvas-covered wings, Tommy Webber had flown for three air forces and had trained hundreds of pilots in two world wars. Later in life he had charmed countless tourists and had taken them on a magical ride over the lake that he had come to love. Most of those gawking sightseers never knew that the man at the controls was truly a legendan aviation pioneer, and a lake original.

[This article originally appeared in the Lake of the Ozarks Business Journal.]
Rome, February 5 - Deputy Premier Luigi Di Maio's press office said Tuesday Di Maio and his 5-Star Movement (M5S) No.2 Alessandro Di Battista had met with one of the leaders of the Yellow Jackets, Christof Chalencon, on the outskirts of Paris. "There are many common positions and values that focus on the battles for citizens, social rights, direct democracy and the environment," the press office said. Di Maio has previously voiced the hope of an alliance with the Yellow Jackets ahead of the May European elections. Chalencon, spokesman of the Yellow Jackets list led by Ingrid Levavasseur, told ANSA Tuesday he and Di Maio and Di Battista "practically agree on everything" after their meeting at the Hotel de France at Montargis, in the Parisian hinterland. "We're not talking of alliances yet but certainly of dialogue," he said. He said there would be another meeting next week in Rome between Di Maio and Levavasseur, with him present. Eric Drouet, one of the main leaders of the Yellow Jackets, told ANSA Tuesday he was "against all political initiatives made in the name" of the French protest movement.
Rome, February 5 - Deputy Premier Luigi Di Maio's press office said Tuesday Di Maio and his 5-Star Movement (M5S) No.2 Alessandro Di Battista had met with one of the leaders of the Yellow Jackets, Christof Chalencon, on the outskirts of Paris. "There are many common positions and values that focus on the battles for citizens, social rights, direct democracy and the environment," the press office said. Di Maio has previously voiced the hope of an alliance with the Yellow Jackets ahead of the May European elections. Chalencon, spokesman of the Yellow Jackets list led by Ingrid Levavasseur, told ANSA Tuesday he and Di Maio and Di Battista "practically agree on everything" after their meeting at the Hotel de France at Montargis, in the Parisian hinterland. "We're not talking of alliances yet but certainly of dialogue," he said. He said there would be another meeting next week in Rome between Di Maio and Levavasseur, with him present.
Rome, February 5 - Deputy Premier Luigi Di Maio's press office said Tuesday Di Maio and his 5-Star Movement (M5S) No.2 Alessandro Di Battista had met with one of the leaders of the Yellow Jackets, Christof Chalencon, on the outskirts of Paris. "There are many common positions and values that focus on the battles for citizens, social rights, direct democracy and the environment," the press office said. Di Maio has previously voiced the hope of an alliance with the Yellow Jackets ahead of the May European elections.
Siena, February 5 - Interior Minister Matteo Salvini reiterated Tuesday that the government's fate is not linked to the Diciotti migrant 'kidnapping' case. Salvini faces possible trial for allegedly kidnapping 177 migrants aboard a Costa Guard ship, the Diciotti, in a standoff with the EU in August. It is not clear whether the government ally of his anti-migrant League party, the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S), will vote to lift his immunity to face trial. Salvini said the government's fate is not "at all" linked to the Diciotti case. "The government is going forward and we have a lot of things to do," he said. "Salvini is not the country's problem". Salvini said he would present a written statement to the Senate immunity committee which is set to examine the case starting Thursday. "Scripta manent, verba volant (writings remain, words fly), he said using a Latin tag.
Milan, February 5 - Milan Fashion Week is set to kick off this month with Gucci's return to the runway. Despite continued growth, however, the Italian fashion industry is expecting a slowdown in revenue in the first quarter of 2019. The industry is looking at a possible drop from its 2.8% increase last year to a 1% rise in the same period this year, said Carlo Capasa, president of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion, in a presentation of Milan Fashion Week, which will take place February 19-25. Capasa said the expected slowdown is due to international factors such as Brexit and tariffs, which he said can have a negative effect on a sector such as Italian fashion, which counts highly on exports. Capasa is confident, however, that numbers can improve if these issues are resolved, since revenues in 2018 reached 90 billion euros, a 2.8% increase on 2017. "We're still a system that represents 12% of the national added value and employs 700,000 people," Capasa said. "Milan fashion businesses alone invoice 28 billion euros per year," he said, rejecting the idea that the industry is in a crisis. "We've grown every year by an average of 3%, if you call that a crisis," he said. This year's Milan Fashion Week will host 173 collections with 60 runway shows, 81 presentations, and 33 initiatives, including young designers such as Marco Rambaldi and the return of the big name Gucci. Last year the fashion house, which is part of the French group Kering, chose to show its spring/summer collection in Paris in what it called a temporary transfer in honour of the City of Lights. Gucci, which made 6.2 billion euros in 2017, is now returning to Milan in this year's fashion week with a co-ed show, Capasa said. "Gucci went to Paris as part of an overall project that was part of a path by its creative director Alessandro Michele," Capasa said. "Now it's back as promised and we are happy about it because the power of Gucci is very important," he said.
Bologna, February 5 - The husband of Italy's first black minister is to run for the anti-migrant party that called her an orangutan. Domenico Grispino said he would stand for Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's League party in upcoming local elections at Castelfranco Emilia near Modena. His wife, former integration minister Cecile Kyenge of the centre-left Democratic Party, said the marriage was over. "I understand the dismay of everybody, including that of the League itself," she said. On January 14 League Senator Roberto Calderoli was found guilty by a court in the northern city of Bergamo of calling Kyenge an orangutan in 2013. Kyenge, a doctor by profession with Congolese roots, became Italy's first black minister when she served in ex-premier Enrico Letta's government in 2013 and 2014. The court ruled that racism was an aggravating factor and sentenced Calderoli to an 18-month jail term at the end of the first-instance trial. Rulings in Italy are not considered definitive until the appeals process has been exhausted and prison terms of under two years are usually suspended. Kyenge did not stand as a civil plaintiff in the trial and will not get damages.
Rome, February 5 - Deputy Premier and 5-Star Movement (M5S) leader Luigi Di Maio is in France Tuesday and may meet leaders of the Yellow Jackets protest movement, M5S sources said. The M5S leader has vowed to support the protest movement against President Emmanuel Macron and has also said the M5S would be interested if it becomes a political movement aiming to field candidates in the May European elections. Di Maio's staff did not confirm or deny a planned meeting with Yellow Jacket representatives. M5S No.2 Alessandro Di Battista accompanied Di Maio, they said.
Rome, February 5 - Manuel Bortuzzo, a 20-year-old who was shot in front of a nightclub on Saturday night, will not walk again, a doctor at Rome's San Camillo Hospital said on Tuesday. Bortuzzo, a promising swimmer, underwent a double surgery on Sunday to stop a thoracic hemorrhage and to remove the bullet that had lodged in his spine. Police said the young man was an innocent bystander who was hit when one or more suspects on a scooter fired shots following a fight at the Qube nightclub in the Axa neighbourhood on the southern outskirts of Rome "It is not possible to regain movement of the legs with the current level of medical knowledge," said Professor Alberto Delitala, the director of the hospital's neuroscience department. photo: Manuel Bortuzzo in an image taken from his Facebook profile.
Rome, February 5 - The Senate's immunity panel has been called to meet on Thursday at 8:30 to discuss a request from magistrates to proceed with a criminal case involving Deputy Premier, Interior Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini, sources said Tuesday. Interior ministry sources said that Salvini has decided to send a written deposition to the panel without appearing in person. Magistrates in the Sicilian city of Catania have requested authorization from parliament to proceed with charges of alleged kidnapping against Salvini over his refusal to allow over 100 asylum seekers saved by the Coast Guard disembark from the Diciotti ship during a long standoff with the EU in August. Salvini has said the case should not be allowed to proceed as he was doing his job as minister.
Rome, February 5 - State, Carabinieri and finance police on Tuesday staged a huge operation which, among other things, targeted people suspected of being behind the recent torching of several shops in the southern city of Foggia, the authorities said. Suspects are also accused of crimes including extortion, robbery and attempted homicide. Tuesday's operation, which was nicknamed 'Chorus' and featured special-operations units, was the result of five different probes and it led to 16 arrests. Four local people who are considered to be linked to the Moretti mafia clan were arrested for allegedly having planned an foiled attack on another man with a criminal record. Two other suspects are said to be relatives of Rodolfo Bruno, a criminal who was murdered on the outskirts of Foggia in November. Two more are thought to have been behind arson attacks early in January and demands for protection money.
Rome, February 5 - An agreement has been reached within the government for European Affairs Minister Paolo Savona to be nominated the new president of Italian stock-market regulator CONSOB, League party sources said on Tuesday. The opposition centre-left Democratic Party (PD) said Savona's appointment would be illegitimate. "Minister Savona cannot be the president of CONSOB, the government cannot ignore the law," said PD Senator Simona Malpezzi. "There are many reasons that make him incompatible. "The minister worked for the Euklid fund, therefore a body under CONSOB's oversight, until May 1018," said Malpezzi, asserting the appointment would also breach other laws. "If the cabinet approved the nomination, despite the incompatibility, we would be faced with a highly serious and unprecedented situation". Savona, who has been critical of the euro in the past, was the League and the 5-Star Movement's initial pick for economy minister in their coalition government. But President Sergio Mattarella opposed this and Giovanni Tria became economy minister, with Savona getting the European affairs portfolio.
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BILLINGS, Mont. - Who controls more than $2.4 million in Crow Tribal funds?

That's the question First Interstate Bank needs an answer to after being peppered with challenges from two separate factions claiming to have jurisdiction over the tribe's executive branch of government.

First Interstate Bank has long held the funds for the tribe, but recent strife within the tribe over who actually serves as Chairman and Secretary of the tribe.

First Interstate Bank has asked the federal court to take control of the account until the matter is settled.

First Interstate Bank is also asking to be dismissed from all liability while the defendants in the case interplead their claims and settle their rights to the Tribal funds.

First Interstate Bank asked that the court restrain the defendants from initiating any suits against them.

According to court filing this all began January 3 when Vice Chairman Carlson Goes Ahead and Vice Secretary Shawn Back Bone filed a petition seeking to recall Chairman A.J. Not Afraid and Secretary Knute Old Crow, alleging misuse of tribal funds and abuse of authority.

That vote did take place January 19.

But Not Afraid had filed a motion for a temporary restraining order the day prior. The Crow Civil Tribal Court granted the motion the next day. This was the same day the recall took place.

The temporary restraining order restrained Goes Ahead and Back Bone from performing tribal government functions or assuming or occupying the Chairman's "position, title or duty and financial signature authority" and maintained the status quo as of January 18, 2019.

Days later on January 22, the Crow Legislative Branch swore in Goes Ahead and the Tribe's new Chairman and Back Bone as the new Secretary.

Two days later First Interstate Bank received a letter requesting the bank suspend all of the Tribe's accounts until signature cards for Goes Ahead and Back Bone could be executed, which the bank did the following day.

Three days later the Bank received a letter from Not Afraid asserting the election that removed him as Chairman was illegitimate. Not Afraid further demanded the Bank recognize his authority as Chairman and authorize his financial transactions with the Bank on behalf of the Tribe. In that letter Not Afraid threatens to seek damages "on behalf of third parties that are harmed from the banks actions."

First Interstate Bank also states that they received a letter from Attorney General Arneson that requested suspensions be removed and alleged that First Interstate acted "unlawfully." Arneson also represented that Not Afraid was the legitimate Chairman of the Tribe and the legal signatory of the Tribe's accounts.

On January 30, First Interstate Bank was notified that the temporary restraining order had been extended and restored Not Afraid's authority over the Tribe's accounts.

The following day an e-mail arrived from the Crow Tribe Legislative Branch alleging that "tribal funds are being taken from tribal accounts 'without proper permission,'" and that the Bank's decision to adhere to the temporary restraining order, "had led directly to this looting of the Tribe's accounts occurring right now."

Then on February 1, counsel for First Interstate received a letter from Speaker Frank White Clay, alleging that First Interstate is "abetting the looting of tribal [monies]" and demanding a freeze on the Tribe's accounts.

On Monday, Chairman Not Afraid released the following statement in regards to the First Interstate Bank's civil action.

Chairman Alvin A.J. Not Afraid, Jr. remarked, While I can withstand the pressure of lies and rumors, our government cannot function without funds. The freezing of our bank accounts may be a political victory for the Vice-Chairman and the Legislature, but it is devastating to Elders who are relying on their Elder Benefit checks. Those checks cannot be sent out now. This is devastating to our Crow kids, who are relying on Head Start and day care to provide them with an education. And it hurts dialysis patients who cannot make it to their appointments, without the Tribe being able to pay for their transport.

The Chairman continued, Halting services hurts Tribal Members  all of us  yet the Vice-Chairman and the Legislature are celebrating.

"We need to move beyond petty politics. Therefore, I call on the Vice-Chairman to meet with me and mediate this issue, with a neutral third party, chosen by the BIA Regional Office. Let us sit down together  and I believe that we can work through our differences. We owe it to our Elders, our families, and to the Tribe. We must continue to move the Tribe forward."

On Monday the court sent out summons to each of the parties involved. It's the first step to resolving who has the authority to write checks on behalf of Crow Tribe.
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Kokomo, IN (46901)

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(NSP) arrested two people on I-80 with 189 pounds of marijuana during a traffic on Thursday.
Power restored at Brooklyn detention center where inmates had been sitting in the cold
A standoff with police outside of Cincinnati left one deputy dead and another injured.
(Recasts, updates throughout, adds shares)

By Ron Bousso

LONDON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - BP joined its competitors in posting a strong 2018 performance, with a doubling of profits driven by strong growth in oil and gas output following a large U.S. shale acquisition.

Record utilisation of its oil and gas fields and refining capacity further helped BP seal what was a transformational year as the aftermath of the deadly 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster eased.

But while the London-listed firm's revenue beat forecasts, debt rose and the pace of its share buyback scheme slowed in the last quarter after it paid the first and largest tranche of the $10.5 billion BHP acquisition.

BP shares rose more than 3.3 percent in early trade, hitting their highest since early December.

"We now have a powerful track record of safe and reliable performance, efficient execution and capital discipline. And we're doing this while growing the business," BP Chief Executive Officer Bob Dudley said in a statement on Tuesday.

Royal Dutch Shell, Exxon Mobil and Chevron all reported stronger-than-forecast earnings last week driven by higher production in U.S. shale basins where Oil Majors have invested billions in recent years. The strong gains came despite a sharp drop in crude prices at the end of the year that wiped out most gains made in share prices throughout the year.

Uncertainty over the outlook for oil prices as well as concerns over global economic growth and sino-American trade tensions are likely to continue to weigh on the sector.

Chief Financial Officer Brian Gilvary told Reuters he expected Brent crude prices to hold around current levels of $60 a barrel in 2019, while demand was expected to rise by 1.3 to 1.4 million barrels per day, a similar pace to that seen in 2017.

Capital expenditure will be $15 to $17 billion this year, after reaching $15.1 billion in 2018, Gilvary said.

BP plans to sell $10 billion of assets over the next two years to help pay for the BHP deal, including a suite of fields in the United States as it focuses on the most attractive basins, he added.

PROFITS DOUBLE

After settling the vast majority of payments for the 2010 spill in the Gulf of Mexico, totalling nearly $70 billion, BP has more recently focused on growing production into the next decade, including the BHP deal which is its largest in 30 years.

For the year, BP's profit rose to a five-year high of $12.7 billion, double the previous year's $6.17 billion and above analyst expectations of $11.88 billion.

"Overall, we see this as a strong set of results, with stronger underlying earnings translating into cash," Biraj Borkhataria, analyst at RBC Capital Markets, said in a note.

Production rose to 3.7 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2018 after BP completed the acquisition of BHP's onshore U.S. shale portfolio and thanks to the start up of new fields including the 120,000 barrel per day Clair Ridge project in the North Sea.

Excluding its share of production from its 20 percent stake in Russia's Rosneft , BP's production was up 8.2 percent from 2017.

Gearing, the ratio between debt and BP's market value, rose to 30.3 percent at the end of 2018 from 27.4 percent a year earlier. Net debt was $44.1 billion at the end of last year.

(Reporting by Ron Bousso, editing by Louise Heavens and Kirsten Donovan)
By Yuka Obayashi

TOKYO, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Japan's biggest trading house Mitsubishi Corp on Tuesday posted a 6 percent rise in its April-December net profit thanks to higher income from energy operations, and stuck to its record profit forecast for the year despite one-off losses.

Mitsubishi's net profit grew to a record 442 billion yen

($4 billion) for the nine months to Dec. 31 from 416 billion yen a year ago.

The company booked an impairment loss of 28 billion yen on its stake in Singapore's Olam International and 31 billion yen on its investment in iron ore mines in Chile in the October-December quarter, but it kept its forecast of a record 640 billion yen profit for the year ending March.

"We have paid a premium for Olam as we had expected synergy with our operations, but the outcome has missed our target," Mitsubishi Chief Financial Officer Kazuyuki Masu told a news conference.

But Mitsubishi, which owns a 17.4 percent stake in Olam, has no plan to trim its stake in the Singaporean commodity trader and plans to seek more synergies in areas such as Africa, Masu said.

Olam said last month that it plans to invest $3.5 billion into key growth areas, such as edible nuts, coffee and cocoa, over the next few years, while exiting four existing businesses to raise funds. As for the Chilean mines, Mitsubishi took the loss due to an extra environmental cost to build a tailing dam mainly for the Los Colorados mine, which produced 14 million tonnes of iron ore in 2018, and a repair cost for a broken shiploader at a port.

The port's loading operation has been stopped since the collapse of the shiploader in November, Masu said.

The mines are 25 percent owned by Mitsubishi and 75 percent by Chilean iron ore and steel producer CAP SA, according to a Mitsubishi spokesman.

Mitsubishi's annual profit prediction missed the 655 billion yen mean forecast in a poll of 9 analysts, according to Refinitiv.

Its nine-month profit was only 69 percent of its full-year estimate, but Masu said a special gain from its planned sale of two Australian thermal coal mines and stronger profits from some segments are expected to fill the gap. Japanese trading companies have benefited from higher prices for commodities such as oil and coal, while their results also reflect healthy earnings in non-resource segments which they have strengthened since the last commodities down-cycle.

($1 = 109.9900 yen)

(Reporting by Yuka Obayashi Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman/Keith Weir)
JOHANNESBURG, Feb 5 (Reuters) - South African trade union federation COSATU said on Tuesday that it opposed a proposal to split power firm Eskom into three different entities, arguing this would not solve the struggling utility's governance and debt problems.

COSATU Deputy General Secretary Solly Phetoe said the proposal to split Eskom into three firms was made by a task team appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa at a meeting with members of the ruling African National Congress.

Phetoe said the task team's plan to save Eskom meant that thousands of the utility's staff could lose their jobs, an assessment that COSATU said it could not support.

Ramaphosa is trying to turn around the ailing company - which supplies more than 90 percent of South Africa's power but is drowning in 420 billion rand ($31 billion) of debt - and has promised to announce a plan to shore up its finances. "We don't support unbundling as the only option to turn around Eskom," COSATU's Phetoe said at a news conference.

"It doesn't suggest that when you unbundle you shall have resolved the governance problems that Eskom has been facing. When you unbundle you have not resolved the debt that Eskom is owing," Phetoe said.

COSATU is planning a nationwide strike on Feb. 13 to try to prevent large-scale layoffs, including at Eskom.

($1 = 13.3741 rand)

(Reporting by Alexander Winning Editing by James Macharia)
(Reuters) - U.S. drugmaker Merck & Co Inc said on Tuesday that its Chief Executive Ken Frazier plans to testify at a Senate hearing later this month examining rising prescription drug prices.

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, ranking member of the committee, on Monday invited executives from seven pharmaceutical companies, including Merck, to testify. The other companies are AbbVie Inc, AstraZeneca Plc , Bristol-Myers Squibb Co, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer Inc and Sanofi SA.

A spokesman from Senator Grassleys office said on Monday that two of the CEOs have agreed to testify so far, but did not specify from which companies.

A Sanofi spokeswoman said the French drugmaker was reviewing Chief Executive Olivier Brandicourts scheduling to determine if he can attend the hearing. Britain-based AstraZeneca said it was reviewing the request and will respond to the committee.

Pfizer, Bristol-Myers, and J&J did not immediately have a statement on the invitation to testify, while AbbVie did not respond to a request for comment.

Congress has been intensifying scrutiny of the pharmaceutical industry over the rising cost of prescription drugs for U.S. consumers, which consistently polls as a top voter concern. It is also a top priority of the administration of President Donald Trump, who had made it a central issue of the 2016 presidential campaign.
LONDON (Reuters) - HSBC is preparing to lay off dozens of staff in its global banking and markets business, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.

The British bank, which is conducting a cost-cutting drive aimed at protecting its dividend, declined to comment on the redundancies, which will mainly impact sales and advisory staff.

Those affected will be informed this week, the source said.

The cuts follow several weeks of performance reviews and planning for 2019 by the banks senior management team, which was recently joined by former Royal Bank of Scotland executive Ewen Stevenson as its new chief financial officer.

The source, who declined to be named, said entire sales teams had been axed, with some members of staff leaving the banks London headquarters in Canary Wharf on Tuesday.

The cuts follow a turbulent period for the global banking and markets division, which houses HSBCs trading and investment banking businesses.

The investment bank suffered an exodus of high-profile dealmakers in Europe last year, amid what sources said was frustration at a lack of a clear strategy.

HSBC has since made some senior hires from rivals, including former JPMorgan banker Greg Guyett as co-head of global banking, and former Goldman Sachs banker Peter Enns as the global head of its financial institutions group.

None of the banks identified areas for growth in its most recent strategy update last June mentioned the trading business, with Chief Executive John Flint more focused on its traditional strengths of corporate and retail banking.

Flint said HSBC would focus on making sure revenues grow faster than costs, as the bank seeks to improve its return on equity to above 11 percent by 2020 from 6.8 percent in 2017.
CAPE TOWN, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo demanded mining deals be more beneficial for Africa on Tuesday, calling on governments to end fiscal incentives traditionally used to attract investment to countries long viewed as rife with risk.

Resource nationalism is high on the agenda at the African Mining Indaba in Cape Town as resource-holding governments, aware of the need for international miners to find new exploration territory, increase tax and royalty demands.

Akufo-Addo, leader of Africa's second-largest gold producer, said that the continent's reputation of political instability was outdated and improvements in the rule of law should be reflected in countries' relationships with mining companies.

"I believe we have come of age. We should not have to give unusual tax and royalties incentives. And mining companies should not expect to make extraordinary profits on our continent," he told the conference.

Over the past decade, a number of African governments have reviewed mining contracts, seeking to recalibrate partnerships and increase their share of mining revenues.

Last year, Democratic Republic of Congo - the world's biggest producer of cobalt - rewrote its mining code, ignoring the objections of miners. It cancelled existing stability clauses in contracts and raised royalty rates across the board.

Neighbouring Tanzania, once one of Africa's most attractive jurisdictions for international investors, has also cracked down on the industry, hitting gold miner Acacia with a $190 billion tax bill. The company has disputed the claim and its parent company Barrick Gold Corp is in talks with the government.

But other African nations, including Angola and Ethiopia, are still seeking to use tax breaks to entice investment to their nascent mining sectors.

Akufo-Addo said Africa needed mining investment, but companies needed to understand their role in developing economies.

"We want you to stay here for the long-term. Respect the land that provides the riches and be part of the transformation," he said. "It's time to make Africa prosperous and allow her people to attain a dignified standard of living."

He also called on his fellow African states to establish value-added industries on the back of their mineral wealth.

Long a major gold producer, Ghana is now seeking to develop its iron ore and bauxite deposits.

Under a deal approved by Ghanaian lawmakers last year, China's Sinohydro Corp Ltd will provide $2 billion for government road projects in exchange for refined bauxite exports.

The government has created a state-owned company to help establish an integrated aluminium industry. Akufo-Addo said creation of a similar company to promote an iron and steel industry would be considered in the current parliamentary session.

"We cannot, and should not, continue to be merely exporters of raw materials to other countries," he said.



(Editing by James Macharia and Kirsten Donovan)
Nacogdoches, TX (75965)

Today

Thunderstorms likely, especially this evening. Low 69F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely, especially this evening. Low 69F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
(Reuters) - The once-mighty Sears department store chain took its fight for survival to a bankruptcy judge on Monday, arguing the proposed $5.2 billion sale to its chairman, Eddie Lampert, would help save 45,000 jobs and keep 425 stores open.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain said on Monday he would rule on the sale to Lamperts ESL Investments Inc later this week after hearings that were likely to run into Thursday.

A lawyer for Sears Holdings Corp told the court he was hoping the deal would close on Friday, clearing the way for Sears to end its four-month stint in Chapter 11 bankruptcy and begin its new life as a private company controlled by Lampert.

But first the company has to overcome objections by hundreds of creditors and the official committee that represents them.

Mondays hearing in White Plains, New York, kicked off with Sears investment banker, Brandon Aebersold of Lazard, and Sears director Bill Transier testifying about sale negotiations and Lamperts plans.

Transier acknowledged that Lamperts plan included possibly three store closings a month this year, the sale of $600 million of real estate over the next three years and unspecified cuts to staff.

Their ability to run their business properly should be their responsibility, he said.

Creditors have argued the companys future success is premised on what they say is an unlikely turnaround led by Lampert, who creditors have accused of stripping the company of value during its years-long decline.

Creditors also have argued the sale process was flawed and that it undervalued Sears by as much as $1.3 billion.

Creditors want to pursue ESL and Lampert, Sears largest shareholder and creditor when it filed for bankruptcy, for what they allege are years of fraudulent deals, such as the spin-off of the Lands End brand.

Lampert has defended the deals as a sign of his commitment to finance Sears despite its struggles, and he has noted the transactions were approved by independent directors.

In 2005, Lampert merged the department store with discount chain Kmart in an $11 billion deal.

Sears, once known for its mail-order catalogs, dates back to 1893. Merchandise from toys, medicine, gramophones, automobiles, kit houses and tombstones made it the Amazon.com Inc of its time.
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple very briefly retook its title as the most valuable publicly listed U.S. company on Monday, beating out Microsoft and Amazon.com, while Alphabet was close behind the trio as it prepared to report its quarterly results.

With Microsoft and Apple rallying almost 3 percent, Apples market capitalization for a few seconds was $806.6 billion, exceeding Microsofts by $200 million and Amazons by about $1.2 billion.

Microsoft quickly returned to its spot as the most valuable company, but Apple was on track to end the session above Amazon, up 0.4 percent, taking the No 2 spot.

Average analyst price targets imply Amazon would become by far the most valuable U.S. publicly-listed company at $1.03 trillion, followed by Microsoft at $967 billion, Alphabet at $927 billion and Apple at just $835 billion, according to Refinitiv data.

Tech heavyweights' market cap - tmsnrt.rs/2HTwYRR

Apples stock has risen 11 percent since its quarterly report last Tuesday, with investors betting it was oversold following months of concern about a slowdown in iPhone demand, and the companys rare revenue warning on Jan. 2 related to soft demand in China.

After touching a record $1.1 trillion last October, Apples market capitalization fell gradually, and it was overtaken in December by Amazon and Microsoft.

Apples stock market value hit a low of $675 billion on Jan. 3 after its revenue warning, but then steadily recovered, helped in part by a quarterly report that was better than feared by investors.

While Apple has gained in recent sessions, Microsoft and Amazons stocks have fallen after their quarterly reports. Amazon has declined about 4 percent since Thursday, when it forecast first-quarter sales below Wall Street estimates and warned over new regulations in India.

Since Wednesday, when Microsoft met targets for its quarterly results and forecast, its stock has slipped nearly 1 percent.

Google-parent Alphabet was up 2.6 percent, putting its stock market value at $788 billion. After the bell, the company is expected to post quarterly revenue of $38.9 billion, up 20 percent, and a 12 percent increase in non-GAAP net income to $7.7 billion, according to Refinitiv data.
Happy New Year  again! It is now the year of the pig.

According to the Western calendar, Feb. 5, 2019, marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year  also known as Spring Festival  the longest and most important celebration for Chinese families across the globe.

People born under the sign of the pig, according to Chinese culture, are thought to be reliable, honest, energetic and kind. A pig's weaknesses, on the other hand, include laziness, being naive, impulsive and not good at communication. A person can turn around these negatives by working on the challenges they present.

Whether you are born in the year of the pig (in 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 and 2019) or not, considering we have just started a new year, now is a good time to think about how to make 2019 the best it can be, both personally and financially. Here are some steps inspired by the strengths and weaknesses associated with the year of the pig that we all could benefit from.

Question things

Learn more about the world so you are less likely to believe in just anything. Take a money-saving course at a local bank or research topics before a purchase, such as applying for a car loan. Hire a financial adviser to give you guidance. Learn to say no if something doesnt feel right.

Tame the impulse

Be clever and come up with different ways to cut down on other costs. Go to second-hand stores instead of shopping at expensive designer stores. You would be surprised of deals you could find just by looking around. Make your own meals instead of heading to a restaurant. Not only will you save by preparing meals at home, it can be healthier for you in the long run. Redirect your found money to your Roth IRA or 401(k) to build wealth for your financial independence.

Be lazy later

Who doesnt love sitting by a fire on a cold, dreary day? It would be nice to stay home in bed instead of facing the world or at least getting to work on time.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - The professional dance company, Stuart Pimsler Dance and Theater, is spending the week teaching fifth graders at Rochester Public Schools movement.

"I learned that I can do stuff I never thought I could do, like doing a plie and moving my hands like this," Mohammed Abdelhaman, a fifth grader at Jefferson Elementary, said.

"It's very peaceful dancing. We do a lot of slowmovement, it's calm," Jack Esau, a fifth grader at Jefferson Elementary said.

With each jump and chasse, kids are learning more than just the moves.

"We change minds I think. We change the concept of how powerful it is to tell your story in an expressive way," Suzanne Costello, artistic co-director of the company, said.

It's a lesson not overlooked. The program is funded by a grant from the Minnesota State Board.

"This is supported by the citizens of Minnesota. Therefore, we're able to bring a program like this to a school that would not have the funds to do this otherwise," Costello said.

The dance company is teaching at Jefferson Elementary this week and will later teach at Bamber Valley Elementary, too. Students at Bamber Valley will be watching the Jefferson students perform, before their own classes and performance in December.

"I know some of the Bamber Valley students, I've played them in sports, so it's going to be fun for them to see u," Esau said.

"The sort of takeaway from the project besides what they learn from those two weeks, is hopefully a cross-city conversation or connection may not happen otherwise," Costello said.

"I like to dance, they love to dance, literally, everyone loves it over there," Abdelhaman said. "I want all the people who teach dance to stay forever."
MASON CITY, Iowa  A Clear Lake man has reached a plea deal over two crimes.

Aaron Rogers Mitchell, 24, has pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing bodily injury. He was accused of 1st degree burglary for entering a Clear Lake home on March 24, 2018, and assaulting someone. Mitchell was then charged with domestic abuse for choking a woman in Mason City on September 3, 2018.

Mitchell was sentenced to a total of eight days in jail, $630 in fines, and two years of supervised probation.
FLOYD COUNTY, Iowa  The Floyd County Sheriffs responded to a house fire Saturday afternoon that left a family's home destroyed.

Homeowner Julie Salisbury was not home at the time of the fire, though her husband was. He heard a wooshing sound, and went to check it out. He peeked in the basement, and upon seeing flames a few steps down, he escaped and called 911. He was uninjured, but everything inside, including the family cat, was lost in the fire.

Now, the Salisbury's are temporarily staying at a hotel, but they're planning to rebuild right on the same spot. But there's a lot to accomplish before that can happen.

"We're going to rent a house in Nora Springs, and then once the fire investigator comes out on Friday, we can finish what's left, which is one wall to knock down. Then we want to rebuild and put a new house out there."

Fortunately, there has been tremendous community support.

"So many people have donated. There's a fundraiser at my son's school and there's fundraisers on Facebook. People have been driving up or seeing me someplace and donating cash. It's unbelievable, it's been very humbling."

The Rockford FFA is collecting money at the doors of the elementary and high school doors starting at 8 a.m. every day this week (9 a.m. on Wednesday), and Rockford's On Main will also have a donation bucket. In addition, a consultant with Thirty-One Gifts is donating proceeds from each sale to the family.

No word yet on the cause.

According to their Facebook page, it happened in the 1200 block of 140th Street, just outside of Nora Springs.

The Nora Springs Fire Department was on scene, and the Rudd, Rockford, Floyd, Charles City and Marble Rock Fire Departments assisted, as well as Nora Springs Ambulance.
ROCHESTER, Minn. -

Charter Communications will face more competition from another cable company that was just approved to come to Rochester.

MetroNet is a fiber-optic company based in Indiana and its move to the Med City would allow more lower-income homes to be able to access broadband services.

"Broadband is critical to education," Michael Wojcik said. "There's a lot of households that can't afford the 800 dollars that it costs just to get broadband alone from Charter Communications."

David Hoyer is a resident who agrees and says he subscribes to DirecTV since he found Charter way too pricey.

"I think it's good for the people in Rochester to have a choice because right now you are stuck with Charter and that's your only option unless you want to go with DirecTV or Dish," Hoyer said.

Wojcik tells KIMT MetroNet will have five years to build out their broadband services in Rochester but says he expects they will be coming a lot sooner.
MASON CITY, Iowa  A Minnesota man is jailed for a North Iowa auto theft.

Christian Kelly Brodt, 25 of Blaine, MN, was booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail at 6:45 am Tuesday on a charge of 1st degree theft. Hes accused of stealing a pickup truck from Tonys Tire Service in Clear Lake on August 27, 2018.

Authorities say the truck was later found abandoned on Interstate 94 near Minneapolis. Court documents say the truck was so severely damaged the insurance company declared it a total loss.

Brodt is being held on $10,000 bond.
NORTHWOOD, Iowa  A Mason City teen has been arrested for a rural Worth County burglary.

Tirrell Harlan Hopkins, 18, is facing charges of 3rd degree burglary and interference with official acts. The Worth County Sheriffs Office and the Mason City Police Department went to search Hopkins home on Monday and say he ran away when officers entered. After a chase of several blocks, Hopkins was captured in the 700 block of 11th Street SE.

The Worth County Sheriffs Office says a witness has identified Hopkins as being involved in a burglary near Manly that was reported on January 24.
MASON CITY, Iowa- After the results from the states most extensive audit in to a school district turned up with more than $2M in misspent funds today the Mason City Schools 2018 audit report is in, and it's clean.

The schools auditing firm gave its report at Mondays Committee of the Whole meeting. The audit showed ways the district could improve with food service prices, gift cards, phone cards as well as different funds.

Those heading the board said this is exactly why they do audits. To find areas they can improve on.

Throughout the year theres going to be things you thought you were doing right such as the PBIS dollars. We are using the properly, but maybe they should be coming out of the general fund instead, said Board President Jodi Draper. Thats why we have an audit, to clean things up.
WAUKON, Iowa  A high speed chase is resulting in probation for a northeast Iowa man.

Mason Edwin Lee Frick, 20 of Waukon, was arrested on October 3, 2018, after a police pursuit that started in Waukon and ended in Postville. He eventually pleaded guilty to delivery of methamphetamine and attempting to elude arrest.

Authorities say an investigation involving seven law enforcement agencies eventually brought their attention to Frick.

Hes been sentenced to five years of supervised probation.
NORTHWOOD, Iowa  A Lake Mills man is pleading not guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver.

Robert Charles Anderson, 40, was arrested on January 4 after a traffic stop in Northwood. The Worth County Sheriffs Office says Anderson was the passenger in a vehicle where they found marijuana, methamphetamine, two pipes used for smoking drugs, several baggies, a scale, and several hypodermic needles.

Anderson entered a not guilty plea Monday and is now set to stand trial starting on April 3.
MASON CITY, Iowa  Waving a knife around is sending a North Iowa man to prison.

Anthony John Klimke, 24 of Mason City, pleaded guilty to assault while displaying a dangerous weapon and interference with official acts. Hes been sentenced to two years behind bars.

Klimke was arrested in December 2018 after Mason City police said he ran from them with a large silver knife in his hand. Officers arrested Klimke on some playground equipment and said he was waving the knife around and refused to follow their commands.

Klimke initially pleaded not guilty on January 4 but changed that to a guilty plea just two weeks later.
MASON CITY, Iowa  A Worth County man is sentenced for drug possession in Cerro Gordo County.

Clint Michael Braun, 39 of Joice, was arrested on December 4, 2018, after police were called to the Mills Fleet Farm in Mason City. Braun was accused of leaving the store without paying for items. Officers said they found Braun had methamphetamine and marijuana on him.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a controlled substance and has been sentenced to 16 days in jail and a $315 fine. Braun must also obtain a substance abuse evaluation and follow all treatment recommendations.
GARNER, Iowa  Two women accused of drug crimes in Hancock County are pleading not guilty.

Rachel Mae Harken, 42 of Klemme, and Hailey Marie Young, 22 of Garner, were arrested on January 7, following the Hancock County Sheriffs Office saying it found about 10 grams of methamphetamine and items associated with the distribution of meth.



Rachel Harken Rachel Harken

Harken is pleading not guilty to possession of meth-2nd offense and possession of a firearm by a felon. Young is pleading not guilty to conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and delivery of a controlled substance.

Their trial is set to begin on March 20.
CHARLES CITY, Iowa  A man who gave less than a gram of meth to law enforcement is sentenced.

Nathaniel Elihu Klemesrud, 48 of Charles City, will spend three to five years on probation after entering a guilty plea to one count of delivery of methamphetamine. He was arrested in April 2018 by both the Charles City Police Department and the Worth County Sheriffs office.

The North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force said Klemesrud delivered .34 grams of meth to one of its operatives on June 30, 2016.

Klemesrud pleaded guilty in November 2018 and was sentenced Monday.
LE MARS, Iowa  The father of a child found dead in a swing will not testify at the mothers murder trial.

Zachary Koehn was already found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for the death of his four-month-old son Sterling. The childs mother, Cheyanne Renae Harris is now standing trial in Plymouth County for first-degree murder.



Zachary Paul Koehn Zachary Paul Koehn

Sterling was found dead in Chickasaw County on August 30, 2017. Authorities say the baby died of malnutrition, dehydration, and an E. coli infection caused by being left in a maggot-infested diaper for up to two weeks.

On Monday, Zachary Koehns lawyer informed the court that Koehn will assert his 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination and refuse to answer any questions about the death of his son.
DULUTH, Minn. (AP)  A Grand Rapids physician is among seven men arrested and suspected of soliciting a minor for sex.

Authorities conducted an undercover sting operation and placed ads on various sites know for soliciting sex. Prosecutors say Dr. Ogechukwu Adekweh was among those who responded to an ad and was arrested when he arrived to meet a juvenile female at a Duluth hotel.

The doctor's employer, Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital, says he is no longer an employee. It's unclear whether he has hired an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

Duluth police say one of the men arrested took his own life last Friday, the day he was charged and released from custody.
ROCHESTER, Minn.  The annual Mile of Mac and Cheese challenge exceeded all expectations.

Channel One Regional Food Bank asked the community to donate a mile, or about 9,000 boxes, of macaroni and cheese on January 26 and 27 as part of Rochester Winterfest 2019. The foodshelf ultimately received 18,742 boxes.

The compassion of this community is amazing! says Barb Schramm, Community Engagement Coordinator with Channel One. Channel One is so grateful for this communitys support of Channel Ones work helping our neighbors who face food insecurity and hunger.

Shoppers at all four Rochester Hy-Vee locations donated the record-breaking amount of macaroni and cheese.
COPD Support Ireland is calling on the 10,916 people in Kilkenny living with undiagnosed COPD to see a doctor and get an official diagnosis.

The FREE COPD and Asthma Adviceline can play a key role in helping a person who has recently had a COPD or asthma diagnosis  people phone 1800 832 146 to speak to a respiratory nurse about a number of topics on managing and improving their condition.

Read also: Peer support gives Kilkenny COPD group a new lease of life

Professor JJ Gilmartin, Chairperson of COPD Support Ireland, said: 500,000 people In Ireland have COPD and estimates suggest that 50% of these people are undiagnosed. If you find yourself experiencing COPD symptoms like shortness of breath, persistent coughing, coughing up mucus/phlegm and wheezing, you should see a doctor who can help you investigate if you may have COPD - especially if you are over 40 years old. Being diagnosed with COPD will allow you to get in control of your condition and avail of all our COPD services which includes the COPD and Asthma Adviceline.

Sarah OConnor, CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland, said It is so important that people with COPD and asthma properly control their conditions and the joint COPD and Asthma Adviceline is the perfect way for them to do so. Pick up the phone to the Adviceline on 1800 832 146 - its a great first step in taking charge of your COPD and/or asthma and moving toward a better quality of life.

The Advicelines respiratory nurse specialists work through every aspect of life with callers who have asthma and/or COPD. They can help with what to do in the event of COPD emergency, the signs and symptoms of COPD, answer questions after a GP or consultant appointment, deal with triggers that may cause a serious escalation, help you put a COPD self-management plan in place, including smoking cessation and exercise plans. After speaking to one of our nurses, youll be fully equipped with the information and skills you need to improve your health and to stay as well as possible.

Nicky Coules, COPD patient ambassador, said: I don't know long I had COPD before it was diagnosed. I got chest infections regularly but I probably would just get a cough bottle at the chemist and got on with things. When I was younger, I suppose my immunity system would deal with it. As for a shortness of breath, some people I worked with may have mentioned it, but I just got on with things. I had to earn a living. But one day in work it just got so bad that I couldn't go on. I could barely breathe. I put away my tools and a chippy I was working with had to carry them to my car for me. I think it must have been at that point that the doctor put a name on it - COPD. That was the turning point. From there on, the hospital sorted the infection, prescribed inhalers and, in time, I did a pulmonary rehabilitation course. I've never looked back. I still have COPD but I have a good life and I try not to let COPD decide things for me.

I would encourage anybody who suspects they might have COPD to get diagnosed and start treatment. This illness is progressive and the sooner you start looking after yourself the more you can slow it down  Adviceline can help with that. Then get fit and stay fit.

The COPD Adviceline is available at 1800 83 21 46. The Asthma Adviceline is available on 1800 44 54 64.

The Adviceline is proven to have a truly positive impact on people with asthma, with appointments tailored to the needs of each caller. The Adviceline respiratory specialist nurses work through every aspect of life with asthma/COPD: answering questions after a GP or consultant appointment, dealing with triggers that may be bringing on asthma/COPD symptoms, and helping users put together an Asthma Action Plan/ COPD Self Management Plan to self-manage their condition. After speaking to one of the adviceline nurses, users will be fully equipped with the information and skills they need to improve their health and stay as well as possible

Callers can book a free call back appointment by calling the free phone number between 09:00 and 17:00 Monday to Friday. The Asthma Society facilitates a call back from the nurse at a time that suits the patient.

In 2016, the Asthma/COPD Adviceline was awarded an independent quality mark by the Helplines Partnership, one of only three helplines in Ireland to have achieved this standard.
The state attorney general says county sheriffs who refuse to enforce Washington's new gun laws could be held liable if they refuse to perform
WINSTON, Ore. -- A three-vehicle wreck on Highway 42 near Winston on Monday afternoon left one woman dead and multiple people with injuries.

Oregon State Police said their investigation revealed that a truck driven by 84-year-old William Dewar of Roseburg hit the back of another vehicle, which caused the second vehicle to hit the truck in front of them.

Dewar suffered serious injuries in the crash and was taken to Mercy Medical Center in Roseburg, then later transferred to Riverbend Hospital in Springfield.

His wife, 79-year-old Virginia Dewar, was also taken to Mercy Medical Center, where she died from her injuries.

Police said neither William or Virginia were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.

Passengers in the two other vehicles suffered minor injuries.
EUGENE, Ore. -- Hundreds of fearless people are getting ready to take the plunge into the freezing Willamette River Saturday, Feb. 9.

It's all part of the 2019 Oregon Law Enforcement Polar Plunge. The fundraiser benefits Special Olympics Oregon. Plunge participants will raise more than half a million dollars in support of those with intellectual disabilities--the largest disability population in the state.

It's happening at 11 a.m. at Eugene's Maurie Jacobs Park.

Dozens of local teams will sprint into the Willamette River to show their bravery and earn the money they raised leading up to the annual event. Each person participating must raise a minimum of $50, but many will raise significantly more. Eugene is one of five Oregon cities hosting plunges with more than 4,000 supporters taking part statewide.

If you want to take the plunge for Special Olympics Oregon, you can register here.

Local officers, personnel and support from the University of Oregon Police Department, Eugene Police Department, Springfield Police Department and Lane County Sheriffs Office will be in attendance. In addition, teams from dozens of local businesses and schools will share in the fun.
There isnt much to get excited about when it comes to health care these days. Obamacare has failed to deliver the affordable outcomes it promised in just about every way imaginable. The broken promise that troubles me most is President Obamas famous line, "If you like your health care plan, you can keep it," because this couldnt have been any further from the truth.

Democratic presidential hopefuls now have abandoned this charade as well as Obamacares failing individual marketplaces and moved straight to "Medicare for all," which is a term for wholly government-run health care. Such socialized health care schemes risk putting taxpayers on the hook for more than $30 trillion in just the first 10 years and, in other countries, have led to decreases in overall quality, including rationing of care, long wait times, and little incentive for innovation or breakthroughs in new treatments.
The Real Jackie Kennedy Her style and grace were legendary, and her image came to define the 1960s. She captured the hearts of world leaders, fashion icons and people all over the planet, who knew her as Jackie Kennedy, Jacqueline Onassis, or simply Jackie O. But who was the real Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis? Take our quiz and find out. Take The Quiz 
The former pharmacy director for Childrens Hospital & Medical Center accused of embezzling more than $4.6 million from the hospital pleaded guilty to wire fraud Monday in U.S. District Court.

Lisa Kwapniowski could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. As part of her sentence, Kwapniowski will be ordered to repay the money she was accused of embezzling. She also has agreed to forfeit her interest in a residence she owns in the Elkhorn area.

Kwapniowski is scheduled to be sentenced in late April by senior U.S. District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp.

Kwapniowski, 49, could not be reached Monday for comment.

Information filed in federal court alleges that Kwapniowski defrauded the hospital between 2010 and 2018. The case was investigated by the FBI.

Sometime before 2010, according to the federal court filing, Kwapniowski began submitting to the hospital fraudulent invoices from legitimate pharmaceutical companies.

In early 2012, she set up a business she named RxSynergy. She was previously identified as the president and sole member of RxSynergy.
SHELTON  Ninety pounds of suspected marijuana were seized from kitchen cabinets in the bed of a pickup Friday following a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near the Shelton Interchange.

A Nebraska State Patrol trooper stopped a 2007 GMC extended cab pickup with California license plates Friday for allegedly making a lane change without using a turn signal one mile west of the Shelton interchange on I-80. The trooper contacted the driver who said he was traveling from California to Boston to help a cousin.

The man, identified as Ying H. Zhu, 45, of Fowland Heights, Calif., went with the trooper back to the police cruiser where the officer tried to ask Zhu questions. In his affidavit filed in county court, the trooper said Zhu didnt understand what was being asked of him because of a language barrier.

Zhus story changed, records say, when he said he was going to Boston to see his sister. The troopers K-9 conducted a sniff search of the pickup and alerted to possible narcotics around the rear of the pickup.

The trooper unlocked the bed cover of the pickup and found 82 heat-sealed bags of marijuana weighing about 90 pounds. Records say the suspected drugs were located in two kitchen-style cabinets and three plywood boxes in the pickup bed.
UPDATE, 5:40 p.m.

KEARNEY  When the mother who left her newborn twins Monday at a Kearney hospital is located police say they wont release her identity.

Kearney Police Department Chief Bryan Waugh said officials want to check on the mothers welfare.

Our goal, with the outreach to the community, is not one to condemn or discourage the decision of the mother, but rather to ensure this mother is safe based on the circumstances presented, said a KPD news release late Wednesday afternoon.

KPD investigators continue to work with CHI Health Good Samaritan, where the babies were born Saturday, and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to locate and check on the well-being of the mother who left the hospital Monday. The

KPD also is working closely with Buffalo County Attorney Shawn Eatherton who said the infants are being well-taken care of and he will be working directly with DHHS to ensure the proper care of the infants in the future.

We just want to make sure this person is OK, he said of the babies' mother. Were only concerned about her welfare.
If we can operate on a human with a robot with considerable precision, why cant we run a tractor, combine, fertilizer applicator or planter with a robot or a satellite? he asked.

He pointed to other significant advancements in medical technology, then related a story about visiting Egypt. His tour began with the Nile River and viewing treasures from antiquity, but then he reminded his guide he wanted to visit the worst slums in Cairo. Of the citys 16 million inhabitants, up to 9 million lived in poverty.

I kept saying to myself, what if I were born here? How would I ever get out? Yanney said. It was unbelievable. No running water, no electricity, no sewers. People living in little metal huts. It was staggering and really shook me up, yet centuries earlier, Egypt represented the pinnacle of civilization.

All of us in this room tonight are really very lucky people. Im very proud to say I was born in Kearney, Nebraska. It is a role model for communities all over the world. I will gladly pay my taxes to keep what happened in Egypt from ever happening in our country, he said.
Another bill, LB302, would merge the State Energy Office into the Department of Environmental Quality, creating the new Department of Environment and Energy, effective July 1.

There also was no opposition testimony at a public hearing on this bill, Buettner said.

A tax-related bill, LB456, would provide a sales and use tax exemption for certain machinery and equipment used to produce electricity. Anything providing another exemption faces tough sledding, Buettner said, especially in a legislative considering other bills to remove other tax exemptions.

Platte topics

CNPPID civil engineer Tyler Thulin reported that Lake McConaughy is 82.8 percent of capacity  a volume of 1.44 million acre-feet. He added that snowpack in the Rocky Mountains within the North Platte and South Platte basins remains at average for this time of year or slightly above.

Natural Resources and Compliance Manager Mike Drain said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manager for the environmental account of water held in Lake McConaughy has said a standing order may be issued for water releases in the next several weeks when whooping cranes will be migrating through the Platte Valley. That order would apply if there is another federal government shutdown.
COZAD  The Cozad Fire and Rescue responded to the call of a fully engulfed barn fire north of Cozad on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.

Cozad Fire Chief Dan Niles said at 12:53 p.m. Cozad Fire and Rescue was called to a property seven miles northwest of Lexington near roads 428 and 763 for a barn fire in progress.

Niles said the Cozad department brought two pumper trucks, one tender truck and a grass rig, along with 15 firefighters. The Lexington Volunteer Fire Department was also called to provide extra water. Eight LVFD firefighters responded with an extra pumper truck and a grass rig.

We werent sure what we were going to come upon, said Niles, They said it was a fully engulfed barn fire, we called LVFD when we were en route, as fire chief I thought that was the safer course of action.

When the first Cozad truck arrived, Niles said the barn had almost completely burned down to the ground. He said the Cozad firefighters went into protection mode to ensure the other buildings on the property did not burn as well.

Dawson Public Power was called to shut down power to the lines which had connected to the barn. Niles said they were sparking while on the ground, something he pointed out to his younger firefighters to be wary of.
February 4, 2019

Lincoln, Neb.  Soil health, cover crops, and grazing annual cover crops will be among the topics at the Southeast Nebraska Soil Health Conference on Wednesday, March 6. The event will be at the 4-H Building at the Gage County Fairgrounds, 1000 West Scott St. in Beatrice.

Registration, coffee, donuts, and viewing of table displays will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the program at 9 a.m.

The conference is an opportunity for farmers to learn new ideas about cover crops and soil health and make contacts that can have positive impacts on their farming operation, said Randy Pryor, extension educator and event host. Sessions also may suggest ideas for on-farm research.

Keith Thompson, farmer and cattleman from Osage City, Kansas, will be the keynote speaker. Thompson farms with his son, Ben, and brother, Doug, whose farm has been in a continuous no-till system since 1991. The system has evolved to include growing more species of cash crops, plus adding cover crops and livestock to benefit the environment and society in the way that mimics Mother Nature. The Thompsons believe in the environmentally friendly benefits of no-till, a practice that has improved profitability on their farm in soils that have very low water-holding capacity.
GOLD BEACH, Ore.  In some emergency situations, it may be impossible for someone to make a 911 call. As a result, more and more agencies are adding "Text-to-911" capability  now including Curry County.

"After months of hard work and dedication from many agencies and team members alike, the Curry County Sheriffs Office and the Brookings Police Department dispatch centers now have Text-to-911 capability," the Curry County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) announced on Monday.

The change isn't merely one of convenience, however, but one of necessity. CCSO said that Text-to-911 should not replace voice calls for most people in need of emergency services, but should be reserved for when voice calls are impossible to make.

"The widely used Text-to-911 catchphrase is 'Call if you can, text if you can't,'" the agency said.

Dispatch is still better able to get information about the nature of the emergency, your current locations and the situation responders are walking into when you call 911 rather than text. But for those unable to call, texting is now an option.

Not all areas in Oregon or the country have Text-to-911 as an option yet, but according to the regional website, Josephine, Jackson and Klamath counties all have the service live. In areas where the service is employed, the text may be re-routed to the correct dispatch center for the jurisdiction. In areas where there the capability is not setup, you might get a "bounce back" message to make a voice call if Text-to-911 is not available.

For more information you can go to the Northwest regional website for Washington and Oregon here.
MT. SHASTA, Calif.  A 26-year-old McCloud man is in custody after he reportedly jumped aboard a moving Amtrak train and tried to wrestle with the controls, according to the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office (SCSO).

The incident was called into dispatch around 1:18 a.m. on Monday morning, SCSO said  with deputies, Mt. Shasta Police officers and California Highway Patrol troopers all responding.

Reports indicated that a man had jumped aboard the backup engine of an Amtrak train as it traveled near Cantara Loop, southwest of Mt. Shasta.

"The man was reportedly under the influence, was exhibiting hostility, and was not wearing a shirt," SCSO said. "He allegedly attempted to manipulate train-related control devices and activated the train whistle on numerous occasions."

Train crewman were reportedly in fear for their safety and stayed away from the man, later identified as 26-year-old Dylan Thomas Baldini of McCloud. The crew said that Baldini tried to put the train into "emergency stop mode," which could have injured the crew and passengers.

Officers from Mt. Shasta Police were able to take Baldini into custody near S Old Stage Road and Mott Road, where he was then turned over to deputies.

"[Baldini] was arrested for being intoxicated in public (unable to care for his own welfare or others), and more importantly, for trespassing on railroad property and interfering and hindering the safe and efficient operation of a locomotive, railway car, or train," SCSO said.

Baldini was booked into the Siskiyou County Jail after an evaluation at a local hospital. According to SCSO, all of the crimes are misdemeanors and "can result in fines and/or jail sentence."

We are grateful the prompt response from SCSO, MSPD, and CHP helped to mitigate what could have been a very dangerous outcome on a moving train, which obviously involved actions that potentially jeopardized the safety of passengers, crew, and others in the community," said Sheriff Jon Lopey. "This case is still under investigation and anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Siskiyou County Sheriffs Office 24-hour Dispatch Center at (530) 841-2900.
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore.  With the measles outbreak in southwest Washington still ongoing, public health officials here in Southern Oregon are trying to circulate accurate information for concerned parents.

On Tuesday, Klamath County Public Health issued a reminder about the statewide "exclusion day" on February 20  the date that every child in public school must be up to date on immunizations or be excluded from school.

"Immunizations are required by state law for children and students in attendance at public and private schools, preschools, childcare facilities and Head Start programs in Oregon," health officials said. "Nearly every facility that provides care for a child outside the home requires immunizations or a medical or non-medical exemption to stay enrolled."

Meanwhile, addressing concerns that seem to be running wild on social media at present, Klamath County Public Health Medical Officer Dr. Wendy Warren offered her own take on the matter in a statement entitled "Reaching the vaccine-hesitant parent during an ongoing outbreak."

Dr. Warren's statement, an FAQ of sorts, may be read in its entirety below:

This morning a colleague shared that there was a social media meme making the rounds about an anti-vaccine mother who wondered how to keep her 3-year-old protected from the current measles outbreak. The premise seems ridiculous, because the obvious answer is to have the child vaccinated.

However, the situation is a reality for many medical professionals and parents. Each family should be well-informed about immunizations and feel comfortable talking about the decision to vaccinate with their primary care provider.

What follows are some questions parents ask and how I would answer. Parents with questions want what is best for their child. These conversations are always an opportunity for building the trusting relationship we all desire in our healthcare journey.

Q. Can it harm my child to get several vaccines at one time? Does my child need all of the vaccines recommended?

A. Theres no proven danger in getting all recommended vaccines today. Any time you delay a vaccine, you leave your baby vulnerable to disease. Its really best to stay on schedule.

Q. Are these diseases that dangerous? Is it likely that my baby will catch this disease? Will ingredients in vaccines hurt my baby more than possibly getting the disease could?

A. I know you didnt get all these vaccines when you were a baby. Neither did I. However, we were both at risk of serious diseases like Hib (Haemophilus influenza) and pneumococcal meningitis that can lead to deafness or brain damage. Today, were able to protect your baby from 14 serious diseases before his second birthday with vaccines.

Q. Will my child be okay if she has a side effect? I know someone whose baby had a serious reaction  will my baby too?

A. Ill worry if your child doesnt get vaccines today, because the diseases can be very dangerous most, including Hib, whooping cough, and measles, are still infecting children in the U.S. We can look at the Vaccine Information Statements together and talk about how rare serious vaccine side effects are.

Q. Do vaccines cause long-term side effects? Will getting a vaccine permanently hurt my childs health?

A. We have years of experience with vaccines and no reason to believe that vaccines cause long-term harm. I understand your concern, but I truly believe that the risk of diseases is greater than any risks posed by vaccines. Vaccines will get your baby off to a great start for a long, healthy life.

Q. Are the ingredients in vaccines safe? Arent aluminum and mercury dangerous?

A. Each vaccine ingredient plays an important role in either making the vaccine or ensuring that it is safe and effective so it will protect your child. Since 2001 most vaccines in the United States contain no or little mercury.

Q. Parents may ask: Ive heard some parents say their childs behavior changed after vaccines; how do you know vaccines dont cause autism?

A. Many rigorous studies show that there is no link between MMR vaccine or thimerosal and autism. Autism is a challenge for many families and people want answersincluding me. But well designed and conducted studies that I can share with you show that MMR vaccine is not a cause of autism.

Today we have a measles outbreak that starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. Its followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. These symptoms sound like minor inconveniences, but measles can be serious in all age groups. However, children younger than 5 years of age and adults older than 20 years of age are more likely to suffer from measles complications.

Common measles complications include ear infections and diarrhea. Ear infections occur in about one out of every 10 children with measles and can result in permanent hearing loss. Diarrhea is reported in less than one out of 10 people with measles.

Some people may suffer from severe complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). They may need to be hospitalized and could die. As many as one out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children.

About one child out of every 1,000 who get measles will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain) that can lead to convulsions and can leave the child deaf or with intellectual disability. For every 1,000 children who get measles, one or two will die from it.

Additionally, measles may cause pregnant woman to give birth prematurely, or have a low-birth-weight baby.

These concerns can be alleviated through immunization. Vaccines truly save lives.
SALEM, Ore. (AP)  Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson says he will be scaling back in-office hours to rest and give his treatment for brain cancer every opportunity to succeed.

Richardson said Monday he's grateful for countless well wishes and prayers. His cancer diagnosis was made last May. Richardson, the most senior Republican holding statewide office in Oregon  was elected in 2016 to a four-year term.

He made a rare public appearance in the state capitol on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, for the swearing in of the labor commissioner. On Dec. 18, he attended a state land board meeting in Salem by speakerphone. He gave up his plans to leaving the three-member board during his medical treatment on the advice of the state attorney general.
GREENWOOD, MO (AP) -- The Greernwood police chief is on administrative leave amid allegations that he used excessive force against a father accused of trying to drown his 6-month-old daughter in a pond.

FBI investigators visited the baby's father, Jonathon Stephen Zicarelli, on Friday in the Jackson County Jail, where he's being held on an assault charge, according to one of Zicarelli's attorneys, Tom Porto. Porto said the investigation is focused on Greenwood Police Chief Greg Hallgrimson, who's been on leave since Dec. 26, about a week after Zicarelli's daughter was rescued, The Kansas City Star reports .

Police: Infant saved after father reports trying to drown her in Greenwood pond Police say an infant is recovering after a man walked into the police station and said he had drowned his 6-month-old child.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said she requested an investigation, which she said was ongoing. She said no case has been presented to her office for criminal charges. FBI spokeswoman Bridget Patton said the agency was made aware of the allegation, but said she couldn't confirm or deny the existence of an investigation.

According to charging documents, Zicarelli arrived at the Greenwood Police Department on Dec. 17 and told officers he had tried to drown his daughter.

Hallgrimson and another officer then rushed to the icy retention pond on the west side of Greenwood. Hallgrimson and Cpl. Tom Calhoun found the infant unconscious, floating face up in the pond. Calhoun waded into the thigh-deep water and retrieved the child, who was treated for severe hypothermia.

Court records say Zicarelli told investigators he had been planning to kill his daughter for more than 24 hours after having "bad thoughts." The 28-year-old said he wanted to make things easier for his wife. He said he was stressed by the holidays and by trying to provide for his family.

Town expresses thanks to Greenwood officers who saved infant after dad reports drowning One day after Greenwood police officers rescued a 6-month-old from a pond, her father faced a judge, accused of putting her in the water to drown.

Hallgrimson said Monday that his attorney told him not to discuss the matter. Greenwood City Clerk Dot Watkins said the reasons why the chief was placed on leave are personnel matters and can't be released.
After hours of searching, rescuers were not able to find a person who went missing at Smithville Lake. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says they started looking about 4 p.m. but couldn't find them
Vanuatu turns the Corner LETS USE THIS AS A SPRINGBOARD FOR THE FUTURE
The world is an increasingly digital place and cell phones with their cameras and recording devices are widespread in conflict zones. How does the new breed of specialised war crimes apps fit into the digital revolution and what do they add for courts and users beyond the normal documenting tools?

There are over 4 million videos of the conflict in Syria on YouTube alone. One Google executive told journalist Armin Rosen that there are more hours of footage of the Syrian civil war on YouTube than there actually are hours of the war in real life. Can any specialised app compete with that?

The answer is no, because of YouTubes accessibility, popularity and scale. But specialised apps can increase the effect of the photo and video material that is already being collected. With that in mind the London-based International Bar Association launched its eyeWitness to Atrocity app in 2015. Last September it had a major success when two militia commanders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were convicted of crimes against humanity after a court for the first time admitted photo and video evidence recorded with the eyeWitness app as evidence in the trial. The footage detailed a lawyers visit to a mass grave site. As the full written judgement is still not available it is not possible to say in what way the footage contributed to the conviction but it is nonetheless a milestone that a court accepted evidence recorded with the app.

Recommended reading New technology used in Congolese trial for first time

Wendy Betts, the director of the EyeWitness project explains that the app does three important things: it collects information about when and where footage was taken in a way that cannot be manipulated by users; it ensures that images cannot be edited; and lastly it creates a secure environment as information is encrypted and stored both on the app and on a special server.

It is an easy way to ensure judges know where and when footage was taken and it can persuade a court the images werent tampered with. With images taken directly off social media that is a lot harder.

This all helps create a so-called chain of custody for the footage which is very important if the images are used as evidence in court cases. It is an easy way to ensure judges know where and when footage was taken and it can persuade a court the images werent tampered with. With images taken directly off social media that is a lot harder.

Cutting-edge technology and old-fashioned judges

While the app is available for download freely, Betts says they prefer to partner up with local organisations already documenting crimes where users are also taught on how to make the best use of the digital tool. We are trying to bridge the gap between the people on the ground who collected it and the investigative bodies that can act on it, she explains.

Any footage taken with the app, will be uploaded to the EyeWitness server first before it can be shared by users. This creates a master copy so any alterations afterwards can be tracked. Any photo or video filmed through the app is not immediately visible on the phone of the person that shot it, not in any gallery or visible file, to protect people on the ground collecting evidence when their devices are searched.

Betts stresses that the people who take the footage are the ones who control if and how it can be shared but the organisation has pro bono lawyers who look at all the uploaded footage to catalogue and curate the information for possible future use by courts or other investigative bodies.

Betts says eyeWitness to Atrocity has some 25 partner organisations across the world but wont be more specific about which countries they are active in. Two NGOs have publically said they are using the app in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine.

A main challenge is that legal systems have not yet caught up with the way technology is moving.

Betts says a main challenge she and other app owners face is that legal systems have not yet caught up with the way technology is moving. Technology is cutting-edge and moves very quickly while law is very methodical and moves a bit slower, she says. Courts are old-fashioned and judges like to see what they have seen in the past, agrees Wayne Jordash, a leading international criminal lawyer. He does not see international judges and prosecutors championing innovative approaches to the kind of evidence technological innovations can yield.

The International Criminal Court (ICC), however, took a first step in 2017 in issuing an arrest warrant against Libyan commander Mahmoud al-Werfalli for war crimes primarily based on video footage posted to social media showing the alleged crimes. It is the first time the ICC has taken on a case based on 21st century technology, but much will depend on how the judges deal with this evidence if the suspect is ever arrested and the case comes to court.

Standards for useful evidence

Last year while visiting Coxs Bazaar, Bangladesh, where nearly 700,000 Rohingya took refuge after fleeing Myanmar, Jordash ran into a man who had started to videotape victims of sexual violence without any measures to protect their identity or concern for possible re-traumatisation.

He says he understands the need of local NGOs to document and try and get attention and access to justice. Rather than insisting they shouldnt do it, as some international prosecutors do, Jordash believes they should be helped to do it in a way that the evidence they gather can be used in future cases. He is trying to provide them with ways to do that by developing an app for his

Basic Investigative Standards (BIS) for international crimes handbook.

The standards are meant to help civil society organizations on how to collect, preserve and handle evidence. The document is done on paper but how useful is dragging around a 200-page binder or scrolling through a PDF on a mobile phone? Jordash believes an app will get this information to civil society groups who need to work discreetly, quickly and cheaply. After seeing a successful app which explained the new penal code in the Maldives to prosecutors, police and civil society groups, he wants to make something similar for the Basic Investigative Standards, including a function where users can ask questions if they encounter dilemmas and get quick answers from professionals. The biggest challenge for the app will be to persuade people to use it. The temptation for many civil society groups is just to get on with it, and collect as much evidence as they can, Jordash said.

Providing security to victims and witnesses

While EyeWitness and the Basic Investigative Standards project focus on using new technology for gathering evidence in future cases, Celine Bardet of We are not Weapons Of War (WWoW) is developing her own app called BackUp, meant to help victims of wartime sexual violence. Initially developed as a way to identify where victims are and to give them access to a network of professionals that can provide specific help, users told Bardet the app actually removed some psychological barriers to reporting abuse. What I was not expecting and what survivors told me is that it is easier for them to report things through the electronic platform and not to have to tell it to another person, she said.

Users said the app actually removed some psychological barriers to reporting abuse.

BackUp allows people to report incidents of wartime sexual violence and brings them in contact with a network of professionals who can help, from doctors and physiologists to lawyers. It is also meant to coordinate efforts among different care givers who might not have much overlap, for instance doctors treating rape victims and human rights lawyers.

The key to the project, according to Bardet, is not only the app but the back office that comes with it that secures and analyses the data coming in from Back Up. She is already using that structure in Libya and data gathered by WWOW is being used in a current investigation of the French war crimes unit.

Bardet had been thinking of such an application for years since she noticed the distance between victims and services for these victims. Sometimes NGOs set up to help rape victims would literally just drive around looking for people to help. Medical NGOs in Libya would tell Bardet that the torture victims they were set up to treat never came to the clinics, while human rights lawyers would not know where to send clients who needed medical help.

The idea for BackUp is to develop a secure and simple system where you can bring together victims who dont know about the services and cannot get to them, with service providers who cannot find victims to treat, she says.

BackUp is not really an app but a web-based programme which leaves no traces on a users device that can show it is being used. It is still in the testing phase with Bardet raising money to do a two-year pilot study in five to seven countries such as Central African Republic, Libya, Syria, Iraq and Myanmar. WWoW is already working in some of those locations and hopes to extend partnerships with local legal and health care professionals and NGOs to set up a true support network for victims. Because the app itself will not really make the change, it must also come from the network established on the ground, Bardet believes.

A competitive field

Betts and Jordash all echo this: new technology brings new opportunities, but in practice the networks you create on the ground to use the technology are what will make the difference. The field is also getting competitive: donors like words such as big data and the idea that an app can empower victims to get justice. But will they also be up for funding the networks of local and international organisations needed to sustain the apps?

New technology brings new opportunities, but in practice the networks you create on the ground to use the technology are what will make the difference.

International courts remain very conservative when it comes to technological innovations. They also have other urgent problems to tackle first. Right now the focus is just to get a case started and done within a reasonable amount of time, says Jordash. Once international courts have mastered that, they may start to look at incorporating new technology into their cases.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said France would make April 24 a national day of commemoration of the Armenian genocide.

Speaking to the Armenian community at a dinner in Paris, Macron said: France is, first and foremost, the country that knows how to look history in the face, which was among the first to denounce the killing of the Armenian people, which in 1915 named genocide for what it was, which in 2001 after a long struggle recognised it in law.

France will in the next weeks make April 24 a national day of commemoration of the Armenian genocide, he added.

For decades, Armenia and Turkey have been at odds over whether the World War I massacres and deportations of Armenians by their Ottoman rulers should be described as genocide.

Turkey vehemently rejects that the massacres, imprisonment and forced deportation of Armenians from 1915  which Armenia says left 1.5 million dead  constituted a genocide.

Macrons remarks at the dinner, organised by the Coordinating Council of Armenian Organisations of France, honoured a campaign promise from his election in 2017.

At the event, Macron also paid tribute to Charles Aznavour, the French crooner of Armenian origin who died in October last year.
TORONTO, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Probe Metals Inc. (TSX-V: PRB) (OTCQB: PROBF) (Probe or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has begun its winter drilling program at the Val-dOr East project. The winter exploration program, which will include approximately 24,000 metres of drilling, is focused on expanding the Companys current gold resources, testing new targets and extending the coverage of regional exploration. New drill targets will include 1.5km of unexplored ground between the Beliveau and Courvan gold zones as well as the Monique and Cadillac Break East areas. There are presently four drills operating at the project. In addition to drilling, the winter programs will also include geophysical surveys that will broaden the scope of the Companys regional exploration.

David Palmer, President and CEO of Probe, states: With a strong treasury going into 2019, Probes primary goal is to continue advancing Val-dOr East in order to establish it as one of the leading projects that works in any foreseeable gold price environment. From the work completed to date, our confidence is growing in the project and we see a clear path forward to development.

The updated mineral resource estimate for Val-dOr East project is expected in Q1-2019.

The Val-dOr East Project

Since 2016, Probe Metals has been consolidating its land position in the highly prospective Val-dOr East area of Quebec. The Val-dOr East project is a district-scale land package comprising 327 square kilometers and now represents the largest land holding in the Val-dOr mining camp. The property is host to three past producing mines (Beliveau Mine, Bussiere Mine and Monique Mine) and falls along four regional mine trends, including 14 kilometres of strike length along the prolific Cadillac Break. Val-dOr East is situated in a politically stable and low-cost mining environment that hosts numerous active producers and mills.

The land package includes the New Beliveau deposit, which together with the Highway, North and South Zones, host a NI 43-101 resource of 682,400 ounces Indicated at 2.35 g/t gold and 722,100 ounces Inferred at 2.41 g/t gold.

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed, prepared and approved by Mr. Marco Gagnon, P.Geo, Executive Vice President, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

About Probe Metals:

Probe Metals Inc. is a leading Canadian gold exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of highly prospective gold properties. The Company is committed to discovering and developing high-quality gold projects, including its key asset the Val-dOr East Gold Project, Quebec. The Company is well-funded and controls a strategic land package of approximately 1,000-square-kilometres of exploration ground within some of the most prolific gold belts in Quebec. The Company was formed as a result of the sale of Probe Mines Limited to Goldcorp in March 2015. Goldcorp currently owns approximately 13.7% of the Company.

On behalf of Probe Metals Inc.,



Dr. David Palmer,

President & Chief Executive Officer



For further information:

Please visit our website at www.probemetals.com or contact:

Seema Sindwani

Director of Investor Relations

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

+1.416.777.9467

Forward-Looking Statements

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, will, or plan. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet managements expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Companys objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the Companys public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
ST. JOHN'S, Feb. 5, 2019 /CNW/ - Aurion Resources Ltd. (TSXV: AU) ("Aurion" or the "Company") is pleased to report new high-grade assay results in drilling at the Aamurusko prospect on its Risti Project in northern Finland.

Highlights

Two of the first three 2019 drillholes intersected high-grade gold mineralization near surface

42.28 g/t Au over 4.00 m intersected in drillhole 82

intersected in drillhole 82 24.50 g/t Au over 4.75 m intersected in drillhole 81, approximately 56 m east of drillhole 82

intersected in drillhole 81, approximately east of drillhole 82 High-grade mineralization has now been encountered over an east-west distance of 56 m with a sub-vertical distance of 110 m , with mineralization still open

with a sub-vertical distance of , with mineralization still open Please follow the link to maps, sections and photos on our website: Click Here

Summary

High-grade gold mineralization intersected at shallow depths in the current drill campaign expands known mineralization in an area that is now estimated to be 56 m wide in an east-west orientation with a sub-vertical distance of 110 m. Multiple high-grade (anything greater than 10 g/t Au is considered high-grade here) intercepts occur in this area. While true widths are unknown at this time, the ability to successfully target and intercept gold mineralization with drill step outs < 25 m both vertically and horizontally suggests that the mineralization appears to form part of a coherent body or shoot.

The mineralization lies along the faulted/sheared contact between a gabbro intrusive and sedimentary rocks. Mineralization remains open.

The Aamurusko boulder field comprising 1,210 angular boulders that assayed an average of 25 g/t Au (previously disclosed) is > 1.2 km wide. The current drilling has been focused over an east-west distance of 250 m at the eastern extent of the boulder field. This suggests that the mineralization encountered there is only one source of the many high-grade boulders at Aamurusko.

Gold mineralization was also intersected in a 500 m step out drillhole to the west providing further evidence that additional near surface gold mineralization may exist in the same geological/structural setting west of the current main focus of drilling.

Drilling continues at Aamurusko with assays pending for six drillholes.

Drilling Results

Drillhole AM19082, drilled at an azimuth/dip of 320/-39 degrees, intersected quartz veins assaying 42.28 g/t Au over 4.00 m from 40.00 to 44.00 m, including 110.90 g/t Au over 1.4 m.

Drillhole AM19081, drilled at an azimuth/dip of 005/-39 degrees and located approximately 56 m east of drillhole 82, intersected quartz veins assaying 24.50 g/t Au over 4.75 m from 48.80 to 53.55 m, including 45.70 g/t Au over 0.80 m.

Drillhole AM18077, drilled at an azimuth/dip of 000/-45 degrees and located midway between drillholes 81 and 82, intersected 2.24 g/t Au over 9.10 m from 40.40 to 49.50 m, including 10.60 g/t Au and 9.43 g/t Au over 0.60 m and 0.55 m respectively. This hole was drilled 25 m above (up-plunge) AM18042 which intersected 789.0 g/t Au over 2.9 m (previously reported).

These shallow drill intercepts occur between a vertical depth of 40 to 45 m from surface.

Drillhole AM18078, a single 500 m step out to the west, drilled at an azimuth/dip of 045/-45 degrees, intersected quartz veins assaying 2.33 g/t Au over 2.20 m from 48.8 to 51.00 m.

Assays are pending for six drillholes.

Aamurusko Drillhole Highlight Summary Table HOLE_ID Azimuth Dip FROM_m TO_m Width_m Au_ppm (g/t) Comments AM18026 110 -55.4 181.90 182.50 0.60 25.00 AND 190.30 191.30 1.00 5.03 AM18035 200 -44.5 26.30 28.04 1.74 9.62 incl 26.30 26.94 0.64 23.30 AND 36.65 38.20 1.55 8.74 incl 37.18 37.70 0.52 24.80 AND 53.50 58.70 5.20 12.45 incl 53.50 54.05 0.55 7.46 incl 54.50 55.00 0.50 66.70 incl 57.65 58.14 0.49 54.30 AM18042 180 -45 116.10 119.00 2.90 789.06 incl 116.10 116.75 0.65 3510.00 1.1 m of lost core from 116.75 to 117.85 m; assigned a value of 0 ppm incl 117.85 119.00 1.15 5.89 AM18051 180 -58 114.30 115.40 1.10 17.46 25 m downdip undercut of 42 incl 114.95 115.40 0.45 39.40 AM18053 163 -59 202.50 203.70 1.20 4.76 Highly anomalous Pb-Zn-As incl 202.50 203.00 0.50 9.12 Highly anomalous Pb-Zn-As AM18056 180 -45 31.00 32.00 1.00 4.22 AM18061 155 -61 30.45 31.45 1.00 6.46 AM18062 164 -58.2 47.00 47.55 0.55 7.83 AM18063 150 -55 25.00 26.00 1.00 4.95 AM18064 180 -45 129.70 130.30 0.60 13.70 Hole terminated in mineralization at 130.3 m depth AM18075 350 -44.3 176.00 177.80 1.80 17.06 incl 176.00 176.60 0.60 26.20 incl 176.60 177.25 0.65 23.00 AND 246.35 250.00 3.65 4.56 incl 246.35 246.85 0.50 29.20 AM18077 0 -45.2 41.45 42.00 0.55 9.43 AND 43.00 43.60 0.60 10.60 AM19080 0 -43.9 Assays Pending AM19081 5 -39 48.80 53.55 4.75 24.50 Partial Assays Received incl 51.20 52.00 0.80 45.70 AM19082 320 -39.2 40.00 44.00 4.00 42.28 Partial Assays Received incl 41.90 43.30 1.40 110.90 incl 41.90 42.60 0.70 172.00 incl 42.60 43.30 0.70 49.80 AM19083 325 -39.2 Assays Pending AM19084 320 -40.2 Assays Pending AM19085 114 -45.5 Assays Pending AM19086 325 -44.5 Assays Pending AM19087 357 -40.3 Assays Pending

All widths are core widths. True width is not known at this time. All assay values are uncut.

Comment

"Successful targeting and discovery of high-grade near surface gold mineralization over a strike of 56 m by a depth of 110 m is very encouraging. With short 20-25 m step outs, we may be defining a coherent zone of mineralization. Drilling has been focused over a distance of 250 m at the eastern extent of the >1.2 km wide high-grade Aamurusko boulder field. Results to date suggest potential for additional similar zones of gold mineralization along strike to the east and west. Gold mineralization intersected in a 500 m step out to the west supports this premise.", commented Mike Basha, President and CEO. "Furthermore, the more drilling we do, the more we understand the potential geometries of these mineralized zones. Drilling continues and Aurion is well funded to advance the Aamurusko discovery and the Risti Project into the foreseeable future".

Background

The geological setting of the Risti project has many similarities to prolific gold-rich orogenic gold belts globally, specifically the Timmins camp of the Abitibi geological province of Northern Ontario. The Aamurusko zone appears to be underlain by young unconformable clastic rocks (meta-sandstones and conglomerates) of the Kumpu Group. These Kumpu Group conglomerates resemble the Timiskaming conglomerates of the Timmins and Kirkland Lake area of the Abitibi province and occur in a similar geo-tectonic setting (both represent the youngest stratigraphic sequence within their respective belts). The Kumpu Group and the Timiskaming group were deposited in late orogenic extensional basins. They form in relation to major movement along regional faults or deformation zones. In the Abitibi province, many high-grade, multimillion-ounce gold deposits are temporally and spatially associated with the Timiskaming conglomerates (or their equivalents) in close proximity to major regional deformation (fault) zones such as the Porcupine-Destor or Cadillac Lake-Larder Lake deformation zones. The Kumpu Group appears to have been deposited in a similar geological setting adjacent to the Sirkka shear zone, which is a major deformation zone in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt. Strong alteration including fuchsite, tourmaline, iron carbonate, albite and quartz veining is seen along the entire length of this structure.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

All samples were delivered to ALS Minerals preparation facility in Sodankyla, Finland where sample preparation work was completed. All analytical work was completed at ALS Minerals facility in Loughrea, Ireland. ALS Minerals is an internationally accredited lab and are ISO compliant (ISO 9001:2008, ISO/IEC 17025:2005). All samples were analyzed for gold using the Au-AA26 procedure (50g fire assay with AAS finish: Lower Detection Limit 0.01 g/t gold; Upper Limit  100 g/t gold). Any samples that returned overlimit values (>90.0 g/t gold) or had visual indication of mineralization, such as visible gold or prospective vein intervals (>90.0 g/t gold) were analyzed by Au-SCR24 1kg, Screen Fire Assay Au (0.05-1,000 ppm) by 1kg screen fire assay (50g nominal sample weight). The sample pulp (1kg) is passed through a 100 micron stainless steel screen. Any material remaining on the screen (>100 micron) is retained and analyzed in its entirety by fire assay with gravimetric finish and reported as the Au (+) fraction. The material passing through the screen (<100 micron) is homogenized and two sub-samples are analyzed by fire assay with AAS finish. The average of the two AAS results is taken and reported as the Au (-) fraction result. All three values are used in calculating the combined gold content of the plus and minus fractions. The gold values for both the (+) 100 and (-) 100 micron fractions are reported together with the weight of each fraction as well as the calculated total gold content of the sample. Multi-element analysis (ME-ICP61, four-acid digestion, 35 element ICP-AES) was completed on all samples. Certified standards and blanks were inserted every 30 samples. ALS has its own QA/QC protocol using standards, blanks and duplicates.

Mike Basha, P.Eng., P.Geo., President and CEO of Aurion, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for the preparation of this release. For more information on these projects please visit our website at www.aurionresources.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain statements contained in this release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Companies' current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and Aurion is not obligated to update or revise any forwardlooking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forwardlooking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forwardlooking information contained herein.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Michael Basha, Chief Executive Officer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Today

Rain showers early with overcast skies later in the day. Thunder possible. High 79F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.

Tonight

Some clouds early will give way to generally clear conditions overnight. Low 53F. Winds light and variable.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy skies. High 78F. Winds light and variable.
Now, either one believes that a grown woman has freedom to do what she wants to do with her body, her fetus and her life, or one believes in her enslavement for reproductive purposes akin to The Handmaidens Tale. Is Rep. Foxx really advocating the reproductive enslavement of women not only in the U.S., but around the world?

James Stewart Campbell

Pfafftown

Discrediting Trump

Reading Marc Thiessens Jan. 19 column (Trump protecting Putin notes from leaks,) suggests virtually nothing of substance remains to defend the president.

Thiessen makes no attempt to dispute the Post coverage that President Trump has hidden communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He states every president has the right to hold confidential conversations Thats wrong  the phrase is executive privilege, not executive right. Trump is accorded such privilege by acting with loyalty and trustworthiness toward those on whose behalf hes sworn to serve. If it werent privilege, why would government employees be subjected to background investigations before being granted security clearances? Trump has surrendered this privilege by virtue of his dishonorable behavior.
How Northam got all the way to the Viriginia statehouse without the yearbook photo being discovered will wind up as a case study in future training for political opposition researchers and for reporters. Regardless of how it happened, it's fair to view his inconsistent statements and conclude that he never thought he would have to explain any of this until after it became public. That disingenuousness is damning in itself, and if the voters and elected leaders of Virginia decide that this episode disqualifies him from serving honorably in office -- it appears they do -- that's their choice. (I happen to agree with them.)

Democrats don't have completely clean hands on race issues. But when commentators such as David Limbaugh ask if Trump supporters must "forfeit the right to pass any moral judgments" because of their continual excuse-making for him, the only reply is: yes. Criticizing Northam for "past racist behavior" and his present equivocation after more than two years of overlooking an astonishing record of divisiveness reflects little more than a self-serving, morally repellent double standard. There are plenty of good arguments for kicking Northam out of his job. The newfound racial piety of a party that sold its soul to Trump isn't one of them.

Tom Nichols is a professor at the Harvard Extension School. He is the author of The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why it Matters.
The glaring gulf between the world as it is and described by the Trump administrations top intelligence advisers, on one hand, and the world that President Donald Trump concocts out of thin air, on the other, embarrassed the president last week. He had to come up with a rather pathetic cover story to explain the serial contradictions:

Trump insisted that if you read the entire transcript of last Tuesdays Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, youd find that he is perfectly in accord with his intelligence professionals. (On Twitter he whined, A false narrative is so bad for our Country. I value our intelligence community. Happily, we had a very good meeting, and we are all on the same page.)

Thats ridiculous, of course. Whether on Iran or the Islamic State or our relations with allies, Trumps views do not align with reality, nor with the analysis of that reality from his top intelligence officials.
Why does it matter? Because this is the information network that now brings most people their news and opinions about politics, about medicine, about the economy. This is also the information network that is fueling polarization, that favors sensational news over constructive news and that has destroyed the business model of local and investigative journalism. The past few days have also brought news of staff layoffs at newspapers around the country, from Arizona to Tennessee to New Jersey.

I have singled out Facebook here because it is the dominant force in social media -- like an old-fashioned monopolist, it owns Instagram and WhatsApp too -- but I could write similarly about Google, which is the dominant force in Internet search, or YouTube, owned by Google, which is the dominant force in the distribution of video content. These companies also operate according to their own rules and algorithms. They decide how data gets collected and who sees it. They decide how political and commercial advertising is regulated and monitored. They even decide what gets censored. The public sphere is shaped by these decisions, but the public has no say.
WILMINGTON  An oral surgeon in North Carolina is accused of sexually abusing at least four patients between the ages of 17 and 21 while they were under anesthesia.

Citing a Wilmington police statement, news outlets report 55-year-old Michael Lee Hasson was arrested Thursday on three counts of sexual battery and one count of second-degree forcible sexual offense.

Hasson works at Wilmington Oral Surgery. Police say he's accused of sexually abusing his patients between 2017 and the present.

He was booked under a $1.25 million bond, but a judge on Friday lowered it to $600,000. Defense attorney Woody White argued the bond for the class C misdemeanor sexual battery charges was excessive because of a lack of evidence.

Prosecutor Connie Jordan said two sexual assault kits were pending. Additional charges are expected.
We are excited to continue these conversations and build lasting partnerships to benefit North Carolinas most vulnerable citizens.

Trey Sutten, Cardinal's chief executive, said the six regions don't currently match the maps of the state's eight behavioral health MCOs.

"It doesnt mean that we will be losing or gaining counties as the standard plans go live," Sutten said. "As we continue to prepare to become a tailored pan, the finer details around counties, coverage areas and members will become clearer" by the time the plan launches in July 2021.

"A portion of those we cover will now be covered by standard plans: people with mild to moderate mental health conditions," Sutten said. "We dont know more specifics beyond that at this point.

"However, the folks that we really support, the ones that we really interact with, the ones that we review most authorization requests for, the ones we coordinate care for, and the ones for whom the vast majority of our care costs are dedicated to, will remain with us. In addition, we will be responsible for their physical health and pharmacy benefits."

Just one provider-led entity
GREENSBORO  Police have arrested two more people in the deaths of two men last month whose bodies were found after an apartment fire.

Damian Roger Verwey, 20, and Rebecka Ellen Willard, 23, were both arrested today in Muskegon, Mich., where they are being held on fugitive of justice warrants, Greensboro police said in a news release. No addresses were listed for them.

Both face charges of first-degree murder, first-degree arson and kidnapping, police said.

Chris Adrean Collins, 18, also of Greensboro, was previously arrested in the killings and charged with two counts each of first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon and one count each of first-degree arson and kidnapping.

All three are charged in the deaths of Kevin Hugh Moore, 55, of 703 Summit Ave., Apt. 5, and Lewis Franklin Humphrey, 44, also of Greensboro, who were found dead after a Jan. 23 fire at Moore's apartment.

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WASHINGTON  Just how financially secure you feel depends on your age, your race, your education and  perhaps not surprisingly  your income.

A new survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that college graduates feel far more confident than high school graduates that they could afford an emergency $1,000 expense.

People ages 18 to 29 are more optimistic about finding a good job than those in their 60s are.

But Americans in their 60s are more confident than adults under 30 are about affording credit card and other expenses.

Most white Americans say they can manage their housing costs; blacks and Hispanics are far less confident that they can keep up.

The polls findings reflect the sharp demographic divides in the U.S. economy. The nations prosperity since the Great Recession ended nearly a decade ago has benefited some groups of people far more than others and is obscuring economic soft spots caused by a persistent wealth gap.

Overall, about 6 in 10 Americans describe their personal finances as good. Most of the rest say theyre in poor shape financially.
The manufacturer will host an event for interested candidates from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at its construction site, 181 Redwine Road in Linwood. Apprentices currently enrolled, as well as company staff, will be available for questions.

The company expects to begin production at the complex in 2020. It has pledged to create at least 770 employees in three phases over 15 years.

Classes begin in August. The company said it will accept up to 10 mechanical and electrical apprentices. Selected applicants will receive four years of paid training and an associate degree from Davidson County Community College.

Program participants also will be guaranteed full-time employment at Egger after graduation.

To apply for the apprenticeship program and view other employment opportunities at EGGER, go to https://egger.bamboohr.com/jobs/.

Richard Craver

Cook & Boardman purchases Pa. company

The Cook & Boardman Group, a specialty distributor of commercial door-entry solutions based in Winston-Salem, said Monday it has acquired HCHoodCo, Inc.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
On Jan. 17, King told analysts that the theme has been shifted to disrupt to thrive.

If you dont disrupt yourself, Amazon or someone else will, and you may be in extreme difficulty or you may not be around in five years regardless of how well you are doing today, King said Tuesday.

King said the paradigm shift is happening in real time as consumers shift their satisfaction demands.

People have decided that they demand more convenience. They want what they want when they want it, right here, right now.

Kings message should have been a familiar one to the luncheon attendees.

Tim Lowe, president of Lowes Foods, focused his speech at the 2018 State of the Economy event on how Amazons $13.7 billion purchase of Whole Foods represented a shot across the bow of an industry sector already subject to low profit margins, temperamental customers and sand-shifting market share.

Lowe said the grocery store chain accepted Amazon as another challenger in an ever-increasing marketplace filled with non-traditional retailers selling perishable and nonperishable items.
Kylie Mohr covers the education and health beats. Mohr grew up in Washington and came to Wyoming via Georgetown. She loves seeing the starry night sky again.
Funeral services for June Ann Leadbetter Arnold will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2021, in the Chapel at Boren-Conner Funeral Home, Jacksonville with Bro. George Folmar officiating. Burial will follow at the Jacksonville Old City Cemetery. June was born April 15, 1932 in Hidalgo, Te
Stacker presents the 100 best movies of all time, as determined by weighted IMDb ratings and Metascores. Only English-language movies released in the U.S. were considered for the list, and each movie needed both a Metascore and at least 20,000 votes on IMDb to qualify. Click for more.
Changing Climates Research Showcased at Open House

Feb. 4, 2019

President Eric Jensen views student research at the Course Cluster Open House.

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.  Illinois Wesleyan University students conducting research projects relating to the Universitys 2018-19 intellectual theme Changing Climates shared the culmination of their work at a Course Cluster Open House in December at The Ames Library.

Changing Climates encourages the University to collectively consider the many changing climates present both globally and on campus, whether they be environmental, economic, political or social. Students enrolled in fall semester courses that related to this theme were invited to research a changing climate, and several students embraced the opportunity to explore topics outside their majors.

From climate change patterns halfway across the world to a changing LGBTQ+ climate locally, students grasped a deeper understanding of pressing modern-day issues and what can be done to bring about change for the better.

For Chloe Bell 19, an environmental studies major with a focus on environmental policy, the intellectual theme of Changing Climates could not have been more timely, as she presented her research on climate change in the Vietnams Mekong Delta region. Bell and other IWU students travelled to Vietnam during a May Term course in which they partnered with students from Ho Chi Minh University of Natural Resources and Environment to conduct research and witness effects of climate change firsthand.

Faculty and students from Ho Chi Minh University of Natural Resources and Environment attended the Course Cluster Open House.

Saltwater intrusion and mangrove degradation especially are really affecting the economy and the livelihood of people in the area as well as the natural environment throughout all of Vietnam, Bell said. As the largest city in Vietnam and their largest contributor to aqua and agriculture, these environmental changes in the Delta have a profound impact on the country as a whole.

Bell and others continued their work after returning to IWU, culminating in a senior seminar project which explored ways to improve transportation in Vietnam to reduce pollution.

Olivia Herlein 22, a chemistry and physics double major, explored the intersection between art and social justice in the work of Jacob Lawrence, a black painter and cubist in the early 20th century. Herlein said Lawrence used his paintings to provide a look into the African American community and bring to light harmful stereotypes against the black community. The Great Migration series, one of his most famous works, illustrated the stories of blacks travelling north to begin new lives, while other artworks protested police brutality and contemporary racism.

Music composition major Jasil Olabode 22 took an in-depth dive into the culture of vocalists at Illinois Wesleyan. Olabode said he focused his paper on their technical skills, practice habits, attitudes toward rejection and other factors to explore which traits correlate to success in the current music industry climate.

I worked with Crystal Muro, a senior in the vocal performance program, and she gave me a lot of insight on the ins and outs of her experience and the things shes learned, Olabode said. Im an instrumentalist, so to be able to experience the vocal aspect of it was just a great pleasure, and Im really proud of this research.

Students presented their research at the Course Cluster Open House.

In her project Inclusion and Exclusion in Early American Literature, philosophy and political science double major Alani Sweezy 19 studied the literary traditions of white authors and minority authors in early American literature.

What I found was that a lot of white authors who are seen as progressive really arent that progressive, Sweezy explained. Meanwhile, black and Native American authors, she concluded, were able to authentically capture and dissect the racially-charged issues of their time.

Departing from his usual research as a chemistry and physics double major, Jason Wilkening 22 utilized his elective anthropology course Native Americans and the Environment to research the interactions between the Pima Native Americans and Spanish colonists in the late 17th and early 18th century. His project illustrates the stark clash in traditions, environment and ideologies between the Pimas and the newly arrived Spaniards.

The Spanish mission brought a lot of negative practices that were incongruent with the traditional style of the Pimas, such as banishment and torture, which didnt agree with the Pimas concepts of respecting all life and the connection they had to their land, Wilkening explained. Spanish presence on Pima land, now modern-day Arizona, also led to the extinction of several native species of flora and fauna, as well as an epidemic of smallpox and other Old World diseases.

Students presented their research at the Course Cluster Open House .

IWU Pride Alliance, one of the many student activist RSOs on campus, has a long history of working alongside administrators to maintain a healthy, inclusive campus climate for LGBTQ+ students. Anthropology and music major Emma Zimmerman 22 decided to use her passion for this group to feature the positive impact its members have made at Illinois Wesleyan. One of the RSOs most visible accomplishments, for instance, was helping to establish the Rainbow Floor in Pfeiffer Hall, a residential area designed to welcome and accommodate students with diverse sexual identities and orientations.

Zimmerman shared her insights from attending a Pride meeting, during which issues such as providing all-gendered bathrooms on campus and working to ensure that transgender students are listed by their preferred names in rosters were discussed.

It was a very enlightening meeting, and overall, this group is doing so much to create an inclusive environment for people of this community, and everybody, really, Zimmerman said. Its a great group to be a part of.

More student research related to the Changing Climates theme will be presented during the spring Course Cluster Open House on April 17 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in The Ames Library.

By Rachel McCarthy 21
Today

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low near 80F. Winds light and variable.

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low near 80F. Winds light and variable.

Tomorrow

A mix of clouds and sun in the morning followed by cloudy skies during the afternoon. Hot. High 107F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph.
The digital transformation of government in NSW has received a major boost with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Microsoft and the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation aimed at progressing digital transformation across NSW Government.

DFSI secretary Martin Hoffman said, Having the invaluable support of Microsofts experts will greatly accelerate the governments digital journey.

This includes greater collaboration on building a data-centric approach to good government, important cyber, platform and capability development initiatives.

The announcement coincides with the opening of the Microsoft Technology Centre in Sydney.

NSW is already benefitting from the impact of digital transformation in terms of streamlined services and access for residents and businesses, Hoffman said.

This MoU will allow us to bring department heads to the MTC where they can see what more can be achieved with digital services, improved efficiencies and good value solutions.

We expect there will be significant positive impact for citizens and businesses as well as operational efficiencies for Government.

The NSW Government released its digital strategy in 2017, outlining a vision and roadmap for transformation.

To find out more about the strategy, click here.
The peak body for science and technology has called for stronger investment in research and support for a strong and diverse research workforce to help Australia keep pace with rapid global change and fuel a brighter future for all Australians ahead of the May 2019/20 Federal Budget.

According to Science & Technology Australia, scientists and technologists have experienced steady declines in funding over the past few years, and with predictions of a Budget surplus on the horizon and international evidence of strong returns on public investment in research and development, the solution-making sector is an obvious choice for intelligent investment.

STA president Professor Emma Johnston said the broad ranging recommendations submitted on behalf of more than 70,000 STEM professionals across the country were ambitious and desperately needed.

Experience around the world and here in Australia has shown that public investment in science reaps large returns. If science and technology are to play a part in Australias prosperity, the time to invest is now, Professor Johnston said.

Research and development require vision and support that extend beyond the election cycle, and we hope that the government will be brave and intelligent in structuring the next Federal Budget to support this kind of vision.

Among other recommendations, Science & Technology Australia is calling for are;

A 10-year strategic plan and clear 5-year funding commitment to achieve investment of 3% of GDP in research and development (currently 1.8%);

Better support for STEM education, science and maths teachers, and universities; and

Further investment in programs to support and encourage diversity and inclusion with the science and technology sector.

Professor Johnston said that it was estimated that Australia was creating STEM jobs at 1.5 times the rate of non-STEM jobs, while the growth of STEM qualified workers was only increasing by 15% per year.

Were not even close to keeping pace with the growth in demand for STEM-qualified workers: we must prioritise meeting this demand or we are putting our future at risk, she said.

STA has also advocated for increased investment in encouraging and supporting a diverse and inclusive STEM workforce.

A strong and capable workforce is a diverse workforce; we have the opportunity now to build on the upcoming Women in STEM Decadal Plan and other successful programs like Superstars of STEM, we can make a meaningful impact in our sector, not just on the issue of gender equity, but also supporting genuine diversity, Professor Johnston said.

Were calling for government support to establish the first Indigenous scientists association and for extra investment in diversity across scientific societies and associations more generally. These bodies are the backbone of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector in Australia.

STA and its members call on the Australian Government to join us in leading the way towards a truly inclusive and diverse workforce in Australia, setting an example for all industries and leading the way for many other nations across the globe.

Professor Johnston said: Were calling for government support to establish the first Indigenous scientists association and for extra investment in diversity across scientific societies and associations more generally. These bodies are the backbone of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector in Australia.

STA and its members call on the Australian Government to join us in leading the way towards a truly inclusive and diverse workforce in Australia, setting an example for all industries and leading the way for many other nations across the globe.
Mark Dreyfus: "We expect this matter to be dealt with in the first sitting fortnight of Parliament this year."

The Australian Labor Party says it expects the matter of amendments to the encryption law passed last year will be taken up during the first sitting of Parliament this year, as agreed to by the government.

Shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus told iTWire in response to queries that Labor was looking forward to government support for the amendments to be passed speedily.

He was reacting to a report by the website InnovationAus that Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton had stopped any move to deal with the amendments before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security submitted its report from an ongoing review on 3 April.

Dutton's reported move comes in the wake of the Department saying in a submission to the ongoing inquiry that all 17 amendments proposed by the PJCIS have been implemented.

That would mean the amendments could not be considered by the current Parliament given the timetable, and would have to be dealt with by the Parliament elected in the next Federal Election which is expected in May.

The encryption law, officially known as the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Act 2018), was passed on 6 December, but just 12 days later, the PJCIS said it would begin a fresh review.

The new review has asked for submissions and will submit a report by 3 April.

Dreyfus told iTWire: "As Labor pointed out last year, further amendments to the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Act 2018 are needed to fulfil the bipartisan recommendations of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security report published in December.

"The government has agreed to allow time for debate on amendments that are consistent with the report, and we look forward to their support. We expect this matter to be dealt with in the first sitting fortnight of Parliament this year."

The encryption bill was passed without any amendments due to there being a lack of time for Labor to add any amendments in the Senate last year. Labor leader Bill Shorten agreed to this compromise on the proviso that the amendments would be passed during the first sitting of 2019.

The lack of time came about because the government delayed voting on another bill in the Senate  a cross-party push to amend existing legislation on moving refugees from Manus Island and Nauru to the mainland. This delay was in order to prevent it going back to the lower house for a vote.

The recommendations made by the PJCIS resulted in some 50 pages of amendments.
Lawyers handling the case of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, who was detained in Vancouver on 1 December on a US request, will seek to portray the extradition request made by Washington as an abuse of the Canadian legal process and due to political reasons.

A report in Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper said the lawyers for Meng would also question whether her alleged conduct would be deemed criminal under Canadian law. The US unveiled indictments last month accusing Huawei of violating US sanctions on Iran and also of theft of trade secrets from an American business partner.

Huawei, Meng and other employees were alleged to have worked over years to hide from multiple global banks and the US Government its business in Iran. The indictment charged Huawei and two affiliates with bank fraud, violations of US sanctions and conspiring to obstruct justice related to a grand jury investigation.

Under both Canadian extradition law and its extradition treaty with the US, extradition proceedings are not to be used for political purposes.

Last month, then Canadian ambassador to China, John McCallum,against Meng, saying she stood a good chance of not being extradited.

The envoy had told an event in Markham, Ontario, on 22 January, where Chinese-language media were present, that Meng had "some strong arguments she can make before a judge" in fighting extradition.

On 24 January, McCallum backtracked, saying he had misspoken. But a day later, he spoke to the Canadian newspaper Toronto Star, saying that if the US agreed to cancel the extradition request "that would be great for Canada.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sacked McCallum, with his office issuing a statement saying, Last night I asked for, and accepted, John McCallums resignation as Canadas ambassador to China." No reason was given.

Richard Peck, the lead lawyer for Meng, said McCallum had mentioned some of the possible lines of defence. "The political overlay of this case is remarkable. That's probably the one thing that sets it apart from any other extradition case I've ever seen. It's got this cloud of politicisation hanging over it," he was quoted as saying.

McCallum had cited comments made by US President Donald Trump after Meng's arrest, saying they could help prevent her extradition to the US.

When Trump was asked in December if he would intervene in the matter, he responded: Whatevers good for this country, I would do.

If I think its good for what will be certainly the largest trade deal ever made  which is a very important thing  whats good for national security  I would certainly intervene if I thought it was necessary.

Canada has yet to set a date for the extradition hearing, with the government first having to decide, in 30 days after receiving the US request, whether it will proceed with the matter or not.
A statement from the company said the cover was provided by Lloyd's of London, and would insure against theft or loss of cryptocurrency held in a trading account with the company.

The announcement comes in the wake of news that the chief executive of a Canadian cryptocurrency exchange, Quadriga CX, died in December without giving anyone credentials to access an encrypted laptop on which digital wallets were stored. About US$145 million worth of cryptocurrencies are said to have been lost due to this.

Adrian Przelozny, chief executive and founder of Independent Reserve, said: Institutions in Australia and overseas are cautious with regards to investing in cryptocurrencies and issues relating to regulation, price volatility and security are explored in depth.

"Insurance is the next logical step for our exchange in this fast-maturing industry. Our new insurance offering will bring new, meaningful and institutional capital into digital assets that was once sidelined. The Lloyds-underwritten policy is an addition to the multiple layers of security Independent Reserve have been using to protect digital assets for 100,000 customers over the past five years.

The company said in the case of any incident, Independent Reserve customers would be compensated for any loss in their cryptocurrency holdings at the time of the incident.

The acceptance of this policy by the largest insurer in the world is a vote of confidence in our corporate governance, robust risk management and security protocols and a sign of their commitment to working with only the highest quality partners, Przelozny added.

Independent Reserve has been in existence since 2013 and says it has built a proprietary, institutional grade trading platform to allow Australians to buy, sell and invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple and other digital currencies.

It claims to have more than 100,000 customers across Australia and New Zealand, and services about 8000 self-managed super funds.

Independent Reserve says it has worked closely with various Australian regulatory bodies including AUSTRAC to formulate AML/CTF regulatory frameworks for the industry.
Disruption and competitive threats face every business, so what's some advice on how to handle this reality in 2019 so your business is the one doing the disruption, rather than being disrupted?

In todays disruptive and increasingly digitised business world, demand for change has come quickly and often, from unexpected places, and without warning, according to Jordan Griffiths, Accentures Operations Lead for Australia and New Zealand.

He states that "the emergence of new and innovative competition has resulted in the blurring of traditional industry boundaries and shifting customer expectations across the enterprise, from suppliers and partners to employees and customers".

According to Accenture's research, we're told that "more than half of (53%) of Australian organisations concern with disruption and competitive threats is driving their digital investments. This demand for digital is having a ripple effect from an enterprise level through to federal government, with the new Digital Transformation Strategy outlining its commitment to delivery all services digitally.

Griffiths continued: "Businesses can no longer rely on traditional methods  process optimisation, cost reduction, and predictability  to improve performance, which are not delivering whats needed to meet growing customer expectations for 2019.

"To survive and thrive, both today and tomorrow, enterprises must be able to act, and react quickly  with intelligence, insight, and confidence, while growing their core business and in parallel, scaling new services and products."

As you'd expect, Griffiths states Accenture's belief that "the future belongs to organisations with Intelligent Operations who are able to balance these changes".

As we move into 2019, there are five key questions Griffith and Accenture say Australian businesses should consider:

1. Do you have the right talent to navigate the future?

"Talent is central to innovation and creating valuable solutions for customers. Its undoubtedly the most important asset.

"Enterprises will require right-brain individuals with a collaborative culture, who are well versed with design thinking, as well as those specialised in digital, business process and industry skills.

"These skills and aptitudes are rarely embodied by one person, so businesses must create agile talent sourcing and contingent labour models that can flex up and down with market demand to access the right people at the right time.

"Businesses must also invest and develop comprehensive training strategies to equip the current workforce with the required skills, which is a mix of business, analytics, cloud technology and industry experience.

"Leading technology company HP has introduced its Intentional People Strategy in the Asia Pacific region, a multi-faceted talent strategy with a vision to cultivate a growth mindset to drive workforce innovation and empowerment.

"Additionally, Accenture has been rolling out a Truly Human program that supports the right mindsets for people to maximise their strengths and passions while at work, and find a balance to enable them to spend time with family, friends and the wider community."

2. Can you cut through the noise, get to the right data and drive real transformation?

"Capturing business data to inform current performance and improve future operations is essential.

"Enterprises often collect and store diverse sets of data (internal, external, third-party, partner data) but should spend more time to process, deploy and monetise the data and turn into insights.

"These insights should solve the enterprises biggest problems, using analytics techniques and algorithms to be the basis for machine learning and lead to real time operational adjustments and changes. This is critical for digital and customer experience led organisations.

"For example, Coca Cola saw recent success in harnessing its data strategy through the development of a digitally-led loyalty program. The program allowed the organisation to collect essential first-party data from its customers point systems through social authentication.

"Leveraging a growing database, Coca Cola analysed its customer data to drive sales of products and upsell new drink product ranges, which resulted in stronger profits as well as an improved organisational structure."

3. Are you deploying applied intelligence to improve your ability to gain data-driven insights and innovate faster?

"According to Gartner, 75% of enterprise-generated data will be created and processed outside the traditional, centralised data centre or cloud in 2019, a 10% increase from 2018.

"Enterprises must put data at the core, leverage applied intelligence  the spectrum of automation, advanced analytics, natural language processing, and other artificial intelligence (AI) technologies  to unlock unique intelligence and drive innovation.

"As an example, UOB Bank, based in Singapore has partnered with regtech firm Tookitaki Holding to introduce a machine learning solution. Using Big Data analytics, the bank is able to drive risk management by both reducing the calculation time of the value at risk and leveraging data to carry out real-time risk analysis."

4. Is your infrastructure agile and flexible enough to anticipate and adjust to customer requirements and to improve your competitiveness?

"Enterprise applications of all types require flexible and real-time data accessibility, which has increased the importance of IT infrastructure significantly. Companies should also consider creating a multi-cloud environment to achieve agility.

"Cloud has proven to have a positive impact on businesses by providing speed to innovation, lower IT costs and the agility and scalability to adjust to customer needs on demand.

"Findings from a Salesforce report found the Australian economy could be boosted by $9.2 billion by 2020 through an expansion of the nations cloud capabilities. A multi-tenant environment to support business processes and Intelligent Operations will become the only way to produce a sustainable business model."

5. Are you establishing smart partnerships and fully leveraging the innovation potential across the ecosystem to accomplish your goals?

"Todays enterprises require continuous, real-time innovation and a network of connected ecosystem partners where all benefit from, and leverage, a wide set of capabilities and resources to support innovation. Businesses are encouraged to build a broad ecosystem of diverse partners to allow them to focus on their operations less on the complex nuances of technology.

"For example, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has collaborated and launched a platform with Kaleido, a start-up that aims to help enterprises implement blockchain technology.

"It is increasingly important to have an open mindset to ecosystem collaboration, working with a range of different organisations to co-create and adapt to digital disruption.

"Organisations must put Intelligent Operations at the heart of the enterprise to build capabilities that enable them to become more flexible, agile, and responsive; generate value more quickly; and achieve sustainable competitive advantage.

"Success in 2019 belongs to businesses that transform their core, grow their core while scaling new products and services, by using diverse data to create an intelligent, with seamless processes and digital capabilities to create, enable and support these new customer experiences."
Accounting software company Xero has established new partnership agreements with Uber for Business and Adobe Sign, which it says are aimed at reducing friction for business advisers and their small business customers.

The New Zealand-headquartered company announced the new partnership agreements at the businesss 2019 Roadshow, which will visit 20 cities and regional centres across Australia from 5 to 21 February.

According to Xero, its annual Roadshow, which was last year attended by over 7000 accountants and bookkeepers, will showcase the latest technological developments in the accounting industry, and exhibit innovative products and practice tools.

Jared Baker, Xeros Platform Growth director, said, We are continuing to evolve and grow our ecosystem to integrate the best partners and tools to increase business productivity and help our customers to not only survive, but thrive. Our data shows that on average, the more digitally connected a small business is, the better business outcomes they have.

Partnering with two successful global brands like Uber and Adobe, that we know our customers already use and love, will enhance our platform capabilities and simplify administrative tasks, saving valuable time.

Xero is partnering with Uber for Business to create an integration which it says will allow companies to more easily manage how their employees use Uber for work purposes.

The new integration will go live in Australia and New Zealand later this year and will allow Xero users to automatically import their invoices for their Uber for Business account, eliminating the need for manual data entry.

This will help companies save time processing expenses, simplify the reconciling of spend on the use of Uber, and provide an easier experience for employees using the service. Once the connection is enabled between Xero and Uber by the customer, bills will drop in to Xero on a monthly basis, Xero says.

Commenting on the partnership, Georgia Foster, head of Uber for Business, Australia & New Zealand, said: Our customers are looking for streamlined technology solutions to improve business travel. A lot of employees already use Uber for safe, affordable and reliable rides at home and while travelling, and we believe this integration with Xero will improve their experience even further by reducing admin time.

"Were pleased to partner with Xero as an innovative company operating on a global scale, to further help local businesses achieve cost and time savings for corporate travel."

Xero has announced it will expand its existing partnership with Adobe beyond Australia and New Zealand and bring the benefits of Adobe Sign to business advisers and small businesses around the globe.

The first integration planned for later this year in Australia will enable accountants and bookkeepers within Xero HQ to compile, combine and deliver document packs to be digitally signed using Adobe Sign.

Xero says business advisers will have the ability to import and combine documents from various locations including financial reports prepared in the Xero platform and tax returns from Xero Tax.

According to the company, Xero Tax has been growing rapidly with over 4000 firms lodging tax returns digitally for small businesses directly to the ATO in a matter of minutes.

Xero says the integration with Adobe Sign will help advisers reduce friction in document management and reduce administrative burden so they can spend more time adding value to their clients  and small businesses will also benefit from the ease of being able to quickly use digitally signatures when working with their accountant or bookkeeper.

Chandra Sinnathamby, Asia Pacific head of Document Cloud, Adobe, said: "Building on the initial success of our partnership focused on Adobe Sign in Australia and New Zealand, we're thrilled to be deepening our partnership with Xero to help more small businesses and advisors around the world get access to best-in-class cloud solutions.

"Adobe and Xero have a mutual commitment to help small businesses succeed by accelerating business processes, simplifying tasks and providing efficient, time-saving solutions that help small business deliver great customer experiences. We look forward to working together to create new integrations which will provide a more seamless and beautiful solution for key tasks and business critical times, such as tax time."
Images courtesy of Ai Weiwei, Photo: Bruno Buhlmann, Foto Jung, Sursee/Switzerland

 CHINESE WHISPERS  Recent Art from the Sigg Collection

January 30  May 26, 2019

MAK EXHIBITION HALL  Vienna

An exhibition by the MAK, Vienna in dialogue with the collector Uli Sigg and in cooperation with the Kunstmuseum Bern and the Zentrum Paul Klee. With CHINESE WHISPERS: Recent Art from the Sigg Collection a comprehensive exhibition on Chinese contemporary art is coming to Vienna. Uli Sigg has been following the development of contemporary art in China since the late 1970s. In the mid-1990s, he started putting together the worlds most significant and representative collection of Chinese art.

Images courtesy of MAK/Georg Mayer

A business journalist, entrepreneur, and Swiss ambassador to China, North Korea, and Mongolia (1995-1998), he had the chance to take a look behind the scenes of the social and economic developments dedicated to both tradition and the future, as Chinas vision of a new Silk Road shows. Cultural and sociopolitical values form the frame of reference of the MAK exhibition. The museum creates a discursive platform by contrasting works from the Sigg Collection with objects from the MAK Collection.

Images courtesy of MAK/Georg Mayer

This interplay highlights Chinas contemporary art production as well as its aesthetic or iconographic references. The historical object becomes a vision machine for the contemporary.

Curator: Barbel Vischer, Curator, MAK Contemporary Art Collection.

more. www.mak.at



Images courtesy of MAK/Georg Mayer
On Friday, officials with the Walker County Hospital District board announced that they have finalized a $7.8 million purchase of Huntsville Memorial Hospital. Do you feel like this is a good use of tax dollars, and is this the right direction for the struggling health care facility?

You voted:
Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 (10:52 am) - Score 3,526

A new report from Hatch Regeneris, which was commissioned by the BT Group, has estimated that the telecoms and broadband ISP giant generated a 22.8 billion contribution to the UK economy (expressed as GVA  Gross Value Added) during the 2017/18 financial year (down from 23.1bn in 2016).

The report also notes that in the last financial year BT Group paid 1.1bn in taxes and were the 5th highest tax contributor in the United Kingdom (behind banks including HSBC, Lloyds, Barclays and RBS  according to PWC), although we should point out that the impact of this tax contribution has not been assessed in this report.

Otherwise the 22.8bn figure mentioned above appears to combine the direct, indirect and induced impacts of BT Groups activities and spending across all of their divisions (e.g. Openreachs fixed line infrastructure, BT Consumer, EEs mobile network etc.).

Overall some of the key highlights include their 9.2bn spend with UK based suppliers (down from 9.3bn in 2016) and the 3.4bn total income (before tax) of their employees (up from 3.2bn in 2016). The full report also includes a region-by-region breakdown of their impact.

By comparison in 2016 the operator reported 81,400 employees directly working for BT Group and 10,600 contractors (Full Time Equivalent), with 259,000 total FTE jobs supported (including indirect and induced effects). Much of the increase in the 2017/18 report has of course come from Openreachs on-going move to hire thousands more engineers to help support their FTTP and G.fast broadband deployments.

Jane Wood, BT Group UK Nations and Regions Director, said: Few companies play as important a role in national, regional and local communities as BT Group. Not only does BT connect friends, families and businesses across the UK, but we also put premium fuel in the tank of the nations economy. The report shows that BT generates 1 in every 75 of wealth in the UK. Were proud to be one of the UKs largest private sector employers and investors. Our investments, including the latest 5G mobile technology through our mobile network EE, will ensure the UK continues to be one of the worlds best-connected economies. With more than 82,500 directly employed people spending their salaries in local businesses, from Shetland to the Scilly Isles, as well as regularly volunteering on activities such as our Barefoot tech literacy programme in schools, our people are at the heart of nearly every community.

The study also claims that BT Group is the 4th highest payer of UK wages and salaries (out of the PWC Total Tax Contribution of UK FTSE100 companies 2018), the 2nd highest overall distributor of value into the UK (i.e. the sum of taxes borne, taxes collected, wages and salaries paid, interest paid, and equity returns etc.) and the highest capex investor. The latter is no surprise given that they have the biggest overall fixed line and mobile network.
Analysis Informal Talks with Northern Alliance a Positive Move for Peace

General Gun Maw (R), vice chairman of the Kachin Independence Organization, shakes hands with the government peace commissions U Tin Myo Win (L) on June 7, 2016. / Nyein Nyein / The Irrawaddy

CHIANG MAI, ThailandThe governments decision to hold the first ever collective informal talks with all four members of the Northern Alliance, none of which have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), in Kunming in Chinas Yunnan Province is a positive step towards bringing more NCA signatories to the table for formal peace negotiations.

The decision to hold the talks came after a meeting between government peace negotiators and a Kachin Independence Organizations (KIOs) delegation led by Gen. Gun Maw in Kunming on Jan. 21, when the KIO proposed that the government delegation sit down for talks with all four members of the Northern Alliance bloc. Talks are proposed for mid-February.

The bloc, comprised of the KIOs armed wing, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Taang Nationalities Liberation Army (TNLA), Kokangs Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA), was formed in late 2016 and is led by the KIA.

U Thein Zaw, vice chairperson of the governments Peace Commission been leading negotiations with other ethnic armed groups in northern Shan State. The informal proposed talks are to be held with the objective of negotiating an agenda for formal talks inside the country, according to the Peace Commission, a peace negotiation body under the National Reconciliation and Peace Center.

We will mainly discuss how to move towards signing the nationwide ceasefire agreement, said U Khin Zaw Oo, the commissions secretary and a key negotiator. However, a date is yet to be agreed on.

For the peace talks to move forward comprehensively, the government intends to hold formal meetings with these four groups in Naypyitaw, following which, the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Army) negotiation team would then meet the groups individually.

The four bloc members were included in a team which collectively drafted the NCA text with the Union Peace-making Work Committee in 2014 and 2015, but subsequently dropped out of the process after three of its membersthe AA, TNLA and MNDAAwere denied equal inclusion in the peace process. As a consequence, there were heightened military tensions in Kachin and northern Shan State until a unilateral ceasefire was declared on Dec. 21 while sporadic clashes have continued to break out between the Tatmadaw and the AA in Rakhine State.

Although the Tatmadaw gave the green light to government negotiators to meet the four groups together as a collective bloc, the extent to which the groups can push forward in negotiating their demands remains to be seen.

The Tatmadaw has been engaged in battles with the AA in western Myanmar where it claims to be carrying out counter insurgency operations. It has also accused the Northern Alliance members of tormenting the public through forced recruitment, extortion, expanding their territories, creating interethnic armed conflicts and ambushing Tatmadaw troops. On Jan. 25 it ordered the groups to retreat from the Tatamaws areas of operation until next week and to enter peace talks with either the government or the Tatmadaw negotiation team.

Informal talks are also expected to take place between the government and a number of other individual armed groups including the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), the United Wa State Army (UWSA), and Monglas National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) this month. Though the RCSS is an NCA-signatory, it suspended its participation in the joint ceasefire monitoring mechanism last November and has been holding negotiations with the government in order to get the formal talks back on track. The UWSA and the NDAA have only signed bilateral ceasefires and maintain that they dont need to sign the NCA as they only want to take part in the political dialogue process and not make the commitments stipulated by the agreement.

KNU not ready for informal talks with the government

As peace negotiations with the northern groups slowly move forward, the government and the Karen National Union (KNU) have not yet been able to set a date for their next round of informal talks.

The KNU wont be able to meet the government until after the third week of this month, as the members of the 10 NCA signatories are busy, according to Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win, the vice chairman of the KNU. The group said in January that it would only advance talks with the Tatmadaw after holding a meeting with all ten signatories of the NCA. Meanwhile, it will continue with informal talks.

The RCSS plan to meet the government and Tatmadaw leaders for formal talks this week did not happen either.

The Tatmadaws Jan. 25 statement made the armed groupsparticularly the RCSS and KNU which had meetings scheduledreconsider meeting the negotiation team and all signatory groups have postponed peace talks momentarily.

The RCSS will informally meet peace commission members at their headquarters in Loi Tai Leng, southern Shan State on Thursday during the 72nd Shan National Day celebrations, according to RCSS spokesperson Sai Meng. He said they have invited government and Tatmadaw representatives to their ceremony.

Peace council member U Aung Soe and advisor U Hla Maung Shwe will attend Thursdays event. The government has also invited the NCA signatories to their Union Day celebration on Feb. 12 in Naypyitaw and further informal talks are expected to take place.

Because negotiations have been on and off, peace negotiators are optimistic about the upcoming talks.

[We] hope the situation will improve, added U Khin Zaw Oo, saying that informal talks are better than no dialogue at all.

The government will meet representatives of the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) for formal talks in Naypyitaw in the third week of February, according to the Peace Commission.
World US Star Angelina Jolie Visits Rohingya Camps in Bangladesh Ahead of Funding Appeal

UNHCR special envoy Angelina Jolie Pitt (C) waves her hand to fans as she arrives at Myitkyina airport on a previous trip to Myanmar on July 30, 2015. / REUTERS

DHAKAHollywood actress Angelina Jolie on Monday visited the worlds largest refugee settlement, home to nearly one million Rohingya Muslims, in a bid to put their plight back in the headlines ahead of a United Nations $920 million funding appeal.

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Buddhist-dominated Myanmar 18 months ago in the wake of an army crackdown described as ethnic cleansing by UN investigators and they are now living in camps in neighboring Bangladesh with no sign of moving.

A spokesman for the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said Jolie, a special envoy for the organization, would spend three days visiting the camps to assess the needs of the Rohingya and the challenges that Bangladesh faced as a host country.

Jolie, 43, will also meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has garnered global praise for committing not to repatriate any Rohingya unwillingly, and the Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.

The UNHCR spokesman said Jolies talks would center around the need for safe and sustainable solutions to the plight of one of the worlds most persecuted minorities, the Rohingya.

The spokesman said the visit came ahead of the launch of a new appeal seeking to raise $920 million to continue meeting the basic needs of the Rohingya. Last year UN agencies launched a $950.8 million appeal for the Rohingya influx.

While this was Jolies first visit to Bangladesh, she met Rohingya refugees in Myanmar in 2015 and India in 2006. The Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commission (RRRC), a government organization created to deal with the Rohingya crisis, welcomed Jolies visit.

[Jolie] will definitely have a message to take back from here. We hope that the humanitarian community understands the kind of crisis the Rohingya are in through her, RRRC commissioner Abul Kalam.
World Rights Campaigners Seek UN Probe on China's Xinjiang Camps

A guard watchtower rises along a perimeter fence of what is officially known as a vocational skills education center in Dabancheng in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, China on September 4, 2018. / Reuters

GENEVARights activists urged European and Muslim nations on Monday to take the lead in establishing a UN investigation into Chinas detention and what they call its forced indoctrination of up to one million Uighurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang province.

Beijing, which faces growing international concern over its de-radicalization program for Muslims in its far western province, said last month it would welcome UN officials if they avoided interfering in domestic matters.

Groups including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Council, which opens its main annual session on Feb. 25, to send an international fact-finding mission to Xinjiang.

The abuse in Xinjiang today is so severe that it cries out for international action, Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, told a briefing at the Geneva Press Club.

The purpose of this detention is to erase the ethnic and religious identities of Turkic Muslims and ensure their loyalty to only the Chinese government, the Communist Party and the would-be leader for life, (President) Xi Jinping, he said.

China denies such accusations. In January, Beijing organized a visit to three facilities, which it calls vocational education training centers, for foreign reporters including Reuters. In the centers, Turkic-speaking Uighur students learned in Mandarin about the dangers of Islamist ideas.

Open-air prison

Campaigners say one million Uighurs, Kazakhs and other Muslim minoritiesnearly 10 percent of Xinjiangs total populationare being held in mass detention, deprived of any legal rights and subjected to mistreatment.

Today Xinjiang has become an open-air prisona place where Orwellian high-tech surveillance, political indoctrination, forced cultural assimilation, arbitrary arrests and disappearances have turned ethnic minorities into strangers in their own land, Kumi Naidoo, secretary-general of Amnesty International, said by video.

Member states must not be cowed by Chinas economic and political clout, he said.

China says it protects the religion and culture of its ethnic minorities and that security measures in Xinjiang are needed to counter groups that incite violence there.

China is currently a member of the 47-nation Geneva forum, where it often leads opposition to setting up investigations into allegations of rights abuses in specific countries.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which acts as the collective voice of the Muslim world, worked with the European Union last September to launch a UN body to prepare evidence of crimes in Myanmar against Muslim Rohingya, including possible genocide, for any future prosecution.

In our view Xinjiang demands a similar response, Roth said.

Michael Ineichen of the International Service for Human Rights said: It is really a test of the credibility of the Human Rights Council We think it is time that membership also comes with scrutiny.
News Scores of Orphaned Migrant Children Granted Thai ID Cards

Thai authorities provide Thai citizenship ID cards to orphaned children of Myanmar migrants in Mae Sot, Tak province, Thailand on Feb. 4, 2019. / Social Action for Children and Women

Some 46 children born to Myanmar migrants in Thailand and now living in an orphanage and studying at a school in the country have been granted Thai ID cards, according to the Social Action for Children and Women (SAW) organization.

Thai immigration authorities issued ID cards to all 46 students in Mae Sot district of Tak province, Thailand on Feb. 4. Being granted ID cards promises to transform their lives, said Daw Aye Aye Mar, the director of SAW.

I had long wondered how to get ID cards for the children, because it is very important for their lives. If they dont have ID cards, its not easy for them to stay in Thailand. Its not safe for them if they dont have ID cards, she said.

The 46 children have documents showing that they were born at the Mae Tao Clinic or the Thai public hospital in Mae Sot. Daw Aye Aye Mar said her organization was careful to keep all their documents when taking the children into their care.

I kept all their paper documents in my files. I knew it would be useful one day, she said.

In the past, migrant children who did not have Thai ID cards were not able to study at Thai schools. However, in 2008, the Thai government removed this restriction for migrant children.

After we learned about this, we tried to send our children to Thai schools, but we were not successful at first, she said. She added that the group also tried to send some of the children to private schools, but it was very expensive.

We had to inform the Thai school authorities about the changes made at the top by the Thai government. The Thai school authorities gradually accepted more students over the years. Eventually, more and more children from orphanages who did not have Thai ID cards were able to study at Thai schools, she said.

My intention was that our children would get student ID cards once they joined the Thai schools. Their student ID cards would provide them with security instead of having nothing staying in Mae Sot, she said.

She said that after the children attended the Thai schools for five years, the school authorities provided them with local Thai ID cards (known as 10-year-term ID cards). Those who receive the cards qualify for free medical treatment in Thailand when they are sick. The children can also travel freely to Chiang Mai for study trips, she said.

The 46 children are aged between 10 and 18 years old and study in the 4th to the 10th grades.

She said another six students were expected to qualify for Thai IDs soon. The minimum age to apply for the ID card is 10.

Daw Aye Aye Mar was a founding member of SAW. She said the group built the orphanage and had to struggle to find funding after international NGOs withdrew from the Thai-Myanmar border in recent years.

Most of the orphans parents died of complications from HIV/AIDS. The Mae Tao Clinic in Mae Sot has to care for many abandoned newborns. Nurses at the clinic try to take care of them until they are a few months old, but limited resources and time makes it hard to take care of them permanently.

They have no idea where to find people who can take care of them. Thats why we opened the orphanage, she said.

Some migrants from Myanmar also abandon newborn babies at the Thai public hospital in Mae Sot, so the hospital has also asked SAW to help take care of such children, she said.

When they arrive at the orphanage, the children typically range in age from newborns to 3 months. SAW initially intended to adopt only girls, but they decided to adopt both genders due to the large number of abandoned boys.

All too often, girls arrive who have been raped by their stepfathers and are in need of a safe house. Children from refugee camps who have suffered violence at the hands of family members are also sent to the orphanage.

As the number of children grew, we decided to open [our own school for kindergarteners and children in the early grades]. But we first had to get permission from the Thai authorities for that. We also wanted them to study at Thai schools [as they got older]. But our children did not have ID cards, so they could not join Thai schools [at first], she said.

SAW has faced budgetary problems since 2015, when political reforms in Myanmar prompted many international NGOs to withdraw from the Thai-Myanmar border. Many of those international NGOs moved to work inside Myanmar.

Some promised SAW they would continue to donate to the organization if it moved its base inside the country, according to Daw Aye Aye Mar.

However, this was impossible, as all of the children were learning Thai; moving back to Myanmar would mean starting from zero for all of them, she said.

It did not make sense, because our children were already as far along as grades 9 and 10. They grew up in the Thai community and they are happy to stay with this community. How could we move inside [Myanmar] and let them start primary school again? she said.

Due to SAWs financial problems, it first had to close down grades 1 to 4 at its own school. This year it was forced to halt the childrens studies from grades 5 to 7.

We only have grades 8 to 10 available for the children to study this year [at SAWs own school], she said.

Daw Aye Aye Mar said that most of the problems stemmed from conditions inside Myanmar. Many families do not have enough work to support themselves, or else their land has been confiscated by the authorities, leaving them without livelihoods. Many people have no choice but to seek work in neighboring countries, especially Thailand.

The border checkpoint between Kayin States Myawaddy and Mae Sot is relatively easy to cross. Therefore, many people from Myanmar choose this as their entry point to Thailand, she said.

[Myanmar] migrants will keep coming to Thailand as long as our country lacks jobs. And as long as migrants keep coming to the border, children will continue to suffer, she said.

They [international NGOs] think [Myanmar] has changed politically, but its not true. If things had changed, no one would need to come looking for work in Thailand, Daw Aye Aye Mar said.
News Leaders of Alleged Christian Cult Sentenced to Jail

U Nyan Tun Kyaw, head of the Soul Family branch in Hlel Seik Village, Irrawaddy Region. / Salai Thant Zin / The Irrawaddy

PATHEIN, Irrawaddy Region  A court in Irrawaddy Regions Kyonpyaw Township on Friday sentenced five leaders of an alleged Christian cult to a year in prison with hard labor for blasphemy.

In June 2016 the Kyonpyaw chapter of the Myanmar Council of Churches (MCC) filed a lawsuit against the five under Section 295 (a) of the Penal Code for preaching sermons that do not conform with the teachings of the Bible. After a trial lasting two-and-a-half years, the township court convicted and sentenced them last week.

They taught wrong things in the name of Christianity and sowed discord between parents and their children and siblings. Their actions therefore negatively affect the Christianity that preaches love. So I filed a lawsuit on behalf of the MCC, said Mann Htaung Sein, public relations officer for the councils Kyonpyaw chapter.

Two of the five defendants, Mann Win Myint and Daw Nilar Tun, were sentenced to three years in prison by the same court in May under Section 363 of the Penal Code for kidnapping.

All five are serving their time in Pathein Prison.

They not only attacked other Christian sects but also Buddhism. We are not happy that they were only sentenced to one year in prison while there was strong evidence that their actions not only defamed Christianity but also disrupted regional stability, said Mann Htaung Sein.

So well submit an appeal to the Pathein District Court, and we will also ask the government to abolish [the group], he added.

Section 295 (a) is punishable with two years imprisonment, a fine, or both.

The five were the most senior leaders of the Christian group, called the Soul Family, led by Mahn Kyaw Soe, an ethnic Karen with Singapore citizenship.

The Soul Family conducted 40-day classes for would-be disciples, during which it persuaded students, most of them in their 20s, to shun their parents and relatives, and arranged marriages for them without their parents consent, according to followers who have left the group.

There were brawls whenever parents came to retrieve their children from any of the three centers the group had in Kyonepyaw and Kyaunggon townships. In November 2017, parents from Yangon, Bago, Irrawaddy regions and Karen State met Irrawaddy Region authorities in Pathein and asked them to abolish Soul Family.

According to residents of Kyonepyaw, there were clashes between the groups followers and local villagers whenever members of the Soul Family said prayers in their villages.

According to the accounts of those who have left the group, members were asked to do unpaid work, sometimes in Singapore, on the pretext of making offerings to God, raising accusations of human trafficking and forced labor.

The group has branches in Singapore, Thailands Mae Sot District and the townships of Thantaungyi in Karen State, Loikaw in Kayah State, Toungoo and Pauk Kaung in Bago Region, North Dagon and Sanchung in Yangon Region and Kyonpyaw, Kyaunggon, Kangyidaunt, Myaungmya and Pathein in Irrawaddy Region, according to the MCC.

The MCC estimates that Soul Family may have hundreds of followers.

Relatives say the group moves its members from branch to branch, making it difficult for them to find their kin.

It is now almost four years since my sister joined the Soul group. We have visited her three times and asked her to come back home, but she refused. Now we cannot find out where she is, so we are constantly worried for her safety. I would like to urge the government to abolish the group that preaches extremism and that separates families, Nant Aye Aye Aung, from Yangons Hlaingtharyar Township, told The Irrawaddy.

The MCC and Myanmar Baptist Convention have long distanced themselves from the group.

In May, the Irrawaddy Region government banned the group from gathering for prayers at its Hlel Seik Village branch in Kyonepyaw.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma Military Chief Discusses IDPs, Peace, Myitsone Dam with Kachin Religious Leaders

Representatives from the Myanmar military and Kachin religious organizations pose for a group photo at the militarys Northern Command compound on Monday. / Kachin Baptist Convention / Facebook

YANGONMilitary commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met Kachin religious leaders on Tuesday to discuss IDPs, the peace process and the controversial China-backed Myitsone Dam project, amid discussions with the Kachin armed group on how to move forward on peace negotiations.

In the meeting with representatives of the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) and the Catholic community at the militarys Northern Command compound, Sen-Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said he wants to hasten the return of Kachin IDPs to their homes, expressed a desire to advance the peace process with the Kachin armed group, and said a final decision on the Myitsone Dam would depend on the publics wishes and on Parliament.

The KBC discussed two main issues with the senior generalcreating transparency in the peace process focusing on lasting peace, and securing the return of IDPs with the help of Kachin groups including religious and community-based organizations, particularly those working with displaced persons.

KBC Vice President Tu Mai said his group had already set up the Kachin Humanitarian Concern Committee to help IDPs on the ground. The team includes members of many religious organizations and peace advocacy groups.

Tu Mai said, If they dont discuss [these issues] with us, if something goes wrong, people will suffer the consequences.

He said the military needed to open discussions with all organizations including the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO).

They need to cooperate with us on the return of IDPs, he added.

Recently, the Myanmar military facilitated the return of more than 100 IDPs to their homes in Waimaw Township.

Father Noel Naw Lat, who is in charge of the social-pastoral coordination office of the Catholic Diocese of Myitkyina, said Sen-Gen. Min Aung Hlaing promised that the Myanmar military (or Tatmadaw) would help to clear landmines and assist with other IDP-related issues in Kachin State.

During the meeting, Kachin religious leaders also conveyed to the Tatmadaw chief the publics objections to the Myitsone Dam. Local people are planning to stage a demonstration against the project this week.

The Myitsone Dam project has received nationwide pushback due to concerns over the dams social and environmental impacts. It was suspended in 2011 under then-President U Thein Seins administration. However, it came under the spotlight again when Chinese Ambassador Hong Liang claimed after a visit to Kachin State at the end of December that the Kachin people were not opposed to its resumption.

Father Noel Naw Lat showed strong opposition to the Myitsone Dam during the meeting. He [Sen-Gen. Min Aung Hlaing] said it is hard to go against the publics will. He promised the Tatmadaw would do anything it can. But the final decision would be made by the Hluttaw [Parliament], Father Noel Naw Lat said.

Last week Cardinal Charles Bo, the archbishop of Yangon, said in a statement that the controversial Myitsone Dam slated for construction at the source of the Irrawaddy River, known as Myanmars lifeline, must be stopped to ensure a peaceful future for the country, adding that the construction of the dam would be a death sentence for the people of Myanmar.

Father Noel Naw Lat said Sen-Gen. Min Aung Hlaing also mentioned that he would continue peace talks with the Kachin armed group, as he wants to see progress on peace negotiations in Kachin State.

In December, the Tatmadaw declared a unilateral four-month ceasefire effective in active conflict areas in north and northeast Myanmar. The first such truce ever initiated by the military, it covers the Northern Command in Kachin State.

China has been acting as a peace broker between the military and members of the Northern Alliance, a group comprising the KIA, the Arakan Army (AA), the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).

In January, government peace representatives and the KIA held an informal meeting in Kunming, the capital of Chinas Yunnan province. The KIA requested that government sit down with the other Northern Alliance members, the AA, TNLA and MNDAA.

On Monday, the Peace Talks Creation Group (PCG), a Kachin group that acts to broker peace talks between EAOs and the government, told The Irrawaddy that the government had agreed to hold a formal meeting with Northern Alliance members, but no date has yet been set.

As of Tuesday evening, the Office of the Commander in Chief had yet to make any official announcement regarding Sen-Gen. Min Aung Hlaings trip to Kachin. The Irrawaddy attempted to contact the spokesperson for the Northern Command, but his phone was switched off.
Burma Government Agrees to Meet Northern Alliance as a Group

Taang National Liberation Army troops on parade / PSLF website

YANGONThe government has agreed to meet the Northern Alliance, a coalition of four ethnic armed groups, as a single entity for peace talks, according to U Hsan Awng of the Peace-talk Creation Group (PCG), a Kachin-based organization that helps to broker meetings between the government, Myanmar Army and Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

Previously, the government would only negotiate with the members bilaterally, and consistently rejected the four groups request to hold talks with the government as a coalition.

The Northern Alliance consists of the Arakan Army (AA), the KIA, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA).

The date has not been set yet. But I am sure they will meet this month. I heard that the government agreed to meet them collectively, U Hsan Awng said.

The governments National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) and the Northern Alliance are currently choosing a date for the meeting and deciding which delegates to send.

However, U Hsan Awng warned that ongoing clashes in Rakhine State, where the AA is attempting to establish a stronghold, and the militarys recent occupation of the headquarters of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang in the Naga Self-Administered Zone have eroded the ethnic armed groups trust in the military and could hamper the talks.

Officials of the NRPC and a KIA delegation led by the groups leader General Gun Maw held informal talks in Chinas Kunming on Jan. 21. At the meeting, he requested that the government meet the Northern Alliance as a single entity.

The NRPC has not held talks with the MNDAA, TNLA or AA.

When we met with the KIO delegation in Yunnan [in China] in January, they proposed a 1+3 negotiation format, U Hla Maung Shwe, an adviser to the governments Peace Commission, told The Irrawaddy.

The policy of the government is, if the discussion is based on signing the NCA [Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement], a 1+3 negotiation is possible. Because all those four groups as members of the NCCT [Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team] participated in the NCA negotiation process with the UPWC [Union Peace-making Work Committee]. So, if the negotiation is based on signing the NCA, a 1+3 negotiation is likely, he added.

Colonel Kyaw Han of the AA said he had not been informed of the governments proposal for peace talks.

TNLA information officer Mai Aie Kyaw said, They [the Myanmar Army] have declared [a ceasefire] for four months. But one month has already passed and there is still no dialogue. So, we dont know how they intend to hold talks. But it is important that many talks should be held during that [four-month] period.

He added that there had been no communication through informal channels such as by e-mail or phone between the TNLA leaders and the government.

The KIA briefed officials from the MNDAA, TNLA and AA on its talks with the NRPC at its headquarters in Kachin States Laiza on Jan. 29.

Chinese special envoy Sun Guoxiang met the leaders of the MNDAA, TNLA and AA in Kunming two days later. However, the Chinese envoy simply repeated the statements of Myanmar Army chief Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing during the meeting, according to Mai Aie Kyaw.

The Myanmar Army (or Tatmadaw) has declared a unilateral ceasefire in areas overseen by five military commands effective from Dec. 21, 2018 to April 30, 2019. The ceasefire does not cover Rakhine State overseen by the Western Command. Clashes have intensified between the Myanmar Army and the AA in several townships in Rakhine and Chin States Paletwa.

The Myanmar Presidents Office on Jan. 7 ordered the military to crush the AA with a counter-insurgency operation.
Burma Facebook Bans 'Dangerous' Armed Groups in Myanmar From Platform

A TNLA soldier stands guard in northern Shan State in June 2014. TNLA is among those banned by Facebook on Tuesday. / The Irrawaddy

YANGON Facebook announced on Tuesday afternoon that it has banned the four ethnic armed groups that comprise Myanmars Northern Alliance, calling them dangerous organizations.

It said all related praise, support and representation of the Arakan Army, Kachin Independence Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and Taang National Liberation Army would also be removed as soon as the company becomes aware of it.

There is clear evidence that these organizations have been responsible for attacks against civilians and have engaged in violence in Myanmar, and we want to prevent them from using our services to further inflame tensions on the ground, its statement said.

The company said it was aware that the sources of ethnic violence in the country were incredibly complex and cannot be resolved by a social media company but that it wanted to do whatever it could to minimize incitement and hate speech.

We dont want anyone to use Facebook to incite or promote violence, no matter who they are, it said.

The company added that since August it has also banned some of Myanmars most senior military officials from the platform and taken down three networks that were misrepresenting who they were and what they were doing.

To reduce the likelihood that Facebook can be used to facilitate hate offline, the company said it was continually identifying and removing fake accounts, finding and removing violent actors, building better tools and technologies to proactively find bad content and updating its policies.

Contacted Tuesday afternoon, a spokesman for the Arakan Army said he was not aware of the ban and declined to comment. On Twitter, however, the groups deputy chief-of-staff, Nyo Tun Aung, said the alliance members were freedom fighters and questioned Facebooks decision to label them dangerous organizations.

Some Facebook users criticized the companys decision to take down the pages and accused it of selectively targeting armed groups that have not signed Myanmars Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement. The country has dozens of active armed groups, most of which use Facebook to post updates on their clashes with the military or rival groups or on their negotiations with the military and government on a national peace accord.

Ko Maw Htun Aung, founder of Another Development, a Yangon-based social policy think-tank, said Facebook had become frenetic and was overreacting to their past failure, referring to Facebook activity that accompanied the Myanmar militarys crackdown in Rakhine State in late 2017, which drove some 700,000 Rohingya refugees into neighboring Bangladesh.

Their lack of monitoring of real hate speech led to real-world consequences. However, that should not make them overreact, because it could lead to the curtailing of the freedom of speech in Myanmar, he said.

Ko Maw Htun Aung said that when adopting new policies Facebook should distinguish between online activity that is and is not likely to cause real-world harm, and that posts by armed groups about their fighting with the military or other groups should not be considered a risk unless they explicitly call for violence.
Burma Ex-General U Shwe Mann Registers New Union Betterment Party

U Shwe Mann (C), the then-Lower House Speaker, Myanmar's military Commander-in-chief Senior General Ming Aung Hlaing (L) and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (R) arrive for Myanmar's top six-party talks at the presidential palace in Naypyitaw on April 10, 2015. / Reuters

YANGONEx-general and former Lower House Speaker U Shwe Mann applied to register a new political party called the Union Betterment Party with the Union Election Commission (UEC) in Naypyitaw on Tuesday.

Rumors that U Shwe Mann, ousted chairman of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), would establish his own political party to contest the upcoming 2020 elections have been speculated since last year.

The ex-general said that he submitted the party registration with the UEC, announcing the party name and its five main objectives, on his official Facebook page.

He said his party will work towards building a democratic federal union; for economic development as a basic necessity for the development of the country; systematic implementation of education, healthcare and culture; and to establish strong rule of law, stability, equality and peace.

He also added that the new party will work to establish a constitution which is suitable for the country.

We will work for national and public interests in the right way and effectively, together with the people, he said in a video message which accompanied the announcement.

According to sources close to him, U Shwe Mann, who has close ties to State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, aims to support her through his party by reinforcing the civilian government.

U Shwe Mann was elected for a Lower House seat in Naypyitaw in the 2010 general election representing USDP. Later, he was elected to the position of Lower House Speaker.

He was sacked from the position of USDP party chief amid a power struggle with the then-president U Thein Sein in August 2015.

In the 2015 general election, he ran for office in his native Bago Regions Phyu Township but lost to a National League for Democracy (NLD) candidate.

U Shwe Mann, who was once considered the third most powerful man in the former military regime, currently chairs a powerful legislative body, the Union Parliaments Legal Affairs and Special Cases Assessment Commission.

Ex-military officers and some members of the Legal Affairs and Special Cases Assessment Commission will be members of the Union Betterment Party.

As part of the registration process, the UEC will publish the proposed partys basic information in state-run newspapers. If no one objects to the proposed name, emblem or flag, the Union Betterment Party will be officially registered.

There are currently 96 registered political parties in the country, according to the UEC.
Burma Committee to Amend Constitution Gets Strong Show of Support in Parliament

A banner is displayed at an event advocating amendments to the Constitution in Yangon in 2014. / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  A joint parliamentary committee to draft amendments to the countrys undemocratic Constitution appeared likely to take form after a strong majority of lawmakers who joined a debate on the proposal in Parliament on Tuesday endorsed the idea.

In the first move by the National League for Democracy (NLD) to amend the military-drafter charter since taking power in 2016, party lawmaker U Aung Kyi Nyunt submitted a proposal last week to form the ad hoc committee as soon as possible. The legislatures military-appointed lawmakers objected strenuously, claiming the move violated constitutional rules. The military lawmakers, who are guaranteed 25 percent of the seats in Parliament by the Constitution, showed up to Tuesdays debate on the proposal but refused to participate.

Thirty lawmakers did join the debate  12 from the NLD, 11 from five ethnic minority parties, five from the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and one from the National United Democratic Party.. All except the five from the military-backed USDP spoke in favor of the committee and offered suggestions on what form it should take.

The Constitution has been criticized for being undemocratic both at home and abroad for articles that place the military beyond the control of the civilian government and that restrict the rights of ethnic minorities including the right to self-determination.

The NLD has been pushing for constitutional amendments since 2013. In a nationwide poll at the time, 97 percent of respondents in 267 townships across the country said they wanted the Constitution changed.

During Tuesdays debate, Daw Htu May, of the Arakan League for Democracy, said she welcomed the formation of the reform committee because the constitutional crisis is Myanmars crisis and called for an inclusive body.

The constitution of a democratic country has to guarantee human rights, equality and self-determination for the nation. If you take a hardliner approach this time, you will disappoint people who hold the sovereign power of the union, she said.

U Sai Tun Aye, of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, said constitutional reform was needed to address issues such as decentralization, which could in turn help ethnic minorities achieve greater self-determination.

I seriously agree with the formation of the committee and will actively be involved upon its formation, he said.

The USDPs U Maung Myint seriously objected, echoing the militarys complaint from last week that constitutional rules were being breached.

Citing Chapter 12 of the Constitution, the USDP and military say any proposed amendments must be submitted as a bill before being submitted to Parliament for discussion.

The committee has to be formed after we have the bill. Now its in reverse order, said U Maung Myint.

However, U Aung Kyi Nyunt, who proposed the committee, and Speaker U T Khun Myat said the proposal had nothing to do with drafting a bill.

The formation of the committee is the first step to drafting a bill to amend the Constitution, said U T Khun Myat.

Parliament, where the NLD holds more than half the seats, will vote on the formation of the committee on Wednesday.
Burma Close Call For Military Convoy on Explosives-Rigged Road in Rakhine

Ann Township. / Ann Township News / Facebook

SITTWE, Rakhine State  Three explosive devices went off in Rakhine States Ann Township only minutes after a military convoy passed the area on Monday, according to local officials and residents. No one was injured.

The three devices exploded between the villages of Me Let Maung and Chauk Chong about 15 minutes after a military convoy of five trucks passed the area at around 8 p.m., said township administrator U Ko Ko Myat, who described the devices as mines.

Those mines were targeting the military convoys. But because they only exploded 15 minutes after the convoy passed the area, no man or truck was damaged, he told The Irrawaddy.

As the explosions happened only about 5 km from Me Let Maung, the entire village heard the blasts, said U Wai Lin, the village administrator.

The entire village heard the mine explosions at about 8 p.m. yesterday. But we dont know the details, he said.

U Ko Ko Myat said the Myanmar military cleared the area afterwards and was searching for the culprits.

Some villagers said they heard artillery fire, which was in fact the mine explosions. They also said they heard small arms fire; they were fired by soldiers during their clearance operation. There was no fighting there yesterday, he said.

Contacted Tuesday, Rakhine State Minister for Security and Border Affairs Col. Phone Tint said he could not comment because he was in a meeting.

Despite Mondays explosions, the situation in Ann Township remains stable and passenger buses and cargo trucks are running normally between Yangon and the Rakhine capital, Sittwe, through the area.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
A prominent police officer has expressed disappointment at comments by actor Liam Neeson which revealed he once held violent thoughts about killing a black person in revenge after someone close to him was raped.

The Hollywood star provoked widespread criticism after he said he had walked the streets armed with a weapon, hoping he would be approached by someone "so that I could kill him".

Detective Sergeant Janet Hills, chairman of the Metropolitan Black Police Association, said the remarks highlighted the need for intelligence-led policing instead of profiling a whole community.

Asked about Mr Neeson's comments, Ms Hills told the BBC: "I think it's disappointing that he has said what he's said and elaborated on that.

"People will take a different view as to whether he is right or wrong.

But, when I align that with policing, that is why it is so key that we use intelligence-led policing to identify individuals and not profile a whole community in regard to criminal activities

"Because there are specifics in his case. There was a specific person that committed that.

"It wasn't just any black man on the street. And that is why it's really key that we use, and continue to use, intelligence-led policing to solve crime and to build reassurance with our communities."

The Taken actor, 66, recalled the feelings of anger in an interview to promote his new film Cold Pursuit.

Discussing how his character turns to anger, Neeson told the Independent: "There's something primal - God forbid you've ever had a member of your family hurt under criminal conditions. I'll tell you a story. This is true."

He said the rape happened some time ago and said of his friend: "She handled the situation of the rape in the most extraordinary way.

"But my immediate reaction was... I asked, did she know who it was? No. What colour were they? She said it was a black person.

"I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping I'd be approached by somebody - I'm ashamed to say that - and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some black bastard would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him.

"It took me a week, maybe a week and a half, to go through that. She would say, 'where are you going?' and I would say, 'I'm just going out for a walk'. You know? 'What's wrong?' 'No, no, nothing's wrong'.

"It was horrible, horrible, when I think back, that I did that. And I've never admitted that, and I'm saying it to a journalist. God forbid.

"It's awful. But I did learn a lesson from it, when I eventually thought, 'What the f*** are you doing', you know?

I come from a society - I grew up in Northern Ireland in the Troubles - and, you know, I knew a couple of guys that died on hunger strike, and I had acquaintances who were very caught up in the Troubles, and I understand that need for revenge, but it just leads to more revenge, to more killing and more killing, and Northern Ireland's proof of that

"All this stuff that's happening in the world, the violence, is proof of that, you know. But that primal need, I understand."

The comments triggered an intense debate on social media.

- Press Association
A nurse accused of raping an incapacitated woman who later gave birth at a long-term care facility in Phoenix has pleaded not guilty to a sexual assault charge.

The hearing for Nathan Sutherland only lasted a few minutes, with the accused identifying himself and stating his date of birth.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Larimer County are investigating a mountain lion attack on a jogger at a mountain park in the US.

A man is recovering in hospital after he fought off and killed a mountain lion that attacked him while he was out on a jog in the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space in Colorado.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the victim of the attack described hearing something behind him on the trail and was attacked by a mountain lion as he turned around to investigate.

The lion lunged at the runner, biting his face and wrist, but he was able to fight and break free from the lion, killing it in self-defense by suffocating it, the Colorado Park confirmed.

The runner sustained serious, but non-life threatening injuries as a result of the attack.

Area wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife Ty Petersburg said in a statement:

"Mountain lion attacks are not common in Colorado and it is unfortunate that the lions hunting instincts were triggered by the runner."

"This could have had a very different outcome."

The body of a juvenile mountain lion was found within feet of several possessions the victim asked wildlife officers to look for on the trail.

The lion has been taken to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife animal health lab for a necropsy.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Northeast Region manager Mark Leslie said: The runner did everything he could to save his life.

"In the event of a lion attack you need to do anything in your power to fight back just as this gentleman did.

There are fewer than 20 fatalities related to mountain lion attacks in North America in more than 100 years.

Colorado has had 16 injuries as a result of mountain lion attacks, and three fatalities in almost thirty years.
Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has received a one-year suspended sentence after reaching a guilty plea for tax fraud in Spain.

Mourinho will not have to serve time after admitting he defrauded Spanish authorities in 2011 and 2012.

Sentences for two years or less for first-time offenders can be suspended in Spain.

The ex-Real Madrid coach appeared before a judge in the Spanish capital confirm the plea agreement he had reached with prosecutors. As part of the deal, he also has to pay a fine of nearly 2 million euros (1.7 million).

Mourinho was accused of defrauding Spanish tax authorities of 3.3 million euros (2.8 million) in unpaid taxes. The money involved revenues from image rights, not salary paid by Real Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo also had to repay tax (Martin Rickett/PA)

Mourinhos plea deal comes two weeks after former Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo pleaded guilty to tax fraud from the time he played in Spain.

The Portugal forward received a two-year suspended sentence and was ordered to pay nearly 19 million euros (16.7 million) to Spanish authorities.

Mourinho had appeared before a judge in 2017 and denied any wrongdoing, saying he had paid everything he owed to Spanish tax authorities from the time he coached Real Madrid.

He said he left the country in 2013 with the information and the conviction that he was up to date with his tax obligations.

Gestifute, the agency that represents both Ronaldo and Mourinho, released a statement at the time saying the coach paid more than 26 million euros (then 23 million) in taxes, with an average tax rate over 41%.- Press Association
At least 21 people including 11 police officers have been killed in a Taliban attack in Afghanistan, provincial officials said.

Insurgents stormed a checkpoint in northern Baghlan province.

The attack was reported as representatives of the Taliban were due to hold meetings in Moscow with prominent Afghan figures, including former president Hamid Karzai, opposition leaders and tribal elders - but not Kabul government officials.

In the checkpoint attack, the Taliban targeted the local police force in the province's Baghlani Markazi district on Monday night, triggering a firefight that lasted for almost two hours, said Safder Mohsini, head of the provincial council.

Five policemen were also wounded and the Taliban seized all the weapons and ammunition from the security before reinforcements arrived, he said.

They arrived there late, fought back and managed to get the checkpoint under control.

Earlier on Monday, the Taliban targeted a local pro-government militia in a village in northern Samangan province, killing 10 people there, including a woman, said Sediq Azizi, spokesman for the provincial governor.

Four people were also wounded in that attack, in Samangan's Dara-I Suf district, he said.

As the area is very remote, the villagers have their own militia to provide security for their area and defend their homes from the insurgents.

The Taliban claimed both attacks in statements to the media.

The two-day meeting in the Russian capital between the Taliban and Afghan figures is seen as another step in a process aimed at resolving Afghanistan's 17-year war, one that has accelerated since the appointment last September of US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

But the meeting has sidelined Afghan president Ashraf Ghani's government, which has criticised the gathering.

Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive, said on Monday that the Afghan government should be at the centre of any peace talks, adding that Kabul "would prefer the Moscow meeting had a different shape".

Mr Abdullah said that the Taliban were the biggest obstacle to peace, but that if the Moscow meeting creates "an opening for real peace talks, it would still be a step forward".

The Taliban have been staging near-daily attacks, inflicting heavy casualties on the embattled Afghan army and security forces.

-Press Association
Dutch historian Rutger Bregman delivered a broadside to the worlds uber-rich and the economic system that dominates our lives at Davos last week.

He attacked billionaires philanthropy in lieu of taxes with irrefutable logic:

I hear people talking the language of participation, justice, equality, and transparency but almost no one raises the real issue of tax avoidance and of the rich just not paying their fair share, he told his audience which, presumably, was made up of some of the 1,500 private jet owners who flew to the resort for the Electric Picnic of capitalism.

Bregman became an online sensation.

However, capitalism seems to have withstood his criticism  so far.

Yesterday, much closer to home, certainly without 1,500 private jets at hand, Social Justice Ireland published its annual review and called on the Government to end poverty within five years. This is not only a measurable policy goal but an achievable one in a country that has such vast wealth, said Fr Sean Healy, of SJI.

Bregman and Healy, albeit on very different platforms addressed the same, eternal issue  how the great riches of our world might be better shared so the almost inescapable poverty unnecessarily limiting millions of lives might be brought to an end. It was Bregmans first visit to Davos, so his reaction was unfiltered.

He had not been assuaged on the festivals ensnaring smooch-and-caress cocktail circuit. Yesterdays report was not Healys first to make more or less the same arguments. Despite his commitment over many years to ending poverty in this country of vast wealth little enough has changed. Hardly his fault.

If Bregmans optimism is matched by Healys persistence, one of the challenges facing anyone who wants real social justice is epitomised by one man who attended Davos, though there were many like him there.

Just after Bregman spoke, Michael Dell, the computer tycoon who employs around 2,500 people in Ireland, laughed when asked if, as the worlds 39th richest man, he should pay more tax.

Pointing to his philanthropy he also took the opportunity to scoff at a suggestion from New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that the highest earners pay a marginal rate of 70%.

Name a country where thats worked. Ever, he countered. The answer? America.

There the highest tax rate averaged about 70% from the 1930s to the 1970s, and those were actually pretty good years for growth, offered a Davos economist. Now the top rate stands at 37%.

Here's Michael Dell and the global economic elite at Davos laughing at @AOC's proposed marginal tax increases on millionaires and billionaires. pic.twitter.com/oRTQDQuxPR  Waleed Shahid (@_waleedshahid) January 24, 2019

There are many strands to the tax-to-end-poverty argument, and one is all too relevant to Ireland. Despite how we look away, accusations that this country is a tax haven arent going away.

EU efforts to harmonise taxes may succeed and have a disproportionate impact on our economy  bye, bye Mr Dell?  but maybe a less obvious one on ending poverty.

Davos will roll around again next year and SJI will publish another review, but little will have changed.

Which suggests, sadly, that most of us are more than happy with the way things are. Which is a tragedy, as confronting soul-destroying poverty is easier than its eternal presence suggests.

Read the SJI report in full here:
With the demise of the INF treaty, Europe is entering a potentially dangerous period and must play a central role in containing the new nuclear arms race, writes Sigmar Gabriel.

One of the pillars of nuclear-arms control became history on February 2, with the expiry of the 60-day deadline that the United States had given Russia to save the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.

Russia blithely let the deadline pass. But so did the European Union, abetted by Germany. Europe is now entering a potentially dangerous period and must play a much more active role in the nuclear-arms debate.

The INF Treaty prohibits the stationing of medium-range nuclear missiles in Europe. Its near-certain demise dims prospects for extending the US-Russian New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty when it expires in 2021.

And without a contractual nuclear-arms framework between Russia and the US, the international Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons cannot survive.

Non-proliferation depends on the two nuclear superpowers willingness to subject themselves to arms control and verification.

If the US and Russia instead engage in a nuclear-arms build-up, smaller powers will follow suit, because they believe that doing so makes them invulnerable. North Korea and Iran are just the first examples of this.

An extension of the INF Treaty to prevent a new nuclear-arms race in Europe would have been worth fighting hard for.

As the first  and, so far, only  true disarmament agreement, it gave the continent previously unheard-of security from nuclear confrontation.

But instead of high-level summits and shuttle diplomacy to rescue the treaty, all we got were whistle-stop efforts.

The chances of saving the INF Treaty are now negligible. Both the US and Russia want to free themselves from all nuclear-arms limitations  not to face off against each other, but because they now regard China as their true nuclear adversary.

Because China was not on the international radar for disarmament talks in the late 1980s, is not part of any current arms-reduction and disarmament treaty.

But today, about 80% of Chinas nuclear arsenal is in exactly the medium ranges that the INF Treaty prohibits for the US and Russia.

Despite their public war of words over real or alleged treaty violations, the US and Russia share an overriding goal: Arming themselves against China.

Germany and Europe are thus of secondary importance to the two nuclear superpowers. From the perspective of the US and Russia, a new nuclear-arms build-up in Europe would represent only collateral damage.

But for Europe, it may bring dreams of a common European Foreign and Security Policy to a sudden end.

If Nato were to launch serious discussions about the renewed stationing of medium-range nuclear missiles in Europe, Eastern European members  skeptical that Western Europeans (especially the Germans and the French)  would be willing to die for their freedom, would almost certainly follow the lead of the US.

Meanwhile, Germany and other parts of Western Europe would likely experience massive political turmoil.

Faced with this scenario, Europe must now try to apply some kind of brake to current development and gain time for negotiations, without annoying US President Donald Trump and making him likelier to leave the alliance.

The debate must begin within the EU, which is not formally a negotiating partner on the nuclear-arms issue and is standing on the sidelines.

With Trump clearly unwilling to inform Nato members, let alone the EU, about his next steps, Europe must assert itself.

As a first step, it should take greater responsibility for Eastern Europes military security by deploying more European  and more German  conventional troops in these countries.

This must be accompanied from the start by talks between Europe and Russia on conventional and nuclear weapons. The first step is arms control, an instrument intended for difficult times.

Confidence-building measures, such as mutual inspection of military capabilities and development, can help to rebuild trust, which is a prerequisite for subsequent arms reduction and disarmament.

An audit of the Russian SSC-8 (9M729) cruise-missile system, which the US claims violates the INF treaty, is of course a top priority.

Although the US and Russia acknowledged inspections under the agreement only until 2001, revitalizing the treatys Special Verification Commission would offer a way forward here.

Russia recently made a verbal offer to open its nuclear arsenals for inspection  on the precondition that the US does the same.

But US agreement looks unlikely, because the Trump administration seems more focused on countering Chinas nuclear capabilities than on Russia and Europe.

Here, Europe, and particularly Germany within Nato, must take a clear stance toward the US. Even a conditional US acceptance of verification by Russia would represent progress.

Russias willingness to engage in nuclear-arms control with Europe, meanwhile, will depend not least on the readiness of France and the United Kingdom to allow inspections of their own arsenals.

France and other countries that want European security and defence policy to become more independent from the US must be prepared to take such measures.

The aim must be to return to a reliable and credible European security architecture, something that ceased to exist when Russia invaded Crimea and fostered insurrection in Eastern Ukraine.

Pacifying this conflict is probably a key precondition for re-engaging in arms talks with Russia.

This will require a United Nations peacekeeping mission that  robustly if necessary  maintains the truce between Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists and oversees the removal of heavy arms from Eastern Ukraine.

Germany is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2019. Its overarching task should be to pull talks about a UN mission in Eastern Ukraine out of the mud and drive them to a successful conclusion.

This would clear the path for building a new European security architecture, and enable Europe to play a more

central role in containing the new nuclear-arms race.

Sigmar Gabriel, former German minister of foreign affairs, is a member of the Bundestag. Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2019.
A recent initiative from the Sustainable Energy Authority Of Ireland (SEAI) aims to harness the power of grassroots activism and neighbourly support to reduce energy use in communities.

The Sustainable Energy Communities scheme is aimed at community groups and encourages residents to band together and benefit from extra help to get usage down in their homes and in communal properties.

The scheme has been in place for the last two years and has seen a massive increase in the last year.

Glounthaune in co Cork and Valentia Island in Co Kerry are the first two communities in the south-west to get their Energy Master Plans over the line.

Conor OBrien, who acts as a mentor for communities in the south-west, says the scheme is worth pursuing by householders purely for the extra individual benefits.

With assistance from the SEAI, homes can be project-managed together, if householders agree, he says.

Someone will come along, generally at no cost to [the homeowner], to look at their individual house and give them a listing of what needs to be done with a price.

Then if they agree to do a,b,c, then that will cost x and they get a grant of y. It will be project-managed through the SEC system. The main benefit is you will be dealing with SEAI-approved installers.

He refutes the occasional criticism that this means higher costs.

Youll get the critics but generally speaking you go with a professionally qualified installer there will be guarantees and you can be assured that you will get the right person to do the job, not a fly-by-night guy. Number two, you can be assured you will get the maximum grant available.

For insulation, there are grants available for amounts ranging from 400 up to 6,000, with the lowest amount for insulating an attic with a scale of jobs up to the highest amount for insulating a detached house.

There are also grants available for heating control upgrades, installation of solar panels and much more.

In addition to houseowners, the community can also benefit from an SEC.

The aim is to act as a catalyst for energy-saving activity, fixing up the housing stock and educating more people about the practical advantages of renewable energy, says Mr OBrien.

The work and projects are not limited to private houses, projects can also be undertaken involving communal buildings like sportsgrounds and community centres.

The SEAI provides the funding but the community group drives the creation of an Energy Master Plan for their area, followed by the actual work.

Mr OBrien believes the success of the scheme rests on getting the right people on board.

The people who get involved have been community activists in the sense that they are really interested in the environment and they want to do something practical, he says.

If you go on the SEAI website there is a very easy introduction, and it shows how cost free it is. A small group in a community can fill out this form and they then join the SEC network, says Mr OBrien.

They will get a mentor, who will call them up, explain the steps along the way, which they can also see online.

"They will get 100% cost for the costs of the Energy Master Plan but there are steps that the group must work through to qualify.

The SEC network also has access to regular webinars and quarterly meet-ups, to advice communities and enable them to learn from each other. The groups will get to know an awful lot more about energy.

Saving the planet and reducing bills all at the same time - find out more at www.seai.ie/sec.

The Glounthaune plan will be launched at an Energy Day on February 9 at the Elm Tree from 11am to 3pm. The day will also feature information stands on home grants, professional installers and will have a number of electric cars available on the day for test drives.

Deal of the week

Regular air passengers should check out the new joint offering from Bank of Ireland and Aer Lingus.

They have teamed up for a new Aer Credit Card, which they say offers all the convenience of a regular credit card but comes with unique travel rewards for customers.

We've teamed up with @bankofireland to bring you Aer Credit Card. Turn your credit card spend into amazing travel rewards.  Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) January 28, 2019

Each year, customers who sign up to the card will receive: two free return fares to Europe two fast-track and priority boarding passes; two lounge passes, and Worldwide Multitrip Family Travel Insurance, including winter sports.

Customers can collect 1 Avios for every 1 spent on Aer Lingus products and services and 1 Avios for every 4 spent on all other transactions.

Bank of Ireland also allows customers to spread larger credit card payments over 500 at a rate of 6.9% APR.

It suggests the payment plan option is an ideal way to budget for a holiday as it offers a lower than usual rate with payments spread over 12 months.

If there are any consumer issues that youd like Grainne to address or if you have problems that Grainne could help with, she can be contacted at makingcents@examiner.ie
Two men have been arrested following a number of overnight burglaries at business premises in Co Wicklow and Co Wexford.

Shortly after 2am, a number of men forced entry into a filling station in Gorey Town. Cigarettes along with an undisclosed sum of cash were taken.
Update 2.10pm: Talks aimed at finding a way through on Brexit will take place on Thursday between the British Prime Minister and the European Commission President.

The meeting between Theresa May and Jean Claude Juncker in Brussels is aimed at breaking the current impasse after British MPs voted against the withdrawal agreement.

Mrs May is due to give a speech in Belfast this afternoon to offer assurances to people in the North that whatever deal is agreed will ensure there is no hard border.

The DUP's Sammy Wilson has told the BBC the backstop has to go.

Mr Wilson said that Mrs May has no alternative but "to do what she has promised and that is to go, have this agreement reopened and have the backstop removed".

Mr Wilson added: "The backstop is really designed to keep the United Kingdon as a whole in the Customs Union and the Single Market.

"That does not honour either her own manifesto or the outcome of the referendum."

DUP's Sammy Wilson says his party will not back the #Brexit deal unless the backstop is removed, as it "does not honour [Theresa May's] own manifesto or the outcome of the referendum"https://t.co/TnQjNI5z2I pic.twitter.com/b9UilnEDd6  BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) February 5, 2019

Theresa May to take bid to reopen Brexit deal to Brussels

Update 12pm: Theresa May to take bid to reopen Brexit deal to Brussels

Theresa May is to travel to Brussels on Thursday for talks with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, as she seeks changes to the Brexit deal which was rejected by MPs last month.

The British Prime Minister is expected to press the case for the Withdrawal Agreement to be reopened to replace the controversial backstop with alternative arrangements for avoiding a hard border in Ireland after Brexit.

It is her first formal meeting with senior EU officials since the deal which she reached with Mr Juncker in November went down to overwhelming defeat in the House of Commons and since MPs voted for the removal of the backstop.

Today, Mrs May will make a high-profile speech in Northern Ireland, where she will insist that she can secure a Commons majority for a Brexit deal that commands broad support in the province.

The Withdrawal Agreement struck between Theresa May and Jean-Claude Juncker was defeated in the House of Commons last month

Tomorrow Mrs May will hold talks with Northern Irelands political leaders including the DUPs Arlene Foster, who has promised to tell the Prime Minister the proposed border backstop drives a coach and horses through the Belfast Agreements principle of consent and would effectively create a new border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

Ms Foster has told the BBC she could support a deal if the backstop is removed, and criticised the EU's approach.

"We have heard a lot about their understanding of the Belfast Agreement, that they don't want a hard border on the island of Ireland but they're quite content, apparently, to build a hard border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom, thereby interferring with the constitutional position of the United Kingdom," she said.

"That is wrong as well and they need to recognise that."

Meanwhile, former first minister Lord Trimble confirmed he is considering a legal challenge to the backstop over concerns it breaches the Good Friday Agreement.

Mrs Mays visit to Brussels was announced by European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas at a press conference in the Belgian capital (European Commission Audiovisual Services/PA)

Announcing Mrs Mays planned visit to Brussels, European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said: As you know, what we have is a procedure involving a number of votes which have taken place in the UK Parliament

On that basis, the Prime Minister will come along to spell out to us her ideas for what happens next.

President Juncker has been in constant contact with her and will look forward to seeing her to pursue these discussions.

But we have to repeat what you are aware of, that is that the EUs position, the Commissions position, is clear that we are awaiting once again to see what the Prime Minister has to tell us.

- Press Association

Earlier: Theresa May promises Brexit deal that honours commitments to Northern Ireland

Update 6.52am: Theresa May will insist that she can secure a Commons majority for a Brexit deal that "commands broad support" in Northern Ireland as efforts continue to find an alternative to the controversial backstop.

The British Prime Minister will use a speech in Northern Ireland today to acknowledge that it is a "concerning time" but "we will find a way to deliver Brexit" that honours commitments including avoiding a hard border with Ireland.

Mrs May will hold talks with Northern Ireland's political leaders including the DUP's Arlene Foster, who has promised to tell the British Prime Minister the proposed border backstop "drives a coach and horses through the Belfast Agreement's principle of consent" and would effectively create a new border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

Meanwhile in Westminster, the working group bringing together senior Eurosceptic and former Remain-supporting Tories will continue efforts to agree alternatives to the backstop along the lines of the Malthouse Compromise.

Talks involving Conservatives including Brexiteers Iain Duncan Smith, Theresa Villiers, Steve Baker and Owen Paterson along with former Remainers Nicky Morgan and Damian Green will continue in Whitehall, chaired by Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay.

The first meeting on Monday was described as "detailed and constructive" by the Brexit department.

But Brussels has restated its opposition to any attempt to reopen the Withdrawal Agreement, insisting the backstop was the "only operational solution" to the border question.

In her speech, Mrs May will say: "I know this is a concerning time for many people here in Northern Ireland.

"But we will find a way to deliver Brexit that honours our commitments to Northern Ireland."

The backstop is effectively an insurance arrangement required by the EU to ensure the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic remains open if no wider deal is agreed on future UK/EU trade.

It would see the UK enter into a temporary customs union with the EU if no trade deal is sealed by the end of a transition period after Brexit, which lasts until December 2020 and could be extended to the end of 2022.

Northern Ireland would also abide by EU single market rules on goods, to avoid any need for regulatory checks of products crossing the border.

But critics fear the arrangements could lead to the UK being trapped indefinitely in a customs union, scuppering future trade deals with markets around the world.

And the DUP strongly rejects any measure which could lead to divergence between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, effectively creating a regulatory border in the Irish Sea.

MPs voted last week to say they would only back Mrs May's Withdrawal Agreement if the backstop was replaced by "alternative arrangements".

In her speech, Mrs May will say she will find a solution "that commands broad support across the community in Northern Ireland" and "secures a majority in the Westminster Parliament, which is the best way to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland".

And she will call for "steps to move towards the restoration of devolution" so that Northern Ireland's politicians "can get back to work on the issues that matter to the people they represent".

Mrs May will say: "The measure of this moment in Northern Ireland's history must be more than whether we avoid a return to the challenges of the past.

It must be how, together, we move forwards to shape the opportunities of the future.

Senior European Union figures have strongly rejected calls for the Withdrawal Agreement to be rewritten to remove the backstop.

Brussels' chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said the deal agreed by Mrs May and the leaders of the 27 other EU members "cannot be reopened".

He said the EU was "ready to work on alternative solutions during transition", restating Brussels' position that the backstop had to remain in place unless and until a replacement could be agreed.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the EU was ready to listen to proposals to solve the border "riddle", but needs to hear from Britain how it thinks it can be done.

Tanaiste Simon Coveney said alternatives to the backstop were "wishful thinking".

He said: "The Irish protocol in the Withdrawal Agreement already allows for alternative arrangements or alternative solutions to the backstop and if they're there they can replace the backstop.

The problem is that none of those ideas around alternative arrangements stand up to scrutiny, we have certainly not seen any that have.

PA
Theresa May has said her commitment to avoiding a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland was unshakeable.

In a speech in Belfast today, she said: Im here today to affirm my commitment, and that of the UK Government, to all of the people of Northern Ireland, of every background and tradition.

She added that she was committed to the Good Friday Agreement and its successors.

She said she wanted to affirm my commitment to delivering a Brexit that ensures no return to a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, which is unshakeable.

Theresa May said that while she had tried to make the case for the Withdrawal Agreement, she had had to accept it would not get through the British Parliament in its current form.

I fought hard to make the case for the deal as it stands, she said.

I believed it could command a majority in the House of Commons but I have had to face up to the fact that in its current form it cannot and the need for changes to the backstop is the key issue.

While there were those in Northern Ireland who favoured it, it is also true that the backstop is not supported by the two main Unionist parties here and it also influenced MPs in England, Scotland and Wales in voting against the deal.

The British Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of a seamless border and how the current arrangements had helped deliver peace and prosperity.

She said: While I have said that technology could play a part and that we will look at alternative arrangements, these must be ones that can be made to work for the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland.

Mrs May added: Northern Ireland does not have to rely on the Irish Government or the European Union to prevent a return to borders of the past.

The UK Government will not let that happen. I will not let that happen.

Mrs May said she was determined to work towards a solution to the border question that can command support from across the country, as she reiterated that there will be no hard border.

She said: I know that the prospect of changing the backstop and reopening the Withdrawal Agreement creates real anxieties here in Northern Ireland and in Ireland, because it is here that the consequences of whatever is agreed will most be felt.

I recognise too that the majority of voters in Northern Ireland voted to remain and that many will feel that once again decisions taken in Westminster are having a profound and in many cases unwanted impact in Northern Ireland and Ireland.

So Im determined to work towards a solution that can command broader support from across the community in Northern Ireland.

Mrs May added: We stand by our commitment in the Joint Report that there will be no hard border  including any physical infrastructure or related checks and controls.

I know this is a concerning time for many people here in Northern Ireland.

But we will find a way to deliver Brexit that honours our commitments to Northern Ireland, that commands broad support across the communities in Northern Ireland and that secures a majority in the Westminster Parliament, which is the best way to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland.

As we do so, I hope we can also take steps to move towards the restoration of devolution, so that politicians in Northern Ireland can get back to work on the issues that matter to the people they represent.

For, ultimately, the measure of this moment in Northern Irelands history must be more than whether we avoid a return to the challenges of the past. It must be how, together, we move forwards to shape the opportunities of the future.

As Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, it is a profound honour and duty to play my part in shaping that future and to do my utmost to support the peace, prosperity and progress that can give the people of Northern Ireland the brightest future for generations.

Asked how she could convince the people of Northern Ireland to accept a Brexit deal which was stripped of the backstop, Mrs May said: Im not proposing to persuade people to accept a deal that doesnt contain that insurance policy for the future.

What Parliament has said is that they believe there should changes made to the backstop.

And it is in that vein, in that light, that we are working with politicians across Westminster, across the House of Commons, but also will be working with others  with the Irish Government and with the EU  to find a way that enables us to maintain our commitments that we have set, very clearly, for no hard border, but to do it in a way that provides a Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration for the future that can command support across the House of Commons and therefore that we will be able to ratify with the EU such that we leave on March 29 with a deal.

Mrs May said that the UK wanted to maintain and enhance the strongest possible bilateral relationship with the Republic of Ireland after Brexit.

Today those ties of family and friendship between our countries are more important than they have ever been, she said.

And I believe theres a yearning in the hearts of all the people of these islands for a close, trusting relationship between all of us, and an absolute horror that we should take even a single step backwards in the progress weve collectively achieved.

Mrs May said she wanted to work closely with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Irish Government to strengthen the bilateral relationship.

As we leave the EU, we will need to establish new ways of coming together to develop further our unique relationship, she said.

This could involve annual ministerial meetings and collaboration in areas like construction and smart cities, said Mrs May. And she restated the UK Governments readiness to support the tantalising possibility of a joint UK/Ireland bid for the football World Cup in 2030, if the countries football associations decide to mount one.
The number of single people in the East Cork region seeking one-bed local authority housing has outstripped those seeking larger homes.

It is believed to be the first time this has happened in any of the county's eight municipal authorities.

The news came as somewhat of a shock to councillors when they received an update of housing waiting lists at a recent meeting of the East Cork Municipal District Council, which was held in Youghal.

Other municipal authorities have seen a growing increase in the number of single people seeking their help, but the East Cork region is understood to be the first to report that they are now the biggest sector of society seeking help.

The East Cork housing needs report showed that 903 people were looking for single bed accommodation from the local authority.

This compared to 896 who requested two-bed units, 744 looking for three-bed units, 129 for four beds and just one looking for a five-bed home.

Of those who had applied for the one-bed homes, five of them signalled that they would have to be disability-friendly.

In total 18 expressed this preference for two-bed units, 10 for three bed and one for four-bed homes.

Cllr Mary Linehan-Foley said it is now obvious that there is a major need to address the growing number of people who were seeking to acquire one-bed housing: We have a major crisis with single people looking for housing."

However, council officials have pointed out that there is probably a need to put them into two-bed units because they have a right to have visitors/relatives stay over and they may need carers to do this when they get older.

Cllr Noel Collins

Cllr Noel Collins, who is known for his voluntary social work in the region, said it is a critical situation which isn't being addressed.

While there are changes in Irish society in recent years with separation and divorce becoming more common, Cllr Collins claimed the homelessness issue was becoming more pronounced, especially among single, older men who for one reason or another can't afford spiralling rents.

He said he is inundated with calls from such people and regularly helps get them a warm place to sleep with the Simon community in Cork City.

Cllr Collins said there is no homeless shelter in the East Cork region and one is urgently needed there: People are suffering while empty buildings remain idle.

"I'm sick of going out every night trying to find shelter for people. There needs to be a shelter in East Cork.
The legal team for a woman seriously ill with cervical cancer has questioned if they were given her correct smear slide by the laboratory.

Limerick woman, Ruth Morrissey is suing the HSE and two laboratories over alleged misreading of two of her cervical smear tests taken under the CervicalCheck screening programme in 2009 and 2012.

It has now emerged that a form submitted with the 2012 slide from MedLab laboratory which was sent for testing contained details relating to another woman - but allegedly purported to be signed by Ms Morrissey.

High Court judge, Justice Kevin Cross said the case is "getting stranger and stranger".

Ms Morrissey's solicitor, Cian O'Carroll, has now written to MedLab outlining his concerns about this slide and seeking an explanation.

There is now a concern about whether the experts on Ms Morrissey's side have ever examined the correct slide, said Counsel for Ms Morrissey, Patrick Treacy SC. He also told the court that his side is not suggesting any impropriety.

Jeremy Maher SC, for Ms Morrissey, said the 2012 MedLab slide appeared to have a cytology form which included a different address and date of birth to Ruth Morrissey and details of a different and older person, which the court called Woman B.

He said the Morrissey side now requires a full explanation as to why this form was included and why was Ruth Morriseys signature on the form. He said that Ruth Morrissey can return to the witness box and she will give evidence that she did not sign that form. He said the concern now is whether their expert has ever seen the correct slide.

Cervical expert, Dr Michael McKenna, has given evidence that cervical cancer on the balance of probabilities was there in 2012 when a smear slide tested by MedLab laboratory was reported as negative.

Eoin McCullough SC for MedLab yesterday told the court that in July 2018 when the Ruth Morrissey slide was sent out time was at a premium - he says there was no requisition form and that a mock-up form was created. He said the correct slide was analysed.

Patrick Treacy SC, for Ms Morrissey, said it has been confirmed that Woman B went for a smear test in 2011 - 11 months before Ruth Morrissey.

He said the fundamental question is  if any of us tested the right slide in the case". He added it could also have been the wrong slide at the time of the audit.

Ruth Morrissey and her husband, Paul Morrissey, of Kylemore, Schoolhouse Road, Monaleen, Co Limerick have sued the HSE and the US laboratory Quest Diagnostics Ireland Ltd with offices at Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin along with Medlab Pathology Ltd with offices at Sandyford Business Park, Dublin 18.

It is claimed there was an alleged failure to correctly report and diagnose and there was an alleged misinterpretation of her smear samples taken in 2009 and 2012. It is also claimed that a situation allegedly developed where Ms Morrisseys cancer spread unidentified, unmonitored and untreated until she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in June 2014.

It is further claimed a review of the 2009 and 2012 smears took place in 2014 and 2015 with the results sent to Ms Morrissey's treating gynaecologist in 2016, but she was not told until May 2018 of those review results which showed that her smears were reported incorrectly.

The Morrisseys further contend that if Ms Morrissey had been told the results of the smear test audits in late 2014 or early 2015, she would have insisted on an MRI and other scans.

The court has already heard that the HSE admits it owed a duty of care to Ms Morrissey but not to her husband. The laboratories deny all claims.

The case before Mr Justice Cross continues today.
Dublin City Councillors have approved a proposal to increase parking charges in the city.

From July, prices will be hiked by 10 percent - the first increase since 2008.

Draft bye-laws for the changes have been approved and will now be put to public consultation in the coming weeks, according to The Irish Times.

It means charges in the high demand yellow zones will rise from 2.90 to 3.20 an hour.

The red zone will increase from 2.40 an hour to 2.70.

While Green Zones will remain at 1.60.

The council's traffic department has also proposed to extend each of the high demand zones to cover more streets.

Dublin's Lord Mayor Nial Ring has welcomed the changes.

He says on-street parking will still be cheaper than the majority of private car parks in the city centre.

Green Party Councillor Ciaran Cuffe says the public can now have their say on the changes but he thinks the hikes are fair.

I think it's a modest increase. It's certainly a lot less than bus fares have gone up over the last 10 years.

"We're hoping that it will ensure that we balance the books within Dublin City Council and it will provide us with money to improve public transport, walking and cycling facilities in town."
INMO branch chief says strike shows things havent changed much since 1999 dispute, writes Tia Clarke.

"I cant believe were out here picketing for the same reason 20 years later.

Those were the words of a frustrated Colette Vize, nurse and chairperson of the Dundalk branch of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), as she walked the picket line outside Louth County Hospital last Wednesday morning along with 30 of her colleagues.

The Louth nurses were on a 24-hour work stoppage in solidarity with the 35,000 INMO nurses and midwives across the country involved in a dispute over pay and staff shortages which will see services grind to a halt again today.

Further strikes are also planned for Thursday and then February 12, 13, and 14. Over the weekend, they added February 19 and 21 to their schedule.

Ms Vize recalled: I was out here on strike 20 years ago with my 11-month old son in my arms. There was a picture of me and Oisin in The Examiner. Hes a 21- year-old student in Dundalk IT now.

We went on strike in 1999 over safe staffing levels. It just shows you, things havent changed that much.

The clinical nurse manager at the stroke ward in the Louth County Hospital told how nurses didnt ever think theyd have to fight the same battle two decades on.

I didnt think Id ever be out on the picket line again, said Ms Vize. I can remember the nine days of no pay in 99. A lot of nurses remember it.

"Back then, we said never again, and this just shows you how strongly we feel about this issue. We swore we wouldnt do it again, but here we are.

While she says nurses made a small leap of progress following their strikes in 1999, in terms of nursing being upgraded to a degree course, the fight still continues for the profession to achieve pay parity.

Coverage in The Examiner of the nurses strike in 1999, featuring Colette Vize and her 11-month-old son Oisin on picket duty outside Louth County Hospital in Dundalk. Picture: Tom Conachy

Were out here looking for the same things. We got the recognition we needed, but now were not on parity with other health care professionals, she explained.

Most Allied Health professionals work 35 hours per week and theyre there eight to five (8am-5pm). Nurses work 39 hours per week spread over a seven-day period, which can include nightshifts and other unsociable hours.

Staff retention is another major issue, as other jurisdictions, such as Britain, Australia and Dubai, lure Irish nursing graduates with better pay and conditions.

Nursing is a four-year degree course. The newly qualified nurses are getting 5,000 less than people qualifying as physiotherapists and in other healthcare professions, said Ms Vize.

So the young nurses are using the degree here and then leaving the country.

The training they receive here is excellent, but they are having to emigrate to other countries where there are better wages and conditions (due to proper patient-to-staff ratios being implemented), which just cant be matched here.

If anything, the pressure has increased over the last two decades for nurses working on the frontline of Irelands health service.

Nurses are under horrendous pressure, said Ms Vize. There are people going off duty crying.

We dont have a safe patient-to-staff ratio in place, so we are overstretched, to say the least.

Colette at the nurses strike at Louth County Hospital last week.

The experienced nurse also cites a population increase and the fact that Irish people are living longer as factors in the crisis.

The population in Ireland has increased greatly over the last few decades, so the demand for services is much higher, she said.

People are also living longer, which means more complex diagnostics and care is needed.

Nurses are doing 12-hour shifts with no breaks and, when nurses finish up, they dont clock off then, you have to stay until the job is done.

"Were doing night shifts, holidays and weekends to claim the premium hours and earn more, because the wages are so bad.

Despite the many grievances Irish nurses have, she said the professions duty of care to their patients is always at the forefront of their minds.

If the strikes continue, waiting lists will go up again and we dont want to see that, said Ms Vize.

The Government needs to act quickly and come to a resolution.

In the meantime, the Louth nurse will have her family out supporting her at the picket line, whatever the weather.

Ms Vize carried her son on her hip back in 1999. Now, he towers over her at the picket line 20 years later.

Obviously, my son Oisin doesnt remember being out here the first time around; he was only a baby at the time. I was delighted he came down to the picket line today.

Hes never seen his mam on strike before, hes used to seeing me just head off to work, but he came down to show his support, as he knows his mother is grumpy, underpaid and overworked. Enough is enough.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has accused the Government of a cynical attempt to break their strike action after two ministers urged nurses to meet for fresh talks  on any issue except pay.

INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha rubbished the offer after Health Minister Simon Harris and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the warring sides could hold peace talks through the Workplace Relations Commission.

In a joint statement last night, just hours before thousands of INMO members prepared to down tools for the second time in less than a week today, Mr Harris and Mr Donohoe said they believe an agreement can be reached to call off the strikes.

Saying the independent Workplace Relations Commission remain available to facilitate talks, the two senior ministers said the Government is willing to discuss the matter further with nurses if they leave the picket lines.

However, in a remark that has fueled fresh anger, Mr Harris and Mr Donohoe who last week sparked anger by saying they were legally considering blocking striking nurses from receiving planned pay increases, before a Government U-turn on the hardline position at the weekend  added the talks could happen on any issue, except pay.

The Ministers for Health and Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform note with disappointment that further strike action by the INMO is going ahead tomorrow [Tuesday] and Thursday, a joint statement read.

The Government has always listened to the concerns expressed by nurses in relation to working conditions and job satisfaction as well as the patient experience.

The ministers continue to be willing to engage in talks on the range of workplace related issues other than pay to try to resolve the dispute.

"This initiative could focus on the contribution and arrangements for the further rollout of the Safe Staffing Framework to improve staff and patient outcomes and reduce reliance on agency staffing in our hospitals.

In addition, this engagement would encompass other relevant organisational issues appropriate to supporting quality and efficiency in the provision of patient service delivery in an integrated way.

The ministers call for immediate engagement in the context of the current dispute with relevant union interests and understand that the Workplace Relations Commission remain available to facilitate the parties in this regard.

Ms Ni Sheaghdha hit back at the Government last night, accusing Mr Harris and Mr Donohoe of the most cynical move I have seen in a long time.

The union leader said while non-pay issues involving nurses were addressed in a 2017 deal, this agreement collapsed, in her view, because HSE managers were unable to fill existing posts.

Noting the decision again by Government to insist that pay cannot be discussed, Ms Ni Sheaghdha said the position is spin and hugely disrespectful to nurses, adding that she was disappointed to learn of the ministers view via a press release instead of in person.

Phil Ni Sheaghdha

Government sources have indicated they are in favour of resolving the ongoing dispute in any way possible, provided the wider public sector pay deal is not affected, adding they are willing to consider potential proposals during Workplace Relations Commission talks.

However, Sinn Fein health spokeswoman Louise OReilly dismissed the suggestion last night, telling the Irish Examiner there is no point in returning to Workplace Relations Commission talks just a week after they broke down unless pay is on the agenda.

I have never in my life dealt with a Government less capable of addressing an industrial relations dispute, she said.

There is no point in returning to the WRC yet unless pay increases are there, because nothing has changed.
A new booklet outlining the range of mental health supports available to young people in Cork has been launched this morning.

It is targeted at teenagers aged 15 and over, and aims to provide information that is accessible, clear and youth-friendly.
Popular Cork city bar The Sextant is to close its doors next week, bringing to close decades of hospitality on Albert Street.

Current licensee Hazel Hutchinson said the news came as a tremendous shock to her loyal customer base.

It is going to be a very strange time for the area, some of our regulars are coming here for 40 years plus, so it is going to be strange, she told the Echo. A lot of my regulars are really impacted by it.

One of our regulars had his christening party here way back when and in the last couple of years Ive had two people come in who were born upstairs in the old flats.

It is affecting a lot of people because it is a really homely bar, we have really big local custom base who have been coming for such a long time.

The decision was not made by Ms Hutchinson, who has worked in the bar for close to a decade and held the lease for the last two years.

She was given notice to quit by her landlord and understands that the property has been sold for redevelopment.

A number of major office developments have sprung up in the area, including Navigation Square and One Albert Quay.

We always knew it was coming down the line, it is a prime location for redevelopment but I wasnt expecting it so soon, I thought we would have another year out of it, she said.

The closure will take place on February 16 and will impact the 18 staff working in the business, between the kitchen and bar.

However, Ms Hutchinson says plans for a new business are at an advanced stage.

We think that we have found a new city centre location and we hope to relocate and open a business along the same lines, she said.

It will be the same product and have the same atmosphere which is what it is all about. We believe our customers will follow us.
A man who helped steal a 620 chainsaw from a creamery by hiding it under his sisters skirt has been jailed.

Florin Munteanu, of 1 Mill Road, Millstreet, Co Cork, has also been banned from visiting West Cork as a result of the theft, to which he pleaded guilty at Clonakilty District Court.

Sgt Paul Kelly told Judge James McNulty that Munteanu, aged 30, visited the Underhill, Dunmanway, branch of Drinagh Co-Op at 3pm on April 4, 2018, in the company of a woman, later identified as his sister.

Sgt Kelly said the pair took a steel chainsaw, valued at 620, from the shelf and placed it under the front of the females skirt and then left the store.

Mr Munteanu was later identified through CCTV footage of the incident and was arrested, with Sgt Kelly telling the court that the defendant made certain admissions during Garda interview.

The court heard the woman involved in the theft had already been prosecuted and fined a total of 1,000 for her involvement, including 700 in compensation to the store for the chainsaw, which was never recovered.

She also received a suspended sentence when the matter came before court last September.

Sgt Kelly said Munteanu had 30 previous convictions including two for theft and a number for other offences including begging and road traffic infractions.

His solicitor, Ray Hennessy, asked that the judge be lenient on the basis that the woman involved had already paid compensation to the store. Judge McNulty said that was restitution.

Your client is involved in barefaced theft in a rural co-op, the judge said.

Whatever took them in there, they could not leave without thieving.

Judge McNulty said it was determined thieving and he had no doubt that Munteanu was the main offender and that his sister was less culpable.

Giving Munteanu credit for his guilty plea and the payment of compensation, the judge sentenced him to 10 months in prison, four months of which is to be served immediately with the remaining six months suspended for two years on the usual terms including that he keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

But Judge McNulty also placed an extra condition which means Munteanu can visit Macroom, but not Bandon or any town west of it.

He can visit Macroom but he stays out of West Cork because he is a thief, said the judge.
Health Minister Simon Harris has said revised terms inquiring into the spiralling costs for the National Childrens Hospital will include any recommendations on how to reduce the final bill.

He also confirmed that more heads could roll over the controversy.

The moves come as the Governments new terms for the probe are also set to include holding individuals to account, a U-turn forced on them after ongoing criticism over who is to blame for the overruns.

Under the changed review, Mr Harris said the PwC team examining the build on the St James Hospital site could put forward options to help reduce the bill.

There are differing estimates for the cost of building the childrens hospital.

It was costed at 983m just two years ago, but now stands at 1.73bn. An Oireachtas committee last week heard that a final bill surpassing 2bn could not be ruled out.

However, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar predicted last weekend that the final cost would instead be in the order of 1.4bn or 1.5bn. He revealed the terms for a probe would be tweaked to assign blame.

Mr Harris, speaking to RTE yesterday, confirmed that the inquiry would also look at ways to reduce costs, but that he would not allow the project to be halted.

While refusing to pre-empt any outcome of the PwC report, he said it would look who did what, where and when or what was not done, but that PwC could not sanction individuals. Instead, that would be the Governments job, he said.

Questions have been raised about just how the PwCs new terms will allow the company to level blame on individuals for a public project, involving members of boards and officials.

One Cabinet member, Environment Minister Richard Bruton, had already flagged on the weekend that individuals blamed could bring lawyers into the probe.

And Mr Harris yesterday seemed to row back from the Taoiseachs commitments. He said, instead, that the PwC review would look at weaknesses, or any problems with design or board decisions. The review would go as far as it possibly can, he said.

Speaking later on RTE, Mr Harris conceded that he should himself be held accountable for the overrun.

He also insisted he had made every effort between August and November last year to find out why the hospital costs had risen so sharply, with due diligence and a number of reports.

But Public Accounts Committee member Jonathan OBrien has expressed doubt about the Taoiseachs commitment to blame individuals.

He suggested the pledge was made on the hoof by Mr Varadkar during a weekend radio interview as even Oireachtas committees struggled to assign blame.

Meanwhile, chairman of the Oireachtas health committee, Dr Michael Harty, has again called on Department of Public Expenditure officials to appear before his committee over the scandal.

There is confusion about what officials, as well Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe himself, knew around the escalating hospital costs.

Dr Harty said that his department would have had to approve the 450m overrun, so there is a need to find out the level of its involvement.

He said it seemed unbelievable that the departments representative on the hospital development board did not report what he knew to the minister.

Timeline

A timeline of the history behind the national childrens hospital.

1993: A paediatric hospital in Dublin is proposed by paediatrics at the Royal College of Physicians.

2006: The HSE decides on the Mater campus as the site. That is agreed by the government.

2007: The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) is set up then health minister Mary Harney to develop the site.

2012: Planning is refused and St Jamess Hospital is later announced as the chosen location by then health minister Dr James Reilly.

2013: This is when, according to the Oireachtas health committee, a senior official from the Department of Public Expenditure was sitting on the hospital development board.

2016: Then health minister Leo Varadkar promises the project will be built after planning is granted.

2017: A budget of 983m is agreed and construction begins on the site.

Aug 2017: Hospital oversight board minutes show a cost overrun was first raised.

Aug 21, 2018: This is when Health Minister Simon Harris said he first became aware of concerns around the cost.

Autumn 2018: The Taoiseach tells the Dail the hospital may cost even more than 1.43bn. This is some 450m more than that projected in April 2017.

Oct 2018: This is when, according to the secretary general of the Department of Health, that the Department of Public Expenditure was informed about problems with costs

Early November: When Mr Harris says he was actually informed of the final figure for the childrens hospital.

Nov 2018: This is when Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe says he became of the nature and seriousness of the huge costs. However, he also says that the awareness of the issue began to build a bit before that.

Dec 2018: Cabinet agrees to second-phase of the project but also approves the independent PwC review.

Jan 2019: Oireachtas committees probe the soaring costs

Feb 2019: NPHDB chairman Tom Costello resigns
Gardai have searched 23 addresses, including six each in Cork and Dublin, as part of an operation targeting the possession and distribution of child pornography.

Follow up searches will be carried out in the coming days as part of a further crackdown.

Gardai have confirmed that warrants to search were executed at 23 addresses in eleven counties under Operation Ketch 5, the latest phase of an ongoing search and recovery operation targeting suspects involved in the possession and distribution of child pornography through social networking sites or via file sharing networks.

The Online Child Exploitation Unit (OnCE) at the Garda National Protection Services Bureau is leading the operation.

It was assisted by the newly established divisional protection service units and local detective units in each of the searches.

The addresses included six in each of Cork and Dublin, two in each of Donegal and Monaghan and one in each of Clare, Carlow, Cavan, Meath, Louth, Limerick and Kerry.

The searches took place between February 1 and 4 and further searches are due to take place in the coming days.

Digital material has been seized for forensic examination at all addresses searched.

Teenagers can be subjected to online sexual coercion and extortion. We want to make young people aware of such criminal behaviour, how they can protect themselves online and where to find help and support.



For more see: https://t.co/SNLvsBN05h#BeInCtrl @Webwise_Ireland pic.twitter.com/RwxGJfcHQc  Garda Info (@gardainfo) February 5, 2019

Liaison is being maintained with the Child & Family Agency regarding any child protection concerns that arise.

Operation Ketch was started in February 2018 when gardai raided 38 addresses. Two of the suspects identified at that stage were juveniles.

This was followed by a search of 38 addresses in July 2018, during which child sex dolls were seized at one address.

There were 34 addresses targeted in September 2018. A business selling child sex dolls online was searched and an arrest was made.

In December 2018, Operation Ketch 4 saw 27 addresses searched. Cocaine and cannabis valued at 7,000 was recovered at one address.

In total, 137 addresses were searched during the course of 2018 under Operation Ketch.

The timing of phase 5 was to coincide with Safer Internet Day 2019.

Gardai are, in conjunction with Webwise, promoting the Be in Ctrl Schools Programme which aims to inform students of the risk of online exploitation, raise awareness regarding safe online behaviour and empower young people to seek help and report incidents to the Gardai.

The resource deals with online coercion and extortion of children, which is a form of digital blackmail, sometimes referred to as sextortion, where sexual information or images are used to extort sexual material, sexual favours or money from children.
Garda Keith Harrison, who gave evidence before the Disclosures Tribunal, has secured a High Court order halting an internal Garda investigation into alleged breaches of discipline by him.

In proceedings against the Garda Commissioner Garda Harrison, who denied the alleged misconduct, claimed the investigation has been brought following certain adverse comments made about the Garda in an interim report by the tribunal chairman Mr Justice Peter Charleton.

His lawyers argued the tribunal's comments cannot have any legal implications nor can they be relied upon by the Garda Commissioner to discipline Garda Harrison and the investigation should be prohibited.

Last October, the Garda secured permission from the High Court to bring judicial review proceedings seeking to have the decision to commence an investigation halted.

Today Mark Harty, SC for Garda Harrison, told Mr Justice Seamus Noonan that following talks between the sides it had been agreed that the Court could make an order quashing the decision to appoint an officer to investigate alleged breaches of discipline by the Garda.

Counsel also told the court that an order for costs could be made in his favour.

Previously, the Disclosures Tribunal rejected allegations made by Garda Harrison and his partner Marissa Simms including that Ms Simms was compelled by gardai to make a statement against him which led to a Tusla referral.

Garda Keith Harrison and his partner Marissa Simms outside the Disclosures Tribunal in September 2017.

The Co. Donegal-based garda also alleged he was the victim of a five-year intimidation campaign after arresting a fellow officer for drink-driving in Athlone in 2009.

In an interim report, Mr Justice Charleton said all of Garda Harrison and Marisa Simms' allegations examined by the tribunal were "entirely without any validity.

The judge said he was exonerating persons within Tusla and An Garda Siochana who had been accused of wrongdoing.

Last July, Garda Harrison was informed that a Garda Superintendent has been appointed to conduct an internal investigation into alleged breaches of discipline by him.

That decision resulted in his legal proceedings, which Mr Justice Noonan struck out.
Representatives of the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Bus Eireann are to be invited to meet Cork County Council to discuss ways that all bus services in the county can be made wheelchair-friendly.

There was unanimous support for the move after Cllr Danny Collins said the relevant groups needed to get together to ensure disabled people have the same access to public transport as the able-bodied.

The Bantry-based councillor said he had spoken to a number of wheelchair users around the county who, on many routes, have to give Bus Eireann 24 hours notice if they want to travel on a bus specially adapted for their needs.

However, he pointed out that in many cases the buses were not being made available, especially in the West Cork region.

Mr Collins said unions representing bus drivers had called for many more buses to be made wheelchair-friendly and for drivers to receive training to help wheelchair users.

I am calling on Cork County Council and Bus Eireann to work closer together to provide proper wheelchair-accessible bus stops throughout the county.

He said the council had to ensure that kerbs were raised at bus stops to make it easier for wheelchair users to access and exit buses.

He spoke of one young woman living in Dunmanway who could not access such services and she had told him wheelchair-user friends, also from that area, had to relocate to Cork for college or work as they could not commute from their homes.

Cllr Danny Collins

Cllr Joe Carroll, meanwhile, said wheelchair-bound people were also discriminated against as a result of the lack of accessible buses.

There was a wheelchair-friendly bus stop put in in Skibbereen near the church some years ago, he said.

However, if you came back into town on the return journey in the evening youd be dropped off somewhere else which doesnt make sense. The whole thing has to be dealt with properly.

Cllr Danielle Twomey said shed spoken to a woman living in east Cork who could not access her college course due to the unavailability of an accessible bus.

Councillors Seamus McGrath and Kevin Murphy pointed out to Mr Collins that he also needed to invite the NTA to the talks as they basically control everything Bus Eireann did.

Mr Murphy described Mr Collins motion as a no brainer, adding that all new buses brought into service should be wheelchair-friendly.
A British businessman has challenged a refusal by IBRC to recognise a judgement for stg113m (128m) he obtained against it over the sale of a 100-room mansion in the UK.

Baljit Singh Bhandal, also known as Barry Bhandal, was once the beneficial owner of a property known as Updown Court in Windlesham in Surrey, England.

In order to fund the redevelopment of the property, he borrowed some stg14m from Irish Nationwide Building Society in 2000.

However, following an investigation into alleged money laundering a restraint order was placed over Mr Bhandal's assets by British Customs (HMRC) officials in 2001 and the house was sold by an INBS appointed receiver for stg14m in 2002.

The restraint order was lifted in 2006 and Mr Bhandal was never charged with any offence in regards to the alleged money laundering.

He sued INBS's successor in title IBRC for damage arising out of what he claimed was the sale at an undervalue of Updown Manor, which he claims is worth stg80m.

He obtained a judgment against IBRC in 2013 for stg113m, after IBRC opted not to contest the matter as at the time it did not expect there would be any money to pay a dividend to unsecured creditors, and did not accrue to any further costs.

Arising out of the judgment Mr Bhandal obtained a European Enforcement Order and submitted his claim in IBRC's special liquidation.

IRBC special liquidators informed Mr Bhandal in 2017 that they were not bound by his claim as it was not true and bona fide, and after a careful review of key documentation, held there is not a true underlying liability on the part of IBRC.

Arising out of the refusal Mr Bhandal has brought proceedings in the Irish High Court against Irish Banking Resolution Corporation Ltd (In special liquidation)

IBRC, represented by Michael Collins SC and Andrew Fitzpatrick SC, opposes the application, which they argue should be dismissed.

He seeks orders under the 2014 Companies Act that the Stg113m judgement he secured against the IBRC from the English High Court in March 2013 be admitted to proof as an unsecured liability in the special liquidation.

He also wants the High Court to review the manner in which IBRC's special liquidators exercised their powers in rejecting his claim, and how they have sought to look behind the judgement he obtained from the English High Court in 2013.

He claims IBRC has failed to exercise their powers appropriately in the manner in how they adjudicated his claim.

The case commenced before Mr Justice Tony O'Connor today and is expected to continue for several days.

Opening the case Aidan Redmond SC, appearing with Dave Whelan Bl, instructed by solicitors said his client had successfully worked for many years in the alcohol and off-licence business.

In the late 1990s, he became the beneficial owner of a large then-derelict property known as Updown Court in Windlesham in Surrey, England.

He invested stg8m of his own funds in the redevelopment of the property, and also borrowed from lenders including INBS.

He had hoped to sell the property, but in July 2001 UK Revenue and Custom's obtained a restraint order on his assets for alleged money laundering and duty evasion.

Counsel said IBRC seemed to be basing its decision not to recognise his client's debt on a 2015 judgment by the English High Court concerning Mr Bhandal's damages claim against HMRC over the making of the restraint order against his assets in 2001.

His claim was dismissed and in his judgment, Mr Justice Andrew Collins concluded that Mr Bhandal was involved in money laundering and that Updown Court had been acquired through the proceeds of crime.

There was nothing in that judgement which demonstrated the 2013 proceedings were anything other than a properly conducted judicial process, counsel said.

Counsel said IBRC is not entitled to rely on those findings in the 2015 judgment and said his client denies involvement in money laundering, or that the property was acquired with the proceeds of crime.

Mr Bhandal, he said, was never charged with, let alone convicted, of the offences referred to by Mr Justice Collins.

Counsel said that IBRC is not entitled to deal with his client's claim in this manner, and its actions were fundamentally unfair.

Opposing the action the special liquidators say they were obliged to look behind the 2013 judgement and were entitled to rely on the findings contained in the 2015 judgement.

The special liquidator's assessment of the 2015 decision, they claim, was entirely appropriate and in accordance with proper procedure.

The hearing continues.
The skies of the Jurassic Period were rich with insect life and dominated by flying reptiles called pterosaurs.

Then along came Archaeopteryx. This small dinosaur with special feathers shaped to catch the wind was the first-ever bird and its descendants came to dominate the sky.

An exhibition currently on at the National Museum of Ireland features a reconstruction of what Archaeopteryx may have looked like.

Mounted on a model Ginkgo tree and chasing a Protolindenia dragonfly, the reconstruction was specially made for Jurassic Skies by artist and model maker, Tony Hitchcock.

The exhibition, which runs until March 24, is being held in collaboration with the National Museum of Wales and was officially launched at the Decorative Arts and History branch in Collins Barracks, Dublin.

The Welsh museums director general, David Anderson, who described it as a collaborative effort by teams from both museums and something we intend to develop in terms of partnership.

Illustration of the Archaeopteryx

Chairwoman of the Board of the National Museum of Ireland, Catherine Heaney, echoed those sentiments, saying: Collaboration is a central theme of the National Museum of Irelands strategy.

"During a time, when Brexit could potentially put borders and barriers between Ireland and Wales, this initiative of a joint exhibition shows that cultural ties can continue to flourish, regardless.

Jurassic Skies tells the story of the evolution of flight, offering visitors the opportunity to view a number of rarely seen fossils from the National Museum of Irelands collections.

The focal point of the exhibition is the Archaeopteryx, often thought of as the missing-link between dinosaurs and birds.

David Anderson, Lynn Scarff, director, National Museum, and Paolo Viscardi at the opening of the exhibition. Picture: Paul Sherwood

Only 12 skeletal specimens have ever been found, all coming from the Bavarian town of Solnhofen in southern Germany.

Archaeopteryx is the earliest fossil that shows adaptations to powered flight, with asymmetrical feathers and development of the areas of the brain associated with flight in modern birds.

Director of the National Museum of Ireland, Lynn Scarff, said: This exciting exhibition gives audiences an insight into flight and the missing link between dinosaurs and birds.

"This is an opportunity to see how the Archaeopteryx looked and took flight.

"With the National Museum of Ireland now open seven days a week, its a terrific opportunity  over the next two months  to see a fascinating element of natural history come alive.
There was a slight increase in activity in the residential property market in Cork last year, with the total number of houses and apartment sales up 1.4%.

However, the total value of all properties sold in the county in 2018 rose by 20% to 1.6bn  up from 1.34bn the previous year  in a reflection of rising housing prices across Ireland.

The median price of all homes sold in Cork city and county increased by 12.2%, from 205,000 in 2017 to 230,000 last year.

An analysis of the Residential Property Price Register shows that a total of 5,646 homes in Cork were sold at full market price during 2018  an annual increase of 79 transactions.

The final total may increase slightly due to a number of late filings.

The increase was driven by an increase in the number of new houses and apartments sold last year, while the second-hand property market remained effectively static.

Sales of 928 new homes were recorded in 2018 compared to 840 the previous year.

Average prices paid for new properties in Cork last year was considerably higher than those paid for second-hand homes in the county, due to the concentration of new developments in Cork city and suburbs including Ballincollig and Carrigaline.

The median price of all new houses and apartments sold in 2018 was 329,075 compared to 214,000 for second-hand properties.

The corresponding figures in 2017 respectively were 265,975 and 199,000.

The most expensive residential property sold in Cork last year was the residential element of the 17-storey Elysian Tower in Cork.

Kennedy Wilson, an international real estate firm, paid 67.7m for the 206 apartments in the mixed-use development, which also contains 67,500 sq ft of retail and office space and more than 550 parking spaces in a deal which totalled 87.5m.

Cork developer Michael OFlynn spent 100m building the landmark tower block which was completed in 2008 just before the collapse of the property market.

The second-largest property deal was the sale of 120 out of the 188 housing units in the Quadrants, another mixed-use development in Ballincollig, which was also built by OFlynn Construction, for 21.4m.

One of the most valuable individual property transactions was a house at Scilly Hill in Kinsale which sold for 2.55m.

CSO figures show that buyers who were either trading up or down accounted for 44% of all residential property sales in Cork last year.

First-time buyers bought 27% of all properties sold while investors, including institutional investors, accounted for 29% of the total.
Residents in a west Waterford townland have lodged an appeal to Bord Pleanala against Waterford Councils decision to grant planning for a solar farm on a 74-acre rural site.

The company Engie Developments Ireland Ltd, a subsidiary of global energy giant Engie, has earmarked a site at Poulboutia, seven kilometres north of Cappoquin, to construct power-generating units mounted on metal frames, inclusive of an electrical control building and up to eight inverter units.

Engie is reportedly the worlds largest independent power producer, with a payroll of 150,000 across 70 countries. It boasted a 66.6bn turnover in 2017.

Waterford Council granted the company 25-year planning with 17 conditions.

But angry locals say the development is totally unsuitable, visually, posing a health and safety risk and not likely to provide extra employment.

They also claim the council may have been misled as a map, with the planning application, did not depict some residential units near the site.

Central to the appeal lodged by the Affane Concerned Community Group is its contention that a failure by Engie to provide an Environmental Impact Statement by not yet seeking planning for a grid connection makes the application incomplete and invalid.

The appeal says Waterford Council contravened legislation by facilitating a split project application contrary to a landmark ruling in OGriann v Bord Pleanala in 2014 that grid connection cannot be regarded as separate planning.

The appeal insists the application had denied the public the right to make a fully informed decision on the project.

While the companys application speculated it could later connect to a 38 kv substation 2.5 km south, the appeal stipulates that the substation is actually an insufficient 10 kv structure, it was also claimed.

The appeal noted traffic is already high volume with heavy vehicles daily accessing a nearby poultry farm and other agricultural and general traffic frequenting narrow roads.

Other concerns voiced in appeals include a risk to health through radio frequencies from the relatively high number of inverters, the risk of 'flying debris' during a storm and the lack of national guidelines.

However, the company's business development manager, John McGarry said Engie wants to continue to engage with local residents" and intends to respond to the comments and local concerns through the appeals' process.
UCC Commerce Societys annual conference takes place on Thursday, with a focus on a new Ireland 10 years after the economic crash.

Speakers at this years conference at Vertigo in County Hall include RTE director general Dee Forbes; Ryanair chief operations officer Peter Bellew, chair of the Marketing Institute of Ireland and manager of brand operations at Vodafone, Paula Murphy; founder of Morgan McKinley, Pat Fitzgerald; and partner of KPMG, Michael Lynch.

Conference organisers said the theme this year of the conference is "A New Eire".

We feel, as a Commerce Society, that the dedication and hard work of Irish businesses to survive this era should be celebrated as we enter the New Eire of Ireland.

We want our conference to explore the growth of Ireland through diversity, political progression and a positive mindset. What will come of Ireland in the next 10 years? We look forward to hearing what our speakers have to say on this topic, the conference organisers said.

We feel this theme is very current and topical now, with Brexit looming, who knows how the New Eire will hold for us as students, and Ireland in general, they added.

Conference directors are Elaine Murphy and Jennifer O Dowling, with Laura Joy, Ciara Dineen, Darragh Cronin and Ger OConnell on the committee.

The Irish Examiner is media partner for the annual conference, while main sponsors are KPMG, Enterprise Ireland, Port of Cork, ODM Financial Advisors, Janssen, Cork Airport and Musgrave.
Royal London has been given approval to transfer over 1bn worth of assets to Ireland as the fund manager steps up its Brexit contingency planning.

The life, pensions and investment company has 114bn in total funds under management, received approval from the High Court on Tuesday for the move, which involves over 500,000 policies.

It is designed to deal with the consequences of a no-deal hard Brexit, in which Britain's financial services sector would lose passporting rights that allow them to function in the EU's single market, the world's richest trading bloc.

In approving the switch to Dublin, Mr Justice Snowden said in his judgement: "In common with many other financial institutions, Royal London is concerned that in the event of a 'no-deal' Brexit it will lose the 'passporting' rights which currently enable it to rely upon its authorisation in the UK to carry out regulated activities to service its policyholders in other European Economic Area member states.

"To address this possibility, Royal London wishes to transfer its long-term business with policyholders in the EEA to RLI, which is be authorised and regulated in the Republic of Ireland, and thus able to service the policies concerned after Brexit, whatever form that may take."

Just over 1bn gross is transferring, but because the business is being reinsured, the net asset transfer amounts to 10.5m.

Royal London has told its policyholders that even if an agreement between Britain and the EU were to be reached permitting it to continue administering the policies from the UK after Brexit, it is now "committed to the transfer".

Royal London's new Ireland arm has been capitalised with 40m from the parent company and one-off costs of the transfer are estimated to be 21m.

Several banks - including the Baclays, Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and a host of others - have set up continental hubs in preparation for Britain's exit from the EU.

This involves hundreds of jobs and hundreds of billions in assets being shifted out of London, hitting the Treasury's tax revenue and denting the capital's reputation as a financial centre.

Frankfurt, Germany's financial capital, is one of the biggest beneficiaries of Brexit.

For its part, Royal London is creating 20 new jobs in Dublin.

-Press Association
A company has filed a lawsuit against Idaho State Police and Ada County after authorities seized nearly 7,000 pounds of cannabis from a truck headed to Colorado, the Idaho Statesman reported.

Authorities who stopped the truck said it was filled with marijuana, but Big Sky Scientific LLC, which was shipping the product to Colorado, said in the lawsuit that its industrial hemp, which is now legal under the recently passed U.S. Farm Bill.

Hemp is a non-psychoactive cousin of marijuana. Both hemp and marijuana are cannabis plants.

Big Sky wants its product returned and wants an admission of wrongdoing from the Idaho authorities, according to the Idaho Statesman.

The trucks driver, Dennis Palamarchuk, 36, of Portland, Oregon, was arrested and charged with a felony.

The truck was stopped on Jan. 24 as part of a routine, random commercial vehicle safety inspection between Boise and Mountain Home, ISP spokesman Tim Marsano said. The drivers bill of lading, a document that details the cargo in the shipment, said the trailer was carrying 31 bags of hemp.

Hemp and marijuana plants look and smell similar, but hemp plants typically contain less than 0.3 percent of THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana, while marijuana plants generally contain anywhere from 15 to 40 percent THC.

The plants also have different uses: Hemp can be used to produce a variety of products including food, industrial oil, paper, flour and clothing.

Marijuana plants are often grown for their THC content, and are legal in Oregon, Washington, Colorado, California and several other states but are illegal in Idaho.

The trooper detected a strong odor of marijuana during the inspection and opened one of the bags and performed a field test, Marsano said.

The test showed the plant to be a marijuana plant, and a subsequent team of K9 drug-detection dogs that arrived also indicated that marijuana was present, he said.

Marsano could not say how low of a THC content will generate a positive result by the field tests or whether the dogs were trained to differentiate between marijuana and hemp.

Still, he said transporting anything containing THC is a chargeable offense in Idaho.

Testing on the plant matter is being expedited, Marsano told the newspaper.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Auto Cannabis Colorado
Aetna will pay $935,000 after one of its vendors sent letters to California patients that revealed via a window on the envelopes that the recipients were taking HIV-related medications.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said that the settlement resolves allegations that Aetna violated state health privacy laws.

Aetna says in a statement that it has implemented measures to help ensure such a breach never happens again. The Connecticut-based insurance giant says its committed to protecting sensitive health information.

Officials say nearly 2,000 Californians, and 12,000 people nationwide, received the revealing letters in 2017.

Under the settlement, Aetna must complete an annual privacy risk assessment for three years.

The victims have received over $17 million in compensation through a private class action settlement.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics California Privacy
The annual auto insurance filing from the North Carolina Rate Bureau to the North Carolina Department of Insurance calls for an overall statewide average increase of 7.6 percent, according to a statement from Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey.

The NCRB represents the states insurance companies and is a separate entity from the N.C. Department of Insurance.

By law, the NCRB must submit auto rate filings with the Department every year by February 1.

The 1,196-page rate filing submitted by NCRB with a proposed effective date of Oct. 1, 2019, will be reviewed by NCDOI and if it does not agree with the need for the requested rates, it can negotiate a settlement or call for a hearing.

In 2017, the NCRB requested a 13.8 percent increase citing a dramatic increase in [auto] losses and the cost of those losses since 2014, but a settlement was reached for a 2.2 percent increase  which NCDOI said saved consumers more than $1 billion. The settlement also included an agreement the NCRB would not make a filing in 2018.

Source: North Carolina Department of Insurance

Topics Carriers Trends Auto North Carolina Pricing Trends
An insurance business owner and former official for a Louisiana port has been arrested for stealing nearly $1 million from his clients, authorities said.

Kristian Gaudet, 45, of Cut Off, was charged with two counts of felony theft, The Courier reported.

Deputies said they began investigating Gaudet, a former vice president of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission and owner of Kris Gaudet Insurance and Financial Services, after getting a complaint from a couple about investments they had made with him.

The couple found discrepancies in their records for a $350,000 investment made to Winston Financial, a company Gaudet registered in Louisiana in 2012. Authorities said the couples check had been deposited into the Winston Financial account and Gaudet then transferred most of the money into another account, deputies said.

The money was used for purposes for which it was not intended, authorities said.

In May, another couple had also invested money with Gaudet, who transferred a large amount of that money into another account and used it to buy a home in Larose, deputies said.

Since 2012, Gaudet has frequently used money he received from investors for personal gain including using money clients paid for insurance to buy real estate, investigators said.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) has issued a cease and desist order to Gaudet and his license has been suspended. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has been notified of the investigation and Gaudet has been barred from having any association with any financial agency associated with FINRA.

Gaudet is being held at the Lafourche Parish jail on $1 million bond. It was unknown if he has an attorney.

Gaudet served as vice president of the Port Commission until he was defeated Nov. 6 by fellow Republican Jimmy T-Jim LaFont. Gaudet had served one six-year term on the commission.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Office is asking anyone who has made an investment with Gaudet and his company since 2012 to talk to investigators. The sheriffs office is conducting this investigation in coordination with the FBI, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landrys Office, and LDIs Fraud Division.

Anyone who bought insurance through Gaudet and his company should check their insurers to make sure they have coverage, deputies said.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Louisiana Fraud
Sexist comments, lewd gestures  and worse.

Allegations like these are sorely familiar in the #MeToo era. Only this time, they hail from what seems like Wall Streets Dark Ages: back when Lehman Brothers was flying high.

More than a decade after Lehman collapsed, six women who worked at the banks subprime-mortgage unit are still accusing a former colleague of sexual harassment  and still waiting for answers.

The story of these employees-turned-whistleblowers-turned-plaintiffs gained new attention with a 2018 documentary, Inside Lehman Brothers, about alleged financial irregularities at the bank.

But as the #MeToo movement shakes power structures in some of the nations most visible arenas, the tale also underscores a sober reality for many women in finance. The industry has long nurtured a culture that keeps harassment complaints out of courts and the public eye  and has so far avoided a mega-scandal like the one engulfing Harvey Weinstein.

The Lehman story begins in Sacramento, California, as the great American mortgage bubble was swelling. The women  Coleen Colombo, Cheryl McNeil, Linda Howard-James, Sylvia Vega-Suftin, Isabel Guajardo and Michelle Seymour  were working for BNC Mortgage, Lehmans subprime unit.

Colombo, an underwriter, approached regional leadership about signs of fraudulent lending in early 2005, saying shed seen loan-application files with fabricated pay stubs and doctored numbers, according to the lawsuit.

Pressure to approve loans with falsified information was affecting her physical and emotional health, and she took a leave of absence to deal with the stress, the suit claims. When she returned she was told one of the branchs managers wanted her fired for making the report. Colombo later resigned.

Colombo said in the complaint that an account manager at the office, Daniel Keenan, began sexually harassing her after she expressed concern about the loans. Among other things, she said he entered her office and rubbed his body against hers. Other women reported that Keenan had inappropriately touched them, looked down their blouses and made racist and sexual remarks.

Hostile Workplace

A representative for Lehman didnt respond to requests for comment. Attempts by Bloomberg to reach Keenan were unsuccessful, and a court notice published in 2012 showed he hadnt been served with the complaint because he couldnt be located.

Howard-James, who now uses the surname Weekes, said in an interview that she began flagging altered tax forms and bank statements within six months of joining BNC.

It got to the point where I didnt believe anything in any file, Weekes said. I got pretty efficient at looking at documentation and reporting it back to corporate. I thought I was doing them a huge favor. All I did was put a target on my back.

Weekes attributes much of what she described as a  hostile workplace to her decision to report her findings. She said she was told managers didnt want her to underwrite certain loans and wanted her fired but wouldnt do so because they were afraid shed sue.

Chester Molester

When Guajardo joined the branch in April 2005, she was told not to associate with Colombo and Weekes, according to the lawsuit. Managers asked her to observe them and report on their activities.

Seymour, who joined in May 2005, began being sexually harassed by Keenan around the time she reported fraudulent documents in mortgage-application files, the suit claims. When she complained to a manager, he said hed seen the behavior but dismissed it as fun and games. The manager nicknamed Keenan Chester Molester.

Five of the woman resigned in September 2005, after Keenan approached Weekes in a file room and forced his body against hers while breathing down her neck, the suit says.

McNeil, who said she stopped receiving new loans to process after flagging possible fraudulent activity to a regional account manager, had resigned earlier. She said Keenan made remarks about her clothes, asked about her sex life and made offensive remarks about black people and their music.

Lawsuit Limbo

The six women sued in November 2005. BNC initially sought to send the suit to arbitration, the typical route in finance. But by the time a court ruled the case could go to trial, Lehman had shut the mortgage unit. A year later, the bank collapsed, leaving the lawsuit in limbo.

After resigning from BNC, Weekes worked for Countrywide Financial, a subprime-era giant. But she said that job had many of the same stresses. She ended up taking medical leave and later resigned. For about two years, she struggled to find a steady job in the mortgage industry. The other women reported similar difficulties finding work.

It just felt like I was on a blacklist, Weekes said.

Gary Gwilliam, who represents the women, said money in a trust tied to BNC, believed to be about $10 million, represents the low end of what they should receive based on almost 15 years of lost wages and emotional distress.

Lehman is seeking to preserve this money in case it can be applied toward the $2.4 billion Lehman was ordered to pay last year to resolve a dispute over its flawed residential-mortgage-backed securities. Gwilliam argues the trust money isnt eligible for that payment because representatives for mortgage-bond buyers failed to prove there were breaches on tens of thousands of loans bundled into the securities.

Were talking about six women who have suffered for well over 10 years, Gwilliam said in an interview. There are no other serious creditors to this part of the bankruptcy. They should be paid.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits
Johnson & Johnson, the worlds largest maker of health-care products, has agreed to settle the bulk of consumers lawsuits alleging it sold defective artificial hips and misled patients about their dangers, according to a lawyer for the plaintiffs.

The parties have reached an agreement that hopefully will resolve most, if not all, of the litigation, said attorney Mark Lanier, one of the leaders of the consolidated 10,000-suit litigation against J&J and its DePuy unit, maker of Pinnacle hip-replacement devices. He declined to provide details of the settlement.

After the deal was disclosed, a federal jury in Dallas that had been hearing testimony in damage claims brought by five Pinnacle hip recipients was dismissed Monday, Lanier said. Court officials confirmed the trial had ended and the jury was released. The settlement comes two weeks after J&J agreed to pay $120 million to resolve claims by state attorneys general of deceptive marketing in the metal-on-metal version of its Pinnacle inserts and nearly a month after Bloomberg News reported the manufacturer might be willing to pay more than $400 million to settle 3,300 hip cases. Mindy Tinsley, a DePuy spokeswoman, said Monday the company wouldnt comment on a global Pinnacle settlement. Lanier said the plaintiffs had no further comment.

Earlier Settlement

In the earlier settlement, J&J agreed to pay an average of about $125,000 per case to resolve about a third of pending Pinnacle-hip suits, people familiar with the deal said. That settlement involved 20 law firms cases, according to court filings.

Its unclear if the settlement Monday would cover all remaining hip suits or just certain lawyers case inventories. Lanier, for example, has 450 hip clients, according to court filings.

Hip patients have been suing J&J and DePuy since 2010, alleging the devices failed prematurely or gave them metal poisoning. J&J took the metal-on-metal version of Pinnacle off the market in 2013.

Consumers, along with state attorneys general, accused the companies of misleading them about how long the devices would last. Both groups alleged DePuy officials marketed the devices as having a five-year survival rate of more than 90 percent, when European health regulators found the rates were around 5 percent.

Over the past two years, Dallas juries have ordered the company to pay a total of at least $1.7 billion in damages over hip claims. Several verdicts have been thrown out on appeal or reduced by a judge, including a $1 billion award to hip recipients that was slashed by more than half.

The Pinnacle suits were consolidated before U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade in Dallas for pre-trial information exchanges and test trials. J&J won the first case and then lost the next two, one of which featured the $1 billion verdict.

The Pinnacle devices werent covered by New Brunswick, New Jersey-based J&Js more than $3 billion 2013 settlement covering its ASR line of artificial hips. In 2010 J&J recalled 93,000 of those implants worldwide, saying 12 percent failed within five years. With legal fees, the cost of the settlement to J&J may have climbed to more than $4 billion.

The Pinnacle case is In Re DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. Pinnacle Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation, 11-md-2244, U.S District Court, Northern District of Texas (Dallas).

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits
AM Best has upgraded the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to a+ from a and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Co. and its subsidiary, Grinnell Select Insurance Co., in Grinnell, Iowa. The companies are collectively referred to as Grinnell Mutual Group (Grinnell).

The outlook of the Long-Term ICR for the group has been revised to stable from positive while the outlook for the FSR remains stable.

The ratings reflect Grinnells balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

The upgrade of the Long-Term ICR reflects Grinnells consistent and stable operating performance over the past five years. The groups five-year average combined and operating ratios compare favorably to the personal lines composite. Grinnell has taken steps to improve its underwriting profitability for its direct and assumed books of business and actively continues to monitor pricing.

Grinnells balance sheet strength level reflects the groups strongest level of overall risk-adjusted capitalization, conservative investment portfolio, favorable liquidity and prudent reserving practices.

The group has generated surplus in each of the past five years, resulting in reduced net and gross underwriting leverage measures. Grinnells adequate operating performance reflects the groups improved underwriting profitability, which when coupled with steady net investment income has resulted in positive pre-tax operating income and net income in each of the past five years.

Grinnells business profile is neutral, supported by its mix of personal lines, commercial lines, assumed reinsurance business and its solid foothold in the farm property reinsurance market. However, Grinnells geographic concentration in the Midwest creates susceptibility to frequent and severe weather-related events.

Grinnells ERM is appropriate for its size and scope as a regional (re)insurance organization. The group maintains a strong governance process and formalized risk management program, which is used to identify, prioritize, and manage material risks to the groups business objectives.

Source: AM Best

Topics Reinsurance
When Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York launched his statewide banking and insurance regulator several years ago, he picked an aggressive ex-prosecutor whod spent years under his wing.

Now, in naming his latest chief of the states Department of Financial Services, hes returned to the same playbook.

Linda Lacewell takes over on Monday as the superintendent of the DFS, fresh from a stint as the chief of staff for Cuomo, the state attorney general turned governor. Before that, Lacewell was both a state and federal prosecutor, whos gone after mobsters and business executives.

That record suggests to some legal experts that the DFS may be entering an assertive phase as she takes office  one thats unlikely to stray far from Cuomos enforcement priorities. Such an approach would contrast with the agencys approach under Lacewells predecessor, Maria Vullo, who actively pursued consumer protection cases but also said she never wanted to be a sheriff.

Linda understands what good public policy is and intuitively knows that markets work best when theres an even playing field with clear rules preventing fraud, abuse and unfairness, said Benjamin Lawsky, the agencys first superintendent. Lawsky, too, was an ex-prosecutor who was also drawn from Cuomos ranks, and his tenure was characterized by vigorous enforcement and steep fines for international banks.

Lacewell declined to be interviewed for this article.

Lacewell, 55, is stepping into the job at a critical moment, as the agency  the brainchild of the governor, who merged bank and insurance regulators  has evolved from the feisty start-up of Lawskys era to a full-fledged member of the regulatory establishment.

She inherits a variety of investigations, including into Goldman Sachs Group Inc.s work for a Malaysian wealth fund and oversight of Deutsche Bank AG, which is under scrutiny from Congress over its relationship with President Donald Trump.

Trusted Aide

In Lacewell, Cuomo is installing one of his most trusted aides atop the DFS. When Cuomo was attorney general, Lacewell led his investigation of the private equity industrys pay-to-play approach to pitching investments to public pension funds, including the New York State Common Retirement Fund. The case resulted in a guilty plea from Alan Hevesi, the onetime New York state comptroller.

As governor, Cuomo relied on Lacewells counsel in various roles, including as chief risk officer. Shes also shared rocky moments with the governor, including last years trial of Joe Percoco, a former Cuomo aide charged with corruption.

Lacewell testified in that case about Percocos role in the administration, his relationship to the governor and what she called Cuomos surprise at learning about Percocos unusual financial arrangements with an Albany lobbyist. Percocos conviction embarrassed the governor.

She has great experience as a top adviser to governor on policy, and part of this job is policy, said Bill Mulrow of the Blackstone Group, a onetime Cuomo appointee. As to the regulatory part, she has great experience a prosecutor.

As a federal prosecutor in Brooklyn from 1997 to 2007, Lacewell worked cases involving organized crime and securities fraud. She prosecuted Sammy the Bull Gravano, a notorious Mafia turncoat, for running an ecstasy ring. She also helped prosecute Jacob Kobi Alexander, the former head of Comverse Technology Inc. who fled to Namibia rather than face charges that he schemed to backdate stock options.

Enron Matter

Lacewell also spent a year on the Enron Task Force, where she helped secure a guilty plea from Lea Fastow, the wife of Enron Corp.s onetime chief financial officer, Andrew Fastow.

Linda is an amazing investigator, and she is super strategic. She always had a plan, said Ken Breen of Paul Hastings, who worked with Lacewell at the U.S. attorneys office in Brooklyn. Governor Cuomo is serious if hes putting her in this job.

After the DFS was created in 2011, Lawsky, also a former prosecutor, rankled financial firms by making clear that he would consider yanking their charters if they didnt play by the rules. Some bank lawyers groused that his settlements amounted to exercises in naming and shaming.

Many banks made their displeasure known. One of them, Bank of Tokyo MUFG, even eventually turned in its New York license for a federal charter so it would be regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The DFS objected, and in subsequent litigation it argued that the banks move was an attempt at regulatory arbitrage. The matter is pending.

Cuomo Bridge

Lawskys aggressive enforcement also yielded more than $6 billion in fines and penalties for the state  the majority of it coming from a BNP Paribas SA settlement over sanctions violations  money that allowed Cuomo to run balanced budgets and fund major infrastructure projects. Among them was a new bridge over the Hudson River, named for Cuomos late father Mario, who served three terms as New Yorks governor.

During Vullos shorter tenure, the DFS collected roughly $3 billion in fines and penalties from regulated entities, and the

tension between the agency and New Yorks business community eased, according to Kathryn Wylde, chief executive officer of the Partnership for New York City, a group of business leaders.

With Maria, there were substantive issues that she undertook that were tough on industry, including health insurers and title insurers, but overall, she treated the office very professionally, said Wylde, who had complained to Cuomo about Lawsky and what was perceived as his shock-and-awe tactics. Business was very comfortable having a professional regulator there, someone who had no political agenda.

Wylde has already spoken with Lacewell. She wants to carry on a tradition of having very professional relationships with industry and meet industry players she doesnt know, Wylde said, adding that Lacewell never messaged she was looking for a prosecutorial role at DFS.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Legislation New York
In the letter seen by Insurance Business, Berjal expressed CIAMs concerns and promised to defend its interests as minority shareholders if SCOR fails to create value. Berjal noted that the reinsurers share price stood at 37  lower than the 43-per-share Covea takeover offer rejected by SCOR  following the legal filings.

SCOR is claiming compensation for non-pecuniary damage up to a few hundred thousand euros, read the letters English version. This incredibly aggressive legal strategy has had the direct consequence of Covea withdrawing from any merger project with SCOR, triggering a loss of over 900 million in market capitalisation for the SCOR shareholders as a result of the actions of your company.

The corporate interest for SCOR to carry out these actions in such an overtly aggressive manner eludes me. Covea has formulated a takeover bid that was, prima facie and, as such, in the interest of shareholders as it would potentially have created shareholder value.

Berjal called the offer rejection unusual opposition which she said leads her to wonder whether it comes from a desire to protect Kesslers position and personal interests to the detriment of the firms shareholders.

According to the letter, CIAM is seeking concrete steps towards value creation. Meanwhile SCOR has not released a statement from either the company or its CEO
Detectives are asking for the publics help in the investigation of a double murder in November, according to the Fauquier County Sheriffs Office.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Battalion Chiefs Chris Schaff and Kit Hessel, Vienna Volunteer Fire Chief John Morrison, structural engineer Scott Bouvia, Lt. Kristi Bartlett and her German shepherd, Ivan, accept a Gold Medal of Valor on behalf of Virginia Task Force 1 at the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce's 40th annual Valor Awards, held March 9 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. The team conducted hurricane-relief efforts last September in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Photo by William Delaney)
Real-time social media posts from local businesses and organizations across Northern Virginia, powered by Friends2Follow. To add your business to the stream, email cfields@insidenova.com or click on the green button below.
The Barchart Chart of the Day belongs to the plastic products company Deswell (NASDAQ: DSWL ). Readers are always asking me how to find stocks that are just beginning to trend before everyone else discovers them. One of the best ways is to look at Barchart's Strong Volume Gains preformatted screener. It identifies stocks...

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CVS Health Claus Torp Jensen, Chief Technology Officer, CVS Health

For large enterprises laden with technology debt, disparate systems, and siloed data, its important to have a strong and effective enterprise architecture function to guide the organization to a better technology and data fabric. But many attempts at enterprise architecture fail due to a variety of factors. In my conversation with Claus Torp Jensen, chief technology officer (CTO) at CVS Health, I discussed lessons and ideas on how to build an effective architectural function.

Q: As enterprises pivot to digital and try to keep pace with the analytic demands on the company, what is the role of enterprise architecture?

A: Its a good question. We have to revisit and question the notion of enterprise architecture because I think historically its been about setting standards and direction. I found in my CTO roleand even before that as a chief architectthat architecture needs to be much more. The slogan for my team is that we turn vision into action. We are the only place where different visions and needs and different IT programs come together. We are the only place that has a broad view which turns insight into actions.

[ The Enterprise Architecture Awards: Learn from these five winners what it takes for EA to make a real business difference. | Keep up with hot topics in transformative IT with the InfoWorld Daily newsletter. ]

Q: How do you ensure that the architecture organization stays forward-looking, connected to the external disruptions and to the business evolution  and at the same time have a pulse on the day-to-day execution realities?

A: I think you have to accept the fact that you cannot stay forward-looking only. One of the things we discussed internally in my team is that doing what is right is not always the right thing to do. Let me explain. Theres an idealistic view of what you should do and theres a practical view of what you can do here and now. Historically, enterprise architecture is heavily focused on what is right, and they have not always managed to balance the different forces at play in a given situation or decision.

If you look at many peoples definition of governance, it all boils down to control. I have a different philosophyI believe that governance is about helping the right people make the right decisions at the right time for the right reasons based on the right information. If you take that approach to governance, you get a very different result.

In the spirit of turning vision into action, it is our responsibility that the company we work for becomes holistically integrated, that we can holistically understand the consumers that we serve and ultimately enable our business partners to fundamentally transform our products. That is what we are here for and why you need a strong architecture function in a modern organization. Its not because of standards, its because you have to make a difference to the business.

Q: To create an enterprise architecture that can translate the vision into action, what kind of strategies, talent, and organizational buy-in is needed?

A: I did not create an enterprise architecture function to be part of the planning life cycle only. If you want to do what I described above, you need to go beyond that. So, there are a few things. I embarked on a five-year culture and talent transformation journey. If you take the Forrester spectrum of strategize > influence > translate > shape > execute, we are squarely in the middle part. You cant focus on everything. In todays day and age, its tough to drive a top-down process. I chose a middle road in how we interact with the organization.

It involves three things:

Changing the roles and responsibilities. I changed what we do. Changing how we think and how we influence. We started out thinking about what is different about digital transformation? We moved the conversation to technical leadership, changing the mindset of why we are here and how to innovate. In 2018 we tackled the art of storytelling and how to influence others, and in 2019 it will probably be about network development. Implementing a full change program: a training program, mentoring programs and sponsoring events, an architecture university to enable the team to take control of their professional journey and destiny.

Q: What are the best practices in positioning an enterprise architecture function in an IT organization to have the right level of accountability, authority, and influence?

A: I dont think you can solve that through organizational design. I think it has to be done through a combination of organizational thinking, talent, and culture evolution. The architecture team can make decisions and provide guidance, but for them to stick and be sustained, a variety of other factors come into play. You have to understand the business imperatives and strategy, you have to generate trust, you have to influence, you have to communicate well. You need to know how to interact with executives, you need to know when to talk and when not to talk and just listen.

All those skills have nothing to do with your technical acumen. You can be the greatest architect in the universe, but if you do not understand people, you will never be as good as someone who may be less sharp than you technically but is better at understanding and interacting with people.

Q: Enterprise architecture organizations struggle to find the right balance between strategic long-range planning, program/project architecture decisions/directions, and guidance/standards. What are some best practices to consider as a leader of the EA function?

A: I believe that the majority of the architecture resources and mindshare should go towards shaping and executing. In my CTO organization we have six focus areas:

Technology research and innovation Architecture planning Architecture delivery Architecture forensics Technology lifecycle management Mergers and acquisitions

Its a mistake to think of these in terms of distinct functions and departments. They need to work in synergy, complementing each other depending on the priority and nature of the question at hand. You have to think of them as different dimensions of the same problem.

For example, the architecture forensics team is a powerful team with a combination of such skills as business architecture, technology architecture, data architecture and security architecture that can be dropped in to diagnose and solve gnarly problems. Finding these skillsets in a single individual is hard. You have to think in terms of stitching together a team with an effective amalgam of such skills.

As another example, the technology research and innovation activities track about 300 emerging technologies and capabilities. The experimentation part is easy. The hard part is making sure that you have actionable insights from these experimentations that allow you to decide what makes sense for the business at large. Ultimately, you want to provide advice on how these emerging technologies can help transform the company.

Q: Enterprise architecture culture and strategy shifts take many years. Do you think in the fast-moving world of today organizations have the patience to stay the course of a multiyear change effort?

A: Its an interesting question as to whether its the organization that loses patience or whether its the patience and stamina of the leaders who take on these missions that wears thin. My conjecture is that its the latter. People take on these missions without appreciating or understanding that youre making a multi-year, often five-year commitment on this change. If youre not willing to stake your career on it and stay true to the five-year journey, then you shouldnt start it.

Q: Organizations are trying to capitalize on digital and analytic transformation and advance analytics-driven decision-making and business models. One of the impediments across industries seem to be the state and quality of enterprise data. How do you solve for the challenge of pivoting the legacy architecture to a better information and data ecosystem for the enterprise?

A: This problem is only addressable one way: Through developing a very patient and very deliberate plan, and then spending time, political capital, and resources to get to a higher quality data fabric for the company. It is hard. It requires ensuring authoritative systems of record are established, its about improving data conformance and integration. You need a strong business sponsor to back you.

I have often seen chief data officers get into roles and assume that data will magically get there. It does not. It is through a thoughtful partnership between the architecture function and CDO equivalents that we can improve the data fabric of companies. Bad data means bad understanding, which leads to bad direction in terms of driving differentiation through technology transformation.

Q: How do you manage the pivot to a better data fabricwhich requires significant time and resourceswhile at the same time address the business questions and analytic needs of today?

A: I go back to my earlier comment that doing what is right is not always the right thing to do. You have to train the team to understand what good enough means. Its not a term that we spend enough time on. You should have a North Star for the architecture and then enough programs and projects to get you there.

But whats in between? Thats not well thought-through. There has to be a solution-direction statement for major capabilities and programs. Most companies dont have that. We often select a set of platforms for business capabilities and then declare them global for the company. We do not delineate solution design from integration design.

We can only get good data designs and data coherency through a thoughtful data strategy that gets executed as a common thread across programs and projects, as part of the day job.
You pride yourself on your cloud computing security strategy and tool stack. Indeed, your system made up of many security solutions is both proactive, and self-updating. So, youll never have to worry about new security attacks that youre not prepped to defendwell, almost.

Most IT shops do a good job looking for the latest DNS and ransomware attacks, but theyre not paying as much attention to the cloud security fundamentals such as physical security, federated data access governance, and network visibility.

I once had a friend who was the best security guy in the business. He built a software-based security solution for his companys on-premises data center that was both well done and state-of-the-art. However, over the weekend a security guard failed to lock a loading dock door and those very secure servers left in the bed of an F-150.

The moral of this story for the cloud is that while we seem to be clever in pulling together the best cloud security solutions, in many instances were missing the more primitive aspects of security. While I dont believe that your cloud server will go rolling down the street in the back of a truck any time soon, there are very similar things to look out for. Here are three:

Application-level security. For the most part, cloud security people dont look at application-level security, cloud or not. This is due more around control and politics more so than desire. However, if an application has access to data, and that application is vulnerable, then so is the data.

The answer is that security needs to be designed in the application and should be systemic to all applications and databases. Yet thats almost never the case.

Bad actors. Every company has a story about a disgruntled employee who decided to walk out with a USB drive full of secure data. Moreover, there are employees who are well intentioned but end up having their laptopsand thus the laptops datastolen from their cars.

The only way to protect your data is to limit what the people can see and what they can carry with them. There should be a need-to-know rule where they can see only the data they need to see, and they should never have the ability to do massive downloads or data dumps.

Legacy systems that have cloud access. The frustration of cloud data integration with legacy systems has left many cloud-to-legacy gateways poorly configured and thus vulnerable. When a company cant get to data on the public cloud due to a well-designed security system, too often many of those security systems are bypassed due to the need to provide data sync. These bypasses are easily exploited.

In all security, your weakest link is your biggest vulnerability. Cloud security is no different. But where those weak links are probably not where youre looking. So start looking in more places.
 Flash

The 2019 Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday. Many world leaders conveyed their best wishes to China and all the Chinese around the world were gearing up for celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival.

Besides greeting "Happy New Year" in different languages, many leaders also emphasized the importance they attached to their countries' relations with China.

In Tokyo on Monday night, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said "Happy Spring Festival" in Chinese in a video to mark the ceremony of decorating the landmark Tokyo Tower in red light, part of the New Year celebration.

Abe said last year was important in the history of Japan-China relations. The bilateral ties have returned to the normal track and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and himself officially visited each other's countries.

During the Spring Festival holidays, Japan is ready to welcome more Chinese friends and "I also hope that more Japanese citizens will go to China," building a colorful bridge of mutual exchange, Abe said, wishing that the Japan-China ties make more progress in the coming year.

In a video posted on social media on Monday, New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said "Happy New Year" in Mandarin and Cantonese after expressing thanks to the local Chinese communities for their contributions to the country.

Noting 2019 as the China-New Zealand Year of Tourism, Ardern said that tourism, education and trade will strengthen the bilateral relations and the understanding between the two peoples so that the friendship can be enhanced.

On Thursday, British Prime Minister Theresa May hosted a Chinese New Year celebration reception at No. 10 Downing Street, which was specially decorated with cherry blossoms and traditional well-wishing Chinese couplets.

Affirming the important role that the Chinese community plays in British life, May said, "I'd like to wish everyone celebrating Chinese New Year a prosperous and auspicious Year of the Pig."

Britain attaches importance to its relations with China, May said, recalling the important consensus reached last year by both sides in promoting the "Golden Era" in bilateral relations. The British side expects to work together with China to push forward bilateral cooperation in all sectors for more fruitful outcomes, she added.

Pakistani President Arif Alvi extended his "heartfelt felicitation" over the Spring Festival to the Chinese government and the people in a letter to Chinese media, saying "our friendship and bond is higher than the mountains of the Himalayas."

In a letter, Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani expressed his best wishes on the eve of the Chinese New Year to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people, saying that Afghanistan regards China as "a close friend" and wants to further enhance relations with China.

On the occasion of the Chinese New Year, El Salvador's President Salvador Sanchez Ceren sent greetings and best wishes to President Xi, the National People's Congress of China, and the Chinese people for family reunion, joy and happiness, and hoped the development, prosperity and progress of China will continue to be enhanced and consolidated.

Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda on Friday met the representatives of Chinese and business communities in the country, who came to the Prime Minister's office building to celebrate the Spring Festival, lauding the joint celebration of the festival by Ugandans and Chinese, while wishing the Chinese government and people a Happy Spring Festival.

Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela attended a Chinese New Year celebration run by the Chinese Embassy in Panama City on Saturday, delivering an ebullient speech and wishing all Chinese in the country a Happy New Year.

With the Chinese Lunar New Year is approaching, Central African Republic President Faustin Archange Touadera met Chen Dong, Chinese ambassador to the country, during which the president made a bow and said in Chinese, "President Xi, Happy New Year!"

In Argentina, Argentinian President Mauricio Macri wished President Xi, and all Chinese around the world a Happy Spring Festival.

President Nicos Anastasiades of Cyprus delivered a video speech on Friday, extending his "warmest wish that the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Pig, will be filled with good health, success, happiness and prosperity for all Chinese people and their families," while repeating his wishes in Chinese "Xin Nian Kuai Le (Happy New Year)."

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen also sent his greetings and best wishes as the country is gearing up for the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
Former Theranos Indian American COO Ramesh Balwani (l) leaves the Robert F. Peckham U.S. Federal Court with his attorney Jan. 14 in San Jose, Calif. Former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes and Balwani face charges of conspiracy and wire fraud for allegedly engaging in a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud investors with Theranos blood testing lab services. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Indian American Neomi Rao (center), President Donald Trumps regulatory czar, is introduced during a Diwali ceremony in the Roosevelt Room of the White House Nov. 13, 2018 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump announced that he had nominated Rao to fill the seat vacated by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Several Indian American activists are opposing the nomination. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
A 19-year-old has been arrested by the Delhi police for raping a 25-year-old woman with a sex toy, making it the first case in India after the Supreme Court decriminalised section 377 last September.

Also Read: Two Men Attempted To Rape & Then Shot A Transgender For Not Having Sex With Them

The survivor alleged that the girl forcefully committed anal sex on her. The survivor was taken to an apartment in Delhis Dilshad Colony and gang-raped by four people, who have been arrested. Delhi Police arrested four people for allegedly raping and blackmailing the victim.

The accused was bought to Karkarduma Court where the police was granted a day to interrogate her and thereafter she was sent to judicial custody in Tihar Jail.

Also Read: First Convict Sentenced To Death Under Amended Child Rape Law To Be Hanged On March 2

The incident came to light in September last year, when the woman could not lodge a case against the accused as a woman could not commit the crime of rape, according to the IPC provision.

According to Delhi Police data, till March 2018 as many as 28 cases have been registered under section 377 (unnatural offenses) of the Indian Penal Code.
In January last year, Reuben Singh, a popular British entrepreneur, decided to teach a lesson to an Englishman who called his turban a 'bandage'.

Reuben, who is the CEO of AlldayPA, and the founder of Miss Attitude, challenged that man that he will match his turban to his Rolls-Royce cars for an entire week.

Also read: Sikh Man's Turban Called 'Bandage' So He Matched It's Colour To His Rolls-Royce Cars For A Week!

And he did.

This Sikh man has a great collection of Turbans - all the colours match his cars.

His is Reuben Singh, a British entrepreneur who became well known in the mid-1990s for his Miss Attitude retail chain and then later for his business support services company AllDayPa pic.twitter.com/tV2JZEmHe3  Harjinder Singh Kukreja -    (@SinghLions) 19 January 2018

His act of revenge had nothing to do with the show of wealth, but to send out the message of acceptance, regardless of what someone chooses to wear.

Now again, Singh has gone viral after he posted pictures of his six brand new Rolls-Royce and he calls it The Jewels Collection.

In the post, Reuben wrote, The Jewels Collection. Rubies, Sapphires & Emeralds. Its ok to be a little obsessed with jewellery as jewellery is like ice cream there is always a little room for more.

ALSO READ: Sikh Man Takes Off Turban To Help Bleeding Woman Who Was Hit By A Truck In Kashmir

The picture shows three Rolls-Royce Phantom cars that cost about Rs 3,35,43,706 each and three Rolls-Royce Cullinan costing approximately Rs 2,32,97,821 each.

In another post, In life so many things we do for ourselves are then irrelevantly questioned by others. People ask why? For what? Because of? Whats the point? he posted.

So long as no one is hurt, no one is betrayed or no one is cheated; Smile and do whatever you want. There doesnt need to be an answer for everyones question, he added.

Well said!

Apart from an array of Rolls Royces, Singh also owns the exclusive version of Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, a Bugatti Veyron, Porsche 918 Spyder, Pagani Huayara and a Lamborghini Huracan, phew!

If that wasn't enough, Singh has a collection of 20 Rolls Royces, something that many can only dream of.

Reuben Singh, who is also called British Bill Gates, served under the former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair on a government advisory panel on small businesses and the Competitiveness Council.

Singh is the CEO and owner of Isher Capital and alldayPA Group that employs over 500 people with a 30 million+ annual revenue.
A Jet Airways flight at the Mumbai airport had a guest onboard. A huge barn owl was inside the cockpit of the flight in the morning of January 4 and was later given to Fire Department of Mumbai International Airport, according to ANI.

Maharashtra: A barn owl was found in the cockpit of a Jet Airways flight earlier today when it was night parked at Mumbai Airport. The bird was later handed over to Fire Department of Mumbai International Airport Limited for release. pic.twitter.com/1o3FHyakKw  ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019

Also Read: This Bird Has A Better Life Than You, It Flew To London In Business Class & That Too For Free

As soon as the incident went viral on social media, Twitterati started commenting that it was a 'good omen' and will bring luck to the airline which is dealing with money issues. Obviously because many in India believe that an owl brings good luck and money to any place they visit.

Oops! An owl was found inside Jet Airways B777 cockpit parked at BOM today morning! The bird was handed over to wildlife team.

Meanwhile, Naresh Goyal is hoping that this Capt Owl brings good luck to the airline as the nocturnal bird is considered to be a symbol of good omen! pic.twitter.com/tK3im0lScU  BiTANKO BiSWAS (@Air_India_CREW) February 4, 2019

The bird was sitting next to the pilots seat in the cockpit that is for the flight commander.

Here's how people reacted online:

Also Read: Man Hides 1 Kg Gold In His Rectum, Detained At Jaipur Airport Because Of His 'Odd Behaviour'

1.

2.

Looks like funding is on the way. Remember an #Owl is the vehicle of goddess #lakshmi  Pravir Arora (@arora_pravir) February 4, 2019

3.

How in friggin hell did it get in ????  K. Madhusudan (@KMadhusudan9) February 5, 2019

4.

It just wanted to travel back home.  Sundeep Kumar (@ksundeep_) February 4, 2019

5.

Might be the one in long distance relationship not able to buy tickets to see her.   Mister Man (@bornconfussed) February 4, 2019

6.
 Flash

Cameroon government expressed "regrets" to Israel on Monday after a government minister made anti-semitic comments on state media.

"The Ambassador of the state of Israel was received this Monday, February 4, 2019 by the Minister of External Relations who expressed to him the sincere regrets of the government of Cameroon," Rene Sadi, Cameroonian minister of Communication and government spokesman said in a statement that was released late Monday.

During an interview on state media on Sunday, Cameroon's Minister Delegate in the Ministry of Justice Jean de Dieu Momo compared Cameroon's opposition party, Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) to the Jews "who were crushed by Hitler because of arrogance."

The Israeli embassy in Cameroon expressed "outrage" over the comments and "expect an apology" in a communique made public Monday.

"The government of Cameroon strongly deplores the irrelevant comments of (Jean de Dieu Momo) and completely dissociates itself," said Sadi in the statement, adding that the minister's comments were "strictly personal."

"It (Cameroonian government) wishes to recall that Cameroon and the state of Israel maintain excellent and historic relations," Sadi said.
Couples fight all the time and more often the topics are absolutely frivolous. There are times when things get so out of control that they don't realize what they are fighting over.

unsplash/picture for representation

In a bizarre incident, a man from Sydney called the police on his own wife after she refused to split the bill after they had dinner at a Chinese restaurant!

Yes, they fought over splitting a mere dinner meal!

ALSO READ: This Assamese Couple Asked Their Wedding Guests To Bring Them Old Clothes & Books As Gifts

unsplash/picture for representation

His wife refused to split the bill and this pissed off the husband so much that he did not think twice before dialing the triple zero emergency number.

When the police arrived at the restaurant, they were shocked that such a silly incident was being reported. The cops warned the man never to dial 000 for such frivolous matters.

Police are unsure of who eventually paid for the remainder of the succulent Chinese meal, North Shore Police Area Command said in a statement, reported Mail Online.

ALSO READ: Interfaith Couple Fighting For Divorce Couldn't Agree On Son's Name, So Kerala High Court Names Him 'Johan Sachin'
Its been over two months since Nick and Priyanka got married in a glamorous wedding ceremony in Jodhpur, but that hasnt stopped the couple from celebrating their wedded life by sharing adorable pictures on social media.

Also Read: Nick Jonas Jokes About Hosting Several Wedding Receptions, Says He's Walking Into 100047th One

Recently, Priyanka Chopra posted a really cozy picture with her hubby, titled as home. While fans couldnt stop gushing over the power couple, others were left puzzled, thinking who might have clicked the picture. What was the person doing in their bedroom?

People on Twitter became Sherlock Holmes to solve the puzzle of the mystery photographer.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Gushes About How Her Husband Nick Jonas Is Family Driven & Not 'Corrupted'

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Does your photographer stay your Home?   Rathore BY/DIPSTAR (@Rathore_boy1) February 4, 2019

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Cctv footage?  shilpi tewari (@shilpitewari) February 4, 2019

3.

Pati,patni aur wo.......arre photographer  Mukesh (@Mukesde7) February 4, 2019

4.

But then there is another person in the room. Taking pictures.  Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) February 4, 2019

5.

May be self timer camera.  Sheshansh Singh (@SheshanshTweets) February 4, 2019

6.

Sahib biwi aur cameraman  Mir.Y.U (@MYUwrites) February 4, 2019

7.

OMG..Is ur photographer allowed in ur bedroom..??  Anu Mathur (@AnuMathur19) February 4, 2019

8.

Mummy took the picture?  The cyclopath (@kevinBrut1) February 4, 2019

9.

What a natural shot   Nikki (@NikkiC_36) February 4, 2019

10.

I just really wanna know, who takes the pictures?   Vidah (@BlckVidah) February 5, 2019

But seriously, who took the picture?
As part of his day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured Dal Lake in Srinagar last Sunday. This time too, PM Modi managed to get the Internet's troll engine going.

The last stop in PM Modi's day-long visit was Srinagar to lay foundation stones for development projects, where he also made a stop at the famous Dal lake.

ANI

ALSO READ: How Bollywood Top Brass Meetings With PM Modi Brought Them Celebration In Budget 2019

PM Shri @narendramodi takes boat ride to inspect Dal lake in Srinagar. #NaMoInJK pic.twitter.com/YkW4ogtCOR  BJP (@BJP4India) 3 February 2019

What triggered this round of Internet frenzy was when a camera-person reportedly caught the PM waving at an 'empty' Dal Lake.

From former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti to others, no one let this one slip by.

For the those who are asking , the  is for BJPs countless imaginary friends in Kashmir. https://t.co/l0YPq2oiVy  Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) 4 February 2019

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah was wondering why the camera person didn't capture people who were 'furiously' waving back at the PM.

This camera person has done the Hon PM a huge disservice by not showing all the people furiously waving back because there is no way the PM would be waving at an empty lake. https://t.co/YJoEfX8DJ3  Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) 4 February 2019

A former House Boat Owners Association president, who declined to be named, said the security was so tight that not even a bird was allowed to fly.

Meanwhile, here's what Twitterati had to say:

#1

Funny thing is, he's waving his hand in a way to potray there are people, when, as a matter of fact, dal lake is enormously huge, and you cannot see who's on the banks. Secondly, people weren't allowed to go there, roads were sealed. Thirdly, there was only security & none. .  Mashooq Usuf (@RuralPsycho) 3 February 2019

#2

#Kashmir under Curfew, People caged not sure to whom modi is waiving in the middle of Dal Lake. https://t.co/DITg6yJDtT  Geer Ab Wahid (@AWGeer) 3 February 2019

#3

I see no one there. We hear Kashmir is under lockdown for his visit. So...who is he waving to?  https://t.co/oCvrgTaF8C  Rita Banerji   (@Rita_Banerji) 3 February 2019

Wonder who is he waving to ?

Kashmiris were lockdown for his visit.Ohh he is Modi Ji, He can even wave his hand to Dal lake ,empty Shikaras and Zabarwan hills 

Wah Modi Ji Wah pic.twitter.com/7WuwBcAaMn  Tahir Syeed |   (@TahirsyeedK) 3 February 2019 #4

#5

World : When will you stop making memes outa Modi's infamous dal  wave?#Koshurtwitter : pic.twitter.com/PddKKdUmz2    (@usman9khan) 4 February 2019

#6

He is trying to Create MODI WAVE  https://t.co/oVixLUm3ws  emrn bichu (@emrnbichu) 4 February 2019

ALSO READ: No 'Achhe Din' For Couple Who Got Married Over Their Love For Modi? The Woman Now Says She Was Tortured
A dimly lit room, next to a garage, in the basement of a house in Delhi's Wazirabad is probably the best, one of a kind 'bird hospital' in the country. What is even more interesting is it is run by two brothers, who does not even have a medical or veterinary background, but trained themselves to be the best 'bird surgeons'.

For Nadeem Shahzad and Mohammad Saud, birds were a passion right from their childhood. But, not even in their wildest dreams they ever thought that they will be dedicating their lives to take care of injured birds.

BOBINS ABRAHAM/ INDIATIMES

Unlike other veterinary hospitals that mostly take care of domesticated birds, Nadeem and Mohammad focus on birds of prey. According to Nadeem, it all began in 2003 when they found an injured kite, which they took to a nearby bird hospital. But the hospital refused to treat birds that ate meat.

"The kite was badly injured and it needed care. Since the hospital refused to treat it, we had to leave it from where we picked it up. But the next time we came across another injured bird, we took it to a vet whom we knew from when he used to treat our uncle's dog. That is how it began and we started to take more injured birds to the vet, we continue to take his help even now for complicated cases," Nadeem explained.

BOBINS ABRAHAM/ INDIATIMES

As the number of birds they get increased after word spread about their work, the brothers who are high school passed, began educating themselves from the internet, books and other vets about the most common problems and how to treat them.

Mohammad said one of the biggest threats faced by high flying birds are the glass-laced Chinese Manja widely used for kite flying, despite it being banned.

"The glass-coated strings are sharp and dangerous, even for humans. Birds like kites often gets trapped inside the broken strings hanging from trees or sometimes fly into them in the sky. It cuts through the flesh, and even bones, which in most of the cases are of the wings. Even a small injury will leave the bird helpless as it cannot fly anymore. Injured birds face multiple risks if they are not attended quickly. They could end up being eaten by animals like dogs. Also, if the veins are cut it stops the blood flow into the wings, gradually damaging the tissues there and paralysing the bird," he explained.

BOBINS ABRAHAM/ INDIATIMES

One of the biggest challenge they faced initially was how to treat the injuries.

"Conducting surgery on birds was unheard of. Even the vet we were consulting said it cannot be done as the flesh is so tender and it cannot be surgically repaired. But we felt like, if it can be done on other creatures, why not birds. That is how we took a chance and it turned out to be a success," Mohammad said.

BOBINS ABRAHAM/ INDIATIMES

Over the years, the brothers have perfected their surgical skills to the point where even trained vets began consulting them.

Till date, they have attended more than 15,000 birds, each of them have their records maintained, including the date, nature of the injury, treatment and medicines given.

BOBINS ABRAHAM/ INDIATIMES

Today, the brothers who have formalised their work under their organisation Wildlife Rescue get calls from across Delhi, from common people, police and fire force who spot injured kites, owls and migratory birds.

The birds are then collected, brought to the hospital where they are diagnosed.

BOBINS ABRAHAM/ INDIATIMES

"On an average we get 3-4 calls everyday. This could be from anywhere in Delhi. If it is from the PCR or Fire Force, in most case they will leave it at the nearby veterinary hospital, where they might just dress the wound or stitch it. Once we get the bird here, it is put through a diagnosis process, which involves examining the entire body with a physical touch to identify the injuries. In the next step the nature of the cut is examined and depending on it we will decide whether the bird should be operated or not," Nadeem explained.

Another big challenge, they say was seeing them through the recovery process, which could take about a month in some case. Their solution was to build a temporary shelter for the birds on their rooftop, where the birds are kept and fed until they can fly.

BOBINS ABRAHAM/ INDIATIMES

"After the surgery, the birds are vulnerable. Their wings will be bandaged and they cannot fly. So we decided to build an enclosure where the birds can be kept until they are totally healed. There are two enclosures, the first one is where the birds will be kept immediately after the surgery, this is locked. The second cage has an opening which opens to the sky. The birds are moved there once the bandages are removed and the wounds began heeling. Once they began reigning their health, the birds will start flying around, and will keep flying in and out of the cage. They can leave whenever they feel like they are ready to take the flight again,"Mohammad said.

BOBINS ABRAHAM/ INDIATIMES

When asked who pays for the treatment as their 'patients' can't, Nadeem broke out into laugh "Our paycheque is to see the birds flying back in the sky. The higher they fly, we feel that the higher we are paid," he said.

BOBINS ABRAHAM/ INDIATIMES

The brothers say they spent nearly Rs 50,000 every month for everything from medicines to food, which is meat. They find this money from the family's business and from some friends who also contribute. They also said that the family have fully supported them and even encouraged them in the initial days to do what they are doing.

BOBINS ABRAHAM/ INDIATIMES

Today, the brothers who are self taught are on a mission to spread the knowledge they have gained. They have been spoken in various gatherings of veterinary professionals, including in the US where they shared their expertise in the field.
We have all been told by our elders that we should eat carrots because they are good for our eyes. They help strengthen our eye vision. But could they help see invisible items? Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras have done a research and proved that carrots can even help us see objects that are invisible to the naked eye.

Times Of India reported that carrots can turn out to be an effective medium to produce a bio-compatible laser with application in photonics, a branch of technology dealing with photons (light).

When a research scholar named Venkata Siva Gummaluri was shooting a blue laser light onto a processed carbon, it turned out to be a scattered laser light in the green-to-red wavelengths. This was a small step towards the first successful experiment in the development of photonic technologies using green materials.

Photo: Times Of India

At present, nobody uses a biological material to produce lasers. This doesnt replace existing technology, but here is the possibility of generating biocompatible lasers using carrots, said a Physics faculty member C Vijayan.

The experimental process first involves washing a piece of carrot and cooking it in ethanol or alcohol. A continuous wave of blue laser light is shot through the carrot which upon absorption produced greenish-reddish wavelengths.

Scientists have termed this process as Kitchen Laser because it makes use of edible materials instead of any optics. This effect was first observed by Nobel winning physicist from Chennai C V Raman in 1922, just that it has happened with a vegetable this time.

The kitchen laser technique can, therefore, be used in temperature sensing, like a thermometer, as the light emitted shows a linear response to temperature. It can also be used in bioimaging like microscopy which is used in research labs and in diagnostic equipment. The development has shown that green materials can be used to develop photonic technologies.
In just four years of making his debut with Masaan, Vicky Kaushal has managed to establish a firm foot in the film industry.

In 2018, he was one of the most successful stars with back to back super hits. The actor has begun his 2019 with full 'josh'-thanks to his performance as Vihaan Shergill in Uri. Kaushal is already been touted as a bankable actor and more so because before claiming the tag of a superstar, he has proved his mettle as a powerful performer.

Agencies

The road to success wasn't a easy one and was full of bumps.

Not many know that Bhaag Milkha Bhaag could have been his debut film but sadly, he couldn't make a cut and wasn't successful in bagging it.

Twitter

But with every rejection comes a silver lining that sometimes ends up being the biggest life-changing experience.


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The Town of Harrisburg was recently awarded $10,000 in safety grants from the North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM) to help minimize employee and town risks.

The Town of Harrisburg Human Resources Department applied for two safety grants and was recently awarded reimbursement grant funds through NCLM, which is the insurance pool that represents many cities and towns in North Carolina. The pool covers and property and liability and workers compensation.

To enhance worker safety and facility security, the NCLM recently began offering a reimbursement grant program. Municipalities must submit their requests for items with a direct impact on employee safety and facility protection to qualify for the program. While municipalities regularly budget for specific items they need, there are specialty items that are sometimes removed from the budget for future consideration. These NCLM reimbursement grants aim to fill that gap.

Specialty items, such as containment and chain link fencing to protect town property, were purchased with the property and liability grant. Additional atmospheric monitoring equipment for entering hazardous atmospheres, specialty cabinets for storing flammable materials and a water integrated saw to protect employees from the hazards of silica dust were all purchased through the workers compensation grant.
Donald Trump has been in a Twitter row with Chuck Schumer ahead of the presidents State of the Union address (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

US President Donald Trump has criticised a prominent Democrat on Twitter ahead of his State of the Union address.

Mr Trump lashed out at Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer after he accused the president of blatant hypocrisy during a speech.

Mr Schumer said on the Senate floor that the president talks about unity in his annual addresses to the nation but spends the other 364 days of the year dividing us.

President Trump will report tonight on the state of our union.



But, the state of the Trump economy is failing Americaas middle class.



The state of the Trump healthcare system is failing American families.



The state of the Trump Administration is chaos. https://t.co/TFZmaoD2Jw  Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 5, 2019

Minutes later, Mr Trump tweeted that Mr Schumer hadnt even seen the speech and was just upset that he didnt win the Senate, after spending a fortune.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders indicated the president would highlight what he sees as achievements and downplay discord.

Youre going to continue see the president push for policies that help continue the economic boom, Ms Sanders said on Monday night while appearing on Hannity on Fox News.

Youre also going to see the president call on Congress and say, Look, we can either work together and get great things done or we can fight each other and get nothing done. And frankly, the American people deserve better than that.

But Washingtons most recent debate offered few signs of co-operation between Mr Trump and Democrats. Under pressure from conservative backers, Mr Trump refused to sign a government funding bill that did not include money for his long-sought border wall.

With hundreds of thousands of Americans going unpaid, Mr Trump ultimately agreed to re-open the government for three weeks to allow negotiations on border security to continue.

With the new February 15 funding deadline looming, Mr Trump is expected to use his address to outline his demands, which still include funding for a wall along the US-Mexico border.

You'll hear the State of the Union, and then you'll see what happens right after the State of the UnionDonald Trump

He has teased the possibility of declaring a national emergency to secure wall funding if Congress does not act, though it appeared unlikely he would take that step on Tuesday night. Advisers have also been reviewing options to secure some funding without making such a declaration.

Youll hear the State of the Union, and then youll see what happens right after the State of the Union, Mr Trump told reporters.

Republican senator John Cornyn said he remains hopeful Congress can resolve the dispute.

Democrats can call it a fence, the president can call it a wall and then we can call it a day, which I think is one way of skinning the cat, said Mr Cornyn, who is a close adviser to Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell.

The presidents address marks the first time he is speaking before a Congress that is not fully under Republican control.

House speaker Nancy Pelosi, who won plaudits from Democrats for her hardline negotiating tactics during the shutdown, will be seated behind the president  a visual reminder of Mr Trumps political opposition.

Expand Close Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will sit behind the president during the address (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will sit behind the president during the address (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

In a letter on Monday night to House Democrats, Ms Pelosi wrote that she hopes we will hear a commitment from the President on issues that have bipartisan support in the Congress and the Country, such as lowering the price of prescription drugs and rebuilding Americas infrastructure.

In the audience will be several Democrats running to challenge Mr Trump in 2020, including senators Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Another Democratic star, Stacey Abrams, will deliver the partys response to Mr Trump. Ms Abrams narrowly lost her bid in November to become Georgias first black governor, and party leaders are aggressively recruiting her to run for Senate.

Mr Schumer earlier previewed Democrats message for countering Mr Trump, declaring on Monday: The number one reason the state of the union has such woes is the president.

Thanks for watching my speech but you must have missed this line:



aEven more empty than his policy promises are President Trumpas calls each year for unitya#SOTU https://t.co/dtKUKBnNlK  Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 5, 2019

While Mr Trump was still putting the final touches on the speech on Tuesday, he was expected to use some of his televised address to showcase a growing economy.

Despite the shutdown, the US economy added a robust 304,000 jobs in January, marking 100 straight months of job growth. That is the longest period on record.

Mr Trump and his top aides have also hinted that he is likely to use the address to announce a major milestone in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria. Despite the objections of some advisers, Mr Trump announced in December that he was withdrawing US forces in Syria.
A whale is seen in the marine containment facility in Srednyaya Bay near Vladivostok (Free Russian Whales via AP)

Activists have expressed alarm about more than 100 whales that are being kept in small pools in what environmentalists are calling a whale prison off the coast of Russia.

The local court last week agreed to hear the activists lawsuit seeking to penalise officials who allowed the capture and demanding the animals release.

Activists first raised the alarm late last year when 90 belugas and 12 orcas were captured and placed in a marine containment facility.

Russian law only allows for the capture of whales for scientific or cultural purposes.

Expand Close The marine containment facility in Srednyaya Bay near Vladivostok (Free Russian Whales via AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp The marine containment facility in Srednyaya Bay near Vladivostok (Free Russian Whales via AP)

But activists believe the whales have been captured for sale to foreign amusement parks.

Local animal rights activists say the cramped conditions and low temperatures threaten the whales lives.

There are very small chain-link pens, 12 to 15 baby whales are put there and have to be on top of each other, said activist Nina Zyryanova.

Now its getting colder every day. Although these animals are native to the Arctic, they must move, hundred kilometres a day, to stay warm.

The marine containment facility in Srednyaya Bay near Vladivostok has been investigated by Russian prosecutors who have already called the capture illegal.

Kirill Parkhomenko, assistant to the Vladivostok environmental prosecutor, said that four Russian companies caught the animals after they obtained a permit from the Federal Fishery Agency.

The prosecutors believe that this permit was obtained illegally because the company cannot prove that it is engaged in any scientific or cultural activities.

Whales are worth a fortune on the black market, and the activists believe that they were captured for sale to amusements parks in China.

The whales are kept at one location but are owned by four separate companies. Company records and court filings, however, indicate that the companies are connected.

In an interview with Russian state TV last year, a representative for the facility rejected reports of poor treatment of the animals.

One of the companies, Bely Kit, unsuccessfully sued the Federal Fishery Agency in 2017 over its refusal to issue it a quota for capturing unidentified marine mammals.

The 2017 ruling shows that Bely Kit had a standing contract with a company in Chinas northeast and that the company was unable to prove that the whales would be kept in good conditions and used for educational purposes.

The city of Weihai in the Shandong province hosts an ocean amusement park.

Several owners and managers at the four companies have been previously fined for illegal capture of the whales.
Ocado is trialling delivery in under an hour (Ocado/PA)

Ocado will launch the first trial of its one-hour delivery service next month, as it squares up to retail giant Amazon.

The service, dubbed Ocado Zoom, will carry fewer than 10,000 products available for delivery within 60 minutes.

An initial test site will launch this March in west London, with a view to rolling out the concept further in future.

It will cater for smaller basket sizes of below 60, compared with the average Ocado order of 107.

Investors were told of the project in a presentation accompanying Ocados full-year results on Tuesday, but further details have yet to be released.

If it is combined with the traditional very high availability of Ocado's current offer, that will massively exceed the current Amazon Prime Now execution levelBruno Monteyne, Bernstein

Adding the option will ramp up the online grocers competition with Amazon by rivalling its Amazon Prime Now product.

Bruno Monteyne, analyst at Bernstein, said the size of the range would make Ocados service a serious contender against Amazon.

If it is combined with the traditional very high availability of Ocados current offer, that will massively exceed the current Amazon Prime Now execution level, which in our tests struggles from important range gaps, very low availability and poor user interfaces, he said.

Ocado will also join a string of online retailers which have added on-demand delivery options in recent years as shoppers seek out convenience.

Asos also has a rapid delivery product, Asos Instant, which serves selected postcodes within London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester.

Luxury fashion site Farfetch also offers same-day delivery in major cities including London.

The news of Ocado Zoom emerged on a busy day for the company.

In addition to the release of its annual results, Ocado was forced to suspend orders from its Andover warehouse after a fire broke out on the site.
Donald Trump will pledge today to bridge divisions and heal wounds in his State of the Union address as he plays up the need for bipartisanship to solve America's problems.

Speaking in the House of Representatives, now controlled by his political opponents the Democrats, the US president is expected to call for congressmen to work across party lines. He will cite lower prescription drug prices and billions of dollars in spending on infrastructure as areas where Democrats and Republicans can agree.

He will also urge politicians to approve his renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement, an economic pact with Mexico and Canada.

But on immigration, the most contentious issue between the parties, the message couldn't be less harmonious, with Mr Trump recently hinting he could declare a national emergency to build his Mexican border wall.

"Together we can break decades of political stalemate, we can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of America's future," Mr Trump will say, in an excerpt released by the White House.

The outline came in a briefing ahead of tonight's address, which was delayed for a week because of the partial government shutdown.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump's re-election campaign is trying to change party rules to prevent his Republican rivals from challenging him in 2020. The battle to secure the GOP nomination, described by aides as the "most aggressive ever launched", involves a state-by-state effort to crush internal opposition ahead of the election.

While Mr Trump is almost certain to win Republican backing next year, his team is determined to avoid an embarrassing fight that could damage his chances against any Democratic candidate. ( Daily Telegraph London)
Britain, Germany and Spain were among 15 European nations to officially recognise Juan Guaido as the "interim president" of Venezuela yesterday, a move that was swiftly denounced by Nicolas Maduro as a "gringo plot to overthrow the revolution".

The governments followed the lead set by the United States, which on January 23 became the first country to declare Mr Guaido (35) the country's rightful ruler. They backed his argument that, as leader of the national assembly, he should take control because the presidency was left "vacant", due to Mr Maduro's sham re-election.

The Europeans gave Mr Maduro (56) an eight-day deadline to call fresh elections, or else have his authority removed. When that expired on Sunday, they announced the diplomatic change.

"From today, we will spare no effort in helping all Venezuelans achieve freedom, prosperity and harmony," said Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister.

Mr Maduro appeared particularly piqued by Madrid's participation in the announcement, singling out the Spaniards as "cowards".

Jose Luis Zapatero, Spain's former prime minister, led what were perhaps the most significant attempts at dialogue between the rival sides, with talks beginning in 2016 and breaking down at the end of last year.

Mr Maduro, in power since 2013, yesterday told a military rally in the northern state of Aragua that the European decision was "disastrous".

"I will defend with my very own life this homeland of Venezuela," he vowed. "I will carry on governing, together with the people, for the six years I have the right to govern for."

He also reiterated his accusations that the US was staging a coup.

Mr Maduro has written a letter to Pope Francis requesting a renewal of dialogue in the crisis. Mr Guaido has also asked the Argentine pontiff to intervene.

But the Pope has said that, although he was deeply concerned by the humanitarian suffering, he was not in a position to mediate.

Mexico and Uruguay have offered to host talks, and Mr Maduro said he was open to dialogue, but last week Mr Guaido rejected their offer.

Mr Guaido has called for further protests.

This weekend he plans to oversee a deliberate provocation of the military by ordering in supplies of humanitarian aid. Mr Maduro has said the aid will be turned away by his the army, while Mr Guaido has called on the troops to allow it in to help struggling citizens.

Meanwhile, the Lima Group, an association of American countries, recommended stopping short of further sanctions on Mr Maduro's regime.

Although the US has broached the idea of an oil embargo, the countries said it should not take such a drastic step. Mexico opposes any measures to oust Mr Maduro, who also has the backing of Turkey, Russia and China.

US President Donald Trump said military intervention in Venezuela was "an option", while the troubled Opec nation's ally Russia warned against "destructive meddling". ( Daily Telegraph London)
Hamid Karzai: Former president is due in Moscow for talks with Taliban. Photo: Reuters

Afghan opposition leaders are set to meet Taliban envoys in a meeting decried by Afghanistan government officials as a betrayal that could let insurgents exploit political divisions.

Leading politicians including the former president, Hamid Karzai, will start two days of talks in Moscow today, even as the insurgent movement refuses to talk to the current president.

A 10-man Taliban delegation said it hoped to use the talks for "opening channels to reaching an understanding with non-government Afghan political groups".

President Ashraf Ghani's government has so far been sidelined from talks, with the Taliban saying his administration is a puppet of Washington.

The Afghan opposition figures heading to Moscow, including presidential election candidate Hanif Atmar and influential former governor Atta Mohammad Noor, said they would "defend national values". Their meeting could open up the tentative US-led peace process up for Afghan-to-Afghan talks, they said.

But Mr Ghani's government said the move undermined the Kabul administration, and was a power grab by political rivals. The Moscow talks come ahead of a July presidential election.

Fazel Fazly, chief adviser to Mr Ghani, expressed "regret" that politicians who previously led Afghanistan's democratic transition were to meet the Taliban.

"[They] are ready to bypass these principles and move towards [the principles'] destruction due to differences and being away from power," he said.

Amrullah Saleh, Mr Ghani's running mate for the July presidential elections, said there was "no alternative and substitute" to state-led peace negotiations. "We shouldn't allow terrorists to divide our views."

The Moscow meeting comes little over a week after Donald Trump's peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said he and the Taliban had agreed in principle to a peace "framework". America would withdraw its troops, while the Taliban would promise to ensure international terrorist groups cannot again use the country to hatch attacks against the world.

The Taliban should talk to the government and hold a ceasefire, he said. Taliban envoys said they needed more time to discuss the ceasefire and talks with Kabul, and a new round of negotiations is set for later this month.

The Kremlin has denied orchestrating the Moscow meeting, but Western diplomats believe Russia is trying to influence any eventual settlement.

While the prospect of peace is welcomed by Afghans after years of bloodshed, many fear the talks are a fig leaf allowing Mr Trump to quit a war he believes is a costly failure.

It is unclear if the Taliban will abide by Afghanistan's fragile democracy or whether they seek to seize power and reimpose the harsh Islamic law of their 1990s regime.

A precipitous American pull-out will only pitch the country into renewed civil war, many Afghans fear.

A Taliban statement said it would use the talks to clarify "Shariah-based and ethical stance to various parties".

Activists yesterday warned peace talks cannot allow the Taliban to roll back gains made on women's rights since 2001. "Afghan women would not accept peace bought at the cost of their hard-gained freedoms," said a declaration by the Afghan Women's Network. ( Daily Telegraph London)
Historic: The first papal Mass on the Arabian Peninsula will be held today. Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images

Pope Francis urged religious leaders yesterday to work together to reject the "miserable crudeness" of war as he opened the first-ever papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam, with a strong denunciation of violence committed in God's name.

In a keynote speech to an interfaith gathering in the United Arab Emirates, Francis warned that the future of humanity was at stake unless religions come together to resist the "logic of armed power...the arming of borders, the raising of walls".

"There is no alternative: we will either build the future together or there will not be a future," Francis told Abu Dhabi's powerful crown prince and hundreds of imams, muftis, ministers, rabbis and swamis gathered in the Emirati capital at a time when the UAE-backed Saudi war in Yemen has driven the Arab world's poorest country to the brink of famine.

"God is with those who seek peace," Francis added.

Francis's speech, delivered at the Emirates' Founders' Memorial, capped a historic day that began when he arrived at the presidential palace for a welcome ceremony in a tiny Kia hatchback - only to be greeted by an artillery salute and military flyover by a country at war.

Even for a nation known for excess, the Emiratis' red- carpet welcome was remarkable, especially for a pope who prides himself on simplicity.
Undated handout CCTV image issued by Police Scotland of a man officers wish to trace, as they are asking members of the public in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland if they can help with a robbery in a Fife village. Police Scotland/PA Wire

Undated handout CCTV image issued by Police Scotland of a man officers wish to trace, as they are asking members of the public in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland if they can help with a robbery in a Fife village. Police Scotland/PA Wire

Undated handout CCTV image issued by Police Scotland of a man officers wish to trace, as they are asking members of the public in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland if they can help with a robbery in a Fife village. Police Scotland/PA Wire

Undated handout CCTV image issued by Police Scotland of a man officers wish to trace, as they are asking members of the public in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland if they can help with a robbery in a Fife village. Police Scotland/PA Wire

Police Scotland are asking members of the public in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland if they can help with a robbery in a Fife village.

The raid took place in Lundin Road, Crossford, on Friday May 4, when a 76-year-old woman was held in a house and a number of items were stolen.

CCTV images previously released show a man who police officers hope will be able to help with their inquiry.

It is believed he may have had links to the Greenock in Inverclyde, Clarkmannanshire and Stirling, and could also have travelled to Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.

Expand Close Undated handout CCTV image issued by Police Scotland of a man officers wish to trace, as they are asking members of the public in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland if they can help with a robbery in a Fife village. Police Scotland/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp Undated handout CCTV image issued by Police Scotland of a man officers wish to trace, as they are asking members of the public in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland if they can help with a robbery in a Fife village. Police Scotland/PA Wire

Police are appealing for anyone who recognises the man to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Kelly McEwan from Dunfermline CID said: "The man in the CCTV images may have information that can help with the ongoing investigation and one line of inquiry for us is that he may now be somewhere in either Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.

"I'd ask that communities from both countries look at our footage and get in touch as a matter of urgency if they believe they recognise the man pictured.

"In addition, anyone with any further information relating to this robbery should also contact police immediately.

Expand Close Undated handout CCTV image issued by Police Scotland of a man officers wish to trace, as they are asking members of the public in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland if they can help with a robbery in a Fife village. Police Scotland/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp Undated handout CCTV image issued by Police Scotland of a man officers wish to trace, as they are asking members of the public in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland if they can help with a robbery in a Fife village. Police Scotland/PA Wire

"Those with information can contact Dunfermline CID via 101 and quote incident number 0099 of 5th May.

"Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
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Croatian president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic wished Chinese people "Happy New Year" here on Monday as she attended a New Year's Eve dinner in a renowned Chinese restaurant.

"It was wonderful to celebrate the Chinese New Year with Chinese friends here in Zagreb. I would like to wish Happy New Year to all the Chinese people in China and all over the world. Xin Nian Kuai Le," the president said, ending her greetings with Chinese words she just learned for "Happy New Year".

Croatia will host the summit between China and 16 Central and Eastern European countries in April. Grabar-Kitarovic said that she looked forward to it.

"I'm very happy that the program actually corresponds to my own initiative of the three seas, connecting the Baltic, the Adriatic and the Black Sea," said the president, mentioning the Three Seas Initiative that includes 12 EU members located between the Adriatic Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea. It aims to enhance regional cooperation and dialogue in various aspects.

According to owner of Asia Restaurant Chen Yinglie, who has been running the Chinese restaurant in Croatia for over two decades and invited many high-ranking officials and top leaders to the restaurant, this was the first time that Grabar-Kitarovic came as president.

"China and Croatia are friends. The president has come to celebrate Chinese New Year because she recognizes Chinese culture," said Chen.




Embargoed to 0001 Monday September 24 File photo dated 05/02/13 of a Barclays sign. Activist investor Edward Bramson is seeking to join Barclays board.

Activist investor Edward Bramson is planning to muscle his way on to the board of Barclays at the lenders next shareholder meeting.

Mr Bramsons investment vehicle Sherborne Investors said that it has submitted a resolution to Barclays to be considered at the annual general meeting on May 2 to appoint him to the board of directors.

Through Sherborne, New-York based Mr Bramson has built a 5.5% stake in Barclays to become one of the banks biggest shareholders.

The lenders other big investors include BlackRock, Qatar Investment Authority, and Capital Group.

Mr Bramson is ramping up pressure on the lender to curtail its investment arm and increase returns for investors, putting him at loggerheads with Barclays boss Jes Staley who is seeking to bolster Barclays investment banking division to rival the likes of Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan.

In a letter to Sherbornes investors last month, Mr Bramson said that he would seek a shareholder vote to make changes in the composition of the board after he previously failed to secure a seat on Barclays board.

Messrs Bramson and Staley were set to meet on March 12 in New York, before Barclays annual general meeting in May.

However, it is unclear if this meeting will go ahead.

Mr Staley said in January at the World Economic Forum in Davos that he had a reasonable engagement with Mr Bramson, but that the corporate raider is yet to reveal his strategy for the lender.

This was echoed by outgoing chairman, John MacFarlane, who previously said Mr Bramson has made some critical points but that he hasnt come up with a solution.
The South Pacific nation of Tonga has been all but cut off from the internet this week after an undersea cable connecting the archipelago to the wider world was severed twice on Sunday, throwing communications across the tiny and isolated country into chaos.

The outage, which the cable's owner said may have been caused by a ship's anchor, also knocked out overseas phone calls and is hampering money transfers, airline bookings, university enrolments as well as Facebook connections to family and friends.

In the capital, Nuku'alofa, a satellite dish was hastily mounted on Monday to provide limited and slow backup connectivity, prompting hundreds of people to queue outside a government telecom office where the signal is most reliable.

"It's like going back to the beginning of the internet," Tonga police spokeswoman Sia Adams said on the phone.

"You just wait for your turn to have your 20 minutes to access... it's currently hot here in Tonga at the moment but they've put up a tent outside, with chairs, so people can wait."

Hours have been extended to midnight to handle crowds of officials, business people and ordinary folk logging on to access cash remittances, buy plane tickets and "just chat" said Filimone Iloa, an employee at Tonga Communications Corporation.

The problem illustrates the vulnerability of undersea fibre-optic cables, which with a data-carrying capacity some 200 times that of satellites have become the backbone of global communications. Broken cables left Somalia without internet for weeks in 2017 and cut off parts of Egypt and India in 2008.

"I have a hotel and I have no idea who's booked on Booking.com or Expedia," said Kjell Stave, who owns the Mystic Sands hotel in the Vava'u archipelago in northern Tonga and cannot connect.

Airlines were also unable to tell if flights were overbooked until passengers showed up, he added.

Tonga's cable, which joins the country to trans-Pacific internet wires at Suva in Fiji, was severed in two spots within about 10 km (6.2 miles) of Tonga's shoreline on Sunday night, Paula Piveni Piukala, director at cable owner Tonga Cable Ltd told Reuters.

"We haven't really ascertained the cause, but most likely it was a boat with an anchor has dragged the cable, or something of this sort," he said.

Piukala happened to be at a telecom industry meeting in Hawaii when the breaks occurred, and so was able to quickly arrange the backup satellite link, though he said it could only provide about a tenth of the cable's capacity.

"The main connectivity to the outside world was through the cable," he said, adding a repair ship was preparing to leave from Samoa and could fix the problem in a week or two, weather permitting.
In the periphery of the Kutupalong camp, humanitarian organisations reinforce the foundations of new shelters built for the refugees. The shelters have been relocated to protect people from potential landslides.

August 2017 marked the start of more than 700,000 Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Myanmar for safety in Bangladesh, joining those who had fled the country previously.

Today, nearly one million Rohingya refugees live in camps and makeshift settlements across Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar peninsula. Between August 2017 and December 2018, teams from Medecins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) have provided one million medical consultations to refugees and the local community. Medical coordinator Jessica Patti describes what MSF teams found and where they plan to focus their efforts next.

All of the main diseases are linked to peoples poor living conditions

Expand Close A child walks on an elevated foot path reinforced by sandbags in the Unchiprang camp in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh. / Facebook

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Whatsapp A child walks on an elevated foot path reinforced by sandbags in the Unchiprang camp in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh.

Almost 9 percent (92,766) of our 1.05 million consultations were for acute watery diarrhea, most of them children under five, who are particularly vulnerable to the condition, and who can die if it goes untreated. While severe cases need to be admitted to hospital, most people can go home after being properly rehydrated.

Diarrhoea is related to the poor and overcrowded living conditions in the camps. Often refugees live in small shelters built from bamboo and plastic sheeting and shared with many family members. Clean drinking water and well-maintained latrines are key factors in preventing diarrhoea, and health promotion activities focusing on improving hygiene are crucial.

Poor living conditions are also behind all the other main diseases we treat. These are upper and lower respiratory tract infections; skin diseases; and fevers of unknown origin, which can be hard to diagnose when laboratory services are not widely available.

People need more space in the camps. This would mitigate the spread of some viral infections. The simple practice of washing ones hands with soap and water would help to prevent many of the skin conditions we treat, such as fungus and scabies. But when you live in a refugee settlement, where clean water is scarce, washing ones hands isnt so simple. Thats why water and sanitation activities have been such an important part of MSFs work. So far, our teams have distributed 87.8 million litres of clean water in the camps.

Despite vaccination campaigns, the risk of disease outbreaks still exists

In the early months of the emergency, medical organisations and the Bangladeshi Ministry of Health responded to various outbreaks of disease  a result of the low immunisation coverage and limited access to routine vaccinations and healthcare available to Rohingya refugees in Myanmars Rakhine State. Since August 2017, MSF teams have treated 6,547 people for diphtheria and 4,885 people for measles. While these represent barely 1 percent of our total consultations, the quick response to these outbreaks was crucial. Since then, a number of vaccination campaigns for diphtheria, measles and cholera have been carried out.

In any emergency involving the mass displacement of populations, the first thing you try to do is to vaccinate for measles as it is a recurrent disease. The emergence of diphtheria was more challenging, as outbreaks are a rare occurrence, and most of our medical staff had to learn how to treat it from scratch.

Today, people in the camps are better protected from disease outbreaks, and our teams continue to do routine vaccinations, but the risk still exists. In recent weeks, for example, we have treated several hundred cases of chicken pox, a disease that is uncommon in South Asia and can have complications for pregnant women, or when the person who catches it is also suffering from other diseases.

With the future so uncertain, mental health services are key

Most of the Rohingya have experienced traumatic events. Many have suffered or witnessed violence and lost close relatives and friends. A lot of people would like to go home, but thats not possible. So they feel hopeless. Since the very beginning, providing mental health services has been a priority. Mental health consultations represent 4.7% (49,401) of our total consultations so far.

Mental health services are unfamiliar to many people, and are sometimes stigmatised, so we have had to create awareness of our services, and we need to continue to do so. Our teams provide individual and group sessions, do psychosocial stimulation for malnourished children, and treat people for psychiatric conditions. This appears to be helping them: drop-out rates are low and there are a good number of discharges, which implies improvements to peoples mental health.

Peoples needs are still not being met for chronic conditions and maternity care

Expand Close Rozia and her two-month-old son Zubair in the MSF hospital in Goyalmara. Many of the children admitted to the hospital have contracted infections from unhygienic birthing practises, and the unsanitary living conditions in the camp during their first days of life. / Facebook

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Whatsapp Rozia and her two-month-old son Zubair in the MSF hospital in Goyalmara. Many of the children admitted to the hospital have contracted infections from unhygienic birthing practises, and the unsanitary living conditions in the camp during their first days of life.

Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are common amongst our patients, particularly the elderly. However, this is a significant need that is not being properly met. When we receive patients who need urgent treatment for chronic diseases, we stabilise them and then refer them to another medical organisation for longer-term care. Among children, there is also a significant prevalence of thalassemia  a congenital disease which is difficult to treat and requires blood transfusions.

Unlike in other contexts where MSF works, deliveries represent a small proportion of our consultations  our teams have assisted just 2,192 births. This is because most women choose not to give birth in hospital. Usually they give birth at home, attended by traditional birth attendants, as they did in Myanmar. But when home is a basic shelter in an overcrowded camp, it is a worrisome situation that we would like to change. Those women who do come to hospital to deliver often arrive very late, without seeking antenatal care beforehand. Antenatal consultations made up just 3.36% (35,392) of total consultations. As a result, our medical staff often see women with conditions such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, prolonged labour and retained placentas.

From an emergency situation to a protracted crisis

At the start of our emergency response, we treated some people for violence-related injuries suffered in Myanmar, and basic healthcare was much needed. Today, the patients we treat for violence are more often injured in incidents happening in the community or family, and events of sexual gender based violence. The major needs are for secondary healthcare, including non-communicable diseases. As at the beginning of the emergency, though now for different reasons, sexual violence remains an important focus. A number of women arrive at our facilities with sexually transmitted infections that have gone untreated for a long time.

MSFs continued presence in the Coxs Bazar peninsula is also leading to an increase in consultations for members of the local Bangladeshi community, particularly in those health facilities that are not located in the middle of the camps.
A civil war in the Central African Republic (CAR) that has forced a fifth of the population to flee atrocities by rival Muslim and Christian militias could be ended after the warring sides agreed a peace deal.

Faustin-Archange Touadera, the country's Russian-backed president, is expected to sign a provisional pact today with 14 rebel groups following talks in the Sudanese capital Khartoum.

The breakthrough came after intense pressure from the UN and the African Union (AU) amid concern that a surge in fighting could lead to genocide. ( Daily Telegraph London)
Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (R) and Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, reacts as they visit Bristol Old Vic theatre in Bristol, south-west England on February 1, 2019

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex depart the Bristol Old Vic on February 01, 2019 in Bristol, England

Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (R) and Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, reacts as they visit Bristol Old Vic theatre in Bristol, south-west England on February 1, 2019

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who are known as the Duke and Duchess of Strathearn in Scotland, during a visit to officially open the V&A Dundee, Scotland's first design museum on January 29, 2019 in Dundee, Scotland. (Photo by Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visit the "V&A Dundee", Scotland's first design museum, in Dundee, Scotland, January 29, 2019. Jane Barlow/Pool via REUTERS

Last Thursday was much like any other day for Meghan Markle.

In the midst of a busy week, she was up early after a trip to the UKs National Theatre the day before, and spent the morning on a solo visit to another of her new charity patronages in London. Dressed in a Givenchy all-black ensemble and nude high heels, the former actress waved to deep, cheering crowds, held her ever-swelling baby bump, met the organisations executives and students, and learned about the transformational power of higher education.

Then she left. It was, by all accounts, another successful engagement carried out by a well-liked, well-dressed member of the royal family. All accounts, that is, based in the real world  online, its a different story.

Like a black widow on the way to a funeral is Meghan Markle. Prince Harry, watch your back, wrote the Twitter user Fairytalesparklz soon afterwards, under a photograph of the duchess smiling at the event.

Expand Close Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who are known as the Duke and Duchess of Strathearn in Scotland, during a visit to officially open the V&A Dundee, Scotland's first design museum on January 29, 2019 in Dundee, Scotland. (Photo by Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who are known as the Duke and Duchess of Strathearn in Scotland, during a visit to officially open the V&A Dundee, Scotland's first design museum on January 29, 2019 in Dundee, Scotland. (Photo by Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

They added the hashtag #Megxit, a call-sign to other trolls who unite behind their hatred of the Californian, and in came the rest.

Bella Wolf, another user, replied: With that uneven, kind of raggedy hem I would compare her to a witch. But widow is fine too. She definitely killed Harrys spirit.

It went on, and on.

Over on Kensington Palaces official Instagram page, which has more than seven million followers, a similar image from the day had prompted Kelleywynn to write: Some days she looks more white and others more black. Must decide which race she wants to play when she wakes up!

That came amid a fierce argument in the comments about whether the duchess really had a university degree (she does), whether Kate Middleton would have looked more or less elegant at the same event, and a generally vicious spat between pro and anti-Markle factions, both of whom frequently sounded unhinged. Perhaps the blog sites would be a little more measured in their coverage, you might think.

Alas, no. SkippyIsHereToStay, a Tumblr account largely dedicated to following the royals, posted suggesting Meghan had deliberately placed a packet of Smints in a car door. They were spotted in the background of a photo, prompting conspiracy theories of an advertising placement. The blog then asked, earnestly, whether there was the fake bump. There are always posts about the bump.

It really was much like any other day. Last week, Kensington Palace revealed it is having to work overtime to deal with an unstoppable flurry of abuse aimed at both Meghan and Kate online.

According to one source quoted, staff are allegedly spending several hours a week trying to manage vile comments aimed at the women and posted on its own Instagram and Twitter accounts, as the once-genteel world of royal family fandom has turned incredibly murky. And it isnt just Team Kate vs Team Meghan (though that remains a hearty debate) in the way it might have been fun to favour Fergie over Diana, or vice-versa, in the 1980s.

Expand Close Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (R) and Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex visit Bristol Old Vic theatre in Bristol, south-west England on February 1, 2019 / Facebook

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Whatsapp Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (R) and Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex visit Bristol Old Vic theatre in Bristol, south-west England on February 1, 2019

Many of the comments are racist, the overwhelming majority are sexist, and some of them are utterly mad, especially where Meghan is concerned.

Cheer on this gold-digging fraud who made Harry marry and knock her up as soon as possible. We all will see the great failure of Megsy very soon. Shes playing a game under the eyes of the world. When she will fail, shell be done forever, came one Instagram comment recently.

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The Palace has always monitored comments but its a hugely time-consuming thing. They can block certain words, but some of it is serious and cant be ignored, a Kensington Palace source told Hello! magazine, which has launched a campaign to help stamp out online hatred aimed at the royal ladies.

Over the course of last year, with hundreds of thousands of comments, there were two or three that were violent threats.

You can delete and report and block people and the police have options around particular people. Its something you have to manage because theres no other way to control it.

Blocking clearly racist terms is all very well, but it doesnt account for the dark creativity of trolls in 2019, who are nothing if not imaginative when it comes to their vicious and disturbing abuse. Meghans haters are among the most skilled at this.

Expand Close Rival fans of Kate and Meghan are attacking each other online (Nic Bothma/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Rival fans of Kate and Meghan are attacking each other online (Nic Bothma/PA)

#Megxit is just one hashtag that unites the most extreme, allowing them to easily find one another and bitch or share conspiracy theories.

Others include #CharlatanDuchess, #DuchessOfDeceit and #MoonBump  the latter named after a company that makes the kind of fake, silicon pregnancy bumps for stage and screen that many trolls have been accusing Markle of wearing for months. That theory is quite rampant, and there are constant attempts to justify it with diagrams, close-ups and reconstructions.

Some groups have even started calling her Lady MegBeth, or, bizarrely, the alliterate interloper. On the other side, her defenders are Megulators or The Sussex Squad, taking their name from her official title as the Duchess of Sussex.

They compare her favourably with Kates style, confidence and workload  the last one being a frequent criticism of theirs, as they say the mother-of-three averages 20-45 minutes per official engagement, while her sister-in-law racks up two hours at a time.

It isnt entirely clear how the situation has reached this point. But with anonymous posting and online abuse rife in general, it has reached an unprecedented level.Many of the trolls work together, it seems. This occurs when a media story emerges that isnt supportive of a particular factions view  for instance, royal reporters and Kensington Palace communications staff are frequently rounded on in what seem like eerily co-ordinated attacks, something the Megulators are just as guilty of as their opposition.

This aspect, in addition to suspicious signs on the accounts themselves  such as when they were established, who else they follow, similarities with other accounts  has even given rise to a suggestion that some trolls may be automated bots.

Many of those posting against Markle were established only in the last few months, follow only one another, and appear to never sleep, posting at all times of day. The use of fake accounts posting mass abuse in such a manner wouldnt be new to Twitter: it is notoriously common on the extreme ends of politics, not least under posts relating to Donald Trump.

But quite why somebody would wish to sow and farm hate in the comments sections of coverage of the British royal family is anyones guess. Until that questions answered, it seems, the hate may well go on.

via The Herald

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
Ireland does not need to build any more houses. That is the somewhat counterintuitive conclusion from comparing where we live - our stock of dwellings - and how we live, our households.

'Households' is not a particularly user-friendly word. So often people will talk instead about comparing the country's 'families' with its dwellings, but really the word 'family' now is an anachronism. Politicians may obsess about families, but households of four or more persons now form fewer than one-third of Irish households.

And many of these households are not families, rather they are 'crammer' households comprised of unrelated persons. The presence of crammers is a testament to our shortage of housing, but apart from that, we are increasingly European in how we live.

Where we live tells an almost opposite story. Nearly nine in every 10 dwellings in Ireland is a house, rather than an apartment. This is by far the lowest fraction in Europe. Across the EU as a whole, on average roughly half of dwellings are apartments.

This makes sense if the vast majority of your population lives in cities and also the majority of your households are one or two persons. Both these things are increasingly true of Ireland. But nonetheless, in Ireland we are left with an extraordinary mismatch between dwellings and households.

The 2016 Census shows the number of 'large' and 'small' dwellings and households we had in this country at the time. 'Large' dwellings are those with 5-9 principal rooms and 'large' households are those with 3-5 persons. 'Small' refers to anything less than five main rooms or three persons.

The figures show a clear surplus of 'large' dwellings - ie, family homes - both in the Greater Dublin area and elsewhere of roughly 350,000. This is huge. So large that even with population growth over coming decades, we will almost certainly never have enough families to live in all the family homes that have already been built.

In contrast, Ireland has a huge shortage of 'small' dwellings, ie, apartments. Dublin alone is at least 125,000 short, while the rest of the country is missing a further 300,000. These numbers are lower bounds, too, because they don't take into account households of unrelated persons in 2016 that would - in a healthier housing system - be split into smaller households.

This is the context in which to examine some of the discussion around recent ly proposed developments, especially in the Greater Dublin Area. For example, Minister of State Finian McGrath has objected to a development, by Cairn Homes, of almost 400 apartments on a site formerly owned by the Christian Brothers on Griffith Avenue, in Dublin's north side.

In a city that needs at least 15,000 new homes each year, he argued that the size of the development was 'out of kilter' with the local community. And he specifically stated, in his letter to constituents, that in addition to the size of the development, he was concerned about the mix of 377 apartments to eight houses.

Unfortunately, opposition to much-needed development is not the preserve of any one particular persuasion. Just this week, in response to a proposed development in Portobello, a councillor for the Green Party called for more homes for citizens rather than students - as if students and citizens are two mutually exclusive groups.

Both the Taoiseach and his constituency colleague Joan Burton objected to a four-storey development in Castleknock, with the Taoiseach going so far as to write "four-storey apartment blocks are a design model which has long fallen into disfavour".

And Minister Shane Ross has been active in opposing developments in his constituency, from an eight-storey building next to an existing 14-storey one in Sandyford to a proposal for 63 homes on the site of a former monastery.

Nobody is suggesting that private individuals' rights to make observations and indeed objections should be taken away. However, there is something jarring about national representatives - almost all of whom agree that significant new housing supply is needed - opposing developments in their own constituency.

American economist Bill Fischel coined the term the 'homevoter hypothesis'. This is the idea that, where a majority of residents in an area are homeowners, they will vote in representatives that will limit building and thus keep their home values high.

It will not be possible to change this dynamic, of course. But we should certainly ask ourselves what on earth the value is of allowing national politicians, both in Government and out of it, to make observations on local decisions - not least if they are trying to sway local decisions against nationally agreed policy.

Ronan Lyons is assistant professor of economics at Trinity College and author of the Daft.ie Reports
As a non-consultant hospital doctor working on an acute medicine service in one of Irelands largest hospitals, I salute the efforts of my nursing colleagues as they continue to expose the fundamental failings of our dysfunctional healthcare system.

Nurses and junior doctors share many of the same issues, particularly in relation to safe staffing. Let us suppose that I fall ill, or I am scheduled to work a night shift, or I am rostered to have a day off after an on-call shift, or I have to attend mandatory training, or I am incapacitated for any reason, and am unable to attend work as a result.

In each of the above cases, the HSE will not put another doctor in my place to ensure my patients are cared for; instead, my colleagues must shore up the gap created by my absence.

This practice is known as cross-covering, whereby a doctor, who may have never met the patients I care for, is required to care for my patients in addition to their own. This practice is undeniably unsafe.

Allow me to draw parallels to the aviation industry. If a pilot who is scheduled to operate a flight is unable to attend work for whatever reason, the airline rarely cancels the flight. Yet neither does the airline allow the aeroplane to take off with only one pilot. In fact, there is another pilot at home on reserve who is called in: a simple, obvious, and yet highly effective solution.

Healthcare providers in the USA, Canada and Australia operate reserve staffing systems with great success. My colleagues who have left Ireland consistently list unsafe levels of staffing as a primary reason behind their decision to move abroad. Indeed, I can count on one hand the number of my fellow graduates who still practise in Ireland.

I hope I have offered the public an explanation for why this is the case.

Dr Paraic Behan

Greystones, Co Wicklow

Solution to backstop impasse could lie in Stormonts hands

THE possibility to find a solution for the backstop agreement based on the input of the power-sharing executive in Stormont should be explored.

It will certainty require pressure from Dublin, London and Brussels to re-establish Stormont. However, given the huge implications of a no-deal Brexit, there should be sufficient political will to work with the Northern Irish parties.

A possible compromise might be to give the power-sharing executive a say on the backstop agreement.

Patrick Bamming

Portlandstreet North, Dublin 1

Billionaires and millionaires rebuild as society gets poorer

ACCORDING to Forbes magazine, there are now 2,208 billionaires in the world, eight of whom are Irish; collectively, billionaires are worth more that $9trn (7.87trn). Not surprised, you say. For me, this is mind-blowing.

In Ireland, we have 125,000 dollar millionaires according to The Wealth Report 2017. David McWilliams in his RTE documentary reported in 2015 that 73pc of the countrys wealth is owned by 20pc, while the poorest 2pc own 0.2pc.

In 2008/9, the crash saw a major collapse in employment and the Government bailed out the banks with taxpayers money. Nama was set up; a number of major developers were given generous subsidies to stay in position to run their business. A decade later we note a number of them have rebuilt their businesses and have become millionaires again.

Meanwhile, Dr Sean Healy of Social Justice Ireland tells us in his pre-budget plan that 750,000 people live below the poverty line.

That is a long way below a just wage or opportunity to participate in the education system. Research carried out by UCC tells us more than 330,000 people owe an average 566 to moneylenders. Many jobs created in the last seven years are in hospitality and caring and are relatively low wage; many are part-time.

Despite the incredible recovery for the wealthy, there has been little recovery for many hundreds of thousands of the population. We can see this clearly in the Pobal index map for disadvantage and affluence 2017. For example, in one area of Limerick city, 67pc of men are unemployed and 40pc of women, while other areas of Co Limerick are marked as very affluent.

This contrast is obvious right across Ireland. According to TASC, recent decades have seen a widening gap between the wealthy and the rest of society. We believe that is wrong in itself, extremely damaging for society and the root cause yet again of economic devastation.

The mind-set of politicians has to change to clearly recognise the impact of inequality and to develop policies and supports to help disadvantaged communities to reach their full potential. Ireland could implement the living wage report immediately.

Dermot Hayes

Ennis, Co Clare
A sentence of life imprisonment for Kevin Braney has dealt a major blow to the most dangerous terrorist group operating on this island.

The New IRA poses the biggest threat to the security of the State since the Provisional IRA ceasefire in 1994, according to Garda security and intelligence.

And it is also top of the terror list in Northern Ireland where last month it was responsible for the car bomb attack outside a courthouse in Derry.

Braney (44), from Glenshane Crescent in Tallaght, Co Dublin, is regarded by gardai as the group's most important figure on this side of the Border.

He has been high on the monitoring list for the Special Branch for well over a decade and was previously the leader of the Real IRA in the capital.

In 2012, the New IRA was formed following an alliance of former factions of the Real IRA, Republican Action Against Drugs and veteran republicans, who had remained unaligned initially after the Provisionals adopted the peace process.

Braney pledged his allegiance to the new group when it was formed. He quickly established himself as a leader, taking charge of its members in Dublin and Cork.

His influence grew as the New IRA built up strongholds in other counties such as Louth. He also became the Dublin chairman of a political organisation known as Saoradh, which has the support of New IRA prisoners in jails on both sides of the Border. He had been involved with Saoradh since its foundation in 2016.

Its first ard fheis, held in Newry, was attended by prominent dissident republican Colin Duffy, from Lurgan, and it was told Saoradh had the support of prisoners in Portlaoise and Maghaberry. Braney was one of four men arrested by the Special Branch and gardai from Meath in August 2017 after inquiries into cross-Border activities by the New IRA and an investigation into an incident involving intimidation and threats in Longwood, Co Meath, the previous month.

This resulted in Braney being charged, convicted and jailed for membership of an unlawful organisation. The New IRA has more than 50 activists listed as persons of interest to the Garda security and intelligence section and is estimated to have 200 supporters.

Its members on this side of the Border are largely involved in providing logistical support for their active units involved in terrorist attacks in the North, including supplying explosives and arms, as well as vehicles and safe houses and raising funds through robberies and extortion.

It is also assessed to be more advanced technologically in developing explosive devices than any of the other renegade IRA groups.

The interception of four mortars in a van by the PSNI in Derry in 2013 alerted the security forces to the additional skills that were being deployed by the dissidents.

The New IRA plans to exploit the possibility of a hard Brexit by stepping up its campaign of terrorism in Northern Ireland but there is no doubt that Braney's conviction is a decisive setback to the gang in the Republic.
It is welcome news that there are plans to restore history as a core subject in primary schools. It can't be said often enough: unless we understand the past, we cannot proceed to the future.

But if history plays a key role in comprehending our world, geography plays a commanding one. If every formal discussion of Brexit was to be preceded by projecting a relevant map on the wall, there might be more understanding - and possibly more flexibility of approach all round.

Northern Unionists like to refer to their "precious union" with Great Britain: that's their entitlement. But look at the map, guys. All people in Northern Ireland share an island territory with people in the 26 counties of the Republic, whether they like it or not. Whatever national identity is cherished, there also have to be practical applications to the operation of this shared piece of territory.

Or examine the geographical place of Ireland on a larger map. Again, whether Irish people like it or not - and some don't - geography has placed Ireland next to Wales and England. However much Irish politicians - from Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney to Mairead McGuinness and Phil Hogan - affirm that Ireland stands with the 27 continental nations, it remains a fact that Liverpool is more proximate, in every way, than Ljubljana, and Anglesey more relevant to Irish interests than Gdansk.

It's perhaps regrettable that maps issued by the Royal Geographical Society still feature a page describing Ireland and Britain as "the British Isles". I'm all for renaming these islands (perhaps "the Atlantic Archipelago"?), and maybe we should claim Rockall into the bargain, but that still won't change the fundamental geography of the map. Nor the inescapable fact that for Irish truckers, Wales and England are a bridge to continental Europe. "These islands" are a geographical grouping.

All around the European Union, there are nations in special groups based on geography, culture and common interests, like the Visegrad Group (Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia), or the EU Med Group (Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain). The Nordic Council has always had its own grouping (not all being in the EU), and there is also the Nordic-Baltic Eight - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.

Ireland is a member of the New Hanseatic League group established last February between certain EU nations with "shared views and values" - the other countries being Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden and the Netherlands. It's useful to be part of a club where there is mutual support, yet the geographical positioning starkly illustrates Ireland's Atlantic setting.

While the other Hanseatic League countries are clustered around the Baltic or on the North Sea, they draw on Germanic, Nordic or Ungaro-Finnish language groups, and on historically Protestant cultures (with the exception of Lithuania). As the league was founded by the finance ministers, perhaps culture and geography don't really matter: yet there is a certain geographical incongruity here, as Barry Andrews has suggested. (Scotland, a North Sea nation, could claim to be as deserving of a place at this table.)

Geography and propinquity define values. In the Eurovision Song Contests, nations with geographical-cultural links to one another notoriously favour each other.

But the map also illuminates why different perspectives arise. France and Italy are presently engaged in a bad-tempered spat over migration. The Italian deputy prime minister has accused France of returning migrants across the border to Italy (and of having "neo-colonialist" African policies); while France has accused Italy of not allowing rescue boats to dock. There is politics involved, but there's also geography: look at the map of Italy and its proximity to the troubled areas of North Africa.

Belgium can't understand why any nation would be opposed to, or even critical of, the EU. But Belgium is in the geographical cockpit of the European continent, every passing war fought on its territory, and itself a deeply divided society only held together by EU institutions (and possibly its monarchy).

In England, too, however much it's repeated that the electorate voted for Brexit, the proximity to France and the Low Countries is a fact of geography. At Shakespeare Cliff, near Dover, swarms of swimmers gather each summer to swim those 20 short nautical miles between the White Cliffs and Gris Nez, near Calais. Between the ports of Dover and Calais, more than 80 ferries ply back and forth every 24 hours, and up to two million goods vehicles cross via the Channel Tunnel annually.

There is a special relationship between Kent and the Pas-de-Calais area in France - based on the imperatives of geography, and the shared context of that Channel trade.

The Border backstop in Ireland has become the central issue in finding a deal for the UK's orderly exit from the EU: and, it seems, the most difficult obstacle to a solution.

But if, instead of hanging blue and gold flags, the map of "these islands" and continental Europe hung large over every negotiating meeting, would the geography of common sense prompt more movement towards pragmatic compromise?
Just when you think you've got your head around the many facets of this Brexit mess, yet another twist lands.

David Trimble, sometime Unionist leader, is using his legal training to challenge the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement in court. He argues that the backstop breaches the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. In what looks like a direct contradiction of Dublin's view, the 1998 joint Nobel Peace Prize winner wants it out of the document.

That one could take a while, but more immediately you will hear a lot more about the dreary preparations for a no-deal Brexit. In Dublin today, that issue will be raised at Cabinet with memos on preparations expected to be brought by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Transport Minister Shane Ross.
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UN agencies and their humanitarian partners need to increase aid to Nigerian refugees in neighboring Cameroon, Stephane Dujarric, the chief UN spokesman said on Monday.

"The response needs to be scaled up significantly to cope with the influx of people, with many refugees reluctant to return to Nigeria's Rann area or any other camp in Ngala without assurances of their safety and security," he said.

"Aid workers are working with authorities to protect the refugees' right to asylum and to relocate them to safer areas away from the border," Dujarric told reporters at a regular briefing.

He said that Allegra Baiocchi, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Cameroon, and representatives from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and local authorities, visited the Goura refugee site in the far north of Cameroon, adjacent to northeast Nigeria where government troops have been clashing with terrorist groups.

Some 35,000 Nigerian refugees have fled into Cameroon.

"Aid organizations are providing food, shelter and water and sanitation, among other services," Dujarric said.

"At the end of January, the World Food Program (WFP) began distributing food for 13,500 Nigerian refugees," he said, adding that the 2019 Humanitarian Response Plan for Cameroon seeks financial aid to assist 2.3 million vulnerable people.
The chairman of the board overseeing the construction of the National Children's Hospital (NCH), Tom Costello, fell on his sword on Saturday amid the storm over skyrocketing costs.

Health Minister Simon Harris insists that he didn't encourage Mr Costello to resign. And indeed it would have been foolish if he had. While Mr Costello remained in place there was an additional figure to share the intense political scrutiny that is now being applied to every minute detail of the handling of the NCH and its serious cost overrun.

Mr Costello, the former chair of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB), was among officials who faced a grilling at the Dail's spending watchdog, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), last week. In his absence, Mr Harris and senior officials at the Department of Health are more exposed and will face increasing questions about their role in the NCH project.
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Ian O'Doherty Opinion The June bank holiday is made for fun so enough with the finger-wagging

OK, heres a typically controversial and, dare I say, brave statement  I love bank holiday weekends. But while every bank holiday is to be welcomed, I have a particularly soft spot for the one were enjoying this weekend. Thats because, for about 10 years, I spent every June bank holiday down in Kilkenny at the Cat Laughs comedy festival. Covering comedy was my beat at the time, and it didnt get much better than the Cat Laughs. Kilkenny is a cracking town and that legendary festival elevated the place even more. I spent many days on the lash with the great Johnny Vegas. I had the kind of night out with Canadian comic Mike Wilmot that could never be retold in a family newspaper. I became pally with Emo Philips. I discussed politics with Lewis Black. I swapped recommendations with Rich Hall for the best American alt-country bands at the time. It was all very debauched and decadent and, as you can imagine, enormously enjoyable. Of course, I was younger back then and had the stamina to go for two or three nights without much sleep. Why sleep when youre having so much fun? Over time, the grind just became too hard. The moment I knew it was time to throw in the towel came when I was driven back to Dublin at 7am on the Monday morning to start my shift in the newsroom and I realised that I was just getting too old for it all. Ive been thinking about those fondly remembered days a lot this week. Both because it reminds me of when I could still get up to that sort of behaviour  if I tried it today Id probably just keel over and die  but also because it reminds me that, at the moment, nobody else can have that kind of that experience. This pandemic has brought many home truths to us all. In my case, one of those home truths is that Im actually beginning to be comfortable with my advancing decrepitude. But for tens of thousands of us, our favourite bank holiday events are simply not happening this year. Some have been cancelled entirely. Other traditional bank holiday staples, such as the VHI Womens Mini Marathon are just being conducted online and/or postponed to later in the year. While Im happy to become an old fart and sit out in my back garden, thats a luxury and a privilege denied to so many of us  particularly younger people who have spent much of the last 15 months stuck inside their apartment or, even worse, forced to go back to live with their parents. That was the thing that really struck me about the frequently chaotic scenes we witnessed around the country last week and which will be repeated, with gusto, this weekend. Contrary to the professional scolds and the finger-waggers, the people who congregated on Georges Street and South William Street werent anti-social monsters determined to ruin the lives of city-centre residents. No, they were simply young people who were letting off a bit of steam. In years to come, when we look back and analyse the various impacts of the lockdown, one of the most startling aspects will surely be the way the generations quickly turned on each other. Back in March 2020, when this terrible nightmare first began to grab us all by the throat, one of the main mantras was were all in this together. That was a rather fanciful platitude. It was also completely incorrect. Because when push comes to shove, people will always turn on each other and look for a scapegoat. Its one of the less admirable aspects of human nature and we saw numerous examples of it this week. I was listening to one radio phone-in and it sounded like a parody of the genre. Older folk were up in arms at the sight of so many young people gathering together. Younger kids were then quickly on the phone defending their behaviour and condemning the fuddy-duddies for judging them. It was depressing as it was predictable. If I have one quibble with the gangs that gathered together last weekend, and who will probably do it again tonight and tomorrow night, it was the amount of litter that was left behind. The argument about the lack of bins has a point  to a point. But the reality is that if you can bring a bag of cans out onto the street, you should be able to keep that bag to bring the empty cans home with you. Its hardly rocket science, is it? Frankly, the thoughts of standing in the middle of the street while slugging back a few tins fills me with horror  but Im not in my twenties. Thats why I wont judge those kids who went on the lash  they were like puppies who had just escaped from their cage. What did we expect them to do when they saw their first chink of daylight in a year? Things have been hard enough for everyone but theres a rather unpleasant element of competition about who has it had it the toughest. However, as is often the case, the answer is staring us all straight in the face  everyone has had it tough, just for different reasons. So enough with the judgemental attitudes  from both sides. After all, were all in this together, right?
Tributes have poured in for model Alli MacDonnell, who died suddenly at home in Dublin.

"Alli lived for her four kids, she was a brilliant mum, her kids were her world," recalled John Compton, a close friend of the 37-year-old and her former agent.

Mr Compton, who last spoke to the model on Sunday, said the Dubliner was "very involved with autism because both of her two youngest children were on the spectrum and she was very passionate about that subject and to help where she could".

Working as an ambassador for the Irish Autism Action charity, he said Alli had been in discussion about working on a TV project on that topic.

"There was loads going on for her in a positive way. There were a couple of shows in talks with her, one of them was about autism," he said.

"This is all so sad. Alli had her whole life in front of her, I just can't believe it, she was my best friend."

He recalled how the two met when Alli "walked into the agency years ago and asked 'can I join?' and I say 'Yes, you are stunning'".

"Alli was such a great model, always reliable and even when I closed the agency, we stayed friends. In fact, we became even better friends because there wasn't the work element involved.

"There's a gang of our friends here in my house today, we all want to be together. We are having our own little wake because we can't believe that she's gone."

A regular face on 'Ireland AM' where she modelled in fashion slots, Alli was mum to Sienna (2) Harry (9) and had two older teenage children.

Samantha Judge, CEO of Autism Ireland, paid tribute to Ms MacDonnell, saying she was a tireless campaigner for autism.

"Alli was an amazing mother, a beautiful woman, inside and out.

"She was a very strong voice for autism, as a mother and she was so supportive of her children and of the charity.

"She will be a great loss to us. Alli worked tirelessly to raise awareness of autism."

Valerie Roe, who runs a PR and events agency, recalled working with Alli. "She was a single mum, life was hard but she lived for her kids, that was my abiding memory," she said.
Nurses take part in their second day of industrial action over pay and conditions at Naas General Hospital, in Co Kildare (Niall Carson/PA)

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told the Dail there is no guarantee that granting nurses a pay rise will help address retention and recruitment issues in the health sector.

He said the Government wants to resolve the dispute with nurses as INMO members engage in a second day of strike action today.

However, he said the Government will only engage with unions via the Workplace Relations Commission and, if necessary, the Labour Court.

Mr Varadkar conceded that it was discourteous of the Government to make a public statement instead of writing to nurses unions last night offering them an opportunity to engage in further talks at the Workplace Relations Commission.

We will make sure that doesnt recur but at the same time we shouldnt forget that tens of thousands of people found out through the media that their respite was being cancelled this week.

He said offering a pay rise may not help retain nurses or attract young workers to the profession.

Australia does pay more, and the United Arab Emirates pays more but they also have recruitment and retention issues. So, unfortunately, there is no guarantee that an 8pc, 9pc, 10pc or 12pc pay rise will actually solve the recruitment and retention problem.

It hasnt solved it in Australia and it hasnt solved it in the Middle East.

Mr Varadkar added he was not willing to negotiate pay increases that were not of benefit to the taxpayer. He is also reluctant to breach pay deals already in place.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin accused the government of spin and said it was appalling that the Taoiseach has engaged in optics by commenting publicly on the dispute instead of speaking directly to nurses and their representatives.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald claimed Mr Varadkars handling of the dispute is a sign of the Governments incompetence.

This is not good for patients that nurses and midwives are on pickets, she said.
There is massive pressure on Health Minister Simon Harris over his handling of the escalating costs of the controversial 1.7bn National Children's Hospital (NCH) project.

Amid intense scrutiny of who knew what and when about the escalating costs, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has also been subject to criticism.

And the top civil servant in the Department of Public Expenditure (DPER), Robert Watt, is facing renewed calls to appear before the Dail's spending watchdog to be grilled on the issue.

There is growing Opposition criticism over the 450m increase in construction costs from 983m to 1.4bn. Another 300m is to be spent equipping the hospital.

Fianna Fail TD Stephen Donnelly said Mr Harris faces a series of questions including a claim he withheld information from the Dail last September after he got his first indications there were concerns that costs were rising.

Department of Health officials previously argued costs incurred at that point were "on profile" and the scale of the cost increases weren't known until November. Mr Donnelly said: "That is not a satisfactory explanation."

He also demanded to know what actions Mr Harris took to seek to reduce the costs after he learned they were rising in August.

Labour TD Alan Kelly accused Mr Harris and Mr Donohoe of a "hands-off approach" to the NCH project.

He claimed: "The handling of dealing with these overruns has been absolutely shambolic."

Mr Harris last night defended his actions and rejected suggestions he had taken his eye off the ball.

He said he should be held accountable for the decision he took when he advised the Government to proceed with the project.

"I think the real scandal here would have been if the Minister for Health recommended not proceeding with the hospital that has been promised in this country for decades and has not been delivered," he said.

He told RTE News his department constantly sought updates once concerns over costs were raised with them last August and "did due diligence" with experts commissioned to determine the full scale of the costs.

Earlier he dismissed as "ridiculous" suggestions that the growing cost of the NCH was not revealed last autumn due to the threat of a general election.

Separately, Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Sean Fleming said he wants to see DPER secretary general Mr Watt come before the committee. He said Mr Watt should be quizzed on the "control and governance of costs in relation to all major capital projects", including the NCH.

Another PAC member, Catherine Murphy, also said Mr Watt should attend. "We're still trying to get to grips with where the responsibility is. It's very difficult to see how DPER doesn't have an involvement," she said.

She pointed out that a DPER official is on the board of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board.

The official, Paul Quinn, is the head of the Office of Government Procurement and questions have been raised about when he first became aware of the rising costs and if he informed DPER.

Mr Donohoe said he wasn't made aware of the scale of the cost issue until last November but yesterday moved to defend Mr Quinn, saying he is "bound by the responsibilities he has to the board". A DPER statement said Mr Quinn serves on the board in a "personal capacity" and is "bound by the confidentiality terms of his tenure on this board".

It said Mr Watt has yet to receive a formal invitation to attend the PAC.

Mr Donohoe said he is awaiting the outcome of the PwC review of the situation.

But he also said he believes "things should have been done differently" and the "flow of information in relation to the escalating cost of the hospital should have been made available earlier to Government in its entirety".

Capital projects which may be delayed due to the NCH overrun will be announced next week.
Fianna Fail TD Barry Cowen has said the government "would be gone if it wasnt for Brexit".

It comes as his party criticised the government over the National Childrens Hospital cost overrun and the nurses' strike.

The costs of the hospital have spiralled to more than 1.7bn and nurses are on their second day of strikes in two weeks, with more to come.

Fianna Fail is demanding to know which State capital projects will now be delayed as a result of the cost overrun at the NCH and accused the government for failing to avert the latest strike action by nurses.

Despite the criticism, the party has stopped short of calling for Health Minister Simon Harris to go, a move that would end the confidence and supply agreement and would bring down the Fine Gael-led minority government.

Fianna Fails health spokesman Stephen Donnelly was asked if he has confidence in Mr Harris and if he would be calling for him to resign.

Mr Donnelly said: "Id say youd be hard pressed to find anyone in Ireland who has confidence in this government when it comes to healthcare".

He listed the handling of the nurses strike, the cervical cancer scandal, hospital waiting lists and the National Childrens Hospital saying: "the list goes on and on and on".

It was put to him that Fianna Fail are willing to prop up the government.

Mr Donnelly said: "Were not propping them up. We dont support them, we dont want them in government. We dont think theyre doing a good job."

Mr Cowen added: "Theyd be gone if it wasnt for Brexit."

Mr Donnelly said Fianna Fails focus now is reducing the costs of the NCH.

"Weve a very small window of opportunity to get these costs back down. As you know were we to table a motion of no confidence in Simon Harris that would trigger a general election.

"The one thing that would guarantee is Ireland has no government for the next three or four months."

He said the NCH construction would continue and "any opportunity to bring these costs back down would be immediately lost".

"Our focus at the moment is not on playing party politics.

"Its on getting the hospital built for a decent price, getting these costs back down again so that we can deploy that money around the country to other capital projects."

More to follow
A prominent police officer has expressed disappointment at comments by actor Liam Neeson, which revealed he once held violent thoughts about killing a black person in revenge, after someone close to him was raped.

The Hollywood star provoked widespread criticism after he said he had walked the streets armed with a weapon, hoping he would be approached by someone "so that I could kill him".

Neeson spoke of his shame that he had harboured such thoughts, in an interview to promote his latest film.

Detective Sergeant Janet Hills, chairman of the Metropolitan Black Police Association, said the remarks highlighted the need for intelligence-led policing instead of profiling a whole community.

Asked about Neeson's comments, Ms Hills told the BBC: "I think it's disappointing that he has said what he's said and elaborated on that.

"People will take a different view as to whether he is right or wrong.

"But, when I align that with policing, that is why it is so key that we use intelligence-led policing to identify individuals and not profile a whole community in regard to criminal activities.

"Because there are specifics in his case. There was a specific person that committed that.

"It wasn't just any black man on the street. And that is why it's really key that we use, and continue to use, intelligence-led policing to solve crime and to build reassurance with our communities."

The 'Taken' actor (66) recalled the feelings of anger in an interview to promote his new film 'Cold Pursuit'.

Discussing how his character turns to anger, Neeson told the Independent: "There's something primal - God forbid you've ever had a member of your family hurt under criminal conditions. I'll tell you a story. This is true."

He said the rape happened some time ago and said of his friend: "She handled the situation of the rape in the most extraordinary way.

"But my immediate reaction was... I asked, did she know who it was? No. What colour were they? She said it was a black person.

"I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping I'd be approached by somebody - I'm ashamed to say that - and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some black b*****d would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him.

"It took me a week, maybe a week and a half, to go through that. She would say, 'where are you going?' and I would say, 'I'm just going out for a walk'. You know? 'What's wrong?' 'No, no, nothing's wrong'.

"It was horrible, horrible, when I think back, that I did that. And I've never admitted that, and I'm saying it to a journalist. God forbid.

"It's awful. But I did learn a lesson from it, when I eventually thought, 'What the f*** are you doing', you know?

"I come from a society - I grew up in Northern Ireland in the Troubles - and, you know, I knew a couple of guys that died on hunger strike, and I had acquaintances who were very caught up in the Troubles, and I understand that need for revenge, but it just leads to more revenge, to more killing and more killing, and Northern Ireland's proof of that.

"All this stuff that's happening in the world, the violence, is proof of that, you know. But that primal need, I understand."

The comments triggered an intense debate on social media with many expressing strong criticism.
Safe: Mick Doyle, his wife Rachel and their three children were forced to abandon their home due to the severe flooding

An Irish family forced to abandon their Australian home due to severe flooding fear they will be unable to get medication for their son.

Father-of-three Mick Doyle, originally from Saggart, Dublin, described how crocodiles are climbing trees to escape the gushing waters in Queensland, saying "we've never seen anything like this before".

He and his wife Rachel have been living in Australia for more than seven years and bought their first family home two years ago.

Now the Dubliner fears their house will be completely destroyed after they had to evacuate on Sunday. His eldest child Conor (9) suffers from epilepsy and autism, and they are worried about getting access to medication.

"We got no warning at all to leave... it happened so quickly," Mr Doyle told the Irish Independent.

"If we had left it another 20 minutes we wouldn't have made it out of our house.

"It's been really stressful. We fear everything will be destroyed when we go back.

"We had to leave so much of our belongings behind.

"We've got three small kids, aged nine, four and two. Our eldest has epilepsy and it has been a massive upheaval for him. The other two kids think we're on holidays as we're staying with friends. The hospitals are closed and are only opening for emergency cases, and there's no road access within five miles (8km) of where we are now. We're running low on medication for our son but we hope it will be OK."

Queensland has been hit with its heaviest floods in a century after torrential rain poured over the weekend, while the south of Australia bakes in sizzling temperatures. Hundreds of residents have already been evacuated after days of monsoon rains lashed the region.

Crocodiles and snakes have been spotted in the water and driveways as army troops and police in boats searched for residents in need of help.

"The crocodiles don't like fast-moving water so they've been climbing up trees," Mr Doyle said.

"We've never seen anything like this... we fear our cars are going to be gone when we get back.

"We haven't been able to get any sleep at all.

"Because of the heat and the humidity we're worried our house will be covered in mould from the floor to the ceiling.

"We found out the hard way when we moved to Australia about rainy season and lost a lot of valuable stuff in our first year... we got things to dehumidify the rooms but we're worried that the dehumidifiers won't work this time round."

Between 150mm and 200mm of rain - the average for a whole month - fell at the weekend.

Australia's tropical north expects heavy rains during the monsoon season at this time of the year, but the recent rainfall was far above normal.

Dave Cullen, of the North Queensland Irish Association, said the rain "just hasn't stopped".
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Cameroon's Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji said Monday government forces have been given the order to hit "hard" on kidnappers in its mountainous Adamawa region.

"The state has the will and the means to put things in order. The Head of State appreciates what we have done so far to neutralize most of those dangerous criminals. All the forces of law and order and the administrative and judicial authorities have to be very hard. They have to crack down on these criminals." Nji told reporters upon arrival in the region's capital Ngaoundere.

Nji said, he was sent by President Paul Biya to the region to distribute gifts to the affected population and hold working sessions with security and administrative authorities.

"For the past 16 months, the local people have been victims of all sorts of atrocities. President Paul Biya has given firm instructions that this criminal enterprise must be put to an end," he said.

About 300 cases of kidnapping have been reported in the region over the last three years, according to local authorities, and at least 2 billion fcfa (about 3.6 million U.S. dollars) is estimated to have been paid as ransom and 5,000 cows stolen.

Last week, President Paul Biya deployed 130 "special forces" to the region to "restore peace and order."

Highway robbers had previously operated in the rugged and sparsely-populated region, but were forced to escape after Cameroon elite force, Rapid Intervention Battalion, intervened.
Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) during their 24-hour stoppage at the Coombe Hospital (Photo: Mark Condren)

Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) during their 24-hour stoppage at the Coombe Hospital (Photo: Mark Condren)

Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) during their 24-hour stoppage at the Coombe Hospital (Photo: Mark Condren)

Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) during their 24-hour stoppage at Coombe Hospital (Photo: Mark Condren)

Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) during their 24-hour stoppage at Coombe Hospital (Photo: Mark Condren)

A second 24-hour strike by 37,000 nurses is under way after the leader of the main nursing union shot down a bid by ministers for fresh talks.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Health Minister Simon Harris called for immediate discussions at the Workplace Relations Commission.

They said talks should focus on issues other than pay, including a 'safe staffing framework' to improve staff and patient "outcomes" and reduce reliance on agency staff.

But the general secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), Phil Ni Sheaghdha, rejected the olive branch.

She described it as "one of the most cynical moves" she had seen during a career of more than 20 years in industrial relations.

Improving the pay of nurses and midwives is the only thing that will solve the current standoff with government, the head of the INMO has said.

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Ms Ni Sheaghdha said a press release from the Government yesterday saying it was willing to talk about working conditions and staffing was not going to bring them to the table.

If the Government insists the only remedy can't involve pay then we have a huge problem, Ms Ni Sheaghdha said.

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Speaking outside St Jamess hospital, as construction traffic for the new Children's Hospital rumbled in the background, she said nurses had already sat down with government about working conditions in the past.

We have already sat down with the Government and talked about working conditions. We have an agreement brokered by the WRC in February 2017 that has done that, she said.

The problem is that the Government is not able to fulfil the promise they made in that agreement because they can't find the nurses to fill the slots. It's a Catch 22, until you fix the baseline problem all the agreements on staffing are aspirational, she added.

The picketers I've met are very clear, this will require a review of their pay scales. The reason they are leaving is because they are getting better pay abroad.

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"We are in a competitive market, we are building a new childrens hospital and we need a minimum of 300 children's nurses and the class that just emigrated have told us they're leaving, they're going to London already, said Ms Ni Sheaghdha.

Asked if it was fair that patients, including cancer patients, were having appointments and treatment affected by the strike, Ms Ni Sheaghdha said the fact that patients are suffering is not news to the minister.

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We have very long waiting lists in this country. We have trolley counts that are extraordinary and no measures to improve them. Were very good at counting and analysing but actually we are not putting in measures to improve the conditions for patients, she explained.

What nurses are doing is taking a stand, theyre saying this isn't good enough, we have to open more beds but we can never do that without an increase to the nursing and midwifery population and to to do that you have to look at the base salary, she added.

Services are being provided today. The ED departments are open and our medical colleagues are working well with us so there are services available. They are restricted. GPs are unaffected by the dispute, as are the triage services outside of hospitals, said Ni Sheaghdha.

The public are very supportive. The public understand the problem and they also understand that the nurses are here on their behalf because the situation that they face on a normal day is regularly getting a phone call to say your procedure is cancelled because our hospital is too overcrowded to take you in today. So this is nothing new today. It isn't good enough, and that's what our members are saying, she added.

It was put to Ni Sheaghdha that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform are saying nurses are already getting significant pay rises under the terms of the public service stability agreement, and it is unreasonable to look for more.

What they term pay awards is actually a restoration of cuts, and at the end of the agreement in 2020 nurses will be in a lesser pay rate than they were on in 2008, she replied.

She said her members had exhausted the talks process but management did not table proposals.

Ms Ni Sheaghdha denied that her union's demand for equal pay with other healthcare professionals amounted to a 12pc pay claim.

She said it was a gross exaggeration to say it would cost 300m.

Her union has proposals that demonstrate a pay rise could be funded by cutting agency staff costs and expensive recruitment measures, she added.

"I genuinely think that the public know that we will do anything to resolve this dispute once we know the other side is genuine," she said.

"What happened today was an attempt to spin; to protect the political system."

A spokesperson for the INMO said the union did not receive an invitation from the Workplace Relations Commission. He said strike preparations will continue.

A spokesperson for the Psychiatric Nurses Association, which is also demanding a pay rise, said any invitation to talks that do not address pay "would be of no benefit" in addressing recruitment and retention issues.

However, Government sources said it had been in touch with the Workplace Relations Commission to outline its position.

Mr Harris described Ms Ni Sheaghdha's comments as really unhelpful rhetoric.

He said everyone needs to take a deep breath so the dispute can be resolved.

Mr Harris said the Government is "on a tightrope" as a pay rise would trigger knock-on claims by other public servants.

However, he said the Government is in "solution mode".
Construction works at the site of the new hospital

Cornerstone: Then Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Health Minister Simon Harris cast the foundation stone in 2017. Photo: Julien Behal

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has defended Health Minister Simon Harris amid criticism of a delay in telling other government ministers about the cost overruns at the National Childrens Hospital (NCH).

Construction costs for the hospital have soared from 983m to 1.4bn.

Labour leader Brendan Howlin said that Mr Harris became aware of rising costs for the project as early as last August but Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe has said he was not told of the full scale of the issue until November.

Did it really take another three months for minister [Paschal[ Donohoe to be informed?... It is unimaginable that the minister for Public Expenditure was kept in complete ignorance of public expenditure., Mr Howlin asked in the Dail.

Mr Varadkar insisted that Mr Harris did the right and appropriate thing, adding He sought full information, facts and figures before presenting that information to government.

The Taoiseach said he found out about the cost overrun at around the same time as Mr Donohoe.

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I responded in the same way as other people in this house. First disbelief, struggling to believe how the prices had gone up again.

And second we did the appropriate thing which the government should do was to reject it and say go back, negotiate with the companies, get the figure down, find out if we can reduce specifications find out if retendering was an option.

All of those options were considered.

Retendering would delay the project and probably save nothing, reducing the specifications of the project would have been a mistake because this is a 100-year project

Negotiations were carried out with the companies to bring those figures down as much as is possible.

And thats the figure that was presented to Cabinet in December and approved by Cabinet.

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Mr Howlin also about an official from the Department of Public Expenditure who was a member of the board overseeing the hospitals construction.

He pointed to a government circular from 2010 outlining how civil servants appointed to non-commercial boards must inform the minister if a matter of serious concern arises.

He argued: A government circular overrides any confidentiality imposed by a board itself. How is it possible that this did not occur in one of the States largest developments?

Mr Howlin asked if the official informed the minister of the overrun and if not, why not.

Mr Varadkar argued that corporate governance has changed quite a lot since 2010.

He said a board members fiduciary responsibility and their legal responsibilities are to that board and the correct line of accountability is from the chairman of that board to the line minister, not individual board members acting on their own part.

Earlier he said that there have been proposals to develop a NCH since the 1960s.

There have been numerous failed attempts to deliver this project.

This government will deliver this project. Its already under construction. The satellite centre in Blanchardstwon is built and will be open to patients this year, Tallaght next year and the main hospital in 2023.

Decades of promises will actually be delivered by this government, something that the children of Ireland need and deserve.

I appreciate its right and appropriate to talk about the cost and the cost overruns but we should never forget the value of this project.

He said PWC are examining the escalating costs and the terms of reference of the probe are being revised at present.

Mr Varadkar said: The review will deal with the accountability of relevant key parties, functions and roles.

The prohibition on making any findings against individuals will be removed.

It will establish the sequence of events in relation to the cost increases experienced by the project, establish what was known when and by whom and will cover bodies including the NPHDB, its committees, the HSE and also the Department of Health.

It will also be asked to identify any areas where potential cost savings or reductions which are consistent with the applicable contractual undertakings may be found.
Health Minister Simon Harris has appointed Fred Barry, a former chairperson of the National Roads Authority, to chair the board responsible for building the new National Children's Hospital.

It follows the decision of the former hospital chairman Tom Costello to step down amid the controversy over the escalating expense of the new childrens hospital, which will cost at least 1.4bn to construct.

He said Mr Barry is a former chairperson of the National Roads Authority and has vast experience in managing complex projects.

"I want to thank Mr Barry for taking up this role. The National Children's Hospital is the most significant investment in children's healthcare in this country.

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"Mr Barry's experience and leadership will be invaluable to ensuring the next phase of this project is delivered for future generations."

The Minister also said he had revised terms of reference for the PwC review into the cost escalation of the hospital.

The review will deal with the accountability of the relevant key parties, functions and roles, he said.

The review will be completed by March 29, 2019, subject to availability of relevant documentation and personnel, and will inform any governance or other changes required.

The review will deal with accountability of the relevant key parties, functions and roles. This may inform appropriate next steps by decision makers, including Government.

The review will:

Establish the sequence of events in relation to the cost increases experienced by the project.

Establish what was known, when and by whom, and the reporting of relevant information from the project team to the relevant oversight and governance bodies including NPHDB Board and its Committees, the HSE and the Department of Health.

Assess the processes, controls, decision-making and oversight arrangements in relation to the planning and delivery of the project, including specifically the:

Development and approval of the original business case / original design, budget and scope Development and approval of the construction/procurement strategy for the project Appointment of the main contractor, selection and execution of the construction contract Management of the main contract, in particular in relation to cost/budget and scope/change Design development process Assessment and valuation of risk at key decision points and on an ongoing basis Roles of key parties and accountability for the financial control and performance of the project

Establish the underlying root causes (processes, controls, governance and decisions taken) that have contributed to cost increases.

Comment on the major residual risks and the robustness/completeness of the current forecasts and identify and where possible quantify those risks contractually excluded from the GMP/adjusted contract sum.

Comment on the extent to which changes have been put in place by the NPHDB, the HSE and the Department of Health to address lessons learnt.

Develop any further recommendations, if possible, which may:
Just 126 of the 253 GPs who have so far signed up to provide medical abortions are allowing their names to be released to women who ring up the 'My Options' freephone information line.

If a GP allows their name to be released as part of the information line directory it means that women inquiring about abortion may be able to choose who is the most convenient to attend.

Doctors who have signed up, but not allowed their names to be released, are likely to mostly provide the service to their own patients or accept referrals from other GPs who are not participating.

The new law extending the grounds for abortion was in place for a month last Friday. When it started on January 1 there were 200 GPs involved and it has grown slowly as more received training.

GPs provide medical abortions up to nine weeks of pregnancy and refer women who are nine to 12-weeks pregnant to a maternity hospital.

The freephone information line run by the HSE received an average of 500 calls for the first two weeks, and this reduced to 300 more recently.

Around 10-15pc of the calls are from health professionals.

The HSE said it gets an average of 50-60 calls a day.

Nine maternity hospitals are providing abortion services. The Coombe maternity hospital in Dublin, which was providing limited service since January 1, moved to a full service from yesterday.

It means that women from the catchment area who are between nine and 12-weeks pregnant will be able to be referred there for a medical abortion.

All maternity hospitals are managing complications arising from abortion and providing care and supervision for women following a diagnosis of fatal foetal abnormality. The women are being referred to larger maternity hospitals.

They are also providing care and supervision in cases where maternal health or life is at risk, referring the patients for specialist care where needed.

The hospitals are also giving scans and administering Anti D.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed yesterday that the HSE has lodged a complaint with Google about the bogus MyOptions site which is unregulated.

The HSE has also increased its digital spend to try to prevent the bogus site from appearing at the top of Google searches.

The move follows a revelation last week that a woman who had an abortion in a Dublin maternity hospital was contacted through an unsolicited text by a man involved in the bogus website.

He offered her an ultrasound even though she had not been in contact with his organisation.

The incident is currently being investigated by the HSE and is also being probed by the Data Protection Commissioner, Helen Dixon.

Meanwhile, the nurses' strike is leading to some abortion procedures which are non urgent having to be postponed.

Women who are certified for a medical abortion and are near the 12-week time limit are being prioritised to ensure they do not fall outside the law.
Robert and Michelle Ryan, the son and daughter of deceased man Bobby Ryan, leave the Central Criminal Court after giving evidence. Photo: Collins

The daughter of a man whose body was found in a farmyard tank two years after his disappearance has told how she advised her father to "P45" his partner, Mary Lowry.

Michelle Ryan agreed with the court that this meant a "dismissal".

The Central Criminal Court was also told how Robert Ryan, the son of deceased Bobby Ryan, called to Ms Lowry's farm on the day of his disappearance and felt she wanted him "out of the yard as quick as she could get him out".

Asked how she appeared, he replied: "Very shaken, very upset, emotional, very, very upset, crying."

Patrick Quirke (50), of Breanshamore, Co Tipperary, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Bobby Ryan (52), a DJ known as Mr Moonlight between June 3, 2011, and April 2013.

Mr Ryan went missing in June 2011 and his body was found in April 2013 in a tank on a farm at Fawnagown owned by Ms Lowry which was leased by the accused.

The court has previously heard that Mr Quirke was involved in an affair with Mary Lowry, his wife's sister-in-law and the widow of his late best friend, Martin Lowry.

The relationship went on from 2008 to 2010, when Ms Lowry ended it.

Ms Lowry then began a relationship with Bobby Ryan, which the prosecution alleges was the catalyst for the murder.

The trial was told yesterday how Bobby Ryan had asked his daughter to give him an "honest opinion" about his relationship with Ms Lowry following a weekend in Bundoran at the end of May 2011.

He and his daughter had an open conversation about his relationship with her, she told the court.

She said she had told her father that he "didn't need that" in his life and to the best of her knowledge, her father had finished the relationship that Tuesday.

It was late October to early November 2010 when she first met Ms Lowry at Foxes in Cashel, Co Tipperary. She noted she "chatted away" but had watched her father "like a hawk".

Ms Ryan said she had told Ms Lowry that if she was sensitive, her father "wasn't the one to be with because he wasn't shy" but Ms Lowry had "just laughed".

Robert Ryan Jnr told the Central Criminal Court how his parents had separated in early 2005 or 2006. His father lived in a council house at Boherlehane, outside Cashel.

Robert, his partner Leanne Hallissey and their baby daughter Amy - who were living in Ovens, Co Cork - would travel up and down to stay with him.

On June 2, 2011, it was Robert's birthday and he spent the day with his friend out with his racing car. It was 11.30pm when he got home and his father was not home. The next morning he noticed his work boots at the bottom of the stairs.

He again went to a friend's house and about 10.30am or 11am, returned to his father's house. Leanne told him someone had called for his father and from the description of the vehicle, realised it was his father's boss at Killough Quarry.

He drove to Killough and noticed his father's truck wasn't where it usually was.

He tried to phone his father but it went straight to voice mail.

Believing his father may have taken the day off because it was a beautiful day, he decided to go to Mary Lowry's house.

When he arrived, he didn't see anyone at the house and when he stopped, he looked in the rear-view mirror and Mary Lowry was standing there.

He later told gardai he thought she must have been in the sheds because she would not have made it out of the house to that point so quickly.

He agreed with defence counsel Lorcan Staines SC that he previously told gardai: "She appeared shaking to me, as if after having a car accident."

He rolled down his window and, he told Mr Staines, Ms Lowry "mumbled" that she didn't know where his dad was and added: "We didn't have a fight."

He said he got a feeling "straight away something wasn't right" and added: "I knew something wasn't right about the way she was acting." He thought she had been crying, was "visibly shaking and very upset".

He refused to give her his phone number and said that if she heard anything, to contact his sister, Michelle.

Mr Ryan agreed with Mr Staines he had told Michelle not to tell Mary Lowry that he was on his way over.

He said when he met Ms Lowry at the farm, "I asked her that she must know where he is, he must be somewhere," adding that she said her father had mentioned something about a river when his mother had left.

Asked whether Ms Lowry had mentioned a lake, Mr Ryan replied that he was 90pc certain she said river.

Put to him that he had said Ms Lowry had been shaking, Mr Ryan said: "The only way I can describe it is you have a bad car crash and you get out. It was very strange."

Asked why he refused to give his phone number to Ms Lowry, he said: "I don't have an answer for it. I just didn't want her having it."

He told the court he knew "something bad happened in Bundoran" between his father and Mary Lowry.

Mr Staines put it to him that he had told gardai how his father's friend Mary Glasheen would always have called to the house and Mr Ryan said: "We could never tell Mary Lowry that. She used to be very jealous."

Leanne Hallissey told the court she recalled the evening before Bobby Ryan's disappearance.

They were watching television together and Bobby Ryan was cooking his dinner. His phone was "going off and off and off", she said, and he was "kind of giving out" because he kept having to go over to check the phone.

"He said, 'I'd better go across and see what's wrong with her'," she recalled.

Meanwhile, Michelle Ryan told the court how she had been extremely concerned when her father failed to turn up for work that day and she was unable to contact him on his phone.

She told her aunt Ann Stapleton she had a "terrible feeling" that they were going to find her father's van in a woods but told the court she couldn't explain this feeling.

She contacted Ms Lowry who told her to come to her house for tea and who collected her.

Along the way, she claimed Ms Lowry became upset, saying: "I'm sorry, Shelley, I'm so, so sorry."

Ms Ryan asked whether Bansha Wood was close by and asked her to drive there first. They immediately saw Mr Ryan's silver Citroen van.

Ms Ryan said the van was unlocked and her father's DJ equipment was inside.

Having often driven the van herself, she said she realised the seat was pushed too far back, that it was parked in second or fourth gear and the position of the mirror was altered.

She told gardai her father "was not the last person driving that van because everything was all wrong".
A social worker came across two parents passed out on the couch in the sitting room with two young children unattended nearby, a court has heard.

At a special sitting of the Family Law Court in Ennis, Co Clare, where Judge Patrick Durcan granted an emergency care order to Tusla, the child and family agency, for the six-year-old girl and the boy (3), the social worker said that the children told her that they had tried to wake the parents without success.

The social worker called to the home last week at 10.45am on a school day and she said that the children had to make their own breakfast when they couldn't wake up the two.

The social worker was giving evidence on behalf of Tusla for an emergency care order for the two children.

She said she asked the six-year-old girl why she wasn't at school and the girl said that "mommy didn't wake up to bring me to school".

The social worker, who was making a scheduled call to the home, said that after some effort she was able to wake up the parents but they became quite aggressive towards each other and towards her.

She told the court: "When I felt that I was unable to calm the situation, I sought the help of the gardai."

The social worker said the parents continued to fight with each other and the six-year-old girl covered her ears "and I brought her over towards me for some comfort and the gardai arrived".

A garda witness said that four gardai were running around trying to separate the children from the parents.

She said the children were very distressed.

The female garda told the court: "I decided that it was best to take the children out of there for their safety and well-being."

The garda told the court that the parents were under the influence of some intoxicant and the father told the court that he had taken prescription drug Xanax.

Judge Durcan said he was granting an emergency care order to Tusla and he then adjourned the case to Ennis District Court on Thursday.
A senior dissident who gardai believe is the leader of the New IRA in Dublin has become the fourth man to be found guilty of the murder of father-of-three Peter Butterly nearly six years ago.

Kevin Braney (44), formerly of Glenshane Crescent, was found guilty of being involved in the organisation and planning of the premeditated shooting of dissident republican Butterly (35) outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013.

Delivering judgment yesterday at the non-jury Special Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul Coffey, presiding, sitting with Judge Martin Nolan and Judge James Faughnan, said the court was driven "irresistibly" to the conclusion Braney was involved in the organisation and planning of Butterly's murder beyond a reasonable doubt.

The court found that Braney had attended meetings with others involved in the murder plot and that a massive garda surveillance operation had observed him driving in his own car in convoy with the killers as they moved a car the night before the murder.

Braney was also observed by gardai driving on the route the killers would take to and from the murder scene.

Butterly died from three gunshot wounds to the neck and back after trying to flee his killers when they opened fire on his car where he had parked to meet associates.

Prior to the murder, gardai had a number of vehicles and individuals under surveillance but no knowledge that a murder was going to take place.

They had observed vehicles moving toward The Huntsman Inn and away from it and apprehended the chief suspects as they made their getaway. In his opening address last October 4, prosecuting counsel Paul O'Higgins SC told the court that Braney "is said in effect to have been the man who gave the orders... and is shown to have had an extensive involvement".

Giving the court's verdict yesterday, the judge said the circumstantial evidence connected Braney with Butterly's killers Dean Evans and Edward McGrath as well as with The Huntsman Inn.

The court considered it "highly significant" that Braney drove to The Huntsman Inn following a meeting at David Cullen's flat in Balbriggan on the night prior to the shooting.

There was also evidence that Braney met Butterly's murderers two days before the killing.

The judge added that the circumstantial evidence also connected the defendant with a meeting that took place the day after the murder.

He outlined the evidence that gardai had placed a listening device at that meeting in the KFC restaurant at Charlestown Shopping Centre in Finglas and that six men including Braney could be heard talking about the killing and how the area was saturated with gardai.

One piece of conversation picked up by the listening device was: "Sorry... did you do the pickup?"

This was followed by: "No, no, no. Everything got f**ked up. Butterly had to have known that something was going down."

Another piece of conversation was: "All we know is what was on the news. We're not out of the woods yet."

This judges found this meeting was "so proximate" in time that the court could not dismiss it as unconnected.
John Shaw (73) has been in custody in Ireland since September 1976 when both he and another English man, Geoffrey Evans, were arrested for the abduction, rape, torture and murder of Elizabeth Plunkett (22) in Wicklow and Mary Duffy (24) in Mayo that year. (file pic)

The States longest serving prisoner is battling for two days temporary release per year.

John Shaw (73) has been in custody since September 1976 when both he and another English man, Geoffrey Evans, were arrested for the abduction, rape, torture and murder of Elizabeth Plunkett (22) in Wicklow and Mary Duffy (24) in Mayo that year.

Shaw and Evans were both given life sentences at the Central Criminal Court on February 9, 1978.

Evans died in 2012 from an infection after spending more than three years in a vegetative state. He had been at the Mater Hospital, under round-the-clock guard by prison officers, at a significant cost to the State.

The pair abducted Dublin woman Elizabeth Plunkett in Brittas Bay in 1976. They raped and murdered her and dumped her body in the sea. Her remains were found later on the Wexford coast.

A month after their first killing, they abducted Mary Duffy (24) in Castlebar. She was held captive in a tent and raped repeatedly before being murdered. They dumped her body in Lough Inagh in Co Galway.

The killers were arrested in a stolen car in Salthill, Co Galway, and both were later convicted of murder in 1978 and given life sentences.

Over the years, Shaws case has been the subject of a number of reviews first by the Sentence Review Group and subsequently the Parole Board.

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In April 2016, the Prison Review Committee noted Shaw was very frustrated that he has never got a day out of prison in his 38 years in custody He has no family in Ireland and has only received one family visit over the course of his sentence.

The following June, a dynamic risk assessment of Shaw found him to be at a high-level risk of re-offending.

Areas of particular concern to the assessors were poor problem solving skills; negative emotionality; deviant sexual preference; cooperation with supervision; significant social influences; hostility towards women; general social rejection; and lack of concern for others.

In 2016, the Parole Board recommended Shaw remain in Arbour Hill prison to allow speedy access to medical treatment and that he be granted two days of escorted outings per year

However, the Minister for Justice did not support the recommendation for two days of escorted outings, which Shaws lawyers challenged in the High Court.

In a judgment delivered last March, Ms Justice Mary Faherty said she was satisfied that Shaw had been afforded the full panoply of fair procedures due to him.

However, Ms Justice Faherty commented that the reasons provided for the Ministers refusal left something to be desired.

Shaws lawyers were granted an extension of time to appeal the High Court judgment on Monday. His lawyers filed an appeal approximately one month late due to an inadvertence.

President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham said Shaw had clearly formed an intention to appeal within the time required and suitable grounds of appeal had been identified.

He said there was every chance Shaw would continue his legal challenge, if the court refused to extend time, and the same issue could come back before the court in two years time.

Shaw was not present in court for the application to extend time to appeal.

Ms Justice Faherty had said the function of the Parole Board was to provide an advisory role to the Minister for Justice in the exercise of the the Ministers discretion.

There was no suggestion that the Parole Board did not abide by the processes set in place in order for it to be in a position to assist the Minister in the consideration of the management of the Shaws sentence.

She said the opportunities afforded to Shaw to make his case to the Parole Board were clear from the process in which he engaged. He participated in two interviews with the two members of the Parole Board who were designated to interview him.

Furthermore, he wrote to the Parole Board taking issue with what was said to be the interviewers misstatement of answers given by him in the course of the interview and with their having raised certain matters which the applicant contended were outside of their remit, Ms Justice Faherty said.

She dismissed his application for judicial review.
The legal team for a woman suing over alleged misreading of cervical smears has raised concerns in the High Court as whether they were given for testing her correct smear slide by laboratory MedLab.

The move came after it emerged at the weekend a form submitted with the 2012 slide for testing in the Ruth Morrissey case contained details relating to another woman, but allegedly purported to be signed by Ms Morrissey.

Ms Morrissey, who is seriously ill with cervical cancer, has sued the HSE and two laboratories over the alleged misreading of two of her cervical smears taken under the CervicalCheck screening programme in 2009 and 2012.

Mr Justice Kevin Cross was told her solicitor Cian OCarroll has now written to MedLab outlining his concerns about the 2012 slide and seeking an explanation.

Counsel for Ms Morrissey Patrick Treacy SC told the court his side were not suggesting any impropriety but he said there is a concern if the experts on the Morrissey side had ever examined the correct slide.

Jeremy Maher SC, also for Ms Morrissey, said the 2012 MedLab slide appeared to have a cytology form which included a different address and date of birth to Ms Morrissey and details of a different and older person, which the court called Woman B.

He said their side now required a full explanation as to why this form was included and why was Ms Morriseys signature on the form. Ms Morrissey, counsel said, will say she did not sign that form.

The concern now, he said, is whether their expert has ever seen the correct slide.

In the witness box leading cervical expert Dr Michael McKenna has given evidence that cervical cancer on the balance of probabilities was there in 2012 when a smear slide tested by MedLab laboratory was reported as negative.

Eoin McCullough SC, for MedLab, told the court in July 2018 when the Ruth Morrissey slide was sent out time was a premium and there was no requisition form and a mock up form was created.

Counsel said the correct slide was analysed. He said he will have to take further instruction on the question of Ms Morrisseys signature.

Mr Treacy SC, for Ms Morrissey, said it has been confirmed Woman B went for a smear test in 2011, eleven months before his client.

He said the fundamental question is if any of us tested the right slide in the case.

He added it could also have been the wrong slide at the time of the audit.

At one stage Mr Justice Kevin Cross commented it was getting stranger and stranger.

Ms Morrissey and her husband Paul Morrissey of Kylemore, Schoolhouse Road, Monaleen, Co Limerick have sued the HSE and the US laboratory Quest Diagnostics Ireland Ltd with offices at Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin along with Medlab Pathology Ltd with offices at Sandyford Business Park, Dublin 18.

It is claimed there was an alleged failure to correctly report and diagnose and there was an alleged misinterpretation of her smear samples taken in 2009 and 2012.

The HSE has admitted it owed a duty of care to Ms Morrissey but not to her husband. The laboratories deny all claims.

The case before continues.
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Bulgarian authorities have neutralized a seven-member organized criminal group responsible for illegal acquisition and sale of weapons, and seized 22 firearms, the Interior Ministry said in a statement on Monday.

In searches of nine locations, the police seized 16 pistols, five rifles, one carbine and about 1,000 bullets, the statement said.

The police also found a lathe with which the serial numbers of the weapons were erased, the statement said.

Three of the gang members have already been convicted of illicit trade in firearms, it said.

The investigation is ongoing, the ministry added.




A doctor has gone on trial accused of sexually assaulting a teenage patient more than 20 years ago.

Kevin Mulcahy (61), of Creggane, Lombardstown, Mallow, Co Cork, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to sexually assaulting a woman in his surgery in Mallow, Co Cork, in 1995.

He also denies a second count of sexual assault at the same location on a date between May 8, 1996 and December 31, 1996.

The complainant, now aged 41, told Maddie Grant BL, prosecuting, she was 17 in 1995 when her brother became worried about her after a death in the family and suggested she attend a doctor.

She said she didn't really know what was wrong with her but she was "asleep a lot".

At the beginning of the check up with Dr Mulcahy he asked her to take her clothes off, she said.

The woman said she hesitated but thought to herself "he is a doctor" and then stripped down to her underwear.

"I felt very naked and uncomfortable. He examined around my breasts. He felt around them. He pressed around them with his hands.

"Inside I felt it was inappropriate but I didn't say anything. I felt very uncomfortable," she told the court.

She told Ms Grant she didn't recall if the doctor had diagnosed her with anything. She said if he gave her a prescription she would have given it to her older brother, who had come to the surgery with her.

The woman said that during subsequent visits Dr Mulcahy would sit with his legs apart and rock her back and forth while pressing into her. She said he would tell her "it's what a loving dad does to a child".

She said he would try to kiss her and she would resist. "I didn't like it, didn't understand it. I would go out of my body," she said.

The complainant said the last incident of assault took place when she attended Dr Mulcahy in the summer of 1996. "He came around to my side. His penis was exposed. He brought my hand over to touch it. He said he'd teach me," she told the court.

She said she just kept looking at the door to the surgery and wanted to get out of the room.

The trial continues before Judge Pauline Codd and a jury of six men and six women.
The president of the High Court has warned the Department of Health to urgently address "clear defects" in the processes used for recruiting junior hospital doctors.

Mr Justice Peter Kelly made the call after ordering the striking off of the medical register a Pakistani doctor who was found to have forged three "glowing" references from consultants in hospitals in Mullingar and Tallaght where he had worked.

The judge said the department "must get a grip" on this pattern of defects, which has implications for patient safety, "sooner rather than later".

Separately, he struck off a Romanian doctor recruited by the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin as an anaesthetic registrar in late 2015 on foot of her 2002 qualification for anaesthesia in Romania.

Following an adverse outcome for a patient at the Rotunda, anaesthetic consultants became concerned and they administered a competency test to the doctor, normally applied to first year trainee students in anaesthesia after their first 12 weeks. Mr Justice Kelly noted the doctor failed this test "spectacularly".

These were not the first such cases before the court to expose defects in recruitment processes and he had previously drawn attention to those defects, he said.

The Department of Health must have a concern about the integrity of the recruitment process because it is "simply not fair" that patients going into hospitals cannot repose confidence in doctors, he said.

There is "something seriously wrong" if references are not validated, he said.

If a hospital is going to use any doctor, they must verify their competency and references, he said.

The first case before the judge concerned Dr Syed Basit Ahmed, a doctor from Pakistan with an address at College Hill, Mullingar.

He had worked in hospitals in Mullingar and Tallaght and the Medical Council sought to have him struck off after he was found guilty of professional misconduct following an inquiry of the council's Fitness to Practise Committee (FTPC) over forging three references in his favour in the names of three different consultants, one at Mullingar, and two at Tallaght.

Dr Ahmed, who denied forgery, had not attended the inquiry after his request for a private hearing was refused.

The forgeries came to light after Dr Ahmed applied to Letterkenny hospital for a position in 2017 and an "eagle-eyed" consultant there became suspicious about the terms of the references provided, the judge noted.

The second case concerned Dr Eunicia Ursu, of Timisoara, Timis, Romania, who was also found guilty of professional misconduct following a separate FTPC inquiry held arising from complaints made in July 2016 by three consultants anaesthetists at the Rotunda.

She did not attend the inquiry and is believed to be back in Romania. The FTPC also found she was guilty of poor professional performance while she was employed as a registrar in anaesthetics at the Rotunda in 2016.
Emergency services are at the scene of a road traffic collision on the M50 this morning.

The incident occurred on the M50 southbound just before junction 9 Red Cow.

Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene, where the two overtaking lanes were blocked.

They have confirmed there are no serious injuries.

We are on scene at an RTC on the @M50Dublin Southbound just before junction 9 Red Cow. The two overtaking lanes are blocked.@aaroadwatch @LiveDrive pic.twitter.com/jfcfbBlbUW  Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) February 5, 2019

M50 Dublin recovery services are on the scene.

The lanes are currently being cleared, but motorists have been warned of delays in the area.
'Bin gardas' are to crack down on households that can't show they dispose of their waste properly.

Inspectors will be able to issue fines of 75 on anyone who can't prove they are disposing of their waste legally in a bid to clamp down on illegal dumping.

However, a senior waste management official insisted there are no plans to force households to sign up with private bin collectors.

People in 'bin sharing' arrangements with neighbours will need to put a formal declaration in place, while those who choose to go to the local dump will need to keep receipts.

Bylaws being put in place by local authorities across the country will target tens of thousands of homes not currently using private waste collecting companies.

Under the plan, companies will share the unique Eircodes of their paying customers with authorities, which will then be checked against Eircodes in a given locality.

Inspectors will target homes with no contract and a fine of 75 will be issued to anyone who cannot prove they are properly disposing of their waste.

Fines will increase to up to 2,500 if a case is brought before the courts.

Hugh Coughlan, regional co-ordinator of the Eastern Midlands Regional Waste Office, insisted not being signed up with a private bin collector will not automatically lead to a fine.

"You don't have to have a contract. We do recognise for example that some people do bin sharing," he said.

"In that case there will have to be a declaration and the specific situation will probably have to be more regularised," he told the Irish Independent.

"We may end up issuing fines, after all the checks and balances show that you cannot prove you've been properly disposing of your waste."

It will also be taken into consideration if people use facilities such as the local dump to dispose of their waste, he said, with households expected to retain receipts. The main aim of the plan is to ensure people are properly disposing of their waste, Mr Coughlan said.

While door-to-door, TV licence-style inspections will be carried out, there will be an element of investigation, where inspectors have to be completely satisfied an individual can't prove their waste is being properly disposed of.

Mr Coughlan was confident the proposal for private waste companies to share customers' Eircodes with councils was not in breach of data protection legislation.

"It's not personal data," Mr Coughlan said, adding that an Eircode was a geoco-ordinate. "The legislation allows us to use that."

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner had not responded last night to a request for clarification on whether this was an acceptable practice.

An information campaign on the plan is due to be rolled out in the coming months.

Inspectors could be on the streets by as early as the spring.

The Department of the Environment said every local authority is either considering or has recently introduced new bylaws on waste management.

It said these oblige people to use an authorised waste collection service or provide documentary proof on how they dispose of their waste.
Journalist Clemence Michallon said she felt a "responsibility" to share actor Liam Neeson's story as accurately as possible.

THE journalist who spoke to Liam Neeson in an interview where he admitted his thoughts about killing a black person said that she felt a strong responsibility to tell the story as accurately as possible.

Clemence Michallon, a culture writer with the Independent, described how the celebrity press junket for Mr Neesons new movie went very fast and how she wasnt expecting him to tell the story.

In an interview released yesterday, Mr Neeson said he walked the streets armed with a weapon hoping he would be approached by someone so that he could kill them.

The actor, who is from Ballymena in Northern Ireland, told Ms Michallon in an interview about his new film Cold Pursuit that he is now ashamed of his past awful behaviour.

Speaking with Piers Morning on Good Morning Britain, Ms Michallon explained how the story came about after she asked a question about Mr Neesons character in the new film.

His character in the film that this was in promotion for is a snow-plough driver whose son gets killed by a drug gang, she said.

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Instead of mourning and doing the work that most people in real life would do internally, which is to grieve and move on, his character goes on a string of killings. And so, I said, why does this character do that instead of grieving like most people would do.

Honestly in the moment it all went very fast. You do not go into a celebrity press junket for a Hollywood Movie expecting to hear that story. I think what I felt immediately was a very strong sense of responsibility and a strong sense of duty to tell the story as sensibly as possible.

Ms Michallon said it was evident from the audio that the story had been weighing on Mr Neeson for some time now.

Host Piers Morgan questioned Ms Michallon about whether the editorial team had discussed altering the story in any way before publication or holding it back.

This was a story that came from the press junket, Liam Neeson has done dozens of interviews. He volunteered the story, if you listen back to the tape- and Ive done so many, many times, I can pretty much go through it by heart now- you know its not a throwaway line, she said.

He decided to tell the story that had been apparently weighing on him for a while, it wasnt a question of lightening what he said in anyway, thats not what were here for.

If we had wanted to do that, it wouldnt have been our top story on the website for 24 hours almost. It was just telling the story as fully as possible.

When asked if she believed this would damage Mr Neesons career, Ms Michallon said: I think its still too early to call.

Discussing the reaction the interview has received on social media, the journalist said the outrage was justified but that it wasnt the first time a celebrity interview had caused such shock.

People have reacted with obviously a lot of shock and outrage, and people are stunned and appalled. Were not surprised by this, the shock is justified, she said.

Liam Neeson himself is apparently very stunned by his own thought process, he says it himself that its awful. Whether or not his career ending, I think its ultimately up to the studios and to movie-goers to tell.

"It was a celebrity junket, so you have a time slot, I had 20 minutes with Liam Neeson and his co-star, its all very rigid, very regimented. You dont expect to get this sort of startling story out of it.

From what Ive seen so far this is the only time hes shared it. If you listen to the tape it sounds like he decided to unload this story that had been burdening him.

Mr Neeson was discussing how his character turns to anger when he told the Independent: I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping I'd be approached by somebody - I'm ashamed to say that - and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some black b*****d would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him.

"It took me a week, maybe a week and a half, to go through that. She would say, 'where are you going?' and I would say, 'I'm just going out for a walk'. You know? 'What's wrong?' 'No no, nothing's wrong.'

"It was horrible, horrible, when I think back, that I did that. And I've never admitted that, and I'm saying it to a journalist. God forbid.

"It's awful. But I did learn a lesson from it, when I eventually thought, 'What the f*** are you doing,' you know?
Richard E Grant has said he is living the dream as he posed alongside his fellow Academy Award nominees including Spike Lee, Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.

Grant, 61, picked up the first Oscar nod of his career for his supporting role in Can You Ever Forgive Me?, which also stars Melissa McCarthy.

On Monday, the British actor attended the annual Oscars Nominee Luncheon at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles and rubbed shoulders with the great and the good of Hollywood.

Youall understand why I am blurred and enduring aSmiling-rictusa syndrome after meeting all these folk at the Academy Awards Nominees lunch today!!! pic.twitter.com/vMTYEtg3tG  Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) February 5, 2019

Grant posed for selfies with a selection of nominated thespians, including A Star Is Borns Cooper, who is up for best actor, and BlacKkKlansman filmmaker Lee, who is up for best director.

Grant, who was born in Swaziland, also posed alongside Gaga, Mahershala Ali, Rami Malek, Glenn Close, Sam Elliott and Viggo Mortensen.

Along with the snaps  some of which were blurry  Grant wrote: Youll understand why I am blurred and enduring Smiling-rictus syndrome after meeting all these folk at the Academy Awards Nominees lunch today!!!

This is now getting beyond pinch yourself  more like punch yourself SwaziGuy!!!! Living the dream.

And some more!!! This is now getting beyond apinch yourselfa - more like apunch yourself a SwaziGuy!!!! Living the dream.  pic.twitter.com/vqBuyYsULe  Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) February 5, 2019

At the Oscars luncheon, nominees were told by Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences President John Bailey to be quick with their acceptance speeches on the big day.

Winners will have 90 seconds from the time their name is read out to when their speech will need to finish.

The 91st Academy Awards will be the first ceremony in 30 years not to have a host and will instead rely on a string of presenters, including Daniel Craig.

The Oscars lunch was not the first time the Withnail And I star Grant has shown his excitement this awards season.

Expand Close Richard E Grant was among the stars to appear at the Oscars luncheon (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) / Facebook

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Last month Grant shared his emotional reaction after Barbra Streisand replied to a letter he sent her 47 years ago.

Grant, who was 14 when he wrote to the actress and offered her a holiday at his family home in Swaziland, broke down in tears after hearing Streisand had finally got around to replying.

She tweeted: Dear Richard What a wonderful letter you wrote me when u were 14 ! and look at u now! Youre terrific in your latest movie with Melissa congratulations and love Barbra.

The Academy Awards will take place on February 24.
Liam Neeson said he was trying to show honour to and stand up for his friend (Ian West/PA)

Liam Neeson has said he was compelled by a "primal" and "medieval" desire for revenge when he had violent thoughts about killing a black person after someone close to him was raped, but has denied being racist.

The Northern Ireland star provoked widespread criticism after he said in an interview with The London Independent that he had walked the streets armed with a cosh, hoping he would be approached by someone "so that I could kill him" after his friend told her she was attacked by a black man.

Discussing his controversial remarks on US talk show Good Morning America, he said: "I had never felt this feeling before, which was a primal urge to lash out.

He added: "After that there were some nights I went out deliberately into black areas in the city, looking to be set upon so that I could unleash physical violence.

"I did it four, maybe four or five times, until I caught myself and it really shocked me, this primal urge. It was shocking.

"It shocked me and it hurt me... I did seek help, I went to a priest."

Neeson explained that he had grown up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, where he witnessed revenge on a regular basis.

He said: "I'm not racist, this was nearly 40 years ago, but because I was brought up in the north of Ireland, I was brought up in the Troubles in the 60s, 70s and early 80s.

"There was a war going on in the north of Ireland and I had acquaintances who were involved in the Troubles.

"The bigotry, one Catholic would be killed, the next day a Protestant would be killed, one Catholic pub would be bombed and a Protestant pub would be bombed.

"I grew up surrounded by that. But I was never part of it."

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Neeson said he would have had the same reaction if his friend, who has since died, had told him she was raped by a white man.

He added: "If she had said Irish or Scot or a Brit or a Lithuanian, I know it would have had the same effect.

"I was trying to show honour to and stand up for my dear friend in this terrible medieval fashion."

Asked by GMA host Robin Roberts what he was hoping people would learn, Neeson said: "To talk, to open up, to talk about these things, we all pretend we're all politically correct, I mean, in this country and same in my own, sometimes you scratch the surface and discover this racism and bigotry, and it's there."

He then asked Roberts what the teachable moment was and she replied: "The point I want to make out is, this wasn't discovered by somebody, you admitted this, it isn't a 'gotcha', so I give you credit there, but also having to acknowledge the hurt, even though it happened decades ago, knowing an innocent black man could have been killed."

Neeson replied: "Or they could have killed me too, at the time."

Roberts said that he has to "understand the pain of a black person" from hearing his confession.

He said: "Absolutely, you're absolutely right. And at the time, even though this was nearly 40 years ago, I didn't think about that, all those things surprised me, but it was this primal hatred, I guess, that really shocked me, when I eventually came down to earth and saw what I was doing, looking for a fight."
The fastest-growing cyber threat to Irish companies is not due to any external factor but is, in fact, the employees working for them.

According to a recent study from Logicalis Ireland, chief information officers (CIOs) are becoming increasingly concerned with the actions of insiders.

Some 39pc of the 840 IT leaders here surveyed said that this threat has become their main focus, more so than ever before.

Lack of awareness amongst staff, and the mistakes they then make, were issued cited by more than half (56pc) of respondents.

Other top security risks mentioned included malware and ransomware (68pc), data breaches (54pc) and phishing (49pc).

A shift in approach to firm security is reflected in the study results as more than one third believe a cyber resilience policy is required, not a purely defensive strategy.

Furthermore, some 10pc of respondents said that they are currently reassessing their security footing.

Ross ODonovan, Information Security Practice Lead with Logicalis Ireland, said with technological progression comes new risks and threats.

"In particular, CIOs are focusing on internal threats as they realise that a tech-based defence is not enough with people often the weakest link in the company defence strategy," he said.

"Human error and malicious insiders pose a major threat to organisations. If companies dont address these, it could be extremely costly for them and their customers."

Last September, Logicalis Ireland invested 1m into the company's digital transformation, leading to the creation of 25 jobs.

The Dublin-based business upgraded its technological capabilities to enhance its service offerings for clients such as RTE, Musgrave Group and AIB.
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Tanzanian lawmakers on Monday appealed to the government to allow the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) to retain 40 percent of its annual collections for improvement of other strategic harbors in the east African nation.

Members of the Parliamentary Committee for Infrastructure said the government should allow the TPA to retain 40 percent of its 117 million U.S. dollars annual collection to improve efficiency of Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Kigoma and Kalema ports.

"Almost all TPA collections are remitted to government coffers, leaving the ports authorities without funds" for its ports improvement, said Moshi Kakoso, chairman of the committee.

He was presenting in the National Assembly the committees' activity report for January 2018 to January 2019.

Kakoso said Dar es Salaam port has a number of challenges that affect its performance, including inadequate capacity to handle big vessels.

Dar es Salaam and Tanga ports required deep berths to enable big ships to dock, Kakoso told the House in the capital, Dodoma.

"Most of the infrastructures at our ports are dilapidated. We can hardly compete with Mozambique's Beira port, Durban port of South Africa and Mombasa port in Kenya," he said, adding that there is also need to improve roads to the ports.




CEO of Sedgwick, Malcolm Hughes, is pictured with Georgina Vincent, team member at Sedgwick

Risk solutions firm Sedgwick is to create 250 jobs here as it aims to establish an international services hub in Dublin.

The US-headquartered company already employs 400 people in Ireland across its seven offices in Sligo, Donegal, Galway, Limerick, Cork, Waterford and Dublin.

Roles to be filled span a range of verticals including customer service, sales, claims, property, liability, accident and health insurance, as well as corporate finance, technology and compliance.

CEO Malcolm Hughes said that the expansion was due to the success of the existing Irish operation.

"We see growth being driven by a strong pipeline of new business projects, responding to our growing client demands, and a demand for managed solutions in anticipation of Brexit."

Sedgwick, which has secured a contract with Irish Life Health, plans to set up teams in Dublin to provide corporate services, such as finance and IT support, to the global group.

The job vacancies are currently live, with the company expecting to have them completely filled over the next two years.

While the company's offices in Dublin have capacity for a larger workforce, Sedgwick is planning "regional expansion to incorporate these roles".
Ryanair is set for its second major shake-up in just over a year as long-time boss Michael O'Leary moves to being group chief executive.

It comes just over 12 months after the airline said it would recognise trade unions.

The outspoken CEO has just signed up for another five years at Europe's biggest low-cost carrier, shunning a return to the 12-month rolling contracts he espoused as recently as the company's annual general meeting last September.

A new CEO will be appointed this year to run the Ryanair airline, with Mr O'Leary concentrating on the broader development of the group, backed up by a small team of legal and finance personnel.

In his new role Michael O'Leary will have reduced basic pay and a lower bonus.

The structure will be similar to that at IAG, the airline group that owns Aer Lingus, British Airways, Vueling, Iberia and Level.

Expand Close Stepping down: Long-serving Ryanair chairman David Bonderman will quit the role in 2020 / Facebook

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Its CEO is Willie Walsh, with each airline also having its own boss who reports to him.

As with Mr Walsh, Mr O'Leary will oversee strategic decision-making, including the allocation of capital and cost-cutting. The group's procurement function will move to Ryanair Sun.

Ryanair now wholly owns Austria-based Laudamotion, which is expected to expand to a fleet of about 50 aircraft within the next four years.

It also has a separate Poland-based operation called Ryanair Sun. Both units have their own chief executives. Ryanair UK, recently established to thwart the impact of Brexit on its domestic UK flights, will also have a CEO.

The key challenge, Mr O'Leary said, would be to get the right CEO in Ryanair and "hold his or her hand over the next 12 months". Mr O'Leary has been chief executive of Ryanair since 1994, having joined the airline a number of years before that.

Mullingar-based Mr O'Leary, who turns 58 next month and has made hundreds of millions of euro from Ryanair, has frequently speculated over the past decade that his days at Ryanair may be numbered.

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But yesterday's announcement confirms what many industry observers already believed - that Mr O'Leary is unlikely to hang up his spurs.

Ryanair also announced that its long-serving chairman, billionaire David Bonderman, is to step down from the role in 2020. He'll be succeeded by current Ryanair non-executive director Stan McCarthy, the former chief executive of Kerry Group.

At Ryanair's AGM in September, almost 30pc of votes cast by shareholders were opposed to the re-election of Mr Bonderman, who's been chairman since 1996.

Mr O'Leary's decision to stay for another five years did little to lift the mood among investors yesterday. Ryanair's shares fell as much as 6pc as it reported a loss of 20m for the third quarter - its first quarterly loss since 2014.
Michael O'Leary is synonymous with Ryanair.

He cultivated its brash, youthful arrogance as it battled regulators, governments and the Brussels, growing it from a small, upstart carrier on the edge of Europe, to its dominant low-cost carrier.

But the same traits that characterised the carrier for much of Mr O'Leary's tenure as CEO also sometimes alienated Ryanair. But to Mr O'Leary, who owns almost 4pc of Ryanair, the old maxim that any publicity is good publicity seemed to hold true no matter what the circumstances.

Now the search - most likely to be an internal one - begins to find his successor. While he'll oversee the group, a new chief executive will be in charge of the day-to-day.

Former Ryanair executive Peter Bellew, the Co Meath native who returned to the airline in 2017 after stepping down as chief executive of Malaysia Airlines, will be among the top contenders for the job.

He told disillusioned Ryanair pilots at Stansted in 2017 that Ryanair had lost its way. It was the aftermath of a pilot rostering debacle, and pilots were pushing for union recognition.

"I think the tone has gone very miserable. That's the way I would see it, even in our head office. Everybody is very wounded by this," he told the pilots of the rostering mess that resulted in thousands of flights being grounded.

Mr Bellew also said the airline needed to start treating people "like normal human beings".

From Bettystown, Mr Bellew turns 54 next month.

Ryanair's chief commercial officer David O'Brien (54), once a member of the defence forces' Ranger wing, will also be a strong contender.

He's been with the airline since the 1990s. He was the director of UK operations at Ryanair between 1998 and 2002, before being named its director of flight and ground operations.

Another executive likely to eye the top seat is Kenny Jacobs, Ryanair's chief marketing officer.

A former executive at Moneysupermarket, the Cork native joined Ryanair in 2014, taking on responsibility for sales, digital marketing and customer service. He has also held positions at Tesco.

But whoever steers Ryanair from now on, they'll have big boots to fill. And Mr O'Leary in the backseat.
The UK and Ireland boss of Ikea is leaving after less than a year in the role to head up its US arm.

Javier Quinones is departing to become retail manager in the US next month, after just eight months in his current role.

Mr Quinones took on the role of country retail manager for the UK and Ireland last June.

He replaced Gillian Drakeford, who moved to become Ikea retail system manager at Inter Ikea Systems - the owner of the Ikea Concept and worldwide franchiser.

A spokesman for the Swedish flat pack furniture giant said: "His appointment supports Ikea's continued ambition to create a better everyday life for the many people.

"His successor in the UK and Ireland will be announced in due course."

In the US, Mr Quinones will replace Lars Petersson, who will be retiring after 36 years with the retailer.

Ikea recently announced 7,500 job cuts across its global operations, including 20 jobs in Ireland.

Ikea currently employs 730 staff at its two outlets here - the full-sized store in Ballymun and its order and collection point in Carrickmines, South Dublin.

"We are transforming our business to better meet the needs of our customers and be more convenient and affordable to more people," said Ireland market manager Claudia Marshall said of the reshuffle.

"The impact on the Irish business is minimal and at this stage we anticipate that over the next two years, potentially less than 20 jobs out of the 730 in Ireland may be made redundant."

Last October, the Swedish group said it has no plans to open further stores in Ireland, despite strong growth in sales.

The blow comes just days ahead of the official opening of Ikea's new megastore in Greenwich, south east London, on Thursday.

However, this store opening is expected to create around 500 new jobs, looking to create 11,500 new roles in total by 2020.

Mr Quinones began his career at Ikea more than 20 years ago, first starting at Ikea Badalona in Barcelona as a part time co-worker in the self serve department.

He joined the Ikea UK and Ireland division in 2014 as deputy retail manager.

Additional reporting Press Association
Kainos is working on the UKs so-called transformation strategy, which is aimed at providing citizens and businesses with easier online access to government data and services. Stock picture

Brexit is providing a boost to Kainos, a Belfast-based information-technology firm that's listed in London.

Shares surged almost 11pc yesterday, after the company, which specialises in contracted IT services for governments and industry, said it expects full-year results to exceed analysts' expectations, thanks to "very strong" growth in digital services and ongoing demand from state and commercial clients.

Shore Capital Markets analyst Martin O'Sullivan expects Brexit to be a "net positive" for Kainos, since it has won early projects linked to the UK's exit from the EU, including with the Home Office and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs in Britain.

Kainos is working on the UK's so-called transformation strategy, which is aimed at providing citizens and businesses with easier online access to government data and services.

The stock has almost tripled since the UK referendum to exit the EU, putting it among the FTSE All-Share Index's top 10 best-performing equities in the period.

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There's probably not a fridge in the country that doesn't contain a block of cheddar cheese

The country's largest exporter of dairy products has moved to store over six months of Cheddar cheese in warehousing in the UK as a Brexit buffer.

Cold storage has been at a premium as Irish exporters of Cheddar, butter and powder move to ward off fears of delays portside in the event of a 'no-deal' exit.

John Jordan, chief executive of Ornua, said as part of its Brexit readiness, it has been moving Cheddar to storage in the UK ahead of the March 29 deadline.

The production cycle from March to October means stocks of cheese, butter and powder are always stored over the winter period in Ireland.

"We're now storing in the UK, primarily to avoid logistics issues that we foresee happening through early April, May and June," said Mr Jordan as he attended a DCU Brexit Institute event.

"They're all unforeseen so we've overcome that and we'll have a solution for our UK customers."

Expand Close Ornua CEO John Jordan says it is stockpiling dairy exports in the UK "to avoid logistics issues that we foresee happening through early April, May and June" / Facebook

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Whatsapp Ornua CEO John Jordan says it is stockpiling dairy exports in the UK "to avoid logistics issues that we foresee happening through early April, May and June"

Currently over six months worth of stock is in warehousing in the UK, which amounts to around 40,000-50,000 tonnes of product.

Ornua already had a diversification strategy in place before Brexit and its reliance on the UK has decreased over the past decade.

"We've been investing in Kerrygold for 25 years in the United States, and now Kerrygold's the number two butter brand with tremendous opportunity," said Mr Jordan

However, the UK remains a major importer of Irish dairy produce, with the trade worth around 860m. UK buyers take 115,000 tonnes of cheese worth 367m, and around 65,000 tonnes of butter worth 190m.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said a lot of Irish companies have been renting warehousing in the UK. He said the "most lucrative" commodity currently in the UK was warehousing. Mr Creed said the costs of cold storage were of particular concern for smaller companies which may be squeezed out of the market.

Direct routes

Meanwhile, more direct shipping capacity to the continent needs to be put in place to safeguard Irish agri-food exports should Britain crash out of the EU, meat processors and farm leaders have warned.

Ireland is overly dependent on the British land-bridge route to the continent and this could be seriously compromised in the event of a 'no-deal Brexit' at the end of March.

"We are extremely concerned by the impact that Brexit could have on the land-bridge route for our exports to the continent in terms of potential additional customs and veterinary checks and major congestion to the Dover-Calais crossing," said Cormac Healy of Meat Industry Ireland (MII).

Mr Healy said delays at the English Channel would impact on fresh meat deliveries to meat processors' European customers and "add cost and complexity to the business".

The MII director pointed out that around 90pc of Irish meat consignments destined for continental Europe use the UK land-bridge, which is the fastest and most cost-efficient route to market.

"We believe that additional ferry capacity direct to the continent will be needed. It is important that fresh supplies to our continental European customers are not disrupted due to Brexit.

"We are discussing this with the Department of Agriculture," Mr Healy told the Farming Independent.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said any question about reliability in delivering to our EU markets would be "big trouble" for Ireland.

He pointed out the landbridge was critical and there have been many bilateral meetings carried out.

Mr Creed said there was sufficient ferry capacity and ships could switch routes if required.

However, he pointed out in terms of time efficiency and existing supply chain logistics that it was the least efficient.

He stated it could take as little as 13 hours from Dublin to the Rungis Market in Paris via Holyhead, Dover and Calais as opposed to more than 30 hours from Dublin to Cherbourg via ferry.

ICSA president Patrick Kent has said the Government needs to be a lot more proactive in ensuring that we have sufficient options.

He warned there was an "over-reliance" on Dublin Port.
It's essential for all farming families to take into account all aspects included in farm transfers, now more than ever because of the move towards higher wealth taxes, according to IFAC Accountants Head of Tax Declan McEvoy.

Speaking at the recent Teagasc sheep conference, he said to make succession easier for all involved and to maximise tax reliefs, property owners need to seek professional advice from a trained tax advisor to benefit from an efficient transfer. He also said that the property owners need to be increasingly aware of these tax breaks as more caps on reliefs are implemented.

The difficulty thats happening is theres a move away from taxes on income and a bigger focus beginning to happen on wealth taxes, and unfortunately land is deemed to be wealth and some attacks begging to happen on by caps coming on reliefs, he told the conference at Tullamore Court Hotel.

However, he said tax efficiency should not be first thing to consider when drawing up a will, it should be oneself and their security.

The first thing people should do is be selfish, as in look after ones self, when one is transferring anything. Firstly, look after your own security and possibly look at the security of family members as well.

The biggest ting on farm transfers that I get asked everyday is what do I do? I cant make up someones mind of what theyre going to do with their farm, that can only be made by themselves and that could be making the decision that the farm is not big enough to split and be economically viable.

He says farm owners need to consider the following when looking to take out the complexities of farm transfers.

Estate planning

Estate planning refers to the tax efficient transfer of assets to the next generation, including both gifts and inheritances, he says. Gifts are a lifetime transfer, while inheritances are transfers upon death. The core elements around both gifts and inheritance are;

 Legal effectiveness

 Tax efficiency

 Practicality

He advises to look at the transfer from a practical point of view and then from a tax point of view. It may take some tweeking from a tax point of view but dont let tax efficiency drive the overall transfer, he says.

Forgotten Issues

 Ensuring oneself is secure from an income point of view

 Is there an income tax effect from cessation?

 Successor - have they off farm income and will this affect his/her income tax liability? He says this is an area that most have not looked at and particularly if the successor has an off farm income, they could end up paying at the high rate of tax whereas the parents pay the low rate of tax.

Will vs No Will

He says the succession Act covers two primary areas:

 Transfer via a Will  where it is transferred by Will. In this case there is control over the assets and where they fall. It can facilitate proper tax planning, he says.

 Where there is no Will  This is also referred to as Intestate Estate. In this case, the law lays out where the assets fall. While tax planning can take place, it is extremely complex, according to Declan.

Taking out the complexities

Farmers should consider maximise the reliefs, minimising the tax and minimise the cost to the farm, thus leaving the maximum amount of funds in the farm, protecting ones own security and looking after other family members.

In looking after other family members one example is a site, he says. For example, it is often said that the farm is left to a son or a daughter and then give a site to one of the siblings. A site from a parent to a child attracts no capital gains tax where a site from a sibling to another can attract Capital Gains Tax.

Capital Acquisition Tax (CAT) issues and planning

When looking at CAT issues, one must look at the following taxes:

 Gift and inheritance tax

 Capital gains tax

 Stamp Duty

 Income Tax

In looking at the taxes and the transfer who is liable to tax cost? Lifetime transfers which are regarded as a Succession, there are three taxes:

 Capital Acquisitions tax which is due by the transferee

 Capital Gains tax, which is due by the transferor

 Stamp Duty, due by the transferee

However, upon death, he says one needs to look at the difference and the fact that there is no Capital Gains Tax, no Stamp Duty tax and only Capital Acquisition tax, which is payable, if any, by the transferee. He says, if one looks at the rate of Capital Acquisition tax it is 33pc on the amount over the threshold. Thresholds are as follows:

 Class A  parent to child /Favourite Nephew - 320,000

 Class B  blood relative - 32,500

 Non-relative - 16,275

All gifts and inheritances are aggregated since December 5, 1991.

 There is an annual allowance of 3,000

 There are various reliefs available i.e. Agricultural Relief, Business Relief, Favourite Nephew/Niece reliefs.

 Everything since December 5, 1991 within the same class i.e. Parent to child etc. is aggregated.

He says one can give a conditional gift of cash to a transferee and have a condition that they invest in property and avail of Agricultural Relief. In addition, land leasing has become extremely popular, he says.

Capital Acquisition Tax Under

This tax there are two tests, the first test is the farmer test, which is 80pc of your assets on the date of acquisition must be agricultural property, he says. It now must also include the Active Farmer Test, he says. To be an active farmer you must have; An Agricultural qualification, or spend 50pc of your time farming, or lease to an Active Farmer, or lease to someone who is carrying out the business of solar panels, he says.

Business Relief

He says this option are for those who cannot obtain Agricultural relief. He says in order to get this the business of farming must be carried on. For a lifetime transfer, the business of farming must be carried on for five years and upon death must be carried on for another two years, he says. You must continue the business for 6 years and the main benefit of Agricultural relief and business relief is that the values of the assets are reduced by 90pc, according to Declan, adding the business must be transferred, not just the asset.

Capital Acquisition Tax - Favourite Nephew/Favourite Niece Relief

To avail of this, one can be treated the same as a son/daughter or a child. To avail of this, you must help in the business for at least five years prior to the transfer, for at least fifteen hours per week.

The benefit of this is you are treated the same as a son/daughter and are entitled to the class A threshold, he says. You are only entitled to Class A threshold on business assets, i.e. Land, machinery, stock, buildings etc. You are not entitled to it on cash assets, according to Declan.

Capital Acquisition Tax

This is the tax for the person receiving the property, he says. It is currently 33pc and the amount one can get tax free is 320,000. His main advice in this area would be to try and get the reliefs, reliefs will reduce the tax to the minimum and then consider planning around same. Planning can include;

 If you still have a liability, why not take out an insurance policy

 Beware of the free use of land over the years

 Beware of free use of money or loans

 Ensure all planning points are brought into play

 When you consider the success tax credit of 5,000

Capital Gains Tax

Even though the asset is transferring one is making a disposal of an asset, in a lot of cases no money is transferring, one is liable to Capital Gains Tax, according to Declan. This is a tax on the uplift in value of the assets.

However, various reliefs exist and with proper use of these reliefs, no liability can arise, he says. There are two types of reliefs; within the family and outside the family, he says.

Stamp Duty

Stamp Duty for Young Trained Farmer(s) is zero provided certain conditions are met, he says.

 Stamp Duty for a Blood Relative is at 1pc

 Stamp Duty for leases are at 1pc

 Stamp Duty on share is 1pc

There is also a new consolidation relief for a limited number of years whereby if you sell land and buy land near you, you can avail of the relief, according to Declan.

Finance Act/Budget 2018

Finance Act/Budget 2018 extended the finance relief to Young Trained Farmers for three years for 2019, 2020 and 2021, he says. However, the consanquanuity relief for Blood Relative ends in 2020. The problem with the new Stamp Duty relief is as follows;

 It is from a start-up situation

 There must be a business plan

 The business plan must be as wide as possible and include future transfers

 If one does not get the Young Trained Farmer on a second transfer, one will be liable to Stamp Duty on it. There are a lot of clarifications required on this stamp duty and at the time of writing a lot of considerations are being questioned and answers are awaited.

Most importantly with Stamp duty;

 There is a limit of 70,000 that interacts with the Succession credit and Young Trained Farmers Stock relief

 It could inhibit the purchase of land by a Young Trained Farmer where he has already got stamp duty relief.
Britain's Secretary of State for Business Greg Clark is seen outside of Downing Street in London, Britain, February 4, 2019. REUTERS/Toby Melville

British Business Secretary Greg Clark has confirmed Nissan was secretly offered tens of millions of pounds of Government support to build new cars in the UK.

Here is what was said and when about assurances given to the Japanese carmaker.

September 4 2016: Less than three months after the Brexit referendum, Japan warns about the possible impact of EU withdrawal on the country's firms operating in the UK.

September 5 2016: At a meeting of the G20 in Hangzhou, China, Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe tells UK counterpart Theresa May to give more detail about her plans for Brexit. Mrs May says both leaders will be "working together to ensure that we can maintain and build on our relationship".

September 30 2016: Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn says important investment decisions "will not be made in the dark". "If I need to make an investment in the next few months and I can't wait until the end of Brexit, then I have to make a deal with the UK Government," he said.

October 14 2016: Mr Ghosn meets Mrs May at Downing Street. Number 10 declines to discuss the meeting. Mr Ghosn later said he was "confident the Government will continue to ensure the UK remains a competitive place to do business".

October 21 2016: Mr Clark writes to Mr Ghosn offering support of up to 80m (91m) if new models are built in Sunderland. The letter is not made public.

October 27 2016: Nissan announces it will build its next-generation Qashqai and add production of the new X-Trail model in Sunderland. On the same day the carmaker and the Government deny that a special "sweetheart deal" had been made. Mr Clark said the decision rested on "a very strong mutual confidence".

October 28 2016: Mr Clark says no financial favours were offered, saying during an appearance on Question Time: "There's no chequebook. I don't have a chequebook."

October 30 2016: Mr Clark repeats that Nissan agreed to invest after receiving "support and assurances" from the Government. He confirms he set out the Government's approach in a letter.

October 31 2016: Mr Clark declines to publish the letter, citing the need to protect Nissan's commercially sensitive investment plans.

October 31 2016: The Government strongly denies suggestions it offered the firm a "sweetheart deal".

November 15 2016: Then-chairman of the House of Commons Treasury Committee, Andrew Tyrie, writes to Chancellor Philip Hammond calling for "clarity" over the talks with Nissan.

November 30 2016: In his reply, Mr Hammond says assurances have not exposed the British government to the possibility of new financial liabilities. He says any costs arising from the assurances would be small enough to be covered within the Department for Business's existing departmental expenditure limits.

December 13 2016: Mr Tyrie says the letter sent by Mr Clark to Mr Ghosn should be disclosed. The head of the National Audit Office, Sir Amyas Morse, says he has reviewed the letter and is satisfied there is no "identifiable contingent liability" that the department would be obliged to reveal.

December 14 2016: Mr Clark says he intends to publish the letter once "commercial confidentialities for the firm are no longer there".

January 20 2017: Mr Ghosn says Nissan will review the competitiveness of its car plant in Sunderland once the final outcome of Brexit negotiations becomes clear.

October 4 2018: Nissan warns that a hard Brexit will have "serious implications" for the carmaker's Sunderland factory.

February 4 2019: Nissan confirms the next-generation X-Trail will instead be made in Japan. In a letter, chairman Gianluca de Ficchy blamed changing emissions regulations and reduced sales forecasts in Europe, although he said Brexit uncertainty "is not helping companies like ours to plan for the future".

The same day it emerges Mr Clark offered Nissan support of up to 80m (91m) to build new models in Sunderland.

The new head of the Treasury Select Committee, Nicky Morgan, writes to Mr Clark calling for the letter to be published. It is released later that day. Ms Morgan, a former minister, says details of the offer should have be made "immediately".

Mr Clark said it was his responsibility to encourage and attract investment into Britain and it was important he did not disclose sensitive commutation with businesses.
British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks with business representatives at Allstate in Belfast on her Brexit plans . Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

British Prime Minister Theresa May denied making a u-turn on the backstop and said there will be an insurance policy to avoid a hard border in Ireland but changes must be made to the backstop in its current form.

Mrs May said there will be an insurance policy - a backstop - in place to prevent the re-emergence of a border on the island of Ireland but said parliament has made it clear that the backstop must be altered if it is to command support.

The legal protocol to ensure a border is not needed if a future trade deal cannot be signed before the end of the transition period was the word on which her deal fell in the House of Commons amid fears that it will tie the UK to the EU indefinitely.

She said discussions were ongoing with MPs on how legal changes could be made to the backstop.

In a speech designed to quell fears among the business community in Northern Ireland the UK will do everything in its power to avoid a hard border in the event of a no deal Brexit and would have discussions with the EU and Ireland if that arises.

She insisted her commitment to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland is unshakeable and said she wants to work closely with the Irish government on strengthening links between the two countries.

Expand Close British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves after speaking with business representatives at Allstate in Belfast on her Brexit plans. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves after speaking with business representatives at Allstate in Belfast on her Brexit plans. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Speaking in Belfast this afternoon on the first day of a two-day visit, Mrs May pledged to secure a Brexit deal that will honour the UKs commitment to Northern Ireland.

She said the principles of the Good Friday Agreement will forever be honoured by the British government.

Mrs May added her government will find a way to deliver Brexit that upholds the commitments made in December 2017 in the joint report.

She said that the UK's relationship with Ireland runs deeper than with any of the other 27 member states.

And she said she wants to work closely with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Government to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries, and said new ways of coming together would be established post-Brexit.

Mrs May was speaking at the Belfast offices of tech company Allstate Northern Ireland.

On the backstop Mrs May said she fought hard to win support for the deal she secured with the EU but that it did not command support.

Mrs May said she knows that the idea of making changes to the backstop creates real anxieties in Ireland and Northern Ireland as it is here consequences must be felt.

The British Prime Minister said she will stand by the commitment in the joint report agreed in December 2017 to avoiding a hard border.

However, while saying that the proposed alternative arrangements must protect the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland Mrs May did not spell out how those alternative arrangements would work.

She will meet with business leaders and visit a cross community facility today before meeting with political leaders to discuss the restoration of power-sharing at Stormont.

The embattled Tory leader will jet to Brussels on Thursday to seek a re-opening of negotiations on her Brexit deal in order to win concessions on the controversial backstop.

She is scheduled to meet with Jean Claude Juncker before meeting with Michel Barniers taskforce.

The EU has so far been resolute in its refusal to consider re-opening the Withdrawal Agreement.

Her visit to Brussels comes a day after Mr Varadkar meets with EU leaders there.
 Flash

Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov on Monday met with visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, exchanging views on bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

"We are always glad to meet our Russian friends. Your official visit is taking place on the eve of a significant political event -- the state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Kyrgyzstan," the press service of the Kyrgyz president cited Jeenbekov as saying.

Jeenbekov expressed confidence that the visit of Putin will be a demonstration of a high level of alliance and strategic partnership based on strong traditions of historical friendship and mutual respect between the two countries.

Jeenbekov noted that with the accession of Kyrgyzstan to the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), relations between Kyrgyzstan and Russia have shifted to a new, higher-quality level of cooperation.

Lavrov noted that his official visit to Bishkek was devoted to the preparation of the state visit of Putin to Kyrgyzstan, as well as to a meeting of the intergovernmental commission which will be held on March 1.

Lavrov said Russia values its relations with Kyrgyzstan within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the EEU, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the United Nations and other organizations.

The two sides also discussed the upcoming meetings of the Council of Heads of State of SCO and the CSTO Collective Security Council under the chairmanship of Kyrgyzstan in 2019.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe is to tell the Oireachtas Finance Committee later today that he is confident measures have been put in place to weather a no-deal Brexit.

With only 52 days left until Brexit kicks in on March 29, Minister Donohoe will tell the committee that he has met with top officials from the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), which manages the countrys debt, the Central Bank of Ireland and the Revenue Commissioners to assess readiness.

"All are engaging closely in the overall whole- of- government preparations, and are confident that they have put appropriate contingency measures in place to do everything possible to limit the inevitable disruption to consumers and trade, in the event of a no deal Brexit, Mr Donohoe will say.

The Minister of Finance will again stress that the "backstop" is not for negotiation and that there is "no such thing" as a managed "no-deal".

Even in a cliff-edge Brexit, the Irish economy is likely to keep growing, albeit at a much slower pace than the breakneck levels of growth seen in recent years.

"The initial assessment by my Department suggests that the level of economic activity will be around 4.15pc points lower than our existing trajectory over the medium-term and will be around 6 percentage points lower compared to a no Brexit scenario," the Minister will say.

A slowdown of such magnitude would cause the headline deficit to widen by as much as a percentage point of gross domestic product, while the unemployment rate would increase by an estimated 2pc points, relative to estimates made in the budget.

Mr Donohoe will say that the Central Bank of Ireland has been able to provide assurance that the financial system as a whole was resilient enough to withstand a hard Brexit and that the most material cliff edge edge financial stability risks arising from Brexit "have been largely mitigated".

The Minister will announce plans for legislation as part of the governments omnibus Brexit bills in tax, capital taxes, corporation taxes and stamp duty legislation to allow continuity for businesses post-Brexit.

Settlement of securities will also be facilitated in the bill while there will be a run-off period for UK and Gibraltar firms with insurance policies affecting customers here.
Fact-finding mission: European Affairs Minister Helen McEntee met Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok (centre) in Co Louth as he learned more about the implications of Brexit on local communities. Photo: Aoife Moore /PA Wire

Nobody in the European Union is considering legally binding changes to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and the Border backstop, the EU most senior civil servant insisted yesterday.

Martin Selmayr, the secretary-general of the European Commission, said members of the House of Commons Brexit Committee, who he met in Brussels yesterday were unable to say that any compromise would deliver a majority for Theresa May's deal.

Speaking in Japan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she did not want the Withdrawal Agreement renegotiated. But she claimed difficult questions could be resolved with creativity, the strongest hint to date that the EU's most powerful leader could be prepared to compromise.

"To solve this point you have to be creative and listen to each other, and such discussions can and must be conducted," Ms Merkel said during a visit to Tokyo.

After their 90-minute meeting with Mr Selmayr, the Brexit committee MPs suggested he had floated the idea of reopening the Withdrawal Agreement.

The European Commission and EU-27 have repeatedly ruled out reopening or renegotiating the agreement, although there is growing belief in Brussels they could be open to cosmetic changes to get it through parliament.

"On the EU side, nobody is considering this," Mr Selmayr, who is in charge of the commission's no-deal planning, wrote on Twitter. "Asked whether any assurance would help to get the Withdrawal Agreement through the Commons, the answers of MPs were... inconclusive," he added.

Britain is yet to formally request the Withdrawal Agreement be reopened but that is expected to happen soon, after MPs told Mrs May to renegotiate the backstop. She has vowed to both reopen the agreement and secure legally binding changes to the backstop, which, if triggered, would put the UK in a bare-bones customs union with the EU to prevent a hard Border.

Sabine Weyand, the EU's deputy chief negotiator, also punctured Brexiteers' hopes by posting on Twitter yesterday: "Can technology solve the Irish border problem? Short answer: not in the next few years."

Mrs May flies into Belfast today trying to calm Northern Ireland's business Brexit jitters.

In Ireland, the Government received a boost with a strong message from Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok that the backstop could not be undone.

Mr Blok stood with European Affairs Minister Helen McEntee right on the Border between the Republic and the North at Carrickcarnan, Co Louth.

"I'm quite confident the EU unity will be there at the end," he said.

"By staying united is the only way we can get agreement with the UK," Mr Blok told reporters.

The Dutch minister was asked why, given long-standing EU alliances between the UK and the Netherlands, his government would not help Mrs May.

"In a good relationship, it sometimes pays to be blunt," he said. "And after such long negotiations you can't expect a new result," the Dutch minister insisted.

Meanwhile, one of the architects of the peace process is backing a legal challenge against Mrs May proposed Brexit deal on the grounds that it undermines the Good Friday Agreement.

David Trimble, the former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party who was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his work on the agreement, is working on the plans to challenge the deal in the High Court in London.

Mr Trimble said the legal action would be launched either this week or next week.
DUBLIN has started preliminary discussions with Brussels over possible state aid in the event of a hard Brexit, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said, even as he said there would be no discussion with the UK over the backstop.

Speaking to the Oireachtas Finance Committee, Minister Donohoe said the hit from hard Brexit to the Irish economy would be severe but that we would continue to see economic growth.

Mr Donohoe said he was having preliminary discussions with Brussels regarding the kind supports that may be needed from a state aid point of view but noted that Brexit would actually have to happen before plans could be firmed up.

With only 51 days left until Brexit kicks in on March 29, Minister Donohoe told the committee that he has met with top officials from the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), which manages the countrys debt, the Central Bank of Ireland and the Revenue Commissioners to assess readiness.

All are engaging closely in the overall whole -of- government preparations, and are confident that they have put appropriate contingency measures in place to do everything possible to limit the inevitable disruption to consumers and trade, in the event of a no deal Brexit, Mr Donohoe said.

Mr Donohoe said the Central Bank of Ireland has been able to provide assurance that the financial system as a whole was resilient enough to withstand a hard Brexit.
Nurses take part in their second day of industrial action (Niall Carson/PA)

The government has been accused of cynical PR manoeuvres in their handling of the nurses and midwives strike.

There were tense scenes during Tuesdays Leaders Questions when Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin questioned Leo Varadkar about a press release issued at the 11th hour of the industrial action.

Noting that the health service is in crisis, Mr Martin said the press release from Health Minister Simon Harris and Minister of Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe about the strike, only served to make it worse and compound the problem.

Sent via press release without any engagement to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (Inmo) directly, the Inmo director has described it as; the most cynical thing I have seen in a long time, Mr Martin said.

"Galway nurses in Galway weather" here as well as nurses and midwives from Lisnagry, St Vincent's, and SIVUH, all aa in the #standwithnurses #standwithmidwiveshttps://t.co/ua8qW23Ea7 pic.twitter.com/8VoAR9mZUd  Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (@INMO_IRL) February 5, 2019

The union has rejected it as government spin and massively disrespectful to nurses and patients, you cannot solve industrial relations disputes by such cynical PR manoeuvres.

The Taoiseach said the government would make sure the incident was not repeated.

I appreciate that the nurses union felt that the offer of further talks was discourteous as they heard it through a press release rather than direct contact, well make sure that doesnt reoccur, but we shouldnt forget tens of thousands of people found out through the media that their respite was being cancelled this week too.

I do believe it can be resolved, we are open for engagement but only if it is affordable to taxpayers and fair to all public servants who we have a pay deal with already.

Mr Martin, taking long pauses between each question, replied: Did I hear you correctly? You didnt make any direct contact? Are you serious?

Out with #StandWithNursesAndMidwives at Holles St. Reiterating my call on the government to respectively engage with the workers pic.twitter.com/ewrjAgW5pd  Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) February 5, 2019

That is pathetic.

Have you reprimanded your ministers? What were they at last night? Just a cynical PR exercise?

Its appalling that a Taoiseach would say we engaged in optics last night essentially, clearly just to be seen to do something.

That is a pathetic way to approach a grave dispute.

The Taoiseach said the offer was sincere, and whether made through public statement directly or indirectly should not matter.

Likewise, Sinn Fein Mary Lou McDonald placed blame at the door of Fine Gael for the industrial action which saw 30,000 nurses take to pickets across the country.

Were two days in and have seven days to go, all you have to offer is robotic monologues, nothing you have said has the seeds of resolving the dispute.

Expand Close Nurses take part in their second day of industrial action over pay and conditions at Naas General Hospital, in Co Kildare (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Nurses take part in their second day of industrial action over pay and conditions at Naas General Hospital, in Co Kildare (Niall Carson/PA)

If this strike continues, the fault lies with you, and your spectacular inertia and refusal to act.

The Taoiseach replied that he would not take any guidance from Sinn Fein, who have no advice to offer on negotiating considering the stalemate between their party and the DUP in Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile, the Labour Partys Brendan Howlin said the Fine Gael government seems to have adopted a Celtic Tiger attitude for overspending in relation to the new National Childrens Hospital.

The hospital has been mired in controversy since it was announced the project may not be able to be completed for less than 2bn euro.

Mr Howlin questioned how the Mr Donohoe could not have known about the overspend until November, when the Minister for Health was made aware in August.

Mr Varadkar assured the Dail that Mr Harris did the right thing and sought information before presenting the issue to government.
Two men have been arrested this morning after a high-speed chase following a number of overnight burglaries at business premises in counties Wicklow and Wexford.

Shortly after 2am a gang of at least three men forced entry into a filling station in Gorey Town.

Cigarettes along with an undisclosed sum of cash were taken.

A short time later, convenience stores in the villages of Redcross and Rathnew were burgled along with a phone shop in Wicklow Town.

Sums of cash along with cigarettes and mobile phones were taken during the raids.

During a follow-up operation involving gardai attached to Special Crime Operations, Dublin-based Garda Units and the Garda Air Support Unit, a car was intercepted in the Bawnogue area of west Dublin.

Two men aged in their 20s were arrested at the scene following a foot chase.

Both men are currently detained at Wicklow Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

The car involved in the incident has been removed for forensic examination. A large quantity of cigarettes along with phones, sim cards and other property were recovered from the car by investigating Gardai.

The investigation is ongoing.

The arrests were made as part of Operation Thor targeting nationwide burglaries by organised crime gangs.

Separately, gardai have arrested two men in connection with a robbery at a post office in Co Wexford on Monday morning.

Two men - armed with a knife and an iron bar - entered the local post office in Bridgetown wearing high viz clothing and motorcycle helmets at around 10.30am yesterday.

They threatened staff and demanded them to hand over any cash on the premises.

It is understood they then fled the scene in a black Saab saloon.

Gardai have since arrested two men - both aged in their 20s. They are currently being detained at Wexford garda station.

"Bridgetown Post Office is closed until further notice due to a robbery there this morning. Thoughts are with the staff. Terrifying situation for them," a notice posted on Bridgetown Information Centre page said.

Nobody was injured in the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact gardai on 053 9165200.
The Venezuela crisis is producing a division in Europe where once again the EU has been unable to act with one voice. Pedro Sanchez, the socialist prime minister of Spain, and most social democratic ministers, including Germanys foreign minister, Heiko Maas, are supporting the call for a new presidential election in Venezuela. But Italys populist anti-EU coalition government, has vetoed a joint EU position.

The authoritarian populists in Rome have lined up with Erdogan in Turkey and Putin in Russia in backing the Maduro regime despite the well-documented evidence of election stealing, death squads, and millions fleeing one of the worlds richest countries following the turn to dictatorship after the death of Hugo Chavez.

The evidence is clear that Maduro has betrayed the Chavez revolution. The iron law of history that revolutions devour their children is sadly once again proven right in Venezuela. As in France after 1789 or Russia after 1917, the hopes of progress and social justice collapse as a police state takes over.

The British army has 85 generals. Venezuela, with half the population of Britain, has 2,000 generals. They help themselves to different parts of the economy much as the Turkish or Egyptian military, or the Russian security apparatus, are deeply involved in business activity to enrich themselves.

Maduro depends on them for survival but unlike Chavez has no military background. What happens in Venezuela will turn on whether the generals decide a new presidential election is necessary.

Meanwhile Maduro is counting on support from the global network of authoritarian and populist politicians. On the democratic left the Socialist International, to which the vast majority of socialist, Labour and social democratic parties are affiliated, has made it clear Maduro should go. The Socialist International general secretary, Luis Ayala, a Chilean, was imprisoned during the Pinochet dictatorship after 1973. The president of the London-based SI is George Papandreou, who had to spend years in exile when a regime of army officers took over in Greece 1967-74.

The Socialist International held its council meeting last week in Santo Domingo. It repeated its criticism last year that the electoral process of May 2018 lacked democratic credibility, as they were carried out through the outlawing of leaders and political parties, obliging this international to repudiate this process that is contrary to the democratic norms of competition, freedom and guarantees. The National Assembly is the legitimate authority to lead the democratic transition.

The worlds left parties condemned the repression carried out against the Venezuelan people by the illegitimate regime of Nicolas Maduro, and urges the full restoration of the constitutional order. To date, 35 people have been killed in the protests, more than 850 detained and hundreds injured, especially in the poorer districts of the entire country, at the hands of the security forces commanded by Nicolas Maduro.

The socialists backed the efforts of Juan Guaido, president of the National Assembly and recognised by a significant part of the international community as interim president of Venezuela, to bring about a transition to democracy, supported by the legitimate National Assembly.

In a warning to President Trump and his gung-ho interventionist aide, John Bolton, the global left leaders stressed that the democratic legitimacy of the president and government in Venezuela comes only from the freely expressed will of the Venezuelan people and categorically rejected any form of external military intervention to bring about regime change in Venezuela.

Meanwhile Maduro supporters are trying to organise international backing for the beleaguered Venezuelan president. His former chief of staff Temir Porras Ponceleon, now in Paris, is calling for new general elections to resolve the current dispute. Maduro and the generals have no problem with new general elections for the national assembly but what the Venezuelans want is a new presidential election conducted under free and fair conditions overseen by election observers from the international community.

So far, the protests have been peaceful but if Maduro insists like a South American Robert Mugabe on clinging onto power on the basis of a stolen election then the tensions may explode into something far more sinister.

Denis MacShane was the UK minister for Latin America under Tony Blair
Whatever Donald Trump says in this years State of the Union address, the timing on its own is illuminating. With the presidents address having been delayed a week because of the political impasse which led to a record-breaking government shutdown, any attempt to use the speech to call for unity will sound hollow indeed.

That wont prevent Trump from trying to play the statesman. White House officials have briefed the media that the president will speak on the theme of choosing greatness  which sounds a bit like choosing to go extra large at McDonalds.

He will, it is suggested, say that together we can break decades of political stalemates, bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of Americas future.

For the man who is the most divisive president in American history (and there are some close contenders in the form of Richard Nixon and even, for a time, George W Bush), that is an extraordinary wish list.

Its tempting to think hell say all that, pause, look to camera and shout Naaahhht!, before announcing that hes going to demolish the Capitol Building and use the bricks for his Mexican border wall.

Then again, perhaps Trump is finally feeling the pressure.

Yesterday, homeland security secretary Kirstjen Nielsen finally agreed to appear before the House of Representatives homeland security committee, where she will be grilled about the administrations future plans for the security of Americas southern border. There has long been tension between Neilsen and the Democratic chairman of the committee, Bennie Thompson, who argues that Trumps plans to build a wall are not based on facts or intelligence, but are simply the fulfilment of a campaign agenda item.

Neilsens appearance follows considerable prevarication over a date and the clash  slated now for 6 March  is likely to reopen all the old wounds that the president is apparently so keen to heal.

Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Show all 23 1 /23 Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Joe Biden The former vice president - poised to be a frontrunner - has announced his run. He recently faced scrutiny for inappropriate touching of women, but was thought to deal with the criticism well AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Bernie Sanders The 2016 runner-up has announced that he will be running again in 2020 Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Hillary Clinton The 2016 Democratic presidential candidate and former Secretary of State says she is still considering whether she will run again. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Pete Buttigieg The Indiana mayor and war veteran will be running for president. If elected, he would be the first openly LGBT+ president in American history. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Kamala Harris The former California attorney general will be running for president in 2020. Introduced to the national stage during Jeff Sessions testimony, she has endorsed Medicare-for-all and proposed a major tax-credit for the middle class. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Elizabeth Warren The Massachusetts Senator has formally launched her bid for president in 2020. A progressive Democrat, she is a major supporter of regulating Wall Street. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Beto ORourke The former Texas congressman told Oprah Winfrey that he has been thinking about running for presidency, but stopped short of formally announcing his bid to run in 2020. AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Wayne Messam Mayor of the city of Miramar in the Miami metropolitan area, Wayne Messam has announced his bid. He intends to run on a progressive platform against the "broken" federal government. He favours gun regulations and was a signatory to a letter from some 400 mayors condemning President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord. Vice News Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Kirsten Gillibrand The New York Senator formally announced her presidential bid in January, saying that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Cory Booker The New Jersey Senator has announced that he will be running for the presidency in 2020. If he secures the nomination he said finding a female vice president would be a priority. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? John Delaney The Maryland congressman was the first to launch his bid for presidency, making the announcement in 2017. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Julian Castro The former San Antonio mayor announced his candidacy in January and said that his running has a special meaning for the Latino community in the US. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Tulsi Gabbard The Hawaii congresswoman announced her candidacy in January, but is likely to face tough questions on her past comments on LGBT+ rights and her stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Andrew Yang The entrepreneur has announced his presidential candidacy, and has pledged that he would introduce a universal basic income of $1,000 a month to every American over the age of 18. AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Marianne Williamson The author and spiritual advisor has announced her intention to run for president. She had previously run for congress as an independent in 2014 but was unsuccessful. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? John Kerry The former secretary of state has said he is still thinking about whether to run. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Michael Bloomberg The entrepreneur and former New York mayor with a net worth of around $50bn  has said he will decide by the end of February whether to seek the presidency. AFP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Howard Schultz Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has not yet ruled out running for president in 2020, despite criticism that his bid could help re-elect Mr Trump by dividing the Democrat vote. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Eric Holder The former attorney general has said he will decide in the next month or so whether to run as a 2020 presidential candidate. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Eric Swalwell The California congressman said he is ready to do this and will decide before April whether to run. MSNBC Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Terry McAuliffe The former Virginia governor, who worked to elect Democratic governors during 2018 midterms, said there was a 50 per cent chance he would run. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Sherrod Brown The Ohio senator is still undecided about whether to run for president in 2020. Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Mitch Landrieu The former New Orleans mayor said he doesnt think he will run for president, but never say never. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

In a separate development on Monday, prosecutors in New York issued subpoenas to President Trumps inaugural committee, seeking disclosure of information concerning financial contributions and the identity of donors.

The investigation into Trumps inauguration was first revealed before Christmas; but it now seems that prosecutors are stepping up their enquiries, examining a wide range of potential crimes from fraud to money laundering and the use of donations from foreign states. The inaugural committee has previously denied wrongdoing; but for as long as investigators remain interested, suspicions will linger.

As if all this wasnt enough, hovering in the background is the spectre of a final report by special counsel Robert Mueller, who is said to be nearing the end of his work.

The arrest of the larger-than-life Roger Stone last month was a further win for Mueller, to go with the other victories he had already notched  among them the guilty pleas of Michael Cohen, Michael Flynn, Rick Gates, George Papadopoulous and the conviction of Paul Manafort.

Stones antics in the wake of being charged may appeal to Trumps base, but if the president is on a mission to unite the nation, Stone offers a reminder of his masters own polarising character.

Lets not forget too that we are only a few days on from Trumps decision to pull out of a key nuclear arms treaty with Russia. If this was part of his plan for unlocking the extraordinary promise of Americas future then we can only assume that the futures primary promise is a return to the past. Trumps "America First" economic agenda is similarly a blast from history.

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Of course, there will probably be no recognition by Donald Trump of his own part in creating the divisions he now says he wishes (together with Congress and the American people) to bridge. Nor are we likely to hear the kind of blunt assessment offered by Gerald Ford in 1975, when he offered the downbeat view that the state of the Union is not good.

Instead, we will hear platitudes and inanities about how the president wants to make America great again, and  barring a miracle  the standard braggadocio about supposed achievements that has marked Trumps two years in office.

The desolate, disunited state of the Union is clear for all to see. What President Trump needs to do is take a look in the mirror and examine the state of himself.
Its startling to see public admissions of sentiments that can be described as violent racism, but thats exactly what Liam Neeson provided yesterday in his Independent interview with Clemence Michallon.

The story, retold through Michallons specific style and tone, is one of his anger at learning someone he is close to was a victim of rape. So angry was he, that he began to imagine the person who has violated somebody he loves in the face of anyone who represents the assailant. As Michallon states through her further representations, with an academic and a psychologist, this is very common and known as secondary trauma. It can affect the partners, families or friends of any victim. Thoughts of revenge, and exploring revenge fantasies, can be a necessary component of dealing with trauma  this is usually done under the supervision of a mental health professional trained in such matters.

What is left unexplored, however, is how often secondary trauma like this intersects with patriarchy  a theme that occurs often in Neesons films, such as the popular Taken franchise.

White men as the saviour and distributor of retribution for the mistreatment of white women has a long and dark history, which often ends in the deaths of innocent black boys and men. Neeson, from his words, knows this. He brings up his experience during the Troubles and describes the origins of prejudice. And that, admittedly, can be difficult to spot if you are reading his remarks from the perspective of not having been a victim of oppression, whether that be racist or sexist in nature.

But that Neeson chose this story primarily  which is not even his to tell  as opposed to his own experience growing up in Northern Ireland, in order to explain how revenge can be so corrupting is the perfect example of the problem with both racism and sexism in our society.

Liam Neeson through the years Show all 23 1 /23 Liam Neeson through the years Liam Neeson through the years March 1995 Liam Neeson stars In the movie Rob Roy Getty Liam Neeson through the years October 1996 Neeson poses with co-star Aidan Quinn (right) and director Neil Jordan (left) at the Los Angeles premiere of their new movie Michael Collins AFP/Getty Liam Neeson through the years March 2001 Neeson poses with the lightsaber he used in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace at the Movie Action for Children auction AFP/Getty Liam Neeson through the years May 2002 Liam Neeson attends the Tony Award nominees brunch Getty Liam Neeson through the years July 2002 Neeson attends the world premiere of K-19: The Widowmaker in Westwood, California Getty Liam Neeson through the years August 2003 Neeson films scenes from Kinsey at Grand Central Station, New York Getty Liam Neeson through the years September 2004 Neeson after a press conference for the movie Kinsey during the Toronto International Film Festival Getty Liam Neeson through the years May 2005 Samuel L Jackson (left) and Neeson (right) pose with Chewbacca at the premiere of Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith Getty Liam Neeson through the years June 2005 Gary Oldman, Sir Michael Caine, Christian Bale, Katie Holmes, Morgan Freeman and Neeson arrive at the premiere of Batman Begins at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre Getty Liam Neeson through the years September 2006 Pierce Brosnan (left) and Neeson attend the Seraphim Falls press conference during the Toronto International Film Festival Getty Liam Neeson through the years September 2008 Neeson poses by the river Thames before a screening of the action movie Taken Getty Liam Neeson through the years June 2010 Neeson, Quinton Rampage Jackson, director Joe Carnahan, Sharlto Copley, and Bradley Cooper arrive at the premiere of their movie The A-Team Getty Liam Neeson through the years January 2011 Neeson at the premiere of The Grey in Los Angeles Getty Liam Neeson through the years September 2012 Neeson poses next to the beach closet dedicated to him on the Promenade des Planches for the movie Taken 2 Getty Liam Neeson through the years February 2013 Neeson presents an award at the Oscars Getty Liam Neeson through the years February 2014 Neeson holds his character from The Lego Movie as he attends the premiere in New York Getty Liam Neeson through the years February 2014 Actors Michelle Dockery, Lupita Nyongo, Neeson and Julianne Moore attend the premiere of their movie Non-Stop Getty Liam Neeson through the years November 2014 Maureen OHara accepts an Honorary Oscar from Clint Eastwood and Neeson Getty Liam Neeson through the years January 2015 Neeson signs posters as he attends a Taken 3 fan screening Getty Liam Neeson through the years February 2017 Neeson reprises his role from Love Actually alongside Thomas Brodie-Sangster for Comic Reliefs Red Nose Day Actually Getty Liam Neeson through the years September 2017 Neeson appears on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Getty Liam Neeson through the years January 2018 Neeson attends the premiere of The Commuter in New York Getty Liam Neeson through the years February 2018 Neeson speaks after receiving an award for his career during the Golden Camera awards ceremony in Hamburg AFP/Getty

Though the anonymity of the victim is guarded, at no point does it appear to occur to Neeson that he may not have the right to recount this story, or that repeating it in this way may be painful or frightening for both victims of sexual assault and those at risk of violent race-related hate crime.

The story of a rape of a woman and its effects is not a mans property. And it is definitely not the right or responsibility of a white man to appropriate the pain and trauma of a woman he knows as a teaching moment for himself or other white men.

There are those seeking to defend Neeson, despite the stark clarity of his confession. If you are tempted to follow that path, I say this: dont. Just as he does not have the right to take ownership of or seek to defend a womans story, there is also no right for others to dismiss the valid anger of black people and victims of sexual abuse on hearing the actors remarks.

To those condemning Neeson, thats your right. In a society which is still dealing with the legacy of white supremacy, this is a reminder that accountability is required for progress to take place.

Neeson will likely face punishment for his honesty. He may be ostracised by his industry. Is that a progressive step? In our attempt to move toward an equal society should we allow space for those who have intended to carry out racist or violent acts, if they recant and realise the error of their thinking? Is an admission enough to constitute atonement?

These are difficult questions raised by this interview, not easily answered in the hours and days that follow it. When they are answered, however, it is the black and female voices that should be heard.
My late father Ben told us a story once of having been told about a black man in his community who had been hung from a tree.

This was Mississippi, during the Depression, and a group of black boys known as the Scottsboro Boys were on trial for their lives because of what two white girls had said.

My dad was taught to be quiet, keep his head down. But he was so outspoken that his mother shipped him up north. To save his life.

We knew in our family, and still know, that black men were subject to racist, random violence.

Sure, a black man is usually killed by other black people. Murder is more than likely committed by those closest and nearest.

Liam Neeson's 10 most ludicrous films Show all 10 1 /10 Liam Neeson's 10 most ludicrous films Liam Neeson's 10 most ludicrous films 10. Clash of the Titans (2010) This remake of the 1981 romp through the annals of Greek mythology replaced Ray Harryhausens celebrated stop-motion effects with iffy CGI. Neeson stands in for Sir Laurence Olivier as Zeus and only an actor of his calibre could successfully suppress a smirk after bellowing: Release the Kraken! Warner Bros Pictures Liam Neeson's 10 most ludicrous films 9. The A-Team (2010) This reboot of the cult 1980s action series about a fugitive commando unit didnt particularly need to exist but when did that ever stop Hollywood? Neeson led the pack as cigar-chomping John Hannibal Lynch. Bradley Cooper has come a long way since. 20th Century Fox Liam Neeson's 10 most ludicrous films 8. Battleship (2012) Following the commercial success of Michael Bays Transformers (2007), executives naturally wondered which other toy franchises might be adapted into lucrative CGI blockbusters. This laboured expansion of the Hasbro travel game saw Neeson squandered as a disapproving admiral blasting alien ships in the Pacific. Only the presence of Rihanna redeems Battleship as a curiosity. Universal Pictures Liam Neeson's 10 most ludicrous films 7. A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014) In this moodily directed (but cheap) serving of neo-pulp from Scott Frank, Neeson stars as haunted ex-cop turned unlicensed private eye Matthew Scudder. He is hired by a drug boss to find out who murdered his wife and is inevitably drawn into a tangled web of intrigue. See also Denzel Washingtons Equaliser franchise. Universal Pictures Liam Neeson's 10 most ludicrous films 6. Run All Night (2015) Jimmy The Gravedigger Conlon must save his son (Joel Kinnaman) after Ed Harriss grieving Irish mobster takes out a hit on him in revenge for the killing of his own boy. Jaume Collet-Serra delivers a pacey chase narrative with plenty of Danny Boy sentiment. Myles Aronowitz/Energy/Vertigo/Kobal/Rex Liam Neeson's 10 most ludicrous films 5. The Grey (2012) Joe Carnahans survival thriller casts Neeson into the snowbound Alaskan wilderness, his suicidal corporate marksman forced to fend off lupine adversaries after he and a team of anxious oil drillers are brought down in a plane crash. Universal Pictures Liam Neeson's 10 most ludicrous films 4. Taken (2008) The film that marked Neesons transition to lethal veteran with a very particular set of skills. In his original outing as ex-CIA man Bryan Mills for director Pierre Morrel, Neeson races to rescue his daughter kidnapped by Albanian traffickers in Paris. The original bad guys father seeks revenge in the sequel, before Mills is framed for the murder of his ex-wife (Famke Janssen) in the third. A fourth entry arrives later this year. The Mills family apparently has no luck whatsoever. Europa Corp/Kobal/Rex Liam Neeson's 10 most ludicrous films 3. Unknown (2011) Dr Martin Harris (Neeson) suffers a car accident in Berlin. Waking from a coma, he is shocked to find his wife (January Jones) no longer recognises him and that hes been replaced by an imposter. Collet-Serra here revives an atmosphere of Cold War paranoia and riffs on Roman Polanskis Frantic (1988). Warner Bros Pictures Liam Neeson's 10 most ludicrous films 2. The Commuter (2018) Everyman insurance salesman Michael MacCauley (Neeson) is tasked with finding a person who does not belong on a busy morning train in exchange for $75,000 cash prize by a mysterious stranger (Vera Farmiga), only to become embroiled in a murderous conspiracy. Jay Maidment/StudioCanal/Kobal/Rex Liam Neeson's 10 most ludicrous films 1. Non-Stop (2014) In what must be his silliest undertaking so far, Neeson plays Bill Marks, a US marshal on a transatlantic flight who receives threatening texts from a killer warning he will take out a passenger every 20 minutes unless a $150m ransom is paid. Trying to track down the terrorist, Marks finds himself the chief suspect. While these films often carry surprisingly-impressive supporting casts, having Julianne Moore slumming it here is surely luxury to the point of decadence. Gloriously ridiculous. Moviestore/Rex

But what Im talking about is something deeper, something that is almost a kind of template. The template of the Black Man Who Must Be Taught A Lesson.

There is the example of the 45th president of the United States leading a personal crusade against several innocent men, most of them black, accused of rape. The Central Park Five had long been exonerated and compensated with several million dollars, but Trump did not stop. He still has not apologised.

Nor has he expressed regret for beginning his political life with the lie that Barack Obama had not been born in the USA. Michelle Obama is right when she says that she cannot forgive him for that. Because he not only endangered the former president: Trump put the entire Obama family in jeopardy.

Just like the governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam (whose own history with racism was recently unearthed through college photos of him in blackface and his old nickname Coon Man), Liam Neeson is a grown man. And these are grown men capable of knowing and understanding the terrible history of violence against black men.

I worry every day about my brother; my brothers-in-law; my cousins and nephews and great-nephews. Because they are black men.

Neeson is an actor. An actor is trained to pay attention to words. We now see the great revenge characters he created through the prism that he himself created for us. And it is an awful one.

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These are volatile, dangerous and delicate times. There is a kind of responsibility for all of us to think; to measure. Is Neeson racist? I cannot see into his heart, nor his mind.

Yet the awful chasm that he has revealed to us, of his own volition, holds its own terrible history.

We cannot waive it aside. We cannot forget it. It is up to each individual, I suppose, if they choose to forgive.

Neeson was just starting out then. Once, a group of Irish theatre friends told me that they were proud of him because he had been a teacher. He was a cut above. He had done real work, educating kids.

Black male teachers, working in the South, particularly during the civil rights era and before, had educated children too when it was against the segregationist law. Many did not make it; they could not take out their rage on some white stranger.

Perhaps its time Neeson committed to that real work once more, by unlearning what led him to that violent reaction in the first place.

Bonnie Greer is a playwright, novelist and critic
 Flash

A Singapore-flagged oil tanker with 26 crew members on boardincluding two Chinese nationalshas been seized by military in Cameroon since Feb. 1, consular and security sources told Xinhua on Monday.

According to the Chinese embassy in Cameroon, the Singaporean vessel, after discharge operations in Cameroon's western Limbe port, was about to leave when Cameroon military took control of it on the evening of Feb. 1.

There were 26 crew members on board, including the captain from Ukraine and two Chinese nationals. They were forbidden to leave the ship and the ship was forbidden to leave the port. There have been no reports of physical injuries of the crew members.

A Cameroon military official who preferred not to be named confirmed the information to Xinhua, and said the ship was seized over "a commercial disagreement."

"The ship is still in our keeping. They were operating where they were not supposed to operate and we seized it," the official said on Monday.

The seized ship is managed by Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping.

The company, in a communique published on Sunday, accused DSC Marine, a Cameroon charterer, of using "illegitimate means to seize the vessel for the purpose of holding its owners to ransom." DSC Marine has not responded for the moment.
Ben Chus report suggests that there may be no coincidence that the news of Nissans X-Trail U-turn at Sunderland was leaked from Japan shortly after Japan concluded its free trade deal with the EU. With the prospect of a 10 per cent tariff on UK exports to the EU if there is a no-deal Brexit, how many other cuts in production of Japanese cars in the UK may be planned at Toyota or Honda as well as Nissan?

Ron Mure

Mansfield

After years of hard negotiation, the EU and Japan have negotiated a mutually beneficial trade deal which we will be part of for just over 50 days.

But look on the bright side, post-Brexit it will only take us seven to 10 years to negotiate a deal like this for ourselves!

Mark Edmondson

Lancaster

Learning about the EU made me question my vote in 1975

Paul Kelly writes that while he was at school nothing was taught about the development and workings of the EU (Letters, yesterday). I have direct, personal experience of how finding out how the EU actually works in practice can have a profound impact on ones political views.

I was a politics teacher, and during the 1975 referendum was a passionate supporter of the case for remaining a member of the European Economic Community. However over subsequent years I spent more and more time reading up on how decision-making in Brussels really operates, how the rules governing the euro are evaded, how power has become increasingly centralised, how the concept of subsidiarity was effectively discarded, and what the movement towards a super state based on an ever closer union will really mean in practice.

Although I continue to favour the idea of a looser, decentralised union, the form the current European project has taken leads me to wonder whether I made a big mistake with my vote back in 1975.

Ivor Morgan

Lincoln

Handing life sentences to teenage criminals needs a rethink

The youngest member of the Manson family has been recommended for release by Californias parole board. Leslie Van Houten, now 69, is currently serving a life prison term for her role in the cults 1969 killing spree, carried out when she was 19 years of age.

It wasnt until recently that scientists began to research what happens to the brain in late adolescence and young adulthood. They found that youthful qualities persist until the early-20s with the impulse to chase thrills and immediate gratification peaking around age 19.

As a result of this research, experts in the field argue the ability to plan ahead and consider consequences isnt generally fully mature until the mid-20s. Surely the time has come for policymakers to reconsider the morality of holding teenagers in prison well into old age.

Rev Dr John Cameron

St Andrews

Theres only one way to make social media companies listen

When it comes to social media, arent we missing a key point?

These companies exist for one purpose and that purpose is to make money. They make all the right sounding noises about being responsible and about being conscious about their role in current society, but they never talk about their aim  and need  to make money. If we are to do anything to gain the attention of these companies, hit them where it will hurt  in their wallets.

Steve Mumby

Bournemouth

We should follow Denmarks lead after Brexit

Why do Theresa May and other major parties not know about and give consideration to the Danish option. The Kingdom of Denmark consists of Denmark, Greenland and the Faroes  the latter two are outside of the EU mainly because of fishing interests, while Denmark itself is an EU member. All remain parts of the Kingdom of Denmark. Does this not address so many of the problems currently arising in the UK?

Northern Ireland and Scotland, both ignored during the current debate, overwhelmingly voted to remain. If they remain members of the EU, the problem of the border of Northern Ireland would not arise. Similarly England and Wales would achieve their referendum result and be out of the EU, while the UK remains as a unit.

Surely, if a small country like Denmark is allowed to or has achieved this, then why cant we?

Maggie Wynton

Fortrose
Q I realise that there is a lot of uncertainty in relation to the outcome associated with Brexit day on 29 March, especially with planning trips to Europe. However, I wondered whether you could provide any comments in relation to purchasing airline tickets to Crete?

I have been invited to a Cretan wedding in mid-October. Having checked air fares, Jet2 are showing some reasonably priced tickets. Do you think its worth purchasing tickets now, at the end of March or later in the summer, when perhaps there will be less uncertainty?

Pamela D
The White Houses closest Persian Gulf allies have been handing out sophisticated American weapons to al Qaeda and dangerous groups in Yemen in violation of US an export rules, an investigation by CNN has revealed.

According to a investigation by the broadcaster, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the two countries now leading a disastrous four-year war against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, have been doling out American weapons to local allies that include groups tied to al Qaeda and other armed extremists hostile to the US.

Occasionally, the weapons have also fallen into the hands of vocally anti-Western Houthi rebels, a consequence of battlefield chaos in Yemen.

Separately, The Independent has seen an investigation by advocacy group Amnesty International, set to be released on Wednesday, alleging that the UAE has distributed advanced weaponry it has received from dozens of countries to Yemeni militias with little accountability or oversight.

The Amnesty report documents the distribution of US armoured vehicles equipped with heavy machine guns into the hands of several militias allied with the UAE.

Yemen is subject to interlocking, obscure, and ever-changing tribal loyalties that overlap with the armed groups tied up in the war. Some parts of the country remain under the sway of the local affiliate of al Qaeda or like-minded groups.

CNN reports that the Saudi-led coalition uses American weapons as a form of currency to buy the loyalties of militias or tribes, bolster chosen armed actors, and influence the complex political landscape.

Such distribution violates the terms of US weapons export rules. The Pentagon says it is investigating the allegations, which add to pressure on Saudi Arabia after spies and assassins close to the royal court ignited a global uproar abducting, murdering, and dismembering Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi last year.

Weapons cited in the CNN report include US-made TOW antitank missiles, MRAPs (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles), Oshkosh armoured vehicles, assault rifles sold on the black market, handguns, and pistols, as well as ammunition.

Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen Show all 22 1 /22 Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen Young recruits from Mukalla's new police academy attend their graduation ceremony after a UAE-led six-week training course Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen Yemeni soldier on the look out for militants or smugglers from his look out post over Mukalla Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen Afrah Jamaakhan, Yemen's first female radio director, says they have rebuilt Mukalla's radio station after al-Qaeda torched the old building Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen Soldiers guard the streets of Mukalla, a former al-Qaeda stronghold in south Yemen Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen An Emirati pilot in a Chinnok overlooking Eritrea on a flight back from Yemeni military bases Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen Emirati-supported look out points dot the mountains surrounding Mukalla Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen UAE armoured truck at Mukalla's strategic port Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen The city of Mukalla, which for a year was al-Qaeda's stronghold in Yemen Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen Soldiers guard the streets of Mukalla Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen Dr Fatma whose husband was kidnapped by al-Qaeda Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen A wooden boat docks at Mukalla port Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen Maj-Generaal Faraj Salmin al-Bahsani, governor of Hadramawt, at his offices in Mukalla Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen Mukalla's new radio station, the old building was burnt down by al-Qaeda Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen Mukalla port Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen New Emirati-trained police graduates gather for their graduation ceremony Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen Mukalla from an observation post over looking the city Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen The UAE said it has delivered 60 police bikes to Hadramawt to support the police forces Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen A panorama of Mukalla, south Yemen Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen A commercial vessel docks at Mukalla port which officials hope will become a major business hub Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen The UAE said it has donated over 150 police trucks to Hadramawt's new police force Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen UAE security forces drive through town in armoured cars fearing attacks from militant sleeper cells within Mukalla Bel Trew/The Independent Mukalla: Ex-Al Qaeda stronghold in Yemen Afrah Jamaakhan, Yemen's first female radio director, at Mukalla's new radio station Bel Trew/The Independent

In 2017, a pro-Houthi television channel showed images of rebels driving an MRAP through Sanaa while the crowd chanted Death to America. CNN cited a Houthi official as saying Iran has already obtained an MRAP and could reverse engineer the vehicle, which was designed in part to thwart sophisticated roadside bomb attacks launched by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.

There isn't a single American weapon that they don't try to find out its details, what it's made of, how it works," the source told CNN.

The US, UK and France continue to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia and the UAE that are used in Yemen, even as some Western countries have announced embargoes.
Vladimir Putin has said he supports the creation of new hypersonic land-based missiles in response to Donald Trump pulling the US out of a nuclear arms control treaty in place since the Cold War.

The Russian president said on Saturday Russia had suspended the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty after the USs exit after Donald Trump accused Moscow of violating the pacts terms.

In a meeting with the head of Russias ministry of defence, Sergei Shoigu, and foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, Mr Putin gave his approval to plans which include the building of hypersonic land-based missiles as well as a ground-based version of the Kalibr (also known as Caliber) sea-launched cruise missile.

The two new systems will be completed by 2021, under the plans put forward by General Shoigu.

Moscow also accused the US of testing and using weapons in direct violation of the 1987 INF treaty.

In the meeting, a transcript of which the Kremlin published online, Mr Putin said: I agree with the proposals of the ministry of defence about the start of work on the landing of Caliber and the opening of a new direction  the creation of a medium-range hypersonic land-based rocket.

In pictures: JFK's Cold War nuclear shelter Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: JFK's Cold War nuclear shelter In pictures: JFK's Cold War nuclear shelter Kennedy-nuclear-shelter-2.jpg Reuters In pictures: JFK's Cold War nuclear shelter Kennedy-nuclear-shelter-1.jpg Reuters In pictures: JFK's Cold War nuclear shelter Kennedy-nuclear-shelter-3.jpg Reuters In pictures: JFK's Cold War nuclear shelter Kennedy-nuclear-shelter-4.jpg Reuters In pictures: JFK's Cold War nuclear shelter Kennedy-nuclear-shelter-5.jpg Reuters In pictures: JFK's Cold War nuclear shelter Kennedy-nuclear-shelter-6.jpg Reuters In pictures: JFK's Cold War nuclear shelter Kennedy-nuclear-shelter-7.jpg Reuters In pictures: JFK's Cold War nuclear shelter Kennedy-nuclear-shelter-8.jpg Reuters In pictures: JFK's Cold War nuclear shelter Kennedy-nuclear-shelter-10.jpg Reuters In pictures: JFK's Cold War nuclear shelter Kennedy-nuclear-shelter-9.jpg Reuters

He added: At the same time, I want to draw your attention to the fact that we should not and will not be drawn into an expensive arms race.

Currently, Caliber missiles can only be launched from ships, due to the terms of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which banned land launches.

Mr Putin also said he wanted to see how work was progressing with other military technologies, including the Dagger, a hypersonic air-carrier launched missile, and Peresvet, new combat laser weapons.

Speaking about the US and Russia withdrawing from the treaty, Mr Lavrov told Mr Putin: In general, the situation is alarming. And I repeat that the decision taken by the United States on the INF Treaty, of course, is of great concern throughout the world, especially in Europe.

Mr Putin has said he would not deploy weapons to Europe and other regions unless the US did so.

The INF treaty was signed in 1987 by the Soviet Unions last leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, and US president Ronald Reagan. It prohibited the manufacture and deployment of ground-launched nuclear missiles capable of ranges between 310 and 3,420 miles.

The pact forced each country to dismantle more than 2,500 missiles, and has ensured nuclear-tipped cruise missiles have not been deployed in Europe for three decades.

But Mr Trump first threatened withdrawing from the pact in October 2018, saying Moscow had been in violation of the treatys terms for many years.

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Despite this, Mr Trump has expressed a desire to draw up a new treaty between the two countries.

I hope that were able to get everybody in a big and beautiful room and do a new treaty that would be much better. Certainly, I would like to see that, the US president told reporters at the White House on Friday.
European security officials have intercepted communications that suggest an Iranian diplomat was not only involved in an alleged plot last year to bomb a meeting of Tehran opponents outside Paris, but coordinated efforts with colleagues back in Iran, a well-placed western official told The Independent.

The communications between Iranian diplomat Asadollah Asadi and counterparts in Iran were described as text messages, or chats, that have been collected by European intelligence services.

Evidence of his contacts with the regime are recorded chats, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity while disclosing sensitive information.

An Iranian official dismissed the claims of evidence, insisting that the alleged Paris plot and others in Europe were fabricated to put pressure on Tehran as it faces off against the US and regional adversaries Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The French case is among several alleged plots carried out by Iranians on European soil that have strained relations between Tehran and European nations, and potentially jeopardised a commitment to uphold the nuclear deal penned in 2015 but abandoned last year by the administration of Donald Trump.

Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Show all 10 1 /10 Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Iranian MPs burnt a US flag in parliament after Donald Trump announced America's withdrawal from the nuclear deal. AFP/Islamic Consultative Assembly News Agency Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal US President Donald Trump displays a presidential memorandum after announcing his intent to withdraw from the JCPOA Iran nuclear agreement in the Diplomatic Room at the White House. Reuters Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Some Iranian MPs reacted after Trumps decision by shouting 'death to America'. AFP/Islamic Consultative Assembly News Agency Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Iranian lawmakers prepare to burn two pieces of papers representing the US flag and the nuclear deal. AP Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Iran said it will hold talks with signatories to the nuclear deal after Trump's decision to withdraw from the accord, which it branded "psychological warfare". AFP/Islamic Consultative Assembly News Agency Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Several Iranian MPs stood chanting in the Tehran parliament. AFP/Islamic Consultative Assembly News Agency Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Iranian MPs burning a US flag AFP/Islamic Consultative Assembly News Agency Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal President Hassan Rouhani addressed the nation in a televised speech in Tehran. He said he'd send his foreign minister to negotiate with countries remaining in the nuclear deal after Trump's decision to pull America from the deal, warning he otherwise would restart enriching uranium "in the next weeks." Iranian Presidency Office via AP Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Iran's press condemned Trump's withdrawal from a multi-party nuclear deal but was divided over whether Tehran should react with patience or withdraw itself. AFP Iran parliament reacts after Trump's withdrawal from nuclear deal Trump announced the US withdrawal from what he called the "defective" multinational nuclear deal with Iran, and said Washington would reinstate sanctions against the Islamic republic. AFP/Getty

Over the weekend, UK, French and German officials unveiled a bartering system called Instex, which is meant to allow trade between Iran and Europe that bypasses US controls on the global financial system. A European official called Instex a small but concrete step to respond to US unilateralism.

But Irans judiciary chief Sadeq Amoli Larijani quickly rejected the conditions for the exchange that include complying with global anti-money-laundering rules and curtailing its missile programme.

Taken together, Irans dissatisfaction with Europes attempts to resume business with the Islamic republic and European anger over alleged Iranian clandestine operations targeting dissidents and its missile programme threaten to diminish support for the nuclear deal, which promises Iran normalised trade ties in exchange for putting limits on its atomic programme.

Iranian media described a tense 8 January meeting in Tehran between European and Iranian diplomats. Europeans sought to deliver a complaint about Iranian missiles, while Iranians demanded an apology for a lack of progress on upholding the deal and for harbouring terrorist groups.

The next day the EU placed Iranian deputy minister of intelligence Saeid Hashemi-Moqaddam as well as Mr Asadi on a list of sanctioned individuals.

Mr Asadi, who served as diplomat in the Iranian embassy in Vienna, is currently in detention in Belgium, facing terrorism charges. He allegedly handed powerful plastic explosives to a Belgian-Iranian couple to use against a 30 June gathering of the Mujahedin-e-Khalq organisation, or MEK, a bizarre but influential Iranian political cult dedicated to overthrowing the government in Tehran.

The group has cultivated strong ties to the Trump administration and others in Washington, as well as to Saudi Arabia, Irans arch-nemesis. Several leading Trump administration figures including John Bolton and Rudy Giuliani spoke at the 30 June event, though neither had yet been named to Mr Trumps team.

According to the unnamed western official, the intercepts provide strong evidence of Mr Asadis involvement in the foiled plot to bomb the Paris gathering but dont confirm whether the top echelons of the regime knew about the scheme.

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In an interview published last month by the semi-official Iranian ISNA news organisation, Irans former ambassador to Germany, Ali Majedi, said the evidence that the Europeans had collected against Mr Asadi would be difficult to ignore, though he declined to specify the evidence, and how he knew about it.

European countries have tabled evidence that cannot easily be dismissed, although they cannot easily prove it either, he was quoted as saying.

The Iranian official suggested Mr Majedi had an axe to grind because he was withdrawn from his job in Germany in November. Claims by Mr Majedi are criticised inside Iran as political, as he was recently removed from his post as ambassador, the official said.

The alleged Paris operation, along with alleged plots by regime operatives against Iranian Arab exiles in the Netherlands and Denmark, prompted EU sanctions against Irans ministry of intelligence and security last year. Another alleged foiled plot against the the MEK compound in Albania prompted the Nato member to expel two senior diplomats last month.

Last week, German authorities reported that a 47-year-old Iranian dissident in Berlin had claimed he was beaten by unnamed masked men speaking Persian in what he told police he believed was an attack related to his political activities.

Iran has challenged Europe to produce evidence of the plots, and has demanded the release of Mr Asadi, whom it insists enjoys diplomatic immunity. Europeans detained this person and after several months they are still struggling to introduce evidence, said the Iranian official. His arrest in itself is against international law. If he was a normal citizen, his continued arrest without trial would be illegal, too.
Democracy is undergoing an alarming decline across the world as a growing number of countries move towards authoritarian rule, according to the Freedom House think tank.

The US organisations annual Freedom in the World report found 2018 was the 13th consecutive year of deteriorating freedoms around the globe.

A total of 68 countries suffered a decline in political rights and civil liberties during the past 12 months, with only 50 countries registering any progress in these areas, it said.

More authoritarian powers are now banning opposition groups or jailing their leaders, dispensing with term limits, and tightening the screws on any independent media that remain, the report stated.

Experts also identified a troubling crisis of confidence in the US and Europe, where far-right populist forces are pushing against long-held democratic principles like the separation of powers, press freedom and the legal protection of migrants.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. 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Hungary fell from free to partly free status in the past year. The report said Prime Minister Viktor Orban had presided over the most dramatic decline in civil liberties ever charted by the organisation inside the European Union.

Serbia also dropped to partly free status because of election irregularities and President Aleksandar Vucics accumulation of extraconstitutional powers.

The organisation also offered a damning assessment of the health of US democracy, noting Donald Trumps attacks on the rule of law and fact-based journalism. The report found his government had improperly restricted the rights of asylum seekers and immigration policies had become excessively harsh or haphazard.

The greatest danger comes from the fact that American democracy is not infinitely durable, especially if a president shows little respect for its tenets, said Michael J Abramowitz, president of Freedom House. Anti-democratic rhetoric and the rejection of democratic constraints on power can be first steps towards real restrictions on freedom.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban delivers speech (Reuters)

Challenges to democracy in the United States have outsized effects beyond American borders, Mr Abramowitz added. Other nations watch what is happening in the United States and take cues from its leaders behaviour. The ongoing deterioration of American democracy will accelerate the decline of democracy around the world.

Russian president Vladimir Putin and Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan were re-elected for further terms last year, while the National Peoples Congress in China rubber-stamped an amendment abolishing a two-term limit on the presidency, allowing Xi Jinping indefinite rule.

In Central America, meanwhile, Nicaragua dropped to not free following a crackdown on anti-government protests, Venezuela was deemed to have held a profoundly flawed election, and in Brazil the newly-elected Jair Bolosnaro expressed his nostalgia for military dictatorship.

Jair Bolsonaro, sworn in as Brazilian president in January (AP)

A growing number of governments have reached beyond their own borders to target expatriates.

Freedom House found that 24 countries around the world  including Russia, China, Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia  have targeted political dissidents abroad with practices such as extradition requests, kidnapping and assassination in the past year.

Ethnic cleansing is another growing trend, with an increase in regimes making concerted efforts to alter the ethnic composition of their territory and attacks on freedom of expression have been aided by new tools in internet censorship and surveillance.

The present crisis has not arrived out of the blue. Freedom House researchers concluded liberal democracy has been in retreat for over a decade.

Since 2006, a total of 116 countries have seen a decline in democratic freedoms, while only 63 countries have experienced growth.

If the balance continues to tip towards dictatorship, the free societies that remain could find themselves isolated in a more dangerous and chaotic world, said Sarah Repucci, a senior director at Freedom House.

A growing number of political scientists believe they have identified a strain of thought among voters that goes beyond traditional ideas of left and right; a strain that cuts across class, education, income and religiosity  even across different political cultures.

They believe understanding the concept of authoritarianism  and the authoritarian mindset of many voters  best explains the current crisis in liberal democracy.

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Academics like Karen Stenner, Stanley Feldman, Marc Hetherington and Jonathan Weiler have made a convincing case that a sizeable proportion of voters have a fundamental fear of diversity and complexity, and a strong desire for order and unity in their society.

These citizens look at the world in a black-and-white way, holding a stronger-than-average need to distinguish between their societys in group and various out groups and they are willing to disrupt established democratic norms if they feel the uniformity and hierarchy in their society is under threat.

Few people formally identify with authoritarianism. It is not a phrase that shows up on placards, tweets or Facebook posts. So when trying to identify voters with a predisposition towards it, political scientists dont ask them directly about their political views. Instead, four simple questions are posed about attitudes to family and child-rearing.

People who say its more important for a child to respect their elders, be obedient, be well-behaved and have good manners (rather than say its more important for children to be curious, self-reliant, independent in thought and have consideration for others) reveal the basic traits of the authoritarian personality.

Ms Stenner, whose 2005 book The Authoritarian Dynamic has become one the key texts in the field, believes the authoritarian mindset is a deep-rooted in all societies, even if western nations have chosen to ignore it in recent decades.

Tens of thousands of Polish nationalists attended march to mark independence (Getty Images)

Analysis conducted by Ms Stenner and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt on a massive 2016 survey of citizens living in 29 liberal democracies found that about a third of white responders proved to be authoritarian to some degree.

In total, 33 per cent of respondents were found to be authoritarian, 37 per cent were found to be non-authoritarian, and 29 per cent were deemed somewhere in between.

The evidence shows that about a third of the population across liberal democracies is predisposed to authoritarianism, Ms Stenner told The Independent. Basically, they favour what I call oneness and sameness over freedom and diversity.

Importantly, authoritarianism is a latent individual tendency  it doesnt necessarily always produce racial intolerance, moral intolerance, political intolerance, unless under certain conditions of perceived threat, especially when losing a sense of shared identity and beliefs, or losing confidence in leaders and institutions.

We seem to have reached the edge of what those with this predisposition are willing or able to put up with in a liberal democracy, she added. Whether due to the immigration crisis, globalisation, the perceived loss of national identity, some people are saying, I dont want to lose who we are, our way of life."

Pro-Brexit campaigners (Reuters)

Authoritarians are not interested in right-wing economic ideas about the free market. Neither do they possess the classic conservatives love of the status quo.

In fact, as Brexit shows, authoritarian voters are willing to radically overturn the status quo in a bid to reassert a more uniform social order. Authoritarian Britons were found to be much more likely than non-authoritarian Britons to vote to leave the EU, according to analysis of the 2016 survey.

In the US, the child-rearing questions used to identify authoritarian citizens also proved the best predictor of support for Mr Trump in the 2016 election campaign.

As Mr Hetherington and Mr Weiler show in their book Authoritarianism and Polarisation in American Politics, the mindset may not be confined to any one political party, but it has become more intense among Republican voters in the US in recent years.

 Barrage of hostility against media at Trump rally

Dr Matthew MacWilliams, a political scientist at University of Massachusetts Amherst, has interviewed dozens of authoritarian voters in the US and Europe for his research.

He suggested the speed of change in the media landscape, aided by the bewildering impact of social media, has only fed authoritarians willingness to block out different views and listen only to the strongmans promise of order.

A lot of them are nice folks, they just have this disposition to authoritarianism he explained. There were actually relatively few I didnt like. Theyre just not very good with complexity. Confusion can make them feel less in control and therefore more threatened. And thats a dangerous thing.

Theyre more likely to believe the idea that says theres a threat out there. Its what makes them put tremendous faith in certain rulers. And that is what allows despotic rulers to rise.

Trump supporters (AFP/Getty)

Ms Stenner believes those who wish to uphold liberal democracy need to change the way they think, talk and treat a section of society they have been too quick to demonise as deplorables, as Hillary Clinton infamously described Mr Trumps strongest supporters.

The political psychologist says the authoritarians views are going to have to be more openly discussed, and must become part of the mainstream political conversation, or youre going to keep getting this ugly, hysterical and outraged version of the conversation.

If people cant discuss their fears about immigration, if they cant discuss the values they fear some newcomers might have, if they cant discuss how much is too much  then these things get vocalised by people like Trump, she added. We have to understand this a fundamental aspect of society. Its not intrinsically evil, but just another way of being human that weve often pretended doesnt exist. A true democracy must ultimately attend to the needs of all its citizens.
North Korea is working to ensure its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities cannot be destroyed by military strikes, UN monitors have said.

The report comes ahead of a meeting between US and North Korean officials to prepare a second denuclearisation summit.

The US special envoy for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, will meet his North Korean counterpart on Wednesday in Pyongyang to prepare for a summit later this month between Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the US State Department said on Monday.

Mr Biegun has said he hoped the meeting with newcounterpart Kim Hyok Chol would map out "a set of concrete deliverables" for the summit between Mr Trump and Mr Kim.

Mr Biegun, who held talks with South Korean officials in Seoul on Sunday and Monday, said he would be aiming for "a roadmap of negotiations and declarations going forward, and a shared understanding of the desired outcomes of our joint efforts".

Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Show all 20 1 /20 Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump and Mr Kim leave following their historic meeting AFP/Getty Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump and Mr Kim sign a document committing to peace between their nations, amongst other things EPA Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump holds up a document that both he and Mr Kim have signed AFP/Getty Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un The two leaders reach out to shake hands for the first time AP Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump and Mr Kim shake hands as they meet for the first time Reuters Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump and Mr Kim walk off stage, following their historic meeting Reuters Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump and Mr Kim take a stroll after their meeting on June 12 Reuters Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump and Mr Kim interrupt their stroll to talk to the media AP Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Kim and Mr Trump look out over a balcony at the Capella hotel, where they held their meeting on June 12 Reuters Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump takes questions at the press conference following his meeting with with Mr Kim AP Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump appreciates the crowd in the press conference following his meeting with Mr Kim Getty Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump travels to the Istana ahead of the summit with Kim Jong Un on June 12 Reuters Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Kim Jong Un travels to the Istana ahead of the summit with President Trump on June 12 Reuters Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Kim poses for a photo with Singapore's Finance Minister Vivian Balkrishnan and Education Minister Ong Ye Kung ahead of the summit with Mr Trump Twitter/Reuters Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump shakes hands with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, meeting on Monday June 11 in the Istana, Singapore's presidential palace AP Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un At a working lunch on Monday, Singapore's Prime Minister surprised Mr Trump with a birthday cake, in early celebration of his 72nd birthday later in the week EPA Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo answers questions about the summit at a press briefing in Singapore on Monday, June 11 Getty Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un US President Donald Trump arrives at the Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore on June 10, two days prior to his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Reuters Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump and Mr Kim met on Tuesday June 12 in the Capella hotel on the island resort of Sentosa, just off the south coast of Singapore AFP/Getty Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump boards Air Force One following the summit AFP/Getty

South Korean officials said they and the US could be looking at a compromise that would see the dismantling of the North's main Yongbyon nuclear complex, which could be reciprocated by US measures including formally ending the 1950-53 Korean War and setting up a liaison office.

But United Nations (UN) sanctions monitors said in a confidential report, submitted to a 15-member UN Security Council sanctions committee and seen by Reuters on Monday, that they had "found evidence of a consistent trend on the part of [North Korea] to disperse its assembly, storage and testing locations".

The North Korean mission to the UN did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report, which was submitted to Security Council members on Friday.

The first summit between Mr Trump and Mr Kim last June in Singapore yielded a vague commitment by Mr Kim to work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, where US troops have been stationed since the 1950-53 Korean War.

The Vietnamese resort town of Danang is seen as the most likely location for the next summit.

Last Thursday, Mr Trump hailed "tremendous progress" in his dealings with North Korea, but the view in the US is that it has yet to take concrete steps to give up its nuclear weapons programme.

North Korea has complained the US has done little to reciprocate its freezing of nuclear and missile testing and dismantling of some nuclear facilities.

 North Korea destroys 10 guard posts to lower tensions

It has also repeatedly urged a lifting of punishing US-led sanctions, a formal end to the war, and security guarantees.

The UN report said sanctions were proving ineffective.

"The country continues to defy Security Council resolutions through a massive increase in illegal ship-to-ship transfers of petroleum products and coal," the sanctions monitors found.

"These violations render the latest UN sanctions ineffective."

The monitors said they had evidence of one unprecedented prohibited petroleum product transfer of more than 57,600 barrels, worth more than $5.7 million (4.4 million).

North Korea has said it will never unilaterally give up its nuclear weapons unless the US first removes any threat to it. North Korea has long demanded US troops be withdrawn as a condition for peace.

The Korean War ended with an armistice that left the two Koreas technically still at war.

The US has stressed its troops are not a bargaining chip and South Korea has said US troops in the South were unrelated to any future peace treaty and American forces should stay even if such an agreement is signed.

The US State Department said on Monday Washington and Seoul had reached an agreement "in principle" on sharing the cost of stationing US troops in the Asian country.

CNN quoted a State Department official as saying that under the revised agreement, South Korea would boost its contribution to nearly $1bn (770m).

A 2014 deal that expired last year required South Korea to pay about 960 billion won (660 million) a year for keeping some 28,500 US troops in South Korea. The allies had appeared unable to strike an accord to renew the deal despite 10 rounds of talks since March.

Reuters
A senior US diplomat is to travel to Pyongyang to prepare for Donald Trumps second summit with Kim Jong-un, and is expected to announce the date and location of the much-anticipated meeting.

US special envoy Stephen Biegun arrived in the South Korean capital of Seoul on Sunday night for a meeting with that countrys senior diplomat, Lee Do-hoon.

On Wednesday, he will be in Pyongyang for a meeting his North Korean counterpart, Kim Hyok Chol, the state department said.

Last week, Mr Biegun said he hoped the negotiations would help map out a set of concrete deliverables for the second summit between Mr Trump and Mr Kim, after the US leader claimed there was a good chance of reaching a deal with on denuclearisation.

We expect to hold working-level negotiations with our North Korean counterparts in advance of the summit, with the intention of achieving a set of concrete deliverables....a roadmap of negotiations and declarations going forward, and a shared understanding of the desired outcomes of our joint efforts, Mr Biegun said at an event at Stanford University in California.

North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits Show all 16 1 /16 North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits In the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, portraits of former supreme leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are required by law to be hung in the home, the classroom, the factory and all manner of other private and public places Reuters North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits In the classroom AFP/Getty North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits In the living room AFP/Getty North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits In the maternity ward of the hospital Alamy North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits On board the ship Reuters North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits At the ballot box Mannen av bord North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits In the office AFP/Getty North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits On the bridegroom Reuters North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits On the Pyongyang subway Reuters North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits On a government building Reuters North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits In the teacher training facility AFP/Getty North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits In Kim Il Sung square in Pyongyang Reuters North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits In the home AFP/Getty North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits At the military parade Reuters North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits In the hall Reuters North Korea's pervasive leaders: the Kim portraits At the Chinese border AFP/Getty

We have communicated to our North Korean counterparts that we are prepared to pursue, simultaneously and in parallel, all of the commitments our two leaders made in their joint statement at Singapore last summer.

Mr Trump told reporters last week a time and place has been chosen for his second summit with Mr Kim, following their historic encounter last June in Singapore.

Well be announcing it early next week, he told reporters in the Oval Office. They very much want the meeting, and they really want to do something.

The AFP said it was likely the time and place would be make public after Mr Biegun completed his discussions on Wednesday.
People across Asia celebrated the Lunar New Year and welcomed in the Year of the Pig on Tuesday with family banquets, firecrackers and visits to temples.

In Beijing and other major Chinese cities streets were quiet after millions of people left to visit relatives or travel abroad during the years biggest family holiday.

Chinas railway ministry forecast mainland travellers would make 413 million trips during the three-week period around the holiday, the countrys biggest annual travel boom.

Chinese New Year is celebrated with fireworks and red lanterns, with many returning to their hometowns as families gathered for multigenerational banquets.

The Year of the Pig is believed to be a symbol of optimism and wealth.

Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Show all 43 1 /43 Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Performers take part in a fire dragon dance under a shower of molten iron sparks on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Pig, in Zaozhuang REUTERS Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Filipino-Chinese children display piggy banks at the start of celebrations for Lunar New Year in Chinatown, Manila, Philippines AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A lion dance troupe performs among visitors jostling for freebies thrown to them during celebrations for the Lunar New Year of the Pig in Manila's Chinatown district AFP/Getty Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world People buy flowers at a New Year market in Hong Kong's Victoria Park AP/Vincent Yu Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Performers take part in a night parade to celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Lion dancers dance around firecrackers as they explode in the street while ushering in Chinese New Year in San Francisco, California Getty Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world People look at festive New Year pig ornaments in the China Town area of London AFP/Getty Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Drummers perform in front of a mural reading "2019" at a temple fair at Longtan Park in Beijing AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A performer blows fire during Chinese New Year celebrations at Manila's Chinatown Reuters Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world (Credit too long, see caption) Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Dancers perform a Dragon dance next to revelers in Manila EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world anterns are carried through the streets to be hung on Chinese New Year in Chinatown in London Getty Images Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Diners take part in the largest yum cha meal in Sydney, Australia EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Children celebrate the Lunar New Year in Chinatown in New York Getty Images Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A crowd jostles to grab items being thrown at them during celebrations AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Performers take part in a Chinese New Year parade in Tsim Sha Tsui EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world (Credit too long, see caption) Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world (Credit too long, see caption) Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world (Credit too long, see caption) Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Girls react to a squealing Teacup pig, a rare pet in the Philippines, at the start of celebrations leading to the Chinese New Year at Manila's Lucky Chinatown Plaza in Manila AP/Bullit Marquez Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A family poses in front of red lanterns on display at the Longtan Park for a temple fair ahead of Chinese Lunar New Year in Beijing, China AP/Andy Wong Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Vendors carrying pig-shaped balloons for sale to mark the Lunar New Year in Hanoi, Vietnam AP/Hau Dinh Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A vendor packs sweets at the Dihua Street market in Taipei, Taiwan on 29 January. Taiwanese shoppers started hunting for delicacies, dried goods, and other bargains at the market ahead of the Lunar New Year AP/Chiang Ying-ying Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Women take a selfie near a tree decorated with red lanterns AP/Andy Wong Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world An ethnic Chinese-Thai man offers flowers after prayers at the Leng Nuei Yee Chinese temple AP/Sakchai Lalit Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Two divers perform an underwater Chinese Lion Dance ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations at Aquaria KLCC underwater park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 30 January AP/Vincent Thian Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Travellers wait for their trains at a railway station in Hangzhou in east China's Zhejiang province on 28 January. The world's largest annual migration has begun in China with millions of Chinese travelling to their hometowns to celebrate the Lunar New Year Chinatopix via AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Dancers perform the dragon dance in during new year celebrations in the Chinatown disctrict of Manila, Philippines AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Lion dancers perform on the glass deck of the King Power Mahanakhon building, Thailand's tallest, in Bangkok AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Chinese performers dressed in traditional costumes attend a rehearsal of a reenactment of a Qing dynasty (1636-1912) imperial sacrifice ritual to worship the Earth, on the eve of the Chinese New Year, at Ditan Park in Beijing EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A woman takes a photo in a sculpture made of pigs as part of celebrations for the Year of the Pig in Sydney, Australia EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Year of the Pig merchandise for sale at a market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A diver wearing a traditional Chinese outfit feeds fish on the eve of Chinese New Year in Manila, Philippines EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Fireworks explode behind the Sydney Opera House as it glows red as part of celebrations for Chinese New Year of the pig, in Sydney, Australia EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Men perform a dragon dance called Liong ahead of Chinese New Year during the Grebeg Suro ceremony in Solo, Central Java province, Indonesia Reuters Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Performers rehearse a re-enactment of a Chinese New Year Qing Dynasty ceremony at the Temple of Earth in Ditan Park in Beijing Reuters Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Lion dancers pose on the glass deck of the King Power Mahanakhon building, Thailand's tallest, in Bangkok AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A Malaysian ethnic Chinese family take a selfie a temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Indonesian ethnic Chinese people carry offerings during Chinese New Year celebrations at a temple in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A tourist walks under decorative lanterns ahead of the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia EPA

On the eve of the new year, people gathered for reunion dinners, gave red packets of pocket money to youngsters and lit firecrackers at midnight.

Shops, companies and government offices closed for the holiday, which ranges from two days in South Korea to a week in China.

In homes and in shops, pig dolls were displayed for the festival, which is also celebrated in Vietnam and Cambodia and by ethnic Chinese communities across Asia.

Early on Tuesday, the first day of the Year of the Pig, hundreds lined up outside their local temples to burn the first joss sticks of the year, expecting it to bring them good luck.

Ornaments were readied, kiosks set up, and traditional dragon dancers leapt in the air. Everywhere, the color red dominated  on lanterns, clothes and signs.

In Bangkok, people lit incense sticks and burned paper money and other symbolic offerings for deceased relatives despite government appeals to avoid contributing to smog.

Some shopkeepers sold symbolic ballots to burn as offerings following official promises of an election this year, the first after four years of military rule.

In Beijing, performers in traditional Qing dynasty robes strummed zithers for a re-enactment at sunrise of a sacrificial ceremony at the Chinese capitals Temple of Earth park.

An actor portraying an emperor bowed before an altar as dozens of people in ceremonial dress stood behind him.

Acrobats and drummers also performed. Vendors sold toys branded with the UK cartoon character Peppa Pig, which is enjoying a surge of popularity for the Year of the Pig.

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Worshippers stood in line for hours at Hong Kongs Wong Tai Sin Temple to welcome the new year by lighting incense.

In North Koreas capital, Pyongyang, visitors left bouquets of flowers at statues of former leaders Kim Il-sung and his son, Kim Jong-il.

Additional reporting by agencies
Japans deputy prime minister has been forced to apologise for blaming women who do not have children for problems linked to the countrys low birthrate and ageing population.

Taro Aso, who is also the finance minister, told a constituency meeting in Fukuoka over the weekend that older people were being unfairly singled out to explain the countrys demographic issues.

There are lots of strange people who say the elderly people are to blame, but that is wrong. The problem is with those who didn't give birth, he told the audience.

But Mr Aso, who has no children himself, retracted the claim after opposition MPs accused him of being insensitive to couples who want to have children but are not able to do so.

If it made some people feel uncomfortable, I apologise, he said on Tuesday.

The former prime minister, 78, is the latest conservative politician in prime minister Shinzo Abes government to blame the elderly or childless for long-term demographic trends and the countrys rising social security costs.

Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Show all 15 1 /15 Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Residents follow moves made by humanoid robot 'Pepper' during an afternoon exercise routine at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Funabashi Hiroshi from A Fun, repairs broken'AIBO's, pet dog robots, at his office in Kasama. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A caretaker wearing a 'HAL for care support' robot suit pushes a wheelchair at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Residents follow moves made by humanoid robot 'Pepper' during an afternoon exercise routine at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Yoichi Suzuki spends time with 'AIBO', a pet dog robot, which his father used for his rehabilitation at his house in Takahag.i Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A resident approaches humanoid robot 'Pepper' to pat its head during an afternoon exercise routine at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A caretaker, wearing walking rehabilitation equipment 'Tree', helps a resident with his walking training at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Yoichi Suzuki shows 'AIBO', a pet dog robot, to his bed-ridden mother at his house. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A broken'AIBO', a pet dog robot, waits for repair in A Fun's office in Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A resident touches 'AIBO', a pet dog robot, at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A resident touches robot seal 'PARO' at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care Yoichi Suzuki and his wife take care of his bed-ridden mother as 'AIBO', a pet dog robot walks around at his house in Takahagi. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A caretaker wearing a motion assist equipment 'Muscle Suit' carries a resident from a bed to a wheelchair at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care 'AIBO', a pet dog robot, which Yoichi Suzuki's father used for his rehabilitation, is seen at Suzuki's house in Takahagi. Reuters Ageing Japan: Robots' role in future of elderly care A resident claps to call 'AIBO', a pet dog robot at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters

He not only lacked consideration to those who choose not to or cannot have children, but he just doesnt understand what the problem is, said opposition politician Kiyomi Tsujimoto on Monday. He has no sense of human rights.

Mr Asos comments were almost identical to some he made in 2014, which also sparked criticism at the time.

Mr Asos latest intervention came after government statistics revealed the number of births in 2018 fell to 921,000  the lowest since Japan began recording such statistics more than a century ago.

Japans total population fell by 448,000 people, a record decline, to 126 million. It is forecast to fall below 100 million by 2050, unless there is a huge influx of immigrants.

The trend has sparked warnings snowballing health and welfare costs for older people  along with a shrinking workforce  will increase pressure on the worlds third-biggest economy in coming decades.

Mr Aso said his latest remarks had been taken out of context and misunderstood.
 Flash

The United States on Monday issued a security alert for Kenya, citing credible information that Westerners may be targeted by extremists in the coastal region and three other towns.

In its security alert, the U.S. embassy in Kenya reminded the public of the continued need for enhanced vigilance throughout the country, saying terrorists may be planning to carry out attack on Westerners in the capital, Nairobi, and in Naivasha and Nanyuki, both in northwest Kenya.

"The U.S. Embassy reminds the public of the continued need for heightened vigilance throughout Kenya, especially in public spaces such as shopping malls, hotels, and places of worship," it said in its alert.

The embassy asked the public to be aware of their surroundings and stay alert in locations frequented by tourists and Westerners.

The warning came after al-Shabab attacked a luxury hotel and office complex housing multinational companies in Nairobi on Jan. 15 that left 21 people dead and several others injured.

Security forces have arrested and taken to court several suspects in connection with terror attack at the leafy Dusit2 complex on 14 Riverside Drive.

Somalia-based terror group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the hotel attack, saying they killed 47 people inside Dusit Hotel, part of a Thai-owned international chain that appeared to be the chief target of the attackers.

Two people were injured on Jan. 26 when a suspected improvised explosive device exploded at a busy street in Nairobi a day after the U.S. embassy issued similar alert.




A Russian couple accused of swinging their baby by the legs and throwing it in the air during a street act in Malaysia have been arrested.

The parents, aged 27 and 28, who are travelling across South East Asia busking, were arrested in Kuala Lumpur on Monday over alleged abuse of the four-month-old girl.

It came after a video of one of their performances was widely shared on Facebook, with many expressing their disgust at the act.

The 90-second video shows a man holding a baby - dressed in just a nappy - by its feet, swinging it between his legs and above his head.

He also briefly lets go of the baby as he throws it in the air a number of times.

In pictures: Malaysia celebrates Thaipusam Festival Show all 6 1 /6 In pictures: Malaysia celebrates Thaipusam Festival In pictures: Malaysia celebrates Thaipusam Festival Malaysia A Hindu devotee with needles protruding his cheeks walks towards the 272 steps taking up to the Batu Caves Temple during the Thaipusam Festival in Kuala Lumpur In pictures: Malaysia celebrates Thaipusam Festival Malaysia A Hindu devotee with pots of milk hooked on his back walks towards the 272 steps taking up to the Batu Caves Temple during the Thaipusam Festival in Kuala Lumpur In pictures: Malaysia celebrates Thaipusam Festival Malaysia A Hindu priest conducts a prayer for devotees during the Thaipusam Festival in Kuala Lumpur In pictures: Malaysia celebrates Thaipusam Festival Malaysia A Hindu devotee in a state of trance walks towards the 272 steps taking up to the Batu Caves Temple during the Thaipusam Festival in Kuala Lumpur In pictures: Malaysia celebrates Thaipusam Festival Malaysia A woman carries a pot of milk on her head as she walks towards the 272 steps taking up to the Batu Caves Temple during the Thaipusam Festival in Kuala Lumpur In pictures: Malaysia celebrates Thaipusam Festival Malaysia Devotees flocked to the temple during the festival, one of the most important events in the Hindu calendar, to fulfill their vows and offers to thank the deities

Crowds can be seen gathered behind the man while a group play instruments and chant beside him.

The video can still be viewed on Facebook but carries a warning that it may show violence against a child or teenager.

A Russian couple was arrested in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 4 February, 2019, after being accused of swinging a baby by the legs and throwing it in the air during a street act. (Zayl Chia Abdulla/Facebook)

The man who uploaded the footage said he happened to be passing the area when he saw this irresponsible act that can literally cause injury.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Mazlan Lazim told news agency AFP: We detained them on Monday for questioning over the alleged abuse of their four-month-old baby girl.

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He said the baby was unharmed with no sign of injuries.

Similar baby gymnastics or dynamics are not uncommon in Russia where the act is legal.

Some believe the exercise can help a baby to develop more quickly as they think it can help them adapt to their new surroundings and become more relaxed and sociable.

However, experts say the practice could lead to shaken baby syndrome, a brain injury caused when a baby is thrown, jerked or shaken.

Babies, especially newborns, have very weak neck muscles so vigourous movement such as that involved in the practice risks causing a whiplash effect that can then cause bleeding within the brain or the eyes.
Donald Trump will be delivering his State of the Union speech after initially agreeing to postpone the presidential address.

The speech will be on Tuesday, February 5, about one week after the it was originally scheduled for January 29.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi requested Mr Trump postpone his State of the Union address until after the long and grueling government shutdown was over.

The 35-day shutdown, the longest federal closure in American history, ended on January 25.

There are many different options to choose to watch the State of the Union address, which is scheduled to begin at 9pm EST (2amGMT).

Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Show all 23 1 /23 Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Joe Biden The former vice president - poised to be a frontrunner - has announced his run. He recently faced scrutiny for inappropriate touching of women, but was thought to deal with the criticism well AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Bernie Sanders The 2016 runner-up has announced that he will be running again in 2020 Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Hillary Clinton The 2016 Democratic presidential candidate and former Secretary of State says she is still considering whether she will run again. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Pete Buttigieg The Indiana mayor and war veteran will be running for president. If elected, he would be the first openly LGBT+ president in American history. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Kamala Harris The former California attorney general will be running for president in 2020. Introduced to the national stage during Jeff Sessions testimony, she has endorsed Medicare-for-all and proposed a major tax-credit for the middle class. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Elizabeth Warren The Massachusetts Senator has formally launched her bid for president in 2020. A progressive Democrat, she is a major supporter of regulating Wall Street. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Beto ORourke The former Texas congressman told Oprah Winfrey that he has been thinking about running for presidency, but stopped short of formally announcing his bid to run in 2020. AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Wayne Messam Mayor of the city of Miramar in the Miami metropolitan area, Wayne Messam has announced his bid. He intends to run on a progressive platform against the "broken" federal government. He favours gun regulations and was a signatory to a letter from some 400 mayors condemning President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord. Vice News Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Kirsten Gillibrand The New York Senator formally announced her presidential bid in January, saying that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Cory Booker The New Jersey Senator has announced that he will be running for the presidency in 2020. If he secures the nomination he said finding a female vice president would be a priority. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? John Delaney The Maryland congressman was the first to launch his bid for presidency, making the announcement in 2017. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Julian Castro The former San Antonio mayor announced his candidacy in January and said that his running has a special meaning for the Latino community in the US. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Tulsi Gabbard The Hawaii congresswoman announced her candidacy in January, but is likely to face tough questions on her past comments on LGBT+ rights and her stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Andrew Yang The entrepreneur has announced his presidential candidacy, and has pledged that he would introduce a universal basic income of $1,000 a month to every American over the age of 18. AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Marianne Williamson The author and spiritual advisor has announced her intention to run for president. She had previously run for congress as an independent in 2014 but was unsuccessful. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? John Kerry The former secretary of state has said he is still thinking about whether to run. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Michael Bloomberg The entrepreneur and former New York mayor with a net worth of around $50bn  has said he will decide by the end of February whether to seek the presidency. AFP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Howard Schultz Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has not yet ruled out running for president in 2020, despite criticism that his bid could help re-elect Mr Trump by dividing the Democrat vote. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Eric Holder The former attorney general has said he will decide in the next month or so whether to run as a 2020 presidential candidate. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Eric Swalwell The California congressman said he is ready to do this and will decide before April whether to run. MSNBC Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Terry McAuliffe The former Virginia governor, who worked to elect Democratic governors during 2018 midterms, said there was a 50 per cent chance he would run. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Sherrod Brown The Ohio senator is still undecided about whether to run for president in 2020. Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Mitch Landrieu The former New Orleans mayor said he doesnt think he will run for president, but never say never. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

All major networks and cable news channels will be covering the presidential address including CBS, CNN, MSNBC and CSPAN.

For those online, the State of the Union address can be seen on Facebook as live-streams through the cable news channels Facebook pages. The White House will also be airing the address on its website. YouTube will also air the address.

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Following Mr Trumps speech, former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams will be delivering the Democrats response.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra will be delivering the Democratic rebuttal in Spanish.
Donald Trump did not consult his top general in the Middle East before making the surprise decision to pull troops out of Syria, the head of the US militarys Central Command has said.

General Joseph Votel, who oversees military operations in the region, told senators on the Armed Services Committee he was "not consulted" prior to the announcement.

The commander did acknowledge that Mr Trump had publicly expressed a desire to leave Syria at some point, but said that failed to translate into a discussion before the withdrawal was confirmed.

The revelation came as Gen Votel warned about an imminent threat from Isis in Syria and Iraq, whose presence he said would remain following the US withdrawal from the region.

The top US commander testified that while the ISIS-held territory in Syria had reduced from 34,000 square miles to about 20 square miles, the fight against the terrorist group in the region is not yet over.

Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Show all 14 1 /14 Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Trucks full of women and children arrive from the last Isis-held areas in Deir ez-Zor, Syria Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Zikia Ibrahim, 28, with her two-year-old son and 8-month-old daughter, after fleeing the Isis caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Men who fled the last Isis-held area of Syria line up to be questioned by American and Kurdish intelligence officials Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate A young girl pulls her belongings after arriving Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate An SDF fighter hands out bread to women and children after they arrive Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Sita Ghazzar, 70, after fleeing from the last Isis-held territory in Syria Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate A family from Russia who recently fled the last Isis-held area of Syria Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent Syria at war: Fleeing the caliphate Richard Hall/The Independent

Before revealing that Mr Trump did not consult him over the withdrawal announcement, Mr Votel insisted the Pentagon was ready and capable of fulfilling the president's order to withdraw all American troops from Syria.

The four-star general said around 2,000 US ground forces would depart from the region in a "deliberate and coordinated manner".

We are adjusting our military posture in Syria, planning and executing a deliberate, safe and professional withdrawal of personnel and equipment while preserving sufficient power in the region, Gen Votel said in a statement.

The military commander also insisted the US strategy in the region was working and that Isis has been defeated territorially in Syria by about 99 per cent.
Donald Trump declaring a state of emergency to fund a wall on the US-Mexico border could trigger a war in the Republican party, a senator and close ally of the US president has said.

Lindsey Graham, senior senator for South Carolina, on Monday urged fellow GOP members to back the commander-in-chief over possible plans to bypass Congress if it fails to reach a deal giving Mr Trump the $5.7bn (4.38bn) he wants for the wall.

Im not very optimistic were going to get a deal. It seems to me that hes going to have to go it alone by declaring an emergency, Mr Graham said. But there could be a war within the Republican Party over the wall.

Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell is reported to have told Mr Trump some Republicans in the chamber may join Democrats to pass a resolution blocking any emergency declaration, although the president would have the power of veto.

Any Republican who denies the president the ability to act as commander-in-chief, youre going to create a real problem within the party, Mr Graham told reporters in Greenville, South Carolina.

The senator said the fate of the border would be the defining moment of Mr Trumps presidency. Mr Trump campaigned on the issue in 2016, repeatedly promising Mexico would pay for the wall.

It is important that we stand behind President Trump as commander-in-chief to secure a broken border, Mr Graham said.

Ill be really disappointed if my Senate colleagues do not understand that the president has the right to do this and the responsibility to do this, he said.

Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Federal workers and contractors rally against the partial federal government shutdown Getty Images Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures The US Capitol on the first morning of a partial government shutdown in Washington EPA Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Federal workers and contractors rally against the partial federal government shutdown Getty Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures President Trump speaks with children who called the North American Aerospace Defense Command Santa tracker in the State Dining Room of the White House. He earlier in the day, tweeted that he was 'all alone in the White House' waiting for Democrats to make a deal on border security EPA Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Furloughed federal workers pick up free food at a pop-up store of Kraft Heinz Getty Images Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Hundreds of federal workers and contractors rally against the partial federal government shutdown Getty Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Reuters Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures From left, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Dick Durbin and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi walk to speak to reporters after meeting with President Donald Trump about border security in the Situation Room of the White House. Trump declared he could keep parts of the government shut down for "months or even years" as he and Democratic leaders failed in a second closed-door meeting to resolve his demand for billions of dollars for a border wall with Mexico Evan Vucci AP Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Federal workers and contractors rally against the partial federal government shutdown Getty Images Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures A sign alerts visitors to the closure of the National Archives on the fifth day of a partial government shutdown EPA Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Hundreds of federal workers and contractors rally against the partial federal government shutdown Getty Images Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Visitors read signs announcing the closure of the White House Visitor Center EPA Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures President Donald Trump speaks during a round-table discussion on border security and safe communities with State, local, and community leaders in the Cabinet Room of the White House Getty Images Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures A sign alerts visitors to the closure of the White House Visitor Center on the first day of a partial government shutdown EPA Trump shuts down US government over Mexico border wall  in pictures Furloughed federal workers show their IDs for entering a pop-up store of Kraft Heinz Getty Images

Disagreement over border wall funding led to a 35-day partial government shutdown in December and January which ended after Mr Trump agreed to fund the government for three weeks while lawmakers try to reach a deal that would satisfy his demands.

Democrats, who have a majority in the House of Representatives, are opposed to funding a wall.

Failure to achieve an agreement by 15 February could shut the government down again. Under the constitution, Congress holds the national purse strings and approves major expenditures of taxpayer funds.

 Trump: 'We do not need 2,000 miles of concrete wall, from sea to shining sea. We never wanted that'

Mr Trump has said there is a good chance he will have to declare a national emergency, which would allow him to circumvent Congress and repurpose funds appropriated for other purposes in order to build the wall.

Any emergency declaration, however, would likely be challenged in court by Democrats.

Additional reporting by Reuters
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has invited the woman who cornered former Senator Jeff Flake in an elevator during a viral moment at the height of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanauaghs confirmation hearings last year, to be her guest during Donald Trumps upcoming State of the Union.

The State of the Union is often seen as a moment to register symbolic protest through guests who highlight differences between the president and those in the opposition party, like Ms Ocasio-Cortez.

The choice of Ana Maria Archila to attend the yearly event was announced in a video posted by the Centre for Popular Democracy, where she works as the co-executive director.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez tells Ms Archila in the video that she had purchased matching pins for them to wear in the Capitol  and those pins don the message that well-behaved women rarely make history.

Ms Archilas moment with Mr Flake in the elevator quickly spread online, and highlighted the intense controversy brought about during Mr Kavanaughs confirmation after he was accused by Dr Christine Blasey Ford of having groped her during a party while they were both teenagers.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

The confrontation that went viral came after Mr Flake announced he would not win favour of Mr Kavanaughs confirmation, in spite of the allegations rain by Dr Blasey Ford and others.

He need to understand that women feel incredibly enraged about the thought of our stories, of our experiences of surviving sexual violence being dismissed, laughed at, disbelieved, and I think I just felt a great sense of urgency and I think I saw in his face that he could not escape the emotion, Ms Archila told CNN after the encounter.

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The State of the Union is scheduled for Tuesday night, and was postponed as a result of the government shutdown that was ended last month after 35 days.

In addition to Ms Ocasio-Cortezs chosen guest, other prominent freshman representatives have chosen high profile guests to attend with them. Representative Ilhan Omar, for instance, has chosen a Liberian immigrant facing possible deportation as her companion in a clear demonstration against the Trump administrations harsh immigration policies.
If Donald Trump's State of the Union address is at all similar to the speech he delivered to the US Congress last year, Americans can expect more false facts and fresh new controversies on Tuesday night.

This time, however, there is a catch: the Democratic Party has assumed control of the House of Representatives, making its reaction to the presidents upcoming policy proposals and statements more prominent  and powerful  than ever before.

The 2019 State of the Union address was pushed back a week from the originally anticipated date following a federal government shutdown  the longest of its kind in US history  triggered by Mr Trumps demands $5.7bn towards building a US-Mexico border wall.

Now that the president has been officially invited by lawmakers to address the joint-session of Congress this year, Americans can expect to learn what Mr Trump will do next towards that campaign promise he frequently made in 2016.

Heres what to look out for in the 2019 State of the Union address.

Facts and false figures

Numerous claims the president made throughout his 2018 State of the Union address were noted as flat-out falsities by fact-checkers covering the speech in real-time.

Just as I promised the American people from this podium 11 months ago, we enacted the biggest tax cuts and reforms in American history, the president said, despite the GOP legislation actually being the fourth-largest tax bill since 1940.

He also falsely claimed the nations immigrant visa lottery system randomly hands out green cards without any regard for skill, merit, or the safety of American people, despite requirements surrounding work experience and education to apply for the lottery.

With far more than 6,000 reported falsities the president made in the course of nearly two years, he can almost certainly be expected to at least exaggerate claims in his upcoming speech  particularly surrounding immigration and his battle for a border wall.

Whats next for the border wall

Mr Trump has made several hints he was considering declaring a national emergency at the upcoming State of the Union, telling CBS News in an interview that aired on Sunday, I dont take anything off the table.

The president added that he maintains the alternative option to declare a national emergency, despite the move likely facing an exhaustive legal battle.

The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Show all 15 1 /15 The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Texas and Mexico are connected by entry points like these. US Border Patrol in Laredo, Texas conducts daily patrols throughout the Rio Grande, snaking between the US and Mexico, where it searches for migrants and drug traffickers. The legal entry point to Mexico can be seen above the riverines frequently used by cartels to funnel narcotics into the US. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol US Customs and Border Protection oversees its side of the entry point. US Customs and Border Protection officers oversee the processing of nearly two million trucks and three million pedestrians annually at the Laredo sector, which also processes the majority of trade between the US and Mexico. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The Rio Grande snakes between Mexico and the United States. The US and Mexico have bordering coastlines in Laredo Texas, where the Rio Grande's occasionally rough currents splash onto both nations' shores. For migrants attempting to enter into either country, the swim is much more dangerous than it appears. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Drug traffickers and migrants use "highways" to cross the border. US Border Patrol agents call worn pathways like these "highways," as they are frequently used by drug traffickers and migrants entering into the US. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The journey is still far from over. If they're able to make it onto land, many obstacles still remain for migrants and drug traffickers. US Border Patrol agents are equipped with high-tech security, K-9 units and aerial camera footage surveilling 40 miles of borderlands. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Border Patrol uses classic methods and high-tech to surveil the border. A control room at the Laredo sector headquarters is fully-manned 24/7 with a team of local employees who alert agents on the ground of border crossings in real-time. Their cameras live-stream 40 miles of the 170 mile territory the sector covers. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The US provides trusted traveler programs on both its southern and northern borders. Officers lead the way to Sentri offices, which runs a trusted traveller program from US and Mexican local residents who regularly cross the border for work or leisure purposes. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The pathway to freedom. Once travellers are processed, they walk up this ramp towards the US. Many Mexicans cross the border each day with collapsable shopping carts to buy goods while visiting the country. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol But first, the wait. A dog waits for their owner to go through processing with US Customs and Border Patrol. On a good day, processing can take under an hour. On a bad day, well, there's just no telling how long one might be stuck inside the Laredo sector field offices. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The first lady of CBP. Inside the Laredo field offices, US Border Patrol agents keep a framed photo of Christine Davis, the first female agent to join the federal agency in 1975. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol "The hall of fame." US Border Patrol also honors those who have served in the agency for over thirty years. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Officers inspect a vehicle in secondary processing. Outside, officers are conducting secondary inspection on a vehicle that's been pulled aside for further investigating. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The waiting room for detained migrants. A US Customs and Border Protection officer shows the inside of a holding room where people requiring further questioning go through secondary processing. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol A man and his daughter go through processing. US Customs and Border Protection also regularly provides humanitarian visas and other temporary permissions for people with valid reasons seeking entry to the US. Here, a father and his daughter await to see whether they will be provided one of those visas. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Laredo processes over three million pedestrians annually. Thousands of legal asylum seekers, migrants and refugees seek entry to the US through the southern border annually, where they go through processing at offices like this after arriving at a legal port of entry. For many, the trip can take days, if not weeks or even months. Chris Riotta

However, he could also walk back his calls for a national emergency  as he did during the 35-day government shutdown  instead urging lawmakers on Tuesday to produce a bipartisan funding bill he could sign into legislation by the end of the three-week deadline.

New lawmakers (and their guests!)

With a new year has come new lawmakers from all walks of life, several of whom often draw national headlines for their responses to actions taken by the Trump administration.

Tuesday night will prove no different, as congressional newcomers plan to highlight Americans impacted by the very policies and agenda Mr Trump will layout during his address.

Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, elected in 2018 as the youngest women to ever serve in Congress, has invited activist Ana Maria Archila, who famously confronted former senator Jeff Flake for his support of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who had been accused of sexual misconduct during his confirmation process to the lifelong seat.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez announced the invitation to her New York constituent on Monday, writing in a tweet, Ana Maria is the NY14-er who famously jumped into the elevator with Sen. Flake to elevate the stories of survivors everywhere.

Nancy Pelosis real-time reaction

Whereas the president has enjoyed the support of his Republican leadership in past speeches to joint-sessions of Congress, he will now be speaking to lawmakers with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi seated squarely behind him.

Ms Pelosi is expected to sit behind the president and across from Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday night, where she will be easily seen by millions of viewers looking on as the president delivers his remarks.

The positioning could very well lead to viral real-time reactions from the California Democrat, who is at odds with Mr Trump on the vast majority of his political agenda.

Still, it isnt likely Americans will hear the congresswoman shout Lie! towards the president, as a Republican did to former President Barack Obama during his 2009 State of the Union address.

Stacey Abrams Democratic response

Rather than Ms Pelosi or other Democratic leadership delivering the partys official response to the presidents address, Americans tuning in on Tuesday night will hear from Stacey Abrams, the 2018 Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Georgia.

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Ms Abrams, who was invited to present the partys response by Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, has sued her home state over a series of issues surrounding the recent election that she says may have led to a victory for Brian Kemp, the Republican candidate who was overseeing the election as Georgias secretary of state.

Ms Abrams has called for fair elections nationwide and lambasted Republican lawmakers for allegedly attempting to suppress votes among minority demographics.
Donald Trumps nominee to replace Brett Kavanaugh at a high-profile appeals court has been condemned by activists, who claim she has extreme views on race, sexual assault and LGBT rights.

The American president chose Neomi Rao for a seat on the US Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit which was left empty after Mr Kavanaugh joined the Supreme Court.

The 45-year-old currently serves as administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, and used to work for the George W Bush administration.

She has never tried a case in court.

Since her nomination, a number of opinion pieces written by Ms Rao during her time at Yale College have resurfaced in which she criticises affirmative action and discusses race, date rape and LGBT rights.

In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing Show all 21 1 /21 In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing EPA In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AP In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AP In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing REUTERS In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing REUTERS In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing REUTERS In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing EPA In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing EPA In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Chaos and fury at Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing AFP/Getty Images

In one column for the Yale Herald in October 1994, entitled Shades of gray, Ms Rao wrote that while a man who rapes a drunk woman should be prosecuted, a good way to avoid a potential date rape is to stay reasonably sober.

Unless someone made her drinks undetectably strong or forced them down her throat, a woman, like a man, decides when and how much to drink, she said.

And if she drinks to the point where she can no longer choose, well, getting to that point was a part of her choice.

Implying that a drunk woman has no control of her actions, but that a drunk man does strips women of all moral responsibility.

Brett Kavanaugh testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on 27 September, 2018. (AFP/Getty Images)

In the same publication the following month, she wrote about friction between a campus LGBT organisation and a newly-formed group for conservative gay students, in which she said: Trendy political movements have only recently added sexuality to the standard checklist of traits requiring tolerance.

She also criticised environmental groups that accept issues such as global warming as truth with no reference to the prevailing scientific doubts.

Dan Goldberg, legal director of the left-leaning Alliance for Justice, called Ms Raos writings, especially those on sexual assault, deeply troubling.

They are vile, they are terrible and she has never disavowed those views, he said.

Mr Goldberg and other critics claim Ms Raos writings can be directly connected to her work at the White House, where she oversees Mr Trumps bid to dismantle rules that protect the environment, consumers and workers.

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The US president argues the rules destroy jobs and stifle economic growth.

Shiwali Patel, senior counsel at the National Womens Law Centre, said Ms Raos nomination was particularly troubling since it came just a few months after sexual assault accusations against Brett Kavanaugh.

However Senate Republicans pushed back against Ms Raos critics, saying her college writings are not outside the mainstream, and referencing a 2013 column from online magazine Slate.

In the piece, Emily Yoffe wrote: Lets be totally clear: Perpetrators are the ones responsible for committing their crimes, and they should be brought to justice.

But we are failing to let women know that when they render themselves defenseless, terrible things can be done to them. Thats not blaming the victim; thats trying to prevent more victims.

Ms Raos nomination was set to be heard by the Senate judiciary committee at a hearing on Tuesday.

The American Bar Association said it deemed Ms Rao well-qualified for the appeals court.
A butterfly sanctuary is about to be demolished to make way for President Donald Trumps hotly contested border wall between the United States and Mexico, prompting outrage and protests from Native American and conservationist groups.

On Monday, bulldozers and heavy machinery were spotted at the National Butterfly Centre in Misson, Texas, indicating the start of the border wall construction that will plough right through the protected habitat.

The funding for this portion of the wall was approved by Congress in the 2018 federal budget, shortly before the impasse between Democrats and the president halted another round of funding for the wall leading o a 35-day partial government shutdown.

As construction equipment were being offloaded on Monday morning, a group of 35 Native American members held a marching demonstration on the Rio Grande levee where the wall will be built.

I didnt expect it this soon, Juan Mancias, the tribal chair of Carrizo Comecrudo leading the protest, told Express News. But theres a constant uneasiness.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Federal documents state the border wall include a 150-foot wide enforcement zone, prompting fury that it will obliterate the tribal ancestors at the Eli Jackson Cemetery in San Juan.

Mr Trump has repeatedly  and unsuccessfully  demanded $5.7bn to build a border wall, a figure far larger than then $1.6bn than the last Congress-approved budget.

After the longest recorded federal closure in US history, the president reopened the government under a temporary funding measure that is about to expire on February 15. Members of Congress are currently negotiating a resolution over border security to present to the president before the deadline.

The $1.6bn from the 2018 budget will pay for 33 miles of border fencing on the Rio Grande Valley that will cut through the butterfly sanctuary.

The steel-and-concrete wall fencing will block off 70 of the butterfly centres 100 acres.

You come over here, you see the butterflies here, the animals here, and you also see gravesites that have been here since 1865, Mr Mancias added.

The Carrizo Comecrudo tribal chair said he feels a connection with the butterfly sanctuary, saying that theyre both committed to saving that which is native to Texas whether that may be butterflies or the history of Native Americans.

We have an association with nature, we are a part of it, he added.

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Those protesting the border wall construction cutting through the butterfly centre sang in the native Lakota language. One song featured a verse that says: We know that everything is sacred, so we walk with everything that is sacred.

The Trump administration is deferring 28 environmental laws to build the border wall, a decision from a November lawsuit brought forward by environmentalist group Defenders of Wildlife, which asserts that the waivers exceed the governments authority.

This isnt due process, Ms Lori Burnett, a community organiser for Defenders of Wildlife, told Express News, arguing that the butterfly centre isnt on federal land.

Im here for my grandchildren, Ms Burnett, who is also protesting the border wall construction, said. This is the most pristine, most beautiful area I have ever witnessed. This is gorgeous. And to know that my grandchildren will never be able to see this....the damage that is going to be done by this wall is going to take centuries to rebuild, if it can.

The butterfly centre isnt the only sacred land the Trump Administration will plough through for its construction of the border wall.

On Wednesday, the government will argue in court for access to examine land belonging to the La Lomita Chapel after the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville refused to grant access at the site, which would leave it stranded between the Rio Grande and the proposed wall.
Ivanka Trump has responded to reports of an art exhibit in Washington where visitors throw crumbs at a lookalike model of her.

Photos of the exhibit went viral on Tuesday morning which showed the lookalike vacuuming piles of crumbs that had been thrown at her by guests of the Flashpoint Gallery in Washington.

Jennifer Rubell, the artist behind the installation, told news outlets the display was meant to explore our relationship with Ivanka while provoking a debate our complicity in her role-playing.

Ms Trump, the president's eldest daughter and White House senior adviser, tweeted a link to an article about the art exhibit on Tuesday morning with the following message: Women can choose to knock each other down or build each other up. I choose the latter.

She was also swiftly defended by other members of the first family, including her brother, Eric Trump, who took to Fox News to lambast the Washington exhibit. These leftists called up a modeling agency, saying 'you know what, I want to get a nice woman to come stand on a carpet, with a vacuum of all things, so that our people can throw food and crumbs to mimic a powerful woman who has done more for women than probably anyone in Washington, DC, he said.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Think about that hypocrisy, he continued. They label themselves the quote, unquote 'party of women,' yet they're throwing food, they're throwing garbage at a woman on a carpet holding a vacuum cleaner to mimic someone who really does care and who has fought so hard for women.

The art exhibit, titled Ivanka Vacuuming, was presented in the capitol by CulturalDC, a nonprofit visual and performing arts venue.

In an interview with Refinery29, Ms Rubell defended the installation and said she wasnt attempting to pass any judgement on the 37-year-old first daughter.

Usually the qualities of feminism and femininity are seen in opposition, she said. Most women clearly lean toward one side or the other in their self-presentation. Something very interesting about Ivanka  her clothing line, too  is that it seems the goal is to achieve both of these qualities as part of the conversation.

Recommended China approves Ivanka Trump trademarks

This is something women struggle with, and her conclusion is unusual and interesting, she added.

The artist also defended the component of the exhibit in which visitors throw crumbs towards the model while she vacuums.

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First of all, people aren't throwing crumbs at her, Ms Rubell said. She's vacuuming them up from the carpet.

It puts the viewer in a very complicated position, she continued. And I'm most interested in the complications of the viewer; how they decide to engage with this feminine figure. What does it mean to either throw crumbs, or stand there watching other people throwing crumbs?
Donald Trump has announced that he will pick former oil industry lobbyist David Bernhard to become the next Secretary of the Interior, where he will oversee the permit process for oil and natural gas drilling in a large swath of the United States.

I am pleased to announce that David Bernhardt, Acting Secretary of the Interior, will be nominated as Secertary of the Interior, Mr Trump tweeted on Monday.

He continued: David has done a fantastic job from the day he arrived, and we look forward to having his nomination officially confirmed!

Mr Bernhardt is a Washington insider who, before joining the Interior Department during the Trump administration two years ago, lobbied on behalf of major oil companies during the Democratic administraiton of Barack Obama. During that time, Mr Bernhardt counted among his clients Samson Resources  the largest privately held cude oil and natural gas company in the US  as well as other heavyweights in the oil industry like Haliburton and the Independent Patroleum Association of America, which is a consortium of thousands of oil and gas companies across the US.

He has been serving as the acting secretary of the department since former Interior secretary Ryan Zinke resigned from the position last year amid ethics probes, including one into dealings between a foundation he created and the chairman of an oil company.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Before Mr Zinkes departure, Mr Bernhardt had teamed up with the former secretaray in their push to expand drilling in the roughly 500 million acres of land under the Interiors control. During the roughly two years Mr ZInke was at the helm, the department became known for its efforts to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refugee for drilling, to expand offshore oil and gas drilling, and to limit the cut the number of animals protected by the endangered species act.

Representative Raul Grijalva  the new House Natural Resources Committee chiarman  had the following to say of the nomination: "David Bernhardt spent much of his career lobbing for fossil fuel and agricultural interests, and the president putting him in charge of regulating his former clients is a perfect example of everything wrong with this administration.

"We intend to conduct vigorous oversight of Mr. Bernhardts industry ties and how they may influence his policy decisions," Mr Grijalva continued in a statement following the nomination. "This administration has lost the benefit of the doubt, thanks in no small part to Ryan Zinkes failed tenure at the Interior Department. We expect Mr. Bernhardt to right the ship and will act in his absence if he doesnt".

Joel Clement, a senior fellow at the Union of Concerned Scientists and Harvard Kennedy Scool, told The Independent in an emai that the nomination was not all that surprising, and followed a trend of special treatment for the oil and gas industry during the Trump administraiton.

Bernhardt was the obvious choice for an administration that wants to keep the handouts to the fossil fuel industry coming, Mr Clement, a fomer Interior Department official who drew headlines early in the Trump presidency for blowing the whistle on what he saw as a war on science undertaken by the adminstration, said. He was behind most of the pro-oil and gas policy decisions during Zinkes tenure and will continue to deliver more of the same. The one difference now, however, is he will have to contend with the newly empowered democratic majority in the House and the new Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, Representative Raul Grijalva.

He continued: Bernhardts nomination is pretty good news for the fossil fuel industry. Its bad news for public lands, bad news for conservation, and bad news for transparency in government.

Other environmental advocates also expressed exapseration with the decision.

The ethical questions surrounding David Bernhardt and his commitment to pandering to oil, coal, and gas executives make former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke look like a tree-hugging environmentalist in comparison. And Ryan Zinke was a disaster, Vicky Wyatt, lead climate campaigner for Greenpeace USA, said in a statement.

She continued: We already let Bernhardt do enough damage to our federal lands and waters as deputy secretary  we have to stop him before he destroys some of this countrys best ideas including the Endangered Species Act.

Mr Bernhardt, before his years working as a lobbyist representing oil and gas interests, previously held the position of solicitor for the Interior Department during the adminstration of George W Bush.
 Flash

The Russian government said Monday it is planning to provide 21 billion rubles (320 million U.S. dollars) to enhance tourism infrastructure across the country for the next three years.

Moscow is ready to subsidize 24 investment projects for tourist cluster infrastructure in 22 regions inside the country, according to a statement published on the government's website.

According to the same statement, these projects will receive 83 million dollars this year, 76 million the next and 161 million in 2021.

The government subsidies will go to the construction of facilities like new hotels, camping areas and cafes, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was quoted by TASS news agency as saying.

Regional authorities will also have to repair existing facilities, bring communications back to order and provide transport access to sights of interest for tourists, he said.
The superintendent of a small school district in Indiana has resigned after she took a sick student to the doctor and paid for his treatment with her son's insurance last month, resulting in a felony insurance fraud charge, police said.

Casey Smitherman was arrested in January on charges including official misconduct and identity deception, then released on bail, according to court records. At the time, she was the superintendent of Elwood Community School Corporation in Elwood, Indiana, a town of about 8,500, about 45 miles north of Indianapolis.

Ms Smitherman resigned on Friday, saying she could not effectively lead the school district because "the board, community, teachers and students need to be in alignment," according to Fox 59 News.

"Unfortunately, my recent lapse in judgment has brought negative attention to the community and myself. I am very embarrassed for that, and I apologise to the board, the community and the teachers and students of Elwood Community Schools," Ms Smitherman said in a statement to the news station. "I sincerely hope this single lapse in judgment does not tarnish all of the good work I've done for students over the span of my career."

Ms Smitherman said she noticed a 15-year-old student she had helped before - buying clothes for him and helping clean his house - had not shown up at school, according to a police affidavit. She did not want to call the state's Department of Child Services because she was concerned the boy would be placed in a foster home, the affidavit said.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Ms Smitherman took the child, who had a sore throat, to a medical facility on 9 January and checked him in by using her son's insurance, for an evaluation under her son's name. She then drove him to a pharmacy where she had an antibiotics prescription filled for the child, again under her son's name, court records said, and dropped him back at his house.

The total bill for the treatment was $233 (179), the records said. The police, who did not return a request for comment, were alerted about her actions a week later.

It is not clear who alerted them. Anthem Blue Cross, the insurance Ms Smitherman used, according to records, declined to comment through a spokesperson after the incident.

The story reverberated around the Internet after it was reported by local news outlets. For some, it served as an illustration of the United States' healthcare woes, at a time of political debates about how to improve insurance coverage.

Ms Smitherman was hailed as a hero by a few commenters online.

In a statement published by Fox 59 News, Ms Smitherman said that the first clinic she had taken the teen to had refused to treat him. It was after going to a second clinic that she decided to tell them he was her son.

"I knew he did not have insurance, and I wanted to do all I could to help him get well," the statement said. "I know this action was wrong. In the moment, my only concern was for this child's health."

She later expressed regret.

Recommended Superintendent charged with fraud for helping uninsured sick student

"I would love to go back to that moment and redo it," she told a local TV station. "In that moment, I just was really worried. I knew he had strep, I'm a mom, and I knew how dangerous that was for him. And I was worried, and I wanted to get him treatment."

The district's school board initially released a statement in support of her.

"Dr Smitherman has tirelessly worked for the best interests of all students in Elwood Community Schools since she was hired," the statement said, according to Fox 59. "She made an unfortunate mistake, but we understand that it was out of concern for this child's welfare. We know she understands what she did was wrong, but she continues to have our support."

However, at a meeting on Friday, the Elwood district's school board accepted Ms Smitherman's resignation swiftly, with what appeared to be a unanimous voice vote. Afterwards, the audience applauded the decision, and several parents expressed relief.

"Unfortunately, Dr Smitherman did break the law and made a very, very, very poor choice, and we couldn't see how the school system could continue on with that knowledge." Anne Bennett, a parent, told WTHR News. "It's sad. It's sad all the way around, but I believe the board did the right thing tonight."

 Mayor Bill de Blasio introduces free healthcare for all New Yorkers

Jim Savage, the head of the district's teachers union, said the association supported Ms Smitherman's resignation and hoped the district could move forward.

Ms Smitherman was put on a pretrial diversion programme, meaning that if she is not charged in any other incident, the charges will be expunged from her record, Rodney J Cummings, the county prosecutor, told The Washington Post last month.

Mr Cummings said he understood Ms Smitherman was trying to fix a problem.

"I think she's probably a woman with a big heart that saw a young man in need," he said, adding that there are "a couple communities in this county that really have some serious poverty. Elwood is one of those communities, and there's a lot of students that don't have resources."

But he said he did not doubt she should have been charged with a crime. He said the urgent-care centres she had taken the teen to would not treat him because she was not his guardian, before she claimed he was her son.

"What kind of message is that to send to the students you're in charge of?" he said. "The police asked the charges to be filed. There is a violation of the law. Had I ignored that, I'd be criticised by people who'd claim that some people are above the law."

He said he did not share Ms Smitherman's feelings that the teen was a serious health risk, saying the teen had a cold.

Ms Smitherman's lawyer, Bryan Williams, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday morning.

The Washington Post
Officials in Portland have solved a decades-old murder mystery with the help of publicly available genealogy databases, thanks in part to a slate of private companies offering DNA kits that seek to reveal insight surrounding a users ancestry.

Speaking at a press conference last week, Portland police detective Meredith Hopper told reporters the 1979 slaying of Rose Ann Hlavka had been officially linked to Jerry Animal McFadden, an infamous serial rapist from Texas, using the databases.

Without this technology, we never would have solved this case, the detective said.

All of his criminal history and police contacts and even address information is all from about three counties in Texas, the Portland detective added. There was never any link to him coming up here. ... He never would have risen to the level of a suspect.

McFadden had committed his previously reported crimes across the Lone Star state, becoming a notorious criminal after escaping from police custody and causing a statewide panic.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

He was discovered to have committed the murder nearly 2,000 miles away from Texas after detectives recently traced his DNA from surprisingly intact samples found underneath Ms Hlavkas fingernails.

McFadden had previously been convicted on multiple counts of rape in 1972.

The DNA found at the crime scene was sent to a firm called NanoLabs after officials in Portland heard of the success detectives had in identifying the suspected Golden State Killer last year using public genealogy databases.

Recommended DJ who murdered teacher in 1992 caught after sister uploads DNA online

McFadden was first convicted in 1972 and faced 15 years in prison after being found guilty of two counts of rape in Texas.

He then raped and kidnapped another woman in Texas after being freed on parole just seven years later. The violent incident occurred just a month before Ms Hlavkas death, the Washington Post reported.

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McFadden then kidnapped a female dispatcher while waiting his trial in 1986 and attempted to flee from police while holding her at gunpoint. He was later captured and executed in 1999.

Im very, very happy we were able to give some kind of resolution to the [Hlavka] family, Ms Hopper said. I dont think it ever goes away for them. The word closure is overused, but having some answers to give them, its a good thing.
Prosecutors are considering launching an appeal after a judge branded two teenage girls aggressors, in the case of a 67-year-old man convicted of solicitation and gave him a reduced sentence.

Last December, Raymond Soden from Leavenworth, Kansas, pleaded guilty to a charge of electronic solicitation, after he admitted sending messages to a 13-year-old girl and offering to pay her for nude photographs and sex acts.

He was told at the time of his guilty plea, he would be sent to jail.

But judge Michael Gibbens told a court he was sentencing Soden to just five years and 10 months in prison - eight years less than what was called for by Kansas sentencing guidelines.

He claimed the two girls involved in the case - aged 13 and 14 - were partly to blame for what had transpired, The Kansas City Star reported.

World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news Show all 9 1 /9 World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news Tiananmen Square Massacre Remembered in China more euphemistically as the 4 June incident, the events of that day in early summer 1989 are among the bloodiest in modern political history. Hundreds of civilians were killed by the 200,000-strong Peoples Liberation Army in a brutal crackdown on student pro-democracy protesters that sent shockwaves around the world AFP/Getty World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news Nelson Mandela released In November 1989 the Berlin Wall fell. Shortly afterwards de Klerk unilaterally and unconditionally released all ANC prisoners apart from Mandela. Within three months all banned political parties were legalised and Nelson Mandela was released. The world watched on television as he emerged from his long incarceration. But Mandela reappeared not as the weak old man many had expected but spry and vigorous from his long years of physical and intellectual discipline. Far from being out of touch with the modern world he proved its master in everything from his handling of television  which had not even existed in South Africa when he was sent to prison  to his handling of the militancy of the younger black generation. Words by Paul Vallely AFP/Getty World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news The Balkan conflict On 25 June 1991, Slovenia and Croatia proclaimed their independence from the former Yugoslavia  the event unleashed the four Balkan wars waged by Slobodan Milosevic AFP/Getty World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news Rwanda genocide In April 1994, a small, brutal African war exploded into an orgy of bloodshed that horrified the world. It was possibly the fastest genocide in history. They called it work  Kasi  carried out with methodical planning and execution. Guns, grenades, spears, studded clubs, hatchets but mostly kitchen knives were used. Many women were raped before they were murdered. The final solution was planned and proclaimed by national and local government, and carried out by the army and police and the ordinary people guided by traditional social hierarchies based on the Collines  hills of Rwanda. All were urged on by radio stations and some public officials, and carried out with appalling efficiency. Words by Richard Dowden AFP/Getty World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news Osama bin Laden Bin Laden Robert Fisk World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news 9/11 attacks The suicide missions saw hijacked passenger planes flown into the Pentagon and the Twin Towers of New Yorks World Trade Centre. Another hijacked civilian airliner crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. 2,997 people were killed and more than 6,000 were injured. The worst domestic attack the US had ever experienced, it directly led to then-President George Bush launching the War on Terror, which continues to have ramifications today Getty World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news War on terror Nine days after the 9/11 attacks President Bush declared war on terror, telling a joint session of the US Congress and the American people: Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated. Getty World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news Charlie Hebdo offices attacked On 7 January, 2015, Cherif and Said Kouachi burst into the Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris and shot 12 people, including the magazines editor and seven other staff members. Over the next two days, a gunman associated with the Kouachi brothers, Amedy Coulibaly, murdered a policewoman and killed four hostages at a Jewish supermarket in Paris AFP/Getty World's biggest events that have dominated foreign news The destruction of Syria AFP/Getty

I do find that the victims in this case, in particular, were more an aggressor than a participant in the criminal conduct, Mr Gibbens said, before sentencing Soden. They were certainly selling things monetarily that its against the law for even an adult to sell.

The newspaper said Sodens lawyer, Clinton Lee, requested the lower sentence, saying that giving Soden the prison time called for was essentially a death sentence. The lawyer also claimed that the girls allegedly tried to have someone rob Soden and that their older sister had been the one who arranged for them to meet the convicted man.

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The decision of the judge has sparked outcry among prosecutors and child protection advocates.

When prosecutor Joan Lowdon questioned the judges rationale for the sentencing decision, he told her told her it was something she could take up on appeal.

Leavenworth County prosecutor Todd Thompson told the Star: We have looked into filing an appeal, but we have not made a decision. We always try to zealously advocate for the victims and community safety in every case we pursue.

Michelle Herman, president and CEO of Sunflower House, a child advocacy centre, said: These girls are minors, and are the victims, not the aggressors."

She added: "Sexual assault is never the victims fault. It doesnt matter what the girls did or didnt do, he is still the adult and nobody deserves to be taken advantage of sexually.

The judge declined to comment to the newspaper about his actions.
Venezuelas government-in-waiting will allow foreign private oil companies a greater stake in joint ventures with its state-owned oil giant, Juan Guaidos envoy to the US has said.

Currently, Venezuelas socialist government has requirements that Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) keep a controlling stake in any joint ventures with other energy companies.

But Carlos Vecchio, a representative for National Assembly leader Mr Guaido, who has been recognised by the US as the interim leader of Venezuela, told Bloomberg Mr Guaido's government would look to open up the economy to increase oil production.

The majority of the oil production that we want to increase will be with the private sector, he said on Monday.

Venezuela under Mr Guaido would honour all legal and financial debt, Mr Vecchio said, but suggested it may not honour debt agreements signed by the current regime under Nicolas Maduro in which the country pays creditors with oil.

The UK, US, Canada and several Latin American and EU countries have disavowed Mr Maduro over his disputed re-election last year and recognised Mr Guaido, the national assembly president, as the countrys rightful leader.

Mr Maduro, who has overseen an economic collapse and the exodus of millions of Venezuelans, is still backed by Russia, China and Turkey, and has the critical support of the military.

Amid an escalating row between countries who support Mr Maduro and those who oppose him, Donald Trump over the weekend raised the prospect of sending US troops to the South American country.

Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Show all 18 1 /18 Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Protesters clash with the Bolivarian National Police during a demonstration against the government of the Venezuela and president Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on 23 January 2019 EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators cheer as Venezuela's National Assembly head Juan Guaido declares himself the country's "acting president" at a rally in Caracas AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Juan Guaido, head of Venezuela's opposition-run congress, declares himself interim president of the nation until elections can be held during a rally in Caracas demanding leader Nicolas Maduro's resignation AP Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters carry letters to form the word "Democracy" while taking part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Police watch over marching anti-government protesters in Caracas EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A vehicle is overturned as opposition demonstrators block a road during a protest against the Venezuelan government AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A National Police officer fires rubber bullets during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A demonstrator throws back a gas canister while clashing with security forces during a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Security forces look on after clashing with opposition supporters participating in a rally against Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators during a protest against the government of Nicolas Maduro at Plaza Altamira in Caracas Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators during a protest against the government of Nicolas Maduro at Plaza Altamira in Caracas Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government The remains of a statue of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez is seen hanging from a pedestrian bridge after it was destroyed in San Felix, Venezuela REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Riot police on motorcycles clash with opposition demonstrators during protests in Caracas AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Supporters celebrate Juan Guaido declaration that he is Venezuelan president EPA

Russia soon responded, warning against destructive meddling by the international community.

 US national security advisor John Bolton announces Venezuela sanctions

Last week, the Trump administration issued crippling sanctions on PDVSA, a key source of revenue for the oil-dependent nation, whose population is experiencing malnutrition and medicine shortages.
A US navy officer has been arrested in Japan after reportedly entering an unlocked house early on Saturday morning and drunkenly taking a shower.

The owner found Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathaniel Williams inside his home in Ebina City near the Yokosuka naval base at approximately 5.10am on Saturday.

He told the local newspaper Kanagawa Shimbun Mr Williams walked inside the house unannounced before heading to the bathroom, where he proceeded to take a shower.

The home owner said he woke up to hear water running in his bathroom then found the 27-year-old service member standing in his home naked and appearing intoxicated.

Officials have confirmed Mr Williams serves at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, 15 miles west of Yokohama, and works within the aircraft intermediate maintenance department.

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The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. 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The story was first covered by local news outlets before being reported by the military news site Stars and Stripes.

In a statement, navy spokesperson Sam Samuelson said the US navy is continuing to monitor and cooperate with local police regarding the alleged illegal residential break-in.

Recommended Rescue operation underway to help injured sailor stranded at sea

The officer added: Of course, the navy takes this matter very seriously and will continue to cooperate fully with local law enforcement as the investigation continues.

Police arrested Mr Williams on suspicion of trespassing and plan to send the case to local prosecutors.

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He was taken into custody after police detected alcohol on his breath and held throughout Saturday evening.

Mr Williams had not appeared to force entry into the home, officials said, which is located on the second floor of an apartment complex.
The president of FamilyTreeDNA, one of the US' largest at-home genetic testing companies, has apologised to its users for failing to disclose that it was sharing DNA data with federal investigators working to solve violent crimes.

In the booming business of consumer DNA testing and genealogy, FamilyTreeDNA had marketed itself as a leader of consumer privacy and a fierce protector of user data, refusing, unlike some of its competitors, to sell information to third parties.

But unbeknownst to its users, the Houston-based firm quietly and voluntarily agreed in 2018 to open its database of more than 1 million records to the FBI and examine DNA samples in its laboratory to identify suspects and victims of unsolved rapes and murders.

FamilyTreeDNA confirmed the deal on Thursday, in a report by BuzzFeed News, setting off a backlash among its loyal users who felt betrayed and igniting another debate over privacy and ethical issues with investigators using genealogical sites to solve crimes.

In an email to its users on Sunday, the companys president, Bennett Greenspan, defended the agreement with the FBI but apologised for not revealing it sooner.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

I am genuinely sorry for not having handled our communications with you as we should have, Mr Greenspan wrote, according to a copy of the email obtained by The New York Times. Weve received an incredible amount of support from those of you who believe this is an opportunity for honest, law-abiding citizens to help catch bad guys and bring closure to devastated families.

The news underscored the lack of universal regulations governing direct-to-consumer genetic testing in the United States and how companies can use their data without consumers knowledge.

Its a good example of, are you willing to stay abreast of every terms of service change with FamilyTreeDNA, or are you doing it once because it was a holiday present? Erin E Murphy, a professor at New York University School of Law who wrote the book Inside the Cell: The Dark Side of Forensic DNA, said in an interview.

Even if you were reading all of your spam email about all the privacy changes, did you get one that says you have agreed to be the FBIs testing lab? No, they did not issue that, Ms Murphy said.

Alan Butler, senior counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Centre, described the situation as 'bait and switch behaviour that consumer protection laws are meant to prohibit.

Recommended Detectives solve old murder mystery using public genealogy database

The company needs to either roll back the change or else delete all stored DNA data it has collected from individuals under the previous agreement, Mr Butler said.

Consumer DNA tests have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, with major sites like Ancestry.com and 23andMe offering personalised ancestry reports and tools to find possible relatives. They have also become useful tools for law enforcement agencies, helping detectives solve high-profile cases such as the Golden State Killer last year.

While investigators have used open-source sites such as GEDmatch, which is free, to find DNA matches and possible relatives, the arrangement with FamilyTreeDNA includes the first known commercial site to provide some services without a subpoena or warrant.

According to FamilyTreeDNA, the FBI will have access to its website like any other user: after uploading a persons DNA file, investigators can search for potential relatives with overlapping DNA. Detectives will have access to the same repository of genealogical records as all users, the company said.

In addition, the companys genetic testing laboratory, Gene by Gene, has agreed to create data profiles from DNA samples provided by the FBI, which can then be plugged into other family history sites. The company said on its website that the FBI would need a subpoena to gain access to information not already available on its website.

The company has not disclosed how many cases it has worked on, but Mr Greenspan said in the email to users it was a handful of DNA samples for cold cases from the FBI. A company spokesperson did not respond to a list of questions sent on Monday.

The FBI declined to comment.

After BuzzFeed reported on the arrangement, genealogists revolted. Some discussed creating a petition to encourage FamilyTreeDNA to reverse its decision, while others threatened to delete their profiles.

Not being upfront about what it wanted to do and quietly changing its terms with no notice to current customers is a big no no,' Rachel King, founder of Toll Genealogy, a resource for genealogists, said in an email. At the end of the day, this is valuable work. Anything that helps put a name to unidentified body, potentially enabling their loved ones to finally know what happened to them, is a good thing.

The New York Times
Four women have been killed every day so far this year in Brazil  with human rights campaigners raising alarm bells about the death toll.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), the human rights arm of the 35-member Organization of American States, branded the death rate alarming and called for more to be done to stop femicides in Brazil.

The commission calls on the Brazilian State to implement comprehensive strategies to prevent these acts, fulfill its obligation to investigate, prosecute and punish those responsible, as well as to offer protection and comprehensive reparation to all victims, the Washington-based IACHR said in a statement.

Brazil only has 74 shelters for victims of domestic violence despite having a population of more than 200 million, according to Human Rights Watch.

The IACHR said women killed in Brazil are often shot dead in their own homes at the hands of current or former boyfriends who have a history of domestic abuse.

Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Show all 20 1 /20 Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Brazil's new President Jair Bolsonaro waves as he drives past before his swear-in ceremony Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Supporters wait in front of the Planalto Palace, where he will take office EPA Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Jair Bolsonaro gestures at the Congress before he is sworn AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Supporters take pictures as Brazil's new President Jair Bolsonaro drives past Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Flanked by first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro waves to the crowd, as he rides in an open car after his swearing-in ceremony AP Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Jair Bolsonaro reacts as he drives past Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration The National Congress before Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro is sworn in AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Jair Bolsonaro gestures at the Congress AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AP Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration EPA Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty

The commission notes with concern that in most cases, the murdered women had previously denounced their aggressors, faced serious acts of domestic violence, or suffered previous attacks or attempted homicides, the IACHR said.

Brazil passed a law in 2015 that criminalized femicide, the gender-motivated killing of women, and set tougher jail sentences of up to 30 years for those responsible for such crimes. The law which was announced to coincide with International Womens Day established a legal definition of the crime.

Brazil is among around 15 other countries in Latin America that has implemented laws against femicide in recent years. According to the United Nations, the region has the worlds highest rates of femicide.

Commissioner Margarette May, IACHR president and rapporteur for womens rights, said Brazils 2015 law on femicide was a crucial step in making murders of women more visible.

However, it is now essential to strengthen prevention and protection measures, Ms May said in a statement. It is inadmissible that women with protection orders are murdered, that they do not have sufficient shelters or that their complaints are not properly taken into consideration.

Femicides are not an isolated problem but reflect sexist values deeply rooted in Brazilian society, the IACHR said.

The rights organisation noted that black women, those belonging to indigenous groups and the LGBT+ community, as well as women politicians and human rights activists are most at risk of being killed.

The murder of Marielle Franco  a Brazilian feminist LGBT+ human rights defender and Rio de Janeiro councilwoman who was shot four times in the head after leaving a public meeting in downtown Rio last March  triggered worldwide outrage and protests. Her killing remains unsolved.

Brazils far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who took office last month, renamed the existing Ministry of Human Rights to the Ministry of Women, Family and Human Rights, and lumped indigenous rights with womens issues.

More than 1,000 women were killed in hate crimes tied to their gender in Brazil in 2017. Latin Americas largest nation has long been the world leader in overall homicides, and its murder rate is also one of the highest.

Last year, research revealed violent deaths of LGBT+ people in Brazil had hit an all-time high following a sudden spike in 2017. According to LGBT+ watchdog group Grupo Gay de Bahia, at least 445 LGBT+ Brazilians died as victims of homophobia in 2017  a 30 per cent increase from 2016.

According to an Amnesty International report, of 1,275 registered cases of killings by on-duty police between 2010 and 2013, 99.5 per cent of the victims were men, 79 per cent were black and 7 per cent were between the ages of 15 and 29.

Additional reporting by Reuters
Teaching an abstinence-only approach to sex education in the US has a perverse effect, according to a new meta-analysis.

In an effort to identify the relationship between federal funding of sex education and the adolescent birth rate, researchers looked at pregnancy rates for women aged 15 to 19 between 1998 and 2016. The findings concluded that abstinence-only education is ineffective in decreasing teenage pregnancies.

According to the study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, funding for abstinence-only education had no effect on adolescent birth rates overall.

Rather, in conservative states, researchers found the education contributed to an increase in teenage pregnancies.

The US currently spends millions of dollars on federally funded abstinence-only programs that promote waiting until marriage, with a report from the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States stating that $2.1bn (1.61bn) has been spent on the programs since 1996.

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Specifically, we estimated that conservative states received $692m in federal abstinence funding between 1998 and 2016, the authors wrote in the new study. In 2008 alone, conservative states received more than $71m in abstinence funding, which amounts to $4.52 per pupil.

Despite the findings proving otherwise, there has recently been a renewed push for sex education under Donald Trump that emphasises the benefits of avoiding sex.

These approved programs, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will clearly communicate that teen sex is a risk behaviour for both the physical consequences of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections; as well as sociological, economic and other related risks, The Hill reported.

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In addition to leading to an increase in teenage pregnancy rates, abstinence-only education programs do not succeed in reducing STDs among teens, nor in delaying the age at which intercourse first takes place.
Theresa May has risked another bitter clash with anti-EU Tories by saying she is not proposing to replace the Irish backstop in her Brexit deal.

The prime minister appeared to go back on last weeks Commons vote  to replace the backstop with alternative arrangements  by saying she was only seeking changes.

Brexiteer Tories have already warned such a compromise would be unacceptable  ruling out either a unilateral withdrawal clause or an end date to the backstop.

Instead, they insist the prime minister must demand that Brussels scrap it altogether and replace it with new  unproven  technology, to avoid the return of checks at the Irish border.

The hardline European Research Group reacted immediately to the speech, in Belfast, saying: Even if she doesn't mean what she said, we still do.

 Brexit: What is the Irish border backstop?

Until now, Ms May has insisted three options were being considered  a time limit, an exit mechanism, or ill-defined alternative arrangements to the backstop.

However, she faced a backlash in Northern Ireland, where most residents and businesses support the guarantee as a way of avoiding a no-deal Brexit.

Asked how she could convince the people of Northern Ireland to accept a Brexit deal which was stripped of the backstop, Mrs May said: "I'm not proposing to persuade people to accept a deal that doesn't contain that insurance policy for the future.

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What parliament has said is that they believe there should changes made to the backstop.

The prime minister reiterated her message when she was asked how business leaders could trust her after she shafted them over the backstop.

She replied: You've used the term U-turn in your question: there is no suggestion that we are not going to ensure that, in the future, there is provision for this - it's been called an insurance policy, the backstop.

Ms May said it would ensure that if a trade deal was not in place by the end of the implementation period there will be arrangements in place to ensure that we deliver no hard border.

But one prominent Brexiteer Tory, John Whittingdale, reacted to Ms Mays comments by pointing out she had set up a working party to explore ideas that would not need the backstop.

Thats the kind of alternative that it is in the interest, not just of Northern Ireland, but the United Kingdom as a whole, he said.

The prime minister will set out her ideas in Brussels on Thursday, where she will meet both Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk, the presidents of the European Commission and Council respectively.

The prime minister also dismissed a threatened legal challenge against her Brexit deal by former Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble, on the grounds the backstop would breach the terms of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

"The attorney general [Geoffrey Cox] made clear in the House of Commons that we believe that, legally, the protocol that was negotiated with the European Union does respect all aspects of the Belfast Agreement, she said.
Tariffs would be slashed to zero on all imports after a no-deal Brexit, under extraordinarily damaging plans being considered by the government.

Labour said the move would trigger serious job losses in key industries from ceramics to farming, by unilaterally opening up domestic markets to dramatically cheaper goods from across the world.

The GMB union condemned the idea as the ultimate Brexit betrayal  while the National Farmers Union said the impact would be absolutely savage.

Nevertheless, the Department for International Trade confirmed scrapping tariffs was among all options being considered if the UK crashes out of the EU without an agreement.

Liam Fox, the international trade secretary, fears failing to slash duties would sent prices soaring in the shops and hit UK producers who depend on supply chains from the EU.

"Brexit betrayal" march in London Show all 43 1 /43 "Brexit betrayal" march in London "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds an anti-BBC sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator holds a sign in the picket line Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester carrying a noose at the "Brexit betrayal" march. The man carrying it told a reporter: "That's what the traitor May deserves." AP "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro-brexit supporters hold a sign opposed to Nigel Farage Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters carry a defaced British flag on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Tommy Robinson addresses a rally after taking part in a Brexit 'betrayal' march in central London PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London Police officers attempts to keep rival protesters from clashing at the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London Victoria Jones/PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds an anti-Theresa May sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator and his dog Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator at the protest Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro-brexit demonstrators endorse UKIP Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A Brexit 'betrayal' march protester wearing a Make Britain Great Again hat in London on 9 December 2018 Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The "Brexit Betrayal" march passes through Central London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Tommy Robinson tells protesters to join Ukip via their mobile phones on stage next to leader Gerard Batten (right) at the Brexit 'betrayal' march Gareth Fuller/PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester speaks thorugh a megaphone on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator walks in the picket line Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit anti-May sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester carries a Union Jack on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator wrapped in the Union Jack Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit anti-May sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro brexit demonstrators move through Central London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator marches with sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator holds a rude sign in the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The march passes down Victoria Street near Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A festive protester marches near Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds a mock noose as the march passes down Victoria Street towards Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester wrapped in the Union Jack marches down Victoria Street towards Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester makes some noise on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester dressed as a dinosaur holds a sign rallying against "Davocracy" - in reference to the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds a pro-brexit sign on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The march approaches parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester distributes pro-brexit lapel badges Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A demonstrator wears an anti-EU poster and holds an anti-BBC sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A smoke bomb is deployed in Parliament Square as the march comes across the counter-demonstration Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A flag bearing the Arms of Plantagenet flies in theprot Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters on the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters on the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent

However, Barry Gardiner MP, Labours shadow trade secretary, said: What is proposed is extraordinarily damaging.

Reducing all tariffs on imports to zero would undermine our domestic producers in their home markets, and risk serious job losses in key industries from ceramics to farming.

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Mr Gardiner said the strategy would also leave the UK with nothing to negotiate with in future trade talks, adding: Liam Fox is not just shooting himself in the foot, he is shooting himself in both feet.

A spokesperson for Mr Fox said: No decision has been taken and the government is currently considering all options in the event of a no-deal with the EU.

Any removal of tariffs would be a temporary measure and the impact on the economy would be monitored closely, the spokesman added.

Mr Fox revealed his strategy to industry leaders in behind-closed-doors meetings this week, The Huffington Post website revealed.

They fear being undercut by competition from emerging economies, such as China and Brazil, on which  unlike EU imports  tariffs are currently levied.

We are deeply concerned about the possibility of the UK unilaterally removing import tariffs on our foreign competitors goods, Dr Laura Cohen, chief executive of the British Ceramic Confederation, told the website.

Liam Fox is concerned about the inflationary impact of Brexit, but this sort of foolhardy action in response could ruin British ceramic manufacturing by wrecking our home market.

Mr Fox revealed his thinking just days after he and Theresa May visited Leave-voting Stoke to reassure residents about Brexit

Jude Brimble, national secretary for manufacturing with the GMB union, said: Liam Foxs plot risks smashing the UK ceramics sector into pieces.

It is the ultimate Brexit betrayal that, just weeks after Theresa May visited Stoke, her cabinet ministers are preparing to sell such an industry here down the river.

A department spokesperson said: No decision has been taken on our applied tariffs after we leave the European Union and the government is currently considering all options in the event of a no deal.

We will need to balance a number of considerations to avoid potential prices rises for consumers and manage the impact on producers that rely heavily on supply chains as well as those who are currently protected from global competition by import tariffs.
 Flash

Wang Yulan, 53, is busy packing up her baggage preparing for her first family trip abroad during Spring Festival, China's most important traditional holiday, largely a time for families to get together.

The family of five will spend the upcoming week-long holiday in Thailand. Wang is excited and a little nervous, although it's not her first time to travel abroad, it is the first time for them to celebrate the lunar new year in a foreign country.

They have booked a tour package including a tailor-made private route and tour guide. They paid in advance, over 30,000 yuan (about 4,449 U.S. dollars) in total.

Wang has traveled twice a year since her retirement in 2017. "Traveling was beyond my dream when I was young," said Wang, whose family now earns a monthly income over 20,000 yuan. "We are now better off, and the children have paid-leave, so we can plan a trip easily," she said.

China's per capita disposable income rose to 28,228 yuan in 2018, up 6.5 percent year-on-year in real terms.

During the week-long holiday in 2018, China's domestic tourist destinations received over 386 million visitors, and Chinese tourists reached 68 countries and regions overseas, according to China's tourism authorities.

Ctrip, China's leading online travel agency, forecast that 7 million Chinese tourists will travel to over 500 tourist destinations in more than 90 countries and regions during the Spring Festival holiday this year.

Qiu Cheng, general manager of Longxingtianxia travel agency of Lanzhou in Gansu Province, said Thailand and Japan are among the most popular tourist destinations for customers this Spring Festival.

"Spring Festival is a time for family gatherings, but it's not necessary to be at home," said Liang Wei, Wang's son. "Traveling abroad is a new option."

A report based on big data from Tuniu, China's online travel agency, shows that up to 55 percent of outbound travelers that applied for visas during Spring Festival were applying with their families.

"Tourists are requiring high quality travel experiences, and customized tour packages for family are trendy," said Zhang Shiqi, general manager with Guantianxia International Travel Agency in Gansu Province.

"Even though the price is twice that of normal group tours, it is favored by many due to its convenience and one-of-a-kind experience."
 Close Jeremy Hunt admits the government may need 'extra time' if a Brexit deal is agreed

Theresa May has risked a fresh clash with Tory MPs after saying she is not planning to replace the controversial Northern Ireland backstop.

The prime minister had agreed to consider "alternative arrangements" in a bid to win over Eurosceptic rebels but, speaking in Belfast, suggested she was focused on trying to change the backstop rather than replace it.

It comes after Downing Street confirmed Ms May will travel to Brussels on Thursday to meet European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in a bid to secure fresh compromises on the backstop, desipte the EU having insisted that it will not reopen negotiations.

As it happened...
There is a real and growing risk that the UK will leave the European Union (EU) with no deal in less than two months time, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

Scotlands first minister said the UK should acknowledge that the UK simply is not remotely prepared to leave the EU in 53 days time.

Giving a speech at Georgetown University in the US, she again called for a second Brexit referendum.

She also addressed Scottish independence, arguing that the confusion and uncertainty of Brexit made it clear that Scotlands national interests are not being served by a Westminster system which too often treats Scotland as an afterthought.

Ms Sturgeon said that the UK Government is trying to renegotiate the EU Withdrawal agreement with the clock ticking and despite the EU saying it will not accept such a renegotiation.

Brexit casualties Show all 10 1 /10 Brexit casualties Brexit casualties Andrea Jenkyns - Resigned from Parliamentary Private Secretary at the ministry for housing, communities and local government role May 2018 - The Morley and Outwood MP said: We want to see a new relationship with Europe, with a new model not enjoyed by other countries  nothing that leaves us half-in, half-out. And in order to achieve this, we need to leave the customs union. Ms Jenkyns also said she wished to dedicate more of her time to Parliaments influential Exiting the European Union select committee, after a series of unbalanced reports produced by MPs PA Brexit casualties David Davis - Resigned from Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union role July 2018 - quit following a major row with May over her plans for post-Brexit relations with the EU. Davis resignation letter said: As you know there have been a significant number of occasions in the last year or so on which I have disagreed with the Number 10 policy line, ranging from accepting the [European] Commissions sequencing of negotiations, through to the language on Northern Ireland in the December Joint Report. At each stage I have accepted collective responsibility because it is part of my task to find workable compromises, and because I considered it was still possible to deliver on the mandate of the referendum, and on our manifesto commitment to leave the Customs Union and the Single Market. I am afraid that I think the current trend of policy and tactics is making that look less and less likely. He went on to argue that the general direction of Ms Mays policies would leave the UK in at best a weak negotiating position, and possibly an inescapable one. AFP/Getty Brexit casualties Steve Baker - Resigned from Minister at the Department for Exiting the European Union role July 2018 - Mr Baker, a key Tory figure in the Leave campaign, was David Daviss main lieutenant at Dexeu, and was hailed as courageous and principled by other Brexiteer Tories as he also left. Reuters Brexit casualties Boris Johnson - Resigned from Foreign Secretary role July 2018 - resigned over May's Chequers plan. In his resignation letter to the prime minister, Mr Johnson said: "On Friday, I acknowledged that my side of the argument were too few to prevail and congratulated you on at least reaching a Cabinet decision on the way forward. "As I said then, the government now has a song to sing. "The trouble is that I have practised the words over the weekend and find that they stick in the throat." Reuters Brexit casualties Conor Burns - Resigned from Parliamentary Private Secretary to Foreign Secretary role July 2018 - A Brexit supporter who worked alongside Boris Johnson stated in his resignation letter: I've decided it's time to have greater freedom. I want to see the referendum result respected. And there are other areas of policy I want to speak more openly on. Rex Brexit casualties Chris Green - Resigned from Department for Transport role July 2018 - The Bolton West MP said: "Parliament overwhelmingly decided to give the decision of whether to leave or remain in the European Union to the British people and they made an unambiguous decision that we ought to leave. "I have always understood the idea in 'Brexit means Brexit' is that the final deal should be clear to me and my constituents - that we have, in no uncertain terms, left the European Union. Twitter Ads info and privacy "The direction the negotiations had been taking have suggested that we would not really leave the EU and the conclusion and statements following the Chequers summit confirmed my fears. "I recognise that delivering Brexit is challenging, however I had hoped at tonight's meeting that there would be some certainty that my fears were unfounded but, instead, they have been confirmed. "I have been grateful for the opportunity to serve as Parliamentary Private Secretary and it is with regret that I offer my resignation with immediate effect." PA Brexit casualties Maria Caulfield - Resigned from Conservative Party vice-chair for women role July 2018 - resigned over May's Chequers plan. Lewes MP warned that the direction of travel did not fully embrace the opportunities that Brexit can provide. Ms Caulfield said in her letter to the PM: The policy may assuage vested interests, but the voters will find out and their representatives will be found out. This policy will be bad for our country and bad for the party. The direct consequences of that will be prime minister Corbyn. PA Brexit casualties Ben Bradley - Resigned from Conservative Party vice-chair for young people role July 2018 - resigned over May's Chequers plan. The Mansfield MP said: I admit that I voted to Remain in that ballot. What has swayed me over the last two years to fully back the Brexit vision is the immense opportunities that are available from global trade, and for the ability for Britain to be an outward looking nation in control of our own destiny once again. I fear that this agreement at Chequers damages those opportunities; that being tied to EU regulations, and the EU tying our hands when seeking to make new trade agreements, will be the worst of all worlds if we do not deliver Brexit in spirit as well as in name, then we are handing Jeremy Corbyn the keys to No10. PA Brexit casualties Robert Courts - Resigned from Parliamentary Private Secretary role July 2018 - resigned over May's Chequers plan. MP Mr Courts said: I have taken a very difficult decision to resign my position as [parliamentary private secretary] to express discontent with the Chequers [plans] in votes tomorrow. I had to think who I wanted to see in the mirror for the rest of my life. I cannot tell the people of Woxon that I support the proposals in their current form. Getty Brexit casualties Scott Mann - Resigned from Parliamentary Private Secretary role July 2018 - resigned over May's Chequers plan. "I fear elements of the Brexit white paper will inevitably put me in direct conflict with the views expressed by a large section of my constituents. I am not prepared to compromise their wishes to deliver a watered-down Brexit. "The residents of North Cornwall made it very clear that they wish to have control over our fishery, our agricultural policy, our money, our laws and our borders. I will evaluate those principles against the Brexit white paper and ensure that I vote in line with their wishes." Rex

She said: As a result of that, there is a real and growing risk that the UK will leave the EU in 53 days time without any deal in place. And that would be hugely damaging  far more so, dare I say it, than the Government shutdown youve just had here in the United States. In fact, some of the contingencies being considered  if we leave the EU without a deal  are genuinely astonishing.

She added: First, the UK Government should confirm that it will do absolutely everything to avoid the UK leaving with no deal. It should make clear its not prepared for the UK to leave the EU with no deal. And as part of that, it should acknowledge that the UK simply is not remotely prepared to leave the EU in 53 days time. Thats been obvious for a while now. So the UK Government should ask the EU to agree to put back the planned date for Brexit.

The request for an extension of course must be accompanied by an achievable plan.

She suggested that the UK Government could think again on plans to leave the single market and customs union but added that a better option is to hold a further referendum on EU membership.

Ms Sturgeon also warned that without free movement of people  something Theresa May has repeatedly ruled out retaining when the UK leaves the EU  there is a risk Scotlands working population will go into decline, with this bringing with it severe economic and social consequences.

The Independent has launched its #FinalSay campaign to demand that voters are given a voice on the final Brexit deal. Sign our petition here.

The First Minister said that Brexit is also relevant to the debate on Scottish independence.

She said: I as First Minister have said I will outline my thoughts on the timing of another independence referendum in the next few weeks  once the terms of Brexit have become clearer. But, amid the confusion and uncertainty of Brexit, one thing I think is clearer than ever. Scotlands national interests are not being served by a Westminster system which too often treats Scotland as an afterthought, or too often sees our interests as not being material.

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In my view, they can only properly be served by becoming an independent country. But an independent country that then seeks to play its part in an interconnected world. And that is a vision that I think more and more people in Scotland, in the wake of the Brexit experience, find very attractive.

A UK Government spokeswoman said: Nicola Sturgeon needs to stop using Brexit as an excuse to pursue her unwanted independence agenda. Rather than constantly seeking division and constitutional upheaval, she needs to work with the UK Government to avoid a damaging no-deal. That is what people and business in Scotland expect.

Press Association
Theresa May has travelled to Northern Ireland to restate her unshakeable commitment to avoiding a hard border, in a speech aimed at those at the very heart of the Brexit debate.

But on the streets of Belfast, many people were far from reassured.

Its going to start a lot of things happening again. Theres a lot of people who are worried, said Elizabeth McKenzie, a call centre worker, who has lived in Belfast since she was two years old.

I dont know about the rest of Northern Ireland but for Belfast, we have come on in leaps and bounds economically. Brexit is going to drag it all back down.

That means people will have to look for who to blame and thats when the problems start.

Jennifer Allen, from Greater Belfast, said the laboratory where she works was stockpiling equipment in case of a no-deal Brexit and warned that they are totally in the dark about what is to come.

She said: Im old enough to remember the Troubles and to have been been affected personally by it.

There is no technology to use at the border. She [Ms May] says, We are looking at this now, but why werent you looking at it two years ago?

Ms Allen went on: I think she is counting down the clock, so that everyone will panic and vote for her deal.

Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures An abandoned shop is seen in Mullan, Co Monaghan. The building was home to four families who left during the Troubles. The town was largely abandoned after the hard border was put in place during the conflict. Mullan has seen some regeneration in recent years, but faces an uncertain future with Brexit on the horizon Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A defaced Welcome to Northern Ireland sign stands on the border in Middletown, Co Armagh Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Mervyn Johnson owns a garage in the border town of Pettigo, which straddles the counties of Donegal and Fermanagh. Ive been here since 1956, it was a bit of a problem for a few years. My premises has been blown up about six or seven times, we just kept building and starting again, Johnson said laughing. We just got used to it [the hard border] really but now that its gone, we wouldn't like it back again Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Farmer Gordon Crocketts Coshquin farm straddles both Derry/Londonderry in the North and Donegal in the Republic. At the minute there is no real problem, you can cross the border as free as you want. We could cross it six or eight times a day, said Crockett. If there was any sort of obstruction it would slow down our work every day Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures John Murphy flies the European flag outside his home near the border village of Forkhill, Co Armagh Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Potter Brenda McGinn stands outside her Mullan, Co Monaghan, studio  the former Jas Boylan shoe factory which was the main employer in the area until it shut down due to the Troubles. When I came back, this would have been somewhere you would have driven through and have been quite sad. It was a decrepit looking village, said McGinn, whose Busy Bee Ceramics is one of a handful of enterprises restoring life to the community. Now this is a revitalised, old hidden village Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Union Flag colours painted on kerbstones and bus-stops along the border village of Newbuildings, Co Derry/Londonderry Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Grass reflected in Lattone Lough, which is split by the border between Cavan and Fermanagh, seen from near Ballinacor, Northern Ireland Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Donegalman David McClintock sits in the Border Cafe in the village of Muff, which straddles Donegal and Derry/Londonderry Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures An old Irish phone box stands alongside a bus stop in the border town of Glaslough, Co Monaghan Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Billboards are viewed from inside a disused customs hut in Carrickcarnon, Co Down, on the border with Co Louth in the Republic Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Seamus McQuaid takes packages that locals on the Irish side of the border have delivered to his business, McQuaid Auto-Parts, to save money on postal fees, near the Co Fermanagh village of Newtownbutler. I live in the south but the business is in the North, said McQaid. "I wholesale into the Republic of Ireland so if theres duty, Ill have to set up a company 200 yards up the road to sell to my customers. Ill have to bring the same product in through Dublin instead of Belfast Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A disused Great Northern Railway line and station that was for customs and excise on the border town of Glenfarne, Co Leitrim Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Alice Mullen, from Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland, does her shopping at a former customs post on the border in Middletown, Co Armagh. Id be very worried if it was a hard border, I remember when people were divided. I would be very afraid of the threat to the peace process, it was a dreadful time to live through. Even to go to mass on a Sunday, youd have to go through checkpoints. It is terribly stressful, said Mullen. All those barricades and boundaries were pulled down. I see it as a huge big exercise of trust and I do believe everyone breathed a sigh of relief Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A bus stop and red post box stand in the border town of Jonesborough, Co Armagh Reuters

Waiting for a bus in the early evening drizzle, Judith Black, from East Belfast, admitted she was worried about what Brexit could mean for Northern Ireland.

I think its going to have a massive impact, she said. I dont know enough about what shes [Ms May] doing about it.

Thomas McKinless, a credit control worker from East Belfast, said he thought the prime minister was in a tricky position but her visit would do little to reassure people.

I dont think shes taking the border issue as seriously as she should, he added.

However Richard, from Bangor, dismissed the reports about the risks of a hard border as the literal definition of project fear.

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He said: I think the hard border is very much a political device.

I think there is no need for it, there is no provision in the Good Friday Agreement for it  quite the opposite, of course.

If there was a little bit less intransigence from Brussels I think there would be no need for it and the further we get towards Brexit day, I think we are starting to see that now.

Ms Mays DUP allies are doing the best job they can to represent their communities, he said, even if not everyone agrees with their views.
The fight against institutional racism in British policing has stagnated in the two decades since a landmark report into Stephen Lawrences death, MPs have been told.

The murdered black teenagers mother, Baroness Lawrence, told the Home Affairs Committee she had seen little progress on 70 recommendations made in the 1999 Macpherson report.

It just seems as if things have become really stagnant and nothing seems to have moved, she said.

I think people are trying to hide behind saying, We dont have any problems so theres nothing to report.

But citing high rates of exclusion of young black boys in school, lower educational attainment and rising knife crime, Baroness Lawrence said: If the amount of white kids were being murdered on our streets as the amount of black kids, society would not have sat back and allowed that to happen.

The Home Affairs Committee is running an inquiry to mark the 20th anniversary of the Macpherson report into Stephens murder, investigating what progress has been made to overcome institutional racism.

The investigation comes amid a separate public inquiry into undercover policing, which will include a probe into spying on the Lawrence family but has been beset by delays and controversy.

Baroness Lawrence accused authorities of obstructing the true facts of what happened and claimed that chairman Sir John Mitting has not appreciated the lengths an officer would go to in order to keep their activity secret.

This has been going on for three years now and he still hasnt taken evidence, she added. Theyre still going through the paperwork.

The life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence Show all 7 1 /7 The life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence The life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence SU-50-Lawrence-1-REUT.jpg Neville Lawrence addressing the media last week Reuters The life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence SU-50-Lawrence-2-PA.jpg The now iconic family handout photo of Stephen PA The life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence SU-50-Lawrence-3-BBC.jpg Doreen Lawrence on Panorama last week BBC The life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence SU-50-Lawrence-4-GETTY.jpg Doreen Lawrence speaking to the press outside the Old Bailey last week Getty Images The life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence SU-50-Lawrence-5-ALDEN.jpg Tributes lay at the site of the murder in Eltham, south east London Jason Alden The life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence SU-50-Lawrence-6-ANDREW.jpg Neville and Doreen Lawrence, pictured here in 1997, never gave up the fight to bring the killers of their son Buurman Andrew The life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence SU-50-Lawrence-7-BBC.jpg Stephen Lawrence was buried in rural Jamaica, near his great-grandmother, because his mother Doreen worried that a grave in Britain could be desecrated BBC

For me, 25 years, coming up to 26 years, and this to be still going on, is unbelievable that any family should have to go through this.

Committee chair Yvette Cooper responded: I think its clear that the experiences that you and your family went through should still be a lesson to all of us, and thats what I hope our inquiry will continue to pursue.

Stephen was murdered by a gang of up to six racist attackers as he waited for a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks in Eltham, southeast London, in 1993.

The bungled original investigation into his death sparked outrage amid claims of racism and corruption in the police.

A public inquiry was set up four years later and in 1999 the damning Macpherson report was published, accusing Scotland Yard of institutional racism.

Two of his murderers  Gary Dobson and David Norris  were jailed in 2012 through the use of new forensic techniques but their suspected accomplices have not been brought to justice.

 Anger over former Met detective remark on Stephen Lawrence BBC documentary: He ran away and left his mate

When asked if she believes that police in England and Wales are institutionally racist now, Baroness Lawrence said: I think in some respects that they still are.

Nobody wants to be labelled as that, but at the same time its undercover, it still exists.

Sgt Tola Munro, president of the National Black Police Association, said progress on diversity within policing had slowed and there was a clear lack of representation in senior ranks.

It does feel stilted, it does feel at times like its stagnated, he told MPs.

There have been black people in policing for almost 200 years and yet we find ourselves still at 6 per cent of the police service.

Sgt Munro pointed out that the Macpherson report called for the proportion to increase by 7 per cent by 2009, and called for positive discrimination to address the gap.

Inspector Mustafa Mohammed QPM, president of the National Association of Muslim Police, said that despite a concerted effort BAME officers were not progressing through ranks as they should and were over-represented as subjects of misconduct and grievance proceedings.
A memorial at the London grave of Karl Marx has been attacked with a hammer and damaged beyond repair, a charity has said.

The marble plaque at Highgate Cemetery had been repeatedly smashed with the tool, the trust which looks after the graveyard revealed on Tuesday.

"His name has been singled out  although the person wasn't particularly co-ordinated," said Ian Dungavell, chief executive of the Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust.

"It will never be the same again, and will bear those battle scars for the future.

He added the incident, which occurred over the weekend, had been a deliberate and sustained attack.

The Grade I listed plaque actually originates in the philosophers German homeland.

Karl Marx: social, political and economic theorist in pictures Show all 11 1 /11 Karl Marx: social, political and economic theorist in pictures Karl Marx: social, political and economic theorist in pictures German social, political and economic theorist Karl Marx. His theories of class struggle predicted that capitalism breeds inherent tensions that will lead to its self-destruction and make way for socialism. Getty Karl Marx: social, political and economic theorist in pictures The sculpture of German philosopher and revolutionary Karl Marx is revealed during its inauguration at the 200th anniversary of the birth of Karl Marx in Trier, Germany. AP Karl Marx: social, political and economic theorist in pictures Karl Marx with his eldest daughter. His writings became a fundamental basis for revolutionary movements across the globe, particularly the Russian Revolution that led to the creation of the Soviet Union. Revolutionary, armed struggles with the goal of creating socialist or communist societies had a powerful influence on the course of the 20th century in nearly every part of the world. Getty Karl Marx: social, political and economic theorist in pictures The dilapidated exterior of 41 Maitland Park Road, Hampstead, in 1958, where Karl Marx spent the last 15 years of his life. He lived and wrote mostly in exile in London. Getty Karl Marx: social, political and economic theorist in pictures Marx collaborated with fellow German thinker Friedrich Engels in London. A statue of both, The Marx-Engels monument, stands in Berlin, Germany. AFP/Getty Images Karl Marx: social, political and economic theorist in pictures The bronze statue, by Chinese artist Wu Weishan, weighs 2.3 tons and measures 4.4 meters. It was a present from the People's Republic of China. Getty Karl Marx: social, political and economic theorist in pictures The tomb of Karl Marx at Highgate Cemetery in London. Getty Karl Marx: social, political and economic theorist in pictures Karl Marx is buried in a different part of the cemetery. Both Highgate East and West Cemetery's contain the graves of a number of famous people such as Marx, William Friese-Greene, Douglas Adams and Beryl Bainbridge. Karl Marx's tomb, the Eyptian Avenue and the Columbarium are Grade One listed buildings. PA Karl Marx: social, political and economic theorist in pictures Karl Marx Monument in Chemnitz, Germany. The sculpture and base stands over 13m tall. "Workers of the world, unite!" appears behind engraved on the wall. Getty Karl Marx: social, political and economic theorist in pictures Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks on the podium at an event to mark the bicentennial of Karl Marx's birth at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi praised Karl Marx as "the greatest thinker of modern times," calling his theories a tool for China to "win the future." AP Karl Marx: social, political and economic theorist in pictures Some of the 500, one meter tall statues of Karl Marx, in front of the Porta Nigra, in Trier, Germany. The statues, created by artist Ottmar Hoerl, are part of an exhibition at the Museum Simeonstift Trier that were created to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the death of Marx in 1883. Marx, who was born in Trier, is the author of The Communist Manifesto, and his ideas on the relationship between labour, industry and capital created the ideological foundation for socialist and communist movements across the globe. Getty

It was first used on the grave of his wife Jenny von Westphalen in 1881 and was only moved to the UK when the remains of both she and Marx were reinterred at Highgate in 1954 because the original grave was felt unsuitable for a person of such historic significance.

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The monument is now owned by the Marx Grave Trust, which is represented by the Marx Memorial Library in Clerkenwell, which will make any decisions about future repairs, Mr Dungavell said.

But he added that the monument's heritage listing means "you don't rush in to do these things quickly".

He said: "I'm really cross about it because it's a particularly inarticulate form of protest and it's not going to win any fans.

"On a human level, I'm upset when anyone destroys a grave. To do something so mindless is particularly upsetting."

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A spokesperson for Londons Met Police said: "No arrests have been made. Initial inquiries have been completed and at this stage the investigation has been closed. If any further information comes to light, this will be investigated accordingly."
The Home Office has been accused of being a dog whistle to right-wing press over the response to the Windrush scandal.

In an impassioned speech in the House of Commons, Labour MP David Lammy accused the department of killing black British people and condemned ministers for arranging a charter flight to Jamaica before the Windrush review was complete.

His remarks came after Sajid Javid, the home secretary, revealed 18 Windrush citizens suffered detriment due to their right to be in UK not being recognised  three of whom are now deceased. He said he had written to the remaining 15 to apologise.

Addressing Mr Javid, Mr Lammy said: Every single one of these cases is a shocking indictment of this governments pandering to a far-right racism, sham immigration targets and a dog whistle of the right-wing press.

We are now ten months on from when this scandal broke. Not a penny has been paid out to any Windrush victim in a compensation scheme. The independent Windrush lessons review has not yet reported.

I say to you Home Secretary, before the review is even complete, why are you deporting people? How can you be confident that you are not making the same mistakes?

During the heated debate, Labour MP Janet Daby, who has Jamaican heritage, said she found Mr Javid's tone on immigration "most disturbing", before adding: "I feel that he sounds like Enoch Powell in incarnation.

It comes the day before around 50 people with previous criminal convictions are set to be deported on the first charter flight to the island since the Windrush scandal erupted, in what has been described as a slap in the face for Britains Caribbean community.

The Home Secretary was also accused of "misleading" the Commons after claiming they were all convicted of "very serious crimes [...] like rape and murder, fire arms offences and drug trafficking".

Information gathered by Movement for Justice about 26 of the deportees shows none were convicted of murder and one was convicted of rape. Others were jailed for less serious offences such as possession of drugs or minor assault.

Under British law, anyone who is not a British citizen can be deported if they have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment of 12 months or more. But campaigners argue that the removal of the Jamaican nationals  which for many means returning alone to a country they left as young children  constitutes a brutal double punishment.

Minnie Rahman, public affairs and campaigns manager at the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI), said the Home Secretarys comments were"not only misleading but a clear attempt to distract attention from the cruel deportation of people who have lived in the UK their entire lives".

Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Show all 15 1 /15 Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' arriving at Tilbury Docks from Jamaica, with 482 Jamaicans on board, emigrating to Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaican immigrants being welcomed by RAF officials from the Colonial Office after the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' landed them at Tilbury. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner who arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex, speaking at his home in Leeds PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner in Leeds shortly after he arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Gardner was 22 years old when he boarded the ship in Kingston, Jamaica, with his brother Gladstone before they and hundreds of Caribbean migrants called on to rebuild post-war Britain disembarked the ship in Tilbury Docks PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner (right), during his RAF service in 1947 PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The son of Ruth Williams, a Windrush-generation immigrant, wants to the leave the country after threats of deportation. According to his mother, Mr Haynes applied for British citizenship in 2016 but was rejected, despite Ms Williams having lived in the UK almost permanently since arriving from St Vincent and the Grenadines in 1959. Ruth Williams, 75, said she felt "betrayed" by Britain after the Home Office twice turned down applications for her 35-year-old son, Mozi Haynes, to remain in the country. Ms Williams is understood to have cancer and said she relies heavily on her son for support. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The British liner 'Empire Windrush' at port in 1954. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Ruth Williams, 75, with her British passport. "I feel betrayed and a second class citizen in my own country," she said. "This makes me so sad and the Home Office must show some compassion. "I am unwell and almost 75, I live on my own and I need my son to stay here. I need my family around me and I cant face being alone. He has applied to the Home Office and been refused twice." PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK From the top, hopeful Jamaican boxers Charles Smith, Ten Ansel, Essi Reid, John Hazel, Boy Solas and manager Mortimer Martin arrive at Tilbury on the Empire Windrush in the hope of finding work in Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaicans reading a newspaper whilst on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' bound for Tilbury docks in Essex. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK After half a century in Britain, Anthony Bryan decided it was time to go abroad. But the decision set off a nightmare that saw him lose his job, detained twice and almost deported to Jamaica. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaica-born Anthony Bryan poses outside his home in Edmonton, north London. Now 60 and a grandfather, Bryan thought the issue could be resolved swiftly, as he legally moved to Britain with his family as part of the Windrush generation of Caribbean migrants after World War II. In 1948, the ship Windrush brought the first group of migrants from the West Indies to help rebuild post-war Britain, and many others followed from around the Commonwealth. A 1971 law gave them indefinite leave to remain, but many never formalised their status, often because they were children who came over on their parents' passports and then never applied for their own. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Three Jamaican immigrants (left to right) John Hazel, a 21-year-old boxer, Harold Wilmot, 32, and John Richards, a 22-year-old carpenter, arriving at Tilbury on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush', smartly dressed in zoot suits and trilby hats. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Newly arrived Jamaican immigrants on board the 'Empire Windrush' at Tilbury in 1948. Getty

She continued: Detention and deportation should never be used as alternatives to an effective criminal justice system. There are countless offences which most people dont believe should be punished by exile for life  especially when theyve already served prison time in the UK.

"The Home Office should not be punishing people twice.

The latest figures from the Windrush taskforce, which Mr Sajid revealed during the debate, shows on average 20 referrals are made to it each week, and that so far 3,400 had been granted citizenship, 215 had been referred to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to receive benefits they were previously denied.
The Home Office has been accused of obscuring access to justice after it emerged two key witnesses in the inquest into the death of an immigration detainee are due to be imminently deported.

Around 50 people are set to be removed from the UK on Wednesday on the first charter flight to Jamaica since the Windrush scandal erupted, in what campaigners described as a slap in the face for Britains Caribbean community.

It has now emerged that two of the men due to be on the flight are key witnesses in the inquest into the death of Carlington Spencer, a 38-year-old Jamaican man who died in Morton Hall Immigration Removal Centre, Lincolnshire, in 2017.

On Monday, the coroner for Lincolnshire issued a summons for Christopher Richards, 47, and Joseph Nembhard, 37, to attend a pre-inquest review on 11 March. But the Home Office has not indicated it will halt their deportation so they can attend.

The two men told The Independent they believed the Home Office was intentionally trying to move witnesses ahead of the inquest into the death of their friend. They said they had strong evidence that his death could have been prevented.

Mr Richards, who has been in the UK for 21 years and has a partner and four British children, said: Theyre tampering with witnesses. Im 120 per cent sure that theyre trying to get rid of us because of this case against the Home Office. Theyre interfering.

The 47-year-old, who was convicted of assault in 2010 for which he spent 14 months in prison, and was detained and issued the deportation notice last week, said: They are fixing it up the way they want it. Theyre trying to remove the witnesses. It should not be allowed.

I want to tell Carlingtons wife and his little kids the truth. Our case against them is very strong. We took notes and recorded stuff.

Mr Richards solicitor, Imogen Townley of Wilson Solicitors LLP, said that as the Home Office had not confirmed that they had deferred his removal following the witness summons from the coroner, she had been forced to take the extreme measure of lodging an application for judicial review to the High Court.

She said the Home Office had known Mr Richards was a potential witness for months yet still listed him for deportation on the charter flight, in a move that risked obscuring access to justice.

The Home Office should be proactively investigating how Mr Spencer died at Morton Hall. They are the public body alleged to have caused or contributed to his death, and yet instead of taking this positive proactive role in investigating, they are bundling the witnesses off on a secretive charter flight, she said.

The worst thing about it is that it indicates that theyre not committed to the inquest and to ensuring justice for Carlington Spencers family. Its a breach of the right to life which states that deaths must be properly investigated.

Detention centres are incredibly closed environments, and the fact that there are detainees who are able and willing to speak and give evidence to the coroner is something that we benefit from and we shouldnt be trying to silence them and prevent them giving their testimony.

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The other witness, Mr Nembhard, who moved to the UK from Jamaica at the age of 18 and has a wife who is 23 weeks pregnant, as well as a four-year-old daughter, said he felt he was being silenced by the Home Office.

They are suggesting that if I go to Jamaica I can take part over the internet. Im not saying its not possible, but between now and then is the Home Office going to guarantee Ill still be alive, or that theyll be able to find me? he said.

When youre in a country where life is hard, its easy to lose your phone, to lose your contacts.

Im being silenced. They are quickly trying to get me on the flight. Its because we wrote down everything that happened and sent it to the relevant authorities.

Deborah Coles, director of Inquest, which supports families of people who have died in custody, said it was alarming that inquest witnesses were at risk of being deported.

Obstructing key witnesses from giving evidence significantly undermines the investigative function of the inquest to get to the truth and expose any wrongdoing, she said.

The Home Office and other persons responsible for Carlingtons care must be effectively scrutinised and held accountable for future deaths to be prevented. We have to question whether this is an attempt to frustrate the inquest process.

When asked whether they would prevent the two witnesses from being deported, a Home Office spokesperson said it did not comment on individual cases.

It is only right that we seek to deport foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality by committing crimes in the UK, the spokesperson said. This ensures we keep the public safe. All individuals on this charter flight are serious criminals.

Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Show all 15 1 /15 Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' arriving at Tilbury Docks from Jamaica, with 482 Jamaicans on board, emigrating to Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaican immigrants being welcomed by RAF officials from the Colonial Office after the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' landed them at Tilbury. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner who arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex, speaking at his home in Leeds PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner in Leeds shortly after he arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Gardner was 22 years old when he boarded the ship in Kingston, Jamaica, with his brother Gladstone before they and hundreds of Caribbean migrants called on to rebuild post-war Britain disembarked the ship in Tilbury Docks PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner (right), during his RAF service in 1947 PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The son of Ruth Williams, a Windrush-generation immigrant, wants to the leave the country after threats of deportation. According to his mother, Mr Haynes applied for British citizenship in 2016 but was rejected, despite Ms Williams having lived in the UK almost permanently since arriving from St Vincent and the Grenadines in 1959. Ruth Williams, 75, said she felt "betrayed" by Britain after the Home Office twice turned down applications for her 35-year-old son, Mozi Haynes, to remain in the country. Ms Williams is understood to have cancer and said she relies heavily on her son for support. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The British liner 'Empire Windrush' at port in 1954. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Ruth Williams, 75, with her British passport. "I feel betrayed and a second class citizen in my own country," she said. "This makes me so sad and the Home Office must show some compassion. "I am unwell and almost 75, I live on my own and I need my son to stay here. I need my family around me and I cant face being alone. He has applied to the Home Office and been refused twice." PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK From the top, hopeful Jamaican boxers Charles Smith, Ten Ansel, Essi Reid, John Hazel, Boy Solas and manager Mortimer Martin arrive at Tilbury on the Empire Windrush in the hope of finding work in Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaicans reading a newspaper whilst on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' bound for Tilbury docks in Essex. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK After half a century in Britain, Anthony Bryan decided it was time to go abroad. But the decision set off a nightmare that saw him lose his job, detained twice and almost deported to Jamaica. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaica-born Anthony Bryan poses outside his home in Edmonton, north London. Now 60 and a grandfather, Bryan thought the issue could be resolved swiftly, as he legally moved to Britain with his family as part of the Windrush generation of Caribbean migrants after World War II. In 1948, the ship Windrush brought the first group of migrants from the West Indies to help rebuild post-war Britain, and many others followed from around the Commonwealth. A 1971 law gave them indefinite leave to remain, but many never formalised their status, often because they were children who came over on their parents' passports and then never applied for their own. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Three Jamaican immigrants (left to right) John Hazel, a 21-year-old boxer, Harold Wilmot, 32, and John Richards, a 22-year-old carpenter, arriving at Tilbury on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush', smartly dressed in zoot suits and trilby hats. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Newly arrived Jamaican immigrants on board the 'Empire Windrush' at Tilbury in 1948. Getty

The charter flight to Jamaica has been met with outrage from politicians who said it was an insult to Windrush citizens.

All of those set to be removed on the flight are said to have criminal convictions, but all have served their sentences in UK jails and campaigners argue that their removal  which for many means returning alone to a country they left as young children  constitutes a brutal double punishment.

Information on those facing removal, gathered by campaign group Movement for Justice, indicates that seven of them came to the UK as children, eight have British-born children, and 11 have relatives in the Windrush generation.

One woman set to be removed is said to be a grandmother to 10 British children, while another deportee reportedly has a grandfather who served in the British army.

The last charter flight to Jamaica was in March 2017. Another was scheduled to leave last April, days after the Windrush scandal broke, with a 63-year-old grandmother among the deportees, but it was cancelled for reasons the Home Office did not disclose.
People have been left suicidal and afraid to leave their homes because of a wave of hate crime unleashed after the EU referendum, MPs have found.

The first inquiry by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hate Crime warned that rising offences were causing psychological and emotional harm.

A report contains testimonies from victims who suffered mental illness, depression and became suicidal, including one who wrote: Hate crime really destroyed my life. I wanted to commit suicide. It was two years of hell.

One woman described how the abuse she endured made her bedridden, and the parent of a transgender child said she was fearful about whether she could keep her child and the rest of her family safe. I lose sleep, find it hard to cope, she said.

The APPG was told that many hate crime victims try to avoid abuse by changing their commutes, leaving jobs, not taking public transport, altering their appearance and removing religious clothing.

They make mention of how the abuse made them feel afraid, even to leave their homes at all, the report concluded.

They become isolated, which can exacerbate existing emotional and psychological issues.

The British Transport Police raised the possibility of a link between hate crime and suicide in a submission to the committee, and academics chronicled feelings of vulnerability, anxiety and shame among victims.

The report said hate crime was one of the consequences unleashed upon many minority communities by the 2016 EU referendum, after which there was a spike in reports.

The nature of the attacks was serious  characterised by physical assaults, threats to life and stabbings, it added.

Brexit racism and the fightback Show all 9 1 /9 Brexit racism and the fightback Brexit racism and the fightback Demonstrators protest against an increase in post-ref racism at London's March for Europe in July 2016 PA Brexit racism and the fightback These cards were found near a school in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, the day after the EU referendum Twitter/@howgilb Brexit racism and the fightback Getty Brexit racism and the fightback Romford, Essex, June 25 @diamondgeezer Brexit racism and the fightback A worker at this Romanian food shop was asleep upstairs at the time of this arson attack in Norwich on July 8, but escaped unharmed. Hundreds later participated in a love bombing rally outside the shop to express their opposition to racism and their support of the shop owners. JustGiving/Helen Linehan Brexit racism and the fightback This neo-Nazi sticker was spotted in Glasgow on June 26 Courtesy of Eoin Palmer Brexit racism and the fightback But after news emerged of neo-Nazi stickers appearing in Glasgow, some in the city struck back with slogans of their own. Courtesy of Eoin Palmer Brexit racism and the fightback Getty Brexit racism and the fightback More signs began to appear in some parts of the UK, created by people who wanted to show their opposition to post-referendum racism Courtesy of Bernadette Russell

Those speaking foreign languages were challenged, young children were targeted, and there was an othering of them foreigners to us British.

However, simply explaining it within the context of Brexit is said to fail to apportion blame where it should be laid, notably with certain politicians and their burgeoning support of far-right policies.

MPs said the idea of taking the country back was espoused by both far-right groups and the official Leave campaign.

The report said fake and misleading stories spread on social media were increasing hatred by fanning the flames of intolerance and driving support for online and offline attacks.

Online hate can contribute to the normalising of these extreme views, which in turn emboldens people to abuse and assault people on the street, on public transport, in shops, it added.

The APPG warned that hate crime was heightening tensions in some British communities, making people feeling angry and vulnerable to extremism.

If people feel they are not protected from hate crime by the authorities they may turn outside of the system for protection, bringing risks of insularity, vigilantism and vulnerability to radicalisation, the Stop Hate UK group said.

MPs found that some people were being abused and harassed so frequently that it was becoming a daily occurrence, saying that a creeping sense of normalisation could stop crimes being reported to the police.

Number of racially or religiously aggravated offences recorded by the police by month, April 2013 to March 2018 (Home Office)

And for those reported, different hate crime categories were not being treated equally by the criminal justice system, the report said. The committee found evidence of a hierarchy of hate, where racial hatred was being treated more seriously than other forms.

The report noted that although nine different crimes can be prosecuted as aggravated by hatred, the law does not cover hostility based on sexuality, gender identity or disability.

But for racially or religiously aggravated offences, judges can increase an attackers sentence.

Recommended Hostility to men could become hate crime under government plans

The Law Commission is currently reviewing hate crime legislation and considering proposals to make misogyny a category, and the APPG said it supported the review.

Labour MP Paula Sherriff, chair of the APPG on Hate Crime, said it has made recommendations to the government, police, prosecutors and other agencies.

Hate crime is one of the least reported categories of crime, but one that can do the most harm to our communities and society, she added.

Ultimately, there remains a mountain to climb when it comes to effectively dealing with hate crime and its impacts on community cohesion.

The report was published after statistics released by the Home Office showed recorded hate crime offences at a record level in England and Wales.

Religious hate crime rocketed by 40 per cent in a year and more than half was directed at Muslims. Officials said the increase was driven by the EU referendum, terror attacks and better recording.

Three-quarters of hate crimes were recorded as racially motivated, a category that includes xenophobia. 12 per cent were motivated by sexual orientation, 9 per cent religion and 8 per cent disability.

If you have been affected by this article, you can contact the following organisations for support:

mind.org.uk

beateatingdisorders.org.uk

nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth

mentalhealth.org.uk

samaritans.org
A schoolgirl who took her life after a family argument was humiliated by her stepfather months before she was found dead, an inquest was told.

Amber Peats body was discovered three days after she went missing after a row with her mother in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, in May 2015.

The 13-year-olds stepfather made her wear ridiculous trousers and she was made to carry her belongings to school in a carrier bag as punishment, Nottingham Coroners Court heard.

Ambers form tutor at Queen Elizabeth School in Mansfield, Rebecca Beard, told the inquest that two months before the teenager died, she was devastated after coming into school wearing grey jogging bottoms instead of school trousers.

The other children in the classroom thought that she had actually wet herself, because it was so unusual that someone would be wearing something like that, Ms Beard said, according to the BBC.

In pictures: The search for Amber Peat Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: The search for Amber Peat In pictures: The search for Amber Peat Amber Peat, 13 at the time, went missing after she left her house after a row with her family in Mansfield Getty Images In pictures: The search for Amber Peat Amber Peat went missing on 30 May and wasn't found until three days after she went missing Getty In pictures: The search for Amber Peat People from the local community gathered near to the home of Amber, in Westfield Lane, to volunteer in the search Getty In pictures: The search for Amber Peat Up to 400 police staff were involved in the search for Amber, who had a history of running away Nottinghamshire Police In pictures: The search for Amber Peat Police officers searched the scene in Westfield Lane Getty In pictures: The search for Amber Peat Volunteers from the local community searched for missing teenager Amber Peat in Mansfield In pictures: The search for Amber Peat Amber Peat's mother, Kelly and and stepfather, Danny, appealed for help finding her Sky News/YouTube In pictures: The search for Amber Peat A poster appealing for information about missing teenager Amber Peat In pictures: The search for Amber Peat Volunteers were organised by police into small groups to search the local area In pictures: The search for Amber Peat Amber Peats body was discovered three days after she went missing Getty In pictures: The search for Amber Peat Search for missing Amber Peat Flowers and tributes lay at the scene where Amber was found dead in bushes Getty In pictures: The search for Amber Peat Flowers and tributes lay at the scene Getty Images

She told the inquest Amber said she was forced to wear them by her stepfather, Daniel Peat.

Recommended Schoolgirl found dead after storming out during family argument

Ellen Chapman, an inclusion support worker at the school, described the jogging bottoms as over-sized and very out of place, the Daily Mail reported.

She said: The students thought she looked ridiculous. She got a lot of stick for it. Amber was very upset and embarrassed by it. She was unhappy that she was wearing them.

Ms Beard also said Amber told her she had been woken up during the night and told to finish her chores. She said Amber said she had not been allowed to go to bed until 1.30am, after she had cleaned the floor for an hour.

She said Amber also later came into school with a plastic bag carrying her books instead of her normal schoolbag, and the teenager told her it was another punishment.

 School tribute to Amber Peat

Ms Beard said she said she had also noticed Amber was always hungry and had lost weight.

I was concerned she was being emotionally abused by her stepfather, she said, according to the Mansfield Chad.

The inquest continues.

For confidential support in the UK, contact the Samaritans on 116 123
The daughter of Holby City actor John Michie was filmed by her boyfriend as she died after he gave her drugs at a festival, a court heard.

Louella Fletcher-Michie, 24, overdosed and died just an hour before her 25th birthday after Ceon Broughton, 29, gave her the Class A party drug 2-CP at Bestival in Dorset, it is alleged.

A manslaughter trial was also told on Tuesday how her parents rushed to the site in Dorset on 10 September 2017, after telephoning Broughton as Michie overdosed and hearing her screeching.

However, Broughton insisted she was fine and later referred to Michie as a drama queen, jurors heard.

Broughton, of Enfield, north London, denies both manslaughter and supplying Michie the drug.

In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Show all 6 1 /6 In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Ceon Broughton leaves Poole Magistrates' Court on 23 March, 2018. PA Archive/PA Images In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Family picture of Louella Fletcher-Michie, the daughter of Holby City actor John Michie, who was found dead after taking a party drug at Bestival on 11 September, 2017. Zoe Barling In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Louella Fletcher-Michie and Ceon Broughton were said to have been in an on-off relationship for a number of years. Instagram In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Ceon Broughton in the music video for his track 'Duracell'. CEONRPG In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death John Michie attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound, in London, 21 October, 2013. Getty Images/Gareth Cattermole In pictures: Manslaughter trial into Louella Michie's death Ceon Broughton, 29, arrives at Winchester Crown Court on 4 February, 2019, where he is charged in connection with the death of Holby City actor John Michie's daughter Louella Fletcher-Michie. PA

Prosecutor William Mousley QC said Broughton failed to get help because he feared the consequences of a suspended jail term he was handed one month earlier, Winchester Crown Court heard.

He added that the drug had a terrible effect upon [Michie], leading to her death after a significant period of suffering in woods close to the festival site, all of which he must have observed.

Jurors were told Broughton filmed Michie, a dancer and yoga teacher, as her condition deteriorated.

In clips played to the court, she can be heard repeatedly shouting at Broughton to telephone her mother, Carol Fletcher-Michie, but he tells her to put your phone away.

Ms Fletcher-Michie eventually spoke to Michie at 6.48pm and grew concerned as she could hear her screeching.

Ceon Broughton, 29, arrives at Winchester Crown Court on 4 February, 2019, where he is charged in connection with the death of Michie Fletcher-Michie. (PA)

Mr Mousley said: She told her husband that they needed to get to her and they dropped everything to travel from north London to Dorset.

Her brother, Sam, also contacted Broughton and urged him to seek medical help.

But Broughton sent his girlfriends sibling a message which said call back in an hour and referred to Michie as a drama queen, the jury heard.

Jurors were told Sam Michie also knew Broughton and had been given drugs by him previously.

Mr Mousley added: In addition, during that extended period of time when they were together he filmed her on a number of occasions.

He filmed her when she was disturbed, agitated, and then seriously ill over a period of hours.

He even did so, the prosecution suggest, after she was apparently dead.

He said that a month before the incident, Broughton was handed a 24-week prison sentence suspended for one year.

Broughton has also previously pleaded guilty to supplying 2-CP to Michie and her friend at Glastonbury Festival in June 2017  a different incident to the suspended sentence  the jury heard.

Mr Mousley added: His failure to get her treatment which may well have saved her life was borne of selfishness and in self-preservation.

Because to have done otherwise, to have acted positively, he knew would have exposed him to the possibility of arrest and prosecution for a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment.

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Mr Mousley said that a medical expert, Professor Charles Deakin, didnt believe that Louellas death was inevitable if she had received medical help.

Prof Deakin found there was a 90 per cent chance of survival with early intervention, jurors heard.

Defending Broughton, Stephen Kamlish QC said he and Michie were in love with each other.

He said: You will hear from experts that no-one has ever been known to die from taking this drug or taking an overdose.

He said Michie had acquired the 2-CP herself, adding: This is not gross negligence manslaughter.

The trial continues.

Additional reporting by PA
All cancers may be triggered by a rare rogue stem cell that has learned how to cheat death, according to new research.

Scientists believe the discovery of the cell of origin could be a turning point in the battle against the disease.

Lead researcher Professor Michael Lisanti, chair of translational medicine at University of Salford, said: If, as we believe, we have found the beginning of the road, we may have to press the reset button on how we treat cancer with drugs.

The team isolated the most energetic cells in a series of cultured cell lines derived from breast tumours.

The most dynamic cancer stem cells, making up just 0.2 per cent of the total population, had special characteristics and significantly higher-than-average energy levels.

Science news in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Science news in pictures Science news in pictures Pluto has 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen Pluto has a 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen that is doing strange things to its surface, Nasa has found. The mysterious core seems to be the cause of features on its surface that have fascinated scientists since they were spotted by Nasa's New Horizons mission. "Before New Horizons, everyone thought Pluto was going to be a netball - completely flat, almost no diversity," said Tanguy Bertrand, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center and the lead author on the new study. "But it's completely different. It has a lot of different landscapes and we are trying to understand what's going on there." Getty Science news in pictures Over 400 species discovered this year by Natural History Museum The ancient invertabrate worm-like species rhenopyrgus viviani (pictured) is one of over 400 species previously unknown to science that were discovered by experts at the Natural History Museum this year PA Science news in pictures Jackdaws can identify 'dangerous' humans Jackdaws can identify dangerous humans from listening to each others warning calls, scientists say. The highly social birds will also remember that person if they come near their nests again, according to researchers from the University of Exeter. In the study, a person unknown to the wild jackdaws approached their nest. At the same time scientists played a recording of a warning call (threatening) or contact calls (non-threatening). The next time jackdaws saw this same person, the birds that had previously heard the warning call were defensive and returned to their nests more than twice as quickly on average. Getty Science news in pictures Turtle embryos influence sex by shaking The sex of the turtle is determined by the temperatures at which they are incubated. Warm temperatures favour females. But by wiggling around the egg, embryos can find the Goldilocks Zone which means they are able to shield themselves against extreme thermal conditions and produce a balanced sex ratio, according to the new study published in Current Biology journal Ye et al/Current Biology Science news in pictures Elephant poaching rates drop in Africa African elephant poaching rates have dropped by 60 per cent in six years, an international study has found. It is thought the decline could be associated with the ivory trade ban introduced in China in 2017. Reuters Science news in pictures Ancient four-legged whale discovered in Peru Scientists have identified a four-legged creature with webbed feet to be an ancestor of the whale. Fossils unearthed in Peru have led scientists to conclude that the enormous creatures that traverse the planets oceans today are descended from small hoofed ancestors that lived in south Asia 50 million years ago A. Gennari Science news in pictures Animal with transient anus discovered A scientist has stumbled upon a creature with a transient anus that appears only when it is needed, before vanishing completely. Dr Sidney Tamm of the Marine Biological Laboratory could not initially find any trace of an anus on the species. However, as the animal gets full, a pore opens up to dispose of waste Steven G Johnson Science news in pictures Giant bee spotted Feared extinct, the Wallace's Giant bee has been spotted for the first time in nearly 40 years. An international team of conservationists spotted the bee, that is four times the size of a typical honeybee, on an expedition to a group of Indonesian Islands Clay Bolt Science news in pictures New mammal species found inside crocodile Fossilised bones digested by crocodiles have revealed the existence of three new mammal species that roamed the Cayman Islands 300 years ago. The bones belonged to two large rodent species and a small shrew-like animal New Mexico Museum of Natural History Science news in pictures Fabric that changes according to temperature created Scientists at the University of Maryland have created a fabric that adapts to heat, expanding to allow more heat to escape the body when warm and compacting to retain more heat when cold Faye Levine, University of Maryland Science news in pictures Baby mice tears could be used in pest control A study from the University of Tokyo has found that the tears of baby mice cause female mice to be less interested in the sexual advances of males Getty Science news in pictures Final warning to limit "climate catastrophe" The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued a report which projects the impact of a rise in global temperatures of 1.5 degrees Celsius and warns against a higher increase Getty Science news in pictures Nobel prize for evolution chemists The nobel prize for chemistry has been awarded to three chemists working with evolution. Frances Smith is being awarded the prize for her work on directing the evolution of enzymes, while Gregory Winter and George Smith take the prize for their work on phage display of peptides and antibodies Getty/AFP Science news in pictures Nobel prize for laser physicists The nobel prize for physics has been awarded to three physicists working with lasers. Arthur Ashkin (L) was awarded for his "optical tweezers" which use lasers to grab particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells. Donna Strickland and Gerard Mourou were jointly awarded the prize for developing chirped-pulse amplification of lasers Reuters/AP Science news in pictures Discovery of a new species of dinosaur The Ledumahadi Mafube roamed around 200 million years ago in what is now South Africa. Recently discovered by a team of international scientists, it was the largest land animal of its time, weighing 12 tons and standing at 13 feet. In Sesotho, the South African language of the region in which the dinosaur was discovered, its name means "a giant thunderclap at dawn" Viktor Radermacher / SWNS Science news in pictures Birth of a planet Scientists have witnessed the birth of a planet for the first time ever. This spectacular image from the SPHERE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope is the first clear image of a planet caught in the very act of formation around the dwarf star PDS 70. The planet stands clearly out, visible as a bright point to the right of the center of the image, which is blacked out by the coronagraph mask used to block the blinding light of the central star. ESO/A. Muller et al Science news in pictures New human organ discovered that was previously missed by scientists Layers long thought to be dense, connective tissue are actually a series of fluid-filled compartments researchers have termed the interstitium. 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Using sensitive analysis of the chemical composition of sweat, researchers were able to tell the difference between those who had been directly exposed to heroin and cocaine, and those who had encountered it indirectly. Getty Science news in pictures Nasa releases stunning images of Jupiter's great red spot The storm bigger than the Earth, has been swhirling for 350 years. The image's colours have been enhanced after it was sent back to Earth. Pictures by: Tom Momary

These cells also showed strong evidence of senescence  a process linked to ageing that causes cells near the end of their lives to freeze and stop multiplying.

They displayed hallmarks of senescence but are no longer senescent, they have broken out of senescence, said Prof Lisanti.

The mother cancer cells may use antioxidants and energy from mitochondria  cellular power plants  to redirect their fate, the scientists believe.

Prof Lisanti said: Scientists talk about cancer being caused by dying cells coming back to life, so-called zombie-cells. We now see it is more dramatic than that. In fact, it could be more accurately described as a prison break. In other words, this origin cell breaks out of line and runs amok, multiplying malignant cells and creating a tumour.

He added: It feels like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack, and it crucially gives us a new window on cancer and how we might stop it.

There is increasing evidence that the deadly spread of cancer, known as metastasis, is caused by cancer stem cells fuelled by mitochondria, said the scientists.

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Yet most chemotherapy targeted bulk cancer cells and some treatments even made cancer stem cells proliferate more.

The research was published in the journal Frontiers in Oncology.

Press Association
The Song Tra Cau riverbed near Duc Pho, South Vietnam, was dubbed Chump Valley. Only a chump, American soldiers said, would venture there.

On Monday 15 May 1967 Major Charles Kettles did just that, braving punishing fire from the North Vietnamese to make four helicopter journeys delivering reinforcements to outnumbered members of the 101st Airborne Division  and evacuate the wounded and the dead.

Kettles was credited with saving the lives of 44 men and received the Distinguished Service Cross, the militarys second-highest award for valour, for his actions. Nearly half a century later, the award was upgraded to Medal of Honour.

President Barack Obama, bestowing the medal on Kettles in 2016, recalled a comrade who called Kettles our John Wayne.

Kettles, who died aged 89, retired from the army in 1978 at the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Kettles at the controls of an L-19 aircraft in 1954 (US Department of Defence) (US Department of Defense)

Kettles insisted that the medal of honour belonged not to him but to the other men who joined him in the chopper mission. He was their flight commander, an aviation buff since childhood in Michigan experimenting on a Ford Motor Co flight simulator.

He volunteered for the first flight into the river valley, braving an enemy battalion that had the advantage of tunnels and bunkers, as well as a placement on a 1,500ft hill.

Approaching the landing zone, Obama said, Kettles and the other helicopter crews should have seen a stand of green trees; instead, they saw a solid wall of green enemy tracers coming right at them. Never, Obama added, had they experienced such heavy fire.

According to an army account of the events, some soldiers arriving with Kettles were killed even before they could disembark. Napalm dropped on the surrounding hills brought little reprieve from the enemy fire. For the return trip, Kettles refused to leave until the helicopters were loaded with as many wounded as they could carry.

On his second trip, his gunner suffered wounds that would result in the amputation of his leg. Kettles flew him and other wounded back to the base, even as their aircraft was leaking fuel.

When the infantry battalion commander requested the evacuation of the 40 men remaining in the valley, Kettles volunteered to go back for them, as well as four more from his unit. He was leading a group of evacuation helicopters away and believed all men to be accounted for when he received a radio communication that eight had been unable to board. He left the formation, going back alone.

Kettles by a 121st Aviation Company UH-1H Huey helicopter during his second tour of duty in Vietnam in 1969 (Getty)

At that point, according to the army account, the North Vietnamese concentrated all firepower on his lone aircraft. Yet the eight men managed to board his dangerously damaged helicopter. To pick up enough speed for lift-off, Kettles bounced the craft along the ground like a jack rabbit, he later recalled.

The Distinguished Service Cross was awarded to Kettles in 1968. Only decades later, when he recounted his experience to an oral historian with the Library of Congresss Veterans History Project, did momentum build for him to receive the Medal of Honour.

Kettles (left) beside his damaged Huey helicopter on return from the May 1967 rescue operation. He was credited with saving the lives of 44 men (US Department of Defence)

Kettles was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in 1930. He was attending what is now Eastern Michigan University when he was drafted into the army in 1951. Having trained as an officer by 1953, he served stints in postwar Korea, Japan and Thailand before returning to Michigan, where he operated a Ford car dealership and served in the army reserve.

He volunteered for active duty in 1963 and served two tours in Vietnam, the first in 1967 and the second in 1969 to 1970. His decorations included the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal and multiple awards of the Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

After his military retirement, Kettles received a bachelors degree in business management in 1978 from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio and a masters degree in industrial technology from Eastern Michigan University in 1979. He taught drafting and aviation technology at EMU, also working for Chrysler Pentastar Aviation.

His first marriage, to Ann Theresa Maida, ended in divorce. Survivors include Ann, his wife of 41 years, and six children from his first marriage.

Charles Seymour Kettles, soldier, born 9 January 1930, died 21 January 2019

 Washington Post
The number of people in England who died because of alcohol last year is at its highest level since records began, it has emerged, as the NHS warns someone is admitted to hospital every 30 seconds where drinking was a factor.

There were 5,843 deaths in 2017 where alcohol was the primary cause, with liver disease accounting for around 80 per cent of these, NHS figures show.

This is a rise of more than 6 per cent on the year before, and an increase of 17 per cent in a decade.

Unfortunately a new record has been set for the number of people dying as a result of alcohol, Ian Hamilton, a researcher in addiction from York University, told The Independent, with most of these people dying decades before they should.

While the numbers drinking to unsafe levels have dropped  with just 21 per cent drinking more than the recommended 14 units a week  over-40s are drinking more and account for 80 per cent of deaths.

The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol Show all 10 1 /10 The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 10. Poland Results from an OECD report The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 9. Germany The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 8. Luxembourg Rex Features The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 7. France The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 6. Hungary Rex Features The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 5. Russia AFP/Getty Images The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 4. Czech Republic The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 3. Estonia Rex Features The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 2. Austria Getty Images The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 1. Lithuania AFP/Getty Images

The report, compiled by NHS Digital, uses health service data and Office of National Statistics figures first published in December for the whole of the UK.

It confirms that deaths are the highest since record began in 2001, with 2016 the second highest year and previous peaks in 2014, 2011 and 2008.

The NHS report also shows there were more than 1.2 million hospital admissions in 2017-18 where alcohol played a role  roughly two a minute.

Case study I blamed myself for so long for my mothers drinking Bethan says her mother Jayne was a down to earth and incredibly kind-hearted woman, but growing up they lived with the mood swings and hallucinations her mothers alcohol dependence brought  along with constant heart-wrenching guilt. My mums drinking got progressively worse during my high school years. I would walk home from school every day wondering what I was coming home to. I blamed myself for so long for her drinking; my biggest mistake growing up was taking it all too personally. Jayne was one of the thousands who died in 2017 as a result of alcohol dependence. Bethan said specialist support needed to be much more available to help sufferers turn their lives around and take the burden off their families. Growing up with an alcohol-dependent mother was difficult  but losing her to it was even worse, Bethan added. There are no words to explain the heartache of watching your mum take her last breath in front of your eyes and look at you for the very last time.

There were more than 338,000 admissions where alcohol-related disease or injury was the primary reason for the admission  as opposed to, for example, a diabetic complication where alcohol was a factor. This is an increase of 15 per cent increase from 2007-08.

However, alcohol is more affordable than ever, and numbers being treated for alcohol problems fell to 76,000 in 2017-18, down 6 per cent on the previous year  as successive cuts to public health funding have made access harder.

While harmful drinking has decreased overall, this varies greatly depending on age and economic factors. Well-off households are twice as likely to be drinking over the recommended 14 units a week as those on the lower end of the income scale  27 per cent compared with 15 per cent.

However, alcohol-related deaths were disproportionately higher among those in the most deprived areas.

In 2017, 78 per cent of deaths due to alcohol were amongst those between 40 and 69 years of age, said Dr Richard Piper, chief executive of Alcohol Change UK. This suggests that the heavier drinking among older people is starting to take a toll.

For death rates to improve across all groups, he said, there needed to be adequate funding for alcohol treatment services, which are proven to help people tackle their dependence but which have been relentlessly cut in recent years.

Dr Piper added that there also needed to be the removal of arbitrary age restrictions on treatment, often denying older people, and he called for the publication of the governments promised alcohol strategy.

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A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: Robust government action has led to a fall in alcohol consumption in recent years  but we remain committed to tackling alcohol-related harms through taxation, pricing and protecting the innocent victims of addiction such as children of alcoholics.

Prevention is at the heart of our bold plans to secure the future of the NHS, as outlined in the NHS long-term plan, and comes alongside the 3bn we are giving to councils to fund public health services this year including drug, alcohol and sexual health services.
Its minus 15 degrees in Kosovo at the height of its tensions with Serbia.

Twenty four year old Alex Matheson, serving in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, is part of a Nato mission that has been sent to the Serbian border.

A horde of Kosovans are seeking to break and enter Serbia, where they hear that one of their group has been held. The Serbian guard commanders say they will open fire if they do. Its Alexs first operation and his group is vastly outnumbered on either side and so cant physically drive the warring factions apart.

Over 48 hours we had to persuade the Kosovans not to attempt a border break and the Serbians not to shoot, he says. I had my troops and the Serbians looking to me. I had to keep strong. I had to keep alert and focus on the end result.

The Serbians didnt shoot and the Kosovans retreated, teaching him the importance of keeping calm which probably isnt taught in business studies courses but really should be.

After seven years of service, which included further tours of Macedonia and Iraq, Alex returned to his native Inverness and in 2015 set up a breakfast cereal business called FUEL10K, hoping to capitalise on the trend among younger customers to ditch conventional square boxed options.

His 32-strong product range includes drinks in squeezable pouches, porridge pots and cookies and are stocked in Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys and Waitrose. Every year has seen double digit growth with sales now at 8m this year and expected to hit 10m next, all from a standing start and no outside investment. Last year he was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Heropreneurs, an organisation encouraging armed forces veterans to go into business on return to civilian life.

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Its often said we can judge a country by how well it treats its prisoners. But how we treat our veterans is equally revealing, perhaps more so, given around 4 per cent of the prison population is made up of ex-military.

Alexs journey is a remarkable one, sadly not shared by many. Having worked with Help for Heroes and Combat Stress for a number of years, Ive heard too many stories of returning servicemen being unprepared to come back to what they left often many years ago, beginning a cycle of family breakdown, homelessness, alcoholism, drugs, crime and imprisonment. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) means for many their only weekly activity is a counselling session.

Sometimes crime and homelessness are diving factors to join the armed forces in the first place.

By the time I joined the army aged 21, I had lived on the streets aged 16, ran my first business, been on the run from the police for defrauding banks and catalogues, done drugs and employed a drug dealer, Nick Wilson tells me.

In the army he found he had a family who always looked out for each other. But in 2013, on return, he set up a chauffeur company which, while successful, left him with the feeling that many business owners face of isolation: What got me through the really bad times was that sense of survival  knowing real hard times, horrendous, shit situations experienced whilst on operational tour, those that put life in perspective. The gritted, dogged determination that you needed to get through those days, weeks, months is what will get you through business.

After two years Nick sold his business for a profit just around the time he was diagnosed with PTSD. I was having suicidal thoughts, the pain from my spinal injury was becoming a real problem with the meds and their side-effects causing me to lose grip on reality.

Nick Wilson left the army in 2013 and set up a chauffeur company and then a consultancy called Working Minds Matter

In 2016 he suffered a nervous breakdown but after rehabilitation was determined not to let mental health issues ruin his life. He set up Working Minds Matter  a consultancy firm helping business with mental wellbeing in the workplace.

I think it is important for a veteran who is looking to go into business for themselves to have a better understanding of who they are as a person, what makes them who they are, their values, their beliefs, their strengths and weaknesses. They are no longer a part of a large family unit, having to follow another leader or manager, working for an organisations values and beliefs rather than those of their own.

I first met Nick at an event Dragons Den star Peter Jones organised last summer at Buckingham University where 20 businesspeople speed mentored hundreds of schoolkids from around the country who all had entrepreneurial dreams.

Our collective worry was that the education system would slowly sap that out of them. I observed to Nick was that the army instils leadership skills and I was surprised that there werent more veteran-owned businesses.

Nick then put out a competition to his network to a make a short video presentation of their emerging or aspirant business idea and the most compelling one would win a years mentoring with me.

Army recruitment posters target millenials Show all 6 1 /6 Army recruitment posters target millenials Army recruitment posters target millenials Me Me Me Millennials MoD / Crown Copyright / PA Wire Army recruitment posters target millenials Selfie Addicts PA Army recruitment posters target millenials Binge Gamers PA Army recruitment posters target millenials Snowflakes PA Army recruitment posters target millenials Class Clowns PA Army recruitment posters target millenials Phone Zombies PA

The winner, Rob Dennison, joined the army in 2004, serving partly in Afghanistan. He still has recurring nightmares from when he visited the Helmand Province where he came across a child prostitution racket with many children lying dead. When I returned I realised Id gone from a high adrenalin career to nothing, he says.

He told his girlfriend that once hed got into trouble for brewing some coffee when out on patrol and she convinced him to start his own coffee business which hes called The 50cal Coffee Company. It will be a social enterprise  a series of cafes where veterans can not only get his own blends and brews but also have the opportunity to talk to someone in private about the problems they are facing, starting in his home town of Lincoln.

In America there is much bigger public support for veterans and veteran-owned businesses than we have here. Im hoping my year with Rob will help him get off the ground and get wider buy-in from the rest of us.

Its not just about what people like Alex, Nick and Rob have done for us in their past in the services but also for what they are able to do for us in the next phase of their lives.
Michelle Williams has explained how the progression of the #MeToo and Times Up movements has impacted her career and life, describing the change as rewarding.

The Oscar-nominated actor recently made headlines when it was revealed shed received a fraction of the salary of her co-star, Mark Wahlberg, when the pair re-filmed parts of 2017 drama All The Money In The World.

Following on from the controversy, Wahlberg announced that he was going to donate his $1.5m (1.1m) salary to Times Up, an organisation that supports individuals whove experienced sexual assault, harassment or abuse in the workplace.

Having originally been founded by activist Tarana Burke in 2006, the #MeToo movement has grown exponentially in the past couple of years, largely due to a 2017 social media campaign, which was instigated in response to the sexual assault allegations made against disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

Weinstein denies all claims of non-consensual sex and has described many allegations against him as false.

Films to look out for in 2019 Show all 15 1 /15 Films to look out for in 2019 Films to look out for in 2019 Sony Pictures Films to look out for in 2019 Films to look out for in 2019 The Lion King Disney Films to look out for in 2019 Disney/Pixar Films to look out for in 2019 YouTube Films to look out for in 2019 Films to look out for in 2019 A24 Films to look out for in 2019 Films to look out for in 2019 Films to look out for in 2019 Films to look out for in 2019 Films to look out for in 2019 Films to look out for in 2019 Annapurna Pictures Films to look out for in 2019 Films to look out for in 2019

In Williams opinion, the increased focus on the #MeToo initiative has provided more women with an opportunity to have their voices heard.

Its been really heartening and rewarding for me to hear from other women; how they heard what I went through and how it gives them an example [of how] to ask for reparation, and to be able to institute that tiny little model in other scenarios, Williams tells Elle UK.

That has been really one of the most rewarding things not just of my career, but of my life.

Mariana Maltoni (Elle UK)

When it was revealed that Williams had earned less than $1,000 (728) for re-filming scenes in All The Money In The World, the pay disparity between the actor and Wahlberg sparked an uproar.

The attention their inequal salaries received in the media demonstrated to Williams how essential it is to address inequality in the workplace.

Mariana Maltoni (Elle UK)

I went from feeling very helpless, and now I feel helpful, the actor says.

The My Week with Marilyn star stresses the importance of ensuring any workplace is safe and fair, and an environment where people can make choices not from a place of fear.

Mariana Maltoni (Elle UK)

In recent years, Williams has experienced what she describes as a redefinition of power, as shed never previously been able to identify with the notion of being powerful.

Power was never something I wanted in the way I had seen it represented. So I think a kind of redefinition of power, what that might mean personally for me, has taken place, the actor states.

I guess I could call it power, or just the ability to support my family in a meaningful way.

 Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Williams appears on the cover of Elle UKs March 2019 issue, alongside artistic director Nicolas Ghesquiere.

The March issue of Elle UK is on sale from 7 February.
Facebook is finally letting people unsend messages they have sent  but there's a catch.

Users will be able to remove messages even after they have been sent on Messenger, just by clicking on delete.

But doing so will only be possible for 10 minutes. After that, the messages will be stuck in the chat forever  no matter how embarrassing or accidental they might be.

The company has long been teasing such a feature, and users have been asking for it for even longer. The feature has turned up in leaks but will now roll out to Android and iOS from today.

The tool is accessed by pressing on a message, which will bring up a series of options that include "forward" and "translate" as well as "remove". Clicking that latter option brings up the choice to delete it just for yourself or for everyone  choosing that then removes it from the chat, leaving only a note that it has been deleted.

How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Show all 9 1 /9 How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Lock your profile down If you havent done this already, do it now. In Settings, hit the Privacy tab. From here, you can control who gets to see your future posts and friends list. Choose from Public, Friends, Only Me and Custom in the dropdown menu. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Limit old posts Annoyingly, changing this has no effect on whos able to see your past Facebook posts. Instead, on the Privacy page, you have to click on Limit Past Posts, then select Limit Old Posts and finally hit Confirm on the pop-up. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Make yourself harder to find You can stop completely random people from adding you by selecting Friends of Friends from the dropdown menu in the Who can send you friend requests? section of the Privacy page. Its also worth limiting who can find your Facebook profile with your number and email address. At the bottom of the page is the option to prevent search engines outside of Facebook from linking to your profile. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Control access to your Timeline You can limit who gets to post things on your Timeline and who gets to see posts on your Timeline too. In Settings, go to Timeline and Tagging and edit the sections you want to lock down. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Block people When you block someone, they wont be able to see things you post on your Timeline, tag you, invite you to events or groups, start conversations with you or add you as a friend. To do it, go to Settings and Blocking. Annoyingly, you have to block people on Messenger separately. You can also add friends to your Restricted list here, which means theyll still be friends with you but will only be able to see your public posts and things you share on a mutual friend's Timeline. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Review tags One of Facebooks handiest privacy features is the ability to review posts youre tagged in before they appear on your Timeline. Theyll still be visible on the News Feed while theyre fresh, but wont be tied to your profile forever. In Timeline and Tagging, enable Timeline review controls. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Clean up your apps You can view a list of all of the apps youve connected to your Facebook account by going to Settings and Apps. The list might be longer than you expected it to be. Its worth tidying this up to ensure things you no longer use lose access to your personal information. If you dont want to log into websites and apps with your facebook account, scroll down and turn Platform off. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Change your ad preferences You can view a list of everything Facebook thinks youre into and tinker with your ad preferences by going to Settings and Adverts. A lot more information is displayed on the desktop site than the app, so wed recommend doing this on a computer. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Download your data Facebook lets you download all of the data it has on you, including the posts youve shared, your messages and photos, ads youve clicked on and even the IP addresses that are logged when you log in or out of the site. Its a hell of a lot of information, which you should download to ensure you never over-share on the social network again.

Even when messages are deleted, people will have the chance to report abusive ones, Facebook confirmed. There will be an option to report people to avoid users sending then removing harmful messages, for instance.

It mirrors a tool that is available in other apps including Facebook's own WhatsApp. On that app, messages can be deleted for much longer after they are sent, allowing people more than an hour  though it was much shorter initially.

Recommended Mark Zuckerberg tries to defend Facebook on its birthday

Mark Zuckerberg has also had access to a similar feature for some time. Facebook claims the boss's messages disappear over time to ensure they are kept safing, citing security issues such as the major Sony hack.

But users complained that it appeared to be unfair that only they were given the option of deleting messages after the fact. When it became clear Mr Zuckerberg was receiving special treatment, the company announced he would have limited access to the feature that and that such a tool would be rolled out in the coming months.
The unexpected death of the owner of Canada's largest cryptocurrency exchange has left 145 million of cryptocurrency locked in a digital wallet to which he reportedly had the only password.

Gerald Cotten, who served as the chief executive of the QuadrigaCX exchange, died on 9 December in India due to complications relating to Crohn's disease, according to Canadian court documents filed by the company.

The Vancouver-based exchange claimed in a blog post that Mr Cotten's death means they are unable to pay customers around 41m in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies that they're owed, prompting various conspiracy theories surrounding the whereabouts of the funds.

Some customers have even questioned the death of Mr Cotten, taking to social media platforms to demand proof in the form of an obituary or death certificate. According to Coindesk, a death certificate was included in the list of court documents.

Mr Cotton's wife, Jennifer Robertson, stated in an affidavit: "I do not know the password or recovery key. Despite repeated and dilligent searches, I have not been able to find them written down anywhere."

Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Satoshi Nakamoto creates the first bitcoin block in 2009 On 3 January, 2009, the genesis block of bitcoin appeared. It came less than a year after the pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto detailed the cryptocurrency in a paper titled 'Bitcoin: A peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System' Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin is used as a currency for the first time On 22 May, 2010, the first ever real-world bitcoin transaction took place. Lazlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas for 10,000 bitcoins  the equivalent of $90 million at today's prices Lazlo Hanyecz Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Silk Road opens for business Bitcoin soon gained notoriety for its use on the dark web. The Silk Road marketplace, established in 2011, was the first of hundreds of sites to offer illegal drugs and services in exchange for bitcoin Screenshot Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures The first bitcoin ATM appears On 29 October, 2013, the first ever bitcoin ATM was installed in a coffee shop in Vancouver, Canada. The machine allowed people to exchange bitcoins for cash Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures The fall of MtGox The world's biggest bitcoin exchange, MtGox, filed for bankruptcy in February 2014 after losing almost 750,000 of its customers bitcoins. At the time, this was around 7 per cent of all bitcoins and the market inevitably crashed Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Would the real Satoshi Nakamoto please stand up In 2015, Australian police raided the home of Craig Wright after the entrepreneur claimed he was Satoshi Nakamoto. He later rescinded the claim Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's big split On 1 August, 2017, an unresolvable dispute within the bitcoin community saw the network split. The fork of bitcoin's underlying blockchain technology spawned a new cryptocurrency: Bitcoin cash Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's price sky rockets Towards the end of 2017, the price of bitcoin surged to almost $20,000. This represented a 1,300 per cent increase from its price at the start of the year Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures What goes up... Bitcoin price crashes spectacularly, losing half of its value in a matter of days Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin plunges The cryptocurrency eventually bottoms out below $4,000 in 2019 before slowly rebuilding momentum to outperform more traditional assets Getty Images

New research also raises questions about the true state of QuadrigaCX's cryptocurrency holdings, disputing claims made about the funds in the filings.

The funds were allegedly stored in so-called cold storage wallets, meaning they are not connected to the internet and accessible to only people who knew the private keys, or passwords.

This is standard practice for many cryptocurrency exchanges, as it helps to prevent hacking. However, other exchange operators say it is unusual for the keys to be held by just one person.

"Using a reputable custodian to hold the private keys outside the company is perhaps the best option to ensure these codes are not lost," Erik Wilgenhof Plante, the CCO at the exchange BeQuant, told The Independent.

"Following this news, theres likely to be a large amount of scrutiny on Quadriga, in case someone does hold the private key and attempts to siphon the funds. There is a clear lesson here that having a single person owning this information creates a huge vulnerability; they are not only risking huge amounts of money being lost in the event of their death, but also pose a huge risk for kidnapping by people wishing to steal or use blackmail to obtain the coin.

Millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency appear to be locked in a cold storage wallet with no way of accessing them (Getty Images)

According to the summary of findings of the research done by cryptocurrency firm ZeroNonsense, "there are no identifiable cold wallet reserves for QuadrigaCX."

The report added: "It appears that QuadrigaCX was using deposits from their customers to pay other customers once they requested their withdrawal; It does not appear that QuadrigaCX has lost access to their bitcoin holdings. It appears the number of bitcoins in QuadrigaCXs possession are substantially less than what was reported in Jennifer Robertsons (wife of allegedly deceased CEO and Owner Gerry Cotten) affidavit, submitted to the Canadian courts on January 31st, 2019."

Other cryptocurrency experts have suggested such theories are being promoted by people hopeful the customers' funds can somehow be recovered.

In a message to customers, the QuadrigaCX board of directors said efforts were being made to unlock the cold storage wallets.

"For the past weeks, we have worked extensively to address our liquidity issues, which include attempting to locate and secure our very significant cryptocurrency reserves held in cold wallets, and that are required to satisfy customer cryptocurrency balances on deposit, as well as sourcing a financial institution to accept the bank drafts that are to be transferred to us," the message stated.

"Unfortunately, these efforts have not been successful."
A world dumpling eating record has been achieved in Australia to mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year.

Food is a very significant aspect of the celebrations, with several traditional dishes eaten during the annual event by those who observe it.

Dumplings are typically eaten throughout the festivities as a symbol of wealth, due to their resemblance to gold ingots, a form of currency used during the Ming dynasty in China.

It's believed that the more dumplings you eat, the more prosperous you may be in the coming year.

To see in the Chinese New Year, 764 people sat together in Sydney to eat dumplings at the same time.

Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Show all 43 1 /43 Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Performers take part in a fire dragon dance under a shower of molten iron sparks on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Pig, in Zaozhuang REUTERS Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Filipino-Chinese children display piggy banks at the start of celebrations for Lunar New Year in Chinatown, Manila, Philippines AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A lion dance troupe performs among visitors jostling for freebies thrown to them during celebrations for the Lunar New Year of the Pig in Manila's Chinatown district AFP/Getty Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world People buy flowers at a New Year market in Hong Kong's Victoria Park AP/Vincent Yu Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Performers take part in a night parade to celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Lion dancers dance around firecrackers as they explode in the street while ushering in Chinese New Year in San Francisco, California Getty Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world People look at festive New Year pig ornaments in the China Town area of London AFP/Getty Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Drummers perform in front of a mural reading "2019" at a temple fair at Longtan Park in Beijing AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A performer blows fire during Chinese New Year celebrations at Manila's Chinatown Reuters Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world (Credit too long, see caption) Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Dancers perform a Dragon dance next to revelers in Manila EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world anterns are carried through the streets to be hung on Chinese New Year in Chinatown in London Getty Images Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Diners take part in the largest yum cha meal in Sydney, Australia EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Children celebrate the Lunar New Year in Chinatown in New York Getty Images Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A crowd jostles to grab items being thrown at them during celebrations AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Performers take part in a Chinese New Year parade in Tsim Sha Tsui EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world (Credit too long, see caption) Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world (Credit too long, see caption) Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world (Credit too long, see caption) Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Girls react to a squealing Teacup pig, a rare pet in the Philippines, at the start of celebrations leading to the Chinese New Year at Manila's Lucky Chinatown Plaza in Manila AP/Bullit Marquez Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A family poses in front of red lanterns on display at the Longtan Park for a temple fair ahead of Chinese Lunar New Year in Beijing, China AP/Andy Wong Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Vendors carrying pig-shaped balloons for sale to mark the Lunar New Year in Hanoi, Vietnam AP/Hau Dinh Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A vendor packs sweets at the Dihua Street market in Taipei, Taiwan on 29 January. Taiwanese shoppers started hunting for delicacies, dried goods, and other bargains at the market ahead of the Lunar New Year AP/Chiang Ying-ying Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Women take a selfie near a tree decorated with red lanterns AP/Andy Wong Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world An ethnic Chinese-Thai man offers flowers after prayers at the Leng Nuei Yee Chinese temple AP/Sakchai Lalit Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Two divers perform an underwater Chinese Lion Dance ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations at Aquaria KLCC underwater park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 30 January AP/Vincent Thian Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Travellers wait for their trains at a railway station in Hangzhou in east China's Zhejiang province on 28 January. The world's largest annual migration has begun in China with millions of Chinese travelling to their hometowns to celebrate the Lunar New Year Chinatopix via AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Dancers perform the dragon dance in during new year celebrations in the Chinatown disctrict of Manila, Philippines AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Lion dancers perform on the glass deck of the King Power Mahanakhon building, Thailand's tallest, in Bangkok AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Chinese performers dressed in traditional costumes attend a rehearsal of a reenactment of a Qing dynasty (1636-1912) imperial sacrifice ritual to worship the Earth, on the eve of the Chinese New Year, at Ditan Park in Beijing EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A woman takes a photo in a sculpture made of pigs as part of celebrations for the Year of the Pig in Sydney, Australia EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Year of the Pig merchandise for sale at a market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A diver wearing a traditional Chinese outfit feeds fish on the eve of Chinese New Year in Manila, Philippines EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Fireworks explode behind the Sydney Opera House as it glows red as part of celebrations for Chinese New Year of the pig, in Sydney, Australia EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Men perform a dragon dance called Liong ahead of Chinese New Year during the Grebeg Suro ceremony in Solo, Central Java province, Indonesia Reuters Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Performers rehearse a re-enactment of a Chinese New Year Qing Dynasty ceremony at the Temple of Earth in Ditan Park in Beijing Reuters Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Lion dancers pose on the glass deck of the King Power Mahanakhon building, Thailand's tallest, in Bangkok AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A Malaysian ethnic Chinese family take a selfie a temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia AP Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world Indonesian ethnic Chinese people carry offerings during Chinese New Year celebrations at a temple in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia EPA Year of the Pig: Chinese new year celebrations around the world A tourist walks under decorative lanterns ahead of the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia EPA

Every individual taking part in the food-filled occasion was given four dumplings each, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

In order to achieve the record, they all had to eat at least two dumplings each.

The previous world record was set in 2013, when 750 people ate yum cha, otherwise known as dim sum, at the same time in Melbourne.

For the latest world record attempt, 100 tables were laid out across Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour.

The event was monitored by official adjudicators from the Guinness World Records, who were on hand to provide an official certificate authenticating the new record.

The certificate was accepted by City of Sydney councillor Jess Scully and Australian radio presenters Amanda Keller and Brendan Jones.

 Lunar New Year: Google Doodle celebrates Chinese Year of the Pig

"Sydney is widely regarded for its array of high quality, diverse cuisines from across Asia and dumplings are always a favourite," said Clover Moore, lord mayor of Sydney.

According to ABC News, the Australia-China Trade Association is calling for the Lunar Near Year to be regarded as a public holiday in Australia due to the large number of people who celebrate it.
Jewellery is a gift to be treasured, often bought as a token of love, so, its important that when we do make that investment  however big or small in monetary terms  it is a piece of integrity.

Its been about 14 years since Leonardo DiCaprios Blood Diamond shone the spotlight on the brutality behind the diamond industry, shattering any illusions about how so-called precious metals and stones are mined.

A lot has changed since that film. But not nearly enough.

Mining companies destroying sacred indigenous sites in western Australia hit the headlines this summer, and reports of gold linked to militias in Sudan were also recently released.

As one jeweller told us: If youre not asking where your jewellery originates from, theres a high chance youre funding weapons for terrorists in war-torn countries.

"Your money could be going to companies who force people to work in mines at gunpoint or knifepoint and abuse children, making them work 10-hour days.

Most of the jewellery companies you know are highly likely to be marketing beautiful items with no mention of the true origin of where their gold and gems come from.

Arguably even worse, some are hiding behind certifications that are nowhere near robust enough. Its a widely-held belief that The Kimberley Process (which claims to reduce the flow of conflict diamonds) is barely worth the paper it is written on. The Responsible Jewellery Council is better than nothing, but not good enough.

To be candid, its highly unlikely even the best jewellers will have 100 per cent traceability of their supply chains. Its just not possible  yet.

As such, genuinely ethical and sustainable jewellery is exceptionally hard to come by, but here is a guide that will help you buy in line with your values.

That said, there are some brilliant jewellers out there who are battling to change the system, working with trusted suppliers and operating to much higher standards.

The list below not only features them, but is dedicated to the extraordinary efforts they make.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Yala Jewellery Lela 3-way earrings Yala Jewellery offers the chance to own beautiful African-inspired modern jewellery that creates financial opportunities for artisans working in the informal sector in Kenya. As the name suggests, these Lela three-way earrings offer three earring styles in one  they can be worn as simple circle studs, as a stud and half-moon combo or you can wear the half-moon as ear jackets behind the earlobe with the circle stud in front. All Yalas materials are recycled, re-used or reclaimed. These earrings are recycled brass made by Yala Jewellerys brass artisan, George, and his team in their workshop just outside of Nairobi. Yala Jewellery was the first jewellery brand to be certified a B-Corp in the UK  a certification that measures a companys social and environmental purpose. The earrings are currently out of stock but you can sign up to be emailed when stocks are replenished. Buy now  55 , Yala Jewellery {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Harriet Kelsall Jewellery fairtrade 18ct rose gold and chocolate diamond engagement ring Does anything sound more delicious than a chocolate diamond engagement ring? More specifically, a brilliant cut, natural chocolate 1.34 carat diamond ring, held in a statement double-talon claw setting and framed with a cluster of three diamonds in a Fairtrade 18 carat rose gold band? Harriet Kelsalls speciality is creating beautiful jewellery with meaning. Kelsall has been in the jewellery business for more than two decades and specialises in bespoke designs for everything from engagement and wedding rings to dress jewellery, made in its UK workshops. As a young woman starting out, she was laughed out of the room when she dared ask about traceability and was told: Youre in the wrong industry for this, love. That didnt stop her though, and now Kersall is also widely regarded as a pioneer of ethical jewellery, credited with being one of the founders of Fairtrade gold. She passionately believes the industry can do better and she uses her weight and experience to work towards improving supply chains in conflict countries. Her goals include ensuring a bigger share of profits goes back to the miners. Buy now  5850 , Harriet Kelsall Jewellery {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Kind Jewellery full moon disc necklace The intention behind Kind Jewellery is for its pieces to offer a reflection and a reminder of the beauty of the world that surrounds us. This full moon disc necklace is created in Kinds London studio from Fairmined gold. Its simple, organic form mirrors the fullness of the moon. It has a textured hammered side and a smooth side which has space for personal engraving on the back  in your own handwriting should you so wish. Kind work closely with its suppliers to ensure they offer the most transparent supply chains possible. Its sapphires, for example, come from Sri Lankan mines where they dig by hand and replace the gravel. The diamonds have the Canada Mark, meaning theyre traced from mine to maker through a transparent supply chain of approved cutters and dealers. All precious metal is Fairmined. Buy now  295 , Kind Jewellery {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Ange B Designs bold geometric silver ring with turquoise gemstone This big, bold ring is made from a repurposed trapezoid shaped turquoise gemstone set in recycled sterling silver. The shape of the ring reflects the unique shape of the stone; it also satisfies designer and maker Ange Bs love of geometric design with its straight lines and odd angles. It is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable to wear  the band has been purposefully made to be adjusted to fit. Ange Bs jewellery are pieces of wearable art and are handmade in her garden studio in west London  from here she also offers workshops where you can make your own silver jewellery. Buy now  210 , Ange B Designs {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} BAR Jewellery rivera earrings BAR jewellerys pure forms are inspired by modernist art, sculpture and architecture and crafted from recycled materials. These rivera earrings, for example, take influence from the sculptor Jose De Rivera. When Bar Jewellery was founded, its goal was to produce products that dont harm the environment or people. Every decision they make is informed by these principles and as such it has a strong relationships with its manufacturers in the UK and Bali. Founder Sophie McKay also offers her services as a mentor and says: As fashion can be perceived as elitist, I have always wanted to break through and show people that it is a vibrant industry full of opportunities. In addition to helping people succeed in the industry I want to instill a sense of self worth and confidence into people starting out. Buy now  190 , BAR Jewellery {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Ingle & Rhode la mer Ingle & Rhode was launched in 2007 with the aim of offering an ethical alternative to traditional luxury jewellery brands. Its story began a year earlier when David Rhode was looking for an engagement ring but couldnt find a jeweller who could tell him where their diamonds had come from, or the conditions under which their jewellery was produced. He says: The more I looked into the industry, the more compromises I discovered I was being asked to make. From blood diamonds, to dirty gold, to sweatshops and child labour.Ingle & Rhode offers a range of classic, art deco and vintage styles, as well as a bespoke design service. It offers a choice of lab-grown or ethically-minded Canadian diamonds; recycled platinum and recycled gold from a refinery in the US and Fairtrade gold from cooperative producers in South America. The engagement ring pictured marries the beauty of an oval cut diamond with two brilliant cut Canadian diamonds. Buy now  1495 , Ingle & Rhode {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Anuka Jewellery Loka curve hoop earrings The Loka collection takes its inspiration from the forms created in nature and tidal patterns left in the sand. The chunky and unusual shape of these loka curve hoop earrings, gives them unique appeal. Anuka solely uses 100 per cent recycled silver and Fairmined gold, as do many of the brands in this list. Fairmined supports small scale artisanal miners and their communities; providing better chances of fairer pay, gender equality, no child labour, safe working conditions and clean water supplies. Anuka are also the first jewellery label to work with Provenance, incorporating their blockchain technology to enhance transparency in the supply chain. It believes that ensuring all its jewellery is made as ethically and sustainably as possible makes each piece much more meaningful  and we wholeheartedly agree. Buy now  85 , Anuka Jewellery {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Project Cece votch black and pinatex with black moment Votch watches lay streamlined on the wrist, offering a simple, modern and comfortable watch. The interchangeable strap on this watch is Pinatex  a leather-like material made from pineapple leaf fibre as a by-product of the pineapple harvest  and the watch face is from recyclable stainless steel. Votch is a strident cruelty-free watch brand, launched after founder Laura Way suffered topical steroid withdrawal, a condition that saw her lose her skin. When sourcing a vegan-friendly replacement strap for her watch proved nigh-impossible, the idea for Votch was born. Ethics and sustainability go hand-in-hand for Votch. Laura personally visited the factories she had shortlisted to work with and delayed the launch of Votch by six months to ensure she chose the one with the highest standards for employees. Buy now  150 , Project Cece {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Solitude the Label sun necklace You be the sun and Ill be the moon so the oft-quoted poem goes, which Solitude the Label took inspiration from for the design of this delicate silver necklace, which is handmade by two sisters at their atelier in Amsterdam. The sisters also custom-make jewellery. All jewellery is made from 14K recycled gold and recycled silver. The brands ultimate goal is to solely use old gold and silver jewellery sourced from their customers to make beautiful new pieces. 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The verdict: Sustainable and ethical jewellery brands For its beautiful designs, commitment to artisans in Kenya and fair pricing that proves ethics dont have to cost the earth, Yala Jewellery is our top pick. If youre looking for an engagement ring or bespoke design, Ingle & Rhode and Harriet Kelsall will be able to point you in the right direction. Discover even more sustainable brands in our round-up of the best ethical fashion brands

IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
The colour of the worlds oceans could soon begin to shift as warming waters trigger massive fluctuations in plankton populations, according to new research.

A study, conducted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, suggests changes in water-dwelling phytoplankton will make some parts of the ocean bluer, and other parts greener, in one of the more unusual effects of climate change.

As these tiny organisms  which like plants on land, convert sunlight into energy  are green, their presence in the water has a big effect on its colour.

Rising global temperatures are expected to make plankton-rich polar regions even greener as huge blooms flourish, while the blue oceans of the subtropics turn bluer as plankton is wiped out.

The scientists used a computer model to gauge the effect of global warming on the worlds plankton, which revealed that under current trends these changes will likely kick in within decades.

Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Show all 25 1 /25 Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Demonstrators block Westminster Bridge in central London to show anger at government inaction on climate and ecological issues AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges A pro environment protester is arrested by police on Lambeth bridge in London EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Organised by Extinction Rebellion, the protest is part of many taking place this weekend to bring attention to political inaction on issues of pollution and climate change Reuters Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Organised by Extinction Rebellion, the protest is part of many taking place this weekend to bring attention to political inaction on issues of pollution and climate change PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Demonstrators on Blackfriars Bridge PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Police with demonstrators on Blackfriars Bridge PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges A demonstrator is led away by police on Blackfriars Bridge PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Reuters Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Reuters Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Reuters Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Reuters

By the end of the century, more than half of the worlds oceans will have shifted significantly in colour.

The model suggests the changes wont appear huge to the naked eye, and the ocean will still look like it has blue regions in the subtropics and greener regions near the equator and poles, said Dr Stephanie Dutkiewicz, a marine ecologist at MIT.

That basic pattern will still be there. But itll be enough different that it will affect the rest of the food web that phytoplankton supports.

 Teenage activist inspires school strikes to protest climate change

Temperature, ocean current and water acidity can all impact plankton populations, and besides climate change big natural fluctuations can take place as a result of events like El Nino.

In the new study, published in the journal Nature Communications, the scientists used satellite measurements of reflected light from the oceans recorded by satellites to make their predictions.

Dr Dutkiewicz said the results could be potentially quite serious as not only the number but also the varieties of plankton present in the seas shift, triggering changes that affect all ocean creatures.
After visiting poverty-stricken areas across the country ahead of previous lunar new years, President Xi Jinping's latest pre-Spring Festival tour took him to the hutong neighborhoods of central Beijing.

Though slightly different, there has been consistent theme throughout the years: a people-oriented approach.

During the Friday visit, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, enquired about the living conditions of local residents after renovation projects in the traditional alleys.

Xi's talks with the residents went in to details: heating solutions in winter, electric bills and the preparation for the lunar new year ... He also went to check to see if a public toilet was clean.

Wang Chunlian, a resident in the neighborhood, said: "Xi is very kind and approachable. It was like having a relative come to visit."

"What the CPC pursues is to make the people's life better," Xi told residents, adding that the Party aimed to create a more comfortable and better living environment for the people and solve problems they care about so they can enjoy modern life even in old hutong areas.

Xi also greeted deliverymen on duty, stressing that priority should be given to solving employment problems and creating more jobs.

Deliverymen were also mentioned in his new year speech on Dec. 31, during which he extended gratitude to millions of hardworking people, such as deliverymen, sanitation workers and taxi drivers.

In the same speech, Xi said: "My heart goes out to the people living in hardship," and recollected his visits to impoverished villages in Sichuan, Shandong, Liaoning and Guangdong provinces, mentioning a series of names of ordinary person he met in 2018.

Chinese leaders have made it a tradition to visit ordinary people across the country ahead of Spring Festival, the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar.

Xi visited northwestern Gansu Province in 2013, northern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2014, northwestern Shaanxi Province in 2015, eastern Jiangxi Province in 2016, northern Hebei Province in 2017 and southwestern Sichuan Province in 2018.

Interactions between the Chinese leader and the public is common during the inspection trips.

During the 2015 tour to Shaanxi, Xi bought festival gifts before visiting old acquaintances in the village where he worked as an "educated youth."

China is striving to become a "moderately prosperous society in all respects" by 2020, just before the centennial anniversary of the founding of the CPC.

That means all rural residents living below the current poverty line should be lifted out of poverty by 2020. It will be the first time in China's history that extreme poverty is eliminated.

In 2019, the goal is to lift 10 million rural residents above the poverty line.

Besides poverty-reduction, Xi has also discussed issues concerning people's aspirations for a better life, including education, jobs, food safety, healthcare, social security and environmental protection, during previous visits.

Following the people-oriented approach, the Party first and foremost ensures the backing, approval and endorsement of the people, in considering and introducing policies.

"Our people are the solid foundation of the country, and are our main source of confidence as the ruling party," said Xi in his new year speech.
Rapper 21 Savage is not a poster child for immigration because of his criminal conviction, a lawyer has said.

The Grammy-nominated musician, whose real name is Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, was arrested during a targeted operation in Atlanta, Georgia over the weekend.

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said he is a British national who is in the country unlawfully after legally moving to the US on a now-expired visa in 2005.

According to a birth certificate obtained by MailOnline, 21 Savage was born in Newham, east London on 22 October 1992.

ICE says he was convicted on felony drug charges in October 2014.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. 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In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. 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Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. 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Anastasia Tonello, an immigration lawyer with New York-based Laura Devine Attorneys, said the musician could be a good case for Donald Trumps administration, which has cracked down on immigration.

He is obviously not a poster child to stay, she said. Its probably a very good case for the administration. Even if they did not do it in an overt way, he is not sympathetic. The story may change but the fact is he has been convicted of something, he did not finish high school  he does not exude sympathy.

Ms Tonello said 21 Savage could be subject to a 10-year ban to the US for overstaying his visa by more than 12 months, but could apply for specialist permission to enter the country to perform.

The lawyer said it is surprising ICE was not notified of 21 Savages criminal conviction in 2014, as Atlanta is not a Sanctuary City for immigrants and authorities usually share information with immigration officials.

She said his staying in the country may have been a case of priorities, adding: It shows a dysfunction with the system. They have someone right under their noses. I doubt it was any reason except poor system processing.

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ICE has been approached for comment over whether they were informed of 21 Savages conviction in 2014.

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21 Savage was in ICE custody in Georgia this week while awaiting a federal immigration judge to determine future actions.

After news of his detainment broke, a spokesman for the British Foreign Office said: Our staff are in contact with the lawyer of a British man following his detention in the US.

Dina LaPolt, the rappers lawyer, said over the weekend that his legal team is working diligently to free him from detention while they work with the authorities to clear up any misunderstandings.

21 Savage is nominated for two Grammy Awards at this weekends ceremony, including record of the year for the chart-topping track Rockstar with fellow rapper Post Malone.

The 26-year-old released a new music video last week for his song A Lot featuring J Cole, from his new album I Am I Was, which was released in December.

The record, his second studio album, reached 33 in the UK albums chart and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.

He has collaborated with the likes of Drake, Cardi B, Travis Scott and Childish Gambino, and was previously in a relationship with model and actress Amber Rose.

Stars from the world of hip hop have shared their shock at 21 Savages detainment, with US rappers including Lil Yachty and Meek Mill calling for him to be freed from custody.

Press Association
Liam Neeson is facing accusations of racism over comments he made in an interview with The Independent in which he revealed he sought racially charged revenge after the rape of a loved one.

According to Neeson, following the incident, he responded by trying to seek revenge on a black bastard after learning the attacker was an African American man.

I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping Id be approached by somebody. Im ashamed to say that, and I did it for maybe a week hoping some black bastard would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him, he said.

The story and the actors comments, which Neeson shared while promoting his new film Cold Pursuit, have resulted in a wave of backlash.

On social media, where Neesons story went viral, people immediately took offence to the Taken stars comments.

Liam Neeson through the years Show all 23 1 /23 Liam Neeson through the years Liam Neeson through the years March 1995 Liam Neeson stars In the movie Rob Roy Getty Liam Neeson through the years October 1996 Neeson poses with co-star Aidan Quinn (right) and director Neil Jordan (left) at the Los Angeles premiere of their new movie Michael Collins AFP/Getty Liam Neeson through the years March 2001 Neeson poses with the lightsaber he used in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace at the Movie Action for Children auction AFP/Getty Liam Neeson through the years May 2002 Liam Neeson attends the Tony Award nominees brunch Getty Liam Neeson through the years July 2002 Neeson attends the world premiere of K-19: The Widowmaker in Westwood, California Getty Liam Neeson through the years August 2003 Neeson films scenes from Kinsey at Grand Central Station, New York Getty Liam Neeson through the years September 2004 Neeson after a press conference for the movie Kinsey during the Toronto International Film Festival Getty Liam Neeson through the years May 2005 Samuel L Jackson (left) and Neeson (right) pose with Chewbacca at the premiere of Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith Getty Liam Neeson through the years June 2005 Gary Oldman, Sir Michael Caine, Christian Bale, Katie Holmes, Morgan Freeman and Neeson arrive at the premiere of Batman Begins at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre Getty Liam Neeson through the years September 2006 Pierce Brosnan (left) and Neeson attend the Seraphim Falls press conference during the Toronto International Film Festival Getty Liam Neeson through the years September 2008 Neeson poses by the river Thames before a screening of the action movie Taken Getty Liam Neeson through the years June 2010 Neeson, Quinton Rampage Jackson, director Joe Carnahan, Sharlto Copley, and Bradley Cooper arrive at the premiere of their movie The A-Team Getty Liam Neeson through the years January 2011 Neeson at the premiere of The Grey in Los Angeles Getty Liam Neeson through the years September 2012 Neeson poses next to the beach closet dedicated to him on the Promenade des Planches for the movie Taken 2 Getty Liam Neeson through the years February 2013 Neeson presents an award at the Oscars Getty Liam Neeson through the years February 2014 Neeson holds his character from The Lego Movie as he attends the premiere in New York Getty Liam Neeson through the years February 2014 Actors Michelle Dockery, Lupita Nyongo, Neeson and Julianne Moore attend the premiere of their movie Non-Stop Getty Liam Neeson through the years November 2014 Maureen OHara accepts an Honorary Oscar from Clint Eastwood and Neeson Getty Liam Neeson through the years January 2015 Neeson signs posters as he attends a Taken 3 fan screening Getty Liam Neeson through the years February 2017 Neeson reprises his role from Love Actually alongside Thomas Brodie-Sangster for Comic Reliefs Red Nose Day Actually Getty Liam Neeson through the years September 2017 Neeson appears on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Getty Liam Neeson through the years January 2018 Neeson attends the premiere of The Commuter in New York Getty Liam Neeson through the years February 2018 Neeson speaks after receiving an award for his career during the Golden Camera awards ceremony in Hamburg AFP/Getty

American film producer Tariq Nasheed said: Keep in mind that Liam Neeson didnt say he just has some revenge fantasy. He actually went out for a week LOOKING for a black person to kill, but he couldnt find one.

One user on Twitter asked: Would Liam Neeson have that same energy if the attacker was white?

Others pointed out the racial inequality exemplified by the actors admission, which Neeson himself acknowledged was horrible.

Liam Neeson being ready to take any black life over what one person allegedly did just shows how meaningless and inconsequential black lives are to some, one person wrote on Twitter. Even him telling the story demonstrates a level of privilege and understanding that there may not be repercussions.

Neesons immediate focus on the race of the attacker was also criticised  after hed revealed his second question was What colour were they.

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Not how old were they? How tall were they? You just asked what colour were they? I dont care how sorry you are, Liam Neeson, that is disgusting, BuzzFeed reporter Hannah Al-Othman responded.

The comments came as the US is dealing with another racial controversy relating to the governor of Virginia.

Democrat Ralph Northam is seeking to reject calls for his resignation after images were published from his 1984 high school year book that showed two students attending a fancy dress party. One had their face in so-called black face, while the other was dressed as a member of the Ku Klux Klan.

Mr Northam initially said he believed he was one of the students photographed and apologised.

This behaviour is not in keeping with who I am today and the values I have fought for throughout my career in the military, in medicine, and in public service, he said in a statement that was released as the country prepared to mark black history month. But I want to be clear, I understand how this decision shakes Virginians faith in that commitment.

He later said he had concluded it was not him in the photograph. Since then, he has been trying to brush off demands from both Republicans and members of his own party that he stand down.

Neeson made the controversial comments after being asked to explain his Cold Pursuit character, Nels Coxmans, need for revenge after his son is killed by a drug gang.

Talking about onscreen violence, Neeson said: I think audience members live to see that. They can kind of live vicariously through it. People say, Yeah but violence in films makes people want to go out and kill people. I dont believe that at all.

I think the average moviegoer thinks, Yeah, punch him. Punch him. And they get a satisfaction out of seeing somebody else enact it, and they leave the theatre and they feel satiated in some way.

The Independent contacted Neesons publicist for further comment but he declined.
The premiere for actor Liam Neesons latest film has been abruptly cancelled amid the fallout from an interview in which he said he roamed the streets decades ago in search of a black person to kill.

Organisers for the premiere of the film Cold Pursuit announced the cancellation on Tuesday, just hours before its scheduled start.

Neeson, who detailed to The Independent wanting to indiscriminantly kill a black bastard after someone close to him they were raped years ago, had addressed the issue during an interview on Good Morning America on Tuesday, saying that he is not racist.

During that interview on Tuesday, Neeson said that he had discussed the issue because racism and bigotry exist. He said during the interview with The Independent published on Monday that he had wandered the streets with a cosh roughly 40 years ago after someone close to him said they were raped by a black individual, but not someone who they knew.

:: Read the original, exclusive interview that started a global conversation

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

In his interview on Good Morning America, the 66-year-old actor said that he had wandered the streets looking for a black person to kill as a result of a "primal urge to lash out". He said that he then sought help from a priest and friends when he realized what he was doing.

"For some nights I deliberately went into black areas in the city looking to be set upon so that I could unleash physical violence. I did it for maybe four or five times until I caught myself on. It really shocked me  this primal urge I had. It shocked me and it hurt me, Neeson said during his GMA interview.

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I did seek help. I went to a priest, he said. I had two really good friends that I talked to, and believe it or not, power walking. Two hours every day to get rid of this. I'm not racist".

Neeson's newest film was slated for wide release on 8 February. His comments to The Independent came during press availability to promote his work.
Christoph Waltz has come under fire for an awkward interview that saw him respond negatively to the majority of a journalists questions.

The Oscar-winning actor was in London promoting new film Alita: Battle Angel when he was asked by HeyUGuyss Stefan Pape if he could provide the backstory of his character, Dr Dyson Ido.

No chance. Go see the movie, he said, adding: I can explain why I refuse: because thats your job, not mine. I dont think an actor should talk about his character, because its shooting himself in the knee.

The journalist said that the talent involved (its directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron) must have made his decision to sign up to the film a lot easier.

No it doesnt. It makes it more difficult, Waltz said.

The 65 best movie insults of all time Show all 65 1 /65 The 65 best movie insults of all time The 65 best movie insults of all time Avengers Assemble (2012) "This is my bargain, you mewling quim." Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) "Hey, where'd you get those clothes, the toilet store?" DreamWorks Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) "How could you sleep with Fat Bastard? No, I mean, literally, how could you do it? He's so fat, the sheer mechanics of it are mind-boggling." New Line Cinema The 65 best movie insults of all time Bad Moms (2016) "Well, you look like a bag of d***s" REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Bad Santa (2003) Youre an emotional f***ing cripple. Your soul is dogs***. Every single f***ing thing about you is ugly. REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Blade: Trinity (2004) "You c*ck-juggling thunderc***!" New Line Cinema The 65 best movie insults of all time The Breakfast Club (1985) "Does Barry Manilow know that you raid his wardrobe?" Universal Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) "If staying here means working within 10 yards of you, frankly, I'd rather have a job wiping Saddam Hussein's arse." Universal Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Bull Durham (1988) "From what I hear, you couldn't hit water if you fell out of a f***ing boat." Orion Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Burn After Reading (2008) "I have a drinking problem? F*** you, Peck. Compared to you we all have a drinking problem." Macall Polay The 65 best movie insults of all time The Campaign (2012) "You know what the difference between your momma and a washing machine is? When I dump a load in a machine, the machine doesn't follow me around for three weeks." Warner Bros Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Casino (1995) "You horse manure smelling motherf***er, you." Universal Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time The Cat in the Hat (2003) "Do you know how hard it is telling people were related?" DreamWorks Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Closer (2004) "Go f*** yourself, you WRITER!" Columbia Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Clueless (1995) "Youre a virgin and you cant drive." Paramount Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Con Air (1997) "You're somewhere between a cockroach and that white stuff that accumulates at the corner of your mouth when you're really thirsty." Buena Vista Pictures Distribution The 65 best movie insults of all time The Death of Stalin (2017) "You smell like rendered horse, you burning a**hole." eOne Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Donnie Darko (2001) "You can go suck a f***." Pandora Cinema The 65 best movie insults of all time Duck Soup (1933) "He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don't let that fool you  he really is an idiot." Paramount Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Easy A (2010) "Don't you think it's a little strange that your boyfriend is 22-years-old and still in high school?" Screen Gems The 65 best movie insults of all time Erin Brockovich (2000) "That's all you got, lady - two wrong feet and f***ing ugly shoes." Columbia Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Escape Plan (2013) "You hit like a vegetarian" The 65 best movie insults of all time The Favourite (2018) "You look like a badger." Fox Searchlight Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time A Fish Called Wanda (1988) "To call you stupid would be an insult to stupid people." The 65 best movie insults of all time Full Metal Jacket (1987) "You climb like old people f***, Private Pile." ColumbiaCannonWarner The 65 best movie insults of all time Gangs of New York (2002) I dont give a tuppeny f*** about your moral conundrum, you meat-headed s*** sack. Miramax Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) "You're in more dire need of a blowjob than any white man in history" Buena Vista Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time The Hangover (2009) "You are literally too stupid to insult." Warner Bros. Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time His Girl Friday (1940) "Listen, you insignificant, square-toed, pimple-headed spy!" Columbia Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Home Alone (1990) "You're what the French call: 'les incompetents'." DON SMETZER/20TH CENTURY FOX/The Kobal Collection/WireImage.com The 65 best movie insults of all time In Bruges (2008) "YOU'RE AN INANIMATE F***ING OBJECT!" Universal Studios/Focus Features The 65 best movie insults of all time In the Loop (2009) "Allow me to pop a jaunty little bonnet on your purview and ram it up your a*** with a lubricated horse c***." IFC Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) "I should have had you wear double condoms. Well, we shouldn't have done it in the first place, but if you ever do it again, which as a favour to women everywhere, you should not, but if you do, you should be wearing condom on condom, and then wrap it in electrical tape. You should just walk around always inside a great big condom because you are s***!" CBS Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) Perry: "Look up 'idiot' in the dictionary. You know what you'll find?" : "Look up 'idiot' in the dictionary. You know what you'll find?" Harry: "A picture of me?" Perry: "No! The definition of the word idiot, which you f***ing are." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Knocked Up "Your face looks like Robin Williams' knuckles. The 65 best movie insults of all time The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) "Were you always this stupid or did you take lessons?" The 65 best movie insults of all time The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942) "My great aunt Jennifer ate a whole box of candy every day of her life. She lived to be 102 and when she'd been dead three days, she looked better than you do now." Warner Bros. The 65 best movie insults of all time Matilda (1996) "Your mummy is a TWIT." TriStar Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time The Mist (2007) Ill tell you what. The day I need a friend like you, Ill just have myself a little squat and s*** one out. REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) "Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries." EMI Films The 65 best movie insults of all time National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) If any of you are looking for any last-minute gift ideas for me, I have one. I'd like Frank Shirley, my boss, right here tonight. I want to tell him what a cheap, lying, no-good, rotten, four-flushing, low-life, snake-licking, dirt-eating, inbred, overstuffed, ignorant, blood-sucking, dog-kissing, brainless, d***less, hopeless, heartless, fat-ass, bug-eyed, stiff-legged, spotty-lipped, worm-headed sack of monkey s*** he is." The 65 best movie insults of all time Parenthood (1989) "I wouldn't live with you if the world were flooded with piss and you lived in a tree." Universal Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Phantom Thread (2018) "Are you a special agent sent here to ruin my evening and possibly my entire life?" REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Point Break (1991) "You're a real blue flame special, aren't you, son? Young, dumb and full of cum. What I don't know is how you got assigned here. Guess we must just have ourselves an asshole shortage, huh?" REX The 65 best movie insults of all time The Princess Bride (1987) "I'll explain and I'll use small words so that you'll be sure to understand, you warthog faced buffoon." Vestron Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Roxanne (1987) "Is that your nose or did a bus park on your face?" REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Say Anything (1989) "I got a question: if you guys know so much about women, how come you're here on a Saturday night completely alone drinking beers with no women anywhere?" The 65 best movie insults of all time Scarface (1983) "Even if I were blind, desperate, starved and begging for it on a desert island, you'd be the last thing I'd ever f***." Universal Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time School of Rock (2004) "You're tacky and I hate you" The 65 best movie insults of all time Sexy Beast (2000) "You're the f***ing problem you f***ing Dr White honkin' jam-rag f***ing spunk-bubble!" REX The 65 best movie insults of all time She's All That (1999) "To everyone here who matters, you're spam. You're vapour. A waste of perfectly good yearbook space." Miramax Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Short Circuit (1986) "Hey laser-lips, your mother was a snowblower." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Shrek (2000) "You dense, irritating, miniature beast of a burden." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time The Silence of the Lambs (1991) You know what you look like to me, with your good bag and your cheap shoes? You look like a rube. A well scrubbed, hustling rube with a little taste. Good nutrition has given you some length of bone, but youre not more than one generation from poor white trash, are you, Agent Starling?" Orion Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) "Why, you stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf herder." 20th Century Fox The 65 best movie insults of all time Step Brothers (2008) "You're not a doctor. You're a big fat curly headed f***." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time There Will Be Blood (2007) "You're just the afterbirth, Eli, slithered out on your mother's filth. They should have put you in glass jar on a mantelpiece." Paramount Vantage/Miramax Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Three Amigos (1986) "You dirt-eating piece of slime. You scum-sucking pig. You son of a motherless goat." Orion Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Toy Story (1995) "You are a sad strange little man, and you have my pity." Buena Vista Pictures Distribution The 65 best movie insults of all time Wayne's World (1992) "Benjamin is nobody's friend. If Benjamin were an ice cream flavour, he'd be pralines and d***." Paramount Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Whiplash (2014) "You are a worthless, friendless, piece of shit whose mommy left daddy when she figured out he wasn't Eugene O'Neill, and who is now weeping and slobbering all over my drum set like a f***ing nine-year old girl." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time The Witches of Eastwick (1987) "In the short time we've been together, you have demonstrated every loathsome characteristic of the male personality and even discovered a few new ones. You are physically repulsive, intellectually retarded, you're morally reprehensible, vulgar, insensitive, selfish, stupid, you have no taste, a lousy sense of humour and you smell. You're not even interesting enough to make me sick." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Withnail & I (1987) "Monty, you terrible c***." HandMade Films The 65 best movie insults of all time The Wizard of Oz (1939) "You clinking, clanking, clattering collection of caliginous junk!" Loew's, Inc. The 65 best movie insults of all time The Women (1939) "You wanna see a bad facelift? Helen Danvers, two o'clock. She looks like she's re-entering the Earth's atmosphere." REX

He didnt much like Papes point that it must have been cool to see the films special effects added to the finished product, either, completely missing the point of his question: that it must have been a sensation to see hard work paid off on screen.

Waltzs reply verged on the patronising: The motion was there. What we do is what we do no matter what. [And] thats audience  we are trying to evoke that experience when we shoot. We still are actors who are humans and do what humans do.

Nearing the end of the interview, Pape asks Waltz about his plans to direct. His reponse to the question? A death stare.

Did you notice [that]? Waltsz asks, to which Pape nervously responds: I cant read it though. Realising hes perhaps gone to far, Waltz lets out a laugh, saying: I cant talk about it.

Alita: Battle Angel is in cinemas on 6 February
(The Center Square)  High school students may soon be able to take financial literacy courses as part of their required two years of social studies with a measure awaiting the governors approval.
"Sohrab Ahmari is emerging as one of the finest minds and writers of his generation, and the story of his conversion recounted here will stay with the reader for a very long time."

 Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, from the Foreword

"From Fire, By Water is not so much about Sohrab Ahmari but about the work of divine grace in his soul disposed to hear God's voice calling him with immeasurable and enduring love. It is the story of the journey of faith in which it is always God Who first calls us to believe in Him and place all our trust in Him. The same humility before God, which disposed the author to respond to God's call, permits him to give a most compelling and indeed inspiring account of how he came to know God, to love Him and to serve Him with all his heart. The author's extraordinary gift for writing truly approaches, as best as one can at any given time, a true account of the incomparable beauty of the reality he recounts."

 Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke

"Relentlessly honest, deeply moving, Sohrab Ahmari's story of his intellectual and spiritual journey from dismissive disbelief to vibrant Catholic faitha journey propelled by some intriguing companions, including Nietzsche, Camus, and Koestleris food for both mind and soul and an important testimony to the invigorating power of truth."

 George Weigel, Author, Witness to Hope and The End and the Beginning

"This book is a testimony of Eucharistic triumph. God seeks us and will transform us if we let Him. Sohrab Ahmari's beautiful memoir will help all of us trust in God alone better."

 Kathryn Jean Lopez, Editor-at-Large of National Review

"Memoirs written by people who are still in their thirties are almost never of interest to anyone. Sohrab Ahmari's, however, is a grand exception. It's a gripping account of the fascinating life of someone who was born to a liberal family in post-revolutionary Iran, migrated to the United States where he and his mother lived among Mormons in Utah, made a series of bad choices, and found his way to political conservatism and a career in journalism, and wrestled with Godunsuccessfullyto stay out of the Catholic Church."

 Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University

"Lives  indeed, as I believe, eternal destinies  will be changed by this book. I wish every angry young man who hates God could read this moving, challenging personal confession of a still-young man who has been where they are, and who gained wisdom and release."

 Rod Dreher, The American Conservative

"Buy Sohrab's superb book for its story of personal faith but also its revelations of life under a farcical theocracy."

 Tim Stanley, The Catholic Herald

"Remarkable. . . . a book of many virtues, the most unexpected of which is Ahmari's subtle brand of comedy . . . . From Fire, by Water is a spiritual memoir perfectly suited to our time."

 Jonathan V. Last, Commentary

"Ahmari's memoir took me to places I have never been, and gave me a fresh look at people and places that seemed very familiar. Most especially, Ahmari's book explored a restless human heart, searching and seeking, until, quite unexpectedly, coming to rest in the Lord."

 JD Flynn, Catholic News Agency

"If you're going to write a book about your religious conversion it'd better be a great yarn. And if you're going to write a memoir while you're still in your early thirties you'd better be a great writer. In From Fire, by Water Sohrab Ahmari has both boxes checked. . . . Ahmari is a precise and evocative writer, which makes From Fire, by Water easy reading and good reading."

 Matthew Hennessey, The University Bookman

"A thought-provoking story . . . a breath of fresh air . . .The author is a gifted wordsmith, ably portraying a variety of colorful scenes and scenarios  physical and philosophical."

 Lela Gilbert, Newsmax

"[A] forthright and well-written spiritual memoir."

 Hannah Niemeier, The New Criterion

"His book offers a long, candid, and unsparing look at the young Ahmari, at the Shi'ite Muslim society into which he was born in Iran, and the secular America where he came into maturity."

 Philip F. Lawler, author of Smoke of Satan; editor of Catholic World News

"From Fire, By Water is a book that I would place in the hands of any young, over-confident, over-zealous skeptic. It's a book that college-age kids need to read as they flirt, perhaps for the first time, with new ideas that sound avant-garde and rebellious for rebellion's sake, but only end up disappointing."

 Andrew Walker, The Public Discourse

"Eloquent prose and a compelling story."

 Madeleine Kearns, National Review

"An arresting sort of modern-day permutation of St. Augustine's Confessions. Like Augustines spiritual autobiography, Ahmari's compellingly written memoir is punctuated with soul-aches and poignant laments for misspent time. It brims with final awe at the irruption of grace into a soul so wounded by sin."

 Julia Meloni, Crisis Magazine

"A wonderful read for anyone who is seeking a deeper meaning to life, whether they be persons of devout faith or of none at all."

 Christine Rousselle, The Washington Examiner

"An engaging account of [Ahmari's] journey to faith. . . . extraordinary talents as a writer."  R.R. Reno, First Things

"Ahmari writes beautifully, and the story he tells is fascinating.... Although Ahmari's context is a different one from [Thomas] Merton's, more than once while reading the book I saw correlations between their autobiographies."

 Gregory Hillis, America

"[A] striking memoir."

 Ross Douthat, The New York Times
Last week, BuzzFeed made over 200 employees, 15 per cent of its overall global workforce redundant. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliates the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) and the Authors Guild strongly condemned the decision by BuzzFeed and called for wider consultation on addressing the challenges the company is facing.

On 25 January, 43 of BuzzFeeds 250 employees in the USA were made redundant, including the entire news desk. In London, 17 positions at BuzzFeed were put forward for redundancy, while on Tuesday January 29, staff in BuzzFeeds Australia offices were told that as many as 25 of the 40 employees would be made redundant. BuzzFeed Spain and Mexico were closed as part of the global restructure.

The latest cuts at BuzzFeed highlight the crisis facing journalism around the world and the ongoing risks to public interest reporting if even those media players successfully engaging large and younger audiences feel they can no longer afford sizeable workforces or dedicated newsrooms.

The redundancies come after BuzzFeed cut 6 per cent or 100 employees in 2017. However, BuzzFeed is not the only online media platform to cut staff. In the US Verizon, which owns Yahoo and The Huffington Post, has also announced that it will cut 7 per cent of its staff. Vox, Media and Mic, which owns Vox and SB Nation cut 50 staff in 2018, and Vice has instituted a hiring freeze.

NUJ general secretary, Michelle Stanistreet said: The sheer scale of these cuts is sad to see. Its a swingeing blow to morale in the newsroom and a far cry from where staff were told things would be after major redundancies a year ago, which were billed as setting the company up for the future. That staff are going through this again so soon raises questions that need to be addressed across digital publishing, about future strategy and the importance of long term investment, rather than unrealistic expectations of short term returns. It is a real shame to see BuzzFeed choose to lose another large number of skilled and experienced digital journalists.

MEAA said: MEAA members have expressed anger and concern at the way these redundancies are being conducted and call on the company to ensure all entitlements are paid in full to their hard-working staff, who have demonstrated the utmost dedication to the BuzzFeed brand, and properly recognise those efforts with fair, reasonable and above-award redundancy payments, in line with what their colleagues overseas have received. MEAA notes journalists working for digital-only publications current miss out on key protections enjoyed by their print colleagues  but MEAA members are fighting to change that.

The Authors Guild said: The recent cuts in digital media journalist jobs follows a long trend of newsroom layoffs, and it a crisis that affects us all. The quality of news suffers, as do journalists.Like the newspapers and print magazines before it, BuzzFeed will need to rehire reporters and editors as freelancers, forcing them to work for less pay and without health insurance and other benefits. In the U.S., newspaper jobs declined by 60% between 1990 and 2016. The Authors Guild is working to ensure that freelancers are paid a livable wage, are given protections under the law and have access to affordable healthcare coverage and other benefits (which employers and not the government provide in the U.S.); otherwise, the most experienced journalists will have no choice but to transition to other careers. The Authors Guild is committed to elevating the issue of authors ability to maintain sustainable writing careers to the national stage, creating business models that will sustain journalism into the future.

The IFJ general secretary, Anthony Bellanger said: We stand in solidarity with journalists across the world who continue to work in this changing media landscape, using innovative ways to tell the stories. Finding a way to make journalism sustainable should be a clear focus for each media company, ensuring jobs and telling the stories that need to be told.

To see more on what our affiliates are doing about the changes to journalism and digital media:

MEAA: https://www.meaa.org/campaigns/good-jobs-in-digital-media/

Authors Guild:https://www.authorsguild.org/industry-advocacy/pulitzer-prize-winning-novelist-richard-russo-moderates-authors-guilds-series-at-nypl-who-owns-the-word/

http://media.nypl.org/video/2018-11-15_TOL_WhoOwnsTheWordPt1.mp4

NUJ:https://www.nuj.org.uk/home/
On Chinese New Year's Eve on Feb. 4, a ceremony was held in Miaoyuan village of Quzhou city to celebrate the beginning of spring.

On Chinese New Year's Eve on Feb. 4, a ceremony was held in Miaoyuan village of Quzhou city to celebrate the beginning of spring.

Located in China's eastern Zhejiang province, Miaoyuan village is the world's only place that fully preserves the convention of paying tribute to the God of Spring. The day also marked the Beginning of Spring in the "24 Solar Terms," namely 24 periods and climate governing agricultural arrangements in ancient China. The Solar Terms were inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2016.

"I like ploughing and it's such a pleasant honor to act as the farmer that whips the ox," said 63-year-old Xu Mingren. "I come here to see the rituals every year and it's great to play a part in it." Xu and 11-year-old Huang Hao were each playing the roles of a farmer and a shepherd boy, working a farm cattle with big red cloth-made flowers tied to its horns. They performed the ritual of the first plough in the spring, which symbolized the earnest hope of good weather for the crops and a good harvest.

"It's so exciting to be here seeing all those rituals! Marvelous!" said Lee from South Africa. This was his first time celebrating Chinese New Year with local people. More than 10 million people watched the livestream of the celebration through platforms including the CCTV News App, the website of CGTN, Weibo, Jinri Toutiao, etc.

"The villagers here continue to perform the traditional ritual of paying tribute to the God of Spring, including offering sacrifices to the God of Spring, worshipping the land, whipping the ox, and eating vegetables," said Liu Kuili, a member of the Honorary Department of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and honorary president of the Chinese Folk Society. He said the etiquette and custom activities of the past days have gradually evolved into a folk culture, which is not only a cultural accumulation, but also shows the cultural self-confidence of the local villagers.

Local villager Gong Yuanlong gave visitors a tour of the spring cake house. "It used to be a worn-out factory making New Year cakes, but now it has totally changed thanks to our culture," Gong said. With purple sweet potato, spinach, fragrant rice, sticky rice and mountain spring water, villagers now make diversified types and colors of New Year cakes, which are being sold in many places across China.

To boost cultural development, the local government has invited well-known domestic designers to help its villagers with cultural and creative industries. In recent years, many modern village inns have been set up, which has not only provided more jobs for older folk artists and surplus labor force, but also expanded spending on cultural products and boosted country tours.

"We want to activate the traditional culture and make our countryside more beautiful," said Xu Lishui, secretary of the CPC Kecheng District Committee.

Highlights of celebration this year

1. This is for the first time in 19 years that the Beginning of Spring and the Lunar Chinese New Year's Eve fall on the same day. The Lunar Chinese New Year's Eve marks the end of the year Year of the Dog, while the Beginning of Spring is the first one of the "24 Solar Terms."

2. The Spring Cake Banquet. Also known as the "New Year Cake," the Spring Cake in Chinese spells "Chun Gao," and the word Chinese character "Gao" means higher or better. By eating the Spring Cake, people are expecting their lives to get more prosperous year by year. Located on the Wutongzu Square, the Spring Cake Banquet is in the shape of a sunflower. , and if you look at the banquet from above, the banquet spot appears to have many yellow oranges on the periphery of the outer circle. In total the shape emblems the spring, harvest, sun exposure, and family reunion.

3. Celebrating the coming of the spring, participants including visitors from the United States, and South Africa and other countries.

4. Role models from Quzhou, led by Wan Shaohua, participate in the festival.

5. Huang Yaqiong, champion of the World Cup Badminton Tournament, sports ambassador of Quzhou, and laureate of the 7th "Most Respected People in Quzhou," participate in the festival.

6. At the festival you can see a 70-meter long road, which is deliberately decorated based on the "24 Solar Terms," and you can also find a wall on which you can write down your new year wishes.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's improved Sensor Fish is a small tubular device filled with sensors that analyze the physical stresses fish experience as they pass through dams and other hydropower structures. The devices latest version costs about 80 percent less and can be used in more hydro structures than its predecessor, according to a paper published in the journal Review of Scientific Instruments.
Tibetans have spent a busy Monday preparing for Losar, or Tibetan New year, which coincides with the Lunar New Year this year.

Early in the morning, Tseringtso, 60 living in Lhasa, capital city of Tibet autonomous region, assigned jobs to do among her family members -- some in charge of shopping, some cleaning, and some decoration.

Monday marked the eve of the upcoming Losar on the Tibetan calendar. The Tibetan New Year is normally celebrated by religious rituals, long prayers, horse races, family gatherings and feasts.

Standing in front of the "Qiema," a two-tier rectangular wooden box containing roasted barley and fried wheat grain, Tseringtso said the decorations on the table -- ears of wheat, a porcelain sheep head, and a pot of highland barley, dates, air-dried beef, candies, nuts, butter, and brown sugar -- symbolize harvest in the next year.
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You are here: China

China's railway system continued to see a surge in passengers on Monday, the Lunar New Year's eve, as Chinese rushed home for family gathering.

Chinese railway network is expected to see 5.48 million trips on Sunday, up 3.6 percent year on year. Nearly 270 extra trains will be put into service to meet the booming travel demand.

About 9.3 million train trips were made on Saturday, up 5.4 percent year on year.

The Spring Festival travel rush started from Jan 21 and will last till March 1, during which railway trips are expected to hit 413 million in total, up 8.3 percent from a year ago.

Air travel demand also boomed in recent weeks. From Jan 21 to Feb 3, China Eastern Airlines sent almost 2 million passengers, up 8 percent year on year.

According to the Chinese zodiac calender, the Year of the Pig starts on Feb 5, and the public holiday associated with it lasts from Feb 4 to 10.

Hundreds of millions of Chinese return to their hometowns for family gathering during the holiday.
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Five Egyptian fishermen detained in Iran finally released

by Al-Masry Al-Youm

February 03,2019 | Source: Egypt Independent

Efforts by the Foreign Ministry to release five Egyptian fishermen detained by the Iranian authorities on charges of illegally entering Iranian territorial waters aboard a Saudi fishing boat have been successful, after all legal proceedings for release were finalized, according to a statement by the Foreign Ministry on Sunday.



The Foreign Ministry clarified that the five Egyptian fishermen are in good condition, and the ministry was careful to ensure their safety during their detention.



The fishermens vessel, legalized in Saudi Arabia, stranded near Fares Island in December.



Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs and Egyptian Expatriates, Yasser Hashim, has said last month that the fishermen were referred to the competent Iranian court.

 Al-Masry Al-Youm. 2019

Theme(s): Communities and Organisations.
Liberias fishing community laments bad deal with Senegal

February 03,2019 | Source: FPA

Agnes Jabbah is a great admirer of President George Manneh Weah. She voted for him in last years presidential elections and is praying for his success. Like most residents in this slum community, she wakes up every morning to buy fish from artisanal fishermen.



So, when news surfaced last week that the Weah-led government had signed a fisheries agreement with its neighbors, Senegal, it caught her in her tracks.



As far as Jabbah is concerned, the move spells danger and is a risky business that could starve she and her children.



Weah is our son and we like him, she says. This is why we carry him, (voted him), but he must not seek our downfall, by bringing the Senegalese boats to take our fish. I am in George Weahs interest but this one he is bringing now, is discouraging me, because if they bring the Senegalese people to take our fish, how do they expect we the poor people to get our children daily bread and send them to school? So let those fishing boats remain where they are and not come to Liberia, the Fanti Town resident told FrontPageAfrica.



Jabbah further lamented that when the Senegalese start fishing on the Liberias waters, they will catch all the fish and deposit them into a cold storage thereby forcing poor folks like her who dont have money to buy fish anymore. As it stands now, Jabbah says she can only afford to buy a pan of fish daily to enable her feed her family.



When I have LD$ 2,000.00, I can be able to buy fish from the Fanti man; I am able to feed my children and pay their school fees, but when those people come, how will I manage? I love him and voted for him two times because we embraced him like our son, so let him embrace us too,



Jabbah was among many who gathered in little groups to express their dissatisfaction over the recent fishing deal with Senegal, as they gathered at the fishing service station to buy their fishes from local fishermen.



The deal was signed in Dakar, Senegal on January 22, 2019. Ms. Emma Metieh Glassco, Director General of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority signed on behalf of Liberia while Senegals Minister of Fisheries Mr. Oumar Gueye signed for his country.



Liberia and Senegal signed a deal. Liberia allocates 300 fishing licenses (in its own water) for Senegalese fishermen for five years. 200 for artisanal fishing; 100 for semi-industrial fishing. In exchange Senegalese will give advises to Liberia to fight against illegal fishing, Radio France International reported.



The deal allows the Senegalese alone to harvest about 40,000 tons of fish from Liberia a year, FrontPageAfrica has gathered.



Marie Sneh, a fishermans wife and mother of seven sells fish to enable her to send her children to school.



Like Jabbah, she too has concerns about the agreement with Senegal. If the three hundred fishing boats come from Senegal, My husband who is a fisherman will just burn gas for nothing to go on the sea for fish and will not catch any fish. So I do not want the Senegalese or any other foreign boat to come here because it will take my husband and other fishermen from business, says Sneh



The five-year agreement which is also renewable for equal period will grant Senegal greenlight to the exploitation and the management of the marine resources, the enhancement and commercialization of fishery and aquaculture products, fisheries research, preservation of the marine and coastal environment, training and capacity building of human resources, monitoring, control and surveillance of fisheries and safety at sea for artisanal fishermen, among other important measures in Liberia.



The new fishing continues to draw ire from the commercial fishing community of West Point; one of the biggest fishing communities that supplies fishes to restaurants, Hotels, canteens, businesses and citizens in Monrovia. Their fear is that when the fishing vessels come from Senegal it will deny them of fishing for a living.

 2019 - FrontPageAfrica

Theme(s): Fisheries Development and Aquaculture.
15 Kenyan fishermen arrested in Tanzania

by Aly Abich

February 03,2019 | Source: Citizen Digital

Fifteen Kenyan fishermen from Remba Island in Suba North, Homa Bay County are detained at Sota Police Station in Tanzania after they were arrested in the waters of Lake Victoria over alleged fishing boundary trespass.



The fishermen were arrested by Tanzania security officials on Thursday when they were in their normal fishing expedition.



According to Homa Bay County Beach Management Units chairman (BMU) Edward Oremo, five boats belonging to the fishermen were also seized by the officers during the arrest.



Oremo says that the Tanzania authorities also confiscated their fishing gear and took away the fishermens catch worth millions of shillings during the arrest.



Mr. Oremo pointed out that they had dispatched a team to Tanzanian to find out how to free their colleagues.



He called upon the Kenyan government to find a lasting solution to end the persistent harassment of fishermen by Tanzanian authorities.

 2019 Citizen Digital

Theme(s): Communities and Organisations.
Trinidad seeks INTERPOL assistance in locating nationals allegedly kidnapped in Venezuela

February 01,2019 | Source: Jamaica Observer

The Trinidad and Tobago Government Friday said the alleged kidnapping of six nationals in Venezuela is at a very sensitive stage and has sought the assistance of the International police organisation, (INTERPOL).



In a statement, the Ministry of National Security said that the situation involving Trinidad and Tobago nationals being 'kidnapped' and currently held in Venezuela has been attracting the attention of the Ministry of National Security.



This matter is on-going and at a very sensitive stage. Accordingly, details and specific information surrounding the circumstances of this matter cannot be provided at this time.



Media reports said that at least one of the fishermen detained last Sunday had been released after a ransom had been paid.



Earlier this week, Police Commissioner Gary Griffith, said the police were investigating the kidnapping of the six fishermen allegedly by Venezuelans acknowledging also that he would not comment on whether or not a US$200,000 ransom had been demanded.



We at the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service are doing all that is required. It is a very difficult situation. Initially reports are that they (those kidnapped) were actually outside of our waters when it is they were actually held by these individuals, he said.



Media reports here said that the kidnappers had given the relatives until Friday to pay the ransom or face the prospect of the hands of those detained being chopped off.



A photograph of the six men, identified as Jude Jaikaran,16; brothers Jason, 38, and Jerry O'Brian, 36; Ricky Rambharose, 35; Brandon Arjoon, 29; and Linton Manohar, 36, has been circulating on social media showing them sitting on the floor while being surrounded by men pointing machine-guns at them. The photo was sent to relatives on Monday.



In an audio clip that is also being circulated on social media, the families are warned that the kidnappers intend to make good on their demands.



In its statement, the Ministry of Nationals Security said the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is managing the investigation here and has communicated with INTERPOL and made requests for assistance through diplomatic channels emphasising that the TTPS has no jurisdiction outside of Trinidad and Tobago.



The Ministry of National Security uses this opportunity to remind commentators to be cautious in their utterances and condemnation of how the matter is being handled and the circumstances surrounding the matter as they are not privy to the facts and intelligence of this matter.



National Security Minister Stuart Young is quoted in the statement as saying he would also like to remind nationals of Trinidad and Tobago that they should be aware of the risks of leaving our territorial waters and venturing into the territorial waters of other countries where we have no jurisdiction.



The information surrounding this matter is that the Trinidadian individuals involved were abducted in Venezuelan river tributaries within the mainland of Venezuela, he added.



The government said that it would continue to monitor this situation and provide all of the material assistance that it can.

Theme(s): Communities and Organisations.
Page Content

At a special ceremony with H.E. Saif Mohammed Al-Suwaidi (Left), Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates, ICAO Council President Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu signed an agreement establishing a framework for collaboration in support of the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Aviation Award.



As part of the agreement, formalized on the sidelines of the Global Investment in Aviation Summit & Exhibition in Dubai, ICAO will provide information to the GCAA to facilitate the Award, established by the latter to encourage States, organizations and individuals to support the UN aviation agencys Strategic Objectives, and to promote its No Country Left Behind (NCLB) initiative.



ICAOs support to the Award includes the triennial provision of information on States that have concluded the highest number of bilateral Air Service Agreements, States that have recorded the highest increase in their financial contributions to ICAOs Technical Assistance/Cooperation Programmes, and States that have made the highest increase in the volume of their non-financial contributions to ICAOs Technical Assistance/Cooperation Programmes.



President Aliu recognized the crucial importance of the Award to continued ICAO compliance, and thanked the United Arab Emirates for its support of the NCLB initiative.
China's strong consumption momentum and ample potential for investment could have a major upside for global economic growth in 2019 when observers are raising the risk of a further slowdown.

Some economists have overblown the spillover effect of China's economic slowdown, but such kind viewpoints hold no water and are misleading.

Strong consumption momentum

China is shifting its economy toward a more sustainable growth model that draws strength from consumption, services and innovation, which means big chances for countries who can provide quality products and services.

Consumption is expected to contribute to 65 percent of China's economic growth in 2019 and remain the largest contributor, with an expected 9-percent increase in total retail sales of consumer goods, said Wang Bin, deputy director of the Department of Market Operation and Consumption Promotion of the Ministry Of Commerce (MOC) at a recent meeting.

China's strong consumption momentum is a blessing for the world.

A case in point is that during the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai from Nov. 5-10 in 2018, deals worth about 57.83 billion U.S. dollars were made, benefiting 3,617 foreign exhibitors and more than 400,000 buyers from home and abroad.

The second CIIE scheduled for November 2019 will be better than last year's session, with further opening-up measures. Shanghai will put into practice 100 measures to support further opening up this year. According to the CIIE bureau, more than 500 companies from more than 40 countries and regions have confirmed participation in the 2019 CIIE.

Chinese authorities last month pledged an array of measures to boost consumption as part of the efforts to support the economy.

Optimizing market supply and increasing consumption are playing a greater role in effectively coping with downward pressure on the economy and maintaining stable growth, said a statement released after a teleconference held by the National Development and Reform Commission, the MOC and the State Administration for Market Regulation.

The meeting vowed to encourage consumption of automobiles and electrical home appliances according to local situations, providing greater policy support where conditions permit, and meet demand for green, smart automobiles and home appliances.

The supply of high-quality products and services will be increased, and residents' spending power will be strengthened with measures such as special individual income tax deductions.

Ample potential for investment

With stable debt levels, China has more room for effective investments to shore up growth, while a better environment for foreign investors is also foreseeable as the country opens up further to the world.

As most of China's debt is priced in local currency, and the debt owed by strategic sectors are often backed up by the central government, it is unlikely a financial crisis will occur, said Credit Suisse in its report on investment outlook for 2019.

With stable economic growth and easier market access, China bucked the global foreign direct investment slide in 2018, as the largest investment recipient in the world.

In 2019, foreign businesses are set to reap more benefits from China's continued efforts to widen market access and build a better business environment.

One of the highlights will be a unified foreign investment law that aims to adopt a model of pre-established national treatment with a negative list and strengthened protection of property rights for companies with foreign investments.

The law will be submitted to the upcoming plenary session of the National People's Congress, which is scheduled to open on March 5.

Although the world is witnessing rising trade protectionism, the Chinese government supports an open and inclusive world economy, makes effort to broaden market access, eases foreign equity restrictions and lowers import tariffs.

China's reform momentum has remained unabated. Over the past five years, the country has held at least 45 high-profile meetings on advancing reforms, during which 400 documents and 1,932 reform plans have been launched.
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RevPAR of the Athenian hotel sector increased in 2018 by 10% y-o-y, RevPAR in Thessaloniki by 6.1% y-o-y and the Total Revenue per Available Room of the resort hotels in Greece by 10.1%. However, in all three sectors the growth was driven by room rates, as occupancy improved marginally in 2018.

International arrivals at the main airports increased by 12.9% y-o-y. The airport of Athens received in 2018 an addition of 930,000 international travellers, reaching a total of 5.7 million, an increase of 19.4% y-o-y. International arrivals at the airport of Thessaloniki increased by 12.3% y-o-y in 2018.

RevPAR of the Athenian hotel sector increased in 2018 by 10% y-o-y, RevPAR in Thessaloniki by 6.1% y-o-y and the Total Revenue per Available Room of the resort hotels in Greece by 10.1%. However, in all three sectors the growth was driven by room rates, as occupancy improved marginally in 2018.

RevPAR in the South of Europe overall improved by 2.5% y-o-y in 2018, while Rome and Madrid improved their RevPAR levels with 5.0% and 4.6% y-o-y respectively in 2018. Madrid had a particularly strong Q4 2018 with the CPhI Worldwide pharmaceutical conference, held in the period of 9 - 11 October, attracting more than 45,000 pharma professionals from around the globe and more than 2,500 international exhibitors.

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Its something that needs a careful and considered approach  and some of New Zealands top legal experts will be discussing exactly this as they gather for the upcoming Employment Law Masterclass.

Register now to get in-depth insights on the soon-to-be-implemented Domestic Violence - Victims' Protection Act 2018 and the practical implications these new rules will have for employers.
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You are here: Business

China has stepped up efforts to crack down on violations in the healthcare product industry, after a series of scandals.

Thirteen central ministries jointly launched a 100-day campaign in early January to fight against irregularities in the sale of healthcare products.

Until now, authorities have received over 1,100 complaints and helped consumers prevent over 8.4 million yuan (1.24 million U.S. dollars) of losses, said a senior official with the State Administration for Market Regulation.

Earlier in January, police arrested the founder of Quanjian Nature Medicine Technology Co., amid allegations of fraudulent practice following the death of a seven-year-old girl who had used the company's products as part of her cancer treatment.

Infinitus, a multi-billion-yuan Chinese company, is under investigation after it was accused of selling products that damaged a child's heart.

China will continue to clamp down on illegal advertising and other violations in the healthcare sector, the official added.
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AUSTIN Republican Gov. Greg Abbott ordered Texas lawmakers on Tuesday to quickly begin work on an ambitious agenda focused heavily on schools, including boosting teacher pay, reforming state education funding and improving safety in the wake of the Santa Fe school shooting.

In addition, in his State of the State Address, Abbott called on the Legislature to tackle soaring property tax bills, the states mental health needs and funding for Hurricane Harvey relief.

We serve at a unique time in Texas history, Abbott told lawmakers in the House chamber, a time that we are going to be able to seize an opportunity to cement a legacy for Texas.

With those issues now declared emergency items, lawmakers can begin hearings and voting on bills to address them now  without waiting 60 days for the legislation to be heard, as is customary.

The priorities Abbott named arent a surprise. He, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen  all Republicans  have long identified school finance and property tax reform as top issues this session. Whether they can find a fix that suits a majority of lawmakers by the end of the 140-day session, however, remains to be seen.

A plan released by the three leaders last week  to limit property tax hikes by cities, counties and school districts to 2.5 percent a year unless they hold an election  is already drawing rebuke from municipal and public education groups. Whats more, the GOP-led House and Senate couldnt find agreement last session on a similar proposal that carried an even higher cap.

Abbott acknowledged the challenges in passing the transformative agenda.

For subscribers: Governor, top Texas state leaders settle on property tax plan as others raise alarms

Whenever you try to do something extraordinary, it is never easy. Yes, theres naysayers. Theres going to be people who cling to the status quo. So, of course its going to be hard. But I believe that you were made for this moment. We were made for this moment, he said.

Though Abbott offered few specifics on what he wants, he did stake out several policy positions, including giving teachers a pathway to six-figure salaries and school districts access to telemedicine for mental health services.

He also proposed giving taxpayers power to fire their property tax appraisers and elect a new one. Chief appraisers in Texas are hired by a board of directors that is appointed by taxing agencies, such as city and county governments and school districts.

Beyond the emergency items, Abbott called on lawmakers to continue funding border security initiatives, which cost the state roughly $800 million in the current two-year budget.

The issue is likely one President Trump will highlight in his own State of the Union speech tonight, after a partial government shutdown over funding for a border wall ended late last month.

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In addition, Abbott called on lawmakers to fully fund efforts to test a backlog of rape kids, create six regional human trafficking squads and fund two more anti-gang centers in Waco and Tyler.

Absent from the speech was any mention of elections or voting issues that have plunged Texas leaders into hot water after the state sent counties flawed lists of suspected non-citizen voters to purge from their rolls Jan. 28. Thousands of registered voters were wrongly flagged as non-citizens, and the effort has already drawn multiple lawsuits.

amorris@express-news.net
As federal courts force changes to the bail system long faulted for forcing poor people to languish in jail in Harris County and elsewhere  the Texas Legislature is launching another attempt to impose similar changes statewide.

State Sen. John Whitmire said if the Legislature doesnt react and pass reforms, its risking the federal courts forcing changes without lawmakers getting to weigh in.

I dont believe Ive seen anything more broken in the criminal justice system than our current bail bond process, said Whitmire, a Houston Democrat and lawyer who has been fighting to reform the bail system for years.

On Monday, Whitmire and State Rep. Andrew Murr, R-Junction, filed identical legislation that would dramatically change how many people are left in jail because they cannot afford bail. Murr said 75 percent of the people sitting in jail have not been convicted of any crime and are just waiting for their day in court. He said that both deprive people of their rights and lead to hefty costs for local governments.

Bail bonds cannot be used as an instrument of oppression to keep folks in jail, Murr said.

Critics of the proposed bills say quick releases of jail inmates jeopardize public safety and wrongly limit the discretion of judges.

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The effort comes as a federal suit against Houstons bail system appears to be coming to a close after three years. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Lee H. Rosenthal last week offered initial support for new bail rules proposed by Harris County that would lock up fewer poor misdemeanor defendants.

Under the proposal, about 85 percent of misdemeanor defendants would automatically qualify for no-cash bonds. The only exceptions would be for people arrested for family violence, bond violations and repeated drunken driving offenses. Those defendants would be entitled to a bail hearing within 48 hours, where they would be eligible for personal recognizance bonds.

The key to the Murr and Whitmire bills is a pretrial risk assessment program. They said magistrates need better information to assess how much risk is posed by each defendant. That means using technology to give those judges access to more of a defendants history. Not only will that keep low-level offenders who are poor out of jail when they dont need to be there, but it will mean fewer mistakes in releasing violent criminals simply because they have the money to post bail.

Two years ago, Whitmire was able to pass similar legislation in the Texas Senate, but the bill never made it through the House. Both Murr and Whitmire say there is growing momentum to do something about the current system.

Whitmire said hes been watching the Harris County agreement closely and it has had an impact on his bill.

The bail bond industry is ready to once again fight the legislation. The Professional Bondsmen of Texas argue that risk assessment programs are junk science. They say that not only would the legislation be damaging to their industry, but also warn that defendants are more likely to fail to appear in court, a risk to public safety. They contend that half the people who are released on unsecured bonds fail to appear for court.

The Texas Alliance for Safe Communities also opposes the reforms. In a statement to the media, the group said algorithm-based bail policies endanger the public by limiting the oversight of judges.

But the new legislation has support from the Texas judiciary. Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht has similarly called for reforms and stood with Whitmire and Murr as they outlined their legislation on Monday. Two years ago, Hecht delivered a speech to the Texas Legislature calling for action on the issue.

Now it is time for us to take up reform of the bail system and criminal pretrial release, Hecht said.

Whitmire said hes ready to take on groups that argue that the reforms will be more dangerous for the public at large. He said pretrial assessments will make sure judges have more information to keep people off the streets who shouldnt be there.

This is not soft on crime, Whitmire said.

Nationally, more states are rethinking the cash bail system. California became the first state in the nation to abolish bail for suspects awaiting trial. Washington, D.C., already has a cashless bail system and some states like New Jersey and New Mexico have taken steps to reduce the need for cash bail. The idea is getting support in both liberal and conservative circles. The Texas Public Policy Foundation, which veers right, has been a vocal supporter of bail reform, as has the Americans for Civil Liberties Union of Texas.
MISSION  Heavy equipment has arrived at the National Butterfly Center, signaling the start of a border wall that will slice through the protected habitat.

Congress approved funding for this section of the wall in last years federal budget, before the impasse between Democrats and President Donald Trump held up another round of wall funding and led to the recent 35-day partial government shutdown.

As equipment for the construction was off-loaded Monday morning, a group of about 35 tribal members, including the Floresville-based Carrizo Comecrudo, marched in protest on the Rio Grande levee where the wall will be built.

I didnt expect it this soon, said Juan Mancias, tribal chair of Carrizo Comecrudo, who led the protest with an eagle feather staff in hand. But theres a constant uneasiness.

The wall will include a 150-foot-wide enforcement zone, according to federal documents, which could also destroy gravesites of Mancias ancestors at the Eli Jackson Cemetery in San Juan.

Trump has demanded $5.7 billion in new wall spending, well beyond the $1.6 billion approved in the last budget. Government agencies were reopened under a temporary funding measure that is set to expire Feb. 15. A congressional committee is negotiating a solution to present to Trump before the deadline.

The existing funding will pay for 33 miles of new fencing in the Rio Grande Valley, including 6 miles that are under contract near McAllen, including the stretch through the butterfly center.

The steel-and-concrete bollard fencing will cut off 70 of the sanctuarys 100 acres, with gates for access.

All along the levee, government surveyors have staked out a route for the wall. Acres of shrubs and trees span either side of the levee, where Border Patrol agents are on constant patrol.

You come over here, you see the butterflies here, the animals here, and you also see gravesites that have been here since 1865, Mancias said.

He feels a kinship with the butterfly center. He said that, in a sense, theyre both dedicated to saving that which is native to Texas  be it butterflies or the history of its native people.

We have an association with nature, we are a part of it, Mancias said.

The protesters sang songs in the native Lakota language. A verse in one song says: We know that everything is sacred, so we walk with everything that is sacred.

Lorri Burnett, a community organizer for Defenders of Wildlife, walked with them.

She had spotted an earthmover near the center Sunday and raised an alarm on Facebook. Customs and Border Protection officials issued a public notice last week that heavy machinery would be delivered to the site as early as Monday.

The Trump administration is waiving 28 environmental laws to build the wall, a decision that brought a lawsuit in November by Defenders of Wildlife, which asserts that the waivers exceed the governments authority.

This isnt due process, Burnett said, because the butterfly center isnt on federal land.

Im here for my grandchildren, she said. This is the most pristine, most beautiful area I have ever witnessed. This is gorgeous. And to know that my grandchildren will never be able to see this  the damage that is going to be done by this wall is going to take centuries to rebuild, if it can.

In a separate dispute, the government will argue in court Wednesday for access to survey land of the historic La Lomita Chapel, farther downriver in Mission. The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville has refused to provide access at the site, which would be stranded between the Rio Grande and the planned wall.

On ExpressNews.com: Border wall will not hinder access to National Butterfly Center, agency says

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Silvia Foster-Frau is a staff writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | sfosterfrau@express-news.net | Twitter: @SilviaElenaFF
This summer, the U.S. Census Bureau will test how a question about citizenship will impact responses for the 2020 census.

From June 13 through Aug. 15, approximately 480,000 households nationwide, including in Houston, will receive self-response questionnaires near identical to the official 2020 Census form. Half of the households will be asked whether they are U.S. citizens.

This test is not to determine whether or not were including the citizenship question on the 2020 census, said Victoria A. Velkoff, associate director of the bureaus demographic programs.

Rather, the goal is to detect a significant difference in self-response rates between those asked about citizenship and those who are not. This would help the bureau plan out its marketing and how to do follow-ups with people who dont self-respond, officials said during an update on Census planning.

Its up to the courts to decide if the 2020 Census will ask about citizenship.

In March 2018, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who oversees the Census Bureau, called for the inclusion of the question on the 2020 Census. The last time a citizenship question was asked was in 1950. Rosss rationale was to assist the Department of Justice in enforcing the Voting Rights Act, by providing a count of voters in areas where voting rights violations were alleged or suspected.

The decision quickly drew backlash and multiple lawsuits were filed questioning Rosss motivation.

A New York federal judge blocked the citizenship question in January, but the Trump administration has requested that the U.S. Supreme Court take up the issue.

One of the central concerns over the question is how it could impact responses. Local and national groups say the question could keep non-citizens, even legal permanent residents, from filling out the form out of fear the information would be shared with other federal agencies including immigration officials.

I find that the need for accurate citizenship data, and the limited burden that the reinstatement of the citizenship question would impose, outweigh fears about a potentially lower response rate, Ross said last year in response to those concerns.

Yet the fear of a lower response rate remains.

Jannette Diep, executive director of the Houston nonprofit Boat People SOS, noted that during Hurricane Harvey, many Vietnamese immigrants in Houston refused federal aid because of their distrust in the government and fear of possible repercussions from receiving government assistance  even in a state of emergency.

Having the federal government ask a citizenship question will lead to population under counts. If that question is on there, people will not fill out the form, Diep said.

Census data determines how many representatives a state gets in Congress, and determines how much funding goes toward communities.

Laura Murillo, president and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, noted that if the Houston population count is about 20,000 short, it could mean $17 million gone in public funds.

Houston wins if everyone fills out the census, she said. Its an economic issue.

The very idea of including a citizenship question is a political play to marginalize our community, she said.

That sentiment was shared in focus groups and surveys conducted by the Census Bureau between February and April 2018. Fifty-three percent of survey respondents incorrectly believed that the purpose of the U.S. Census is to locate individuals living in the country without documentation.

The survey also found that 59 percent of respondents said they didnt trust the federal government with their information. And more American-born respondents expressed that distrust than those born outside the country.

Focus group participants also noted political discourse targeting their ethnic group as a reason why they wouldnt fill out the census.

It doesnt matter if they ask you whether or not youre a citizen, one focus group participant said. The first question they ask you, are you Hispanic or Latino? And thats enough. Thats all they need. And people are scared.

Census officials said they will need to rely on community partners to dispel any misconceptions over the U.S. Census and ensure enough people feel compelled to fill out the form.

Yet Diep, whose nonprofit worked alongside Census staff in 2010, noted that community partners feel stuck.

Informational materials were made available to the public well in advance of the 2010 Census, Diep recalled. Within Houstons Vietnamese community, some are currently not aware that a count of the U.S. population will even take place next year. Unlike for the 2010 count, no major public advertising has been done yet.

Community partners like Boat People SOS will now to work harder to inform Houstonians about the census, all while assuaging fears from noncitizens.

People are so confused, she said.

She now worries the summer test will add to the confusion depending on how well the bureau markets it as just a sample test.

ileana.najarro@chron.com

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Police are investigating a burglary at the home of Tony Buzbee, a millionaire lawyer running for mayor of Houston.

The thief made off with several million dollars' worth of artwork and jewelry Monday morning, a Houston police spokesperson said, hours after Buzbee hosted a Super Bowl party at his River Oaks mansion.

Buzbee called police shortly after 6 a.m. when he spotted someone in his front yard riding a moped that had been taken from his garage, he told a crowd at a reception for his mayoral campaign Monday evening.

Then, Buzbee said, he went upstairs to check on his son and daughter. He grabbed a pistol, called the police, and waited.

Before officials arrived though, Buzbee said, the burglar came back inside; Buzbee, holding his gun, warned the intruder.

"I told him, step back, and I was going to fire my weapon at him," Buzbee told the crowd. "Now, you think I want to fire my weapon at somebody? That's the last thing I want to do."

He continued: "But you think I'm going to hide in the corner when somebody comes in my house? No, I will not do that, and as your mayor I will not do that."

Buzbee attempted to shoot the burglar but his gun misfired, he said in a Facebook post. Ultimately, nobody was injured and the intruder got away.

After the incident, Buzbee quickly incorporated the theft into his mayoral campaign, tweeting Monday afternoon, "Last Friday we learned that Police Chief Art Acevedo's wife's car was burglarized, and this morning my own home was burglarized. Murders, robberies, burglaries, etc. continue to rise. Crime knows no boundaries or zip codes. We have to address this crime wave, NOW."

He continued along the same lines at his campaign reception, sounding the alarm on what he described as an escalating crime problem in Houston.

"Crime has no zip code and none of us are immune. We better do something about the crime in this town," said Buzbee, a former Marine. "I'm sitting there with a loaded weapon, not wanting to shoot anyone. Been there, done that. ... But I'm not going to let anybody walk into my home."

While Buzbee has cited City Hall corruption as a top issue in his campaign, he also has taken a sharp focus on crime and the conditions of Houston streets as well.

The burglary comes a week after Mayor Sylvester Turner and Police Chief Art Acevedo held a press conference to tout a drop in most crime categories in Houston last year. According to the Houston Police Department, violent crime in Houston fell by 10.4 percent, continuing a downward trend in the number of murders, rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults during the past five years.

The only category that saw an increase was homicide, which grew from 269 in 2017 to to 279 last year. Burglaries, thefts and auto thefts declined by a combined 2.8 percent from 2017 to 2018.

The burglary marks at least the second time police have responded to a crime at Buzbee's gated home in the last 14 months.

The burglary marks the second artwork-related incident at Buzbee's mansion in the last 13 months.

In December 2017, a Dallas woman on a first date with Buzbee was accused of destroying at least $300,000 worth of sculptures and original paintings at the lawyer's home. Prosecutors alleged the woman, Lindy Lou Layman, 29, became intoxicated and refused to leave Buzbee's home.

Layman was accused of throwing two abstract sculptures and pouring liquid on three paintings, including two original works by Andy Warhol. She has denied the criminal mischief charges.

Buzbee has amassed a multi-million-dollar fortune representing plaintiffs in a variety of cases, from wrongful death suits to breach of contract actions. A 2009 federal jury awarded more than $100 million to 10 plaintiffs, including seven represented by Buzbee's law firm.

He successfully defended then-Governor Rick Perry against a 2014 abuse-of-power charge, getting the charges dismissed.

jasper.scherer@chron.com

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With the colorful advertisement of "Happy Chinese New Year" hanging and waving along the Jinnah Avenue, the main street in Pakistan's capital city Islamabad, Pakistanis are well aware that the traditional Chinese Spring Festival is approaching.



The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 5 this year. In this regard, multiple events with spectacular cultural performances are being organized in various cities in Pakistan to celebrate the event. It is more like a kind of new phenomena largely being seen as an indication Pakistan's growing acceptability over Chinese culture.

The events, being attended by thousands of Pakistanis, highlighted different cultural activities like Chinese paper cutting, calligraphy, Chinese painting, use of chopsticks, and dumplings which is the auspicious symbol of traditional Chinese New Year food.

Raheem Khan, a deputy director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, told Xinhua that with each passing day, the bonhomie between the time-tested friendly countries of China and Pakistan is increasing.

"The upsurge is visible in every aspect of life ranging from cultural acceptability, language, literature, food. Friendship between China and Pakistan is unique as it's not only state-to-state relation but also people to people connection," Khan said.

"With the inception of the idea of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the frequency of mutual exchanges of cultural groups and students increased many folds," the official said, adding that the student exchange programs are in full swing as the Chinese government is offering scholarships to huge number of Pakistani students who will also serve as Chinese cultural ambassadors in Pakistan and would perform their roles in bringing the two countries further closer.

"Over the years, a massive enthusiasm among the Pakistani students is observed by the government who are much eager to learn Chinese language and understand Chinese culture. The student exchange programs would serve the said purposes," the official said.

Mehnaz Perveen, an event organizer at the Foundation of Arts, Cultural and Education, said the Pakistani government has been encouraging Chinese dramas to be telecasted with Urdu translation in Pakistan and the process of broadcasting Chinese dramas on Pakistani TV channels has already been started.

Chinese art groups have made regular visits to numerous Pakistani cities and performed traditional dances, folk songs and played conventional instrumental Chinese music which is quite popular among the Pakistani public, Perveen said, adding that "massive turn-over has been observed for Chinese cultural shows which is a self-evident truth that Pakistani populace love and respect Chinese culture."

In the pre-CPEC era, Pakistan and China were more linked at state level. However, now the people-to-people contact has increased as Pakistanis find the cultural norms of Chinese are more adaptable, a senior Lahore-based journalist Haider Ali told Xinhua.

"There used to be a time when you could hardly find a Chinese eatery to diversify your food intake. However, Chinese restaurants are now tucked in almost every other town," Ali said, adding that even the restaurants with local traditional food are incorporating Chinese cuisines to attract the foodies, all because the Chinese have mingled with Pakistanis.

He said another worthwhile habit Chinese are introducing to Pakistani people is their work ethics which are a distinguishing feature of their work-life balance. Considering that Pakistan is in an evolutionary phase of its development, the "workaholic" routine of Chinese workers serving in Pakistan is something of an inspirational value.

Izhar Ali Hunzai, a member of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, told Xinhua that Chinese people are welcomed as special friends and not just foreigners in Pakistan.

"In the age of globalization, China-Pakistan cultural and economic relationship will grow further and take a character of its own. For this both people-to-people contact and governmental-level cooperation are the determining factors," he said.

"Celebrating occasions like the Chinese New Year provide tangible opportunities to further strengthen bilateral ties."
Within an hour and 37 minutes of his first meeting as a trustee on the Harris County Department of Educations Board of Rrustees, Josh Flynn had a new role: President.

The former Harris County Republican Party treasurer and local accountant, who ran on a platform of bringing more transparency and accountability to Texas last remaining county education department, won the votes of three other trustees at the Jan. 16 meeting.

Minutes later, Flynn joined those same three in firing the departments lobbying firm, a move that raised concerns among other trustees and Superintendent James Colbert Jr. that a lack of advocates in Austin could leave them with little recourse if lawmakers target the agency during the 2019 legislative session. Flynn did not return messages for comment.

Together, the votes signal a new majority on the seven-member board, one that Trustee Don Sumners said will provide a chance to lift the hood on HCDEs departments and to make the agency more accountable to taxpayers. All four have questioned or criticized the department or some of its actions in the past, and one has filed motions to study closing the agency.

Well probably go through the whole department one division at a time and do some evaluation, Sumners said. We really havent been able to get to the nuts and bolts very easily, and I think now that we have more interested participation, well be able to realize this department for efficiency. We havent been able to do that before.

Others, however, worry that actions like some of those taken at the Jan. 16 meeting could do irreparable harm to the states last remaining county department of education.

Im concerned, Im definitely concerned, said Trustee Danny Norris, a Texas Southern University law professor who also joined the board on January. I think the vote to cancel our contract with (our lobbyists) specifically worried me a good bit, because we usually have a few bills to shut us down each session. This session, Im the most worried.

Since its founding in 1889, the Harris County Department of Education has operated unlike traditional independent school districts, instead providing resources to 25 school districts that have borders inside Harris County.

One of its main functions is operating a purchasing co-op, which allows districts to buy supplies at cheaper prices. It also employs special education therapists who help local school districts, operates 15 federally-funded Head Start early childhood education programs, oversees four specialty schools, and provides adult education courses at 65 locations.

After voters in Dallas County voted to dissolve that countys department of education last November, a vote sparked by concerns over how that department handled transportation issues and its tax dollars, HCDE now stands as the last countywide department of its kind in Texas.

The local agency also has been a sore spot for some conservative state and local lawmakers for several years, who say the agency is an unnecessary expense shouldered by local taxpayers and duplicates services already performed by independent school districts and the Texas Education Agencys Region 4 Educational Services Center. While the department has among the lowest property tax rates in the county  someone with a $250,000 home and a standard 20 percent homestead exemption would pay about $10.38 annually to the agency  critics have said those dollars support a needless bureaucracy.

In the past several state legislative sessions, Republican lawmakers have filed bills to abolish the agency, prevent it from collecting local tax dollars, study the idea of closing the department and put it before a sunset review committee.

Similar proposals have been proposed by HCDE trustees themselves in recent years, namely local lawyer and intermittent Trustee Michael Wolfe.

Wolfe made motions to put the department in front of a state sunset review committee and to eliminate the departments Head Start early childhood programs in 2017, programs he said cost too much for the department and could be done more effectively by community groups or school districts. He formally was condemned by other trustees in 2008 for his conduct and championed a policy to spend $53,886 naming an HCDE building after his mother. Wolfe did not return messages left by the Chronicle.

It was Wolfe who made the motion to name Flynn as HCDEs board president at the Jan. 16 meeting, and it was trustees Wolfe, Sumners and George Moore who requested an agenda item and ultimately voted with Flynn to cancel the departments $220,000 contract with the HillCo Partners lobbying firm.

We dont need the contract, and using taxpayer money for lobbyists is against the Republican party platform of Texas, besides the fact that its just wrong, Wolfe said at the meeting.

Flynn agreed but said those concerns are not necessarily a partisan issue.

Its just the fact that were spending money for a lobbyist with taxpayer dollars to lobby against the taxpayer, Flynn said.

HCDE Superintendent James Colbert Jr. shifted in his chair during the comments.

Without lobbyists, which there are a number of lobbyists, it makes it extremely difficult for us to defend the Harris County Department of Ed, he said. It makes it difficult for myself to be in Austin as often as I will need to be in Austin, and it certainly compromises the existence of this department.

Trustee Eric Dick, a longtime Republican, noted at the meeting that other school districts, political parties and government entities also hire lobbyists. About a week after the vote, he said any government agency that is able to generate more than 70 percent of its budget from sources other than local tax dollars should be a model of good governance that conservatives should want to protect and other government agencies should look to for inspiration. About 28 percent of HCDEs roughly $117 million budget in 2017-2018 came from property taxes, with the rest coming from state and federal grants, fees paid by local school districts and its cooperative purchasing program.

You have an organization that actually runs at a profit, thats actually in the black, that turns one dollar into five dollars. What should happen is ISDs should replicate and try to do something similar. So should the city of Houston, Dick said. I think worst thing that you could do is take something that works and cut it up.

Sumners, however, said improvements and efficiencies still could be found with more careful board scrutiny.

I think we have a good accountability majority now, so things are going to change for the better, he said.

shelby.webb@chron.com

twitter.com/shelbywebb
A newly filed arrest affidavit provides more details in the Bell County murder case involving Cedric Marks, the MMA fighter and inmate who briefly escaped custody in Conroe earlier this week.

Marks fled from authorities on Sunday when a private prisoner transport company taking him from Michigan to Bell County stopped for breakfast at a McDonald's at 801 N. Loop 366, prompting a massive law enforcement response and high tensions in the Conroe community.

Marks, who was re-captured the same day, was previously held in Michigan on an outstanding warrant for burglary of a habitation with intent to commit a felony. He also had outstanding warrants for the murder of his ex girlfriend, Jenna Scott, and her friend, Michael Swearingin, stemming from an investigation that started in Bell County in January, police said.

DANGEROUS INMATE: 'Extremely dangerous' inmate captured' after manhunt in Conroe

Scott and Swearingin's body were found Jan. 15 in a shallow grave in rural Oklahoma about two weeks after they first went missing. The affidavit, filed Tuesday in Bell County, said detectives spoke with a woman who was present when Marks killed Scott and Swearingin.

The woman, Maya Maxwell, said Scott and Swearingin were taken to a home in Killeen on Jan. 3. She said Marks killed them both inside the home, but the affidavit did not elaborate on any details about the incident.

"Marks then entered the room where Michael Swearingin was located, and when Marks left the room, [Swearingin] was deceased," the affidavit said, adding an identical statement about Scott's death.

Scott and Swearingin were reported missing the following day, and Maxwell led police to the burial site in Oklahoma, the affidavit said. She was also present during their transport and burial, the affidavit said.

RELATED: 7 things to know about Cedric Marks: Murder suspect, MMA fighter and briefly escaped prisoner

Maxwell's relationship to Marks is unclear. According to KWTX10, Maxwell, 26, was arrested on Jan. 11 in Michigan on a Bell County warrant charging tampering with evidence in the case.

Marks faces a charge of capital murder of multiple persons in connection with their deaths. Police are also investigating the disappearance of another one of his former girlfriends, April Pease.

Pease disappeared from Minnesota in 2009, when she and Marks had been going through a custody dispute over their child, according to earlier reports.

Marks is currently being held in the Bell County Jail with a bail of $1.75 million, KWTX10 reported.

Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here.
For Halset Fire Chief Kirt Mays, the viral video of his team rescuing a longhorn steer from a hay bale feeder is just part of another day on the job.

"The best part of being a fireman is you never know what the next call is going to be," Mays said. "We trained for fire and medical calls but you have to be able to quickly think outside of the box to solve the next unknown problem."
The Houston restaurant landscape is like a special birthday cake presentation. Everything is fun and cheery until the sparklers go out. As diverse and welcoming as the citys dining scene is painted, it also can be ruthless, especially to out-of-state operators who might have miscalculated our unique market. Hello and goodbye to the high-flying Katsuya, Taverna and Bradleys Fine Diner, to name just three examples.

Still, there are many outside-of-Houston restaurant concepts that have shown staying power in H-town, some of which have even flourished, with multiple outposts. These are the newbies making waves now.
To kick off a week at Coder Kids summer camp, college-age instructors engage students by showing one cool way coding can be used. Keying in basic back-end language, the teacher makes an on-screen glitter bomb and shares the keyboard with the student, who learns that pressing the space bar detonates a glitter explosion. Then, the instruction begins.

Coding appeals to kids because of instant gratification like this, says Jeff Ward, founder of Houston-based Coder Kids and a former elementary school teacher.

You type in something or drag some blocks over and immediately see what its doing on the screen, he says.

Mastering cause and effect and building on it is so fun that kids dont realize theyre improving their math and logic skills along the way, Ward continues.

Coder Kids (coderkidstx.com) works with public and private schools to offer after-school programs during the school year. Registration just opened for their summer day camps throughout Houston, open to kids entering kindergarten through 12th grade.

In a one-week camp, the youngest kids learn the fundamentals of Scratch, the coding language for kids created by developers at MIT.

Beginning with the letters of his or her name, a student uses a laptop or tablet to learn the back-end functions that can make each letter a different color. From there, theyll learn to make letters animated in different ways and to add sounds.

Next, a maze game teaches basic directional blocks (moving an object up, down, right and left). There is game-based learning including a dragon-wizard match-off and classic pong.

As they advance to the third- through sixth-grade camp, kids can choose to create animation, code a drone or make their own basic video games.

Ward says his instructors, who are computer science students at Rice University and the University of Houston, stay on the lookout for new games and technology to introduce at the camp.

Half-day camps at Coder Kids start at $210 a week.

Library teaches coding, too

Houston Public Library will offer free basic coding classes for youths at several branch locations this summer (houstonlibrary.org). In the past, classes for teens and tweens have lent skills to build a website or use code to create music, sounds and artwork.

Rebecca Denham, Teen Services coordinator, says the library has increased the amount of tablets and coding games that can be reserved at a library branch for in-library use. One popular one is Robot Mouse. Kids use coding cards to build a path for a programmable mouse that moves through the path. Another popular learning module is a DIY computer set. Kids read instructions on how to build a basic computer and then program it, she says.

Theyve increased tech offerings like these because of demand from patrons.

Everything we do now is on computers or involves robots of some kind, Denham says. Our youth today really need to know how these work and not just take them for granted.

Families can contact their library branch to ask about reserving and checking out learning modules.

Coding for girls

Girls who have shown an interest in programming or robotics can apply for Girls Who Codes free, seven-week summer immersion program. The national nonprofit hosts after-school programs at public and private schools throughout Houston during the school year (girlswhocode.com).

Girls entering 11th and 12th grade can apply for the summer immersion program, which takes place in Houston June 17-Aug. 2. The application deadline is Feb. 15.

The course is designed to expose students to careers in computer science, offering meet-ups with female business leaders in the tech industry.

A shareable, usable online product is the end goal at Code Ninjas, too.

Advancing in belt color under the instruction of Code Senseis, the Pearland-based company has several franchise locations where students hit self-paced achievement advances through after-school and weekend drop-in sessions, spring break and summer camps.

Students hit the top skill level, or belt, when an app theyve created is published in the app store.

Code Ninjas spring break camps focus on creating digital art and making basic video games. Half-day spring break camps start at $200 a week.

Families who dont want to commit to formal classes can take advantage of free online resources, Ward says, including Scratch (scratch.mit.edu) and code.org to build and hone their skill set over time.

Allison Bagley is a Houston-based writer.
Ive never been to Houstons, I volunteered to my editor recently when we were kicking around ideas in online messages. Her reply shot back within seconds: YOUVE NEVER BEEN TO HOUSTONS?!

Well, no, not that I could remember. I had a hazy memory of the first one opening off Westheimer back in 1980, the fourth such upscale bar and grill in a fledgling Sunbelt chain out of Nashville. Im sure I thought, as a big-city restaurant critic, that I was too cool to bother with it.

Besides, it irked me that the Houstons name had little to do with our city. George Biel, the founder of its parent Hillstone Restaurant Group, was a native Texan and just liked the way it sounded, a nebulous reminder of home.

I took note as Hillstone flourished, moving its headquarters to Atlanta and later to tony Beverly Hills as it opened more units, renamed some Hillstones  Sounds like a paint chip, I scoffed  named others after their locales and launched various tweaks on the concept. Over the decades, the menus  which struck me as the kind of casual Americana youd find in the downstairs grill room at your better class of country club  aged into late-20th-century nostalgia.

On HoustonChronicle.com: The best soups in Houston

I had other things to think about. A wide world of culinary thrills to pursue. Yet right after this past New Years, I spied an Instagram post from chef Justin Yu, a James Beard Award winner and one of the citys culinary pacesetters, that made me curious. Date night, proclaimed the post, showing a car turning at the familiar red neon Houstons sign, set low to the ground.

I remembered that a friend Ive traveled with to Michelin two- and three-stars swears by Houstons prime rib. When I was 16, a high schooler in Vermont, I thought prime rib was the ultimate restaurant dish. Maybe Id go check it out.

Yu approved. Its one of those places that make my heart skip a beat when I hear my girlfriend suggesting it, he said. Houstons is this miraculous mix of food, drink and service that, as a chef, you kind of feel a little guilty eating because its kind of everything that a lot of food-forward folk turn their noses up at. Everything is maybe just a little too sweet, or just a little too basic to be cool. Its precisely the un-cool simplicity  and the reliable execution  that Yu loves.

I like how nice everyone is, Yu said, and how everything is just so, like how I remember when I first went when I was in high school, down to the globed sugar caddies.

Fans had packed into the Houstons at Kirby and Westpark the night I first visited. They filled every seat up in the long horseshoe bar, occupied every last booth on the dining-room floor, waited in an entryway anteroom for their names to be called. It was 6:15 p.m. on a Wednesday, but it seemed like Saturday night.

So did each subsequent visit, whether it was Friday late lunch or Tuesday late supper, when my efforts to score a barstool felt positively Darwinian. It appeared to be a crowd of regulars, too. Mostly in their 30s and up, all were prosperous looking, especially in the dining room  where a dress code excluding caps and tanks and big logos and such prevails. You can read about the strictures on the restaurants website. For a no-tablecloths spot, its stuffy enough to seem faintly comical. In the same unexpected vein, I noted that the valet had parked the Benzes and BMWs and Range Rovers near the entrance, as if it were a fancy steakhouse.

The rules signal a well-ordered, no-surprises world, part of the Houstons bargain.

Everyone in the perpetually dim dining room and at the bar looked splendid, thanks to one of the universes great lighting schemes. Houstons spotlights the table right in front of you, no matter where you are sitting, without casting a dreaded glare, or hot spot on noses or spectacles or wrinkles or bald domes. I almost wept with happiness that for once, I could see the print on the menu and the colors of my food.

And that food, I discovered, was indeed solid and curiously delightful in its old-fashioned way. Theres a reason all these people keep coming back, and back, and back.

I fell a little in love right off the bat, when I noticed Thousand Island dressing (a lost totem of my youth) as a choice for the splendid Traditional Salad, a neatly chopped and easy-to-eat heap of greens crowned with diced egg and bacon. A kicker of big, sweet cornbread croutons lurked below, so crunchy Id swear they were fried. Id eat that salad every day if I could.

The charms of Houstons iconic spinach dip seemed less apparent to me. This fern-bar relic was far less objectionable than I had anticipated, but I did not dive in with the unbridled enthusiasm of my guests who swear by it.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Alison Cook reviews the crazy halal Tex-Mex-Indian burger at Twisted Turban

The vaunted prime rib was massive and rosy-rare, and I had to saw at it only a little bit to get it into bite-sized chunks. It was really good, but I confess that I no longer consider prime rib the king of restaurant entrees.

I do consider Houstons absurdly sumptuous prime-rib French dip, thinly sliced and rare, the king of sandwiches, though. Its devotees include the famous chef David Chang. A discriminating Houston bon vivant of my acquaintance customizes his with grilled onions and jack cheese  one of many off-the-menu tweaks that operate like a secret code. Here I added creamy horseradish sauce to my French dip and felt Id won a membership badge.

The loaded baked potato proved to be the stuff of dreams: compact, plump and so expertly roasted that my dining companion could hear the salty skin crackle when I moved it.

I snagged some of the famous Thai Steak & Noodle Salad from my friends plate, noting that though the chunks of seared steak were beautifully cooked, the combo of mango, beef marinade and peanut vinaigrette made the effect a bit too sweet for my comfort.

Do not think for a moment that the presence of an Asian-inflected salad means Houstons is catering to the modern realities of our citys evolving dining scene, with its international churn and dazzle. Nope, the Thai beef salad owes more to the 1980s California cuisine of chefs like Wolfgang Puck  remember his famous Chinese chicken salad?  than it does to 21st-century Houston.

I was amused that one of the burgers here  the Hickory Burger by name  does nod to the local tastes for smoke and barbecue. But it does so by flavoring its barbecue-sauce condiment with fakey liquid smoke, a sin in my book.

Still, its a tribute to the fine quality of the ground beef patty, which reads more like a high-level chopped steak, that I ate every bit of my Hickory Burger, down to its last shred of fluffy grated cheddar, its last square of chopped raw onion and its last bit of hickory-smoked bacon, which came curled on top of the patty like a coiled spring.

There were regular shoestring fries, ostensibly fresh cut, although they did not spark the joy I expect from serious fries. Give me that baked potato, or the buttery pommes puree, as the menu calls them in an unusual burst of affectation. Preferably with a mammoth double-cut pork chop that was ever so respectfully cooked, with the barest flush of dawn pink at its pale heart, and a crispy exterior singe from the grill.

Eaten with a creamy Pommery mustard-seed sauce and wonderfully earthy red cabbage, this chop makes for a remarkable plate of food. Its recognizably American with a worldly hint of France, just the thing to eat with a $48 bottle of Crozes-Hermitage from the great producer Jean-Louis Chave. (Thats a welcome find on a wine list that centers largely on the New World.)

The cocktail revolution does not seem to have hit here. A margarita was so aggressively sweet-and-sour that two sips were enough. Better to order the classic martini with gin, not vodka. Its far better.

Dessert, though  my inner 16-year-old, that innocent prime-rib aficionado, was in heaven. Crikey, there was a hot-fudge sundae to be had, with a sauceboat of actually hot fudge that transformed into a stretchy candy as it hit the cold ice cream.

I walked out happy, every time, to my own stupefaction. Ill be back.

There is something reassuring in this shadowy room, where daylight can barely sneak in and perpetual twilight reigns; something soothing in the wordless burble and thump of jazz or what I think of as spa music; something inexpressibly comforting in a dependable, meticulously executed menu that takes you back to a simpler time, before sushi and truffle fries, before this peculiar, unsettled moment of American history.

Restaurants can function as refuge, and Houstons performs this exceedingly well. Unmoored from the precise time of day or the precise decade, buffered by all those cushy booths and lots of caring service, its easy to float on a cloud of well-being.

Whats it like? asked my Uber driver, bearing me home from my last visit.

Its a time capsule in there, I told him.

It was only later that I realized I meant that as a compliment.

Alison Cook is the Chronicle's James Beard Award-winning restaurant critic. Follow her on Twitter, and keep up with Houston's latest dining and drinking news and reviews by subscribing to our free Flavor newsletter.
The nation's longest government shutdown is behind us. But Tony's restaurant has not forgotten the sacrifices of furloughed federal workers.

On Feb. 10, Tony's, one of the city's most exclusive restaurants, intends to treat federal employees who were affected by the government shutdown to a meal with the restaurant's signature brand of fine dining and exemplary service.
The Chinese Year of the Pig was welcomed here Monday, with the opening of the Chinese Festival of Lights event in the Serbian capital.

The light exhibition that takes place from Feb. 4 to 24 at the historic Kalemegdan fortress in downtown Belgrade brought colorful light sculptures designed by Chinese artists and built by a well-known Chinese company from Sichuan province, depicting motives from Chinese folklore, animals, flowers and buildings.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Serbia Ana Brnabic, Minister of Culture and Information Vladan Vukosavljevic, Belgrade Mayor Zoran Radojicic and the newly-appointed Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo.

Serbian musician and founder of the group Balkanopolis Slobodan Trkulja said at the ceremony that the manifestation will "contribute to even stronger ties between peoples of the two countries, which are connected by traditional friendship."

"Disregarding the distance between our countries, tonight here in Kalemegdan we celebrate the Chinese New Year with our brothers from China, in the same light and the same joy," Trkulja said.

Vukosavljevic reminded that the "Year of the Pig in symbolic sense is related to progress and prosperity, good opportunities and business success".

"I wish to our Chinese friends as well as to ourselves that the beautiful symbolic nature of this sign comes true in the year that has already begun for us," he said.

Chen said: "I wish Serbian and Chinese citizens enjoy the lights and welcome the new spring together. Today myself and all Chinese people that live here feel like we are in China." She concluded with a wish that China-Serbia friendship continues to "shine with amazing light" in the new year.

Brnabic reminded that this year is an important jubilee -- 70 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China.

"Myself, the government of Serbia and all citizens of Serbia wish good luck and further success in all areas of development to our brotherly Chinese nation," she noted.

Hundreds of visitors toured the exhibition and enjoyed the fable-like world of joyous sculptures at Kalemegdan.

"This is very nice, and a completely new thing in Belgrade and I hope this will turn into a traditional event," said Vesna from Belgrade, wishing Chinese people good health, success, prosperity and well-being together with her grandchildren.

"This is fairy tale, and although it was a long time ago since my childhood ended, I am enjoying this like a little girl, and I cannot decide which part of the exhibition is more beautiful," said Sanja, another local citizen. "It will be remembered."

"Chinese had made this all very beautifully. I am thrilled with what I had experienced. This is very nice, professional and also warm. I wish Chinese and our people happy new year, for them to visit us often, and that we also go to China to experience its beauty," said visitor Milan Tatalovic.




For Looped In's second-annual Loopie Awards, podcast host Nancy Sarnoff asked listeners to vote for their favorite real estate deals and developments of the past year.

Voters weighed in on such categories as Trendiest Development Trend, Best Real Estate Controversy and Saddest Historic Demolition.
A joint venture of three energy service companies had landed a "mega contract" to build Exxon Mobil and Qatar Petroleum's $10 billion Golden Pass LNG export terminal just south of Port Arthur.

Houston's McDermott International, San Antonio's Zachry Group and Japan's Chiyoda International announced on Tuesday morning that the three companies will perform engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning work for the Southeast Texas liquefied natural gas plant.

Exxon Mobil and Qatar Petroleum announced a final investment decision on the $10 billion export terminal during a Tuesday morning press conference in Washington, D.C. Financial terms of the construction contract have not been disclosed but McDermott officials described it as a "mega contract," one worth more than $1 billion.

"We will apply not only our vertically-integrated capabilities but also some of the best practices and lessons learned for major construction projects in the region," McDermott Senior Vice President Richard Heo said in a statement. "We will also leverage the existing relationships we have with our partners and our customers to ensure that the Golden Pass project is a success."

FINAL INVESTMENT DECISION: Exxon Mobil to proceed on Golden Pass LNG export facility

Located near the mouth of the Sabine River about 10 miles south of Port Arthur, the Golden Pass LNG export terminal will include three production units, known as trains, that will produce a combined 16 million metric tons of LNG per year.

Originally built as a liquefied natural gas import terminal and opened in October 2010, record natural gas production in U.S. shale plays prompted Exxon Mobil to move forward with plans to add an export terminal to the facility.

Construction for the export terminal will begin over the next few weeks and is expected to be completed in 2024. The project is expected to generate 9,000 construction jobs over five years. Once in operation, the facility is will employ 200 people full-time.

FUEL FIX: Get daily energy news headlines in your inbox

The project also represents work for other companies. Oklahoma City-based Enable Midstream Partners LP announced that Golden Pass LNG will be the anchor shipper on its Gulf Run Pipeline a project to move 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day from Haynesville Shale of northern Louisiana to the Gulf Coast.

Baker Hughes Chief Executive Lorenzo Simonelli also reported on Twitter that Golden Pass LNG will be using three LNG trains being built by the Houston-based service company.

"Proud to be part of this important project," Simonelli tweeted from the signing ceremony.

State and local politicians welcomed final investment decision by Exxon Mobil and Qatar Petroleum. In a statement, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the export project solidifies the Lone Star State's leadership in oil and natural gas production.

"Texas is proud that Golden Pass has chosen to expand its operations in Sabine Pass," Abbott said. "This expansion represents not only an investment in creating jobs and growing our state's economy, but also in expanding our nation's international export reach and energy independence. I look forward to building upon our strong relationship with Golden Pass to keep Texas an energy leader at home and abroad."

Golden Pass LNG launched its Opportunity Roadmap initiative in October 2015 to support nearby workforce development efforts and to make sure that local companies would serve as vendors in the construction project. Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick said in a statement that local officials are ready to see the export project come to life.

"After the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, our region looks forward to the economic boost this project will bring, and through its Opportunity Roadmap program Golden Pass has laid the groundwork to make sure local residents and businesses have access to the opportunities," Branick said.
WASHINGTON - Exxon Mobil and Qatar Petroleum will go ahead on construction of the Golden Pass LNG export facility on the Texas Gulf Coast, the companies announced Tuesday.

The more than $10 billion facility, which will be capable of moving 16 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas per year, is scheduled to begin construction in the east Texas community of Sabine Pass by the end of March.

It is the latest in a string of LNG projects along the Gulf Coast, where a glut of cheap, natural gas is drawing interest from buyers and investors around the globe.

"The Golden Pass export project is not our first investment in the United States and clearly not the last," said Qatar Enery Minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi. "We will look forward for many more landmarks we will celebrate together."

Qatar Petroleum owns a 70 percent stake in Golden Pass, while Exxon owns 30 percent.

HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Exxon's profit, revenues climbed in 2018

Golden Pass, which has already been approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, will join a list of LNG export facilities under construction that includes Freeport LNG in Texas, Cameron LNG in Louisiana and Kinder Morgan's Elba Island facility in Georgia, which is in the process of starting up operations.

"Timing is everything," said Sean Ryan, president of Golden Pass LNG. "We're going to be at the beginning of this second wave."

The Golden Pass terminal originally came into operation in 2010 as an LNG import facility. But after the U.S. shale boom took off, efforts began to convert it into a liquefaction facility, where gas is cooled into a liquid form to be loaded onto ships.

Alex Munton, an analyst at reseach firm Wood Mackenzie, said building on an existing site would reduce construction time, giving Golden Pass a head start on other LNG projects in development.

"From a cost standpoint, the timing is prudent," he said. "Proceeding with construction now will enable the project to lock in costs and minimize exposure to inflationary pressures before the next cycle of global LNG investment heats up."

The decision to move ahead was announced at a ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington Tuesday, with Energy Secretary Rick Perry and al-Kaabi in attendance.

The Trump administration has sought to expand LNG exports both as an economic driver and a tool to expand American influence abroad.

MORE ON EXXON: ExxonMobil to begin construction on Beaumont refinery expansion

"It's going to enhance energy security not just for us but for our allies around the world," Perry said. "Imagine how Europe feels when those winter winds crank up and the need for energy increases. And Russia seemingly has their hand of the supply valve."

Golden Pass is expected to take five years to build, requiring the hiring of more than 9,000 workers, Exxon said. Once completed the facility will require 200 staff for operations.

"This is going to be so huge for the Gulf Coast," said Rep. Randy Weber, R-Beaumont. "We have more LNG facilities in my district than anyone else."

FUEL FIX: Get energy, oil, and gas news updates each weekday in our energy newsletter.
WASHINGTON - Houston Democrat Lizzie Fletcher was elected to Congress last November as part of a progressive groundswell against President Donald Trump, winning over a stretch of wealthy Houston suburbs where the oil industry has long reigned supreme and Democrats had not won an election since the late 1960s.

But within a month of her taking office, Democrats potential headwinds in suburban Texas are in full view as a proposal from the partys progressive wing to rapidly shift the United States away from fossil fuels gains momentum amidst increasingly dire forecasts on climate change.

I dont think its something you want to touch with a 10-foot pole in our district, said David Feldwisch , a Fletcher supporter and president of the Upper Kirby-based civic group Oil Patch Democrats. Even with Democrats, youre not going to find anyone denying climate change, but youre going to find a split between people who want to do something really drastic right now and people who want to something more gradual.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Federal forecast: Wind, solar fastest growing power sources through 2021

As the newly resurgent Democratic Party pushes Congress to consider climate change legislation for the first time since 2009, Democrats from oil-rich states like Texas are being pulled between the partys growing call for carbon-free energy and the drilling industry that has long driven their economy.

While the so-called Green New Deal proposed by rising progressive star Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., might play well in Democratic strongholds like New York and California, in Texas any shift away from the oil and gas sector is viewed hesitantly for its potential to wreak havoc on the state economy.

Matt Angle, director of the Lone Star Project, a Washington-based consulting firm that works with Democratic candidates in Texas, said it was crucial that Democrats presented a pragmatic approach to climate change that did not arbitrarily put the brakes on fossil fuels.

Within the Texas delegation there are some pretty cool heads on energy issues, he said. I think youll find that Ocasio-Cortez has brought energy, but the substance is going to be worked out by people with progressive credentials but also real experience and understanding of whats palpable politically.

So far Texas Democrats in Washington are largely taking a wait-and-see approach, awaiting draft legislation from Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., a Washington veteran whose landmark climate legislation came close to passing into law a decade ago.

On HoustonChronicle.com:With rise of electric vehicles, a new foreign energy dependence looms

Fletcher, a former energy attorney and chair of the House Science Space and Technologys subcommittee on Environment, said it was critical Texas plays a prominent role as climate policy is worked out.

Its good to have excitement and attention focused on our energy future, she said in an interview. Houston is the energy capitol of the world. Any conversation about our energy future we need to be a part of.

Among Democrats in Washington, Ocasio-Cortezs Green New Deal is being embraced but only to a point. Initially proposed late last year as a 10-year plan to convert the U.S. power grid to 100 percent renewable energy and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector through a massive federal investment, those goals have already been dismissed by many Democrats as unrealistic.

Mike Bloomberg, the billionaire and former Republican mayor of New York City who is considering a presidential run, has himself endorsed a Green New Deal but called Ocasio-Cortezs proposal pie in the sky. And even some environmentalists concede the politics of shifting away from fossil fuels so quickly will be difficult.

Luke Metzger, director of the advocacy group Environment Texas, said while he believed decarbonizing the U.S. economy over the next decade to be absolutely necessary, he understood getting Texas Democrats on board would be a tall order.

Thats going to be politically tougher, he said. Texas is different than California and New York. The pressures are different.

On HoustonChronicle.com: EIA forecasts U.S. energy independent by 2020

For now, there is little expectation of a Green New Deal coming for a vote anytime soon.

Even if Democrats were to win enough support to pass legislation out of the House, Republicans control the Senate and White House and so far have dismissed the Green New Deal as a non-starter. The current push is widely viewed as an opening move by Democrats, to have legislation ready should the 2020 election go their way.

It is enough to get the attention of oil and gas lobbyists, who are painting Ocasio-Cortez as naive of the energy sector and the damage that such a dramatic shift could have on the national economy.

Frankly, theyve done a good job of framing the issue. The problem is what theyre asking for, said Scott Segal, a Washington energy attorney with clients in the oil and gas sector. If you mandate that which is not technologically achievable, you end up getting your mandate repealed and the movement gets set back.

For Texas Democrats, just the perception they are Green New Dealers risks alienating many of the independent voters they made gains with in the last election and hope to ride to victory in 2020.

Last week, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced it would be targeting six congressional seats in Texas, including Houston-area Republicans Michael McCaul and Pete Olson. And critical to that election will be centrist Texans who while liking the environment also like jobs, said Mark Jones, a political science fellow at Rice Universitys Baker Institute.

The Green New Deal has the potential to help the Republicans running for these seats, he said. You can imagine the campaign: My opponent is going to be voting with Nancy Pelosi and Alexandra Ocasio Cortez to end fossil fuels by 2025.

But like politicians anywhere in the United States, Texas Democrats also face an increasingly vocal coalition demanding politicians heed scientists warning that climate change an existential threat to the planet.

Their numbers might not be as large as other parts of the country, but they are not going to walk away quietly either, said Feldwisch, of the Oil Patch Democrats, who described himself as deeply concerned about climate change but supportive of a gradual approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The environmentalists are very strong and have a very loud voice, he said of the Texas Democratic Party. They drive the policy quite a bit compared to other people.

james.osborne@chron.com

Twitter: @osborneja
RiFF RAFF hasn't been slacking at all in recent times. Although there was a point when he was noticeably absent from the rap game, he's continued to flood the Internet with new music in recent times. Last year, he released a few projects including November's Tangerine Tiger and April's Alcoholic Alligator. Although he's been promoting the former for a minute, he's back with a brand new single geared towards the strip clubs.

RiFF RAFF is back with his latest single, "Make It Drop." Jody Highroller links up with YG for the track. The two rappers deliver a ratchet single that's bound to pop off in strip clubs across America. YG holds down the first verse before handing it over to RiFF RAFF to hold down the rest of the track. The track follows the release of his video for "As If Life Didn't Tear Us Apart" which arrived last month.

Peep his new track.

Quotable Lyrics

Bills get paid, nails get did

We bless these bitches 'cause they take care of they kids

Shake that ass, bitch, shake that ass, bitch

Fuck her then kick her out the house like take a cab bitch
Nike and Jordan Brand's annual Chinese New Year collection will be arriving at select retailers in North America and on SNKRS starting today, February 5 at 10am ET. The collection, consisting of an Air Jordan 33, Air Jordan 12s and a Kyrie 5, first dropped in Greater China on January 3rd.

Check out some purchase links in the tweets embedded below.

As part of the upcoming Chinese New Year sneaker collection, Jordan designers were first drawn to the storytelling practice of ancient Chinese patchwork and quilting (also known as cae / baijiayi).

For centuries, Chinese patchwork has been given to children as a symbol of prosperity, strength and appreciation. Quilt pieces are sourced from multiple families in a community, which earned the patchwork a nickname, the Hundred-families robe.

Per AirJordan.com:

"The design team applied this narrative method of collaged scraps to the creation of a geometric print that lines the Air Jordan XII, the Air Jordan XXXIII and collection apparel. Both shoes have a black and gold color combination with reveal elements for the print that allow it to be seen and worn in different ways  a first for the Jordan Brand Chinese New Year collection. The patchwork print includes references to all 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac, and both shoes have a remixed, digitized 23 meant to resemble 2019s Year of the Pig zodiac sign. On the apparel, the print is incorporated down the arms and legs."

The men's Air Jordan 12 will retail for $250, the AJ33 for $175, and the Kyrie 5 for $130. Check out some additional Nike purchase links below.
LeBron James gave the Los Angeles Lakers a glimmer of hope last week when he played his first game since going down with a groin injury on Christmas Day. The Lakers won James' first game back against the Los Angeles Clippers but just a couple of days later, James sat out against the Golden State Warriors. Fans were confused as to why the superstar was sitting out with the team calling it a simple case of "load management." Tonight, the Lakers will be traveling to Indiana to take on the Pacers and it has been reported that LeBron James will be back in the lineup.

It will be a very interesting next few days for the Los Angeles Lakers. They currently sit in 10th place in the Western Conference with a record of 27-26 and need to start winning if they want to make the playoffs. The trade deadline is Thursday and rumors are swirling over whether or not the Lakers will be able to pick up New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis.

The Lakers have offered the Pelicans pretty well all of their young stars including Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, and Lonzo Ball, although the Pelicans are reluctant to make a move.
Many 21 Savage fans were confused by the rapper's arrest. The fact that he was detained by ICE was upsetting in itself but the officials' denouncement of his public persona as false became the sensationalized focus. Cardi B joined those who have been expressing support for the family man since then.

The "I Like It" artist shared a picture of the detained with a Black Lives Matter banner and "Free 21 Savage" slogan. She attached a lengthy caption in his defense. We will read and educate ourselves on this situation and we will take action, Cardi wrote. 21 did not come here illegally and was not caught doing anything illegal or doing any mischief! In fact he have change his whole life around and as ya can see hes been very positive in his actions and music.

Then she channeled her hood attitude to take aim at those who were seemingly amused by the British element of the situation.

"Now let me get ghetto ....and for ya d*ck breath motherfuckers talking bout 'sO hE nOt FrOm AtLaNta,'" she shot back. "He grew up there, his kids and family live there and BLEW UP there with the support of the community."


Kenya is seeking to sign film co-production agreements with China in order to expand the local movie sector, a senior government official said on Monday.

Joe Mucheru, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT), told journalists in Nairobi that the country has launched a screenplay competition that will enable the country produce quality films.

"This competition is great and opens co-production opportunities in the film and creative industries to explore how Kenya can take advantage of the Africa and China markets, with a possible total market of 2 billion movie viewers; eventually, we hope to sign a co-production treaty between Kenya and China government which will be a first for the country and a big boost to the local industry," Mucheru said during the launch of the screenplay competition.

The government proposes to pay 1 million shillings (10,000 U.S. dollars) for the winning script, 4,997 dollars for the first runner up and 2,998 dollars for the second runners up.

Mucheru said that under the proposed co-production deal with China, both nations will jointly produce films that will appeal to audiences of the two regions.

"The objective of co-production is to introduce new audiences including the Chinese to become familiar and begin to consume Kenya films," he added.

The government official said that the screenplay competition is one among the many initiatives geared towards growing the film industry in Kenya and to expand the market of Kenya films locally and to other markets.

He revealed that besides the prize money, the winning scripts will be pitched to international film producers to explore possibilities of the scripts being turned into full feature films and the resultant film showcased in both local and international markets.




Alexis Skyy spent all of last week in the hospital and she seemingly back her way back after this past weekend's clubbing activities. The Love & Hip Hop star was partying near 617 Social Lounge in Atlanta on Sunday night when all the club lights turned on after the sounds of gunshots. The people that occupied the venue quickly tried to clear out and Alexis Skyy was one of them who couldn't move as fast due to an injured foot.

In a clip obtained by TMZ, you can see that Alexis was wobbling her way of the club and at one point, someone from her crew lifted her up and carried her out. The publication details how she went to the ER and doctors told her nothing was broken and there was no serious sprain. As for the gunshots, the loud sounds were a false alarm and luckily no shots were fired.

Alexis was previously in the hospital after her and Fetty Wap's one-year-old daughter had to undergo emergency brain surgery. The little cutie made it out on the other side and Alexis shared a photo of her smiling face in the hospital bed.

"I got so much catching up to do my first quarter wasn't to start like this, but it's okay god puts things on hold," she captioned the image. "I got a few more songs to finish."
21 Savage is facing the possibility of deportation after he was arrested by United States Immigration And Customs Enforcement in Atlanta yesterday. ICE's spokesperson revealed that 21 is actually a citizen of the U.K. which puzzled many due to his strong ties to Atlanta. His management, friends, family, and fans have rallied together to show their support for the rapper. His mother recently took to Instagram to issue her own statement on his arrest.



Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

21 Savage's mother opened up about the rapper's arrest in her Instagram Story. She didn't share any details pertaining to his case but she did call for his freedom while sharing her disappointment in people who've been cracking jokes and sharing memes about the situation.

"It's a damn shame when we live in a world where people thrive off and feed negative energy.. laugh at others who are going through real life challenges, fighting for their lives & freedom... sick of it! However in the end people will see! This too shall come to pass[.] Free 21 Savage," she wrote.

Both of 21 Savage's parents have been under a microscope by the Internet after the rapper's arrest. Earlier today, footage of his mother speaking in a British accent emerged which further proved ICE's claim that he's a native of the U.K. Shortly after the video surfaced, his alleged birth certificate emerged which confirmed that he was born in London and lived there until he was 12-years-old before moving to Atlanta.
21 Savage was arrested yesterday by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement over claims that he's an illegal immigrant who's visa expired in 2006. An ICE spokesperson said that he was actually from the U.K. and falsified his entire public persona. Now, the rapper's alleged birth certificate has emerged which indicates that he was indeed born in the U.K.



Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

The Daily Mail Online published a photo of 21 Savage's birth certificate earlier today. The document confirms that he was born at Newham Hospital in East London. The publication also said that the birth certificate confirmed that 21 Savage lived in England for 12 years before he moved to Atlanta with his mother.

It was also reported that 21 Savage has twin sisters in the U.K, Kyra and Jayda. His sisters work as choreographers. They allegedly referred to his arrest as "fishy" and also deleted pictures of him off of their social media account because they "don't want him to get deported."

Prior to this report, it was rumored that he was actually a citizen of Dominica which was disputed by this report.

Earlier today, 21 Savage's lawyer spoke out about his client's arrest, saying that ICE is attempting to "unnecessarily punish him." He also claimed ICE is trying "to intimidate him into giving up his right to fight to remain in the United States."

An online petition has already been launched by the co-founder of Black Lives Matter, Patriss Cullors, to try and prevent the rapper from being deported.
In what is arguably one of the most perplexing stories this year, 21 Savage is currently facing deportation after he was arrested by ICE. He is presently in custody with the majority of his days being spent in lockdown. A petition has been created with support from Black Lives Matter and a handful of musicians, which is nearing its goal. The entire ordeal has been described as a "misunderstanding" but as the days continue to pass by, it's becoming clearer that 21 Savage could be facing some serious repercussions. Hopefully, Georgia Representative Hank Johnson has some pull with the immigration judge because 21 needs all the help he can get.



Bennett Raglin/Getty Images

According to Complex, Hank Johnson argues that he has gotten to know 21 Savage through charity work, noting that he's an asset to the community. The politician wrote to the judge, "He was raised and spent his formative years in and around Atlanta, and he has developed deep family roots and personal ties to our wonderful state of Georgia, and to Gwinnett and DeKalb counties in particular."

Johnson went on to write, "I know [21] to be a remarkable young man. He spends his time giving back to our community and has been living a life of paying it forward. I believe that it would be a serious hardship to [21's] family and a loss for our community, if he is not allowed bail so that he can be released from detention. ... He has been an outstanding figure and influence within his family and within Atlanta."

Many have been chiming in on Savage's current immigration situation, including J. Cole who stood up for his "A Lot" costar. Read the full letter below.
Childs joins JLL from BNP Paribas Real Estate, where he was part of the Alternative Markets team specialising in hotels and serviced apartments. He brings significant expertise in hotel development, occupational leases, franchise and management contracts. Childs previously worked at JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group from 2003 to 2006.

JLL has appointed Greg Childs as Executive Vice President of its Hotels Advisory business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) with immediate effect. He will lead the region's operations and services across hotel development work, including operator searches, contract management, lease negotiations, and forward funding.

Childs joins JLL from BNP Paribas Real Estate, where he was part of the Alternative Markets team specialising in hotels and serviced apartments. He brings significant expertise in hotel development, occupational leases, franchise and management contracts. Childs previously worked at JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group from 2003 to 2006.

Philip Ward, CEO of Hotels and Hospitality Group, EMEA, JLL, said: "We are very excited to have Greg join our Hotels Advisory team. He brings invaluable understanding of the industry to help us ensure we continue to provide market-leading advice to our clients. This is a key appointment for us as we are seeing acceleration in hotel development activity in Europe."

Greg Childs, Executive Vice President, Hotel Development Advisory Group, EMEA, JLL, added: "I am very pleased to return to JLL. There are some really exciting opportunities in the hotel development market across the region and I look forward to working closely with clients and colleagues to help them achieve their business ambitions."

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 2021 Hotel News Resource
HVS interviewed Mr. Mohamed Najia, General Secretary at Kuwait Hotel Owners Association (KHOA).

1. How do you assess the current hotel market performance in Kuwait and wider GCC?

Kuwait Market performed well when compared to other GCC countries, witnessing growths across all key performance indicators. Average Daily Rate (ADR) and occupancy levels increased by 7.4% and 1.5% respectively, which led to a 9.2% growth in Revenue per Available Rate (RevPAR) as of August year-to-date. The demand in Kuwaits hotel market surged by 9.2%, outpacing the 7.4% of the supply growth. We find that the rate agreement established by the Kuwait Hotel Owners Association has positively affected the Kuwait Hotel Market.

2. What are the trends that will shape the future of the hospitality industry in Kuwait?

Kuwait is strategically located in the Middle East at the tip of Arabian Gulf, bordering Saudi Arabia to the South and Iraq to the North. Kuwait Vision 2035 will transfer a new look to Kuwaits hospitality industry followed by the development of five islands - Bubiyan, Warba, Failaka, Maskan and Aouha  coupled with Silk City, the largest marine project. As a result, the tourism industry outlook in Kuwait is promising when considering the rebound in domestic tourism, as well as the new tourism infrastructures which are set to be completed between 2022 to 2025. Currently, Kuwait has more than 70 hotels and 111,000 restaurants and cafes. The number is expected to grow exponentially upon the completion of various demand generators.

3. How does Kuwait Hotel Owners Association (KHOA) assist in developing the hospitality and tourism industry in Kuwait?

Kuwait Hotel Owners Association (KHOA) works closely with the Kuwait government, submitting various reports including hotel performance and hospitality industry market forecasts. In addition, KHOA plays an important role in addressing significant issues in the hospitality industry. The association also participates and sponsors HORECA Kuwait Exhibition in addition to conducting road shows in the GCC.

4. Why should investors consider investing in Kuwaits hospitality market?

While considering the 5% to 10% of a year-on-year increase in demand, coupled with the government investment in the tourism sector, Kuwait Vision 2035 is anticipated to attract a number of investors who are interested in participating in new hospitality projects.



5. How would you describe your overall experience working with HVS?

HVS is one of the leading hospitality consultancies in MENA region with the regional expertise. I appreciate the efficient and excellent work of which HVS carries out.

www.hvs.com

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 2021 Hotel News Resource
Signature Temecula will be located near old town Temecula's famous antique shops and restaurants with exceptional access to 23 Temecula Valley wineries.

RLH Corporation (NYSE:RLH) announced yesterday the signing of a franchise license agreement for a Signature hotel in Temecula, CA. The hotel will undergo a dynamic refresh featuring eye-catching mid-century modern design and exuberant style grounded in today while evoking a simpler time.

Signature Temecula will be located near old town Temecula's famous antique shops and restaurants with exceptional access to 23 Temecula Valley wineries. The hotel is being revitalized and repositioned into a vibrant and bold boutique hotel experience through focused renovations to guestrooms and common areas. The hotel will be outfitted with mid-century modern furniture, fun textures and complementary design elements to craft a retro-modern feel with all the conveniences and comforts today's traveler has come to expect.

"We are off to a great start this year with an active pipeline after executing 167 hotel franchise agreements in 2018," said RLH Corporation President of Global Development Paul Sacco. "Since launching the Signature brand in San Francisco last year, we have seen significant interest from well-located existing properties that can benefit from an economical refresh and a system that drives reservations. We are delighted that Signature San Francisco has reported an increased average daily rate and revenue since joining the brand. We welcome Signature Temecula to the growing RLHC family."

Signature Temecula is anticipated to open in summer 2019.

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Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the devastation the disease of addiction causes families, hosted a reception on January 29th to honor Robert Alter, the second recipient of the Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award.

Senior executives across the hotel industry united last month during ALIS to end the stigma of addiction with Shatterproof.

Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the devastation the disease of addiction causes families, hosted a reception on January 29th to honor Robert Alter, the second recipient of the Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award. Alter has been an integral part of uniting the leaders of the hospitality world to come together for this cause. The event raised vital funds to support Shatterproofs efforts to transform the way addiction is treated in America.

Over 50 hospitality companies joined together to sponsor this event in support of Shatterproof and its founder and CEO, Gary Mendell, a former hotelier (Chairman of HEI Hotels & Resorts), whose son Brian lost his life to addiction in 2011. The event raised more than $635,000, which will go toward advancing Shatterproofs mission.

Studies have shown the hospitality industry is impacted by addiction at two times the rate of other industries, so Shatterproofs mission is particularly important.

"I continue to be inspired by the incredible support of the hotel industry, said Gary Mendell. It is clear by their actions these leaders of the hospitality world embody the industrys resolute support of ending the stigma of addiction.

Mendell regularly attended the ALIS conference in his 25-year long career in the hospitality industry. After losing his son Brian to addiction, Mendell founded Shatterproof to spare others from the tragedy his family suffered. The inaugural Shatterproof Hospitality Heroes reception was held last year and raised more than $535,000. In 2016 and 2017, Shatterproof hosted the Shatterproof Challenge Rappel alongside ALIS, which raised over $1.6 million. Since 2016, the hospitality industry has raised more than $3 million for Shatterproof at events at ALIS.

It was my privilege to receive this award, but more importantly, to help raise awareness and mission-critical funds for Shatterproof, says Robert Alter. Our industry is disproportionately affected by addiction and helping to end stigma and talk about it at a high visibility event such as ALIS is extremely important.

The 2019 Host Committee for the Shatterproof Hospitality Heroes Reception included: Robert Alter (President, Seaview Investors), Geoff Ballotti (CEO, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts), Mike Barnello (President & CEO, LaSalle Hotel Properties), James Burba (CEO, Burba Hotel Network), Thomas Corcoran (President & CEO, TCOR Hotel Partners), Joel Eisemann (Chief Development Officer, Intercontinental Hotels), Kevin Kearney (VP, Upscale Development, USA, Canada, & The Caribbean, IHG), Daniel Lesser (President & CEO, LW Hospitality Advisors LLC), Gary Mendell (founder & CEO, Shatterproof, Chairman, HEI Hotels & Resorts), William Reynolds (Senior Managing Director, Marcus Hotels & Resorts), Anthony Rutledge (CEO, HEI Hotels & Resorts), Stacy Silver (President, Silver Hospitality Group), Paul Whetsell (CEO, CapStar Hotel Company), Mark Woodworth (Senior Managing Director, CBRE Hotels), and Alfred Young, (COO, LaSalle Hotel Properties).

For more information regarding the reception, as well as a complete list of sponsors, please visit https://www.shatterproof.org/alis.

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Varying from direct hotel websites to a new host of third-party channels, the diversity of the lists this year reflects a rise in consumer choice that is forcing hotels to compete for business on more booking channels than ever before.

SiteMinder, the global hotel industrys leading guest acquisition platform, today unveils its annual lists of the channels that brought the highest total booking revenue to hotels in some of the worlds top travel destinations in 2018. Varying from direct hotel websites to a new host of third-party channels, the diversity of the lists this year reflects a rise in consumer choice that is forcing hotels to compete for business on more booking channels than ever before.

Speaking on the lists, SiteMinders managing director, Mike Ford, says the increased diversity is also indicative of a booking landscape that has exploded in recent years and is showing no signs of slowing. According to Euromonitor International, global online hotel sales have surpassed US$264 billion to represent over 170% growth in the last decade, including over 13% over the past year, alone.

While 2018 saw tourism slow in parts of the world, we are undoubtedly in an age where the travel industry, as a whole, is exploding. Yet, the growth we are witnessing in online hotel sales is one story that remains largely untold. Hotels are key enablers of travel and what our findings show is the unlocking of economies everywhere, from the outbound Chinese and Japanese markets to lesser known travel markets across Europe, says Mr Ford.

This year we found almost 20 instances of booking channels making a first-time appearance in our lists. So, while the more popular brands continue to dominate, we are seeing a broader range of players emerging. This trend reflects not only the ever-growing list of options now available to travellers booking their stay, but the subsequent need for hotels to be on more booking channels than ever to keep up with todays endless paths-to-purchase.

SiteMinders platform processed over 87 million online bookings in 2018  a rate of 166 per minute. The bookings totaled US$28.7 billion in revenue for its 30,000 hotel customers globally.

Based on total gross revenue made for those customers, the top 12 hotel booking channels in 2018 were:

Click on image to enlarge





Media contact

Maria Cricchiola

+61 410 233 735

media@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder

In an age of rising choice and accessibility for curious travellers, SiteMinder is the name synonymous with the belief that technology can empower any hotel to win in a consumer-led world and unleash their potential. SiteMinder is the global hotel industrys leading guest acquisition platform, ranked among technology pioneers for its smart and simple solutions that put hotels everywhere their guests are, at every stage of their journey. Its this central role that has earned SiteMinder the trust of more than 30,000 hotels, across 160 countries, to generate in excess of 87 million reservations worth over US$28 billion in revenue for hotels each year. For more information, visit www.siteminder.com.

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Folk artists performed lion and dragon dances in Cambodia on Monday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on Tuesday.

The dancers from four different troupes jointly performed at the Royal Palace and the Chinese Embassy here.

At the palace, they were greeted by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Royal Palace Minister Kong Sam Ol, while at the embassy, they were received by Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian.

Spring Festival was the most important festival in China.

"May the Year of the Pig bring good health, luck and fortune as well as new success to the Chinese people, Cambodians of Chinese descent and all Cambodian people," Ambassador Wang said.

He is strongly confident that the ties and cooperation between China and Cambodia would be further deepened in the new year, particularly under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Lion dance is usually invited by traditional Chinese families to perform as a symbolic ritual to usher in the Spring Festival and ward off bad luck and evil spirits.

The Chinese New Year is broadly celebrated in Cambodia, though it is not a public holiday.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen last week sent best wishes to the people on the occasion and said the country celebrates three New Year festivals a year, the Universal New Year, the Chinese New Year and the Cambodian New Year.

"Nowadays, there are more and more Cambodians of Chinese descent," Hun Sen said.

"When the nation has full peace, people have freedom to choose religious beliefs and celebrate festivals according to their traditions," Hun Sen said.




Opinion Article

5 February 2019

Luxury hospitality is at risk of becoming obsolete, according to PwC Global industry leader for hospitality and tourism, Nicolas Mayer. That's because it no longer fulfills the 'needs and desires' of clients that they couldn't get elsewhere.

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Mayer told EHL students recently in classroom sessions that, in decades gone by, luxury had involved 'standard expectations' about security, beautiful surroundings and service levels that guests were willing to pay for.

Whereas now, this brand promise and standardization, this consistency promise, doesn't need to be obtained from a luxury operator anymore. You can get it online and through different channels yourself or through peers or people you trust.

These are complex businesses, Mayer says, so hoteliers should not be on the lookout for a new competitor that is going to disrupt the industry and put them out of business.

However, citing the examples of the online travel agencies (OTAs) and alternative booking platforms such as Airbnb, he argues "there are disruption innovators that chisel away at the core revenue-generating activities that operators deliver on behalf of hotel owners."

Unbundling is becoming an issue

Many businesses are increasingly "looking at hospitality as an unbundled sequence of services and disruptors saying 'well, I can't become a full service hotel operator but I can do distribution, revenue management or procurement, or I can do housekeeping or engineering better than (hoteliers).'"

Owners no longer want the full service offering from hotel operators, he says, but only certain elements of the bundle, combined perhaps with the services of small companies. "So that's how, in my view, disruption will come." It will not come from one big player pushing the others around but "will chisel away at some of the core services of hospitality."

Neither Uber nor Airbnb are truly disruptive innovators, Mayer argues, adding their offerings are more incremental than revolutionary. He sees Uber as a taxi offering and Airbnb an accommodation offering that is "incrementally developing what the hotel industry has been doing all along and, by being more agile through technology, basically grasping market share." Indeed, Airbnb may become a victim of its own success, he says, due to pressures on real estate prices and rental space, as well as security issues,but

Nobody has really asked themselves in the hotel operators' business: how is it possible that a new guy comes along and immediately so many of my clients run away and switch ships? That's the question that needs to be answered. They're grasping a piece of the market share and are here to stay.

Towards obsolescence in luxury hospitality?

Mayer further says the issue of obsolescence in luxury hospitality is serious because it takes time for hotel groups to reinvent themselves.

"I don't think any of the large, recognized players will become obsolete tomorrow. However their value proposition now is increasingly being challenged because the historic deal was: I shall provide a number of useful services in a package deal, in a management contract with a three percent base fee and a ten percent incentive fee on the owner's side. But both owners and consumers want to spend more on those parts of the package where they see value. For instance, some may prefer to spend 'disproportionately' more on a room than cross-finance a fitness or business center.

"The luxury delivery model is in danger of obsolescence," says Mayer, "because it is based on a transactional premise where we say you give us $800 a night and I will make available an array of things, some of which you'll use and a cross-subsidizing deal that works for everyone." That classical or traditional model is being challenged, he says, through the development of lifestyle hotels.

If you start unbundling an $800 daily rate and take out the cross-subsidization that goes towards fitness, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events), the business center, beach club, etc., what is left over is probably not going to be sufficient to cover the costs.

So the unbundling and change in business model are actually putting the luxury model at risk of obsolescence. It's not so much that people will no longer wish to have human contact or nice experiences whether they be in dining or something else.

Mayer stresses that luxury hotels are weak in terms of processes, IT and digital systems, and the development of staff.

Hospitality-specific systems, whether for revenue management, or distribution, had had been bought in. In addition, due to a lack of training, systems are "being poorly used."

As for processes, the hospitality sector is "among the least mature, the least standardized and the least modern"compared to any other major industry.

Check-in processes, he says, have not changed fundamentally since the 1970s (although he does praise citizenM for being a pure digital company which "never had to build processes on top of an analog heritage"). Most operators have merely transferred analogue processes to a digital environment "but that is not digital transformation in a process environment."

As for the development of staff, Mayer says "the hospitality industry is particularly suffering from a lack of access to talent because they have amongst the weakest management development programs of any industry." Consequently he urges hotel groups to offer career tracks and career clarity. "That doesn't need to mean that I will map out the next 12 years until your first GM position but people want to know there is a plan for them, rather than feel they're a reserve battalion to be dispatched when the first vacancy pops up somewhere in the chain."

What solutions?

Plenty of areas for improvement then, so what advice does Mayer have for hoteliers as they tackle these issues?

My first recommendation would be, look at industries that are really good at process improvement and ask yourself what is that they're doing that you can replicate.

The airline industry, he adds, is a good example as it "constantly looks at every micro process" to make improvements and, as in the hotel industry, "if you fix it, even in just a very small piece, that can have very big effects."

"Looking outside the industry is tremendously important. One of the issues of the hospitality industry - and it's not a very original statement - is that it's almost incestuous," as hoteliers switch from one group to another, taking their expertise with them. Whether it be financial services (for the check-in process) or manufacturing (for purchasing and human capital management processes), the results have been 'phenomenal', Mayer says, when hoteliers have looked outside the sector for inspiration.
Press Release

5 February 2019

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is pleased to continue its partnership with the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM) through the addition of two new scholars to its Middle East Research Center: Mercy Kiprotich and Vladan Pantelic. The HFTP Middle East Research Center, along with the HFTP Americas and Asia Research Centers, are an essential component of HFTP's initiative to provide members with quality new resources and information that advance the global hospitality industry. Kiprotich and Pantelic are currently pursuing their master's degrees and will be delving into research that provides new insights in hospitality management in the United Arab Emirates. Both scholars were carefully selected by EAHM, and will conduct their research under the supervision of Dr. Sanjay Nadkarni, Ph.D, Director of EAHM's Innovation and Research Center.

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Leading up to their graduate school careers, both Kiprotich and Pantelic boast impressive backgrounds in the industry. "We are fortunate to have Mercy and Vladan join the HFTP Middle East Research Center," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe, CAE. "While their futures are bright, their prior industry experiences alone have set them apart from their peers. As research scholars, their contributions will help HFTP advance industry knowledge."

Prior to her studies, Kiprotech worked extensively in hospitality, building her international, hands-on experience in event planning, sales performance analysis, and property management. As a graduate student, she is diving into her thesis investigating how Dubai hotels are beginning to leverage blockchain technology.

Pantelic, who has vast experience in operations with Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, will use his knowledge to focus his thesis on the selection of key performance indicators by hotel management in the UAE. HFTP will provide a platform for the dissemination of the scholars' findings through whitepapers and blogs.
Press Release

5 February 2019

-GUIDANCE EXCEEDED IN 2018-

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The Company expects to top its guidance for EBITDA(1) of 260 million in 2018, a year marked by higher exposure to the upper-upscale segment, improvements in the guest experience, greater operating and sales efficiency, an optimal asset rotation strategy and the deleveraging effort

MINOR HOTELS & NH HOTEL GROUP-

Minor Hotels and NH Hotel Group are integrating their brands under a single corporate umbrella with presence in over 50 countries worldwide

Both groups are already sharing their know-how and experience in the sector with a view of materializing opportunities in the short term, taking advantage of the complementary nature of their hotel portfolios, the scope for economies of scale with a broader customer base and exploring the development of all of their brands in different markets

A first step in this direction is the upcoming transfer to NH Hotel Group of the operations of a portfolio of 15 Minor Hotels in Portugal and Brazil

POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR NH IN 2019-

The Company is in a position to reiterate its guidance for 285 million of EBITDA(1) in 2019

Against the backdrop of the international tourism trade fair hosted in Spain - FITUR -, the Chief Executive Officer of NH Hotel Group, Ramon Aragones, has taken stock of the events of the past year and the initiatives that have put the Group in a position to present its best results ever. In addition to emphasising the harmony between the NH Hotel Group and Minor Hotels teams and the joint opportunities they are exploring together on an expedited basis, NH's CEO anticipated strong results in 2019.

GUIDANCE EXCEEDED IN 2018-

The Company has announced that it expects to surpass its guidance for EBITDA(1) of 260 million in 2018. Ahead of the results presentation scheduled for February, Ramon Aragones said that the Company had performed even better than expected during the second half of the year. That performance was underpinned by strong showings in the main European cities, with the recovery in Barcelona standing out.

NH Hotel Group's CEO also highlighted the drivers that are helping the Company to deliver all of the profit guidance committed to: efficient operational management and a successful deleveraging strategy that has brought on results above the initial objective are enabling it to make the most of the improved business momentum.

Ramon Aragones pointed out some of the initiatives undertaken during the year, such as the reinforced brand positioning of NH Collection, which currently accounts for 22% of all Group rooms, and the enhanced guest experience. On this last point he noted the launch of FASTPASS, a combination of three innovative services - Check-in Online, Choose Your Room and Check-out Online - that give guests total control over their stays. In fact, NH Hotel Group is the first European chain to offer these three services simultaneously.

In addition to efficient revenue management, underpinned by improved quality, Aragones highlighted the optimal asset rotation strategy executed last year, specifically underlining the sale-and-leaseback agreement of the building that houses the NH Collection Barbizon Palace in Amsterdam and the more than 2,300 rooms opened or added to the pipeline during the year. In terms of openings, he flagged the NH Collection Gran Via in Madrid and the two new hotels inaugurated in Marseille under the NH Collection and nhow brands. He also recalled that the pipeline currently encompasses 26 hotels with almost 5,000 new rooms. Within this pipeline, he explained the Group's strategic commitment to the nhow brand, with seven iconic hotels under development in the cities of London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Rome, Lima and Santiago de Chile, which are scheduled to open their rooms in the coming years.

Elsewhere, Ramon Aragones underlined the fact that the Company had ended 2018 in strong financial health thanks to its deleveraging effort, a priority during the last two years. That effort means that having started with gross borrowings of nearly 900 million at the end of 2016, the Company has achieved its target of having a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of under 1x by the end of 2018.

MINOR HOTELS & NH HOTEL GROUP-

After acquiring 94.1% of NH Hotel Group during the last quarter of 2018, Minor International and the Spanish hotel chain have begun to explore ways to unlock value together in the years to come. The first initiative, announced during the trade fair FITUR, has been the presentation of the upcoming integration of the hotel brands of both companies under a single corporate umbrella with presence in over 50 countries worldwide. And so, a portfolio of over 500 hotels has been articulated around eight brands - NH Hotels, NH Collection, nhow, Tivoli, Anantara, Avani, Elewana and Oaks - comprising a broad and diverse range of hotel propositions connected to the needs and desires of today's global travellers.

Ramon Aragones singled out Minor International's confidence in NH Hotel Group's entire management team and the enthusiasm shared by both teams over the opportunity to create a leading, global hotel platform with a presence on six continents. "The complementary nature of the two hotel portfolios and the benchmark positioning of their various brands will allow us to grow and compete on a firmer footing and to create added value for our customer bases all around the world", added NH's CEO.

Both groups' teams are already working together on several lines of initiative. Taking advantage of their joint broad universe of brands, they are analysing hotel by hotel the potential rebranding to premium brands of some of the assets in Europe, where there is room for boosting higher margins under new trademarks. In tandem, the two companies are working on projects for unlocking economies of scale in the sales and supplier platforms.

Thanks to Minor Hotels' leadership position in its home markets, NH Hotel Group is already benefitting from certain cross-selling opportunities via access to the former's Asian customer base; the growth potential is significant as Asian guests currently represent 1% of NH's guest base. In parallel, they are both working on structuring the use and operation of the two groups' brands in markets other than their natural ones, an initiative expected to speed up their expansion worldwide.

One of the most advanced joint projects relates to the transfer to NH Hotel Group of the operations of a portfolio of 15 Minor Hotels in Portugal and Brazil, which is expected to materialise in the near term. As a result, NH Hotel Group will be operating 17 hotels in Portugal (13 Minor Hotels establishments, three NH Hotel Group establishments already open and another in the pipeline), establishing a leading position in this market with a presence in Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Sintra, Evora and the Algarve. And in Brazil the two companies will join forces with three hotels located in Bahia, Sao Paolo and Curitiba.

POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR NH IN 2019-

The better than forecast performance and the initiatives executed in 2018, along with others currently being rolled out in 2019, notably the investment in repositioning certain key assets in cities such as New York, Amsterdam, Rome and Munich, enable NH Hotel Group to reiterate its guidance for EBITDA(1) of 285 million in 2019.

Indeed, the Group's strong financial position has enabled it to identify additional opportunities for repositioning assets at attractive returns that are expected to materialise in 2019 and 2020 in leading European cities, including Rome, Amsterdam, Milan, Brussels and Luxemburg.

(1) Recurring EBITDA before the reversal of provisions for onerous contracts and gains from asset sales
Now Open

5 February 2019

Hyatt brings its nationally acclaimed Miraval spa and wellness brand to Austin, Texas with the opening of Miraval Austin. Set on 220 acres of picturesque land overlooking Lake Travis, Miraval Austin is the brand's second wellness resort to open outside of its flagship property in Tucson, Arizona.

Offering 117 beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites, a serene Life in Balance Spa, a 10-acre farm and ranch and a state-of-the-art Life in Balance Culinary Kitchen, Miraval Austin combines the celebrated Miraval Arizona experience with groundbreaking new treatments and wellness programs that pay homage to Austin's rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural surroundings.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Miraval Austin's 117 guestrooms and suites designed by award-winning firm Hart Howerton are relaxing havens built in harmony with nature. Using a soft neutral color palate, guestrooms combine bespoke furniture, specially-selected fabrics and local, hand-crafted accessories and art to create a restorative atmosphere. In keeping with the Miraval brand's ethos, the rooms have been designed to enhance guests' sleep experience with Miraval bedding, black out shades and sleep-enhancing amenities, including Miraval's signature cell phone sleeping bag. Each room will also feature a selection ZENTS' all-natural bath amenities in large-format, reusable bottles to further reinforce the brand's commitment to sustainability.

LIFE IN BALANCE SPA

Conceptualized by renowned designer Clodagh, the Life in Balance Spa at Miraval Austin draws inspiration from the surrounding Balcones Canyonlands Preserve to create a serene environment that promotes relaxation, balance and a sense of wellbeing. The 20,000 square foot Life in Balance Spa boasts 30 treatment rooms, a spa pool, relaxation rooms, salon, sauna, steam room and spa retail boutique.

In addition to offering a selection of Miraval Arizona's most sought-after spa experiences, the Life in Balance Spa at Miraval Austin offers a series of innovative treatments that push boundaries and bring new meaning to the concept of "farm to treatment table." Highlights include Pranayama-dina, a transformative experience that combines the power of breathwork with a floating massage, and Wild Harvest Herbal Healer, a celebration of nature and community in which guests pick herbs from the farm to be used in a luxurious massage.

To enhance the spa experience, the Life in Balance Spa at Miraval Austin worked with acclaimed organic skincare company, Laurel, to create a petal pecan mask inspired by the on-property farm. Miraval Austin and Laurel have also created an exclusive spa treatment, the Spiritual Warrior Facial, that utilizes energies of plants and gemstones to bring guests on a spiritual facial journey.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAMMING

For those looking to open their mind, body and soul, Miraval Austin's team of highly regarded specialists have designed an extensive menu of integrative wellbeing offerings that span fitness, yoga, meditation, culinary, nutrition, and art.

Those seeking inner peace can enjoy a variety of yoga and meditation practices such as Crystal Meditation, which aligns the body with the energy of the earth and Qoya, a women's movement practice that combines yoga, breathwork and intention setting.

For guests looking to step out of their comfort zones, Miraval Austin's challenge course features activities including slacklining, archery and hatchet throwing.

Home to Miraval Austin's fitness classes, the 5,000 square foot Body Mindfulness Center features cutting-edge Technogym equipment and a fitness studio for activities including Cardio Drumming, Bosu Blast and spinning classes.

THE RANCH AT MIRAVAL AUSTIN

Developed at Miraval Arizona over 20 years ago, the brand's famed equine programming will also be central to the Miraval Austin experience. The Cypress Creek Ranch at Miraval Austin offers an expertly developed curriculum that expands upon Miraval Arizona's original programming with new workshops.

CULINARY OFFERINGS

At the core of Miraval Austin's culinary program is the 10-acre Cypress Creek Organic Farm that provides fresh produce for the property's kitchen and spa and is home to many of the property's interactive culinary programs.

Miraval Austin also features an innovative Life in Balance Culinary Kitchen outfitted by Williams Sonoma. Like at Miraval Arizona, the stunning demonstration kitchen hosts healthy cooking classes and workshops, including Plant-Based Cooking, Conquering the Blade, Restoring Bone Broth and Wheat-Free Baking.

In keeping with the Miraval brand's commitment to serving real, local food, and Hyatt's overall commitment to Food Thoughtfully Sourced, Carefully Served, Miraval Austin's signature restaurant, Hilltop Crossings Kitchen, offers a hand-crafted menu of healthy, Texas-inspired dishes created from ingredients sourced from the property's farm and local purveyors. The resort also offers the Discovery Pool Cafe and The Nest, Miraval's signature smoothie bar offering coffee and smoothies during the day and mindful craft cocktails and light bites in the evenings.

RETAIL

The Preserve Provision Company, Miraval Austin's retail outlet, brings Austin's rich cultural and artistic heritage to guests by offering a hand-curated selection of art, jewelry, clothing and skincare products sourced from local artisans and craftsman.

Hyatt acquired the Miraval brand in January 2017 as a key step in Hyatt's strategy to engage with high-end travelers in more ways beyond traditional hotel stays and to further complement its existing wellbeing offerings. Miraval operates as a standalone brand within Hyatt's portfolio adding to Hyatt's core purpose to care for people so they can be their best.

The term "Hyatt" is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.
Now Open

5 February 2019

Doors have opened to guests for the first time today at Quest NewQuay in Melbourne Docklands, which with 221 apartments makes it the company's largest Australian apartment hotel - snatching the title from Quest North Ryde at 170 apartments.

Located on the city fringe near Victoria Harbour, the new Quest location is around twice the size of many of its regional counterparts and is close to Marvel Stadium and the free city circle tram. It is around 20 minutes' drive to Tullamarine Airport. Construction was undertaken by MAB Corporation and is the 14th building completed by MAB on behalf of Quest.

Targeted at professionals seeking a self-contained home experience, Quest NewQuay offers a combination of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. True to the brand's hallmark, each apartment features a kitchenette or full-size kitchen, individual laundry facilities and private balcony. Guests can make use of a business centre and conference facilities, fitness centre, rooftop BBQ and recreation area.

Quest Apartment Hotels' Chief Commercial Officer, Craig Ryan, labelled the NewQuay establishment as the company's most ambitious property to date.
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INDIANAPOLIS  Josh, Pawnie and Nick Stroud, left to right, testified before a State Senate committee in support of a bill that would increase penalties for drunken driving. The boys father and Pawnies husband, Ron Stroud, died in 2008 when a drunken driver collided head-on with his car near Danville.
Indiana in spotlight: Kokomo, Elkhart-Goshen, Terre Haute, Columbus and West Lafayette are among the top U.S. cities with the highest percentage of jobs vulnerable to displacement through automation and artificial intelligence. Image from Brooking Institution Metropolitan Policy Program
But it wasnt just cold, it was downright frigid with temperatures dipping into the negative double digits. Mary Carroll said when the home heating system couldnt keep up, the duo got to baking onion jam tarts from a Scottish cookbook they were exploring. The oven warmed up the house and the fresh baked goods warmed up the family.
Click here to find out where to get a COVID-19 vaccine or test.

To find out how many local residents have been vaccinated for COVID-19, click here. Use the map to find numbers for individual counties.

Find detailed statistics about COVID-19 tests, cases and deaths by county and for the state as a whole on the Indiana State Department of Health's online dashboard.
Defense attorney Vivek Hadley said they would want more of the conversation introduced than what the government planned to play. Hadley said the conversation includes several times where Snyder explains to Cortina why he should get an attorney after the raid.
Lima, OH (45805)

Today

Plenty of sunshine. Unseasonably cool. High 70F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies. Low 52F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
After their meetings, Cole and the others sat and went over the discussions they had, making plans for how to follow up and move forward. Cole gushed about the experience, declaring it a good day and ready for the next thing to accomplish.
The other day I ran into a bear and he asked me

Perhaps I need to elaborate on this a little.

I was going for a lazy stroll in the snowy Alps, as you do, and I was just passing this cave near St. Moritz, when a deep bearish voice called out:

Hey you  arent you one of the guys from CommanderBond.net? Gimme the low down, whats the news about BOND 25, any juicy details from shooting yet?

By the entrance to the cave a tall bear was putting on a battered black and white dog tooth suit over a dark blue shirt and a black knitted silk tie, apparently the morning toilet after a long winter hibernation. When I saw him putting black John Lobb shoes on his huge paws I knew I was talking to a hardcore Bond fan. They are everywhere. And they tend to be fussy about their appearance.

Sir, indeed I happen to be working for CBn. You, Sir, on the other hand are a bear. And judging from appearances I should have thought you have more pressing matters to attend to than a Bond film, I said.

What do you think Im leaving my cave for this early, Mission Impossible? my new acquaintance said while he fiddled with a metal expanding bracelet to fit an expensive looking watch around his left forepaw. The hairs of his pelt stuck through the links of the bracelet, but otherwise he was looking every inch the worldly bear.

Thats what makes all the difference, Bond fans can climb right out of a cave and blend in nearly everywhere without effort.

Well then, whats the last thing you remember? Before taking your nap in there? I asked him.

The bears face turned thoughtful. Lemme seelast thing I heard was BOND 25 would be in theatres November 2019. And that Craig will return! So this furry Bond fan was still thinking BOND 25 would be right in the middle of shooting now

That was in summer of 2017  youve missed lots of stuff!

Did I? What in particular?

You asked for it

At first, there wasnt any news about BOND 25 beyond Craig returning. And that Purvis & Wade would do the script, but that hardly counts as news. What there was was a distinct absence of information: no distributor, no director. Plenty of speculation, largely the typical nonsense stuff the media rehashes when they need a spin on a story, whos doing the title song, whos returning  or not  and so on. A lot of it focussed on who was possibly directing, so the media speculation mirrored that of the fans, Mendes returning

Ugh, no! my new friend the bear muttered.

then not returning, Villeneuve maybe doing it

Denis Villeneuve, wow!

Nolan maybe doing it

Nolan, wow!

and finally all hell broke loose when it was announced that Danny Boyle had made a pitch for BOND 25.

Danny Boyle, thats awesome! Cant wait to see it!

You wont have to.

Didnt they like his pitch?

To the contrary, they were so taken by it that from March to August 2018 Boyle was officially directing BOND 25, shooting a script he developed on the go with John Hodge  while the Purvis and Wade effort supposedly was scrapped. The production, according to people in the know, was going full speed ahead when they suddenly hit creative differences and everything came to a standstill.

Oh my, the bear was making a sad bear-face. A Danny Boyle Bond film would have been so awesome He was sniffling a little. Its a disturbing sight, a huge bear sniffling.

Some people thought so, yes. But then, whenever a door closes, it does so for a reason  or however that Zen quote about doors goes

What did they mean with creative differences  aint that p.r. talk for excrement hitting the airscrew? the bear asked.

Honestly, I havent the foggiest. Talk in the media suggests it was something to do with rewriting the script, a task Purvis and Wade were possibly hired for again. Tabloids speculated wildly about who was to blame for what kind of blasphemy that finally broke the camels back. Bond actually dying was mentioned, but how much of that is true  if anything at all  nobody can say for sure.

My friend the bear looked paler by the minute. It seemed catching up with his favourite franchise didnt exactly agree with his digestion. While filling him in on events I spared him not a lot, not Gary Barbers catapult exit from MGM, not Annapurnas financial woes, which was supposed to team up with MGM for distribution.

God, thats awfuldoes it get any worse?

He didnt yet know about BOND 25s delay. Hes a bear after all, you never know with bears. Better slip him that detail together with something more uplifting.

Depends how you look at it. Distribution of BOND 25, as of yet, will be split between MGM-Annapurna for the US and Universal for the rest of the world. Might be that hints to MGMs future  or not, take your pick. And Barber hasnt been replaced as of yet, nor is MGMs fate decided 

Now he looked close to tears. What a mess! Will there even be something to distribute when they lost their director and their script too?

Well, its not clear how much of a loss that script was. Some claim Hodge may have worked from Purvis and Wades first effort all along; nobody outside can say for sure. Whatever Hodge cooked up also could still feature in BOND 25, depending on how a new director and Eon tackle it. And here comes the good news: after weeks of searching they found their replacement for Boyle  Cary J. Fukunaga. And its said he will also touch up the script.

His face lit up. The one who directed True Detective? Hey, thats pretty cool!

Of course, all that kerfuffle comes at a price. You will not like hearing BOND 25 got pushed back a bit, from November 2019 to February 2020  Valentines Day.

Thats still over a year! He looked seriously miffed now.

Yes, but you picked just the right time to wake up: shooting is set to begin in March, with location work in Italy set for April.

Italy again, I like that! Its warm in Italy!

Further locations may include Norway and possibly Canada too

I like Norway and Canada. Plenty bears there!

The bear was fiddling now for some time with a smart phone; difficult to handle with his paws.

And why is none of this stuff up on CommanderBond.net? Damn, fans like me depend on you guys. Do your bloody duty! he growled at me.

In truth, I was just going to write it when you called me over

Helmut Schierer @ 2019-02-05
Study ranks performance of each state's economy over the past decade

ATHENS, Ohio (Feb. 5, 2019) - A nationwide study on economic distress was recently released by the Ohio Alliance for Innovation in Population Health ranking the economic performance of all 50 states in the country from 2009 to 2019. While the economy in New Hampshire has remained the healthiest in the United States over the past decade and Mississippi has continued to be the most economically distressed state over that same time span, that doesn't tell the whole story.

For example, although the economy in New Hampshire improved and allowed the state to stay in the No. 1 position, other states near or at the bottom of the list, such as Mississippi, also improved. New Hampshire had an economic distress index score of 70.8 in 2009 that improved to 68.8 in 2019 (a lower number represents a healthier economy) and Mississippi had a score of 153 in 2009 that improved to 141. 8 in 2019.

According to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Mississippi saw increases across the board in nearly every income-related category from 2009 to 2017 (the most recent year available) but also experienced increased total unemployment.

Orman Hall, an executive in residence for Ohio University's College of Health Sciences and Professions and the Ohio Alliance for Innovation in Population Health (Alliance), conducted the nationwide study based on information compiled by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for 2009 and 2019. Economic distress, as measured by ARC, is determined by unemployment rate, per capita market income and poverty rate averaged over three years and compared to national averages.

Hall expressed appreciation to the ARC for its long-standing work in monitoring economic distress.

"These measures can help elected officials and policy makers identify communities that may be susceptible to elevated levels of mental illness, substance abuse and other serious diseases of despair," Hall said.

North Dakota had the greatest improvement in economy, leaping from 17th with a score of 91 in 2009 to second in 2019 at 71. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Nevada worsened from 14th to 39th.

The top 10 states in terms of healthiest economies for 2019 include:

1. New Hampshire 2. North Dakota 3. Hawaii 4. Nebraska 5. Minnesota 6. Massachusetts 7. Maryland 8. Connecticut 9. Vermont 10. Wyoming

The most economically distressed states for 2019 are: Mississippi, New Mexico, West Virginia, Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, Arizona, South Carolina, Arkansas and Georgia. "This research provides a valuable benchmark for discerning the relative state of economic distress in counties and states across the nation. The data is valuable on its face, but it will also allow us to map many issues as they relate to economic status," said Rick Hodges, director of the Alliance. "I am in the health field and I look forward to overlaying various diseases to determine the relationship between economic distress and health but this study will also be applicable to issues beyond health."

Ohio, the home state of the study, stayed virtually the same, dropping by 0.2 and falling from the 32nd healthiest economy in the nation to 33rd. The study also showed that if the Appalachian counties of Ohio were combined into a separate state, it would be the second-most economically distressed state in the country. However, those Appalachian regions have more overall improvement to the economy than the rest of the state on a per capita basis.

"As a leader in promoting economic restructuring and prosperity across Appalachia, I am pleased to see the progress from Ohio's Appalachian counties, though the numbers reflect more work must be done," said Jennifer Simon, executive director for Ohio University Regional Innovation. "In my 25 years of working on community and economic development here, Appalachia typically comes out of recessions last and goes into recessions first as compared to the rest of the state and country. During this recovery, we witnessed changes from people having jobs to people creating jobs. We also work in Kentucky and West Virginia and would love to see the numbers actually reflect that changing narrative around economic sectors of success in those communities."

###

This story has been published on: 2019-02-05. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
L ocated in a converted brewery building, Henley-on-Thamess Hotel du Vin bears all the hallmarks of this popular luxury hotel chain  a great restaurant and bar and stylish, comfortable rooms  but manages to keep some local charm thanks to its riverside location.

Just over an hour's drive from central London, this is an ideal spot for an easy weekend away. Hop in the car after work and arrive in time for a gin and tonic before dinner.

Style

The red-brick Georgian buildings strict listed status means the conversion is quirky in places  some bedrooms are spread over three floors and its very easy to get lost in the warren of passages and corridors  but this tends towards charming, rather than annoying.

In keeping with its industrial heritage the room interiors feature Crittal-style windows, exposed brick, wooden floors, grey wool blankets and heritage-look brown leather furniture. This is warehouse style, but also cosy and comfortable  as befits its small town location.

Hidden design gem

Make like local MP Theresa May and hit up Fluidity. The Prime Minister has cited the clothing boutique, which stocks such high end brands as Amanda Wakeley (she of the 1,000 leather trousers) and Michael Kors, as her go-to shop.

Otherwise, the compact town is great for a browse, with the central high street teaming with antiques, interiors and lifestyle stores.

Good to know

The 43 rooms all feature handsprung mattresses, Egyptian linen and both rain head showers and free-standing baths, but there is no one size fits layout because of the quirky nature of the building.

The restaurant is a popular dinner spot in town so its worth booking a table if youre planning to eat in.

Which room?

For a special occasion, opt for one of three river-view suites  all named after champagne houses. These are spread over two floors, with an open plan bathroom and mezzanine lounge area.

In summer, the balcony with an outdoor bath, from which you can gaze over the rooftops of the charming market town, is a real winner.
On March 15, 1943, the Japanese destroyer Akikaze anchored at Kairiru Island, just off the northeast coast of New Guinea. A landing party went ashore and soon returned with a German Catholic bishop, a few dozen priests and nuns, a female servant and two orphans. Akikaze then sailed northeast to Manus Island, where two days later it picked up a score of German Protestant missionaries and civilians. While the Japanese sailors were standoffish with their reluctant passengers, they did not mistreat anyone. Within hours, however, all

of the civiliansmen, women and children alikewould be killed, their bodies thrown overboard.

During World War II Japanese troops commanded the grudging respect of Allied forces as fighting men but were widely condemned for their barbaric treatment of civilians and prisoners of war. The citizens of neutral nations, and even some of those in league with Japan, suffered badly at the hands of imperial authorities, who responded to any perceived threat with extreme violence. The well-recorded atrocities stemmed from Tokyos harsh treatment of its own troops, which shaped their training and mind-set even before the outbreak of war.

In 1931, under the administration of Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi, Lt. Gen. Sadao Araki was appointed minister of war, a cabinet position that gave him widespread influence and enabled him to spread his own brand of radicalism within the military establishment. Araki was the author of Kodoha (the Imperial Way), a political philosophy that promoted totalitarian rule, militarism and expansion. He also strongly advocated the concept of seishin kyoikuspiritual training of Japanese troops based loosely on the centuries-old samurai warrior code. Araki was forced to retire in the wake of a failed coup in 1936, but two years later he was appointed education minister, a position affording him access through the national education system to infuse his beliefs into schools.

According to the tenets of the Imperial Way, the emperor and his people were one and indivisible. The army was to be the vanguard of this new order, which aimed to build a nation dedicated to denial of self in favor of the collective whole. It demanded such ardent loyalty that citizens would feel privileged to die for the emperor.

The ultimate goal was to instill a nationwide militaristic spirit. From the day a recruit entered the barracks, the army would become his father and mother, and commanders firmly believed that self-discipline and willpower could overcome all obstacles. Bushidothe collective spirit and ideals of the samurai way of lifebecame the national code of ethics, the samurai sword a national symbol of the Japanese mystique.

From early childhood citizens were taught their emperor was the godlike spiritual head of the nation, both divine and absolute. Schoolchildren were taught to recite a verse from an imperial rescript handed down by Emperor Meiji during his 18671912 reign: Whether I float as a corpse under the waters, or sink beneath the grasses of the mountainside, I willingly die for the emperor.

Each morning during their two-year training period, with the rising of the sun, Japanese soldiers also recited that verse. Trainees were taught to be fierce and hardy, to relish close combat and to always be on the attack. If one were wounded, he would be of no use to the emperor and thus disgraced. Surrender under any circumstances meant dishonor; death was expected. The Senjinkun, a Japanese field army service code issued to soldiers in 1941, drove home that expectation: You shall not undergo the shame of being taken alive. You shall not bequeath a sullied name. After exerting all your powers, spiritually and physically, calmly face death, rejoicing in the eternal cause for which you strive.

The only way one could achieve the eternal cause was either to be victorious or to die. To be captured alive was to be regarded as an outcast. At wars end there would be no welcome for those who had been taken prisoner. Soldiers were led to believe their families and even their home villages would refuse to take them back. In all instances they were expendable in the service of the emperor.

The recruits marched for miles in the summer heat without helmets, and when they were completely exhausted, their officers would order them to march double-time before running the last mile. In winter the men trained in the cold and bivouacked without tents in subzero weather, often in the snow. During maneuvers officers often required them to stay awake for three or four days. As part of the indoctrination process, officers routinely slapped, punched or kicked recruits to ensure they would obey orders without question or hesitation.

Recruits were told that death on the battlefield would instantly make them kami, venerated Shinto deities, who would join their guardian spirits at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. If any man died during training, his body was cremated and his personal effects (including locks of hair and nail clippings) were sent to the family with a note reassuring them their son had died a heros death for them and their emperor. The expression cult of death perhaps best captures the imperial militarys quasi-religious mind-set.

Although many of the Imperial Japanese Armys cruel and barbaric acts were recorded for posterity, their counterparts in the Imperial Japanese Navy sometimes took brutality to whole other level. Although initially trained in the traditions and tactics of the Royal Navy, the Japanese navy lacked one key component of the British ethosthe practice of extending compassion toward those whose ships had been sunk or rendered helpless. The Japanese were simply uninterested in such a concept, considering it alien and not reflective of their society and military culture.

One Japanese military doctor captured by the Americans, in describing the difference between Western and Japanese philosophy, explained that the former told a person how to live, the latter how to die. That attitude not only drove millions of Japanese to their deaths, but also cost the lives of thousands of Allied POWs and civilians.

In 1943 many Roman Catholic and Protestant priests and nuns from Germany were living on New Guinea, an existence disconnected from and largely unaffected by the war raging in Europe or even in the Pacific. Such missionaries fell under the legal protection of the Nazi regime, and Germany and Japan had been allied since signing the September 1940 Tripartite Pact with Italy that established the Axis powers. The Roman Catholic priests and nuns also came under the protective umbrella of the Vatican, a neutral nation.

The Vicariate of Central New Guinea, based in East Sepik province, operated across the Wewak hinterland and along the remote Sepik River. Then headed by Bishop Joseph Lorks of the Society of the Divine Word Missionaries, the church had been proselytizing tribal locals since first arriving in German New Guineathe kaisers protectorate in the northeastern part of the islandin 1896. The Catholic and Protestant missionaries had also worked in tandem to improve health care facilities on the island, the Catholic Holy Spirit Sisters starting small cottage hospitals and educating locals on childbirth and other health-related issues.

With the signing of the Versailles Treaty at the close of World War I, Germany was forced to hand over its protectorate to Australia. During the interwar period the missionaries nevertheless maintained good relations with indigenous New Guineans. But with the arrival of the Japanese in mid-1943, all that changed.

Soon after occupying New Guinea, the Japanese appeared unwilling or uninterested in differentiating between civilians from Allied- or Axis-aligned nations. The regional imperial naval command, headquartered in the Dutch East Indies, soon had Bishop Lorks and his missionaries exiled to Kairiru, off the coast of the provincial capital of Wewak. At first the military administrators permitted the displaced missionaries to move freely about the small island. Over time, however, Japanese officers began to regard the clergy as a possible threat.

After an uptick in enemy air raids, the Japanese suspected the ostensibly neutral missionaries of communicating imperial ship movements to the Allies. Unknown to the Japanese at the time, it was actually Allied coastwatchersmilitary intelligence operatives inserted behind enemy lineswho were monitoring Japanese shipping and reporting their movements to Port Moresby for action. The Japanese also suspected the missionaries of supportive contact with downed Allied aviators, an accusation with some merit. On being shot down over New Guinea, some U.S. and British airmen took to the jungle and likely sought to obtain food and medicine from the neutral clergy. Presumably, the aviators would have made contact through the indigenous people, most of whom harbored anti-Japanese sentiment. Finally, to the Japanese the German clergys good works represented an unacceptable taint of white colonialism in their Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.

With all that in mind, in early March 1943 the chief of staff of the Japanese Eighth Fleet and the headquarters of the 81st Naval Garrison Unit, under the operational authority of the Southeast Area Fleet, issued orders to the commanding officers of the Japanese garrisons on New Guinea and surrounding islands: They were to gather all neutral civilians and put them aboard naval ships for transportation to Rabaul.

At the time of the order Akikazes captain, Lt. Cmdr. Sabe Tsurukichi, had berthed at Wewak to off-load food and medical supplies before sailing for Kairiru. On the afternoon of March 15 an officer and five crewmen went ashore in a landing craft and returned to the destroyer with Bishop Lorks, 38 German priests and nuns, a female New Guinean servant and two orphaned Chinese children. Akikaze then traveled northeast to Manus, where on the evening of the 17th it picked up 20 more civilians, including a half-dozen German Protestant missionaries, a Hungarian missionary, two plantation overseers and a handful of Chinese laborers. Once they were settled aboard, Akikaze set out east for Rabaul.

Around noon the next day, March 18, the destroyer made a scheduled stop at Kavieng on the island of New Ireland. The ship didnt dock, and no one went ashore. But a military launch did motor out to the anchored vessel with a sealed envelope for Tsurukichi. As instructed, the captain waited until Akikaze was again at sea before opening the envelope. It contained orders to execute all civilians aboard. No reason was given.

Tsurukichi had thus far been benignly disposed to his wards and ensured they were well treated. However, an order from a superior was tantamount to an order from the emperor himself; to disobey was unthinkable, personal feelings aside. Assembling his officers, he read the order and immediately began preparations.

After wrapping boards in thick straw matting and placing them atop the stern deck, sailors assembled a crude wooden hoist over the platform, then suspended large sheets on either side of the structure to mask it from view. Meanwhile, the passengers were herded into a forward cabin. The captain then ordered the ships engines run at full speed to mask the noise of what was to transpire.

Tsurukichis men first came for the male captives. Taken to the bridge, they were asked, through an interpreter, their names, ages, nationalities and other details. Sailors then led them to the stern, one by one, where they were blindfolded. The Japanese led each man to the platform, tied ropes around his wrists and hoisted him upright. A firing squad of four riflemen and a machine gunner then shot him dead, and his body was unceremoniously pitched overboard into the destroyers wake. After disposing of the men, the Japanese repeated the entire process with the women. Finally, sailors grabbed the two orphans and tossed them alive into the ocean.

Over the course of three hours Akikazes crew had murdered nearly five-dozen civilians.

Having completed their gruesome task, the crew disposed of the passengers personal effects, dismantled the execution platformits matting soaked with bloodand scrubbed the deck. Tsurukichi then presided over a brief ceremony to honor the spirits of the deceased, during which he ordered the men to never again discuss the unfortunate case. Akikaze reached Rabaul that night, where, according to one report, a Buddhist or Shinto priest was brought aboard to conduct a prayer service for the dead.

On Nov. 3, 1944, off the Philippines the submarine USS Pintado torpedoed Akikaze, which sank with all hands about 160 miles west of Cape Bolinao, Luzon. Thus the summary executions of Bishop Lorks and fellow missionaries aboard the destroyer went unknown until late 1947, when witnesses from Kairiru and Manus islands and two former Akikaze crewmen testified before the Australian War Crimes Tribunal in Hong Kong. By then, however, given the scale and prevalence of Japanese atrocities across the Pacific theater, Allied authorities had little motivation for prosecuting the surviving crewmen of a lost Japanese ship for a massacre committed more than a dozen years earlier.

Scores of official documents and histories of the war recount such horrific events, yet in Japan there persists a culture of denial regarding atrocities committed by imperial forces. Even one of the most brutal episodes, the 1937 Japanese occupation of Nankingduring which soldiers brutally murdered upward of 80,000 Chinese civilians and raped untold thousands of womenis referred to in present-day Japan as merely an incident.

Atrocities are all too commonplace in war, particularly amid such immense conflicts as World War II. Certainly, Allied forces had committed their share of war crimes, albeit on a far lesser scale. But why had the Japanese so hastily executed unarmed civilian missionaries? By 1943 the Allies had gained the upper hand in the Pacific War, thus it is possible the Tokubetsu Keisatsutaithe Imperial Japanese Navys secret military policehad deemed the missionaries presence on New Guinea an unacceptable threat to occupation forces. (Though smaller than its imperial army counterpart, the organization was no less murderous.) Or perhaps, given the imperial militarys strict bushido code and the setbacks Japan was suffering, it was inevitable commanders would seek out scapegoats for their military failures.

Of course, it is possible Bishop Lorks and his flock, despite their German nationality and supposed neutrality, were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Their fate was indeed tragic, and sadly, in the midst of a global conflagration, they went missing and largely unremembered in a veritable sea of lost souls.

Ken Wright, an Australia-based writer on military history and defense affairs, is the author of three books and numerous magazine articles. For further reading he recommends Hidden Horrors: Japanese War Crimes in World War II, by Yuki Tanaka, and Ships From Hell: Japanese War Crimes on the High Seas in World War II, by Raymond Lamont-Brown.
Thomas Van Winkle, president of the board of directors for the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust (cvbt.org), has been working for battlefield preservation since 1996. Shortly after he moved from New Jersey that year to a home on the Wilderness Battlefield, he served for five years as president of the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield, joined CVBT in 2007, and became president of the board of directors in 2016. Over the course of his 11-year service, the organization has preserved significant acreage and tackled the challenges of maintaining their mission in the face of shifting donor bases and increases in traffic and building density.

CWT: What is the mission of Central Virginia Battlefields Trust?

TVW: We started in September 1996, almost 24 years ago. We saw that the National Park Service was having issues with purchasing land by their boundaries or that battlefield land was being sold that they legally couldnt pay enough to buy, so we decided to try and help out. We have saved a little more than 1,300 acres. Our mission statement focuses on the core function of preserving sites on the battlefields of Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Wilderness, and Chancellorsville. We try not to hold onto the land forever, but to get it purchased by the NPS or get an easement from the county. We pay taxes on everything we have. Were charged like anybody else.

CWT: Explain your preserving dirt and grass motto.

TVW: It means that we are a grass roots organization. Our overhead is very minimal. Were a small groupboard of directors and volunteers. The only paid staff is one executive director and a part-time assistant. We work on a shoestring and try to do what we can do. When you give to us, youre buying the dirt and grass.

CWT: How many members does the CVBT have?

TVW: We are around 600, nationally and internationally. Its pretty even between local and nonlocal because there were four battlefields and over 100,000 casualties. Regiments and units from many states were involved in that fighting, so we draw from a large area.

CWT: What is your primary challenge?

TVW: When I tell the story of the areas change, it sounds like Ive been here a hundred years. Traffic on the Route 3 corridor, which includes quite a bit of the Chancellorsville Battlefield, required a couple of traffic lights 23 years ago. Now you cant go 10 feet without a traffic light and the building growth is unbelievable. Thats the main issue: encroachment of buildings.

CWT: How do you decide which property to protect?

TVW: Weve always had well-known historians on board. We laid down a battle plan of the core areas that were really important to save, and we try to follow that. For instance, on Route 3 West is the area of the famous Stonewall Jackson Flank Attack at Chancellorsville. Were literally stitching together parcels in the flank attack area as best we can. Weve helped save about 230 acres of that. You have to sometimes change your ideas, too, because you can save a very important piece of historic ground, but others might want to build houses on land around it. Should we buy that property to protect the property we just purchased? So you have to change a little bit from the mission statement to protect what youve got.

CWT: Does your organization compete with the American Battlefield Trust, formerly the Civil War Trust?

TVW: No, they are one of our best partners. They are national, looking on a landscape so much larger that they may not have time or want to be able to deal with smaller parcels. We deal with parcels anywhere from a couple of 100 acres down to an acre. We work together very well.

CWT: Is donor interest strong?

TVW: We used to benefit from what we called the Ken Burns effect after his Civil War series came out. Back then we would get checks for $50,000, a half million dollars. Today, major and corporate donors have shied away somewhat from the Civil War because of potential public backlash. Part of the funding we rely on comes from the federal governments American Battlefield Protection Program. Congress signed that into law in 1996. The funding from ABPP is administered through the NPS. If a grant is accepted, they give us half of whatever the cost is of our purchase, and we have to come up with the rest. Even that has become tougher; everyone is going after the same pot of money. One thing the Park Service cannot do is pay more than the assessed value of the property. Many times what an organization will do is purchase for a negotiated price and sell it back to the Park Service for what they allow and then absorb the difference.

We have saved a little more than 1,300 acres

CWT: How do you make battlefield preservation appealing to young people and a more diverse audience?

TVW: We have an annual youth day, and local kids and students help us work on battlefields. We are trying to do outreach via Web and Facebook that is more suited for that demographic. One big change we just made regards memberships. Starting in 2019 we wont have members; we are calling them partners. As long as you donate something in a 12-month period, you are a partner and have all the membership benefits. Were also starting up a new small magazine; weve got more to tell than can fit in a newsletter.

CWT: Tell me about your most recent purchase.

TVW: Myers Hill on the Spotsylvania Court House battlefield. We did that because it is often forgotten. Usually, people think the battle ended on May 12the fight in the Muleshoe. But Myers Hill is an area where both armies fought back and forth on May 14th. It was important high ground from which to view the viewshed of the roads and where the armies were going. At one point General Meade was reconnoitering and he was almost grabbed and captured by a Confederate. Myers Hill was named after the owner of the house, a Mr. Myer of Fredericksburg, who was down the road fighting at the Muleshoe when the Union set fire to his house. We have 73 acres of it, and the owner is excited to have it preserved. It is a forested area, literally untouched since the Civil War. Just a few months before that, we did the Union 5th Corps tract, 14 acres on the Spotsylvania battlefield. That will more than likely be transferred to the park. The Myers Hill property is outside the park boundary, so we will probably have that for some time.

CWT: Will there ever be enough acreage preserved?

TVW: Ive always said as far as Virginia goes you could put a fence around it, and you wouldnt go wrong preserving the whole state. But you cant save everything, nor should you save everything. But youll probably never run out of things you should try to save. 

Interview conducted by Senior Editor Sarah Richardson
Americas history has been frequently marked by contentious relations between the government and the press. Nothing, however, compares with the saga of the Memphis Daily Appeal, initially a local Tennessee newspaper that so strongly supported the Confederacy its staff was forced to move from city to city, hauling along a printing press, one step ahead of Union Army pursuers.

The newspaper made its appearance as the Memphis Appeal in 1841, the only Democratic newspaper in a near-total Whig community. When it became a daily paper six years later, its founder, Henry Van Pelt, changed its name to the Memphis Daily Appeal. Van Pelt died in early 1851, and the running of the paper fell to editor Benjamin Dill, his wife Caroline, and John Reid McClanahan, its owner/printer. They would soon prove themselves a formidable team, with McClanahan the most visible of the three.

John R. McClanahan was a larger-than-life presencetall, broad-shouldered, and irrepressible. He was a scrapper, charmer, and skillful wordsmith, given to heavy drinking and the company of prostitutes. And by the end of the Civil War, he was running from the armies of three Union generals.

From the beginning, the paper came out strongly on behalf of states rights, and by the time of the firing on Fort Sumter its columns blazed with scathing editorials championing secession and the newly formed Confederacy. Reflecting the tone of the times, the often-sensationalist writing bolstered support for the South. One biographer described McClanahans style as Southern contemporary, explaining that he grew up in the age of the golden-throated, windy orator[s] who took two or three hours to make a point.[F]rom them, McClanahan learned [to use] loaded diction chosen with an ear to sonority and dramatic effect.

During the first year of the war, McClanahan more than doubled the papers size and filled its pages with news and editorials, based on information provided by numerous field correspondents. However, on June 6, 1862with Union gunboats threatening the cityMemphis surrendered, placing the Dills and McClanahan in a precarious position. As elsewhere, the Yankees were censoring or closing down the citys papers, and rather than lose the Appeal, the trio and their staff caught a southbound train.

They took their entire print shop with them, including the printing press, a huge (8-foot-high by 5-foot-wide by 12-foot-long) steam-powered high-speed rotary affair made by the famous R. Hoe and Co., and referred to familiarly as the Hoe. The press had to be taken aparta tedious job requiring three menand shipped in multiple boxcars. It was the newspapers first such move; it would not be the last.

The fugitives traveled as far as Grenada, Miss., where they immediately printed their next issue. The editorial read in part, So long as two or three States are gathered together in the name of the Confederate States, so long will we be found advocating, as zealously as ever, a continued resistance to the tyranny which a haughty foe are endeavoring to establish over us.

The Grenada stay was fated to be short-lived. On November 29, Union forces under Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant made their way toward the city, whereupon the Appeal staff hauled its press, along with the type, boilers, and engines, to Jackson by wagon. There, over his hotel room door, McClanahan boldly hung the sign, Memphis Headquarters.

Again, the papers tenure was limited, as Grant and Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman closed in on Jackson in May 1863. Sherman despised newspapers and reporters in general, and now, specifically, the Memphis Daily Appeal. Capture would have doubtless meant the end of the paper. As McClanahan said in an understatement, We knew that nothing derogatory to the Lincoln government would be allowed to appear.

This time, the staff loaded the press and related items onto a flatboat, barely ahead of the Yankees, and poled down the river to Meridian, Miss. Somewhere in the course of their wanderings, the paper had acquired the epithet the Moving Appeal. The name suited it well. It was also known to Southerners as the Bible of the Confederacy, and The Greatest Rebel of Them All. To the Yankees, howeveralthough many of them read it for its up-to-date articlesit was that damned Reb rag and the hornets nest of the Rebellion. And to Union generals, McClanahan was the old fox.

The stay in Meridian was brief as well. A year to the day after Memphis surrender, the newspapermen and their heavy responsibility arrived in Atlanta. For one year, the Appeal enjoyed widespread popularity, its circulation rising to around 15,000. Writes one chronicler, the pass-along ratecould well have been over 30 per copy before handling and the weather crumbled the paper stock.

By June 1864, however, Atlanta had come under Union attack. The newspaper office endured weeks of brutal shelling, and members of McClanahans company also manned weapons and served on the citys ramparts until the Yankees entered the town. The papers staff then dragged the press to the former Confederate capital of Montgomery, Ala.

Conditions in the South were growing progressively worse. Still, the crew of the Appeal turned out the news, keeping the presses running even after Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia on April 9, 1865. Then, in an effort to escape Brig. Gen. James H. Wilsons cavalry, staffers made their last move, to Columbus, Ga., where they were finally captured on April 16. Before that, however, they hid the Hoe press, to be recovered and used when peace had been restored.

After the war, the Appeals presses rolled again in Memphis. Caroline Dill ably ran the paper for decades after the deaths of her husband and McClanahan. Today, the newspaper survives in Memphis as the Commercial Appeal, with a circulation of about 134,000.

Throughout the conflict, the Moving Appeal was much beloved and relied upon by Southern soldiers and civilians alike. Decades after the war had ended, historian R.A. Halley wrote:

With an enterprise and pluck that met obstacles only to overcome them, its proprietors movedfrom place to place, and whether staying for a month or a year were prompt in issuing a daily paper that was edited with skill and ability and was one of the greatest of useful agencies in the life of the Confederacy. Its correspondents were found with every army in every State.It was a tower of strength to the Southern people.[A]ltogether it makes a story unsurpassed if not unequalled in the annals of journalism.

Ron Soodalter writes from Cold Spring, N.Y.
With They Shall Not Grow Old , director Peter Jackson has brought stunning realism to century-old footage of World War I.

At the beginning of director Peter Jacksons World War I documentary, They Shall Not Grow Old, we see British soldiers preparing for battle as weve always seen them: flickering figures moving herkyjerky through a silent world of gray and black in old, faded newsreel snippets.

But then, at the moment the soldiers arrive on the Western Front, the veil of the past suddenlystartlinglydrops away, as Jacksons high-tech restoration and enhancement of vintage motion-picture footage shifts to 3-D color. The cratered landscape, the squalor of the trenches, and the vast blue skies appear in brilliant hues, and the rumble and roar of the artillery is terrifyingly loud. The troops morph from vague shadows into smooth-faced teenagers with gap-toothed smiles who move about naturally. When their lips move, they speak in authentic British regional dialects.

Jacksons 99-minute film depicts World War I as never seen before on the screen. It might be the biggest advance in the art of the war documentary since The Battle of the Somme, the 1916 British film that gave audiences their first extended glimpse at combat. (Jackson used some restored footage from the film in his movie.)

The project might seem like a departure for Jackson, a New Zealander best known for his Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. But Jacksonwhose British grandfather, William Jackson, fought in the Somme offensivehas long been fascinated with World War I. Over the years hes amassed a huge collection of weapons, uniforms, and other artifacts from the conflict, including vintage aircraft. (When Steven Spielberg made War Horse, his 2011 World War I epic, Jackson lent him three cargo containers of artifacts.)

I grew up with my dad telling me stories [from the war] about his fathermy grandfather, Jackson explained in an interview with the BBC. In a funny way, I am also a child of the First World War. My dad emigrated to New Zealand, where he met my mum, because his father had admired how the soldiers fought.

And so when officials from Britains Imperial War Museums approached Jackson in 2013 and offered him 100 hours of footage from its massive film archive, its no surprise that he jumped at the opportunity to make a documentary about the war. The museums only requirement was that he use the material in a fresh and original way. Jackson wanted to see whether modern technology could make the century-old IWM footage look as if it had been shot with modern digital cameras.

I wanted to reach through the fog of time, Jackson told the BBC, and pull these men into the modern world, so they can regain their humanity once more.

World War I was the first war in history to be filmed on a large scale. Starting in 1915, the British military allowed filmmakers to venture into battle zones to make newsreels to boost public support for the war effort. One cameraman, Geoffrey Malins, who worked on The Battle of the Somme, made more than two dozen films of the war, and endured being wounded, gassed, and deafened by explosions to get close to the action. As film historian Luke McKernan has written, World War I cameramen also had to work with primitive cameras whose lenses couldnt zoom in on action and slow film that made it difficult to shoot from a distance or in low light.

It would have been challenging enough for Jackson to render clear scenes from those murky originals, but the IWM digitized archival footage was also third generationa dupe of a dupe of the original, as Jackson put it to a reporter for Time magazineand badly damaged. The original film had deteriorated over time, shrinking so much that the perforations were uneven, making it run haltingly in a projector. In some spots, the film had split and been spliced back together. Even after the footage was digitized, the defects remained to be remedied.

In addition to the IWM footage, Jackson had another incredibly valuable resource at his disposal: 600 hours of interviews with World War I veterans and civilians filmed by the BBC in the 1960s for its landmark series The Great War. Jackson drew on the interviews to narrate his film, but much of the audio also had to be cleaned up and restored.

To see whether restoring and enhancing the archival film was feasible, Jackson gave digital scans of some of the footage to Park Road Post Production, a New Zealandbased facility responsible for some of the technological wizardry in his Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Park Road, in turn, enlisted the help of Stereo D, a company based in Burbank, California, that had created 3-D versions of such Hollywood films such as Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Blade Runner 2049, and Terminator 2.

The IWM footage had been filmed with hand-cranked movie cameras, and the cameramen often couldnt keep turning the crank at a constant speed. To get rid of the jerky movements typically seen in footage from that era, Jacksons restoration specialists had to calculate the original cameramans filming speed and then sync it with the smooth 24-frames-per-second speed of modern movies. Once that was accomplished, however, new defects emerged, including gaps in the action that the erratic filming speeds caused.

To fix that, Stereo Ds artists had to recreate what the camera had missed. In one particularly striking scene, for example, a young soldier about to go into battle turns his head and for a moment gazes back at the camera with a world-weary wariness. In the original footage, the shot of the soldier turning his head was missing five frames, Mark Simone, a Stereo D producer, explained in an interview with MHQ. Theres a lot of hand frame-by-frame paint work in the film. The skill of the artist comes into play. Theyre having to imagine what it would look like in between, taking existing parts and manipulating areas to make it look real. But in the end, he says, youd be hard pressed to notice the difference if someone didnt tell you about it.

Stereo D used other technological tricks to enhance the existing images. Every shot is kind of unique, in terms of the treatment that it needed, Simone says. When youre starting with not a lot of resolution, you dont want to lose any of it. In particular, they zeroed in on the soldiers faces, where, he says, you can really see the humanity.

The colorization process for They Shall Not Grow Old was especially complex. Jackson didnt merely want to colorize the moving images; he insisted on making people, objects, and landscapes (down to the mud in the trenches) look exactly as they would have at the time. And so he traveled all over the Western Front, taking lots of color photographs from the precise locations where the cameramen had stood a century earlier. Jacksons photographs provided vital information to Stereo Ds artists.

Peter constantly said that there is this generic image that people have in their head of what World War I was like, Simone says. Gritty trench warfare. But a lot of the war was fought on farmland, in the summer. People were dying under blue skies.

To help the artists render more-accurate colors, Jackson also gave them access to his massive collection of World War I artifacts, which they then could match with objects in the film. We made several trips to New Zealand, where we could be surrounded by the uniforms and touch them and take photos, Simone says. With everything in the film, we had a true-life example to reference.

The projects massive scale forced Stereo D to devise some technological shortcuts. One big innovation was software that could assign different colors to thousands of different shapes and objectsand then adjust similar ones simultaneously. If we wanted to adjust the look of the British uniforms, and make them a little less brown and more green, because that was the color of the dye, Simone says, we had a way to do that quickly, without starting from scratch.

Brent Burge, a sound editor who has worked with Jackson on numerous projects, recalls getting a call from Jackson in 2015 to come look at the footage and discuss ideas for sound. Originally, the project was going to run about 30 minutes, Burge told MHQ. But once Peter started working on the film, he turned it into what it needed to be.

Burge and his colleagues worked on creating realistic sound to accompany the silent film footage. We were using a lot of props, Burge explains. Peter has an arsenal that was at our disposal. That enabled the technicians to record the sounds of World War I shells being put in cannons and the rustle of the very greatcoats and packs that soldiers wore to battle. To get the sounds of exploding artillery, the technicians went to a military firing range and put microphones next to the guns and at the blast sites.

Burges team also paid close attention to how the din of war was incorporated into the film, so that voices and sound effects would seem completely realistic. They even adjusted the volume of artillery blasts to account for distances to locations shown in the original film footage.

In films, were often dealing with music, Burge says. But here there was no big musical flourish where the director said, Lose the effects.  It was about how the sound effects could create the realism of what it was like.

One of Jacksons most striking successes was recreating actual dialogue spoken by the soldiers in the silent-film footage. He relied on expert lip-readers to decipher what the men were saying and hired actors in the United Kingdom who were skilled enough to replicate the regional accents of the soldiers.

Jackson also deleted references to specific battles or dates from the archival interviews he used because he didnt want to tell history in the conventional way. Its not the story of the war, he explained to an interviewer for Variety. Its the story of the humans.

In 1916, when movies were relatively new, The Battle of the Somme had a profound effect on audiences in Britain, the United States, and other countries by stripping away the romanticized view of war and showing them the brutality of combat at close range. It is simply grim war, depicted exactly as it happened, a newspaper reviewer wrote at the time. But that wasnt completely true. At least one of the films most memorable scenesa shot of British troops advancing at the start of the battlemost likely was staged far from the front lines.

And even when they shot authentic footage in trenches, the cameramen of the time couldnt in fact depict the war exactly as it happened, constrained as they were by their primitive equipment and the limitations of the silent screen.

Instead, by relying on 21st-century filmmaking technology that scarcely could have been imagined in 1916, it is Jackson who has been able to show, for the first time, what those brave cameramen really saw.

They Shall Not Grow Old may well change the nature of war documentaries by inspiring other efforts to resurrect vintage film footage and transform it into similarly realistic recreations. Jackson has pointed out that the IWM has enough archival footage to make eight or 10 more filmsones that might focus on the Royal Flying Corps, military nurses, the colonial troops who fought in the war, or numerous other themes.

And plenty of other footage exists. In addition to the IWM collection, 25 European countries have digitized some 700 hours of World War Iera film. In the United States, the National Archives has digitized more than 200 World War I films and posted the collection on YouTube.

With They Shall Not Grow Old, Jackson has shown that its possible not just to restore those early moving images, but to glean new truths from them.

Patrick J. Kiger is a journalist in the Washington, D.C., area who has written for GQ, the Los Angeles Times Magazine, Mother Jones, and other publications.

This article appears in the Spring 2019 issue (Vol. 31, No. 3) of MHQThe Quarterly Journal of Military History with the headline: The Resurrectionist
The US has said the Indians arrested and prosecuted for getting enrolled at a fake university run by undercover government agents were aware they were committing a crime, disputing Indias suggestion the students may have been duped and were unwitting victims of entrapment.

Some Indians have already left for home, but many remained in US custody, faced with deportation on account of their enrollment at the University of Farmington in Michigan state. It was a fake educational institution run as a sting operation to expose a pay-to-stay immigration fraud. Eight Indian origin persons have been criminally charged as recruiters working on commission.

India has responded strongly to the arrest of the students and suggested in a demarche  an official diplomatic note  to the US embassy in New Delhi that the Indian students may have been duped into enrolling in the University and demanded that they should be treated differently from the alleged recruiters.

The United States disagrees on the question of culpability of the students.

All participants in this scheme knew that the University of Farmington had no instructors or classes (neither online nor in-person) and were aware they were committing a crime in an attempt to fraudulently remain in the United States, a state department spokesperson said in a statement Monday disputing Indias position that the students might have been unwitting victims of the scam, and not a participant.

It is unfortunate that some student recruiters and individuals seek to use the international student program (of the United States) to foster illegal immigration status in the United States, added the spokesperson.

The statement came amidst rising concerns in India about the fate of the students, estimated to be around 600, with reports suggesting that some of them were released, pending court proceedings, with electronic monitors strapped around their anklet to prevent them from fleeing the country, a common US law enforcement practice regarding individuals regarded as flight-risk.

The state department was echoing US prosecutors who had alleged in indictments unsealed last week that the students knew exactly what they were getting into.

Each of the foreign citizens who enrolled and made tuition payments to the University knew that they would not attend any actual classes, earn credits, or make academic progress toward an actual degree in a particular field of study- a pay to stay scheme, they had said in the indictments.

Rather, their intent was to fraudulently maintain their student visa status and to obtain work authorization under the CPT (curricular practical training, a programme that grants temporary work authorization to international students as part of their course work).

Indian officials reacted with irritation to this pushback from the US state department in a case that they view as a clear example of entrapment, offering an inducement to someone to commit a crime and then charge them with the crime, which is not acceptable in Indias judicial system.

It is valid investigative and prosecutorial tool and accepted as evidence in US courts, but it has come under increasing scrutiny in recently for its use rampantly by law enforcement agencies in preventing crimes, and, allegedly notch successes against home-grown terrorism.

The New York Times recorded and commented on the trend in an analysis in 2016. Undercover operations, once seen as a last resort, are now used in about two of every three prosecutions involving people suspected of supporting the Islamic State, a sharp rise in the span of just two years, it said.

Suspects were typically identified by agents on the basis of first reports of radicalisation, remarks and actions signifying intent but not real-time plans, and who were then pushed to the finishing line by undercover agents who provided everything from more contacts to blueprints to ammunition.

But Farmington students had nothing to with terrorism. They could also have been victims of over-eager investigators, some indicated.

Do you really think these students would have been in this situation if the fake university had not been around, asked an official in New Delhi, who requested not to be identified so as to speak freely about an issue that has agitated the Indian government, especially in view of upcoming general elections.

Most of the impacted students are from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The first is governed by Telugu Desam Party, which is a part of an emerging opposition alliance hoping to topple the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

And the second state, Telangana is ruled by a party whose leader K Chandrashekar Rao has been equally critical of both the ruling BJP and the Congress, which makes him a prospective alliance partner should the current ruling dispensation fall short of a majority which any pollsters are forecasting it will.

Its all about politics and the elections, said someone familiar with the discussions, to explain partly the urgency shown by the Indian government.

A response was awaited from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is tasked with detecting and deporting undocumented foreigners, to questions about the electronic anklets and the total number of Indians taken into custody and released.

But here is how the US justice department describes entrapment, which has dominated conversations in the Indian government, among US immigration attorneys and Indian American community leaders trying to find a way out for these students.

Entrapment is a complete defense to a criminal charge, on the theory that Government agents may not originate a criminal design, implant in an innocent persons mind the disposition to commit a criminal act, and then induce commission of the crime so that the Government may prosecute, according to a post on the US justice department website citing judicial rulings.

A valid entrapment defense has two related elements: (1) government inducement of the crime, and (2) the defendants lack of predisposition to engage in the criminal conduct.
US president Donald Trump will call for unity and comity in his State of the Union address later Tuesday amidst a continuing political standoff over a border wall he vowed to build as a candidate and which has now set his presidency on a collision course with Democrats who are determined to block its funding.

Previewing the address over the past some days, White House aides have indicated the President will lay out a visionary and aspirational path for the nation, talk about successes and achievements of his administration, specially on the economic front  the economy is on fire, said one official.

But the President said he will also call upon the Congress for unity. He is likely to say, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in interview on Fox New Monday, We can either work together and get great things done or we can fight each other and get nothing done.

White House adviser Kellyanne Conway told reporters earlier on Monday the president will use the address to call for an end to the politics of resistance, retribution and call for more comity  c-o-m-i-t-y.

Since Democrats took control of the House of Representatives in January, President Trump has faced a determined opposition that was missing in his first two years in office, resulting, among other things, the longest federal government shutdown in history. Essentially on account of the wall.

His calls for unity and comity will be taken in the larger context of his willingness to work with Democrats also. In a tweet on Sunday, he urged Republicans to be prepared for anything  possibly a declaration of national emergency after the address as he has indicated  and slammed Democrats for doing nothing.

Immigration will be one of the five major areas he will focus on in his address, according to a senior administration official, who previewed the address and the border situation will get more attention. Also likely, he could address other areas of immigration, such as H-1B.

The official refused to say if the President will address the work visa programme for highly skilled foreign workers. Trump spoke at length on reforming the legal immigration system in his 2018 address  switching to merit-based immigration from family-based.

The other four areas will be diplomacy and military issues  he might announce the date for this second summit with North Koreas Kim Jong-un, the wars in Afghanistan and Syria; infrastructure building; healthcare; and trade, which could take him to the ongoing tariff war with China that has remained unresolved despite a recent round of talks.
The hydrant flushing is expected to continue through Friday. Customers were warned to expect a drop in water pressure and possible temporary discoloration. They were advised not to do laundry while the flushing is taking place. If tap water is discolored, they should allow several cold water faucets to run until the water is clear.
Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), one of the five largest sovereign wealth funds of the world, is keen to triple its investments of $5 billion in India by entering areas such as infrastructure, airports and highways, people familiar with developments said on Tuesday.

The Kuwait government has also proposed to India the possibility of joint investments in third countries, including in the Far East and Eastern Europe, in real estate, housing and free economic zones, the people said.

The proposal was made when external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj visited Kuwait over October 30-31, they added.

KIA, which is the worlds oldest sovereign wealth fund with assets worth more than $590 billion under management, has invested about $2 billion in India since 2017 and its officials are keen to make further investments because of the rapid growth of the Indian economy despite some hurdles created by the countrys procedures, the people said.

The problems created by rules has led to some Kuwaiti investments going to Singapore and Malaysia, even though India is a more favourable destination, said a person who spoke on condition of anonymity, adding KIA is keen to triple its investments in India.

The Kuwaiti leadership cited the example of their countrys joint investment of $7 billion with Japan in a refinery in Vietnam while proposing similar investments to India.
Indias behind-the-scenes diplomacy ensured there was no official presence of the UK government at an international conference on Kashmir in London addressed by Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, people familiar with developments said on Tuesday.

Though the Pakistan government organises or backs such events across the world to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day, which is observed on February 5, the Indian government took up the conference held within the parliament complex in London on Monday with the UK government after it became clear that Qureshi would address it.

The matter was raised with Britain through a demarche or a formal diplomatic correspondence that said London should consider New Delhis concerns about the event organised by UKs All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir, the people quoted above said on condition of anonymity.

The British side made it clear Qureshi was travelling to London in a private capacity and there were no plans for meetings with the UK government and that he wasnt a guest of the government. They clarified the UKs position on Kashmir hadnt changed and that it was a bilateral matter to be resolved by India and Pakistan, said one of these people, a government official.

Leading members of the APPG on Kashmir werent present at the conference, which was addressed by British politicians of Pakistani origin such as Nazir Ahmed and Sayeeda Warsi, who are known for their anti-India views, the official added. Though the conference was billed as an open event, members of the pro-India Jammu and Kashmir National Independence Alliance led by its chairman Mahmood Kashmiri were asked to leave by the organisers as they were considered a security risk, the people said.

A second official reiterated Indias suspicion about duplicity on the part of the Pakistani leaderships approach, with Prime Minister Imran Khan speaking of better ties with India and other elements such as Qureshi apparently bent on queering the pitch by raising contentious issues.

The British side also expressed concern about being pulled into this sort of things by Pakistan, especially since they have said Kashmir is a bilateral matter that should be handled through the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration, the second official said.
Donald Trumps second State of the Union promises to be one of the most dramatic moments in recent memory for the annual address to Congress.

The president will speak Tuesday evening to a House chamber full of Democrats jostling to challenge his re-election, with many female lawmakers planning to dress in suffragette white and his chief antagonist Nancy Pelosi seated at the dais behind him. The appearance will be shadowed by the threat of another government shutdown.

He has hinted that he may make news -- a national emergency declaration on the US southern border, a proposal on drug prices or on AIDS, or dates and locations for summits with the leaders of China and North Korea.

Hanging over it all will be Robert Muellers investigation, which has so far resulted in indictments or guilty pleas from six Trump associates and has inched closer to the president with the recent indictment of longtime ally Roger Stone.

Aides previewing the speech portrayed it as optimistic and unifying -- the theme is to be choosing greatness. But the presidents entreaties to Democrats to date have been tactical and divisive rather than bridge-building. Trumps case for a border wall is likely to figure prominently and he may turn to anti-abortion rhetoric to further rally his supporters.

Its a little bit of a late-in-life conversion, where now that the Democrats are in charge of the lower chamber its time to strike a chord of unity, said Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst at consumer financial services company Bankrate.com. Theyre going to say some things about the rhetoric of unity, but you cant at once be dealing with these divisive issues and then talking about unity. It doesnt pass the smell test.

Melania Trumps guests at the speech will include the family of a Nevada couple who were allegedly murdered by an undocumented immigrant last month and a Department of Homeland Security agent who works on human trafficking cases, according to the White House.

The very timing of the speech underscores the rancor in the room. Trump is delivering the address a week late, after Pelosi rescinded an earlier invitation in the midst of the 35-day government shutdown. Legislation that re-opened the government will expire 10 days after Trumps speech, raising the prospect of a second shutdown if the president cant reach an accommodation with Democrats on border security.

Trump has also threatened to declare a national emergency, which he believes would allow him to bypass Congress and continue construction of a border wall. He could provide more signals of his intentions during his speech. The move is opposed even by some lawmakers in Trumps party and would enrage Democrats, who have promised to fight the president in court if it happens.

Two-thirds of Americans dont want Trump to declare a national emergency and 57 percent oppose another shutdown over the wall, according to a CNN poll of 1,011 adults conducted last week and released Monday. But the same poll shows Trumps supporters overwhelmingly favor both options. And his approval rating held at 40 percent, suggesting his failure to secure wall funding in the first shutdown hasnt done long-term damage to his standing with his political base.

A key ally, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, warned Republicans in a speech Monday to back Trump in the wall fight.

To every Republican, if you dont stand behind this president, were not going to stand behind you, when it comes to the wall, he said in Greenville, South Carolina. This is the defining moment of his presidency. Its not just about a wall, its about him being treated different than every other president.

Aides said Trump will offer a vision for bipartisan solutions on everything from immigration, to drug prices, HIV prevention, national security and infrastructure. Hell seek to rally Americans around shared economic prosperity, renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, the U.S. effort to depose Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and forcing China to make concessions on trade. Hell urge Democrats to focus on working with him on legislation instead of pursuing investigations of his business and administration.

The president will say the state of our union is strong but the American people know the state of the Trump administration is in chaos, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said on the floor of the chamber Tuesday morning.

Trump shot back on Twitter: I see Schumer is already criticizing my State of the Union speech, even though he hasnt seen it yet.

Pelosi, in a message to fellow House Democrats on Monday night, said: I am hopeful that tomorrow, we will hear a commitment from the president on issues that have bipartisan support in the Congress and the country, such as lowering the price of prescription drugs and rebuilding Americas infrastructure.

Some Republicans have criticized Trumps efforts to draw down military forces in Syria and Afghanistan. And his public disputes with his own intelligence chiefs over his assessments of global threats may undercut Americans confidence as he prepares for a second summit with North Koreas Kim Jong Un at the end of this month.

Both political parties seek to use the nationally televised moment to deliver their message to the public. For the Democrats in the audience, who dont have a speaking role, that will come down to atmospherics.

As protocol dictates, the president will be flanked on one side by Pelosi, a California Democrat often disparaged by Republicans. Since her party won back the House in the November elections, she has been a steely nemesis to Trump. Pelosi has maintained unity among disparate congressional Democrats. Many of the newly elected lawmakers are determined to impeach Trump and hold firm against the sort of border wall spending, a symbolic red line for many in the party.

Pelosi will be seated directly behind Trump throughout the speech, in the television frame with a camera ready to capture her reaction to every Trump utterance. Democrats are calling on female lawmakers to wear suffragette white, providing another visual cue to highlight the historic number of women elected to Congress this November and the gender imbalance between the two parties.

The Democratic response to Trump will be delivered by Stacey Abrams, who excited interest from activists across the country in the fall when she was nearly elected the U.S.s first African-American woman state governor by voters in once-segregated Georgia.

To contact the reporter on this story: in Washington at mtalev@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Alex Wayne at awayne3@bloomberg.net, Joshua Gallu, Justin Blum

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi on Monday launched 17 motorised chariots (raths) for its Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat, Modi ke Saath and the Sankalp Patra initiative.

The BJPs campaign will try to reach the masses through various mediums.

The party is hoping to seek suggestions directly from the people to prepare its sankalp patra or the election manifesto for the 2019 election through the month-long campaign across the country.

This is a unique initiative on the part of the BJP which has democratized the manifesto formulation procedure through public participation. What we have promised in 2014 and consequently achieved will be made public. Through the Sankalp Patra, the party will try to know what the people expect now? What are their expectations, Modi said.

On Sunday, BJP national president Amit Shah along with union home minister Rajnath Singh had kicked off the programme in New Delhi.

Modi said the rath would travel across the state with a tablet where people can record their suggestions through a video. These chariots would also have a drop box where people can drop their suggestions, which would be included in the partys sankalp patra.

People can also send in their suggestions on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram using the hashtag #BharatKeMannKiBaat, said Modi.

Speaking on the occasion, BJP state president Nityanand Rai said that 17 such vehicles would be touring all the 40 Lok Sabha and 243 assembly segments in the state.
A day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi promised minimum income guarantee while addressing a rally in Patna, Chief minister Nitish Kumar took a swipe at him saying He is more worried about his own employment.

Speaking to reporters after his weekly Lok Samvad programme, the JD(U) president also mocked Gandhis promise to grant central university status for Patna University if the UPA came to power at the Centre after the Lok Sabha polls. I would like to ask what prevented the UPA government from granting central university status for Patna University. This is election time and anything can be promised, he said.

Kumar also Rahul Gandhi had lost his aura after joining hands with those facing corruption charges. People are not going to stand behind leaders who make a compromise on corruption, he said, alluding to the tie-up between the Congress and the RJD.

Reacting on the Bihar bandh called by Grand Alliance in protest against the lathi charge on RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha on Saturday, the chief minister said, It was another instance to whip up passion ahead of polls for electoral gains.

Police were deliberately provoked to use force. Demonstrators were the first to hit them and they retaliated. It was all on electronic channels. I have witnessed such instances during my student days, Kumar said.

The CM refrained from making a direct comment on West Bengal chief minister Mamta Banerjees dharna against the CBI action but conceded anything can happen in the country during the month preceding announcement of poll dates.

Lok Sabha polls are approaching. In the poll season, nobody seems to care for the country. There is an atmosphere of bitterness and tension. Everybody is concerned about votes. All actions are directed at gathering media attention for electoral gains and it will become more pronounced in the next one month, Kumar said.

On being asked whether the deadlock would lead to imposition of Presidents Rule in West Bengal, Kumar said, I dont see that it can be done so easily now.

Imposition of Presidents Rule was easy during Congresss heyday. It was imposed in 2005 in the state too. But successive Supreme Court rulings have changed the scenario. It is not as easy as it used to be in the past, he said.

Asked whether he would have reacted like West Bengal counterpart in event of his state police chief being embroiled in similar controversy, Kumar shot back do you think I will have a DGP with such a record?

Kumar, however, said emotive electoral ploys were temporary and would start settling with the announcement of polls dates and imposition of model code of conduct by the Election Commission. Till then, anything can happen. We need to watch and handle these things with patience, he said.
A head constable of the Delhi police was arrested for being drunk during a raid on a rented house of a 19-year-old youth in Supaul district on Monday. Consumption and sale of liquor is banned in the state.

The constable, Mukesh Kumar, was part of a Delhi team who had come to Bihar to arrest the 19-year-old man who eloped with a 17-year-old girl from Delhi. The youth is a native of Madhurchak village of Madhepura district, and his family lives in Delhi.

According to locals, Kumar created ruckus during the raid led by Delhi polices ASI SN Dutta. Locals overpowered him as he was drunk. They informed the excise department which arrested Kumar and remanded him in custody.

An official said that the excise and police personnel faced stiff resistance from Kumar and his colleagues. He said that the head constable was asked to undergo a breath analyser test and was arrested when the test was found positive.

The youth allegedly eloped with the girl from Delhi. Her father lodged a kidnapping case against the youth. While the girl refused to go with her parents.
When Vitthal Bhajantri was arrested on January 21,he surprised the Mumbai Police team that had followed him all the way to Afzalpur village in Gulbarga district, Karnataka. Just a few niceties and Bhajantri very calmly told us about all the murders he committed. And he was candid when he said to kill him in custody because he was sure that if he was let off, he would continue to kill people, said a police officer, requesting anonymity.

Bhajantri, 26, is a daily wage labourer with different catering firms. To Bandra police officers, he is the Stone Man who smashed his victims heads with a heavy stone and theyve been looking for him since October 2017. So far, Bhajantri has confessed to five murders and the police have found four of the bodies. In two of the cases from 2017, the police had registered a case of accidental death and unnatural death, but there was no evidence to lead them to the accused. Now, thanks to Bhajantris confession, they know what happened.

The first murder Bhajantri committed was on October 13, 2017, in Mahim after a fellow labourer named Jamura taunted Bhajantri and his friend Suraj. After getting drunk with Jamura and Suraj, Bhajantri hit Jamuras head with a stone repeatedly till Jamura was dead. The body was found near Mahim causeway, said officers from Bandra police.

Less than a month later, Bhajantri committed his next murder. After a fellow daily wage labourer Bangali taunted Bhajantri for being weak, his body was found in a decomposed state in the sea, near the mangroves at the intersection of Bandra (West) and Mahim. Bhajantri said he killed him on November 7, 2017.

Once he consumes alcohol, it sparks an uncontrollable rage in Bhajantri. The rage translates into brutal violence and he would keep hitting the victims head with a rock, said an officer.

However, Bhajantri wasnt always an out-of-control killer. Grace John, outreach supervisor of Don Bosco Shelter in Wadala, remembers him as a calm boy who disliked loud noises and used to call her Mummy. I saw him for the first time in early 2005-06. He had come to our dropping box in Dadar. At that time, he was a child, said John. In 2016, he again came to Wadala where we hold a mela for street children and poor. I told him to stop doing drugs and learn a specific skill.

Unfortunately, Bhajantris promise that hed change his ways wouldnt come to pass. A year later, hed begin his killing spree. After killing Bangali, Bhajantri went to in Afzalpur, where his seven siblings live. There, he witnessed a fight between his sister and brother in-law, Devendra Pandit. On November 12, 2017, Bhajantri killed Pandit by smashing his head in with a rock in a nearby field. Pandits body was found days later and Bhajantri was arrested by Afzalpur police on December 6, 2017. After being in judicial custody for nearly a year, he was out on bail in December 2018 and headed straight for Mumbai, plotting his next murder.

Bhajantri was insecure that his friend Suraj, who knew about his first two murders, might inform someone. On January 4, he took Suraj to Bandra pipeline where he told him that he had some work. He then sodomised him, and made another friend, Surendra Kumar Kanojia, sodomise him, before killing him with a rock, said an officer.

Surajs murder was being investigated by police sub-inspector Bhimsen Gaikwad of Bandra police. Gaikwad found the victims clothes 200 metres away from the naked body, towards Mahim. On further enquiry we went to Mahim and traced the man who was last seen with the deceased in Karnataka. I went with my team to Gulbarga, where the accused hailed from, said Gaikwad.

At Gulbarga, the police team learnt of Bhajantri being arrested for Pandits murder. They began looking for him, but Bhajantri was able to evade them. Bhajantri was ultimately spotted on January 19, walking on the highway and taken in for questioning.

Police officials say once they spoke to Bhajantri kindly, he quickly confessed to being a serial killer. He also told them his rage and violence were rooted in childhood trauma he suffered as a 12-year-old working as a labourer in Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. Other daily wagers who were adults used to drug him with cheap narcotics and used to sodomise him. Bhajantri was sodomised multiple times, which scarred him, said an officer.

Bhajantri told investigators that whenever anyone taunted him, he would consume alcohol and this would lead to murdering people, most of whom were his childhood friends. He also said if he was let off, hed kill again.
I simply cannot understand the obsession of politicians from Maharashtra, more particularly from Vidarbha and specifically from the saffron parties, with animal references for rival politicians or people they do not like.

Firstly, they do injustice to those animals who might often be better than those they are equated with. Secondly, using animal names for abuse, indeed the very need to abuse, demonstrates a low intellect, incapable of wit and quick repartee. As a journalist of some years standing, I have yet to come across an Indian politician whose wit and repartee are memorable.

Across states and political parties, whether it was M Karunanidhi about J Jayalalithaa, Pramod Mahajan about Sonia Gandhi or Bal Thackeray about Mrinal Gore (Janata Party) and Ahilya Rangnekar (Communist), they could only think of insulting these formidable women with references to body parts or functions. Mahajan famously got into trouble with the Congress in 1998-99 when, presuming there were no national media at a public rally in Gondia in 1999, he put an obscene interpretation on Sonia waving to the crowds. He made the extremely crude remark probably forgetting the furore over his remark the previous year equating Sonia with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky whose affair with then US President Bill Clinton led to his impeachment. Mahajan had implied that Sonia was using the same methods for her political rise as Lewinsky.

When a report of his atatomical comments on Sonia Gandhi in Gondia appeared in a national magazine  it was a report about how Karunanidhi had been saying much the same about Jayalalithaa in Tamil Nadu  all hell broke loose. At first Mahajan sought to deny he had ever said anything of the kind. Later when confronted with clippings from various local Hindi and Marathi newspapers that reported the statement in toto, he retreated and never targeted Sonia Gandhi again.

Bal Thackeray was worse. Though he did make some remarks about Priyanka Gandhi almost similar to Mahajans about Sonia (I always wondered if the two had been discussing the appeal of the Gandhi women to the masses in private), the worst was reserved for local Maharashtrian women politicians like Gore and Rangnekar, then in their 60s and 70s. They had been taking on his bigotry in no uncertain terms and at first he played the Marathi card, acting the injured Maharashtrian being attacked by fellow Maharashtrians. When that did not work, he attempted to shame them with personal humiliation in public. He implied they were off their minds because  they had hung out their rags to dry.

Far from stopping the women leaders though, it only exposed Thackerays crudity and lack of refinement and wit despite laying claim to a sense of humour and being a cartoonist. When words failed him he fell back on animal names, appending a she to every species because he didnt quite know the female versions of those animals.

He stopped only after Sharad Pawar (Thackeray would refer to him routinely as maidyancha pota  a sack of flour  who would get stuck in his commode every morning) threatened him with more rustic rural abuses which Thackeray, as an urban politician, would not be able to match.

Compared to this scatological humour of Indian politicians, I always remember British Prime Minister Winston Churchills legendary repartee to Lady Nancy Astor who loudly accused him of being dead drunk one evening at a party event. Lady Astor was the first woman MP in the UK and when she scorned Churchill for his incoherence as he was disgustingly drunk, he snapped back,  Well, you are disgustingly ugly. Whats more, tomorrow morning I will be sober but you will still be ugly!

Misogynistic perhaps, but considering Lady Astor and her sisters were well known for their beauty, it was a put-down matching one personal insult with another, without resorting to anatomy or zoology to make the point.

Now, with BJP supporters unleashing a similar anatomical campaign against Priyanka Gandhi, I am surprised that Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in a reiteration of his devotion to Prime Minister Narendra Modi should refer to all other politicians as cats and dogs to Modis king of the jungle. Though not very witty, I would have expected Fadnavis to be more civilised and careful.

Already social media has pounced selectively on the jungle reference rather than the lion he meant to describe Modi as and is delighting in interpreting the compliment as an admission of his party having unleashed a jungle raj in the country. In election season, the unthinking words might yet come back to haunt his party
According to documents filed in this case, DEA agents used a confidential source to purchase cocaine from Rivera at his Lake Station residence on April 3, 2017. A federal search warrant for that residence was executed that same day. Within a locked room inside the residence law enforcement found more than a kilogram of cocaine, 30 kilograms of marijuana, and four firearms including an assault rifle that had previously been reported stolen, the release said.
Nothing can be more shameful for democracy than a CM sitting on dharna: Yogi Adityanath

Country now has a leader who made India proud globally. Nothing can be more shameful for a democracy than a chief minister sitting on dharna: Yogi Adityanath

Had to take the road as chopper wasnt permitted: Yogi

Yogi says even today, his chopper wasnt allowed to land in Purulia, due to which he had to take the road. Even Amit Shah was not allowed to hold rallies in Bengal, he says.

Once BJP comes to power, Trinamool goons hold placards saying they are criminals: Yogi Adityanath

There are several skeletons in the Trinamool cupboard, all of which will stumble out once BJP comes to power, Yogi says. He says once BJP comes to power, Trinamool goons will come on the streets with placards reading that they were criminals just as goons of SP and BSP have been reduced to in UP.

Bengal gripped by political violence: Yogi Adityanath

Mamata is protecting a corrupt police officer accused in the Saradha chit fund scam. Throw this govt out. We won by such a huge margin in UP. There was no violence. Bengal is gripped by political violence. Political workers of BJP and other parties have been murdered during panchayat elections: Yogi Adityanath

Read here | Mamata Banerjee trying to protect corrupt officer: Yogi at Bengal rally

Mamata allows Muharram processions but not Durga Puja: Yogi Adityanath

Mamata allows Muharram processions but not Durga Puja. This govt creates obstacles for Saraswati Puja and Janmashthami as well. This govt has been questioned many times by the high court on this issue: Yogi Adityanath

Mamata took U-turn as soon as SC order came: Yogi Adityanath

The Supreme Court today asked the Kolkata police commissioner to appear before CBI. Mamata took U-turn as soon as SC order came: Yogi Adityanath

Bengal govt steeped in corruption: Yogi Adityanath

I came by road. I saw so much poverty. Under Modi jis leadership, there has been so much development all over the country. But in Bengal nothing happened: Yogi Adityanath

This is a corrupt and undemocratic regime: Yogi Adityanath

Vivekananda had said Garv se kaho hum Hindu hai. Bengal contributed a lot to this country. It brought glory to India. It gave our national song. This is a corrupt and undemocratic regime: Yogi Adityanath

Yogi begins speech

Yogi begins speech with Bharat Mata Ki Jai, Jai Shri Ram and Vande Mataram slogans.

Yogi reaches Purulia

Yogi reaches Purulia. He is scheduled to address a public meeting soon.

Bengal govt wants to hide corruption, poor financial state

They want to hide corruption, Bengal is in a bad financial state. So they want to prevent BJP leaders from visiting the state so that these things do not come out in the open. BJP will form govt in Bengal: Yogi tells ANI en route Purulia.

Bengal govt embroiled in undemocratic and unconstitutional activities: Yogi

This (West Bengal) government is embroiled in undemocratic and unconstitutional activities and that is the reason why a sanyasi and yogi like me is not being allowed to step on the soil of Bengal: Yogi Adityanath tells ANI en route Purulia.

Yogi crosses Bengal border

Yogi crosses Bengal border. He is scheduled to address a public rally in Purulia.

Yogis convoy leaves Bokaro for Purulia

Yogi Adityanaths convoy leaves Bokaro for Purulia. The UP CM will be addressing a public rally in Purulia.

Jharkhand: UP CM Yogi Adityanath's convoy en route from Bokaro to Purulia in West Bengal where he will address a public rally today. pic.twitter.com/7qkAATTceu  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

Yogi arrives in Bokaro

Yogi Adityanath arrives in Bokaro. He will go to Purulia by road from here.

Jharkhand: UP CM Yogi Adityanath arrives in Bokaro. He will leave for Purulia, West Bengal by road to address a public rally there. pic.twitter.com/L7Qdz0Pnyy  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

Denied permission to hold rally in Murshidabad in Bengal: Shahnawaz Hussain

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Tuesday said the TMC-led government in West Bengal has denied the party permission for a rally in Murshidabad and alleged that there is complete lawlessness in the state.

Hussain said he will still go to Murshidabad and is already on the way. Last week, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath was denied permission to hold a rally in the state, which is witnessing a political slugfest between the ruling TMC and the BJP.

I have been told that the district administration has not given permission to hold a rally in Murshidabad, which was scheduled for today. The party had sought permission and had informed the local administration in advance, Hussain told PTI.

UP CM to address rally at around 3:30 pm

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath left for West Bengals Purulia after the adjournment of the Vidhan Sabha session today. He is slated to address the rally at around 3:30 pm.

Denied permission to land, Yogi takes road route for Purulia rally

After being denied permission to land his chopper in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will on Tuesday land in Jharkhands Bokaro and then travel to West Bengals Purulia district by road to address a public rally.

Yogi Adityanath leaves from Lucknow

Adityanath has already left Lucknow for his Purulia rally. Before leaving for Jharkhand from where he is expected to enter West Bengals Purulia by road, Adityanath posted a series of tweets accusing Mamata Banerjee government of indulging in vendetta, violence and corruption.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath to address rally in West Bengals Purulia

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath will be addressing a public in Purulia district of West Bengal on Tuesday.
Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena has roped in poll strategist Prashant Kishor, the man who played a key role in Prime Minister Narendra Modis campaign for 2014 elections.

Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had a meeting with Kishor at the formers residence in Mumbai on Tuesday where it was decided that they would work together.

Kishor is the vice president of Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United), a constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

A Sena MP confirmed the development. Uddhav ji had a detailed meeting with Prashant Kishor and he will play a strategic role in the election for Shiv Sena, the parliamentarian said.

Kishor also briefly met Sena MPs, who had been called by Thackeray. Sena MPs said Kishors team is expected to prepare a presentation and meet Thackeray later this week.

The Shiv Senas move comes at a time when there is no clarity on an alliance with the BJP. A Sena MP who was in the meeting with Thackeray said, Alliance was not on the agenda today. The only thing discussed on BJP was that so far no official offer has come to the Sena leadership on alliance from the BJP. Whatever is being talked about it are stories generated by the media.

This is the first time Sena is taking help of a private strategist to prepare a poll plan and carry out surveys. In the past, the Sena has relied on its union, the Sthaniya Lokadhikar Samiti, and youth wing Yuva Sena to get a sense of the mood on the ground.

Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, however, said Kishors meeting was a courtesy call.

Shiv Sena makes its own strategy and goes ahead with it. He is the vice president of JD (U) which is part of the NDA. He has come to meet in that capacity, Raut said.

He denied that Kishor will play the mediator between the BJP and Sena, who despite being in power together are not in the best of terms.
Even as the Congress stood in support of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee in her protest against the Centre over the CBIs efforts to arrest the Kolkata police commissioner, party president Rahul Gandhi is believed to have informally discussed its strategy for the Lok Sabha polls with CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury.

West Bengal sends 42 representatives to Parliament, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh.

Gandhi and Yechury met at Parliament house, fuelling speculations of a seat adjustment between the two in West Bengal, where their parties are increasingly being sidelined.

Gandhi personally called Banerjee during her protests against the BJP after CBI officials tried to arrest Kolkatas top cop. In Parliament too, senior Congress leaders slammed the BJP and stood with the Trinamool Congress, Banerjees party.

Yechury claimed that he went to Parliaments Central Hall after a long gap and accidentally met Gandhi. According to Congress functionaries, Yechury and Gandhi also sat at the latters office in Parliament and discussed a wide range of issues.

We spoke about a lot of issues including politics and the situation in West Bengal, Yechury said. According to the Congress functionaries , the two leaders briefly touched upon the subject of a pact  something short of an alliance  in West Bengal.

Gandhi conveyed to Yechury that he would wait for his state units report and assessment before taking any decision. Yechury told Ganhdi that CPIMs Bengal unit has also started its meeting to evaluate the ground situation and that he too, would wait for its report.

In the last Lok Sabha polls, the Congress and the CPI(M) opted for an informal, local-level understanding in the election. This time, the two are looking at the possibility of a seat adjustment as any full-fledged alliance with the Congress has been ruled out by the last CPI(M) Party Congress.

The polarisation between the Trinamool and BJP had started long ago while the CPI(M) remained in a mode of denial. Now the solution cant be an alliance, Left needs to do something more than adjusting seats with the Congress to resurrect itself in Bengal, said economist Prasenjit Bose.
After being denied permission to land his chopper in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will on Tuesday land in Jharkhands Bokaro and then travel to West Bengals Purulia district by road to address a public rally. (Follow live updates here)

The Mamta Banerjee-led West Bengal government has been having a running feud with the Centre over various issues and has been accused of denying permission for rallies by the BJP, which has condemned Banerjee over the obstacles faced by the party in conducting events in the state.

Yogis meeting is happening, said BJP Bengal vice president Pratap Banerjee, who is in charge of arranging the meeting in Purulia.

The ground permission is in place. Police have accepted the application for permission to use microphones but is yet to say yes or no. We are assuming their silence to be their nod, Banerjee added.

The chief minister left for Purulia after the adjournment of the Vidhan Sabha session today. He is slated to address the rally at around 3:30 pm.

Before leaving for Jharkhand, Adityanath posted a series of tweets accusing Mamata Banerjee government of indulging in vendetta, violence and corruption.

Yogi was scheduled to address two rallies in West Bengal on February 3, one in North Dinajpur districts Raiganj and the other in South Dinajpur districts Balurghat. However, the state government refused permission for Yogis chopper to land for both rallies.

Later in the day, Yogi addressed the rally in Raiganj via telephone and accused Banerjee of carrying outshameful activities.

The Mamata-BJP confrontation touched a new low when a CBI team landed in Kolkata to question Kolkata top cop Rajiv Kumar over his alleged involvement in the Saradha chit fund scam. It snowballed into a major political controversy with Mamata Banerjee starting an indefinite dharna in protest against the Centre, which is still ongoing.

Uttar Pradesh Science and Technology Minister Mohsin Raza told ANI, The CBI is an independent agency and it has the right to go anywhere in the country. What Mamata ji is doing I have never seen anything like it in my political career, where she is supporting an IPS officer who is being investigated by the CBI.

She allows Rohingyas and foreign infiltrators to stay in the state, people who promote democratic values, be it our chief minister, our national president, they cannot go. She is being supported by people who are also under the CBIs radar. It is shameful and condemnable. They are making a mockery of the Constitution. If you want to see a situation of emergency anywhere, you can see it in West Bengal, Raza said.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said on Tuesday that his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee has no right to remain in power after the Supreme Court directed the Kolkata police commissioner to cooperate in a probe by Central Bureau of Investigation, which was thwarted by police from questioning the officer two days ago.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court ruled that Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar should allow himself to be questioned by the CBI, which is investigating allegations against the officer relating to a Rs 10,000 crore chit fund scandal involving the Saradha group, which collapsed in 2013.

The apex court said no coercive action should be taken against Kumar, ordering that he be questioned in a neutral venue, Shillong in Meghalaya. Banerjee claimed a moral victory after the court restrained the CBI from arresting Kumar.

In his first appearance at a public rally in the state ruled by Banerjees Trinamool Congress, Adityanath said: What type of a chief minister is she? She has come forward to save an officer who is an accused in the Saradha scam. There is nothing more shameful. After the SC order, she has no right to remain in the chair; she should resign on moral grounds.

Adityanath, who was denied permission to fly to Bengal by helicopter, travelled by road from Bokaro in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Jharkhand to address the rally. The BJP is hoping to make inroads into West Bengal, the bastion of Banerjees Trinamool Congress, in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. BJP president Amit Shah has set his party a target of winning 22 of the 42 seats that West Bengal fills in the Lower House.

Banerjee responded to Adiyanaths rally speech by accusing him of abetting mob lynchings in his state and claimed that the BJP would fail to win another election in UP. So many people have been killed, even policemen were murdered. How many people have been lynched in Uttar Pradesh? Let him take care of UP first, she said.

Adityanath claimed that Bengal, which produced towering personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Rabindranath Tagore, and gave India its national song and anthem, was now experiencing anarchy under the Trinamool Congresss rule.

This government is totally dishonest. They do not work for development..., he alleged. The state that once led other parts of the country in the freedom movement itself now needs political freedom..., said Adityanath. We have to save Bengal from lawlessness, anarchy , dishonesty and goondagiri (thuggery) of the TMC, he added.

We have stopped the goondagiri of SP and BSP in Uttar Pradesh. We will teach the ones here the same lesson..., he said.

After being refused permission for his helicopter to land, the UP chief minister had to reach the venue at Bhangra village in Purulia by road after his helicopter landed in Bokaro in Jharkhand, about 55 km away. On Sunday, Adityanath addressed two rallies in Raigunj and Balurghat in Bengal over the phone after his helicopter was denied permission to land.
A group of fugitives could play a crucial role in the worlds largest election.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is set to face about 875 million voters in his re-election bid, has stepped up efforts to punish a liquor tycoon, an arms dealer, a billionaire jeweller and a corporate lobbyist after they fled overseas to avoid undergoing trial at home. Just ahead of the polls due by May, the premier has already had some success.

UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid signed an order on Sunday to extradite Vijay Mallya, a colorful beer baron who now lives in London after an airline he owned defaulted on $1.3 billion in loans. The move follows a successful extradition of Christian Michel, an arms dealer accused in a $759 million chopper scandal and lobbyist Deepak Talwar, who were flown back from Dubai.

These developments are at the core of two major election issues for Modi -- addressing corruption in a society mired with decades of graft and a banking system reeling under billions of dollars of soured debt. After winning a record mandate in 2014, Modi is looking increasingly vulnerable, with his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party losing key state elections. Prosecuting wealthy individuals accused of breaking the law could boost his image at a critical time in the campaign.

This greatly enhances Modis reputation as an anti-corruption fighter and shows that hes trying to clean up the system, said Niranjan Sahoo, a senior fellow with the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi-based think-tank. Elections are about perceptions and optics, and this comes at the right time.

Diamond Jeweller

Extraditing businessmen like Mallya and Nirav Modi, a billionaire diamond jeweller accused of defrauding $2 billion from a state-run bank will help to puncture an opposition narrative centered around the governments coziness with big businesses.

Getting back Michel and Talwar, an aviation industry middleman alleged to have misused foreign funds that came to his non-profit organization, will feed into the image of Modi as a premier with no tolerance to corruption.

Mallya, Nirav Modi, Michel and Talwar deny the allegations. Mallya said he will appeal the extradition order.

Election Optics

Nabbing high-profile individuals accused of corruption also helps draw attention away from the governments inability to create jobs and the ongoing fallout from demonetization and a poorly implemented goods and services tax.

The Modi government is hailing this decision as a success in its anti corruption campaign, said Katharine Adeney, director of the University of Nottingham Asia Research Institute. However, this is unlikely to have much impact on the election. For most Indians its the lack of jobs, rural poverty and the state of the economy that are the big pressing issues.

His administration has already announced $13 billion worth of measures including cash handouts for farmers, a pension program for informal sector workers and tax relief for Indias squeezed middle class in the federal budget on Feb. 1 to win back voter support.

The accused represent a slice of Indias wealthy elite who are loathed by the poor for their perceived ability to avoid being brought to justice.

While the flamboyance of Mallya -- a globetrotter with his private jets and yachts in his heyday -- makes voters uncomfortable, Nirav Modi, whose jewellery were worn by Kate Winslet to Dakota Johnson, represents the power of the rich who typically get away with looting money from taxpayer-funded state-run banks.

Symbolically, it has a lot of relevance for the election. Elections are a lot about optics, Observer Research Foundations Sahoo said. This is a big victory for the ruling party.

Also Watch: Loan will be recovered as per legal procedure: PNB Chairman on Vijay Mallya
Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra discussed the election strategy for Uttar Pradesh in a meeting Tuesday, soon after her return to India.

The meeting, on the partys approach in the electorally crucial state, was chaired by party president Rahul Gandhi and attended by Priyanka Gandhi (who is in charge of UP East), Congress general secretary for west UP Jyotiradtiya Scindia and party general secretary in charge of organisation KC Venugopal.

Earlier in the day, Priyanka Gandhi was allotted an office at the party headquarters at 24, Akbar Road in Delhi. Her name plate has been put up outside the room, which is adjacent to the office of her brother Rahul Gandhi. Priyanka Gandhis office was occupied by Rahul Gandhi when he was the party vice-president. The previous occupants of her office include AK Antony, Janardan Dwivedi and Sushilkumar Shinde.

The room has pictures of former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi and also of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

On February 7, Priyanka Gandhi will attend a meeting of general secretaries and state in-charges at the party headquarters to review the preparations for the general elections. She is also expected to attend a meeting of state chiefs and legislature party leaders at the partys war room at 15 Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Road in Delhi on February 9.

An extended Congress Working Committee (CWC) will also meet soon to discuss the preparations for the upcoming elections, endorse Rahul Gandhis proposal for a minimum guaranteed income, and welcome the induction of Priyanka Gandhi and Scindia in the partys highest decision making body.

Congress leaders said Priyanka Gandhi will soon join Twitter to interact with party workers and supporters. Rahul Gandhi joined the popular micro blogging site in April 2015 and has 8.42 million followers. Rahul Gandhi announced his sisters entry into active politics on January 23.

The Congress president said in an interview on Monday that Priyanka Gandhi will have a role beyond Uttar Pradesh. As a general secretary of the party, she has, by definition, a national role.

Sonia is expected to chair the last Congress Parliamentary Party meeting of the 16th Lok Sabha next week.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is supposed to address a rally in West Bengals Jalpaiguri district on February 8, but his party is yet to get the go-ahead for the landing of his aircraft in that area, two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders said.

The BJP has alleged that the Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee is putting roadblocks in the way of campaign plans of several leaders, including Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and former Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Banerjee denies such claims.

We have submitted all required documents, Rathindra Bose, the BJPs north Bengal in-charge, said when asked about the Prime Ministers rally that is to be held in the Churabhandar area.

Debasish Chakraborty, the BJPs Jalpaiguri district president, said the administration turned down the partys application for using grounds of government-run bodies for the event. The party has managed to convince private owners to hold the programme on their land, but the dispute is over the land where Modis aircraft will land.

Six farmers have complained to the police that their farmland and crops might be damaged if the event takes place. Farmers are unwilling to give their consent to make a temporary helipad on their land, said Manoj Roy, the ruling Trinamool Congresss Maynaguri block president.

Chakraborty said the BJP will compensate farmers for any crop damage. Jalpaiguris district magistrate refused to comment on the controversy. Separately, former Madhya Pradesh CM Chauhan reacted sharply to the cancellation of one of his rallies on Wednesday, asking Banerjees administration who she is afraid of.

The Constitution permits all political parties to present their stand before the public..., he said on Tuesday.

While Chouhans Berhampore rally has been cancelled, he is supposed to take part in another event, which could take place in Kolkatas Dum Dum . Though we are yet to get permissions for the use of ground and microphones, we are determined to hold the meeting, said Jay Prakash Majumdar, the BJPs state unit vice-president.

Sayantan Basu, the BJPs general secretary in Bengal, alleged that the state administration has so far not given written permission for the use of microphones for any of his partys rallies other than those held by Modi and BJP president Amit Shah.

But Banerjee said the BJP was applying for permissions hours before its programmes, and that was making the process difficult. How many meetings have BJP leaders held (in Bengal)! Modi and Amit Shah held meetings. But the leaders are alleging denial of permission, Banerjee said at the protest site in Kolkata where she staged a demonstration till Tuesday evening against the Central Bureau of Investigations attempt to question the citys police commissioner in connection with a chit fund scandal.

As the war of words continued, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath travelled more than 50km by road from Bokaro in Jharkhand to Bengals Purulia, where he addressed a rally on Tuesday.

His helicopter was not given permission to land in Bengal. Adityanath was due to hold rallies last Sunday as well, but had to make his speech over the phone after being denied permission for the same reason.
If you spend enough time on the Internet, chances are youve read about businessman Reuben Singh. The British entrepreneur went viral a little while ago for the seven day Rolls-Royce Turban Challenge which had him match (or contrast) the colour of his turban to his car every day. A totally innocent joke was made about my turban, which hurt me, resulted in me throwing down the gauntlet to this challenge so long as the people who made it pay money to charity, he had posted on Instagram back in December 2017. Now, Singh has social medias attention once again after he posted pictures of his six brand new Rolls-Royce, which he calls The Jewels Collection.

In an Instagram post shared on January 30, Singh posted: The Jewels Collection. Rubies, Sapphires & Emeralds. Its ok to be a little obsessed with jewellery as jewellery is like ice cream there is always a little room for more. The picture posted by him shows all six cars neatly parked together  three Rolls Royce Phantom and three Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

The post was followed by yet another picture of the luxury cars. In life so many things we do for ourselves are then irrelevantly questioned by others. People ask why? For what? Because of? Whats the point? he posted.

So long as no one is hurt, no one is betrayed or no one is cheated; Smile and do whatever you want. There doesnt need to be an answer for everyones question, he added.

Singh has been posting about the cars since November but only recently shared a picture of all six cars together. While the Cullinan costs approximately 250000, the Phantom costs about 360,000.

People on Instagram have flooded the posts with their reactions to the cars.

Absolutely smashed it @singhreuben. Great collection and great choices of colour! says one Instagram user. Great people accomplish great things, says another. Congratulations British Bill Gates, says a third.
Political space is opening up for Congress in the politically important state of Uttar Pradesh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said in an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times.

The northern state is Indias most politically significant one, and sends 80 representatives to the Lok Sabha. In the 2014 election, the Congress won two of these seats. The BJP, in contrast, won 71.

In the run up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election, Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party and Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party have forged an alliance, leaving out the Congress. But Gandhi isnt worried about this.

I personally respect Mayawatiji and Akhilesh Yadavji. I am fond of them. And in their own way, they have given tremendous service to this nation, particularly Mayawatiji. They have the right to partner with each other and come together to fight elections, he said.

For the Congress, he implied, this could be an opportunity.

We also have the right to say that we would like to fight for our ideology in Uttar Pradesh. We will work with the SP and the BSP because we have ideological agreement on a number of issues with them. But we are not going to give up our right to push our ideology in Uttar Pradesh either.

This could mean a contest of sorts, although Gandhi said things are still evolving.

Also read | Rahul Gandhi spells out his 2019 agenda

Well, it is fluid. I see a political space in UP opening up for the Congress. My personal view is that actually the Congress has a huge opportunity now because a space is going to open in Uttar Pradesh which is the Congress core space.

Gandhi defined this space as the last man in line.

Mayawatijis community is the dominant community among the Dalits. Thats the same with Akhileshji and, thats the same with the BJP. There is a feeling in Uttar Pradesh that if you come from a non-dominant, small community, if you are a person who is disenfranchised  a farmer, a labourer - then there is no room for you. And that is the exact space that the Congress works in.

Gandhi indicated that his belief that the party could see a revival in place is why he has given the charge of the state to his sister and to Jyotiraditya Scindia.

I am pretty confident (and) that (is why) Ive put Jyotiraditya [Scindia] and Priyanka [Gandhi] there. I am pretty confident that they will lay the structure for the Congress partys revival in the state.

Gandhi clarified that the party could do this without antagonizing its allies and friendly parties too much. This can be done by respecting your opponents space and ideology but by defending yours, he said.

Also read | After Rahuls rally in Patna, Congress talks tough on seat sharing
In Park Ridge, it was the Community Health Commission  a group of appointed citizens who promote ways to encourage healthy living sustainability within the city  that proposed raising the age of tobacco sales in the city after the attempt by state legislators failed. The proposal echoes a national Tobacco 21 campaign, which supports efforts to raise the minimum age for tobacco sales to reduce the number of people who take up smoking as teens and young adults.
While many BJP leaders have voiced protests against the West Bengal government for denying them permission to land choppers for addressing public rallies, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday hit back saying she was not even permitted to stay in official guest houses in Maharashtra and Bihar when she went there for meetings.

When I had gone for a meeting in Maharashtra and Bihar, I wasnt even allowed to stay in a guest house, she said. While Maharashtra has a BJP government, in Bihar, the Janata Dal (United) led by chief minister Nitish Kumar is ruling in coalition with the BJP.

Follow live updates here: Where was CBI when Vijay Mallya fled: Tejashwis counter at Mamata meet

Mamata also hit out at BJP leader Mukul Roy who left the Trinamool Congress to join the saffron party last year. She also targeted the BJP saying that those who join the party are shielded from investigating agencies such as CBI and ED. Once you join BJP, bye bye CBI, said Mamata, and added that central agencies such as CBI and ED should act without bias.

The CM was addressing the media and a gathering from the dharna site at Kolkatas Metro Channel. Earlier in the day, she lauded the Supreme Courts verdict which said that Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar cannot be arrested by the CBI, and claimed it a moral victory.
Police on Monday arrested gangster Navpreet Singh alias Nav Lahoria, who heads the Lawrence Bishnoi and Sampat Nehra gangs and is wanted by police of four neighbouring states, along with two of his accomplices.

The three had fled after an encounter on Saturday when police nabbed two of their aides  Mani Dullar of Patiala and Navneet Singh of Haryana  two days after they allegedly snatched a car at gunpoint from a local resident.

Lahoria had taken charge of the two gangs as gangster Lawrence Bishnoi is in Rajasthans Bharatpur jail while gangster Sampat Nehra is lodged in a Faridkot jail.

As kingpin of these two gangs, Lahoria reorganised their members and was mostly active in areas around Sonepat and Delhi, where they committed a dozen criminal incidents, Patiala senior superintendent of police (SSP) Mandeep Singh Sidhu said at a press conference.

Police have recovered six pistols from them.

Besides Lahoria, a resident of Jatta Patti village in Patialas Samana, those arrested on Monday are Ankur Singh alias Mani and Prashant alias Chhotu of Hassupur village in Uttar Pradeshs Hapur district. The accused are involved in criminal activities in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. A total of 17 first information reports (FIRs) of murder, extortion and loot are registered against them. They had allegedly murdered a jeweller in Ambala after robbing him of Rs 35 lakh.

We were on our toes after they escaped during the encounter. They were nabbed near Dhubla village near the Punjab and Haryana border in an operation carried out on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. We have informed the police of the states where they have committed crimes, the SSP said.

He added that Lahoria came in contact of Bishnoi and Nehra in 2016 in a jail. After procuring bail, he committed 10 crimes in the last three months. He was planning a major loot in Patiala or nearby areas for which they had snatched a vehicle, he said.

PG accommodation owner booked

Police have booked Inderjit Singh, the owner of paying guest accommodation where the gangsters were staying before Saturdays encounter. A case under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code has been registered as he did not inform police about those staying in his PG accommodation. We will initiate cases against owners of other accommodations for not informing police about the occupants, the SSP said.
Political support continued to pour on Tuesday for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees sit-in against the alleged intimidation of the state police officials by the Centre using the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as a political tool. Two chief ministers are heading to Kolkata where Banerjee is protesting the alleged move by the Narendra Modi government.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu are expected to visit Kolkata to extend their support to Banerjees Save India dharna that the West Bengal chief minister launched on Sunday night. Follow live updates here

Also watch: SC tells Kolkatas top cop to cooperate, Mamata calls decision moral victory

The sit-in entered third day on Tuesday. Responding to a question as to how long will her dharna continue in Kolkata, Banerjee said, The decision will be taken after consultation with other leaders, not only within the TMC (Trinamool Congress) but leaders of other parties who have extended their support to us.

We will talk to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who extended his support. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is also coming today. We will talk to everyone who supported us, she said.

In New Delhi, Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said, The government is settling scores with opposition after interfering in autonomous bodies. We are fighting against those elements. It is not about an individual, an officer or a party, we are fighting against governments attempt to discredit autonomous bodies.

Kejriwal said, Modi is harassing Mamata Banerjee, harassing everybody (opposing him). They got the police to raid my residence, my secretary was raided and now they are raiding Mamata. This not right for the democracy in the country.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also backed Banerjees dharna and accused the Modi government of missing its power. He said, With bad intention and by keeping election in mind, they are (Centre) misusing the power and conducted raid at commissioners house.

I support it (Banerjees sit-in). Mamata Banerjee did the right thing. Shell face court later but nobody should misuse ED, IT or any agency. Narendra Modi is creating anarchy. Can anybody raid your house? They have rights to work as per law.They didnt have any order or warrant, he said.

On the other hand, a notice was given in Parliament for discussion on the attack on institutions in the Rajya Sabha. RJD MP Manoj Jha gave a notice under Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha to discuss the attack on institutions including CBI.

DMK leader Kanimozhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav visited the dharna venue on Monday to express solidarity with Banerjee, who has turned her protest venue, satyagraha mancha into her office from where the chief minister has been discharging her duties, including signing of papers.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi has sent a report on the current situation to the Centre. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had sought a report from the governor on the current situation in West Bengal.

Banerjee began her sit-in after a team of CBI officials reached Kolkata and attempted to question city police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams in West Bengal. The CBI officials were allegedly detained at a police station and prevented by the officials from questioning the police commissioner.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi has dismissed comparisons between his grandmother and former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, and the current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. He has called it an insult to Indiraji.

My grandmothers decisions came from love and affection, her work was uniting in nature and she carried along people and cared for Indias poor, he said.

Modis decisions come from anger and hatred and his decisions divide the country. And Mr Narendra Modi has absolutely no empathy for the weak and the poor, Gandhi told Hindustan Times in an interview.

Also read| Exclusive: Division is in BJP, not in our alliance, says Rahul Gandhi

Political analysts may not agree with the Congress president. Modis outreach to the poor, through state-run welfare schemes, is similar to what Indira Gandhi attempted.

Indira Gandhi, analysts say, ruled with an iron hand, brooking no dissidence within her party and opposition from without. Her PMO (Prime Ministers Office) was seen as the epicenter of power during her governments, taking key decisions across several ministries. It is believed PM Modis PMO functions the same way.

Indira Gandhi is also widely believed to have enforced her will upon institutions, a charge that is often leveled at the Narendra Modi government.

Rahul Gandhi disagrees.

Every institution in India is facing Mr Modis autocratic backlash. Mr Modi believes that he is the Lord of India, just like the British believed, he said, adding that the Congress doesnt believe in this approach.

Also read| Recent results were just the tip of the backlash: Q & A with Rahul Gandhi

That is just not how we operate. We have been in government, we have been in Opposition and we believe that you simply do not touch institutions or attack Indias federal structure. You protect institutions because institutions are the soul of India. And Mr Modi is not bigger than India. India is bigger than everything and everyone.

That comment too has its echo in Congress history. In 1974, DK Barooah, an Indira Gandhi loyalist, is reported to

have said Indira is India, and India is Indira.

Also read| I give a job, then...: Rahul Gandhi on Priyankas new role in Congress
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken a swipe at her Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath, who is holding a public rally in Purulia on Tuesday, advising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader to manage Uttar Pradesh first where many people including a police officer have been killed.

Responding to a question about Yogis rally, Banerjee said, Let him hold the rallyAsk him to manage Uttar Pradesh first. So many people have been killed in UP. Police (officer) was also killed. So many farmers have committed suicide in UP. So many people have been lynched in UP. Let him first manage Uttar Pradesh.

If he contests (election) today, he will lose. He does not have a place in UP to contest, so he is roaming around in Bengal. Let him roam, Banerjee said in Kolkata on the third day of her sit-in against the Narendra Modi government after a team of Central Bureau of Investigation reached Kolkata to question city police commission Rajeev Kumar in connection with a chit fund scam case.

Yogi Adityanath is holding a rally in West Bengals Purulia as the BJP attempts to make inroads in the state in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Yogi Adityanath will enter West Bengal through BJP-ruled Jharkhand by road. The BJP has claimed that the Mamata Banerjee government has denied permission for landing of Yogi Adityanaths chopper in Purulia.

Banerjee has, however, denied the BJPs claim, saying, It is not true. A BJP leader earlier said, He could easily have taken a chopper till Purulia, which is adjacent to Bokaro but because of the Trinamool governments decision to deny landing permission to him on Sunday, it has been decided that he would travel to West Bengal by road.

Another BJP leader, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister, also claimed that the Mamata Banerjee government denied permission for the landing of his chopper in Behrampore, where he is scheduled to address a public rally.

He said, The constitution permits all political parties to present their stand before the public. Who is Mamata Ji scared of? I have a rally in Berhampore tomorrow (Wednesday) but I have been informed that the permission for my choppers landing and rallys venue has not been given.

The BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) have in the past sparred over public rallies of the BJP leaders including party president Amit Shah. The BJP alleged that the Mamata Banerjee government tried to create obstacles in holding public rallies by the party leaders. The TMC has rejected the allegations as baseless claims.
NDA will have to think twice from now: Chandrababu Naidu

If there is any event after this, I will always be with Mamata Banerjee. Now if NDA wants to do anything, they have to think twice: Chandrababu Naidu

Is this emergency: Chandrababu Naidu

Anybody who raises voice against the govt is put in jail. Is this emergency? We are with Mamata Banerjee. We will protect India, we will protect democracy, we will protect federalism: Chandrababu Naidu

Democracy is in danger: Chandrababu Naidu

Everybody is corrupt except Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. What happened in Rafale deal? They are unable to tell us. I have never seen this kind of Prime Minister: Chandrababu Naidu

No one can do what Mamata has done: Chandrababu Naidu

If you want to arrest police commissioner, it means you want to control them. You cant control them. Bad situation prevailing in nation. No one can do what Mamata has done: Chandrababu Naidu

Next week, we will take up the issue in Delhi: Mamata Banerjee

The Supreme Court gave a positive judgement today. Next week, we will take up the issue in Delhi: Mamata Banerjee

Mamata announces end to dharna

This dharna is a victory for the Constitution and democracy, so let us end it today: Mamata Banerjee

BJP is lie factory. Modiji is the manufacturer: Tejashwi Yadav

BJP is lie factory. Modiji is the manufacturer, retailer, wholesaler: Tejashwi Yadav, ends speech.

To save nation, oust BJP, Modi: Tejashwi

This fight is not for the PMs chair, but to save the nation. We appeal to all opposition parties to support Mamataji. Its not har har Modi ghar ghar Modi, but bar-bar Modi and gadbad Modi. To save nation, oust Modi, BJP. They want to create tension, riots between Hindu-Muslim people.

Lalit Modi, Nirav Modi ran away. Where was the CBI then? asks Tejashwi

Lalit Modi, Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya ran away with peoples money. Where was the CBI then? Former CBI director Alok Verma said he was pressured to file cases against political opponents.

I challenge CBI to launch probe against Amit Shahs son: Tejashwi

Tejashwi cites Mukul Roy and Nitish Kumar (calls him paltu chacha (turncoat uncle)) on chit fund scam and Srijan scam, asks why there is no probe in these cases, wonders how they became Harischandras (righteous people).

If you are honest, I challenge CBI to launch probe against Amit Shahs son. But they wont probe Amit Shahs son. They will probe only those who stand against Modiji, those who speak the truth. Then I will acknowledge you are honest, says Tejashwi.

PM has no answers: Tejashwi Yadav

Narendra Modi has no answer to the question as to what he has done for the country. That is why he is harassing opposition leaders and putting them in jail.

Today there is a danger for democracy, all need to unite: Chandrababu Naidu

Today there is a danger for democracy, there is a threat for national unity. All political parties, all citizens need to unite to protect this nation and democracy. BJP is blaming everybody for corruption except Modi and Shah. See how they are harassing madam, (Mamata Banerjee): Chandrababu Naidu

Have never seen this type of govt: Chandrababu Naidu

I have never seen this type of government. I have been in politics for the last 40 years. Narendra Modi came in 2002, I was chief minister in 1995. Mamata was minister before him. She was central minister in 1998 in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

Mamata good at tackling political issues and development: Chandrababu

Mamata Banerjee is very good in tackling not only political issues, but also development issues. If she wins all the 42 seats (in Bengal), she will be the deciding factor at the national level. BJP is watching how to weaken her. Not only Mamata, all opposition parties. Ultimately they want to demoralise even the cadre. But TMC cadre are very strong. I am confident you are going to win all 42 seats with thumping majority.

BJP creating disturbances in Bengal, it hurts development: Chandrababu Naidu

We will fight together. We are united, 23 parties. We will discuss and take a decision together. In West Bengal, BJP has no votes, it is just creating disturbances. It will hurt development of West Bengal.

BJP wanted to block development of all oppn-party states: Chandrababu Naidu

We want development of people. BJP wanted to block development of all opposition party states, whether it is Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal or Delhi. : Chandrababu Naidu

Chandrababu Naidu arrives in Kolkata

Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu arrives in Kolkata to meet Mamata Banerjee.

West Bengal: Andhra Pradesh CM and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu arrives in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/CofuHnaYXu  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

MHA asks Bengal govt to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Rajiv Kumar

MHA has asked West Bengal government to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Kolkata police commissioner Rajiv Kumar for violation of All India Service Rules.

Smriti Irani slams Mamata Banerjee

With egg on her face, to celebrate it (SC order) as a moral victory, is a dichotomy that is only available in the realms of Mamata Banerjees politics: Smriti Irani

CBI officers heckled on Mamatas instructions: Smriti Irani

There exists a state of lawlessness in West Bengal. The anarchist chief minister intervened in the process of collection of evidence by officers. On her instructions, officers were heckled, manhandled and detained, their families harassed, their homes surrounded: Union minister Smriti Irani

Hope we can protect, preserve our constitutional values: Akhilesh Yadav tweets letter

The developments in Bengal are a cause of concern for all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation.

I write this letter to my fellow Indians with the hope that we can protect and preserve our constitutional values and the institutions charged with upholding them, tweeted SP chief Akhilesh Yadav.

The developments in Bengal are a cause of concern for all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation.



I write this letter to my fellow Indians with the hope that we can protect and preserve our constitutional values and the institutions charged with upholding them. pic.twitter.com/0v14IrmONB  Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) February 5, 2019

Rajya Sabha proceedings washed out again

Rajya Sabha proceedings were Tuesday washed out for the second day in a row amid protests by opposition parties, including TMC, SP and Congress, over alleged misuse of the CBI in West Bengal.

As soon as the House resumed proceedings in the afternoon, members of the TMC, SP and Congress trooped into the well raising slogans like Save Constitution, Save Nation.

TMC not in contact with us for a year: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik

No one from TMC has been in contact with us for at least a year.Our party statement yesterday had to do with events in our state. We would like CBI to do a professional and non political job, said Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik when asked if there has been any communication with WB CM over CBI matter.

I have not denied any permission: Mamata

I have not denied any permission (for UP CM Yogi Adityanaths rally in West Bengal). He (Amit Shah) was unwell, even then came and addressed rallies, then why are they claiming that we are not letting them hold rallies, said Mamata at the dharna side, said West Bengal chief minister Mamata at dharna site in Kolkata.

Modi ji is troubling everyone: Mamata

PM Modi is troubling Mamata Banerjee, he is troubling everyone. They raid my house, then my secretary and now Mamata Banerjee.

This is not right, not right for the democracy of the country, said Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, according to news agency ANI.

Kejriwal also congratulated West Bengal chief minister after Supreme Courts verdict on Kolkata top cop. Congratulations Didi for the success of ur struggle, he tweeted.

Mamata must resign: Vijayvargiya

BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya Tuesday thanked the Supreme Court for directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI, saying it was a victory of democracy and demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The apex court Tuesday directed Kumar to make himself available before the CBI and faithfully cooperate with the agency in investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam probe.

The SC verdict is a victory of democracy. Mamata Banerjee should immediately tender resignation, Vijayvergiya told PTI.

Mamata has put democracy in peril in West Bengal: UP Deputy CM

Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Tuesday alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had put democracy in peril in West Bengal and sought to know if Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar was an office bearer of her party TMC.

Mauryas remarks came in the backdrop of Banerjee staging a Save India dharna (sit-in) in Kolkata since Sunday night insisting that the CBIs attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams was tantamount to stifling the spirit of Constitution and federalism in the country.

I feel that in West Bengal democracy is in peril. Someone occupying a constitutional post is violating the federal structure of the country. This certainly does not augur well for the democracy of the country, Maurya told PTI in an interview.

Who is Mamata Ji scared of, asks Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Constitution permits all political parties to present their stand before the public. Who is Mamata Ji scared of? I have a rally in Berhampore tomorrow but I have been informed that the permission for my choppers landing and rallys venue has not been given, said former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Yogi doesnt have place in UP, thats why roaming in Bengal: Mamata

Ask Yogi to take care of Uttar Pradesh first. So many people have been killed, even police officers were murdered, so many people were lynched, he himself will lose if he contests elections. He doesnt have a place to stand in UP thats why hes roaming around in Bengal, said Mamata.

Lakhs of small investors were cheated, why is Mamata silent on this: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Today weve to ask larger questions on behalf of the party. Lakhs of small investors were cheated&looted off their money. Is it not our moral obligation for an investigation? Why is Mamata ji silent on this? Why are the other political parties silent on this asked Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

This order was given by SC to investigate the conspiracy angle and also money laundering angle. This investigation must be done in a fair manner. Lets not politicise it. This is a great moral victory for CBI, he added.

Govt settling scores with Oppn after interfering in autonomous bodies: Kharge

The government is settling scores with opposition after interfering in autonomous bodies. We are fighting against those elements. It is not about an individual, an officer or a party, we are fighting against govts attempt to discredit autonomous bodies, said Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

Rajeev Kumar never said hell not be available: Mamata

Rajeev Kumar never said hell not be available. He said we want to meet at mutual place,if you want to ask for any clarification, you can come and we can sit, said Mamata on SC directing Kolkata police commissioner to make himself available and fully cooperate.

If required, officers may be required for personal appearance: SC

It has also been made clear by the Supreme Court in its order that personal appearance, after filing of replies, of concerned officers may be required and itll be communicated by Secretary General of SC on February 19, if such appearance is required on 20, said Nalin Kohli, senior lawyer and BJP leader on contempt plea, according to news agency ANI.

Next Supreme Court hearing on February 20

The next hearing of the case will be on February 20.

Tomorrow, they will take me to CBI for eating food, wearing chappals: Mamata

I shall consult other leaders whether I will continue the dharna. This is not a TMC dharna, but one to save the Constitution.

So many people are involved in the chit funds. Assams deputy CM is involved too. He took Rs 3 crore. Has he been arrested?

Babul Supriyo said I am a rose of the Rose Valley group. Has anything happened to him?

To raise funds for the elections, my paintings are sold. Tomorrow, they will take me to the CBI for eating food and wearing chappals, said Mamata after Supreme Courts order on Kolkata top cop.

Gun and gaurakshaks will not run this country: Mamata

Mamata Banerjee says CBI-Kolkata police commissioner tussle was nothing but political vendetta.

We are not against the officer of any investigative agency. They are also our brothers and sisters. But they should not be used politically.

This time the message has reached the grassroots that Modiji will not return. The country is not run by the gun and gaurakshaks. The country has to run with the help of the Constitution, said Mamata.

Mamata explains Supreme Court order

There are four points in the Supreme Court order.

1. They alleged contempt of court against us. It was rejected.

2. They brought a lot of allegations against Rajeev Kumar -- it was rejected.

3. Discussions can take place at a mutually agreed place, which we said earlier. We sent five letters and they did not reply to a single one.

4. Rajeev Kumar cant be arrested, explained West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Our movement is a peoples movement: Mamata

Our movement is a peoples movement. Modi will not return to power. They are putting in trouble everybody -- common people, farmers, artists. They alleged tampering of evidence -- it was turned down.

Rajeev Kumar cannot be arrested, the court has said. They are arresting people from Bengal and putting them in jails of Odisha. They are taking some to Delhi, while some to Odisha.

They arrested Lalu Prasad Yadav and took him to Jharkhand. Its (the SC order) a victory of democracy.

Its a six year-old case (Saradha chit fund case). It happened in the era of the CPI(M). We arrested Sudipta Sen. We set up the judicial commission which returned Rs 300 crore. And they allege that we are responsible, said Mamata.

Nobody is the big boss of this country: Mamata welcomes SC order

Nobody is the big boss of this country, democracy is the big boss of this country, said West bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee welcoming Supreme Courts order on Kolkata top cop Rajeev Kumar.

We respect central forces: Mamata

I am not pleading for Rajeev Kumar, I am pleading for millions of people.

Chandrababu Naidu is coming today (at the dharna stage). I am not alone. I shall discuss with Naveen Patnaikji also. He also gave me support. I will consult them and let you know (our next step).

We respect the central forces.

The victory is for the people of the country, said Mamata.

Its our moral victory: Mamata on SC order on Kolkata top cop

I think its our moral victory. We have respect for the judiciary and This order was passed earlier also that they can call mutually. Rajeev Kumar never said I will not be available. If you need any clarification, you can come.

They came to arrest. The court said no arrest. We are grateful for the order. We welcome the verdict.

Our case is strong. We never said we will never cooperate. We have sent five letters. said Mamata after the SC order on Kolkata top cop Rajeev Kumar.

SC directs Kolkata top cop to appear before CBI in chit fund case

We will direct the Police Commissioner to make himself available and fully cooperate. We will deal with contempt petition later, observed CJI.

SC begins hearing on Saradha chit fund case

The Supreme Court has commenced the hearing on pleas of probe agency in Saradha chit fund scam case.

Attorney General K K Venugopal opens argument on behalf of CBI, alleges destruction of evidence in Saradha chitfund scam case.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar was heading SIT set up by West Bengal govt to probe chit fund scam, said Attorney General, according to news agency PTI.

Calcutta HC adjourns hearing in Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar case till Thursday

Calcutta Hihgh Court adjourns hearing in Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar case till Thursday as the Supreme Court is seized of the matter.

Have proof against cops, politicians: CBI files affidavit in SC

CBI files affidavit in the Supreme Court alleging there are several incriminating material/correspondence that was collected during the investigation by the CBI against the senior police officials as well as senior politicians, according to news agency ANI.

Mamatas dharna enters third day

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees sit-in against the CBIs attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams continued for the third day on Tuesday.

Banerjee sat on a Save India dharna in front of Metro Cinema in the heart of the city on Sunday night insisting that the latest CBI action was tantamount to stifling the spirit of Constitution and federalism in the country.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Andhra Pradesh counterpart Chandrababu Naidu are expected to visit the dharna site at Metro Channel on Tuesday, sources said.

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu to visit Kolkata meet Mamata

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday will visit Kolkata to meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and express his solidarity.

After presentation of the Vote-on-Account budget in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, Naidu will fly to Kolkata, where Banerjee continues her sit-in to protest against the attempted raid by the CBI on the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar.

According to the Chief Ministers Office, Naidu will reach Kolkata around 3.30 p.m. and meet Banerjee and extend his support.

Jaitley slams opposition for backing Mamata

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday slammed opposition parties backing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees ongoing sit-in protest against the Centre and called them the Kleptocrats Club that aspires to capture the reigns of India.

In a blog, Jaitley hit out at Banerjee, dubbing her act as a disproportionate over reaction aimed at projecting herself as a nucleus of opposition parties.

Mamata Banerjees disproportionate over-reaction to the CBI wanting to interrogate the Kolkata Police chief has flagged several issues for a public discourse. The most important being that a Kleptocrats Club now aspires to capture the reigns of India, he said.

Mamata vs CBI escalates into Opposition against Modi govt

A political firestorm raged Monday as Mamata Banerjees sit-in protest against CBIs bid to question Kolkata police chief in chit fund scam cases entered the second day, with the West Bengal Chief Minister declaring her agitation to save the Constitution and country will go on and she was ready to face the consequences.

Virtually all opposition parties rallied behind Banerjees direct confrontation with the Modi government, even as the BJP called it an alliance of corrupt and Home Minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament that developments in West Bengal were indicative of a breakdown of the Constitution.

Supreme Court to hear CBIs plea today

The CBI approached the Supreme Court saying Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar was a potential accused in the Saradha chit fund scam and claimed the local police could be destroying crucial evidence. The Supreme Court will hear the plea of the investigation agency today.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee saying that she is trying to protect a corrupt officer in the Sharada chit fund scam case. He said the fact Mamata Banerjee went to the home of corrupt officer shows that there is much more hidden in the scam case.

Addressing a public rally at Purulia in the state, Yogi Adityanath said, The chief minister is trying to protect a corrupt officer in the case Sharada chit fund scamNow, the Supreme Court has paved the way for proper investigation.

Yogi also took a dig at Banerjee over her sit-in that she launched on Sunday night to protest CBI action against Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in the chit fund scam case. Banerjee called the CBI action as political vendetta by the Narendra Modi government against its opponents.

The CBI action saw a bitter tussle between the central agency and the Kolkata police and the visiting officials were allegedly detained at a police station. The unusual face-off also saw Banerjee visiting the home of Rajeev Kumar to express solidarity with her state police force.

Yogi slammed Banerjee for visiting the Kolkata police commissioners home. He said, Why did you sit in the home of a corrupt officer. This means there is much more hidden in the Sharada chit fund.

The BJP leader also responded to Banerjees advice that Yogi should focus on managing Uttar Pradesh, his own state, where lynching is happening and farmers are committing suicide. Yogi said, I heard earlier in the day that Mamata Banerjee said that I should manage Uttar Pradesh first. I want to tell her that UP is well managed.

The day the BJP forms government in Bengal, the TMC goons will be taken to the task the way the SP (Samajwadi Party) and BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) goons were dealt with after government formation in the state, Yogi said.

Earlier in the day in Kolkata, Banerjee had said, So many people have been killed in UP. Police (officer) was also killed. So many farmers have committed suicide in UP. So many people have been lynched in UP. Let him first manage Uttar Pradesh.

In Purulia, Yogi alleged that the Mamata Banerjee government had last year refused permission for idol immersion during Durga Puja while allowing the Moharram event in West Bengal. He said, She gave permission to Moharram function but tried to stop Durga Puja event. Later, the high court intervened to ensure smooth conduction of Durga Puja.

Earlier, Yogi reached Purulia through Jharkhand by road. Yogi arrived at the rally venue about four hours late. The BJP claimed that the Mamata Banerjee government denied permission for the landing of Yogis chopper at Purulia forcing the UP chief minister to travel nearly 50 km by road.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday picked up the theft of Rabindranath Tagores Nobel medallion to pick on the CBI, amid a showdown with the Centre over the agencys attempts to question Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha chit fund case.

Mamata Banerjee is sitting on a dharna against the CBIs attempts to question Rajeev Kumar in Esplanade in the heart of Kolkata and, in her own words, the atrocities of the Modi government.

Also read: With overnight protest, Mamata Banerjee joins list of CMs who stood against Centre

The chief minister has addressed reporters and people assembled at the spot several times since she started her satyagraha to save the Constitution on Sunday. Follow live updates here

Also read: CBI can probe Kolkata top cop but no arrest, orders SC; Mamata says victory

On Tuesday, Mamata Banerjee urged the federal agency to hand over the papers related to their investigation in the 15-year-old case of the Nobel medallion theft. About 50 other items, including the wedding sari of Tagores wife, were also stolen from a ground floor museum in Santiniketan in 2004.

After the medallion, the first to be won by any Asian, was stolen former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee asked the CBI to investigate the theft. But the agency drew a blank after two rounds of investigation.

After Mamata Banerjee assumed power in May 2011, the state government wrote to the Central Bureau of Investigation asking it to hand over their documents and findings so that they could pursue the case, which is still a sensitive subject among many in Bengal.

We asked them to hand over the papers so many times. But they refused to do so. Why dont you find the Nobel of Tagore? Mamata Banerjee remarked on Tuesday afternoon at the site of the sit-in protest in Kolkata.

In June 2017, the department of personnel and training (DoPT) wrote to the West Bengal home department that the agency refused to hand over the case.

This proves that the Union government is not serious about recovering the stolen medallion, state education minister and Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee had alleged in 2017.

The state home department wrote a letter to DoPT for the first time in December 2015, requesting custody of the CBI documents and seeking a charge of the investigation. With no reply from the DoPT, the government shot off another letter in August 2016.

Mamata Banerjee also asked the CBI about the outcome of their investigation in the police firing in Nandigram on March 14, 2007, that killed 14 villagers.

What happened to your investigation in the Nandigram killings? Also what happened to the probe on the murder of Tapasi Malik in Singur? she asked.

Mamata Banerjee was referring to the 16-year-old Malik, whose charred body was found in a field in Singur in 2007.

The chief minister, then an opposition leader who took on the Left Front government against the land acquisition for the Nano car plant, had alleged that she was raped and murdered by the ruling partys supporters since she was against the acquisition.

Also read: Nobody is the big boss of this country: Mamata welcomes SC order on Kolkata top cop
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday called off her protest in Kolkata against the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)s attempt to question the citys police chief in connection with ponzi scheme cases, but warned of a larger stir in the national capital next week.

Banerjees Save Constitution rally in New Delhi on February 13 and 14 is expected to turn out to be another rallying point for Opposition parties, who supported her during her 45-hour stand-off with the central government and the probe agency.

Banerjee claimed moral victory and ended her dharna after the Supreme Court ruled that Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar must cooperate with the CBI but the agency cant take coercive action against him for now.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu met Banerjee in Kolkata and extended their support.

Also read: Mamata Banerjee trying to protect corrupt officer: Yogi at Bengal rally

At least 14 parties of the Opposition bloc spoke in favour of Banerjee, who faced criticism by the Centre over what Union ministers called a constitutional breakdown in Bengal.

Apart from Naidu and Tejashwi, DMK Rajya Sabha member MK Kanimozhi and Samajwadi Party upper house MP Kiranmoy Nanda joined Banerjee on the stage in Kolkata during the agitation.

We have decided to hold a dharna on February 13 and 14 in New Delhi, said Banerjee. She stressed that the decision to hold a fresh agitation in Delhi was taken by all opposition parties.

Speaking from the dais on Tuesday, Naidu hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modis government at the Centre. Democracy is at stake in India under the Modi regime. All of us have to unite to save democracy and the people of the country, Naidu said.

Tejashwi said, Modi is using central agencies to harass opposition leaders who are criticising his undemocratic actions and policies.

Banerjee alleged that Sudipta Sen, the former chairman of the defunct Saradha Group that allegedly defrauded people, had mentioned he was cheated by the BJPs Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was earlier with the Congress but is now the deputy chief minister of Assam.

I have enough evidence against the Assam deputy chief minister. I dare Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah to have him arrested, Banerjee said.

On Twitter, Sarma reacted to Banerjees allegations, calling them part of a frivolous & baseless campaign against him. I am not fortunate enough like your Police Commissioner. Ive joined the investigations and offered my full cooperation as a witness. And all this happened much, much before I joined @BJP4India, he posted.

During the day, Kumar, who headed a special investigation team that looked into the ponzi case and is accused of destroying evidence, sent a letter to CBI director Rishi Kumar Shukla and offered himself for questioning in Shillong on February 8.

CBI joint director Pankaj Srivastava told a section of the media that CBI would decide the date of questioning.
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who reached Kolkatas Esplanade on Sunday evening to start a rare street protest against the CBI attempt to question the citys top cop, called off the dharna 45 hours later.

This dharna is victory for the Constitution and democracy, so, let us end it today, she told her supporters at the protest site in the heart of the Bengal capital. Andhra chief minister Chandrababu Naidu stood next to her, Tejashwi Yadav of Bihars Rashtriya Janata Dal had also joined her on stage.

Both had flown to Kolkata to extend their support; other opposition leaders had phoned in their support. To the hundreds of Trinamool Congress supporters who gathered at the protest site, Mamata would often let them know about the phone calls.

Mamata Banerjee alleged that the central government was trying to control all agencies. They (Centre) want to control state agencies also. PM (Narendra Modi) should resign from Delhi and go back to Gujarat. One man government and one party government is there, she said.

Follow live updates here: NDA will have to think twice from now, says Chandrababu Naidu

For the 45 hours that she had been at Esplanade, the stand-off that had started between the Kolkata Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had exploded into a huge controversy that reached Parliament and the Supreme Court.

In Parliament, home minister Rajnath Singh said the situation is a threat to the federal structure of the country and warned that there may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court ordered Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar to cooperate with the CBI in the Saradha chit fund case but said that Kumar cant be arrested. Both Mamata Banerjee and the BJP claimed moral victory after the court ruling.

Read more| Country not run by guns and gaurakshaks: Mamata on Supreme Court order

The Union home minister has written a letter to the Bengal government asking it to take disciplinary action against Rajeev Kumar. The home ministry said Rajeev Kumar and some other police officers sat on a dharna with West Bengal Mamata Banerjee.

The standoff between the Centre and the Bengal government began on Sunday evening when a CBI team reached the Kolkata police chief residence to question him over the Saradha chit fund case.

The situation escalated as the Kolkata police detained the CBI officials and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was told to secure the CBIs headquarters in the city. Mamata accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah of plotting a coup and sat on a protest.

Rajeev Kumar led the special investigation team (SIT) that was probing the case before CBI took over. The central probe agency had raised suspicions that the Kolkata top cop was destroying evidence in the case.
We are not doing this and asking you to increase [the budget], but the ability to get a job offer extended, village manager Cara Pavlicek said. They might not be on the payroll, but the sooner we get them in the door [the better]. Its just so important that we get that moving and make it seamless. We want to go above our full-time employee count, but not our budgetary amount.
The Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that the Kolkata Police commissioner must cooperate with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), but added that no coercive action can be taken against him, easing a standoff between the two law enforcement agencies that has become the latest flashpoint between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Opposition parties, particularly West Bengals ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Rajeev Kumar, the officer in charge of the police in Bengals capital, will have to appear for questioning by the CBI but the meeting will need to take place at a neutral venue, which the judges decided will be Shillong in Meghalaya.

The CBI is probing allegations against Kumar relating to a chit fund scandal in which at least two million people were cheated out of their savings by the Saradha Group. The case involved financial irregularities to the tune of Rs 10,000 crore. The scam came to light in 2013 when the company, which had several other business interests, collapsed.

The agencys charge against Kumar is that he compromised evidence in the probe.

Ministers in the BJP-led Union government saw victory in the top court order. Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the order demonstrated that nobody is above the law, including the police commissioner, and that it was a moral victory for CBI.

Read more| Both Mamata Banerjee and Modi govt see moral win in Supreme Court order

But, hours after the court ruling, chief minister Mamata Banerjee also said the order was a victory in her fight against the Union government, and called off her sit-in protest that she began on Sunday in response to CBIs attempts to question Kumar.

Banerjee said earlier in the day that she would continue the dharna till Friday.

We see no reason why he will not make himself available for investigation, chief justice Ranjan Gogoi, who headed the bench, said, while also issuing contempt notices against Bengals chief secretary, director general of police, and Kumar.

All three have been asked to respond to CBIs contempt petition by February 18, and the court may take a decision to summon the three in person on February 20, the next date of hearing.

Tuesdays order came after dramatic developments on Sunday evening in Kolkata, where a CBI team out to arrest Kumar was briefly detained by the local police while an angry Banerjee began the sit-in protest against what she said was undemocratic intimidation of rivals by Prime Minister Narendra Modis BJP.

The court gave a positive judgement today. Next week, we will continue to take up the issue in Delhi, Banerjee said on Tuesday evening, sharing the dais with several Opposition leaders, including Andha Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu.

Earlier in the day, shortly after the top court order, she said that her governments case was very strong. We never said we will not cooperate. This is political vendetta, she said from the makeshift stage erected in front of Metro Cinema in the heart of Kolkata. At least 14 Opposition parties, including the Congress, have supported Banerjee and criticised CBIs actions. But the government questioned the Oppositions intentions in supporting the police officer.

The larger question that we have to ask on behalf of the party is that what happens to the lakhs of small investors who were cheated and looted of their money? Is it not our moral obligation for an investigation? Why is Mamataji silent on this? Why are the other political parties silent on this? law minister Prasad asked.

Union minister Smriti Irani said the order was egg on the chief ministers face. To celebrate it as a moral victory is a dichotomy that is only available in the realms of Mamata Banerjees politics, Irani said at a briefing in New Delhi. Turning up the heat on Kumar further, the Union home ministry issued orders to the Bengal government to initiate action against the Kolkata Police commissioner, an Indian Police Service officer, for participating in Banerjees street protest. The ministry of home affairs manages the IPS cadre, including taking decisions related to disciplinary proceedings.

Kumar sat in a dharna along with some police officers with Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee which is prima facie in contravention of the extant provisions of the All India Services (Conduct) rules, 1968 and All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, the home ministry said in a letter to the Bengal government dated February 5.

During Tuesdays hearing in Supreme Court, attorney general KK Venugopal and solicitor general Tushar Mehta alleged that the SIT that probed the Saradha case was not handing over complete documents to CBI and that some that were received had been doctored. CBI said that, for instance, the state SIT did not give complete call data details. In response, the judge said Kumar will have to cooperate with CBI.

Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kumar, denied any evidence had been compromised. Where is the destruction of evidence after five years? After five years no FIR against Kumar for destruction of evidence under section 201 of IPC has been lodged, he said.

According to experts, Banerjee may have succeeded in projecting herself as a strong leader. There are three angles to this entire controversy, legal issues notwithstanding. CBIs credibility was never great to begin with, and the fact that they ended up being detained by state police makes them look incompetent in addition to biased. Mamata has used this episode to further her image as a strong national leader from a strong regional leader. Narendra Modi used CBI in his manner because he feels the need to increase the BJPs tally at all costs in 2019, lest not just the Opposition but even leaders within the BJP might undermine his position. Institutional sanctity is the least of the BJP leaderships concerns right now, said Neelanjan Sircar, assistant professor at Ashoka University and visiting senior fellow, Centre for Policy Research.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar to cooperate with the CBI in the Saradha chit fund case. The court though made it clear that no coercive steps, including arrest, can be taken against him.

We direct the chief secretary of the state and the DGP to file their replies on or before February 18, a bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said on Tuesday. (Follow live updates here)

Also watch: SC tells Kolkatas top cop to cooperate, Mamata calls decision moral victory

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who is sitting on a dharna against CBIs attempts to question Rajeev Kumar, said the court verdict is a moral victory. Rajeev Kumar never said I will not be available. They (CBI) came to arrest. The court said no arrest, she said. The Mamata Banerjee government has been involved in showdown with the Centre after the CBI came to the Kolkata police chiefs doors on Sunday night to question him.

The Supreme Court said Kumar should appear at a neutral placeShillong. The court said it may seek personal presence of the police officers after it considers the response files by the chief secretary and DGP. If presence is required then they would be intimated by February 19.

Also read: Mamata makes history with cabinet meeting in traffic outpost

Attorney General KK Venugopal, who appeared for the CBI, said the unprecedented events in West Bengal showed there was complete breakdown of the constitutional machinery.

The CBI moved the court seeking directions to Rajeev Kumar to cooperate with the investigation in the Saradha chit fund case. The CBI had raised suspicions that the Kolkata top cop was destroying evidence in the chit fund case.

On Sunday night, a CBI team was detained by Kolkata police in an unprecedented chain of events that also witnessed chief minister Mamata Banerjee rushing to Kumars residence. The CBI officers were taken to Shakespeare Sarani police station and released later under instruction from Mamata Banerjee.

Also read: With overnight protest, Mamata Banerjee joins list of CMs who stood against Centre
The Indian media was not allowed entry into a global conference, which was projected as an open event, addressed by Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in a committee room in the UK House of Commons complex on Monday.

The International Conference on Kashmir was billed as an event to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir. Chaired by Rehman Chishti, a Pakistan-occupied Kashmir-born Conservative Party MP, the event was organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pakistan. There was restricted access allowed into what had been projected as an open conference.

India had registered strong opposition over Qureshi being allowed to address such a meeting within the British Parliament complex.

The event was attended by Pakistani-origin British MPs and peers, including Khalid Mahmood and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi. British Sikh Labour Party MP, Tan Dhesi, was among the few Indian-origin parliamentarians seen entering the room.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier said that India has strongly taken up the issue with the UK and hopes they do understand our objections to proposed conference and take appropriate action.

In response, the UK government had said Qureshi was not an official guest as he was on a private visit to Britain.

The UKs longstanding position is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution to the situation in Kashmir, taking into account the Kashmiri peoples wishes. Members of Parliament are independent of the government; it is for individual members to decide who they meet and for what purpose, a Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) source said in reference to the controversial meeting.

The UK event coincided with the Kashmir Solidarity Day, observed by Pakistan on February 5. A rally is planned at Parliament Square by separatist groups on Tuesday, with UK-based Kashmiri Hindu outfits planning a counter-protest. UK Hindus strongly oppose this rally as it is dangerous and threatens the measures to rehabilitate Kashmiri Hindus back to their homeland, said the Indo-European Kashmir Forum, an umbrella body representing Indian community groups.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congresss brand new general secretary who has been tasked to revive the party in eastern Uttar Pradesh, would have a role beyond the countrys most-populous state. Congress president Rahul Gandhi had formalised his sisters entry into the party last month when he appointed Priyanka as general secretary incharge of eastern UP. Jyotiraditya Scindia was tasked with the western part.

Rahul Gandhi had, since then, been ambivalent about her role outside Uttar Pradesh but party leaders had hinted that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, seen as a formidable campaigner, could be involved in other states as well.

As a general secretary of the party, she has, by definition, a national role, Rahul Gandhi said in an interview.

Read full interview: Recent results were just the tip of the backlash: Q & A with Rahul Gandhi

Uttar Pradesh, Gandhi suggested, was one of the four states where he hoped to see the Congress emerge much stronger.

In the 2014 general elections, the Congress ended up with just 2 seats from a state that sends 80 lawmakers to Lok Sabha. Rahul Gandhis Amethi seat, and mother Sonia Gandhis Rae Bareli.

Also Read | Rahul Gandhi on relationship with sister Priyanka and her political debut

Priyankas political plunge had been described as a game changer by the Congress that declared the party was all fired up and ready to go.

Rahul Gandhi indicated that he had set his eyes on considerably improving the partys performance in three other states.

Also Read | Tactical or strategic: Decoding Priyanka Gandhi Vadras big role in UP politics

As Congress president, I am keen that the party is revived in UP, Bihar, Bengal and Tamil Nadu, he said.

Rahul acknowledged it wasnt going to be an easy task.

Thats quite a big job  its not a small job. I am reorienting the Congress party towards successful completion of jobs. I give a job, and then I give another job based on the success of that job, he said, without elaborating.

In Uttar Pradesh, the two big opposition parties, Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party and Mayawatis Bahujan Samajwadi Party have already announced an alliance that keeps the Congress out. The two, however, have committed to not fielding candidates from Amethi and Rae Bareli that are held by Rahul Gandhi, and mother Sonia Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi said he respected both, Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav, and was fond of them. The Congress would work with the SP and the BSP because we have ideological agreement on a number of issues with them, he said. At the same time, he also spoke about pushing the Congresss ideology in Uttar Pradesh.

So will there be some kind of a contest?

Well, it is fluid, he said, underscoring that he saw political space in UP opening up for the Congress.

My personal view is that actually the Congress has a huge opportunity now because a space is going to open in Uttar Pradesh which is the Congress core space, he said.
It may not be the stuff of headlines. But among the most important observations Congress president Rahul Gandhi made in his expansive, wide-ranging interview to the Hindustan Times, was rejection of the simplistic Right-Centre-Left ideological categories often used to describe Indian politics.

When asked where he stood  his economics often resembled the left; his religious forays the right; and his free speech interventions had a liberal streak  Gandhi was quick to say he does not subscribe to the paradigm of Left, Right and Centre. He instead said he believed in the paradigm of voice, that everyone needed to be heard.

But since this may have come across as a wee abstract, Gandhi threw up terms which are useful for the Indian political lexicon  fairness, pragmatism and non-violence. This, at the cost of paraphrasing him, defined his politics in his self-imagination.

Read full interview here: Recent results were just the tip of the backlash: Q & A with Rahul Gandhi

It was from a position of wanting a fair deal that he was backing farmers. He would back industrialists, too, if they were getting a raw deal. This is laudable, but Gandhi has set an exceptionally high standard for himself. He has at least three more decades in public life.

By publicly suggesting he should be judged on this standard of fairness, Gandhi has opened up space for the Indian public sphere to ensure he has to listen to each voice. Justice is always difficult to deliver especially in a society replete with contradictions and very difficult policy choices  he has promised it.

Gandhi also defined himself as pragmatic. His pragmatic streak is indeed visible. In terms of class outreach, he has been open to speaking to business  telling them that while he is not against them, there is an issue with crony capitalism. (Congresss own record on this is, however, dubious).

He has been wooing the middle class with the criticism of unemployment. He has been breaching into the BJPs own constituency of small traders by reminding them of demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax. And he has been relentless about agrarian distress.

He has now promised the poor a minimum income. In terms of alliances, he has been willing to be a secondary player in Karnataka. He tried to enter the UP alliance, but when that did not work out, he was willing to use a key weapon in the form of Priyanka Gandhi. He is now attempting to stoke internal contradictions within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

It was in this spirit of pragmatism that he next rejected the assertion that going to a temple represented Right-of-Centre politics, and gave the example of a range of leaders. He also claimed he would be open to going to a mosque or gurdwara. Indian secularists of the hard variety often mistake sharing the beliefs of the countrys citizens as necessarily sharing their prejudices.

Gandhi is fully entitled to display his faith, or experiment with faiths, or show respect to all faiths, and strive for harmony. The only challenge here is that in an increasingly majoritarian polity, is Gandhis politics of asserting Hindu faith tactical but coming at the cost of speaking up for other faiths?

Will this then eventually harm the cause of harmony? This is a caveat the Congress president needs to keep in mind. The risk with pragmatism is that leaders end up compromising on their ethical and political agenda and positions. Gandhi must be careful of that.

And finally, Gandhi made it clear he draws a red line on violence. This is something all Indians who believe in the Constitution will agree with. It was also important to do so for him because BJP has in recent times characterised Congress as being somewhat sympathetic to Maoists or Kashmiri militants (which is not exactly accurate given how much the Indian state under Congress has fought them). This must continue to remain the bedrock of Indian constitutional order.

Gandhi has done well in rejecting the lazy categories through which many academics and analysts end up defining Indian politics. Narendra Modi was branded Right, but has delivered a fairly radical social welfare approach. Manmohan Singh was synonymous with the economic Right, but launched some of the most progressive legislations providing state support to the poor.

Rahul Gandhi, by defining his political worldview as defined by the ideas of fairness and pragmatism, has given us a new way to think of Indian politics. It is time to hold him to these words.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi has dismissed the charge that his party has not come out on the issue of building a Ram temple in Ayodhya - now the matter of a title dispute in the Supreme Court - and said his party does not believe in having a view on something before the countrys top court.

In an interview to Hindustan Times, Rahul Gandhi said, Its not correct to say that (the Congress view on the temple isnt clearly articulated)... The Congress party respects Indias institutional and judicial processes. This matter is sub-judice. It would not be fair for me to opine as the highest court in the country is deliberating on it. There is absolute clarity.

His party would accept the courts verdict, he said. I would say that what the Supreme Court decides is what the Congress and everyone will accept.

Also read| I give a job, then...: Rahul Gandhi on Priyankas new role in Congress

The Congress has, for at least the past year-and-a-half, been seen by political analysts as practicing what they term soft Hindutva, which manifests itself, in its simplest form, as frequent visits to temples by Rahul Gandhi. Its chief rival, the BJP, has called it an attempt by Rahul Gandhi to woo Hindu voters.

The Congress President dismissed such characterisation as simplistic.

Also read| Modi nothing like Indira, comparisons an insult: Rahul Gandhi

What is soft Hindutva? Where did you get the idea? If you asked Buddha or you asked Mahaveer or you asked Guru Nanak, or any of the great people of this country to go to a temple - do you think they would decline? Guru Nanak went to Mecca, he said, adding that too much shouldnt be read into a politician going to a temple.

Anybody including a politician has the right to pay respects and have faith. And I absolutely refuse to let the right wing tell me that you cant go to a temple, he said.

Also read| Recent results were just the tip of the backlash: Q & A with Rahul Gandhi
Congress president Rahul Gandhi has dismissed description of the mahagathbandhan (or grand alliance) versus the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as chaos versus (Narendra) Modi and said that while opposition parties are united, it is the BJP which is in chaos with senior party leaders not on the same page as the Prime Minister.

In an interview, Gandhi said his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, recently named the party incharge for Uttar Pradesh (east), would play a role nationally as well. As general secretary, she has, by definition, a national role I give a job, and then I give another job based on the success of the job, Gandhi said.

As Congress president, Gandhi said he was keen on strengthening the party and indicated that would drive his approach towards alliances. In Uttar Pradesh, for instance, where the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have left the Congress out of their grouping to take on the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he said that while the Congress would work with the SP and the BSP because we have ideological agreement on a number of issues with them we are not going to give up our right to push our ideology in Uttar Pradesh either.

The demand for a Ram temple is a hot button issue in Uttar Pradesh but Gandhi declined to commit himself one way or the other. It would not be fair for me to opine as the highest court in the country is deliberating on it, he said. I would say that what the Supreme Court decides is what the Congress and everyone will accept.

Read the full interview here: Recent results were just the tip of the backlash: Q & A with Rahul Gandhi

Gandhi targeted Modi in the interview, and said in his 15 years of political career, he has not seen the type of Opposition unity that exists today. If I [were to] speak to Mr [Nitin] Gadkari, Ms [Sushma] Swaraj, Rajnath Singh, their [the BJPs] entire leadership, I wouldnt be surprised to find absolute rejection of Mr Narendra Modis style of functioning. So, the division is actually in the BJP and what is keeping that division publicly out of sight is fear So, what Mr Modi has not understood is that Mr Modi is only Mr Modis leader.

Also read: Modi nothing like Indira, comparisons are an insult, says Rahul Gandhi

Gandhi elaborated that the opposition parties were absolutely united on three things. One, the need to address the job crisis; two, the challenges posed by agrarian distress; and three, that we are not going to let Mr Modi and the RSS [Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh] destroy Indias institutions. Every institution in India, Gandhi added, is facing Mr Modis autocratic backlash. Mr Modi believes that he is the Lord of India, just like the British believed.

Gandhi also said he believes the anti-corruption image that Modi fought the 2014 elections has been completely eroded by the Rafale controversy. Mr Modis credibility is gone, he said, adding that when he is driving around Delhi, he hears people say chowkidar chor hai (the watchman is a thief) to him. The slogan, coined by the Congress, was used during the assembly elections late last year and is a riff on Modis comment in the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections that he was a watchman who wouldnt allow any corruption on his watch. I know that there is something wrong about the Rafale deal, he said, adding that if his party came to power, it would ask experts on military aircraft, and defence purchases, to look into the deal and that if they feel something needs to be done, itll be done. But my understanding is that the Rafale is a good aircraft, Gandhi added.

Gandhi said that he and the Congress would fight for the rights of anyone to whom injustice was being done, including big businesses. If somebody is unfair to the biggest industrialists in the country, I will be the first person to try and make it fair where I draw the line is when somebody in India is violent against somebody else. Thats my main issue with the RSS - you are spreading hatred and violence I will fight you for it.

An aggressive Gandhi targeted the BJP for being soft on businessmen who run companies loaded with debt and ignoring the plight of farmers. How many farmers can walk into Mr Arun Jaitleys office or to a resolution professional and seek a 60%-75% haircut? Thats the crux of it, he said. Crony capitalism was one of the biggest charges against the Congress-led UPA that ruled India between 2004 and 2014, and Gandhi has now taken a similar tack to attack the government.

In the hour-long interview, Gandhi also laid out his partys strategy to take on the agrarian crisis and create jobs. Agriculture has no magic wand. It needs a comprehensive and composite policy and strategic intervention. First generation Green Revolution policies dont work anymore, especially because of globalisation, he explained. On jobs, he said, you are not going to get jobs from the 15-20 biggest industrialists in the country. You will generate jobs from unleashing the huge potential of micro, small and medium businesses. His idea involves tapping local skills and abilities (Gandhi listed Moradabad, Kanpur, Sriperumbudur, Surat and Ludhiana as instances of districts that have expertise in metal working, leather manufacturing, mechanical work, textiles and gems, and hosiery). Give them access to banks, give them support, protect them and see what happens.
The Congress party has decided to go alone in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Telangana and contest all the 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana after the failure of Maha Kootami (grand alliance) experiment in the recent assembly elections in the state.

Senior leaders of the Pradesh Congress Committee including PCC chief N Uttam Kumar Reddy, working presidents A Revanth Reddy, Ponnam Prabhakar, Mohammad Azharuddin and J Kusuma Kumar, met party president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi on Wednesday to discuss the strategy for the Lok Sabha elections in the state and finalise candidates.

There will be absolutely no alliance with any other party in so far as parliament elections are concerned. The party has decided to field candidates in all the 17 LS seats in the state, senior PCC leader Guduru Narayana Reddy said.

He said many party leaders felt that the alliance with other parties, especially the Telugu Desam Party, at the eleventh hour had done more damage to the Congress than good. The experiment did not work out. So, we have decided to go alone in the parliament elections, he said.

In the 2018 assembly elections, the Congress won 19 seats in the 119-member house and the TDP won only two.

However, the Congress wants to continue cordial relations with the partners of Maha Kootami and seek their cooperation in the coming elections. We dont think our alliance partners, the TDP or Telangana Jana Samithi of the CPI, will contest the Lok Sabha elections, after facing such a massive debacle in the assembly elections. So, we will request them to support the Congress candidates, rather than burning their fingers by fielding their candidates, Reddy said.

The Telangana unit of TDP, however, reacted cautiously to the Congress suggestion. Let their high command take a decision on continuing or discontinuing the alliance with us. It is not in the hands of the Telangana PCC but will be decided by Rahul Gandhi and our party president N Chandababu Naidu, Telangana TDP general secretary and former MP Chandrasekhar Reddy Ravula said.

He said the TDP is not a voluntary organisation to drop out from the contest. If the Congress decides to contest all the 17 seats, the TDP will also enter the fray. We shall field candidates in constituencies wherever we have chances of victory, if not all, Ravula said.

Telangana TDP president L Ramana also confirmed that the party would definitely contest the LS elections in the state. We are yet to start the process of identifying the seats and candidates, he said.

TJS president M Kodandaram, however, hinted at abstaining from the contest in LS polls. Though we have not taken a call yet, the mood of the majority in the party is that we shall stay away from contesting the elections and focus on strengthening the party in the next five years. For now, we may have to support the Congress, he said.
Tripura police have filed sedition cases against three tribal leaders for taking part in an anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Bill rally last week at Khumulwng, 15 kilometres away from Agartala.

The three leaders Jagadish Debbarma, general secretary of Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT), Aghore Debbarma, a leader of Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) Tipraha and Anthony Debbarma, a leader from Borok People Human Rights Organization (BPHRO) were present in the rally on January 30 where anti-national slogans were reportedly raised, police said.

The rally was not organised with prior permission. Case was registered on Monday against the three for participating in the rally where anti national slogans were raised, said an officer in police headquarters.

The rally was organised by Tripura United Indigenous Peoples Council (TUIPC), a body of 48 surrendered militants to protest against the Bill.

(INPT) General secretary Jagadish Debbarma who is in New Delhi called it a political conspiracy.

We will be back in Agartala in two days and will discuss about our next move, he said.

Tripura Congress working president and scion of the former royal family Pradyot Kishore Debbarma took to Twitter to criticise the police for filing sedition cases.

4 saying #PoilaJatiUloParty we are told that its anti national but when people call Sarbananda Sonawal JatiyaNayakit is patriotic . Never seen public discourse go so low and personal.Sad to be accused of sedition for saying we are for community over individual party politics . pic.twitter.com/85ZtQdTzN0  Pradyot_Tripura (@PradyotManikya) February 5, 2019

The Citizenship Bill which proposes to relax conditions for citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan was passed by the Lok Sabha in January and is pending in the Rajya Sabha.

The Bill has sparked major protests across the Northeast and particularly in Assam where the BJP-led governments coalition partner AGP quit the alliance in protest on December.

Last month, the Assam Police slapped sedition charges against academic and intellectual Hiren Gohain, peasant rights leader Akhil Gogoi and journalist Manjit Mahanta for speaking against the Bill at a public rally in Guwahati.
Social activist Anna Hazare refused to end his indefinite hunger strike at Ralegan Siddhi, after meetings with representatives of the Central and state governments on Monday, the sixth day of his agitation.

The 81-year-old has been on a hunger strike since January 30, demanding appointments of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in Maharashtra, and resolution of farmers issue.

While the government seemed confident that Hazare will call-off the strike on Tuesday, the Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) threw their weight behind the anti-corruption crusader and slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

On Monday, Union minister of state (MoS) for defence Dr Subhash Bhamre and state water conservation minister Girish Mahajan called on Hazare, requesting him to end the agitation. Bhamre said the government has given Hazare a written assurance about his demands. I am sure he will call-off the agitation by Tuesday, Bhamre said.

Fadnavis said that the Centre and state have responded positively to Hazares demands. As per his demands, we have appointed a joint committee for the implementation of Lokayuktas in state, said the chief minister. Similarly, the Centre has given its assurance in writing. I am sure he will end the fast at the earliest, honouring the wish of the people of Maharashtra.

Hazare, however, categorically said he does not want assurances, but wants his demands to be met.

State government has been claiming that 90% of my demands have been agreed with. Am I insane to continue the fast if 90% of the demands are met? said Hazare. These are the same political people who fought with me for the cause, benefited from my agitation and came to power. Now, they have conveniently opted to keep quiet on Lokpal. I will continue my fast until all demands are met.

The Shiv Sena, meanwhile, came out in support of Hazare and said the government should not play with the life of an octogenarian. Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, in a statement, said that instead of a fast, Hazare should lead an agitation against corruption, and his party would support that wholeheartedly.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray, too, called on Hazare on Monday to extend his support to the agitation. After the meeting, Raj said Hazare should give up his fast and instead bury the BJP government.

I told him not to risk his life for these people...

The chief minister, in response to the Senas support, took a dig at them. Hazare should understand that some politicians are using him for their political gain. The people who were criticising him a few years ago are now extending support to him for their political gains. I am sure Annaji will not fall prey to these tactics, said Fadnavis.
Paster, who teaches preserving classes, plans to share strategies for canning, pickling and freezing, with the goal of keeping excess produce from going in the garbage can. She pointed out food waste is both an environmental and economic issue, since tossing out food is akin to throwing away money.
Social activist Anna Hazare, 81, has called off his fast, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said, adding that government has accepted his demands.

The government has reached out to social activist Anna Hazare, whose indefinite fast to push for appointment of anti-corruption watchdog, Lokpal, entered seventh day on Tuesday as two Union ministers and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met him at Ralegan Siddhi in Pune. Fadnavis was accompanied by Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre.

Fadnavis, who reached Hazares native Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmednagar district in the afternoon and held prolonged talks with him, said the government has accepted the activists demands and added that the process of appointing Lokpal will be initiated soon, news agency PTI reported.

This was the second day of talks between the ministers and Anna Hazare, who began his hunger strike on January 30. Earlier on Monday, Bhamre and Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan held talks with Anna Hazare and appealed to him to call off his hunger strike.

Hazare had refused to end his protest describing the governments attitude over the matter is insincere. News agency PTI quoted him as saying, This insincere attitude of the government is very disappointingI will not call off my hunger strike till the government initiates concrete steps beyond hollow assurances.

Locals who observed a bandh recently to show support for Hazares agitation, restricted entry of government officials to the village on Tuesday.

He also accused the Narendra Modi government of misleading the people on Lokpal bill. They (Centre) are misleading the people on Lokpal bill. Also, the draft of Lokayukta bill by the Maharashtra government is also misleading, hence I am not accepting it, he said.

The anti-graft activist launched his hunger strike under the banner of Jan Andolan Satyagraha in his village with the demand that the government should set up Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in all states. Lokpal bill was passed by Parliament in 2013 but the government is yet to appoint it, Hazare has said.

On Monday, Anna Hazare had said the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) used him to win the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and Delhi assembly polls in 2015 respectively. He said, Yes. The BJP used me in 2014. Everybody knows that it was my agitation for Lokpal that catapulted the BJP and also the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to power. Now I have lost all regards for them.
A real estate broker from Hyderabad planned an elaborate honey trap and then killed Chigurupati Jayaram, an NRI businessman and CEO of a defunct Telugu news channel in Telangana last week in a fit of rage over unpaid loans, the Andhra Pradesh police said Tuesday.

Jayaram was found dead in rear seat of his car at Nandiagama in Krishna district close to Vijayawada in the early hours of January 31, triggering sensation in the Telugu-speaking states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Krishna district superintendent of police Sarva Sreshta Tripathi said the accused Rakesh Reddy who was arrested on Tuesday, had murdered the businessman over a monetary dispute.

Jayaram who lived in Florida used to come to Hyderabad regularly to look after his business. He was a director in a private bank and also owned a media house which was closed due to losses. He took heavy loans from Reddy but did not repay them for a long time. As the debts mounted to over Rs 4 crore and Reddy started pressurising him, Jayaram returned to USA and blocked Reddys phone number, the SP said.

In a bid to recover money from Jayaram, Reddy created a WhatsApp number in the name of a pretty woman and started chatting with the former, the officer said. When Jayaram came to Hyderabad a few days ago, Reddy laid a trap for him. Impersonating as a woman, Reddy persuaded him to come alone to his house in Hyderabads Jubilee hills. When Jayaram arrived, Reddy and his accomplice started demanding that he return the money.

Under pressure from Reddy, Jayaram arranged payment of just Rs 6 lakh. In a fit of rage, Reddy banged the NRIs head on a sofa killing him instantly. As Jayaram was supposed to go to Vijayawada, Reddy tried to dispose the body on the highway near Vijayawada, Tripathi said.

The police managed to track the accused by obtaining footage from the CCTV at different toll gates. Police also matched the beer bottles seen in the hands of the accused in CCTV footage near a wine shop in Nandigama to those empty bottles found near the car where Reddy left Jayarams body.

The SP said two Telangana police officials had helped Rakesh Reddy in shifting the body of Jayaram from Hyderabad to Vijayawada.

Based on the information shared by AP police, the Telangana police initiated action on Station officer of Nallakunta police station Srinivas and Assistant Commissioner of Police of Ibrahimpatnam Malla Reddy who allegedly gave tips the culprit to erase the evidence. The two policemen have been attached to the police headquarters.
A Rudra Mk IV armed chopper, built at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), on Tuesday made an emergency landing outside Bengaluru due to possible hydraulic failure, two officials familiar with the development said on condition of anonymity. The pilot and the weapon systems officer are safe.

The chopper mishap comes four days after two Indian Air Force pilots were killed when their Mirage-2000 fighter crashed during takeoff at the HAL airport.

The French-origin trainer aircraft, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, was on an acceptance sortie after being upgraded at HAL. The Rudra was also on an acceptance sortie, said one of the officials cited above.

An HAL spokesperson said that a technical team was rushed to the site after the Rudra chopper, a weaponised armed version of the indigenously-built Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, made a precautionary landing.

Asked if the chopper was on an acceptance sortie, the HAL official said the machine belonged to the Army Aviation Corps and was part of a Rudra squadron that operates from the HAL facility.

The official said the chopper was flown back to the HAL facility. The incident involving the Rudra comes at a time when questions are being raised about the capabilities of the state-owned plane maker and several projects are behind schedule.

There are four weapon stations on the Rudra with a turret gun in its nose area. The helicopters are also equipped with air-to-air missiles, 70 mm rockets and 20 mm turret guns. New variants are being equipped with anti-tank guided missiles, infrared jammers and obstacle avoidance systems.
The government has reached out to social activist Anna Hazare, whose indefinite fast to push for appointment of Lokpal entered seventh day on Tuesday as two Union ministers and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met him at Ralegan Siddhi in Pune. Fadnavis was accompanied by Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre.

This was the second day of talks between the ministers and Anna Hazare, who began his hunger strike on January 30. Earlier on Monday, Bhamre and Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan held talks with Anna Hazare and appealed to him to call off his hunger strike.

Hazare refused to end his protest describing the governments attitude over the matter is insincere. News agency PTI quoted him as saying, This insincere attitude of the government is very disappointingI will not call off my hunger strike till the government initiates concrete steps beyond hollow assurances.

He also accused the Narendra Modi government of misleading the people on Lokpal bill. They (Centre) are misleading the people on Lokpal bill. Also, the draft of Lokayukta bill by the Maharashtra government is also misleading, hence I am not accepting it, he said.

The anti-graft activist launched his hunger strike under the banner of Jan Andolan Satyagraha in his village with the demand that the government should set up Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in all states. Lokpal bill was passed by Parliament in 2013 but the government is yet to appoint it, Hazare has said.

On Monday, Anna Hazare had said the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) used him to win the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and Delhi assembly polls in 2015 respectively. He said, Yes. The BJP used me in 2014. Everybody knows that it was my agitation for Lokpal that catapulted the BJP and also the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to power. Now I have lost all regards for them.

He hit out at both the Centre and the Maharashtra government. For how long will the lies continue? This government has let down the people of the country. The state (Maharashtra) governments claims that 90 per cent of my demands have been conceded are also false, the 81-year-old activist said.
A 21-year-old Delhi University student was robbed of Rs16,000 after she shared her bank details following a phone call to link her Aadhaar Card to her bank account in Sector 9, the police said.

Kanika, a resident of Laxman Vihar in Sector 4, was conned in July 2017, but the FIR was filed only late on Friday night, said Mohan Singh, in-charge of sector 4 Police Post.

We will trace the number from which she got the call and also take the transaction details from the bank , Singh said. The official said there was a delay in filing FIR as the complaint was filed in a different police station and had to be redirected.

Devendra Singh, Kanikas father said they had filed the police complaint in July itself.

We had filed a police complaint at the chowki (Sector 4) the day the incident happened. Later, two officers from cyber cell also came to our house. But after three months we got a call from the chowki, saying the complaint was sent back to them by the cyber cell and they asked me to give a fresh compliant, Devendra said.

The police are yet to make any arrest or identify the suspect.

Around 3.30pm on July 8, 2017, Kanika got a call on her mobile phone. The caller said her bank account had been blocked. The person on the phone told the victim that she has to send her Aadhaar Card number and details of her debit card to restart the account. After she gave the details, and also shared an OTP sent to her phone, with the caller, she checked her bank balance to realise that Rs16,000 have been debited from her account.

An FIR was filed at Sector 9 Police Station under Section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code on Friday late night.
According to documents seen by the Hindustan Times, a ministry of external affairs (MEA) study has found that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Chinas flagship connectivity programme, is facing headwinds in the entire region. The story of Sri Lanka is now well known globally. The island country has become an exemplar of all that is wrong with the BRI. The former President Mahinda Rajapaksa moved close to the establishment in Beijing and obtained loans for massive infrastructure projects in the country. The projects never earned enough returns to enable Colombo to pay back the loans. In the end, the Hambantota port had to be handed over to Chinese firms on a 99-year lease. And India and Sri Lanka have agreed to jointly operate the Hambantota airport, which has earned the dubious title of the worlds emptiest airport.

But Sri Lankas isnt the only story, as the MEA study points out. A Chinese firm is facing corruption charges in Bangladesh; there is local backlash against Kyaukphyu-Kunming gas pipeline in Myanmar; and a Chinese hydropower project was scrapped even in Nepal. A number of projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a part of BRI, too have come under the scanner notwithstanding close political ties between Pakistan and China. The problem stems from the design of the programme. The capital is directed into projects from which the leader of the country which is taking the loan can reap political rewards. For example, Hambantota is the political base of Mr Rajapaksa. The loans are linked to source materials being imported from China itself. A large number of workers, too, are Chinese. The local economy benefits little. In addition, there are concerns around transparency and environmental sustainability.

New Delhi did well to not join the BRI bandwagon despite a number of commentators warning that India would be isolated. In fact, a number of other countries, including the US, Japan and Australia, have gradually come around to accept that position. India and Japan are coordinating on their own programme  the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor. The US, Australia and Japan have announced an alternative to BRI as well. But the actual amounts behind these initiatives pale in comparison to the $900 billion BRI. Talk is cheap, it is time to put more money behind these ideas.
The Delhi government on Monday kicked off its pilot project of creating Delhis first zero fatality corridor while also issuing actionable points to all agencies to ensure a 10% reduction in road accidents by the end of the year.

As per the governments plan, a 3km stretch between Burari Chowk and Bhalswa chowk will be taken as a case study for scientific assessment of accidents, road engineering, road-user engagement and for checking police enforcement and rapid emergency care.

Transport minister Kailash Gahlot said Delhi saw 1,691 road crash fatalities last year and the pilot project is a new approach to tackle this problem. Our aim is to reduce fatalities to near zero levels on this particular stretch, he said.

The stretch has four blackspots to be studied  Burari Chowk, Bhalswa Chowk, Jahangirpuri Bus Stand and Mukundpur Chowk. This 3km stretch claimed 67 lives over the two years  2016 and 2017.

The stretch sees a mix of fast moving heavy goods vehicles on the Outer Ring Road and pedestrians, cyclists and slow moving vehicles emerging from nearby localities merge with these heavy vehicle traffic, Piyush Tewari, founder and CEO, SaveLIFE Foundation, said.

Action plan for 2019

To mark the opening of the 30th Road Safety Week of the government, the transport minister also released the first-ever Annual Action Plan for 2019 to ensure greater road safety in the national capital.

The plan includes conducting a host of audits such as studying and identifying unsafe roads, transportation of schoolchildren, road signage, emergency care service and enforcement activities of agencies.

The plan, mandatory under Delhis first road safety policy released last year, is in line with the Delhi governments plan to reduce fatalities due to road crashes by 30% by 2020. It binds all agencies  transport, public works department, health, education and Delhi traffic police  to a year-round set of actions to reduce road fatalities in Delhi., Gahlot explained.

The minister said all district magistrates will ensure footpaths are continuous and encroachment-free. An action taken report will have to be submitted by all DMs monthly. The road safety cell will also contribute in improving traffic engineering. The South Delhi Municipal Corporation has been made the nodal agency for this, he said.
AAP MLA Alka Lamba on Monday claimed that Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal unfollowed her on Twitter and said she was finding it hard to work in the party under the prevailing situation.

In December, Lamba had claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party had asked her to resign for protesting an alleged proposal seeking to revoke former prime minister Rajiv Gandhis Bharat Ratna. The AAP, however, had rubbished the claim.

I have a strong feeling that the party does not need my services at all. But till I am an MLA, I will continue serving the people of my constituency, the Chandni Chowk MLA told PTI.

The legislator said she has sent a message to the AAP leadership, asking them to clear their stand on her position in the party. Her message has been communicated to the party leadership through the organisation secretary of Chandni Chowk constituency.

The MLA claimed she was removed from all official WhatsApp groups of the party and Kejriwal unfollowed her on Twitter on Sunday.

Such things, like removing me from WhatsApp groups, unfollowing me on Twitter and not inviting me in meetings make me feel that I deserve the same position and respect as other MLAs have. Otherwise, it will be very difficult for me to continue. I cannot compromise my self respect, she said.

Lamba said she was actively involved in campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls with the party in-charge of Chandni Chowk constituency, but she will now focus on her work as MLA.

Rejecting speculation that she was cozying up to the Congress, Lamba said: It is being assumed that I am going to join the Congress though I have not uttered a word against the AAP or its leaders. But on the other hand, efforts to ally with the Congress through a mahagathbandhan are considered okay by them.
A 24-year-old man allegedly set himself afire after pouring petrol on himself while travelling in an auto rickshaw in northeast Delhis Jyoti Nagar on Sunday night reportedly after a tiff with his girlfriend over the phone. He was carrying the bottle of petrol inside his jacket and his relatives said they have no clue why he was doing so, police maintained.

Police said the man, his cousin and a co-passenger, who were travelling with him in the auto, also sustained burn injuries. While Shivam got 70% burns, his cousin sustained 20% burns. The third passenger escaped with minor injuries. All three are under treatment, an officer said.

According to police, the incident took place Sunday night at 9pm when the man, Shivam, identified only by his first name, a resident of Ghaziabad, was travelling to Loni in an auto with his cousin Arjun (24). Police said one Bhagwan Singh (60) was also sharing the ride with the duo.

Shivam was talking to a woman who lives in Kolkata over phone. It appears they had a tiff after which Shivam was upset. He was carrying petrol in a bottle with him. In a rage, he suddenly poured the petrol and set himself afire with a lighter. The auto driver immediately stopped the three-wheeler and alerted passersby who then reported the incident to the police, said a senior police officer.

DCP (northeast) Atul Thakur said, We are yet to register the statement of Shivam as he is critically injured. We have filed a case of attempt to commit suicide and are probing the matter.
If genes mattered in the choice of ones profession, none could beat Abhishek Bachchan. He is to the manor born, like few others. Son of Bollywoods leading couple, Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, acting and the ensuing stardom ought to have come naturally. Yet, Abhisheks career, thus far, has seen sparks of excellence with a fair share of disappointments too. On Abhishek Bachchans birthday today, heres seeing how the actor can build on his positives while negating all the downers.

Also read | On Abhishek Bachchans birthday, his happiest photos with family

Recalling the second time (yes, much after the publicity that followed his debut film, JP Duttas Refugee in 2000), that one noticed Abhishek in a film called Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost (2003) doing what looked like a desi dance number. Looking at him, one got the sense of how similar he looked to his famous father yet was so different. Seeing him, in movies that followed, it seemed as if he was trying to be a shadow of his legendary father.

Then, when Bunty Aur Bubli came along, one saw an Abhishek for what he is  affable, natural and instinctive actor; quite like his mother Jaya Bhaduri used to be in her heyday.

The thing with much of Hindi films is that one has to pick roles that suit ones personality, unless one is like Naseeruddin Shah in Gautam Ghoshs Paar, for instance. One recalls watching that particular performance and wonder at the skill of the actor. Just how could an actor who went to an elite school like Ajmers Mayo College pull off playing a labourer so convincingly?

Abhishek Bachchan in Guru.

Abhishek, too, should pick roles that suit his personality and character. As a matter of fact, it has worked for him whenever he has done so. Recall his performances in films like Yuva and Guru. With help from an able director, Abhishek could delve into the complexity of these characters, and deliver performances that have been memorable. His role in Anurag Kashyaps Manmarziyaan, which released last year, too fell in this category. While, it is true that Vicky Kaushal and Taapsee Pannus characters were far more dramatic and Abhisheks character had shades of the nice guy, he was able infuse the required gravitas and dignity to it.

Abhishek Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu in Manmarziyaan.

If his character feels disgusted at his new brides inability to rid herself of her ex, then it is there for the world to see.

It would be not wrong to say then that Abhishek has more of his mother in him. While he has done roles as an out-and-out entertainer, playing layered characters is his calling card.

In Bollywood, it is hard to not be typecast; even Jaya was the proverbial girl-next-door. Yet in films like Koshish, in which she played a speech and hearing impaired woman, she was admirable. In Jawani Deewani, she could pull off a glamorous role, while in Anamika, her take as a dark character was worthy of praise. And that is the arc we are hoping Abhishek will follow.

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Its a good asset to for the village of Oak Park to have a quality hospital like Rush to succeed, Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb said. We need that $30 million new emergency room theyre investing in. On my block, theres two people fixing their homes. I havent been able to park in front of my house for the last four months. I think us as a community, we need to be a little more tolerant with each other and support one another to get things done. I know for a fact Rush is looking for more places for construction and staff people to park. This is a very difficult time for Rush Oak Park to build this emergency room, and theyre in need help from all of us to make that happen.
When they were together, they were one of the most fancied celebrity couples in Bollywood. When they broke up and went their respective ways, there was a sadness there. Later, when both found fulfilling love again, their friendship blossomed again and we rejoiced too. We are talking of Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor.

Deepika and Ranveer, who have worked in a number of hit films together like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Tamasha, will come together again, this time for a brand, say reports.

Also read: Ranveer Singh reveals Deepika Padukone preserves the childlike side of herself exclusively for him in a heartfelt note

According to a report in Pinkvilla, the shoot will take place today.

The couple, has on more than one occasion walked the ramp together for fashion designers, the most recent being in April last year when they walked for Manish Malhotra at the Mijwan Fashion Show in Mumbai. It was organised by Shabana Azmis NGO, Mijwan Welfare society.

Meanwhile, on the work front, the two remain busy as ever. Deepika Padukone recently shot for an ad in New York after a long break she took after Padmaavat during which she also married Ranveer Singh. She will also star in Meghna Gulzars Chhapaak, based on the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Aggarwal, which she would also be producing.

Ranbir, meanwhile, has been busy with Ayan Mukherjis Brahmastra, where he co-stars with girlfriend Alia Bhatt. He also has Yashraj Films Shamshera. Ranbir has maintained a low profile, ever since his father Rishi Kapoor left for the US for treatment of an undisclosed ailment. Both Ranbir and Alia have been to the US on a number of occasions since then to be with Rishi and Neetu Singh, who have been based in the US city since September last year.

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Nagaland is pristine and gorgeous. But one needs a strong heart and a much stronger back to enjoy the Himalayan state. The roads are dirt tracks and tourist facilities are non-existent. The infrastructure-deficit Himalayan state, however, is not a laggard on one count: toilet infrastructure, especially in its rural areas. Recently, rural Nagaland was declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) by the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). In fact, unlike in many other sectors, SBMs record  not just in Nagaland  but across the Northeastern region (NE) has kept pace with the countrys expanding sanitation coverage. According to the ministry of drinking water and sanitation, five out of seven states are ODF, with Assam and Tripura being the exceptions.

The NEs good ODF record, experts say, is due to several reasons. First, high literacy levels; second, strong community-based institutional structures (church groups, students organisations, youth groups, and village-level water and sanitation committees, which ensure that all members of a community adhere to decisions such as banning open defecation); third, a progressive mindset with a strong focus on an integrated approach covering aspects of water, sanitation and hygiene; and fourth, an absence of any caste-related ritual pollution and purity concerns, which often make people resist the idea of building toilets inside their homes (a problem in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar). The negative impact such pollution-purity issues could have on the pace and success of SBM has been well documented by economists Diane Coffey and Dean Spears in Where India Goes, Abandoned Toilets, Stunted Development and the Costs of Caste.

However, the commendable gains made by these Himalayan states (the Centre bears 90% of the cost of building a toilet in these states), despite their undulating topography, may take a hit in the future due to an emerging water crisis, being sparked by deforestation (which will impact rainfall, soil health and consequently water availability), overpopulation (which will put stress on existing natural resources), and climate change (which will also affect water availability, among other things).

The first signs are already here.

Population has been increasing over the years. Natural water bodies, streams and springs  the regions core source of water  are getting polluted. Villages already face acute water problem drilling boreholes is not an option, explained Assam-based Samuel Therieh, a sanitation expert for World Vision India. Many Himalayan villages are located on hilltops and in many cases away from the water sources. Its not always possible to build pipelines due to the topography. If nearby water sources dry up, then people will find it difficult to get water for sanitation purposes. Last year, the NITI Aayog said in a report that 30% of springs in the Indian Himalaya have dried up

The ministry of water resources estimates that each rural household in India needs 40 litres of water every day, out of which 15 to 20 litres are required for sanitation. But as of 2017, almost 19,000 villages in India were yet to have access to piped water supply. Even the ones that do get piped water, getting 40 litres a day remains a distant dream. On an average, a well supplied rural household receives 8-10 litres of water per day. As water is mostly utilised for cooking, drinking and washing, using it for sanitation becomes the last priority. The government has said that it is committed to covering 90% of Indian rural households with piped water supply by 2022.

A lot of the funds for sanitation came at the expense of water. So while the need for water increased because of toilet usage, the investment in water to augment domestic water supplies decreased. With challenging geography, the situation gets more complex, says Indira Khurana , water and sanitation expert, and author of Reflections on Managing Water, Earths Greatest Natural Resource.

The absence of water resources was also raised by a parliamentary panel in 2018. The panel, headed by Lok Sabha member, Dr P Venugopal, said that going through the factual and ground realities prevalent in the country, it is perplexed as to how ODF can be achieved without the availability of adequate water provisions. The panel recommended that the ministry of drinking water and sanitation prioritise the provision of water availability along with the construction of toilets under SBM and apprise it of actual figures of toilets with water facilities that have been constructed.

Economists Coffey and Spears, however, argue that if social forces against open defecation are strong enough ------ as it is in the NE ------ people without water connections will also be willing to fill buckets to flush their latrines. This momentum must not be lost. To ensure that people keep using toilets, it is not just critical to develop and construct toilets that use less water (such as TATA Trusts rural pans), but also augment water security so that people are not forced to exit the programme. Building pipelines is an expensive and time consuming proposition. It is, therefore, critical to invest in the renovation of traditional wells, rain water harvesting systems and reviving the natural springs that dot the mountain landscape. These efforts can ensure a steady source of water for sanitation in the Northeast, and consolidate the gains of SBM.

kumkum.dasgupta@htlive.com
Automation is here on us, and, in the years to come, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will take it to an unprecedented level. It will bring about a profound change in the way we live and earn our livelihood. According to McKinsey, it can potentially leave 800 million of us jobless by 2030 across the world. The situation may be all the more alarming in developing countries; 69% of jobs in India risk losing their relevance in the same period.

Thats a scary possibility, given a highly unequal distribution of technological resources. Industry leaders whose innovations will likely influence the AI-related developments suggest Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a solution. For example, Elon Musk told CNBC: There is a pretty good chance we end up with a universal basic income, or something like that, due to automation. Mark Zuckerberg said during his Harvard commencement speech: Every generation expands its definition of equality. Now its our time to define a new social contract for our generation. We should explore ideas like universal basic income to give everyone a cushion to try new things.

In India, the opposition Congress party has announced that it will provide a basic minimum income guarantee to the poor, and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has similar ideas to offer. Such schemes are bound to bring immense pressure on the exchequer in their present forms. But, has the Indian political class unintentionally ended up providing a dress rehearsal for a future in which we are likely to face a permanent class of jobless people, in need of state support for survival?

When the machine came with the industrial revolution, it democratised the work culture to a large extent, weakening the institutions of slavery and caste, and making it unavoidable for the rest to work for subsistence. But for the first time in history, humans are facing an existential dilemma, where a substantial number of us stare at the prospect of being jobless because AI doesnt only make humans physical work irrelevant, it also challenges the human brain, and it will only get better at it with time.

There may be newer job avenues with the proliferation of AI, but it would also mean that to keep themselves employed, humans would have to continuously update their skills. A generation ago, the half-life of a skill was about 26 years, and that was the model for a career. Today, its four and half years and dropping, Indranil Roy, the head of the Deloittes Future of Work Centre of Excellence, told the BBC.

But we are not prepared  emotionally, mentally and in terms of infrastructure  to adapt to such changes so quickly, threatening a prospect of great unpredictability around employment. Among the sectors that are likely to remain relevant  with constant training, of course  are creative, cognitive and technological, but for a large section of workers, it wont be easy keeping up with these.

The possibilities of AI are, however, endless. It can open up jobs that are beyond our imagination right now, and may as well offset the loss in jobs. But the worrisome fact is that it can equally lead to an unprecedented inequality where the haves, having AI (like developed countries and a few individuals like Zuckerberg), will keep growing at a rate which have-nots will never be able to achieve. It may herald an age in which, initially, there is an unprecedented growth but little rise in pay or employment. Eventually, AI-driven automation will cheapen products, resulting in a decline in the wage of leftover jobs, and stagnation in the economy and employment  and could lead to the markets collapse. UBI, in this context, makes business sense to keep the economy running.

Dutch historian, Rutger Bregman, calls basic income as the venture capital for the people. It could compensate for the loss in jobs and skills, and also help in innovation. Multiple surveys suggest that the young in this age do not recall their working hours as their happiest memories; may be, the UBI-funded creativity pursuits might help better our happiness index. Many consider George Orwell and Harper Lee, among others, as successes who were provided with basic support.

For many, such possibilities may simply be a red herring. But even if we discount the possibility of a loss in employment, certain activities would undoubtedly become automated (about half of the present-day skills, McKinsey, 2018), making a lot of workers easily dispensable, again leading to lesser pay for the rest of the employed  or pay polarisation, resulting into immense income inequality.

People cried wolf that machines and computers would eat up their jobs. But for the first time in history , its not just that humans physical power is being challenged, but also their thinking power, which was unique to humans. Precedence shows that the fallout of shifting from an Industrial and IT age to Artificial Intelligence age would indeed mean loss of jobs  for example, AT&T, worth $267 billion in todays valuation, employed more than 7.5 lakh people in 1967, Google, worth $370 billion, employs merely 55,000.

It increasingly appears that the news of the wolfs arrival may not be too far. UBI can become part of the solution, more so in developing countries such as India.

neyaz.farooquee@htlive.com
This year is Afghanistans 40th year in a row as an active war zone. Betrayal, violence and surrender have defined Afghanistans history for long, especially as the playground for outside powers. The US-Taliban agreement in principle fits with that narrative. By promising a terrorist militia a total American military pullout within 18 months and a pathway to power in Kabul, the US, in essence, is negotiating the terms of its surrender.

It is worth remembering how the US got into a military quagmire. The US invasion in October 2001 ousted the Taliban from power in Kabul for harbouring the Al Qaeda planners of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. However, the key Al Qaeda leaders, including Osama bin Laden, Khalid Sheik Mohammed, Abu Zubaida and Ramzi Binalshibh, were later found holed up inside Pakistan. Yet, paradoxically, the US, while raining bombs in Afghanistan, rewarded Pakistan, as President Donald Trump said last year, with more than $33 billion in aid since 2002.

The quagmire resulted from the US reluctance to take the war to the other side of the Durand Line by targeting the Talibans command-and-control bases in Pakistan. In modern world history, no counterterrorism campaign has ever succeeded when the militants have enjoyed cross-border state sponsorship and safe havens. This also explains why terrorists remain active in the Kashmir Valley.

Rather than take out the Talibans cross-border sanctuaries, the US actively sought reconciliation for years, allowing the militia to gain strength and terrorise Afghans. The protracted search for a Faustian bargain with the Taliban also explains why that ruthless militia was never added to the US list of Foreign Terrorist Organisations. This approach counterproductively led to an ascendant Taliban expanding its territorial control and killing government forces in growing numbers.

Now, desperate to exit, Trump has sought to accomplish what his predecessor, Barack Obama, set out to do but failed  to cut a deal with the Taliban. It was with the aim of facilitating direct talks with the Taliban that Obama allowed the militia to establish a de facto diplomatic mission in Doha, Qatar, in 2013. Then, to meet a Taliban precondition, five hardened Taliban militants (two of them accused of carrying out massacres of Tajiks and Hazaras) were freed from Guantanamo Bay. The five were described by the late US senator, John McCain, as the hardest of hard core.

Instead of the promised Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, the Trump administration clinched the tentative deal with the Taliban without prior consultations with Kabul and then sought to sell it to a sceptical Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. In doing so, it has unwittingly aided the Taliban effort to delegitimise an elected government. Given that Ghani was blindsided by the framework accord, it is no surprise that Washington did not care to take India, its major defence partner, into confidence either.

Lets be clear: The Taliban do not represent most Pashtuns, let alone a majority of Afghans. Many in their ranks are Pakistanis recruited and trained by Pakistans rogue Inter-Services Intelligence, just as ISI teams up with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed against India. The US-Taliban deal nullifies the then US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis promise that were not going to surrender civilization to people who cannot win at the ballot box.

Indeed, the deal represents not only a shot in the arm for the resurgent Taliban but also a major diplomatic win for its sponsor, Pakistan, which facilitated the accord. Contrary to speculation that US reliance on Pakistan is on the decline, the interim deal, and the imperative to finalise and implement it, underscore the US dependence on the Pakistani army and ISI. In effect, Pakistan is being rewarded for sponsoring cross-border terrorism.

All this holds important implications for India, which, as Mattis said in October, has been generous over many years with Afghanistan, earning a degree of affection from the Afghan people. Once US troops return home, America will have little ability  especially if it does not leave behind a residual counterterrorism force  to influence events in the Afghanistan-Pakistan belt. If the Taliban were to again capture power in Kabul with Pakistans assistance, the benefits for Afghans from the more than $3 billion in assistance that India has given since 2002 would melt away.

Despite growing US strategic cooperation with India, Washington, by its unilateralist actions, is paradoxically increasing the salience of Iran and Russia in Indias Afghanistan policy. India will have to do whatever is necessary to shield its vital interests in Afghanistan, or else developments there would adversely impinge on Indian security, including in the Kashmir Valley.

Brahma Chellaney is a geostrategist and author

The views expressed are personal
I miss that old Clairol line, only your hairdresser knows for sure." Only Mueller knows if our President has committed impeachable high crimes and misdemeanors. I wont however miss this last two years of White House drama, turnover, chaos, Russians, Cabinet scandals, and yes, the shutdown. What a complete, self-inflicted nightmare.

If the polls are accurate, even Trumps base is growing weary. We are living through Trumps definition of winning and as he predicted, getting tired of it. I get into lots of discussions with Trump supporters and try to avoid allowing those discussions to affect friendships but the rationalizations I sometimes hear are: well, I cant come up with the right adjective. There is one from my evangelical friends that insists God sent Trump to save the country to which I respond: Well, He does work in mysterious ways.
According to police, the three were allegedly involved in the carjacking that took place at about 6 p.m. in the 800 block of North Boulevard. The driver, a River Forest resident, said he was entering his parked car when he was approached by the three, police said.
A Hickory man charged with the murder of a South Carolina woman will not face the death penalty, according to a press release from 36th District Attorney Scott Reillys office.

Jerry Lewis Woods, 60, is accused of stabbing 33-year-old Octavia Deanna Beaty to death on Dec. 24, 2018.

Woods was convicted of second-degree murder in Catawba County in 1982, according to the release. He served more than 30 years in prison for that crime.

As for the Dec. 24 stabbing, Woods remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. He is being held in the Catawba County Detention Center without bond.

The case remains under investigation by the Hickory Police Department.
Three people have been charged after a search in the town of Catawba also yielded drugs and stolen property, according to a release from the C
The power of community was at work during last weeks record-setting, life-threatening temperatures. With all public buildings closed on Wednesday and the lingering snap of freezing temperatures on Thursday, 66 men and women, with no place to go, were safe thanks to the combined efforts of the community we share.
Uniontown, PA (15401)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly in the morning. Cooler. High 66F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 46F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
The immediate plan, in the short term, is next week Im going to take a vacation and go to Ireland, Madigan said. This past fall, I had an opportunity to teach a class at the Illinois Institute of Technology and I hope to be able to do that again. Its important to keep active and intellectually engaged. My plan, right now, is to stay in Oak Park and remain involved in some of the things Im interested in, including the arts and the Oak Park Homelessness Coalition.
Matthew Umstead

mumstead@herald-mail.com

MARTINSBURG, W.Va.,  Former Del. Michael Folk of Berkeley County, W.Va., said Tuesday that he will challenge Republican incumbent Gov. Jim Justice in the 2020 West Virginia primary election.

At a time we are cutting taxes at the national level, in West Virginia, Jim Justice proposed the largest tax increase in West Virginias history, Folk said in a news release. It is bad economic policy to increase taxes on a shrinking population. We must forward policies that allow our citizens to live, work and raise a family with the expectation of being able to see their grandchildren without driving out of state.

Folk, who is expected to officially announce his candidacy Wednesday at the Capitol in Charleston, W.Va., was narrowly defeated in his bid to unseat longtime state Sen. John Unger in last years general election after serving three terms in the House of Delegates.

The only way West Virginia changes the trend of population loss is to change the tax-and-spend paradigm of the executive branch. It is time to get rid of Traitor Jim, Folk said.

Justice, who was elected governor as a Democrat in 2016, switched his political party affiliation to Republican in August 2017.

The governor announced last month that he will seek re-election to a second four-year term.

Folk blazed his own political trail in his six years in the House.

Then a member of the loosely defined liberty caucus, Folk challenged Republican leadership on a variety of issues, including moves to legalize medical cannabis and eliminate state taxes on Social Security benefits for those with lower incomes.

As a result of challenging a ruling on the latter, Folk was stripped of a committee assignment in October 2017 by now-former House Speaker Tim Armstead.

After being removed Oct. 17 from the House Pensions and Retirement Committee, Folk said in an interview that principle has a price and that he didnt plan on changing the way he operates.

Theres never a wrong time to do the right thing, he said at the time.

Months earlier, Folk led a successful move to defy House Republican leaders and force a vote on a bill, which ultimately became law, to legalize the use of marijuana to treat some medical conditions.

A commercial airline pilot, Folk also ran afoul of his employer during the 2016 presidential election campaign after he wrote in a message to Hillary Clinton on Twitter stating you should be tried for treason, murder and crimes against the US Constitution ... then hung on the Mall in Washington, D.C.

Folk, who was suspended after the tweet, later explained that his statement was hyperbolic and that he sent the message after watching a congressional hearing on Clintons handling of classified emails.

In his announcement Tuesday, Folk said Justice, regardless of his current political affiliation, still is a tax-and-spend governor and linked him to the political machine of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.

Many executive-branch bureaucrats are carryovers from the time when Joe Manchin was governor, Folk said of Justices administration. These same people have been in charge when many state assets could not be accounted for.

For more information about Folks campaign, go to http://folk4wv.com.
Tim Shea

tims@herald-mail.com

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP)  A complex education bill vehemently opposed by West Virginia teachers unions that claim it is a payback for a nine-day strike last year has passed the West Virginia Senate by a slim margin.

The bill approved Monday by the Republican-controlled Senate now goes to the GOP-led House of Delegates.

Teachers unions plan to hold votes in the coming week to authorize statewide action against the bill if necessary, including a strike.

Many said the bill is an attack on the public-education system and that teachers werent consulted about the bills components, which include plans to open charter schools and would require teachers to sign off annually on union dues.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has vowed to veto the bill. Justice and others have sought to have the bills components be considered separately.

Eighteen of the 34 senators spoke out during a two-hour debate before the vote.

I know that quality education is the greatest gift we can give our children, said Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson/Berkeley. This may be the most important thing that weve ever done.

Senate President Mitch Carmichael said a main intent of the bill is to improve student test scores and performance.

State Sen. Craig Blair, R-Berkeley/Morgan/Hampshire/Mineral, read a 2010 letter from then-Gov. Joe Manchin urging bold, innovative changes in the states education system to help students improve their success rates.

The time has come where we can wait no longer, he said. Our children deserve it.

State Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell and a bill opponent, compared the legislation to the Titanic.

Youre not going to like the way this story ends, he said.

Republicans who voted for the bill expanded on the comparison.

Multiple breakdowns in a system require multiple repairs, not rearranging curtains on a Titanic that holds our children, said state Sen. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam.

Some Democrats said the bill didnt get teacher input and doesnt address students who live in drug-infested homes where parents dont participate in their childrens education.

State Sen. Paul Hardesty, a former county school board member, compared the bill to a 10-foot Christmas tree in an 8-foot room.

It does not fit and it will not work, he said.

Republicans have promoted the bills ability to transfer control to the county level. The bill also would establish savings accounts for families to pay for private school and allow county boards of education to increase property-tax levy rates, which first would require voter approval.

The bill also includes another 5 percent pay raise for teachers, but also has a clause that would invalidate the entire bill if any part is struck down.
Matthew Umstead

mumstead@herald-mail.com

MARTINSBURG, W.Va.  The Berkeley County (W.Va.) Board of Education voted unanimously Monday night to adopt a resolution imploring lawmakers to pass West Virginia Gov. Jim Justices pay-raise bill for teachers and service personnel, then engage the states education stakeholders in developing meaningful education reforms necessary to improve educational outcomes.

It should be left to the local citizens of Berkeley County as to whether they support the creation of charter-school organizations and the resulting diversion of public funds from the existing public schools, according to the resolution in opposition to the measure proposed in Senate Bill 451.

The West Virginia Senate on Monday passed the legislation on an 18-16 vote and sent the bill to the House of Delegates.

Among the Eastern Panhandle delegation, state Sens. Craig Blair, R-Berkeley/Morgan/Hampshire/Mineral; Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson/Berkeley; and Charles Trump, R-Berkeley/Morgan/Hampshire/Mineral, voted in favor of the bill, while state Sen. John Unger, D-Berkeley/Jefferson, cast a dissenting vote.

The school boards resolution, which was adopted on a 5-0 vote, takes issue with the legislations nonseverability clause, which puts at risk of repeal all of the good in the bill that addresses salaries and additional funding to public schools.

It also notes that other provisions of the bill are detrimental to public schools and the ability of the school district to provide a thorough and efficient system for all students in Berkeley County.

Board of education President William Bill Queen noted that the resolution, the school boards first of the 2018-19 school year, states what needs to be said with the intention of not burning bridges.

Toward the end of the meeting, Superintendent Manny Arvon repeatedly encouraged teachers and service personnel attending the meeting to allow the House of Delegates to take up the legislation.

The word I want you to be thinking about right now is patience, Arvon said. Its important that we let the process happen.

Arvon also assured them that the school system is doing everything possible to protect the best interests of the districts students.
Jenni Vincent

jvincent@herald-mail.com

MARTINSBURG, W.Va.  Monday nights announcement that Janelle Sperry will be honored by the National PTA came at the perfect time.

She went to the Berkeley County (W.Va.) Board of Education meeting to do what comes naturally  advocate on behalf of students.

She voiced her opposition, speaking as both a county and state PTA official, to the comprehensive education-reform bill now being debated by state legislators.

Unbeknownst to her, school district officials received word that she was chosen to receive the 2019 Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year Award.

And since I was there, they just wanted to acknowledge it, so that was nice, Sperry said Tuesday in a telephone interview. I actually found out about this award a couple of weeks ago. But since it is an award honoring advocacy, it was really nice that this was the first public announcement and that it came when it did.

Sperry was chosen from a pool of applicants from across the country, according to a National PTA news release.

The award recipient is honored for taking action to improve the education, health, safety, well-being and long-term success of every child, according to the release.

Sperry is credited with working to prevent voucher legislation from being enacted in West Virginia. Most recently, she worked to draft a bill to define and establish the crime of cyberbullying, which was signed into law last year.

Her newest award is named after past National PTA President Shirley Igo, who was a model of public service and volunteerism throughout her life, the release said.

Sperry officially will receive the award March 13 during a reception at the 2019 National PTA Legislative Conference at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Va.

Sperry, a resident of Bunker Hill, W.Va., credits her mother for being a role model for her PTA activism. She first got involved locally in the organization 11 years ago, when her daughter entered school.

Both she and her daughter, who attends Musselman High School in Inwood, W.Va., are actively involved and believe strongly in advocating for children.

My mom had been in the PTA for (more than) 40 years, so I saw that activism in her and what kind of impact she made, so it was fate. And when my daughter started kindergarten, the very first thing I did was become a PTA member, Sperry said.

About half of Berkeley Countys schools have a PTA and membership is just $5 annually. Around half of that is sent to the national headquarters because advocacy work is a priority at all levels, Sperry said.

Parents are urged to participate in PTA activities, whether that means volunteering in a classroom or donating some weekend time to help with social-media posts, she said.
Jennifer Fitch

jenniferf@herald-mail.com

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.  A Chambersburg man charged late last week with eight felony counts of child pornography worked for the Chambersburg Area School District.

Scott Hambright, 26, is awaiting a preliminary hearing Feb. 12.

He was a substitute aide employed by a contract provider, school district officials said Monday in a news release.

Hambright previously was an aide employed by the district from Dec. 4, 2017, to Jan. 7, the release said.

Pennsylvania State Police said in a separate news release that Hambright was having inappropriate communication with minors and possessed illegal images.

As an education organization dedicated to serving and nurturing students, we are deeply distressed to learn of these allegations, Superintendent Joseph Padasak said in the school districts news release.

Hambright, who no longer is employed by the district or contractor, passed all background checks and clearances when he was hired, Padasak said.

 Jennifer Fitch
Julie E. Greene

julieg@herald-mail.com

Two more emergency service companies have requested help from Washington County government.

Smithsburg EMS and Potomac Valley Fire Co. joined Funkstown Volunteer Fire Co. and the Community Volunteer Fire Co. Inc. of District 12  in Fairplay  in seeking staffing or funding assistance from the county government.

All four companies submitted their requests before the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Associations membership unanimously agreed on Jan. 24 to endorse a recommendation for phase two of the firefighting staffing plan.

Phase two calls for the county to provide enough firefighters to provide one paid firefighter around the clock for each volunteer station. That would require 60 full-time firefighters to provide four firefighters per fire station.

The current cost for phase two is $4.5 million, assuming current pay scales.

Potomac Valleys difficulties were used as an example when the county commissioners were presented with a proposed multiphase firefighter staffing plan in October 2017.

Smithsburg EMS is in a critical financial situation, according to the letter President Joanie Gerber sent to Emergency Services Director R. David Hays.

The EMS company is struggling to cover a roughly $335,000 budget shortfall from last year, Assistant Chief and Operations Director Ward Fleger said Monday. The countys subsidy formula for ambulance companies is about 10 years old and hasnt been adjusted for cost of living, he said.

Hays is scheduled to provide an update to the commissioners on Tuesday about emergency service needs for staffing and funding.

If the commissioners want additional full-time firefighters, the Division of Emergency Services recommends applying for a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, or SAFER, grant, according to a county document. The federal grant program helps communities needing more firefighter assistance.

The grant application period is expected to open in the next several weeks, with notice of awarded grants anticipated in June, according to the county document.

Neighboring Berkeley County, W.Va., is preparing to hire nine more full-time firefighters thanks to a SAFER grant and county funds.

But the Washington County document states the SAFER grant couldnt be used for EMS staffing. Implementing phase two of the EMS staffing plan would cost approximately $2.5 million. That would be to hire or retain up to 104 EMS personnel, many of whom already work for the volunteer companies.

Fire and rescue companies have been struggling for years with the number of volunteers and volunteer hours available for emergencies.

Fleger said Smithsburg EMS doubled its full-time paid medical personnel in October 2017 from five to 10 because it was impossible to fill shifts between volunteers and part-time paid personnel.

The company has about 15 active volunteers who respond to calls.

Most part-time paid workers also had full-time emergency responder jobs. If their full-time job mandated overtime, they couldnt make it to their part-time job, Fleger said. Or they could be exhausted.

Much of the roughly $335,000 budget shortfall, for an approximately $800,000 operating budget, is associated with benefit costs for the full-time employees, Fleger said.

Nobody wants to say that tax word, but the county hasnt had a tax increase for a very long time, Fleger said. As a citizen of this county, I dont mind paying one bit because I look at it as an insurance policy to know fire and EMS will be properly funded and staffed.

Smithsburg EMSs volume increased by approximately 100 calls to more than 1,400 calls last year, Fleger said.

But the station received donations from about 15 percent of residential addresses in its primary call area during the annual fund drive, he said. That resulted in about $85,000.

Smithsburgs primary call area is about 80 square miles in the northeastern corner of the county. It also aids other companies, including in neighboring Franklin County, Pa., and Frederick County, Md.

The station received about $175,000 in billing revenue and approximately $200,000 from the county subsidy based on call volume and billing. Businesses have donated about $5,000.

Fleger said the financial numbers are rough. The EMS company is reviewing them with the county emergency services division.

Smithsburg is one of eight EMS companies in the county discussing a request to the county for assistance.

In response to the higher failure rates a few years ago, Potomac Valley hired its own paid firefighters, Fire Chief Roger Otzelberger Jr. has said. But that wasnt enough, so its been one of eight companies using the paid part-time firefighter program the county began in March.

A failed response is when a firetruck doesnt leave the station within 10 minutes of being dispatched, or doesnt leave at all. If a company doesnt leave within 5 minutes, its late and another company is dispatched.

Potomac Valley is the countys most southern volunteer fire company and covers a rural area.

Otzelberger previously told Herald-Mail Media the fire companys coverage area has a few small businesses in it so there arent a lot of businesses from which to request donations. It relies heavily on contributions from residents, but those have been falling off, he has said.
Dave McMillion

davem@herald-mail.com

The Washington County Division of Plan Review and Permitting granted a controversial demolition permit Tuesday for a roughly 208-year-old stone house and accessory buildings in the Fairplay community.

The move came less than 24 hours after the countys planning commission, sympathizing with property owners rights, unanimously recommended the approval of the demolition permit to tear down the house at 18461 Manor Church Road.

Plan Review and Permitting Director Ashley R. Holloway said with or without the planning commissions recommendation to grant the permit, the division would have issued it.

Its the way the process was written, Holloway said in a phone interview.

The Historic District Commission voted 5-0 on Jan. 16 to deny the demolition permit requested by Robert Householder, who bought the property in October.

Householder said previously that he bought the 132-acre property to tear down the home and build a new one.

Historic District Commission member Gary Rohrer said at the time: If everyone that purchased a historic structure or site with the expectation that Its my land, I can tear it down if I want to, in a generation we wont have any historic structures. Our heritage will be gone.

On Monday night, the planning commission voted 5-0 to support a permit to raze the Emmert-Wingert House. Planning commission member Randy Wagner, a county commissioner, abstained from voting. Wagner said Tuesday morning that he when he took the position on the planning commission, the county attorney advised him to abstain from a vote if the issue could end up before the commissioners.

Asked if there was consideration to take the matter to the county commissioners, Holloway said, Thats not part of the process.

Planning commission member David Kline said he appreciates historic preservation, but we dont have the right to tell (property owners) what they can and cannot do with their property.

Householder told planning commission members that when he looked at the property, he was told the house was a disaster. Also, 60 percent of the stone foundation on a barn, which is tied to the demolition permit, is falling apart, Householder said.

He wants to start a beef operation on the property and said the barn is not up to todays standards.

Householders application for the demolition permit triggered a policy that calls for a review of the permit by the Historic District Commission and the planning commission.

Planning commission member Jeremiah Weddle said he went through the Emmert-Wingert house once and considered buying it. But Weddle said the only feature worth anything was the limestone rock in it. Theres water running through the basement, Weddle said.

Why are we putting them through the wringer like this? he said, referring to the owners.

Planning and Zoning Director Stephen Goodrich said the county is not putting Householder through the wringer, emphasizing again the reviews are a part of the permit process.

Some Historic District Commission members were at the planning commission meeting, but they did not speak.

The Historic District Commission plans to meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Washington County Administrative Complex to discuss county demolition procedures.

Staff writer Julie E. Greene contributed to this story.
Don Aines

daines@herald-mail.com

A Hagerstown-area man was sentenced to seven years in state prison after pleading guilty Monday to sexual abuse of a minor as a continuing course of conduct.

Washington County Circuit Court Judge Daniel P. Dwyer sentenced 60-year-old Luther Eugene Giffin to 30 years in prison, suspending all but seven years. He must also register with the state as a sex offender, Assistant States Attorney Sarah Mollett-Gaumer said after the hearing.

Giffin will be on probation for five years after his release, according to online court records.

In May 2018, the Washington County Sheriffs Office received a report that Giffin inappropriately touched a preteen girl. When interviewed, the girl told investigators that he touched her around one hundred different times, the document said.

The last time Giffin touched her was about two days before police received a report, the charging document said. The girl said she thought the abuse had gone on for about eight months, according to the document.

Giffin was later interviewed and admitted to having touched the girl about 15 times between February and May of 2018, the document said.
In collaboration with superintendents of Oak Park District 97 and River Forest District 90, OPRF Superintendent Joylynn Pruitt-Adams said she will closely monitor the weather and road conditions throughout the evening and overnight. Administrators say they will reach out to parents as soon as possible if conditions warrant a delay or closure of school on Wednesday.
(CNN)  The U.S. and South Korea have reached a preliminary agreement on the cost of keeping nearly 30,000 troops in South Korea, two State Department officials said, alleviating fears among President Donald Trump's advisers that he could move to withdraw U.S. troops during his upcoming summit with North Korea's leader.

Under the revised Special Measures Agreement, South Korea would boost its financial contribution to nearly $1 billion, according to a State Department official and South Korean media. That's an increase on the about $800 million South Korea had been paying per year during the previous five-year commitment.

The most recent agreement lapsed at the end of last year. Since then, Trump had been pressuring South Korea to double its financial support to $1.6 billion, making some of his own administration officials worry that the President might offer to withdraw U.S. forces from South Korea during his second summit with Kim Jong Un later this month.

"Both sides are committed to working out remaining technical issues as quickly as possible," a State Department official said in a statement. "The United States appreciates the considerable resources the ROK provides to support the Alliance, including its contribution towards the cost of maintaining the presence of U.S. forces in Korea through the Special Measures Agreement."

But this would not be a long term fix: it is only a one year agreement, with the possibility for a one year extension, according to the State Department source. The previous agreements had been for five years. This means American and South Koreans officials will have to come back to the negotiating table on this same topic again later this year. Another round of talks will allow the Trump administration to demand more money, once again.

The agreement could also still get nixed by Trump. It is unclear if the president has personally signed off on what his top negotiators have agreed to. The National Security Council did not respond when asked if Trump has signed off on the current agreement.

The preliminary agreement relieved considerable anxiety in Washington and Seoul, but experts said the one-year span of the new deal could still tempt Trump to put the future of U.S. forces in South Korea into play during his meeting with Kim. They pointed in particular to Trump's surprise decision during his first summit with the North Korean dictator to suspend U.S.-South Korea military exercises, unbeknownst to his advisers.

"The Koreans have spent some money to batten down the hatches before this summit," said Mike Green, the former director of Asian affairs at the National Security Council under President George W. Bush. "But it doesn't mean (Trump) won't say something again about U.S. Forces Korea because his statements in Singapore were completely unscripted and surprising to his own team."

If the agreement goes through, Green said it would reduce the "danger" of Trump proposing a withdrawal of U.S. forces during his meeting with Kim.

Trump has long publicly lamented the cost of stationing U.S. troops around the world and has privately pressed his advisers about the possibility of withdrawing U.S. forces from the country. Last May, The New York Times reported Trump ordered the Pentagon to bring him options on reducing the U.S. troop presence in South Korea.

But Trump insisted in an interview that aired Sunday on CBS that he has "no plans" to withdraw U.S. troops from South Korea and claimed to have "never even discussed removing them," but said "maybe someday" he would withdraw U.S. forces from the country.

"I mean, who knows. But, you know, it's very expensive to keep troops there," Trump said, even though U.S. military officials have said it is cheaper to house those troops in South Korea than in the U.S..

It's comments like those that also heightened anxiety on Capitol Hill, prompting lawmakers last year to insert a provision into the National Defense Authorization Act disallowing the President to reduce the troop figure in South Korea below 22,000 without certification from the defense secretary. Additional legislation is currently pending that would further limit the President's ability to withdraw troops. Both would likely be challenged on constitutional grounds should Trump make such a move.

His top national security advisers have repeatedly urged him against doing so and stressed the benefit of having U.S. military bases in the region.

Under pressure

Trump is under pressure to demonstrate progress in his diplomatic opening with Pyongyang. Despite saying after his first meeting with Kim that the nuclear threat from North Korea had been eliminated, the regime is continuing to develop its nuclear program. The hermit kingdom has insisted any steps to roll back the program be accompanied by parallel measures, such as sanctions relief.

It is the economic benefits of denuclearization that Trump sought to emphasize during his last summit with Kim, held in June in Singapore. But with the next summit nearing, some in the administration worried Trump could raise the future of U.S. troops in South Korea as another incentive to prod Kim along.

As the Special Measures Agreement deadline approached late last year, U.S. and South Korean officials were poised to reach an agreement that would have likely increased South Korea's financial commitment, but kept it under $1 billion.

Over the course of the negotiations, which began in early spring, Trump was not regularly updated in detail, and U.S. officials hoped to wrap up talks and then sell the agreement to Trump as a win. But the plan was inadvertently disrupted by South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

During a conversation late last year, as Trump was once again lamenting what he saw as an insufficient financial commitment from South Korea, Moon reassured Trump that negotiations were underway and that he believed they were close to a new cost-sharing agreement, a U.S. official and source briefed on the matter told CNN.

The revelation prompted Trump to up the ante, telling his aides that U.S. negotiators should demand double the current South Korean financial commitment, the sources said.

The demand stalled negotiations between the two sides for weeks until the White House approved South Korea's latest offer for just under $1 billion over the weekend.

It was not immediately clear what prompted Trump to accept the latest offer, which fell short of the $1 billion threshold most officials involved believed would need to be met in order for Trump to accept.

Moon has come under political pressure from members of his left-leaning party to limit South Korea spending on U.S. troops. He, along with other senior members of the party, are veterans of a student democracy movement in the 1980s that came to view the U.S. military presence skeptically.

Some senior members of Moon's government have openly questioned whether U.S. troops would need to remain in South Korea if a peace treaty is signed ending the Korean War, one of the possible outcomes of Trump's North Korean diplomacy.

Troop withdrawals elsewhere

While the President's advisers were breathing a sigh of relief in light of the preliminary agreement, Trump had given them more reasons to worry in recent weeks. His recent decisions to begin the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria and Afghanistan heightened fears among the President's advisers that he could be inching toward a similar move in South Korea, multiple sources familiar with the matter said.

Trump is also now surrounded by fewer top advisers who served as bulwarks against some of his impulses, such as Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and White House chief of staff John Kelly, who left the administration in December. Mattis resigned in part over Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria.

Others inside Trump's administration, such as Joint Chiefs Chairman Joseph Dunford and national security adviser John Bolton, are likely to argue against withdrawing U.S. troops from South Korea, one official said. But as with his Syria decision, Trump has surprised aides with abrupt decisions.

Steve Biegun, the U.S. special representative on North Korea, said there have been no discussions with North Korea about a withdrawal of U.S. troops in South Korea.

"We are not involved in any diplomatic discussion  full stop  that would suggest this tradeoff. It has never been discussed," he said last week.

Yet Biegun also said the Trump administration is "prepared to discuss many actions that could help build trust" between North Korea and the U.S..

The concern among Trump administration officials, sources said, has been that Trump could put it on the table during one-on-one discussions with Kim, just as he emerged from his first summit with Kim and announced he was suspending U.S.-South Korean joint military exercises. That decision caught Mattis by surprise. It also came without advance warning to Seoul.

This story was first published on CNN.com "US-South Korea reach agreement over cost of US troops in region"
Don Aines

daines@herald-mail.com

A Sharpsburg-area man accused of burning his home down Friday night will remain held without bond despite his fiancees wish that he be allowed out of jail.

James Russell Anderson, 43, is charged with first-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning and reckless endangerment in the fire at 4815 Churchey Road, which was reported at 11:52 p.m.

The house was valued at $150,000 and the contents at another $50,000, according to the charging document filed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

The house is considered a total loss, Assistant States Attorney Brock Shriver said at Mondays bond hearing in Washington County District Court.

A news release from the fire marshals office stated that Anderson was the owner of the single-story frame house.

Anderson called fiancee Rebecca Anne Finkleman earlier in the evening from an establishment and advised her to keep her phone on in case something happened, according to the charging document. Shortly thereafter, Anderson returned home and went into the basement, where Finkleman heard loud noises.

Finkleman went downstairs and found Anderson hitting things with a sledgehammer, the document said. She took the sledgehammer from him and went back upstairs.

A few minutes later, she returned to the basement and saw Anderson setting fire to a cardboard box with an open flame device, the document said. The type of device was not specified.

Finkleman warned him that he could set the house on fire, but he kicked the box, which set fire to curtains. The fire quickly spread, the document said.

Finkleman called 911, the document said. All of her belongings were in the house and were not insured, she told investigators.

Investigators could not get into the house because much of it had collapsed, the document said.

Shriver told retired District Court Judge W. Milnor Roberts that Andersons behavior was reckless and unpredictable and asked the judge to hold him without bail.

Attorney David Harbin told Roberts that the fire was a horrific accident and noted that Finkleman was present in the courtroom.

Shes 100 percent behind her fiancee, Harbin said. Shed like to see him home.

Roberts declined to set a bond.
Don Aines

daines@herald-mail.com

Acting as his own attorney, Darnell Keiths closing argument lasted 55 minutes on Monday. Then, the jury took five minutes to convict him of assaulting a Hagerstown police officer in 2017.

The jury convicted Keith, 28, of no fixed address, of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct for slugging Officer Duane White with a bottle on the morning of Oct. 5, 2017. Washington County Circuit Court Judge Dana Moylan Wright ordered a presentence investigation and set sentencing for March 26.

Sean Gilligan, an officer with the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, testified he was outside the One Stop Job Center at 14 N. Potomac St. when a woman told him a man on her porch in the first block of East Franklin Street refused to leave.

Gilligan, who knew Keith from an encounter a day earlier, said he saw him with a pair of ladys underwear on his head and a pair of sunglasses with one of the lenses missing.

Keith came down the porch steps yelling and cursing and Gilligan testified he called for backup. White arrived in a marked police car, pulled to a stop near Keith and got out of the vehicle.

Gilligan testified Keith turned around and hit White on the side of the head with one of those cheap vodka bottles made of plastic.

White and Gilligan subdued Keith and placed him in custody.

They cant prove I was yelling at the top of my lungs, at least not from the body cam video, Keith told the jury. Often speaking in the third person, Keith said he was walking away from the officers when they assaulted him.

An officer followed him into the alley way to provoke him, said Keith, adding that one officer hates me. He told the jury he acted in self-defense, although he presented no evidence to that effect in the trial.

Dont think because these people are officers that theyre telling the truth, Keith said. Please dont do this. Its an injustice within the justice system.

Assistant States Attorney Kenny Shapiro objected several times during Keiths closing argument, saying at one point that Keith was not arguing anymore. Perhaps monologuing.

Keiths trial was an appeal from a district court conviction in which he was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison. Keith, who has represented himself in court before and lost, began Monday by discharging the assistant public defender assigned as his lawyer.

When Wright asked Keith whether he wanted a presentence investigation, he replied, What happens if I lie about my background? He then told the judge he was not willing to assist in the investigation.

Keiths assault on White triggered a violation of probation charge for a 2016 assault conviction in Frederick County, for which he received a 10-year suspended sentence, according to online court records.
Don Aines

daines@herald-mail.com

The owner of a building housing a downtown Hagerstown restaurant was arrested on drug charges Monday following a Washington County Narcotics Task Force raid on the property.

Jose Resino Gomez, 41, of North Edgewood Drive, Hagerstown, was charged with possession of cocaine and marijuana, and maintaining a common nuisance for the distribution and use of narcotics.

Gomez is listed in state property records as the owner of 10 E. Washington St., the home of El Paso restaurant. He was seen leaving the restaurant shortly before the raid.

He also was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of narcotics packaging materials, charging documents said. District Judge Mark D. Thomas set bond for Gomez at $80,000 during a hearing Tuesday.

The task force obtained a search warrant for the business on Feb. 1, but the charging document did not indicate why it had come under suspicion.

Agents went there at 11:15 a.m. Monday to find the restaurant locked, despite its opening time of 11 a.m. After several minutes of knocking, an agent broke a door windowpane to get inside and found a man preparing food in the kitchen.

Agents also found a man and woman in the basement who said they were living there with Gomezs permission for about a week, the document said.

The man and the woman were released after police found they had no arrest warrants.

The man in the kitchen was asked to call Gomez, but the call went to voice mail. Shortly after that, Gomez called back, but an agent took the call and asked Gomez to return to the restaurant, the document said.

In a search of the restaurant, authorities found four bags of packaged marijuana amounting to less than 3 ounces, as well as a bank deposit bag containing pieces of suspected crack cocaine, the document said.

Agents also found suspected K-2 (a synthetic cannabinoid), utility knives and digital scales with white powdery residue, two beverage cans with hidden compartments, and plastic bags, some with the corners removed and others bearing decals.

Two live .380-caliber rounds were found in a basket near the cash register. Police seized the business surveillance camera recording system, the document said.

The charging document said the scales, bags and other paraphernalia could be used for weighing and packing drugs.

All of the seized items were in a storage room near the cash register or in the chips and salsa area of the restaurant, according to the charging document.

Assistant Public Defender Lisa Havilland said at the bond hearing that the areas also were near bathrooms that the public might use.

Havilland said Gomez has six employees at his business.

She asked Thomas to release Gomez on his own recognizance or a $5,000, 10 percent bond, which could be satisfied with a $500 payment.

If hes the owner of the restaurant, why cant he post bond? Thomas asked.

The judge said he set bond at an amount he expected Gomez could afford.
Clark gave the tidying process a try with the contents of her armoire, though she said she talked more to herself than her clothing. I havent worn this in three years. Why do I keep holding onto this, Clark said she asked.
Democrats have not always put principle over party. Many are just now feeling the aftereffects of standing by President Bill Clinton after his affair with Monica Lewinsky and other allegations of sexual assault. That history made it especially challenging to condemn Trump as unfit for office over his sexual misconduct during the 2016 campaign, especially since he was running against Hillary Clinton, who defends her husband to this day.

The Clinton issue is bound to come up during the 2020 campaign. Already, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., who is running for president, made waves in 2017 when she said President Bill Clinton should have resigned. That question of whether he should have resigned will probably be asked of others, and theyll have little choice but to say the same.

Alternatively, Republicans have had a harder time taking the moral high ground since Trump became their partys standard-bearer. The most aggressive action theyve taken on any misconduct is to strip Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, from his committee assignments over comments he made wondering why white nationalism had become an offensive term. Several Republicans said he should resign, but he hasnt.
UPDATE

Rocky J. Reynolds, age 36, the suspect from the armed standoff earlier this afternoon is now in custody at the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office.

Reynolds faces charges from Dickenson County where officials there say he shot a woman earlier today. He will also face charges in Buchanan County.

Reynolds was engaged in a standoff with police at the Appalachian Inn on Hoot Owl Road in Grundy. Officers were able to force their way into his room and take Reynolds into custody.

ORIGINAL STORY

Police are engaged in a standoff at the Appalachian Inn on Hoot Owl Road in Grundy.

The Buchanan County Sheriff's Office and Virginia State Police are currently attempting to negotiate with an unidentified man. There is no hostage, according to Buchanan County dispatch.

We'll have more information when it becomes available.

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More than a quarter of people living in poverty in the U.S. receive no help from food stamps and other nutrition programs, subsidized housing, cash benefits, or child care assistance, according to a new Urban Institute analysis examining the reach of the social safety net.

* * *

That means 13 million people at the poverty line, with household incomes below $25,100 a year for a family of four, are disconnected from federal programs for the neediest Americans.

Among the very poorest Americans - families of four making less than $13,000 a year - nearly a third receive no benefit from the federal safety net.

"There are a lot of people in this country who are not attached to our major systems of support, and they are in desperate need," said Gregory Acs, vice president for income and benefits policy at the Urban Institute.

Black Americans are most likely to receive assistance, with 85 percent of those in poverty receiving at least one form of aid. Hispanics and Asians are least likely, with 66 and 67 percent, respectively. Among whites, 70 percent receive at least one benefit.

Researchers who study poverty and government assistance programs suggested multiple reasons some groups are more likely to receive benefits than others. Studies have shown that lower-income white families have more resources to fall back on than lower-income nonwhite families.

Among black and white families with equally low incomes, the assets and net wealth of poor African-Americans tend to be well below those of whites - leaving them with fewer alternatives to government assistance programs, said Arloc Sherman, a senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Families with even a small amount of savings - between $250 to $750 - are less likely to receive public benefits when faced with job loss, unexpected medical bills and other income disruptions, said Signe-Mary McKernan, an economist at the Urban Institute whose research focuses on financial security.

Whites are more likely than blacks and Hispanics to own homes, have retirement savings, and inherit money, even at lower-income levels, she said.

"That's money that can be used to tide families over in an emergency," McKernan said.

In addition to family wealth, immigration status and the social stigma surrounding federal benefits may also play a role in the gap, researchers said. Undocumented immigrants - of whom a fifth live in poverty, according to the Pew Hispanic Center - are not eligible to receive benefits.

In Mississippi,where poor whites are twice as likely as their black counterparts to not receive federal assistance, advocates say the racial stigma surrounding government help hurts lawmakers' will to expand the safety net. Instead, the deeply red state has enacted policies that make it more difficult to access food stamps, welfare and child care assistance, said Carol Burnett, executive director of the Mississippi Low-Income Child Care Initiative.

"There is a real racial undercurrent in our state in attitudes toward public assistance," said Burnett, who is white. "Public assistance is maligned by white conservative policymakers the same way it is nationally - that it serves as a disincentive, that people are too lazy, that people don't deserve it - this whole set of descriptors that functions as code language in Mississippi to basically mean black people."

Valorie Ladner, a white mother in Waveland Mississippi, said she's had to brush aside the judgment of extended family members and seek government help to feed her four children. She receives about $750 a month in food stamps, a fact she used to try to hide from strangers at the grocery store by quickly swiping her EBT card.

"I'm not going to let my kids go without because of my pride," said Ladner, 36, whose husband, who is in construction and plumbing, is out of work. Ladner recently got a temporary $1,200-a-month job as a janitor at her daughter's school.

Ladner said she was also set to apply for subsidized housing but her father, a retired fireman, allowed her family to live in his house rent-free.

"If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have a roof over my head," Ladner said. "I'm lucky to have help from my family. Not everybody has that safety net."

In Biloxi, Mississippi, Tanasia Butler made $10 to $14 an hour answering customer service calls for Grubhub from home while completing her bachelor's degree in communication through a University of Maryland online program.

Her family lived in public housing for three years and relied on food stamps.

Butler, who is black, said she couldn't ask her mother or grandmother in Chicago for help because they, too, depended on federal assistance.

"The bottom line is that family support was just not available," said Butler, 30. "It's a humbling experience to ask for help - imagine having to go to a building and talk to a stranger about how you aren't able to take care of yourself and your family. Without these programs in place, there is no safety net for people like me."

After she earned her degree last year, she got a new job making $30 an hour as a sales representative for a virtual human resources firm. One month into her new job, Butler's earnings grew, and she was cut from receiving any federal benefits.

"My goal was always to get off them," she said. "The stigma is that black people are lazy, but those benefits helped me survive. Struggle doesn't have a color."

Butler, who was promoted to senior recruiter, now makes $100,000 a year. She bought a three-bedroom house in Gulfport, where she lives with her husband, a truck driver for a moving company, and their five children, including two stepchildren and a newborn.

"A little help goes a long way with the right person," she said.

Public polling reveals that black and white Americans hold different views about public assistance. Whites were far more likely than African-Americans to say federal government programs aimed at improving people's standard of living generally make things worse - 37 percent compared to 8 percent, according to a 2017 Washington Post-Kaiser Family Foundation national poll.

A 57 percent majority of whites said it's more common for irresponsible people to get help they don't deserve; 38 percent of whites said they feel it's more common for needy people to go without benefits, the Post-Kaiser poll found. Among African-Americans, 45 percent said it's more common for irresponsible people to get undeserved help, while 51 percent said it's more common that people in need don't receive government assistance.

Overall, the federal safety net reaches nearly 1 in 5 Americans each month, including nearly a third of all children, according to the Urban Institute analysis. Among the 59 million Americans receiving some type of assistance, 43 percent are white, 26 percent are Hispanic, 23 percent are black, and 8 percent are Asian.

The Urban Institute study, which adjusts for the underreporting of benefits, did not examine how much individuals receive in benefits or whether the assistance meets their needs.

The reach of the safety net differs across states, the analysis found. On average, the estimated percentage of people with household incomes below $50,200 for a family of four who receive help from at least one of the programs ranges from 36 percent in Utah to 67 percent in the District of Columbia.

Some states make it easier to enroll in safety net programs through active outreach or additional state funding. Other states have enacted policies such as work requirements that the Trump administration is seeking to expand.

The researchers included in their analysis a basket of six monthly benefits available only to individuals or families who meet certain income guidelines: cash assistance for seniors and individuals with disabilities, cash welfare, subsidized housing, child care subsidies, food stamps, and supplemental nutrition for pregnant women and mothers with young children.

They did not include Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) because federally subsidized health care was undergoing significant changes following the adoption of the Affordable Care Act. Most people who qualify for Medicaid/CHIP are also likely to receive another form of assistance, researchers said.

The Washington Post's Scott Clement and Emily Guskin contributed to this report.
Students in kindergarten through sixth grade are tested three times a year, in line with Tennessee mandates, to gauge reading and math proficiency. The most recent assessments showed the district has 351 fewer elementary school students with an at-risk designation for reading proficiency compared to fall assessment results. All 11 elementary schools in the district had decreases in at-risk students.

Sullivan County attributes these gains to a multi-year investment in reading proficiency, centered around the adoption of an improved reading and writing curriculum as well as extensive teacher training on success with that curriculum, wrote Robin McClellan, the school systems supervisor of elementary education. Sullivan County has also focused on the most effective ways to use data about student skill gaps to tailor the work that students do when working in small groups with instructors.
GRUNDY, Va.  A Dickenson County man was arrested Monday following a shooting and a standoff with police.

Rocky J. Reynolds, 36, of Dickenson County, was taken into custody shortly before 4 p.m., after authorities burst into his room at the Appalachian Inn in Grundy, according to the Buchanan County Sheriffs Office. Charges are pending in both jurisdictions.

Authorities say Reynolds shot his girlfriend Monday in an incident and then fled across the county line to Grundy. Police shut down Hoot Owl Road, where the hotel is located, and the sheriffs office and Virginia State Police began negotiations. Later a tactical team entered the room and took Reynolds into custody.

The investigation is continuing.
HURLEY, Va.  A mining company received a cessation order and two notices of violation for a mine blowout that occurred last week.

The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy investigated the blowout that occurred in the Upper Elk Creek area of Buchanan County at about 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 30. The DMME said its investigators determined the incident occurred in an underground mine owned by CM Mining, LLC. The company has been ordered to stabilize the site.

CM Mining was issued one cessation order for causing imminent danger to the public health and safety, according to Tarah Kesterson, public relations manager for the DMME. They were also issued two notices of violation.

The mine stopped producing coal in 1994 and was reclaimed. But it still has a permit with DMME because the agency still monitors water at the site to ensure it is clean, Kesterson said.

Along with the violations, CM Mining must submit a plan that addresses water conditions of the underground works and have it approved by DMME. In the plan, the company must also list steps to prevent further material damage to offsite areas and any sudden release of built up water from the mine workings.
BRISTOL, Va.  City teachers will likely receive a pay increase in the upcoming fiscal year, but some may get more than others, based on options discussed Monday by the city school board.

Education funding from the state is forecast to increase for fiscal 2019-20, so Superintendent Keith Perrigan presented the board with four options  all of which would specifically be used to bolster the starting pay level for teachers in the system.

I see my job to make recommendations and  when [the board makes] a decision  to implement. I think we can afford two of the options better than the other two, and one I like better, Perrigan said. I think we have a deficit at the early years of our scale, and I think were very competitive at the top. We have a very unique opportunity  that I dont remember having in public education  to have a significant impact on it.

Bristol, Virginia, currently pays its first-year teachers $36,360, which ranks among the lowest in the state  118th out of 133 school divisions. The state average is $41,150, while neighboring Bristol, Tennessee, starts teachers at more than $42,000 annually.
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Shane Ragsdale, formerly of Greenville, beloved son of Sheila June Winters and father Sariah Vanderwal-Ragsdale, passed away May 31, 2021 in the ICU of Hilo Hawaii hospital of pneumonia. Hi memorial service was held June 12, in Makapala, Hawaii. His fellowship on Earth will be missed; antici
A: I love the downtown. There are great restaurants and shops. The people are great. I grew up in Peoria. My husband is from Libertyville. Hes a lawyer, also. He convinced me to raise our family there. Im lucky enough that we have an office in Lake County. I can still drop my kids at school in the morning and go to work. There are a lot of things to do in Lake County, especially for families  Independence Grove (Forest Preserve), Ravinia (Festival) and Six Flags (Great America). Its a small-town feel with lots of big attractions for families and great schools.
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A senior waste management official is insisting there are no plans to force households to sign up with private bin collectors - but anyone who can't prove they dispose of their waste properly will be fined 75.

People in "bin sharing" arrangements with neighbours will need to put a formal declaration in place, while those who choose to go to the local dump will need to keep receipts.

Bye-laws being put in place by local authorities across the country will target tens of thousands of homes not currently using private waste collecting companies.

Under the plan, those companies will share the unique Eircodes of their paying customers with authorities, which will then be checked against Eircodes in a given locality.

Inspectors will target homes with no contract and a penalty of 75 will be issued to anyone who can't prove they are properly disposing of their waste. Fines can increase up to 2,500 if a case reaches the courts.

Hugh Coughlan, regional co-ordinator of the Eastern Midlands Regional Waste Office, insisted that having no private bin collector in itself will not lead to a fine.

"You don't have to have a contract. We do recognise, for example, that some people do bin sharing," he said.

"In that case there will have to be a declaration and the specific situation will probably have to be more regularised," he told the Herald.

"We may end up issuing fines after all the checks and balances show that you cannot prove you've been properly disposing of your waste."

Inspections

People who use facilities such as the local dump will also be taken into consideration, he said, with households expected to retain receipts.

The main aim of the plan is to ensure people are properly disposing of their waste, Mr Coughlan said.

While door-to-door, TV licence-style inspections will be carried out, there will be an element of investigation, in which inspectors have to be completely satisfied an individual can't prove their waste is being properly disposed of before fining.

Mr Coughlan was confident the proposal for private waste companies to share customers' Eircodes with councils did not breach data protection law.

"It's not personal data," Mr Coughlan said. "The legislation allows us to use that."

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner had not responded last night to a request for clarification on whether this was an acceptable practice.

Meanwhile, a campaign on the plan is due to be put in place in the coming months as inspectors could be on the streets by early spring.
Some patients at Dublin's Mater Hospital who were scheduled to have cancer surgery today have had their operations cancelled as the impact of the nurses' strike worsens.

Although several cancer services are exempted from the national strike, some hospitals were forced to tell patients their surgery is being put back.

Today's action will again affect more than 25,000 patients and people reliant on community services across the country as more than 35,000 nurses withdraw their labour in the bitter row over pay.

HSE official Ann Fitzgerald warned yesterday of the "cumulative effect" of the strikes, with another planned for Thursday.

She said it would be increasingly difficult to offer an early date for rescheduling patients who have had cancellations.

Alexandra Trotsenko, from Balbriggan in Dublin, was told last week her scheduled breast cancer surgery today at the Mater Hospital had to be cancelled due to the strike.

Ms Trotsenko (46) was diagnosed with invasive cancer in January, she told RTE's Liveline yesterday.

She said she was very concerned at the delay and had not yet been given a new date.

Shortage

Today's action will leave hospitals with just an emergency service. Some 13,000 outpatient clinics are cancelled and at least 2,000 surgeries.

Hospitals will be forced to reduce surgeries tomorrow in order to keep wards as free as possible due to the shortage of nurses. Limited urgent and complex surgery is going ahead.

The HSE said it is having to make hospitals as safe as possible with the reduced staffing.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) is widening the strike action to include nurse-led respite day services for adults with an intellectual disability and the elderly.

Sarah Lennon, acting chief executive of Inclusion Ireland, representing people with an intellectual disability, said some relatives were contacted yesterday to be told the day service will not be going ahead today.

All planned admissions, including respite and rehabilitation, to public nursing homes and centres for people with intellectual disability are also being cancelled.

There are major worries also about safety in hospital A&E departments due to the refusal of nurses to carry out a triage of incoming patients to prioritise those who are in most urgent need of help.

There are no plans for resolution talks.
He wouldn't jump at another crime series but returning to Ireland for work is definitely something Robert Sheehan would be up for.

The 31-year-old from Co Laois told the Herald that he isn't likely to choose a role similar to doe-eyed criminal Darren any time soon but if the opportunity to shoot a new Irish drama arose, he'd be on board.

"I would love to come back to work in Ireland. I haven't worked there in a few years, other than Young Offenders before Christmas, so yeah, I'd like to do another series," he told the Herald.

"I wouldn't be bothered or say it has to be a thriller or supernatural. I judge it on its merits.

"It could be anything and if it is like anything I've done before I am probably less likely to do it."

Asked if he felt under pressure to secure roles after the success of Love/Hate, which ended in 2014, he said: "Not in the respect that Love/Hate has been a success, now I have to be big.

"Ireland has a tendency to validate success on how a person is seen outside of Ireland, like if an artist is number one in another country - that is quite sad, to be honest."

It had been "great fun" working on the show but he "couldn't keep doing the same stuff forever", he added.

Not being based in London gave him a break from people asking about his career moves, he said.

"I don't live in Ireland so I'm not faced with people enquiring about where my career is going. I can just take it one day at a time - or one trouser leg at a time as they say."

The Misfits actor said he doesn't read reviews of any of his work either.

"Not a word - because if you believe the positive, you'd believe the negative. If you're looking at external sources of how you're doing, you'd never be happy," he said.

He stars as Russian Nikolai in the film The Song Of Sway Lake, which is available now on On Demand in the UK and Ireland, mastering an accent for the role.

"The last thing you want is for the accent to be distracting. I needed time in post-production to go back to make the accent better and re-recorded the audio," said Sheehan.

He is also part of the cast of new Netflix series The Umbrella Academy.

Interesting

He said the shift from traditional TV and cinema made it an "interesting time" for the industry.

"I suppose it's just an improvement of technology and distribution. It is an interesting time and Netflix is an extraordinary company," he said.

"It's the era of TV, the mini-series, and you get to spend time with characters for longer and in more depth than in a movie.

"All people can talk about is what they're watching on Netflix."
Health Minister Simon Harris is under fire over the NCH costs

Health Minister Simon Harris has denied he encouraged the chairman of the controversial National Children's Hospital's (NCH) development board to resign.

He was speaking as he continues to face massive pressure over the spiralling costs of the project, now set to hit 1.7bn for construction and fit-out.

The chairman of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB), Tom Costello, resigned on Saturday.

He said he was concerned about the "reputational damage" that commentary on the costs was having on this "crit- ically important project".

Mr Costello insisted he acted with "professionalism and integrity" during his tenure.

Mr Harris said he met Mr Costello at the Department of Health on Friday evening and they "had a good and long conversation about the project".

He said they were both aware his name was being speculated on in the media and opposition politicians had called for his resignation.

"He agreed he was going to need to reflect on that further and he took the decision on Saturday," said Mr Harris, also noting that in his involvement in the NCH project Mr Costello "was motivated only by good and by public service".

He added: "But he was the chair of the board and he obviously took the decision to resign in the interests of the project."

RTE Radio's Sean O'Rourke asked if Mr Harris encouraged Mr Costello to make the decision.

"No. We had a conversation. Tom Costello made his own decision," Mr Harris replied.

There is growing criticism of Mr Harris over the 450m increase in construction costs to 1.4bn. Another 300m is to be spent equipping the hospital.

Amid intense scrutiny of who knew what and when about the escalating costs, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has also been criticised.

Labour TD Alan Kelly acc-used Mr Harris and Mr Donohoe of a "hands-off approach" to the NCH project.

"The handling of dealing with these overruns has been absolutely shambolic," he said.

Accountable

Mr Harris last night defended his actions and rejected suggestions that he took his eye off the ball.

He said he should be held accountable for the decision he took advising the Government to proceed with the project.

"I think the real scandal here would have been if the minister for health recommended not proceeding with the hospital that has been promised in this country for decades and has not been delivered," he said.

He said his department constantly sought updates once concerns over costs were raised with it in August last year and "did due diligence", with experts commissioned to determine the full scale of the costs.

Earlier, he dismissed as "ridiculous" suggestions that the growing cost of the NCH was not revealed last autumn due to the threat of a general election.

Mr Donohoe said he was awaiting the outcome of the PwC review of the situation before it could be determined if the Government has confidence in the board overseeing the construction of the hospital.

However, he also believes "things should have been done differently" and the "flow of information in relation to the escalating cost of the hospital should have been made available earlier to the Government in its entirety".

Capital projects which may be delayed due to the NCH overrun are to be announced next week.
Jim will do the second meeting in February and I plan to be back in March, he said. I have to let my body heal. It looks good on the outside, but I have to let it heal on the inside.
A senior dissident who gardai believe is the leader of the New IRA in Dublin has become the fourth man found guilty of the murder of father-of-three Peter Butterly nearly six years ago.

Kevin Braney (44), formerly of Glenshane Crescent, was found guilty of being involved in the organisation and planning of the premeditated shooting of dissident republican Butterly (35) outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013.

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Delivering judgment yesterday at the non-jury Special Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul Coffey, presiding, sitting with Judge Martin Nolan and Judge James Faughnan, said the court was driven "irresistibly" to the conclusion Braney was involved in the organisation and planning of Butterly's murder beyond a reasonable doubt.

Observed

The court found that Braney had attended meetings with others involved in the murder plot and that a massive garda surveillance operation had observed him driving in his own car in convoy with the killers as they moved a car the night before the murder.

Braney was also observed by gardai driving on the route the killers would take to and from the murder scene.

Butterly died instantly from three gunshot wounds to the neck and back after trying to flee his killers when they opened fire on his car where he had parked to meet associates.

Prior to the murder, gardai had a number of vehicles and individuals under surveillance but no knowledge that a murder was going to take place.

They had observed vehicles moving toward The Huntsman Inn and away from it and apprehended the chief suspects as they made their getaway.

In his opening address last October 4, prosecuting counsel Paul O'Higgins SC told the court that Braney "is said in effect to have been the man who gave the orders... and is shown to have had an extensive involvement".

Giving the court's verdict yesterday, the judge said the circumstantial evidence connected Braney with Butterly's killers Dean Evans and Edward McGrath as well as with The Huntsman Inn.

The court considered it "highly significant" that Braney drove to The Huntsman Inn following a meeting at David Cullen's flat in Balbriggan on the night prior to the shooting.

There was also evidence that Braney met Butterly's murderers two days before the killing.

The judge added that the circumstantial evidence also connected the defendant with a meeting that took place the day after the murder.

He outlined the evidence that gardai had placed a listening device at that meeting in the KFC restaurant at Charlestown Shopping Centre in Finglas and that six men including Braney could be heard talking about the killing and how the area was saturated with gardai.

One piece of conversation picked up by the listening device was "Sorry... did you do the pickup?" This was followed by: "No, no, no. Everything got f**ked up. Butterly had to have known that something was going down." Another piece of conversation was: "All we know is what was on the news. We're not out of the woods yet."

Proximate

This judges found this meeting was "so proximate" in time that the court could not dismiss it as unconnected.

In July last year, Evans (27), of Grange Park View Rise in Raheny, was given a mandatory life sentence for murder after pleading guilty to firing the shots that killed Butterly.

He had been in custody since the previous April when he was extradited from Spain after spending 18 months on the run.

In 2017 the Special Criminal Court also convicted McGrath (36), of Land Dale Lawns, Springfield, Tallaght, and Sharif Kelly (48), of Pinewood Green Road, Balbriggan, with the murder of Butterly.
'The defendant, of Fettercairn Road, Tallaght, admitted driving without insurance as well as dangerous driving and resisting arrest.' (stock photo)

A banned driver who travelled at speeds of 80kph in a housing estate before crashing into bollards was lucky he did not kill himself or anyone else, a judge has said.

Michael Cash (37) jumped from the car and tried to flee. He had to be wrestled to the ground by gardai.

Cash was suffering withdrawal symptoms at the time and had gone out to buy heroin.

Judge Patricia McNamara imposed a 10-month jail sentence and disqualified Cash from driving for 15 years.

The defendant, of Fettercairn Road, Tallaght, admitted driving without insurance as well as dangerous driving and resisting arrest.

Gda Stephen Murray told Tallaght District Court he was on the N81 Tallaght Bypass shortly after 7pm last March 28 when he saw Cash driving a grey Seat Leon.

Gda Murray activated the blue lights and siren and signalled for Cash to stop, but he failed to do so.

The defendant drove off at speed on the wrong side of the road.

Wrestled

Cash drove into the De Selby housing estate, doing speeds of 80kph. It was still bright, with people outside, and pedestrians had to take evasive action.

Gda Murray said Cash lost control of the car, hit the footpath and crashed into bollards.

He tried to flee and had to be wrestled to the ground. He further admitted driving while uninsured at Glenshane Drive and Cheeverstown Road, both in Tallaght, on December 22, 2017 and last June 6.

The court heard Cash had 76 previous convictions, including eight for uninsured driving. He was serving a 12-year driving ban at the time of this incident.

Defence lawyer Stephen Montgomery said Cash had four children. His wife died in 2011 and he turned to heroin to cope with her death.

In relation to Gda Murray's testimony, Cash had no memory of the incident, said Mr Montgomery.

His client was suffering sev-ere withdrawal symptoms and had gone out to buy heroin.

Cash would benefit from working with the probation service, Mr Montgomery said.

However, Judge McNamara imposed a 10-month jail sentence, saying Cash could have killed someone and that type of driving could not be tolerated in any way.
An armed thug has been arrested after being confronted by heroic staff during a botched armed robbery in Dublin at the weekend.

On Sunday night, a masked man entered a Chinese takeaway on the South Circular Road and threatened staff at knifepoint.

However, after taking a sum of money, he was overpowered and restrained until gardai arrived.

It is understood the suspect sustained a number of injuries after being disarmed, but did not require hospital treatment.

Radar

Gardai confirmed that officers based at Kevin Street Garda Station arrested a male in relation to the armed robbery, which took place at 11.30pm in the Rialto area of the South Circular Road.

The Herald can reveal that gardai are investigating if there are any links to a spate of 20 robberies across the capital's southside over the past eight weeks.

The 21-year-old is also a close associate of a Dublin man currently before the courts in relation to a serious crime linked to the Hutch-Kinahan feud.

"He is only a young lad but he's been on the garda radar for some time," a source said.

"A number of different districts across Dublin have been actively searching for him in relation to a number of robberies.

"The suspect was apprehended after trying to rob a takeaway - and got a hiding for his troubles.

"There's a queue of gardai to interview him over different robberies. There have been a number of them recently."

The suspect can be held for up to 24 hours in relation to Sunday night's botched raid, but has also been quizzed over a number of recent robberies in the area.

He has been a target for gardai based in Kevin Street, as well as officers in Crumlin and Sundrive Road.

The 21-year-old has close to 30 previous convictions, including for traffic, public order and drugs offences.

"Gardai are investigating a robbery, which occurred at a premises on the South Circular Road, Rialto, shortly before 11.30pm on February 3," a spokesman said.

Injuries

"A male armed with a knife entered the premises and stole a sum of money.

"The suspect, a male in his 20s, was subsequently arrested and conveyed to Kevin Street Garda Station."

The thug was previously convicted of carrying out a violent robbery during which one of his victims was beaten across the head with a metal pole.

The female was hospitalised with head injuries after a sum of cash and her mobile phone were stolen.

Gardai objected to bail and the then-teenager was remanded in custody for six months because of fears that he would carry out further crimes.

He was arrested after handing himself into gardai and claiming he acted in self-defence - and was later given a suspended sentence.
The number of mortgage holders hit by the tracker scandal has shot up again.

The latest update from the Central Bank shows there are now close to 40,000 mortgage holders who are victims of the massive rip-off.

There has been an increase of around 1,400 in the number of cases conceded by the banks since the summer.

Up to the end of last year, lenders had paid out 647m to customers affected by their failure to ensure people did not lose valuable tracker mortgages.

This is an increase of 67m on the figure in August.

The Central Bank said 39,800 mortgage account holders had been impacted by the scandal at the end of December.

Regulators said more customers are likely to be included in the probe of 15 lenders taking trackers off borrowers.

The Central Bank will continue to challenge all lenders until it is satisfied that all groups of affected customers have been identified, it said.

It is not mentioned in the latest update, but more than 100 mortgage holders lost their homes after banks illegally denied them trackers.

The probe, which is expected to finish this year, is the biggest ever conducted by the Central Bank. It has been running for three years and cost the banks 1bn.

Ninety-seven per cent of those impacted have received redress and compensation. Most are back on a tracker rate, cutting monthly repayments by up to 500.

Six lenders are the subject of enforcement investigations by the regulator. They are AIB, its EBS subsidiary, Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank, Permanent TSB and KBC Bank.

Derville Rowland, director general of financial conduct at the Central Bank, said enforcement investigations are being conducted in parallel with the Central Bank's tracker examin- ation. Some of those are due to conclude this year.

"The extensive, intrusive and complex work we've undertaken throughout the examination has always been about ensuring that lenders identify, redress and compensate affected customers," she said.

Misconduct

"The vast majority of affected customers have now been identified and paid, with 647m in redress and compensation paid.

"As the supervisory phase of the examination is nearing completion, we will continue robustly to challenge the work lenders are doing in identifying, redressing and compensating those customers affected."

Ms Rowland said the probe has revealed the unacceptable damage that misconduct can cause consumers, including the loss of their homes and properties in some cases.

Fianna Fail's finance spokesperson Michael McGrath, said: "It is extraordinary that over three years on from the launch of the Central Bank tracker probe, the banks are still finding more customers affected."
Primary school-age children are signing up to social media and chatting with strangers, but parents are "laissez-faire" regarding the dangers, a children's charity has warned.

A survey of 1,200 primary school pupils from third, fourth and fifth classes revealed 79pc of children owned a smart device capable of accessing the internet.

Coerced

Of those, 40pc of pupils admitted speaking to strangers online either through social media channels or games consoles, with a third of those admitting speaking to them every day.

Mick Moran, a board director at children's charity CyberSafeIreland - which conducted the research - and formerly of the Crimes Against Children Department at Interpol, said children are being coerced into sharing explicit photos online, which end up being shared elsewhere on the internet.

"It is true that parents should be concerned, and ultimately this is no longer a new thing but it's a new reality," he said.

"There's a certain naivety with Irish parents - a laissez-faire attitude - that comes from this attitude of putting it into the 'too difficult drawer' instead of dealing with it.

"We see a common theme where kids or young girls are sharing photographs of themselves that they mightn't like their mothers to see and then those things are used in ads for pornography sites or worse.

"The other nasty thing is the sexual grooming, which can sometimes turn into sexual blackmail or extortion, where a photo is shared and that photo is used to blackmail the child into revealing more and more sexual content - up to and including sexual acts.

"And the unbelievable pressure that is put on the child in those cases can lead to suicide."

While many social media and messaging apps have age restrictions where users must be over 13, the research found 54pc of the eight- to 10-year-olds surveyed were using them anyway.

The responsibility falls on parents to ensure children are prepared for the risks online and are comfortable talking about any inappropriate content when they see it, according to Mr Moran.

"No amount of parental surveillance or no amount of parental software is going to protect your child from people who use the internet to contact them," he added.

Dangers

"We have to accept that the internet is now as part of daily life as roads and cars are. You teach your child from a young age about the dangers of the road and how to cross it."

The survey found that more than a third of pupils rarely or never speak to their parents about online safety.

It was also revealed that 10pc of the children surveyed were playing games consoles for up to four hours a day, with a quarter of those playing games rated as suitable for over-18s, which feature inappropriate content for children.
Hernandez will represent a group of young men and women, collectively known as Dreamers, who are seeking to legalize their status in what they have come to know as their home, as they were brought to the U.S. when they were children and have cemented roots in the their communities.
Where is Mary's Burritos going?

Marys Burritos, the popular Mexican restaurant, has closed its doors at 1971 Asheville Highway and is moving six blocks north to the Town Center, at 2560 Asheville Highway just north of Hunter Automotive.

The new digs are more spacious, with lots of light and far more parking than the current location. Mountain Land and Development, a Candler-based contractor, took out a building permit for a $54,000 remodel of the 2,125-square-foot space for restaurant use. Were hoping for early March (for an opening) but were not sure, said the contractor, Troy Hall.
Despite Brexit and the confusion it brings, people of the UK are less insular and are increasingly aware of the benefits of accessing medical provision overseas. Poland has established close links with the UK over recent years and UK patients now seek cosmetic solutions to personal issues related to their health, self-image or lifestyle and embrace the benefits of travelling to Poland for elective cosmetic surgery.

There are many reasons to choose Poland in general and, more specifically, the clinic of Dr Adam Kalecinski in Wroclaw, Poland. Wroclaw is a thriving modern city with a historic past, beautiful architecture and a rich culture. The clinic itself is modern, well-appointed and close to the international airport. Dr Kalecinski himself has been providing excellent cosmetic surgery solutions for UK patients for over 15 years, with many patients visiting on recommendation.

Whilst the high quality of surgery and aftercare at Dr Kalecinskis clinic is a primary reason for UK patients to visit, there is, of course, the consideration for many UK patients of price. We all like a bargain. This indeed, is an interesting consideration  especially when you factor in the potential inconvenience of travelling to Poland: booking travel, flights and accommodation alongside the necessary preparations for surgery. However, the majority of Dr Kalecinskis patients are from the UK  so why are they traveling to Poland for cosmetic surgery abroad?

Dr Kalecinski is a very experienced and skilled cosmetic surgeon. If he worked in the UK, his prices would be triple those he charges in Poland. For example, with Dr Kalecinski, a tummy tuck costs 2550, whereas in the UK you would expect to pay 9000; a facelift is 2300 with Dr Kalecinski whereas in the UK it costs 9000  1200. So why is it such cheap surgery? It is because the surgeon owns his own clinic instead of hiring hospital space off large organisations, as often happens in the UK. UK patients see very quickly that they can get high quality surgery at much reduced cost. Flights are inexpensive and accommodation is offered by the clinic at discounted rates. UK based Patient Care Co-ordinators assist patients throughout the process, from enquiry through to aftercare.

Potential UK patients are astute customers. They research their options, they look at UK based provision and overseas clinics at various locations; they consider quality, convenience and price. Lots of people are considering plastic surgery abroad. Time and again, UK patients choose Dr Kalecinski because the combination of high quality, low price and excellent customer service cannot be matched anywhere else.
Over the past 50 years, the rate of autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes (T1D) has increased significantly in many developed countries around the world. Canadians are at the top of the list, having the third highest rate of type 1 diabetes in the world.

Previously known as juvenile diabetes, the onset of T1D usually occurs during childhood or adolescence and has been occurring at younger age in the recent decades. The disease results from the immune system attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result T1D patients are prescribed insulin injections for the rest of their lives. But why does the immune system attack these insulin-producing cell? Variants in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are known determinants of disease risk. However, since human genes change slowly over time, genetic changes cannot explain the recent increase in T1D rates. Instead, data suggests that changes in our modern environment have increased the risk for autoimmune diseases including T1D.

Recent studies looking for a link between the gut microbiome composition and T1D onset have found patients with T1D have less microbe diversity compared to healthy controls. However, no link has been found between specific bacteria and future disease risk.

To investigate further, researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) looked at the immune responses beyond the gut microbiome. A team led by Dr. Jayne Danska, Senior Scientist and Associate Chief, Faculty Development at SickKids, together with Dr. Alexandra Paun, Research Fellow, Genetics and Genome Biology at SickKids and Christopher Yau, Ph.D. student at SickKids and The University of Toronto investigated patterns of antibody responses detected in the blood from children with recent onset T1D or pre-diabetic children with genetic risk factors for the disease.

They found that the patterns of antibody responses to gut bacteria in children who were recently diagnosed with T1D differed from those without T1D. They also looked at anti-bacterial antibody responses in children with genetic risk factors for T1D, collected months before half the kids went on to develop and the other half of the kids did not develop T1D. The antibody response patterns they observed were strongly associated with a future disease diagnosis. In addition, these antibody response patterns were strongly associated with variants in the HLA genes which are the most impactful genetic risk factor for this disease.

This research, published in the February 2019 issue of Science Immunology, is the first to clearly connect immune responses to gut microbes with the future development of T1D in children.

Our results suggest that the influence of gut microbes on type 1 diabetes is controlled by immune recognition, says Dr. Danska. This recognition depends on HLA genes that are the foundation of the immune systems ability to respond to diverse proteins of both microbial and human origin. The next step will be to determine if any of these anti-bacterial antibodies cross-react with human molecules that may underlie autoimmune responses.

The analysis platform Danskas group developed may be useful for predicting T1D risk before the disease appears, and for monitoring responses to drugs that seek to balance the immune system, which are the focus of clinical trials being done to prevent and treat autoimmune diseases.

This study was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the SickKids Foundation and the Anne and Max Tanenbaum Chair, University of Toronto. This is an example of how SickKids is making Ontario healthier, wealthier and smarter (www.healthierwealthiersmarter.com).

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
A study of the differences between healthy brains and those with Alzheimers Disease has produced largest dataset of its type ever.

And the data, developed by a team of researchers led by Dr Richard Unwin at The University of Manchester, is now freely available online for any scientist to use.

The team included researchers from the Universities Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool and Auckland.

The development is an important advance for scientists researching Alzheimers.

The team also show that one region of the brain previously thought to be unaffected by the disease, the cerebellum, displayed a series of changes which they think might protect it from damage caused by Alzheimers.

The Alzheimers Research UK funded study is published in the journal Communications Biology today.

The analysis, mapping the relative levels of over 5,825 distinct proteins across six regions of the brain, generated a massive 24,024 data points.

The brain regions in the study included the more heavily affected Hippocampus, Entorhinal cortex, Cingulate gyrus and the less affected Motor Cortex, Sensory Cortex, and Cerebellum

The samples were donated for research by patients at the New Zealand Brain Bank in Auckland.

Dr Unwin said: This database provides a huge opportunity for dementia researchers around the world to progress and to follow-up new areas of biology and develop new treatments.

It could also help validate observations seen in in animal or cell disease models in humans.

Its very exciting to be able to make these data public so scientists can access and use this vital information.

Alzheimers Disease arises in the hippocampus and spreads through pathways in the brain.

But by looking at different parts of that pathway, the team were able to observe, for the first time, how Alzheimers progresses in more detail.

We think that the changes we see in the regions affected later on-represent early disease changes, present before cells die, he said

These represent good new targets for drug developers, as we know its important to try to intervene early.

In the course of the study, the team hit upon new molecules not previously associated with the disease, representing more targets to develop new drugs.

They also confirm that researchers looking at a range of pathways  including inflammation, Wnt signalling, and metabolic changes in human tissue  are on the right track.

The team identified 129 protein changes which were present in all areas of the brain studied, with at least 44 not previously associated with the disease.
The company allegedly used flat rates to undercut entitlements such as ordinary hours, overtime, and public holiday pay.

The complainants worked as chefs, waiters, and kitchen hands; about 25 of whom were foreign workers from India, Italy, and France. Most had either a student or 417 working holiday visa.

Judge Heather Riley called Ital One Holdings behaviour particularly egregious, considering how the company had a history of violating workplace laws.

The Federal Circuit Court had already ordered the company to pay three former employees more than $32,000 for underpayments in 2014 and 2015.

The respondents have shown no remorse, but sought to minimise their behaviour with complaints of being busy, the judge said.
Editors note: This corrects the spelling of the name of Havre Girl Scout Sophia Dawson.

Members of the Girl Scouts Havre Service Unit Cadette Troop 3225 gave a presentation of their proposal to put grates on outhouse vents in Beaver Creek Park at the Hill County Park Board meeting Monday night in the Timmons Room of the Hill County Courthouse.

Sophie Darson, Megan Boyle and Kylie Greenwood stood before the board to deliver their outline for their Silver Award Project. Boyle distributed a summary of the project to the board titled Save the Birds.

Boyle said many birds die in outhouse ve...
A former Hill County attorney who was found guilty of contempt after resigning her position in July now faces felony charges in Texas after she was accused of shooting her estranged husband.

Records from the Taylor County Jail in Abilene, Texas, show Jessica Cole-Hodgkinson was released Monday on $50,000 bail after she was arrested Sunday on suspicion of first degree assault with a weapon, a felony.

Abilene Police Department Public Information Coordinator Rick Tomlin said Monday that Cole-Hodgkinson was arrested Sunday at 6:09 a.m. in Abilene.

Court documents list Cole-Hodgkinson's perma...
Havre Police Department

Officers served a search warrant on Ninth Street at 1:02 p.m. Monday.

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A vehicle crash was reported at Third Avenue and Seventh Street Monday at 1:17 p.m.

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A two-car vehicle crash at 10th Avenue and Second Street was reported at 2:08 p.m.

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Monday at 8:05 p.m. a Second Street caller asked to speak with an officer, and the issue was referred to another law enforcement agency.

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Officers were called to a First Street West business Monday at 10:28 p.m. because a disruptive man refused to leave, and the incident was resolved peacefully.

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Officers assis...
Last updated 2/5/2019 at 9:53am

The agenda provided for the Hill County Commission business meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday lists:

Public Comments on non-agenda items

Public comments on agenda items

Claims

Employment

Tax Adjustments

Resolutions

Contract(s)

Fair board member

Bear Paw Development contract

District Court monitor request

Cash and Journal Voucher report

Fresno BOR Security Contract

Blood Borne Pathogens Policy

Letter of Support for the North Central Montana Transit

Subdivision/survey approval: Nick Chagnon Subdivision Plat

County Permit Approval.

...
Former Hill County Attorney Jessica Cole-Hodgkinson is sworn in during a contempt of court hearing in Hill County Justice Court. Judge Audrey Barger found Cole-Hodgkinson guilty of three counts of contempt.

Abilene Police Department Public Information Coordinator Rick Tomlin confirmed former Hill County attorney Jessica Cole-Hodgkinson was arrested in Abilene, Texas, by Abilene Police Department Sunday at 6:09 a.m. on charges of first degree felony aggravated assault with a weapon after shooting her estranged husband multiple times.

The Abilene Police arrest report added that Cole-Hodgkinson refused to speak and did not provide any information about the incedent at the time of the arrest.

Monday a Taylor County Jail official said Cole-Hodgkinson was still being held in custody on a $50,000...
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

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Haiti - Security : Seismic risks, UNDP and its partners consolidate the achievements





Last week, a conference was held in Port-au-Prince, arouinf the thematic "Evolution of knowledge and prevention of seismic risk in Haiti", under the auspices of the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communications (MTPTC), through the Bureau of Mines and Energy (BME) and the Technical Unit of Seismology (UTS); the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation through the National Center for Geo-Spatial Information (CNIGS); the geoscience master program of the Faculty of Sciences of the State University of Haiti (UEH) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The objective was to take stock and capitalize on the feedback of experiences since the 2010 earthquake.



This conference brought together seismologists, experts in natural hazards, researchers as well as technical and financial partners for sharing experiences and tools related to the knowledge, prevention, management and response to seismic risk in Haiti.



Since 2010, UNDP has strengthened its involvement in the field of knowledge of natural hazards, including earthquakes, by supporting the Government in the production of seismic microzoning, multi-hazard maps, risk prevention plans and disaster recovery contingency plans and by systematizing normative tools such as the methodological guide on natural hazards in urban areas under the leadership of the Ministry of Planning.



At present, UNDP supports multi-hazard mapping in the North West, South and Nippes departments, respectively, with funding from the European Union, Norway and Canada.



"In 9 years much work has been done in the field of risk in Haiti, but the road ahead is still long," admitted geological engineer Claude Prepetit, Director of the Bureau of Mines and Energy. The earthquake of 5.9 on the October 6 Richter scale affecting Port-de-Paix, Gros-Morne and Pilate causing 17 deaths, 333 injuries was a strong signal regarding the vulnerability of the country from the seismic point of view and the need to intensify actions in terms of knowledge of risks and their mastery.



UNDP, with a view to transferring skills, is supporting the UEH Geosciences/Geohazards Master's degree in order to foster the emergence of national expertise that can continue the action taken to improve knowledge of risks. A first cohort of 14 students are receiving training as part of this master's degree and have benefited from practical training involving many international experts in the context of a field camp organized by UNDP in the Nord department.



The UNDP also reiterates its commitment to promoting knowledge of seismic risk, notably by supporting the BME's Technical Seismology Unit, by equipping the unit with equipment and by promoting the creation of two additional seismic stations at Jeremie and at Mole Saint Nicolas, thanks to the funding of the Government of Japan.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Social : Bahamas, Shipwreck, last balance 19 survivors and 28 deaths





According to the latest balance of Terez Curtis the President of the Red Cross of the island of Abaco north of the archipelago of the Bahamas where the sinking took place the record of survivors is now 19 Haitians (2 more). Medical assessment and treatment were carried out by the local health staff before being handed over to the Bahamas Immigration Officers.



According to the Red Cross, 28 dead bodies were recovered. The Bahamian and Haitian authorities are closely monitoring the situation to inform the population.



"Mrs. Mamatha Irene Ternier Minister of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE) learned with great difficulty the news of the sinking of a boat that caused the death of our dear compatriots, off the Abaco Islands, in the Bahamas, the Saturday, February 2, 2019.



While deploring the conditions in which they perished, the Minister advises our fellow citizens not to continue to put their lives in danger by taking risks as regrettable for them and their families.



Minister Ternier sends her most sincere sympathies to the families of the victims of this shipwreck and to the entire nation."



In addition, the Directorate of Civil Protection is working jointly with the relevant institutions and the Haitian representations in the Bahamas to clarify the number of victims and passengers on board this small sailboat.



In the diaspora, families of victims gathered at the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Haiti in Little Haiti "Knowing how precious life is and seeing that 28 lives have already been lost in such humiliating conditions is heartbreaking for all the members of the Haitian community," declared Father Reginald Jean-Mary, priest of Notre-Dame of Haiti, just before the start of the service.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26837-haiti-flash-toll-rising-at-least-28-haitians-die-drowned-off-the-bahamas-update.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26829-haiti-flash-shipwreck-off-the-islands-of-abaco-16-dead-and-15-haitian-survivors.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : The State filed a complaint in the PetroCaribe file





On Monday afternoon, the Haitian State filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor's Office of Port-au-Prince, via the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI), authorized to form a plaintiff on behalf of the State, against the presumed dilapidators of the funds of the Venezuelan assistance PetroCaribe, based on the report of the Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation (CSA/CA). The Port-au-Prince Government Commissioner, Paul Eronce Villard, who received the complaint, indicated that he was going to analyze the file in order to decide what to do next.



The Prime Minister has announced on his Twitter account this complaint "Leta ayisyen rantre nan kesyon an jodia ... Li pote plent devan Pake kont moun ki endekse yo ... Leta ap kontinye akonpanye Lajistis ak tout moun ki vle jwenn kob"



According to the partial report, some 50 projects financed by the PetroCaribe funds are tainted with irregularities, including AGRITRANS S.A, a company of President Jovenel Moise. The company was quick to react in order to point out some errors in the CSA/CA report and request that the Council "make the necessary corrections in order to dispel any doubts and misinterpretations that could harm the image of the company." Specifying "AGRITRANS SA infome [...] that, in the framework of the project of rehabilitation of the section of road Borgne/Petit-Bourg de Borgne, mentioned in paragraphs 232 to 239, pages 126 and 127 of the Report No.1 of Specific Audit of the Management of the PetroCaribe Fund of the Superior Court of Audit and the Administrative Dispute (CSC/CA), that it did not receive a payment denominated in American dollars (USD) and that the amount of 15,071,115.14 was transfered and has been paid into his Gourdes account No. 2760-000-357, domiciled at the National Bank of Credit (BNC)."



The company is surprised to read that the CSC/CA would be confused in rapport of how the account is worded reminding that "it was simply sufficient and by virtue of International Standards for Auditing, in its capacity as National Auditor of the State, to verify this information with the BNC or the administration of AGRITRANS SA."



Indeed even in the report there is a contradiction in the currencies, on page 126 the 15,071,315.14 are denominated in Gourdes and on page 127 this sum is denominated in dollars. However at the defense of the CSA, the council indicates on page 130 paragraph 237 recognizes "On the basis of this information, the Court observes that there is a confusion on the nature of the currency (Gourde or American Dollars) having been used as reference the payment of the statements submitted by the firm AGRITRANS since the amount is identical in the two documents which mention it. However, the Court is of the opinion that this confusion is liable to cast doubt on the actual amount disbursed in the execution of this project [...]"



Furthermore, AGRITRANS SA "wishes to recall that the contract for this project, signed on October 15, 2014, was regularly obtained, seen and approved by the CSC/CA after submission of the technical file prepared by the Civil Engineering Unit of the company and all other related documents. It should also be pointed out that the payment of 15,071,315.14 Gourdes represents only about thirty per cent (30%) of the total amount of the contract for which the corresponding work has already been executed at more than eighty per cent (80%)."



On this point among others, the CSA specifies without accusing in paragraph 232 "The Court considered the examination of this project on the basis of fragments of information at its disposal. The absence of essential documents such as the contract, disbursement orders, progress reports or financial reports did not allow the Court to carry out an in-depth analysis in order to decide on the regularity of the management of this project."



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26812-haiti-flash-the-court-of-auditors-delivers-its-first-report-on-the-management-of-petrocaribe-funds.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26121-haiti-flash-everything-you-need-to-know-about-using-the-petrocaribe-fund.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Port-au-Prince : Pre-Carnival activities, 3 dead and more than 30 wounded





Inspector Gary Desrosiers, deputy spokesman of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) reported on the 4th Sunday (February 3) of pre-carnival activities in Port-au-Prince: two people were killed by balls including a police offcier on the Champ-de-Mars; a person was found dead in Petion-Ville; Thirty wounded were reported (20 in Port-au-Prince and 10 in Petion-ville), including one wounded in critical condition, 11 seriously wounded and 18 slightly wounded.



Gary Desrosiers said the incident where a police officer Pierre Mackendy, 39, agent III assigned to the police station in Port-au-Prince, lost his life happened near the Rex Theater during a shooting between the police officer and an individual that the police did not identified. Injured with two bullets, despite the rapid intervention of the National Ambulance Center, the police officer died at the hospital. The perpetrator was shot dead by colleague of the victim, the spokesman said. Several arrests were made for interrogation as part of the investigation to determine the exact causes of the assault. "This is a very unfortunate incident," said Desrosiers, recalling that about 400 police officers had been deployed to ensure the safety of carnival activities in Champ-de-Mars.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26798-haiti-carnival-pap-3rd-sunday-of-activities-the-number-of-injured-more-than-doubled.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26754-haiti-social-2nd-sunday-of-pre-carnival-activities-many-wounded.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-26662-icihaiti-pap-1st-pre-carnival-sunday-2-wounded-by-bullets.html



S/ HaitiLibre


















PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- George Wolverton, councilman in Ward 2 died Saturday evening after a battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

The city announced the news through their Facebook page on Sunday morning.

It is with a heavy heart that the City of Pascagoula mourns the passing of Councilman George Wolverton. Councilman Wolverton was elected to serve Ward 2 in June 2017, returning to the seat he held for two terms just four years prior. Please pray for his family and friends during this time. Funeral arrangements are incomplete, but will be shared when finalized.

Monday evening, the city released updated information regarding Wolvertons funeral arrangements.

Visitation for Wolverton will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Ingalls Avenue Baptist Church in Pascagoula. Funeral services will follow visitation.

Members of the community took to social media to express condolences for Wolverton.

The obituary for Councilman Wolverton can be viewed here.
MOSS POINT, Miss. -- Students in Moss Point have been chosen to participate in an initiative centered on teaching students how to make a difference in their community,

The youth team from Moss Point team is one of only three chosen from across the United States by the Urban Climate Action Network (UCAN) in partnership with the National Aquarium in Maryland.

The team will travel to Baltimore in July to begin working on their project, which focuses on barrier island restoration and resilience.

Moss Point High School Biology teacher Alisha McElhenney praised her students selection to participate in the initiative and said it is a testament to the students hard work and wanting better for their community.

As their teacher, I am excited about everyone seeing and hearing how awesome our students here at Moss Point High School really are," she said. "Through this opportunity, people will realize what we have known all along -- our students are intelligent, capable and civically minded individuals who can make positive changes in their community.

Through partnership with other teens from across the country, teams will learn about climate change, discuss current climate science challenges with science professionals while exploring careers in conservation science, urban planning, communications, civic engagement and more.

Following their time in Baltimore, teams and leaders will return to their hometowns equipped with the skills to create action plans addressing real problems in their communities with the assistance of a technical expert from the American Planning Association.

Team members Jalynn Scott and Jadden Matthews said they are excited for the opportunity.

Were very excited about our group being chosen and look forward to helping our community through this opportunity, they said.

Teams will also be eligible for small grants to help make their plans a reality, hoping to bring about meaningful change. The program will provide support and resources for the teams project over a three-year span.
Punch hole cameras inside the screen appear to be the hot trend right now. Weve already seen Samsung and Huawei (along with its subsidiary Honor) implementing the tech, and according to a patent, Xiaomi will join as well. A listing on the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO)'s website revealed the Chinese manufacturer received a patent for a dual punch-hole design.

Some of the patented designs

Xiaomis implementation is a bit different than the dual camera, expected in the Galaxy S10+. While the new Samsung is likely to have one elliptical cutout hosting the dual selfie snappers, the next Mi flagship will have two separate holes. According to the listing, the second could be either for a secondary front-facing camera or notification light and proximity sensor.

The listing is filled with 24 different designs - both cameras on one side, one on the left and the other on the right, two elliptical holes on opposite corners for various purposes etc. It is quite early for actual phone specs or renders, but we'll be on a lookout for matching rumors in the following months.

Via (in Dutch)
Today, we received a couple of tips regarding retailers in Indonesia and their plans to sell the Samsung Galaxy M20 with a huge 5,000 mAh battery.

JD Indonesia has the following poster up on a landing page with the February 14 date when the Galaxy M series will be available for sale.

Lazada Indonesia also has a landing page for the Galaxy M20. JDs page has a live countdown timer leading up to the day the phone becomes available. Both landing pages tout the phones huge battery, Infinity-V display, and its dual cameras.

The Samsung Galaxy M lineup is Samsungs newest mid-range tier which first launched in India in late-January. The Galaxy M20 has a 6.3-inch IPS LCD screen with a waterdrop notch and an 8MP selfie camera. On the rear is a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner next to a 13MP + 5MP Wide dual camera setup. Powering the M20 is an Exynos 7904 with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.

Out of the box, the phone supports 15W fast-charging, has a headphone jack, dual-SIM slots with a dedicated microSD card slot, and the phone runs Android 8.1 Oreo with Samsung Experience 9.5. The device should receive Android Pie much later this year.

The 4GB Galaxy M20 costs INR 13,000 (~$181) so you can get a general idea of how the phone might be priced for this market. Samsungs new mid-range lineup has plenty of value for its price, which is appealing to many folks, particularly those in emerging markets  is the M20 something youre interested in?

Thanks for sending this in!

Source 1, 2
I think these objects are the best ambassadors, even across time and across geography, for Africa, as a way of us understanding another place, said historian Gus Casely-Hayford, director of the Smithsonians National Museum of African Art and a broadcaster. I just think they are the best way for us to get the sense of this incredible, innovative, imaginative, but also, a culture which wasnt afraid to push boundaries, geographically and intellectually.
A 26-year-old North Carolina man was shot by a relative while he was attacking his wheelchair-bound grandmother, deputies say.

McDowell County deputies were called at about 10 p.m. Friday to Briar Patch Drive in Nebo.

Deputies said they found the 69-year-old woman lying on the ground near her wheelchair with injuries to her hands, arms and neck.

Deputies said the woman, her son and her grandson, Corey Beck, share the home.

Deputies said Beck became angry with his grandmother, dragged her and her wheelchair outside and assaulted her.

During the assault, the womans son-in-law, Scott Gentry, who lives nearby, came over with a gun and shot Beck in the right leg, deputies said.

The grandmother was taken to Mission Hospital McDowell.

Beck was taken to Grace Hospital in Morganton. He is charged with assault on an individual with disabilities.

No charges are expected against Gentry.


GREENWICH  The possibility of building a fire station in northwest Greenwich dominated Mondays budget hearings as First Selectman Peter Tesei and Fire Chief Peter Siecienski tried to make the case  again  that the region of town is in need of better protection.

Tesei is requesting $100,000 in his proposed 2019-20 municipal budget to evaluate potential properties for the station. If that gets approved, the plan is for the property to be identified and purchased next fiscal year with actual construction of a $5.4 million station in 2021-22.

King Street and Riversville Road are being considered as possible locations.

Under the plan being advanced by Tesei, a northwest station would be used by both the Greenwich Fire Department and Greenwich Emergency Medical Service. It would have two bays for the fire department, two for GEMS and house three firefighters per shift.

Tesei said other options, including placing career staff at the nearby Round Hill Volunteer Fire Station and putting on additional firefighters at other stations, were considered, but adding a station was determined the best option from public safety and financial perspectives.

The costs continue to rise as solutions are delayed, Tesei said. Proposed construction costs are nine percent more expensive than the period in 2016 when we first came forward.

Tesei pressed the need for the station to house GEMS as the service must keep ambulances in the area.

They have a temporary facility known as station four and the facility is in disrepair and requires investment, Tesei said. The facility is not adequate for operational needs, lacking climate control and an environment to properly store ambulances.

The request for fire station money will be considered when the Budget Committee holds its vote on March 1.

The fire station has long been a priority of Teseis and fire officials. Most recently, a property at Fairview Country Club on King Street had been identified for the joint fire and GEMS station. But the RTM put the kibosh on purchasing it in 2016, voting to remove it from the budget.

But the RTM last September passed a sense of the meeting resolution calling for Tesei to return the station to the budget.

Siecienski on Monday discussed the different kinds of emergencies the Greenwich Fire Department responds to beyond fire calls. The department performs water rescues, responds to carbon monoxide incidents and just about anything else the community wants to call us for because in their eyes it is an emergency.

The chief pressed the need for response times at the industry standard of four minutes, noting that some locations in the backcountry have been classified as having very little to no fire protection.

BET member Karen Fassuliotis, reacting to a map showing response times in Greenwich based on current station that Siecienski showed, said there were other parts of Greenwich, not just the northwest, that go beyond that four-minute response time.

Why wouldnt this mean we would put other fire stations in other places? Fassuliotis asked. How many fire stations are enough?

Siecienski said is is correct that the majority of town is outside of the four-minute range, but it is a matter of whats being protected as far as the density, whats being protected as far as life hazard and property value and the frequency of calls. Siecienski and others noted the presence in that region not only of residences, but also Sacred Heart Greenwich, Brunswick School and several senior long-term-care facilities, as well as the nearby airport in White Plains.

Youre not going to have a system thats going to put the entire town into a four-minute response pattern, Siecienski said. It would not be cost effective  I cant change the distance. I cant have fire trucks run faster. My concern is how do we take care of this high value, high life hazard area and provide some protection similar to what the rest of the town has.

BET Budget Committee member Leslie Tarkington wondered why more isnt being done to keep the properties from being developed in parts of town where there is so little fire coverage, saying the town fire marshals should have done something if it is such a dangerous part of town.

Why arent we working together as a team instead of creating hazards that are creating risks for all residents? Tarkington said.

Tesei said that is an area best dealt with by the towns land use departments but cited the availability of property in northwest Greenwich and his view that it would be discriminatory to allow structures to be built in some parts of town but not others.

I dont know how the town could discriminate against (Brunswick School) expanding on a vast property because other institutions were already there, Tesei said.

Tesei and Siecienski said there has been strong support from the schools and others in the area.

A full copy of the presentation is available online along with other information about the proposed 2019-20 budget.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com
It is a tradition at Bennett College for freshmen, primly dressed in white, to march through the Bearden Gates and across the campus to Annie Pfeiffer Chapel for Convocatum Est, when they officially become Bennett students.

It also has been a tradition over the years for Bennett Belles to march in other ways ...

In 1938, while picketing the segregated Carolina Theatre in downtown Greensboro for editing black characters out of films.

In 1960s Greensboro sit-ins, in support of N.C. A&T students.

During the Nov. 3, 1979, anti-Klan rally in Greensboro, where a former Bennett student body president, Sandra Neely Smith, was fatally shot.

And even today, in spirited marches from the campus on the eastern edge of downtown to the Old Guilford County Courthouse to vote.

So, with Bennetts very existence on the line, it comes as no surprise that neither students nor the administration plan to go quietly. The fact is, they dont plan to go at all.
Media dream No. 1: The weve got him this time moment: the Buzzfeed report of President Trump ordering Michael Cohen to lie to Congress. But wait. Their golden boy Mueller says the report isnt accurate.

Media dream No. 2. A perfect storm. The chance to white shame Catholic schoolboy right-to-lifers connected to President Trump, all in an ugly racist package. But, upon further review, the students simply held their ground against the racist taunts of some obscure black protest group and then against a Native American drummer physically confronting them inches away. The boys refusing to be intimidated or incited.

In both cases, the ravenous media dogs slunk away, tail between legs, two feet deeper into the medias grave of incredibility.

Why are they so intent on driving their own destruction by lowering reporting standards to the level of neighborhood gossip  reporting anything, quoting sources and liberal use of qualifiers like if true? The simple answer is theyve sold their souls for Trump hatred.

This means frantic competition to report the fastest, most outrageous Trump stories. Careers are on the line. Youre on board or youre out. The media grave gets deeper.

William Warner

High Point
"It was a serious country," he added. "And the stuff we focused on, the '57 Chevy's, the hula-hoops, the rock 'n' roll: that stuff was thought of as candy for children."

It's difficult not to wonder if by creating the song "American Pie," McLean single-handedly elevated a moment that would have been lost - or at least dulled - to the annals of pop music history into "the day the music died," something we collectively "remember."

McLean made it his quest to learn as much about Holly as he could, even though at the time "there was nothing available on anybody... You couldn't find anything." He hung out with musicians such as Pete Seeger and his beloved Everly brothers, learning more about Holly's life as he worked on his own folk music career. But when he learned the infamous laundry detail that contributed to Holly's death, that was it.
A neatly handwritten page of equations sits on the desk, on the edge closest to the guest chairs.

"Oh, this is something I did last night," Loeb says. It's a calculation, he explains, supporting his theory that an extraterrestrial spacecraft, or at least a piece of one, may at this moment be flying past the orbit of Jupiter.

Since publishing his controversial paper, Loeb has run a nearly nonstop media circuit, embracing the celebrity that comes from being perhaps the most academically distinguished E.T. enthusiast of his time - the top Harvard astronomer who suspects technology from another solar system just showed up at our door. And this, in turn, has left some of his peers nonplused - grumbling at what they see as a flimsy theory or bewildered as to why Harvard's top astronomer won't shut up about aliens.

What you can't call Loeb is a crank. When astronomers in Hawaii stumbled across the first known interstellar object in late 2017 - a blip of light moving so fast past the sun that it could only have come from another star - Loeb had three decades of Ivy League professorship and hundreds of astronomical publications on his resume, mostly to do with the nature of black holes and early galaxies and other subjects far from any tabloid shelf.
Updated at 1:22 p.m.

More than 20 years after the unidentified bodies of a woman and a 10-year-old boy were found 215 miles apart in separate states beside Interstate 85, investigators now say they were a mother and son and the boy's father has confessed to killing them.

The case was cracked thanks to an online DNA database, help from international police and a consultant whose work led to an arrest in the Golden State Killer case, authorities in North Carolina and South Carolina said Tuesday.

But investigators in both states said they had never stopped trying to solve the cases that they never knew were related.

"I always kept the case file box under my desk, where it was purposefully in my way. Every time I turned, I hit it with my leg. I did this so the little boy couldn't be forgotten," said Orange County Sheriff's Maj. Tim Horne, who worked the case from the beginning.

The boy's body was found in Mebane.

North Carolina authorities even enlisted experts to create a sketch and a bust reconstructing the appearance of the child. But despite wide-spread dissemination, no one was able to identify him.
The $2 million loan that Evanston committed toward the project would come largely from the citys Affordable Housing Fund, which is paid for with in-lieu contributions from developers who do not include low-income housing in their projects, according to the staff report. Money also would come from Evanstons federal HOME Investment Partnerships grant.
(CNN)  Nearly 2,600 miles from Mexico's Golden Triangle, a fertile marijuana and opium growing region that helps sustain America's insatiable narcotics appetite, the most intimate details of the Sinaloa drug cartel and its enigmatic leader have been on public display in a New York courtroom.

For two and half months, an anonymous and partially sequestered jury of seven women and five men sat through a case that could be described as "International Drug Trafficking 101." They heard testimony about unspeakable tortures and ghastly murders, epic corruption at nearly every level of Mexico's government, narco-mistresses and naked subterranean escapes, gold-plated AK-47s and monogrammed diamond-encrusted pistols.

"This trial gave the American public tremendous insight into how these powerful drug trafficking cartels operate," said Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

Monday, after instructions from US District Judge Brian Cogan, jurors will begin deliberations on the fate of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera, who came from humble origins in the heart of the rugged three-state Golden Triangle to become its most infamous native son.

Guzman, 61, faces 10 counts, including engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to launder narcotics proceeds, international distribution of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and other drugs, and use of firearms. He has pleaded not guilty.

He could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted on the top charge of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise.

A flow of narcotics no border fortification could stop

For 38 court days, the rise and fall of the near-mythical Mexican drug lord who allegedly pocketed nearly $14 billion as the decades-long head of the murderous Sinaloa cartel took center stage in room 8A of the Eastern District courthouse in downtown Brooklyn.

"El Chapo, who was known to be a man of the people from a very lowly background, was as cutthroat and as ruthless with the people that he offed or that he ordered to be killed as he was with his personal associates and the women that he dealt with," said Bruce Bagley, a University of Miami expert on Mexico's cartels who has followed the trial.

Conducted in part during the partial government shutdown over funding for a border wall, the trial showed that any such fortification would have failed to stop the tons of drugs the cartel moved from Mexico to the United States via fishing boats, trains, tractor-trailers, radar-evading airplanes, passenger cars at legal ports of entry, submarines, oil tankers, cocaine-laden cans of jalapenos and cross-border tunnels.

"The wall is not going to stop any of this," Bagley said.

"The problems the United States has in sort of stopping these networks operating within the US is overwhelming. It's beyond the capacities of our law enforcement communities."

The prosecution was based largely on 200 hours of testimony from 56 witnesses, including 14 cooperating witnesses  mostly traffickers and cartel associates  that a defense attorney dismissed as "lifelong liars" willing to perjure themselves in exchange for reduced sentences.

There were also surveillance photos, intercepted phone calls and text messages involving Guzman, exhibits of blingy firepower and bricks of cocaine that dropped with the force of potato sacks.

"I think the most damaging evidence against Chapo Guzman were the wire intercepts in which he's negotiating sources of supply," said Vigil, who spent more than a dozen years working with the DEA in Mexico and along the border.

"It's very difficult to defend when Chapo Guzman himself is negotiating for drugs or talking to a distributor and his voice is on the tape. "

The proceedings at times had the feel of a Latin American soap opera

There was stunning testimony of corruption at nearly every echelon of Mexico's government, from police and military commanders to local and state officials to former presidents who vehemently denied the allegations.

"It's a confirmation of the massive widespread bribery and points to the difficulty the US government under (Presidents) George W. Bush, under (Barack) Obama and now (Donald) Trump have in finding workable partners," Bagley said.

"With or without El Chapo, these lines of bribery, these lines of corruption extend into every political party at every level of the Mexican government."

The daily drama drew celebrities and so-called narco-tourists attracted to the Latin American soap-opera atmosphere of the proceedings. Guzman appeared in a suit and tie each morning, delivering a wave and smile to his former beauty queen wife, Emma Coronel, a regular in the second row.

Coronel, 29, sat calmly through the testimony of one of El Chapo's lovers. Former Mexican lawmaker Lucero Sanchez broke down on the stand, describing how he lured her into marijuana trafficking without ever compensating her. She was 21 at the time.

"Until today, I'm confused. I thought it was a relationship romantically, as partners," she testified, eliciting laughter from Coronel.

The next day, in an apparent show of solidarity, Coronel and El Chapo appeared in court wearing matching velvet jackets.

In a blue prison uniform, Sanchez recounted one of Guzman's many legendary escapes from authorities.

One night in February 2004, she was in bed with Guzman in a hideout on the outskirts of Sinaloa's capital, Culiacan. During a raid by a team of Mexican marines and a DEA agent, the diminutive kingpin slipped away  naked  through one of his signature tunnels dug under a bathtub.

Guzman got away but his 13 years on the lam would come to crushing end a few days later -- until he escaped again in 2015.

El Chapo's IT guy helped bring him down

El Chapo's own paranoia and obsession with the electronic monitoring of his wife, mistresses and associates contributed to his downfall.

His IT specialist, a baby-faced computer geek from Colombia named Christian Rodriguez, also flipped on the drug baron and testified at the trial.

After opening Guzman's encrypted phones and spyware for the FBI, Rodriguez fled to the United States. He provided the feds access to text messages and cell phone conversations El Chapo had with cartel associates, his paramours and his wife  many of which were introduced introduced as evidence.

"Clearly, he was getting sloppy," Bagley said. "He was getting overwhelmingly comfortable in his role."

Last week, defense attorney Jeffrey Lichtman delivered a closing argument laced with humor and sarcasm. At times he drew laughter from the usually stoic jury. His closing lasted four hours. By contrast, only one witness testified in El Chapo's defense, and that testimony lasted 15 minutes.

Lichtman questioned the credibility of a procession of cooperating witnesses who he said "lied every day of their lives  their miserable, selfish lives."

He reintroduced a defense theory that the real boss of the Sinaloa cartel is Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, a longtime associate of Guzman now in his 70s. The theory goes that Zambada  who's also named in the superseding indictment against Guzman  bribed the Mexican government to frame El Chapo and remain free to run the cartel.

Federal prosecutor Amanda Liskamm, in her rebuttal, reminded the jury that Guzman, not Zambada, was on trial.

"We don't have to prove that the defendant was the ultimate leader," she said.

"We don't even have to prove that he was one of the top leaders. ... Even under (the theory of Zabada as true kingpin) the defendant is still a boss. He's still guilty."

Still, Guzman's capture in 2016, extradition one year later and likely conviction this week has not  and will not  diminish the power and reach of the Sinaloa cartel, according to experts.

"It's not going to affect the future of the cartel," Bagley said. "The bottom line is there are a lot of other people waiting in the wings. The jockeying has already begun."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "After 56 witnesses and 200 hours of testimony, the fate of a near-mythical drug lord now rests with the jury."
BURLINGTON  A 20-year-old woman is the third person to face charges in the Dec. 17 shooting death of a Burlington woman.

Alexxa Monet McKnight, 20, no current address listed, is charged with accessory after the fact to homicide, Burlington police said in a news release. Police allege she concealed the gun used in the killing and the vehicle used to travel to and from the crime scene.

She is the third person to face charges in the death of Mary Elizabeth McBroom, 24, who was found shot Dec. 17 in the 600 block of Center Avenue. She died on the way to the hospital, police said.

McKnight was taken into custody in Yonkers, New York, police said. Burlington detectives returned her Monday to North Carolina. She is in the Alamance County Jail under a $500,000 secure bond.

The day after the shooting police charged 20-year-old Eric Douglas Moore of 510 Jones St., Burlington, with first-degree murder. He is being held without bail.

Police have also charged Laking Qutae Crews with accessory after the fact, alleging he concealed the weapon used in McBroom's killing and the vehicle used to travel to and from the crime scene. Police did not release his address.

Anyone with information about McBroom's death is asked to contact the Burlington Police Department at 336-229-3500.
Winston-Salem police investigated a shooting death Monday night that happened on Jackson Avenue near East 22nd Street.

Officers received a report of a shooting at that location at 8:16 p.m., police Lt. Horace Bryant said. When officers arrived, they found Thomas James Brown, 27, with more than one gunshot wound lying in the middle of Jackson Avenue.

Officers and emergency medical technicians attempted life-saving measures on Brown, but he died at the scene in the citys northeastern section, Bryant said. Brown, of the 1500 block of East 21st Street, was shot on Jackson Avenue, Bryant said.

Investigators gathered clues at the scene and spoke to people who gathered nearby.

Police didnt have a description of the suspect, Bryant said. Officers put up crime-scene tape around the houses at the intersection and also blocked off the area from traffic.

Right now, our folks are in the early stages of trying to gather information and identify whos involved in this, Bryant said. If I had more information about suspects, I would definitely put it out. Right now, nobody is saying much.

Investigators are trying to learn how Brown spent his last eight hours before he was shot, Bryant said.
GREENSBORO  A third man faces charges in the Jan. 25 shooting death of a Greensboro man.

Carlton Lashaun White, 32, of Greensboro is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 55-year-old Kim Young Brown of 8 Sails Way, police said in a news release.

White also is charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with a robbery of the Orange Mart at 2840 Randleman Road about six hours before Brown's shooting death.

Two other men, William Devon Allen, 32, and Justin Andrew Boggs, 27, both of Greensboro, are also charged with first-degree murder in Brown's death.
For those three weeks, Miranda returned to his role as title character Alexander Hamilton in the hit musical about one of America's Founding Fathers.

The musical follows Hamilton from immigrant, to George Washington's right-hand man, to the first U.S. Treasury secretary. He dies in a famous duel with Aaron Burr in 1804.

Miranda tells the story through hip-hop, rhythm and blues and traditional musical-theater melodies, with nonwhite actors portraying the Founding Fathers and other historical figures.

It won 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, after arriving on Broadway in 2015.

Even with his star power, Miranda was "very personable," Watson said.

"He made us comfortable," Watson said. "He didnt make us feel as if he was superior or greater than us."

They performed nine shows each week, with Mondays off.

Before each performance, actors would gather with Miranda backstage, and they would pray. "He would say, 'Think about everything you did to get to this moment. You are exactly where you're supposed to be,'" Watson said.

Before they entered the stage, Watson said, "He would come up and give me a hug and say, 'Have a great show.'"
by Michael Sivak.

This article is the latest publication in a series examining recent changes in various aspects of motorization in the United States. The focus here is on distance driven per person and per household, as opposed to the absolute distance driven (which depends, in part, on the continuously increasing size of the U.S. population). The period covered is 1984 through 2017.

Distances driven by all light-duty vehicles (passenger cars and light trucks) were obtained from the Federal Highway Administration. The other data that were used in the calculations came from ProQuest (resident population) and the U.S. Census Bureau (households).

The chart below shows the distance-driven rates per person and per household.





The main findings (summarized in the table below) are as follows:

Distance driven per person increased by 40.9% from 1984 to 2004 (from 6,612 miles to 9,314 miles), then decreased by 9.1% by 2013 (to 8,468 miles), and then increased by 4.3% by 2017 (to 8,834 miles).

Analogously, distance driven per household increased by 33.4% from 1984 to 2004 (from 18,256 miles to 24,349 miles), then decreased by 10.2% by 2013 (to 21,866 miles), and then increased by 4.3% by 2017 (to 22,796 miles).





In conclusion:

Distance driven per person and per household have both reached their maxima in 2004.

Both rates are on a rebound since 2013, but they are still down from 2004 (by 5.2% per person and by 6.4% per household).

Michael Sivak is the managing director of Sivak Applied Research and the former director of Sustainable Worldwide Transportation at the University of Michigan.
In Japan, Toyota Motor Corporation established KINTO Co., Ltd., a new company to manage and operate its car subscription service that proposes a new user-car relationship. The new company is jointly funded by Toyota Financial Services, Co., Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota) and Sumitomo Mitsui Auto Service Company, Limited (a member of the Sumitomo Corporation Group).

As society shifts from conventional car ownership to car usage that can be enjoyed wherever and as much as users would like, there is a growing need for a service that allows customers freely to select the car that they like or want to drive and enjoy it as they like, instead of using a car simply as a means of transportation, Toyota said.

KINTO proposes a new form of vehicle ownership that invites customers to enjoy their relationship with the car of their choice in a fun and easy manner. Specifically, two services will be offered in Japan.

KINTO ONE allows customers to drive one Toyota-brand vehicle over a three-year period; and

KINTO SELECT allows customers to drive six models of Lexus-brand vehicles over a three-year period.

Both services are offered as a monthly fixed-sum service that packages voluntary insurance payments, vehicle tax, registration charges, and regularly scheduled maintenance3 of the vehicle. To make the service accessible, customers can easily apply online or through Toyota/Lexus dealers nationwide, where a safe and secure service is offered.

KINTO SELECT will be offered from 6 February 2019, and KINTO ONE from 1 March 2019. Both services will be deployed on a trial basis through select Toyota dealers and Lexus dealers in the Tokyo metropolitan area, with nationwide rollout scheduled from summer 2019. The number of vehicle models available as part of the service is slated for expansion from the beginning of autumn.
A new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) warns that the health of Europes most vulnerable citizens remains disproportionately affected by environmental hazards such as air and noise pollution and extreme temperatures, especially in Europes eastern and southern regions, despite overall improvements in Europes environmental quality.





The map uses a color gradient to show the GDP per capita per NUTS3 region, classified in quantiles against the highest exposure to PM 2.5 pollution represented as hatched areas (only the top 20% of PM 2.5 are shown). Source: EEA.

The EEA report Unequal exposure and unequal impacts: social vulnerability to air pollution, noise and extreme temperatures in Europe draws attention to the close links between social and environmental problems across Europe. The distribution of these environmental threats and the impacts they have on human health closely mirror differences in income, unemployment and education levels across Europe.

While EU policy and legislation over past decades have led to significant improvements in living conditions, both economically and in terms of environmental quality, regional inequalities persist. The report stresses that better alignment of social and environment policies and improved local action are needed to successfully tackle environmental justice issues.

KEY FINDINGS

Air and noise pollution

Eastern European regions (including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria) and regions in southern Europe (including Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece), where incomes and education are lower and unemployment rates higher than European averages, were more exposed to air pollutants including particulate matter (PM) and ground level ozone (O 3 ).

Wealthier regions, including large cities, tend to have on average higher levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), mostly because of the high concentration of road traffic and economic activities. However, within these regions themselves, it is still the poorer communities that tend to be exposed to higher local levels of NO 2 .

Exposure to noise is much more localized than exposure to air pollution and ambient levels vary considerably across short distances. The analysis did find a tentative link between noise levels in cities and lower household incomes, suggesting that cities with poorer populations have higher noise levels.

Extreme temperatures

Southern and south-eastern European regions are more affected by higher temperatures. Many regions in Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain are also characterized by lower incomes and education, higher levels of unemployment and larger elderly populations. These socio-demographic factors can reduce individuals ability to respond to and avoid heat and thus result in negative health outcomes.

In parts of Europe a large number of people are unable to keep their homes adequately warm because of poor-quality housing and the price of energy. Illnesses and fatalities associated with exposure to low temperatures continue to occur as a result.

The European Union (EU) as a whole has made significant progress over past decades in reducing air pollution and Member States have implemented various EU policies to improve climate change adaptation. The EUs regional policy has proved its effectiveness in helping to address social and economic inequalities. A number of regional and city authorities are also proactive in reducing the impact of the environmental hazards on the most vulnerable members of society:
The Elmhurst officers said they were doing plainclothes surveillance on a suspected drug dealer when one of them spotted Auterberry in his car, which was parked in a handicapped spot at a supermarket on York Road. Auterberry was wanted on a warrant for a retail theft in Elmhurst that had taken place the previous month, said the officers, who followed Auterberry south on York Road
A representative from Golden Apple will be assigned to shadow him as he works and interview people at the high school as part of the judging process, Wetendorf said. Winners will be notified they are a Golden Apple recipient through a surprise visit.
Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@skagitpublishing.com for help creating one.
Shes always done this, she stayed away from the Dan Ryan because people were shooting on the Dan Ryan, so for this to happen, two shootings back-to-back on I-57, and her having to be one of them, is just awful, her 24-year-old daughter Jayla Shelton told news crews Tuesday.
TOPEKA [mdash] Edna E. Yoder, 75, of Topeka, died at 1 a.m. Saturday, June 19, 2021, at her residence. She was born Oct. 3, 1945, in LaGrange, to Emmery and Mary (Chupp) Miller. On Oct. 15, 1964, in Topeka, she married Raymond M. Yoder. He survives. Survivors in addition to her husband are t
Over the eight years of writing, calling, emailing and visiting our elected officials in Richmond, we made this point crystal clear to our delegates and senators: Health care is basic human right.

Over the years, we heard incredible stories of triumph and determination  from everyday people who, by no fault of their own, have been backed against the wall advocating for themselves, their families, and their friends.

Our most vulnerable Americans, our seniors and the working poor, shouldnt have to choose between paying for medical services and buying groceries. They shouldnt have to sacrifice quality of life, resulting in cycles of debt and uncertainty. Our children should not have to be turned away due to a parents inability to absorb medical costs.

In Lee County, a rural county in Southwest Virginia where Virginia Organizings oldest chapter started in 1996, the only hospital in the county closed because the state refused to expand Medicaid. It still hasnt reopened.

Now, in North Carolina, everyday people are fighting for the same coverage we fought for here in Virginia. We stand with them in solidarity because we know Medicaid expansion is possible and it will undoubtedly help communities across the state.
I will always place my priority and my utmost professionalism to our relationship, Ben, Smitherman texted. I will support you as a supervisor and will continue to dedicate my work to your success.

Farmer texted back that while the business and work are separate, once his wife became involved she became his first priority.

Family always comes first with me, he texted.

Farmer noted he would continue to be professional and represent my district the best I know how to.

He reiterated this sentiment in an email to Hunt, following up Smithermans, where he explained the lunch meeting wasnt one where attendance was required.

I will be present at all functions that are required of me, said Farmer in the email.

On Monday, Warren said beyond the October email, the issue hasnt really concerned the board as its remained a personal matter between Smitherman and Farmer. He said he hasnt noticed any changes in the pairs relationship.
Gloucester, MA (01930)

Today

Overcast with rain showers at times. Thunder possible. High 78F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Showers in the evening, then cloudy overnight. Low 53F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Ukraine Election Commission Receives 83 Filings For Presidential Candidates

By RFE/RL February 04, 2019

Ukraine's Central Election Commission (CEC) has completed acceptance of registration documents for the March 31 presidential election, saying 83 candidates have put forth their names.

The CEC on February 4 said it had approved 28 of the applications, rejected 22 others, and have left open 33 for consideration.

The commission is to officially announce no later than February 9 the final registered list of candidates.

Recent polls indicate current President Petro Poroshenko, former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, and comedian Volodymyr Zelenskyy and are the likely front-runners.

The 53-year-old Poroshenko announced his candidacy on January 29 to seek a second five-year term and has vowed to press for European Union and NATO membership for the country.

Poroshenko, one of Ukraine's richest men, came to power in the aftermath of the pro-European Maidan protests that pushed Moscow-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych out in February 2014.

He has vocally advocated closer integration with the West and criticized Russia following Moscow's seizure of Ukraine's Crimea region and amid a continuing war against Russia-backed separatists in the eastern region known as the Donbas.

Poroshenko, who critics say has failed to tackle pervasive corruption, also vowed that a special court to try corruption cases would be up and running this year. Western officials say graft is a huge hurdle on the path to the prosperity and security of Ukraine.

In what was widely seen as a bid effort to bolster his sagging public support ahead of the election, Poroshenko spearheaded successful efforts to secure the creation of an independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

The 58-year-old Tymoshenko, who announced her presidential bid on January 22, was a leader of the 2004 Orange Revolution but was defeated by Poroshenko in the 2014 presidential election.

Tymoshenko has presented herself as a pro-NATO, pro-European Union candidate and has declared her backing for the Ukrainian military in the fight against the Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Yuriy Boyko is also among those who have registered..

With reporting by Reuters, Kommersant, UNIAN, TASS, and Interfax

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-presidential- election-poroshenko-tymoshenko-zelensky-boyko- russia-crimea/29749637.html

Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Fears of Street Riots as British Economy Takes Brexit Hit

By Henry Ridgwell February 04, 2019

British lawmakers are debating new proposals on the European Union Withdrawal Agreement this week, amid a series of stark warnings over the consequences of Britain crashing out with no deal on 29 March.

Prime Minister Theresa May hopes to negotiate changes to the Withdrawal Agreement in meetings with Brussels in the coming days, after a majority of British MPs backed calls to change the deal last week. The European Union has flatly rejected reopening the talks.

There are growing signs that uncertainty over Brexit is starting to hit investment, as Japanese car giant Nissan has announced Sunday it is moving production of the X-trail  one of its most popular SUV models  out of the UK. The decision reverses a pledge made by Nissan in the wake of the 2016 referendum.

It's emerged that Britain offered Nissan over $100 million in 2016 to persuade it to keep its operations in the UK. The reversal was met with dismay by British lawmakers.

'"It concerns me that they have noted the uncertainty around Brexit and I think that is a serious signal to all of us in Parliament, that now is the time to resolve that uncertainty," Business Minister Greg Clark told reporters Sunday.

As Britain's ties stumble, Japan and the European Union are celebrating the entry into force of a trade deal, covering a third of global GDP. Visiting Tokyo Monday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said a Brexit deal was still possible.

"But we need to know from Britain  and this is the critical point  what it envisages," Merkel said in a press conference.

The threat of a no deal Brexit is growing starker by the day. Government contingency plans leaked to British media purportedly entail evacuating the Royal Family from Buckingham Palace. Worst-case scenarios envisage rioting on the streets amid food and medicine shortages, as waste export restrictions create mountains of garbage.

Alberto Alemanno, a professor of EU Law at HEC Paris, says neither Britain nor Europe can accurately predict the consequences of a no-deal exit.

"Obviously it's a very complicated scenario, which entails incredible implications for citizens, for businesses on both sides of the Channel. But the other option is to rethink the Withdrawal Agreement. But not entirely  it's just about arranging the process that might lead the Withdrawal Agreement to finally find a majority in the Houses [of Parliament]."

That might not be enough. Britain is demanding changes to the so-called "Irish backstop" clause, which seeks to keep Britain tied to EU rules until a trade deal is in place  aimed at preventing a hard border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland, which will become the EU's external border.

But the EU is unlikely to budge, says analyst Anand Menon of the UK in a Changing Europe program at Kings College London.

"They won't give us a time-limited backstop, because as the Irish keep staying, if it's time-limited it's not a backstop," said Menon.

Reopening the Withdrawal Agreement could see other EU member states request their own changes, notably Spain's demands for talks on the sovereignty of Gibraltar.

"Some member states could have some possible claims, certainly Spain might be one of them. But also the political context in Europe is also moving, and very fast, ahead of the next European elections," notes Professor Alemmano.

It is a reminder that the current deadlock is just the beginning of Britain's recasting its relationship with a fast-changing Europe  a process that could take years, if not decades.
Islamic State Resurgence Expected Within Months

By Jeff Seldin February 04, 2019

Even as U.S.-backed forces close in on the very last pockets of the Islamic State's self-declared caliphate in Syria, the terror group is unfazed, instead preparing to declare victory and retake territory.

The sobering assessment by U.S. Central Command and relayed to the lead inspector general for U.S. efforts in Iraq and Syria comes just over a month after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to withdraw some 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria, declaring the fight against IS over.

But far from agreeing with the president's assessment that the United States has "beaten them and we've beaten them badly," U.S. military officials warned the terror group is poised for a resurgence, should U.S. forces actually leave Syria.

"Absent sustained [counterterrorism] pressure, ISIS could likely resurge in Syria within six to 12 months and regain limited territory," U.S. Central Command told the inspector general, using an acronym for the terror group, in the report released Monday.

"ISIS may conduct opportunistic attacks on U.S. personnel as they withdraw but will leverage the event as a 'victory' in its media," Central Command added, further warning the terror group is "regenerating key functions and capabilities" both in Syria and in Iraq.

The U.S. military commanders also said the inability of Syrian and Iraqi officials to address long-standing Sunni Arab grievances could make IS even more potent.

"It is very likely that ISIS will have the opportunity to set conditions for future resurgence and territorial control," they said.

This latest U.S. military assessment of the strength of IS forces in Syria and Iraq follows similar reports over the past six months warning about the terror group's resiliency and long-term planning.

As far back as August of last year, U.S. military intelligence officials cautioned that IS still had a fighting force of 13,000 to 14,500 fighters in Syria, with as many as another 17,000 in Iraq.

In response, Pentagon officials said the group was "well-positioned to rebuild and work on enabling its physical caliphate to re-emerge."

In December, just days before Trump announced his plans to pull U.S. troops from Syria, then-special presidential envoy Brett McGurk warned despite key advances against IS in Syria, "it would be reckless if we were just to say, well, the physical caliphate is defeated, so we can just leave."

Yet despite losing even more ground in the weeks since then, U.S. military officials caution IS remains, "a battle-hardened and well-disciplined force ... able to coordinate offensives and counter-offensives."

Officials with Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S. mission in Iraq and Syria, also caution that morale among IS fighters, while not as high as it once was, remains high overall.

At times, IS fighters even appear to be "unfazed by coalition airstrikes," the officials told the inspector general.

Contrasting assessments

Such assessments from U.S. military commanders involved in the fight against IS, however, continue to contrast with the optimism expressed by President Trump.

"You have very little ISIS and you have the caliphate almost knocked out," Trump told CBS's Face the Nation Sunday, seemingly dismissing concerns about cells of active IS fighters in Syria.

"We can come back very quickly," he added. "We have very fast airplanes, we have very good cargo planes.  We have a base in Iraq."

Only U.S. military and intelligence officials publicly insist it will likely not be so easy.

Just last week, top U.S. intelligence officials cautioned lawmakers that IS still commands thousands of fighters in Iraq and Syria, and remains "intent" on resurging.

And the new inspector general report cautions that many IS fighters in Syria remain beyond the reach even of U.S. warplanes, in places like Idlib province and in areas south of Damascus.

At the same time, the loss of the IS caliphate has not completely erased the luster of the IS brand. U.S. officials estimate the terror group continues to attract about 50 foreign fighters a month to Syria, while also maintaining "pockets of popular support throughout Iraq."

Much of the responsibility for dealing with the lingering IS threat will fall to partner forces on the ground, as well as to other members of the international coalition to defeat IS, a subject likely to come up later this week at a coalition ministerial meeting at the U.S. State Department.

"We are on the cusp of the end of the territorial caliphate that ISIS enjoyed not that many months ago," a senior State Department official told reporters Monday. "We're not intending to let up on the pressure."

And there is some confidence the local partners can handle it.

"The Iraqis have generated a tempo, which has continued to go after these clandestine [IS] cells," a second official said. "And we're starting to see the tempo generated by our Syrian Democratic Force colleagues as well, in spaces that have been liberated but still need to be cleared because sleeper cells are starting to fire up."
Erdogan Urges Trump to Fulfill Promise on US Withdrawal From Syria - Reports

Sputnik News

07:17 04.02.2019

ANKARA (Sputnik) - Turkey expects US President Donald Trump to deliver on his promise to pull US military out of Syria in the near future, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday.

"Mr. Trump has vowed that the United States would leave the east of the Euphrates. We hope that this promise will be fulfilled in the near future. We do not want to live under threat and are ready to do everything necessary to eliminate it", Erdogan told the Turkish TRT broadcaster.

The buffer zone in the north of Syria should be controlled by Turkey and it will do everything possible to maintain security in the area, the Turkish president noted.

In December, Erdogan announced that Ankara was ready to launch a military operation against Kurdish fighters on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River as well as in Syria's Manbij, located near the Turkish border, if the United States did not remove the militia from there.

The Turkish leader later said that he had decided to postpone the start of the military operation in Syria after a phone conversation with Trump on 14 December, during which the US president also revealed his plans to withdraw troops from Syria.

Turkey has been opposing the presence of Kurdish militia in the north of Syria, claiming that the militants posed a threat to the country's security. In January 2018, Turkey launched a military operation in city of Afrin against the US-backed Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), which is regarded by Turkey as an affiliate of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), listed as a terrorist organization by Ankara. Damascus, in turn, has called the operation an aggression.

In late December, however, the YPG surrendered Manbij to the Syrian government forces amid fears that Ankara would indeed launch a military operation against them.

 Sputnik
Pentagon: Islamic State Could Come Back In Syria Within Months After U.S. Pullout

February 04, 2019

President Donald Trump has declared his intention to reduce U.S. military engagement in Syria, but a new Pentagon report warned that the extremist group Islamic State could then make a comeback in the war-torn country within six to 12 months and "regain limited territory."

The report issued on February 4 by the Defense Department's Inspector General warned that the IS group continues to attract dozens of foreign fighters to Syria and Iraq each month, and maintains a flow of external donations.

IS is "regenerating key functions and capabilities more quickly in Iraq than in Syria," it also said.

In both countries, the Inspector General said, local forces remain heavily reliant on support from the U.S.-led coalition fighting against the IS group.

Trump surprised U.S. lawmakers and international allies last month by announcing he was withdrawing all 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria.

Critics have said that a vacuum left by the departure of U.S. troops from Syria, where they are assisting a Syrian Arab and Kurdish alliance fighting against some of the last IS-held areas and other forces, could result in a resurgence of the IS and Al-Qaeda in the country or neighboring Iraq.

Based on reporting by dpa and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pentagon-islamic -state-syria-return-months-after -u-s-pullout/29751167.html

Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Turkey maintains 'low-level' contact with Syria: Erdogan

Iran Press TV

Mon Feb 4, 2019 09:57AM

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has confirmed for the first time that Turkey has maintained direct low-level contact with the government of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria.

"Foreign policy is being conducted with Syria at a lower level," Erdogan said in an interview with the state-run TRT television on Sunday, adding spy agencies could maintain links even if their leaders did not.

"Even if it's your enemy, you will not entirely break ties in case you might need them," he said, but ruled out any direct talks with President Assad.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said late last year that Ankara was only in contact with the Damascus government through third parties, namely Russia and Iran.

Ankara broke off ties with the Syrian government at the start of the foreign-backed militancy in 2011 and called for the ouster of President Assad.

However, it has moderated its initial hostility toward Damascus and been working with Iran and Russia to restore peace to Syria within the framework of the Astana talks.

During his last meeting with Erdogan in Moscow on January 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin encouraged the Turkish leader to establish contact with the Syrian leadership in line with a security pact the two nations signed in 1998.

Asked about the US plan to withdraw American troops from Syria, Erdogan said he hoped Washington would pull out its forces soon.

He warned that Turkey "will do whatever is needed" to avert any threat posed by US-backed Kurdish militants in case the United States does not implement its planned withdrawal.

In December, Trump announced to withdraw around 2,000 US forces from Syria amid preparations by Turkey to launch an operation against the Kurdish militants in northern Syria.

Turkey is pushing for a 32 km "security zone" or "safe zone" on the Syrian side of the 900-kilometer joint border after receiving US backing.

In the interview, Erdogan showed the negotiated "security zone" on the map, saying it would stretch from Jarabulus in northern Syria to the Iraqi border.

He called on Washington to hand over the zone's security to Turkish forces. "We cannot leave the safe zone to coalition forces," Erdogan said.

"Such a safe zone should be entrusted to Turkey. We'll then provide the security of that zone," he said.

"We don't support the disintegration of Syrian people, but unfortunately, coalition forces aren't bothering with that," he added.

Erdogan further said that he would meet with Putin in the Russian city of Sochi on February 14.

The summit would come as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced late January that the next round of peace negotiations for Syria within the Astana format would be held in the Kazakh capital in mid-February.

He added that the 12th Astana talks would be attended by the three guarantor nations of the peace process, namely Russia, Iran, and Turkey, as well as observers from Jordan and the United Nations.
Syria guarantors' summit due in Sochi on Feb. 14: Russia

Iran Press TV

Mon Feb 4, 2019 03:36PM

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says a planned meeting of the presidents of the three guarantor states of Syrian peace will be held in the Russian resort city of Sochi on February 14.

"The prospects for a settlement in Syria will be considered within a week to 10 days, i.e. on February 14, in the upcoming summit of the presidents of Russia, Iran, and Turkey in Sochi," the top Russian diplomat said during a speech he delivered to the students of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, in Kyrgyzstan's capital city, Bishkek, on Monday.

The tripartite summit, whose main purpose is to provide further coordination among the three countries, will be held before the 12th Astana talks in the Kazakh capital, Astana.

Late last month, Lavrov said that the Astana peace talks would be attended by Russia, Iran, and Turkey, as well as observers from Jordan and the United Nations (UN).

Since January 2017, Moscow, Tehran, and Ankara have been mediating peace negotiations between representatives from the Damascus government and opposition groups in a series of rounds held in Astana and other places. The talks are collectively referred to as the Astana peace process.

The first round of the Astana talks commenced a month after the three guarantors joined efforts and brought about an all-Syria ceasefire. The three states act as the guarantors of that truce.

The negotiations have helped significantly reduce the violence gripping the Arab country by establishing four de-escalation zones there. They have also paved the way for the formation of a Constitutional Committee.

This is while a parallel UN-backed peace process in Geneva, Switzerland, has failed to deliver much.

Elsewhere in his comments on Monday, Lavrov said that work was also underway to complete the formation of the UN-sponsored Constitutional Committee to discuss the Syrian constitution as an important stage in resolving the Syrian crisis.

"In parallel with the war against terrorism, there is a current political track in which Russia, Iran, and Turkey adopted an initiative based on the decisions of the Syrian national dialog congress held a year ago in Sochi to set up a committee to discuss the constitution," he said.

Last year, a Constitutional Committee was agreed to be established for Syria during talks in Sochi as part of the Astana peace process.

The body will include 50 members from the incumbent Damascus government and 50 opposition members. Another 50 members will be independent and chosen by the UN.

Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. But that conflict has been winding down as the Syrian government reasserts control over parts formerly held by militant and terrorist groups.
Syria won't surrender to blackmail over Arab League return: Deputy FM

Iran Press TV

Mon Feb 4, 2019 03:52PM

Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad says his country will eventually return to the Arab League, stressing that the Damascus government will never surrender to blackmail or accept conditions for the restoration of its membership to the regional organization.

"Those who are trying to ignore Syria or to impose conditions for its return to the Arab League will not succeed, since Syria will not surrender to blackmail and is not primarily concerned with anything other than its domestic problems," Mekdad said.

He added that certain anti-Syria decisions are being made by some Arab states on the instructions of extra-regional powers.

"We monitor all developments concerning Syria's return to the Arab League and the reopening of diplomatic missions in Damascus. Nevertheless, the pressures that we are facing at regional and international levels pose serious challenges to this process," the senior Syrian official pointed out.

The Arab League suspended Syria's membership in November 2011, citing alleged crackdown by Damascus on opposition protests. Syria denounced the move as "illegal and a violation of the organization's charter."

On January 26, Tunisian Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui called on the Arab League to restore Syria's membership, saying the "natural place" of the country is within the 22-member regional organization.

"Syria is an Arab state, and its natural place is within the Arab League," Jhinaoui said during a news conference with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Tunis.

"The question of Syria returning to the Arab League does not depend on Tunisia but on the Arab League," he noted, adding, "The foreign ministers (of member states) will decide on this subject."

Tunisia is scheduled to host the 30th annual summit of the Arab League in March.

The issue of possible restoration of Syria's membership to the Arab League comes especially after a recent move by some Arab countries to re-open their embassies in Damascus.

Bahrain's Foreign Ministry announced in a statement on December 28, 2018 that work at the kingdom's embassy "in the Syrian Arab Republic was going on whilst the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic to the Kingdom of Bahrain was carrying out its duties and flights connecting the two countries were operational without interruption."

This came a day after the United Arab Emirates officially reopened its embassy in Damascus.

The Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the reopening of its embassy "reaffirms the keenness of the United Arab Emirates to restore relations between the two friendly countries to their normal course."

The move "will strengthen and activate the Arab role in supporting the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic and to prevent the dangers of regional interference in Syrian Arab affairs," the ministry pointed out.

Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. The Syrian government says the Israeli regime and its Western and regional allies are aiding Takfiri terrorist groups wreaking havoc in the country.
Russia to React to US Exit From INF Treaty by Military-Technical Means - Lavrov

Sputnik News

11:01 04.02.2019(updated 12:57 04.02.2019)

When reacting to the US announcement on Washington suspending its obligations under the INF Treaty, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that Moscow's proposals remain on the table. Moscow issued a "mirror" response to the US move by suspending its own observance of the treaty.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stated that Moscow would react to military threats related to the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty "by military-technical means", i.e. with weapons development.

US plans to build low-power nuclear weapons will sharply lower the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, according to both Russian and Western military experts, Russia's top diplomat emphasised.

"We are not seeking an arms race, which was present at the time of the Cold War, the president spoke very clearly about this," he added.

According to Lavrov, all Russia's proposals related to arms control are still on the table, but Moscow will not "remind our Western partners about them".

"When they [White House authorities] come to understanding their responsibility for the problems that are created by the US policy, [] the doors are open, we will talk. On an equal footing, on the basis of taking into account each other's interests, legitimate interests, not fictional."

NATO States Not Ready for Dialogue on MK-41 Launchers Deployed in Romania and Poland in Violation of INF Treaty

In addition to this, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that NATO states were not ready for a dialogue on the MK-41 launchers deployed in Romania and Poland in violation of the INF Treaty.

"Unfortunately, the countries of the alliance were not ready for meaningful dialogue on the Mk-41 launchers, which are located in Romania, and will appear in Poland next year, in violation of the INF Treaty. These are integrated into the NATO missile defence system, so the alliance is also directly responsible for undermining the treaty," the Russian Foreign Ministry website said.

The statements come two days after Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, during which the Russian president said that Moscow was suspending its obligations under the INF Treaty in response to a similar decision announced by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo the day before.

In addition to this, Putin stated that the use of target rockets and the deployment of Mk 41 launchers in Europe since 2014 by the United States is a direct violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

"We presume that Russia will not deploy such weapons if it develops them, either in Europe or in other regions of the world, medium and shorter range weapons, until such US-made weapons appear in their respective regions of the world," Putin said.

The Russian president instructed the ministries to carefully monitor the situation and promptly suggest proposals for reacting to any developments, emphasising that Moscow would not be dragged into a new arms race.

On February 1, Pompeo justified the US decision to suspend its obligations under the historic Cold War-era INF Treaty, triggering the six month withdrawal process, by yet again accusing Russia of violating the treaty. Moscow has strongly denied the claims.

Earlier, Pompeo issued an ultimatum to Russia, saying that it has 60 days to start to comply with the agreement, or, otherwise, the United States could leave the treaty on 2 February. He also claimed that Russia's 9M729 missile violates the INF treaty, which bans missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometres (310 and 3,400 miles).

After being accused by NATO of a "lack of transparency" over the 9M729 missile (NATO: SS-08), the Russian foreign and defence ministries held a briefing, showing the missile, which is used in Iskander-M systems, and revealing its characteristics. Despite being invited to the briefing, NATO representatives, including the US and EU envoys, refused to take part in the meeting.

The INF Treaty, signed by the United States and the Soviet Union in 1987, bans all ground-launched ballistic missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometres (310 and 3,400 miles).

 Sputnik
Second Base? Lavrov Suggests Moscow Open To Discussing New Military Facility In Kyrgyzstan

By RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service February 04, 2019

BISHKEK -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says that Bishkek has not asked Moscow to open a second military base in Kyrgyzstan, but suggested that Russia is open to discussing the idea.

Speaking to students at the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University in Bishkek on February 4, Lavrov was asked whether Russia was prepared to open a second base in the Central Asian country.

Claiming that "this is the first time we've heard about this," said Lavrov, who was meeting with senior officials in Kyrgyzstan -- his first stop on a trip to three Central Asian countries. "This is not our initiative. We will be ready to discuss with our Kyrgyz friends their ideas regarding security."

Reports and rumors about the possibility that Russia could open a second military base have been circulating in Kyrgyzstan and Russia for months.

Russia's air base at Kant, in northern Kyrgyzstan, was opened in 2003 under the auspices of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which includes Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.

A U.S. air base outside the capital, Bishkek, began hosting U.S. troops in 2001 as part of the campaign in nearby Afghanistan, but Kyrgyzstan shut it in 2014. Russia had pressed Kyrgyzstan for its closure.

In December 2018, Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov said that Bishkek was not negotiating with Moscow on the possible opening of another Russian military base.

In March, Jeenbekov said that the idea of a second Russian base was discussed before he was elected president in October 2017, but that no decision was made.

Earlier in 2017, then-President Almazbek Atambaev said that Russia could deploy troops in the Batken region on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border instead of increasing the number of troops stationed at Kant.

He said that the issue had been discussed years ago but that no decision was made due to questions about funding.

Also in 2017, the Kant air base and three other Russian military facilities in Kyrgyzstan were formally combined into a single base.

Lavrov is expected to visit Tajikistan on February 5 and Turkmenistan on February 6.

With reporting by Interfax

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/second-base-in- kyrgyzstan-lavrov-suggests-moscow-open-to-discussing -new-military-facility/29750856.html

Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Russia plays down prospect of new Cold War with US

Iran Press TV

Mon Feb 4, 2019 04:04PM

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has played down the possibility of a new Cold War, after the suspension of a landmark nuclear arms control treaty between Washington and Moscow, adding that the withdrawal will have other implications nevertheless.

The United States announced last week that it would formally withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in six months' time and would suspend compliance with the agreement as of February 2, accusing Moscow of having violated the pact.

Russia has rejected the violation accusation; and when several Russian attempts aimed at soothing ostensible American concerns led nowhere, Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country, too, would suspend its involvement in the 1987 pact. He said, however, that Russia would leave the door open for talks on the issue.

"I don't think that we should talk about a new Cold War. A new era has begun, an era when the United States decides to move toward destroying the entire arms control system, which is regrettable," Lavrov was quoted as saying by Russia's TASS news agency on Monday.

He said Russia was not to blame for the pact's breakdown, insisting that his country did not want an "arms race" but was ready to respond to US actions following its withdrawal from the INF Treaty.

"We don't seek to launch a new arms race, the president (President Putin) has made it quite clear. [But] we will definitely give military and technical responses to the threats that are emerging following the US pullout from the INF Treaty and its plans to create low-yield nuclear weapons, which  according to all experts in the West, Russia, and other countries  will dramatically lower the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons and increase the risk of a nuclear conflict," he said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last Friday that the US would fully withdraw from the INF Treaty in 180 days if Russia did not end its alleged violation of the pact.

That announcement was followed by strong support from the US's allies in the NATO military alliance  a traditional foe of Russia  which called on Moscow to use the six-month time "to return to full and verifiable compliance" with the agreement and end its alleged violation of the pact.

US President Donald Trump and his senior officials had been signaling for months that they were ready to pull out of the INF Treaty.

Russia says the US has for long been looking for a false pretext to exit the treaty so it can develop new missiles.

The INF was signed toward the end of the Cold War in 1987 by the then-US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

The INF bans all land-based missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers and included missiles carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads. It does not cover air-launched or sea-launched weapons.

Washington has claimed that Russia's new 9M729 missile is in violation of the treaty and should be dismantled immediately. But Moscow insists the missile is allowed under the treaty and has offered that US authorities inspect the missile for themselves. Washington has rejected that offer.
Nazarbaev Wants Constitutional Clarification On Termination Of Presidential Duties

By RFE/RL February 04, 2019

President Nursultan Nazarbaev has asked Kazakhstan's Constitutional Council to provide an official interpretation of an article of the country's constitution that deals with the termination of the president's duties.

The council said in a statement on February 4 that it had started working on the matter following the president's request to look into Article 42, Section 3 of the Kazakh Constitution.

According to the relevant article of the constitution, the powers of the current Kazakh president shall terminate as of "the moment the newly elected President of the Republic takes office" as well as in the event of the current president's "release from office, resignation or death."

"All former Presidents of the Republic except those who were discharged from office shall have the title of ex-President of the Republic of Kazakhstan," it adds.

Nazarbaev, 78, has been in power in the energy-rich Kazakhstan since before the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

He was last elected in 2015, securing a new five-year term after moving the vote up from 2016 in what was widely seen as a move to strengthen his control.

Rights activists and critics say he has persistently suppressed dissent, prolonged his time in office through undemocratic votes, and used the levers of power to neutralize potential opponents.

Kazakhstan's next presidential election is set for December 2020, and Nazarbaev told reporters late last year that there were no plans for early polls.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kaakhstan- nazarbaev-aonstitutional-council- to-interpret-article-on-termination -of-presidential-duties/29751101.html

Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Iraqi President Says Trump Didn't Ask Permission To 'Watch Iran'

By RFE/RL February 04, 2019

The Iraqi president has said that President Donald Trump did not ask Baghdad's permission for U.S. troops stationed in Iraq to "watch Iran."

President Barham Salih made the comment on February 4, after Trump said in a television interview that the United States has an "incredible base" in Iraq that he intends to keep "because I want to be able to watch Iran."

There are an 5,000 estimated U.S. military personnel in Iraq to train, advise, and assist Iraqi security forces.

The forces are there as part of an agreement between the two countries and with a specific mission of combating terrorism, Salih told a forum in Baghdad, adding that they should stick to that mission.

He also said that the Iraqi Constitution forbids the use of Iraq as a base to threaten the interests or security of neighboring countries.

"Don't overburden Iraq with your own issues," Salih added.

"It is of fundamental interest for Iraq to have good relations with Iran" and other neighboring countries, the Iraqi president also said.

In a CBS interview broadcast on February 3, Trump said it was important to keep a U.S. military presence in Iraq so that Washington can keep a close eye on Iran "because Iran is a real problem."

Apparently referring to the Al-Asad air base in western Iraq, Trump said that the facility was "perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East."

The base hosts U.S. troops but belongs to the Iraqi military.

Trump made the remarks after announcing last month that he was withdrawing all 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria.

His comments also came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran after the United States pulled out of the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, and imposed crippling economic sanctions against Tehran last year.

Trump has looked to increase pressure on Iran to bring about what his administration has called a "change in behavior" regarding its weapons programs and its "destabilizing" activities in the region, accusations Tehran denies.

With reporting by AP and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iraqi-president-balih-trump-watch- iran-permission/29750899.html

Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
President Salih: Trump did not ask Iraq permission to watch Iran

Iran Press TV

Mon Feb 4, 2019 07:49AM

Iraqi leaders have hit back at Donald Trump after the US president said he plans to keep troops in the country to spy on Iran, with President Barham Salih saying the mission does not have Baghdad's permission.

Their reaction on Monday came a day after Trump told CBS that US troops would leave Syria and Afghanistan but stay on in Iraq, partly "to be looking a little bit at Iran."

Trump admitted that staying in Iraq is a "mistake" and that attacking Iran is not an option, but the remarks sparked a new round of demands in Baghdad for US forces to leave the country.

"The Iraqi constitution rejects the use of Iraq as a base for hitting or attacking a neighboring country," President Salih said Monday.

Salih said US forces were in the country under an agreement between the two countries, but that "any action taken outside this framework is unacceptable."

The Iraqi president insisted that Trump had not asked Baghdad's permission for US troops in Iraq to "watch Iran."

"Don't overburden Iraq with your own issues," Salih said. "The US is a major power ... but do not pursue your own policy priorities, we live here."

"It is of fundamental interest for Iraq to have good relations with Iran" and other neighboring countries, Saleh said.

He said US forces were in Iraq to fight terrorism and that he looked forward to hearing Washington's clarification on the number of troops who were going to stay as well as their mission.

In his interview aired on Sunday, Trump defended his decision to end "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan by pulling out US troops from those countries.

However, he said not all of thousands of American forces stationed in Iraq, specially at the Ain al-Asad Air Base in the western Anbar Province, were going to return home.

"And one of the reasons I want to keep it (the base) is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem," said the American president.

Asked whether he wanted the troops there to "strike" Iran at a later time, Trump responded: "No All I want to do is be able to watch."

"We have an unbelievable and expensive military base built in Iraq. It's perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East rather than pulling up," he added.

Trump announced in December that all US military troops in Syria would return home in the coming months while the number of US forces in Afghanistan would also be reduced drastically.

Trump made an unannounced stop at Ain al-Asad base on Christmas, in a visit that drew fire from Iraqi officials and their counterparts in Iran and other neighboring countries.

Sabah al-Saadi, a member of parliament in the bloc led by influential anti-American cleric Moqtada Sadr, has proposed a bill demanding a US pullout.

Deputy speaker of parliament Hassan Karim al-Kaabi, also close to Sadr, said Monday Trump's latest remarks have made passing such a law "a national duty" because they are a violation of Iraq's sovereignty and constitution.

The remarks, he said, are a "new provocation," weeks after the US president sparked outrage in Iraq by visiting US troops without meeting a single Iraqi official.

The Iraqi parliament, he said, will soon pass a bill that will end the ongoing security agreement with Washington as well as the presence of all foreign forces in Iraq.

Kaabi asserted that his country would never become a launchpad for attacks or a US backyard for intelligence gathering against other countries.

Iraqi leaders say there are no American bases on its soil, stressing that only instructors are deployed at Iraqi bases.

Kurdish MP Sarkawt Shams tweeted that the mission of US troops in Iraq was "to help Iraqi security forces against terrorism, not 'watching' others."

"We are expecting the United States to respect our mutual interests and avoid pushing Iraq into a regional conflict," he said.

Trump's comments 'embarrassing' for Baghdad

Iraq's former foreign minister Hoshyar Zebari also condemned Trump's remarks, saying they were embarrassing for Baghdad.

The veteran Kurdish politician warned Iraqi officials that the country would face difficult choices in future following Trump's controversial statements.

Jaafar al-Husseini, a spokesman for the Iraqi pro-government Kata'ib Hezbollah voluntary forces, warned the Trump administration against mounting offensives against Iran and Syria from Iraq.

He also called on parliament to speed up legislation to drive out foreign forces, warning that the anti-terror force won't wait long.

The spokesman noted that Iraq's security agencies should deem American military forces as "appropriate targets" as Iraqi resistance groups already do.

'Greatest mistake US ever made'

In his interview on Sunday, Trump once again called the US war on Iraq as "one of the greatest mistakes" the United States had ever made.

He also defended his attacks on US intelligence assessments on Iran, saying they tend to miscalculate as they led former President George W. Bush into attacking Iraq by claiming that Baghdad had weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

"President Bush had intel people that said Saddam Hussein in Iraq had nuclear weapons- had all sorts of weapons of mass destruction. Guess what? Those intel people didn't know what the hell they were doing, and they got us tied up in a war that we should have never been in," he said.

Last Wednesday, Trump went on a twitter rant to attack his intelligence chiefs' assessments on Iran's growing power despite Washington's pressure campaign following his pullout from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

The tweets came in response to Tuesday statements by CIA Director Gina Haspel and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats before the US Senate Intelligence Committee.

Haspel told the panel that despite Trump's decision last May to withdraw from the nuclear deal, the Islamic Republic had been "making some preparations that would increase their ability to take a step back."

Coats also acknowledged that Tehran was not seeking to develop nuclear weapons capabilities.
Fire At Iran Space Center Kills Three Scientists

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda February 04, 2019

A fire at the Iranian Space Research Center has killed three scientists, a top Iranian official has announced.

Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi on February 3 said the scientists died as a result "of a fire in one of the buildings of the Space Research Center."

He did not provide further information about the incident at the Tehran site.

The names and positions of the victims were not immediately provided.

One report said staffers in another part of the research center were celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution when the fire broke out.

Iran's space program has contributed to heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.

President Hassan Rohani has said Iran soon will put two satellites into orbit using domestically made rockets, despite U.S. concerns that the launches could help further develop the country's ballistic missiles.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Iran not to proceed with "provocative" plans to launch new rockets, claiming they were "virtually identical" to nuclear-capable ballistic missiles and would violate a UN resolution.

Over the past decade, Iran has sent several satellites into orbit and in 2013 launched a monkey into space.

The program has had mixed results. Tehran on January 15 said it conducted a satellite launch but that the rocket failed to reach orbit.

Jahromi told state TV at the time that the rocket carrying the Payam (Message) satellite failed to reach the "necessary speed" in the third stage of launch.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/fire-iran- space-research-center-kills-three- scientists/29749632.html

Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Iran marks space day, plans building advanced satellites

Iran Press TV

Mon Feb 4, 2019 09:12AM

Iran has stressed the peaceful nature of its space program, denying there is any connection between its satellite launches and the national missile defense program.

The remarks by Minister of Information and Communications Technology Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi came on the occasion of the National Space Technology Day.

Addressing a ceremony in Tehran, Azari Jahromi dismissed the West attributing military aspects to Iran's civil space program, including its satellite launches.

The minister said two international organizations have monitored Iran's space program and confirmed its peaceful nature.

Iran's space industry is facing US sanctions but the Islamic Republic has managed to overcome them by relying on domestic capabilities and capacities, Azari Jahromi said.

The US, he said, is trying to disrupt the program, while the Europeans are refusing to cooperate with Iran in the field.

"Iran is seeking further cooperation with other countries within the framework of space diplomacy as the country pursues a peaceful space technology," he added.

Iran, Azari Jahromi said, is using space technology to improve the lives of its citizens and other people across the board. In this regard, the country regards sanctions not a threat, but an opportunity for development, he added.

As an example, the minister cited the satellite Mesbah which Iran built in collaboration with Italy's Carlo Gavazzi Space SpA in 1998 but which took more than 10 years to launch by Europe.

Iran launched its first homemade satellite, Omid (Hope), in 2009. It also sent the first Iranian bio-capsule containing living creatures into space in February 2010, using a Kavoshgar (Explorer) carrier.

In February 2015, Iran placed Fajr (Dawn) into orbit, which was capable of taking and transmitting high-quality photos.

Last month, the country launched Payam (Message) into space at an altitude of 500 kilometers (310 miles) for imaging and communications purposes.

According to officials, the satellite performed without fault but the rocket which was carrying it did not reach enough speed in the third stage, falling short of putting Payam into orbit.

Azari Jahromi said on Sunday Iran will in the coming weeks launch a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite named Doosti (Friendship) that will provide accuracy within 10 meters.

Within the next three years, Iran will build a new generation of satellites with an accuracy 40 times higher than that of Payam, he added.

Following Payam's launch, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the satellite launch had actually been part of Tehran's attempts to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo chimed in, claiming that Iran was using the spacecraft launch as a cover for testing technology to lob a warhead at the US and other countries.

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani dismissed those claims. He said Iran faced no scientific restraints for increasing the range of its missiles, but that the country's efforts were focused on improving their accuracy.
Pentagon: 3,750 more troops heading to Mexico border

Iran Press TV

Mon Feb 4, 2019 05:39AM

The United States is to deploy 3,750 more troops to its southern border with Mexico as President Donald Trump ramps up his rhetoric in favor of enhanced "security" against what he calls a migrant invasion.

"The Department of Defense will deploy approximately 3,750 additional US forces to provide the additional support to CBP (Customs and Border Protection) at the southwest border that Acting Secretary of Defense (Pat) Shanahan approved Jan. 11," the Pentagon said in a statement on Sunday.

The contingents, which are to stay there for three months, will bring the overall number of the troops stationed on the common border to 4,350.

Soldiers were first sent to the common border last November on Trump's order to allegedly provide logistical support to civilian patrols. Now, their task is also to include "a mobile surveillance capability through the end of September 2019, as well as the emplacement of approximately 150 miles of concertina wire between ports of entry."

The issue of security on the border has been central to Trump's discourse since he began campaigning for presidency. He has vocally called for the creation of a wall on the frontier, saying the migrants fleeing poverty and violence in Mexico would lead to a rise in crime in the US if allowed in.

Also on Sunday, the president tweeted, "With Caravans marching through Mexico and toward our Country, Republicans must be prepared to do whatever is necessary for STRONG Border Security."

"Dems (the Democrats) do nothing. If there is no Wall, there is no Security. Human Trafficking, Drugs, and Criminals of all dimensions - KEEP OUT!" he added.

Congress refusal to provide Trump with the $5.7 billion he needs to build the wall resulted in the longest government shutdown in the US. On January 25, the president signed legislation to temporarily end the shutdown, dropping his previous insistence on immediate funding for wall construction.

He buckled under pressure from Democrats, who have called the wall unnecessary and accused him of trying to create the illusion of a security crisis on the border.

Sending troops to border is 'piece of political theater'

A political analyst says that the issue of troop deployment to the US border with Mexico "is a piece of political theater," which has nothing to do with improving security.

"It has everything to do with political theater and about nothing to do with securing the border," Frank Emspak, former executive director of the Workers Independent News, told Press TV on Sunday.

He also said people coming to the US border want to apply for asylum and the solution is to employ judges to process their applications.

"Almost every expert in border security has said that the thing that will help most is to have judges to process people's asylum claims. Almost all the people coming from Central America  these caravans  are coming to ask for asylum not to cross the border illegally," he said.
Lima Group Agrees to Ban Venezuelan Officials from Entering Members' Territory

Sputnik News

00:37 05.02.2019(updated 01:33 05.02.2019)

The Lima Group has agreed to prevent high-level Venezuelan officials from entering territory of group members.

The group will also suspend military cooperation with the Venezuelan government and said in a declaration that it will evaluate restricting loans to the Venezuelan government at organizations of which Lima Group countries are members.

The Lima Group, which comprises 14 member states, was established in August 2017 to promote democratic reforms in Venezuela. The majority of the member states have been critical of incumbent Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and have recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's interim leader.

Tensions in Venezuela escalated nearly two weeks ago after Guaido declared himself interim president, disputing last year's re-election of Maduro. The United States and several other countries swiftly recognized the opposition leader as the country's leader. Russia, China, Mexico, Turkey and Uruguay are among the nations that have voiced their support for Maduro as the country's legitimately elected head of state.

 Sputnik
Guaido Accuses Maduro of Trying to Move $1.2B to Uruguay

By VOA News February 04, 2019

Venezuelan opposition leader and self-declared interim president Juan Guaido said Monday that President Nicolas Maduro is trying to transfer up to $1.2 billion to a bank in Uruguay.

Speaking on national television after over a dozen European countries officially recognized him as Venezuela's leader, Guaido claimed, without presenting evidence, that Maduro was moving the money from state development bank Bandes to a financial entity in Uruguay.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States, which recognized Guaido as interim president last week, welcomed Monday's decision by European countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Sweden and Britain to follow suit.

"We are also heartened by the European Parliament's January 31 resolution recognizing Juan Guaido as interim president. They join the United States and more than 23 other countries in recognizing Juan Guaido as interim president, in accordance with Venezuela's constitution," Pompeo said in a statement.

The announcements came after a number of countries gave Maduro a deadline to hold free and fair elections, or else they would recognize Guaido, who declared himself interim president in January, as the leader of the South American country.

Guaido said during a recent VOA interview he would order new elections "when we achieve the capacity to convene elections." First, Guaido said, "we have to achieve the necessary force in order for this usurpation to end."

In New York Monday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the United Nations will not participate in any groups of countries looking to resolve the political crisis in Venezuela.

"The UN secretariat has decided not to be part of any of these groups in order to give credibility to our continued offer of good offices to the parties to be able at their request to help find a political solution," Guterres told reporters.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt posted on Twitter: "Nicolas Maduro has not called Presidential elections within 8 day limit we have set. So UK alongside European allies now recognizes @jguaido as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held. Let's hope this take us closer to ending humanitarian crisis."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Monday in Madrid that "...we are working for the return of full democracy in Venezuela..."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told France Inter Radio that the Venezuelan crisis would end "peacefully" with an early presidential election.

In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov criticized Monday's European declarations as "attempts to legitimize usurped power" and "interference in Venezuela's internal affairs."

Maduro has presided over a Venezuelan economic collapse that has resulted in chronic shortages of food and medicine. He blames the U.S. for supporting what he calls a coup to remove him from power and exploit Venezuela's vast oil reserves.

On Monday, Canada announced at an emergency meeting of the Lima group that it would provide $53 million in aid to Venezuela.

"The bulk of the funds will go to trusted partners and neighboring countries to help them support Venezuela and Venezuelans," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the group, which includes Canada and 13 Latin American countries.

Margaret Besheer contributed to this report.
Taliban, Afghan Opposition to Hold Controversial Peace Talks in Moscow

By Ayaz Gul February 04, 2019

Taliban representatives will meet influential Afghan opposition leaders in Moscow for two days of peace building discussions starting Tuesday, but envoys from the Kabul government will not be in attendance.

The controversial meeting, critics say, underscores a deepening political divide in Afghanistan and would further weaken President Ashraf Ghani's National Unity government.

The so-called "intra-Afghan peace meeting" in Russia comes just days after the United States reported "significant" progress in ongoing talks with Taliban insurgents, though they also excluded the Afghan government.

The Taliban refuses to engage in direct or indirect talks with the Ghani administration, branding them American "puppets."

A Taliban spokesman has confirmed to VOA a delegation from its Qatar-based "political office" will participate in the Moscow talks under the leadership of senior insurgent negotiator, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai.

Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in a statement Monday said his his group intends use the Moscow conference to open channels to reach an understanding with political groups outside the Afghan government.

"The Islamic Emirate (Taliban) wants to appropriately utilize this opportunity to clarify its Shariah-based and ethical stance to various parties and explain its policy and mechanism about future Afghanistan vis-a-vis end of (U.S.) occupation, enduring peace in homeland and establishment of an intra-Afghan Islamic system of governance," Mujahid explained.

Russia has distanced itself from the upcoming meeting after criticism from the Afghan government. Critics suggested the disputed Afghan talks could have stemmed from Moscow's deepening rivalry with Washington.

But the Russian embassy in Kabul has clarified in a statement that the meeting is being arranged by a Russia-based "Council of Afghans Society" to promote peace in Afghanistan.

A 38-member Afghan political delegation, including several women, consists of prominent former leaders, presidential candidates, lawmakers, tribal elders, all of them highly critical of Ghani's beleaguered National Unity government.

Former president, Hamid Karzai, former national security adviser, Haneef Atmar  who is running against Ghani in the July presidential elections  Mohammad Mohaqiq, former governors Mohammad Ismail Khan and Atta Mohammad Noor, who fought against the Soviets after their 1979 invasion of Afghanistan are part of the delegation.

A joint statement issued on behalf of the Afghan delegation described Tuesday's meeting in Russia as "the first step towards intra-Afghan peace talks" in the peace process.

"We hope that the Moscow meeting will prove helpful and complementary for encouraging a national and regional consensus and for supporting the U.S. efforts for Afghan peace," the statement noted. It urged the Afghan government to play "its constructive role" for achieving a sustainable peace in the country.

"Holding such meetings will not help us in reaching peace at all, so it's little more than a political drama," Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Sebghat Ahmadi told reporters in Kabul when asked for his reaction to the Moscow talks.

A statement from Ghani's office charged that Afghan politicians attending the gathering were doing so "in order to gain power." Ghani's chief adviser, Fazel Fazly, tweeted that it was "regrettable."

U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, and Taliban negotiators are due to hold another round of peace talks in Doha on February 25.

At the end of their six days of uninterrupted talks in the Qatari capital last month, Khalilzad and chief Taliban negotiator Stanekzai, in separate statements announced they are close to a deal on a U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for assurances from the Taliban they will not to allow terrorists to use Afghan soil for future attacks against America and its allies.

But Khalilzad has underscored the need for a comprehensive cease-fire and the Taliban's engagement in intra-Afghan national peace negotiations for further progress.
World must do more to tackle 'shadowy' mercenary activities undermining stability in Africa, says UN chief

4 February 2019 - With mercenaries undermining global peace and security and weakening States' capacities to protect their people, the UN Security Council on Monday shone its spotlight on their activities as a source of destabilization in Africa.

"From antiquity to the medieval era to the present-day, those who fight for financial reward or other material compensation have been a near constant on the battlefield", Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Council, noting that the shadowy nature of mercenary activities has evolved over the years.

"Today they are exploiting and feeding off other ills such as transnational organized crime, terrorism and violent extremism", he told the meeting, which was convened by Equatorial Guinea, which holds the Council's presidency for the month.

Their activities in Africa require "work across the spectrum", Mr. Guterres stated, "from prevention to prosecution, and from mitigating the impacts of mercenary activities to addressing the root causes that give rise to them".

He zeroed-in on mercenary activities in the Sahel, Cote d'Ivoire, Central African Republic, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea and emphasized specific actions needed to resist their scourge, including strengthening legal regimes and frameworks.

Mr. Guterres vowed that the UN Regional Office for Central Africa and the UN Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa would continue to help advance the African Union's 'Silencing the guns by 2020' agenda.

He pointed to the importance of cooperation, such as mixed border commissions, joint border security monitoring mechanisms and intelligence-sharing between national defense forces, highlighting as "vital", strategic partnership between the UN, African Union (AU), Economic Community of Central Africa States and region countries.

He also said it was critical to create opportunities for youth to reduce "the lure of mercenaries and the threat of radicalization"  underscoring that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can help with this and more.

He concluded with the UN's promise of continued support in "tackling mercenary activities".

African Union Commission Chair calls for bolstered international support to tackle scourge

Speaking via teleconference from Addis Ababa, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission, recalled since the 1960s, the continent's history has been "punctuated by the of involvement of mercenaries in activities of destabilization, including coups, interventions in armed conflicts and attempts to seize control of natural resources in the countries concerned"  endangering the harmonious development of African States.

While efforts have been made over the years to combat the scourge, mercenaries persist.

"It is clear that we have to strengthen international instruments as they relate to this phenomenon", he maintained.

Moreover, Mr. Faki Mahamat said he "could not stress enough" the need for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration in countries emerging from conflict.

He concluded by calling for "increased international support".

For his part, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the President of Equatorial Guinea, said that after more than 50 years of independence, most African countries have yet to know peace or socioeconomic development, "despite the great economic potential they have in natural resources".

"Africa remains the least developed continent" he attested, calling mercenaries one of "the potential causes of this delay".

Mr. Mbasogo spoke of five different attempts in his own country over the last quarter century, with the last attempt thwarted by Angola, Zimbabwe and Cameroon.

Speaking on behalf of Rwandan President Paul Kigami, Foreign Minister Richard Sezibera also underscored Africa's history of mercenaries, saying they have "presented a grave threat to the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity of Member States".

He recounted the 1977 definition of mercenaries, which he said "may no longer be adequate to describe" today's activities "of the worrying increase of transboundary criminal networksmany connected to global terrorist networks".

Rwanda is no stranger to the scourge.

"Today, mercenaries are not only involved in active combat, we now see an increase in cyber attacks and industrial espionage carried out by mercenary groups within the comfort of their own homes", he said.

As they continue to evolve and innovate, he argued: "We should not be static in our response" but update existing legal instruments to meet the unfolding challenges.
UK recognises Juan Guaido as interim President of Venezuela

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt gave a statement on the UK recognising Juan Guaido as the constitutional interim President of Venezuela.

4 February 2019

On 26 January, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt made clear that unless Nicolas Maduro called presidential elections within 8 days, the United Kingdom would recognise National Assembly President, Juan Guaido, as the interim President of Venezuela, in line with the Venezuelan constitution. Mr Maduro has ignored this call.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said:

"The United Kingdom now recognises Juan Guaido as the constitutional interim President of Venezuela, until credible presidential elections can be held.

"The people of Venezuela have suffered enough. It is time for a new start, with free and fair elections in accordance with international democratic standards.

"The oppression of the illegitimate, kleptocratic Maduro regime must end. Those who continue to violate the human rights of ordinary Venezuelans under an illegitimate regime will be called to account. The Venezuelan people deserve a better future."

The UK takes this position alongside the Organisation of American States, the Lima Group, the United States and European partners. As the EU made clear in its statement of 26 January and in Bucharest on 31 January, the window for dialogue remains open.
Presidential Elections in El Salvador

Press Statement

Robert Palladino

Deputy Spokesperson

Washington, DC

February 4, 2019



The United States congratulates Nayib Bukele on his election as the next president of the Republic of El Salvador. We salute the Salvadoran people for their commitment to democracy and their participation in a successful election.

The United States and El Salvador share a strong partnership based on our joint efforts to improve security and our mutual commitment to the rule of law and inclusive economic development. It is in our common interest to reduce illegal immigration and combat transnational crime by fostering economic growth, good governance, and security.

We value our cooperation and look forward to working with President-elect Bukele to expand economic opportunity, strengthen democratic institutions, and redouble efforts to make El Salvador safer and more prosperous for all Salvadorans.
Trump Statement on Military Option Proves US Behind Venezuela Crisis - Caracas

Sputnik News

04:16 04.02.2019

CARACAS (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump's recent statement on possible US military intervention in Venezuela is proof that Washington is behind an attempt to stage a state coup in the Latin American country, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said.

"Donald Trump confirms that he leads the state coup as he threatens to use military force again in violation of the UN Charter. The Venezuelan opposition is controlled by Trump", Arreaza posted on Twitter late on Sunday.

On Sunday, Trump said in an interview for the CBS broadcaster that US military intervention in Venezuela was "an option".

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez condemned Trump's statement on Sunday, stressing that the people of Venezuela would not allow any foreign interference.

On 23 January, Juan Guaido, the speaker of the Venezuelan opposition-led National Assembly, proclaimed himself the country's interim president.

The opposition figure was supported by the United States and a number of other countries, while China, Mexico, Russia, Turkey, Iran and several other states backed constitutionally elected President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro has repeatedly blamed Washington for trying to stage a state coup in Venezuela.

US National Security Advisor John Bolton said Friday, however, that the White House had no plans for an imminent military intervention in Venezuela but all options with regard to the situation in that county remain on the table.

During a press briefing on Monday about new sanctions against Venezuela, Bolton was photographed holding a yellow notepad that read: "5,000 troops to Colombia," prompting widespread speculation that senior US security officials are discussing plans to deploy military forces to the Latin American country, which borders Venezuela.

However, Acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan told reporters on Tuesday that he had not discussed with Bolton an apparent plan to deploy US troops to Colombia amid the current crisis in Venezuela.

Meanwhile, Trump administration has also appointed neoconservative Elliott Abrams, a reportedly lifelong close political ally of National Security Advisor John Bolton as special envoy charged with restoring democracy to Venezuela, further suggesting strong US encouragement of an upcoming coup to topple to Maduro.

 Sputnik
Bukele Declares Himself El Salvador Presidential Election Winner - Reports

Sputnik News

07:57 04.02.2019

MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - El Salvadoran presidential hopeful Nayib Bukele, a former mayor of the country's capital of San Salvador and a member of the conservative party Grand Alliance for National Unity, declared himself on Monday the winner of the presidential election.

"Yes, we can already say for sure that we have won the presidential election in the first round. Thank you to everyone who has come to vote", Bukele said, cited by El Salvadoran daily newspaper Prensa Grafica.

Bukele called on his supporters to gather in the historic center of San Salvador to celebrate victory.

On Sunday, a total of 1,600 polling stations were open for voters across the country. Over 5.2 millions citizens have registered to vote.

According to the country's Supreme Electoral Tribunal, anti-corruption campaigner Bukele has secured 53.79 percent of the vote, with 44.31 percent of the ballots counted.

Carlos Calleja from the right-wing Nationalist Republican Alliance follows with 31.62 percent, while Hugo Martinez from the ruling Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front secured 13.77 percent of the vote. Only 0.81 percent of the voters supported Josue Alvarado from the centrist Vamos party.

In El Salvador, a candidate must secure over 50 percent of the vote to win in the first round of a presidential election.

Bukele, 37, an active social media user, has pledged to promote strong ties with Washington and also examine all deals between the current government and China.

Last year, incumbent president Salvador Sanchez Ceren switched El Salvador's diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing, a move that prompted the US Department of State to recall its ambassador.

Bukele has studied law at Jose Simeon Canas Central American University but reportedly left before getting a degree.

 Sputnik
Ten European Countries Recognise Guaido as Interim Venezuelan Leader

Sputnik News

10:32 04.02.2019(updated 17:46 04.02.2019)

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro reaffirmed on Monday his rejection of European states' ultimatum to hold a new presidential vote in Venezuela, emphasizing the legitimacy of the recent election.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro reiterated on Monday that he would stay in office for the next six years regardless of the recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's interim president by a number of EU nations.

"I will continue to rule [the country] together with the people for the next six years," Maduro said in an address to the military, aired on Twitter.

Commenting on the recent decision by a number of European countries to recognize Guaido as the country's interim president, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry said that it would review its relations with those countries.

"The government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will comprehensively revise its bilateral relations with these countries starting now," the ministry said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, a total of 10 European countries announced that they had recognised Guaido as the country's interim president.

- Finland

- Portugal

- The Netherlands

- Spain

- Denmark

- France

- The United Kingdom

- Austria

- Sweden

- Germany

"The eight-day period for convening free democratic and transparent elections in Venezuela has expired. The Kingdom of the Netherlands recognizes Juan Guaido as interim president of Venezuela. We want freedom and democracy to return to Venezuela as soon as possible," Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said.

French President Emmanuel Macron has said via Twitter that "Venezuelans have the right to express themselves freely and democratically. France recognizes Guaido as "president in charge" to implement an electoral process."

"I recognise the president of Venezuela's assembly, Mr Juan Guaido, as president in charge of Venezuela," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a televised statement.

At the same time, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has turned to Twitter to express the UK's support for the opposition leader.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Twitter: "The regime [of Nicolas] Maduro has so far refused to accept free and fair presidential elections. For this reason, from now on, we consider Juan Guaido as the legitimate interim president according to the Venezuelan constitution."

Wallstrom added she was hoping to represent Sweden at the meeting of the contact group on Venezuela, scheduled to take place in Montevideo on Thursday.

The government of President Nicolas Maduro has yet to comment on the decision made by the European countries.

Italy Vetoes EU Statement Recognising Guaido as Interim Venezuelan Leader

Earlier in the day, a Sputnik source said that Italy vetoed a European Union statement, recognising Guaido as the interim President of Venezuela.

"According to the information I have, Italy, at an informal meeting of the foreign ministers of EU member states on 31 January  1 February in Bucharest, vetoed a statement on behalf of the EU, which was to be made by the head of European diplomacy Federica Mogherini and which said that the EU would recognise Guaido if new presidential elections are not organised," the source said.

According to the source, it was announced that the European Union, together with Uruguay, plans to hold the first ministerial meeting of the international contact group on Venezuela on 7 February in Montevideo.

Rome has yet to officially confirm the information, however, this comes just days after Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Manlio Di Stefano said that Italy did not recognise Venezuelan opposition leader and the head of the National Assembly as the country's interim president amid the escalating political crisis in the South American country.

The information comes just hours after Nicolas Maduro reaffirmed his rejection of European states' ultimatum to hold a new presidential vote in Venezuela.

On January 26, European countries issued an ultimatum to the constitutionally-elected Venezuelan President Maduro, saying that he had eight days to organise an election or they would recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's interim president.

Earlier, Guaido, proclaimed himself the country's interim president and was immediately recognised by the US as well as a number of other countries.

 Sputnik
Venezuelans Should Go Through Crisis on Their Own - Kremlin Spokesman

Sputnik News

12:00 04.02.2019(updated 12:57 04.02.2019)

BISHKEK (Sputnik) - Venezuelans should decide how to settle the crisis in their country on their own, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.

"Any solution to the internal political crisis of Venezuela is possible only by the Venezuelans themselves. Imposing some decisions or trying to legitimize an attempt to usurp power, in our view, is both direct and indirect interference in the internal affairs of Venezuela," Peskov told reporters while commenting on EU members recognizing Venezuelan opposition parliament speaker Juan Guaido as interim president of Venezuela.

"And this in no way contributes to a peaceful, effective and viable settlement of the crisis that Venezuelans are experiencing, and which, from our point of view, we believe, they should go through on their own," he said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday that the European Union was giving an ultimatum to Caracas rather than mediating the Venezuelan crisis and called for settlement talks that would include all relevant parties.

"The EU believes it has the right to dictate conditions for international mediation efforts, I don't know why. It would be more civilized and effective for all those interested in resolving the crisis in Venezuela to gather and negotiate first The European Union demanded eight days ago that [Venezuelan President Nicholas] Maduro announced new presidential elections by now. So, today these mediators will have to recognize his opponent [Juan Guaido] as the new legitimate acting president. It is not mediation. It is an ultimatum," Lavrov said during his visit to Bishkek.

Lavrov reiterated that Maduro was ready for negotiations with the opposition without preconditions, but Guaido, backed by Washington and the European Union, refused to hold talks.

On January 26, European countries issued an ultimatum to the constitutionally-elected Venezuelan President Maduro, saying that he had eight days to organise an election or they would recognize opposition leader Guaido as the country's interim president.

Venezuela is facing anti-government protests with opposition leader Guaido having declared himself the country's interim president on 23 January.

 Sputnik
Hezbollah Warns: 'If Israel Wants to Launch a War, We are Ready'

Sputnik News

15:28 04.02.2019(updated 15:34 04.02.2019)

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of being an Iranian "proxy," and claimed the group had taken control of the newly formed Lebanese government. The claims were made amid ongoing tensions over a network of tunnels found on the Lebanese-Israeli border, and Israeli fears of Hezbollah's growing missile capabilities.

Hezbollah does not believe Israel is capable of starting a conflict with Lebanon, but considers itself "ready" to respond if they do so, the group's deputy leader, Sheikh Naim Qassem, said in an interview with Lebanese television on Sunday, Press TV has reported.

"I don't think Israel is ready to start a conflict with Lebanon now because the situation is complicated and Israel is not interested in war," Qassem said. "But if it wants to launch a war, we are ready," the official warned.

Responding to Prime Minister Netanyahu's claim that the newly formed Lebanese government was "controlled" by Hezbollah, Qassem said this wasn't the case.

"These allegations are not important. Hezbollah considers itself part of a national unity government in Lebanon," he said. Qassem pointed out that the group comprised "only 10 per cent" of the government, with just three of the new government's thirty one ministers being Hezbollah members or affiliates.

Earlier, Netanyahu reiterated his longstanding view that Hezbollah is an Iranian proxy, and vowed to send a "very powerful message, just as we stop the terror tunnels coming into Israel: We will stop all the aggression, from Lebanon or from Syria or from Iran itself."

Lebanon formed a new government on Thursday, following nine months of deadlock after elections last May. Long delays in cabinet formation are common in Lebanese politics due to the country's political system, which allocates power on the basis of sectarian affiliation.

Together with Israel, the United States voiced concerns over Hezbollah's participation in the new government, including its control of the health ministry, which enjoys the country's largest budget. Qassem emphasised that Hezbollah's control over the health portfolio will not in any way alter the system's functioning, with new minister Hezbollah affiliate Dr. Jamil Jabak listing his priorities as improving state hospitals and lowering prescription drug prices.

Already tense relations between Israel and Lebanon escalated further late last year after the Israeli military launched an operation on the border to destroy what Tel Aviv described as Hezbollah's "terror tunnels." The militant group dismissed the operation, saying the tunnels were built well before the 2006 war. Israel carried out fresh drills along the border area last week, reportedly simulating armed conflict with Hezbollah militants.

 Sputnik
Guaido Says All Opportunities for Dialogue With Maduro Government Exhausted

Sputnik News

16:04 04.02.2019(updated 16:09 04.02.2019)

ROME (Sputnik) - All opportunities for dialogue with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro have been exhausted, Venezuelan opposition parliament speaker Juan Guaido, who has proclaimed himself the country's interim president, said on Monday, after declining Mexico and Uruguay's offer to mediate a dialogue with Maduro.

"As for the initiative of Mexico and Uruguay, I must be sincere by telling you that all of Venezuela's democratic forces believe that the opportunities for dialogue with Maduro government have been exhausted The [Maduro] regime has rejected any chance to reach a political agreement within the framework of our constitution," Guaido told Italy's Corriere della Sera newspaper.

On January 31, the European Union and a number of Latin American countries decided to set up an international contact group "to create conditions for a political and peaceful process to emerge" in Venezuela.

China, Mexico, Russia, Turkey and Uruguay are among the countries that have voiced their support for Maduro.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier in the day that the European Union was giving an ultimatum to Caracas rather than mediating the Venezuelan crisis, and called for settlement talks that would include all relevant parties.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said last month that Beijing was against any meddling in Venezuela's internal affairs and supportive of the country's government in its efforts to maintain stability.

 Sputnik
UK Wants to Bring 'Peace, Democracy' to Venezuela Via Sanctions  PM's Spokesman

Sputnik News

16:15 04.02.2019(updated 16:16 04.02.2019)

Ten European countries, including the United Kingdom, recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido's attempt to seize power in Venezuela on Monday, joining the United States, Canada, and US allies in Latin America in calling for democratically elected President Nicolas Maduro to step down.

Britain is considering slapping Caracas with sanctions as part of its bid to put an end to the "Maduro regime," a spokesman to Prime Minister Theresa May told reporters on Monday.

"Venezuelan people deserve a better future, they have suffered enough and the Maduro regime must end. It is time for free and fair elections," the spokesman said, according to Reuters.

"We are looking at what further steps we can take to ensure peace and democracy in Venezuela including through sanctions," the spokesman added.

Earlier, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt took to Twitter to express the UK's support for Guaido, now that London's demand that Venezuela hold snap presidential elections has expired.

Hunt joined officials from nine other countries, including Finland, Portugal, the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, France, Austria, Sweden and Germany in recognising Guaido as Venezuela's interim president.

The UK previously called for EU-wide sanctions against members of the Venezuelan government last week, with Foreign Secretary Hunt saying restrictions against "the kleptocrats who have enriched themselves on the back of the rest of the population who are very poorcan be effective."

Earlier, the Bank of England reportedly denied Venezuela's request to repatriate some $1.2 billion in gold bullion back to the country following a request from Guaido to freeze the assets. The move reportedly prompted Venezuela, a major gold mining country, to halt gold sales abroad.

The long-running political crisis in Venezuela escalated on January 23, when Juan Guaido, leader of Venezuela's semi-defunct National Assembly, proclaimed himself interim president after a phone call with US Vice-President Mike Pence. Washington, Ottawa, and multiple Latin American and European countries voiced support for the attempted coup, while Russia, China, Mexico, Cuba, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Iran and Turkey backed President Nicolas Maduro, and urged outside powers not to meddle in Venezuela's affairs.

 Sputnik
NATO Concerned Over Norway's Insufficient Defence Spending as Russia's Neighbor

Sputnik News

17:37 04.02.2019(updated 17:38 04.02.2019)

BRUSSELS (Sputnik)  NATO is concerned that Norway, being a neighbour of Russia, does not meet the alliance's defence spending requirements, NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller said Monday.

"Norway is the only NATO country today bordering Russia that does not spend 2 percent of its GDP on defence. And does not yet have a credible plan to get there," Gottemoeller said in the Norwegian Atlantic Committee.

NATO is concerned about China's growing influence in the international arena, Rose Gottemoeller sai.

"Rising economic and military powers including China are increasingly asserting their influence on the global stage," Gottemoeller said in the Norwegian Atlantic Committee.

In 2018, Norwegian state secretary within the Ministry of Defence, Tone Skogen, said that Oslo did not regard Russia a threat and wanted to be a predictable neighbor for Moscow.

The relations between Russia and NATO deteriorated in 2014 in wake of the Ukrainian crisis. The bloc accused Moscow of interfering in the conflict and decided to boost its military presence in Eastern Europe. It also suspended all practical military cooperation with Russia but kept military lines of communication open.

Moscow has repeatedly denied these allegations and stated that amassing troops and military equipment on its borders is provocative and violates past NATO pledges. Russia has warned that such actions could lead to regional and global destabilization.

She is currently in Norway to participate in the Leangkollen Security Conference organized by the committee.

Gottemoeller is also set to hold talks with a number of high-level officials.

 Sputnik
EU Rules Out Option of Military Invasion of Venezuela - Spanish Foreign Minister

Sputnik News

17:44 04.02.2019(updated 17:59 04.02.2019)

BRUSSELS (Sputnik) - The European Union, particularly Spain, categorically rejects a military intervention in Venezuela as an option to solve the crisis in the Latin American country, Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said on Monday.

"For us, the European Union, particularly Spain, military invasion is excluded, we would not support it in any case," Borrell told reporters, upon arrival in Brussels for a EU-League of Arab States ministerial meeting.

Earlier in the day, Spain, as well as Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom recognized Juan Guaido, the leader of the opposition-controlled Venezuelan National Assembly, as Venezuela's interim president. The moves came as the deadline set by the European Union for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to announce snap presidential election elapsed on Sunday.

EU countries were expected to recognize Guaido in a joint statement, but, according to a comment of a diplomatic source in Brussels to Sputnik, Italy blocked the statement.

Tensions in Venezuela escalated two weeks ago when Guaido declared himself interim president, disputing last year's re-election of Maduro. The opposition leader was almost immediately recognized by the United States and several other countries. Russia, China, Mexico, Turkey and Uruguay were among those that have voiced their support for Maduro as the country's legitimately-elected president.

 Sputnik
Maduro Lashes Out at 'Puppet' Spanish PM Over Responsibility for Possible Coup

Sputnik News

18:54 04.02.2019(updated 19:05 04.02.2019)

MEXICO CITY (Sputnik)  Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro put the blame for events that would happen after a possible coup in the Latin American country on Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

"If one day there is a coup, if one day there is an American military intervention, Mr. Pedro Sanchez, your hands will be stained with blood forever, and history will remember you as a puppet who went into the service of the militant policy of intervention of Donald Trump," Maduro said in his address to the military.

Earlier in the day, Spain recognised Venezuelan opposition parliament speaker Juan Guaido as the country's interim president, while Sanchez made a respective statement.

In addition, Guaido was recognized by Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. The moves came after the deadline set by the European Union for Maduro to announce snap a presidential election elapsed on Sunday.

EU countries were expected to recognize Guaido in a joint statement, but, according to a comment of a diplomatic source in Brussels to Sputnik, Italy blocked the statement.

Maduro to Collect Signatures Against US Invasion

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced a nationwide effort starting Wednesday to collect signatures against US invasion after its leader said military intervention was an option.

"Some are threatening Venezuela with intervention  We will launch a nationwide action this Wednesday to collect signatures in response to this threat and present them to the White House," Maduro said at a military parade in the state of Aragua.

The Venezuelan leader blamed his US counterpart, Donald Trump, who suggested sending troops to Venezuela in a Sunday interview with CBS, for violating UN rules that forbid threats or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

Washington has mounted economic and political pressure on the South American nation in a bid to install opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president. Russia, China, Mexico and several others have backed Maduro, while Italy vetoed an EU statement recognizing Guaido, according to a Sputnik source in Brussels.

Tensions in Venezuela escalated nearly two weeks ago when Guaido declared himself interim president, disputing last year's re-election of Maduro. The opposition leader was almost immediately recognized by the United States and several other countries. Russia, China, Mexico, Turkey and Uruguay were among those that have voiced their support for Maduro as the country's legitimately-elected president.

 Sputnik
Trump's Words on Intervention Proves US Sponsoring Venezuela Crisis - Morales

Sputnik News

19:44 04.02.2019

CARACAS (Sputnik)  Bolivian President Evo Morales said on Monday that US President Donald Trump's recent statement on possible US military intervention in Venezuela proves Washington's key role in attempting to organize a coup in Venezuela.

"Announcing his refusal to meet with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and reiterating that military intervention is a possible option, Trump acknowledged that he is the main instigator of the coup against the [government] of Venezuela," Morales wrote on Twitter.

He noted that "free peoples and governments" demanded dialogue for peace in Venezuela.

On Sunday, Trump confirmed in an interview for the CBS broadcaster that US military intervention in Venezuela was "an option."

Earlier in the day, Spain, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom recognized Venezuelan opposition parliament speaker Juan Guaido as the country's interim president. The moves came after the deadline set by the European Union for Maduro to announce snap a presidential election elapsed on Sunday.

EU countries were expected to recognize Guaido in a joint statement on Monday, but, according to a diplomatic source in Brussels, Italy blocked the statement.

China, Mexico, Russia, Turkey and Uruguay were among the countries that have voiced their support for Maduro.

 Sputnik
US Air Force Chief Confirms Interest in Improved F-15X

Sputnik News

22:01 04.02.2019

General David Goldfein, US Air Force Chief of Staff, has confirmed the service branch is exploring new F-15 purchases, Defense News reported Monday.

Notably, Goldfein said money for the F-15 program would not drain funds from the budget to buy more F-35s. This point echoed comments made by Lockheed Martin chief executive officer Marillyn Hewson during an earnings call last Thursday, where she said,"If they choose to have an order of the F-15, it won't be at the expense of F-35 quantities. I'm hearing that directly from leadership in the PentagonIt's not just our suspicion, but I've been told that directly."

Adding more the upgraded F-15X, which features advanced avionics and a greater weapons payload, is likely to raise eyebrows in Washington. Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan was a defense contractor nearly his entire adult life for Boeing before joining the Trump administration. Shanahan worked on Boeing's rotorcraft programs, which brought the Pentagon the Apache and Chinook helicopters, and helped develop the V-22 Osprey during three decades with the company.

On January 2, Shanahan recused himself from all Pentagon dealings involving Boeing. A report by Bloomberg in December stated that the Defense Department's idea is to procure 12 F-15X aircraft for $1.2 billion. US President Donald Trump has said there are many people interested in becoming the next permanent secretary, though it may be too early to count Shanahan out the race.

The White House sees Shanahan as participating in an extended audition for the permanent role, the Wall Street Journal reported Sunday.

The company has profited handsomely under Republican President Donald Trump's administration large defense budgets. During US President Donald Trump's first year in office, the Chicago-based firm generated $93.8 billion in revenue and earned about $8.9 billion in profits according to company records  up from $5.6 billion in profits the company earned in President Barack Obama's final year in office.

Boeing proceeded to "crush estimates" and "give blowout results" in 2018, CNBC has reported. If Boeing does not get the F-15X contract in the 2020 budget, the company said last October it has $491 billion in backlog orders, "including more than 5,800 commercial airplanes."

The US F-35 has suffered from limited availability after rolling off production lines, according to experts. A given US F-35 is ready to fly just 50 percent of the time it sits in a hangar, the Pentagon's director of operational testing said in a report to Congress last year.

What's more is that Congressionally-funded Government Accountability Office has reported that sustaining the F-35 fleet costs more than $1 trillion. Ellen Lord, the top Defense Department on acquisition and sustainment, told reporters last year Washington "can't afford" the F-35's sustainment costs.

The Israeli Air Force once planned for the F-35 to be the last manned aircraft flown by Israeli fighter pilots. F-15X is also gaining some support in Israeli defense circles, Sputnik News has reported.

 Sputnik
Kremlin Claims European Moves To Recognize Venezuela's Guaido Are 'Foreign Meddling'

February 04, 2019

The Kremlin says that moves by some major European countries to recognize Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president amounts to foreign meddling and that Venezuelans, not foreign forces, should resolve their own domestic political issues.

Guaido, who leads the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declared himself temporary leader last month in a move that has split global powers.

Austria, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden recognized Guaido as interim president on February 4, with Paris saying he had the right to organize an election given the socialist government of embattled President Nicolas Maduro's refusal to do so.

The coordinated move from major European nations came after the expiry of an eight-day deadline they set last month for Maduro to call a new vote.

"Attempts to legitimize usurped power" constituted "interference in Venezuela's internal affairs," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on February 4.

"Any resolution of Venezuela's internal political crisis is possible only [if it is conducted] by Venezuelans themselves," Peskov said.

Guaido and his supporters reject the argument that letting Venezuelans resolve the country's political issues means leaving Maduro in power, saying that his May 2018 reelection was illegitimate because his strongest opponents were barred from running.

Critics also say Maduro has run the oil-rich nation like a dictatorship, wrecking its economy.

Maduro has accused European countries of sycophantically following the example of U.S. President Donald Trump, who quickly recognized Guaido as interim president.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, dpa, and RIA Novosti

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kremlin-claims-european -moves-to-recognize-venezuela-s-guaido-are- foreign-meddling-/29750350.html

Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
EU Nations Back Venezuela's Guaido As Interim Leader

February 04, 2019

More than half of the countries which make up the European Union have recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's interim president.

The move on February 4 came after the expiry of an eight-day deadline set by Britain, France, Germany, and other EU members for embattled President Nicolas Maduro to call new elections.

Guaido, who leads the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declared himself interim leader last month, and won support from major powers including the United States.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo welcomed the Europeans' concerted action and urged other countries to "support the Venezuelan people by recognizing Interim President Guaido and supporting the National Assembly's efforts to return constitutional democracy to Venezuela."

The Kremlin, which has sided with Maduro from the beginning of the crisis, slammed European "interference" in the Latin American country, saying it was an attempt "to legitimize usurped power."

Maduro took office in 2013 after the death of Hugo Chavez, and was sworn in for a second term in January following elections in May 2018 that were marred by an opposition boycott and claims of vote-rigging.

He has been criticized for alleged human rights abuses and for his handling of Venezuela's economy.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, dpa, RIA-Novosti, and the BBC

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-nations- back-venezuela-s-guaido-as-interim -leader/29751164.html

Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Taliban To Join Moscow Talks Without Afghan Government Officials

By RFE/RL February 04, 2019

The Taliban says it will attend what it calls "intra-Afghan" talks in Moscow designed to bring together prominent Afghan figures, including former President Hamid Karzai, opposition figures, and tribal elders -- but no government officials.

The meeting is due to start on February 5 and last for two days. The Moscow-based Council of Afghan Society, an organization of the Afghan diaspora in Russia, said in a statement issued in Kabul on February 4 that it was the organizer of the meeting.

The Russian government has denied organizing the meeting, while the United States has made no comments so far about it.

It comes amid a renewed push aimed at resolving Afghanistan's 17-year war, a process that has accelerated since the appointment in September of Zalmay Khalilzad as U.S. peace envoy.

Suhail Shaheen, spokesman for the Taliban's political office in Qatar, confirmed the Taliban's participation. Their delegation is to be led by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai.

The Taliban has refused to talk to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government, which it views as a U.S. puppet.

Along with Karzai, the former president, many of the 38 delegates from Kabul have held prominent government positions.

Among them is potential presidential candidate Hanif Atmar, who resigned as Ghani's security adviser in August.

Former Vice President Mohammad Yunus Qanuni and former Balkh provincial Governor Atta Mohammad Noor are also on the list of participants, along with former Taliban insurgents who reconciled with the Afghan government.

Khalilzad has been holding separate talks with the Taliban even as he presses for a dialogue that would bring together all key Afghan players.

Ghani's office criticized the meeting in Moscow, saying that Afghan politicians attending the gathering were doing so "in order to gain power."

Ghani's chief adviser, Fazel Fazly, tweeted that it was "regrettable."

With reporting by AP and tolonews.com

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/taliban-to-take- part-in-intra-afghan-talks-without- government-officials/29750099.html

Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Venezuelan president rejects European ultimatum on snap elections

Iran Press TV

Mon Feb 4, 2019 02:44AM

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday, February 3, rejected a call by European countries to organize elections after his rival Juan Guaido declared himself the country's interim leader.

Maduro said in an interview with Spanish television station Sexta that he would not "cave in to pressure" by those calling for his departure.

"They are trying to corner us with ultimatums to force us into an extreme situation of confrontation," Maduro said.

"Why does the European Union have to tell a country in the world that has already had elections that it has to repeat its presidential elections, because they were not won by their right-wing allies," he noted.

"Venezuela has done all its elections," Maduro said. "Nobody in the world can come and disavow our constitution and our institutions and try and impose ultimatums."

"We're asking that no one intervenes in the internal affairs of our country and we're getting ready to defend our country," Maduro said.

Spain, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, Portugal and Austria have said if Maduro does not call snap elections until Sunday they will recognize Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate president.

Guaido, already recognized by the United States, Canada, Australia and several Latin American countries, said Sunday he would lobby the European Union for badly-needed humanitarian aid to a nation wracked by economic crisis.

Guaido was also expected to announce a date for the arrival of humanitarian aid from the US  a path President Maduro believes will lead to a US-led military intervention.

In Washington, US President Donald Trump said Sunday sending military forces to Venezuela is "an option."

"Certainly, it's something that's on the - it's an option," Trump said in an interview with CBS to be broadcast on Sunday.

In his Sunday interview, Maduro referred to the possibility of a civil war in Venezuela, and said it depends on the "level of craziness and aggression of the empire in the north (the US).

However, he supported plans for a meeting of Latin American and EU states in a "Contact Group" meeting in Montevideo next Thursday as it could lead to a "dialogue among Venezuelans to resolve our issues."

And he called on Guaido for "face to face" talks, which the younger man has already rejected.

Tens of thousands of Venezuelans have thronged the streets of Venezuela, holding rallies in support and against Maduro, who began his second six-year term in office last month.

The clashes began after Guaido, the opposition leader in the country's National Assembly, proclaimed himself as the "interim president" and urged Maduro to resign.

The US rushed to support Guaido, announcing sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry.

Trump's remarks about possible intervention in Venezuela come after John Bolton, his hawkish national security adviser, played down speculations about military action in support of Guaido.

Reiterating that all options were on the table, Bolton told reporters on Friday that an intervention was not imminent and Washington looked forward to a peaceful transition of power.

Bolton has been linked with the possible deployment of around 5,000 US troops to Colombia amid the ongoing unrest in the neighboring Venezuela. He was photographed earlier this week holding confidential notes that pointed to such plans.
Ex-mayor wins El Salvador's presidential race, ends two-party dominance

Iran Press TV

Mon Feb 4, 2019 06:38AM

Nayib Bukele, an ex-mayor of El Salvador's capital, wins a landslide victory in the presidential race on an anti-graft ticket, putting an end to decades of two-party dominance in the crime-stricken Central American state.

The 37-year-old former mayor of San Salvador from the Grand Alliance for National Unity party won 54 percent of the votes cast in Sunday's election, with returns from 88 percent of polling stations, said Julio Olivo, head of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.

Right-wing Carlos Callejas of the Nationalist Republican Alliance was far behind in the second place, with less than 32 percent. He was followed by leftist Martinez of the Farabundo Marti Front for National Liberation.

Olivo further said the final results would be released in two days, but Bukele's two rivals have already conceded defeat.

The result ended nearly three decades of the two-party system dominating El Salvador's political scene.

Addressing his supporters, Bukele said, "At this moment we can announce with total certainty that we have won the presidency."

Bukele, who was campaigning on an anti-corruption platform, has pledged to restore security to the country, increase investment in education and fight graft by forming an international anti-corruption commission with the support of the United Nations.

"We'll create a (commission) ... so that the corrupt can't hide where they always hide, instead they'll have to give back what they stole," Bukele said in January.

El Salvador's new president will sit at the helm of a country trapped in extreme poverty and gang violence.

The country is small both in size and population, with just 6.5 million people. Close to a third of its households live in poverty, according to the World Bank.

An estimated 67,000 Salvadorans belong to gangs that terrorize their communities with extortion, murder and other forms of violence.

The dire conditions have triggered an outflow of El Salvadorans, many of whom have joined recent caravans of migrants trekking through Mexico toward the US in search of a better life.
Israel not ready for war with Lebanon: Hezbollah

Iran Press TV

Mon Feb 4, 2019 07:22AM

Sheikh Naim Qassem, the deputy secretary general of Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement, has stressed that Israel is not ready for a confrontation with Lebanon.

"I don't think Israel is ready to start a conflict with Lebanon now because the situation is complicated and Israel is not interested in war," Sheikh Qassem said in an interview with a Lebanese TV channel on Sunday.

"But if it wants to launch a war, we are ready," he added.

Qassem also dismissed allegations made earlier in the day by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Hezbollah controlled the new government in Lebanon, "and thus Iran controls it."

"These allegations are not important. Hezbollah considers itself part of a national unity government in Lebanon," the cleric said.

The senior Hezbollah leader noted that only three of Lebanon's new government ministers are members of Hezbollah. "We are only 10 percent," he said.

Late in January, Lebanon's presidency announced the formation of a new government, putting an end to a nine-month stalemate on the political stage.

The breakthrough came after rival factions worked out a compromise allowing representation of Sunni lawmakers backed by the Hezbollah resistance movement.

Rival political groups had been locked in disagreement over the make-up of a new government since May, after the country's first parliamentary elections in nine years.

Hezbollah has taken three cabinet posts in the new government, the largest number of portfolios it has ever held.

The movement has received the health portfolio, the first time Hezbollah has controlled a ministry with a big budget. The resistance movement has chosen Jamil Jabak as the new health minister, despite the fact that he is not a member of the movement.

Reports have attributed Hezbollah's bigger role in Lebanon's new cabinet to Syria war gains.

Hezbollah forces have been assisting the Syrian government on the ground to clear areas bordering Lebanon from terrorist groups.

"This transformation is because Hezbollah has accumulated an excess of power after it has nearly finished with the military battles in Syria," Salem Zahran, an analyst with links to Hezbollah leaders, said.

"I believe that Hezbollah will build up even more involvement in the Lebanese state," he added.

Briefing a delegation of United Nations leaders who are in Israel on a mission headed by Israel's UN envoy Danny Danon, Netanyahu also spoke about an operation which Israel launched with the aim of "cutting off" Hezbollah tunnels near the occupied territories.

"Just as we stopped the tunnels, we will stop all acts of aggression from Lebanon, Syria or Iran," the Israeli premier said.

Last week, Hezbollah head Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah openly mocked Israel's claims that it had discovered secret tunnels used by the group on the border between Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories.

He said Israel was deeply wrong to think that the closure of tunnels would save it from future attacks by the resistance movement.

"What surprises us is that the Israelis were late to discover these tunnels ... some of those tunnels preceded the 2006 war," Nasrallah said.

Lebanese stage anti-Israel protest along border

About 60 Hezbollah supporters rode motorbikes along Lebanon's southern border with Israel on Sunday afternoon to express support for Hezbollah and protest against Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty.

Their slogan was "To al-Quds on millions of cross bikes."

"We're ready if you ask," one of the convoy members said, referring to Nasrallah. "If you want us on cross [motorbikes], then we are at your service."

Since the end of the 2006 war, Israeli forces have regularly violated Lebanese airspace and made incursions into its territory.

Israel is building a 130-kilometer-long border wall with Lebanon, parts of which Beirut says are located on disputed border points.

Hezbollah was founded in the 1980s following the Israeli invasion and occupation of southern Lebanon.

The movement waged a long resistance campaign against Israeli forces and pushed them out of southern Lebanon in May 2000. Since then, the group has grown into a powerful military force. Israel also suffered a humiliating defeat from Hezbollah in the 2006 war.
Army, nation ready to repel any attack on Venezuela sovereignty: VP

Iran Press TV

Mon Feb 4, 2019 07:41AM

Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has hit back at US President Donald Trump, who has threatened the country with military invasion, saying the army and the nation stand fully prepared to repel any attack on the country's sovereignty.

Speaking to Russian media on Sunday, Rodriguez said any such military intervention would target the country's sovereignty and independence, which she said were "non-negotiable" issues.

"The sovereignty is not discussed, it is defended," she said. "We are always ready to fend off an attack."

She said that Venezuelans "will be on standby" to defend the nation's borders and will not allow any foreign interference "regardless of where it comes from."

Venezuela has been grappling with a political crisis since last month, when Western-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido abruptly declared himself "interim president."

The Trump administration was quick to recognize Guaido. It has also stepped up pressure on the government of President Nicolas Maduro, saying it is considering all options, including a military one, to overthrow the elected president.

Washington has also announced a new round of sanctions against oil firm Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) in order to funnel income from the country's main oil exporter into the hands of Guaido.

Maduro, who had the critical support of the military, has accused Guaido of staging a US-engineered coup against him, and has severed diplomatic relations with Washington.

The Venezuelan vice president further echoed earlier remarks by Maduro that the government was ready to try resolving issues through dialog.

"Of course, we call for solving all problems peacefully, by establishing dialogue and resolving issues at the electoral level," Rodriguez said.

Maduro told Russian media last week that he was ready to sit down with the opposition for "for the sake of peace" and "the benefit of Venezuela."

Trump, however, ruled out any negotiations with the Venezuelan president in an interview with CBS on Saturday. He once again threatened that military intervention in Venezuela was "an option."

'Trump confirmed he leads coup in Venezuela'

Trump's stance prompted a response from Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, who said the US president has "confirmed he is at the forefront of the coup" by floating the military option.

"Trump confirms that he leads the state coup as he threatens to use military force again in violation of the UN Charter. The Venezuelan opposition is controlled by Trump," Arreaza said in a Twitter post late on Sunday.

Trump will leave White House stained in blood: Maduro

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan president once again warned his American counterpart against going for a military option against the Latin American country.

"Stop. Stop, Trump! Hold it right there! You are making mistakes that will leave your hands covered in blood and you will leave the presidency stained with blood," Maduro said during an interview with Spanish media. "Why would you want a repeat of Vietnam?"

Maduro also delivered a stern warning to Guaido, who heads the opposition-controlled National Assembly, calling on him "to abandon his coup-mongering strategy."

"Think carefully about what you are doing," Maduro said.

Humanitarian aid or military intervention?

In the meantime, the US said it was sending "humanitarian aid" to Venezuela following a request from the self-proclaimed president. Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, said over the weekend that they will send "critical supplies" requested by Guaido.

Maduro immediately dismissed the offer as a pretext for military intervention.

He refused to allow the so-called aid into the country, saying Venezuela is not "a country of beggars."

Venezuela's Supreme Court has opened a case against Guaido to investigate his suspected role in "serious crimes that threaten the constitutional order," according to Attorney General Tarek Saab.

The court has also frozen his bank accounts and banned him from leaving the county.

Besides the US, Guaido has the support of Washington's Latin American and European allies.

France, Germany and Spain have threatened to follow suit and recognize Guaido on Monday, when the 8-day ultimatum they gave to Maduro to call early presidential elections expires.
Russia: European recognition of Guaido foreign meddling in Venezuela

Iran Press TV

Mon Feb 4, 2019 11:09AM

Russia has denounced coordinated attempts to "legitimize usurped power" in Venezuela after a number of European countries recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as "interim leader" of the Latin American country.

President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that "attempts to legitimize usurped power" constituted "interference in Venezuela's internal affairs."

It is up to Venezuelans, not foreign states, to resolve their own political issues, Peskov added.

The European Union had set a deadline for the elected government of President Nicolas Maduro to hold an early presidential election after Guido declared himself "president" last month.

Maduro, however, rejected the ultimatum on Sunday, saying, "Venezuela has done all its elections." He also warned that "nobody in the world can come and disavow our constitution and our institutions and try and impose ultimatums."

As the deadline passed on Monday, several EU member states, including Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden and Austria, announced their recognition of Guaido as "acting president" of Venezuela.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said his government "officially recognizes Venezuela's National Assembly president, Mr Guaido Marquez, as acting president of Venezuela."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told France Inter radio that "Guaido, whose legitimacy is perfectly acknowledged, has the ability to call for presidential elections."

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt also took to Twitter, saying the government of Prime Minister Theresa May recognized Guido.

Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen said in tweet that his government recognized Guido as the "interim president" of Venezuela "until new free and democratic elections take place."

"Applaud similar statements from key EU partners. Important EU statement coming up," he said ahead of a meeting with EU counterparts in Brussels.

The US, along with a number of its Latin American allies, has already recognized Guaido as "president."

Meanwhile, the UN and several countries, including Russia, China, Iran, Turkey and Syria as well as Bolivia said they would stand with the elected Venezuelan government.
(CNN)  Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has warned U.S. President Donald Trump that he risks staining "his hands with blood" should he pursue military action in the crisis-hit South American nation.

Speaking to Spanish channel LaSexta Sunday, Maduro said that if Trump was in front of him, he would say, "Stop, stop Donald Trump, stop there, you are making mistakes that are going to stain your hands with blood and you will leave the presidency stained with blood."

Maduro also asked Trump for mutual respect and asked the US President "not to repeat Vietnam in Latin America." He added rhetorically, "So we have to go through a war to reconsider our relationship and our respect?"

In the same interview, the embattled Venezuelan leader defied an ultimatum from European nations to call a new presidential election, after several nations said they would recognize the US-backed, self-declared interim president Juan Guaido if Maduro did not hold a fresh vote.

Maduro has faced intense pressure since Guaido's declaration last month, with the US upping sanctions on Venezuela and a number of Washington's allies recognizing the previously largely unknown opposition leader as the country's President.

Despite the pressure, however, Maduro showed no signs of slipping, and the opposition has appeared at times to be on the back foot.

On Sunday, Guaido called on the Venezuelan military -- which has so far been loyal to the government -- to permit aid into the country from neighboring Colombia and Brazil, both of which are run by right-wing governments critical of Maduro.

The Venezuelan government fears aid crossing the border could be used as cover for an invasion to depose Maduro.

In a taped interview with CBS aired Sunday, Trump said he had rejected talks with Maduro, "because so many really horrible things have been happening in Venezuela when you look at that country."

When asked whether US military action remains an option in Venezuela, Trump said, "Well, I don't want to say that, but certainly it's something that on the -- it's an option," according to the transcript of the interview.

Guaido has also refused to rule out accepting US military support to take power. There was alarm last week when Trump's senior adviser John Bolton was seen holding notes reading "5000 troops to Colombia."

Key to power

The Venezuelan military is seen as key to ending the ongoing power struggle.

In an on-camera statement published online Saturday, a man identifying himself as Gen. Esteban Yanez Rodriguez of the Venezuelan air force's high command said he has defected from Maduro's military and declared his support for Guaido.

The video has been edited, and CNN cannot independently authenticate it. It's not clear when or where it was filmed.

With some 1,000 or so generals reportedly in Venezuela's military, there have not been many other signs of mass desertion in the upper ranks so far, according to CNN senior international correspondent Nick Paton Walsh, who was recently inside Venezuela.

Venezuela's air force command reacted to the defection on Twitter, calling Yanez a "traitor."

"Worthless is the man of war who betrays the loyalty and fidelity swearing of the land of Bolivar and the legacy of Comandante Hugo Chavez, and kneels before the imperialist pretensions," the air force command tweet said.

At a pro-government rally in Caracas Saturday, Maduro called on the country's militia to join the Venezuelan army.

"I call the militia men and women to sign up for your military service," Maduro said. "We are preparing to defend the sacred motherland in case they one day dare to mess with our beloved Venezuela."

Maduro also appeared to back a plan to bring forward parliamentary elections, suggesting the pro-government Constitutional Assembly could call a new vote "this very year."

"You all know about the crisis which the National Assembly is in, the bourgeois legislative power," Maduro told the crowd, referring to the pro-opposition body.

"I am in agreement with rectifying the legislative power of the nation and going forward with free elections in the nation with guarantees, and for the people to decide on a new National Assembly."

The pro-Maduro marches, in part, commemorated the 20th anniversary of the inauguration of Maduro's mentor and predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez. Many of the thousands who took to the streets wore red and waved banners in support of the Bolivarian Revolution.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Venezuela's Maduro says Trump making mistakes that will 'stain his hands with blood'."
Al-Shabab kills UAE-owned firm boss in Somalia's Puntland , conducts deadly blast in capital

Iran Press TV

Mon Feb 4, 2019 11:31AM

Al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab militants have shot to death the head of Dubai-owned P&O Ports in Somalia's semi-autonomous Puntland region, according to local government sources.

Yusuf Mohamed, governor of Puntland's Bari region told Reuters on Monday that two gunmen, disguised as fishermen, had shot Maltese national Paul Anthony Formosa, while he was on his way to Bosaso port, the commercial capital of the Puntland region.

The al-Shabab terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack, accusing Formosa of illegal presence in Somalia.

"We are behind the operation ... we had warned him but he turned deaf ear. He was illegally in Somalia," claimed an al-Shabaab spokesman, Abdiasis Abu Musab.

P&O Ports is a company with a decades-long history in shipping and ports. The Dubai-based ports company has sparked friction with Mogadishu over its development of ports in Berbera in breakaway Somaliland, whose independence is not recognized -- as well as in Puntland.

Fatal blast in capital

In another development, an explosive-laden car was detonated at a shopping mall on Tuesday, killing 11 people, including civilians, and injuring 10 others.

The explosion targeted Hamarweyne, a busy area with shops and restaurants.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the bombing as well.

The al-Qaeda-linked militant outfit, which has long sought to topple Somalia's Western-backed government, was forced out of Mogadishu with the help of African Union forces in 2011.

However, the terrorist group still wields control in large parts of the countryside, and every now and then carries out deadly attacks against government, military, and civilian targets in the capital as well as regional towns.

The terrorist group has fought successive Somali governments as well as neighboring governments in Kenya and Uganda.
USS Donald Cook Departs Toulon, France

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS190204-09

Release Date: 2/4/2019 11:36:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ford Williams,

TOULON, France (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) departed Toulon, France, Feb. 3 after a scheduled port visit.

During the port visit in Toulon, Cmdr. Matthew Powel, commanding officer of Donald Cook, met with the Toulon's deputy mayor for defense matters and leadership from the French navy. The ship also provided tours to French sailors.

"Toulon was a great port visit," said Master Chief Petty Officer Jeremy Douglas, command master chief of Donald Cook. "The crew enjoyed the French culture and were very appreciative of our French hosts. We look forward to building on the relationships that were made."

Donald Cook is working with allies and regional partners to develop and improve maritime forces, maintain regional stability, and work towards mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe.

Donald Cook began their eighth forward-deployed naval forces patrol after departing Naval Station Rota Nov. 19, 2018. While on patrol, Donald Cook is scheduled to conduct naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Supports Lincoln Carrier Strike Group for COMPTUEX

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS190204-19

Release Date: 2/4/2019 3:01:00 PM

By Tom Kreidel, NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Office of Corporate Communications Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG) departed Naval Station Norfolk for Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) Jan. 25, thanks in part to the work of the Sailors and civilians of the Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Norfolk Logistics Support Center (LSC).

According to LS1 Jamaal Brown, who serves as the logistics support representative to USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) the LSC processed the orders and coordinated the delivery of 595 pallets of provision value at $1.3 million prior to the ships' departure and 484 pallets of provisions value at $1.06 million along with 154 pallets of supplies for underway replenishment.

Brown was part of the team of LSRs that supported the strike group that included Lincoln, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and ships assigned to Destroyer Squadron 2: the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).

"I'm very proud of the efforts of our team of professional and dedicated LSRs in ensuring these ships got underway with everything they needed," said Logistics Support Officer Lt. Tam Colbert.

Brown explained that prior to the ships' departure, the team coordinated with supply department leadership onboard to ensure all materials and provisions needed made it on board.

"We take a look at outstanding casualty report (CASREP) requisitions, open purchase documents and deep stock items that will be needed during the exercise," he added. "We figure out the best way to get these items to the ship via the fastest means."

Brown went on to explain the LSR team works as a "direct extension of the supply department," working with the supply officers onboard to ensure the upkeep of the ships' supply readiness and effectiveness leading into the exercise. They help coordinate with other entities such as the Defense Distribution Center Norfolk, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic and NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Advanced Traceability and Control.

He added that the LSC begins preparing to support ships in exercises like COMPTUEX at least 30 days prior to ships getting underway. He says the work they put in is very similar to what is necessary when a ship leaves for a full deployment, as COMPTUEX is the final test before a ship or battle group deploys.

"As an LSR, we are the primary supply point of contact during the exercise," he explained. "We provide not only the resources readily available to the ship whether near or far, but furthermore we are a representation of the ship in critical times, as we are here to physically handle tasks ashore while they are preparing to defend our nation."

NAVSUP FLC Norfolk is one of eight FLCs under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP's mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter.
Yemen calls on UN to break Ad Durayhimi blockade

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Feb 4, IRNA -- The Yemeni Ansarallah movement urged the United Nations and humanitarian bodies to make serious efforts to break the siege of Ad Durayhimi city, Al Hudaydah Province.

According to the Yemeni media 'Al-Masirah', Ansarallah political bureau in a statement slammed the measures taken by Emirati occupiers in Socotra and some other parts of Yemen.

Ansarallah also referred to the recent victories achieved by Yemeni forces against Saudi aggressors and praised Al Mahrah people for their movement against occupiers.

Earlier, a Yemen foreign ministry official said that the Yemeni nation opposes the presence of any foreign troops in the Arab country.

'Preserving the national sovereignty is a political and popular will,' an official at Yemen's foreign ministry earlier told Yemen News Agency (SABA), reacting to British Ambassador Michael Aron's remarks who had stressed that Yemeni government should decide about the presence of foreign troops.

The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2451 to support the Stockholm Agreement on deployment of a team in order to facilitate monitoring and implementing the Agreement and establishing truce in important Yemeni ports.

The resolution mainly focuses on sending essential commodities to the Yemeni people, supporting the Stockholm Agreement, assigning the Secretary-General of the United Nations to implement it and observing the ceasefire.

The fourth round of Yemen peace talks kicked off in Stockholm, Sweden on December 6 with the attendance of the UN special envoy Martin Griffith and the government representatives. It agreed to establish truce in Yemeni ports of al-Hudaydah, al-Salif and Ayn Issa.

Saudi Arabia and its regional allies attacked Yemen in March 2015 to bring back to power the deposed president of Yemen Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.

Since then, the invaders have committed horrible war crimes against Yemeni civilians.

9376**1771
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Jio GigaFiber Effect: BSNL launches Rs 2,499 broadband plan with 40GB daily data limit News oi-Priyanka Dua Bharat Fiber Programme is offering 35GB per day as low as Rs 1.1per GB.

State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced the launch of a new broadband plan dubbed as "40GB plan".

The newly launched plan offers 40GB daily data at 100 Mbps speeds for a month at Rs. 2,499, however, the speed will be reduced after the completion of daily FUP. This plan is valid across the country where BSNL is offering FTTH services.

The plan has been launched under its Bharat Fiber programme that was launched a few days ago. However, there is a catch as this plan is available in selected circles.

In addition to that this plan joins the company's existing fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service plans of Rs 777, Rs 1,277, Rs 3,999 and Rs 5,999.

Bharat Fiber Programme is offering 35GB per day as low as Rs 1.1per GB.

The announcement came at that time when Reliance Jio is reportedly planning to launch JioGigaFiber this year in March.

Meanwhile, the company has also announced the launch of a new app called Wings.

"Wings" customers can use an App on his/her mobile handset or from Laptop to make or receive calls on their existing numbers just by having Wi-Fi services from any landline or mobile number.

At present the company is providing free service of this app for one month, thereafter it is available at an initial one-time annual fee of Rs.1099/- plus GST. A customer can make "Free Unlimited" outgoing calls within India for a period of one year, BSNL informed.

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Meizu Note 9 appears on TENNA with Snapdragon 675 processor News oi-Sandeep Sarkar Meizu Note 9 TENNA listing reveals a tall 6.2-inch display panel at the front of the device.

The Chinese smartphone company Meizu seems to have picked up a pace for its smartphones this year. The company had recently reappeared in the Indian market with its Meizu 16th, Meizu 6T and Meizu C9 smartphones towards the end of 2018. This year as well, the company released its first port-less and button-less smartphone called Meizu Zero. Now, the company is working on another smartphone which suggests we might see some more Meizu releases this year.

The next Meizu smartphone which is expected to be unveiled is the Meizu Note 9. The device has been leaked previously online revealing some of the specifications and features which it will pack. This time, the smartphone has made its way to the Chinese certification website TENNA suggesting an imminent launch. The TENNA listing confirms some of the earlier leaks and rumors related to the upcoming Meizu 9 smartphone.

Besides, the TENNA listing of the Meizu Note 9 smartphone suggests that the upcoming smartphone will be a mid-range offering by the Chinese smartphone brand. Backing up the rumors, the listing reveals a tall 6.2-inch display panel at the front of the device. The smartphone is seen with a mid-range Snapdragon 675 chipset onboard. Earlier it was leaked with Snapdragon 6150 SoC which is a codename for the Snapdragon 675 chipset. The smartphone will be fuelled by a 3,900mAh battery unit which is 100mAh less than the recent leaks suggested.

Some other leaks reveal that the smartphone will offer a 48MP primary camera sensor. This is similar to the one seen on the recently launched Honor View20 and the Redmi Note 7 smartphones. It is not immediately clear as to when Meizu will release its next mid-range smartphone for the masses, however, we will keep you posted on the same.

Source

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I dont think we can specifically say the waterway has caused flooding in that area, but since the stream is not operating as efficiently as it should, doing this is only helpful, Lawler said.
Gillette, WY (82718)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low near 50F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low near 50F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
Pursuit  9:57 a.m. Sunday, 400 block Gilbert Street, Lebanon. Korey Conway, 51, fled from deputies in a black BMW but was apprehended after a short vehicle pursuit. He was taken into custody on charges of felony attempt to elude, reckless driving, reckless endangering, driving while suspended, three counts of identity theft, and interfering with a peace officer. He also had multiple warrants for his arrest.

Church graffiti  3:35 p.m. Sunday, 34100 block Riverside Drive. Authorities are investigating graffiti spray-painted on the back of the historic church near the intersection of Orleans Road.

OREGON STATE

POLICE, ALBANY

Three-vehicle injury crash  4:41 p.m. Friday, Highway 34 near Peoria Road. A silver Mercury driven by Lon Charles Mathis, 61, of Albany, was headed westbound when it spun out and drifted into the eastbound lane of travel. The car collided with a silver Dodge pickup driven by Keenan Elbers, 38, of Eugene. A blue Subaru Outback driven by Frederic Michael Lilly, 68, of Salem, couldnt stop in time and rear-ended the pickup. Mathis and Elbers were transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis with complaints of pain. The eastbound lanes of the highway were blocked for approximately two hours.
While the diseases of war were only touched upon in the movie, this film, which is narrated by dozens of survivors, is very much about the experiences of the young men who served. The 100 hours of film he and his production team went through were taken from Englands Imperial War Museum, but the award-winning director says he decided to focus on trench warfare because it was similar to what all who served on the Western Front went through  including Americans like Auroras George Dahlin and Henry Boger, who is believed to have been killed on Armistice Day itself, Nov. 11, 1918.
A former Oregon State University employee was convicted Monday by a Benton County Circuit Court jury on five charges in a rape case that stemmed from an April 2017 incident.

Jose Gabriel Gonzalez-Merwin of Corvallis was judged guilty on all five counts, said Ryan Joslin, chief deputy district attorney for Benton County.

Gonzalez-Merwin was convicted of first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, first-degree sex abuse and second-degree sex abuse after a five-day trial. The jury received the case from Judge David S. Connell on Friday night and the verdict came back at about 3:45 p.m. Monday.

The states case, which was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Amie Matusko, asserted that Gonzalez-Merwin, now 49, was dating a student employee. After a night of stargazing, he convinced her to return with him to his apartment, despite her telling him she wanted to take things slow. The state claims he forced sexual intercourse with her at his apartment.

Gonzalez-Merwin testified Friday that the sex was consensual. He added that he voluntarily resigned from OSU amid the accusations.
Galveston, TX (77553)

Today

Thunderstorms in the morning will give way to partly cloudy skies late. High 88F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Isolated thunderstorms during the evening, becoming fair overnight. Low 82F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
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editor's pick centerpiece

Lacking agreements, Pelican bridge plan could change

jenniferreynolds / JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News Texas A&M University at Galveston students cross Seawolf Parkway on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. The road runs between Texas A&M Maritime Academy Hall and the Mitchell Campus on Pelican Island. jenniferreynolds / JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News Texas A&M University at Galveston cadets cross Seawolf Parkway, the main road from the Pelican Island bridge to Seawolf Park, on their way to the Texas A&M Maritime Academy Hall on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019.

GALVESTON

News that Galveston County is in line to receive $18 million for a new bridge to Pelican Island answered some questions about the project.

Questions remain about who would lead the project locally, and the new money has local leaders reconsidering an idea they once hoped to avoid  building a bridge that continues to route traffic through the Texas A&M University at Galveston campus.

Galveston County last week announced it expected to receive $18 million from the Houston-Galveston Area Council to go toward the cost of building the bridge.

County officials still hope the money will be used to build a $91 million, 75-foot-high span bridge to Pelican Island, in an alignment that leads around the Texas A&M campus.

With the area council grant included, local entities have committed about $41.5 million to the plan.

The Texas Department of Transportation has promised $45 million to build that bridge, if a local government entity will agree to be a local sponsor of the project.

That leaves two problems left to solve. First, where to find the remaining commitment of $4.5 million and, second, who will agree to be its local sponsor.

But despite years of discussion, the local entities  including the county, the city of Galveston and Galveston County Navigation District No. 1  have all refused to be the local sponsor and say are at the limit of what they want to commit.

Last week, the transportation consultant hired by the county said that if an agreement is not signed soon and a funding plan is not finalized, the states money could be gone.

That doesnt mean there wont be a new bridge, but it might mean that the entities would have to change plans and pursue a cheaper option, with a bridge that leads through the Texas A&M campus rather than around it, said Barry Goodman, of The Goodman Corp.

I think we cant find the funding without asking the county to put up any more money to do the preferred option, Goodman said. But if other stakeholders dont come to the table, we have sufficient funding to build a new bridge. A bridge that increases the capacity along the alignment that we have that would go right through the campus.

County officials say they still prefer a bridge that goes around the campus. That idea had the support of university officials, who said they would like to lessen industrial truck traffic going through the growing campus.

While Texas A&M has indicated it might pay for part of a new bridge that bypasses the campus, the school has not officially committed any money.

University officials said they were still in discussions about the bridge with local officials, but had not made any funding commitments.

As this has been discussed in multiple forums for many years, the realignment of the bridge and road is important for the safety of our students and employees, and is critical for the continued growth of our campus and resultant increased economic benefit for the city and county, Bill McClain, Texas A&M University at Galveston spokesman, said.

The county has begun looking at other grants it can pursue that might help pay for the bridge and directed Goodman to continue working out a deal on the project.

The challenges weve had is convincing some of the stakeholders that the existing bridge is not going to last much longer, Goodman said. I expect they will come to the table, but we still have some work to do to bring it all together.

Meanwhile, county officials have said they hoped the city of Galveston would hold a local referendum on the bridge, so it could sign on to be the local sponsor.

For months now, city officials, including Mayor Jim Yarbrough, have said Galveston cannot take on the cost of signing an agreement for the bridge without putting it to a city-wide vote. The city cited that reason when it said it was walking away from the bridge project, as it is currently proposed, last September.

County Commissioner Ken Clark, who has helped lead the countys efforts to plan the bridge, suggested last week that the reason the transportation departments deadline was extended was so the city could take a vote.

The idea was to give them the opportunity to get voter approval, Clark said.

The time to do that is ticking. In order to have an election on the issue in May, the city council must vote to put it on the ballot by Feb. 15. The city council has not indicated it will do that, and its not currently scheduled to meet until Feb. 28.
A celebration of life for Barabra Zackery, 79, of Gainesville, will be held at a later date. A full obituary will be published when service times have been scheduled. Barbara passed away on June 15, 2021 in Gainesville. You may sign the online registry at www.geojcarroll.com.




Have any questions? Please give us a call at 907-352-2250
Staff is not concerned about that variation because there are conditions of approval the rooftop can only be used for patrons staying at the hotel, or guests at the banquet hall, said Bill Enright, deputy director of community development. The rooftop could only be booked for outside events if the banquet hall is not being used at the same time. That would allow the petitioner to not need the extra 70 spaces.
FBI tactics in Stone arrest were over the top

Once upon a time, heavy-handed law enforcement came from agencies that hired people of limited education and to whom limited training was provided. The FBI became a standard of excellence because special agents were selected on the basis of very high qualifications and provided with extensive classroom and field training.

As a former special agent myself, I was taught to recognize the difference between violent and non-violent crimes because a different response was called for when suspects were to be arrested.

Let me emphasize the word suspects because at the time of arrest no determination of guilt/innocence has been made.

Arrests were to be made with the least danger for agents, suspects and innocent bystanders and with the least possible public attention. One such measure is early morning raids when the suspect is expected to be asleep and therefore incapable of resistance. Another reason for early morning raids is to prevent the destruction of evidence.

Let us consider the Roger Stone arrest. No history of violence. Not charged with a violent crime. No reasonable expectation of finding evidence. The arrest was made with SWAT-like tactics including an armored vehicle.
Goodall soon introduced herself to the one person in the Kenya colony best positioned to introduce her to wild animals: the paleoanthropologist Dr. Louis S. B. Leakey. Leakey was charmed by the young Englishwoman, who never concealed her passion for animals, and he hired her to be his secretary.

By the end of the summer, he revealed to Goodall a plan to set her up in what was then Tanganyika Territory, at a place known as the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve, in order to study wild chimpanzees.

That the young Englishwoman lacked scientific training or credentials was not an obstacle, Leakey insisted. No scientist had ever successfully studied wild chimpanzees, and indeed most scientists regarded the apes as so terribly dangerous that no one, especially not a slight young woman, could possibly observe them in the wild.

Leakey knew from experience, however, that most wild animals will not attack unless threatened.

He also believed that the important qualifications for field research had nothing to do with formal training. Rather, he believed, the necessary requirements were determination, a tolerance for rough conditions, and a quiet self-possession in the presence of animals.
Fairfax, who denied the allegations to the Post, told reporters Monday that everything was 100 percent consensual, later adding, There was no inappropriate contact whatsoever.

Fairfax said the woman sought him out after the encounter, saying she wanted to go to New York City to meet with him and introduce him to her mother. And years later now, we have a totally fabricated story out of the blue thats meant to attack me because of where I am in politics, Fairfax said.

The Washington Post denied claims in Fairfaxs statement that it had found significant red flags and inconsistencies within the allegations. The Post reported: Fairfax and the woman told different versions of what happened in the hotel room with no one else present. The Post could not find anyone who could corroborate either version.

In response, Fairfax spokeswoman Lauren Burke issued a statement that said, The Washington Post, acknowledging that it had no corroboration, just smeared an elected official.
Richard Homan, president of Eastern Virginia Medical School, apologized on behalf of the institution for what he said was a pattern of shockingly racist photos in the schools yearbooks, including a photo on Gov. Ralph Northams 1984 yearbook page, at a press conference Tuesday afternoon.

I want to express my sincere apologies, particularly to the AfricanAmerican community who are most injured by past yearbooks and photos circulated in the press over the past few days, Homan said.

The school has hired former state attorney general Richard Cullen and a team of lawyers from the McGuireWoods law firm to investigate the medical schools past and current culture surrounding race and has appointed three people to a community advisory board that will work in parallel on the investigation.

They will have the authority to investigate any aspect of EVMS that they feel is important, Homan said.

He said that the results of the investigation will be released in a single report to both the schools board of visitors and to the public.
A trial for a man accused of shooting one young woman in the head while robbing another at a Fredericksburg playground in 2017 is scheduled to start Wednesday.

But a judges ruling Monday could lead to a prosecutor seeking a new court date.

Dajon Armani Morton, 23, of Gaithersburg, Md., is charged with robbery, unlawful wounding, using a firearm in the commission of a felony, conspiracy and credit card theft. A two-day trial is scheduled to start Wednesday in Fredericksburg Circuit Court.

But Judge Sarah Deneke on Monday ruled that evidence obtained from multiple search warrants would not be admissible in Wednesdays trial. Defense attorney Tara-Beth Coleman argued that the affidavits for the formerly sealed search warrants were filed only Monday, well after the legal deadline. Deneke agreed.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Humphries could seek to postpone the trial so the evidence would be available to use in court at a later date.
Asked by police why she would invite a man to her home after an alleged rape, the woman said she was lonely and suffered from low self-esteem.

She said they had consensual sex initially, but Peterson later drugged her using a syringe before raping and sodomizing her while her children were in the home. Fredericksburg police were called the next day after the womans friend came to her home and determined that something wasnt right.

An officer heard the victim yelling for help and saw Peterson holding her down on a mattress. Peterson claimed he was using a calm down method on the woman.

Prosecutor Kevin Gross Monday urged Deneke to give Peterson the entire 60 years. He said Peterson targeted a broken, battered woman who would not have reported his abuse had her friend not come by.

Gross called Peterson a sociopath and said a phone call he made to the victim eight months after the incident in which he expressed his love for her showed he is either a complete nut or a great manipulator.
One thing that is known, the album belonged to Myrtle R. Baker, who lived on Telegraph Road in Spotsylvania County, perhaps at Rose Vale Fruit Farm. At a time when roads were bad and travel even to the nearest town or city could take all day, the teenage Myrtle Baker, who was 13 in 1916, managed to visit various spots around town and elsewhere.

While she is seen at Fredericksburg National Cemetery, on Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg, and in various rural settings probably in and around the county, there are also family pictures from Washington, D.C.; Williamsburg; and Newport News. One photo with a palm tree in the background was labeled in the Sunny South.

What I focus on is local history and how people lived from 1880 to about 1950, Cuff said. Really, its about the history of peoples lives, not battles or famous people or buildings, but the personal history of peoples lives.

Cuff finds many of the photos he collects at auctions and estate sales he attends. His goal: To scan and post them online where people can see and use them. By doing so, he hopes to inspire interest in the pictures and learn the stories behind them.
PHOTOS Steps recent college grads can take to build credit

Youve graduated from college, secured that first full-time job and are ready to move out of your parents home. But before you move into that new apartment or buy a new car, you should probably start thinking about your credit. There are many misconceptions about credit and for recent college graduates, you might not know where to start when it comes to building it. Here are some of the steps you should take after you graduate from college. (Noah McGee, The Active Times)
Keep the conversation about local news & events going by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Recent updates from The News-Post and also from News-Post staff members are compiled below.
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Pirtek Clearfield Opens Doors In Utah Near Busy Hill Air Force Base

Owner Todd Miceli starts second Pirtek USA Tier 1 location; Pirtek Clearfield to seek business from military, construction, transportation, manufacturing sectors

February 05, 2019 // Franchising.com // Rockledge, FL, USA - Pirtek Clearfield is now open for business in Syracuse, Utah, about 12 miles south of Ogden. The new location is the second Pirtek USA franchise for Todd Miceli, owner of Pirtek Salt Lake City.

Weve had great success in Salt Lake City since we opened a little more than 18 months ago, Miceli said. Were expecting Pirtek Clearfield to perform well: Its in one of the states busiest industrial parks and its only two miles from Hill Air Force Base.

The new Service & Supply Center is at 1068 West 350 South, Space E, Syracuse, Utah 84075. Three people staff Pirtek Clearfield and two Mobile Services Vehicles are available to make service calls. Pirtek Clearfield is about 30 miles north of the Salt Lake City location.

Hill Air Force Base, which Miceli expects to be a major source of Pirtek Clearfields business, is the second-largest U.S. Air Force base by population and geographic size. Its also the largest employer in Utah and has an economic impact of more than $3 billion per year.

Being so close to the base gives Clearfield is a distinct edge in cultivating business, Miceli said.

Pirtek Clearfield will also seek business from the manufacturing, construction and transportation sectors.

The only franchise brand of its kind in the United States, Pirtek USA specializes in hydraulic and industrial hose services through its locations throughout the country. Pirtek USA team members are also available 24/7 to provide onsite repairs to hydraulic and industrial hoses, thanks to the companys specially equipped Mobile Service Vehicles. Pirtek boasts more than 400 franchise locations in 23 countries around the world, including 79 in the United States.

Miceli, who opened Pirtek Salt Lake City in July 2017, said that having a Tier 1 brick-and-mortar location has been advantageous in a number of ways, including walk-in counter business - traffic that can help drive future service calls. He also attributes much of his success in Salt Lake City to having a dedicated sales team.

When you make the necessary investment, the Pirtek model absolutely works, Miceli said.

About Pirtek USA

Pirtek USA provides the fastest hydraulic hose replacement and industrial hose repair service with onsite mobile and service centers throughout the United States. Our ETA 1-hour on-site hose service, available 24/7, is a simple solution that minimizes equipment downtime and eliminates the need for our customers to leave their job site or facility to locate new hydraulic hoses and hydraulic fittings. We'll Keep You Operating! www.Pirtekusa.com

Media Contact:

Ken Zeszutko

Z Corp PR

321-213-1818

kenz@zcorppr.com

Steve Jones

Z Corp. PR & Digital Marketing

321-514-9662

SOURCE Pirtek USA

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La Madeleine Named Recipient Of TDn2K's 2019 Heart Of The Workplace Award

DALLAS - Feb. 4, 2019 // PRNewswire // - La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe accepted TDn2K's 2019 Heart of the Workplace Award at the 24th annual Global Best Practices Conference on Tuesday, January 29th.

The Heart of the Workplace Award is given to a company that demonstrates both a commitment and investment in their employees and communities. This award recognizes companies that model best practices in their workplace and are exceptional in their execution in going above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of their employees and communities.

"We are truly honored to receive the 2019 Heart of the Workplace Award," said John Cahill, President and COO of la Madeleine. "At the very core of our foundation is our commitment to treating our guests, associates and community as family. This has been engrained in our culture since the first la Madeleine opened over 35 years ago and we are proud that we have continued to make a positive impact by giving back and paying it forward."

In addition to being awarded the 2019 Heart of the Workplace Award, la Madeleine was humbled to be 1 of 3 nominees for the Best Practices Award. This award is given to a company that consistently achieves excellent results in management and employee tenure, workforce diversity, community involvement and sustainable practices.

About la Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe

Dallas-based la Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe, founded in 1983 by Patrick Esquerre of Tours, France, offers guests a welcoming atmosphere to escape and enjoy fresh, quality recipes, including breakfast all-day, sandwiches, salads, soups, crepes, entrees, croissants, handmade French patisseries and more. La Madeleine was recognized in the 2018 Nation's Restaurant News Consumer Picks as #2 for True Brand Loyalty, consumers who say they visit because of a real desire to experience the brand. La Madeleine operates over 80 corporate and franchise bakeries in 10 states, and is owned by Le Duff America, Inc., a subsidiary of Rennes, France-based Groupe Le Duff, which was founded by Louis Le Duff in 1976.

About Global Best Practices Conference

The Global Best Practices Conference is produced by TDn2K. Held in Dallas, Texas, this event is a gathering of hundreds of restaurant industry c-suite leadership brought together to tackle some of the most challenging obstacles facing the restaurant industry. The event is also the home of the Best Practice Awards, Diamond Catalyst Award, Heart of the Workplace Award and the Workplace Legacy Award presentations.

About TDn2K

TDn2K (Transforming Data into Knowledge) is the parent company of People Report, Black Box Intelligence and White Box Social Intelligence. People Report provides service-sector human capital and workforce analytics for its members on a monthly basis. Black Box Intelligence provides weekly financial and market level data for the restaurant industry. White Box Social Intelligence delivers consumer insights and reveals online brand health. TDn2K membership represents 43,000 restaurant units, 2.6 million employees and $72 billion in sales. They are also the producers of leading restaurant industry events including the Global Best Practices Conference held annually each January in Dallas, Texas.

SOURCE la Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe

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BIGGBY COFFEE Celebrates National Bagel Day

BIGGBY COFFEE Celebrates National Bagel Day with Half Off Bragel Sandwiches

February 05, 2019 // Franchising.com // East Lansing, MI - On Saturday, February 9, BIGGBY COFFEE will be celebrating National Bagel Day with half off Bragels. The coffee concept is well known for their bagel sandwiches and are excited to feature them on National Bagel Day. These unique sandwiches come in a number of different combinations and are one of the best-selling food items on their menu.

BIGGBY COFFEE features a Ham and Cheese Bragel, which includes cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and ham; a Turkey and Havarti Bragel, which includes cream cheese, turkey, and Havarti cheese; and at select stores Sausage, Egg, and Cheese. These Bragels can come on plain, asiago, wheat, everything, or cinnamon vanilla bagels. For a limited time only BIGGBY COFFEE is featuring the Power Bragel, which comes on a bagel loaded with 11g of protein, rolled oats, sunflower kernels, and cranberries. BIGGBY COFFEE recommends you try it with turkey and Havarti, but it can also be purchased with ham and cheese.

These Bragel sandwiches are a perfect midday pick-me-up and a great alternative to the typical sandwich or burger lunch. Paired with the worlds best coffee, these Bragels make the perfect addition whether grabbing to go or sitting to stay at one of the cafes. With world-class service and exceptionally customizable food and beverage options, BIGGBY COFFEE is the friendly coffee community where everyone is welcome and options are near endless. Be sure to stop in on February 9 and try a half off Bragel sandwich!

About BIGGBY COFFEE

BIGGBY COFFEE, East Lansing, Mich.-based, was started with a single store on March 15, 1995. One year later, and on the cusp of opening a second location, Bob Fish and Michael McFall, on a handshake and $4,000, decided to franchise the concept. BIGGBY COFFEEs cultural values of Make Friends, Have Fun, B Yourself, and Share Great Coffee help coffee-lovers and the coffee-curious alike benefit from a less pretentious and fun approach to the standard gourmet cafe paradigm. Besides connoisseur-worthy drinks with pronounceable names like Teddy Bear and Caramel Marvel, BIGGBY baristas provide a unique experience focused on brightening their customers day and supporting them in building a life they love. The Big B on the orange background caught on, and today BIGGBY COFFEE has 277 cafes open or under contract across 10 states including: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Florida, Texas, and New Jersey. In 2018, BIGGBY launched an Area Representative Program and currently has 8 area representatives in 6 states.

Media Contact:

Nikki Robertson

Cell: 517-980-0995

Email: press@biggby.com

SOURCE BIGGBY COFFEE

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Calvin Benson, 27, plead guilty to two armed robberies that took place in January 2014. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
On Friday, his father told ESPN he did not want Davis to be traded to the Celtics, citing the organizations treatment of Isaiah Thomas. Thomas, who spent part of last season with the Lakers, played through a torn labrum in his hip during the 2017 playoffs, and also while grieving his sisters death. Once they realized the extent of his injury, the Celtics discarded the two-time All Star, trading him to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of the deal to acquire Kyrie Irving.
GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina)- The Greenville City Police Department says they arrested a suspect after one person was killed during a fatal shooting on Saturday on Jenkins Street.
ANDERSON, SC (FOX CAROLINA) -The Anderson County Sheriff's Office says a man threw about 80 grams of meth out of the window while he was trying to flee from deputies during a traffic stop.
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak was given a tour of the Nevada National Security Site on August 2, according to a statement from his office.
Please either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
My fellow Americans, here we are again: a State of the Union address from United States President Donald Trump. We have passed through another year in time  365 more days of artful deals, shutting down the federal government, Executive Time, and so on and so forth.
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama joined local leaders and law enforcement officials to deliver a message Tuesday.

"The message is simply this, you do not shoot a cop," said U.S. Attorney Richard Moore. "If you do, we are going to bring the full power of the government down on you."

Three police officers have been shot and killed over the past year in Alabama. The Mobile Police Department lost two officers within 11 months, Officer Justin Billa and Officer Sean Tuder. In Birmingham, Officer Wytasha Carter was killed in the line of duty in January.

Mobile Public Safety Director James Baber also warned gun owners to be responsible with their firearms. A handgun stolen from an unlocked vehicle was used to kill Officer Tuder on January 20.

"You've heard is say this time and time again for years," Barber said. "We're losing in Mobile about 1,200 guns a year taken out of cars, 80 percent of the time unlocked. We defend everybody's right to own and carry a firearm, and the right to defend yourself, but help us keep you safe and for God's sake help keep us safe and secure those weapons."
Two major companies have issued chicken recalls.

Pilgrim's Pride is recalling nearly 60,000 pounds of uncooked breaded chicken. The company says the chicken might contain pieces of rubber.

The recall affects frozen uncooked breaded chicken produced on Jan. 4 and shipped to Publix Stores in Florida.

The recall affects 20-pound boxes containing eight clear bags of

UNCOOKED POPCORN STYLE CHICKEN BREAST CHUNK FRITTERS WITH RIB MEAT with a USE BY 10 01 2019 date and lot codes of 9004101012, 9004101013, 9004101014, 9004101015, 9004101016, 9004101017, 9004101018, 9004101019, 9004101020, 9004101021, 9004101022, 9004101000 and 9004101001.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number P-7091A inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to Publix Super Markets in Florida for deli food service use.

The problem was discovered last week when the company was informed by Publix Super Markets employees about a consumer complaint regarding white rubber in the products, according to the USDA.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service says there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Taylor Farms is also issuing a recall for over 2,000 pounds of mislabeled chicken items that contain a known allergen. The products contain wheat, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The ready-to-eat HEB Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Alfredo & Chicken items were incorrectly labeled as Chile Relleno. The items were produced on various dates from Jan. 25, 2019 through Jan. 30, 2019.

The following product is subject to recall:

10-oz. tray packages labeled as HEB-MEAL SIMPLE CHILE RELLENO with USE BY dates of 02/04/2019, 02/05/2019, 02/07/2019, 02/08/2019, and 02/09/2019 and lot codes TFD025AU4, TFD026AU4, TFD028AU4, TFD029AU4 and TFD030AU4.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number EST. 34733 on the shipping container which is labeled as HEB Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Alfredo & Chicken. The USDA says the chile relleno labels do not bear an establishment number. These items were shipped to distribution centers and retail stores in Texas.

According to the USDA, the problem was discovered on last week when the firm discovered that a label for Chile Relleno was incorrectly applied to some of its USDAs amenable HEB Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Alfredo & Chicken products.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.
Worker who exposed abuses to appear in court today

(Bangkok, February 4, 2019)Thai authorities and chicken-farm company Thammakaset Company Limited should immediately drop criminal complaints against human rights defender and migrant worker from Myanmar Nan Win for his involvement in exposing labor rights violations in Thailand, Fortify Rights said today.



Nan Win is scheduled to be in Bangkok Criminal Court today for a preliminary hearing on the criminal defamation complaints against him.

Nan Win is contributing positively to Thailands economy as a migrant worker and to Thai society as a human rights defender, said Amy Smith, Executive Director of Fortify Rights. Thailand should protect Nan Win from labor rights abuses and protect his right to speak out against abuses. Nan Win has faced a series of complaints designed to intimidate and silence him.

In October 2018, Thammakaseta Thai-owned poultry company in Lopuri Provincefiled criminal defamation complaints against Nan Win under sections 326 and 328 of the Thailand Criminal Code for his involvement in Fortify Rights activities in October 2017, including a 107-second film published by Fortify Rights and a Fortify Rights press conference on human rights defenders under threat in Southeast Asia. As part of these activities, Nan Win described how Thammakaset brought criminal defamation charges against him and 13 other former Thammakaset employees in 2016 after the workers reported labor rights violations by the company to the Thai authorities.



If convicted, Nan Win faces up to four years in prison and fines of up to 400,000 Thai Baht (US$12,780).



In a separate complaint, Thammakaset accused Sutharee Wannasiria former human rights specialist with Fortify Rightsof criminal and civil defamation for posting on social media the Fortify Rights film featuring Nan Win. Bangkok Criminal Court is scheduled to hear her case on March 11.



All charges in this case should be dropped and the government should immediately decriminalize defamation, said Fortify Rights.



Thammakaset previously brought criminal defamation complaints against the 14 migrant workers in October 2016 and labor rights activist Andy Hall in November 2016. The company brought further charges against two migrant workers in August 2017 for alleged theft and similar alleged theft charges against woman human rights defender and coordinator of the Migrant Worker Rights Network (MWRN) Suthasinee Kaewleklai. Thai courts struck down these previous criminal complaints.



Under international law, imprisonment is considered a disproportionate punishment for acts of defamation. The 2017 Constitution of Thailand protects the right to freedom of expression as does Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Thailand is a state party.
Canadian midstream company Pembina Pipeline (NYSE:PBA) has been an excellent dividend-growth stock over the years. Not only does it pay its investors on a monthly basis, but it has consistently increased its payout, which it has expanded at a 5% compound annual growth rate over the last decade. That trend should continue for at least the next several years after the company sanctioned a large-scale expansion project, which significantly enhances its long-term growth prospects.

Expanding downstream

In early February, Pembina Pipeline and its Kuwaiti partner made a positive final investment decision (FID) on an integrated petrochemical facility in Canada. Pembina Pipeline will invest 2.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.9 billion) into constructing two plants as well as the supporting facilities. This complex will consume propane produced by Pembina's adjacent Redwater Fractionation complex, which separates higher-value products like propane and ethane out of the raw stream of NGLs (natural gas liquids) that comes from oil and gas wells. The complex will transform this propane into polypropylene, a petrochemical used in making products such as autos, medical devices, food packages, and home electronic appliances.

Pembina Pipeline has secured long-term contracts with third parties for more than 40% of the EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) it expects these facilities to produce. However, the company anticipates boosting that percentage, with a stated goal of having long-term contracts support at least 50% of the facility's EBITDA. The company expects this project to start service by the middle of 2023 and should generate CA$275 million to CA$350 million ($209 million to $267 million) in annual adjusted EBITDA for Pembina, which is a needle-moving amount considering that it expects to produce CA$2.8 billion to CA$3 billion ($2.1 billion to $2.3 billion) in adjusted EBITDA this year.

Check out the latest Pembina earnings call transcript.

This project is a key step in Pembina's efforts to expand its business further downstream in the oil and gas value chain, so it can capture more of the value created by the hydrocarbons it transports and processes. In greenlighting this project, Pembina is mirroring the growth strategy of U.S. midstream giant Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE:EPD). That company has been expanding its petrochemical midstream-services businesses over the years and finished a similar petrochemical plant in 2017. Enterprise Products Partners followed that up by pushing further downstream last year, after sanctioning another petrochemical plant that should come online later this year.

More growth in the pipeline

Pembina Pipeline's petrochemical growth project is just the latest in a string of recent expansions sanctioned by the company. Last November, the midstream company moved forward with the development of CA$1.3 billion ($1 billion) of new pipeline and processing infrastructure, including Phase VII of its Peace Pipeline system. The company followed that up at the end of January by giving the green light to Phase VIII of the Peace system. This latest expansion, which will cost CA$500 million ($380 million), should start service in stages beginning next year through the first half of 2022. With those expansions, Pembina now has secured CA$5.5 billion ($4.2 billion) of investments that should enable the company to grow earnings at a steady pace for the next several years, which should support continued dividend growth.

Meanwhile, the company has several other expansions in development. The largest is the Jordan Cove LNG facility, which would export liquefied natural gas from the coast of Oregon. That project represents as much as a CA$6.5 billion ($5 billion) investment opportunity that the company hopes to sanction this November. If that happens, it could be generating cash flow by 2024. In addition to that needle-moving opportunity, Pembina has CA$4 billion ($3.1 billion) of additional projects under consideration, including future expansions of Peace River. Overall, the company could invest upwards of CA$16 billion ($12 billion) to expand its footprint, which is a massive opportunity considering that it currently has a $25 billion enterprise value.

Don't miss out on this income growth stock

Most investors have completely overlooked Pembina Pipeline because it's a Canadian company. Because of that, they're missing out the opportunity to collect a monthly dividend that has consistently increased over the years. That trend appears very likely to continue, given the company's rapidly expanding backlog of growth projects that should enable it to boost earnings and the dividend at a healthy rate for at least the next several years.
Fabrinet (NYSE:FN)

Q2 2019 Earnings Conference Call

, 5:00 p.m. ET

Contents:

Prepared Remarks

Questions and Answers

Call Participants



See all our earnings call transcripts .

Prepared Remarks:

Operator

Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Fabrinet's Financial Results Conference Call for the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2019. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. Later, we will conduct a question-and-answer session and instructions on how to participate will be given at that time. As a reminder, today's call is being recorded.

I'd now like to turn your call to your host, Garo Toomajanian.

Garo Toomajanian -- Managing Director

Thank you, operator, and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining us on today's conference call to discuss Fabrinet's financial and operating results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2019, which ended on December 28, 2018. With me on the call today are Seamus Grady, Chief Executive Officer; and TS Ng, Chief Financial Officer. This call is being webcast and a replay will be available on the Investors section of our website located at investor.fabrinet.com. Please refer to our website for important information, including our earnings press release and investor presentation, which include our GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation.

I would like to remind you that today's discussion will contain forward-looking statements about the future financial performance of the Company. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from Management's current expectations. These statements reflect our opinions only as of the date of this presentation and we undertake no obligation to revise them in light of new information or future events, except as required by law. For a description of the risk factors that may affect our results, please refer to our recent SEC filings, in particular, the section captioned Risk Factors in our Form 10-Q filed on November 6, 2018. We will begin the call with remarks from Seamus and TS, followed by time for questions.

I'd now like to turn the call over to Fabrinet's CEO, Seamus Grady. Seamus?

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Thank you, Garo, and good afternoon, everyone. We posted record revenue and non-GAAP earnings per share in the second quarter. Revenue in the second quarter was above the high-end of our guidance range at $403 million and non-GAAP net income also exceeded our guidance at $0.97 per share. These results also drove strong cash flows in the second quarter, with operating cash flow of nearly $35 million and free cash flow of $30 million. Upside was driven primarily by stronger than expected growth from the telecom markets. Component supply constraints that we experienced in the first quarter eased somewhat in the second quarter. However, supply for MLCC and certain ASIC parts remained constrained. As such, we continue to see some headwinds to gross margins from our efforts to mitigate these supply constraints in order to lead customer demand and drive revenue.

Looking at our second quarter performance by end-markets, both optical communications and non-optical communications business grew sequentially as well as year-over-year. Optical communications revenue was $306 million or 76% of total revenue and grew 9% from the first quarter. Within optical, 100 gig transceivers continued to generate strong revenue with additional growth from non-speed rate of products such as amplifiers and ROADMs. Growth in optical communications was led by telecom products, which at $207 million or 68% of optical revenue grew 16% from Q1 to an all-time record. Datacom products were 32% of optical revenue at $99 million, a decrease of a few percentage points from Q1, primarily due to the transition of current products to the next generation designs.

By technology, silicon photonics based optical communications revenue was $80 million, a slight decline from Q1, again primarily due to product design transitions. During the quarter, we started to see revenue from QSFP56 as two customers started migrating from QSFP28 to faster data rates, QSFP56 transceivers. Variance of the QSFP28 and now the QSFP56 transceivers, which can be both silicon photonics and non-silicon photonics-based continue to perform well with revenue up 21% from Q1 at $55 million. By data rate, as I mentioned, 100 gig programs continue to dominate optical communications production at 52% of optical revenue or $158 million. Products rated at speeds of 400 gig and above represented more than 6% of optical communications revenue with virtually all of this revenue from telecom applications.

Looking at non-optical communications, revenue was $98 million, up 1% from Q1. We continue to see momentum in the industrial laser market with revenue up 2% sequentially to $50 million. Automotive revenue increased 4% to $23 million, with traditional automotive remaining stable and new automotive applications up a little. Sensor revenue was flat at $4 million in the second quarter and other non-optical communications revenue was also stable sequentially at $21 million. Both new business and existing programs contributed to our top line growth in the second quarter with new business up 7% sequentially to $147 million or 36% of total revenue.

We continued to generate strong interest from new and existing customers. And while a little over 60% of our new building in Chonburi is spoken for or occupied, we have ample capacity to handle the near-term demand. TS will provide more color on our guidance, but we are optimistic that Q3 will represent a record third quarter for us in terms of both revenue and profitability. In summary, we are pleased with our record performance in the second quarter and remain enthusiastic about our longer-term prospects as a trusted manufacturing partner for our customers most demanding and complex products.

Now, let me turn the call over to TS to discuss the details of our second quarter performance and our outlook. TS?

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Thank you, Seamus, and good afternoon, everyone. I will provide you with more details on our performance by end market and our financial result for Q2 as well as our guidance for Q3 of fiscal year 2019.

Total revenue in the second quarter for fiscal year 2019 was $403.1 million. Note that our adoptions of ASC 606 this fiscal year contributed approximately $3 million to our second quarter revenue. This mean that we exceeded the high-end of our revenue guidance of $380 million to to $388 million under ASC 605 by $12 million. Non-GAAP net income was $0.97 per share and was also above our guidance range, despite a $0.01 per share foreign exchange headwind in the quarter. ASC 606 impact on net income was immaterial. Looking at the second quarter in more detail. Our growth was driven primarily by the telecom market within optical communications. Optical communications represented 76% of revenue with non-optical communications representing 24% of revenue.

Now, turning to the details of our P&L. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures is included in our earning press release and investor presentation, which you can find on our website. Non-GAAP gross margin in the second quarter was 11.6%, an improvement from the first quarter, but a little below our target range as we continue to see supply constraints for certain components having a negative impact on overall gross margin. We continue to anticipate reaching our target range of 12% to 12.5% on a quarterly basis this fiscal year.

Non-GAAP operating expense was $9.4 million in the second quarter, down from the first quarter, but up from a year ago. As a result, non-GAAP operating income was $37.5 million, an increase from the first quarter and a year ago and non-GAAP operating margin was 9.3% compared to 8.5% in the first quarter. Taxes in the quarter was $0.7 million and our normalized effective tax rate was 5.9%. We continue to anticipate an effective tax rate of 6% to 7% for the fiscal year. Non-GAAP net income was a record $36.5 million in the second quarter on $0.97 per diluted share, up from $0.92 in Q1 and $0.72 a year ago. On a GAAP basis, which includes share-based compensation expenses and amortization of debt issuing cost, net income for the second quarter was $31.5 million or $0.84 per diluted share, also a record performance.

Turning to the balance sheet and cash flow statement. At the end of the second quarter, cash and investment were $382.5 million, an increase of $30.1 million from the first quarter. Operating cash flow in the quarter was $34.7 million and with CapEx of $4.3 million, free cash flow was $30.4 million in the second quarter. We did not repurchase any shares during the second quarter. Management will continue to evaluate the buyback program based on the stock market condition and our cash position each quarter. As such, as of the end of the quarter, $17.6 million remain in our repurchase authorization.

I would now like to turn to our guidance for the third quarter of fiscal year 2019. While we are now reporting under ASC 606, this guidance is based on ASC 605 and we will provide a reconciliation with our third quarter results. After reporting record revenue and net income in the second quarter, we anticipate continued year-over-year growth, but a small sequential decrease in total revenue in the third quarter with continued sequential growth in telecom, offset by a small decline in datacom and a small seasonal decline from non-optical communications. Despite this sequential decline in total revenue, we remain very optimistic and confident in our market position as reflected in anticipated year-over-year growth.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2019, we anticipate revenue to be in the range of $384 million to $392 million. From an earning perspective, we anticipate non-GAAP net income per share in the third quarter to be in the range of $0.86 to $0.90 and get net income per share of $0.71 to $0.75 based on approximately 37.6 million fully diluted shares outstanding. In summary, we are pleased with our record performance in the second quarter. Our strong market position make us optimistic in our business momentum.

Operator, we would now like to open the call for questions.

Questions and Answers:

Operator

Thank you, sir. (Operator Instructions) And our first question will come from Alex Henderson with Needham & Company. Your line is now open.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

Hey. Thanks. A couple of quick questions just on the modeling data. The first one is the tax line came in well below forecast, looks like about a $0.04 positive to the numbers relative to what we had been modeling at 6.2%. Should we be expecting, since you're guiding to 6% to 7% for the year, that we make that up and that, in fact, for the full year on an annual basis we're in the 6% to 7% or are you saying that in the back half you expect 6% to 7% on a quarterly basis?

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Alex, this is TS. Good afternoon. Yeah. I think for the particular quarter, we report a little bit low, 700,000 tax expense. Moving forward in the second half, I would still go back to 6%, 6% to 7%.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

So it's 6% to 7% on a quarterly basis, not on a full year basis then?

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

That's correct.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

Good. Okay. That helps. And then the other one was, I was a little surprised that the decline of $400,000 or so in the sales and marketing line and what normally is a seasonally stronger quarter, can you give us some rightsizing on that? Should we be thinking that that comes back up toward the $10 million, $10.5 million range or will it stay down here at this lower level?

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

No, we had a couple of adjustments in the last quarter, FQ2. Moving forward, I still look at around $11 million per quarter.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

$11 million per quarter on the sales and marketing line?

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Yeah. That's correct, Alex.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

That's non-GAAP?

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

That's non-GAAP, yeah.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

All right. Okay.

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

That is on (inaudible) the AICC(ph), of course.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

Right. Can you just tell me what was -- you said that passive has improved, but you said some chips were still tight. What supplies are you still struggling with?

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Alex, this is Seamus. So primarily MLCCs and also certain ASIC devices. Overall, we did see an improvement in the quarter, but we still have some tightness on a couple of categories here, MLCCs and ASICs being the two main ones.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

So it sounds like you're expecting to get back to the 12% plus -- 12% or better range over the year. But given that you didn't say that about the March quarter that we should be below that 12% hurdle in the March quarter?

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

I think we -- I mean, we did improve from, I think, we were at 11.2% the prior quarter then 11.6% in Q2. I think we continue to see some improvement and we said we think we can get back to the 12% range before the end of the year. Whether we get back there in Q3 or in Q4, we still have that component, I would say, slight headwind on the components there, but we think we can get back there certainly in this fiscal year, whether it's Q3 or Q4 remains to be seen.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

Okay. One last question, then I'll cede the floor. I hate forecasting ForEx, but since December 31st, there's been a spike in the exchange rate back to February levels, that ForEx move I know you hedge it on operationally, but it does show up in the ForEx exchange line. What are we assuming for the March quarter in that line? Are we assuming $2 million, $3 million hit in that line or are you assuming zero in that line?

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

So, Alex, for our guidance, we assume zero and the reason is that for this quarter it's already fully hedged, I have basically all the baht I need for this quarter, March quarter. Now moving to June quarter, I have partially hedged and obviously you're right the baht do a U-turn right now is appreciating right now. And again, we have dollar-cost average down to buy for June and September quarter. So you are probably assuming the baht stay at this level, 31.3 this morning. In September quarter, you might see some headwind on the gross margin again. But again, we don't know yet because it stay at 31.3 today, they might back up to 33. So we're watching it very, very closely.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

If I assume the exchange rate stays at this current level all the way through 2019, would that be a headwind against your gross margins in the June, September, December quarters?

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

We'll be in the June -- excuse me, September, most probably in September and December quarter, assuming it stay at 31.3.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

And we have to assume a flatter currency unless -- harder to forecast currency than your numbers. I appreciate the content. Thank you.

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Thank you.

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Thank you, Alex.

Operator

Thank you. And our next question will come from the line of Troy Jensen with Piper Jaffray. Your line is now open.

Troy Jensen -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst

Hey, gentlemen. Congrats on the great results.

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Thank you, Troy.

Troy Jensen -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst

Hey. So first, how about on the silicon photonics, you said it was down slightly there. I think you mentioned some product transitions, if anything else you can kind of provide on -- some details on what happened?

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

I think if you look at on the longer-term in our silicon photonic as a technology segment, it's still doing very well. Last quarter, we've seen some design transition mostly from one customer. The rest of the customer in that group, all doing well.

Troy Jensen -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst

Okay. How about -- I know you don't like to talk about customers, but Cisco is acquiring Luxtera and I'm pretty sure Luxtera is one of your customers in this category. So could you maybe just help us size the opportunity there? Have you had any discussions with Cisco and they're intense on ramping up silicon photonics?

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

So yeah, Cisco is a customer. There's nothing that we have noted yet. And as far as we know the deal -- that acquisition hasn't closed yet. And all I would say is historically we have benefited from those type of consolidations, but I think for us it's too early to say yet what the impact might be.

Troy Jensen -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst

All right, perfect. And then, Seamus. I know you're saying end of last year that you kind of had multiple conversations with customers about the China tariffs and I know it'd be kind of a further out opportunity, but just love to get an update there, does any of these conversations get more serious?

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Yeah. So I think we continue to have conversations with -- and discussions with several customers, but they remain really discussions at this point. Like I said, they are still primarily at the discussion stage, nothing solid, it's nothing concrete to report there yet. It takes a long time as you can appreciate, Troy, it takes a long time from the initial discussion until it turns into real business, that can be six to nine month process, best case. And then you have the qualification time line on top of that.

Troy Jensen -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst

Yeah. Okay, understood.

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Roughly (inaudible).

Troy Jensen -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst

Totally understand. Keep up the good work, gentlemen.

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Thank you.

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Thank you, Troy.

Operator

Thank you. (Operator Instructions) And our next question will come from the line of John Marchetti with Stifel. Your line is now open.

John Marchetti -- Stifel -- Analyst

Thanks very much. Good afternoon. I just wanted to spend a minute, if I could, Seamus, on the datacom business. Obviously, it's kind of been bouncing around you, a little bit weaker in the December quarter, you're talking about it being weak again in March. Just curious, if you could sort of give us some color in terms of what you're seeing either from a demand or a pricing front, just trying to get a sense of maybe how that business or your expectations for that business as we kind of climb through '19?

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

So I think you're right, John. The demands for datacom component, strictly transceivers, remains strong. The markets has been experiencing some pretty intense price pressure and we've been doing our best -- our products with our customers to work with the customers to reduce costs for these components, make our customers competitive in the marketplace. So I think the volume -- the demand remains strong, but there is some very significant pricing pressure coming from the end markets. While this can impact our revenue like it did this past quarter, we typically share in the cost savings that we're able to generate with our customers. So we're able to preserve our margins. So that it -- and again, the decline there in datacom, it's not isolated to one particular customer, it's across the board. But the demand is strong in terms of volume, but the price pressure is pretty intense. In addition, we don't expect the revenue there to go up in a straight line. We point out that we expect revenue from all the product lines to be flat to up on a year-over-year basis, which does indicate continued positive trends.

John Marchetti -- Stifel -- Analyst

And, I guess, following up on that, the move to QSFP56 and some of the things that you mentioned needed in silicon photonics, would you expect those areas to be growth areas as you go through the year and then some of the other, obviously, the pricing and some of the drop off in 28 occurs? I'm just trying to think about this from a trends perspective.

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Yeah. I think that's fair -- that's a fair assumption. The transition to QSFP56, it's two customers. And it's on products that are 400 gig and above. So the volume growth that comes with that then, it -- again, it won't be in a straight line, especially when a customer transitions maybe from a QSFP28 100 gig product for example to a QSFP56 400 gig product. With that additional bandwidth that you have there, it takes it into the time for the volume to catch up. But it's a high quality problem that we like to have because it means we're working on the most current generation and next generation products. But like I said, with that does come the fact that sometimes they don't grow in a straight line. We're happy to live with that.

John Marchetti -- Stifel -- Analyst

Right. Right. And then if I can just get in one last one up maybe on the telecom side, obviously, some continued strength in that business. In discussions with your customers, is there any concern at all that with all the noise about what may or may not happen with Huawei in China and things like that that there is a chance here that we actually have some over-ordering going on for customers serving that China market and that if things ultimately smooth out, that there is a chance that we have a pull back on that demand front just because of some early sort of over-ordering in anticipation of an action that may or may not occur? Just curious in your conversations with customers, how they're viewing sort of that China market right now?

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Yeah, that's not something we've discussed with our customers, John. Honestly, it's -- of course, there's always a chance that some of the customers and companies in the supply chain somewhere along the way are over-ordering. If they are, we -- they wouldn't necessarily tell us that they were and we really don't have any visibility into that, I'm afraid, John. And it's just not something (Multiple Speakers)

John Marchetti -- Stifel -- Analyst

Okay. Thanks very much. Thank you.

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Thank you, John.

Operator

Thank you. And our next question will come from the line of Alex Henderson with Needham & Company. Your line is now open.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

That's a surprise. So I wanted to ask a couple of questions relative to the merger between Oclaro and Lumentum. How do you think that that impacts you? Do you suspect any change in production location that would favor you or any cutbacks in product line that might hurt you and if those cutbacks occur with other companies that are currently serving benefit, how does that all shake out relative to your positioning?

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

I think it's really very early to say. It's too early to say I think at this stage. Again, they -- we're -- we've been building products historically for both companies and now for Lumentum, they are our number one customer and historically have been in 2007 -- in our last fiscal year, were at 17% customer, now they are at 20 -- roughly 23% customer.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

Right.

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

But it's really too early to say, Alex, what the impact might be in terms of any product shakeouts. I guess, from our perspective, we're reasonably optimistic in the sense that there is very little product overlap and what we make and what we have made historically for both companies.

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

And then, Alex, this year, we will learn more tomorrow from the Lumentum earning call, which I intend to dial into.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

The good news is the call happened before the morning call, so before the morning open. The second question I wanted to talk a little bit about is, have you changed -- seen any change in the rate of adoption of the capacity at the new plant? And -- I mean, 60% is pretty good, but it seems like that's starting to level out a little bit, has there been some slowdown of footprint commitments?

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

No, I wouldn't say so. I think maybe the way to think about it, Alex, is you know the -- our existing customers, the majority of our existing customers are at the Pinehurst facility and they prefer to keep all the manufacturing at Pinehurst. And then from time -- and that facility is essentially full. And then from time-to-time customers may free up additional space in Pinehurst as they move -- as a product comes to end of life and a line gets moved out and a new line moves in. So we are still able to grow -- in other words, obviously we want to fill Chonburi as fast as we can, but there isn't necessarily a direct correlation between the pace at which we increase our occupancy in Chonburi and the pace at which we have to build the overall revenue of the Company. We're above -- slightly above 60% right now in terms of occupied and spoken for. And I would say, versus our own internal targets, we believe we're very much on track as regards getting full in Chonburi.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

Well, as I understand it, that's actually nicely ahead of where your original targets were. When do you think...

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Yeah.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

...you might have to make a decision on actually starting the plant for the next build?

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

I think we've always kind of said, once we get to 70% utilization. We're probably maybe toward the end of the summer, I think we're probably looking at starting to make some decisions on probably what to do with our next building in Chonburi. It's relatively straightforward for us. We own the land there. We have the details -- specifications for the building, so we know exactly what we build. So we are able to move pretty quickly, but probably toward the end of the summer I think would be fair TS, don't you think?

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Yeah, (inaudible) the timeframe, yeah.

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Yeah.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

Okay. And have you guys made any progress in finding a full-time CFO to replace TS's retiring position?

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

We have a very much full time CFO, TS is fully engaged. We're continuing to look, we're not in any particular hurry, we continue to -- with -- continue with the search, there's a lot of very good candidates, but we haven't found anybody at this stage that we're ready to talk about in terms of a permanent replacement, but we continue to search.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

We will be happy to keep TS as long as he wants to stay, but my guess is that it's not long on his agenda at this point. Just going back to the optical side for a second, could you talk a little bit about where you are relative to the production facilities closures at Sanmina and moving some of those production to Thailand that your customer has been involved with, is that now grandfathered into the numbers or is there still more to come from that?

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

So that's not a -- we don't have any direct involvement in that close down, so we're not really fully up to speed on what's going on there. Obviously, you know it's a conversation, let's say, between our customer and Sanmina. We have benefited somewhat, but the exact status of that and what's finished in terms of transferring, we don't have a good handle on.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

Any thoughts on how that plant will -- the Lumentum plant that is going to be down the street from you is going to be integrated into your facilities and how are -- the back and forth between those two locations, I assume that those are going to be tightly wound?

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Our facility and Lumentum's facility?

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

Yes.

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Yeah, very much so, yeah. I mean, the -- some of the -- if you like some of the components in the products that we source today come from Lumentum's facility, so the -- our two operations are very tightly coupled and work very closely together, sure.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

And one last question, if I could. The Israeli thought process progress, lack of progress, where are you on Israel?

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

So we continue to work on all three aspects of our efforts in Israel, the three aspects being further developing relationships with our existing customers there, exploring relationships with new customers and then establishing our own facility either through greenfield or acquisition. And we continue to make progress in all three, but in terms of bringing up our own facility, it is quite slow going, I would say, because we're being very careful about making sure we have the right facility in the right location and the right size and capability. But we continue to see Israel as a great location to do business and a place where we're committed to bringing up an NPI facility. But nothing specific to announce at this time, Alex.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

Okay. One more question, if I could. TS, could you give me a little bit more granularity on what caused that decline in the sales G&A line and why it bounces back so much? I mean, that's a pretty big delta between the three quarters.

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

So Alex, when you approach the year end, typically we adjust the bonus accrual for Management. And so we kind of expect whether we are going to meet the target or not. So if we are not meeting the target, so we leave some of the accrual. So that is one thing. And then we have certain IT systems, which we get some credit from the vendor. So again, that affect the number. So moving forward, I expect we go back to the normalized SG&A, which is about $11 million.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

I'm sorry, did you say your bonus accrual did not hit Company targets even though you beat consensus?

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Yeah. Yeah. For example, we had -- Management had certain revenues and gross margin as a target. And then as we approach the year end now, we already had two quarter behind us, we will forecast whether we're going to meet the goal, whether we're going to have a payout. So if we are not going to have a payout, we adjust accordingly. This last year, Management did not get any payout. So if you look at last year, first quarter, June quarter, we had a major write-back on the accrual and that's how we do the account.

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

I was a little surprised that you would have disappointment relative to your bonus targets when you beat the high end of the guidance band, is that because of expectations?

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

I don't know, I'll tell you what, our Board is pretty tough. I mean, guidance is one thing and our internal goal is another thing, so...

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

Okay. Well, that's interesting Thank you very much for that context.

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Thank you, Alex.

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Thanks, Alex.

Operator

Thank you. And our next question will come from the line of Dave King with B. Riley FBR. Your line is now open.

Dave King -- B. Riley FBR -- Analyst

Thank you. Good afternoon. First on the laser segment, what was the percentage revenue? And just, how should we think about that segment going forward for the next couple of quarters with all the macro uncertainty and all that?

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Okay. This is TS. I think the laser -- laser, we say about 13% of $15 million, right. $15 million divided by 400, yeah, it's about 13%.

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

And then going forward, Dave, this is, Seamus, I would say, laser -- the industrial laser market for us is a key target segment. We think it's a very large market in terms of the potential and quite under-serviced, I would say, in terms of the degree to which that market outsources today. So they -- we think it's kind of in the low to mid single-digits in terms of how much that market outsources today versus optical communications about half of that -- half of the manufacturing, let's say, in the optical communications market is outsourced. And optical communications is a $10 billion marketplace, roughly. Industrial lasers about $15 billion marketplace and the degree to which it's outsourced is very small, 6% or 7%. So we see it as having very, very big potential for our future growth.

Dave King -- B. Riley FBR -- Analyst

Sure. So...

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

And it's a very profitable bid for us in terms of the technology, it's very complementary to the capabilities we have on the -- in the optical communications side.

Dave King -- B. Riley FBR -- Analyst

So you talked about like some customers -- or gaining market share, I guess, some customers are coming to you guys. Is that still the dynamic here? I mean -- and so we should be expecting sort of sequential growth from December to March to June. Is that how we should think about it or just can you provide more color on how we should think about fiscal second half?

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

I think, Dave, on a quarter-to-quarter basis, we definitely see some variations, right. In the longer-term or medium-term, we see that segment is growing simply because we are just into that this early innings. The market is so big and obviously you have some of the weaknesses in certain pockets, whether on semiconductor, the laser is weak right now, but again our customers don't participate in every segment. Okay. It depend on whether the segment material processing is continuing doing well, micro-machining is doing well. So a lot depend on the -- our customers subject to specializes in which field. All right. Sufficed to say that most of our customers are growing maybe as a one season decline in the demand. So we are quite optimistic about that sector.

Dave King -- B. Riley FBR -- Analyst

Got it. And I was wondering, I believe you're -- the strength that you are seeing in teleco, I guess ROADM is definitely one of the drivers. So wondering, if you can kind of break this segment out if possible?

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Telecom, if you listen to some of my -- our customers' earning calls, they say they're sold out. They're sold out on the amplifier, ROADM and they're adding capacity. So some of these are obviously cascade down to our demand, our backlog from them. So again, if you just listen to our customers who are specializing in telecom, most of them have the -- so we have 16% sequential growth and 43% year-over-year growth for that quarter. So we'll continue to look out for the telecom who will provide the driver for the growth.

Dave King -- B. Riley FBR -- Analyst

Got it. Okay. And then maybe lastly on II-VI and Finisar. Can you just remind us, first of all, are they both mid single-digit type of customer and any overlap between those two?

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

As of today, they both are single-digit, yeah, single-digit percent of our total revenue.

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

And not much overlap.

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Not much overlap.

Dave King -- B. Riley FBR -- Analyst

Not much overlap.

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Yeah, yeah. Because for Finisar, we always say that we only do the PCBA that we have their module pieces and then II-VI bought the line from Oclaro many years ago and that's EDFA and then a palm laser. So -- yeah, so they are really not overlapping.

Dave King -- B. Riley FBR -- Analyst

Got it. All right. Thank you very much.

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Thank you.

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Thank you, Dave.

Operator

Thank you. And I'm showing no further questions. So now, it is my pleasure to hand the conference back over to Mr. Seamus Grady, Chief Executive Officer for closing comments or remarks.

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Thank you for joining our call today. We're excited to deliver strong results and a positive outlook as we continue to position the Company for continued growth and diversification over the longer term, and we look forward to speaking with you again soon. Thank you, and goodbye.

Operator

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your participation on today's conference. This does conclude the program and you may all disconnect. Everybody, have a wonderful day.

Duration: 37 minutes

Call participants:

Garo Toomajanian -- Managing Director

Seamus Grady -- Chief Executive Officer

Toh-Seng Ng -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Alex Henderson -- Needham & Company -- Analyst

Troy Jensen -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst

John Marchetti -- Stifel -- Analyst

Dave King -- B. Riley FBR -- Analyst

More FN analysis

Transcript powered by AlphaStreet

This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. While we strive for our Foolish Best, there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this transcript. As with all our articles, The Motley Fool does not assume any responsibility for your use of this content, and we strongly encourage you to do your own research, including listening to the call yourself and reading the company's SEC filings. Please see our Terms and Conditions for additional details, including our Obligatory Capitalized Disclaimers of Liability.
The storm was expected to hit northwest, far north and far west suburbs by about 6 p.m. and move into the city, near west suburbs and most of Will County by 7 p.m., hitting the Southeast Side and far south suburbs by about 8 p.m., according to the weather service.
(CNN)  The United Kingdom, Spain and France announced Monday that they recognize Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's interim president.

European nations had warned last week that if Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro did not call new elections by the end of Sunday, they would officially recognize Guaido as the self-declared leader of the country.

"Nicolas Maduro has not called Presidential elections within 8 day limit we have set. So UK alongside European allies now recognises @jguaido as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held. Let's hope this takes us closer to ending humanitarian crisis," British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt tweeted on Monday.

Guaido, the leader of Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly, declared himself acting president on January 23, invoking a constitutional rule to open a rare challenge to Maduro's claim to the presidency.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "European nations recognize Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president."
It is an obliviousness rooted in white privilege conferred by systemic racism, to be sure. And it often manifests itself as insensitivity  hence the ongoing need for cultural-awareness initiatives. Those who do not live as African-Americans, American Indians, Asian-Americans, Hispanics, LGBTQ people or other minorities can be poor judges of whats amusing to them or what they will take as compliments.
The US government is preparing to begin construction of more border walls and fencing in South Texas' Rio Grande Valley, likely on federally owned land set aside as wildlife refuge property.

Houston: The US government is preparing to begin construction of more border walls and fencing in South Texas' Rio Grande Valley, likely on federally owned land set aside as wildlife refuge property.

Heavy construction equipment was expected to arrive starting on Monday, US Customs and Border Protection said. A photo posted by the nonprofit National Butterfly Center shows an excavator parked next to its property.

Congress last March approved more than $600 million 53 kilometres of new barriers in the Rio Grande Valley. While US president Donald Trump and top Democrats remain in a standoff over Trump's demand for $5.7 billion in border wall funding, US Customs and Border Protection has pushed ahead with building what's already funded.

That construction was often described as fencing, and the government funding bill that included construction was supported by some Democrats in the House and Senate. CBP refers to what it plans to build as a "border wall system."

According to designs it released in September, CBP intends to build 25 miles (40 kilometers) of concrete walls to the height of the existing flood-control levee in Hidalgo County next to the Rio Grande, the river that forms the US-Mexico border in Texas. On top of the concrete walls, CBP will install 18-foot (5.5-meter) steel posts and clear a 150-foot (45-meter) enforcement zone in front.

Maps released by CBP show construction would cut through the butterfly center, a nearby state park, and a century-old Catholic chapel next to the river.

Many landowners oppose a border wall and have vowed to fight the US government if it tries to seize their property through eminent domain. Court fights over condemning land could take weeks if not months.

CBP said in its statement that it intends to start construction on federally owned land. Environmental advocates expect the government to use land that's part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

The refuge consists of dozens of parcels of land purchased over the last 40 years to create a corridor for endangered species and other wildlife.

The Department of Homeland Security can waive environmental restrictions to construct a border wall and issued its waiver for Hidalgo County in October. A coalition of environmental groups has sued DHS over its use of waivers, arguing that wall construction would endanger ocelots, rare birds, and other wildlife that rely on refuge land for habitat. That lawsuit is still pending.

Congress last March required CBP not to build in the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge after a public outcry. But it didn't exempt the Lower Rio Grande Valley refuge.

"Santa Ana was not a big enough refuge to sustain all the wildlife down here," said Jim Chapman, a longtime resident of the Rio Grande Valley and member of the group Friends of the Wildlife Corridor.

The National Butterfly Center released the text of an email sent by an attorney from the US Department of Justice. The lawyer, Cliff Stevens, says in the email that construction will begin in mid-February "on federally owned land east of Bentsen State Park." Directly east of Bentsen State Park is a refuge tract called El Morillo Banco, which is between the state park and the butterfly center.

DOJ declined to comment on the email, and CBP did not respond to several requests for comment.

Land already in the hands of the government becomes an easier place to start construction quickly, said US Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo. Cuellar has introduced a proposal that would instruct CBP not to build border walls in several places that have environmental and cultural significance.

"The easiest way, historically, is to go to public lands, because who's going to fight them?" he said.

Several dozen protesters were walking Monday along the river levee where CBP intends to start construction. The butterfly center said on Facebook that a local police officer had declared all their property south of the levee to be off limits. The center says it intends to take legal action.

Chapman said that despite months of protests and meetings, he hadn't seen "any attempt" from the US government "to acknowledge and to take the needs of wildlife into account." "If you were going to design a border wall with maximal impact, you would do exactly what they were doing," Chapman said. "You couldn't do it worse."
Donald Trump's State of the Union address: Guests the White House invites to the State of the Union typically serve to help put a face on policies the president will promote in the nationally televised address.

Washington: A woman freed from federal prison after US president Donald Trump cut short her life sentence for drug offenses and a Delaware boy allegedly bullied because his last name is Trump headline a varied group of 13 guests who will sit with First Lady Melania Trump for the State of the Union address.

Alice Marie Johnson, 63, served more than two decades of a life sentence without parole before Trump commuted her sentence last year. Johnson's case had been championed by reality TV star Kim Kardashian West, who personally lobbied Trump in the Oval Office.

Delaware's Brandywine School District said last year that steps had been taken to support Joshua Trump, a middle-school student who reportedly had been bullied for years because he shares the president's last name.

Guests the White House invites to the State of the Union typically serve to help put a face on policies the president will promote in the nationally televised address.

Johnson's case spotlights legislation Trump signed into law last year to address concerns about the criminal justice system, including giving judges more discretion in sentencing some drug offenders. Bullying prevention is a key element of an initiative Mrs Trump named "Be Best."

Other guests will represent Trump's opposition to illegal immigration, his push to halt human trafficking across the US-Mexico border, efforts to stem the deadly opioid addiction epidemic and his economic policies.

The remaining guests are:

 Debra Bissell, Heather Armstrong and Madison Armstrong, the daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter, respectively, of a Nevada couple allegedly killed in their home last month by a person illegally in the US.

 Matthew Charles, a Tennessee man who was among the first prisoners released under the First Step criminal justice legislation Trump signed in December.

 Grace Eline, a 9-year-old brain cancer survivor.

 Ashley Evans, a former opioid addict nearing one year and one month of sobriety who hopes to be reunited with her daughter full-time.

 Elvin Hernandez, a special agent with the Homeland Security Department's human trafficking unit.

 Roy James, plant manager of a lumber facility in Vicksburg, Mississippi, that the White House says was reopened under provisions in Trump's tax cut legislation.

 Timothy Matson, a Pittsburgh police officer and SWAT team member who was shot multiple times while responding to the deadly October 2018 shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. Eleven people were killed.

 Judah Samet, a Holocaust survivor and member of the Tree of Life Synagogue.

 Tom Wibberley, father of Navy seaman Craig Wibberley, who was killed in the October 2000 bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen.

Johnson was convicted in 1996 on eight criminal counts related to a Memphis-based cocaine trafficking ring. Federal courts, including the Supreme Court, rejected her appeals. Her requests for clemency had been rejected by President Barack Obama, who during eight years in office commuted the sentences of hundreds of federal inmates convicted of drug crimes.
Thats why I think it would be enlightening, to say the least, if Northam had decided to fight back with a more clear-eyed sense of purpose. Instead of dragging his heels on the way to a resignation that appears to be inevitable under his cloud of suspected racism, I would like to have seen him borrow a tactic from Trumps playbook: deep stubbornness.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort will be sentenced on March 13 for attempted witness tampering and conspiring against the United States, according to a court filing on Monday.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort will be sentenced on March 13 for attempted witness tampering and conspiring against the United States, according to a court filing on Monday.

Judge Amy Berman Jackson, the federal judge presiding over Manafort's case in Washington, had previously tentatively scheduled the sentencing hearing for March 5. She did not give a reason for the delay.

Manafort pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy against the United States and began cooperating with prosecutors working on U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and possible links between the Trump campaign and Moscow.

Both Moscow and Trump deny any wrongdoing.

In November, prosecutors accused Manafort of breaching his plea deal by lying to federal investigators. Lawyers for Manafort have said he was truthful with the investigators.

A closed hearing was held on Monday to hash out whether Manafort violated his plea deal.

In a separate case connected to the Mueller investigation, a jury in Virginia convicted Manafort of bank and tax fraud in August. No sentencing date has been set in that case.

(Reporting by Makini Brice; Editing by Eric Beech and James Dalgleish)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A federal judge in Washington on Monday pushed the sentencing hearing for U.S.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A federal judge in Washington on Monday pushed the sentencing hearing for U.S. President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort to March 13 from March 5, according to a court filing on Monday, but she did not give a reason for the delay.

Manafort pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy against the United States and began cooperating with prosecutors working on U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and possible links between the Trump campaign and Moscow. Both Moscow and Trump deny any wrongdoing.

In November, prosecutors accused Manafort of breaching his plea deal by lying to federal investigators.

(Reporting by Makini Brice)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. special envoy for North Korea will meet with his North Korean counterpart on Wednesday in Pyongyang to prepare for a summit later this month between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the U.S.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. special envoy for North Korea will meet with his North Korean counterpart on Wednesday in Pyongyang to prepare for a summit later this month between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the U.S. State Department said on Monday.

U.S. envoy Stephen Biegun said last week he aimed in working-level negotiations with his new North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol to map out "a set of concrete deliverables" for the second summit between Trump and Kim.

(Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Sandra Maler)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Thousands of passengers were left stranded on Tuesday after the UK government suspended Turkmenistan Airlines from landing at its airport over safety concerns

London: Thousands of passengers were left stranded on Tuesday after the UK government suspended Turkmenistan Airlines from landing at its airport over safety concerns.

Britain's Civil Aviation Authority cited a notice from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) while announcing the suspension of flights by the airlines on Monday.

The flagship airline of Turkmenistan, a former Soviet Union country, operates a number of budget routes to Amritsar in India, besides other Asian destinations.

"Passengers who have travelled may need to make their own arrangements to return home," the UK's Civil Aviation Authority said, offering Indian airlines such as Air India and Jet Airways as alternatives for passengers stranded in India.

For the many who have booked but are now unable to fly will have to contact the airline for a refund, it added.

"Turkmenistan Airlines offers convenient connections from Birmingham, London, Frankfurt and Paris via Asghabat to Bangkok, Beijing and Amritsar. All international flights use the new International Airport in Ashgabat," notes the airline's website, which gives no information regarding the latest crisis.

"Turkmenistan Airlines transports about 3,000 passengers daily in the country and near 2 million passengers are transported annually on the international and domestic routes together," it adds.

The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advisory issued on Monday notes that the EASA has ordered the airline's suspension, which means flights from Amritsar to Birmingham and London's Heathrow Airport, and New Delhi to Heathrow Airport, which fly via Turkmenistan capital Ashgabat, will not be able to land in Britain.

"The European Aviation Safety Agency has suspended Turkmenistan Airlines flights to and from the EU pending confirmation that it meets international air safety standards," the FCO advisory notes.

"This means Turkmenistan Airlines flights from Amritsar to Birmingham and Heathrow, and New Delhi to Heathrow, which fly via Ashgabat, do not have permission to continue their route from Ashgabat to Birmingham and Heathrow; affected passengers are advised to contact Turkmenistan Airlines for advice," the FCO said.

The route is a commonly used budget route between India and the UK, with cheaper tickets as a result of the indirect route via Turkmenistan.

The airline operates five flights a week from Birmingham to Ashgabat and a weekly departure from Heathrow Airport, with a majority of the passengers connecting to services to India.

It is an especially popular route with the British Punjabi population, flying to Amritsar.

Turkmenistan had set up its flagship airline in 1992. Its other flights to be affected by the EU suspension include those connecting Ashgabat with Germany and France.

The UK remains an EU member-country until the Brexit deadline next month and therefore all EU rules continue to apply in Britain.
The Taliban's manifesto comes a week after the Taliban held unprecedented six-day talks with US negotiators

Kabul: The Taliban demanded a new constitution for Afghanistan and promised an "inclusive Islamic system" to govern the war-torn country at a rare gathering with senior Afghan politicians in Russia Tuesday that excluded the Kabul government. The insurgents' manifesto, outlined in Moscow before some of Afghanistan's most influential leaders, comes a week after the Taliban held unprecedented six-day talks with US negotiators in Doha about ending the 17-year war.

The Doha and Moscow discussions, though entirely separate, both excluded the government in Kabul, where President Ashraf Ghani is seen as increasingly sidelined from key negotiations for peace in his country. The Moscow meeting  the Taliban's most significant with Afghan politicians in recent memory  saw the insurgents praying together with sworn enemies including former president Hamid Karzai as they discussed their vision for the future.

"The Kabul government constitution is invalid. It has been imported from the West and is an obstacle to peace," Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, who headed the Taliban delegation, told attendees at a central Moscow hotel. "It is conflicted. We want an Islamic constitution," he said, adding that the new charter would be drafted by Islamic scholars. No representatives from the Kabul government were invited to Moscow but some of Ghani's chief rivals  including Karzai as well as opponents in an election slated for July  were in attendance.

Ghani's allies in Washington insist Afghans should lead the peace process, and the months-long push by the US to engage the Taliban has ostensibly been aimed at convincing them to negotiate with the government in Kabul. Those efforts culminated in six days of talks between the US and the Taliban in January where both sides touted "progress": stoking Afghan fears that America could cut a deal to withdraw its troops before a lasting peace with Kabul is reached.

Ghani has repeatedly said that all Afghans should agree on the need to end hostilities and an eventual withdrawal of foreign forces, but that he would not "surrender to a temporary peace deal".

The Taliban consider Ghani and his administration to be US puppets, and have refused offers to talk a truce. Stanikzai said the insurgents, who ruled Afghanistan under a ruthless interpretation of Sharia law between 1996 and 2001, did not want a "monopoly of power" but "an inclusive Islamic system".

They also promised to stamp out Afghanistan's poppy cultivation and take steps to prevent civilian casualties in a conflict that has killed and wounded hundreds of thousands. Two women attended the roundtable conference. The Taliban closed girls' schools and banned women from working under their regime, but have indicated they could loosen some guidelines in line with Sharia law.

"I think all sides are ready for a compromise. It is a good start," said Muhammad Ghulam Jalal, the head of an Afghan diaspora group who hosted the meeting. But images of Karzai and other powerful leaders attending prayer lead by a Taliban figure and dining with the militants invoked anger in Afghanistan. "If you guys can eat together, laugh and pray together, hug each other why you are still killing innocent Afghans?" one Facebook user posted. The Taliban are scheduled to hold another round of peace talks with the US in Doha on 25 February.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senator Lindsey Graham said on Monday if President Donald Trump declares an emergency to fund a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border it could provoke a war in the Republican party, and urged fellow Republicans to back the 'commander-in-chief.' Speaking to reporters in Greenville, South Carolina, Graham said he was not convinced Congress could reach a deal to give Trump the $5.7 billion he is seeking to fund a border wall.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senator Lindsey Graham said on Monday if President Donald Trump declares an emergency to fund a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border it could provoke a war in the Republican party, and urged fellow Republicans to back the "commander-in-chief."

Speaking to reporters in Greenville, South Carolina, Graham said he was not convinced Congress could reach a deal to give Trump the $5.7 billion he is seeking to fund a border wall.

"I'm not very optimistic we're going to get a deal. It seems to me that he's going to have to go it alone" by declaring an emergency, Graham said. "But there could be a war within the Republican Party over the wall."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is reported to have told Trump that it was possible that some Republicans in the Senate would join minority Democrats to pass a resolution to block any emergency declaration, which Trump would then have to veto.

"Any Republican who denies the president the ability to act as commander-in-chief, you're going to create a real problem within the party," Graham said.

An emergency declaration would probably also be challenged in court by Democrats.

The South Carolina senator said the fate of the border would be the "defining moment" of Trump's presidency. Trump campaigned on the issue in 2016, promising repeatedly that Mexico would pay for the wall.

"It is important that we stand behind President Trump as commander-in-chief to secure a broken border," Graham said.

"I'll be really disappointed if my Senate colleagues do not understand that the president has the right to do this and the responsibility to do this," he said.

Disagreement over border wall funding led to a 35-day partial government shutdown in December and January which ended after Trump agreed to fund the government for three weeks while lawmakers try to reach a deal that would satisfy his demands. Lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives are opposed to funding a wall.

Failure to achieve an agreement by Feb. 15 could shut the government down again. Under the Constitution, Congress holds the national purse strings and approves major expenditures of taxpayer funds.

Trump has said there is a "good chance" he will have to declare a national emergency, which would allow him to circumvent Congress and repurpose funds appropriated for other purposes in order to build the wall.

(Reporting by David Alexander; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Nelson Renteria and Noe Torres SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) - Salvadorans voiced hope for a changed country on Monday after political outsider Nayib Bukele won a sweeping victory in the presidential election with a pledge to tackle the corruption and violence plaguing the Central American nation. Bukele, 37, a former mayor of the capital, San Salvador, won 53 percent of the vote with returns counted from 99.9 percent of polling stations, the national electoral tribunal said on Monday, allowing him to clinch the presidency in the first round of voting.

By Nelson Renteria and Noe Torres

SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) - Salvadorans voiced hope for a changed country on Monday after political outsider Nayib Bukele won a sweeping victory in the presidential election with a pledge to tackle the corruption and violence plaguing the Central American nation.

Bukele, 37, a former mayor of the capital, San Salvador, won 53 percent of the vote with returns counted from 99.9 percent of polling stations, the national electoral tribunal said on Monday, allowing him to clinch the presidency in the first round of voting.

His emphatic victory in Sunday's election was a stunning rebuke to the two political parties that had dominated El Salvador since its civil war, the ruling leftist Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) and its long-standing rival, the conservative Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA).

Bukele's promises to modernize government and his dynamic use of social media have energized young Salvadorans, eager for an end to the economic stagnation, poverty and violence that have beset the nation of 6.5 million people following its vicious 1980-1992 civil war.

On the bustling streets of San Salvador, Juana de Calderon, a 38-year-old cook in a small restaurant, said she cast a vote for Bukele hoping to put a stop to corruption.

"We hope that he fulfills what he promised in the campaign," she said while preparing empanadas, a savoury pastry popular in Latin America. "If we voted for him, it's because we want something new - to have a different country."

Bukele's two rivals from the FMLN and ARENA quickly accepted defeat on Sunday evening.

Bukele must now contend with U.S. President Donald Trump's frequent threats to cut aid to El Salvador - as well as to neighbouring Guatemala and Honduras - if they do not do more to curb migration to the United States.

Gang violence has made El Salvador one of the world's most murderous countries in the past few years, driving Salvadorans to flee to the north.

Among his campaign promises, Bukele, an avid social media user who snapped a selfie with supporters before declaring his win, said he would push infrastructure projects to limit migration.

He will face challenges, however, pursuing his reform agenda from a divided Congress and an onerous government deficit. Bukele's allies have only 11 legislators in the 84-seat Congress.

Credit rating agency Fitch said on Monday that governability would be a challenge for Bukele and highlighted an increased risk of polarization between the president and Congress. It forecast only modest economic improvement this year.

TURNING AWAY FROM TRADITIONAL LEFT

Growing up, Bukele's relatively wealthy family was sympathetic to the FMLN, the former leftist guerrilla army that became a political party at the end of the civil war.

But Bukele has turned away from Latin America's traditional left, branding Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega as well as conservative Honduran Juan Orlando Hernandez as dictators.

"A dictator is a dictator, on the 'right' or the 'left,'" Bukele wrote last week on Twitter.

Although he was expelled from the FMLN in 2017, Bukele describes himself as from the left. As he sought the presidency, however, he joined a conservative party known as GANA, or "win" in Spanish.

Along with the goal of modernizing government, Bukele, who is set to take office in June, has proposed creating an international anti-corruption commission with the support of the United Nations, following similar committees in Guatemala and Honduras.

"We'll create a (commission) ... so that the corrupt can't hide where they always hide. Instead, they'll have to give back what they stole," Bukele said in January.

(Reporting by Nelson Renteria and Noe Torres; Writing by Daniel Flynn; Editing by Peter Cooney)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Pope Francis and a top Muslim cleric Monday issued a joint call for freedom of belief during the first visit by the head of the Catholic church to the birthplace of Islam  the Arabian Peninsula

Abu Dhabi: Pope Francis and a top Muslim cleric Monday issued a joint call for freedom of belief during the first visit by the head of the Catholic church to the birthplace of Islam  the Arabian Peninsula.

Francis, who has made outreach to Muslim communities a cornerstone of his papacy, is on a historic three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates.

He is due to hold an open-air mass on Tuesday for 135,000 of the Muslim country's million Catholic residents, set to be the largest ever public gathering in the UAE.

On Monday, the pope held talks in Abu Dhabi with Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb  imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's prestigious seat of learning.

The two religious leaders signed a document on "human fraternity for world peace and living together", described by the Vatican as an "important step forward in the dialogue between Christians and Muslims".

They called for "freedom of belief", the "promotion of a culture of tolerance", the "protection of places of worship" and "full citizenship" rights for minorities.

"It is... crucial to establish in our societies the concept of full citizenship and reject the discriminatory use of the term minorities which engenders feelings of isolation and inferiority," read the document.

It said "freedom is a right of every person: each individual enjoys the freedom of belief, thought, expression and action" and that "pluralism and the diversity of religions, colour, sex, race and language are willed by God".

"The fact that people are forced to adhere to a certain religion or culture must be rejected, as too the imposition of a cultural way of life that others do not accept," it said.

Francis also delivered an address at an interfaith meeting attended by Sheikh Ahmed and UAE leaders and pushed for an end to all wars in West Asia, including in Yemen.

The United Arab Emirates and neighbouring Saudi Arabia are key allies of the Yemeni government, which is locked in a war against Iran-linked rebels that has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine.

'Reject war'

The pope said all religious leaders had a "duty to reject every nuance of approval from the word war".

"I am thinking in particular of Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Libya," he said.

Yemen is the scene of what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, triggered by the intervention of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and their allies in a war between the government and Huthi rebels.

More than 10 million Yemenis now risk imminent starvation.

The UAE, which prides itself on its religious diversity in the Gulf, is also a member of the US-led coalition battling the Islamic State group in both Syria and Iraq.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, one of the most powerful rulers in the seven emirates, on Monday gifted the pope a deed for the plot of land on which the first church in the UAE was built.

Pope Francis, in turn, gave him a framed medallion of the meeting between St. Francis Assisi  the pope's namesake  and the Sultan of Egypt Malek al-Kamel, in 1219.

While the pope did not openly discuss politics, he called for "the full recognition" of rights for people across West Asia, a potential reference to communities including Shiites in Saudi Arabia, refugees and migrants, stateless peoples and other minorities.

"I look forward to societies where people of different beliefs have the same right of citizenship and where only in the case of violence in any of its forms is that right removed," he said.

Year of tolerance

The Emirates has dubbed 2019 its "year of tolerance" but rights groups have criticised it for its role in Yemen, where an estimated 10,000 people have been killed since the Saudi-led alliance the government's fight against the Huthis in 2015.

Muslims make up nearly four-fifths of the UAE's population, but the country is also home to nearly a million Catholics, according to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia.

Migrants from Asian countries make up about 65 percent of the population.

The UAE has pushed itself as an open society in a conservative region. The country is home to eight Catholic churches, Hindu temples and a place of prayer that serves as a synagogue.

Bahrain and Qatar are home to one Catholic church each while Oman, Kuwait and Yemen each have four while Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia bans all non-Muslim places of worship.
Citing security risks, a Pakistani diplomat in London asked the representatives from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) to leave the venue of a conference on Kashmir which was being held in a Committee Room of House of Commons in London on Monday.

London: Citing security risks, a Pakistani diplomat in London asked the representatives from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) to leave the venue of a conference on Kashmir which was being held in a Committee Room of House of Commons in London on Monday.

The conference was attended by Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi and several pro-Pakistan leaders to propagate the Pakistani agenda on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Apart from a few other Parliamentarians, in the Conference, there were some Azad Kashmiri and Pakistani Parliamentarians. The audience was overwhelmingly consisted of British Pakistanis and British Azad Kashmiris, who needed no lecture on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

A delegation of Kashmiri nationalists from the platform of Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance also went to attend the Conference. Mahmood Kashmiri, Chairman of JKNIA and other office bearers, former Councillor Ghulam Hussain, Dr Misfar Hassan and Sardar Amjad Yousaf are peaceful people and went there to hear what Pakistanis and their Kashmiri supporters had to say on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

A Pakistani diplomat approached Mahmood Kashmiri and asked if he was Mahmood Kashmiri? He replied yes. On hearing this the Pakistani diplomat, most likely an operative of Inter-Services Intelligence said, come outside, someone wants to talk to you. Mahmood Kashmiri said, whoever wants to talk to me, ask him to come inside. The diplomat went outside and came back with two uniform policemen. They said to the JKNIA delegation that you people are Security Risk, therefore, you have to leave to the Conference room.

The delegation of the JKNIA was forced to leave the conference room where Pakistanis were disseminating lies and distorted stories on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Member of Parliament from Burnley, Julie Cooper protested against this and said this was against the British democratic norms and right of expression. In anger, and to express solidarity with the JKNIA delegation, she also walked out. Soon after this, a rumour was spread that Indian agents came to disrupt the Kashmir Conference and they were expelled from the Conference.

This shows Pakistan's level of tolerance. They cannot tolerate the presence of those Kashmiris who have a different opinion about their agenda on Jammu and Kashmir. They only want Kashmiri foot soldiers and puppets who happily danced on tune played by Islamabad. It also shows how the British Police and the system can be manipulated to take action against those who oppose the Pakistani agenda on Jammu and Kashmir. In view of the above, one can see how shallow and fake is the Pakistani claim that they are big brother and well  wisher of Kashmir. Their drama of declaring a holiday in name of Kashmir is designed to hoodwink innocent people.

JKNIA delegation met some MPs after the Conference and briefed them about this incident. They were also not happy with what had happened, and some of them agreed to take part in JKNIA demonstration arranged to expose Day of Fraud arranged by Pakistan. They are expected to express solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and promote the right of expression and fundamental rights of all people. JKNIA demonstration will take place outside 10 Downing Street between 11 am and 4 pm.
Why does it matter? Because its one example of what government employees and Illinois taxpayers know to be endemic. Even in an era of Shakman decrees and federally mandated monitoring, clout and connections still seep into hiring decisions. In this case, Eric McKennie had described himself as Lightfords husband. He worked a connection to land a job outside of the standard hiring process. During the time he was being considered for the job, 112 people had applied for a similar opening at the agency. Not one of them got an interview, according to the report.
Baba Jan, a leading political activist from Gilgit Baltistan, who has been languishing in prison for more than eight years due to trumped-up charges, has been denied adequate healthcare despite his deteriorating health.

Rawalpindi: Pakistan, once again, displayed its holier than thou attitude as on one hand, Islamabad is holding an anti-India Kashmir conference in the House of Commons in London and on the other hand, the armed forces of the nation are cracking down on the Kashmiri people in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan. Massive protests are taking place in parts of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan, as Islamabad continues to ill-treat political prisoners.

Baba Jan, a leading political activist from Gilgit Baltistan, who has been languishing in prison for more than eight years due to trumped-up charges, has been denied adequate healthcare despite his deteriorating health. Protesters including his followers, friends, and relatives in Hunza valley In Gilgit demanded his immediate release and transfer to a better medical facility.

A woman protester in Hunza said, I met him yesterday and found that he was suffering from unbearable pain. He also told me that he was prescribed mere painkillers. Since there is no facility available for angiography in Gilgit Baltistan, he should be shifted to Islamabad or to any other city where he can receive better medical attention. Protesters said that the local administration which acts at the commands of Islamabad has done nothing for the people of the region. They also accused the establishment of exercising high handedness in order to stifle reasonable voices.

Baba Jan is one such activist who challenged the administration, which was essentially working against the people in order to fill the coffers of Islamabad. A single letter of Baba Jan exposed all political people, NGOs, government departments and health sectors of the region. There is not even one dedicated department for health in Gilgit Baltistan, a region which has a population of 25 lakhs. Baba Jan has followers (who can fight for his cause) but what about the poor and destitute. So, it is not an issue confined to Baba Jan but all 25 lakh citizens of Gilgit Baltistan, said another protester at a gathering.

This agitation against the Pakistani establishment comes ahead of its dubious exercise of commemorating Kashmir Solidarity Day in London on 5 February. However, its agenda which is fundamentally based on peddling lies and spewing venom against India was unmasked as Kashmiri people took to the streets expressing their grief and grievance against Islamabad. The region of POK has deliberately been kept deprived of basic services.

A protester said, Criminals and terrorists have become part of the Pakistani protocol (establishment) and one struggles for rights of the people, the ones who provide energy to their voices and ones who fight for the oppressed is meted out with ill-treatment. Pakistan makes huge claims of working for the welfare of the people of occupied Gilgit Baltistan and PoK on international platforms. However, the ground reality reeks of a rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in the region.
General Joseph Votel, told a Senate committee on Tuesday that of the 34,000 square miles (88,060 square kilometres) of territory that Islamic State once held, it now controls less than 20 square miles (51.7 square kilometres), but the coalition's hard-won battlefield gains can only be secured by maintaining a vigilant offensive against the violent extremists

Washington: President Donald Trump is expected to declare near-total triumph over the Islamic State group in Syria in his State of the Union address Tuesday, but US defence officials are increasingly fearful that the militants are simply biding their time until the Americans leave the battlefield as planned.

Islamic State militants have lost territory since Trump's surprise announcement in December that he was pulling US forces out, but military officials warn the fighters could regroup within six months to a year after the Americans leave.

A Defense Department watchdog report released Monday warned of just such a possibility.

The Islamic State group "remains a potent force of battle-hardened and well-disciplined fighters that 'could likely resurge in Syria' absent continued counterterrorism pressure," the report from the inspector general said.

The top commander of US forces in West Asia, General Joseph Votel, told a Senate committee on Tuesday that of the 34,000 square miles (88,060 square kilometres) of territory that Islamic State once held, it now controls less than 20 square miles (51.7 square kilometres).

"It is important to understand that even though this territory has been reclaimed, the fight against Islamic State and violent extremists is not over and our mission has not changed," Votel, commander of US Central Command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

"The coalition's hard-won battlefield gains can only be secured by maintaining a vigilant offensive against the now largely dispersed and disaggregated Islamic State that retains leaders, fighters, facilitators, resources and the profane ideology that fuels their efforts."

Votel said there are now between 1,000 and 1,500 Islamic State fighters in the small area they still control in the southern part of the Euphrates River Valley near the Iraqi border. The remainder, he said, have "dispersed" and "gone to ground," suggesting they retain the potential to return.

Trump's decision to leave Syria, which he initially said would be rapid but later slowed down, shocked US allies led to the resignations of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the top envoy to the anti-Islamic State coalition, Brett McGurk.

Votel was asked at Tuesday's hearing whether he was asked for his advice about a Syria withdrawal before Trump announced his decision.

"I was not consulted," the general said.

The withdrawal will fulfil Trump's goal of bringing troops home from Syria, but military leaders have pushed back for months, arguing that Islamic State remains a threat and could regroup. US policy has been to keep troops in place until the extremists are eradicated.

Fears that Islamic State fighters are making strategic manoeuvres ahead of a US pullout could also fuel criticism that Trump is telegraphing his military plans  the same thing he accused President Barack Obama of doing in Afghanistan.

US officials in recent weeks say Islamic State has lost 99.5 percent of its territory and is holding on to fewer than 10 square kilometres of turf in Syria  an area smaller than New York's Central Park. In late November and December that figure had been estimated at between 400 and 600 square kilometres, according to officials briefed on the matter.

But several defense officials said Monday that many fighters fled to ungoverned spaces and other pockets in the north and in the west and are likely hiding out until they can regroup.

Trump said in a weekend interview that the caliphate is "almost knocked out."

"We're at 99 percent right now, we'll be at 100," he said on CBS' "Face the Nation."

US officials say that Islamic State fighters hold only several villages in the Middle Euphrates River Valley that amount to significantly less than 10 square kilometres. But, they say they don't expect that area to be cleared of militants for another several weeks, at best.

Officials say that overall, there are about 2,000 Islamic State militants in Syria.

The Defense Department watchdog report warned that even with the Islamic State forces on the run, the group "is still able to coordinate offensives and counter-offensives, as well as operate as a decentralized insurgency."

The report, which covers October through December 2018, also includes a classified section that was provided to Congress and includes a more detailed Pentagon assessment on the impact of the troops withdrawal and the status of Islamic State militants and other foreign fighters in Syria.

According to the report, US Central Command believes that Islamic State fighters will continue to conduct "opportunistic attacks" on US troops as they withdraw. And it says, "If Sunni socio-economic, political, and sectarian grievances are not adequately addressed by the national and local governments of Iraq and Syria it is very likely that Islamic State will have the opportunity to set conditions for future resurgence and territorial control."

Central Command said that the Islamic State group is "regenerating key functions and capabilities more quickly in Iraq than in Syria," but unless there is sustained counterterrorism pressure, Islamic State militants "could likely resurge in Syria within six to twelve months and regain limited territory" in the Middle Euphrates River Valley.

Despite Trump's order to withdraw, American officials maintain that the goal remains the "enduring defeat" of the Islamic State group and are moving ahead with a long-planned meeting of top diplomats from the 79-member US-led anti-Islamic State coalition this week. The aim of the conference is to recommit the coalition to that aim and ensure that the departure of US troops does not overly complicate that mission.

Trump himself is expected to speak to the gathered foreign ministers at the State Department-hosted conference on Wednesday is widely expected to reiterate and expand on his anti-Islamic State message from the State of the Union, officials said.
Community organisations led by the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) which are actively involved in getting legal help for the 129 Indians arrested in the ICE fake university sting operation confirmed to Firstpost that a lawsuit against the US government is very much on the cards as early as this week as they consider legal pushback to removal proceedings initiated against the arrested Indians.

New York: Community organisations led by the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) actively involved in getting legal help for the 129 Indians arrested in the ICE fake university sting operation confirmed to Firstpost that a lawsuit against US law enforcement is very much on the cards as early as this week as they consider legal pushback to removal proceedings initiated against the arrested Indians.

Eight lynchpins of a student visa scam and at least 130 students have been arrested in sweeping raids by US law enforcement officers this week. Of these, 129 are Indians. The total number affected is a number closer to 600. At a high level, the allegation is that a group of less than 10 foreign citizens ensnared at least 600 other foreign citizens to illegally remain, re-enter and work in the United States and actively recruited them to enroll in a fraudulent school as part of a pay and stay scheme and because of this, the alliance profited in excess of a quarter million dollars.

"All participants in the scheme knew that the school had no instructors or actual classes. The defendants intended to help shield and hide their customers/"students" from United States immigration authorities for money and collectively profited in excess of a quarter of a million dollars as a result of their scheme", says Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

I agree 90 per cent of the people, if not more, knew the details of the academic offering but they did not know it was illegal, Jayashekhar Talluri of Telugu Association of North America (TANA) told Firstpost over the phone.

"When the US government has given the permissions and approval, there is a difference in backdrop. We understand that while in Rome do as the Romans do but these are people from India who had no idea that they were being duped because the cover was so well planned. It was meant to entrap, Talluri said.

Talluri says most of the students are from modest income backgrounds, relatively new to America and its educational system, saved every penny they could to pay for the fake Farmington University course they took up and were under the impression that if they are being given a Day One CPT, they are good to go.

Most of them are well qualified so they are trying to do what works for them. Im not saying its right but they did not know it is illegal. If they knew it was illegal, they would not have done this, Talluri said.

At least 600 kids have borrowed money, not everybody is rich. They came here with a lot of hopes. Having a black mark on their immigration is not good. Somebody has to take a proactive step and we are doing that.

TANA says the students in custody are in good physical condition when they checked in last. "Our first priority" is to get bail proceedings started and get them out. "Next, we want to ensure that the get back to whatever immigration status they were in before they were arrested", said Talluri.
North Korea is working to ensure its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities cannot be destroyed by military strikes, UN monitors

Washington: North Korea is working to ensure its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities cannot be destroyed by military strikes, UN monitors said ahead of a meeting between US and North Korean officials to prepare a second denuclearisation summit.

The US special envoy for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, will meet his North Korean counterpart on Wednesday in Pyongyang to prepare for a summit later this month between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the US State Department said on Monday.

Biegun has said he hoped the meeting with new North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol would map out a set of concrete deliverables for the summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Biegun, who held talks with South Korean officials in Seoul on Sunday and Monday, said he would be aiming for a roadmap of negotiations and declarations going forward, and a shared understanding of the desired outcomes of our joint efforts.

South Korean officials said they and the United States could be looking at a compromise that could expedite North Koreas denuclearisation - the dismantling of the Norths main Yongbyon nuclear complex, which could be reciprocated by US measures including formally ending the 1950-53 Korean War and setting up a liaison office.

But UN sanctions monitors said in a confidential report, submitted to a 15-member UN Security Council sanctions committee and seen by Reuters on Monday, that they had found evidence of a consistent trend on the part of the DPRK to disperse its assembly, storage and testing locations, using the abbreviation for North Koreas official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

The North Korean mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report, which was submitted to Security Council members on Friday.

The first summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un last June in Singapore yielded a vague commitment by Kim to work toward the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, where US troops have been stationed since the 1950-53 Korean War.

The Vietnamese resort town of Danang is seen as the most likely location for the next summit.

Trump last Thursday hailed tremendous progress in his dealings with North Korea, but the view in the United States is that it has yet to take concrete steps to give up its nuclear weapons program.

SANCTIONS INEFFECTIVE

North Korea has complained the United States has done little to reciprocate its freezing of nuclear and missile testing and dismantling of some nuclear facilities.

It has also repeatedly urged a lifting of punishing US-led sanctions, a formal end to the war, and security guarantees.

The UN report said sanctions were proving ineffective.

The country continues to defy Security Council resolutions through a massive increase in illegal ship-to-ship transfers of petroleum products and coal, the sanctions monitors found.

These violations render the latest UN sanctions ineffective.

The monitors said they had evidence of one unprecedented prohibited petroleum product transfer of more than 57,600 barrels, worth more than $5.7 million.

North Korea has said it will never unilaterally give up its nuclear weapons unless the United States first removes any threat to it. North Korea has long demanded US troops be withdrawn as a condition for peace.

The Korean War ended with an armistice that left the two Koreas technically still at war.

The United States has stressed that US troops are not a bargaining chip and South Korea has said US troops in the South were unrelated to any future peace treaty and that American forces should stay even if such an agreement is signed.

The US State Department said on Monday that Washington and Seoul had reached an agreement in principle on sharing the cost of stationing US troops in the Asian country.

CNN quoted a State Department official as saying that under the revised agreement, South Korea would boost its contribution to nearly $1 billion.

A 2014 deal that expired last year required South Korea to pay about 960 billion won ($848 million) a year for keeping some 28,500 US troops in South Korea. The allies had appeared unable to strike an accord to renew the deal despite 10 rounds of talks since March.
tech2 News Staff

A frozen slab of leopard seal poop has been sitting in a research lab's freezer for over a year hiding an unexpected treasure  a USB stick.

The poop sample, better known as scat to the science community, turned out be gold for leopard seal researchers in New Zealand. It gives them a window into what these Antarctic predators eat, about their health and roughly how long the animal has spent in New Zealand waters.

Dr Krista Hupman, a marine biologist at a research organisation NIWA and a team at LeopardSeals.org put together a team of volunteers that go up and down the country collecting scat and sending it to Hupman's lab to analyse.

Back in 2017, a local vet came across an unusually skinny leopard seal on Oreti Beach, New Zealand, and made sure to courier a scat sample to Hupman on top of the routine checks. Hupman had popped it in her freezer until three weeks ago when the sample was removed to examine by a pair of volunteers.

One of the volunteers nonchalantly explains what follows: "We basically have to sift it... You put it under the cold tap, get all the gross stuff off, smoosh it around a bit and separate the bones, feathers, seaweed and other stuff."

But the routine examination suddenly became otherwise when they came across a large and hard USB stick. It also appeared to be in reasonably good condition, considering everything it went through  water, a sea lion's insides, and a freezer, to begin with.

After leaving it out to dry for a few weeks, the researchers were further surprised by the irony of the data it contained  sea lions at Porpoise Bay in New Zealand, a video of a mummy and baby sea lion at play, and the only clue as to the USB stick's owner, the nose of a blue kayak, as a report by NIWA lists.

NIWA is searching for the owner of a USB stick found in the poo of a leopard seal

Recognise this video? Scientists analysing the scat of leopard seals have come across an unexpected discovery  a USB stick full of photos & still in working order! https://t.co/2SZVkm5az4 pic.twitter.com/JLEC8vuHH0  NIWA (@niwa_nz) February 5, 2019

"If theyre yours and you want the USB stick back, it comes with a price...the leopard seal researchers would like some more leopard seal scat please," the report adds.

Collecting sealion poop  or poop from any source for that matter  isn't glamorous work by any stretch of the imagination. But you know it's been a good day's work when you luck out and find a USB drive in the first place you look and the last place you expect.
Agence France-Presse

Two-thirds of Himalayan glaciers, the world's "Third Pole", could melt by 2100 if global emissions are not sharply reduced, scientists warned in a major new study issued Monday.

Even if the most ambitious Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) is achieved, one-third of the glaciers would go, according to the Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment.

Glaciers in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region are a critical water source for some 250 million people in the mountains as well as to 1.65 billion others in the river valleys below, the report said.

The glaciers feed 10 of the world's most important river systems, including the Ganges, Indus, Yellow, Mekong and Irrawaddy, and directly or indirectly supply billions of people with food, energy, clean air and income.

Impacts on people from their melting will range from worsened air pollution to more extreme weather.

Lower pre-monsoon river flows will throw urban water systems and food and energy production off-kilter, the study warned.

Five years in the making, the 650-page report was published by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Nepal, one of eight countries on the front line.

More than 350 researchers and policy experts, 185 organisations, 210 authors, 20 editors and 125 external reviewers contributed to its completion.

"Global warming is on track to transform the frigid, glacier-covered mountain peaks... cutting across eight countries to bare rocks in a little less than a century," Philippus Wester of ICIMOD said in a statement.

"This is the climate crisis you haven't heard of."

Thinning, retreating

The 2015 Paris Agreement vowed to cap global warming "well below" two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

In December, the UN climate forum agreed on a common rule book to implement the accord, but failed to deliver fresh commitments to reduce planet-warming greenhouse gases.

Voluntary pledges currently in place would see Earth heat up by more than 3C, a recipe for widespread human misery, say scientists.

The new report notes that a 1.5C increase in global temperatures would mean a rise of at least 2.1C in the Himalayas region. If emissions continue unabated, the roof of the world would warm by an unlivable 5C.

"This is a landmark piece of work," commented Jemma Wadham, a professor of glaciology at the University of Bristol in England who did not contribute to the report.

"The discovery that a third of the Himalayan glaciers could disappear signals potentially disastrous consequences for river flows, pollution and managing natural hazards associated with extreme events for more than one billion people."

The Himalayan glaciers, which formed some 70 million years ago, are highly sensitive to changing temperatures. Since the 1970s, they have thinned and retreated, and the area covered by snow and snowfall has sharply decreased.

As the glaciers shrink, hundreds of risky glacial lakes can burst and unleash floods.

Satellite data shows that numbers of such lakes in the region grew to 4,260 in a decade from 3,350 in 1990.

"Emerging hazards  in particular glacial lake development and increasingly unstable rock and ice faces  will become a major concern," said Duncan Quincey, an associate professor at the University of Leeds school of geography.

Air pollution from the Indo-Gangetic Plains  one of the world's most polluted regions  also deposits black carbon and dust on the glaciers, hastening melting and changing monsoon circulation, the ICIMOD study said.

The region would require up to $4.6 billion per year by 2030 to adapt to climate change, rising to as much as $7.8 billion per year by 2050, according to an estimate in the report.

"Without the ice reserve in the mountains to top up the rivers through the melt season, droughts will be harsher on those living downstream," noted Hamish Pritchard, an expert on ice dynamics at the British Antarctic Survey, commenting on the findings.
tech2 News Staff

Facebook's head of Global Affairs, Nick Clegg has been asked to appear before a committee of MPs to take questions about rising abuse of politicians on social media.

As per a letter UK Labour MP, Harriet Harman, the former deputy Prime Minister is "uniquely well placed" to talk and substantiate on whether social media abuse was suppressing democracy since Clegg has been an MP himself for 12 years.

As pointed out in a report by The Telegraph, this also happens to be Sir Nick Clegg's first official invite to appear before MPs since he was hired by Facebook in October last year.

Harman in a letter to Clegg mentioned that she wanted the former MP to give evidence to the committee, which is conducting an inquiry into democracy and free speech, in "early March".

The committee's inquiry will be focussing on "the balance between the right to protest and the right of MPs to be able to go about their work safely and free from threat and harassment," Harman added.

Facebook, which also owns popular messaging platform WhatsApp and image sharing platform Instagram, has been accused in the past along with other social media giants of not doing enough to tackle threats against MPs and other elected officials on its platforms.

Facebook has launched tools to increase transparency of political advertising but there is a consensus among the public that the social media giant could do more to curb online hate.

The letter also happens to be sent on the same day when EU officials stated that Internet giants (including Google and Facebook) have more than doubled the rate at which they fight hate speech online than when they joined the European Union's voluntary approach in 2016.
Nandini Yadav

Fifteen years ago today, Mark Zuckerberg and his college roommates had a Eureka moment in their Kirkland House dorm at Harvard University. They had created the first version of Facebook  TheFacebook.

Happy Birthday, Facebook!

Unaware of what the platform would become 15 years later, Zuckerberg and his buddies created Facebook because, as Zuck puts it, "there were many websites to find almost anything  books, music, news, information, businesses  except for what actually matters most: people".

While Facebook now has 2.7 billion users across the globe, 15 years ago, the platform was meant just for the Harvard students to connect amongst themselves. Here's looking at how the platform grew in the past 15 years:

2003: A second-year Harvard student, Mark Zuckerberg, creates a web site called Facemash and shares the link around campus. The creator hacks the college's student database and creates a game called hot or not, in which students would vote on whether another student was "hot" or "not". The site was eventually shut down.

2004: The same Zuckberger created another platform with a different name but a relatively similar vision called 'TheFacebook', which was meant for Harvard students to connect with each other. Within a few months, the platform was shared with students from over 30 schools in America.

2005: The 'The' from 'The Facebook' was dropped, and it was just called Facebook. Also 'The Wall' is introduced, where users of the platform could post public messages.

2006: The platform was opened to all, and anyone above the age of 13 years with an email address could use it. Also, this year, Yahoo tried to buy out Facebook for $1 billion but Zuck turned them down.

2007: Microsoft buys 1.6 percent of Facebook shares for $240 million.

In November that year, Facebook launches an advertising system called Beacon which sent data from partner websites back to Facebook for targeted advertising. These websites were able to publish information about Facebook users activities on their news feeds, leading to some sticky situations for users, such as people who were having their affairs exposed.

Also, the Pages tool is launched.

2008: Mark Zuckberberg's lawsuit with the Winklevoss brothers surfaces, who accused Zuckerberg of stealing their idea and turning it into Facebook. Their idea was for a platform called HarvardConnection which Zuckerberg was apparently supposed to create for them. The lawsuit was settled out of court and this whole drama was then turned into a movie called The Social Network in 2010, starring Jesse Eisenberg.

The same year, Sheryl Sandberg was hired from Google and made Facebook's COO.

Also, Facebook Chat is announced, which has now turned into a full blown Messenger.

2009: Facebook turns on the Like button.

2010: A movie on the story of Facebook, The Social Network is released.

Facebook Groups are launched to help people build 'communities'.

A report reveals that several Facebook apps, including the top 10 apps of that time  apps like FarmVille  were leaking user IDs to advertisers. These IDs allow a user's online activities to be tracked and targeted regardless of their privacy settings. The apps were also tracking app users friends and some of these app companies then spread Facebook user data to other companies.

2011: 'The Wall' dies and the 'Timeline' is launched. The new feature reorganizes a users posts and puts them in chronological order.

Also, this timeline faces outrage when it started churning up old photos and posts of users. (Yeah, people didn't appreciate throwbacks so much back then!)

The Messenger mobile app is launched.

2012: Facebook acquires Instagram for $1 billion, which as we're now aware, is now one of Facebook's most successful acquisitions.

Zuckerberg marries long-time girlfriend Priscilla Chan.

Facebook crosses 1 billion monthly active users.

2013: Facebook introduces a feature called Graph Search which allows users to search for information about people in their network or in the network of any of their connections. The searches can reveal all sorts of data including location, job status, likes, etc.

A few months later, Facebook partners HTC to release a Facebook phone called the HTC First, which has a homescreen experience based on Facebooks design and technology.

Also, Internet.org is announced which starts off with the noble idea of spreading internet to all but is soon discovered to have more nefarious motives. Facebook is accused of digital colonialism and outrage is sparked in countries it was taking the project to. Some countries still end up embracing Internet.org, however.

Facebook offers to buy Snapchat for a rumored $3 billion. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel refuses.

2014: Facebook borrows Twitter's Trending Topics feature.

WhatsApp joins Facebook after an acquisition deal of $19 billion.

Facebook buys Oculus for $2 billion.

Safety Check is launched to give people a way to let friends know theyre safe.

2015: Zuckerberg announces plans to give away 99 percent of his Facebook money to charity as part of a new philanthropic effort with wife Priscilla Chan.

Facebook starts testing Live, which bring people together through real-time video.

2016: The Oculus Rift VR headset is launched.

Facebook Live is introduced to all users.

Facebook's Trending Topics news section is reported to be censoring conservative news. Some former employees noted that the trending section didn't actually show any news and that the contents were curated by the company itself.

The problem of fake news is highlighted.

Facebook is accused of influencing the US Presidential Elections after Donald Trump unexpectedly won the White House.

Reactions are created to give people more ways to show how they feel about a post.

Marketplace and Fundraisers are launched.

Facebook services page introduced in India, helps users discover services like plumbing, spas, home care, automotive, etc. in their area.

2017: Facebook crosses 2 billion monthly active users.

The report accuses Facebook of supporting ethnic cleansing in Myanmar after it labelled the Rohingya community as a dangerous organization.

2018: (Probably the worst year for the company!)

Facebook launches Portal, a voice-activated smart camera with a touch screen display.

Facebook announces that WhatsApp has 1.5 billion monthly users.

Arguably the biggest scandal for Facebook  the Cambridge Analytica scandal  comes to light. It is found that Cambridge Analytica has data on 87 million Facebook users, which it gathered through an app posing as a personality quiz. The data from this leak was directly used to manipulate the US elections and the Brexit vote in the UK. The data could also have been misused in any number of other scenarios.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies before the Senate and the House about a series of data privacy scandals.

Another report surfaces that claims that Facebook had agreements with device makers to share large amounts of personal data with them.

Instagram hits one billion active users.

Facebook is accused of helping a dictator win elections in Philippines.

Facebooks COO Sheryl Sandberg testifies before a Senate Intelligence Committee about election interference.

Just a month later, Facebook reveals that its platform was hacked and the data for as many as 30 million users may have been exposed.

A few days later, Instagram founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger leave the company.

That departure is followed by the resignation of Facebook's head of communications, chief security officer, head of news, VP of partnerships and the founder of WhatsApp.

Yet another report surfaces which claims that Facebook hired a PR agency to write negative articles about rivals Apple and Google. Facebook was apparently using the public affairs company to push the idea that liberal financier George Soros was behind a growing anti-Facebook movement. Meanwhile, it attempted to downplay the impact of Russian interference on Facebook. Essentially, Facebook was knowingly and actively engaged in a misinformation campaign for its own benefit.

The year ends with Facebook dedicating over 30,000 people for the safety on the platform, and a commitment to invest billions of dollars annualy in security features.

2019: Facebook is found to be circulating an illegal iOS app (and one on Android) that used VPNs to track teenagers' and adults' device usage and web surfing habits. The platform also paid teens $20 a month to install this app. Apple found out about it and punished Facebook by revoking Facebook's enterprise certificate, which Facebook was misusing for spying on kids. By revoking the certificate, all of Facebook's internal apps ceased to function. The certificate has since been restored and the offending app is no longer on the App Store, but, it's still available on the Google Play Store.
The history of the case bears significance in the present context as Mamata on Monday sat on dharna in Kolkata to protect Kumar who is suspected to have tinkered with evidence in the scam. Mamata, known for hitting streets and rabble-rousing for populist causes, seems to have reversed her politics in her constitutional role. She is seen as taking the side of the corrupt and protecting a few of her favourites at the expense of masses.

It seems that there is a political tug of war going on over the Saradha chit fund scam in Kolkata. To simplify it further, one can say: the BJP is determined to expand its influence in West Bengal, an unchartered territory for the Hindutva forces, and Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress is retaliating against it to retain its territory. But such simplification will be a gross misreading of the reality.

At the heart of the scam involving the Saradha Group of financial firms lies the interests of over a crore gullible investors spread across Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha and regions of the North East who have been robbed of their hard-earned money to a group of fraudsters masquerading as entrepreneurs and actively protected by unscrupulous politicians and bureaucrats. In the past seven years, over one hundred people have committed suicide in these regions owing to these brazen frauds known as Ponzi schemes.

The anatomy of these frauds was simple. In the absence of any institutional banking support for daily wage earners in these areas, small investors were roped in with the promise of unrealistically high returns. They often promised to double the investment within three years. Many small investors fell prey to the glib talk of agents who were largely recruited from the local areas. In 2012 the scam exploded as the SEBI asked the group not to take any more money from investors, and agents who found themselves cornered by investors gheraoed the Trinamool Congress office in Kolkata.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee then formed a special investigation team (SIT) under the supervision of Rajeev Kumar who held the charge of police commissioner, Bidhan Nagar. Though he started probing the case, it became apparent that the Saradha scheme was just the tip of the iceberg. Frauds of similar nature were perpetrated over the entire eastern and northeastern states. JVG, Rose Valley and many others had robbed lakhs of investors. Ironically, some of these groups even ran media houses and roped in prominent journalists and film stars to burnish their credentials and instil confidence among people.

Unsurprisingly, politicians and bureaucrats turn out to be significant beneficiaries of the systematic loot of the most vulnerable social segment. There is no doubt that Trinamool Congress with its rising political graph was reckoned as the biggest beneficiary when the Supreme Court in 2014 expanded the scope of the investigation and called in the CBI to widen the dragnet. As of now, the scale of the scam that involves Ponzi schemes in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, Bihar and elsewhere is estimated to be around over Rs 1 lakh crore.

The history of the case bears significance in the present context as Mamata on Monday sat on dharna in Kolkata to protect Kumar who is suspected to have tinkered with evidence in the scam. Mamata, known for hitting streets and rabble-rousing for populist causes, seems to have reversed her politics in her constitutional role. She is seen as taking the side of the corrupt and protecting a few of her favourites at the expense of masses.

Of course, the CBI sleuths going to the Kolkata police commissioners residence without a warrant can be faulted on many counts. There were several alternative ways to handle the situation to deal with a non-cooperating government functionary. For instance, a defiant Lalu Prasad Yadav found himself cornered when he was charge-sheeted in the fodder scam in 1997. He had to resign as chief minister after much protest. A similar, calibrated approach could have been less controversial and more effective.

But consider the way politics has been unfolding in West Bengal. Despite holding a constitutional post, Mamata has been defying every norm of the Constitution. Her government is blocking Prime Minister Narendra Modis rallies in West Bengal, banning BJP-organised marches and prohibiting BJP president Amit Shah from holding meetings and yatras in the state. More recently, she literally banned the operations of CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) in West Bengal in contravention of federal norms. Apparently, her garrulousness is clearly more than a political fight. She seems to be aggressively pushing boundaries on the issues pertaining to federalism and challenging the authority of the Centre and its jurisdiction.

There is no doubt that Mamata would have found less than a match if Modi were not the prime minister. Modi had a stint as chief minister and now as prime minister, and thus it was naive to expect that Mamata would go unchallenged. There is no doubt that the attempt to search Kolkata police commissioners residence was an overtly political move to assert the Union governments right and dismiss any delusions that Mamata may be entertaining of being the sole arbiter of defining terms of relations with the Centre.

As expected, she reacted in the manner of a streetfighter but this time for a wrong cause. Remember the image of Mamata being dragged out of the Writers' Building by Jyoti Basus police or holding massive protests wearing simplicity on her sleeves as a leader of the common people? That image of her younger days gets distorted when she is today seen in the company of bureaucrats and political leaders with dubious antecedents.

Perhaps Mamata seemed too impatient to wait for the opposition to rally around her for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. In the process, she invented a wrong cause to project her leadership. In his lecture on Politics as a Vocation, German sociologist Max Weber writes, Politics is a strong and slow boring of hard boards. It takes both passion and perspective. Mamata has enough of passion but she seems to be lacking in perspective in her choice of Modi as her adversary.
After Priyanka Gandhi was appointed general secretary of Uttar Pradesh East, the Congress leader was given an office in the party headquarters

Two weeks after Priyanka Gandhi was appointed general secretary of Uttar Pradesh East by the Congress, the newly-inducted leader was given an office in the party headquarters on 24, Akbar Road in New Delhi.

Priyanka met party chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence in Delhis Tughlaq Lane on Monday after returning from abroad on Monday. She also met Congress in-charge for Uttar Pradesh West Jyotiraditya Scindia and senior leaders Raj Babbar and KC Venugopal to discuss the election strategy for the state.

Priyanka carries a heavy burden on her shoulders as she heads charge of 43 of 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, where the party registered a dismal performance in the 2014 general elections, garnering only 8.4 percent of the votes.

During this meeting, prominent leaders were telephoned to take an update on the welfare works in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. As per ANI, after Priyankas entry, the party is reworking its original plan of holding 13 rallies in the state and has also proposed holding rallies in the Dalit majority seats. She will also be a part of a meeting of All India Congress Committee general secretaries and in-charges of various states in Delhi on 7 February.

Delhi: Nameplate of #PriyankaGandhiVadra being put up outside the room allotted to her at Congress Headquarters. She has been appointed as the General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East. pic.twitter.com/u4WaqkUFkJ  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

Priyankas entry into the Eastern UP region gets her into competition with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, whose constituencies Varanasi and Gorakhpur respectively lie in the region. Questions on the difficulty she will face in reviving Congress in the most populous state on India also surfaced last month when the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance in the state announced contesting from 38 seats each, leaving only Amethi and Raebareli for the national party.

Priyanka is likely to formally take charge of her post after she and Rahul take a dip in the Sangam on 10 February. The two will then address a joint press conference likely to be held in Lucknow, a News18 report said.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Lutheran church I attended when I was growing up still had German services and English services. Currently, many Catholic churches in Chicago continue to have Polish services, and many storefront signs along sections of Belmont Avenue are all in Polish. In the same way in many areas around the U.S., Hispanic people may choose to live in communities where everyone speaks Spanish, making daily activities easier. However, through todays education system as in my fathers time, children learn English as a second language. Assimilation and language seem to be influenced by the size of the immigrant group settling in a particular area, and eventually, members of the next generation will all be bilingual.
However, Sena leader Sanjay Raut said the meet was nothing more than a 'courtesy visit' by a leader of an National Democratic Alliance ally.

Poll strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor, who played a key role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's election campaign in 2014, met Shiv Sena chief Udhhav Thackeray and his son Aditya on Tuesday in the latter's residence Matoshri in Mumbai, reportedly to discuss strategy for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Describing Kishor as a "special visitor", Aditya shared a picture on Twitter showing the Sena leaders chatting with the vice president of Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United), a constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

Today Uddhav Thackeray ji and I had a special visitor over lunch. Some great talks @PrashantKishor ji. pic.twitter.com/LerBwfGp8E  Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) February 5, 2019

This development comes at a time amid Uddhav-led party's constant bickering with alliance partner BJP and criticising the Centre for its failed policies.

According to The Tribune, other than the Thackerays, other Sena MPs also attended the meeting at Matoshri.

Party sources said that Kishor provided a number of tips to the Sena's elected representatives. They also said that Kishors team is expected to prepare a presentation and meet Uddhav later this week.

The Hindustan Times quoted a Sena MP as saying, "Uddhavji had a detailed meeting with Kishor and he will play a strategic role in the election for Shiv Sena."

However, Sena leader Sanjay Raut said the meet was nothing more than a "courtesy visit" by a leader of an NDA ally. "He is a leader of one of NDA's allies and he met Uddhavji in that regard. See it as a courtesy visit and not a political visit," said Raut.

He also revealed that discussions on seat-sharing between the Shiv Sena and the BJP for the upcoming polls were yet to begin. "We have not heard anything officially from the BJP on an alliance. Whatever is being said is being done through the media," Raut said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called off her three-day Save The Constitution dharna at Kolkatas Metro channel on Tuesday evening

Welcoming the Supreme Courts order cautioning the CBI against using coercive measures against Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee called off her three-day Save The Constitution dharna at Kolkata's Metro channel on Tuesday evening, according to several media reports.

Mamata hailed the SC directive as a victory for the Constitution and democracy as Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu stood by her side. When we started this dharna, we consulted all political parties and they gave us their full support, she said.

Alleging that the central government wants to control all agencies, Mamata asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to go back to Gujarat, where a one man government and one party government exists.

The court gave a positive judgment today. We will continue to take up this issue in Delhi next week, Mamata said, as Naidu hailed her as the main face of the Opposition.

Meanwhile, Naidu called Mamata the architect of the federal front and said that she would win all the 42 seats in West Bengal in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The ND government wants to divide India. We want to unite India, he said, adding that no one can do what Mamata has done in the CBI versus Kolkata Police row.

Naidu further raised questions about the silence the government has over the Rs 58,000-crore Rafale deal. If there is any event after this, I will always be with Mamata Banerjee, Naidu said.

Mamata started the dharna on Sunday night after the CBI attempted to arrest Kumar. In her fight against the Centre, she found support not just from Naidu, but also RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and DMKs Kanimozhi.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court directed that Kumar cannot be arrested and that he is to faithfully cooperate in the investigation of the Saradha chit fund scam. To avoid unnecessary controversy, the apex court directed the Kolkata police commissioner to appear before the CBI at a neutral place in Shillong.

With inputs from PTI
The spin in Mamatas statement would make even Shane Warne or Anil Kumble blush

Theres a larger political game that plays out far away from summons, petitions, review petitions or court judgments. Often the narrative for this game is so far removed from reality that it is almost contradictory, but it matters little so long as the narrative serves the bigger political objective. Tuesdays developments, for instance, provide a test case.

The Supreme Court has directed Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who previously ignored multiple CBI summons and even went missing  causing West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee to apologise before the Election Commission  to appear before the CBI. The central investigative agency moved the apex court against the non-cooperation of Mamata government after Bengal police briefly arrested CBI officials who visited Kumars residence in Kolkata to question him on Sunday. Footage and pictures emerged of CBI officers being coerced and dragged into police jeeps by cops. There was clear attempt on part of the state administration to block the CBI from doing its job and impede investigation into the multi-crore chit fund scams.

The three-judge bench of Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna asked Kolkatas top police officer to co-operate with the CBI probe into the Saradha scam and also issued a notice to West Bengal chief secretary, the DGP, and Kumar in the contempt of court application filed by the CBI. Along with this, the top court restrained the agency from taking any coercive steps such as arresting Kumar and ruled that CBI interrogation of Kolkatas top cop must be done at Shillong in Meghalaya, a neutral venue.

The last point is more significant than it appears. The CBI has complained of threats and intimidation while carrying out its probe into the multi-crore chit fund scams in West Bengal. The home ministry received a report from the CBI detailing how the officers faced harassment and obstruction while doing their job of probing the scam under directions from the apex court.

Reports were also received that the residence of Joint Director, CBI was surrounded by Kolkata police. MHA, thereafter, took action to deploy Central Armed Police Forces at the office and residential premises of CBI in Kolkata: sources @IndianExpress  rahul tripathi (@rahultripathi) February 4, 2019

The CBI was, therefore, keen to question the Kolkata police chief in Delhi, while the West Bengal government wanted it to be held on its own turf in Kolkata. The court chose Shillong, and the CJI reportedly said go to Shillong. It is a cool place. Both sides will remain cool there. It is difficult to interpret this development any other way than concluding that the court order is a setback for the West Bengal chief minister, who rushed to her favourite cops residence late on Sunday night and sat on an indefinite dharna to protest against CBIs move to question him.

And yet, Mamata has claimed moral victory, a victory of the people, and said she was grateful to the Supreme Court. She further claimed that her case was strong from the very beginning. Her reaction, delivered from the dharna stage in Kolkata, drew rapturous applause from assorted TMC ministers, members and cadres.

The spin in Mamatas statement would make even Shane Warne or Anil Kumble blush, but the point is that as long as the TMC supremo succeeds in convincing her cadres and even the electorate that she, indeed, has emerged victorious from the face-off, her objective is met. One might be inclined to term the chief ministers stance as delusional, but that would a misreading of the way politics plays on the ground. Mamata, as the following set of tweets suggests, was forced to shift her goalposts following the Supreme Court order but it would be wrong to imagine that this apparent setback in court would result in a political setback for the Bengal chief minister.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation. pic.twitter.com/XhI0uEhpu5  ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019

#NewsAlert | No one is the big boss of this country. Democracy is the big boss of this country. I am not pleading for Rajeev Kumar. I am pleading for millions of people of this country: Mamata Banerjee to reporters pic.twitter.com/zaN0lXmh4c  moneycontrol (@moneycontrolcom) February 5, 2019

The entire fracas, executed to perfection by the West Bengal chief minister, may instead bring political dividend. Theres a caveat, however. Mamata may have calculated that her victimhood card and street politics will reinforce her cult status in the state, while virulent protestations of Super Emergency, destruction of democracy, damage to Indias federal structure and institutions and wild charges against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah will draw national attention and catapult her onto the big stage where she is competing with other ambitious chieftains for the prime ministers chair.

However, in her zeal to create a constitutional crisis and harvest political gain, Mamata inadvertently did the BJP a favour in Bengal. The saffron unit lacks in organisational strength and is devoid of a local leader with mass support. For these structural shortcomings, it has not been able to quite fill the Opposition space that still lies vacant. Its influence is growing in pockets, but so far BJPs rising footprint has come entirely at CPMs expense with Congress holding on to its nominal but core vote share.

The BJP has  despite a mighty push from the partys central leadership that has targeted at least 23 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats on offer  been unable yet to make a dent in TMCs strongholds despite an undercurrent of public opinion against Mamatas Tughlaki ways. To the saffron units advantage, it has little to lose at this point.

By indulging in melodrama and theatrical statements, Mamata further polarised the electorate in West Bengal, giving BJP a mighty push towards emerging as the chief Opposition and shoving the CPM further into oblivion. Pictures of BJP party office being vandalised allegedly by TMC workers, posters of Modi resembling Hitler, cries of Modi bharat chodo by TMC cadres, Mamatas fiery statements against the prime minister may help raise BJPs profile among the swing voters unhappy with Mamata.

Conversely, blaming Modi and Shah for misusing CBI and rushing to defend a police officer who is under scanner in connection with the investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes that defrauded millions of poor in West Bengal of their hard-earned money, Mamata has seemingly obstructed a hypermoral act. The power this act  of a top cop evading CBI and later sharing a political stage with Mamata  can never be underestimated. It may sharply divide opinions and the BJP, which starts off a low base, has more to gain.

On the bigger stage of national politics, Mamata may have secured for herself some limelight. Her high-octane adversarial position against BJP places her squarely on top of the amorphous group jostling for space and attention. It is instructive to note that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi did not share Mamatas dharna stage beyond posting a tweet. Some Opposition leaders extended their support to Mamata, but her move to obstruct the CBI from going after suspects places her and the Opposition leaders at a disadvantage.

It gives Modi the chance to create a chowkidar vs corrupt narrative and aid the prime ministers attempts in forging a presidential campaign. BJP will go to town that Modi alone stands for corruption-free regime and the others  as Arun Jaitley put in his Tuesdays blog  The Kleptocrats Club.

So Mamatas histrionics might aid her in her state and even in her ambition for the top post, but it is not necessarily a disadvantage for the BJP. Both parties win.
Criticised for not letting BJP leaders land choppers in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee said she was denied official guest house stays in Maharashtra, Bihar

Kolkata: While various BJP leaders have voiced protests against West Bengal denying them permission to land their choppers for addressing public rallies in the state, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday hit back saying she was not even permitted to stay in official guest houses in Maharashtra and Bihar when she went there for meetings.

"When I had gone for a meeting in Maharashtra and Bihar I wasnn't even allowed to stay in a guest house," she said. It is pertinent to mention that there is a BJP government in Maharashtra while in Bihar, the Janata Dal (United) led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is ruling the roost in coalition with the BJP.

Mamata Banerjee also hit out at the BJP leader Mukul Roy who left the Trinamool Congress to join BJP last year. She simultaneously targeted the BJP saying that those who join BJP ranks are shielded by the party from investigating agencies like CBI and ED.

"Once you join BJP, bye bye CBI," said Mamata Banerjee and added that central agencies such as the CBI and ED should act without bias.

The Chief Minister was addressing the media and a gathering from the dharna site at Kolkata's Metro Channel. Earlier in the day, she lauded the Supreme Court's verdict which stated that Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar cannot be arrested by the CBI and claimed it a "moral victory".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is lording it over India just like the British, Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said in a blistering pre-election broadside published Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is lording it over India just like the British, Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said in a blistering pre-election broadside published Tuesday.

Rahul, great-grandson of India's first prime minister after independence from Britain in 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, hopes to unseat Modi in the vote due by May.

"Every institution in India is facing Mr Modi's autocratic backlash," the Congress president said in a newspaper interview. "Mr Modi believes that he is the Lord of India, just like the British believed," the 48-year-old told the Hindustan Times daily.

Modi, 68, swept to power in a landslide in 2014 but with voters unhappy about unemployment and the dire state of Indian agriculture, winning again may not be so easy.

Congress have been emboldened by state election victories in late 2018.

Rahul said in the interview that this was "just the tip of the backlash" against Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "What Mr Modi doesn't accept is that India today is in a crisis. India has a massive job crisis, a humongous agriculture crisis, and Indian youngsters are deeply distressed about their future," he said.

"This is generating a huge amount of anger."

Rahul's comments about Modi's "autocratic backlash" referred to a massive row raging since Sunday between the central government and the premier of the eastern state of West Bengal, which has made waves nationally.

On Sunday, West Bengal police prevented the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), India's FBI, from questioning Kolkata's chief of police in connection with a multi-million dollar ponzi scheme scandal.

In dramatic scenes played out across national TV channels, the CBI officials were pushed into police vans, detained briefly, then released.

West Bengal's firebrand state premier Mamata Banerjee has alleged the CBI was acting on the orders of Modi's government.

A public protest she is holding entered its third day on Tuesday. Banerjee told thousands of supporters that officers of the CBI are being used for political ends.

India's top court moved to defuse the standoff Tuesday, ordering the Kolkata police chief, Rajeev Kumar, to make himself available for questioning and cooperate with the investigation agency.
BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Tuesday thanked the Supreme Court for directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI, saying it was a 'victory of democracy' and demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Kolkata: BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Tuesday thanked the Supreme Court for directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI, saying it was a "victory of democracy" and demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The apex court Tuesday directed Kumar to make himself available before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate with the agency in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam probe. "The SC verdict is a victory of democracy. Mamata Banerjee should immediately tender resignation," Vijayvergiya told PTI. The apex court also said that no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata Police chief, will take place during the course of the investigation. The state government and the state police have repeatedly created hurdles during the investigation, he alleged.

A CBI team had gone to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence in the city on Sunday to question him in connection with the multi-crore chit fund scams but was denied permission, bundled into jeeps and whisked away to the police station.

The Trinamool Congress supremo has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah of trying to plot a "coup" in the state and alleged that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is directing the CBI to "harass" political opponents on the orders of the prime minister. "Mamata Banerjee is on a dharna to stop CBI from questioning a police officer. The people of this country would have loved to see Banerjee holding dharna to return the money of chit fund investors," Vijayvargiya said.
Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu said the people of India will shut the doors on the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls

New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the people of India will shut the doors on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Naidu was reacting to Amit Shah's statement made on Monday, where the BJP president termed the TDP supremo a "U-turn Chief Minister" and that he will not be allowed to join the NDA alliance again.

Naidu told ANI in an interview, "We all know how Amit Shah was five years back. As he has got a big position, he is thinking he has become so powerful. Who asked him to open that door (to join NDA)? Did I ask him or beg him? He is talking all rubbish?"

"After the general elections, the people of India will close the doors for the BJP," the TDP chief stated.

On Monday, Shah, addressing a rally in Andhra Pradesh, Naidu had said, "I am sure once the counting for 2019 elections is over and the NDA government comes to power again, Chandrababu Naidu will make all the efforts to join the NDA back. Let me tell you that this time, the NDA's doors for him have been shut forever. He has misguided the people of the state. It is appropriate to call Chandrababu Naidu a U-turn chief minister."

Slamming the Centre for failing to keep the promises made to Andhra Pradesh, Naidu said, "The BJP is responsible for Andhra Pradesh's problems. There is a bifurcation act, the Centre promised special status to the state. However, the government later denied that. Now, they are trying to threaten us. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should answer what he has done for Andhra Pradesh."

"BJP should not insult and humiliate people of Andhra Pradesh," the Chief Minister added.

The TDP, which is ruling Andhra Pradesh, pulled out from the NDA last year over the demand for special category status which was promised during the bifurcation of the state in 2014.
However, if all West Bengal is faced with such a situation, it wont be the first time that the state would see a governmental shut-down. On five different occasions previously, the state has come under Presidents Rule.

After the Supreme Court directed Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar to cooperate with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Saradha chit fund scam probes, a buoyant Mamata Banerjee claimed a "moral victory".

The West Bengal chief minister slammed the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of "high-handedness and brutal control" over institutions such as the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and said in clear terms that she will not allow divisive politics to thrive. When asked about the Centre's warning of imposing Article 356, Mamata said, "If you have Article 356, we have Section 144... I will shut you out."

Besides Mamata's assertion, the statement brings back focus on the President's Rule, the loopholes in the law and how the Centre should tread very carefully in implementing it in states such as West Bengal.

Though Home Minister Rajnath Singh told the Lok Sabha on Monday that the incident in West Bengal bordered on the failure of constitutional machinery, senior officials have reportedly said that the situation was not grave enough to invoke Article 356 of the Constitution.

Earlier in the day, Singh called up West Bengal governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to be apprised of the facts of the incident in which a central investigating agency was allegedly manhandled, detained, intimidated and obstructed".

While the Center is closely monitoring the situation, if at all West Bengal is faced with a governmental shut-down, it wont be the first time. On five different occasions previously, the state has come under Presidents Rule.

West Bengal ran without an Assembly for over a year from 19 March 1970 to 2 April 1971. Prior to 1971, the state saw a high level of political instability as the administration swapped between a government and Presidents Rule every six months to one year.

Thereafter, in April 1971, Ajoy Kumar Mukherjee was appointed as the chief minister but, in less than three months, the governmental machinery came crashing down, leaving voters exhausted, and the state in shambles. The inevitable breakdown resulted in a 265-days-long Presidents Rule under VV Giri.

Presidents Rule can be imposed in a state only when the governor certifies that there has been a failure of the constitutional machinery in that state. In the case of SR Bommai versus Union of India, the Supreme Court interpreted this to include the following scenarios also:

Large-scale breakdown of the law and order or public order situation in the state

Gross mismanagement of affairs by a state government

Corruption or abuse of the state government's powers

Danger to national integrity or security of the state or for abetting national disintegration or a claim for independent sovereign status

Subversion of the Constitution while professing to work under the Constitution or creating disunity among people to disintegrate the democratic social fabric

However, according to the apex court and the Sarkaria Commission, Presidents Rule is to be used sparingly, and only as the last resort. A state like West Bengal, which has always been a high-octane political ground  leading to churns at the Centre  dislodging the voted leader would only lend her sympathy and possible electoral gains in the upcoming political contest.

However, there have also been cases where the provision for President's rule has been abused to serve the interests of the ruling party at the Centre. In fact, until the Supreme Court laid down specific guidelines for using the power under the said Article, the Central Government has repeatedly used it for dismissing state governments of Opposition parties on "untenable grounds", The Indian Express reports.

The burden of this proclamation, which is subject to judicial review, lies on the Central Government. The Centre has to prove that relevant material existed to justify the issue of such a severe proclamation. It is interesting to note that, after the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution, the state emergency was made immune from judicial review but, later in the 44th Amendment, the legality of Presidents rule was allowed to be challenged.

Although the father of Indian Constitution, BR Ambedkar had hoped that the power given under the Article would rarely be used and would remain a dead letter, according to The Indian Express' report, till May 2016, it has been used on no less than 115 occasions.

What is also important to note is that Article 355 casts a duty on the Union government to protect the states against internal disturbance and to ensure that the government of every state is carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. Hence, before imposing Presidents Rule under Article 356, the Union also has the responsibility to ensure that it had performed its duty, and failed.

Given that India is a federal state where the states are equal partners in the governance of the country and elected through a similar democratic electoral process, it is the duty of the Central Government to allow the constituent units to run their governments without undue interference or disruption in their functioning.

So far, in all instances of the imposition of President's Rule, it has been noticed that on most occasions it has been on the basis of the report made by the governor. Which, in a politically charged scenario, may not be best adjudged as impartial. However, the provision also says that the President can take such a decision even otherwise (that is even in the absence of the governors report).

In Rameshwar Prasad versus UOI (Bihar Assembly Dissolution case), it was held that the presidential proclamation dissolving state Assembly in Bihar under Article 356 was unconstitutional on extraneous and irrelevant grounds. The court said that the state governor misled the Centre in recommending dissolution of the state Assembly.

However, while sending a report to the Centre, the governor is not supposed to consult the state cabinet and can exercise his or her own discretion. On the contrary, the President has to go by the advice of the Union cabinet and can only seek clarifications from the council of ministers. This was done by R Venkataraman in 1991 in the state of Tamil Nadu even though he didnt receive a report from the governor.

The Supreme Court had also made it clear in its 1994 judgment that the outgoing chief minister must be given an opportunity to prove majority on the floor of the House in the concerned Assembly. Which, in the case of West Bengal, wouldn't be a difficult deal for Mamata and thus, BJP needs to be wary of the steps it takes to topple the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.

Also, recent experiments to impose President's Rule in other states including Uttarakhand and Bihar did not go in Centre's favour and ended up in a loss of face for the ruling party. Therefore, the use of such a tricky card at this stage ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha election, may very well prove to be a double-edged sword for the Modi government.
With no permission to land his chopper in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath will land in Jharkhands Bokaro and then travel to Purulia by road

Lucknow: Having been denied permission to land his chopper in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will on Tuesday touch down in Jharkhands Bokaro and then travel to West Bengals Purulia district by road to address a public rally.

The chief minister will leave for Purulia after the adjournment of the Vidhan Sabha session today. He is slated to address the rally at around 3:30 pm.

Yogi was scheduled to address two rallies in West Bengal on February 3, one in North Dinajpur district's Raiganj and the other in South Dinajpur district's Balurghat. However, the TMC government led by Mamata Banerjee declined permission for Yogis chopper to land for both rallies without any prior notice.

Later in the day, Yogi addressed the rally in Raiganj via telephone and accused Banerjee of carrying out shameful activities.

The BJP has condemned Banerjee over the obstacles faced by the party in conducting rallies and other events in the state, while also criticising her government for the ongoing tussle between the CBI and the state police.

Uttar Pradesh Science and Technology Minister Mohsin Raza told ANI, The CBI is an independent agency and it has the right to go anywhere in the country. What Mamata ji is doing I have never seen anything like it in my political career, where she is supporting an IPS officer who is being investigated by the CBI.

She allows Rohingyas and foreign infiltrators to stay in the state, people who promote democratic values, be it our chief minister, our national president, they cannot go. She is being supported by people who are also under the CBIs radar. It is shameful and condemnable. They are making a mockery of the Constitution. If you want to see a situation of emergency anywhere, you can see it in West Bengal, Raza said.

Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Sidharth Nath Singh said, Mamata ji has created an unconstitutional and undemocratic atmosphere in West Bengal. The CBI vs Mamata situation in the state clearly shows that democracy is in peril there. When Narendra Modi ji was the Gujarat chief minister, he fully cooperated with agencies when he was under probe. He was also in your position and he showed that you have to cooperate with the law and not fight it.

Banerjee launched her dharna in Kolkata on Sunday night amidst an unprecedented face-off with the Centre over CBI versus state police issue.

She launched her 'Save the Constitution' sit-in at around 9 pm after the CBI attempted to arrest Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha chit fund case, which was foiled by the state police.
The Supreme Court's direction that no coercive steps, including arrest of Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar, will take place during the course of investigation is 'our moral victory', West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Tuesday.

The Supreme Court's direction that no coercive steps, including the arrest of Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar, will take place during the course of the investigation is "our moral victory", West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said Tuesday.

The West Bengal chief minister hailed the court's verdict as vindication of her stand, stating that she had never said that Kumar should not cooperate with the central agency. The Supreme Court Tuesday directed Kumar to make himself available before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate with the agency in the investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam probe. It asked CBI to meet him at a neutral place (Shillong in Meghalaya) after West Bengal government objected to CBI summoning him to Delhi.

Banerjee is on a sit-in protest against the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams. Her protest entered the third day on Tuesday.

The Supreme Court's order is a victory of the common man, democracy and the Constitution, Banerjee told reporters at the dharna venue in central Kolkata.

As the BJP raised questions over Mamata's massive efforts to shore up attack on behalf of the Kolkata Police commissioner, the West Bengal chief minister claimed her struggle was not for Kumar alone.

"I am not pleading for Rajeev Kumar, I am pleading for millions of people of this country." She said it was the Narendra Modi government's strategy to stifle all opposition by threatening people with arrest. "CBI-Kolkata police commissioner tussle was nothing but political vendetta."

She claimed that she was a fighter and she would not rest until she dethrones Modi.

"There must be some story behind this. Nobody can dare to speak against (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) Modi. Only I dare to speak against them because I don't care whether they kill me, or arrest me," the chief minister said.

Expressing her gratitude to all the leaders of Opposition parties who expressed solidarity with her cause, Banerjee said, "Our's is a mass agitation and we are going to fight it unitedly."

She said that the coming together of Opposition parties has already sounded the death knell for the BJP rule. "2019 will be the end of Narendra Modi's rule. Like sterilisation brought down Indira Gandhi, Bofors brought down Rajiv Gandhi, Narendra Modi will be ousted from power because of his constant disregard for Constitution and federal structure," she said.

Banerjee sat on a "Save India" dharna in front of Metro Cinema in the heart of Kolkata on Sunday night insisting that the latest CBI action was tantamount to stifling the spirit of "Constitution and federalism" in the country.

"We always respect the law and feel that things should run as per the law. But, if someone tries to destroy the pillars on which democracy stands, then there would be nothing left of the democratic process that we are so proud of.

"We really welcome the [Supreme Court] verdict. It is absolutely correct. Our case is very strong. We never said we will not cooperate. This is a political vendetta," Banerjee said.

Several opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, DMK's Kanimozhi, RJD's Tejaswhi Yadav, have supported Banerjee's protest.

With inputs from PTI
In New York, Cuomo decried the end of the deduction, but not for reasons of fairness. He just wanted to keep constituents and his revenue stream, so he came up with a sneaky work-around that would allow residents to make payments to nonprofit groups controlled by local governments and deduct them as charitable contributions. The Internal Revenue Service nixed his idea. So people are leaving. In New York, he said, the most affluent residents  the top 1 percent of earners  pay 46 percent of the personal income taxes collected by the state each year. Cuomo said the situation is serious as a heart attack.
Rajya Sabha proceedings on Tuesday were washed out for the second day in a row amid protests by Opposition parties, including TMC, SP and Congress, over alleged misuse of the CBI in West Bengal.

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha proceedings on Tuesday were washed out for the second day in a row amid protests by Opposition parties, including TMC, SP and Congress, over alleged misuse of the CBI in West Bengal.

As soon as the House resumed proceedings in the afternoon, members of the TMC, SP and Congress trooped into the Well, raising slogans like "Save the Constitution, Save the Nation".

Deputy Chairman Harivansh said Opposition members can raise issues under laid down rules and procedures of the House, and they should allow a discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the president's address. He said there is no limit on the scope of discussion on an issue under rules.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Goel said there was no morality in protesting in Parliament as the Supreme Court order on the issue has already been issued.

When the Opposition did not relent, the deputy chairman adjourned the House for the day.

Earlier in the day, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned amid protests. Besides TMC members, Congress members, too, were on their feet.

As repeated request for continuation of scheduled business went unheard, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu adjourned the House till 2 pm.

Soon after ministers laid the listed papers on the table, TMC member Derek O'Brien sought to raise the CBI issue. The Rajya Sabha chairman said he had not accepted the notices given by different members on this issue, but permitted Derek O'Brien to speak on the matter during Zero Hour.

However, some other members started raising their points, and Congress members were on their feet.

Asking members to maintain order in the House, Naidu had said all issues could be raised while debating the president's address to the joint session of Parliament.

Members from the TMC and some other Opposition parties started shouting slogans and trooped into the Well. Some Congress members were in the aisle before the Rajya Sabha was adjourned.

Goel also urged members to start a discussion on the president's address and said a constitutional crisis was being created in West Bengal.
BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said the TMC-led government in West Bengal has denied the party permission for a rally in Murshidabad

New Delhi: BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Tuesday said the TMC-led government in West Bengal has denied the party permission for a rally in Murshidabad and alleged that there is complete lawlessness in the state.

Hussain said he will still go to Murshidabad and is already on the way.

"I have been told that the district administration has not given permission to hold a rally in Murshidabad, which was scheduled for today. The party had sought permission and had informed the local administration in advance," Hussain told PTI.

Last week, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was denied permission to hold a rally in the state, which is witnessing a political slugfest between the ruling TMC and the BJP. On being denied permission to hold a rally in West Bengal's Purulia, Adityanath travelled by helicopter to Jharkhand's Bokaro and then went to the rally venue by road.

The Mamata Banerjee-led government in the state and BJP are at loggerheads after the CBI tried to question Kolkata's police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee has been on a 'dharna' since Sunday night over the CBI's attempts to interrogate the police chief.
In a Facebook blog titled The Kleptocrat's Club, Arun Jaitley wrote: 'Mamata Banerjee's disproportionate over-reaction to the CBI wanting to interrogate the Kolkata Police Chief has flagged several issues for a public discourse. The most important being that a Kleptocrat's Club now aspires to capture the reigns of India.'

Mamata Banerjee's disproportionate over-reaction to the CBI wanting to interrogate the Kolkata Police Chief has flagged several issues for a public discourse. The most important being that a Kleptocrat's Club now aspires to capture the reigns of India.

The Chit Fund Fraud and its Investigation

The West Bengal Chit Fund Fraud was unearthed in 2012-13. Its investigations were handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court. The Court monitored these investigations. The CBI has interrogated and even arrested some people. Many have been granted bail. If a Police Officer is also required to be interrogated, how does it become a super emergency, assault on Federalism, or destruction of Institutions? What is the strategy behind Chief Ministers disgraceful and disproportionate reaction? What is her strategy in inviting all other leaders belonging to every opposition to join her on the Dharna? It would be a gross error to assume that she did this because of a routine investigation involving a Police Officer. She did it to defocus from other opposition aspirants for the highest office and to project herself as the nucleus of India's opposition. Her speeches attack Prime Minister Modi but her strategy is aimed to defocus some of her other colleagues in the Opposition and hogging the centre stage.

Can a State assault Federalism?

Federalism is not a slogan. It is a delicate balance of the Centre-State relationship. Our Constitutional framework clearly defines the sharing of functions between the Centre and the State. It does not permit an overlap. There are Central agencies and organizations which conduct legitimate investigation in States. Today the CBI is being brutally prevented by physical force and detention of its officer from investigating a crime legally within its jurisdiction, in the State of West Bengal. It is a textbook illustration of a State Government assaulting Federalism. Can a State Government prevent the Income-tax Department from collecting taxes in a State? Can another State Government prevent the NIA from proceeding to arrest a Terrorist located in the State? Can the Enforcement Directorate be prevented from investigating or arresting a smuggler or money-launderer physically located in a State? Obviously the answer is No. If any of these is visible, it would be a case of a State assaulting Federalism. The prevention of a Central investigating agency discharging a function given to it by the Supreme Court is a direct assault on Federalism.

The new Kleptocrat's Club

Technology has been a great enabler in detection of improper monetary transactions. Traceability of transactions has become simpler and the footprints of illegality can be traced. This has empowered all investigative agencies both at the Centre and at the State Governments to unearth financial crimes including corruption.

When Mamata Banerjee decided to sit on a Dharna she received support of many opposition parties. There is an important commonality between them. They are all in Opposition and aspire to be in power. Most of them, or their affiliates are today being investigated, prosecuted and in some cases have also been convicted for crimes of corruption. Her ally from Bihar represents the party of the convicted. The friend from Andhra Pradesh runs a party of contractors, thekhedaars and money-launderers. Her two friends from Uttar Pradesh represent the scandalous legacy of corruption. Her Anarchic brother from the Delhi Government is at his wits end because the penny stock companies of his Ministerial colleagues have been found out. Curiously, the AICC President somersaulted his position from Saradha being a scam to shoulder-to-shoulder support to the scamster. This somersaulter belongs to the first family of the Congress Party where most members of the family are on bail. It has been argued in the past that the Opposition is going in for a non-ideological short-lived coalition. India cannot afford instability. It has also been argued that the choice in the next Election will be either Modi Vs. Chaos or Modi Vs. Anarchy. Mamata Banerjee's latest acrobatics are the best evidence of the kind of governance Indias opposition can provide. But more importantly those who have lent support to the West Bengal Dharna are those who are battling serious allegations of economic improprieties, criminal misconduct and even corruption. Can "New India" be ever run by this Kleptocrats Club?

This article first appeared on Arun Jaitley's official Facebook page. It has not been edited for content or style by Firstpost staff.
More than 16.3 crore people in India still don't have access to clean water  the highest in the world. The burden to find and transport water for themselves and their families, has always, disproportionately, fallen on women.

In Behla village of Manikpur, Chitrakoot, there is no source of safe drinking water. The women in the village have to walk nearly three kilometers  sometimes multiple times a day  through fields and forests, large swathes of its infamous bandit territory, to source water.

When I make this trip, there is only one thing on my mind. I hope and pray that I dont meet anyone along the way, and that I face no problem, said Suman Devi, a Behla native. She described the route she and many other women frequent: We come from the village, walking through the mustard fields. We are scared about someone ill-intentioned hiding in the tall growth. She implied that the fear was of physical or sexual harassment when she added, matter-of-factly, Of course, we are women. This is our primary fear.

Chandravati Devi, another villager, echoed the same fears. I feel scared making this trip alone, she said, I only hope every day that there is no problem, and that nobody harasses me. She has been making this trip for the last five or six years, despite the risks and her very palpable fear.

She is not alone. There are approximately 80 households in this village, and yes, they all get their water from the well, said Mukul, husband of the village head Munni, who wasn't available for a comment. As for the water supply in the village? The water that comes from the tap isnt good, especially for drinking, informed Suman Devi, If you fill a container with it, the water immediately turns red and looks like blood, an indication of the soil in Manikpur. If anyone drinks the water, theyll get a fever and a cold, explained another local, Lakshmi Devi, the impact is immediate.

More than 16.3 crore people in India still don't have access to clean water  the highest in the world. Given that access to water is a basic necessity, and a right protected by the Constitution, the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) was launched in April 2009 with the objective of providing every rural person with safe and adequate water for drinking, cooking and other domestic needs. By 2017, it was meant to provide access to safe drinking water to all rural habitations, government schools and anganwadis, and was assigned Rs 89,956 crore in programme funds. However, a Comptroller and Auditor General of India report said that the programme had failed: despite spending 90% of the funds, only 44% of rural habitations and 85% of government schools and anganwadis had access to drinking water. At least 50% of all rural habitations were supposed to have access to safe water at 55 liters per capita per day by a piped water supply; only 18% actually did.

Weve demanded clean drinking water many times over, said Karan, a Belha resident, Weve spoken to the village head, filled out an application. Mukku, closest person to administration willing to speak to our reporter, did not deny the existence of the problem, but did not seem particularly motivated to address it either: Weve made one effort that is to change the supply taps main pipeline, which is made out of plastic and was put in ten years ago. It is possible that it got cracked because of vehicular movement. But in all of these years, the pipe in this village has not changed. Instead, trekking out to natural water bodies, deep in the jungles, has become the norm for these women.

And yet, official governmental data doesn't reflect this failure. As recorded in a parliamentary response, 98.6% of all 2.6 lakh habitations in Uttar Pradesh are fully covered, i.e. get more than 40 liters per capita per day of safe drinking water. Contamination is a non-issue too: of all 109 sources tested in Manikpur, none were found to be contaminated above permissible limits. The Manikpur BDO refused to speak on camera but in person, he dismissed the complaint of the lack of safe drinking water saying that it is a frequent complaint made despite the fact that there are many handpumps in the block. Even if that were the case, handpumps can hardly be called sources of safe drinking water  even though going by Government guidelines, they are, which could be one explanation for the bloated statistics  as they can be carriers of water-borne diseases.

According to the 2011 Census, nearly 56% of all rural households in Uttar Pradesh didnt have a source of drinking water within their household premises. The burden to find and transport water for themselves and their families, has always, disproportionately , fallen on women.

And eight years later, at least for the women in Behla who risk their safety every day, this reality has not changed.

Khabar Lahariya is a women-only network of rural reporters from Bundelkhand.
At a time when the fault lines are becoming starker, how corrosive and baffling it would be to define the boundaries of an accepted Indian-ness along lines of Hindu and Muslim otherness?

Editor's note: In this debate, we ask the question  'Can we eject Islam from our history?' Arguing against the motion is Ira Mukhoty, an Indian author with an interest in mythology and history. Read the counterpoint to this debate by Makarand Paranjape here.

"The Hindu, like the eunuch," wrote James Mill in the early 19th century, "excels in the qualities of a slave." Through these sentiments, the Scottish historian, economist and philosopher was explaining what had become accepted wisdom  the categorising of India into clearly defined communities, Muslims and Hindus, separate and apart, in which the Hindus were described as weak, and effeminate, and the Muslims, though "duplicitous", were nevertheless "manly and vigorous". The self-loathing and the fear of emasculation that this created among certain Hindus called for the re-imagining of this weakened creature as one of a "dying race" with a once-glorious Aryan past.

When the birth of a nation has been as cataclysmic as Indias, then the fault lines run deep. The violence with which the British suppressed the uprising of 1857 was just the visible extreme of an age of colonial suppression and reshaping. To reclaim the perfect past, the Hindu needed to rediscover his virility and strength. A cult of the physique was initiated and violence and bravery now coalesced to form a revitalised Hindu who would never again cower before a foreign power. Even before freedom was achieved and the British dispatched, a new enemy had been identified, a danger signalled. One who had once been threatening and fierce. And so the Muslim became "the other".

The notion that a land can belong to only one people is hubris. The search for a pure, "original" inhabitant is similarly flawed. Recent genetic studies show that the very oldest inhabitants of the subcontinent are represented by the modern day Andaman islanders. All further cultures developed through the migration into India of "Iranian agriculturist" stock and then, later, "Steppe pastoralist" stock, all of which created the Indus Valley civilisation and the Vedas. Any attempt now, millennia later, to strip away the kaleidoscope layers that make up our countless, entwined identities would be foolish and destructive.

Muslims first had contact with India through the Arab traders, from the very beginning of the history of Islam itself. From the 11th century onwards, the Islamicate dynasties that were established in India sometimes came from a Persianised, and even pre-Islamic world. While it is irrefutable that some, such as Nadir Shah, were purely destructive forces, many were not. For the Mughals of India, Islam was only one of many symbols of kingship, as they strove to legitimise their rule in a land filled with diverse peoples. They had a pragmatic and robust attitude to religion, using it for political expediency if required. It was Timurid art, architecture, etiquette, poetry and Sufi mysticism that each Padshah promoted according to his predilection, thus creating an enduring Islamicate legacy which owed quite as much to its Indic home.

There were less exalted areas of interaction too. The close alliance of the Rajput clans with the Mughal elite resulted in not only a syncretic style of painting and architecture but shaped an entire genre of Raso poetry and epic tales. At this cosmopolitan Mughal court where Iranis, Afghans, Turks, Ethiopians, Indian Muslims and Central Asians rubbed shoulders with Rajput noblemen, Akbar composed verse in Hindi and elite noblemen like Abdur Rahim were accomplished Braj poets with a deep understanding of the Hindu religion.

Hari resides in Rahims own eyes

Then what need does he have to apply kajal?

The Hindu poets, meanwhile, negotiated this imperial reality with equal aplomb and incorporated the Padshahs into the local divinity. In Amrit Rais Mancarit, for example, the poet talks about Akbar as follows:

The goddess Lakshmi shares her time between Vishnus embrace

And nestling at Akbars breast.

It was not only Padshahs and Sultans, naturally, who lived in Hindustan and contributed to its culture. With the rise of Brahminical heterodoxy in the 2nd millennium, the lower castes converted en bloc to Islam and so there were communities of weavers, ironsmiths, butchers, and potters whose more humble endeavours also shaped the country.

During the uprising of 1857, the local leaders were well aware of the diverse people they represented. Hazrat Mahal in Awadh marshalled both Muslims and Hindus while realising clearly where the dividing force came from. "In the proclamation it is written that the Christian religion is true," declared Hazrat Mahal in her counter-proclamation, "to destroy Hindoo and Mussulman temples on pretence of making roads...while the places of worship of Hindoos and Mussulmans are entirely neglected." And so she sharply accused the British of creating bitter religious divisions.

To guard against the possibility of any future revolutions, the British began a systematic eradication of Muslim influence. Manuscripts and buildings were razed, the Muslim population was evicted from Shahjahanabad and the old nobility disappeared. The refined etiquette of Old Delhi was lost and the seeds of a new, despicable "other", were planted.

So, at a time when the fault lines are becoming starker, how corrosive and baffling it would be to define the boundaries of an accepted "Indian-ness". How would we decide which spice to remove from our cuisine, which rose essence from our perfume, which cloth, which song, which colour and which love? It is that heinous exercise which would truly reduce and unmake us, not any imagined "other".

(The writer is an Indian author, with an interest in mythology and history)
The Supreme Court's observation comes after the Central government sought the suspension of the process in view of the impending general elections.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday slammed Union Ministry of Home Affairs for the delay in the completion of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process in Assam, saying the Ministry doesnt want the 'NRC process to go on' and 'the entire effort of MHA seems to be to destroy NRC.' The Supreme Court's observation comes after the Cente sought the suspension of the process in view of the impending general elections.

If you wanted the Assam NRC process to go on, the government has 1001 ways to do it... We are very disappointed. The entire effort of MHA seems to be to destroy NRC. We can even call the Union Home Secretary here, warned Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi. The CJI asked the Centre if it was too much to ask for general elections and NRC work to go on simultaneously and peacefully. The Supreme Court refused to pass an order on the Centres plea to suspend NRC work for two weeks during general elections and also clarified that it will not extend the date for publishing the final NRC list beyond 31 July.

The matter has been listed for the first week of March. The Centre wanted the withdrawal of 167 companies from the Assam NRC work to tend to the law and order situation in the country. CJI Gogoi said the Centre has around 3,000 combined armed police companies, adding that only 2,700 companies are needed during the Lok Sabha elections. Assam NRC work requires 167 companies. So what is the problem? the top court asked.

In response, Attorney General KK Venugopal said: We need to protect the borders also. Security of the country is involved. NRC is a register containing names of Indian citizens, which was prepared for the first time in 1951 and is being updated only for Assam to weed out illegal immigrants.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday slammed the Central government for causing 'delays in the NRC process', saying that the deadline will not be extended beyond 31 July and that the process must go on along with the elections.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday slammed the Central government for causing "delays in the NRC process" in Assam, saying that the deadline will not be extended beyond 31 July and that the process must go on along with the elections.

The court pulled up the Ministry of Home Affairs saying that it is "hell-bent on not allowing Assam NRC process to go on" and that "every time it comes up with different stories to destroy this process".

"We are getting an impression that the MHA wants to destroy the whole process," the court observed, NewsNation reported.

According to ANI, the Centre wanted the NRC process to be suspended in view of impending general elections.

"The top courts observation came while dismissing a plea for withdrawal of 167 companies of combined armed forces", Hindustan Times reported. The Supreme Court refused to allow the MHA to withdraw the central forces from Assam.

The court told the government wanted the citizen register process to go on there were 1001 ways to do so, the report said.

The process of inclusion of names in the NRC is being conducted for the first time since 1951, under the supervision of the Supreme Court. It was started in 2005 during the UPA government and picked up pace under the NDA government.

The first draft of the NRC was published on 31 December 2017, and the complete draft NRC was published on 30 July 2018. When the complete draft NRC was published, names of 40 lakh residents of Assam were excluded from it, creating a huge political controversy.

The Supreme Court had then set 15 December as the deadline to file claims and objections on the inclusion of names in the draft NRC. It was later extended to 31 December.

In January, the Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir had informed the Rajya Sabha that the NRC will be finalised as per the timelines approved by the Supreme Court after the disposal of claims and objections. However, the Centre had sought another extension on the deadline late January last year, which the Supreme Court had rejected. On Tuesday, it reiterated that the process must complete by 31 July.

With inputs from agencies


Recent developments, taken together, reveal the nervousness and indecision of the government and the RSS on how the Ram Mandir issue is to be presented during the campaign for the 2019 general elections

The barricaded acres around Ram Janmabhoomi occupy a very large area. Visible as soon as one reaches Tedhi Bazaar Chowk, the barricading runs alongside the crowded main road where Ayodhyas main Sri Ram Hospital is located, and curves towards areas close to the annual parikrama path of pilgrims  Brahm Kund and Kaushalya Ghat. Residents in these areas (known as the Yellow Zone for security reasons) have lived for over 25 years with their movements severely curtailed. And yet, they  like other residents of this temple town  accept the presence of the barricades as a sign that status quo is being maintained and there isnt likely to be any upheaval relating to the Mandir-Masjid title dispute presently before a Constitution bench of the Supreme Court.

On 29 January, the Central Government filed an application before the judges to Permit the Central Government to restore/revert/hand over back superfluous/excess vacant land (other than the disputed land admeasuring 0.313 acres) to the owners/occupiers from whom the lands were acquired under the Act of 1993.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath was quick to welcome this move by the Narendra Modi government, saying that permission to use the undisputed land was a long-standing demand of those asking for a Ram Mandir.

The Law Minister of India, Ravi Shankar Prasad, had expressed his disapproval of the slow pace of hearings in the Ayodhya case in the Supreme Court, a day earlier, in Patna. He later clarified that he spoke as an ordinary citizen and not as the Law Minister.

On 31 January, the RSS' Mohan Bhagwat and Uttar Pradesh's deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya were to address the Dharm-Sansad organised by the VHP at the Kumbh Mela. But not only did a sizeable portion of sadhus belonging to the Akhada Parishad boycott the event, alleging the politicisation of the Ram Mandir issue by the VHP, Mohan Bhagwats address was disrupted by heckling sadhus who raised slogans of Taareekh batao, ya vapas jao asking for the announcement of a date to build the temple, or a return home for Bhagwat. This open revolt and restlessness took the VHP aback, and they forcibly removed the slogan-shouting sadhus from the venue. Bhagwat had actually been appealing for patience for 4-6 months, giving time to the government to face elections. He offered reassurance that anything less than Mandir construction was not acceptable to the Sangh, and after the four to six-month window where he asked for forbearance during election season, the RSS would apply their full might to the demand and construction of a grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

All these developments, taken together, reveal the nervousness and indecision of the government and the Sangh on how the Ram Mandir issue is to be presented during the campaign for the 2019 general elections.

First, the vague mention of undisputed superfluous/excess vacant land in the Central Government application flies in the face of facts. The 67 acres acquired by the Union Government in 1993 in order to maintain communal harmony around the disputed site was taken from farmers families who are still fighting cases for due compensation in the Faizabad courts. These farmers included people from the Maurya, Muslim and SC communities. The land was earlier fertile fields where vegetables and puja flowers for the Ayodhya market were grown. Vineet Maurya, whose family held 29 of the 67 acres, is among those waiting for compensation to be paid. I wrote about the familys disenchantment with Hinduism as a result of their struggles, and how they became Buddhists, in my book Portraits from Ayodhya: Living Indias Contradictions (2011).

In 1992, the Kalyan Singh-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh had  a few months before the mob of kar-sevaks brought down the Babri Masjid  transferred 42 acres of the land within this 67 acres to the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas Trust on a 99-year lease at the rate of Rs 1 per annum, in order to build a Ram Katha Park. When the Central Government became a repositiory of the land through the Acquisition of Certain Areas of Ayodhya Act of 1993, this was barricaded within the 67-acre periphery and no Ram Katha Park came up here. Now, in a disingenuous and convoluted claim, the government is claiming in the Supreme Court that the VHP-controlled Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas are the original owners of the land and it should be given back to them, thus paving the way for some temple related construction to begin around the disputed area.

How can this land be considered undisputed? When land is acquired by any government, it has to be proved that it has been done for the benefit of the public, says advocate Deendayal, an Ayodhya resident who represents Vineet Mauryas family in court. If the land was acquired for a Ram Katha Park and no such park came up, it is the original farmers who need to get back their land. The Nyas is an outside third party. He doesnt see the present application having much effect on the Ayodhya matter, since the Supreme Court, in separate orders in 2003 and 2011, had directed that status quo be maintained with respect to the barricaded 67 acres.

Regular taunts about the unconstructed Ram Mandir continue to follow the BJP government. Uddhav Thackeray of the Shiv Sena, their alliance partner in Maharashtra, went on a much-publicised trip to Ayodhya in November 2018 questioning the BJP's inability to build the temple when it was in power both at the centre and in the state. The sadhus at the Dharm-Sansad showed a similar tendency. They have also heard the same from their own MLA from Ballia, Surendra Singh, on more than one occasion. Yogi Adityanaths announcement in November 2018, of a 221-metre statue of Ram to be erected in Ayodhya, has clearly failed to silence these jeering voices.

In election season 2019, Ayodhya is bringing its moment of reckoning for the BJP government at the centre.
Indian troops did not retaliate to the ceasefire violation to avoid civilian casualties across the border, said the officer, asking not to be named. He said the rockets aimed at the army camp in Jhulas area of the Krishna Ghati sector were fired around 10.30 am but did not cause any damage.

Jammu: Pakistani troops on Tuesday violated the ceasefire in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir by firing two rounds of rocket launchers towards an army camp along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Krishna Ghati sector, an army officer said.

Indian troops did not retaliate to the "deliberate provocation" to avoid civilian casualties across the border, said the officer, asking not to be named. He said the rockets aimed at the army camp in Jhulas area of the Krishna Ghati sector were fired around 10.30 am but did not cause any damage.

"The firing of rockets was a deliberate attempt to instigate strong reaction from the Indian Army since Pakistan is observing Kashmir Solidarity Day. There was a possibility of civilian casualties in view of the public rallies across the border," he said.

The latest ceasefire violation ended several days of lull in the firing from across the border.

Since the beginning of the new year, Pakistani troops have been regularly violating the ceasefire especially along the LoC in Jammu division. A few incidents of ceasefire violations were also witnessed along the International Border in January.

On 15 January, Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad of the BSF was killed when he was hit by a Pakistani sniper from across the border.

An army porter lost his life along the LoC in Rajouri district on 11 January. The same day, two army personnel including a major were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack along the LoC in Naushera sector of Rajouri.

The year 2018 had witnessed the highest number (2,936) of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops in the last 15 years along the Indo-Pak border.
The Congress on Tuesday accused the Modi government of 'politicising' the armed forces and compromising national security by 'lowering' the morale of soldiers and insulting them through cuts in their spending

New Delhi: The Congress on Tuesday accused the Modi government of "politicising" the armed forces and compromising national security by "lowering" the morale of soldiers and insulting them through cuts in their spending.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said "empty slogans" and "fake chest thumping" characterised the government's narrative towards defence forces in the past five years.

"They have sought to deeply politicise the blood and sacrifice of our armed forces and have taken systematic steps to lower the morale of our valiant soldiers.

"Budgetary cuts, lop-sided policy decisions and apathy towards the welfare of defence personnel and war veterans have been the cornerstone of Modi government's military policy," he said in a statement.

The Congress leader said last year's defence budget was merely 1.58 percent (Rs 2,85,423 crore) of GDP, the "lowest" allocation since 1962.

"(And) the interim Finance Minister Piyush Goyal in his interim budget speech 2019-20 boastfully said 'our defence budget will be crossing Rs 3,00,000 crore for the first time in 2019-20'. The fact of the matter is that the budgetary allocation for 2019-2020 has witnessed a meagre increase of 6.69 percent."

"The share of the defence budget in total GDP has been on a free fall since the Congress-UPA demitted office. Why?

"The Modi government has Rs 5,000 crore to spend on its self-promotion, publicity and advertisement blitzing, but doesn't have money for the salary, emoluments and weaponry of our jawans at the border. Only 70 days are left, and people of India have already started showing the exit route to the Modi government," he claimed.

Surjewala said the Principal Comptroller of Defence Accounts (PCDA), Pune, the agency that disburses salaries and emoluments to officers, has now taken a decision to freeze the temporary allowances paid to officers when they travel for purposes such as tours and training.

"The Army has 40,000 officers and at any given time, at least 1,000 officers are on the move or on 'temporary duty' to attend courses, planning conferences, Court of Inquiries, or exercises among other things.

"Modi government is a habitual offender in insulting the armed forces by 'back door' cuts in spending," he said.

The Congress leader also alleged that in January 2019, it was reported that the Ministry of Defence owed dues of Rs 1,600 crore for completion of military infrastructure, putting the security of military installations in jeopardy.

"Why isn't the Modi government releasing these funds," he asked.

He also alleged that the Defence Ministry has not cleared the pending dues of Rs 2,000 crore to the Military Engineer Services Builders Association of India, for installing the hangers for Rafale aircraft purchased from France, the first of which is to arrive in September this year.

The Association has now threatened to protest against the Modi government, he said, alleging that Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, first gave a lame-duck excuse that the Air Force did not have 'requisite infrastructure' and 'parking space' for 126 Rafales (that were under UPA deal); now Modi government hasn't even sanctioned funds for the creation of Rafale hangers.

"Why did Modi government impose monthly limits on the number of items that can be purchased by individuals from Canteen Stores Department (CSD) outlets, that caters to serving and retired personnel who draw their remuneration from defence estimates," he said.

Surjewala also asked if it is correct that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, headed by Major General BC Khanduri, "exposed the shameful state of neglect" towards the requirements of the armed forces, pointing out that 68 pc of Army's equipment is vintage; with no money for emergency weapons purchase.

"Is it true that there ain't enough resources to undertake the construction of strategic roads near the China border? Why are the armed forces so cash-starved that the 2018 parliamentary standing report had to highlight that due to lack of arsenal and ammunition it will be difficult for us to sustain a 10-day war," he asked.

He also asked why is the Army forced to cut supplies by 50 percent from Ordnance Factories and why the Modi government withdrew the medical benefits/pensions to the jawans who have served the nation under Short Service Commission.
21st Ward: Ald. Howard Brookins Jr. earned previous Tribune endorsements for alderman and a U.S. House seat because he had worked effectively for the residents of this South Side ward. Especially noteworthy: his push, over union objections, for the opening of a Walmart. But Brookins also has given us reasons to rethink our support. In 2014 his former chief of staff pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe from a developer. In 2016, Brookins stood with now-disgraced Ald. Edward Burke in opposing an ordinance that would have strengthened the City Hall inspector generals oversight of aldermanic programs such as Burkes $100 million-a-year disability fiefdom. Brookins tells us he now sees that vote as a mistake. He says he favors anti-corruption measures such as setting clearer rules for aldermens outside employment. A culture change, however, also requires some new faces. Marvin McNeil, a retired zoning official, is brimming with energy and ideas. He knows city government and his ward, which he notes has 400 blocks (hes counted). Sidewalks need repair, he said. Street lighting needs improvement. McNeil wants to advocate for affordable housing. Longtime aldermen operate with a sense of entitlement, McNeil says. He promises to come into office raising hell, serve two terms and then depart. Also running are Joseph C. Ziegler Jr. and Patricia A. Foster. McNeil is endorsed.
The Mumbai civic body on Monday earmarked Rs 4,151 crore for health and Rs 2,074 crore for primary education besides allocating funds for a number of infrastructure projects in its Rs 30,692-crore budget for 2019 -20.

Mumbai: The Mumbai civic body on Monday earmarked Rs 4,151 crore for health and Rs 2,074 crore for primary education besides allocating funds for a number of infrastructure projects in its Rs 30,692-crore budget for 2019 -20 in which no new tax has been proposed.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)'s total budget estimates are 12.6 percent more than the last fiscal. In 2018-19, the country's richest civic body had presented a budget of Rs 27,258 crore, which was an increase of 8.4 percent over the 2017-18 estimates.

In its budget estimates for FY20, the BMC neither proposed any hike in the existing taxes nor any new levy. BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta, who presented the budget, said the civic body has primarily focused on important projects and sectors like health, education, bridges, road and traffic, among others.

The cash-rich BMC in 2016-17 had presented its highest-ever budget of Rs 37,052 crore. However, it slashed the budget size by about Rs 12,000 crore in the subsequent year (2017-18) by presenting a budget of Rs 25,141 crore, calling it "realistic".

For implementation of the Development Plan (DP) 2034, a separate budget of Rs 3,323.64 crore has been proposed for 2019-20 for improving amenities.

Mehta earmarked Rs 4,151 crore for health and Rs 2,074 crore for primary education, which are 13 percent and 7 percent, respectively, of the total expenditure.

Total establishment budget size stood at Rs 11,946 crore, which is 48 percent of total revenue.

The BMC set aside funds for mega projects, including coastal road (Rs 1,600 crore), cycle track (Rs 120 crore), Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (Rs 100 crore), waste-to-energy plant at Deonar (Rs 100 crore), major and minor repairs of bridges (Rs 108 crore), zoo development works (Rs 110 crore) and solid waste management (Rs 177 crore).

Other major projects are expansion of KB Bhabha Hospital-Bandra (Rs 10 crore), redevelopment of Bhagwati Hospital (Rs 40 crore) and construction of medical college building in Cooper Hospital (Rs 35 crore).

They also include development of a textile museum (Rs 15 crore), upgradation of Deonar abattoir (Rs 20 crore), construction of Topiwala market (Rs 20 crore), redevelopment of Sion Hospital premises (Rs 10 crore), installation of CCTV cameras (Rs 124.30 crore) and footpath policy (Rs 100 crore).

The civic body also made of provision of Rs 5 crore for the Bal Thackeray memorial for which the Maharashtra government has already approved Rs 100 crore through MMRDA. Clarifying over the memorial budget, Mehta said, "BMC had already done the work of soil testing and related works (at the site). Besides, it had to foot some contingency bills also. Therefore, BMC made this provision."

In addition, the BMC proposed Rs 44 crore as capital investment for the BEST undertaking and allocated Rs 3 crore for providing 50 percent concession to senior citizens travelling in buses operated by the civic transport utility whose employees went on a strike last month.

Among other projects, the civic body proposed Rs 2 crore for night shelter support system, Rs 1 crore for Mayor's new bungalow in Dadar, Rs 5 crore for constructing a 16-storey building for working women in suburban Goregaon.

Speaking to mediapersons after presenting the budget, Mehta said, "We have focused on development projects for improvement of city's infrastructure like roads, storm water drains, bridges, solid waste management, water projects as well as to provide basic amenities to Mumbaikars."
'We might as well have not separated from Uttar Pradesh if this was going to be the state of affairs'  this is the common train of thought that villagers in Uttarakhand have been voicing. Reason: the 40-year-old problem of mass migration that continues to hold the hilly region in its grip.

Editor's Note: The idea of a 'ghost village' is now a reality in Uttarakhand, where remote villages in the hills lack basic amenities like roadways, health centres and schools. This seven-part series will examine the root cause of this migration and the measures being taken to tackle the problem.

Read the series here.

***

Dehradun: "We might as well have not separated from Uttar Pradesh if this was going to be the state of affairs"  this is the common train of thought that villagers in Uttarakhand have been voicing. Reason: the 40-year-old problem of mass migration that continues to hold the hilly region in its grip.

The Rural Development and Migration Commission, set up by Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat in 2017, released its survey report early last year. Its findings paint a grim picture of the state of affairs  in the past decade, 1,18,981 people from 3,946 gram panchayats migrated permanently, and 3,83,726 people from 6,338 gram panchayats shifted temporarily (they visit their homes but live outside the state for work).

In search of a livelihood

Ganesh Dutt Bhatt of Bhatt village in Takula development block, 25 kilometres from the Almora district headquarters, has watched his village become emptier and emptier over the past four-odd decades. So severe is the problem that the 61-year-old himself migrated a few days ago, despite his age. He now runs a small shop in Almora.

"When I was 15, there were 100-odd families in my village. But facilities were so few and poor that people started leaving for cities in the early 1980s. Now, 35-odd families are left," he said.

"The educated are the first to leave as they get good jobs in cities and settle there. My eldest brother stays in Nainital district's Haldwani town, and two other brothers are in Almora. What is one to do when there aren't many options for livelihood in the village? There are hardly any industries or factories in the development block. Earlier, people cultivated crops, but monkeys, pigs and other animals have made even that difficult now. It's just not viable (to live in Bhatt) anymore, given the expenditure and waste."

Ganesh is not exaggerating. When you look at the findings of the survey, you can see that 50 percent of villagers from gram panchayats migrated in search of livelihood and employment, 15 percent for education and 8 percent due to lack of medical facilities in their hamlets.

He added that Bhatt village got a road only five years ago, before which the sick had to be transported in palanquins.

"We lived in such circumstances, making do with whatever we had, but it's harder for the younger generation. Also, for us, there was that emotional bond with our roots that made us stay for so long. But the youths, especially those who are financially more stable, have left. Only the uneducated and those who can't afford to stay in cities are left in the village now," Ganesh explained.

As per the commission's report, youths constitute the highest number of those who migrated from Uttarakhand  42 percent are in the age group of 26 to 35, 29 percent are over 35 years old and 28 percent below 25.

Water sources dry, options shrink

Gram Pradhan of Bhatt village, Girish Chandra Bhatt, echoed Ganesh's views and said it has become difficult to engage even in the traditional occupation of animal husbandry due to lack of grass.

"The unemployed were dependent on it; so naturally, they are struggling to make ends meet now. Not just that, there's an abundance of pine (forest patches), but that doesn't allow anything else to grow around it. There's a water crisis too  natural sources in the mountains have dried up, and monsoon has become erratic. How can one do farming or animal husbandry in such a scenario?" he asked.

"Years ago, it was different, needs were fewer People managed to survive. But now, that's difficult. With traditional sources of livelihood shrinking in the hills, people are forced to migrate."

Ratan Singh Aswal, convenor of the 'Palayan Ek Chintan' campaign and resident of Pauri district, said Uttarakhand was suffering because authorities had not come up with a hill-centred model of development yet.

"It is a matter of great concern that of the 734 uninhabited villages, 14 are near the international border. This poses a serious threat to the area. Wrong policies by consecutive state governments alone have not emptied villages; the educated and financially-sound residents, like teachers and ex-army personnel, are abandoning their hometowns for urban areas. Ever since the sixth and seventh pay commission increased people's purchasing power, they made a beeline for Dehradun, Haldwani and other cities," Aswal rued.

"Salary hikes and other perks are all very well. But what about basic amenities for the hills? It's been 18 years (since Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh) and the state is still struggling. That's not a good sign for the future," he added.

How the survey was done

Under its vice-president SS Negi, the commission, through the Department of Rural Development, surveyed 7,950 gram panchayats in January and February 2018. The team toured all districts of Uttarakhand and spoke to local residents about various aspects of rural development and migration.

Negi said 70 percent of the people who migrated left gram panchayats for various places within the state, while 29 percent of them left the state and around 1 per cent left the country, after the 2011 census.

"There are 565 revenue villages (also called 'tok' or 'majra'), that witnessed a 50 percent decrease in population after 2011. Of these, six are located around 5 kilometres from the international border. Almora and Pauri are the most-affected districts of the lot," he added.

As per the report, 43 percent of the people who migrated from gram panchayats are engaged in agriculture and 33 percent in labour.

What the government says

The Uttarakhand chief minister said establishing the migration commission was evidence of his government's seriousness in addressing this issue.

"Providing new employment opportunities, quality education and better healthcare facilities in these villages is first on the government's agenda. With the help of these measures, migration can be stopped in an effective manner," Rawat added.

He also claimed that his government had taken several masures to raise the standard of education in Uttarakhand .

"I am hopeful that fruitful results will be seen soon, which will lead to reverse migration."

The author is a Dehradun-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com
In a letter addressed to the West Bengal chief secretary, the MHA cited indisciplined behaviour and violation of All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968/AIS (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969 by the 1989-batch IPS officer.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday asked the West Bengal government to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar. In a letter addressed to the West Bengal chief secretary, the MHA cited indisciplined behaviour and violation of All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968/AIS (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969 by the 1989-batch IPS officer.

The letter mentions that as per the information received by the MHA, Kumar sat on a dharna along with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee at the Metro Channel in Kolkata. which is prima facie in contravention of the extant provisions of the official rules.

The MHA communication cited the extant provisions of the Rules 3(1), 5(1) and 7 of the AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968. which were reportedly flouted by Kumar as he joined Mamata in her midnight protests on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Tuesday had ordered Kumar to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and "faithfully co-operate" in the investigation of the ponzi chit fund schemes Saradha and Rose Valley despite protests against Centre's "high-handedness" by Mamata.
Fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi, a main defendant in Indias largest bank fraud case, is still an Indian citizen despite holding an Antigua and Barbuda passport, an Indian official told Reuters, adding that the government is pushing for his extradition.

Georgetown: Fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi, a main defendant in Indias largest bank fraud case, is still an Indian citizen despite holding an Antigua and Barbuda passport, an Indian official told Reuters, adding that the government is pushing for his extradition.

Choksi, who is one of the key people accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of $2 billion, fled India before the accusations surfaced last year. Bringing Choksi back to India would be a boon for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he tries to bolster his anti-corruption credentials ahead of a general election.

Choksi, along with his nephew, diamond tycoon Nirav Modi, are accused of colluding with a handful of bankers to secure credit from overseas banks using fraudulent guarantees. Both have denied the allegations and have moved abroad. Choksi has secured a passport from Antigua and Barbuda, where wealthy foreigners can become citizens in exchange for investing in the country.

But Indian officials still consider him an Indian citizen, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana and Non-Resident High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda as well as St Kitts and Nevis, said in an interview in Georgetown last week.

He has not renounced his Indian citizenship. We have revoked his passport, but that does not mean we have revoked his citizenship. We must agree if someone wants to renounce their citizenship; we have not agreed, Mahalingam said.

You cannot commit some crime and run away from the country and (think) wed allow you to renounce your citizenship. That would look really stupid. India in August lodged an extradition request, which Mahalingam said Choksi was fighting.

If all sides agree Choksi is Indian, he could potentially be extradited from Antigua using a Commonwealth-based agreement. But his Antiguan citizenship complicates the situation even though India does not permit dual citizenship.

He is ... entitled to the protection any citizen of Antigua and Barbuda is, Lionel Hurst, the chief of staff for the Antiguan Prime Ministers Office, told India Today TV in September.

Brought to justice'

In January, Hurst told India Today the struggle over Choksi now depended on Antiguan courts, and warned the case could last for a very long time.

Choksi in November also filed an application to a Mumbai court refuting that he was a fugitive and blaming persisting medical conditions for preventing him from returning to India, court documents show.

When asked whether Choksi remained an Indian citizen, Choksis Mumbai-based lawyer Sanjay Abbot late last week confirmed that Choksi had surrendered his passport but directed questions on his citizenship to David Dorsett, a lawyer for Choksi in Antigua. Dorsett did not respond to a request for comment.

In a separate case, the Indian government is pursuing businessman Jatin Mehta regarding fraud allegations at his company, Winsome Diamonds and Jewellery Ltd. India has requested that St Kitts and Nevis, where Mehta is believed to be living, provisionally arrest him, Mahalingam said. Once that is done, extradition request will follow, he added.

Reuters was unable to contact Mehta. Officials in Antigua and Barbuda, as well as St Kitts and Nevis, did not respond to requests for comment.

Modi said recently any corruption suspect would face justice regardless of whether he is in India or abroad. Any person who has cheated or looted the country shall be brought to the justice, Modi said in a speech.
n additional affidavit submitted by the CBI in the Supreme Court claimed that the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar shielded chit fund firms like Saradha and Rose Valley during the SIT's probe into the scams the companies were involved in.

An additional affidavit submitted by the CBI in the Supreme Court claimed that the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar shielded chit fund firms like Saradha and Rose Valley during the SIT's probe into the scams the companies were involved in.

On Tuesday, reports said that the two companies also gave huge contributions to the ruling Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress during the time. The affidavit also alleged that crucial evidence like laptops, mobile phones were "handed over" to the main accused in the Saradha case by the investigating officer, ANI reported. The officer was reportedly under the supervision of Kumar.

The CBI also said that several "incriminating materials" and correspondence was collected during the investigation into the scam cases that were conducted by the investigative agency after they were transferred to it by the Supreme Court in 2014. The affidavit further alleged that these materials were evidence against "senior police officials" and "senior politicians".

Additional affidavit by #CBI in the #SupremeCourt CLAIMS that #Kolkata police commissioner #RajeevKumar & SIT of the state government shielded #ChitFund firms like #SaradhaChitFund & Rose Valley which gave huge contributions to the #TMC. pic.twitter.com/uqttIkZ9Qn  Utkarsh Anand (@utkarsh_aanand) February 5, 2019

A Supreme Court bench led by CJI Ranjan Gogoi took up the CBI's plea alleging that Kumar had destroyed evidence related to the Saradha chit fund scam on Tuesday. The bench asked the Kolkata cop to "faithfully cooperate" with the CBI in further investigation.

The court also issued a notice to Kumar and sought his response before 20 February, which is the next date of hearing on the allegations by the CBI that he was tampering with electronic evidence and that the SIT provided the probe agency with "doctored materials".

The CBI's investigation into the scam cases came to the forefront after the West Bengal chief minister staged a dharna on Sunday night in protest against the CBI's action of arriving at Kumar's residence to question him regarding his involvement in the case.

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With inputs from agencies
The defrauded investors and agents of various chit fund companies on Monday said they feel 'betrayed' by the West Bengal government's move to stop CBI officers from interrogating the Kolkata Police Commissioner and accused the Trinamool Congress dispensation of trying to hide the truth behind the multi-crore scam.

Kolkata: The defrauded investors and agents of various chit fund companies on Monday said they feel "betrayed" by the West Bengal government's move to stop CBI officers from interrogating the Kolkata Police Commissioner and accused the Trinamool Congress dispensation of trying to hide the truth behind the multi-crore scam.

Asim Chatterjee, a convenor of the Chit Fund Sufferers Forum, told PTI that the ongoing tussle between the state government and the Centre over CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar is not only condemnable but also an attempt to hide the truth.

Another Forum convenor, Jayanta Haldar, said the outfit would soon organise a rally of defrauded investors of the chit fund companies in the city. "We will demand that all the culprits be arrested and the money be returned to the duped investors," he added.

"I was both an agent and an investor of a chit fund company. I was duped of about Rs 30 lakh. Now when the CBI is trying to find the truth behind the scam the state government is trying to stop it," said Bisu, a defrauded investor.

"We feel betrayed," he said and wondered why the state government was so desperate to stop the questioning of the top police officer. Another defrauded investor Ujjal said he had lost Rs 25 lakh to both Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund companies.

"We invested in the chit fund companies after we saw the owners hobnobbing with top Trinamool Congress leaders and ministers. It made us trust these firms," he said. "The state government did nothing else but shielded the culprits. Now when the CBI is trying to unravel the truth, why is the state government creating hurdles?" he asked.

However, Trinamool Congress have time and again said that it is their government which has arrested the chit fund owners.

"Our government arrested chit fund owners when we came to power. It is we who formed an SIT to probe the matter," Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said on Sunday in a hurriedly-called press conference outside Rajeev Kumar's residence.

An all-out war broke out between the Centre and the state government on Sunday, with the feisty West Bengal chief minister beginning a sit-in protest at a city landmark over CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with the chit fund scam. She said it stifled the spirit of "Constitution and federalism".

A furious Banerjee began a sit-in at the Metro channel in Esplanade area in the heart of the city to protest against "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, hours after a CBI team that had gone to question Rajeev Kumar was detained in a face-off between the police establishments of the Centre and the state.

The Saradha chit fund scam is said to have mopped up Rs 4,000 crore, while the Rose Valley scam is said to have mopped up Rs 15,000 crore from lakhs of gullible investors. There were several other chit fund companies as well and the scam is said to have affected over 2.5 million small investors in the state.
An ecstatic Mamata received the media at the dharna site and said that she stands vindicated after the court's ruling. 'This is a moral victory, it's the victory of the people,' Mamata said. Attorney General KK Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for CBI while Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for West Bengal.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and "faithfully co-operate" in the investigation of the ponzi chit fund schemes Saradha and Rose Valley. The Supreme Court orders came while chief minister Mamata Banerjee has been in sitting in a dharna since Sunday (3 February) protesting against Centre's high-handedness.

The Supreme Court also told the CBI to question Kumar in Shillong, a neutral location. During the hearing, the CBI picked Delhi as the place for questioning, while the West Bengal government wanted Kolkata. Gogoi said, "Go to Shillong. It is a cool place. Both sides will remain cool there."

An ecstatic Mamata received the media at the dharna site and said that she stands vindicated after the court's ruling. "This is a moral victory, it's the victory of the people," Mamata said. Attorney General KK Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for CBI while Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for West Bengal.

Singhvi claimed that the CBI's actions were an attempt to "harass and humiliate" Kolkata Police commissioner Kumar. He asked why there was no FIR yet against the police commissioner.

The Supreme Court issued notices to West Bengal chief secretary, DGP, Kolkata Police commissioner on contempt pleas moved by Venugopal, appearing for the CBI, against them. "Replies in contempt petition filed by CBI has to be placed by West Bengal chief secretary, DGP on or before 18 February," the three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said.

It directed the CBI not to take any coercive step or arrest Kumar, and fixed 20 February for further hearing.

The bench, also comprising Justice Deepak Gupta and Justice Sanjeev Khanna, said that after consideration of the replies, the court might prefer the personal appearance of the three (chief secretary, DGP, and Kumar) on 20 February. The apex court's secretary general will inform them on 19 February whether they are required to be present before the apex court on 20 February, the bench said.

During the hearing, which lasted for about 15 minutes, Venugopal and Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta narrated the sequence of events of the Saradha scam case since 2014. They alleged that Kumar was not cooperating in the investigation of the cases arising out of the chit fund scam, which was handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the West Bengal police, of which Kumar was the functional head, was not handing over the complete documents over to the CBI and some of the documents given by the SIT were doctored, Mehta and Venugopal alleged.

The CBI has alleged that the state SIT had not given the complete call data details and there was serious omission or commission wilfully done by the SIT. "What was given to us were doctored copy of call records," the Venugopal said, mentioning "the chit fund scam concerning the Rose Valley case was a case of cheating, involving Rs 15, 000 crores."

While he was making submissions, the bench proposed to pass an order that it will direct Kumar to make himself available for the investigation. "No reason why he will not make himself available for the investigation," the bench said.

However, when Venugopal said the CBI has also filed a contempt petition against the Kolkata police chief, the bench said any order can be passed only after examining the replies of the parties.

Venugopal also narrated the incident of detention of CBI officials who reached Kolkata Police chief's residence on Sunday for questioning him. Venugopal said 25 CBI officials were bundled into a bus and taken to the police station, and even CBI joint-director Vikas Shrivastav's house was under seige of the West Bengal police.

Singhvi claimed that the West Bengal Police and Kumar are fully cooperating with the agency and the DGP had written five letters to the CBI in connection with the probe. He said there was no destruction of evidence, as opposed to the CBI's allegations after five years of investigation.

Grateful to Supreme Court, says Mamata

Mamata called the Supreme Court order barring Kumar's arrest "a moral victory". "The order will strengthen morale of officers. We are grateful to the Supreme Court," she told reporters in Dharamtala, where she has been on a dharna since Sunday night.

Responding to questions on who will lead the Opposition charge against Narendra Modi in 2019 and who will be the boss of the Opposition parties, Mamata said, "No one is the big boss of this country; democracy is the big boss. I am not pleading for Kumar. I am pleading for millions of people of this country." she said.

Mamata claimed that Kumar never said he was unavailable to appear before CBI for questioning. "They wanted to arrest him on Sunday in a secret operation. They went to their house. We have written five letters to the CBI. We are very happy with the verdict. I am ready to meet and ready to cooperate and I am thankful to Central and state forces."

Mamata further added that the Modi government did not follow protocol in this case. "Centre and state should work together, but how do you work with a government hellbent on indulging in divisive politics?" Mamata asked, and said, "I never said we will not cooperate. We have written letters to CBI. Our case was strong from the very beginning," she said.

When asked who will be the Opposition leader in the 2019 face-off, Mamata said, "People will be. Every Indian is a prime minister. Janta is the big boss. I am grateful to my countrymen, but the Narendra Modi government is playing divisive politics. It is a people's movement, it is not TMC-led movement. They scare us with arrests for every little thing. Is this a way to run a country? Sterilisation brought down Indira, Bofors brought down Rajeev Gandhi and Modi's end of term will be because of his constant disregard for Constitution and federal structure."

Mamata refused to call off her sit-in protest and said she will only take a decision after consulting other Opposition leaders. "I am not scared of saying anything. What will they do? They will either arrest me or kill me. I don't care," she said.

She hit out at Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, who had recently claimed the TMC of being "scared" due to the rise of the BJP. "Ask him to take care of Uttar Pradesh first. So many people have been killed (in recent incidents). Even the police were murdered. So many were lynched. He will lose if he contests elections. He doesnt have a place to stand in Uttar Pradesh, thats why he's roaming in Bengal," she said.

#WATCH WB CM Mamata Banerjee:Ask Yogi to take care of Uttar Pradesh first. So many ppl have been killed,even police were murdered,so many ppl were lynched,he himself will lose if he contests elections.He doesnt have a place to stand in UP thats why he's roaming around in Bengal pic.twitter.com/ijtBwTHdvX  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of "settling scores" with the Opposition.

Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress: The govt is settling scores with opposition after interfering in autonomous bodies. We are fighting against those elements. It is not about an individual, an officer or a party, we are fighting against govt's attempt to discredit autonomous bodies. pic.twitter.com/h177v5o3fm  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted again on Tuesday as Trinamool Congress members engaged in sloganeering against the Modi government over the CBI issue.

First, the Question Hour was washed out and the proceedings were adjourned till noon. Soon after the Zero Hour commenced, members from the Trinamool Congress trooped into the Well and shouted slogans against the CBI and the Centre. Members from the TDP, SP and the Congress subsequently joined them in the Well.

The Zero Hour went on till around 12.30 pm, after which the House was adjourned till 2 pm. Before adjourneding the House till noon, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan told the protesting the members: "You do not have faith in CBI. You do not have faith in Supreme Court ... this is not done...the case is being heard by the Supreme Court. Let Parliament do its function. Let all institutions perform their (respective) roles." On Monday too, TMC members had disrupted proceedings over the CBI issue.

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A bench headed by Justice AK Sikri told the Ranjit Kumar to visit the Jagannath temple after the counsel appearing for Odisha argued that the amicus should visit the shrine and see the situation.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, who is assisting it as an amicus curiae in a matter related to administration of Jagannath temple in Puri, to visit the shrine to assess the ground reality there.

A bench headed by Justice AK Sikri said this after the counsel appearing for Odisha argued that the amicus should visit the temple and see the situation.

When the bench asked Kumar about it, he said he would visit the temple on 22 and 23 February and apprise the court.

The top court is dealing with a plea which has highlighted the difficulties faced by the devotees at Jagannath temple and their alleged harassment or exploitation by the 'sevaks' of the temple.

During the hearing on Tuesday, Kumar said one of the major issues at the temple was the lack of proper crowd management and absence of queue system for the devotees.

To this, the state counsel said that as the architecture of the shrine was different, it was not easy to have a "typical queue system" for the devotees there.

Referring to the architecture of the sanctum sanctorum there, the counsel said, "The amicus can go there and see the situation. The problem which the state is facing today cannot be visible unless the amicus goes there and sees it himself. We are not opposing the queue system."

After Kumar said he would go to the shrine, the bench asked the state to make all arrangements for his visit there.

The bench also said that Puri's district judge, who had earlier given a report to the apex court about administration of the shrine, and administrator of the temple to assist the amicus.

The bench posted the matter for further hearing on 27 February. Kumar referred to the interim report filed in 2018 by the district judge in the top court which had raised the issue of alleged harassment of devotees by the 'sevaks' (staffs) of the temple.

"Despite all the recommendations, either the state or the administrator are not doing anything or they do not want to do this due to which visitors going there are harassed," the amicus told the bench.

When one of the advocates appearing in the matter raised the issue of 'sevaks', Justice Sikri observed, "We are telling you with our own experience that there is exploitation (of devotees)."

On 9 January, the apex court had appointed Kumar as an amicus curiae to assist it in the case.

The apex court had on 30 November, 2018 accepted the request of senior advocate Gopal Subramanium to relieve him as amicus curiae in the matter.

Nine policemen were injured in the violence at Puri in October, 2018 during a 12-hour bandh called by a socio-cultural organisation protesting the introduction of a queue system for devotees visiting the temple, police had said.

The court had earlier said that no policeman should enter Jagannath temple "with weapons and shoes" after it was alleged before it that during the 3 October, 2018 violence at the shrine, cops had entered there with boots and guns.

The Odisha government's counsel had termed the allegations as "absolutely false" and said no policeman had entered the temple as the incident had taken place at office of Shree Jagannath temple administration which is situated around 500 metres from the main temple.

In July 2018, the top court had directed the Jagannath temple management to consider allowing every visitor, irrespective of faith, to offer prayers to the deity.

However, it had said that it would be subject to regulatory measures regarding dress code and giving an appropriate declaration.

It had directed the Centre to constitute a committee to look into the issues raised by the district judge of Puri regarding alleged exploitation of devotees, abolishment of hereditary Sevaks and appointment of Sevaks in the temple.
Opposition members hurled paper balls towards the podium as Uttar Pradesh Ram Naik addressed a joint sitting of the state legislature on the first day of of the Budget Session .

Lucknow: Opposition members hurled paper balls towards the podium and raised slogans as Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik addressed a joint sitting of the state legislature on the Budget Session's first day on Tuesday.

In his about 55-minute speech, the governor highlighted the welfare and development schemes of the state government, and also justified the renaming of Allahabad and Faizabad districts, saying, "my government has restored their cultural names."

Opposition members, including those from the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Congress, started raising slogans against the government and shouted 'rajyapal wapas Jao (Governor Go Back)' as soon as Naik began addressing the state legislature.

SP members hurled paper balls at the podium, but Naik continued to address the House, with staff using cardboard files to deflect the paper balls.

Speaking to reporters at the Central Hall of the House, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the behaviour of the opposition leaders and termed it "undemocratic" and "unparliamentary".

During the uproar, Subhash Pasi of SP, who was standing on a chair, fell and fainted after which he was rushed to a hospital.

In red, blue and white caps, members of the SP, BSP and other opposition parties also held placards reading, "gathbandhan se ghabraye hain; CBI, ED laye hain" (afraid of an alliance, they have unleashed CBI and ED), "jhoothey vaade band karo, mukhya mantri sharm karo" (stop making false promises, CM should be ashamed) and "khet bachao saando sey, desh bachao choron sey" (save fields from bulls and the country from thieves).

The opposition members also had posters in their hands in which the CBI was shown as a "cadged parrot". One of these posters had a picture of a dog with a strap attached to its neck and CBI was written on it.

Some members also had small replicas of cows and bulls in an obvious bid to show that government was not concerned with the stray cattle menace in the state.

In his 28-pages address, Naik said there has been "considerable improvement in the law and order (situation) in the state".

"Now, the common man is fear free and women are not afraid of coming out of their houses even during the night," he said.

The governor said due to the drive against criminals, there has been a substantial decline in serious crimes as compared to the last year.

"As many as 7,626 culprits were arrested in 3,285 police action against them. During these actions, 946 culprits sustained injuries, 73 others were killed. In these operations, 576 police personnel sustained injuries and four jawans attained martyrdom," Naik said.

Property worth about Rs 179 crore was seized while taking action against 289 criminals under the National Security Act and 10,541 others under the Gangster Act, he said.

The address also mentioned the ongoing Kumbh and highlighted works being done by the state government for organising the mega event.

Justifying the renaming of districts in the state, he said that "by changing name of Allahabad to Prayagraj and Faizabad to Ayodhya, my government has restored their cultural names."

On farmer's welfare, Naik said, "A record purchase of 52.92 lakh metric tonnes of wheat was made from 11,27,195 farmers under the price support scheme in 2018-19 and online payment of Rs 9231.99 crore was made within 72 hours."

Naik claimed that MoUs worth Rs 4.68 lakh crore were signed during the investor summit in February 2018 and foundation stones of 81 projects, involving an investment of over Rs 61,000 crore, was laid in July by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In the power sector, he said in the past 22 months, 94 lakh electricity connections, the highest and a record in itself, have been given in the state. The state has bagged 12 national awards for successful execution and implementation of central schemes, Naik said.

He said the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was held successfully for the first time in the state in January in Varanasi.

Referring to the Lok Sabha polls, the governor said he would like to urge all voters to exercise their right to vote and ensure maximum voting.

On the uproar in the House, Adityanath condemned behaviour of opposition members in front of governor and termed it as undemocratic.

"Behaviour of the SP, the BSP and the Congress in front of the governor is condemnable. It is unparliamentary and undemocratic and such agitation lower their dignity. The Samajwadi Party crossed limits of hooliganism by hurling paper balls and targeted the governor," he said
Hazare claimed that senior BJP leaders who once vehemently backed his Lokpal demand had turned 'allergic' to it after coming to power.

Ralegan Siddhi (Maharashtra): Amid concerns over social activist Anna Hazare's health, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and two Union ministers Tuesday met the 81-year-old here and requested him to call off his fast.

Hazare, who began his indefinite hunger strike on 30 January over appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs, has lost around 4.30 kg weight in the last seven days.

Fadnavis reached Hazare's native Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmednagar district in the afternoon and held talks with him. Union ministers Radha Mohan Singh and Subhash Bhamre and Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan were also present. The chief minister requested Hazare to call off the fast.

"Anna has expressed his disappointment with the Central and state governments over appointment of Lokpal and Lokayukta. If Fadnavis proposes something concrete, then only is there hope for a solution," an aide of the activist said.

Hazare began his fast demanding appointment of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states where such statutory anti-corruption watchdogs do not exist, and resolution of farmers' issues.

He has also been demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on ways to address agrarian distress, besides electoral reforms.

Locals who observed a bandh recently to show support for Hazare's agitation, restricted entry of government officials to the village on Tuesday.

The anti-graft crusader earlier said if the Narendra Modi government does not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan award.

Hazare Monday claimed that senior BJP leaders who once vehemently backed his Lokpal demand had turned 'allergic' to it after coming to power and accused the ruling dispensation of betraying people who voted it to power in 2014.

"During my Ramlila Maidan agitation on Lokpal and Lokayukta, the entire country stood up. An atmosphere was created. That is the reason why you (BJP) came to power. Now you are betraying the people who brought you to power," Hazare had said.

"Leaders like Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj had once vehemently defended the Lokpal demand in Parliament. But after coming to power, they are mum over it. It looks like they are allergic to Lokpal and Lokayukta. The agitation brought them to power but they have forgotten it," Hazare had said.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and water conservationist Rajendra Singh met Hazare on Monday and extended their support to his agitation.

Thackeray asked him not to sacrifice his life for the "useless" government.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, whose party is an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra, has extended his support to Hazare, asking him to emulate socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan and lead an agitation against corruption.
To be sure, there will still be Republicans who calculate that it's more important to support the president than to stand up for their own branch of government. Even if a handful of Senate Republicans would be enough to pass a law explicitly prohibiting Trump from building the wall, Trump could veto such legislation. And there probably aren't enough Republican votes in the House and Senate to get to a two-thirds majority that would be necessary to override the veto.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Talwar, contended that his client was picked up from Dubai and handed over to Indian authorities. 'Government of India abducted my client. More so, when there was summons for him to appear on 4 February. There was no extradition and they picked him up,' he argued.

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought a response from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a plea by alleged lobbyist Deepak Talwar challenging his detention by Indian agencies after he was deported from the UAE last week.

A bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Sangita Dhingra Sehgal issued notice to the ED and directed it to file a response to the petition by 11 February. The court listed the matter for further hearing on 12 February.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Talwar, contended that his client was picked up from Dubai and handed over to Indian authorities. "Government of India abducted my client. More so, when there was summons for him to appear on 4 February. There was no extradition and they picked him up," he argued.

The ED was represented by Central government standing-counsel Amit Mahajan who sought time to respond to the plea.

Talwar, who is in ED custody, was deported from Dubai on 30 January and was arrested by the agency after landing in New Delhi.

The ED earlier alleged before a trial court that Talwar acted as a middleman in negotiations to favour foreign private airlines, causing loss to national carrier Air India.

ED said it needs to interrogate Talwar to get the names of officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, National Aviation Company of India Ltd and Air India, who favoured foreign airlines, including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia.

The agency claimed entities directly or indirectly controlled by the accused received exorbitant amounts from Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia and submitted a chart of total $60.54 million received by firms directly or indirectly owned by Talwar between 23 April, 2008 to 6 February, 2009.

He has been charged with criminal conspiracy, forgery and under various other sections of the FCRA for allegedly diverting Rs 90.72 crore worth of foreign funds meant for ambulances and other articles received by his NGO from Europe's leading missile manufacturing company.

His role in some aviation deals during the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) regime at the Centre is under the scanner as well.

Talwar was booked by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in criminal cases of corruption, while the Income Tax Department charged him with tax evasion.
Day's top stories: UK clears Vijay Mallya's extradition; Mamata Banerjee's agitation to save the 'Constitution and country' will continue till 8 February; Priyanka Gandhi back in India, meets Rahul; and more.

UK orders Vijay Mallya's extradition to India

The UK Home Secretary has approved the extradition of businessman Vijay Mallya, accused of defrauding banks and money laundering, to India, the British government said on Monday. This comes as a major blow to the former liquor baron but gives a boost to India's efforts to bring back the fugitive businessman.

On 10 December, 2018, the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London had found that the 63-year-old business tycoon had a case to answer before Indian courts. Under the Extradition Treaty procedures, the chief magistrate's verdict was sent to Home Secretary Sajid Javid because only he was authorised to order Mallya's extradition. Mallya has confirmed that he will file an appeal against the extradition order.

Mamata Banerjee's dharna enters Day 3

A political firestorm raged on Monday as West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's sit-in protest against CBI's bid to question the Kolkata police chief in chit fund scams entered the second day. The chief minister had declared that her agitation to "save the Constitution and the country" will continue till 8 February and she was ready to face the consequences.

Virtually all Opposition parties rallied behind Mamata's direct confrontation with the Narendra Modi government, even as the BJP called it an "alliance of the corrupt", and Home Minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament that developments in West Bengal were indicative of a "breakdown of the Constitution".

The tense standoff between the CBI and the Kolkata Police on Sunday at the Kolkata Police commissioner's house echoed in Parliament on Monday and led to a washout of the proceedings following Opposition protests.

Supreme Court to hear CBI's plea against Rajeev Kumar

The Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear the CBI's application alleging that Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar had destroyed evidence related to the Saradha chit fund scam.

The CBI alleged that it has moved the application as an extraordinary situation has arisen, in which the top police officials of the West Bengal Police are sitting on a dharna along with a political party in Kolkata. The bench declined the plea of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to hear the two applications on Monday in the post-lunch session on an urgent basis and scheduled the hearing for Tuesday.

Priyanka Gandhi back in India, meets Rahul

The newly-inducted Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, returned to India on Monday. Soon after arriving in New Delhi, Priyanka met her brother and Congress president Rahul Gandhi at his Tughlaq Road home.

Other Congress leaders were present during her meeting at Rahul's house, where they discussed the strategy for Uttar Pradesh East. She is likely to take charge of her post on Tuesday.

Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh West Jyotiraditya Scindia was also present at the meeting. Priyanka and party leaders in Uttar Pradesh are expected to hold another meeting at Rahul's house on Tuesday.

'Only 2 women of menstrual age visited Sabarimala'

Days after courting controversy over a list of 51 women who had purportedly entered the Sabarimala temple, the Kerala government on Monday said only two women of menstrual age had visited the shrine since the Supreme Court removed the bar on their entry.

In a written reply in the state Assembly, the government also said the visit of a Sri Lankan woman in early January has yet to be confirmed. Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran, in response to an unstarred question, said two women had offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa shrine, according to the report of the temple executive officer.

The CPM-led state government had filed an affidavit in the apex court on 18 January, saying 51 young women had entered the temple during the recently concluded annual pilgrimage.

AIADMK-BJP alliance may be on the cards ahead of Lok Sabha elections

The AIADMK on Monday asserted that it will lead a coalition of parties in Tamil Nadu for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. It said "anything can happen in politics", apparently not ruling out a tie up with the BJP. This comes even as the DMK and Congress have virtually agreed to continue their alliance for the general elections.

Senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar made it clear that his party will be the senior partner in a tie-up, saying "we will lead the alliance".

Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam had, on Sunday, said the AIADMK was holding talks with regional, national and friendly parties, and the permutation of the alliance would be made known after a clear picture emerged. Reports also said that talks between the AIADMK and BJP are already on to seal a deal.

Indian government comes up with rules to regulate content on Chinese apps like TikTok

The Centre has come up with a set of draft regulations designed to force Chinese social media apps like TikTok to moderate content. The rules require any app that has more than 5 million users set up a local office and have a senior executive in India who can be held responsible for any legal issues. The draft says these app developers must deploy automated tools for "proactively identifying and removing or disabling public access to unlawful information or content".
The Centre has forwarded a bill of Rs 102 crore to the Kerala government for the use of Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters for flood relief operations in the state, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday.

New Delhi: The Centre has forwarded a bill of Rs 102 crore to the Kerala government for the use of Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters for flood relief operations in the state, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday.

In a written reply to a question in the Upper House, Minister of State in the Defence Ministry Subhash Bhamre said during Kerala floods, the IAF had carried out 517 sorties of Fixed Wing aircraft, airlifting 3,787 people and 1,350 tonnes of load, and 634 sorties of helicopters, winching 584 people and airlifting 247 tonnes of load.

"Bills of approximately Rs 102.6 crores have been forwarded to the Kerala Government for use of IAF aircraft and helicopters for Kerala Flood relief. The recoveries for providing services of IAF aircraft and helicopters are effected from the State Government and the Administration of Union Territories," Bhamre said.

The Army and the Navy are also preparing details of expenditure with respect to assistance rendered in wake of the floods in Kerala, he said. Heavy rains caused floods in large parts of Kerala in August last year, resulting in loss of human lives and property.

The assistance by armed forces to civil administration is governed by the "Instructions on aid to Civil Authority by the Armed Forces  1970", wherein recovery of expenditure incurred by the forces in rendering such aid is specified, he said.

The armed forces compile the details of expenditure incurred and forward the same to the state government, Bhamre said. "The bills duly scrutinised are forwarded by the state government to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for reimbursement," he added.

The armed forces were lauded by many, including Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, for their efforts during the Kerala flood relief operations.
The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing on the West Bengal government's plea against the CBI's attempt to enter Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar's residence to question him in connection with the multi-crore chit fund scam cases.

Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing on the West Bengal government's plea against the CBI's attempt to enter Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar's residence to question him in connection with the multi-crore chit fund scam cases.

The state government had on Monday pleaded for an immediate hearing on the incident from the day before when CBI sleuths appeared outside the police commissioner's official residence unannounced.

The high court had declined their plea and said it will take it up on Tuesday.

Appearing before Justice Shivakant Prasad at the beginning of the proceedings on Tuesday morning, State Advocate General Kishore Dutta prayed for adjournment of the matter since the Supreme Court was already seized of the issue.

On the state government's prayer, Justice Prasad adjourned the hearing in the matter till Thursday and verbally asked the advocate general to tell the state police to cooperate in the investigation.

The high court had on Monday refused immediate hearing on the case following objection by the Union government.

Dutta submitted on Monday that despite a stay by the high court on steps regarding issuing a notice to state police officials, the CBI sought to enter Kumar's residence on Sunday and question him.

He submitted that the court is scheduled to hear the matter on 13 February and as such, the CBI's attempt to enter Kumar's official residence was in violation of its order.

Additional Solicitor General Kaushik Chanda had submitted that the stay was on a CBI notice to only Arnab Ghosh, the then deputy commissioner (detective department) of the Bidhannagar Police, which had initially investigated the chit fund case, and two other police officials  Dilip Hazra and Sankar Bhattacharya.

He further told the court that the CBI has already moved the Supreme Court, on the order of which the central agency is investigating the chit fund cases, and as such, the hearing on the state's prayer be adjourned.
A Border Security Force jawan was arrested after he shot two fellow soldiers in Rajasthans Barmer district on Monday night

A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was arrested after he shot two fellow soldiers in Rajasthans Barmer district on Monday night, according to a News18 report. Both the injured were rushed to a district hospital and are out of danger, according to the report.

Constable Vimal Kumar shot head constable M Prakash and constable Purshottam Kumar with his Insas rifle in the stomachs at the Deepla border post located in Sedwa village as he was annoyed with one of his superior officers, PTI reported.

The Sedwa police first visited the location and then the hospital where the jawans were admitted to conduct an investigation. Meanwhile, Vimal is being interrogated. BSF inspector Tenzing Bhutia filed a case and commander Pradeep Kumar Sharma visited the hospital to enquire about the jawans health, as per the report.

A case has been registered under relevant sections against the accused at a local police station, Superintendent of Police (SP), Barmer, Rashi Dogra added.

With inputs from agencies
Banerjee has been on a 'dharna' since Sunday night over the CBI's attempts to interrogate the police chief.

New Delhi: The BJP on Tuesday projected the apex court order directing Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar to make himself available before the CBI as a blow to the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal and a moral victory for the investigating agency. The Supreme Court said Kumar will appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation in the Meghalaya capital Shillong. The court also said no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata police chief, will take place during the course of the investigation.

Senior BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad welcomed the order and said it's a blow to the Mamata Banerjee government and a victory for the CBI. It also showed that nobody is above the law, including the police commissioner, he added. The Kolkata police commissioner will appear before the CBI in Shillong as the environment is not conducive in West Bengal, Prasad said.

Describing the order as a "slap on the face" of the Mamata Banerjee-led government, top functionaries in the Centre, he said,"on a careful consideration of the court's order. It is quite apparent that the court has taken a dim view of the Kolkatta police comissioner and the entire top bureaucracy of the Mamata government." Emphasising that the conduct of the Mamata government's senior officers is on watch, the functionries citing the order said, the apex court has asked the Kolkata police chief, "to faithfully cooperate with the investigating agency at all times."

The Mamata Banerjee-led government in the state and BJP are at loggerheads after the CBI tried to question Kolkata's police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee has been on a 'dharna' since Sunday night over the CBI's attempts to interrogate the police chief.
Union Minister Arun Jaitley is likely to return back from the United States, where he has been undergoing medical treatment, by this weekend

New Delhi: Union Minister Arun Jaitley is likely to return back from the United States, where he has been undergoing medical treatment, by this weekend, a source with knowledge of the matter said.

Jaitley, who was Finance Minister before a medical procedure led to the charge being temporarily taken away from him, missed presenting the sixth and the final Budget of the Narendra Modi Government. In his absence, the charge of the Ministry was given to Railways Minister Piyush Goyal.

Jaitley, however, has been active on social media tweeting and writing Facebook posts and had also met reporters through a video call from New York and fielded questions on the Budget. He also gave interviews on the subject.

The source said Jaitley is recovering well and is likely to be back in India by this weekend and depending on doctor's advice, may also attend Parliament next week.

He, however, did not offer any details.

It is unclear if he would be renamed the finance minister soon after his return.

In an interview to PTI in New York after the Budget presentation, he said he was on recovery course and return to India in time to reply to the Budget debate in Parliament will depend on when his doctors allow him to leave.

"It depends on after my treatment here, which is all over. I am on the recovery course. It's when my doctors allow me to go back. As of present, as I understand, Piyush Goyal will be replying (to the Budget debate in Parliament)," he said.

The Budget session of Parliament ends on 13 February, and debate on the interim budget, presented by Goyal, is supposed to happen before that.

"Will be back soon. I am much better now. Hopefully, will be back soon," Jaitley had said on 1 February, when asked when would he come back.

Jaitley, 66, had last month flown to New York for the treatment after being reportedly diagnosed with soft tissue cancer which required surgery.

This is his first overseas visit after he underwent renal transplant surgery on 14 May, 2018, at AIIMS.

He had stopped attending office at the beginning of April last year due to his kidney ailment and was back in North Block - the seat of Finance Ministry - on 23 August, 2018. Even then, Goyal had manned the Ministry for about 100 days.

Jaitley in September 2014 underwent bariatric surgery to treat weight gain that he suffered because of a long-standing diabetic condition.
'If we don't work together we will not be able to fulfill Rahulji's dream, Deora said.

Mumbai: Former Congress MP Milind Deora on Tuesday asserted that it is Maharashtra Congress chief Sanjay Nirupams duty to ensure that all leaders work together, "even if they are angry."

Speaking to ANI Deora, said, Sanjay Nirupam is our party's president in Mumbai, it is his duty to ensure that all leaders work together even if someone is angry or upset. However, I would also like to urge all other leaders to keep aside their personal differences and work together. There are differences in all organisations and parties. There is group-ism in all parties, what I have tried is that I bring all parties on one platform. And this is also what I keep telling Sanjay Nirupam and other leaders. Deora's remark comes after various reports surfaced regarding a feud among Congress leaders in Maharashtra.

Elaborating upon the partys aim, he added, We only have one aim, that is to remove Modi government from power. Rahul Gandhi is touring the entire country and is trying to get everybody together. Similarly, I think in Mumbai also we have to work together because if we don't work together we will not be able to fulfill Rahulji's dream.

Further explaining his stance, Deora said: If we have to remove this BJP-Shiv Sena government from Mumbai then we have to work together, whether it be me or Sanjay Nirupam or any other leader, we have to go between people and convince them that Congress is an option in Mumbai. If we don't do that it will be our loss.
The new long march also follows 208 organisations of farmers from parts of the country staging protest in Delhi in November, 2018, raising the demands.

Mumbai: Accusing the government of not fulfilling the promises made last year, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) Tuesday announced that the peasants' bodies would once again take out a long march from Nashik to Mumbai beginning 20 February.

"The farmers will reach Mumbai on 27 February," the AIKS said in a statement after its meeting.

Farmers - 40,000 in number as pegged by the AIKS - had taken out the protest march in March, 2018, between the two cities to press for several demands, including farm loan waiver, minimum support price and provision of water and pension to farmers.

The farmers' bodies have been up in arms against the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project as well. The state government had "woken up" to and had accepted the farmers' demands after they took out the march between Nashik and Mumbai, it said.

"A year has passed, but the government has not executed the promises it made. There is dissent among the farmers," the AIKS said in the statement.

"Hence, a long march will be taken out again against this betrayal by the Centre and state government," it said.

The statement was jointly issued by AIKS president Ashok Dhawale and its leaders JP Gavit, Kisan Gujar, Arjun Aade and Ajit Navale.

The AIKS claimed that the upcoming march will have twice the number of farmers taking part in it as compared to last year. It said farmers from 23 districts of the state will take part in it.

The new long march also follows 208 organisations of farmers from parts of the country staging protest in Delhi in November, 2018, raising the demands.

"It was expected that the Centre would make provisions in the Union Budget to fulfil the demands. But those were not fulfilled in the interim Union Budget presented by Minister Piyush Goyal," the statement said.
Franklin Templeton Investments India, which is the largest foreign fund house operating in the country, Tuesday said recent corporate events exposing the follies in governance are a 'big worry' for investors

Mumbai: Franklin Templeton Investments India, which is the largest foreign fund house operating in the country, Tuesday said recent corporate events exposing the follies in governance are a "big worry" for investors.

The comments come amid difficulties being faced by the Subhash Chandra-led Essel group or the Wadhawans' DHFL and the ILF&FS crisis, which have been facing liquidity issues leading to investor concerns.

"It is a big worry for us in terms of the strength of governance," Franklin Templeton Investments India chief investment officer Anand Radhakrishnan told reporters.

He said while the country has been very quick to adopt governance practices, events like these will test the quality of the adoption of such governance framework.

As a practice, the fund house with 35 funds here, actively votes on every proposal of an investment company, he said, stressing on better governance at invested companies.

Radhakrishnan claimed it is the fund house with a maximum number of voting decisions against management.

It can be noted that the past few months have seen massive erosion in stock prices of many companies following events at companies or sectors.

While it was liquidity concerns followed by allegations which pulled down DHFL in two episodes since September, it was the promoters' alleged mismanagement that has proved to be a drag on Chandra-led Zee group. Each of these instances has seen massive corrections upwards of 40 percent in a few trading sessions on the counters.

"It is a big risk for investors," he said, adding the fund house has also faced challenges. It believes in pushing a company hard or finds other companies to invest in when faced with a trouble, he said.

Radhakrishnan said his fund house does not have any equity exposure to either Zee or DHFL, but may have some exposure to their debt.

The equity market will be volatile till the outcome of the general elections in the summer and a clear directional move for the market will happen only after that, he said.

The only negative for the markets will be if wobbly coalition forms the next government, he said, adding there is an 80-85 percent possibility of the ruling BJP or a Congress-led government being formed.

Radhakrishnan said there is sufficient interest among foreign portfolio investors and they are also waiting for the outcome of the election. But he quickly pointed out that there is no problem in the macroeconomic fundamentals and sectors like auto, and financials will continue doing good, while infrastructure, healthcare and capital goods would be sluggishness.

The hustings will impact only the sentiment, and the results can either be a booster or a dampener, he said, adding the probability of a good return after the election is very high. A senior fund house official said the small and mid caps have a larger scope of growing in 2019 after the rout in 2018.

Radhakrishnan said from a long-term perspective, consumption, infrastructure and government reforms will be the primary factors driving the market in the long term.

Franklin, celebrating silver jubilee in the country, has affirmed its commitment to continue keeping in mind the interest of investors without compromising on the governance at companies.
Black was promoted to become a full circuit judge in 1984. The following year, he became a member of the courts building committee, which he served on for the next six years. Black ultimately became an advocate for the construction of a new courthouse building for DuPage County instead of remodeling the existing one, which dated to 1896.
After netting Vinay Mittal, Christian Michel, Rajiv Saxena and Deepak Talwar, India's investigating agencies received another boost on Monday  UK has approved an order for the extradition of businessman Vijay Mallya to India to face judicial proceedings for allegedly defrauding banks and laundering money to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore.

New Delhi: After netting Vinay Mittal, Christian Michel, Rajiv Saxena and Deepak Talwar, India's investigating agencies received another boost on Monday  UK has approved an order for the extradition of businessman Vijay Mallya to India to face judicial proceedings for allegedly defrauding banks and laundering money to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore. UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid had signed the order to have Mallya extradited on 3 February and had given him 14 days to appeal.

"On 3 February, the secretary of state, having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed the order for Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. Vijay Mallya is accused in India of conspiracy to defraud, making false representations and money laundering offences," a statement from Spokesperson of the UK Home Office said.

Although a big boost for the Narendra Modi government, the entire process to bring back Mallya, who is likely to exhaust all legal options to prevent his extradition, may take more than two-three months.

In the first response, since the UK Home Secretary's order, Mallya on Tuesday said he will explore the legal options available in the UK.

After the decision was handed down on December 10,2018 by the Westminster Magistrates Court, I stated my intention to appeal. I could not initiate the appeal process before a decision by the Home Secretary. Now I will initiate the appeal process.  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) February 4, 2019

On 10 December, 2018, the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London had found that the 63-year-old business tycoon had a case to answer before Indian courts and had also observed that there was strong evidence for the home secretary to decide on whether to order Mallya's extradition. The court had said there was prima facie evidence to prove the money laundering charges against Mallya, and that he had used his bank loans to finance two vanity projects  a corporate jet and his Force India Formula One team.

In the case of his Formula One team, Mallya is believed to have used IDBI's loan proceeds to clear a bill discounting facility with the Bank of Baroda and to release credit facilities that were later used to fund sponsorship payments to his motor racing team in July 2010. The timings of the payments were significant: in 2009 and 2010, Kingfisher Airlines had made payments to Force India at a time when the carrier was struggling to remain in business. Money from the loans was transferred to Axis Bank and then to HSBC in London. The amounts were said to be payments for operating expenses related to flights, but the funds were, in reality, transferred to Force India.

The investigating agencies had argued that Mallya had private meetings with bank officials, including two meetings with the IDBI chairman. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had claimed that IDBI officials had conspired with Mallya and disbursed loans to Kingfisher Airlines despite its weak financials, negative net worth and below-par credit rating in violation of the bank's corporate loan policy. The investigators also alleged that Kingfisher Airlines had fraudulently utilised significant portions of loan funds to service the existing debt, had diverted the loan funds to such purposes other than avowed and had remitted substantial amounts outside India on the pretext of payment of lease rentals.

While the CBI's Mumbai unit was investigating the case, Mallya fled to the UK in March 2016, and the case was subsequently handed over to a Special Investigation Team of the agency. During the extradition hearing in the UK, the court had found that Kingfisher and Mallya had substantially misrepresented evidence. In fact, in 2009, in his statement of assets and liabilities to IDBI Bank, Mallya had mentioned two assets in South Africa, but these were not reflected in the subsequent assets and liability statements. He had continued to conceal the same from 2009 to 2015. The UK court had also observed that bank officials had not followed the norms and had processed and sanctioned the loans even though they should not have been sanctioned.

Moreover, after availing these loans, Mallya had willfully and deliberately attempted to divert the funds, lying in his accounts to evade his obligations under the personal guarantees executed by him, the court had found. It had also ruled that Mallya's case was not a politically-motivated trial, and there was no evidence that his extradition was being sought for extraneous considerations. The court was satisfied with the assurances and materials the Indian government had provided regarding prison and human rights conditions and ruled that the video of barrack no. 12 at Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail accurately portrayed an adequately large space, a high ceiling, fans, natural light, etc. This is the jail where Mallya will be spending his time after extradition to India.

At a public rally in Madurai last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that people who have cheated and looted the country will be brought to justice, regardless of whether they are in India or abroad. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the latest decision in the Mallya case comes as a shot in the arm for the Modi government.
Moody's Investors Service on Tuesday said that fiscal slippage from the budgeted targets for the past two consecutive years and tax cuts and spending ahead of the general elections, is credit negative for India

New Delhi: Moody's Investors Service on Tuesday said that fiscal slippage from the budgeted targets for the past two consecutive years and tax cuts and spending ahead of the general elections, is credit negative for India.

In the interim budget for 2019-20, the government proposed to increase spending to provide income support for small farmers and introduce a middle-class tax cut in the run-up to the general election between April and May.

In light of these budget measures, the government announced slippage from its original fiscal deficit targets to 3.4 percent of GDP both for the fiscal years ending in March 2019 and March 2020.

"Ongoing fiscal slippage from spending and tax cut proposals ahead of the election is credit negative for the sovereign," Moody's said.

It said the ongoing fiscal slippage from the budgeted targets over the past two years, and our expectation that the government will face challenges meeting its target again in fiscal 2019, does not bode well for medium-term fiscal consolidation.

Moody's, however, said that lack of a formal capital support plan for public sector banks is credit negative.

The budget does not include any provisions for capital support for public sector banks (PSBs). Meanwhile, the budget also does not address last year's announced merger of three public sector non-life insurers, which creates ambiguity around their merger plan, the US-based rating agency said.

On cross-sector analysis of Budget, Moody's said the Budget proposals are positive for the real estate sector but negative for state-owned oil and gas companies.

"The budget includes both direct and indirect benefits for the real estate sector and will likely help boost property demand," Moody's said.

For state-owned oil and gas companies, a planned increase in expected proceeds from dividends and disinvestments, in addition to an under-provision of fuel subsidies, is negative, it added.

Further, a modest increase in public spending on infrastructure is credit positive. The planned increase in public infrastructure spending is credit positive for companies in this sector. Capital outlays for key segments within the infrastructure, like highways and railways, will increase modestly in fiscal 2019 from fiscal 2018.

Besides, middle-class tax relief and measures to boost farmers' incomes are credit positive for Indian asset-backed securities (ABS) and residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) because they will help borrowers remain current on their payments and reduce default risk.
By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A federal judge allowed most claims against Daimler AG to move forward in a 2016 lawsuit by vehicle owners that claims the German automaker's Mercedes diesel vehicles used illegal software to emit excess emissions. In a ruling late on Friday, Judge Jose Linares of U.S

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A federal judge allowed most claims against Daimler AG to move forward in a 2016 lawsuit by vehicle owners that claims the German automaker's Mercedes diesel vehicles used illegal software to emit excess emissions.

In a ruling late on Friday, Judge Jose Linares of U.S. District Court in New Jersey also said that claims against auto supplier Robert Bosch GmbH can proceed, rejecting a bid by the German companies to throw out the lawsuits.

There has been growing scrutiny of diesel vehicles in the United States since Volkswagen AG admitted in September 2015 to installing secret software on 580,000 U.S. vehicles that allowed them to emit excess emissions.

Steve Berman, one of the lawyers representing Mercedes U.S. diesel owners, said "like Volkswagen, Mercedes tried to scam consumers by green-washing its line of diesel cars. With the help of some crafty marketing, and Boschs defeat device, the duo set out to rake in profits from unknowing purchasers."

Daimler spokeswoman Andrea Berg said Monday, "These claims are without merit, and we are pleased that the court recognised the deficiencies in some of plaintiffs claims. We intend to continue vigorously defending against the remaining claims."

Bosch, which makes software for Daimler, VW and other automakers' diesel emissions systems, declined to comment Monday.

The Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board and German prosecutors in Stuttgart are investigating Daimler for alleged excess emissions in Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles.

Daimler has acknowledged it faces investigations in Germany and the United States. In October, Daimler said operating profit would fall by more than 10 percent, blaming "government proceedings and measures in various regions" related to diesel emissions issues.

In 2017, Daimler abandoned plans to seek U.S. approval to sell new Mercedes-Benz U.S. light-duty diesel models.

VW pleaded guilty in the emissions scandal and agreed to spend more than $25 billion in the United States to address claims from owners, environmental regulators, states and dealers.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV last month agreed to a settlement worth about $800 million to resolve claims from the Justice Department and California that it used illegal software that produced false results on diesel-emissions tests, but still faces an ongoing criminal probe.

Last month, Bosch agreed to pay nearly $131 million to settle claims from Fiat Chrysler diesel owners and resolve all investigations by 47 U.S. state attorneys general into its involvement with diesel vehicles, including into the Volkswagen emissions cheating.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
The Cellular Operators Association of India say GST is not applicable to government services internationally, as they are considered 'out of scope' or regarded as non-economic activities or sovereign functions that are outside the ambit of tax.

New Delhi: Telecom firms, barring Reliance Jio, have asked the government to waive GST on spectrum payments and other levies, while adjusting accumulated tax credits of Rs 35,000 crore in the pending payments.

In a letter to Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha Monday, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said value-added tax or goods and services tax (GST) is not applicable to government services internationally, as they are considered 'out of scope' or regarded as non-economic activities or sovereign functions that are outside the ambit of tax.

"Therefore, in line with the international practices, it is requested that payment of regulatory levies (licence fees (LF), spectrum usages charges (SUC), and spectrum payments) made by telecom operators should be exempted from tax under GST.

"The same could be achieved by issuing exemption notifications as per provisions stipulated under GST Act," said COAI Director-General Rajan S Mathews in the letter.

COAI members include Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio. Mathews, however, said Reliance has a dissenting view in the matter.

He said that according to a report of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, the industry's revenue reduced 32 percent between April-June 2016 and April-June 2018, and it is expected that the revenue in 2018-19 will be lower than that of the revenue in 2013-14 at Rs 1.45 lakh crore.

"Since the industry's revenues have declined substantially, the output GST on revenue is unable to absorb input GST credits available. Such a situation has led to blocking of approximately Rs 35,000 crore of operator's capital in the form of excess GST credits," Mathews said.

Telecom operators adjust input credit in GST that they collect from customers.

Mathews said levy of GST on a reverse-charge basis on both spectrum payout and LF, and SUC-related payments are leading to a cascading cash-flow impact requiring payment of GST, which cannot be set off against a corresponding GST liability.

"We request the government to facilitate a greater utilisation of the accumulated GST input tax credit of telecom service providers as it will be of big relief to the ailing industry... utilise the excess GST credit as payment towards the Telecom operators's liability towards spectrum auction and licence fees/SUC," Mathews said.
Punjab National Bank (PNB) on Tuesday posted 7.12 percent increase in net profit at Rs 246.51 crore for its third quarter ended 31 December, 2018, driven by lower provisioning for bad loans

New Delhi: Punjab National Bank (PNB) on Tuesday posted 7.12 percent increase in net profit at Rs 246.51 crore for its third quarter ended 31 December, 2018, driven by lower provisioning for bad loans.

PNB, which was involved in a Rs 14,356-crore scam by Nirav Modi, had reported a net profit of Rs 230.11 crore for the corresponding quarter a year ago.

The bank's total income, fell by 2.64 percent to Rs 14,854.24 crore for the quarter under review from Rs 15,257.5 crore in the year-ago quarter.

PNB managing director and CEO Sunil Mehta said the company's financial numbers are back in black.

"We have honoured all our commitments. Our bank, as on date, has provided all for that incident (Nirav Modi fraud). We suffered because of the one-off incident which has now been absorbed by the bank," Mehta said

On PNB's asset quality, the bank said, its gross non-performing assets (NPAs) as a percentage to total advances rose to 16.33 percent from 12.11 percent in the year-ago period.

Its net NPAs, however, came down to 8.22 percent from 8.90 percent at the end of December 2017, PNB said in a BSE filing.

Total provisions, excluding for income tax, made during the third quarter of the current financial year were Rs 2,753.84 crore as against Rs 4,466.68 crore in the year-ago period.

Out of which, provisioning for bad loans stood at Rs 2,565.77 crore as against Rs 2,996.42 crore reported during the third quarter of the previous fiscal.

Shares of PNB were trading 1.98 percent higher at Rs 74.60 apiece on BSE.
Petrol and diesel prices declined by up to 16 paise and 11 paise respectively after the state-run oil marketing reduced the fuel prices.

Petrol prices were slashed for the sixth straight day while diesel rates also declined for the second consecutive day on Tuesday in major cities across the country even as crude oil edged up, buoyed by expectations of tightening global supply and production cuts.

Petrol and diesel prices declined by up to 16 paise and 11 paise respectively after the state-run oil marketing reduced the fuel prices.

After the price revisions on Tuesday, petrol in Delhi was sold at Rs 70.44 a litre, Mumbai Rs 76.08, Chennai Rs 73.11 and Kolkata Rs 72.55 per litre, according to Indian Oil Corporation website.

Similarly, diesel in Delhi was retailed at Rs 65.51 per litre, Mumbai, Rs 68.59, Chennai Rs 69.20 and Kolkata Rs 67.29 a litre.

In the beginning of the year, petrol and diesel prices in Delhi were at Rs 68.65 and Rs 62.66 per litre respectively. Petrol price had touched its lowest this year at Rs 68.29 on 5 January and diesel at Rs 62.16 on 6 January.

Meanwhile, crude oil prices edged up on Tuesday, buoyed by expectations of tightening global supply due to the US sanctions on Venezuela and production cuts led by Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

But disappointing US factory data weighed on the market, which on Monday saw US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude reach 2019 highs, as concern about the global economy persisted.

WTI futures were at $54.65 per barrel, up 9 cents or 0.16 percent. They touched their highest level in more than two months at $55.75 the previous day.

Analysts said US sanctions on Venezuela had focused market attention on tighter global supplies.

Fresh US sanctions on the country could see 0.5-1 percent of global supply curtailed, said Vivek Dhar, mining and energy analyst at Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

The sanctions will sharply limit oil transactions between Venezuela and other countries and are similar to but slightly less extensive than those imposed on Iran last year, experts said on Friday after looking at details posted by the treasury department.

A flotilla loaded with about 7 million barrels of Venezuelan oil has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, some holding cargoes bought ahead of the latest US sanctions and others whose buyers are weighing whom to pay, according to traders, shippers and Refinitiv Eikon data.

Meanwhile, oil supply from the OPEC fell in January by the largest amount in two years, a Reuters survey found. Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies over-delivered on the groups supply-cutting pact while Iran, Libya and Venezuela registered involuntary declines.

Russia is fully complying with its pledge to cut oil production gradually, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Monday, adding that production fell by 47,000 barrels per day in January from October.

Weighing on oil markets, US government data showed new orders for US-made goods unexpectedly fell in November, with sharp declines in demand for machinery and electrical equipment.

The global economic outlook and prospects for growth in fuel demand have been clouded by poor economic data in China and US-China trade tensions.

US President Donald Trump last week said he would meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in coming weeks to try to settle the two countries dispute.

 With Reuters inputs
Jobs in the manufacturing sector has seen a reduction due to use of technology and there was a lot of 'disguised unemployment.

Bengaluru: The State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman Rajnish Kumar on Monday said nobody can make an authentic statement on job creation or jobless economic growth as there is no reliable data of jobs in the country, unlike in the USA, which has such data.

"Unfortunately, in India, there is no reliable statistics unlike in the US, where there is payroll data for jobs, which is taken to be authentic. In our country, reliable job data is not available. Hence nobody can make a authentic statement on jobless economic growth or job creation. I think it has become more of a political debate," he told reporters here.

His comment comes in the wake of Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday rejecting criticism of giving a 'jobless economic growth', saying that the absence of any major social or political agitation in the last five years indicated that government schemes have created employment.

In an interview to PTI, Jaitley, who is in the US for medical treatment, had justified the absence of any major mention of job creation in the Interim Budget of 1 February, saying such budgets are different from the normal budget speeches as they are more like "a report card and a road map."

Kumar said jobs in the manufacturing sector has seen a reduction due to use of technology and there was a lot of 'disguised unemployment.' The services sector, on the flipside, was creating jobs, he added.

However, the country was better off than 30 years ago, when a majority of the population were poor, he said.

"Thirty years back, a majority of the people were poor and hence there was no problem. Now a large number of people are well-off and at the same time, another larger chunk of people are still not well-off. Therefore, there is social tension with aspirations going high," he said.

Asked to comment on loan waivers which affects the banking sector and eventually the economy as a whole, Kumar said the country is in the last leg of loan waivers and is now moving towards Direct Benefit Transfers, which has the potential of supporting farmers every year than having liabilities over a period of time.

"We are in the last leg of loan waivers... The country is now moving towards Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT). After Telangana implemented it, Odisha and even the Union Budget followed suit. We see the DBTs catching up this year. I am all for DBT as it is better to have support for farmers every year than have liabilities over a period of time," he said.

If central and state government resources are combined, a minimum income support for farmers can be ensured, he added.

"Prices of agricultural produce have fallen and farming has become an unviable activity. Loan waivers cannot support farmers," Kumar said.
JSW Steel had revised its offer from Rs 11,000 crore to Rs 18,000 crore and later to over Rs 19,000 crore, whereas Tata Steel's last offer was at Rs 17,000 crore after it had refused to revised its bid.

New Delhi: The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Monday dismissed a Tata Steel's plea and upheld lenders' decision to approve resolution plan of JSW Steel for debt-ridden Bhushan Power & Steel Ltd.

A two-member bench headed by Justice S J Mukhopadhaya said that the Committee of Creditors' (CoC) decision was well within its rights to negotiate better terms with resolution applicants.

Tata Steel had challenged an NCLT order that had allowed the CoC of Bhushan Power and Steel to the resolution plan submitted by Liberty House Group. Tata Steel had contended that NCLT cannot provide numerous opportunities at the belated stage.

Dismissing Tata Steel's appeal, the NCLAT also directed the resolution professional of Bhushan Power and Steel to "immediately place the approved Resolution Plan before the Adjudicating Authority (NCLT) for its order."

"The case is remitted to the Adjudicating Authority (NCLT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, for passing appropriate order under Section 31," the NCLAT said.

The tribunal also observed that 97.12 percent of lenders had cast vote in favour of JSW Steel and it holds that the Resolution Plan' submitted by JSW Steel has been approved with 100 percent voting shares.

Tata Steel, JSW Steel, and Liberty House had submitted bids for Bhushan Power and Steel, which owes around Rs 45,000 crore to its lenders.

The NCLAT also directed the NCLT to ensure that all the stakeholders, particularly the Operational Creditors' are treated similarly while considering the approved Resolution Plan' of JSW Steel.

"It should ensure that no discrimination is being made between the Financial Creditors or the Operational Creditors as held by this Appellate Tribunal," said NCLAT.

JSW Steel had revised its offer from Rs 11,000 crore to Rs 18,000 crore and later to over Rs 19,000 crore, whereas Tata Steel's last offer was at Rs 17,000 crore after it had refused to revised its bid.

Tata Steel had objected to the improved financial offer of JSW Steel before the Resolution Professional and the Committee of Creditors' of Bhushan Power and Steel.

It alleged that in its meeting held on 14 August 2018, CoC was "favouring JSW Steel".

According to Tata Steel, the CoC had submitted as many as six 'Resolution Plans', which were wrongly considered by them.

However, rejecting it, NCLAT said that it had allowed Tata Steel to file additional unconditional revised financial offer by 13 August 2018, improving the bid as provided in the original plan without compromising the basic parameters of the offer already submitted.

"We have noticed that Tata Steel was adamant that it will not submit any revised financial offer. Initially, such submission was orally made by learned counsel, however, on their subsequent oral request, we allowed the Tata Steel to submit revised financial offer," the NCLAT observed.

It further said: "We have noticed that Tata Steel also filed five revised financial offers including the offer given in the original resolution plan.

"Therefore, Tata Steel cannot take plea that after submission of the original 'Resolution Plan', no revised financial offer' can be submitted," it said.
The fund houses believe that the uptrend may continue in the coming months too as large amount of flow is expected through the SIP route.

New Delhi: Mutual fund houses made investment of over Rs 7,000 crore in domestic equities in January, even as foreign investors pulled out a massive Rs 5,200 crore.

The sell-off by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) from the Indian equity markets has provided an opportunity to mutual fund managers, experts believe.

According to the data available with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and depositories, fund managers bought shares worth Rs 7,160 crore on a net basis last month. On the other hand, FPIs pulled out Rs 5,264 crore from equities.

Investment in domestic equities by fund managers could be largely attributed to retail investors who continue to invest through systematic investment plan (SIP), market experts said.

The fund houses believe that the uptrend may continue in the coming months too as large amount of flow is expected through the SIP route.

SIP is an investment vehicle that allows investors to invest in small amount periodically, instead of a lump sum payment. The frequency of investment is usually weekly, monthly or quarterly. It is similar to a recurring deposit where investors deposit a small or fixed amount every month.

The outflow by FPIs from equities indicates their 'wait and watch' approach ahead of the general elections.

FPIs are taking cautious or 'wait and watch' stance towards India, which they have been maintaining for a long time, said Himanshu Srivastava, senior analyst manager research at Morningstar Investment adviser India.

He further said the focus would continue to be on economic growth and the general elections.

Other factors such as movement in crude prices and currency, which would have a bearing on the country's macro-environment, and worries over global trade war will continue to guide the direction of FPI flows, Srivastava added.

Echoing similar views, Bajaj Capital senior VP and head investment analytics Alok Agarwala said escalating trade disputes, domestic macroeconomic concerns viz, weakness in currency, movement of crude oil prices, trade deficit would weigh on inflows from FPIs.
Lockheed Martin is also planning to participate in the Indian Navy's move to acquire 111 utility helicopters.

Washington: Eyeing a greater pie in India's massive military modernisation, a top American defence manufacturing company has said it has proposed a "game-changing" partnership with India.

"Lockheed Martin is committed to strategic, long-term international defense partnerships with India. India has a pressing need for advanced, scalable defense capabilities," Vivek Lall, vice-president, aeronautics strategy and business development at Lockheed Martin told PTI.

Lockheed Martin is "proposing game-changing defense partnerships that benefit multiple stakeholders" not only in India, but also in the US and beyond, he said on Monday.

"We believe our proposed partnerships with India fighter aircraft - for new fighter aircraft, helicopters and other platforms  are ideally suited to not just meet, but exceed India's capability and defense-industrial needs in the near-term and well into the future," he said.

Lall asserted that the company had demonstrated this commitment by announcing last September that it will partner with Tata to produce F-16 wings in India for future customers.

"This landmark 'Make in India' partnership is a natural next step that builds on our successful partnerships with Tata on the C-130J airlifter and other premiere defence and aerospace platforms," he said.

"We're also engaging with numerous others in India, the US and beyond to unleash the power of partnership and Indian innovation. We're very excited about all of the potential we see in India," he said.

When asked about the status of 24 helicopters for the Indian Navy, Lall said the Indian government had issued a letter of request (LOR) for letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) to the US government for the acquisition of 24 MH-60R helicopters.

"The US Navy is preparing its response, which is expected to be delivered shortly. We are confident the MH-60R "Romeo" is the right aircraft for India's Navy as it provides a vital capability for the Navy in the Indo-Pacific region," he said.

Lockheed Martin is also planning to participate in the Indian Navy's move to acquire 111 utility helicopters. The S-76D helicopter is the right platform for the India Naval Utility Helicopter programme, he said.

"Combining the attributes of the S-76 helicopter family with today's latest technologies, the S-76D helicopter offers unrivaled levels of safety with experience gained through the S-76 family's more than 7.2 million fleet flight hours," Lall said.

"Reliable, powerful, available, proven and trusted, the S-76D aircraft is capable of performing diverse naval missions in some of the most challenging environments," he said in response to a question.
The board has proposed LIC IDBI Bank Ltd as the first preference followed by LIC Bank Ltd.

New Delhi: The board of IDBI Bank Monday proposed change in the name of the lender to either LIC IDBI Bank or LIC Bank following its takeover by Life Insurance Corporation.

Last month, the insurance behemoth completed the acquisition of 51 percent controlling stake in IDBI Bank, marking the entry of more than 60 years old state-owned insurer into the banking space.

The board in its meeting on Monday has "approved a proposal for change of name of IDBI Bank, subject to RBI's no objection, name availability or reservation by Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), shareholders' approval through Postal Ballot, Stock Exchanges' approval, etc".

The board has proposed LIC IDBI Bank Ltd as the first preference followed by LIC Bank Ltd.

Meanwhile, IDBI Bank posted widening of loss by nearly threefold to Rs 4,185.48 crore for the third quarter ended December 2018 as bad loans surged.

The bank had reported a net loss of Rs 1,524.31 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal.

Total income decreased to Rs 6,190.94 crore for the quarter, compared with Rs 7,125.20 crore in the corresponding quarter a year ago, IDBI Bank said in a statement.

In August last year, the Cabinet approved the acquisition of controlling stake by Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) as a promoter in the bank through a combination of preferential allotment and open offer of equity.

LIC had been looking to enter the banking space by acquiring a majority stake in IDBI Bank, as the deal is expected to provide business synergies despite the lender's stressed balance sheet.
The interim Budget highlighted its extensive usage for making the life of taxpayers easy, with the return of income to be now processed within twenty-four hours

The interim Budget 2019 highlights the achievements made by the government for laying down the foundation for sustainable growth, progress and better quality of life for all people. The finance minister recognised the fact that this was made possible because of contributions made by taxpayers. Keeping this in mind, the finance minister has proposed to pass on the benefits from tax reforms to taxpayers.

Focusing on technology, the interim Budget highlighted its extensive usage for making the life of taxpayers easy, with the return of income to be now processed within twenty-four hours and refunds also to be issued simultaneously. Assessment proceedings, issuance of refunds and resolving queries will all be carried out online.

Considering the protocol of the interim Budget, the finance minister restrained from proposing main tax proposals, while he did announce some relief for middle-class taxpayers. Some of the proposals are discussed under:

Tax rebate

Though there is no change in the tax slab and in the tax rate for the taxpayer, the finance minister proposed a full rebate for resident individual taxpayers having an annual taxable income up to Rs 500,000. The finance minister has also increased the standard deduction for the salaried taxpayers from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. Thus, after considering other deductions available today, the salaried taxpayer earning income up to Rs 7,35,000 and non- salaried taxpayer earning income up to Rs 6,85,000 may not be liable to pay any tax. The same is tabulated as under:

Particulars Salaried taxpayer Non Salaried taxpayer Gross Total Income 735,000 685,000 Less: Standard Deduction under section 16(ia) 50,000 --- Less: Deduction under Chapter VI A - Section 80C (payments made for specified investments/ purpose) - Section 80D (mediclaim insurance premium for self) - Section 80TTA (interest on deposits in a savings account) 150,000 25,000 10,000 150,000 25,000 10,000 Net taxable annual income 500,000 500,000 Tax payable 12,500 12,500 Less: Rebate under section 87A 12,500 12,500 Net tax payable Nil Nil

Resident individual taxpayers falling in higher income bracket may also get the benefits of no tax depending upon their eligibility for claiming other deductions and/ or exemptions (i.e. house rent allowance, medical insurance premium paid for parents, etc.).

However, this does not absolve the obligation to file a return of income, if the annual taxable income exceeds Rs 2,50,000.

TDS threshold increased

The finance minister increased the threshold on interest earned from deposits with the bank, co-operative societies carrying on banking business and post office from Rs 10,000 to Rs 40,000. The threshold of Rs 5,000 remains unchanged for other interest. Further, the threshold for deduction of tax on rent under section 194I has been proposed to be increased from Rs 1,80,000 to Rs 2,40,000. This will provide relief to small depositors and non-working population earning passive income, as they will be not be required to file their tax return to claim a refund of TDS, if any.

Relief to individuals holding more than one house

Currently, income tax on notional rent is payable if a taxpayer has more than one self-occupied house. It has been proposed to exempt the levy of income tax on notional rent on the second self-occupied house. Further, the finance minister proposed to increase the benefit of rollover of capital gains under section 54 from investment in one residential house, to two residential houses for a taxpayer having capital gains up to Rs 2 crore. This benefit can be availed once in a lifetime.

Tax holiday for affordable housing extended

The sunset clause for affordable housing projects has been extended from 31 March 2019 to 31 March 2020. Therefore, housing projects approved by the competent authority on or before 31 March 2020 will be eligible to claim deduction under section 80-IBA. This will lead to more homes available under affordable housing scheme.

An incentive for the real estate sector

In order to boost the real estate sector, the finance minister has extended the period of exemption from levy of tax on notional rent, on unsold inventories, from one year to two years, from the end of the year in which the project is completed.

Overall, the proposals announced in the interim Budget 2019 is a welcome move and will benefit the larger section of the country. It will increase the disposable income of people at large and improve the standard of living. The proposal is in line with the government move of ease of living, growth and prosperity. One needs to wait and watch to see what comes next for taxpayers once the full-fledged Budget is announced by the new government!

(Anjana Singh is Director with Deloitte Haskins and Sells LLP; Niti Shah Manager with Deloitte Haskins and Sells LLP; and Dhrumin Sanghvi Deputy Manager with Deloitte Haskins and Sells LLP contributed to the piece.)
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2019) - Romios Gold Resources Inc. (TSXV: RG) (OTC Pink: RMIOF) (FSE: D4R) ("Romios" or the "Company") wishes to announce that the date for receipt of regulatory approval of the definitive agreement dated November 29, 2018 (the "Agreement") between Romios and Crystal Lake Mining Corp. ("CLM") to option the Company's Newmont Lake Property in the Golden Triangle Area of North Western British Columbia (the "Newmont Lake Property") to CLM (the "Option") has been extended by the parties to February 22, 2019. The terms of the Option were set out in the Press Release dated September 24, 2018. The Agreement was approved by the shareholders of the Company at the Annual and Special Meeting held on January 11, 2019.

The Company also wishes to provide an update to shareholders on the results of a 2 week field program completed by its geologists in early October, 2018 on the Newmont Lake Property. Highlights include the discovery of significant copper-gold values in large iron carbonate veins at the Ken-Glacier skarn zones, a new style of dolomite-hosted copper mineralization at Burgundy Ridge, and high grade Ag-Pb-Zn+/-Cu-Sb mineralization at the Cuba North prospect.

Highlights:

2.28% Cu and 7.9 g/t Au over 6.0 metres (Ken Zone, chip sample of iron carbonate vein)

1.69% Cu, 4.9 g/t Au and 18.3 g/t Ag over 4.1 metres (Ken Zone, chip sample, calcite vein)

12.7 g/t Au and 12.4 g/t Ag (McLymont Fault pyrite vein, grab sample)

833 g/t Ag, 3.1% Zn and 9% Pb (Cuba North, float sample)

Romios' Vice-President, Exploration, John Biczok, P. Geo., commented: "We are very encouraged by the high-grade mineralization discovered at several of the sites during the fall program and believe that we now have a much better understanding of where to drill in order to locate the core of these mineralized systems in the upcoming summer drill program."

Ken-Glacier Cu-Au-Ag Skarn Zone

Two lines of chip sampling were completed at the Ken Zone across a large iron carbonate vein which is exposed for up to 8 m in width and at least 25 m in length. They returned assays of 6.0 m @ 2.28% Cu and 7.9 g/t Au plus 4.3 m @ 1.32 % Cu and 4.75 g/t Au. This and other smaller veins in the area appear to be part of a widespread network ranging from local very high grade Cu-Au-Ag-(Co)-carbonate veins (e.g. 10.4% to 11.5 % Cu, 30.3 to 32.5 g/t Au, <1 to 135 g/t Ag and 372 ppm to 635 ppm Co across widths of 0.5 to 1.0 m; reported in Romios News Release dated September 10, 2018) to broad zones of barren background iron carbonate alteration. It is believed that this vein hosted mineralization is part of a >10 metre thick iron rich halo around the skarn horizons and it provides an additional promising drill target flanking the skarns. The apparent source pluton for the mineralizing fluids was found 300 metres from the Ken Zone and the intersections of the skarn layers with that pluton is now a high-priority drill target for 2019.

Burgundy Ridge Cu-Au-Ag Skarn Zone

Mapping and sampling on the >400 m long Burgundy Ridge skarn in September identified a number of well mineralized boulder trains assaying from 1.78% to 5.4% Cu, 0.22 to 2.37 g/t Au and 7 to 54 g/t Ag (samples are individual grabs or composites from up to 10 talus boulders). Outcrops of a newly recognized homogeneous copper-bearing skarnified dolomitic marble intermittently exposed across widths of 25-30 m returned assays ranging from 4.3 m @ 1.33% Cu, 2.85% Zn, 5 g/t Ag to 5.3 m @ 0.64% Cu, 1.34% Zn and 6 g/t Ag. The true width and continuity of this zone is uncertain but it was targeted by two RC drill holes drilled by CLM in October (all assays are pending).

Mapping of the Lower High Grade Zone revealed that the syenite dyke forming the core of this system widens from 5 m to 35 m before it disappears from view westward under an icefield. Chip samples along the edges of the dyke returned high grade assays in July 2018 (e.g. 3.8 m @ 2.58% Cu, 2.37 g/t Au, 46 g/t Ag and 7.4% Zn; previously reported). Three chip samples taken in September at the westernmost exposure returned values ranging from anomalous up to 1.77% Cu, 2.6 g/t Au and 26.4 g/t Ag, suggesting that the mineralization may extend under the icefield. Due to weather and time constraints this high-grade target could not be drilled by CLM in October 2018 and remains a high-priority drill target for 2019.

McLymont Fault Pyrite Vein

A >1 m wide Au-Cu enriched massive pyrite vein discovered in July south of the North West Zone has now been found at several sites over a length of 260 m along the NNE-trending McLymont fault. A one metre chip sample of this vein in July assayed 0.56% Cu and 0.99 g/t Au and grab samples from the northernmost outcrop in September range from 0.17 to 12.7 g/t Au, 2 to 12.4 g/t Ag and 0.04% to 0.4% Cu. The wide range in gold values and unknown total width of the pyrite vein warrant trenching and systematic channel sampling in future. It is unclear at this point if the pyrite vein is part of the plumbing system for the nearby North West Zone or a separate vein system.

Cuba Zones

High-grade Ag-Pb-Zn+/-Cu-Sb veins and newly discovered clusters of boulders were sampled during a brief examination of the Cuba North and South showings near the east margin of the Newmont Lake graben. Mineralization is found within wide zones of coarse barite and carbonate veins in a prominent N-S fault cutting Permian limestone. Various grab samples returned individual metal values ranging from 55 to 833 g/t Ag, 0.002% to 9% Pb, 0.36% to 10.3% Zn, 0.02% to 0.64% Cu, and 0.008% to 0.34% Sb. The precise source of the most mineralized float is uncertain and warrants further investigation by geophysics (IP), soil sampling and potentially diamond drilling.

Romios' Golden Triangle Area Project consists of 80,706 hectares and is located north of Pretium's Brucejack mine, KSM's Seabridge project, and Garibaldi's Ni-Co discovery; a short distance west of Aben Resources' Forrest Kerr Gold Project; and south of Teck Resources' and Newmont Mining's Galore Creek Project. The Newmont Lake Project is located approximately 15 km from infrastructure (power and road) and contains a NI 43-101 inferred resource estimate of 1.4 million tonnes @ 4.43 g/t Au, 0.22% Cu, 6.4 g/t Ag at the North West Zone with over 20 other mineralized zones in the vicinity. In November 2018 Romios signed an option agreement with Crystal Lake Mining Corp. (CLM) covering all of the prospects described in this release. Once the Agreement receives regulatory approval CLM will have the option to earn 100% in these claims by expending $8 million on exploration in the next 3 years and making certain cash and stock payments to Romios, and granting Romios a 2% NSR on any future production (see Romios news release dated September 24, 2018).

All samples were submitted to the ALS Canada Ltd. laboratory in Terrace, B.C. for assay. As a matter of procedure, a rigorous quality assurance and quality control program was implemented to ensure reliable assay results.

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Biczok, P. Geo., Vice-President, Exploration and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Romios Gold Resources Inc.

Romios Gold Resources Inc., a progressive Canadian mineral exploration company established in 1995, is engaged in precious and base metal exploration primarily focused on gold, silver and copper on its properties in the Golden Triangle area, North Western British Columbia. In addition to the properties in the Golden Triangle area, Romios holds a 100% interest in the Lundmark-Akow Lake property in Ontario, the LaCorne Property in Quebec and the Scossa Property in Nevada. It also holds a 2% NSR on the Hislop property in Ontario.

This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information, please contact:

Tom Drivas, President and Director, (tel) 416-221-4124, (fax) 416-218-9772 or (email) romios@romios.com.

John Biczok, P.Geo., Vice-President, Exploration, (tel) 613-410-7877 or (email) john.biczok@gmail.com

Frank van de Water, Chief Financial Officer and Director, (tel) 416-221-4124 or (email) fvandewater@rogers.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42670
Two Lucky Couples Will Tie the Knot at the Iconic Landmark on February 14th

NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Empire State Building (ESB) today announced that two couples - Fabiana Faria and Helena Barquet from New York, NY and Nachiket Patel and Chitra Pathak, originally from Mumbai - have been selected as winners of its 25th Annual Valentine's Day Wedding Contest.

Featured in numerous on-screen romances and real-life proposals, the world-famous 86th floor Observatory with its 360-degree views of New York City and beyond is the ideal location for the winning couples to exchange their vows and affirm their love. Hundreds of couples have wed or renewed their vows at The World's Most Romantic Building, and to mark the contest's silver anniversary two more couples will continue the tradition and be married this Valentine's Day.

ESB will host 15-minute wedding ceremonies on its famed 86th floor Observatory as follows:

7 a.m. - Fabiana Faria and Helena Barquet : Fabiana and Helena exemplify a true NYC love story. Co-owners of home design store Coming Soon on the Lower East Side, Fabiana proposed to Helena at the Plaza Hotel after falling in love almost seven years ago. With a shared fascination in the Empire State Building and the meaning behind its nightly tower lightings, Fabiana and Helena are excited to celebrate their love story and marry on the landmark's 86th floor Observatory.

7:30 a.m. - Chitra Pathak and Nachiket Patel : Originally from India , Nachiket and Chitra met ten years ago after an introduction was made through Chitra's brother. Following a five year relationship, which included almost two years of long-distance dating, they are now happily living in Jersey City, New Jersey . The Empire State Building is Nachiket's favorite building, and while the couple still plans to host a big traditional wedding in India , he submitted his entry in the hopes of surprising Chitra with a wedding in their adopted home. Chitra is thrilled to have a wedding in the heart of New York , the city where she and Nachiket were reunited.

To celebrate this significant milestone event, and for the first time, this year's Valentine's Day Wedding Contest was open to the building's international fan base via https://esbvalentinesday.com/.

"With over 1,000 entries from both near and far, it's evident that the storied history and romance surrounding the Empire State Building continue to touch lives around the globe," said Jean-Yves Ghazi, Senior Vice President of the Observatory. "I'm excited to officiate at the weddings for Helena and Fabiana as well as Chitra and Nachiket, and continue this tradition for its 25th year."

Each bride will be gifted a dress of her choice from Kleinfeld Bridal's famous flagship location in New York City. Additionally, a winning couple may receive prize packages from Grand Hyatt New York, STATE Grill and Bar, Turkish Airlines, and Boca Raton Resort & Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, from Discover The Palm Beaches, the official tourism marketing organization for Palm Beach County, Florida.

For complete contest details, please visit www.facebook.com/empirestatebuilding. For more information about Kleinfeld Bridal, Grand Hyatt New York, Discover The Palm Beaches, Turkish Airlines, and STATE Grill & Bar, visit https://www.kleinfeldbridal.com/, http://newyork.grand.hyatt.com/, https://www.thepalmbeaches.com, https://www.turkishairlines.com/, and www.stategrillesb.com.

About the Empire State Building

Soaring 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan (from base to antenna top), the Empire State Building, owned by Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., is the "World's Most Famous Building." With new investments in energy efficiency, infrastructure, public areas and amenities, the Empire State Building has attracted first-rate tenants in a diverse array of industries from around the world. The Empire State Building was named the world's most popular travel destination in a study conducted by Uber and was named America's favorite building in a poll conducted by the American Institute of Architects. For more information on the Empire State Building, please visit www.empirestatebuilding.com, www.facebook.com/empirestatebuilding, @EmpireStateBldg, www.instagram.com/empirestatebldg, http://weibo.com/empirestatebuilding, www.youtube.com/esbnyc or www.pinterest.com/empirestatebldg/.

About Empire State Realty Trust

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT), a leading real estate investment trust (REIT), owns, manages, operates, acquires and repositions office and retail properties in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area, including the Empire State Building, the "World's Most Famous Building." Headquartered in New York, New York, the Company's office and retail portfolio covers 10.1 million rentable square feet, as of September 30, 2018, consisting of 9.4 million rentable square feet in 14 office properties, including nine in Manhattan, three in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and two in Westchester County, New York; and approximately 700,000 rentable square feet in the retail portfolio.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818223/Empire_State_Realty_Trust_Valentines_Day_Wedding_Contest.jpg
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2019) - Peak Positioning Technologies Inc. (CSE: PKK) ("Peak" or the "Company") today announced that it has posted the results of a recent interview with the Company's CEO in the Investor Relations section of its website at www.peakpositioning.com.

The interview includes questions submitted by the Company's shareholders. The topics mainly focused on Peak's newly created subsidiary ASCS and its recently announced agreement with the Wuxi Union SME Guarantee Company, as well as Peak's objectives for the near future.

The Company would like to thank all of those who submitted questions and hopes that the answers provided will be beneficial to all of its shareholders.

About Peak Positioning Technologies Inc.:

Peak Positioning Technologies Inc. is an IT portfolio management company whose mission is to assemble, finance and manage a portfolio of promising companies and assets in some of the fastest-growing tech sectors in China, including fintech, e-commerce and cloud-computing. Peak provides a bridge for North American investors who wish to participate in the continued digitization of China's industrial sectors through the latest advancements in technology.

For more information, please contact:



CHF Capital Markets

Cathy Hume, CEO

416-868-1079 ext.: 231

cathy@chfir.com



Peak Positioning Technologies Inc.

Johnson Joseph, President and CEO

514-340-7775 ext.: 501

investors@peakpositioning.com



Twitter: @PeakPositioning

Facebook: @peakpositioning

LinkedIn: Peak Positioning

Forward-Looking Statements / Information:

This news release may include certain forward-looking information, including statements relating to business and operating strategies, plans and prospects for revenue growth, using words including "anticipate", "believe", "could", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "potential", "project", "seek", "should", "will", "would" and similar expressions, which are intended to identify a number of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information reflects current views with respect to current events and is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as may be required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating any forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42667
FXCM to Host Forum

LONDON and SYDNEY, Australia and JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Feb. 13, 2019 ("FXCM Group" or "FXCM"), a leading international provider of online foreign exchange trading, CFD trading, cryptocurrencies and related services, invites past, present and interested trading fanatics to schedule one-on-one meetings with FXCM. The FXCM Arabic team will be in Dubai throughout the week of 18 February meeting with clients and hosting an afternoon of discussions, education and networking at the Dubai Trading Forum on 21st February. FXCM staff along with experienced speakers will cover both technical and fundamental trading analysis across FX, indices, gold and more.



Contact an FXCM Arabic team member to set up your meeting today Email arabic@fxcm.com and or

Register for free and don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and network with like-minded traders and professionals.

In addition, FXCM Pro staff will be in the region meeting with dedicated and prospective clients. Interested participants can book one-on-one meetings with a dedicated FXCM representative to explore FXCM Pro's versatile product offerings and services. Email

support@fxcmpro.com

Siju Daniel, CCO of FXCM Group stated, "The Arabic team at FXCM will be in the region quarterly moving forward to participate face to face with our traders and partners. This is a new strategy for us in the region and we are looking forward to engaging with everyone throughout the year."

For more information and to open a live account, traders can contact an FXCM specialist 24 hours a day 5 days a week.

About FXCM:

FXCM is a leading provider of online foreign exchange provides retail brokers, small hedge funds and emerging market banks access to wholesale execution and liquidity, while providing high and medium frequency funds access to prime brokerage services via FXCM Prime. FXCM is a Leucadia Company.

Trading Forex/CFD's on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors as you could sustain losses in excess of deposits. Leverage can work against you. The products are intended for retail, professional and eligible counterparty clients. For clients who maintain account, inclusive of all EU branches, FXCM Australia Pty. Limited , FXCM South Africa, any affiliates of aforementioned firms, or other firms within the FXCM group of companies [collectively the "FXCM Group"], carefully consider your financial situation and experience level. If you decide to trade products offered by FXCM Australia Pty. Limited, Product Disclosure Statement , and Terms of Business . The FXCM Group may provide general commentary which is not intended as investment advice and must not be construed as such. Seek advice from a separate financial advisor. The FXCM Group assumes no liability for errors, inaccuracies or omissions; does not warrant the accuracy, completeness of information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these materials. Read and understand the Terms and Conditions on the FXCM Group's websites prior to taking further action.

Read full disclaimer.
Regulatory News:

BIOCORP (FR0012788065 ALCOR PEA-PME eligible) (Paris:ALCOR), a French company specializing in the development and manufacturing of medical devices and smart drug delivery systems, announces its participation to the 22nd edition of Pharmapack exhibition taking place in Paris (France).

Pharmapack exhibition is one of the key meeting places for the pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery industry players from all over the world. It welcomes an average of 5,000 visitors from more than 70 countries.

On booth C44, BIOCORP will introduce its innovative pharmaceutical devices and connected devices. The company will highlight its MallyaTM device, formerly known as the Easylog project. This smart sensor, which won a Pharmapack Award in 2016, is going to be medical CE marked by April and will be launched on the market by the end of the first half of 2019.

One of the highlights for BIOCORP will be held on Wednesday, February 6th at 4:30 pm as Arnaud Guillet, Business Development Director, will host a conference at the Learning Lab, talking about "How smart devices are changing drug delivery ".

ABOUT BIOCORP

Founded in 2004 in Issoire (near Clermont-Ferrand), France, BIOCORP is a French company specializing in the development and manufacturing of medical devices and innovative drug delivery systems. It is listed as 'Innovative Company' by the French public investment bank Bpifrance. With over twenty years of experience and more than 30 manufactured products, BIOCORP is a key player in the industry, providing drug delivery solutions that meet the evolving needs of patients. Today, BIOCORP continues to innovate in medical plastics, its core business, and to market traditional devices (alternative to aluminum capsules, syringe and vial administration systems) that have been an important source of recurring income. Its solid expertise and capacity to innovate have allowed the company to develop new Internet-connected products, including Easylog, a smart cap for pen injectors that captures injection data and automatically transmits data to a mobile app, helping patients to manage their treatment. The company has a team of 45 employees. BIOCORP is listed on Alternext since July 2015 (FR0012788065 ALCOR).

For more information, please visit www.biocorpsys.com

Follow us on Twitter @BIOCORPSystems

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005086/en/

Contacts:

BIOCORP

Jacques Gardette

CEO

investisseurs@biocorp.fr

Eric Dessertenne

Chief Operating Officer

Sylvaine Dessard

Marketing Communication Director

rp@biocorp.fr

+ 33 (0)6 88 69 72 85
LONDON, February 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

Last month, Director of Tourism of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Colin Piper, announced that the country's tourism industry had outperformed projections for 2018. Attending a Digital Marketing, Travel, and Distributions seminar in January, Mr Piper provided an update on the country's tourism sector expansion in 2018. Extolling the industry's achievements, he spoke of plans for continued investment in 2019. This is seen as good news for applicants to the country's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme.

A veteran in the CBI industry, Dominica is considered the best jurisdiction from which to obtain economic citizenship, according to experts at the Financial Times. The Professional Wealth Management 2018 CBI Index, which reviews all CBI programmes globally, was released in August last year, ranking Dominica as the best for second citizenship. FT specialists recognised Dominica particularly for its applicant security checks, termed 'due diligence.' The Programme comprises of two investment routes: the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF), to which a contribution is made; and the real estate option, under which applicants purchase pre-approved property. Both channels operate at the same premium standard, offering the security and protection for economic citizenship.

At the seminar, Mr Piper examined different tourism subsectors, celebrating their successes. Such subsectors included health and wellness; cruises; cuisine, which saw the launch of a new food and beverage festival dubbed 'Taste of Dominica'; and hotels, with luxury boutique resort Secret Bay, named as the best resort in the Caribbean by Forbes. Talking of developments in 2019, the Tourism Director highlighted improvements to customer service, marketing and access to Dominica. All will benefit visitors to the island-state, including economic citizens. "And if we can improve on these," Mr Piper declared, "then we're going to be in a better position throughout the year than we are currently."

The economic growth likely to result from such development will lead to higher returns for investors and new opportunities to develop local business. This is of particular interest to the businessmen and women who apply for Dominican citizenship. Another example of the Government's prioritisation of issues important to entrepreneurs, led by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, is the $15 million upcoming loan facility at the Agricultural and Industrial Development Bank. Heralded in Mr Piper's speech, the facility will provide further financial support to entrepreneurs.
"Searching for the Source of the 800 Carat Nipissing Yellow Diamond"

Kirkland Lake, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2019) - RJK Explorations Ltd. (TSXV: RJX.A) ("RJK" or the "Company") announces that the Company has entered into a property option agreement with Anthony "Tony" Bishop for the Bishop Nipissing Diamond Properties, exploration properties totalling 2,090 hectares encompassing at least 18 potential kimberlite pipes located approximately 10 km south of Cobalt, Ontario.

Tony Bishop, Prospector, has spent over 4 years looking for the source of the Nipissing Yellow Diamond that was found sometime during the development of the silver mines at Cobalt, Ontario in the 1903 to 1905 time period. After closely following Bishop's work for the last year and reviewing all of the data that Bishop has compiled, including a NI-43-101 technical report, RJK has decided to option the property and will initially drill the mostly likely potential kimberlite pipes that Bishop believes the Nipissing Yellow Diamond may have come from.

The Bishop claims are situated in a well-established kimberlite field within the Lake Temiskaming Structural Zone. All are on Crown Land, are mostly on high, dry, well-drained topography. Drivable logging roads are within one kilometre or less, affording easy access. Close by are 3 hydro-electric facilities, a large electric wind farm and a gas pipeline. The Trans-Canada Hwy is also very close, as is the train station in Cobalt, an area with a well-established historical mining history.

The terms of the option are a cash payment of $50,000 on signing and issuance of 1,000,000 shares upon regulatory approval and spread over a 4-year period are further cash payments totalling $50,000, 1,500,000 shares and a work commitment of $1,000,000 to earn 100% of the properties. There will be a 10% GORR for diamonds and a 1.5% N.S.R. for other minerals.

William MacRae M.Sc. PGeo, a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, is the qualified person responsible for reviewing and approving the technical contents of this press release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Information

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements, which may include, but are not limited to, statements concerning future mineral exploration and property option payments. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking, including those identified by the expressions "will", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "propose" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in this news release. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in this news release include, but are not limited to, the financial resources of the Corporation being inadequate to carry out its stated plans. RJK assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

Contact Information

Glenn Kasner, President

Telephone: (705) 568-7956

Mobile: (705) 568-7567

info@rjkexplorations.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42664




CNH Industrial is leading the way in the innovative use of 3D printers to manufacture components and spare parts, providing its customers with rapid availability and support throughout the product's lifecycle.

London, March 4, 2019

As part of its continued drive to streamline manufacturing processes, enhance productivity and find more sustainable ways of working, CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE: CNHI / MI: CNHI) has taken a significant step in the implementation of Additive Manufacturing technology by producing its first 3D printed spare parts.

Additive Manufacturing, a synonym of 3D printing, is the process by which components are created from a digital file to build layers of material under computer control. Once printed, each part undergoes stringent testing to ensure it meets CNH Industrial's requirements and specifications.

One of the main benefits of 3D printing is that it enables the local, on-demand manufacturing of spare parts. This is especially advantageous when only a small quantity of parts are required to satisfy specific urgent orders and also leads to smarter overall management of stock and increased availability. Each product can be printed within 24 to 36 hours with the optimal amount of resources. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing, where raw material is removed or cut away, Additive Manufacturing is a precise process which creates less waste and leftover material while at the same time minimizing machine downtime. This, in turn, provides customers with enhanced total cost of ownership (TCO).

The first components created by this new process include four parts for use on buses and agricultural equipment. All parts are manufactured in plastic and the Company is conducting further tests which will enable the future production of metal components using this technology.

CNH Industrial is committed to further investigating the potential of Additive Manufacturing with the aim of producing a full range of parts and promptly respond to all types of needs at every stage of the product's lifecycle. 3D printing offers significant sustainability advantages including the optimization of raw materials, energy usage and the overall manufacturing and supply chain.

CNH Industrial N.V.

Sign up for corporate news alerts from the CNH Industrial Newsroom:



bit.ly/media-cnhindustrial-subscribe

Media contact:

Laura Overall

Corporate Communications Manager

CNH Industrial

Tel. +44

www.cnhindustrial.com

Attachment
Post-stabilisation notice

5 February 2019

Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

The German State of Berlin

EUR 750 million LSA due 2029

Post-Stabilisation Notice

Commerzbank (contact: Daniela Olt-Farrelly; telephone: +49 69 13623492) hereby gives notice that no stabilisation (within the meaning of Article 3.2 (d) of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014) was undertaken by the Stabilising Managers named below in relation to the offer of the following securities.

Issuer: The German State of Berlin Guarantor (if any): none ISIN: DE000A2E4EE4 Aggregate nominal amount: EUR 750,000,000 Description: 0.625 % Landesschatzanweisung due 5 February 2029 Stabilisation Coordinator:

Stabilisation Managers: Commerzbank AG

DekaBank

LBBW

TD Securities

UniCredit

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Rockwood Equity Partners, a lower middle market private investment firm, announced today that it has completed a management buyout of SYNEO, a provider of manufacturing equipment, cutting tools and services for the medical device and electronics manufacturing industries. SYNEO was formed in 2011 via a merger between ASG Medical Systems and Technical Innovations and is headquartered in Florida, with an additional manufacturing division in Texas and sales and service functions in Europe and Asia.

SYNEO's primary solutions serve catheter, guidewire and minimally-invasive medical device applications. The company's comprehensive lines of Accu-branded and SYNEO Sharp products are known for delivering an unparalleled level of sharpness and precision, enhancing catheter and surgical device applications through automated handling, cutting, drilling and precision hole-punching capabilities. Additionally, SYNEO serves the electronics manufacturing industry with its servo-electric press solutions, which provide pin connector pressing equipment for high force applications.

"We feel strongly about the outlook for both segments of SYNEO's business. SYNEO's medical device business is well-positioned to benefit from the tailwinds around minimally invasive surgery and leverage its proprietary sharpening capabilities, and its electronics business offers innovative automation solutions that are second to none," said Brett Keith, Managing Partner of Rockwood. "The SYNEO and Rockwood partnership marries a hard-charging and focused management team with Rockwood's expertise in accelerating the growth of lower middle market businesses."

"A partnership with Rockwood is a perfect strategic fit for SYNEO," said Tyler Wackman, SYNEO CEO. "SYNEO and Rockwood are well-aligned in our vision to become the first choice for automated processing solutions and services to customers in life-advancing industries. The SYNEO management team and I are ready to roll our sleeves up with Rockwood and take SYNEO to the next level. We are particularly excited about partnering with Rockwood's River Guide network to open new doors and accelerate our growth in the coming years."

Rockwood is investing alongside members of SYNEO's management team, which will continue to lead the company. CIBC and Northcreek Mezzanine provided financing for the transaction.

As part of the growth strategy, Rockwood is seeking add-ons and partnership opportunities for both SYNEO's medical and electronics businesses. Potential opportunities should be directed to Kate Faust, Partner, Business Development, at kfaust@rockwoodequity.com.

Rockwood Equity Partners(www.rockwoodequity.com) is an operationally-focused investment firm serving lower middle market businesses in regulated industries, including healthcare, aerospace and defense and process control, as well as specialized industrials. The firm invests in corporate divestitures/carve-outs and privately-owned manufacturers, value-added distributors and industrial service companies. Rockwood takes a values-based approach to sourcing and investing in companies and looks to leverage its Rockwood River Guide network and proprietary tool kit for growing lower middle market businesses.

SYNEO (www.syneoco.com) is a vertically-integrated designer and manufacturer of machine automation and cutting tool products for the medical device and electronics manufacturing services industries. Its installed machine base is comprised of 2,600+ machine installations, serving the needs of top-tier medical device and printed circuit board manufacturers. Its cutting tool division supplies more than 250,000 hole-making products annually, serving medical manufacturing and R&D institute needs. Additionally, SYNEO provides medical device contract manufacturing services.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005661/en/

Contacts:

Kate Faust

Partner, Rockwood Equity Partners

(216) 278-7070

kfaust@rockwoodequity.com
The most accurate and affordable way to take the pulse of UK consumers, instantly.

LONDON, Feb. 05, 2019-a premium quality data services firm-is pleased to announce the launch of its Maru Voice UK Omnibus. "This new service allows companies to instantly tap into a truly representative sample of UK citizens," said Paul Williams, Managing Director, Maru/Blue UK.



Our Maru Voice UK Omnibus solution allows clients to test an idea, message or concept within a short time amongst UK citizens. Our Omnibus features include:

Wednesday access to 1,500 nationally represented UK citizens;

Senior research staff to help with survey development;

Interactive, engaging surveys that provide better quality responses;

Results in 24 hours;

Actionable insights delivered in Excel. Custom outputs available for an additional cost upon request.

Maru/Blue announcedthe launch of Maru Voice UK, a global expansion of the Maru/Blue online market research communities, joining MaruVoice Canadaand Springboard America, (launched in 2006 and 2009, Canada's and the United States' leading online market research panels) in December 2018.

"The Maru/Blue UK expansion is ramping up quickly with the addition of Maru Voice UK, and now a UK Omnibus," said Maru Group CEO Ged Parton. "The company continues to innovate at the speed of business," he added.

About Maru/Blue

Maru/Blueis a premium quality data services firm that provides reliable global data connections for brands, agencies, and market research. We create value for our clients by connecting them with expertly profiled known respondents. The result? Reliable, reproducible insights. We deliver instant access to the general population, specific markets, and your or your competitor's customers.

We began disrupting the market community industry in 2000. Our market communities broke new ground, adding depth and richness to clients' understanding of what motivates their customers and shapes their markets. Now, as part of the Maru Group, we continue to provide reliable global data connections for agencies, brands, and market research firms.

More recently we developed Maru Voice UK, which is a global expansion of the Maru/Blue online market research panels, joining Maru Voice Canadaand Springboard America(launched in 2006 and 2009, Canada's and the United States' leading online market research panels). Maru Voice Business Canada and Springboard America Business Forum are both an excellent source for business to business research.
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- VSBLTY, a leading retail software and technology company that provides audience measurement using the power of machine learning through computer vision, today announced the creation of two international partnerships with Atlas International, headquartered in Milan, Italy, and Onyx-Cognivas Pty, based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The announcement was made by VSBLTY CEO Jay Hutton, who also said the firm would be demonstrating two unique products at the ISE Show, scheduled for February 5-8, in Booth 8-S360. Amsterdam will host the 2019 ISE that is expected to draw 80,000 AV and systems integration professionals.

Hutton said VSBLTY will unveil an elevator video wall- Gateway "magic mirror" by LU-VE Group-designed for hotels, office and residential buildings that will transmit photos, videos and advertising as well as building information and announcements. Touch screen technology also enables elevator passengers to communicate to the outside via the web. In the event of an emergency, the elevator cabin immediately will be in audio/visual communication with an emergency specialist to calm and inform passengers.

The second VSBLTY product demonstrated will be a retail cabinet with shelves that features interactive video screens to engage and inform customers. Hutton said the unit is ideal for promoting products. Video on various size screens demonstrates product uses and benefits in addition to helping to educate customers, relieving the dependency on service staff. The unit also can feature in-store promotions.

Both of VSBLTY's new partner companies will attend ISE, Hutton said. Atlas International is a full-service provider of innovative solutions specializing in business and technology integration across a wide range of channels. "With our expertise in digital signage, customer engagement, and artificial intelligence, Atlas is an ideal partner to help VSBLTY gain distribution in Italy and beyond," according to the firm's CEO Tommaso Boralevi.

Onyx-Cognivas has unique patents on transparent digital signage that offer 100% transparency on demand, coupled with video analytics. The company also utilizes raw data collected from video analytics, including facial detection/recognition and object recognition, that- in conjunction with other data sets-builds deep learning intelligence solutions.

Co-founder Andrew Coudounaris said, "Our cutting-edge business intelligence algorithm technology that combines face recognition and detection, along with video analytics and object recognition, makes Onyx-Cognivas synergetic with VSBLTY, which has successfully been advancing the merging of marketing intelligence and security."

CONTACT: Linda Rosanio, 609-472-0877

lrosanio@vsblty.net

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/817114/VSBLTY_Logo.jpg
Andersen Global is proud to announce a collaboration agreement with Estudio Hernandez Ugarelli, a respected legal, tax and business consulting firm based in Lima, Peru. This is the second collaboration agreement in Peru for Andersen Global. Hernandez Ugarelli is comprised of four Partners and 12 professionals.

Hernandez Ugarelli has established itself as one of the premier tax and legal consulting firms in Peru. Its team of professionals brings decades of legal experience and its specialty in tax law, customs, insurance, banking and finance, infrastructure and transfer pricing. Chambers & Partners has consistently recognized the firm as a tax leader since 2011 and it is ranked in the Transactions Deals Report by Leaders League since 2018 in tax law and transfer pricing.

Cecilia Hernandez is a former Arthur Andersen adviser with seven years of experience in the tax field. "I believe our focus on tailored client service principles and expertise sets us apart from the competition," said Cecilia Hernandez, Founder and Principal Partner at Hernandez Ugarelli. "Some of our core values include partnering with our clients like they are our own family, and providing seamless, best-in-class service while focusing first and foremost on their business, not our own."

"There is a reason Hernandez Ugarelli is highly sought after. Cecilia's team brings not only the highest in professional standards, but additional depth and breadth to our expertise and strategy in Latin America. They add another dimension to our tax and legal practice within the region," said Mark Vorsatz, Andersen Global Chairman and Andersen Tax LLC CEO.

Andersen Global is an international association of legally separate, independent member firms comprised of tax and legal professionals around the world. Established in 2013 by U.S. member firm Andersen Tax LLC, Andersen Global now has over 4,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 130 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005001/en/

Contacts:

Megan Tsuei

Andersen Tax

415-764-2700
UpcoPay will be available by Spring 2019

Reduced transaction fees

First partnership agreement signed with SixthContinent, the largest international platform for Shopping Cards with a community of 400,000 users

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2019) - Upco International Inc. (CSE: UPCO) (OTCQB: UCCPF) (FSE: U06) ("Upco") is pleased to announce UpcoPay, an innovative, highly secure and convenient eWallet solution to make person to person and person to merchant payments. Beginning Spring 2019, Upco users in Europe and Canada will be able to use UpcoPay to send and receive money easily, securely and anonymously. This service will be expanded into other jurisdictions over time.

UpcoPay is an advanced eWallet system comprising a front-end app and robust back-end software to manage transaction tracking, reporting and a full range of other functions. This solution is based on live

transaction processing through integration with Upco's banking partner, eMoney plc.

UpcoPay allows the anonymous transfer of money between Upco users and vendors that subscribe to the service, protecting individual privacy, while being compliant with regulatory frameworks. UpcoPay will also be able to deliver substantially reduced transaction fees over conventional services provided by major existing payment networks, delivering significant savings to vendors and ultimately to consumers.

Over the past few months, Upco has been working closely with eMoney regarding design of the interface and associated functionality in UpcoPay. eMoney will handle user onboarding within existent regulatory frameworks, and support transaction processing internally, and in and out of UpcoPay. The solution will also support inter-account transfers within eMoney and to IBAN accounts. The design of the system is now complete, with overlapping development targeted for completion by Q2, 2019.

Once this foundation is in place, SixthContinent Inc. will be integrated into UpcoPay under the terms of a recently signed Collaborative Agreement. SixthContinent is the largest international platform for Shopping Cards with a network of more than 3000 leading brands and a community of 400,000 users. This integration will provide cost-effective support for shopping card purchases via the SixthContinent platform, benefiting users while also generating income for Upco through service and transaction fees. The design of the SixthContinent solution is proceeding in parallel with eMoney integration, and within the same general timeframe for go-live.

With the SixthContinent solution and associated users in place, the goal is to scale up the user base through extended functionality, including international money transfer, conversion of major international currencies, and support for debit and credit card processing. Integration with automated vending machines, parking meters, toll services, and other services such as invoice tracking and support for income tax reporting is envisioned in the longer term.

"This is a major milestone for our company" commented Mr. Andrea Pagani, Chairman of the Board of Upco International, "In a rapidly evolving world, technology has reinvented commerce, and digital purchases are becoming more and more mobile based, altering the role the payments industry plays in the transaction. We strongly believe that UpcoPay will very soon play a key role in this evolution. In this context, we are very honored by our recent agreement with SixthContinent, a leading platform in the social commerce market. Integration with SixthContinent will allow us to rapidly expand our user base, making the world of digital mobile payments safer, faster and more convenient than ever, for both merchants and users."

About Upco International Inc.

Upco International Inc. is a cloud-based mobile service company which provides high-quality voice termination to a market driven by the growing activity in online communications and commerce. Upco is a licensed Global Telecom Carrier within the international VoIP (voice over IP) wholesale business. Upco has designed a software application for Apple iOS and Android, similar to SKYPE and WhatsApp. With the forthcoming addition of the Upco e-Wallet using Blockchain Payment Services, users will be able to: send invoices, approve payments, transfer international funds, convert international currencies, and track transfers and payments. The application will also allow vendors to securely share account information with their clients.

Please visit upcointernational.com or upcomobile.com for further information.

About eMoney

Emoney is a Financial Institution, licensed in Malta with a European Passport, and has a decade of proven management experience in the world of electronic money, issuance of online current accounts and issuance of rechargeable credit cards. Emoney integration will extend the reach of the Upco App across Europe for Debit and Credit transactions and ensure full compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks within the European banking community. Upco presently has an agreement in place with Transfer To, which enables money transfer to a Mobile SIM of any user in the world. www.emoney.com.mt

About SixthContinent

SixthContinent, with offices in San Francisco, Ca, and Milan, Italy, is the largest international platform for Shopping Cards. The company has agreements with more than 3000 leading brands (including Walmart, Apple, Amazon, Carrefour, and IKEA, Adidas and Shell Oil), and a community of more than 400,000 users, and is fast becoming a major player in the expanding Social Commerce market. www.sixthcontinent.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Andrea Pagani, CEO and Director

office@upcointernational.com

212 461 3676

Trent Collet, Investor Relations

778 808 1175

Trent.collett@gmail.com

SixthContinent Inc.

AD MIRABILIA - PR and Marketing Communication Agency (Italy)

+39 02 43 82 191

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the statements of historical fact, the information contained herein is of a forward-looking nature. Such forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievement of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by statements containing forward-looking information. Such factors include continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that statements containing forward looking information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on statements containing forward looking information. Readers should review the risk factors set out in the Company's Filing Statement as filed on SEDAR.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42656
Acorn Income Fund - Appointment of Director

ACORN INCOME FUND LIMITED

(a closed-ended investment company incorporated in Guernsey with registration number 34778)

LEI 213800UAZN7G46AHQM67

Appointment of Director

5 February 2019

The Board of Acorn Income Fund Limited is pleased to announce that Mr Nigel Sidebottom has been appointed to the Board as a non-executive Director of the Company with immediate effect.

Mr Sidebottom was until recently the Deputy Chief Investment Officer and Head of Closed Ended Funds at Premier Asset Management, the parent company of the Company's investment manager. In accordance with the AIC Code of Corporate Governance, the Board will therefore deem Mr Sidebottom to be a Non-independent Director.

Ms Helen Green, Chairman, said "I am delighted that Nigel has agreed to join the Board. We believe that retaining Nigel's wealth of experience in closed-ended funds, and Acorn in particular following his retirement from Premier, will be valuable to shareholders".

Mr Sidebottom has a beneficial holding of 4366 Ordinary shares and 5205 ZDP shares in the Company.

In accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.13 (1), the Company discloses that there are no directorships held by Mr Sidebottom in publicly quoted companies in the five years prior to appointment.

There is no information required to be disclosed in accordance with Listing Rules 9.6.13 (2) to (6).

For further information about this announcement, please contact:

Northern Trust International Fund Administration

Services (Guernsey) Limited, Company Secretary +44 1481 745 498
Fourth annual Influential Leaders challenge recognizes 33 outstanding business school graduates

TAMPA, Florida, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Through passionate commitment to sustainability, diversity and inclusion, regional economies, and more, business school graduates make a positive global impact. Today AACSB International (AACSB)-the world's largest business education alliance-honors 33 such graduates as its 2019 Class of Influential Leaders. An annual initiative, the challenge recognizes notable alumni from AACSB-accredited schools whose inspiring work serves as a model for the next generation of business leaders.

Included among the AACSB 2019 Class of Influential Leaders are the following individuals:

Helena Helmersson , COO at H&M group and alumna of Umea University's Umea School of Business, Economics and Statistics

, COO at H&M group and alumna of Umea University's Umea School of Business, Economics and Statistics Tillmann Henssler , sourcing manager for procurement at Pfizer and graduate of The Open University Business School

, sourcing manager for procurement at Pfizer and graduate of The Open University Business School Richard Hardiman , CEO of RanMarine Technology and graduate of the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business

, CEO of RanMarine Technology and graduate of the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business Karim Baalbaki , chairman and managing director of BCI Holding SA and American University of Beirut's Suliman S. Olayan School of Business alumnus

Each honoree is recognized as a leader or innovator within their industry, a contributor to their community or society, and an inspiration to future business leaders. The stories of how each of the 33 honorees, representing schools in 13 countries, have positively influenced their industries and society are available at aacsb.edu/influential-leaders.

"The diversity of backgrounds, industries, and career paths of the 2019 Class of Influential Leaders demonstrates that AACSB-accredited schools are preparing graduates to succeed as they pursue their passions," said Thomas R. Robinson, president and CEO of AACSB. "We are honored to recognize these alumni, and the business schools that prepared them, as leading examples of business education as a force for good in the world."

Now in its fourth year, the Influential Leaders challenge has recognized almost 200 business school graduates for creating lasting impact in business and society. All honorees have earned an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree from one of the more than 800 AACSB-accredited business schools worldwide. For more information on the Influential Leaders challenge, and to view a full list of honorees, visit aacsb.edu/influential-leaders.

About AACSB International

As the world's largest business education alliance, AACSB International (AACSB) connects educators, students, and business to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Synonymous with the highest standards of excellence since 1916, AACSB provides quality assurance, business education intelligence, and professional development services to more than 1,600 member organizations and over 800 accredited business schools worldwide. AACSB's mission is to foster engagement, accelerate innovation, and amplify impact in business education. The global organization has offices located in Tampa, Florida, USA; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and Singapore. For more information, visit aacsb.edu.

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FN Media Group Presents Microsmallcap.com Market Commentary

NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Conflicting reports regarding Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway's recent alleged interest in new US-based lithium extraction technologies has shone a spotlight on a rising need for innovation. Beyond Buffett's group, there has already been a push from the lithium sector to innovate, from companies including Standard Lithium Ltd. (OTC:STLHF) (TSX-V:SLL), Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB), Livent Corporation (NYSE:LTHM), Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (NYSE:SQM), and Nemaska Lithium Inc. (TSX:NMX) (OTC:NMKEF).

Despite lingering doubts about the feasibility of the reported Berkshire Hathaway project to produce lithium from California geothermal wells, another project that's, further along, is priming for lithium production from the US brines. A planned joint venture involving a multi-billion-dollar global specialty chemical company and lithium experts Standard Lithium (TSX.V:SLL) (OTCQX:STLHF) based in Southern Arkansas may have the best chance to succeed.

After the announcement of their latest 802,000 tonnes lithium resource, Standard Lithium (TSX.V:SLL) (OTCQX:STLHF) now has a total combined Southern Arkansas lithium brine resource of 3,888,000 tonnes lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). To potentially recover all that lithium, the company has developed a proprietary lithium recovery process that eliminates the use of evaporation ponds, cuts processing time down to mere hours, and increases recovery efficiency to a level key to unlocking a huge overlooked lithium resource opportunity in the USA.

For More Information on Standard Lithium, Click Here

"This combined project in Southern Arkansas positions us as the largest lithium brine resource in the US; a significantly expanding market that currently relies on imports of foreign lithium," said Standard Lithium CEO, Robert Mintak.

As international interests such as Germany and China jostle for position in other places like South America, securing North American lithium is highly sought after domestically. The economic impact could be massive, as Chilean exports alone rose to $949 million in 2018 .

Utilizing access to extensive infrastructure, low-cost chemical reagents, and a highly skilled workforce, Standard Lithium (TSX.V:SLL) (OTCQX:STLHF) is an example of how one innovative developer plans to fast-track production of a new domestic supply of lithium in the USA.

Domestic Lithium: American-Made

Clarification was needed shortly after the Financial Times cited with people familiar to the project that a Berkshire Hathaway's BHE Renewables subsidiary had signed an agreement to allow extraction of lithium from its California geothermal wells. As well, the report claimed the company was also in talks with Tesla Inc.

Berkshire representatives soon after denied these reports . However, BHE spokeswoman Jessi Strawn followed up with an emailed statement affirming that the company is "evaluating the mineral extraction opportunity in the Imperial Valley" in southern California.

The FT report claimed that the venture could produce 90,000 tonnes per year -Which would technically surpass the annual lithium output from top global producers Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (NYSE:SQM).

For More Information on Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A., Click Here

Doubts immediately arose from industry analysts and investors, expressing skepticism that Berkshire could somehow succeed where others have failed. Earlier this decade, Simbol Materials tried to develop a Salton Sea lithium project, only to fail when cash reserves dried up.

Further along in the potential for innovative lithium development is Standard Lithium Ltd. (OTCQX:STLHF) (TSX.V:SLL), whose cutting edge, proprietary lithium extraction and AI driven crystallization technologies are drawing significant attention. Earlier this year, the company produced its first quantity of battery quality (>99.56% purity) lithium carbonate .

While many lithium projects take as long as a decade to reach production, Standard Lithium Ltd. (OTCQX:STLHF) (TSX.V:SLL) has likely shaved months, if not years off of its development time through technology and partnerships. Through its German partners, global chemical giant LANXESS, Standard Lithium has secured access to billions of gallons of lithium-rich brine-produced annually as a by-product of one of the world's largest bromine producers every year at their flagship project in South Arkansas.

Plans for a joint venture are being assembled, as all the ingredients are there. Standard Lithium Ltd. (OTCQX:STLHF) (TSX.V:SLL) has all the infrastructure and investment potential in place to move forward on a massive operating commercial brine-fueled lithium project in the USA. Should the next stages of the pilot and commercial feasibility testing be a success, LANXESS has announced a financial commitment to push the project into production, without Standard Lithium falling into the fundraising issues that typically arise for other lithium producers. The potential for the Southern Arkansas lithium project could become more feasible than any Salton Sea project being talked about today.

Further Global Lithium Developments

As the current undisputed leader in lithium carbonate production Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) produces most of its lithium from evaporation ponds. Back in November of 2018, the company's claim to have developed a unique process that would more than triple its lithium production from Chile's Atacama desert without using more water drew heavy scrutiny . Details regarding the technology have taken a backseat to other developments in Chile for the company. Just recently, Chile struck a deal with Albemarle to resolve a contract dispute, alleviating the previous threat of an arbitration lawsuit against the US-based producer. Inside the US, Albemarle has already hinted at the potential of producing lithium to business owners near their Magnolia Arkansas operations, near Standard Lithium's potential commercial lithium project.

For More Information on Albemarle Corporation, Click Here

Former FMC spin-off company Livent Corporation (NYSE:LTHM) has spread itself out across South America and into Australia. The company's Argentina project has been dubbed a "world-class asset", which makes it the one of the industry's lowest-cost producer of both lithium carbonate and lithium chloride.

Second-largest global producer, Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (NYSE:SQM) also has an Australia/South America balance. With its Australian partners Kidman Resources, SQM has announced plans for a 45,000 tonnes per year plant at Kwinana to add value to spodumene from its Earl Grey lithium mine. Back in its home country of Chile, SQM received approval from Chile's environmental regulator for a $25 million compliance plan ending a multi-year investigation by authorities that found the company had overdrawn lithium-rich brine from the Atacama salt flat. The plan going forward will require SQM to improve monitoring and reduce some of its extraction of brine. However, the decision is unlikely to have a major impact on SQM's total output of lithium, as the reduction represents only a small percentage of the total authorized to the company by regulators.

For More Information on Nemaska Lithium Inc., Click Here

Forecasted to likely be North America's next lithium producer, Nemaska Lithium Inc. (TSX:NMX) (OTCQX:NMKEF) is in the construction stage on its Whabouchi mine in the James Bay region of Quebec, Canada. Along with the construction of an electrochemical plant, the company's project at the mine is expected to yield concentrate production in the second half of 2019, followed by lithium salts production about a year later. According to the company's feasibility study, the capex on the project is set at approximately $875 million, which Nemaska has already spent $272.4 million on. In comparison, Standard Lithium's Smackover Project in Arkansas a large amount of the capital investment and infrastructure is in place at the three existing brine processing plants. A decision on the commercial viability of a processing plant in Arkansas should be made by the end of 2020.

For a FREE research report on Standard Lithium Ltd. (OTCQX:STLHF) (TSX.V:SLL), visit MicroSmallCap.com

Microsmallcap.com (MSC) is the source of the Article and content set forth above. References to any issuer other than the profiled issuer are intended solely to identify industry participants and do not constitute an endorsement of any issuer and do not constitute a comparison to the profiled issuer. FN Media Group (FNM) is a third-party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated with MSC or any company mentioned herein. The commentary, views and opinions expressed in this release by MSC are solely those of MSC and are not shared by and do not reflect in any manner the views or opinions of FNM. Readers of this Article and content agree that they cannot and will not seek to hold liable MSC and FNM for any investment decisions by their readers or subscribers. MSC and FNM and their respective affiliated companies are a news dissemination and financial marketing solutions provider and are NOT registered broker-dealers/analysts/investment advisers, hold no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.

The Article and content related to the profiled company represent the personal and subjective views of the Author (MSC), and are subject to change at any time without notice. The information provided in the Article and the content has been obtained from sources which the Author believes to be reliable. However, the Author (MSC) has not independently verified or otherwise investigated all such information. None of the Author, MSC, FNM, or any of their respective affiliates, guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any such information. This Article and content are not, and should not be regarded as investment advice or as a recommendation regarding any particular security or course of action; readers are strongly urged to speak with their own investment advisor and review all of the profiled issuer's filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission before making any investment decisions and should understand the risks associated with an investment in the profiled issuer's securities, including, but not limited to, the complete loss of your investment. FNM was not compensated by any public company mentioned herein to disseminate this press release but was compensated twenty six hundred dollars by MSC, a non-affiliated third party to distribute this release on behalf of Standard Lithium.

FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and MSC and FNM undertake no obligation to update such statements.

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SpendEdge, a global procurement market intelligence firm, has announced the release of their Global Inbound Support Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005560/en/

Global Inbound Support Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Buyers are exhibiting a growing preference towards outsourcing a range of support services in their attempts to improve customer service while enhancing focus on their core business. This is creating substantial demand for the inbound support services. The nature of the business of end-user industries such as hotel and healthcare is driving buyers from this sector to leverage helpdesk outsourcing to minimize costs while boosting the productivity and efficiency of helpdesk operations. Despite such projected scopes for growth, the increasing attrition rate will pose as one of the significant procurement challenges for buyers for whom supply assurance is a critical criterion for seamless productivity. Download the Free Sample copy of this Inbound support market intelligence report here!

Telehealth services are gaining prominence in the US, which in turn, is creating a requirement for helpdesk and tech support to cater to online patient consultation. This is accelerating the category spend momentum in the region. The advent of global companies from industries such as apparel, telecommunication, and healthcare in APAC will propel demand for inbound support activities such as inbound sales, customer service, and helpdesk support in the region. The rapid rate of adoption of cloud-based contact centers by buyers in Europe will improve scopes of the category growth in the years to come.

This inbound support procurement research report offers a comprehensive analysis of the primary cost drivers and its subsequent impact on the overall pricing. Current supply market forecasts and the spend opportunities for the suppliers are also offered in this market intelligence report. In this report, the category spend is analyzed from the perspective of the buyers and the suppliers.

Want personalized information? Request free customization of the market intelligence report on inbound support here!

"Category managers must examine the customer support interactions to identify the critical concerns of customers while using any specific product or service. This offers visibility on the area of improvement based on the queries," says SpendEdge procurement expert Anil Seth

This inbound support procurement research report has estimated that the following cost drivers will influence the category growth in the following years:

Use of chatbots will lead to significant savings in operational costs

High attrition rate is a significant risk for the category

Buy the full market intelligence report on inbound support here!

SpendEdge is now offering limited-time discounts on report purchases. Buy two reports and get the third one for free

SpendEdge's procurement market intelligence reports for the professional services category provide detailed supply market forecasts and information on cost drivers that impact category growth. Such information will help procurement managers as well as the suppliers to determine the total cost of ownership and change their procurement strategies accordingly. Additionally, SpendEdge's reports provide category management insights and information on the procurement best practices for the category.

Report scope snapshot: Inbound support

US market insights

Supplier cost structure in the US

Margins of suppliers in the US

Category cost drivers

Interested to know more about the scope of our market intelligence reports? Download a FREE sample

Best practices

Procurement excellence best practices

Procurement best practices

Sustainability practices

Want customized information from the inbound support procurement research report? Get in touch

Category ecosystem

Competitiveness index for suppliers

Buyer power

Supplier power score

To view the table of contents of this market intelligence report, Download a FREE sample

Do you purchase multiple reports in a year? Our subscription platform, SpendEdge Insights, provides ready-to-use procurement research reports for multiple categories. Now access latest supplier news, innovation landscape, markets insights, supplier tracking, and much more at the click of a button. Start your 7-day FREE trial now

Related Reports:

Global Construction Professional Services Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report

Global Document Management and Storage Services Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report

About SpendEdge:

SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To know more, https://www.spendedge.com/request-free-proposal

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005560/en/

Contacts:

SpendEdge

Anirban Choudhury

Marketing Manager

US: +1 630 984 7340

UK: +44 148 459 9299

https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us
Jetico, leading developer of approved DoD wipe software, announced today the release of version 4 of BCWipe Total WipeOut to erase hard drive data. Enterprise users gain more advantages to remotely wipe SAN devices and EFI computers, now including enhanced reporting and an improved interface.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005530/en/

Storage Area Networks (SANs) are nowadays more common in corporate environments for expanding data storage capacity. BCWipe Total WipeOut helps to securely manage this growing digital footprint.

Jetico CEO, Michael Waksman explains, "Remotely wiping SAN storage arrays without the need to physically access or disassemble them first will add valuable convenience and efficiency for wiping multiple devices simultaneously."

EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) booting is a de-facto standard for most computers manufactured in the past 5 years. Some modern hardware vendors have decided not to include any older legacy support in their products. Previous compatibility with EFI now advances further with EFI PXE boot, enabling the capability to wipe EFI computers remotely.

Approved by the U.S. Department of Defense for sanitization of magnetic, SSD and hybrid storage devices, BCWipe Total WipeOut achieves security compliance with enhanced reporting. Admins can view, filter and export wiping history to keep track of every operation performed on any device. In version 4, hard drive wiping reports are now customizable for documenting only the most important information. Users can create, save and print wiping reports in one of 5 popular formats as certificate of proof for auditing.

Jetico's hard drive wiping software UI has been redesigned to make the process even simpler and faster, featuring pre-set recommended settings to securely erase SSD, USB and HDD devices. The Enterprise Edition also empowers users to remotely take control of every aspect of the data erasure process for more demanding whole disk wiping projects.

The new version of BCWipe Total WipeOut actively improves support for hardware from NVMe SSD wiping in modern laptops to large-capacity HDD wiping in server systems including support for Sparc and Itanium architecture.

"New standards, protocols and technologies are emerging every month," tells Mr. Waksman. "Jetico is constantly updating our technology for compatibility with recent innovations, ensuring reliable hard drive erasure for all our customers."

About Jetico

Jetico provides pure and simple data protection software for National Security, Compliance and Personal Privacy. Trusted for over 10 years by the U.S. Department of Defense, Jetico's BCWipe can wipe selected files beyond forensic recovery such as in response to classified data spills, while BCWipe Total WipeOut can erase hard drive data entirely such as for disposal or decommission. To protect stored data, Jetico's BestCrypt delivers compliant data encryption software for whole disks, virtual drives and selected files or folders. Jetico Enterprise Editions include central management for client software control.

Jetico products are trusted by government and military agencies, all of the top 10 U.S. defense contractors, many national laboratories, as well as various other enterprises and a wide global base of home and small business users in over 100 countries. Founded in 1995, Jetico is privately held and headquartered in the Otaniemi Science Park in Helsinki, Finland. For more information, please visit jetico.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005530/en/

Contacts:

Michael Waksman

Jetico Inc. Oy

marketing@jetico.com

Phone (U.S.): +1 202 742 2901

Phone (Europe): +358 9 2517 3030
Supports Braingrid and MGX/MGX Renewables previous announcement to co-develop and market a packaged energy management product offering.

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2019) - Braingrid Limited (CSE: BGRD) ("Braingrid"), a global provider of affordable, scalable and easy-to-deploy sensor platforms for precision agriculture, is pleased to announce it has entered into a strategic alliance agreement with TRAK International Green Energy Resources Inc. ("TRAK").

TRAK is an award-winning, cleantech Professional Engineering and Design/Build Construction firm with over 25 years' experience in designing, building and financing some of the most innovative and energy-efficient HVAC and Refrigeration systems in North America. They are experts in modular buildout, integrating and operating GeoExchange, on-site power generation, and other sustainable energy solutions. Holding patents in heating and cooling methods, TRAK custom manufactures modular hydronic heat pump systems and other energy transfer and regulation devices. TRAK creates customized Smart Energy Systems (SES) that can empower owners and operators of precision agriculture indoor-grow properties with ideal environmental control, while being sustainably energy cost efficient. The resulting comparative increase in production and the reduction in energy and maintenance operating costs results in a cash boost and overall operation profitability.

"We are enthusiastic about our alliance with Braingrid," said Jeff Maxwell, P.Eng., CEO and President of TRAK. "The TRAK Smart Energy System, coupled with Braingrid's technology, will further empower cultivators to optimize precision agriculture by pre-determining the almost infinite variations and right amount of nutrients, water, lighting spectrum and intensity, heating, cooling, humidity, air circulation, air volume changes, CO 2 , and other factors necessary to produce high-yield, healthy crops."

"Real-time measuring and trending allow for predictive states and instant system changes and adjustments," said Michael Kadonoff, CEO and founder of Braingrid. "That's why TRAK and Braingrid's combined offering is so important. Braingrid's Sentrollers already capture key variables within a cultivation environment and by coupling this information with TRAK's systems through our data science activities and powerful cloud architecture, we will collaboratively control critical parameters to guarantee the crops are never at risk and that TRAK systems efficiently respond to provide the best production conditions."

Observing the consequences of inefficient or unresponsive grow settings is too late. Forehanded knowing is growing at its best.

The three-year agreement enables a strategic collaboration whereby Braingrid will integrate its Sentroller technology and cloud platform to identify areas for process improvement, give measure to design requirements, and then compatibly operate with the TRAK Energy Management System (EMS) and SES to physically effect the results in real time. This will allow Braingrid to perform real-time data-gathering, monitoring and analysis to make highly-effective environmental control a continually improving reality. A variety of systems will be developed to analyze and control grow environments to microclimate levels, predict, validate and improve energy savings, and perform situational consumables and equipment service and maintenance. TRAK will initially develop, market, manage and record efficient, sustainable agribusiness grow facilities from a financial cost-savings and stringent environmental control perspective. Longer-term objectives include using data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence for more enhancements and semi-automated control of the grow space.

The parties intend to research, develop and execute projects to provide their respective services for new construction or retrofit of intensive-energy use, precision agriculture, cannabis indoor grow, vertical farming and greenhouse facilities in Canada and the United States. The goal is to fast track and introduce an unrivaled and complete turnkey solution for cannabis growers and agricultural companies to significantly reduce their energy consumption and footprint. An overall energy cost reduction of more than 50% is targeted. Braingrid's recently formed Strategic Partnership with MGX Minerals Inc. / MGX Renewables Inc. (see MGX Minerals' news release of October 24, 2018) to co-develop and market a packaged energy management product offering may also play a significant role in this respect. This partnership aims to leverage Braingrid's technology and MGX Renewables' modular energy storage systems, which provide scalable regenerative zinc-air flow battery for low-cost mass storage of energy, to provide cannabis growers and agricultural companies with renewable energy solutions.

Both strategic alliances with TRAK and MGX enable Braingrid to be at the forefront of pioneering unprecedented low-cost energy reduction solutions for the cannabis and agricultural industries.

Media Contact:

Braingrid

Doug Harris

Chief Financial Officer

416-480.2488

ir@braingrid.io

TRAK



Mitchell Wilkie

Chief Strategy Officer

437.350.0322

mwilkie@trakge.com

About Braingrid:

Braingrid Limited (www.braingrid.io) is a global technology company that provides an affordable, versatile and quick-to-install data acquisition and sensor integration platform for cannabis cultivators. Capturing real-time data needed to increase revenues, reduce costs and risks, and connecting cultivators to their grow on a microclimate level, Braingrid is also developing systems utilizing data science, machine learning and AI to deliver "smart" controls and building management solutions for the precision agriculture and energy efficiency sectors.

About TRAK International Green Energy Resources:

TRAK (www.trakge.com) is a privately-owned, Kelowna-based, international cleantech company offering sustainable, innovative HVAC/R Smart Energy Systems and Engineering Services to help industrial, commercial, institutional and recreational property owners who are intensive energy users and want to improve their facility and environmental controls.

About MGX Renewables

MGX Renewables Inc. has developed a patented zinc-air flow battery that efficiently stores energy in the form of zinc particles and contains none of the traditional high cost battery commodities such as lithium, vanadium, or cobalt. The technology allows for low cost mass storage of energy and can be deployed into a wide range of applications scalable energy storage applications.

Unlike conventional batteries such as lithium-ion, which have a fixed energy/power ratio, the technology uses a fuel tank system that offers flexible energy storage to power ratios and scalability. The storage capacity is directly tied to the size of the fuel tank and the quantity of recharged zinc fuel, making low cost scalability a major advantage of the flow battery system. In addition, a further major advantage of the zinc-air flow battery is the ability to charge and discharge simultaneously and at different maximum charge or discharge rates since each of the charge and discharge circuits is separate and independent. Other types of standard and flow batteries are limited to a maximum charge and discharge by the total number of cells as there is no separation of the charge, discharge and storage components. For more information visit www.mgxrenewables.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release includes forward-looking information and statements, which may include, but are not limited to, information and statements regarding or inferring the future business, operations, financial performance, prospects, and other plans, intentions, expectations, estimates, and beliefs of Braingrid and TRAK. Information and statements which are not purely historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information and statements involve and are subject to assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual events, results, performance, or achievements of Braingrid and TRAK to be materially different from future events, results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information and statements herein. Such forward looking statements include statements regarding (i) the ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of combining Braingrid and TRAK's technology, (ii) the achievement of the longer term objectives associated with the strategic alliance, (iii) the ability to create an unrivaled and complete turnkey solution for cannabis growers and agricultural companies to significantly reduce their energy consumption and footprint and the ability to achieve the targeted overall energy cost reduction of more than 50% and (iv) the ability to complete a packaged energy management product with MGX Renewables Inc. Although Braingrid and TRAK believe that any forward-looking information and statements herein are reasonable, in light of the use of assumptions and the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in such information and statements, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance upon such forward-looking information and statements. Any forward-looking information and statements herein are made as of the date hereof, and except as required by applicable laws, Braingrid and TRAK assume no obligation and disclaim any intention to update or revise any forward-looking information and statements herein or to update the reasons that actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in any forward-looking information and statements herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/42655
Demonstrated built-in functionality and intelligence capable of meeting customer's complex requirements

Wolters Kluwer Tax Accounting today announces that the Geneva-Based Maus Freres SA, a global business in manufacturing and retail, known for key brands like Lacoste, Gant, Manor, etc, has selected the CCH Tagetik Consolidation Solution to help them achieve their finance transformation initiative and modernize their Consolidation process.

The management of the "ownerships among company and holdings" is a core requirement for the Maus Freres consolidation process, and CCH Tagetik proved far more flexible and reliable in handling these topics and fixing the gap they had with their previous consolidation system.

A proof of concept phase led by CCH Tagetik specialized partner Satriun Group clinched the selection decision. Workshops with the consolidation department allowed CCH Tagetik to demonstrate the platform's ability to handle complex legal and management consolidations without requiring scripting skills, monthly adjustments or workaround. With CCH Tagetik Maus Freres SA got a complete, scalable, user-friendly environment governed by Finance, allowing them to manage Consolidation from A to Z and leverage latest technology to innovate in the future.

"Reproducing while simplifying our integrated legal and management consolidation processes, without the need of scripts, hard-coded parameters and complex customizations, was key for validating the use of CCH Tagetik for our group consolidation and reporting," said Guillaume Celestin, Head of Finance Controlling, Maus Freres SA.

As a confirmation of the power of the CCH Tagetik Finance Transformation Platform as a single and unified solution, Maus Freres SA has selected CCH Tagetik not only for Consolidation but also for Budgeting and Planning in particular for a Real Estate planning and analytics project on top of their new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). CCH Tagetik enables Maus Freres SA to refocus on their strategy with deeper insight and a trusted connection between actuals and planning figures.

"We are convinced that the CCH Tagetik Finance Transformation Platform will modernize significantly our Finance processes," said Jean-Yves Bieri, CFO, Maus Freres SA.

"The use of CCH Tagetik solution for the planning of our Real Estate operations will make my department save precious time on non-value added tasks and strengthen the focus on our core business," said Laurent Poffet, Director Real Estate, Maus Freres SA.

"CCH Tagetik will allow the budget planning of our complex and long lasting construction projects to reconcile seamlessly with yearly accounting figures," confirmed Camille Lachenal, Director Project Management Construction, Maus Freres SA.

"We are pleased to welcome Maus Freres to our growing Swiss customer base," said Manuel Vellutini, EVP Commercial CCH Tagetik. "This choice confirms our capabilities at CCH Tagetik to manage complex processes to empower large organizations to meet present and future requirements and challenges of the Office of Finance."

To learn more about CCH Tagetik go to www.tagetik.com. For specific information on CCH Tagetik Consolidation, click here.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer is a global leader in professional information services and solutions for professionals in the health, tax and accounting, risk and compliance, finance and legal sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2017 annual revenues of 4.4 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

Wolters Kluwer shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and are included in the AEX and Euronext 100 indices. Wolters Kluwer has a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program. The ADRs are traded on the over-the-counter market in the U.S. (WTKWY).

For more information about our solutions and organization, visit www.wolterskluwer.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Wolters Kluwer Tax Accounting is a leading provider of software solutions and local expertise that helps tax, accounting and audit professionals research and navigate complex regulations, comply with legislation, manage their businesses and advise clients with speed, accuracy and efficiency. CCH Tagetik, a part of the Tax Accounting division, provides solutions to CFOs for Corporate Performance Management.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005551/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts:

Marisa Westcott

Wolters Kluwer

+1 212-771-0853

marisa.westcott@wolterskluwer.com

or

Greta Bartoli

CCH Tagetik

+39 058396811 office

greta.bartoli@wolterskluwer.com
Saviynt is expanding its Converge series to EMEA where they will deliver innovation best practices for IGA Modernization and Digital Transformation needs of the Enterprise

Saviynt, the Trust award-winning provider of intelligent, identity-driven security and compliance solutions, announced it will be holding its first Converge conference in EMEA on March 6th, 2019. Converge London 19' is an extension of the successful event series that have been held in the US for the past several years.

"Our global Converge event in Las Vegas last December was a huge success and we have been asked by our customers and partners to hold a region event in EMEA. As we expand our Identity Management platform to meet the growing security challenges that are emerging with new developing threats, holding region events will enable more of our customers, partners and prospects to interact," said Amit Saha, CEO at Saviynt. "Our innovative solutions allow enterprises to launch new customer engagement models that are critical to digital transformation and engaging with regional pier groups is valuable to everyone."

Saviynt Converge London 19' will bring together forward-thinking security leaders, IAM leaders and architects to discuss the future of the Identity Governance industry. The agenda will be focused on ways to tackle paradigm shifts in the world of Identity Management, specifically with regard to the evolution of technology, DevOps, and digital transformation. To review the agenda and see conference details, go to: https://saviynt.com/converge-london19/

"Most of our clients are global and have major operations in EMEA and meeting them in their region shows them Saviynt's commitment to help them secure their business applications and data. With the expansion of demand we have experienced in EMEA, holding this event was an easy decision to make," said Ben Lazar, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Saviynt.

Saviynt partners who are sponsoring the conference include:

Nixu as a Platinum sponsor

as a Platinum sponsor Third Space (OCG) as a Platinum sponsor

(OCG) as a Platinum sponsor Ping Identity as a Gold sponsor

as a Gold sponsor OneLogin as a Gold sponsor

About Saviynt

Saviynt empowers organizations to secure applications, data and infrastructure in a unified cloud Identity Governance platform for Cloud (Office 365, AWS, Salesforce, Workday), and Enterprise (SAP, Oracle EBS). Saviynt is pioneering IGA 2.0 by integrating advanced risk analytics and intelligence with fine-grained privilege management. Top global brands leverage Saviynt technology.

Visit our website: www.saviynt.com

Read our blog: https://saviynt.com/blog/

Follow Saviynt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saviynt/

Follow @Saviynt on Twitter: https://twitter.com/saviynt

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005323/en/

Contacts:

Ben Lazar, SVP Marketing, Saviynt

ben.lazar@saviynt.com

(310) 641-1664
SpendEdge, a global procurement market intelligence firm, has announced the release of their Global IT Storage Services Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005527/en/

Global IT Storage Services Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The recent market trends reveal a high degree of migration of the on-premises data storage to the cloud storage platform done by buyers from a significant proportion of the global organizations. This is acting as one of the primary growth drivers of the category spend momentum. In a bid to modernize the existing IT infrastructure, buyers are adopting physical servers, storage systems, switches, routers, load balancers, and WAN optimization appliances which, in turn, will create substantial requirements for the on-premises storage services and products. However, factors like privacy issues, security threats, and the failure to provide high network bandwidth might impede the category growth in some of the major economies across the globe. Read the Free Sample copy of this IT storage services procurement market intelligence report here!

Currently, the US holds the largest market share which is credited to the early category adoption and the availability of global service providers in the region. The incremental spend done by the defense department of the US government in cloud services is expected to boost the category spend growth rate during the forecast period. The market for IT storage services in APAC is driven by the better accessibility of the internet which is favoring digitization and investments in IT infrastructure.

This IT storage services procurement market report offers a detailed overview of the key cost drivers and category management insights that can aid in devising a profitable procurement strategy for IT storage services. This procurement market intelligence report also highlights the current supply market developments to help the buyers choose the appropriate vendors who can promise a steady supply assurance. Not what you are looking for? Request for free customization

"Buyers must ensure that service providers guarantee data segregation in case of multi-tenancy to avoid data loss or unsorted data storage scenarios," says SpendEdge procurement expert Anil Seth. "They should also be able to recover data in case of any unprecedented instances of data loss," added Anil.

This IT storage services procurement market report has highlighted the factors to play a vital role in influencing category spend. They include:

Buyers can save costs by engaging in long-term contracts with tested vendors

Service providers face a high threat from M&A and energy price increase

Get the full market intelligence report to know more about the complete scope of this report

SpendEdge is now offering limited-time discounts on report purchases. Buy two reports and get the third one for free

SpendEdge's procurement market intelligence reports for the information technology category offer information on critical cost drivers and category pricing strategies to help the buyers achieve significant cost-savings. The supply market forecasts provide information on supplier performance benchmarking criteria to help buyers reduce spend and establish better SLAs. Additionally, SpendEdge's reports offer category management insights and procurement best practices for the category.

Report scope snapshot: IT storage services

Category ecosystem

Market favorability index for suppliers

Competitiveness index for suppliers

Threat of new entrants

Interested to know more about the scope of our procurement market intelligence reports? Download a FREE sample

Category management enablers

Procurement organization

Category enablers

Want customized information from our IT storage services procurement market report? Get in touch

Category definition

Category hierarchy

Category scope

Category map

To view this the complete table of contents for the market intelligence report, Download a FREE sample

Do you purchase multiple reports in a year? Our subscription platform, SpendEdge Insights, provides ready-to-use procurement research reports for various categories. Now access latest supplier news, innovation landscape, markets insights, supplier tracking, and much more at the click of a button. Start your 7-day FREE trial now

Related Reports:

Global SaaS Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report

Global Enterprise Application Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report

About SpendEdge:

SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To know more, https://www.spendedge.com/request-free-proposal

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005527/en/

Contacts:

SpendEdge

Anirban Choudhury

Marketing Manager

US: +1 630 984 7340

UK: +44 148 459 9299

https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us
Terveystalo has signed an agreement to acquire Lansi-Vantaan Hammaslaakarit Oy, a private clinic that offers oral health services in Vantaa. The company's employees will be transferred to Terveystalo as old employees and the operations will continue on the same premises as before. In 2017, Lansi-Vantaan Hammaslaakarit Oy had a revenue of approximately EUR 1.9 million and it employs 8 dentists, 2 dental hygienists and 6 dental nurses.





"Terveystalo's service portfolio expanded to include oral health services in 2015. Oral health is a part of overall health, and oral health and oral hygiene have a significant role in preventing illnesses. Many of our customers want to get all their health services from one place. Additionally, Terveystalo's occupational healthcare customers have wished dental care services to be included as part of Terveystalo's offering", says Terveystalo's Oral healthcare Business Director Petri Keksi.





"Over the past three years, Terveystalo has bought and established dental clinics throughout Finland and now operates in over 40 units. The aim is to continue to expand our network of dental clinics", Keksi continues.





"We warmly welcome personnel and practitioners of Lansi-Vantaan Hammaslaakarit Oy to Terveystalo. The company's services will complement our service offering in the capital region according to our customers' wishes", says Keksi.





For further information, please contact:

Terveystalo's Oral healthcare Business Director Petri Keksi, tel. +358 40 730 8188









Terveystalo in brief

Terveystalo is a listed company on the Helsinki Stock Exchange. Terveystalo is the largest healthcare service company in Finland with net sales and network. The company offers versatile primary and secondary health care services for corporate and private customers and the public sector. The nationwide network covers 180 locations across Finland, complemented by 24/7 digital services.





In 2017, the Company had approximately 1.2 million individual customers and approximately 3.3 million doctor visits. Nearly 9,000 healthcare professionals work in Terveystalo, about half of whom are private practitioners. Terveystalo is a member of Association for Finnish Work. www.terveystalo.com

This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Terveystalo Oyj via Globenewswire


LONDON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- MIG Global, part of Next15 communications group PLC, is combining its family of specialist agencies - Morar HPI, VIGA, Charterhouse and Circle - into one as it today launches Savanta.

Underpinned by the strapline 'Make Better Decisions', Savanta is re-engineering research so that it fuels faster, easier and more effective decision making. To do so, Savanta will combine the benefits of a smaller agency - deep specialist expertise and a tailored, client-first approach - with the resources of a larger organisation. Savanta has 200 staff, including an innovation team of 20, and 5 offices across the UK and North America.

Savanta will offer clients a full range of intelligence services including:

Data collection and analysis - access to 100 million respondents through a proprietary technology platform

Bespoke research - tailored solutions built using specialists from Savanta's Industry and Methodology Practices

Intelligence products - including the BrandVue and MarketVue reputation tracking solutions

The Savanta senior line up brings together talent from across its business. Heading up Savanta will be Roger Perowne, Global CEO and Morar HPI co-founder, supported by a senior team of Lewis Reeves, Global CCO; Paul Bath, Global COO; Alistair Cunningham, Global CTO; Nick Baker, UK CEO; and Vin de Robertis, Americas CEO.

Perowne comments: "The world has changed fundamentally in the last decade - we're inundated with information and face overwhelming complexity. The most successful businesses decode this nuanced environment and make fast, nimble, impactful decisions. Insight is central to this, but the old agency model is too slow and too blunt. Savanta is here to shake that up."

MRS Board Member and former Verve and Quadrangle CEO, Baker added; "My whole career has been about changing perceptions of research. Too often businesses see the research industry as academic, stuffy and lacking business nous. That's simply not true. Insight is fundamental to business success and good insight gives clear commercial direction in an engaging way - it fuels better decision making. When I saw what Savanta was doing and how they've put this idea at their very core, I knew I had to be a part of it."

The USA and Canada are central to Savanta's plans with revenues in the region having grown rapidly in the last two years. "Our clients in North America know us for data collection expertise, but with Savanta we can offer that and so much more," comments Savanta's Americas CEO, Vin DeRobertis. "We now have a truly end-to-end offering and can meet any research need, anywhere. That takes the scale of something like Savanta and what's so exciting is that we're coupling that with the high service levels and deep expertise you'd expect from a more 'boutique' outfit."

About Savanta

Savanta provides the intelligence that underpins better decision making.

With five global offices and 200 staff, we bring the benefits of scale. But with us, it's personal. Our specialist Practices with their deep expertise and nimble teams built around individual clients make the Savanta experience feel more like working with a smaller, 'boutique' agency.

Learn more at https://www.savanta.com.
- New Venture Blends World-Class Legal Expertise with Automation Technology

to Deliver Value to Customers and Clients -

PALO ALTO, California, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, the premier provider of legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, today announced the formation of SixFifty, a new software subsidiary. Backed by WSGR, SixFifty is developing automated tools designed to make legal processes efficient and affordable. SixFifty operates in tandem with attorneys from WSGR to provide companies the optimal combination of automation and human expertise.

SixFifty is led by Kimball Dean Parker, president, and Lincoln Porter, CTO, both veteran legal technologists. Most recently, Parker and Porter created GDPR IQ, an automated software solution that generated GDPR compliance documents. The company behind GDPR IQ became profitable within six weeks and serviced hundreds of clients. Prior to that, the duo developed SoloSuit, an automated software tool that helped those who have been sued for a debt in Utah file legal responses. The site surpassed its annual forecast for users in just one month. Parker and Porter also developed CO/COUNSEL, a legal crowdsourcing website, which garnered tens of thousands of contributions and is used by law schools across the U.S. and U.K.

"SixFifty is a unique endeavor that is driven by two important ingredients: human expertise and machine efficiency," said Doug Clark, managing partner of WSGR. "With WSGR's industry-leading legal counsel and the experience Kimball and Lincoln have in creating automated legal solutions, SixFifty is positioned to deliver innovative efficiency and affordable answers to even the most complicated legal challenges facing small businesses and emerging companies."

SixFifty plans to develop and release multiple products, starting with SixFifty Privacy--a tool that businesses can use to assess and plan their compliance with California's Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). CCPA is a consumer privacy law that comes into effect on January 1, 2020, and establishes guidelines for the collection, use, disclosure, and sale of personal information. Guided by experts from WSGR's Privacy and Data Protection practice--which includes Lydia Parnes, the former director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the Federal Trade Commission, Chris Olsen, the former assistant director of the FTC's Division of Privacy and Identity Protection, and others--SixFifty will roll out a suite of automated CCPA tools later this year.

"The price and complexity of many legal services are common frustrations felt by businesses," said Parker, president of SixFifty and the director of LawX, the legal design lab at Brigham Young University's J. Reuben Clark Law School. "For most companies, complying with the CCPA will be a confusing and costly exercise. SixFifty's automated tools will provide a more affordable, efficient and convenient solution to help companies on the path to compliance. We are proud to bring the full unified resources of SixFifty to companies and individuals in need of assistance."

In addition to SixFifty Privacy, the company plans to develop solutions in other areas of law where technology can be leveraged to automate relatively routine processes. The hallmark of all SixFifty products is the combination of human expertise with automated functionality. The balance between human-delivered assistance and automation will vary depending on each company's needs. The type of human involvement may also vary, ranging from attorney expertise to other professionals who will assist SixFifty customers in their use of one or more products. For more information about SixFifty and to take a free assessment to see how the CCPA will impact your business, visit https://www.sixfifty.com/privacy/applicability.

About Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

For more than 50 years, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has offered a broad range of services and legal disciplines focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the management and boards of directors of business enterprises. The firm is nationally recognized as a leader in the fields of corporate governance and finance, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, securities litigation, employment law, intellectual property, and antitrust, among many other areas of law. With deep roots in Silicon Valley, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has offices in Austin; Beijing; Boston; Brussels; Hong Kong; London; Los Angeles; New York; Palo Alto; San Diego; San Francisco; Seattle; Shanghai; Washington, D.C.; and Wilmington, DE. For more information, please visit www.wsgr.com.

About SixFifty

Headquartered in the Silicon Slopes area of Utah, SixFifty is a subsidiary of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and combines the expertise of the world's leading technology law firm, made accessible through thoughtful technology. SixFifty streamlines complex areas of the law by providing actionable, efficient and affordable solutions for individuals and businesses. For more information, please visit www.sixfifty.com.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/817811/WSGRVert_HiRes_Logo.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/817813/Sixfifty_Logo.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/817810/Doug_Clark___WSGR_Managing_Partner.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/817812/Kimball_Parker_SixFifty.jpg
Company to offer demonstrations of its network traffic analytics solution at Booth 6C51

ipoque GmbH, a Rohde Schwarz company providing market-leading deep packet inspection software, today announced that it will offer demonstrations of its R&S INTRA solution at MWC19 Barcelona, taking place February 25-28. ipoque representatives will be onsite to address how communication service providers (CSPs) can use the network traffic analytics solution to secure granular visibility of entire networks via real-time reporting on network and subscriber data. Armed with these insights, CSPs can make more informed, intelligent decisions about network planning and optimization.

Since making its debut at MWC Americas in October 2018, R&S INTRA has been instrumental in empowering CSPs to better manage and glean critical insights from network data for better services and new revenue streams. With the rise of 5G, Big Data and IoT technologies and increasing customer expectations towards quality of experience, network traffic continues to increase at unprecedented rates. To manage burgeoning amounts of network data efficiently and cost-effectively while deriving optimal value from it CSPs require analytics.

From its MWC19 booth, ipoque will offer CSP attendees a look at how they can achieve a 360-degree view of their network, quality and subscriber base with R&S INTRA. They will highlight how R&S INTRA specifically enables CSPs to:

remove isolated decisions and siloes by establishing a comprehensive operational analytics model;

capture full value of data insights for every department with information directly from the traffic;

monetize additional services and save operational and capital expenditures;

gain future-proof analytics and increase customer retention; and

reduce cost and improve business performance.

"To stay competitive in today's market, CSPs need to identify ways to not only manage network data, but secure insights from it to steer overall business performance," said Irina Palade, product manager at ipoque. "I'm excited to join my team at MWC19 to demonstrate the opportunities R&S INTRA presents and to talk to CSPs about analytics-backed decisions that can put their organizations ahead of the pack."

For more information on R&S INTRA, visit the Rohde Schwarz booth (#6C51) in Hall 6 at MWC19 Barcelona. You can also set up an appointment in advance by filling out this contact form.

About ipoque

ipoque, a Rohde Schwarz company, is a leading vendor of deep packet inspection software that adds protocol and application classification capabilities to network analytics, traffic management and cybersecurity solutions. Rohde Schwarz also provides a holistic network traffic analytics system for communication service providers that allows deep insights into network behavior, network performance and trends to optimize both quality of experience and quality of service. For more information, visit www.ipoque.com.

About Rohde Schwarz

The Rohde Schwarz technology group develops, produces and markets innovative information and communications technology products for professional users. Rohde Schwarz focuses on test and measurement, broadcast and media, cybersecurity, secure communications and monitoring and network testing, areas that address many different industry and government-sector market segments. Founded more than 80 years ago, the independent company has an extensive sales and service network in more than 70 countries. On June 30, 2017, Rohde Schwarz had approximately 10,500 employees. The group achieved a net revenue of approximately EUR 1.9 billion in the 2016/2017 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and also has regional hubs in Asia and the USA.

R&S is a registered trademark of Rohde Schwarz GmbH Co. KG.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005437/en/

Contacts:

Press:

Christine Lorenz

Phone: +49 341 5940 3062

E-mail: christine.lorenz@rohde-schwarz.com
Paris, London, 5 February 2019 - Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, today announces an agreement with the Science and Technology Facilities Council's (STFC) Hartree Centre that will see one of the UK's leading high-performance computing research facility take the first UK delivery of an Atos Quantum Learning Machine, the highest performing quantum simulator in the world.

This Quantum Learning Machine will be one of the highest-performing ever deployed by Atos and will be used to develop new quantum-based services (https://atos.net/en-gb/united-kingdom/accelerating-quantum-revolution) designed to help researchers and industry prepare for the coming quantum computing revolution. These include quantum algorithm development and the first UK repository for quantum algorithms, collaborative research projects on quantum computing applications and specialist training.

This new collaboration builds on an established partnership between Atos and the Hartree Centre, which began with the UK's first Bull Sequana X1000 supercomputer being hosted at the facility in 2017. The Hartree Centre, based at Daresbury Laboratory and part of the Sci-Tech Daresbury Campus in Cheshire, UK, also hosts the JADE national deep learning service.

Commenting on the partnership announcement, Andy Grant, Vice President, HPC & Big Data, Atos UK and Ireland said, "We are delighted to deepen our existing relationship with the Hartree Centre, which we believe will help UK industry future-proof itself for the arrival of quantum computing. Our Quantum Learning Machine as a service will be made available to any organisation wanting to learn about, and experiment, with quantum computing and understand the key opportunities and challenges this technology presents. Quantum is the future of computing and it is crucial that organisations are ready to harness the coming revolution."

Alison Kennedy, Director of the STFC Hartree Centre, said: "We're thrilled to be enabling UK companies to explore and prepare for the future of quantum computing. This collaboration will build on our growing expertise in this exciting area of computing and result in more resilient technology solutions being developed for industry."

Leigh Lapworth, Head of Computational Sciences at Rolls-Royce, which will be one of the first organisations to use the quantum simulator, said: "The Quantum Learning Machine will provide a platform on which we can develop new quantum algorithms with potential impacts across our business. We have a long track-record of successful collaborations with the Hartree Centre and with the support of Atos we look forward to research that takes us in new and exciting directions."

In November 2016, Atos launched an ambitious program to anticipate the future of quantum computing and to be prepared for the opportunities as well as the risks that come with it. As a result of this initiative, Atos was the first to successfully model quantum noise (https://atos.net/en/2018/press-release/general-press-releases_2018_04_09/atos-announces-world-first-quantum-computing). To date, the company has installed Quantum Learning Machines in numerous countries including Austria (https://atos.net/en/2018/press-release/general-press-releases_2018_07_02/atos-delivers-new-quantum-simulator-leading-university-austria), Denmark (https://atos.net/en/2018/press-release_2018_09_13/atos-signs-strategic-partnership-technical-university-denmark-deliver-latest-atos-quantum-learning-machine), France (https://atos.net/en/2018/press-release_2018_06_27/cea-uses-atos-simulator-ccrt-explore-potential-quantum-computing-industry), Germany (https://atos.net/en/2018/press-release/general-press-releases_2018_01_22/atos-deliver-powerful-supercomputer-germany-forschungszentrum-julich), the Netherlands, and the United States (https://atos.net/en/2017/press-release/deals-contracts-press-releases_2017_11_13/oak-ridge-national-laboratory-acquires-atos-quantum-learning-machine-support-us-department-energy-research) empowering major research programs in various sectors.

###

View the Digital Vision for Supercomputing and Big Data (https://atos.net/en-gb/united-kingdom/digital-vision-programme/digital-vision-supercomputing-big-data) Atos opinion paper

Video: Atos working in partnership with STFC Hartree Centre (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Kb8iktZRAo)

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 120,000 employees in 73 countries and annual revenue of  13 billion. European number one in Cloud, Cybersecurity and High-Performance Computing, the Group provides end-to-end Orchestrated Hybrid Cloud, Big Data, Business Applications and Digital Workplace solutions through its Digital Transformation Factory, as well as transactional services through Worldline, the European leader in the payment industry. With its cutting-edge technologies and industry knowledge, Atos supports the digital transformation of its clients across all business sectors. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and operates under the brands Atos, Atos Syntel, Unify and Worldline. Atos is listed on the CAC40 Paris stock index.

For more information, visit atos.net.

Press contact:

Global:

Sylvie Raybaud - sylvie.raybaud@atos.net (mailto:sylvie.raybaud@atos.net) - +33 6 95 91 96 71 - @Sylvie_Raybaud (https://twitter.com/Sylvie_Raybaud)

UK&I:

AtosUK@3x1.com 0141 221 0707





Click here for the pdf version (http://hugin.info/143359/R/2233489/878627.pdf)



This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: ATOS via Globenewswire


Growing demand for high performance computing in various industries, rising investments in quantum computing technology by market players, and demand for quantum computing from medical research and financial markets are expected to drive the growth of the global enterprise quantum computing market

PORTLAND, Oregon, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Enterprise Quantum Computing Market by Component (Hardware, Software, and Services), Deployment (Cloud, and On-premise), Technology (Quantum Annealing, Superconducting, Trapped Ion, Quantum Dot, and Others), Application (Machine Learning/Deep Learning/AI, Optimization, Simulation & Data Modelling, Cyber Security, and Others), and Industry Vertical (Healthcare & Life Sciences, IT & Telecom, Manufacturing, BFSI, Energy & Utilities, Aerospace & Defense, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2018-2025. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the key winning strategies, drivers & opportunities, market share, key segments, and competitive landscape. According to the report, the global enterprise quantum computing market garnered $650 million in 2017 and is expected to reach $5,853 million by 2025, registering a CAGR of 31.7% from 2018 to 2025.

The growing demand for high performance computing technology in various industries such as aerospace & defense, BFSI, healthcare & life science, energy & utilities, and others due to its excellent processing power and infinite storage, growing spending and investment in the development and research by industry giants, and the rise in demand for quantum computing from medical research and financial sectors drive the market growth. However, operational challenges and stability & error correction issues associated with quantum computing restrain the growth of the market. Conversely, rise in need for secure computing platforms, increase in use of simulation and modeling in quantum computing, emergence of on-premises quantum computers for businesses, and technological advancements in quantum computing are expected to provide opportunities for the growth of the market.

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Hardware segment to lead in terms of revenue, services to grow the fastest through 2025

Among components, the hardware segment accounted for more than half of the total market share in 2017 and would continue its dominance through 2025. This is due to the increased need for creating the basic building blocks for quantum computers such as qubits and quantum gates. Moreover, the growing investment by investors into startups working on quantum computing hardware further contributes to the growth of this segment. However, the services segment would register the fastest CAGR of 36.8% from 2018 to 2025. This is because enterprises are expected to experience the requirement for consulting, training, maintenance, and support services during the usage of quantum computers. Furthermore, the demand for deployment, integration, and upgradation services will also drive the growth of segment. The software segment would grow at a steady pace during the study period.

On-premise to dominate, cloud to grow the fastest by 2025

Among deployments, the on-premise segment grabbed more than three-fourths of the market share in 2017 and is likely to remain dominant in terms of revenue through the study period. This is attributed to the increased technological developments and rising investment by several government entities and organizations for developing on-premise quantum computers. However, the cloud deployment segment would grow at the fastest CAGR of 34.1% from 2018 to 2025. This is because cloud-based deployment model does not involve capital cost and has low maintenance. Moreover, users can develop, test, and run their programs on the quantum devices without needing any physical quantum computer.

Superconducting segment to be dominant, quantum dot to exhibit the fastest growth

Among technologies, the superconducting segment accounted for the largest market share, contributing nearly one-third of the total market share and will remain the lead revenue contributor through 2025. This is because many industry giants are opting for this technology due to its capability of zero resistance under maintenance of certain temperature. However, the quantum dot segment is likely to achieve the fastest growth of 35.7% from 2018 to 2025. The growing need for finding alternative ways of quantum computing by numerous quantum computing companies contributes to the growth of this segment. The research also discusses quantum annealing, trapped Ion, and others.

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Optimization segment to remain dominant, cyber security to grow the fastest by 2025

The optimization segment held the largest market share in 2017, contributing to nearly one-third of the overall market share. It would also remain dominant through 2025. The factors driving the segment is the growing need to optimize the problems associated with financial analysis, traffic optimization, airline scheduling, and other related sectors. Nonetheless, the cyber security segment would grow at the fastest CAGR of 35.8% through the study period. This is due to the growing need for developing new technologies such as quantum-safe crypto solutions which can secure systems from hackers. The report also analyzes applications such as machine learning/deep learning/AI, simulation and data modeling, and others.

Energy and utilities to grow the fastest, aerospace and defense to lead in terms of revenue

The energy and utilities segment would achieve the fastest CAGR of 37.3% during the forecast period, owing to the increasing need to develop next-generation energy technologies. However, the aerospace & defense was the largest segment in 2017, capturing more than one-fourth of the market share. It would also dominate the market through 2025. This is due to the surge in investment in the space and need for increasing research in quantum computing development by aviation and defense industries. The other industries analyzed in the research are healthcare, IT and telecom, manufacturing, BFSI, and others.

North America to remain dominant, Asia-Pacific to grow the fastest

The market in North America contributed to more than two-fifths of the total market share in 2017 and is anticipated to continue its dominance during the forecast period. This is due to the increased funding by the U.S. government to accelerate research and development in quantum computing in the region. However, Asia-Pacific would grow at the fastest CAGR of 35.9% from 2018 to 2025, owing to vast research in enterprise quantum computing in Asian countries. For instance, China is building National Laboratory for Quantum Information Sciences in Hefei worth US$10 billion, which is anticipated to open by 2020. The other regions analyzed for the market study include Europe and LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa).

Torchbearers of the industry

The key market players analyzed in the report include Alibaba Group, D-Wave Systems Inc., Google, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., International Business Management Corporation (IBM), ID Quantique, Intel Corporation, Microsoft, Rigetti & Co, Inc., and Toshiba Research Europe Ltd. These companies have implemented various strategies including expansions, mergers & acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, collaborations, and others to gain a stronghold in the industry.

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Knowledge tree is a cloud-based intelligence platform that offers more than 2,000 selective, off-the-shelf reports on niche markets to enable our clients gain deep insights on the latest trends, dynamic technologies, and emerging application areas.

Similar Reports:

Embedded Computing Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2015 - 2022

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We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

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HEIMSBRUNN, France, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- A study published in May 2018 by The Spine Journal demonstrated excellent midterm follow-up results from use of the Lumbar Prosthesis (LP-ESP) from FH Orthopedics S.A.S. for total disc replacement (TDR) in the lumbar spine. The study documented five-year outcomes of 61 active patients who had undergone complete clinical and radiological follow-up at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months. In their conclusion, the authors of the study stated, "This LP-ESP viscoelastic disc replacement series reports significant improvement in midterm clinical outcomes, consistent with previously published studies." They also observed "a surprisingly low rate of revision surgery and no adjacent level disease or facet joints problems."

The LP-ESP prosthesis from FH Orthopedics was the world's first lumbar prosthesis to combine two titanium end plates with an elastomeric cushion made of polycarbonate urethane. This structure imitates the natural disc, in which bony segments are connected by a spongy disc that provides flexibility while withstanding the pressures of compression and torsion. As a result of its innovative technology, the LP-ESP prosthesis mimics the function and range of movement of a natural disc and allows the spine to behave naturally.

FH Orthopedics, which is a member of the multinational GROUP FH ORTHO, obtained the CE mark for the LP-EPS in 2006, following two years of clinical investigation. After more than 12 years on the market, over 5,000 prostheses have been implanted. The product is sold in Europe, Australia, and Asia by GROUP FH ORTHO. Market share, estimated at five percent of the global market, continues to grow.

Pierre Wyler, Strategic Marketing Manager of FH Orthopedics says, "These milestones mean that GROUP FH ORTHO get an increasing market recognition for this pioneering technology of viscoelastic prosthesis which allows surgeons to propose a good solution for their patients."

GROUP FH ORTHO also offers the Cervical Prosthesis (CP-ESP) from FH Orthopedics that utilizes the same innovative technology to provide natural motion and shock absorption for TDR in the cervical spine. Wyler says that the CP-ESP is showing double-digit market growth with over 5,000 implantations.

The Spine Journal is the official journal of the North American Spine Society. The referenced study, "Five-year follow-up of clinical and radiological outcomes of LP-ESP elastomeric lumbar total disc replacement in active patients," was published May 22, 2018, and can be found at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2018.05.023.

For more than 50 years, FH Orthopedics S.A.S. has demonstrated passionate dedication to creating innovative implants, evaluating them, and following them clinically. The company promotes original products and techniques designed in collaboration with expert surgeons, distributes products worldwide from its ISO 9001/13485-certified distribution site, and provides unparalleled service that guarantees the confidence and loyalty of healthcare facilities.

FH Orthopedics is part of GROUP FH ORTHO, which designs, manufactures, and distributes high-quality orthopedic implants and instruments in France and further afield. Operating two companies in France and three subsidiaries in the UK, US, and Poland, GROUP FH ORTHO and its partners work together to offer services and products that guarantee the health and safety of its end customer: the patient.
THE SHAREHOLDERS OF OASMIA PHARMACEUTICAL AB (PUBL) ARE HEREBY GIVEN NOTICE OF THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING ON TUESDAY 19 MARCH 2019, AT 14.00 P.M., AT THE OFFICES OF THE COMPANY AT VALLONGATAN 1, 752 28 UPPSALA. THE REGISTRATION OPENS AT 13.15 P.M. THE BACKGROUND FOR THIS NOTICE IS THAT SHAREHOLDERS REPRESENTING MORE THAN 10 PER CENT OF THE SHARES IN THE COMPANY HAVE REQUESTED THAT AN EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING IS CONVENED TO ADDRESS THE MATTER OF ELECTION OF A NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY.

REGISTRATION ETC.

Shareholders who wish to attend the general meeting shall:

be recorded in the share register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB on Wednesday 13 March 2019, and

give notice of intent to attend to the company no later than on Wednesday 13 March 2019. Notice to attend is made either by letter to Oasmia Pharmaceutical AB (publ), Vallongatan 1, SE-752 28 Uppsala, Sweden, by fax on +46 18 51 08 73 or by e-mail to info@oasmia.com (mailto:info@oasmia.com).

Shareholders shall in their notice to attend state name, personal identification number or company registration number, address, phone number and number of assistants, if applicable. Shareholders whose shares are registered in the names of nominees must temporarily re-register such shares in their own name in order to be entitled to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting. In order for such re-registration to be completed on Wednesday 13 March 2019, the shareholder must inform their nominees well before that day. Registration in this way may be temporary. Shareholders attending by proxy or a representative should send documents of authorisation to the mail address above well before the Extraordinary General Meeting. Anyone representing a legal entity is asked to provide a copy of certificate of registration or equivalent documentary authority which evidences authorised signatory. A template proxy form is available to shareholders upon request and is available at the company and at the company's website, www.oasmia.com. Shareholders cannot vote or, in any other way, attend the Extraordinary General Meeting by remote access.

AGENDA

Opening of the meeting and election of chairman of the meeting Preparation and approval of the voting list Approval of the agenda Election of one or two persons to verify the minutes in addition to the chairman Determination as to whether the meeting has been properly convened Presentation of the nomination committee's proposal of board of directors Resolution on the number of members of the board of directors Resolution on the remuneration to the members of the Board Election of the members of the board of directors and the chairman of the board of directors Closing of the meeting

OPENING OF THE MEETING AND ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN OF THE MEETING (ITEM 1)

The nomination committee proposes that Jorgen S. Axelsson, member of the Swedish Bar Association, is elected as chairman of the meeting.

RESOLUTION ON THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (ITEM 7)

The nomination committee and/or a shareholder representing more than 10 percent of the shares will, on the Extraordinary General Meeting at the latest, present a proposal on the number of members of the board of directors until the end of the next annual meeting.

RESOLUTION ON THE REMUNERATION TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD (ITEM 8)

The nomination committee proposes that the general meeting shall resolve that any newly elected board members shall receive remuneration for their board work in accordance with the remuneration amounts resolved upon by the annual general meeting 2018, in proportion to the actual length of their term of office.

ELECTION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (ITEM 9)

The nomination committee and/or a shareholder representing more than 10 percent of the shares will, on the Extraordinary General Meeting at the latest, present a proposal on members of the board of directors and chairman of the board of directors until the end of the next annual meeting.

DOCUMENTS FOR THE MEETING

Documents pursuant to the Swedish Companies Act will be available at the company's website, www.oasmia.com, no later than three weeks before the general meeting and will be sent, immediately and free of charge to the recipient, to those shareholders who so request and state their postal address. The documents will also be available at the general meeting. A proxy form is available on the company's website.

DUTY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION

The board and the CEO shall, if any shareholder so requests and the board deems that it can be done without material harm to the company, provide information regarding circumstances that may affect the assessment of an item on the agenda.

SHARES AND VOTES

As per the day of this notice, the number of shares and votes in the company totals to 201,952,111 respectively. The company does not hold any own shares.

PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA

For information on how your personal data is processed, see https://www.euroclear.com/dam/ESw/Legal/Privacy-notice-bolagsstammor-engelska.pdf.

__________

Uppsala in February 2019

Oasmia Pharmaceutical AB (publ)

The Board of Directors

Attachment
EURid, the .eu and .?? registry manager, has released its Q4 2018 Progress Report (add link) on the status of the .eu and .?? extensions.

Highlights from Q4:

171 667 new domain name registrations were recorded;

Portugal leads the list of top growth countries at +13.2% growth;

The average renewal rate was 77%, up 3% since Q3;

Total registrations decreased from 3 747 879 in Q3 to 3 684 750 at the end of Q4. This can be attributed to EURid's ramped up efforts towards tackling domain name abuse within the .eu domain name space, withdrawing over 36 000 suspended domain names in October alone. Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the .eu extension could have played a role in the overall drop. Visit EURid's dedicated Brexit webpage for updates.

Developments from Q4:

Over 36 000 suspended domain names withdrawn

EURid participated in CodeWeek 2018

EURid held course on cybersecurity at the S. Anna University in Pisa

EURid EMAS registration confirmed until 2021

EURid announced the 2018 .eu Web Awards winners

A major development from Q4 was the unveiling of the 2018 .eu Web Awards winners. Overall, the nomination and voting period for the 5th iteration of the .eu Web Awards tallied over 130 nominees with more than 9 500 votes. The finalists attended the gala on 21 November 2018, where the winners were announced.

Another meaningful development from the quarter was EURid's continued participation in CodeWeek. Aiming to make a beneficial impact on today's youth, EURid built upon last year's efforts with even more workshops and interactive sessions for children to take part in, all in an effort to teach them the fundamentals of coding and programming.

View EURid's Q4 2018 Progress Report. (add link)

About EURid

EURid is the not-for-profit organisation that operates the .eu and .?? top-level domains. EURid has been certified for the ISO27001 security standard since 2013. EURid is also registered by the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). EURid has its headquarters in Brussels (Belgium), and regional offices in Pisa (Italy), Prague (the Czech Republic) and Stockholm (Sweden). More information at: www.eurid.eu.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005391/en/

Contacts:

EURid

Christopher Nicastro

Christopher.nicastro@eurid.eu
Regulatory News:

Air Liquide (Paris:AI) continues to develop its home healthcare activity in Europe with the acquisition of Sleep Health SA and Megamed AG, two historic players in this sector and based in Switzerland. Air Liquide, Europe's leader in home healthcare, strengthens its position in a growing market within a mature healthcare system.

Founded in 2003, Sleep Health SA is a nationwide player that offers home healthcare services for patients who suffer from sleep apnea. As for Megamed AG, the company has been present in the Swiss market for nearly 50 years, specializing in ventilation and support for patients who suffer from respiratory failure. Air Liquide will build on the quality of existing teams to pursue the development of these business activities.

Present in Switzerland for many years via its subsidiary Carbagas, Air Liquide supplies the medical gas needs of both hospitals and patients at home. These two acquisitions thus reinforce and diversify its home healthcare offering and enable Air Liquide to directly serve more than 3,000 new patients. In addition, Air Liquide will benefit from the complementarity of Sleep Health SA's presence in French-speaking Switzerland and in German-speaking Switzerland for Megamed AG, as well as from the well-established relationships these companies have with physicians, hospitals, and private insurers.

Thus Air Liquide continues its dynamic expansion of the home healthcare business across Europe by strengthening its positions or entering new markets and developing support for new diseases.

Francois Jackow, member of the Air Liquide Group's Executive Committee, supervising Healthcare activities, stated: "We are happy to welcome the teams from Sleep Health SA and from Megamed AG to the Air Liquide Group. Their expertise and their knowledge of the Swiss market, combined with the expertise of Air Liquide, will allow us to better address the needs of patients and healthcare professionals alike. With these acquisitions, Air Liquide is pursuing the development of its home healthcare business in the Swiss market, which shows high potential. These acquisitions, which strengthen our positioning in a growing European market, are consistent with our development strategy in the Health activity."

Air Liquide Healthcare

Supplies medical gases, home healthcare services, hygiene products, medical equipment and specialty ingredients.

In 2017, it served over 15,000 hospitals and clinics and more than 1.5 million patients at home throughout the world. The Group's Healthcare business reached 3,401 million in revenues in 2017, with the support of its 16,500 employees

The Home Healthcare Business

Air Liquide, European leader in home healthcare, provides home healthcare services in compliance with medical prescription for patients suffering from chronic diseases such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), sleep apnea and diabetes. These home healthcare services are being developed in addition to hospital care, enabling patients to enjoy better quality of life and local authorities to reduce costs. Home healthcare represents 45% of Air Liquide's revenue in Healthcare in 2017

A world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, Air Liquide is present in 80 countries with approximately 65,000 employees and serves more than 3.5 million customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are essential small molecules for life, matter and energy. They embody Air Liquide's scientific territory and have been at the core of the company's activities since its creation in 1902.

Air Liquide's ambition is to be a leader in its industry, deliver long term performance and contribute to sustainability. The company's customer-centric transformation strategy aims at profitable growth over the long term. It relies on operational excellence, selective investments, open innovation and a network organization implemented by the Group worldwide. Through the commitment and inventiveness of its people, Air Liquide leverages energy and environment transition, changes in healthcare and digitization, and delivers greater value to all its stakeholders.

Air Liquide's revenue amounted to 20.3 billion euros in 2017 and its solutions that protect life and the environment represented more than 40% of sales. Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (compartment A) and belongs to the CAC 40, EURO STOXX 50 and FTSE4Good indexes.

www.airliquide.com

Follow us on Twitter @airliquidegroup

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190204005556/en/

Contacts:

Corporate Communications

media@airliquide.com

+33 (0)1 40 62 58 49

Investor Relations

Paris France

+33 (0)1 40 62 50 87

Philadelphia - USA

+1 610 263 8277

Air Liquide Healthcare Communications

Coralie Gazzeri

+01 49 69 45 40


Aspo Plc

Press Release

January 5, 2019 at 9 a.m.



Invitation to the press conference on Aspo's Financial Statement Release



Aspo Plc will publish the Financial Statement Release for January-December 2018 on Thursday, February 14, 2019, approximately at 10 a.m. Finnish time.



Aspo will hold a press conference regarding the Financial Statement Release for January-December 2018 for analysts, investors and media on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at 1 p.m. Finnish time at Hotel Kamp's Paavo Nurmi cabinet (address: Pohjoisesplanadi 29, 00100 Helsinki). The conference will be held in Finnish. The Financial Statement Release will be presented by CEO Aki Ojanen. The Financial Statement Release and the presentation material will be available before the press conference at www.aspo.com (http://www.aspo.com/).



A live webcast (in Finnish) will begin on February, 14 at 1 p.m. Finnish time at www.aspo.fi (http://www.aspo.fi). An on-demand version of the webcast will be available on the company's website later on the same day.

This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Aspo Oyj via Globenewswire



Registrations beforehand to johanna.suhonen@aspo.com, by Monday, February 11, 2019, at the latest.ASPO PLCAki OjanenCEOFor further information, please contact:Harri Seppala, Group Treasurer, +358 400 617 201, harri.seppala@aspo.comDISTRIBUTION:Key mediawww.aspo.comis a conglomerate that owns and develops business operations in the Northern Europe and growth markets focusing on demanding B-to-B customers. Our strong company brands - ESL Shipping, Leipurin, Telko and Kauko - aim to be the market leaders in their sectors. They are responsible for their own operations, customer relationships, and the development of these. Together they generate Aspo's goodwill. Aspo's Group structure and business operations are continually developed without any predefined schedules.
Joseph Abboud:

RUNWAY IMAGES, please click [HERE]

FRONT OF HOUSE IMAGES, please click [HERE]

RUNWAY VIDEO, please click [HERE]

What: Joseph Abboud NYFW Fall Winter 2019 Runway Show

When/Where: Monday, February 4, 2019 at 6:00 PM/ South Street Seaport Pier 16

Who: Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka, Billy Porter, Nolan Carroll II, Eric Rutherford, Johannes Huebl, Chazz Palminteri, Davis Webb.

About: Menswear Fashion Designer, Joseph Abboud debuted his Fall 2019 collection in a runway show on Monday February 4th at 6PM during New York Fashion Week. The collection celebrates themes of inclusivity, discovery, and Americana.

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

During the peak of immigration through Ellis Island at the turn of the 20th century, this phrase, etched onto the Statue of Liberty, welcomed weary travelers after their difficult journeys toward a better life. Written by Emma Lazarus, these words represent the very soul of our country-the American Dream-and they serve as the foundation for the Joseph Abboud Fall 2019 collection.

For over 30 years, the Joseph Abboud brand has stood for inclusionary masculinity, producing American-made clothing for all men. As such, this season, we aim to celebrate the melting pot that is America and those courageous enough to search out a new beginning.

An homage to those early immigrants, the Fall 2019 collection recalls the clothes they wore as they pursued their destiny. Each garment has a story to tell, with washed fabrics, raw edges, and surprising combinations of texture and pattern reflecting homespun wares from around the world. The men who travelled here to forge a new nation were at once modest, proud, and filled with character. So too were their clothes, perhaps handed down from a father or grandfather. Mismatched buttons, sheared shoulders, and patches crafted from remnants of antique Kilim rugs nod to the care with which one might mend his treasured wardrobe, carried from one life to the next.

With a vintage palette and lived-in essence, the Fall collection features noble fabrics like washed tweeds, vintage velvets, and time worn flannels that inspire a workman-like tone. Trousers are full to allow for movement; capes wrap around the body like blankets; purposeful bellows pockets run throughout; and layering, a brand signature, is unstudied and eclectic. Each piece is as individual as the person who wears it. The utilitarian theme carries over to the accessories. Leather bags and duffels are made with functionality in mind; distressed fedoras and caps, designed in collaboration with Albertus Swaenpoel, have a time-worn quality. Eveningwear, too, remains humble, imbued with an heirloom feel and hard-earned confidence.

Leather footwear, the product of our ongoing collaboration with American heritage shoemaker Allen Edmonds, is inspired by sturdy work boots. Allen Edmonds, like Joseph Abboud, encapsulates the American spirit with their time tested lasts and designs. Goodyear welted and handcrafted in Port Washington, Wisconsin, their footwear combines a reliability and quality that men recognize and trust.

Set in the spirit of Ellis Island at Pier 16-part of the South Street Seaport Museum-this show honors who we were and who we are. As the grandson of Lebanese immigrants, it gives me great pride to celebrate America's rich tapestry and diverse heritage the best way I know how: By making timeless, authentic, and quality clothes for all Americans.

CREDITS:

Styling Bill Mullen

Hair Thom Priano for R+CO

Makeup Manana Saralidze for MENAJI

Music Javier Peral Music

Production Moda Tech

About Joseph Abboud

Since the age of sixteen, Joseph Abboud has been passionate about fashion. He started his career in menswear at Louis of Boston and later Polo Ralph Lauren. In 1987, Joseph Abboud launched his own eponymous label. Shortly after its debut, Abboud was accorded numerous honors including the distinction of being the only designer to have received the coveted Menswear Designer of the Year twice in a row (1989 1990) from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Other awards and honors include The Cutty Sark Award for Most Promising Menswear Designer in 1988, the first Woolmark Award for Distinguished Fashion in 1989 and again in March of 1993. Numerous other prestigious awards have followed including Person of the Year from the American Apparel Footwear Association and the Lifetime Achievement Award from MR magazine in 2016.

Abboud began working with Tailored Brands, Inc. (NYSE: TLRD) as Chief Creative Director in December 2012. Abboud was reunited with his namesake brand in August 2013 when Tailored Brands Inc. acquired JA Holding Inc., the parent company of the celebrated American clothing brand, Joseph Abboud. The Abboud label was re-launched, reestablishing the brand as a sophisticated modern-American lifestyle collection. The Joseph Abboud designer collection launched in October 2014 on JosephAbboud.com and is now available at the Joseph Abboud Flagship Store in New York City.

For more information on Joseph Abboud, please visit www.josephabboud.com.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram @JosephAbboud

Twitter @Joseph Abboud

Facebook Joseph Abboud

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190204005856/en/

Contacts:

Director of Public Relations, Tailored Brands, Inc.

Diego Louro, Diego.Louro@tailoredbrands.com

Public Relations Manager, Joseph Abboud

Michael Stefanov, Michael.Stefanov@JosephAbboud.com
SS Rajamouli Permits Tarak To Take Up Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3

As reported previously, Jr NTR was approached to replace Nani as the host of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3. It was also reported that he would be able to take up the show only if SS Rajamouli agreed to it. Now, the latest update is that the Baahubali director has permitted Jr NTR to take up the show. He seems to be okay with it as Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3's shoot is unlikely to affect the schedule of RRR

Jr NTR To Be Paid A Bomb

The buzz is that the Jr NTR is going to be paid Rs 20 Crore for Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3. If this is indeed the case, then Jr NTR will get Rs 6 Crore more than what he had taken home for the first season.

The Background

The previous season of Bigg Boss Telugu was hosted by Nani and it proved to be a letdown. Nani made his small screen debut with the show. And, frankly speaking, things did not as planned for the 'Natural Star'. He came under fire for his unimpressive hosting style. Moreover, a section of the fans accused him of being a biased host. The less than ideal response to the last season seems to have forced the Bigg Boss team to approach Jr NTR.

To Conclude...

Jr NTR added a new dimension to the first season because of his impressive hosting style and charming screen presence. He also shared a solid rapport with the contestants. The general feeling is that his star power is going to a big blessing for the show. As such, his return to Bigg Boss is 'best for business'.
Kapil With Narendra Modi

Not just for his wedding and show, Kapil is also hitting headlines for some important reasons! It has to be recalled that the actor met the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inauguration ceremony of National Museum of Indian Cinema, which was held in Mumbai. Both were seen praising each other on social media.

Kapil Meets Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh

Now, the actor met former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The actor shared a couple of pictures snapped with the former PM and wrote, "Thank you respected @dr.manmohan_singh for the warmth, hospitality and a heart to heart conversation about our roots in Amritsar, especially about our college and food. Was an honour meeting such a humble and simple statesman like you, and receiving blessings from ma'am. Regards ."

Kapil To Sudeep: People Will Remember This Episode For Years

Coming back to the show, recently, the team shot with Kannada actor and Bigg Boss (Kannada) host Kichcha Sudeep. Suniel Shetty also graced the show. When Sudeep tweeted that he had a gala time on his show, Kapil replied, "Thank u so much for coming Sir .. ur one liners were mind blowing .. people will remember this episode for years  regards."

Ginni Visits The Kapil Sharma Show Sets

Also recently, Kapil shot with sisters Neeti Mohan and Shakti Mohan, and Nihar Pandya. During the episode, Ginni visited the sets and they were seen taking a group picture. (Image Source: Kapil FC Instagram)

Kapils Fan Get His Name Tattooed!

On the other hand, Kapil Sharma's crazy fan (Aakash Jajoo) has got his name inked on his arm. Apparently, Aakash is a great fan of Kapil and his comedy show, made a tattoo on his arm to pay a tribute to the show. The tattoo has Kapil Sharma's name inscribed in Hindi. (Image Source: Kapil FC Instagram)
Rakshit Shetty is currently working on his forthcoming film Avane Srimannarayana, which has set a new record in Sandalwood. Usually, Kannada movies are completed in 30 to 40 days. If the film happens to be of a big budget, then the shoot may extend up to 150 days. Until Avane Srimannarayana, 160 days was the longest duration taken to shoot a movie completely. However, producer of Rakshit Shetty's forthcoming film, Pushkara Mallikarjunaiah has confirmed that Avane Srimannarayana is being shot for 200 days.

He told Times of India, "Usually, the movie's songs will be given more importance for shooting. But we decided to shoot the whole picture as exclusive. Each shot is unique, which contains more details. The movie will be released in different languages, so we shot in a way it should reach all kinds of audience."

"Eight film sets had been developed for the movie, and 90% of the movie is shot in the film set. This movie has four songs," Pushkara Mallikarjunaiah further added. Apparently, 160 days of the shoot has been successfully completed and the team is waiting to finish the rest. Avane Srimannarayana is being dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.

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For one of the schedules, the team had to shoot in a forest. However, Rakshit Shetty wasn't pleased with the thought of disturbing wildlife. So they decided to recreate a forest in Kanteerava Studio. They also wanted to shoot in the studio to avoid any sort of interruptions during the night.
Ajith Kumar's recent Tamil film Viswasam was a blockbuster. Not only is he adored in Tamil Nadu, but the actor has a decent fan following in Karnataka, too. Previously, his films Arrambam and Yennai Arindhaal were dubbed in Kannada. And now, Viswasam is entering the race too. According to the latest reports, Viswasam will be dubbed in Kannada and will be titled Jagamalla. Viswasam is Ajith's fourth collaboration with Siruthai Siva after Veeram, Vedalam and Vivegam.

The film in Karnataka will be distributed by Studio Horizon and Hariyu Creations. What comes across as interesting is the fact that Ajith is the only actor to have had four of his films dubbed in Kannada versions in the last 50 years. He has achieved this new feat beating Baahubali, which couldn't be dubbed in Kannada.

Trade analyst Ramesh Bala Tweeted, "#Thala #Ajith is the Only Actor in the Modern Era of Indian Cinema to have 3 of his movies dubbed in Kannada.. #Dheera #Sathyadev and #Commando.. All three did well.. Now, he is ready with this 4th.. ATBB #Viswasam 's Kannada dub #JagaMalla to release soon.." - (sic)

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There were a few protests staged by Kannada Okkuta against the dubbing of Viswasam in Kannada. The protest which was led by Vatal Nagaraj was ultimately of no use. The film features Nayanthara in the lead. D Imman has taken care of the music.
Veteran Marathi actor Ramesh Bhatkar passed away on Monday after a battle with cancer at the age of 70. The actor, who was suffering from cancer for more than one and a half years, breathed his last at a hospital in Mumbai.

Actor Jaywant Wadkar told PTI, "He fought bravely as much as he could. But in the last one month, he was in tremendous pain and we all were worried. He was in ICU for the last fifteen days."

Vijay Gutte who directed him in 'The Accidental Prime Minister told Mumbai Mirror, "We shot his scenes last June in Delhi in single takes. We had cast him because we needed a Marathi actor who resembled Prithviraj Chavan and he fit the part. He was always smiling on the sets."

Supriya Pilgaonkar recalled, "He was a social person and treated everyone like family. He and his wife (Mridula) would attend my plays and give me feedback. He helped me understand my husband (Sachin Pilgaonkar) better."

Ramesh Bhatkar's last rites will be held at 10.30 pm at Shivaji Park.

The actor was known for his roles in the TV series Commander and Hello Inspector and worked for more than 30 years as an actor in mainstream Hindi and Marathi films such as Aai Pahije, Kucch To Hai and Bhavesh Joshi Superhero.

(Inputs from PTI)
Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor who enthralled us with their enigmatic chemistry and impressive dance moves in Remo D'Souza's ABCD 2, are now reuniting for the filmmaker's next dance film. Yesterday, the team revealed that the flick has been named 'Street Dancer' and will be releasing in 3D.

Now, the makers have dropped the first look posters revealing Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor's new look from the film.

Varun Dhawan's Look From Street Dancer The actor unveiled his look from the film and captioned it as, "              ''      #StreetDancer3D, this November 8th." Shraddha Kapoor's Look From Street Dancer "Dance like everyone's watching. #StreetDancer3D, this November 8th," wrote Shraddha while sharing this picture. The Film Was Earlier Supposed To Star Katrina Kaif However, the actress dropped out of the dance flick citing work commitments. Soon, Shraddha Kapoor stepped into her shoes. Lights, Camera & Action The shooting of Street Dancer had already commenced in Punjab earlier this year where they have already wrapped the first schedule. Now, the team will head to London for the extended schedule. Street Dancer is touted to be one of the biggest dance films ever made in India.

The film also stars Nora Fotehi in a pivotal role. Speaking about the film, the actress told Indian Express, "I have Street Dancer 3D, which will see me perform as an actor and a dancer. I am working with Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor in the film. So, this is big. I think it is time people see me for more than five minutes on-screen."

She further added, "Varun Dhawan is fab and an amazing human being with great energy. He is so much fun to be with. We are like a bunch of kids enjoying life and talent. He respects talent and understands the craft of dance. So, it is good to be around someone who loves his work."

Street Dancer is slated to hit the theatrical screens on 8th November, 2019.

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Karisma Kapoor says she does not miss being on the movie sets and is enjoying her time off camera. The 44-year-old actor, who last appeared in the 2012 film Dangerous Ishqq, said she never had a career plan as she believed in doing what interested her as an artiste. "I am not missing being in front of the camera. Everybody says I should do something. But I have never planned anything in my life. So, you never know I may do a movie soon," Karisma told PTI.

The actor, who was the first grandchild of film icon Raj Kapoor to enter the movies, said her family legacy was never the reason for her success. She worked as hard as any other person to make a mark in the film industry, she said.

"It is not easy for star kids. I had to work really hard to reach where I am. It was tough but I don't regret anything. I did have to work doubly hard but it was a great journey and a beautiful learning experience." Following her success, her sister Kareena Kapoor Khan, cousins Ranbir Kapoor, Armaan and Aadar Jain joined films.

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Karisma was talking on the sidelines of Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2019, where she walked the ramp for designer Punit Balana Sunday. Punit unveiled his new collection 'Maya' on the final day of the fashion week, which begun on January 30. The collection was an ode to the French novel "Madame Bovary" and the designer put his signature block prints on the garments to give them a traditional touch.

"I really love the outfit and the block print. Punit is extremely talented and different. I really like that he has put in so much effort to give a chance to the craftsmen from Jaipur. The best part is the colours and the fabric everything is eco friendly. It is very fascinating," Karisma said.

Vidya Balan: Women Become HOT & NAUGHTY After They Turn 40! Read Juicy Details

The actor said even though celebrities are expected to have their fashion game always on point, she never dresses up to impress anyone.

"I always dress for myself. I don't dress for pictures or follow trends blindly. I wear what I feel good in and style it the way I find it comfortable. I enjoy fashion so I don't feel the pressure in dressing up. Today actors are lucky to have immense talent around them to dress them up. Earlier, there were only a few designers. Now we have so many young designers and stylists. We are lucky to work with them," she said.

Kartik Aaryan DISSES Ayushmann Khurrana? Says Could Have Done A Better Job In AndhaDhun

(PTI News)
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Like the governor, her goal is to get the states minimum wage to $15, more than double the federal minimum wage of $7.25 and equal to the level it will reach in California in 2022 and in Massachusetts the following year. As of Tuesday evening, specifics were still being worked out, and debate among lawmakers could further change any proposal. Up for discussion is how many years it should take to boost the wage to $15, whether employers should continue being allowed to pay some teenage workers less and how to structure tax credits to help small businesses offset rising payroll costs.
The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike.

We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve.
The British Veterinary Association has launched its first ever questionnaire to gather experiences of discrimination in the veterinary professions.

The group is seeking anonymous feedback from vets, vet nurses, students and other veterinary professionals regarding incidents where they have witnessed discrimination or felt discriminated against.

The survey includes the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act and other forms of discrimination which might not fit under these characteristics (e.g. weight, socio-economic background).

It was developed with the support of the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society (BVEDS) and British Veterinary LGBT+ and is open to all members of the veterinary family working in clinical and non-clinical settings and those who are studying.

The group intends to gather further quantitative data on discrimination via its Spring Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey 2019.

Since 2017, BVA has also been undertaking workforce research with researchers at the University of Exeter. This includes a study with employers, investigating the existence of gender discrimination in the profession, carried out in Spring 2018.

BVA Junior Vice President, Daniella Dos Santos said: The veterinary professions should be open, welcoming and supportive of everyone; however, it is clear from the reports were hearing that discrimination is still an issue.

Worse still, were aware that some colleagues have faced a backlash when talking about their experiences of discrimination. This is completely unacceptable.

If we hope to prompt meaningful change we need to fully understand the scale of the problems our colleagues are facing. To do that its important that we provide a safe, anonymous space for everyone to share their experiences.

She added: We hope this questionnaire will give people that opportunity and we would like to sincerely thank our colleagues for their willingness to share their personal experiences with us.
The world's first centre for doctoral training in agricultural automation and robotics is to be opened in Lincolnshire.

The new training centre in agri-food robotics will create the largest ever cohort of Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) specialists for the global food and farming sectors, thanks to a multi-million pound funding award.

The world's first Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) for agri-food robotics is being established by the University of Lincoln, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and the University of East Anglia.

The new centre has been awarded 6.6m, which will see a massive influx of high-level robotics expertise at a vital time for the agri-food industry.

The CDT will provide funding and training for at least 50 doctoral students, who will be supported by major industry partners and specialise in areas such as autonomous mobility in challenging environments, the harvesting of agricultural crops, soft robotics for handling delicate food products, and co-bots' for maintaining safe human-robot collaboration and interaction in farms and factories.

Automation and robotics technologies are set to transform global industries  within the UK alone they will add 183bn to the economy over the next decade.

Agri-food is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK  twice the scale of automotive and aerospace combined  supporting a food chain, from farm to fork, which generates a Global Value Added (GVA) of 108bn, with 3.9m employees in a truly international industry.
The Agricultural Wages Board for Northern Ireland has announced proposed increases to the minimum wage rates for agricultural workers.

Following a meeting on 11 January 2019, the Board has proposed that the minimum rate, applicable for the first 40 weeks cumulative employment, will rise to 6.88 per hour.

Grade 2 - Standard worker will rise to 7.42 per hour; Grade 3 - Lead worker will rise to 8.40 per hour; Grade 4 - Craft Grade will rise to 9.03 per hour; Grade 5 - Supervisory Grade will rise to 9.51 per hour and Grade 6 - Farm Management Grade will rise to 10.32 per hour.

The Board will meet again on 8 March 2019 to consider any objections to the proposals and may make an order to give effect to the new rates and other amendments which would come into operation on 1 April 2019.

The Agricultural Wages Board was established in 1977 and meets each year to consider changes to the rates of pay and related conditions for agricultural workers.

The Board consists of 15 members: three members appointed by the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, one of whom is Chair of the Board, six members nominated by the Ulster Farmers' Union as representatives of agricultural employers; and six members nominated by Unite the Union as representatives of agricultural workers' interests.
Farmers have called for 'urgent action' for those swaiting payments under government schemes such as BPS, Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship.

Although the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has improved its performance in making payments through the BPS, a number of farmers still awaiting payments are also in the queue for payments through environmental schemes.

The RPA managed to hit targets to make payments to over 90% of farmers by the end of 2018.

However, there are still many farm businesses awaiting overdue payments for environmental schemes.

The Tenant Farmers' Association (TFA) said those taking part in these schemes is 'not without cost', and that delays are causing 'major cash flow issues'.

The group said compounding the problem is 'inadequate' communication from the government agencies involved.

TFA Farm Policy Adviser, Lynette Steel said: Poor communication with those who are owed money adds additional frustration. Farm businesses trying to plan their cash flows have no idea when they might be able to expect payment.

With tax bills and rent demands due soon, without bridging payments, many farm businesses will be forced into dire financial difficulty.

Bridging payment

The TFA said the government must provide some form of bridging payment to individuals awaiting payment whilst their claims are finalised.

Ms Steel added: It is not unreasonable to ask the RPA to make bridging payments to affected farmers. Farmers are expected to abide by scheme rules and have a legitimate expectation to be paid on time.

They cannot operate with such lengthy delays. These bridging payments should start with those individuals who have received neither payment under the BPS or their agri-environment scheme.

So far, the RPA has committed to looking at making bridging payments to those with outstanding claims at the end of March. This is far too late. Bridging payments must be mobilised as a matter of urgency.

The TFA is also urging HMRC to allow affected farmers to delay payment of due tax.
The SDSU Sheep Unit hosts a lambing time open house Feb. 21 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. The SDSU Sheep Unit is located 1.5 miles north of the South Dakota State University campus on Medary Avenue (3729 Medary Ave).
Donations to the North Dakota 4-H Foundation help youth participate in activities such as leadership development at the national level.
I want to do everything I can to restore it and I dont believe it can be restored in a two-party system that is fighting with each other every day, that is dysfunctional, polarized and more engaged in revenge politics than helping the American people, Schultz said. At one point he offered: Right now, Im having the courage of my convictions to believe that the system is broken, our politics are broken and someone needs to try and change it.
SMITHVILLE, Ohio  A Wayne County man lost four beef cattle in a fire that destroyed his bank barn Feb. 1.

Jerry Feikert, of 3925 Egypt Road, said everything seemed normal around his place the night before, and the morning of the fire. He recalled driving out of his driveway at 5:22 a.m., on his way to work, and said a family member called him a short time later, with the news.

It was just like any other morning, he said.

Eight head of beef cattle of various ages were kept under the 64-by-40-foot bank barn, and four of the eight escaped.

The fire also damaged a nearby milk house, and there was heat damage to a machinery shed. Some 17 round bales of hay were also lost, along with several square bales of straw.

Mark Burns, fire chief with Central Fire District, said the cause is still under investigation. He said five fire departments responded, fighting the blaze starting around 6 a.m. Feb. 1.

Feikert said Feb. 4 that he was still trying to process everything, and figure out what may have happened. The 59-year-old man grew up at the farm, and said he always tried to be careful about fire hazards, and that he avoided keeping tractors and skid loaders inside the barn, as a precaution.

Feikert said his neighbors have been supportive, and one is helping to house the surviving animals. He said he did have insurance on the barn, and is awaiting word from his provider to hear what will be covered.

Feikert rents his land to a neighboring farmer, and works days at Riverview Industrial Wood Products, in Smithville.

He said the beef cattle are a hobby for him, and one that he enjoys. The neighbors have offered to hold a cleanup day, but he said he needs more time to plan and prepare.
Banco Santander-Chile, together with its subsidiaries, provides commercial and retail banking products and services in Chile. It operates through Retail Banking, Middle-Market, and Corporate Investment Banking segments. The company offers debit and credit cards, checking accounts, and savings products; consumer, automobile, commercial, mortgage, and government-guaranteed loans; and Chilean peso and foreign currency denominated loans to finance various commercial transactions, trade, foreign currency forward contracts, and credit lines. It also provides mutual funds, insurance and stock brokerage, foreign exchange, leasing, factoring, financial consulting, investment management, foreign trade and mortgage financing, treasury, and transactional services, as well as specialized services to finance projects for the real estate industry. In addition, the company offers short-term financing and fund raising, and brokerage services, as well as derivatives, securitization, and other tailor-made products. It serves individuals, small to middle-sized entities, companies, and large corporations, as well as universities, government entities, and local and regional governments. As of December 31, 2020, the company operated 358 branches, which include 220 under the Santander brand name, 19 under the Select brand name, 32 specialized branches for the middle market, and 28 as auxiliary and payment centers, as well as 1,199 ATMs. Banco Santander-Chile was incorporated in 1977 and is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.

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Telecom Italia S.p.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides fixed and mobile telecommunications services in Europe, South America, and the Mediterranean Basin. The company operates through Domestic, Brazil, and Other Operations segments. It offers fixed and mobile voice and Internet, and public telephony services, as well as products managed and developed for individuals and families; and voice, data, and Internet services and products, and information and communications technology solutions for small and medium-size enterprises, small offices/home offices, the public sector, large accounts, and enterprises in the fixed and mobile telecommunications markets. The company also manages and develops a portfolio of regulated and unregulated wholesale services for fixed and mobile telecommunications operators; provision of infrastructure for housing radio transmission equipment of mobile telephone networks; and development, engineering, building, and operation of network infrastructures, information technology (IT), real estate properties, and plant engineering. In addition, it engages in customer care, operating credit support, loyalty, and retention activities; and staff functions and other support activities. Further, the company offers office products and services for IT sector. The company was founded in 1908 and is headquartered in Rome, Italy.

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Morgan Stanley, a financial holding company, provides various financial products and services to corporations, governments, financial institutions, and individuals in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The company operates through Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments. The Institutional Securities segment offers capital raising and financial advisory services, including services related to the underwriting of debt, equity, and other securities, as well as advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, real estate, and project finance. This segment also provides sales and trading services, such as sales, financing, prime brokerage, and market-making services in equity and fixed income products consisting of foreign exchange and commodities; corporate and commercial real estate loans, which provides secured lending facilities and financing for sales and trading customers, as well as asset-backed and mortgage lending; and wealth management services, investment, and research services. The Wealth Management segment offers various financial services and solutions covering brokerage and investment advisory services; financial and wealth planning services; stock plan administration services; annuity and insurance products; securities-based lending, residential real estate loans, and other lending products; and banking and retirement plan services to individual investors and small to medium-sized businesses and institutions. The Investment Management segment provides various investment strategies and products comprising equity, fixed income, liquidity, and alternative/other products to benefit/defined contribution plans, foundations, endowments, government entities, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, and third-party fund sponsors and corporations through institutional and intermediary channels. The company was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

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Sociedad QuAmica y Minera de Chile S.A. produces and distributes specialty plant nutrients, iodine and its derivatives, lithium and its derivatives, potassium chloride and sulfate, industrial chemicals, and other products and services worldwide. The company offers specialty plant nutrients, including potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, sodium potassium nitrate, specialty blends, and other specialty fertilizers for crops, such as vegetables, fruits, and industrial crops. It also provides iodine and its derivatives for use in medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial applications comprising x-ray contrast media, polarizing films for LCD and LED, antiseptics, biocides and disinfectants, pharmaceutical synthesis, electronics, pigments, and dye components. In addition, the company offers lithium carbonates for various applications that include electrochemical materials for batteries, frits for the ceramic and enamel industries, heat-resistant glass, air conditioning chemicals, continuous casting powder for steel extrusion, primary aluminum smelting process, pharmaceuticals, and lithium derivatives. Further, it supplies lithium hydroxide for the lubricating greases industry, as well as cathodes for batteries. Additionally, it offers potassium chloride and potassium sulfate for various crops, including corn, rice, sugar, soybean, and wheat; industrial chemicals, including sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, potassium chloride, and solar salts; and other fertilizers and blends. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.

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Zendesk, Inc., a software development company, provides software as a service solutions for organizations in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. Its flagship product is Zendesk Support, a system for tracking, prioritizing, and solving customer support tickets across various channels. The company also offers Zendesk Chat, a live chat software to connect with customers on Websites, applications, and mobile devices; Zendesk Talk, a cloud-based call center software; Zendesk Guide, a knowledge base that powers customer self-service and support agent productivity; Zendesk Gather, a community forum software that allows customer end-users to connect and collaborate; Zendesk Sell, a sales customer relationship management (CRM) product solution to enhance productivity, processes, and pipeline visibility; and Zendesk Explore, which provides analytics for organizations to measure and enhance the customer experience. In addition, it provides Zendesk Sunshine, a CRM platform; Sunshine Conversations, a messaging platform solution; Zendesk Embeddables, which allow developers to embed experiences on the Web and mobile applications; Zendesk APIs that allow users to build custom integrations and interact with Zendesk data; and Zendesk Apps that enable organizations to customize Zendesk product and platform solution interfaces and optimize workflow through plug-ins, as well as Zendesk Suite, an omnichannel offering, which combines its solutions. The company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

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In the letter, Garcia said Burke was observed inside polling places during the election handing out blue tote bags printed with his name and office. He released a video taken by a volunteer of Burke, who was not running for election at the time, handing out the bags at a polling place.
The Electric Vehicle boom is here! This upstart lithium developer is positioning to be a future supplier to Teslas Gigafactory in the Nevada desert. Best of all, its currently undiscovered by Wall Street below US$1 per share.

Cartier Resources Inc. engages in the acquisition and exploration of mining properties in Canada. The company explores for gold deposits. Its flagship project is the Chimo mine property located to the east of Val-d'Or, Quebec. The company also holds interest in Benoist, Fenton, Wilson, Cadillac Extension, Dollier, and MacCormack metal deposit projects, which are located in Quebec. Cartier Resources Inc. was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Val-d'Or, Canada.

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The following companies are subsidiares of SK Telecom Co.,Ltd: ADT CAPS Co. Ltd., ADT Caps, Atlas Investment, CAPSTEC Co. Ltd., Cyworld, DongGuan Iriver Electronics Co. Ltd., Dreamus Company, Eleven Street Co. Ltd., FSK L&S (Hungary) Co. Ltd., FSK L&S (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., FSK L&S Co. Ltd., FSK L&S Vietnam Company Limited, Hana Card, Hanaro Telecom, Happy Hanool Co. Ltd., Home & Service Co. Ltd., ID Quantique, Id Quantique LLC, Incross Co. Ltd., Infra Communications Co. Ltd., Iriver China Co. Ltd., Iriver Enterprise Ltd., K-net Culture and Contents Venture Fund, Korea Thrunet, LG HelloVision, Life & Security Holdings Co. Ltd., Life Design Company Inc., Mindknock Co. Ltd., Onestore Co. Ltd., PS&Marketing Co. Ltd., Panasia Semiconductor Materials LLC, Quantum Innovation Fund I, SK Broadband, SK Broadband Co. Ltd., SK Communications Co. Ltd., SK Global Healthcare Business Group Ltd., SK Infosec Co. Ltd., SK M&Service Co. Ltd., SK O&S Co. Ltd., SK Planet Co. Ltd., SK Planet Global Holdings Pte. Ltd., SK Planet Japan K. K., SK Telecom China Fund I L.P., SK Telecom China Holdings Co. Ltd., SK Telecom Innovation Fund L.P., SK Telecom TMT Investment Corp., SK Telink Co. Ltd., SK stoa Co. Ltd., SK telecom Japan Inc., SKP America LLC, SKT Americas Inc., SKinfosec Information Technology (wuxi) Co. Ltd., Service Ace Co. Ltd., Service Top Co. Ltd., Shopkick, Tbroad Nowon Broadcasting Co. Ltd., YTK Investment Ltd., iRiver Ltd, and id Quantique Ltd..
We have to get to the root cause of why most of these aldermen end up going to jail, and thats aldermanic prerogative, Mendoza said. And any candidate who believes that we should be defending still aldermanic prerogative, with what we see and the climate that were living in, is just totally tone deaf. The fact that their unchecked power exists to the degree that it does is something that needs to stop, and President Preckwinkle still defends aldermanic prerogative, and that needs to stop.
What could bring former Sen. Len Suzio, one of the most conservative, limited-government Republicans on the Connecticut scene in recent years, to a news conference to share a microphone with a Murderers Row of liberals and regulation advocates the state Capitol?

Its the power of those private power companies that sell contracts for electricity on the open market, often to elderly, poor and uninformed customers.

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Suzio, of Meriden, who lost his bid for re-election in November, wants to rein in abuses including deceptive information that he said the third-party electric suppliers give customers.

There was Suzio at a state legislative podium in Hartford on Monday with U.S. Sen Richard Blumenthal; Tom Swan, head of the Connecticut Citizen Action Group; Rep. Peter Tercyak, D-New Britain; state Consumer Counsel Elin Swanson Katz; and consumer advocates from AARP and Voices of Women of Color. Not just there, but nodding in unison with the cause at a press conference, joking with Katz and Tercyak.

The coalition, led by Katz and AARP, wants to end outright the third-party market for residential electricity, sending all ratepayers back to the regulated utilities  Eversource and United Illuminating  for standard offer service.

Im here to support and call for hearings on how the competitive market for residential consumers of electricity in Connecticut has worked out, Suzio said.

Suzio, as it happens, was a victim himself  of what he said was a deceptive practice by a third-party seller. On Monday, as he told his story, he stopped short of the full call for tossing the companies out of the states residential market.

Still, his presence created a window into the coalition-building that has turned Connecticut into one of the more regulated states. And it highlighted the fine lines that make politics an art, not the cartoonish monoliths of party positions we often see in this era of silly rhetoric.

It makes perfect sense to me on one level, said Tercyak, one of the General Assemblys most reliable liberals.

That is, theres nothing liberal or conservative about fixing a broken system. And yet, fixing it requires firm government intervention in a somewhat private market.

I asked Tercyak whether hed ever stood next to Suzio at a news conference  and believe me, there are many of these events  in Suzios four years as a state senator.

Not that I can recall and we overlapped for his entire time here, Tercyak said, adding, I was happy to see Len here. He did some good organizing related to the difficulties of getting accurate information on electric bills.

Its not a new issue for Suzio, 71, who served in 2011 and 2012, lost a re-election bid to former Sen. Dante Bartolomeo in 2012, lost to her again in 2014, then beat her in 2016, before losing to Sen. Mary Abrams in November. Suzio released several statements about the energy suppliers last year, at least one after his defeat.

This battle is fairly straightforward, considering its in the convoluted energy market. The advocates say the third-party sellers, which started up as part of a sweeping energy reform in 2000, rampantly overcharge household consumers through a system of bait-and-switch contracts that can be nearly impossible to track and enforce.

The companies say they deliver choice to customers, who can save money. They blame problems on state rules, which, for example, prevent them from sending out their own bills directly instead of piggybacking on overly complex utilities bills.

There are flaws in the market structure, theres no question about it, said Chris Kallaher, senior director of corporate affairs for Direct Energy, based in Houston.

Kallaher says customers could, once a year, sign up for 12 months of rates that are lower than the standard offers. Our analysis has shown you would save money every single year, Kallaher said.

Trouble is, customers dont do that  as Katzs chilling statistics show. They can save a small amount, she said, but often sign up for rates that shoot up after three months. And thats an improvement over one-month rates when the system launched.

If the industry angered Suzio, it picked the wrong guy  a gray-haired bulldog whos a financial industry consultant and expert on banking regulations. He thought he was signing up for a long-term contract at 7 cents per kilowatt hour, well under the standard rate.

I was being charged almost double that amount, he said Monday. It took months to get it straightened out.

And the free-marketeer discovered that the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority doesnt have the power to order restitutions.

That was a shock to me, he said. At the very least its time for the legislature to take a serious look at whether the promise of competition benefiting consumers in Connecticut has really worked out to the benefit of consumers.

One obvious compromise is to lengthen the minimum price guarantees from three months to a full year. Katz, Swan and others, though, were unambiguous about the need to wipe out this corner of the market. They said it costs millions of dollars to regulate and adds few local jobs while costing consumers more than $200 million extra dollars for electricity over the last four years.

Suzio laughed when asked at the press conference whether he was all the way there.

Im calling for public hearings, he said. Its premature to ask the legislators who havent studied it yet to come down with a decision.
HARTFORD  With an eye toward the state budget, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz has launched a new committee with the goal of ensuring every Connecticut resident is counted in the 2020 U.S. Census.

More people means more federal funding for programs like food assistance, Head Start child care, housing vouchers, school lunches and health care in Connecticut. It also could affect Connecticuts representation in Congress, though not for at least a dozen years and maybe not even then.

Eight billion dollars is riding on the accuracy of the count, said Bysiewicz. For everyone one person that we dont count, we lose $2,200 per person, each one that we undercount. So this data affects all of us.

Sometimes called a donor state, Connecticut pays more in taxes than it gets back in federal dollars. It is the third least reliant on federal funding of all states, a study by the Tax Foundation shows. As Connecticut wrestles with a looming budget deficit, Bysiewicz hopes more federal dollars after the 2020 census could help fill the gap.

Preparations for the census are underway, said Ian Hull, deputy regional director at the New York Regional Census Center. The Census Bureau is opening offices in Danbury, New Haven and Hartford to conduct the survey in Connecticut.

The formal count begins in spring 2020, but the Census Bureau has begun recruiting thousands of part-time temporary workers for field jobs in Connecticut, Hull said. People can apply online for the jobs, which will pay $21 to $25 an hour.

2020 will mark the first time that the Census Bureau will collect survey information from people online and over the phone, Hull said. But the bureau will still need workers to knock doors to ensure everyone is counted.

Census officials and lawmakers are worried that a new citizenship question that may be on the 2020 census will decrease participation among undocumented immigrants. The federal courts are weighing the legality of including the question; Connecticut is a plaintiff in litigation opposing the question.

Hull said the Census bureau is not allowed to share its data with law enforcement.

The census is safe, he said. Your data is strictly confidential and can only be used for statistical purposes.

Bysiewicz and lawmakers hope her new committee can help fight declines in participation by tlling residents the count is safe and important. The committee of 50 government and community leaders from around the state will implement an awareness campaign and help towns form local complete count committees.

New Haven was the first municipality to organize such a committee, Bysiewicz said. Bridgeport has also formed a committee.

Bridgeports state Rep. Chris Rosario, a Democrat who is leading Bysiewiczs statewide census effort, said he will personally knock on doors and use social media to get the word out in his district.

This effort is important because many times people in communities of color, especially in the Latino community, they are afraid to come forward, said Rosario.

Rosario has also filed a bill to form a legislative committee to work with the executive branch to prepare for the census.

emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson
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STAMFORD  Two men from the Bronx were arrested over the weekend for trying to accept a package that they thought contained $15,000 in cash from a Virginia man who was trying to get his grandson out of jail, police said.

Officers in Stamfords Financial Crimes Unit were called by detectives in Virginia regarding a financial scam, who claimed a Fraquier County man had been called by someone who claimed his grandson was in jail and needed $7,500 to bail him out.
Rev. William Sangiovanni  known as Father Bill to generations of students at Notre Dame High School in Fairfield  died Monday morning after being in declining health for several years.

Born in Brooklyn, Sangiovanni came to the Bridgeport diocese when he enrolled at Fairfield University, where he graduated in 1962 with a degree in history. He earned a master's from Fairfield University in education and arts. He went on to teach at Fairfields Assumption School. Then, from there, he went to Our Lady of Angels Seminary at Niagara University in New York.

After four years or religious training, in 1969, he decided to leave.

Instead, Sangiovanni served as special assistant to the Minority Leader of the Connecticut General Assembly, and as assistant to U.S. Congressman Steward McKinney from 1969 to 1975.

Sangiovanni went to Hartford as a research assistant to Stewart McKinney in 1969. At the time, McKinney was the Minority Leader of the Connecticut House of Representatives. The following year, McKinney was elected to Congress and Sangiovanni became the district representative, running the Bridgeport and Fairfield offices.

Sangiovanni continued to support McKinney through a difficult re-election in 1974. But shortly after, he left McKinneys staff.

People in Fairfield started to call for Sangiovanni to run as a bipartisan candidate for the towns position of First Selectman, but he turned them down.

In the spring of 1975, he became a deacon and left Fairfield for Kentucky. He soon became a full-time teacher and assistant chaplain in the Frenchburg State Prison. When he came back to Connecticut, he requested an assignment counseling prisoners at the Bridgeport Correctional Center.

Beginning in 1980, Sangiovanni was a faculty member, chaplain, department chair, assistant principal, principal and president of the Fairfield school on Jefferson street.

It is with heavy hearts that we make this post. The Notre Dame community is mourning the loss of Rev. William Father Bill' Sangiovanni, who passed away this morning, Notre Dame principal Christopher Cipriano announced Monday on the schools Facebook page.

Father Bills passing is a tremendous loss to all of us who knew him so well, Cipriano said.

Please try to keep happy memories of Father Bill at the front of your mind, Cipriano said. Whether they include cheering on a team from the sidelines, passionately teaching his AP Government class, shaking hands and greeting everyone by name at Open House since he seemingly knew everyone, wearing his GarlicFest hat so proudly or celebrating Mass with a tremendous homily for the ND community, he certainly left us with many, many fond memories.

For several years during his time as school principal in the mid-90s, Sangiovanni coordinated a GarlicFest under a big tent adjacent to the school. A major fundraiser for the school, the event attracted thousands of garlic lovers and vendors from throughout the area.

On the occasion of Notre Dames 60th anniversary Gala celebration in March 2017, the Diocese of Bridgeport mentioned Sangiovannis then 37 years with Notre Dame and his massive impact on the school.

Sangiovanni was ordained in St. Patrick Church in Bridgeport on March 19, 1977. After serving first as parochial vicar at St. Patrick's, he was named to the faculty of Notre Dame in 1980 and became the school's spiritual director the following year.

In 1991, he was appointed to the State of Connecticut's Ethics Commission, and later became vice chair. Father Sangiovanni also served as a part-time chaplain at the Bridgeport Correctional Center for 11 years.

Father Sangiovanni was named president of Notre Dame in 2010.
BRIDGEPORT  A popular Fairfield high school teacher was found not guilty Monday, Feb. 4, of twice exposing himself to a female student.

More than a dozen supporters, many of them Fairfield teachers, cheered in the courtroom as the jury of five men and one woman in less than an hour of deliberations found Jeff Iwanicki not guilty of two counts of risk of injury to a child, public indecency and second-degree breach of peace.

There were no facts to prove that he did it, said juror Andrew Mickool, of Trumbull. No evidence beyond a reasonable doubt and thats just the way it was.

The 46-year-old Iwanicki, who teaches graphic arts at Fairfield Warde High School, burst into tears when the verdict was announced.

This is a very emotional time, he said as he was embraced by his family and supporters.

Mr. Iwanicki denied the allegations from day one, said his lawyer, Edward Gavin. He was dragged through the mud but kept his head high because he was confident the jury would arrive at the correct verdict.

Iwanicki, who has taught at the high school seven years and before that at Fairfield Woods Middle School, was arrested after the then 15-year-old girl told school officials Iwanicki had twice exposed himself to her in his classroom in the high school.

The teen claims both incidents occurred in 2016.

Police said after the student complained, she sat down and wrote out three pages detailing what happened.

Police said the student was known to spend all her free time in school in Iwanicki's classroom working on graphics projects like T-shirts for the school's bowling team.

On Nov. 2, 2016, she had stayed after class to help clean up silk screening equipment with Iwanicki when he accidentally poured cleaning solution on his pants, she told police.

"He said something like, 'Aw look what I've done,' " she told police. "I have a nervous habit of not looking people in the eye when I talk, I glanced down to my feet, but something caught my eye." She said he had exposed himself.

On Dec. 6, 2016, she was discussing with Iwanicki the designs for some T-shirts when she said he exposed himself again.

Under cross examination by Gavin, the girl, now 17, admitted that she waited a month to complain about Iwanickis alleged actions because she initially thought it was a joke. Students who had been in the classroom during the Dec. 6 alleged incident testified they didnt see Iwanicki expose himself.

Superior Court Judge William Holden threw out two charges, second-degree breach of peace and public indecency regarding the Nov. 2 alleged incident, following the conclusion of the states case.

Despite the arrest, Iwanicki kept his job.

After charges were filed and following several hearings that were well-attended by students and parents supporting Iwanicki, Frederick Ward III, appointed by the Fairfield Board of Education, found the police investigation of the alleged incidents had not been sufficient and the complainant not credible, and recommended Iwanicki, not be fired.
BRIDGEPORT  After a serious crash that left one person hospitalized with severe head trauma late Sunday night, police are hoping witnesses will come forward to help investigators piece together the full story.

Just before 10:30 p.m., Bridgeport police officers were sent to Madison Avenue just north of its intersection with Madison Court for a report of a serous crash, according to police Capt. Kevin Gilleran.

A blue Subaru was seen by a witness driving at a high rate of speed south on Madison Avenue, crossing North Avenue, he said. The witness told police he heard a loud crash and turned to see the Subaru had collided with a black Lexus sport utility vehicle.

The Lexus had three occupants  two adults and one child  who were all taken to Bridgeport Hospital with minor injuries, Gilleran said.

There were four people in the Subaru at the time of the crash, two of which fled from the car and were later taken to St. Vincents Medical Center by a private vehicle. They were each treated for minor injuries and later released. Gilleran said the driver of the Subaru sustained a minor back injury.

The rear passenger was transported and remains in critical condition with severe head trauma, Gilleran said in a report Monday. Family was notified for the rear passenger.

On Wednesday, the rear passenger remained in critical condition, according to police spokesman Terron Jones.

The site of the collision was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Accident Reconstruction Team.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Sgt. Gabe Meszaros of the Bridgpeort Police Departments Traffic Division at 203-576-7640.
STAMFORD  Board of Education members are meeting tonight to look into the future of Stamford Public Schools budget, despite requests from some that they look into the past.

Tonight at 6:30 p.m., the Board will meet in the Board of Education meeting room on the fifth floor of Government Center to discuss the proposed budget for the 2019-2020 school year, as well as re-prioritize capital projects for the upcoming fiscal year as well.

According to the Boards list of capital projects, which was ranked by the Planning Board, about $10.54 million in mold-related work is being suggested. This takes up the majority of the $18.22 million proposed capital budget.

Among projects ranked under tier 5 which is classified as mold-related projects are modular replacements at Newfield Elementary School, bathroom and floor replacements across several elementary and middle schools, air quality improvements across multiple schools, energy efficiency projects, HVAC upgrades and infrastructure renovation at Westhill High School and renovations at Stamford High School.

Parents have asked the district to base their capital project work around the last facilities report of the district in 2009 which pointed out mold and moisture issues in several schools that now have full-blown mold problems.

At the last regular meeting of the Board of Education on Jan. 29, one parent cited the report, asking why a structural engineer was not been hired to look at the old Westover Magnet Elementary School when consultants recommended one be hired to look at the school as the steel may not be designed to handle the load of the floors and walls.

Since it appears little to no action was taken, how can we be assured the Board of Education and the city of Stamford will take appropriate action now? asked Bridget Curry, a parent of two at Westover. We need a structural engineer to assess the building. We might find out the buildings about to collapse.

Since then, Board President Andy George released a letter, to be addressed at the meeting, stating its his opinion that the city should look ahead, rather than focusing on a decade-old report.

The 2009 EMG report contains comments and recommendations on many aspects of all our schools, George wrote. There are hundreds of items noted for improvement. It is convenient today to selectively highlight a few and question why they were not addressed over the past decade....While it may be tempting to assign fault, investigating will be complicated and costly. It will not change the current circumstances. We should focus on the present. We should work together, city and school system, to make out construction and maintenance efforts more effective.

George also said school administration is looking for ways to quickly and adequately identify and address physical deficiencies in the citys public school buildings.

erin.kayata@stamfordadvocate.com; (203) 964-2265; @erin_kayata
"From day one, I have called for a series of primetime, live, televised debates moderated by professional journalists for all mayoral candidates with the aim of highlighting the strengths and goals of all candidates, Daley said. In this spirit, I am asking Fox 32 to include all mayoral candidates in Thursdays scheduled debate, or to add a second forum date for the remaining candidates.
ANSONIA  The Board of Alderman gave their approval to a proposed settlement that would add $850,000 to the local school boards 2018-19 budget and end both a Superior Court lawsuit and a state Board of Education investigation.

The settlement was approved by a 9-2 vote from the 11 alderman, who debated the deal for nearly four and a half hours Monday night in executive session.

Many of us had reservations but in the end the majority wanted to move forward and put this beyond us, said Lorie Vaccaro, The Board of Aldermen president. Its important that the city, its aldermen and its school board improve their lines of communication and start working together for the kids and for the taxpayers.

Adermen Charles Stowe and Domenic Filippone cast the dissenting votes. Two aldermen  Phil Tripp and Kevin OBrien, both outspoken education supporters  did not attend the meeting. Another, Frank DeLibro is recuperating from a serious illness.

Now its up to the Ansonia Board of Education to approve or reject the proposed settlement, which was drafted following two days of mediation in front of retired Superior Court Judge Robert Holzberg.

The city and the school district have been at odds since last year, when the Board of Aldermen removed $600,000 from the school boards 2017-18 budget  money it had added when state aid funding was held up by a late budget.

When state aid came in higher than expected  but still less than the district had asked for  the Aldermen pulled back the $600,000 citing the increased state money.

The school board maintained such a reduction was illegal under the states Minimum Budget Requirement law and sued the city.

Last June, while the suit was pending and the school board sought a temporary emergency order, the Aldermen agreed to set up a $500,000 contingency fund which the Board of Education could spend only on specific items like payroll, insurance and textbooks.

Chairman William Nimons said the school board will meet Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. He declined to comment on the proposed settlement until after his board meets.

If approved, the settlement would add $850,000 to the schools 2018-19 budget. Under the proposal, the 2019-20 budget would include $800,000, which under the states minimum budget requirement law cannot be removed from future school board budgets.

Mayor David Cassetti again denied he would raise taxes to fund the settlement cost.

We got a lot of things in the hopper, the mayor said. But Im not raising taxes.

It is believed the city has set aside funds and could also dip into its rainy day fund.

In exchange for the payout, the pending proposal calls for the school board to authorize the citys insurance broker to analyze claims information and evaluate insurance options. This has been an area of contention, particularly after a recent audit determined the school board overspent its 2017-18 budget by $225,694 mostly by underestimating insurance costs.

The proposal also requires the school board to provide the city with budgetary and financial information, and to implement a shared, modern financial platform to replace its current software.

(This) will enable the city and the Board of Education to work together and do whats best for the teachers, the students and the taxpayers, said John P. Marini, Ansonias corporation counsel.

Marini said establishing a shared financial platform could take two-to-three years...But in the end they will be able to see our books and we can see theirs.
Western Connecticut State University is bestowing on Cynthia Roy its 2019 Macricostas Entrepreneur of the Year Award, with Roy CEO of Regional Hospice and Palliative Care in Danbury which provides services in both Connecticut and New York.

WCSU named the award for Constantine Macricostas, founder of the Brookfield-based chip equipment manufacturer Photronics who gave $3 million to the university in 2014 to endow the Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences.

As the case with regional entrepreneurship awards from Ernst & Young and other entities, WCSU does not limit the Macricostas award to those who have founded the organizations they run. It is the second time WCSU has bestowed the award on a nonprofit leader, with Western Connecticut Health Network CEO Dr. John Murphy the recipient in 2011. Other recent winners have included Jordan Young of the Danbury-based textile fill vendor Fairfield Processing Corp. and Austin McChord, a Newtown native who created the fast-growing data backup services firm Datto in Norwalk.

Physicians Bob Kloss, Albert Casazza and John Pezzimenti created Regional Hospice and Palliative Care in 1983 to provide comfort and palliative care to people with terminal conditions and support for their families. Roy was hired in 2007 to lead the nonprofit, having previously worked with with the Alzheimers Association in New York City and before that with the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. She is one of 11 members of a Palliative Care Advisory Council convened by the state of Connecticut.

In an interview for a Hearst Connecticut Media profile last year, Roy cited her experiences with a childhood friend who died of leukemia as a pivotal experience that would influence her vision for Regional Hospice and Palliative Care. She went on to graduate from Boston University and got a masters degree in social work from Columbia University.

WCSU credits Roy with the vision and major fundraising campaign that enabled Regional Hospice and Palliative Care to open in 2015 the Center for Comfort Care and Healing on Danburys west side, according to WCSU setting a new standard for the way hospice care is offered not only in Connecticut, but across the country.

Licensed as a specialty care hospital by the state of Connecticut, the Center for Comfort Care includes a dozen patient suites with sleeping quarters for family members, as well as in-room catering, a chapel, library, spa and playground for children.

Because its a model and nobody is doing anything quite like this, people have approached me about whether (we) would be able to do this someplace else, Roy said Tuesday. And I would  I think the future is probably building a couple more, as long as they are built a certain way and they have a culture that (matches) our culture.

As of June 2017, Regional Hospice and Palliative Cares revenue from patient services totaled $10.2 million and net assets $9.6 million. The nonprofit employed 175 people on average during the 2017 fiscal year, while relying as well on more than 400 more volunteers.

The nominating committee was led by David Martin, dean of the Ancell School of Business at WCSU, and included John Royce, chairman of Regional Hospice and Palliative Care and a past award recipient who is principal of Fairfield Caterers which runs Candlewood Inn and Fox Hill Inn in Brookfield, the Waterview in Monroe and two other hospitality venues.

Linda Tuccio-Koonz contributed to this report; includes prior reporting by Chris Bosak.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman
Charlotte Russe is the latest brand to announce a series of closures as the chain stores continue to feel the strain in the changing industry.

The womens clothing company, which has been a fixture in shopping malls, filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Sunday and announced plans to close nearly 94 stores nationwide. Three Connecticut locations are on the chopping block.

Stores in Milfords Connecticut Post Mall and the Westfield Meriden will be closing, along with one location in Ledyard.

The retailer also plans to put itself up for sale, according to national reports, which suggest that the company has been dealing with declining sales numbers.

The San Diego-based company reportedly secured $50 million from lenders to continue running about 400 Charlotte Russe and Peek Childrens stores during the bankruptcy.

The chain plans to liquidate if it cant find a buyer by Feb. 17, according to a court filing.

Charlotte Russe employs more than 8,700 people and has more than 500 stores in 49 states and Puerto Rico.

Charlotte Russe is the latest in a line of mall retailers that have filed for bankruptcy in part because of lagging revenue and a shift in consumer trends toward e-commerce. That list includes Gymboree Group, which filed in January for its second bankruptcy in less than two years.

Gymboree, the parent company of the childrens clothing retailer and Crazy 8, will be shutting down almost 900 locations.

Jordan.grice@hearstmediact.com
Venture into the vast barns on the edge of the rodeo grounds and youll hear the cacophony of thousands of animals mooing, squealing, gobbling or bleating as nervous student handlers make the final preparations for the show ring.

For some of those students, its a continuation of a generations-old family tradition of competing for the life-changing financial boost and bragging rights that come with winning over $100,000 for a grand champion steer. For others, its part of a (likewise hopefully lucrative) farm life foray made possible only by school agricultural complexes equipped with maintenance sheds and hay-lined stalls.

All are part of the San Antonio Stock Show, a huge endeavor, made possible thanks to the livestock committees more than 1,300 volunteers. Its one of the shows most active committees, assisting as some 15,000 animals are trailered in from just about every county in Texas and helping over the extravaganzas nearly three-week run.

It makes sense, considering the Texas youth livestock exhibition was the seed of an event thats grown to a tradition that even with last years lousy weather saw some 1.9 million guests.

It was just a livestock show, Livestock Committee Chairman John Henderson said. Thats the reason its the oldest committee and the largest.

On ExpressNews.com: Madison High barns abuzz as stock show time nears

Over the years, the show has generated more than $198 million for the youth of Texas through scholarships, grants, endowments, junior livestock auctions, the youth Western art auction, calf scramble and show premiums. More than 9,100 Texas college students have earned funding from a stock show scholarship, and about 1,500 stock show scholars are currently in Texas college and universities.

While the steer show may get the most attention, Henderson said its the barrow, or castrated pig, competition that most distinguishes San Antonio in the stock show circuit.

Its a big thing to win our barrow show, I can tell you that, he said.

Henderson called it the worlds Super Bowl of barrow shows, this year drawing some 3,000 grunting entrants.

On ExpressNews.com: Rodeo adopts new ethics policy after complaint pig breeder was in show ring

Whatever the category, students put in a lot, whether its feeding and exercising animals before and after school or learning firsthand the importance of nutrition and proper hoof care, said Steve Chumbley, agriculture program director for Northside Independent School District. And whether or not they profit from the expense and effort, he said they, and their families, inevitably grow from the experience.

It is a family operation because the kids need their parents support and help throughout this endeavor, he said. It brings families closer together I believe.

Once a primarily agricultural community with some 40 dairies and several ranches, Northside has, like much of Texas, given way to development.

But about a fifth of the approximately 3,000 students at Sandra Day OConnor High School are enrolled in the agricultural program. Of those, about half will go on to major in an agriculture-related profession such as agricultural finance, veterinary science, agriculture sales, biotechnology or food technology.

Top hits: Get San Antonio Express-News stories sent directly to your inbox

While about 50 students compete in San Antonio, Chumbley said the districts more preliminary Walter Gerlach Livestock Show gets about 800 animal entrants and last year brought in over $1 million for district youth.

I think the competition, whether its on the local level or on the state level at the San Antonio or Houston livestock show, its something thats good for building kids, he said. And I think the responsibility that they get from their project and the work ethic, all the other skills that they learn, are going to help them later on in life.

Doak Stewart, director of schools for the North East Independent School Districts Agriscience Magnet Program, agreed.

From the standpoint of when students think back on the opportunity, its the grit, he said. The working hard to do something even though every day you may not feel like doing it, to see it through to fruition. For them to be able to see what their hard work and dedication does do in the end.

Both said it was important to note that the San Antonio Stock Show has grown to reflect that theres a lot more to agriculture than raising animals.

The NEISD program has students competing with science fair research projects as well as in team events such landscape design and floriculture, public speaking, and judging of livestock, dairy cattle meats and wool. Stewart said hes been hearing more and more amazement from people who check out the agricultural mechanics show during the shows final weekend.

Theyre just blown away that this is the quality of work that high school students are doing, he said.

lbrezosky@express-news.net

Lynn Brezosky is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering trade, agriculture and the economy. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | lbrezosky@express-news.net | Twitter: @lbrezosky
Home construction in the San Antonio region rose 6 percent last year but, because of high building costs, not many of them are considered affordable, a report released Monday shows.

Homebuilders began construction on 11,749 homes in the San Antonio-New Braunfels region last year, according to a report from Metrostudy, an analytics firm that studies the local market. Thats up 6.1 percent from 11,072 in 2017.

Of those new homes, about 1,400  or 12 percent  will cost less than $200,000. In 2011, 55 percent of homes under construction fell under that price range, Metrostudys regional director Jack Inselmann said.

In 2006, 80 percent of new homes cost less than $200,000.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio home sales climbed 5 percent in 2018

Rising land and labor costs as well as municipal development fees have made it more difficult for builders to build homes in that price range, Inselmann said.

Its just not possible right now, he said.

Instead, developers have focused on building homes in the price range of $200,000 to $250,000, which accounted for 30 percent of all home construction last year.

San Antonio officials have grappled with how to stimulate the construction of affordable homes as housing costs rise faster than area incomes and the citys housing stock tightens.

One in five San Antonio families spend more than 30 percent of their incomes on their mortgages, according to a report released last year by Mayor Ron Nirenbergs Housing Policy Task Force.

San Antonios median household income sat at $49,711 in 2017, according to the latest available data from the U.S. Census Bureau, up more than 15 percent from $43,087 in 2009.

Meanwhile, the median home value in San Antonio rose 22.5 percent from $103,700 to $127,000 in that same period.

On ExpressNews.com: As San Antonio mayor, Julian Castro started program that gave millions to developers for luxury downtown condos

Buyers can still find homes in the San Antonio market, though its becoming increasingly difficult. More than 32,000 homes in the region were sold last year, according to San Antonio Board of Realtors data  a 4.6 percent increase from 30,715 in 2017.

But the citys housing stock is tight. The market had as many as 3.6 months worth of inventory last year, which measures how long it would take home buyers to snatch up the number of houses currently on the market. Officials have worried that the city doesnt have enough homes for more than 1 million residents expected to move to the region in the coming decades.

A shortage of new lots and rains from September to November prevented builders from starting construction on more homes in 2018, Inselmann said. This year, builders could begin construction on as many as 13,000 houses, he said.

Joshua Fechter is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering real estate, economic development and tourism. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFreports
Two years into his presidency Donald Trump has no clear legislative strategy, no policy agenda, no plan for remedying his persistent unpopularity and a path to re-election sufficiently bleak that hes trying to bait a political naif, Starbucks billionaire Howard Schultz, into running as a third-party spoiler. Also, he might be impeached.

Yet at the same time, amid all the domestic chaos and incompetence and political malpractice, this administration continues to act in foreign policy as if its following a serious grand strategy, one sufficiently coherent and plausible and forward-looking that future presidents might reasonably imitate it.

This Trump doctrine, in practice, isnt the isolationism that he sometimes promised on the campaign trail, nor is it the flailing bellicosity that many of his critics feared. Its a doctrine of disentanglement, retrenchment and realignment, in which the United States tries to abandon its most idealistic hopes and unrealistic military commitments, narrow its list of potential enemies and consolidate its attempts at influence.

The overarching goal isnt to cede U.S. primacy or abandon alliances, as Trumps opponents often charge; rather, its to maintain U.S. primacy on a more manageable footing, while focusing more energy and effort on containing the power and influence of China.

Consider two administration efforts. The first was the White Houses decision to support the opposition leader in Venezuela and build a coalition to undermine the dictatorial Maduro government. The second was the advancing effort to negotiate a deal with the Taliban that would end Americas 17-years-and-counting military commitment in Afghanistan.

If a deal is struck and our forces actually withdraw, Trumps personal skepticism of the Afghanistan intervention will have helped produce an outcome that large parts of our foreign policy establishment long resisted  an end game that accepts the possibility of true defeat, a full Taliban takeover, as the price of reducing American commitments and bringing troops home.

The Venezuelan effort is striking in its establishment-foreign-policy normalcy. Trying to undermine a left-wing Latin American dictator while talking in flowery language about human rights is the kind of policy you might have expected from a President Marco Rubio (who is, indeed, a prime mover behind the policy), and as Uri Friedman of The Atlantic wrote, the strategy has been advanced in a very un-Trump-y way: With a well-oiled diplomatic campaign, closely coordinated with allies and rigorously on message.

To Friedman, this normalcy is strange and dissonant and hypocritical. Here was a president who preaches America First, who rarely invokes democracy and human rights in his unscripted remarks, who has voiced admiration for dictators such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, sticking his neck out to restore democracy in a country that doesnt usually figure among the top challenges to U.S. interests.

But in fact the administrations different approaches can be harmonized. No U.S. president before the end of the Cold War would have found it strange or dissonant to take an interventionist and self-righteous line where Latin America was concerned, while accepting deals with bad actors and wooing autocrats in more far-flung and global theaters.

There is a rhetorical tension, obviously, involved in defending human rights in Venezuela while you ponder a treaty with the Taliban and seek an accommodation with Kim or Bashar Assad  and Trump is not exactly the master of rhetorical finesse.

But from the Monroe Doctrine onward the United States has traditionally treated our hemispheric neighbors differently from Eurasian powers  for the very sound strategic reason that they are close to us and countries like Syria and Afghanistan are not.

Let me stress that I dont think that Trumps grand strategy is springing fully formed from the presidents own mind; instead its emerging organically as a synthesis of his own blustering, quasi-isolationist impulses, and the more hawkish and internationalist and status-quo-oriented views of the people working for him. That makes it vulnerable to sudden changes of personnel or presidential mood.

Before his election, I wanted a foreign policy that was less hubristic and more calculating, that showed a willingness to limit foreign interventions and conduct diplomatic experiments while also trying to maintain U.S. primacy in a more multipolar, Chinese-influenced world.

Within certain limits thats roughly what Trump has delivered.
Democrats are furious at former Starbucks chief executive Howard Schultz for announcing that he may launch an independent campaign for president. They fear he will split the anti-Trump opposition and help re-elect the president. But what angers them even more is that Schultz is calling Democrats out for how radical their party has become.

When Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., recently floated her new wealth tax, Schultz called it ridiculous. When Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., said we should eliminate private health insurance, Schultz said, Thats not American. When Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., proposed a 70 percent marginal tax rate, Schultz dismissed it, saying, I dont think we want a 70 percent income tax in America.

Indeed, Schultz has ripped the entire Democratic socialist agenda, declaring Free Medicare-for-all, government-paid free college for all  first of all, theres no free. I mean nothing is free.

No wonder Democrats are fuming. Instead of debating Republicans, they may spend the next two years fighting a liberal independent who is slamming their far-left policies.

Indeed, the neosocialist turn that national Democrats have taken is precisely why Schultz is considering a run as an independent. He calculated that he could not win the Democratic nomination as a conventional, centrist Democrat. I no longer feel affiliated (with the Democrats) because I dont know their views represent the majority of Americans, he says.

Schultz is right. In fact, a recent Pew Research poll found that 53 percent of Democrats want the party to move in a more moderate direction, not embrace the radical policies of Ocasio-Cortez. That is precisely what the party needs to do if it wants to beat President Donald Trump. Democrats should be trying to win back the millions of once-reliable Democratic voters who twice cast their ballots for Barack Obama but switched to Trump in 2016.

But instead of tacking to the center to win back voters, Democrats are embracing leftist policies such as government-run health care, government-funded college for all, a government-funded job guarantee and a Green New Deal. Together, these programs would cost $42.5 trillion  about twice the national debt. And they are claiming they can pay for it all by taxing the very rich. Thats impossible, and Americans know it. But it is what the most rabid elements of their party are demanding.

This is the problem with our politics today. Both sides have decided that the way to win is no longer to persuade those in the middle, but rather to throw red meat to their hard-core supporters and get them more worked up than those on the other side. Lost in the shuffle are millions of reasonable, persuadable citizens who are left to choose between two unpalatable alternatives.

These are the new forgotten Americans, and Schultz is betting they are looking for a leader. He calculates that there is an underserved population of voters who hate todays radical, polarized politics and want competent centrist leadership.

His candidacy would pose an existential threat to Democrats in 2020, so they will attack him as an out-of-touch billionaire who does not care about working people. It wont work. As a chief executive, he took groundbreaking steps to make sure his employees shared in Starbucks success, giving his baristas stock compensation, offering full tuition at Arizona State University for an online bachelors degree and providing even part-time workers with health plans. Schultz is betting this record and a platform of moderately liberal yet fiscally responsible policies can win the presidency.

Is he right? Probably not. There is a reason no independent has ever won the presidency. But Schultz is a visionary entrepreneur who saw a latent demand for a $3 cup of coffee before anyone else. Maybe he is also a visionary political entrepreneur who sees the latent demand for centrist leadership that everyone else is ignoring.

We will soon find out. Until then, he is doing the Democrats a favor by calling them back from the brink of fiscal and political insanity. After Schultz slammed Harris call to eliminate private insurance, Harris campaign backtracked, saying she has also supported more moderate options.

Ocasio-Cortez and the neosocialists are pulling the Democratic Party to the left. Perhaps by threatening their prospects in 2020, Schultz can pull them back in the other direction. For that reason alone, he would do the American people a great service by running.

@marcthiessen
Stephen Spillman / Stephen Spillman / for Express-News

AUSTIN - Gov. Greg Abbott will take center stage at the Texas Capitol tomorrow as he delivers his State of the State Address. Heres what to expect:

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: The House Appropriations Committee will meet at 7:30 a.m. to hear public testimony about health care in Texas prisons, border security, the state drivers license program, Abbotts school safety plan and the state child support enforcement system. View the agenda here and watch the stream here.
He was acquitted in a bench trial by a Cook County judge who said there were too many holes in the victim's testimony. Elkins remained on the force and was promoted to sergeant in 2007. At the time of the incident at the club, Elkins had been on paid desk duty for more than three years because of an allegation of sexual assault filed in his hometown in northern Michigan, records show.
A judge on Tuesday found federal agents had enough probable cause to arrest a San Antonio man allegedly associated with the Knights Templar cartel of Mexico on a charge of money-laundering conspiracy, but held off on deciding whether the suspect will be allowed out on bond.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry Bemporad said he needed more information regarding the ties of Jose Luis Magallon Jr., 28, to San Antonio and whether a relative would be able to act as surety.

Pretrial services had recommended bond for Magallon, but federal prosecutors argued that he should be kept in jail because he is a flight risk. The judge could rule this week.

Magallon, a student at Northeast Lakeview Community College, is accused of laundering more than $200,000 in a sting operation by undercover agents with the Internal Revenue Services Criminal Investigations division and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

He and co-defendant Karen Mgerian were arrested last week in a case that drew publicity in part because more than 100 vehicles, many of them luxury, exotic or high-end vehicles, were seized in raids at locations that included Mgerians car lot on the Northeast Side, MGM Auto.

On ExpressNews.com: Russian connection cited in SA money laundering case

Magallon owns his own car lot, Magallon Enterprises. IRS criminal investigations agent Jason Gamez alleged during a hearing Tuesday that Magallon used it as a front while laundering drug money.

The IRS agent testified that Magallon, who is now a naturalized U.S. citizen, had been involved with cartels since the age of 11.

Gamez testified that Magallon came onto federal agents radar in 2016 when he was stopped by police in Illinois with nearly $40,000. That money was forefeited to the government in a civil lawsuit filed there, records show.

The IRS agent said Magallon told an associate who is now a confidential informant that before that seizure, he had picked up $60,000 in cash in Detroit for the Knights Templar, a now-splintered cartel based in the Mexican state of Michoacan, and sent part of it back to operatives in cashiers checks and money orders.

He used his companies to launder money, Gamez told the judge, adding that Magallon also used a construction business in the illegal ventures. On the stand, Gamez said that Magallon used high-end cars in laundering money for drug traffickers.

Some of the vehicles were kept at a hangar at the San Antonio International Airport, and others were stored at the Stone Oak homes of people associated with the cartel, Gamez testified.

On ExpressNews.com: Federal agents, Bexar deputies seize luxury autos in raids

Gamez also detailed how undercover agents approached Magallon and posed as drug traffickers looking to launder money. Using government money for sting operations, the agents conducted deals in which Magallon laundered amounts of $20,000 to $100,000 in cash. The deals were audio or video recorded, Gamez said.

But Magallons lawyer, Stephen Redgate, argued that no drugs were seized from Magallon and that the money that forms the basis of the case against him was not drug money.

There was never any cartel money involved, Redgate told the judge. All it is is statements made to undercover agents  by a confidential informer who was his friend. The reasons for the confidential informer to set him up, I have no idea.

Mgerian, charged with money-laundering conspiracy, is scheduled for hearings on bail and probable cause Feb. 13.
Judges in Bexar County say they are open to making changes to help ensure people arent jailed here exclusively because they cant afford bail, but they resoundingly rejected  and questioned the legality of  a celebrated reform plan recently enacted in Houston.

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff convened area misdemeanor judges Tuesday, hoping they would agree to revisions similar to the ones adopted in Harris County. Under that plan, the vast majority of people charged with misdemeanors would qualify for release on no-cash bonds. Harris Countys previous system was declared unconstitutional for creating wealth-based detention.

But misdemeanor judges here balked, arguing they dont have the authority to make that call and that the Harris County plan may run afoul of state law.

OnExpressNews.com: San Antonio father sues son's classmates, their parents over cyberbullying accusations

Theres got to be a distinction between what we want as a matter of whats right and fair, which is nobody should be held in jail because of lack of money  were all on board with that, said County Court-at-Law Judge John Longoria, the administrative head of the misdemeanor courts here.

Now, can we as judges decide that were not going to have cash bond in Bexar County? In our opinion, as judges, no, because thats a legislative issue.

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure dictates rules on setting bail amounts, but county benches also codify administrative rules for magistrates to follow. Magistrates are the judges that preside over bail hearings in Texas.

Harris County used that mechanism to say 85 percent of people arrested for misdemeanors could get no-cash bonds, with exceptions for those arrested for bond violations, repeated drunken driving and family violence.

Longoria said the plan went too far, even though it doesnt entirely eliminate cash bonds. Their desired outcome would require a fix from the Texas Legislature, he said.

Its unclear whether that is true, but one could be in the works. State Sen. John Whitmire, a Houston Democrat, is again pushing for statewide bail reform. Wolff said he supports that initiative and thinks it has a genuine shot to pass this year, though he noted bond companies would lobby against it.

Regardless, the county officials said they would pursue local reform in other ways.

Theyre not buying into this, Wolff said of the countys judges. But what theyre willing to do is look at other avenues for us to solve the problem So theres a positive attitude toward looking to do that, but there is not a positive attitude to go this far.

Perhaps the most potent of those avenues is prosecutor discretion. One of the judges in the meeting noted that newly-elected District Attorney Joe Gonzales can have a lot of influence at bail hearings, Wolff said.

Judges recently allowed public defenders to represent all defendants at the hearings, a policy that Wolff and other county commissioners had championed for a long time. Bexar joins Harris County as the only counties in Texas to offer that service to all defendants, and Wolff said its a reform that could lead to others.

If theyre in sync, he said of prosecutors and public defenders, they can recommend in many of those cases not to issue a cash bond.

OnExpressNews.com: San Antonio's greenhouse gas emissions are tied mostly to energy use in buildings, vehicles' exhaust

Gonzales, who was in Washington on Tuesday and did not attend the judges meeting, said his office is working on a plan to do just that. He has instructed prosecutors to explore when they can ask judges for personal recognizance bonds, which allow defendants to be released on the condition they promise to appear at their next court date without having to post a cash bond. He is working on guidelines to provide prosecutors in the next month or so.

Thats something that we can immediately do to alleviate the necessity to go to jail, Gonzales said, emphasizing that they would do so in misdemeanor cases when the defendant doesnt pose a risk to the community. But the decision whether to grant the no-cash bond would still come from judges, he said.

In convening Tuesdays meeting, Wolff and Longoria wrote that they were concerned people were being jailed here only because of cash bond requirements. Sheriff Javier Salazar has said roughly 120 people are jailed in Bexar County every week on low-bail, misdemeanor charges.

The officials said Tuesday the county has already made progress. Wolff made criminal justice reform a top priority when campaigning for a new term last year, but the countys efforts have rarely been implemented without resistance or blunders.

The public defenders presence at bail hearings is one of those reforms, but it took time for judges to agree to it. Another is a revamped cite-and-release program under Gonzales, which would allow people accused of certain low-level crimes to receive citations instead of being arrested in the first place. A pilot program under Gonzales predecessor, Nico LaHood, was marred by problems from the start.

And in December, the county opened a $33-million facility to process the people it arrests. Officials hailed the new building as a state-of-the-art replacement for the city facility it had previously been using, but it created a rift with San Antonio police, who objected to certain design aspects. The police department, which accounts for about 60 percent of arrests in the county, refused to move to the new building.

Some of those efforts gained new urgency in December after the death of Janice Dotson-Stephens, a grandmother with mental illness who died in the Bexar County jail after spending five months behind bars on a criminal trespass charge. Her bond was just $300, and her death drew the rebuke of people ranging from presidential hopeful Sen. Kamala Harris to professional football player Doug Baldwin.

Wolff said the county is considering bolstering mental health assessments at the jail, a system that failed in Dotson-Stephens case. While Tuesdays meeting didnt go as he hoped, Wolff said it was a positive step toward progress.

Its very, very hard to change an existing system thats been in place for decades, Wolff said.

Staff writer Gabrielle Banks contributed to this report.
In life, Chucky, a black-faced police dog with a bright pink tongue, sniffed out explosives, drugs and the occasional miscreant for the Bexar County Sheriffs Office.

Shot and killed 10 days ago by a fleeing, violent suspect, Chucky soon came to represent every fallen officer, human or canine, for making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

On Monday, hundreds of police officers and civilians, as well as a couple dozen other K-9s, came to pay their final respects in a two-hour parting ceremony rich in poignancy, pageantry and symbolism.

The funeral procession left the Alamo shortly after 9 a.m. and headed north, halting traffic on U.S. 281 in both directions. On the overpasses, curious spectators watched and fire engines flashed their lights.

At Community Bible Church off Loop 1604, an arch had been formed by an enormous American flag. It dangled 60 feet high between two ladder trucks.

Everyone and their mom is here, said Brian Massey, a church security guard, as waves of cars rolled in.

The canine pretty much saved the officers life. Thats the whole point. Hes alive, and his partner saved his life, he added.

Waiting beneath the arch to receive the dark urn containing Chuckys ashes was a small, horse-drawn caisson from Mission Park Funeral Chapels, which donated its services.

Black with gold curtains and a cross on top, the wagon also is used in San Antonio police funerals. Hitched to the front was an enormous white Percheron named Ginger.

Also waiting were the Patriot Guard Riders, holding American flags, and officers from area police and military agencies. There was a drum-and-bagpipes escort, too.

His name will be placed on the Wall of Fallen Officers in Austin and on the National Police Memorial in Washington, D.C., said Jason Briseno of the San Antonio Police Pipes and Drums unit.

As Ginger slowly pulled the wagon toward the church entrance, the bagpipes played Bells of Dunblane, a mournful tune written to commemorate 16 children killed in a 1996 Irish school shooting.

Some folks had traveled far to attend the funeral of a dog they had never known. Peggy Goodson, 92, using a walker, had come with her daughter from near Houston.

Im a dog lover, and when I had to put a dog down it was like putting a child down, she remarked.

Choreographed like a state funeral, the elaborate ceremony of white gloves, crisp dress uniforms and sharp salutes moved along without urgency.

Eventually, eight pallbearers wearing dark green uniforms emblazoned with Bexar County K9 on the back took the dark urn riding on a red cushion into the church.

Also wearing the dark green was Kevin Rasmussen, Chuckys handler and partner, attending with his wife, Rachelle, and son, Joey.

Welcoming about 300 people scattered in the worship hall, the Rev. Ed Newton, senior pastor of the church, singled out Joey, 10, for his bravery.

You didnt just lose a pet, you lost a friend, a best friend, he said, also offering comfort to the parents.

After a video presentation showing Chucky in training and some trophy shots of him with cellophane-wrapped contraband, the Rasmussens spoke.

Joey got a few laughs when he talked about cleaning up after Chucky. He recalled how proud he was when his dad brought Chucky to his school. He said he forgave the guy who killed him.

Kevin Rasmussen recalled Chuckys 100-mile-an-hour intensity and service to various police and federal agencies.

Hes done a lot for the community, saved a lot of lives. Please remember Chucky, he said while fighting his emotions.

His wife summed up her experience by saying, The Lord opened up a wide door of unexpected events with that dog.

Finally, Sheriff Javier Salazar spoke, calling Chucky the epitome of what we expect law enforcement to be: loyal, fearless and enthusiastic.

He recounted the Jan. 25 incident in which Matthew Mireles shot to death the 5-year-old Belgian Malinois.

Karnes City police had tried to pull over Mireles that night to arrest him on several warrants. He led officers on a high-speed chase through several counties as he fired shots at them. State troopers and Bexar County deputies joined the pursuit.

Mireles abandoned his vehicle near Loop 1604 and Texas 151 and shot wildly at officers. Chucky, who had to be deployed quickly without his protective vest, was in hot pursuit, with Rasmussen and other officers close behind. Chucky got there first.

Chucky attempted a jump and takedown but landed in a vulnerable position. The suspect fired at Chucky from near-point-blank range, Salazar began.

Although Chucky was mortally wounded, he did not give up the fight. He bit and held on to the suspect, who continued to fire. Chucky was shot a second time, he said.

Deputies then shot Mireles, who survived and is charged with multiple crimes, including attempted capital murder of a police officer.

For Chuckys heroism, Salazar awarded the K9 deputy three department medals, including the highest of all, the Bexar County Sheriffs Office Medal of Honor.

He will go down in history as the first canine to lose his life while on duty due to a hostile action, the sheriff said.

The closing ceremony included taps, a rifle salute, a riderless horse and a final bark from a dog named Tango. Erin Ortega, 34, offered his thoughts.

These officers serve unconditionally, and they run the same risks. This dog did what any other uniformed officer would have done. Doesnt matter if its two legs or four, he said.
The father of an eighth-grade student whose peers used social media to brand him most likely to shoot up the school is suing his tormenters and their parents in the first use of Davids Law, named for an Alamo Heights student who committed suicide after fierce cyberbullying.

The lawsuit said students spread rumors online that the 14-year-old boy, identified only as D.R., was going to commit a mass shooting at Tex Hill Middle School in North East Independent School District. The student was ostracized, ridiculed and taunted, according to the suit, and school staff searched, interrogated and ultimately sent him to alternative school for the rest of the school year even though they determined that the rumors werent credible.

At no time did (D.R.) have any plans, intent or desire to hurt anyone, said Justin Nichols, the familys attorney. The rumors were mean-spirited, wholly false and intended to hurt him.

School officials discovered the students who had created the online postings and spread the rumors Jan. 16 to 18, the suit claims, and sent an email to parents schoolwide, saying the students had been disciplined and that the rumors of a shooting at the school had been deemed not credible.

But the district didnt clear D.R.s name and didnt provide him with the counseling and resources required by Davids Law, said Derek Rothschild, D.R.s father. School officials also refused to identify the students who started the rumors, Rothschild said. The suit seeks to find out their identities.

The students who started the rumors havent exonerated D.R. or taken any corrective or mitigating action, further subjecting D.R. to ridicule and suspicion, according to the suit, which calls for a temporary injunction to stop the cyberbullying.

The lawsuit also seeks $50,000 in damages. For now, the suit is against only the students who started the rumors, identified as John and/or Jane Doe, and their parents. But Rothschild is going through the districts grievance process, and lawyers are gathering additional information that could lead to further action, Nichols said.

The suit also is suing the defendants for defamation by slander.

Davids Law, which was authored by state Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, was passed in 2017. Its named for David Molak, an Alamo Heights High School sophomore who was 16 when he committed suicide in January 2016 after he was bombarded almost nonstop with harassing and humiliating text messages and Facebook postings.

The law is intended to empower schools, parents and law enforcement to combat cyberbullying. It paved the way for parents to get a court order to stop cyberbullying, which has a little more teeth than a principal saying, No, no, no, Nichols said.

The law also places specific requirements on schools for responding to cyberbullying, which Nichols said North East ISD failed to do.

In an interview Monday, Rothschild said his son didnt know about the online accusations against him until an assistant principal approached him with questions about it during lunchtime Jan. 16. His son told the assistant principal he wouldnt commit a shooting and is about life, his father told the San Antonio Express-News.

That evening, Principal Charles Reininger Jr. sent an email to parents addressing a rumor of weapons being brought to school and deeming it not credible, Rothschild said. Reininger said staff were in contact with families of all significant parties and would have an officer on hand the next day as a precautionary measure.

The same evening, an assistant principal called Rothschild and said staffers identified students who started an online game to decide who was the most likely student to shoot up a school. D.R. was on the list, Rothschild said he was told, and the rumor was that D.R. was going to attack the next day.

Rothschild said the assistant principal, whom Rothschild didnt name, told him she didnt believe that D.R. was a threat but that as a matter of process, staff needed to search the boys locker and backpack when he returned to school the next day. Rothschild said he worried about his son all day, because in my opinion he was the person in most danger at school that day.

D.R. has long hair, listens to Bob Marley and doesnt have access to guns at home, Rothschild said. A member of the schools comic book and computer gaming clubs, D.R. initially joked with his friends about the rumors, Rothschild said. At one point, D.R. quoted a character from the popular Western video game Red Dead Redemption indicating a plan that couldnt be fulfilled because of a lack of money.

Students who overheard the comment reported it to school officials, who interpreted is as a threat. D.R. was sanctioned and ordered to attend a disciplinary alternative education program for about 15 weeks, or until the end of the school year, Nichols said. His parents instead withdrew him from the district and are home-schooling him.

Our position is that comment would have meant nothing had the false rumors not been started, Nichols said.

On Jan. 18, Reininger sent an email to parents thanking them for their patience, assistance, courage and understanding during a difficult week.

I encourage you to speak with your students about the importance of addressing concerns to administration in lieu (of) posting to social media. Although the rumors of weapons being brought to campus were investigated and deemed to not be credible, the stress related to postings may be substantial, Reininger wrote.

District spokeswoman Aubrey Chancellor defended the districts response to the situation.

Administrators acted appropriately to investigate the situation, and took appropriate actions to address it, she said. The district made it clear at the beginning of the school year that all threats against schools would be subject to disciplinary action.

Rothschild said he is disappointed that the principal didnt clear his sons name to the student body and parents. He also said he was scheduled to meet with school officials about the matter Jan. 18 but that they decided on his sons sanction before the meeting.

When they started punishing my son for just trying to feel normal in the school day, they basically started treating him like the person the lies said he was, Rothschild said.

D.R., who was looking forward to entering high school next year, had not previously been in significant trouble, Nichols said. He received minor sanctions last year for throwing a pencil during horseplay and for leaving the lunchroom without permission, Nichols said.

Rothschild said he struggles with explaining the schools decision to his son.

Im not sure what lesson he learned other than when a school district wants to do something the rules dont matter, Rothschild said. I dont know what to say to him about what the school did other than to say were going to push on them.

Krista Torralva covers several school districts and public universities in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | Krista.Torralva@express-news.net | Twitter: @KMTorralva
Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Words Matter Tonight - "Wall" "Shut Down", "DACA DREAMERS"

By Margaret Sands Orchowski

Tonight is the State of the Union speech. AS a credentialed Congressional journalist I will be joining my colleagues in the press gallery in Congress to hear President Trump's take on how our government and our country is doing,

We inked stained wretches in the press gallery will be closely following the written copies of his speech given to us just minutes before we enter the chamber on the third floor balcony above the speaker's podium. We will be watching how closely the President follows the text. FYI: Last year, did not deviate one word from the written text, same as President Obama before him.

The actual words the President uses matters crucially. Some like the "wall" and DREAMERS are particularly fraught and have been roiling politics for the past months. Many have been spun by politicians and the press almost beyond recognition. Here are some words to watch out for -- not only the word but the context.

"WALL" Will Trump refer specifically to building a border WALL meaning a physical concrete structure? Or will he refer to it as a "BARRIER" which combines a wide variety of air and digital technology, boots on the ground including U.S. military and new detention processes. The word FENCE has come to mean an inferior border marker, that recently both Democrats and Republicans use mockingly.

"GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN" It will be interesting if President Trump mentions "government shut down" in his SOTU speech and how he refers to it  as something that should not happen again, as a given or as a threat. The next deadline for a full budget agreement for the U.S. government is March 22. If no agreement is reached by then, agencies not funded and will need to "shut down" until they are funded.

The term "shut down" itself has been badly spun in the media. Few journalists refer to the just past shut down over the holidays as "partial". In fact it involved just 25 percent of government agencies; the other 75% were already fully funded and operational. Government workers deemed "non-essential" (including flower bouquet professionals at the White House) were furloughed  were told not to come to work; other essential workers  almost 90 percent of the Homeland Security Dept. for instance, were ordered to work but did not receive their first mid-month checks. Most government workers are dedicated and went to work "without pay' fully conscioius that they would receive full back pay once the shut down is over  something few laid-off or cut-back workers in the private sector can count on.

The most interesting "playing chip" word we will be listening for in the President's speech is DREAMERs and DACA. THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE between the two  not only in their fact but particularly in the numbers of people involved. It's not clear if the President or even most of the press are aware of the differences. Almost all don't even get the basic definition right. For the record here is a clarification.

DREAMERS refer to a population of illegal immigrants almost always defined by the press as "young people brought to the country illegally by their parents". Since 2007 various "Dream Acts" have failed to pass that would give legalization or at least some kind of protected stay for this population. In 2012, President Obama issued an executive order (DACA  Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) to protect qualified DREAMERs (they had to apply and be vetted individually) from deportation for two years and to grant them a temporary work permit.

The problem is that not one of those words in the default definition above appear in either President Obama's three-page 2012 "DACA" order nor in any of the 15-to-20 page Dream Act proposals yet-to-be-passed. The basic description in all DACA/DREAMER documents is: anyone who "CAME INTO THE UNITED STATES BEFORE THE AGE OF 16". In the Dream Act of 2017 proposal  now being pushed by Democrats and Republican Lindsey Graham (SC) the age is pushed up to 18.

There are currently 690,000 DACA beneficiaries. In 2017,President Trump rescinded the DACA order giving them protection from deportation, but a federal court blocked it. Now the order now awaits a ruling by the Supreme Court about its constitutionality. But be clear. When anyone refers to including DACAs in a compromise about "the wall", they are talking about some 700,000 individuals.

DREAMERS on the other hand constitute some 1.8 million potential illegal immigrants who came into the country before the age of 16. President Trump offered to legalize those in a compromise deal in 2018.

The Democrats came back with a revised Dream Act proposal that raised the age of entry to 18 plus a possible inclusion of DREAMERS' parents. Those potential DREAMERS would number 4 million.

So what will President Trump refer to in his speech tonight, if any? 700,000 DACAs? 1.8 million or 4 million DREAMERS? Will the press distinguish between them? Does the President even know?

Well at least now you readers should know.

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Moreno, who is facing a challenge for his City Council seat from political newcomer Daniel La Spata in the Feb. 26 municipal election, could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon. He told WGN-Ch. 9 on Monday that the situation was a misunderstanding, saying he lent the car to a friend he had dated and filed a police report after being unable to reach her.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 5)  The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the order of the Sandiganbayan to prevent Cebu 3rd District Representative Gwendolyn Garcia from leaving the country due to grave misconduct charges.

In an order promulgated in October 2018 and released Tuesday, the SC ruled that the arguments presented by Garcia's camp questioning the validity of the hold departure orders (HDO) against her lacked merit.

Garcia, as then Cebu governor, allegedly anomalously purchased the P99-million Balili property in Tinaan, Naga, Cebu. She also allegedly entered into unauthorized contracts to fill portions of the 25-hectare beach front property that were discovered to be under seawater. The contractor supposedly received over P24 million.

The Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to indict the congresswoman and filed the information at the Sandiganbayan. The Sandiganbayan issued HDOs against Garcia on July 24, 2012.

Garcia's camp questioned the validity of the HDOs, claiming they were issued prematurely, before she could exhaust the time allotted to file a motion for reconsideration (MR) of the finding of probable cause against her. The deadline of the MR was on July 25, 2012.

The motion to lift the HDOs also argued that the Sandiganbayan had no authority to issue the orders.

However, the SC's order stated that since the Ombudsman found probable cause to indict the congresswoman and filed the information at the Sandiganbayan, the Sandiganbayan would have jurisdiction over her case.

"The rule therefore, in this jurisdiction is that once a complaint or information is filed in court, any disposition of the case, whether it be dismissal or the conviction or acquittal of the accused, rests in the sound discretion of the court," the order cited.

Moreover, the rules of the Ombudsman mentioned that an investigating prosecutor need not wait to exhaust the five-day interval for an MR to be filed before filing information before the Sandiganbayan. It added that the filing of information can also be conducted without the need to wait for a resolution on the MR.

"In any case, the continuation of the proceedings is not dependent on the resolution of the motion for reconsideration by the investigating prosecutor," the SC order said.
UPDATE: The Pound South African Rand (GBP/ZAR) exchange rate rallied sharply on Wednesday, with the pairing climbing as much as 1% following a sudden fall in market risk appetite. This likely comes in the wake of comments from Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Philip Lowe earlier in the session as his warning of potential rate cuts in 2019 sparked concerns it could be mirrored by other central banks.

Tuesdays session saw the Pound Sterling (GBP) continue to depreciate against the South African Rand (ZAR) with the GBP weighed by Brexit concerns and weak economic data releases and the ZAR supported by strong iron ore prices and relatively steady risk appetite for EMs.

Wednesdays session saw Sterling clawing back losses against the Rand with the GBPZAR exchange rate last seen trading at 17.42806 following a Tuesday session low of 17.29029.

Pound Sterling South African Rand (GBP/ZAR) Exchange Rate Flounders amid Lack of Support

While market demand for risky emerging market currencies like the South African Rand has been limited the British Pound to South African Rand (GBP/ZAR) exchange rate has slumped to weekly lows as UK data weighs heavily on the Pound and the South African Rand finds some support in stronger commodity trade.

After last week saw GBP/ZAR plummet from 17.98 to 17.41, this weeks movement has been a little more modest in comparison. GBP/ZAR briefly edged higher yesterday, before slumping today as UK data disappointed and the South African Rand found some support in risk-sentiment.

This left GBP/ZAR trending more closely to last Fridays five month low of 17.30. At the time of writing on Tuesday afternoon, GBP/ZAR trended in the region of 17.37.

Pound (GBP) Exchange Rates Slump Following Trio of Concerning UK PMIs

Since last weeks disappointing UK manufacturing PMI caused concerns that Britains manufacturing sector could be headed towards recession, Markits other January PMIs have done little to lighten market concerns about Britains economic outlook.

UK construction fell short of expectations yesterday, and this mornings UK services PMI was particularly concerning.

Despite being expected to merely slip to 51.0, Markits January services PMI slumped from 51.2 to just 50.1. This put it just above the 50 point mark that separates growth from contraction and indicated that Britains services sector was virtually stagnant last month.

Analysts pointed out that it highlighted how Brexit uncertainties were hitting Britains economic activity. According to Howard Archer from EY ITEM Club:

The services PMI pointed to the sector essentially stagnating in January as it was at the weakest level since July 2016 (which was in the immediate aftermath of the UKs referendum vote to leave the EU) and at the second lowest level since December 2012. Subdued business and consumer spending weighed on services activity in January. Heightened Brexit uncertainty was reported to be affecting clients business investment decisions.

The Pound saw even deeper selling on Tuesday afternoon as investors reacted to the latest Brexit comments from UK Prime Minister Theresa May.

Not only did May indicate that the UK government did not plan to delay the formal Brexit date, now under two months away, she also argued that there was not enough support in UK Parliament for a second referendum of any kind.

South African Rand (ZAR) Exchange Rates Driven by Commodity Prices, Risk-Sentiment

Amid a lack of notably influential South African data published due for publication this week, the South African Rand has seen more modest movement versus the Pound this week so far.

The South African Rand is a relatively risky emerging market currency that benefits when investors are confident enough to take risks. As a result, the currency has benefitted from the risk-on mood in recent sessions.

In particular, the South African Rands correlation to iron ore has strengthened in recent sessions.

The correlation between the Rand and iron ore, one of South Africas biggest exports, has recently been at its strongest level since January 2018. As a result, the Rand has been more appealing as iron ore has strengthened over the past two weeks.

On top of this, market hopes that the US will tout progress in US-China trade talks during an upcoming State of the Union address also made the risky South African Rand more appealing.

GBP/ZAR Exchange Rate Forecast: Risk-Sentiment and Brexit Developments in Focus

With most of this weeks most notable UK data having been published already, and Thursdays Bank of England (BoE) policy decision unlikely to be hugely influential, the Pound to South African Rand exchange rate is more likely to be influenced by political developments.

The UK government remains determined to bolster the domestic popularity of its Brexit plan and will hold negotiations with leaders from the EU and Ireland in the coming day in order to find alternative solutions to the Irish backstop issue.

If there are any signs that the EU or Ireland could actually off the UK any concessions over the backstop, the Pound could surge on market hopes that the governments soft Brexit plan could pass after all.

However, as the government continues to say it will not delay the Brexit process, the Pound may also be in for further losses if there are no developments and No-deal Brexit fears worsen.

The South African Rand, on the other hand, will be influenced by potential developments in US-China trade tensions.

Prices of commodities like iron ore may also continue to influence the Pound to South African Rand exchange rate.
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A team of researchers under the direction of the Medical Center - University of Freiburg has succeeded in demonstrating in an animal model that previously entirely unknown types of immune cells are present in the inflamed brain in the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). The discovery was made by means of a new, high-resolution method for analyzing single cells. The method allowed the researchers from Freiburg and Munich to create a kind of immune cell atlas for the brain. They also showed how these cells promote the development of the autoimmune disease MS. The researchers report on their study in the January issue of the renowned journal Science, published on 25 January 2019.

"Our findings constitute a breakthrough for the understanding of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. We hope that it will now be possible to develop new, more cell-specific therapeutic approaches that are less prone to side-effects for treating inflammatory diseases like MS," says project director Prof. Dr. Marco Prinz, medical director of the Institute of Neuropathology at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. "The main problem with the previous, inadequate therapy was that it inhibited the entire immune system. However, we succeeded in finding new subtypes of cells that are specific for local inflammation and destruction in MS. They might therefore be selectively inactivated," says Prof. Prinz.

Women Suffer More Often from Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is one of the most common inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. The disease develops in women more often than in men and typically first manifests between the ages of 20 and 40. In Germany, around 120,000 people suffer from MS. "It is assumed that MS is an autoimmune disease in which immune cells mistakenly attack structures of the central nervous system and cause the inflammation," explains Prof. Prinz, who is also involved in the Signalling Research Excellence Clusters BIOSS and CIBSS of the Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg. The fact that phagocytes from the blood and the brain play a role in MS has already long been known, but it was unclear up to now precisely which subtypes are involved. After years of research work, the scientists have now identified these subtypes in an animal model of multiple sclerosis.

A New Immune Cell Atlas

Using the latest high-resolution single-cell methods, the researchers succeeded in mapping the complex composition of cells located at the focus of inflammation, the so-called inflammation infiltrate. This enabled them to create a new immune cell atlas.

The single-cell analyses used by the researchers are new and can be used in medicine for studying individual cells from tissues. The researchers see them as having enormous potential. "These methods allow us to paint an entirely new cellular picture of very complex tissues like the brain," says Dr. Dominic Gruen, one of the pioneers of this technique and research group leader at the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg, which participated in the study.

The first author of the study, Marta Joana Costa Jordao, doctoral candidate at the Institute of Neuropathology of the Medical Center - University of Freiburg, also managed to demonstrate that different phagocytes in the brain remain chronically activated in the course of the disease. It was previously assumed that they were quickly renewed by circulating blood cells. "This permanent activation of the immune cells could explain why the brain of an MS patient is chronically attacked over the course of years," says Costa Jordao.

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Taste is so familiar a sensation that you might think scientists had long ago sorted out how the sense works. Yet such research is far from settled.

Now, a team including UC Santa Barbara Distinguished Professor Craig Montell has discovered the first sour taste receptor used by an animal to choose between different foods options. The findings appear in the journal Cell Reports, and could have implications for taste research as well as disease prevention.

Until now, scientists didn't know what receptors allow animals to evaluate food on the basis of sourness. "In mammals, a protein called Otopetrin1 is a candidate. But, in fact, the precise receptors are not known in any animal," Montell said. "It's really a major question in the taste field, and I think we all care about taste. I mean, we all think about it. And taste is extremely important, not only for enjoyment, but for survival." Food that is too sour, for example, might be spoiled due to bacterial or fungal contamination.

In their search for a sour receptor, Montell's team provided fruit flies with choices between sugar alone versus sugar combined with various concentrations of different acids. They then established low concentrations of various acids that attracted the animals and high levels that repulsed them. Many of the flies had known mutations affecting their receptor proteins, and the scientists tracked to what extent the behavior of these flies differed from their more conventional counterparts.

The team discovered that a protein, IR7a, was required for the flies to detect acetic acid, the active ingredient in vinegar, and to make decisions based on acetic acid concentration. Those without the protein couldn't recognize the acid, however a mutated IR7a didn't affect the animals' ability to sense any of the other acids the team tested.

"It was surprising just how narrowly tuned this receptor was," Montell said. Since the team tested a limited number of acids, they don't believe the protein responds only to acetic acid. But even so, "it's still narrowly tuned," Montell added. "We expected that one receptor would account for many sour compounds."

But having a discerning palate may come with advantages. The point of taste is to gather information about potential food, so being able to distinguish between two similar substances, like acetic acid and lactic acid, must provide the fruit flies with some sort of relevant information. Different acids result from different types of microbial activities, so Montell suspects that being able to distinguish between different sour compounds may allow the flies to seek out or avoid food with different types of microbial growth.

Compare this narrowly tuned sour receptor to the human sugar receptor. Out of our 35 taste receptors, only one receptor complex, made up of two different proteins, is used to sense all sugars. "This is one of the reasons it's very difficult for us to discriminate between different types of sweet compounds," said Montell. "They're activating the same receptor."

In contrast, we have several dozen receptors for bitter tastes, which generally correspond to substances we try to avoid. There is simply a greater diversity of bitter tasting chemicals, and many are harmful, so we need many receptors to detect bitter compounds. In flies, the same taste receptor cells that detect bitter compounds sense high levels of acetic acid, both of which the flies avoid.

Once the group discovered that flies needed IR7a to detect acetic acid, they were curious whether this protein was sufficient to produce the ability on its own. The researchers introduced it into fly neurons that reacted to sugars to see if they became acid sensitive. Remarkably, they did. However, when the team introduced IR7a in mammalian cells grown in a Petri dish, the cells did not become sensitive to acetic acid. These results suggest that IR7a works in concert with other proteins in taste receptor cells to detect acetic acid, something Montell plans to continue investigating in future research.

"The discovery here is finding an enigmatic type of receptor that's important in something very basic: a sour taste," Montell said.

Taste and smell receptors are actually some of the least conserved proteins between different animals. "Animals tend to live in environments with different foods and dangerous chemicals. So, the olfactory and taste receptors are under very strong selective pressure to sense the specific chemicals in an animal's environment," Montell explained.

Although receptors similar to IR7a are not conserved in humans, related proteins are found in insect vectors that spread disease. Montell's lab is currently studying the mosquito Aedes aegypti, which transmits diseases like dengue fever, Zika and yellow fever. Female mosquitoes use vision, smell, temperature and taste to track down their human targets.

"I think it's very valuable to learn what the receptors are in insects in general, not only because it's interesting basic science, but it could lead to ideas for controlling the way that mosquitos are attracted to humans," Montell said.

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This research was conducted in collaboration with a team lead by Youngseok Lee at Kookmin University in Seoul, South Korea.
HOUSTON - (Feb. 5, 2019) - A ceramic that becomes more electrically conductive under elastic strain and less conductive under plastic strain could lead to a new generation of sensors embedded into structures like buildings, bridges and aircraft able to monitor their own health.

The electrical disparity fostered by the two types of strain was not obvious until Rice University's Rouzbeh Shahsavari, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering and of materials science and nanoengineering, and his colleagues modeled a novel two-dimensional compound, graphene-boron-nitride (GBN).

Under elastic strain, the internal structure of a material stretched like a rubber band does not change. But the same material under plastic strain -- caused in this case by stretching it far enough beyond elasticity to deform -- distorts its crystalline lattice. GBN, it turns out, shows different electrical properties in each case, making it a worthy candidate as a structural sensor.

Shahsavari had already determined that hexagonal-boron nitride - aka white graphene - can improve the properties of ceramics. He and his colleagues have now discovered that adding graphene makes them even stronger and more versatile, along with their surprising electrical properties.

The magic lies in the ability of two-dimensional, carbon-based graphene and white graphene to bond with each other in a variety of ways, depending on their relative concentrations. Though graphene and white graphene naturally avoid water, causing them to clump, the combined nanosheets easily disperse in a slurry during the ceramic's manufacture.

The resulting ceramics, according to the authors' theoretical models, would become tunable semiconductors with enhanced elasticity, strength and ductility.

The research led by Shahsavari and Asghar Habibnejad Korayem, an assistant professor of structural engineering at Iran University of Science and Technology and a research fellow at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, appears in the American Chemical Society journal Applied Materials and Interfaces.

Graphene is a well-studied form of carbon known for its lack of a band gap - the region an electron has to leap to make a material conductive. With no band gap, graphene is a metallic conductor. White graphene, with its wide band gap, is an insulator. So the greater the ratio of graphene in the 2D compound, the more conductive the material will be.

Mixed into the ceramic in a high enough concentration, the 2D compound dubbed GBN would form a network as conductive as the amount of carbon in the matrix allows. That gives the overall composite a tunable band gap that could lend itself to a variety of electrical applications.

"Fusing 2D materials like graphene and boron nitride in ceramics and cements enables new compositions and properties we can't achieve with either graphene or boron nitride by themselves," Shahsavari said.

The team used density functional theory calculations to model variations of the 2D compound mixed with tobermorite, a calcium silicate hydrate material commonly used as cement for concrete. They determined the oxygen-boron bonds formed in the ceramic would turn it into a p-type semiconductor.

Tobermorite by itself has a large band gap of about 4.5 electron volts, but the researchers calculated that when mixed with GBN nanosheets of equal parts graphene and white graphene, that gap would shrink to 0.624 electron volts.

When strained in the elastic regime, the ceramic's band gap dropped, making the material more conductive, but when stretched beyond elasticity - that is, in the plastic regime -- it became less conductive. That switch, the researchers said, makes it a promising material for self-sensing and structural health monitoring applications.

The researchers suggested other 2D sheets with molybdenum disulfide, niobium diselenide or layered double hydroxides may provide similar opportunities for the bottom-up design of tunable, multifunctional composites. "This would provide a fundamental platform for cement and concrete reinforcement at their smallest possible dimension," Shahsavari said.

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Co-authors of the paper are graduate students Ehsan Hosseini and Mohammad Zakertabrizi of the Iran University of Science and Technology. The National Science Foundation and the Australian Research Council supported the research.

David Ruth, 713-348-6327, david@rice.edu

Mike Williams, 713-348-6728, mikewilliams@rice.edu

Read the abstract at https:/ / pubs. acs. org/ doi/ 10. 1021/ acsami. 8b19409

This news release can be found online at https:/ / news. rice. edu/ 2019/ 02/ 05/ nano-infused-ceramic-could-report-on-its-own-health/

Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews.

Related materials:

White graphene makes ceramics multifunctional: http://news. rice. edu/ 2018/ 01/ 11/ white-graphene-makes-ceramics-multifunctional-2/

Multiscale Materials Laboratory (Shahsavari Lab): http://rouzbeh. rice. edu/

Asghar Habibnejad Korayem: http://www. iust. ac. ir/ content/ 40345/ Dr. -Habibnejad-Korayem ,-Asghar

George R. Brown School of Engineering: http://engineering. rice. edu

Rice Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: http://www. ceve. rice. edu

Rice Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering: https:/ / msne. rice. edu

Image for download:

https:/ / news-network. rice. edu/ news/ files/ 2019/ 01/ 0128_CERAMIC-1-WEB-2khpzam. jpg

Ceramics with networked nanosheets of graphene and white graphene would have the unique ability to alter their electrical properties when strained, according to a researcher at Rice University. The surprising ability could lead to new types of structural sensors. (Credit: Rouzbeh Shahsavari/Rice University)
The discovery of a new to science species of rare and primitive arthropod from the depths of a cave that was covered by a thick ice sheet until recently is certain to raise questions. In their study, published in the open-access journal Subterranean Biology, entomologist Alberto Sendra and local caver Craig Wagnell describe a new species of cave-dwelling, insect-like campodeid dipluran from the island of Vancouver (Canada) and discuss its origin.

According to the study, the dipluran's presence could either mean that terrestrial arthropods have indeed been able to survive within the deep subterranean habitats during the Last Glacial Maximum period some 26,500 years ago or it is the result of related species having dispersed to the area during the deglaciation, making their way from as far as Asia.

Contrary to most people's expectations, the new creature was discovered only an easy hike away from the nearest town of Port Alberni (Vancouver Island, British Columbia). There, cavers Craig Wagnell, Tawney Lem and Felix Ossigi-Bonanno from the Central Island Caving Club, together with Alberto Sendra, Alcala University (Spain), reported a remarkable, previously unknown species of dipluran from a couple of caves recently unearthed in the small limestone karstic area.

Named Haplocampa wagnelli, the new species pays tribute to co-author Craig Wagnell, "who has dedicated many years sampling and exploring in Vancouver Island caves".

Unlike most cave-adapted campodeid diplurans, whose bodies and appendages are characteristically elongated and slender - a "trademark" feature for strictly underground arthropods - the new species (Haplocampa wagnelli) has only slightly elongated antennae and legs and a thicker body. This is the reason why the researchers conclude that the species is not exclusively subterranean and is likely to also be present in soil habitats. On the other hand, its North American sister species seem to be even less adapted to life underground.

Interestingly, the scientists note close relationships between the genus (Haplocampa) of the new species and three others known from the two sides of the north Pacific Ocean: Pacificampa (Japanese Islands and the Korean Peninsula), Metriocampa (Siberia) and Eumesocampa (North America). According to the team, this is evidence for dispersal events where populations would cross over the old Bering Land Bridge, which used to connect America and Asia.

Furthermore, the new species is also one of the most northerly cave-adapted dipluran species, found at a latitude of 49 north. Some 26,500 years ago, its modern habitat would have been located underneath the Cordilleran Ice Sheet, part of the Late Wisconsinan North American ice sheet complex.

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Original source:
A nationwide study on economic distress was recently released by the Ohio Alliance for Innovation in Population Health ranking the economic performance of all 50 states in the country from 2009 to 2019.

ATHENS, Ohio (Feb. 5, 2019) - A nationwide study on economic distress was recently released by the Ohio Alliance for Innovation in Population Health ranking the economic performance of all 50 states in the country from 2009 to 2019. While the economy in New Hampshire has remained the healthiest in the United States over the past decade and Mississippi has continued to be the most economically distressed state over that same time span, that doesn't tell the whole story.

For example, although the economy in New Hampshire improved and allowed the state to stay in the No. 1 position, other states near or at the bottom of the list, such as Mississippi, also improved. New Hampshire had an economic distress index score of 70.8 in 2009 that improved to 68.8 in 2019 (a lower number represents a healthier economy) and Mississippi had a score of 153 in 2009 that improved to 141. 8 in 2019.

According to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Mississippi saw increases across the board in nearly every income-related category from 2009 to 2017 (the most recent year available) but also experienced increased total unemployment.

Orman Hall, an executive in residence for Ohio University's College of Health Sciences and Professions and the Ohio Alliance for Innovation in Population Health (Alliance), conducted the nationwide study based on information compiled by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for 2009 and 2019. Economic distress, as measured by ARC, is determined by unemployment rate, per capita market income and poverty rate averaged over three years and compared to national averages.

Hall expressed appreciation to the ARC for its long-standing work in monitoring economic distress.

"These measures can help elected officials and policy makers identify communities that may be susceptible to elevated levels of mental illness, substance abuse and other serious diseases of despair," Hall said.

North Dakota had the greatest improvement in economy, leaping from 17th with a score of 91 in 2009 to second in 2019 at 71. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Nevada worsened from 14th to 39th.

The top 10 states in terms of healthiest economies for 2019 include:

1. New Hampshire 2. North Dakota 3. Hawaii 4. Nebraska 5. Minnesota 6. Massachusetts 7. Maryland 8. Connecticut 9. Vermont 10. Wyoming

The most economically distressed states for 2019 are: Mississippi, New Mexico, West Virginia, Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, Arizona, South Carolina, Arkansas and Georgia. "This research provides a valuable benchmark for discerning the relative state of economic distress in counties and states across the nation. The data is valuable on its face, but it will also allow us to map many issues as they relate to economic status," said Rick Hodges, director of the Alliance. "I am in the health field and I look forward to overlaying various diseases to determine the relationship between economic distress and health but this study will also be applicable to issues beyond health."

Ohio, the home state of the study, stayed virtually the same, dropping by 0.2 and falling from the 32nd healthiest economy in the nation to 33rd. The study also showed that if the Appalachian counties of Ohio were combined into a separate state, it would be the second-most economically distressed state in the country. However, those Appalachian regions have more overall improvement to the economy than the rest of the state on a per capita basis.

"As a leader in promoting economic restructuring and prosperity across Appalachia, I am pleased to see the progress from Ohio's Appalachian counties, though the numbers reflect more work must be done," said Jennifer Simon, executive director for Ohio University Regional Innovation. "In my 25 years of working on community and economic development here, Appalachia typically comes out of recessions last and goes into recessions first as compared to the rest of the state and country. During this recovery, we witnessed changes from people having jobs to people creating jobs. We also work in Kentucky and West Virginia and would love to see the numbers actually reflect that changing narrative around economic sectors of success in those communities."

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PORTLAND, Oregon - Today the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced that OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Director Brian Druker, M.D., has been awarded the 2019 Sjoberg Prize for his "ground-breaking contributions to the clinical development of targeted therapy directed against genetic aberrations in cancer." His research proved it was possible to shut down cells that enable cancer to grow without harming healthy ones - a discovery that helped make once-fatal forms of the disease manageable.

Druker shares the 2019 award with Dennis Slamon, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of California Los Angeles Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. Sjoberg Prize laureates for 2017 include 2018 Nobel Prize winner James P. Allison, Ph.D., and Tony Hunter, Ph.D.; and laureates for 2018 include Zhu Chen, Ph.D., Anne Dejean, Ph.D., and Hugues de The, Ph.D.

The Sjoberg Prize is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and funded by the Sjoberg Foundation. The foundation was created in 2016 by the late entrepreneur Bengt Sjoberg to support research targeting cancer, health and the environment. Druker and Slamon will equally share the $1 million prize - $100,000 as a personal award and $900,000 for future research. The laureates will formally receive the award during the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting March 31, in Stockholm, Sweden, in the presence of His Majesty the King of Sweden.

"I am deeply honored to receive this prize and to join the company of the previous Sjoberg Prize award recipients, whom I hold in the highest regard," said Druker, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and JELD-WEN Chair of Leukemia Research at OHSU. "Cancer research has advanced tremendously since I began my career as a physician-scientist: we're seeing success in targeted therapies, and in immune therapies that activate a patient's immune system to destroy cancer cells. I am thankful to the patients who went on this journey with me, but we know there is more work to be done, and our team is dedicated to accelerating progress to free the world from the burden of cancer."

"Dr. Druker's pioneering work shaped the field of targeted cancer therapies and has provided hope to countless patients and their families," said OHSU President Danny Jacobs, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S. "The OHSU community is delighted that his accomplishments are being honored with this important award, and we join him in his ongoing efforts to end cancer as we know it."

Druker's research: pioneering the development of targeted cancer drugs

Druker began his cancer research career in the 1980s, studying why some formerly normal cells shift into overdrive producing tumors. In 1993 Druker joined OHSU and began testing compounds that could target the abnormality that drives chronic myeloid leukemia, or CML. He identified the compound that ultimately became Gleevec and demonstrated that it killed leukemia cells without harming normal cells. He then planned and led the drug's clinical trials. During the trials, nearly all patients with CML saw their white blood counts return to normal in a matter of weeks with few or no side effects. Patients in the original trials, some with weeks to months to live, recovered and began leading normal lives.

The trials were so successful that they resulted in the fastest approval by the FDA in its history. Since Gleevec was approved by the FDA in 2001 to treat CML, it has since been proved effective against multiple forms of cancer, including pediatric CML and gastrointestinal stromal tumor, also knowns as GIST.

In 2017, the New England Journal of Medicine published long-term results of Gleevec for patients with CML. The study followed 1,106 patients with leukemia around the world for more than 10 years and found a survival rate of nearly 90 percent. According to the National Cancer Institute, prior to Gleevec's FDA approval, fewer than one in three CML patients survived five years past diagnosis.

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With his scientific and medical achievements, Druker has built the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute into an international leader in delivering personalized cancer medicine. Public support from the National Institutes of Health and the state of Oregon has been joined with generous private donations, including the successful completion of the $1 billion Knight Cancer Challenge campaign, which was launched after a $500 million pledge from Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife Penny. These investments have enabled Druker to recruit some of the world's top scientists to OHSU to further the areas of precision oncology and the early detection of cancer. In 2017, the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute earned the National Cancer Institute's highest designation, becoming a Comprehensive Cancer Center, and in 2018, the institute opened a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to cancer research.
Monash University research examined the effect of recreational cannabis sales (RCS) on traffic fatalities in three US states where it was legalised - Colorado (legalised 2014), Washington (2014), and Oregon (2015), and nine neighbouring jurisdictions from 2009-2016.

The researchers looked at the number of additional deaths each month after legalisation, and found there was on average one additional traffic fatality per million residents, in comparison to states that had not changed cannabis laws. The increase was temporary, seeming to last for about a year following legalisation. The combined population of affected areas is 27 million people, suggesting an additional 170 deaths in the first six months after legalisation.

But the study reported the spill over effects to be slightly larger in neighbouring states and provinces, particularly those with population centres closest to the border of a legalising state - possibly because cannabis users were driving interstate to make purchases, before returning under the influence.

It's called 'cannabis tourism', and Monash University's Dr Tyler Lane says there are important implications for both legalising states and their neighbours as prohibitions against cannabis use are lifted globally.

"The effect of cannabis legalisation on traffic fatalities is a growing public health concern," Dr Lane said.

"The results suggest that legalising the sale of cannabis for recreational use can lead to a temporary increase in traffic fatalities in legalising states. This spills over into neighbouring jurisdictions through cross-border sales, trafficking, or cannabis tourists driving back to their state of residence while impaired.

"Our findings suggest that policymakers should consult with neighbouring jurisdictions when liberalising cannabis policy to mitigate any deleterious effects."

Dr Lane said the findings were in contrast to research on medicinal cannabis suggesting it decreases traffic fatalities.

One reason for the difference may be that medicinal users tend to substitute cannabis for other substances, including alcohol, which has a greater effect on impairment. Recreational users are less likely to substitute and more likely to combine alcohol and cannabis, which has a much bigger effect than either in isolation.

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Dr Tyler Lane is available for media comment on mobile: +61 459 588 897.

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Slowly but surely, the stigma surrounding marijuana use is losing its grip in the U.S. Since the 1990s, advocates have pushed for a re-evaluation of cannabis (the plant species name often used interchangeably with marijuana) as a viable treatment for a host of ailments. As of 2018, 33 states and the District of Columbia have approved the medical use of cannabis, while 10 states have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Despite this fact, at the federal level, marijuana remains a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act, defined as a drug with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

New research from the University of Michigan, published in the February issue of Health Affairs, takes a deeper dive into state medical marijuana registry data to provide more insight into its use.

"We did this study because we wanted to understand the reasons why people are using cannabis medically, and whether those reasons for use are evidence based," says lead author Kevin Boehnke, Ph.D., research investigator in the department of anesthesiology and the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center.

He and his U-M colleagues Daniel J. Clauw, M.D., a professor of anesthesiology, medicine, and psychiatry and Rebecca L. Haffajee, Ph.D., assistant professor of health management and policy, as well as U-M alum Saurav Gangopadhyay, M.P.H., a consultant at Deloitte, sought out data from states with legalized medical use of marijuana.

To examine patterns of use, the researchers grouped patient-reported qualifying conditions (i.e. the illnesses/medical conditions that allowed a patient to obtain a license) into evidence categories pulled from a recent National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report on cannabis and cannabinoids. The report, published in 2017, is a comprehensive review of 10,000 scientific abstracts on the health effects of medical and recreational cannabis use. According to the report, there was conclusive or substantial evidence that chronic pain, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity symptoms were improved as a result of cannabis treatment.

Evidence-based relief

One major finding of the Health Affairs paper was the variability of available data. Less than half of the states had data on patient-reported qualifying conditions and only 20 reported data on the number of registered patients. The authors also noted that the number of licensed medical users, with 641,176 registered medical cannabis patients in 2016 and 813,917 in 2017, was likely far lower than the actual number of users.

However, with the available data, they found that the number of medical cannabis patients rose dramatically over time and that the vast majority -- 85.5 percent -- of medical cannabis license holders indicated that they were seeking treatment for an evidence-based condition, with chronic pain accounting for 62.2 percent of all patient-reported qualifying conditions.

"This finding is consistent with the prevalence of chronic pain, which affects an estimated 100 million Americans," the authors state.

This research provides support for legitimate evidence-based use of cannabis that is at direct odds with its current drug schedule status, notes Boehnke. This is especially important as more people look for safer pain management alternatives in light of the current opioid epidemic.

Notes Boehnke, "Since the majority of states in the U.S. have legalized medical cannabis, we should consider how best to adequately regulate cannabis and safely incorporate cannabis into medical practice."

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If you want something, youve got to fight for it. And the only way youre going to get it is by standing up for it, and if this is what theyve got to do, then I completely support it, Cornelious said of the strike.
The rate of unmet need for mental health care is significant among Blacks, reducing quality of life and causing disability. Sirry Alang, assistant professor of sociology and health, medicine and society at Lehigh University says unmet healthcare needs should be seen as a threat to society. "It increases health care expenditures through emergency room visits and substance use disorders. It reduces productivity; and it burdens other systems such as child services, criminal justice and law enforcement."

In her latest research paper, titled, "Mental health care among blacks in America: Confronting racism and constructing solutions," published recently in Health Services Research, Alang questions why there is a significant unmet need for mental health care among Blacks and identifies solutions among healthcare systems to fix it: teach the history of racism in medicine; and actively seek, privilege and legitimize the narratives of black people.

Using data from the 2011-2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health and focus groups, Alang analyzed black adults with unmet mental health care needs. She looked at the factors that are associated with reasons for unmet mental health needs reported by Blacks. She then held focus groups to explore the role of racism and elaborate on the racial context of the results obtained in the first phase.

Racism, she confirmed in her research, is a fundamental cause of mistrust and racial inequities in mental health service systems.

But why?

She found stigma to be highest among African Americans with a college education. She also found that women are more likely to minimize symptoms and not seek care even when they think they should.

"These results are all explained by racism," she explains. "For example, the fear of double discrimination--racial discrimination and mental illness discrimination--is exacerbated among Blacks in higher socioeconomic positions where they work, compete and are evaluated side by side whites."

When African Americans experience racism in other institutions such as education, work and the criminal justice system, they anticipate these experiences in health care settings.

Historical institutional betrayal has bread mistrust in mental health systems, and sometimes not seeking care is an effort to avoid exposure to racial microaggressions, Alang says.

Her research has strong implications for practice, policy, and education. She suggests first teaching about the history of racism in medicine and the contemporary forms of racism to clinicians. She says, "Provide anti-racism education. Make this part of the centralized curriculum."

She says that in addition to this, "researchers, clinicians and policy makers should actively seek, privilege and legitimize the narratives of black people. We should be able to document that this process has happened for any policy or research on marginalized groups. It serves the dual purpose of building trust in institutions and provides services that are relevant to the experiences and meets the needs of Black and other marginalized communities."

We cannot change a person's race to reduce the risk of having unmet needs for healthcare, Alang says. "but we certainly can eliminate racism, the fundamental cause of racial inequities."

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Scientists at the Center for Cardiology of the Mainz University Medical Center have examined the success of more than 13,575 minimally invasive procedures on the mitral valve in the largest study of their kind to date. Key findings: Although patients grew older during the period from 2011 to 2015 and the number of procedures increased from year to year, mortality and complication rates remained consistently low.

Mitral valve insufficiency is the most common heart valve disease in Europe and the USA. About ten percent of people over the age of 75 are affected. Patients suffer from a weak closure and thus a leaky mitral valve. Until a few years ago, there was often only the possibility of a drug therapy, because for an open operation the patients are usually too old, have too many comorbidities, or the function of the left ventricle is too bad.

There is now a new option to treat this leaky heart valve minimally invasive with a Mitraclip implantation. Germany is one of the leading nations in this innovative, new process. "Several studies with small groups of patients have already been published for the evaluation of the procedure with regard to the frequency of inserting the clip or the safety of the procedure. However, there have been no large data collections so far", explained the first and last authors of the study, Dr. Ralph Stephan von Bardeleben, Dr. Lukas Hobohm, and Dr. Karsten Keller. "That's why it was a good idea to examine the implantation numbers and the complication rates in Germany on a larger scale."

The results show: The annual implantation numbers in Germany increased more than fivefold from 815 in 2011 to 4,432 in 2015. In total, the study included 13,575 patients who had been treated with Mitraclip. Earlier studies referred to a maximum of 1,064 procedures. The patients were usually between 70 and 89 years old and on average they got older and older. Another important result is that the complication rate or mortality did not change significantly during the period studied. Important prognostic factors related to hospital death were cardiac insufficiency, blood transfusion due to bleeding complications, stroke, pulmonary embolism, or pericardial effusion.

The authors concluded from their findings that despite the dramatic fivefold increase in the implantation rate of the clip, the procedure has very low early-stage complication rates during hospitalization. "Catheter-assisted valvular heart valve therapy has evolved from a niche treatment of inoperable patients into a relevant and safe treatment option in only ten years, as our new study emphasizes once again", underlined von Bardeleben.

The Mainz University Medical Center occupies a leading position in the field of gentle heart valve therapy, both nationally and internationally. "In 2018, we implanted more than 700 heart valves, making us one of the largest university centers for minimally invasive heart valve therapy," stated Professor Dr. Thomas Munzel, Director of Cardiology I at the Center for Cardiology of the Mainz University Medical Center. "And more than 200 of these were Mitraclips. This number is unique in the world." Furthermore, cardiologists have taken the opportunity to establish a new Heart Valve Unit in Mainz because of a striking increase in demand for such interventions in recent years. The advantage of the new heart valve unit: All relevant steps in the course of a heart valve implantation - from patient admission to planning and aftercare on the intensive care unit until to the discharge of patients - take place at one ward.

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INDIANAPOLIS -- Physicians can now be alerted to pediatric patients' risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, or SUDEP, during routine primary care visits by using software developed and commercialized by a researcher-entrepreneur at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Digital Health Solutions LLC, founded by Dr. Stephen Downs, has created a module about SUDEP for its Child Health Improvement through Computer Automation, or CHICA, system. Families answer questions on an electronic tablet about several health topics, including epileptic seizures.

"For children who have seizures, CHICA asks follow-up questions about frequency, medication adherence and barriers to accessing care," said Downs, who is the Jean and Jerry Bepko Professor of Pediatrics at the IU School of Medicine. "The program shares this information with the physician. It also makes a reminder, through the patient's electronic health record, for the physician to discuss SUDEP with the family. The physician can document discussing SUDEP and provide computer-generated educational materials."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that almost 3.5 million Americans had active epilepsy in 2015, including 470,000 children. In a 2017 guideline, the American Academy of Neurology urged health care providers to report risks associated with the condition, including SUDEP, to caregivers of children living with epilepsy.

Downs said the module was tested at Eskenazi Health clinics for two months, and results were reported at the 2018 American Epilepsy Society meeting. Prior to testing the SUDEP module launch, 75 families of children with an epilepsy diagnosis were interviewed. Twenty-two percent reported that their physician had discussed SUDEP with them, while 28 percent had not heard of it before.

"When we tested the SUDEP module, more than 2,300 children were screened for epilepsy, and 1.3 percent of families reported that patients were affected by epilepsy. Forty-seven percent of those patients had a seizure within the previous 12 months, which made them a high risk for SUDEP," Downs said. "Physicians reported counseling in 61 percent of those cases and referred families to a neurologist in 16 percent of those cases. They also counseled on medication adherence in 11 percent of the cases.

"Multiple professional organizations recommend that clinicians seeing children with epilepsy advise families of the risk of SUDEP. This single intervention has been more effective by far than any other effort to date."

Digital Health Solutions partnered with the Child Neurology Foundation and Greenwich Biosciences Inc. to create and test the SUDEP module. Digital Health Solutions licensed CHICA through the Indiana University Innovation and Commercialization Office, which protects, markets and licenses intellectual property developed at IU so it can be commercialized by industry.

About Indiana University Innovation and Commercialization Office

Indiana University ICO is tasked with the protection and commercialization of technology emanating from innovations by IU researchers. Since 1997, IU research has generated almost 3,200 inventions resulting in more than 4,800 global patent applications. These discoveries have generated more than $145 million in licensing and royalty income, including more than $115 million in funding for IU departments, labs and inventors.

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Amsterdam, NL, February 5, 2019 - According a study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, eight weeks of intensive yoga practice significantly decreases the severity of physical and psychological symptoms in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a debilitating chronic auto-immune inflammatory disease. Marked improvements were seen in the levels of certain inflammatory biomarkers and assessments of functional status and disease activity in patients studied, demonstrating yoga's promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative potential for achieving optimal health.

"Our findings show measurable improvements for the patients in the test group, suggesting an immune-regulatory role of yoga practice in the treatment of RA. An intensive yoga regimen concurrent with routine drug therapy induced molecular remission and re-established immunological tolerance. In addition, it reduced the severity of depression by promoting neuroplasticity," explained lead investigator, Rima Dada, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India. She noted that high disease activity and underlying depression are associated with increased disability, reduced quality of life, and minimized rates of clinical remission and treatment response.

The study was a mind-body intervention (MBI) randomized trial (with parallel active and control groups) to analyze the effects of practicing 120 minutes of yoga, five days a week for eight weeks on 72 RA patients. Both the test and control groups were simultaneously undergoing routine drug therapies (DMARDs). The findings show significant improvement in systemic biomarkers of neuroplasticity, inflammation, immune-modulation, cellular health integrity, and aging in association with the positive clinical outcome of reduction in depression severity, disease activity, and disability quotient in RA patients following the intensive yoga based MBI.

Existing research has evaluated the role of yoga as an effective intervention to assist the management of RA with respect to clinical symptoms, quality of life, psychosocial outcomes, and functional ability. This study is one of the first to look at how yoga practice affects the systemic biomarkers of inflammation, cellular aging, and oxidative stress, especially in RA. "Our results provide evidence that yoga positively modifies the pathobiology of autoimmunity at cellular and molecular levels by targeting mind-body communications. Further research is needed for the exploration of possible mechanisms underlying the cumulative effect of yoga on multiple pathways at a cellular level," added Dr. Dada. "Yoga facilitates the mind's capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms mediated though a variety of downstream pathways and bring about natural immunological tolerance."

RA is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease that results from the interplay of genetic and environmental factors and causes extensive systemic inflammation, cartilage damage, and synovial hyperplasia that cause physical disability and psychiatric comorbidity. The co-existence of depression and RA in individuals poses a significant healthcare burden on the patients, their caregivers, healthcare systems, and society as a whole. Existing medical therapies have a limited scope and fail to cure the psychological component of the disease and have numerous side effects. Depression seems to decrease patients' compliance and adherence to medical treatment and results in worse health outcomes and increases disease severity. Improvement in psychological health and reductions in severity made the yoga group more compliant and able to perform more daily chores without much difficulty.

Dr. Dada concluded, "This study offers a new option. Pharmacological treatments can be supplemented with alternative and complementary interventions like yoga to alleviate the symptoms at both physical and psychosomatic levels." With yoga based MBI providing a holistic treatment dimension, reaching a state of remission is becoming a more achievable treatment goal. As a majority of diseases have a psychosomatic component, this approach may be widely applicable.

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA--February 5, 2019--It has long been known that patients with Alzheimer's disease have abnormalities in the vast network of blood vessels in the brain. Some of these alterations may also contribute to age-related cognitive decline in people without dementia. However, the ways in which such vascular pathologies contribute to cognitive dysfunction have largely remained a mystery. Until now, that is.

Scientists at the Gladstone Institutes, led by Senior Investigator Katerina Akassoglou, PhD, showed for the first time that a blood-clotting protein called fibrinogen is responsible for a series of molecular and cellular events that can destroy connections between neurons in the brain and result in cognitive decline.

Akassoglou and her team used state-of-the-art imaging technology to study both mouse brains and human brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease. They also produced the first three-dimensional volume imaging showing that blood-brain barrier leaks occur in Alzheimer's disease.

In their study, published in the scientific journal Neuron, the researchers found that fibrinogen, after leaking from the blood into the brain, activates the brain's immune cells and triggers them to destroy important connections between neurons. These connections, called synapses, are critical for neurons to communicate with one another.

Previous studies have shown that elimination of synapses causes memory loss, a common feature in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Indeed, the scientists showed that preventing fibrinogen from activating the brain's immune cells protected mouse models of Alzheimer's disease from memory loss.

"We found that blood leaks in the brain can cause elimination of neuronal connections that are important for memory functions," explains Akassoglou, who is also a professor of neurology at UC San Francisco (UCSF). "This could change the way we think about the cause and possible cure of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease and other neurological diseases."

The team showed that fibrinogen can have this effect even in brains that lack amyloid plaques, which are the focus of diverse treatment strategies that have failed in large clinical trials. The researchers showed that injecting even extremely small quantities of fibrinogen into a healthy brain caused the same kind of immune cell activation and loss of synapses they saw in Alzheimer's disease.

"Traditionally, the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain has been seen as the root of memory loss and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease," says Mario Merlini, first author of the study and a staff research scientist in Akassoglou's laboratory at Gladstone. "Our work identifies an alternative culprit that could be responsible for the destruction of synapses."

The scientists' data help explain findings from recent human studies in which elderly people with vascular pathology showed similar rates of cognitive decline as age-matched people with amyloid pathology. However, patients with both types of pathology had much worse and more rapid cognitive decline. Other studies also identified vascular pathology as a strong predictor of cognitive decline that can act independently of amyloid pathology.

"Given the human data showing that vascular changes are early and additive to amyloid, a conclusion from those studies is that vascular changes may have to be targeted with separate therapies if we want to ensure maximum protection against the destruction of neuronal connections that leads to cognitive decline," says Akassoglou.

Interestingly, Akassoglou and her colleagues recently developed an antibody that blocks the interaction between fibrinogen and a molecule on the brain's immune cells. In a previous study, they showed this antibody protected mouse models of Alzheimer's disease from brain inflammation and neuronal damage.

"These exciting findings greatly advance our understanding of the contributions that vascular pathology and brain inflammation make to the progression of Alzheimer's disease," said Lennart Mucke, MD, co-author of the study and director of the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease. "The mechanisms our study identified may also be at work in a range of other diseases that combine leaks in the blood-brain barrier with neurological decline, including multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. It has far-reaching therapeutic implications."

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About the Study

The paper "Fibrinogen Induces Microglia-Mediated Spine Elimination and Cognitive Impairment in an Alzheimer's Disease Model" was published by the journal Neuron on February 5, 2019: https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(19)30015-7.

Other authors include Victoria A. Rafalski, Pamela E. Rios Coronado, T. Michael Gill, Maya Ellisman, Gayathri Muthukumar, Keshav S. Subramanian, Jae Kyu Ryu, Catriona A. Syme, and Dimitrios Davalos from Gladstone, as well as William W. Seeley from UCSF, and Robert B. Nelson from Lundbeck Research USA.

The work was supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the Swiss National Science Foundation, the Race to Erase MS, the American Heart Association, the Ray and Dagmar Dolby Family Fund, H. Lundbeck A/S, and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

About the Gladstone Institutes

To ensure our work does the greatest good, the Gladstone Institutes focuses on conditions with profound medical, economic, and social impact--unsolved diseases. Gladstone is an independent, nonprofit life science research organization that uses visionary science and technology to overcome disease. It has an academic affiliation with the University of California, San Francisco.
(Jena, Germany) Geographers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena (Germany) are coordinating a new joint research project that is studying changes in landscapes and soil conditions of South Africa.

The 'South African Land Degradation Monitor (SALDi)' project aims to create an automated observation system that will provide a precise picture of land degradation in South Africa due to soil erosion, among other factors, and monitor developments over the long term. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is funding the project under the SPACES programme, providing 2.3 million euros over the next three years. "Particularly in a country such as South Africa, with a semi-arid climate and a growing population, and in which seasonal climatic fluctuations play an important role, it is important and politically essential to have an assessment of land degradation that is consistent and based on scientific data," says project coordinator Dr Jussi Baade, an associate professor at the Institute for Geography of the University of Jena.

The funding has made it possible to create positions for three young researchers at the chairs of Physical Geography and Remote Sensing in Jena. Other partners in the project include the german Universities of Augsburg and Tubingen, the German Aerospace Center and, in South Africa, the Agricultural Research Council, South African National Parks, the universities of Pretoria, Stellenbosch and Bloemfontein, as well as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

Land for agriculture and forestry is disappearing

Degradation refers to, among others, a decline in soil productivity and a reduction in protective vegetation cover, up to the devastation of entire landscapes through erosion. The consequence is that areas suitable for agriculture and forestry disappear and the equilibrium of the ecosystem is disrupted. "So far, land degradation in South Africa has been assessed mainly based on expert opinions," says Baade. However, land management effects as well as fluctuations in weather conditions can lead to incorrect interpretations. "Our investigations in Kruger National Park have already shown that soil formation rates are much lower than previously thought," adds Baade, referring to an earlier research project.

The geographers from Jena and their partners now want to use SALDi to fill these gaps and develop a consistent and scientifically sound procedure for assessing land degradation in South Africa. To this end, the researchers will analyse degraded areas and the changes that occur there with the help of Earth observation data from the European ESA satellites Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2. "And this with higher spatial resolution and over an extended period of time," notes Jussi Baade. In addition, the research team will use a physically based landscape erosion model and adapt it to South African conditions, so as to be able to describe soil erosion more precisely than has been done to date.

The team will do research in six regions of South Africa, representing the various climate zones, types of land use, land tenure and population densities in the country. The first fieldwork campaign will start in March 2019. The geographers then want to use various surveying techniques to document the current state of the landscape, as a basis for detecting the changes that take place over the next few years. Over the long term, the project will also provide important findings for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC, and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, IPBES, in which Germany and South Africa are jointly active.

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Background information:

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) through the lead partner, the German Aerospace Center, as part of the funding programme 'SPACES - Science Partnerships for the Assessment of Complex Earth System Processes in the Southern African Region' in the BMBF framework programme 'Research for Sustainable Development' (Forschung fur nachhaltige Entwicklung, FONA).
Sophia Antipolis, 5 February 2019: Anti-inflammatory biologic* drugs used to treat severe psoriasis have the potential to prevent heart disease in patients with the skin condition, according to research published today in Cardiovascular Research, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). During one year of treatment, biologic therapy improved coronary artery plaque similar to the effect of a low-dose statin.

"Psoriasis severity is related to the burden of coronary disease - our findings suggest treating the psoriasis may potentially benefit coronary heart disease," said study author Dr Nehal Mehta, Chief of Inflammation and Cardiometabolic Diseases at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, US.

Psoriasis causes scaly skin patches, often on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Patients with the skin condition have an elevated risk of heart disease - young patients with severe psoriasis are at twice the risk of having a first heart attack at 40-50 years of age.

Psoriasis patients often have inflammation throughout the body and may be treated with anti-inflammatory biologic therapy when their skin condition is severe and topical treatments or phototherapy have failed. This study investigated whether treating severe psoriasis with a biologic could improve the health of the coronary arteries.

The study found that patients with severe psoriasis who took biologic therapy for one year had an 8% reduction in total and non-calcified coronary plaque burden, a frequent cause of heart attacks (see figure) - similar to the effect of a low dose statin. The make-up of coronary plaques also improved in those taking biologics, making them less risky. Coronary plaque burden increased by 2% in patients who did not take a biologic.

Dr Mehta said: "We found that these anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to treat severe psoriasis also improve plaque in the coronary artery making them more stable and less likely to cause a heart attack. This occurred in the absence of changes in traditional cardiovascular risk factors including blood pressure and blood lipids."

During the one-year study, systemic inflammation assessed by blood markers reduced only in the group taking biologic therapy. Dr Mehta said it is too early to say whether biologics exert their effects on coronary plaques directly or by reducing systemic inflammation.

He said: "This preliminary study provides the first evidence that biologic therapy is associated with coronary plaque reduction and stabilisation,and provides strong rationale for conduct of a randomised trial testing the impact of biologic therapy on the progression of coronary disease in patients with psoriasis."

Dr Mehta noted that some patients with severe psoriasis opt not to take a biologic medicine because they suppress the immune system and may increase the chance of infection. In addition, they must be injected.

Previous research has shown that in heart attack patients, anti-inflammatory biologic therapy reduces the risk of another cardiovascular event.2 "With the results of that study and our current one, my message to patients with psoriasis is to take untreated inflammation seriously," said Dr Mehta. "When someone has severe psoriasis, they are at higher risk of heart attack and treating the psoriasis may reduce that risk."

The observational study included 121 patients with severe psoriasis who qualified for biologic treatment. Of those, 89 took biological therapy (one of three types) and 32 used topical treatment. All patients underwent imaging of their coronary arteries with computed tomography angiography at baseline and one year later to assess the amount and characteristics of plaques such as the necrotic core which causes plaque rupture.

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Authors: ESC Press Office

Tel: +33 (0)4 8987 2499

Email: press@escardio.org

Follow us on Twitter @ESCardioNews

Sources of funding: This work was supported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Intramural Research 313 Programme (HL006193- 04).

Disclosures: Please see the paper for a list of disclosures.

Notes

*Biologic (vs drugs): A biologic is manufactured in a living system such as a microorganism, or plant or animal cells. Most biologics are very large, complex molecules or mixtures of molecules. Many biologics are produced using recombinant DNA technology.

A drug is typically manufactured through chemical synthesis, which means that it is made by combining specific chemical ingredients in an ordered process.

References

1Elnabawi YA, Dey AK, Goyal A, et al. Coronary artery plaque characteristics and treatment with biologic therapy in severe psoriasis: results from a prospective observational study. Cardiovasc Res. 2018. doi: 10.1093/cvr/cvz009.

2Ridker PM, Everett BM, Thuren T, et al. Antiinflammatory therapy with canakinumab for atherosclerotic disease. N Engl J Med. 2017;377:1119-1131. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1707914.

About the European Society of Cardiology

The European Society of Cardiology brings together health care professionals from more than 150 countries, working to advance cardiovascular medicine and help people lead longer, healthier lives.

About Cardiovascular Research

Cardiovascular Research (CVR) is the international journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) for basic and translational research across different disciplines and areas.
Journalists can register now to attend (or receive news from) Europe's largest congress on radiation oncology, ESTRO 38, organised by the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO). It will take place in Milan, Italy, from 26-30 April 2019.

What is ESTRO 38?

The ESTRO 38 congress will feature new research results in clinical radiation oncology, radiobiology, physics, technology, patient care, radiation therapy and brachytherapy, presented by top doctors, scientists, radiation therapists and cancer nurses from all over the world, working together for the benefit of cancer patients. The congress theme is "Targeting optimal care, together", as ESTRO is shining the spotlight on the multi-professional and multi-disciplinary aspects of radiation therapy.

The congress is expected to attract 6,000 delegates from more than 80 countries.

The congress will cover the entire spectrum of radiotherapy, both external beam and internal beam with brachytherapy, and highlight what is new across fields as diverse as:

artificial intelligence: its role and potential in radiation oncology

predictive models of toxicity and big data

clinical trials for particle therapy

radiotherapy biomarkers: a confluence of imaging, genetics and pathology

are adolescents and young adults a specific population?

inflammatory environmental factors and radiation response

and many more.

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Full details about ESTRO 38:

The ESTRO web site has full details about ESTRO 38, including the scientific programme, venue, accommodation, media registration etc: https:/ / www. estro. org/ congresses-meetings/ items/ estro-38

Free media registration - on provision of bona fide press credentials

We welcome the media to ESTRO 38. All sessions are open to journalists and registration is free to bona fide journalists on presentation of official press credentials. A media centre with printing, photocopying and internet connections will be available. NB: the official conference language is English.
New York, February 5, 2019

Getting people involved in community activities like playing games and social events could be a low-cost way to tackle depression in the developing world, according to a study in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

Sedentary behavior is on the rise around the world and has been linked to a whole host of problems, including heart disease and stroke, to diabetes and premature death. It's now clear that being inactive is also linked to depression, which is a growing issue in low- and middle-income countries, where sedentary behavior is on the rise.

The lead author of the study, Dr. Davy Vancampfort, from KU Leuven in Belgium, says the new study highlights a need to take a new approach to mental and physical health in the developing world. "I think that in the future if we want more evidence-based healthcare in low-income countries, we need to bring these two different aspects of medicine together in a holistic health care model, which is currently absent in low-income countries," added Dr. Vancampfort.

Dr. Vancampfort and his international team of colleagues around the world show that sedentary behavior in individuals with depression is linked to lower levels of social cohesion, due to a low level of involvement in community and social activities. Their work has been selected by an international scientific committee to be given the Atlas award.

In a previous study, researchers looked at the impact of sedentary behavior on depression. They split participants into two groups: one group had to continue with their normal behavior; while the other group were asked to be sedentary for a period of one week. In the group asked to be sedentary, the level of depression increased significantly; when members of the second group changed back to their normal active behavior, depression rates dropped immediately.

This led Dr. Vancampfort to the idea that addressing sedentary behavior would be an effective way to tackle depression. Using data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the team studied 2,375 people with depression in six low- and middle-income countries. More than 11 percent of people were highly sedentary, meaning they were inactive for at least eight hours a day.

Notably, one factor strongly associated was a lack of involvement in community and social activities. There was also a strong link between depression and sedentary behavior in more urban settings, and this could be an increasing problem. In low-income countries, people are moving to cities, where they can afford a more sedentary lifestyle: they have more sedentary jobs and they can afford motorized transport. Identifying the link between depression, sedentary behavior and community activity in the city provides a solution.

"We're trying to invite people to join social activity programs in a non-stigmatized environment," said Dr. Vancampfort. "I think one step is having more community activities in centers within big cities. There should be physical activities, sitting together, culture-sensitive activities, playing cards, playing games. I think that's the way forward."

The next step for the research is to carry out longitudinal studies to determine whether sedentary behavior is causing depression or vice-versa. Ultimately, Dr. Vancampfort's aim is to promote a more holistic approach to healthcare in low- and middle-income countries, due to the strong link between mental and physical health.

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Notes for editors

The article is "Correlates of sedentary behavior in 2,375 people with depression from 6 low- and middle-income countries," by Davy Vancampfort, Brendon Stubbs, James Mugisha, Joseph Firth, Felipe B. Schuch, and Ai Koyanagi (https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1016/ j. jad. 2018. 02. 088 ). It appears in Journal of Affective Disorders, published by Elsevier.

Copies of this paper are available to credentialed journalists upon request; please contact Elsevier's Newsroom at newsroom@elsevier.com.

About Journal of Affective Disorders

The Journal of Affective Disorders publishes research on depression, mania, mood spectrum, emotions and personality, anxiety and stress. It is interdisciplinary and covers papers dealing with any aspect of affective disorders, including neuroimaging, genetics, experimental and clinical neurosciences, pharmacology, intervention and treatment trials.

About Atlas, Research for a better world

Science impacts everyone's world. With over 1,800 journals publishing articles from across science, technology and health, our mission is to share some of the stories that matter. Each month Atlas will showcase research that can (or already has) significantly impact people's lives around the world and we hope that bringing wider attention to this research will go some way to ensuring its successful implementation.

With so many worthy articles published the tough job of selecting a single article to be awarded "The Atlas" each month comes down to an Advisory Board. The winning research is presented alongside interviews, expert opinions, multimedia and much more on the Atlas website: http://www. elsevier. com/ connect/ atlas .

About Elsevier

Elsevier is a global information analytics business that helps institutions and professionals advance healthcare, open science and improve performance for the benefit of humanity. Elsevier provides digital solutions and tools in the areas of strategic research management, R&D performance, clinical decision support and professional education, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciVal, ClinicalKey and Sherpath. Elsevier publishes over 2,500 digitized journals, including The Lancet and Cell, more than 38,000 e-book titles and many iconic reference works, including Gray's Anatomy. Elsevier is part of RELX Group, a global provider of information and analytics for professionals and business customers across industries. http://www. elsevier. com

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Scientists have been able to detect the neural 'fingerprints' of a missing hand decades after amputation, regardless of the presence of phantom limb movements, but could not find similar fingerprints in those born with a missing hand

Researchers have found that the brain stores detailed information of a missing hand decades after amputation, regardless of whether amputees still experience phantom hand sensations.

Their study, published in eLife, revealed detailed hand information in the brains of amputees compared with people who had been born with a missing hand. The research could pave the way for the development of next-generation neuroprosthetics - prosthetic limbs that tap into the brain's control centre.

The findings build on the team's previous work where they used an ultra-high-power MRI scanner to look at the brain activity of two people who had lost their left hand through amputation between two and three decades ago. Although there was less brain activity related to the fingers of the left hand, they found that the specific patterns making up the composition of the hand picture in the brain were well matched to those of two-handed people.

"Our previous findings demonstrated the stability of the hand picture in the cortex despite decades of amputation," explains lead author Daan Wesselink, a PhD student at the University of Oxford and UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, UK. "However, we didn't know whether this hand representation in the brain reflects phantom sensations and therefore only persists in those few people who experience vivid sensations."

To address this question, they used a brain-decoding technique based on the pattern of brain activity in 18 amputees, who lost their hand to amputation on average 18 years ago and experience varying vividness of phantom sensations. The team also looked at whether development of the hand's neural fingerprints requires some prior experience of having a hand, by studying 13 people who were missing one hand from birth. They asked both groups to 'move' the fingers of their missing and intact hands while in an MRI scanner, and compared the results to two-handed participants.

They found that the brain activity of amputees who had the strongest sensations of being able to move each of their phantom fingers retained the clearest information of their missing hand in their brain. But even those who barely experience phantom hand sensations had the same information preserved in their brains, which was surprising because those amputees have no experiences during their daily life that their brain has held on to this information about their former limb.

By contrast, the group born with one hand showed some brain activity during phantom limb movement, but did not have the same neural fingerprint dedicated to their missing hand. This suggests it could be more challenging to design neuroprostheses or perform hand transplants for this group.

"We've shown that once the hand 'picture' in the brain is formed, it is generally unlikely to change, despite years of amputation and irrespective of the vividness of phantom sensations," concludes senior author Tamar Makin, Associate Professor and Sir Henry Dale Fellow at the UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience. "Our work suggests that daily life experience could shape the fine-grained aspects of hand representation, but that the large-scale functional organisation of the hand area is fundamentally stable."

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Reference

The paper 'Obtaining and maintaining cortical hand representation as evidence from acquired and congenital handlessness' can be freely accessed online at https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 7554/ eLife. 37227 . Contents, including text, figures and data, are free to reuse under a CC BY 4.0 license.

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eLife

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About eLife

eLife aims to help scientists accelerate discovery by operating a platform for research communication that encourages and recognises the most responsible behaviours in science.

We publish important research in all areas of the life and biomedical sciences, including Neuroscience, which is selected and evaluated by working scientists and made freely available online without delay. eLife also invests in innovation through open-source tool development to accelerate research communication and discovery. Our work is guided by the communities we serve. eLife is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Max Planck Society, the Wellcome Trust and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. Learn more at https:/ / elifesciences. org/ about .

To read the latest Neuroscience research published in eLife, visit https:/ / elifesciences. org/ subjects/ neuroscience .

About UCL (University College London)
For years, Issa served as the personal accountant for banker and philanthropist Roger Weston and his family. The charges allege that over a 10-year period beginning in 2007, Issa embezzled more than $55 million from the familys funds, forging signatures to gain control of assets and providing banks with fraudulent documents to secure at least $83 million in loans for himself.
Geneva/London - 5 February 2019 - Wellcome has committed over 10 million to the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), a not-for-profit research and development (R&D) organization, to develop new treatments for leishmaniasis, one of the world's most devastating parasitic diseases. The three-year partnership will enable DNDi and Wellcome to develop new combinations of entirely new, all-orally acting chemical entities, through a joint strategy that also harnesses the strengths of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, academia, and product development partnerships.

"Current treatments for leishmaniasis require patients to take toxic and poorly tolerated drugs, often over a long period of time and through painful injections," said Dr Bernard Pecoul, Executive Director DNDi. "Our R&D efforts have up until now mostly focused on bringing improvements to these existing treatments, but we are hopeful this new collaboration with Wellcome will enable us to radically overhaul the treatment landscape, by developing entirely innovative oral drugs that are safe, effective, affordable, and easy to administer."

Over one billion people worldwide are at risk of leishmaniasis, which is transmitted by the bite of a sandfly. Visceral leishmaniasis is the most serious form of the disease, causing fever, weight loss, spleen and liver enlargement, and if left untreated, death; 50,000 to 90,000 new cases and close to 30,000 deaths are reported a year. Another form of the disease, cutaneous leishmaniasis, with 600,000 to 1 million new cases every year, can lead to disfiguration and stigmatisation for people affected. Currently, patients must undergo treatments that have serious drawbacks in terms of safety, duration, resistance, stability, and cost.

"Wellcome has a long-standing commitment to support innovative new treatments for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). This strategic investment to support DNDi's comprehensive programme for leishmaniasis is a great opportunity to build on Wellcome's work with a number of academic and industry partnerships in drug discovery in NTDs. As part of our Flagships initiative, we are committed to working with partners to try and drive improvements in the development process by harnessing new technologies to drive further innovation, at speed and scale. Working with DNDi on this programme, is central to achieving these goals and we're hopeful that this will transform the lives of people suffering from this devastating disease," said Steve Caddick, Director of Innovation at Wellcome.

The programme brings together a strong consortium of R&D partners, including the University of Dundee, Celgene, GSK, Pfizer, TB Alliance, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. These partners have built a portfolio of lead series, pre-clinical and clinical drug candidates, originating from different chemical classes with different mechanisms of action against leishmania parasites. The three-year programme will evaluate 10 drug candidates, with the aim of selecting two all-oral new chemical entities (NCEs) for testing as a combination in Phase II studies in patients.

The commitment will focus on delivering the most promising and effective NCEs and support the World Health Organization's strategy to control and eliminate the disease.

"We are delighted to have the support of WelIcome, building on many years of fruitful collaboration between our organizations. This new partnership will help increase synergies among the leishmaniasis drug development community and potentially encourage new partners to join us. Together, we can bring the best science to deliver new oral, high efficacy and affordable drug combinations for patients," said Dr Pecoul.

Among the donors currently supporting this programme, the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT) is the only donor providing support fully dedicated to the development of a compound developed in partnership with Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

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About Wellcome

Wellcome exists to improve health for everyone by helping great ideas to thrive. We're a global charitable foundation, both politically and financially independent. We support scientists and researchers, take on big problems, fuel imaginations and spark debate. wellcome.ac.uk/

About DNDi

A not-for-profit research and development organization, DNDi works to deliver new treatments for neglected diseases, in particular human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, filarial infections, mycetoma, paediatric HIV, and hepatitis C. DNDi has delivered eight new treatments since its inception in 2003.

DNDi's programme on the development of new chemical entities for leishmaniasis is supported by grants from Wellcome, UK; Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT), Japan; Medecins sans Frontieres/Doctors without Borders, International; UK Aid; Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DGIS), The Netherlands; Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) through KfW, German; Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Switzerland.

Media contacts

Wellcome

Simon Shears

Tel: +44(0)20 7611 7372

s.shears@wellcome.ac.uk

DNDi

Moyette Gibbons

Tel: +41 79 940 9017

mgibbons@DNDi.org
As self-driving cars continue to develop, there will be plenty of data amassed through cars' navigational technologies. Questions regarding privacy, ownership, cybersecurity and public safety arise, as heavily guarded mapping data is collected and leveraged by companies. The geospatial data can be used to draw new maps identifying the spaces where we live and travel. That information is currently housed in technological and corporate black boxes. Given the social relevance and impacts of such information, these black boxes require greater transparency, according to a Dartmouth study posted in Cartographic Perspectives.

As autonomous cars strive to make sense of the world around them, they collect massive amounts of data, including traffic and congestion patterns, where pedestrians cross the street, which houses and businesses have Wi-Fi, and other details, which could be monetized. While companies may have intellectual property and other economic interests in protecting geospatial data, local governments, private citizens and other actors also have a vested interest in using that data to inform decisions on managing traffic, urban planning, allocating public funds and other projects, all of which may be of public interest.

"Self-driving cars have the potential to transform our transportation network and society at large. This carries enormous consequences given that the data and technology are likely to fundamentally reshape the way our cities and communities operate," explains study author, Luis F. Alvarez Leon, an assistant professor of geography at Dartmouth.

"Right now, the geospatial data obtained by a self-driving car exists in technological and corporate black boxes. We don't know who can see the data, appropriate it or profit from it. With insufficient government regulation of data from self-driving cars, this raises significant concerns regarding privacy, security and public safety," Alvarez Leon adds.

The author discusses how legislation, open source design and hacking are avenues that can be leveraged to help open the black box, enabling consumers and the government to gain access to this corporate collected information. While each of these three approaches has potential risks and rewards, they can help frame the public debate on the ownership and use of geospatial data from self-driving cars.

Autonomous cars rely on computerized systems to run. User access to this data proves difficult when they are locked in closed networks controlled by automobile manufacturers. The study looks at how legislation could help make this data more accessible. Car manufacturers typically consider themselves the sole arbiters of the information pertaining to their vehicles, claiming that they "own the data" but legislation has provided pushback and the author cites examples, such as debates around the right to repair.

When autonomous cars, including their components, assembly, operation and data, are designed through an open source framework, data might be more easily available to the public and inform greater understanding about its potential uses and implications, the author suggests. Companies such as Udacity, an online education company, offers a Self-driving Car Engineer Nanodegree program in which students learn, develop and refine code for autonomous systems. Although there may be economic and intellectual property tradeoffs for the manufacturers, open source design plays an important role in allowing for greater transparency, according to the study.

In addition to legislation and open source design, hacking is both a systemic risk for autonomous vehicles and an approach that has been deployed to make car data and automated systems more transparent while holding self-driving car companies more accountable. In 2013 and 2015, two security experts remotely hacked into a 2014 Jeep Cherokee, and a Toyota Prius and Ford Escape, respectively, demonstrating the security flaws in vehicles that were not autonomous. Security vulnerabilities are likely to run much deeper with fully autonomous vehicles.

Precisely because hacking is a generalized risk for autonomous vehicles, certain instances of hacking in the context of research and advocacy have shown the importance of building secure systems. Recent security breaches with Equifax and Facebook illustrate the many security risks relating to consumers' digital information. "If we're going to adopt self-driving cars, then we should really make absolutely sure that they are as secure as they can be. This requires input from parties outside of the corporations who are building those very systems, such as government, advocacy groups and civil society at large." says Alvarez Leon.

In the U.S., Arizona, California and Michigan are currently some of the most hospitable states for self-driving vehicles, serving as testing areas for companies such as Waymo, which started as Google's Self-Driving Car Project. While there are local regulatory battles, and often pushback from citizens and advocacy groups, other states may open their doors to this new mode of transportation in the future. Two weeks ago, Waymo announced that it will be building a manufacturing facility in southeast Michigan, as it looks to grow its fleet. As the study points out, oversight of the self-driving car industry cannot be left to the manufacturers themselves. It is up to the public and government to help define how this new technology and subsequent mapping of our communities will affect our society.

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Luis F. Alvarez Leon is available for comment at: Luis.F.Alvarez.Leon@dartmouth.edu.
A female Swedish patient with hand amputation has become the first recipient of an osseo-neuromuscular implant to control a dexterous hand prosthesis. In a pioneering surgery, titanium implants were placed in the two forearm bones (radius and ulnar), from which electrodes to nerves and muscle were extended to extract signals to control a robotic hand and to provide tactile sensations. This makes it the first clinically viable, dexterous and sentient prosthetic hand usable in real life. The breakthrough is part of the European project DeTOP.

The new implant technology was developed in Sweden by a team lead by Dr. Max Ortiz Catalan at Integrum AB - the company behind the first bone-anchored limb prosthesis using osseointegration - and Chalmers University of Technology. This first-of-its-kind surgery, led by Prof. Rickard Branemark and Dr. Paolo Sassu, took place at Sahlgrenska University Hospital as part of a larger project funded by the European Commission under Horizon 2020 called DeTOP (GA #687905).

The DeTOP project is coordinated by Prof. Christian Cipriani at the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, and also includes Prensilia, the University of Gothenburg, Lund University, University of Essex, the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, INAIL Prosthetic Center, Universita Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, and the Instituto Ortopedico Rizzoli.

Conventional prosthetic hands rely on electrodes placed over the skin to extract control signals from the underlying stump muscles. These superficial electrodes deliver limited and unreliable signals that only allow control of a couple of gross movements (opening and closing the hand). Richer and more reliable information can be obtained by implanting electrodes in all remaining muscle in the stump instead. Sixteen electrodes were implanted in this first patient in order to achieve more dexterous control of a novel prosthetic hand developed in Italy by the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna and Prensilia.

Current prosthetic hands have also limited sensory feedback. They do not provide tactile or kinesthetic sensation, so the user can only rely on vision while using the prosthesis. Users cannot tell how strongly an object is grasped, or even when contact has been made. By implanting electrodes in the nerves that used to be connected to the lost biological sensors of the hand, researchers can electrically stimulate these nerves in a similar manner as information conveyed by the biological hand. This results in the patient perceiving sensations originating in the new prosthetic hand, as it is equipped with sensors that drive the stimulation of the nerve to deliver such sensations.

One of the most important aspects of this work is that this is the first technology usable in daily life. This means it is not limited to a research laboratory. The Swedish group - Integrum AB and Chalmers University of Technology - have previously demonstrated that control of a sentient prosthesis in daily life was possible in above-elbow amputees using similar technology. This was not possible in below-elbow amputees where there are two smaller bones rather than a single larger one as in the upper arm. This posed several challenges on the development of the implant system. On the other hand, it also presents an opportunity to achieve a more dexterous control of an artificial replacement. This is because many more muscles are available to extract neural commands in below-elbow amputations.

Bones weaken if they are not used (loaded), as commonly happen after amputation. The patient is following a rehabilitation program to regain the strength in her forearm bones to be able to fully load the prosthetic hand. In parallel, she is also relearning how to control her missing hand using virtual reality, and in few weeks, she will be using a prosthetic hand with increasing function and sensations in her daily life. Two more patients will be implanted with this new generation of prosthetic hands in the upcoming months, in Italy and Sweden.

"Several advanced prosthetic technologies have been reported in the last decade, but unfortunately they have remained as research concepts used only for short periods of time in controlled environments" says Dr. Ortiz Catalan, Assoc. Prof. at Chalmers University of the Technology and head of the Biomechatronics and Neurorehabilitation Lab, who has led this development since its beginning 10 years ago, initially in above-elbow amputations. "The breakthrough of our technology consists on enabling patients to use implanted neuromuscular interfaces to control their prosthesis while perceiving sensations where it matters for them, in their daily life."

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In the right intestines, faeces can save lives; this is shown by a new Danish study of faeces transplantation and the life-threatening intestinal disease Clostridium difficile, but in the future the treatment and non-targeted research is insecure

Nine out of ten patients are cured by a faeces transplantation, in which faeces from a donor is inserted into the patient's intestines via an endoscope or probe. For this reason the transplantation should in future be the first treatment chosen in Denmark's hospitals. And this should also be the case for patients who are currently assessed as bring 'too ill' to receive a faeces transplantation.

This is the conclusion reached by Christian Lodberg Hvas on the basis of a new study. He is a consultant at Aarhus University Hospital and a clinical associate professor at the Department of Clinical Medicine at Aarhus University. A conclusion which challenges the general assumption that patients with a Clostridium infection can be too poorly to benefit from donor faeces.

"We now know this is wrong. Our study shows that the more poorly the patient is, the stronger the arguments for a faeces transplantation actually are," says Christian Lodberg Hvas.

The results of the study - which is financed by Danish Regions - have recently been published in the international journal Gastroenterology. In the study, the researchers compared the effect of faeces transplantation against two types of antibiotics currently being used to treat Clostridium difficile.

The study included 120 patients who had been referred to Aarhus University Hospital with a Clostridium difficile infection. Sixty-four of them were approved for a randomised controlled trial, and of these 24 received a faeces transplantation, while the remainder were given antibiotics.

The study showed a large and significant difference between the faeces transplantation and the antibiotics, which are today considered to be state of the art: A total of 22 out of the 24 patients were cured after just a single faeces transplantation, while only ten out of 24 patients were cured using the antibiotic fidaxomicin. Results were even worse for the 16 patients who tested the most well-proven type of antibiotic which is called vancomycin. In this case, only three out of 16 trail participants were cured.

Additionally, more than half of the participants in the trial from the group who were given antibiotics suffered from a Clostridium infection again after completing the course of antibiotics. This group therefore received what is known as a 'rescue' faeces transplantation - and ninety per cent of them were cured by this.

Out of the 120 referred patients, 56 were not included in the randomised trial, either because they were too ill or because they could not cope with participating. So a total of 49 patients subsequently received a faeces transplantation because there were no other options left, and of these 39 were literally brought back to life.

As Christian Lodberg Hvas notes: "If the Clostridium difficile infection isn't remedied in the most poorly patients, they will die from it. So we're often having a conversation about life or death when we make an agreement with the patient about the treatment. The effect of a faeces transplantation is very dramatic, as after only a few days it makes it possible for very poorly patients to get up from their sick bed so they can be sent home to lead a normal life again - though we naturally still keep a close eye on them."

Faeces transplantations are currently performed at several Danish hospitals as part of research projects, and in Autumn 2018, Christian Lodberg Hvas and his research group received a grant of DKK 17 million from the Innovation Fund Denmark. The grant is earmarked for the task of turning faeces taken from healthy, registered and tested donors into standard treatment in Denmark. However, there are challenges on the horizon. One is that a treatment which cures nine out of ten patients will naturally be of interest to companies that exist to make money, and that this could threaten the faeces bank's status as a public project.

At present, Christian Lodberg Hvas and his colleagues follow the regulations for safety and donations laid down in the Danish Tissue Act, just as the case in e.g. Belgium and Netherlands, because there is not yet any Danish legislation on faeces transplantation. If the authorities in Denmark decide that faeces donations should in future also be regulated in accordance with the Danish Tissue Act, then the work of building up the faeces bank will continue as before. On the other hand, if the authorities instead decide that the treatment should be treated as a form of medication and must thus follow a completely different legislation, then the faeces bank as a public project will shut down.

"To put it simply: As a hospital, we cannot produce medication, so if faeces transplantation is determined to be a form of medication, we cannot continue. This will mean that the treatment will be taken over by pharmaceutical companies, a process that's underway in the USA and elsewhere, because it's an area with large commercial interests at stake," says Christian Lodberg Hvas.

Personally, he has difficulty seeing how fifty grams of unprocessed faeces that is blended with sterile saline and frozen to a temperature of minus 80 degrees before being thoroughly tested and administered at a university hospital, can be classified as a form of medication. And he and his colleagues now hope that the Danish Patient Safety Authority which regulates the Danish tissue banks will also be the ones to regulate faeces transplantation.

"For us, it's also a question of ensuring that research continues to be free. As a university or university hospital, we don't have to make money from patents and commercialisation - what we must do is ensure effective treatment in hospitals, and we can only offer this if the authorities permit it. So we're really anxious to hear what decision the authorities make," says Christian Lodberg Hvas.

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Clostridium and the faeces bank - more information

The life-threatening disease Clostridium difficile is a kind of "weed" bacterium that can grow if there are no other bacteria to stop it. Clostridium grows e.g. when someone uses antibiotics and is already ill or otherwise in a weakened state.

So far, seventeen healthy faeces donors have been added to the new faeces bank - all of them were recruited through the Danish blood bank where they already donate blood. Stool samples must be submitted within two hours in special sterile containers.

As a faeces donor, you must be of normal weight and free of medication, as there are many indications that overweight and allergies can be transferred via intestinal bacteria.
In the first event of Science's new webinar series - aimed to connect leading scientists with their colleagues and the public on topics of scientific and societal interest - experts from institutions in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom discussed success, a concept not uniformly defined.

During the event, moderated by Science's Senior Editor of Custom Publishing Dr. Sean Sanders, the speakers explored how individuals including scientists develop a concept of success, as well as how this process is influenced by environment and culture.

The 24 January webinar, which attracted approximately 400 attendees and inspired viewers to weigh in with hopes for future webinar topics, will be followed by at least 11 more webinars this year.

"This series bring opinion leaders in specific fields to engage in open discussions on important topics," said Roger Goncalves, Associate Director of Advertising Sales at Science.

One goal of the webinar series is to actively hear from voices from different countries.

Looking ahead in 2019, the various freely viewable webinars in the series will address topics that many believe scientists should be evaluating more critically and openly, including "Fighting fake science," "How to make your science more impactful" and "The science of evil," to name a few.

Critically, because they will allow viewers to pose questions that speakers can answer in real time, the webinars will serve as a direct communication channel between scientists and the public.

"These webinars provide a voice for science across traditional boundaries. Members of the public can directly engage with the scientific community," said Dr. James Levine, President of Fondation IPSEN, which sponsored the series. Levine believes the webinars will provide scientists with the tools, visibility and guidelines to engage in productive public debate.

The "Fighting fake science" webinar will shed light on what is meant by fake science, why some scientists are motivated to engage in this activity, and the types of institutional or systematic pressures that foster it. Importantly, a strong focus of the discussion will be on solutions, current and future.

The "How to make your science more impactful" webinar will highlight techniques that improve how researchers communicate their studies to the public. Some of these techniques necessitate researchers stepping out of their comfort zones but can create significant visibility for those who engage.

"The science of evil" webinar will discuss the scientific underpinnings of wrongdoing, to understand why these and other "good" and "evil" phenomena happen, and how science can serve society to affect positive related change.

Fondation IPSEN joined forces with AAAS/Science to create these webinars on topics that both organizations agreed were worthy of broader conversations, to positively affect people's lives.

"The webinars showcase the importance of science and what a scientist can do to advance the community and the well-being of all people," said Goncalves.

Levine added that, to him, working with AAAS - a scientific organization Fondation IPSEN views as committed to discourse on science - is exciting because it is a collaborative effort.

The monthly series, for now, runs through 2019, though it might become a longer project.

To find out more about the latest events in the webinar series please visit webinar.sciencemag.org

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Joanna Verran, former microbiology professor and head of science communication and public engagement at Manchester Metropolitan University, will receive the 2019 Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Throughout her academic career, Verran translated her own research on microorganisms and surfaces into innovative public engagement activities and built capacity for science communication across her institution. Even since retiring from her official teaching role in 2018, she has continued to lead engagement efforts in England.

"Her defining attribute is a deep desire that innovative teaching and public engagement practice is devised and delivered with the same rigor as that for laboratory-based research: by appropriate design, thorough evaluation and with wide dissemination," Manchester Metropolitan University historian and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education Helen Laville wrote in the award nomination letter. "Jo advocates public engagement as an academic discipline." In 2016, she brought this idea to life, leading the university's launch of its science communication master's degree program.

To reach as wide an audience as possible, Verran leverages popular culture, highlighting science's intersection with literature, graphic art and music. In the past year alone, she contributed to two panel discussions about the science embedded in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein at the Bradford Literature Festival in West Yorkshire, spoke at a science and art meeting at the Manchester Castlefield Gallery and worked with composers to develop pieces with sounds inspired by scientific research.

Over the years, Verran led her university's contributions to the annual Manchester Science Festival and the European City of Science festival, reaching tens of thousands of visitors at each. Events that she staged attracted participants with titles like "Plaque Attack!" and "A Longer Look at Lichen." She also designed interactive epidemiology activities based on teen vampire and zombie novels at the Manchester Children's Book Festival, algae and hand-hygiene sessions at National Science Week, family events focusing on fermented foods and the human microbiome at Manchester's Science and Industry Museum and more.

In addition to her outreach to diverse audiences on campus and in public venues, Verran has been featured as an expert voice on science by BBC and many other television, radio and print outlets, discussing the safe handling of cosmetics, contamination of mobile phones and fungal deterioration of cinema film.

The AAAS Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science, established in 1987, recognizes scientists and engineers who demonstrate excellence in their contribution to public engagement with science. Beginning this year, the award is endowed by and named for quantum physicist Mani L. Bhaumik. Known for his technological advances that led to the development of Lasik eye surgery, Bhaumik seeks to elevate the recognition of scientists for their exceptional efforts to communicate science in ways that inform and engage the public. The prize consists of a $5,000 honorarium, a commemorative plaque and complimentary registration and travel to the AAAS Annual Meeting.

Verran will receive the award during the 185th AAAS Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 16, 2019.

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About the American Association for the Advancement of Science

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the world's largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science, as well as Science Translational Medicine; Science Signaling; a digital, open-access journal, Science Advances; Science Immunology; and Science Robotics. AAAS was founded in 1848 and includes more than 250 affiliated societies and academies of science, serving 10 million individuals. Science has the largest paid circulation of any peer-reviewed general science journal in the world. The nonprofit AAAS is open to all and fulfills its mission to "advance science and serve society" through initiatives in science policy, international programs, science education, public engagement and more. For the latest research news, log onto EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

For more information on AAAS awards, see http://www. aaas. org/ awards .

AAAS is the world's largest general scientific society, dedicated to "Advancing science; Serving society."
Putschist Guaido bends the knee to US

Juan Guaido, who claims himself as the interim president of Venezuela, spoke to Christiane Amanpour about his campaign for the country.

Self-declared interim president of Venezuela Juan Guaido has stated that he wants to accept US military support.

"I APPRECIATIVE OF THE US SUPPORT"

Asked by CNN's Christiane Amanpour whether he would accept US military support, he said: "Here in Venezuela we are doing everything we can to put pressure so that we don't have to come to a scenario that no one would wish to have." "We are trying to restore the sovereignty of this country, to restore the liberty and democracy of Venezuela," he added.

Guaido told CNN that he was appreciative of the US support, which included a phone call Wednesday from President Donald Trump, adding that he has also spoken with a number of other world leaders.

MADURO REFUSED TO STEP DOWN

Tensions rose when opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself acting president on Jan. 23, a move which was supported by the US and many European and Latin American countries. Maduro has so far refused calls to step down accusing the US of orchestrating a coup against his government.

Since the beginning of the crisis last month, Turkey has steadfastly stood behind Maduro, saying recognizing Guaido is undemocratic and amounts to promoting a coup. Russia, China, Iran Bolivia and Mexico also support Maduro.
State Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, changes his 8-month-old son's diaper on his legislative desk at the state Capitol. Dollens said the men's bathrooms at the state Capitol were not equipped with changing tables when his son visited him at work last month.
The subject might be the physical legacy left by the Native Americans who once lived here, the trails that are now diagonal streets. Or it might be the way Sao Paulo is rebuilding its postindustrial waterfronts with plenty of affordable housing, not just the standard Chicago route of luxury apartments and leisure amenities like riverwalks.
I was born near Denver, later moved to Selah, Washington and then attended the University of Kansas, graduating in May 2017. Prior to Enid News, I interned with the Yakima-Herald Republic and wrote arts and features for the University Daily Kansan.

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The services celebrating and honoring the life of Loretta Ball, 91, of Enid are pending under the direction of Brown-Cummings Funeral Home. Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family online at WWW.Brown-Cummings.com.
Athens, AL (35611)

Today

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High 79F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low near 55F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Taste of Culture event raise 1,700 for charity

Pupils, parents and staff at King Williamss College experienced a Taste of Culture at the schools annual charity evening, which raised more than 1,700 for a grassroots Moldovan charity.

The event, now in its 11th year, featured a fantastic selection of food, performances and music from across the globe.

The event was in aid of Speranta Terrei, a community organisation in Balti, northern Moldova, which works to raise awareness of tuberculosis (TB) and deliver much-needed TB and HIV medication to the regions rural community.

King Williams College has been working with the charity for a number of years after being introduced to it by a pupil from Moldova.
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Asuncion, Feb 5 (efe-epa).- Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benitez will travel to Costa Rica this week for an Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) hearing on alleged torture of suspects by authorities in Paraguay in 2002, the country's foreign minister said Tuesday.

"A possible ruling going against the Paraguayan state is an affront to the institutions of the republic and to the rule of law being consolidated in Paraguay," Foreign Minister Luis Alberto Castiglioni told the press at the presidential residence.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights brought the case on behalf of left-wing activists Juan Arrom and Anuncio Marti, who the prosecution alleges were tortured by Paraguayan police in January 2002.

Castiglioni said that the presence of Abdo Benitez at the hearing had nothing to do with intimidating the court.

The foreign minister went on to accuse the IACHR of exceeding its authority by even agreeing to hear a case that was previously adjudicated in the Paraguayan courts.

Arrom and Marti said they were arrested in 2001 by police officers who pressured them into pleading guilty to the kidnapping of Maria Edith Bordon de Debernardi, the wife of a wealthy construction magnate and daughter-in-law of former Finance Minister Enzo Debernardi.

Bordon said that she will also be at Thursday's hearing in Costa Rica along with Sen. Fidel Zavala, who was abducted by the Paraguayan People's Army (EPP) rebel group in 2009.

Bordon and Zavala started a campaign on Monday night aimed at preventing the two activists from receiving compensation from the Paraguayan government if the IACHR rules in their favor.

The Paraguayan courts never determined if the two activists were guilty of kidnapping Bordon since the men fled to Brazil after being kidnapped and released - showing signs of torture - before the trial date.

Arrom and Marti were granted political asylum by the Brazilian government.

Last month, Paraguay officially asked Brazil - now led by a rightist government - to revoke that status so Arrom and Marti could be arrested and tried.

Bordon's kidnapping sent shock waves through the Paraguayan upper class. She was released after 64 days in captivity and the payment of a hefty ransom, reportedly around $1 million.

Three people were convicted in 2003 for the abduction.
Sao Paulo, Feb 4 (epa-efe).- Labeled "deserters" in their homeland and unable to practice medicine in Brazil, some 2,500 Cuban doctors are trying to survive after refusing to return to Cuba following the termination of the Mas Medicos (More Doctors) medical assistance program due to differences between President Jair Bolsonaro and Havana.

Last November, Bolsonaro, then president-elect of Brazil, said that the Cuban doctors of Mas Medicos were the "slaves" of a "dictatorship," words that triggered a quick response from the Cuban government and led to the termination of the program.

This chain of events turned the lives of 8,332 professionals upside down with many of them deciding to return to the island and stay there. Others returned fearing reprisals from the government if they did not but ended up traveling back to Brazil. Finally, another portion of these doctors decided never to go back to Cuba, and those in this cohort are the so-called "deserters."

The situation completely disrupted the life of Cuban doctor Yennier Escobar, 33, who told EFE of his experience while standing outside the Basic Health Unit "Nova Bom Sucesso" in Guarulhos, in Sao Paulo state, where he used to work but has now been replaced.

"I loved working in this place, I don't come here much though because I have mixed feelings," he said.

November 14 should had been one of the best days of his life because, after two years of trying, he had managed to fulfill his "dream" of bringing his family to Brazil to live, but then the doctor received a call and was told he would be fired and repatriated to Cuba due to "political conflicts."

Last December, Escobar traveled back to his country to visit his family but then went back to Brazil, and this move enabled him to avoid being labeled a "deserter" as punishment for those who did not return and, according to which, they are now banned from traveling to the island for eight years.

"That's the word they use - 'deserters' - but we're not, we're free Cubans," the doctor said.

Escobar and some of his compatriots are now considered "refugees" by the Brazilian authorities, a protocol that allowed them to maintain their status as residents and offers them the opportunity to obtain a work ID - a procedure that takes time during which they are not receiving any income.

There is, however, a glimmer of hope for him and the more than 2,500 doctors expelled from the program "More Doctors" who stayed in Brazil: re-enter the program. But they must wait at the end of a long line because the procedure launched by the government to fill the posts gives Brazilian doctors priority.

Despite the fact that the initial enrollment exceeded the 8,517 vacancies, there are still some 800 free spots because some of those selected to participate renounced their status due to the fact that they would be stationed in difficult-to-access areas or ones lacking adequate resources.

In fact, the Mas Medicos program was created in 2013 by then President Dilma Rousseff (2011-2016) to guarantee care in these areas of Brazil.

Meanwhile, the Cuban doctors who stayed in Brazil are eager to fill the 800 vacancies when the selection process resumes on Feb. 18 "if they don't delay it again," the doctor said.

If he does not make it into the program, Escobar is willing to work at "whatever comes up, whatever is legal." Yet, he said he still hopes that his long-term dream can come true: taking a recertification exam that would put him on the same level as Brazilian doctors, although that has not been offered since 2017.

Escobar defines himself as a "man of science and not of politics," but believes that Bolsonaro's statements "opened the eyes of the world" about the situation of Cuban doctors.

Under this program, Cuban doctors received just 25 percent of their salary, about $800, and the rest was retained by the Havana regime.

At the moment, Escobar does not plan on returning to his country and is asking the Brazilian government to show its "humanity."

"I think we have been good to these people," he said, a statement that can be confirmed by listening to some of his patients' testimonies.

Izabel Dias holds in her arms her granddaughter, Isabelle Vitoria, who at the age of 3 struggles with a rare disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 1.

When the little girl was only 6 months old and could barely manage to move, some health professionals limited themselves to predicting her early death.

It was Escobar who, after examining her, rejected that possibility, made a preliminary diagnosis and directed the family to a specialist who now, two-and-a-half years later, continues to treat the child.

"We need a human being who doesn't work just for money but for people," Dias said.
To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020.
Well rebuild the Ronald McDonald House, which is a home away from home for our families, Holly Buckendahl, chief executive officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, told me Monday. In the interim, well just find another way to help them. It takes a village to do what we do every day, and the community has always been there for the families. That will just look a little different for the next three months.
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A wide-reaching education bill in West Virginia has, yet again, pitted the states teaching force against its lawmakersand raised the prospect of another statewide teachers strike.

West Virginia state senators on Tuesday passed a controversial omnibus education bill that would boost teacher pay by 5 percent, but also includes provisions fiercely opposed by many teachers, including allowing charter schools and vouchers and a move to curtail the power of the states teachers union.

The voluminous bill, known as SB 451, has outraged the states teachers, who describe it as an effort to privatize education in the state and, despite the pay raise, punish teachers for a nine-day strike they staged last year. They have threatened another strike if the bill passes in its current form.

The 18-16 Senate vote occurred after an impassioned three-hour debate during which more than half the states legislators lamented the states lagging academic results.

I know that quality education is the greatest gift we can give our children, said Senate education committee Chairwoman Patricia Rucker, a Republican. This may be the most important thing that weve ever done.

Dozens of teachers, decked in red, jeered from the capitols gallery.

What the Senate did is try to provoke teachers...and it showed their desire for revenge, said Dale Lee, the president of the West Virginia Education Association, the states teachers union.

Among the teachers many objections, the bill would establish savings accounts for families to use in private schools; increase elementary school class sizes; allow for the expansion of charter schools; and require teachers to annually sign off on union dues, which many fear will result in decreased membership.

The bill also would shift many powers over education to local school boards, including the ability to raise property tax levies.

See Also: These States Could Actually Replace Their School Funding Formulas This Year

The states House of Delegates has promised to scrap the bill and break it up into several different parts, though a clause in the bill would invalidate all of its provisions if any part of it is taken out, including, most crucially, the pay raise.

Veto Threat

Gov. Jim Justice, a Republican, said late last week that he would veto the bill if it arrived on his desk in its current form.

He has opposed the creation of charter schools and says teachers should get a raise with no strings attached.

For crying out loud, we have to concentrate on our public schools, he said during an animated press conference. Youre going to take all of the good that were putting together and ruin it. When you have the opportunity to give, you ought not give and put a receipt in the box.

With the collapse of the coal industry, which the state was heavily financially dependent upon, West Virginia has struggled to pay for its school system, and thousands of families have left for jobs in other states, resulting in districts shuttering schools and laying off teachers. Last years strike, which inspired a series of strikes in other states, resulted in teachers receiving a 5 percent pay raise, but many teachers said it wasnt enough to make a dent in the states widespread teacher shortage.

SB 451 would cost the state around $137 million to implement, but legislators hope it would spur public accountability at the local level.

The states teachers union says West Virginia is looking to reduce spending on schools by raising class sizes and making schools more dependent on local property taxes.

Lee said if the state really wanted to improve schools, it would look to hire more support staff, reduce class sizes, and institute more wraparound services for studentsthings we know will make a difference.

When Justice ran for governor as a Democrat in 2016, he expressed the frustration many parents had in the state over its low academic outcomes and promised broad reforms to the states school system.

Since his election, he has received full-throated support from the states powerful teachers union.

West Virginia isnt the only mostly rural state to consider broad changes to its governance, accountability, and funding structure this year.

Kentuckys legislators, after replacing its decades-old funding formula and allowing for charter schools last year, are debating this year the powers that its storied school-based decision-making councils have over its schools.

And South Carolina is debating an omnibus bill this year that would raise teacher pay but dramatically limit annual pay raises and force the consolidation of several tiny school districts.
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society says that its vessel, the M/V Farley Mowat, was ambushed on Jan. 31 by a group of poachers posing as fishermen while the ship was conducting maritime conservation patrols in a vaquita refuge in Mexico's Gulf of California. It's the second such attack in less than a month.

The conservation organization says its ship was surrounded by more than 50 assailants on 20 high speed boats, according to a press release shared with EcoWatch.

Sea Shepherd said the side of the Farley Mowat caught fire and its windows shattered because the attackers were hurling molotov cocktails and projectiles such as lead weights and large stones at the vessel.

The group also released dramatic footage of the confrontation:

SEA SHEPHERD SHIP'S WINDOWS SMASHED AND HULL SET ON FIRE BY POACHERS www.youtube.com

Crew onboard the Farley Mowat used high-pressure fire hoses to defend the vessel while Mexican Navy soldiers and federal police stationed aboard opened fire into the air and sea to deter the attackers. Neither the crew nor the security personnel sustained injuries. No arrests have been made.

The Farley Mowat was similarly attacked by roughly 35 fishing boats in the waters on Jan. 9.

"These repeated attacks have made Sea Shepherd's vital conservation efforts within the Vaquita Refuge challenging in recent weeks, casting a doubt on the vaquita's chances of survival," the press release states.

Projectiles, including lead weights and large stones, were hurled by poachers. Sea Shepherd

Sea Shepherd conducts maritime patrols in the upper Gulf of California, or Sea of Cortez, to protect the critically endangered vaquita, a porpoise endemic to the waters. Experts say there could be as few as a dozen vaquitas left.

The operations are conducted with the knowledge and cooperation of the Mexican government to help detect illegal fishing activities, the Associated Press noted.

The conservation group retrieves gillnets from the waters to protect the vaquita. The marine mammal is not directly hunted but they become entangled and drown in the illegal nets set for capturing totoaba, a large and critically endangered fish that's prized for its swim bladder as a Chinese delicacy.

The latest confrontation happens as the new Leonardo DiCaprio-produced documentary Sea of Shadowswhich features the plight of the vaquita and Sea Shepherd's work to save itpremiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

"Sea Shepherd is 100 percent committed to continuing retrieval operations of illegal ghost nets and active illegal gillnets to protect the vaquita marina from extinction at the hands of poachers and criminal gangs," Locky Maclean, Sea Shepherd's director of ship operations and campaigns, said in the release. "We look forward to working closely with the new government and are grateful in playing a part in the protection and preservation of such a special region of the world, and such an iconic species, the vaquita marina."
Climate change is back in the House. Emboldened under a new Democratic majority, two main energy and environment committees are holding simultaneous hearings Wednesday to discuss rising global temperatures and averting climate catastrophe, Roll Call reported.

This will be the House Energy and Commerce Committee's first hearing on climate change in six years, according to hearing host Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), who leads the Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change. For the Natural Resources Committee, it will be their first hearing on climate change in more than eight years.

Climate change has been all but ignored or downright dismissed under years of Republican leadership, but at today's Energy and Commerce hearing, the Democrats plan to build a "powerful record" in Congress on the costs of federal climate inaction and to better understand the benefits of transitioning to a clean energy economy, Tonko said in a video posted to Twitter.

"For everyone who has called on Congress to #ActOnClimate, we hear you. We believe the science, we understand the urgency and we are committed to getting results. Stay tuned," he tweeted.

The powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, chaired by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), has oversight on a broad range of agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Restoring environmental rules rolled back by President Trump are on the top panel's list, according to the New York Times.

The Natural Resources Committee, led by Rep. Raul M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), oversees federal conservation and species protection programs, including monitoring onshore and offshore oil and gas, renewable energy development, protecting public lands, species protection and Indigenous peoples affairs.

"Protecting our environment, taking climate change seriously, and putting the public interest first are not optional on this Committee, and that's what Democrats are going to do every day for the next two years," Grijalva said in a press release after announcing the Democratic leadership team and subcommittee memberships. "The American people want clean air and water and public lands protected for the future. It's our job to make sure they get them. Our entire team is excited to get started right away, and everyone should expect big things from this Committee."

In anticipation of the climate hearing, the Congressman invited American citizens to share their stories on they have been affected by wildfires, hurricanes, floods or other natural disasters made worse by climate change. Participants can also use the hashtag #ClimateChangeImpactsMe on social media.

"When you are from the Lowcountry, you live with the consequences of rising sea levels and climate change everyday," Freshmen Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-SC), a member of the Natural Resources Committee, responded via tweet.

Cunningham, was narrowly elected over Trump-endorsed Republican Katie Arrington, recently introduced a bill that places a ten-year moratorium on offshore drilling and seismic airgun blasting off the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.

Kim Cobb, a climate scientist at Georgia Institute of Technology's School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, will testify before the House Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday will make "a strong case" on reducing the use of fossil fuels and present options for a low carbon future, she told Roll Call.

"I think that continued delays in developing a comprehensive federal level policy around climate change ... we can't endure them anymore," Cobb added.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) are reportedly planning to introduce a resolution this week on the highly vaunted Green New Deal, Axios reported.
Four activists were arrested Monday after attempting to shut down an Enbridge pipeline near Grand Rapids, Minnesota, The Associated Press reported. The activists, who call themselves the Four Necessity Valve Turners and are affiliated with the Catholic Worker movement, said their actions were needed to address the urgent threat posed by climate change.

"The recent scientific study on climate change presented to the UN indicates that the threat of irreversible damage and destruction to our planet is imminent," the activists wrote on their website. "Therefore, having exhausted all legal and political avenues, and having found those avenues lethally inadequate either to curb our dependency on fossil fuels or to stop its expansion, we find it necessary to take this direct action of turning off the flow of this poisonous tar sands oil."

Michele Naar Obed, of Duluth, Minnesota; Allyson Polman, of Denton, Texas and Brenna Cussen Anglada and Daniel Yildirim of Cuba City, Wisconsin broke into a fenced-off area around noon on Monday that held shut-off valves for three Enbridge pipelines, their spokesperson Diane Leutgeb Monson told The Associated Press. After a period of prayer, they called Enbridge to inform them they would be turning off the company's line 4 pipeline, prompting Enbridge to shut it off remotely. The activists were taken into custody by Itasca County sheriff's deputies around 1:30 p.m.

"The actions taken to trespass on our facility and tamper with energy infrastructure were reckless and dangerous," Enbridge spokesperson Juli Kellner said in an email reported by The Associated Press. "The people involved claimed to be protecting the environment, but they did the opposite. Their actions put themselves, first responders, neighboring communities and landowners at risk."



The Enbridge pipelines targeted by the protesters carry crude oil from Alberta's tar sands through Minnesota to Superior, Wisconsin. Their action also follows the controversial approval by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission of a plan by Enbridge to replace its aging Line 3 pipeline. In addition to concerns over the need for more fossil fuel infrastructure, environmental and indigenous groups are worried about the risk of an oil spill close to land sacred to the Ojibwe.

This is a concern taken up by the valve turners as well.

"This act is step towards reparations for the damage that colonization has done both to the indigenous peoples of this continent and the land," Cussen Anglada said in a press release.

The recent action follows on a similar attempt in 2016 to shut off Enbridge pipelines in Minnesota, which also prompted the company to shut off flow temporarily. The activists were allowed to present a "necessity defense" saying their actions were necessary to prevent climate change, but the judge ultimately dismissed charges in October 2018, as Minnesota Public Radio explained.
She introduced me to the dish when we first started dating, in 1996, he said. We made a few trips to Japan, and weve been thinking of doing this for years. The closing of Perennial in 2016 was when we really started working on it.


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Google must remove search results about medical regulators' conditional suspension of a Dutch physician in the first "right to be forgotten" case of its kind in the European Union.

After Google and Dutch data privacy watchdog Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens rebuffed the doctor's initial attempts to get disciplinary actions purged from online search results, a district court in Amsterdam sided with the surgeon.

The physician had an interest in preventing her full name from appearing in Google search engine links connected to a blacklist of doctors, the court found.

The surgeon's right to be left out of Google's search results outweighed the public's right to use the search engine to find the information, the court maintained.

Although the court acknowledged that information at the blacklist site was accurate, it stated that the pejorative name of the site suggested the surgeon wasn't fit to treat people, which was not supported by the regulators' findings.

Google as Censor

Because the blacklist site contained accurate information, it would have been an uphill battle for the surgeon to force it to take down the offending information about her.

"They didn't go after the site because they had no grounds," said Adam Holland, a project manager at the Berkman Klein Center at Harvard University in Boston.

However, "if they could render it invisible in Google, that's practical obscurity, which is the next best thing to taking the information down," he told TechNewsWorld.

Right-to-be-forgotten cases have placed Google in the role of a censor, observed French Caldwell, CFO of The Analyst Syndicate, an IT research and analysis group in Washington, D.C.

"The reason is it's much easier to deal with Google from a regulatory enforcement standpoint than it is to deal with millions of source sites," he told TechNewsWorld.

"Google has been made the de facto censor of Europe," Caldwell said. "That's an awful lot of power to hand over to a private company."

The European Union has been asking Google to exercise judgment in circumstances that didn't require it before, Robert E. Cattanach, a partner in the Dorsey law firm in Minneapolis, told TechNewsWorld.

"Once you put that power in the hands of a platform, where's the accountability?" he asked. "Who's going to say to Google, 'Take this down but leave this up'?"

Precedent for Professions

Without its search findings, people would have trouble finding relevant information on the medical regulator's Big Register, where its public records are available online, Google argued in the case.

However, the notion that consumers depend on Google search results to choose doctors is questionable.

"I don't think consumers are googling names, clicking on links and saying, 'Here's an unverifiable database of names. I'm going to make my doctor decisions based on that,'" suggested the Berkman Center's Holland. "That seems pretty tenuous to me."

The court initially handed down its ruling in the case last summer, but up to now, legal wrangling over whether it should be made public prevented its release.

Since then, the surgeon's attorney has tried to remove from the blacklist the details of 15 doctors who have been involved in disciplinary actions.

"This sets a precedent," Holland said, "especially for any profession that is often reviewed and likely to have these third-party sites collecting disciplinary information about the profession."

Missing Misdeeds

It's worrisome not only that important information about this particular doctor will be difficult for consumers to find, but also that other information will be obscured, said The Analyst Syndicate's Caldwell.

"I think there is a danger that people who commit deeds consumers should know about are going to have their information blocked," he said.

"It's going to have a negative impact on consumers," said Dorsey's Cattanach. "We all depend on online, reputable resources to make decisions. If you start denying that information, we aren't going to make as many good decisions."

In the United States, this decision rubs against prevailing trends toward transparency, to provide consumers with information about everything from police actions to sexual harassment violations, to rent charged in rent control areas, observed Timothy Toohey, an attorney with the Greenberg Glusker law firm in Los Angeles.

"Europeans believe a person is entitled to a fresh start," he explained.

That can be very hard in the digital age, when "one remark broadcast on the Internet can destroy a person," Toohey remarked.

Right to Be Forgotten

The "right to be forgotten" originated in a 2014 decision by the European Court of Justice in a case involving Mario Costeja Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, a Spanish man, filed a lawsuit with the court after a newspaper in Catalonia refused to delete a 1998 auction notice about his repossessed home. He argued the matter had been settled and no longer should appear in Google's search results.

The court sided with Gonzalez and ordered Google to erase links to the pages at the newspaper that contained the auction information.

In its ruling, the court noted that European citizens had the right to ask search engines to remove search result links that were "inadequate, irrelevant or no longer relevant or excessive ... in the light of the time that had elapsed."

Since the decision, some 3 million Europeans have made right-to-be-forgotten requests.

However, the right applies only to European searches, a principle recently affirmed by the ECJ after France tried to expand the right globally.

A number of UK and international free speech groups opposed France's move, arguing that extending the power would encourage censorship in countries like China, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Ignored Potential Problems

The ECJ adopted a black-and-white position on the right to be forgotten, Cattanach said.

"They knew there would be places on the margin where ... it would make no sense, but they were intimidated by the prospect of creating exceptions, and exceptions to the exceptions, and getting bogged down forever in debate and drafting," he explained.

"So they made it an absolute right, and it trumps the rights, among others, of consumers to be given important public information about service providers," Cattahach noted. "They decided to go with that even though they knew it would create some problems."

John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John.




A Brand's Guide to Digital Shelf Analytics | eBook

What can you do to improve your digital commerce game? The first rule of the digital shelf is to make sure your products can be found. Some might say its mission impossible. Unless, of course, you use digital shelf analytics (DSA). Get the eBook Today!

How do you build a software company? It's a trick question.

There are certainly things you need to do and not do on the way to building a successful software company, but there are no recipes, especially in CRM where demand changes all the time. In my career, I've seen firsthand some of the ways that company builders succeed or fail, and to paraphrase Tolstoy, happy companies are all alike; every unhappy company is unhappy in its own way.

We're used to having an idea, a prototype, or a minimally viable product (MVP) to shop around to investors in the hope of raising a few million bucks to get going. One round follows another, with the investments and the number of investors growing until the company either fails because it can't raise more cash, or has a successful liquidity event like an acquisition or IPO.

Another Way

Some years ago, I witnessed up close another approach, called "bootstrapping," in which founders finance the effort and retain ownership. It should be said that bootstrapping was the only method of starting a business until the Renaissance.

At that point, the costs of starting, say, an import-export business, were so high, and the risks so great, that prudent business people began pooling resources to lower the risk of any specific voyage meeting with robbers, weather or other disasters. The profits were lower but more consistent, and the risks were, obviously, less.

That was the beginning of what would be the "joint stock" company, and it was so successful that a peripheral business, shipping insurance, took hold. For the first time, investors could make money not on the profits of the voyage but on its simple successful completion.

It's noteworthy that Lloyd's of London, the 300-plus year-old insurance company, got started as a simple coffee house/information exchange, where nervous investors gathered to trade information about their shipping investments. Watch out Starbucks!

At any rate, venture capital was a significant investment that, like insurance, discovered a new niche within the old idea of shared risk. VCs invest in ideas that are far, far removed from first voyages in markets that demand immediate results.

My point is that bootstrappers might build the company more slowly than the guys with access to the capital markets, but they are part of a long and successful tradition. For some entrepreneurs, it's the right move.

The big question occurs if -- and it's often the case, when -- growth stalls. A VC-funded company might get shopped around and eventually sold to a company with parallel interests. A self-funded outfit might go into a holding pattern in which it operates more or less as a funding mechanism for the founders.

These companies are at least minimally profitable, and they can go on for many years. Some call them "lifestyle companies," because they provide a product or service but are uninterested in generating profits beyond satisfying founders' income requirements -- that is, their lifestyles.

Nevertheless, some very successful examples of bootstrapped companies in the modern era include analytics vendor SAS and shipping giant UPS, which only went public in 1999 after being a business icon for many decades. UPS company raised more than US$5 billion its first day. Also, back in the day, Ford Motor Company was like UPS, only having its IPO in 1956 once it was well established.

Enter Zoho

What many bootstrapped companies have in common is that they decide to avoid the spotlight to concentrate on building great products and serving customers while providing good workplaces for employees. Last week, I spent a day and a half at Zoho in Pleasanton, California, and I think it fits the overall description.

It's impossible to say how big Zoho will become. Heck, it's impossible to say how big it is right now. As a private company with offices around the world and zero interest in accessing the public markets, it keeps its financials well hidden.

It's part of the Zoho culture of investing profits back into the company and its people. It's also part of a strategy that emphasizes making everything rather than buying it -- no acquisitions, that is -- and invests heavily in educating its people in how to focus on customers, the Zoho way.

Bootstrapping might not be for everyone, but it has worked at Zoho. The company has a culture well-focused on customers and empowering employees.

Zoho was founded in India and most reminds me of another company with some Indian roots, HubSpot. It might surprise some people that a Boston company has roots in India, but as I wrote in Solve for the Customer, its cofounder and CTO, Dharmesh Shah, defined its culture and published it in a Slide-Share deck that is still available, titled "Culture Code: Creating A Lovable Company."

Culture Code is too long to go into detail here, so check out the deck. One thing that stands out to me is this prime directive for employees:

Favor your team over yourself.

Favor the company over the team.

Favor the customer over the company.

Why? Because this directive speaks about not making lazy mistakes that have to be fixed by applying money. When you are funding your own growth, the last thing you need to spend money on is replacing the revenue you lost because you hurt an employee who hurt a customer. So, yes, favor the customer over the company.

My Two Bits

What's interesting about Zoho is that the company has been expanding from its core constituency of small businesses into a larger universe, and it is bringing its unique culture with it. Zoho understands the moment we're in, which includes a turn toward efficiency and effectiveness driven by reliance on automation.

However, it still sees treating people well as core to the business. So Zoho is in favor of profits, but in an inversion of the lifestyle company, it is not interested in profits at any cost. Yet it simultaneously shows great interest in manufacturing happy customers and employees.

As a practical matter, that's what supports the strategy of building everything in-house and not growing by acquisition, which would require compromises as disparate systems must be bound together.

There's a lot to like about a single platform and an intense focus on customers and employees. It's kind of old school and goes back centuries. So I'm now following Zoho, just to see what it does next.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ECT News Network.

Denis Pombriant is a well-known CRM industry analyst, strategist, writer and speaker. His new book, You Can't Buy Customer Loyalty, But You Can Earn It, is now available on Amazon. His 2015 book, Solve for the Customer, is also available there. Email Denis.




Reporter Aubrey Wieber: aubrey@salemreporter.com or 503-575-1251. Wieber is a reporter for Salem Reporter who works for the Oregon Capital Bureau, a collaboration of EO Media Group, the Pamplin Media Group, and Salem Reporter.
Its the largest city were in by far, and we get drowned out a little bit, he said. Chicago is really competitive, and when you have amazing restaurants within five or 10 minutes of where you live, getting people into an Uber and going to another neighborhood, thats tough.
North Andover, MA (01845)

Today

Increasing clouds with showers arriving sometime in the afternoon. Thunder possible. High 82F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Rain showers early with clearing later at night. Low 52F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Claremont, NH (03743)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Thunder possible. High around 70F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Rain showers early with clearing later at night. Low 44F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
Likewise, I thought it was super tasty, said Hammond. Toppings were great. The crust or bread or whatever you want to call it was great. Very focaccia-like for sure. Fits in very well here at Cellar Door.
Australias largest startup community, Fishburners, will farewell its first employee next month as CEO Pandora Shelley hands over the reigns to pursue international opportunities.

Ms Shelley joined Fishburners in 2011 and has taken on numerous roles and responsibilities including, community manager, marketing manager, and chief operations officer before taking on the role of CEO over a year ago.

Fishburners Board Chair Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO said Pandora had made an invaluable contribution to the growth of Fishburners during her eight years in the organisation.

We are very sad to lose Pandora, but we are excited to see her step onto the world stage and look forward to her being a global ambassador for Australian startups, said Dr Woodthorpe.

Following record-breaking growth in 2018, Dr Woodthorpe said Fishburners was in a strong position with a talented and expanding team.

We are grateful to Pandora for leaving the organisation in such fantastic shape. Fishburners has seen phenomenal growth with membership growing to over 800 members nationally. Pandora and her team have managed a new chapter for the community moving the business to Sydney Startup Hub in 2018 closely followed by the expansion of the Brisbane office and the launch of our virtual membership base.

The past 18 months has also seen numerous partnerships established or strengthened with the community such as Google for Startups, Jobs for NSW, Brisbane City Council, UTS, Optus and Chartered Accountants ANZ.

Ms Shelley thanked the board and her colleagues at Fishburners for their contribution to the amazing achievements of the past year.

The Fishburners experience has been an amazing opportunity and I have been part of a unique growth journey for Australian startups across this time. I am leaving on a high and at a natural transition point for a new growth and expansion phase of the business. I will remain forever a champion of Fishburners, and Australian startups, particularly as they pursue their own global ambitions, she said.

After eight years within the organisation, Fishburners is like family to me  and this has been a very difficult decision. I am leaving to pursue my dream of travelling and working offshore for a period of time.

Fishburners has begun the recruitment process for a new CEO.
Its time to visit the Local Enterprise Office website to book your places for our brilliant line-up of business events.

That was Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council Cllr Liam Reilly speaking this week at the launch of the Local Enterprise Week programme of events for 2019.



Taking place across Louth from March 4 to 8, these free events provide local business people with the opportunity to learn, network and grow their business. Local Enterprise Week is planned and managed by the team at the Local Enterprise Office in Louth.

Speaking at the launch Thomas McEvoy, Head of Enterprise, explained: We know from supporting businesses throughout the year that running a business can be lonely and challenging. We also know that business owners need to consistently update their knowledge and skills in order to deal with these challenges. Our programme of events includes advice for scaling your business, improving efficiency, protecting it from cyber threats, increasing diversity and so much more.

The week features specially themed events for food producers and retailers. Network Louth will also host an event to celebrate International Womens Day which falls during Local Enterprise Week.

We team up with all of the various stakeholders in the Enterprise sector in Louth. These include the Chambers of Commerce, the Enterprise Centres, Enterprise Ireland, Louth County Enterprise Fund, Microfinance Ireland, Network Louth, M1 Skillnet and many, many more. Our aim is to provide local business people in Louth with valuable learning and networking opportunities and to connect them with all the supports available to help their business to thrive.

The highlight of the week will be the announcement of the county winners of the National Enterprise Awards. This event will take place on Friday 8th March at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk and is proudly supported by Dundalk Credit Union. The overall winner will represent Louth in the National Enterprise Award finals at the Mansion House, Dublin in May.

Thomas concluded: Explore our programme of events on www.localenterprise.ie/louth. Book places at your preferred events and make time for you and your business. You wont regret it.
A stark reminder to all, of the fragility of our peace process on these islands, is how Louth TD Declan Breathnach described the discovery last Friday, of a substantial quantity of ammunition along with a mortar tube on lands near Omeath on the Cooley peninsula.

A Garda operation at a wood, about 1km off the Omeath to Flagstaff Road, uncovered what is understood to be around 1,000 rounds of ammunition of varied calibre along with a mortar tube (pending examination by Garda ballistics experts).

It is believed the ammunition was concealed in lunch boxes and stashed in a barrel that had been buried in the ground.The mortar tube, wrapped in plastic, was found nearby.

Deputy Breathnach said following the discovery:

I want to commend the efforts of An Garda Siochana in their find, and appeal to all to be vigilant and supportive in ensuring that where any suspicious activity is observed in their area be reported to the relevant authorities.

He added: The Good Friday Agreement is the democratic process for progress of all the people on these islands and those intent on creating division and friction within communities must not be allowed to undermine our democracy.

Sinn Fein TD Gerry Adams also commended An Garda Siochana on the find and adding: The Good Friday Agreement has created a democratic and peaceful route to Irish unity.

At a time when interest in and support for, a referendum on Irish Unity is growing the actions of these unrepresentative micro-groups only helps those who are opposed to Irish Unity.

Local Sinn Fein councillor for the area, Antoin Watters, said that those responsible have no support or no agenda. Omeath and the Cooley Peninsula is full of honest and decent people.

He continued: We're fully focused on Brexit and the possibility of a hard border.

We don't like to see this happening. Our main focus is Brexit and we don't need anything to take the focus off that.

The Garda operation ended on Saturday afternoon. No arrests have yet been made.
ADA [ndash] Wanda Lee Brewer, 91, of Ada, Oklahoma passed away Sunday, June 13, 2021, in Ada. Services for Wanda will be held Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 10 a.m. at the Estes-Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Roger Arter officiating. Interment will follow at New Bethel Cemetery. For up
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ORLANDO (AP)  Florida's former top elections official on Sunday apologized for dressing in blackface as a Hurricane Katrina victim, more than a week after he resigned when photos of his Halloween costume were made public.

Michael Ertel, who was Florida's secretary of state for less than three weeks, said in a personal Facebook post that what he did in 2005 was stupid and he is a better man than he was 14 years ago.

"For those who have not received a personal apology yet  I'm sorry," he wrote.

Ertel also said that someone made the photos public out of revenge. He didn't elaborate. The Tallahassee Democrat first published the pictures.

"Because while public revenge may be sweet for them, my private redemption, new family, and blessed life have been sweeter," Ertel wrote. "Regardless of the circumstances which ended my public role, I'm a better private citizen for having served my fellow countrymen, first in the military, then in elected office and most recently as Secretary of State."

Ertel didn't respond to a phone call seeking comment.

Before being appointed Florida's top elections official by Gov. Ron DeSantis, he was the elections supervisor in Seminole County, a suburb of Orlando.
One issue local legislators addressed during the annual Eggs and Issues breakfast Tuesday became the major topic of discussion as the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerces annual legislative meeting closed.

During the question-and-answer period, an audience member asked how Gov. Kay Iveys proposed plan to build three large prisons would improve the states corrections system. In recent years, the state has faced federal scrutiny for the lack of prison guards and mental health professionals it employs.

Rep. Steve Clouse (R-Ozark), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said the idea did not immediately impress him when first floated a few years ago. As officials have gathered more research, though, the idea makes sense, he added.

It will help with overcrowding. With new technology, you can watch more people with fewer guards, he said. If you build in more urban areas, you have a greater labor pool to draw those mental health professionals from.

Clouse said the state paid $40 million in overtime to Alabama Department of Corrections workers last year  money that could be used to pay for new facilities. He added Iveys plan, which has not been fully unveiled, would include the shutdown of many existing Alabama prisons  providing even more potential funding for the initiative.
The City of Dothan took another step closer to meeting Environmental Protection Agency mandates as commissioners approved a $1.5 million sewer project in the Chapelwood subdivision Tuesday.

For the past decade, city officials have tackled various projects the EPA mandated to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows, or the leakage of sewage into the environment. The approved project replaces a 24-inch concrete pipe that is in dire shape with an 18-inch concrete pipe, said Tonny Peters, a project manager with city contractor Barge Design Solutions.

Its one of (the projects) thats got to be done, said Billy Mayes, Dothan Utilities director. Were systematically going through the projects and eliminating problems.

Peters said the pipe runs from the edge of the former Sony property through the Chapelwood subdivision to Flowers Chapel Road, where it will tie into the closed Beaver Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The wastewater at that plant has been routed to other treatment plants.

The upgraded line allows the city to discontinue use of another 12-inch sewer pipe that runs parallel to the project area, Peters noted.
Dothan City School Superintendent Phyllis Edwards shared her vision for education, focusing on curriculum, staff changes, and funding, in her first State of Education address at the 10thanniversary DCS Education Showcase Monday night.

Edwards, who has led the system for 11 months, pointed out that DCS spends $8,802 per public school student, which is below the state average of $9,671. She also noted that local taxpayers give $8.5 million to the education budget, which is the lowest level possible to receive state funding.

I dont personally think that thats good enough, Edwards said. I hope that as we move through this next year and you feel confidence in what were doing that we can have another discussion at some point about how we keep things going.

In the past three years, students have been leaving the school system and consequently, so have teachers.

Were trying to turn this ship around, Edwards said. We want to be the very best system bar none in the state and in the nation. We want people to start coming back to us, and I believe they will.
The Rancics do not appear to have purchased another Chicago-area home as of yet, but theyre certainly not done wheeling and dealing in real estate. On Dec. 12, they paid $7.675 million for a five-bedroom, 8,323-square-foot gated Georgian-style mansion in Los Angeles Brentwood Park area. On Bill Rancics Instagram feed in December, he posted a video of a roll-off Dumpster being delivered to the Brentwood Park property and wrote, Let the renovations begin! He also called the Brentwood Park purchase the couples 12th real estate project.
Are religious leaders interchangeable?

Surely most would say not. Someone who desires a comforting hand in a time of crisis would want that support to come from clergy whose beliefs align with their own. And theyre entitled to it; the Constitution guarantees that right.

But circumstances can muddy what should be crystal clear. And even a ruling from a federal court wont satisfy everyone involved.

Last week, a U.S. District judge issued a ruling in a case about a Muslim inmates impending execution in Alabama. Dominique Ray will have his death sentence carried out on Feb. 7, and wants an imam with him in the execution chamber when the lethal injection in administered. Prison officials refused, saying the Department of Corrections has a Christian prison chaplain present for executions.

Ray asked that his execution be stayed, claiming the refusal violates his religious rights. His attorneys argued that Ray has a right to the same religious comfort that Christian Death Row inmates have.
Paxton is nervous, so he is carrying a .22 pistol in his pocket along with methamphetamine that Clark is going to purchase, Jones said. He believes after he has sex with Clark and she purchases the drugs, he is going to be on his way.

Jones stated the designated meeting location was roughly 100 yards from Kennedys uncles home.

Before meeting Clark, Paxton stopped by his uncles, Jones said. After receiving confirmation from Clark she was almost there, Paxton headed to the location. A short time later, his uncle heard the gunshot and took off towards the camper trailer.

Jones stated Kennedys uncle saw a truck bouncing across the field with the interior lights flashing and eventually he was able to identify it was Kennedy.

His uncle was able to run up to the truck and knock it out of gear to get the truck to stop, Jones said. Once the truck stopped, he noticed Kennedy was bleeding and was unresponsive. His uncle attempted to follow the car down the dirt road, but lost sight of the vehicle.
Of the AMMS and EHS students that attended Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) Science Fair in Dothan, the following placed in the categories they entered:

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From the Admiral Moorer Middle School - Tajanae Clinton: First Place Engineering; Jada Roland and LaNyjah Thomas: First Place Physical Science; Annie Wingate: First Place Ecology; Katherine Tye: Second Place Computer Science; and Haiden Davis: Third Place Physical Science.

From Eufaula High School - Kieonna Beatty, Ethan Nicewanner and Mary Elizabeth Beuoy: First Place Physical Science; Zoe Tucker and Josey Erwin: Second Place Animal & Plant Science; Bailey Martel and Treanice Lynn: Third Place Biological Science; and Shelby Roland and Teddy Cornejo: Third Place Animal and Plant Science.

This was ACOMs fifth year of facilitating the Wiregrass District Science Fair, and we are excited to see how this event has grown every year. This years fair was our largest to date. Three of the five high school projects advancing to the regional fair are from Eufaula High School. Three of the fourteen middle school projects advancing to the regional fair are from Admiral Moorer Middle School. This event is made possible through the generous support of the Southeast Health Foundation, commented Sarah Senn, Director of Communications & Marketing at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Rossi and her husband, pianist Bill Rossi, moved to Enterprise just over two years ago to be near their daughter and her family. Both Rossis are creative -- Bill with music, Mary-Helen with writing -- and settled into the area by making connections through music and the various music circles in Enterprise. However, when looking for an outlet for her talents, Mary-Helen had a more difficult time finding a place to plug in.

Id spent over 30 years writing for the businesses we had, the non-profit arts organization we had, she said. We had developed a software to track and assess student progress in something less quantifiable -- it was qualitative research that could actually take observations of the teachers and parents and put that data together and make it quantifiable. We had that software and I worked for a very long time trying to market that, which is really tricky, and we were somewhat successful when we were in a market, but when you go to market it online, youre talking about a whole different thing. The writing became more important, being able to optimize my writing for Google, and when we got to Enterprise, we loved it -- for us, this is just the perfect place. But I wanted to write and maybe make a little money -- Ive gotten more creative with writing -- and I thought how do I do that in Enterprise?
The death occurred at Letterkenny University Hospital recently of Breege Coll, Knockastolar, Bunbeg.

Aged 63 years, Breege (nee Doherty), was originally from Magheralosk, Bunbeg and was a daughter of the late Den Phaidi Hiudai Doherty and Sarah Tom Ned (nee McBride).

She was born in Glasgow and was one of a family of four, two boys and two girls.

After leaving college Breege decided to pursue a career in nursing and she studied at Victoria College of Nursing in Scotland. She was known as a dedicated and extremely kind nurse. The family moved back to Gaoth Dobhair some years ago and they set up home at Knockastolar.

Her Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Marys Church, Derrybeg. The celebrant of the Mass was Fr. Brian O Fearraigh, C.C., and Seiplineach Phobal Scoil Ghaoth Dobhair who also officiated at the graveside.

At the beginning of the Mass Breegs daughter, Mairead spoke about her beloved mother and added she was a loving mother and mentor.

She said she was an excellent and devoted nurse, teacher, a taxi driver and a very talented cook and baker. She went on and said she was a kind hearted woman, who wrote a lot of poetry down through the years.

Mairead then recited a beautiful and moving poem titled Thank you very much which her mum had penned. Afterwards gifts representing her life were brought to the altar by family members. They included a family photograph, her handbag to represent her fondness of stylish dressing and her nursing hat she wore while nursing in Scotland.

The soloist was Eileen Sweeney who also played the tin whistle and she was accompanied on guitar by Pat Duffy.

The lessons were read by Aimee and Geraldine and family members brought the gifts to the altar and read the prayers of the faithful.

In his homily Fr. Brian said we should celebrate the lovely memories Breege Coll left behind. He said she lived life to the full and treated people with kindness, generosity and helping hands.

Fr. Brian added that she had given great and loyal service while a member of the Parents Committee of Scoil Chonaill, Bunbeg and also Pobal Scoil Ghaoth Dobhair Long after her children left Scoil Chonaill she continued as a member of the Parents Committee and her service had spanned over twenty years, he said.

She worked quietly behind the scene and she worked at the school in organising events and helped in organising the Santa visit to the school in the weeks coming up to last Christmas.

The pupils of Scoil Chonaill provided a guard of honour as the remains were brought into the church. Her funeral took place afterwards to Magheragallon cemetery.

Breege was predeceased by her younger sister, Margaret Doherty, who passed away in June, 2016 aged 53 years. Her mother, Sarah Doherty died in January 2005, while her father Dan passed away in April 2012.

She is survived by her husband, John, three daughters, Mairead, Sarah and Aisling, son, Ryan, brothers, Thomas and Paul, family circle, relatives and friends, to all of whom deep sympathy is extended on their loss.
UK govt approves Vijay Mallya's extradition, but he can appeal

British home secretary Sajid Javid on Sunday signed the order for extradition of bankrupt liquor baron Vijay Mallya back to India. Mallya, however, can appeal the Westminster magistrates order.

The decision comes eight weeks after chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot sent the case to him for a decision to be taken on whether to order extradition and exactly two years after the Indian government first handed over the extradition request to British High Commission in February 2017.

On 3 February the Secretary of State, having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed the order for Vijay Mallyas extradition to India. Vijay Mallya is accused in India of conspiracy to defraud, making false representations and money laundering offences, a home office spokesperson said.

Mallya has to apply for leave to appeal in the high court within 14 days. If there is no appeal, he must be extradited within 28 days of the home secretarys order. If the high court grants permission it will go on to consider the appeal.

If the high court decides against granting approval for appeal, the person, or a state concerned, can apply for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court against the high courts decision.

Indias external affairs ministry said it welcomed UK decision on Mallya extradition and was awaiting early completion of the legal process.

The anticipated appeal process starts 14 days from now. I can now appeal the Westminster magistrates order. I could not do so till the home secretary made a decision. After the court decision I said I would appeal and now I can, said a nonchalant Mallya.

The 63-year-old Mallya is accused of fraud, money laundering and conspiracy to defraud in relation to loans - now worth Rs9,000 crore - that he took from a consortium of 13 Indian banks to prop up his Kingfisher Airlines.

Mallya has recently made an offer in the Karnataka high court, with the courts permission, to repay all that he owes. He has shown assets in excess of what the banks claim, namely of Rs13,900 crore, and has offered a sale of them under judicial supervision to repay all his creditors.

In a series of tweets last week, he said there was no justice or fair play. Every morning I wake up to yet another attachment by the DRT recovery officer and the banks are pursuing multiple frivolous litigations against me, he tweeted.

The banks have succeeded in obtaining a freeze order on Mallyas worldwide assets valued at Rs10,421 crore and are now bringing bankruptcy proceedings against Mallya. A hearing regarding this is expected to take place in the insolvency list in the London high court in the spring.
South Korea to merge HHI and Daewoo in $2 bn share deal

Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the worlds biggest shipbuilding group, is taking over second-ranked Daewoo Shipbuilding, in a share swap deal worth 2.1 trillion won ($1.98 billion), to create a global leader controlling over 20 per cent of the market.

Hyundai will acquire a 55.7 per cent stake currently owned by state-funded Korea Development Bank (KDB) after a $2.6 billion bailout of South Koreas Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co Ltd in 2017.

KDB has signed a conditional deal with Hyundai over Daewoo stake sale under which Daewoo will also receive liquidity support of 2.5 trillion won ($2.25 billion) from KDB and Hyundai, Hyundai said in a stock exchange filing.

The merger move comes as the worldwide shipbuilding sector recovers from a global economic downturn that led to massive losses, widespread job cuts.

KDB has said it intends to sell the stake and consolidate the countrys three biggest shipbuilders - which includes Samsung Heavy Industries Co Ltd - into two.

The combination of two of the giant shipbuilders would ease competition and excess capacity, which have depressed ship prices, KDB chairman Lee Dong-gull said at a news conference.

The deal will raise the fundamental competitiveness of Daewoo, at a time when the threat from latecomers in China and Singapore is growing, Lee said last week.

Hyundai and Daewoo hold a combined market share of 21.2 per cent, followed by Japans Imabari Shipbuilding with a 6.6 per cent, according to research data.

Lee said it will take several months to gain approval from antitrust regulators from related countries. He said the size of the resulting entitys market share would not be detrimental to the interests of customers.

KDB said it would also approach Samsung Heavy to gauge any interest in taking over Daewoo.

A Samsung Heavy spokesman said it has received a proposal from KDB and that it needs to review the matter.

Hyundai Heavy Industry workers union said it will delay a vote on last years wage deal in protest of a purchase it says could threaten job security. Ploughing money into buying another big firm after releasing workers claiming losses and shrinking orders will be quite unjustified, it added.

KDBs Lee, however, ruled out any job cuts after the combination.

Hyundais holding company is set to raise funds for acquisitions through the sale of part of its stake in refiner Hyundai Oilbank Co Ltd to Saudi Aramco for up to 1.8 trillion won.

The shipbuilding industry accounts for 7 per cent of both exports and employment in Asias fourth-biggest economy.
Germany's Osram buys UK's Ring Automotive in consumer push

German lighting group Osram has acquired Britains Ring Automotive in a move that would help the company gain access to the consumer market for auto accessories.

Osram, which mainly sells its products to manufacturers rather than end consumers, purchased Ring from Rubicon Partners.

Ring Automotive currently employs 160 and had sales of 40 million pounds ($52.44 million) in 2017.

Osram Licht AG is a multinational lighting manufacturer headquartered in Munich, Germany.

Osram was established in 1919 by the merger of the lighting businesses of Auergesellschaft, Siemens & Halske and Allgemeine Elektrizitats-Gesellschaft (AEG). Osram was spun off from Siemens on 5 July 2013, followed by listing of its stock on 8 July 2013 on Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Osram is currently one of the guiding lights both in technological development and in the manufacture of high-quality products and solutions in various fields such as sensor technology and laser systems. Its product portfolio comprises high-performance light-emitting diodes (LEDs)  e.g. for automotive and general lighting applications  miniature LEDs for mobile devices, as well as infrared diodes (IRED), semiconductor lasers and detectors.
India's steel exports rise 16.7% in 2017-18

Finished steel exports from the country increased 16.7 per cent to 9.62 million tonnes in 2017-18, which included 8.73 million tonnes of non-alloy steels and 0.89 million tonnes of alloy/stainless steels.

India exported 8.25 million tonnes of finished steel, which included 7.59 million tonnes of non-alloy steels and 0.66 million tonnes of alloy/stainless steels in 2016-17.

Stating this in the Lok Sabha on Monday, minister of state for steel Vishnu Deo Sai also said total steel production in the country increased to 103.13 million tonnes in 2017-18 from 88.98 million tonnes in 2014-15.

The minister said the government has notified the National Steel Policy, 2017 and the Policy for Providing Preference to Domestically Manufactured Iron and Steel (DMI&SP) in government procurement, in order to create a facilitative environment to improve domestic production and consumption of steel.

Besides, he said, the government has taken various measures with a view to provide relief to the domestic industry.

These include:

Increased customs duty on steel in two phases-in June 2015 and August 2015, by 2.5 per cent each;

Minimum Import Price (MIP) imposed on specified steel products in February 2016. MIP has since expired in February 2017;

Imposed 20 per cent Safeguard Duty on Hot Rolled Coils, provisionally in September 2015 and finally notified in August 2016;

Imposed Safeguard Duty on Hot Rolled (not in coils), provisionally in August and finally notified in November 2016;

Imposed anti-dumping measures for HR Coils provisionally in August 2016 and finally notified in May 2017;

Imposed anti-dumping measures for CR Coils provisionally in August 2016 and finally notified in May 2017;

Imposed anti-dumping measures for wire rods provisionally in September 2016 and finally notified in October 2017;

Imposed anti-dumping duties for Colour Coated Steel provisionally in January 2017 and final notification issued in October 2017.

Carried out sunset review of SS Cold Rolled 600-1250mm wherein duties were extended up to 2020; on China, additional Countervailing Duty (CVD) of 18.95 per cent imposed for 5 years from September 2017;

Imposed anti-dumping duties on SS Hot Rolled products in March 2014 which is valid up to 2020; on China, additional CVD of 18.95 per cent imposed for 5 years from September 2017.

The government also issued quality control orders namely Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2018, covering 47 carbon/alloy steel and 6 stainless steel products. The quality control order prohibits manufacturing / import of sub-standard / seconds and defective products.

Replying to a question the minister also said India has not been much impacted by the tariff imposed by USA since Indias exports to the USA were just around 2.2 per cent before the imposition of the tariff.
SC asks Kolkata police chief to cooperate with CBI; no arrest

Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar who is accused of shielding the Sharada Chit Fund scam accused, got some reprieve from the Supreme Court which barred the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from arresting him, but said he has to appear before the CBI in Shillong and make available all evidence and cooperate with investigations into chit fund scams in Bengal.

The CBI told the Supreme Court that Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar's Special Investigative Team that probed the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund cases of "doctoring evidence" and "shielded guilty companies".

The Kolkata police chief is at the vortex of a huge showdown between the CBI and Mamata Banerjee, who is on Day 3 of her indefinite protest sit-in against the CBI probe into the police chief in connection with the Sharada and Rose Valley Chit Fund scams.

An angry Trinamool Congress chief also ordered the arrest of the CBI officers instead for team for door-stepping Rajeev Kumar on Sunday evening to question him on "missing evidence" in the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund cases.

Several members of Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress have been arrested in the cases, which were probed by a Special Investigation Team led by Rajeev Kumar.

The CBI told the Supreme Court that Rajeev Kumar's investigation "shielded guilty companies" and there was "inaction, selective action and a nexus" between the police and the accused companies. The evidence handed over by the team "is not complete and it was doctored", the CBI added in its affidavit listing allegations against the Kolkata police chief.

The CBI moved to the Supreme Court on Monday, after its team that arrived at Rajeev Kumar's Kolkata home was blocked by the police, bundled into buses and detained for a few hours.

The CBI told the court today that call data records given to the CBI by the Special Investigation Team were not complete and less calls were shown in the data. "The SIT gave us doctored copies of call records," said the CBI's lawyer.

The CBI wanted to question the police chief, a "potential accused," on missing documents, but said he had not responded to repeated summons over the past two years. The police chief also skipped an Election Commission meeting on poll preparations, spurring talk that he was"absconding".

The CBI has said in its affidavit that the SIT "used to shield selective companies such as Saradha, Rose Valley and Tower Group, which had given huge contributions to the party in power (Trinamool Congress) in West Bengal".
"There's a part of me that's still that kid who felt my culture was very 'other.' From that standpoint, I'm happy to see it more mainstream," said Lisa Hsia, 37, of Oakland, Calif. "But at the same time when I see Chinese New Year shoes or whatever, I have to ask, who's putting this together and who's it for?"
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 6)  The Senate will vote on February 6 whether or not to approve the transfer of ownership of Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company (Mislatel) to a consortium which has been named third major telecommunications company.

Senator Grace Poe, public service committee chairperson, said in a statement on Tuesday, that she presented House Concurrent Resolution 23 seeking the transfer of Mislatel's ownership to the consortium led by Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy's Udenna Corp. and its logistics arm Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp., and Chinese-government owned China Telecommunications Corporation (China Telecom).

"As chair, I sponsored it. It will still go through a vote. The reason why we did this is because this is the mandate of the Senate. I cannot decide on it as chairman [alone]. It has to be the collective wisdom of the body," Poe was quoted as saying in a remark during a television interview.

Poe said her committee removed references in the resolution which identified Mislatel as the new major telco player.

"We're treating it as a regular franchise because later on someone might go to the court and say Congress recognized Mislatel as the third telco," Poe said.

READ: Senate panel eyes curing provisions for Mislatel's franchise issue

She said the resolution does not bar Congress from altering, amending or repealing Mislatel's franchise granted under Republic Act 8627 should it fail to make good on its commitments on coverage and internet speed, among others.

Poe earlier said the committee will "cure" provisions in the franchise to accommodate the consortium, and fasttrack its rollout of projects to improve telco services and make it affordable to the public.

Senators have debated on the validity of Mislatel's franchise, with Senator Franklin Drilon saying the telco violated franchise terms when it did not seek congressional approval on the transfer of controlling interest to the consortium.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology and the National Telecommunications Commission require a valid franchise in naming the third telco player.

READ: DICT chief refutes Drilon, denies Mislatel's franchise is revoked

Mislatel said its franchise may only revoked through a quo warranto petition filed before the court questioning its authority to hold the franchise, or a congressional action to revoke it.
New FDI rules could force Walmart to exit Flipkart: Morgan Stanley

Indias revised foreign direct investment policy might put Walmarts business plans in India in disarray and its $16-billion acquisition of Flipkart might sour, forcing the US retail giant to exit Flipkart, says Wall Street investment banker Morgan Stanley.

Global retail major Amazon.coms and Walmart Incs plans to expand operations in India and dominate the countrys online retail market received a big blow after the government announced a revised foreign direct investment policy.

Walmart will be the biggest loser after Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to set his economic priorities straight, and retain more elbow room for small local retailers, the bank stated in a report.

This is because the new FDI policy will create a scenario similar to the one that forced Amazon out of China and might end up with Walmart exiting Flipkart if it cant see long term profitability.

An exit is likely, not completely out of the question, with the Indian e-commerce market becoming more complicated, according to a recent report from Morgan Stanley.

Under the new FDI policy that went into effect from 1 February, e-commerce platforms cannot sell their own products or brands that are directly or indirectly owned by them. E-commerce platforms cannot also hold more than 25 per cent of its sales from private labels. This, according to the retailers, will prevent the platforms from exercising any ownership or control over their own inventory.

At the same time, the government cannot allow retailers to sell own products as per the retail FDI policy and allow them to undercut small local vendors by offering price discounts.

There is a precedent for an exit as Amazon retreated from China in late 2017 after seeing that the model no longer worked for them, says the Morgan Stanley report. We estimate that Flipkart derives 50% of its revenue from this category, meaning Flipkart could face meaningful disruption and top-line pressure in the near term.

Amazon and Flipkart, which are the biggest online marketplaces in India, have seen drastic fall in sales of about 25 to 35 per cent as they had to remove listing of more reliable sellers like Cloudtail and Appario Retail since 1 February.

Flipkarts losses may rise 20 per cent to 25 per cent following the changes, according to Morgan Stanley, which said in the report.

Mukesh Ambani could gain from the FDI policy revision and Reliance could probably use the opportunity to make a grand entry into e-commerce.

Ambani had last month hinted at joining the e-commerce bandwagon as he mapped out his future strategy, which involves rolling out a shopping platform to 1.2 million store-owners in western India. The company proposed to enlist more neighborhood shops as distribution and delivery centers for products that will be available on its mobile platform, say reports.
EU starts in-depth probe into Tata Steel-ThyssenKrupp merger

Thyssenkrupp on Friday said it is holding constructive talks with the European Commission, which has launched an in-depth probe into the planned European joint venture with India's Tata Steel.

"We explicitly share the opinion of competition Commissioner (Margrethe) Vestager: Steel is of enormous importance to the European economy. That's why we need a strong European steel industry," Thyssenkrupp chief executive Guido Kerkhoff told shareholders at the group's annual general meeting on Friday.

The commission has set a 29 April deadline to rule on the transaction, which would create Europe's second-largest steelmaker after ArcelorMittal, but could demand painful remedies as well.

Tata Steel and ThyssenKrupp are major integrated producers of flat carbon steel and electrical steel, with significant production facilities in the European Economic Area (EEA), in particular in Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed creation of a joint venture by Tata Steel and ThyssenKrupp, the European Commission, the executive arm of the 28-member economic bloc, said in a statement.

Tata Steel had, in June, confirmed it agreed the terms of a 50-50 JV with ThyssenKrupp to create Europes second-largest steel company after Lakshmi Mittals ArcelorMittal. But the two may need to sell substantial assets to get EU nod as the proposed joint venture would breach the blocs merger regulations and reduce competition.

The Commission said it is concerned that the merger between the two may reduce competition in the supply of various high-end steels. Steel is a crucial input for many of the goods we use in our everyday life, and competitive steel prices are vital for the European economy, said Vestager. Industries dependent on steel employ over 30 million people in Europe and we must be able to compete in global markets. This is why we will carefully investigate the impact of the planned combination of steel businesses on effective competition in the steel markets.

The European Commission said its initial market investigation raised several issues, relating in particular to combining both companies' offer of certain specialty flat carbon steel and electrical steel products.

It specifically highlighted steel for automotive applications, predominantly galvanised, that are used to produce cars and car parts; metallic coated steel for packaging, which is used to produce various packaging solutions, such as food and aerosol cans; and grain oriented electrical steel, which is used to produce a variety of engineering products such as transformers, as areas of concern.

The Commission said it is concerned that, following the transaction, customers would face a reduced choice in suppliers, as well as higher prices. These customers include various European companies, ranging from major corporations to numerous small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). Many compete with imported products in the EEA, or export their products outside Europe and compete globally, the Commission said in a statement.

The Tata-ThyssenKrupp transaction was notified to the European Commission on 25 September, but both companies chose not to make commitments during the initial investigation to address the Commission's preliminary concerns.

The Commission now has 90 working days, until 19 March 2020, to take a decision.
NCLAT bars RCom from selling assets till 12 February

Beleaguered telecom service provider Reliance Communications (RCom) failed to get any immediate relief from the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) as the appellate tribunal restricted the company from selling its assets till 12 February.

The NCLAT passed the order in a petition filed by RCom. The order also stated that RCom or any third party should not sell, transfer or alienate any of its assets (movable and immoveable), without its or the SCs permission.

The bar on RComs asset sale hinges on its contractual obligation to pay around Rs550 crore to Swedish telecom equipment manufacturer Ericsson.

In May 2018, the Mumbai Bench of National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) had passed an order after RCom reached an agreement to pay Rs550 crore to Ericsson. The NCLT stated that RCom will be put under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, in case the agreement was not honoured.

RCom had appealed against that order, and now with the company deciding to voluntarily move the NCLT, it had sought to withdraw the appeal.

The appellate tribunal has given Ericsson time till 8 February to file its reply, while the next hearing has been posted for 12 February. It has also restrained RCom from selling its assets or invoking any bank guarantee till that date.

RCom, meanwhile got some reprieve with the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) directing the Department of Telecommunications to return a Rs2,000-crore bank guarantee provided earlier.

The tribunal, which is hearing an RCom petition against DoT on the one-time spectrum charge issue, also stated that up to 5 MHz of CDMA and up to 6.2 MHz of GSM spectrum have been exempted from one-time levies.

TDSAT had, in July 2018, directed DoT to release the bank guarantees that RCom had provided in 2016 for spectrum, based on RComs appeal.

With RCom now moving the NCLT, Ericsson will continue to be an operational creditor.
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SEATTLE  The Killarney Apartments, at 3008 Harvard Ave. E., have sold for almost $6.6 million, according to King County records.

The seller was a local investor family, which acquired the property in 1991 for a little over $1.1 million.





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DES MOINES  The Marina Club Apartments, at 2445 S. 222nd St., have sold for a little over $15.6 million, according to King County records.

The seller was RSRC Marina Club LLC, which acquired the property in 2014 for about $7.6 million.





. . .
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SEATTLE  The Townview Apartments, at 1222 Taylor Ave. N., have sold for almost $3.1 million, according to King County records. The seller was 1222 Taylor LLC, which acquired the property in 2008 for about $1.5 million.

The buyer was Kedod Enterprises USA, which lists a residential address in Vancouver, B.C.





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Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. engages in the design, construction, and sale of single-family attached and detached homes in the United States. The company operates through a portfolio of six brands, including Maracay in Arizona; Pardee Homes in California and Nevada; Quadrant Homes in Washington; Trendmaker Homes in Texas; TRI Pointe Homes in California, Colorado, and the Carolinas; and Winchester Homes in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. As of December 31, 2020, its operations consisted of 112 active selling communities and 35,641 owned or controlled lots. The company sells its homes through own sales representatives and independent real estate brokers. It also provides financial services, such as mortgage financing, title and escrow, and property and casualty insurance agency services. The company was formerly known as TRI Pointe Group, Inc. and changed its name to Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. in January 2021. Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Irvine, California.

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Penske Automotive Group, Inc., a diversified transportation services company, operates automotive and commercial truck dealerships. The company operates through four segments: Retail Automotive, Retail Commercial Truck, Other, and Non-Automotive Investments. It operates dealerships under franchise agreements with various automotive manufacturers and distributors. The company engages in the sale of new and used motor vehicles, and related products and services comprise vehicle and collision repair services, as well as placement of finance and lease contracts, third-party insurance products, and other aftermarket products; and wholesale of parts. It also operates a heavy and medium duty truck dealership, which offers Freightliner and Western Star branded trucks, as well as a range of used trucks, and maintenance and repair services. In addition, it imports and distributes Western Star heavy-duty trucks, MAN heavy and medium duty trucks, buses, and Dennis Eagle refuse collection vehicles with associated parts in Australia, New Zealand, and portions of the Pacific. Further, the company distributes diesel and gas engines, and power systems. The company operates 304 retail automotive franchises, including 142 franchises located in the United States and 162 franchises located outside of the United States; 17 used vehicle supercenters in the United States and the United Kingdom; and 25 commercial truck dealerships in Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Georgia, Utah, and Idaho, the United States, as well as Canada. Penske Automotive Group, Inc. was incorporated in 1990 and is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen Coding GmbH, Allen France SAS, Alpine Automation Limited, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Holdings Inc., Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, AppliChem Inc., Arylux Hungary Elektromechanikus Alkatreszgyarto Kft, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix (Suzhou) Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Holdings Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel (Ireland) Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument, Brooks Instrument (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Buell Industries Inc., CAPMAX Logistica S.A. de C.V., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS (Australia) Pty Limited, CS (Finance) Europe S.a.r.l., CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, CSMTS LLC, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures (Australasia) S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Cetram Pty Limited, Coeur, Coeur (Shanghai) Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Densit Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Dorbyl U.K. (Holdings) Limited, Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO (Holding) AG, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elga Skandinavian AS, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, FEG Investments L.L.C., Fasver, Filtertek, Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech (Taicang) Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart (Japan) K.K., Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart Foster Belgium, Hobart International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Hobart Korea LLC, Hobart LLC, Hobart Nederland B.V., Hobart Sales & Service Inc., Hobart Scandinavia ApS, Hobart Techniek B.V., Horis, ILC Investments Holdings Inc., ITW (China) Investment Company Limited, ITW (Deutschland) GmbH, ITW (EU) Holdings Ltd., ITW (European) Finance Co. Ltd., ITW (European) Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW (Ningbo) Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Airport Ground Equipment (Beijing) Co. Ltd., ITW Alpha Sarl, ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components LLC, ITW Appliance Components S.A. de C.V., ITW Appliance Components S.r.l.a, ITW Appliance Components d.o.o., ITW Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, ITW Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd., ITW Australia Pty Ltd, ITW Automotive Components (Chongqing) Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Components (Langfang) Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Japan K.K., ITW Automotive Korea LLC, ITW Automotive Parts (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, ITW Automotive Products GmbH, ITW Automotive Products Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Bailly Comte, ITW Befestigungssysteme GmbH, ITW Belgium, ITW Brazilian Nominee L.L.C., ITW Building Components Group Inc., ITW CER, ITW CP Distribution Center Holland BV, ITW CS (UK) Ltd., ITW Canada Inc., ITW Celeste Inc., ITW Chemical Products Ltda, ITW Chemical Products Scandinavia ApS, ITW Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., ITW Construction Products AB, ITW Construction Products AS, ITW Construction Products ApS, ITW Construction Products CZ s.r.o., ITW Construction Products Italy Srl, ITW Construction Products OU, ITW Construction Products OY, ITW Contamination Control (Wujiang) Co. Ltd., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Delta Sarl, ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.A., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Finance Designated Activity Company, ITW Finance Europe S.A., ITW Fluids and Hygiene Solutions Ltda., ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, ITW GH LLC, ITW GSE ApS, ITW GSE Inc., ITW Gamma Sarl, ITW German Management LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings Y Compania Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, ITW Global Investments II Inc., ITW Global Investments LLC, ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics (Thailand) Ltd., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Italy S.R.L. in liquidazione, ITW Great Britain Investment & Licensing Holding Company, ITW Group France (Luxembourg) S.ar.l., ITW HLP Thailand Co. Ltd., ITW Holding Quimica B.C. S.L. Sole Shareholder Company, ITW Holdings Australia L.P., ITW Holdings I Limited, ITW Holdings II Limited, ITW Holdings III Limited, ITW Holdings IV Limited, ITW Holdings IX Limited, ITW Holdings Inc., ITW Holdings LP, ITW Holdings UK, ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Hungary Finance Beta Kft, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW International Intellectual Property LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Finance Srl, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lombard Holdings Inc., ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW M FILMS II LLC, ITW MH LLC, ITW Marking & Coding (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Medical Group de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Meritex Sdn. Bhd., ITW Metal Fasteners S.L., ITW Mexico Holding Company S. De R.L. de C.V., ITW Mexico Holdings LLC, ITW Morlock GmbH, ITW Mortgage Investments II Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments III Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments IV Inc., ITW Netherlands Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Plastic (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers (Wujiang) Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Philippines Holdings LLC, ITW Poly Mex S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc., ITW Pronovia s.r.o., ITW Pte. Ltd., ITW Qufu Automotive Cooling Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Real Estate Germany GmbH, ITW Residuals III L.L.C., ITW Residuals IV L.L.C., ITW Rivex, ITW SMPI, ITW SPG Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Simco-Ion (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., ITW Slovakia s.r.o., ITW Spain Holdings S.L., ITW Specialty Film LLC, ITW Specialty Films France, ITW Specialty Materials (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Spraytec, ITW Sverige AB, ITW Sweden Holding AB, ITW Test & Measurement Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, ITW Test & Measurement GmbH, ITW Test and Measurement Italia Srl, ITW Test and Measurement Services Industry and Trade Ltd., ITW Texwipe Philippines Inc., ITW Thermal Films (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW UK, ITW UK Finance Beta Limited, ITW UK Finance Delta Limited, ITW UK Finance Gamma Limited, ITW UK Finance Limited, ITW UK II Limited, ITW Universal II LLC, ITW Welding, ITW Welding AB, ITW Welding GmbH, ITW Welding Products B.V., ITW Welding Products Group FZE, ITW Welding Products Group S. DE R.L. De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., ITW haubold Paslode GmbH, Ideal Molding Technologies LLC, Illinois Tool Works (Chile) Limitada, Illinois Tool Works (ITW) Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Norway AS, Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron (Shanghai) Ltd., Instron (Thailand) Limited, Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Holdings Limited, Instron International Limited, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, International Leasing Company LLC, International Truss Systems Proprietary Limited, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kester Components (M) Sdn. Bhd., Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft Argentina S.A., Krafft S.L., Lock Inspection Systemes France Sarl, Loma Systems (Canada) Inc., Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Luvex - Industria De Equipamentos De Protecao Ltda., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, Magna Industrial Co. Limited, Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, Norden Olje AB, North Star Imaging Europe, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Odesign Inc., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited (Enping), Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Penta Dnepr LLC, Penta Sever OOO, Penta Volga OOO, Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., Ramset Fasteners (Hong Kong) Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Salter India Limited, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco (Nederland) B.V., Simco Japan Inc., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques  SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tape Group B.V., Stokvis Tapes (Hong Kong) Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Taiwan) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes BVBA, Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Tarutin Kester Co. Ltd., Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek (China) Limited, Teknek (Japan) Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode (Kunshan) Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode (Qingdao) Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Tregaskiss Welding Products, US Finance Gamma LLC, Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V.B.A., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta (Guangzhou) Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Vesta Global Limited, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., W Packaging Technology (China) Co. Ltd., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wujiang Advanced Cleaning Co. Ltd., Wynn Oil (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, ZF TRW (Engineered Fasteners and Components), and Zip-Pak International B.V..
Highlights:

The popular belief so far was that the Moon was born out of materials from a Mars-sized impactor when it collided with Earth nearly 4.5 billion years ago.

New research at NASA suggests it's Earth's materials found on the Moon and not the impactor's.

More research is necessary to confirm all of this, NASA believes.

For decades now, scientists have wondered how the Moon came to be and what it consists of. The most popular theory says that the Moon consists of materials from a Mars-sized celestial body from the time it collided with Earth approximately 4.5 billion years ago. However, new research data from NASA suggests otherwise. It suggests that our Moon consists of materials found on Earth and not from the Mars-sized impactor. The new research comes from analyses made recently and samples collected from the Moon nearly fifty years ago during the Apollo missions.

The findings of the recent research have been published in the journal Science Advances by Kevin Righter of the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division (ARES) at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He questions the popular, long-standing theory that the Moon contains elements from the Mars-sized impacting body and believes that theyre actually from Earth. He says this after modelling the composition of the Moon while considering several deciding factors like post-impact disk processes and the formation of the Moons small metallic core.

Righter created a bulk Moon model composition similar to that of our planet to compare the concentrations of 14 volatile siderophile (metal-loving) elements from the Moon samples with his calculated values. To everyones surprise, he found a strong correlation with 9 out of the 14 elements, suggesting that the Moon does not contain elements from the Mars-sized impactor. By simulating the main processes contributing to the Moons formation and early differentiation, we were able to predict the level of each element that should be present in the Moons mantle, commented Righter in a recent NASA press release.

Righter firmly believes that more research is required to understand the dynamic environment of the post-impact disk better and hopes that his own research brings about a deeper dive into the matter. Scientists in the 1970s recognized the very low levels of some of these volatile elements in lunar samples, the scientist added. Much lower than concentrations in the Earth. But lack of experimental data in the 1970s hindered scientists from a complete understanding of these low lunar concentrations.

Related Read: China's lunar probe lands on the dark side of the moon
The Earth actually has a number of north poles, and all of them are not at a fixed point. The Earth rotates towards the east, leading to periods of days and nights. The points at which the axis of rotation intersects with the surface of the Earth is called the geographic north pole and the geographic south pole. At the south pole, there is a land mass, while the north pole has drifting ice sheets. The exact location of the geographic poles, also known as the terrestrial poles is not constant. It wobbles by a few meters, following some regular patterns, as well as an irregular pattern. The geographic poles are also referred to as the true poles.

The magnetic poles

Apart from the geographic poles, there are the magnetic north and south poles. This is where the compass needles point towards at any given point in time. At the magnetic north pole, the compass points straight down. When early compasses were invented, the end that pointed to the north was marked with an N. Eventually, scientists figured out that the needles were attracted to the opposite poles, but the convention stuck. So compass needles point to the magnetic north pole, which is actually the south pole of the magnetic field of the Earth. Imagine a line between the magnetic north pole and the magnetic south pole. This line is at an angle of about eleven degrees to the axis around which the Earth rotates or a line between the geographic north pole and the geographic south pole. Now, the line between the magnetic north pole and the magnetic south pole is not a line that passes through the centre of the Earth.

The red line indicates a positive or eastward declination, while the blue lines indicate a negative or westward declination

This means that the magnetic north and south poles are not located exactly at opposite sides of the Earth. The distance between the magnetic north pole and the geographic north pole is about 500 kilometres. The distance between the magnetic south pole and the geographic south pole, is much more, at 2,858 kilometres. If you were actually standing at the geographic north or south pole, your compass would still point towards the magnetic poles.

At the magnetic north and south poles, the compass needles would try to point downwards, attempting to follow the magnetic field lines. Additionally, the north pole keeps drifting, whereas the south pole is more or less stable. In the early part of the 20th century, the north pole was drifting at the rate of about 9 kilometres per year. The rate of the drifting started accelerating in the 70s, and now the north pole moves at the much higher rate of 41 kilometres per year.

The drift of the magnetic and geomagnetic north pole

Why the Earth sustains a magnetic field is somewhat of a mystery. Very early in the formation of the Earth, when the surface was not a solid crust, Earth did not have a magnetic field. The magnetic field emerged only after the Earth had cooled enough. Now the molten plasma at the core of the Earth should have dampened the magnetic field within a few thousand years, but the Earth continues to have a magnetic field for reasons that are not yet entirely understood. Researchers suspect that the reason lies in the outer core, which is a swirling liquid mass of magma, rich in iron and nickel. This liquid ocean is churned because of the rotation of the Earth, giving rise to the magnetic field of the Earth. These subsurface currents are hundreds of kilometres in width and thousands of kilometres in length. The strength of the magnetic field would increase, if the Earth rotated faster, or had larger volumes of liquid magma in the outer core. The strength of the Earths magnetic field is reducing by about 5 percent every hundred years. Over the course of thousands of years, the polarity of the Earths field also changes. This means that the magnetic north pole and south pole exchange positions. In the last 76 million years, there have been 170 reversals, with the interval between the reversals increasing. Currently, this period is around 300,000 years. The last reversal happened 770,000 years ago, so we are overdue for a reversal.

The declination is zero along the green lines, which means no correction is necessary

As you can see, there is no bar magnet inside the Earth generating the magnetic field. But imagine there was one. The north and south poles would be at antipodes, on opposite sides of the Earth, and the straight line between the poles would pass through the centre of the Earth. The geomagnetic north and south poles are the points on the surface where the axis of this hypothetical dipole intersects with the Earth. The geomagnetic north and south poles also drift, but the reduced movement of the magnetic south pole dampens the movement of the geomagnetic north pole in comparison to the magnetic north pole.

The World Magnetic Model

For a range of military and civilian applications, including navigation on smartphone apps, the USA based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) maintains what is called the World Magnetic Model (WMM).

The model is used to orient ships, aircraft, satellites, antennas, drilling platforms and mobile handsets, among other things. These devices or equipment use a compass, and align themselves along the direction of the magnetic field. The angle by which this alignment differs from the geographic north is called the declination. At some points on the Earth, the declination is a positive value, while at others, the declination is a negative value. In some places, the declination is zero, which means that the compass is actually pointing at the geographic north. The WMM provides declination values for any point on the surface of the Earth and extends to 1 kilometre below the surface, and 850 kilometres above the surface.

A model of the Earths magnetic field.

Three satellites of the European Space Agencys Swarm mission are used for measuring the magnetic fields of the Earth, the measurements are then used to update the model. As the rate of movement of the magnetic north pole is accelerating, the model needs to be updated more frequently as well. Usually, this model is updated every 5 years, and the currently used model was called WMM2015 and was released in December 2014. This model was expected to be current till 2020. However, in 2018, the NOAA released an update, a version 2 of the WMM2015, because the WMM2015 model was showing a degraded performance in the higher latitudes, particularly for vessels operating within the Arctic circle. Another update was scheduled for January 15, but that did not happen because of a government shutdown in the USA. The version 3 update for WMM2015 was then delayed to January 30.

A version of this model is embedded within smartphones, and applications can obtain information from it when required. In the lower latitudes, the drifting magnetic north pole does not really affect the devices much. Although the lifetime of the existing models ends in 2020, the devices using the older versions are expected to be accurate beyond that time as well. The accuracy will deteriorate every year, but future versions of operating systems are expected to be updated with newer iterations of the WMM.

The NOAA website is back online now, where you can read more details about the out of cycle update for the WMM.
Highlights:

Schoolboy detained for telling Siri, I am going to shoot up a school

Police say the kid took a screenshot and posted it on social media thinking its a joke

When Google introduced Duplex, its AI-powered tech that used Assistant to answer calls, it attracted criticism for allegedly being murky. However, the critics didnt know at that time that technology could potentially paint a gloomier picture in the future. In a bizarre and worrisome incident, a middle school US boy was detained and charged with intimidation after he threatened to shoot up a school on Apples AI Assistant Siri.

According to the police, they are investigating a general threat to school safety made today by the boy, who told Siri, I am going to shoot up a school. To his surprise, Siri returned with the names of multiple schools in the vicinity. The boy apparently found it interesting and posted it on his social media account for fun, however, his contacts took that joke seriously. Here, the role of technology is more disturbing as it led to the arrest of the 13-year-old boy, who was just joking

The police say that the 'contacts' of the school kid informed the police after they saw the screenshot taken by the accused on the social media. The male made no direct threat to a specific person, school, or school system. It has since been discovered the male has no access to weapons and posted the picture on social media as a joke. The threat is not believed to be credible at this time; however, these types of communications are taken very seriously by the Valparaiso Police Department and our community, the police was quoted as saying.

The incident comes at a time when there is a strong demand for stringent gun laws in the US. The country has seen an upward spiral in mass shootings in recent years with some of them occurring within school compounds where numerous innocent children have become victims. According to Inquirer, there were 97 school gun violence incidents in 2018 alone. This is reportedly much higher than the previous record of 59 incidents in 2006. The report says that 11 gun violence incidents have already been recorded in the US in 2019.

According to a BBC report, 2018 was the worst year for US school shootings, as a total of 113 people were killed or injured in school shootings in the US. Many parts of the US have about 180 school days per year, which means that, on an average, there was a shooting incident once every eight school days.

Related Read:

Steam removes Active Shooter game that simulates mass school shooting
Update: OnePlus has confirmed to Digit that this is purely a networking event.

Highlights:

OnePlus sends out invites for an event at MWC. .

Reportedly, OnePlus is unlikely to launch the OnePlus 7 at MWC.



The Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona may hold a lot of surprises for tech affectionados. Among several other launches, we could see Samsungs 10th anniversary Galaxy devices (though it is unveiling the phone on February 20 in San Francisco), Motorola launching the seventh generation of its G-Series phones and Nokia bringing out the Nokia 9 PureView smartphone. Until now, there were reports that OnePlus would not make an appearance at the event, but now the Chinese company has sent out invites for a closed-door event.

Given that there is no aggressive media coverage of any OnePlus device, the invitation to attend the event has come as a surprise. OnePlus isnt likely to bring the OnePlus 7 at MWC but now we know that the Chinese company is looking to leave its mark at one of the biggest events in the technology industry. Guessing by the invite, OnePlus could be hosting a networking event and may talk to the limited audience about its "future" products and services.

At the Annual Qualcomm Summit in December last year, OnePlus CEO, Pete Lau shared some information on the company's future plans and ideas, shedding light on what we can and should not expect from the company in the near future. As expected, the conversation revolved around the companys 5G phone, but there was also talk of a smaller OnePlus smartphone.

OnePlus is slated to be one of the first companies to launch a smartphone with the new Snapdragon 855 chipsets, but it's unlikely this event will witness that.

Related Read:

OnePlus Product Manager Challenge invites users to design upcoming features for OxygenOS
Minister of State McEntee travels to Skopje and Tirana

Press release

Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee T.D., travels to Skopje and Tirana

The Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee T.D., travels to Skopje and Tirana today for a working visit with the Finnish State Secretary Mr. Samuli Virtanen.

During their visit to Skopje, the Ministers will meet with Macedonian Prime Minister Mr. Zoran Zaev and Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Bujar Osmani.

In Albania, the Ministers will meet with Interior Minister, Mr. Sander Lheshaj, the Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr.Sokol Dedja, and a number of other leading political figures in the country. Together with the Albanian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Bledi Cuci, and the EU Ambassador to Albania, Mr. Luigi Soreca, Minister McEntee will also launch an EU funded joint Irish-Finnish project on food safety.

During the visit, Minister McEntee will discuss Irelands bilateral relationship with both countries, as well as topical issues such as their EU path, the reform process, the Prespa Agreement and developments in the wider Western Balkans region.

Speaking ahead of her visit, Minister McEntee said:

"I am delighted to be visiting both Skopje and Tirana at this crucial time with my Finnish colleague, State Secretary Virtanen. The visit will be an opportunity to discuss with the leaders in both countries their respective EU paths and the reforms they are undertaking. This is important as a decision will be made in June on the opening of accession negotiations with both countries.

I am also looking forward to launching the joint Irish-Finnish food safety project in Tirana. This four year project is an example of Europe in action  combining EU funding with Irish and Finnish expertise to bring real benefit to Albanian citizens."



ENDS

Press Office

5 February 2019

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Major stakeholders in Brazils Oi are considering selling the operators mobile business and shifting its strategy towards fibre.

Brazils O Globo paper reported that pivoting the business towards fibre was one of several options on the table, with investors also open to merging Oi with another operator. This is a significant turnaround from reports that surfaced in August 2018 indicating that Ois shareholders aimed to improve its operations rather than selling off units or assets.

No further details around divestment strategies have been revealed, although business outlet Economia has reported that Ois board may replace its president, Eurico Teles. The publication suggested that a number of board members  including Paulino do Rego Barros Junior, Rodrigo Abreu and Roger Sole  could take his place.

Having racked up huge amounts of debt, Oi filed for bankruptcy protection in June 2016. In order to repay these debts, several of Ois creditors accepted equity in the operator, giving them significantly more sway over the direction of its operations.
Mantra Roped In For The Pivotal Role Of Najib-Ud-Daulah In Ashutosh Gowarikers Panipat

Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowarikers upcoming historical drama Panipat is already making a lot of buzz, especially for its casting. The maverick director, who is known to put together an interesting ensemble cast for his films, has yet again roped in some of the best talents from the industry for this magnum opus.

After securing actors like Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Kapoor, and Kriti Sanon for its main cast, now it is confirmed that popular actor-host Mantra aka Puranjit Dasgupta has joined the stellar cast of Panipat.

The actor, who has received several accolades as a theatre actor, television presenter, radio jockey, model and voice-over artist, will be seen in a pivotal role in the film. Mantra will be seen essaying the character of Najib-Ud-Daulah, who played an important part in the third battle of Panipat. Najib-Ud-Daulah was Ahmed Shah Abdalis ally and it was he who invited Abdali to India.

Speaking about the latest addition to the cast of Panipat, producer Sunita Gowariker said, Najib-Ud-Daulah was one of the key persons in this epic battle. He was a Rohilla Yousafzai Pashtun, who was blessed with a brilliant political acumen. For this part, we were looking for an actor who not only looked the part but also had the dexterity to pull off such a complex role. When we met Mantra, we instantly knew that he was the perfect fit for the role. He is immensely talented and we are happy to have him onboard.

Panipat is based on the Third Battle of Panipat, which is one of the most epic battles in the history of India that took place on 14 January 1761 at Panipat. The battle was fought between the northern expeditionary force of the Maratha Empire and invading forces of the King of Afghanistan, Ahmad Shah Abdali, supported by two Indian alliesthe Rohilla Afghans of the Doab, and Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh. The film is scheduled to release on December 6, 2019.
In An Exclusive Chat, Tom Bateman Reveals What He Loves About His Role

Tom Bateman, who is part of Hans Petter Molands Cold Pursuit, plays the role of Viking in the film. The actor says that it is rather a unique role. My character, Viking is so interesting because he doesn't really operate on the same wavelength as others. He is a psychopath. I read a book called Psychopath Test before I worked on this. These people don't really function on the same wavelength as everyone else. But they do function in society, so it makes it very interesting to see someone making decisions like shooting someone on a whim, in the face, even if that person happens to be close to them. The audience never knows what's going on in this guy's head and just when you think he is going down on one road, he flips and goes down on another. So, you may think, Oh! he's about to be violent, and then he might be seductive and charming. And then you feel, Oh, it's about to be funny and then he shoots someone in the face and cuts their head! So, it just constantly keeps the audience guessing and kept me guessing as an actor, he says.

In fact, the actor has experimented a lot with his character as well. Its quite fun. As I rehearse the scenes in my own hotel room, I feel that I can play the character in a hundred different ways and each scene can be played in a hundred different ways. The lines can be completely subverted. I can play them in the deadpan down the line way as they are written. Or I could play around with them and go like what if I make this line funny, even if what I am saying is horrible or vice versa. So, its like being in a candy store and I can just pick and choose what I like, he says.

Talking about his character, he adds, Vikings job in this movie, if he has one, is running a club. But really that's just a front and a bit of a vanity thing for him. He likes the idea of being a club owner, but his main job is of a drug dealer. He supplies cocaine to the village and the town of Kehoe. He's got a lot of people who work for him. He hasn't built up an empire, he's one of these spoiled brats, who's inherited something but wears it like a crown. And you know he loves that he is seen as this powerful guy but he hasn't done himself anything to deserve that status.

Cold Pursuit is a remake of 2014 Norwegian film In Order of Disappearance, which was also directed by Moland. Director Hans Petter Molands Cold Pursuit stars Liam Neeson, Tom Bateman, Tom Jackson, Emmy Rossum, Domenick Lombardozzi, Julia Jones and John Doman to release on 8th February.
SALT LAKE CITY  Utah Rabbi Avrohom (Avremi) Zippel testified in a preliminary hearing Tuesday morning that his former nanny sexually abused him for 10 years, drawing support from others who have faced significant trauma in their lives.

Rabbi Zippel told the Deseret News in an exclusive interview that Elizabeth Smarts story deeply inspired him.

He said he met Smart  who was abducted from her home in 2002 before she was found nine months later, becoming an advocate for victims of sexual assault and violence  on multiple occasions and Smart advised him on his case.

Smart, who appeared at the hearing on Tuesday with her father, Ed Smart, told the Deseret News she was moved by Rabbi Zippels story.

I think he's a hero for speaking out, she said. I mean the amount of courage it takes to stand up there  I know, I've done it  the amount of courage it takes to stand up in that box and talk about what happened openly. It's terrifying. So he's a hero.

Smart said she appeared at the hearing to support Rabbi Zippel.

There are so many victims who never speak up, she said. I think we've come to kind of a time where it is beginning to get a little bit easier to get them to start speaking.

Smart said theres a common perception that people only think of women as victims and rarely consider men.

When you think of victims, usually it's women, she said. It's not acceptable to be a man and to speak out because then it makes you look like you're not as tough or you're not as macho or, you know, maybe there's something wrong with you, like you should have been enjoying it. Some sick and crazy idea (that) it's unacceptable for a man to speak out about what happened.

And now, she said, Rabbi Zippel can become a voice for the voiceless.

"He can become a voice for so many victims who are too scared to speak out, she added. But the truth is that there's still a lot of men who have been sexually abused and we don't care about their stories. So I definitely wanted to come today to support him.
SALT LAKE CITY  When he first called police to report that his childhood nanny sexually abused him over about a decade, Utah Rabbi Avrohom "Avremi" Zippel gave a fake name.

"I was terrified about this becoming a public matter," he said Tuesday in a Salt Lake courtroom as he testified publicly for the first time. He called himself Brian up until an officer persuaded him to give his real name.

In court, Rabbi Zippel pointed out his former nanny  69-year-old Alavina Fungaihea Florreich  as his abuser. The faith leader, now 27, testified that he was 8 years old when she first moved his hand to touch her inappropriately while they watched movies with his siblings in the playroom of their Salt Lake home.

The sexual encounters continued regularly, mostly in a guest bathroom, where Florreich undressed to her underwear at first but later appeared naked, encouraging him to take off his clothes and touching him or having him touch her, he said.

She told him it was "very healthy and one day I was going to grow up to be a good husband," Rabbi Zippel testified.

After less than an hour of his testimony, 3rd District Judge James Blanch ruled there was enough evidence for the case to advance. He ordered Florreich to stand trial on five counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony, and two counts forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony.

The Deseret News typically does not identify victims of sexual crimes but Rabbi Zippel agreed to be identified.

"I believe in what I'm doing," he said after the preliminary hearing. "I believe in it for myself. I believe in it for the chance to help other victims."

Elizabeth Smart, who attended the hearing in a show of support, called him a hero.

"It's not as acceptable to be a man and to speak out, because then it makes you look like you're not as tough or you're not as macho, or maybe theres something wrong with you, or you should have been enjoying it  some sick and crazy idea in your mind that it's unacceptable for a man to speak out what happened," said Smart, who at age 14 was abducted from her Salt Lake home in 2002 and was held captive for nine months.

As the rabbi testified Tuesday, Florreich often shook her head and took notes with a pen. Wearing a red jacket with a purple flower hairpiece, she sat quietly and did not take the stand. She has not yet entered pleas to the charges against her.

In cross-examination, defense attorney Chad Steur focused on Rabbi Zippel's testimony that no one witnessed the abuse, even though his mother was mostly home, and none of his five siblings had a similar experience.

After he disclosed what happened to his parents in 2016, his mother told police she didn't believe him, Steur said. Parents of abused children often go through a period of disbelief, Rabbi Zippel replied, and his mom didn't indicate to him if she had thought he was lying.

He said at times he requested the sexual contact from Florreich, but not the first times she allegedly touched him and had him touch her.

You never told anybody that this was happening during the entire time that you say it happened?" Steur said.

Correct, the rabbi replied.

At 14, when he left to pursue a Jewish education outside of Utah, the contact continued when he returned about five times a year, for a week or two at a time, he testified. The alleged abuse stopped when he was 18, he recalled. His family no longer needed a nanny and stopped employing Florreich.

After the hearing, Smart, who brought her 3-month-old daughter along, said she and Rabbi Zippel have spoken intermittently but she emphasized to him that the decision on whether to speak publicly was his own.

"It is scary. You don't know how people are going to react. You don't know what's going to change in your life and you don't know how your community's going to look at you and what's going to come about, so it's extremely courageous of him," she said.

Florreich is due back in court for an arraignment on March 4.
SALT LAKE CITY  President Donald Trump will deliver the State of the Union Tuesday evening.

Trump will speak to the country from the House Chamber before a joint session of Congress. Supreme Court justices and other dignitaries  including the widow of Maj. Brent Taylor, who was killed while serving in Afghanistan  will be in attendance as well.

The chamber will be filled with a number of 2020 presidential candidates, including Sens. Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker and Kirsten Gillibrand, too.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said on Fox News Tuesday that the State of the Union will be visionary, adding that Trump will likely speak on the opioid epidemic.

Trump is likely to speak on immigration, abortion and the rationale for reducing troop numbers in Syria and Afghanistan, among other topics, according to The New York Times.

And, as the Deseret News explained, the pomp surrounding the State of the Union has created a public misperception that the president wields more power than the Constitution allows, experts and members of Congress agree. They also say that the address accomplishes nothing more than his constitutional duty of recommending to Congress his priorities.

Here's how to watch.

Time: Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 9 p.m. EST (7 p.m. MT).

Channels: ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, C-SPAN, CNN, Fox News, Fox Business Network, MSNBC and all other major networks and cable news channels. It will be broadcast in Spanish on Telemundo and Univision.

Stream: Watch live on the White House website.
SALT LAKE CITY  An English and gender studies professor has made the case that the original 1964 Mary Poppins film is racist, USA Today reports.

The professor, Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, wrote an op-ed for The New York Times titled, Mary Poppins, and a Nannys Shameful Flirting With Blackface in which he slammed dance scenes from the film, specifically one where Poppins and Bert (Dick Van Dyke) dance on the rooftop while covered in ash.

"When the magical nanny  accompanies her young charges, Michael and Jane Banks, up their chimney, her face gets covered in soot, but instead of wiping it off, she gamely powders her nose and cheeks even blacker," Pollack-Pelzner wrote.

Heres that scene:

Context: The column arrives as questions over Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam faces a blackface scandal after a photo of two men, one dressed in blackface and the other in white Ku Klux Klan robes, on his yearbook photo went viral, according to CNN.

Pollack-Pelzner says several pop culture entities have used blackface in the past. He said the Mary Poppins scene reminded him of P.L. Travers novels, which, he says, "associate chimney sweeps blackened faces with racial caricatures."

He goes even farther. He wrote that the naval officer Admiral Boom asked for the cannons to fire at the cheeky devils on the roof after mistaking them for Hottentots  a racial slur.

"These arent really black Africans; theyre grinning white dancers in blackface," he wrote. "Its a parody of black menace; its even posted on a white nationalist website as evidence of the films racial hierarchy."

Pollack-Pelzner said, blackface  could be said to be part of Disneys origin story. He points to a parody called Mickeys Mellerdrammer, which is a parody of Uncle Toms Cabin, he says.

Mickey blacks his face with dynamite to play Topsy, a crazy-haired, raggedy-dressed, comically unruly black child from the book whose name had become synonymous with the pickaninny stereotype, he writes.

Flashback: As I wrote about in December, the popular Christmas cartoon Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was called racist and bigoted by some critics for how Santa Claus and those in the North Pole slammed Rudolph.
SALT LAKE CITY  After a monthlong closure, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reopened Temple Square's Beehive House on Friday with some minor changes and needed upgrades.

Not since its original restoration in the 1950s has the Beehive House, Brigham Young's historic home near the Salt Lake Temple, undergone changes to its furnishings and structural plan. In this case, it was a few simple modifications, according to Emily Utt, a historic site curator in the Church History Department.

"Every building needs a bit of work occasionally. After new research comes out, new artifacts come to light, this was an opportunity to do a bit of freshening up," Utt said. "This wasn't a major overhaul of the exhibit and building itself. It was a chance to refine a few details."

The biggest change involves new tour guides. Previously, Latter-day Saint sister missionaries led tours. Friday, trained docents assumed that responsibility with a new focus on sharing the home's unique history, said Tiffany Bowles, a senior educator at the Church History Museum.

"The decision was made to put the operation of the Beehive House in the hands of the Church History Department and the Historic Sites Division," Bowles said. "So you'll learn more about the history of the home. Certainly, there will still be gospel topics discussed in the tour with Brigham Young's position as president of the church, but the tour will focus more on the story and significance of the home in the history of the church."

The Beehive House has a long and significant history in the state of Utah and for the church. In addition to its location near the temple and serving as a hub of activity for visiting dignitaries, the Beehive House was home to three church presidents, including Brigham Young, Lorenzo Snow, and Joseph F. Smith, and was continuously occupied for about 100 years before it became a historic house museum, Utt said.

"So in this one building you have the story of Latter-day Saint settlement-building under the direction of Brigham Young. You have stories about the church moving into the modern era of the 20th century. Doctrine and Covenants section 138 was received in this home by Joseph F. Smith, and it was a boarding house for young women for about 50 years," Utt said. "So you have a long history in this home and we're hoping that the tours can help celebrate some of that history."

The historic significance of the Beehive House goes beyond Brigham Young's life, Bowles said.

"So many people I've talked with have been surprised to know that other presidents of the church lived in the home," Bowles said. "It just shows its importance over time as a place of sacred place of revelation."

Other changes include moving artifacts to different areas of the home, closing off a couple of rooms added in later years, as well as a new exhibit featuring facsimiles of some of architect Truman O. Angell's original 1850s Beehive House drawings and plans.

"The idea of touring a historic house is that we want people to interact with the real theme, so we put architectural plans on exhibit so people can see what an 1850s house looked like when it was being built," Utt said. "It's a story we're excited to share with visitors."

The Beehive House is open Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed on Sunday. For more information, visit www.templesquare.com.

Correction: A photo caption in a previous version should have said that a group of visitors were on a recent tour of the Beehive House rather than a group of women.
HEBER CITY  Two parents accused of not allowing their 16-year-old daughter to live with either of them have been charged with child abandonment.

Reed James Behling, 46, of Heber City, and Tawnywa Chanelle Gardner, 43, of Salt Lake City, were each charged Tuesday in 4th District Court with the third-degree felony.

Police spoke to Gardner on the phone who said her daughter "was homeless because no one wanted to take her in," according to a Wasatch County Jail report on Jan. 29.

Gardner, who is the child's biological mother, said she had been trying to find a place for her daughter to live for a month. When police asked why the girl couldn't live with her, Gardner said her roommate was on probation and that the teen was not allowed to live in the house.

"When she was asked why she could not change her living situation to accommodate taking care of (her daughter), she stated it was too late for that," the report states.

Police contacted Behling, the girl's biological father, to see if she could stay with him.

"He stated (his daughter) had been too much of a problem and it did not work out. He was asked directly one more time by officers if (she) could stay with him, to which Reed said no," according to the report.

The girl was taken into state protective custody. She told state officials that she had not been living at home since October.

Investigators believe both parents committed the crime of child abandonment because "they intentionally ceased to maintain physical custody of the child and intentionally failed to make reasonable arrangements for the safety, care and physical custody of the child," according to the report.

Heber City police detective Tammy Thacker said if a child is kicked out of their home, they should go to a school counselor or another adult to seek help from protective services.

"There are resources available," she said.
SALT LAKE CITY  Im just a Jim looking for his Pam.

If youve used a dating app once, youve probably seen any variation of pickup lines and bios mentioning the beloved couple from The Office.

Americans are obsessed with Jim and Pam, but as it turns out, the couple may not be Americas favorite TV office romance after all.

What happened: Business.org conducted a study recently to learn who Americas favorite television office couple is.

They started with a list of popular workplace couples and analyzed Google Trends data from each state over the past 10 years to learn what couples people were searching for.

Though Jim and Pam are the favorites in many states, including Utah, Idaho, and New Mexico, the couple barely lost the number one spot as Americas most favorite couple to their fictional coworkers Kelly and Ryan.

Here are the results:

Most beloved TV workplace romances

Kelly and Ryan ("The Office")

Jim and Pam ("The Office")

Mulder and Scully ("X-Files")

Meredith and Derek ("Greys Anatomy")

Sheldon and Amy ("Big Bang Theory")

Least beloved TV workplace romances

Angela and Andy ("The Office")

Danny and Lindsay ("CSI:NY")

Felicity and Ray ("Arrow")

Van Pelt and Rigsby ("The Mentalist")

Charlie and Amita ("Numb3rs")

The closest we can figure, reported Business.org, is people in Arkansas, Delaware, Iowa, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and West Virginia just really love all the comedic elements of Kelly and Ryans relationship.

Important to note: According to Business.org, though the study was based on searches between 2009 and 2019, data was adjusted to exclude searches for Kelly and Ryan over the past two years due to "LIVE with Kelly and Ryan," which premiered in 2017.

Other surprises: Another result that may surprise "Parks and Recreation" fans is that Leslie and Ben didnt figure higher on the list. The couple only appears in the No. 1 spot for Massachusetts.

See a full map of the results below:

Do you agree with these rankings? Let us know who your favorite TV couple is in the comments.

A look at Utah's favorite TV office couple:
Rarely does a response to the State of the Union address stick with listeners longer than it takes to give it, but the country would do well to consider last years rebuttal ahead of President Trumps second State of the Union address on Tuesday.

Speaking on behalf of the Democrats, Massachusetts Rep. Joe Kennedy addressed a crowd at a local technical school last year and delivered this insightful conclusion:

Politicians can be cheered for the promises they make. Our country will be judged by the promises we keep.

Its a truth with which many Americans would agree, but how many live it?

Kennedys statement cuts deeper than asking politicians to keep their promises. The we is directed at all Americans, as in what are we doing to keep our promises to our fellow countrymen? Are we more concerned about pointing fingers at others than we are about executing our own obligations? The answers to those questions will define the true state of the union more accurately than any president speaking with bombast or hyperbole.

The country needs an army of citizens doing good if it is ever to lift up the downtrodden and pave the way for a more prosperous future. Homelessness, addiction, isolation, contempt, intolerance and division plague the nation, but its not just politicians who have the duty to solve these problems. We the people of the United States are ultimately responsible for the state of the country and the charge to bear each others burdens and make every community better.

That looks like a teenager who shovels the walk of an elderly neighbor or a family who volunteers at the homeless shelter. It sounds like colleagues with opposite views asking questions to understand each others system of beliefs.

At every turn, Americans must face the promise theyve made to make this country a more perfect union.

Every day millions of Americans silently keep that promise without news coverage, thought for reward or a promise of political windfall. Too many, however, are content retreating to their echo chambers convinced that societys ills are the other sides problem. If they believe it is someone elses problem, they aren't likely to become part of the solution.

At every turn, Americans must face the promise theyve made to make this country a more perfect union.

In one of the grandest speeches in American history, Abraham Lincoln celebrated those who had kept their promises through the last full measure of devotion. He then pivoted to the living with a challenge that extends to every American today: It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us  that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion  that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain  that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom  and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Will the American people be resolved, dedicated and determined to keep the promises of these united states?

The president will talk to the country on Tuesday and paint a picture of the state of the union. It will, as Kennedy said, likely be filled with cheering politicians applauding grand promises. But the real work will be done when Americans, in the words of the poet, understand they have promises to keep and miles to go before they sleep.
In the best tradition of Utah, our senators and congressional representatives in Washington are uniquely positioned to be a loud voice in standing up for refugees and asylum seekers.

Central Americans are fleeing some of the most dangerous countries in the world and are making life-and-death decisions to flee their homes to seek protection and safety by coming to the U.S.-Mexico border. The people arriving at the border are refugees and asylum seekers. Utah has historically been a leader in refugee protection. The Utah state government and Utah residents continue to welcome and support refugees in an orderly and safe manner, and so can the country at large.

There must of course be a long-term and sustained approach to the immigration issue  through a foreign policy which pays additional attention to supporting efforts by our neighbors to the South in promoting the rule of law and economic development, and through comprehensive immigration reform. Such reform, however, need not include making immigrants criminals. Refugees are people like us  moms, dads and kids. Asylum seekers are refugees too.

Refugees contribute to the economy, pay taxes and create jobs. Refugees make American communities more prosperous and strong. They quickly find work, pay taxes and enrich their new communities. Welcoming refugees is who we are.

I pray that Congress will take seriously its obligation to protect the refugee resettlement program and enact policies that reflect the important role that resettlement and asylum play in our foreign policy objectives and in holding true to our long-held American values. Until Americans understand the very human dimension of our immigration, refugee and asylum crisis, we will not find the political will to fix it with true policy changes.

Eric Goldman

Salt Lake City
SALT LAKE CITY  Eight months ago, 27-year-old Sarah Hawley joined a group of young doctors entering the residency program at the University of Utah. The group became close and went on hikes, attended a weekly trivia night at a Salt Lake City bar, and spent countless hours together enduring long shifts at the hospital.

Monday night, that group of residents, as well as other community members, mourned the loss of their fellow intern and friend at a vigil hosted by the U. On Jan. 27, Hawley was killed in what police said was a murder-suicidein which her boyfriend, Travis Geddes, killed her and then himself in their Sugar House home. Police have not confirmed how Hawley died.

While they had only known Hawley for a few months, the impact her friends and colleagues said she had on their lives will last a lifetime.

"We are still reeling from shock and devastation as Sarah brightened the lives of everyone around her," said Sara Walker, a resident in Hawley's group. "I only met her last June during residency orientation but cannot fathom not having her in my life."

A slideshow of Hawley played behind the podium, showing photos of her laughing, hiking and goofing off in the hospital.

"Look at her smile, see who she is, all that she has filled her life with," said Sr. Chaplain with University Health, Reverend Susan Roberts, who lead the vigil. "This is who Sarah is. That someone chose to interrupt this life, someone chose to take the future from her. But while Sarah is no longer on this planet  with us, she still is with us."

Roberts invited the more than 50 people in attendance to speak about memories they shared with Hawley.

"She certainly was a wonderful physician, but more than that she was just an amazing human being," said Dr. Brian Vukelic, Hawley's resident advisor. "I hope that kind of everyone who knew her and those that didn't know her really grab on to the values that she had. Just really being open to loving everyone and getting to know where someones coming from and who they are as a person without any judgement."

Vukelic said Hawley's tragic death left him "shocked and crushed."

Hawley would go for a run after completing a 13-hour obstetrics shift, Walker recalled, and would still arrive early to the weekly trivia night.

"She lived every day to the fullest with seemingly boundless energy," she said. "As someone who is perpetually exhausted, I do not know how she did it."

Walker said Hawley was also a thoughtful person who cared deeply about those around her.

"Sarah was an incredibly compassionate person," she said. "She focused on the small things that most overlook. From picking up mail for people who are out of town, to picking up others at the airport."

Everyone who shared memories of Hawley noted how kind she was, and several said she was a better person than they were.

"Sarah was a better person than almost everyone in this room," agreed Winston Plunkett, another resident in Hawley's group. "When I was at my most cynical, Sarah was always the person to restore the thought of empathy and compassion for others to me. So I think that's another part of her legacy that's really important."

The vigil ended with participants linking arms, forming a circle and holding candles to honor Hawley. There was also an area for people to write notes and memories to share with her family.
SALT LAKE CITY  Tuesday at the Legislature, the House Government Operations Committee looked at the issue of idling vehicles. HB148 would repeal provisions enacted by lawmakers in the past that limit a city's ability to enact restrictions on vehicle idling. Lawmakers narrowly shot down the bill.

READ MORE: Utah House panel votes down bill that would allow cities to make local idle-free ordinances with teeth

Other issues discussed at the Statehouse during the day include:

After debate over a bill that would loosen requirements that legal notices be published in local newspapers turned into a debate about its impact on small-town newspapers, the bill was narrowly voted down in the Utah House Monday.

READ MORE: Utah House rejects legal notice requirement bill amid worry it would hurt local newspapers

Dr. Joseph Miner, executive director of the Utah Department of Health, made the official request to the Utah Legislature's Social Services Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday, explaining to lawmakers how they intend to roll out the state's first medical cannabis distribution network by the time the law requires it to be up and running: March 1, 2020.

READ MORE: Utah officials are gearing up to start selling medical cannabis  and they need $4 million to do it

Can a $5 million downpayment by Utah help save the struggling Bonneville Salt Flats in a cooperative effort involving the Bureau of Land Management, the private racing industry and the automotive speciality market? Lawmakers will consider a request.

READ MORE: Area the ailing Bonneville Salt Flats destined to be mud flats?

Utah lawmakers will need to cough up nearly $20 million in extra money to cover costs for what the Utah State forester described as the worst wildfire season ever in 2018.

READ MORE: Record-breaking fire season singes Utah's budget

The House Natural Resources, Agricultural and Environmental Committee unanimously gave a thumbs up to HB98, sponsored by Rep. Steve Handy, R-Utah.

Handy's bill carries a one-time general fund appropriation of $2.1 million, covering 35 percent of the costs to upgrade or improve three of the six dirtiest diesel freight switchers, which move railroad cars around.

READ MORE: Freight switcher demonstration project may move forward, resulting in cleaner air

The House Judiciary Committee considered another amendment to the Utah Constitution, HJR8, that would remove exceptions to the encoded prohibitions on slavery and involuntary servitude. The resolution was heard Tuesday in the House Judiciary Standing Committee. It received a unanimous favorable response from the committee, which prompted a standing ovation from many at the meeting.

READ MORE: House committee moves forward resolution to take 'slavery' out of the Utah Constitution

Critics of HB220, proposing to amend how radioactive waste is classified and disposed of in Utah, blasted the measure Tuesday, asserting it derails a 2005 state ban on waste as much as 70 times "hotter" than what Utah can accept now. The bill was considered Tuesday by the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee.

READ MORE: Radioactive waste bill draws heat from critics

In the Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee, members will discuss SJR7 to amend the Utah Constitution to revise gender-specific terminology to be gender neutral.

The Senate Education Committee is scheduled to review a substitute HB81 that directs the State School Board to adopt rules regarding services that can be provided by school counselors and services that are prohibited.

Here's what happened on Feb. 4, the eighth day of the 2019 session:

The Senate gave final approval Monday to a replacement plan for the voter-approved full Medicaid expansion after more than an hour of debate  and a last-minute update to the price tag.

ICYMI: GOP #utleg leadership backed replacement for #Prop3 Medicaid expansion passes Senate -- forgoes more than $1 billion total in federal $$$, kills any expansion if needed waivers aren't granted by Washingtonhttps://t.co/QDX5Vd1O01#utpol  DNews Politics (@DNewsPolitics) February 5, 2019
According to a recent report from the Seattle-based Urban Indian Health Institute, the research arm of the Seattle Indian Health Board, Utah ranks as a top 10 state for missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.

See the world through the eyes of award-winning photojournalists. Click through the gallery above to view the unique images our visual storytellers captured today. Follow the official Deseret News Instagram account for more photographs and videos from the staff.
SALT LAKE CITY  It was an emotional day in Utah's Senate chambers for Native Americans who came Monday to hear SCR2, a resolution recognizing and honoring Navajo Code Talkers.

"I feel like its been long overdue, I did get a little bit emotional when it passed on the Senate floor, and it's an honor to actually honor our Code Talkers. Again, we wouldn't be here if it weren't for them," said Charlaine Tso, council delegate for the Navajo Nation.

Navajo Code Talkers built the only military code that was not broken in modern history, saving many lives and allowing the United States to take Iwo Jima thanks to the messages they sent.

The concurrent resolution, which passed Monday in the Senate and the House, also designates Aug. 14 this year as Navajo Code Talkers Day in Utah. Navajo Code Talkers Day is already celebrated among the Navajo and President Ronald Reagan declared it a national holiday in 1982.

Tso said wherever she is for Navajo Code Talkers Day, she makes sure it is a day of reflection, remembrance and goal setting.

"If I'm home with family first we pray and we give thanks we always remember our upbringing and we try to remain humble, provide that integrity and poise, and make sure that our younger generation see that as well," Tso said.

Jonathan Nez, president of the Navajo Nation, said New Mexico and Arizona have already recognized the holiday and the work of the Navajo Code Talkers. He is glad Utah is taking this step as well.

"It's just been a great legacy for those that have returned to our Heavenly Father and we have a handful of Code Talkers left  we want to honor them while they are still here with us," Nez said.

Eight of the original 400 Code Talkers are alive, they are individually recognized in the resolution.

Senate Assistant Minority Whip Jani Iwamoto, D-Holladay, is the sponsor for the bill. Iwamoto said her interest came when she saw a display at University of Utah's J. Willard Marriott Library. She also felt connected because her father served in WWII as a Nisei soldier.

"They did so much for our country and saved so many lives," Iwamoto said.

Iwamoto is also sponsoring a companion bill, SB101, which would recognize Navajo Code Talkers Day every year in Utah. The bill could also designate portions of roads in San Juan County as the Navajo Code Talker Highway.

Mary Allen, who is half Navajo and half Goshute, and Saanii Atsitty, who is Navajo, were listening in the Senate gallery Monday. They met today but already considered each other sisters. Allen said she feels a similar connection to Code Talkers, some of which were from her clan.

"I've just always been so grateful  to hear their stories of sacrifice, especially at such a young age, going off to fight to protect our land and our people and our way of life," Atsitty said.

Seth Damon is the speaker for the 24th Navajo Nation Council, said the recognition has meaning not just for the 400 Code Talkers who served, but to all Native Americans.

"It's more than recognizing just Navajo Code Talkers too, it's actually recognizing indigenous people, saying that we helped build this country and we helped sustain this country and we  fought for this country," Damon said.

Nez and Tso agreed more could be done to teach about Native Americans and the Navajo Code Talkers in school.

"A lot of students across America still don't know who Code Talkers are and, again, if we can kind of implement that in school systems I think they will have a much better perspective and a better understanding of who Native Americans are," Tso said.

Correction: An earlier version mischaracterized the service of Sen. Jani Iwamoto's father in WWII. He served in military intelligence rather than combat as a Nisei soldier.
PROVO  Businessman and onetime GOP gubernatorial candidate Richard Martin says the current state flag, which has remained essentially unchanged for the past 100 or so years, has too many symbols, an overall poor design and no longer carries meaning for the average Utahn.

To rectify the issue, Martin, with the design help of his son, has come up with an entirely new flag concept and says he's found a Utah legislator to sponsor a bill proposing to replace the current flag with the updated model. But the idea could be running up against another legislative proposal that's taking a different, and more collaborative, approach to freshening up the banner.

Martin said he's long been a fan of flags and believes, as far as Utah's version goes, it just isn't cutting it any more.

"Ever since I was young, I've loved flags," Martin said. "There's just something about a great flag design. But Utah's flag  I would never call it ugly, but I noticed from the first time I saw it that I couldn't identify with it."

Martin, who started working on a redesign almost a year ago, said he was shooting for a simpler, more visually powerful look that didn't need interpretation to get to the meaning behind the colors and symbols used to represent the state.

"The symbols should speak for themselves," Martin said. "The colors should be deep and rich."

Martin's flag idea, to be sure, is markedly simpler than the current version, opting for a red-white-and-blue background over which is a beehive design, a red star and a single date, 1847. He noted he reviewed over 130 designs before getting to the final idea, a design which was created under the direction of his son, Jonathan Martin.

Martin the younger said he was shooting for a flag design that would make a statement and be memorable, like those flown by states like Texas and California. A flag, he said, that Utahns would be proud to fly themselves.

"When's the last time you saw anybody waving the Utah flag in their front yard," Jonathan Martin mused. "It's about state pride and representation. A lot of people don't identify with the flag  we simplified the design and we told the story of Utah through the design of the flag."

Rep. Stephen Handy, R-Layton, told the Deseret News he wholeheartedly agrees with the Martins about the need to update Utah's flag, but is proposing an entirely different approach to getting to a new design.

"I became convinced last summer, after visits from constituents, that today's Utah flag is not representative of them," Handy said. "They included amateur vexillologists, who are people that study flags."

Handy said he was motivated by the concerns he heard in those conversations to put a legislative proposal together, HB219. The bill would, if passed, create a commission drawing from a wide range of stakeholders to first assess the current Utah flag and then, if deficiencies were identified, move forward with a redesign effort.

Handy noted, however, that just putting one design forward and looking for an up or down vote from legislators, as the Martins were hoping to do, was not the way he believes the process should work.

"I don't think you can run a bill that says 'this is our new state flag,'" Handy said. "That's way out there and I don't think the public can accept that."

While Richard Martin said his local legislator, Rep. Keven Stratton, R-Orem, would be carrying the flag proposal bill, no bill file is currently opened in Stratton's name and the Utah County representative did not immediately respond to a request from the Deseret News for comment.

The current Utah state flag was modified somewhat in 2011 but has remained essentially the same since the early 1900s.
SALT LAKE CITY  A bill allowing senior citizens to get a 50 percent discount on camping in state parks may not make it to the Senate floor after some lawmakers Monday questioned whether it was necessary and that others may have more of a need.

Senate Minority Whip Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, sponsored SB48 to help seniors because they are on a fixed income. Seniors can buy a yearlong day pass for $35, and under her bill, would be eligible to then save half on camping fees.

Escamilla said the money for the bill would be provided from the state's general fund.

But Sen. Jerry Stevenson, R-Layton, said he was concerned about the cost to the government  11,665 Utahns hold the senior pass  and questioned whether there were seniors who would really need this.

"I belong in the senior citizen class youre talking about, and Ive never objected to paying what minimal fee there is to use a park," Stevenson said.

Sen. David Hinkins, R-Orangeville, said he would rather see discounts going to small families who could not afford the parks.

Jeff Rasmussen, director for Utah's state parks, said seniors are a substantial group of people using the parks.

"Our rates are really quite reasonable, and in many situations theyre less than half what you would pay at a private facility with equivalent services, so I really think its a pretty good bargain the way it is," Rasmussen said.

The Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee held the bill.
SALT LAKE CITY  To those who think the Utah Senates decision to approve a bill changing Proposition 3 on Monday was a slap in the face to voters, the bills sponsor has a message.

He wouldnt have voted for any sort of expansion if Proposition 3 had failed. So in that sense, he said, he heard the people.

Ive been against Medicaid expansion ever since it was brought up 10 years ago, Sen. Allen Christensen, R-Ogden, told reporters. The reason its being heard this year, especially with my bill, is because the people wanted it.

They wanted a tax increase. They wanted Medicaid expansion. And thats what were doing. They didnt fill in the proper blanks. We are filling in those blanks for them. They are not obligated to balance the budget. We are, and were going to implement Medicaid expansion in a fiscally reasonable way where Proposition 3 did not provide for adequate funding of what it asked for.

As he spoke, a truck with a giant video board circled the Capitol, playing a commercial that spoke ominously of backroom deals and overturning the will of voters. It was part of a $100,000 campaign by the backers of Proposition 3 to keep Christensen and other lawmakers from doing what they seem intent on doing.

Christensens bill passed the Senate on Monday, 22-7. Now it goes to the House, where other versions await. If the Senates version becomes law, all of Medicaid expansion could disappear unless the Trump administration comes through with waivers to the Affordable Care Act. Even with the waivers, some people the proposition would have covered would have to pay a small amount out of pocket for health coverage.

Whether or not average Utahns are aware of it, the Capitol is in the grips of a tug of war over what a voter-approved ballot measure really means. Lawmakers clearly hold the upper hand in the immediate debate, but the question is, what happens next?

Do lawmakers make it even harder to get an initiative approved for the ballot? Do interest groups wait the requisite two years and then push these initiatives again to override changes lawmakers have enacted? Or do voters instead push an initiative that would require lawmakers to keep their hands off a successful initiative until it has been on the books a few years?

In North Dakota, lawmakers cant touch a voter-approved law for seven years without a two-thirds majority. Four other states require at least a two-year wait, with various rules for either amending or repealing them. Several other states require super majorities in the Legislature to make any changes, according to ballotpedia.org.

But on the other end of the spectrum, a report on citylab.com says 24 states dont allow any sort of citizen initiatives at all, and none has added such a thing in more than 40 years. Empowering citizens comes with political risk.

Utah isnt the only place where politicians are changing what voters approved. Citylab also reports that, while initiatives seem to be on the rise, overturning them is, as well. The website says this isnt a bug in democracy, its part of democracys design.

The cycle goes like this: Lawmakers refuse to pass a measure voters want, voters organize (or are organized by special interest groups) and pass a ballot initiative, lawmakers amend or repeal what voters have done, and voters get the final say the next time their representative stands for re-election.

Its just that the last step is a little disconnected from the rest, especially in a state where Republicans often get elected without much opposition.

But lawmakers argue they have something else, as well  a duty to look out for the welfare of the entire state and its budget. They fill in the blanks because somebody has to. That explains how Christensen could push a watered-down version of Medicaid expansion and say he had heard the voters.

Which probably isnt much comfort for the uninsured poor.

Back in 1900, when a different set of Utah voters first added initiative and referendum rights to the constitution, a socialist named Henry W. Lawrence predicted the fight had just begun.

That was insightful. Im guessing it may never end.
SALT LAKE CITY  The House Education Committee gave a favorable recommendation Monday to legislation that would eliminate letter grades on the state school report card.

HB198, sponsored by Rep. Marie Poulson, D-Cottonwood Heights, would do away with school grades and use the state's new report card dashboard moving forward.

The latest report card has new indicators such as how well high schools prepare students for college or other postsecondary education; progress of English language learners; and academic growth of a schools lowest-performing students.

Instead of grades, schools are rated as exemplary, commendable, typical, developing or those with critical needs.

For this year only, the awarding of letter grades was suspended as Utah public schools transitioned to new statewide assessments.

Questar Assessment Inc. is the state's new testing provider for grades three through eight. Formerly, the state used the Student Assessment of Growth and Excellence or SAGE.

High school SAGE assessments have been replaced with ACT brand tests, which officials say should result in higher rates of participation because more students will care about the results.

Some lawmakers on the committee said using descriptors as opposed to letter grades was "semantics."

But others, such as Utah Education Association President Heidi Matthews, said giving letter grades to schools was the stuff of "blaming and shaming."

"An 'F' says you're failing," she said, while a school described as having "critical needs" will help ensure a school gets the resources and personnel to address those critical needs.

Poulson said she believes the dashboard system is "a huge improvement" because it has more indicators that "make us look deeper at the details."

She likes it, too, because it acknowledges school's initiatives and efforts to improve the student achievement.

SB198 moves to House for its consideration.
SALT LAKE CITY  A proposal to strengthen Utah law against human trafficking cleared another hurdle on Monday.

The legislative measure advanced in a unanimous vote from a Senate panel.

The proposed move would help prosecutors pursue heftier sentences for offenders who traffic vulnerable adults, meaning those over age 65, or those who have a substantial impairment, said Rep. Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City.

Under the measure, smuggling a vulnerable adult for forced labor or sexual exploitation would be a first-degree felony, punishable by up to life in prison. Child trafficking now carries the same penalty.

A recent Utah case illustrated the existing gap in the state's law, assistant Utah attorney general Dan Strong told members of the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee. A man trafficked a vulnerable adult in Utah and was convicted, but the offense was a second-degree felony, which carries a maximum of 15 years in prison. The victim's mother did not attend the Monday hearing but Strong said she supports the bill.

The measure would also clarify that anyone who knowingly benefits from the smuggling of a child for forced labor or sexual exploitation can be criminally charged, and there is no statute of limitation on child trafficking.

Tom Ross with the Utah Chiefs of Police Association said his group believes the proposal is a good idea.
SALT LAKE CITY  The owner and operator several small assisted living homes throughout Utah has added his name to the list of candidates vying to fill the open seat on the Salt Lake County Council created by the election of Mayor Jenny Wilson.

Jeff Merchant, owner of All Seasons Health Services Co., said in a statement released Monday he is committed to focusing on such issues such as air quality, affordability and access to mental health services.

"I have learned from my time in politics and business that the local level is often place with the most capacity to affect the quality of people's lives," Merchant said in the statement. "I don't aspire to a higher office or to be a politician, I just want to work hard to make a difference for the people in my community and for future generations."

Merchant, who practiced environmental and natural resources law at Parsons, Behle and Latimer, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., has a bachelor's in political science and Juris Doctor from the University of Utah. He also served as a legislative assistant and policy adviser for former Rep Jim Matheson, D-Utah.

The Salt Lake County Democratic Party has 30 days from Wilson's resignation to choose a replacement. A date for the special election has yet to be set.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  The Rev. Barry Black jokes that God was preparing him to be the chaplain of the United States Senate before he knew how to spell "chaplain."

He was 8 when his mom brought home a recording of one of then-chaplain Peter Marshalls sermons. He listened to the record so much that he could recite every word. More than six decades later, its still a source of inspiration.

"I have the album in my man cave at home to remind me of the providence in coming full circle," he said.

The Rev. Black, 70, was selected as the 62nd chaplain of the Senate in 2003, becoming the first African-American and first Seventh-day Adventist in the role. Before that, he spent nearly three decades in the Navy, rising to the position of chief of Navy chaplains.

As Senate chaplain, the Rev. Black is responsible for offering opening prayers each day the Senate is in session and for the spiritual care of around 7,000 people, including senators, staffers and janitors.

He's not supposed to be partisan, but that doesn't stop him from talking about politics.

"Save us from the madness," he prayed during a government shutdown in 2013. His fiery reflection was later spoofed on "Saturday Night Live."

During the most recent shutdown, he reminded senators of Luke 10:7, saying "Those who work deserve their pay."

On Jan. 30, the Rev. Black was honored by the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities as an outstanding Christian leader and offered a keynote address at the group's annual Presidents Conference. In his remarks, he celebrated Christian education, crediting his religious schooling and daily Bible study with making his career successes possible.

"I am Exhibit A for Christian education," he told the crowd of faith-based college and university presidents.

Ahead of the conference, the Rev. Black spoke with the Deseret News about his job duties, his most famous prayers and whether calls for political unity are working. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Deseret News: Why does the Senate have a chaplain?

The Rev. Barry Black: In 1787 at the Continental Congress, participants ran into an impasse, so Benjamin Franklin suggested they pray.

They debated the idea  you rarely make a suggestion in a setting like that without facing debate  but eventually started praying.

In 1789, when the legislative branch came into existence, one of leaders first acts was to establish a chaplaincy. The chaplain position actually predates the establishment clause to the First Amendment. There has been almost uninterrupted prayer since 1789.

DN: How have the chaplain's duties evolved since then?

BB: Initially, the chaplain of Senate had a full-time job pastoring a church somewhere and so being chaplain was a part-time job. But eventually it became a full-time ministry.

Today, the chaplain convenes Senate sessions with prayer and also pastors to the approximately 7,000 people who work on the Senate side of Capitol Hill.

I do hospital visits. Ive been with lawmakers on their deathbed and with them when they died. Ive officiated funerals and memorial services. I do an awful lot of counseling.

I officiate at weddings and lead four Bible studies each week and two prayer breakfasts.

Its a pastoral role in terms of providing for people what they would be able to get in their local churches if they were back home. Just as we have someone to take care of their physical needs in place of their personal physicians, we have a chaplain to take care of their spiritual needs.

DN: What's a typical day like for you?

BB: There really is not a typical day when youre trying to be a pastor for 7,000 people. Your day starts by looking at the various requests that have come to you that you have no control over. There will be senators and staffers who want to come by and talk.

Remember, Im not just dealing with the senators and their family members and staffers. I also provide pastoral support for the Capitol Police, waiters, waitresses and janitors.

I have to prepare my prayers and Bible studies. I deal with what my staff calls fan mail. Around 40 times a year, I do speaking engagements away from Washington, D.C.

Each day is like jazz music. Theres a basic structure but theres marvelous improvisation going on.

DN: How do you keep up with 7,000 people? Do senators get first dibs on your time?

BB: Theres no caste system. Obviously Im very concerned about the request of a lawmaker and I would make that a priority. But from a spiritual position, Jesus was as concerned for the Samaritan woman at the well as he was for Nicodemus, who was probably a multi-millionaire.

So I try to look at the time that I have and to fit as many people in as possible. And it works.

DN: You don't shy away from making strong statements in your daily prayers. Do you worry about being too political?

BB: I think its my responsibility to be engaged in what is going on. Its my responsibility to give a spiritual, biblical, ethical and moral perspective to political issues and what our lawmakers are going through.

During a government shutdown, members of our armed forces arent getting paid. Thats up close and personal for me, because Im a retired Navy admiral.

What does the Bible say about that? In Luke 10:7, Jesus of Nazareth said those who work deserve to be paid. I remind our lawmakers of that biblical position.

My typical prayers arent that pointed. But when you have a government shutdown and the entire world is looking on and money is hemorrhaging and people are in need, I have to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

DN: Do you feel like your prayers make a difference?

BB: Ive had senators tell me that they do.

DN: American politics is becoming more polarized. Does that affect your work?

BB: I think our lawmakers and representatives represent the sentiment and the pathos of the people they serve. These are more polarized times for everyone, so youd expect some of that to reflect itself in the legislative process.

Remember, I don't just see senators when I pray. I meet with 25 to 30 of them from both sides of the aisle at a senators Bible study. I have multiple opportunities each week to remind senators of the importance of unity.

But, lets put it this way, it could be worse. There was a time in our history when someone walked over from the House of Representatives and beat one of our senators into unconsciousness. There hasnt been a caning on my watch so far.

DN: Nearly all members of Congress are religious today, but that could change in the future. Do you think there will come a time when we don't need a Senate chaplain?

BB: I think the (Constitutions) framers would say no. Weve had some type of spiritual dimension to government for as long as this government has existed.

I believe that, even if you have a lot of agnostic leaders, spirituality is a national security issue. Psalm 127:1 says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain. Unless the Lord keep the city, the guards who watch look in vain."

The framers wanted a separation of church and state, but they certainly did not want a separation of God and state.
I was elected by Utahns to roll up my sleeves and work to fix a broken Washington. As a mayor, I learned that reaching across the aisle is how consensus is forged.

Utahns, whether Democrat, Republican or independent, are frustrated by a lack of progress and common sense in Congress, which reached a new low with the disgraceful occurrence of the longest-ever government shutdown. I was encouraged when President Trump agreed to reopen the government in exchange for a promise to have a debate about border security funding and future discussion on a permanent solution for the DREAMers.

I have invited my brother-in-law to be in the House Chamber for the State of the Union address. He voted for President Trump and he also supported me. Many constituents in Utahs 4th Congressional District fall into the same category. We have challenges such as rising health care costs and infrastructure needs that merit our attention and urgent action. Agreeing to long-term solutions that are not simply undone by the results of the next wave-year election will take Democrats and Republicans working together.

I hope to hear President Trump renewing his promise to help address health care access and costs made during his 2016 presidential campaign. I believe there is a way for us to put forward and discuss solutions and make a good-faith effort to protect Americans from the threat of losing coverage due to a preexisting condition. Another place where we can find common ground is our need to modernize our nations infrastructure. This is an idea which has strong bipartisan support and will help our economy and our quality of life.

The president, along with me and many Utahns, has spoken about watching out for those who rely on Social Security and Medicare, so they will not see harmful changes to these important programs. As more and more Utahns move into retirement, the need to secure the future of those programs has never been more critical. Republicans and Democrats have spoken about the need to resolve the uncertainty that affects 1.8 million "Dreamers" in our country. America is the only country they have ever known. They are enrolled in college, are working and are serving in the military to contribute to the country they love. Finding a permanent solution for them would be a big step forward as we search for comprehensive immigration reforms.

In an era of divided government, the only way to move forward is to put forward a plan that Democrats and Republicans in both the House and the Senate can support. Setting up an all-or-nothing scenario is not productive and is a false choice. I was elected not to support one partys agenda, but to put people over party and to do whats right for Utah. There are more than two points of view on most of the complicated issues we face. Anyone who thinks that all Democrats and all Republicans think alike hasnt met the same individuals that I have met  both on the campaign trail and during my short time in Washington.

President Trump has an opportunity to set a productive and positive tone when he gives his address by highlighting the outcomes we all want for our country  safety, security, good jobs, excellent schools and vibrant communities. Ill be listening for his ideas about how we find common ground and can come together as a country to ensure that the state of our union is strong.
Marc A. Thiessen: Schultz is calling Democrats out for how radical their party has become
The city of Chester and all of Delaware County did not record a single homicide in the month of January. Homicide numbers in 2018 were also down from the year before.
Christine Flowers is an attorney and Delaware County resident. Her column appears every Sunday and occasionally other days. Email her at cflowers1961@gmail.com.
Courts

Former Radnor commissioner expected to plead guilty in child porn case
Expressing confidence that there will be no problems in the passage of the forthcoming state Budget, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Monday said the four Congress MLAs who have rebelled are in touch with him.

I have seen media reports that these rebels will not attend the Assembly at the time of voting on Budget. I dont know if they are in touch with the Congress, but they are in regular touch with me. I even spoke to them at 5 am today. They will come to the Assembly and the budget will be passed. Nothing to worry, the chief minister stated while speaking to a select media group.

The issue of the four MLAs is not a big problem. There are local issues there. If issues come to a flash point and if there is problem during voting on budget, it is BJP legislators who will save me. Hence, I am cool.

The chief minister said, I have no problem with these media reports (about the Congress-JD(S) coalition governments longevity). The publicity gives an impression that the government is instable, that Congress rebels wont come to Assembly and the government will fall. It wont happen.

He said the BJP was waiting with bated breath, trying to lure the vulnerable legislators, telling them that 15 MLAs are with them already, that this is their best chance, etc. But they wont succeed. The BJP should know that every day is not Sunday.

The BJP did succeed in Operation Kamala (luring the opposition MLAs to resign) earlier. That was because the BJP was in power then. It is not so now. No MLA will go now, Kumaraswamy said and added that he was not disturbed by reports that his government was unstable.

I dont indulge in political management. That is not required. Ask my officers  I have been working for the Budget for the last 15 days. I work since morning till late in the evening.

Asked about some Congress MLAs depicting former chief minister Siddaramaiah as their chief minister, Kumaraswamy said the Congress leader himself has said the chief ministers chair was not vacant.

Anybody can become CM, but he should have numbers. Nothing wrong in what they said. I am not worried. I do my work. In any case, the Assembly election is four years away. I am planning for the next four years. Let them say what they want to say, I know how to take out the fuse.

Asked about the sharing of seats with the Congress for the Lok Sabha elections, he said party president H D Deve Gowda will take a call on that. He, however, averred that the JD(S) would contest 2-3 seats in North Karnataka.
Much before the standoff between Mamata Banerjee and the Centre over the misuse of the CBI, there was a similar slugfest in Bihar too.

A month before Lalu Prasad Yadav was to hoist the national flag on the occasion of the 50th Independence Day in 1997, UN Biswas, Joint Director of the CBI, arrived in Patna to arrest Lalu. A West Bengal-cadre IPS officer of the 1968 batch, Biswas was supervising the investigation in the multi-crore fodder scam.

Inder Kumar Gujral was the Prime Minister heading the United Front Government. Incidentally, Gujral was then a Rajya Sabha member from Bihar. With an obliged PM who was backed by the then Congress President Sitaram Kesri (an OBC leader and staunch Lalu supporter in the post-Mandal era), no one could, in those days, question an all-powerful Lalu.

However, the CBI sought Governor AR Kidwais sanction to prosecute the chief minister. Due to Lalu's rapport with Kidwai, coupled with the Gujral and Kesri factor, the governor put the CBI request on the backburner.

Biswas then headed to the Raj Bhavan, met Kidwai and personally convinced him about the evidence collected against Lalu. The sanction to prosecute the chief minister was okayed. Lalus men then threatened that there would be a bloodbath if he was arrested.

Biswas then made a call to the Bihar chief secretary. He was not available. The top CBI cop then dialled the Bihar DGP, who said that he needed some time to think it over. It was then that Biswas asked the CBI SP to seek the help of the Army to arrest Lalu.

The CBI SPs letter to the Danapur Army cantonment said: As per the oral directions issued by the Patna High Court, this is to request you for favour of providing immediately armed contingent comprising at least one company to assist the CBI to arrest Lalu Prasad..

The Army officer did not respond to the request saying that the Army would come to the aid of civil administration only at the request of notified civil authorities.

The then Union Home Minister Indrajit Gupta (of CPI), however, reprimanded the CBI for the procedure lapses. We do not want any Tom, Dick or Harry to seek Armys help to assist the civil administration. the Home Minister said in the Rajya Sabha in 1997.

However, Lalu was eventually arrested soon after he installed his wife Rabri Devi as the chief minister of Bihar.

Incidentally, IPS officer Biswas, after retirement, joined the Trinamool Congress. The political greenhorn contested the West Bengal Assembly elections in 2011 from Bagada constituency and defeated Forward Blocs Mrinal Kranti by nearly 21,000 votes. The IPS officer-turned-politician was inducted as a minister by Mamata Banerjee, who, ironically, is now spewing venom against the CBI.
Asserting that India will break the backbone of terror in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the country has shown to the world its new policies (on terrorism) with the surgical strike conducted across the Line of Control.



"I assure all the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and the country that the government will give muhtod jawab (befitting response) to every terrorist. We will break the backbone of terror in the state, he said while winding up his one-day whirlwind tour the state.



He also interacted with college students from across the country in Srinagar. There are two realities today which make us proud. India is the fastest growing large economy in the world and, according to studies, India is also reducing poverty at the fastest pace in the world, Modi said.



The Prime Minister also paid tribute to Nazir Ahmad Wani, the J&K soldier who was awarded the Ashoka Chakra posthumously. Wani is the first Kashmiri to receive the gallantry award.



Earlier, Modi addressed public meetings in Leh and Jammu regions of the state, where he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various developmental schemes and projects. He launched the University of Ladakh, the first-ever varsity, an AIIMS and an IIMC in Jammu among a host of other development projects.



Addressing a rally in Vijaypur in Jammu, he said, the BJP-led government at the Centre was dedicated to the issues of migrant Kashmiri Pandits. The Central government is committed to protecting the honour and dignity of our Kashmiri Pandit brothers. They have suffered due to terrorism. This pain has always been in my heart. The promised 3,000 jobs for the Kashmiri Pandits have been rolled out, Modi said.



On the issue of border residents, who are facing the brunt due to frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan, he said the government was building 14,000 bunkers for the safety of people living along the border.



The Prime Minister hit out at the Congress, alleging that the opposition party was using farm loan waivers as a tool to win elections. He also claimed that those who had mocked him for opening Jan Dhan accounts have realised that his government will use it for direct benefit transfers.



While making a strong pitch for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, Modi said his government would stand with the children of "Maa Bharti" who have faced persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.



We have brought the matter of change in Citizenship Bill with a commitment. Those (people) who had to part with India due to some condition in 1947, if they face persecution on the basis of their faith then the country has to stand with them, he said.



Referring to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Modi said the Jung (war) of 2019 is for taking country ahead.



Earlier, amid four-tier security arrangements, the Prime Minister arrived in the state amid shutdown call by the separatists, for the first time since the fall of PDP-BJP government in June last year. The call for the shutdown was issued by separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik as a mark of protest against tyranny and oppression during five years of Modi rule.
Islamabad: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif may soon fly to London for medical treatment, sources said.

Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leaders hope that the former prime minister will be allowed to go abroad. The party's legal team is reportedly doing its homework to plead Nawaz Sharif's case for suspension of sentence and his subsequent release on bail in Al-Azizia Steel Mills case.

Senior PML-N leader Pervez Malik pleaded that the former Prime Minister should be allowed to go to London for treatment.

Speaking to reporters Mr Malik said that Nawaz Sharif had always been getting treatment abroad and propriety demanded that the three-time prime minister be provided with the facility to get treatment in London.

In his view, the country lacked the facilities needed for the treatment of their party supremo.

The PML-N leadership had been expressing very serious concerns over the health of Nawaz Sharif since he was imprisoned in Alazizia reference in the last week of December.

Nawaz Sharif has already undergone two open heart surgeries in London.
Since the last decade, the world has seen an accelerated change in technology and digitisation. Around the last end of the century, it was very clear that internet is going to be the backbone of much technological advancement. Beginning of this century saw development of mobile technologies and now the shift has started to the Artificial Intelligent world. Artificial intelligence refers to making our machines smart, intelligent and human like. AI seems to be the future of technology. With its contribution to possibly all the sectors, it can significantly contribute to the development of a nation, if efforts are taken in this direction.

Most businesses have incorporated AI into their processes and products. The zeal has reached the government and has shown a spectacular development in domains like healthcare, economics, education and agriculture. Our countrys future greatly depends on AI. With the advent of this technology; there is a great focus on how it can impact the way people access their healthcare services. Deep learning algorithms using Machine Learning in collaboration with AI, can give insights to clinicians for predicting future events of patients. This can also help in early detection and prevention of diseases by capturing vitals of those patients.

The power of AI can also help inexperienced physicians to come to right decisions. Many organisations are showing their interests in partnerships to create AI focused medical machinery. India has taken strides to improve the current conditions and sought to provide better healthcare services, but with the growing population, the country is still inundated with several problems such as lack of good doctors, inadequate infrastructure limited access to services etc. with the help of technology, its acceptance and incorporation, ultimately improves results can be shown.

While healthcare is one sector covered by AI, agriculture is another. Amidst its soaring popularity, it is gaining huge momentum in the arena of farming as well. It is helping farmers take efficient decisions. An intelligent tool can be implemented for weed killing, harvesting better crops and produce a better yield. With technologies like image recognition, drones, automated intelligent monitoring and irrigation systems, there is no denying the fact that AI is set to bring the next phase of ultra-efficient agriculture in an affordable manner. The pace of development of AI in agriculture is slow, but is reaching new heights and expected to grow more.

Taking into consideration, current scenario of education in India, there are many obstacles in this sector that lead to high dropout rates and poor quality. According to surveys, near 50% of high school students in the rural areas are not able to solve even the basic mathematical problems. AI can help overcome these issues, by using interactive learning facilitated by digitisation making rural classrooms smart and interesting.

This can in turn, lead students to attend schools regularly. NGOs and many companies using their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) are working in collaboration to modernise rural classrooms, for the betterment of underprivileged kids. Digital platforms incorporated with AI, can help improve the quality of education in remote regions, and make rural kids at par with the urban schools children. AI systems look like the future in every domain of science and technology, and are a boon to developing nations. With efficient strategising and dedicated collaborations of government with various organisations, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and further universalisation, can foster Indias national interests.

-- Mr Abhishek Dubey, CEO and Founder, Muskaan Dreams.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the original author. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Deccan Chronicle and/or other staff and contributors to this site.

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When asked: Doesnt it give you great joy to see the fruits of your spiritual endeavours? a guru replied: How much joy does it give a tool to see what the hand has done? said Pedro Arrupe (1907-1991)  who led the Jesuits from 1965 to 1983  who always considered himself an instrument in Gods hand.

Pedro  Spanish for Peter  began his career as a medico. However, on a pilgrimage to Mother Marys shrine at Lourdes, he saw a cripple miraculously healed. He quit medical school and joined the Jesuits. Eventually, earning a doctorate in medical ethics, he worked in Japan.

Referring to hands, Arrupe believed: (a) His life as safe in Gods hands; (b) His hands as Gods tools for healing, and, (c) That all can work hand-in-hand to help the poor and heal a bruised earth.

In August 1945, Pedro experienced being safe in Gods hands during the atomic blast at Hiroshima. He made his house a makeshift hospital and healed hundreds. He said: Our house, half-destroyed, was overflowing with the wounded, lying on the floor, suffering terribly, twisted with pain.

Arrupe believed that God was with him even in lifes darkest moments. He was accused of being an American spy and imprisoned in Japan. He continued helping prisoners, fortified by fasting and prayer. His leadership qualities were recognised in 1965 when the Jesuits elected him as their numero uno: Superior General!

The 1960s were turbulent years for Catholics. The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) was revolutionary in its outreach  opening out the Church to new ventures like dialogue with other religions and secular sciences, while specifically serving the poor. Many conservatives  including some Jesuits  resisted renewal. Governing with a firm, yet fatherly hand, Arrupe insisted that Jesuits follow the mandates of the Council.

In the 1975 trailblazing 32nd General Congregation under Arrupes leadership, the Jesuits adopted a faith-cum-justice decree, stating: Our faith in Jesus Christ demands of us a commitment to promote justice and enter into solidarity with the voiceless and the powerless. This led to bold Jesuit initiatives  working hand-in-hand with all people to serve refugees, migrants, bonded labourers and other voiceless victims worldwide.

In his bestseller A Planet to Heal, Arrupe appealed for special care of mother earth, who nourishes us. Sadly, a stroke in 1981 rendered him half-paralysed and almost mute. He wrote: More than ever I find myself in the hands of God. This is what I have wanted all my life from my youth. It is indeed a profound spiritual experience to know and feel myself so totally in Gods hands.

February 5, 1983: Arrupe surrendered his life into Gods hands. He reminds us: You are Gods hand! May God use us to help and to heal.
Pope Francis UAE visit means a lot more than just the pleasant optics of the worlds 1.3 billion Catholics religious head greeting his flock. The visit was historic in many ways: the UAE kicked off its year of tolerance and became the first Muslim nation in 1,400 years to invite the pontiff to the Arabian peninsula, host to two of Islams holiest sites. The visit fulfils the Popes outreach to Muslims at a time when it is important to promote communication among faiths. The signals were positive  as the UAE, among Arab nations, is one country that allows no leeway to Islamist terrorism, even if it has to be a virtual police state to secure itself. The. Pope made all the right gestures, like arriving in a open Popemobile, unlike his predecessors who used bulletproof vehicles.

The importance of harmony among multiple faiths has never been stressed more than in an era of tumultuous events. The Popes unprecedented open-air mass, attended by thousands of Catholic faithful and some of other faiths too, exemplified the spirit with which the host nation opened its arms to the pontiff.

The UAEs transformation from an arms-running entrepot to an uber-modern state with the finest infrastructure for global trade and a couple of model cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai has been predicated upon harmony among people of different faiths. Given the situation in nearby Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Libya, the environment in which migrants from over 160 countries live in the UAE should be the worlds envy. It was appropriate then that the Pope should be so well received there.
Priyanka Gandhi carries her Nehru-Gandhi pedigree with ease. And going by her whistlestop meetings in her mothers parliamentary constit-uency in eastern UP and Karnat-aka over the years, she is an articulate communicator too. However, her zealous supporters in the Congress and the media are likening her to her grandmother  the late former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. She shouldnt fall for that.

No less an intellectual giant than Jawaharlal Nehru groomed his daughter in politics, and also taught her critical nuances of history from prison. And we dont really know much about Priyankas intellectual prowess or her ideological preferences. There are numerous other inconsistencies in the Indira analogy, including the political context that created the two women in different time zones. Besides, which face of the late Mrs Gandhi does Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wish to embrace?

As Congress president in 1959, her granny torpedoed Indias first elected Marxist government in Kerala. Within eight years of baring her fangs, however, she became Prime Minister by aligning with the Left to boot out the right wing from her party. Today, the right wing has regrouped. Their calibrated sloppiness may have lost the Congress the states of Goa and Manipur, where it had emerged as the leading party in elections.

Subverting a winning alliance with dalit leader Mayawati in Madhya Pradesh followed. And now, Priyanka Gandhi has been dispatched to Indias most politically critical state to take on an alliance of two of the most powerful anti-Narendra Modi parties. The coalition of low caste farmers of Samajwadi Party and the BSP of dalits, with strong Muslim support, recently sent shockwaves to the ruling partys rank and file by defeating BJP candidates in parliamentary seats vacated by UP CM Yogi Adityanath and his deputy.

Rahul Gandhi wants Priyanka to take charge of eastern UP, where Amethi and Rae Bareli are located  her brothers and mothers seats. He also wants his sister to restore the Congress rule in Uttar Pradesh. That would only be possible by tearing into SP-BSPs control of over 50 per cent votes in UP where the Congress is hovering at a single-digit mark.

Indira Gandhi was surrounded by progressive advisers like A.N. Haksar and Mohan Kumaramangalam, and there cant be any doubt that they would be revolted at the thought of Nehrus party promising to sell refined cow urine in its recent election manifesto, competing with rather than challenging the right-wing rhetoric. Indira Gandhi was accused in her post-Emergency return to have indulged Hindu gurus. Bereft of sage counsel she waded into the Golden Temple crisis on parochial advice, and she paid for the blunder with her life. Her son, Priyankas father, became a tame witness to the pogroms of Sikhs that followed in Delhi and elsewhere, with the connivance of the police. Now Rahul has appointed a person as chief minister in Madhya Pradesh whose name figures in Sikh narratives as an instigator of mob violence to avenge Indira Gandhis assassination.

It is true that Priyankas mother tried to keep the humane, caring spirit of the party alive by presiding over a left-leaning advisory council she set up as a foil to Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs free-market reforms. But she is reportedly ill and there is speculation that she may leave her Rae Bareli constituency for Priyanka to contest from.

Indira Gandhi nationalised the privately-owned usurious banks and put their owners on notice. It was only when the Left parted company over the Emergency that she became vulnerable to advisers who became corporate influence-peddlers. Now the business tycoons have got back the banks they were vacated from. They have siphoned away billions in an Indian version of a bank heist in the Wild West.

Compared to the SP of low-caste farmers and the BSP of the erstwhile untouchables controlling crucial avenues of politics, Priyanka shines as a middle-class icon, more presentable than any of her real or contrived opponents. But there is the opposite lesson she might also learn. Struggling to identify the principal quarry in the May elections is not the Congress partys problem alone. In West Bengal, the Left Front has declared CM Mamata Banerjee as much of a threat to secular democracy as the BJP. There have been reports that the communists are linking up with the Congress to defeat Mamata Banerjee, who is also a key target of the BJP.

By arrangement with Dawn
The BJP has projected the Supreme Court order directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to make himself available before the CBI as a blow to the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal and a moral victory for the investigating agency. The court, however, also said that no coercive steps should be taken against Kumar and noted that the questioning should be done at a neutral place (which is being finalized as Shillong now).

However, the Trinamool government in West Bengal also hailed the court's order as a vindication of its stand. Mamata said that they had never said they wont cooperate with the CBI, but her opposition was to the manner in which CBI swooped down on senior IPS officer Kumars residence. She said that the court ordering that no coercive action can be taken against Kumar was a vindication of her stance.

And both are right in some measures.

It goes without saying that every IPS officer is expected to cooperate with government investigation against any crime if asked to. The office records show CP Rajeev Kumar was attending office, was on personal leave for a day, and was not absconding. However, he ignored a couple of summons of the CBI earlier on this issue. It must also be noted that Rajeev Kumar, who headed the Special Investigative Team to probe Sarada and Rose Valley ponzi scams before the case being taken over by CBI, had already got several of TMC leaders including ministers arrested. But CBI claims that he is protecting some more and is a potentially accused himself

But it goes without mention too that the Kolkata Police Commissioner reports to the Bengal state government, being in WB Cadre; WB CM had restrained CBI from unilateral action in the state without keeping WB government and state police informed as per CBI Act; and there was no explicit Supreme Court order to arrest Rajeev Kumar and there was no FIR as well against him.

These arguments well placed before the Supreme Court led to the directives by the apex court.

That the CBI has not investigated thoroughly two among the prime accused in Sarada ponzi scam case, as per CBIs own investigations earlier, Mukul Roy of TMC and Himanta Biswasarma of Congress. Both are now with the BJP.

Himanta was not named in the chargesheet but his home and office raided and he was named by the founder of Sarada chit fund. Mukul was interrogated many times, home raided, named by his driver and others arrested in the case like TMC MP and media baron Kunal Ghosh.

The current case comes up for further hearing in the Supreme Court on February 20 and the story is far from being over. There could be more arrests in the ponzi scams, and there could be more political leaders involved too.

Beyond legalities, politics is also about optics. Mamata has seized the opportunity and has turned this into a David versus Goliath fight, coming to the streets, asserting her federal rights as Chief Minister with power of state police, and attempting to turn it into Modi versus opposition governed states impasse. And to a good extent she has succeeded.

So, we have the entire opposition standing with her through tweets and inside the parliament (both houses being adjourned due to this). Apart from the opposition parties supporting her, including Congress and BSP, except for an explicit support from the CPM, even neutral BJD of Navin Patnaik and BJP ally Shiv Sena have expressed their dismay at the harsh CBI action in Kolkata of gheraoing Kolkata CP's house, not taking the state government into confidence, and creating "war-like situation on the streets of Kolkata" as a spokesman of an opposition party noted.

Optically, Mamata on the streets a la her struggling days against the Left Front government in WB in the past, is a strong political imagery. It becomes a strong image for the anti-Modi political spectrum.

However, whether it is good enough to propel her to the leadership of anti-Modi politics of India is yet to be seen. But coming soon after her mega rally of all opposition parties against the Centre in Kolkata recently, this episode has further enhanced perceived bias of the CBI (named as a caged parrot even by an SC judge), emboldened the allegation of Modi government being rabidly antagonistic towards non-BJP state governments, and has further positioned Mamata as the strongest voice against Modi with just ten weeks remaining for the next general elections.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on his own is still unable to bring the entire opposition on one table under his leadership, and has been snubbed in UP by the regional parties there. DMK chief Stalin and RJD leader Tejasvi Yadav apart, no other regional party leader has come out in the open on Gandhi as the face of the opposition.

The entire opposition, except for Akhilesh Yadav of the SP, is wary of Mayawati, the BSP supremo, for her inaccessibility, past association with BJP and sharing of power in UP, and the fact that her leadership of the opposition camp may deprive other parties from their current Dalit support in various states. Mayawati as the main anti-Modi face will prompt a large number of Dalit electorate from various states move towards her from BJP and more so from other opposition parties. That is a long term loss.

So, Mamata is a by default possible choice. Her influence is limited to Bengal and some pockets in Northeast, and hence, does not very much conflict with votebanks of any opposition party as such beyond this limited geography. In any case, she expects to be the third largest party in the next Lok Sabha, much in tune with the current Lok Sabha, and hence, as in Karnataka, Rahul Gandhi may spring a surprise by lending support to the leader of the third party, TMC, to form government should Modi and NDA fail to do so. She is making her road to power stronger now.

Issue is of a consensus leader of the opposition ahead of the election, which looks bleak as of now. But, through the developments of the last one month, from Brigade rally of January 19 to CBI impasse now, Mamata has surely soared up her chances. And, Modi has contributed to her scores that much and a shot up in the semblance of unity within the opposition camp.
Hyderabad: The All India Congress Committee president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday told the newly-elected Congress MLAs that the parliament elections would be between the Congress and BJP and there would be no benefit in criticising Telangana state Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao in the LS poll.

The AICC president met the MLAs in the war room on Tuesday along with other senior leaders.

Mr Rahul expressed disappointment with the results in the recent assembly elections. When he raised questions about the reasons for the defeat, many MLAs came up with several opinions like the party should be made more organised and that candidates should be announced earlier etc.

When Telangana state Congress affairs in-charge R.C. Khuntia said that money had an impact in the TS Assembly elections, Mr Rahul Gandhi disagreed saying that money was spent heavily by the opponents in Chhattisga-rh, but the Congress won.

The reasons for the defeat in the recent Assembly elections were discussed and also suggestions were taken from the MLAs for a com back in the Lok Sabha elections. MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy said that the delay in the announcement of the candidates had proved costly apart from the fact that welfare schemes and Raithu Bandhu had helped the TRS retain power.

LB Nagar MLA D Sudhir Reddy said that there was no use in appointing four working presidents for the party. He also informed Rahul that the Working President post had been given to those who were not fit for it.

There will be a second meeting in a couple of days regarding elections strategies for the forthcoming elections.
Bengaluru: While Congress and Janata Dal(Secular) leaders are already at loggerheads over who should contest from Mandya this Lok Sabha poll, JD(S) MLC, K T Srikantegowda added fuel to fire with his remarks on Tuesday against Ms Sumalatha, wife of the late actor/politician, M H Ambareesh, a favourite with the local Congress leaders.

Commenting on the Congress leaders forcing Ms Sumalatha to contest from Mandya, the MLC asked, "Is she a Gowdati (a woman from the Vokkaliga community)? She hails from Andhra Pradesh and so how can she be one? Ms Sumalatha married Mr Ambarish, who was a Vokkaliga by birth, but she isn't. "Going further, the MLC claimed that Mr Ambareesh did not contest the 2018 assembly elections from Mandya as he knew he would be defeated by the people "for not responding to their needs." " The people voted for Ramya aka Divya Spandana in the Lok Sabha polls, but she didn't turn up in Mandya. Should the people elect a leader, who does not care for the Mandya people?" he demanded.

Angered by his remarks, fans of the late actor blocked the Bengaluru- Mysuru national highway and took out a protest march in the city demanding an unconditional apology from him. Attacking the MLC on social media, they asked if Ms Anitha Kumaraswamy, wife of CM H D Kumaraswamy was a 'Gowdati' as she reportedly has Telugu roots. Backing them, local Congress leaders told the KPCC president, Dinesh Gundurao that they would not work for the JD(S) in Mandya, should the party decide to give the constituency to it.
Bengaluru: Three days ahead of his son and Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's second budget, JD (S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda treated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and national leadership of BJP with kid gloves with regard to moves to lure MLAs of the ruling coalition and topple the government.

In a chat with media persons outside his residence here on Tuesday, Mr Gowda, who along with his son, had alleged umpteen number of times through Twitter about Mr Modi and BJP president Amit Shah's attempts at destablizing the coalition government, was not harsh on him this time. Mr Kumaraswamy had even quizzed Mr Modi about his double standards on combating corruption. He had alleged that central leaders were involved in offering money as inducement for MLAs of the coalition.

However, on Tuesday, Mr Gowda said since the PM had other commitments, he might not got entangled with 'Operation Lotus'.

"I do not think the Prime Minister is involved. And even party national unit too might not be aware of this. I think, Operation Lotus was the handiwork of B.S. Yeddyurappa who was desperate to become the Chief Minister. He could not become the CM as his mission was destined to fail," he added.

On Monday, while interacting with select journalists, Mr Kumaraswamy too went soft on the Prime Minister.

While replying a question on destruction of federalism by the Modi government, he said the NDA government was destroying the federal structure. "They have targeted every opposition leader," but paused to add in a lighter vein "they did not touch the Deve Gowda family (so far)."
Bengaluru: Striking a cautious note on governments giving freebies to people, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, who will present his second budget here on Friday, promised to strike a balance between populist schemes and bringing about structural changes in various sectors.

The Chief Minister, who was interacting with select journalists here on Monday, said he was confident he would be able to complete the process of crediting the loan waiver amount into farmers accounts during the next fiscal. Although at first he had believed he needed five years to waive farm loans to the tune of Rs 48,000 crore, it had now become possible to meet this commitment in the coming fiscal as the government had enough resources, he explained.

However, admitting that giving freebies and too many populist schemes could take away a large share of the allocations in the budget, he said he intended to also give priority to structural changes in different sectors to make sure they didnt suffer.

I have interacted with all sections of people, including auto drivers. We would like to cover almost all areas in the budget ," he added.

The Chief Minister ruled out imposing prohibition in the state as demanded by the thousands of women, who marched to Vidhana Soudha last week, noting that the states main source of revenue was the excise sector. "After the introduction of GST, mobilising resources has become difficult. I can understand the pain of those women, but we have to be pragmatic, he contended.

Hinting that carrying forward some of the commitments of the Siddaramaiah government had been a burden, he said he could not manouvre as much as he would have liked to come out with other programmes.

Mr Kumaraswamy revealed that under the Compete With China programme, several companies had come forward to set up shop in tier-II and III cities and towns in the state. "A few electronic toy manufacturing companies have come forward to set up base in Koppal and Ballari and we are pushing for textile industries, he added.
Chennai: Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for terming the budget trailer, DMK president MK Stalin said the Centre spent five years to make the trailer.

Addressing grama saba meeting organised by the party in Sathirapatti village in Sathur in Virudhunagar district on Monday, he said Modi government has been duping people. After four and a half years of rule, the Centre released a trailer. And everyone knows, the trailer is released ahead of movie release. When the Centre took five years to prepare the trailer, one can imagine how long the BJP will take to implement the projects as assured in the trailer. Under the BJP rule the country has been undergoing serious turmoil.

The state government has been committing irregularities in distribution of welfare projects.

The government distributes the assistance only to AIADMK workers and neglects the real beneficiaries. Similarly, there are irregularities in MNREGES schemes.

Local bodies including panchayats are facing serious crisis as the state government has not conducted election to local bodies. A large number of women attended the meeting.
Anna Hazare, who began his indefinite fast on January 30 over appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs, has lost around 4.30 kg weight in the last seven days, doctors said. (Photo: ANI)

Ralegan Siddhi (Maharashtra): Amid concerns over social activist Anna Hazare's health, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and two Union ministers Tuesday met the 81-year-old here and requested him to call off his fast.

Hazare, who began his indefinite fast on January 30 over appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs, has lost around 4.30 kg weight in the last seven days, doctors said.

Fadnavis reached Hazare's native Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmednagar district in the afternoon and held talks with him. Union ministers Radha Mohan Singh and Subhash Bhamre and Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan were also present.

The chief minister requested Hazare to call off the fast. "Anna has expressed his disappointment with the Central and state governments over appointment of Lokpal and Lokayukta. If Fadnavis proposes something concrete, then only is there hope for a solution," an aide of the activist said.

Hazare began his fast demanding appointment of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states where such statutory anti-corruption watchdogs do not exist, and resolution of farmers' issues.

He has also been demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on ways to address agrarian distress, besides electoral reforms. Locals who observed a bandh recently to show support for Hazare's agitation, restricted entry of government officials to the village on Tuesday.

The anti-graft crusader earlier said if the Modi government does not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan award. Hazare on Monday claimed that senior BJP leaders who once vehemently backed his Lokpal demand had turned 'allergic' to it after coming to power and accused the ruling dispensation of betraying people who voted it to power in 2014.

"During my Ramlila Maidan agitation on Lokpal and Lokayukta, the entire country stood up. An atmosphere was created. That is the reason why you (BJP) came to power. Now you are betraying the people who brought you to power," Hazare had said.

"Leaders like Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj had once vehemently defended the Lokpal demand in Parliament. But after coming to power, they are mum over it. It looks like they are allergic to Lokpal and Lokayukta. The agitation brought them to power but they have forgotten it," Hazare had said.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray and water conservationist Rajendra Singh met Hazare on Monday and extended their support to his agitation. Thackeray asked him not to sacrifice his life for the "useless" government.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, whose party is an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra, has extended his support to Hazare, asking him to emulate socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan and lead an agitation against corruption.
Bengaluru: The budget session of the state legislature promises to be stormy with the BJP gearing up to take on the state government over the squabbling between the coalition partners, corruption allegations against Minister Puttarangashetty, alleged collapse of law and order and its ineffective governance.

The partys state president, B.S.Yeddyurappa has called a BJP legislature party meeting on Tuesday to discuss its floor strategy. It will be preceded by its core committee meeting.

Opposition leader in the Legislative Council, Kota Srinivasa Poojari told Deccan Chronicle, We will raise the corrupt deeds of Minister Puttarangashetty and demand for his resignation soon after the Governors address to the joint session. There is no government in the state and ministers are lying. We will not allow the House to conduct business until the resignation of Mr Puttarangashetty.

Meanwhile, some BJP leaders claim there is a big question mark over CM H.D. Kumaraswamy being able to present the budget as the government could collapse any time.

But they are unwilling to reveal their plan of action during the session, which could lead to the downfall of the coalition government. Some leaders say the party has authorised Mr Yeddyurappa to take a decision in the matter and act accordingly.
Mamata Banerjee also hit out at the BJP leader Mukul Roy who left the Trinamool Congress to join BJP last year. (Photo: File)

Kolkata: While various BJP leaders have voiced protests against West Bengal denying them permission to land their choppers for addressing public rallies in the state, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday hit back saying she was not even permitted to stay in official guest houses in Maharashtra and Bihar when she went there for meetings.

When I had gone for a meeting in Maharashtra and Bihar I wasnt even allowed to stay in a guest house, she said. It is pertinent to mention that there is a BJP government in Maharashtra while in Bihar, the Janata Dal (United) led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is ruling the roost in coalition with BJP.

Mamata Banerjee also hit out at the BJP leader Mukul Roy who left the Trinamool Congress to join BJP last year. She simultaneously targeted BJP saying that those who join BJP ranks are shielded by the party from investigating agencies like CBI and ED.

Once you join BJP, bye bye CBI, bye bye BJP, said Mamata Banerjee and added that central agencies such as the CBI and ED should act without bias.

The Chief Minister was addressing the media and a gathering from the dharna site at Kolkatas Metro Channel. Earlier in the day, she lauded the Supreme Courts verdict which stated Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar cannot be arrested by the CBI and claimed it a moral victory.
Thiruvananthapuram: The state capital will get eight more model food safety panchayats with the Kerala Commissionerate of Food Safety (KCFS) launching its effort to ensure safe food and encourage safe food practises at the selected panchayats. Pangode, Kanjiramkulam, Kunnathukal, Pallichal, Ottoor, Mudhakkal, Vithura, Manikkal have been chosen for the ambitious Model Food Safety Panchayat initiative of the Commissionerate.

A top official of the food safety said that it will be a year-round programme.

The initiative aims at ensuring food safety during production, procurement, and distribution of food and consolidation of traders involved in the entire system.

The initiative aims at encouraging food business operators to get food safety license, registration.

A top official of the Commissionerate said that once the initiative is launched all food business operators should get the food safety license and registration and should display it for public view.

The trader who doesn't get the license will be imposed with a fine of Rs 5 lakh and 6 months imprisonment.

Strict action will be taken against those adding artificial colour, Ajinomoto.

The food safety officials will be constantly monitoring the quality of water being used at the eateries, juice shops. Strict action will be taken against those using frozen stale milk for making milkshakes. Only packet foods with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India labeling should be sold and used by food business operators. The street vendors should keep the food items covered and in hygienic condition.

Usage of newspapers for packing food will be banned.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to express his solidarity with her in Kolkata, on Tuesday. (Photo: AP)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear and make himself available at all times before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and co-operate faithfully with the probe into the Saradha scam.

A three-judge Bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjeev Khanna, while giving this direction, however, restrained the CBI from taking coercive steps, including arrest of Mr Kumar.

To avoid controversy, the court asked the CBI to question Mr Kumar at a neutral place, viz Shillong in Meghalaya on such dates as may be fixed.

After hearing Attorney-General K.K. Venugopal, who maintained that a contempt has been committed by preventing CBI officers from exercising their duties, the bench issued contempt notices to the state chief secretary, DGP and the police commissioner seeking their response by February 18.

The bench made it clear that on consideration of their replies, the court may require the personal presence of the three officers on February 20 and the secretary general of this court would intimate this to them on February 19.

Earlier, Mr Venugopal submitted that the state police was not co-operating with the probe. Citing instances, he said the material handed over to the CBI was not the entire material.

We had serious doubts over the documents which were handed over to us. Call data, which was given to us, was incomplete. There is a serious breakdown of legal machinery and law and order in West Bengal.

Describing the order as a slap on the face of the Mamata Banerjee-led government, top functionaries in the Central government said it is quite apparent that the court has taken a dim view of the Kolkata police commissioner and the entire top bureaucracy of the Mamata government.

Emphasising that the conduct of the Trinamul governments senior officers is being watched, the functionaries, citing the order, said the apex court has asked the Kolkata police chief to faithfully cooperate with the investigating agency at all times.

Meanwhile, senior BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad welcomed the order and said its a blow to the Mamata Banerjee government and a victory for the CBI. It also showed that nobody is above the law, including the police commissioner, he added.

Lakhs of depositors in several eastern states including West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Bihar and Jharkhand were duped by the promoters of Saradha and Rose Valley groups of their hard earned money. The size of the Saradha swindle is pegged at roughly `4,000 crore and that of Rose Valley a staggering `15,000 crore.

Ms Banerjees dharna brought back memories of the 26-day hunger strike she undertook 13 years ago against forcible land acquisition in Singur by the then Left Front government for Tata Motors Nano car plant.

Her 46-hour dharna underscored how crucial she is for the Oppositions efforts to forge a broad-based alliance to take on the Modi dispensation.

The AG along with Solicitor-General Tu-shar Mehta asked the court, Can state police confront the Centres police which is acting pursuant to the orders of this court? Your Lordships have to issue notice for contempt and also lay down the law in this regard. The conduct of Mr Kumar and WB amounted to contempt of the SC judgment.

The AG explained that between April, 2014 and when the judgment was pronounced in 2017, we have collected material and proceeded to make arrests...some of them were people found close to or connected to the TMC, the ruling party...we issued summons to Mr Kumar (being the functional head of the SIT) as the material handed to us was not complete. So we sent summons and then three notices. When he failed to respond, we wrote to the DGP...

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for West Bengal government refuted the submissions, saying that the whole episode was done with the object of harassment and humiliation.
Hyderabad: The Telangana state government has proposed merger of the Centrally-funded new Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme and the state governments own Rythu Bandhu scheme.

The state and Central government schemes both provide investment subsidy to the farmers.

Under Rythu Bandhu, the Telangana state government is paying Rs 5,000 per acre in the kharif season and the same in the rabi season to every farmer in the state. Around 53 lakh farmers are benefiting from the scheme which costs the state exchequer `15,000 crore per year.

The Central government scheme gives every small and marginal farmer family in the country that owns less than five acres of cultivable land Rs 6,000 per year in three instalments. It will benefit around 47 lakh farmers in TS and cost `3,000 crore per year.

The TS government is of the opinion that since in the state all farmers irrespective of their land holdings are getting benefit under Rythu Bandhu scheme, there is no need for another similar scheme for them.

If the TS government proposes this to the Central government and the latter accepts the reasoning, 47 lakh farmers will lose the additional benefit of `6,000 per year provided by the Central government. But the financial burden on the state exchequer for implementing Rythu Bandhu will reduce by about `3,000 crore. The Central government will release the funds of `6,000 crore to the TS government in three instalments.

The state government will give `5,000 per acre in both seasons to farmers as per the Rythu Bandhu scheme.

The state government has no objection to the name of the scheme being changed to Rythu Bandhu-PM Kisan. A senior official of the Telangana state government does not believe such a merger is possible.

He said that the Central government has announced this scheme to get some political mileage before the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Central government wants to give the first instalment before the elections.

n Page 6: LS polls to decide fate of schemes merger
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up the Centre for trying to destroy the verification process for the preparation of final National Register of Citizens currently underway in Assam.

Making a strong observation against the Union home ministry, a bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Rohinton Nariman, told the Attorney-General K.K. Venugopal you are hell bent on destroying the process.

The bench refused to pass any order at this stage on the Centres request to suspend the verification process for two weeks on the ground that it could not provide 167 companies of Central security forces due to deployment in election.

The CJI asked the AG, Why do you want to withdraw the force? It looks you dont want the NRC exercise to go on. We are left with no other option but to say that the ministry of home affairs does not want the NRC exercise to go on. We are very sorry to say that the impression the ministry of home affairs is giving is that it is not willing to continue with the NRC work. The entire effort of the ministry of home affairs is to destroy the NRC process. We are sorry to say that.

The AG said the Central armed police force comprising the CRPF and other para military forces presently deployed in Assam for the NRC work needed to be deployed in different parts of the country.

The AG submitted that the anticipated political atmosphere in the country would be surcharged during the elections and it would not be conducive for the NRC exercise to go on during that period also.

The CJI pointed out even if 2,700 out of available 3,000 companies are required then there are still 300 companies of CAPF left with the government. Then why do you want to disturb the 167 companies deployed for NRC work? If you want NRC work to go on, there are 1,001 ways the government of India can cooperate in completing the exercise. But the government of India does not seem to be keen on completing the process.

In its order the Bench directed the Centre and Assam government to provide adequate number of government officials that is 3457 as indicated by the state coordinator which consists of peoples of all ranks be kept for NRC work.
Gond had abducted the child in Nagod area in Satna district on the night of June 30, 2018 and took her to a nearby jungle where he brutally raped her.

Bhopal: The Jabalpur Central Jail in Madhya Pradesh has begun preparations to hang a school teacher on March 2 following the black warrant  final order for execution- issued against him by a local court in Satna in the state for raping a 4-year-old girl last year.

Satna district and sessions court issued the black warrant on Sunday after Madhya Pradesh high court upheld the death sentence pronounced in the case by the trial court, according to local government counsel.

The accused, Mahendra Singh Gond, would be hanged till death at 5.00 am on March 2 inside Jabalpur Central Jail as mandated by the court unless Supreme Court intervenes in the case, a senior officer of Jabalpur Central Jail said on Tuesday.

We have received the hard copy of the order on Monday and have informed the accused about it, Jailor J.K. Mishra said.

If the execution is carried out, Gond would be the first to be hanged under the new legislation which allows death penalty for child rapists.

The jail authorities have initiated a move to hire a hangman from outside the state since there is no hangman in MP to carry out capital punishment.

Gond had abducted the child in Nagod area in Satna district on the night of June 30, 2018 and took her to a nearby jungle where he brutally raped her. He had then abandoned her at the crime spot thinking that she died.

Her family members had found her lying in a pool of blood and then rushed her to the district hospital.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 5)  The Philippine Coast Guard is currently searching for an aircraft reportedly missing near the waters of Samal, Bataan.

The aircraft was reportedly piloted by two Indian nationals--an instructor pilot and a student pilot.

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Spokesperson Eric Apolonio added that the aircraft has been missing since yesterday.

"A two-seater Cessna C152 training aircraft with registry number RP-C 2724 operated by Fliteline Aviation School went missing after it departed Plaridel airport at 7:20 a.m. and landed at Subic at 7:51 a.m. for a touch-and-go landing maneuver but went missing on his way back to Plaridel airport since yesterday," Apolonio said.

The flying school has also dispatched two aircrafts to assist with the Coast Guard's search and rescue operation.

The search will continue tomorrow morning, Apolonio added.
This was evident from the liberal use of the language at a programme held on Tuesday at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University here.

Hyderabad: Persian language is still relevant as nine students from MANUUs Department of Persian have landed jobs in MNCs like Genpact and Facebook. These companies are offering a package ranging between Rs 5 to Rs 6 lakh per annum, according to Prof Shahid Naukhez Azmi, Head, Persian Department.

Time was when Persian held sway as the language of administration in Deccan. But centuries after the Deccan sultanates vanished, Farsi still seems to hold good. This was evident from the liberal use of the language at a programme held on Tuesday at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University here.

The 36th international conference of the All India Persian Teachers Association saw speakers waxing eloquent in Farsi. The auditorium resonated with the couplets of celebrated poets like Hafez Shirazi, Rumi and Saadi.

What was interesting was that audience cherished and enjoyed the sweetness of Persian. Particularly its soft-sounding and passionate verses enthralled everyone. Persian and Urdu languages are interlinked with each other. When one language flourishes, the other will also get strengthened, remarked noted Persian Scholar, Prof. Gholam Ali Haddad Adel, former Speaker, Iran.

Paying rich tributes to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Indias first education minister and a renowned Persian scholar, Prof. Haddad referred to the contributions and impact of Persian language in medieval India and its role in propagation of Islam. He also hailed Indo-Iranian friendship and said coming to Hyderabad he felt totally at home.

The three-day conference on Contribution of Deccan (India) to the Persian language and literature is being attended by more than 100 Persian teachers and scholars, including delegates from Iran and Afghanistan.

Dr Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz, Vice-Chancellor, MANUU, in his presidential address welcomed the usage of Persian language in Iran to promote knowledge and wanted a similar approach to be adopted towards Urdu in India.

Prof. Azarmi Dukht Safavi, President, AIPTA, said the Deccan plateau extending over eight Indian states encompassed a wide range of habitats, cultures, languages and political dimensions. It produced dynasties like the Cholas, Pallavas, Satavahanas, Kadambas, Maratha empires, Bahamani Sultanat, Qutb Shahis, Adil Shahis and Asif Jahis. The region had also been a cradle of many languages belonging to the Indo-Aryan and the Dravadian families of languages.

The Adil Shahi rulers were deeply under the influence of Persian culture and even adopted customs and manners of that land. The Qutb Shahis were also great patrons of Persian and Daccani. The intermingling of Iranian tasawwuf with Hindi bhakti gave impetus to a syncretic society in Deccan.Influence of Persian and its penetration in Deccani Culture began even before the arrival of Khilji in the13th century, Prof. Safavi said.

Prof. K. Muzaffar Ali Shahmiri, Vice-Chancellor, Abdul Haq Urdu University, Kurnool, invited the research scholars to the treasure house of Persian literature available in the Rayalaseema region. This area was still unexplored, he remarked.
The Telugu community in the US plans to hold a meeting with the Indian Embassy and students who have been released on bail.

Hyderabad: The eight Telugu-speaking Indians who were charged by the US Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) pleaded not guilty when produced for the first time before a federal court in Michigan.

They have been charged with aiding hundreds of students to stay illegally in the US by enrolling in a fake university.

One of the eight recruiters Phanideep Karnati, 35, secured bail because he had a valid H-1B visa.

Mr Karnati entered the US 10 years ago and had a good track record. He lived in Louisville, Kentucky and was released on a bond of $10,000.

While the seven others, Barath Kakireddy of Florida, Suresh Kandala of Virginia, Prem Rampeesa of North Carolina, Santosh Sama of California, Avinash Thakkallapally of Pennsylvania, Aswanth Nune of Georgia and Naveen Prathipati of Texas, continue to be in custody.

Three Telugu students who were detained in Indianapolis  two from AP and one from TS  and lodged at the detention centre in Detroit, secured bail on a bond of $25,000. The bond money was sponsored by their families, friends and Telugu community leaders. Others have also applied for bail.

According to reports, the US ICE has taken away the passports of 130 detained students. Voluminous documents and mobile phones of the eight recruiters charged by ICE have been confiscated.

The eight have been charged with aiding hundreds of students to stay illegally in the US by enrolling in a fake university.

Sreedhar Nagi Reddy, a US citizen associated with ATA, Telangana Development Forum told Deccan Chronicle, There are two options for the students who have been detained. One is to secure bail and voluntarily move out of the country after getting clearance from the immigration judge. Each state where the students have been detained has different rules and the bail cost ranges from USD 1500 to 25,000. Second is to stay in the US, hire an attorney and fight the case. Those opting for bail should have US citizen or green card holder as their guarantor.

Sources told this newspaper that those detained cried when members of the Telugu community visited them as they are sharing the detention centres with murderers, drug addicts/peddlers and other criminals. The American Telugu community has extended help to 22 detained in Atlanta, seven in Texas, four in Virginia, and eight each in Detroit and Florida.

The Telugu community in the US plans to hold a meeting with the Indian Embassy and students who have been released on bail.
A woman police who spotted the woman's bleeding hand rushed her to a hospital.

Bengaluru: Dejected over her boyfriend refusing to marry her, a pregnant woman attempted suicide in a toilet at the city police commissioner's office on Tuesday.

The woman, Mary, and her boyfriend Prakash were summoned by Vanita Sahayavahini for counselling on Tuesday. The boyfriend during the counselling maintained that he would not marry her.

Let down by her boyfriend's refusal, the woman went to the bathroom in the Sahayavahini and attempted suicide by cutting her wrist.

A woman police who spotted the woman's bleeding hand rushed her to a hospital.

According to Sahayavahini staff, Prakash and Mary were in a relationship for 10 months and Mary was four months pregnant. Prakash, who had promised to marry her, started avoiding her recently and told her that he will not marry her at any cost.

Mary was depressed and was counselled three times previously.

As the issue did not get resolved, the police summoned both for the counselling but nothing concrete happened.

Mary is out of danger and once she is discharged, both Prakash and Mary would be summoned for the final round of counselling and a concrete decision would be taken, a Sahayavahini staffer said.
Registering the case as one of mysterious death, based on the complaint of the private lodge authorities, police sent the body to Tenkasi general hospital, where autopsy was performed.

Tirunelveli: Relatives of a college student found dead under mysterious circumstances in a private lodge in Courtallam here, suspect that the boy was murdered and refused to receive the body.

The deceased, Karthik Raja (18) son of Rajkumar of Kurragam in Tirupur district, was doing diploma in mechanical engineering at a polytechnic college in Tirupur. He was reportedly in love with an arts college student Surekha (19) of Gopichettipalayam. When the girls parents came to know about their affair, they complained to local police who arranged for talks between the parents of both the girl and the boy and settled the issue.

Though they agreed to give up their affair, Karthik Raja and the girl eloped last week. According to police the lovers went to Coimbatore, Palakkad and Ernakulam and reached Tirunelveli on February 1.

From Tirunelveli they went to Courtallam and stayed in a private lodge, where the boy reportedly died. Registering the case as one of mysterious death, based on the complaint of the private lodge authorities, police sent the body to Tenkasi general hospital, where autopsy was performed.

Karthik Rajas parents and relatives, however, suspect that their son was murdered, refused to receive the body and staged a dharna inside the Tenkasi government hospital, demanding a fair and detailed enquiry into the death. Raja had injuries on his body.

Police said preliminary enquiry reveals that the boy was drunk and attempted to videograph the girl and this resulted in a quarrel between the lovers. The body of Karthik Raja was shifted to Tirunelveli government medical college hospital on Monday, where his relatives continued their agitation.
Anand Teltumbde was arrested from the Mumbai airport last Saturday around 3 am. His arrest was deemed illegal by a sessions court and he was released from custody. (Photo: ANI | File)

Mumbai: Pune Police told the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it will not arrest activist Anand Teltumbde till midnight of February 12.

The statement was made by state's counsel Aruna Pai, representing Pune Police, before a bench of Justice N W Sambre.

The court directed Pai to give an undertaking as a pre-condition for securing time to file an affidavit opposing Teltumbde's plea seeking protection from arrest in the Elgar Parishad-Koregaon Bhima case.

Teltumbde is an accused in the case, which was filed following violent clashes at Koregaon-Bhima village near Pune on January 1, 2018.

He was booked on several charges, including sections under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

The Dalit scholar, who was arrested last week and released following a court order, approached the high court seeking protection from arrest. He filed an anticipatory bail application through his counsel Mihir Desai, arguing that he had had no role to play in the case.

Advocate Pai, however, urged Justice Sambre to dismiss Teltumbde's application on the ground that UAPA Section 43D(4) bars granting anticipatory bail to an accused.

She also pointed out that earlier last year, Teltumbde, who the police claim has Maoist links, filed another plea in the high court denying all charges against him and urged the court to quash the FIR against him in the case.

However, another bench rejected the plea.

"The HC bench rejected the plea after analysing all evidence against him. That, too, should be a valid ground to dismiss the anticipatory bail application," Pai said.

Desai said the law provided for anticipatory bail even under UAPA in "exceptional cases".

Pai told the court to grant her time to put her arguments on an affidavit. Justice Sambre granted her time to February 9 to file the affidavit after she assured the court that Teltumbde would not be arrested till February 12, considering that the Supreme Court had granted the activist time till February 11 to exhaust all his legal remedies seeking protection from arrest.

Teltumbde was arrested from the Mumbai airport last Saturday around 3 am. His arrest was deemed illegal by a sessions court and he was released from custody.

Teltumbde was booked following an Elgar Parishad event on December 31, 2017, which, the police alleged, triggered violent clashes the next day at Koregaon-Bhima village in Pune district.

According to police, the event was funded and supported by Maoists. At the event, some activists made inflammatory speeches and provocative statements that contributed to the January 1 violence, they had said.

Several activists were named in the FIR. Some of them, including Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj, P Varavara Rao and Gautam Navlakha, were initially put under house arrest on the directions of the Supreme Court.

All of them, except Navlakha, were recently re-arrested and taken into custody by police. In October last year, Pune Police registered another FIR, naming eight more activists, including Teltumbde and Stan Swamy.
The last date for payment of the second instalment of Rs 1.2 lakh is February 20, but it can be paid along with the first instalment.

Hyderabad: The Haj Committee of India has extended the last date for remittance of the first instalment for all provisionally selected pilgrims till February 15. Pilgrims have to pay Rs 81,000 as the first instalment.

Telangana State Haj Committee president Masihullah Khan said pilgrims would lose their seats if they failed to pay the amount before the stipulated date and those on the waiting lists would be accommodated.

The last date for payment of the second instalment of Rs 1.2 lakh is February 20, but it can be paid along with the first instalment. Applicants may remit the amount online or in the State Bank of India Ac. No 32175020010 FEE TYPE-25 or Union Bank of India A/c. No. 318702010406009 (Haj Account) in any branch having core banking system. The amount can also be paid online by e-payment on the website www.hajcommittee.gov.in
New Delhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday met the newly appointed PCC leadership in Tamil Nadu and discussed the partys strategy in the state. PCC president K.S Alagiri along with working presidents H. Vasa-

ntha Kumar, K. Jayakumar, M.K Vishnu Prasad and Mayura Jayakumar, named to lead the TNCC in the place of Su. Thirunavukkarasar given the marching orders on Saturday, were called by Rahul to his residence for discussing the strategy for the coming Lok Sabha elections as well as for strengthening the party in the Dravidian state, sources said.

They said the Congress president was particularly concerned about the perennial problem of the TNCC being weighed down by bitter faction feuding. In fact, his decision to appoint four working presidents under the pretext of assisting Alagiri is bound to only exacerbate this cursed problem. Now there will be five leaders competing with each other for TV mikes and pushing their independent agendas rather than work united for the benefit of the party, said a TNCC stalwart.

But for the happy record, Rahul had a confident Facebook post after meeting up with his new TN team. I met with members of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, today, at my residence. I am confident that our team under the leadership of K.S Alagiri Ji, the new TNCC president, will continue to have the trust & support of the people of Tamil Nadu. I wish them all the best! said the Congress chief in his post.

Earlier in the day, he had granted audience to Thirunavukkarasar presumably to assuage his hurt feelings at being sacked so unceremoniously even as the ex-AIADMK/ex-BJP Dravidian leader only recently boasted he would remain at the helm at the PCC headquarters Satyamurthi Bhavan. Reporters who met him soon after that meeting repeatedly asked Thiru what happened to his usual cheerful appearance and if he was terribly upset at being ousted so close to the Lok Sabha polls.

Did he ask Rahul why he was sacked, a reporter asked Thiru. I did not ask the reason when I was made the AICC secretary within a short time of joining the party and later appointed to the coveted post of TNCC president. Similarly, I did not seek any reason now (for the sack), he said.

Putting up a brave face and a plastic smile, Thiru insisted he had reason to feel proud and happy as he broke the longevity record at the Satyamurthi Bhavan by lasting two-and-a-half years as the PCC president. He said he thanked Rahul profusely for the trust and confidence he had reposed in him during his long term at the Bhavan.

When I first joined the Congress, I had told Rahulji that my decision was entirely influenced by my love and loyalty for him and the deep respect I had for Soniaji. That feeling will remain now and forever. Not just me, my progeny too will remain loyal to them, said Thiru, committing his family to loyalty to the Nehru-Gandhi family.
Priyanka attended the meeting at Rahuls residence with other Congress leaders and discussed the strategy for Uttar Pradesh-East as she has been made the general secretary for the region. (Photo: ANI)

New Delhi: The newly inducted Congress General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra returned to India on Monday. Soon after arriving in New Delhi, Priyanka met Congress president Rahul Gandhi at his Tughlaq Road residence.

Priyanka attended the meeting at Rahuls residence with other Congress leaders and discussed the strategy for Uttar Pradesh-East as she has been made the general secretary for the region.

Congress General Secretary for UP-West Jyotiraditya Scindia was also present during the meeting with Congress leaders. President of Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee Raj Babbar and partys general secretary for Karnataka K C Venugopal were also present in the meeting. The meeting lasted for over two hours.

Priyanka Gandhi has been made in-charge of 43 out of 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. When Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's name was announced as the Congress General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh-East, she was on a private visit abroad. She returned to India on Sunday.

A Congress leader from Uttar Pradesh told ANI that many prominent party leaders of the state were telephoned during the meeting and were asked about the welfare measures and development works being carried out ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress got only 8.4 per cent votes in Uttar Pradesh in the 2014 general elections. Congress won in Rae Bareli and Amethi.

This time it's going to be a tough challenge for Priyanka as Congress had 22 Members of Parliament (MPs) with four seats in Eastern Uttar Pradesh in 2009. The situation became worst for the party after the 2017 state assembly elections, wherein, the party secured only two seats in the eastern region.

According to sources, Congress has been discussing Priyanka's Uttar Pradesh tour and preparing a blueprint for the same. Earlier, the party had prepared the schedule for 13 rallies, however, after Priyanka's entry, the party is reworking on its plan.

Apart from this, the party is drafting a plan for 17 reserved seats and the Dalit majority seats along with that a strategy has been prepared for which the SC and ST department of the party has prepared a proposal for 4 rallies. Priyanka and Jyotiraditya Scindia will give a final nod to these plans.

As per the party source, Priyanka and Congress leaders in Uttar Pradesh will again hold a meeting at Rahul Gandhi's residence on Tuesday.

Priyanka Gandhi would also be present at a meeting of All India Congress Committee general secretaries and in-charges of various states, who have been called in Delhi on February 7. The meeting has been called to plan the strategy and review the ongoing preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Rahul will conduct a meeting of state chiefs and Congress Legislature Party leaders on February 9 in the national capital.
Southside Bboys (SSB) showcase a dash of hip-hop culture at the Pop Up Pavilion at Fort Kochi

KOCHI: The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is facilitating expression of creativity of visitors through its popular sessions called pop up. The interested can present papers, read poetry and conduct lectures and discussions at the pavilion.

Curator Anita Dube is keen to welcome the crowd to experience the joy and freedom of self-expression at the peoples biennale.

I realised the exhibition model was not sufficient to address self-determination of audience and that something else was required, said Anita Dube.

Last week, a team of Kochiites specialising in street dances performed and jammed with fellow visitors at the pavilion at Cabral Yard. The space was abuzz with hip-hoppers from different areas walking in and starting jamming raising the spirit of the event at short notice.

On January 15, student groups from Barodas Maharaja Sayajirao University and the School of Art Institute of Chicago came together at the pavilion for informal discussions with Anita Dube and some members from the Kochi Biennale Foundation. The idea of opening up the pavilion was to have interactive conversations with creative minds and provide a platform for idea exchange, Dube said.

LGBTQ rights activist Alok Vaid-Menon, an American performance artist-poet, made use of the pavilion to showcase his talent of reciting poems. It was one of the most spontaneous performances we had so far and I was amazed with the visitors response, Dube said.

Art mediator Marina Thayil did a talk titled The Half-naked Fakir. There was also a musical performance by members of the Coast Guard, a documentary film by Antony Zimayon called Pazhaya Paalam and a talk on heritage and social entrepreneurship by Subhi Gupta of the Mussoorie Heritage Centre.
Sources said among those present at the meeting included Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah. (Photo: Twitter)

New Delhi: Leaders of various opposition parties met at Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar's residence in Delhi on Monday and discussed their joint strategy to take on the ruling BJP on various issues, including what they say is misuse of the Central Bureau of Investigation by the Centre.

Sources said among those present at the meeting included Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien and NCP leader Supriya Sule were also present, besides Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh.

Pawar later said that earlier during the day, leaders of several opposition parties had met in the chamber of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Gulam Nabi Azad and discussed certain issues.

The meeting comes three days after opposition leaders had a meeting at the Constitution Club, where issues pertaining to efficacy of EVMs and other issues concerning the opposition were discussed. Earlier on Monday, the opposition leaders also accused the Centre of misusing the CBI to target them.

"The problem in the agriculture sector and unemployment, which is affecting a sizeable section of the younger generation. We discussed the issue of the assault on democratic institutions. We decided that on these three issues, we would meet again," Pawar told reporters after the meeting that lasted for over an hour.

"But what happened yesterday in Kolkata, we cannot say or we cannot bypass that issue. We have to decide on this issue either tomorrow or day after tomorrow. The Congress and all other parties will sit and we will make some definite programme. We want to support Mamata ji on this issue," he added.

Pawar was referring to the showdown between the West Bengal chief minister and the Centre over an attempt by the CBI to question the Kolkata police chief in connection with the Saradha chit-fund scam case.

Mamata Banerjee has sat on a protest in Kolkata in defence of the police officer.

"What happened to Mamata ji is not about only Mamata ji, we have seen it in Delhi.

"Arvind Kejriwal, his office, his senior officers, have also faced similar issues. So, this is a clear-cut attack on democratic institutions... We will sit along with all other political parties, especially those who were present in yesterday's meeting and today's meeting, and one definite programme will be made," Pawar added.

Naidu said, "We condemn the CBI action".

He said all 23 parties which participated in the Kolkata rally hosted by Banerjee on January 19 against the BJP-- including Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, NCP and AAP-- condemned the CBI action on Sunday.

"Some of our people are meeting Mamta ji in West Bengal independently. Individually, they are going and expressing their solidarity. Now, we are thinking, as Sharad Pawarji has rightly mentioned, in a day or two we will meet again and have a collective strategy to move forward," he said.

On the absence of Congress leaders at his residence on Monday, Pawar said this was an unscheduled meeting.

"When Chandrababu came to Delhi, I got a communication that he would like to come and sit. It was a courtesy call."

Kejriwal said, "Whatever is happening in Kolkata, we have been facing it for the past four years due to the Modi government."
Refusing to budge, Banerjee held her Cabinet meeting at the protest site and also gave police gallantry awards there. (Photo: PTI | File)

Kolkata/New Delhi: A political firestorm raged Monday as Mamata Banerjee's sit-in protest against CBI's bid to question Kolkata police chief in chit fund scam cases entered the second day, with the West Bengal Chief Minister declaring her agitation to save the "Constitution and country" will go on and she was ready to face the consequences.

Virtually all opposition parties rallied behind Banerjee's direct confrontation with the Modi government, even as the BJP called it an "alliance of corrupt" and Home Minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament that developments in West Bengal were indicative of a "breakdown of the Constitution".

Trinamool workers took to streets burning effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and blocked trains, while the BJP lined up its top leaders to step up the counter-offensive against Banerjee and other opposition leaders. The ripple effect of political tremors in West Bengal were felt in several state capitals, as Banerjee's combative posturing on the issue drew support from several regional satraps trying to sew up an anti-BJP alliance ahead of Lok Sabha polls, expected in April-May.

Refusing to budge, Banerjee held her Cabinet meeting at the protest site and also gave police gallantry awards there.

"This is a satyagraha and I'll continue (it) till the country is saved... Constitution is saved," the firebrand TMC boss said at the protest site.

The tense standoff between the CBI and the Kolkata police for the second day echoed in Parliament and led to a washout of the proceedings following opposition protests.

"There may be breakdown of Constitution in West Bengal...under the Constitution, the central government has been vested with the power to maintain normalcy in any part of the country," Singh told Lok Sabha.

"Whatever happened on Sunday indicates constitutional breakdown," he said.

Singh also sought a report from Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi which was promptly sent by Raj Bhavan.

"I do not have any grudge against any individual. But I am angry over the way institutions are being destroyed and misused," Banerjee told the gathering at the protest venue.

She said it was her government that arrested Saradha chairman Sudipta Sen and claimed Rs 250-300 crore was returned to the duped depositors.

The alleged ponzi scams at Saradha and Rose Valley groups are at the centre of what has become a major political controversy now, as the BJP leaders have alleged that the ruling party leaders in West Bengal have been among major beneficiaries of fraudulent collection of money.

Allegedly, these schemes were being run without necessary regulatory approvals and collected nearly Rs 20,000 crore from lakhs of investors in West Bengal and neighbouring states, through what is commonly known as 'chit funds'.

Several TMC leaders including parliamentarians like Kunal Ghosh, Srinjay Bose, Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Tapas Pal, and state minister Madan Mitra were arrested for their alleged links with the two groups.

"Today you are labelling those who helped arrest the culprits as thieves. You are calling Rajeev Kumar (Kolkata Police Commissioner) a thief! Whose money has he taken? You are calling me a thief! Whose money have I taken? "If you are labelling people who are honest as thieves without any evidence, then I will definitely stand by their side. And for that if I need to give up my life, then I am ready to do that but I will not compromise," she asserted.

Claiming that the CBI team had knocked on Kumar's door without a warrant, Banerjee said, "I have fought all through my life but never given up. I am ready to face any consequences." The failed attempt by the CBI to question Kumar in connection with the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams on Sunday became the latest flashpoint between the BJP-led Centre and Banerjee, one of its bitter critics.

The CBI has accused Kumar of destroying evidence related to the two fraud cases. A CBI team was bodily prevented from entering Kumar's residence by police personnel, bundled into vehicles, and detained.

Police contingents also descended on CBI premises in Kolkata, as a furious Banerjee rushed to Kumar's residence before beginning a dharna opposite landmark Metro Cinema.

As political temperature soared, Banerjee told her supporters to keep the demonstration peaceful and not to burn any effigies. "Save the Constitution, save the federal structure, save the police force, save the Indian Administrative Service and all ranks of civil service from disaster," read the banner that fluttered on the dais Banerjee has made her home since Sunday night.

Support for her poured in from far off leaders -- DMK chief M K Stalin in Chennai, Andhra chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu in Amaravati and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda in Bengaluru. Odisha's ruling party BJD, which had hitherto kept silent over the development, also threw its weight behind Banerjee.

"We are not a banana republic...," BJD leader B Mahtab said, adding the CBI was becoming a "political stooge and political weapon" in the Centre's hand.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge charged that the government was using the CBI as a weapon to finish the Opposition and put in place an autocratic regime.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged the "Modi-Shah duo" were trying to "murder" democracy. NCP leader Sharad Pawar, at whose residence leaders of opposition parties met, said what has happened to Mamata has happened in Delhi to Kejriwal also.
The CM has been on the dharna since the night of February 3. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

Kolkata: Continuing the dharna on Day 3, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refuses to budge from her sit-in protest.

The confrontation was triggered by a CBI teams attempts to question commissioner of police, Kolkata, Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam on Sunday evening  a move that Banerjee said was out of vendetta.

The investigative agency approached the Supreme Court on Monday saying Kolkata Police commissioner Kumar was a potential accused in the Saradha chit fund scam and claimed the local police could be destroying crucial evidence.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Andhra Pradesh counterpart Chandrababu Naidu are expected to visit the dharna site at Metro Channel on Tuesday, sources said.

Today's highlights:

06:22pm: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee: "This dharna (Save the Constitution) is victory for the Constitution and democracy, so, let us end it today."

"The Court gave a positive judgement today. Next week, we will continue to take up the issue in Delhi."

(Photo: Twitter | ANI)

05:20pm: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress MP: There is no democracy in Bengal, its with the help of ruling govt that people were looted off in the Chit Fund Scam. This Police Commissioner is Mamatas servant, he will do whatever she says.

04:58pm: Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu meets West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee at the stage where she has been sitting on 'Save the Constitution' dharna since February 3 over CBI issue.

Photo: ANI | Twitter

04:12pm: West Bengal: Andhra Pradesh CM and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu arrives in Kolkata.

02:20pm: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik when asked if there has been any communication with WB CM over CBI matter said, "No one from TMC has been in contact with us for at least a year. Our party statement yesterday had to do with events in our state. We would like CBI to do a professional and non political job."

Photo: ANI | Twitter

12:35 pm: Mamata Banerjee was responding on Yogi Adityanath's visit to West Bengals Purulia district to address a public rally.

#WATCH WB CM Mamata Banerjee:Ask Yogi to take care of Uttar Pradesh first. So many ppl have been killed,even police were murdered,so many ppl were lynched,he himself will lose if he contests elections.He doesnt have a place to stand in UP thats why he's roaming around in Bengal pic.twitter.com/ijtBwTHdvX  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

11:50 am: Talking on Supreme Court's decision, Union minister RS Prasad said, "Today we've to ask larger questions on behalf of the party. Lakhs of small investors were cheated and looted off their money. Is it not our moral obligation for an investigation? Why is Mamata ji silent on this? Why are the other political parties silent on this?"

"This order was given by Supreme Court to investigate the conspiracy angle and also money laundering angle. This investigation must be done in a fair manner. Let's not politicise it. This is a great moral victory for CBI," he added.

Photo: ANI | Twitter

11:45 am: Talking on 'if she will continue dharna', Mamata Banerjee said, "Let me talk to my leaders, I dont go alone. Today Chandrababu Naidu is also coming, I will consult other leaders also. I will also consult Naveen Patnaik Ji, then I will let you know."

11:33 am: Mallikarjun Kharge said, "The govt is settling scores with opposition after interfering in autonomous bodies. We are fighting against those elements. It is not about an individual, an officer or a party, we are fighting against government's attempt to discredit autonomous bodies."

Photo: ANI | Twitter

11:30 am: Mamata Banerjee said, "But what they started doing? They wanted to arrest him. They went to his house, on a secret operation, on Sunday, without any notice. That court said no arrest. We are so obliged. It will strengthen the morale of the officers."

11:25 am: "Rajeev Kumar never said he'll not be available. He said we want to meet at mutual place,if you want to ask for any clarification, you can come and we can sit ," said Mamata Banerjee.

11:15 am: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on SC order that no coercive steps would be taken against Rajeev Kumar said, "Its a moral victory. We have great respect for judiciary and all institutions. We are so grateful. We're so obliged."

Photo: ANI | Twitter

11:00 am: The Supreme Court said that the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kuamr can not be arrested but he should be available and fully cooperate with the CBI investigations.

The next date of hearing is February 20.

10:45 am: Calcutta HC adjourns hearing in Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar case till Thursday (February 7) as the Supreme Court is seized of the matter.

10:40 am: The Supreme Court commences hearing on pleas of probe agency in Saradha chit fund scam case.

10:35 am: CBI files affidavit in the Supreme Court alleging there are several incriminating material/correspondence that was collected during the investigation by the CBI against the senior police officials as well as senior politicians.

09:05 am: Actress and TMC's Indrani Halder meets Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at 'Save the Constitution' dharna in Kolkata. The CM has been on the dharna since the night of February 3.

Photo: ANI | Twitter

08:30 am: Visuals from the site of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's 'Save the Constitution' dharna near Metro Channel. The stage is currently covered with curtains. The dharna over the CBI issue began on the night of February 3.

Kolkata: Latest #visuals from the site of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's 'Save the Constitution' dharna near Metro Channel. The stage is currently covered with curtains. The dharna over the CBI issue began on the night of February 3. pic.twitter.com/orN4Krt6sB  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

Day 3 begins

09:40 pm: West Bengal Congress to hold a protest rally on February 6 demanding immediate conclusion in the investigation of Saradha, Rose Valley and other Chit fund cases and the immediate arrest of the accused in Narada case.

08:40 pm: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and DMK leader Kanimozhi meet West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee at the stage where she has been sitting on 'Save the Constitution' dharna.

Photo: ANI | Twitter

Day 2: Read: Kolkata Police-CBI face-off: WB Guv prepares report, sends to MHA

Mamata Banerjee began her sit-in at 8.30 pm on Sunday, calling it a "satyagraha to save the Constitution" and rallying other parties around her agenda.

The dharna site, titled "satyagraha mancha", has been devoid of any political colour.The chief minister has been discharging her official duties, including signing of papers, from the dais.

The West Bengal Chief Minister has described her protest as a non-political one and welcomed all anti-BJP parties into it.

Months before the general elections, this has become another flashpoint in the BJP versus Opposition bust-up with several leaders, from Rahul Gandhi to Chandrababu Naidu, Arvind Kejriwal and Tejashwi Yadav, pledging their support to Mamata Banerjee.
According to the Motor Vehicles Act 269, it is compulsory for an autorickshaw diver to get registered with the traffic police. A digitised board will be installed between the driver and the passengers seat. (Representational Image)

Hyderabad: Autorickshaw unions are not happy with the polices move to get their vehicles registered under the My Auto is Safe initiative and are planning a protest on Tuesday.

Just 11,000 of around one lakh autorickshaws in the city are registered. The police feel that once registered, passengers will feel safe travelling in them and crime rate too will come down. A lot of traffic violations by drivers can also be controlled.

I hailed an autorickshaw from Malakpet railway station to Akbar Towers Imtiyaz Hospital, said Khalid from the Old City area. At first he asked for Rs 20, but after a patient who was with us boarded, the driver demanded Rs 40 and began arguing with us. Rokkam Kumar, another commuter, said: The authorities should seize autos of erring drivers and release it against payment of heavy penalty in court.

There are around one lakh autorickshaws plying in the city and 11,000 of them have registered with us, deputy commissioner of police traffic-1, L.S. Chauhan, said. According to the Motor Vehicles Act 269, it is compulsory for an autorickshaw diver to get registered with the traffic police. A digitised board will be installed between the driver and the passengers seat. A QR code will be provided on the board so that passengers can easily scan it and get details of the auto driver. C. Anand Rao, an auto driver, said: My Auto is Safe is a good initiative. It will benefit both passengers and auto drivers. If passengers will feel safe and secure the probability of them hiring my auto will increase. Even if my auto is stolen, the police will be able to track it easily.

N. Vidya Sagar, assistant commissioner of police, traffic (Central Zone), said: The Supreme Court has clearly asked to implement installation of bar code in autos immediately. Installation costs nearly Rs 200.

A press release on January 4 from the city police commissioner pointed out the problems commuters face. Around 1.4 lakh autos in Hyderabad city polices jurisdiction are operating in an unsafe and haphazard manner without adequate documents and unlicensed drivers, it said. It is also found that some drivers misbehave with passengers, charging undue fares and also indulge in unlawful activities. Many of these vehicles are also affecting road safety and security by parking in dangerous places, driving rashly and creating other nuisance. Hence, Hyderabad city orders all auto drivers to register with the traffic police.

However, unions are opposing this move. We have given all our details to RTA. The police can take our details from RTA, Telangana Auto Drivers union JAC president B. Venkatesham said. There is no need for registration by traffic cops. Cops are charging Rs 250 extra money from us.
The 3 m-wide skywalk will affect 23,773 square yards on Survey of India campus and 16,453 square yards of the Uppal Stadium. (Representational Image)

Hyderabad: The municipal administration and urban development department have proposed a new skywalk that is likely to eat into the Survey of India campus and Uppal Stadium.

The municipal administration and the urban development department have asked Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Industrial Area Local Authority and Rachakonda police to conduct a comprehensive study and submit proposals for building a 1.4 km skywalk connecting Uppal-Hubsiguda Road with Uppal Ramantapur Road via Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal. The nodal agencies have in their report said that to take up the work, the existing 11-18 m has to be widened to 36 m.

The 3 m-wide skywalk will affect 23,773 square yards on Survey of India campus and 16,453 square yards of the Uppal Stadium.

They said Mr Rao has instructed officials to take up uniform development around the city and provide best solutions to facilitate pedestrians and prevent traffic snarls. With the state government proposing to extend the IT sector to eastern parts of the city, several developmental activities will be taken up, the proposed skywalk being the first.

A senior MA&UD official said on condition of anonymity that the skywalk construction will affect four properties including Survey of India, Uppal Stadium area, 7,774 square yards of Nuziveedu Seeds Limited and 537 square yards of other private properties.

He said despite regular walkers, the proposed skywalk has been designed to facilitate Genpact employees and patrons who visit Uppal Stadium to watch Indian Premier League and other international matches. He said walkway would ease the traffic congestion on busy days

Officials said discussions were held with Survey of India officials, who asked the department to safeguard sumps, overhead tanks and pipelines while shifting them. The officials said that skywalk construction will not affect the international stadium.
On Sunday, Yogi Adityanath addressed his two rallies in Bengal on phone after being denied the landing permission. (Photo: File)

Lucknow: Two days after being denied landing permission in West Bengals South Dinjapur district for addressing public rally, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has decided to take the road to Bengal.

The BJP has planned a rally by UP CM in Purulia on Tuesday for which CM would enter Bengal through BJP-ruled Jharkhand. CMs office confirmed that Adityanath would leave Lucknow by a special plane for Ranchi on Tuesday and from there, he is scheduled to take a helicopter till Bokaro before taking the road to Bengal.

The route was rethought to ensure that the chief minister gets to enter West Bengal where BJP is looking to make inroads in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Due to TMCs decision to deny landing permission to Adityanath on Sunday, it has been decided that he would travel to West Bengal by road. Lets see how what the terrified didi does now, a senior BJP leader said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is popularly referred to as did in West Bengal and has come under attack from the BJP. The BJP claimed that denial permission for a helicopter landing reflected that she was scared of Yogi Adityanath.

On Sunday, Yogi Adityanath addressed his two rallies in Bengal on phone after being denied the landing permission. During his address, he claimed that Banerjee government was afraid of the BJP as it very well knows that its days in Bengal are numbered.

Mohsin Raza, the UP governments lone Muslim minister, tweaking a popular dialogue from film Uri asked Mamata Banerjee, How is the khauf (fear)?

Apart from West Bengal, Adityanath is scheduled to address party cadres in Bihar (February 7), Uttarakhand (February 9), Kerala (February 12, 14) and Odisha (February 20).
Police also seized an oil tanker and 100 litres of diesel form a shed where the theft used to take place. (Representational Image)

Hyderabad: Nacharam police on Tuesday arrested three persons who were stealing fuel from Indian Oil Corporation Limited tankers.

Police also seized an oil tanker and 100 litres of diesel form a shed where the theft used to take place.

Following a tipoff that diesel was being pilfered from IOCL oil tankers, Nacharam police kept a close watch and found that the fuel was being stolen in the shed erected to commit the crime.

Nacharam police said A. Bixamaiah, 26, a driver, indulged in the offence along with Narender, K. Srikanth and U. Linga Raju. Narender erected the shed where every day Biamaiah would bring a lorry from which the fuel would be stolen and sold for `60 a litre.

A case was registered under Sections 420 and 379 r/w 34 of IPC and Section 7 of Essential Commodities Act. An oil tanker (AP 28 V 6309), about 100 litres of diesel and a pipe used to steal the fuel were seized and the three arrested and produced in court, the police said.
The two were booked under various sections of the IT Act and remanded in judicial custody.

Bengaluru: The cyber crime police on Tuesday arrested two cab drivers in connection with as ATM card skimming case. The accused had stolen the debit card details of a senior citizen and withdrawn Rs 47,000 from his account.

Police said the accused have been identified as Nagaraj (30) and his associate Sachin (23).

Investigation reveals that one of Nagaraj knew the victim for over an year, as he used to pick and drop him. After gaining his trust, the victim used to hand over his ATM card to Nagaraj to help him withdraw cash.

Police said that Nagraj later hatched a plan to dupe the senior citizen as he knew the PIN number. He took the pictures of ATM card from both sides and sent the same, along with the PIN, to his associate, identified as Sachin, in December last week .

Using the card details, Sachin made online transactions and began to withdraw the money on different dates to avoid suspicion. The duo used to share the money.

The incident came to light when the victim noticed that a huge amount of deposit from his account has been deducted and asked his family members to check. They later took the statement from the bank, and realized that the ATM card has been compromised.

Based on the complaint, the police tracked down Sachin, who confessed that Nagaraj had provided the details. The two were booked under various sections of the IT Act and remanded in judicial custody.
A group of students accused the headmaster of of 'misbehaving' with them, following which the District Educational Officer ordered a probe. (Representational Image)

Hyderabad: A 57-year-old headmaster of a government school in Khammam district, about 300 kms from here, has been booked under POCSO Act for "misbehaving" with girl students, police said Tuesday.

A group of students accused B Shanker Reddy, headmaster of Zilla Parishad High School (ZPHS) in that district of "misbehaving" with them, following which the District Educational Officer had Monday ordered a probe into the matter by a team comprising district officials and police.

After holding an inquiry with the students, a case under relevant sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was registered against the Headmaster, who is absconding, an official told PTI.

Meanwhile, members of a student organisation and some students of the school staged a demonstration demanding stern action against the accused.

The police said in 2015 also a similar case was registered against the headmaster following allegations that he "sexually abused" few girl students and he was arrested also and was later let off on bail.
Bringing Mehul Choksi back to India would be a boon for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he tries to bolster his anti-corruption credentials ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. (File Photo)

Georgetown: Fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi, accused in the Rs. 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case, is still an Indian citizen despite holding an Antigua and Barbuda passport, an Indian official told Reuters, adding the government is pushing for his extradition.

Mehul Choksi fled India before the accusations surfaced last year. His nephew Nirav Modi, a celebrity diamantaire is an accused in the case. He has also skipped the country.

Bringing Mehul Choksi back to India would be a boon for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he tries to bolster his anti-corruption credentials ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi are accused of colluding with a handful of bankers to secure credit from overseas banks using fraudulent guarantees. Both have denied the allegations.

Mehul Choksi has secured a passport from Antigua and Barbuda, where wealthy foreigners can become citizens in exchange for investing in the country.

But Indian officials still consider him an Indian citizen, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana and Non-Resident High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda as well as St. Kitts and Nevis, said in an interview in Georgetown last week.

"He has not renounced his Indian citizenship. We have revoked his passport, but that does not mean we have revoked his citizenship. We must agree if someone wants to renounce their citizenship; we have not agreed," Mr Mahalingam said.

"You cannot commit some crime and run away from the country and (think) we'd allow you to renounce your citizenship. That would look really stupid."

India in August lodged an extradition request, which Mr Mahalingam said Mehul Choksi was fighting.

If all sides agree Mehul Choksi is Indian, he could potentially be extradited from Antigua using a Commonwealth-based agreement. But his Antiguan citizenship complicates the situation even though India does not permit dual citizenship.

"He is ... entitled to the protection any citizen of Antigua and Barbuda is," Lionel Hurst, the chief of staff for the Antiguan Prime Minister's Office, told India Today TV in September.

'BROUGHT TO JUSTICE'

In January, Mr Hurst told India Today the struggle over Mehul Choksi now depended on Antiguan courts, and warned the case could "last for a very long time".

Mehul Choksi in November also filed an application to a Mumbai court refuting that he was a fugitive and blaming "persisting medical conditions" for preventing him from returning to India, court documents show.

When asked whether Mehul Choksi remained an Indian citizen, his lawyer Sanjay Abbot late last week confirmed that Mehul Choksi had surrendered his passport but directed questions on his citizenship to David Dorsett, his lawyer in Antigua.

Mr Dorsett did not respond to a request for comment.

PM Modi said recently any corruption suspect would face justice "regardless of whether he is in India or abroad".

"Any person who has cheated or looted the country shall be brought to the justice," PM Modi said in a speech.
Noted filmmaker turned actor A Venkatesh, known for his commercial potboilers, is for the first time trying his hands on an edge-of-the-seat crime thriller titled Nethra. The director has also turned a producer with this movie, with Vinay, Subhiksha, Ryithvika in the lead.

Actor-producer Thiagarajan has bought the rights of the film, shot entirely in Canada. I visited Canada a few years ago to attend a function. When I landed at the airport, I noticed a young Tamil couple who were my co-passengers and who seemed very restless.

They did not have a phone and either and they seemed to have no money. I came to know that those who were supposed to receive them at the airport did not turn up and I could guess for some reasons they were scared of something. Though, I did not go deep into it, the incident was the inspiration to write Nethras script.

I just added my own fictional account and weaved the story I set in Canada

On roping in Vinay, he says, It has an anti-hero subject and no hero would want to touch the subject. He is a person who is a psychologically affected person who takes revenge in a unique manner. I wanted someone with an innocent face at the same time and Vinay fitted the role.

The veteran also revealed that it is the first time Thyagarajan is releasing a film other than his son Prashanths. Venkatesh would soon be joining hands with actor Prashanth with whom he gave the hit film Chocolate.
The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has found that over 148 brokers are involved in the massive NSEL scam. Sources said that the SFIO has got nod from the ministry to prosecute them.

New Delhi: As the ministry of corporate affairs is all set to take action against fraudulent stockbrokers in the Rs 5,600-crore National Spot Exchange (NSEL) scam, the brokers body is upset about the ministrys move.

Reacting the move, Uttam Bagri, chairman of the Bombay Stock Exchange Brokers Forum (BBF), said, Any across-the-board action on hundreds of intermediaries affects the entire financial ecosystem.

The masterminds of the scam are attempting to divert the regulatory attention from them by targeting brokers who are the victims themselves."

Brokers, however, feel that if the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) adjudicates, then the markets regulator will declare 300 brokers as not fit and proper.

Consequently, they will not be allowed to carry out any business in the securities market.

This will have serious repercussions on the capital markets. If Sebi stops 300 brokers from doing business, millions of retail investors will panic and lose their hard-earned money and foreign investors will flee India. It will be catastrophic, to say the least, said another senior official at an industry forum.

The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has found that over 148 brokers are involved in the massive NSEL scam. Sources said that the SFIO has got nod from the ministry to prosecute them. The SFIO has also got instructions from the ministry to file winding up petition against at least 20 defaulting companies. It has also been asked to take action against the auditors of all the companies, the source added.

As a part of the NSEL investigation, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has issued notices to 300 brokers after Sebi filed FIRs against 300 brokers.

The notices allege that forward contracts on NSEL were illegal under the Forward Contracts Regulation Act (FCRA) 1952. The show-cause notice questions the fit and proper status of these brokers.

The illegality of transaction is because NSEL was set up to trade in spot transactions, but was not authorised to allow trading in forward contracts. Spot transactions must be settled in 11 days. The paired contracts issued by NSEL and passed on by brokers to their clients went beyond the prescribed period of 11 days and therefore were illegal.

A senior criminal lawyer on condition of anonymity said, A crime is a crime.

For criminal law, nobody is big or small, nobody is rich or poor; the law applies to everybody the same way. For similar crime, punishment has to be similar and together.

The Sebi has to take similar action against at least 300 brokers. At its peak, there were more than 600 brokers who issued such contract notes to their clients. These brokers together constitute a dominant part of the capital market with funds and securities of several million investors. It could possibly cause a system collapse, the lawyer added.
Geneva: India is among the several countries that stand to benefit from the ongoing trade tensions between the world's top two economies - the US and China, the UN has said in its latest report.

The US and China are locked in a trade war since President Donald Trump imposed heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items in March last year, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war.

In response, China imposed tit-for-tat tariffs on billions of dollars worth of American imports.

The United Nations experts said Monday that the tit-for-tat trade dispute between China and the United States may do little to protect domestic producers in either country and could have "massive" implications on the global economy unless it is resolved.

Of the USD 250 billion in Chinese exports that are subject to US tariffs, only about six per cent will be picked up by firms in the US, according to a report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

And of the approximately USD 85 billion in US exports that are subject to China's tariffs, only about five per cent of this will be taken up by Chinese firms, according to the UN research.

In a bid to meet the US' demand of bringing down the USD 375 billion bilateral trade deficit, China has pledged to take measures to step-up American imports and investments. March 1, 2019 is the deadline for implementing the measures.

Unless the US and China agree to drop their tariff dispute by March 1, duty on each country's products will rise to 25 per cent, up from the current 10 per cent level, the UN said.

Countries that are expected to benefit the most from the trade war are the EU members as exports in the bloc are likely to grow by USD 70 billion. Japan and Canada will see exports increase by more than USD 20 billion each, it said.

Other countries set to benefit from the trade tensions include Australia, with 4.6 per cent export gains, Brazil (3.8) India (3.5), Philippines (3.2) and Vietnam (5), the study said.

Quoting former US Secretary of State Cordell Hull, UNCTAD's Pamela Coke-Hamilton repeated his description of protective tariffs as "a gun that recoils on ourselves", which had also contributed to the Great Depression of the 1930s and the rise of extremism.

"I think that is a single lesson from what we have had here today. If - barring an agreement between the US, China on March 1 - tariffs will escalate to 25 per cent, which is a significant difference from the 10 per cent as it currently exists," Coke-Hamilton said.

The implications of such a development would be "massive", the UNCTAD Director, Division on International Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities, continued, adding that its effects would first of all involve "an economic downturn... due to instability in commodities and financial markets".

"One major concern is the risk that trade tensions could spiral into currency wars, making dollar-denominated debt more difficult to service," the report added.

Imposing tariffs make US-made products cheaper than imported ones, and encourage consumers to buy American.
New Delhi: The Department of Telecom will seek views of telecom regulator Trai on allocation of spectrum worth Rs 65,000 crore to Indian Railways without auction, a top official said Tuesday.

"Indian Railways has asked for 10 Mhz of spectrum in 700 Mhz band for setting up public safety and security service. The Digital Communications Commission has decided that the DoT should take view of Trai in the matter," Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan told reporters after the meeting of Digital Communications Commission (DCC).

The radiowaves in 700 Mhz band considered premium for long distance mobile communications as it required less number of mobile towers to provide services compared to 3G and 4G services.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has recommended base price of Rs 6,568 crore per megahertz of radiowaves in 700 Mhz band implying the total value of airwaves is around Rs 65,680 crore at the reserve price.

The frequency band is earmarked for mobile services and allocating it to Indian Railways for non-commercial use may also adversely impact levies like adjusted gross revenue, spectrum usage charges and licence fee collected.

Besides, the DCC, formerly Telecom Commission, in its meeting held Tuesday decided to allow government's engineering and consultancy firm Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) to raise funds by diluting 25 per cent stake.

"The DCC decision is in line with that of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs to disinvest 25 per cent in the company. TCIL had requested to carry on piggy back transaction of 10 per cent which DCC approved. TCIL has been allowed to retain fund raised from 10 per cent stake for working capital and rest of the 15 per cent will go to the government," Sundararajan said.

In a move to boost setting up of VSAT based network, the DCC reduced entry fee on VSAT to Rs 15 lakh from Rs 30 lakh and waived fee of Rs 16 lakh that organisations required to pay for each VSAT hub thereafter.

Further, the DCC approved bringing of audio-conferencing service under ambit of telecom licence as it was once used by a company to provide free calls on mobile phones though app by using landline connections. Calls made from landline connections do not attract any interconnection usage charges while it is charged between a mobile to mobile call made on different networks.

The DCC also rejected a proposal of Trai to create data aggregators as it felt already many players are doing similar work and the commission decided against creating a new category for data services under telecom licences.
Bengaluru: In a strong rebuttal, State Bank of India (SBI) has on Monday said there was no data breach or incident of it failing to safeguard the financial records of its customers.

Responding to media queries on recent reports of data leakage involving the bank, SBI chairman Rajnish Kumar said, Customer data security is top most priority for us. None of our customers lost data, there was a gap in the process that caused the error, but no incident of customer data loss was reported. Also, no customer-identifiable information, username or passwords of any account holder, was kept on the system.

Kumar further added, We are reviewing the entire systems. We have been examining the issue in totality to ensure complete safety and security of data and storage.

It may be recalled that an online publication recently reported that a security breach had exposed financial information of SBI customers through an unprotected server. SBI is the countrys largest bank with a customer base of 43 crore people and a network of 22,500 branches.

On the banks digital push, the chairman said, some 85 per cent of its entire transactions take place outside branches, ATMs account for 35 per cent of transactions while 50 per cent of the transactions are done online.

Commenting on priority sector lending, Kumar said, agriculture, MSME and affordable housing etc continue to be focus areas for the bank.

We are in the last leg of loan waivers, we are moving towards direct transactions, so that we can do away with waiver systems.

Prices of agriculture produce have fallen while cost production has gone up. Vagaries of nature have also added to farmers distress, he added.
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Although historian Ken Reiss had knowledge of its existence, and had hoped for years for its re-emergence, he was unexpectedly and happily surprised when Dave Burt expressed his plans to donate a significant piece of history to the Darien Historical Society, a Middlesex militia muster roll from April of 1767. Although the document had been in Burts family for decades, he deemed it an appropriate time to give it back to the town; its 250th anniversary was approaching.

Burt, along with family members, mother Carolyn Rusty Burt, brother Jeffrey Burt, nieces Hattie, Chloe and Sophie Burt, and uncle Bill Ruscoe, were in attendance at an informal ceremony where the muster roll was donated to the Society. The occasion was marked with a champagne toast and refreshments, and a reading by Rusty Burt, touching on the familys connection with the document.
Darien Dr. Denis Bouboulis has been making the rounds lately, both in his white coat, treating patients at his Darien office, and on television, informing the nation about an under-diagnosed disease that he specializes in.

Last week, Bouboulis was seen on the Today Show; he also taped an episode of Inside Edition, which will air this week as well as a spot on MSNBC; he's also agreed to appear in an upcoming episode of Dateline, the doctor said.

Bouboulis is a board certified physician and an immunologist who runs his own practice, Advanced Allergy Immunology & Asthma, PC, at 106 Noroton Avenue in Darien. He's been based in Darien since 1993, but has recently become nationally recognized as an expert treating PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disease Associated with Streptococcus).

"Basically what that means is that the immune system responds in an appropriate fashion to an initial strep infection -- usually Group-A strep, a type of strep that most often causes respiratory infections -- and when the immune system responds to fight against the strep, it creates antibodies," Bouboulis said in his office on Tuesday.

"There's what we call molecular mimicry. The toxins in the strep resemble some of the constituents of the nerve cells in the brain," he said.

After the streptococcus is defeated, the antibodies continue to attack the nerve cells, causing a shift in dopamine within the brain. This change in dopamine levels can cause many disruptions in the body, including ticks, anger rages, obsessive compulsive behaviors and severe separation anxiety, Bouboulis said.

He recently treated a 12-year-old girl whose PANDAS manifested itself in a severe sneezing problem, causing her to sneeze up to a dozen times a minute and 12,000 times a day, he said.

The child and her mother were featured on NBC's Today Show last year, discussing their quest to identify the cause for the sudden onset of sneezing; they visited several doctors all around the country, and could not find an answer. She was featured on several talk shows and news programs around the country, drawing national attention to her predicament.

After some misdiagnoses, the family flew up to Darien from Virginia to see Dr. Bouboulis, who diagnosed the tween with PANDAS, and began treating her. She has since stopped sneezing for the first time in months.

"This is a fascinating disease. We are at the infancy of understanding this disease. It has gained international interest, because Lauren's case sparked an international awareness of this disease, once it was realized that her sneezing was not just sneezing, it was part of a larger syndrome," Bouboulis said.

The girl was lucky, Bouboulis said. While sneezing every five seconds is incredibly inconvenient, it was a "mild" manifestation of the disease, which can often cause larger ticks, that make normal life near impossible.

"The fact that parents who have children with PANDAS have been traumatized. You have a child that's doing well, and all of a sudden you literally lose your child. You wake up one morning and your child is not there. It's not the child you've known -- from a behavioral, psychological and emotional standpoint," he said.

Bouboulis is one of about a half-dozen doctors in the country who treats the condition, and sees patients from as far away as Seattle, Michigan and Tennessee who are seeking treatment for the disease. He began his work with PANDAS about two years ago when he was contacted by Yale University.

"They needed an immunologist who treats with IVIG [intravenous immune globulin]," he said. This treatment involves hooking the patient up to an IV for two days, and infusing new antibodies into the body to "clean up the bad autoimmune antibodies that are causing the disease," he said.

"There aren't a lot of doctors in the country that are familiar with PANDAS and are actually experienced to treat PANDAS. The most definitive therapy is the use of IVIG. And there are few doctors in the county that actually use IVIG," Bouboulis said.

It was the IVIG that caused his 12-year-old patient to stop sneezing, he said. But though his patient has stopped sneezing, she is not actually cured, he said.

The disease affects those with a genetic predisposition -- the gene for which has not yet been identified -- and could return in the future if set off by another strep infection, the doctor said.

Because there has not been a lot of research about the disease, and there are few people working in the PANDAS field, there are still many unknowns when treating the disease: one of which is whether there will be a cure for it, and what that cure may be, Bouboulis said.

He's working to raise awareness of the disease through the foundation, PANDAS Resource Network (www.pandasresourcenetwork.org), and is also planning to open an infusion center to administer IVIG in his building on Noroton Avenue.

Between these new plans, his television appearances and increasing awareness of PANDAS resulting in new patients, Bouboulis is very busy these days.

"But I love what I do," he said. "I love knowing I can make a difference in these people's lives."
When Dalhousie first raised the pan-African flag on campus in February 2017, it added a symbolic new tradition to its African Heritage Month celebrations.

On Monday, the university once again raised the flag to kick-off the month of activities and action  only this time it was one of several institutions and communities across Nova Scotia doing so.

The City of Halifax held its first pan-African flag raising Februay 1, while St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish did so a day earlier. Each made history with the gesture, signaling solidarity with all peoples of African heritage.

Its an acknowledgement of the critical role of people of African descent, not only in Nova Scotia, but across Canada, said Isaac Saney, director of Dals Transition Year Program (TYP) and a professor in the Department of History, who served as MC of the event.





TYP Director Isaac Saney.

A legacy of impact



Teri Balser, Dals provost and vice-president academic, delivered remarks on behalf of the universitys interim president, Peter MacKinnon, who was out of the province for a work engagement.

Though new to Nova Scotia and Dalhousie, Dr. Balser said shes already noticed how deeply resonant the theme of this years provincial heritage month  Our history is your history  is at Dalhousie.



Dal Provost Teri Balser.

Our 200-year history offers some inspiring examples of how Black leadership and vision have informed, challenged and inspired the community to lead positive change, said Dr. Balser.

She pointed to past Dal beacons such as Burnley Rocky Jones, an alum and founder of the TYP program, and the leadership of Kevin Hewitt and Barbara Hamilton-Hinch, the two Dal professors who joined forces with community advocate Wayn Hamilton in 2001 to launch the STEM outreach group Imhoteps Legacy Academy.

While celebrating achievements is important, Dr. Balser said reflecting on the past requires or asks us to reconcile with it as well.

She spoke about the universitys efforts to look into its own past connections to the more difficult parts of African Nova Scotian history, including the trans-Atlantic trade in enslaved peoples, with the Lord Dalhousie panel, the recognition and proclamation last fall of the International Decade of Peoples of African Descent, and its work in carving out a broader institutional strategy for African Nova Scotians to moving forward.

We recognize that we need to learn from the past in order to create a truly equitable institution today and for future generations, she said.

Leading important conversations



More than 100 people came out to the for the kick-off event, held in the council chambers in the Student Union Building. The flag raising took place on the lawn outside the SUB at the corner of LeMarchant Street and University Avenue.

More events: African Heritage Month website (Human Rights & Equity Services)



For Michelle Patrick, acting associate director of recruitment in the Registrars Office at Dal and co-chair of the Black Faculty and Staff Caucus, the month-long series of activities and events represents an opportunity to ask difficult questions.



Michelle Patrick, co-chair of the Black Faculty and Staff Caucus.



How do we make sure Black voices matter? What actions need to be taken to create change to achieve equity? she asked. Showing up today is part of that, but I ask each of you this question: What is your role moving forward?

She praised Dals proclamation of the Decade of Peoples of African Descent and celebrated the Year of Belonging lecture series that brought speakers such as U.S. civil rights activist Angela Davis to campus during the universitys 200th year to reflect on the question: what would it take to create a world where we all feel like we truly belong?

She ended saying, together, we need to speak up. We need to keep asking those difficult questions.

People and place



Aaron Prosper, president of the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU), began his remarks by recognizing his predecessor Amina Abawajy (now an education advisor with Dals Human Rights and Equity Services) for being a trailblazer as the first person of African descent to hold the role. Prosper, who is from Eskasoni First Nation in Cape Breton, made history himself last year when elected the first Indigenous DSU president.



DSU President Aaron Prosper.

Prosper drew on Mikmaq teachings to emphasize the shared history of African Nova Scotians and Indigenous peoples across the province, sharing an anecdote from childhood about the time his grandfather spoke to him about the closeness of the two communities.

For me, its not only celebrating the strength of African people in this month, but celebrating the indigeneity of African people in this province, he said. Indigeneity to me doesnt just mean the first peoples.

Vanessa Fells, program coordinator for the Nova Scotia Decade for People of African Descent coalition, touched on that shared history as well  noting her own Mikmaq and African Nova Scotian roots. Her great grandmother was Mikmaq and lived on reserve.



Vanessa Fells, program coordinator for the Nova Scotia Decade for People of African Descent coalition

We spend a lot of time focusing on the negative and not focusing on everything that weve actually achieved in these 400-plus years that weve been here, she said, noting the difficult struggles African Nova Scotians have survived.

Shaping the future



Attendees also heard from a number of other speakers as well, including Reverend Rhonda Britton of New Horizons Church and moderator of the African United Baptist Association and Aisha Abawajy, co-founder of the student-led Dalhousie Black, Indigenous and People of Colour Caucus (BIPOCUS).



Aisha Abawajy, BIPOCUS co-founder

A fourth-year applied computer science student, Aisha spoke about her motivations for supporting BIPOC students, mentioning her younger brothers experience of anti-Black racism at school.



Many peoples remarks drew on the Sankofa principle, often illustrated with a bird moving forward while looking back, symbolizing how the past can inform the future.

We do not live in the past, said Dr. Britton, but we glance backward to see from whence we have come while keeping our feet and bodies on the journey aimed toward the future.

To find out more about this years African Heritage Month activities, visit the Human Rights and Equity Services website.



The pan-African flag flies on Studley Campus.


The Feb. 3 story published by The Daily Progress about a provision of the Virginia Constitution that empowers three state officials to oust a governor if they find that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office cites University of Virginia law professor A.E. Dick Howard, described as a principal architect of the modern Virginia Constitution, arguing that that provision was intended to deal with a governors physical or mental incapacity, not a loss of credibility, according to the storys paraphrase of his remarks.

But the intention of the drafters of a constitutional provision does not, alone, determine its meaning.

Perhaps the most influential trend in constitutional interpretation has been the move to substitute an emphasis on original meaning for original intent. Original meaning relies on the generally understood meaning of the words in the text when it was drafted rather than the specific intentions of the drafters. For example, an original-intent interpretation of the 8th Amendments ban on cruel and unusual punishment would insist that it prohibited only the specific punishments the drafters had in mind. An original meaning interpretation, by contrast, would examine the contemporary understanding of the words cruel and unusual.
Over many years Sen. Charles Schumer; Barack Obama, as both senator and president; Bill Clinton; Hillary Clinton, and many other leading Democrats have sternly warned of the danger of our porous southern border and voted substantial funds to build effective barriers along the border. Where serious barriers were built, through the Obama and Trump administrations, illegal traffic was reduced enormously. Drug smugglers, human traffickers, and the people they brought across the border illegally were forced to divert to unprotected areas.

The Department of Homeland Security, Border Patrol, now requests new wall construction in some unprotected areas, budget $5.7 billion. President Trump is taking seriously his primary presidential duty to protect Americans by securing the border and controlling who enters the country. Hes in bipartisan agreement there with Democrat leaders throughout the past 30 years.

Still, we experienced a long partial government shutdown because Speaker Nancy Pelosi calls the border wall policy immoral, denies the documented effectiveness of barriers, denies that there is a serious border problem, and refuses to negotiate with anyone on any terms that include building new barriers that are the same as those installed by the Obama administration.
By the next day, though, he was "convinced that is not my picture" and had decided not to resign, at least not yet. But in his tragicomic session with reporters, he could offer no explanation of how a shockingly racist picture of someone else might have ended up on a page headlined "Ralph Shearer Northam."

He also said that at the Michael Jackson dance contest, he applied just "a little bit of shoe polish" because he knew how hard it was to wash off  perhaps suggesting prior experience.

Northam may genuinely have convinced himself that it's not him in the picture, but he hasn't yet convinced me.

Even if it isn't Northam, his attempts to explain himself last Saturday made things worse and worse. He attempted to draw a "contrast" between the yearbook blackface, which he says was bad, and the dance contest blackface, which he says was also bad, but perhaps not as bad. It was cringeworthy to hear him talk about how "this has been a tremendous learning experience" and how "I have a lot of African-American friends" and how "I've had as much exposure to people of color as anybody."
As the allegation against Fairfax appeared to ease pressure on Northam, some Fairfax allies have claimed, without evidence, that Northams team may have orchestrated the story, which first appeared on the same right-wing website that posted the yearbook photo. Northam spokeswoman Ofirah Yheskel said the accusation was absolutely untrue. But Fairfax seemed to fuel that speculation when reporters asked if he believes Northams administration may have played a role.

Youre great reporters, Fairfax said. Youll get to digging and youll get to make some connections.

As lawmakers returned to the Capitol to continue their work on the state budget, tax policy and hundreds of other bills, legislators said they were attempting to focus on their own work and what they could control.

House Speaker Kirk Cox said Monday that he has no plans to try to force Northam out.

I think theres a rightful hesitation about removal from office because, obviously, you have to consider that, to some degree, youre overturning an election, Cox told reporters.
Fairfax, who denied the allegations to The Post, told reporters Monday that everything was 100 percent consensual, later adding, There was no inappropriate contact whatsoever.

Fairfax said the woman sought him out after the encounter, saying she wanted to go to New York City to meet with him and introduce him to her mother. And years later now, we have a totally fabricated story out of the blue thats meant to attack me because of where I am in politics, Fairfax said.

The Washington Post denied claims in Fairfaxs statement that it had found significant red flags and inconsistencies within the allegations. The Post reported: Fairfax and the woman told different versions of what happened in the hotel room with no one else present. The Washington Post could not find anyone who could corroborate either version.

In response, Fairfax spokeswoman Lauren Burke issued a statement that said, The Washington Post, acknowledging that it had no corroboration, just smeared an elected official.
An 11-year-old boy who says he's been bullied because of his last name  Trump  will be one of President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump's guests at the State of the Union on Tuesday, the White House announced.

Joshua Trump, a sixth-grade student from Wilmington, Delaware, who is not related to the president, drew headlines last year after his parents went public to share stories of the abuse they said he had suffered because of his last name.

"They curse at him, they call him an idiot, they call him stupid," his mother, Megan Trump Berto, told ABC affiliate WPVI at the time.

The problem has been ongoing for years, his parents said. They pulled Joshua out of school for home schooling at one point but decided to enroll him in middle school with the hope that the bullying would decrease. It didn't.

"He said he hates himself, and he hates his last name, and he feels sad all the time, and he doesn't want to live feeling like that anymore, and as a parent, that's scary," Trump Berto said.
Attorney General Mark Herring is second in line for the governorship, behind Fairfax. Asked for comment on the Fairfax allegation, Herring spokeswoman Charlotte Gomer said Tuesday: All allegations of assault and misconduct must be taken seriously and those who come forward deserve to be treated with respect and have their stories heard.

Herring, too, expressed support for sexual assault survivors after the Kavanaugh drama.

Be an ally and believe survivors when they share their story, Herring said on Oct. 6 as he tweeted advice about what people upset by the Kavanaugh situation could do in response.

After legislators debated hundreds of bills Monday, Tuesday was the day for final votes. The House and the Senate each passed legislation to ban holding a cellphone for any reason while driving. The House passed a bill to raise the states tobacco age from 18 to 21, a bill that has already passed the Senate.

When their work was done, lawmakers couldnt avoid questions about Fairfax.

Sen. David Marsden, D-Fairfax, offered a cautious statement of support for the lieutenant governor.

At this point in time, they were the only two people there and until theres more theres nothing, Marsden said.
The University of Virginia and Encompass Health hope to build a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital at UVas research park near the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport.

Currently, UVa Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, a 50-50 joint venture between the university and the national health chain, is housed in the Fontaine Research Park on the southern edge of Charlottesville. But the hospital has outgrown its location, according to CEO Barbara Mohr, and officials believe a new 70-bed facility on the north side of town will help to better serve patients across Central Virginia.

The facility at Fontaine would close once the new hospital opens.

We cant expand any at our current location, and we really feel the need to expand our private rooms, Mohr said. Our patients needs are complex, and sometimes if someone needs a private room, all we can do is put them in a semi-private room and block off the other side, which also reduces capacity.

Planning for the new project, to be located behind the Hollymead Fire Station at the UVa Research Park, has required some shuffling of UVas land and assets between its public and private entities.
Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here.
Investigators said Christys online activity was monitored by authorities for several months before a search of his home and computer resulted in the recovery of what police said were pornographic images and videos of children.

In 2016, an Augusta County jury found Christy guilty of five counts of possessing child pornography and not guilty of 12 counts of reproducing or selling child porn. He will serve five one-year sentences on those charges concurrently with his 15-year sentence from Albemarle County.

Christys sentencing in Albemarle was continued several times to allow for his conviction appeals in Augusta to be resolved and because of discrepancies in the pre-sentence report. His appeals in Augusta were denied by the Court of Appeals of Virginia last April.

Higgins ordered Christy to be on two years of supervised probation and 45 years of good behavior upon his release. He will not be allowed to possess any form of pornography or own a computer or cellphone without the permission of his probation officer.

Tyler Hammel is a reporter for The Daily Progress. Contact him at (434) 978-7268, thammel@dailyprogress.com or @TylerHammelVA on Twitter.

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Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax has threatened legal action against a conservative website that aired what Fairfaxs office called a defamatory and false sexual assault allegation against him.

Big League Politics, the website that first posted the racist photo from Gov. Ralph Northams medical school yearbook page, aired elements of the allegation Sunday night.

In a statement early Monday morning, Fairfaxs office said The Washington Post had already investigated the allegation and chose not to publish a story due to significant red flags and inconsistencies.

Lt. Governor Fairfax has an outstanding and well-earned reputation for treating people with dignity and respect, read the statement from his office, He has never assaulted anyone  ever  in any way, shape or form.

Fairfax would become the governor if Northam is forced to resign over the yearbook photo.
 Piedmont Virginia Community College holds Getting Started information sessions providing information on degree and certificate programs, placement tests, student services and other resources from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Louisa County Library, 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 13 at PVCC Giuseppe Center in Stanardsville, 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 18 at Nelson Memorial Library and 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 19 at Northside Library. pvcc.edu/outreach. (434) 961-5275.

 Rockfish River Valley Writers Contest accepts submissions of narrative short stories, tales and poetry through May 30. Details are available by email to wd2999@yahoo.com. (336) 266-6461.

 Shelter for Help in Emergency holds an information session on its services and programs from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Friday at Nelson Memorial Library in Lovingston. shelterforhelpinemergency.org. (434) 293-8509.

 Twenty-Fifth District Delegate Steve Landes holds a town hall-style meeting for district residents at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Large Meeting Room of Crozet Library at 2020 Library Ave. (804) 698-1025.

 U.S. Postal Service holds a job fair from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at Virginia Career Works at 8445 Thomas Nelson Highway in Lovingston. (434) 529-6791.

 The Womens Initiative offers free walk-in clinics providing one-on-one sessions with a counselor free of charge to women needing immediate short-term assistance, including tools for self-care, emotional support, assessment of needs and goals, referral services and resource connection. Clinics are offered from 10 a.m. to noon each Monday at the Westhaven Clinic at 803 Hardy Drive; 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays at Jefferson City School Center at 233 Fourth St. NW; and 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to noon Fridays at the Womens Initiative office. In case of a mental health emergency, reach crisis services 24/7 by calling Region Ten Emergency Services at (434) 972-1800 or calling 911. Details: thewomensinitiative.org or (434) 872-0047.

Send news tips to news@dailyprogress.com, call (434) 978-7264, tweet us @DailyProgress or send us a Facebook message here.

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Double Down Diamond Rail Jam and Slopestyle

12:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday

Wintergreen Resort

Rail Jam skiers and snowboarders will have three different features to pick from  the format generally includes such choices as pipes, boxes, towers and, of course, rails  and Slopestyle participants will face an obstacle course filled with opportunities for spins, grabs, flips and grinds. Remember that you must have a valid lift ticket to take part in the fun. wintergreenresortcom; (434) 325-2200.

A Dram of Love Valentines Celebration

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday

Virginia Distillery Company in Lovingston

Show your favorite whisky fan some love with whisky cocktails by the fireside. And, yes, of course, its perfectly fine to be your own valentine. Sue Harlows original music will be as smooth and memorable as the single-malt whisky. vadistillery.com; (434) 285-2900.

Brew Ridge Trail Kickoff Festival

Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday

Rockfish Valley Community Center in Afton
Bancolombia S. A. provides various banking products and services to individual and corporate customers in Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. The company operates through nine segments: Banking Colombia, Banking Panama, Banking El Salvador, Banking Guatemala, Trust, Investment Banking, Brokerage, International Banking, and All Other. It offers checking and savings accounts, fixed term deposits, and investment products; trade financing, loans funded by domestic development banks, working capital loans, credit cards, personal and vehicle loans, payroll loans, and overdrafts; financial support to real estate developers and mortgages for individuals and companies; and financial and operating leasing services. The company also provides hedging instruments, including futures, forwards, options, and swaps; and brokerage, investment advisory, and private banking services, including selling and distributing equities, futures, foreign currencies, fixed income securities, mutual funds, and structured products. In addition, it offers cash management services; foreign currency transaction services; life, auto, commercial, and homeowner's insurance products; and online and computer banking services. Further, the company provides investment banking services comprising project and acquisition finance, debt and equity capital markets, principal investments, M&A, restructurings, and structured financing; money market accounts, mutual and pension funds, private equity funds, payment trust, custody, and corporate trust; and digital banking platform, transportation, securities brokerage, maintenance and remodeling, advertising and marketing, and outsourcing services, as well as credit cards. As of December 31, 2020, it operated 1,057 branches; 18,631 banking correspondents; 535 PAMs; 215 kiosks in El Salvador and 137 in Colombia; and 6,124 automatic teller machines. Bancolombia S.A. was incorporated in 1945 and is headquartered in MedellAn, Colombia.

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The following companies are subsidiares of PerkinElmer: Analytica of Branford, Applied Biosystems, Arnel Inc., ArtusLabs, Beijing Huaan Magnech Bio-Tech Co. Ltd., Beijing Longrun Bio-Tech Co. Ltd., Beijing Meizheng Bio-Tech Co. Ltd., Beijing Meizheng Testing Lab Co. Ltd., Beijing OUMENG Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Bio Evolution SAS, Bioo Scientific Corporation, Biosense Picolabs Inc., Biosense Technologies Pvt Ltd., Caliper Life Sciences, Caliper Life Sciences Inc., Cambridge Research & Instrumentation Inc., CambridgeSoft, Ceiba Solutions, Chengdu PerkinElmer Medical Laboratory Co. Ltd., Chromo G.A. SAS, CisBio US Inc., Cisbio Asia Pacific Ltd, Cisbio Bioassays SAS, Cisbio China Ltd., Cisbio Group SAS, Cisbio KK, Cisbio.com, DNA Laboratories Sdn. Bhd., Dani Analitica S.r.l., Dexela, EUROIMMUN (Hangzhou) Medical Laboratory Diagnostics Co. Ltd., EUROIMMUN (South East Asia) Pte Ltd., EUROIMMUN (Tianjin) Medical Diagnostic Technology Co. Ltd., EUROIMMUN AG, EUROIMMUN Brasil Medicina Diagnostica Ltda., EUROIMMUN Diagnostics Espana S.L.U., EUROIMMUN France SAS, EUROIMMUN Italia Diagnostica Medica S.r.l., EUROIMMUN Japan Co. Ltd., EUROIMMUN Medical Diagnostics (China) Co. Ltd., EUROIMMUN Medical Diagnostics Canada Inc., EUROIMMUN Medical Laboratory Diagnostics South Africa (Pty) Ltd., EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG, EUROIMMUN Polska Spolka z o.o., EUROIMMUN Portugal Unipessoal Lda., EUROIMMUN Schweiz AG, EUROIMMUN Turkey Tibbi Laboratuar Teshisleri A.S., EUROIMMUN UK Ltd., EUROIMMUN US Inc., EUROIMMUN US Real Estate LLC, Geospiza, Guangzhou EUROIMMUN Medical Diagnostic Products Co. Ltd., Hangzhou EUROIMMUN Medical Diagnostic Products Co. Ltd., Horizon Discovery, Integromics S.L., Jiangsu Meizheng Bio-Tech Co. Ltd., LabMetrix Technologies, Labtronics, ManCell SAS, NovaScreen Biosciences Corporation, Opto Technology, Orchid Biomedical Systems Pvt Ltd., Oxford Immunotec, Pediatrix Medical Group - Newborn Metabolic Screening Business, Perkin Elmer Chile Ltda., Perkin Elmer Italia SpA, Perkin Elmer Sdn. Bhd., Perkin Elmer Yuhan Hoesa, Perkin Elmer de Mexico S.A., Perkin-Elmer Argentina S.R.L., Perkin-Elmer Instruments (Philippines) Corporation, PerkinElmer (Hong Kong) Ltd., PerkinElmer (India) Pvt Ltd., PerkinElmer (Ireland) Ltd., PerkinElmer (Schweiz) AG, PerkinElmer (Shanghai) Equity Investment Fund L.P., PerkinElmer (Shanghai) Equity Investment Fund Management Co. Ltd., PerkinElmer (UK) Holdings Ltd., PerkinElmer Analytical Solutions B.V., PerkinElmer Automotive Research Inc., PerkinElmer BVBA, PerkinElmer CV Holdings LLC, PerkinElmer Cellular Technologies Germany GmbH, PerkinElmer Danmark A/S, PerkinElmer Diagnostics Global Holdings S.a r.l., PerkinElmer Diagnostics Holdings Inc., PerkinElmer Espana S.L., PerkinElmer Finance Luxembourg S.a r.l., PerkinElmer Finland Oy, PerkinElmer Genetics Inc., PerkinElmer Germany Diagnostics GmbH, PerkinElmer Global Diagnostics S.a r.l., PerkinElmer Global Financing S.a r.l., PerkinElmer Global Holdings S.a r.l., PerkinElmer Health Sciences (Australia) Pty. Ltd., PerkinElmer Health Sciences B.V., PerkinElmer Health Sciences Canada Inc., PerkinElmer Health Sciences FZ-LLC, PerkinElmer Health Sciences Inc., PerkinElmer Health Sciences Pvt Ltd., PerkinElmer Healthcare Diagnostics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PerkinElmer Holding Luxembourg S.a r.l., PerkinElmer Holdings Inc., PerkinElmer Holdings Pty. Ltd., PerkinElmer IVD Pte Ltd., PerkinElmer Inc., PerkinElmer Informatics Inc., PerkinElmer Instruments (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., PerkinElmer International C.V., PerkinElmer Investments Ky, PerkinElmer Israel Ltd., PerkinElmer Japan Co. Ltd., PerkinElmer LAS (Germany) GmbH, PerkinElmer LAS (UK) Ltd., PerkinElmer Life Sciences International Holdings, PerkinElmer Limited, PerkinElmer Ltd., PerkinElmer Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PerkinElmer Nederland B.V., PerkinElmer Norge AS, PerkinElmer Oy, PerkinElmer Polska Sp z o.o., PerkinElmer Pty. Ltd., PerkinElmer SAS, PerkinElmer Saglk ve Cevre Bilimleri Ltd., PerkinElmer Shared Services Sp z o.o., PerkinElmer Singapore Pte Ltd., PerkinElmer South Africa (Pty) Ltd., PerkinElmer Sverige AB, PerkinElmer Sweden Health Sciences Holdings AB, PerkinElmer Taiwan Corporation, PerkinElmer VertriebsgmbH, PerkinElmer chemagen Technologie GmbH, PerkinElmer do Brasil Ltda., Perten Instruments, Perten Instruments (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Perten Instruments AB, Perten Instruments France SASU, Perten Instruments GmbH, Perten Instruments Italia S.r.l., Perten Instruments of Australia Pty Ltd., RHS Ltd, RayAl Ltd., Shandong Meizheng Bio-Tech Co. Ltd., Shanghai Haoyuan Biotech Co. Ltd., Shanghai Spectrum Instruments Co. Ltd., Shanghai Spectrum Instruments Co. Ltd., Signature Genomic Laboratories, Solus Scientific Solutions Inc., Solus Scientific Solutions Ltd., Surendra Genetic Labs, Suzhou PerkinElmer Medical Laboratory Co. Ltd., Suzhou Sym-Bio LifeScience, Suzhou Sym-Bio Lifescience Co. Ltd., Tulip Diagnostics, Tulip Diagnostics Pvt Ltd., Vanadis Diagnostics, Vanadis Diagnostics AB, ViaCell, ViaCord LLC, VisEn Medical, VisEn Medical Inc., Wallac Oy, Wellesley B.V., Xenogen Corporation, ZeLab SAS, and chemagen Biopolymer-Technologie AG.
The Electric Vehicle boom is here! This upstart lithium developer is positioning to be a future supplier to Teslas Gigafactory in the Nevada desert. Best of all, its currently undiscovered by Wall Street below US$1 per share.

Watsco, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, distributes air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment; and related parts and supplies in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. It offers residential ducted and ductless air conditioners, including gas, electric, and oil furnaces; commercial air conditioning and heating equipment systems; and other specialized equipment. The company also provides parts comprising replacement compressors, evaporator coils, motors, and other component parts; and supplies, such as thermostats, insulation materials, refrigerants, ductworks, grills, registers, sheet metals, tools, copper tubing, concrete pads, tapes, adhesives, and other ancillary supplies, as well as plumbing and bathroom remodeling supplies. It serves contractors and dealers that service the replacement and new construction markets for residential and light commercial central air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems. In addition, the company exports its products to Latin America and the Caribbean Basin. Watsco, Inc. was founded in 1945 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

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Wall Street analysts have given iShares MSCI Australia ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares MSCI Australia ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys.

View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.
H.B. Fuller Company, together with its subsidiaries, formulates, manufactures, and markets adhesives, sealants, coatings, polymers, tapes, encapsulants, additives, and other specialty chemical products worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives; Engineering Adhesives; and Construction Adhesives. The Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives segment produces and supplies specialty industrial adhesives such as, thermoplastic, thermoset, reactive, and water-based and solvent-based products for applications in various markets, including food and beverage containers, flexible packaging, consumer goods, package integrity and re-enforcement, and non-durable goods; corrugation, folding carton, tape and label, paper converting, envelopes, books, multi-wall bags, sacks, and tissue and towel; disposable diapers, feminine care, and medical garments; and health and beauty. The Engineering Adhesives segment produces and supplies high performance industrial adhesives such as reactive, light cure, two-part liquids, polyurethane, silicone, film, and fast cure products to the appliances and filters, windows, doors and wood flooring, and textile, transportation, electronics, medical, clean energy, aerospace and defense, appliance, heavy machinery, and insulating glass markets. The Construction Adhesives segment provides products used for tile setting, commercial roofing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and insulation applications, as well as caulks and sealants for the consumer market and professional trade. The company sells its products directly through distributors and retailers. H.B. Fuller Company was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

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Robert Half International Inc. provides staffing and risk consulting services in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through three segments: Temporary and Consultant Staffing, Permanent Placement Staffing, and Risk Consulting and Internal Audit Services. It places temporary services for accounting, finance, and bookkeeping; temporary and full-time office and administrative personnel consisting of executive and administrative assistants, receptionists, and customer service representatives; full-time accounting, financial, tax, and accounting operations personnel; and information technology contract consultants and full-time employees in the areas of platform systems integration to end-user technical and desktop support, including specialists in application development, networking, systems integration and deployment, database design and administration, and security and business continuity. The company also offers temporary and full-time employees in attorney, paralegal, legal administrative, and legal secretarial positions; and senior level project professionals in the accounting and finance fields for financial systems conversions, expansion into new markets, business process reengineering, business systems performance improvement, and post-merger financial consolidation. In addition, it is involved in serving professionals in the areas of interactive media, design, marketing, advertising, and public relations; and placing freelance and project consultants in various positions, such as creative directors, graphics designers, Web content developers, Web designers, media buyers, brand managers, and public relations specialists. Further, the company provides business and technology risk consulting, and internal audit services. It serves clients and employment candidates. Robert Half International Inc. was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.

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Genpact Limited provides business process outsourcing and information technology (IT) services North and Latin America, India, rest of Asia, and Europe. It operates in three segments: Banking, Capital Markets and Insurance; Consumer Goods, Retail, Life Sciences and Healthcare; and High Tech, Manufacturing and Services. The company's finance and accounting services include accounts payable, such as document management, invoice processing, approval and resolution management, and travel and expense processing; invoice-to-cash services, including customer master data management, credit and contract management, fulfillment, billing, collections, and dispute management services; record to report services comprising accounting, treasury, tax, product cost accounting, and closing and reporting services; financial planning and analysis consisting of budgeting, forecasting, and business performance reporting; and enterprise risk and compliance services, including operational risks and controls. It also provides supply chain design, planning, inventory optimization, transportation and logistics management, and after-sales services; sourcing and procurement services comprising direct and indirect strategic sourcing, category management, spend analytics, procurement operation, master data management, and other procurement and supply chain advisory services; and sales and commercial services in the lead-to-quote, quote-to-order, and customer service areas. In addition, the company offers IT services, which include end-user computing support, infrastructure management, application production support, and database management services; and transformation services that include digital solutions, consulting services, and analytics services and solutions. It serves banking, capital market, insurance, consumer goods, retail, life science, healthcare, high tech, and manufacturing and service industries. Genpact Limited was founded in 1997 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Emerson Electric: A.P.M. Automation Solutions Ltd., AE Valves, AGI Mexicana S.A. de C.V., ALCO CONTROLS spol. s.r.o., APM Automation Solutions, ASC Investments Inc., ASCO (Japan) Company Limited, ASCO L.P., ASCO Numatics (India) Private Limited, ASCO Numatics Holding Inc., ASCO SAS, ASCO Valve (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ASCO/JOUCOMATIC s.r.o., ATX SAS, Advanced Protection Technologies, Aegir Norge Holding AS, Alliance Compressors LLC, American Governor, Aperture, Apple JV Holding Corp., Appleton Electric LLC, Appleton Electric S.A. de C.V., Appleton Group, Appleton Group Canada Ltd., Appleton Grp LLC, Appleton Holding Corp., Appleton Holding Sarl, Artesyn Embedded Technologies, Artesyn Hungary Elektronikai Kft., Artesyn Technologies, Asco AB, Asco Controls AG, Asco Controls B.V., Asco Joucomatic Ltd., Asco Joucomatic ZA B.V., Asco Magnesszelep Kft., Asco Numatics GmbH, Asco Numatics S.A., Asco Numatics Sirai S.R.L., Asco Numatics Sp. z o.o., Ascomatica S.A. de C.V., Ascomation (NZ) Ltd., Ascomation Pty. Ltd., Ascotech S.A. de C.V., Ascoval Industria e Commercio Ltda, Automatic Switch Company, Aventics, Aventics, Aventics AB, Aventics AG, Aventics AS, Aventics ApS, Aventics B.V., Aventics Corporation, Aventics Holding S.A.S., Aventics Holding S.a.r.l., Aventics Hungary Kft, Aventics Inc., Aventics India Private Limited, Aventics Limited, Aventics Ltd., Aventics Oy, Aventics Pneumatics Equipment (Changzhou) Co. Ltd., Aventics Pneumatics Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Aventics S.A.S., Aventics S.R.L., Aventics Services Germany GmbH, Aventics Singapore Pte. Ltd., Aventics Sp. z.o.o., Aventics Spain S.L., Aventics spol. s.r.o., Avtron LoadBank, Bannerscientific Limited, Beckman Industrial B.V., Beijing Rosemount Far East Instrument Co. Ltd., Bettis Canada Ltd., Bettis Holdings Limited, Bettis UK Limited, Biffi Italia S.r.l., Bioproduction Group, Branson Korea Co. Ltd., Branson Ultrasonic S.A., Branson Ultrasonics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Branson Ultrasonics B.V., Branson Ultrasonics Corporation, Branson Ultrasonics a.s., Branson Ultrasonidos S.A.E., Branson Ultrasons SAS, Branson Ultrasuoni S.R.L., Branson de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Bray Lectroheat Limited, Bristol Babcock Limited, Bristol Inc., Buehler Europe Limited, Buehler UK Limited, CR Compressors LLC, CSA Consulting Engineers Ltd., California Emerson LLC, Cascade Technologies, Cascade Technologies Holdings Limited, Cascade Technologies Limited, Chemat GmbH Armaturen fur Industrie - und Nuklearanlage, Chloride Koexa S.A., Componentes Avanzados de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Computational Systems, Computational Systems Incorporated, Conception et Representation de Technologies de Controle C.R.T. Controle SAS, Control Products Inc., Controles de Temperatura S.A. de C.V., Cooligy Inc., Cooper-Atkins, Cooper-Atkins Corporation, Cooper-Atkins Pte. Ltd., Copeland Access + Inc., Copeland Compresores Hermeticos S.A. de C.V., Copeland Corporation, Copeland Corporation LLC, Copeland Limited, Copeland Redevelopment Corporation, Copeland Scroll Compresores de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Copeland de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Copesub Inc., Crosby Valve LLC, Damcos A/S, Damcos Holding A/S, Daniel Automation Company, Daniel Europe Limited, Daniel Industrial Inc., Daniel Industries, Daniel Industries Canada Inc., Daniel Industries Inc., Daniel Industries Limited, Daniel International Limited, Daniel Measurement Solutions Private Limited, Daniel Measurement and Control Inc., Daniel Measurement and Control S. de R.L. de C.V., Danmasa S.A. de C.V., Dar Ibtikar Al Iraq for General Services and General Trade LLC, Decision Management International, Dieterich Standard Inc., Digital Appliance Controls (UK) Limited, Dixell North America Inc., Dixell S.R.L., Do+Able Products, E. Business Development E.B.D.Com Ltd., E.G.P. Corporation, EECO Inc., EGS Comercializadora Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., EGS Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., EGS Private Ltd., EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES s.r.o., EMR (Asia) Limited, EMR (Mauritius) Ltd., EMR Emerson Holdings (Switzerland) GmbH, EMR Europe Holdings Inc., EMR Foundation Inc., EMR Holdings (France) SAS, EMR Holdings Inc., EMR Worldwide B.V., EMR Worldwide Inc., EMRSN HLDG B.V., EMRSN Process Management Morocco Sarl, ENPDOR2012A Limited, ENPESNA Inc., EPM Tulsa Holdings Corp., EPMCO Holdings Inc., ETC International Holdings Ltd., Easy Heat Europe SAS, Easy Heat Inc., El-O-Matic B.V., El-O-Matic Valve Actuators (F.E.) Pte. Ltd., Electrische Apparatenfabriek Capax B.V., Emerald Advanced Technology Limited, Emerson (Philippines) Corporation, Emerson (Taiwan) Limited, Emerson (Thailand) Limited, Emerson Arabia Inc., Emerson Argentina S.A., Emerson Asia Pacific Private Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Actuation Technologies Holdings Inc., Emerson Automation Solutions Actuation Technologies Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Sichuan) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Taiwan) Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Thailand) Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Africa (Pty) Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Australia Pty Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Czech Republic s.r.o., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Denmark A/S, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control France SARL, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Germany GmbH, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Hong Kong Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Hungary Kft, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Italia S.r.l., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control LLC, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Middle East FZE, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Netherlands B.V., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Polska Sp. Z.o.o., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Sales Australia Pty Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Sales Holding LLC, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Singapore Pte. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control UK II Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control UK Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control US LP, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Emerson Automation Solutions GmbH, Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms Private Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms do Brasil Ltda, Emerson Automation Solutions Ireland Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Isolation Valves Inc., Emerson Automation Solutions SSC UK Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions UK Limited, Emerson Beijing Instrument Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Services LLC, Emerson Climate Technologies (India) Private Limited, Emerson Climate Technologies (Shenyang) Refrigeration Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd, Emerson Climate Technologies (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies (Suzhou) Trading Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies - Solutions (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies - Transportation Solutions ApS, Emerson Climate Technologies Arabia Limited Co., Emerson Climate Technologies Australia Pty. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies FZE, Emerson Climate Technologies GmbH, Emerson Climate Technologies Inc., Emerson Climate Technologies Limited, Emerson Climate Technologies Mexico S.A. de C.V., Emerson Climate Technologies Refrigeration S.A., Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions Europe S.R.L., Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions Inc., Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions UK Limited, Emerson Climate Technologies S.A., Emerson Climate Technologies S.R.L., Emerson Climate Technologies Sarl, Emerson Commercial & Residential Tools LLC, Emerson Commerical & Residential Asia Limited, Emerson Comres de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Emerson DHC B.V., Emerson Dietzenbach GmbH, Emerson Dominicana Srl, Emerson Egypt LLC, Emerson Electric (Asia) Limited, Emerson Electric (China) Holdings Co. Ltd., Emerson Electric (M) Sdn Bhd, Emerson Electric (Mauritius) Ltd., Emerson Electric (South Asia) Pte. Ltd., Emerson Electric (Thailand) Limited, Emerson Electric (Tongling) Co. Ltd., Emerson Electric (U.S.) Holding Corporation, Emerson Electric (U.S.) Holding Corporation (Chile) Limitada, Emerson Electric (Zhuhai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Electric CR Limitada, Emerson Electric Canada Limited, Emerson Electric Company (India) Private Limited, Emerson Electric Company Lanka (Private) Limited, Emerson Electric Holdings (Switzerland) GmbH, Emerson Electric II C.A., Emerson Electric International Inc., Emerson Electric Ireland Limited, Emerson Electric Korea Ltd., Emerson Electric Nederland B.V., Emerson Electric Overseas Finance Corp., Emerson Electric Poland Sp. z o.o., Emerson Electric U.K. Limited, Emerson Electric de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Emerson Electric do Brasil Ltda, Emerson Energy Systems (UK) Limited, Emerson FZE, Emerson Final Control US Holding LLC, Emerson Finance LLC, Emerson Fusite Electric (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Emerson Gabon SARL, Emerson Hazardous Electrical Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Holding Company Limited, Emerson Holding Sweden AB, Emerson InSinkErator Appliance (Nanjing) Co. Ltd., Emerson Industrial Automation USA Inc., Emerson International Holding Company Limited, Emerson Japan Ltd., Emerson Junkang Enterprise (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Korea Limited, Emerson LLC, Emerson LLP, Emerson Machinery Equipment (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Emerson Mexico Finance S.A. de C.V. SOFOM ENR, Emerson Middle East Inc., Emerson Network Power DHC B.V., Emerson Paradigm Holding LLC, Emerson Process Management (India) Private Limited, Emerson Process Management (South Africa) (Proprietary) Ltd., Emerson Process Management (Tianjin) Valves Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management (Vietnam) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management A/S (Denmark), Emerson Process Management AB, Emerson Process Management AG, Emerson Process Management AS, Emerson Process Management Angola Lda, Emerson Process Management Arabia Limited, Emerson Process Management Australia Pty Limited, Emerson Process Management B.V., Emerson Process Management Chennai Private Limited, Emerson Process Management Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Distribution Limited, Emerson Process Management Europe GmbH, Emerson Process Management Flow B.V., Emerson Process Management Flow Technologies Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management GmbH & Co. OHG, Emerson Process Management Holding AG, Emerson Process Management Holding LLC, Emerson Process Management Kft., Emerson Process Management LLLP, Emerson Process Management Lda, Emerson Process Management Limited, Emerson Process Management Ltda, Emerson Process Management Magyarorszag Kft., Emerson Process Management Manufacturing (M) Sdn Bhd, Emerson Process Management Marine Solutions Korea Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Marine Solutions Singapore Pte. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Marine Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management NV, Emerson Process Management New Zealand Limited, Emerson Process Management Nigeria Limited, Emerson Process Management Oy, Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions Inc., Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions India Private Limited, Emerson Process Management Qatar W.L.L., Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Inc., Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Tulsa LLC, Emerson Process Management Romania S.R.L., Emerson Process Management S.A., Emerson Process Management S.A. de C.V., Emerson Process Management S.L., Emerson Process Management S.R.L., Emerson Process Management SAS, Emerson Process Management Shared Services Limited, Emerson Process Management Sp. z o.o., Emerson Process Management Ticaret Limited Sirket, Emerson Process Management UAB, Emerson Process Management Valve Automation (M) Sdn Bhd, Emerson Process Management Valve Automation (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Valve Automation Inc., Emerson Process Management Verwaltung GmbH, Emerson Process Management d.o.o., Emerson Process Management de Colombia SAS, Emerson Process Management del Peru S.A.C., Emerson Process Management s.r.o., Emerson Professional Tools (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Puerto Rico Inc., Emerson Retail Services Europe GmbH, Emerson S.R.L., Emerson Sales UK Limited, Emerson Saudi Arabia LLC, Emerson Scroll Machining (Thailand) Limited, Emerson Sice S.R.L., Emerson Sweden AB, Emerson TOV, Emerson Technologies GmbH & Co. OHG, Emerson Technologies Verwaltungs GmbH, Emerson Tool Company de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Emerson Tool and Appliance Company S. de R.L. de C.V., Emerson Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson UK Trustees Limited, Emerson USD Finance Company Limited, Emerson Valves & Controls Japan Co. Ltd., Emerson Ventures Inc., Emerson Vulcan Holding LLC, Emerson Xi'an Engineering Center, Emersub 1 LLC, Emersub 10 LLC, Emersub 11 LLC, Emersub 12 LLC, Emersub 14 LLC, Emersub 15 LLC, Emersub 16 LLC, Emersub 3 LLC, Emersub 4 LLC, Emersub 5 LLC, Emersub 7 LLC, Emersub 8 LLC, Emersub 9 LLC, Emersub CII Inc., Emersub CV Inc., Emersub Italia S.R.L., Emersub LXXXIV Inc., Emersub LXXXVI Inc., Emersub Mexico Inc., Emersub Treasury Ireland Unlimited Company, Emersub XLVI Inc., Emersub XXXVI Inc., Emirates Techno Casting FZE, Emirates Techno Casting Holding Limited, Emirates Techno Casting LLC, Enardo, Endura-Greenlee Tools, Energy Solutions International (India) Private Limited, Energy Solutions International GP LLC, Energy Solutions International Ltd., Energy Solutions International SAS, Energy Solutions International Sub LLC, F-R Tecnologias de Flujo S.A. de C.V., FC QSF LLC, FMC Technologies, Fiberconn Assemblies Morocco Sarl, Fincor Holding LLC, Fire & Safety Group.Com Ltd., Fisher Controles de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Fisher Controls International LLC, Fisher Jeon Gas Equipment (Chengdu) Co. Ltd., Fisher Regulators (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Fisher Sanmar Limited, Fisher-Rosemount Systems Inc., Flow Control Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Flow Control Holding Verwaltungs GmbH, Flow Control US Holding Corporation, Francel SAS, Fromex S.A. de C.V., Fusite B.V., Fusite Corporation, Fusite Land Company, GSEG LLC, General Equipment and Manufacturing Company Inc., Generale de Robinetterie Industrielle et de Sytemes de Surete, GeoFields, GeoFields Inc., Greenex Ltd., Greenfield (UK) Limited, Greenlee, Greenlee Communications, Greenlee Tools Inc., Gulf Valve FZE, Gustav Klauke GmbH, H.T.E. Engineering Limited, HD Electric Company, HTE Engineering Services Limited, Hindle Cockburns Limited, Hiross India Private Limited, Hiter Industria e Comercia de Controles Termo-Hidraulicos Ltda., Humboldt Hermetic Motor Corp., Hytork International Ltd., I Solutions Inc., ICC Intelligent Platforms GmbH, ISE-MagTech, Industrial Controls Canada ULC, Industrial Group Metran JSC, Instrument & Valve Services Company, Intelligent Platforms LLC, Intellution, International Gas Distribution SA, Intrinsic Safety Equipment of Texas Inc., JCF Fluid Flow India Private Limited, JSC Metran-Export, Joucomatic S.A., K Controls Limited, Keystone Germany Holdings Corp., Keystone Valve (Korea) LLC, Keystone Valve (U.K.) Limited, Klauke, Klauke (Jiangsu) Electrical Connection Technology Co Ltd., Klauke France SARL, Klauke Handelsgesellschaft mbH, Klauke Iberia S.L., Klauke Polska Sp. z.o.o., Klauke Slovakia s.r.o., Klauke UK Ltd., Knurr, Liebert, Liebert Swindon Limited, Locus Solutions LLC, Locus Traxx Worldwide, Locus Traxx Worldwide Europe BVBA, MDC Technology Limited, MDC Technology Trustees Limited, METCO Services Limited, MYNAH Technologies, Management Resources Group Inc., Mecafrance (Deutschland) GmbH, Metallurgical Services Laboratories Limited, Metaserv Limited, Metco Services Venezuela C.A., Micro Motion Inc., Mobrey Group Limited, Motores Hermeticos del Sur S.A. de C.V., NetworkPower Ecuador S.A., Nippon Fisher Co. Ltd., Novel Environmental Technologies Ltd., Novel Extinguishing Agent Technology Ltd., Numatics Incorporated, Nutsteel DHC B.V., Nutsteel Industria Metalurgica Ltda, O.M.T. Officina Meccanica Tartarini S.r.l., Open Systems International, P I Components Corp., PT Emerson Solutions Indonesia, PT. Emerson Indonesia, PT. Paradigm Geophysical Indonesia, Pactrol Controls Limited, PakSense, PakSense Inc., Paradigm, Paradigm (UK) Holding Limited, Paradigm B.V., Paradigm France S.A., Paradigm Geophysical (India) Private Limited, Paradigm Geophysical (KL) Sdn. Bhd., Paradigm Geophysical (Nigeria) Limited, Paradigm Geophysical (U.K.) Limited, Paradigm Geophysical B.V., Paradigm Geophysical Corp., Paradigm Geophysical Italy SRL, Paradigm Geophysical LLC, Paradigm Geophysical Limited, Paradigm Geophysical Pty Ltd, Paradigm Geophysical S.A., Paradigm Geophysical Sdn. Bhd., Paradigm Geophysical Spain S.L., Paradigm Geophysical de Venezuela C.A., Paradigm Geophysical do Brasil Ltda., Paradigm Geoservices Canada Ltd., Paradigm Geotechnology (Egypt) S.A.E., Paradigm Kazakhstan LLP, Paradigm Middle East FZ-LLC, Paradigm Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Parex Industries Limited, Pentair Valves & Controls, Pentair Valves and Controls India Private Limited, Permasense, Permasense Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, Permasense Limited, ProSys, ProTeam Inc., Progea, RAC Technologies (Israel) Ltd., RIDGID Inc., RPP Europe GmbH, RPP LLC, Rey-Lam S. de R.L. de C.V., Ridge Tool (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Ridge Tool Company, Ridge Tool Europe NV, Ridge Tool GmbH, Ridge Tool GmbH & Co. OHG, Ridge Tool Manufacturing Company, Ridge Tool Pattern Company, Ridgid France SAS, Ridgid Italia S.R.L., Ridgid Online Inc., Ridgid Scandinavia A/S, Ridgid Werkzeuge AG, Rosemount China Inc., Rosemount Inc., Rosemount Measurement Limited, Rosemount Nuclear Instruments Inc., Rosemount Specialty Products LLC, Rosemount Tank Gauging India Pvt. Ltd., Rosemount Tank Gauging Middle East SPC, Rosemount Tank Gauging North America Inc., Rosemount Tank Radar AB, Rosemount Tank Radar Properties AB, Roxar, Roxar AS, Roxar Flow Measurement AS, Roxar Flow Measurement Sdn Bhd, Roxar Limited, Roxar Maximum Reservoir Performance W.L.L., Roxar Saudi Co., Roxar Services AS, Roxar Services OOO, Roxar Software Solutions AS, Roxar Technologies AS, Roxar Vietnam Company Ltd., Roxar de Venezuela C.A., Rutherfurd Acquisitions Limited, S.F.T. Group Ltd., SABO-Armaturen Service GmbH, Safety Systems UK Pte. Ltd., Sakhi-Raimondi Valve (India) Limited, Scroll Compressors LLC, Scroll Mexico LLC, Sempell GmbH, Shanghai Virgo Valves Technology Consulting Co. Ltd., Sherman + Reilly, Soluciones 0925 C.A., Spectra-Tek Holdings Limited, Spectra-Tek International Limited, Spectra-Tek UK Limited, Spectrex, Spectrex Inc., Spectronix Ltd., Spensall Engineering Limited, Steel Support Systems Limited, Stratos Lightwave, System Plast International B.V., System Plast Ltda, System Plast USA de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., TDM-avtomatizatsiya, TV&C GP Holding LLC, Taiwan Valve Co. Ltd., TechnipFMC, Termocontroles de Juarez S.A. de C.V., Tescom Corporation, Tescom Europe GmbH & Co. KG, Tescom Europe Management GmbH, The Automation Group Inc., The J.R. Clarkson Company LLC, Therm-O-Disc Europe B.V., Therm-O-Disc Incorporated, Thunderline Z Inc., TopWorx UK Limited, Tranmet Holdings B.V., Tranmet Holdings Limited, Verdant Environmental Technologies, Vilter Manufacturing LLC, Virgo Valves & Controls (ME) FZE, Virgo Valves and Controls Sdn Bhd, Von Arx AG, Vulsub 1 Limited, Vulsub Brasil Holding, Vulsub Brasil Ltda., Vulsub Chile SpA, Vulsub Gulf Holding Limited, Vulsub Holding III (Denmark) ApS, Vulsub Holding Ltd, Vulsub Holdings A LLC, Vulsub Holdings B LLC, Vulsub Holdings C LLC, Vulsub Holdings D LLC, Vulsub Italia S.r.l., Vulsub Middle East Holdings LLC, Vulsub Peru S.A.C., Vulsub Property Holding LLC, Vulsub Property Limited, Vulsub S.A., Vulsub South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Vulsub VZ C.A., Westinghouse Electric Pvt. Limited, Westlock Controls Limited, Westlock Equipamentos de Controle Ltda., Woodstock Land Company LLC, epro GmbH, iSolera Inc., iSolutions Private Limited, and intelliSAW.
Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in integrated energy, chemicals, and petroleum operations worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas; processing, liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as operates a gas-to-liquids plant. The Downstream segment engages in refining crude oil into petroleum products; marketing crude oil, refined products, and lubricants; transporting crude oil and refined products through pipeline, marine vessel, motor equipment, and rail car; and manufacturing and marketing commodity petrochemicals, and fuel and lubricant additives, as well as plastics for industrial uses. Chevron Corporation is also involved in the cash management and debt financing activities; insurance operations; real estate activities; and technology businesses. The company was formerly known as ChevronTexaco Corporation and changed its name to Chevron Corporation in 2005. Chevron Corporation was founded in 1879 and is headquartered in San Ramon, California.

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Celanese Corporation, a technology and specialty materials company, manufactures and sells high performance engineered polymers in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Engineered Materials, Acetate Tow, and Acetyl Chain segments. The Engineered Materials segment develops, produces, and supplies specialty polymers for automotive and medical applications, as well as for use in industrial products and consumer electronics. It also offers acesulfame potassium, a sweetener for use in various beverages, confections, and dairy products; and food protection ingredients, such as potassium sorbate and sorbic acid for use in foods, beverages, and personal care products. The Acetate Tow segment provides acetate tows and flakes for use in filter products applications. The Acetyl Chain segment produces and supplies acetyl products, including acetic acid, vinyl acetate monomers, acetic anhydride, and acetate esters that are used as starting materials for colorants, paints, adhesives, coatings, and pharmaceuticals; and organic solvents and intermediates for pharmaceutical, agricultural, and chemical products. It also offers vinyl acetate-based emulsions for use in paints and coatings, adhesives, construction, glass fiber, textiles, and paper applications; and ethylene vinyl acetate resins and compounds, as well as low-density polyethylene for use in flexible packaging films, lamination film products, hot melt adhesives, automotive parts, and carpeting applications. In addition, it manufactures ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Celanese Corporation was founded in 1918 and is headquartered in Irving, Texas.

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Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry worldwide. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and offers ProxyEdge, an electronic proxy delivery and voting solution. It also distributes regulatory reports and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions; and provides end-to-end platform for content management, composition, and multi-channel distribution of regulatory, marketing, and transactional information, as well as mutual fund trade processing services. In addition, this segment offers financial reporting document composition and management solutions; SEC disclosure and filing services; registrar, stock transfer, and record-keeping services; customer communication solutions; cloud-based marketing and customer communication tools; customer and account data aggregation and reporting services, as well as creates sales and educational content, including seminars and a library of financial planning topics; and mutual fund trade processing services. The company's Global Technology and Operations segment offers desktop productivity tools, data aggregation, performance reporting, portfolio management, order capture and execution, trade confirmation, margin, cash management, clearance and settlement, asset servicing, reference data management, reconciliations, securities financing and collateral optimization, compliance and regulatory reporting, and accounting. It also provides capital market, wealth management, asset management, and international securities processing solutions; managed services; and customizable advisor Websites, search engine marketing, and electronic and print newsletters. The company was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Lake Success, New York.

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Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional and money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, noninterest-and interest-bearing checking accounts, and investment accounts and products; and credit and debit cards, residential mortgages, and home equity loans, as well as direct and indirect loans, such as automotive, recreational vehicle, and consumer personal loans. The company's Global Wealth & Investment Management segment offers investment management, brokerage, banking, and trust and retirement products and services; and wealth management solutions, as well as customized solutions, including specialty asset management services. Its Global Banking segment provides lending products and services, including commercial loans, leases, commitment facilities, trade finance, and commercial real estate and asset-based lending; treasury solutions, such as treasury management, foreign exchange, and short-term investing options and merchant services; working capital management solutions; and debt and equity underwriting and distribution, and merger-related and other advisory services. The company's Global Markets segment offers market-making, financing, securities clearing, settlement, and custody services, as well as risk management products using interest rate, equity, credit, currency and commodity derivatives, foreign exchange, fixed-income, and mortgage-related products. As of April 15, 2021, it served approximately 66 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,300 retail financial centers; approximately 17,000 ATMs; and digital banking platforms with approximately 40 million active users. The company was founded in 1784 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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17 hours ago

| June 21st | 2021 8:00 AM

Why You Might Have to Retire Later Due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic in general increased retirement uncertainty. In fact, Lincoln Financial Group reported three different sentiments regarding the pandemic and specific age groups: Pre-retirees: The age group from 55 to 64 saw the biggest drop of retirement-ready confidence. Mid-career: Individuals between the ages of 35 and 54 saw a
AK Steel Holding Corporation, through its subsidiary, AK Steel Corporation, produces flat-rolled carbon, and stainless and electrical steel products in the United States and internationally. It produces flat-rolled carbon steel products, including coated, cold-rolled, and hot-rolled carbon steel products; grain-oriented specialty stainless and electrical steels; and carbon and stainless steel tubing products. The company also buys and sells steel and steel products, as well as other materials; and produces metallurgical coal from reserves in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It sells its flat-rolled carbon steel products, primarily to automotive manufacturers and their suppliers; customers in the infrastructure and manufacturing markets, including the manufacturers of power transmission and distribution transformers, who produce equipment for the electrical grid, as well as electrical motors and generators; and manufacturers of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, and appliances. The company also sells its carbon steel products to distributors, service centers, and converters. AK Steel Holding Corporation was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in West Chester, Ohio.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Abbott Laboratories: 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited, ABON Biopharm (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AGA Medical Belgium, AGA Medical Corporation, AGA Medical Holdings Inc., ALR Holdings, AML Medical LLC, APK Advanced Medical Technologies LLC, ATS Bermuda Holdings Limited, ATS Laboratories Inc., Abbott, Abbott (Jiaxing) Nutrition Co. Ltd., Abbott (UK) Finance Limited, Abbott (UK) Holdings Limited, Abbott AG, Abbott Asia Holdings Limited, Abbott Asia Investments Limited, Abbott Australasia Holdings Limited, Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd, Abbott B.V., Abbott Bahamas Overseas Businesses Corporation, Abbott Belgian Investments, Abbott Bermuda Holding Ltd., Abbott Biologicals B.V., Abbott Biologicals LLC, Abbott Bulgaria Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Capital India Limited, Abbott Cardiovascular Inc., Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., Abbott Delaware LLC, Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., Abbott Diabetes Care Limited, Abbott Diabetes Care Sales Corporation, Abbott Diagnostics GmbH, Abbott Diagnostics International Ltd., Abbott Diagnostics Technologies AS, Abbott Doral Investments S.L., Abbott Equity Holdings Unlimited, Abbott Equity Investments LLC, Abbott Established Products Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Finance Company SA, Abbott Financial Holdings SRL, Abbott France S.A.S., Abbott Fund Tanzania Limited, Abbott Gesellschaft m.b.H., Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Abbott Health Products LLC, Abbott Healthcare (Puerto Rico) Ltd., Abbott Healthcare B.V., Abbott Healthcare Costa Rica S.A., Abbott Healthcare LLC, Abbott Healthcare Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Abbott Healthcare Products B.V., Abbott Healthcare Products Ltd, Abbott Holding (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding GmbH, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited Luxembourg S.C.S., Abbott Holdings B.V., Abbott Holdings LLC, Abbott Holdings Limited, Abbott Holdings Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Hungary Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Iberian Investments (2) Limited, Abbott Iberian Investments Limited, Abbott India Limited, Abbott Informatics Asia Pacific Limited, Abbott Informatics Canada Inc, Abbott Informatics Corporation, Abbott Informatics Europe Limited, Abbott Informatics France, Abbott Informatics Germany GmbH, Abbott Informatics Netherlands B.V., Abbott Informatics Singapore Pte. Limited, Abbott Informatics Spain S.A., Abbott Informatics Technologies Ltd, Abbott International Corporation, Abbott International Enterprises Ltd., Abbott International Holdings Limited, Abbott International LLC, Abbott International Luxembourg S.ar.l., Abbott Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Ireland, Abbott Ireland Financing Designated Activity Company, Abbott Ireland Limited, Abbott Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Abbott Knoll Investments B.V., Abbott Korea Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Bangladesh) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco (Dos) SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Laboratories (Mozambique) Limitada, Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Philippines), Abbott Laboratories (Puerto Rico) Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Private Limited, Abbott Laboratories A/S, Abbott Laboratories Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Abbott Laboratories B.V., Abbott Laboratories C.A., Abbott Laboratories Finance B.V., Abbott Laboratories GmbH, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Abbott Laboratories International LLC, Abbott Laboratories Ireland Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited - Laboratoires Abbott Limitee, Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited, Abbott Laboratories Pacific Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Laboratories Products B.V., Abbott Laboratories Residential Development Fund Inc., Abbott Laboratories S.A., Abbott Laboratories SA, Abbott Laboratories Services Corp., Abbott Laboratories Slovakia s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trustee Company Limited, Abbott Laboratories Uruguay S.A., Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises, Abbott Laboratories d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories de Chile Limitada, Abbott Laboratories de Colombia S.A., Abbott Laboratories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Abbott Laboratories druzba za farmacijo in diagnostiko d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories(Hellas) Societe Anonyme, Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Abbott Laboratuarlari Ithalat Ihracat ve Ticaret Ltd.Sti, Abbott Laboratorios Lda, Abbott Laboratorios do Brasil Ltda., Abbott Limited Egypt LLC, Abbott Logistics B.V., Abbott Management GmbH, Abbott Management LLC, Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Private Limited, Abbott Mature Products International Unlimited Company, Abbott Mature Products Management Limited, Abbott Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Abbott Medical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Medical (Portugal) Distribuicao de Produtos Medicos Lda, Abbott Medical (Schweiz) AG, Abbott Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Australia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Medical Austria Ges.m.b.H., Abbott Medical Balkan d.o.o. Beograd (Novi Beograd), Abbott Medical Belgium, Abbott Medical Canada Inc./ Medicale Abbott Canada Inc., Abbott Medical Danmark A/S, Abbott Medical Devices Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Espana S.A., Abbott Medical Estonia OU, Abbott Medical Finland Oy, Abbott Medical France SAS, Abbott Medical GmbH, Abbott Medical Hellas Limited Liability Trading Company, Abbott Medical Ireland Limited, Abbott Medical Italia S.p.A., Abbott Medical Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Korea Limited, Abbott Medical Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Medical Laboratories LTD, Abbott Medical Nederland B.V., Abbott Medical New Zealand Limited, Abbott Medical Norway AS, Abbott Medical Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Medical Sweden AB, Abbott Medical Taiwan Co., Abbott Medical U.K. Limited, Abbott Medical spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Middle East S.A.R.L., Abbott Molecular Inc., Abbott Morocco SARL, Abbott Nederland C.V., Abbott Nederland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Netherlands Investments B.V., Abbott Norge AS, Abbott Nutrition Limited, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., Abbott Operations Singapore Pte. Ltd., Abbott Operations Uruguay S.R.L., Abbott Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Overseas Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Overseas S.A., Abbott Oy, Abbott Point of Care Canada Limited, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Abbott Poland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Procurement LLC, Abbott Products (Philippines) Inc., Abbott Products (Spain) S.L., Abbott Products Algerie EURL, Abbott Products B.V., Abbott Products Distribution SAS, Abbott Products Egypt LLC, Abbott Products Limited, Abbott Products Limited Liability Company, Abbott Products Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Products Operations AG, Abbott Products Operations LLC, Abbott Products Romania S.R.L., Abbott Products Tunisie S.A.R.L., Abbott Products Unlimited Company, Abbott Resources Inc., Abbott Resources International Inc., Abbott S.r.l., Abbott Saudi Arabia Trading Company, Abbott Scandinavia Aktiebolag, Abbott Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, Abbott South Africa Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Strategic Opportunities Limited, Abbott Trading Company Inc., Abbott Universal LLC, Abbott Vascular Devices (2) Limited, Abbott Vascular Devices Limited, Abbott Vascular Inc., Abbott Vascular Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Abbott Vascular International, Abbott Vascular Japan Co. Ltd, Abbott Vascular Limitada, Abbott Vascular Netherlands B.V., Abbott Vascular Solutions Inc., Abbott Ventures Inc., Abbott West Indies Limited, Abbott drustvo sa ogranicenom odgovornoscu za trgovinu i usluge, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., Alere, Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Healthcare Management Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Medical Sales Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd., Alere A/S, Alere AB, Alere AS, Alere AS Holdings Limited, Alere BBI Holdings Limited, Alere Bangladesh Limited, Alere China Co. Ltd., Alere Colombia S.A., Alere Connect LLC, Alere Connected Health Limited, Alere Connected Health Ltd., Alere Diagnostics GmbH, Alere DoA Holding GmbH, Alere GmbH, Alere GmbH (Austria), Alere GmbH (Germany), Alere HK Holdings Ltd., Alere Health B.V., Alere Health BVBA, Alere Health Corp., Alere Health Sdn Bhd, Alere Health Services B.V., Alere Healthcare (Pty) Limited, Alere Healthcare Connections Limited, Alere Healthcare Inc., Alere Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Alere Healthcare S.L., Alere Holdco Inc., Alere Holding GmbH, Alere Holdings Bermuda Limited, Alere Holdings Pty Limited, Alere Home Monitoring Inc., Alere Inc., Alere Informatics Inc., Alere International Holding Corp., Alere International Limited, Alere Lda, Alere Limited, Alere Limited (New Zealand), Alere Medical BVBA, Alere Medical Co. Ltd., Alere Medical Pakistan (Private) Limited, Alere Medical Private Limited, Alere North America LLC, Alere Oy Ab, Alere Philippines Inc., Alere Phoenix ACQ Inc., Alere Pte Ltd, Alere S.A., Alere S.r.l., Alere S/A, Alere SAS, Alere San Diego Inc., Alere Scarborough Inc., Alere Spain S.L., Alere Switzerland GmbH, Alere Technologies GmbH, Alere Technologies Holdings Limited, Alere Technologies Limited, Alere Toxicology AB, Alere Toxicology Inc., Alere Toxicology S.r.l., Alere Toxicology Services Inc., Alere Toxicology plc, Alere UK Holdings Limited, Alere UK Subco Limited, Alere ULC, Alere US Holdings LLC, Alere s.r.o., Alisoc Investment & Co, Amedica Biotech Inc., Ameditech Inc., American Generics S.A.S., American Medical Supplies Inc., American Pharmacist Inc., Antares S.A., Apica Cardiovascular Limited, Aquagestion Capacitacion S.A., Aquagestion S.A., Arriva Medical LLC, Arriva Medical Philippines Inc., Arvis Investments Limited, Atlas Farmaceutica S.A., Avee Laboratories Inc., Axis-Shield AD III AS, Axis-Shield AD IV AS, Axis-Shield AS, Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited, Axis-Shield Ltd., BBI Animal Health Limited, BBI Diagnostics Group 2 Public Limited Company, Banco de Vida S.A., Bioabsorbable Vascular Solutions Inc., Bioalgae S.A., Biohealth LLC, Biosite Incorporated, Bosque Bonito S.A., Branan Medical Corporation, Brandex Europe C.V., British Colloids Limited, CFR Chile S.A., CFR Interamericas EL Salvador Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, CFR Interamericas Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CFR Interamericas Panama S.A., CFR Pharmaceuticals, California Property Holdings III LLC, CardioMEMS LLC, Caripharm Inc., Cephea Valve Technologies, Cephea Valve Technologies Inc., Colibri Medical Aktiebolag, Comercializadora y Distribuidora CFR Interamericas Honduras S.A., Concateno South Limited, Concateno UK Limited, Consorcio Tecnologico en Biomedicina Clinico-Molecular S.A., Continuum Services LLC, Cozart Limited, Dextech S.A., Diagnostik Nord GmbH, Distribuciones Uquifa S.A.S., Domesco Medical Import-Export Joint-Stock Corporation, Duphar International Research B.V., Endocardial Solutions, Epocal (US) Inc, Esprit de Vie S.A., European Chemicals & Co, European Drug Testing Service EDTS AB, European Services S.A., Evalve Inc., Evalve International Inc., FARMINDUSTRIA S.A., Fada Pharma Paraguay Sociedad Anonima, Fadapharma del Ecuador S.A., Farmaceutica Mont Blanc S.L., Farmacologia Em Aquicultura Veterinaria Ltda., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV Ecuador S.A., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV S.A., Fernwood Investment S.A., First Check Diagnostics LLC, Focus Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Forensics Limited, Forestcreek Overseas S.A., Fournier Pharma Corp., Fournier Pharma GmbH, Fournier Pharmaceuticals Limited, Framed B.V., Gabmed GmbH, Garden Hills LLC, Global Analytical Development LLC, Globapharm & CO LP, Glomed Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Golnorth Investments S.A., Gynocare Limited, Gynopharm Sociedad Anonima, Gynopharm de Centroamerica S.A., Gynopharm de Venezuela C.A., Hi-Tronics Designs Inc., IDEV Technologies Inc., IG Innovations Limited, IMTC Finance B.V., IMTC Holdings B.V., IMTC Technologies Inc., Ibis Biosciences LLC, Igloo Zone Chile S.A., Igloo Zone S.L., Inmobiliaria Naknek S.A.C., Innovacon Inc., Instant Tech Subsidiary Acquisition Inc., Instant Technologies Inc., Instituto de Criopreservacion de Chile S.A., Integrated Vascular Systems Inc., Inverness Canadian Acquisition Corporation, Inverness Medical (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Australia Pty Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Hong Kong Limited, Inverness Medical Innovations SK LLC, Inverness Medical Investments LLC, Inverness Medical LLC, Inverness Medical Shimla Private Limited, Inversiones K2 SpA, Inversiones Komodo S.R.L., Ionian Technologies LLC, Irvine Biomedical Inc., Kalila Medical, Kangshenyunga S.A., Knoll UK Investments Unlimited, LLC VeroInPharm, Laboratoires Fournier S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano Lafrancol S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano del Ecuador S.A., Laboratorio Internacional Argentino S.A., Laboratorio Synthesis S.A.S., Laboratorios Lafi Limitada, Laboratorios Naturmedik S.A.S., Laboratorios Pauly Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Laboratorios Recalcine S.A., Laboratorios Transpharm S.A., Laboratory Specialists of America Inc., Lafrancol Dominicana S.A.S., Lafrancol Guatemala S.A. Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc.,      ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics.
Black Hills Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company in the United States. It operates through four segments: Electric Utilities, Gas Utilities, Power Generation, and Mining. The Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 216,000 electric customers in Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming, as well as provides electrical system construction services to large industrial customers. This segment owns 992 megawatts of generation capacity and 8,892 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines. The Gas Utilities segment distributes natural gas to approximately 1,083,000 natural gas utility customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming. It also provides appliance repair services to residential customers; and constructs and maintains gas infrastructure facilities for gas transportation customers. This segment owns and operates approximately 4,774 miles of intrastate gas transmission pipelines; 41,838 miles of gas distribution mains and service lines; seven natural gas storage sites; and approximately 49,000 horsepower of compression and 560 miles of gathering lines. The Power Generation segment produces electric power through wind, natural gas, and coal-fired generating plants; and sells the electric capacity and energy primarily to utilities under long-term contracts. The Mining segment produces coal at its coal mine located near Gillette, Wyoming; and sells the coal to electric generation facilities. Black Hills Corporation was incorporated in 1941 and is headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota.

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Pioneer Japan sent out a press release today, announcing its new portable, slot-loading Blu-ray Disc writer, the BDR-XS07B-UHD. This USB Type-C equipped drive measures only 135  135 x 18 mm and weighs in at a mere 280g. The BDR-XS07B-UHD is capable of 6x BD-R, 6x BD-R DL, 6x BD-R LTH, 2x BD-RE and 2x BD-RE DL writing speeds and a maximum BD-ROM read speed of 6x. It also writes to triple- (100GB) and quad-layer (128GB) BD-R media at 4x and triple-layer (100GB) BD-RE media at 2x.

What makes the BDR-XS07B-UHD truly special is its ability to play back Ultra HD Blu-ray content. When installed in a Windows 10 PC with the included PowerDVD software and an i7 or i5 Kaby Lake processor, users can watch movies at 4K resolutions. The drive also ships with authoring software from CyberLink and is equipped with Pioneer's PureRead4+ technology, which greatly improves the reading performance of scratched and dirty discs. The BDR-XS07B-UHD is expected to hit stores in mid February for about 25,000 Yen ($227US).
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WestRock Company manufactures and sells paper and packaging solutions in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through Corrugated Packaging and Consumer Packaging segments. The Corrugated Packaging segment produces containerboards, corrugated sheets, corrugated packaging, and preprinted linerboards for sale to consumer and industrial products manufacturers, and corrugated box manufacturers. It also provides structural and graphic design, engineering services and custom, and automated packaging machines; offers a machinery solution that creates pouches to replace single-use plastics, including bubble mailers; distributes corrugated packaging materials and other specialty packaging products, including stretch films, void fills, carton sealing tapes, and other specialty tapes; operates recycling facilities that collect, sort, grade, and bale recovered paper; and provides lithographic laminated packaging products, as well as contract packing services. The Consumer Packaging segment manufactures and sells folding cartons that are used to package food, paper, beverages, dairy products, tobacco, confectionery, health and beauty, other household consumer, and commercial and industrial products; and express mail packages for the overnight courier industry. It also offers inserts and labels, as well as rigid packaging and other printed packaging products, such as transaction cards, brochures, product literature, marketing materials, and grower tags and plant stakes for the horticultural market; and secondary packages and paperboard packaging for over-the-counter and prescription drugs. In addition, this segment manufactures and sells solid fiber and corrugated partitions, and die-cut paperboard components principally to glass container manufacturers, producers of beer, food, wine, spirits, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and the automotive industry. WestRock Company is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

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The Electric Vehicle boom is here! This upstart lithium developer is positioning to be a future supplier to Teslas Gigafactory in the Nevada desert. Best of all, its currently undiscovered by Wall Street below US$1 per share.

Royal Dutch Shell plc operates as an energy and petrochemical company worldwide. The company operates through Integrated Gas, Upstream, Oil Products, Chemicals segments. It explores for and extracts crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids; markets and transports oil and gas; produces gas-to-liquids fuels and other products; and operates upstream and midstream infrastructure necessary to deliver gas to market. The company also markets and trades natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, electricity, carbon-emission rights; and markets and sells LNG as a fuel for heavy-duty vehicles and marine vessels. In addition, it trades in and refines crude oil and other feed stocks, such as gasoline, diesel, heating oil, aviation fuel, marine fuel, biofuel, lubricants, bitumen, and sulphur; produces and sells petrochemicals for industrial use; and manages oil sands activities. Further, the company produces base chemicals comprising ethylene, propylene, and aromatics, as well as intermediate chemicals, such as styrene monomer, propylene oxide, solvents, detergent alcohols, ethylene oxide, and ethylene glycol. Royal Dutch Shell plc was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands.

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Rogers Communications Inc. operates as a communications and media company in Canada. It operates through three segments: Wireless, Cable, and Media. The company offers mobile Internet access, wireless voice and enhanced voice, device and accessory financing, wireless home phone, device protection, text messaging, e-mail, global voice and data roaming, bridging landline, machine-to-machine and Internet of Things solutions, and advanced wireless solutions for businesses, as well as device delivery services; and postpaid and prepaid services under the Rogers, Fido, and chatr brands to approximately 10.9 million subscribers. It also provides Internet and WiFi services; smart home monitoring services, such as monitoring, security, automation, energy efficiency, and smart control through a smartphone app. In addition, the company offers local and network TV; on-demand television; cloud-based digital video recorders; voice-activated remote controls, and integrated apps; personal video recorders; linear and time-shifted programming; digital specialty channels; 4K television programming; and televised content on smartphones, tablets, and personal computers, as well as operates Ignite TV and Ignite TV app. Further, it provides residential and small business local telephony services; calling features, such as voicemail, call waiting, and long distance; voice, data networking, Internet protocol, and Ethernet services; private networking, Internet, IP voice, and cloud solutions; optical wave and multi-protocol label switching services; IT and network technologies; and cable access network services. The company also owns Toronto Blue Jays and the Rogers Centre event venue; and operates Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet World, Citytv, OMNI, FX (Canada), FXX (Canada), and OLN television networks, as well as 55 AM and FM radio stations. Rogers Communications Inc. was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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Regal Beloit Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells electric motors, electrical motion controls, and power generation and transmission products worldwide. It operates through four segments: Commercial Systems, Industrial Systems, Climate Solutions, and Power Transmission Solutions. The Commercial Systems segment provides AC and DC motors, electronic variable speed controls, fans, blowers, and precision stator and rotor kits. The Industrial Systems segment offers AC motors for industrial applications; electric alternators for prime and standby power applications to data centers, distributed energy, microgrid, rental marine, agriculture, healthcare, mobile, and defense markets; and switchgear for healthcare, government, and waste water applications, as well as residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The Climate Solutions segment provides fractional motors, electronic variable speed controls, and blowers for use in a residential and light commercial air moving applications; and fractional horsepower motors and blowers for white goods, water heating equipment, small pumps, compressors, and fans. The Power Transmission Solutions segment offers bearings; conveyors; disc, diaphragms, gear and flexible couplings, transmission elements, gears, grids, jaws, elastomers, and disc couplings; mechanical power transmission drives and components; and worm gearing, shaft configuration, helical offset, concentric and right angle, bevel and miter gearing, and spur gearing products, as well as modular plastic belts, conveying chains, and hydraulic pump drives. This segment serves beverage, bulk handling, metal, special machinery, energy, and aerospace and general industrial markets. The company sells its products directly to original equipment manufacturers and end-users through a network of direct and independent sales representatives, and distributors. Regal Beloit Corporation was founded in 1955 and is based in Beloit, Wisconsin.

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Penumbra, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, and internationally. The company offers aspiration based thrombectomy systems and accessory devices, including revascularization device for mechanical thrombectomy, such as Penumbra System under the Penumbra JET, ACE, 3D Revascularization Device, and Penumbra ENGINE brands, as well as components and accessories; neurovascular embolization coiling systems to treat patients with various sizes of aneurysms and other neurovascular lesions under the Penumbra Coil 400, POD400, PAC400, and Penumbra SMART Coil brand names; and neurovascular access systems designed to provide intracranial access for use in a range of neurovascular therapies under the Neuron, Neuron MAX, Select, BENCHMARK, DDC, and PX SLIM brands. It also provides neurosurgical aspiration tools for the removal of tissue and fluids under the Artemis Neuro Evacuation Device brand; immersive virtual reality and display system that displays and tracks upper-extremity rehabilitation exercises under the REAL Immersive System brand name; aspiration-based thrombectomy systems for vascular applications under the Indigo System brand; and detachable embolic coil systems for peripheral embolization under the Ruby Coil and Ruby LP brand names. In addition, the company offers microcatheter for the delivery of detachable coils and occlusion devices under the LANTERN brand; and detachable, microcatheter-deliverable occlusion devices designed primarily to occlude peripheral vessels under the POD (Penumbra Occlusion Device) brand name, as well as a complementary device for use with Ruby Coil and POD for vessel occlusion under the Packing Coil and POD Packing Coil brands. The company sells its products through direct sales organizations and distributors. Penumbra, Inc. was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Alameda, California.

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Photo: Things To Do Learn Places to go About us Buy & Apply Colorado Parks and Wildlife

A Colorado runner fought off and killed a mountain lion with his bare hands after he was attacked while jogging on a north Colorado trail.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers, working with Larimer County Department of Natural Resources, is investigating the attack which happened on Monday. The victim, who remains unidentified, killed the juvenile cougar, then managed to get himself to a local hospital.

Mountain lion attacks are not common in Colorado and it is unfortunate that the lions hunting instincts were triggered by the runner, Ty Petersburg, area wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife said. This could have had a very different outcome.

The victim says he heard something behind him on the trail and then was attacked by a mountain lion as he turned around. The lion lunged at the runner, biting his face and wrist. But he was able to fight the lion off, break free and suffocate it, killing it in self-defence. The runner sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the attack.

Wildlife officers found the body of the juvenile mountain lion within feet of several possessions that the victim asked the officers to look for on the trail. The lion has been taken to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife animal health lab for a necropsy.

The runner did everything he could to save his life. In the event of a lion attack you need to do anything in your power to fight back just as this gentleman did, said Mark Leslie, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Northeast Region manager.

Mountain lion attacks on people are rare, with fewer than 20 fatalities in North America in more than 100 years.
Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. It facilitates the processing of payment transactions, including authorization, clearing, and settlement, as well as delivers related products and services. The company offers integrated products and services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts; prepaid payment programs and management services; and commercial credit and debit payment products and solutions. It also provides value-added products and services comprising cyber and intelligence products, information and analytics services, consulting services, loyalty and reward programs, processing and open banking services, and issuer and acquirer processing services. The company offers payment solutions and services under the MasterCard, Maestro, and Cirrus brands. Mastercard Incorporated was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Purchase, New York.

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I read with considerable dismay the recent letter from Garry Rayner.

I do agree that it is time for greater engagement of Canada's youth in our electoral system. Time and again it has been shown that when youth turn out to vote, they support progressive parties and often make their judgments thinking of a better future.

That is the extent to which I agree with Mr. Rayner. Beyond this, the rest of his letter is utter nonsense.

The notion of a non-binding UN Migration Pact that he advocates is devoid of reason, reality, and rationality. I will say it again  the UN Migration Pact is a non-binding agreement. Canada, a nation built on immigrants, will not be destroyed by this pact. Moreover, there are precisely zero Canadians who will be imprisoned should they exercise their reasonable free speech to oppose the pact.

It is unfortunate that so many cannot reasonably participate in political discourse around immigration policy, which will feature as a major issue in the next election, if only because of incessant right-wing fear-mongering and baseless fallacies.

Canada's youth are our future, but more importantly they are also our present. Increasingly, I see them getting engaged in politics, fed up with a status quo that has for too long disregarded their issues. Key policy advancements such as climate change legislation, marijuana legalization, enshrinement of LGBTQ+ rights, and more feature youth at the forefront, pushing the rest of the country along a course where we can continue to do things in a good way.

As is often said, diversity is our strength, and the diverse and informed opinions of Canada's youth will continue to have a positive influence on our politics.

Our current government, like all those in Canada before it, represents and defends democracy. It is unfortunate to see that certain individuals and groups would seek to undermine that by attempting to delegitimize our current leadership by promoting a politics of fear instead of acting as a voice of reason.

Richard McAdam, Kelowna
Federal Signal Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and supplies a suite of products and integrated solutions for municipal, governmental, industrial, and commercial customers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. It operates through two segments, Environmental Solutions Group and Safety and Security Systems Group. The Environmental Solutions Group segment offers a range of street sweeper vehicles, sewer cleaner and vacuum loader trucks, hydro-excavation trucks, and water blasting equipment under the Elgin, Vactor, Guzzler, Westech, and Jetstream brand names. Is also manufactures dump truck bodies and trailers for maintenance and infrastructure end-markets under the Ox Bodies, Crysteel, J-Craft, Duraclass, Rugby, and Travis brand names. In addition, this segment engages in the sale of parts, service and repair, equipment rental, and training activities under the FS Solutions brand. The Safety and Security Systems Group segment provides systems and products for campus and community alerting, emergency vehicles, first responder interoperable communications, and industrial communications, as well as command and municipal networked security. Its products include vehicle lightbars and sirens, public warning sirens, general alarm systems, public address systems, and public safety software. This segment sells its products under the Federal Signal, Federal Signal VAMA, and Victor brand names. The company sells its products through wholesaler, distributor, independent manufacturer representative, original equipment manufacturer, and direct sales force, as well as independent foreign distributor. Federal Signal Corporation was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois.

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Two AK-47 assault rifles were found to be missing from the armoury of Itwa police station in Siddharthnagar after which an alert was sounded on the Indo-Nepal border on Monday.

Later, senior police officials, including Superintendent of Police of Siddharthnagar, Dr Dharamveer Singh, inspected the police station and suspended five policemen.

He also asked local circle officer Shreyesh Tripathi to probe the incident and submit his findings for further action against the errant persons.

The SP also ordered checking on the international border to recover the weapons but it failed to deliver the expected results.

As per reports, station house officer of Itwa police station, Anil Prakash Pandey, informed his seniors about the mysterious disappearance of two AK-47 assault rifles after which the cops went into a tizzy.

Though the SHO claimed that the weapons went missing from the armoury of the police station, sources said that they were handed over to some cops for use but they left the weapons in a restaurant where they had gone for lunch on Monday.

The SP of Siddharthnagar after initiating an enquiry into the incident, suspended SHO Anil Prakash, head constable Vipin Bhatt and constable Vimal Kishore Mishra along with two other cops.

A case of missing instead of theft was registered at the police station.
A Samajwadi Party MLA from Ghazipur district suffered brain haemorrhage while staging protest against the Yogi Adityanath government during the Governors address to the joint sitting of both Houses of the state legislature on Tuesday morning.

SP legislator Subhash Pasi was immediately rushed to Syama Prasad Mukherjee (Civil) Hospital from where he was referred to the Trauma Centre of King Georges Medical College in Lucknow.

His condition continued to be critical and he was under constant medical observation.

Governor Ram Naik went to the Trauma Centre in the evening to enquire about the well-being of the legislator.

A group of SP MLAs, along with legislators of Bahujan Samaj Party and Congress, were protesting against deteriorating law and order situation, prevailing unemployment and agrarian crisis in the state during the Governors address when the SP MLA suddenly collapsed.

Fellow MLAs immediately took Pasi to the Assembly lobby and a doctor was called. Later, the legislator was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance.

Pasi, a Dalit leader, had won the Assembly election from Saidpur constituency in Ghazipur district in 2012 and 2017.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Odisha on Wednesday to address two rallies in the western region, one at Bhawanipatna and another at Rourkela.

Chief Minister of neighbouring Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel will join the public meeting at Bhawanipatna.

In run-up to the general elections, this will be Gandhis second visit to the State in less than two weeks. He had come to Bhubaneswar on January 25 and addressed a mammoth public meeting.

Now, BJP president Amit Shah would once again visit the State on February 15, informed party State president Basant Kumar Panda on Tuesday.

Shah would visit Sambalpur and address party organisers of four Lok Sabha constituencies, Dhenkanal, Bargarh, Sambalpur and Sundargarh, Panda said. Around 60,000 booth-level workers would join the meeting, he added.

Shah had earlier visited the State twice recently. He on January 29 addressed a meeting of party workers at Salepur. On February 3, he addressed the BJP ST Morchas two-day national convention in Puri.
A 21-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly publishing fake poll dates of 2019 general elections on his website from a WhatsApp group in January. The accused was arrested following a complaint from the office of Chief Electoral Officer.

The accused has been identified as Gomunt Kumar, a resident of Jharkhand. According to a senior police official, they had received a complaint in January from the Electoral Officer mentioning that fake news about the schedule of 2019 general elections is being circulated on various online and social media platforms.

During investigation, the police team zeroed down on a website named www.mytechbuzz.in. It was found that the false schedule had published from this website. Technical investigation was conducted which helped police team to identify the admin of the website. Kumar was asked to join the probe in Delhi and was later arrested on January 31, said a senior police official in cyber cell.

During interrogation the man revealed that he had received the election schedule on a WhatsApp group which he then published on his website to increase the popularity of the website. Since the arrest was under bailable sections, Kumar was later released on bail.

"His devices have been seized and further investigation is underway. We are yet to check the content of the WhatsApp group from where he took that information," said Anyesh Roy, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), cyber cell.

Police are also checking accused involvements in previous cases if any. We were told that he has shut down his website. Political involvement behind the incident and background of the members of the WhatsApp group are also being checked, said the senior police official.
State BJP termed West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamta Banerjee as Terror Banerjee on Tuesday.

Addressing a press meet State BJP Spokesperson, Pratul Shahdeo said that Mamta Banerjee has destroyed all Constitutional institutions. She has shown her faith on the Constitution, through which she won and became the CM. The Apex Courts direction to West Bengal Police chief to help in investigation has disgraced Mamta. She knows that in upcoming elections she will face worst results and due to this she is using such kinds of works.

Lambasting at Mamta, Shahdeo said, during last Panchayat elections, TMC workers had killed democracy.

Speaking on the issue of not given permission for the programme UP CM, Yogi Adityanath, Shadeo said, She has exhibited that she fears BJP. She also created uproar before BJP, National president, Amit Shahs programme. Final countdown of her political life has begun and in the next election

TMC will be uprooted from the State. Destroying the constitution and through terror no one can survive in politics.

Criticising former CM, Hemant Soren, Shadeo said, People of Santhal Paragana were cheated in large numbers through Chit Fund scam.

At present Hemant Soren is standing with Mamta Banerjee whose partys maximum leaders were involved in the scam. It clearly shows that Hemant doesnt have sympathy with people of Santhal Paragana and only for political benefit and self interest they go at any extent.
Photo: The Canadian Press John Landgraf, CEO of FX Networks

Someone is standing up to television's Goliath, with a prominent competitor saying Monday that Netflix is deceiving the public about what is a hit and what isn't.

John Landgraf, the FX Networks chief executive who has frequently pointed out the glut of scripted TV, said Netflix is using cloudy measurements to claim increasing dominance among viewers. It's an approach he said reflects a worrisome Silicon Valley arrogance.

Applying long-used industry standards to Netflix, "their true batting average would be viewed as unimpressive," Landgraf said.

The streaming service has upended the TV industry with a gusher of programming beyond that of any other outlet. This year, Netflix also realized its goal of earning a best-picture Oscar nomination, for the film "Roma."

But success doesn't necessarily stem from an "endless money cannon," as Landgraf described spending by what he called Silicon Valley's "monopolistic titans."

Netflix's claim that 40 million households globally watched the series "You" is suspect, Landgraf said, contending the U.S figure would be only 8 million viewers if the industry's average-viewership standard was applied. The streaming service generally refuses to release viewership numbers, emphasizing the subscriber growth it now pegs at more than 130 million worldwide, with nearly 60 million of those in the United States.

"By creating a myth that they have used data to find the magic bullet of guaranteed commercial success that has eluded everyone else since the creation of television, they have given the impression that the vast majority of shows on their platform is working ... and that they have or will soon have many more hits than anyone else," Landgraf said.

Netflix declined comment Monday. The company said in an earnings letter it counts a viewer if they "substantially complete at least one episode."

Landgraf, who dismissed that measure as meaningless, said a program like "Stranger Things" is rightly cited by Netflix as an audience "home run" but called it an outlier.

FX is coming off a good year, with a wealth of Emmy and other awards for shows including "The Americans" and "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story." Landgraf said he's optimistic about FX's future as Walt Disney Co. prepares to acquire 21st Century Fox, parent company of the channel.

Netflix puts its money where its mouth is: In 2018, the streaming platform said it was spending $8 billion on programming, the vast majority of it original. Since 2014, programming from Netflix and other, less robust streamers has increased nearly 400 per cent, compared to a 1 per cent drop for broadcast and a 32 per cent increase for pay cable, according to FX research.

Volume doesn't guarantee quality, no matter what Netflix's message may be, Landgraf said in a Q&A with critics that was part of FX's promotion of upcoming and returning series, including "Better Things" and "Legion."

"The flip side of taking hundreds of at-bats is you're going to get a massive number of strikeouts. So naturally, Netflix made and launched a number of consumer failures," he said. "But by reporting singles as if they were home runs, and failing to ever report a single strikeout, they undercut" their claims.

"One way or another, the truth will ultimately come out, as it always does," said Landgraf, who maintained his customary even, somewhat professorial tone throughout his Netflix dissection. He called on critics to resist reporting what he called "cherry-picked data" and to wait for third-party measurements.
A16-year-old class IX student Shardha Suman of Crescent Public School, Bokaro committed suicide at her sector VIII C home on Monday night.

The family members of the student, who belonged to sector VIII C, Qr no 2259 said that she took the extreme step due to "pressure" of examination.

Her parents were sleeping in other room of the house and in early morning they found the door locked from inside. We broke open the door and found her hanging from a ceiling fan.

She was rushed to BGH Hospital where she was declared dead, said her father Janmejai Prasad a Government school teacher.

A police team scanned the house but could not find any suicide note from the spot.

The family said that the student was under pressure due to studies, but didn't elaborate further. They are now seeking legal advice to explore further course of action.

A police official said that the family has not filed any written complaint so far. The body has been sent for a post-mortem and reports are awaited. We will investigate the matter once a complaint is filed, an officer said.
Bajaria police have nabbed three vehicle-lifters near Sikandar Saray area and recovered two cars and motorbikes worth Rs 3.5 lakh from their possession on Monday.

Police said that acting on a tip three persons in a car near Sikandar Saray were detained and when they were questioned regarding the vehicle they were not able to provide details of the vehicle and confessed stealing car from Vidisha.

The nabbed accused were identified as Bunty alias Ibrahim (30) of Aishbagh, Mohammad Rafeeq (46) and Abdul Shahid (26) of Indore.

Accused confessed stealing two cars and two motorbikes which were later recovered from their possession. The two cars were stolen from Shahjehanabad and Kotwali police station areas while motorbikes were stolen from Indore and Ratlam.

During the investigation Bunty confessed that he was booked by different police stations for thefts and burglaries. It was found that 20 permanent warrants were pending against him.

Police said that the parking spaces were used to park the stolen bike and which were to be sold later. During the investigation police have not found any criminal record of the miscreant and told that search for the crime record would be done in the further investigation.

The details of recovered vehicles would be provided to the respect police stations. The police have started search for other accomplices who have helped the accused in stealing and disposing the vehicles.

Meanwhile, GRP Bhopal nabbed a 21-year-old miscreant who robbed a mobile phone from a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) on Monday and recovered mobile phone worth Rs 17000.

The accused identified as Abhisek Sahu robbed mobile phone of victim Bahadur Singh Bhati. A complaint was lodged with the police when the mobile phone was robbed from Train no 19712 Bhopal Jaipur train on Monday. During the investigation police found that the accused Abhisek Sahu has robbed the mobile phone and tracked him and later he was arrested. Police recovered mobile phone from the accused and it was found that the accused was booked earlier for burglary by GRP Bhopal.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday travelled by road from Jharkhand to Purulia to address a rally there after the Mamata Government denied permission for landing his helicopter in the State.

He accused Mamata of trying to protect a corrupt officer and said there could be nothing more shameful and unconstitutional than a CM staging a sit-in to prevent secrets related to corruption from spilling out. Yogi accused Mamata of exploiting the poor in West Bengal and not allowing benefits of Central schemes to reach them.
In a counterattack against the Modi Government, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday released a more than five-year-old letter written by Sudipto Sen, the jailed Saradha chit fund boss, to the Central Bureau of Investigation, in which he had accused Assam BJP leader Hemant Biswa Sharma of extracting Rs 3 crore from him.

This letter written by Sudipto Sen will show how the CBI is being used by the BJP to gag the voices of dissent and torture the Opposition, Mamata said, adding the letter implicates Assam Deputy Chief Minister Himant Biswa Sarma for extracting Rs 3 crore from Sen. The letter dated April 2013 and addressed to anti-corruption branch in Kolkata, just before Sen fled Kolkata abruptly downing the shutters of his company, described how BJPs Man Friday in Assam extracted Rs 3 crore over the past six months and got Sen sign on some vouchers.

Another high-level person has dramatically cheated me. He is Mr Himanta Biswa Sarma. For the last six months, apart one and half years, he has taken from us not less than Rs 3 crore all by cash and some vouchers have been signed by his office executives by some other means, the letter had quoted, said Mamata.

Attacking her Uttar Pradesh Counterpart Yogi Adityanath, who in Purulia on Tuesday accused the TMC Government with subverting democracy in the State, Mamata said, First ask him to tame his own people and bring rule of law back in his own State where the minorities and honest police officers are lynched and where there is a riot every other day.

This time round the BJP would be routed from UP Mamata said, adding even Yogi will lose his seat if he contests once again from there.
India has to realise that the 1.5oC target is now totally sacrosanct. This would require persuasion by stakeholders of national Governments to adopt effective measures

The Conference of the Parties (COP) with its 24th session as a part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) took place in Katowice, Poland, in December 2018. Particularly relevant was the fact that Katowice is located at the very heart of Polands coal resources and this source of energy provides Poland with about 80 per cent of the countrys electricity supply. Clearly, this is in sharp contrast with the direction that is required to mitigate climate change by phasing out fossil fuels.

The Polish leadership has been emphasising for some time now what it calls a just transition. At another level, an unfortunate development, which goes counter to the science of climate change, is the obstruction of the delegations from the US, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Kuwait in questioning the special report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which clearly maps out the science behind accepting the limit of 1.5oC by the end of this century as opposed to 2.0oC, which had tentatively been decided during the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in 2015. As the special report clearly shows the impacts and risks associated with the range between average temperatures that cover 1.5oC to those at 2.0oC are quite significant. Risks associated with the 2.0oC limit are, therefore, considerably higher than those at 1.5oC.

As a result there would be several vulnerable regions and communities across the globe which would suffer the negative consequences of these impacts and risks. In fact, it is now obvious that extreme events related to heat waves, extreme precipitation events, extreme sea level rise related events and the damage carried out by hurricanes and cyclones is on the increase in frequency and intensity across the globe. This reality has to be seen against the well-established principle of common but differentiated responsibility because it indicates insensitivity on the part of countries which are primarily responsible for increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases historically while the most vulnerable societies in the world are the ones who have had no responsibility whatsoever in contributing to the emissions and concentration of GHGs in the past.

The one outcome of Katowice which can be treated as a contribution to the efforts in dealing with climate change is what is referred to as the Paris Rule Book. Essentially this is truly an operating manual which is required for implementation of the Paris Agreement. There are a number of technical and socio-political issues included in this rule book such as how countries are required to report their GHG emissions as well as contributions to climate finance.

It also lays down clear-cut rules on voluntary market mechanisms such as carbon trading. This rule book was the subject of considerable discussion and contention between specific countries. The homework for this was actually carried out on the basis of a large meeting in Bangkok, Thailand which was held in September 2018, but that conference failed to reach agreement on the subject, and thus took up time at the COP in Katowice. Overall this resulted in a substantial effort being put in at Katowice on the technical and the other details for coming up with an acceptable system. It almost seems that in a rush to reach agreement in Paris in 2015 the rule book was postponed for finalising subsequently. Some policy makers and analysts actually question whether this could have been done before the Paris Agreement, even if the agreement itself was postponed to 2016.

Whatever is required to be done both with the rule book and the Paris Agreement itself, it is particularly important that human society needs to work out an arrangement by which we reach a limit of no more than 1.5oC by the end of the century. One important consideration in this would be the avoidance of an overshoot scenario. In other words, it would be wrong to suggest that the world could exceed 1.5oC and then this could be brought down quickly through technologies, structural changes and human behaviour by the end of the century. Such overshoot scenarios would create serious impacts and risks, which todays younger generation would find totally unacceptable. Also the feasibility of descending below an overshoot scenario is questionable, because the technological challenges and institutional responses in that case could prove to be insurmountable.

India has to realise, like the other countries of the world, that whatever may happen, the 1.5oC target is now totally sacrosanct. As a democracy, a society dedicated to sustainable development and a country with a large percentage of youth  who would face the risks of climate change  we have every reason to induce, encourage and motivate every country in the world to mitigate emissions of GHGs. This, of course, would require the persuasion by many stakeholders of national governments to adopt policies and measures which are totally effective. A case in point would be that of Germany where its programme Energiewende has been a remarkable case of energy transformation, despite the fact that Germany is completely at the bottom of list in renewable energy resources. China is also making great strides, and it would also help us greatly to join hands with that nation.

A move towards a fossil fuel-free world is the new diplomacy that India needs to practise. Diplomats do not necessarily have to lose their traditional base; in order to do so, apart from going around the cocktail circuit, they need to push mitigation actions which are totally in the interest of India and certainly in the interest of this planet and the species which live on it. What we need, therefore, is a blending of domestic actions with a huge step up in diplomatic relations by which India is at the centre of promoting a sustainable society, however challenging and difficult that might be. That incidentally is also the direction in which trade will expand, and we would do well to build on these opportunities ahead.

(The writer is former chairman, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2002-15)
Consider two developments in recent days that speak volumes about Indias Pakistan policy: Just as the United States moved to unilaterally withdraw from a major arms-control pact (the Intermediate-Range Forces, or INF Treaty), Incredible India  as it calls itself in international tourism-promotion ads  welcomed an inspection team from a terrorist state to scrutinise Indian hydropower projects that are being built under the terms of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

And, as if to mock the Indian foreign secretarys formal protest over his call to separatist Umar Farooq four days earlier, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mohammad Qureshi on Saturday telephoned another secessionist leader in Kashmir Valley, Ali Shah Geelani.

Qureshi and Pakistans all-powerful military generals think they can get away by provoking India.

Another fun night with the diplomats from that side: When Mr Geelani socialises, we know where he heads. (Photo: PTI)

In the absence of a clear-headed Pakistan policy backed by political resolve, India continues to send confusing and contradictory signals, encouraging Pakistans continuing roguish conduct.

Indias welcoming of the three-member Pakistani inspection team, led by that countrys Indus commissioner, illustrated how its incoherent approach to Pakistan has spawned even appeasement.

In 1960, in the naive hope that water largesse would yield peace, India entered into the IWT by giving away the Indus systems largest rivers as gifts to Pakistan. Since then, the congenitally hostile Pakistan, while drawing the full benefits from the treaty, has waged overt or covert aggression almost continuously  and is now using the IWT itself as a stick to beat India with, including by contriving water disputes and internationalising them.

Whereas the US has ditched the INF Treaty over an alleged Russian violation of its terms, India clings to the IWTs finer details  even though Pakistan is waging proxy war by terror against it. Like the IWT, the INF Treaty is of indefinite duration.

India welcomed a three-member Pakistani team to inspect some of its new dams. Their 'findings' can be damning. (Photo: Reuters)

Pakistans use of state-reared terrorist groups to inflict upon India death by a thousand cuts can be invoked by New Delhi as constituting reasonable grounds for an Indian withdrawal from the IWT. The International Court of Justice has upheld the principle that a treaty, including one of indefinite duration, may be dissolved by reason of a fundamental change of circumstances.

Still, India not only adheres to the IWTs finer details, it even goes beyond. For example, under the IWTs Article VIII, the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) is to meet once a year. Its next meeting was due in March 2019. But, thanks to Indias zealousness, the PIC met much earlier in August 2018, just five months after its previous meeting.

It was at that meeting that India agreed to advance Pakistans inspection tour to October 2018. The last such tour occurred in 2014 and the next one, in keeping with the IWT provision for a tour once every five years, was due by the end of 2019. The local bodies elections in Jammu and Kashmir forced the October tour to be deferred to January-end.

Before returning home on February 1, the Pakistani team examined three Indian hydropower projects currently under construction  the Pakal Dul, which will generate up to 1,000 megawatts of electricity, Ratle (850 megawatts), and Lower Kalnai (48 megawatts).

The team also visited the already operational 900-megawatt Baglihar  a project that Pakistan tried earlier to stop by invoking the IWTs dispute-settlement provisions.

But the international neutral expert appointed to resolve the dispute ultimately ruled in Indias favour.

There's no washing away the truth: Pakistan is using the Indus Water Treaty as a stick to beat India with. (Photo: PTI)

Pakistan, however, could seek international intercession again by using the information its inspection team collected last week to mount technical objections to the Indian projects under construction. Even before the team visited India, Pakistani officials publicly raised objections to the spillway or freeboard of these projects.

Pakistans interest lies in sustaining a unique treaty that incorporates water generosity to the lower riparian on a scale unmatched by any other pact in the world. That interest arms India with significant leverage to link the IWTs future to Pakistans observance of basic international norms.

Yet, India is letting go of the opportunity to reframe the terms of the Indus engagement.

Indias pusillanimity is apparent from yet another development last week. After the Indian foreign secretary summoned the Pakistani high commissioner to lodge a protest over Qureshis call to Umar Farooq, the Pakistani foreign office the next day summoned the Indian high commissioner in Islamabad.

This raises the question as to why India does not downgrade its diplomatic relations with Pakistan  why maintain full diplomatic ties with a country that New Delhi branded Terroristan in 2017?

There is no reason for India to keep diplomatic relations with a terrorist state at the high commissioner level. Downsizing diplomatic missions and doing away with high commissioners should be part of an Indian strategy to employ peaceful tools, including diplomatic, economic and riparian pressures, to reform Pakistans behaviour.

Pakistan is much smaller in economic, military and demographic terms than India. Yet, it continues to gore us. How come? (Photo: Reuters)

Sadly, India is all talk when it comes to imposing costs on the next-door terrorist state. Indian policymakers do not seem to realise that words not backed by action carry major costs. They not only affect Indias credibility but also undermine its deterrent posture by emboldening the enemy.

Isnt it telling that Pakistan continues to gore India, although it is much smaller in economic, military and demographic terms? Such aggression is the bitter fruit of Indias present approach  which essentially has remained the same under successive governments.

However, it is still not too late to reverse course.

India ought to talk less and act more. To tame a rogue neighbour, India must emphasise deeds, not words.

For starters, it must discard the fiction that it can have normal diplomatic relations with a sponsor of terrorism.

Also read: Naya Pakistan in the new year? No, we will have the same broke, belligerent neighbour
Vincent Kompany is determined to return to action stronger than ever to drive Manchester City to more silverware this season.

Citys influential captain has been sidelined for the past month with what has been described as a muscular problem.

As yet no timeframe has been put on his potential return but the 32-year-old defender is working hard to get back on the field and play a part as City chase four trophies.

The Belgium international told Press Association Sport: As a human being and an athlete I feel great but I have to deal with certain niggles from over the years.

I will deal with it as I always have and then were back rolling again.

Im not the guy that can give you the timings right now but the key thing is I have a road map as to how best to recover from setbacks. Ill follow that and youll see me on the end of it as strong as ever.

Vincent Kompany has vowed to return to action as strong as ever (Richard Sellers/PA)

Champions City are hoping to overhaul Liverpool at the top of the Premier League and are still competing in three cup competitions. They face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final later this month, Newport or Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fifth round and Schalke in the Champions League last 16.

He said: Every season has been special at City but at this point in time, we are that much with our noses into whats been happening day-in, day-out we forget how much of a special season this could be.

I want to play my role in making sure everyone realises that and does the right thing. There is still so much to look forward to.

Kompany was speaking prior to hosting a fundraising gala evening for his charity Tackle4MCR, which aims to help the homeless and combat rough sleeping in Manchester. He has dedicated his testimonial year to the initiative.

Kompany has been a key figure at the Etihad Stadium since joining City in 2008, helping the club to three Premier League titles, but his present contract is due to expire this summer.

He said: I am in a privileged position, I have such a good relationship with the club. Were in this as partners.

Nobody is making any hasty decisions. We have fixtures and fixtures and fixtures coming up  four trophies still to play for  and a contract that still exists.

That is the key thing. There is no need to look too far beyond. Everybody is relaxed.
Liam Neeson has come under fire after admitting that he once harboured violent thoughts about killing a black person in revenge after someone close to him was raped.

The Taken actor, 66, revealed in an interview to promote his new film Cold Pursuit, that he had walked the streets armed with a weapon hoping he would be approached by someone so that I could kill him.

Radio presenter Clara Amfo, author Marian Keyes and actress Annie Wallace were among those who reacted to Neesons statement, with Keyes saying she was mortified.

Three weeks ago, I sat with Liam Neeson for a press junket. He shared a startling story with me, for the first time. This is the story of that story. https://t.co/kvKfQdTdAK  Clemence_Mcl (@Clemence_Mcl) February 4, 2019

Discussing how his character turns to anger, Neeson told the Independent: Theres something primal  God forbid youve ever had a member of your family hurt under criminal conditions. Ill tell you a story. This is true.

He said the rape happened some time ago and said of his friend: She handled the situation of the rape in the most extraordinary way.

But my immediate reaction was I asked, did she know who it was? No. What colour were they? She said it was a black person.

Liam Neeson (PA)

I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping Id be approached by somebody  Im ashamed to say that  and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some black b****** would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him.

It took me a week, maybe a week and a half, to go through that. She would say, where are you going? and I would say, Im just going out for a walk. You know? Whats wrong? No no, nothings wrong.

It was horrible, horrible, when I think back, that I did that. And Ive never admitted that, and Im saying it to a journalist. God forbid.

Its awful. But I did learn a lesson from it, when I eventually thought, What the f*** are you doing, you know?

I come from a society  I grew up in Northern Ireland in the Troubles  and, you know, I knew a couple of guys that died on hunger strike, and I had acquaintances who were very caught up in the Troubles, and I understand that need for revenge, but it just leads to more revenge, to more killing and more killing, and Northern Irelands proof of that.

All this stuff thats happening in the world, the violence, is proof of that, you know. But that primal need, I understand.

Neesons comments have triggered debate on social media.

Author Keyes posted a message on Twitter saying: I am mortified by Liam Neeson.

I am mortified by Liam Neeson  Marian Keyes (@MarianKeyes) February 4, 2019

Actress Wallace said: Liam Neeson DAMN! Whats wrong with people these days not just the horrible thoughts and deeds, but saying things out loud, in a career-ending kinda way.

Liam Neeson... DAMN! What's wrong with people these days... not just the horrible thoughts and deeds, but saying things out loud, in a career-ending kinda way.  Annie Wallace (@anniewallace) February 4, 2019

Radio presenter Clara Amfo said she was thinking about what broadcaster/host Liam Neeson is gonna use to try to exonerate himself from that admission of his, suggesting it would be Larry King.

Genuinely cant stop thinking about what broadcaster/host Liam Neeson is gonna use to try to exonerate himself from that admission of his, bets are on Larry King.  Clara Amfo-fo-fo-fo-fo-fo-fo-fo-fo  WHOS NEXT?! (@claraamfo) February 4, 2019

Frederick Joseph, who launched a GoFundMe to help take underprivileged children from Harlem in New York to see the film Black Panther, tweeted: Liam Neeson being ready to take any Black life over what one person allegedly did just shows how meaningless and inconsequential black lives are to some.

Even him telling the story demonstrates a level of privilege and understating that there may not be repercussions.

Liam Neeson being ready to take any Black life over what one person allegedly did just shows how meaningless and inconsequential black lives are to some.



Even him telling the story demonstrates a level of privilege and understating that there may not be repercussions.  Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) February 4, 2019

Comedian and writer Phillip Henry said: Whats most disturbing about what Liam Neeson said is everything. But whats particularly terrifying is the idea that the death of any other Black guy would satisfy the revenge quota to the clear indication is that he knows his whiteness would protect if he followed through on it.

Whats most disturbing about what Liam Neeson said is everything. But whats particularly terrifying is the idea that the death of any other Black guy would satisfy the revenge quota to the clear indication is that he knows his whiteness would protect if he followed through on it  Phillip Henry (@MajorPhilebrity) February 4, 2019

Representatives for Neeson and film studio Lionsgate have been contacted for comment.
Peter OMahony has insisted Ireland can still retain their Guinness Six Nations title.

The Munster flanker admitted Ireland were stung but not panicked, after Saturdays comprehensive 32-20 Dublin defeat by England.

A frustrated OMahony rejected suggestions Ireland had not been as motivated as England, who dominated physically in their four-try victory.

Peter OMahony: It hurts to lose at home but we take it on the chin. We cant sit around feeling sorry for ourselves. pic.twitter.com/zAHC2TTSj0  Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 4, 2019

The 29-year-old pledged Ireland will now head to Scotland on Saturday in a bid to reassert their class, and set the defence of their 2018 title back on track.

Asked if Ireland can still win this years tournament, OMahony replied: Absolutely. We were up against one of the best teams in the world and we got beaten, and were not going to shy away from that.

But I dont know why we would be panicking.

Were hurting, 100 per cent. The Aviva Stadium is a place where we hadnt lost for a while.

You never like losing, no matter if you are playing for Ireland or your club, but particularly at the Aviva which is somewhere we have made a fortress.

Certainly that hurts.

#GuinnessSixNations



Peter O'Mahony on how Ireland are 'hurting' from the result but will refocus for the game against Scotland.#TeamOfUs #ShoulderToShoulder https://t.co/enYpR8maen pic.twitter.com/y5V37Grd2a  Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 4, 2019

Im certainly not going to sit here and say it didnt hurt. It did. But we cant be sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves.

England at home says enough in itself, so I dont think we werent motivated to go and win at home. That doesnt sit well with me.

Theres a lot of rugby to be played between now and the end of the campaign.

Were going to go back to do what we do well, and were going to do that excellently this week, hopefully.

OMahonys Munster team-mate CJ Stander will miss up to four weeks due to facial fractures.

Ireland will miss Standers physical approach for Saturdays Murrayfield clash, and will be forced to re-jig their back-row.

Sean OBrien, pictured, is in line to step into Irelands starting XV to face Scotland (David Davies/PA)

Leinsters fit-again flanker Sean OBrien could step straight into the starting line-up, having come into the fray as a replacement against England.

OBrien has only just recovered from the broken arm he suffered in Irelands November Tests, but OMahony believes he is ready to start if called upon.

Im not going to sit here and pick the team, but Sean OBrien, the name along speaks for itself, said OMahony.

Hes been unlucky with injury here and there, but there isnt anybody more professional and a big-game player than Sean OBrien.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid has signed the order for drinks tycoon Vijay Mallya to be extradited to India.

A Home Office spokesman said on Tuesday the Secretary of State had carefully considered all relevant matters relating to Mr Mallyas case.

The spokesman added: Vijay Mallya is accused in India of conspiracy to defraud, making false representations and money laundering offences.

Mr Mallya now has 14 days to appeal the decision (John Stillwell/PA)

Mr Mallya, former principal of the Force India Formula One team and chairman of the UB Group, is wanted over allegations of fraud relating to his now defunct company Kingfisher Airline.

He has continually denied the allegations and now has 14 days to appeal against the extradition order.

In a tweet sent following the decision Mr Mallya said he intends to initiate the appeal process.

After the decision was handed down on December 10,2018 by the Westminster Magistrates Court, I stated my intention to appeal. I could not initiate the appeal process before a decision by the Home Secretary. Now I will initiate the appeal process.  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) February 4, 2019

In December, Senior District Judge Emma Arbuthnot described Mr Mallya as a glamorous, flashy, famous, bejewelled, bodyguarded, ostensibly billionaire playboy who had misrepresented how bank loans would be used.

She referred the case to the Home Secretary to decide whether Mr Mallya should be extradited to India to face the allegations against him.

Mr Mallyas debts are said to total 977 million, according to Indias Enforcement Directorate which has been investigating the tycoon.

The Central Bank of India opened a criminal investigation into the 62-year-old businessman in 2015.

He was arrested in April last year by the Metropolitan Polices extradition unit on behalf of the Indian authorities.
Photo: The Canadian Press People light sticks of incense in a cauldron as they pray at the Lama Temple in Beijing, Tuesday.

Asia welcomed the lunar Year of the Pig on Tuesday with visits to temples, family banquets and the world's biggest travel spree.

Celebrations took place throughout the region, from Beijing and Seoul to Hanoi and Singapore.

The streets of Beijing and other major Chinese cities were quiet and empty after millions of people left to visit relatives or travel abroad during the year's biggest family holiday.

Families gathered at home for multigenerational banquets. Companies, shops and government offices closed for official holidays that ranged from two days in South Korea to a week in China.

Worshippers stood in line for hours at Hong Kong's Wong Tai Sin Temple to welcome the new year by lighting incense.

Lana Wong, a prominent Hong Kong actress, wore a pig costume for the event.

"My first wish is for world peace," said Wong, 88. "Everyone has food to eat, employment and houses to live in. The elderly also hope the government will take better care of them."

In Beijing, performers in traditional Qing dynasty robes strummed zithers for a re-enactment at sunrise of a sacrificial ceremony at the Chinese capital's Temple of Earth park.

An actor portraying an emperor bowed before an altar as dozens of people in ceremonial dress behind him.

Acrobats and drummers also performed. Vendors sold toys branded with the British cartoon character Peppa Pig, which is enjoying a surge of popularity for the Year of the Pig.

"My wishes for new year are a promotion, a raise and finding a boyfriend," said a spectator, Cui Di, a 28-year-old employee of a foreign company.

The holiday in mainland China is marked by the biggest annual travel boom as hundreds of millions of people visit their home towns or travel abroad.

The railway ministry forecast mainland travellers would make 413 million trips during the three-week period around the holiday.

Chinese set off billions of fireworks to celebrate the new year. An explosion at an illegal fireworks shop in southern China killed five people early Tuesday. Investigators said it was triggered by fireworks set off by the shopkeeper outside the shop.

In Bangkok, people lit incense sticks and burned paper money and other symbolic offerings for deceased relatives despite government appeals to avoid contributing to smog.

Some shopkeepers sold symbolic ballots to burn as offerings following official promises of an election this year, the first after four years of military rule.

In the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, visitors left bouquets of flowers at statues of former leaders Kim Il Sung and his son, Kim Jong Il.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 5)  The Department of Justice recommended the filing of cyber libel charges to online news agency Rappler over a story published in 2012.

The resolution dated January 10, named Rappler CEO and executive director Maria Ressa, Reynaldo Santos Jr., Manuel Ayala, Nico Jose Nolledo, Glenda Gloria, James Bitanga, Felicia Atienza, Dan Alber de Padua and Jose Maria Hofilena as respondents.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and businessman Wilfredo Keng are the complainants.

The resolution stemmed from a complaint filed by Keng in October 2017 over an article about him allegedly lending a vehicle to then Chief Justice Renato Corona.

In the Rappler article, Keng admitted he owned a black Suburban, but denied that Corona used it.

According to the resolution, Keng said the article was "subsequently updated, revised and/or edited" in 2014

Rappler was subpoenaed in January 2018 over the complaint.

The DOJ resolution said Keng asked Rappler to take down the article in 2012, to which Rappler refused. He added the article was "subsequently updated, revised and/or edited" in 2014, and remained on Rappler's website.

In 2017, Keng sought the NBI to "take appropriate actions against the persons responsible for the publication."

Rappler said because the story was published in 2012 and cyber libel was passed after, they could not be charged with it.

The resolution said, however, "The publication complained of imputes to complainant Keng the commission of crimes. It is clearly defamatory. Under Article 354 of the Revised Penal Code, every defamatory imputation is presumed to be malicious, even if it be true, if no good intention and justifiable motive for making it is shown. The presumed malice is known as malice in law. The recognized exceptions, where malice in law is not present, are the absolutely or qualifiedly privileged communications."

It went on to say Rappler does not fall into any of the absolutely or qualifiedly privileged communications.

"While we agree with respondents that the first publication of the article on 29 May 2012 is not covered by the Cybercrime Act of 2012, considering the law was promulgated only in September 2012, we cannot share the same view with respect to the 19 February 2014 publication," the resolution said.

It added the multiple publication rule says a single defamatory statement, if it is published many times, "gives rise to as many offenses as there are publications."

A tweet on the issue posted by Ressa earlier said, "Ridiculous is tame to describe this latest weaponization of the law: the story was published 4 months before the law we allegedly violated was enacted ++ many more that form the new norm."

Meanwhile, an article published by Rappler on its website quoted Rappler counsel JJ Disini saying, "If the theory is that if a libelous article is published in the past, and continues to be accessible today, and that constitutes libel today, then no one is safe. Anyone that has a libelous article that continues to be accessible may be charged with libel, and, moving forward, this affects everyone, not just media, even blogger."
South Africa: President Ramaphosa's 10 principles for the mining industry

President Cyril Ramaphosa says mining companies should invest in development where they mine and in their employees in order to make a meaningful contribution to the areas in which they operate.

He said companies should invest in the health and safety of their workers, in the infrastructure where their operations are such as roads and water, and also invest in skills and education.

These are some of the 10 principles that President Ramaphosa shared with mining captains of industry when he addressed the Investing in Africa Mining Indaba at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

We firmly believe that mining companies have the resources, the capabilities and an interest in more deliberately contributing to development, both where they are located and across society.

Mining companies have an opportunity to create broader social value in a way that also enhances the success of their business, he said.

The President challenged the mining industry to adopt 10 value creating principles for a more modern, successful and productive mining industry.

He said it has been shown that companies that care about the upliftment of workers and communities are more successful.

We live in a world where people no longer want to have things happen around them without their knowledge and involvement. They want to be engaged and have their views heeded.

Companies, government and labour must work together to create shared value and ensure the benefits of mining are more widely spread.

The President said the industry should partner with local authorities to improve infrastructure such as water and roads in the areas where they operate. Such infrastructure is critical for the effective functioning of mines, and too often companies and municipalities do not coordinate their work or even operate at cross purposes, President Ramaphosa said.

Investing in the living conditions of workers

The President said companies need to see investment in the living conditions of their workers as more than a regulatory obligation.

Through, for example, building decent houses for workers, companies can ensure workers are much more productive and can demonstrate their commitment to build sustainable working communities. Such social investment is an important part of the effort to end the the dehumanising effect of the migrant labour system.

He said mining companies need to invest in education and training. The President lauded companies that are far-sighted enough to set up early childhood education centres, as well as those that are helping to develop hardcore skills that are needed now, such as mining engineering, metallurgy and artisan training.

We urge companies to embrace the recommendations of the ILO Global Commission on the Future of Work, in particular the commitment to a lifelong learning process. This involves skilling, re-skilling and up-skilling to equip workers to manage the work transitions that will result from technological advances.

Partnerships with training colleges

The President said mining companies should partner with training colleges and also contribute to the development of curricula and providing work experience for students.

He said this will, among other things, ensure that companies can draw on a pool of well-trained graduates with relevant skills and experience.

Embracing beneficiation

The President said mining companies should embrace beneficiation.

Not only does beneficiation encourage the expansion of our industrial capacity, create employment and enable the extraction of greater value from our mineral wealth, it also helps to create demand for these metals and locates markets for these metals closer to the site of production, he said.

He said several companies have seen the logic of local beneficiation and are keen to work with government to develop downstream industries.

Investing in health and safety of workers

The President said companies need to pay more attention to, and invest more in, the health and safety of workers.

As a matter of principle, workers should not be exposed to life-threatening situations or where they could suffer bodily harm. Safe and healthy workers are also much more productive.

Internships and job experience

The President challenged companies to provide internships and job experience opportunities for young people  as well as provide business opportunities for SMMEs  because that is the only way to prepare youth for the world of work and stimulate growth through the active participation of SMMEs.

He said companies must prioritise the development of young women through proactive hiring policies, prioritised training, promotion and mentorship.

Making employees shareholders

The President said mining companies must have the courage to include their workers in the shareholding of the companies.

They need to give due recognition to unions and be willing to bring them onto boards. Many companies are already doing many of these things. They need to be applauded and emulated by others, for it is through creating shared value that we can ensure a sustainable industry that benefits all.

Please be assured that Team South Africa stands ready to work with you as we set the mining industry on a new path of growth and renewal, President Ramaphosa said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2019-02-05. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
A gang of teenagers have been handed life sentences for murdering a 17-year-old boy who was mown down in a stolen BMW then stabbed 15 times in a Valentines Day attack.

Lord Promise Nkenda was walking along the pavement in Newham, east London, when the BMW containing five youths accelerated towards him.

He was hit by the car then pursued by four of the boys on foot into an alleyway where he was repeatedly stabbed in the head, back and chest in seconds.

Paramedics battled to save his life but Promise was pronounced dead at the scene at about 8.40pm on Wednesday February 14 last year.

Prosecutor Alan Kent QC had said that Promise was deliberately run down by a car containing 18-year-olds Shemar Dawes, Ephraim Idris, Anton Muir, Ishaq Abdille and a 15-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The defendants from east London, who were aged 14 and 17 at the time of the attack, had denied murder but were found guilty following an Old Bailey trial.

Abdille and Dawes were detained for life with a minimum term of 18 years.

Idris, who was cleared of the murder of another 17-year-old six months before, was handed a minimum term of 16 years.

From left, Anton Muir, Ephraim Idris, Ishaq Abdille and Shemar Dawes (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Muir was sentenced to at least 17 years and the 15-year-old was given a minimum of 14 years.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams, from Scotland Yard, said: This group acted together from start to finish to execute this murder.

They were ruthless in their determination to kill Promise and have refused to co-operate with police from the outset.

Promise had his whole life ahead of him and wanted to pursue a career in the music industry.

He stood no chance against the onslaught this group inflicted on him.

The ages and determination of those involved  a boy who was 14 at the time of the attack and a group of other teenagers  is chilling.

Handout images of CCTV footage of the car attack (Metropolitan Police/PA)

The victims brother Patrick said: Promise was the youngest of our family and everyone always sought to protect him, however, on the night that he died, we could not be there to protect him.

Promise died in a sustained and frenzied knife attack, he died alone and cold in the middle of the street.

We never have got to say goodbye to him, we never got to tell him how much we loved and cared for him.

We feel empty and numb, but most of all incredibly sad. A part of us all died with him, alone on that east London street.

These boys need to learn that killing one another is not the way, this should not be part of everyday life, seeing a young person stabbed on the news should be the exception, not the norm.

An example should be made of anyone that carries a knife and anyone who hangs around with those that do to make it clear this is not the way to live, this is not what being a man is about.
Alternatives to the border backstop represent wishful thinking, the Irish Government said.

Deputy premier Simon Coveney said many hours were involved in coming up with a legally credible and pragmatic solution.

He asserted the draft backstop text rejected by MPs already allows the EU and UK to work on alternative arrangements.

Mr Coveney said: The Irish protocol in the Withdrawal Agreement already allows for alternative arrangements or alternative solutions to the backstop and if theyre there they can replace the backstop.

The problem is that none of those ideas around alternative arrangements stand up to scrutiny, we have certainly not seen any that have.

Simon Coveney said the draft Irish border backstop text rejected by MPs already allows the EU and UK to work on alternative arrangements (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Coveney attended meetings in Brussels on Monday.

He added: What Ireland is being asked to do by some in Westminster is to essentially do away with an agreed solution between the UK Government and EU negotiators and to replace it with wishful thinking and I think thats a very unreasonable request to ask the Irish Government to be flexible on.

So if there are alternative arrangements that can work the current protocol, if people take the time to read it, takes account of that and it says very clearly that the backstop can be replaced by alternative arrangements as long as they work.

The Irish Government has strongly supported the concept of a backstop in the face of criticism from Northern Irish unionists and Tories at Westminster.

Unionists fear it could undermine the constitutional integrity of the UK by creating a distinct customs regime for Northern Ireland.

Nationalists argue that a hard Brexit without a backstop could endanger peace process gains and would create trade chaos in Ireland.

Mr Coveney added: We have a pragmatic solution that we know will work, it was agreed with the British Government and we expect them to follow through on that commitment.
Brussels has stepped up its opposition to attempts to reopen Theresa Mays Brexit deal as senior Tories began talks on alternatives to the Irish backstop.

The European Unions chief negotiator Michel Barnier said the backstop was the only operational solution to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland.

And senior Brussels official Martin Selmayr insisted there were no plans to offer legally binding assurances to help Mrs May get her deal through Parliament.

Dialogue @EU27 continues #Brexit. Today in The Hague with @MinPres Mark Rutte: full agreement that Withdrawal Agreement cannot be reopened. Backstop = only operational solution to address Irish border issue today. EU ready to work on alternative solutions during transition. pic.twitter.com/YsCNI10K71  Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) February 4, 2019

The EUs refusal to give ground came as senior Tories from both wings of the party met in Whitehall for talks aimed at finding a solution to the Irish border issue following last weeks Commons vote calling for alternative arrangements to replace the backstop.

In another headache for the Prime Minister, former first minister of Northern Ireland Lord Trimble threatened to take the Government to court over the backstop, arguing it breaches the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

The alternative arrangements working group, made up of senior Leave and Remain-leaning Tories, held its first talks in Whitehall with Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay.

After more than two hours of discussions, former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith, a leading Brexiteer, said all sides of this debate were coming together to find a solution, while ex-education secretary Nicky Morgan said the talks were very constructive.

Iain Duncan Smith and Theresa Villiers arrive at the Cabinet Office in Westminster (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Meanwhile the cross-party House of Commons Brexit Committee was in Brussels for talks with senior figures including Mr Selmayr, the European Commission general secretary viewed as Jean-Claude Junckers right-hand man.

In response to reports that he had told the Brexit Committee that the EU would be ready to consider legally binding assurances, Mr Selmayr tweeted: On the EU side, nobody is considering this.

Asked whether any assurance would help to get the Withdrawal Agreement through the Commons, the answers of MPs were  inconclusive.

The meeting confirmed that the EU did well to start its no deal preparations in December 2017.

Mr Barnier held talks with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and said there was full agreement that (the) Withdrawal Agreement cannot be reopened.

He said the EU was ready to work on alternative solutions during transition, restating Brussels position that the backstop had to remain in place unless and until a replacement could be agreed.

Just spoke with @MichelBarnier about #Brexit. The Withdrawal Agreement remains the only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the UK from the European Union. We continue to urge the UK Government to clarify its intentions with respect to its next steps. pic.twitter.com/wbGHSz8wUY  Mark Rutte (@MinPres) February 4, 2019

Mr Rutte said: The Withdrawal Agreement remains the only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the UK from the European Union.

We continue to urge the UK Government to clarify its intentions with respect to its next steps.

Mrs May will visit Northern Ireland on Tuesday for a speech in which she is expected to confirm her Governments absolute commitment to avoiding a hard border with the Republic after Brexit.

Downing Street has indicated potential solutions could revolve around a time limit or unilateral break clause on the backstop or new technologies to make it unnecessary.

But Mrs Mays official spokesman declined to say whether Home Secretary Sajid Javid was right to suggest that the UK Border Force had identified existing technologies to do the job.

On the EU side, nobody is considering this. Asked whether any assurance would help to get the Withdrawal Agreement through the Commons, the answers of MPs were ... inconclusive .... The meeting confirmed that the EU did well to start its no deal preparations in December 2017.  Martin Selmayr (@MartinSelmayr) February 4, 2019

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the EU was ready to listen to proposals to solve the border riddle, but needs to hear from Britain how it thinks it can be done.

Speaking during a trip to Japan, Mrs Merkel said: To solve this riddle, you have to be creative and you have to listen to one another.

We can have those conversations, so we can use the remaining time to perhaps remove the obstacles that have so far stood in the way and find an agreement if everyone is willing.

But we must hear from Great Britain how they want to do it.

Mrs Merkels visit for talks with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe came soon after a new EU-Japan trade deal came into force and a day after Nissan confirmed it was ditching plans to build its X-Trail SUV in Sunderland.

Angela Merkel and Shinzo Abe met in Tokyo (Toshifumi Kitamura/Pool Photo via AP)

The company said the decision was largely driven by changing demand for diesel models but added that uncertainty around the UKs future relationship with the EU is not helping companies like ours to plan for the future.

The chairman of the Brexit Committee, Hilary Benn, voiced scepticism about the prospects for a technological solution to the border issue, telling reporters: Personally, I dont see how it can work  particularly in the very short amount of time that there is left.

Speaking after the committees meeting with Mr Selmayr, Mr Benn said the UK Government and EU had already put a great deal of effort into exploring a technological solution, only to conclude that: Its not going to work.

Meanwhile, Downing Street poured cold water on speculation over an early election, saying that Mrs May was absolutely not considering a vote on June 6.

The comments came as Justice Secretary David Gauke became the latest Cabinet minister to suggest that Brexit might have to be delayed beyond the scheduled date of March 29, telling the BBC that the key was achieving a smooth and orderly departure.
The mother of a soldier who died at an isolated Army barracks in Co Down shortly after serving in Afghanistan has questioned his posting there.

Lance Corporal James Ross, 30, from Leeds, was found hanged in a suspected suicide on December 8 2012 at Abercorn Barracks at Ballykinler.

Three months later, Rifleman Darren Mitchell, 20, from London, was also found hanged at the base.

Both had recently served in Afghanistan.

An inquest is taking place into their deaths at Ballymena Courthouse in Co Antrim.

Lance Corporal James Ross (Liberty Human Rights/PA)

Linda Ketcher said she did not believe it was acceptable that young men who had served in Afghanistan were sent to isolated barracks such as Ballykinler.

She said her son was gutted to be posted there and not closer to home after his second tour of Afghanistan from October 2011 to April 2012.

Mrs Ketcher said he confided in her about some incidents which upset him.

One involved a badly injured young girl, which she said he had found very distressing and had stayed with him.

Rifleman Darren Mitchell, whose death is also being investigated (Liberty Human Rights/PA)

An Afghan man came running towards him carrying something in a blanket, she told the inquest.

As he approached the man opened the blanket, a little girl was in there who was badly injured.

She described how he tried to help the child before alerting the medics to help her.

L/Cpl Rosss sister Helen Thomas also gave evidence to say he was disturbed by this incident as the girl had reminded him of his niece and nephew.

Mrs Ketcher also questioned why there were two incidents where young men appeared to take their own lives within three months at Ballykinler.

We are asking is there adequate care there? she said.

Abercorn Barracks at Ballykinler, Co Down (PA)

She said her son found Ballykinler to be a cold and isolated place, and tried to keep himself busy by keeping fit and taking a number of courses.

But she said he was happy in his career and very pleased at his recent promotion to lance corporal.

He found a career that he loved and was progressing well at it, she said.

Mrs Ketcher said her son had been making plans to come home for a late Christmas and spend New Years Eve in Paris with his girlfriend.

She told the inquest that he had cancelled leave for Christmas to allow others with families and children to get it instead.

Mrs Ketcher said he told her to keep his presents under the tree so they could celebrate a late Christmas together.

She said she last heard from her son on the Thursday before he died and they talked about a driving course he was to do.

Ballymena Courthouse, where the inquest is taking place (Rebecca Black/PA)

There was no sign that anything was wrong, she told the inquest.

The inquest also heard from two of L/Cpl Rosss friends, who said they received unusual phone calls from him in the weeks before he died.

Giving evidence via video link from a Leeds court, Emma Jackson said he told her that he was not enjoying being based in Northern Ireland, saying there was nowt to do, adding that overall he seemed bored.

The inquest heard that due to security concerns, soldiers were unable to socialise in nearby towns and instead had to go to Belfast or Lisburn, a trip that cost 40 each way in a taxi.

Mrs Jackson said L/Cpl Ross told her that he had been demoted after taking a group of junior ranked men for a run on the beach in Ballykinler and a swim in the sea.

It didnt make sense. I didnt think he seemed very well, seemed quite manic and was not listening to me, she told the inquest.

Whatever the truth of what had happened, I have no doubt he genuinely believed he had been demoted.

She added that she was surprised when she attended his funeral that he was buried as a lance corporal.

James Kerr gave evidence to the inquest via a statement that L/Cpl Ross told him over the phone that they were going to take his stripe off him.

He said during the phone call L/Cpl Ross had told him he had made men do press-ups in the sea.

Mr Kerr added that he felt it was a bit harsh to be demoted for that.

The last resident battalion moved out of Ballykinler in 2014.

The inquest continues.
A blind 97-year-old Second World War veteran who wants to leave a care facility and end his life at home is waiting to hear whether he has won a High Court battle.

Mr Justice Hayden analysed evidence relating to former Royal Navy gunner Douglas Meyers, who lives near Southend, Essex, at a public trial in the Family Division of the High Court on Monday.

He said he would deliver a ruling in the near future.

The judge had left his base in London and oversaw the hearing in a Southend courtroom normally used by magistrates, so that Mr Meyers could attend.

Mr Meyers, who served in the Italian and north African theatres during the 1940s, sat in a wheelchair at the front of the court wearing a row of campaign medals.

He has already lost two rounds of his fight.

Mr Justice Hayden, who has overseen earlier hearings in London, refused to allow him to go home for Christmas.

The judge said he had safety concerns and said the pensioners life could be at risk.

He said all evidence and care options had to be analysed before he would consider letting Mr Meyers leave the care facility.

A judge refused to overturn that ruling at a subsequent Court of Appeal hearing in London.

Social services bosses at Southend-on-Sea Borough Council have welfare responsibility for Mr Meyers and lawyers representing the council have asked the judge to make a decision about what is in the veterans best interests.

Two lawyers  barrister Parishil Patel QC and solicitor Laura Hobey-Hamsher, who works for law firm Bindmans  are representing the pensioner for free.

Both sets of lawyers agree that Mr Meyers, a widower who turns 98 in March, has the mental capacity to make decisions.

Mr Meyers leaves the court house in Southend (Yui Mok/PA)

Barrister Katie Scott, who led the councils legal team, said Mr Meyers had gone into the care facility a few months ago after being found in difficult circumstances at home.

She said the case was extraordinarily difficult.

Mr Meyers had rejected offers of care at his home.

She said social services bosses had taken the view that they could not force care on him.

Mr Patel told the judge: His instructions to be are quite clear  he wants to go home.

Mr Meyers did not address Mr Justice Hayden at Mondays hearing.

But he has spoken to the judge via a telephone link to the court room at earlier hearings.

M Meyers had told how he wanted to end his life in his home. He added that he could look after himself and would get help from a relative.

He said he was unhappy at the care facility.

I am a veteran and I am due the respect of a veteran who wants to end his life in his home, he had said.

I did six years in the Navy during the war. I think I deserve some respect at my age.

He told the judge: I still have my senses. I know what I am doing. I am strong enough to look after myself.

Mr Justice Hayden described Mr Meyers as an extraordinary man.
Maro Itoje is to miss at least a chunk of the Guinness Six Nations due to the knee injury sustained against Ireland on Saturday.

Press Association Sport understands that a scan has revealed Itoje suffered a grade two medial ligament tear that usually requires two to four weeks of rehabilitation.

The prognosis means that the British and Irish Lions lock could be available for the finale to the tournament against Scotland on Mach 16  and potentially earlier.

Itoje was on Monday afternoon due to see a specialist to be given a clearer picture of when England can expect him back.

Maro Itojes power and work rate will be missed by England (Brian Lawless/PA).

Losing their second row talisman for Sundays clash with France and almost certainly Wales a fortnight later is a substantial blow to Eddie Jones men.

Itoje is crucial figure in Englands pack and his power and work rate were key in subduing champions Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

Either Courtney Lawes or Joe Launchbury will slot into the starting XV in his absence, partnering George Kruis in the second row.

Lawes made a forceful second-half appearance in Dublin, but, while Launchbury was excluded from the matchday 23, England may want his bulk on from the start.
Two people have been arrested after police seized more than 105,000 worth of drugs from a property in Aberdeenshire.

Police recovered amphetamine and heroin when, acting on intelligence, they executed a drug search warrant at a property in Finzean on Sunday morning.

Officers said a 23-year-old woman and 28-year-old man have been arrested in connection with the discovery.

Detective Inspector Finn McPhail said: Drug misuse wont be tolerated and rest assured we will continue to target our resources in the right places and at the right times to remove these substances from our streets.
Police are appealing for information after the disappearance of a 33-year-old man.

John Muir was reported missing from Musselburgh, East Lothian, having last been in contact with his family at around 10.40pm on Thursday January 31.

Mr Muir is white, 6ft 2in, of stocky build and has dark hair with some grey. It is cropped at the back and sides and is longer on top.

Following a social media appeal, a member of the public reported seeing a man matching Johns description at Vogrie Country Park in Midlothian at around 3.50pm on Saturday February 2.

The man was near the public car park walking in the direction of Vogrie House and was described as wearing a grey hooded top.

Police said Mr Muir may be wearing dark training shoes and blue jeans, with a dark hooded top with Amsterdam and an image of a bicycle printed on the front.

Police Scotland are appealing for information after the man went missing from Musselburgh (David Cheskin)

Inspector Jim Langsdale said: As time passes we are becoming increasingly concerned for Johns welfare.

We are asking anyone who believes they may have seen John either in Vogrie Country Park or elsewhere, or may have any information that could assist with our enquiries, to please contact Police Scotland on 101 as soon as possible quoting reference 3037 of 1 February
Rebel MPs from both sides of the Conservative Partys Leave/Remain divide are meeting in Whitehall to develop ideas for alternative arrangements to replace the controversial backstop to keep the Irish border open.

Heres a look at the so-called Malthouse Compromise being touted as a way forward.

 How did the plan come about?

Housing minister Kit Malthouse brought Remain and Leave-supporting Tories together in a bid to break the Brexit impasse  concocting the plan which now bears his name. Unlikely bedfellows including Nicky Morgan, Jacob Rees-Mogg and Steve Baker, as well as frontbenchers Stephen Hammond and Robert Buckland, held secret talks for some days  and brokered the plan over a chocolate orange.

Nicky Morgan (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

 What does the Malthouse Compromise propose?

The plan contains two choices to be offered to the EU: one for how the UK will leave with a deal, and one for how it will leave without. Plan A is similar to the current Withdrawal Agreement, but with changes to the Irish backstop and the implementation period. Plan B assumes that agreement on the Withdrawal Agreement is not possible and creates a transitional standstill period.

 How is plan A different to the current deal on offer?

The bare bones of the Withdrawal Agreement remain the same, but the implementation period would be extended until no later than December 2021. The aim of this is to provide a longer period to agree the future relationship, but it could also involve paying more money to the EU. The second major difference is to the controversial backstop, which would be changed to become a basic free trade agreement. It would not require new technology and relies on existing administrative processes.

Jacob Rees-Mogg (Rebecca Black/PA)

 Is plan B different to a no-deal Brexit?

Yes  as Britain would remain in a transition period even if a Withdrawal Agreement had not been signed. The UK would become a third country, in practice, but would offer to pay the EU in exchange for retaining the implementation period until no later than December 2021. Plan A would remain on offer as long as the EU was willing to consider it.

 How much would the UK have to pay?

Under plan B, Britain would offer around 10 billion per year in exchange for the implementation period to continue.

 When would Britain leave the EU under the plan?

Brexit would still occur on March 29 under both plans, but the major difference is that the UK could stay in a transition period until December 2021 under both.

 Does Number 10 support it?

Theresa May offered an olive branch to the rebel Tories by inviting MPs including Steve Baker, Marcus Fysh, Owen Paterson, Damian Green and Nicky Morgan into the Cabinet Office on Monday afternoon. The hardline Eurosceptics in the European Research Group and Remain-supporting former ministers will form the Alternative Arrangements Working Group (AAWG), which Downing Street said would meet regularly with Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and senior officials.

 What happens next?

The AAWG is expected to meet at least twice more this week, but it is unclear whether Brussels will accept the proposals. Deputy Brexit negotiator Sabine Weyand has said technology would not solve the border issue in the next few years.
A vulnerable 100-year-old churchgoer was killed by a mugger who was so desperate for money that he needed an easy target to steal from, a court has heard.

Artur Waszkiewicz is alleged to have knocked Zofija Kaczan to the floor, robbed her green handbag and left her to bleed in the middle of the road as she made her way to church on May 28 last year.

Polish-born widow Ms Kaczan suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured neck and cheekbone, before her condition deteriorated.

She died from pneumonia in hospital on June 6  a condition which would only have been brought on by the injuries sustained in the attack, the court was told.

Zofija Kaczan was on her way to St Maksymilian Kolbe Polish Church (Josh Payne/PA)

Derby Crown Court was told Waszkiewicz had been driving around quiet residential streets in a Seat Leon car insured in his fathers name, and had slowed down as soon as he saw the easy target.

The defendants fingerprint had been found on a receipt from Ms Kaczans handbag and no money was present when it was recovered, the court heard.

A jury panel of seven men and five women was told the 40-year-old was so desperate for money that he had tried to sell his dog to neighbours before the incident.

The prosecution said the force used in the attack was so great that the green handle on the victims handbag was ripped off.

Ms Kaczan, who was held in a Nazi camp during the Second World War, told police she was attacked from behind, at 8.45am, close to the junction of St Chads Road and Empress Road in Normanton, Derby.

The prosecution alleges that after the incident, the defendant changed his appearance and the insurance details of the car he was driving to distance himself from the attack.

Opening the case against Waszkiewicz on Monday, Kate Brunner QC said: She was attacked, she was thrown to the ground and her handbag was snatched from her.

The prosecution say it was this man in the dock who robbed her and whose actions led to her death.

She was small, on her own, vulnerable  an easy target for a man desperate for money.

Floral tributes at the gate of the church (Josh Payne/PA)

The court was told Waszkiewicz was questioned by police at his fathers address in Shepherds Bush, west London, where he admitted he had been driving the car on the day of the attack.

Ms Brunner said the defendant was caught on CCTV disposing of the handbag in a well-known fly-tipping area.

She continued: He attacked Ms Kaczan, yanking her handbag from her and leaving her injured in the road and driving off.

The handbag was later found by street cleaners.

What the prosecution say is this man took the money from the handbag and it was then of no use to him.

It will be no surprise to you that no cash was found in the handbag.

Describing what could be seen on CCTV in the moments leading up to the incident, Ms Brunner said: Part of what happened was caught on a reflection in a car window which was then recorded on a CCTV camera.

A tall shape moved from the drivers side of the car to the pavement.

The prosecution say that shape was this defendant.

Speaking of the days after the attack, Ms Brunner said: Because of the changes to the car and to his appearance, you may wonder whether the defendant was panicking and had tried to distance himself from what happened.

Theres no dispute that this woman was robbed by somebody.

Concluding her opening, Ms Brunner said: It must have been the robbery which caused the end of this 100-year-old life.

Waszkiewicz, of Hilary Road in Shepherds Bush, west London, denies manslaughter and robbery.

The trial continues.
Photo: The Canadian Press

UPDATE: 3:35 p.m.

A Canadian Pacific freight train parked on a frigid night in the Rocky Mountains began to move on its own before a derailment that killed three workers and sent 99 grain cars and two locomotives off the track.

The Transportation Safety Board says the westbound train had been parked on a grade with its air brakes applied for two hours near Field, B.C., just west of the Alberta-B.C. boundary, when it started rolling. The handbrakes were never applied.

"It was not anything the crew did," senior investigator James Carmichael said Tuesday. "The train started to move on its own."

He said the Calgary-based crew was taking over the train east of Field on Monday because the previous workers were nearing maximum work hours. The new crew was not yet ready to depart when the train started moving around 1 a.m.

It barrelled along for just over three kilometres before it derailed at a curve ahead of a bridge over the Kicking Horse River. Only 13 cars and the tail-end locomotive remained on the tracks.

"The lead locomotive came to rest on its side in a creek and a number of derailed cars came to rest on an embankment," said Carmichael. "The remaining cars, including the mid-train remote locomotive, piled up behind."

The crew was in the lead unit, which was severely damaged. Carmichael said the data recorder had not yet been retrieved from that locomotive.

"This territory's among the most challenging railway territory in North America," said Carmichael. "Investigators and others are working hard under challenging circumstances to fully understand what went so terribly wrong."

 The Canadian Press

UPDATE 10:33 a.m.

Investigators say a Canadian Pacific freight train was parked and began to move on its own before it derailed and killed three crew members on the Alberta-British Columbia boundary.

The Transportation Safety Board says the westbound train had been parked on a grade for two hours near Field, B.C., when the westbound train started rolling.

The board says the crew had just boarded the train, but weren't yet ready to depart.

Conductor Dylan Paradis, engineer Andrew Dockrell and trainee Daniel Waldenbeger-Bulmer were killed in the derailment.

The TSB says the train gained speed well in excess of the 32 km/h maximum for the tight turns in the mountain pass.

Some 99 cars carrying grain and two locomotives derailed at a curve ahead of a bridge.

The three crew were all in the lead locomotive, which plunged into a river.

 with files from The Canadian Press

ORIGINAL 7:49 a.m.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is expected to hold a news conference this morning. Further details on the horrific crash that claimed three lives are expected to be released after a CP Rail train went off the tracks near Field, B.C., on Monday.

We know the train was headed westbound towards Vancouver when it derailed between the Upper and Lower Spiral Tunnels just east of Field about 1 a.m. Monday.

All three crew members who lost their lives were from Calgary and have now been identified as conductor Dylan Paradis, engineer Andrew Dockrell and trainee Daniel Waldenberger-Bulmer.

Photo: CTV News

Between 40 and 60 cars jumped the tracks and plunged more than 60 metres from a bridge into the Kicking Horse River.

CP released a statement Monday afternoon, Our entire railroad family mourns this tragic loss and that it is a tragedy that will have a long-lasting impact on our family of railroaders, says president and CEO, Keith Creel.

A GoFundMe page has been established to help support the families of the dead crew members:

"Please donate to help the families of the employees that have passed away on the Field hill. Anything that will help them through this difficult time, and afterward, will be greatly appreciated.

We are railway employees out of Calgary and we all worked with these men on a daily basis. We need to do all we can to take care of these men's families. The funds raised are 100% going to go to their families to help them with whatever they need. The funds will be distributed with the Unions involvement to ensure that this is done fairly."

The TSB will provide an update on the investigation from Calgary at 11:00 a.m. MT.

-with files from CTV News
A major study into depression involving the data of more than two million people has identified personality types susceptible to the condition.

Scientists led by the University of Edinburgh analysed health and DNA records, after which they pinpointed 269 genes linked to depression.

Using a research method known as Mendelian randomisation, they identified sections of DNA common in people with depression and in those who adopted lifestyle behaviours such as smoking.

The findings suggest depression could be a driving factor leading some people to smoke, researchers said.

They also found neuroticism  a tendency to be worried or fearful  could lead people to become depressed.

The team is inviting people with depression or anxiety to take part in a further study to help understand more about the role of DNA in common mental health conditions.

A new study sheds light on the origins of depression (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

The research, known as the Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) Study, aims to improve the lives of people with mental health issues.

Working with the National Institute of Health Research Mental Health BioResource and Kings College London, they hope to collect saliva samples and questionnaires from 40,000 people across the UK.

Professor Andrew McIntosh from Edinburgh Universitys Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences said: These findings are further evidence that depression is partly down to our genetics.

We hope that by launching the GLAD study we will be able to find out more about why some people are more at risk than others of mental health conditions and how we might help people living with depression and anxiety more effectively in future.

The research, published in Nature Neuroscience, was funded by Wellcome and the Medical Research Council.

Raliza Stoyanova, of Wellcome, said: Given that current treatments work for only half of those who need them, the study provides some intriguing clues for future research to follow up  for example that biological pathways involved in developing the condition may not be the same as those involved in responding to treatment.

Mental health research charity MQ said there had been little advancement for people living with depression in almost 50 years.

Director of research Sophie Dix said: This study adds to the weight of evidence that genes are one of the key risk factors in depression, which is also impacted by life events such as social environment and trauma.

The value of this could really be seen when looking into the development of personalised treatments  a welcome step given the dearth of innovation in identifying new approaches.

The power of this big genetic study is that it can point to systems in the brain which adds to our currently limited understanding in this area.

By increasing our understanding of these systems and how the social environment affects biological risk factors, we can begin to identify new targets for treatments that could help the millions of people worldwide affected by depression.
Spending time with children is key to how well they do at school, a new study suggests.

Researchers analysed data from almost 700,000 young people in Israel, including 22,000 who had lost a parent through death before the age of 18, and looked at how they fared in an exam required to attend college.

The educational attainment of the remaining parent had more of an impact on the childs academic success than that of the missing parent, they found.

Co-author Professor Bruce Weinberg, from the Ohio State University, said the research suggests genetics are not the only major factor contributing to academic success.

We found that if a mother dies, her education becomes less important for whether her child passes the test, while at the same time the fathers education becomes more important, he said.

If a father dies, the reverse happens.

Researchers looked at how children fared in an exam (David Jones/ PA)

The research, published in the Journal of Labour Economics, found similar results in children whose parents had divorced.

Student success is not coming just from smart parents having smart kids, co-author Professor Eric Gould, of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said.
The Government offered Nissan support of up to 80 million if the Japanese firm built new models at its UK plant, it has been revealed.

Business Secretary Greg Clark made the offer in a letter to the then-head of Nissan, Carlos Ghosn in October 2016, a few months after the EU referendum.

Mr Clark said he wanted to set out ways the Government wanted to work with the carmaker ahead of investment decisions it was due to make.

The letter said: As a demonstration of the UK Governments commitment, we are already working with your UK team on a package of support in areas such as skills, R&D and innovation.

Today we published correspondence from Business Secretary @GregClarkMP to Business Select Committee chair @RachelReevesMP regarding @Nissan's investments in the UK: https://t.co/Oxl98e6Bba  Dept for BEIS (@beisgovuk) February 4, 2019

Work continues but I understand this could amount to additional support of up to 80 million. You will understand of course that this figure will be subject to business cases being developed, which are independently assessed, and the usual processes of due diligence.

It is contingent too on a positive decision by the Nissan Board to allocate

production of the Qashqai and X-Trail models to the Sunderland plant. We recognise that the UK has a stake, and we are backing your continued success in Sunderland to the hilt.

The letter was published a day after Nissan announced it would not be building its X-Trail car in Sunderland.

The company said the decision was taken for business reasons, but made clear that continued uncertainty around the UKs future relationship with the EU was not helping it plan for the future.

The letter was sent to Nissan chief executive at the time, Carlos Ghosn (PA)

Mr Clark said in his letter: The Government fully recognises the significance of the EU market to your presence in Sunderland. It will be a critical priority of our negotiation to support UK car manufacturers and ensure that their ability to export to and from the EU is not adversely affected by the UKs future relationship with the EU.

We will set our ambitions high and vigorously pursue continued access to the European market as an objective in future negotiations.

The development came after union leaders pressed Nissan for guarantees on jobs and future production.

Officials from Unite met with management at the Sunderland plant and expressed their anger and disappointment over how the announcement over future production of the X-Trail was handled.

(PA Graphics)

Unite official Steve Bush said a great deal of anxiety had been caused to the 7,000-strong workforce.

He said guarantees had been given that future production of the Juke and Qashqai models were not affected.

Mr Bush said: Unite will continue to press for further long-term guarantees over future investment and new models to secure the sites future for generations to come.

What this whole sorry saga shows is that the sector-wide uncertainty caused by Brexit urgently needs to be addressed by ministers because it is draining the industry of skills, investment and new jobs.

The Government also needs to get a grip and do more to support car workers and the industry in the transition away from diesel to alternatively powered vehicles.

Trashing diesel while pulling the plug on grants which help people buy electric and alternatively powered vehicles serves only to confuse customers and the industry.

An offer of grants totalling 61 million was made to Nissan in June 2018, Mr Clark revealed today.

The Business Secretary said in a letter to Rachel Reeves, who chairs the Business Select Committee, that a package of support included skills, research and development and innovation.

Mr Clark said that when he appeared before the committee in December 2016, there were aspects of his letter to Nissan that were commercially confidential.

Further to my discussions with Nissan on Friday and over the weekend, I understand that the commercial confidentialities for Nissan are now reduced, he wrote.
A blind 97-year-old Second World War veteran is battling to persuade a High Court judge to let him leave a care facility and end his life at home.

Mr Justice Hayden began analysing detailed evidence relating to former Royal Navy gunner Douglas Meyers, who lives near Southend, Essex, at a public trial in the Family Division of the High Court on Monday.

The judge has left his base in London and is overseeing the hearing in a Southend courtroom normally used by magistrates so that Mr Meyers can attend.

Mr Meyers, who served in the Italian and north African theatres during the 1940s, arrived at Mondays hearing in a wheelchair and sat at the front of the court holding a row of campaign medals.

He has already lost two rounds of his fight.

Douglas Meyers with his campaign medals outside the court in Southend after a hearing (Yui Mok/PA)

Mr Justice Hayden, who has overseen earlier hearings in London, refused to allow him to go home for Christmas.

The judge said he had safety concerns and that the pensioners life could be at risk.

He said all evidence and care options had to be analysed before he would consider letting Mr Meyers leave the care facility.

A Court of Appeal judge refused to overturn that ruling at a subsequent Court of Appeal hearing in London.

Social services bosses at Southend-on-Sea Borough Council have welfare responsibility for Mr Meyers and lawyers representing the council have asked the judge to make a decision about what is in the veterans best interests.

Two lawyers  barrister Parishil Patel QC and solicitor Laura Hobey-Hamsher, who works for law firm Bindmans  are representing the pensioner for free.

Both sets of lawyers agree that Mr Meyers, a widower who turns 98 in March, has the mental capacity to make decisions.

Mr Meyers has spoken to Mr Justice Hayden via a telephone link to the court room at earlier hearings.

He told the judge that he wanted to end his life at home, said he could look after himself and that he would get help from a relative.

Mr Meyers said he was unhappy at the care facility.

The judge has described Mr Meyers as an extraordinary man.

Mr Meyers had told Mr Justice Hayden that he is a war veteran who deserves some respect at my age.

I am a veteran and I am due the respect of a veteran who wants to end his life in his home, he said at an earlier hearing.

I did six years in the Navy during the war. I think I deserve some respect at my age.

He told the judge: I still have my senses. I know what I am doing. I am strong enough to look after myself.

Mr Meyers also stressed that he was not frail: I can move around on my two legs. My arms are strong enough to carry things.

I am not a frail old man.

Mr Meyers said he was unhappy at the care facility.

I sit in my room with only my radio to break the silence, he said. Radio 4 is my radio station  when I wake up and when I go to bed.

He said he had been listening to what is happening with the Government about Brexit.
Nearly twice as many younger voters back staying in a reformed EU as older ones do, a new poll suggests.

A big generational gap in attitudes towards Brexit emerged in a ComRes survey for the Lead Not Leave campaign, which seeks to keep the UK in the EU with greater national control over issues such as welfare and immigration.

Nearly three quarters (72%) of voters aged 18-34 who expressed an opinion backed the Lead Not Leave stance, compared with 38% of people aged 55 and over, according to the poll.

The stark difference in how age groups see the situation was also highlighted by the finding that a no-deal exit from the EU is supported by 28% of 18 to 34-year-olds who expressed a view, compared with 62% of voters aged 55 and over.

Pro-EU campaigner Gina Miller (John Stillwell/PA)

Anti-Brexit campaigner Gina Miller, who co-founded the cross-party Lead Not Leave initiative, said the survey showed that younger voters still want to fight for EU membership.

Ms Miller said she expected Article 50 to be extended, meaning the UK would stay in the EU beyond the scheduled March 29 exit date.

The campaigner told the Press Association: I think now in any scenario we end up with an extension.

Ms Miller added: It is the younger generation that will have to live with the consequences of leaving the EU in the chaotic and destructive way this Government now appears set upon.

Our young people have every right to be heard and their concerns can and should be addressed, not least by the opposition.

The young people are saying clearly that they want their generation to remain and be a leading voice in Europe, not to trail behind it.

Ms Miller said she believed a new referendum could emerge as the only way out of the Brexit impasse in Parliament.

ComRes interviewed 4,073 adults online between January 23-27 and information was weighted to be representative of all British adults by age, gender, region and social grade, Lead Not Leave said.
A training programme has been launched to give young Scottish TV talent from diverse backgrounds a route into the industry.

Nine production companies including BBC Scotland will host a trainee researcher from an under-represented background as part of the paid 10-month course.

The Rad scheme from training provider TRC was open to those with a disability, from black, Asian or minority ethnic communities or from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Other companies taking part include IWC Media, Hopscotch Films, Matchlight, Raise the Roof Productions, Firecracker Scotland, Mentorn and Two Rivers Media.

James M Macleod was successful in applying and will go on a placement with Glasgow-based Blazing Griffin as part of the programme.

He said: I have been looking for that first step into the TV and film industry for some time, but it has been a bit of a struggle.

The go-to entry level position in most cases is as a runner but with physical issues such as mine that has been a daunting idea.

Going for a job where disability is not only acknowledged but welcomed in such an upfront manner (along with other under-represented groups) was really encouraging, too.

I was excited by the prospect of working with any of the companies involved.

The programme is funded by BBC Nations and Regions, Channel 4, Scottish Enterprise, Screen Scotland and the Scottish Governments Workplace Equality Fund.

One trainee will join BBC Studios Pacific Quay Productions for 10 months (Julia Hoyle/PA)

Claire Scally and Margaret Scott, TRC joint managing directors, said: Rad aims to tackle the lack of diversity in the Scottish television sector by creating new skilled jobs for diverse communities alongside providing training for production companies focusing on developing and sustaining equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Weve worked closely with production companies, broadcasters, our funding partners and a wide range of organisations promoting inclusivity to devise and deliver what we feel is a very important programme for the production sector in Scotland.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: The 10-month course will give trainees valuable first-hand experience and skills to build their careers through working full time at some of Scotlands leading TV production companies.

The screen sector is one which can lead the way in promoting equality and diversity  there has been progress in onscreen representation and we would urge the industry now to ensure that progress is being made off-screen as well.
Decontamination work is continuing at the home of a former Russian spy who was poisoned by deadly nerve agent Novichok.

Military teams are dismantling parts of Sergei Skripals house in Salisbury as the property undergoes a deep clean.

Men in military fatigues, wearing face masks, gloves, safety glasses and hard hats, could be seen in pictures throwing breeze blocks down a chute into a skip.

Scaffolding and white sheeting has been erected over the house in Christie Miller Road, which enables the roof of the property and adjacent garage to be removed.

Bricks and rubble are being removed from Sergei Skripals house in Salisbury (Ben Birchall/PA)

Last month, Wiltshire Council wrote to neighbours warning them that the deep clean and construction work would last several months.

The clean-up has been taking place ever since Mr Skripal and his daughter Yulia collapsed on March 5 last year, but work was paused over Christmas.

Detectives believe the pair first came into contact with the poison when it was sprayed on the door handle of the property.

Mr Skripal, 66, and his 33-year-old daughter survived the attack, which Prime Minister Theresa May said had almost certainly been approved by the Russian state.

Wiltshire Police Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey is also thought to have come into contact with the poison when he searched their home.

Dawn Sturgess, 44, fell ill in Amesbury months after the incident and died in hospital in July after coming into contact with a perfume bottle believed to have been used in the attack on the Skripals and then discarded.

Dawn Sturgess (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Her partner, Charlie Rowley, 45, was also exposed to the same nerve agent but was treated and discharged.

Two Russian nationals have been accused of travelling to the UK to try to murder Mr Skripal with Novichok.

Evidence gathered by intelligence agencies led the Government to conclude that the men were officers from the Russian military intelligence service, the GRU.

The two suspects  known by their aliases Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov  were caught on CCTV in Salisbury the day before the attack.

A counterfeit Nina Ricci perfume bottle, which Ms Sturgess handled, is thought to have contained the substance.

The decontamination project is being led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) but military teams will carry out the work, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.

This will be the same team involved in the clean-up so far, from the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear unit, he added.

Defra said focusing on removing the roofs was just part of its highly precautionary, extensive and meticulous work on the property.
Iraqs president has hit back at Donald Trump for saying US troops should stay in Iraq to keep an eye on neighbouring Iran, saying the US president did not ask for Iraqs permission to do so.

We find these comments strange, said Barham Salih, speaking at a forum in Baghdad.

Mr Trumps comments added to concerns in Iraq about Americas long-term intentions, particularly after it withdraws its troops from Syria.

The US leader has angered Iraqi politicians and Iranian-backed factions by arguing he would keep US troops in Iraq and use it as a base to strike Islamic State targets inside Syria.

US soldiers on operations in rural Iraq (Susannah George/AP)

In an interview with CBS Newss Face The Nation, he said US troops in Iraq were also needed to monitor Iran.

He didnt ask Iraq about this, Mr Salih said. He added that US troops were in Iraq as part of an agreement between the two countries with a specific mission of assisting in the fight against IS and combating terrorism.

He said the Iraqi constitution forbids the use of Iraq as a base to threaten the interests or security of neighbouring countries.

Dont overburden Iraq with your own issues, he added.

In the CBS interview, Mr Trump said the US has an incredible base in Iraq that he intends to keep, because I want to be able to watch Iran.

We spent a fortune on building this incredible base, he said. We might as well keep it. And one of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem.

He said the US base is perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East.

He appeared to be referring to the Al-Asad air base in western Iraq, where he paid a brief in December. The base hosts American troops but belongs to the Iraqi army.

His comments appear to have further inflamed tensions in Iraq over the continued presence of US troops after the defeat of IS. Curbing foreign influence has become a hot-button issue in Iraq after parliamentary elections in May in which Shiite militias backed by Iran made significant gains.

The militias fought alongside US-backed Iraqi troops against IS in recent years, gaining outsized influence and power along the way.

Now, after defeating IS militants in their last urban bastions, Iraqi politicians and militia leaders are increasingly speaking out against the continued presence of US forces on Iraqi soil.

Mr Trump has said he has no plans to withdraw the 5,200 troops in Iraq, which he says could carry out US air strikes inside Syria after American troops withdraw from that country.
Nobody in the EU is considering offering legally binding assurances to help Theresa May get her Brexit deal through Parliament, a senior Brussels official has said.

Speaking after talks with MPs on the House of Commons Brexit Committee, European Commission secretary general Martin Selmayr said the 90-minute meeting had confirmed the EU was right to begin preparations for a no-deal outcome.

The comments from commission president Jean-Claude Junckers right-hand man heap further pressure on the Prime Minister as she prepares to go to Brussels to seek a renegotiation of the UKs Withdrawal Agreement.

Mrs May will visit Northern Ireland on Tuesday for a speech in which she is expected to confirm her Governments absolute commitment to avoiding a hard border with the Republic after Brexit.

Rebel MPs from both sides of the Conservative Partys Leave/Remain divide were meeting in Whitehall to develop ideas for alternative arrangements to replace the controversial backstop to keep the Irish border open.

Downing Street has indicated potential solutions could revolve around a time limit or unilateral break clause on the backstop or new technologies to make it unnecessary.

But Mrs Mays official spokesman declined to say whether Home Secretary Sajid Javid was right to suggest that the UK Border Force had identified existing technologies to do the job.

There was little sign of appetite from the EU side to rewrite the agreement reached by Mrs May and Mr Juncker in November but rejected by a 230-vote margin in the Commons last month.

Deputy Brexit negotiator Sabine Weyand said that technology would not be able to solve the border issue in the next few years.

On the EU side, nobody is considering this. Asked whether any assurance would help to get the Withdrawal Agreement through the Commons, the answers of MPs were ... inconclusive .... The meeting confirmed that the EU did well to start its no deal preparations in December 2017.  Martin Selmayr (@MartinSelmayr) February 4, 2019

And in response to reports that he had told the Brexit Committee that the EU would be ready to consider legally binding assurances, Mr Selmayr tweeted: On the EU side, nobody is considering this.

Asked whether any assurance would help to get the Withdrawal Agreement through the Commons, the answers of MPs were  inconclusive.

The meeting confirmed that the EU did well to start its no deal preparations in December 2017.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the EU was ready to listen to proposals to solve the border riddle, but needs to hear from Britain how it thinks it can be done.

Speaking during a trip to Japan, Mrs Merkel said: To solve this riddle, you have to be creative and you have to listen to one another.

We can have those conversations, so we can use the remaining time to perhaps remove the obstacles that have so far stood in the way and find an agreement if everyone is willing.

But we must hear from Great Britain how they want to do it.

Mrs Merkels visit for talks with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe came soon after a new EU-Japan trade deal came into force and a day after Nissan confirmed it was ditching plans to build its X-Trail SUV in Sunderland.

Angela Merkel and Shinzo Abe met in Tokyo (Toshifumi Kitamura/Pool Photo via AP)

The company said the decision was largely driven by changing demand for diesel models but added that uncertainty around the UKs future relationship with the EU is not helping companies like ours to plan for the future.

The chairman of the Brexit Committee, Hilary Benn, voiced scepticism about the prospects for a technological solution to the border issue, telling reporters: Personally, I dont see how it can work  particularly in the very short amount of time that there is left.

Speaking after the committees meeting with Mr Selmayr, Mr Benn said the UK Government and EU had already put a great deal of effort into exploring a technological solution, only to conclude that: Its not going to work.

Meanwhile, Downing Street poured cold water on speculation over an early election, saying that Mrs May was absolutely not considering a vote on June 6.

The comments came as Justice Secretary David Gauke became the latest Cabinet minister to suggest that Brexit might have to be delayed beyond the scheduled date of March 29, telling the BBC that the key was achieving a smooth and orderly departure.

Hardline Eurosceptics in the European Research Group (ERG) and Remain-supporting former ministers were gathering in the Cabinet Office for the first meeting of the new Alternative Arrangements Working Group (AAWG).

ERG deputy chairman Steve Baker, former Northern Ireland secretary Owen Paterson and Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh will sit around a table with former education secretary Nicky Morgan and ex-Cabinet Office minister Damian Green to examine the feasibility of the so-called Malthouse Compromise.

(L-R) Brexiteers Owen Paterson and Steve baker will sit down with former remain backer Nicky Morgan to help find viable changes to the Irish backstop (Dominic Lipinski, Victoria Jones, Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Downing Street confirmed that they will gather under the chairmanship of Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay on each of the first three days of this week and did not rule out further meetings beyond that date.

The group is due to draw up alternative proposals as soon as possible under the framework of the Malthouse Compromise, which could see the transition period after the official date of Brexit extended by a further year to the end of 2021.

Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer moved to clarify Labours position on the backstop, after Jeremy Corbyn suggested last week he would have a problem with a one-sided arrangement.

Speaking in Northern Ireland, Sir Keir told the Press Association: We recognise there is a need for a backstop at this stage of the exercise.

The Prime Minister has effectively run down the clock and therefore it is impossible to see a way forward without a backstop.

So, whilst we have got concerns that we have set out about the backstop, we do accept the principle that there has got to be a backstop.
Plans have been unveiled to build a new sea wall to protect an iconic coastal railway connecting Devon and Cornwall with the rest of the UK.

There have been ongoing problems with the rail line at Dawlish, on the south Devon coast, since the sea wall collapsed during storms in 2014 and the track was washed away.

Owing to high waves and strong winds, the tracks and station are regularly being damaged by flooding.

Network Rail is submitting a planning application to Teignbridge District Council to improve the long-term resilience of the railway by building a new sea wall.

After the 2014 storm, Network Rail carried out a series of studies which concluded maintaining the current route was the most feasible and cost-effective solution.

Network Rail said the new sea wall will provide far more protection from waves and extreme weather, and is designed to consider predicted rising sea levels.

The Dawlish line has been beset by problems since 2014 (Steve Parsons/PA)

Mark Langman, Network Rails western route managing director, said: The Department for Transport and Network Rail have been working tirelessly to determine what needs to be done in order to protect this vital transport artery for Devon and Cornwall.

From blank page studies that looked at all options weve identified this as the most feasible rail route for Devon and Cornwall and there are areas that specifically need our attention.

Improving the resilience of the sea wall at Dawlish is one of the most immediate and easiest areas we can begin work on and weve now submitted detailed plans to Teignbridge District Council.

These plans are now subject to the views of the council, their residents and a final decision from government.

In parallel we continue to work on possible solutions at Holcombe and Parsons Tunnel and will be sharing these with the community later this year.

Maintaining this vital rail link for Devon and Cornwall remains a high priority for us, as I know it is for the Government.

The western route between Exeter and Newton Abbot, which was established by Brunel in 1846, is one of the most iconic railway lines in Britain.

Business leaders estimated the British economy lost up to 20 million every day the line was shut in 2014.
Photo: CTV News

More details are coming out about the theft of a Kelowna couple's dog in Vancouver  including that the thief demanded ransom for the return of their pet.

Tim and Lesley Spiegel's dog, Luc, was stolen in a smash and grab from their parked car on Thursday evening.

As the couple posted flyers around the East Vancouver neighbourhood, they began receiving text messages from someone threatening to harm the dog if they didn't pay, CTV News reports.

"This dog needs medical ASAP ... 100 now and then email the rest," says one of the messages.

The Spiegels sent the man a $100 gift card, but then he demanded $500, and next $1,500.

"I asked him, 'Did you take my dog?' and he said yes," Lesley told CTV.

A resident tipped the couple off that the pet had been spotted in a hotel on Cordova Street, and Luc was found on Sunday, in the care of a woman the man had left the dog with.

A $2,000 reward the couple had offered was paid to the original tipster.

Vancouver police have opened a file on the incident.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
There was a 7% drop in the number of community payback orders (CPOs) issued to offenders last year, the latest figures show.

CPOs fell from 19,196 to 17,834 in 2017-18, with a successful completion rate of around 70%.

The orders are an alternative to custody, set up by the Scottish Government in 2011.

They are designed to ensure criminals give back to the community, and usually involve carrying out unpaid work.

The figures were published in a report by Scotlands chief statistician, which said the drop in CPOs reflected the change in court volumes over the period.

The average age of people who received a CPO last year was 33, an increase of 2.5 years compared with five years ago.

Older people were more likely than younger people to successfully complete their orders, with a rate of 79% for those aged over 40 and 67% for those aged 40 and under.

Those in employment were more likely to complete orders (84%) than those unemployed or economically inactive (64%).

Humza Yousaf says the value of CPOs is clear (Jane Barlow/PA)

On Monday, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf confirmed plans to extend the presumption against short prison sentences from three months to 12, which, if approved, will come into force in the summer.

Mr Yousaf said: From refurbishing and redecorating local facilities to gritting roads in cold weather, unpaid work projects make a real difference to communities.

With the total number of hours around seven million, and evidence showing that those released from a short prison sentences are reconvicted almost twice as often as those given CPOs, the value of community sentences is clear.

We are working closely with councils, third-sector partners and Community Justice Scotland to strengthen the provision of alternatives to custody and support our hard-working prison officers by ensuring prison is focused on those people convicted of the most serious crimes and who pose the highest risk to public safety.

As we plan for the extension of the presumption against short prison sentences, which is supported by empirical evidence and was backed by the vast majority of consultation respondents, we have protected and strengthened funding for Scotlands criminal justice social work services so that it now stands at just over 100 million.

We also provide over 11.6 million to third sector organisations working to help reduce re-offending  keeping crime down and communities safe.

There were 570 drug treatment and testing orders (DTTO) issued in 2017-18, up from 477 the previous year and the first annual rise since 2012-13.

The successful completion rate for DTTOs was 40% in 2017-18, the lowest in the last seven years.

Liam Kerr, Scottish Conservative justice spokesman, said the figures were evidence of soft touch justice.

He said: It is an outrage that nearly a third of community sentences are not completed.

The falling completion rate of drug treatment and testing orders also shows that the community justice system is not working effectively.

He added: Nicola Sturgeons plan to abolish sentences of less than a year could see almost 9,500 criminals avoid jail.

In addition, it will just put more pressure on the community justice system, which already cant cope.

Labours justice spokesman Daniel Johnson welcomed the presumption against short-term sentences of less than 12 months but said it underlined the need to strengthen the community justice system.

He said: Figures released today point towards a system that is inadequate given the chaotic lives of many individuals who receive community sentences.

Lib Dem justice spokesman Liam McArthur also welcomed Mr Yousafs move, which he said was common sense and had been long demanded by his party.

He said: The shift away from these destructive sentences frankly cant come soon enough.
JERUSALEM (AP) - A West Bank settler group on Tuesday said the number of people living in Israeli settlements surged at a much faster rate than the overall Israeli population last year and predicted even more rapid growth thanks to the policies of the Trump administration.

Baruch Gordon, director of West Bank Jewish Population Stats, said the White House has created a much friendlier environment for the settlers, clearing the way for a surge in construction in the coming years.

"It's just simply opened up. There's no longer this cloud looming over it," Gordon said.

Gordon's project conducts an annual study of official population data obtained from the Israeli Interior Ministry. The report is sponsored by "Bet El Institutions," a prominent settler organization that has ties to some of President Donald Trump's closest Mideast advisers.

The latest data shows the population in Jewish settlements of the West Bank grew to 449,508 as of Jan. 1, up 3.3 percent from 435,159 people a year earlier.

In comparison, Israel's overall population grew 1.9 percent last year to 8.907 million people, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics.

FILE - In this Jan. 1, 2019 file photo, a new housing project is seen in the West Bank settlement of Modiin Ilit. A West Bank settler group said in a report issued Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, that the number of people living in Israeli Jewish settlements surged at a much faster rate than the overall Israeli population last year. Baruch Gordon, director of West Bank Jewish Population Stats, is predicting an even faster growth rate in the coming years, thanks to what he says is a friendly environment under the Trump administration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File)

The Interior Ministry was not immediately able to confirm the scores of figures, but said it had been in touch with Gordon's group and the numbers appeared authentic.

The data showed robust growth in settlements across the board, from large towns located near Israeli population centers to isolated communities deep inside the West Bank.

Gordon cited several reasons for the rapid growth. An estimated two-thirds of the settler population are religious Jews, who tend to have larger families. In addition, he said the cheap costs of housing have lured many young families that cannot afford homes in Israel proper.

But he also said the Trump administration's attitude toward the settlements is also having an effect.

President Barack Obama, like a string of Republican and Democratic predecessors, opposed the settlements as obstacles to peace and put heavy pressure on Israel to halt construction.

Trump, in contrast, has done little to stop the construction. While urging restraint at times, the White House has otherwise remained quiet as Israel has pressed forward with numerous developments.

This, in effect, has given Israel a green light to lay the groundwork for a surge in construction that should materialize over the next year or two, Gordon said.

"Since the change of the U.S. administration, the atmosphere for construction permits has become much easier. They're being given with greater ease," he said.

"I think possibly the next report and certainly in the ones after that, I think we'll start to see a huge surge in the numbers here," he added.

The figures did not include data for east Jerusalem, where well over 200,000 Israeli Jews now live.

The Palestinians claim both the West Bank and east Jerusalem, areas captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war, for a future independent state.

They say the settlements are illegally gobbling up their land and harming the chances of a two-state solution - a position shared by most of the international community.

Nabil Abu Rdeneh, spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, called the growth in the settler population a "direct result" of U.S. policy.

"The American support for settlements through silence is doomed to failure because there is no peace and stability without an agreement with the Palestinian people and its legitimate leadership," he said.

A U.S. Embassy official said Trump has made his position on settlements "clear" and has received Israeli pledges to take his concerns into consideration.

"The administration is firmly committed to pursuing a comprehensive peace between Israelis and Palestinians," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity under diplomatic protocol.

The report echoed separate findings by Peace Now, an Israeli anti-settlement watchdog group that said last month that Israel has pushed forward plans for thousands of new settlement homes since Trump took office. It also predicted a huge increase in construction in the next few years.

Peace Now said the data in Tuesday's report seemed "logical," citing the Israeli government's policy "to encourage construction and relocation to the West Bank." It said the Trump effect "cannot be seen at this time" because of the lag time between approval of permits and actual construction.

Trump's Mideast team has said it is close to releasing a long-awaited peace plan. Trump's Mideast team is led by members with ties to the settlements. His ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, is a former president of Bet El Institutions, the sponsor of Tuesday's report.

His chief Mideast adviser, son-in-law Jared Kushner, has donated to the group, and even Trump once sent a donation. In another break from the international community, the team so far has not endorsed the idea of an independent Palestinian state.

The Palestinians have already pre-emptively rejected the peace plan, saying the White House is unfairly biased toward Israel.

Gordon, the settler researcher, said the latest data should put an end to the international community's longstanding support for a two-state solution.

"Those who continue to talk about a two-state solution, in my mind it's just a sign that they're removed from the reality and the facts on the ground," he said.
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) - Two bodies were reportedly found near a drain in the flood-stricken city of Townsville on Tuesday as Australia's prime minister toured the devastation wrought by unprecedented rainfall

Police would not immediately confirm media reports that the bodies had been recovered a day after two men disappeared near flood waters in the Townsville suburb of Aitkenvale.

Authorities have warned Townsville residents not to swim in flood waters, in which crocodiles and snakes have been spotted among the Townsville suburbs.

While floodwater receded in Townsville on Tuesday, overnight monsoonal rain created flash-flooding in communities to the north where authorities have warned residents to move to higher ground.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited a new housing estate where scores of homes had been inundated and one of the evacuation centers where more than 1,000 people are sheltering.

"It was frankly quite overwhelming," Morrison said of his tour. "I think people are in shock. I think the kids are amazingly resilient."

People use brooms and a water hose to clear the mud from their home in Townsville, Australia, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019. An estimated 500 homes and business in the city of 230,000 people were flooded after unprecedented rainfall. (Dan Peled/AAP Image via AP)

Morrison declined to say whether the torrential rain, which has been described as a one-in-100-year event, was a demonstration of climate change.

"My thinking is the support for Townsville people. I'm not engaging in broader policy debates today," Morrison said.

Authorities were grateful that the overnight rain missed the swollen catchment of the city's Ross River Dam, which had to release an unprecedented amount of water this week.

An estimated 500 homes and business in the city of 230,000 people were flooded. That estimate is expected to rise as the cleanup continues.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) - Nominees for the 91st annual Academy Awards convened at the Beverly Hilton Hotel Monday for this year's Oscar Nominees Luncheon, a gathering that gives honorees a chance to socialize at an event where everyone's name will be called and they'll get a moment onstage.

That moment is for the "class photo," but the day is so much more. For some nominees, it's the first time they'll meet someone whose work they cherish. Many will do interviews where they can reflect on their films, and look ahead to the Feb. 24 and what they'll wear and who they'll thank.

Here are a few moments from Monday's gathering, both inside the ballroom and in interviews with The Associated Press.

___

PART OF THE .1 PERCENT

Richard E. Grant is basking in his Oscar nomination, including a joke about him being an "overnight success."

Richard E. Grant poses for a portrait at the 91st Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Grant is nominated for best supporting actor for "Can You Ever Forgive Me?", which is his first nomination. He says Steve Martin, with whom he co-starred in "L.A. Story," emailed him Sunday: "Congratulations on your overnight success." Grant cackled with laughter recounting the message.

"I'm one of those actors, like the majority, 99.9 percent of actors, who don't get nominated or awarded things. So that's just the way it is, unless your name is Helen Mirren or Judy Dench or that tiny group of people who always get nominated," Grant said.

"It's all unbelievable."

DEBATING A PRE-NOON COCKTAIL

How early is too early for a cocktail? "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" writer and producer Phil Lord found himself among the early arrivals to the annual Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon contemplating that very question. With few around to talk to yet, a companion told Lord that she was headed to the bar.

"Oh great idea," Lord said in deadpan with a little laugh. "It's not yet noon, right?"

While the passed champagne and wine may have sat out for a bit when the doors to the Beverly Hilton Ballroom opened at 11, by noon, the nominees and guests were ready to toast.

Lord eventually found some fellow early birds to socialize with, by the way, in "Free Solo" climber Alex Honnold and best actress nominee Glenn Close.

SUPER BOWL SHADE

It's the day after the Super Bowl and Regina King walks through a restaurant at the Beverly Hilton Hotel when she spots a fan in a New England Patriots jersey.

"Congratulations," the effervescent best supporting actress nominee shouts to the man, in a less than enthusiastic tone.

If there are any hard feelings about the Patriots winning the Super Bowl, King certainly doesn't have them for the man wearing the Tedy Bruschi jersey. She stops and shoots a selfie with the man and his companion before heading off to do interviews.

A SPECIAL TIE FOR JENKINS

Barry Jenkins chose his Oscar luncheon attire carefully, pairing a dark suit with bees stitched on it with a burgundy tie.

"I bought this tie when I was broke," Jenkins explained. "Not that I'm not broke now."

And busy. Jenkins was seated at a table Monday that included best supporting actress nominee Rachel Weisz and Disney CEO Bob Iger. He said the conversation turned to hobbies. Jenkins wouldn't divulge how others pass their spare time, but said he didn't have one at the moment. "Right now, I'm just obsessed with work."

Jenkins is nominated for best adapted screenplay for "If Beale Street Could Talk" and explained why he wanted to keep some things around from before he was famous.

He said he always wants "to keep a few things around that predate all this (expletive)."

SPIKE LEE FINDS SYMBOLISM IN 2019 OSCAR RECOGNITION

Spike Lee says 2019 is an appropriate year for him to score his first best director and best picture Oscar nominations.

Lee cited two historic events that make it a meaningful year for him to get recognized for "BlacKkKlansman" - the 30th anniversary of the release of his breakthrough film "Do the Right Thing." In addition to that, Lee said it was the 400th anniversary of his ancestors being brought as slaves to Jamestown, Virginia.

Lee told The Associated Press Monday that if he wins at the Oscars, he would thank his ancestors. He was interviewed ahead of the annual Oscar nominees luncheon, a private gathering where nominees get to mingle and get pointers ahead of the Academy Awards on Feb. 24.

Lee, who was awarded an honorary Oscar in 2015, rocked a pair of custom gold Air Jordan sneakers to the luncheon. On the left foot is written "BlacKkKlansman's" title and "Speak On It" written on the right.

He kept the focus not just on his film but on longtime collaborator Terrence Blanchard, who is nominated for best original score, and Adam Driver, who is nominated for best supporting actor.

"You're grateful when you get awards," Lee said. "The great stuff is going to live on." He noted that people still debate scenes about "Do the Right Thing."

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AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr contributed to this report.

Guests attend the 91st Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Danny Moloshok/Invision/AP)

Regina King poses for a portrait at the 91st Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Barry Jenkins poses for a portrait at the 91st Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Spike Lee poses for a portrait at the 91st Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) - A woman freed from federal prison after President Donald Trump cut short her life sentence for drug offenses and a Delaware boy allegedly bullied because his last name is Trump headline a varied group of 13 guests who will sit with first lady Melania Trump for the State of the Union address.

Alice Marie Johnson, 63, served more than two decades of a life sentence without parole before Trump commuted her sentence last year. Johnson's case had been championed by reality TV star Kim Kardashian West, who personally lobbied Trump in the Oval Office.

Delaware's Brandywine School District said last year that steps had been taken to support Joshua Trump, a middle-school student who reportedly had been bullied for years because he shares the president's last name.

Guests the White House invites to the State of the Union typically serve to help put a face on policies the president will promote in the nationally televised address.

Johnson's case spotlights legislation Trump signed into law last year to address concerns about the criminal justice system, including giving judges more discretion in sentencing some drug offenders. Bullying prevention is a key element of an initiative Mrs. Trump named "Be Best."

Other guests will represent Trump's opposition to illegal immigration, his push to halt human trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border, efforts to stem the deadly opioid addiction epidemic and his economic policies.

In this Feb. 1, 2019, photo, President Donald Trump, center, first lady Melania Trump, right, and their son Barron Trump, left, walk out of the White House and head to Marine One on the South Lawn of White House in Washington. A woman whose life sentence for drug offenses was commuted by President Donald Trump and a Delaware student allegedly bullied because his last name is Trump are among guests who will sit with first lady Melania Trump for the State of the Union address. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

The remaining guests are:

- Debra Bissell, Heather Armstrong and Madison Armstrong, the daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter, respectively, of a Reno, Nevada, couple allegedly killed in their home last month by a person illegally in the U.S.

- Matthew Charles, a Tennessee man who was among the first prisoners released under the First Step criminal justice legislation Trump signed in December.

- Grace Eline, a 9-year-old brain cancer survivor.

- Ashley Evans, a former opioid addict nearing one year and one month of sobriety who hopes to be reunited with her daughter full-time.

- Elvin Hernandez, a special agent with the Homeland Security Department's human trafficking unit.

- Roy James, plant manager of a lumber facility in Vicksburg, Mississippi, that the White House says was reopened under provisions in Trump's tax cut legislation.

- Timothy Matson, a Pittsburgh police officer and SWAT team member who was shot multiple times while responding to the deadly October 2018 shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. Eleven people were killed.

- Judah Samet, a Holocaust survivor and member of the Tree of Life Synagogue.

- Tom Wibberley, father of Navy seaman Craig Wibberley, who was killed in the October 2000 bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen.

Johnson was convicted in 1996 on eight criminal counts related to a Memphis-based cocaine trafficking ring. Federal courts, including the Supreme Court, rejected her appeals. Her requests for clemency had been rejected by President Barack Obama, who during eight years in office commuted the sentences of hundreds of federal inmates convicted of drug crimes.

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From the dragon dancers parading through Yangon to the fire-eaters entertaining crowds in Manila, millions of people across Asia are ringing in the Lunar New Year.

The Lunar New Year is celebrated across the continent, from Vietnam, where it is known as Tet, to South Korea, where it is called Seollal. Celebrants take part in religious rituals, community events and family reunions.

People flock to temples to light incense sticks to pray for good fortune and health. Everywhere, the color red dominates - on lanterns, clothing and signs.

At a temple in China, performers dress in elaborate costumes from the Qing Dynasty.

In North Korea's capital, crowds celebrate by bowing and placing flowers before statues of the late leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.

Images of cute swine abound as this year marks the year of the pig, one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac's rotating cycle.

In this Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, photo, dragon dance performers snake through the crowd during the celebrations of the Lunar New Year in the Chinatown district of Manila, Philippines. This year is the Year of the Earth Pig in the Chinese Lunar calendar and is supposed to represent abundance, diligence and generosity. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

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This gallery was curated by Associated Press photo editors in Asia.

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In this Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, photo, fire-eater performs during celebrations of the Lunar New Year in the Chinatown district of Manila, Philippines. This year is the Year of the Earth Pig in the Chinese Lunar calendar and is supposed to represent abundance, diligence and generosity. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

In this Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, photo, crowds jostle to grab festive items being thrown at them during celebrations of the Lunar New Year in the Chinatown district in Manila, Philippines. This year is the Year of the Earth Pig in the Chinese Lunar calendar and is supposed to represent abundance, diligence and generosity. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

D\In this Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, photo, dancers perform traditional lion and dragon dances in celebration of the Lunar New Year in the Chinatown district in Manila, Philippines. This year is the Year of the Earth Pig on the Chinese Lunar calendar and is supposed to represent abundance, diligence and generosity. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

In this Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, photo, ethnic Chinese Thai devotees burn incense sticks and pray at a temple in Bangkok, Thailand. In Bangkok where dusty smog has clogged the city's air in recent weeks, most ignored government recommendations to burn less and went ahead with their Lunar New Year celebrations by lighting incense sticks and paper offerings for their ancestors. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)

In the Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, photo, North Korean refugee woman prays for her ancestors in North Korea as she visits the border to celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Imjingak Pavilion, near the demilitarized zone of Panmunjom, in Paju, South Korea. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

In this Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, photo, people hold floral bouquets and sticks of incense as they pray at the Lama Temple in Beijing. Chinese people are celebrating the first day of the Lunar New Year on Tuesday, the Year of the Pig on the Chinese zodiac. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

In the Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, photo, a performer dressed as an emperor, center, participates in a Qing Dynasty ceremony in which emperors prayed for good harvest and fortune at a temple fair in Ditan Park in Beijing. Chinese people are celebrating the first day of the Lunar New Year on Tuesday, the Year of the Pig on the Chinese zodiac. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

In the Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, photo, multiple dragon dances take part in Lunar New Year celebrations in the Chinatown area of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

In the Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, photo, participants take part in a flame-breathing lion dance during the Lunar New Year celebrations in the Chinatown area of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

In the Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, photo, performers are silhouetted as they stand during a Qing Dynasty ceremony in which emperors prayed for good harvest and fortune at a temple fair at Ditan Park in Beijing. Chinese people are celebrating the first day of the Lunar New Year on Tuesday, the Year of the Pig on the Chinese zodiac. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

In the Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, photo, people visit statues of North Korean late leaders, Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il, to lay bouquets of flowers on the Lunar New Year in Pyongyang, North Korea. (AP Photo/Jon Chol Jin)

In the Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, photo, people light sticks of incense in a cauldron as they pray at the Lama Temple in Beijing. Chinese people are celebrating the first day of the Lunar New Year on Tuesday, the Year of the Pig on the Chinese zodiac. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

In the Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, photo, a woman holds sticks of incense as she prays at the Lama Temple in Beijing. Chinese people are celebrating the first day of the Lunar New Year on Tuesday, the Year of the Pig on the Chinese zodiac. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

In the Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, photo, Malaysian ethnic Chinese burns joss sticks as he prays at a temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Chinese around the world will be celebrating the start of the Year of the Pig on Feb. 5 this year in the Chinese lunar calendar. (AP Photo/Yam G-Jun)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - First a Kentucky state House race went to the Democrat by a single vote, and then a recount declared the race a tie. Now there's a flurry of back and forth drama, with the Democrat's attorney accusing the Republican side of improperly pressuring election officials and the GOP candidate's legal team calling the allegation "false and scurrilous."

Democrat Jim Glenn's lawyer, Anna Whites, said in her election-interference filing Monday that Republican DJ Johnson and his attorney "intentionally violated the integrity of the proceedings by forcing a vote count change and by interfering with the vote count process."

The result, she said, was that election officials in Daviess County gave Johnson an additional vote.

"That is an impermissible result, but more importantly, that reflects intentional and effective interference in an election by counsel, who are under a legal duty not to meddle with elections and results," Whites wrote.

Whites said the "spoiled ballot" should be removed from the vote count. Also, anyone from Johnson's legal team found to have interfered with the vote count should be disqualified from the case, she said.

Johnson's legal team responded that the Republican and his lawyers "behaved appropriately" at the recount last Saturday in Owensboro.

FILE - In this Jan. 8, 2019, file photo, incoming state Rep. Jim Glenn, D-Owensboro, is sworn in during a ceremony at the Kentucky House of Representatives in Frankfort, Ky. A recount in a Kentucky legislative race that resulted in a tie drew a quick response Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, from an attorney who claimed Republican candidate DJ Johnson and his attorney improperly pressured election officials to give Johnson an additional vote in the race against Glenn. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File)

The voter casting the disputed ballot had marked the box for a straight Republican ticket, Johnson's lawyers said. The local elections board, however, initially interpreted the voter's intent as a no-vote for Johnson, his lawyers said. After hearing the local board's initial reaction to the ballot, Johnson's lawyer "merely advised" the local county attorney of a regulation that applied to the matter, his legal team said.

Neither Johnson nor his lawyers discussed the matter directly with the local elections board, they said.

"There is no evidence of interference - because it did not happen," Johnson's lawyers said Monday. "And there is no basis for this Election Contest Board to reject the county board's treatment of the ballot at issue."

The Election Contest Board is a Republican-dominated panel of Kentucky lawmakers investigating the election.

It's unclear what comes next as lawmakers prepare to reconvene this year's legislative session on Tuesday at the state Capitol in Frankfort.

The Daviess County Clerk's Office must send a report to the Election Contest Board, which must decide what to do next and give a report to the Kentucky House, which has ultimate say in the matter. A state law indicates the board must choose the winner by drawing lots.

But Whites has noted that Glenn has already been sworn in and seated as a state legislator, and the only way he can be removed is by impeachment. Glenn would sue against any attempt to remove him from office, she said.

The Kentucky State Board of Elections certified Glenn as the winner after election results showed he had edged Johnson, the Republican incumbent, by one vote. Glenn was sworn in on Jan. 5 and has an office and been assigned to committees.

But the Republican-controlled legislature ordered the recount at Johnson's request.

On Saturday, the Daviess County Clerk's Office recounted more than 12,000 ballots by hand.

Glenn emerged from that process ahead by three votes. But after a personal appeal from Johnson, the Daviess County Board of Elections - which consists of two Republicans and two Democrats - voted to give Johnson one of those votes back, putting him down by two.

The board then reviewed 17 absentee ballots that it had unanimously rejected on Election Day. This time, the board decided five of those ballots were legal and opened them. Johnson received three of them, Glenn received one and one ballot was blank. That made the final results a tie, with each candidate receiving 6,323 votes.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate voted Monday to oppose the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria and Afghanistan, breaking with President Donald Trump as he calls for a military drawdown in those countries.

Senators voted 70-26 for the amendment sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. The measure says the Islamic State group and al-Qaida militants still pose a serious threat to the United States, and it warns that "a precipitous withdrawal" of U.S. forces from those countries could "allow terrorists to regroup, destabilize critical regions and create vacuums that could be filled by Iran or Russia."

Trump abruptly tweeted plans for a U.S. pullout from Syria in December, arguing that the Islamic State group had been defeated even though his intelligence chiefs have said it remains a threat. Trump also ordered the military to develop plans to remove up to half of the 14,000 U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

The strong bipartisan vote comes as Republican senators have increasingly diverged from Trump on foreign policy. When he introduced the amendment last week, McConnell said "ISIS and al-Qaida have yet to be defeated."

McConnell's amendment, which is nonbinding, would encourage cooperation between the White House and Congress to develop long-term strategies in both nations, "including a thorough accounting of the risks of withdrawing too hastily."

Idaho Sen. Jim Risch, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the amendment was not a rebuke to Trump, though he added, "we can do things over there which will make us safer here."

In this Jan. 29, 2019, photo, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., speaks to reporters at the Capitol in Washington. The Senate has voted to oppose the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria and Afghanistan, breaking with President Donald Trump as he has called for a drawdown of troops in those countries. Senators voted 70-26 for the amendment sponsored by McConnell. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

While the majority of senators voted for the amendment, a handful of Republicans voted against it. McConnell's Kentucky colleague, Republican Sen. Rand Paul said before the vote that "enough is enough" and the money spent on wars should be spent at home.

"I want to compliment President Trump for being bold and brave," Paul said.

Many of the most liberal members of the Senate - including several Democrats who are eyeing presidential runs in 2020 - also voted against the amendment. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and others have agreed with Paul that the United States should withdraw, though they have criticized Trump for his sudden announcement.

McConnell's provision was added to a wide-ranging foreign policy bill that has been pending on the Senate floor for several weeks. The legislation includes measures supporting Israel and Jordan and would slap sanctions on Syrians involved in war crimes. The Senate is expected to vote on the broader measure later this week.

That bill has split centrist and liberal Democrats due to a provision from Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., that seeks to counter the global Boycott, Divest and Sanctions movement against Israel over its treatment of Palestinians and their settlements. Israel sees a growing threat from the BDS movement, which has led to increased boycotts of the Jewish state in support of the Palestinians.

That has led to a "boycott of the boycotts" as Israel pushes back against those aligned with BDS.

In support of Israel, Rubio's measures would affirm the legal authority of state and local governments to restrict contracts and take other actions against those "engaged in BDS conduct." Several states are facing lawsuits after taking action against workers supporting BDS boycotts of Israel.

Opponents say Rubio's measure infringes on free speech.
A "concerned citizen" upset by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's recent comments on abortion legislation tipped off a conservative news site about a racist yearbook photo now threatening the governor's career, the site's editor said Monday.

The photo of someone in blackface and another person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe that appeared on Northam's page in a 1984 medical school yearbook became public when Big League Politics published it Friday.

The site's editor-in-chief, Patrick Howley, said in an interview that the tipster was "absolutely not a political operative, absolutely not - just a concerned citizen" but declined to elaborate on their identity. He said he published his story later that day after confirming the photo's authenticity.

"I can say that the decision to publicize this photo by bringing it to me was based on this person's anger about what Gov. Northam said about infanticide," said Howley, a 29-year-old who previously worked for Breitbart News.

Northam recently came under fire from Republicans who have accused him of backing infanticide after he said he supported a bill loosening restrictions on late-term abortions.

Uproar over the picture grew Friday, prompting calls for Northam's resignation. An Associated Press reporter saw the yearbook page and confirmed its authenticity at the medical school.

This image shows Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's page in his 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook. The page shows a picture, at right, of a person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood next to different pictures of the governor. It's unclear who the people in the picture are, but the rest of the page is filled with pictures of Northam and lists his undergraduate alma mater and other information about him. (Eastern Virginia Medical School via AP)

Northam first admitted he was in the picture without saying which costume he was wearing and apologized. But a day later, he denied he was in the photo while acknowledging that he once put on blackface to imitate Michael Jackson at a dance contest decades ago. On Monday, he was huddling with advisers to decide his course.

Big League Politics, whose name appears to echo President Donald Trump's use of the phrase "big league," has earned a following among far-right readers. Its landing page was dominated by coverage of the Northam story Monday.

Previously, the site reported on rumors about former President Barack Obama that were shown to be false.

Northam himself said over the weekend that he believes whoever contacted the site had "an agenda."

"I've heard kind of second hand from that person why he did this. ... There was an agenda involved," he told reporters.

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Drew reported from Raleigh.

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Follow Drew at www.twitter.com/JonathanLDrew
BATAVIA, Ohio (AP) - The Latest on man accused of shooting deputies during standoff (all times local):

5:05 p.m.

A lawyer representing a man accused of fatally shooting an Ohio sheriff's deputy and wounding another deputy during a standoff says the man has been under psychiatric care in the past.

Twenty-three-year-old Wade Edward Winn is charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder in the weekend shootings in Clermont County, with bond set at $10 million.

Clark confirmed Monday that Winn broadcast parts of the standoff live to his followers on Instagram. He says he believes the content of his client's video indicates "he was trying to get help because he truly thought he was being threatened."

Clark also said that Winn has "articulated to me that he is extremely remorseful." The attorney says he doesn't think Winn "fully appreciates exactly what happened or how it happened."

This undated image provided by Clermont County Sheriff's Office shows Wade Edward Winn. Clermont County Municipal Court records show Winn, a man accused of fatally shooting a sheriff's deputy during a 12-hour standoff ending Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Ohio, has been charged with aggravated murder. (Clermont County Sheriff's Office via AP)

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11:10 a.m.

A judge has set a $10 million bond for a man accused of fatally shooting a sheriff's deputy and wounding another deputy during a 12-hour standoff in Ohio.

A Clermont County Municipal Court judge set bond Monday for 23-year-old Wade Edward Winn. The shackled suspect was in court on charges of aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder in the weekend shooting in Pierce Township, east of Cincinnati. Authorities say Detective Bill Brewer died from his wounds. The other deputy was treated and released.

Prosecutors said Monday that Winn had faked killing himself and the two deputies were shot when they tried to enter the apartment to assist him. Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty.

Messages seeking comment were left for Winn's attorney.

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1 a.m.

Court records show a man accused of fatally shooting a sheriff's deputy and wounding another deputy during a 12-hour standoff in Ohio is set for a court hearing.

Clermont County Municipal Court records show 23-year-old Wade Edward Winn is scheduled for a hearing Monday on charges of aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder in the weekend shooting in Pierce Township, east of Cincinnati. Authorities say Detective Bill Brewer died from his wounds. The other deputy was treated and released.

Court records don't show an attorney for Winn.

Authorities say officers responded Saturday night to the apartment complex after a 911 call from a man who said he believed someone was inside his residence. It wasn't clear whether the suspect made the call. Authorities found one person in the home.

Suspect Wade Edward Winn appears before Judge Kevin T. Miles at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Suspect Wade Edward Winn, left, appears before Judge Kevin T. Miles at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Suspect Wade Edward Winn, center, is led from the courtroom after appearing before Judge Kevin T. Miles at Clermont County Municipal Court regarding a shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Suspect Wade Edward Winn, right, appears before Judge Kevin T. Miles at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Suspect Wade Edward Winn, second left, appears before Judge Kevin T. Miles at Clermont County Municipal Court in the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Suspect Wade Edward Winn, right, appears before Judge Kevin T. Miles at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Supporters and police authorities console one another before a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court in the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Clermont County Deputy Lt. Nick DeRose, left, and Sheriff Robert S. Leahy, center left, attend a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Courtroom onlookers react before the start of a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Clermont County Deputy Lt. Nick DeRose rises to leave the courtroom following a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court in the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Suspect Wade Edward Winn, center left, appears before Judge Kevin T. Miles, right, at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

A Clermont County Deputy wears a black bar across her badge during a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

A makeshift memorial stands beside police tape surrounding an apartment damaged by fire involved in a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a Clermont County Sheriff's Office Deputy, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Pierce Township, Ohio. Suspect Wade Edward Winn was charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Police tape surrounds an apartment damaged by fire involved in a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a Clermont County Sheriff's Office Deputy, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Pierce Township, Ohio. Suspect Wade Edward Winn was charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Police tape surrounds an apartment damaged by fire involved in a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a Clermont County Sheriff's Office Deputy, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Pierce Township, Ohio. Suspect Wade Edward Winn was charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

A makeshift memorial stands beside police tape surrounding an apartment damaged by fire involved in a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a Clermont County Sheriff's Office Deputy, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Pierce Township, Ohio. Suspect Wade Edward Winn was charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Police tape surrounds an apartment damaged by fire involved in a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a Clermont County Sheriff's Office Deputy, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Pierce Township, Ohio. Suspect Wade Edward Winn was charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Clermont County Deputy Lt. Nick DeRose, center, is greeted by supporters following a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court in the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Clermont County Sheriff Robert S. Leahy, center, reacts alongside Lt. Nick DeRose, left, during a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court in the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Criminal Defense Attorney Jay Clark speaks to Judge Kevin T. Miles during a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Chief Felony Prosecutor Darren Miller speaks to Judge Kevin T. Miles during a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court in the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Judge Kevin T. Miles presides over a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Photo: The Canadian Press Defence lawyer James Miglin, left to right, Justice John McMahon, court registrar, Bruce McArthur, Crown Attorney Michael Cantlon, Detective Hank Idsinga, and friends and family of victims, back right, are shown in this court sketch in Toronto on Tuesday, January 29, 2019.

A sentencing hearing continues today for Bruce McArthur, a serial killer who preyed on men from Toronto's gay village for years before he was arrested.

Friends and relatives of McArthur's eight victims are expected to continue reading their victim impact statements.

Many wept in court Monday as prosecutors provided previously unheard details of the killings, which took place between 2010 and 2017.

Crown attorney Michael Cantlon told the court McArthur took photographs of his victims' bodies posed in various states of undress and kept the images on his computer.

Court heard McArthur would then dismember his victims and dump their remains in planters around a residential property in midtown Toronto, where he stored his landscaping equipment, or in a ravine behind the home.

Police arrested McArthur in January 2018 and charged him for the murders of Andrew Kinsman and Selim Esen. They later charged McArthur for the murders of Majeed Kayhan, Dean Lisowick, Soroush Mahmudi, Skandaraj Navaratnam, Abdulbasir Faizi and Kirushna Kanagaratnam.

He pleaded guilty last week to eight counts of first-degree murder.

Toronto police have faced criticism for how they investigated the eight men's disappearances, with some saying the force ignored the LGTBQ's concerns about a possible serial killer.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A Pennsylvania man has pleaded guilty to trafficking protected turtles.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania says David Sommers on Monday admitted to sending a package to Canada in 2014 containing 11 diamondback terrapin hatchlings.

Sommers pleaded guilty to one felony count of violating the Lacey Act and agreed to forfeit nearly 3,500 diamondback terrapin hatchlings that authorities say he poached from coastal marshes in New Jersey. The Lacey Act bans trade in illegally obtained wildlife, fish and plants.

As part of the agreement, prosecutors will drop the remaining charges against him at his sentencing on May 15. He faces up to five years in prison.

Terrapins are prized in the reptile pet trade for their unique shell markings. The turtles are protected under New Jersey law and by international treaty.
NEW YORK (AP) - C.Y. Lee, whose novel "The Flower Drum Song" became a best seller and the basis for a popular stage musical and Oscar-nominated film despite mixed critical reactions and concerns about stereotypes, has died at age 102.

Lee's son, Jay Lee, told The Associated Press that his father died Nov. 8 in Los Angeles. The family decided at the time not to make his death public.

"The Flower Drum Song," a story of generational conflict set in San Francisco's Chinatown, came out in 1957, and quickly became a popular read. The New York Times' Idwal Jones praised Lee's "objective eye," but also faulted the book for its absence of "deeper notes" and its affinity for "slang and sex" and "popular taste." (The author would later acknowledge he wanted to reach a large audience).

Lee's debut novel attracted the attention of screenwriter Joseph Fields and composers Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Their musical adaptation, originally directed by Gene Kelly, ran on Broadway from 1958-60 and was revived in 2002, with a book by "M. Butterfly" playwright David Henry Hwang. A 1961 film version, among the first major Hollywood productions to feature an Asian cast, received five Academy Award nominations despite being called by The New Yorker an "elaborate fraud" and a showcase for crude stereotypes.

Lee has since been praised as among the first Asian novelists to break through commercially in the U.S. and Hwang is among those who thought the book underrated. "Flower Drum Song" was out of print at the time Hwang worked on the Broadway revival and he had to track it down from a Seattle book seller.

"I thought, 'Oh, it's such a shame this author and this book have been lost, particularly the bittersweet tone of the novel,'" Hwang told the AP in 2001.

FILE - This Sept. 28, 2002 file photo shows author C.Y. Lee in New York. Lee, 102, the author of the best-selling "The Flower Drum Song" died on Nov. 8 in Los Angeles. The family decided at the time not to make his death public. (AP Photo/Gino Domenico, File)

"C.Y.'s book is complicated in terms of texture about what it means to be an American - the things you gain and the things you lose - but it ultimately affirms the value of this social experience."

A native of China who emigrated to the U.S. during World War II, Chin Yang Lee wrote several other novels, including "China Saga" and "Gate of Rage," based on pro-democracy protests in 1989 centered on Tiananmen Square.

He spent more than a year writing "Flower Drum Song," and at the time was renting a small apartment above a Filipino nightclub in San Francisco. He was employed at the time by a Chinese-language newspaper, for which he wrote stories for elderly readers. For his novel, he drew upon his observations about the difference between older immigrants and their more assimilated children.

"In Chinatown, I knew everything that was going on," he told the AP in 2002. "Out of that I created characters, using everybody including my own family and my friends, plus a lot of invention from the air."

Lee struggled to find a publisher. After more than a dozen rejections, he was warned by his agent that he might have to "think of another profession."

"But then the novel landed at the sick bed of an 80-year-old gentleman, who was a reader for a highbrow publishing house (Farrar, Straus)," Lee told the AP. "He was quite ill, but he read it. He didn't have the energy to write a two- or three-page critique. He wrote only two words - 'Read this' - and died.

"Without those two words, the novel would have never been published."
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - A federal bankruptcy judge approved a major debt restructuring plan for Puerto Rico on Monday in the first deal of its kind for the U.S. territory since the island's government declared nearly four years ago that it was unable to repay its public debt.

The agreement involves more than $17 billion worth of government bonds backed by a sales-and-use tax, with officials saying it will help the government save an average of $456 million a year in debt service. The deal allows Puerto Rico to cut its sales-tax-backed debt by 32 percent but requires the government to pay $32 billion in the next 40 years as part of the restructuring.

Senior bondholders, who hold nearly $8 billion, will be first to collect, receiving 93 percent of the value of the original bonds. Junior bondholders, many of whom are individual Puerto Rican investors and overall hold nearly $10 billion, will collect last and recover only 54 percent.

"Puerto Rico has taken an important step toward its total financial recovery," Gov. Ricardo Rossello said in a statement. "This represents more than $400 million annually that will be available for services in critical areas such as health, education, pension payments, and public safety, in compliance with other obligations."

The deal was previously approved by bondholders but prompted hundreds of people to write and email Judge Laura Taylor-Swain, who held a hearing on the issue nearly three weeks ago, to express concerns about the government's ability to make those payments and the effect it will have on public services. In her ruling, she wrote that she reviewed and carefully considered all those messages before making a decision.

"Many of the formal and informal objections raised serious and considered concerns about the Commonwealth's future ability to provide properly for the citizens of Puerto Rico who depend upon it," she wrote. "They are not, however, concerns upon which the Court can properly act in making its decision ... the Court is not free to impose its own view of what the optimal resolution of the dispute could have been."

FILE - In this Sept. 20, 2018 file photo, people gather outside the White House in Washington, during a vigil commemorating the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria hitting Puerto Rico. A federal bankruptcy judge on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019 approved a major debt restructuring plan for Puerto Rico in the first deal of its kind for the U.S. territory since the government declared nearly three years ago that it was unable to pay its public debt. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

The judge said that the deal represents a reasonable compromise and that further litigation would present a "significant gamble" for Puerto Rico. The island is mired in a 12-year-old recession and struggling to recover from Hurricane Maria as the government tries to restructure a portion of its more than $70 billion public debt load.

A U.S. government report issued last year said Puerto Rico's public finance problems are partly a result of government officials who overestimated revenue, overspent, did not fully address public pension funding shortfalls and borrowed money to balance budgets. The Government Accountability Office also reviewed 20 of Puerto Rico's largest bond issuances over nearly two decades and found that 16 were issued solely to repay or refinance debt and fund operations, something many states prohibit.

Taylor-Swain's ruling said the compromise is "admittedly, deeply disappointing to countless citizens of Puerto Rico and investors in Commonwealth bonds."

A federal control board that oversees the island's finances praised the ruling, saying in a statement that the bond restructuring will help revive Puerto Rico's economy.

"The deal demonstrates ... our determination to resolve Puerto Rico's debt crisis and establish sustainable foundations for (the) island's economic road to recovery," said Natalie Jaresko, the board's executive director.

Antonio Fernos, a Puerto Rico economist, said in a phone interview that the agreement is a good deal.

"It's positive because it brings some clarity to bondholders and what the board and government are willing to accept in negotiations," he said.

More challenges remain, with Puerto Rico's government still negotiating with those who hold general obligation bonds.

Last month, the control board asked the judge to invalidate $6 billion worth of that debt, including all general obligation bonds issued in 2012 and 2014, alleging that issuance violated debt limits established by the island's constitution. Taylor-Swain has held hearings on the issue, but has not ruled yet.

In November, Puerto Rico's government reached a debt-restructuring deal with creditors holding more than $4 billion in debt issued by the now-defunct Government Development Bank.
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido is moving ahead with plans to try to bring in humanitarian aid through the Colombian border city of Cucuta, where the U.S. government will transport and store food and medical supplies destined for Venezuela.

The Venezuelan opposition has said that once the aid is stockpiled in Cucuta, it will try to move it into Venezuela, defying Nicolas Maduro's government, which has refused offers of aid from the U.S. and other Western nations.

The move will be a test for Venezuela's military, which is deployed on the Venezuelan side of the border crossing and will have to choose whether to obey Maduro's orders, or allow the much-needed supplies into the country.

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WHY CUCUTA?

The city of 630,000 is the busiest border crossing between both countries. Each day around 50,000 people enter Colombia through Cucuta, mostly Venezuelans in search of food, medicine and medical treatment that is not available to them at home.

Venezuelan migrants return to their country after buying groceries in La Parada, on the outskirts of Cucuta, Colombia, on the border with Venezuela, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. More than a dozen European Union countries endorsed Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the county's interim president on Monday, piling the pressure on embattled President Nicolas Maduro to resign and clear the way for a new presidential election. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Many are also leaving Venezuela for good. According to the United Nations, 5,000 Venezuelans leave their country each day to escape the economic crisis. Some 3 million Venezuelans have left since 2015, with 1.2 million settling in Colombia. Other popular destinations include Peru, Ecuador and Chile.

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WHAT DOES THE BORDER LOOK LIKE?

In 2015 Maduro shut down the border between both countries, claiming that it was being used by criminal gangs to smuggle price-controlled gasoline and food out of Venezuela.

The border was re-opened a year later, but only to foot traffic. Today thousands of people enter Cucuta by walking across two bridges connecting the two countries. Those without proper documentation to enter Colombia use clandestine trails and wade across a river that marks the border. Some of those trails are believed to be controlled by smugglers and heavily armed criminal organizations, including the National Liberation Army, a Colombian guerrilla group.

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WHAT IS ON THE VENEZUELAN SIDE?

There are two small towns on the Venezuelan side of the border, San Antonio and Urena, as well as the city of San Cristobal, population 600,000, about an hour's drive away. Hospitals there have reported they are desperately short on medical supplies and San Cristobal could be one of the first places where aid is directed, if it gets through.

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HOW COULD AID BE SENT THROUGH?

The opposition has provided few details on how it plans to transport aid into Venezuela, but the most likely transit point is the Simon Bolivar International Bridge, which is guarded by Venezuelan and Colombian troops.

Several aid groups already run operations in Cucuta, including the Red Cross, the International Rescue Committee, UNHCR and the World Food Program. None of these groups has so far expressed interest in participating in the planned aid operation.

A Venezuelan man carries a crate filled with bread back to his country, in La Parada, on the outskirts of Cucuta, Colombia, on the border with Venezuela, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. More than a dozen European Union countries endorsed Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the county's interim president on Monday, piling the pressure on embattled President Nicolas Maduro to resign and clear the way for a new presidential election. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

A Venezuelan woman returns to her country after buying groceries in La Parada, on the outskirts of Cucuta, Colombia, on the border with Venezuela, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. More than a dozen European Union countries endorsed Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the county's interim president on Monday, piling the pressure on embattled President Nicolas Maduro to resign and clear the way for a new presidential election. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) - Lingering doubts over Gov. Ralph Northam's political future after the publication of a racist yearbook photo could propel an African-American political newcomer into the governor's mansion.

If Northam stepped down, Justin Fairfax would be the second African-American governor in Virginia's history and just the fourth in the entire United States since Reconstruction.

Fairfax has experienced a brief, meteoric rise through Virginia politics. His supporters have touted him as a fresh face whose charisma has allowed him to connect with voters. His detractors suggest he is unproven and inexperienced.

His ascension could mean that the racial scandal dogging Northam would end with an African-American governor trying to lead the Democratic Party to a takeover of the legislature in November and potentially, through a quirk of law, being able to serve more than one term.

On Monday, Fairfax was drawn into a controversy of his own. He denied an allegation of sexual misconduct first reported by a conservative website, calling it a "smear." Fairfax said the 2004 encounter with a woman was consensual. The Associated Press is not reporting the accusation because AP has not able to confirm it.

The Washington Post said Monday that it was approached by the woman in 2017, carefully investigated, but didn't publish the accusations. The Post said the woman had not told anyone about it, the account could not be corroborated, Fairfax denied it and the Post was unable to find other allegations against him.

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax presides over the Senate at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Virginians are now taking a closer look at Fairfax as he suddenly looms as the successor to Gov. Ralph Northam, whose political future is in jeopardy after a blackface photo was discovered on Northam's personal page in his medical school yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

The 39-year-old lieutenant governor has held elected office for only one year. A descendant of slaves, he carried a copy of his ancestor's manumission papers with him as he was sworn in. Since then, he has become best known in Virginia for refusing to preside over the Senate chamber as lawmakers offered tributes to Confederate leaders on Virginia's Lee-Jackson Day, in January. He said he stepped off the dais to honor his family.

Before entering politics, Fairfax served for two years as a federal prosecutor in Alexandria, a prestigious outpost within the Department of Justice that handles numerous high-profile cases. He did not work on any of those cases, however.

Gene Rossi, a 30-year veteran of the Justice Department and one of the prosecutors who helped train Fairfax, said the lieutenant governor has "an incredibly acute legal mind" and is a quick study who could "hit the ground running."

"I think he has what it takes to become governor and lead us out of this," Rossi said in a phone interview Monday morning, before Fairfax addressed the sexual assault allegation publicly.

Fairfax and Rossi ended up as opponents in the 2017 Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, which Fairfax won handily.

Political observers say Fairfax would have an enormous learning curve ahead of him as Virginia's governor.

His biggest challenge would be building effective relationships with the legislature, something it took Northam years to do before he was able to achieve such accomplishments as passing Medicaid expansion last year.

"Is he capable of doing this? Yes, he's a smart person and organized, has some good people around him," Quentin Kidd, a political science professor at Christopher Newport University, said of Fairfax. "But this is an enormous job. A large part of the job is building relationship over time."

Fairfax graduated from Duke University and Columbia Law School. He worked for Tipper Gore during Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign. He also worked for former Sen. John Edwards.

A native of Annandale, his first run for office came in 2013, when he ran for attorney general against Mark Herring, a state senator who was much better known in Democratic political circles. Herring won, but Fairfax got 48 percent of the vote and impressed party leaders as a potential up-and-comer. He stayed active in Democratic politics and campaigned heavily for U.S. Sen. Mark Warner in his narrow re-election bid in 2014.

During the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, Republican opponent Jill Holtzmann Vogel attacked Fairfax's lack of experience. At one debate, she said he was not sufficiently informed to "talk intelligently" about issues. Democrats saw the remark as an unfair attack with racial overtones.

Fairfax won with nearly 53 percent of the vote as Democrats, including Northam, swept all three statewide elections in 2017.

Should Northam resign, Fairfax would have the unusual opportunity in 2021 to seek another term as governor since he was not elected in the first place. Under Virginia law, governors can serve more than one term, but not consecutively.

"This scenario could not only create Virginia's second African-American governor, but an environment where the second African-American governor would have the opportunity to have almost a seven-year term," said University of Mary Washington political science professor Stephen Farnsworth. The state's first African-American governor, Douglas Wilder, served from 1990 to 1994.

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This story has been edited to clarify that Virginia law states governors can serve more than one term, but not consecutively.

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Associated Press writer Ben Finley in Norfolk contributed to this report.

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, left, listens to assistant Senate Crerk, Tara Perkinson, as he prepares to preside over the Senate at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Virginians are now taking a closer look at Fairfax as he suddenly looms as the successor to Gov. Ralph Northam, whose political future is in jeopardy after a blackface photo was discovered on Northam's personal page in his medical school yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) - Macedonia's prime minister says he hopes his country can launch membership talks with the European Union in June now that an agreement to end a dispute with Greece has been ratified.

Zoran Zaev negotiated a deal with his Greek counterpart last year that called for Macedonia to be renamed North Macedonia in return for Greece lifting objections to its neighbor joining NATO and the EU.

Zaev's government is set to sign NATO accession protocols under the name North Macedonia on Wednesday. If the membership process is completed, the country would be NATO's 30th member.

Zaev addressed joining the EU while in Bulgaria, which already belongs to NATO and the EU.

In the capital of Sofia on Monday, Zaev met Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, who proposed eliminating bilateral trade tariffs.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Vowing to make education a priority for his administration following a teacher rebellion that shuttered schools for two weeks last year, Oklahoma's new Republican governor told lawmakers Monday he wants to give classroom teachers a $1,200, across-the-board pay raise.

In his first State of the State address to lawmakers, Gov. Kevin Stitt delivered his plan for spending about $8.2 billion , including about $70 million from a budget surplus for a teacher pay proposal that would make the state the best in the region for educators' pay and benefits.

The pay boost for teachers would be in addition to the average annual pay hike of $6,100 that teachers received last year before a statewide walkout over demands for more education spending . The walkout was part of a springtime rebellion of teachers across the nation, including Kentucky, West Virginia and Arizona.

Stitt says his long-term vision for public education includes higher standards and more classroom money, "but we must first continue our investment in the teacher, because it's not programs, curriculum or resources that a student will remember," he said. "The magic happens between the student and teacher in the classroom."

Stitt's budget includes an additional $20 million for teacher benefits, but Democrats complained his proposal does nothing to boost classroom spending.

"We've talked to a lot of teachers who say they'd rather have more money in the classroom this year if they were given a choice between the two," said House Democratic Leader Rep. Emily Virgin, D-Norman. "They certainly deserve another pay raise, and we want to get one for them, but the governor didn't mention anything about a classroom or a per-pupil funding increase, so we feel like that was a glaring omission."

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt stands at a lectern as he is applauded during his State of the State address in Oklahoma City, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Among Stitt's other ideas are putting more money into reserves, conducting performance audits of the largest state agencies and putting more cash into a fund the governor could use to close deals that would bring more jobs to the state. He also wants expanded power to include the hiring and firing of the directors of the state's largest agencies.

Stitt's executive budget did not include funding for the state to participate in a Medicaid expansion, however the governor and GOP leaders in the Legislature said last week they were open to the idea .

He's also proposing $5 million to fund a recruitment effort to encourage teachers to stay in Oklahoma or return to the classroom after a hiatus.

Oklahoma currently is projected to have a surplus of $612 million over last year's spending levels, but that number is expected to be reduced when the state's Board of Equalization certifies the final amount that lawmakers are authorized to spend. Stitt's Secretary of Budget Mike Mazzei says the final certified surplus could be closer to $400 million.

Stitt's executive budget calls for nearly all state agencies to have no funding increases, although education and some health and public safety agencies would see modest boosts in spending.

As a result of the state's rebounding economy, Oklahoma is expected to make a $422 million deposit into the state's Rainy Day Fund, bringing its total to $878 million. But Stitt says the state's reserves should be at least twice that amount, and he is seeking a public vote on increasing the current cap.

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Follow Sean Murphy at www.twitter.com/apseanmurphy

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt waves to the balcony as he delivers the State of the State in Oklahoma City, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, right, gestures as he is applauded by Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, left, and others during his State of the State address in Oklahoma City, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Sitt greets legislators as he arrives for the State of the State in Oklahoma City, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
NEW YORK (AP) - The Latest on a power failure at a federal detention center in New York City (all times local):

10:50 p.m.

A federal judge has ordered a federal detention center in New York City where a weeklong power outage left inmates shivering to immediately return to its normal schedule for lawyer visits.

The judge on Monday was responding to a lawsuit brought by the inmates' lawyers who called the power failure a "humanitarian crisis."

The judge said that if visitation is suspended again, the warden must provide a written explanation within 24 hours.

Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall scheduled a hearing for next week on the other issues raised in the lawsuit.

A woman makes a sign outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal facility of all security levels, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Prisoners there have been without heat, hot water, electricity and sanitation for a week. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

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3:30 p.m.

Normal operations have resumed after a bomb threat at a federal detention center in New York City where a weeklong power outage left inmates shivering and led to a lawsuit.

Visitors and contractors were escorted out of the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as a precaution after the threat was called into the facility around 10:25 a.m. Monday.

The New York Police Department assisted prison workers in searching for potential devices. Officers ordered protesters and reporters to move away from the front of the facility as a precaution.

Police and the Bureau of Prisons say no devices were found and no credible threat was identified. The facility has resumed operations.

The NYPD is investigating the source of the threat.

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11:30 a.m.

A lawsuit brought by lawyers for inmates at a federal detention center in New York City calls a power failure that occurred there a "humanitarian crisis."

The lawsuit was filed Monday in Brooklyn federal court by the Federal Defenders of New York.

A message was left with the U.S. Justice Department seeking comment.

The lawsuit alleges that the Federal Bureau of Prisons violated the constitutional rights of about 1,600 inmates by denying legal visits after a Jan. 27 fire caused the failure.

Protesters gathered outside after news reports that inmates had largely been without heat or power for a week.

The lawsuit says the outage caused "inhumane" conditions for inmates and the response was "woefully inadequate."

It calls for the appointment of a special master to inspect the lockup.

Prisoners call out to protesters and family members gathers outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal prison where prisoners have been without heat, hot water, electricity and proper sanitation due to an electrical failure since earlier in the week, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
LOD, Israel (AP) - Nearly 100 Ethiopian Jews landed in Israel on Monday in the first wave of new immigration since the government said last year that it would let some of the 8,000 remaining community members join relatives in Israel.

Local Ethiopian community members welcomed the newcomers after years of delays. Israel recognizes the community's Jewish roots but does not consider them fully Jewish, so they require special approval to immigrate that has not always been forthcoming.

Atersau Baiye, 61, said he had been waiting for over 12 years to come to Israel and be reunited with his daughter, who lives in Tel Aviv.

"I am very happy to be here and excited to see my daughter, but it's a mixed feeling," he said. Baiye said that because he immigrated with his wife and six kids, he was forced to leave two adult children behind in Ethiopia who were not immediately eligible to immigrate. "I don't know if we will see them again."

Alisa Bodner, spokeswoman for an Ethiopian-Jewish activist group, said she was "far from satisfied" by the slow trickle of Ethiopian immigration, long stalled despite government promises to bring all remaining members of the community to Israel.

"This is a continuation of the discriminatory practices against Ethiopian-Israelis emanating from this current government," she said.

The activists renewed their calls for Israel to make good on its 2015 promise to bring all remaining members of the Jewish Ethiopian community to Israel. The government never approved a budget for the move, and the slow trickle of immigration ground to a halt over a year ago. Last fall, the government announced it would absorb 1,000 of the remaining 8,000 Jews in Ethiopia, frustrating community members.

The bulk of the Ethiopian Jewish community was airlifted to Israel in major clandestine operations in the 1980s and 1990s.

Although many of the newcomers are practicing Jews, Israel doesn't consider them Jewish because their Jewish ancestors underwent forced conversion to Christianity over a century ago.

Ethiopian Jews who have made it to Israel complain of racism, lack of opportunity and endemic poverty. Last week, thousands of Ethiopian-Israelis marched through major roadways in Tel Aviv to protest police brutality and discrimination.

Despite the challenges, Baiye said he is ready to start his new life. "I'm going to work hard, earn a living, and live like everyone else."
Photo: Alberta Gov't

It was a day of tears and bittersweet smiles at the Alberta legislature as Premier Rachel Notley and other dignitaries paid tribute to former premier Jim Prentice.

The official portrait of Prentice was unveiled as his wife, Karen, and family looked on in the legislature rotunda.

Prentice served as Alberta's 16th premier but left politics after his Progressive Conservatives lost the 2015 election to Notley and her NDP.

Prentice, who before provincial politics had been a federal Conservative cabinet minister, died in a plane crash in 2016 after the private jet he was on crashed after takeoff from Kelowna Airport.

Karen Prentice said she remembers her husband as a man of vision who had a love of children.

She said he would often stop school groups in the hallway, invite them to his office and let kids sit in the premier's chair in the hope they would be inspired to take up public service.
YORBA LINDA, Calif. (AP) - The Latest on the crash of a small airplane in a Southern California neighborhood (all times local):

4:45 p.m.

An aviation expert says he's confident investigators will figure out why a twin-engine plane broke apart in the air over a Southern California neighborhood.

John Cox, a former accident investigator, said Monday that mid-air breakups typically leave telltale signs in the plane's metal.

National Transportation Safety Board officials are collecting parts of the plane that rained down onto suburban Yorba Linda.

Cox, head of the consulting firm Safety Operating Systems, says investigators should be able to build a sequence of the breakup that will lead them back to where it originated.

Firefighters suppress a fire at the scene of a deadly plane crash in the residential neighborhood of Yorba Linda, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. The Federal Aviation Administration said a twin-engine Cessna 414A crashed in Yorba Linda shortly after taking off from the Fullerton Municipal Airport. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

The pilot killed Sunday was identified as 75-year-old Antonio Pastini. Authorities are still trying to identify four people killed on the ground.

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2:30 p.m.

Southern California authorities have identified the pilot of a small plane involved in a deadly weekend crash as a retired Chicago police officer.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department says the pilot killed Sunday was 75-year-old Antonio Pastini of Gardnerville, a northern Nevada community.

Authorities are still trying to identify four people killed when part of the twin-engine Cessna fell into a house in Yorba Linda and ignited an intense fire. The condition of the bodies may require use of DNA.

National Transportation Safety Board investigator Maja (MY-uh) Smith says witnesses described the aircraft coming out of a cloud and its tail and other parts breaking off as it rapidly descended.

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10:35 a.m.

Investigators are examining wreckage and damaged homes in a Southern California neighborhood where a small plane crashed after breaking up in flight, killing the pilot and four people on the ground.

The twin-engine Cessna 414A was seen coming apart Sunday afternoon over the Los Angeles suburb of Yorba Linda and falling in pieces to the ground, torching a home where four of the victims were killed.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department says victims' identities are not yet available Monday morning.

The National Transportation Safety Board has scheduled a 2 p.m. briefing about the crash.

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7:05 a.m.

Officials say a small plane apparently broke apart over a suburban Southern California neighborhood and that four people in a house were killed after debris fell from the sky and the house burned. The pilot of the twin-engine plane also died.

Debris also fell elsewhere in the neighborhood in the city of Yorba Linda Sunday afternoon. The cause of the plane's problem is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Orange County Sheriff's Lt. Cory Martino told reporters the occupants of the house were two males and two females, without providing additional information about them.

The FAA says the 414A Cessna took off from the Fullerton Municipal Airport about 12 miles (19 kilometers) west of the neighborhood.

The house was hit by the plane's main cabin and one its engines.

Firefighters respond to the scene of a plane crash at a home in Yorba Linda, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. A twin-engine Cessna 414A crashed in Yorba Linda shortly after taking off from the nearby Fullerton Municipal Airport. The Orange County Fire Authority said the crash in a Yorba Linda neighborhood ignited a fire that burned the house Sunday afternoon. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

Ambulances stand on place as the smoke rises from a house on fire by the crash of a Cessna 414A in a residential area in Yorba Linda, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. Authorities say a few people died and a few were injured after the small plane crashed into the Southern California house. (Clint Langford via AP)

Firefighters work the scene of a deadly plane crash in the residential neighborhood of Yorba Linda, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. The Federal Aviation Administration said a twin-engine Cessna 414A crashed in Yorba Linda shortly after taking off from the Fullerton Municipal Airport. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

A propeller of a small plane sits on the front of a house in Yorba Linda, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. A twin-engine Cessna 414A crashed in Yorba Linda shortly after taking off from the nearby Fullerton Municipal Airport. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

A resident talks to one of the firefighters as they work the scene of a deadly plane crash in the residential neighborhood of Yorba Linda, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. The Federal Aviation Administration said a twin-engine Cessna 414A crashed in Yorba Linda shortly after taking off from the Fullerton Municipal Airport. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

Firefighters work the scene of a deadly plane crash in the residential neighborhood of Yorba Linda, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. The Federal Aviation Administration said a twin-engine Cessna 414A crashed in Yorba Linda shortly after taking off from the Fullerton Municipal Airport. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

Residents work with authorities at the scene of a deadly plane crash in the residential neighborhood of Yorba Linda, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. The Federal Aviation Administration said a twin-engine Cessna 414A crashed in Yorba Linda shortly after taking off from the Fullerton Municipal Airport. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

Firefighters work the scene of a deadly plane crash in the residential neighborhood of Yorba Linda, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. The Federal Aviation Administration said a twin-engine Cessna 414A crashed in Yorba Linda shortly after taking off from the Fullerton Municipal Airport. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

A resident looks at debris that hit a house after a small plane crashed into a neighborhood of Yorba Linda, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. A few people died and a few others were injured after the plane apparently came apart, dropping parts that scattered across a suburban neighborhood and ignited a house fire before landing in a backyard, witnesses and authorities said Sunday. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
BEIRUT (AP) - The head of Lebanon's Hezbollah is brushing off U.S. concerns about the health minister his group named to the new government, calling the official a "trusted brother" who will serve all Lebanese.

Hassan Nasrallah stressed Monday that Jamil Jabbak is not a member of the militant group, which Washington sanctions as a terrorist organization. He is one of three ministers named by the group.

The new government was formed last week after a nearly nine-month deadlock. Jabbak was Nasrallah's personal physician at one point.

Washington urged the government to ensure that Hezbollah does not benefit from its resources.

Nasrallah says his group's "religious and legal obligations" guarantee against abuse of public funds.

He says the group would ensure Jabbak's success, including donating Hezbollah funds to the ministry.
MACHIASPORT, Maine (AP) - A major player in aquaculture that has facilities in Maine says it has completed acquisition of one of the largest premium shrimp farms in Latin America.

Cooke Inc. says it has acquired Seajoy Seafood Corporation group, which farms shrimp in Honduras and Nicaragua. Cooke Inc. is the parent of Cooke Aquaculture, which is based in New Brunswick, Canada, and is one of the major companies in worldwide salmon farming.

Cooke representatives say in a statement that the acquisition of Seajoy is an important piece of the company's plans to diversify its products. Seajoy focuses on producing value-added Pacific white shrimp. Its products are sold to customers in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Cooke says the terms of the transaction have not been disclosed as both companies are private, family-owned businesses.
LONDON (AP) - A British official has signed an order that paves the way for tycoon Vijay Mallya's extradition to India to face financial fraud allegations.

The government office that oversees immigration and other issues said in a statement issued on Monday that Home Secretary Sajid Javid "carefully considered all relevant matters" before signing the extradition order.

Mallya has 14 days to appeal.

Known for his flashy lifestyle, he was a leading figure among India's business elite. He launched Kingfisher Airlines and owned a stake in the Force India Formula One team.

Mallya is accused in India of conspiracy to defraud, making false representations and money laundering offenses.

He has multiple medical problems, but British Judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled last month he could receive adequate medical care in prison if he were extradited.
LONDON (AP) - Liam Neeson has said he is ashamed to admit he had violent thoughts about killing a black person after learning that someone close to him had been raped.

In an interview published Monday, Neeson said that after being told the attacker was black, he "went up and down areas with a cosh (stick or truncheon)" hoping a black person "would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him."

"It took me a week, maybe a week and a half, to go through that," Neeson said.

Many social media users expressed shock at his admission, accusing Neeson of racism.

The Northern Ireland-born actor recounted the story in an interview with The Independent while promoting his new thriller "Cold Pursuit," about a father who seeks violent revenge for his son's death.

He said the incident happened some time ago.

FILE - In this Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016 file photo, actor Liam Neeson poses for photographers upon his arrival at the premiere of the film 'Hunt For The Wilderpeople' in London. Liam Neeson says he had violent thoughts some time ago about killing a black person after learning that someone close to him had been raped. The Northern Ireland-born actor says that after being told the attacker was black he "went up and down areas with a" stick or truncheon hoping a black person "would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him." (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP, file)

Neeson, 66, called his reaction "horrible," saying it taught him a lesson about the "primal need" for revenge.

Neeson, who grew up in Northern Ireland during the decades of violence known as the Troubles, said: "I understand that need for revenge, but it just leads to more revenge, to more killing and more killing, and Northern Ireland's proof of that."

Neeson's publicist didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's guest for the State of the Union address is a woman who cornered Sen. Jeff Flake on live television to protest his support for Brett Kavanaugh.

Ana Maria Archila, who lives in the star freshman Democrat's New York District, said she will wear white and a pin that the congresswoman gave her that says, "Well-behaved women rarely make history."

"I never thought I'd be excited about being in the same room with Donald Trump," said Archila, co-executive director of the left-leaning Center for Popular Democracy. Ocasio-Cortez invited her a few weeks ago, she said, adding, "We talked about making sure that we, with our presence, express the dignity of people who are under attack from this administration, the resilience. We will try to communicate that with the way we show up in the space."

Kavanaugh, now a Supreme Court justice, is also expected to attend Trump's address. Justices typically attend such speeches delivered by the president who appointed them.

During Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings in September, Archila and another woman confronted Flake in a Senate elevator and, live on CNN, yelled at the Arizona Republican for his intent to vote for the appellate court judge. Kavanaugh had been accused by Christine Blasey Ford of pinning her to a bed and groping her when the two were teenagers in the 1980s. Flake later said he wanted to delay the Senate vote to give the committee time to investigate. He ultimately voted to confirm Kavanaugh and is now retired from the Senate.

Kavanaugh angrily denied the accusation and was confirmed to the high court. But Ford's and Kavanaugh's emotional appeals to the Judiciary Committee were a cultural watershed amid the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct. Kavanaugh's patron was Trump, who also has been accused of groping more than a dozen women and denies it.

FILE - In this Sept. 24, 2018 file photo, Ana Maria Archila of New York, N.Y., becomes emotional as protesters against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh tell their personal stories of sexual assault outside offices of Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., on Capitol Hill in Washington. Archila will be the guest of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., for the State of the Union. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Archila said that day was the first time she had revealed her own sexual assault as a child in Colombia.

The Center for Popular Democracy revealed the pairing with a video released on social media.

"Our own @AnaMariaArchil2 showed the world what courage & strength look like in the age of Trump. Tomorrow night, she will join another badass woman, @AOC @RepAOC for the #SOTU."

___

Follow Kellman on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com//APLaurie Kellman
SEATTLE (AP) - Winter weather pounded a swath of the U.S. West on Monday, closing schools, delaying flights and turning streets into sledding hills in coastal cities like Seattle that rarely get much snow.

Parts of California and Montana braced for the threat of mudslides and avalanches this week, while the Midwest warmed up from a dangerous blast of cold last week that is linked to at least 30 deaths in several states.

The Pacific Northwest's first major winter snowstorm hit western Washington hardest, closing numerous schools in Seattle and nearby cities, canceling ferry service, and causing car crashes but no major injuries.

Some areas north and east of Seattle got 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) of snow. Temperatures were expected to be 15 degrees below normal this week, with lows in the teens, the National Weather Service said.

More than 200 flights at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport were canceled and over 450 delayed.

Chris Allahyar of Edgewood, Washington, told Seattle news station KOMO-TV that he was trying to make a flight but his car got stuck on an icy road.

Children sled down one of Seattle's steeper hills, ice-covered Queen Anne Ave., Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Western Washington was hit by a major winter storm, with several inches of snow, cold temperatures and bone-chilling winds overnight and into the day Monday. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

"Everything was fine until I got off the freeway and everything turned to ice. Couldn't even make it off the road. I'm just stuck right now," Allahyar said. "I really underestimated the temperature."

Communities on the northern Oregon coast got several inches of unusual snow, and it was falling steadily in Portland, Oregon. A cold spell in Portland was expected to last for about 10 days, with overnight temperatures dipping well below freezing and more snow later in the week.

The storm system lingering over the Northwest has sent waves of snow into the Northern Rocky Mountains, where it mixed with a blast of frigid arctic air and gusting winds to create hazardous driving conditions and dangerous wind chills 40 degrees below zero and lower.

The cold closed or delayed schools. Much of western and northern Montana will likely see subzero temperatures until at least Wednesday, weather service meteorologist Cody Moldan said.

"We're kind of stuck in a cold pattern," Moldan said.

The weather was warmer near Yellowstone National Park, but the fresh snow that fell on the weak snowpack in the mountains near the park led to avalanche warnings.

Snow and rain throughout California has threatened flash flooding where massive wildfires roared through communities last year and dangerous driving conditions in the latest of a series of storms over the past few days.

Officials lifted flash flood warnings Monday but warned that another storm Tuesday could bring danger of mudslides and flooding in the Malibu area, where a wildfire destroyed homes and burned hillsides bare, and southeast of Los Angeles, where an August blaze scorched a huge area in the Cleveland National Forest.

The weather service issued a winter storm warning for the Los Angeles and Ventura County mountains through Wednesday, with more than a foot (30 centimeters) of snow expected at higher elevations.

A storm that swept across California and Nevada dumped as much as 8 feet (2.5 meters) of snow over the weekend, with much more expected.

In parts of California's Sierra Nevada, officials issued blizzard and avalanche warnings through Monday night, warning that cold conditions in the northern mountain range could become life-threatening as a series of intense storms and powerful winds brought whiteout conditions that closed some mountain roads.

Electric-powered commuter trains in the Chicago area were getting back to normal with temperatures in the 40s. The arctic cold played havoc with overhead powerlines and forced the shutdown of two major train lines.

But cold weather again moved into Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where an ice storm created hazardous travel conditions and led schools and businesses to close. Icy conditions were expected Tuesday night and Wednesday in the Lower Peninsula, including the Detroit area.

Heavy snow and gusty winds also made travel difficult in North Dakota.

People sled near the Astoria Column in Astoria, Ore., Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, after the area received a snowfall. Winter weather pounded a swath of the U.S. West on Monday, closing schools, snarling traffic and turning coastal cities like Seattle that rarely get much snow unusually white as the Midwest warmed up from a dangerous blast of cold last week. (Colin Murphey/The Daily Astorian via AP)

CORRECTS BY REMOVING REFERENCE TO QUEEN ANNE AVE. - A sledder heads toward a line of parked cars on one of Seattle's steeper hills Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Western Washington was hit by a major winter storm, with several inches of snow, cold temperatures and bone-chilling winds overnight and into the day Monday. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Traffic heads out of the brand new State Route 99 tunnel, left, and in, center, on its first day of service during a winter storm Monday morning, Feb. 4, 2019, in Seattle. Western Washington was hit with several inches of snow, cold temperatures and bone-chilling winds overnight and into the day Monday. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

A pedestrian stops to light a cigarette as snow piles up on a rental bike and cars nearby during a snowstorm Monday morning, Feb. 4, 2019, in Seattle. Western Washington was hit by a major winter storm, with several inches of snow, cold temperatures and bone-chilling winds overnight and into the day Monday. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

A woman walks below red lanterns hanging on Grant Avenue in San Francisco's Chinatown, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. A winter storm sweeping across California and Nevada has dumped at least 8 feet (2.4 meters) of snow over the past two days, with more expected. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

This photo provided by the Mammoth Mountain ski area shows a winter storm in Mammoth Mountain, Calif., Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. A winter storm sweeping across California and Nevada has dumped at least 8 feet (2.4 meters) of snow over the past two days, with more expected. (Peter Morning/Mammoth Mountain ski area via AP)

Florence Leingang clears the sidewalk of snow in front of her home in Mandan, N.D., Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, after Sunday's snowfall of around four inches fell across the area. Frigid temperatures and wind chills of below zero will continue the rest of the week. (Mike McCleary/The Bismarck Tribune via AP)

A worker drives a tractor with a plow attachment on the Capitol campus in Olympia, Wash., Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, following an overnight snowfall. Most of Western Washington had several inches of snow Monday, accompanied by cold temperatures and chilling winds. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

A sledder on an inner tube-type toy is watched by terriers out for a walk as he slides past on one of Seattle's steeper hills, Queen Anne Ave., Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Western Washington was hit by a major winter storm, with several inches of snow, cold temperatures and bone-chilling winds overnight and into the day Monday. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

A sledder with an inner tube-type toy hitches a ride back uphill with a driver in an all-wheel drive car heading up one of Seattle's steeper hills, Queen Anne Ave., Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Western Washington was hit by a major winter storm, with several inches of snow, cold temperatures and bone-chilling winds overnight and into the day Monday. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
LONDON (AP) - Don McCullin's most famous photographs burn with the physical and emotional brutality of conflict: a shell-shocked American soldier in Vietnam, a starving woman and child in Nigeria's breakaway Biafra.

But don't call him a war photographer.

"I hate that," the 83-year-old British photojournalist said Monday, sitting in an exhibition of six decades' worth of his images of damaged people, ravaged landscapes and scarred cities. "I've willfully changed direction because I didn't want to get stuck in the war direction, people calling me a war photographer."

The retrospective of more than 250 photographs opens Tuesday and runs to May 6 at Tate Britain , the country's foremost gallery of U.K. art. But don't call McCullin an artist.

"I hate that, too," said McCullin, who is charming with a combative undercurrent. "I'm not an artist. I'm a photographer, and that's all there is to it."

McCullin's career began almost by chance, with a photo of young gang members he knew from Finsbury Park, the tough London neighborhood where he grew up. A shot of the group - "The Guv'nors" - standing in a bombed-out building, had a powerful combination of squalor and swagger that caught the attention of British newspapers.

Veteran British conflict photographer Don McCullin poses for photographers at the launch of his retrospective exhibition at the Tate Britain gallery in London, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. The exhibition includes over 250 of his black and white photographs, including conflict images from the Vietnam war, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Lebanon and Biafra, alongside landscape and still life images. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

"Once that was published in The Observer, I could see a life for myself rather than hanging around with those boys," McCullin said. "So I made this journey into photography, and it's been extraordinary, really."

McCullin plunged into many of the 20th century's conflict zones: Cold War Berlin, Biafra, Vietnam, Cambodia, Congo, Lebanon, Northern Ireland, Iraq.

His images, always in black and white, powerfully capture the emotions of war - the raw grief of a woman in Cyprus who has just learned of her husband's death; the devastation of an American GI; the exhilaration of youths in Northern Ireland throwing stones at soldiers.

His lens looked just as unflinchingly at his home country. From the 1950s onwards, McCullin captured a side of Britain scarred by poverty, violence and decay. It's tough stuff, though his images of holidaymakers at the seaside have a defiant cheerfulness, and there is great dignity in his close-up portraits of careworn and homeless inhabitants of Britain's cities.

McCullin survived physical danger and brushes with death. A glass case at the exhibition holds a Nikon camera that stopped a bullet hitting him in Cambodia.

He didn't escape an emotional toll, and in recent years has turned to quieter subjects - "to eradicate the past," McCullin says in an exhibition note. Recent works include photos of the strange, watery landscape of the Somerset Levels near his home in southwest England.

McCullin acknowledges that even these rural landscapes end up "looking like the First World War," shot on black and white film - never digitally - and printed by McCullin with his characteristic glowering intensity.

He hasn't abandoned war zones altogether. There are images of devastated Homs in Syria taken on a trip last year.

McCullin has sometimes wondered if his work was worth it, since wars continue unabated. But he is amazed by how far it has taken him.

"It's taken me all around the world many times," he said. "And I've got a great love of culture now. I started out with nothing. There was never a book in my house; there was only violence in my house when I was a boy."

He says he doesn't suffer from post-traumatic stress: "I've cured myself by doing these landscapes."

"I grew up with quite a strong backbone, and I've kept it going," McCullin said. "Now I'm getting old and lame and I'm having heart attacks and all that kind of stuff. I just think that's part of the stuff I have to beat.

"That sounds a bit macho," he added, a touch apologetically. "But it's not meant to be macho - it's meant to be a 'You can do it' kind of thing."

___

Follow Jill Lawless on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/JillLawless

Veteran British conflict photographer Don McCullin speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at the launch of his retrospective exhibition at the Tate Britain gallery in London, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. The exhibition includes over 250 of his black and white photographs, including conflict images from the Vietnam war, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Lebanon and Biafra, alongside landscape and still life images. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Visitors look at and walk past a 1970 photograph of a homeless Irishman in the Spitalfields area of east London by veteran British conflict photographer Don McCullin at the launch of his retrospective exhibition at the Tate Britain gallery in London, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. The exhibition includes over 250 of his black and white photographs, including conflict images from the Vietnam war, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Lebanon and Biafra, alongside landscape and still life images. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Veteran British conflict photographer Don McCullin speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at the launch of his retrospective exhibition at the Tate Britain gallery in London, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. The exhibition includes over 250 of his black and white photographs, including conflict images from the Vietnam war, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Lebanon and Biafra, alongside landscape and still life images. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

A visitor looks at photographs by veteran British conflict photographer Don McCullin at the launch of his retrospective exhibition at the Tate Britain gallery in London, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. The exhibition includes over 250 of his black and white photographs, including conflict images from the Vietnam war, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Lebanon and Biafra, alongside landscape and still life images. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

A visitor looks at landscape photographs by veteran British conflict photographer Don McCullin at the launch of his retrospective exhibition at the Tate Britain gallery in London, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. The exhibition includes over 250 of his black and white photographs, including conflict images from the Vietnam war, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Lebanon and Biafra, alongside landscape and still life images. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Sunday Times Magazine photo essays by veteran British conflict photographer Don McCullin are displayed at the launch of his retrospective exhibition at the Tate Britain gallery in London, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. The exhibition includes over 250 of his black and white photographs, including conflict images from the Vietnam war, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Lebanon and Biafra, alongside landscape and still life images. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

A visitor takes a photo of a 1968 photograph of a starving albino boy in Biafra by veteran British conflict photographer Don McCullin at the launch of his retrospective exhibition at the Tate Britain gallery in London, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. The exhibition includes over 250 of his black and white photographs, including conflict images from the Vietnam war, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Lebanon and Biafra, alongside landscape and still life images. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Veteran British conflict photographer Don McCullin's Nikon F camera that was hit by a bullet in Cambodia is displayed at the launch of his retrospective exhibition at the Tate Britain gallery in London, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. The exhibition includes over 250 of his black and white photographs, including conflict images from the Vietnam war, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Lebanon and Biafra, alongside landscape and still life images. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Landscape photographs by veteran British conflict photographer Don McCullin are displayed at the launch of his retrospective exhibition at the Tate Britain gallery in London, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. The exhibition includes over 250 of his black and white photographs, including conflict images from the Vietnam war, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Lebanon and Biafra, alongside landscape and still life images. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
MONTROSE, Pa. (AP) - A gas driller backed off its demand Monday to have a Pennsylvania homeowner thrown in jail after he agreed to talk to the company's lawyers next month.

Houston-based Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. contends Dimock resident Ray Kemble and his former lawyers tried to extort the company through a frivolous federal lawsuit. Cabot also claims Kemble violated a 2012 settlement agreement by speaking ill about the company. Cabot is suing the law firm and Kemble for $5 million.

The company had sought jail time for Kemble after he didn't show up for a deposition. Kemble, who appeared in court Monday using a walker and stood for the duration of the hearing, said he is unable to sit for long periods after cancer surgery. Cabot agreed to give Kemble time to recover, and the deposition was rescheduled for March.

Kemble and others have long accused Cabot of polluting their water supplies, a claim that formed the basis of the Emmy-winning 2010 documentary "Gasland." State regulators held Cabot responsible for polluting residential water wells and banned it from drilling in a 9-square-mile (23-square-kilometer) area of Dimock, a rural community 150 miles (240 kilometers) north of Philadelphia.

Cabot, which has long denied responsibility, has been waging a fierce PR and legal campaign against Kemble and other fracking opponents who the company says are funded by deep-pocketed environmental groups to spread falsehoods about Cabot. The company, which is publicly traded, said it sees the litigation against Kemble and his former lawyers as a way to defend itself from scurrilous attacks.

"This is not Cabot vs. three landowners. This is Cabot vs. the money that's behind this. These are paid activists, paid actors on behalf of Food & Water Watch and the like," Cabot spokesman George Stark said outside court Monday. "Some will say that, you know, again Cabot is going after a local voice. And that's nothing further from the truth. We are actively going after those that are funding. These billionaire groups are funding these mouthpieces."

Ray Kemble speaks with reporters outside the Susquehanna County Courthouse in Montrose, Pennsylvania, on Monday, Feb. 4, 2018. A gas driller backed off its demand to have Kemble, a Pennsylvania homeowner who's long accused the company of polluting his water, thrown in jail over his failure to submit to questioning as part of the company's $5 million lawsuit against him. (AP Photo/Michael Rubinkam)

Kemble said it's Cabot that's not telling the truth. He said the payments from groups like Water Defense Inc. and Riverkeeper Inc. helped fund bulk water deliveries for Kemble and other affected Dimock residents after Cabot cut them off several years ago. Cabot and other gas companies routinely deliver water to residents who say their wells were ruined by drilling operations.

"Cabot's entire case against Ray Kemble is a weak attempt to distract people from the harm they've caused in Dimock and elsewhere," said Scott Edwards, a lawyer for Food & Water Watch.

Kemble, who has traveled the country speaking about his experience with the gas industry, asserts Cabot polluted his water supply anew after he and other Dimock homeowners entered into a confidential 2012 settlement of their earlier contamination claims against the company.

"You don't think I'm going to say something?" he said Monday.

State inspectors have issued about 900 citations to Cabot since the drilling boom began in Pennsylvania more than a decade ago, more than 500 of them over environmental health and safety issues and the rest for paperwork errors. Cabot, one of the most prolific producers in the nation's No. 2 gas-drilling state, has about 770 active shale gas wells in Pennsylvania.

Stark said the company learned from its early mistakes and "because of that learning, hands down, we are the best operator."
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Justice Minister Sergio Moro presented an anti-crime bill Monday that seeks to toughen Brazil's approach to organized crime, corruption and violence.

Key measures include obligating convicts to begin serving their sentences after a first appeal is denied, categorizing militias and drug trafficking gangs as organized criminal groups and cracking down on illegal campaign finance.

"We want to be more rigorous with more serious crimes," Moro told reporters after presenting his bill to state governors and key public security officials in Brasilia.

Passing the measure will be Moro's first big test since he was named justice minister.

The former judge surprised many of his supporters last year when he abandoned the vast "Car Wash" anti-graft probe he helped create and led for years to join the ranks of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's administration.

The investigation has put dozens of politicians and business leaders behind bars, including ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a fact that somewhat paved the way for Bolsonaro's victory.

FILE - In this Nov. 23, 2018 file photo, former Judge Sergio Moro participates in an anti-corruption conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Moro, who is now Brazil's justice minister, announced Monday, feb. 4, 2019, legislation that seeks to overhaul how the nation combats organized crime, corruption and violence. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo, File)

Now the justice and public security minister, Moro has the task of helping Bolsonaro meet his ambitious campaign promises: fight corruption and put an end to a cycle of violence. In 2017, nearly 64,000 people were killed in Brazil, a record for the country that has long been the world leader in annual homicides.

In the 34-page document, which will soon be submitted to congress, Moro targets specific gangs, classifying the Sao Paulo-based Primeiro Comando da Capital, the country's most powerful gang, Rio de Janeiro's Comando Vermelho and militias as organized crime groups.

The bill, aligning itself with one of Bolsonaro's most criticized proposals, would grant more protection to police officers who kill during operations, adopting a more lenient definition of self-defense.

During the presidential campaign, Bolsonaro praised police officers who killed criminals during operations and argued they should be decorated, not criminally tried.

Another key measure, one likely to stir a heated debate in congress, is campaign funding and electoral fraud. As cases of under-the-table election funding have multiplied in recent years, Moro proposes to crack down on the use of illegal slush funds, also known in Brazil as "Caixa Dois."

Before submitting the bill to Congress, Moro presented the text to state governors, who he said will be key in implementing his security agenda. In Brazil, public security is largely a state-level responsibility.

Moro also said the bill had already been approved by Bolsonaro. In a message to congress backing up the proposal, the president wrote Monday that the fight against organized crime remained one of his mandate's top priorities.
Photo: City of Kelowna

Kelowna city council got behind an innovative housing plan put forth by a local business.

Emil Anderson Construction is proposing a three-phase housing project on Ethel Street in the city's north end industrial area.

Planner Terry Barton told council his department is fully supportive of the project on this piece of land only as a test to see how residential and industrial zones can work together.

Traditionally, Barton says most planning departments in the country have separated the two uses, however, those ideas have been challenged over the past decade.

"There are a number of examples in some of the bigger cities like Vancouver and Calgary where it has been successfully done," said Barton.

"It is still under review, and we haven't done it in our city. We certainly want to make sure it's done under the right terms and conditions."

He say if it proves successful, it could be opened up to a wider area.

If it goes ahead, the rental units would be available for employees only, and not available on the market. Emil Anderson would also relocate its offices to the third floor.

"I was quite excited to see this come forward, because the inability of our last pilot project to move forward was quite disappointing," said Coun. Gail Given.

"I would also like to commend the employer in trying to solve a workforce housing issue that all too often is put on to the councils of the day that we need to do better to build more housing."

Coun. Loyal Wooldridge calls the application an innovative solution to solving some of Kelowna's housing challenges.

"Especially with the risk of homelessness and addressing it with workforce housing in the industrial area," he said.

"This is also a form of addressing the missing middle we're missing in Kelowna, especially with the amount of units being proposed."

Coun. Maxine DeHart says it's good to see an employer taking charge of its workforce.

Barton says staff will review the effectiveness of the project a year or two after it's up and running.

He says any problems would have come to light by then.
HOUSTON (AP) - The U.S. government is preparing to begin construction of more border walls and fencing in South Texas' Rio Grande Valley, likely on federally owned land set aside as wildlife refuge property.

Heavy construction equipment was expected to arrive starting Monday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said. A photo posted by the nonprofit National Butterfly Center shows an excavator parked next to its property.

Congress last March approved more than $600 million for 33 miles (53 kilometers) of new barriers in the Rio Grande Valley. While President Donald Trump and top Democrats remain in a standoff over Trump's demand for $5.7 billion in border wall funding, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has pushed ahead with building what's already funded.

That construction was often described as fencing, and the government funding bill that included construction was supported by some Democrats in the House and Senate. CBP refers to what it plans to build as a "border wall system."

According to designs it released in September , CBP intends to build 25 miles (40 kilometers) of concrete walls to the height of the existing flood-control levee in Hidalgo County next to the Rio Grande, the river that forms the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas. On top of the concrete walls, CBP will install 18-foot (5.5-meter) steel posts and clear a 150-foot (45-meter) enforcement zone in front.

Maps released by CBP show construction would cut through the butterfly center, a nearby state park, and a century-old Catholic chapel next to the river.

FILE - In this Jan. 8, 2019 file photo, Marianna Trevino-Wright, Executive Director of the National Butterfly Center, talks during an interview with The Associated Press in Mission, Texas. The U.S. government is preparing to begin construction of more border walls and fencing in South Texas' Rio Grande Valley, likely on federally-owned land set aside as wildlife refuge property. Heavy construction equipment is supposed to arrive starting Monday. A photo posted by the nonprofit National Butterfly Center shows an excavator parked on its property.(AP Photo/ John L. Mone)

Many landowners oppose a border wall and have vowed to fight the U.S. government if it tries to seize their property through eminent domain. Court fights over condemning land could take weeks if not months.

CBP said in its statement that it intends to start construction on federally owned land. Environmental advocates expect the government to use land that's part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

The refuge consists of dozens of parcels of land purchased over the last 40 years to create a corridor for endangered species and other wildlife.

The Department of Homeland Security can waive environmental restrictions to construct a border wall and issued its waiver for Hidalgo County in October . A coalition of environmental groups has sued DHS over its use of waivers, arguing that wall construction would endanger ocelots, rare birds and other wildlife that rely on refuge land for habitat. That lawsuit is still pending.

Congress last March required CBP not to build in the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge after a public outcry. But it didn't exempt the Lower Rio Grande Valley refuge.

"Santa Ana was not a big enough refuge to sustain all the wildlife down here," said Jim Chapman, a longtime resident of the Rio Grande Valley and member of the group Friends of the Wildlife Corridor.

The National Butterfly Center released the text of an email sent by an attorney from the U.S. Department of Justice. The lawyer, Cliff Stevens, says in the email that construction will begin in mid-February "on federally owned land east of Bentsen State Park."

Directly east of Bentsen State Park is a refuge tract called El Morillo Banco, which is between the state park and the butterfly center. DOJ declined to comment on the email, and CBP did not respond to several requests for comment.

Land already in the hands of the government becomes an easier place to start construction quickly, said U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo. Cuellar has introduced a proposal that would instruct CBP not to build border walls in several places that have environmental and cultural significance.

"The easiest way, historically, is to go to public lands, because who's going to fight them?" he said.

Protesters were walking Monday along the river levee where CBP intends to start construction. The butterfly center said on Facebook that a local police officer had declared all their property south of the levee to be off limits. The center says it intends to take legal action.

Chapman said that despite months of protests and meetings, he hadn't seen "any attempt" from the U.S. government "to acknowledge and to take the needs of wildlife into account."

"If you were going to design a border wall with maximal impact, you would do exactly what they were doing," Chapman said. "You couldn't do it worse."

FILE - In this July 24, 2014, file photo, a bend in the Rio Grand is viewed from a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter on patrol over in Mission, Texas. The U.S. government is preparing to begin construction of more border walls and fencing in South Texas' Rio Grande Valley, likely on federally-owned land set aside as wildlife refuge property. Heavy construction equipment is supposed to arrive starting Monday. A photo posted by the nonprofit National Butterfly Center shows an excavator parked on its property. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, Pool, File)
NEW YORK (AP) - A weeklong power failure at a federal detention center in New York City spawned a humanitarian crisis that left inmates shivering in the dark and without access to visitors on some of the coldest days of the year, advocates said in a lawsuit filed Monday.

The Federal Defenders of New York, a public defender organization, sued the Bureau of Prisons, alleging it violated the constitutional rights of inmates at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn by denying legal visits during the outage.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, and a group of Democratic state lawmakers from the city also chimed in, saying they were also considering suing over conditions at the jail, where more than 1,600 inmates are held.

"We need answers, and we're going to do our damnedest to get to the bottom of what happened," said Sen. Jamaal Bailey, who toured the facility Sunday and said there was no heat on the fourth floor.

In a ruling Monday night, a federal judge ordered the jail to immediately return to its normal schedule for lawyer visits.

If visitation is suspended again, the warden must provide a written explanation within 24 hours, Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall said. She scheduled a hearing for next week on the other issues raised in the lawsuit.

Prisoners call out to protesters and family members gathers outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal prison where prisoners have been without heat, hot water, electricity and proper sanitation due to an electrical failure since earlier in the week, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

The Justice Department said that power was restored around 6:30 p.m. Sunday and that it was working to prevent future problems. The failure resulted from a Jan. 27 fire in an electrical room, the department said.

Just as things were starting to get back to normal, a bomb threat Monday morning led to the evacuation of visitors and contractors, authorities said. No devices were found.

The Justice Department declined to comment on the lawsuit, which named the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Warden Herman Quay as defendants.

Inmates reported little or no heat, little or no hot water, minimal electricity, and near-total lack of access to some medical services, telephones, televisions, computers, laundry or commissary, the Federal Defenders lawsuit said.

Defense lawyers were not able to visit inmates during the ordeal. Lawyer visits had also been significantly curtailed during the recent 35-day partial government shutdown, inmate advocates say.

Correctional officers wore scarves and layers of clothing, while inmates had short-sleeve shirts and light cotton pants on, the lawsuit said. Inmates also reported smelling noxious fumes and seeing corrections officers wearing masks even though none were supplied to inmates, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit called for the appointment of a special master to inspect the lockup and for unspecified damages.

The Bureau of Prisons disputed allegations that inmates didn't have access to hot water. The agency said that the facility's boiler was not affected by the power failure and remained functional, and that inmates had hot water for showers and in the sinks in their cells.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, who toured the jail over the weekend, said problems arose because the boiler is old and antiquated and couldn't keep the entire facility warm on the coldest of days. The temperature in the city hit a low of 2 degrees (-16 Celsius) on Jan. 31.

Protesters gathered outside after news reports that inmates had been without heat or power for a week. On Sunday, guards drove demonstrators attempting to enter the facility back with pushes and shoves. Witnesses said they also used pepper spray.

A Justice Department spokesman said the Bureau of Prisons is aware of the pepper spray allegations and is looking into it.

The Federal Defenders lawsuit also accused the federal government of making misleading statements to the public and courts about conditions inmates faced. And it said jail officials were largely unresponsive when lawyers sought information about "troubling reports" by inmates.

The New York Civil Liberties Union, which has advocated for inmates but is not involved in the lawsuit, criticized federal officials for a lack of "honesty and transparency as to what happened."

"This is a standard Trump Administration response talking out of both sides of their mouths and not worrying about the truth and not worrying about people's lives," NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman said.

"They denied there was a problem," she said. "They either failed to grasp or they failed to care about the severity of this humanitarian crisis."

Deirdre von Dornum, attorney-in-chief of the federal defenders office, said she found the facility to be "very cold" when she toured Friday, contradicting Quay's upbeat report about the conditions for inmates.

Some inmates received only cold food for days after the fire, von Dornum found, according to the lawsuit, and lighting outages left some cells in the dark.

She also encountered inmates who reported untreated serious medical conditions and said they had not received clean clothing or bedding since the fire, forcing one inmate to sleep on bloody bedding, the lawsuit said.

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Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Chris Carola in Albany, Julie Walker in New York and Michael Balsamo in Los Angeles.

Reina Benn, 3, and her twin sister Chiara hold signs as their father, Michael Benn, second from right, keeps an eye on them as they joined other protesters and prisoners' family members at a vigil outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal prison housing all security levels, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The prison has been without heat, hot water, electricity and sanitation since an electrical failure earlier in the week. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

A woman makes a sign outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal facility of all security levels, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Prisoners there have been without heat, hot water, electricity and sanitation for a week. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
CINCINNATI (AP) - A man accused of luring authorities with threats of killing himself and then fatally shooting a sheriff's deputy and wounding another deputy who tried to help him during a 12-hour standoff in Ohio had his bond set at $10 million Monday.

A shackled Wade Edward Winn, who appeared to have injuries on his face, was in Clermont County Municipal Court in Batavia for his initial hearing on charges of aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder in the weekend shooting in Pierce Township, roughly 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Cincinnati.

Authorities say Detective Bill Brewer died from his wounds. The other deputy, Nick DeRose, was shot in the ankle. He was in court for Monday's hearing along with several other members of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office.

Prosecutors said in court Monday that Winn had faked killing himself at some point during the standoff and the two deputies were shot through a wall when they tried to enter the apartment to assist him. Prosecutors said that they will seek the death penalty.

"Deputy Brewer gave his life attempting to help a person who was admittedly suicidal," Sheriff Steve Leahy said in a press release Sunday. "This will forever change the atmosphere of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office."

Winn's lawyer, Jay Clark, said Monday that Winn has been under psychiatric care in the past.

Suspect Wade Edward Winn, right, appears before Judge Kevin T. Miles at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Clark confirmed that Winn broadcast parts of the standoff live to his followers on Instagram. He says he believes the content of his client's video indicates "he was trying to get help because he truly thought he was being threatened."

Clark also said that Winn "articulated to me that he is extremely remorseful." The attorney says he doesn't think Winn "fully appreciates exactly what happened or how it happened."

Messages seeking additional comment were left Monday for county prosecutors.

Authorities have said that officers responded about 7 p.m. Saturday to the Royal Oaks Apartments following a 911 call from a man who said he believed someone was inside his residence. The caller then said that he was armed and eventually told the dispatcher he was suicidal, according to a release from the sheriff's office.

David O'Neil, a spokesman for the Ohio Attorney General's Office, has confirmed that the caller was determined to be Winn.

Police agencies came under a "barrage" of gunfire from Winn before he was taken into custody early Sunday morning, according to the sheriff's office.

Authorities have said that a fire erupted in the apartment early Sunday, but haven't provided details on that.

Suspect Wade Edward Winn, center left, appears before Judge Kevin T. Miles, right, at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Suspect Wade Edward Winn, left, appears before Judge Kevin T. Miles at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Suspect Wade Edward Winn appears before Judge Kevin T. Miles at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Suspect Wade Edward Winn, center, is led from the courtroom after appearing before Judge Kevin T. Miles at Clermont County Municipal Court regarding a shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Suspect Wade Edward Winn, right, appears before Judge Kevin T. Miles at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Suspect Wade Edward Winn, second left, appears before Judge Kevin T. Miles at Clermont County Municipal Court in the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Suspect Wade Edward Winn, right, appears before Judge Kevin T. Miles at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Supporters and police authorities console one another before a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court in the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Clermont County Deputy Lt. Nick DeRose, left, and Sheriff Robert S. Leahy, center left, attend a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Courtroom onlookers react before the start of a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Clermont County Sheriff Robert S. Leahy, center, reacts alongside Lt. Nick DeRose, left, during a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court in the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Criminal Defense Attorney Jay Clark speaks to Judge Kevin T. Miles during a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Clermont County Deputy Lt. Nick DeRose, center, is greeted by supporters following a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court in the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Chief Felony Prosecutor Darren Miller speaks to Judge Kevin T. Miles during a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court in the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Judge Kevin T. Miles presides over a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Suspect Wade Edward Winn, in orange, appears before Judge Kevin T. Miles at Clermont County Municipal Court into the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Clermont County Deputy Lt. Nick DeRose rises to leave the courtroom following a hearing for suspect Wade Edward Winn at Clermont County Municipal Court in the shooting incident involving two officers of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Batavia, Ohio. Detective Bill Brewer died from gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Police tape surrounds an apartment damaged by fire involved in a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a Clermont County Sheriff's Office Deputy, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Pierce Township, Ohio. Suspect Wade Edward Winn was charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

A makeshift memorial stands beside police tape surrounding an apartment damaged by fire involved in a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a Clermont County Sheriff's Office Deputy, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Pierce Township, Ohio. Suspect Wade Edward Winn was charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Police tape surrounds an apartment damaged by fire involved in a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a Clermont County Sheriff's Office Deputy, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Pierce Township, Ohio. Suspect Wade Edward Winn was charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Police tape surrounds an apartment damaged by fire involved in a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a Clermont County Sheriff's Office Deputy, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Pierce Township, Ohio. Suspect Wade Edward Winn was charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
NEW YORK (AP) - The Latest on the U.S. trial of the Mexican drug lord known as El Chapo (all times local):

4:40 p.m.

The jury at the U.S. trial of the Mexican drug lord known as El Chapo has ended its first day of deliberations without a verdict.

Jurors are deciding the fate of Joaquin Guzman in his drug-trafficking case. They are set to resume deliberating on Tuesday morning.

The jury has heard testimony lasting nearly three months about Guzman's rise to power as the head of the Sinaloa cartel. Prosecutors say he is responsible for smuggling at least 200 tons of cocaine into the United States and using violence to protect his turf.

The defense claims his role has been exaggerated by cooperators who are seeking leniency in their own cases.

Defense attorney Eduardo Balarezo, center, who is representing Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, arrives at federal court, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019 in New York. A jury is due to begin deliberations Monday at the U.S. trial of the infamous Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

Guzman faces a life sentence if convicted.

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1:40 p.m.

The jury at the U.S. trial of the Mexican drug lord known as El Chapo has begun deliberations.

Jurors began deciding the federal drug-trafficking case against Joaquin Guzman on Monday afternoon.

The jury has heard testimony lasting nearly three months about Guzman's rise to power as the head of the Sinaloa cartel. Prosecutors say he is responsible for smuggling at least 200 tons of cocaine into the United States and using violence to protect his turf.

The defense claims his role has been exaggerated by cooperators who are seeking leniency in their own cases.

Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker paid a visit to the courtroom on Monday to thank the trial team.

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10:45 a.m.

A judge has been giving instructions to jurors at the U.S. drug-trafficking trial of the Mexican drug lord known as El Chapo.

They will begin deciding the fate of Joaquin Guzman on Monday.

The jury has heard testimony lasting nearly three months about Guzman's rise to power as the head of the Sinaloa cartel. Prosecutors say he is responsible for smuggling at least 200 tons of cocaine into the United States and using violence to protect his turf.

The defense claims his role has been exaggerated by cooperators who are seeking leniency in their own cases.

The 61-year-old Guzman has been in solitary confinement since being sent to the U.S. in 2017. He faces life in prison if convicted.

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7:20 a.m.

A jury is set to begin deliberations at the U.S. drug-trafficking trial of the Mexican drug lord known as El Chapo.

The judge is expected to give instructions to jurors Monday morning before asking them to decide the fate of Joaquin Guzman.

The jury has heard testimony lasting nearly three months about Guzman's rise to power as the head of the Sinaloa cartel. Prosecutors say he's responsible for smuggling at least 200 tons of cocaine into the United States and using violence to protect his turf.

The defense claims his role has been exaggerated by cooperators who are seeking leniency in their own cases.

The 61-year-old Guzman has been in solitary confinement since being sent to the U.S. in 2017. He faces life in prison if convicted.

In this courtroom sketch, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, right, is seated at the defense table with his interpreter, in the U.S. trial of the infamous Mexican drug lord, in New York, Monday Feb. 4, 2019. Jurors will be asked to begin deciding the verdict for Guzman, who faces life in prison if convicted. (Elizabeth Williams via AP)

In this courtroom sketch, Judge Brian Cogan upper right, charges the jury in the U.S. trial of the infamous Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, in New York, Monday Feb. 4, 2019. Cogan was giving instructions to jurors before they will be asked to begin deciding the verdict for Guzman, who faces life in prison if convicted. (Elizabeth Williams via AP)
ROCHESTER, Ind. (AP) - A 12-year-old Indiana boy who survived a bus stop crash that killed three young siblings has met the medics who saved his life.

Maverik Lowe's mother wrote in a Facebook post that her son on Saturday met with a nurse and a paramedic who treated him during a helicopter flight from the crash scene to a hospital.

WRTV-TV reports Jocelynne Lowe posted photos of the meeting outside a helicopter. She wrote that she'd waited three months to meet the two people "I owe everything to."

A woman driving a pickup truck struck and critically injured Maverik as he and three other children crossed a highway to board a school bus on Oct. 30 near Rochester.

Six-year-old twin brothers Xzavier and Mason Ingle, and their 9-year-old sister, Alivia Stahl, were killed.

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Information from: WRTV-TV, http://www.theindychannel.com/index.html
"Stalker: a Novel," (Alfred A. Knopf), by Lars Kepler

When the lead detective in a crime novel is introduced as an expert on "serial killers, spree killers, and stalkers," you know you're in for a rough ride. And when you read the descriptions of the killings in the early chapters of "Stalker," you'll feel like you're plunging down the first steep descent on a roller coaster - you'll want to scream with abject terror. The beginning of the new book from husband-and- wife team Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril and Alexander Ahndoril, writing as Lars Kepler, was as gripping as it was disturbing.

Police in the Swedish National Criminal Investigation Department receive a link to a short YouTube video showing a woman in her bedroom, putting on a pair of black tights, filmed secretly from the outside. Soon after, the woman is found murdered, her face mutilated by multiple stab wounds in a horrific attack. When a second video is received, Detective Margot Silverman knows a serial killer is on the loose.

The accounts of the killings are very explicit, written in vivid, sickening detail, and the first chapters felt excessively graphic. Once the hunt for the killer begins in earnest, I was happy to leave the horror of the early murders behind.

Silverman enlists a hypnotist and psychiatrist, Erik Maria Bark, to help unlock the mystery, and Detective Joona Linna (from previous Lars Kepler novels) returns to play a starring role. Bark tries to discover clues to the killer's identity by hypnotizing a brain-damaged ex-priest who had been imprisoned for a crime similar in nature to the newest stalker-video-murders. Bark scours the broken memories of the ex-priest, wondering if he had an accomplice or if he didn't in fact commit the earlier crime and the killer has been on the loose the entire time.

As "Stalker" unfolds, you'll encounter false leads, angry thugs, a drug den, closely kept secrets, jealous co-workers and improbable escapes. It's a wild ride as the killer hunts for victims and the police pursue the stalker.

This cover image released by Knopf shows "Stalker," a novel by Lars Kepler. (Knopf via AP)

The fast-paced chapters and devious plot twists left me hypnotized and eager to find the stalker's identity. Now, I might just want to be hypnotized to have the images of the murders purged from my memory.
BALTIMORE (AP) - A Baltimore hospital went on lockdown Monday after a 24-year-old employee was critically wounded by a gunman near an ambulance bay at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Lt. Col. Kevin Jones of the Baltimore Police Department said the shooter was arrested with a loaded pistol a few blocks away from the hospital. He said the gunman knows the victim - shot in the face and buttocks - but details about a motive were not immediately available.

Police later said 26-year old Jamar Haughton of Baltimore is charged with attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment, and several firearm-related charges.

"We just know that they are known acquaintances. We do not know exactly what the relationship is," Jones told reporters outside the trauma unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

The chaotic gun violence happened outside the Baltimore hospital shortly after 7 a.m. Monday. After a brief lockdown, the city medical facility resumed normal operations.

Physician-In-Chief Thomas Scalea said the shooting victim was on life support. He declined to say what the employee's job was other than they worked at the school of medicine. The person's identity was not disclosed.

Baltimore Police Lt. Col. Kevin Jones briefs the media after a shooting outside University of Maryland Shock Trauma Monday morning, Feb. 4, 2019 in Baltimore. The hospital went on lockdown Monday after a 24-year-old employee was critically wounded by a gunman near an ambulance bay at the University of Maryland Medical Center. (Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Sun via AP)

"This one is as close to home as it has ever been," said Scalea outside the Shock Trauma Center that deals with hundreds of gunshot victims each year.

Jones described the shooting outside the hospital as an "isolated" incident that appeared to be targeted. "At no time was the general public at risk," he said.

Baltimore was able to chip away at its violent crime scourge in 2018, but still exceeded 300 homicides for the fourth year in a row. In 2017, the 342 homicides in the city of roughly 612,000 inhabitants yielded a homicide rate of 56 per 100,000 people, a rate the FBI called well above that of any other large U.S. city.

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This photo provided by the Baltimore Police Department shows Jamar Haughton. Haughton, of Baltimore, is charged with attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment and several firearm-related charges after a shooting at the University of Maryland Medical Center. (Baltimore Police Department via AP)

Baltimore Police block off Penn Street at Lombard after a shooting at the University of Maryland Medical Center Shock Trauma in Baltimore Monday morning, Feb. 4, 2019. The hospital went on lockdown Monday after a 24-year-old employee was critically wounded by a gunman near an ambulance bay at the University of Maryland Medical Center. (Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Sun via AP)
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The Latest on Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and racist photo in medical school yearbook (all times local):

3:10 p.m.

A top administration official for Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says the governor is meeting with staff to hear their assessment of whether it's viable for him to stay in office.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the official was not authorized to speak about the matter publicly.

Northam has rebuffed widespread calls for his resignation after a racist photo surfaced Friday in his 1984 medical school yearbook page. Northam initially apologized for appearing in the photo, but then said a day later that he was convinced he wasn't in it.

The official said Northam is still trying to determine what's best for the state as he weighs his future.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam pauses during a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne said he's told Northam the state can't afford a prolonged period of uncertainty over his future.

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2:10 p.m.

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax is denying an uncorroborated allegation of sexual misconduct first reported by a conservative website.

Fairfax told reporters Monday that the 2004 encounter with a woman was consensual and he called the accusation of misconduct "a smear."

The Associated Press is not reporting the details of the accusation because AP has not been able to corroborate it.

The Washington Post said Monday that it was approached by the woman in 2017, carefully investigated, but never published the accusation.

The Post said the woman had not told anyone about it, the account could not be corroborated, Fairfax denied it and the Post was unable to find other allegations against him.

Fairfax would become Virginia governor if Ralph Northam were to resign or be ousted in the scandal over a racist photo on his page in his medical school yearbook.

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12 p.m.

The president of a Virginia university says Gov. Ralph Northam won't be a part of her official inauguration this week after the revelation of a racist photo in his medical school yearbook.

William & Mary President Katherine Rowe said in a statement Monday that Northam was scheduled to participate in Friday's celebration that will also mark the school's 326th anniversary. But after conferring with Northam's office, Rowe says he won't be part of the program.

Under the circumstances Rowe says Northam's "presence would fundamentally disrupt the sense of campus unity we aspire to and hope for with this event."

Northam, who is facing calls from within his own party to resign, denies being in the photo even though he had apologized for it Friday and said previously that he was in it.

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9:10 a.m.

The Republican speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates says there's little appetite to try to impeach the state's embattled governor and that he should step down instead.

Speaker Kirk Cox repeated calls Monday for Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam to step down because of a photo in his 1984 medical school yearbook that shows someone in blackface.

Northam denies being in the yearbook photo even though he had apologized for it Friday and said previously that he was in it.

Asked whether lawmakers could seek to remove Northam, Cox said lawmakers would be hesitant to do so because it would amount to overturning an election. He said there would be a very high standard for removal. He said he hopes the governor steps down instead.

He said that "regardless of the veracity of the photograph the governor has lost the confidence of the people and cannot effectively govern."

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6 a.m.

Virginia's Democratic governor, Ralph Northam, is clinging to office amid rising calls from within his own party to resign over a photo of someone in blackface in his 1984 medical school yearbook.

Northam denies being in the yearbook photo even though he had apologized for it Friday and said previously that he was in it.

The chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus said Sunday that Northam "still does not understand the seriousness of his actions."

California Rep. Karen Bass, a fellow Democrat, says she thinks Northam is being "dishonest." She has told NBC's "Meet the Press" that the Virginia governor knew this picture was there and could've been open about it decades ago with African-Americans that he's close to.

Northam worshipped Sunday at his home church, the predominantly black First Baptist in Capeville, but otherwise kept out of sight as calls intensified for him to step down.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam arrives for a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, gestures as his wife, Pam, listens during a news conference in the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

This image shows Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's page in his 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook. The page shows a picture, at right, of a person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood next to different pictures of the governor. It's unclear who the people in the picture are, but the rest of the page is filled with pictures of Northam and lists his undergraduate alma mater and other information about him. (Eastern Virginia Medical School via AP)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, pauses during a news conference in the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors office at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax speaks during an interview in his office at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Fairfax answered questions about the controversial photo in Gov. Ralph Northam's yearbook page. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors office at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, accompanied by his wife, Pam, speaks during a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Resisting widespread calls for his resignation, Northam on Saturday vowed to remain in office after disavowing a racist photograph that appeared under his name in his 1984 medical school yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Gov. Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) - Two former executives of an alumina plant in Hungary were convicted and sentenced to prison Monday for an industrial disaster that killed eight people and injured more than 220 in flooded towns and villages, a Hungarian court said.

Zoltan B., the former CEO of MAL Zrt., received a prison term of 2  years for public endangerment and other crimes, while Jozsef D., a deputy CEO, received a two-year sentence.

In keeping with privacy rules, the court did not identify the defendants by their full names.

On Oct. 4, 2010, a wall of a huge reservoir of the plant collapsed, flooding three towns and villages with about 2 million cubic meters (528 million gallons) of toxic red sludge and water.

The highly alkaline mix burned the skin of the victims, some of whom were swept away by the force of the rushing flood and drowned. One of the victims was 14 months old.

Eight other people on trial for the 2010 disaster received suspended prison sentences, fines or reprimands, while the city court in Gyor acquitted five. All 15 defendants were acquitted of all charges in 2016, but an appeals court ordered a retrial.

FILE - In this Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010 file photo, a villager walks through his yard flooded by toxic mud in the Kolontar, Hungary. A Hungarian court on Monday Feb. 4, 2019, has sentenced to prison two former executives of an alumina plant involved in the 2010 red sludge flood, an industrial disaster which killed eight people and injured over 220. (AP Photo/Bela Szandelszky, File)

Monday's ruling was appealed by prosecutors, who asked for stricter sentences, and by most of the convicted defendants, seeking leaner penalties.

The trial court ruled that MAL Zrt. managers and employees broke numerous rules regarding the storage and handling of the leftover sludge and water from producing alumina, the main raw material for making aluminum.

"The defendants' negligence contributed to the catastrophe, since they did not deal with the warning signs of a possible breach," the court said in a statement. "And they misled area residents and authorities regarding the true amount and toxicity of water accumulated due to the rule violations, which ultimately became determinant factors of the catastrophe."

The court also said the defendants did not notify authorities or were late doing so regarding the sludge flood and its toxicity. The former CEO also made willfully misleading statements about the dangers of the spill, the court found.

The amount of water stored in the 25-hectare (61.8-acre) reservoir, over 1 million cubic meters (264 million gallons), was more than twice the limit and its toxicity exceeded the permissible level.

In its ruling Monday, the court also faulted poor planning, construction and maintenance of the reservoir.

Environmental group Greenpeace called the convictions "historic" but added that questions about the responsibility of the authorities in charge of overseeing the plant - which in some cases didn't operate according to norms - remained unanswered.

"For Hungary to avoid similar catastrophes in the future, it needs independent and effective authorities," Greenpeace said in a statement. "And strong and operative laws which are able to ensure the most important principle of environmental protection - 'the polluter pays.'"

FILE - In this Monday, Oct. 11, 2010 file photo, the damaged reservoir of an alumina plant is seen from the air near the village of Kolontar, Hungary. A Hungarian court on Monday Feb. 4, 2019, has sentenced to prison two former executives of an alumina plant involved in the 2010 red sludge flood, an industrial disaster which killed eight people and injured over 220. (AP Photo/Abel Szalontai, File)

FILE - This Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010 file photo, shows an aerial view of excavators working at a broken dyke of a reservoir that contained red mud of an alumina factory near Ajka, 156 kms southwest of Budapest, Hungary. A Hungarian court on Monday Feb. 4, 2019, has sentenced to prison two former executives of an alumina plant involved in the 2010 red sludge flood, an industrial disaster which killed eight people and injured over 220. (AP Photo/MTI, Sandor H. Szabo, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Worried about a potential Republican primary challenge, President Donald Trump's campaign has launched a state-by-state effort to prevent an intraparty fight that could spill over into the general-election campaign.

The nascent initiative has been an intense focus in recent weeks and includes taking steps to change state party rules, crowd out potential rivals and quell any early signs of opposition that could embarrass the president.

It is an acknowledgment that Trump, who effectively hijacked the Republican Party in 2016, hasn't completely cemented his grip on the GOP and, in any event, is not likely to coast to the 2020 GOP nomination without some form of opposition. While any primary challenge would almost certainly be unsuccessful, Trump aides are looking to prevent a repeat of the convention discord that highlighted the electoral weaknesses of Presidents George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter in their failed re-election campaigns.

To defend against that prospect, Trump's campaign has deployed what it calls an unprecedented effort to monitor and influence local party operations. It has used endorsements, lobbying and rule changes to increase the likelihood that only loyal Trump activists make it to the Republican nominating convention in August 2020.

Bill Stepien, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, calls it all a "process of ensuring that the national convention is a television commercial for the president for an audience of 300 million and not an internal fight."

One early success for Trump's campaign was in Massachusetts, where Trump backer and former state Rep. Jim Lyons last month defeated the candidate backed by Massachusetts Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, a Trump critic, to serve as the state party chairman.

FILE - In this Nov. 26, 2018, file photo, President Donald Trump points to a supporter as he departs a rally at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Miss. President Donald Trump's campaign has launched a state-by-state effort to prevent an intraparty fight that could spill over into the general-election campaign. The initiative includes changing state party rules, crowding out potential rivals and quelling any early signs of opposition. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

"We have a constant focus on tracking everything regarding this process," Stepien said. "Who's running, what their level of support for the president is and what their vote counts are."

The campaign's work extends beyond state party leadership races, which are taking place in many key states in the coming weeks. Trump's team plans to organize at county and state caucuses and conventions over the next 18 months to elevate pro-Trump leaders and potential delegates. Ahead of the convention, it aims to have complete control of the convention agenda, rules and platform - and to identify any potential troublemakers well in advance.

That sort of organization is a leap from Trump's 2016 delegate operation, which faced challenges by anti-Trump activists in the party. Trump aides say it's the most aggressive effort ever launched to protect an incumbent.

Nick Trainer, a White House veteran named last month as the campaign's director of delegates and party organization, is leading a team of three to coordinate with state and local parties in the run-up to the convention.

Yet the efforts to protect Trump simply highlight his vulnerability, said an adviser to one potential Republican opponent.

"They're not talented, but they're not idiotic. They rightfully understand that he could be badly damaged or lose in a nomination battle. They're doing too much. It looks weak," said John Weaver, a senior adviser to former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, one of the few high-profile Republicans seriously contemplating a primary challenge.

Trump's campaign is closely monitoring the intentions of Kasich and other potential primary challengers, and aides said they expect someone to mount a campaign for the nomination. But they insist their efforts are not borne out of fear that Trump is vulnerable.

Primary challenges against incumbent presidents have never been successful in the modern era. And Trump's poll numbers among Republican voters have proven to be resilient. Still, his aides said they are taking lessons from one-term leaders who lost their re-elections after embarrassing nominating fights.

Those in the past who challenged a president both distracted the incumbent from the November campaign and offered a voice to intraparty discontent, seeding weaknesses that were exploited by a general-election rival.

Pat Buchanan's campaign against Bush in 1992 focused in part on highlighting Bush's broken pledge not to raise taxes, a vulnerability that dogged Bush throughout the campaign. In a show of party unity Buchanan was awarded the opening night keynote at that year's GOP convention. He delivered a "culture war" speech that Bush loyalists believed contributed to his loss.

As an incumbent, Trump already wields control over the Republican National Committee, which voted last month to express its "undivided support" for Trump and his "effective presidency." But he's getting a boost from well-placed allies at the state level.

In Iowa, the state Republican Party adopted new rules more than a year ago to seize control of the delegate selection process in direct response to the messy convention floor fight in Cleveland in 2016. Virtually all of Iowa's delegates had preferred Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, and they fought unsuccessfully to oppose Trump at the convention.

"It was embarrassing. It was troubling. To be honest with you, it made me mad," said Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufman, a strong Trump supporter. "Donald Trump won the Republican nomination fair and square. That was about people not accepting a loss."

The new rules, made in consultation with the White House, would make it much more difficult for a Trump challenger to install anti-Trump delegates after the caucuses. Smart campaigns with energized activists, like Cruz's and Ron Paul's before him, had been able to send their own loyalists to the national convention regardless of the wishes of party leaders or caucus voters. No more.

Going forward, a nominating committee that's already been named by the pro-Trump state central committee will control part of the delegate selection process.

Kaufman said that technically, he and the rest of the state GOP would be neutral should Trump face a primary challenge. He makes clear, however, that he's been a strong supporter of the president and doesn't see a serious primary challenge on the horizon.

It's much the same in New Hampshire, where party leaders must technically remain neutral to preserve their status as the first-in-the-nation primary. But the Trump campaign backed Saturday's election of new state GOP Chairman Stephen Stepanek, who served as Trump's state co-chairman in 2016.

Stepanek was viewed as decidedly more supportive of the president than former state chairwoman Jennifer Horn, who emerged as an outspoken Trump critic since leaving the position after the 2016 election.

Meanwhile, states like South Carolina and Kansas are openly discussing cancelling their primaries and caucuses, but the Trump campaign insists it is staying out of those discussions, noting that state parties in some states are required to foot the bill for nominating contests.

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Peoples reported from New York.
There will also likely be some discussions on the capital budget, particularly what is to become of East Middle School, and whether the BOEs strategy there will be connected to a willingness for county commissioners to fund new positions. More than a few have made clear, rightly or wrongly, they dont want to pay for additional positions if the Board of Education cant figure out how to address costs for facilities.
BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraq's president hit back at Donald Trump Monday for saying U.S. troops should stay in Iraq to keep an eye on neighboring Iran, saying the U.S. leader did not ask for Iraq's permission to do so.

"We find these comments strange," said Barham Salih, speaking at a forum in Baghdad.

Trump's comments added to concerns in Iraq about America's long-term intentions, particularly after it withdraws its troops from Syria. Trump has angered Iraqi politicians and Iranian-backed factions by arguing he would keep U.S. troops in Iraq and use it as a base to strike Islamic State group targets inside Syria as needed.

In an interview with CBS News' "Face the Nation," he said U.S. troops in Iraq were also needed to monitor Iran.

"He didn't ask Iraq about this," Salih said Monday. He said U.S. troops were in Iraq as part of an agreement between the two countries with a specific mission of assisting in the fight against the Islamic State group and combatting "terrorism." He said the Iraqi constitution forbids the use of Iraq as a base to threaten the interests or security of neighboring countries.

"Don't overburden Iraq with your own issues," he added.

FILE - In this Oct. 11, 2018 file photo, Iraqi President Barham Salih waves goodbye to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, after their meeting in Baghdad, Iraq. Salih speaking Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, at a forum in Baghdad slammed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump in which he said he wants to keep U.S. troops in Iraq "to watch Iran." Salih said the U.S. president did not ask Iraq's permission for American troops stationed there to watch Iran. He said the Iraqi constitution forbids the use of Iraq as a base to threaten the interests or security of neighboring countries. (AP Photo/Karim Kadim, File)

In the CBS interview, Trump said the U.S. has an "incredible base" in Iraq that he intends to keep, "because I want to be able to watch Iran."

"We spent a fortune on building this incredible base," Trump said. "We might as well keep it. And one of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem."

He said the U.S. base in Iraq is "perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East."

He appeared to be referring to the Al-Asad air base in western Iraq, where he paid a brief visit to U.S. forces in December. The base hosts American troops but belongs to the Iraqi army.

Trump's comments appear to have further inflamed tensions in Iraq over the continued presence of U.S. troops after the defeat of the Islamic State group. Curbing foreign influence has become a hot-button issue in Iraq after parliament elections in May in which Shiite militias backed by Iran made significant gains. The militias fought alongside U.S.-backed Iraqi troops against IS in recent years, gaining outsized influence and power along the way.

Now, after defeating IS militants in their last urban bastions, Iraqi politicians and militia leaders are increasingly speaking out against the continued presence of U.S. forces on Iraqi soil.

Trump has said he has no plans to withdraw the 5,200 troops in Iraq, which he says could carry out U.S. airstrikes inside Syria after American troops withdraw from that country.

American forces withdrew from Iraq in 2011, but returned in 2014 at the invitation of the government to help battle IS after it seized vast areas in the north and west of the country, including Iraq's second largest city, Mosul. A U.S.-led coalition provided crucial air support as Iraqi forces regrouped and drove IS out in a costly three-year campaign.

Earlier this month, the leader of one of Iraq's most powerful Iranian-backed Shiite militias told The Associated Press in an interview that he expects a vote in the coming months by Iraq's parliament calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Qais al-Khazali, head of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, or League of the Righteous, also suggested U.S. troops may eventually be driven out by force if they do not yield to the will of the Iraqi people.

Former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi also weighed in on Monday, saying Iraqi sovereignty must be respected and its interests should not be compromised.

"Iraq should not be used as a spring board to attack its neighbors. We are not proxies in conflicts outside the interests of our nation," he wrote in a Twitter post.

Separately, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer, said Monday that the safe and voluntary return of hundreds of thousands of displaced Iraqis is key to ensuring that the country can leave its violent past behind.

Maurer spoke at a press conference in Baghdad at the end of a four-day visit to the country, which included the northern cities of Mosul and Irbil. Maurer highlighted the extraordinary challenges that communities across the country continue to face, including the fact that 1.8 million people remain displaced within Iraq more than a year after major combat operations ended, with nearly one in three still living in camps.

"The returns process cannot be rushed," he said. "People need adequate housing and basic services, including drinking water and health care, as well as livelihood opportunities, security and the clearance of unexploded ordnance."

FILE - In this Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 file photo, President Donald Trump speaks to reporters onboard Air Force One, on his way back to the White House in Washington from a weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. Iraq's President Barham Salih spoke Monday at a forum in Baghdad slamming comments by Trump in which he said he wants to keep U.S. troops in Iraq "to watch Iran." Salih said the U.S. president did not ask Iraq's permission for American troops stationed there to watch Iran. He said the Iraqi constitution forbids the use of Iraq as a base to threaten the interests or security of neighboring countries. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2018, file photo, U.S. Army soldiers speak to families in rural Anbar on a reconnaissance patrol near a coalition outpost in western Iraq. Iraq's president has slammed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump who he says he wants to keep U.S. troops in Iraq "to watch Iran." Barham Salih said Monday, Feb. 4, 2019 that Trump did not ask Iraq's permission for American troops stationed there to watch Iran, describing his comments as "strange."(AP Photo/Susannah George, File)

FILE - In this Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 file photo, President Donald Trump speaks to reporters onboard Air Force One, on his way back to the White House in Washington from a weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. Iraq's President Barham Salih spoke Monday at a forum in Baghdad slamming comments by Trump in which he said he wants to keep U.S. troops in Iraq "to watch Iran." Salih said the U.S. president did not ask Iraq's permission for American troops stationed there to watch Iran. He said the Iraqi constitution forbids the use of Iraq as a base to threaten the interests or security of neighboring countries. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2018, file photo, U.S. Army soldiers speak to families in rural Anbar on a reconnaissance patrol near a coalition outpost in western Iraq. Iraq's president has slammed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump who he says he wants to keep U.S. troops in Iraq "to watch Iran." Barham Salih said Monday, Feb. 4, 2019 that Trump did not ask Iraq's permission for American troops stationed there to watch Iran, describing his comments as "strange."(AP Photo/Susannah George, File)
GENEVA (AP) - A Geneva art museum says Facebook prohibited it from promoting an upcoming exhibit with images of two statues - a half-naked Venus and a nude, kneeling man.

The Museum of Art and History took to Twitter to say it had wanted to post pictures of the statues on Facebook to promote the "Caesar and the Rhone" exhibit that opens Friday, but the social media platform "prevented us from it, because of their nudity."

The museum instead put the images on Twitter on Friday with the French word for "censored" over the statues' presumably private parts, adding: "Maybe it's time that this platform changes its policy for museums and cultural institutions?"

Facebook didn't immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.

The museum's 3 -month exhibit pulls together works from the Louvre Museum in Paris, an antiquities museum in Arles, France, and other institutions to convey Caesar's invasion of the Rhone River region running through Geneva and southeast France to the Mediterranean.

The marble statue of "Venus of Arles" was made in the first century and depicts the goddess posed with one arm outstretched and a robe draped around her waist. The first-century B.C. bronze of a bearded captive shows him with his hands seemingly bound behind his back, symbolizing Rome's triumph over Gallic tribes.

This image made available on Monday Feb. 4, 2019 by Musee Departemental Arles Antique shows a bronze "Statue of a captive" dating from the first century B.C.. A Geneva art museum said on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, that Facebook had prohibited it from promoting an upcoming exhibit entitled "Caesar and the Rhone" on the social media platform with an image of the statue, citing concerns about nudity. (Jean-Luc Maby/Musee Departemental Arles Antique via AP)

Museum of Art and History spokeswoman Sylvie Treglia-Detraz said a first attempt to post the images drew a Facebook response: "We don't allow ads that depict nudity, even if it isn't sexual in nature. This includes the use of nudity for artistic or educational purposes."

The issue strikes at the differing attitudes about nudity in Europe, where topless and even nude beaches and parks aren't unusual, and in the United States, where government officials have been known to cover up topless statues.
NEW YORK (AP) - After nearly three months of testimony about a vast drug-smuggling conspiracy steeped in violence, a jury began deliberations Monday at the U.S. trial of the infamous Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

The day ended without jurors reaching a verdict for Guzman, who faces life in prison if convicted. They were to resume deliberations Tuesday morning.

The jury has heard months of testimony about Guzman's rise to power as the head of the Sinaloa cartel. Prosecutors say he is responsible for smuggling at least 200 tons of cocaine into the United States and for a wave of killings in turf wars with other cartels.

Guzman, 61, is notorious for escaping from prison twice in Mexico. In closing arguments, prosecutor Andrea Goldbarg said he was plotting yet another breakout when was he was sent in 2017 to the U.S., where he has been in solitary confinement ever since.

The defendant wanted to escape "because he is guilty and he never wanted to be in a position where he would have to answer for his crimes," Goldbarg told the jury. "He wanted to avoid sitting right there. In front of you."

The defense claims Guzman's role has been exaggerated by cooperating witnesses who are seeking leniency in their own cases. In his closing, defense attorney Jeffrey Lichtman assailed the case as a "fantasy" and urged the jury not to believe cooperators who "lie, steal, cheat, deal drugs and kill people" for a living.

In this courtroom sketch, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, right, is seated at the defense table with his interpreter, in the U.S. trial of the infamous Mexican drug lord, in New York, Monday Feb. 4, 2019. Jurors will be asked to begin deciding the verdict for Guzman, who faces life in prison if convicted. (Elizabeth Williams via AP)

Last week, newly unsealed court papers revealed disturbing allegations not heard by the jury - that Guzman had sex with girls as young as 13. A Colombian drug trafficker told investigators that the kingpin paid $5,000 to have the girls brought to him, and that he sometimes drugged them, the papers say.

The start of the proceedings Monday was briefly delayed after two jurors indicated to the judge they were aware of reports about the alleged sex crimes. He questioned both behind closed doors before allowing them to remain on the jury.

The unsealing of the documents came at the request of The New York Times and Vice News. U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan had ordered prosecutors to review the material - originally sealed because it was deemed unrelated to the drug charges - and make portions of it public within four days of the government resting its case against Guzman.

Guzman's attorneys said their client denies the allegations.

Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, on a visit to New York City, stopped by the courtroom, with the jury not present, to thank the government's trial team.

FILE - In this Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014 file photo, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, center, is escorted to a helicopter in handcuffs by Mexican navy marines at a hanger in Mexico City, after he was captured overnight in the beach resort town of Mazatlan. The New York trial of Guzman is drawing to a close, but the question of controlling the corruption that allowed the Sinaloa cartel to flourish in Mexico will live on even after jurors reach a verdict. DEA agent Victor Vazquez told jurors he would only work with the Mexican marines when trying to capture Guzman and other leaders of the Sinaloa cartel, because that wing of the armed forced were viewed as less susceptible to corruption. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File)

In this courtroom sketch, Judge Brian Cogan upper right, charges the jury in the U.S. trial of the infamous Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, in New York, Monday Feb. 4, 2019. Cogan was giving instructions to jurors before they will be asked to begin deciding the verdict for Guzman, who faces life in prison if convicted. (Elizabeth Williams via AP)

Emma Coronel Aispuro, wife of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, arrives at federal court, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019 in New York. The jury has begun deliberations Monday at the U.S. trial of the infamous Mexican drug lord Guzman. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

Emma Coronel Aispuro, wife of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, arrives at federal court, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019 in New York. The jury has begun deliberations Monday at the U.S. trial of the infamous Mexican drug lord Guzman. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Days after the official launch of his presidential bid, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker announced key staff hires in several early voting states on Monday, naming veteran political operatives to head up his campaign in some of the first critical battlegrounds of the 2020 voting calendar.

The hiring moves are the New Jersey Democrat's push for strength in some of the places where presidential hopefuls must mark successes if they're going to build crucial momentum leading into the primaries and caucuses.

Booker has named state directors in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. In Iowa, Mike Frosolone served as caucus director for the state House Democrats, successfully recruiting dozens of Democrats to seek office there. Erin Turmelle is leading the campaign in New Hampshire, where she oversaw the state party's 2018 midterm efforts. South Carolina's Christale Spain worked in political outreach for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders' 2016 bid and has served as executive director of the state Democratic Party.

In each state, the campaign also named senior advisors, posts that will likely fill a variety of roles and serve to formulate overall strategy in the states, where Booker and other hopefuls have already begun to spend considerable time. Joe O'Hern, a former Obama campaign field organizer and Iowa caucus veteran, will fill the post there. Former Obama campaign deputy director Sean Downey will fill the post in New Hampshire. In South Carolina, the role goes to Clay Middleton, a longtime aide to House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn and Hillary Clinton's 2016 state director.

Booker also named organizing and special projects directors in Iowa, as well as a communications team there, and a deputy state director in New Hampshire.

Booker plans to visit all three states in the next two weeks, starting with a trip to Iowa on Friday and Saturday. From there, he'll go to South Carolina - overlapping with at least one other presidential hopeful, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who's making her first trip to the state around that time. Booker plans to visit New Hampshire over Presidents' Day weekend.

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, speaks during a news conference outside of his home, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, in Newark, N.J. Booker earlier in the day declared his bid for the presidency with a sweeping call to unite a deeply polarized nation around a "common purpose." (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Booker campaign manager Addisu Demissie said in a statement to The Associated Press the hires were aimed at "growing a grassroots movement to unite Americans and make change happen."

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Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP
LONDON (AP) - With Brexit just seven weeks away, Britain's ruling Conservative Party was locked in tense negotiations with itself Monday to rework the U.K.'s divorce deal with the European Union - as the EU stood firm in ruling out any renegotiation.

Meanwhile, pro-EU and pro-Brexit U.K. politicians traded allegations about whether Nissan's decision not to build a new SUV in northern England was the latest Brexit-induced damage to Britain's economy.

Britain is due to leave the bloc on March 29, and many businesses fear economic chaos if there isn't an agreement on the rules and conditions that will replace the 45 years of frictionless trade that came with being an EU member. The uncertainty has already led many firms to shift some operations abroad, stockpile goods or defer investment decisions.

Nissan announced over the weekend that it has decided not to build the X-Trail model at its existing U.K. plant in Sunderland, England, canceling plans announced two years ago after May's government promised to ensure the carmaker's ability to compete after Brexit.

The company said it instead plans to consolidate production of the next generation X-Trail at its plant in Kyushu, Japan, where the model is currently produced. It will continue producing three other models at the Sunderland plant, which employs 7,000 people.

The company said it had made the decision "for business reasons," and it comes amid falling sales of diesel vehicles in Europe. But Nissan added that "the continued uncertainty around the U.K.'s future relationship with the EU is not helping companies like ours to plan for the future."

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at Downing Street, London, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. May's Brexit strategy took another blow Sunday when Nissan canceled plans to make its new SUV in northern England amid continued uncertainty over the country's future relations with the European Union. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)

U.K. Business Secretary Greg Clark - a proponent of keeping close economic ties with the EU - said Monday that Nissan regarded the risk of a no-deal Brexit as "a source of damaging uncertainty." He said executives at the firm had "commented on the need for us to come together and resolve the question of our future trade relationship with the EU."

The automaker's decision is a blow to the government, which in 2016 offered Nissan incentives to stay in Britain. On Monday, the government published a previously secret October 2016 letter from Clark to Nissan promising up to 80 million pounds ($105 million) in support for the Sunderland plant.

The letter also said Britain would "seek to maintain the closest possible economic relationship between the U.K. and our European partners" and would try to ensure that carmakers' "ability to export to and from the EU is not adversely affected" by Brexit.

Carmakers are particularly concerned about Brexit because they rely on complex supply chains of parts from multiple countries.

With Britain's Parliament at odds over Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May gathered pro-Brexit and pro-EU Conservative lawmakers into an "alternative arrangements working group" seeking to break the deadlock. The group was holding three days of meetings with ministers and civil servants to investigate possible changes to the EU divorce deal, which was rejected by Parliament last month.

The changes center on replacing a measure known as the backstop, designed to keep an open border between the United Kingdom's Northern Ireland and EU member state Ireland.

The border area was a flashpoint during decades of conflict in Northern Ireland that cost 3,700 lives. The free flow of people and goods across the near-invisible frontier now underpins both the local economy and Northern Ireland's peace process.

May's office said she plans to travel to Northern Ireland on Tuesday to meet business leaders and make a speech underscoring the government's commitment to avoiding a hard border. But it's less clear than ever how Britain plans to achieve this.

The EU insists the Brexit withdrawal agreement can't be renegotiated, and has already rejected some of the arrangements under discussion in London, including a time limit on the backstop and unspecified technological solutions to customs checks.

EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said that backstop remains "the only operational solution available" for an orderly exit of Britain from the EU.

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney accused some British politicians of seeking "to essentially do away with an agreed solution between the U.K. government and EU negotiators and to replace this with wishful thinking."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel also said the agreement couldn't be renegotiated, although questions surrounding border arrangements could be addressed in a declaration on the future relationship between the EU and Britain.

Speaking during a trip to Japan, she said a Brexit agreement was still possible, but first "we must hear from Great Britain how they envision that."

May hasn't spoken to EU leaders since Wednesday, a day after British lawmakers instructed her to seek changes to the Brexit withdrawal agreement she had spent a year and a half negotiating with Brussels.

But May's spokesman, James Slack, denied that the Brexit process was deadlocked. He said the government was working with "urgency" on border solutions.

"What we are doing right now is working at home on the proposal we will take to Brussels," he said.

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Raf Casert in Brussels, and Geir Moulson, in Berlin contributed to this story.

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Follow AP's full coverage of Brexit at: https://www.apnews.com/Brexit

Alba, a white German Shepherd dog, wearing a European flag stands with supporters of Britain remaining in the European Union as they protest opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Prime Minister Theresa May was gathering pro-Brexit and pro-EU Conservative lawmakers into an "alternative arrangements working group" seeking to break Britain's Brexit deadlock. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at Downing Street, London, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. May's Brexit strategy took another blow Sunday when Nissan canceled plans to make its new SUV in northern England amid continued uncertainty over the country's future relations with the European Union. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe prior to their meeting at Abe's official residence in Tokyo, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (Franck Robichon/Pool Photo via AP)

Alba, a white German Shepherd dog, wearing a European flag stands with supporters of Britain remaining in the European Union as they protest opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Prime Minister Theresa May was gathering pro-Brexit and pro-EU Conservative lawmakers into an "alternative arrangements working group" seeking to break Britain's Brexit deadlock. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Steve Baker, the Deputy Chairman of Britain's ruling Conservative Party's European Research Group arrives for a meeting at the cabinet office in London, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Prime Minister Theresa May gathered pro-Brexit and pro-EU Conservative lawmakers into an "alternative arrangements working group" seeking to break Britain's Brexit deadlock. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Former cabinet ministers Nicky Morgan and Damien Green arrive for a meeting at the cabinet office in London, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Prime Minister Theresa May gathered pro-Brexit and pro-EU Conservative lawmakers into an "alternative arrangements working group" seeking to break Britain's Brexit deadlock. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Polish government officials denied that sick cows were slaughtered for meat in Poland as European Union investigators began a weeklong inspection Monday based on a media report that beef from unfit animals was exported to more than a dozen countries.

Poland's top veterinarian, Pawel Niemczuk, said two EU investigators looked through documents and held talks with meat safety officials. They plan to meet local veterinary inspectors and visit slaughterhouses later in the week, he said.

The visit followed an investigative report by private broadcaster TVN, which included video footage recorded undercover that showed lame or diseased cows being killed at night near the northeastern town of Ostrow Mazowiecka.

A veterinarian was not present at the slaughterhouse, which is required under Polish law.

Polish prosecutors have opened a probe. But the country's top agriculture and veterinary officials said Monday that tests found no signs of disease or danger to consumers and insisted some 9.5 tons of meat were pulled from the market only as a precaution.

"There were no sick cows, only the culling procedures have been broken," Agriculture Minister Jan Krzysztof Ardanowski said.

FILE - In this file photo dated Saturday, May 4, 2002, a herd of cows is moved from pasture to a farm for milking near Krakow, Poland. About 2,500 kilograms (5,500 pounds) of meat from sick cows who were slaughtered illegally in Poland has been exported to 10 other European Union countries, according to an announcement Thursday Jan. 31, 2019, by Pawel Niemczuk, Poland's top state veterinary official. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski, FILE)

Poland is a major exporter of beef and the TVN report has sparked concerns across Europe, particularly since some of the exported suspect beef was distributed to restaurants and schools. Polish officials say the report was harming food exports.

Anca Paduraru, a spokeswoman for the European Commission, said Poland reported the problem on Jan. 29 to the EU's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, which is used to quickly track down unsafe food and remove it from the market.

Niemczuk said more than 2,500 kilograms (5,500 pounds) of the suspect meat was exported to several European countries.

The Polish veterinary inspectorate stripped the slaughterhouse of permission to operate, effectively closing it, and fired its two veterinarians, along with the regional veterinarian.

Authorities and beef producers said they were taking immediate steps to prevent such unlawful practices.

Nearly 800 kilograms (1,765 pounds) of beef from the Polish slaughterhouse was sent to France. Most was seized and destroyed but some was sold to consumers, French authorities said.

The revelations have sparked concerns and criticism of Poland's food safety procedures.

"Unfortunately, it's obvious that Poland doesn't have a functioning system of control and veterinary inspection. Or the law has been violated," said Czech Agriculture Minister Miroslav Toman, adding that 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of the Polish meat was discovered in his country.

Slovakia's agriculture minister summoned the Polish ambassador to Bratislava on Friday over the scandal and doubled the amount of suspected Polish meat sent there to 600 kilograms (1,320 pounds). Some of it was distributed to schools and restaurants.

Louise Nyholm of Sweden's National Food Agency has called it "a serious violation of food law and totally unacceptable."

Swedish authorities say 240 kilograms (525 pounds) of the meat were found in Sweden, of which nearly 100 kilograms (220 pounds) were consumed. The agency said all the meat has since been withdrawn from the Swedish market.

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Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen contributed reporting.
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - The Latest on Pope Francis's visit to the United Arab Emirates (all times local):

8:25 p.m.

Pope Francis and the grand imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar, the highest seat of learning in Sunni Islam, have signed a statement with their hopes for world peace and human understanding.

The two signed the document Monday night during the pope's visit to the United Arab Emirates. It is the first papal visit ever to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam.

The document describes itself as being in the name of "all victims of wars, persecution and injustice; . and those tortured in any part of the world, without distinction." It also decried modern "signs of a 'third world war being fought piecemeal.'"

The United Arab Emirates is deeply involved in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, which faces widespread international criticism for airstrikes killing civilians and the conflict pushing the country to the brink of famine.

Pope Francis delivers his speech during an Interreligious meeting at the Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Pope Francis arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. His visit represents the first papal trip ever to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

The document says: "We resolutely declare that religions must never incite war, hateful attitudes, hostility and extremism, nor must they incite violence or the shedding of blood."

The statement also says countries have a duty to establish a concept of "full citizenship." The UAE relies heavily on foreign laborers who have no path to naturalization.

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8 p.m.

The head of Sunni Islam's highest seat of learning has told an audience that includes Pope Francis and hundreds of other religious figures from around the world that Islam is a religion of peace that values human life.

At an event Monday evening during the first-ever papal visit to the Gulf, Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, the head of Al-Azhar, quoted numerous Quranic verses about the value of life, including one that says: "Whoever kills a person it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind."

The grand mufti said all faiths denounce terrorism in all its forms and that acts of terrorism are carried out by criminals, not by true believers of God.

The sheikh said that after the 9/11 attacks the media made Islam look like a "bloodthirsty" religion and that Muslims paid a heavy price for the acts of a few.

He spoke after the Muslim Council of Elders and the pope met for an interreligious dialogue that recognized efforts by the pope and al-Tayeb to foster peace.

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7:50 p.m.

Pope Francis has asserted in the first-ever papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula that religious leaders have a duty to reject all war and commit themselves to dialogue.

Francis concluded his landmark speech to an interfaith gathering on Monday by saying: "God is with those who seek peace. From heaven he blesses every step which, on this path, is accomplished on earth."

Speaking in Italian at the Abu Dhabi Founder's Memorial, Francis cited the conflicts in Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Libya in calling for leaders to resist the "floods of violence and the desertification of altruism." The UAE is involved in the conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Libya.

Speaking to a gathering of imams, muftis, ministers, rabbis, swamis, Zoroastrians and Sikhs, Francis said: "Human fraternity requires of us, as representatives of the world's religions, the duty to reject every nuance of approval from the word 'war.' Let us return it to its miserable crudeness."

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7:35 p.m.

Pope Francis has called out the dangers of so-called "fake news" amid ongoing propaganda campaigns across Gulf Arab countries.

Francis made the comment in a speech Monday night, saying: "Young people, who are often surrounded by negative messages and fake news, need to learn not to surrender to the seductions of materialism, hatred and prejudice."

The boycott of Qatar by Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has seen such propaganda published since its start in June 2017.

The crisis began after Qatar's state-run news agency was hacked and fake items were published.

In the time since, slanted or one-sided coverage in the dispute has been common in both Arabic- and English-language media outlets.

Pope Francis is visiting the UAE on the first papal trip ever to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam.

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7:30 p.m.

Pope Francis has condemned all violence committed in God's name, telling an interfaith meeting in the first papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula that religious leaders must be beacons of peace and promote the dignity of all God's children.

Francis warned that unless people of different religions come together to promote "concrete paths of peace," the future of humanity itself will be in doubt.

He warned: "We will either build the future together or there will not be a future. The time has come when religions should more actively exert themselves, with courage and audacity, and without pretense, to help the human family deepen the capacity for reconciliation, the vision of hope and the concrete paths of peace."

At the highlight of his 40-hour visit to Abu Dhabi on Monday, Francis also called for full religious freedom in this majority Muslim region, where restrictions are placed on non-Muslim expressions of faith.

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6:20 p.m.

Pope Francis has met with a group of Muslim elders at the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi in what the Vatican says was a "particularly cordial and fraternal" encounter.

The Vatican says the private meeting lasted about 30 minutes, and was followed by a visit of the mosque alongside Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, the grand imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar, the seat of Sunni learning. Francis later paid homage at the tomb of the founder of the Emirates.

The Vatican says that during the meeting Monday, Francis and the participants "emphasized the importance of the culture of encounter to reinforce the commitment to dialogue and peace."

Francis is making the first-ever trip to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam, in a bid to strengthen ties with the Muslim world.

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2:15 p.m.

Human Rights Watch is urging Pope Francis to use his visit to the United Arab Emirates to press its rulers about serious human rights violations in the war in Yemen and their repression of critics at home.

The rights group released a letter on Monday at the start of the first-ever papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula.

HRW says the Saudi-led coalition backed by the UAE has bombed Yemeni homes, markets and schools indiscriminately while impeding humanitarian aid from reaching desperate Yemenis.

The New York-based watchdog also says that the UAE authorities have targeted critics, political dissidents and human rights activists with arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances.

HRW called in the letter on the pope to lead international pressure to hold the UAE leadership accountable. It says that "despite its assertions about tolerance, the UAE government has demonstrated no real interest in improving its human rights record."

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1:55 p.m.

Abu Dhabi's powerful crown prince says he and Dubai's ruler were "delighted" to meet Pope Francis for a meeting amid the pontiff's trip to the United Arab Emirates.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan tweeted pictures of the meeting on Monday in what he described as "our homeland of tolerance."

Sheikh Mohammed tweeted: "We discussed enhancing cooperation, consolidating dialogue, tolerance, human coexistence & important initiatives to achieve peace, stability and development for peoples and societies."

He did not elaborate.

Pope Francis arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. His visit represents the first papal trip ever to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam.

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1:10 p.m.

Pope Francis has assured the people of the United Arab Emirates of his prayers and "the divine blessings of peace and fraternal solidarity."

Francis signed a book of honor on Monday at the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, where he met for private talks with the Emirati capital's powerful crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in the first-ever papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula.

Frances wrote in his characteristic tiny script, in English, of his "gratitude for your warm welcome and hospitality."

The Emirates put on a remarkably grandiose welcome for Francis, complete with an artillery salute and military flyover by a country that is now at war in Yemen, where the UAE backs a Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Houthi rebels.

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12:10 p.m.

Pope Francis has arrived at the presidential palace to officially start his historic visit to the United Arab Emirates as canons boomed and a military aircraft flew over trailing the yellow and white smoke of the Holy See flag.

Guards on horseback escorted Francis' tiny Kia car to approach the palace where a marching band, complete with bagpipers, was on hand on Monday for a red carpet welcome at the massive, domed structure in Abu Dhabi.

The capital's powerful crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was to welcome Francis, the first pope to visit the Arabian Peninsula.

The highlight of Francis' day comes on Monday afternoon when he is to meet privately with a group of Muslim elders and then addresses faith leaders in a show of religious tolerance in a Muslim region known for its restrictions on religious freedom.

His 40-hour trip to Abu Dhabi culminates on Tuesday with the first-ever papal Mass on the Arabian Peninsula - a gathering expected to draw some 135,000 people in a never-before-seen display of public Christian worship here.

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9:55 a.m.

Pope Francis is opening his historic visit to the United Arab Emirates by meeting with the federation's leader and a group of Muslim elders.

After that, he will address an unprecedented gathering of faith leaders in a show of religious tolerance in a Muslim region known for its restrictions on religious freedom.

Francis' speech to the gathering on Monday evening is the highlight of his brief, 40-hour visit to Abu Dhabi.

His trip culminates on Tuesday with the first-ever papal Mass on the Arabian Peninsula. It's expected to draw some 135,000 people in a never-before-seen display of public Christian worship here.

Francis arrived in the Emirati capital late Sunday and was greeted by Abu Dhabi's powerful crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

A woman looks at a monitor broadcasting the image of Pope Francis speaking during an Interreligious meeting at the Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Pope Francis arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. His visit represents the first papal trip ever to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Pope Francis speaks during an Interreligious meeting at the Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Pope Francis arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. His visit represents the first papal trip ever to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Pope Francis delivers his speech during an Interreligious meeting at the Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Pope Francis arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. His visit represents the first papal trip ever to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Pope Francis delivers his speech during an Interreligious meeting at the Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Pope Francis arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. His visit represents the first papal trip ever to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Pope Francis delivers his speech during an Interreligious meeting at the Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Pope Francis arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. His visit represents the first papal trip ever to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Pope Francis attends an Interreligious meeting at the Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Pope Francis arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. His visit represents the first papal trip ever to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Pope Francis is flanked by Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, the grand imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar as they arrive for an Interreligious meeting at the Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Pope Francis arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. His visit represents the first papal trip ever to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Pope Francis and Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, left, attend an Interreligious meeting at the Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Pope Francis arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. His visit represents the first papal trip ever to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Pope Francis, right, and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar Ahmed el-Tayeb arrive at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Francis travelled to Abu Dhabi to participate in a conference on inter religious dialogue sponsored the Emirates-based Muslim Council of Elders, an initiative that seeks to counter religious fanaticism by promoting a moderate brand of Islam. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

Pope Francis, right, and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar Ahmed el-Tayeb arrive at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Francis travelled to Abu Dhabi to participate in a conference on inter religious dialogue sponsored the Emirates-based Muslim Council of Elders, an initiative that seeks to counter religious fanaticism by promoting a moderate brand of Islam. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

Pope Francis, right, and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar Ahmed el-Tayeb pose for a photo at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. Francis travelled to Abu Dhabi to participate in a conference on inter religious dialogue sponsored the Emirates-based Muslim Council of Elders, an initiative that seeks to counter religious fanaticism by promoting a moderate brand of Islam. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)
ISLAMABAD (AP) - The Taliban said Monday they will participate in "intra-Afghan" talks in Moscow designed to bring together prominent Afghan figures, including former President Hamid Karzai, opposition figures and tribal elders - but no Kabul government officials.

The two-day meeting in the Russian capital, which starts Tuesday, is seen as another step in a process aimed at resolving Afghanistan's 17-year war, one that has accelerated since the appointment last September of U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

Khalilzad has been holding separate negotiations with the Taliban even as he presses for a dialogue that would bring together all key Afghan players.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's office criticized the meeting in Moscow, saying that Afghan politicians attending the gathering were doing so "in order to gain power." Ghani's chief adviser, Fazel Fazly, tweeted that it was "regrettable."

Suhail Shaheen, spokesman for the Taliban's political office in the Gulf Arab state of Qatar, confirmed the insurgents' participation. A 10-member Taliban delegation would be led by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai.

The Taliban have refused to talk to Ghani's government, which they denounce as a U.S. puppet.

FILE - In this Jan. 18, 2019 file photo, released by the Foreign Office, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, left, receives U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad at the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad, Pakistan. Khalilzad is in a hurry to find a peace deal for Afghanistan that would allow America to bring home its troops after 17 years of war. The main talks are between Khalilzad and the Taliban's political leadership, which is based in the Gulf nation of Qatar. Khalilzad is meeting with Pakistan, which is widely believed to harbor the Taliban's top leadership, as well as China, India and Russia, which have an interest in stabilizing the region -- and in expanding their influence. (Pakistan Foreign Office, via AP, File)

A statement released on Monday by Afghans attending the Moscow meeting described it as "the first step toward intra-Afghan dialogue." Along with Karzai, the former president, many of the 38 delegates from Kabul have held prominent government positions. Two presidential hopefuls are among those going to Moscow, including Hanif Atmar, who resigned as Ghani's security adviser last August, apparently over differences with the president.

Also on the list are powerful warlords-turned-politicians and former Taliban insurgents who reconciled with the Kabul administration.

The only woman on the list, lawmaker and activist Fawzia Koofi, has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights and girls' education, once posting pictures of her daughters on her Twitter feed asking the Taliban: "What about my daughters' education?" The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, imposing harsh forms of Islamic law limiting women's education and rights.

Karzai tweeted he was traveling to Moscow with "a message of peace, unity, sovereignty and progress for all of us; the men, women and children of our beloved country."

However, Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive, said the Afghan government should be at the center of any peace talks, adding that Kabul "would prefer the Moscow meeting had a different shape."

Abdullah said that Taliban were the biggest obstacle to peace, but that if the Moscow meeting creates "an opening for real peace talks, it would still be a step forward."

The Taliban have been staging near-daily attacks, inflicting heavy casualties on the embattled Afghan army and security forces.

The Moscow gathering is likely to further isolate Ghani, who has been irked by Khalilzad's direct talks with the Taliban as well as the U.S. envoy's successive rounds of talks in regional countries.

The Russian government has denied orchestrating the meeting. Monday's statement from Kabul said the Council of Afghan Society, a Moscow-based organization of the Afghan diaspora, was behind it.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said the meetings are an Afghan initiative aimed at laying the foundation for an eventual peace process.

"The Russian side welcomes this initiative of Afghanistan's civil society and believes that a direct dialogue between Afghans can make a political dialogue in Afghanistan more inclusive and open the way for engaging armed opposition," said the Russian statement.

"The planned meeting effectively implements the principle of a peace process led by the Afghans and owned by the Afghans, which has been approved by the international community."

The statement did not address the absence of Afghan government representatives or Ghani's criticism.

The Afghan statement issued by those attending the meeting said the participants would discuss a range of issues, from a cease-fire, supporting Khalilzad's initiatives to further "intra-Afghan" talks and ways to ensure a "powerful and democratic central government" in Afghanistan.

A statement from the Taliban said the Moscow conference aims to "open channels to reaching an understanding with non-government Afghan political groups" and that the Taliban would use the opportunity to clarify their position, based on Islamic law, for the future and an intra-Afghan Islamic system of governance.

Washington has made no comments so far about the Russia-hosted talks.

Since the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, Washington has spent more than $1 trillion on Afghanistan. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to bring U.S. troops home, adding to the urgency of Khalilzad's mission.

Reports late last year suggested Trump was considering withdrawing at least half of Washington's estimated 15,000 troops from Afghanistan by the summer.

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Faiez reported from Kabul, Afghanistan. Associated Press writer Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed.
Trump to call for unity, face skepticism in State of Union

WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House says President Donald Trump will call for optimism and unity in Tuesday's State of the Union address, using the moment to attempt a reset after two years of bitter partisanship and deeply personal attacks.

But will anyone buy it?

Skepticism will emanate from both sides of the aisle when Trump enters the House chamber for the primetime address to lawmakers and the nation. Democrats, emboldened after the midterm elections and the recent shutdown fight, see little evidence of a president willing to compromise. And even the president's staunchest allies know that bipartisan rhetoric read off a teleprompter is usually undermined by scorching tweets and unpredictable policy maneuvers.

Still, the fact that Trump's advisers feel a need to try a different approach is a tacit acknowledgement that the president's standing is weakened as he begins his third year in office.

The shutdown left some Republicans frustrated over his insistence on a border wall, something they warned him the new Democratic House majority would not bend on. Trump's approval rating during the shutdown dipped to 34 percent, down from 42 percent a month earlier, according to a recent survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

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Federal prosecutors subpoena Trump's inaugural committee

NEW YORK (AP) - Federal prosecutors in New York have issued a subpoena seeking documents from Donald Trump's inaugural committee.

A spokeswoman says the committee intends to cooperate with the inquiry. She said the committee received the subpoena late Monday and was reviewing it.

It was not immediately clear which documents have been requested.

The Wall Street Journal reported last year that federal prosecutors are investigating whether inaugural committee donors made contributions in exchange for political favors. The newspaper said the inquiry also was focused on whether the inauguration misspent money it raised to stage inaugural events.

The New York Times reported recently that federal prosecutors are examining whether anyone from Qatar, Saudi Arabia or other Middle Eastern countries made illegal payments to the committee and a pro-Trump super political action committee.

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Political death watch: Virginia governor weighs his future

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A political death watch took shape at Virginia's Capitol as Gov. Ralph Northam consulted with top administration officials Monday about whether to resign amid a furor over a racist photo in his 1984 yearbook.

Practically all of the state's Democratic establishment - and Republican leaders, too - turned against the 59-year-old Democrat after the picture surfaced late last week of someone in blackface next to another person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe. The photo was on Northam's medical school yearbook page.

The sense of crisis deepened Monday as the politician next in line to be governor, Democratic Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, denied an uncorroborated allegation of sexual misconduct first reported by a conservative website. Fairfax told reporters that the 2004 encounter with a woman was consensual, and he called the accusation a political "smear."

Protest chants, meanwhile, echoed around Capitol Square. Lobbyists complained they were unable to get legislators to focus on bills. Security guards joked about who was going to be the next governor. Cafeteria workers and members of the cleaning staff shook their heads in wonder. And banks of news cameras were set up outside the governor's Executive Mansion.

Northam stayed out of sight as he met with his Cabinet and senior staff to hear their assessment of whether it was feasible for him to stay in office, according to a top administration official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The meetings included frank conversations about the difficulties of governing under such circumstances, the person said.

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US prepares to start building portion of Texas border wall

HOUSTON (AP) - The U.S. government is preparing to begin construction of more border walls and fencing in South Texas' Rio Grande Valley, likely on federally owned land set aside as wildlife refuge property.

Heavy construction equipment was expected to arrive starting Monday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said. A photo posted by the nonprofit National Butterfly Center shows an excavator parked next to its property.

Congress last March approved more than $600 million for 33 miles (53 kilometers) of new barriers in the Rio Grande Valley. While President Donald Trump and top Democrats remain in a standoff over Trump's demand for $5.7 billion in border wall funding, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has pushed ahead with building what's already funded.

That construction was often described as fencing, and the government funding bill that included construction was supported by some Democrats in the House and Senate. CBP refers to what it plans to build as a "border wall system."

According to designs it released in September , CBP intends to build 25 miles (40 kilometers) of concrete walls to the height of the existing flood-control levee in Hidalgo County next to the Rio Grande, the river that forms the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas. On top of the concrete walls, CBP will install 18-foot (5.5-meter) steel posts and clear a 150-foot (45-meter) enforcement zone in front.

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Separating fact vs fiction in Trump's State of the Union

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump likes to describe the state of the union as he wants it to be, not how it really is.

In day-to-day comments, he routinely inflates the magnitude of what he's done, grandly claiming, for example, that he's "created the greatest economic success in the history of our country." Or he'll rewrite a campaign promise on the spot - asserting he never meant Mexico will pay for his border wall directly; "obviously they're not going to write a check."

The State of the Union address, though, is a different species than most political rhetoric and a whole different animal than Trump's visceral tweets. It's carefully prepared, thematic in nature and light on raw, "lock-her-up" partisanship. Those touchstones are likely to be reflected in Trump's speech to Congress on Tuesday night.

Still, Trump's State of the Union speech a year ago wandered from reality.

He inaccurately described his tax cuts as the largest ever (they were perhaps the eighth largest) and hailed rising wages "finally" even though they rose more under President Barack Obama in 2016. He wrongly described the visa lottery program as one that "randomly hands out green cards without any regard to skill, merit or the safety of our people," when it actually requires education or experience and extensive background checks.

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Neighbors: Plane 'sounded like a missile' as it broke apart

YORBA LINDA, Calif. (AP) - A small plane shook homes and "sounded like a missile" as it broke apart and rained chunks of metal into a Southern California neighborhood, igniting a house fire that killed four people, witnesses said Monday.

The pilot, a retired Chicago police officer living in Nevada, also died Sunday. Investigators were collecting pieces of the plane that fell into homes across about four blocks in Yorba Linda, a community southeast of Los Angeles.

"The witnesses I've spoken with say that they saw the airplane coming out of the clouds - it was still in one piece - and then they saw the tail breaking off and then the wing breaking off and then something like smoke before the airplane impacted the ground," said Maja Smith, an investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board.

Those witnesses did not report an explosion while the twin-engine propeller-driven Cessna 414A was in the air, she said.

Antonio Pastini, 75, of Gardnerville, Nevada, was the only person aboard, Orange County Sheriff's Lt. Cory Martino said.

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Fate of Mexican drug lord El Chapo now rests with US jury

NEW YORK (AP) - After nearly three months of testimony about a vast drug-smuggling conspiracy steeped in violence, a jury began deliberations Monday at the U.S. trial of the infamous Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

The day ended without jurors reaching a verdict for Guzman, who faces life in prison if convicted. They were to resume deliberations Tuesday morning.

The jury has heard months of testimony about Guzman's rise to power as the head of the Sinaloa cartel. Prosecutors say he is responsible for smuggling at least 200 tons of cocaine into the United States and for a wave of killings in turf wars with other cartels.

Guzman, 61, is notorious for escaping from prison twice in Mexico. In closing arguments, prosecutor Andrea Goldbarg said he was plotting yet another breakout when was he was sent in 2017 to the U.S., where he has been in solitary confinement ever since.

The defendant wanted to escape "because he is guilty and he never wanted to be in a position where he would have to answer for his crimes," Goldbarg told the jury. "He wanted to avoid sitting right there. In front of you."

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EU nations endorse Venezuela opposition leader over Maduro

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - More than a dozen European Union countries endorsed Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's interim president Monday, piling the pressure on embattled President Nicolas Maduro to resign and clear the way for a new presidential election.

Maduro stood defiant, rejecting a U.S offer of humanitarian aid that has shifted attention to Venezuela's western border with Colombia, where opponents were gearing up to try to bring emergency food and medicine into the country.

"We are not beggars," Maduro said in a speech to troops broadcast on Venezuelan state TV.

Spain, Germany, France and Britain delivered diplomatic blows to Maduro's rule by publicly supporting Guaido after a Sunday deadline for Maduro to call a presidential election passed without action. Sweden, Denmark, Austria, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Poland and Portugal also lined up behind Guaido, who last month declared himself interim president with the support of the United States and many Latin American nations.

In Canada's capital, foreign ministers from the Lima Group of 13 Western Hemisphere countries that took the lead in recognizing Guaido as Venezuela's rightful leader discussed additional steps to pressure Maduro.

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6 French women on trial for alleging lawmaker harassed them

PARIS (AP) - Six French women stood trial Monday in a defamation lawsuit brought by a former lawmaker they accused of sexual misconduct 1 years before the #MeToo movement.

Four journalists who published allegations from the women and eight others in May 2016 also are defendants in the case filed by Denis Baupin, who resigned his leadership post in parliament's lower house when the media reports came out.

Baupin's lawyer, Emmanuel Pierrat, said his client was the victim of "media lynching" and expects his "innocence" will be "totally proved" during the four-day trial in Paris.

The defendants said they regard the proceedings as a test of French women's ability to speak out when they think powerful men sexually harassed or abused them.

The lawsuit arose from reports by investigative website Mediapart and radio station France Inter based on accounts from 14 women who alleged he had groped, sexted and otherwise harassed them. The alleged harassment took place from 1998 to 2013.

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Virginia scandal could push newcomer into governor's office

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) - Lingering doubts over Gov. Ralph Northam's political future after the publication of a racist yearbook photo could propel an African-American political newcomer into the governor's mansion.

If Northam stepped down, Justin Fairfax would be the second African-American governor in Virginia's history and just the fourth in the entire United States since Reconstruction.

Fairfax has experienced a brief, meteoric rise through Virginia politics. His supporters have touted him as a fresh face whose charisma has allowed him to connect with voters. His detractors suggest he is unproven and inexperienced.

His ascension could mean that the racial scandal dogging Northam would end with an African-American governor trying to lead the Democratic Party to a takeover of the legislature in November and potentially, through a quirk of law, being able to serve more than one term.

On Monday, Fairfax was drawn into a controversy of his own. He denied an allegation of sexual misconduct first reported by a conservative website, calling it a "smear." Fairfax said the 2004 encounter with a woman was consensual. The Associated Press is not reporting the accusation because AP has not able to confirm it.
The police on the front lines of this get blamed, and we see police commissioner [turnover] as a result. The states attorney gets blamed. The citizens themselves get blamed. We have to also look at the other part, Smith said. Its really not about a blame game, its about a solutions game. And I wanted to say  on behalf of my family and myself and as a former person who spoke about this often  to the court that, You have a responsibility in this as well.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) - El Salvador's new president-elect won in resounding fashion, but breaking the three-decade hold on power of the country's two dominant parties means that Nayib Bukele will take office with few friends in congress.

The 37-year-old former mayor has an ambitious agenda, topped by a vow to root out corruption. To accomplish that and many other campaign promises, Bukele will have to find allies who can help.

Bukele won with more than 53 percent of the votes Sunday, topping three rivals. But GANA - the Grand Alliance for National Unity party that he carried to victory - has only 10 seats in the legislature, well short of the 43 votes needed to pass laws.

"This new government is going to be weak," said Alvaro Artiga, a professor of political science and sociology at the Jose Simeon Canas Central American University. "It's that institutionally it doesn't have legislative support."

The outgoing Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front, or FMLN, government had a difficult time of it as a minority presence in the Legislative Assembly, and it had 23 of the 84 seats.

And Bukele's promise to establish a commission to investigate official corruption modeled on a U.N.-backed effort in Guatemala is unlikely to win him friends among the FMLN or the conservative Nationalist Republican Alliance, or ARENA. That party itself has 37 deputies and its allied parties have 12 more.

Presidential frontrunner Nayib Bukele, of the Grand Alliance for National Unity, kisses his wife Gabriela before giving a press conference, in San Salvador, El Salvador, Feb. 3, 2019. Bukele, a former mayor of El Salvador's capital, romped to victory in Sunday's presidential election, winning more votes than his two closest rivals combined to end a quarter century of two-party dominance in the crime-plagued Central America nation. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Bukele will need to send a message immediately through his cabinet picks that it won't be business as usual, and avoid cronyism, Artiga said. "It can't be the friends, the relatives, all that he has accused the usual suspects of," he said.

"He can't repeat that, because people voted as a rejection," Artiga said. Bukele will start his five-year term June 1.

El Salvador is small both in size and population, with just 6.5 million people. Close to a third of its households live in poverty, and Salvadorans searching for a better life have joined recent caravans of migrants trekking across Mexico hoping to reach the U.S.

Bukele rose quickly through the ranks of the FMLN, a former guerrilla army that transformed itself into a political party after a 1992 peace deal ended the nation's civil war. He first won election as a youthful small-town mayor and then became mayor of San Salvador, the capital. But his persistent criticisms of FMLN leadership got him expelled from the party. Joining GANA - which has been a right-leaning party - was a last-minute move just to get on the ballot.

"It was always about the size of the resentment among the urban middle class toward the country's elites," said political analyst and former guerrilla commander Salvador Samayoa. "It was never that he was the best, most honest, most wholesome, most capable candidate."

Voters were tied of corruption, the lack of economic opportunities and the persistent violence.

"I voted, everybody in my family voted for Bukele because we're tired of these ARENA and FMLN governments that steal money," said 42-year-old Manuel Lopez as he headed to work Monday. "Nobody believes them."

"Two presidents from ARENA, Paco Flores, Tony Saca and one from FMLN, Mauricio Funes, have stolen everything they could," he said.

Presidential frontrunner Nayib Bukele, of the Grand Alliance for National Unity, waves while accompanied by his wife Gabriela before giving a press conference in San Salvador, El Salvador, Feb. 3, 2019. Bukele, a former mayor of El Salvador's capital, romped to victory in Sunday's presidential election, winning more votes than his two closest rivals combined to end a quarter century of two-party dominance in the crime-plagued Central America nation. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Supporters of the Grand National Alliance for Unity cheer for their presidential candidate Nayib Bukele in San Salvador, El Salvador, Feb. 3, 2019. Bukele, a former mayor of El Salvador's capital, was making a strong run Sunday to end a quarter century of two-party dominance in the crime-plagued Central American nation. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Supporters of the Grand National Alliance for Unity cheer for their presidential candidate Nayib Bukele in San Salvador, El Salvador, Feb. 3, 2019. Bukele, a former mayor of El Salvador's capital, was making a strong run Sunday to end a quarter century of two-party dominance in the crime-plagued Central American nation. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Presidential candidate for the Alianza Republicana Nacionalista party (ARENA), Carlos Calleja, and his wife Andrea give a thumbs up to the press, showing their thumbs are inked which means they voted, during the presidential election in San Salvador, El Salvador, Feb. 3, 2019. Salvadorans are choosing from among a handful of presidential candidates all promising to end corruption, stamp out gang violence and create more jobs in the Central American nation. (AP Photo/Salvador Melendez)

Nun Zoila Hernandez casts her vote during the presidential election at a polling station in San Salvador, El Salvador, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. Salvadorans are choosing from among a handful of presidential candidates all promising to end corruption, stamp out gang violence and create more jobs in the Central American nation. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

An election volunteer helps a woman in a wheelchair reach her voting table during the presidential election in San Salvador, El Salvador, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. Salvadorans are choosing from among a handful of presidential candidates all promising to end corruption, stamp out gang violence and create more jobs in the Central American nation. (AP Photo/Salvador Melendez)
When Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam refused to resign last week, he did so in the shadow of a Capitol built by a founding father and a slave owner, in the former seat of the Confederacy still wrestling with what to do about statues that honor those who fought to preserve slavery.

The 35-year-old photo on his yearbook page of a person in blackface and another person in a Ku Klux Klan robe has brought about a stunning reversal of fortune in Northam's political career and laid bare for the nation just how deeply racist behavior remains interwoven in American culture, institutions and politics. In rejecting calls to step down, the 59-year-old white son of Virginia came across to many African-Americans as displaying a sense of white privilege.

"What we have learned over the last 24 hours along with all the incidents of the last two years brings front and center the need for this nation to deal with the question of race once and for all," NAACP President Derrick Johnson said in an interview Saturday. "Because we have (President Donald) Trump in the White House, who has created a political landscape of intolerance and racial hatred, this has exposed a wound that has been festering for a while now."

The incident came on the first day of Black History Month and as Virginians prepare to mark the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to the settlement of Jamestown.

"I think a lot of black folks are tired of apologies and talking," said Wes Bellamy, a councilman in Charlottesville, Virginia, who has worked for the removal of Confederate statues in the city. "This is another ugly stain on our state's history. We are going to have to commit ourselves to making this right - not just with our words, but with our resources."

Should Northam, a Democrat, ultimately step down, Lt. Gov Justin Fairfax would become the second black governor in the South since Reconstruction. Last month, Fairfax, the only black official currently elected statewide, sat down in protest as the Virginia Senate recognized Lee-Jackson Day, which honors Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, accompanied by his wife, Pam, speaks during a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Resisting widespread calls for his resignation, Northam on Saturday vowed to remain in office after disavowing a racist photograph that appeared under his name in his 1984 medical school yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia is still healing from the racial wounds inflicted in August 2017, when white supremacists marched on Charlottesville to protest the removal of a statue of Lee. Many of the mostly white men who converged on the city chanting racist slogans and burning torches were about the same age that Northam would've been as a student at Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Northam's age belies the assumption that their actions reflected the tenor and tone of the era. In 1984 when the photograph was included in Northam's yearbook page, civil rights activist Jesse Jackson was running for president. Pioneering black entertainer Bill Cosby was the star of one of America's most popular television shows. African-Americans were climbing the nation's social, professional, political and economic ladders at unprecedented speed.

In his initial apology, Northam said that the photo does not represent who he is now. A day later, he denied being in the photograph at all, while admitting to wearing blackface to imitate Michael Jackson at a dance contest.

The incident is the third in recent weeks: Last month, Florida's secretary of state resigned after photos from a 2005 Halloween party showed him in blackface dressed as a Hurricane Katrina victim. Also last month, videos surfaced of people in blackface at the University of Oklahoma, including a man walking near campus. Two students withdrew from the university and apologized.

Such incidents are not only hurtful; they can be harmful when they happen at institutions of higher learning and are perpetrated by people who go on to impact the lives of people of color as decision-makers - from politicians to doctors. A recent University of Virginia study showed that black Americans are systematically undertreated for pain relative to white patients, and that white laypeople and medical students and residents hold false beliefs about the biological differences between the races - beliefs that can affect the perception and treatment of black patients.

The trust Northam, a pediatric neurologist, established with his patients was not unlike the faith he sought from voters. In running for governor, many people - including the 87 percent of black voters who supported him - saw Northam as a candidate who belongs to a party associated with justice and equality, who ran against an opponent tied to a president who has been accused of racism.

Their vote for Northam was, in part, a rejection of those views and beliefs. The governor's defiance amid the roar for him to step aside among even his Democratic colleagues, black and white, casts doubt on Northam's ability to represent these voters going forward, said NAACP President Johnson.

"If we cannot recognize African-Americans are full citizens entitled to humane treatment by our public policy makers, how can we expect public policy to meet the needs and interests of those communities being portrayed as less than human?" Johnson asked.

It also raises a critical question: In politics, should sincerity and repentance for a racist past matter more than the hurt feelings of Americans who live on the receiving end of racism?

Northam's lieutenant governor doesn't think so.

"I have worked closely with Ralph Northam over many years. He has been a friend to me and has treated my family and me with hospitality and respect," Fairfax wrote in a statement Saturday, noting that he is a descendant of people enslaved in Virginia. "While his career has been marked by service to children, soldiers and constituents, I cannot condone the actions from his past that, at the very least, suggest a comfort with Virginia's darker history of white supremacy, racial stereotyping, and intimidation."

Fairfax has not called for Northam's resignation, but by Sunday, he was one of the few Democrats who had spoken publicly and not called for him to step down.

Northam "doesn't want to go down on something he doesn't think he did," said Anthea Butler, a University of Pennsylvania religion professor who has written about politics. "I don't know how he thinks he can show up in the black community. He's hobbling what he can do for his African-American constituents, and we're asked to do the labor of forgiveness and healing. We're over it. Why should he be allowed to stay?"

His stance illustrates how many Americans have come to view racism since the end of legally-enforced segregation, defined by only the most egregious, blatant examples like using the N-word or the Ku Klux Klan.

"That's the boundary. Everything else is not," said Carol Anderson, Emory University African American studies professor and author of 'White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide.'

"Unless you're burning a cross, you're not racist," Anderson said. "But racism since the Civil Rights Movement is deceptively structural."

___

Whack is The Associated Press' national writer on race and ethnicity. Follow her work on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emarvelous.
Blogger Truong Duy Nhat stands trial in the Vietnamese city of Danang in March 2014 after criticizing the communist leadership (C) stands trial at a local People's Court in the central city of Da Nang on March 4, 2014. Popular Vietnamese blogger and journalist Truong Duy Nhat was jailed for two years for posting articles critical of the communist government and leaders, his lawyer said. AFP PHOTO/Vietnam News AgencyBlogger Truong Duy Nhat (C) stands trial at a local People's Court in the central city of Da Nang on March 4, 2014. Popular Vietnamese blogger and journalist Truong Duy Nhat was jailed for two years for posting articles critical of the communist government and leaders, his lawyer said. AFP PHOTO/Vietnam News Agency

A Vietnamese blogger for Radio Free Asia has vanished after fleeing to Thailand, the news organization said Tuesday, as rights activists voiced fear that he had been abducted.

Truong Duy Nhat -- a weekly blogger for the Vietnamese service of Radio Free Asia, which aims to provide news to countries that lack press freedom -- last made contact with editors on January 26, a day after he applied for refugee status with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Bangkok, the US-funded network said.

"We are extremely concerned about the safety and wellbeing of Truong Duy Nhat," Radio Free Asia president Libby Liu said.

"We hope to hear from him as soon as possible about his whereabouts and to be assured that he's not in any danger," said Liu, whose organization has alerted the US State Department and lawmakers.

Bui Thanh Hieu, a Vietnamese blogger who lives in Germany, alleged in a Facebook post that the Hanoi government felt threatened enough to abduct Nhat.

Press freedom group Reporters Without Borders called on Thailand to investigate, saying the case sent an "absolutely terrifying" message to a community of Vietnamese bloggers who have based themselves out of Bangkok.

If Thai authorities turn up nothing, "that means that Vietnamese agents no longer bother with international law and violate the sovereignty of a partner country to hunt down critical voices," said Daniel Bastard, an Asia expert for Reporters Without Borders.

Nhat served two years in prison starting in 2014 after blog posts critical of Vietnam's communist leadership. He last blogged for Radio Free Asia on the prospects for change in Vietnam in light of major anti-government demonstrations in Venezuela.

Radio Free Asia quoted an unnamed associate of Nhat as saying he was "arrested" as he went to an ice cream shop inside Thailand's massive Future Park shopping mall.
This handout photograph obtained from the Alabama Department of Corrections shows Domineque Ray, 42, a Muslim death row inmate in the conservative southern US state who is battling to win the right to have an imam accompany him into the death chamber

A Muslim death row inmate in the conservative southern US state of Alabama is racing against time to have his final wish granted: for an imam to accompany him into the execution chamber Thursday.

Domineque Ray, 42, is scheduled to receive a lethal injection nearly 20 years after being sentenced to death for the 1995 rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl in Selma.

Ray -- who has also been convicted over the double murder of two teenage brothers a year before -- has converted to Islam since his arrest.

His attorneys say their client's faith is of "the utmost importance" in his life: he added Hakim as a middle name, keeps a full beard and wears the traditional kufi -- a brimless, short and rounded cap.

As his scheduled execution draws near, Ray asked Alabama prison authorities to grant his last wish.

But the state says such a move would violate execution protocol, which allows inmates the right to have the spiritual advisor of their choice at their side up to the chamber's door -- but not inside.

Alabama law does allow for a state prison chaplain to be present inside the death chamber -- but that chaplain is also seen as a "member of the execution team."

Ray filed an 11th hour motion with the courts last week, but on Friday, a federal judge refused his request.

The state of Alabama "cannot permit even a slight chance of interference with an execution," Judge Keith Watkins said in his ruling.

"Ray's private spiritual advisor is untrained, inexperienced, and outside the State's control."

- 'A Christian event' -

Ray's attorneys have appealed and are hoping for success before Thursday.

They say Alabama authorities are denying Ray his First Amendment right to freedom of religion.

Executions in the United States

"The State of Alabama allows the inmate of Christian faith to have a spiritual advisor guiding them in the transition to the after-life," said Hassan Shibly, an attorney and member of the Council on American Islamic Relations.

"In giving this advantage to Christians and denying it to citizens of other faiths, it violates the Constitution."

As for the practical considerations mentioned by the federal judge, Shibly dismisses them, saying, "I am an attorney and an imam -- I am willing to volunteer" to help Ray, while respecting prison rules.

Each of the 20 US states that use capital punishment sets its own parameters for executions, according to Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center.

In most cases, the condemned inmate can ask for someone to accompany them to the chamber door, so refusing Ray's request in that case could be justified.

But Alabama "requires that a Christian chaplain be present in the execution chamber. No other state that I am aware of has made the execution a Christian event," Dunham told AFP.

"It should not be that much of a surprise, given the fact it's Alabama," he added. "Alabama has an history of attempting to create a particular state-sanctioned religion."

The state's former chief justice Roy Moore long refused to remove a monument to the Ten Commandments that he had placed in the rotunda of the Alabama Judicial Building.

He was eventually stripped of his position on 2003 over the controversy, and the monument was removed.

Nearly a decade later, he was re-elected as the court's top justice.
US President Donald Trump says he is determined to build a multi-billion dollar wall along key sections of the US-Mexico border in order to prevent illegal immigrants from crossing into the country

President Donald Trump has indicated he could declare a national emergency in order to force the construction of hundreds of miles of border wall to prevent migrants from crossing into the United States illegally from Mexico.

Trump is frustrated by the continuing high level of migrants, mostly from Central America, crossing the border and seeking asylum, with more than 50,000 a month detained during the final three months of 2018.

Congress has refused to allocate the $5.7 billion he wants for the wall, but there remain deep questions over whether he has the prerogatives to take the "emergency" route.

- Trump does have emergency powers -

Trump faces tough political and legal resistance to using his emergency powers to force construction of a wall on the US-Mexico border

The National Emergencies Act allows the president to declare a national emergency, providing a specific reason for it.

That then allows the mobilization of hundreds of dormant emergency powers under other laws.

Those can permit the White House to declare martial law, suspend civil liberties, expand the military, seize property and restrict trade, communications and financial transactions.

Every recent president has used the NEA, and more than two dozen states of emergency are currently active, renewed annually.

President George W. Bush invoked it after the September 11, 2001 Al-Qaeda attacks to expand the military beyond what was budgeted, and to undertake secret surveillance and employ interrogation methods on detainees widely denounced as torture.

President Barack Obama declared an emergency in 2009 over the swine flu threat, giving authorities and hospitals extra powers to act quickly against the outbreak.

An NEA emergency in place since 1979 has restricted trade with Iran. Another, dating to 2006, blocks property of people who were deemed to be undermining democracy in Belarus.

- Powers, funds limited -

Workers reinforce a section of the US-Mexico border wall near Tijuana, Mexico

But the powers are not unlimited, and can be blocked by Congress and the courts. During the Korean War in 1952, President Harry Truman sought to take over US steel factories when industry workers planned a strike.

The steel companies sued and the Supreme Court ruled in their favor, saying emergency powers did not allow the president to seize privately-owned plants to avert a strike.

In the case of the wall, Trump can expect legal pushback from private landowners along the border opposed to a wall on their land.

If Trump declares a national emergency, he could deploy more manpower to the border. But to build a wall, he would still have to find billions of dollars to fund it.

One emergency law permits the president to order "military construction projects" with money already available in the Pentagon budget. Trump reportedly might seek to divert money from ongoing Army Corps of Engineers projects to the wall.

"I'm concerned that if the president does a national emergency, where is he going to get the money?" Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow told MSNBC last week.

"I'm sure that there will be lawsuits."

- Challenge from Congress -

The NEA gives Congress the right to immediately challenge a presidential emergency declaration, and Democrats have warned they will do so.

Given that Congress has already declined to fund the wall, a challenge would likely quickly pass the House, which is led by Democrats.

Then the Republican-controlled Senate would have to decide whether they agree with the president's invocation of emergency powers to build a wall for which they haven't given him money.

Over the past month, a handful of Republicans have signaled their opposition to the president's hardline tactics to fund the wall.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is said to have privately warned Trump against a declaration.

But on Saturday, another senior Republican, Senator Lindsey Graham, tweeted that it appears Trump "has no other option" and that Republicans "need to get behind President Trump emergency declaration to build wall/barrier."
The surprise early departure of World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, barely halfway into his second term, could allow President Donald Trump to have a key lever over development lending

The search for a new leader for one of the most high-profile global organizations begins Thursday and seems likely to end again with selection of the US candidate.

The Washington-based World Bank has been led by an American ever since it was founded in the aftermath of World War II, while its sister institution, the International Monetary Fund, has always been led by a European.

Growing emerging market countries have challenged this unwritten arrangement in recent years, demanding a more open, merit-based selection process, and a greater voice in the institutions themselves.

But it is unlikely they can build sufficient opposition to the candidate put forward by US President Donald Trump, nor is Trump likely to cede a prominent position on the global stage.

That is unless Trump's nominee is so objectionable or unqualified as to unify the emerging markets as well as Europe, officials familiar with the process say.

However, if Europe were to oppose the US selection, it would tacitly be giving up the leadership of the far-more prominent IMF once Christine Lagarde departs.

"I think the developing countries banding together, organizing themselves, is hard to imagine," Simon Johnson, a former IMF chief economist, told AFP.

"Maybe six or eight years ago they seemed like they were becoming more cohesive as a bloc. I don't think they're particularly cohesive now."

- 'Time for a change' -

The surprise early departure of World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, effective February 1, not even halfway through his second five-year term, potentially hands Trump a key lever over development lenders.

Former Nigerian finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is said to be one of the qualified candidates who may be nominated to be the next president of the World Bank, seen here with IMF chief Christine Lagarde

After reshaping the US presidency, traditional alliances, trade relations and the US Supreme Court, Trump now could have a chance to influence how countries like China access concessional lending.

The bank's board will accept nominations from February 7 through March 14, and plans to name a new president prior the IMF and World Bank Spring meetings, set for April 12-14 in Washington. Any of the 189 members can propose a candidate.

As the biggest shareholder, the United States has sway over the selection of the new World Bank president but it does not have a veto and needs the backing of European nations.

Having uprooted alliances in his two years in office, and strongly criticized the lending policies of the IMF and World Bank, Trump may find it difficult simply to submit a nominee for acclamation.

Mark Sobel, who had a long career with the US Treasury Department and oversaw relations with the IMF, said it was "time for a change" in World Bank leadership.

But he agrees with Johnson that emerging market nations are less unified now than they were during the global crisis that started in and mostly affected advanced economies.

"I think that is going to depend who the Americans run and whether it's a person seen as hostile to the institution or it's someone seen as having a credible resume and will be supportive of the bank," Sobel told AFP.

"I also think that ultimately institutions are better served by having a credible person running them regardless of their nationality."

- Eroding credibility -

Potential candidates reportedly under consideration by Trump include former Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala -- who was nominated by African countries to compete against Kim in 2012 -- former PIMCO chief Mohamed El-Erian, an Egyptian-American, and former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, an Indian-American.

Former Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi is another potential candidate to run the World Bank

But David Malpass, US Treasury undersecretary for international affairs who has aggressively criticized the World Bank for continuing to lend to China and other relatively well-off countries, is said to be the leading US candidate.

Tony Fratto, former Treasury assistant secretary in the George W. Bush administration, did not mince words: "David Malpass would be a disastrous, toxic choice for World Bank president," he tweeted.

Masood Ahmed, who had a long career at the World Bank and IMF, was more diplomatic, saying that a controversial candidate with well-known views would have a harder time getting support of the members.

Ahmed, president of the Center for Global Development in Washington, said "whoever it is, it's important that it is a person who can forge that consensus and get the confidence of all the shareholders."

But he warned the continued adherence to the decades-old hold on the leadership of the World Bank and IMF, rather than relying on a "truly merit-based" process, "ends up eroding a little further the legitimacy and credibility of the organization."
President Donald Trump's State of the Union address sought to turn the page on two years of divisive turmoil

President Donald Trump urged Americans to come together Tuesday in a State of the Union speech seeking to turn the page on two years of divisive turmoil and transform him into a bipartisan national leader.

But opposition Democrats almost instantly rejected the overture, while Trump's steadfast insistence on building US-Mexico border walls promised new political strife in the near future.

At times joking, at times impassioned, Trump told Congress and a huge television audience that "we must reject the politics of revenge, resistance, and retribution -- and embrace the boundless potential of cooperation, compromise, and the common good."

The picture in the US Congress is anything but unified two years into Donald Trump's presidency

On foreign policy, Trump reaffirmed his determination to get US troops out of Afghanistan and Syria as quickly as possible. And he announced he would extend his trailblazing personal diplomacy with North Korea by meeting reclusive leader Kim Jong Un on February 27-28 in Vietnam.

Trump touted what he hopes will remain his strongest card with voters -- "the hottest economy anywhere in the world." He also called for a bipartisan push to eradicate the AIDS epidemic in the United States in a decade.

But the key aim in the speech, littered with soaring rhetoric and interrupted continuously by applause from the Republicans, was to announce a new, more inclusive presidential tone ahead of Trump's 2020 reelection bid.

The problem is that in two years of his administration Trump has driven an already polarized country into bitter, even violent debate over almost every aspect of politics.

Congresswomen dressed in white in tribute to the women's suffrage movement during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address

The divide was stark from the moment Trump entered the House of Representatives chamber, with Republicans scrumming to shake his hands, but most Democrats keeping out of the way.

And the moment Trump swung onto his favorite topic of building a wall on the Mexican border to stop an "onslaught" of illegal immigrants, Democrats angrily shook their heads. A decision by Democrat women to wear white, in honor of the early 20th century suffragette movement, was seen as a visual rebuke of Trump.

After the speech, Senior House Democrat Steny Hoyer declared that Trump "leaned on falsehoods and fear to obscure the reality of a presidency lacking in leadership and harmful to America's future."

- 'Get it built' -

The president's single-minded drive -- and failure -- to get congressional funding for that wall is at the heart of the political dysfunction his speech claimed to be trying to resolve.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, right, has clashed repeatedly with President Donald Trump over his demand for funding for a US-Mexico border wall

Democrats say that Trump's warnings about illegal immigrant murderers amount to political fearmongering and they refuse to authorize the money.

The resulting standoff has turned what might have been a relatively minor funding debate into an existential test of political strength in the buildup to 2020.

In December, Trump took revenge on Congress by triggering a crippling five-week partial shutdown of government. Democratic House speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was seated behind Trump for the State of the Union, exacted her own reprisal by forcing the speech to be delayed by a week.

Things could soon escalate, with Trump threatening to renew the shutdown or declare a national emergency so that he can bypass Congress and give himself power to take military funds for his project.

"I will get it built," he said firmly, to cheers from Republicans and silence from Democrats.

- Taliban, North Korea talks -

Trump's claims to foreign policy successes are not necessarily endorsed even in his own party.

He repeated in the speech that he wants US troops to pull out from long-running wars, such as Afghanistan and Syria as soon as possible.

"Constructive" talks with the Taliban guerrillas have "accelerated," he said in an notably upbeat assessment.

US President Donald Trump, after delivering the State of the Union address

There were cheers but the withdrawal promises have been criticized by some in the security services and many Republicans, who fear a loss of American influence on the world stage.

Trump likewise gave an update on his plan for a second summit with reclusive North Korea's Kim, whom he is trying to persuade to give up nuclear weapons.

"As part of a bold new diplomacy, we continue our historic push for peace on the Korean peninsula."

Closer to home, he dialed up the pressure on Venezuela's leftist leader Nicolas Maduro, saying "we stand with the Venezuelan people in their noble quest for freedom."

Opposition leader Juan Guaido's envoy to Washington was among the top guests invited to attend the speech.

- 'Paper over' reality -

Trump's speech began by recalling US triumphs in World War II and space exploration.

It ended with an oratorical flourish, declaring "this is the time to reignite the American imagination. This is the time to search for the tallest summit and to set our sights on the brightest star."

But it was clear that political foes in Washington were not persuaded.

Joshua Trump -- right -- a schoolboy bullied for sharing the name of the US president, was among the guests at the State of the Union address

"It will take more than a speech to paper over President Trump's consistent view that the only obligation he has is to his political base," Democratic Senator Michael Bennet tweeted.

Lloyd Doggett, a Democrat congressman, said that Trump's speechwriters could not change the reality of the current White House.

"The centerpiece of this speech was fear about a phony border crisis. There's no path forward to avoid more chaos," he said.

"It is less important how Trump reads a teleprompter one night of the year than the other 364 days of Twitter-fueled mayhem that threaten our union."
Nadia Murad was invited by Jeff Fortenberry, a Republican congressman for Nebraska, who said the 26-year-old's tale "is a story the world needs to hear"

Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad and Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido's envoy to Washington are among the top guests invited to attend US President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, lawmakers announced Monday.

In keeping with tradition, the 535 members of the US Congress may invite someone to accompany them to the annual speech, to be held Tuesday, where the president is expected to tout his accomplishments and outlines his vision for the future.

It's an occasion for the Democrats, Republicans and independents of the 100-member Senate and 435-member House of Representatives to bring guests who symbolize policy goals and bring attention to the causes they hold dear.

Murad, an Iraqi Yazidi woman who escaped the clutches of the Islamic State group to become a leading campaigner against sexual violence in war, and Carlos Vecchio, whom the US has recognized as Venezuela's top diplomat in Washington, are among the high-profile guests this year.

Murad was invited by Jeff Fortenberry, a Republican congressman for Nebraska, who said the 26-year-old's tale "is a story the world needs to hear."

"I am so honored that she will be my guest at this year's State of the Union," he added.

IS fighters swept into Murad's village, Kojo, in August 2014, killing the men, taking children captive to train them as fighters and condemning thousands of women to a life of forced labor and sexual slavery.

Murad was taken to Mosul, the Iraqi "capital" of the IS's self-declared caliphate. She was held captive there and repeatedly gang-raped, tortured and beaten.

IS fighters wanted "to take our honor, but they lost their honor," she has said about the ordeal.

- 'Tireless advocate' -

The Venezuelan opposition's representative in Washington, Carlos Vecchio, has lived in exile in the United States since 2014

Vecchio, who has lived in exile since 2014, was invited by Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who has called him a "tireless advocate for the restoration of democracy and freedom of his beloved homeland."

"I anticipate President Trump will reemphasize his administration's stance against tyrannical leaders in Latin America and in support of the people of Venezuela," Rubio said.

Venezuelan opposition chief Juan Guaido declared himself interim president last month, triggering an ongoing standoff with socialist leader Nicolas Maduro.

Britain, France and Spain were among 16 European nations to side with Guaido on Monday, following in the footsteps of key regional powers and the United States, which has refused to rule out a military intervention in the crisis-wracked country.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis meanwhile announced he would be bringing Pastor Andrew Brunson, who was freed from a Turkish jail after spending a year and a half there and becoming a cause celebre for Trump's conservative Christian base.

Democratic Senator Jeff Merkeley of Oregon will be accompanied by a Guatemalan mother and daughter who were separated at the Mexico border in 2018 -- highlighting the plight of thousands of others who faced similar circumstances due to Trump's hardline immigration policies.

Republicans on the other hand have invited border patrol agents who fiercely defend the president's fight against illegal border crossings.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam (R) and Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax are seen at an election night rally in November 2018

Virginia politics went into further turmoil Monday as the lieutenant governor of the eastern US state, where the governor is under intense pressure to resign, was accused of sexual misconduct.

Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, who would take over if Governor Ralph Northam steps down, strongly denied the allegation made by a woman about a sexual encounter they had in a hotel room 15 years ago.

Fairfax, 39, a Democrat who won election along with Northam in November, said it had been a "100 percent consensual encounter."

"There was no inappropriate contact whatsoever," Fairfax told reporters.

"Years later, now we have a totally fabricated story out of the blue that's meant to attack me because of where I am in politics," he said. "This has been weaponized and used as a smear."

The allegations against Fairfax came as Northam, 59, is facing calls to step down from both Republicans and Democrats alike.

People protest outside the Virginia governor's mansion urging Northam to resign

Northam has been fighting for his political survival since a 1984 yearbook surfaced last week that features a racist photo on a page dedicated to him.

The allegation of sexual misconduct against Fairfax was made on the same conservative website that published the yearbook picture.

At a press conference on Saturday, Northam denied that he was one of the men in the photo, which features two people standing together -- one in blackface, the other dressed in a Ku Klux Klan robe and hood.

Blackface is makeup traditionally used by non-black performers to mock African Americans and was prevalent in minstrel shows in the 19th century.

Northam described the photo as "shocking and horrific."

While denying he was in the photo, the governor did admit that he had once applied shoe polish on his face -- to imitate Michael Jackson during a 1984 dance contest.

"I look back now and regret that I did not understand the harmful legacy of an action like that," Northam said.

Fairfax demurred when asked whether Northam should resign.

"I believe that the governor has to make the decisions in the best interests of the Commonwealth of Virginia," he said. "I know that there are many others who have called on him to resign."
Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin Guzman Loera, aka "El Chapo" Guzman, is escorted by marines February 22, 2014 after his arrest in Mexico

A New York jury began deliberating the fate of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Monday after a three month drug trial that laid bare the loves, schemes and escapes of Mexico's most famous drug lord.

The 12 jurors met behind closed doors to consider the mountain of evidence presented by the prosecution and decide Guzman's guilt or innocence.

Accused of smuggling tons of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and marijuana into the United States over a 25 year period, Guzman faces possible life in prison if found guilty of the 10 felony charges against him.

Besides drug trafficking, they include money-laundering and illegal weapons possession charges.

Journalists, huddled in sleeping bags against the cold, camped overnight outside the Brooklyn federal court to assure a seat in Judge Brian Cogan's courtroom.

The trial has unfolded like a real-life telenovela with Guzman's former beauty queen wife in the audience and a parade of her husband's lovers and henchmen taking the witness stand as the onetime head of the Sinaloa cartel looked on.

Before instructing the jury, Cogan asked whether any of them had read or heard about an "offensive or suspect article" related to the trial.

Emma Coronel, wife of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, arrives at the US Federal Courthouse in Brooklyn on February 4, 2019

He was referring to a prosecution document, leaked after last week's closing arguments, that quotes one of the 14 prosecution witnesses, former Colombian drug trafficker Alex Cifuentes, as saying that Chapo, 61, drugged and raped girls as young as 13, regarding them as "vitamins" to stay young.

Guzman, dressed in a dark suit and tie, listened quietly to the court proceedings, alert to his surroundings as he has been from the first day.

His young wife, Emma Coronel, who attended every day of the trial, arrived shortly after the start of deliberations.

Cifuentes made no mention of the alleged rapes during his four days of testimony against his former associate.

The jury, which is forbidden to read or listen to media reports about the trial, cannot take the leaked document into account in reaching a verdict.

- An abundance of evidence -

After questioning the jurors, Cogan decided to press ahead.

Journalists camped overnight outside the Brooklyn federal court where a jury began deliberating the fate of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman

"I have no opinion on the verdict you'll have to reach," Cogan told the jurors. "I have no dog in this fight."

"Remember you took an oath ... to reach a verdict solely based on the evidence," he said.

In his closing arguments on Thursday, Guzman's lawyer Jeffrey Lichtman asked the jury not to convict on the basis of the "garbage" testimony of government witnesses.

Lichtman contended that Guzman was merely a "scapegoat," and that the real culprit in the drug trafficking operations was Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, the co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel.

"Mayo has been the largest narcotrafficker for decades in Mexico. He has never been arrested. He has paid hundreds of millions of dollars to stay free," Lichtman said.

Jeffrey Lichtman, attorney for Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, arrives at the US Federal Courthouse in Brooklyn

The government, meanwhile, appealed to the jury not to let Guzman escape -- an allusion to his two spectacular jail breaks in Mexico, the last one in 2015 through a tunnel from a shower area in his cell.

"Do not let him escape responsibility. Hold him accountable for his crimes. Find him guilty on all counts," US assistant attorney Andrea Goldbarg said in her closing arguments on Wednesday.

During the trial, the government presented 56 witnesses and troves of incriminating materials, including intercepted calls between Guzman and his associates, and conservations taped secretly by informants.

The defense's strategy centered on attacking the credibility of the cooperating witnesses -- former secretaries, pilots, cocaine suppliers, Guzman's top trafficker in the United States, a manager, an accountant, a former communications chief, and even a former lover.

Most are serving prison sentences and hoped to have their penalties reduced in return for their cooperation with prosecutors.

"Those witnesses not only admitted to lying every day of their lives, their miserable, selfish lives -- they lied to you here in the courtroom," Lichtman said.
I went to the Nicholas Sparks one, that was really pretty cool, she said. They had one here in a small and intimate group and it was really fascinating to listen to what the author had to say. She was an author who was just coming up and it was interesting to hear her talk about what it takes to get a book published.
Pigs symbolise good fortune and wealth in Chinese culture

Chinese communities around the world welcomed the Year of the Pig on Tuesday, ushering in the Lunar New Year with prayers, family feasts and shopping sprees.

In mainland China over the past week, hundreds of millions of people have crammed into trains, buses, cars and planes to reach family and friends in the world's largest annual migration, emptying the country's megacities of much of the migrant workforce.

Celebrations will take place across the globe, from Southeast Asia's centuries-old Chinese communities to the more recently established Chinatowns of Sydney, London, Vancouver, Los Angeles and beyond.

A woman poses for photo next to caricature of pigs during Lunar New Year celebrations in Yangon

The most important holiday of the Chinese calendar marks the New Year with a fortnight of festivities as reunited families wrap dumplings together and exchange gifts and red envelopes stuffed with money.

Pigs symbolise good fortune and wealth in Chinese culture and this year's holiday brings a proliferation of porcine merchandise, greetings and decorations.

During the Spring Festival season -- a 40-day period known as "Chunyun" -- China's masses will be on the move, chalking up some three billion journeys, Chinese state media reported.

Streets and busy thoroughfares were uncharacteristically empty in Beijing on Monday, with many shops and restaurants closed until next week.

A fire breather performs during celebrations for the Lunar New Year of the Pig in Manila's Chinatown

A growing number of Chinese are also choosing to travel abroad, booking family trips to Thailand, Japan, and other top destinations.

An estimated seven million Chinese tourists will head overseas over the Spring Festival this year, according to the official news agency Xinhua, citing numbers from Chinese travel agency Ctrip.

Researchers have also traced the origins of the zodiac animal.

Chinese archeologists found that China was one of the earliest places in the world to domesticate pigs about 9,000 years ago -- around the time when ancient Turkey began similar domestication practices -- based on research on pig bones excavated at Jiahu in Henan province, Xinhua reported.

- Prayers and greetings -

In Hong Kong, flower markets were filled with residents picking out orchids, mandarins and peach blossoms to decorate their homes -- with stalls also boasting a dizzying array of pig-themed pillows, tote bags and stuffed toys.

Year of the Pig

Thousands of incense-carrying petitioners, some dressed in pig costumes, crammed into the city's famous Wong Tai Sin temple overnight, a popular location to mark the first prayers of the New Year.

In Shanghai on the mainland crowds packed into the Longhua temple to pray for good fortune.

In Malaysia -- where 60 percent of the population is Muslim, and a quarter ethnic Chinese -- some shopping centres chose not to display pig decorations, while some shops kept them inside.

But shoppers and traders said that was usual in a country where the Muslim majority are sensitive about an animal considered unclean in Islam, and overall there had been little controversy this year.

Children play games on Kim Il Sung square during celebrations marking the Lunar New Year on Mansu Hill in Pyongyang

Next door in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country which also has a sizeable ethnic Chinese population, the Lunar New Year is a public holiday.

Events such as traditional lion dances are held in decorated public spaces while supermarkets stock up on mooncakes and tangerines.

In Japan, the capital's famous Tokyo Tower was due to turn red in celebration of the New Year -- a first for the city.

It is also the most important holiday in Vietnam, where it is celebrated as Tet.

Parades and lion dances in Western cities such as New York and London were expected to draw large crowds.

Lion dancers perform during Lunar New Year celebrations in Yangon

Beijing-friendly figures such as Pakistani President Arif Alvi and Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen extended new year greetings to China.

Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen used her social media accounts to deliver a political sideswipe at Beijing with a message highlighting the island's democratic credentials and linguistic pluralism.

"In Taiwan we are able to maintain our cultural traditions," she said in a video in which she delivered the traditional new year greeting in five Chinese languages: Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, Teochew and Cantonese.

Mainland authorities have long been accused by critics and minorities of pushing Mandarin at the expense of other languages.

China still sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, despite the two sides being ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949.

Relations between Taipei and Beijing have had a rocky start to 2019 after Xi Jinping delivered a bellicose speech last month describing the island's unification with the mainland as "inevitable".

burs-ey-jta/kaf/bmm/fox/rma
Iraqi Yazidis carry the coffin of their longtime spiritual leader Prince Tahseen Said Ali during a funeral ceremony in the northern Iraqi district of Sheikhan on February 4, 2019 on the eve of his burial

Thousands of Yazidis who survived atrocities at the hands of the Islamic State group bid a last farewell in Iraq on Monday to their spiritual leader who died last month.

The longtime head of the world's Yazidi minority, Prince Tahseen Said Ali, died in the KRH Siloah hospital in Hanover, Germany at the age of 85 at the end of January.

Incense floated in the air as thousands of mourners, both men and women, solemnly lined the side of the road to the mountaintop temple in the holy town of Lalish watching his wooden coffin go by.

Musicians dressed in white played flutes and drums as they accompanied the funeral cortege on Monday, the eve of the prince's burial in the northern Iraqi town.

"It's a day of great sadness," said one of the mourners, Abdel Khamuma.

Iraqi Yazidis line the streets of Sheikhan in northern Iraq on February 4, 2019 during a funeral ceremony for their spiritual leader Tahseen Said Ali who died in Germany in January from a long illness aged 85

His death had left "an immense void", he told AFP.

The Yazidi people were brutally targeted by the IS jihadists who swept across northern Iraq in 2014 and seized their bastion of Sinjar near the border with Syria.

IS fighters slaughtered thousands of Yazidi men and boys, then abducted women and girls to be abused as "sex slaves".

According to authorities, more than 6,400 Yazidis were abducted and only half of them were able to flee or be rescued.

The fate of the others remains unknown.

The brutal assault pushed around 360,000 of the Kurdish-speaking Yazidis to flee to other parts of Iraq, including the Kurdish region, in addition to another 100,000 who left the country altogether.

The Yazidi minority were ferociously targeted by Islamic State group jihadists who swept across northern Iraq in 2014, slaughtering thousands of men and boys and abducting women and girls to be used as "sex slaves"

The United Nations has said IS's actions could amount to genocide, and is investigating the jihadist group's atrocities across Iraq.

The Yazidi faith emerged in Iran more than 4,000 years ago and is rooted in Zoroastrianism, over time integrating elements of Islam and Christianity.

With no holy book and organised into castes, Yazidis pray to God facing the sun and worship his seven angels -- first and foremost Melek Taus, or Peacock Angel.

Of the world's 1.5 million Yazidis, around 550,000 were living in the remote corners of northern Iraq, where their holiest site Lalish lies and where Prince Tahseen was born, before the IS onslaught.

Prince Tahseen, whose body arrived in Iraq from Germany on Monday, will be buried in Lalish on Tuesday.

An Iraqi Yazidi mourner prays over the coffin of the minority's spiritual leader Tahseen Said Ali during a funeral ceremony in the northern Iraqi district of Sheikhan near Mosul on February 4, 2019

The Yazidi cause has found a powerful symbol in Nadia Murad, a former IS abductee from Sinjar who escaped and went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize for her activism against sexual violence.

Prince Tahseen was born in 1933 in Iraq's northwest Sheikhan district and was appointed head of the Yazidis at age 11 after the death of his father, who was the previous emir.

He later moved to Germany, home of the biggest expatriate Yazidi community.

Iraqi Yazidi parliamentarian Vian Dakhil has told AFP that before dying, Prince Tahseen had appointed his son, Hazem, to succeed him.
Lagarde has praised the 'substantial progress' made by the Egyptian government on reforms

The International Monetary Fund board on Monday approved a $2 billion loan payment to Egypt, the latest in the country's three-year aid program.

The latest installment brings the total paid to Cairo to about $10 billion since the loan deal was signed in November 2016.

The previous loan tranche was approved in July of last year but this fourth review of Egypt's program had been awaiting board approval since October, when IMF staff and government officials had finalized it.

IMF chief Christine Lagarde announced January 25 that the final details had been worked out, clearing the way for the payment.

Since the 2011 revolt that toppled former President Hosni Mubarak, the economy of the Arab world's most populous country has received multiple shocks caused by political instability and security issues.

Egypt has imposed harsh austerity measures to try to right the economy and reduce the budget deficit, including hiking fuel prices and electricity rates.

Lagarde has praised the "substantial progress" made by the Egyptian government on the reforms, which have boosted growth and cut unemployment to the lowest rate since 2011.

But she also urged the government "to press ahead with structural reforms that facilitate private sector-led growth and job creation."

The fund expects the nation's economy to growth 5.5 percent this year.
France is considering returning French jihadists detained in an area controlled by Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters seen here in northern Syria

France has raised the prospect of repatriating around 50 jihadists detained in Syria, creating a domestic political storm that highlights the difficulties posed by bringing extremists home.

Successive French governments had insisted citizens who left to live or fight under the Islamic State group in Syria or Iraq should face justice locally, apart from children who could be returned without their parents.

But concerns about the possible release of the detainees by Kurdish-led forces in northeast Syria have forced a rethink which could see around 50 men and women returned to France, as well as 80 children, according to sources who have spoken to AFP.

The United States on Monday called on other nations to repatriate and prosecute their nationals.

Here are five key issues:

- Relocation -

The first problem is working out how the suspects would travel from the prison camps, which are run by Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the main fighters on the ground combatting Islamic State.

There is no recognised government in the SDF-run areas between Iraq and Turkey, and the area is highly unstable because of the threatened withdrawal of US troops and a possible offensive by Turkish forces.

French special forces are known to operate in the area, alongside the Americans, who have helped train and back up the Kurds with air support.

"We are looking at all the options: we could bring them to another country, bring them back directly from Syria, or negotiate with Turkey," a French official said on condition of anonymity.

French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner has talked about the fighters being "expelled", rather than being brought back, but expulsions can normally be carried out only by a sovereign state.

- The evidence -

Like other European countries, France has repeatedly tightened its anti-terror legislation, most recently under current President Emmanuel Macron in 2017.

The problem for prosecutors is finding the necessary evidence from a foreign battleground that can withstand scrutiny in national courts.

"Work is being done together (between various French ministries) with the utmost care. We don't want to risk any procedural problems which would allow any of them to be released once they get back to France," the French official added.

Some extremists might have appeared in IS propaganda videos or had their communications intercepted, enabling the serious charge of joining or leading a terror organisation, which can lead to a 30-year prison term.

But in other cases, where prosecutors lack direct incriminating evidence -- in the case of wives who accompanied their husbands, for example -- they might have to fall back on the catch-all charge of "associating with terrorists," experts say.

- The judicial system -

Despite increased resources, specialised anti-terror prosecutors and the French court system are already struggling to deal with the surge in terror cases since IS declared its caliphate in 2014.

Experts say that hundreds of an estimated 1,700 French nationals who went to Iraq and Syria have already returned home, often ending up in court.

"The judicial system is going to have to adapt to cope with this very large number of jihadists," Jean-Charles Brisard, chairman of the Center for the Analysis of Terrorism, told AFP.

He added that France's "Cour d'Assises", where the most serious crimes are tried, "lacks resources."

"It's not sufficiently staffed for the number, the volume of jihadists," he warned.

- The prison system -

The new arrivals would also put pressure on the French prison system, where overcrowding and difficulties in dealing with Islamist inmates are long-established problems.

Marc Hecker, a security expert at the IFRI think-tank in Paris, estimates there are around 500 people in jail in France on terror charges who have already been sentenced or are awaiting trial.

"It's very difficult to handle these people in jail. You have to separate them from the rest of the inmates," Hecker said. "Or you can let them be with the other inmates and they may radicalise other people."

The detainees would be assessed by French psychologists for four months when they enter the prison system, and the most dangerous would be placed in solitary confinement.

In January last year, prison guards undertook the biggest strike in a quarter of a century to demand better pay and conditions, and to protest against the dangers of radicalised inmates.

- Children -

Of the 130 people who might be repatriated, most are thought to be minors who are likely to face major psychological problems.

"These are children who were born over there or left France very young with their parents," Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet said on Thursday, adding that some of them are orphans.

"We think that around 75 percent of the children are under age seven," she added.

Once back in France, they would be separated from their mother or father, who would be jailed, adding to their trauma.

A child's case would then be assessed by a family judge, who must decide whether to place them with relatives, or with a foster family.
In a long-awaited statement on Iran that has been the subject of more than a week of wrangling in Brussels, the EU restated its commitment to saving the 2015 nuclear deal and took aim at the US for abandoning the pact and reimposing sanctions

The EU warned Tehran over its ballistic missile programme and interference in the Syria conflict Monday, while welcoming a new mechanism to trade with Iran while bypassing US sanctions.

In a long-awaited statement on Iran that has been the subject of more than a week of wrangling in Brussels, the EU restated its commitment to saving the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and took aim at Washington for abandoning the pact and reimposing sanctions.

The bloc hailed the creation last week by France, Britain and Germany of a system to allow firms to trade with Iran without falling foul of US sanctions as vital to supporting legitimate business and said the "resolve to complete this work is unwavering".

But with numerous European powers growing increasingly concerned about Tehran's missile programme, meddling in several Middle East conflicts and recent attempted attacks on opposition figures living in the EU, the bloc urged Iran to mend its ways.

The statement criticised Iran's "provision of military, financial and political support to non-state actors in countries such as Syria and Lebanon".

"The (EU) Council has serious concerns regarding Iran's military involvement and continuous presence of Iranian forces in Syria," the statement said.

Iran is a key supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the statement urged Tehran to use its leverage to get Damascus behind UN-led efforts to end the civil war, which has claimed more than 360,000 lives since it began in 2011.

While defending the nuclear deal -- which limited Tehran's atomic ambitions in return for sanctions relief -- Europe has sought to keep up pressure with sanctions, most recently listing Iranian intelligence services over plots to assassinate regime opponents on Dutch, Danish and French soil.

Continuing Iranian missile tests have also alarmed the EU -- not to mention countries in the Middle East -- and Monday's statement called on Tehran to stop such activities.

"Iran continues to undertake efforts to increase the range and precision of its missiles, together with increasing the number of tests and operational launches. These activities deepen mistrust and contribute to regional instability," the statement said.

Brussels hopes the new Iran trading mechanism -- registered last week in Paris under the name INSTEX -- will keep Tehran in the nuclear deal by preserving some of the economic benefits it received.

Iran gave INSTEX a cautious welcome but US officials have dismissed the idea that the new entity would have any impact on efforts to exert economic pressure on Tehran.

Before INSTEX can go live, Iran has to set up a similar entity of its own so the two sides can clear trading on a barter basis without transferring money. It is not clear how long this will take.
A man in the northern Syrian town of Kobane walks amid tombs during the funeral of a fighter of the Syrian Democratic Forces killed in an offensive by the Islamic State movement

The United States urged other countries Monday to bring home hundreds of Islamic State sympathizers captured in Syria, a delicate issue for allies such as France as Washington withdraws troops.

After allies grappled for weeks on what to do with the extremists left in Syria, the United States came down clearly on the side of repatriation.

The United States said that the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) -- which played a major role in crushing the Islamic State group and has warned that it may not be able to guard its jails once US troops leave -- had been holding the jihadists "securely and humanely."

"The United States calls upon other nations to repatriate and prosecute their citizens detained by the SDF and commends the continued efforts of the SDF to return these foreign terrorist fighters to their countries of origin," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said in a statement.

President Donald Trump on December 19 stunned Western allies by announcing that the United States will pull its 2,000 troops out of Syria, declaring that the Islamic State movement, also known as ISIS, had been defeated.

In a carefully worded statement, the State Department conceded that the group still had fighters who pose concerns.

"Despite the liberation of ISIS-held territory in Iraq and Syria, ISIS remains a significant terrorist threat and collective action is imperative to address this shared international security challenge," Palladino said.

One of the countries most concerned is France, which has been hit by a series of attacks inspired by the Islamic State group including the grisly November 2015 siege of the Bataclan nightclub.

France last week opened the door to bringing back its citizens, after earlier insisting that the jihadists should be prosecuted locally.

The French foreign ministry said its goal was to "avoid the escape and scattering of these potentially dangerous individuals" and acknowledged that the situation on the ground was changing with the US withdrawal.

A French security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, earlier told AFP that 130 people could be repatriated. A second French official said the group included 70 to 80 children held with their mothers.

The Syrian Democratic Forces are worried that, without US troops as a buffer, they will be crushed by neighboring Turkey -- which equates them with Kurdish separatists at home and had encouraged Trump to withdraw US forces.
Yemeni Huthi official Abdel Kader al-Murtadha (C) attends a January 2019 meeting in Amman, Jordan to discuss prisoner swaps between the Yemeni government and Huthi rebels

An exchange of thousands of prisoners between Yemen's Saudi-backed government and Huthis rebels hangs in the balance, marred by deep distrust between the warring sides, a senior Red Cross official said Monday.

The prisoner swap agreed in Stockholm in December is seen as a crucial confidence-building measure in the UN-led push to bring the warring sides to negotiations on ending the devastating four-year war.

On Tuesday, the United Nations is hosting another meeting between the warring parties in Jordan to try to agree on the lists of detainees to be released, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) set to attend.

ICRC's director of operations Dominik Stillhart told reporters that the agreement on the prisoner exchange is "hanging in the balance," with trust among the parties "insufficient."

Each side has presented a list of up to 8,000 detainees to be freed, but many names cannot be accounted for, said Stillhart, adding that the prisoner swap realistically would involve a significantly lower number.

"There is a lot of disappointment on both sides," said Stillhart. "What we now see on both sides (is that) they don't have them all because a lot of them, they probably died during the conflict."

"The whole discussion now is who will finally be on the lists?" he said.

Yemeni pro-government forces advance towards the port area from the eastern outskirts of Hodeida as battle Huthi rebels for the control of the key city

Distrust is running high between the government, backed by a Saudi-led military coalition, and the rebels, said Stillhart.

"There are expectations that some people on both sides should appear on the list and if they are not, immediately the question is: are you hiding them?" he said.

- Extremely fragile Yemen talks -

Map of Yemen locating the key port city of Hodeida

In late January, the Huthi rebels released a Saudi prisoner who was ill in exchange for seven detainees who were flown in to Sanaa by the ICRC.

In August 2015, the sides agreed to exchange seven prisoners each.

Once agreement is reached on the lists, the exchange could happen quickly.

"We have mobilized the logistics, the planes and so on... we are ready to do it," said Stillhart.

UN envoy Martin Griffiths has been working on the prisoner swap since he took up his post as Yemen peacemaker in February 2018.

At the Stockholm talks, the Huthis and the government also agreed on a ceasefire in the flashpoint city of Hodeida and a pullback of forces, but deadlines to implement those measures have slipped.

Stillhart welcomed what he described as "the beginning of a political process," but added that it was "extremely fragile."

The Yemen conflict has triggered what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people at risk of mass starvation.

The war between the Huthis and troops loyal to the government escalated in March 2015, when President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi fled to Saudi Arabia and the Riyadh-led coalition intervened.

The World Health Organization has put the death toll since 2015 at about 10,000 people but rights groups say that figure could be five times higher.
New president Felix Tshisekedi has no military experience

DR Congo's new president, Felix Tshisekedi, sought on Monday to reassure the country's security forces that he would be as "benevolent" as his predecessor, after taking power in the country's first-ever peaceful change of leadership.

Tshisekedi, who has no military experience, has made several overtures to the powerful security apparatus since succeeding long-term president Joseph Kabila after a bitterly-fought election.

"Do not worry about anything. You are in good hands, your supreme commander will be as benevolent towards you as his predecessor," he told hundreds of troops and their families in a visit to the presidential guard in Kinshasa.

He told the soldiers he planned to check military rations and look at improving the living conditions for soldiers and their families, in a speech greeted with cheers from the crowd.

Tshisekedi met senior army commanders on Friday.

He was sworn in in January following the December polls, but runner-up Martin Fayulu has dismissed the result as an "electoral coup" masterminded by Kabila.

Kabila has stepped down after ruling DR Congo for 18 years, during which he built up a network of supporters in the armed forces and intelligence services.

Elements in the military and security forces are seen as major power brokers in the volatile nation, which faces multiple armed conflicts as well as an Ebola outbreak in the east.

In December the European Union renewed sanctions imposed on 14 officials, including top security figures, over a brutal crackdown on protest and other human rights violations.

On the list is General Gabriel Amisi Kumba, nicknamed "Tango Four" because of his former radio call sign, who was appointed deputy chief of staff of the army by Kabila in July.

The bloc has also listed Roger Kibelisa, in charge of internal security, and Delphin Kaimbi, also spelt Kahimbi, former head of military intelligence, who was appointed to another senior intelligence post in July.
Moroccans lit candles and laid flowers in memory of murdered hikers Louisa Vesterager Jespersen and Maren Ueland after their killing in December

A Spanish-Swiss man accused of having ties to the alleged killers of two Scandinavian hikers in Morocco told an anti-terror judge he was innocent at a hearing Monday, his lawyer said.

"He affirmed his innocence before the examining magistrate, who heard him out in a positive atmosphere", lawyer Saad Sahli told AFP.

Danish student Louisa Vesterager Jespersen, 24, and 28-year-old Norwegian Maren Ueland were found beheaded on December 17 in the High Atlas mountains south of Marrakesh.

Moroccan authorities have called the killing a "terrorist" act and charged more than 20 people over their alleged involvement.

The Spanish-Swiss suspect, who was arrested in Marrakesh, subscribed to "extremist ideology", the authorities allege.

He is accused of having "taught certain people arrested in this affair the communication tools of new technologies and of having trained them to shoot", according to the anti-terror unit of the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ).

Investigators say the Spanish-Swiss suspect was involved in "recruitment operations and the indoctrination of Moroccan citizens and sub-Saharan Africans to execute terrorist plans in Morocco".

The authorities allege that the four main suspects in the murder were inspired by the Islamic State group, but say they were not in direct contact with IS members in Iraq or Syria.

Morocco, which relies heavily on tourism income, suffered a jihadist attack in 2011, when a bomb blast at a Marrakesh cafe killed 17 people, mostly European tourists.
Virginia-based Gannett, which also owns several large regional US dailies, says it is confident of its strategy to remain independent

USA Today publisher Gannett said Monday its board unanimously rejected a $1.4 billion takeover offer from rival Digital First Media that would merge two of the largest US newspaper groups.

A statement said the offer last month from hedge fund-backed Digital First "undervalues Gannett and is not in the best interests of Gannett and its shareholders."

Gannett also maintained that it does not believe the offer is "credible," doubting the ability of the rival newspaper group to finance the deal and win regulatory approval.

Virginia-based Gannett, which also owns several large regional US dailies, said it was confident of its strategy to remain independent.

"Our board of directors is confident that Gannett has significant value creation potential," said Jeffry Louis, chairman of the Gannett board.

"We know there are challenges that face us and our industry. We firmly believe, however, that given our operational expertise, our focus on evolving our business model, and our unwavering commitment to remaining a trusted source of news, we are uniquely positioned to grow this company and its valuable assets."

Digital First, which is controlled by the New York hedge fund Alden Global Capital, has a reputation for buying struggling newspapers and then slashing costs.

It operates dozens of newspapers including the Denver Post in Colorado and San Jose Mercury News in California.

At the Denver Post, Digital First has been locked in confrontation with staff, who claim editorial interference and oppose deep job cuts.

Gannett's statement said it was willing to meet Digital First executives since they had acquired a significant stake in Gannett.

"We are always willing to meet with our shareholders," Louis said in a letter to Digital First chairman Joseph Fuchs.

Gannett said however it was not willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that would enable Digital First to see detailed financial information until it has more details on the takeover proposal.

Gannett questioned the motives behind the offer, suggesting that the NDA was a "distraction" designed to mask Digital First's inability to finance the transaction.

Digital First parent firm MNG said Gannett's board was blocking a deal that would give shareholders a premium of more than 40 percent to the pre-offer price.

"Gannett's deep structural problems are better fixed by experienced operators such as MNG, away from pressures of the public markets," the statement said.

The moves come with the legacy newspaper industry facing a horrific slump and struggling to make the transition to digital news.

Gannett in 2016 made an unsuccessful takeover bid for Tronc, now rebranded as Tribune Publishing, which at the time operated the Los Angeles Times.
Its to allow for our veterans in our community that dont have the means to get the care necessary, and that is at the VA, he said. Now the VA is also changing their processes and allowing for veterans to go to other locations outside the VA. Are we prepared to service those veterans that are now going to private physicians that may be closer? Are we looking to service the VA centers and hospitals or are we there to service our veterans? We are there to service our veterans.
A car bombing in Mogadishu's Hamarweyne market was the latest attack by the Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Shabaab

Somalia's Al-Shabaab militants shot dead the Maltese manager of a major northern port and detonated a car bomb in the capital on Monday, killing nine people, in a deadly day for the restive nation.

A gunman shot Maltese national Paul Anthony Formosa at the Bossasso port, in semi-autonomous Puntland state, while he was at work for P&O Ports, a subsidiary of the Dubai-based global operator DP World.

Soon after nine people were killed as a result of a powerful explosion from a car bomb, which rocked the busy Hamarweyne market in the capital Mogadishu, in the latest attack by the Al-Qaeda affiliate plaguing the country.

"An armed man shot and killed Paul Anthony Formosa who was the construction project manager for DP World. He was killed inside the port and the security forces also shot the killer on the spot", local security official, Mohamed Dahir, told AFP.

The DP World subsidiary had signed a 30-year concession contract for the management and development of the port of Bossasso

A witness, Abdukadir Weheliye, said he heard several shots coming from inside the port and then saw the body of a white man being taken away in an ambulance.

The Dubai government confirmed the death in a statement on Twitter and said the circumstances of the incident was being investigated.

"Three other employees have been injured in this morning's incident, and all are currently receiving medical treatment," read the statement.

The attack was claimed by Al-Shabaab, which said in a statement it was "part of broader operations targeting the mercenary companies that loot the Somali resources".

The DP World subsidiary in 2017 signed a 30-year concession contract for the management and development of the port, strategically located on the Gulf of Aden, between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, more than 1,300 kilometres (800 miles) north of Mogadishu.

The Dubai-based ports company has sparked friction with Mogadishu over its development of ports in Berbera in breakaway Somaliland -- whose independence is not recognised -- as well as Puntland.

Many of Somalia's federal states have aligned with the United Arab Emirates, while the central government is perceived as pro-Qatar, in the Gulf crisis pitting Arab powers against each other.

- 'Death and destruction' -

Shabaab also claimed responsibility for the car bomb in Mogadishu, via a statement on a pro-Shabaab website.

"The blast occurred close to Mogadishu mall and it has caused death and destruction. Nine civilians were confirmed dead and several others are wounded," police officer Ahmed Moalin Ali said.

Map of Somalia locating attack in Mogadishu

"The terrorists parked a vehicle loaded with explosives in the vicinity of the mall to kill the innocent civilians."

He said some of the victims died in a building that collapsed as a result of the blast in the Hamarweyne market.

Nine civilians were killed in the market car bombing

"I saw the dead bodies of four people recovered from the debris of a collapsed building and three others were strewn dead outside after the blast had blown them," said shopper Munira Abdukadir.

"I was not far away from the blast location, but I was lucky to have survived, several people were wounded and some were screaming before the ambulances arrived," said another witness, Abdulahi Mohamed.

Shabaab also claimed responsibility for the car bomb in Mogadishu

Somalia has not had an effective central government since the 1991 overthrow of president Siad Barre's military regime which ushered in decades of chaos -- including an insurrection by the Shabaab since 2006.

The group once held sway over large swathes of countryside and the capital, however they were chased out of Mogadishu by the 22,000-strong African Union peace-enforcement mission, AMISOM in 2011, and have since abandoned many strongholds.

They nevertheless control vast rural areas and remain a key threat to peace in Somalia and the region, with the capacity to stage significant attacks.

In October 2017, a truck bombing in a busy neighbourhood of Mogadishu killed over 500 people in the deadliest attack in Somalia to date.

On January 15, Shabaab gunmen -- and the first-ever suicide bomber in Kenya -- attacked the Dusit hotel and office complex in Nairobi, leaving 21 people dead and prompting police and the US embassy to urge caution in public spaces.
Pope Francis (C) is welcomed by the Dubai ruler and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince, upon his arrival to the presidential palace in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2019

Pope Francis and a top Muslim cleric Monday issued a joint call for freedom of belief during the first visit by the head of the Catholic church to the birthplace of Islam -- the Arabian Peninsula.

Francis, who has made outreach to Muslim communities a cornerstone of his papacy, is on an historic three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates.

He is due to hold an open-air mass on Tuesday for 135,000 of the Muslim country's million Catholic residents, set to be the largest ever public gathering in the Gulf state.

On Monday, the pope held talks in Abu Dhabi with Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb -- imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's prestigious seat of learning.

The two religious leaders signed a document on "human fraternity for world peace and living together", described by the Vatican as an "important step forward in the dialogue between Christians and Muslims".

They called for "freedom of belief", the "promotion of a culture of tolerance", the "protection of places of worship" and "full citizenship" rights for minorities.

Pope Francis (L) and the Grand Imam of Cairo-based Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb (2nd-R) sign documents during the Human Fraternity Meeting at the Founders Memorial in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2019

"It is... crucial to establish in our societies the concept of full citizenship and reject the discriminatory use of the term minorities which engenders feelings of isolation and inferiority," read the document.

It said "freedom is a right of every person: each individual enjoys the freedom of belief, thought, expression and action" and that "pluralism and the diversity of religions, colour, sex, race and language are willed by God".

"The fact that people are forced to adhere to a certain religion or culture must be rejected, as too the imposition of a cultural way of life that others do not accept," it said.

Francis also delivered an address at an interfaith meeting attended by Sheikh Ahmed and UAE leaders, and pushed for an end to all wars in the Middle East, including in Yemen.

The United Arab Emirates and neighbouring Saudi Arabia are key allies of the Yemeni government, which is locked in a war against Iran-linked rebels that has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine.

- 'Reject war' -

The pope's visit to the Arabian Peninsula

The pope said all religious leaders had a "duty to reject every nuance of approval from the word war".

"I am thinking in particular of Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Libya," he said.

Yemen is the scene of what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, triggered by the intervention of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and their allies in a war between the government and Huthi rebels.

More than 10 million Yemenis now risk imminent starvation.

The UAE, which prides itself on its religious diversity in the Gulf, is also a member of the US-led coalition battling the Islamic State group in both Syria and Iraq.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, one of the most powerful rulers in the seven emirates, on Monday gifted the pope a deed for the plot of land on which the first church in the UAE was built.

Pope Francis in turn gave him a framed medallion of the meeting between St. Francis Assisi -- the pope's namesake -- and the Sultan of Egypt Malek al-Kamel, in 1219.

This handout photo released by the Vatican Media, shows Pope Francis meeting Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan at the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2019

While the pope did not openly discuss politics, he called for "the full recognition" of rights for people across the Middle East, a potential reference to communities including Shiites in Saudi Arabia, refugees and migrants, stateless peoples and other minorities.

"I look forward to societies where people of different beliefs have the same right of citizenship and where only in the case of violence in any of its forms is that right removed," he said.

- 'Year of tolerance' -

The Emirates has dubbed 2019 its "year of tolerance" but rights groups have criticised it for its role in Yemen, where an estimated 10,000 people have been killed since the Saudi-led alliance the government's fight against the Huthis in 2015.

Aircraft fly over the presidential palace in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi during a reception for Pope Francis on February 4, 2019

Muslims make up nearly four fifths of the UAE's population, but the country is also home to nearly a million Catholics, according to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia.

Migrants from Asian countries make up about 65 percent of the population.

The UAE has pushed itself as an open society in a conservative region. The country is home to eight Catholic churches, Hindu temples and a place of prayer that serves as a synagogue.

Bahrain and Qatar are home to one Catholic church each while Oman, Kuwait and Yemen each have four while Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia bans all non-Muslim places of worship.
Police will have access to footage from up to 1000 new CCTV cameras to be installed across Sydney's west.

Seven weeks out from the NSW election, Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Tuesday committed $5 million over four years to roll out the cameras in eligible businesses and community organisations.

Businesses can apply for the cameras but police will decide where they'll be installed and have full access to the footage.

"Police are the best ones to monitor security, to make sure they match evidence in criminal proceedings but also to monitor community activity," Ms Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.

The premier said the cameras will also act as deterrents as people are less likely to commit a crime if they know they're being watched.

"Surveillance is part-and-parcel of modern day life," she said.

"If you're doing the right thing, you have nothing to fear."

NSW Police assistant Commissioner Peter Thurtell said CCTV is essential for police in investigations and gives the public a sense of safety.

Community groups and small businesses in 10 local government areas across western and south-west Sydney will be the first to participate in the program before it's assessed for expansion across NSW.
As Australian children get stuck into a new school year their teachers will be primed to detect if they are struggling emotionally.

The vast majority of educators believe mental health issues are a key concern for their pupils but almost half of teachers surveyed say it's difficult to know when it is appropriate to offer young people support.

A Beyond Blue survey of 431 teachers and early learning educators found 86 per cent think mental health issues are among the top three health concerns for children.

That compares to 65 per cent nominating obesity and 54 per cent who named drug and alcohol abuse.

But nearly half of those surveyed (46 per cent) said it was difficult to know when was the right time to provide support to young people.

Nevertheless, almost two-thirds said they had the confidence to address the mental health needs of their students - although nearly half said they needed tools to help them do so.

The findings come as former prime minister and Beyond Blue chairwoman Julia Gillard returns to her Adelaide high school on Tuesday to mark its participation in a program aimed at helping educators nurture the mental health of their pupils.

Through the program, principals, teachers and early learning educators are given free access to online training and information and can glean advice from 70 expert staff across the country.

Ms Gillard's alma mater, Unley High School, is among 4400 schools and early learning centres that have signed up to the Be You program since it was launched by Beyond Blue in November.

Ms Gillard says the latest figures show teachers overwhelmingly want to support their students' wellbeing.

"Educators understand that mentally healthy kids learn better, that academic learning goes hand in hand with social and emotional learning, and that mentally healthy learning communities achieve the best outcomes for everyone - students, staff and families," she said.

About 560,000 young Australians experience a mental health issue each year with half of all mental health issues emerging before the age of 14.

Beyond Blue chief executive Georgie Harman said that makes it important for people to receive support early, with teachers often being the first to notice when something isn't right with a child.

Lifeline 13 11 14

beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Bushfire-fatigued crews and residents in Tasmania are hopeful much-needed rain can temper major blazes that have burned down seven homes.

Cooler conditions are forecast for the next few days, with meteorologists optimistic of falls of 10-20mm statewide on Thursday.

Some of that is forecast to hit bushfire zones, with authorities previously saying they need significant rain to put out four large wildfires.

Despite the promising forecast, residents are being urged not to be complacent, with blazes in the Huon Valley, southwest of Hobart, in the Central Plateau, at Britons Swamp in the northwest, and Gell River in the southwest, still of concern.

Wildfires fuelled by hot and dry winds at the weekend claimed a fourth property in the Huon Valley, it was confirmed on Monday.

Three houses have also been lost in the state's Central Plateau, with about 194,000 hectares destroyed by the wildfires, some of which started before Christmas.

Firefighters and volunteers are staying at the Great Lake Hotel in the Central Plateau, with pub staff supplying lunches and cooking dinner for hundreds.

"They're so weary, the looks on their faces. And they won't give up. They can't give up. There is no alternative," owner Kaylee Hattinger said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten brought words of support to hundreds of people sheltering at an evacuation centre in Huonville.

The fires have also burned down a near-century-old trapper's hut and significantly damaged the popular Tahune Airwalk.

Vast tracts of wilderness in the state's southwest have been charred.

The Tasmania Fire Service is urging all residents to follow the evacuation requests from firefighters and police after some people ignored doorknocks, forcing crews to return to get them out.
Gusty conditions predicted for Victoria could prove difficult for crews battling fires in the southeast.

A watch and act message has been issued for those in Grantville and surrounding areas as emergency crews brace for windy conditions around lunchtime on Tuesday, which could reignite hot spots and create more smoke in the area.

Air crews will also spend the rest of the week scanning northeast Victoria for new bushfires after thousands of lightning strikes bombarded the area.

And there could be more on the way.

In the 24 hours to late Monday the Bureau of Meteorology recorded about 18,000 lightning strikes across Victoria.

"We fully anticipate that additional fires will start during the next few days as a direct result of the lightning," Forest Fire Management Victoria assistant chief officer Aaron Kennedy said.

"Our fire detection towers will be operating for extended hours because of the increased threat."

Two fires continue to concern authorities because of their location.

"The ones we're concerned about are the fires in and around Walhalla, that's still in inaccessible country and of course, the one that continues around Thomson Reservoir, that's state critical infrastructure," Country Fire Authority Chief Steve Warrington told ABC Radio.

Authorities have been concerned the fire will enter the catchment of the reservoir, one of Melbourne's drinking water sources.

Tuesday's developing easterly winds will bring smoke from fires in the Gippsland region across Melbourne, BoM supervising meteorologist Michael Efron said.

"As we head into Tuesday, we will see conditions becoming a little more unsettled as a low pressure trough persists over northern Victoria. We will see some shower and thunderstorm activity especially across the eastern ranges during the afternoon and evening."

Later in the week humidity is expected to increase along with moisture levels.
As the 10th anniversary of Victoria's Black Saturday bushfires nears, those most affected are looking forward to it all being over.

For many, Thursday marks a decade since the one of the worst days of their life.

"For a lot of people, Friday won't come soon enough," Marysville survivor Tony Thompson told AAP.

Admitting it had been a tough couple of weeks in the lead up to Monday night's official 10-year commemoration in Melbourne, Mr Thompson said he understood the need to mark the occasion.

"We understand this is not just our grieving time, it belongs to the state - the country as well," he said.

"So it's very important that this commemoration was available for anyone who was touched by the anniversary."

By holding the official event on a day other than February 7, Mr Thompson said those affected could commemorate it in their own way - away from the glare of media.

"I've been struggling over the last couple of weeks because this is so different to the 9th anniversary or the 7th anniversary," he said.

"There have been a lot of stories told and people bringing up what happened on that day."

Mr Thompson almost perished in the blaze as he tried to save cabins at his business in Marysville.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was among some 1500 people who attended Monday's event, providing the public opportunity to remember the 173 lives lost on February 7, 2009.

Some 400 people were injured in the fires, hundreds of homes were lost, along with thousands of wildlife.

Numerous community events are planned across Victoria to mark the official anniversary on Thursday.

Commemorating the bushfires is expected to take up a large part of the Victorian parliament's first sitting day for 2019.
Hollywood superstar Angelina Jolie visited a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh on Monday ahead of a new UN appeal for nearly $1 billion dollars to look after the refugee influx.

After arriving in the South Asian nation, Jolie, a special envoy of the UN Refugee agency UNHCR, went straight to a camp in Teknaf near the Myanmar border to talk to some of the 720,000 Muslims who fled a military clampdown in the neighboring state in August 2017.

The 43-year-old made no immediate public comment, but Cox's Bazar district deputy police chief Ikbal Hossain told AFP that Jolie will be visiting more camps on Tuesday.

Safe landing: Jolie is in Bangladesh to assess the humanitarian needs of the one million Rohingya in camps around the town of Cox's Bazar

The Maleficent star was all smiles while getting off the plane, wearing a white button-up shirt under a flowing black coat and black pants while wearing sunglasses and carrying a brown bag.

She was later spotted in all black ensemble, with a black wrap over her head, with a black shirt, black pants and black boots.

While this is the actress' first visit to Bangladesh, she had previously met with Rohingya refugees during a 2015 visit to Myanmar and again in 2006 during a visit to India.

Visiting Bangladesh: She was later spotted in all black ensemble, with a black wrap over her head, with a black shirt, black pants and black boots

Jolie is in Bangladesh to assess the humanitarian needs of the one million Rohingya in camps around the town of Cox's Bazar.

She has previously met with displaced Rohingya while in Myanmar in July 2015 and in India in 2006.

Bangladesh has been reeling since more than 730,000 Rohingya arrived from Myanmar after August 2017.

More than 620,000 of the Muslims live in the Kutupalong camp, the world's largest refugee settlement.

Visiting Bangladesh: Jolie is in Bangladesh to assess the humanitarian needs of the one million Rohingya in camps around the town of Cox's Bazar

There were already about 300,000 in the camps before the exodus which has strained Bangladesh's resources to the limit.

Jolie will conclude her visit by meeting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, and other senior officials in Dhaka, a UNHCR statement said.

The talks will focus on how the UNHCR can help Bangladesh's efforts for the Rohingya and the need for "sustainable solutions" to settle the persecuted minority, the statement added.

The UN is to soon launch a new international appeal for $920 million to meet the needs of Rohingya refugees and the communities hosting them, the refugee agency said.

Making a difference: '(Jolie) will definitely have a message to take back from here. We hope that the humanitarian community understands the kind of crisis the Rohingya are in through her,' said Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commission (RRRC) commissioner Abul Kalam

'(Jolie) will definitely have a message to take back from here. We hope that the humanitarian community understands the kind of crisis the Rohingya are in through her,' said Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commission (RRRC) commissioner Abul Kalam.

Jolie will be visiting refugee camps over the next three days, while also visiting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.

Jolie hasn't starred in a live-action movie since 2015's By the Sea, which she starred in alongside then-husband Brad Pitt, which she also directed.

She also directed 2017's First They Killed My Father, and she'll make her return to acting in 2020 with Maleficent 2, reprising her title role from the 2014 blockbuster.

Jolie also has The One And Only Ivan and Come Away in post-production, and she is also attached to star in Those Who Wish Me Dead for writer-director Taylor Sheridan (Wind River).
He has been known to embody his characters during his illustrious career as an actor, which includes his Oscar-winning performance in Gladiator.

But this time Russell Crowe may have taken his incredible chameleon-like ability to a whole new level.

The 54-year old looked unrecognizable in a heavy prosthetic mask and suit for his role as the late disgraced Fox News chief Roger Ailes in the upcoming Showtime miniseries The Loudest Voice.

Transforming: Russell Crowe looked unrecognizable in a prosthetic suit and mask to play the late disgraced Fox News chief Roger Ailes in a project that filmed in Brooklyn on Tuesday

The Aussie actor was spotted blending into the crowd, looking very much like Ailes - who died in 2017 at the age of 77 - while shooting on the bustling streets of Downtown Brooklyn on Tuesday.

His amazing transformation takes about five hours to complete each day and includes a prosthetic belly, heavy face makeup and a bald cap.

Production on the project, based on the book The Loudest Voice In The Room, began in New York City in November.

Fact or fiction: Crowe (left) looks like a spitting image of Ailes (right) for the role

Action! The Aussie actor was spotted on the set of The Loudest Voice

The miniseries also features a number of other big stars.

Sienna Miller plays Roger Ailes's wife Beth Ailes; Naomi Watts takes on the role of former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson; Seth MacFarlane will portray former Fox News spokesperson Brian Lewis; and Simon McBurney play media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

It will also feature Annabelle Wallis, Aleska Palladino and David Whalen.

Prepping for the transformation: Crowe is pictured in October 2018, one month before production began for the miniseries in New York

Showtime's new limited series will mainly focus on the last decade of Ailes' life, including his fall from Fox after a slew of women accused him of sexual harassment.

It will also include flashbacks to defining events in Ailes' life and will be told through multiple points of view.

The Loudest Voice is expected to premiere sometime in 2019.
Sorry Gogglebox fans, but Yvie Jones and Angie Kent won't be returning to the program after their stint in the jungle.

The Sydney flatmates have been blacklisted by Foxtel after signing up for Channel 10's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and making disparaging comments about their salaries.

Foxtel's Executive Director of Television Brian Walsh told TV Tonight that the network has now banned them from appearing on Gogglebox ever again.

Revealed: Why Yvie Jones (right) and Angie Kent (left) will NEVER return to Gogglebox - as a Foxtel executive says the network is 'incredibly disappointed' with them

'You will not see a review of them on Gogglebox,' Walsh said. 'From a promotional point of view, the issue that upsets Foxtel is the exploitation of the Gogglebox brand to market and sell another program.'

It is understood Foxtel likes to keep Gogglebox contestants away from the showbusiness spotlight so they maintain 'authenticity' as pop culture critics.

But things became tricky when Yvie, 46, and Angie, 30, appeared on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, becoming bona fide reality TV stars in the process.

Blacklisted: The Sydney flatmates upset Foxtel executives by signing up for Channel 10's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and making disparaging comments about their salaries

According to TV Tonight, their decision 'caused some friction behind the scenes'.

The situation is more complex due to the fact Gogglebox is aired on both Foxtel and Channel 10 as part of a unique agreement between the two broadcasters.

Walsh added that Foxtel management were also 'incredibly disappointed' when the two women publicly criticised their appearance fees.

In August 2018, Angie told Who magazine that 'everyone [in the Gogglebox cast] still has to work' because of their relatively low salaries.

Blurring the lines: It is understood Foxtel likes to keep Gogglebox contestants away from the showbusiness spotlight so they maintain 'authenticity' as pop culture critics

'Oh God, otherwise we'd be on the streets!' she added.

Walsh said of the revelation: 'I was incredibly disappointed that they were critical of Foxtel and the appearance fee money we paid them to do Gogglebox. I thought that was unfair, unnecessary and unwarranted.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel 10 for comment.
After an investigation last year, state and federal authorities said they were confident Marylands voting system is well fortified against ongoing cyberthreats from foreign nations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security wrote in a letter to Gov. Larry Hogan in the fall that its agents have found no evidence of an adversary presence in the networks.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 5)  The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said there was no problem with senatorial aspirant Bong Go accompanying President Rodrigo Duterte in his trips.

"Freedom of movement. Guy wants to follow the President. Why not, right?" Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a press briefing Tuesday.

Go, former special assistant to the President, resigned effectively in October 2018 after he filed his certificate of candidacy for senator. He has been seen following Duterte in various events and travels after his resignation.

Comelec did not find any problem with this, as campaign season will begin only on February 12 for senatorial and party-list candidates.

"Acts of omissions for which a candidate can be held accountable cannot apply if he is not technically a candidate," Jimenez said. "A lot of people might find it distasteful. A lot of people might find it to be an unfair practice. Hopefully, if people feel a certain way, then take it out on the ballot."

However, if Go continues to tag along with the President during the campaign period, Jimenez said they will look into whether or not government funds are being used for Go's trips.

The start of the campaign period for members of the House of Representatives, and local officials will start on March 29. The end of the campaign period will be on May 11.

Duterte has repeatedly endorsed Go for senator.

Social media influencers also monitored

The poll body also said it will monitor social media influencers who post content in favor of candidates, as part of Comelec Resolution 10488.

"We are looking for the spending," Jimenez said.

Jimenez said they will also look at overall patterns of behavior online.

Section 6 of the Comelec resolution lists among lawful election propaganda "social media posts, whether original or reposted from some source, which may either be incidental to the poster's advocacies of social issues or which may have, for its primary purpose, the endorsement of a candidate only."
She's about to tie the knot with fiance Zandy Reich.

But Lea Michele has some partying to do before she walks down the aisle as she posted pics from her bachelorette party on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old Scream Queens star shared snaps from her soiree in Hawaii as she stayed in a luxury villas with friends such as Emma Roberts and Jamie-Lynn Sigler.

Party time! Lea Michele, 32, shared snaps from her bachelorette party in Hawaii on Tuesday

The group - including JoAnna Garcia Swisher, and best friend Stephanie Levinson - posed for photos at their private villa in Kalihiwai in matching swimsuits.

The gorgeous group of gals dropped their bags at Ikena Lani, whose name means 'heavenly view,' courtesy of Booking.com.

During February, the spot can rent for $2,400 a night.

Lea announced her engagement in April with an Instagram post wearing her four-carat ring that Zandy designed with Leor Yerushalmi and The Jewelers of Las Vegas.

Stunner: The stunner has some partying to do before she walks down the aisle

Luxury: The gorgeous group of gals dropped their bags at Ikena Lani, whose name means 'heavenly view,' courtesy of Booking.com

Gangs all here! The group - including Emma Roberts, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, JoAnna Garcia Swisher, and best friend Stephanie Levinson - posed for photos at their private villa in Kalihiwai

On Christmas Eve, the couple had a swanky bridal shower put on by Lea's mother.

Zandy is the president of AYR, a manufacture of women's clothing designed to be worn all year.

And it's heartwarming that Lea has found love again after her heartbreaking relationship with Corey Monteith.

Squad: The friends wore matching swimsuits

Cozy: The girls also wore matching pajamas for the fun-filled trip

The actor died of a drug overdose in 2013 while they were dating.

'Cory made me feel like a queen every day,' she revealed to Seventeen Magazine.

'From the minute he said, "Im your boyfriend," I loved every day, and I thank him for being the best boyfriend and making me feel so beautiful.'

Luxury: The villa is called Ikena Lani, whose name means 'heavenly view'

High end: During February, the spot can rent for $2,400 a night

Tropical locale: The ladies flew into the stunning destination

'I only have happy memories of Cory,' she added. 'He was not his addiction  unfortunately, it won. But that wasnt who he was.'

While some may have not understood Lea's decision to return to a full work schedule soon after Cory's death, she explains she found it easier to deal with her grief when surrounded by her friends and co-stars.

'We all lost Cory. I didnt think for one minute that being away from [the Glee cast] was what I wanted. Being on the set of Glee is no more difficult than being at home and finding [Cory's] slippers under the bed.

We had a life and a job togetherit goes with you everywhere you go, you cant get away from grief. So I might as well be surrounded by the people I love and get to lean on them."

Killer view: The villa feautured hard wood floors and amazing views
Kerry Katona has lashed out at the public for 'forgiving' Ant McPartlin so quickly following his turbulent year of drink and drugs.

The former Atomic Kitten star, 38, offered her thoughts on the TV presenter's journey to recovery in comparison to hers - claiming that he got off the hook so rapidly because he's male.

Revealing all in her New! magazine column, the mother-of-five stated: 'Ant McPartlin went to rehab for drink and substance abuse problems and he was forgiven in less than a year, but its taken me a decade!'

'It took me a decade to be forgiven!' Kerry Katona, 38, has lashed out at the public for 'forgiving' Ant McPartlin so quickly following his turbulent year of drink and drugs

In May of last year, Kerry celebrated nine years clean following her battle with drugs - which saw her check herself into rehab in 2008 and 2010.

And continuing to detail the aftermath in her column, Kerry stated: 'People are quick to slag off women  especially mothers  if they go off the rails, yet if its a man in showbiz, hes right back in the saddle.

'Fair play to Ant, but it's so unfair,' she continued.

Last month, Kerry shared a throwback snap of herself during her now infamous appearance on This Morning, as part of the social media '10 year challenge'.

'Men get right back in the saddle': The former Atomic Kitten star offered her thoughts on the TV presenter's journey to recovery -claiming that he got off the hook quickly because he's male

Success: In May of last year, Kerry celebrated nine years clean following her battle with drugs - which saw her check herself into rehab in 2008 and 2010

The reality star made a memorable appearance on This Morning in 2009 with Phillip Schofield and Fern Britton where she slurred her words.

She captioned the snap: 'Now that is a 10 year Challenge! Not gonna lie, I am extremely proud of myself for really turning it all around!

'And for coming through the darkness! Mental health can be nasty but there is light at the end of the tunnel! Feeling very grateful and blessed.

The songstress also recently told how the original ITV chat show interview continued to affect her reputation for years afterwards.

'People are quick to slag off women': Kerry continued to detail the aftermath of her battle with drugs a decade ago

'Proud of myself': Last month, Kerry shared a throwback snap of herself during her now infamous appearance on This Morning, as part of the social media '10 year challenge'

She told Closer Magazine: 'The criticism I got, the judgement I had because of my slurring still sticks with me today.

'No one believed it was my meds that made me slur, but it was  instead they assume it was the drugs and that's the reputation I got. I still get so badly criticised  it's such a fickle world.'

Meanwhile, Ant has been hard at work of late after making his return to Britain's Got Talent to reunite with Declan Donnelly after taking a year off from TV to focus on recovering from his drug and alcohol addiction.

The pair began filming the show at the London Palladium last month and Ant received a standing ovation when he first returned.

'I still get so badly criticised': The songstress also recently told how the original ITV chat show interview continued to affect her reputation for years afterwards

He's back! Ant recently made his return to Britain's Got Talent to reunite with Declan Donnelly after taking a year off from TV to focus on recovering from his drug and alcohol addiction

Tumultuous: Ant split from Lisa in January last year after a rehab stint for painkiller addiction, and last April, he was fined 86,000 and disqualified from driving for 20 months after admitting to drink-driving

Ant's ex-wife Lisa Armstrong - who worked at a make-up artist on the show - is said to have been axed as it was untenable for the exes to work together.

Ant split from Lisa in January last year after a rehab stint for painkiller addiction, and last April, he was fined 86,000 and disqualified from driving for 20 months after admitting to drink-driving.

Last month, Ant and Dec won the Best Presenter NTA for the eighteenth year running, and the duo also won a Guinness World Record for how many times they have won an NTA.

While Twitter was swarmed with reaction over their recent win, some hit out at his win due to the fact he had taken a break however others lauded the star for his win, with one user writing: 'We are all more than our mistakes or failures'.
She recently admitted that her new radio gig has given her a 'lifeline' after fearing she was fading in the public eye.

And Kelly Brook looked in high spirits as she exited Heart Radio's studios in London on Tuesday.

The former glamour model, 39, cut a casually cool figure as she dressed her curves in a double denim ensemble.

Happy: Kelly Brook, 39, looked in high spirits as she exited Heart Radio's studios in London on Tuesday

Kelly proved very much trendy as she showed off her hourglass curves in a pair of skinny roll-up jeans and matching denim jacket.

She teamed the look with a cropped white hoodie as she strutted along in the chilly weather in a pair of towering snakeskin print boots.

Kelly relied on her naturally striking features with a simple slick of make-up, while her brunette tresses billowed effortlessly in the wind.

Her happy sighting comes after she revealed that she has joined London's Heart Radio, to co-host the drive-time show alongside Jason 'JK' King.

Jean-etically gift: The former glamour model cut a casually cool figure as she dressed her curves in a double denim ensemble

Looking good: Kelly proved very much trendy as she showed off her hourglass curves in a pair of skinny roll-up jeans and matching denim jacket

Walk this way: She teamed the look with a cropped white hoodie as she strutted along in the chilly weather in a pair of towering snakeskin print boots

And on Sunday, Kelly gushed about her new role, admitting that she feels as though she's been thrown a 'lifeline' by the radio gig.

The former presenter of The Big Breakfast confessed that she had felt her time in the public eye was waning and she might not get another chance.

Speaking to Hello magazine, the model said that her slot on Heart is a dream job and has given her 'a new lease of life'.

Kelly said: 'It's been really lovely because I feel like I have been given another lifeline.

'You think: "Oh, that's it, maybe I had my go and it's someone else's turn." When an opportunity like this comes along, all of a sudden you've got another shot.'

Kelly has previously appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Juice, and had a successful career in modelling, but is delighted to be back working as a presenter.

Co-hosts: Kelly recently revealed that she has joined London's Heart Radio, to co-host the drive-time show alongside Jason 'JK' King (pictured)

The end? The former presenter of The Big Breakfast, 39, confessed that she had felt her time in the public eye was waning and she might not get another chance

She said: 'I think it's given me a new lease of life. To be doing something I love, making people feel good, is just the best.

'It's the best job I could ever want. I never want it to end.'

Meanwhile, Kelly has been on a health stint throughout January, trialling veganism and upping her fitness regime.

Happy lady: Kelly said: 'It's been really lovely because I feel like I have been given another lifeline. You think: "Oh, that's it, maybe I had my go and it's someone else's turn"'

New job: When an opportunity like this comes along, all of a sudden you've got another shot'

And Kelly Brook showed off her extreme flexibility at Heart Radio on Thursday after feeling inspired by a morning yoga session.

The model took to Instagram to share a clip of her performing the crab. Displaying her impressive hyper-extension, Kelly walked into the crab from a back-bend.

When the television personality found herself in the crab position, she screamed ' oh my god, how do I get out of it?' before losing her balance when her co-host Jason King tried to distract her by putting his trainer in her face.

On Wednesday, Kelly shared a snap from her morning flow with her personal trainer Jordan Stanford.

Delighted: She said: 'I think it's given me a new lease of life. To be doing something I love, making people feel good, is just the best'

Bendy: Kelly Brook showed off her extreme flexibility at Heart Radio on Thursday after feeling inspired by a morning yoga session

The star told her 1million followers she was working on turning the foundational arm balance pose called the crow into a headstand.

As well as her fitness regime, Kelly has been sharing clips and snapshots of a host of Vegan dishes and treats she has eaten throughout the month.

It comes after she previously admitted she was body-shamed by a school teacher at the age of 11, as they accused her of wearing clothes that were too 'flirty'.

She told The Mirror's Notebook magazine: 'The Head Of Year sent me to her office and said, 'You can't come to school looking the way you do, flirting with every boy that comes past.' I was 11.

There she goes! Displaying her impressive hyper-extension, Kelly walked into the crab from a backbend

Panicked: When the television personality found herself in the crab position, she screamed ' oh my god, how do I get out of it?'

'I didn't know what the word 'flirt' even meant. I dressed the same as everyone else, but my curves made me different. After that realisation I felt very uncomfortable with my looks.'

During a recent interview with Femail, Kelly revealed that her weight started creeping on after she returned to the UK from a stint in Los Angeles two years ago.

And resorting to using editing tools to change the way she looked in her Instagram photos helped her realise she wasn't happy.

Opening up about her past weight loss struggles Kelly, who has always been renowned for her curves, explained: 'I'm a curvy girl and I like my natural shape. It's who I am after all.

Toppling over: She lost her balance when her co-host Jason King tried to distract her by putting his trainer in her face

Feeling inspired: On Wednesday, Kelly shared a snap from her morning flow with her personal trainer Jordan Stanford

'But I'm aware that over the last few years, I've been gradually gaining weight. It didn't really start to bother me until I couldn't get into my skinny jeans anymore.'

She added: 'Suddenly I realised at aged 39, I was beyond my healthy BMI. My wardrobe had became very limited and I wasn't feeling at my best anymore.'

Since starting her weight loss journey back in October, Kelly, who is dating Frenchman Jeremy Parisi, has lost 15lbs and 4 inches from her hips.

Kelly's recently admitted she was body-shamed by a school teacher at the age of 11, as they accused her of wearing clothes that were too 'flirty'.
Peter Stefanovic returned to television on Tuesday night, seven weeks after he was unceremoniously sacked from Channel Nine.

The former Weekend Today co-anchor made an unexpected appearance on Sky News Australia's The Front Page, where he discussed a variety of topics including U.S. President Donald Trump.

He also addressed his departure from Nine during the program, telling host Peter Gleeson that the past two months had been challenging but he was using his time off to 'reset'.

Stefanovic, who was employed by Channel Nine for 15 years before being sacked on December 18, said: 'It hasn't been without it's challenges, that's for sure.

'Believe it or not, I'm usually quite a shy sort of person, so seeing so much negativity play out in the press for weeks and months on end does have its challenges and can be difficult to deal with at times.

'But I always try to just focus on work, to work as hard as I can, which is what I've always done. You know, I had 15 wonderful years at Channel Nine [and] now this a great opportunity to kind of reset and try new projects, which is very exciting.'

'It was difficult to deal with at times': Peter Stefanovic returned to television on Tuesday night, appearing on Sky News seven weeks after he was unceremoniously sacked from Channel Nine

He continued: 'You've sort of got to put things into perspective as well. Look at the difficulties that the people of Tasmania are going through at the moment, or even the people of Townsville...

'So, my problems are very small compared to theirs. A lot of people don't have their homes anymore, which is awfully tragic.

'I've had some difficulties, but it's a good time now. It's great to be here and be doing projects such as your show, Gleeso.'

A Sky News spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday: 'Peter Stefanovic appeared as a guest last night on The Front Page with Peter Gleeson. He is not a contributor to Sky News.'

If Stefanovic does end up working for the 24-hour cable channel it will signal a return to his roots as a more serious journalist.

New direction? If Stefanovic does end up working for the 24-hour cable channel it will signal a return to his roots as a more serious journalist. Pictured hosting Channel Nine's Weekend Today alongside Deborah Knight

While best known as a breakfast TV anchor in recent years, the 37-year-old is actually a former foreign correspondent who has covered major news events - including wars in the Middle East, Barack Obama's election and the Oscar Pistorius trial - for Nine.

Meanwhile, Peter's newsreader wife Sylvia Jeffreys - who was dropped from the Today show last year but remains with Channel Nine - is also moving in a more 'hard news' direction.

A network spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday morning that she was being redeployed to various other departments, including A Current Affair, in 2019.
It was announced just a few weeks ago that he will be taking on the same role assumed by his late father, James Gandolfini, in the upcoming Sopranos prequel.

And Michael Gandolfini couldn't be happier to be playing a young Tony Soprano.

'It's exciting to step into the shoes of my dad,' the actor, 19, told TMZ's Adam Glyn while in New York City on Monday.

'It's exciting to step into the shoes of my dad': Michael Gandolfini couldn't be happier to be playing a young Tony Soprano (pictured January 2019)

Michael was clearly thrilled to be joining the cast of the show, and could not stop smiling as he spoke with the outlet.

'I'm real excited, it's going to be great!' he said.

Though when asked for further details about the show's progress, he admitted he had none.

'I'm low on the totem pole,' he said.

Iconic part: James played the iconic role of Tony Soprano from 1999 to 2007

Family matters: A young Michael enjoyed a day out in New York with his father in 2007

In late January, it was announced that Michael would be playing his late father's role in the upcoming prequel, The Many Saints Of Newark.

'It's a profound honor to continue my dad's legacy while stepping into the shoes of a young Tony Soprano,' Michael said in a statement. 'I'm thrilled that I am going to have the opportunity to work with David Chase and the incredible company of talent he has assembled for The Many Saints of Newark.'

Michael, whose mother Marcy Wudarski was married to James Gandolfini from 1999 thru 2002, was chosen after an extended casting process, insiders told Deadline, saying that his looks, mannerism and understanding of the character got him the coveted part in the film, which will be directed by Alan Taylor.

Michael's previous credits include a role in Ocean's Eight and a recurring role on HBO's The Deuce as Joey Dwyer.

The young actor joins a cast that includes Jon Bernthal, Vera Farmiga, Cory Stoll, Billy Magnussen and Alessandro Nivola.
Abby Lee Miller thundered back to work in spite of her health problems in a new trailer for Dance Moms Resurrection.

The 52-year-old was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma last year and bared her cancer struggle for the cameras, as seen in the sizzle reel.

Amid clips of her strapped to a gurney and sitting in a hospital bed, she sobbed: 'I was ready to go back to work and start my life over, and now I can't even walk.'

Soldiering on: Abby Lee Miller thundered back to work in spite of her health problems in a new trailer for Dance Moms Resurrection, out in June

Her cancer diagnosis came on the heels of her early release from prison, where she lost over 100lbs while serving eight months of a year-and-a-day sentence for bankruptcy fraud and smuggling $120,000 Australian into the United States.

Abby Lee was at a halfway house after her departure from jail when her health declined and she headed to the hospital.

She underwent emergency surgery, without which 'She would've died,' her doctor told Inside Edition as seen in the new Dance Moms trailer.

After a clip of her emerging from an MRI scanner, the sizzle reel showed her announcing weakly from her hospital bed: 'I'm starting chemotherapy for cancer.'

In the open: The 52-year-old was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma last year and bared her cancer struggle for the cameras, as seen in the sizzle reel

Crisis after crisis: Amid clips of her strapped to a gurney and sitting in a hospital bed, she sobbed: 'I was ready to go back to work and start my life over, and now I can't even walk'

Annus horribilis: Her cancer diagnosis came on the heels of her early release from prison, where she lost over 100lbs while serving eight months of a year-and-a-day sentence

Getting help: After a clip of her emerging from an MRI scanner, the sizzle reel showed her announcing weakly from her hospital bed: 'I'm starting chemotherapy for cancer'

Her illness did not stamp out her resolve to go back to work at the Abby Lee Dance Company, where she wore a wig after going bald from her treatments.

'I need to get back to teaching, and I need to get back to screaming at children. I need to get back to my roots,' said Abby Lee.

'I'm gonna take these kids right back to Pittsburgh,' she added, before the trailer showed her wearing a sequin blouse as she wheeled herself into the dance studio.

Making it work: Her illness did not stamp out her resolve to go back to work at the Abby Lee Dance Company, where she wore a wig after going bald from her treatments

'I need to get back to my roots': 'I need to get back to teaching, and I need to get back to screaming at children,' said Abby Lee

Back in action: 'I'm gonna take these kids right back to Pittsburgh,' she added, before the trailer showed her wearing a sequin blouse as she wheeled herself into the dance studio

She was treated to squeals and applause from her child dance students and told them: 'There's people that counted me out, thought I was finished, considered the ALDC dead. Well, I fought hard to be here, and you have to be a fighter too.'

Her voice rising, she went on: 'You have to FIGHT to get those legs straight, FIGHT to get better feet. You have to fight to be a champion.'

In a confessional accompanied by shots of her pushing through physical therapy, she said: 'I have my own personal goals, and I have goals for the team.'

She said: 'I need to be ready for that first competition. We need to make a statement on that stage that the ALDC is back, and watch out.'

Tough: She was treated to squeals and applause from her child dance students and told them: 'There's people that counted me out, thought I was finished, considered the ALDC dead'

'You have to fight to be a champion': Her voice rising, she went on: 'You have to FIGHT to get those legs straight, FIGHT to get better feet'

Working for it: In a confessional accompanied by shots of her pushing through physical therapy, she said: 'I have my own personal goals, and I have goals for the team.'
She's been embracing the single life ever since her split from former boyfriend Charlie Brake in September.

And Ellie Brown showed her ex what he's missing as she posed up a storm in a sizzling Instagram snap from her break at Portugal's Juicy Oasis Boutique Health Retreat & Spa on Tuesday.

The Love Island star, 20, sent temperatures soaring as she slipped into a clingy black one-piece while relaxing by her infinity pool.

Smokin' hot! Ellie Brown showed her ex Charlie Brake what he's missing as she posed up a storm in a sizzling Instagram snap from her break at a health retreat in Portugal on Tuesday

Flaunting her enviably toned physique, the TV personality's strapless ensemble featured daringly high-leg cuts.

The reality star displayed her naturally radiant visage as she went completely make-up free, and styled her light blonde locks into glamorous waves.

Clearly in her element, Geordie beauty Ellie captioned the image: 'Totally fell in love with this place @juicemasterretreats.'

The retreat, recently visited by TOWIE's Lauren Goodger and Vicky Pattison, offers a '7-day journey' designed to recharge your mind with yoga, fitness and a juice cleanse.

Living it up: The Love Island star, 20, has been been embracing the single life ever since her split from former boyfriend Charlie

Fiery: The TV personality and the millionaire, 24, were struck with the fireworks of lust on the ITV2 series when they first laid eyes on each other in the Mallorcan villa

Ellie and her former beau Charlie, 24, were struck with the fireworks of lust on the ITV2 series when they first laid eyes on each other in the Mallorcan villa last summer.

They took their love to home turf but it wasn't made to last as their fiery romance saw the pair engage in a series of screaming matches.

Just a month after leaving the show, Charlie ended their love and fellow islander Laura Anderson claimed Ellie didn't know they had broken up when he broadcast their split on social media.

The former air hostess, 29, recalled how she had been partying with the fellow blonde at The Best Heroes Awards when the millionaire broke her pal's heart.

Charlie wrote, reportedly without Ellie's knowledge: 'Just to inform you all, Ellie and I have decided to part ways. I wish her all the best.'

Days after their split, the multimillionaire embarked on a new relationship with the daughter of New Zealand billionaire Steve Owen.

Their romance didn't last and since then, Charlie has been romantically linked to Ferne McCann at a number of events.
Katie Price has reportedly sacked another nanny after wrongly believing she had an affair with her ex, Kieran Hayler, while he was still living in the family home.

The Sun reports that a source close to Katie said the mother-of-five accused Lauryn Cook, 19, of having the liaison and she became convinced she was fame-hungry.

Katie, 40, and Kieran, 31, split last year but Kieran remained in the home following the break-up to help out with the children.

All change: Katie Price has reportedly sacked nanny, Lauryn Cook, 19, after accusing her of affair with ex Kieran Hayler and becoming convinced that she wanted fame'

Katie also accused her previous nanny, Nikki Brown of sleeping with love rat Kieran back in 2017, a claim she denied at the time.

The source told the publication: 'Katie and Lauryn had a huge falling out and Katie let her go. She became convinced that Lauryn wanted to become famous through appearing on her reality show.

'She even accused her of having an affair with Kieran when he lived there  of course she didnt, but its just part of Katies paranoid nature and thinks everyone wants something from her and will use her to get famous.

A source said: 'She accused her Lauryn (pictured) of having an affair with Kieran when he lived there  of course she didnt, but its just part of Katies paranoid nature'

Profile: Lauryn's Instagram bio still says she is Katie Price's nanny

'Its a tough situation as Lauryn liked working with Harvey, but it was long hours and not great pay.'

They also said that Katie would like a live-in nanny going forwards as she will have a lot of work on throughout the year.

She has also said she plans to adopt an orphan from Nigeria.

MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Katie Price, Kieran Hayler and Lauryn Cook for comment.

No looking back: Kieran has now well and truly moved on and is now dating mother-of-one Michelle Pentecost and last week, he claimed that his marriage to Katie was fake

Kieran has now well and truly moved on and is now dating mother-of-one Michelle Pentecost. And Katie is in a relationship with Kris Boyson, 30.

Just last week, Kieran sensationally claimed his marriage to Katie was FAKE and said he blames HER for his indiscretions... (which he doesn't regret, by the way).

The couple, who are parents to Jett, five and Bunny, four, are currently divorcing but have been married for six years, the longest of all her three marriages.

He told new!: 'We're both to blame. But the relationship wasn't what it seemed. It was all very fake. It's hard to be with someone who wants to make money off everything.

Kieran said he doesn't regret cheating on the mother of his children with two of her best friends, and even claimed Katie was unfaithful towards the end.

He famously had an affair with her best friend Jane Pountney shortly after he married Katie, as well as sleeping with her friend Chrissy Thomas in their car.

He said: 'I can't regret it because it happened for a reason. I regret it hurt so many people, yes, but was she ever really that nice to me? No! Remember, people don't cheat if they're in a happy relationship.'
It is the shocking biopic telling the harrowing tale of one of the most infamous serial killers of all time.

And Netflix is set to acquire the Ted Bundy film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, starring Zac Efron, in an estimated $9m deal, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The streaming giant is said to be closing in on a deal for the US and some international rights to the bloodcurdling drama, following a bidding war which also reportedly involved STX and Lionsgate.

Showtime: Netflix is set to acquire the Ted Bundy film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, starring Zac Efron, in an estimated $9m deal, according to The Hollywood Reporter

Harrowing; The streaming giant is said to be closing in on a deal for the US and some international rights to the bloodcurdling drama, following a bidding war which also reportedly involved STX and Lionsgate (above Lily Collins)

Netflix is said to be giving the film its theatrical run in the autumn.

The service already has the rights to the phenomenally successful Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes.

MailOnline has contacted a Netflix representative for comment.

The film had its world premiere on January 26 at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City with Efron's 'charismatic and creepy' portrayal of the predator winning rave reviews.

Career changer: The streaming giant is said to be closing in on a deal for the US and some international rights to the bloodcurdling drama, following a bidding war which also reportedly involved STX and Lionsgate

Benjamin Lee of The Guardian said of his performance: 'As Bundy, he ruthlessly weaponises the boyish charm that's propelled much of his career, slyly convincing us of the spell he cast, not only on Liz but the many other women who were fighting his corner, sure of his innocence.

It's the career-changing moment he was clearly seeking.'

The Hollywood Reporter's Todd McCarthy wrote: 'Efron flies higher than ever here, investing his character with an illusory confidence that's entertaining even when the character and legal charges fully live up to the film's title.'

Transformation: Netflix is said to be giving the film its theatrical run in the autumn

Horror: Extremely Wicked is told through the eyes of the madman's girlfriend Elizabeth Kloepfer, played by Lily Collins, who testified on his behalf at trial

Extremely Wicked is told through the eyes of the madman's girlfriend Elizabeth Kloepfer, played by Lily Collins, who testified on his behalf at trial.

She was so enamored with the serial killer that she even said 'yes' when he proposed to her during that time.

The film tells the story of Bundy's infamous crime spree in the 1970s where he murdered dozens of women.

Leading lights: The film had its world premiere on January 26 at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City with Efron's 'charismatic and creepy' portrayal of the predator winning rave reviews

Bundy was accused of brutally murdering and assaulting over 30 women and later performing sexual acts with the corpses.

He even decapitated several victims and kept the severed heads at mementos.

Later he famously defended himself in court and amassed a disturbing number of female fans.
They've been together for 18 months after striking up a romance on 2017's edition of Love Island.

And things have gotten more exciting for Camilla Thurlow and Jamie Jewitt as they've finally moved out of his parents' house and into their new home with their two pet dogs on Tuesday.

Posted on the humanitarian's Instagram account, the reality star, 29, beamed with delight as her beau, 28, lovingly carried her in his arms while they settled into their fresh abode.

Next step: Love Island's Camilla Thurlow and Jamie Jewitt as they've finally moved out of his parents' house and into their new home with their two pet dogs on Tuesday

The Scottish bombshell put on a typically stylish display as she was clad in a grey turtleneck jumper, a tiny leather skirt and thigh-high boots for her moving in day.

Meanwhile, model Jamie looked effortlessly cool as he donned a leather biker jacket, cable-knit top and indigo jeans.

Appearing in high spirits, Camilla captioned the image: 'And we are in! Having such a fun day with @jamiejewitt_ picking up the keys for the house we have found to rent!

Puppy love: Posted on the humanitarian's Instagram account, the reality star, 29, shared the she and her model beau, 28, have settled into their fresh abode with pet pooches Audrey and Gus

Long-term couple: They've been together for 18 months after striking up a romance on 2017's edition of Love Island

Wedding bells? Meanwhile, Camilla hinted a reality TV wedding could be possible in the not too distant future

'Cant wait to get it all sorted and move in properly with our two little puppies Audrey and Gus', she added.

Meanwhile, the former Miss Edinburgh's new documentary What Camilla Did Next gave fans a peek at her busy life as she balanced her romance with Jamie, celebrity status and hard work abroad.

She was the star of one of the most popular reality shows on TV but Camilla returned to her humanitarian roots on the show as she visited Cambodia to revisit her previous career in mine disposal with the HALO trust.

Meanwhile, Camilla hinted at wedding bells with her Love Island co-star as she revealed the secret to their 'lucky' long-lasting romance.

In a recent interview with MailOnline, the TV personality said: 'We havent said if it's on or off the cards so were just seeing how were getting on. Well see whats happening.

Camilla added that she and Jamie love hearing about other Love Island marriages after series two runners up Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen tied the knot in September, followed by Jess Shears and Dom Lever from her season in October.

Close bond: In a recent interview with MailOnline, the TV personality said: 'We havent said if it's on or off the cards so were just seeing how were getting on' (pictured in July 2017 on Love Island)

She said: 'Its about being in the right place at the right time.'

Camilla was initially unlucky-in-love during her stint on Love Island, but things turned around towards the end of the series when she met former Calvin Klein hunk Jamie, with the pair finishing in second place behind Amber Davies and Kem Cetinay.

The brunette beauty admitted she feels very lucky to have met her long-term love on the show.

She told MailOnline: 'We were quite fortunate in that we met and had this amazing time on the show which was three weeks from the end, so we had this incredible experience on Love Island. I was just really lucky.'
Lt. Jason Etzler assumed command of the Police Department after Tyler was placed on leave, and he will continue to lead the department on an interim basis. Wieprecht previously told the Times that city officials are still developing a plan for replacing Tyler.
As the younger brother of Hollywood A-lister Margot Robbie, the aspiring actor often dodges questions about whether he's riding on her coat tails.

But Cameron, 23, insists he has his 'own career goals', and doesn't rely on his famous connection to get ahead in the industry.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday, Cameron firmly started: 'My focus has always been acting, that's what I've always wanted to do and that's been my main focus.'

'I've got my own goals': Margot Robbie's younger brother Cameron, 23, insists he's not using his sister's fame to kick-start his acting career as he debuts as a model for David Jones

'I'm supported by a really proud family and I've always been like 'this is what I'm going to do and this is how I'm going to do it,' and that's been my focus.' he said.

Cameron, who describes himself as 'an actor first, a model second', made his runway model debut at David Jones' Autumn/Winter collection launch at Hobart's iconic MONA art gallery on Tuesday night.

Looking suave in a suit on the red carpet, the hunk wore a series of tailored looks as he hit the runway to model the store's selection of wares.

Going his own way! Cameron, 23, insists he has his 'own career goals', and doesn't rely on or exploit his famous connection through Margot (right) to get ahead in the industry

Move over Jordan! The MTV presenter appeared to replace acclaimed male model Jordan Barrett in the David Jones runway role, as he appeared alongside top models (from L to R) Jessica Gomes, Gemma Ward, and Victoria Lee

He later walked for the high-end department store alongside top models Victoria Lee, Gemma Ward and Jessica Gomes.

The MTV presenter appeared to replace acclaimed male model Jordan Barrett in the David Jones runway role.

Cameron claimed he didn't have too many nerves ahead of the event, as 'everyone has made me feel so at ease here, so I've been really excited'.

Strutting his stuff! Looking suave in a suit on the red carpet, Cameron wore a series of tailored looks as he hit the runway to model the store's selection of wares

Margot, now 28, rose to fame on Australian soap Neighbours in 2008 to 2011.

She has since been nominated for a host of prestigious awards on behalf of the Golden Globes, Academy Awards, AACTA Awards, and BAFTA Awards.

Siblings Cameron and Margot grew up in Queensland with their Scottish parents, and share another sister and brother.
Loose Women's Nadia Sawalha and Janet Street-Porter branded Liam Neeson 'disgusting' and a 'racist' after the actor sparked a race row with his comments on how he reacted to learning that a loved one had been raped.

On Monday, the actor, 66, told The Independent in a recorded interview, which is included below, that he had wandered around looking for a 'black b***ard' to 'kill' in a misguided attempt at revenge.

Speaking about his comments on the daytime talk show on Tuesday, the actress, 54, said that the Taken star's admission was 'career-ending', while the journalist, 72, added that he had been 'racist, pure and simple.'

Horrified: Loose Women's Nadia Sawalha and Janet Street-Porter branded Liam Neeson a 'disgusting racist' as they addressed 'career-ending' ongoing row on Tuesday

Janet called Liam 'disgusting', as she claimed his reaction 'sounds like something from a film' that a vigilante would do.

She added that 'the problem is we want actors to set high moral standards,' but said she wasn't 'surprised' because 'actors blur the lines between the movies and real life.'

While Nadia explained that there was no 'grey area' when it came to his comments, as she added that she was 'shocked' when she saw the news.

Shocked: Janet Street-Porter added that he had been 'racist, pure and simple' and his reaction 'sounds like something from a film'

Honest: While Nadia explained that there was no 'grey area' when it came to his comments, as she added that she was 'shocked' when she saw the news

The EastEnders star added that she 'wouldn't have believed this of him,' before going on to say that she believes this 'will be career-ending' for him.

Their fellow panellist Saira Khan added that she was 'really upset' by what Liam had said, and was 'disgusted for him.'

She continued: 'This is about morals, values I actually think as a person I wouldnt want to go and watch his films, thats the person I am, if I was in charge of the Oscars, I would say no to Liam Neeson.'

Upset: While their fellow panellist Saira Khan added that she was 'really upset' by what Liam had said, and was 'disgusted for him'

Off-putting: Saira continued, 'This is about morals, values I actually think as a person I wouldnt want to go and watch his films'

Liam appeared on Good Morning America in New York on Tuesday, where he denied he was a racist and said he sought help from a priest after the incident.

Liam said he 'understood' the hurt his words had caused but insisted: 'Im not racist, this was 40 years ago. I was trying to show honour for a friend I dearly loved in a medieval fashion'.

The star said he had gone to church when he realised he had wanted to 'unleash' physical violence on a stranger and also confided in friends while out powerwalking.

He added: 'I did seek help. I went to a priest, who heard my confession'.

Speaking out: Liam appeared on Good Morning America in New York on Tuesday, where he denied he was a racist and said he sought help from a priest after the incident

In the interview with The Independent, Liam admitted during the conversation that his behaviour was 'horrible and awful' and he had learned a lesson from it.

He explained: 'There's something primal  God forbid you've ever had a member of your family hurt under criminal conditions.'

The actor said that after coming home from an overseas trip years ago he was told a loved one, who he did not name, had been raped.

Liam said: 'She handled the situation of the rape in the most extraordinary way. But my immediate reaction was I asked, did she know who it was? No. What colour were they? She said it was a black person.

'I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping Id be approached by somebody  I'm ashamed to say that  and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some 'black b******d' would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him.'

He went on: 'It took me a week, maybe a week and a half, to go through that. She would say, "Where are you going?" and I would say, "I'm just going out for a walk." You know? "Whats wrong?" "No no, nothing's wrong.'"

He admitted it was a 'horrible' time and he's learned a valuable lesson from his 'awful' reaction. He added that growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles had given him insight into the 'primal need for revenge' and how destructive that can be.
She's expecting her third child in April with husband Mark Webber.

And actress Teresa Palmer looked every inch the glamorous mother-to-be as she led the celebrity arrivals at the David Jones Autumn Winter collections launch in Hobart, Tasmania on Tuesday night.

The blonde, 32, sheathed her burgeoning baby bump in a black halterneck dress as she stepped onto the red carpet.

Oh, baby! Pregnant Teresa Palmer led the celebrity arrivals at the David Jones Autumn Winter launch in Hobart

Power couple! The Hacksaw Ridge actress attended the fashion event with her husband of five years, Mark Webber, who look stylish in an all-black ensemble

Keeping her look chic and streamlined, the blonde beauty also wore a pair of simple white heels and a matching handbag.

The Hacksaw Ridge actress attended the fashion event with her husband of five years, Mark Webber, who look stylish in an all-black ensemble.

Also in attendance was David Jones ambassador Gemma Ward.

Stunning: The blonde, 32, sheathed her burgeoning baby bump in a black halterneck dress as she stepped onto the red carpet

Cute: The couple cuddled up in the front row at the show

The 31-year-old model cut a chic figure in a maroon pantsuit which featured a statement sash tied tightly at the waist.

The Perth native opted for minimal makeup, choosing to show off her natural beauty.

She also parted her famous blonde locks down the centre and allowed her locks to hang in loose curls by her shoulders.

Autumnal: Gemma Ward also cut a chic figure in a maroon pantsuit which featured a statement sash tied tightly at the waist

Legging it! Ksenija Lukich, 28, showed off her leggy physique in a tasseled nude frock that appeared to be inspired by the flapper style of the 1920s

Elsewhere, Sydney-based media figures Kate Waterhouse and Ksenija Lukich also made the trek down to Hobart to view the collections.

Ksenija, 28, showed off her leggy physique in a tasseled nude frock that appeared to be inspired by the flapper style of the 1920s.

Meanwhile, Kate opted for a black blazer and she tied her hair back into a loose bun.

A beauty in black: Columnist Kate Waterhouse opted for a black blazer and she tied her hair back into a loose bun

All smiles: Former Neighbours star and popular fashion blogger Sarah Ellen, 22, showed off her slender physique in a black patterned dress with puffed sleeves

Former Neighbours star Sarah Ellen, 22, showed off her slender physique in a black patterned dress with puffed sleeves.

The actress has become a popular fashion blogger and she was no doubt garnering some inspiration whilst attending the David Jones show.

Nadia Fairfax, another famous fashion blogger, was also spotting arriving at the event.

The beautiful blonde, 29, opted for a simple dress in an autumnal shade of burgundy.

Beauty in burgundy! Nadia Fairfax, another famous fashion blogger, was also spotting arriving at the event

Model material: Montana Cox also turned heads as she arrived at the event, donning a micro-mini dress in patchwork silk

Elsewhere, models Montana Cox turned heads in a micro-mini dress in patchwork silk.

The statuesque stunner showcased her slim pins as she posed on the red carpet, completing her look with a bold waist belt and block-heel pumps.

David Jones ambassador Jessica Gomes, who has enjoyed a long-standing association with the department store, also looked happy to be in attendance.

The raven-haired stunner showed off some leg in a white dress complete with a thigh-high split.

She later stormed the runway, showing off the latest designs from David Jones.

Thigh's the limit! Jessica Gomes showed off some leg in a white dress complete with a thigh-high split
She's a talented actress who has won two Oscars, three BAFTAs and three Golden Globes.

And Cate Blanchett showed off her flare for modelling as she starred in Giorgio Armani's new perfume movie for Si F iori eau de parfum.

In a teaser of the new film, which is released worldwide in February 2019, the actress, 49, looked sensational in a strapless red sequinned dress with a frilled skirt as she strutted her stuff in a supermarket.

Work it: Cate Blanchett showed off her flare for modelling as she starred in Giorgio Armani's new perfume movie for Si F iori eau de parfum

Cate styled her blonde locks into a tousled hairdo, she added a slick of glamorous make-up.

In a special behind-the-scenes video, the Australian actress revealed that she says 'yes' to everything in life.

She said: 'I am always saying si, I am always saying yes.

'It's hard because saying si to things involves risk, but risk leads to adventure.'

Lady in red: In a teaser of the new film, which is released worldwide in February 2019, the actress, 49, looked sensational in a strapless red sequinned dress with a frilled skirt

Supermarket chic: Cate styled her blonde locks into a tousled hairdo, she added a slick of glamorous make-up

It then showed Cate jumping out of an aeroplane with a parachute as she posed in the air, while Lesley Gore's You Dont Own Me played in the background.

Continuing her passion for saying 'yes', Cate added: 'It's invigorating when you force yourself to do something out of your comfort zone. A life without passion, is a life half-lived.'

The award-winning actress will be joined by the likes of Zhong Chuxi, Sara Sampaio and Adwoa Aboah.

Si!: In a special behind-the-scenes video, the Australian actress revealed that she says 'yes' to everything in life

Adventure: She said: 'I am always saying si, I am always saying yes. It's hard because saying si to things involves risk, but risk leads to adventure.'

While the movie will question how women can 'follow their own path, embracing the unexpected and challenging the rules' for a passionate life.

The movie will be released worldwide in February 2019, with the fragrance launching at the end of March.

Meanwhile, two-time Oscar winner Cate has become the latest Hollywood celebrity to switch to TV, signing on to star in the new FX limited series, Mrs America.

Daring: It then showed Cate jumping out of an aeroplane with a parachute as she posed in the air, while Lesley Gore's You Dont Own Me played in the background

Passion: Continuing her passion for saying 'yes', Cate added: 'It's invigorating when you force yourself to do something out of your comfort zone.'

Inspiring: She added: 'A life without passion, is a life half-lived.'

Star-studded: The award-winning actress will be joined by the likes of Zhong Chuxi, Sara Sampaio and Adwoa Aboah

Created and written by 'Mad Men' co-producer Dahvi Waller, the nine-episode series will feature Blanchett as conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly, who led the fight against the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).

The ERA is a proposed amendment to the US Constitution stating that equal rights may not be denied on the basis of one's sex.

The amendment was passed by the US Congress in 1972 but failed to win the backing of enough states.

Blanchett joins other Hollywood A-listers who have made the jump to television in recent years, including Meryl Streep, Tom Hardy and Julia Roberts.

Women: While the movie will question how women can 'follow their own path, embracing the unexpected and challenging the rules' for a passionate life

Elsewhere, Cate recently revealed she goes to her own children for career advice, telling Who magazine she 'seeks their opinions all the time'.

The actress shares four kids - Dashiell, 17, Roman, 14, Ignatius, 10, and Edith, four - with her theatre director husband Andrew Upton.

'I seek their opinions all the time. Particularly with a film like [The House with a Clock in Its Walls], you want to know, "Is this something you want to go and see?"' she said.

Her eldest son, Dashiell, is 16 and she has apparently learnt a lot from him.

'When I was sent the script, I said to him, "They're going to get Eli Roth to direct this. Isn't he the guy that does all the horror?" And he goes, "Oh my god. You put Eli Roth on an Amblin film? That's combustible",' she revealed.
Australian Victoria's Secret model Shanina Shaik has broken her silence on her involvement Fyre Festival.

The 27-year-old beauty was one of a several supermodels who were paid to promote the disastrous Bahamas-based music festival in 2017 and was featured heavily in Netflix's recently-documentary Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened.

Shanina confirmed that she had seen the Netflix expose, admitting: 'I cried when I watched it.'

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'It is really horrific what happened': Australian Victoria's Secret model Shanina Shaik, 27, has broken her silence on her involvement Fyre Festival

'It is really horrific what happened. The girls and I were just kind of dragged into it,' she told The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday.

'We would never want to promote something like that or take someone's money.'

Shanina added that she would never have promoted the event if she had known about its doomed future and the backlash she would have received.

Aside from hyping Fyre Festival on her personal Instagram account, Shanina also appeared alongside a slew of IMG-represented models in a glossy commercial for the event filmed in the Bahamas.

Regret: 'It is really horrific what happened. The girls and I were just kind of dragged into it. We would never want to promote something like that or take someone's money,' she said

Shanina stood by her agency, telling The Daily Telegraph: 'When a client comes to my agent and has a vision or a project they want to work with us on, my agency always makes sure we are protected and looked after.'

Alongside Shanina in the tropical and idyllic commercial were IMG-represented Hailey Baldwin, Bella Hadid, Alessandra Ambrosio and Chanel Iman.

Gregory Messer, the trustee overseeing the bankruptcy of Fyre Media, claims IMG received US$1.2 million (approx. $1.7 million) from event organiser Billy McFarland to promote the event between November 2016 and February 2017, according to Vogue.

Starring roles: The Melbourne-born beauty was one of many supermodels who were paid to appear in an advertisement filmed at the Bahamas (pictured, Shanina with model Chanel Iman in Fyre Festival ad)

Subpoenaed: Shanina is among some of the IMG models recently subpoenaed to testify in the Fyre Festival case. Others included Hailey Baldwin, Bella Hadid, Alessandra Ambrosio and Chanel Iman (left)

Meanwhile, the IMG-represented models who were paid to promote the festival were recently subpoenaed to testify in the Fyre Festival case.

Fyre Festival was scheduled to take place in the Bahamas over two weekends in Spring 2017, promoted by businessman Billy McFarland and rapper Ja Rule.

The event was hyped all over by other models including Kendall Jenner and Emily Ratajkowski, as well as slew of social media influencers.

Ticket prices ranged from $400 for a day pass to more than $12,750 for a VIP package including flights from Miami, accommodation in luxury tents and four festival passes.

Shock: Ticket prices ranged from $400 for a day pass to more than $12,750 for a VIP packages in luxury tents

Disappointment: Festival-goers turned up to find themselves fighting over water-logged tents on an abandoned housing development, rather than the luxury tents promised

However festival-goers turned up to find themselves fighting over water-logged tents on an abandoned housing development, rather than the luxury experience they had been promised.

In October 2018, Billy plead guilty to fraud charges, he is currently serving a six-year prison sentence for wire fraud and has been ordered to repay $26million.

The disastrous festival is now the subject of two popular documentaries, released earlier this month on international streaming platforms.

As mentioned, Netflix's Fyre: The Greatest Festival That Never Happened, while Hulu recently premiered Fyre Fraud.
She's experienced painful heartbreaks following the breakdown of her high-profile romances with Strictly's Giovanni Pernice and TV personality Ricky Rayment.

But Jess Wright has revealed she's on a quest to find love on celebrity dating app Raya in an interview with new! magazine.

The former TOWIE star, 33, who shared she's recently been on a few dates, insisted she refuses to 'just settle down' until she finds her 'Mr Right'.

Romance: Jess Wright has revealed she's on a quest to find love on celebrity dating app Raya in an interview with new! magazine

Lifting the lid on her romance life, the reality star said: 'My family say I'm the fussiest person in the world because I can never choose one guy and stick with them.

'I always seem to find a fault. But I've waited this long to find Prince Charming, so I'm not just going to settle', she added.

In the interview, where she promoted new fitness streaming portal TV.FIT, the gym bunny went on to reveal she's been introduced to dates through her pals, via social media DMs and on Raya.

Also known as Tinder for A-listers, Raya is a members' only app which charges a fee for use and access.

Dating history: The former TOWIE star, 33, previously dated Strictly's Giovanni Pernice (pictured in March 2018) and TV personality Ricky Rayment (pictured in July 2014)

Looking for love: The reality star, who shared she's recently been on a few dates, insisted she refuses to 'just settle down' until she finds her 'Mr Right'

Jess candidly added she puts 'pressure' on herself as she wants to eventually find her 'Prince Charming'.

Touching on her preferences and where she went wrong in the past, the Essex beauty detailed: 'Someone who's trustworthy, fun, chilled out and makes me laugh. I can't stand someone who's possessive or who tries to tell me what to do or control me. I can't bear that. I've experienced it in the past.'

Jess' most high-profile romance was her long-term relationship with former TOWIE co-star Ricky, 28.

The trials and tribulations of their pair's union was played out on the ITVBe reality show, before they called time on things in late 2014.

Keeping her options open: The fitness enthusiast revealed she's been introduced to dates through her pals, via social media DMs and on Raya

The TV personality went on to dated professional dancer Giovanni, 28, last year, with the pair having a five month relationship before splitting with rumours the dancer couldn't handle her popularity.

In October, Jess was spotted locked in an explosive feud with her ex-boyfriend Giovanni after the Pride Of Britain Awards.

The star was seen screaming at her Strictly star former flame, in a shocking row which saw her brand him 'full of s**t', before she was heard saying: 'You broke my heart, you lied to me'.

Meanwhile, it was recently claimed that Jess enjoyed a flirtation with Irish actor Jack McEvoy at the Nordoff Robbins Legends of Rugby event last month.

Honest: Jess candidly added she puts 'pressure' on herself as she wants to eventually find her 'Prince Charming'

Jess and the Vikings actor, 24, were said to have flirted up a storm, danced the salsa together and even shared a kiss at the star-studded dinner.

A source told MailOnline: 'Jess was fawning over Jack all night, they were both very flirtatious with each other.

'They were dancing the salsa and even had a cheeky kiss after exchanging numbers outside the after-party before leaving in separate cabs.'

Love interest: It was recently claimed that Jess enjoyed a flirtation with Irish actor Jack McEvoy (L) at the Nordoff Robbins Legends of Rugby event last month

Jess' interview came after she teased to MailOnline she had found someone 'really special' in November.

She shared: 'I am dating, but it is really hard to let someone in, especially because Im such a busy and independent person,' she said.

'Im working, Ive got a big family, so if I bring someone into my life, it has to be someone really special, someone I literally see the rest of my life with, otherwise theres no point. However, I think there could be someone on the horizon, I am dating.'
She has been caught up in the Megan Barton Hanson and Wes Nelson split because she has grown close to the Love Island hunk since starring on Dancing On Ice.

And Vanessa Bauer didn't let the drama have a knock on effect on her fitness when she took to Instagram to share her workouts with her 110,000 followers on Tuesday.

The professional skater, 22, put her impressive abs on display in a skimpy white crop top as she kept up her exercise schedule.

Abs-olutely ravishing: Dancing on Ice skater Vanessa Bauer showcased her abs in a crop top and leggings as she kept up her workouts on Tuesday

Although she was hitting the gym, the Dancing on Ice star didn't let her glamorous image slip as she wore heavy make-up.

The personal trainer ran her fingers through her loose brunette locks while she showed off her dance-honed body via her Instagram stories.

Skater Vanessa's latest Instagram post comes amid the fall out of the Megan and Wes split in recent weeks - with Wes reportedly struggling to concentrate on his Dancing On Ice training in the aftermath.

Abs-olutely amazing: The professional skater, 22, put her impressive abs on display in a skimpy white crop top as she kept up her exercise schedule

A source told The Sun: 'Its been a difficult time for Wes after Megan announced their split last week.

'Just when he thought it would get easier after the drama with Vanessa Bauer ended, hes been faced with watching Megan go out and enjoy herself.

'Hes been keeping himself distracted with his mates, but friends fear his skating might have suffered this week.'

Looking fabulous: The personal trainer ran her fingers through her loose brunette locks while she showed off her dance-honed body via her Instagram stories

Megan announced her split from Wes last month with a tongue-in-cheek statement mirroring the one written by Gwyneth Paltrow after she split from Chris Martin.

An insider close to Megan told Heat : 'Friends of the couple have been mystified by the split announcement and suspect it's all for publicity. They reckon they are fully intending to get back together, once Dancing On Ice is over.'

A spokesperson for Wes told MailOnline the couple have definitely split but fans are still not convinced.

But a friend of Megan's told Heat: 'Megan is playing a massive game and isn't hiding it well. Her plan is to make them a super couple, which is why she used Gwyneth's split announcement for maxiumum publicity.'

So glam: Although she was hitting the gym, the Dancing on Ice star didn't let her glamorous image slip as she wore heavy make-up

Others insist: 'Friends who know Megan know there is no way she would let him go... she feels this way, there will be more interest surrounding them and once the show is over, they can enjoy a planned reunion.'

Their fans tweeted: 'There's fools crying and loving Megan's copied statement for her fake relationship break up with Wes. #NoImagination #FakeRelationship #CantMakeNoMoreMoneyTogether #LoveIsland #WesAndMegan.'

'Megan and Wes can't be serious with that Break up statement asking people to respect their Hamsters privacy... pair of attention seekers. It wouldn't surprise me if their so called break up was fake.'

'Im sorry but Megan and Wess break up has to be fake.. seriously what the f*** is this ????? How can anyone take them seriously.'

Megan has said she still loves Wes but he is in a 'fame bubble' and 'doesn't love her back.'

Pictured: Skater Vanessa's latest Instagram post comes amid the fall out of the Megan and Wes split in recent weeks

The Love Island star blasted Dancing on Ice bosses for 'deliberately stirring things up' by partnering Wes with professional German skater Vanessa.

Megan told OK! magazine of the split: 'Our ambitions and goals in life are very different.

'Wes is younger than me and wrapped up in the fame bubble - but I still love him, which is why it hurts so much.'

Struggling: Vanessa's latest post comes amid the fall out of the Megan and Wes split - with Wes reportedly struggling to concentrate on his Dancing On Ice training in the aftermath

Despite the drama, Megan admitted in her extended statement that she still 'love and adores' Wes and will pop down on Sunday to watch him compete on the show.

'I am so grateful and so blessed to have found Wes, I will always love and adore him and I am so lucky to call him my best friend it has been an incredibly hard decision to for both of us but we are both looking forward to moving on together as friends and supporting each other in everything we do.

'I will be down at at Dancing On Ice tomorrow to watch him smash it again. Only one thing left to say come on Wes and Vanessa.'

In the fall out of the split, Megan has been keeping busy with work and is a brand ambassador for clothing label Pretty Little Thing.
Following their huge success with Birdbox and Black Mirror: Bandersnatch late last year Netflix has unleashed another talking-point feature onto its streaming service.

True crime documentary Abducted in Plain Sight was first released back in May 2017 in the US but only dropped on Netflix UK last month and has been steadily gaining cult status thanks to its jaw-dropping twists.

Telling the real life story of Jan Broberg who was abducted twice and sexually abused by family friend Robert Berchtold in the 1970s, viewers have tweeted their shock after watching the 90 minute documentary.

Must watch: Netflix's true crime documentary Abducted in Plain Sight has been steadily gaining cult status thanks to its jaw-dropping twists (pictured, Jan Broberg)

The film, directed and produced by Skye Borgman, details the story of Idaho teenager Jan and her abductions which happened when she was just 12 and 14.

Berchtold manipulated both of Jan's parents into giving access to their young daughter, with the parents later shockingly waiting days to report her missing as they didn't want to upset Berchtold's wife.

During the first abduction Berchtold fled to Mexico with Jan where he tried to brainwash her into thinking she could save the alien race by having a baby with him, before she was returned home weeks later.

Shocking: Telling the story of Jan Broberg who was abducted twice and sexually abused by family friend Robert Berchtold (pictured with Jan) in the 70s, viewers have tweeted their shock

Two years later Jan was abducted again by Berchtold, this time going missing for 100 days.

Berchtold enrolled her in a Catholic girls' school, posing as her father to try and keep her family and the authorities away before she was eventually tracked down and returned home.

Jan and her mother, Mary Ann, have in the years since spoken at a number of events to raise awareness of sexual abuse, while Mary Ann has also written a book.

Mind blowing: The bizarre details of the case has shocked viewers, with one tweeting: 'Only 20 minutes in and I am disturbed beyond words. WHAT IS THIS'

The documentary, which was three years in the making, consists of reenactments of the events alongside talking-head interviews with Jan, her parents, Berchtold's brother and an FBI agent assigned to the case.

The bizarre details of the case have shocked viewers, with one tweeting: 'After hearing everybody in work talking about it, I'm finally watching Abducted in Plain Sight; only 20 minutes in and I am disturbed beyond words. WHAT IS THIS.'

'Watching, Abducted in Plain Sight and every time I think it can't get worse, IT DOES... wtf.'

Reactions: Others tweeted memes and gifs of their responses to the real life case's many jaw-dropping twists

'We have just watched Abducted in Plain Sight on @NetflixUK and my mind is blown. Wtf wtf wtf wtf?' tweeted writer Sali Hughes.

'Watching, Abducted in Plain Sight and every time I think it can't get worse, IT DOES... wtf,' agreed another, while others tweeted gifs depicting their shocked reactions, especially to the revelation that both Jan's mother and father had a sexual relationship with Berchtold.

In an interview with Vice last week, filmmaker Skye Borgman admitted he understands the internet's reaction to his documentary.

'Some of them I can really appreciate. And its really the ones that are just sort of shocked faces saying, what?! what?! what?!,' he said.

Crime fans: With an abundance of crime documentaries and thrillers available on Netflix, some viewers have overloaded on the genre

He went on to consider that viewers' reaction reflect the Broberg's family's response at the time, explaining: 'I think thats a lot of what I felt was important was that this family felt completely bombarded with all of these different things that were happening to them.'

'So bombarded that they completely lost sight of their children, and I wanted the film to feel that way.'

'I think thats probably not far off from how these parents were feeling at the time that there was just so much stuff being thrown at them that they just had no idea what to do and how to feel.'

'So I can certainly appreciate some of the memes that are out there, yeah, and maybe in a way sort of get a laugh out of it. It does provide a little bit of levity, which I can appreciate.'

Abducted in Plain Sight is available to stream on Netflix now.
Adam Collard has hinted that there's more to his tiff with Ferne McCann at this year's National Television Awards than meets the eye.

The hunky Love Islander, 23, allegedly had a drink thrown in his face by Ferne, 28, at the event two weeks ago.

And Adam has now told Heat Magazine: 'I've been swilled a hundred times by girls, and I don't think the police have ever came for a swill.

More to it? The Adam Collard vs Ferne McCann saga rumbles on. The hunky Love Islander, 23, has alluded to the fact that he can't speak openly about his and Ferne's National Television Awards argument two weeks ago, thanks to the involvement of the police

'I mean, I'm not really allowed to say too much; but I think people can read between the lines.'

Ferne was said to be provoked when Adam said something defamatory about her baby daughter.

But on Monday, Ferne told MailOnline she is now keen to put water under the bridge with Adam and his girlfriend Zara, 21, and draw a line under the feud.

When asked if she would ever consider patching things up with the couple, she said: 'I would be open to that.' My statement on Twitter told the truth. I have moved on. There is absolutely no bad feelings now on my part.'

Bad blood? Ferne, 28, is said to have thrown a drink in Adam's face, with him telling Heat Magazine - 'I've been swilled a hundred times by girls, and I don't think the police have ever came for a swill'

The plot thickens: 'I mean, I'm not really allowed to say too much; but I think people can read between the lines,' Adam went on

Ferne took to Twitter shortly after the incident to share her side of the story.

Her statement said: 'To be clear, I have never thrown glass at anyone. I am not proud of reacting the way I did to the serious abuse and intimidation I was subjected to and I should not have thrown a drink.

'However, I am not sure how someone who said the things he did about my daughter and me is seeking to portray himself as a victim.'

Zara hit back at Ferne's statement, claiming Adam never once bad-mouthed her daughter and that she threw a container, as well as drink, at her boyfriend.

Storm in a teacup? Ferne was said to be provoked when Adam said something defamatory about her baby daughter, Sunday

In the video clips shared to her story, she revealed that their feud started at the Pride of Britain Awards after she commented about Ferne and Charlie Brake, who dumped her best friend Ellie Brown.

Having been in the limelight since joining TOWIE in 2013, Ferne insisted she has grown a thick skin against comments from online trolls.

She said: 'I've been in the industry for a good enough time to grow a thick skin. I know what's important.

'For every negative comment, there's ten positive ones. The nasty, you have to block it out.'
Matt Damon and his family returned to New South Wales' Byron Bay this month to escape the winter chill in the States.

And Matt and wife Luciana Barroso were enjoying every moment of their beach getaway on Tuesday as they soaked up the sunshine with their children.

Luciana, 43, looked absolutely incredible as she flaunted her toned figure and taut stomach in a string bikini alongside her beau, 47.

Beauty in blue! Matt Damon's wife Luciana Barroso. 43, sizzled in a string bikini as the couple soaked up the sunshine on the beach in Byron Bay on Tuesday

They're back! Matt Damon and his family returned to New South Wales' Byron Bay this month to escape the winter chill in the States

Byron Bay became the American couples second home last year, as their family frequented the coastal town to spend time with Chris Hemsworth and his brood.

Looking like locals, Luciana reclined on a beach towel with a wide-brimmed hat as she spoke to her Good Will Hunting star hunk.

Protecting their skin from the harsh UV rays, the lovebirds sat under a large umbrella, while Matt further covered up in a black T-shirt, sunglasses and backwards cap.

Hot mama! Mother-of-four Luciana, 43, looked absolutely incredible as she flaunted her toned figure and taut stomach in a string bikini alongside her husband, 47

Sun safety! Protecting their skin from the harsh UV rays, the couple sat under a large umbrella, while Matt covered up in a black T-shirt, sunglasses and backwards cap

Joining them on the outing appeared to be three of their four children - daughters Isabella Damon, 12, Gia Zavala Damon, 10, and Stella Damon, 8.

It's unclear whether the family later caught up with Chris, actress wife Elsa Pataky, and their three children.

Last year, Matt and his family rented a $4 million Byron Bay home for four months.

Despite reports Matt was keen to purchase his own property in the area, the actor began the new year by snapping up an expensive Brooklyn apartment.

Considering a move? After numerous visits to Australia last year, there were many rumours the family would relocate Down Under. However, a representative denied these claims at the time

It was reported last month by the New York Times that Matt had bought the property for US$16.7million (AUD$23.7million).

Matt's purchase follows rumours last year that he was preparing to relocate with his family to Australia after numerous visits.

Page Six claimed his move Down Under would 'not impact his work' as he was prepared to 'travel to wherever his projects are shooting'.

However, a representative denied these claims at the time.
Michael Anthony Benbow, 47, of the 100 block of Stoner Avenue, was charged with one count of possession of narcotics with intent to distribute and seven other charges related to drugs. He was held without bail following a Monday bail review, according to electronic court records.
She touched down in Abu Dhabi over the weekend after flying in from Los Angeles.

And Lisa Snowdon, 47, sent her admirers into overdrive when she shared her latest swimsuit Instagram post from her sun-drenched getaway on Tuesday.

Posed for the snap, a poise Lisa offered a look at her gravity-defying bust in a keyhole neckline of her flirty snow coloured one-piece.

Looking incredible! Lisa Snowdon, 47, looked amazing in a cutaway swimsuit during Abu Dhabi getaway as she sent fans into a frenzy with pool snap on Tuesday

'Looking amazing ,' one fan penned in tribute to the star.

The former Capital Breakfast on Capital London presenter tied her brunette locks into a bun and added shades to her poolside look.

Sat on one of the stools inside the pool, the former Britain's Next Top Model host was the picture of relaxation as she had her emerald green beverage to hand.

Social media was awash with fans commenting on her 'amazing looks' as admirers gushed over the picturesque swimsuit snap.

'Stunning': Social media was awash with fans commenting on her 'amazing looks' as admirers gushed over the picturesque swimsuit snap

Others filed in: 'Damnnnnnnn'; 'Omfg xx'; 'Stunning'; 'Wow!!'; 'STUNNING!'; 'Looking amazing '; 'Beautiful shot'.

Another remarked: 'Wow love that swimsuit its beautiful.'

'That swimsuit is beautiful.' Someone agreed. 'Lovely view nice background looks lush nice pic.'

Alongside her envy-inducing snap, the presenter playfully penned in the caption: 'S**t day at the office.'

Cheeky: Alongside her envy-inducing snap, the presenter playfully penned in the caption, 'S**t day at the office'

Amused fans rushed to comment beneath the picture and even jokingly offered to 'rescue' her from the paradise.

'Look absolutely horrific! Do you need rescuing? Happy to oblige x,' one fan wrote.

'Its hell, but someones got to do it!' Another added. 'I feel so sorry for you.'

Amazing in animal print: Lisa has been drip feeding her glamorous snaps from the poolside in Abu Dhabi with her 211,000 followers across her social media platforms

Hilarious: Amused fans rushed to comment beneath the picture and even jokingly offered to 'rescue' her from the paradise

Fans also shared: 'That looks super tough out there, you need to come to Dubai for proper R&R.'

'A flower in paradise. Somebody had to draw the short straw Lisa.'

Lisa has been drip feeding her glamorous snaps from the poolside in Abu Dhabi with her 211,000 followers across her social media platforms.
Megan Barton Hanson was pictured flat-hunting on Monday after splitting from her boyfriend of seven months, Wes Nelson.

The Love Island star appeared in high spirits as she stepped out in a fluffy snakeprint coat and a mini skirt, as well as fishnet tights and chunky boots after saying she was keeping her new address a secret from everyone.

The outing comes as fans of the former couple remain convinced that they faked their split last week in a bid to get 'maximum publicity.'

She seems to be moving on: Megan Barton Hanson was pictured flat-hunting on Monday as she and ex Wes Nelson are hit by claims their split is 'FAKE' and for 'maximum publicity'

In happier times: The couple only announced their split last weekend, shocking their fans, after a seemingly loved-up seven month long romance

Megan, 24, and Wes, 20, shocked fans last week, with their tongue-in-cheek split statement which mirrored the one Gwyneth Paltrow made when she split from Chris Martin.

An insider close to Megan told Heat: 'Friends of the couple have been mystified by the split announcement and suspect it's all for publicity - they reckon they are fully intending to get back together, once Dancing On Ice is over.'

A spokesperson for Wes told MailOnline the couple have definitely split, but fans are still not convinced.

Making her own stylThe Love Island star appeared in high spirits as she stepped out in a fluffy snakeprint coat and a mini skirt, as well as fishnet tights and chunky boots

What is happening? The outing comes as fans of the former couple remain convinced that they faked their split last week in a bid to get 'maximum publicity' although a spokesperson denies this to be true

Secret: Megan and said she won't be telling anyone her new address after moving six times

But a friend of Megan's told Heat: 'Megan is playing a massive game and isn't hiding it well. Her plan is to make them a super couple, which is why she used Gwyneth's split announcement for maxiumum publicity.'

Others insist: 'Friends who know Megan know there is no way she would let him go... she feels this way, there will be more interest surrounding them and once the show is over, they can enjoy a planned reunion.'

Their fans tweeted: 'There's fools crying and loving Megan's copied statement for her fake relationship break up with Wes. #NoImagination #FakeRelationship #CantMakeNoMoreMoneyTogether #LoveIsland #WesAndMegan.'

Over: Megan, 24, and Wes, 20, shocked fans last week, with their tongue-in-cheek split statement which mirrored the one Gwyneth Paltrow made when she split from Chris Martin

Is it true? 'Friends who know Megan know there is no way she would let him go... she feels this way, there will be more interest surrounding them and once the show is over, they can enjoy a planned reunion'

No looking back: Megan appears to be putting the past behind her however, as she plans to move into a new home, alone

They don't want it to be true: Fans have been tweeting that the split must be fake because the couple had seemed so loved up until now

Sad: Megan has said she still loves Wes but he is in a 'fame bubble' and 'doesn't love her back'

'Megan and Wes can't be serious with that Break up statement asking people to respect their Hamsters privacy... pair of attention seekers. It wouldn't surprise me if their so called break up was fake.'

'Im sorry but Megan and Wess break up has to be fake.. seriously what the f*** is this ????? How can anyone take them seriously.'

Megan has said she still loves Wes but he is in a 'fame bubble' and 'doesn't love her back.'

Back to the day job: Meanwhile, Megan has been keeping busy with work and the new shots for the PrettyLittleThing collection, for which she is brand ambassador, have just been launched

Glamour: The blonde beauty looked incredible in her neon green top and patent PVC trousers

Sexy: She flashed some underboob in her tangerine coloured crop top and pencil skirt, (left) before slipping into a futuristic design (right)

All in the details: Cats eye sunglasses gave this lime green mini a vintage twist

Cute: She dressed down a neon orange mini dress with a padded white jacket and oversized shades

Speaking in an interview with this week's OK! magazine, the Love Island star also blasted Dancing On Ice bosses for 'deliberately stirring things up' by partnering Wes with professional German skater Vanessa Bauer.

Speaking about why the pair split, Megan revealed: 'Our ambitions and goals in life are very different.

'Wes is younger than me and wrapped up in the fame bubble - but I still love him, which is why it hurts so much.'

Something to say: Fans are convinced the pair are still together, but is it just wishful thinking?

'Decided to separate' The star, who found herself embroiled in an ongoing feud with his DOI partner Vanessa Bauer, took to her Instagram Stories last week to confirm the news with a tongue in cheek statement in the style of Gwyneth Paltrow

That's wheel nice: Megan also vowed they would be co-parenting their 'wonderful' hamster named Jon Snow (stock shot)

Despite the drama, Megan admitted in her extended statement that she still 'love and adores' Wes and will pop down on Sunday to watch him compete on Dancing On Ice.

'I am so grateful and so blessed to have found Wes, I will always love and adore him and I am so lucky to call him my best friend it has been an incredibly hard decision to for both of us but we are both looking forward to moving on together as friends and supporting each other in everything we do.

'I will be down at at Dancing On Ice tomorrow to watch him smash it again. Only one thing left to say come on Wes and Vanessa.'

Meanwhile, Megan has been keeping busy with work and is a brand ambassador for clothing label PrettyLittleThing.

She looks stunning as she models a new range of clothing for the brand, which includes neon mini dresses, underboob flashing crop tops and sports inspired co-ords.

Seeking advice? Megan was seen chatting away on her phone inside one potential new property

Angry: Speaking in an interview with this week's OK! magazine, the Love Island star also blasted Dancing On Ice bosses for 'deliberately stirring things up' by partnering Wes with professional German skater Vanessa Bauer
Matthew Bennett looked uncomfortable as he soaked in the bathtub with his 'wife' Lauren Huntriss in an attempt to get more intimate with her.

But instead of setting fireworks between the couple, Matthew was instead rushed to hospital on Tuesday's episode.

The 29-year-old virgin appeared to be suffering from an sudden burst of anxiety, telling producers: 'I'm feeling really crook, I don't know what's going on.'

'I'm feeling really crook': Virgin Matthew Bennett, 29, was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday's episode of Married At First Sight

Psychologist John Aiken explained: 'When Matthew faces the numerous challenges in this experiment, he can internalise this anxiety and it can manifest physically in terms of muscle tension, dizziness and shortness of breath.'

Lauren and her beau were rushed to the hospital on the advice of a nurse and underwent a few tests.

'I actually am starting to get really worried. I'm his wife now and I just want to look after him,' the blonde said.

Unwell: Psychologist John Aiken explained: 'When Matthew faces the numerous challenges in this experiment, he can internalise this anxiety and it can manifest physically in terms of muscle tension, dizziness and shortness of breath'

After six hours in hospital Matthew was given the all clear to return to his honeymoon.

Matthew explained to producers: 'Last night I got just really unwell. I'd been pushing through some pain for a while and it just got the best of me.'

'Loz sat with me the whole night. I felt really supported and as weird as it sounds, I'm so incredibly grateful for it. I think, if anything, it's actually brought us closer together,' he boasted.

Concerned wife: Lauren and her beau were rushed to the hospital on the advise from a nurse and underwent a few tests

'It was a good bonding experience': After six hours in hospital the virgin was given the all clear to return to his honeymoon

The couple enjoyed sweet pillow talk after their time in the emergency room and appeared to be a little closer in bed together.

Speaking about the experience, Lauren said: 'I definitely think it was a good bonding experience for Matthew and I.'

She continued: 'It made us forget about everything else. I think it's brought us closer together for sure. We are married now and they say in sickness and in health, so there I was!'
Lorraine Kelly was left flustered during Tuesday's episode of her eponymous talk show as she was accused of sexism before being hit by a barrage of innuendos.

The Scottish presenter, 59, was called out by Martin Clunes as she ogled a shirtless picture of Poldark actor, Aidan Turner, with Martin reasoning that it wouldn't be appropriate for a male presenter to behave that way when discussing a female actress.

The Doc Martin star, 57, received a barrage of Twitter support for calling out Lorraine's behaviour, before leaving viewers in hysterics by sneaking several innuendos into his interview.

Oops: Lorraine Kelly was left flustered during Tuesday's episode of her eponymous talk show as she was accused of sexism by Martin Clunes before being hit by a barrage of innuendos

The chaos began as Lorraine lamented the news that Poldark has wrapped filming on its fifth and final series.

As a shirtless snap of the lead actor popped up, she mused: 'What a shame. I wish we had a photograph we could remember Poldark by, ah thank you for that, lovely, that's cheered us all up.'

Yet Martin was quick to point out there was a double standard, telling Lorraine: 'That's sexist. I could have you in a tribunal.

'If I said, 'show that picture with her baps out,' there'd be trouble.'

Ogled: The Scottish presenter, 59, was called out by Martin Clunes as she ogled a shirtless picture of Poldark actor, Aidan Turner, with Martin reasoning that it wouldn't be appropriate for a male presenter to behave that way when discussing a female actress

Taking the comments in good faith and giggling away, Lorraine hit back: 'He's not got his winky out! He's just got his chest out.'

Viewers solely sided with Martin, taking to Twitter to share: 'Well said Martin Clunes. Had it been a man drooling over a woman's body, there would be outrage. Such double standards. #Lorraine is totally cringeworthy.

'#Lorraine Makes sexist comment on #Poldark bare chest scene- Any man making such a comment would be hounded by rabid feminists! It is men that now face discrimination in an increasingly #feminised society!'

Row: Martin was quick to point out there was a double standard, telling Lorraine: 'That's sexist. I could have you in a tribunal'

Cheeky! Taking the comments in good faith and giggling away, Lorraine hit back, 'He's not got his winky out! He's just got his chest out'

Sexism row: Viewers solely sided with Martin, taking to Twitter to share that they also believed Lorraine's remarks to be sexist and praising the actor for calling her out

'Well done to Martin Clunes for calling Lorraine Kelly out on @lorraine #lorraine'; '#Lorraine Also strangely thinks that a woman's naked chest is equal to a mans 'winkie' (her words) ... #ToxicFemininity

'Shows Poldark topless. Mate, other way round be deemed sexist. #Lorraine'; 'Clunes is right. There is an accepted female sexism on TV when leering at men that men would be cautioned ...sometimes even axed over #Lorraine

'Well said Martin! It IS sexist! #lorraine'; 'Ahahahahahaha yes Martin well said #lorraine'.

Knows what he's doing: The drama didn't end there, as when the conversation turned to Valentine's Day plans, Martin pulled out a series of innuendos

Yet the drama didn't end there, as when the conversation turned to Valentine's Day plans, Martin pulled out a series of innuendos.

Asked whether he was romantic, Martin left Lorraine red-faced as he mused: 'I gave my wife a pearl necklace in the Maldives... Next year I'm going to take her up the Delta'.

Whilst Lorraine did not pull Martin up on his double entendres, viewers were left in hysterics, posting: ;Got a new found respect for Martin after swearing live on #ThisMorning! #lorraine

'Martin Clunes gave his wife a pearl necklace in The Maldives #Lorraine love him'; 'Did Martin Clunes just say and imply what I think he did! #Lorraine

'Well done Mr Clunes. #lorraine'; '#Lorraine trying to pretend she never noticed the sexual innuendos'.
She's revealed she's coming to the end of her breastfeeding journey as her son Theodore turns six-months-old.

And Vogue Williams has spoken out on the highs and lows of feeding her son, telling ITV's Lorraine on Tuesday that she was 'mortified' when she first started feeding in public.

The Irish star shared a candid photo of herself from the first time she breastfed outside of home, revealing she was 'sweating profusely.'

Motherhood: Vogue Williams has spoken out on the highs and lows of breastfeeding her son, telling Lorraine on Tuesday that she was 'mortified' when she first started feeding in public

During her fashion segment on Lorraine, Vogue and the presenter talked about her latest Instagram post, with the star admitting: 'When you first start breast feeding youre mortified doing it in public.'

The photo sees the model and DJ feeding a tiny Theodore in a restaurant, with the candid caption reading:

'My first time breast feeding in public...I remember feeling so embarrassed, sweating profusely and desperately trying to hide my newly enormous nipples!'

Son: During her fashion segment on Lorraine, Vogue and the presenter talked about her latest Instagram post, with the star admitting: 'When you first start breast feeding youre mortified'

She added that after the first time she soon became more comfortable, explaining:

'I was soon calmed down by my pal and the feed went well, I would feed without a thought anywhere now!'

Vogue revealed she's recently dropped Theodore's feeds after nearly six months, and is starting to consider using formula milk, asking her followers for advice.

'Ive dropped my daytime breast feeds and am now only doing the night and morning. I always wanted to get to about six months but I never thought I would feel this sad about stopping. Our first baby almost done with breast milk! Now to all my fellow mums, what formula are you using?' she wrote.

New milestone: Vogue revealed she's recently dropped Theodore's feeds after nearly six months, and is starting to consider using formula milk, asking her followers for advice

Having her say: After sharing her breastfeeding Insta photo on Monday, Vogue later called out her followers for arguing about baby feeding in the comments under the post

As well as advice though, the breastfeeding post sparked a fierce debates from Vogue's followers in the comments, prompting Vogue to post on Tuesday:

'I don't like seeing the fighting under my breast feeding picture. I don't think any mother should tell another what to do,' she wrote.

'Some people can breast feed and love it, some people can't feed or maybe they don't want to. Everyone is different.'

'Let's just support each other as parents. It's a hard enough job without us arguing about how we think things should be done... '

Family: The Irish model and husband Spencer Matthews welcomed Theodore in September 2018 and recently documented the first few weeks of parenthood in their hit E4 series

Open: Vogue has charted her motherhood journey on Instagram, sharing the sleepless nights and milestones

Vogue and husband Spencer Matthews welcomed their son in September 2018, recently documenting their pregnancy and first few weeks of parenthood in their hit E4 series Spencer, Vogue and Baby Too.

Spencer gave his own reflections on becoming a dad when he joined former Made in Chelsea co-star Sam Thompson for a BUILD Live session last week.

Vogue - who boasts washboard abs just four months after giving birth - was a hot topic on the day, with Spencer revealing how she managed to snap back to her pre-pregnancy figure.

Stunning: The star looked gorgeous in a green shirt dress and leopard print heels for her appearance on Lorraine

Spencer reasoned: 'She's quite determined. She cares about her shape. She loves the gym. She was training throughout her entire pregnancy.'

The reality star then discussed the impact having a baby has had on him, as he explained: 'It's fantastic. Anyone who's a new parent will tell you it's wonderful, despite the occasional lack of sleep.

'[I'm] Very fortunate to have obviously embarked on this wonderful journey with my best friend and wife Vogue, couldn't live without her. We live in a very happy house and feel very fortunate everyday.'
He's a heartthrob to millions thanks to his role as Ross Poldark.

But Aidan Turner only had eyes for his girlfriend Caitlin Fitzgerald at the Hollywood premiere of their new film The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot.

Aidan, 35, and Caitlin, 35, met on the Massachusetts set of the film in 2017 and have been inseparable ever since.

On and offscreen lovers: Aidan Turner only had eyes for his girlfriend Caitlin Fitzgerald at the Hollywood premiere of their new film The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot

Monday's red carpet at the ArcLight in Hollywood marks only the second public appearance for the couple, following the European premiere in London back in August.

The couple cosied up for the cameras, with US actress Caitlin looking gorgeous in a retro style floral print maxi dress accessorised with a green velvet clutch.

Aidan meanwhile looked dapper in a smart grey blazer teamed with camel-coloured trousers.

Love: Aidan, 35, and Caitlin, 35, met on the Massachusetts set of the film in 2017 and have been inseparable ever since

Good looking pair: The couple cosied up for the cameras, with US actress Caitlin looking gorgeous in a retro style floral print maxi dress accessorised with a green velvet clutch

All-star: The couple posed with (l-r) co-stars Larry Miller, Sam Elliott, director Robert D. Krzykowski, co-stars Ron Livingston and Rizwan Manji

Smart: Aidan looked dapper in a smart grey blazer teamed with camel-coloured trousers

The pair met while playing lovers in the new fantasy film, with sources previously revealing they rarely mingled with other cast members while staying at the historic Deerfield Inn, near Boston during filming.

In the film, Turner plays an American soldier in the Second World War who leaves Caitlin's character behind to embark on a dangerous mission to assassinate Adolf Hitler  and he is later called upon to kill a mythical sasquatch in the Canadian Rockies.

Turner split with artist Nettie Wakefield, 30, last June. Before that he was in five-year relationship with fellow actress Sarah Greene, 32. They separated in 2015. Caitlin meanwhile has dated Welsh actor Michael Sheen.

In a recent interview, Aidan coyly hinted at finding new love, saying: 'I do have a girlfriend, yeah.'

It's a wrap! It's been a busy week for Aidan who wrapped the fifth and final series of Poldark on Sunday. Eleanor Tomlinson shared a sweet snap with her Poldark co-star on the last day

So sweet: Caitlin was every inch the people pleaser when she stopped to sign autographs, while catching the eye of everyone in sight in her floral dress

Leading the way! The handsome Poldark star was closely followed by his stunning blonde girlfriend when they headed home from the event

Last year Glamour magazine published an essay by Caitlin entitled 'No one can tell you what good sex looks like', in which she admitted having 'had some really bad sex in my life'.

She said she had initially 'crafted my bedroom behaviour around what I had seen women do on television  lots of excessive moaning and hair tossing but very little personal satisfaction'.

It's been a busy week for Aidan who wrapped the fifth and final series of Poldark on Sunday.

Eleanor Tomlinson shared a sweet snap with her Poldark co-star, as filming on the series' fifth, and final, season came to an end in Bristol,

She's so stylish: Caitlin toted an emerald velvet clutch bag which picked out the shades of green in her floral dress as she joined her beau

Beautiful blonde! Aidan smiled as he joined his glamorous girlfriend on the scene
She's the sharp-tongued bride who was left less-than-impressed when she met her 'husband' Bronson Norrish at the altar.

And on Tuesday night's episode of Married At First Sight, Ines Basic continued to fire off insults at her new spouse.

The feisty 28-year-old forced Bronson to sleep on the couch on their wedding night, before telling him he looked like a 'Teletubby' in his bright yellow onesie.

'He looks like a Teletubby!' On Tuesday night, Married At First Sight bride Ines Basic took ANOTHER nasty swipe at her 'husband' Bronson Norrish

Ines' insult came less than 24 hours after she called Bronson 'disgusting' for having once been a stripper.

And things went from bad to worse as the pair began their honeymoon in Port Douglas, Queensland.

At a wildlife park, an excited Bronson cuddled up to a koala, as Ines savagely remarked: 'Seeing Bronson hold that koala, you want to look at it and think, 'Oh my god, yes, that is hot'. But yeah, I just don't feel that.'

Ouch! Ines claimed her new husband looked like 'the yellow Teletubby' as he woke up on the lounge the morning after their wedding

She added: 'We just don't have good chat, we don't have chat at all. We just don't connect on any level'.

Later, Ines went into meltdown as the pair took a parasailing trip out on the ocean.

The Bosnian-born brunette began to worry about the high-octane activity, and lashed out at Bronson in a foul-mouthed tirade.

'We just don't connect on any level': Ines was less-than-impressed with the sight of Bronson holding a koala

'I will faint, get me off the boat. I feel like I'm actually stressed! I will jump off the f**king ship!' she implored.

Bronson then hit back, telling Ines that it was no surprise she was single, before asking: 'Is it too late get a divorce?'

'I want to throw this (wedding) ring in the ocean!' he later stated.

'Is it too late to get a divorce?' Ines and Bronson had an explosive fight whilst taking to the high seas

It was different sort of honeymoon for fellow MAFS couple Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli.

Michael's jaw dropped as Martha stripped down to a skimpy bikini at their Samoan resort.

'A little bit of me froze when I was watching her walk in to the pool. I didn't say anything, I was just taken aback little bit. Martha in a bikini is better than I could have thought,' an amorous Michael cooed.

'She's got an amazing body and she is the whole package!'

'She's got an amazing body and she is the whole package!' Michael was a fan of clearly a fan of Martha's artificial assets

Hot, hot, hot! Michael's jaw-dropped as Martha stipped down to a skimpy bikini at their Samoan resort

Later, Michael received confirmation from Martha that the physical attraction was mutual.

The busty make-up artist stated: 'I'm definitely attracted to you. Like, you are super fit, you're tall and you've got really nice skin. So physically, yeah, definitely. I'm vibing your vibe!'

Michael enthusiastically replied: 'I do feel sexual chemistry between us. I get to see you in your bikini and... I've got to be honest, it's hard to look away!'

'I'm definitely attracted to you!' Later, Michael received confirmation from Martha that the physical attraction was mutual

While the sexual chemistry was strong between Michael and Martha, it was far more awkward for Matthew Bennett and Lauren Huntriss.

The newlyweds honeymooned at a vineyard in South Australia, and 29-year-old Matthew felt pressure to lose his virginity.

After an awkward bubble bath, Matthew's anxiety began to cripple him and he was rushed to the hospital with severe stomach pains.

Rub-a-dub-dub! After an awkward bubble bath, Matthw's anxiety began to cripple him and he was rushed to the hospital with severe stomach pains

The pressure's on! Matthw's anxiety began to cripple him and he was rushed to the hospital with severe stomach pains

A supportive Lauren seemed concerned about her spouse, telling producers: 'He's just having some tests at the moment. I actually am starting to get really worried. I'm his wife now and I just want to look after him!'

The morning after his rush to the emergency room, Matthew stated: 'Last night I got really unwell.'

'I'd been pushing through some pain for a while and it just got the best of me. Loz (Lauren) sat with me the whole night. I felt really supported and as weird as it sounds, I'm so incredibly grateful for it,' he insisted.

He then enthused: 'I think it's actually brought us closer together!'

'I'd been pushing through some pain for a while and it just got the best of me': Matthew made a full recovery after his dash to the ER

And indeed, the couple's relationship began to strengthen from that point forward.

During a romantic candlelit dinner on the final night of their honeymoon, Matthew spoke candidly about his past and the reasons for his social anxiety.

'Growing up, I never felt good enough. My family is not really great at physical displays of affection and then I would go to school and get bullied and basically be told that I wasn't good enough and I didn't matter,' he emotionally explained.

'I wasn't feeling good enough at home, was told I wasn't good enough at school.'

Matthew also revealed that a neighbour with whom he was close died suddenly in a tragic boating accident when he was just sixteen.

Matthew's honestly overwhelmed Lauren, causing her to break down in tears.

Intimate conversation: During a romantic candlelit dinner on the final night of their honeymoon, Matthew spoke candidly about his past and the reasons for his social anxiety

'I really like you, Matthew, I do!' Matthew's honestly overwhelmed Lauren, causing her to break down in tears

Sobbing, she told him: 'I'm sorry that that happened to you. Matt, you are so amazing, you really are. I had thought there was something deeper... I knew there was a reason why you were just feeling not confident at all. It makes a lot of sense now.'

'I really like you, Matthew, I do,' she then stated.

The pair took their relationship to the next level later that evening, ending their honeymoon with a bang.

The morning after a beaming Matthew told producers: 'Last night I lost my virginity. It was just a beautiful moment!'

'Last night I lost my virginity!' Matthew smiled as he told producers the happy news

Ending their honeymoon with a bang! Matthew and Lauren took their relationship to the next level

Meanwhile, there was no happy ending for fellow MAFS star Elizabeth Sobinoff, who was unable to go on her honeymoon.

The retail worker, 27, had been left high and dry by her husband Sam Ball, 28, who left the country to attend the funeral of his ex-girlfriend's mother.

As the other couples spent time getting to know each other, Elizabeth spent the entirety Monday night's episode alone, pottering around her apartment.

Bored: Elizabeth spent the entirety Monday night's episode alone, pottering around her apartment

She's got to do something! The jilted blonde was seen eating spoonfuls of Nutella from the jar as she whiled away the hours

The jilted blonde was seen eating spoonfuls of Nutella from the jar and toasting pizza as she whiled away the hours.

'The situation is just s**t,' Elizabeth said, as she sat on her bed.

She was later seen trying to call Sam on his mobile phone, but it went straight to voicemail.

She dramatically cried: 'I don't know what the f**k is going on. I just wanted to be the princess for once and I don't know what's going on. I gave up everything!'
He's made a name for himself in critically acclaimed films like Call Me By Your Name and the Ruth Bader Ginsberg biopic On The Basis Of Sex.

And Armie Hammer admitted that, while he's worked hard to get where he is, it would be wrong of him to not think he's benefited from having white privilege.

The actor, 32, spoke candidly in an interview for the March issue of British GQ on Tuesday, as he explained: 'There are white people who exercise their white privilege with or without knowing it and I would be foolish to sit here and say, "Well, that has nothing to do with my career." I can't sit here and say that.

Candid: Armie Hammer admitted in an interview with British QG on Tuesday that it 'would be foolish' to not acknowledge he's benefited from white privilege as an actor in Hollywood

'But also, people must be aware of the work ethic it takes. I get it. Guys like me have got a lot from being guys like me.'

Armie then added: 'Even if white privilege does have anything to do with it, there is a lot of work I put into this.'

When he started out, the actor decided he'd 'rather not' rely on his parents' money while building his acting career, as he explained: 'It wasn't about cutting ties or bonds with my parents or anything like that. It was about strengthening myself.'



Honest: Armie said, 'I would be foolish to sit here and say, "Well, that has nothing to do with my career." I can't sit here and say that. But also, people must be aware of the work ethic it takes'

Armie went on to discuss how he feels disconnected from millennials, even if he 'can't say [he is] not a millennial', because it 'doesn't resonate' with him.

Speaking candidly, he admitted: 'I don't know why millennials will go to a wedding and take a picture of themselves on the dance floor and then post it on social media and be like, "Congratulations to Sarah and Jeff, so happy for you guys!" Just what the hell is that? That just doesn't make any sense to me.'

This is not the first time that Armie has called out selfie culture, as he had previously criticised other celebrities' social media tributes to the late Stan Lee.

Invoking the ire of his social media followers in November, when he tweeted: 'So touched by all of the celebrities posting pictures of themselves with Stan Lee... No better way to commemorate an absolute legend than putting up a picture of yourself.'

Hitting out: Armie added he doesn't 'resonate with' millennials or selfie culture, as he referred to when he hit out at celebrities' social media tributes to the late Stan Lee in November

Apology: Following the backlash for his comments, Armie took to Twitter to issue an apology

Following the backlash, Armie took to Twitter to issue an apology as he wrote: 'While attempting to provide some unnecessary social commentary about the current selfie culture, I (in true a**hat form- thank you Jeffrey Dean Morgan) inadvertently offended many who were genuinely grieving the loss of a true icon.'

He concluded with: 'I want to apologise from the bottom of my heart and will be working on my Twitter impulse control.'

Referring to his comment in the interview, Armie clarified: 'Let me be clear. I do not feel badly for the people that I offended who met Stan Lee once and were capitalising and masking self-promotion as false grief.'

Frank: Armie clarified, 'I do not feel badly for the people that I offended who met Stan Lee (pictured in June 2017) once and were capitalising and masking self-promotion as false grief'

Out now: See the full feature in the March issue of British GQ, available on digital download and newsstands on February 8

Armie will next be seen on screens portraying Martin Ginsburg, the husband of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones) in On the Basis of Sex.

The film captures Ruth and Martin's early relationship in the '50s, when they were young newlyweds with a baby  and both attending Harvard Law School at the same time.

Their lives, and partnerships, continued to be unique, as Martin actively and enthusiastically supported his wife's law career.

He was struck by how progressive they were, as he told Bustle: 'It taught me how to be an even better husband and a more supportive husband and a better father.'

'Martin had so much self-confidence and was such a strong individual that he was willing to buck the gender norms of the time,' he added.

'There weren't a lot of men who would do that, much less do it with such joy and take such pleasure in being a supportive husband and incredible father.'

See the full feature in the March issue of British GQ, available on digital download and newsstands on February 8, and On The Basis Of Sex will be released in the UK on February 22.
Trial By Kyle was the breakout show of Channel Ten's Pilot Week.

And now the show's production house Screentime has invited fans to audition for a role in the show's upcoming debut season.

'Have you got a tough case to crack? Or maybe a disagreement that just won't disappear? Then it's time to bring your problem to Kyle,' an audition call published by TV Tonight reads.

Would YOU appear on Trial By Kyle? Applications are open now for the court-style show after last year's successful premiere with radio shock Sandilands and lawyer Anna Heinrich

'If you're not keen on getting tied up in the courts and are after a straightforward solution, then we'd love to hear from you!'

Host Kyle Sandilands even took to his radio show on Tuesday to put a call out to his listeners, letting them know applications are open.

'What we're looking for, if you've got an issue or an argument with a relative, partner or anyone, and you need me to judge on it,' he explained.

Legal help: He will be assisted by criminal lawyer and former Bachelor contestant Anna Heinrich who will analyse evidence and advise him on the legal issue of each case

'It doesn't matter what the situation is or who the person is that you want to take to court, bring them on the show!' he added.

In the show, Kyle will preside over disputes between two conflicting parties and make a determination based on the evidence presented.

He will be assisted by criminal lawyer and former Bachelor contestant Anna Heinrich who will analyse evidence and advise him on the legal issue of each case.

Rating success: The pilot episode of Trial By Kyle was a success watched by 385,000 across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Pictured: Kyle and Anna with the show's security guard

The pilot episode of Trial By Kyle was a success watched by 385,000 across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Those who want their cases to be heard will need to fill out a form on Trialbykyle.com.au.

The show is expected to return mid 2019.
Shemar Moore attributes his whole career to the guidance he received from Kristoff St. John.

The 48-year-old S.W.A.T. star remembered his late friend, who died unexpectedly on Sunday, in an emotional interview with People.

The two actors began their friendship and professional relationship when Shemar joined CBS' long-running soap The Young And The Restless in 1994, playing Malcolm Winters, the half-brother of Kristoff's Neil Winters.

Legendary friends: Shemar Moore, 48, remembered his late friend Kristoff St. John, who died unexpectedly on Sunday at age 52, in an emotional interview with People; pictured in 2014

'I'm raised an only child, but Kristoff is truly the closest thing to a brother and a brother's love and a brother's mentorship that I've ever known,' Shemar recounted.

The actor explained how Kristoff's early support gave him the confidence to continue honing his craft.

'He didn't have to embrace me the way he did. When I came in and was trying to find my way and he saw how scared I was, he saw how nervous I was,' he said. 'He saw my six pack and all that, but he just saw me and he embraced me like a brother. If he hadn't embraced me, I would have never got my sure footing in the beginning days.'

Happier times: The two actors began their friendship and professional relationship when Shemar joined CBS' long-running soap The Young And The Restless in 1994, playing Malcolm Winters, the half-brother of Kristoff's Neil Winters; shown together in 2005

Soap opera titan: 'He didn't have to embrace me the way he did. When I came in and was trying to find my way and he saw how scared I was, he saw how nervous I was,' said Shemar; pictured last year

Like a big brother: Kristoff starred on The Young And The Restless from 1991 until his death. Shemar joined the cast from 1994-2005; still from Shemar's guest return in 2014

Shemar even went so far as to lay the credit for him even having a career on his old friend.

'Without Kristoff St. John, there's no Neil Winters. Without Neil Winters, there's no opportunity for Malcolm Winters. And without Malcolm Winters, there's no Shemar Moore. And if Shemar Moore didn't get my chance to try on The Young And The Restless, then I don't sit here today with let alone this career or this life. Not in this way,' he explained. 'And I will give Kristoff, and I always have given Kristoff  and I'm not just saying this to be cute because of what's happening today  I told him in the beginning because he embraced me the way he embraced me is the only reason that I have the life and career that I have.'

'I would have life, but it would have been on a very different tangent and a very different lane,' continued Shemar. 'I will always give Kristoff that credit. I will always thank The Young And The Restless for taking a chance on me so that I can have this career. Kristoff was there in the trenches with me.'

'...Kristoff, day to day to day, he rooted for me. He didn't have to. He didn't have to, and many wouldn't, but he rooted for me; he helped me; he held my hand; he said, 'Stick with me, bruh, I'm going to show you the way and then you do what you're doing.' '

Opening the door: 'Without Kristoff St. John, there's no Neil Winters. Without Neil Winters, there's no opportunity for Malcolm Winters. And without Malcolm Winters, there's no Shemar Moore'; shown in 2014

Supporting his colleagues: 'And if Shemar Moore didn't get my chance to try on The Young And The Restless, then I don't sit here today with let alone this career or this life. Not in this way,' explained Shemar

Acting buddies: 'I would have life, but it would have been on a very different tangent and a very different lane,' continued Shemar. 'I will always give Kristoff that credit'; The Young And The Restless cast in 2014

Shemar went on to say that Kristoff reputation as a sex symbol proceeded him even before they worked together. That status made it easier for future stars to find their footing.

'He opened doors for me and many. He opened doors for people who don't even realize he opened doors, but he did,' he said. 'He opened doors and he was so committed to his craft. He always wanted to be better. He wanted to touch people and he did.'

The former soap star pointed out the role of Kristoff's sorrows on his life.

'He's clearly been through a s*** ton of adversity. He lost his son  you don't wish that on your worst enemy. He had his issues, but he was strong, he persevered.'

Earlier tragedy: Kristoff was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Sunday, two weeks after he mourned his son Julian, who died by suicide four years ago; pictured with his son Julian in 1993

Tough times: TMZ reported the soap star was treated for depression in January; pictured with his daughter Lola in April

Kristoff was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Sunday, two weeks after he mourned his son Julian, who died by suicide four years ago.

TMZ reported the soap star was treated for depression in January.

Shemar opted to focus on the positives of his life, though.

'This is not how he's going to be remembered in his last days,' he declared. 'He's going to be remembered for his journey, for how much he loved his children  Paris, Lola, and Julian, his son who had a hard time and took his life. And Kristoff, he weathered that storm and he loved me and he loved Allana and his current fiancee, I don't know her name  I never met her  but I was just excited him to see him in love again, just in love, somebody to share his heart with.'
Of the 3,000 pieces of legislation that will be introduced over the course of the 90-day legislative session, I wanted to take a moment and explain the OK, but why? of the nine bills that carry my name as the primary sponsor. Both the legislation I am introducing and the dozens of bills I am cosponsoring with colleagues are reflective of the communitys feedback from four town hall meetings and two surveys.
They're co-stars on the hit television series Fear the Walking Dead.

But Alycia Debnam-Carey and Colman Domingo celebrated the star of the silver screen on Monday night as they appeared at The Hollywood Reporter's 7th Annual Nominees Night in Beverly Hills.

The 25-year-old actress stunned in a short Champagne-colored dress as she headed down the red carpet.

Co-stars: Alycia Debnam-Carey and Colman Domingo celebrated the star of the silver screen on Monday night as they appeared at The Hollywood Reporter's 7th Annual Nominees Night in Beverly Hills

The Australian star's frock featured slinky strings and fell to the middle of her thighs, highlighting her gorgeous gams.

Her brunette tresses were brushed straight behind her neck with a few locks left in front to frame her face.

She painted her lips a pretty pink and added a couple inches with straightforward black heels.

Champagne flowing: The 25-year-old actress stunned in a short Champagne-colored dress as she headed down the red carpet

Stunner: The Australian star's frock featured slinky strings and fell to the middle of her thighs, highlighting her gorgeous gams

Beauty: She painted her lips a pretty pink and added a couple inches with straightforward black heels

Coleman looked dapper in a long coat that almost matched the color of his co-star's dress.

Underneath he sported off-white slacks and left his white shirt unbuttoned, exposing his chest.

The 49-year-old actor added a pair of pointy white boots and had a scruffy beard as he walked the red carpet.

Dapper: Coleman looked dapper in a long coat that almost matched the color of his co-star's dress

Willem Dafoe also appeared at the event, donning a medium blue suit with a black shirt underneath.

He left his famed red tresses without any product, allowing them to fall in waves across his head.

Willem was announced as a nominee for Best Actor at this year's coming Academy Awards for his work in At Eternity's Gate

This is the first time he has been nominated for Best Actor, he has previously been nominated for Best Supporting Actor three times.

Nominee: Willem Dafoe also appeared at the event, donning a medium blue suit with a black shirt underneath

Academy Awards 2019 Best Actress nominee Yalitza Aparicio was also in attendance for the event.

The Roma star donned a long black and jade dress that tumbled all the way to the floor.

She left her long dark tresses unencumbered and the fell straight across her shoulders.

Oscar hopeful: Academy Awards 2019 Best Actress nominee Yalitza Aparicio was also in attendance for the event

Green Book writer and director Peter Farrelly appeared at the celebration with his mother Mariann.

Peter, who made his name as a comedy director with his brother Bobby, has been nominated for Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Green Book.

Peter previously co-directed classic comedies such as Dumb and Dumber, Shallow Hal, Me, Myself and Irene, There's Something About Mary.
Delilah Belle Hamlin is considered a rising star in the modeling world.

And on Monday it was easy to see why, when the 20-year old showed off her funky side for a dinner date at Trattoria Italienne in New York City.

The 5ft 7.5 in beauty looked statuesque in stylish white leggings and matching red heels.

Edgy: Delilah Belle Hamlin showed off her funky side for a dinner date in NYC on Monday

The California native, who splits her time in New York, topped off her eye-catching ensemble with a form-fitting black T-shirt and red plaid blazer.

She accessorized with black gloves, a white-boxed purse and a pair of hoop earrings.

The daughter of actors Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna pulled her light brown tresses back off of her face and into a loose top bun.

Another stunning attribute on this night was the smile Hamlin flashed as put on a mock-catwalk down the bustling streets of Manhattan.

Cool: The ONE Management model wore stylish white leggings with a red blazer, black T-shirt and red heels

On the go: The 20-year old flashed a big smile as she hurried down the streets of Manhattan

It's in the genes: The beauty is the daughter of actors Harry Hamlin and Lisa Reena

Despite seeing all the success her famous parents have had over their careers, Hamlin has maintained she never intended to be in the spotlight herself.

'I didn't really think that I was going to be a model,' she confessed to W magazine.

'I never really thought about it, but Instagram kind of just made it happen. I was posting pictures of myself, and an agency was like, we want to represent you. And thats kind of how it happened.'

At last check she has more than 817,000 Instagram followers.

Her 17-year old sister, Amelia Hamlin, is an up-in-coming model in her own right. She made her modelling debut last year during New York Fashion Week.

Striking some poses: The beauty put on a mock-catwalk for the photographer

Places to go and things to do: She then hurried along to make her dinner date
She is known for showing off her incredible figure on catwalks around the world.

And Devon Windsor continued to shine as she appeared at the Project Sunshine charity event in New York City on Monday.

The 24-year-old model looked striking in a gold suit as she was joined at the occasion by Miss Universe Catriona Gray, 25.

All that glitter is gold: Devon Windsor continued to shine as she appeared at the Project Sunshine charity event in New York City on Monday

The Victoria's Secret model appeared to be wearing no shirt underneath the bright suit.

She kept her footwear simple, opting for straightforward black heels, and accessorized with gold hoop earrings.

Windsor pulled her long blonde tresses back into an elegant bun and painted her lips a pretty pink.

Shining: The 24-year-old model looked striking in a gold suit as she was joined at the occasion by Miss Universe Catriona Gray, 25

Stunner: The Victoria's Secret model appeared to be wearing no shirt underneath the bright suit

Legging it: Windsor pulled her long blonde tresses back into an elegant bun and painted her lips a pretty pink

Heading in: She is known for showing off her incredible figure on catwalks around the world

Catriona appeared in a short colorful dress that fell to the middle of her thighs and had long sleeves.

She added a couple inches via black booties and had her Miss Universe sash around her body.

The Miss Universe Philippines 2018 pulled her dark tresses into a simple bun and donned gold earrings.

The entire universe: Catriona appeared in a short colorful dress that fell to the middle of her thighs and had long sleeves

Sash-tag: She added a couple inches via black booties and had her Miss Universe sash around her body

Miss USA 2018 Sarah Rose Summers also appeared at the charity event.

She donned a skin tight black leather dress that showed off her sinewy stems and work black heart earrings.

Her long blonde tresses were straightened, parted to the right, and fell onto her shoulders and down her back.

Nadine Leopold, 25, was also in attendance and stunned in a chic all-black ensemble.

America the beautiful: Miss USA 2018 Sarah Rose Summers also appeared at the charity event
Keeping Up with the Kardashians star Kim Kardashian West suffered a bad skin day while grabbing lunch with her older sister Kourtney and her ex-partner Scott Disick in Los Angeles on Monday.

The 38-year-old KKW Beauty CEO took to Twitter on Tuesday to explain that what appeared to be a few pimples wasn't even a breakout at all.

Kim explained that the bumps were actually a flare up of psoriasis, a chronic skin condition.

Nobody's perfect: KUWTK star Kim Kardashian West was seen with some skin issues while she was out on Monday but later took to Twitter to explain that she was suffering from a psoriasis flare up

'Its psoriasis all over my face,' she responded with a crying emoji on Twitter to a DailyMail.com story.

Kim's skin issue was noticed while she was out and about on Monday with her family.

The Glam Masters producer - who relies on stylist Simone Harouche - opted to cover up in a long black leather trench coat over a matching turtleneck, spandex pants, and pointy-toed booties.

The reality star has been open about her struggles with the chronic skin condition for years.

'Its psoriasis all over my face,' she responded with a crying emoji on Twitter to a DailyMail.com story

Issues: The reality star has been open about her struggles with the chronic skin condition for years

'Psoriasis is a common skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. It causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin,' according to the Mayo Clinic. 'The extra skin cells form scales and red patches that are itchy and sometimes painful.'

Before Christmas, Kim told fans that she was having the worst flare up of her life and asked for tips from others who are afflicted.

'I think the time has come I start a medication for psoriasis,' she Tweeted on December 23.

Adding: 'Ive never seen it like this before and I cant even cover it at this point. Its taken over my body. Has anyone tried a medication for psoriasis & what kind works best? Need help ASAP!!!'

Help! Before Christmas, Kim told fans that she was having the worst flare up of her life and asked for tips from others who are afflicted

While sister Kendall has battled acne for years - leading to her new appointment as a Proactiv spokesmodel - Kim's skin is typically blemish free.

However, when issues do crop up, Kim has become a master of disguising her temporary flaws with concealer and contour.

In fact, fans are shelling out between $299 and $1,699 to attend her make-up artist Mario Dedivanovic's six-hour Master Class happening next Saturday at LA's Ace Hotel, which features Kardashian and 'Queen of Brows' Anastasia Soare.

Last Wednesday, the Calabasas socialite released three new fragrances - Wifey, Baddie, and Baby Girl - just in time for Valentine's Day.

Rainy day: The Glam Masters producer opted to cover up in a long black leather trench coat over a matching turtleneck, spandex pants, and pointy-toed booties

Magic's in the make-up: In fact, fans are shelling out between $299 and $1,699 to attend her make-up artist Mario Dedivanovic's six-hour Master Class happening next Saturday at LA's Ace Hotel, which features Kardashian and 'Queen of Brows' Anastasia Soare

Fragrance empire: Last Wednesday, the Calabasas socialite released three new fragrances - Wifey, Baddie, and Baby Girl - just in time for Valentine's Day

The wrongful incarceration advocate and Kanye West will welcome a baby brother to daughter North, 5; son Saint, 3; and daughter Chicago, 1; via surrogate in early May - according to Us Weekly.

It's the fourth and final frozen embryo for Kardashian and the 41-year-old rapper-designer as she can't carry anymore children due to complications from pre-eclampsia.

The hot-tempered hip-hop star will next compete for the producer of the year (non-classical) trophy at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, which air this Sunday on CBS.

Back in 2017, Kim and her famous family signed a massive $100M deal with the E! Network through 2020 - according to Variety - and the 16th season of their series premieres sometime in March.
She is due to give birth to her third child in April.

And on Tuesday, Teresa Palmer, 32, showed off her burgeoning baby belly at the David Jones Autumn/Winter 19 launch in Hobart, Tasmania.

The mother-of-two stunned in a floral frock which she paired with matching wedges while standing next to Australian models Gemma Ward and Jessica Gomes at the MONA museum

Blooming beautiful! Teresa Palmer (pictured) flaunted her baby belly in a floral frock while posing beside models Gemma Ward and Jessica Gomes in Hobart on Tuesday

The blonde beauty showed off her flawless complexion by going makeup-free, and wore her long blonde tresses out in natural waves.

Jessica, 34, flaunted her trim pins in a floral mini dress with bell-sleeves, which she paired with mauve stilettos and a black messenger bag.

Gemma, 31, looked vibrant in a peach-coloured ensemble consisting of a blazer and cropped trousers, which she matched with light-brown heels.

Model behaviour: The mother-of-two stunned in a floral frock which she paired with matching wedges while standing next to Australian models Gemma Ward (middle) and Jessica Gomes (right) at the MONA museum

Summer lovin': Teresa (left) showed off her flawless complexion by going makeup-free and wore her long blonde tresses out in natural waves. Kate Waterhouse (R) opted for a statement lip and a yellow floral dress

Fashion forward! Teresa was joined by Margot Robbie's brother Cameron (second from right), Kate Waterhouse, Nadia Fairfax, Yan Yan Chan, AFL star Adam Goodes and model Josh Heuston

Stylish! Gemma (left) looked gorgeous in a peach-coloured suit while Yan Yan Chan (right) looked chic in an Aje-designed blazer-dress paired with white ankle boots designed by Dion Lee

The trio were joined by Margot Robbie's brother Cameron, Kate Waterhouse, Nadia Fairfax, Yan Yan Chan, Adam Goodes and model Josh Heuston.

Kate, 35, stood out from the crowd in a gorgeous floral frock with yellow T-bar stilettos.

Nadia, 31, showed off her figure in a pair of white high-waisted trousers paired with a purple Balenciaga top.

Strike a pose! Jessica Gomes (left), 34, flaunted her trim pins in a floral mini dress with bell-sleeves, which she paired with mauve stilettos and a black messenger bag. Nadia Fairfax (right), 31, showed off her figure in a pair of white high-waisted trousers paired with a purple Balenciaga top

Yan Yan Chan, 39, looked chic in an Aje designed pin-striped blazer dress paired with white ankle boots by Dion Lee.

The fashionable display comes after Teresa confessed to a rather unique pregnancy craving.

In a blog post on Your Zen Mamma on Wednesday, the actor wrote: 'I've been craving lavender baths!'

All smiles: In a blog post on Your Zen Mamma on Wednesday, pregnant Teresa wrote: 'I've been craving lavender baths!' Pictured from left: Yan Yan Chan, Adam Goodes, Victoria Lee, Jessica Gomes, Cameron Robbie and Gemma Ward

Dapper duo: Cameron Robbie (left) and Josh Heuston (right) posed for a few shots at the exclusive fashion event

The blonde beauty revealed she has also been pining for leafy greens, green juices, avocado toast and chocolate croissants.

The post came after the actress told TOMBOY magazine that her unborn child would never be defined by gender.

'I'm sure she will be a little tomboy, I won't go out and buy Barbie dolls and girly stuff, it's just not me,' she said.

Good sports: Nadia Fairfax (left) walked into the event with former AFL player Adam Goodes (right)

'Whatever she gravitates towards she will gravitate towards and she won't be defined by her gender. It will be interesting to see who this little being is, I just want to meet her.'

The Discovery Of Witches actress added that she was grateful that her daughter would be growing up in a world where women's rights are openly discussed.

'I'm excited for my daughter to be welcomed into the climate where there is so much conversation about women and how wonderful they are,' she said.

Winners are grinners: Josh Hueston (left) and Cameron Robbie got along famously at the event

Teresa is expecting a daughter with her husband, American film director Mark Webber.

The couple - who have been married since 2013 - are already parents to two sons, Bodhi, five, and Forest, two.

Teresa is also a stepmother to Mark's 10-year-old son, Isaac, from his previous relationship with actress Frankie Shaw.
Gina Kirschenheiter has apologized for her DUI arrest in Orange County, California last week.

The reality star, who confessed that 'bad choices have bad consequences' in a lengthy Instagram caption, vowed to never make the mistake again after spending a number of hours in jail January 31.

The ordeal also set-off some self-reflection: 'I honestly believe that some issues no matter how great and important are truly only a part of our awareness once we are personally effected by them. For me....what happened this week is that issue.'

Regretful: RHOC's Gina Kirschenheiter apologized for her DUI arrest last week in a lengthy Instagram post: 'bad choices have bad consequences'; she is pictured in November 2018

The 34-year old even got philosophical with the headline of her Instagram post that read: 'The best apology is changed behavior.'

She also wrote about how drastically different the reactions and opinions have been since her arrest, which have 'run from incredibly chastising to extremely supportive.'

The star also pointed out that her decisions are magnified because she is a public figure.

Grateful for the 'encouragement and love' she has gotten over the last few days, Kirschenheiter has also been equally 'shocked by the astonishing amount of 'it could have happened to anyone' and 'we've all been there' that she received from close friends and on social media.

'I could easily join in with the chorus saying 'you're right, it could be any of us' but it shouldn't be any of us. EVER !' she proclaimed.

Getting real: The reality star thanked supporters, confessed her disappointment in herself and vowed 'this will never be me again'

She also confessed her disappointment in herself for being 'part of this social norm. Especially since everyone who knows me knows I'm the queen of Uber/Lyft.'

The reality star followed that be taking responsibility for her actions.

'This didnt happen to me. I wasn't unlucky I made a conscious decision to do something epically stupid. One time is one time too many. I am awake now. I can promise this will NEVER BE ME again.'

Life lesson: Kirschenheiter was arrested for driving under the influence after 'failing to stop at a stop sign' in Orange County; she is seen in October 2018

The 34-year-old was stopped by the Orange County Sheriff's Department in the early morning hours last Thursday for failing to stop at a stop sign.

She was eventually transported to a jail in Santa Ana where she was booked and released at noon that same day.

Her court date is set for February 28.

The booking information listed the mother-of-three's occupation as 'unemployed', although she is expected to return for season 14 of RHOC, which is slated to premiere on Bravo later this year.

Split: Gina is seen with husband Matt and their three children at Thanksgiving 2018; while they remain on good terms, the two are currently divorcing

The Long Island, New York native ended her Instagram apology by thanking those who have contacted her to tell their tales of heartbreak due to drinking and driving.

'I make this promise to each one of you with your messages in my heart.... I am committed to this cause and hope to effect a positive change and dialogue. You don't have to believe me with these words, but I hope over time you will see through my actions.'

Kirschenheiter is currently single, having split from her husband Matt last March, following eight years of marriage.

In her April divorce petition she sought spousal support and asked for joint legal and primary physical custody of the couple's three children.

Meanwhile Matt's response saw him seek joint custody. However he agreed she should be granted spousal support.

Prior: On Thursday afternoon, hours before her arrest, Gina was using the Emsculpt to help tone her stomach
She's the Instagram model known for pushing the boundaries of good taste when it comes to her gym attire.

But Tammy Hembrow opted for surprisingly conservative workout clothes while leaving a dance studio in Southport, on Queensland's Gold Coast, on Monday.

The mother-of-two, 24, looked uncharacteristically demure in a crop top, baggy grey trackpants and white hi-top trainers.

That's not like you! Tammy Hembrow covered up her famous derriere in baggy trackpants while leaving a dance studio in Southport, on Queensland's Gold Coast, on Monday

The fitness model pulled her blonde hair back into a high bun and accessorised with a Louis Vuitton tote bag and silver reflective sunglasses.

She appeared to have just participated in an intense exercise session, as she displayed a visible sweat patch on her backside.

The sighting comes after Tammy was romantically linked to Kylie Jenner's ex-boyfriend Tyga.

Whoops! Tammy appeared to have just participated in an intense exercise session, as she displayed a visible sweat patch on her backside

She 'hooked up' with the U.S. rapper, 29, at the Rolling Loud Festival in Sydney last Sunday and was later spotted backstage at his Brisbane concert the following night.

A source told Daily Mail Australia that Tammy was 'following' Tyga around the country during his tour, adding that they are '100 per cent together'.

'They travelled up to Brisbane separately and hooked up again later on,' the insider claimed. 'She's basically doing his whole Australian tour with him.'

Best foot forward: The fitness model, 24, pulled her blonde hair back into a high bun and accessorised with a Louis Vuitton tote bag and silver reflective sunglasses

Blimey! The Instagram model is known for pushing the boundaries of good taste when it comes to her gym attire

Last Tuesday, however, Tammy's sister and spokeswoman, Amy Hembrow, told Daily Mail Australia that she is not dating Tyga and 'everyone is just friends'.

While leaving Sydney Airport recently, Tyga also brushed off questions about his fling with the social media influencer.

When asked to comment on his relationship status, the Rack City hitmaker refused to answer and walked off with members off his entourage.
Married At First Sight star Ines Basic faced court on Tuesday on multiple charges, including drink driving.

The legal assistant, 28, attended Cleveland Magistrates Court in Brisbane where she was charged with a mid-range drink driving offence, driving without due care, being a public nuisance and contravening direction or requirement of police officer.

The charges stem from an incident that took place on Christmas Day last year.

Shock revelation: Married At First Sight's Ines Basic (pictured) faced court on Tuesday on two charges, including drink driving

The case has been adjourned until March 5.

To be charged with a mid-range drink driving offense, someone must register a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of over 0.10 per cent but under 0.15 per cent.

Mid-range drink driving is the second most serious drink driving offence under Queensland law and carries a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and/or a 20 penalty unit fine for a first offence.

'Public nuisance': The legal assistant, 28, attended court in Brisbane where she was charged with multiple offences, including drink driving and being a public nuisance

Oh, dear! Mid-range drink driving is the second most serious drink driving offence under Queensland law and carries a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment

When contacted for comment, a Channel Nine spokesperson said: 'This is a private matter of Iness which we understand is currently before the courts and we will not be commenting further.'

Ines is one of the most controversial brides from Married At First Sight's sixth season.

During her wedding to stripper-turned-entrepreneur Bronson Norrish, she behaved abrasively and threatened violence against her new husband.

Controversial: Ines (right), who is paired with former stripper Bronson Norrish (left) on Married At First Sight, is one of the most controversial stars from the show's new season

Ines began to display unusual behaviour early in the episode when she was getting ready for her wedding, telling producers: 'I want him to look at me and think, "Wow, I would totally root her."'

But after first seeing her 'husband' smiling at her down the aisle, she was instantly turned off by his appearance.

'Can we get rid of your eyebrow ring please?' she asked, adding that the piercing would be better suited on a 'lesbian who works at McDonald's.'

'Can we get rid of your eyebrow ring please?' The 28-year-old criticised her new husband's eyebrow piercing the moment she met him at the altar

How rude! The brunette bride was rude and standoffish towards Bronson during the ceremony

'When [Bronson] smiled, I first wanted to punch him in the jaw. I don't know why, it was just like my instinct,' she said afterwards.

After Bronson delivered his heartfelt wedding vows, Ines complained that her husband wasn't what she'd asked for.

She also repeatedly shamed him for being a former stripper, calling his profession 'bottom of the barrel' and vowing that he would never father any of her children.

'I'm getting a very inbred vibe': The legal assistant went so far as to call Bronson 'inbred'

Viewers reacted strongly to the outspoken bride on social media, with many calling her one of the most shameless stars in MAFS history.

'Congratulations, you found the most horrible person to date,' one person tweeted.

'Wow, Ines, youre a nasty piece of work,' another viewer wrote.

Married At First Sight continues Tuesday at 7:30pm on Channel Nine
Chris Pratt is a busy guy, but he took some time out of his schedule to sign some fan memorabilia after a taping of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Monday.

The 39-year-old actor was plugging his upcoming animated feature, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.

The Jurassic World star also has some high profile future gigs, including a possible third Guardians Of The Galaxy movie.

Showing some love: Chris Pratt, 39, has to be a busy guy, but he took some time out of his schedule to sign some fan memorabilia after a taping of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

Chris arrived for the taping in a shiny gray suit and displaying a bit of designer stubble.

The Parks And Recreation star wore a pair of eye-catching teal Bruno Magli shoes with the suit.

They matched with his patterned knit tie and blue-gray shirt.

Chris was spotted carrying some markers to sign items for fans outside the studio.

New sequel: The Jurassic World actor was plugging his upcoming animated feature, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part

Looking sharp: Chris arrived for the taping in a shiny gray suit and a bit of designer stubble

The actor proposed last month to Katherine Schwarzenegger, 29, after going the old school route and asking her father, Arnold Schwarzenegger, for permission.

Chris was previously married to comic actress Anna Faris from 2009-2018.

He'll next be seen in the sequel to the hugely successful The Lego Movie, but Chris also has some future plans that are a bit hazier.

While speaking with Variety, he confirmed that there will be a third installment of the Guardians Of The Galaxy series.

'I promise there'll be a third movie, I don't know exactly what that's going to look like, but I know everyone on board is just eager to give the fans what they want and wrap up a trilogy in a meaningful way.'

Chris is also expected to appear in the upcoming Avengers: Endgame, although he hasn't officially been listed as part of the film's cast.

While speaking with Variety , he confirmed that there will be a third installment of the Guardians Of The Galaxy series

Chris' new Lego film has already received an impressive 91 percent fresh rating from Rotten Tomatoes

The animated movie features return performances from Elizabeth Banks, Alison Brie and Will Arnett, as well as new castmembers Tiffany Haddish and Maya Rudolph

Chris' new Lego film has already received an impressive 91 percent fresh rating from Rotten Tomatoes.

The animated movie features return performances from Elizabeth Banks, Alison Brie and Will Arnett, as well as new cast members Tiffany Haddish and Maya Rudolph.

The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part will be released nationwide on Friday, February 8, 2019.
Keeping Up with the Kardashians' ex-couple Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick reunited at a restaurant in Los Angeles on Monday.

The 39-year-old reality star famously ended her on/off nine-year romance with the 35-year-old Talentless clothing CEO after he was caught canoodling with stylist Chloe Bartoli in Monte Carlo back in 2015.

That same day, the Calabasas socialite - who boasts 111.7M followers - posted a boudoir snap during her 'fittings' with stylist Dani Michelle, make-up artist Wendi Miyake, and hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons.

Left separately: Keeping Up with the Kardashians' ex-couple Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick reunited at a restaurant in Los Angeles on Monday

Silver pleated pants: The 39-year-old reality star famously ended her on/off nine-year romance with the 35-year-old Talentless clothing CEO after he was caught canoodling with stylist Chloe Bartoli in Monte Carlo back in 2015

Kourtney and Scott's six-year-old daughter Penelope even got in on the glam squad action, perching on the bed and flashing her mega-watt smile while clad in a pink T-shirt.

Despite their split, Kardashian and Disick have managed to amicably co-parent their children, including nine-year-old son Mason and four-year-old son Reign, and enjoy vacations together.

The bearded bad boy and his girlfriend, Select Model Sofia Richie, will co-host a Sweetheart Party happening February 14 at Sugar Factory American Brasserie inside Theatre Box in San Diego.

Despite their 16 year age gap, the Ross School drop-out and the 20-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie have been practically inseparable ever since their first PDA-filled sighting aboard a yacht in the South of France in May 2017.

Sprawled: That same day, the Calabasas socialite posted a boudoir snap during her 'fittings' with stylist Dani Michelle, make-up artist Wendi Miyake, and hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons

Cute: Kourtney and Scott's six-year-old daughter Penelope even got in on the glam squad action, perching on the bed and flashing her mega-watt smile while clad in a pink T- shirt

November 22 family portrait: Despite their split, Kardashian and Disick have managed to amicably co-parent their children, including nine-year-old son Mason and four-year-old son Reign, and enjoy vacations together

If the happy Valentines do decide to get engaged, the half-Armenian beauty gave her official blessing on What What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

'[I'd say] congratulations!' Kourtney said on the January 14 episode of the boozy Bravo show.

'We vacation together. It's all good!'

Club gig: The bearded bad boy and his girlfriend, Select Model Sofia Richie, will co-host a Sweetheart Party happening February 14 at Sugar Factory American Brasserie inside Theatre Box in San Diego

16 year age gap: The Ross School drop-out and the 20-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie have been practically inseparable ever since their first PDA-filled sighting aboard a yacht in the South of France in May 2017 (pictured January 4)

As for Kardashian's rumored toyboy Luka Sabbat, he finally clarified their relationship status to The Cut last Friday saying: 'We're definitely not dating.'

The 21-year-old Grown-ish actor followed his newly single status with an Insta-story on Monday, which read: 'I can't wait to have a kid.'

Back in 2017, the University of Arizona grad and her famous family signed a massive $100M deal with the E! Network through 2020, and the 16th season of their reality show premieres sometime in March.

'We're definitely not dating': As for the half-Armenian beauty's rumored toyboy Luka Sabbat (L), he finally clarified their relationship status to The Cut last Friday (pictured January 20)

The 21-year-old Grown-ish actor followed his newly single status with an Insta-story on Monday, which read: 'I can't wait to have a kid'
County officials said there were concerns about fees being used in the wrong district as the county shifted from seven to four districts. Money was not being placed into the newly created districts, according to an auditors note.
She shot to fame when she appeared on The Only Way Is Essex.

And Shelby Tribble was back in Essex as she enjoyed a night out at Sheesh on Monday with pal Junaid Ahmed.

The model, 25, braved the winter chill in a sheer white shirt and snakeskin trouser with barely there heels.

Wow! Shelby Tribble was back in Essex as she enjoyed a night out at Sheesh on Monday with pal Junaid Ahmed

She added a touch of glam to her look with a black Chanel bag and opted for minimal jewellery in the form of a gold necklace and bracelet.

Shelby donned heavy makeup complete with extra long eyelashes and a very sharp contour line.

The former Miss Great Britain left her long locks in a sleek do to frame her face.

Glamorous: The model, 25, braved the winter chill in a sheer white shirt and snakeskin trouser with barely there heels

Heading out: Shelby and Junaid made sure they posed for plenty of snaps before entering the eatery

Former pageant queen Shelby has grown in confidence since her split from Pete Wicks but admitted she was 'devastated' to find out that her former beau had also been sending sexually explicit messages with up to ten women.

Speaking candidly with The Sun, the reality star said: 'I was devastated, I thought he was The One but after reading those texts I was left heartbroken.'

She continued: 'He was sexting another girl and talking about joining the Mile High Club with her.

Style: She added a touch of glam to her look with a black Chanel bag

Made up: Shelby donned heavy makeup complete with extra long eyelashes and a very sharp contour line

'Someone else sent nude pictures to him. I saw all these messages to other girls on Instagram, other texts in his archive  in fact some of the texts were sent just two days before we were due to go to a wedding together in Croatia.'

The star is a natural in front of the camera, having previously claimed the titles of Miss South West, Miss Hippodrome 2014, Miss Loaded 2014 and having been a Miss England finalist.

The TV personality previously revealed she turned to modelling in a bid to prove her critics wrong after being bullied as a teenager.

She told the Plymouth Herald: 'I was painfully shy when I was younger and used to get bullied until one day I decided that I wasnt going to put up with it anymore and decided to prove the bullies wrong.

'I never used to stand up for myself but now I would not allow it anymore because Im a lot stronger.'
Netflix has another hit on its hands, hot on the heels of its hugely popular thriller Bird Box.

Season one of Russian Doll, consisting of eight episodes, dropped on Friday and has already garnered a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

The series is created by Amy Poehler, Leslye Headland and Natasha Lyonne who stars as the main character Nadia in the Groundhog Day-style dramedy.

Hit: Season one of Russian Doll, consisting of eight episodes, dropped on Friday and has already garnered a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes

Dramedy: The Orange Is The New Black star plays Nadia, a woman who keeps reliving her birthday over and over

Lyonne, 39, best known for her other Netflix Original show Orange Is The New Black, is being lauded as 'outstanding' in the series which sees her play Nadia, a woman who keeps reliving her birthday over and over.

The official Netflix synopsis reads: 'Nadia keeps dying and reliving her 36th birthday party. She's trapped in a surreal time loop  and staring down the barrel of her mortality.'

According to Indiewire the show's creators have already pitched Netflix on multiple seasons but were waiting to see what the audience response was like first.

Critics have been raving about the series, with NPR's Linda Holmes writing: 'It's a performance where the actor understands the character so well, down to every little gesture she makes, every twitch of her face, that it's startling, at times, to remember she's fictional,'

Verne Gay from Newsday writes: 'There are a whole lot of ideas here -- a few thrown against the wall to see if they'll stick -- but the real pleasure of this four-hour head trip are the performances. Lyonne is outstanding.'

An NPR critic wrote of Lyonne: 'It's a performance where the actor understands the character so well, down to every little gesture she makes, every twitch of her face, that it's startling, at times, to remember she's fictional,'

'As the series proceeds, it gets more ambitious and more complicated in a way that's gratifying to watch. It's still anchored, though, by its sense of place and time, and by the infinite possibilities that a night walking around New York City presents.' writes Sophie Gilbert with The Atlantic.

Speaking to Thrillist this week Lyonne discussed her and Poehler's idea for the show, which came after their original concept failed to be picked up by NBC.

'Amy and I were talking and were like, "What's a show that we would really want to make if there were no restrictions and no network? What is it that we're really trying to say here?"

'That second idea became the early versions of Russian Doll and we discussed this choose-your-own-adventure concept towards life. Even if you could go down every road and try every possibility amid your indecision about your life choices, you will still be stuck with self at the end of the day and would have to make sense of that.'
She's a Hollywood sensation who always gets it right on the red carpet.

And Salma Hayek definitely knew how to work her look as she stunned at the 14th Globe De Cristal Awards at Salle Wagram in Paris on Monday.

The actress, 52, looked sensational as she clad her figure in a pastel pink and black dress with ruffle pleats down the middle.

Wow: Salma Hayek definitely knew how to work her look as she stunned at the 14th Globe De Cristal Awards at Salle Wagram in Paris on Monday

Salma showed off a hint of her cleavage in the glamorous number which she paired with a diamond belt and dangling earrings.

The brunette beauty left her long locks loose to frame her stunning face which sported plenty of glamrous makeup.

Earlier on Monday the mother-of-one embraced age as she posted a selfie of herself with a solitary white hair.

Work it: The actress, 52, looked sensational as she clad her figure in a pastel pink and black dress with ruffle pleats down the middle

Amazing: Salma showed off a hint of her cleavage in the glamorous number which she paired with a diamond belt and dangling earrings

Pals: She was joined on the red carpet by burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese, 46, who stunned in a red halterneck and black skirt

She captioned the snap: '#proud of my white hair,' while gazing into the camera showing off her natural beauty.

Also at the event was a sensational looking Dita Von Teese.

The burlesque dancer, 46, stunned in a red halterneck and black skirt which hugged her famous curves and showed off her tiny waist to perfection.

Style: Dita donned her signature red lipstick and fanned her eyelashes out to perfection

Smile: She was joined for pictures by fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier, 66, who rocked his brand's famous blue and white striped shirt

She was joined for pictures by fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier, 66, who rocked his brand's famous blue and white striped shirt.

He paired the look with a black blazer and jeans as he and Dita flashed their smiles on the red carpet.

French actress Juliette Binoche, 54, dazzled in a velvet black suit featuring a complete with plenty of silver stars.

The former BAFTA nominee looked stunning in the number with her hair scraped back teamed with plenty of makeup.
The fallout between Kerri-Anne Kennerley, 65, and Yumi Stynes, 43, continues after they clashed on Studio 10 over Invasion Day protests last month.

And on Tuesday, fellow panellist Joe Hildebrand revealed what really happened when the cameras stopped rolling.

The pair were locked in a tense debate after Yumi accused Kerri-Anne of 'sounding racist' - but apparently viewers didn't see the worst of it.

Scroll down for audio

'You called me a racist!' Joe Hildebrand has revealed what really happened when the cameras stopped rolling after Kerri-Anne Kennerley (left) and Yumi Stynes' (right) Studio 10 clash

'The conversation did not continue, there was a lot of silence. But then we got to the end of the show...,' Joe told Nova FM's Fitzy & Wippa on Tuesday.

'[A producer said], "Alright everybody, so I just want to let you know, I know it's an important issue for a lot of people and people are really passionate about it but we're all good friends on the show."

'"And Kerri and Yumi are great friends and everyone really likes each other". And everyone goes, "Yes", and then Kerri-Anne goes, "Except you called me a racist!"'

Insider: Joe Hildebrand (left) revealed that a Studio 10 producer tried to lighten the mood at the end of the show, but Kerri-Anne was still furious over Yumi's (right) remarks

It comes after New Idea claimed on Monday that Kerri-Anne 'felt abandoned' by Channel 10 after she was accused of being 'racist' by Yumi.

The Logie Hall of Famer was reportedly disappointed that the network didn't support her publicly after the Studio 10 incident, leaving her to arrange her own PR response.

A source told the magazine: '[Kerri-Anne] is not happy with Ten. She couldn't believe they had Yumi on to get a headline, as she is famous for it.

'After the stoush, she told friends, "If the network doesn't apologise, I am walking".'

The insider added: 'She also wasn't happy she had to organise her own publicity to help sort out the situation. She had to call on pals Ben Fordham and Kyle and Jackie O so the public could hear her side of the story.'

New Idea further claimed that Kerri-Anne's relationship with Channel 10 is so bad she is considering leaving for a rival network.

She is apparently 'making a push' to get a job on Channel Nine's Today show and believes she 'would be the perfect addition' to the panel.

Controversy: During a discussion on Studio 10 last Monday, Kerri-Anne (pictured) said Invasion Day protesters should be less concerned with 'changing the date' and instead focus on social issues affecting remote Aboriginal communities, such as sexual assault and suicide

However, a Channel 10 spokesperson denied New Idea's report in a statement to The New Daily on Monday afternoon.

'KAK has been a welcome addition to the Studio 10 family and she will remain as a permanent member of the panel through 2019,' they said.

During a discussion on Studio 10 last Monday, Kerri-Anne said Invasion Day protesters should be less concerned with 'changing the date' and instead focus on social issues affecting remote Aboriginal communities, such as sexual assault and suicide.

Fellow panellist Yumi accused her colleague of 'sounding racist', sparking a heated debate surrounding the appropriateness of Kerri-Anne's remarks.

Regrets: In an opinion piece for The Daily Telegraph over the weekend, Kerri-Anne acknowledged that her phrasing could have been better, but stressed she was only trying to highlight 'abuse here and now'

In an opinion piece for The Daily Telegraph over the weekend, Kerri-Anne acknowledged that her phrasing could have been better, but stressed she was only trying to highlight 'abuse here and now'.

'The ''racist'' word became the burning headline the spark that started the fire and what a burn it has been,' she wrote.

'To me, the much more pressing issue for not only the indigenous community but the nation as a whole is the horrific rape of children, babies and women in indigenous communities.'

In the aftermath of the Studio 10 blow-up, Yumi has been targeted by racist and sexist trolls on social media. She has yet to return to the program.

Under attack: In the aftermath of the Studio 10 blow-up, Yumi has been targeted by racist and sexist trolls on social media. Pictured with one of her children
Kyle Sandilands has revealed a shocking incident that got him blacklisted from Hollywood for 10 years.

The KIIS FM host recalled how he stepped in after Will Ferrell's publicist allegedly told off a tearful Jackie 'O' Henderson for mispronouncing the A-list actor's surname when he appeared on their show in 2013.

The shock jock, 47, claimed that he flew into a rage and threatened to 'bash everyone to death' and said he got the powerful agent kicked out of the studios.

'I'll bash everyone to death': Kyle Sandilands has recalled a shock incident with an actor's publicist that got the radio host blacklisted from Hollywood for 10 years (pictured with Jackie 'O' Henderson in 2010)

Kyle revisited the incident on The Kyle And Jackie O Show on Tuesday, explaining that he lost his temper when Jackie apparently got scolded for putting emphasis on the wrong part of actor Will's last name 'Ferrell'.

'She started to cry and then I went out there and threatened to bash everyone to death,' he said.

'And then they [security] threw them out,' he claimed. 'Then they all panicked and banned us from talking to all these celebrities for about 10 years.'

Jackie agreed: 'Yep, we really got punished for that one.'

Clash: The KIIS FM host recalled how he stepped in after Will Ferrell's publicist told off a tearful Jackie 'O' Henderson for mispronouncing the A-list actor's surname when he appeared on their show in 2013

Sandilands previously claimed he told the agent: 'Get out of here! You've got five seconds before I knock your teeth out!'

He clarified that Will Ferrell 'didn't do anything wrong (but) his publicist did,' and added: 'I said "I'll slap you around, b***h!" in front of everyone.'

Furious: The shock jock, 47, claimed that he flew into a rage, threatened to 'bash everyone to death' and got the powerful agent of Will Ferrell (pictured) kicked out of the studios, He added that Will had nothing to do with the incident and did nothing wrong

'Long story short, the guy made Jackie cry,' Kyle said. 'He thought he was some big, powerful publicist from America and that he could speak to Jackie like a dog.

'Well he soon realised he was in the wrong place... he was very nervous.'

Jackie then revealed the incident still affected her over four years later, saying: 'I still hate the thought of it, though.'

Kyle insisted that he would always stand up for Jackie and his other KIIS FM colleagues.

Blacklisted: He added: 'And then they [security] threw them out. Then they all panicked and banned us from talking to all these celebrities for about 10 years'

'I did it because you were upset and you were crying and thought, "Who's this dog think he is? In our place?"' he said.

Kyle added that there were consequences for him taking a stand against the publicist, but he doesn't regret what he did.

He claimed: 'We got banned for 10 years for talking to any of those celebrities, because apparently he is one of the biggest publicists in the world.

'That really caused us some grief.. but I could care less.'
EastEnders has become so far-fetched even the characters cant take each other seriously or quite believe whats happening.

Then again, I suppose at least that was realistic. We had the same problem.

Mel Owen for example was having sleepless nights about her son Hunter and their current storyline.

Not good: EastEnders has become so far-fetched even the characters cant take each other seriously or quite believe whats happening

I find it helps to write your worries down, she told him when he discovered her sitting in the dark at the kitchen table with a notepad.

We didnt see it but presumably her list included things like:

* getting wrinkles

* nightclub is rubbish

* not got a single friend or relative (apparently)

* not got washing machine (standard in Walford to be fair to me)

* might not get away with murder

* son is psychopath

She wasnt wrong though

Stress: Mel Owen for example was having sleepless nights about her son Hunter and their current storyline

Odd: Hunter always had been a strange boy but nowadays their scenes together invariably ended with Mel looking at him in amazement, and not in a good way

Hunter always had been a strange boy but nowadays their scenes together invariably ended with Mel looking at him in amazement, and not in a good way.

The two ex-wives of Ray Kelly (Mels boyfriend, fiance, and - very briefly  husband) may have been having extreme difficulty believing the notion of a pouting brat like Hunter acting like a tough guy but his mother was perturbed for the opposite reason: all too evident.

Hunter becoming the latest of the endless people living in Albert Square to have murdered someone hardly came into it.

If looks could kill: Becoming the latest of the endless people living in Albert Square to have murdered someone hardly came into it

Much more disturbing/disturbed was discovering Hunter still had the gun and his idea of a safe hiding place: down the back of the sofa, the way normal teenagers would with, say, their cigarettes.

Tonights revelation was that, when Hunter had been late home after school, he hadnt been with a girlfriend or with his mates - mainly because he didnt seem to have any.

Hed been to the woods where hed shot Ray and theyd buried him - to retrieve the bullet (Admittedly, a better excuse for being later than most school kids have).

Job done: Hed been to the woods where hed shot Ray and theyd buried him - to retrieve the bullet (Admittedly, a better excuse for being later than most school kids have)

I thought about moving the body or destroying it somehow, he explained casually as if he did these all the time, like EastEnders answer to Mr. Wolf in Pulp Fiction. Then I started digging.

What with?! Mel said, which wasnt really the issue but was exactly the sort of question your mum would ask.

I took a trowel with me, Hunter shrugged, as if everyone in Walford had a trowel. Plus I had to dig up a bit of the body. Its been there for over a month so it wasnt easy finding the bullet hole but I did it.

Confession: I took a trowel with me, Hunter shrugged, as if everyone in Walford had a trowel. Plus I had to dig up a bit of the body'

This was beyond the pale even for Mel, who at best is regularly be described as a hard-nosed cow and is herself not exactly well adjusted. (She is also a murderer and come up with the brilliant plan of confessing to the police, claiming theyd killed Ray because we were traumatised. This didnt really explain why theyd then buried him in the woods and left the country for a weeks holiday.)

Stop it! she cried. Cant you hear yourself?

Hes dead mum. Its just a body. Rotting flesh! the kid insisted. Its nothing to be scared of.

Too much: This was beyond the pale even for Mel, who at best is regularly be described as a hard-nosed cow and is herself not exactly well adjusted

No, his mother bridled. Not if youre a....

A what?! he pouted, narrowing his eyes and sucking in his cheeks to look even prettier. Go on. Say it! A psychopath?! Like my dad.

The bad news for Mel (and for us) was that he didnt seem to be angry at the implication.

Hunter wanted to be a psychopath.

Which was in itself was psychopathic.

It almost goes without saying that Hunter & Mel killing Ray and burying him in the woods without the police being remotely suspicious (even though his ex-wives were) wasnt the most ridiculous storyline in EastEnders.

That honour still belonged to the love triangle Sharon-Keanu-Louise  a concept that is exactly as disturbing as it sounds.

Keanu had split up with Louise, a development that his brother Keegan, her dad Phil Mitchell, and even Louise herself found completely implausible. And that was without the really mad part of the storyline: that he had done it because he preferred... Sharon.

What? You invited me out to dump me?! Louise had wailed, finding it so unlikely she struggled to think of an explanation, wondering if it was because of her scars before eventually demanding is there someone else?

No explanation needed: It almost goes without saying that Hunter & Mel killing Ray and burying him in the woods without the police being remotely suspicious (even though his ex-wives were) wasnt the most ridiculous storyline in EastEnders

Louise seemed to have forgotten that she actually knew about Keanu and Sharon.

She had even blackmailed them about it.

She certainly hadnt considered that he started going out with her when Sharon went away to the Gold Coast. But as soon as she got back, Keanu had then dumped her.

It was as if even she considered Sheanu too horrific to be a real possibility.

If only...

Sharon wasnt doing much better.

Well done: That honour still belonged to the love triangle Sharon-Keanu-Louise  a concept that is exactly as disturbing as it sounds

Why did you do it?! she had cried when Keanu told her he had ditched Louise, which didnt make much sense to Sharon either.

Im just trying to do whats right! Keanu had claimed to Phil, who couldnt decide which was worse: Keanu going out with his daughter or not wanting to.

It was hard to believe even Keanu believed this.

What he was trying to do was get Sharon back  back to sleeping with her again. And that definitely wasnt right.

Mind you there was something enjoyably twisted about Louise turning to Sharon and her step-mother lending the lipstick that inevitably that would both be kissing Keanu with again soon.

All over: Keanu had split up with Louise, a development that his brother Keegan, her dad Phil Mitchell, and even Louise herself found completely implausible

First rule of getting over someone  cut all contact! Sharon advised her, not mentioning that the second rule was arrange to meet them at The Vic, then go and snog them in the ladies toilets.

All the other guys Ive dated have just been boys, Louise confided. Keanus different though. Hes got this soulful thing going on. When he looks at you, he really sees you.

Louise poured her heart out but the whole time the camera was on Sharon, staring vacantly into space, presumably thinking back to the soulful way he let her handcuff him to Phils bed.

Do you know what he said to me the first time? Louise continued, woefully.

He looked at my scars and kissed them and then he said: theyre beautiful, and youre beautiful.

This touching memory caused her to wail: I love him Sharon! It hurts. It really hurts!

Again, the focus was on Sharon though, as if we were meant to think it all much sadder for Sharon than for Louise.

Oh darling I wish I could wave a magic wand and take the pain away! Sharon simpered - meaning I wish I could wave a magic wand and ravage Keanu in The Arches right now.'

You wont always feel like this though, she promised.

This was true.

Louise would feel much worse when she found out Keanu had dumped her to be with Sharon.

Lets face it that was going to take years for her to accept.
Her 'husband' Sam Ball fled to New Zealand the morning after their wedding so he could attend the funeral of his ex-girlfriend's mother.

And Married At First Sight's Elizabeth Sobinoff found herself abandoned once again on Tuesday when she was forced to appear solo on the Today show.

Usually MAFS contestants are interviewed as couples on Today - even if they are no longer together - but 27-year-old Elizabeth had to face the questions alone.

Where's the runaway groom? Married At First Sight's Elizabeth Sobinoff appeared on the Today show WITHOUT her 'husband' Sam Ball - after he fled to New Zealand before their honeymoon

Elizabeth told co-hosts Georgie Gardner and Deborah Knight that it was hard to re-watch the scenes where Sam, 26, abandons her before their honeymoon.

'He seemed like prince charming on the day,' Elizabeth said of their wedding day.

'Seeing it unfold in front of my eyes right now, you really do question a lot,' she added, before insisting that she has 'no regrets' about the show.

Emotional: 'He seemed like prince charming on the day,' Elizabeth said of their wedding day

On their wedding day, which aired on Sunday, Sam shocked viewers when he criticised Elizabeth's weight.

'I've never really dated girls as big as Elizabeth in the past,' he told producers.

Later on, he confessed to one of his groomsmen: 'She's a bit bigger... hopefully she's into running a lot. You know what I'm like.'

On Monday's show, he abruptly left the experiment so he could attend a funeral in New Zealand - leaving Elizabeth heartbroken and confused.

'I've never really dated girls as big as Elizabeth in the past': On their wedding day, which aired on Sunday, Sam shocked viewers when he criticised Elizabeth's weight

'I can't pretend this hasn't happened': On Monday's show, Sam abruptly left the experiment so he could attend a funeral in New Zealand - leaving Elizabeth heartbroken and confused

During an interview on Nova FM's Fitzy & Wippa on Tuesday, Elizabeth hinted that Sam didn't stay in touch with her after flying overseas.

'He's a very different type of person. He's not... he's in his own world. He's literally in his own world,' Elizabeth said when asked if Sam called her everyday while he was in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Sam spoke to KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O that same morning to address rumours he 'faked' the funeral to avoid spending time with his new bride.

Host Kyle Sandilands said: 'We're just talking about when you got in that taxi to go to the "funeral". I said that I would also lie and say anything to get out of that situation!'

Going off the grid? During an interview on Nova FM's Fitzy & Wippa on Tuesday, Elizabeth hinted that Sam (pictured) didn't stay in touch with her after flying overseas

'I am shocked,' Sam replied. 'I can't believe everyone thinks it's a lie. Of course [it's not a lie].'

The part-time model sounded angry and impatient when co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson asked for proof the funeral actually happened.

'It was quite an emotional moment, I was even tearing up in front of Elizabeth. It was terrible, it was the worst timing,' he said.

Sam also denied being secretly happy his ex-girlfriend's mother had died so he had an excuse to avoid his honeymoon with Elizabeth.

Married At First Sight continues Tuesday at 7:30pm on Channel Nine
She's got the effortlessly slim figure of a 20-year-old model.

And Sofia Richie looked as cool as an as she showed off her toned legs in her gym gear in trendy West Hollywood this Monday.

Sipping from an iced coffee, Lionel Richie's daughter swept her blonde hair back into a bun, warding off the wintry chill in a black hoodie.

Staying refreshed: Sofia Richie was seen sipping a cool beverage from a straw as she stepped out in trendy West Hollywood this Monday

Sofia has spent more than a year in a relationship with the hunky soi-disant 'Lord' Scott Disick, who at 35 is a decade and a half her senior.

Scott shares three children with Kourtney Kardashian - nine-year-old son Mason, six-year-old daughter Penelope and four-year-old son Reign.

Kourtney and Scott, who were introduced by Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis in 2006, went on and off before finally breaking off the romance in 2015.

Legging it: The 20-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie swept her blonde hair back into a bun, warding off the wintry chill in a black hoodie

Like Scott, Kourtney, 39, has a penchant for picking drastically younger people to date - she recently ran around with 25-year-old Algerian model Younes Bendjima.

Kourtney and Younes broke up last year, and since then she has been rumored to be carrying on a relationship with 21-year-old model Luka Sabbat.

'She's 19. When you're 19 you know everything,' Lionel told Sydney's Daily Telegraph early last year with regard to Sofia's relationship.

Hunk: Sofia has spent more than a year in a relationship with the hunky soi-disant 'Lord' Scott Disick, who at 35 is a decade and a half her senior

'Is it going to be for life? I don't know. But for right now it's just a phase and I'm going to stand real still in the corner, get me a good drink and not make too much noise.'

He dished: 'Now I know what my parents meant when I came through the door with my Afro and my girlfriend and said: "Dad, I'm in love" and [he] looked at me and said: "Okay, we're going to leave you alone for a minute and you'll figure it out." My daughter is getting me back for my Afro days!'

Sofia happens to be the half-sister of Nicole Richie - and has struck up a friendship with Nicole's former best pal Paris Hilton.
He celebrated 17 years of sobriety with a heartfelt note on Monday, where he expressed how abstaining from alcohol allowed him to grieve fully after his son Henry passed away at aged two following a brain tumor.

Rob Delaney wrote a moving message on his social media about reaching the 17th anniversary of sobriety: 'As of of today I've been sober years. 17 years ago I was in jail in a wheelchair. Today I'm not.'

The actor, 42, said that it has be a 'brutal year' for him and his family: 'Our first year without our son and brother Henry.'

Heartfelt: Rob Delaney wrote a moving message on his social media about reaching the 17th anniversary of sobriety: 'As of of today I've been sober years. 17 years ago I was in jail in a wheelchair. Today I'm not'

The Catastrophe actor and co-creator said that if he was not sober, going through the grieving process 'would have been far worse,' noting that he just 'squeaked by.'

Rob said that being sober allowed him to 'grieve fully' because grief is an 'expression of love.'

Rob added that he is 'profoundly grateful to the alcoholics who shined a light on the path for me and helped equip me with the skills to live life well.'

The actor said: 'Sobriety allowed me to be a reasonably good dad, husband and worker' through it all.

Strength: The comedian, 42, said that it has be a 'brutal year' for him and his family: 'Our first year without our son and brother Henry;' pictured April 2017

Rob has spoken openly about his alcoholism in the past, including the life-changing incident when he was 25 which saw him crash a car into the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power during an alcohol-induced blackout.

He suffered two broken arms and his knees were cut open to the bone. He was offered a deal, either a jail sentence or a stint in rehab, choosing the latter and beginning his journey to recovery.

The actor lost his son Henry in January of 2018 at the age of two-and-a-half; he confirmed his passing one month later in February on his Facebook page.

He said in the message that Henry was diagnosed in 2016 with a brain tumor, just after his first birthday.

Henry had symptoms of weight loss and persistent vomiting; he underwent brain surgery in 2017 to remove the tumor and received further treatment that same year.

However, the cancer returned in the fall of 2017 and he passed away in January 2018.

Family: He celebrated 17 years of sobriety with a heartfelt note on Monday, where he expressed how abstaining from alcohol allowed him to grieve fully after his son Henry passed away at aged two following a brain tumor; pictured with Henry

Rob and his wife welcomed their fourth son in August - seven months after Henry's passing.

He told The Sunday Times Magazine that his wife Leah became pregnant again before their son's death, and that Henry was the first person they told.

Rob said to the magazine: 'We likely would've had a fourth anyway. But I mean, there's mixed feelings.'

'It's sort of like they touch each other a little bit, but they almost exist in separate lanes. Having another child in no way, shape or form eases the grief of Henry dying,' he said to The Sunday Times Magazine.

Adding: 'But also having Henry dying doesn't make our new son any less magical. I want to gobble him up and he deserves our full attention and love, and he grew in the same womb as Henry.'

Bittersweet: Rob and his wife welcomed their fourth son in August - seven months after his passing; pictured with his wife Leah in April 2018 in London

One day after Christmas 2018, Rob took to Twitter to talk about it; it was their first Christmas without Henry.

The star said: 'The day itself was okay, maybe because there were so many horrible, painful days leading up to it; we must have hit our quota or something. We talked about him a lot & included his memory throughout the day.'

Adding that the reason why he is speaking about it publicly is to 'destigmatize grief': 'My family is sad & in pain because our beautiful 2 yr old boy died after a long illness. Why wouldn't we be angry and confused?'

Rob said that writing these tweets were not 'therapeutic' or an 'update,' he just wanted people who have been/are in similar situations to feel 'seen/heard/respected/loved' and 'maybe they might help someone not schooled in grief support a friend better. I don't know.'

He also shared a picture of Henry, titling the image 'My sweet boy.'

Being honest: One day after Christmas 2018, Rob took to Twitter to talk about it; it was their first Christmas without Henry
Maureen Lipman has hit out at the 'infantilisation' of television in which the BBC News shows images to match every sentence in a story.

The actress, 72, criticised the broadcaster for assuming viewers had such short attention spans they will 'switch over to Love Island' unless fed with a stream of changing images.

She also took aim at chat shows which get celebrities to tell their 'most offensive' anecdotes, and reality TV which shows 'pleasant people being judged and humiliated.'

Furious: Maureen Lipman, 72, has hit out at the 'infantilisation' of television in which the BBC News shows images to match every sentence in a story

'We viewers do not have a low attention span,' she wrote in the latest issue of Radio Times.

'We don't need Fiona: "Theresa May... [cut to film of PM walking out of Downing Street]... flew to Paris today [shot of aircraft taxiing across runway... back to Fiona]... to discuss the circular arguments [to carousel of suitcases aimlessly going around]... which has dogged [cut to airport sniffer dog]... her recent EU talks" [shot of Eiffel Tower, then back to Fiona, who smiles enigmatically.'

The Coronation Street star added: 'Credit us with the power to hold on to the meaning of words for 50 seconds without pressing the remote to bl**dy Love Island, will you?'

She also lamented the decline of chat shows, reminiscing on how it used to be 'worth waiting up for' interviews with big stars such as Lauren Bacall and George Burns.

Fuming: The actress criticised the broadcaster for assuming viewers had such short attention spans they will 'switch over to Love Island' unless fed with a stream of changing images

Speaking out: Maureen - who plays Evelyn Plummer in Coronation Street - also took aim at chat shows which get celebrities to tell their 'most offensive' anecdotes

The celebrated said programmes were obsessed with crude words, adding that it was 'a sign in my view of the increasing infantilisation of TV these days'.

She said reality shows were 'TV trolling', adding that 'thespians... are hectored and bullied in nanny tones into... slug swallowing'.

Maureen is certainly no stranger to being outspoken about her personal views.

She came under fire from Rose McGowan last year, following her comments that some women are not helping the MeToo movement by sending out 'confusing' messages.

Saying it how it is: 'We viewers do not have a low attention span,' she wrote in the latest issue of Radio Times

Speaking to Radio Times magazine, she said: 'Were batting our eyelids and clenching our teeth at the same time. And that is very confusing.'

In response to her comments, Rose, who is the force behind the MeToo movement, told Good Morning Britain: 'Ive heard that same argument for what, 5,000 million years now.

'MeToo is not just for women Ive had so many men share their stories of abuse with men Let people breathe and have their voice.

'If I feel like walking down the street naked, nobody has the right to rape meEverybody has a sovereign right to their body.'
It is a great honor to serve as the Mayor of our states capitol, and we are privileged to be the seat of our state government, said Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley. That privilege brings with it economic activity and support for our small businesses, but it also brings costs to the city that we would not incur if we were not the state capitol.
She usually looks flawless and impeccably styled on the red carpet.

But Naomi Watts proved she's just as comfortable in a casual ensemble by wearing the same laid-back outfit two days in a row.

The 50-year-old actress was spotted taking her dog for a walk in NYC on Monday in the same jacket-and-sweatpants combo she wore the previous morning.

Bare-faced beauty! A makeup-free Naomi Watts displayed her flawless complexion while walking her dog in New York City on Monday

Deja vu! Naomi wore the same jacket-and-sweatpants combo the previous morning

The Mulholland Driver star wrapped up warm in a winter jacket and navy sweatpants, which she paired with black sneakers and bright orange socks.

While walking around the trendy Tribeca neighbourhood, she clutched an eco-friendly coffee mug.

Naomi went makeup free for the casual stroll, showing off her age-defying complexion.

All smiles: The Mulholland Driver star wrapped up warm in a winter jacket and navy sweatpants and clutched an eco-friendly coffee mug

Braving the cold: She enjoyed a casual stroll through New York's trendy Tribeca neighbourhood

On Sunday, Naomi was pictured wearing the same ensemble while stepping out with her 10-year-old son Samuel Kai Schreiber.

Last week, the English-born star was among the celebrity guests at the American-Australian Arts Awards dinner in Manhattan.

She looked sensational in a full-length floral dress from designer Erdem Moraloglu, which she paired with a black tuxedo jacket.

Blooming lovely! Last week, the English-born star was among the celebrity guests at the American-Australian Arts Awards dinner in Manhattan

Naomi later shared a photo of herself with fellow esteemed guests Simon Baker and Elle MacPherson.

She wrote in the caption: 'Some of my all time favorite people in these pics. Congratulations to [Simon] for the award last night and to [Elle]'.

Despite being born in the UK, Naomi was raised in Australia from the age of 14. She still holds British citizenship.
She is rightly proud of her stunning figure.

And Sofia Vergara made the most of it when she posed in double denim for the launch of her new Walmart collection

The Modern Family star, 46, showed off her curves in the line, Sofia Jeans By Sofia Vergara, available exclusively at the US retail giant.

Pure Jean-ius: Sofia Vergara made the most of her fab figure when she posed in double denim for the launch of her Walmart collection, Sofia Jeans By Sofia Vergara, released on Monday

'I live in my jeans! From going to the store, or to a business meeting, or to a night out partying, jeans are a must-have item for women,' she said in a statement on Monday.

'I wanted to design a line of great-looking jeans, perfect for daytime casual or dressed up for night, and fun tops, that are comfortable and affordable.

'I am thrilled to partner with Walmart.com to create a collection for women of all shapes and sizes. Everyones body is different. Every body is beautiful and should be celebrated.'

The collection ranges in size from 0 to 20 for jeans and XS to XXXL for tops, each priced at $40 or less.

Spoiled for choice: The 46-year-old Modern Family star's new collection has more than 100 items including jeans, denim jackets and skirts, blouses and graphic T-shirts

She's got everyone covered: The collection ranges in size from 0 to 20 for jeans and XS to XXXL for tops

It features more than 100 items, including jeans, denim jackets and skirts, blouses and graphic T-shirts.

Sofia has time to promote her new brand as she is currently on a holiday hiatus from her hit ABC sitcom.

Modern Family's current 10th season was originally thought to be its last, but that may not be the case.

Great prices: None of the 100 items in Sofia's collection costs more than $40

Denim days: 'I live in my jeans! From going to the store, or to a business meeting, or to a night out partying, jeans are a must-have item for women,' she said in a statement on Monday

Work or play: 'I wanted to design a line of great-looking jeans, perfect for daytime casual or dressed up for night, and fun tops, that are comfortable and affordable,' said the star

So many choices: It features more than 100 items, including jeans, denim jackets and skirts, blouses and graphic T-shirts

Celebrate! 'I am thrilled to partner with Walmart.com to create a collection for women of all shapes and sizes. Everyones body is different. Every body is beautiful and should be celebrated'

Patriotic star: Sofia and her adult co-stars of Modern Family - Ed O'Neill (pictured) , Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen, Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson - are said to be in talks for 11th season

The Hollywood Reporter revealed a few weeks ago that the six adult leads - Sofia, Ed O'Neill, Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen, Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson - are in talks for an 11th season.

The younger stars - Sarah Hyland, Ariel Winter, Rico Rodriguez and Nolan Gould - will reportedly negotiate their contracts when the main stars' deals are closed.

Meanwhile, her hunky husband Joe Manganiello, 42, has three projects on the go and one, Stasno, completed and due out this year.

He will also reprise his role as superhero Deathstroke in a standalone film and in Justice League Part Two both of which have yet to set release dates.
She rose to international fame with her stand-up show Nanette, which became a breakout hit on Netflix.

Now Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby has announced a new stand-up show and international tour.

The 41-year-old funny woman has called the new show Douglas, after her beloved dog.

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She's back! Hannah Gadsby has announced a new stand-up show and international tour following the success of Nanette... after previously saying she was 'quitting comedy'

Douglas is set to premiere in Melbourne on March 27.

Hannah will then take the show to San Francisco, California, on April 30, before touring all over the US.

She will then head to Canada, Europe, and New Zealand, with more dates set to be announced.

Coming soon: The 41-year-old funny woman has called the new show Douglas, after her beloved dog. Douglas is set to premiere in Melbourne on March 27 and she will then take the show across the globe

The big announcement comes after Hannah revealed in Nanette she was quitting stand-up because she was sick of making herself - or others - the subject of jokes.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter this week about her return to the stage, Hannah said that despite previously saying she wanted to give up stand-up, she just couldn't resist doing what she does best.

'I thought after some time that perhaps my best next move would be to do something that is what I'm really good at,' she told the publication with a laugh.

'So, tour instead of trying to learn a whole new skill set [like acting] and translate my creativity into a whole new genre or art form.'

Doing what she loves: Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter this week about her return to the stage, Hannah said that despite previously saying she wanted to give up stand-up, she just couldn't resist doing what she does best

She added: 'There's a certain amount of comfort in going back on stage in an environment that I'm somewhat familiar with  although it's my first U.S. tour.'

Hannah - who hails from Tasmania but is based in Los Angeles - first revealed she wasn't really quitting stand-up or comedy in an interview last year.

Speaking on Fallon Tonight in July, she said she'd be an 'idiot' to give it all up after Nanette's huge success.

'Like, if the show had gone as badly as I'd planned it would have worked. But now I'm left with a choice: I'll either be an idiot or a hypocrite. I'll be a hypocrite.'
He confessed to binging on cocaine during a wild night out in an explosive interview on Monday night.

And amidst her boyfriend Jack Fincham's drugs shame, Dani Dyer, 23, shared a sun-kissed picture of herself ahead of her Mount Kilimanjaro climb on Tuesday.

However hours later, the Love Island star took to her Instagram platform again as she cryptically admitted that being in Africa has been 'emotional for her and put things into perspective.'

Amidst her boyfriend Jack Fincham's drugs shame, Dani Dyer, 23, shared a sun-kissed picture of herself ahead of her Mount Kilimanjaro climb on Tuesday

Candid: The Love Island star took to her Instagram platform again as she cryptically admitted that being in Africa has been 'emotional for her and put things into perspective'

Continuing to explain how she was feeling about her gruelling Kilimanjaro trek, Dani continued: 'It shows me what really matters and what I need to address in the world, rather than all pointless things, really.'

Meanwhile, in her selfie Dani looked radiant as she took a selfie of herself wearing a yellow hair wrap and sunglasses in a car with green scenery behind her.

She captioned it with: 'What an experience, what a journey cant wait for you to follow it.'

The Instagram post comes just hours after Dani's boyfriend Jack confessed to binging on cocaine during a wild night out after finding fame on the hit ITV2 show.

'It shows what I need to address in the world': Dani continued to explain how she was feeling about her gruelling Kilimanjaro trek

Love Island romance: The reality star took to her Instagram to post a picture of herself ahead of her Mount Kilimanjaro climb for Red Nose Day (Jack and Dani in October 2018)

The reality star, 26, said that he caved to peer pressure after finding himself on nights out where the drinks are free and everyone is trying to be his friend.

During the explosive interview, Jack revealed that Dani told him that everyone makes mistakes and is willing to forgive him as long as he never does it again.

However he believes that her famous father Danny Dyer won't view the situation as lightly, and told The Sun that 'most dads would take a dim view of it'.

After finding love with Dani on last year's series of Love Island the couple went on to win the show, however it appears Jack has struggled with the realities of fame.

Candid: The Instagram post comes just hours after her boyfriend Jack confessed to binging on cocaine during a wild night out and that she told him that everyone makes mistakes

Talking to the publication, he said: ' I've told Dani, and obviously she doesnt agree with anything like that at all.

'She doesnt like all that. But obviously, shell always support me. She said: "Ill always support you, you made a mistake, we all make mistakes, but dont ever do it again".

'I dont want to bring her into it, Ive had a conversation with her and its not fair on her.'

Just hours before Jack's confession, Dani shared another picture of her getaway as she continues to tease fans with a glimpse into her adventure.

Wow! Dani took to Instagram on Monday, to give fans a glimpse into her adventure, as she shared a poignant photograph of herself at the top of a hill, overlooking the city below her

Standing in jeans and a white T-shirt, the Love Island winner, 22, shared a poignant photograph of herself at the top of a hill, overlooking the city below her.

She captioned the breathtaking photograph: 'I cant wait for you to find out what Ive been doing here. Ive met some beautiful people @comicrelief #returntokili.'

The aspiring actress also took to her Instagram Stories to share a photograph of herself journeying to her destination.

Her Comic Relief update comes after Dani she revealed another of her fears on Twitter on Thursday, as she prepares herself for the one of the biggest challenges of her life.

Fear: As Dani prepares herself for her Red Nose Day of Kilimanjaro, she revealed another of her fears on Twitter on Thursday

Showtime: The Love Island champion, 22, will face a gruelling eight-day trek battling altitude sickness, basic camping conditions and freezing night-time temperatures for the charity climb

The Love Island champion will face a gruelling eight-day trek battling altitude sickness, basic camping conditions and freezing night-time temperatures for the charity climb with fellow celebs.

And the brunette beauty admitted she is concerned about taking anti-Malarial tablets, due to fears about horrendous side-effects.

She wrote: 'Has anyone on here taken malaria tablets before any bad side effects? Ive heard such horror stories and Im worrying.'

Malaria is a serious tropical disease spread by mosquitoes. Unless treated promptly, it can be fatal.

Fear: the brunette beauty admitted she is concerned about taking anti-Malarial tablets, due to fears about horrendous side-effects

WHAT IS MALARIA? Malaria is a serious tropical disease spread by mosquitoes. Unless treated promptly, it can be fatal. Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, and aches and chills. These usually occur seven to 18 days after infection. The main risk areas are large regions of Africa and Asia, and Central and South America. Malaria can be prevented by applying insect repellent, sleeping beneath a special net, and covering your arms and legs. Antimalarial medication should be taken if necessary. Treatment varies but may include antimalarial drugs. Nearly half of the global population is at risk of malaria, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2016 alone, there were an estimated 216 million cases of the disease - a rise of five million from the previous year - and around 445,000 deaths. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, and aches and chills.

These usually occur seven to 18 days after infection, The main risk areas are large regions of Africa and Asia, and Central and South America.

Anti-malarial medication can cause side effects including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, insomnia, dizziness and vivid dreams.

This comes as Dani admitted she will get emotional at the prospect of being separated from beau Jack Fincham during an appearance on Wednesday's episode of This Morning.

Tough: This comes as Dani admitted she will get emotional at the prospect of being separated from beau Jack Fincham during an appearance on Wednesday's episode of This Morning

Miss you: Bar a brief split, the couple have gone from strength to strength since leaving the Love Island villa last summer

The star will join Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Ed Balls, Alexander Armstrong, Dan Walker, Anita Rani, Osi Umenyiora and Shirley Ballas on the February expedition, set to air in a one-hour BBC documentary Kilimanjaro: The Return.

As the show aired a clip of the excited reality star in training, she opened up about being away from her hunky love when she jets to Tanzania.

She said: 'I'll be away for ten days and this is the longest me and Jack will be away from each other, I'll probably will have a little cry, I'll miss giving him a cuddle.'

Discussing how the tough conditions in Tanzania will impact on her beauty regime she said: 'I like having lashes but I'm gonna try and go as natural as possible.'

Challenge: The Love Island winner, 22, will join celebs for the challenge set to air in a one-hour BBC documentary Kilimanjaro: The Return

The brunette beauty added her actor father Danny Dyer had given her 'so much support' ahead of the climb.

Kilimanjaro: The Return takes place 10 years after the original excruciating 19,000 ft climb up Africa's highest mountain led by Gary Barlow, which raised 1.5 million for Comic Relief.

Power hitmaker Leigh-Anne said: 'It's so amazing to be part of this challenge for Comic Relief. I can't wait to get to the top of Kilimanjaro and knowing that we are doing it for Comic Relief makes it incredibly special.'

Jade added: 'Leigh-Anne and I went to Liberia in 2014 for Red Nose Day and we have seen first-hand how much work this incredible charity does and how much it is needed. The nerves are certainly starting to kick in for the climb, but I'm lucky I will have Leigh-Anne up there with me and I can't wait to get stuck in with everyone!'

Smitten: She said: 'I'll be away for ten days and this is the longest me and Jack will be away from each other, I'll probably will have a little cry, I'll miss giving him a cuddle'

Strictly alumni Ed said: 'It's an amazing group of climbers, I'm especially looking forward to dancing up the mountain with Shirley Ballas. My whole family are beyond excited that Jade and Leigh-Anne of Little Mix will be scaling Africa's highest mountain too.'

Celebrities including Cheryl, Kimberley Walsh, Denise Van Outen and Ronan Keating took part in the risky ascent in 2009

Cheryl and Alesha were both struck by altitude sickness, with the former Mis-teeq rapper crawling her way to the summit.

Red Nose Day 2019 will be broadcast live on Friday March 15 beginning at 7pm on BBC One.
Megan Barton Hanson has said she thought ex Wes Nelson was 'The One' and vowed to never date another person in the public eye again following their shock split last week.

Now writing in this week's Grazia Magazine, the 24-year-old reality beauty admitted that the two 'amicably' parted ways following seven months together because they had 'different priorities'.

The ITV star explained how it had 'been a difficult few weeks' in the lead up to her and Wes' break-up after their flat was broken into, then she contracted a kidney infection and ended up in hospital.

Never again: Megan Barton Hanson has said she thought ex Wes Nelson was 'The One' and vowed that she would never date another person in the public eye again

She shared: 'Break-ups in the public eye are horrible, it seems like theres always one person who tries to vilify the other. But theres no need for it.

'It all ended very amicably. I really love Wes as a person, but we realised we are in very different stages of our lives and our priorities are different. Im 24 and by the time Im 30 I want to be engaged. Wes is only 20. Hes living his best life.'

The blonde bombshell said that she's been left heartbroken by the split and now worries that she'll never meet the 'right person' as she vows to never date someone in the public eye.

She shared: 'I really thought he was The One and that wed be together forever. I wanted a serious relationship, so its heartbreaking for me that it didn't work out.

'Different priorities': the 24-year-old reality beauty admitted that the two 'amicably' parted ways following seven months together because they had 'different priorities'

'I also feel disappointed for the people who invested in us. I am hopeful for the future, although I do worry about finding the right person. I dont want people to approach me because I'm "Megan from Love Island."

Megan wrote for this weeks Grazia, on sale now

Adding: 'I just want someone who is nice, normal and grounded. I am positive that I will meet someone who loves me for me, but I never want to date a person in the public eye ever again. It's just so much pressure and its even more painful when it ends.'

Paying tribute to her ex, Megan insisted that she will 'always love Wes' and vouched that 'whoever ends up with him is very lucky'.

Her latest interview comes the reality star said she 'still loves Wes', but shared that he is 'wrapped up in the fame bubble' and 'doesn't love her back.'

Speaking in an interview with this week's OK! magazine, the Love Island star also blasted Dancing On Ice bosses for 'deliberately stirring things up' by partnering Wes with professional German skater Vanessa Bauer.

Focused! Wes has been focused on Dancing On Ice training with skate partner Vanessa Bauer

Speaking about why the pair split, Megan revealed: 'Our ambitions and goals in life are very different. Wes is younger than me and wrapped up in the fame bubble - but I still love him, which is why it hurts so much.

'I fought and fought and fought for Wes but he doesn't love me back,' claimed the blonde bombshell.

Wes - who is currently competing in ITV's Dancing On Ice - was partnered with petite beauty Vanessa Bauer and Megan didn't hide her annoyance over their partnership.

She said: 'The fact that the producers deliberately stirred things up by partnering Wes with the youngest, hottest girl annoyed me.'

Opinions: Megan first shared this post about Vanessa on Instagram last month, which ignited their feud. She reiterated her thoughts on the skater in subsequent interviews

She didn't hold back on the topic, reasserting her belief that Vanessa's break-up with her own boyfriend Louis Nathaniel was 'completely tactical.'

Megan caused their feud to spill over into the public sphere when she wrote on Instagram: 'Love that you decide to announce your break-up with your boyfriend on the night of your 1st performance with my boyfriend!

'You've never reached out to me once or invited me to watch you train, it pained you to introduce your self to me last night you didn't even look me in the eye LOL. Hope the tactical break-up got you the headlines you wanted babe.' [sic]

She was mad that Vanessa didn't reach out to her, claiming she got the best of Wes due to his intense training schedule, and said she wanted to be on the ice with him.

Megan wrote for this weeks Grazia, on sale now.
MKR's devout Christian contestant, Josh Bonwick launched into an expletive-laden rant after his co-stars joked that his and Austin's 'brains haven't finished developing yet' during Tuesday night's episode.

Josh, 25, who was raised by missionary parents along with his brother, Austin, 21, told the other teams to 'shut the f**k-up' after they suggested the home-schooled 'villains' aren't mature enough for the competition.

'I think the whole immature palette thing only correlates to these two!' Blake, 32, said in jest during the Instant Restaurant of Peruvian contestants, Andy, 31, and Ruby, 39.

'They've got immature palettes!' Josh Bonwick (left) launched into an expletive-ridden rant after his co-stars joked that his and Austin's 'brains haven't finished developing yet.' Josh pictured alongside brother, Austin (right)

'Their brains haven't finished developing yet,' said Amanda, 29.

MKR 'group one' competitor, Jodie-Anne, 49, decided to double down on Amanda's comments.

'That's what they say though... age 25. So you're just about to get there,' Jodie-Anne said as she pointed to Josh.

'That's true, it's what they say about all humans...that your brains haven't developed until your 25,' Jodie-Anne reiterated.

'Their brains haven't finished developing yet,' proud sibling, Amanda, 29, explained

'Your brain hasn't developed until your 25': MKR 'group one' competitor, Jodie-Anne, 49, (right) decided to double down on Amanda's comments. Pictured alongside husband, Mick, 47, (left)

During the conversation, the camera panned to a very unimpressed-looking Josh and Austin.

Seconds later, Josh launched into a foul-mouthed rant during a piece-to-camera alongside his younger brother.

'Shut the f**k-up,' Josh exclaimed before spraying a number of other inaudible swear words.

Meanwhile Austin couldn't help but laugh at the shocking tirade before Josh said with a snarl: 'What?'

If looks could kill! During the conversation, the camera panned to both Josh (left) and Austin (right) as they listened to the conversation unfold

Last week, the Christian siblings went on another bizarre rant and compared themselves to the persecution of Christ.

During a Facebook live session, the MKR 'villains' were asked if they thought they were being good Christian role models.

'Hell yeah, and hell no,' Josh replied.

'There are moments where I say things and I think, ''Oh God why did I say that?'' and then there are moments where I get extremely opposed on the show for saying what I genuinely think to be true,' continued Josh.

'And in those moments where you get absolutely opposed for standing up with what you believe in or a moment of truth.

'Oh God why did I say that?' Last week, the Christian siblings went on another bizarre rant and compared themselves to the persecution of Christ

'Those are the moments where I really do believe that I'm doing the right thing, and being a good role model for Christianity.'

He added: 'Everyone's saying, ''Oh my God how can you do this in front of Jesus? How can you be like this an Jesus watching you?" Jesus only talks about kindness love and peace.'

The fiery 25-year-old then explained that Jesus wasn't a 'cherub up in heaven with a harp', and that when Jesus walked the Earth he was the most 'persecuted person'.

'And do you know who hated him the most? It was people from his own religion,' Josh said, comparing himself to Jesus Christ.

My Kitchen Rules continues Tuesday at 7pm on Channel Seven
She was one of the first Harvey Weinstein accusers, who led more than 60 other women to speak out about their experience.

And Ashley Judd was spotted getting back to work on the set of A Dog's Way Home in Vancouver, Canada, on Friday.

The actress, 49, looked happy to be back to work as she wore a brown pea coat while hanging out with the movie crew before shooting one of her scenes.

Filming: Ashley Judd was spotted back on set of A Dog's Way Home in Vancouver, Canada, on Friday

Recently, Ashley publicly discussed her personal accusations of harassment by Weinstein.

She was one of the brave women whose stories were included in the initial report that led to the movie mogul's downfall.

According to Ashley, the assault happened 20 years ago when she was filming the movie Kiss the Girls.

The actress said Weinstein invited her to a Beverly Hills hotel for a business meeting, and was sent up to his room.

Back to work! The actress, 49, looked all smiles as she wore a brown pea coat while hanging out with the movie crew before shooting one of her scenes

The Twin Peaks star told Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America: 'Weinstein asked to give me a massage, and then asked for me to give him one.'

Ashley continued: 'Volley of nos. Maybe he heard them as yeses. Maybe it turned him on.'

The actress said she was so traumatized by the experience she can still remember the layout of the room.

The 49-year-old actress was honored for her act at the Women's Media Center Awards in October.

Judd accepted the Truth to Power accolade at the event, alongside Hillary Clinton.

All smiles: Recently, Ashley has been trying to get back to work after discussing her personal accusations of harassment by Weinstein

The Sisters starlet began her acceptance speech recounting her own incident with Weinstein: 'I came right downstairs and my dad could see it in my face that I was shattered and I told him everything and I've been telling folks for about 20 years and I am very happy that I've finally been heard.

'We've been able to talk about how perpetrators are shameless and they put their toxic shame onto their victims and we internalize it and take it around with us.'

Since Ashley has spoken out about her experience, it has led other women in the industry to follow suit.

Dozens of A-listers, journalists and budding actresses have spoken out against Weinstein throughout the recent months, including Lupita Nyong'o, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Lea Seydoux, and Asia Argento.
Officials in Venice are introducing a booking system so visitors to the Italian city can pay for entry before they arrive.

From May tourists - even day-trippers who only visit for a matter of hours - will be charged an entry fee of between two and five euros (1.70 and 4.40) but it could go up to 10 euros (9) in the high season.

And by 2022, the city council says it hopes that most people visiting Venice will reserve an entry ticket to the city before visiting - then it can monitor tourism numbers.

Officials in Venice are introducing a booking system so visitors to the Italian city can pay for entry before they arrive

Mayor of Venice Luigi Brugnaro told The Local: 'It's the only way to count the number of people visiting Venice.

'No one will be denied access, but it will be more complicated for those who don't book.'

According to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, the new charging system could generate 50 million euros a year, up from the 30 million a year the city currently makes from the tourist tax.

In 2017, 10 million tourists paid the tourist tax. But the new fee, with day-trippers included, would be paid by around 27 million visitors.

Venice is often overrun with tourists and locals complain that excessive crowds often clog the city's quaint alleyways and thoroughfares.

It is believed that funds from the charge will be used to pay for the costs of cleaning the city.

In 2018, officials in Venice also proposed several ways to rid the city of what it calls 'boorish' behaviour by visitors.

Venice is often overrun with tourists and locals complain that excessive crowds often clog the city's quaint alleyways and thoroughfares

In September plans were announced to ban visitors from sitting on the ground, with fines ranging from 50 to 500 euros (44 and 443).

Later it was then revealed people could be banned from carrying alcohol around the streets.

The Italian city was said to be considering fining anybody carrying booze after 7pm - even if it is in a sealed shopping bag.

It came after complaints that tourists are becoming drunk in Venice's squares and public places.

Meanwhile in early 2018, visitor-only routes to popular landmarks were introduced ahead of a holiday weekend to keep tourists away from the locals.

The visitor-only routes were put in place for tourists heading to St Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge.
Organizing a holiday to a new destination is no easy feat. It often requires a commitment to research, planning and a gamble on something new - all of which families struggle to find time for.

It is no surprise many parents, no matter how bold, surrender to the appeal of familiar destinations.

Former Rough Guide Managing Editor Keith Drew has spent his entire career trying to help people break the pattern and has now turned his attention to families in need with his new project, Lijoma.com.

Family holidays don't get much cooler! Lijoma will help you plan for the dream destinations you never imagined you could visit with a family, like the Langjokull Glacier in Iceland

Be it taking your little ones on a tour inside an Icelandic glacier or watching them bathe elephants in southern Thailand, Drews travel website equips families with the know-how to take their trip of a lifetime.

Where there was once hassle and uncertainty, there is now expertly-curated itineraries for family adventure holidays which are tailored to each users needs and preferences.

The website steers parents through a variety of unique but child-friendly trips, taking out all the guesswork and showing parents exactly where to go and what to do.

Want to give your children the chance to walk with the animals? Lijoma's guide to the Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand includes the opportunity to bathe elephants

The hyper-detailed itineraries on offer currently cover Iceland, Morocco, Croatia and Thailand as well as a Trial Trip for less experienced travellers to the Scottish Highlands.

Trips are currently separated into Big Trips - for those ultimate Instagram-worthy getaways - and Mini Breaks, for the family who want to make the most of a weekend away.

Parents can book flights and accommodation directly through the site before downloading PDFs of their entire itinerary to have at the ready on their phones or tablets.

Lijoma's Mini Breaks include fully curated cultural trips to destinations like Copenhagen and Fez (pictured)

Lijoma hopes to not only help families create memories of a lifetime but emphasize experiences that are educational and immersive for all ages.

Drew said: The internet is awash with information  much of it inaccurate, incomplete, biased or misleading  and families want someone they can trust to help them get it right.

Lijoma cuts through all the noise to deliver everything they need to book their own family trips of a lifetime. Plenty of sites tell you where to go but very few tell you how to piece it all together. And no other site does it for families in quite such a clear, informative and inspiring way.

Upcoming guides include all-age solutions for Sri Lankan safari camps, Costa Rica, California, Belfast, Slovenia, Jordan, Japan and more.
Dinner dates may soon be a thing of the past as Samsung hopes to match singletons based on what's inside their fridge.

A new app, called Refridgerdating, has been launched by the Korean giant to help people let their taste buds dictate their love life.

It works alongside Samsung's Family Hub Refrigerator which allows you to monitor and see inside your refrigerator via your phone.

The app then takes a photo of the inside of the fridge and shares it to the social media platform for peckish Samsung fridge owners where they can then swipe right or left based on the contents of someone else's food preferences.

It is designed to allow people to avoid the unfortunate moment they open the fridge and find it sparsely populated only frequented only by leftovers and takeaway.

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Dinner dates may soon be a thing of the past as Samsung hopes to match singletons based on what's inside their fridge. The app takes a photo of the inside of the fridge and shares it to the social media platform for peckish Samsung fridge owners where they can then swipe right or left based on the contents of someone else's food preferences

The app and fridge is also compatible with smart assistant Bixby and pings you an alert if the door is left ajar.

It hopes to prove the proverb that the best way to a lover's heart is through their stomach and get a glimpse at the real personality of a potential date, without the preamble of other dating sites.

The device has a large touch screen on one of its doors and includes a robot voice assistant that responds to commands such as 'play classical music' or 'read it to me'.

It also has cameras that let owners see what is inside on their smartphone if they forget what they need to buy at the shops.

Refridgerdating is a website at the moment and is therefore compatible with all devices.

'We hope people can meet under more honest or transparent circumstances with the help of the contents of the fridge, because that can tell you a lot about the personality,' said Elin Axelsson, PR manager at Samsung Electronics Nordic based in Sweden.

The idea originated in Sweden and appears to have yet to find widespread appeal in other nations and regions.

The app and fridge is also compatible with smart assistant Bixby and pings you an alert if the door is left ajar. Users cab swipe based on other users accounts and pictures of their refrigerator (pictured)

Developer Peter Simonsson said the team decided swiping would be the best way for daters t interact wit the feature due to its familiarity.

Apps such as Bumble and Tinder have taken similar approaches to the world on online dating and brought in a new era of relationships.

The fridge can be loaded with a range of apps that allow it to be used as a calendar, television, music player and family notice board as well.

A series of cameras and apps work together to provide a constantly updated stream of information about your home.

All of the firm's household products can be controlled by a smartphone. This means you could remotely set your oven to pre-heat while on the way home, Samsung said

The digital assistant Bixby, is designed to help manage all of that.

All of the firm's household products can be controlled by a smartphone.

This means you could remotely set your oven to pre-heat while on the way home, Samsung said.

The latest version of Samsung's smart refrigerator is retailing for 3,599 in the UK and for $4,599 in the US.

Another smartphone app lets users take a picture of their meals, with the system recognising which type of food or dish it is and recording how many calories, vitamins and proteins it contains automatically.

HOW DOES THE SAMSUNG SMART FRIDGE WORK? At the start of 2018 Samsung unveiled its latest version of the Samsung Family Hub smart fridge. There are three cameras installed inside the fridge which allows users to see inside, without the need to open it up. The fridge will sync with an app which users can download on to their smartphone. Via the app, users can control all the features on the fridge as well as any other devices that are connected. Samsung's fridge-freezer features the firm's in-house Bixby digital assistant and a 21.5-inch (55 cm) LED touchscreen. The touchscreen can be used to show what is inside the fridge as well as functioning as a notice board. Bixby, the digital assistant, can be used to instruct you of calendar events and build a shopping list. It also comes with built-in speakers to stream music directly. Advertisement
The past few years, we have focused more and more on active shooter response," Capt. Brian Kelm, deputy commanding officer of the Annapolis station. Earlier, we were focused on incidents at the entry control points. When I ask people we train if they think there is a possibility of an active shooter, the answer universally is yes, and we need to be ready and trained to respond as individuals and as organized commands.
Casual sex at university and a woman's willingness to engage in frivolous intercourse depends on how sexually active they were at school, a study has found.

Late bloomers, for example, had little to no sex at school and were forced to go on the contraceptive pill by worried parents.

These people then were more likely to 'jump into' casual sex arrangements as they spend time away from overbearing parents.

They then openly discussed sex with peers at university and even take part in 'slut shaming' of themselves and others.

Women at university fit into one of five different categories: religious, relationship seekers, high school partiers, late bloomers and career women.

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Casual sex at university and a woman's willingness to engage in frivolous intercourse depends on how sexually active they were at school. study claims. Research has found it is dependent on upbringing, family, religion and friendship groups as a young teenager (stock)

Dr Laurie Hawkins from the University of Essex conducted 45 interviews with undergraduate women at a large public Western United States.

They were asked to give their views on sexuality in adolescence as well as their sexual and romantic relationships in college.

All the women had similar backgrounds and 'utilised similar strategies to integrate into cultures of casual sex on their University campus'.

Dr Hawkins told MailOnline: 'The late bloomers were an interesting group.

'They pretty much ignored sex but once they did engage in sex/hookup culture at university, they jumped into it more than others and were among the most sexually active of all the groups.

'However, since they had fairly negative feelings about the appropriateness of sex, they needed a way to justify their own behaviour so they engaged in slut shaming of other women in order to make themselves feel better about their own behaviour  they might be having sex, but others were doing it more and therefore their sexual behaviour was better.

'I think they talked about it more as it was a way to engage in social comparison so they could bolster their feelings about their own participation in casual sex culture.'

WHAT ARE THE FIVE TYPES OF WOMEN AT UNIVERSITY? Group name Adolescent norms and behaviours College Sexual Strategies Religious Religious families growing up

One sexual partner within a romantic relationship

Adherence to traditional gender norms

Did not engage in casual sex Most deny influence of religion on sexuality

Still with high school romantic/sexual partner

Did not engage in casual sex Relationship Seekers Non-religious family background

Engaged in casual sex in school, but felt shame

Adherence to traditional gender norms

Engaged in both casual sex and limited romantic

sexual relationships in high school Not religious in college

Had casual sex in college, but felt shame

Adherence to traditional gender norms

Unsuccessfully engaged in casual sex to find a romantic relationship High School Partiers Non-religious family background

Family background of teen/young pregnancy

Engaged in casual and romantic sex in high school

Not interested in casual sex when at college Not religious in college

Felt relieved to have get to college without getting pregnant

Casual sex at the start of college led to romantic relationships

Quickly found romantic partners when they started college, denied interest in casual sex Late Bloomers Non-religious family background

No discussion of sex in family or among peers

Not interested in sex at all in high school

Mother's put them on birth control pills in high school, despite lack of sexual activity Not religious in college

Open discussion of sex with peers in college, including 'slut shaming'

Often of themselves and their close friends

Did not initially participate in casual sex, but then fully joined casual sex culture in college

Continued to use birth control pills but were not very good users, inconsistent condom users Career Women Non-religious family background

Family background of sex as normal and activity in late adolescence

Comprehensive sexuality education in high school

Both casual and romantic sexual relationships in high school

Ended relationships so they could have the 'freshman experience' in college Not religious in college

Openly discussed sex and sexual encounters with peers, did not feel shame for engaging in casual sex

Engaged in casual sex but had no interest in romantic relationships in college

Felt relationships detract from their career development so preferred to engage in casual sex





Women at university fit into one of five different categories: religious, relationship seekers, high school partiers, late bloomers and career women. Late bloomers, for example, had little to no sex at school and were forced to go on the contraceptive pill by worried parents (stock)

To be included in the sample women had to be: between the ages of 1824, currently sexually active, not currently pregnant, not medically or voluntarily sterile (i.e. at risk of pregnancy), and had to have reported that they had taken a contraceptive risk at least once when pregnancy was not desired.

Each participant was compensated $30 (323) for their time, and the interviews ranged from 45 minutes to two hours.

Dr Hawkins added: 'The high school partiers came to campus declaring that they were not going to have casual sex and often that they were not interested in sex or relationships.

'They had had participated in casual sex in high school and had decided that it didn't have meaning and that sex in a relationship was better (many of them had had at least some sort term relationships in which they had had sex so they had a basis for comparison), but mostly they thought of it as a hassle.

'However, they ended up meeting someone when they got to campus, starting a casual sex relationship when they got to campus  even though they said that they had not wanted to do so - and those encounters quickly became romantic relationships.

'While the relationship seekers did the same thing in terms of engaging in casual relationships when they got to campus hoping for a romantic relationship they were unsuccessful.'
YouTube stars could have more influence over teenage viewers than they think

Researchers have shown that teenage boys are strongly influenced by the risk taking actions of their male peers when deciding their own behaviour.

These teenagers are also likely to be more popular than those less easily influenced.

The study from Germany, used gambling games to show that teenage boys picked riskier action if they saw their friends did, compared to when alone.

It could explain why reckless behaviour, such as binge drinking and joy riding, are easily spread among young social groups.

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Researchers have shown that teenage boys are strongly influenced by the risk taking actions of their male peers when deciding their own behaviour. The areas of the brain that control decision-making don't fully develop until early adulthood (stock)

Teenage boys between the age of 12 and 15 made up half of the study which conducted by the Dresden University of Technology.

The study included 86 male volunteers with the remainder participants being male adults.

The volunteers given a series of gambling games where they had to chose a guaranteed payout of 5 or forsake it for higher payout of 50 which was they were less likely to win.

The teenagers took greater risks on the payout when they knew that other teenager participants were doing the same compared to when they were alone.

Andrea Reiter at the Dresden University of Technology in Germany, who lead the study told New Scientist: 'There is this stereotype, but teens were not more risk-seeking when tested alone'.

The latest study showed that teenage boys were strongly influenced by the actions of other teenage boys when deciding whether to take risks on a gambling game used during the study (stock)

Overall however, adult men were showed higher risk tendencies than their younger peers.

The actions of the adult males, also did not influence the younger participants.

This suggests that it is more complicated than just a matter of teenagers being more easily influenced.

The researchers have suggested that the change in decision making towards higher risk is an evolutionary trait and gave teenagers who did so more popularity.

The study was published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology.
Scientists in New Zealand found a USB memory stick containing an unknown person's holiday photos after being trapped inside a frozen slab of seal faeces.

The scat, valuable for studying the health of leopard seals, had been stored in a freezer for a year before it was thawed out for analysis, the researchers said.

Scientists at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research made the startling discovery after thawing the sample, as it is scientifically known, which was collected at Oreti Beach on South Island in November 2017.

'Concealed deep inside the scat was a USB stick,' the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) said on its website.

Officials in New Zealand are now on the hunt for the owners of the USB stick to reunite them with their holiday footage of kayaking with sealions.

Seal faeces, known as scat, is valuable for studying the health of leopard seals. It had been collected in late 2017 and stored in a freezer for a year before it was thawed out for analysis

One video from the cache appears to have been filmed by someone in a blue canoe or kayak, as a mother and baby sealion swim and leap between the shore and the crystal clear shallows of the island's southern tip.

According to a statement announcing the find, a local vet had seen a 'skinny' leopard seal on the beach so collected a scat sample and sent it to NIWA marine biologist Dr Krista Hupman.

'We basically have to sift it. You put it under the cold tap, get all the gross stuff off, smoosh it around a bit and separate the bones, feathers, seaweed and other stuff,' explained NIWA volunteer Jodie Warren.

It was while undergoing this sorting process that the team found something 'large and hard'. After leaving the stick to dry out for a few weeks, the team discovered the files which may help to find the owner.

As usual, some social media users were quick to come forward with jokes.

Researchers said there was a more serious side to the discovery, however.

'It is very worrying that these amazing Antarctic animals have plastic like this inside them,' said Ms Warren.

Leopard seals are the second biggest seal species in the Antarctic, after the elephant seal, known for their spotted fur.

One video from the cache appears to have been filmed by someone in a blue canoe or kayak, as a mother and baby sealion swim and leap between the shore and the crystal clear shallows of the island's southern tip

According to a statement announcing the find, a local vet had seen a 'skinny' leopard seal on the beach so collected a scat sample and sent it to NIWA marine biologist Dr Krista Hupman

Growing up to 11 feet with inch-long canine teeth, the leopard seal's only natural predator is thought to be the killer whale.

British marine biologist Kirsty Brown was dragged under water and killed by a leopard seal while on a snorkelling mission in Antarctica in 2003.

The NIWA team are happy to return the USB stick to its owner but on one condition. They would like some more leopard seal scat.

'The more we can find out about these creatures, the more we can ensure they are looked after,' said Ms Warren.
A haul of Anglo-Saxon treasure dating back more than 1,500 years is set to be sold at auction for up to 80,000.

The 250 items include a 1,000-year-old skull and the haul was first identified in 1962 when a history teacher called Gordon Taylor stumbled across a piece of human bone.

Further excavations turned up 72 graves at the site located at Welbeck Hill in Irby-on-Humber, Lincolnshire.

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Excavated objects from the burial site dating back more than 1,500 years is set to be sold at auction for up to 80,000. Excavations turned up 72 graves at the site located at Welbeck Hill in Irby-on-Humber, Lincolnshire

The haul include a 1,000-year-old skull and was first identified in 1962 when a history teacher called Gordon Taylor stumbled across a piece of human bone

Anglo-Saxon gilt square-headed brooch with motifs and decoration (pictured) is one of the 250 items in the auction lot. It is believed to date back as far as 450AD

More items, dating back to 450 to 625 AD, were gradually unearthed from the mainly female graves and the site has since been heralded as one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Digs revealed tweezers, scissors, jewellery, amber and pottery beads.

A girdle-hanger, which resembled keys, symbolised women controlling the home and was found in near perfect condition.

Hundreds of objects from the site, including a great square-headed gilt brooch with cloth attached, cruciform brooches, pots, knives, a spear head with attachment for a pennant, skeletons, a skull and pendants are going under the hammer.

The entire collection is being auctioned following the death of Mr Taylor, two years ago aged 88.

Mr Taylor, of Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, left the collection to his wife and four adult children in his will.

His wife Muriel, 88, said: 'It's so important to me that this collection stays together.

'I would like it to be preserved in a museum. It's my late husband's life work and a crucial part of England's Anglo-Saxon history.

'Gordon used to enjoy field walking and, one day in 1962, came across a piece of femur bone and a fragment of Anglo-Saxon pottery on the surface.

'He consulted the farmer who owned the land to gain permission to dig. That was the start of a 17-year excavation. He hadn't studied archaeology before but was so excited about it.

Archaeological digs at the site revealed tweezers, scissors (pictured), jewellery, amber and pottery beads

Jewellery (pictured) is found at the site of the mainly female graves and has since been heralded as one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century

Anglo-Saxon girdle hangers (pictured) are one of the items in the auction lot. The entire collection is being auctioned following the death of Mr Taylor, two years ago aged 88

Geoff Taylor, son of the site's discover, is pictured with an ancient pot he found at the cemetery when he was ten

'He was very, very busy with it all, documenting each find. Welbeck Hill was Gordon's life.

'He did very well, considering he left school at 14 and didn't pass his 11-plus. He was self-taught and eventually became a history teacher.

'His research was very thorough and academic which is shown in the extensive research and meticulous recordings relating to the 72 excavated graves.'

In an article for Grimsby Archaeological Society, Mr Taylor wrote: 'The early Anglo- Saxons burned or buried valuable personal possessions with their dead.

'Welbeck Hill has yielded finds of great importance including pottery, metalwork, jewellery, textiles wood and other organic specimen.

'These objects were made and used by some of the first Englishmen.'

Hansons Auctioneers are selling the collection on June 1 and are expecting it to sell for between 50,000-80,000.

Hansons Auctioneers are selling the collection on June 1 and are expecting it to sell for between 50,000-80,000. His wife Muriel, 88, said: 'It's so important to me that this collection stays together'

A book that belonged to Gordon Taylor is included in the collection. Antiquities expert James Brenchley said: 'This has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with the objects of a carefully and professionally excavated site of early British historical artefacts

Antiquities expert James Brenchley said: 'This has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with the objects of a carefully and professionally excavated site of early British historical artefacts.

'This memorial collection of Anglo-Saxon material was part of a 5th  6th century cemetery three miles from Laceby in Lincolnshire.

'Welbeck Hill has thousands of years of history starting with a Bronze Age settlement as early as 2000 BC.

'There was also a possible Roman signal station nearby with evidence of Roman pottery being found.

'Lastly, we come to the Anglo-Saxon settlement which occurred as early as 450 AD with invaders from Scandinavia.

'This amazing collection of Anglo-Saxon objects includes important finds which help us to understand Anglo-Saxon life with burials taking place over a 200-year period.

'The material is extremely well documented with diary entries and photographs of the excavation.'
A close relative of the infamous Black Widow spider has been discovered in South Africa and experts say it may be the biggest of the lethal arachnid family.

Its bite has a similar potency to that of the Black Widow spider and can hospitalise victims.

Named the Phinda Button spider, it is believed to be the first new widow spider species to be discovered in 28 years.

The arachnid was originally found at the Tembe Elephant Park by Barbara Wright in 2014 but experts have only recently been able to classify it as a new species.

Although experts claim it may be the 'largest widow spider', they have not released its measurements or scientific name as their paper has not yet been published.

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A new species of the widow spider has been discovered by scientists in Africa, the first to be discovered in 28 years. The Phinda button spider, was found in 2014 but experts struggled to have the spider classified

It was only when Dr Ian Engelbrecht, an arachnid expert at the University of Pretoria, visited the reserve that more research went into studying the genesis of the spider.

'I immediately thought this was something special but I was uncertain if it was just some specimen that blew in from Madagascar or some other exotic place,' said Dr Engelbrecht.

This prompted a search for other types of the species and before long more specimens were discovered at at the same reserve.

Females can be spotted because of their bright red markings on both her back and underbelly, instead of having them in one place or the other.

The spider also creates a unique purple-coloured egg sac, each holding roughly 600 hatchlings.

According to Dr Engelbrecht, the new species is native to the critically-endangered sand forests of South Africa and could be the largest widow spider in the world  it is 'certainly the largest in Africa', he said.

Barbara Wright, from the Wild Tomorrow Fund, said: 'Although we still haven't done the toxicology on this species, all widow spiders (genus Latrodectus) are considered medically important due to their potent neurotoxic venom.

'The effects of the venom on human beings may include pain, palpitation, sweating and vomiting.'

'Previously-discovered species of widow spider make up three of the world's nine deadliest spiders, as listed by the Encyclopdia Britannica.

'Yet in truth, Latrodectus bites rarely result in death  and the same will likely be true of the new species.'

Ms Wright said that the species is extremely shy, reclusive, and docile and noted that there have been no reports of bites from them.

'In a year I had over 5,000 of them in my home with my family and we were always safe,' she said.

The spider also creates a unique purple-coloured egg sac, each holding roughly 600 hatchlings. It is thought to be closely related to the much-feared black widow and packs the same bite, leaving its victims requiring hospital treatment

They can be told apart from other spiders of its type because the female has bright red markings on both her back and her underbelly, instead of having them in one place or the other. It is thought to be closely related to the black widow and packs the same bite

The Phinda button is native to the critically-endangered sand forests of South Africa and could be the largest widow spider in the world  it is certainly the largest in Africa. Experts say the discovery is a red flag to raise awareness of the importance of habitat protection

'In the arachniverse, this is a big discovery,' said Ms Wright, an entomologist with the Wild Tomorrow Fund, a conservationist charity.

'To find a new species of widow spider in a critically-endangered habitat really highlights the importance of its protection.

WIDOW SPIDER FACTS Widow spiders are known for their toxic, sometimes fatal bite. The Latin genus name for all widow spiders is Latrodectus, meaning silent biter There are 31 recognised species of widow spiders globally, with eight recorded on the African continent In South Africa widow spiders are referred to as button spiders possibly derived from the Afrikaans name Knopiespinnekop Credit: Safari News Advertisement

'The Phinda Button spider is a red flag to raise awareness of the importance of habitat protection.'

Dr Ian Engelbrecht who helped Wright confirm the species was new, called the discovery 'spectacular'.

'When Barbara showed me the first photo, I literally could not believe this spider existed and that it was unknown to science' he said.

'Discovering a new species is always exciting, but the feeling of finding something so spectacular and unique is indescribable.

'Widow and button spiders are medically important for humans, so it's important to understand their diversity.'

The UK's notorious false widow spider, which is named for its resemblance to the black widow, is not actually part of the same family, though it too has been blamed for painful bites on humans.
Earth's magnetic North Pole has been wildly shifting towards Russia so quickly that scientists have been forced to publish an update on its actual location a year early.

The World Magnetic Model (WMM) enables compasses to point north and is used in navigation systems. Its latest update revealed the North Magnetic Pole is wandering about 34 miles a year. It crossed the international dateline in 2017 and is leaving the Canadian Arctic on its way to Siberia.

This is causing a navigational nightmare for compasses in smartphones, boats and for airport navigators as well as in some consumer electronics, and WMM was forced to update a year early in order to keep it accurate.

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Earth's north magnetic pole has been drifting so fast in the last few decades that scientists say that past estimates are no longer accurate enough for precise navigation. The World Magnetic Model was updated on Monday, showing it is wandering about 34 miles (55 km) a year

WMM provides a five year forecast of changes to the Earth's magnetic field. The US and UK tend to update the location of the North Magnetic Pole every five years in December, but this update came early because of the pole's faster movement.

It had been hoped that the updated model could be released even earlier, last month, but it was held up by the recent shutdown in the US government, which oversees the project along with the British Geological Survey in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Turbulence in in the planet's core, where the motion generates an electric field, has caused the field to change in systems described as 'akin to weather'.

Airplanes and boats also rely on magnetic north, usually as backup navigation, said University of Colorado geophysicist Dr Arnaud Chulliat, lead author of the WMM.

The military depends on where magnetic north is for navigation and parachute drops, while NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration and US Forest Service also use it. GPS is not affected because it's satellite-based.

Airport runway names are also based on their direction toward magnetic north and their names change when the poles moved.

For example, the airport in Fairbanks, Alaska, renamed a runway 1L-19R to 2L-20R in 2009.

Since 1831 when it was first measured in the Canadian Arctic it has moved about 1400 miles (2300 km) towards Siberia.

The magnetic north pole is located at the white star and the individual lines in red and blue show the magnetic field lines of Earth. These are used in navigation systems by boats and for airport navigators as well as in some consumer electronics

Its speed jumped from about 9 mph (15 kph) to 34 mph (55 kph) since 2000.

The reason is turbulence in Earth's liquid outer core. There is a hot liquid ocean of iron and nickel in the planet's core where the motion generates an electric field, said University of Maryland geophysicist Dr Daniel Lathrop.

Dr Lathrop, who who wasnt part of the team monitoring the magnetic north pole said: 'It has changes akin to weather. We might just call it magnetic weather.'

WHY ARE THE EARTH'S MAGNETIC FIELDS MOVING? The problem lies partly with the moving pole and partly with other shifts deep within the planet. Liquid churning in Earth's core generates most of the magnetic field, which varies over time as the deep flows change. In 2016, for instance, part of the magnetic field temporarily accelerated deep under northern South America and the eastern Pacific Ocean. Satellites such as the European Space Agency's Swarm mission tracked the shift. Advertisement

The magnetic south pole is moving far slower than the north.

In general Earth's magnetic field is getting weaker, leading scientists to say that it will eventually flip, where north and south pole changes polarity, like a bar magnet flipping over.

It has happened numerous times in Earth's past, but not in the last 780,000 years.

'It's not a question of if it's going to reverse, the question is when it's going to reverse,' Dr Lathrop said.

When it reverses, it won't be like a coin flip, but take 1,000 or more years, experts said.

Dr Lathrop sees a flip coming sooner rather than later because of the weakened magnetic field and an area over the South Atlantic has already reversed beneath Earth's surface.

That could bother some birds that use magnetic fields to navigate. And an overall weakening of the magnetic field isn't good for people and especially satellites and astronauts.

The magnetic field shields Earth from some dangerous radiation, Dr Lathrop said.

Scientists in recent years have predicted that Earth's magnetic field could be gearing up to 'flip'  a shift in which the magnetic south pole would become magnetic north, and vice versa. Earth's magnetic field is illustrated above
No, actually. I don't think Liam Neeson is a racist. However, you could certainly make a case against him, were you so inclined. You could lock him up in political correctness jail. You could slam the bolt on his career, his reputation, his life.

You could damn him to hell forever, because he has certainly committed a terrible sin by Hollywood standards.

The ultimate sin, perhaps. The definitive transgression. When asked a question, he tried to tell the truth  one that led to the cancellation of his new film's New York premiere.

Of course, there can be no excuse for his vigilante nonsense, even for a twentysomething hothead from Ballymena who had yet to learn how to process emotions in a civilised way.

It was a certainly a fantastically awful thing to do arm himself with a cosh and go looking for a black man, any black man, upon whom to vent his rage. It was foolhardy to admit it, too, almost half a century later.

Not only does it bolster the racist notion that people of colour  and black men in particular  are collectively accountable for the wrongdoings of one person.

Liam Neeson arriving at Good Morning America in New York City for an interview this morning after his controversial race row comments

It also fortifies the antiquated mindset that when a woman is sexually violated, it is the satellite men in her life who are most deeply injured, not her.

No wonder everyone has been outraged.

But if we spool back, what do we find? A crucial point, which is that the young Neeson contemporaneously realised his thinking was wrong and irresponsible. He was ashamed and horrified of how he felt, both then and now.

And let us not forget that he didn't actually do anything violent. No lynching took place, he just seethed, handsomely, in the shadows.

'I was trying to show honour, stand up for my dear friend in this terrible, medieval fashion,' he said.

What on earth made him say such a thing? Boredom, nonchalance, the urge to impress?

Journalists asking actors about inspiration and motivation is a pretty standard inquiry on the press junket circuit.

I've interviewed dozens and dozens of film stars and at some point you always say: 'Please, tell me about your inspiration for this role, in which you are uncommonly brilliant.'

Liam Neeson with co-host Robin Roberts on Good Morning America as he answers questions about his 'violent thoughts' about attacking a black man 40 years ago following a friend's rape

This is because stars usually won't tell you anything else, as that's too personal and they are too precious.

They just want questions that will highlight their charity work or their genius  but even then you can't be sure of a good reaction.

When I asked Ralph Fiennes about his character-motivation, he held his head in his hands and moaned: 'I'm finding this incredibly intrusive.'

Jack Nicholson was the opposite. 'Honey,' he told me, 'go ahead ask me anything you want.'

So you never know how it's going to go, only that it is rarely going to go your way.

Especially today, when the Hollywood publicity machine is so tightly-controlled that stars can only survive the process by being as bland and evasive as possible.

In a recent interview, Bradley Cooper (who once had alcohol and drug issues) was asked if he tapped into his own experiences to play the alcoholic lead character in A Star Is Born.

He refused to answer, only to say that 'the whole point of creating art is to deal with the desperate reality of being alive'.

When asked to explain, he merely said: 'The wound was the wound of being a human being.'

Enter Liam Neeson, who has no truck with such pretentious opacity. Woundingly, in his case.

But to be honest, does this shaggy revenge tale of his even begin to make sense? It hardly stands up to scrutiny.

If Neeson went out repeatedly looking for a black man in the black area of this unspecified town, how come he didn't find one?

And did he really have a cosh? Or was is a mythical shillelagh he kept in his subconscious knapsack, a weapon to smite bad men once the beast had stirred in his soul?

Liam Nesson shakes hands with a black audience members after his appearance on Live with Kelly and Ryan earlier today

Perhaps the strain of becoming Hollywood's late-life No 1 vengeance hero has bled into Neeson's private life.

Since the death of his wife, Natasha Richardson, he has spent nearly all his time on screen rescuing assorted damsels in distress and despatching baddies with deadly zeal.

He has become like a Special Agent Grandpa Bond, forever deployed On Her Majesty's Secret Pension Plan, an unequivocal force for good.

Neeson has been condemned by all the usual suspects on the fashionable Left, yet there is nothing in his lifetime of public pronouncements to suggest racism.

Indeed, apart from his misgivings about #MeToo investigations into historical sex allegations against Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman ('a witch-hunt'), he has impeccable liberal credentials.

Despite playing armed action heroes bristling with weaponry, he believes there are too many guns in America and that the current situation is 'a disgrace.'

Bradley Cooper refused to answer if he tapped into his own experiences to play the alcoholic lead character in A Star Is Born

In a recent film, Widows, his character is married to black actress Viola Davis. The film opens with the couple in bed, sharing a long and sexy kiss.

Inter-racial romance such as this is an unusual narrative to be deployed so boldly in America, where race relations remain fraught. It seems unlikely that anyone who harboured feelings of bigotry would accept such a role.

Yet Neeson's comments this week have been unleashed into a world where the Black Lives Matter movement campaigns against the murder of innocent black people by the police and other tinderbox situations.

One can see why so many find his words so inflammatory. There are some things you can never take back, so perhaps it is better not to say them in the first place.

Can Liam Neeson survive this scandal? No doubt fans hope that his decades of unimpeachable behaviour, his reputation as a man of substance whose own life has been stalked by tragedy, might stand him in good stead.

Others might suspect that in these febrile times he will be haunted forever by these words uttered in a moment of macho madness. And I think the others might be right.
President Donald Trump plans to take on wealthy Democrats living in gated communities while railing against his border wall in his State of the Union speech.

According to an excerpt released by the White House, Trump will cast immigration reform as a 'moral' imperative for the nation.

He will also say, 'No issue better illustrates the divide between Americas WORKING CLASS and Americas POLITICAL CLASS than illegal immigration. Wealthy politicians and donors push for open borders while living their lives behind walls and gates and guards.'

Trump will present his agenda as one that is representative of the 'American People' and not the Republican or Democratic Parties, the excepts show.

And he will blame both political parties' past leaders for allowing unresolved problems linger while presenting himself as the medicine for America's ills.

President Donald Trump, pictured last year during his State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol, is not expected to declare Tuesday night in this year's speech that a national emergency exists on the southern U.S. border

President Trump will further address his demand for $5.7 billion to build a border wall, but he's unlikely to short-circuit the legislative process by declaring a national emergency.

Bloomberg reported Tuesday afternoon that three people familiar with the president's plans for his State of the Union address said he decided Tuesday not to make the much-discussed move.

Trump being Trump, he could change his mind before the 9:10 p.m. speech. White House were careful prior to the remarks not to publicly rule anything out.

A national emergency defense was not part of the talking points that the White House provided supporters of the president during a meeting on Monday evening.

The document advised White House surrogates to characterize Trump as a 'problem solver' who wants to end the 'political stalemate' in Washington.

According to ABC News, Trump told attendees that 40 -50 percent of his speech would be about foreign policy, which is more than White House officials previously indicated. Venezuela, Iran, China, North Korea, Syria and a new trade agreement between the U.S., Canada and Mexico will fill out those remarks.

The theme of the president's speech is 'choosing greatness' and the White House says it will be forward-looking in nature. President Trump also plans to call for 'unity' in the remarks.

'We can either choose greatness or we can choose to continue fighting with one another. And we're very hopeful that Democrats will want to choose greatness and we are with this president to actually get something done,' White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Tuesday evening.

That call for unity has already been mocked by top Democrats such as Chuck Schumer, who said he'll believe the president wants a better relationship with Democrats when he sees a change in tone.

Schumer gave Trump, who's beginning his third year in office, and his administration a 'failing' grade in biting remarks before the president's annual address to Congress.

He predicted that the Republican president would make 'empty' promises in his 9 pm address.

'Perhaps even more empty than his policy promises are President Trumps calls for unity each year,' he said.

President Trump returned fire on the top Senate Democrat, saying in a tweet that Schumer has sour grapes because he's 'upset that he didnt win the Senate' in November's mid-term elections.

Schumer hit back again at a news conference, where he said that in years prior, Trump calls for bipartisanship, and returns to assaulting Democrats the very next day on Twitter.

'Every year, the president wakes up and discovers that the desire for bipartisanship and unity is ephemeral. He doesn't rally feel it. He's told he's supposed to say it at the State of the Union, and then it's gone,' Schumer contended.

Sanders admitted prior to the president's remarks that partisan gridlock in Washington is at a high mark. A government shutdown lasted 35 days before Trump called it off last month.

'Look, I don't think it's lost on anyone that we have had a contentious last several weeks. I think the point that the president will make tonight is when we work together, we can do great things,' she explained in a 'Special Report' interview on Fox News. 'And we have a choice to make. We can either work together and fix big problems that America is facing, or we can ignore them and do nothing.'

The president's focus on unity suggested he would not declare a national emergency in his speech.

He teased the idea last Thursday, telling reporters that they would 'see what happens right after the State of the Union, okay? I think youll find it very exciting.'

Trump can use a 43-year-old law to suspend some limitations on his power to spend money if he declares that a national emergency exists. That would give him a path to erect a barrier between Mexico and the U.S. with billions of dollars Congress has already allocated for the Defense Department and other agencies.

The Army Corps of Engineers, which issued contracts for sections of the wall the administration erected in 2018, would likely continue to supervise the project.

Declaring an emergency would give Trump the legal authority to spend money previously allocated to governmnt agencies on a border wall without new approvals from Congress this year

The U.S. Capitol Building is seen on Tuesday, hours before Trump delivers his State of the Union address before a half-hostile Joint Session of Congress

Any federal lawmaker can demand a vote to overturn that decision. But unless two-thirds of each house of Congress sides against Trump, he can safely veto the result.

Lawsuits from immigration advocacy groups and Democratic attorneys general would likely follow.

Sanders told reporters in the early evening that she refused to 'get ahead of the process,' noting that 'the president has laid out time and time again his willingness to work with Democrats. ... We've asked them to negotiate.'

South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said Monday that he expects Trump to declare a national emergency by February 15, when money runs out for about one-quarter of federal government spending.

The White House has proposed a trade: the $5.7 billion in border wall money in exchange for legal status for 700,000 'Dreamers' enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, and another 400,000 in the country under Temporary Protected Status.

DACA recipients are illegal immigrants who were brought into the U.S. as children. People with TPS protection are in the U.S. because of natural disasters or wars in their home countries. Most of them are from Central American nations.

Graham said he would blame Democratic lawmakers if a deal doesn't materialize, the Pentagon builds Trump's wall with repurposed money, and the DACA and TPS programs are left to wither on the vine.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a reliable Trump ally, said Monday in a Greenville, South Carolina speech that the White House will 'go it alone' and build Trump's border wall without Congress if Democrats don't cut a deal with him

'If these TPS people lose their legal status, look in the mirror because you caused it,' he said, directing his comments to Democrats. 'If the DACA recipients, they can't get work permits, it's because you hated Trump more than you liked them.'

Trump caused a 35-day partial government shutdown in late December after he rejected congressional spending bills that provided no money for his wall.

He signed temporary spending measures last month, reopening the government and giving Democrats what a White House official told DailyMail.com was 'one last shot at being a part of the immigration solution.'

That funding expires February 15.

Trump's options if Democrats stand their ground include another reputationally bruising government shutdown, abandoning a signature campaign promise, and issuing the emergency declaration while signing a budget that doesn't include new wall funding.

Trump has largely been content to reinforce or fix existing sections of border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, which were erected under previous presidents of both parties; but now he's feeling political pressure to fulfil his larger campaign promise or admit a stinging defeat

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (center) has pledged not to give Trump any taxpayer money for building the wall, his signature campagin promise

Trump's poll numbers have rebounded 5 percentage points among likely U.S. voters since the shutdown ended, according to results of a daily tracking poll released Tuesday morning by Rasmussen Reports.

Barack Obama declared 15 separate national emergencies during his eight years in the White House, leaving most of them in place when he left office. None, however, resulted in the construction of anything as permanent as hundreds of miles of reinforced steel slats sunk deep into the ground.

Trump has yet to exercise that presidential power. But some Republican lawmakers fret that if he uses an emergency declaration to sidestep Congress on immigration policy, a future Democratic president could follow suit on climate change or labor.

Sen. Graham, a staunch Trump ally, said Monday in Greenville, South Carolina that fear of opening Pandora's Box is 'no excuse not to have this president's back now.'

The current Washington stalemate 'probably ends with the president having to go it alone,' Graham said.
A housing minister has refused to help families stuck in toxic leasehold deals.

Heather Wheeler dismissed claims of mis-selling and said fresh legislation would trigger a 'horrendously expensive' wave of compensation claims.

She appeared to play down the numbers affected, saying it could be as low as 12,000 and not the 100,000 cited by campaigners.

And she said buyers might have been 'caught up in the moment' and 'excited' when they signed leases for first homes.

Mrs Wheeler said she would prefer to rely on developers and property companies voluntarily giving families better terms.

Government estimates suggest there are 4.3million homes with leases in England, 1.4million of them houses.

The Leasehold Knowledge Partnership campaign believes 100,000 families are trapped in houses that are now unsellable because their contracts are so unfair.

Heather Wheeler MP, Minister for Housing, speaking at the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee

Some double charges every decade, while other freeholds are sold on to third parties who only allow homeowners to buy them out for exorbitant fees.

Ministers have pledged to outlaw the sale of newly built homes with leases following a public outcry.

But Mrs Wheeler's comments suggest those already hit by the problem will be left to fend for themselves.

Speaking at a Commons committee, Mrs Wheeler said legal advice showed legislation would be 'horrendously expensive', adding: 'I'd much rather go down the voluntary route.

There have been agreements between freeholders and leaseholders and clearly we want that momentum to carry on.'

The Mail has led the way in exposing the leasehold scandal, including where clauses make ground rents double every decade.

The issue has been dubbed 'the PPI of the housebuilding industry'  a reference to the mis-selling of payment protection insurance by banks.

Joanne Darbyshire said she was mis-sold her home because of hidden and excessive ground rents

Campaigners say developers used the 'feudal' agreements to squeeze extra cash out of families desperate to get on the housing ladder  many with the support of the taxpayer through Help to Buy.

Katie Kendrick, founder of the National Leasehold Campaign, said: 'Heather Wheeler's performance was absolutely appalling.

'Leaseholders are in uproar about this. When your life has been blighted by this scandal and you are still living this nightmare daily, and you hear what she is saying, it is just not acceptable.

Andrea Harris ( left ) with daughter Gabriella Harris-Lowe, eight. She say she was not told about the ground rent

'This has been going on for years now and yet we are no further forward. Heather Wheeler just does not get it.

Her demeanour at the committee made it seem like she did not have much respect for leaseholders and she made several flippant comments.'

Sebastian O'Kelly, a spokesman for the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership, said: 'There are 100,000 leaseholders whose lives have been put on hold by onerous ground rents.

The Government has got to do something about this because developers have taken their customers for a ride.

Heather Wheeler's evidence revealed a complacent approach when there should be urgency.'

Labour's Tan Dhesi, an MP on the housing committee, said: 'The situation many leaseholders are faced with is shocking and the minister's response was wholly inadequate, to put it mildly.

'The only way to solve the problem is with legislation.'

Families stuck in a nightmare: How legal loopholes and 'hidden' terms trapped families in their properties Joanne Darbyshire, 48, and her husband Mark, 49, bought a detached three-bed house leasehold for 400,000 from Taylor Wimpey in 2010. They were told about the 295 annual ground rent, which would double every ten years, but were given assurances they would be able to buy the freehold for 5,000. But less than two years later the developer sold the freehold to an offshore company. The couple  who have a son, 18, and daughter, nine  were not notified or given the right of first refusal on the freehold  a right flat leaseholders have but house leaseholders do not, due to a legal loophole. Joanne Darbyshire (pictured) claims she was mis-sold her home in Bolton because of hidden ground rents They have since been given a quote of between 23,000 and 33,000 to buy their home in Lostock, Bolton, outright. They have been offered an RPI-linked ground rent contract by Taylor Wimpey but say this would still mean paying 10,000 to buy the freehold. Mrs Darbyshire, right, says: 'There's no end in sight. People say to me you should have read the small print but none of these things were in there.' Andrea Harris bought a three-bedroom terraced house from Taylor Wimpey  but says she wasn't told about ground rent. The 39-year-old purchased the property for 160,000 with her former partner in 2008. Andrea Harris (pictured) also claimed she was not told about the ground rent However, she was then hit with an annual ground rent bill of 200, which doubled to 400 last year. In another ten years it could double again to 800. Miss Harris, who lives in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, now says she cannot sell the house and cannot afford to pay down the mortgage or buy the freehold. She says she is stuck making mortgage interest payments on a home she fears she'll never be able to pass on to her daughter Gabriella, eight, pictured left with her mother. Miss Harris said: 'I wanted this to be a family home that I could pass on ... but now I will never be able to do that. 'The Government isn't doing anything to help people like me  we're still stuck with crippling ground rents every year.' Advertisement

Home Secretary Sajid Javid vowed when he held the housing portfolio to outlaw the use of leaseholds on newly-built homes in December 2017, branding the practice 'feudal'.

But more than a year later, campaigners say those trapped in toxic contracts are no closer to escaping them.

Despite many leaseholders claiming they were not made aware of the full terms of their contracts, and suggestions it was similar to the PPI scandal, Mrs Wheeler said she did not agree it was an example of mis-selling.

The 59-year-old, who owns her constituency home in Burton-on-Trent outright according to the Land Registry, previously sparked controversy when she tweeted that the 'British Empire' came first with 396 medals in the Rio Olympics, referring to Britain and countries that were formerly its colonies.

Mrs Wheeler told MPs the comparison to PPI was difficult 'because in effect with PPI you were sold something you really didn't need, whereas this is completely different'.

She added: 'There is a contract, there was legal advice but perhaps people are caught up in the moment because it is their first purchase and it is incredibly exciting.'

We haven't actually got on record how many of the four million leaseholders have onerous leases. The ones we have got to crack down on are the onerous leases.

And that varies between 12,000 and 100,000. That is a much, much smaller figure than four million. Let's put it in perspective, chair... Not that I want to use the figure of 100,000, but 100,000 of four million does put it in perspective.

She said the Government was waiting on the outcome of two reviews, one by the Law Commission and another by Lord Best, related to leaseholds.

But campaigners say neither of these are likely to help those already trapped in unfair deals.

An inquiry is being carried out separately by MPs on the Commons housing committee.
Beto O'Rourke on Tuesday told Oprah Winfrey he will decide on a presidential run by the end of the month after he slipped into her New York City event through the underground garage as protestors outside slammed him for taking money from the fossil fuel industry and urged him to sign onto the liberal environmental platform 'Green New Deal.'

'The serious answer is really soon. Before the end of this month,' said O'Rourke, who became a social media sensation and rising Democrat star with his failed attempt to defeat Sen. Ted Cruz in the 2018 campaign.

O'Rourke also told the queen of confessions that he felt a 'profound disappointment' after he let so many supporters down by losing to the Republican senator in November.

He confirmed he spoke with former President Barack Obama about a bid but told Winfrey that Obama advised him to think about the presidential nomination process and how it would affect his family. O'Rourke has three school-aged children with his wife Amy.

Beto O'Rourke on Tuesday told Oprah Winfrey he will decide on a presidential run by the end of the month

O'Rourke spoke to Oprah Winfrey for her 'Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations from Times Square' event on Tuesday

Beto O'Rourke told Oprah Winfrey that he felt a 'profound disappointment' after he let so many supporters down by losing in 2018

But O'Rourke was smiling when he stuck his head out of his vehicle upon his arrival at the 'Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations from Times Square' event, where he taped a conversation for Winfrey's O Network along with actors Bradley Cooper and Michael B. Jordan and philanthropist Melinda Gates.

Outside the theater members of the Sunrise Movement waved protest signs at the former congressman, including 'No Fossil Fuel Money,' 'Green New Deal,' 'Hey Beto' and 'What's Your Plan?'

The Sunrise Movement is a coalition of young people uniting to stop the climate crisis.

They support the Green New Deal - a pro-environmental agenda pushed by liberals such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - and they encourage lawmakers to reject money from the fossil fuel industry.

An O'Rourke spokesperson told the Huffington Post that the former lawmaker 'supportive of the concept' of a Green New Deal.

The platform is supported in some degree by presidential contenders Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, and Kamala Harris, meaning it could play a role in the 2020 Democratic primary.

But there's also anger on the left at donations O'Rourke accepted during his Senate campaign.

Anger flared in December when it was revealed O'Rourke was the Number 2 recipient of donations from the oil and gas industry in the 2018 campaign, as noted by Open Secrets, which tracks money in politics.

O'Rourke received $430,000 from individuals working in the oil and gas industry, according to Sludge, a website that does investigative work on lobbying and money.

He did not take any PAC money in his insurgent campaign against Cruz.

Beto O'Rourke, his wife Amy and their three children on Election Day in 2018

In fact, the number one recipient of oil and gas money was O'Rourke's Republican rival - Ted Cruz.

The oil and gas industry is huge in Texas and the contributions O'Rourke received were from individuals and not from corporations.

O'Rourke, however, had signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge - a commitment to reject campaign donations over $200 from that industry, including those from individuals and PACs.

He was taken off that list after Sludge's report, the website reported.

David Turnbull, strategic communications director at Oil Change USA, told Sludge he believes O'Rourke thought the pledge only barred him from accepting oil and gas PAC donations, although the language clearing states that ban includes individuals.

DailyMail.com reached out to O'Rourke's team for comment.

Protestors outside slammed O'Rourke for taking money from the fossil fuel industry in the 2018 campaign

They also want O'Rourke to sign on to the Green New Deal

O'Rourke confirmed to Winfrey he has spoken to former President Obama about making a bid

O'Rourke lost to Cruz by a mere three points in their Senate race.

After his defeat he stepped back from public life and took a road trip through the SouthWest. He has yet to visit any early voting states such as Iowa or New Hampshire, despite invitations from activists there to come by.

His strong showing against Cruz in the red state of Texas and the $80 million he raised for his campaign rocketed him onto the list of possible 2020 contenders.

His youth and energy - although with his ability to raise millions from the national base of supporters he established - makes him a candidate to watch should he pursue the nomination.

So far, Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillibrand, Cory Booker and Kamala Harris have tossed their hat in the ring for the 2020 Democratic nomination, as has former Housing Secretary Julian Castro.
A 38-year-old man was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore with possibly life-threatening injuries and a 6-year-old girl and 3-year-old girl were taken to the University of Maryland Medical Center with minor injuries, according to the release.
Elizabeth Warren wants to tax millionaires - a group that also happens to include the senator from Massachusetts.

New filings with federal regulators indicate that the Democratic presidential hopeful and her husband have a net worth ranging from $4.6million to $10.6million.

In 2017, Warren reported a minimum net worth - which is calculated by subtracting the estimated value of her home - of $4.6million, according to The Center for Public Integrity.

Because of her status as a U.S. Senator, she is required to report assets in ranges.

Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts released financial documents to federal regulators this week indicating that her net worth ranges from $4.6million to $10.6million

Warren's financial disclosure form is seen above. The Senator is expected to officially announce her candidacy for the Presidency on Saturday

Warrens wealth is derived from the royalties she has earned from book sales as well as investments including bonds and mutual funds

Warrens wealth is derived from the royalties she has earned from book sales as well as investments including bonds and mutual funds.

She also holds the title of emeritus professor from Harvard University.

As a Senator, she earns a base salary of $174,000 per year.

Warren also reported that she received a $300,000 advance for her book This Fight Is Our Fight: The Battle to Save Americas Middle Class.

She has written a series of books about politics and personal finance.

Before Warren entered politics and defeated Republican incumbent Scott Brown in the 2012 race for Ted Kennedys seat in the U.S. Senate, she was a professor who taught at Rutgers, the University of Michigan, and Harvard Law School.

She was paid $429,981 as a Harvard law professor from 2010 to 2011 and got nearly $134,000 in consulting fees on legal cases in 2010.

Warren also reported that she received a $300,000 advance for her book This Fight Is Our Fight: The Battle to Save Americas Middle Class (left). She has written a series of books about politics and personal finance, including The Two-Income Trap (right)

Warrens husband, Bruce Mann, currently teaches at Harvard Law School.

Harvard, the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Ivy League university, pays its professors the highest salaries in America.

The annual wage of a professor working full-time at Harvard ranges from $137,335 to $254,000, according to Glassdoor.

Last summer, Warren released 10 years worth of tax returns which revealed an annual income of up to $1.5million.

Warren's 2017 federal returns show the former Harvard University law professor and her husband Bruce Mann, who still works as a Harvard Law School professor, reported an adjusted gross income of $913,000.

The returns listed their total tax as $268,484 and their total payments as $302,227. The couple was eligible for a refund of almost $34,000.

Warren is floating a 2 per cent tax on all assets of people with a net worth of more than $50 million and an additional 1 per cent tax on those with a net worth of more than $1billion - a plan that ex-Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz (above) calls 'ridiculous'

Warrens wealth stands in stark contrast to her image as a crusader against the excesses of the finance industry.

Warren is floating a 2 per cent tax on all assets of people with a net worth of more than $50 million  a moon-shot plan that could face legal challenges for hitting investments, homes and cars, not just income.

She also wants to slap an additional 1 per cent tax on those with a net worth above $1billion.

Howard Schultz, the former Starbucks CEO, said he is running as an independent because the Democratic Party has veered too far left.

He cites a number of Democratic leaders economic proposals, including Warrens, which he calls ridiculous.

Warren is expected to officially announce her candidacy for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination on Saturday.

The Massachusetts senator is telling supporters she'll make a 'BIG announcement' that day.

Warren opened her presidential exploratory committee just before New Year's Day, a move that made her the first prominent sitting Democrat to enter the Democratic primary race.
The grieving mother of a teenage Domino's delivery driver who was stabbed to death near Prince George's school says he was a 'lovely son' who was 'turning his life around'.

Lavern Joseph paid tribute to her son Lejean Richards, 19, who died being carried to their family home in Battersea, south London after he was attacked last night.

The killing, just 500 yards from the 17,000-a-year Thomas's School, attended by the young royal bring London's murder toll to nine so far in 2019.

Ms Joseph said: 'Lejean was a loving son and brother, a young man determined to turn his life around.

Lejean Richards, 19, who was stabbed to death last night, pictured with his mother Lavern Joseph. She said her son was 'turning his life around' after jail stint.

Lejean Richards, pictured, was called a 'loving son and brother, a young man determined to turn his life around' by his grieving mother today

'He will be sorely grieved by his family and friends and all that knew him.'

Lejean worked as a delivery driver for his local Domino's takeaway and planned to return to college after a stint in jail.

He supported his mother, who worked full time, and his 14-year-old sister, Tiara.

The Evening Standard reported that witnesses said his mother ran 'screaming' from her flat nearby after her son was ambushed and attacked in a car park beside the block where he grew up.

Paramedics performed surgery in the street but he was pronounced dead after 40 minutes of effort at 8.36pm.

A witness said: 'I saw them pumping on his chest and doing open-heart surgery on him on the ground. I'm shaken, it's my friend's son.

'People are saying he was stabbed in the chest. It's horrible. He grew up on this estate.. it doesn't make sense.'

Another witness said she saw him being carried to his mother's flat last night.

This morning flowers were left on a bench outside Wolsey Court, Battersea where Mr Richards lived with his mother

A police officer guards the crime scene and forensics tent this morning in Battersea

The scene on Westbridge Road in Battersea after a 19 year old man was fatally stabbed last night

She said: 'His two friends brought him down that alleyway and they were blowing in his mouth.

'They carried him down there. And all the police came and they were on the floor pumping on his chest. There were dozens of people.'

A close friend of Lejean Richards was walking her dog when she saw a fight in the street but did not realise he had been murdered until she learnt of it on Snapchat.

The mother of the 17-year-old girl said: 'She was walking the dog and she said that she saw a fight going on in the street.

Police tape has cordoned off a large section of the estate in which the 19-year-old was killed

'At about half eight she heard on Snapchat that it was her friend.

'She hasn't gone to college today. She's been in shock since last night.

'She said she knew who it is (the attackers) and why it's happened.

'They grew up in the estate together. He's a good kid, he always helped with my shopping.'

Lejean Richards, 19, pictured left, and right with his sister was repeatedly stabbed in a car park outside a four-storey block of flats where he lived with his mother

Lejean went to the nearby Westbridge primary school, the mother added.

A carer who works in the block where Lejean lived said: 'The mother was screaming, she took it really badly.

'The paramedics were trying really hard to save him. They were doing CPR.'

Local pastor Jason Roach of The Bridge Community Church said: 'We've known the family. He used to come along to our kids' club.

'On the estate all the young people know all the other young people.

'He was an integral part of the community. He was larger than life.

'He was always messing around. He certainly liked to have a laugh.'

He added: 'There's no doubt that the police are not being given the resources they need to do their job properly.

'In the last two years we have had two murders.'

More floral tributes have laid at the police cordon today.

One read: 'Thinking of you and your family my bro. RIP Kieran & Alfie'

Malachi Brooks, 21, was fatally stabbed in nearby Surrey Lane on March 28, 2017.

A 72-year-old retired electrician, who has lived in the area for many years, blamed the murder on the closure of a police station just a few hundred yards from the scene.

Already this year at least nine people have been murdered in the capital including 14-year-old Jayden Moore who was stabbed seven times in the back

The former Wandsworth Police Station front counter was closed in December 2017.

The man, who has lived in the area for 20 years, said the station was turned into plush flats, and added: 'It did made a difference.

'It would have made a big difference to the murder.'

A close friend of Lejean's family said: 'He did have a criminal past and he was turning things around.

'I used to look after him. I was a role model to him.

'It's a tragedy that he couldn't see that through.'

He said Lejean turned away from a life of crime after a stint in prison.

The man added: 'He just wanted to support his family and look after his little sister.

'I'm grieving. It always happens to people in the part of their lives when they are just on the right track.'

Two men, aged 19 and 27, who walked into hospital with minor knife wounds after the attack have been arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to separate police stations for questioning.

Police have cordoned off part a busy road in Battersea, south London, following a stabbing

The friend said 'ambitious' Mr Richards, who wanted to become a busimnessman, had attended Battersea Park school and was a fan of football and US hip hop music. He called the murder 'a waste of life.'

Police have cordoned off parts of Westbridge Road and Wolsey Court close to Battersea Bridge and a forensic tent stands in the middle of the road where the young man died.

Residents in Battersea said the capital's knife crime epidemic was 'encroaching' on safe areas favoured by the Royals.

One man said he heard screaming and a 'big group of black youths' near the murder scene at around the time Lejean was attacked.

A forensic tent is in place marking the spot in the middle of road where the 19-year-old was stabbed to death

A heavy police presence remains on the road, and there are a number of houses and flats behind the cordon and concerned residents

Local resident Wendy Sgamma, 40, who moved to the area from her native South Africa four years ago, said: 'The Royal Family chose this area because it was safe.

'It is just unbelievable something like this would happen here. I chose this area because it was safe.

'If there's a problem on the estates it would have been on the other side of the main road. It's like it's encroaching on the nice part of Battersea.'

Local father-of-six Ed Williams said he moved to the area to bring up his family away from violence in Hackney, east London, saying: 'It's not normally a problem area.

'There's a few kids just walking and hanging around, but they help elderly people with their shopping bags. I've got six kids; of course it scares me.'

A large number of police vans and cars were at the scene last night

Emergency services were called at 7.52pm and found a man, believed to be 19 years old, with stab injuries

London mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: 'Heartbreaking to hear of the death of a young man in Battersea. My thoughts tonight are with his family and friends.

'I'm in close contact with @MetPoliceUK - who are urging witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward by calling 101 or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously.'

Marsha de Cordova, the Labour MP for Battersea, tweeted: 'My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the young man fatally stabbed this evening.'

The stabbing this evening comes after another teenager was knifed near London's Euston station in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The victim, 18, is now fighting for his life in hospital and police have urged witnesses to come forward.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: 'Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found an 18-year-old man suffering from stab wounds.

'He was taken to hospital where his condition has been assessed as potentially life-threatening. No arrests have been made. Enquiries into the full circumstances continue.'

The scene of the incident is less than a five minute walk away from the 17,000-a-year Thomas's School, attended by Prince George

London mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted following the stabbing in Battersea

Labour MP Marsha de Cordova tweeted following the stabbing this evening

These attacks are the latest in the capital's wave of violent crime over the last 12 months, which saw 134 people murdered in London last year.

On Sunday, two teenagers were stabbed in west London and police officers believe the two incidents are linked.

One victim was found with stab injuries in the Harlington Road East area of Feltham at 2.27pm shortly before another teenager 'suffering from slash wounds' was found outside shops in Hounslow Road.

Neither victim's injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

Last Thursday a 16-year-old boy was stabbed near an Aldi supermarket in Brent, north-west London.

Earlier that week Nedim Bilgin, 17, died in Caledonian Road, north London, after he was attacked with a knife.

He was the eighth person to die as a result of violence in the capital so far this year and three teenagers aged 16, 17 and 18 have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Figures released in January showed police-recorded violent crime had risen by nearly a fifth in England and Wales.

Forces also registered an eight per cent increase in offences involving a knife or sharp instrument.

Several similar incidents have taken place within a small radius of the young Prince's school in recent years.

Carpenter Malachi Brooks, 22, suffered a fatal knife wound to his heart just 250 yards from the school in March 2017. He was discovered collapsed in the street with stab wounds shortly after 1am.

In October 2018 a father-of-two, himself the son of a Windrush immigrant, was beaten to death after telling drug dealers to stop selling outside his home in Battersea.

Malachi Brooks, 22, suffered a fatal knife wound to his heart near the private Thomas's School in Battersea, south London

Rubbish collector Ian Tomlin, 46, was brutally battered at his block of flats in Battersea

Rubbish collector Ian Tomlin, 46, was brutally battered at his block of flats in Battersea.

And in August a mother who starred on Britain's Got Talent as part of an NHS choir was stabbed to death in Battersea.

Simonne Kerr was stabbed to death in her property in south-west London.

She wowed audiences on ITV after appearing on Britain's Got Talent as part of the NHS choir B Positive, created to raise awareness for blood donations.

She was pronounced dead in the Victorian terrace flat she was staying in, despite the efforts of paramedics who battled for nearly an hour to save her.

Former BGT contestant Simonne Kerr was stabbed to death in Battersea last year near the Prince's school

Knife crime has been increasing over recent years and police and politicians have promised a crackdown
Two government workers from Washington D.C. have been arrested in Miami for trying to smuggle drugs on board an all-gay party cruise ship.

Peter Melendez, 35, and Robert Koehler, 27, were arrested on Sunday when they were boarding the Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas ship at Port Miami.

They were caught after a Homeland Security agent intercepted emails between the pair discussing how they could smuggle the drugs on board and sell them to fellow cruise-goers.

Peter Melendez, 35, (left) and Robert Koehler, 27, (right) were arrested on Sunday when they were boarding the Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas ship at Port Miami

The cruise ship set off on Sunday for a seven-day Atlantis party cruise (pictured above this week), which promotes itself as being the world's largest all-gay cruise

The emails were intercepted via Melendez's government-issued computer.

Miami-Dade Police were notified by federal agents that Melendez and Koehler were going to board the ship with drugs.

While they were waiting to board, a K-9 named Bill alerted police to the drugs in their luggage.

Police found 27g of MDMA (known as ecstasy), 18g of Ketamine, 246g of GHB (known as the date-rape drug), Viagra and Adderall in their luggage.

Melendez was arrested and charged with conspiracy to traffic in illegal drugs and trafficking in illegal drugs

Koehler was charged with trafficking illegal drugs.

They admitted to carrying the drugs when questioned by police, according to authorities.

The sold out cruise ship set off on Sunday for a seven-day Atlantis party cruise, which promotes itself as being the world's largest all-gay cruise.

It was making stops in the Bahamas, Mexico and Honduras.

The Allure of the Seas ship can hold 5,400 passengers and has over 2,300 crew.

The cruise was billed by Atlantis as, 'everything you've ever dreamed of and more fun than ever with our nonstop festival of spectacular performers, legendary DJ talent, outrageous parties, thrilling activities, and so much more.'

Prices for the week long extravaganza started at $849.
A judge has slammed two parents for dragging their son through a 15-year custody battle after the teenager begged for some peace.

Judge Cassidy has rejected the father's bid to have his 18-year-old son live with him one weekend a month and on holidays after the boy begged the court to 'make all this stop'.

The Federal Circuit Court in Brisbane ruled the teenager, who had just finished high school, deserved some peace.

The 18-year-old had been diagnosed with autism, borderline intellectual impairment, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and Sever's disease, The Courier-Mail reported.

The son had been diagnosed with autism, borderline intellectual impairment, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and Sever's disease (stock image)

The judge said it was not possible for the boy to have a relationship with both parents as he did not wish to see his father (stock image)

The father was still facing a criminal charge relating to his alleged incident dealing with a child and the mother had granted a five-year domestic violence order against him.

The judge said it was not possible for the boy to have a relationship with both parents as he did not wish to see his father.

'This is a matter where I have never seen anything quite as spectacular in terms of a complete failure to be in harmony about caring for and making decisions about the medical, social and emotional needs of a child,' Judge Cassidy said.

'It is startling that the parents are so lacking in insight that they could not put any views and anxieties they have aside, with even the help of therapy, to let this little boy grow to his potential with their assistance.'

The Federal Circuit Court (pictured) in Brisbane ruled the teenager, who had just finished high school, deserved some peace

Judge Cassidy blamed the lack of communication between the former couple for the prolonged custody battle.

'This is the parents' fault,' she said.
A couple are demanding a partial refund after they paid $299 each for a ticket to a Phil Collins concert only to have their view obstructed by the stage.

Karryn and Jason Fletcher were three rows from the front at the Phil Collins Not Dead Yet tour at Christchurch Stadium, New Zealand, on Monday but claim they could not see the gig.

'Ripped off! Paid $300 for an obscured view of the stage - can only see 1/4 of it - no drummers, guitars, keyboards etc within sight,' Mr Fletcher wrote on Facebook.

Karryn (left) and Jason Fletcher (right) were three rows from the front at the Phil Collins Not Dead Yet tour at Christchurch Stadium, New Zealand, on Monday

The couple are demanding a partial refund after they paid $299 per head for an obscured view of the stage

'How dare you sell an obscured view for the same price as the premium seats with a close, full view.'

Mr Fletcher said he was reduced to lying on the floor so he was able to get a better view.

The Christchurch couple, who bought four tickets, admitted the concert was 'amazing' but their seats were not worthy of the exorbitant price tag.

'Paying $300 per head for premium tickets, you expect to see the whole area and stage,' Ms Fletcher told Stuff.

They are accusing concert promoter TEG Dainty of 'false advertising' and are requesting a refund.

'It's misleading, to think you'll get a good view of the stage when you pay a high price,' Ms Fletcher said.

'Ripped off! Paid $300 for an obscured view of the stage - can only see 1/4 of it - no drummers, guitars, keyboards etc within sight,' Mr Fletcher wrote on Facebook

The Christchurch couple, who bought four tickets, admitted the concert was 'amazing' but their seats were not worthy of the exorbitant price tag (pictured: a Phil Collins concert)

'The video screens were so high we couldn't keep looking up at them because it became painful. We feel completely ripped off.'

Ms Fletcher believes the venue and promoter should warn concertgoers if their sight will be obscured before completing their transaction.

'Second time I've been let down at a concert at AMI - won't be back!' Mr Fletcher wrote on Facebook.
Charlotte Russe has declared bankruptcy and will be closing the doors of nearly 100 stores across the United States.

The teen clothing company made the announcement in a press release that said Charlotte Russe 'has voluntarily filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware'.

According to the release, the company plans to use the proceedings to facilitate an 'orderly' wind-down of about 94 stores.

Charlotte Russe has declared bankruptcy and will be closing the doors of nearly 100 stores across the United States

Other Charlotte Russe and Peek stores will remain open as well as online platforms.

There are currently 500 brick-and-mortar Charlotte Russe stores, with many being a staple for teens and young adults in local malls.

The company did not say when the 94 stores are expected to close, but Charlotte Russe operate in 48 states, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Officials with the company said they will provide more details about the plans in the near future.

In 2009, Charlotte Russe was purchased by Advent International for $380million.

Charlotte Russe was founded in 1975 and branded as a fashion line for young women, 'offering affordable on-trend apparel, shoes and accessories'.

Charlotte Russe has become the latest victim to shutter its stores within the past two years. Last year, Sears (file image) announced that all 846 of its stores could face closure

And one of the most devastating announcements of them all came last March when Toys 'R' Us (file image) announced the closure of its nearly 800 US stores

The clothing store has become the latest of several retailers to close stores within the past two years.

In 2017, Gymboree announced the closing of 350 stores.

Payless ShoeSource closed 400 stores in April 2017.

Last year, Sears announced that all 846 of its stores could face closure, potentially affecting thousands of workers and risking another heavy blow to an already beaten-and-bruised retail sector.

And one of the most devastating announcements of them all came last March when Toys 'R' Us announced the closure of its nearly 800 US stores.
A motorist has sparked outrage after he parked an ex-British Army vehicle on a residential street and left it there for months.

The armoured personnel carrier, known as 'the tank', has been spotted in the Didsbury, Manchester area for the past 20 years.

But now, after months of complaints, Councillor David Ellison has pledged to remove the vehicle from the T-junction where it is parked.

The armoured personnel carrier, known as 'the tank', has been spotted in the Didsbury, Manchester area for the past 20 years

He said: 'A number of people have been to me with their concerns over the tank that has been parked for many months now at the corner of Old Lansdowne Road and Lapwing lane.

'I have raised this with the council on behalf of local residents and will continue to push for it to be removed as it is causing a hazard.'

The military vehicle's owner, who did not want to be named, said the APC is taxed and insured.

He also confirmed he has a licence for the carrier, the BBC reported.

But despite some residents claiming the vehicle is a hazard to the area, others have asked Mr Ellison to 'leave the tank alone.'

Writing on the Labour councillor's Facebook page, one said: 'Leave the tank alone. The kids [love] seeing it and it's a fun feature for the area.'

But now, after months of complaints, Councillor David Ellison has pledged to remove the vehicle from the T-junction where it is parked

Phil Hobson said: 'These tanks have been here years. When I was a boy, I used to go look at them.

'I've now taken my kids to look at them.'

Lee Halliday said: 'How is this causing any more of a hazard than the car parked in front of it.

'As long as it isn't on double yellow lines and is registered taxed then I dont think there is anything wrong with it being parked here.'

The Highway Code says motorists must not leave their vehicles in 'a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road'.

It also says parking on the pavement can 'obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs.'
David Lammy: dim or dogged? Maybe both.

The Labour MP for Tottenham yesterday flew into a bate  impressive in its volume and vehemence, at least  when he questioned Home Secretary Sajid Javid about delays to the Windrush compensation scheme.

Mr Lammy blew his top. He shouted. He waved his arms in the air. He blew the air in a long, hot stream from the bottom of his lower lip towards the Chambers ceiling.

If there had been a trains whistle on the other end of that whooshing blast of crossness, it would have made a sound like the Flying Scotsman.

Labour MP Sajid Javid: He 'flew into a bate - impressive in its volume and vehemence, at least'

Mr Lammy addressing the Home Secretary: He 'could have been one of those people bawling at one another on daytime televisions Jeremy Kyle Show'

Such fury, such dissing agitation: dear old Lammy  once a cathedral choirboy  could have been one of those people bawling at one another on daytime televisions Jeremy Kyle Show.

But his prolonged, theatrical harrumph was weakened by his inability to master a basic rule of parliamentary debate, as I will seek to explain presently.

Windrush was that controversy last year when long-resident British Caribbeans were deported and detained in error.

That was ten months ago and the Government said it was going to offer compensation to people whose lives had been made a misery by bureaucratic bungling. Guess what: not a penny of compensation has yet been paid.

This may come as not the most enormous surprise to anyone who has had dealings with the Whitehall machine. It takes officialdom weeks even to lick a stamp.

Politically, however, it is pretty stupid of the system to take so long, in part because some of the victims are old (some have died before their compensation was agreed), in part because this is such a touchy area.

Mr Lammy, who has made much of the parliamentary running on Windrush, had an urgent question to Mr Javid.

He lowered his horn and charged, Javid side-stepped, and Mr Lammy as good as went charging through the brick wall, out on to the riverbank and, splosh, landed in the Thames, so totally did he overdo his rhetoric.

The convention in Parliament is that one does not call another Member you. The vocative case is to be used only when talking to the Speaker.

Dim or dogged: Lammy shouted and waved his arms as he ripped into Mr Javid in the Commons

When asking any minister a question, an MP should say, Has the minister done this or that? rather than Have you done this or that?

There is a good reason for this rule. It makes the House a less antsy place. It reduces the personal aggro.

Speaker Bercow used to insist on it. Recently, as his power over MPs has dwindled, he has stopped trying.

Some MPs have taken advantage of this to attack ministers in the second person singular.

Tories Mark Francois and Peter Bone, the DUPs Jim Shannon and the SNPs Ian Blackford, among others, are serial offenders at this.

Some of the thicker MPs find it a difficult discipline not to say you. Others do it because it sounds sharper on the evening news bulletins.

Yesterday Mr Lammy kept saying you, you, you, pointing at Mr Javid and working himself into a lather.

Administrative failures were, he said, a shocking indictment of your Governments pandering to far-Right racism. He repeated that racism line.

After the fourth or fifth you, Mr Bercow mildly asked Mr Lammy to use the third person.

That worked for a few lines but then he was at it again, Why are you deporting people? and so on. The House stopped taking Mr Lammy seriously.

Sajid Javid was on the receiving end of a rant from Mr Lammy which broke conventions of the house as he 'blew his top'

For the record, Mr Javid said the only people he was deporting were foreign nationals, mainly convicts.

And he was doing so under a law passed in 2007 by a Labour government. That just set off more sedentary expostulation from the Lammy corner.

Total ants in his pants. He was almost punching his chest.

Meanwhile, further evidence of the high intellectualism of todays Commons.

Labour frontbencher Afzal Khan used the word illegible where he meant to say eligible. And hes a solicitor.
A video has gone viral showing the heartwarming moment a Coast Guard dad dressed as a mascot to surprise his daughter at school.

The dad, a Coast Guard sergeant, had just returned from seven months of active duty.

He called into Stephen Decatur Middle School in Berlin, Maryland where his daughter is a student, on Monday.

The Coast Guard sergeant's daughter Madi waves enthusiastically at the mascot not knowing it is her dad who has come to give her a surprise at school

Unsuspecting Madi high fives her dad who has just returned from seven months active duty abroad

He wasn't wearing regular clothes though.

Vice Principal Marcus Shipley suggested to the dad that he might like to surprise his daughter by dressing up in the school's bulldog mascot costume, as reported by ABC News.

The video shows him walking around the school cafeteria in the brown and white fur dog costume. He waves and high fives students who are having lunch.

He then high fives his unsuspecting daughter Madi before removing the bulldog head to show his face underneath.

He then removes the bulldog mascot head to show his daughter her dad's back

The other students clap and cheer as father and daughter hug making up for the time apart

She puts her hand over her mouth in amazement as her dad lifts her from the ground.

The other students clap and cheer as father and daughter hug making up for the time apart.
Rapper 21 Savage is being held on 'lockdown' for 23 hours a day with no television and little contact with the outside world after his arrest on immigration charges, his manager has said.

Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, as the rapper is legally known, was arrested on Sunday in Atlanta, after Immigration and Customs Enforcement said that he is a British citizen unlawfully present in the U.S.

Abraham-Joseph is being held in federal custody pending removal proceedings. His manager, who goes by the name Stone Mound Meezy, said in a tweet on Tuesday that he had spoken with Abraham-Joseph in a phone call.

'He is in lockdown for 23hrs of the day no tv or any communication besides our 10 min phone calls,' Meezy wrote in the tweet, which has since been deleted.

Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, as the rapper is legally known, was arrested on Sunday in Atlanta, after ICE said that he is a British citizen unlawfully present in the U.S.

His manager, who goes by the name Stone Mound Meezy (above), said in a tweet on Tuesday that he had spoken with Abraham-Joseph in a phone call

Abraham-Joseph's manager described his jail conditions in this since-deleted tweet

'Everything I've told him that has been happening made him happy and makes this time fly by thank y'all for the support,' the manager added, alluding to high-profile efforts and petitions to secure Abraham-Joseph's release.

Congressman Hank Johnson, a Georgia Democrat, joined the cause on Tuesday, penning a letter to the judge who ruled in Abraham-Joseph's case and calling him a 'remarkable young man' deserving of release.

Meezy did not immediately respond to inquiries from DailyMail.com, nor did Abraham-Joseph's attorney Charles Kuck or an ICE spokesperson.

It is unclear what facility Abraham-Joseph is being held in, and a search of the ICE detainee database under several variations of his name did not yield a result.

ICE has said that Abraham-Joseph is a British citizen who came to the United States from the United Kingdom in 2005, when he was 12, and is 'unlawfully present' in the U.S. after illegally overstaying his visa.

In the 13 years since, he has made $8 million from his hit rap songs, toured the world and was even prosecuted for a drug offense in 2014 before his immigration status came to light.

The rapper has got word back to relatives in the UK not to speak with officials if questioned over his life in Britain, MailOnline was told by family members

On Monday, MailOnline exclusively obtained a birth certificate showing that Abraham-Joseph was born to British parents in London until being taken to Atlanta by his mother Heather, who still speaks with a strong English accent. He also has twin sisters in London.

Attorneys for the rapper said on Monday that he had been arrested based on incorrect information about his criminal record and should be released while awaiting court proceedings.

On Tuesday, campaigners from Black Lives Matter said his arrest is part of an epidemic of 'racist' arrests by ICE and their Free 21 Savage petition has been signed by 115,000 in 24 hours.

His fans are in shock because they believed he was born and raised in Atlanta - due to his thick accent and the fact that he has never denied claims he was a native of the city.

An ICE spokesman said: 'His whole public persona is false. He actually came to the US from the UK as a teen and overstayed his visa'.

On Monday, his lawyer said he is currently being 'intimidated' by ICE into accepting deportation and claimed the musician never intentionally hid the fact he was actually from the UK

The rapper's arrest came as a shock to his fans who believed 21 Savage, who previously dated Amber Rose (pictured together in 2017), was an Atlanta native born-and-bred

Charles H. Kuck told TMZ the federal agency is trying to 'unnecessarily punish him' and trying to 'intimidate him into giving up his right to fight to remain in the United States'.

Kuck said the popular rapper is not a threat to his community, nor is he at flight risk and pointed to the musician's three U.S.-born children, saying they make him eligible for relief from deportation.

The attorney also claimed that Abraham-Joseph never hid the fact he was in the country illegally, adding the rapper even applied for a U-Visa, which is for crime victims, in 2017 and the application is pending.

Kuck said the rapper is eligible for this type of visa because of an incident that occurred in 2013, when he was shot and his best friend Larry was killed.

The shooting left the star 'severely affected physically and mentally', Kuck said.

Abraham-Joseph's star rose quickly in the Atlanta underground after a pair of 2015 mixtapes. Collaborations with Atlanta artists including Metro Boomin and Offset of rap group Migos raised his profile.

He signed with Epic Records and made a pair of successful albums. His latest, 'I Am I Was,' debuted at the top of the Billboard top 200 album charts this past December.

He collaborated with Drake, Cardi B, and Post Malone, whose song with 21 Savage, 'Rockstar,' is nominated for two Grammys at Sunday's awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
The increase in reported sexual assault, from 29 to 32 over the past two school years, is not statistically significant. But the 32 reports mark the most the academy has received in more than a decade. Of those 32 reports, 17 were unrestricted, meaning the victims did not request confidentiality. An unrestricted report gets forwarded to a commander and referred for a criminal investigation. Conversely, midshipmen can file restricted reports. Mids file restricted reports to a specific individual  either a victim advocate or academy coordinator  who can help them get support and care.
A teenager is fighting for his life after he was stabbed in the early hours of this morning close to Euston Station.

The Metropolitan Police said the 18-year-old victim's condition had deteriorated since this morning after he was rushed to hospital.

Police were called to the scene shortly after 1am on Tuesday following reports of a stabbing.

British Transport Police tweeted a photograph of the scene on Tuesday morning

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: 'Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found an 18-year-old man suffering from stab wounds.

'He was taken to hospital where his condition has been assessed as potentially life-threatening. No arrests have been made. Enquiries into the full circumstances continue.'

The attack is the latest in the capital's wave of violent crime over the last 12 months, which saw 134 people murdered in London last year.

On Sunday, two teenagers were stabbed in west London and police officers believe the two incidents are linked.

One victim was found with stab injuries in the Harlington Road East area of Feltham at 2.27pm shortly before another teenager 'suffering from slash wounds' was found outside shops in Hounslow Road.

Neither victims injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

Last Thursday a 16-year-old boy was stabbed near an Aldi supermarket in Brent, north-west London.

A teenage boy was on Sunday found with stab injuries on Hounslow Road in Feltham, west London (pictured)

Earlier that week Nedim Bilgin, 17, died in Caledonian Road, north London, after he was attacked with a knife.

He was the eighth person to die as a result of violence in the capital so far this year and three teenagers aged 16, 17 and 18 have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Figures released in January showed police-recorded violent crime had risen by nearly a fifth in England and Wales.

Forces also registered an eight per cent increase in offences involving a knife or sharp instrument.
Nearly 900 asylum seekers who came to Australia from Nauru and Manus Island for medical treatment remain in the country - and almost half of those were never sick in the first place.

That's according to government insiders, who told The Daily Telegraph 895 refugees have exploited legal loopholes to block their return to offshore processing centres.

Among the cases was an Iranian teenager, who doctors demanded be taken to Australia for urgent medical treatment last October.

The 19-year-old woman was later found to be suffering from constipation. She remained in Australia.

Nearly 900 asylum seekers who came to Australia from Nauru and Manus Island for medical treatment remain in the country. Asylum seekers at the Manus Island detention centre are pictured in 2014

In another case, a man in his 30s was transported to Australia in 2014 to treat a kidney stone.

He also had not returned to offshore processing centres.

The same year, a 44-year-old required a CAT scan of his pelvis and was taken to Australia - and five years later, he had not left.

About 50 per cent of those who came to Australia for medical treatment were not unwell themselves, but were accompanying family members who were, the paper reported.

Government insiders, who told The Daily Telegraph 895 refugees have exploited legal loopholes to block their return to offshore processing centres. File photo: Children at Nauru

Most were living in the community, and a minority were in detention because of concerns about their identity.

Many were taking legal action to be resettled in Australia and the government was contesting cases.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week bowed to pressure by announcing plans to establish an independent panel to consider medical transfers.

The expert panel could ask immigration officials to reassess individual cases, but it would not have the power to overturn decisions, meaning politicians and public servants would ultimately remain in control.

The panel will be formed in the coming weeks and, though it did not require new legislation to be established, it could be undermined if a private member's bill being driven by Wentworth independent MP Kerryn Phelps was successful.

The bill would allow two treating clinicians to override calls by the immigration minister.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week bowed to pressure by announcing plans to establish an independent panel to consider medical transfers

The changes passed the Senate last year with support from Labor and the Greens and were expected to be voted upon in the House of Representatives as early as next week.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Labor would consider the detail of the government's new independent panel, but would still vote for amendments introduced by Dr Phelps.

Crossbenchers Julia Banks, Andrew Wilkie and Rebekha Sharkie were also backing Dr Phelps' bill.

Victorian crossbencher Cathy McGowan had not yet declared her position, saying she will do so when the changes came before parliament.

A bill being driven by Wentworth independent MP Kerryn Phelps would allow two treating clinicians to override calls by the immigration minister

Mr Morrison maintained that giving doctors the final say on transfers would compromise Australia's border protection system.

'If the Labor Party want to support the (Kerryn) Phelps bill and the boats start again, it's on their head,' he said on Tuesday.

The prime minister extended an offer to Labor and all crossbenchers for a briefing on the soon-to-be created panel.

The government risked becoming the first in 90 years to lose a substantive vote in parliament over the bill, which would widely be seen as a loss of confidence.
Sen. Cory Booker revealed on a radio interview that he has a 'really special' girlfriend, just days after announcing his run for president.

Booker made the comment on 'The Breakfast Club' radio show, where he fielded questions from host Charlemagne the God, who asked about his bachelorhood.

'First of all, there's two more years until I might fulfill this duty. So give me some time. My girlfriend might listen to this,' Booker said.

But he didn't reveal who he was dating.

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey revealed that he has a girlfriend, days after announcing his campaign for president

'Before I declare president, I'm dating somebody that's really special,' was all he would allow.

'Oh, so Cory Booker's got a boo?' his inerviewer asked him.

'I got a boo,' Booker responded.

The interviewer got Booker talking by asking about him being a 'bachelor in a basement apartment,' a reference to his capitol dwelling.

The Charlamagne also advised him: 'You don't want to marry somebody now ... Once you start getting hot, you might become president. She might just want you for that.'

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., speaks during a news conference outside of his home, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, in Newark, N.J. as he announced his presidential bid

If elected Booker would be the first president since Grover Cleveland to win a presidential bid as a bachelor

Date night? Senator Cory Booker (left) and actress Rosario Dawson attended a performance of the hit musical Dear Evan Hansen (pictured backstage with star Taylor Trensch), fueling romance rumors

Onlookers reported hearing Dawson playfully sing 'I love you, te amo' to Booker during a meet-and-greet with the cast after the show (pictured with all the actors)

Booker made the comment on 'The Breakfast Club' radio show

Booker also said that his unnamed girlfriend would be a good first lady.

Page Six reported last month that Booker was dating actress Rosario Dawson, and reported sightings at the movies and at a Broadway play  including one show where they were holding hands.

Booker also compared his personal life favorably to President Trump, who was elected despite multiple women accusing him of misconduct and the airing of the 'Access Hollywood' tape where he bragged about groping women.

Rosario Dawson at the 'Miss Bala' film premiere, Los Angeles

Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) greets the audience at the United States Conference of Mayors winter meeting in Washington, U.S., January 24, 2019

'I think that if Donald Trump can get elected president at this point with the personal life that he has, then anybody can,' Booker said.

But he also hinted he might not be single by the time he intends to take the oath of office. 'Theres two more years. Give me some time,' he quipped.

But he prefers to focus on the issues of his campaign, which he launched last week outside his home in Newark, New Jersey focusing on kitchen table issues like health care, jobs with a splashy ad focusing on civil rights.

'Of all the issues we've talked about, this is the most uncomfortable part of this interview.'

In his campaign announcement, Booker said: '"We are better when we help each other. I believe that we can build a country where no one is forgotten, no one is left behind; where parents can put food on the table ...'
A military judge has dismissed two charges against decorated veteran, Edward Gallagher (pictured), 39, who is accused of murdering a 15-year-old Afghan boy with his knife in 2017

A military judge has dismissed two charges against a decorated veteran who is accused of murdering a 15-year-old Afghan terrorist with his knife.

Edward Gallagher is currently being held in a military prison in California amid accusations he repeatedly plunged a knife into the wounded body of a young ISIS fighter in 2017 and fired sniper rounds at innocent civilians in Iraq.

On Tuesday, Navy Capt Aaron Rugh, the judge in the court martial, announced that Gallagher, 39, will no longer face trial for allegedly performing a reenlistment ceremony next to the militant's corpse or for operating a drone over the corpse, according to The San Diego Tribune.

However, Gallagher is still facing charges for premeditated murder for stabbing the teen and aggravated assault for firing rounds at civilians.

Gallagher is also facing an allegation he posed for a photo with the militant's body.

The chief petty officer's platoon commander, Lt Jacob Portier, is also facing court martial charges alleging that he was aware of the complaints against Gallagher, but failed to report them.

Portier has also been charged with conducting Gallagher's reenlistment ceremony.



Last week, seven Navy SEALs were granted immunity to testify against Gallagher.

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On Tuesday, Navy Capt Aaron Rugh, the judge in the court martial, announced that Gallagher (left and right), 39, will no longer face trial for allegedly performing a reenlistment ceremony next to the militant's corpse or for operating a drone over the corpse

Up to 13 additional witnesses are expected to testify against the soldier whose trial begins on February 19.

During a motion hearing on January 25, prosecutors said witnesses told NCIS investigators that Gallagher bragged about killing up to 200 people  'three a day' he allegedly said  during his 2017 deployment to Mosul, Iraq, according to the Tribune.

Prosecutors also revealed at the time that they had recovered a knife that tested positive for DNA, although they did not reveal whose DNA was found on the weapon - or say conclusively that it was related to the incident in question.

In November last year, prosecutors presented accounts from several other SEALs in Gallagher's platoon describing his behavior as reckless and bloodthirsty.

They said he fired into civilian crowds, gunned down a girl walking along a riverbank and an old man carrying a water jug, and threatened to kill fellow SEALs if they reported his actions.

In May last year, Iraqi forces in Mosul caught an Islamic State fighter aged in his teens, who was left battered and bloody from the combat.

However, Gallagher (pictured) is still facing charges for premeditated murder for stabbing the teen and aggravated assault for firing rounds at civilians

Investigators allege while the teen was receiving medical treatment from SEAL medics, Gallagher walked up and stabbed him in his neck and side with a knife, killing the fighter.

Then, they said, he posed for photographs with the fighter's body, holding his head in one hand and his blade in the other  and sent one of the images to a fellow SEAL with the caption: 'I got him with my hunting knife'.

Gallagher is a married father-of-three and a highly lauded special warfare operator who has racked up numerous awards during his eight tours of duty.

After his latest tour, fighting Islamic State militants in Iraq, he was named the top platoon leader in SEAL Team 7 and nominated for the Silver Star, the military's third-highest honor.

In November last year, prosecutors presented accounts from several other SEALs in Gallagher's (pictured) platoon describing his behavior as reckless and bloodthirsty

A charge sheet shows Gallagher is accused of 'stabbing a male person in the neck and body with a knife'

He fought in Iraq and Afghanistan several times and has been a Navy Seal for 14 years.

In November, his brother, Sean, defended him in an interview with Fox News.

'This investigation is not about justice and the truth, it's about a win,' Sean told the network at the time.

'A SEAL is a shiny, golden nail where if you take them down it makes you look good,' he added.

The Navy has charged Gallagher with premeditated murder, attempted murder and nearly a dozen other offenses, including obstruction of justice and bringing 'discredit upon the armed forces'.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A popular Twitch streamer and game studio employee has been arrested in connection with a Super Bowl weekend child sex sting.

Thomas Cheung, 32, was one of 21 men arrested by Georgia police in 'Operation Inception'.

He has been charged with using a computer service to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child.

Popular Twitch streamer and game studio employee Thomas Cheung, 32, has been arrested in connection with a Super Bowl weekend child sex sting

Cheung was well-known in the community of Twitch, which focuses on video game live streaming and broadcasts of eSports competitions.

Known as 'Elvine' to his 34,000 followers, Cheung was a partnered Twitch streamer - meaning that his content featured advertisements and his channel was monetized.

He also worked full-time at Hi-Rez Studios, where he was an established community specialist for the popular games Smite and Paladins Strike.

Cheung believed he had been talking to a 14-year-old girl through the dating app Whisper, according to WXIA.

Cheung was one of 21 men arrested by Georgia Police in 'Operation Inception'. He has been charged with using a computer service to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child

Cheung was a major figure in the Twitch community, often attending events and conferences for the streaming platform. Pictured is Cheung playing a game on the streaming platform

But the girl was actually an undercover agent. Cheung was arrested in a parking garage in Brookhaven over the weekend.

He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigations said most of the men arrested in the sting, which lasted five days, ranged in age from 20 to 55.

They traveled from areas around metropolitan Atlanta with the 'intent to meet a child for sex'.

Multiple people who were arrested were also in possession of suspected illegal drugs and 24 digital devices were seized as evidence.

Known as 'Elvine' to his 34,000 followers, Cheung was a partnered Twitch streamer - meaning that his content featured advertisements and his channel was monetized

'The goal of Operation Interception was to arrest persons who communicate with children online, have sexually explicit conversations, and then travel to meet them for the purpose of having sex,' the statement read.

'Additionally, the operation targeted those who are willing to exploit children by purchasing sex with a minor. The children these predators target are both boys and girls.'

In addition to Operation Inception, 169 people were arrested as a result of an 11-day effort targeting human trafficking in the lead-up to the Super Bowl.

Arrests included 26 alleged traffickers and 34 people accused of trying to have sex with minors, according to the FBI.

Nine juvenile sex-trafficking victims were recovered and nine adult human trafficking victims were identified.

Sex crimes often surge around large sporting events such as the Super Bowl, when lots of free-spending travelers are around and in one concentrated area.

Just days before he was arrested, Cheung tweeted asking if anyone was 'coming in town' to watch the Super Bowl

Gamers were quick to notice that Cheung tweeted this meme just days before his arrest

Cheung was a major figure in the Twitch community, often attending events and conferences for the streaming platform. He was also well-known in the World of Warcraft community.

'In the Twitch community, there's an "in" crowd for sure,' Omeed Dariani, a talent manager for streamers, told Kotaku.

'Thomas was definitely "in". The industry tends to view people in that crowd as safe and friendly.'

'This is a good reminder that we only see the sides of performers that they want us to.'

Cheung has been fired from Hi-Rez, where he was a community specialist, and he has also been dropped by his sponsor Steel Series

Twitch had also taken down Cheung's channel since news broke of his arrest on Monday

Cheung's Twitch site has since been taken down, and he has also been fired from Hi-Rez.

Hi-Rez CEO and President Stew Chisam said he removed Cheung from the staff after hearing about his arrest through local news.

'As a parent, it is difficult to imagine more disturbing allegations than those laid out in the news reports,' Chisam said in a statement.

'We commend the efforts of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations and other law enforcement to protect our state's children and to send a strong message that the behavior targeted in their Operation Interception will not be tolerated in Georgia.'

Cheung's sponsor Steel Series has also dropped him.
Apartments in Newark, New Jersey went up an average of 17.5 percent in 2018  the highest year-on-year increase in the entire U.S.

Nationwide, the rent on one-bedrooms rose 4.2 percent in 2018 to an average of $1,140, according to an analysis by ApartmentGuide.com.

The results were similar for two-bedroom units (4 percent increase to an average of $1,354) and studios (nearly 5 percent increase to $1,065).

While rents rose across the country, the highest rents remained in the Northeast, and the lowest were in the Midwest and the South.

However the highest rent increases were spread around the nation.

This map illustrates the top 10 cities in the U.S. where rents rose the fastest in 2018, including the percentage by which rents rose and the average rent for a one-bedroom in each city

Newark had an average rent of $1,962 for one-bedroom rentals in 2018, placing it at the top of the list of cities with the fastest-rising rental prices.

San Diego and Des Moines, Iowa tied for the second-highest rent spike, at 17 percent in each city. San Diego had an average rent of $2,300 for a one-bedroom, compared to $1,016 in Des Moines.

Anchorage, Alaska came in fourth, with a 16.1 percent increase and an average 1-bedroom price of $1,150.

Boise, Idaho ranked fifth with a 14.4 percent increase and $1,062 average rent, followed by Fort Wayne, Indiana (13.8 percent and $810); Chandler, Arizona (12.9 percent and $1,157), and; Wichita, Kansas (12.9 percent and $863).

Scottsdale, Arizona came in ninth with a 12.7 percent increase and $1,478 average rent on a one-bedroom apartment.

Rounding out the top 10 was Louisville, Kentucky with a 12.1 percent increase and an average $951 rent for a one-bedroom apartment.

Some markets saw even greater increases  as much as 40 percent.

This chart illustrates the average rent for studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments in each region of the country

Studio apartment living is also becoming more expensive, with prices rising in 80 of 95 markets for which data was available.

Among studios, the largest increase (40.6 percent) was found in Arlington, Texas, where the average rent reached $951.

Average studio prices also rose significantly in St. Petersburg, Florida (37.2 percent to reach $1,203); Anchorage, Alaska (26.8 percent to reach $983); Jacksonville, Florida (26.4 percent to reach $787), and; San Antonio, Texas (25.9 percent to reach $896).

In New York City, the nations most expensive rental market, prices for a one-bedroom rose 7.9 percent to reach an average of $4,164.

Experts at Apartment Guide said that a major factor contributing to rising rents nationwide is the increased demand and decreased availability of rental units.

In the third quarter of 2018, the most recent period for which data is available, the percent of available rental properties was 7.1 percent  a decline compared to 7.5 percent during the same period in 2017.

This chart illustrates the year-on-year increase in average rental prices for studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments across the United States

Vacancy rates declined everywhere in the country except the Northeast, where availability of apartments increased to 6 percent of the total market in the third quarter of 2018, compared to 5.5 percent during the same period the year before.

Rental prices actually decreased in some parts of the country  and New Orleans led the way with an 11.4 percent year-on-year decrease to reach an average of $1,418 for a one-bedroom.

Jersey City, New Jersey had the second-biggest decline, with a 6.1 percent decrease bringing the average cost of a one-bedroom down to $2,596 in that city,

Madison, Wisconsin came in third, with a 5.1 percent decrease for an average rental price of $1,235), followed by Corpus Christi, Texas (4.4 percent decrease); Portland, Oregon (4.4 percent decrease); Houston, Texas (3.7 percent decrease), and; Nashville, Tennessee (3.1 percent decrease.
Australia's biggest financial institutions have enjoyed a $19billion boost during the biggest one-day share market rise in more than two years.

Tuesday's incredible jump came just one day after a scathing royal commission report on the state of the industry was released.

Banks and financial institutions climbed by more than five per cent on the Australian Securities Exchange after Commissioner Kenneth Hayne's report was released to the public.

Investors were reportedly relieved his findings would not ruin the industry, and therefore felt comfortable investing money in financial institutions.

Australia's biggest financial institutions have enjoyed a $19billion boost during the biggest one-day share market rise in more than two years

Tuesday's incredible jump came just one day after a scathing royal commission report on the state of the industry was released

Banks and financial institutions climbed by more than five per cent on the Australian Securities Exchange after Commissioner Kenneth Hayne (left, with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg) released his report

Commonwealth Bank shares soared by 4.7 per cent, despite being identified as committing 12 breaches in Mr Hayne's report, the worst of all financial institutions, the Australian reported.

Shares in AMP - the second-worst offender according to Mr Hayne - increased by 10 per cent, while ANZ's jumped 6.5 per cent.

Westpac shares increased by 7.4 per cent, while NAB's rose by 3.9 per cent, the smallest increase among the big banks.

The sector-wide increase resulted in $19billion being added to the value of Australian bank shares, while the sharemarket rose above 6,000 points.

Because Mr Hayne's royal commission report did not call for the breaking up of the stranglehold enjoyed by the big four banks, the sector retained a 'strong and stable profitability' rating from global agency Moody's.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said NAB chief executive Andrew Thorburn and chairman Ken Henry should 'reflect on' their positions with the bank.

What royal commission? Bank shares soar by $19billion Commonwealth Bank - 4.7 per cent Westpac - 7.4 per cent AMP - 10 per cent ANZ - 6.5 per cent NAB - 3.9 per cent Source: The Australian Advertisement

'Commissioner Hayne was pretty sharp in his assessment and I think that gives them a lot to reflect on,' he said.

Opposition Treasury spokesman Chris Bowen said the report was 'far from complimentary' of NAB's practices.

'I would expect NAB will have much more to say in response to the report. And it's a matter for them to come up with their response to the report,' he said.

Mr Thorburn said the fact his bank charged fees to customers without providing any service was not 'dishonest', but admitted it was 'sloppy'.

The mortgage-broking sector suffered a slump after Mr Hayne's report recommended a crackdown on commissions in the industry - worth about $3billion per year.

Shares in Mortgage Choice and Australian Finance Group, the country's two biggest brokers, fell by more than 25 per cent.

Commonwealth Bank shares soared by 4.7 per cent, despite the CBA being identified as committing 12 breaches in Mr Hayne's report, the worst of all financial institutions

Mr Hayne gathered evidence and reviewed more than 10,000 submissions for more than a year.

'There can be no doubt that the primary responsibility for misconduct in the financial services industry lies with the entities concerned and those who managed and controlled those entities: their boards and senior management,' Mr Hayne's final report unveiled on Monday said.

His royal commission made 76 recommendations to combat a culture of greed and misconduct, which Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has promised to implement so the banking sector can 'change forever'.
A 13-year-old Michigan boy killed himself after being relentlessly bullied on his school bus.

Michael Martin died in hospital on January 25, just two days after the eighth-grader attempted suicide at his home in Lansing.

The teen's family say Michael had been bullied relentlessly on the bus and at Everett High School in the months prior to his death.

They have claimed that no one at his school tried to stop the bullying despite countless calls and emails from his mother trying to get him help.

Michael's mother, Joanna Wohlfert, said she contacted the school and Dean Transportation - the company responsible for the school bus - numerous times but they failed to respond.

Michael Martin died in hospital on January 25, just two days after the eighth-grader attempted suicide at his home in Lansing, Michigan

His mother claimed that the school also failed to investigate his absences and that he missed a total of six weeks. She got attendance records from the school and found Michael's absences dated back to September.

Wohlfert, in an interview with the Lansing State Journal, said Michael stopped attending classes in December unless she was home to make sure he got on the bus or drove him herself.

Wohlfert said her son's friends have since revealed that Michael was teased about his weight, glasses and braces.

They said he was also slammed against a lunchroom wall.

Wohlfert started contacting the school via email in November to ask for help given Michael's grades were slipping and he was missing class.

She said she went to the school and asked to meet with the assistant principal Priscilla Ellis. She also contacted the guidance counselor numerous times.

Student's at Michael's high school released blue and yellow balloons as a tribute to his life on Monday after he died last month

His friends have since revealed that Michael was teased about his weight, glasses and braces. They said he was also slammed against a lunchroom wall

Ellis wrote back to an email on January 8 saying she had asked Michael for the names of the students bullying him and that she would accompany him to the bus to try and work out who was responsible.

The guidance counselor wrote to Wohlfert saying Michael refused to speak to her.

Wohlfert now believes her son was worried about potential retaliation if he gave up his bullies names.

She said she also left at least three messages with the bus company in a bid to speak to the driver or supervisor about the bullying.

Wohlfert said she ended up taking her son to see a doctor on January 23 - the day he tried to take his life - and he was prescribed anti-depressants.

She said the assistant principal visited Michael in hospital but the family asked her to leave.

I felt like, 'Why be there now? Why show your concern now? Why show that you care now?' Wohlfert said. 'I've been reaching out and reaching out and reaching out. He was just not important to her. I just felt like it's too late.'

The teen's family say Michael had been bullied relentlessly on the bus and at Everett High School in the months prior to his death but the school did nothing to help him

She said her son used to love going to school and would never dream of missing class.

His family have accused the school and bus company of failing to protect Michael and keep him safe.

They organized for students at the school to release balloons on Monday in honor of Michael.

Tributes from his family left on social media after his death described him as a 'kind kid who loved school'.

'Learning was something he genuinely enjoyed. He kept his head down and minded his own business. Michael kept his head down and didn't bother anyone. He was never mean to anyone,' one tribute read.

'Lansing School District FAILED to make sure a student of theirs were safe. Dean Transportation FAILED to make sure a student that rode their bus was safe. They never reached out to Michael nor his family. Because of this, Michael's family have to lay him to rest. They had to watch him take his last breath.'

Lansing Police said they are investigating the bullying in regards to Michael's suicide.

The Lansing School District has not commented because they are also investigating his death.

For confidential support call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255.
This is the shocking moment dozens of balloons suddenly exploded, injuring four people standing underneath them during a religious show.

The bizarre explosion happened at Suttur in Karnataka, India on February 5 during a popular annual fair.

The fair was organised by a monastery representing lingayats, a powerful community in South India.

The religious head of the monastery, Sri Deshikendra Swamiji, was scheduled to wave a flag to start a wrestling competition as part of the fair.

His followers stood behind him holding the balloons - ready to release them as soon as he signalled the start of the competition.

But the plan went haywire as the balloons caught fire from a torch, which had been brought in as part of the ceremony, and exploded.

Dozens of balloons were on display during the annual fair in South India, with crowds watching on

A torch near the balloons is thought to have been the cause of the sudden and terrifying explosion

Four people were injured in the explosion, with all of them standing under the balloons at the time

Four people, including the Swamiji, received minor injuries in the blast.

Speaking afterwards, he said: 'I have received minor burns in my forehead. Luckily, none of us are seriously injured.

'The fair will proceed as planned.'
Kevin O'Regan was jailed for life after he repeatedly stabbed Donna Williamson in the chest at her flat in Grove Park, Lewisham

A woman was stabbed to death by her boyfriend just four days after a court banned him from contacting her, an inquest heard.

Kevin O'Regan, 38, was jailed for life after he repeatedly stabbed Donna Williamson, 44, in the chest at her flat in Grove Park, south east London in August 2016.

In the months before her murder, O'Regan had been arrested twice - once for allegedly assaulting her and again when he turned up at her home with a knife.

He was then bailed on the condition he didn't enter the borough of Lewisham, where she lived, or attempt to contact her.

O'Regan was rebailed on the same condition just four days before Ms Williamson's murder when he broke the rule and visited her flat.

He was then identified by police fighting in a Chinese takeaway just an hour before she was stabbed to death, Southwark Coroner's Court heard.

Ms Williamson's mother, Susan, told the inquest how her daughter suffered from depression after repeated domestic abuse during her five-year relationship with O'Regan.

She said: 'There's only one person really to blame and that's the person who killed her.

'She became depressed, withdrawn. She never used to be a drinker. When she hitched up with him she just went down.

'She used to be very fashionable and then she started wearing tracksuits; she said it was because he was jealous because of the attention she received from other men.

'She was frightened of him, she was frightened to go to court.'

Mrs Williamson described her daughter as 'happy go lucky' and a 'beautiful lady' - but said she had suffered 'a lot of tragedies' in her life.

She said: 'She was always full of life. She was popular with many friends and went to primary and secondary school.

'She started work as a receptionist, and then a shop assistant and then a waitress but she gave up her job due to pain from a broken leg.

'She had a lot of tragedies in her life.'

The devastated mother said her daughter's first boyfriend had died in a car accident when she was 17 and she later suffered a still birth.

She said: 'Some days she would be in pieces, in a state, bringing back all her memories of giving birth to the baby.'

Senior Coroner Dr Andrew Harris told jurors O'Regan was arrested for allegedly assaulting Ms Williamson on May 4, three months before her murder.

He was arrested again after turning up at her flat, allegedly pulling out a knife and assaulting three officers while in custody.

He denied the offences in court and was bailed on the condition he didn't visit the Borough of Lewisham, where Ms Williamson lived, or contact her in any way.

But O'Regan admitted to breaching those bail conditions after again being found at her flat when he appeared in court on August 8. He was released on the same conditions.

The coroner said on the evening of her death, four days later, she called the police to report someone trying to break into her flat, but later claimed it was only her cousin.

But Ms Williamson's flat had been flagged by a domestic abuse charity as a 'priority' and police decided to attend, the inquest heard.

Dr Harris said at 10.37pm an emergency call was made reporting men fighting in a Chinese takeaway near Ms Williamson's flat - one of whom police identified as O'Regan.

Donna Williamson's mother told the inquest how her daughter (pictured) suffered from depression after repeated domestic abuse during her five-year relationship with O'Regan

Ms Williamson called 999 at 11.23pm the same evening and reported 'being stabbed.'

Dr Harris said: 'The ambulance is called, police arrived and Kevin O'Regan admits stabbing her and life is pronounced extinct.'

A post-mortem by consultant pathologist Brett Lockyer found her medical cause of death was 'stabs to the chest'.

Althea Cribb, the independent chair of a domestic homicide review into the agencies involved with Ms Williamson, told the inquest she had 'fallen into holes'.

She said: 'She was complex, complicated, chaotic and failing to engage and the sheer number of agencies seem to work against the ability of practitioners to address her needs.'

Ms Cribb suggested Miss Williamson was under duress by O'Regan when she told agency workers different accounts of her abuse.

'Some of the agency records did suggest a certain amount of frustration that Donna was not accepting the help that was offered,' she said.

'The only thing she keeps asking for is help to make her home secure and to deal with the fact her landlord wants to evict her.

'In the review panel, when we discussed this we still couldn't see who should have done it.

'I think there's an argument for all organisations to have a statutory responsibility to respond to domestic abuse in general, whether that's victims, or perpetrators or children and young people.'

O'Regan, of Kidbrooke, south east London, was jailed for a minimum of 20 years for Ms Williamson's murder at the Old Bailey in February 2017. He will not be called to give evidence to the inquest.

The inquest, expected to last three weeks, continues.
During their investigation, NOAA agents sent eight containers of Casey's Seafood crabmeat bought at stores in Delaware and Virginia to a laboratory in College Park for DNA testing. The results confirmed the tip: seven of the eight Casey's containers labeled as "Product of the USA" contained swimming crab found only outside U.S. waters, according to court documents.
Vine and HQ Trivia founder Colin Kroll died from an overdose of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, it has been revealed.

The New York City Chief Medical Examiner Office revealed on Tuesday that Kroll's death has been ruled an accident.

Kroll was found dead in his luxury Manhattan apartment on December 16, 2018.

He was just 34 years old.

Colin Kroll, CEO and co-founder of HQ Trivia and previously of Vine, was found dead in his New York City apartment of an apparent overdose. He was just 34 years old

Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdoses in America and is the deadliest drug crisis in US history.

The drug has also been linked to the overdose deaths of Mac Miller, Prince, Tom Petty, and Lil Peep.

Just last week it was revealed that fentanyl overdoses in New York City alone had soared 3,000 percent between 2014 and 2017, according to the CDC.

The New York City Police Department received a call at 12.15am requesting a welfare check at Kroll's apartment.

Police found Kroll dead in his apartment in Manhattan (pictured) shortly after midnight on December 16, 2018 with drugs believed to be cocaine and heroin nearby

His girlfriend had become worried when she couldn't get in touch with him, an NYPD source told DailyMail.com at the time.

Kroll was facing an HR complaint by an HQ Trivia employee for his 'aggressive management style' at the time of his death

When police officers arrived at his apartment in the Soho neighborhood of Manhattan, they found Kroll unresponsive and lying face down in his bedroom.

Drugs believed to be cocaine and heroin were also found in the apartment.

Kroll was facing an HR complaint by an HQ Trivia employee for his 'aggressive management style' at the time of his death.

The young tech entrepreneur had been named the CEO of HQ Trivia in 2015. Prior to that he was the co-founder of Vine.

When Twitter purchased Vine, they brought Kroll on board.

The HQ Trivia complaint came four years after Kroll was reportedly fired from Twitter due to his management skills and his behavior toward female employees.

A 2017 Recode article revealed that at least three prominent investors opted out of funding HQ Trivia after learning of Kroll's behavior at Twitter.

Kroll is pictured here with his HQ and Vine co-founder Rus Yusupov in January 2014

Kroll (far right) pictured with his family on Christmas Eve of 2015. His father said Kroll had recently quit drinking and talked about moving away from New York

Many of Kroll's former colleagues at both Twitter and Vine said he had a reputation for exhibiting 'creepy' behavior toward women that made them uncomfortable.

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Five of his former peers said Kroll also had a reputation for showing up late and hungover to work and that this was one of the reasons why he was fired from Twitter after only 18 months at the company.

His colleagues described him as 'abrasive and disinterested', and said he could be 'verbally abusive.'

Jeremy Liew, a board member at Intermedia Labs - the company behind HQ Trivia, then conducted what he called an 'exhaustive' investigation.

'I found a good deal of negative sentiment about Colin and the Vine team and some discomfort with his behavior, but I did not find evidence that warrants his removal from the company,' Liew said in a statement.

Kroll later told Axios that the experience was 'eye-opening' and a 'catalyst for professional development and greater awareness in the office'.

'I now realize that there are things I said and did that made some feel unappreciated or uncomfortable. I apologize to those people,' he added.

Following news of his son's death, Kroll's father Alan said the Recode article had 'troubled and hurt' his son.

Alan told the New York Times that Kroll had recently stopped drinking and did not have a drug problem that he was aware of, but that he often worked 100 hours a week.

'He worked too many hours and too hard,' Alan said.

'I think New York City got to him a bit. You need to have great constraint to have a disciplined life there.'

Kroll was named the CEO of HQ Trivia (pictured) in 2015. HQ Trivia is a live game show app in which users compete for cash prizes if they are able to answer all 12 trivia questions correctly

HQ Trivia's main Twitter account tweeted news about Kroll's death after he died in December

'All of that leads to getting too much drugs or bad drugs and overdosing.'

Alan, who was aware that his son used drugs recreationally, said that Kroll recently had talked about moving away from New York.

'He had so much talent and had accomplished so much at such a young age. It truly is a waste,' he added.

'At 34, imagine the things he'd done and the skills he had. It would have been really fun to watch him at 50.'
GUILTY: MICHAEL FLYNN

Pleaded guilty to making false statements in December 2017. Awaiting sentence

Flynn was President Trump's former National Security Advisor and Robert Mueller's most senior scalp to date. He previously served when he was a three star general as President Obama's director of the Defense Intelligence Agency but was fired.

He admitted to lying to special counsel investigators about his conversations with a Russian ambassador in December 2016. He has agreed to cooperate with the special counsel investigation.

GUILTY AND JAILED: MICHAEL COHEN

Pleaded guilty to eight counts including fraud and two campaign finance violations in August 2018. Pleaded guilty to further count of lying to Congress in November 2018. Sentenced to three years in prison and $2 million in fines and forfeitures in December 2018

Cohen was investigated by Mueller but the case was handed off to the Southern District of New York,leaving Manhattan's ferocious and fiercely independent federal prosecutors to run his case.

Cohen was Trump's longtime personal attorney, starting working for him and the Trump Organization in 2007. He is the longest-serving member of Trump's inner circle to be implicated by Mueller. Cohen professed unswerving devotion to Trump - and organized payments to silence two women who alleged they had sex with the-then candidate: porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal. He admitted that payments to both women were felony campaign finance violations - and admitted that he acted at the 'direction' of 'Candidate-1': Donald Trump.

He also admitted tax fraud by lying about his income from loans he made, money from taxi medallions he owned, and other sources of income, at a cost to the Treasury of $1.3 million.

And he admitted lying to Congress in a rare use of the offense. The judge in his case let him report for prison on March 6 and recommended he serve it in a medium-security facility close to New York City.

GUILTY AND JAILED: PAUL MANAFORT

Found guilty of eight charges of bank and tax fraud in August 2018. Sentenced to 47 months in March 2019. Pleaded guilty to two further charges - witness tampering and conspiracy against the United States. Jailed for total of seven and a half years in two separate sentences. Additionally indicted for mortgage fraud by Manhattan District Attorney, using evidence previously presented by Mueller

Manafort worked for Trump's campaign from March 2016 and chaired it from June to August 2016, overseeing Trump being adopted as Republican candidate at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. He is the most senior campaign official to be implicated by Mueller. Manafort was one of Washington D.C.'s longest-term and most influential lobbyists but in 2015, his money dried up and the next year he turned to Trump for help, offering to be his campaign chairman for free - in the hope of making more money afterwards. But Mueller unwound his previous finances and discovered years of tax and bank fraud as he coined in cash from pro-Russia political parties and oligarchs in Ukraine.

Manafort pleaded not guilty to 18 charges of tax and bank fraud but was convicted of eight counts in August 2018. The jury was deadlocked on the other 10 charges. A second trial on charges of failing to register as a foreign agent due in September did not happen when he pleaded guilty to conspiracy against the United States and witness tampering in a plea bargain. He was supposed to co-operate with Mueller but failed to.

Minutes after his second sentencing hearing in March 2019, he was indicted on 16 counts of fraud and conspiracy by the Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr., using evidence which included documents previously presented at his first federal trial. The president has no pardon power over charges by district and state attorneys.

GUILTY AND GOING TO WEEKEND JAIL: RICK GATES

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy against the United States and making false statements in February 2018. Sentenced to 45 days weekend jail and three years probation, December 17, 2018

Gates was Manafort's former deputy at political consulting firm DMP International. He admitted to conspiring to defraud the U.S. government on financial activity, and to lying to investigators about a meeting Manafort had with a member of congress in 2013. As a result of his guilty plea and promise of cooperation, prosecutors vacated charges against Gates on bank fraud, bank fraud conspiracy, failure to disclose foreign bank accounts, filing false tax returns, helping prepare false tax filings, and falsely amending tax returns.

GUILTY AND JAILED: GEORGE PAPADOPOLOUS

Pleaded guilty to making false statements in October 2017. Sentenced to 14 days in September 2018, and reported to prison in November. Served 12 days and released on December 7, 2018

Papadopoulos was a member of Donald Trump's campaign foreign policy advisory committee. He admitted to lying to special counsel investigators about his contacts with London professor Josef Mifsud and Ivan Timofeev, the director of a Russian government-funded think tank.

GUILTY AND JAILED: RICHARD PINEDO

Pleaded guilty to identity fraud in February 2018. Sentenced to a year in prison

Pinedo is a 28-year-old computer specialist from Santa Paula, California. He admitted to selling bank account numbers to Russian nationals over the internet that he had obtained using stolen identities.

GUILTY AND JAILED: ALEX VAN DER ZWAAN

Pleaded guilty to making false statements in February 2018. He served a 30-day prison sentence and was deported to the Netherlands on his release

Van der Zwaan was a Dutch attorney for Skadden Arps who worked on a Ukrainian political analysis report for Paul Manafort in 2012.

He admitted to lying to special counsel investigators about when he last spoke with Rick Gates and Konstantin Kilimnik. His law firm say he was fired.

GUILTY: W. SAMUEL PATTEN

Pleaded guilty in August 2018 to failing to register as a lobbyist while doing work for a Ukrainian political party. Sentenced to three years probation April 2019

Patten, a long-time D.C. lobbyist was a business partner of Paul Manafort. He pleaded guilty to admitting to arranging an illegal $50,000 donation to Trump's inauguration.

He arranged for an American 'straw donor' to pay $50,000 to the inaugural committee, knowing that it was actually for a Ukrainian businessman.

Neither the American or the Ukrainian have been named.

CHARGED: KONSTANTIN KILIMNIK

Indicted for obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice. At large, probably in Russia

Kilimnik is a former employee of Manafort's political consulting firm and helped him with lobbying work in Ukraine. He is accused of witness tampering, after he allegedly contacted individuals who had worked with Manafort to remind them that Manafort only performed lobbying work for them outside of the U.S.

He has been linked to Russian intelligence and is currently thought to be in Russia - effectively beyond the reach of extradition by Mueller's team.

INDICTED: THE RUSSIANS

Twenty-five Russian nationals and three Russian entities have been indicted for conspiracy to defraud the United States. They remain at large in Russia

Two of these Russian nationals were also indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 11 were indicted for conspiracy to launder money. Fifteen of them were also indicted for identity fraud.

Vladimir Putin has ridiculed the charges. Russia effectively bars extradition of its nationals. The only prospect Mueller has of bringing any in front of a U.S. jury is if Interpol has their names on an international stop list - which is not made public - and they set foot in a territory which extradites to the U.S.

INDICTED: MICHAEL FLYNN'S BUSINESS PARTNERS

Bijan Kian (left), number two in now disgraced former national security adviser Mike Flynn's lobbying company, and the two's business partner Ekim Alptekin (right) were indicted for conspiracy to lobby illegally.

Kian, an Iranian-American was arrested and appeared in court charged with a conspiracy to illegally lobby the U.S government without registering as a foreign agent. Their co-conspirator was Flynn, who is called 'Person A' in the indictment and is not charged, offering some insight into what charges he escaped with his plea deal.

Kian, vice-president of Flynn's former lobbying firm, is alleged to have plotted with Alptekin to try to change U.S. policy on an exiled Turkish cleric, Fethullah Gulen, who lives in Pennsylvania and who is accused by Turkey's strongman president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, of trying to depose him.

Erdogan's government wanted him extradited from the U.S. and paid Flynn's firm through Alptekin for lobbying, including an op-ed in The Hill calling for Gulen to be ejected. Flynn and Kian both lied that the op-ed was not paid for by the Turkish government.

The indictment is a sign of how Mueller is taking an interest in more than just Russian involvement in the 2016 election.

GUILTY AND AWAITING SENTENCE: ROGER STONE

Roger Stone, a former Trump campaign official and longtime informal advisor to Trump, was indited on seven counts including obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and lying to Congress about his communications with WikiLeaks in January 2019. Convicted on all counts November 15, 2019, awaiting sentence

Stone was a person of interest to Mueller's investigators long before his January indictment, thanks in part due to his public pronouncements as well as internal emails about his contacts with WikiLeks.

In campaign texts and emails, many of which had already been publicly revealed before showing up in Mueller's indictment, Stone communicated with associates about WikiLeaks following reports the organization had obtained a cache of Clinton-related emails.

Stone, a former Nixon campaign adviser who has the disgraced former president's face permanently tattooed on his back, has long been portrayed as a central figure in the election interference scandal.

'They got nothing,' he said of the special counsel's investigation.

Stone gave 'false and misleading' testimony about his requests for information from WikiLeaks. He then pressured a witness, comedian Randy Credico, to take the Fifth Amendment rather than testify, and pressured him in a series of emails. Following a prolonged dispute over testimony, he called him a 'rat' and threatened to 'take that dog away from you', in reference to Credico's pet, Bianca. Stone warned him: 'Let's get it on. Prepare to die.'

CLEARED: GREG CRAIG

Greg Craig, President Barack Obama's White House counsel, was indicted for failing to register as a foreign agent. Mueller's investigators uncovered Craig's work on behalf the government of Ukraine while probing Manafort, who did business with Craig.

Prosecutors released a grand jury indictment of Craig in April 2019, after Craig's law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP agreed to pay more than $4.6 million as part of a settlement. The prominent firm also acknowledged it had failed to register, and placed much of the blame on Craig, a senior partner there.

Craig's lawyer blasted the decision as an abuse of prosecutorial discretion, and prepared to argue that omission of information during an interview is not tantamount to making false statements.

The charges stem from a 2012 report Craig and the firm produced on behalf of the Ukrainian government on opposition figure and former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko. She was an opponent of Manafort's client , former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

Craig was cleared on September 9 2019.
The U.S. Coast Guard has seized 34,780 pounds of cocaine from apparent drug smuggling vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

The drugs, seized in 21 separate operations conducted by six Coast Guard crews over the past three months, were off-loaded on Tuesday at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The drugs were found aboard fishing vessels and go-fast boats outfitted to conceal contraband and evade authorities, said Cmdr. Michael Sharp, the commanding officer of the Coast Guard cutter Forward.

The stops were conducted in Pacific waters off Mexico and Central and South America.

A Coast Guard Cutter Forward boatcrew recovers multiple bales of cocaine, which totaled approximately 2,535 pounds on December 2 nearly 69 miles southwest of Malpelo Island, Colombia. The bales were jettisoned from a suspected drug smuggling vessel

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Forward interdicted this suspected drug smuggling vessel approximately 242 miles southeast of Galapagos Islands, Ecuador on December 30 with approximately 1,768 pounds of cocaine hidden under the deck of the vessel

A Coast Guard Cutter Forward boarding team located 90 bales of cocaine aboard this low profile go-fast vessel on December 15 approximately 273 miles northwest of Manta, Ecuador. The cutter Forward crew seized approximately 3,968 pounds of cocaine and detained three

Sharp said the drugs had a wholesale value of roughly $466 million.

Photos released by the Coast Guard show how smugglers concealed drugs in secrete compartments below deck, or jettisoned huge bales of the drugs overboard as Guardsmen approached in a bid to escape.

On Tuesday morning, the Forward, a 27-foot medium endurance cutter homeported in Portsmouth, Virginia, brought the more than 17 tons to shore at Port Everglades.

Bales of the drugs were piled high on the deck of the Forward as it was greeted by Coast Guard officials at the seaport on Tuesday.

The Forward was responsible for eight of the 21 interdictions, seizing an estimated 14,207 pounds of cocaine.

The bales of cocaine totaling 34,780 pounds are seen on the deck of the Forward before dawn on Tuesday morning, as the cutter arrived in Port Everglades to offload them

The massive haul brought in on Tuesday (above) is just the latest seizure in recent years

Adm. Craig Faller, head of US Southern Command discusses the importance of dismantling criminal organizations that seek to profit form narcotics smuggling on Tuesday morning

The guard's commandant, Adm. Karl Schultz, discusses the threat that criminal organizations pose and the instability they bring with their drug trade

The other vessels involved with the busts were:

The Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton was responsible for five cases, seizing an estimated 9,460 pounds of cocaine.

The Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton was responsible for five cases, seizing an estimated 9,460 pounds of cocaine. The Coast Guard Cutter Campbell was responsible for four cases, seizing an estimated 6,153 pounds of cocaine.

The Coast Guard Cutter Alert was responsible for two cases, seizing an estimated 5,736 pounds of cocaine.

The Coast Guard Cutter Venturous was responsible for one case, seizing an estimated 1,565 pounds of cocaine.

The Coast Guard Cutter Confidence was responsible for one case, seizing an estimated 553 pounds of cocaine.

The guard's commandant, Adm. Karl Schultz, said in the last few years, crews have seized 1.3 million pounds of cocaine and detained 1,200 suspects at sea.

Schultz said most of the drugs originate in Colombia and are destined for the U.S.
A Middlesex County Sheriff's deputy in New Jersey has been arrested on counts of child sexual abuse and child pornography for allegedly making a sex tape with a 17-year-old girl.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro on Tuesday announced felony charges against 33-year-old Joshua Padilla, who was taken into custody on Friday.

The Eatontown resident, who has served with the sheriff's office since 2015, is accused of having unlawful sexual contact with the 17-year-old girl in the Lehigh Valley, posting a video of their tryst online, and then trying to meet an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old girl for sex, according to a press release from Shapiro's office.

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Middlesex County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Padilla (left and right), 33, has been charged with unlawful contact with a minor, child sex abuse and child pornography

For adults only: Padilla is accused of having sex with a 17-year-old girl he met on the hookup site adultfriendfinder.com

Padilla has been charged with unlawful contact with a minor, obscene materials and other sexual performances, sexual abuse of children  manufacturing, disseminating and possessing child pornography.

'Our agents work tirelessly to investigate child sexual predators and get them off the streets of Pennsylvania,' Shapiro said in a statement. 'We have zero tolerance in my office for child predators  wherever we find them.

'It is particularly upsetting and egregious when the accused predator is a member of law enforcement, sworn to protect citizens and uphold the law.'

The investigation into the New Jersey deputy got under last month, after agents with the Attorney Generals Child Predator Section received a tip from the Pennsylvania State Police that a man, later identified as Padilla, had a sexual encounter involving, vaginal, oral and anal sex with a minor in Northampton County sometime in April or May of 2018.

The victim was first contacted over the Internet by Padilla on a website called adultfriendfinder.com, which bills itself as the world's largest dating and hookup site, where he went by the user name '50ShadesofFun,' according to a criminal complaint.

Padilla (pictured in uniform with his mother) is also suspected of trying to set up an encounter with an undercover cop posing as a 14-year-old girl

The victim was underage during the sexual encounter, and Padilla was aware of her age, according to the statement.

The deputy allegedly videotaped the encounter with his cellphone and uploaded the X-rated video onto adultfriendfinder.com, where it was viewed and shared by other users of the site.

In January, an undercover agent reached to Padilla via social media and text messaging, pretending to be a 14-year-old girl.

Padilla allegedly expressed interest in meeting the teen in person, used sexually explicit language, sent the agent two photos of his penis and asked for photos of the bogus 14-year-old.

According to the attorney general's office, Padillas text messages indicated he would perform sex acts on her, and he asked for more photos of his purported 14-year-old victim while she was in school.

Padilla is currently in police custody in New Jersey awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.

The deputy, who earned an annual salary of $56,690, has been suspended without pay.
San Antonio father Derek Rothschild (pictured) is suing his 14-year-old son's middle school classmates and their parents, accusing the students of starting online rumors that his son had planned to shoot up David Lee 'Tex' Hill Middle School, which they all attended

A San Antonio man is suing his son's middle school classmates and their parents, accusing the students of starting online rumors suggesting his teenage son was planning a school shooting.

Derek Rothschild's lawsuit seeks to unmask the unnamed David Lee 'Tex' Hill Middle School students who allegedly voted his 14-year-old son 'most likely to shoot up the school' and then spread rumors about an alleged planned attack in January, along with seeking $50,000 in damages.

It's the first lawsuit to invoke David's Law, which was passed after Alamo Heights High School student David Molak killed himself in 2016 after being cyber bullied, and was named in his honor.

The 2017 law, among other things, allows school districts in Texas to investigate off-campus bullying.

As of now, the Northeast Independent School District, where the middle school located, is not named in the lawsuit, but that may change.

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The lawsuit seeks to name the students of David Lee 'Tex' Hill Middle School (pictured) who started the rumors, as well as $50,000 in damages. The school is not named in the lawsuit at this time but may be added after the family completes the formal grievance process

Justin Nichols, the Rothschild family's attorney, said the school district may be added to the lawsuit, after the family completes the formal grievance process.

'The goal is to make the district realize that a mistake was made and they need to do a better job under David's Law to handle situations of bullying,' Nichols told KENS5 News.

'And most importantly, we want to remind parents out there whose kids are engaging in this kind of conduct, that David's Law allows them to be held accountable.'

Nichols said other students had overheard Rothschild's son joking about the rumors that he planned to engage in a school shooting with his friends and reported the comments to school officials, who interpreted them as threatening.

'His friends had been joking around because they knew it wasn't serious,' Rothschild said. 'And he joked along with them, which then got him pulled from school, placed in school suspension. Everything cascaded from there.'

School officials investigated the claims about Rothschild's son and determined they weren't credible, according to the lawsuit.

'[Officials] went through his backpack, went through his locker, let him back into the student population and ended up punishing him as much, if not more than the very people who started the rumors in the first place,' Nichols said.

District officials have refused to identify the students who spread the rumors, but said they have been disciplined.

'The rumors were mean-spirited, wholly false and intended to hurt' the eighth-grader, Nichols said.

But school officials still ordered Rothschild's son to attend a disciplinary alternative education program until the end of the school year, Nichols said.

His parents decided to home school him instead.

Aubrey Chancellor, a spokesperson for NEISD, said administrators took appropriate actions to investigate and address the situation. 'The district made it clear at the beginning of the school year that all threats against schools would be subject to disciplinary action,' Chancellor said. David Lee 'Tex' Hill Middle School is pictured

David's Law was passed and signed into effect in 2017 after Alamo Heights High School student David Molak (pictured) killed himself in 2016 following being cyber bullied. The law, which among other things, allows school districts in Texas to investigate off-campus bullying, was named in his honor

Aubrey Chancellor, a spokesperson for NEISD, said administrators took appropriate actions to investigate and address the situation.

'The district made it clear at the beginning of the school year that all threats against schools would be subject to disciplinary action,' Chancellor said.

Rothschild said the district didn't clear his son's name or provide him with counseling and resources as required under David's Law.

The 2017 legislation makes specific requirements for a school's response to cyber bullying, which Nichols said the school district failed to follow.

Rothschild said, 'The only message I want to send is that the school needs to do the right thing and treat kids the right way. I felt that the school was out to protect the school and not out to protect the children. There's a real opportunity to change and do things better.'

The mother of the teen who took his own life following being cyber bullied, who is also the co-founder of David's Legacy Foundation, told KENS5 News:

'We are gratified to see David's Law being utilized to protect a young person from the abuses of cyber bullying. Our hope was always to try to save a life. We look forward to following this case as it unfolds.'

For confidential support in the US, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or click here.

For confidential support on suicide matters in the UK, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here.

For confidential support in Australia, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or click here.
The woman who accused the lieutenant governor of Virginia of sexually assaulting her 15 years ago hired the same law firm that represented Christine Blasey Ford in her allegations against Brett Kavanaugh.

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax has denied the allegation that he forced the woman into oral sex in a hotel room during the 2004 Democratic national convention - a claim which has further plunged the state's two top Democrats into crisis.

The charge against Fairfax, 39, came in the wake of calls for Gov. Ralph Northam to resign over a racist photo that appeared in the governor's medical school yearbook. Fairfax would become governor should Northam step down.

The woman who accused Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax (left) of sexual assault hired same law firm Christine Blasey Ford used in her allegations against Brett Kavanaugh

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax denied forcing the woman into oral sex; said encounter was consensual

The Stanford researcher making the accusation against the lieutenant governor has hired Katz, Marshall and Banks, a Washington, D.C.-based firm, and is consulting with them about her next steps, NPR reported.

Blasey Ford hired the same firm when she came forward during Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation process with allegations he assaulted her when the two were in high school. Kavanaugh denied her charges and ultimately was confirmed.

The dual charges against the top two Democrats in Virginia - racism against the governor and sexual assault against the lieutenant governor - has put Richmond's Capitol building under a national spotlight, left Democrats in disarray, and halted state government.

A veteran Virginia Democrat on Monday texted CNN video of a smoldering dumpster fire.

'I should clarify,' the person wrote. 'This isn't a dumpster fire anymore because that would be unfair to dumpster fires.'

Fairfax, who's holding his first elective office, stood his ground in the state Capitol building on Monday.

He claims the encounter in question was 'a 100 percent consensual.'

The incident took place at the 2004 convention in Boston, when Fairfax was the personal aide to John Edwards, who was then the Democratic vice-presidential candidate to John Kerry.

'We hit it off, she was very interested in me, and so eventually, at one point, we ended up going to my hotel room,' he said.

At one point on Monday, the lieutenant governor suggested Northam's supporters were behind the allegation in an attempt to block his rise to the governorship as Northam hunkers down to weigh his options.

'Does anybody think it's any coincidence that on the eve of potentially my being elevated that that's when this smear comes out?' Fairfax told reporters in the state Capitol.

But later that day he walked it back, telling reporters he had 'no indication' that Northam was responsible.

An Northam adviser told The New York Times the governor was not behind the revelation and said they were too busy at the moment to plot such a move.

Fairfax and Northam are not politically close. He ran separately on the 2017 ballot from Northam and was not tapped by him to be lieutenant governor, instead winning a primary contest to become the nominee.

Fairfax also claimed in a written statement that the Washington Post had investigated the claim when he ran for lieutenant governor but had not pursued it because of 'significant red flags and inconsistencies within the allegations.'

But, within hours, that claim was called 'incorrect' by the Washington Post, which said it had not been able to corroborate either version and had not found any 'red flags' in the woman's account.

Ralph Northam in a Saturday press conference denied being in a racist photograph in his 1984 school yearbook and is refusing all calls to step down

A photo on Northam's yearbook page depicts a man in blackface and another in a KKK robe. Northam said he felt sick when he saw the image

The Post did not name the woman, but the website Big League Politics -which first revealed how Northam had a picture on his medical school yearbook page of a man in blackface beside a man in a KKK outfit - revealed how Vanessa Tyson, a Stanford academic, had hinted at accusing Fairfax of assault.

It published a private social media posting made on Sunday, which Tyson was said to have given permission to make public, which said: 'Imagine you were sexually assaulted during the DNC Convention in Boston in 2004 by a campaign staffer.

'You spend the next 13 years trying to forget it ever happened. Until one day uo find out he's the Democratic candidate for statewide office in a state some 3000 miles away, and we wins that election in November 2017.

'Then by some strange, horrible luck, it seems increasingly likely that he'll get a VERY BIG promotion.'

Tyson lives in Los Angeles, roughly 3,000 miles from Virginia, and the biographical details align with Fairfax.

Stanford University fellow Vanessa Tyson reportedly suggested in a private Facebook post that Fairfax sexually assaulted her. The post was obtained by Big League Politics. Her description lines up with Justin Fairfax, the Virginia lieutenant general's biography

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax declined to defend Gov. Ralph Northam, but was himself engulfed in his own scandal with accusations of forced sex and lies

She is a Scripps College professor who is currently a Stanford fellow. Her fellowship is focusing, according to the college's website, on 'politics and policies surrounding sexual violence against women and children in the United States.

'More specifically, she will explore political discourse surrounding sexual assault, corresponding policies, and the unique identities of sexual assault survivors.'

It notes that Tyson, a Princeton and University of Chicago graduate, has volunteered as an advocate for sexual violence awareness and prevention. DailyMail.com reached out to her for comment.

Fairfax and the Washington Post both confirmed that the newspaper investigated allegations of an assault at the convention - although neither named the alleged victim.

The account given in the Post said that the woman was left 'crying and shaken.'

'She said Fairfax guided her to the bed, where they continued kissing, and then at one point she realized she could not move her neck,' the newspaper reported.

'She said Fairfax used his strength to force her to perform oral sex.'

The Washington Post said Monday that it was approached by the woman in 2017 and carefully investigated but never published a story for lack of any independent evidence.

Fairfax's accuser hired the same law firm that Christine Blasey Ford (left) hired when she came forward with her accusation against Brett Kavanaugh (right)

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax would become governor if Ralph Northam resigns

Lieutenant governor is Justin Fairfax's first elected office

The Post said the woman had not told anyone about it, the account could not be corroborated, Fairfax denied it, and the Post was unable to find other similar allegations against him among people who knew him in college, law school or in politics.

At the state capitol, Fairfax told reporters it was a 'smear.'

He was speaking as Northam held talks with his cabinet - but not Fairfax - over whether he should quit after the blackface revelations.

The governor held on over the weekend despite a disastrous three days which saw him first admit he was in the yearbook picture, then deny it, then admit he put on shoe polish to impersonate Michael Jackson, use a press conference to say it was difficult to get off, and only be stopped by his wife from Moonwalking, and be called on to resign by dozens of senior Democrats.

Fairfax is poised to take over for Northam if the Virginia governor has to resign.

The 39-year-old has experienced a meteoric rise through Virginia politics. After John Kerry failed to capture the White House in 2004, Fairfax joined a D.C. law firm and then went on to become a federal prosecutor in Alexandria, Va.

He ran for state attorney general in 2013. Although he lost in the primary, his strong performance impressed Democratic insiders and he ran for lieutenant governor in 2017.

Fairfax's supporters have touted him as a fresh face whose charisma has allowed him to connect with voters. His detractors suggest he is unproven and inexperienced.

Northam remains behind-closed doors with staff and family, defying a call from national Democrats to resign while weighing his public support.

He is said to be weighing whether he could be an effective governor if he stays on while also worried he would be labeled a racist for life if he quits. No Virginia governor has ever resigned before.

Should Northam step down, Fairfax would ascend to the highest office in the state as its second African American governor and try to lead state Democrats in their recovery from Northam's racial scandal.

Although Virginia has a one-term limit for governors, Fairfax would likely be allowed to run again in 2021 because he was not actually elected governor in 2017.

If Fairfax also falls over the sexual assault allegations, Attorney General Mark Herring would be put in charge. He is a Democrat so far unaffected by the dual scandals.

The job moves next to the Speaker of the House of Delegates - a Republican - before a vote in the legislative body to fill the vacancy if the aforementioned office-holders are unable to do the job.
This is the terrifying moment a man shoveling snow off a roof slipped and fell three storeys, before getting up and walking away.

The shocking footage showed the man clearing snow from the roof of a house in the centre of Moscow, when he lost his footing and slipped.

He plummeted to the ground, landing painfully with other workers rushing to his aid.

They pull him to his feet, slap him on the back and help walk away - seemingly without any serious injuries.

The footage, taken on January 31, shows the man shoveling snow off the roof and down onto the ground.

He shows no sign that he is seconds away from a painful fall and moves from the edge of the roof to a huge pile of snow near the top.

After a few seconds, he starts to slip and hurtles towards the drop, with the person recording wrenching the camera away.

We then see him rolling around on the floor, a body-shaped patch on the snow underneath him.

Two colleagues rush to his aid and together they lift him to his feet.

The worker is clearing snow on the roof of the house when he starts to slip towards the edge

He drops three-storeys and crashes into the snow, prompting his colleagues to rush to his aid

However, despite the horrific fall, he is able to get up to his feet and, with the help of his colleagues, walk away

The man seems groggy and uncertain at first but straightens up and walks away at the end of the clip.

A statement from Russian authorities into the fall read: 'On January 31, during the snow clearing, an employee of the management company fell from the roof of a house located on Baumanskaya Street. The injured was taken to the hospital where he was provided with all the necessary help.

'On this fact, a pre-investigation check is conducted on the grounds of a crime, provided for by Part 1 of Art. 143 of the Criminal Code ('violation of labor protection requirements'). The investigators will establish all the circumstances of the incident.'
John Wayne Bobbitt has described wanting to take his own life in the moments after his ex-wife cut off his penis.

In an appearance on The Dr. Oz show on Tuesday, Bobbitt, now 51, said he would have killed himself if he had been physically able to on June 23, 1993, after his wife, Ecuadorian migrant Lorena Gallo, cut off his penis as he was sleeping.

Recalling his visit to the ER after Lorena had fled in their car with his severed penis in one hand and the knife she used in the other, Bobbitt said: 'The doctor comes up to me and says, "Show me your wrist."

'And I said, "That's not where I'm cut." So, "Show me where you're cut."

'So I pulled on my pants, and blood is all over the place, some guys putting towels on me, he kept putting all these towels on me and I was like pretty much suicidal at that point.

John Bobbitt admitted on Tuesday that he wanted to kill himself after his ex-wife Lorena chopped off his penis in 1993

'I'm kind of mutilated in the most worst way a man can be mutilated and I was self-terminated, and I was looking for something that can end it with looking around.'

Dr. Oz asked: 'You would have killed yourself that night if you could've?' and Bobbitt, a former soldier who worked as a porn star after the attack, answered: 'Yeah.'

Lorena, who was found not guilty of assault by way of insanity when the case went to trial, has always maintained that her husband beat her, raped and emotionally abused her - something he has always denied.

He maintains that she was chasing 'her American dream' and that she was greedy.

During his interview on Tuesday, Bobbitt said he wished he had given their four-year union more of a chance.

'The only thing I regret is not engaging in the relationship as much as she was engaged in it.

'I was young, I wasn't ready. We talked me into marrying her because she didnt want to go back to her country.

Lorena Gallo cut off Bobbitt's penis while he was asleep at their home in Virginia. Both are pictured testifying at her trial in 1994

A doctor holds up a photograph of Bobbitt's severed penis during Lorena's trial. She took it with her after severing it then threw it out her car window while driving

Bobbitt appeared on The Dr. Oz show on Tuesday to talk about the famous case

Lorena Gallo is pictured at the premiere of 'Lorena', a docu-series about her crime, at the Sundance Film Festival last month

'She basically asked me to marry her,' he said.

Bobbitt added that his replacement penis was working 'well', saying: 'I'm doing good. I'm super, I'm pretty healthy, pretty strong.'

Lorena is also still giving interviews about the crime which shocked the world.

She has participated in a four-part Amazon Prime show about what happened that will air on February 14.

The docu-series 'Lorena' promises to retell the familiar tale of the vengeful housewife from her perspective in the #MeToo era, exploring 'vital moral issues' like domestic violence and sexual assault that, according to the film's description, the national media failed to address 25 years ago.

One of Lorena's main complaints is that the media and the public were always obsessed with the fate of her ex-husband's sex organ, which she threw out of the window of her car as she drove away from the scene of the crime that fateful night.

In an interview with The New York Times about the series, she complained about the focus of the media coverage that surrounded her case.

'They always just focused on [the penis]' she told the Times. 'And its like they all missed or didnt care why I did what I did.'
The search for missing mother-of-four Savannah Spurlock is now focusing on deserted areas of Garrard County, Kentucky, near the home where she was last seen on January 4. Her family released the last known photo of the 23-year-old on Sunday (above)

The search for a Kentucky mother-of-four who went missing over a month ago is now focusing on corn fields and a bridge near the home where Savannah Spurlock was last seen, investigators say.

In the meantime, loved ones who thought they'd be spending Tuesday celebrating Spurlock's 23rd birthday are instead anxiously awaiting updates from the Cajun Coast Search and Rescue crew.

Officials say the crew is combing through deserted areas of Garrard County following the revelation that Spurlock was taken to a home by three men.

The rescue crew has added volunteer K9 teams and three additional volunteers, two of whom are friends of Spurlock's family and former US Marines.

A search at the Kentucky River is scheduled to resume on Friday, according to officials.

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The Cajun Coast Search and Rescue crew consists of volunteer K-9 teams and three additional volunteers, two of whom are friends of Spurlock's and former US Marines

Officials on Tuesday confirmed that the search team is combing through corn fields and a bridge in Gabbard County. A search at the Kentucky River is scheduled to resume on Thursday

In the meantime, loved ones who thought they'd be spending Tuesday celebrating Spurlock's 23rd birthday are instead anxiously awaiting updates from investigators. The photo above was posted on a Facebook page devoted to the missing person search

Lt Col Rodney Richardson, of the Richmond Police Department, told Fox News on Sunday that Spurlock was last seen on surveillance video on January 4 after she left the Other Bar in Lexington with three men. Police do not believe that she knew the men prior to meeting them that night.

According to Richardson, Spurlock travelled to the home located some 40 miles from the bar in the back of two of the men's car, with another vehicle driven by the third man following along behind.

All three of the men were identified and questioned by police, who confirmed they had forensically searched both of the vehicles but refused to release the findings of the searches.

One of the men claimed that Spurlock left the home 'later that morning', though investigators have not been able to confirm that report.

They said Spurlock's phone, which they have not located, was turned off around 8.30am on the day of her disappearance.

Spurlock was last seen on surveillance video leaving The Other Bar in Lexington, Kentucky, with two men on the night of January 4. Investigators say she had never met the men before

Spurlock traveled to the home located some 40 miles from the bar in the back of two of the men's car, with another vehicle driven by the third man following behind. All three of the men have been identified but none of them have been named as suspects

Spurlock's mother has said she believes the three men are not telling authorities everything they know.

'I think the guys she was with know more than they are saying,' Ellen Spurlock, who lives with her daughter in Richmond, told the Lexington Herald-Leader.

'Their story doesnt make sense. She left with no money, no car, no coat, no phone in a different county than where she lives. Its not like her.'

Ellen said Savannah, who gave birth to twins just days before her disappearance, had been looking forward to going out that night.

'I thought she needed a little break. She hadnt done anything for months since she just had the twins,' Ellen said.

She said she suspects her daughter was taken against her will and urged the men to divulge any information they may have.

'I would say: "Please, I'm begging you, tell everything to police you know. If you're hiding something, which I think you are, please come forth and think about if one of your loved ones was missing,"' she said.

No charges have been filed against the three men, and police have not identified any suspects in the case.

Ellen Spurlock, who lives with her daughter in Richmond, issued a heartbreaking plea to her daughter to 'please come home'. She said she believes Savannah was taken against her will

In an interview last week, Ellen Spurlock issued a heartbreaking plea last week to Savannah to 'please come home'.

'It's the worst nightmare, we're leaning on our faith in God and on each other, our family, our friends,' Ellen told ABC News.

'I would say to her: "Please come home to your family and friends. We miss you and we love you more than you will ever know.

'"Please, please come home to us. Your babies need you."'

Ellen said the last time she spoke to her daughter was on FaceTime around 3am on the morning she vanished.

'She seemed okay,' Ellen recalled. 'She told me she was fine. When I asked her where she was, she said she was in Lexington. She promised she'd be home later that morning. She did not seem out of the ordinary.'

Ellen said her daughter was in a car with at least three other people when they last spoke.

'I don't know anything about her relationship with the men that she was with,' she added.

'When she FaceTimed me, I did not recognize the gentleman driving the car. I had never seen him before. I could not see who was in the back of the car because it was so dark out.

'But I heard voices talking over each other - that's how I knew there were at least two individuals in the backseat of the vehicle.'

Investigators have not publicly said whether they believe Spurlock was in the car with the men during the Facetime call.

Ellen said Savannah, who gave birth to twins just days before her disappearance, had been looking forward to going out that night. Savannah is pictured with one of her four children

'I thought she needed a little break. She hadnt done anything for months since she just had the twins,' Ellen said. The infant boys are pictured above

Shaquille Smith, Savannah's ex-boyfriend and the father of two of her children, said he believes the men know where she is.

'I do think the guys she was with that night know exactly where she is,' Smith told Fox News.

'I do think she is out there somewhere worried and thinking about her kids, family, and friends.'

Ellen said that the police have not been able to share details of the case with her 'because it is so active', but she added that she understands. No one has been charged in the case.

Ellen said her daughter's disappearance has been especially hard on her toddler children, aged two and four. One of the children is pictured above

Richardson said his focus is currently on the search for Savannah and that he believes she is in danger.

There is no indication that the mother-of-four ran away and police have not ruled out the possibility of foul play, he added.

'Her kids were her priority,' Ellen said. 'So this is all just a big shock to her family and friends that she would not be here for over three weeks.'

'I miss her. It's very, very hard on us. We just want her back where she belongs with us and her four babies.'

Ellen also revealed that social media scammers have been claiming they have her daughter, asking for $1,000, gift cards, or Bitcoin for her return.

'She's only worth a thousand dollars? At least make your story believable,' Ellen told WKYT.

'It's very cruel. If these people that are doing this would think about what they would be doing in my situation, they may stop.'

One of the scammers threatened to cut Savannah's finger off if they didn't receive the ransom in 12 hours.

Another threatened that 'We will vanish and so will Spurlock' if they weren't paid.

Ellen said the messages have been a distraction to investigators, who must check out every tip or lead 'no matter how silly it seems'.

Shaquille Smith, Spurlock's ex-boyfriend and the father of two of her children (left), said he believes the men who left the bar with the mother know where she is. Spurlock (right) is 5ft tall and weighs about 140lbs. She has shoulder-length brown and blond hair and several tattoos

On Sunday, Savannah's family released a new image of the 22-year-old.

The photo, which shows her with brown hair instead of blonde, is the most recent picture they have of the young mom.

'Because Savannah has so many different ''looks'' we ask if anyone has photos taken the six weeks prior to missing to please message to us,' a post on the page Missing Savannah read.

'As we receive them, we will share. This photo was newly found in her grandmother's digital camera.'

The family also released images of the month-old twin boys who have now been without their mother for three weeks.

Ellen told WKYT that her daughter's disappearance has been especially hard on her toddler children, aged two and four.

'(Her son) doesn't know what's going on, but my fear is how long can that take place, you know? Mommy is not here for 11 days, each day is another day,' she said when the search was reaching the two-week mark.

'The twins are too young, but the two-year-old, he misses his mommy. He saw her on TV one night and said 'Mommy'. He misses her.

'I cope with it by praying and believing that she is still out there.'

The family has since created a GoFundMe to raise money for a reward for any information that could lead to Savannah.

'I would like for anyone that has anything that might help us in locating Savannah to please come forward and give that information,' Ellen said.

'No matter how insignificant you think it is, how minor, it could be the piece of the puzzle that brings Savannah back to us.'

Savannah is 5ft tall and weighs about 140lbs. She was last seen wearing a black top and a red skirt with heels.

She has shoulder-length brown and blond hair and several tattoos, including one on the right side of her torso that reads, 'I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me,' and another on her back that reads, 'I'm her daughter'.

Anyone with information about Spurlock's whereabouts is urged to contact Lt. Col. Rodney Richardson with Richmond police at 859-624-4776.
A 300,000 statue of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is to be erected in her home town - despite fears that it will be a 'likely target for politically motivated vandals'.

A heritage association in Grantham, Lincolnshire put in an application to install a bronze statue on a plinth, which would be 6.4 metres high, on a patch of grass outside the town's museum.

Plans to erect a statue had previously split the town for over a decade - but the deadlock was broken when South Kesteven District Council members unanimously approved the application during a meeting yesterday.

Sculptor Douglas Jennings working on his statue of Margaret Thatcher which is set to be erected in Grantham, Lincolnshire (Fine Architecture/PA)

Dave Burling, museum curator at Grantham Museum told councillors during the meeting that they had a duty to 'educate people' and added: 'We don't do this by telling an edited story'.

Grantham Community Heritage Association applied for permission to erect the statue which has been created by Sculptor Douglas Jennings in November.

Plans to erect the statue in Parliament Square, London were rejected by Westminster Council last year with a report saying it could have attracted 'potential vandalism and civil disorder'.

But the application for the statue in St Peter's Hill in Grantham was recommended for approval by a planning officer at South Kesteven District Council before being given the green light yesterday.

In a report to the council ahead of the decision, Lincolnshire Police said the force was worried about vandals and suggested the statue is place on a 'sufficiently high plinth' within easy view - to deter attackers.

A police spokesperson wrote in a report it would 'likely target for politically-motivated vandals.

Artist's impression: With a 3.2m sculpture atop a 3.2m plinth, the proposed statue would dominate the quiet town square in Grantham

Baroness Margaret Thatcher at The Conservative Way Forward Summer Party at St Stephen's Club, London on July 20, 2010

They added: 'The divisive nature of Baroness Thatcher due to her political career and policy legacy and the potential for this to result in vandalism has been raised as a concern.

'Lincolnshire Police's Crime Prevention Officer has not objected to the proposal but they have recommended the statue is placed on a sufficiently high plinth and is sited in a location that benefits from good natural surveillance as well as lighting and CCTV.'

The council received 17 objections to the statue, while seven people submitted letters of support.

Those for the plans said the statue would 'commemorate the first female prime minister'.

The Public Memorials Appeal offered the 10ft 5in statue to Grantham - after plans to erect it in London's Parliament Square were rejected.

A small number of Labour members protested outside the Guildhall in Grantham before the application was approved (Josh Payne/PA)

It was funded privately and is thought to have cost 300,000.

Speaking ahead of the vote, council leader Matthew Lee, said: 'A daughter of this town should be honoured with a statue.

Mr Lee stressed that the plans were not about politics and said: 'We are honouring her as a person and her links to this town, whatever you think of her politics.

'No-one can dispute she was a very divisive character though.'

Margaret Thatcher was British Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990 and former leader of the Conservative Party.

Plans to erect a statue to Grantham's most famous daughter have split the town for over a decade.

Many of Grantham's mayors have campaigned for a statue of Baroness Thatcher but despite this - Grantham's only tribute to her is tiny plaque above her father's former grocer's store in North Parade.

In 2013 a manager at Grantham Museum was suspended after wrongly suggesting a statue of Baroness Thatcher had been donated to the town.

And following the death of Baroness Thatcher six years ago plans to erect a statue in Grantham had stalled again.

The deadlock was finally broken last week when a report to South Kesteven District Council stated there is not felt to be a significant threat to the installation of the statue locally.

Douglas Jenningss statue of Margaret Thatcher which was rejected for Parliament Square but is set to be erected in her home town of Grantham, Lincolnshire (Fine Architecture/PA)

However it added: 'In general there remains a motivated far-left movement across the UK who may be committed to public activism.

'It still remains that there is a possibility any public statue of 'Baroness Thatcher' would be a likely target for politically motivated vandals.'

St Peter's Hill is a green space in the heart of Grantham and is already home to a statue of Sir Isaac Newton who attended King's Grammar School in the town.

Margaret Thatcher (nee Roberts) was born and raised in Grantham and attended Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School, before gaining a scholarship to study at Oxford University.

The work, which is currently said to be in storage at 'a secret location', received support from Prime Minister Theresa May, and was offered to Grantham in July after the original plans were rejected.

A Westminster council planning document suggested the proposed statue had come too soon after Baroness Thatcher's death in 2013.

The council has a '10 year principle', where statues or memorials are generally not erected until 10 years have elapsed since the subject's death.

The Metropolitan Police also raised concerns over possible civil disobedience but this did not form part of the planning application.
Monday, February 4, 2019 at 9:27PM

This is what the new Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus are said to look like (AllAboutSamsung)

With the Galaxy S10 launch just a few weeks away, the leaks just keep coming. This time, we find out from regulatory filings from the company that three models of the new line will support the new Wi-Fi 6 standard. Its not something thats widely available just yet (youd need a Wi-Fi 6 router to take advantage of it), but in a way, it is future-proofing the phones. As The Verge explains, the Wi-Fi 6 standard isnt meant to offer drastic speed gains for individual devices. The standard is meant to boost performance in homes or on Wi-Fi networks where a lot of devices are connected.

Samsung is rumoured to be launching not just the usual Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus, but also a lower-cost Galaxy S10 thats being called the S10E or S10 Lite. Were going to find out more when Samsung launches the phones on February 20th.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 6)  The provinces of Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato are taking part in a plebiscite Wednesday to determine if select towns and villages in their areas will be included in the new Bangsamoro autonomous region.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez said all polling precincts in the towns' provinces have been opened, as of 8:30 a.m. He added the series of bombings the day before the plebiscite has not affected the voter turnout in the 13 towns.

"The earliest voters were women and senior citizens, even. So the excitement is palpable and maybe the tension, while it's there, is not dampening their enthusiasm," he told CNN Philippines' The Source.

Residents of Lanao del Norte, except Iligan City, will be asked if they agree to include the towns of Tagoloan, Balo-i, Pantar, Munai, Tangcal and Nunungan in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Meanwhile, seven North Cotabato towns  Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigkawayan, Pikit and Tulunan  will also decide if they allow 67 of their barangays (villages) to separate and be part of the BARMM.

Voters of Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato will also have to vote if they are willing to let go of these areas.

Comelec said it expects around 640,000 residents to participate in the second referendum, which will take place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m It estimated results to be released four days after the plebiscite.

Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez on Tuesday said the second plebiscite will be "less of an emotional issue," as the Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) is already ratified.

"It's less of an emotional issue and more of a practical issue. For the people on the ground. The question is, 'Will it be better for us if we are part of this new entity, or if we just remain where we are?'" Jimenez said in a press briefing.

The poll body on January 25 announced the ratification of BOL four days after 1,540,017 residents in the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) voted "yes" to the creation of the entity.

Cotabato City, which is not an official part of ARMM, will also be part of the new Bangsamoro region after majority of its residents cast their votes in favor of inclusion.

Isabela City in Basilan, however, rejected to be part of the new region.

When the areas covered by the BARMM are established, President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to appoint members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), which will include incumbent officials of the regional government.

The BTA will have legislative and executive powers during the transition period. It will be considered the Bangsamoro government during the transition and will have exclusive powers over budgeting, justice, agriculture, human rights and tourism, among others.
Krystal Jean Lee Kenney will plead guilty to one count of tampering with physical evidence in court on Friday according to the district attorney's office.

That crime was committed on November 24 according to court documents, two days after Kelsey Berreth disappeared, having last been seen by fiance Patrick Frazee.

Lee and Frazee have known one another for years, and she has long been a person of interest in the case.

She will only get a fine and probation under the current charge, and it is not known if she made a deal with prosecutors.

Frazee meanwhile will appear in court on Thursday for a pre-trial custody hearing regarding his daughter with Berreth, Kaylee.

Berreth's parents were awarded temporary custody by the state, but Frazee's mother and sister are challenging that ruling in court.

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Duo: Patrick Frazee (left with Kelsey Berreth and their daughter Kaylee) and Krystal Lee (right) met when they were both 18, and Frazee was Lee's first love according to Patty Rockstahl, who is close to Lee's best friend

Friends of Lee have claimed that she was under Frazee's spell, painting her as a helpless accomplice in interviews.

'She had known him since she was 18 years old, right out of high school. I think he had some type of hold on her,' said Patty Rockstahl in an interview with KMVT last month.

Rockstahl, who employs one of Lee's best friends, also said that the pair owned horses together, and described Frazee as Lee's 'first love.'

'She was in love with him from a very young age,' claimed Patty, who has never met Lee but employed her best friend Michelle.

'She was very vulnerable and I think she cared for him, and he took advantage of that He was her first love, I understand, and he had a hold on her.'

It was also the Rockstahls who informed authorities that Frazee had asked Lee to 'kill the mother of his child' on at least three occasions dating back to October.

In the end, the Rockstahls believe that Lee disposed of Berreth's phone and carried out Frazee's orders because she was afraid of the man, who allegedly went so far as to threaten her children.

'Patrick told Krystal that little girls go missing off the playground all the time,' said Patty.

'Krystal was so scared, he was so angry that he said things that made Krystal think he had killed before. So of course, shes going to be terrified,' added her husband Joe.

Patty also said that she did not believe that Lee was a killer or capable of murder.

'I think she maybe got in over her head, maybe used some bad judgment,' said Patty.

'If I were afraid for myself or for my children, I dont know what I would do.'

The Rocktstahls also believed that this fear is why Lee disposed of Berreth's phone after sending texts to Frazee and the missing mom's employer which were meant to appear to be from Berreth.

'She had the phone,' said Patty.

'She was probably instructed to send those texts by Patrick but thats  theres nobody else that couldve sent those texts to my knowledge.'

It is unclear if Frazee was still with Berreth at the time of the murder.

A friend of Frazee whose granddaughter was a frequent playmate of the accused killer's daughter Kaylee told CNN that Frazee and Berreth had split back on New Year's Day in 2018, just three months after the couple welcomed daughter Kaylee.

That contradicts comments made by Berreth's aunt suggesting that her niece had broken up with Frazee on November 22, the day she was last seen in public.

Authorities have since charged Frazee with first-degree murder despite the fact that Berreth's body and remains have yet to be found.

Two individuals who worked with Lee - who is being investigated for disposing of Kelsey Berreth's cell phone - said that she and Frazee had been in a romantic relationship for months.

DailyMail.com spoke with two people who know the nurse professionally, and they both said that they had been told that Frazee was having an affair with Lee.

Lee divorced her husband a few years back and has two children.

Revealing: 'She was very vulnerable and I think she cared for him, and he took advantage of that He was her first love, I understand, and he had a hold on her,' said Patty (above with her husband Joe)

On trial: The two shared a love of rodeo and owned horses together, but Lee got married and had two children at the same time Frazee was first meeting Kelsey Berreth (Frazee leaving court last month)

Neither of those individuals knew exactly when the relationship started, but they believed it could have been as early as 2016 - prior to the birth of Frazee's daughter with Berreth.

That would have been the second time the pair dated after an earlier romance as teens.

One of the the people DailyMail.com spoke with also said that Lee was in Colorado around Thanksgiving.

That would explain how Frazee was able to get the cell phone to Idaho while never leaving the state.

It was reported back in December that police in Idaho had discovered information pertaining to the missing mom's cell phone.

The Twin Falls Police Department revealed that officers from the force played a role in the investigation by obtaining search warrants and examining evidence in the case.

Berreth's cell phone pinged off a tower in Gooding, Idaho, on November 25, three days after she went missing and around the same time her employer received a text stating that she would not be in for work that week. The location it pinged is about 800 miles from where Berreth was last seen.

The complaint that was filed in the case states that Frazee plotted the murder of Berreth with at least one other individual in the three months before she went missing.

And while authorities have yet to discover a body or any of Berreth's remains at this time, prosecutors said the investigation has yielded enough evidence to suggest the two ways in which the 29-year-old mother was killed by her fiance.
President Trump returned fire on top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer on Tuesday, responding to a floor speech in which he characterized the state of the union as one that's in need of 'drastic repair' and new leadership.

Schumer gave Trump, who's beginning his third year in office, and his administration a 'failing' grade in biting remarks before the president's annual address to Congress.

He railed against Trump on Monday and again the next morning, predicting that the Republican president would make 'empty' promises in his 9 pm address.

'Perhaps even more empty than his policy promises are President Trumps calls for unity each year,' he said.

Trump said in a tweet that Schumer has sour grapes because he's 'upset that he didnt win the Senate' in November's mid-term elections.

President Trump returned fire on top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer on Tuesday, responding to a floor speech in which he characterized the state of the union as one that's in need of 'drastic repair' and new leadership

Schumer gave Trump, who's beginning his third year in office, and his administration a 'failing' grade in biting remarks before the president's annual address to Congress

Schumer railed against Trump on Monday and again the next morning, predicting that the Republican president would make 'empty' promises in his 9 pm address

Last year, Republicans Mike Pence and Paul Ryan flanked Trump. Republicans lost the House this year, and Nancy Pelosi will be sitting behind the president

Republicans added to their majority in the upper chamber. They wield 53 votes in the Senate compared to the 47 that the Democratic caucus commands.

The U.S. president needled Schumer over the victory on Tuesday as he slapped back at him in the hours before his evening speech, when nothing was on his public schedule.

'I see Schumer is already criticizing my State of the Union speech, even though he hasnt seen it yet. Hes just upset that he didnt win the Senate, after spending a fortune, like he thought he would. Too bad we werent given more credit for the Senate win by the media!' Trump said.

Schumer quickly responded on the same medium, telling Trump that he'd missed the point of his remarks.

'Thanks for watching my speech but you must have missed this line: Even more empty than his policy promises are President Trumps calls each year for unity.'

In the floor speech Schumer said that Trump's call for comity, as the White House has put it, will be disingenuous at best.

'It seems every year the president wakes up and discovers the desire for unity on the morning of the State of the Union. Then the president spends the other 364 days of the year dividing us, and sowing a state of disunion,' Schumer charged.

He pointed to Trump's comments after the Charlottesville race riot in 2017, his attacks on federal courts, disparaging comments he's made about the media and insults he levies against his critics on Twitter on an almost-daily basis as examples of conduct that is counter to the claims the president's

'The blatant hypocrisy of this president calling for unity is that he is one of the chief reasons Americans feels so divided now,' Schumer alleged.

In the floor speech Schumer said that Trump's call for comity, as the White House has put it, will be disingenuous at best

The fellow New Yorker said that if the past is precedent, Trump 'will ignore the reality of his administration, the reality of our economy, the reality of our world, and instead weave a web of fiction' in his national address.

'The list of broken or empty promises is long. The gap between the presidents rhetoric and the state of the union and reality is cavernous. Every president uses the state of the union to set goals, but few have done it so cheaply and indifferently,' he contended.

Schumer made his point on Twitter, too. 'President Trump will report tonight on the state of our union. But, the state of the Trump economy is failing America's middle class. The state of the Trump healthcare system is failing American families. The state of the Trump Administration is chaos,' he said minutes before Trump criticized him.

If that weren't enough, he hammered the president in opening remarks at a news conference on Tuesday afternoon as Trump followed a long State of the Union tradition of lunching behind closed doors with national news anchors.

'The last two years, the White previewed addresses to Congress, and each time they emphasized unity, bipartisanship, reaching across the aisle,' Schumer asserted. 'And then next morning, President Trump forgot all that. We hope it won't happen again.

'Every year, the president wakes up and discovers that the desire for bipartisanship and unity is ephemeral. He doesn't rally feel it. He's told he's supposed to say it at the State of the Union, and then it's gone,' Schumer continued.

He told reporters, 'So if President Trump calls for a new era of bipartisanship, forgive me, we're going to wait and see if he's serious this time.'

The White House claims that 'unity' will be a major theme of Trump's speech tonight, despite his repeated attacks on Democrats for opposing his border security measures.

Claims that he'll strike a bipartisan note are being looked at skeptically, as such, particularly after Trump told journalists on Friday that he could use the speech to railroad Congress and give himself the authority and funds to build a wall by declaring a national emergency at the border.

Schumer also took aim on Monday on the floor at claims Trump is expected to make about the economy and his foreign policy record.

'Tomorrow, the president will say  predictably  that the state of our union is strong. But the truth is, the state of the Trump Economy is failing Americas middle class, the state of the Trump Healthcare system is failing American families, and the state of the Trump Administration is embroiled in chaos and incompetence,' Schumer said.

He added, 'The state of the presidents foreign policy is incoherent, inconsistent, cynical in the extreme, and has undermined American power and our national interest.'

Schumer lodged his protest on the floor of the Senate. Other lawmakers will voice theirs through boycotts.

At least four Democratic lawmakers, including Georgia Congressman John Lewis, have said they will not be in attendance.

Most Democrats are expected to attend, and they are bringing guests whose life stories back up policy principles they'd like to highlight.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has invited to transgender soldiers, and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is bringing one of the Democratic activists who confronted former Sen. Jeff Flake in an elevator about sex assault allegations levied at judge Brett Kavanaugh.




The MS-13 gang member charged with shooting dead a rival on a New York subway platform in broad daylight had 12 prior arrests and was free on $2,500 bail following an attempted murder charge.

Ramiro Gutierrez, 26, has been charged with murder, gang assault and criminal possession of a weapon over Sunday's fatal shooting of 20-year-old Abel Mosso in Queens.

Police said Gutierrez is a MS-13 member and was listed in the NYPD's criminal group database.

The victim was a member of the rival 18th Street Gang.

Ramiro Gutierrez, 26, (left in a prior mugshot and right fleeing the shooting) has been charged with murder, gang assault and criminal possession of a weapon over Sunday's fatal shooting of 20-year-old Abel Mosso in Queens

The 20-year-old victim, Abel Mosso, was a member of the rival 18th Street Gang. He was shot multiple times in the face and died on the 90th Street-Elmhurst Avenue subway platform

Gutierrez, who was taken into the custody on Monday after earlier fleeing the shooting scene, had been arrested 12 times previously in New York.

At the time of the shooting, Gutierrez was out on $2,500 bail after being charged with attempted murder and other charges in December.

In that incident, he was accused of planning to rob a Queens home believing $80,000 was stashed inside and beating two people with a pipe. He was among 12 MS-13 members arrested following an investigation into the gang.

His latest arrest comes after footage of the subway shooting went viral.

Police are still looking for two suspects involved in the deadly shooting who fled the scene alongside Gutierrez.

The incident unfolded after the victim and at least three men because involved in a dispute on the Manhattan-bound 7 train on Sunday afternoon.

The fight spilled out onto the platform when the train pulled into the platform at the 90th Street-Elmhurst Avenue subway stop.

The fight spilled out onto the platform when the train pulled into the platform at the 90th Street-Elmhurst Avenue subway stop

Graphic footage filmed by a passenger showed the victim being punched multiple times by two of the men. One of the men, since identified by police as Gutierrez, then stood up and pulled out a gun

The victim died at the scene after suffering multiple gunshot wounds to the face

Graphic footage filmed by a passenger showed the victim being punched multiple times by two of the men.

One of the men, since identified by police as Gutierrez, then stood up and pulled out a gun.

He shot Mosso in the head multiple times before the men fled the scene.

A total of six gunshots could be heard in the footage.

Terrified commuters, who had tried to intervene to break the fight up, were filmed screaming as they ran away from the gunfire.

Police said the train and platform were crowded when the gunfire rang out.

The victim died at the scene after suffering multiple gunshot wounds to the face.

Gutierrez was captured on surveillance cameras fleeing the subway station.

Investigators released surveillance images on Tuesday of two other suspects they are still searching for in relation to the attack.
Spring weather shocked New York residents Monday and Tuesday with temperatures reaching the mid-60's, while mild cities in California and other Western states were buried in snow.

The Weather app issued a warning for New York this week that read: 'Unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.'

Manhattan-based pulmonary specialist Len Horovitz MD explained to CBS New York that chemicals from road salt used as a result of last weeks polar vortex triggered the unusual air quality alerts.

Horovitz told CBS New York: 'The sensitive groups are the very young infants and the elderly.'

CBS New York lead weather anchor Lonnie Quinn also said: 'The chemicals become an issue because they were put down when it was really cold... wow we have all this warmth that has been released by mother nature, and what does warm air want to do? It wants to rise.

'In other words, chemicals, which were never able to be sucked into the ground because they almost develop a permafrost - everything froze so quickly - but now, they get suspended as that air is rising.'

Residents and visitors walk on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City on February 5, 2019

The morning sun hits the skyline of lower Manhattan on February 5, 2019 in New York City. Temperatures in New York reached 65F (18C)

The Weather app issued a warning for New York this week that read: 'Unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.' The skyline of lower Manhattan is pictured on February 5, 2019 in New York City

People walk through Manhattan on an unseasonably warm day on February 04, 2019 in New York City. Only last week New York City and much of the midwest experienced some of the coldest temperatures in years as a Polar Vortex descended on the area

Social media posts about warm New York weather on February 5, 2019

One Twitter user captured this photo showing a woman wearing a heavy winter coat, while another woman is shown in a T-shirt

Signs had been set up around Central Park warning visitors to keep off the melting ice.

Meanwhile, snow, ice and shivering cold blasted normally mild cities from Seattle to Las Vegas to San Francisco on Tuesday.

The winter weather sweeping across the U.S. West shuttered schools, made travel treacherous and closed all roads in Yosemite National Park.

Winter storms have been hitting the West for several days and brought a surprise dusting to peaks overlooking San Francisco - the city's first notable snow in eight years.

Yosemite's ski area closed, restaurants had shorter hours and shuttles were not running because of snow-covered roads.

A storm dumped heavy rain and snow at Yosemite National Park, closing all roads, toppling trees and triggering a rockslide in this Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019 photo in Yosemite National Park, Calif.

Fan palms are covered with a layer of snow in the front yard of a home in Portland, Ore., after a winter storm overnight brought light snow and icy conditions to the Portland metropolitan region

An Alaska Airlines plane takes off above arriving flights waiting for gate assignments, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle

A car belonging to a state agency drives over a light coating of snow on the otherwise closed Alaskan Way viaduct in near-freezing weather Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, in Seattle

'It's beautiful and we certainly need the snow, but we're asking people to stay indoors,' park spokesman Scott Gediman said. 'As the weather improves, we'll plow roads and assess the situation.'

California is still recovering from a drought that led to tight water restrictions and contributed to severe wildfires.

Temperatures plunged into the teens in Seattle overnight, making roads slick, and schools throughout the area shut down for a second day.

Unusual snow fell a day earlier, causing crashes and canceling flights, and lower-than-normal temperatures were expected throughout the week.

Rare snow and cold also walloped Portland, Oregon. Residents awoke to unexpected overnight snowfall that closed schools and left some higher elevation roads slick for the morning commute.

A snow sculpture is dressed as the fish mongers working behind as people walk into the Pike Place Market in near-freezing weather Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, in Seattle

Pedestrians brave the sub-zero temperatures in downtown Helena, Montana, on Tuesday, February 5, 2019

De-icing trucks are staged Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle

Natalie Razey, 9, of Lake Oswego, Oregon, said when the snow flurries started Monday, her teacher shared some advice for ensuring a snow day Tuesday.

'Our teacher let us do a snow dance while it was snowing at school yesterday, and I flushed ice cubes down the toilet and I put spoons under my pillow,' she said during a break from sledding and snowball fights.

In Nevada, the National Weather Service reported light snow in northwest Las Vegas. More than 3 feet of snow has fallen at the top of some Lake Tahoe ski resorts in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 6 feet since storms began Saturday.

An 80-mile stretch of westbound Interstate 80 in the Sierra Nevada reopened to vehicles with chains or snow tires.

In Utah, a semi-trailer slid off an icy highway in a canyon and hit a deputy, sending him to the hospital with serious injuries and closing the road.

The unnamed Rich County sheriff's deputy is expected to survive. He was hit outside his vehicle as he investigated a different semi-trailer that had lost control and rolled off the road.

The bridge between San Rafael and Richmond is seen in the background crossing the bay on February 5, 2019

Photo shows snowfall on Marin County's Mt Tamalpais the morning of February 5, 2019

Snow and tiny icicles sit on red viburnum berries Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, in Lake Oswego, Ore., after a winter storm overnight brought light snow and icy conditions to the Portland, Ore., metropolitan region

Cars are covered with a layer of snow on a street in Portland, Ore., after a winter storm overnight brought light snow and icy conditions to the Portland metropolitan region

It was one of several crashes across Utah as several inches of snow fell.

Montana residents used to the cold braved the third day of subzero temperatures and biting wind chill.

Wind and fresh snowfall led officials to warn of high avalanche danger in southwestern Montana near Yellowstone National Park, and an avalanche warning was in place for the Centennial Mountains in eastern Idaho.

The region, which also includes northwestern Wyoming, was expected to receive up to 8 more inches of snow in the mountains by Wednesday.

For much of the rest of Montana, weather service officials warned of wind chills between 20 and 35 degrees below zero through Wednesday. In those conditions, frostbite can set in within 10 minutes, officials said.

Those who ventured out in downtown Helena during a break in the snow shrugged off the minus 4 degree temperature, calling it one prolonged cold snap in what's been a relatively mild winter for Montana.

'It's inconvenient, that's all,' said Bruce Schwartz, a 62-year-old retiree. 'I'm going to work out and spend a lot of time soaking in the hot tub.'
A top U.S. general warned on Tuesday that the ISIS terror army would pose an enduring threat following a planned U.S. withdrawal from Syria, saying the militant group retained leaders, fighters, facilitators and resources that will fuel a menacing insurgency.

And U.S. General Joseph Votel, head of the U.S. military's Central Command, said President Donald Trump never checked with him before announcing that American troops stationed in Syria would be pulled out of the war-torn country.

'I was not consulted,' Votel said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.

'I was not aware' before Trump made his troop-pullout announcement, he added, while saying that Central Command was 'aware he had expressed a desire and intent in the past ... to depart Syria.'

Votel's remarks represent the latest warning by current and former U.S. officials about the risk of a resurgence by ISIS following a planned U.S. withdrawal from Syria that Trump ordered in December.

'We do have to keep pressure on this network. ... They have the ability of coming back together if we don't,' Votel, who oversees troops in the Middle East as well as Afghanistan, told senators.

U.S. Central Command commander Gen. Joseph Votel said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that President Donald Trump never consulted him before ordering a troop pullout from Syria

Trump is determined to let Turkey manage the remnants of the ISIS terror army but the Pentagon's internal watchdog warns the terror army could quickly reclaim its lost ground if the U.S. leaves Syria

This U.S. military outpost is near the front line between the U.S-backed Syrian Manbij Military Council and Turkish-backed fighters in Manbij, north Syria

He added that territory under ISIS's control had been reduced to less than 20 square miles and would be recaptured by U.S.-backed forces prior to the U.S. withdrawal, which he said would be carried out in a 'deliberate and coordinated manner.'

Votel told the Senate hearing he was not consulted ahead of Trump's surprise decision to withdraw America's more than 2,000 troops from Syria, which helped trigger the resignation of his defense secretary, Jim Mattis.

Trump's Syria withdrawal has also fueled rare, vocal opposition from within his own Republican party.

The Republican-led U.S. Senate on Monday backed largely symbolic legislation that broke with Trump by opposing plans for any abrupt withdrawal of troops from Syria and Afghanistan.

It warned that 'a precipitous withdrawal' could destabilize the region and create a vacuum that could be filled by Iran or Russia.

ISIS militants once laid claim to a religious 'caliphate' of more than 40,000 square miles; that has shrunk to 200 square miles as U.S. military pressure bore fruit

U.S. officials tell Reuters that the military has already started the withdrawal process, adding hundreds of troops to Syria to facilitate a safe pullout. It has begun to withdraw equipment from Syria and is expected to begin the drawdown of personnel soon.

Trump is expected to tout U.S. successes in Syria when he appears before a joint session of Congress to deliver a State of the Union speech at 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

A source close to Trump said the president will declare the militant group all but defeated and will discuss his planned Syria drawdown.

It is unclear whether Trump's triumphant tone will echo the warnings coming from different parts of his administration, including Votel's Central Command and the U.S. military.

The Pentagon's own internal watchdog released a report on Monday saying ISIS remained an active insurgent group and was regenerating functions and capabilities more quickly in Iraq than in Syria.

U.S. troops gathered at the scene of a suicide attack in northern Syria last month, after Trump announced his troop pullout because he believes thejihadists have been 'largely defeated'

Tuesday's hearing brought other top military brass to Washington in addition to Gen. Votel

'Absent sustained (counterterrorism) pressure, ISIS could likely resurge in Syria within six to 12 months and regain limited territory,' the report from the Pentagon's inspector general said.

The report, citing information from U.S. Central Command, said ISIS would portray the withdrawal as a 'victory' and conduct attacks on American personnel during the pullout process.

A report by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that ISIS has transformed into a covert network, including in its strongholds of Syria and Iraq, but is still a threat with centralized leadership, up to $300 million at its disposal and thousands of fighters.

The 18-page report to the U.N. Security Council, seen by Reuters on Tuesday, described ISIS as 'by far the most ambitious international terrorist group, and the one most likely to conduct a large-scale, complex attack in the near future.'

It said the group was interested in attacking aviation and using chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials and that there were up to 18,000 ISIS militants in Iraq and Syria, including up to 3,000 foreign fighters.

'Foreign terrorist fighters leaving the conflict zone, or prior returnees becoming active again on release from prison or for other reasons, will increase the threat,' the report warned. 'Radicalized women and traumatized minors may also pose a serious threat.'
Rachel Tunstill has been convicted of murdering her newborn baby for a second time, after her original conviction was quashed on appeal

A mother was today convicted for a second time of murdering her newborn baby with a pair of scissors, after her initial conviction was quashed on appeal.

Rachel Tunstill, 28, killed tiny Mia Kelly shortly after giving birth in the bathroom of her flat in Burnley in January 2017.

Her child's body was then put into a plastic carrier bag and dumped in a kitchen bin, before Tunstill watched TV with her partner.

She was originally convicted of Mia's murder in June 2017, but an appeal judge later ruled that the jury should have been offered a verdict of infanticide to consider.

Following a retrial of the case over the last seven weeks, Tunstill was again convicted of murder and now faces a life sentence when she comes back before a judge tomorrow.

Tunstill gave birth to baby Mia Kelly on January 14 2017 in the bathroom of her home in Burnley.

She had told her partner that she was suffering a miscarriage and despite him offering to get her medical help, she declined and said she would handle the situation herself.

Mia Kelly's body was dumped in a bin at the couple's home in Burnley (pictured)

Each time he went to check on her, she insisted that she didn't need any assistance, asking only for a pair of scissors.

Investigators say she used the scissors to repeatedly stab the infant, inflicting 15 wounds to the newborn baby.

Police who attended found baby Mia's body in the kitchen bin, hidden in a bag.

Tunstill and the baby's 30-year-old father, were both arrested on suspicion of murder but he was subsequently released without charge.

What is infanticide? Under the Infanticide Act 1938, women can be found to have committed infanticide rather than murder under the certain circumstances. The law describes the crime as: 'Where a woman by any wilful act or omission causes the death of her child being a child under the age of twelve months, but at the time of the act or omission the balance of her mind was disturbed by reason of her not having fully recovered from the effect of giving birth to the child or by reason of the effect of lactation consequent upon the birth of the child.' Infanticide cases in the UK are very rare. One recent case was of Natasha Sultan, a young mother from Hull, was given a three-year supervision order in 2015 for killing her five-week-old daughter in an 'explosion of violence'. The judge said she was an 'utterly broken woman' and 'the burden [of her actions] would never be lifted'. Advertisement

Police said today that he and Mia's wider family continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

Following Tunstill's conviction today, Lancashire police's Det Ch Insp Gareth Willis said: 'This was a truly horrifying and callous killing of a defenceless newborn baby by her mother; her source of life and who should have been her source of love.

'What is worse is that a totally innocent man, still coming to terms with the realisation he had a daughter and that she had died, was questioned by police because Tunstill lied about the fact she had killed the baby stating that it was stillborn. She has still never admitted why she killed Mia.

'My thoughts remain with Mia's father and her family who have not only had to deal with their loss, they have also had to sit through two trials, listening in great detail to what she was subjected to.

'They have conducted themselves with great dignity and I hope this now gives them some comfort that the legal side of things have come to an end.'
A raccoon is happily running wild again after a few kind policemen rescued him from a storm drain.

Meghan Gutierrez was walking her dog in Lawrence, Indiana on Sunday when she saw the little critter in distress.

The raccoon's head was stuck in between the grate, and he was clearly struggling.

A raccoon is happily running wild again after a few kind policemen rescued it from a grate in Lawrence, Indiana on Sunday

The raccoon's head was stuck in between the grate, and he was clearly struggling. And although the critter managed to prop himself up, he was clearly becoming tired

The raccoon had been able to prop himself up, but was quickly becoming tired. He would soon be in danger of accidentally suffocating or hanging himself.

Gutierrez called the Lawrence Police Department for help and four officers arrived within a matter of minutes to help free the raccoon.

Two of the officers had just recently graduated from the Academy and were accompanying their Field Training Officers.

The officers applied Vaseline to the grate, which provided enough lubrication to allow the raccoon's head to slip through.

Gutierrez took photos of the policemen helping the raccoon on Facebook and paid tribute to their dedication to even the smallest of critters.

Four officers arrived within a matter of minutes to help free the raccoon. Two of the officers had just graduated from the Academy and were accompanying their Field Training Officers

'A HUGE thanks to the Lawrence police department,' she wrote.

'Not the average Sunday morning call! But we helped a furry friend!'

Many were also quick to praise the officers after the Lawrence Police Department shared Guttierez's photos on its public Facebook page.

'Lawrence PD is so friendly, they'll even help a masked bandit in need,' one commenter joked.

'Yay way to go LPD! Thank you for helping humans and animals alike!' another added.

'It is wonderful to see that these officers cared enough to help out an animal in need,' one fan wrote. 'I applaud you for your care and concern to help out this little guy and set him free. Thank you!'
A 29-year-old female former inmate at Lackawanna County Prison in Scranton, Pennsylvania, testified on Tuesday against ex-guard George McHale, whom she accused of coercing her into performing a sex act on him while he stood outside her cell in 2009. The 51-year-old defendant is pictured

A former inmate at a scandal-ridden Pennsylvania prison has accused an ex-guard of coercing her into performing a sex act on him while he stood outside her cell in 2009.

George McHale, 51, is the first of seven former guards on trial for charges of sexually abusing female inmates at Lackawanna County Prison.

They were charged last February after a grand jury found what it described as a culture of sexual coercion and cover-up at the jail in Scranton.

Testifying on the second day of the trial Tuesday, the 49-year-old woman described to jurors how McHale allegedly made her fondle him through a slot in her cell door.

She said she didn't tell anyone at the prison because she was afraid of retaliation.

The defense branded the woman a liar who had a motive to be dishonest as she is a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit against Lackawanna County.

But the woman, who has not been identified as she is a victim of sexual assault, didn't waver from her account, barely concealing her anger during cross examination.

'You can scoff all you want,' she told defense attorney Joseph Toczydlowski.

McHale is the first of seven former guards on trial to go on trial after they were charged last March with sexually abusing female inmates at the scandal-ridden prison (above)

McHale's accuser has been in and out of jail for stealing to fund her cocaine addiction. She pleaded guilty in December to receiving stolen property and awaits sentencing.

During her testimony this week, the woman claimed that that assault took place between Christmas and New Year's in 2009.

At the time she was in solitary confinement for complaining about another guard who had been screaming at her for sleeping through a fire drill.

She described solitary as 'maddening, emotionally maddening', and said she was desperate to get out.

So when McHale ordered her to fondle him: 'I complied,' she told the jury.

'I wanted to shower. I wanted to eat. I wanted my mail. I wanted to get out of there.'

The woman said she didn't report the assault to prison authorities because she was afraid they'd take her privileges away - and because it wouldn't have done any good.

'If I said anything, they wouldn't do anything about it anyway,' she said. 'They didn't do anything about anything, ever.'

The cell next door was empty, she said, and the prison had no cameras in that section.

The jury will be permitted to convict McHale based on the woman's testimony alone if they find her account credible.

Toczydlowski said during his opening statement that McHale didn't go into the unit where the alleged incident took place at all that week.

He said the case is based on 'unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, old and sometimes contradictory evidence'.

Toczydlowski described McHale as a family man who's never been in trouble while attempting to undermine the accuser's credibility.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro's office brought the charges against the seven former guards last March after a grand jury determined a 'persistent culture of abuse' had plagued the 850-inmate prison for more than a decade. Shapiro (above in March) said: 'There is no evidence, none, that any action was ever taken to assist these inmates who were ever being assaulted by the guards. Their voices were silenced'

When announcing the charges last year, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said a 'persistent culture of abuse' had plagued the 850-inmate prison for more than a decade.

'This was so commonplace that the women had a slang phrase for it,' the attorney general's office said in a news release after the charges were brought.

State officials said inmates were reluctant to come forward because they feared retaliation, and when they did report the abuse their complaints were ignored.

'There is no evidence, none, that any action was ever taken to assist these inmates who were ever being assaulted by the guards,' Shapiro said. 'Their voices were silenced.'

Lackawanna County officials downplayed the problem, insisting that officials had worked 'diligently over the years' to ensure inmate safety.

The criminal charges came more than a year after four former inmates filed a federal lawsuit alleging that high-ranking county and prison officials, including the warden, conspired to cover up the assaults.

There is no evidence that any action was ever taken to assist these inmates who were being assaulted by the guards. -Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, speaking in March 2018

Female inmates have been 'continuously subjected to institutional sexual assault for over a decade, and officials at the prison and in the county have had knowledge of these assaults', the lawsuit said.

Warden Timothy Betti, then an assistant warden, tore up an inmate's abuse complaints and 'sent officers into her cell to destroy her complaints', the suit said.

Betti has denied the allegation.

Attorney Bernard Brown, representing one of the defendants, Mark Johnson, said his client denies accusations he fondled and harassed an inmate.

'They're simply false,' Brown said. 'He didn't do any of this stuff. He doesn't know where these allegations would come from.'

The charges were a longtime coming, according to investigators who believe there were likely many more victims.

At the time that they were filed last year, Shapiro stressed that the state's criminal investigation was ongoing and asked anyone with information about abuse to contact the attorney general's office.

In 2015, a Lackawanna guard accused of sexually assaulting five inmates at the jail pleaded guilty and was sentenced to at least 45 months in prison. Less than a year later, six guards were placed on administrative leave amid sex allegations.

The other six former Lackawanna County Prison guards charged alongside McHale last March are pictured above: (clockwise from top left) George Efthimiou, Jeffrey Staff, James Walsh, Paul Voglino, John Shnipes and Mark Johnson

The Citizen's Voice in Wilkes-Barr, Pennsylvania, published a report on Monday claiming that sexual abuse allegations at the Lackawanna County Prison has cost taxpayers some $1.45million so far between legal bills and salaries paid to suspended guards.

According to the outlet, the county had paid about $761,833 to nine prison guards placed on paid leave due to abuse allegations outlined in a 2016 lawsuit, based on wage data compiled through January of this year.

HIGH COST OF SEX ABUSE ALLEGATIONS AT LACKAWANNA COUNTY PRISON The Citizen's Voice published a report Monday claiming that sex abuse allegations at the Lackawanna County Prison have cost taxpayers some $1.45million so far between legal bills and salaries paid to suspended guards. Cost of paid leave for nine guards suspended following allegations in 2016 lawsuit: $761,833 $450,695 paid to four guards who remain on paid leave

$190,455 paid to three guards fired in March 2018

$39,662 paid to a guard reinstated in March 2017

$81,021 paid to a guard who died from cancer in January 2018 Cost of Lackawanna County legal bills as of January 2018: $691,891

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Six guards were suspended in June 2016 after officials were made aware of the allegations in the suit, followed by three more guards in February 2017.

Of those nine guards suspended, four remain on paid leave, three were fired in last March after being arrested and criminally charged, one died and one returned to work in March 2017, according to the Voice.

The four guards who remain on paid leave following the 2016 lawsuit  Robert Maguire, Charles Betress, William Shanley and Edward Williams  have collectively received about $450,695 since being suspended.

They will remain on paid leave until they are charged with a crime or accused of wrongdoing, county Acting Chief of Staff Donald Frederickson told the Voice.

In March 2018, the county fired three suspended guards who had been criminally charged under Shapiro, including McHale, Mark Johnson and James J Walsh.

Between June 2016 and their February 2018 arrests, McHale, Walsh and Johnson collected a total of about $190,455 in paid leave.

Leo Baum, another guard named in the suit who has not charged but was placed on leave in June 2016 and reinstated in March 2017 was paid about $39,662 while suspended.

Arthur McPhillips III, who was suspended in June 2016 and died from cancer last January was paid about $81,021.

The county is reportedly still receiving bills from law firms representing it in relation to an ongoing statewide grand jury probe into sexual abuse at the jail.

Those legal bills total about $691,891 so far, county Controller Gary DiBileo told Voice.

Commissioner Laureen Cummings attributed more than half of those legal bills to 'overzealousness' by state investigators.
Stephen Fingleton, 35, allegedly attacked the woman after meeting her at a British Film Institute event in Leicester Square in October 2017

An actress who claims she was sexually assaulted by a Bafta-nominated director told a friend he had been 'her Harvey Weinstein', a court heard.

Stephen Fingleton, 35, allegedly attacked the woman after meeting her at the opening gala night of the British Film Institute's film festival in October 2017.

The pair then scheduled to meet for lunch, but the actress suggested the director came to her three-bedroom flat, which she also used as an office, for a 'business meeting' instead.

'She had invited him to her home for lunch to discuss the possibility that she might be cast in one of his films,' prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward told Isleworth Crown Court.

'During that meeting, he assaulted her. The defendant says that it simply did not happen.'

Fingleton arrived at the woman's home on October 27, 2017 and the pair sat at a table discussing work.

But the director then began a 'sexual conversation out of the blue' and asked if she had done any nudity on film, the court heard.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has previously had 'minor roles' in two Hollywood films.

'At the time the raising of sexual topics did not alarm her,' said the prosecutor.

'She told the defendant she was a recovering alcoholic and a sex addict and that she had attended AA meetings.

'Seemingly out of the blue the defendant touched her shoulder and she started to feel uncomfortable.

'She said nothing. She went into the kitchen to make tea. The defendant cornered her and forced her to push past him.

'He brought up sexual topics and made the victim feel uncomfortable. He pulled her towards him and tried to kiss her.'

The actress tried to defuse the situation by suggesting they watch one of her films in the living room.

But he kept insisting they move into a darker room, like her bedroom, as he had a projector app on his phone.

The actress later told a friend Fingleton had 'been totally her Harvey Weinstein' (pictured left), Isleworth Crown Court heard

When she went to the kitchen to make tea, he told her she had forgotten a pair of her underwear in the washing machine, and she felt embarrassed and bent to pick it up.

'As she did so, he grabbed the top of her head and pushed it towards his crotch.

'The defendant said: "You need to keep your head there, keep it there,"' said Ms Ledward. He then allegedly asked her to perform a sex act on him.

When the actress told him that she thought this was a business meeting, the director said 'I do not separate the two', the court heard.

Fingleton eventually left at around 3:30pm, after spending more than two hours in her flat. The actress later told a friend she had been sexually assaulted.

In a reference to the disgraced Hollywood mogul, the prosecutor said: 'She met with a friend and said he had been totally her Harvey Weinstein'.

Harvey Weinstein was accused of sexually assaulting multiple women over a period of 30 years in October 2017

Fingleton had texted the woman 15 minutes after leaving her flat, saying: 'Thank you for making lunch.

'It was lovely spending time with you and seeing your film.'

But the woman later contacted police and in an interview the director denied assaulting her.

He said he would never take advantage of his position and that she had been the one to introduce sexual topics to the conversation.

Fingleton denied any sexual touching and claimed he was trying to gauge her suitability for an acting role.

Giving evidence behind a screen, the actress said: 'He asked me whether I had done any nudity before.

'I said no. He said that I looked like I had been with a girl before. I asked him why he said that and he said that girls like to explore.'

She said it was a bit odd that he was asking those questions, but at that stage she thought it might be related to his film.

But the actress began to feel uncomfortable when he deliberately touched her shoulder as he went to retrieve a notebook, the court heard.

Fingleton is a writer and director who has made a number of films. His debut, 'The Battersea Ripper,' was screened at the Screentest Festival in Bristol in 2006.

In 2015, Fingleton's film 'Survivalist' was selected for Bafta's Brits to Watch: The Screenings event and he was also chosen as Bafta's Breakthrough Brit.

The director was nominated by Bafta in the Outstanding Debut category a year later.

Fingleton, of Enniskellen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, denies sexual assault.

The trial continues.
A courthouse in Oklahoma was forced to shut its doors for the day on Monday after bedbugs were seen falling from an attorney's suit.

The Rogers County Courthouse in Claremore closed at 12pm for reasons of public safety as a result of the stomach-turning discovery.

Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton said an unnamed lawyer was in third-floor during a docket call at 10.30am courtroom when another visitor noticed what appeared to be bedbugs crawling on his neck.

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The Rogers County Courthouse in Claremore, Oklahoma, was evacuated because of a suspected bedbug infestation

A public notice is seen on the front door of the courthouse announcing the closure of the building effective 12pm Monday

More bedbugs were found on some file folders after the same lawyer had placed his jacket over them.

Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton said bedbugs were seen crawling on a lawyer's neck

Sgt Mike Clarke, the head of security at the courthouse, told 23ABC News the attorney in question appeared unfazed by the presence of the revolting critters on his body and clothes.

As a result of the infestation, the courthouse was evacuated as a precaution and exterminators were called in to rid the 90,000-square-foot building of the blood-sucking insects.

The attorney, according to the sheriff, conducts business at the county courthouse about once a month, reported Tulsa World.

The contamination disrupted the work of the courthouse and many hearings had to be rescheduled.

Exterminators had to be called in to rid the courthouse of the blood-sucking creatures (stock image)

One judge had 146 cases on her docket for this morning, and it all had to be passed because of this, Clarke told NewsOn6. So, its gonna set us back but we will have to make that up.

The courthouse reopened at 8am on Tuesday and resumed its normal operation.

It is unclear at this time whether the lawyer responsible for the bedbug scare would have to foot the pest control service's bill, which could be upwards of $5,000.
Monday, February 4, 2019 at 7:59PM

Google wants to teach you about the ancient art of Chinese shadow puppets this Chinese New Year. Aside from the really cute Google Doodle, there's also Shadow Art AI experiment. Its a web-based experiment that uses TensorFlow.js, which runs machine learning models right from the browser. It uses your devices front-facing camera to teach you how to contort your hands into shadow puppets. Turning it into a bit of a game, youre given 20 seconds to form each animal, with the goal of going through the full lunar cycle as quickly as possible. Its available in 11 languages and is coming to Canada, the US, Europe, and throughout Asia tomorrow, February 5th.
An Arizona nurse accused of raping a severely disabled woman who gave birth at the health facility where she's lived for the past 26 years has pleaded not guilty.

Nathan Sutherland, 36, was arrested last month after DNA evidence linked him to the baby born in December at the Hacienda HealthCare Skilled Nursing Facility in Phoenix.

The defendant, a licensed practical nurse who began working at the facility in 2012, was charged with one count each of sexual assault and abuse of a vulnerable adult.

He entered the 'not guilty' pleas during an appearance in Maricopa County Superior Court on Tuesday.

Sutherland is scheduled to appear in court for an initial pretrial conference on March 19.

His defense team is planning to conduct its own DNA tests and has argued that there is no direct evidence against Sutherland, who has no prior criminal history.

Nathan Sutherland, 36, has pleaded not guilty to the rape of a mentally disabled quadriplegic woman, 29, who unexpectedly gave birth at a healthcare facility in Phoenix, Arizona, in December. The defendant is pictured in Maricopa County Superior Court on Tuesday (above)

Sutherland was arrested last month and charged with one count each of sexual assault and abuse of a vulnerable adult after DNA evidence linked him to the baby. His defense attorney said they will be requesting their own DNA tests

Sutherland, a licensed practical nurse, began working at Hacienda HealthCare Skilled Nursing Facility in 2012. Investigators say he was directly responsible for the 29-year-old woman's care

Police started investigating after the 29-year-old woman, who they say was not in a position to give consent, unexpectedly gave birth on December 29.

The shock delivery prompted authorities to test the DNA of all the men who worked at the care facility.

Sutherland, a devout Christian and father-of-four, was forced to submit his DNA sample under court order on Tuesday and the results showed he was a match to the baby.

He declined to speak with police and invoked his Fifth Amendment rights. He did not enter a plea when he faced court on Wednesday last week.

Defense attorney David Gregan described his client as a family man with young children who has lived in Arizona since 1993.

'There's no direct evidence that Mr Sutherland has committed these acts,' Gregan said. 'I know at this point there's DNA. But he will have a right to his own DNA expert.'

The defense attorney had asked for a lower bond on the grounds that Sutherland didn't have a criminal record.

A Maricopa County Superior Court commissioner set a $500,000 cash-only bond. If Sutherland posts bond, he would need to wear an electronic monitoring device.

Sutherland voluntarily surrendered his nursing license hours before the Arizona State Board of Nursing was set to vote on suspending it at a special meeting two days after his arrest on January 23.

Sutherland's defense attorney David Gregan (right during a January 23 hearing) has argued there is 'no direct evidence' that his client committed the rape

Sutherland (left) voluntarily surrendered his nursing license hours before the Arizona State Board of Nursing was set to vote on suspending it two days after his arrest on January 23

Investigators believe Sutherland raped the patient sometime between February and April. He had worked at Hacienda for eight years and was directly responsible the woman's care.

Officials at the facility said Sutherland went through an 'extensive background check' before he was hired. They said he was terminated 'the moment our leadership team learned of his arrest'.

'Every member of the Hacienda organization is troubled beyond words to think that a licensed practical nurse could be capable of seriously harming a patient,' a statement from the facility said.

'Once again, we offer an apology and send our deepest sympathies to the client and her family, to the community and to our agency partners at every level.'

The 29-year-old victim has been in long-term care since she was three years old.

She gave birth at the facility as staff frantically called 911 for assistance, telling the operator that they had not known the 112-pound patient was pregnant.

The baby has since been released from the hospital and the victim's family have said they will take care of the boy.

'We owed this arrest to the victim. We owed this arrest to the newest member of our community - that innocent baby,' Phoenix police Sergeant Tommy Thomson said.

'The baby I am told is doing good. We can't always choose how we come into this life, but we can choose as a community how we will love this child - and that's what we need to do.'

According to the victim's family, their daughter's condition includes severe brain damage, seizure disorder, and psycho-motor retardation. Initially she was described as being in a coma.

'She does not speak but has some ability to move her limbs, head and neck,' the family's attorney said in a statement.

'The important thing here is that contrary to what's been reported, she is a person, albeit with significant intellectual disabilities.

'She has feelings, likes to be read to, enjoys soft music and is capable of responding to people she is familiar with, especially family.'

Hacienda hired Indiana-based Benchmark Human Services to oversee operations at the nursing facility after Arizona regulators ordered the site be placed under independent management. Phoenix police officers are pictured visiting residents in 2014

The Phoenix Police Department has appealed for information from the families of other patients amid fears others who were in Sutherland's care may have been victimized by him.

Last week, those relatives told of their shock after learning that Sutherland - a Christian rapper who was once in a band - was the suspect.

'He was very loving, very compassionate. Or he pretended to be. And I really trusted him,' Angela Gomez, the mother of another patient in the facility, told local outlet 3TV.

'I suspected others, but I was wrong, and he fooled everybody. Never in my wildest dreams would I think that he would be the suspect. I was in shock. Complete shock because I trusted this man.

'I have even told him: "I'm glad you're working with my son tonight, it gives me a good feeling when I go home".'

Since Sutherland's arrest, Hacienda sent a letter to the relatives of other patients telling them they were entitled to free STD checks or pregnancy tests.

Gomez said her 27-year-old son underwent an STD check and she is waiting for the results.

She fears that he may be the 'monster' that her son referred to sometimes when she visited.

Relatives of patients who were cared for by Sutherland at Hacienda Healthcare have expressed shock at Sutherland's arrest. Angela Gomez (above), whose 27-year-old son is looked after in the home, said she suspected other nurses but not Sutherland

Sutherland is a 36-year-old devout Christian who tours local churches in Phoenix with his sister (right) under the band name 'SLEEPLESSSOLJAZ'

Sutherland divorced from his wife last Bridgett last year (left). The pair lived with their four-children in their Phoenix home, a neighbor revealed. Bridgett owns a catering company which Sutherland has worked for (right)

Sutherland and his wife Bridget divorced last year. The motion was ordered on December 28 - just 24 hours before the victim gave birth.

State records show he was first became a clinical nursing assistant in 2005, before becoming an licensed practitioner nurse.

The 36-year-old is a Haitian orphan and devout Christian who regularly tours local churches to perform Christian rap songs in the group 'SLEEPLESSOULJAZ' alongside his sister.

'My parent's split up in Haiti and I remember my mom couldn't take care of us, so she took us to an orphanage', Sutherland said in 2011.

'Even though it was an orphanage you were blessed if you had one cup or bowl of rice or something a day.'

A former neighbor of the nurse has described him as a 'quiet family man'.

Esella Burr said that Sutherland was her neighbor for more than five years until he sold his Phoenix-area home in October.

Burr says he shared the home with his wife and four children, and she saw the couple leave for church every Sunday.

She says Sutherland would sometimes wave or start a conversation with her and had mentioned that he enjoyed his job as a nurse.

According to court documents, the motion of divorce was ordered on December 28, 24 hours before the birth of the victim's child (pictured: Sutherland sings at Bridgett's birthday in 2016)

Shortly after Sutherland's arrest, news emerged that Hacienda Healthcare's former CEO Bill Timmons, who resigned in the wake of the shocking birth last month, has his own history of sexual harassment allegations.

Chairman of the Board Tom Pomeroy released a statement on January 25 saying Timmons faced 'serious consequences' for his actions, but was ultimately allowed to keep his position as CEO.

Hacienda has since hired Indiana-based Benchmark Human Services to oversee operations at the nursing facility after Arizona regulators ordered the site placed under independent management.

Shortly after Sutherland's arrest it was revealed that Hacienda Healthcare's former CEO Bill Timmons has his own history of sexual harassment allegations dating back to 2006. Timmons resigned in the wake of the shocking birth last month

The unexpected birth led to the resignation of one doctor who had cared for the woman and the suspension of another, according to reports.

Dr Thanh Nguyen was revealed to have been the victim's primary care doctor in a suspension letter obtained by CBS News.

Issued on January 15 - 10 days after the story first broke - the letter, addressed to Nguyen, states he placed 'one or more' of his patients' heath and welfare 'in danger'.

Nguyen has been suspended without pay until a full internal investigation is carried out by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).

The second physician is believed to be Dr Phillip Gear, a veteran pediatrician in Phoenix, who has previously been reprimanded by the Arizona Medical board after the death of an infant under his care.

Practicing for more than 30 years, court records show Gear last checked the victim in April 2018 and noted no major changes in her health or condition.

Both of the woman's caregivers claimed to be unaware she was pregnant, but the time of Gear's last interaction with the victim would suggest she had been a few weeks pregnant at the time of the examination.

This isn't the first time Dr Gear has been involved in an instance of negligence in relation to his care of a patient.

In 2001, Gear was reproached by the Arizona Medical Board for failing to perform a rectal exam on a toddler under his care, who later died.

The board concluded Gear's actions constituted negligence resulting in the child's death.
Venezuela's First Lady-in-waiting Fabiana Rosales, 26 is married to interim president Juan Guaido (pictured)

Venezuela's First Lady-in-waiting says socialist Nicolas Maduro has destroyed the country - but said her husband interim president Juan Guaido will deliver a brighter future.

Fabiana Rosales, 26, says after years of misery and poverty she feels like the country is being reborn.

Speaking from Caracas, a city in chaos, the university-educated mother of one also revealed her own family's tragedy at the unnecessary death of her father due to the lack of medicines.

'I see a country full of hope and going the right way,' Ms Rosales told Venezuela's El Nacional newspaper.

'The Maduro regime took away our spirit and for years they tried to push us down in to misery but this country is being reborn.

'The people of Venezuela have begun to believe in ourselves again and in what we can achieve together, because it is not right that we have to live each day without knowing what we are going to eat tomorrow.'

The mother-of-one said: 'I see a steely determination in Juan, he totally focused. I feel his experiences have prepared him for this moment and belief in a brighter future keeps us going.

Ms Rosales (pictured kissing her husband) said the regime of socialist leader Nicolas Maduro destroyed Venezuela  but now it is being reborn

The university-educated mother-of-one said she is driven by her desire to make a different country that her daughter (pictured) can be proud of

'What drives me is my desire to make a different country for my daughter so that when she grows up she can be proud that we have left her a free Venezuela. That she can grow up in a country without hate.'

She added: 'I appeal to anyone who does not believe that we can achieve change I ask them to look inside their hearts. I'm not asking them to believe in Juan or our family but to believe the movement for democracy and the Venezuelan people. Faith is the answer.'

Ms Rosales, who grew up in the mountain town of Merida, told how Venezuela has changed dramatically from the country of her birth.

'I was born in a different country than the place we are now and I saw how they [Maduro regime] have destroyed it. That is why I had to get involved in politics. My generation understands we have to fight for our future because if we don't no one else will.'

And she revealed how the loss of her death of her father due to a lack of medicines and medical equipment made her determined to help change the country.

'My dad died because there was no way to treat him. There were no medicines and no ambulance to take him to the big city.

'My family suffered at that time and those days were very hard because I could not say goodbye when life took him from me.

'Even though I used that pain to motivate me and move me.

'I am sure that he is proud of the battle we are fighting against the Maduro regime. I also learned my love for my country from my father,' she said as she looked to the heavens.

She honours each and every Venezuelan citizen who has been murdered by the state during the protests against the Maduro regime and acknowledges that these sacrifices have enabled the political opposition leadership to be where it is right now.

Ms Rosales said: 'I cannot tell the mothers who have lost their children during the protests to move on because my mother also lost a child and I know that you live your whole life with that pain.

'But I'm sure that those martyrs know that their deaths were not in vain.

On January 23 her husband Juan Guaido was proclaimed as the interim president of Venezuela in front of millions, in accordance to the constitution. Even though her life changed overnight Ms Rosales remains focused on helping to rebuild the country.

However since her husband assumed the role of interim president her life has been filled with emotion and great tension.

Ms Rosales (pictured with her husband Juan Guaido), who grew up in the mountain town of Merida, told how Venezuela has changed dramatically from the country of her birth

And Ms Rosales revealed how the loss of her death of her father (left, right picture) due to a lack of medicines and medical equipment made her determined to help change the country

On the morning of the January 31 troops from the para-military FAES unit appeared at her home to ask for Fabiana and her husband Juan.

She told how she feared for the safety of her one-year-old daughter Miranda, and her parents who were looking after her.

But despite her concern, the frightening incident strengthened her will to continue the struggle.

This was not the first time that her family been confronted by the state security forces. On January 13 Venezuela's secret police detained Juan Guaido for a short time. But throughout these terrifying experiences Ms Rosales says she puts her faith in God.

'I trusted in God and remained focused. I thought positively because faith can move mountains.'

Ms Rosales has acknowledged the he importance of military support to the transition to democracy.

She said: 'I have poured out my heart to the military families and I'm sure that message got to them.

'I've tried to reach the mother and the sisters of the members of the armed forces to let them know how hard it is to see your family taking part in the government repressed while when you open your fridge there is no food.'
A church minister who visited a 'possessed' man two days before he was allegedly killed by his family in a botched exorcism said he looked like he had a 'fever', a court has heard.

Kennedy Ife's parents and brothers misguidedly believed he was 'possessed by evil spirits' and set about 'curing' him with prayer and restraint, jurors were told.

They allegedly used cable ties, rope and handcuffs to restrain the 26-year-old at home in Enfield, north London, in the days before his death from cardiac arrest.

His parents, Kenneth and Josephine, and five brothers Roy, Harry, Colin, Samuel and Daniel are on trial at the Old Bailey accused of his manslaughter.

Kennedy Ife's mother Josephine is pictured arriving at the Old Bailey, where she stands accused of the manslaughter of her son

Andrew Chukwuenweniwe, a church volunteer at Jesus Sanctuary Ministries, prayed for Kennedy at the house along with two other 'ministers,' known as Brother Peter and Brother Emeka.

He told the court: 'When I arrived at church I was informed that we had been instructed to attend the address of Sister Jo (Josephine Ife) to pray for Kennedy.

'Together we arrived at Sister Jo's house at 10.59pm. Colin opened the door. We were ushered into the living room.

'I saw Kennedy lying down on the settee. He had a mobile phone in his hand. He seemed to be typing something on his phone, texting someone.

'I said "hi". He said "hi". He looked at me directly in the eyes. He looked unwell. He looked tired.'

As they began praying, Kennedy's father walked into the room with a man and a woman from a different church, according to Mr Chukwuenweniwe.

Kennedy Ife, 26, died after suffering a cardiac arrest at the family home in Barnet, on October 22, 2016. Pictured are two of his brothers, Daniel and Roy, (left) and his father, Kenneth, (right) outside the Old Bailey Today

He added: 'I believed he was a pastor but I had never seen him before.

'Sister Jo asked if we could let the man take over. He prayed for God to keep Kennedy and heal him.

'I felt quite angry that we had been instructed to come. After they left we continued to sit and pray. Kennedy sat up when we went to leave.

'He looked to me like he had a fever. He was not as bright as he had seemed when I met him in the past.'

Christopher Sallon, defending Kenneth Ife, asked Mr Chukwuenweniwe: 'At no time did you see Kennedy bound in any way at all?'

Mr Chukwuenweniwe replied: 'No.'

The relatives are accused of killing Kennedy Ife at a home on this road in in Barnet, North London

Mr Sallon: 'He was conscious and greeted you, spoke to you, and was coherent?'

Mr Chukwuenweniwe replied: 'Perfectly.'

Mr Sallon: 'Did you understand that there had been incidents involving Kennedy, where he was not in his right mind, where he was experiencing signs of mental illness?'

Mr Chukwuenweniwe replied: 'No, I was not aware.'

Kenneth, Josephine, Roy, Harry, Colin, Daniel and Samuel, all of Barnet, all deny manslaughter, false imprisonment and causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult between 19 and 23 August 2016.

The trial continues.
A Saudi couple accused of poisoning a young child with insulin have denied cruelty charges today.

Amal Asiri, 28, and her husband Mohammed Asiri, 37, were said to have administered the drug when the child was in hospital.

Emma Smith, prosecuting, said: 'The child was admitted to that hospital between March and June 2017 and again in February 2018 suffering from a form of hypoglycemia.

A Saudi couple accused of poisoning a young child with insulin have denied cruelty charges today. Amal Asiri (left), 28, and her husband Mohammed Asiri (right), 37, were said to have administered the drug when the child was in hospital

'The Crown's case is that it relates to the giving of insulin to the child by the defendants, either by giving it directly or allowing them to access it.'

Inner London Crown Court heard the couple are accused of 'wilfully ill treating the child in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering'.

Mrs Asiri is also charged with 'unlawfully and maliciously administering a poison or other destructive or noxious substance thereby to endanger the life of the child.'

Medical experts including doctors from the children's hospital and toxicology experts are set to be called by both sides.

The couple, based in Kensington, south west London will return to Inner London Crown Court for a hearing on July 25 ahead of the trial on September 16.

Both deny a charge of cruelty to a person under the age of 16. Amal Asiri also denies one charge of administering a poison or noxious substance so as to endanger life.

The couple were granted conditional bail provided they remain in the country, surrender their travel documents and make no attempt to gain new documents.
An 'overstretched' police force has divided opinion by spending time 'arresting' Elsa from Frozen for a charity photoshoot.

Surrey Police shared images on social media today showing one of its officers handcuffing the woman, putting her in a police van, and then taking her to the cells.

Several people commented on Facebook accusing the force of time-wasting, although others replied with laughing emojis.

Surrey Police shared images on social media today showing one of its officers handcuffing the woman and putting her in a police van

The force urged people to donate money to homeless charities to help 'bail out' the fictional character.

Posting on Facebook, the Reigate and Banstead beat team said: 'Today we arrested Elsa [the dangerous fugitive we believe to be responsible for all this cold weather].

'Despite her sister Anna turning up to demand we "let her go", she didn't have any British money to pay for her bail and her assets have been "frozen"...

'Elsa' in the back of the Surrey Police van

'Maybe you could help out to raise enough money for this Ice Queen's bail?

'All donations go to Street Link and East Surrey Outreach, two fabulous charities that are getting vulnerable people off the streets in this icy weather and giving them a much needed second chance.'

Bosses at Surrey Police have regularly been vocal about being overstretched.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro has said police 'could not be everywhere' and had defended the decision to close police counters in the force area.

The idea of 'arresting' Elsa for social media stunts appears to have originated from police forces in the US.

Officers in Illinois posted similar photos on Twitter last week.

On Facebook, Truely Magical Princess Parties reassured followers that the police officer involved was off duty at the time and had helped out as a favour to raise money for charity.
A 23-year-old Vietnamese student is set to go on trial in Germany later this month for allegedly murdering his classmate and dismembering his body.

According to the public prosecutor's office in the city of Gera, the suspect was a huge fan of cannibal Hannibal Lecter and investigators suspected that he ate the 26-year-old victim's liver after watching the 1991 thriller 'The Silence of the Lambs'.

The body of the Jena University student from China's Shanxi province, surnamed Liu, was found chopped into pieces, placed in bags and discarded in The Saale which flows through the city in the eastern province of Thuringia in August last year.

A special police diving team searching for body parts in the River Saale in Jena on August 28

The suspect, a Vietnamese student, was believed to be a huge fan of Hannibal Lecter, as played by Anthony Hopkins (above) in the 1991 thriller The Silence of the Lambs

The victim's body parts were found on August 28 by a special diving team during a two-hour search while the victim's head was found under a bridge.

Prosecutor Martin Zschaechner confirmed that the victim's liver was missing from its body and an autopsy showed signs of it being removed by a sharp instrument such as a knife.

The suspect turned himself into authorities and admitted to killing his physics classmate with a hammer. His name was not disclosed due to privacy reasons.

Prosecutor Martin Zschaechner confirmed that the victim's liver was missing from its body and an autopsy showed signs of it being removed by a sharp instrument such as a knife

The student housing complex where the 26-year-old victim from China was murdered

The Vietnamese suspect was a huge fan of cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter, the main character in the series of novels written by Thomas Harris.

Most famously played by Anthony Hopkins in 'The Silence of the Lambs', the chilling character is a forensic psychiatrist and serial killer who eats his victim's bodies with fava beans and a bottle of Chianti.

Prior to the murder at a student housing accommodation in Jena, the suspect allegedly watched 'The Silence of the Lambs' several times and the sequel 'Hannibal'.

'The film "Hannibal" definitely played a big role in the defendant's life. The liver was selectively removed [from the body],' Zschaechner said.

Prior to the murder at a student housing accommodation in Jena, the suspect allegedly watched 'The Silence of the Lambs' several times and the sequel 'Hannibal'

The victim's body parts were found on August 28 by a special diving team during a two-hour search while the victim's head was found under a bridge near The Saale

Investigators also suspect that the student stole the victim's computer and mobile phone and ordered expensive goods on the internet using his money.

According to chief prosecutor Thomas Villwock, the accused had a serious argument with the Chinese student, who lived in a neighbouring apartment, shortly before the alleged murder took place.

He has been formally indicted and the trial is set to start on February 26 at the district court in the city of Gera.
'Alarm bells' were ringing at the school 'Cinderella girl' Amber Peat attended, but social services failed to act, an inquest heard.

Concerns about Amber, who was found hanged in a hedgerow after she ran away from home following a row with her parents over chores, were called in to a safeguarding team, Nottingham County Council's Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), by Amber's former Vice Principal.

Amber had raised concerns with her teachers and claimed that she had been forced to wash every pot in her home.

On the seventh day of the hearing Vice Principal Karen Green said Amber and her family had moved around quite a bit, but said that once people started to work with them, they would move on.

When referring Amber to the council's safeguarding unit she said: 'This one is ringing alarm bells. It just does not feel right. My gut instinct is there is something not right here and I can't put my finger on it.'

Amber Peat (left) was not allowed to talk about the 'big secret' that her stepfather Daniel Peat (right) had been jailed for tax fraud

Amber's mother Kelly Peat (pictured above) attended the inquest at Nottingham Coroners Court today

The teacher added Amber had mentioned a 'big secret' at home she wasn't allowed to talk about  which turned out to be her stepfather had been jailed for tax fraud  and that she had been subjected to the pot washing punishment.

In 2014 Daniel Peat was jailed for 16 months over a 120,000 tax fraud. He and an accomplice admitted attempting to falsely claim more than 200,000 in tax rebates.

Derby Crown Court had previously heard that Mr Peat was the instigator and received 78,000 from the scam.

Amber Peat, 13, from Mansfield was not found hanged for 72 hours despite going missing in the early evening of May 30

The inquest heard that a second call to the team listed a series of alleged incidents reported by Amber to her form tutor that had happened at home, one of which was a claim her stepfather had woken the schoolgirl at 11.30pm and made her clean the floor of their house.

However on neither occasion was Amber's case escalated to the level of formal social care involvement  causing coroner Laurinda Bower to say she was 'concerned' about how the system operated.

Amber's body was discovered in June 2015, three days after she walked out of the home in Mansfield that she shared with mother Kelly, stepfather Danny, and two younger siblings.

The inquest into her death, which is being held in Nottingham, has earlier been told her parents waited almost eight hours before they finally reported her missing in the early hours of the morning.

The family did not report Amber missing until they had 'been to Tesco and had their tea'. Pictured above the missing poster which was put up once it had been reported that Amber was missing

Ms Bower was told two calls were made from Queen Elizabeth School in Mansfield, which Amber attended at the time of her death, to MASH before the tragedy  one in September 2014, and another six months later.

Both times a worker took information from the callers  one of whom was a key worker at the school and the other its vice principal - and handed it on to a qualified social worker.

But the inquest was told the case didn't pass a 'threshold' that would have triggered statutory social services intervention.

On the second occasion the caller from the school was told to go back to Amber's parents and 'discuss' the claims she had made without any evidence the potential impact on her of doing so had been assessed  something Ms Bower said 'shocked' her.

The coroner told MASH group manager Teresa Godfrey: 'In the world of safeguarding there should have been an explicit conversation about risk.'

The first call to the safeguarding unit was made by Queen Elizabeth vice principal Karen Green.

But MASH officer Elizabeth Fisher, who took the call, said the information provided was 'limited' and 'without context'  and didn't satisfy the criteria for a full social services referral. Instead, the school was advised to carry out an 'Early Help' assessment  something it ultimately didn't do.

However, Mrs Fisher did accept a suggestion from Ms Bower that she could have asked more questions and 'dug a little deeper' to gain a wider picture of the situation. She said evidence she had heard during the inquest about Amber while sat in the public gallery had left her 'shocked'.

A second call was made to the MASH team in March 2015, two months before Amber's death, by her school key worker Sharon Clay.

She reported concerns over Amber wearing ill-fitting tracksuit bottoms to school, which the inquest has previously heard she was made to do by Mr Peat after failing to put her normal trousers in the wash, and bringing her items in a cheap plastic bag.

Ms Clay added that she thought Amber was being 'emotionally abused' by her stepdad, who had also ordered her to wash the floors at 11.30pm at night.

However, the concerns again weren't enough to merit the involvement of social services.

MASH worker Joanna Shepherd, who took the call, said 'you would need more incidents over a period of time'  adding she was not aware at the time of the 'bigger picture' surrounding Amber.

The inquest heard Mrs Shepherd had no knowledge of the earlier call. She told the hearing she could have asked for more details  but would have expected the caller to give a 'full picture'.

After getting the advice of a social worker, Mrs Shepherd told Ms Clay the school should go back and discuss the matter with Amber's mum.

But Ms Bower asked if any thought had been given to the impact it could have on Amber if the disclosures she'd made to her teacher were passed back to her parents, adding: 'As we discuss this now, do you see the concerns I am raising?'

Mrs Shepherd replied: 'Yes. But I could not question the social worker on that.'

The hearing was told that since Amber's death procedures had been put in place, including better recording systems, that aimed to gather and collate information better.

The inquest continues.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article then you can call the Samaritans on 116 123, alternatively you can visit the website at by clicking here.
A hero South African mother who held her toddler as she fended off armed robbers trying to break into her home has defended herself against claims she put her child in danger.

Kjersti Skanke, a pre-school teacher, said the only thought in her mind was to stop the men from gaining access, as she 'feared what they would to do the children'.

The mother-of-two had just said goodbye to her guests, including a pregnant woman and three young children, when the gunmen arrived at her gates at 10.40pm on Saturday.

CCTV footage from her home in Pinetown, near Durban, shows the fearless woman frantically trying to close the gates with her child on her hip, as the gang attack.

Kjersti Skanke (pictured with one of her children), a pre-school teacher, said the only thought in her mind was to stop the men from gaining access

Kjersti Skanke is seen on CCTV holding on to her toddler while trying to fend off an armed gang forcing their way through her gate in Pinetown, South Africa

The footage has been seen by thousands, prompting some to accuse Ms Skanke of risking her child's life by doing so.

But Ms Skanke dismissed the claims, telling TimesLIVE: 'I am a pre-school teacher and a mother. My job is to protect children.'

'People are saying that what I did was stupid and are asking why I didn't run. But at the time, my head wasn't telling me to run. It was telling me to protect the children.

'I was trying to stall them so the children could run out of the vehicles but I also didn't want them to enter the property because I don't know what they wanted and I feared what they would do to the children.'

Commenting the CCTV, security expert Andreas Mathios said: 'The residents were busy saying goodbye to their friends, whose vehicles were still parked in the driveway, with the main driveway gate open because they were about to leave.

Ms Skanke said she 'feared what they would do to the children', one of whom is pictured with her, as she confronted the robbers at her home

Ms Skanke tries to close the gates as one of the gunmen rushes through with his assault rifle

Ms Skanke, a pre-school teacher, has explained that she did not run because she wanted to stop the men and protect the children

A man in red shorts, a family friend , comes to Ms Skanke's aid and tries to secure the gates. He later falls to the ground as shots are fired

'The suspects spotted the opportunity and stopped outside the property. As they approached the victims, one of the women standing in the driveway screamed when she saw a suspect armed with a firearm.'

Video footage shows the Ms Skanke manually closing the gate on the gunmen as one of the departing vehicles rushes back inside the property and reportedly crashes into a garage door.

A man in red shorts then attempts to help the mother close the gates but later drops to the floor after shots are fired.

The mother once again tries to secure the gates after the three gunmen leave the scene

One of the gunmen rushes through the gate as the mother crouches down on the floor and cradles her toddler in her arms.

The armed robber fires shots into the air before leaving the scene.

After several moments, the man in red shorts then returns to secure the gate.

Despite the male family friend falling to the ground when shots were fired, no injuries were reported.

Local police are investigating the incident.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is planning to hire a private investigator as he cancels an upcoming public appearance and hunkers down behind closed doors in defiance of Democratic leaders calling for his resignation.

His move, reported by the New York Times, comes as Northam hasn't been seen in public since Saturday and weighs his political fate in the wake after the revelation of a racist photo in his medical school yearbook.

Northam originally apologized for the picture, which features a man in blackface standing next to a man dressed as a member of the KKK, but a day later he backtracked and claimed the person in blackface was not him.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is planning to hire a private investigator in the wake of the fallout from a racist photo in his medical school yearbook

Northam has refused calls for his resignation since the yearbook photo was revealed Friday

As he debates his next move, Northam will not make a scheduled public appearance at the College of William & Mary's Charter Day celebration on Friday, a prestigious event on the state's political calendar.

'Under the circumstances, it has become clear that the Governor's presence would fundamentally disrupt the sense of campus unity we aspire to and hope for with this event. We have conferred with the governor's office, and he will not be part of Friday's program,' College President Katherine Rowe said in a statement.

Northam swore Rowe into office in July 2018.

She called him a 'welcoming ambassador for the Commonwealth' but did not call for his resignation.

She noted, however, 'the behavior depicted in that photo is a painful reminder of the hate, divisiveness and racism that so many in this country have sought for generations to overcome.'

Charter Day marks the day William & Mary's charter was granted by the Crown of Great Britain back when Virginia was a colony.

The day will also serve as the official inauguration ceremony for Rowe, who joined the college this past summer as the first female president of the school.

Northam, meanwhile, met with family and staff in state Capitol in Richmond on Monday where he told them he will decide soon on whether or not to resign his office.

But no timeline was given on a decision, The Washington Post reported, as the governor searches for evidence it was not him wearing blackface in a yearbook photo.

On Monday Northam's medical school roommate backed his claimed that the Virginia governor was not in the racist photo that appeared in their 1984 yearbook - but contradicted the Democratic politician's claim that he was not at the Halloween party where it was taken.

Rob Marsh, who attended Eastern Virginia Medical School with Northam, said he doesn't think it was the governor wearing blackface and standing next to a man dressed as a member of the KKK.

'No, I don't think it's him. I don't think it looks like him. Ralph is thinner than the people in the picture,' he told WWBT, an NBC station in Richmond, Va.

Marsh said he was also at the Halloween party and he remembered Northam, a pediatric neurologist, dressed as a lawyer - complete with a suit and briefcase.

'I was at the Halloween party the governor went to and I know what he was wearing exactly,' he said. 'Ralph comes out and I remember he was dressed in a three-piece suit and he had a briefcase.'

The photo shocked the Virginia political establishment when it appeared and led to several prominent Democrats - including Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, former Attorney General Eric Holder, Sen. Cory Booker, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren - to call for his resignation.

Northam canceled an upcoming public appearance at the College of William & Mary

Rob Marsh, who attended Eastern Virginia Medical School with Ralph Northam, said it wasn't the Virginia governor in the racist yearbook photo

Originally Northam apologized for the photo but a day later he denied it was him, saying he was sure he didn't wear that costume because he remembered wearing black face on another occasion - in a performance as Michael Jackson in a dance competition.

He also claimed in a press conference on Saturday he did not attend the party in question.

'My belief that I did not wear that costume or attend that party stems in part from my clear memory of other mistakes that I made in the same period of my life,' Northam explained. 'That same year, I did participate in a dance contest in San Antonio in which I darkened my face as part of a Michael Jackson costume.'

Northam appeared to try to soften the offensive occasion by revealing he won the contest he did it for.

Making his revelation worse, he told attendees the reason why he only wore a 'little bit' of shoe polish was because it's difficult to remove.

'I don't know if anybody's tried this...' he said to the shocked room. But it didn't explain why he was wearing blackface to show off his dance talent during the skit.

Northam told the audience during question time: 'I have discussed this with a person of color. I apologized to him.'

He said he felt sick after seeing the image of people wearing a Ku Klux Klan robe and blackface and would remember if he had done so.

Doctors are outed as two of the men other who donned blackface in Virginia governor Ralph Northam's 1984 yearbook

Two of the other doctors photographed in blackface in Virginia governor Ralph Northam's infamous 1984 medical school yearbook have been identified.

Dr. Steven Nafziger, 64, and Michael J. Breiner, 59, were two of three men three men who donned blackface to dress up as The Supremes for the Halloween party at Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Northam attended the party but whether or not he wore a racist costume to it has been a source of great debate.

The scandal began when his yearbook page was unearthed. In the collage of photographs beneath his name is one from the party where two men are dressed up, one in blackface and one in a KKK robe.

There is no caption to indicate which one is Northam.

Steven Nafziger is one of the other men whose blackface costume was used on his yearbook from East Virginia Medical School in 1984

Michael Joseph Breiner also dressed up in blackface to impersonate a member of The Supremes for the Halloween party

Dr. Nafziger (left) works in Colorado. The hospital where he works defended him on Tuesday after the photograph emerged. Dr. Breiner, right, who is still based in Virginia, has not commented

The Democratic Virginia governor apologized for it initially but has since walked back his claims to say that he is not even in the image without explaining why else it would be on his yearbook page.

He went further to say that he did not attend the party, despite others - namely his roommate at the time - confirming that he was there.

As the calls for Northam to resign mounted, more photographs, emerged.

In a statement on Tuesday, the medical center where Nafziger works in Pueblo, Colorado, told DailyMail.com that the racist costume should not speak for his career.

Parkview Medical Center said it had 'no formal comment on the discovery of a nearly four-decade old photograph of Dr. Steven Nafziger, vice president of medical services, dressed and performing as one of The Supremes at a Halloween party during medical school.

Dr. Nafziger's page in the yearbook is opposite Virginia governor Ralph Northam's

'Dr. Nafzigers service to Pueblo, including his medical residency, his time as an outstanding primary care physician, and his tenure with Parkview Medical Center is without reproach,' a spokesman for the hospital added.

Northam has faced calls to resign since the photographs emerged

Breiner is the Associate Professor for Anatomical Sciences and Surgery at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia.

He did not respond to DailyMail.com's inquiries on Tuesday morning.

East Virginia Medical school banned yearbooks in 2013 after other photographs of student standing in front of Confederate flags appeared.

There have been widespread calls for Northam, who has also sparked controversy over his support of a late-term abortion bill, to step down. Among his critics is President Donald Trump.
Donald Trump pronounced Bhutan as 'Button' and Nepal as 'Nipple' during a White House security meeting with intelligence officials, it has been claimed.

The President then incorrectly stated that both nations were part of India, foreign policy and national security correspondent for Time John Walcott said yesterday.

'There are a combination of things. The first one is the presidents ignorance. That goes to the point of thinking that Nepal and Bhutan  which incidentally he also mispronounced a 'nipple' and 'button'  are part of India, which theyre not,' Walcott told CNN's Brooke Baldwin.

In an interview CNN's Brooke Baldwin, Time's foreign policy correspondent John Walcott said that Trump misidentified Bhutan and Nepal as being part of India

Walcott said that Trump has a 'lack of curiosity' on global affairs that is different from every other President and that he remains 'wilfully ignorant'

Baldwin was visibly shocked and replied: 'Wait, seriously? That's what he said?'

'Seriously,' Walcott replied.

Baldwin looked incredulous as Walcott confirmed that the President had in fact made the mistake, as well as mispronounced Bhutan as 'Button' and Nepal as 'Nipple'

Walcott was on CNN to discuss an article he wrote for Time published over the weekend, in which he alleges that sources in the intelligence community consider Trump a risk to national security because he exhibits a 'wilful ignorance' on international affairs.

'When he's briefed on something that doesn't square with his policy views or his personal views, he simply rejects it and goes his own way, and we've heard that time and time again,' Walcott said.

'When he was briefed on the little Indian Ocean atoll of Diego Garcia - which is home to a very important military installation - in preparation for a meeting with Prime Minister May of Great Britain, he only had two questions.'

'The first one was: "Are the people there nice?" and the second one was: "Are the beaches good?"'

President Trump reportedly mispronounced the Nepal and Bhutan as 'Nipple' and 'Button' before stating - incorrectly - that both South Asian nations belong to India

John Walcott @TIME shares his extraordinary reporting out today 'Willful Ignorance.' Inside President Trump's Troubled Intelligence Briefings. Added bonus: how Trump first pronounced Nepal (nipple) and Bhutan (button). Watch: #CNN pic.twitter.com/nVdzTwlQin  Brooke Baldwin (@BrookeBCNN) February 4, 2019

According to Walcott, Trump displays a 'lack of curiosity about the world which is different from other presidents'.

Baldwin then asked what the consequences would be for the country if its president refused to listen to his advisors.

'The real underlying concern is what might happen if the nation is suddenly hit with a real national security crisis out of the blue,' Walcott told her.

'How will the president respond? Will Trump stop and listen and think about that response first - or again, will he simply react on instinct?'

NEPAL - WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU'RE PRESIDENT How to say it: Neh-pal Is it a country: Yes. Full name is the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Who's in charge? Prime minister Khadga Prasad Oli is head of government. President Bidhya Devi Bhandari is ceremonial head of state How many people? 28.9 million in 2016 Quick history: Hindu dynasties ruled area now known as Nepal since 200 A.D. or earlier. Treaties with British Empire kept it independent. Royal family was in control until Crown Prince massacred much of his family in 2001; combination of civil war and popular unrest led to federal democracy replacing royals in 2008 Claim to fame: Home to most popular approach to Mount Everest and the border with Tibet runs across the summit Advertisement
| BY Ricki Green |

Clemenger BBDO has today confirmed Nick Zonnios appointment as head of PR across the agencys Melbourne and Sydney offices.

In the role, Zonnios will build on the great work hes been doing over the past 18 months as he and his team take responsibility for providing earned media and amplification services to the agencys clients.

Says Nick Garrett, CEO, Clemenger BBDO: A core focus for our agency has always been integration, and therefore the amplification of our creative thinking and execution. The head of PR role is a demonstration of our commitment and belief in amplification and the impact it has on our work.

Weve been working with Nick for some time now and hes been an important contributor to a number of our most high-profile creative projects.

Prior to Clemenger BBDO, Zonnios led PR work for a range of blue-chip clients, including ANZ, BP, Officeworks, Origin Energy, Sensis and more.
A trove of documents that leaked Tuesday reveal months of back-and-forth between longtime Trump lawyer Michael Cohen and associate Felix Sater about a proposed Trump Moscow tower project  complete with architectural drawings and references to Vladimir Putin.

The documents, released by Buzzfeed, show former Trump tower executive Sater pitching the project, lining up financing, touting contacts to Putin in 2015 and 2016, and even praising a Trump press conference clip that he suggests be sent to Putin directly.

Included in the documents are sketches of proposed huge skyscraper with 'Trump' emblazoned on it.

In one Nov. 3, 2015 email Sater touts his own access and influence by invoking Trump daughter Ivanka Trump's visit to Moscow. 'Michael I arranged for Ivanka to sit in Putins private chair at his desk and office in the Kremlin I will get Putin on this program and we will get Donald elected,' he writes.

Longtime Trump lawyer Michael Cohen's back-and-forth with an associate about a Trump Moscow tower project are contained in a newly revealed trove of documents

Sater also says he 'Loved Putin/Russia reference,' and asks for a clip of a Trump press conference to 'cut into a short clip to be played for Putin.'

In a formal letter to Cohen  who has been sentenced to jail after pleading guilty to lying to Congress about the Moscow project as well as campaign finance violations  Russian investor Andrew Rozov describes the tower project, which never advanced beyond a formal letter of intent, in some detail. Cohen is assisting prosecutors.

'It was a pleasure speaking with you on Friday. I am excited about the prospect of developing the Trump World Tower Moscow. The building design you sent over is very interesting and will be an architectual and luxury triumph,' he wrote in a letter included in the leak. 'I believe the tallest building in Europe should be in Moscow, and I am prepared to build it,' Rozov wrote Sept. 29, 2015 in a letter forwarded electronically to Cohen by his financial advisor.

At the time Cohen was a top Trump advisor at the Trump Organization, working on financial projects while also giving press advice and serving as a 'fixer' on such matters as women who claimed they had affairs with Trump.

In recent months it has been revealed that discussions of the tower project continued through at least the summer of 2016, despite Trump's denials of having any business in Russia. Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani has allowed the possibility talks continued through November, although the project never advanced.

In January of 2016, at the height of the campaign primary season, the Russia-born Sater wrote Cohen: 'Please get me both yours and DT's travel dates I got another call this morning asking for it,' in reference to a possible trip to Russia.

Ivanka Trump got to 'spin in Putins Kremlin office chair' on her Moscow trip and Kremlin visit, according to Sater, who took credit for arranging it on short notice

Former Trump executive Felix Sater seeks Donald Trump's passport in order to line up visas for a trip to Russia in one document contained in the trove

Sater wrote Cohen: 'See buddy I can not only get Ivanka to spin in Putins Kremlin office chair on 30 minutes notice, I can also get a full meeting'

Felix Sater (r) advised the Trump organization and was born in Russia. He touted his contacts and worked with Cohen to try to put together a Moscow deal

The documents contain frequent references to Russian President Vladimir Putin

On December 1, 2015, Sater aksed for a copy of Cohen's passport 'for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.'

While a full scan of Cohen's passport is included, Trump's is not.

DailyMail.com asked a Trump Organization attorney on Tuesday how the documents leaked to Buzzfeed.

'Not us,' the lawyer replied in an email.

In October of 2015, Sater wrote of 'Kostic,' described a Putin's 'top finance guy and CEO of 2nd largest bank in Russia,' saying he was 'on board and has indicated he would finance Trump Moscow.' He also attached bio material on Andrewy Kostin, the banker he may have been referring to.

The two men exchanged sketches of the Trump World Tower Moscow proposal

The plan was to build the tallest building in Europe. Discussions for the Moscow project continued during Donald Trump's campaign for president, with frequent mentions of Vladimir Putin in communications

'Now all we need is Putin on board and we are golden,' Sater wrote Cohen

As the deal fell apart, Cohen warned Sater he was 'putting my job in jeopardy' and fumed about a 'bulls*** f***ing garbage invite'

Sater sought Cohen's and 'Donald's passports' for a meeting with Russian bank VTB

The two discussed details of the proect, as well as proposed Moscow trips

Here he also references Ivanka Trump. 'See buddy I can not only get Ivanka to spin in Putins Kremlin office chair on 30 minutes notice, I can also get a full meeting.'

He was referring to a Moscow trip where Sater was accompanied by Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump. A photo of the trip surfaced in 2017 that shows Ivanka Trump wearing a fur coat on the streets of Moscow.

The documents also include a previously revealed 'Letter of Intent' laying out the details of a proposed business deal. It would allow the building or hotel operator to brand a spa as 'The Spa by Ivanka Trump.'

Other than references to Donald Trump's travel and documents, the cache doesn't appear to contain information that would point to Trump's knowledge about the project, or to Donald Trump Jr.'s.

By December 2015 Sater was asking for Cohen and Trump's passports to line up invitations and visas by VTB Bank 'to discuss financing for Trump Tower Moscow.'

But within days the deal was blowing up. 'I have invested a lot of personal political capital, time and energy into getting this done ... and am not sure what to do at this point,' Cohen fumed. 'But I guess I should have expected it.'

'Should I be telling my people to cease and desist,' he wrote in a text.

Real estate developer Andrey Rozov

He complained about press reports and says 'my kids where [stet] upset with all their friends talking and asking about the story.' He says 'I ket my mouth shut for you and your team.'

By January of 2016, Cohen was fuming that the deal now involved a 'third rate bank' and a woman with 'no title.'

'Let me do this on my own,' he demands, venting about a 'bullshit letter from a third tier bank.'

'You are putting my job in jeopardy and making me look incompetent,' he complained, going off about a 'bullshit f***ing garbage invite by some no name clerk at a 3rd tier bank.'

'Enough!' he wrote.

Sater pushes back that the meeting involves a VTB chairman, a minister, and Putin's press secretary Dmitri Peskov.

'I'm calling bullshit again,' Cohen writes back. 'Let me do this on my own.'

'People went all the way to the boss for this,' pleads Sater, not specifying who he means.

'We're done,' responded Cohen.
France has carried out a rare simulation of a nuclear deterrent strike, amid fears of an arms race after Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of a missile pact with Russia.

The French military tested its nuclear capability in an 11-hour mission, using a Rafale warplane and firing a real missile without its nuclear warhead.

France spends some $3.5billion (3.1bn) per year on maintaining its 300-strong nuclear weapons stockpile, launched from planes and submarines.

It comes amid growing global tension after Washington tore up a 1987 arms deal with Moscow, with both sides now planning to develop new missiles which were prohibited under the pact.

France has carried out a rare simulation of a nuclear deterrent strike, using Rafale warplanes (file photo) in an 11-hour mission amid growing global tension

'These real strikes are scheduled in the life of the weapons' system,' French air force spokesman Colonel Cyrille Duvivier said.

'They are carried out at fairly regular intervals, but remain rare because the real missile, without its warhead, is fired.'

Paris did not reveal when the test was carried out, and officials declined to say how often they take place.

It put an end to nuclear weapons testing in 1996 after a test in the South Pacific sparked outrage, and has since signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

French defence chiefs plan to modernise their nuclear capacity at a cost of 5billion (4.4bn) a year by 2020.

Stumbling block: The Russian Novatar 9M729 ground-based cruise missile system is accused by the U.S. of breaching the 1987 arms treaty, which Russia denies

The mission comes with Europe increasingly worried about security as tensions rise between Washington and Moscow.

The United States announced on Friday it was withdrawing from the 1987 pact banning ground-launched missiles in Europe, accusing Moscow of violations.

The 32-year-old treaty required parties to destroy ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of between 500 and 5,500 km (310 to 3,420 miles).

Paris urged Russia on Friday to use the six-month period triggered by the United States' decision to comply with its obligations under the accord.

'We Europeans cannot remain spectators of our own security,' French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said on Tuesday at a conference in Portugal.

France is also concerned over North Korea's nuclear weapons programme and Iran's ballistic missile capabilities.

Paris made strenuous attempts to stop Donald Trump abandoning the 2015 weapons deal with Iran but Emmanuel Macron's lobbying was unsuccessful.
A US Navy officer stationed in Japan has been arrested after local authorities said he was found naked inside a family's home after using their shower over the weekend.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathaniel Williams, 27, was allegedly drunk when he entered a couple's apartment in Ebina City in suburban Tokyo just after 5am local time on Saturday.

A 44-year-old man who lives in the second-floor unit said he heard water running in the bathroom and walked in to find the American stranger in his birthday suit.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathaniel Williams was arrested early Saturday morning in Ebina City, Japan, after being found naked and drunk inside a couple's apartment

The man and his wife subdued the undressed intruder until police arrived and took him away, reported Stars and Stripes citing Japanese media outlets.

Williams was arrested on suspicion of trespassing. He is assigned to the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Depo at Naval Air Facility Atsugi - the largest US Navy air base in the Pacific Ocean.

Officers who responded to the scene reported smelling alcohol on the Navy mans breath.

Police said there were no signs of a break-in at the home, suggesting that Williams had slipped in through an unlocked door.

Naval Air Facility Atsugi Public Affairs Officer Sam Samuelson said the US Navy takes this matter very seriously and will continue to cooperate fully with local law enforcement as the investigation continues.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was offered the chance to open a McDonald's by his dad instead of going to Harvard and founding the social media giant, according to his sister.

Randi Zuckerberg said their father 'offered us the options of going to college or like investing in a franchise and running it'.

Talking about her life growing up with Mark in Dobbs Ferry, New York, Randi said her parents thought Facebook 'might be a second good choice' to running the fast food chain.

She told CNN: 'I think they were like 'Okay, you probably should have taken the McDonald's franchise money if you wanted a business. But, okay, this might be a second good choice.'

Facebook now has 2.32 billion monthly users globally. Mark is worth an estimated $65.3 billion and the site brought in $16.9 billion in revenue during its most recent quarter.

Randi Zuckerberg, pictured, said her brother Mark was offered the chance to open a McDonald's by his dad instead of going to Harvard and founding the social media giant

Mark Zuckerberg, pictured with wife Priscilla Chan, invented Facebook in his dorm room at Harvard university 15 years ago

MEET THE ZUCKERBERGS Parents Ed and Donna Zuckerberg opened a dental practice in 1978. Sister Arielle Zuckerberg joined Coatue Management in May 2018. A second sister, Donna, is the editor-in-chief of the journal Eidolon. Randi is the CEO of Zuckerberg Media, her own production company. Advertisement

Randi was an early employee at Facebook after leaving her job at a major advertising agency and now runs her own production company.

She was talking ahead of the 15th anniversary of Facebook, which was famously invented in Mark's dorm room at Harvard University.

Randi, who ran live video efforts on the platform, added: 'I think we're very young and idealistic at that time that we're creating these ... I remember thinking, 'Oh my gosh, we have given a voice to everyone.

'It really wasn't until years later, with a lot that I see going on in the world, that I woke up and was like,"Oh my gosh, we've given a voice to everyone".'

She told of how, along with Mark, she cut the the circuit breaker at midnight on New Year's Eve in 1999 to trick their mom who was nervous about the year 2000.

Edward Zuckerberg, Randi Zuckerberg, and Karen Zuckerberg pictured in 2018

The Zuckerberg clan, with Mark (far left) Randi (front left) dad Ed (centre) behind mum Donna, and sisters Arielle (far right) and Donna (second right) at Harry Potter World

The Zuckerberg family in younger years at the London Dungeon

Facebook's reputation suffered last year from a data scandal involving a British political consulting firm that involved personal information of millions of users, putting the social network under tight scrutiny across the globe.

Last year Zuckerberg said he would fix many of Facebook's issues such as the use of the platform for hate speech, spreading misinformation and political meddling.

As part of those efforts, Facebook stepped up its fact-checking efforts, took down suspicious pages and accounts, improved its systems for identifying fake accounts.

However, it still faces criticism from regulators and lawmakers for not doing enough.

Google, Twitter and Facebook have come under fire for allowing the spread of bogus news - some of which was directed by Russia - ahead of the 2016 US election and in other countries.

In a blog post in September 2017, Facebook said that more than 3,000 advertisements posted between June 2015 and May 2017 had Russian links.
Donald Trump's job approval rating hit 48 per cent on Tuesday in a daily tracking poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports, the president's favorite polling organization.

Trump often cites Rasmussen as a rare example of a trustworthy poll, suggesting others are operated by 'fake news' outets that are slanted against him.

Tuesday's numbers came hours before the president's State of the Union address. Fifty-one percent of likely voters disapprove of his work as president.

But the 48 per cent thumbs-up rating represent a high-water mark since December 21 when he reached 49 per cent  on the last day the federal government was fully funded before a five-week partial shutdown.

Donald Trump is gaining ground in the nation's only daily presidential approval tracking poll, surging to 48 per cent  a higher level of popular support than he had on Election Day 2016

Rasmussen's data shows a gradual slide during the five-week government shutdown from where the president was polling in the ten days beforehand, and a dramatic up-swing since it ended

Rasmussen's 48 per cent showing is the highest in an average of polls that puts Trump's broader approval at just 41 per cent; many of the other polls include all Americans, while Rasmussen limits its data to registered voters only

Trump won 46.1 per cent of the votes cast in the 2016 election, prevailing on the strength of a commanding majority in the Electoral College.

Rasmussen's margin of error is 2.5 per cent, meaning Trump could actually have a majority of Americans behind him and a leg up on his winning position from two years ago.

Trump's approval had been sliding in recent weeks, reaching a low of 43 per cent in the Rasmussen poll as the shutdown wore on.

An average of presidential approval polls maintained by Real Clear Politics now has the president at 41.1 per cent.

That suggests he still has a steep hill to climb at a time when most Americans still blame him and congressional Republicans for the shutdown.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (left) and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (right) escaped primary blame for the government shutdown, but they still poll worse than the president in general

The most dire poll included in that average is Gallup's, which found a week ago that just 37 per cent of Americans approve of Trump's work in the White House. A whopping 59 per cent disapproved.

Leaders of Congress from both parties, however, consistently fare even worse in national polls.

Unlike Gallup's broad samples, which draw from all American adults, Rasmussen surveyers accept responses only from self-described 'likely voters.' It's the only 'likely voter' national poll on Trump to be published since mid-November.

The Rasmussen survey is now the only national poll that records the public's assessment of the president's performance every weekday. Gallup ended its competing daily tracking poll last year, and now only reports monthly averages.
Swedish royal treasure from 1611 that was stolen last year from a cathedral has been found, officials have revealed.

Police said in a statement that 'all seems to indicate King Karl IX's stolen funeral regalia have been found in the Stockholm area.'

According to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, the treasures were found in a dustbin - on which someone had written the word 'BOMB'.

After spotting the bin a security guard became curious and found a number of items believed to be the stolen jewels inside.

A collection of Swedish Crown jewels thought to have been stolen back in August last year

Surveillance cameras in the area are now being checked to see if any people involved were caught on film.

According to investigators, more details will come 'when we know for sure if it is the stolen regalia.'

The stolen artifacts included a gold crown and an orb dating to 1611 that were made for King Karl IX's funeral, as well as a jewel-encrusted crown dating to 1625 that was used in Queen Kristina's funeral. The items were on display at an exhibition, and visitors were inside the cathedral when they were taken.

A 22-year-old Swedish man is standing trial on accusations of stealing two crowns and an orb from the Strangnas Cathedral, west of Stockholm om July 31, from an alarmed display after the glass was smashed.

The defendant, a 22-year-old Swedish national, who was arrested on September 12, has not been publicly identified.

The cathedral was open to the public when the jewels were stolen, Aftonbladet reported. Pictured left: The grave of Karl IX at the cathedral. Right: The king himself

A second man has been detained but not charged over the haul said to valued at 65 million kronor (5.5 million).

The stolen artefacts are so-called funeral regalia, which are placed inside or on top of a coffin to symbolise a deceased royal's identity and social ranking.

While some funeral regalia are kept in the cathedrals of Strangnas, Uppsala and Vasteras, Sweden's crown jewels are in vaults under the Royal Castle in Stockholm.

The daytime robbery took place in August last year as thieves smashed a security case and stole the jewels before hopping on bicycles and escaping via a nearby lake, police said.

At the time it was believed that two men pulled off the heist at Strangnas Cathedral and vanished aboard a speedboat or jet skis into the vast patchwork of lakes around the city, located 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of the Swedish capital of Stockholm.

'The alarm went off when the burglars smashed the security glass and stole the artifacts,' Catharina Frojd, a spokeswoman for the 14th century cathedral, said back in August

Strangnas Cathedral said on its website that the stolen pieces were kept 'in accordance with the prevailing safety regulations in locked and alarmed displays.' It gave no further details.

Police sent out a helicopter and boat to hunt for the thieves but found nothing.

Tom Rowell, a visitor who was eating lunch outside the Lutheran church, said he saw two men running from the cathedral toward a small nearby jetty where a motorboat was moored.

'The two men hurriedly jumped on board and it sped off,' Rowell said, adding that they 'appeared non-Nordic.' He didn't elaborate.

However, police spokesman Stefan Dangardt said 'witnesses' testimonies varied quite a bit' and it was also possible the thieves escaped on jet skis.
A priest who works at a St Louis school was arrested on Friday after he was found hiding in bushes outside a female colleague's home.

Police in Richmond Heights were called at about 10.15 pm to a home in the 9000 block of Greenridge Drive, where a woman reported a man looking through her windows.

Cops found Michael McCusker, 36, hiding in the bushes, police said. Charging documents allege that he ran from police, but he was later arrested.

Michael McCusker (pictured) charged Monday with second-degree stalking and resisting arrest after he was found hiding in bushes outside a female co-workers home

They later learned that he is a priest and teacher at St Louis Priory School in Creve Coeur, where he also lives, St Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

He goes by his religious name, the Reverend John McCusker, according to a post on the school's website.

The woman who lived at the address is also a teacher at St. Louis Priory, police said.

Court documents claim McCusker 'has a history of inappropriate and offensive communication toward victim, who has lodged complaints with her employer.'

McCusker was charged Monday with second-degree stalking and resisting arrest. His bail was set at $500.

He is a Benedictine monk of Saint Louis Abbey in Missouri.

McCusker (pictured) is a Benedictine monk of Saint Louis Abbey in Missouri and studied for the priesthood at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C.

He studied for the priesthood at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. and did his undergraduate work at the University of Notre Dame.

He currently teaches Theology at Saint Louis Priory School. Abbot Gregory Mohrman, of St. Louis Abbey, wrote to the school community Sunday to announce the arrest.

A view of Greenridge Drive in Richmond Heights where McCusker was found by police

In a letter obtained by KSDK the school said: 'We are in communication and cooperation with law enforcement and continue to gather facts.

'While we seek more information, our thoughts and prayers go immediately to the faculty member and family who have been impacted.

'Because the safety of our faculty and students remains our highest priority, I can affirm that Father John has been removed from his roles in the school effective immediately, and he is no longer residing on campus.'

The latest arrest comes after another priest was removed from the post last June after 'inappropriate images' were discovered on a laptop computer he used.

A school official said in a letter sent to parents that images were found during a routine review of electronic devices used by school staff.

It remains unclear when the letter about the Rev. Maximilian Toczylowski was sent or when he was removed, though the letter states he was removed 'immediately.'
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders attempted to put distance between the president and an investigation into his inaugural committee on Tuesday after federal prosecutors dug deeper into the organization's finances.

Federal prosecutors in New York issued a subpoena Monday seeking documents from the committee, furthering a federal inquiry into the fund that has faced mounting scrutiny over how it raised and spent its money.

Sanders maintained that the probe has 'nothing to do' with the White House and said that 'hysteria' from the president's critics is all that is all that tying him to investigations into entities he's associated with.

'I'm reading the same reports you are this morning, gathering that information,' she said on CNN's 'New Day' program. 'What I do know at this point is this has nothing to do with the White House, and for anything specific and further, I'd refer you back to the Trump inaugural committee.'

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders attempted to put distance between the president and an investigation into inaugural committee on Tuesday after federal prosecutors dug deeper into the organization's finances.

Federal prosecutors in New York issued a subpoena Monday seeking documents from Donald Trump's inaugural committee, furthering a federal inquiry into a fund that has faced mounting scrutiny into how it raised and spent its money. Trump takes the oath of office in January 2017

A spokeswoman for the committee told The Associated Press that committee had received the subpoena and was still reviewing it, adding 'it is our intention to cooperate with the inquiry.'

Reports indicate that the probe is focusing on the committee's relationship with Los Angeles-based venture capitalist Imaad Zuberi

She did not say which documents prosecutors requested.

But reports indicate that the probe is focusing on the committee's relationship with Los Angeles-based venture capitalist Imaad Zuberi.

Zuberi gave a $900,000 donation to the Trump inaugural committee through his private-equity firm Avenue Ventures, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan, which issued the subpoena, declined to comment.

The Journal, citing a copy of the subpoena, reported that prosecutors asked for 'all documents' related to the committee's donors and vendors, as well as records relating to 'benefits' donors received after making contributions.

The newspaper reported late last year that federal prosecutors are investigating whether committee donors made contributions in exchange for political favors - a potential violation of federal corruption laws.

It said the inquiry also was focused on whether the inauguration misspent the $107 million it raised to stage events celebrating Trump's inauguration.

The head of the inaugural committee, Tom Barrack (left), confirmed to The Associated Press that he was questioned by the special counsel, Robert Mueller (right), in 2017

The subpoena also requested documents relating to donations 'made by or on behalf of foreign nationals, including but not limited to any communications regarding or relating to the possibility of donations by foreign nationals,' the Journal reported.

The New York Times reported late last year that federal prosecutors are examining whether anyone from Qatar, Saudi Arabia or other Middle Eastern countries made illegal payments to the committee and a pro-Trump super political action committee.

Foreign contributions to inaugural funds and PACs are prohibited under federal law.

The head of the inaugural committee, Tom Barrack, confirmed to The Associated Press that he was questioned by the special counsel, Robert Mueller, in 2017.

He told AP that that he was not a target of the Mueller investigation, which is looking into Russian interference in the 2016 elections.

Mueller and federal prosecutors are also looking into allegations that have been levied against associates of the president who are said to have had inappropriate contact with Kremlin sources amid the presidential campaign and the period after the election before Trump took office.

Probes into alleged collusion have turned up evidence of other illicit activity such as money laundering and false testimony to prosecutors and Congress.

Asked on 'New Day' about the president acting as a 'common thread' to every investigation, his spokeswoman denied on Tuesday that Trump is the link between their misdeeds.

'Actually, I think the common thread is hysteria over the fact that this president became president. The common thread is that there is so much hatred out there, that they will look for anything to try to create and tie problems to this president,' she charged.

Sanders said, 'People like Roger Stone and Paul Manafort literally have nothing to do with the president, have to do with the fact of their communications with Congress, and that's not something the president has any jurisdiction over.'
A Dutch former MP and right-hand man of far-right politician Geert Wilders has shocked his supporters by announcing he has converted to Islam.

Joram van Klaveren, who once called Islam 'the biggest disease to have hit our country in the last hundred years' was an MP for Wilders' far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) from 2010 to 2017.

During that time, Van Klaveren fought a relentless campaign against Islam in the Dutch Parliament, calling for bans of both the Muslim face-veil and minarets, which are slim towers often seen on mosques.

Change: Joram van Klaveren was an MP for the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) from 2010 to 2017 and relentlessly campaigned against Islam calling for bans of the burqa and minarets

But the 40-year-old said he had changed his mind halfway through writing a-book criticising Islam, when he found out he had more in common with the religion than he initially thought.

Van Klaveren said: 'I looked at the Bible on my bookshelf, on the table were books about the Prophet Muhammad.

'The prior years I had a big aversion to Islam. When you then have to conclude that you were wrong, it is not a fun moment.

'But while searching for God I always felt a certain unease. And that slowly disappeared. It felt a bit like coming home in a religious way.'

Van Klaveren, who grew up in a reformed protestant family, said he is 'very sorry that he contributed to giving people a false image about Islam'.

Companions: Van Kleveren wasconsidered the 'right-hand man' of far-right Islamophobic politician Geert Wilders, pictured in court appealing his discrimination charges

New views: Van Klaveren, who once called Islam 'the biggest disease to have hit our country in the last hundred years', is now a Muslim

He said that the manuscript of the Islam-critical book he initially planned to write has since been thrown into a rubbish bin and will be replaced by a book in which he will counter the arguments of critics of Islam.

Van Klaveren said that the analysis which he made as a far-right MP that most problems in the country and the world can be blamed on Islam were false.

He said: 'That was just the policy of the Party for Freedom: everything which was not right had to be linked one way or another to Islam.'

The Dutchman said that his wife had accepted his conversion and that he does not plan to force her or their two children to make the same decision as they are free to determine their own life.

He said: 'I never wanted to impose Christianity and I won't do it with Islam either.'

Van Klaveren said he 'did not suddenly become a lefty' and still holds dear many of his old views as his conversion is purely a personal religious matter.

Former pals: Joram van Klaveren and Geert Wilders are pictured together in the Dutch Parliament in 2013

He said: 'I suddenly get questions like: do you hate gays? Will you go to Syria as well? Can you pet a dog?

'I contributed to maintaining and feeding a bad image of Islam, but you cannot realise how these prejudices work until you have to deal with them yourself.'

Van Klaveren's former political leader Geert Wilders was critical about the conversion and tweeted an image of the Saudi Arabian flag writing 'for all converts, read carefully'.

Wilders replaced the calligraphic script of the shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith which reads 'there is no god but God, Muhammad is the Messenger of God' which normally features on the Saudi flag.

Instead, he wrote, in Arabic,: 'Islam is a lie, the prophet [Muhammad] is a criminal, the Koran is poison.'

Van Klaveren split with Wilders in 2014 after the PVV leader's controversial comments that year when asking supporters whether they wanted 'fewer or more Moroccans in your city and the Netherlands'.

Wilders in 2016 was found guilty on discrimination charges. The sentence is currently being appealed.

Far right: Van Klaveren was a prominent far-right politician, and is seen here speaking at the annual UKIP conference in Doncaster in 2015

Van Klaveren then went on to form his own far-right party called 'For Netherlands' (VNL) but left politics after failing to win a single seat in the 2017 elections.

'If this really isn't a PR stunt to promote his book, then it really is an extraordinary choice for somebody who had a lot to say about Islam,' his former VNL co-founder Jan Roos told the AD.

'But we have religious freedom in the Netherlands. He can worship whomever he wants,' Roos added.

Said Bouharrou, who serves on the Board of Moroccan Mosques in the Netherlands, praised Van Klaveren.

'It is great when somebody who has been so critical of Islam... realises that it is not so bad or perverse,' he told the Algemeen Dagblad (AD).

'It is brave that he's prepared to do it in public,' Bouharrou said.

Around five percent of the Dutch population of 17 million people or some 850,000 are Muslim, according to the Dutch Central Statistics Bureau (CBS).

The Netherlands also last year introduced a partial burqa ban from some public places such as schools and hospitals, ending years of discussions on the hot-button issue.

Van Klaveren is not the first high-profile PVV member to convert to Islam, and follows in the footsteps of Arnoud van Doorn, a former Hague-based PVV city councillor who switched in 2013.

Van Klaveren could not be immediately reached for comment on Tuesday.
Captive: British journalist John Cantlie, pictured before his kidnapping, is believed to be still alive and in the hands of ISIS

British journalist John Cantlie is still alive more than six years after he was kidnapped by ISIS, British security chiefs believe.

The photographer was captured by the terror group in November 2012 along with American reporter James Foley, who was later beheaded.

The last public sighting of Mr Cantlie was in a 2016 video but a Kurdish official said last month that he was still believed to be in Syria.

Today Ben Wallace MP, the UK's Minister of State for Security, said he believed the photographer was still alive, CNN reported.

However the UK would not pay ransom for hostages such as Mr Cantlie, Mr Wallace said.

Mr Cantlie's skills as a journalist have been exploited by ISIS in an attempt to lend credibility to propaganda films.

In a video which emerged in March 2016, a thin-looking Cantlie was seen speaking about the bombing of Mosul University in Iraq.

In 2014 he appeared in another video wearing an orange prisoner jumpsuit and revealing how prisoners were waterboarded for trying to escape.

He also read out purported emails between IS and the families of American captives who complained about Washington's refusal to negotiate their release.

Last November, a former ISIS member told French magazine Paris Match that he saw Mr Cantlie in the Syrian city of Raqqa, 300 miles from Mosul.

He told the magazine in October that he saw him 'seven or eight months ago, in my prison, with an interpreter'.

2014: John Cantlie appears in a video two years after his capture by ISIS, wearing an orange jumpsuit and revealing how prisoners were waterboarded for trying to escape

UK security minister Ben Wallace (pictured in London) said ISIS hostage John Cantlie was believed to be still alive

Mr Cantlie had worked for several publications, including The Sunday Times, The Sun and The Sunday Telegraph.

He was captured in July 2012 but rescued by members of the Free Syrian Army, only to be kidnapped again later that year.

A freed ISIS prisoner said he suffered 'weeks and weeks' of torture after he tried to escape his terrorist prisoners.

Fellow captive Javier Espinosa, a Spanish journalist, said Mr Foley had escaped from a room but waited for Mr Cantlie rather than run for freedom himself.

'The guard saw that Cantlie (had freed himself) and Foley could have tried to escape on his own, but gave himself up,' Mr Espinosa said.

The Briton's sister, Jessica Cantlie, has previously appealed for 'direct contact' with the militants holding him.

Mr Foley was executed in 2014, apparently by the British ISIS terrorist who became known as 'Jihadi John'.
| BY Martin Trevaskis |

The pioneer award show globally that honors creative and effective brands with purpose, the Asia-Pacific Tambuli Awards is now accepting entries. Deadline is set for March 29, 2019. Conference and Awards night will be held on June 4, at the Shangrila at The Fort, Manila. Entry forms may be downloaded here.

The APAC Tambuli Awards celebrates brands that show the seamless integration of creativity + purpose + results. Case study entries must demonstrate how brands uplift society, create positive change, and correlate purpose with purchase.

The APAC Tambuli Awards is not an award on charity, advocacy, pro bono, or CSR advertising, even if those campaigns are welcome and encouraged to enter. The award, however, focuses on mainstream brand campaigns that celebrate humanity, inspire purpose, and deliver results.

This years overall Executive Jury President is Ronald Ng, the New York based global Chief Creative Officer at Isobar (pictured below).

Josy Paul (CCO at BBDO India), David Porter (Vice President Media Asia, Africa, Middle East, Turkey and Russia at Unilever), Vincent Digonnet (CEO Mullen Lowe Asia Pacific), Rob Belgiovane (CCO BWM Dentsu Australia), Kazoo Sato (CCO TBWA\Hakuhodo Japan) and Justin Drape (CCO The Monkeys Australia) are just a few of the judges already confirmed.

An award that began in Manila in 2005, the Tambuli (a native Filipino horn) is organized by the School of Communication of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) in collaboration with industry partners, to create positive impact in society through marketing communications.
These are just some of the sad images that have been borne out of dire health care system in Venezuelan that has been struggling to fulfill the basic needs of its patients under President Nicolas Maduro's regime.

Inside the emergency wing of the University Hospital of Caracas, patients are spotted lying down on beds in the corridors and chairs spread out in the open.

A few others find their spots in wheelchairs and hunch over in agony waiting to be tended to.

A team of reporters with Venezuelan media outlet Caraota Digital wandered the hallways of the capital city's largest specialized medical facility less than a month after a power outage there allegedly led to the deaths of three patients.

The scene highlights just how destabilized and broken down the South American nation's health system has become under Maduro's regime.

Families have forced themselves to choose between opting to stay in their homeland or saving the lives of their loved ones by fleeing Venezuela for better health care options in neighboring countries.

The University Hospital of Caracas in Caracas, Venezuela, is still struggling to stay afloat and provide a humane level of service to its patients just weeks after three patients died during an electrical power outage

Reporters with Venezuelan news outlet Caraota Digital secretly recorded a fraction of the chaotic scene that the hospital has been succumbed under the South American nation's crippling health care system

The inhumane conditions are still unbearable and perhaps won't change in the foreseeable future unless much needed aid arrives soon, according to tired hospital workers.

The lack of working air conditioning system coupled with intolerable humidity proved to be fatal during an electrical outage January 12, claiming the lives of three patients.

As Caraota Digital's camera secretly continued to roll, friends and family members stood in a cramped room with their loved ones lined next to each other on beds.

A horrid stench emanating from the restrooms has made matters even worse, leading to an infestation of flies and insects.

The University Hospital of Caracas is the capital city's primary medical center for specialized services

Nurses watch over patients in the deteriorating hospital's emergency wing

Aura Estrella works at the University Hospital of Caracas and says she is forced to swat flies away with her hands to keep them away from food

'I'm shooing the flies with my hands and trying to make a miracle happen for the patients because we don't have anything to serve their food on,' Aura Estrella said.

At one point during the shocking minute-long video, a somber Deisy Monterola stood over a family member while utilizing a piece of cloth as a fan to keep the bugs from pestering the sickened person.

Hallways at a hospital in Caracas, Venezuela, are normally filled with patients resting in beds and awaiting to be treated

The lack of a functional air conditioning system and intense humidity has created an uncomfortable situation in the emergency department of a hospital in Venezuela

It's just one of the many tasks that have fallen on worried caretakers like Monterola who also have to go on scavenger hunts to get their hands on the necessary medicines their loved ones require to recuperate.

Venezuela's crippling health system has forced medical centers like the Caracas University Hospital to depend on private donations from businesses.

'There are so many shortcomings in the country at this time that is difficult to decide who gets everything,' said Maria Eugenia Landaeta, a specialist in infectious diseases at the troubled hospital, according to TV Venezuela Noticias.

'If it's for the most serious patients, who are between life and death, then it should reach hospitals in a large proportion. It should work like that because those are the patients that always end up in hospitals and in intensive care.'
Japan's Finance Minister Taro Aso has caused outrage by saying childless people are to blame for the country's rising social security costs and its aging and declining population.

Aso drew complaints over a comment he made during the weekend at a seminar in Fukuoka, his constituency in southwestern Japan.

'There are lots of strange people who say the elderly people are to blame, but that is wrong. The problem is those who don't have children,' he told the audience.

He was later forced to back down over the remark, and apologized in a statement on Tuesday.

'If it made some people feel uncomfortable, I apologise,' Aso said Tuesday

Japan's Finance Minister Taro Aso caused controversity by blaming 'women who aren't giving birth' for the country's economic downturn

The gaffe-prone Aso, a 78-year-old former prime minister, is among conservative lawmakers in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government who have at times blamed the elderly or childless for long-term demographic trends.

The comment was nearly the same as one he made in 2014 that also drew criticism. Others have made similar comments that many found offensive. In 2007, former health minister Hakuo Yamagisawa called women 'birth-giving machines.' In 2017, another senior ruling party lawmaker, Akiko Santo, said the government should consider awarding women who produced four or more children.

According to the latest government statistics, the number of births in 2018 fell to 921,000, the lowest since Japan began recording such statistics in 1899.

Japan's total population fell by 448,000 people, a record decline, to 126 million. It is forecast to fall below 100 million by 2050, barring a huge influx of immigrants.

As of 2017, Japanese women on average gave birth to 1.43 children during their lifetimes. That compares with nearly 1.8 in the U.S. and Britain.

Abe himself has no children. He has acknowledged that lack of access to affordable child care, excessively long working hours, elder care and other realities, especially in Japan's biggest cities, contribute to the country's low birthrate. But promised labor and other reforms to help alleviate the burden on families that discourage couples from having more children have made limited headway.

Taro, pictured next to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, made a similar comment in 2014 that also drew criticism

Longevity in Japan is another factor behind the aging of its population and rising costs for elder care.

Aso retracted his comment when asked about it during a parliamentary session on Monday. He apologized at a news conference following a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, but said his comment was taken out of context and misunderstood.

Opposition lawmakers disagreed.

'He not only lacked consideration to those who choose not to or cannot have children, but he just doesn't understand what the problem is,' said opposition lawmaker Kiyomi Tsujimoto, who belongs to the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, on Monday. 'He has no sense of human rights.'

On Tuesday, Aso acknowledged his tendency toward gaffes.

I'll have to watch what I say,' he said.
This is the bizarre moment a dazed delivery man helped thieves escape with his moped just moments after they stole it from him.

A car is seen on CCTV blocking the delivery driver's path as he rides along a road in San Martin, Argentina, in broad daylight last Thursday.

One man jumps out of the car and pushes the rider off his bike before hopping on himself.

But the plan hits a bump when the thief can't seem to start the moped's engine.

A delivery man (pictured) sees that his path is blocked moments before thieves steal his motorcycle in broad daylight on a street in southwestern Argentina

A shocked victim (pictured bottom right) looks on as the suspect (pictured seated on motorcycle) struggles to speed away in the stolen moped

Perhaps fearing for his life, the frightened delivery man (pictured behind the bike) decided to help out his assailant and pushes him up the street

After a few moments pleading with his attackers, incredibly the moped driver walks around to the back of the bike and gives the thief a push.

The second suspect then climbs out of the getaway car to offer assistance to his partner in crime.

The pair manage to push the thief up the hill until he is able to get the engine revving.

The suspect took off on the moped and his accomplice sped off on the car, leaving the delivery man shocked and confused.

No arrests have been made.

A robbery victim and his aggressor aided the suspect aboard the bike before both men escaped the crime scene
A Mexican gangster-turned-politician was shot at in an attempted assassination just minutes after telling his followers on Facebook Live that the area he was in was 'getting dangerous'.

Two men on motorbikes pulled up near the vehicle transporting Pedro Carrizales in the central Mexican state of San Luis Potosi and sprayed it with bullets.

Miraculously, no one was injured in Monday night's shooting.

It was the fifth failed attempt on the life of the 40-year-old congressman, who is also known as 'El Mijis', since he took office in July 2018.

Pedro Carrizales, who is also know as 'El Mijis', ditched the life of a gangster and turned to politics. The 40-year-old survived an assassination attempt Monday night after two men on motorbikes shot at his vehicle multiple times. No one was injured

The Mexican congressman's vehicle received several shots to its windshield

The failed assassination attempt left two bullet holes on the front passenger door

Carrizales is behind the cell phone camera filming a conversation with a resident in the neighborhood of Santa Rita.

He then turns the mobile device towards himself and shares with his followers the impending danger that his security detail has detected.

'Were leaving already,' says Carrizales, who has been involved in political activism since 2002.

'Were going to leave because it gets dangerous around here. We have already seen a motorcycle going around.'

At the behest of his bodyguards, Carrizales takes his spot in the backseat of the sedan before driving off to attend an event in Ciudad Satelite.

A gangster-turned-politician was travelling with his security detail to an event in the central Mexican state of San Luis Potosi when armed men pulled up on a motorcycle and fired at his car

Carrizales became involved in political activism in 2002. He was elected congressman of the 8th District in the state of San Luis Potosi in July 2018

'El Mijis' showed up at legislature session wearing a t-shirt and jeans because he wanted to let everyone know that he would represent the residents of a district that had always been forgotten by other politicians in the past

He continues the Facebook live conversation by sending out well wishes but bids farewell as he informs his followers that his security team has ordered him to abruptly end the chat.

The failed assassination attempt left several bullet holes on car's windshield and front passenger side door.

The politician was in the middle of a Facebook chat with his followers when his security informed him they need to leave the area because of suspicious activities

Carrizales was taken to a local hospital for a routine evaluation and was later released.

The politician, who had a failed run for office in 2015, revealed in mid-January that he had received death threats from groups opposing his newly introduced legislation aimed at protecting animal rights.

The 8th District congressman proposed a bill January 7 which looked to end bullfighting and cockfights.

Carrizales told Infobae Mexico that his detractors had sent him 25 Facebook messages and at least four calls threatening him to curtail his legislation.

'What worries me is that they told me they were going to kill my family,' Carrizales said.

'I'm really considering sending them to another country.'

He also escaped another near-death incident July 22, 2018 when suspects tried to run his car off a road.
Wendy Williams' show staffers are outraged at the 'selfish' and 'hypocritical' star for calling her stand-in host Nick Cannon during her absence but refusing to speak to her long-term employees about the show's future, DailyMailTV can reveal.

The 54-year-old is currently on an extended hiatus from her daytime talk show due to alleged medical problems stemming from complications from her Graves' disease, according to a statement released on Friday, January 18.

In her absence, executives brought in a rotating cast of temporary hosts, including Cannon who told her audience on Monday that he spoke to Williams and her husband Kevin Hunter, saying she was doing 'amazing' and praised her 'family unit'.

But production insiders tore into Williams for keeping them in the dark, as they cast doubt over her illness and blasted her for refusing to address what was happening with the show, amid speculations she was splitting from her cheating husband.

Staff on Wendy Williams' talk show are furious with the host for keeping them in the dark about the show's future while she's on an extended hiatus due to 'medical reasons'

In her absence, producers have brought in a rotating cast of temporary hosts, including Nick Cannon, who told her audience on Monday that he spoke to Williams and her husband Kevin Hunter, saying she was doing 'amazing' and praised her 'family unit'

One told DailyMailTV: 'Many of us have been here since the early days and it's a complete joke to be kept in the dark like this. How could she be so selfish? We all rely on this paycheck.

'I mean please, she has made a fortune from tearing people down, however, when it comes to her own life, it's all a secret. Imagine if this was another celebrity living their life like she does, she'd be sipping the tea and talking about it on Hot Topics every d**n day. She's such a hypocrite.'

Another staffer said: 'She's managed to keep the real reason for her absence a secret, however you can't leak something that no one knows.

'She'll allegedly pick up the phone for Nick Cannon but she can't tell us what is going on.

'For her to be talking about her ''family unit'' to Nick, it's an absolute joke. That ain't no normal family unit.'

In 2017, DailyMail.com exclusively revealed that Williams' husband Kevin Hunter was having a decade-long affair with masseuse Sharina Hudson, who was wearing a massive diamond ring on her ring finger.

Although Williams initially said she was standing by her man, more reports over their marriage troubles have emerged, with the National Enquirer reporting last month that Williams was a victim of domestic violence.

Last week the New Jersey-based host was seen in Florida, where her parents live, sparking speculation she retreated to the Sunshine State to spend time with her family while figuring out if she should divorce Hunter.

Last week the New Jersey-based host was seen in Florida, where her parents sparking speculation she retreated to the Sunshine State to spend time with her family while figuring out if she should divorce Hunter

In 2017, DailyMail.com exclusively revealed that Williams' husband Kevin Hunter was having a decade-long affair with masseuse Sharina Hudson (pictured together), who was wearing a massive diamond ring on her ring finger

Although Williams initially said she was standing by her man, more reports over their marriage troubles have emerged, with the National Enquirer reporting last month that Williams was a victim of domestic violence. Pictured: Wendy with Hunter and their son Kevin in August 2017

A show source told DailyMail.com: 'After she made that ratchety appearance at CVS in Florida last week we knew her excuses weren't true. She looked disheveled, she didn't look sick.

'We're all hoping that she is finally getting her personal life in order and kicking Kevin to the curb so none of us have to deal with him ever again.

'We've kept her secrets for years and dealt with him  but enough is enough.

'She should've booted him out when his girlfriend was publicly revealed, but of course she kept living a lie  all is definitely not well in the house of Hunter.'

Meanwhile executives at Debmar-Mercury, the company that produces The Wendy Williams Show, have already been on pins and needles about Williams' alleged health challenges.

Currently, her show is the only talk show the company has on TV right now and Debmar doesn't have a backup plan in case they need to pull the plug on her series.

A source at the TV network told DailyMail.com the show fill-ins are being used as on-air auditions of sorts, with the network already having its eye on possibly developing one or more replacement show with several of the stand-in guest hosts.

Meanwhile executives at Debmar-Mercury, the company that produces The Wendy Williams Show, have already been on pins and needles about Williams' alleged health challenges. Before Christmas, Wendy missed a December 17 show and appeared the next day with her arm in a sling under a pink sweater due to a shoulder fracture

Among those Debmar is looking at as replacement options, include actor Jerry O'Connell, who filled in for Williams in March 2018 when her health challenges caused her to take three weeks off.

Nick Cannon, KeKe Palmer, Michael Rapaport and Jason Biggs have also been announced as guest co-hosts throughout the month of February; but apparently Debmar is also looking at former The View co-host Sherri Shepherd as a possible replacement option as well.

The network source said: 'The truth is, it's become a s**t show behind the scenes and at any given moment, as we've already seen twice this year already, the working plans tend to change day to day, hour to hour, and minute to minute.

'So everyone is holding out hope, and many are already seeking jobs elsewhere.'

A source at the The Wendy Williams Show added: 'We're worried, we have bills to pay  who says she is ever coming back. The last thing any of us want is for the show to be cancelled.

'Just remember  the show is called Wendy. So it needs Wendy Williams back  but when she comes back, she better not bring Kevin back with her because we've all had enough of him.'
A handful of House Democrats say they will boycott President Donald Trump's State of the Union  where the president is expected once again to demand a border wall and stress crimes committed by immigrants.

The lawmakers say Trump can't be trusted and will use the televised prime-time event to push a divisive agenda.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon became the fourth member of the House Democratic majority who will sit out the speech.

'The thought of spending Tuesday night in the House Chamber listening to the reckless, self-centered man who occupies the White House holds no interest for me,' Blumenauer said in a statement

'Just like in past years, I plan to skip a speech that will be filled with lies, deception and divisiveness,' said Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer, center

'Just like in past years, I plan to skip a speech that will be filled with lies, deception and divisiveness,' he said, the Huffington Post reported.

But House Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will be there, and will sit behind that dais where Trump will deliver his expected 45 minute speech, mindful that in the past he has accused her and Democrats of favoring 'open borders' and gangster crime.

Also present will be several potential presidential candidates, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Corey Booker, and Kamila Harris. All could benefit from the dose of TV exposure the prime-time event provides.

Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., also is skipping the speech

Civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis won't be there

But that wasn't enough for some rank-and-file Democrats.

'The amount of damage, division and confusion Trump has inflicted on the American people over the last six weeks has been a blemish on the new Congress and I refuse to be witness to his continued antics,' Blumenauer added.

Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee, a vocal Trump critic, told The Hill he would again skip the speech this year.

'I'll come to the House Chamber for the State of the Union the next time I can hear from a president who will tell the truth about the state of the union,' Cohen said.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y is certain to draw attention inside the packed House chamber

Presidential contenders including Senator Kamala Harris will be there to see the man they hope to unseat

IMPORTANT DATE: Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who revealed on radio Tuesday he has a girlfriend, will spend the evening with Trump and members of Congress

WEALTH OF CANDIDATES: Senator Elizabeth Warren, who is pitching a plan to tax households worth $50 million, will be on hand as Trump hails the Republican tax cut

Also skipping the event is Texas Rep. Al Green, who has repeatedly called for Trump's impeachment.

"I have judiciously pursued President Trumps impeachment. However, because he is still unfit yet still in office, I see no compelling reason to end my protest of this event,' Green said, the Hill reported. Rep. Frederica Wilson of Texas also will not be attending.

Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia told the Atlanta Journal Constitution: 'I have a problem with defiling the speaker's chair in the House of Representatives,' Johnson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 'I don't want to see it lowered, as is what happens when Donald Trump comes to our floor and starts talking about groups of people, particularly Latinos, and disparaging them as a people.'

'I'd rather be somewhere else,' he added.

Even if they did show, the lawmakers would be unlikely to attract the spotlight that will fall on new Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and fellow first-term lawmakers. Ocasio-Cortez is trying to share the exposure by bringing along the activist leader who berated Sen. Jeff Flake during the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation hearings.
The remains of a 10-year-old boy have been identified after they were found under a North Carolina billboard in 1998 - the same year his mother's body was discovered along a service road.

Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood told reporters Tuesday that the child was Robert 'Bobby' Adam Whitt, who was born in Michigan and raised in Ohio.

The child's skeletal remains were found by a mowing crew in September 1998 near a billboard in Orange County.

The remains of 10-year-old, Robert 'Bobby' Adam Whitt (left), have been identified after being found under a North Carolina billboard in 1998 - the same year his mother's body was found along a service road. Police said Myoung Hwa Cho (right) was also found dead in 1998

The child's skeletal remains were found by a mowing crew in September 1998 near a billboard (top left) in Orange County, North Carolina

According to the News Observer, an autopsy determined Bobby had been strangled around April 1998.

Last year, the consultant who helped solve the Golden State Killer case, Barbara Rae-Venter, used DNA to determine the child was half-Asian and half-white.

Online DNA ancestry services identified a possible relative in Ohio.

That relative disclosed Bobby's name, saying family didn't report him missing because they assumed his mother took him to South Korea.

Based on that information, police determined an unidentified woman found in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, around the same time was Bobby's mother.

She was identified as Myoung Hwa Cho with the help of the Korean National Police and INTERPOL, Spartanburg Sheriffs Office spokesman Lt Kevin Bobo said.

Police said Cho was found dead in May 1998, the same year her son's body had been dumped near the billboard along Interstate 40-85.

Her body was found along a service road near Interstate 85 in South Carolina.

Investigators (pictured in 1998) are seen processing the scene where Bobby's skeletal remains were found

Police said one of their initial clues that Bobby was a little boy was his shoes and other clothing found in the area

An autopsy at the time determined Bobby had been strangled around April 1998, a month before his mother's body was found

A pathologist who examined Cho after she was found reported that she had ligature marks around her wrists, from where they had been tied, and that she had been suffocated, according to the Observer.

Authorities said Cho's husband and Bobby's father confessed to both murders last week after being interviewed by investigators.

Police did not release his identity but they did say that he has been serving a lengthy sentence in a separate case.

According to Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood, the suspect was sentenced to federal prison for armed robbery. He is not eligible for parole until 2037.

The suspect has not been charged with either murder yet.

According to Orange County Sheriff's Office Maj Tim Horne (pictured), who delayed his retirement until he solved the cold case, said he does not believe Bobby and his mother were killed in Orange County or Spartanburg

According to Orange County Sheriff's Office Maj Tim Horne, who delayed his retirement until he solved the cold case, said he does not believe Bobby and his mother were killed in Orange County or Spartanburg.

'I always kept the case file box under my desk, where it was purposefully in my way,' Horne told the Observer.

'Every time I turned, I hit it with my leg. I did this so the little boy couldn't be forgotten.'

Horne said he had the help of hundreds of people and multiple agencies who worked on the case.

Now, after 20 years, the boy's cremated remains will now be able to go home with his relatives in Ohio.
An autopsy has confirmed that 19-year-old University of Vermont student Connor Gage had been drinking in the hours before he was found dead of apparent hypothermia in a parking lot behind a Burlington business on Saturday morning

An autopsy has confirmed that the 19-year-old University of Vermont student found dead in a parking lot in sub-zero temperatures over the weekend had been drinking prior to his death.

Connor Gage, of Little Falls, New York, was found lying in the snow in a parking lot behind a business in Burlington just before 11am on Saturday.

Preliminary conclusions of an autopsy determined that his death was the result of exposure to the cold, 'exacerbated by acute intoxication', according to authorities.

Burlington Deputy Police Chief Jon Murad said Gage attended two off-campus functions on Friday night, the second of which was a fraternity party.

He left the party at about 12.45am Saturday and and was seen 20 minutes later on a surveillance camera in the area where he was found.

'That surveillance footage shows Connor to be alone, inadequately dressed, and moving in ways consistent with intoxication and/or hypothermia,' police said in a statement to the Burlington Free Press.

The Chief Medical Examiner's Office is still awaiting toxicology results, which could take several weeks to come back.

Video recorded by a surveillance camera near where Gage's body was found reportedly showed the teen alone, inadequately dressed and 'moving in ways consistent with intoxication and/or hypothermia', according to a statement from Burlington Police

Gage was a freshman at the University of Vermont (pictured above on Saturday). The temperature on Friday night was between -1F and -4F

Investigators said it appeared that Gage was trying to take a shortcut through the parking lot but was stopped by a fence. They do not suspect any foul play.

After his body was discovered Saturday morning, emergency crews unsuccessfully attempted to revive the freshman and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The temperature at the time was between -1F and minus -4F. The National Weather Service said temperatures reached lows of -5F in Burlington on Saturday - making it the coldest Groundhog Day since 1993.

Hypothermia occurs when a person's body loses heat faster than it can produce it and their temperature falls below 95F, down from the normal temperature of 98.6F.

Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, shallow breathing, disorientation, slurred speech, drowsiness, clumsiness and exhaustion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Police said victims of hypothermia often take off clothing in a phenomenon known as 'paradoxical undressing', a result of the confusion brought on by extreme cold.

'Because hypothermia can be characterized by confused thinking, its incumbent on friends to monitor each other and exercise care for one another when the warning signs listed above are observed,' police told the Burlington Free Press.

In a statement after Gage was identified, officials said: 'The Burlington Police Department offers its deepest sympathies to Connor Gages family in the wake of their terrible loss.

'We strongly encourage our neighbors, and local students especially, to dress appropriately for the weather, to travel with friends or groups of friends, and to let others know where you are, where youre going, and when you hope to get there.'

The National Weather Service reported that Saturday was the coldest Groundhog Day since 1993, with temperatures dropping as low as -5F

The University of Vermont said it would be offering counseling services following Gage's death

Gage, a freshman neuroscience major from Little Falls, New York, had reportedly attended two off-campus events on Friday night, the second of which was a fraternity party

The University of Vermont said it would be offering counseling services for those affected by Gage's death.

'It is with great sadness that I inform the university community that Connor Gage, a first-year student from Little Falls, New York majoring in Neuroscience within the College of Arts and Sciences, passed away off campus,' they said in a statement.

'Although the cause of death has not yet been confirmed, the Burlington Police Department has indicated that below-zero overnight temperatures may have been a contributing factor.

'We extend our deepest condolences to Connor's family. Our sincere thoguht of care and sympathy are also extended to his friends, classmates and to faculty and staff who were close to him.'

Gage is the second university student to die this week after an 18-year-old pre-med student at the University of Iowa was found frozen on campus last Wednesday during the polar vortex.

Gerald Belz, of Cedar Rapids, Illinois, was found by campus police behind an academic hall.
A 21-year-old woman has been charged with incest after competing with her half-sister over who could have sex with their father first.

Samantha Kershner and her 39-year-old father Travis Fieldgrove were both arrested last week in Hastings, Nebraska after police received a tip about their sexual relationship.

Police said Kershner and Fieldgrove both admitted to having a romantic and sexual relationship even though they knew they were biologically related.

They got married in October - just one month after finding out police were investigating them.

Samantha Kershner and her 39-year-old father Travis Fieldgrove were both arrested last week in Hastings, Nebraska for incest after police received a tip about their sexual relationship

They met for the first time three years ago when Kershner, then aged 17, told her mother she wanted to know who her father was.

Kershner and Fieldgrove met and maintained a father-daughter relationship for three years.

They told police they had sex for the first time in September last year. The pair would not reveal how their father-daughter relationship turned sexual.

According to charging documents, Kershner told police that she had a 'jealous competition' with her half-sister about who could have sex with their father first.

Kershner's mother notified police about their relationship in September.

Fieldgrove married his daughter the following month at the Adams County Courthouse after they found out they were being investigated for incest.

Police said Kershner and Fieldgrove both admitted to having a romantic and sexual relationship even though they knew they were biologically related

When they were questioned by police, Fieldgrove (above) said he didn't believe Kershner was his daughter because his name wasn't listed on the certificate

Marriage licensing requirements where they married state that both parties need to provide the full names of their parents before it can be approved.

Fieldgrove is not listed as Kershner's father on her birth certificate.

When they were questioned by police, Fieldgrove said he didn't believe Kershner was his daughter because his name wasn't listed on the certificate.

A paternity test that Fieldgrove and Kershner agreed to have in January found that there was a 99.999 percent probability that he was her father.

They were each charged with one count of incest and are both being held at Hall County Jail.

Fieldgrove's bond was set at $100,000, while Kershner is being held on a $20,000 bond.

They each face eight years in prison if convicted.
Natalia Baksheeva instigated the killing of a waitress after the victim was caught 'flirting' with her husband

A married woman who provoked her husband into murdering a waitress she thought was flirting with him before storing her chopped up remains in the freezer has been found guilty of murder in Russia.

Natalia Baksheeva, 43, was found guilty of encouraging husband Dmitry, 35, to stab Elena Vashrusheva, also 35, to death in a building known as their 'killing crypt'.

Natalia, an alleged serial cannibal, is now facing up to 15 years in jail.

Along with her husband, the 'cannibal couple' are thought to have eaten at least 30 victims over 18 years, had a gruesome collection of steamed, frozen and pickled human remains from the waitress in their kitchen in Krasnodar, Russia.

Baksheeva was found guilty at a secret trial - from which the media and public were barred - of provoking her husband to murder the woman who she claimed was 'flirting' with him during a drinking session.

The investigation found that Baksheev dismembered the woman's body and posed for selfies with severed parts before taking them home to his wife.

Some of the human body parts were cooked while others remained in the family's fridge and freezer.

Baksheev (left) and husband Dmitry Baksheev (right), 35, had a gruesome collection of steamed, frozen and pickled human remains from waitress Elena Vashrusheva in their kitchen in Krasnodar, Russia

Baksheeva was found guilty at a secret trial - from which the media and public were barred - of provoking her husband to murder the woman who she claimed was 'flirting' with him during a drinking session

Baksheev is reportedly suffering from tuberculosis and is being held in a secure psychiatric hospital. It is unclear if and when he will face trial.

Meanwhile, criminal lawyer Dr Yulia Fedotova has alleged a cover up in the case after the law enforcement insistence that there was only one murder - and that it did not involve cannibalism.

Local Russian media have also insisted they have independent evidence of cannibalism.

'From our own sources in law enforcement we were told most shocking details of the crime  the frying pan with the cooked meat found (in the couple's kitchen) turned out to contain human meat,' reported kuban.ru

Media outlets at the time of their arrest - in 2017 - carried reports citing law enforcement of multiple suspected murders and cannibalism.

The couple were said to have confessed to killing and eating 30 or more victims since 1999, and it is feared Baksheeva fed human meat to student pilots in the military academy where she was a nurse, according to reports in Russia.

They were claimed to have lured victims from dating websites, and sold 'pies' from suspected human meat and even supplied local restaurants, it is alleged.

But this week Vadim Bugayenko, head of regional Investigative Committee, insisted 'there are no grounds to speak about mass murders'.

The couple were said to have confessed to killing and eating 30 or more victims since 1999, and it is feared Baksheeva fed human meat to student pilots in the military academy where she was a nurse, according to reports in Russia

They were claimed to have lured victims from dating websites, and sold 'pies' from suspected human meat and even supplied local restaurants, it is alleged

'(Police) officers who leaked photographs and other information about this suspected cannibalism case will be punished,' he added.

But Dr Fedotova - a criminal expert with links to the political opposition in Russia - has claimed the murder and slicing up of the waitress's body was carried about by a skilled 'butcher' who had previous experience.

She also highlighted that in her first testimony, Baksheeva had said her husband 'put the body parts in the bathroom, cut the skin off the skull, severed the ears and lips with his teeth, and ate them'.

Later Baksheeva denied cannibalism, which was suddenly accepted by the authorities, she said.

The lawyer has asked how Baksheev knew how to expertly cut off the dead and gouge out the heart while dismembering other body parts if he was a novice killer, as law enforcement claimed.

The investigation found that Baksheev dismembered the woman's body and posed for selfies with severed parts before taking them home to his wife

Baksheev is reportedly suffering from tuberculosis and is being held in a secure psychiatric hospital. It is unclear if and when he will face trial

She has also put the question forward of why the woman's body parts were expertly preserved in the couple's fridge and freezer, if the couple were not cannibals.

She wrote in opposition outlet Mediazone: 'The most important question is  what happened to other bodies? Did they exist?

'What about those dozens of missing people? Why did witnesses have to go through numerous photographs of men and women for identification? Who are these people and where are they?'

Several sources have suggested the authorities did not want to allow a scandal at the prestigious military academy in Krasnodar where the couple lived.

But investigators insist the couple only met in 2012 so could not have jointly engaged in cannibal acts before this, and claim the grisly picture showing a feast - apparently depicting the severed head of a man in 1999 - was a fake.

The picture is believed to have been leaked by law enforcement sources in 2017 yet police chiefs say the 'decapitated man' has been found alive.
A lock of George Washington's hair dating back at least 220 years has sold for $35,763 at auction.

The founding father's follicles were sold by the family of Alexander Hamilton, who served under America's first president as secretary of State.

Bidding for the hair started at $2,500 at New-Jersey based auction house Leland's on January 4 and ended on Friday.

A lock of George Washington's hair (pictured sealed to a letter using wax and string) dating back at least 220 years hair has sold for $35,763

The strands of hair came attached to a letter signed by Alexander Hamilton's son, James, addressed to a woman called Eleanor G. Collins in 1870

The strands of hair were attached to a letter signed by former Secretary of State James Hamilton - the third son of Alexander - addressed to a woman called Eleanor G. Collins in March 1870 in an apparent bid to woo her.

In the letter, Hamilton explains the 'illustrious' hair is a mark of 'respect and regard' for her

The 5.31 inches of hair - held together by a piece of string and sealed to the paper using wax - was a sign of 'respect and regard' for her, James explains in the letter.

Leland's said it usually avoids auctioning off hair due to it being difficult to authenticate.

But the auction house said it made an exception because the lock is 'unusually hefty', unlike other locks of hair from famous people which often break down over time.

It's not clear how Washington's hair ended up in the Hamilton family's possession - but it was clearly treasured as they kept it in their collection for more than 70 years after the President's death in 1799.

The lock of hair has trebled in value in just eight months, having previously sold in June 2018 for $11,250 in New York.

Hamilton was known to have a close bond with Washington (pictured) and wrote many of his speeches

Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury, and the main author of the economic policies of George Washington's administration where where developed the structure for the US modern financial system.

Hamilton was known to have a close bond with the president and wrote many of his speeches.

His son James sat at his father's bedside as he infamously laid dying after Aaron Burr - the sitting Vice President at the time - shot him on July 11, 1804, after a long and bitter rivalry between the two men.
A neonatal nurse has spoken out in an attempt to raise public awareness of the dire conditions of maternity wards across the country.

The woman - who wanted to remain anonymous - said Australia's health care sector is struggling to support the number of women coming through hospital doors daily.

She said she is not alone in saying nurses are constantly fearful that a baby or mother might die under their watch, she told A Current Affair.

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A neonatal nurse has spoken out in an attempt to raise public awareness of the dire conditions of maternity wards across the country

Nurses in some facilities, which have not been named, are often stretched so thin they are charged with looking after upwards of eight babies at a time.

Another midwife from a public hospital in western Sydney said in some cases recent graduates in neonatal wards were left responsible for upwards of 12 women.

But babies are not considered in the headcount in the general population wards, meaning inexperienced staff are sometimes responsible for up to 24 people.

The woman - who wanted to remain anonymous - said Australia's health care sector is struggling to support the amount of women coming through hospital doors daily

Not even the best of nurses could cope with that amount of people to care for in one day

She said not even the best of nurses could cope with that amount of people to care for in one day.

'There are babies who have had bad outcomes,' the woman said.

'And when I say back outcomes I mean tragic outcomes. There have been babies who will have lifelong disabilities are some that have died because they have not been given the care they need.'

'Unless things change babies are going to die. And so are mums,' she said.

The woman then went on to say that as a doting mother herself, she would never give birth in the hospital that she works at.

'There have been nights where I have worked on my own with six very sick babies. Babies can die if you aren't checking regularly enough. We are like ducks paddling madly underwater and looking collected and calm on top... but it is dangerous.'
A Chinese billionaire who donated more than $2.7million to political parties Labor and the Liberals has had his Australian citizenship rejected and residency cancelled.

Huang Xiangmo was out of the country when he was notified that his dreams of becoming an Australian citizen were over.

Huang, who owns a $13million mansion in the affluetn Sydney suburb of Mosman had his application turned down for a number of reasons, including character grounds, Fairfax reported.

Former deputy prime minister Julie Bishop with Chinese billionaire Huang Xiangmo

Huang Xiangmo and former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull during Chinese New year celebrations in 2016

There was reportedly concern over the reliability of his answers in interviews with Australian authorities, including the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, a senior government source told Fairfax.

His ties to the Chinese Communist Party in both China and Australia and his background in business has been the focus of an investigation by ASIO and immigration officials over two years.

Following the rejected citizenship, Labor and the Liberals are now fielding questions over what should happen to the money donated by Huang.

Huang has been battling to return to Sydney, where he has lived with his wife and children since 2011.

Since arriving in the country Huang has been buddying up to big names and powerful politicians in order to get his citizenship granted.

Billionaire Chinese businessman Huang Xiangmo with former prime minister Tony Abbott

Huang Xiangmao (pictured, left with Julia Gillard and Sam Dastyari)

The political donors profile rose due to his funnelling of funds to former foreign minister Bob Carrs think tank, the Australian-China Relations Institute and his position in the Chinese Communist Partys main group in Australia.

He donated $100,000 to former trade minister Andrew Robbs electorate in the midst of free trade negotiations with China.

While former Prime Minister Tony Abbott held the top seat, Huang had a direct line to his advisers. He also had direct contact with Liberal MP David Coleman, who is now the immigration minister.

A warning to both major parties over Huangs ties with the Chinese Communist party was sparked in 2015 and 2016 by ASIO, although some politicians have spoken out saying those warnings were never shared with them.
An autopsy has revealed that a man whose body was found being eaten by a bear in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in September died of an accidental methamphetamine overdose, not a bear attack.

A park news release Monday said officials decided to euthanize the black bear that was feeding on the body of 30-year-old William Lee Hill Jr. of Louisville, Tennessee.

According to officials, they did not know the definitive cause of death at the time but decided to put down the healthy young animal a few days later for public safety reasons after consulting with wildlife professionals and further understanding the bears aggressive behavior.

William Lee Hill Jr, 30, who was found last September being eaten by a bear in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park died of an accidental methamphetamine overdose

The 3-year-old bear was hunted down and euthanized days later as a precaution (stock image)

Hill's body was discovered being scavenged by the bear in the park on September 11, 2018, two miles north of Cades Cove.

A preliminary autopsy report was inconclusive, but according to the final report completed by the Knox County Regional Forensic Center, Hill was not attacked by the bear while still alive, reported Knoxville News Sentinel.

The bear did eat parts of Hills body post-mortem, according to the results of the examination.

Hill and his best friend, Joshua David Morgan, had gone to the park to illegally harvest ginseng, but the two men became separated.

When searchers found Hill's partially eaten body in the woods off Rich Mountain Road days later, syringes and drug paraphernalia were observed nearby.

The bear that had been eating the victims flesh remained in the vicinity for hours and showed signs of aggression.

Hill and a friend had gone to the Tennessee park to illegally harvest ginseng

Hill (left) had a history of drug abuse. His companion, Joshua Morgan, 31 (right), died in October 2018

The three-year-old, 155-pound animal, which was found to have human DNA on it, was initially released back into the wild with a GPS collar, but a decision was later made to euthanize it.

On September 16, park rangers were able to locate the bear and shoot it dead. An examination of the carcass showed the bear did not have rabies.

Meanwhile, Hills autopsy report stated that the 30-year-old Blount County man had a history of drug addiction.

His companion, the 31-year-old Joshua Morgan, passed away in October 2018, according to his obituary.

Officials estimate 1,500 bears are in the park along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, and though very few show aggressive behavior toward humans, bears that pose a threat to visitor safety are euthanized on rare occasions.
A man who was allegedly assaulted by an escaped murder suspect has spoken about his ordeal and warned that the fugitive is a danger to the public.

Victorian man Jonathan Dick, 40, is wanted over the alleged murder of his brother David Dick in a Doncaster shopping centre, north-east of Melbourne on February 3, 2017 - and a hammer assault on a man in Keilor, north-west of Melbourne six months later.

Now that hammer assault victim and one time friend of the suspect, David*, told 7 News he fears what could happen if Dick isn't caught soon.

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Jonathan Dick (pictured) has been wanted over the alleged murder of his brother David Dick on February 3, 2017 and an alleged assault six months later

David (pictured after the alleged attack) recounted how Dick arrived at his home late one evening and telling him he needed to speak to him urgently before the assault unfolded

David recounted how Dick arrived at his home late one evening, telling him he needed to speak to him urgently.

It wasn't until David convinced Dick to slide the knife he was carrying under the gate that he addressed the man's concerns.

He said to me that "you knew this was coming" that was the only words he said to me,' David said.

'I remember fighting with him on the floor and hitting him quiet a number of times so Ive still got an injury to my hand because of that.'

Detectives believe Mr Dick has been 'hiding in plain sight' and is using a bicycle as his main mode of transport.

Sunday marks two years since Mr Dick's brother was murdered and is yet to be found, despite a $100,000 reward on offer since October last year.

Detective Inspector Tim Day said despite 300 calls from members of the public the only confirmed sighting of Jonathan Dick has been his August 2017 assault on a male associate.

Police say a cyclist wearing a red hooded jumper and blue jeans is believed to be Mr Dick, seen on the day a man was assaulted with a hammer

'Investigators believe that Jonathan is avoiding detection by using parks and reserves as access routes, and he may possibly have access to a bicycle as a mode of transport,' Det Insp Day said in a statement on Saturday.

'Jonathan might also be using abandoned houses and buildings for shelter.'

A man believed to be Mr Dick was captured on CCTV entering an elevator at a Westfield shopping centre in Doncaster the day before the murder of his brother David.

Carpenter David Dick was 36 at the time he was fatally stabbed in the shopping centre car park at about 6am.

A group using the car park for personal training found him dying from his severe head injuries.

The 40-year-old was then spotted walking down Wamba Road in Ivanhoe East an hour after his brother was stabbed.

A man believed to be Mr Dick was captured on CCTV entering an elevator at a Doncaster Westfield the day before the murder of his brother

Police announced they allege the unknown man behind David Dick's murder was Jonathan on February 8.

A sword believed to be used in the alleged murder was found in Jonathan's abandoned 1997 Ford Fairmont sedan in Ivanhoe East on February 11.

Investigators believe the two brothers may have had a falling out in a disagreement over property.

Homicide detectives released CCTV of a cyclist wearing a red hooded jumper and blue jeans with a helmet believed to be Mr Dick on Green Gully Road in Keilor on the same day he allegedly hit his former friend on the head with a hammer.

Vision has been released of man believed to be Mr Dick on the same day he allegedly assaulted a man with a hammer

The man believed to be Mr Dick was wearing a red hooded jumper and blue jeans running on the streets

Police believe a dog walker with a grey hood and track suit pants may have crossed paths with Mr Dick

Mr Dick is described as being in his 30s, Caucasian, about 176cm tall with a solid build and mousy brown hair.

He has two bright-coloured tattoos, which include one that depicts the Incredible Hulk on his left calf and a Wolverine v Sabre-tooth on his right thigh extending to his knee.

Images of Mr Dick's leg tattoos were released with the hopes the public may be able to identify him if he is wearing shorts.

Police are urging anyone who sees him to call triple 000 but not to approach him.

*Name changed to protect the victim's identity.
Ciaran Arstall (right) was sacked from his job after changing the website address of Yes Yes Yes

A senior executive at an organic sex aid company called 'Yes Yes Yes' was sacked from his 60,000 a year job after he changed the firm's website address from .org to .com, a tribunal heard.

Head of marketing and sales Ciaran Arstall changed the address without his boss's permission, as he believed it would boost sales for the company.

Yes Yes Yes, which specialises in making natural lubricants, was founded by two women who chose to use '.org' in its domain name because they found it 'amusing'.

It is understood its closeness to 'orgasm' was humorous both to staff and customers when the now popular company - whose slogan is 'Passionate About Sexual Health, Serious About Sexual Pleasure' - first began.

The tribunal at Southampton Magistrates' Court heard that Mr Arstall, 45, ignored protests from one of the founders regarding changing the domain and altered it before she gave permission, resulting in a 'significant loss of sales' for the business, which had grown to be making 1.2 million a year in 2014.

He was sacked from his 57,500 role in June 2017 after three years at the company, despite having been given a pay rise for 'extraordinary performance' just six months earlier.

Susi Lennox, 73, and Sarah Brooks, 58, the founders and directors of the company, claim they sacked Mr Arstall after he forced through a website domain change, against Ms Brooks' wishes.

Susi Lennox (right) and Sarah Brooks (left) are the founders of Yes Yes Yes which they sold their homes to launch in 2003

The business partners sold their houses in 2003 to create the company, which aimed to create a natural sexual lubricant for women - launching the brand in 2006.

Its products are found in pharmacies and high street health stores across the country and are also available in 92 countries worldwide.

In a witness statement, Mr Arstall, from Portsmouth, claimed Ms Brooks had 'animosity' towards him and had planned to remove him from his role.

An email by Ms Brooks to another colleague said she 'could not understand why we had not got rid of Ciaran 18 months ago'.

Ciaran Arstall (pictured above) attended the tribunal at Southampton Magistrates' Court

She even referred to an acronym 'LAC', which means 'Life after Ciaran'.

He revealed he had suggested changing the website domain from 'yesyesyes.org' to '.com' to generate more online custom for the brand, which he 'worked tirelessly for'.

However Ms Brooks was against the idea, and told the tribunal the company - based in Petersfield, could lose 60 per cent of their business 'overnight'.

She said: 'I started to notice problems with the claimant in October 2014 when he set up a meeting with a design company he knew, to look at artwork changes.

'The company was not planning a rebrand but the claimant had briefed the design company on that basis.

'I do not know exactly when the claimant questioned our.org URL and suggest we use.com instead, but it would have been between July and November 2014.'

Ms Brooks said she explained to Mr Arstall that a .com domain had not been available when the business has launched and highlighted the amusement of the .org address.

'Further, and more importantly, our website URL had at this point garnered eight years of Google positive reputation associated with it.

'We set up the website eight years earlier, and over that time we worked to make sure our website was at the top of search engines.

'If we changed the website domain it would be like starting at zero again, I was strongly against the idea.

Susi Lennox (right) and Sarah Brooks (left) had chosen to use the .org address as they thought it was humurous

'The claimant never accepted my decision, continuously challenged me about it, raised it at board meeting repeatedly, worked to convince Mrs Lennox I was wrong and tried to put .com on the artwork when he thought I would not notice.'

While the director, from Petersfield, was away from work having a cruciate ligament operation in August 2015, Mr Arstall persuaded the company's other director, Mrs Lennox, to change the domain without consulting her.

As predicted, the company lost multiple consumers, and Ms Brooks was 'very upset' the decision had been made without consulting her.

A meeting was arranged between the directors and Mr Arstall in March 2017 to discuss his role, but he claims it was not a disciplinary meeting and that was never discussed in the conversation.

He was relieved of his role three months later in June 2017, despite no disciplinaries during his three years in the position, where he earned 57,500 annually.

Mr Arstall claimed Ms Brooks was a 'bully' who 'intimidated her staff' and used 'strong language' frequently during debate.

He has brought the company to the tribunal claiming he was unfairly dismissed and there was a breach of his contract.

The tribunal continues.
Theresa May's efforts to push her Brexit plan through Parliament were boosted today as a former Labour minister appealed for colleagues to back a 'reasonable' deal.

Caroline Flint, whose Don Valley constituency voted heavily for Leave, said she wanted to ensure the UK departs the EU and 'moves on' to other issues.

The intervention came as ministers step up efforts to win over Opposition MPs, amid signs that Tory Eurosceptics will never support any package Mrs May can get from the EU.

One Labour MP who backs a second referendum told MailOnline their colleagues were being 'lobbied hard' with offers of extra funding for constituencies.

They said it was 'quite possible' 20 could end up voting with the government when a deal is brought back to the House.

Caroline Flint (file picture), whose Don Valley constituency voted heavily for Leave, said she wanted to ensure the UK departs the EU and 'moves on' to other issues

Theresa May (pictured at Downing Street today) gathered her Cabinet for more crisis talks on Brexit before heading to Belfast

Mrs May held a Cabinet meeting in Downing Street this morning before heading for Northern Ireland to renew her commitment to avoid a hard border.

She told ministers that she was attempting to find a solution for 'MPs across the House'. Although just three Labour MPs supported Mrs May's deal last month, seven later rebelled to endorse the package on the condition the backstop is overhauled.

A number of other MPs abstained in a series of votes, raising the prospect that there is scope to pick off more opponents.

Writing in the Sun today, Mrs Flint urged Labour MPs to support any 'reasonable' deal put forward by the government.

She also dismissed criticism that politicians were bowing to 'bribery' by welcoming funding for Brexit-voting areas.

'My vote's not for sale but I won't apologise for demanding a Rebuilding Britain fund,' she said.

By contrast senior government figures fear that hardline Tories will 'never' be satified and are determined to push for a no-deal outcome.

The scale of the challenge Mrs May faces to woo her own rebels has been laid bare by news that Brexiteers dismissed a compromise suggestion at a meeting with Jean-Claude Juncker's chief aide yesterday.

The EU's most senior official, Martin Selmayr, apparently floated the idea of inserting a legally-binding commitment into the Withdrawal Agreement that would guarantee the Irish border backstop is only temporary.

However, Tory Eurosceptics made clear that would not be enough to satisfy them.

The PM will use a speech in Northern Ireland this afternoon to acknowledge that it is a 'concerning time' but insist 'we will find a way to deliver Brexit' that honours commitments including avoiding a hard border with Ireland.

Tomorrow Mrs May is expected to hold talks with Northern Ireland's political leaders including the DUP's Arlene Foster, probably missing the weekly PMQs clash with Jeremy Corbyn.

Ms Foster - whose 10 MPs are propping Mrs May up in power - today reiterated her opposition to the 'current backstop'.

But she gave the premier a glimmer of hope by stopping short of calling for the concept of a backstop to be ditched altogether.

'We will be reiterating our opposition to the current backstop. And the fact that Parliament has now backed that position means that she (Mrs May) has a clear mandate to go back to Brussels,' she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

'Parliament's mandate is to replace the backstop. The current backstop, as I have said all along, is toxic to those of us living in Northern Ireland, and indeed for unionists right across the United Kingdom, because it would cause the break-up of the United Kingdom into the medium and longer term.'

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling also stepped up the pressure on the EU by warning that it will be to blame for a no-deal Brexit.

'We have taken to our parliament the deal reached in November and our parliament has said no,' he told the Telegraph.

'We want to work with the EU to reach a deal but if they are not prepared to do that  they will have to take responsibility that we are heading towards a no-deal exit.

'If they are not willing to compromise, if they're not willing to work with us to find common ground  it will be down to them if there is no deal.'

Meanwhile in Westminster, the working group bringing together senior Eurosceptic and former Remain-supporting Tories has continued efforts to agree alternatives to the backstop along the lines of the Malthouse Compromise.

Aid Secretary Penny Mordaunt was among the ministers at the Cabinet meeting today

Jeremy Hunt (left) and Liam Fox were also at the weekly gathering in Downing Street today

Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd is one of the key Remainers in Mrs May's team

Talks involving Conservatives including Brexiteers Iain Duncan Smith, Theresa Villiers, Steve Baker and Owen Paterson along with former Remainers Nicky Morgan and Damian Green carried on in Whitehall, chaired by Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay.

The first meeting yesterday was described as 'detailed and constructive' by the Brexit department.

A delegation from the Commons Brexit Committee, chaired by Labour's Hilary Benn, was in Brussels yesterday for talks with Mr Selmayr - who is nicknamed 'The Monster'.

According to MPs in the room, he asked them whether they would support the deal in Parliament if it included a a legal commitment that the backstop will be temporary.

The idea would involve effectively cutting and pasting the text of letters sent by Mr Juncker and EU council chief Donald Tusk last month into the Withdrawal Agreement.

But Labour MP Pat McFadden told The Times some of the Brexiteers 'weren't able to' say they would vote for the revised deal. Tory Andrea Jenkyns apparently responded that would only take her '80 per cent of the way' towards supporting the PM's package.

In her speech, Mrs May will say: 'I know this is a concerning time for many people here in Northern Ireland.

'But we will find a way to deliver Brexit that honours our commitments to Northern Ireland.'

The backstop is effectively an insurance arrangement required by the EU to ensure the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic remains open if no wider deal is agreed on future UK/EU trade.

Attorney General Geoffrey Cox (left) and Home Secretary Sajid Javid (right) were also in the meeting today

Angela Merkel (pictured on a visit to Japan today) hinted yesterday that she was hopeful the Brexit 'riddle' can be solved

Commons Brexit Committee chair Hilary Benn gave a readout after the meeting with Martin Selmayr yesterday

Mr Selmayr (file picture) apparently floated the idea of inserting a legally-binding commitment into the Withdrawal Agreement that would guarantee the Irish border backstop is temporary
A Colorado teen who sexually assaulted and killed his 10-year-old stepsister will be sentenced to life in prison at a hearing next month.

Aidan Zellmer, 16, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the 2017 death of Kiaya Campbell on Friday in Adams County District Court.

In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors dropped an additional count of first degree murder and a sexual assault charge against the teen.

Kiaya disappeared on the night of June 7, 2017, while walking to the store with Zellmer. Her body was found beaten to death in a ravine the following day just a mile away from the home in Thorton where Kiaya's father lived with his girlfriend and her two sons.

Zellmer, who was 15 at the time, initially told investigators that he and Kiaya were separated when he started running to escape a rainstorm. Neighbors disputed that there was rain in the area that night.

Aidan Zellmer (left) pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on Friday in Adams County District Court in Colorado. Prosecutors say the 16-year-old sexually assaulted and killed his 10-year-old stepsister Kiaya Campbell (right) in 2017

Kiaya (above) went missing on the night of June 7, 2017, while she and Zellmer were walking to the store in Thornton, Colorado. The 10-year-old was found beaten to death in a ravine the following day near the home where she and Zellmer lived with her father and his mother

Video courtesy KDVR

According to the Denver Post, emotions ran high in the Adams County District court on Friday as Zellmer said to his sobbing mother: 'I plead guilty.'

Zellmer faces life in prison with a chance for parole at age 56 when he is formally sentenced on March 11.

Because of Zellmer's age at the time of the murder, he will automatically be eligible for parole after serving 40 years in prison, but could get out in 30 years with reductions in time for good behavior.

Zellmer will serve the first two years of his sentence in a juvenile detention facility before being transferred to an adult prison when he turns 18.

Young said Zellmer's guilty plea offers some relief to Kiaya's family by avoiding the stress of a trial, where he would have been tried as an adult.

'A 10-year-old's life is gone, and her parents are going to be without her for the rest of their lives,' he told CBS.

'I think there's a sense of relief that they have some closure in the criminal justice center. But nothing we do here today is going to bring them absolute relief for what happened to their daughter.'

According to the Post, District Attorney Dave Young offered Zellmer a plea deal in which three sexual assault charges would be dismissed, in part so that the defendant would be able to enter a Colorado Department of Corrections program for juvenile killers. Sexual offenders are not eligible in the program.

Adams County Juvenile Court Judge Priscilla Loew ruled in January 2018 that Zellmer's case would be transferred to adult court, but the records have been sealed.
A battle has erupted over plans to film a Steven Spielberg wartime epic near Stonehenge with conservationists concerned it will disturb archaeological sites.

The Hollywood legend wants to build a mock French farmstead complete with combat trenches on Salisbury Plain for the WWI epic '1917', directed by Sam Mendes.

Details of the proposed construction and 21 weeks of filming have emerged in a planning application to Wiltshire Council - revealing the shoot to be around two miles away from Stonehenge.

Steven Spielberg (left) will be producing the new WWI epic '1917', which is set to be directed by Sam Mendes (right). It will be Mendes' first directing credit since helming the Skyfall and Spectre James Bond films

Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society has said a 'proper geophysical investigation' is needed before building work begins on the mock French farmstead

Construction of the farmstead (pictured is an aerial plan) has been earmarked from February 4, before filming begins on April 29. Day scenes will be shot from 7am to 7pm, night scenes from 4pm to 9pm.

The suggested location for the mock French farmstead is just to the west of Shrewton, Wiltshire (left). Both are around two miles away from Stonehenge, which is to the south-east (right)

But Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society fears the building work and creation of trenches could impact on historic and archaeological features.

They said a 'proper geophysical investigation was needed' before building work began on MOD-owned grassland land near the village of Shrewton, north of Stonehenge.

Around 500 people will be employed at the site - including dozens of male extras cast from the South West.

Phil Sheldrake, conservation officer for the RSPB, has also said an assessment should be done into the impact on the endangered Stone Curlew, which lives in the area.

It comes soon after archaeologists claimed irreparable damage was done to the Mesolithic site when engineers monitoring water levels dug an 11.5ft deep bore hole through a prehistoric platform in the area.

The alleged damage was done when gauges were being installed to monitor the water table at Blick Mead, a number of tepid springs in the grounds of Amesbury Abbey, in Wiltshire, considered the 'first place in Britain'.

David Jacques, professor of archaeology at the University of Buckingham, said damage to unique site could lower the water table, threatening any archaeology preserved in the waterlogged ground.

Information on the proposed filming came to light in the planning application (one of the plans is pictured) submitted to Wiltshire Council by Storyworks Production Ltd in November 2018

A sectional elevation of the plans to build a mock French farmstead complete with combat trenches on Salisbury Plain

Details of the proposed construction and 21 weeks of filming have emerged in a planning application to Wiltshire Council. A sectional elevation is pictured here

Information on the proposed filming came to light in the planning application submitted to Wiltshire Council by Storyworks Production Ltd in November 2018.

Agents Planit Consulting say the filming would bring considerable benefit to the local economy, with staff staying in nearby hotels and bed and breakfasts.

Men aged between 16 and 35 are also wanted for extra roles in the film with all roles paid.

Sam Mendes (pictured on the set of Skyfall) has not directed since finishing the last two James Bond films

Casting firm Two 10 Casting said: 'Filming hours are often long so whilst experience is not essential a positive 'can do' attitude is a must.'

Construction of the farmstead has been earmarked from February 4, before filming begins on April 29.

Day scenes will be shot from 7am to 7pm, night scenes from 4pm to 9pm.

The film, Sam Mendes' first since directing Skyfall and Spectre James Bond films, is set to be released in time for Christmas 2019.

While details of the plot are scant, the year 1917 saw some of the bloodiest battles of the first world war including the battle of Arras and Passchendaele.

Salisbury Plain is used by the MOD for training but it has a long history of being used for films and TV - the Beatles second film Help! was shot on the plain.

And it became the Russian Steppes for the film Anna Karenina, released in 2012.

Wiltshire council is set to make a decision on the planning application at the end of this month.
Virginia State Police trooper Lucas B Dowell, 28, was tragically killed after he was shot by a suspect during a drug raid on Monday night

A Virginia State Police trooper was killed after he was shot by a suspect during a drug raid.

Lucas B Dowell, 28, was executing a search warrant at a home in Farmville on Monday night.

Dowell was a member of the Virginia State Police Tactical Team - the equivalent of a SWAT team - that was assisting the Piedmont Regional Drug and Gang Task Force.

A male suspect began shooting at the tactical team when they entered the home around 10pm, striking Dowell.

Two tactical team members returned fire, killing the suspect at the scene.

Dowell was rushed to the hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

The suspect's identity has not yet been released.

He was the only person inside the home at the time of the shooting.

Dowell was a member of the Virginia State Police Tactical Team - the equivalent of a SWAT team - that was assisting the Piedmont Regional Drug and Gang Task Force during the raid

A male suspect began shooting at the tactical team when they entered the home around 10pm, hitting Dowell. He later died at a hospital from his injuries

No other troopers were injured during the raid, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

'This is an extremely difficult day for the State Police,' said Colonel Gary T Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent.

'We are humbled by Lucas' selfless sacrifice and grateful for his dedicated service to the Commonwealth.'

Two tactical team members returned fire, killing the suspect at the scene (pictured)

'He will forever be remembered by his State Police Family for his great strength of character, tenacity, valor, loyalty and sense of humor.'

Dowell had been a Virginia State Trooper since 2014. He is survived by his parents and sister.

The two troopers who returned fire have been placed on administrative leave, as per Virginia State Police police.

The incident remains under investigation.
Whether we have two of them on the field, all three of them on the field, well get creative and have some fun with it," defensive coordinator Joe Barry said.
The harrowing aftermath of the fatal shooting of a black Chicago security guard by a white police officer has been disclosed in newly released footage from the evening.

Authorities released the chilling police body cam footage on Monday showing Jemel Roberson laying lifeless on the floor as horrified witnesses watch on.

One man can be heard telling officers: 'Your man shot my man. The police shot security, thats what happened. The guy has a f***ing vest on, and we get shot. F***ing stupid.'

Bodycam footage also shows a security guard telling a sheriff's deputy that tragic Jemel was shot 'four or five times' after 'we told him he's with us'.

In the chaotic scenes that follow the shooting the guard adds: 'Did he not see us with vests on, bro?'

State police has said the guard was not wearing any clothing which identified him as security - something his family dispute.

One man can be heard telling officers: 'Your man shot my man. The police shot security, thats what happened' in the newly released footage

There were chaotic scenes outside the bar following the shooting of Jemel Roberson, pictured laying lifeless on the floor

Jemel Roberson, 26, pictured left with his young son, Tristan, in an undated photo, was shot dead by a white police officer while working security in a Chicago suburb (pictured in uniform, right)

The Cook County Sheriffs Office have released police dashcam and body camera videos plus recordings made by witnesses on their cellphone videos.

The 15 clips do not show the moment Roberson is shot but do show scenes from inside the club before the shooting. They also show its aftermath.

The officer who killed Roberson was named as Ian Covey by the Midlothian Police Department.

Roberson, 26, was working at Manny's Blue Room Bar in Chicago on November 11 last year when a shooting broke out.

He was holding a shooting suspect down when two Midlothian cops arrived and he was fatally shot, according to witnesses.

They say Roberson had been holding the suspect down, keeping his knee and his gun in the man's back.

Roberson was taken to hospital but later died of his injuries.

Midlothian Police Chief Daniel Delaney initially said only that the officer shot 'a subject with a gun'.

He later released a second statement, describing Roberson as 'a brave man who was doing his best to end an active shooter situation at Mannys Blue Room'.

Roberson's family said he was a talented musician. He played the organ for local churches

Roberson was the security guard at Manny's Blue Room Bar just outside Chicago

Roberson's friends and family paid tribute to him as a devout Christian and a talented musician.

The 26-year-old, who had a young son named Tristan and a second baby on the way, played the organ at local churches and was about to start training to become a cop himself, they said.

In the aftermath of his death Jemel's friends and family raised money for his loved ones with Kanye West donating $150,000.
Police said Edd Lahar, 30, had recordings on his phone that showed him abusing the infant in Oregon from June 2018 to as recently as January

An Oregon man has been arrested after he allegedly filmed himself raping a baby girl multiple times.

Police said Edd Lahar, 30, had recordings on his phone that showed him abusing the infant from June 2018 to as recently as January.

Lahar, of Corvallis, pleaded not guilty to 25 separate sex abuse charges in Benton County Court on Friday.

Authorities started investigating after receiving a tip that Lahar allegedly had child porn on his phone.

Police searched his home on Thursday and found the evidence of sex abuse against the infant.

In addition to the phone footage, police also found pornographic images on Lahar's computer, which he had deleted.

The victim was less than two months old when the abuse started and it continued until she was nine months.

It is not clear how Lahar knows the victim.

Lahar pleaded not guilty to 25 separate sex abuse charges in Benton County Court on Friday

When questioned by authorities, Lahar initially claimed that the pornographic images were taken by accident.

Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson told KEZI that Lahar could face life in prison for some of the charges.

'As a prosecutor, one of our top priorities is to protect our most vulnerable citizens,' Haroldson said.

'It's hard to imagine anyone more vulnerable than an infant.'

Lahar was charged with first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse and using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct.

His bail was set at $1million and he was ordered not to have any contact with the baby girl or her mother.

He is also not allowed any access to the internet or recording devices.
The life of a once fit and healthy father-of-two has changed forever after he visited the physio over what he thought was standard nerve pain.

Sydney mechanical engineer Mick O'Dowd, 45, became a quadriplegic after a Strep A infection in his leg caused necrotizing myositis, also known as flesh eating bacteria, to enter into his bloodstream and attack his muscles.

He complained of a sore gluteal muscle just before Christmas and within days, was on life support in hospital as his organs began shutting down.

After his first surgery, doctors told his distraught wife Katharine he would most likely die within three hours.

Life will never be the same again for Mick O'Dowd, his wife Katharine and their young kids

Her husband defied the odds and since undergone numerous surgical procedures to remove infected and dead muscle from his buttock and thigh to save his life.

'Micks organs were hit by the toxic shock from the bacteria, causing limited functionality,' a GoFund Me page set up to raise funds for his recovery states.

'The intense medication he was on to stabilise his blood pressure resulted in limited circulation, causing further damage to his limbs and extremities. The toxic shock also caused burn-like injuries to over 70 per cent of Micks skin.'

A series of complications have interrupted Mr O'Dowd's slow road to recovery, including a bout of pneumonia, intestinal ischemia and other secondary infections.

Mr O'Dowd remains in intensive care but is able to talk via a speaking valve on his ventilator, which doctors hope to soon remove so he can communicate better.

Mick loved working on the car he was building in his garage,cooking, camping and spending time with his young family

The last month has been tough time for Katharine and their children Amelia, 6, and Thomas, 3.

'The first week was very dark and we had to say goodbye to him multiple times. Mick has amazed the doctors by fighting and pulling through every time,' Mrs O'Dowd told Yahoo7.

'All the muscle from his right gluteal has been removed and he still is facing complex muscle transfer surgery to cover and close his hip. Then he will need extensive skin grafts all over his legs.'

Despite the long road to recovery, the future looks promising for the devoted family man.

Myoelectric hand prosthetics will eventually allow him to return to work, stay active and involved with his family.

A flesh eating bacteria forced the amputation of all four of Mr O'Dowd's limbs

'Mick is one of the most determined people you will meet, he has never before given up on anything and it is clear that he doesnt plan to start now,' the GoFundMe page states.

'His inspirational strength and determination to live have been instrumental in him overcoming extraordinary obstacles, and give him the best chance of success in dealing with the many new challenges his life will involve.'

Friends, family and strangers have rallied around Mr O'Dowd and his young family with more than $73,500 raised within five days and 1000 Facebook shares.

All funds will go towards myoelectric hand prosthetics, which are $150,000 each.

'Life as they knew it will never be the same again for Mick, Katharine, Amelia and Thomas,' the fundraising page states.

'Financial support from friends and the community around them, however, will make a significant difference in ensuring the new chapter of their lives is the best it could possibly be. '
A 19-year-old has been arrested in India for allegedly raping another woman in a first-of-its-kind case after the Supreme Court decriminalised same sex relations in September last year.

Shivani, of New Delhi, faces claims that she forced the victim to have intercourse with her by using a sex toy while two men, Rohit and Rahul, pinned the woman down, Karkardooma District Court heard.

According to News18, the victim said she was subjected to repeated sexual and physical assaults from March 2018.

The trio forced me to have sex with them. Then it became a gang affair. Soon, I was sent to serve clients and the accused woman was always there in the apartment, the victim added.

Shivani, of New Delhi, faces claims that she forced the victim to have intercourse with her by using a sex toy while two men, Rohit and Rahul, pinned the woman down, Karkardooma District Court (pictured) heard

My rapist was not forced to rape me. She was deriving pleasure out of it. I want her punished along with the other two.

Charged under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act, Shivani was questioned by police before being sent to Tihar jail. The two men have also been imprisoned.

This latest incident is just one in a series of sex attacks to have recently plagued India.

In January, an eight-year-old girl was left with bloodied clothes after she was allegedly raped by her teacher in an empty classroom in Andhra Pradesh in the Krishna district.

According to News18, the victim said she was subjected to repeated sexual and physical assaults in New Delhi (pictured), from March 2018

Her parents did not initially report the attack to authorities as they feared their daughter would face repercussions.

But the eight-year-old's mother eventually filed a police report and the teacher, 42, has since been suspended.

Elsewhere, in July, a teenage girl was left fighting for her life after she was raped, doused with kerosene and set on fire in the Pakur district of eastern India's Jharkhand state.

The teenager, 17, was left with 70 per cent burns after the brutal attack and a 19-year-old living in the same neighbourhood was arrested.

This latest incident is just one in a series of sex attacks to have recently plagued India. In July, a teenager was left fighting for her life after she was raped, doused with kerosene and set on fire. Police were later seen parading a suspect with his head covered (pictured)

In the same state on the same day, a village chief was arrested over the gang-rape murder of a 16-year-old.

Dhanu Bhuiyan was the main suspect in the murder of the teenager, who was torched to death after being subjected to a sex attack in Chatra district.

Police said Bhuiyan became enraged after the local village council ordered him to do 100 sit-ups and pay a 50,000 rupee (550) fine following the rape.

Bhuiyan and his accomplices then allegedly attacked the girl's parents before setting their house on fire with the girl inside.

The local village chief, who was found hiding at a relative's house, was also among 15 people detained in the case while the victim's family were given special police protection.
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After almost 40 years serving the UK on military operations across the world, iconic RAF Tornado jets have returned home for the last time.

Two of the RAF's beloved workhorses took to the skies from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus today, becoming the last of the RAF's Tornado fleet to fly back to the UK.

First entering service in 1979, the supersonic jets have been used in operations across the world, most recently bombarding ISIS with air-to-ground missiles pushing the terrorist group back through Syria and Iraq.

Families and friends of the present-day squadron members were on hand to welcome them back to RAF Marham, Norfolk, this afternoon.

Magnificent Flying Machines: The RAF Tornado GR4, initially introduced in 1979 and first in service in 1982, has now been retired. Pictured above: the last Tornado to take to the skies to return from Cyprus

The Tornado has variable geometry wings which can be spread or swept back as required. With wings fully spread the plane has a wingspan of more than 45 feet, but with wings tucked back for fast straight flying it measures just 28 feet across

Pictured here are the aircrew of the final sortie shortly after landing for the last time. On January 31st of January 2019, the RAF operated the final operational sortie of the Tornado GR4

Squadron Leader Bonning descends the steps of a Tornado aircraft while holding his daughter after piloting a RAF Tornado GR4 back to its home base at RAF Marham in Norfolk. The vehicle has just completed operations in the Middle East for the final time ahead of its retirement

Squadron Wing Commander James Heeps hugs his son Henry, six, after piloting the last RAF Tornado GR4 back to its home base in Norfolk. The vehicle will then only be used for training purposes over the UK in the intervening period

George, Henry and William watch as their father Squadron Wing Commander James Heeps pilots the last RAF Tornado GR4 back home. The capabilities of the Tornados are now being delivered by RAF Typhoon jets, which will replace them

The RAF Tornado GR4 Powerplant: two Turbo-Union RB.199 Mk 103 turbofans each rated at 16,000lb st (71.50kN) with afterburning Length: 56ft 6in (17.23m) Height: 19ft 6in (5.95m) Wingspan, spread: 45ft 7in (13.91m) Wingspan, swept: 28ft 1in (8.56m) Wing area: 286.33sqft (26.60m2) Maximum take-off weight: around 61,600lb (27,950kg) Maximum speed: Mach 1.3 Armaments: Paveway II, III and IV series GPS/laser-guided bombs, Brimstone air-to-ground missiles, Storm Shadow cruise missiles, ASRAAM for self defence, one internal 27mm Mauser cannon, plus 1,500-litre and/or 2,250-litre drop tanks, Litening III targeting pod, RAPTOR, Sky Shadow and BOZ countermeasures pods, up to a maximum disposable load of around 19,840lb (9,000kg) Source: RAF Advertisement

The Tornado will be officially retired from service at the end of March and will only be used for training purposes over the UK in the intervening period.

Originally named the Tornado GR1 the aircraft's first use in live operations was during the Gulf War in 1991, when 60 Tornado GR1s were deployed from bases in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Later they were upgraded to the GR4 model, which has been used ever since over the skies of Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: 'It is with a heavy heart, but enormous pride, that we bid farewell to the Tornado from operations. This truly is the end of an era, having played a vital role in keeping Britain and its allies safe for four decades.

'But, after so long in service, it is only right that we now look to the future. The combination of our state-of-the art F35s and the Typhoon's new weapon systems will keep us as a world leader in air combat for a generation.'

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier said: 'My sincerest congratulations to the Tornado Force, returning home after more than four years of continuous commitment to defeating Daesh in Iraq and Syria - an exceptional effort from everyone, well done and thank you.

'As a Tornado GR4 pilot myself, I have seen the aircraft develop over its nearly 40 years of service into an outstanding combat aircraft, flown, maintained and supported by similarly outstanding air and groundcrew.

'The Tornado Force has been continuously deployed on operations since 1990, serving with immense distinction in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Libya and the Balkans.

'I will personally be very sad to see the Tornado retire, but it is time now to pass the baton to our next generation combat aircraft. The F-35B Lightning is now operational and the Typhoon is now fully multi-role capable and able to take on the Tornado's missions.

'We can all take immense pride in what the Tornado has achieved in defence of the nation over nearly four decades, and reflect back on the courage, commitment and achievements of everyone who has contributed to the success of this extraordinary aircraft.'

The Tornado, whose powerful jet engines can propel it to a top speed of 1.3 times the speed of sound, will be officially retired from service at the end of March and will only be used for training purposes over the UK between now and then

The RAF is modernising its fleet as the Tornado reaches the end of its 40-year service. The Typhoon can now carry the powerful Brimstone bombs which were formerly the preserve of the Tornado, and the stealth F35 Lightningtook to the skies for the first time last month

Pilots flight crew and mechanics smile proudly next to the last Tornado to return to the UK, at the end of 40 years in the air

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, a former Tornado pilot, said he would be 'very sad' to see the planes retire

The capabilities of the Tornados are now being delivered by RAF Typhoon jets.

Under 'Project Centurion', worth 425million over the past three years, the Typhoon can now launch the Meteor air-to-air missile, the Stormshadow deep strike cruise missile and the precision attack missile Brimstone.

When the Typhoon was first introduced it was not equipped to carry the Brimstone missile.

Tornados were used more than Typhoons during Nato air strikes in Libya in 2011 because they equipped with Brimstone and the latest 500lb Paveway IV laser- and GPS-guided bombs.

Typhoons have only had Paveway IVs since 2014 and in Libya had to use the older, larger, and less sophisticated 1,000lb or 2,000lb Paveway II ordnance.

The RAF said its improved RAF Typhoon jets 'will form the backbone of the UK's combat air fleet', alongside the recently introduced fleet of stealth F-35 Lighting jets over the coming years.

The RAF said it had already run operation trials in which the Typhoon Lighting jets worked together and said 'the evidence gathered has confirmed the potency of the combination and demonstrated the effectiveness of both platforms when operating alongside on another'.

The aircrew of the Tornado GR4, Wing Commander James Heeps, OC 31 Squadron (centre left) and Wing Commander Matt Bressani, OC 9 Squadron (centre right), after landing for the last time at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus

Even after the introduction of the more modern Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, the Tornado remained a key part of the RAF's battle fleet in part because it can carry a total of 12 powerful Brimstone air-to-surface missiles which are capable of hitting moving targets

The first time pilots flying Tornado saw action was during the Gulf War in 1991, when 60 Tornado GR1s were deployed from bases in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain

Shot from their Tornado Sixty Tornado GR1 aircraft took part in Operation Granby, the British military deployment during the 1991 Gulf War. Six were lost. The downing of the Tornado flown by John Nichol (left) and John Peters (right) was a propaganda coup for Saddam Hussein RAF Pilot John Peters and navigator John Nichol were paraded in front of cameras by their Iraqi captors after their Tornado was shot down . The two flight lieutenants were held captive for a total of 47 days. Advertisement

The Tornado can trace its DNA all the way back to work by Sir Barnes Wallis, better known for developing the bouncing bomb used by 617 Sqn The Dambusters in 1943, who began work on variable geometry (VG) wing designs in the 1950s.

He realised with a VG aircrafts wings swept forwards - spread wide - it could use shorter runways and display greater manoeuvrability, and by sweeping them back could achieve maximum high-speed performance.

Although no planes were built from his designs, VG wings became commonly used on fighter aircraft through the latter half of the twentieth century, including on the Tornado.

It was initially created by a British-German-Italian conglomerate, Panavia, which was set up in Germany to build the craft.

The Tornado programme was initiated in 1968, and the first prototype flew on 14 August 1974.

The initial RAF requirement was for 220 aircraft, and the first of these was delivered to RAF Cottesmore in July 1980, becoming the mainstay of the RAF strike force in June 1982.

RAF Tornados took part in the 1999 Kosovo war and the GR4 upgrade was completed in time for Operation Telic, the UK's deployment in Iraq from 2003 to 2011.

Tornados were used in Afghanistan from 2009 until the withdrawal of UK forces in 2014. According to the Ministry of Defence, they flew over 5,000 sorties and logged more than 33,500 flight hours during this time.
Two of the other doctors photographed in blackface in Virginia governor Ralph Northam's infamous 1984 medical school yearbook have been identified.

Dr. Steven Nafziger, 64, and Michael J. Breiner, 59, were two of three men three men who donned blackface to dress up as The Supremes for the Halloween party at Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Northam attended the party but whether or not he wore a racist costume to it has been a source of great debate.

The scandal began when his yearbook page was unearthed. In the collage of photographs beneath his name is one from the party where two men are dressed up, one in blackface and one in a KKK robe.

There is no caption to indicate which one is Northam.

Steven Nafziger is one of the other men whose blackface costume was used on his yearbook from East Virginia Medical School in 1984

Michael Joseph Breiner also dressed up in blackface to impersonate a member of The Supremes for the Halloween party

Dr. Nafziger (left) works in Colorado. The hospital where he works defended him on Tuesday after the photograph emerged. Dr. Breiner, right, who is still based in Virginia, has not commented

The Democratic Virginia governor apologized for it initially but has since walked back his claims to say that he is not even in the image without explaining why else it would be on his yearbook page.

He went further to say that he did not attend the party, despite others - namely his roommate at the time - confirming that he was there.

As the calls for Northam to resign mounted, more photographs, emerged.

In a statement on Tuesday, the medical center where Nafziger works in Pueblo, Colorado, told DailyMail.com that the racist costume should not speak for his career.

Parkview Medical Center said it had 'no formal comment on the discovery of a nearly four-decade old photograph of Dr. Steven Nafziger, vice president of medical services, dressed and performing as one of The Supremes at a Halloween party during medical school.

Dr. Nafziger's page in the yearbook is opposite Virginia governor Ralph Northam's

This is the photograph which sparked the scandal. Governor Northam first apologized for it then claimed he was not in it but did not explain why else it would be used on his yearbook page

'Dr. Nafzigers service to Pueblo, including his medical residency, his time as an outstanding primary care physician, and his tenure with Parkview Medical Center is without reproach,' a spokesman for the hospital added.

Northam has faced calls to resign since the photographs emerged

Breiner is the Associate Professor for Anatomical Sciences and Surgery at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia.

He did not respond to DailyMail.com's inquiries on Tuesday morning.

East Virginia Medical school banned yearbooks in 2013 after other photographs of student standing in front of Confederate flags appeared.

There have been widespread calls for Northam, who has also sparked controversy over his support of a late-term abortion bill, to step down.

Among his critics is President Donald Trump.
Daniel Williams, a second-year student at the University of Reading, went missing during the early hours of Thursday, 31 January

Police searching for a missing student who vanished after a night out at a campus bar have found a body in a lake.

Daniel Williams, 19, was last seen at around midnight in a student union bar on Whiteknights campus at the University of Reading.

A body was discovered today in a lake at the university.

Thames Valley Police said Mr Williams' family has been informed but highlighted that no formal identification has yet taken place.

Superintendent Stan Gilmour, Local Policing Area Commander for Reading, said: 'Tragically officers searching for Daniel have located a body. While the identity of the person who died is yet to be established, we have informed Daniel's family and are providing support to them.

'Please could I make an appeal to respect the privacy of Daniel's family at what must be a deeply difficult time for them.'

The death is currently being treated as unexplained but is not believed to be suspicious.

Thames Valley Police officers search the lake on the University of Reading's Whiteknights Campus for missing student Daniel Williams

Thames Valley Police Officers searched the lake and its banks following the dissapearance of Mr Williams

Last week search and rescue teams were deployed to find Mr Williams after he went missing during the early hours of Thursday 31 January.

The second-year Computer Science student was reported missing after he failed to return to his student accommodation.

After the teenager was reported missing, investigating officer Sergeant Bradley Pitt said: 'We are appealing for anyone with information about Daniel's whereabouts to get in contact with police as we are extremely concerned for his welfare.

Police said they were 'extremely concerned' for his welfare and that his disappearance was 'out of character'

Officers were pictured searching in the water while other observed in a boat

'It is out of character for Daniel to be missing so please report any possible sightings of him to officers as soon as possible.'

The student has some family connections in Sutton, Surrey.

Mr Williams is described as 6ft tall, slim build, with short light brown hair and blue eyes.

He was wearing black or blue jeans, a black hooded top and black shoes.

Mr Williams was also wearing a black t-shirt underneath with a distinctive white motif on the front.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call police on 101 quoting reference 1307 31/1.
Dorset Police released this photo of the suspect

A lookalike for Prince Andrew is being hunted by the police for a shoplifting offence.

The man aged in his 40s or 50s and with short grey hair walked into a branch of Mothercare store in Poole, Dorset, and left with an expensive pushchair without paying.

Dorset police have issued two CCTV images of the Royal-looking suspect, who was smartly dressed in a blue sweater, white shirt, black trousers and brown shoes.

Sergeant Carmel Ryan, of Dorset Police, said: 'I have been making enquiries to establish who this man is but these have so far been unsuccessful.

'I would ask anyone who knows who he is to please contact Dorset Police.'

Facebook users were quick to point out the strong resemblance between the thief and the Duke of York.

Wendy Ann posted: 'Looks like Prince Andrew is getting hot under the collar!'

The suspect was captured on CCTV scratching his neck prompting some online to suggest the Royal lookalike was a little hot under the collar

Prince Andrew, Duke of York attends the 2018 Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey last March

Rog Lou said 'it's Prince Andrew, isn't it?' to which another commentator replied: 'My thoughts too!'

Sue Hillier posted: 'He's nicking a pushchair for Harry and Meghan - times must be hard in Windsor these days.'

A further nine commentators agreed that the suspect did indeed resemble the Queen's second son.

Dorset Police have not commented on the suspect's looks but stuck to the facts, saying that he entered Mothercare at Poole Retail Park in Branksome, Poole, at 3.14pm on January 12.

Last year a shoplifting suspect in Blackpool (left) struck Twitter users with his similarity to Friends star David Schwimmer (right)

The case of the Royal doppleganger follows a shoplifting incident in which a dead-ringer for Ross from Friends was caught stealing a crate of beer from an off-licence in Blackpool.

The actor himself prompted much mirth by re-enacting the theft and posting his own video online.

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, 58, served a s Sea King helicopter co-pilot nthe South Atlantic during the Falklands War.

He is now seventh in line to the throne following the births of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's three children.

MailOnline has contacted the Duke for comment - and to confirm his whereabouts on January 12.
North Queensland residents have returned to their homes to begin the massive task of cleaning up after devastating floods left thousands of houses underwater.

Townsville was overrun with scenes of total chaos this week, with many homes, car parks and shopping centres almost totally submerged.

There were Heartbreaking scenes on Tuesday as families returned to view the damage and begin clearing what was left.

Andrew Hodgson cleans mud off his flood affected driveway in the suburb of Hermit Park in Townsville

Dave Mitchell helps clean his brother's flood affected motel in Townsville on Tuesday

Furniture and homewares were piled up outside Townsville homes on Tuesday as residents returned to clean up the deluge left behind

Steve Knight was scraping thick grey silt from his driveway as his wife Rachel picked through what was left of their home.

They had fled about 4am on Saturday when they lost power and returned on Tuesday for the first time.

'It's just devastating, we've been here 14 years and it's never flooded before. Even in Cyclone Yasi we stayed dry, but not this time,' Mr Knight said.

'For us to flood here shows you how devastating it really was.

'It's all material stuff, we can replace things, but to get in and open the door and see everything gone - it was just devastating.'

Townsville resident David Mitchell had his entire home to clear on Tuesday following the devastating floods

Heartbreaking images took over the city on Tuesday as families returned to view the damage and begin clearing what was left

Mr Mitchell sweeps out his muddy garage after flood waters receded in the suburb of Rosslea on

Ms Knight said the hardest part had been not knowing and waiting to see the damage.

She has no idea where they will live while their home is repaired.

'I don't know what we are going to do - it will be six months before we can move back, at the earliest.'

Outside, Mr Knight discovered two of his children's medals buried in the silt.

He tossed them onto the pile of rubbish on the sodden front lawn to be taken to the dump - along with most of their possessions.

Days of severe rainfall combined with unprecedented water released from the city's swollen dam, sent torrents of water down the Ross River and into, swamping roads, yards and homes.

Days of severe rainfall combined with unprecedented water released from the city's swollen dam, sent torrents of water down the Ross River and into, swamping roads, yards and homes

Bettina Murphy cleans mud after her house was flooded in the suburb of Hermit Park in Townsville

The city was turned into a floodplain on Sunday night when the Ross River Dam spillway gates automatically opened to ease pressure

Residents armed with mops and brooms took on the challenge of clearing their homes of the muddied waters that threatened to destroy their homes

The city was turned into a floodplain on Sunday night when the Ross River Dam spillway gates automatically opened to ease pressure.

This sent 2,000 cubic metres of water per second rocketing through already flooded suburbs as desperate residents scrambled in boats and kayaks to reach evacuation centres on higher ground and 400 were rescued by the army with trucks and helicopters.

Townsville man Damien Kent was forced to smash his way into a neighbour's house with a hammer to seek refuge from raging floodwater for two families, six dogs and five cats.

Mr Kent had ignored advice to seek shelter from the monsoon and had expected to ride out the storm in his Hermit Park home.

Forecasters have warned there may be more to come with the monsoon trough will remain active for days  and with it the risk of more flash flooding

Corbin Dale cleans the driveway of a friend's house in the suburb of Hermit Park in Townsville

However, as surging water rushed at knee-level over the weekend he knew he needed to act.

He first tried SES but it was too late to be rescued. He turned to his neighbour who had an empty two-storey home.

He was granted permission to seek refuge in the property, along with another nearby family.

'I wasn't panicking, I had to keep my calm - it must be the mullet.

'I carried the youngest kids on my back, they were pretty scared.

'We also carried six dogs and the five cats - we did a fair few trips but we are all ok.'

The storm claimed two lives, with the bodies of Hughie Morton, 21, and Troy Mathieson, 23, pulled from a stormwater drain on Tuesday.

Heartbreaking scenes filled the streets as residents returned to assess the damaged caused by the monsoon

Townsville residents woke on this week to scenes of total chaos, with thousands of homes, car parks and shopping centres almost totally submerged

The pair were last seen running away from police after a Dan Murphy's bottle shop was looted in the early hours of Monday morning.

Forecasters have warned there may be more to come with the monsoon trough will remain active for days  and with it the risk of more flash flooding.

The Bureau of Meteorology predicts a 95 per cent chance of rain every day until at least Thursday, while there's a 90 per cent chance of rain on Friday.

'There is an end in sight but we're expecting further periods of heavy rainfall, some of it very heavy, about the north-east tropics for the next few days between about Cardwell and Mackay,' meteorologist Richard Wardle told ABC.

The Bureau of Meteorology predicts a 95 per cent chance of rain every day until at least Thursday, while there's a 90 per cent chance of rain on Friday

'There is an end in sight but we're expecting further periods of heavy rainfall, some of it very heavy, about the north-east tropics for the next few days between about Cardwell and Mackay,' meteorologist Richard Wardle says
The remains of the aptly named Corpsewood Manor have been abandoned since the owners were accused of 'devil worshiping' and murdered there in 1982, sparking a nationwide manhunt.

Now, the hauntingly derelict buildings surrounded by dense woodland have been revealed in a series of eerie photographs.

The once grand house with its impressive redbrick archway has been reduced to crumbling walls rising from the overgrown grounds.

 Slide me  Photographs show what is left of the once-impressive Corpsewood Manor - a redbrick archway and crumbling walls

The aptly-named Corpsewood Manor belonged to Dr. Scudder and Joseph Odom before they were murdered and accused of devil worshipping in 1982

Other photographs show Corpsewood Manor before it was destroyed by a fire, as well as crime scene photos from the brutal murders.

The urban exploration shots were taken in the hills of Chattooga County, Georgia by a photographer known as Abandoned Southeast.

The manor was the former home of Dr. Charles Scudder and Joseph Odom, who purchased a 40-acre plot built their dream home themselves.

'When they arrived, Dr. Scudder and Joseph Odom saw the bare, hauntingly beautiful trees around them and named their new home: Corpsewood Manor,' the photographer wrote on their website.

The couple bought the 40-acre plot of land and used all their money and resources to build their dream home (pictured at the time of the murders)

Scudder and Odom lived here quietly with their two English Mastiff dogs, who were shot dead with the couple by Avery Brock and Tony West in 1982

The land has become overgrown and there is almost nothing left of the property, in the hills of Chattooga County, Georgia

They lived there quietly with two English Mastiff dogs, often opening up their land to local hunters who would knock on the door and ask permission.

According to Abandoned Southeast, that is how the couple met Avery Brock, a neighbor who had hunted on their land numerous times.

'The lifestyle the couple enjoyed led Avery Brock to speculate Dr. Scudder and Joseph Odom were millionaires, when actually they had spent most of their savings on building their secluded homestead,' the photographer wrote.

'Avery Brock told his friend, 30-year-old Tony West, a story about "queer devil-worshipers" who, he believed, were hiding a fortune in their home.'

'The pair planned to rob the couple and put their plan into motion on the night of December 12, 1982.'

The victims Dr Charles Scudder (left) and Joseph Odom with one of the couple's English mastiffs

On the night of December 12 1982, local hunters drove to Corpsewood and murdered both Scudder and Odom with a .22 caliber rifle

Eerie photographs show one bedroom after the murderers ransacked the house looking for anything of value

Brock and West then picked up two others - West's nephew Joey Wells and his friend Teresa Hudgins. They then drove to Corpsewood Manor, where they recieved a warm welcome from Scudder.

According to Abandoned Southeast, the group spend many hours in the Pink Room of the manor, drinking homemade wine and partying with the couple.

The former chicken coop built by the couple on the grounds of Corpsewood

But after a few hours, Brock left the party and went back to his car to retrieve a .22 caliber hunting rifle.

He shot Odom four times, killing him, before turning the gun on the two mastiffs.

Wells and Hudgins tried to flee, but the car would not start and they were forced to return to the manor, where Brock and West had tied up Scudder and were demanding money.

After ransacking the house and finding nothing of value, West murdered Scudder by shooting him the head at point blank range.

The pair attempted to steal Scudder's harp, 'but it would not fit in the vehicle', the photographer wrote.

With their car out of action, the pair took Scudder's black Jeep as they fled west. But at a rest stop near Vicksburg, Mississippi they ditched the evidence and stole another vehicle from Navy Lieutenant Kirby Phelps, murdering him in the process.

The crumbling remains of the couple's home can be found in the wooded hills of Chattooga County, Georgia

While investigating the murders the police found two human skulls, three vials allegedly filled with LSD and numerous items relating to the occult, according to the photographer

On December 16, a neighbour called the county sheriff after noticing bullet holes in the door of Corpsewood Manor.

That day, Teresa Hudgins approached the police saying she had escaped from Joey Wells' mother's house where he had been holding her captive.

Hudgins and Wells cooperated with the police and were not charged, but their testimonies sparked a giant nationwide manhunt for Avery and West.

Abandoned Southeast writes that Brock handed himself over to police on December 20 1982 in Georgia, while West did so in Tennessee on Christmas Eve.

Both received life sentences; Brock is currently serving his in Georgia State Prison, while West is being held at Augusta State Medical Prison.

Tony West (left) and Avery Brock (right) pictured around the time of the murders, both handed themselves in to police and received life sentences

Tony West (left) is serving his time Augusta State Medical Prison while Avery Brock (right) is in Georgia State Prison. Both have been denied parole

Both have been denied parole multiple times.

As Abandoned Southeast explained, the eerie feeling around this property doesn't end with the murders.

'While investigating the murders, the police found two human skulls, three vials allegedly filled with LSD, a small occult library, numerous occult tools, a large general academic and literature library, and homosexual pornography,' they said.

Also inside the house was a painting by Scudder, completed months earlier, that depicted him bound in a chair with five gunshot wounds to the head.

The sheriff's office in Chattooga County also labelled Scudder and Odom 'devil worshippers' and a neighbor told reporters that Scudder had joined the Church of Satan.

The series was taken by photographer Abandoned Southeast and uploaded on the anonymous person's website

The pictures show all that is left of the house with a redbrick crumbling walls rising from the overgrown grounds

The sheriff had previously tried to bring charges against them for their behaviour, but found it was protected under freedom of religion.

However, the neighbor also said that Scudder was not an active participant in the Church of Satan, but had said he joined to 'see what it was all about'.

Scudder had said he was an athiest.

Abandoned Southeast wrote that most people in Chattooga County were unaware that the Church of Satan is in fact atheistic.

The photographer wrote that Scudder's friends believe being gay in the South at that time 'would have made the Church of Satan's policy of anything goes between consenting adults very attractive.'
These Brandeis students and staff members are all talk

For almost two decades, the Brandeis English Language Learning Initiative has created bonds between students and staff members

We're lucky at Brandeis to be surrounded by so many wonderful staff members who play an integral role in our lives as students. They are the faces we see daily, and countless students have formed meaningful connections with staffers during their time on campus. The English Language Learning Initiative (ELLI) is one of the many ways students and staff members have further fostered these relationships.



ELLI started in 2001 as a program for students to offer English tutoring to dining hall employees. The program has since expanded is now offered to all Brandeis staff, with more than 30 campus workers getting matched with student tutors. After being matched based on schedule availability, all student participants get a prep course in tutoring strategies and English language learning material.

All students, regardless of whether they have had teaching experience, can join ELLI.

After hearing about ELLI during the activities fair at her first-year orientation, Jordan Loranger '20 applied to be a tutor and has been hooked ever since. Although she had prior experience in tutoring, the opportunity to work with staff members offered her a unique way to connect with members of the campus community who aren't students. Jordans tutee, Ling Sze, has been involved with ELLI for a few years and has enjoyed every moment of building her language skills and friendship with Jordan.

I joined because I never really heard of anything like it, explained Jordan, now an ELLI coordinator. Its a great way to give back to the Brandeis community in a way that not many people initially think about.

I enjoy having Jordan as my tutor. Her teaching style works well for me and I learn so much from her, said Ling, who works as the cashier at upper Usdan.



Through their weekly sessions, which range from engaging conversations about their days to completing the occasional grammar worksheet, Jordan and Ling have appreciated the year they've spent together through ELLI. Although Jordan is off to China on a Fulbright fellowship next semester, her tutoring sessions with Ling will remain a memorable part of her Brandeis experience.

While Jordan heads off to her next adventure, Caylee Forschner '20 has returned from a fall semester abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, and just recently reunited with her tutee of two and a-half years, Yen Yu, who works at Peet's Coffee in the Shapiro Science Center.

Everyone on campus seems to know who Yen is. Shes just the friendliest face at Brandeis, Caylee told me. We just happened to get paired up and she is such a special person. Even when I have so much going, on I get excited to take the time to see Yen.



Having been a part of ELLI for longer than she can remember, Yen actively participates twice a week with her tutors. Through working with Brandeis students, she has developed language skills that benefit her on a daily basis.



Ive improved a lot on writing, conversation, and reading skills," Yen added. "Everything we have done has given me more confidence than ever before."

With a passion for giving back, Caylee was looking to join a service-oriented club her first year at Brandeis. She was drawn to ELLI since it offered an opportunity for her to connect with staff.Our club isnt about tutoring as much as its about fostering relationships. Taking the time to do what we can to help out and get to know the staff on a more meaningful level is what ELLI is about, she explained.These experiences are just a few of the many stories about how impactful ELLI has been for the Brandeis community. Students who want to learn more or get involved can sign up for the club listserv on the Brandeis club page
Staggering figures has revealed that New South Wales Police have engaged in seven high-speed pursuits a day despite a push for officers to pull back on dangerous chases.

Figures, revealed by 9 News, showed that in the last financial year alone NSW Police engaged in 2589 pursuits.

Of those high-speed pursuits 223 ended in crashes and the deaths of two people.

Meanwhile only 272 of those pursuits were for criminal offences while the rest were for smaller traffic matters such as evading an RBT or using a mobile phone while driving.

Figures have revealed that in the last financial year alone NSW Police engaged in 2589 pursuits which equates to seven pursuits a day leading to two deaths

In Queensland, Victoria and the ACT drivers who commit those same traffic offences are instead sent a fine in the mail after a registration check by police instead of being pursued at high speed.

Criminologist Dr Terry Goldsworthy told 9 News police had to make the decision to pursue in the heat of the moment.

'It has to be made under extreme pressure, it has to be made quickly and in the heat of battle,' he said.

Millionaire horse trainer Bert Vieira's wife, Gai Vieira, 68, spent months in an induced coma after a police car engaged in a high-speed pursuit slammed into her car as she was driving home in Cronulla.

'You wouldnt want the pain I am feeling now, the people are yelling out loud we do not want pursuits we do not want, for minor crime, we do not want pursuits,' Mr Vieira said.

Senior Constable Harry Thomas Little was at he wheel of the Highway Patrol's Ford Falcon when it collided with Ms Vieira's Mercedes on The Kingsway at Cronulla on September 5, 2018.

Millionaire horse trainer Bert Vieira (pictured) hit out at police pursuit policies after his wife was left in a coma after a police car smashed into her own car

Gai Vieira, 68, (pictured) spent months in an induced coma after a police car engaged in a high-speed pursuit slammed into her car as she was driving home in Cronulla

Snr-Const Little was charged with dangerous driving over the accident and is currently fronting court.

The officer was allegedly travelling at a speed of 124 km/hr in a 70km/hr zone with no flashing lights or sirens before the horrific accident in Cronulla, in Sydney's south.

Mrs Vieira took the impact of the crash while her three-year-old grandson who was sitting in the backseat escaped uninjured.

She suffered severe injuries, including broken bones, and punctured lungs.

Mr Vieira told reporters that his wife was awake and showing gradual signs of improvement.

'She's good, she has her eyes open but still hasn't got the use of her limbs,' he said.

'Sometimes, (if you) ask for as smile she moves (her mouth) on one side, we have hope and we will continue to have hope.'

Commissioner Michael Fuller APM said in a statement he was happy to have a continued dialogue around the mater of high-speed pursuits but declined to comment further.
Baroness Lawrence has said it is 'unbelievable' that inquiries into the aftermath of her son Stephen's murder are still ongoing after nearly 26 years - as she insisted the Met is still 'in some respects' institutionally racist.

A public inquiry into undercover policing, which has been beset by delays, is looking at claims that grieving families were spied on as they campaigned for justice, including the Lawrences.

Giving evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee today, Baroness Lawrence accused the Metropolitan Police of trying to avoid giving the 'true facts' of what undercover officers did to the inquiry.

Baroness Lawrence was giving evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee today

She said: 'The undercover inquiry that's happening now, the police are doing all that they can not to give the true facts of what happened.'

The peer also claimed that chairman Sir John Mitting has not appreciated the lengths an officer would go to in order to keep their activity secret.

'I don't think he understands the level of what a police officer would go through in order to deny and to secret whatever it is that they're doing,' she said.

'This has been going on for three years now and he still hasn't taken evidence. They're still going through the paperwork.

Stephen was murdered by a gang of up to six racist attackers as he waited for a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks in Eltham, south-east London, in 1993

'For me 25 years, coming up to 26 years, and this to be still going on, is unbelievable that any family should have to go through this.'

When asked if she believes that police in England and Wales are institutionally racist now, Baroness Lawrence said: 'I think in some respects that they still are.

'Nobody wants to be labelled as that, but at the same time it's undercover, it still exists.'

She told the committee that officers on the beat cannot expect young people to show them respect if they do not give them the same consideration, and claimed that they are too heavy-handed with black suspects.

'I still feel that police on the beat don't get it. I would drive past, walk past, and I see one individual, a young black man, he'd probably have about six officers around him. Do you need that intimidation, do you need that amount of officers? No you don't.'

Baroness Lawrence was called to give evidence on progress in the 20 years since the publication of the Macpherson report into the aftermath of her son's death.

Stephen was murdered by a gang of up to six racist attackers as he waited for a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks in Eltham, south-east London, in 1993.

The bungled original investigation into his death sparked outrage amid claims of racism and corruption in the police.

A public inquiry was set up four years later and in 1999 the damning Macpherson report was published, accusing Scotland Yard of institutional racism.
Angela Merkel took a swipe at the UK's attitude to the EU today - saying the two were working more closely since the Brexit process was launched.

The German Chancellor delivered the dig as she insisted there is 'still time' to thrash out a Brexit deal despite the deep political standoff.

Mrs Merkel gave Theresa May a glimmer of hope yesterday when she said the 'riddle' of the UK's departure terms could still be solved despite bitter wrangling over the Irish border backstop.

And speaking on a visit to Japan today, Mrs Merkel offered the PM more encouragement - albeit along with a backhanded compliment.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (pictured in Japan today) delivered the dig as she insisted there is 'still time' to thrash out a Brexit deal despite the deep political standoff

'Over the last two years during which we have been dealing with Britain's exit, we have worked more closely together than during several years when Britain was a member of the European Union,' she joked.

The comments came after Mrs Merkel accused the UK last month of not joining in with Brussels' pet projects and seeing ties with other EU member states mainly in terms of trade.

She caused anger among MPs by saying relations had always been 'patchy' with Britain opting out of the euro and the Schengen border-free zone.

Speaking to Japanese and German business leaders in Tokyo today, Mrs Merkel stressed that 'time is pressing' and businesses using 'just-in-time' delivery processes could not afford lengthy customs procedures.

But she added: 'From a political point of view, there is still time. Two months is not a long time but there is still time, and this should be used by all sides.'

Mrs May met her senior ministers in Downing Street before heading for Northern Ireland to renew her commitment to avoid a hard border.

It has been announced that she will go to Brussels for crunch talks with Jean-Claude Juncker on Thursday.

But the scale of the challenge Mrs May faces has been laid bare by news that Brexiteers dismissed a compromise suggestion at a meeting with Mr Juncker's chief aide yesterday.

The EU's most senior official, Martin Selmayr, apparently floated the idea of inserting a legally-binding commitment into the Withdrawal Agreement that would guarantee the Irish border backstop is only temporary.

However, Tory Eurosceptics - branded 'irreconcilables' by despairing ministers - made clear that would not be enough to satisfy them.
Stephen Waterson is accused of deliberately pushing his seat back against Alfie Lamb

A man who crushed a three-year-old to death tried to use his powerful parents to make him 'untouchable', a court has heard.

Stephen Waterson is accused of 'deliberately' pushing his seat back as Alfie Lamb was sitting in the rear footwell of an Audi A4 convertible.

Alfie's mother Adrian Hoare, 23, allegedly put her son in the footwell and 'did nothing to help him' as he screamed out for her, the court heard.

The youngster died three days after suffering a cardiac arrest outside the home he shared with the couple in Croydon, south London.

Waterson even claimed friends had framed him and repeatedly lied afterwards in a bid to cover up the crime, the court heard.

The 25-year-old has also been accused of using the fact he is the adoptive son of former Tory minister Nigel Waterson to make him feel untouchable.

Nigel, 68, who studied law at Oxford University and worked as a solicitor before moving into politics, served as a Tory MP for Eastbourne from 1992 to 2010 and was a junior minister in John Majors government.

Katy Thorne, QC, defending Alfie's mother, told the court: 'You used the fact that you have powerful parents. You look to drop it into conversations all the time.'

Waterson replied: 'Anyone who knows me knows about my parents.'

Waterson has also been accused of using the fact he is the son of former Tory minister Nigel Waterson (pictured together) to make him feel untouchable

He told the court he 'panicked' when police arrived on the scene and inadvertently gave them a false name - but texted four women as Alfie lay dying in hospital.

Waterson told police Alfie had been injured in a taxi and he was an innocent witness who was simply 'driving past' in Croydon, south London.

As he gave evidence, Waterson was accused of telling police investigating Alfies death that he had powerful parents.

Miss Thorne said: In that interview you used the fact you have got powerful parents because you like to drop it into conversation all the time. You befriend vulnerable people and you are exerting your will over them, and what you do Mr Waterson is you used the fact that your parents are powerful people to make you untouchable.

Waterson replied: Im not untouchable.

Adrian Hoare, 23, allegedly put Alfie in the footwell and did nothing to help him as he screamed out for her

Miss Thorne went on: You like it to be known your father is a lawyer, dont you? You would say your father is an important person, not just a lawyer but he used to be a government minister, and you were so powerful because you had these connections.

Waterson replied: I dont know why this is relevant and why we are talking about my parents. Ive never used my parents to control anyone.

He agreed with the suggestion that he had 'been horribly framed' for what had happened by the three other adults in the car.

Jurors were told Hoare and Waterson lied repeatedly to cover up the events, telling paramedics they had got into a taxi and put Alfie in a child seat where he fell asleep.

Eastbourne MP Nigel Waterson. His adoptive son Stephen Waterson is accused of killing Alfie Lamb

Waterson allegedly later threatened family friend Emilie Williams, 19, who was in the Audi A4, and tried to get her to lie about what happened. He is also said to have threatened and assaulted the driver of the car, Marcus Lamb, 22, while Hoare attacked Williams.

The court has previously been told that Waterson deliberately moved his car seat back twice because he was angered at the noise and fuss that Alfie was making, despite his cries of Mummy!. The court was also told that while Alfie was gravely ill in hospital, Waterson sent a string of suggestive text messages to other women.

He denied having sexual relationships with all of these women and insisted that he had been in a state of panic about the boys condition.

In the weeks before Alfie died, Hoare moved in with Waterson for a new start but did not have a key, jurors heard.

Miss Thorne suggested Hoare was not allowed to have a mobile phone because Waterson was paranoid she would be in touch with other men.

Mr Atkinson also asked Waterson if Alfie ever 'annoyed the f*** out of him.'

The prosecutor asked: 'Were there occasions when Alfie would make you lose your temper? When he would annoy the f*** out of you?'

Waterson said: 'There were occasions when he would act up but annoy the f*** out of is a bit strong.'

Mr Atkinson read out a message sent by Waterson to his partner Hoare while Alfie Lamb was in hospital.

The Audi convertible car in which three-year-old Alfie Lamb is alleged to have been crushed while in the rear footwell behind the front passenger seat

It read: 'I feel useless, don't know what to do, he is my little tarzan. It would annoy the f*** out of us. What I would do to have him back again.'

The prosecutor asked him if there were occasions when Hoare would hit her son.

Mr Atkinson asked him: 'Were there occasions when she would slap her son?'

Waterson replied: 'On occasions, yes.'

The prosecutor asked: 'Did she slap him in the car?'

Waterson said that he did not see her do it.

Mr Atkinson said: 'Did you hear it?'

Waterson replied: 'Yes.'

The prosecutor asked: 'What was she doing when she slapped him?'

He replied: 'He was pinching her.'

It also came as the court heard that he texted four women while Alfie was lying critically injured in hospital.

Who is ex-Tory minister Nigel Waterson? Nigel Waterson was born in Yorkshire and attended Leeds Grammar School. In the 1992 General Election, he took his seat from the Liberal Democrats, and went on to successfully defend it in 1997, 2001 and 2005. He served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Health Minister and to the Deputy Prime Minister (Michael Heseltine) during the Major government. Nigel entered the Whips Office in 1997. He later became Shadow Minister for Local Government and then for Trade & Industry. In 2003, he was appointed Shadow Pensions Minister and also Shadow Minister for Older People. Throughout his time in Government he campaigned on issues affecting older people - including scrapping the pension age. He is currently a trustee of the International Longevity Centre, and a Council member of the Society of Pension Consultants. He also has a role as Patron of the Eastbourne branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, as well as Patron of the local Abbeyfield Society Advertisement

Ms Thorne, QC, representing Adrian Hoare, asked him: 'During your panic you were able to keep talking with all of the women you were talking to at the time?'

Waterson replied: 'I am allowed female friends.'

Ms Thorne said: 'These are women you are seeking sexual relationships with.'

Ms Thorne asked him about a women named Amy who he was texting at the time.

Waterson said: 'Amy wanted me to leave Adrian. She wanted me to go with her.'

Ms Thorne asked 'What about Laura?' to which Waterson answered: 'I worked with her.'

Ms Thorne then asked: 'What about Sophie?'

Waterson said: 'My ex-partner? I was friends with her at this time.'

Ms Thorne said: 'During all this time that you are panicking about Alfie, why did you think that it was necessary to text these ladies, do you want to see the messages?'

Mr Waterson replied that he did not.

Ms Thorne continued: 'Alfie is in hospital, you are texting Carla asking: 'You OK? When are you coming to see me?

'You sure that is not intended to be a sexual encounter?'

Ms Thorne paraphrased his message to Carla: "Why don't you just come and stay at mine or something", you say to Carla. It is not you replying to Carla it is you pursuing Carla.

'I am not commenting about the fact that you are texting other women, although there are quite a few of them.

'I am commenting about during the time that you are concerned about Alfie, and panicking, you are pursuing other women'.

Waterson told the court he did not ram the seat against Alfie because he was crying.

A court sketch of Adrian Hoare and Stephen Waterson from their trial at the Old Bailey on January 21

Dr Barbara Judge, mother of Stephen Waterson, outside the Old Bailey

'I didn't move that seat back to deliberately hurt him,' he told the jury.

'I understand what they are saying but it didn't happen. I was asked once to move it forward and I moved it forward.

'I take responsibility along with everyone else in that car that he shouldn't have been in the footwell of that car.'

Asked how Alfie had died, Waterson said: 'This is what I want to find out as well. It was not the chair going back.'

Alfie died three days after suffering a cardiac arrest

After the incident he called 999 claiming he was an innocent witness who was 'literally driving past.'

Waterson and Hoare lied repeatedly after the event and assaulted the two other passengers in an attempt to cover up their crime, the Old Bailey has heard.

Waterson told jurors that he lied to police because he was worried that he would get in trouble because the driver of the car, Marcus Lamb, had been disqualified.

Defence counsel Tana Adkin QC asked Waterson how Alfie felt when he pulled him out of the car.

He said: 'When I picked him up his body was heavy, his legs... his body sort of flopped down - they were just hanging down.

'I tried to wake Alfie up, at first I thought he was joking around. Sometimes we play games but I soon realised there was something up. I just tried to get him to wake up. I was trying to do CPR, nothing was working.'

Waterson, who appeared in court carrying a white crucifix, said he originally gave police the name Alex Richardson.

He told the court: 'At the time I panicked. At that time the police spoke to me, they asked me 'do I know what happened' and I spoke to them and at first I said 'no.'

'Marcus didn't want to admit being the driver. I didn't want to be the driver because I thought it was something to do with allowing the children to be in the footwell.

'I didn't want to take Marcus' place as being the driver. '

Waterson told jurors that he lied to police because he was worried that he would get in trouble because the driver of the car, Marcus Lamb, had been disqualified

Waterson is accused of ramming his seat back (pictured) into Alfie, crushing him against the back seat

The QC asked: 'Did you think Alfie should have been in the footwell of a car?'

'No,' replied Waterson.

Hoare and Waterson, from Croydon, south London, deny manslaughter.

She also denies charges of child cruelty for placing Alfie in the footwell and common assault on Ms Williams on February 14.

Waterson also denies intimidating Marcus Lamb, also known as Marcus Richardson, on 15 February.

But Hoare and Waterson, have admitted perverting the course by submitting false statements to police.

The trial continues.
A Queens woman was violently attacked on the street on Sunday by a man who said he 'wanted to marry her'.

Librarian Dana Sagona, 31, from Queens needed 44 stitches after was slashed across the face with a knife at around 7.45am on Sunday in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and then robbed by the assailant.

Ms Sagona told the New York Daily News the man walked past her several times and 'checked her out' as he told someone over the phone 'I'm going to marry her'.

The unnamed man then grabbed Ms Sagona and held a knife to her face after she rejected his advances.

Dana Sagona, 31, a librarian from Queens, said she was left needing 44 stitches after the attack

Ms Sagona said she saw the man walking past and 'checking her out' while telling someone on the phone he was 'going to marry her'

'He said I was pretty, then asked me if I was scared,' She said.

'I said, 'No,' and then he grabbed me by the neck, maybe the shoulder,' she recalled. 'I felt like I was going to be raped.'

Ms Sagona said he then immediately pulled out the knife and slashed her across the face, leaving her with a severe cut down her cheek.

'When he took out the blade, he said he would kill me,' she said of the savage attack.

The man then ran off with her phone and backpack, she said. He took her keys, $4, a MetroCard and a wallet worth $600.

Ms Sagona said the incident left her needing 44 stitches running from the top of her cheek down to her jawbone.

Police reportedly said they have video footage of the incident although no arrests have been made yet

After the horrifying incident an Uber pulled up at the kerb and the passenger soon called 911.

Ms Sagona was rushed to hospital, and immediately stitched up by doctors.

They told her she will now be left with a lifelong scar after the attack.

She said police told her the attack was captured on video, although there has not yet been an arrest.

She admitted the weekend incident had chipped away at her sense of safety and willingness to walk down certain streets in the city.
Hilarious footage shows a delivery driver being terrorised by an angry crow which dive bombs him and tries to peck him as he attempts to post a package.

The hilarious incident, which happened in County Cork, Ireland, shows the driver filming as he is attacked by the bird which guards its territory.

Stephen Egan, 49, can be heard shouting and swearing as the vexed crow repeatedly swoops at him as he tries to deliver a customer's package.

The crow, which was reportedly hand-reared by a local farmer, perches on the van and glares at Mr Egan with its beady eyes.

Stephen Egan, 49, filmed as he was attacked by an angry crow while delivering a package in County Cork, Ireland

Mr Egan tries to edge closer to the vehicle shouting at the vexed bird to 'get off the van!'

But the little bird continues to relentlessly fly at him, before perching on his door mirror once more.

Mr Egan, who works for Euro Car Parts, can be heard banging on a metal gate calling for help.

He yells 'Get the f**k off!' and noticing the evil stare from the bird, he adds: 'Jesus Christ, he's half human.'

Mr Egan (right), who works for Euro Car Parts, can be heard banging on a metal gate calling for help as the crow glares at him from his van

Mr Egan eventually grabs the parcel and makes a dash for the building but is ambushed yet again as he tries to return to his van.

He manages to get into the front seat and slam the door shut only to be tormented by the crow which perches staring at him on his wing mirror.

Mr Egan said: 'I was doing a delivery to a regular customer. I had never seen the bird around there before. He just seemed to be attracted to me for some reason.

'I didn't really think I had a fear of birds until this happened. I found out Saturday that he was hand-reared by a nearby farmer.'

He added: 'It was my first encounter with it. All the lads are getting great mileage out of the video. I'm getting an awful ribbing over the video. All good fun though.'
Russia is set to build a new range of land-based cruise and hypersonic missiles after Washington tore up a 1987 nuclear treaty.

Vladimir Putin has ordered a ground-launched version of the Kalibr cruise missile to be built by 2020, adapting a weapon currently launched from warships and submarines.

Moscow will also ask its rocket scientists to develop a new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile, amid growing fears of a new arms race with the United States.

The weapons were banned by the Cold War-era INF treaty, which prohibited short-and intermediate-range missiles launched from the ground, but the U.S. announced on Friday it was pulling out of the pact.

Vladimir Putin has ordered a ground-launched version of the Kalibr cruise missile - pictured in a model - to be built by 2020 alongside a new land-based hypersonic weapon

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks in Washington on Friday where he announced that America was pulling out of the 1987 agreement with Russia

'During 2019 and 2020 we have to develop a land-based version of the seaborne Kalibr system equipped with a long-range cruise missile,' said Russia's defence minister Sergei Shoigu.

'Over the same period we will also have to create a land-based missile system with a long-range hypersonic missile.'

Washington said that Russia's 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile systems violated the treaty.

It banned ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres (300 to 3,400 miles).

The deal resolved a crisis over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals, but put no restrictions on other major military actors such as China.

The U.S. had given Moscow a 60-day deadline to dismantle missiles it said breached the agreement, before pulling out of the pact on Friday.

A graphic showing the specifications of the Russian Kalibr missile which will be adapted as a ground-launched weapon

Stumbling block: The Russian Novatar 9M729 ground-based cruise missile system is accused by the U.S. of breaching the INF treaty, which Russia denies

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow was also leaving the treaty in a tit-for-tat response on Saturday.

Defence experts believe converting seaborne and air-launched missile systems for ground use will be advantageous for Russia since producing such missiles will be cheaper and quicker.

'The use of seaborne and air-launched missiles will allow us to significantly reduce the time needed to produce the new missiles as well as financing for them,' Shoigu said.

He also tasked defence officials with extending the maximum range of ground-based missiles 'that are being developed today.'

European leaders have voiced fears over the consequences of the treaty's demise, amid concerns of an arms race not seen since the Cold War.

However NATO said in a statement on Friday that the U.S. allies 'fully support' the withdrawal and agreed that Russia's 9M729 violated the pact.

The INF treaty was signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

The last nuclear arms control treaty between Washington and Moscow - the NEW START treaty - expires in 2021.
A former Vogue cover model who made a million dollars a year at the height of her career, is now homeless and living on the streets of Barcelona.

Nastasia Urbano, 57, fronted fashion campaigns alongside supermodels like Linda Evangelista, was the face of Yves Saint Lauren's iconic Opium perfume, and dined with Jack Nicholson and Andy Warhol in the 1980s.

However, she has fallen far since then, and now sleeps in bank foyers in the capital of north-eastern Spain's Catalonia region.

Then and now: Nastasia Urbano, pictured left in a YSL campaign in the 1980s, and right today, made millions as a model, but has since fallen on hard times and is now homeless

Covergirl: Ms Urbano is seen on the cover of Spanish Vogue at the height of her career

At the age of 20, the Spanish beauty had already been on the cover of magazines like Vogue in Europe, and moved to New York where she was signed by the famous Ford Models agency.

She enjoyed huge success on both sides of the Atlantic, and lived a life that most people could only dream of.

She said: 'I did all the magazines, I was loved by everybody. I was given a million dollars a year for only 20 days of work, for three or four years.

'I was having dinner one day with Jack Nicholson, the following day with Andy Warhol or even Roman Polanski. I was in parties with Melanie Griffith, Don Johnson, and Simon and Garfunkel.

'I was about to go to Madonna's wedding to Sean Penn because [US actor] David Keith was invited and I was dating him at that time, but that day we got up with a hangover and couldn't get up. I had everything, I was living like a queen.'

New life: Ms Urbano says she stays with friends when she can, but also sleeps in bank foyers across Barcelona

At the top: When she was working as a model in New York, she would party with Melanie Griffith and dine with Jack Nicholson and Andy Warhol

Ms Urbano is seen posing in a fashion spread for American Vogue in the mid-late 1980s

The Spanish model is seen in a campaign for Nancy Heller at a time when she said she was making a million dollars per year

Ms Urbano says her life changed after she met the man who became her husband and father of her children.

She claims she funded their lifestyle, and that eventually he 'left her with nothing but the clothes on her back'.

She added: 'The only good thing from that relationship has been my children, the rest was horrible.

'He paid for everything with my money. Only two days after knowing him, he wanted me to buy a BMW and I, like a fool, I signed a cheque. I was in love..'

Ms Urbano, who suffers from depression, says she has been evicted from a series of homes because she could not pay the rent.

She now alternates between sleeping on friends' sofas and in bank foyers where automated doors give customers access to cash machines.

She said: 'I want to live, not just survive. I am tired of surviving and asking for money. The people around me have gone away, everybody goes away and I am not surprised.

'I want my children to see me well. I want to recover as a person and to be OK, so they can be proud of me.'

Lost it all: Ms Urbano claims her ex-husband 'left her with nothing but the clothes on her back'

In recovery: The 57-year-old, who has several children by her former husband, says she wants her children to see her healthy again and be proud of her

Nastasia started her fashion career in Barcelona and went on to model for top brands such as Revlon and Yves Saint Laurent, making the cover of Vogue in 1981.

After hearing about her current plight, a group of her former colleagues has decided to do what they can to help her get back on her feet.

Former fellow model Ruth Schuler said: 'It has left me in shock. Nobody expected this. We were at princess level, but she, she was at goddess level.

'I remember her as an introverted person, very beautiful and very generous with others. We are gathering more people. The first thing is to talk to her, know how she is and what she needs.'

And another former model, Hernando Herrera, said: 'She has lot of things to give to the fashion world.

'She could do a lot of things, not only model, but also conferences, fashion speeches and other activities.

'I am ready to teach her and talk with photographers and agencies so that she can work again.'
A young mother had a narrow escape after she was approached by a man on an isolated beach near where Toyah Cordingley was murdered late last year.

Madeleine Weinmann went for a walk through Kewarra Beach, in far north Queensland on Monday evening.

The 28-year-old mother-of-one was approached by a man who she describes as being of Indian appearance, in his early 30's and with a strong Australian accent.

The man grabbed her hand at one point and attempted to pull her closer.

Madeleine Weinmann went for a walk through Kewarra Beach, in far north Queensland on Monday evening

The incident occurred on the beach a mere 20km away from where 24-year-old Toyah Cordingly was brutally murdered last year

But he wasn't successful. Ms Weinmann fought back and pulled away - which she credits to her essential oils and body butter.

'It was luckily raining and I was covered in a slippery body butter so I managed to pull away,' Ms Weinmann said.

If it weren't for her quick wits and lucky escape, Ms Weinmann said she doesn't like to think where she could have ended up.

'I am 28,' she said. 'If this was a young girl I would hate to know the outcome.'

The incident occurred on the beach a mere 20km away from where 24-year-old Toyah Cordingly was brutally murdered last year.

The 28-year-old mother-of-one was approached by a man who she describes as being of Indian appearance, in his early 30's and with a strong Australian accent

Ms Weinmann fought back and pulled away - which she credits to her essential oils and body butter

A 19-year-old woman was approached by a man on the very same beach on January 23 but managed to escape.

Ms Weinmann said the man initially approached her in his car, and for a moment she believed he may have been lost, and looking for directions.

'But then he zoomed past me again before stopping in the middle of the road... he then swerved at me this time, I think in an attempt to scare me,' she wrote on social media.

Ms Weinmann attempted to hurry past the man, who she also described as quite small, but he jumped out of his car and approached her.

The incident occurred on the beach a mere 20km away from where 24-year-old Toyah Cordingly was brutally murdered last year

'He came over to me asking if I knew where this street led to... He asked me my name and put his hand out to shake mine.'

Ms Weinmann said she 'stupidly' shook his hand, and regretted it almost instantly.

When she managed to escape, she said the unnamed man followed her, asking her where she lived, if she jogged in the area regularly and if she could double back to help him with directions.

She said the man had a 'glassy, crazy look in his eye and creepy smile on her face', and she decided to run.

'He zoomed past me again and then turned around and came towards me. He pulled over on the side of the road and lent out the passenger window holding his phone.'

Ms Weinmann reported the incident to local police immediately.
The parents of murdered British mother Caroline Crouch yesterday vowed to care for her baby daughter and ensure 'the memories of her mother live forever'. Susan and David Crouch are wracked with a gut-wrenching grief that will never leave them following their daughter's death at the hands of her Greek husband. But one crusade keeps them focused - the fate of their granddaughter Lydia (pictured left with Caroline), too young to understand what she witnessed when her father suffocated her 20-year-old mother. It has been 41 days since Miss Crouch was murdered and almost a week since her husband confessed to killing her with a pillow in front of Lydia. Yesterday Miss Crouch's father, David, told the Daily Mail: 'Both Susan and I will spend the rest of our lives making sure that justice is done and ensuring that her little daughter Lydia is brought up with all the advantages that we can give her and that the memories of her mother live forever.' But amid their grief, a custody battle over 11-month-old Lydia may now loom with her father's parents. In their first words since her death, David and Susan told of their deep pride in the young mother who was 'cruelly taken away at the beginning of what was expected to be a wonderful life'. In a double horror for her parents, the son-in-law they wept with had deceived them in the worst way imaginable. For weeks, Babis Anagnostopoulos (pictured right with Caroline) coolly played the tearful widower as police searched for the 'robbers' he claimed had tied him up and killed his wife, plus the family's pet dog, Roxy. Then last Wednesday, hours after hugging heartbroken Susan at a memorial service, Anagnostopoulos, 33, finally brought the cruel charade to an end with a police confession.
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Caleb Hill, 29, has been arrested on suspicion of child abuse

A Nevada boarding school teacher has been arrested on suspicion of child abuse after he was accused of slamming pupils on the floor on several occasions.

Caleb Hill, 29, was taken into custody on January 29 one day after an investigation into Northwest Academy revealed there had been violent brawls between pupils and teachers.

Hill admitted that he put 'students on the ground even though it was against [school] policy,' according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

He also admitted being involved in two brawls that saw one 15-year-old student left with a bloody nose and another, 14, with bruising, police said.

Investigators revealed other students have claimed they suffered broken bones - mostly toes - during fights in the classroom and were denied medical care.

The probe also revealed there were harmful substances in the school's water, including arsenic.

It found that staff were giving pupils bottled water, but were limiting them to three small bottles a day. Police decided that amount was not sufficient enough.

Many pupils also suffered rashes likely caused by showering in the contaminated water, doctors revealed.

Northwest Academy a school for at-risk youth in Amargosa Valley.

An injured pupil is helped down stairs at the school in a video released by Nye County Sheriff's Office
With Valentine's Day fast approaching, a store has decided to help out those Australians who are stuck for ideas on how to celebrate the day.

An eagle-eyed shopper spotted the sign above a bin of DVDs at their local JB Hifi electronics store and posted a photo online.

'Flicks for Valentine's Day,' the cheeky handwritten sign reads.

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, a store has decided to help out those Australians who are stuck for ideas on how to celebrate the day

Commenters on the post seemed appreciative of the helpful suggestion on how to spend their Valentine's Day.

'A true Aussie legend,' said one grateful commenter.

'I see what someone did there,' said another commenter, possibly referring to the grammatically correct apostrophe.

Valentine's Day originated as a Christian feast day honouring early saints bearing the name.

Currently, the occasion is celebrated on February 14 in many parts of the world as a day of romantic love.
Andrew Swafford, 30, was charged with misdemeanor breaking and entering over the weekend

A college student got the fright of her life after returning to her dorm to find a man wearing all her clothes and hiding in her closet.

The University of North Carolina student, named only as Maddie, said she found 30-year-old Andrew Swafford wearing her socks and shoes and holding a bag of her clothes this weekend.

According to Maddie, she had noticed items of clothing going missing for some time in the run up to Sunday's upsetting discovery.

She had just finished work and was returning to her UNC Greensboro apartment complex at the Summit at the Edge Apartments when she found Swafford.

'I've been having pieces of clothes go missing, like shirts and pants,' Maddie told Fox 8.

'We always joke that there's a ghost in here because I've been missing clothes since I've been living here.

'I just hear rattling in my closet. It sounded like a raccoon in my closet,' Maddie said. 'I said 'Who's there?' And somebody answers me. He said 'oh my name is Drew'.

'I open the door and he's in there, wearing all of my clothes. My socks. My shoes. And he has a book bag full of my clothes.

A photo taken by Maddie in the wake of the incident shows Swafford hiding in her closet surrounded by a pile of her clothes

'He tries on my hat. He goes in the bathroom and looks in the mirror and then said 'you're really pretty, can I give you a hug?'' she recalls. 'But he never touched me.'

Maddie said she stayed with Swofford for about 10 minutes before her boyfriend arrive and he fled the building.

Police in Greensboro then arrested Swofford a block away from the apartment complex.

He was charged with misdemeanor breaking and entering, although police spokesperson Ron Glenn said Swofford was 'not violent'.

'She apparently came home around her lunch break, heard a noise in her closet and found him in there,' Greensboro Police spokesman Glenn said.

Greensboro Police did not reveal how Swofford managed to gain entry to the apartment, despite Maddie and her roommates saying they always lock their doors.

He is currently being held on a total of $26,600 bail at the Guilford County Jail, according to records on the Guilford County Sheriff's Office website.

Swofford appeared in court on Monday via video conference and remained in custody. It is not clear if he has hired an attorney and he could not be reached for comment by Heavy.
Shocking footage shows the moment a girl continues to attack a woman during a violent brawl at a service station.

The video, which was captured at Baldock Services in Hertfordshire on Sunday, shows the young girl launch herself onto another woman, seen in a blue jumper, after becoming infuriated with her.

The girl, wearing a grey tracksuit, pulls at the woman's hair and tries to kick her, as others try to hold her back.

The incident, which lasted about 30 minutes, occurred at around 11.30pm and led to a man in his twenties and a woman in her thirties being assaulted.

The girl launches herself at the woman in the blue jumper at Baldock Services in Hertfordshire after becoming infuriated with her

The girl pulls the woman's hair and kicks at her during the brawl as others rush over to pull her off

During the clip, a man in a checkered shirt pulls the girl off the woman in the blue jumper

During the clip, a group of men try to break the fight up and pull the girl off the woman.

However after she is pulled off the woman in the blue jumper she launches herself onto her once again.

According to witness Owen Bradbury, who filmed the footage, the girl had claimed the woman in the blue jumper had given her a 'dirty look'.

He said: 'The girl in the grey tracksuit was with her father and felt as though the woman in the blue jumper and her boyfriend gave her a dirty look as she walked past.

'The girl in the tracksuit became very aggressive and started to fight with the girl in the blue jumper as her father argued with the girl in the blue jumpers boyfriend.

The man in the checkered shirt manages to pulls the girl in the grey trousers off the woman

The woman in the blue jumper holds her hands up as the girl runs up to attack her again

A man in a grey hoodie, believed to be related to the girl in the grey tracksuit, was also present during the brawl

'The father of the girl in the grey tracksuit and the boyfriend of the girl in the blue jumper then also became involved.

'The boyfriend of the girl in the blue jumper desperately tried to pull the girl in the grey tracksuit off of his girlfriend -who was pulling her by her hair.'

After fight is broken up, the girl in the grey tracksuit continues arguing with the man in the checkered shirt and is heard saying: 'Go on what you saying?'

She continues: 'What are you saying now to me? Nothing because you know you will get jarred again.'

According to Mr Bradbury, the security guard at the service station was unable to break the fight and the police were eventually called.

A Hertfordshire Constabulary Police spokeswoman said: 'Police are investigating an assault that happened at Baldock services, A1M, on Sunday, February 3.

'At around 11.30pm, a man in his twenties and a woman in her thirties were assaulted, following a verbal altercation with the offender.

'They sustained ABH level injuries.'

Any witnesses, or anyone with information, should contact Hertfordshire Constabulary on the non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference 41/11154/19.
A pilot who was killed in a crash while flying his light plane, powered by a converted VW camper engine, has been pictured.

Stuart Penfold, who friends described as always 'licking the lid of life', had been flying the 'simple and mechanical' Luton Minor aircraft, which he had rebuilt, before it came down just before lunchtime on Sunday 3 February.

Last year the 54-year-old posted a picture on Facebook of an overturned plane, with the comment 'just a standard landing'.

On Sunday Mr Penfold had been flying the aircraft around half a mile away from the small picturesque village of Belchamp Walter in Essex.

Stuart Penfold (pictured above) was described by family and friends as a 'passionate light aircraft flyer'

Mr Penfold had previously posted a picture on Facebook of a plane he had landed

Locals reported seeing a small microlight-type aircraft crash, although the rural location of the incident meant there were few witnesses to the moment it came out of the sky.

Emergency service crews, including dozens of police officers and fire crews, were scrambled to the scene, including an air ambulance. But sadly there was nothing that could be done to the save Mr Penfold, a plane enthusiast from Halstead, Essex.

His friend Steve Slater said he had helped Mr Penfold purchase the plane and that it was 'almost rebuilt'.

Eight fire engines were dispatched to the scene as well as an air ambulance and several paramedics on Sunday afternoon

The crash near the Belchamp Walter Village Hall, off North Road, which was cordoned off by police on Sunday

'He bought it after it had suffered an accident previously.

'He practically rebuilt the entire fuselage. Like a Luton Minor I had, it had a converted VW Campervan engine. It was very simple and mechanical.'

According to Mr Slater, 50, Luton Minors have been built over the years with only about 20 currently in service.

'Owners of these types of planes are a close group who all know each other and there is a very strong and close group of people who fly them in Essex and Suffolk.

'This is very, very sad to hear,' added Mr Slater, who is the chief executive of the light aircraft association.

Emergency services (pictured above) were called to the scene on Sunday following the crash

Essex Police is assisting the Air Accidents Investigation Branch

In a short statement given to police Mr Penfold's family said: 'In loving memory of a devoted, reliable and wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

'A passionate light aircraft flyer and a keen member of Braintree Motorcycle Club, on a journey to his next destination'.

Friends also paid heartfelt tributes to Mr Penfold on the club's social media site.

Graham Davies said: 'I heard the news of a light aircraft crashing this morning.

'This is very close to where I live and my first thought was I hope it wasn't Stuart.

'I am heartbroken to hear that it was.

'I spent a year or so on the committee of the Braintree club and got to know Stuart quite well.

The incident happened shortly before 12pm on Sunday and eight fire engines were called to the site as well as several police officers

'He was kind, warm and had a wealth of great stories. He certainly licked the lid of life.

'My thoughts are with his family and the many people who knew him, and whose lives he enriched.'

Andrew John Prill said: 'Such a tragic loss especially to anyone who had the privilege to know him or count him as a friend. Sincere condolences to the family.'

David Eggleton said: 'He was enthusiastic about aeroplanes, motorcycles and old cars. But mainly I shall remember him for always having that infectious smile.'

An Essex Police spokesman confirmed they are assisting the investigation.

'We are assisting the Air Accidents Investigation Branch with their enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the collision.

'Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the aircraft shortly before is asked to contact Braintree Police Station on 101 quoting incident 503 of February 3.'

Pictured: Police at the scene on Sunday following the crash in the small village

Essex Police cordoned off the area and had described the accident as a 'serious incident'

One woman, whose house backs onto the field where the plane came down, said: 'We often stand here and watch the planes doing loop the loops, it's quite exciting.

'We get a lot more of them in the summer time though.'

She added that she didn't see or hear anything of the crash until she saw flashing lights and engines 'whizzing down the lanes'.

Emergency services were called shortly before 12pm on Sunday to 'reports of a light aircraft in distress' at Belchamp Walter, on the Suffolk border.

Eight fire engines were dispatched to the scene as well as an air ambulance and several paramedics.

On Sunday a witness told EssexLive that he saw an aircraft 'crash into the field'.

'I saw an aircraft of some sort crash into the field. I'm not sure if it was a micro blade or a light aircraft,' he explained.

Another witness added: 'We were driving back from Sudbury and saw fumes and smoke.'

A dog walker added: 'We were driving back from Sudbury and saw fumes and smoke. We thought that's a big bonfire. Then we heard about the crash.'
Police have faced a backlash after phoning a 74-year-old woman to warn her that online posts about gender identity not extending beyond the grave had offended transgender people.

Suffolk Police woke humanist celebrant and former local journalist Margaret Nelson yesterday morning at her home in Suffolk to tell her some people had found recent posts offensive.

In a January 19 blog post rebutting a tweet she received - which read 'trans women ARE women fact' - Ms Nelson wrote that if a transgender person's body was dissected post-mortem, 'his or her sex would be obvious to a student or pathologist'.

She also recently tweeted 'Gender is BS. Pass it on' and called people who use terms like 'cis' [a prefix used as an antonym to 'trans'] or 'terf' [trans-exclusionary reactionary feminists] 'bloody annoying'.

The comments provoked some complaints from members of the trans community, although Suffolk Police have yet to reveal how many.

Margaret Nelson, 74, was awakened by a call from the police yesterday morning to discuss a blog post the officer on the phone acknowledged was entirely legal

In her Twitter bio Ms Nelson describes herself as 'Mature procrastinator, planet-lover, bird-feeder, cloud-spotter, cat-herder, TV murder mystery and cake addict, frugal freethinker and physical wreck'

The Suffolk Police web team responded to Ms Nelson online but their contribution did little to put an end to the row

But an officer phoned Ms Nelson before 9am on Monday morning to ask her not to post such things.

On Twitter Ms Nelson said: 'What a way to start the day! 2 early cold callers, one saying they're from the 'call-blocking department', and a policewoman to tell me my online activity has caused offense to 'transgenders', though she agreed a blog post wasn't untrue. Whoever's been offended tracked me down!'

Ms Nelson later explained to The Spectator: 'The officer said she wanted to talk to me about some of the things I'd written on Twitter and my blog.

'She said that some of the things that I'd written could have upset or offended transgender people. So could I please stop writing things like that and perhaps I could remove those posts and tweets?

'I asked the officer if she agreed that free speech was important. She said it was.

'I said that in that case, she'd understand that I wouldn't be removing the posts or stopping saying the things I think. She accepted that and that was the end of the conversation.'

Online, Suffolk Police said: 'We had a number of people contact us on social media about the comments made online. A follow-up call was made for no other reason than to raise awareness of the complaints.'

After the row came to light hundreds of people slammed the police for wasting time and taxpayer money.

One contributor to the conversation wrote: 'Why waste money taking rapists and heroin distributors off the street when we can harass an old lady that offended someone on the internet'

Another said: 'why did you not just tell these vexatious complainants that Margaret was acting perfectly legally and tell them to stop wasting police time'

A number of respondents made reference to 'thoughtcrime' and George Orwell's dystopian novel '1984'.

And one user, Brian Walsh, wrote: 'Obviously they have not been affected by any police cuts to be able to be making people aware of non crimes committed by people. The clean up rate of actual crimes must be phenomenal in Suffolk'

In fact according to the Ipswich star, figures published by the joint professional standards department showed police investigated 15,126 crimes and made 2,636 arrests in the second quarter of 2018.

And of 58 public complaints against the force during a spell in which police dealt with 37,481 incidents, between July and September, only five of those resolved so far have been upheld and resulted in local management action.

Twitter users were scathing in their condemnation of Suffolk Police's approach to the incident

On the 'offending' blog post, Ms Nelson wrote that she had bequeathed her body to Cambridge University.

She said: 'The medical students who dissect my body will discover that I was a woman, as I have female anatomy, minus a couple of bits. I have no uterus, as it was removed years ago, and only one breast, as I've had a mastectomy. But there will be no doubt that it was a female body.

'If a transgender person's body was dissected, either for medical education or a post-mortem examination, his or her sex would also be obvious to a student or pathologist.

'Not the sex that he or she chose to present as, but his or her natal sex; the sex that he or she was born with.'

She noted that even skeletons with no soft tissue remaining show the natal sex of the person, through DNA and the shape of bones including the pelvis.

She concluded: 'So no, in life or in death, trans women are not women, no matter how many times you say it's so. It's simply impossible to change your sex.'

She went on to say gender, unlike sex, is determined by convention and culture and that people in Britain people can 'express themselves as they please', but defended women's safe spaces, rights, and prisons as being for women arguing that 'claiming to be what you're not' is not ethical.

Today Ms Nelson broke the news the police had apologised, little over 24 hours after their call

Today the police told Ms Nelson they had 'got it wrong', according to her latest tweet.

A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman told MailOnline: 'We accept we made a misjudgement in following up a complaint regarding the blog.

'As a result of this we will be reviewing our procedures for dealing with such matters.

'We are sorry for any distress we may have caused in the way this issue was dealt with, and have been in contact with the woman who wrote the blog to apologise.'

The force also posted their statement of apology on their Twitter account.
An NHS-backed stop smoking campaign has been slammed as sexist for saying quitting cigarettes makes women more attractive - while men become richer and fitter.

The 'patronising' Stop Smoking London adverts, which are plastered across London, were spotted at a pharmacy in East Dulwich by father-of-two Alex Chambers, 37.

The teacher was disappointed when he noticed the adverts represented the benefits gained from quitting for men and women as dramatically different.

Adverts show a man celebrating being able to run a 10K (left) while the woman says she now has fantastic skin (right)

Adverts show two men celebrating being able to run a 10K and saving up for a dream holiday.

Meanwhile, the girls delighted in having better skin and fresher breath.

Against a tagline of 'amazing things happen when you quit smoking', one poster showing a surprised woman read: 'OMG your skin looks fantastic.'

A second poster with a female model appearing to pout said: '#GoodbyeFagBreath.'

Mr Chambers posted the posters online with the sarcastic comment: 'MEN: Give up smoking and you'll be fitter and you'll have more money.

'WOMEN: Give up smoking and you'll be more attractive.'

Reacting to the campaign, he said: 'No matter what anyone tries to argue, those female posters are about being aesthetically more pleasing and conforming to those expectations.

'The bad breath one is also about being appealing to other people, certainly not being repellent to other people, whereas both the male ones were things where the man would get something out of it.

'Running a 10k, you get a sense of achievement. The other one, he's saved some money and got something out of it that they couldn't before.

'Whereas the women's adverts they've both done something to make them more pleasant in one way or another. I think each poster is made worse by their placement with the others.'

Mr Chambers posted the posters online with the sarcastic comment: 'MEN: Give up smoking and you'll be fitter and you'll have more money. WOMEN: Give up smoking and you'll be more attractive'

The photos caught the attention of psychologist Jennifer Toll, 34, who was aghast at the 'blatant sexism' displayed in the 'bizarre' adverts.

Mrs Toll, who is the founder of gender-empowering clothing brand Not Just A Princess, said: 'I was surprised because it was so blatant.

'It just looked like a massive oversight to me that they hadn't realised what they were saying [to women].

'I expect it of some more commercial companies, so I guess I was surprised that the NHS, being as brilliant as they are, had let it get through.

The photos caught the attention of psychologist Jennifer Toll, 34, who was aghast at the 'blatant sexism' displayed in the 'bizarre' adverts

'It is saying that your skin and your attractiveness is versus your ability to run - it's just so different to each gender.'

Mrs Toll claimed the posters were an example of the 'very subtle' sexism in everyday society.

She said: 'There are people out there who will say "it's too PC" and "why are you worried, that's what women do like".

'But if [appearance] is all we're going to be offered as women, you've really got to balance it between appealing to a target group and making it so blatantly sexist.'

The Amazing Things Happen campaign from Stop Smoking London is a combined effort by 31 London boroughs to encourage smokers to quit.

Around 1.3 million Londoners smoke tobacco, making up 13% of the estimated 9.4 million smokers in the UK.

Stop Smoking London and the Association of Directors of Public Health were contacted for comment.

A spokesman for the London Stop Smoking Campaign, said: 'This campaign highlights the positive short-term benefits of giving up smoking and was created following extensive research with smokers in London aged between 25 and 40.

'Clearly this campaign wasn't intended to offend anyone and we apologise if it has.'
A father-of-two who suffered a savage metal bar attack outside his own home claims police refuse to investigate CCTV footage of the suspect because he is still alive.

Barry Brittle, 44, was struck seven times over the head and shoulder, leaving him with three broken bones and needing 15 stitches.

The attack took place on the driveway of his home in Dudley, West Midlands as he was getting into his car to go to work on January 10 and was captured on CCTV.

He is now suffering blackouts and loss of balance and is waiting for further test results to check for brain damage.

The father-of-two claims police refuse to investigate his CCTV footage of the attack because he was 'only injured and didn't die'.

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Barry Brittle, 44 (pictured in hospital after the attack) was struck seven times over the head and shoulder, leaving him with three broken bones and needing 15 stitches

The attack took place on the driveway of his home in Dudley, West Midlands as he was getting into his car to go to work on January 10 and was captured on CCTV

He said: 'I 100% thought I was going to die. I remember everything, each and every blow.

'I was very disappointed after I gave my statement. The police said that because I hadn't died that they couldn't afford to blow up the images on the CCTV and look more into it.

Mr Brittle (pictured in hospital) is now suffering blackouts and loss of balance and is waiting for further test results to check for brain damage

'They have the resources to do it, but they said it was too costly and that because I hadn't died they wouldn't do it.'

Mr Brittle said that his attacker ran up to him from behind while he was getting into his car to drive to work.

He said: 'I walked down the driveway, as I turned to get into the car I heard foot steps running behind me.

'As I spun round I saw a man in a hood, he had his arm around something. He hit me seven times.

'When he hit me on the head I screamed 'you're killing me' to make him stop. He didn't say a word to me and then he ran off.'

After the assault, he fell in between two cars and spent ten minutes crawling and shouting for help.

He added: 'No one could see me. I had to crawl out from the cars to an area where other people could see me. My neighbour came out and helped me out.'

Mr Brittle was rushed to hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

He said: 'The attack was so brutal that I haven't fully recovered.

'I thought I was getting better but now I'm having more blackouts and falling down when I get up, the doctors are sending me for more CT scans and to see a neurologist, it's really concerning me at the moment.

'My shoulder has healed up well and I've had stitches out but the doctor said that the back of my brain was damaged in the attack. It controls my balance, which is why I'm having some trouble.

'I want to concentrate on getting my health right, I'm still not back in work.

Pictured: Graphic images show Mr Brittle's head injuries, which needed a number of stitches

Since the ordeal, Mr Brittle says he has been 'disappointed' by the police response, claiming that the investigation into his attack is not a priority for the force.

He said: 'I've had no contact from the police, it's very disappointing, no call has been made after I gave my statement.

'It's astonishing, you can't wait for someone to die because the guy could do it again.

'It doesn't fill you with confidence, I'm very concerned they will come back and attack again, they have enough leads to at least follow something.'

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: 'Police were called to an address in Bayswater Road in Lower Gornal, Dudley just before 6.30am on January 10 after a man had been attacked on his driveway.

'He was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries, while enquiries into the circumstances began.

'Officers have since gathered CCTV evidence of the incident, and obtained a statement from a witness.

'We are treating this incident as a grievous bodily harm, and continue to keep the victim updated on the progress of the investigation.'
A retired holiday tour manager claims staff on a long-haul flight put her safety at risk by refusing to move a '24 stone' woman sat next to her - in case it 'embarrassed her'.

Margaret Burton claims she suffered pain in her neck and arms for days after being squashed next to an overweight passenger who reportedly took up a third of her seat.

The 72-year-old, from Sittingbourne, Kent claims her 'very obese' fellow traveller's body blocked the armrest from being lowered so left her unable to follow the safety regulations and in pain for days.

Despite complaining to flight attendants, the great-grandmother claims cabin crew refused to move the unknown passenger for fear of embarrassing the woman.

Mrs Burton (right) and her 75-year-old husband William Burton (left) had paid 2,000 on the TUI holiday in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. But she claims the journey there left her with 'pains in the shoulder and neck' after she was sat next to a '24 stone' woman

Mrs Burton (left on the Mexico holiday) claims she was dismayed when she was sat next to the 'at least 24 stone' passenger seated in the middle of her row of seats - who took up a third of her adjacent aisle seat. Pictured right is her 75-year-old husband William Burton also on holiday in Mexico

She even says she was unable to put her table down as the woman's 'stomach interfered with her space'.

Mrs Burton and her 75-year-old husband William Burton had paid 2,000 on the TUI holiday in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary in March last year.

The couple had pre-booked seats together for the 11-hour flight, with Mrs Burton seated at the end of the row of seats and William on the other side of the aisle.

But she was dismayed when she was sat next to the 'at least 24 stone' passenger seated in the middle of her row of seats - who took up a third of Mrs Burton's adjacent aisle seat.

After the passenger confirmed she would be on the same flight back to Gatwick, Mrs Burton claims she felt 'forced' to pay 90 to be upgraded and avoid sitting next to her again.

Mrs Burton (pictured during the Mexico holiday) claims she is 'still really angry' and is calling on the holiday company not to compromise the passenger safety of those forced to sit next to overweight people

TUI informed Mrs Burton by letter that their 'voluntary position' was not to discriminate against any passenger and they would not have moved the woman to 'protect the dignity and respect of that guest'.

Despite being refunded the 90 after complaining, Mrs Burton is 'still really angry' and is calling on the holiday company not to compromise the passenger safety of those forced to sit next to overweight people to spare their embarrassment.

Mrs Burton said: 'I didn't want to embarrass her. That would be the last thing I would do.

'But hey, this is my holiday as well that I paid two grand for. I paid for a full seat, I didn't pay for half of your seat. It's TUI's problem to sort this out and do something about this.'

'I'm still really angry about it. I'm really, really annoyed. I'm more annoyed because I'm being ignored.

'It seems to be a big cover-up with this armrest issue. It was the armrest that we couldn't move.

'What concerns me is the armrest couldn't be lowered, highered or moved at all during any time in the flight - including takeoff and landing.

'They put so much on it normally that all seatbelts and armrests must be in the proper position. It is a safety regulation.

'I've looked into this and Newton's law, to quote something, says that it can cause serious bodily damage if there is an emergency landing and the armrest isn't down.

'But when I mentioned this to the cabin crew they couldn't - or wouldn't - do anything to embarrass her. My safety, as well as hers, was put at risk because of this.'

Mrs Burton (pictured left in the UK) claims she and her husband William (right) booked aisle seats so they would get a bit of extra room. But said that on her row of three 'was myself, this big lady in the middle and her friend who was quite tiny'

The flight from London Gatwick to Puerto Vallarta in Mexico lasted around 11 hours, during which time Mrs Burton claims she was crammed up against an arm-rest and only had access to around two-thirds of her seat

Ms Burton also described not being able to get her table down properly as a result of her larger neighbour.

She said: 'I could not eat properly off it because the tops of her legs and stomach came out and interfered with my space.

'You wouldn't believe it. She must have been about 24 stone. I'm no skinny person, I'm a size 14/16, but I fit quite comfortably into a seat.

Can you demand a new seat if sat next to an overweight passenger? You are not legally entitled to a new seat when sat next to an overweight passenger, according to rules set out by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. It only deals with obesity in terms of danger to pilot's health, and not in relation to seat encroachment. The body also asks that seats are laid out in such a way that passengers are able to escape swiftly in an emergency. Some airlines, like British Airways, do have their own rules policing any 'discomfort, inconvenience, damage or injury' passengers might be enduring. Advertisement

'I have all sympathy with people that have obesity for medical reasons but also why should we pay for it?

'For the next two or three days I had pains in my shoulder and neck. I'm not silly, I did get up and walk around, but I wasn't comfortable for the next two or three days of my holiday.

'The pain didn't limit me on the holiday. It was just a chill out holiday. It didn't stop us from doing anything because we didn't have an awful lot planned - just a lazy holiday in the sun.

'But the pains weren't very comfortable at all. Since then I have had a blood clot in my lungs.

'I spoke to my doctor at the hospital and he said it was a possibility that it was caused by the armrest, but we will never know.

'I was in hospital for five days with that. I travel four or five times a year and I've never had that before. It wasn't nice.

'I've written to the Civil Aviation Authority four times. Everyone has ignored my letter. I've written to the Chief Executive Officer at TUI and he's ignored my letter.

'It seems to be some cover-up on this armrest situation. That's what I want to get to the bottom of.

'I really do feel that mine and her safety was put at risk because of this fear of embarrassment.

'I know it's a sensitive issue but I'm sorry, embarrassment doesn't come more important than my safety. That's my main gripe.

'I would like for them to put passengers' safety above passengers' embarrassment.'

Mrs Burton (pictured during her holiday in Mexico) claims she did speak to cabin crew and was offered a new seat, but rejected it due to not wanting to travel away from her husband for the long-haul flight

Mrs Burton claims she did speak to the passenger and suggest she move seats herself.

Mrs Burton said: 'I spoke to her on the flight. We booked aisle seats so we would get a bit of extra room. On this row of three was myself, this big lady in the middle and her friend who was quite tiny.

'I said to her about two hours into the flight 'I'm not being rude but wouldn't you be more comfortable if you sat on the end and swapped with your friend?'.

'She said 'I've already asked her that but she won't swap with me'.

'I thought, she's a nice friend. She would have been fine sitting in the middle. She was a tiny one, about size 10 or 12.

Mrs Burton says she is particularly upset that the holiday company responded to her complaint in a letter (pictured) and, rather than addressing her safety concerns, focused on the overweight passenger's embarrassment

'I felt really sorry for this woman, I really did, but there was nothing anyone else would do about it.

'She knew about the armrest. She knew we couldn't get it down. I spoke to the cabin crew very discreetly but I'm sure she did know. I spoke to them several times.

'They didn't say a word to her. When they spoke to me they bent down quite low and whispered to me. They were fully aware that they didn't want to embarrass her.'

Mrs Burton claims she did speak to cabin crew and was offered a new seat, but rejected it due to not wanting to travel away from her husband for the long-haul flight.

The former holiday tour manager complained to TUI about the safety issues and claims that, despite being reimbursed the 90 upgrade, her complaint is being ignored.

She is particularly upset that the holiday company responded to her complaint in a letter and, rather than addressing her safety concerns, focused on the overweight passenger's embarrassment.

In the letter, Tui said: 'We are voluntarily in a position where we do not discriminate against passengers in any way.

'The crew on board would not have addressed the issue with the guest for these reasons, along with protecting the dignity and respect of that guest.'

TUI UK has said it is going to investigate the case further, but Mrs Burton (pictured with her husband William) claims she is still unhappy that she only got 'two thirds' of the seat she paid for on the outbound flight and that the company have not addressed her concerns for passenger safety when sat next to overweight people

Mrs Burton said: 'They did offer for me to move seats but why should I? I was travelling on my 55th wedding anniversary.

'Why should I move seats and travel for 11 hours away from my husband? I had pre-booked that seat so that we could sit together.

'I don't see why I should give up my seat for someone who might get embarrassed.

'My contract with TUI was for a certain size of seat. A 29-inch seat pitch I think it was, with a 16-inch width. That's what I didn't get.

'I didn't want to sit next to her on the way back as well because it was horrendous on an 11-hour flight with only two-thirds of the seat.

'At the end of the day I paid for a full seat. I felt forced into buying an upgrade which cost me 90.'

After Mrs Burton pursued her complaint, TUI refunded her the 90 for upgrade.

However she is still unhappy that she only got 'two thirds' of the seat she paid for on the outbound flight and that the company have not addressed her concerns for passenger safety when sat next to overweight people.

A TUI UK spokesperson said: 'We were sorry to hear about this case.

'When we were first contacted about it we issued a refund to the customer. As new information has now been provided, we'd like to investigate the matter further and will be in direct contact with Mrs Burton.'

The Civil Aviation Authority declined to comment.
This is the heart-pounding moment a 'ghost' chases intruders out of a notorious abandoned psychiatric hospital by smashing an LP record.

Paranormal investigators faced the music when they visited the infamous Eloise Asylum in the US city of Westland, Michigan.

The hospital, which has a reputation for hauntings, eventually inspired the the 2017 horror blockbuster, Eloise.

The paranormal investigators explore the dark hallway inside the infamous Eloise Asylum in the US city of Westland, Michigan

As the ghost-hunters explore the facility, they hear a loud crash behind them and announce to whoever is listening that they are leaving

Todd Bonner, co-founder of Detroit Paranormal Expeditions, said it was not the first time his team had fled the building in terror.

He said: 'We believe the building to be haunted.

'Almost on a daily basis strange occurrences happen there, including disembodied voices, shadow figures, foot steps, doors closing and moving objects.

'We have had team members leave the building because of fear and I'm included in that.'

In the video, the team are exploring a dark hallway in the facility when, out of nowhere, a loud crash is heard behind them.

They then announce to whoever is listening that they are leaving, before seeing a vinyl record has been lifted from a shelf and smashed against the floor.

Mr Bonner added that one of the group had reported seeing a shadowy figure only moments before the incident.

The ghost-hunters see a vinyl record being lifted and smashing on the floor before they leave

After witnessing the old vinyl record flying off the shelf, the paranormal investigators fled the building in terror

He said: 'Brandy Miller, our team psychic, was doing some electronic voice phenomena work with a piece of equipment called a geobox. She was with several other investigators.

'One of them had seen a shadowy figure out of the corner of her eye, so they decided to walk over to the area she had seen it.

'In the video you can kind of hear them talking about a black figure and how they thought it was in that area.

'Then an old vinyl record flew off a shelf, hovered in the air and slammed to the ground.'

At its peak, the psychiatric hospital, which was named after Eloise Dickerson Davock

would see to around 10,000 patients and was like a small city.

'It had its own police force, fire department, bakery, post office, power plant and trolley system,' said Mr Bonner.

'It was a self-contained city.'

It comprised 78 buildings across 902 acres, much of which has since been sold to developers, flattened and turned into shops, apartments and more.

But with such a spooky reputation to shake, the final few buildings have struggled to attract a buyer, hitting the market for $1.5m (1.15m) in 2015, before selling for just $1 (76p) last year.
A plane crash landed through power cables on top of cars in a busy city centre street in dramatic footage.

Pedestrians were shocked when an Air Force aircraft fell from the sky on a street in Lima, Peru, on Monday.

The small white and orange plane can be seen spinning wildly out of control as it crashes to the ground, falling through thick power cables which it drags down.

Firefighters attended the scene after an Air Force made a crash landing on a street in Lima, Peru, on Monday

The small white and orange plane fell through thick power cables and landed on parked cars

It makes an emergency landing on a row of parked cars and is brought to a halt as sitting upright.

One of its wings can be seen extending over the pavement as downed power cables surround the aircraft.

Shocked passersby can be seen running out of houses and shops to investigate the sudden crash.

They rush over to try and help the pilot who is seemingly still sitting in the cockpit.

Fire fighters, police officers and members of the Air Force rushed at the scene where the aircraft training plane fell.

The pilot was reportedly training and crashed just a few blocks away from an Air Force base.

Fortunately only two people suffered minor injuries during the bizarre crash landing.
A factory worker was electrocuted after charging his phone and using earphones at the same time in Thailand.

Kritsada Supol was found dead on his mattress with his Samsung device plugged into a power point with a cheap charging cable.

The property owner visited the room in Chonburi the next morning and found the 24-year-old's body on the mattress with signs of burning around his ears.

Fatal accident: Kritsada Supol was found dead on his mattress (pictured) after apparently being electrocuted when he charged his phone and used his earphones at the same time

He appeared to have been listening to music or talking to someone, with the microphone section of the earphones resting over his lips.

Police from the Phan Thong Provincial Police Station in Chonburi, Thailand, arrived and carried the dead body from the property.

Police Captain Jaleuk Polthong said police believe that Kritsada was electrocuted while using the earphones and charging his smartphone at the same time.

The captain said: 'We believe a short circuit caused his death while he was on the phone with someone or he was listening to music.'

Officers blamed a poor quality charger for the death.

Polthong added: 'Many people could be in danger if they use cheap charging adapters which are not manufactured from the authorised company.

'It looks like the victim was electrocuted but the body will be sent for an autopsy to confirm the exact cause of death.'

Removal: Emergency bodies take away the body of the 24-year-old factory worker after he was found dead on his mattress in Thailand

Cause of death: The Samsung phone with a power cable leading to a socket and the earphones which Kritsada Supol had in at the time
Theodore Xagoraris, 42, (pictured) of Manchester, agreed to let the stranger snort some of his white powder after they met in the toilet

A John Lewis customer support worker has been convicted of drug dealing after he left a man unconscious when he gave him a line of cocaine for free in a gay bar.

Theodore Xagoraris, 42, of Manchester, agreed to let the stranger snort some of his white powder after they met in the toilet.

But whilst the pair were later sat near the bar of Company in Manchester's Gay Village, the unnamed victim suddenly collapsed and fell unconscious.

Xagoraris was seen to try and revive the man by slapping his face before security staff intervened.

The victim, who suffers from diabetes, was later taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary where he made a full recovery - but police have since been unable to locate at him.

At Manchester Crown Court, Greece-born Xagoraris, who lives in a quayside flat in the city centre, wept as he admitted a charge of supplying a Class drug A.

The court heard the incident occurred last November 4 after he and friends went out to the Cruz 101 club in the Gay Village and during the evening the party clubbed together to buy a gram of cocaine.

Prosecutor Richard Littler said: 'They continued to drink and shared out the drugs between themselves. His friends left early and he continued on to the Company Bar.

'He continued to drink and then had gone for the toilet, he took the drugs out of his bag and continued to take some more.

'The man then approached him and asked him for some of his cocaine and the defendant obliged. No money was passed for it.

'The man took it, they left the toilets and returned to the bar and the defendant maintains that he bought the man a drink.

At Manchester Crown Court, Greece-born Xagoraris (pictured) who lives in a quayside flat in the city centre, wept as he admitted a charge of supplying a Class drug A

'Five minutes later, this man slumps down in his seat and appears unconscious. It's clear from the witnesses that the defendant tries to wake him up, but has no success.

'The defendant begins slapping the man in the face trying to bring him round. Door staff stop him and assist, the man is later taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary.'

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, it is an offence to supply a controlled drug to another person. In order to establish guilt, the prosecution need only show that the defendant transferred the physical control of a drug to someone else.

It is not important whether the defendant made a financial profit, although this will be reflected in sentencing.

The court heard the incident occurred last November 4 after he and friends went visited Company (pictured) in the Gay Village

So supply can therefore range from passing a cannabis joint between friends to large scale supply for profit.

Mr Littler added: 'The defendant was detained by police, and when they arrived, he openly confessed to providing the controlled substance, which he thought it was cocaine.

'This was his own supply and the incident was absent of financial gain.'

In mitigation, Xagoraris' defence lawyer Katie Jones said: 'He made a confession about what had happened at the time when this unfortunate set of circumstances occurred at the night club in question.

'He is horrified by what happened. It has very much given him a wake up call. It has given him cause to do a lot of soul searching. He is horrified at the effect of the substance he was asked to give for no financial benefit, and he is horrified at the effect it had upon him.

Xagoraris (pictured) was handed a sentenced to eight months in prison, which was suspended for a year

'Fortunately having been taken to hospital, the man came to no harm. He was let out that day. He was taken to hospital for his diabetes.

'He is a man of previous good character. He is a hard working individual and is extremely well thought of. He works at John Lewis three days a week and he works at Harvey Nichols one day a week.

'He is described in his character references as the type of man who goes the extra mile and a man who cares. He is the type of man who is very well thought of.

The law on drug supply There are several offences connected with the supply of drugs. They are: Actual supply, offer to supply, being concerned in supply, aggravated supply, possession with intent to supply. Actual Supply: It is an offence to supply controlled drugs to another person. To establish guilt, the prosecution need to show that the defendant transferred the physical control of a drug to some else. It is not important whether the defendant made a profit - but this will be reflected in the sentencing. Advertisement

'He supports his family back in Greece having moved here to further his education. He did a degree at Staffordshire University, then he went to Manchester Airport to improve his English.

'His brother suffers with mental illnesses and he provides for his brother financially. He works very hard and he is a man not without his own health difficulties.'

Sentencing him to eight months imprisonments suspended for a year Judge Elizabeth Nichols said: 'The court regards these offences as serious but you are a man of good character and you were completely shocked by what happened on that night.

'Since this offence you have sought advice from various agencies to address your own addiction or your own use of drugs.

'If you continue to live your life that you lived before that night and if you don't commit any further offences, the sentence will be spent. However, if you commit further offences you will be back to court will a real risk of that sentence being activated.

'I have absolutely no doubt you will learn from your experience. You have stood in a criminal court and you have lost your good character.'
The lawyer of speedboat killer Jack Shepherd today vowed to fight his extradition as she said the fugitive 'does not consider himself guilty.'

Mariam Kublashvili, who is representing the fugitive in Georgia, told Good Morning Britain the convicted killer is afraid of 'violence and danger' in British prisons after threats were made against him and his family.

Miss Kublashvili, a former model who starred on the Georgian version of Strictly Come Dancing, faced strong criticism from Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid who asked why she was not telling her client to return home and face justice.

But the lawyer told ITV Shepherd 'does not consider himself guilty' because he 'could not save or avoid' the River Thames crash which killed Charlotte Brown, 24.

The comments from Mariam Kublashvili come as part of a PR stunt to humanise Shepherd and clean up his public image

Prosecutors had wanted Shepherd (pictured yesterday ) to be extradited quickly to Britain

Piers Morgan said to the lawyer: 'Your client was found guilty of manslaughter, convicted in a British court of killing a young woman. He fled the country to avoid justice - why are you not instructing him to come straight back to this country and serve the senescence he was given?'

Ms Kublashvili told the show today: 'First I want to express my condolences to the family of Charlotte Brown and tell them that I understand how they feel I am a human and a mother.

'I would like to underline that I understand their grief.

'Jack does not consider himself guilty - the direct cost of Charlottes death he could neither save her nor avoid the accident that has unfortunately happened.

'As for extradition, he has a fear that in British prison he will face violence and danger and that is a problem for him a threat was made against his family against his lawyers against me two days before and that is a problem.'

Piers added: 'It's all very nice of him to say he doesn't really fancy coming back yet, but the bottom line is, he is a killer. He was convicted in a British court of law of killing somebody, a young woman and he absconded the country before he did his time.

'The decent, honorable, proper thing to do as his lawyer is to put him straight back on a plane and bring him back to this country to face the law of the land.'

Shepherd's wife disowned him after discovering he was on an internet date with Charlotte Brown, 24, (pictured) when he killed her in his speedboat on the Thames

Mariam Kublashvili, who is representing the fugitive in Georgia, told Good Morning Britain the convicted killer is afraid of 'violence and danger' in British prisons

Susanna Reid said: 'As a lawyer, you respect the law and the fact of the matter was that during a fair trial he was convicted by an English court and under a system of law that you presumably would want to uphold.

'But he is currently not serving his sentence so do you expect that at some point that under the extradition treaty he will be returned to serve that sentence?'

Kublashvili said: 'I am representing him here in Georgia, in the process of extradition - I am not participating with judges in courts in the UK.

'It is not the last decision that he is not coming back - of course he will come back but he will decide and discuss before. Now we are in the process we are working out what he will do.'

Today's interview comes after the 31-year-old reportedly told his Georgian lawyer that he wanted a future with Charlotte Brown, 24, before she was killed after he took her on his faulty speedboat on the River Thames.

Jack Shepherd intended to marry Charlotte Brown and start a family with her prior to their first Tinder date despite never meeting her, according to his legal team

Image of a doting dad: Jack Shepherd with the son he has not seen for almost a year

Charlotte Brown's father Graham (pictured) rubbished Shepherd's claims he wanted to marry his daughter before their first date

Shepherd sits behind his lawyer Mariam Kublashvili (left) at Tbilisi Central Court

Ms Kublashvili claimed: 'He said to me, 'I wanted with this girl a future, a family and maybe she will be my wife'.'

But her furious father, Graham Brown, has hit out at the outlandish suggestion pointing out that he married his long term fiancee just weeks after his daughter's death.

But Miss Kublashvili insisted that although it was their first date, Shepherd was 'serious' about his victim.

Shepherd, who had entertained at least ten other women on his faulty speedboat before Miss Brown's death, abandoned his wife and child to escape his manslaughter trial last year.

The latest claim from his Georgian legal team comes after they released images of the speedboat killer with his wife and new-born son in an attempt to paint him as a 'normal' family man.

The smirking killer has also claimed to have been left suicidal and depressed by the death despite starting a new relationship with a glamourous TV journalist within weeks of arriving in Georgia.
David Bibby (pictured) joined an online paedophile ring based in the US

A man who watched videos of boys being raped has walked free from court after claiming he had been trying to get over a break-up with his boyfriend at the time.

David Bibby joined an online paedophile ring based in the US where members would watch indecent videos of children as young as four on conference calls together.

The 53-year-old joined in on calls over a four-month period in 2016 and in a message to other members said: 'Somebody told me there were good videos on here.'

Bibby, who logged on to the web with the username 'UKC***kBoy', was finally caught after the paedophile ring was busted in an investigation by US Homeland Security.

At Minshull Street Crown Court, Bibby pleaded guilty to watching and downloaded indecent images of children following in arrest in November 2017.

However the judge allowed him walk free and imposed just a three-month community order, as Bibby had stopped viewing the indecent images 'of his own accord' months before his arrest.

The businessman, from Sale in Greater Manchester, said the offences had occurred after he began drinking heavily after breaking up with his long-term partner.

Prosecutor Mark Kellet told the court that in one call video obtained by US police, Bibby was seen naked as he viewed video of a toddler that was tied up.

Mr Kellet added: 'In a police interview, he said that this was a difficult time for him and that he had been drinking a lot.

'He also said that he had been in counselling for his interest in children.

'The offence is very different from going on porn websites, it shows the sexual exploitation of children.

At Minshull Street Crown Court, Bibby pleaded guilty to watching and downloaded indecent images of children following in arrest in November 2017

'He is clearly a man who has a disturbing sexual interest in children.'

Mr Kellet told the court how videos and photographs were distributed among sex offenders on the file sharing and video conference website Zoom.

He said Bibby had 'deliberately' entered a closed group on the site that was 'incredibly difficult to gain access to'.

Max Saffman, mitigating, said: 'This happened after his relationship between him and his long-term partner broke down. His ex long-term partner is here in court with him.

'His activity on the chat room stopped 11 months before the police came to his door.

He has been counselled on this and it came as a shock to him when his past caught up with him. He is incredibly ashamed with his behaviour.'

Sentencing Bibby to a three-year community order, Judge Maurice Greene said: 'You logged into a conferencing facility where particularly nasty films involving violence and rape of children were being shown and streamed, and you watched these moving images and downloaded as well.

'There are a relatively small number of images, but this is aggravated by the fact that there was a number of other people logging on, so this was a targeted facility for watching these images.

'You pleaded at the first opportunity and there has been a delay, through no fault of your own, in the proceedings. You also stopped watching these images of your own accord.

'It's quite clear that you accept and you are seeking help with that. I am going to follow the recommendation of the pre-sentence report and give you a three-year community order.'
Daniel Bowen, 22, was studying chemistry at Sussex University when he hanged himself

A coroner has slammed university staff for not helping a depressed student who wrote 'beautiful but tragically sad' poems in his exams before taking his own life.

Daniel Bowen, 22, was studying chemistry at Sussex University when he hanged himself.

After failing his second year exams for the second time he carried a rope around with him at university. His body was found in the water at Brighton Marina by a member of the public on September 23 last year.

An inquest heard he had been diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety in March but had suffered with low moods for four years before that.

Brighton and Hove Coroner Victoria Hamilton-Deeley was told he wasn't given any mental health support by his university after he was diagnosed.

The inquest heard support staff had flagged two 'beautiful but tragically sad poems' Mr Bowen wrote inside his failed chemistry exams in August and September. His body was found 10 days later.

Ms Hamilton-Deeley said this was far too late and Mr Bowen should have been given support from the moment he was diagnosed by a doctor.

The University of Sussex Vice-Chancellor Adam Tickell said: 'We are deeply saddened by the death of our student and our thoughts continue to be with his family and friends.

'Whilst we know that deaths amongst students are rare they are always devastating for their loved ones and the whole University community.

'I met with his parents shortly after he died and it was the most difficult and heart-breaking moment I've had since I started at Sussex.

'Although our student was receiving support from the University and his GP, we will be reviewing the Record of Inquest as a matter of urgency and will also be meeting with the Coroner's Office.'

Mr Bowen's university friends had reported him missing only hours before he was found, but he disappeared three days earlier.

His counsellor at Sussex University, Eleanor Khan, told the inquest his academic progress affected his mental health.

When he failed his second year for the second time, Ms Khan said she wanted to keep a close eye on him.

Despite his difficulties, he was not registered with any mental health support at the university and was still being penalised for handing in work late and struggling in exams.

At an inquest into his death Brighton and Hove Coroner Victoria Hamilton-Deeley said the mental health support he was offered by Sussex University came far too late and Mr Bowen should have been given support from the moment he was diagnosed by a doctor. File image

Ms Hamilton-Deeley gave a verdict of suicide by hanging and said: 'It seems a bit draconian. Why, if he is struggling, would you hit him again?

'He needed to be automatically registered with student support. He should not have been left to go and sort this on his own.

'When you have depression you find it hard enough getting out of bed.'

His family, from Hounslow, west London, paid tribute to their ambitious son with big dreams.

His mother Elizabeth Ocran, said: 'Daniel was and is still very much loved.

'His passing was unexpected and the shock still lingers. I never thought for a second I could lose him and I miss him terribly.

'Much more than I can put in words. The whole family is distraught and devastated that his life, dreams and potential have ended prematurely.'

His father, Andree Bowen, said his son dreamed of going on to do a Masters and winning a Noble Peace Prize for chemistry.

For confidential support in the UK you can call the Samaritans 24 hours a day on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Chicago Cubs owner Joe Ricketts has been forced to apologize after saying 'Muslims are my enemy' in a series of leaked emails.

In an email chain obtained by Splinter, the veteran businessman, 77, peddles some controversial opinions about Muslims and laughs at several racial slurs and the deaths of people of color.

In one 2012 email he tells a family friend he is considering writing a book entitled 'Islam, Religion or Cult,' and that he considers Muslims to be his 'enemy'.

Joe Ricketts pictured during last year's World Series has been the Cubs boss since 2009 after buying a stake in the team

'Christians and Jews can have a mutual respect for each other to create a civil society. As you know, Islam cannot do that. Therefore we cannot ever let Islam become a large part of our society,' Ricketts says in the email.

'Muslims are naturally my (our) enemy due to their deep antagonism and bias against non-Muslims.'

In other emails from around 2012, Ricketts shares several links to conspiracy theories which claim President Obama has a secret past as a gay sex worker and drug mule, and is actually a Muslim.

'My impression is that the President [Obama] is more sympatric to Muslims than Christians/Jews,' Ricketts says.

'We are a Christian country and I feel like this is just a continuation of the assault on Christianity in America. My feeling (sic) are that I don't like it.'

He also says in one conversation with his son Pete Ricketts, the current governor of Nebraska, he believes Islam 'is a cult and not a religion' and that it is 'based on "kill the infidel" a thing of evil.'

Ricketts hoists the World Series trophy with Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts during the 2016 World Series victory parade

Ricketts is the patriarch of the Ricketts family that purchased a 95 percent stake in the Cubs in 2009. Born and raised in Nebraska, Ricketts made his fortune as the co-founder of brokerage firm TD Ameritrade.

Beyond their Cubs ownership, the Ricketts family is also well known for their influence in the world of conservative politics. Pete Ricketts, the familys eldest son, is the current governor of Nebraska, while Todd Ricketts was named the finance chairman of President Donald Trumps re-election campaign on Friday.

Joe Ricketts later released a statement through his website in which he said the exchanges 'didn't reflect his value system'.

'I deeply regret and apologize for some of the exchanges I had in my emails. Sometimes I received emails that I should have condemned,' he said in a statement.

'Other times Ive said things that dont reflect my value system. I strongly believe that bigoted ideas are wrong.
The shocking moment a former leader of an anti-Islamic group attacked his next door neighbour and threatened another man has been captured on camera.

Ralph Cerminara, who faced Burwood Local Court, in inner west Sydney on February 5, begged Magistrate Robyn Denes not to publicly release the footage of the incident, which took place outside his home in Marrickville, a Sydney suburb, in March last year.

The former leader of the alt-right group Australian Defence League was found guilty of the attack, in which he aggressively shoves his Uber-driver neighbour in front of the man's two-year-old child.

Cerminara was charged with two counts of intimidation and one count of common assault.

However, his sentence appeared to be the least of his worries as Cerminara was fearful that if the magistrate released the footage he would be subjected to reprisals from 'left wing fundamentalists' members.

The shocking footage shown to the court sees a confrontation in a car park quickly escalate after Cerminara accuses his neighbour of scratching his car.

Cerminara can be heard shouting abuse at a neighbour, while the man continues to clean his own car in the company of his toddler.

Ralph Cerminara (pictured left) faced Burwood Local Court, in inner west Sydney on February 5, and begged Magistrate Robyn Denes not to publicly release the footage

The shocking footage shown in court sees a confrontation in a car park quickly escalate between Cerminara (pictured left) and his neighbours

In a bid to defuse the situation the neighbour says 'go now', to which Cerminara replies: 'maybe I'll just rip your f***ing head off now'.

Unable to keep his cool, Cerminara starts shoving the neighbour, while within eye-shot of the man's young child.

In a fowl-mouthed rant Cerminara can be heard screaming: 'Stop f***ing touching my f***ing car, I'll punch your f***ing head off.'

Another neighbour, Shaun Pietersma, who claims to have had numerous run-ins with Cerminara, is then targeted by Cerminara after he notices he's filming the situation unfold.

He then starts shouting: 'As for you, you f***wit, you're f***ing next'.

Cerminara (pictured) was charged with two counts of intimidation and one count of common assault

The court heard Cerminara's lawyer, Scott Sier, claim his client would be in danger if the footage was released.

'He's going to be in a compromised position if this video comes to light,' Mr Sier said, according to The Sunday Morning Herald.

He added Cerminara would be 'assaulted by members of the left wing'.

However, Magistrate Denes refuted the claims and released the footage.

She also noted that Cerminara had lied in his evidence about the attack, stating his neighbour had pushed him off-camera.

Burwood Local Court (pictured) heard Cerminara's lawyer, Scott Sier, claim his client would be in danger if the footage was released

The claim about the scratched car is also believed to be false.

Commenting on claims about the car scratch, Ms Denes said: 'In reality, what this is all about is he's seen some children or child around his car and he's just made assumptions.'

Cerminara has frequently found himself in trouble with the law, and has a lengthy criminal history including assault and high-range drink driving.

He is due to reappear in court on March 14 to be sentenced.
Flora Crossley (pictured joining the Women's Royal Naval Service in 1942) trained at Bletchley Park, where she operated the Bombe - designed by Alan Turing - for use in the deciphering of the German Enigma. She was later sent overseas to work on decoding wireless signals transmitted by the Japanese

The remarkable story of a WWII code-cracker who kept her past a secret for more than 60 years has been revealed - including her time at Bletchley Park and experience of cracking Japanese signals.

Rosemary Brierley, a retired NHS worker from West Bridgford was always close to her aunt, Flora Crossley, but only learned about her war time adventures four years before her death.

Flora had grown up in Halifax with her three sisters - Vera, Louie (Rosemary's mother) and Jessie - and was described by her niece as the most adventurous.

After working in a woolen mill as a secretary, and never marrying, Flora decided to sign up to the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS) in 1942, serving until the end in 1945.

While her family were aware of her time as a Wren, it was not until 2004 that Flora revealed her secret life as a code breaker to her niece.

Mrs Brierley was visiting her aunt - who had moved to Nottingham to be closer to her family in 2002 - to wait with her for a gas engineer.

The 72-year-old said: 'I remember it distinctly, she just got up, walked over to her sideboard and pulled out a huge envelope that contained two large books.

'She gave it to me and said 'I want you to read this, before it's too late'.

'I was completely shocked.'

Rosemary Brierley (pictured), a retired NHS worker from West Bridgford was always close to her aunt, Flora Crossley, but only learned about her war time adventures four years before her death. She is pictured here with her aunt's diary

Rosemary went away and read what turned out to be Flora's diaries from her time in the war as a code breaker.

She discovered that after joining the Wrens, Flora had trained at Bletchley Park, where she operated the Bombe - designed by Alan Turing - for use in the deciphering of the German Enigma.

Eight months later, she was one of 16 selected out of 200 to travel overseas and work on decoding wireless signals transmitted by the Japanese.

She sailed for seven weeks to Kenya, before arriving in Mombasa and went on to Colombo and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).

Rosemary added: 'She was always very proud to have been chosen - especially after someone had said that being from Halifax, she would never be able to handle the heat!'

After the war ended, Rosemary said Flora found it hard to settle, and spent three years travelling and working in New Zealand during the 1950s.

'It was the best time of her life, when she was in the WRNS - she met people all over. And then she was back in Halifax.'

Rosemary would question her aunt Flora (pictured) about each detail in the diaries - once they had been revealed. Flora is pictured here with her grandson Dylan

Rosemary visited Flora many times, but no word was ever mentioned of the war, or where she had been.

When Flora relocated to Nottingham, and the diaries were revealed, Rosemary would visit often going through each detail, to understand everything fully.

'She had an amazing memory for her age, and the descriptions of the places she went to were fantastic.

'I couldn't wait to visit her each time to learn more, and I helped her to research the things she didn't know.

'The code breakers were never told what they were doing or why, so it was interesting for her to find out.'

In 2006, aged 60, Rosemary completed a Masters in Writing at Nottingham Trent University, and alongside editing a charity magazine, she began working on Flora's book.

'We managed to get a lot done before she died, but sometimes I think there were things I wish I'd asked her.'

Rosemary was able to read her aunt's diary when Flora - having moved to Nottingham to be closer to her family in 2002 - told her niece that she ought to 'before it's too late'

Rosemary has now turned the diary (pictured) into a book 'A Bletchley Park Wren Overseas' which was published in December 2018 and has been praised by the family

Flora died aged 92, in 2008, never getting to know about or read the book - Rosemary at this time chose to take a break from writing.

Initially written for her grandchildren, 'A Bletchley Park Wren Overseas' was published in December 2018 and has been praised by the family.

Rosemary's son, Julian Kemp has fond memories of his great-aunt who would often gift him with unusual foreign coins.

The 49-year-old said: 'She was always a very interesting character, but it was extraordinary to find out what she'd done in the war.

'She had so many stories and would give me unusual coins, which I later found out were from Ceylon, like she was giving me clues.

'Code breaking is such an abstract thing to most people, so when it's someone you know, it becomes a lot more real.'

After joining the Wrens, Flora had trained at Bletchley Park, where she operated the Bombe - designed by Alan Turing - for use in the deciphering of the German Enigma

Julian also remembers the work that his mum put into the book, describing her as going into 'overdrive' to complete it.

'She travelled to many places to see where Flora had been, putting the pieces of the puzzle together.

'She did a lot a very technical research which was difficult for her to understand.

'The book took up a lot of her time, but I think it's terrific - it's such a great story.'

Flora never married, or had any children but remained close with her sisters, and their families.

Rosemary wants her book to help Flora's story live on, after having to keep it quiet for so long.

'The way she spoke about her experiences, I felt like she wanted people to know,' she added.

The impact of code breaking during the second World War is said to have saved millions of lives, and helped bring the war to an end.
A jealous ex-boyfriend has been found guilty of shooting a reality show contestant because he thought he was his ex girlfriend's new partner.

Anthony Yoon Sun Soong was described as a possessive and jealous ex-lover, who shot at Big Brother contestant Sam Wallace in a Gold Coast parking lot in 2015.

Soong pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and not guilty to a charge of grievous bodily harm with intent on Monday, The Courier Mail reported.

Anthony Yoon Sun Soong (pictured) was described as a possessive and jealous ex-lover, who shot at Big Brother contestant Sam Wallace in a Gold Coast parking lot in 2015

Big Brother contestant Sam Wallace (pictured) was shot in the attack in a case of mistaken identity

Of four shots fired, Mr Wallace was hit twice in both thighs. One of those bullets remained lodged inside him

But he did admit to assaulting his ex girlfriend, Jhai Saric on the same day in December 2015.

He pleaded guilty to that assault and to attacking her male neighbour in the same incident.

Ms Saric's housemate Joshua Milani told the Supreme Court Soong threatened to kill him.

He was the passenger in the car driven by Mr Wallace when Soong shot at the car.

Big Brother contestant Sam Wallace (pictured) was shot in the attack in a case of mistaken identity

Anthony Yoon Sun Soong (pictured) was described as a possessive and jealous ex-lover, who shot at Big Brother contestant Sam Wallace in a Gold Coast parking lot in 2015

Of four shots fired, Mr Wallace was hit twice in both thighs. One of those bullets remained lodged inside him.

Prosecutor Phil McCarthy said texts between Soong and his ex-girlfriend were nothing short of possessive, jealous and were the rants of a man who hoped to cause her 'new beau' harm.

He previously said Mr Wallace involvement was a case of mistaken identity, and that Soong had 'tried to kill the wrong man'.

Mr Wallace underwent emergency surgery at the Gold Coast hospital after the ordeal.

Soong will be sentenced later in February.
A solicitor who dodged his full train fare 105 times has been fired by his law firm and struck off after a ticket inspector caught him fleeing the station via an unmanned gate.

Junior solicitor Adam Kemeny, 33, repeatedly ducked paying for his 17 ticket from Shoreditch to Redhill in Surrey despite earning close to 38,000-a-year.

Kemeny, who lives in east London, swerved 650 in fares for three months before being caught as he sneaked out of a back gate at Redhill station, Surrey.

The ticket inspector checked his Oyster card records and found he had been using a loophole that saved him cash if he failed to 'tap out'.

He agreed to hand rail company Govia 849.90 in unpaid tickets and fines but he will not face prosecution.

Last week Kemeny was banned from the legal profession after being sacked by his employers for gross misconduct in October 2017 after he confessed to the fare dodging.

Junior solicitor Adam Kemeny, 33, repeatedly ducked paying for his 17 ticket from Shoreditch to Redhill in Surrey (pictured), where he would leave via a side gate

Kemeny told a disciplinary hearing that he could have afforded the fares but that he 'acted automatically' during the two-hour commute.

How did he get away with it for so long? In July 2017 Adam Kemeny said he forgot to get a railcard and when he got off at Redhill from London he noticed that passengers left the rear exit without 'tapping out'. He told the tribunal: 'In a lapse of judgement I opportunistically chose to follow their lead'. His morning fare from Shoreditch was 10.90 - but he said he justified avoiding paying it in full on most days by always paying the cheaper 5.90 return back. By 'tapping in' at Shoreditch but not 'tapping out' at Redhill, which is outside the London zone system, he was charged a maximum daily Oyster fare as if he was inside London  saving him around 6 each time. But on October 17 2017 he was stopped by a ticket inspector who checked his Oyster Card and noticed he did not have the funds to complete the journey. He checked his Oyster history and saw he had failed to tap out around 105 times. This scam had saved him around 650, train company Govia decided. Advertisement

He said that the 'voice inside his head' telling him not to do wrong was 'switched off' and now had 'deep regret' for what he had done.

He said he was 'deeply ashamed of and remorseful for this total lapse of judgement'.

But the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, in London, said that Kemeny displayed a 'failure to act with integrity'.

He was barred from the profession and told to pay 3,000 in costs.

Panel chair Teresa Cullen said: 'A solicitor has to display honesty whatever his level of experience'.

Inderjit Johal, counsel employed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, said he had broken two SRA - the first was lacking integrity and the second was diminishing the trust in him to provide legal services.

He said: '[Kemeny] knew he had to pay a rail fare but on certain occasions he consciously chose not to. By failing to pay his rail fares [Kemeny] had been repeatedly dishonest over a three month period. He had made a conscious decision not to pay when he should have done so on 105 occasions.'

A high flying city executive who dodged rail fares for five years was branded 'greedy' and 'selfish' after his identity as the 'biggest fare dodger in history' was revealed in 2014.

Jonathan Burrows was unmasked as the mystery fare dodger of East Sussex who hit the news after settling a 43,000 bill for unpaid tickets over five years.

The 48-year-old investment executive is thought to be the biggest fare dodger in history - avoiding the 21.50-a-day fee, despite owning two mansions worth 4million.

Jonathan Burrows (pictured) was unmasked as the mystery fare dodger of East Sussex who hit the news after settling a 43,000 bill for unpaid tickets over five years without being prosecuted

He had hoped to avoid prosecution and publicity by reimbursing Southeastern trains just three days after being caught by a ticket inspector in November 2013.

Law-abiding commuters were outraged when the story broke that the rail firm had allowed him to quietly settle the allegations without being prosecuted.

The married father of one was suspended from his job as a managing director and when BlackRock pressed him on the nature of the investigation he quit.

Although his resignation brought the FCA probe to an end, the scandal means he is unlikely to be able to work in finance again.
The very awkward moment the Brisbane mayor was treated to a raunchy dance routine by a group of schoolgirls has been captured on camera.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk was attending a preview of the cities' BrisAsia Festival when the scantly-clad schoolgirls showcased the Asian-inspired dance, earlier this week.

The girls, who were identically dressed in white blouses and checkered skirts, confidently showed off their well-rehearsed moves in the city centre.

The girls expertly moved in time with one another, as they began wiggling their hips and swaying their hands in the air.

As part of the fast-paced routine the girls then turned to the side and started stomping their feet before skillfully swiveling into a pivot.

All the while the girls tried to maintain eye contact with Lord Quirk, and as part of the finale they proceeded to point directly at the 61-year-old.

They then moved into another pivot for a spectacular finish to the cultural dance routine.

The girls (pictured) were identically dressed in white blouses and checkered skirts, and confidently showed off their well-rehearsed moves

(File picture) Lord Quirk (pictured), 61, appeared to enjoy the performance as he was seen smiling and clapping throughout

Lord Quirk seemed to enjoy the performance as he was seen smiling and clapping throughout.

The video has since been shared on social media and has been met with a mix of reviews from users.

'I just want to know who thought 'Dancing Girls in Sexy School Uniforms' was a good idea,' questioned one user.

While another wrote: 'That's a bit Quirky. Isn't it?'

The BrisAsia Festival (pictured) is run by Brisbane City Council and will start on February 9

Due to the nature of the routine, another commented on Lord Quirk's reaction and said: 'There is just no reaction he could have where he could look good here...'

Another simply added: 'Is this a prank?'

The routine was a snapshot of the upcoming festival, which celebrates traditional and contemporary Asian arts and cultural events.

According to the festival website, the month-long event features some of the finest dance, theatre, music, food, film, talks and visual arts.

The event, which is organised by Brisbane City Council, runs from February 9 to March 3.
An explosion at a fireworks shop in south China killed five people Tuesday at the start of lunar new year celebrations, Chinese state media reported.

The shop in Rong'an county in the Guangxi region west of Hong Kong operated without required fire safety and business licenses, the Xinhua News Agency said.

Investigators blamed the explosion on the shopkeeper, identified only by the surname Zhang, setting off fireworks outside the shop at 2 am, according to Xinhua.

An explosion at a fireworks shop in south China's Guangxi region killed five people Tuesday at the start of lunar new year celebrations, Chinese state media reported

The explosion started a fire that spread to four neighbouring households, Xinhua said.

Five people were killed and 14 others were forced to evacuate their homes, newspaper Beijing Youth Daily reported.

Zhang survived and was detained by county authorities.

Such disasters occur regularly in China, where the Lunar New Year is celebrated by setting off billions of firecrackers.

The explosion started a fire that spread to four neighbouring households, Xinhua said

Such disasters occur regularly in China, where the Lunar New Year is celebrated by setting off billions of firecrackers

Chinese people used to stay up until midnight on new year's eve after their family reunion dinner and set off firecrackers with fuses wrapped in red paper casings to scare away evil spirits and celebrate the festival.

But the number reported has fallen sharply in recent years as authorities banned fireworks in more than 800 cities and tightened controls on producers and vendors.

In February last year, four people died and five were injured in an explosion when a man in Yuxi in Yunnan province tried to set off a firework.
After footage of a lazy garbage man tossing an entire wheelie bin into the back of his truck went viral the council he works for has given a reason for the extraordinary behaviour.

When David McKenzie's uploaded the footage on Monday, showing the council employee throwing his entire bin into a truck on Stawell Street in the inner-Melbourne suburb of Richmond it caused a stir online.

Now a spokeswoman for the Yarra City Council tried to explain away the footage by claiming it was standard protocol for suspect bins.

Mr McKenzie uploaded footage online on Monday, showing the council employee throwing his entire bin into a garbage truck and now the council has tried to explain it away

A spokeswoman for the Yarra City Council tried to explain away the footage by claiming it was standard protocol for suspect bins

'The bin in Stawell Street, Richmond was removed by our contractor because it was damaged and its contents were deemed to be particularly unsanitary,' the spokeswoman told The Herald Sun.

'This is not an unusual occurrence. We have been in contact with the resident today (Tuesday) and advised him that the bin will be replaced at no charge, as per our standard practice.'

It was the third bin to go missing from outside Mr McKenzie's home and he has been forced to replace them all.

He said he didn't buy into the reasoning for his bin being taken and said it did not smell and only contained general household waste.

On top of that his parents, who live across the road, have put in a request for a new bin after their own was damaged and were still yet to hear back from council.

'I think its just a case of the contractor has had to come up with an explanation,' Mr McKenzie said.

The Yarra City Council spokeswoman said that it is standard protocol for garbageman to throw out entire bins if they are damaged or 'particularly unsanitary'

According to the Yarra City Council website, new bins cost $184.

Stolen or missing bins can be replaced for free by submitting a request on the council's website.

Residents with damaged bins can also a submit an online request for their bins to be repaired on their next collection date.

Another user from the area claimed two of her bins were stolen.
Nearly 100 kangaroos will be saved after a massive community effort to stop developers from killing them off to make room for houses.

In a community meeting between the City of Baldivis and Spatial Development, it was agreed a previously-made plan to euthanise 90 kangaroos who lived on the plot, about 50km south of Perth, would be scrapped.

The planned cull was only announced nine days ago and outrage among locals was so great that a petition was able to reach 60,000 signatures along with hundreds of letters being sent to ministers.

A group of nearly 100 kangaroos will be saved after protests from residents against a planned cull by property developers (pictured; a letter that was written by a young girl asking to save the kangaroos)

Residents had hoped that at least the joeys would be saved but now the whole group will be relocated

A Facebook group was launched for concerned residents, where many explained the impact the planned cull was having on them and their family.

One young girl's letter, written alongside a hand-drawn picture of a kangaroo, touched hearts across the country.

'Can you please not kill the kangaroos, what did they ever do to you,' the letter begged.

'They're not doing any harm, all they're doing is living their lives and being peaceful, so please don't kill the kangaroos!

'Save the roos.'

Baldivis councillor Matthew Whitfield told Daily Mail Australia that Tuesday's meeting was great news for the entire community.

'It was only nine days ago I let people know about this issue, and I am amazed at how the community has rallied,' he said.

'There have been hundreds of letters to ministers and developers, 60,000 signatures on a petition - to have a result this quickly is fantastic.'

A new location for the kangaroos has not yet been decided, though two experts will be called in to help with the relocation.

'Fantastic news, hopefully other developers will take note,' one woman said on Facebook.

'Excellent news and well done to all those involved,' another said.

'That is awesome news... State Government needs to look into all native animals including bird life,' added a third.

The development site where the kangaroos were living (pictured) is to become houses

Mr Whitfield said the rural atmosphere of the town was a big selling point to residents, who had grown accustomed to seeing one of Australia's most beloved animals on their doorstep.

'Baldivis used to be farmland, trees, animals and wildlife,' he said.

'I think most people have seen these kangaroos, wowed at having kangaroos on their doorstep, and knowing the 'roos on their doorstep were going to be killed left people so outraged.

'Everybody sees them, you see them everywhere.'

'It's superb this is happening, but it does stress that there is massive overdevelopment [in Baldivis]. We've had a victory today but there's more to do.'
A woman died as a result of being struck in the head by a foul ball at Dodger Stadium last August, according to a coroner's report obtained by ESPN.

Linda Goldbloom was celebrating her 79th birthday and 59th wedding anniversary to her husband at a game August 25.

A ball hit by a San Diego's Franmil Reyes traveled over an area protected by netting and struck Goldbloom in the head.

She died four days later at L.A. County-USC Medical Center.

Linda Goldbloom, 79, (pictured hours before her fatal head injury) was celebrating her 59th wedding anniversary to her husband at an LA Dodgers game on August 25 when she was struck in the head by a foul ball and died. This photo was taken by her husband, Erwin, and includes her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Michael and Eve Goldbloom, in the second row.

The Los Angeles County coroner's report said 'acute intracranial hemorrhage due to history of blunt force trauma' from the batted ball was the cause of death.

'Ushers came down and asked if she was all right, and she said no, then EMT came and rushed her to the hospital - she threw up in the ambulance,' Goldbloom's daughter, Jana Brody said.

Goldbloom underwent emergency brain surgery and was in an unresponsive state on a ventilator for three days until her death.

The moment the foul ball flew in the stands was never televised, and no media outlet reported Goldbloom's injury.

The Dodgers never released a public statement in the five months since her death, until contacted by OTL Monday.

The coroner's report said the cause of death was 'acute intracranial hemorrhage due to history of blunt force trauma'

The Dodgers said in a statement to ESPN they are 'deeply saddened' by Goldbloom's death and the 'matter has been resolved between the Dodgers and the Goldbloom family.'

'Mr. and Mrs. Goldbloom were great Dodgers fans who regularly attended games. We were deeply saddened by this tragic accident and the passing of Mrs. Goldbloom. The matter has been resolved between the Dodgers and the Goldbloom family. We cannot comment further on this matter.'

According to ESPN, Brody said she would not comment on the agreement or possible legal action between the Dodgers and the family.

For the first time last season, all 30 major league ballparks had expanded protective netting that reached to at least the far ends of each dugout.

The push for expansion increased in 2017 after a series of spectator injuries.

'I'd love to see the netting extended vertically, and we know it doesn't block the view,' Brody said. 'Raise it a little higher, what's the hurt in that?'
A New Zealand man has been left baffled after finding bizarre-looking alien-like creatures crawling across his mother's kitchen floor.

Tim Clerke, from Auckland, in New Zealand's North Island, took to social media in a bid to uncover the identity of the abnormal looking animals last week.

Mr Clerke asked his Facebook friends for their help in identifying the creatures that have been dubbed as something out of a 'horror movie'.

Even experts couldn't come to a conclusive decision on what type of creature appeared in the video - with some suggesting it showed the detached legs of a moth and others claiming they are rat-tailed maggots.

An Australian back-packer stumbled across a rat-tailed maggot (pictured) in Lake Bolac earlier this month

He wrote: 'My mother found these on the kitchen floor this morning. One is still alive.

'Anyone know what they are? Nikki is horrified and will have nightmares for weeks,' he added.

Mr Clerke also shared a video of the odd creatures to his Facebook page.

In the short clip the strange looking specimens, which have small round bodies and long thin tails, can be seen squirming around in someone's hand.

Tim Clerke, from Auckland, in New Zealand, said the bizarre looking animals (pictured) had appeared in his mother's kitchen

The animals (pictured) had round bodies and long thin tails, with one user suggesting they looked like 'someone cut the bottom end off of baby mice'

Despite Mr Clerke's efforts to enlist the help of the Internet, social media users were left racking their brains in a bid to figure out what the creatures could be.

'[It's] like someone cut the bottom end off of baby mice,' one person noted.

'That is like a horror movie,' a second wrote.

While another scared user added: 'I'd like to believe it was a hoax, then I could sleep better.'

'Deformed baby mice,' one user guessed, while another suggested: 'Those are miniature bats'.

Mr Clerke (pictured right) shared the video of the abnormal looking animals to his Facebook page, but users were unable to identify the creatures

'Is someone holding them? [Oh my god] vomit,' said another disgusted user.

Despite the video amassing over 3,000 views, users were still none-the-wiser as to what the animals were.

Even experts couldn't come to a conclusive decision on what type of animal appeared in the video.

The Biosecurity New Zealand entomology team suggested the video showed the detached legs of a moth.

'They suggest that something [possibly a cat] had just recently eaten the body of the moth, which may explain why a few of the legs were still twitching,' a spokesperson told Yahoo!7.

What is a rat-tailed maggot? Rat-tailed maggots are the larvae of certain species of hoverflies A characteristic feature of rat-tailed maggots is a tube-like tail which acts as a snorkel, allowing the larva to breathe air while under water It lives in stagnant, oxygen-deprived water, and can be found in damp places such as drains or toilets They can grow up to 15cm in length including their tails  but the average length is only 2-3cm The most commonly encountered rat-tailed maggots are the larvae of the drone fly Advertisement

While experts from the University of Auckland had an entirely different theory and said the video was a hoax.

And in a third differing opinion, Eric Edwards, an insect expert, said it was possible the unknown specimens could be rat-tailed maggots.

The true identity of the animals is yet to be confirmed.

Earlier this month, an Australian back-packer stumbled across a rat-tailed maggot in Lake Bolac, in Victoria's Western District.

In an attempt to try and solve the mystery, Guy Shlomi took to social media to share a video in an attempt to uncover the animal's identity.

It was later confirmed by an entomologist that Mr Shlomi had found a hoverfly larvae, which is more commonly known as a rat-tailed maggot.
A convicted paedophile who once said that sex with children was 'a cultural thing' will be released from jail within days.

Edward George Nallajar, 44, appeared in Brisbane Supreme Court on Tuesday to apply to be re-released back into the community.

Despite a psychiatrist warning he was at 'high risk' of reoffending, Nallajar was released from jail in 2016 after serving time for child-sex crimes and was placed on a dangerous prisoner supervision order.

He returned to jail last year after he breached the conditions of the order by cutting off his GPS monitor, The Courier Mail reported.

The court heard Nallajar removed the bracelet as a 'social experiment' and that he wished to return to jail because life had become 'too stressful'.

Convicted paedophile Edward George Nallajar was successful in his appeal to be re-released back into the community in Brisbane Supreme Court (pictured) on Tuesday

Nallajar's brush with the law began in 1993 when he was jailed for three years after shooting dead a man who sexually abused his friend.

Nallajar abused two children when he was released from jail, claiming it was a 'cultural thing' to do on Palm Island in Queensland's north.

'Most children on Palm Island are not virgins  having sex with a child has become a cultural thing  money is short, children don't get so much so maybe for a bigger sum of money she would have let me have sex with her,' he later told a psychologist.

In 2004, Nallajar pleaded guilty to luring a girl into a deserted school ground and bribing her $20 if she came with him to get drugs before he raped her.

Just days after being released on parole, Nallajar committed a similar act on a child and was jailed in 2012.

Nallajar's most recent application to be released from prison had the support of two psychologists, The Courier Mail reported.

He once claiming having sex with underage girls was a 'cultural thing' to do on Palm Island (pictured) in Queensland's north

Lawyers acting for the Attorney-General accepted 'adequate protection of the community could be met by releasing (Nallajar) on a supervision order.'

Nallajar will be sentenced for breaching the order in Townsville on Thursday and is expected to walk free from jail on February 12.

He will remain on the dangerous prisoner supervision order until 2026.

It's the same order placed on serial predator Robert Fardon when he was released from jail in Queensland last month.
A woman who worked a full shift at a cafe only to be told it was an unpaid trial has been awarded $9,000 in compensation.

Helen Mawhinney took a cafe in Wellington to New Zealand's Employment Relations Authority challenging her dismissal in August 2017.

Sfizio Limited, the owner of Wadestown Kitchen near Wellington Harbour, disputed her claim, arguing the woman had agreed to participate in an an unpaid competency assessment with the aim of getting a job.

However Employment Relations Authority member Michele Ryan disagreed, finding her employer had dismissed her unfairly and failed to properly explain the situation.

She awarded Miss Mawhinney $7,000 compensation plus another $1,890 for the four-week notice period and another $119 for the work she performed on August 4, 2017.

The practice of having staff work an unpaid trial shift is widespread throughout the hospitality industry in both Australia and New Zealand.

United Voice Queensland union secretary Gary Bullock told the Gold Coast Bulletin the industry was riddled with employers willing to take advantage of job-seekers.

Miss Mawhinney was awarded $7,000 compensation plus another $1,890 for the four-week notice period and another $119 for the work she performed on August 4, 2017

'Hospitality workers often fall prey to unscrupulous employers.'

He said trail periods had been a longstanding practice but staff needed to be compensated fairly for the work they do.

In 2015 there was a crackdown on hospitality businesses throughout Canberra using unpaid trail shifts.

University of Adelaide Law School Professor and author of Law at Work, Rosemary Owens, told ABC at the time trailing staff for more than a few hours was unfair.

'For work in a cafe, we would say this sort of work could be assessed perhaps in a couple of hours. A period of six hours is too long.'
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 5)  Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Hajj Murad Ebrahim said authorities have yet to see potential security threats in areas covered by the second Bangsamoro plebiscite on Wednesday.

Speaking to CNN Philippines on Tuesday, Murad said security forces in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato will still be on full alert.

"Wala naman tayong nakikitang tensyon as of now kaya lang siguro sa panig ng ating mga security forces ng gobyerno, nag-iingat lang sila," the rebel group leader said in an interview with CNN Philippines' Newsroom Ngayon.

[Translation: We don't see any tensions as of now but maybe on the part of our government security forces, they're just making sure.]

"Sa aming panig, ang importante lang ay mabigyan ang tao na bumoto according to their own choice, hindi yung pinipilit sila. It's a democratic process. Yun lang ang kailangan, walang manipulation, walang intimidation," he added.

[Translation: For our part, the important thing is the residents should be given the chance to vote according to their own choice, and not because they're being forced to. It's a democratic process. That's what we need-no manipulation, no intimidation.]

Murad, who voted for the first time during the first Bangsamoro plebiscite, also called on residents of the two provinces to participate in the referendum.

Over 3,000 police personnel and soldiers will be deployed in Lanao del Norte (except Iligan City), where voters will decide whether or not to include the towns of Tagoloan, Balo-i, Pantar, Munai, Tangcal, and Nunungan in the new Bangsamoro autonomous region.

With tight security ahead of the plebiscite, Senior Supt. Leopoldo Cabanag, Lanao del Norte police chief, assured residents they are safe.

"Dahil ang kapulisan at army nandiyan palagi para proteksyunan ang taumbayan. Hindi sila dapat matakot sa sinasabing magkakaroon ng gulo dahil definitely, hindi mangyayari yun," Cabanag said.

[Translation: The police and army are always there to protect the citizenry. They shouldn't be scared of what they hear that there will be trouble because definitely, that will not happen.

Voters in seven North Cotabato towns will also decide on Wednesday if they will allow 67 of their barangays (villages) to become part of the new region.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it expects around 640,000 residents to participate in the plebiscite. The poll body also estimates results to be released four days after voting.

Comelec on January 25 announced the ratification of the Bangsamoro law, which is envisioned to end the decades-long conflict in Mindanao.
A 20-year-old man who was shot dead in a gang-related killing caught on video by fellow passengers at a New York subway station has been identified.

The victim, Abel Mosso, and two other men became involved in a dispute on a Manhattan-bound 7 train Sunday afternoon when the deadly fight spilled out onto the platform in Queens.

Police said the fight appeared to be gang-related with 26-year-old gunman Ramiro Gutierrez being a member of MS-13 and the victim part of rival Queens gang 18th Street. Gutierrez was taken into custody Monday.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea said Gutierrez was known by police and had been arrested 12 times previously in New York.

Victim Abel Mosso (pictured) and two other men became involved in a dispute on a Manhattan-bound 7 train Sunday afternoon when a deadly fight spilled out onto the platform in Queens

Graphic footage shows the three men fighting on the platform at the 90th Street-Elmhurst Avenue subway stop in Queens after the train doors opened. The three people standing up behind tried to intervene

Graphic footage shows the three men fighting on the platform at the 90th Street-Elmhurst Avenue subway stop after the train doors opened at about 1pm Sunday.

The victim was punched multiple times before one of the men, dressed in a gray jacket, stood up and pulled out a gun.

He shot Mosso in the head and the footage shows him dropping to the ground.

An additional five gunshots were fired before the two men fled the scene.

Terrified commuters, who had tried to intervene to break the fight up, were filmed screaming as they ran away from the gunfire.

Police said the train and platform were crowded when the gunfire rang out.

The victim died at the scene after suffering multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head.

The victim was punched multiple times before one of the men, dressed in a gray jacket, stood up and pulled out a gun (pictured right)

He shot the victim - believed to be between 20-30 years old - in the head and the footage shows him dropping to the ground. An additional five gunshots were fired before the two men fled the scene. Terrified commuters were filmed screaming as they ran away from the gunfire

Gutierrez was captured on surveillance cameras fleeing the subway station.

Investigators are still looking for the second attacker and have publicly released a surveillance image of him in a bid to track him down.

Police are still trying to determine if the men knew each other prior to the fight or what sparked the incident.

'This incident is beyond horrifying,' MTA spokesman Max Young said.

'While our system and the city are safer than ever before, we have zero tolerance for any violence on our subways and buses, and the safety of our customers and employees will always be our number one priority.'
An Australian photojournalist who was held hostage for more than a year by Somalian kidnappers has revealed how he managed to evade his captors.

Nigel Brennan was in 2008 taken hostage by Somalian rebels during a trip to the war-torn country to take photos with his colleague Canadian journalist Amanda Lindhout.

'I look back at it now and I think, you know, how did I ever survive that,' Mr Brennan recalled on the latest episode of podcast How I Survived.

Nigel Brennan, who was held hostage for more than a year by Somalian kidnappers has revealed how he managed to evade his captors

Mr Brennan (pictured right) was taken hostage by Somalian rebels during a trip to the war-torn country to take photos with his colleague Canadian journalist Amanda Lindhout (pictured left)

He described how four days into his trip, the pair were intercepted by rebels as they travelled from the capital city of Mogadishu to a camp for displaced people.

About 5km outside of the city, Mr Brennan, Ms Lindhout and their crew were told the guards wouldn't be completing the journey with them and they would go it alone.

Despite the risks, the group decided to continue their journey without security, but after a few more kilometres, they were ambushed by masked rebels at gunpoint.

'I think my brain just completely switched off from the shock because I was acutely aware something was wrong but couldn't compute quick enough,' he said.

Mr Brennan said the group of five were then driven to a compound where he and Ms Lindhout were separated from the others and interrogated.

He said four men questioned them and accused the pair of being spies - it was at this point, Mr Brennan realised he and his fellow journalist had been kidnapped.

The photojournalist described how over the next few days the shock of the kidnapping finally started to set in as he progressed through various stages of grief.

He said while he was initially concerned about his camera gear, his worries then changed to that of his family back home who would have to deal with the rebels.

After 15 months of captivity, Mr Brennan said the pair were eventually released in 2009 when their families paid the kidnappers more than $800,000

Mr Brennan's fears only worsened when the kidnappers demanded more than $2million AUD for the pair's safe release.

'My parents had just retired three years earlierI was very aware that I was potentially going to destroy their retirement financially,' he said.

While Mr Brennan's and Ms Lindhout's families desperately scrambled to get the money together, the days turned into weeks and then months.

He recalled how the frustrated captors separated the pair and how he feared for the safety of Ms Lindhout, who they threatened to kill if they didn't get their money.

Mr Brennan said the situation became dire when one of the kidnappers said they would execute them regardless of whether or not they got a ransom.

Almost 10 years later, Canadian police managed to capture one of the kidnappers, Ali Omar Ader (pictured), who was sentenced to 15 years jail

Despite the news of Ader's arrest being welcomed by police, Mr Brennan (pictured) said he has learned to embrace the power of forgiveness to overcome his anger

'So from my point of view I thought if I was going to die, I was actually gonna make them work for it. I wasn't just gonna take a bullet to the back of the head,' he said.

Desperate to escape, the pair made a dash for freedom one day, only to be captured again a short time later - seemingly making the situation worse.

But after 15 months of captivity, Mr Brennan said the pair were eventually released in 2009 when their families paid the kidnappers more than $800,000.

Almost 10 years later, Canadian police managed to capture one of the kidnappers, Ali Omar Ader, who was sentenced to 15 years jail.

Despite the news of Ader's arrest being welcomed by police, Mr Brennan said he has learned to embrace the power of forgiveness to overcome his anger.

'I realised after a few years that the only person that was affecting was me, because I was spending so much time and so much energy and really a lot of negative energy, he said.

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A farmer charged with the assault of his stepson has lost the appeal of his conviction in court.

The man, who cannot be named, was said to have dragged the teenager out of bed, and kicked him with steel cap boots.

A farmer convicted of attacking his stepson say his appeal denied in the Ipswich District Court on Tuesday (stock image)

He then ordered the 14-year-old to round cattle while wearing only his underpants.

A summary trial in Ipswich Magistrates Court back in 2016 heard he woke the child at about 8.30am before the frenzied attack.

The man was convicted after trial of one count of common assault and fined $1800.

He appealed the verdict, arguing the amount of force used was a 'reasonable and lawful form of discipline.'

He went on to argue his stepson's evidence 'couldn't be trusted' and that he actually only 'nudged' him with his foot.

On Tuesday, the man's appeal was dismissed in the Ipswich District Court.
The sister of gangland wife Roberta Williams insisted her family were not mobsters after facing court for allegedly stealing 18 suitcases from Melbourne Airport.

Michelle Mercieca from Kings Park north-west of Melbourne, appeared in court on Tuesday where she faces 19 charges of theft.

The 51-year-old allegedly stole 18 cases with contents worth $45,000 off conveyor belts between October 2017 and September last year.

Just seven of those bags were allegedly recovered when police raided Mercieca's home.

Michelle Mercieca, outside Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court in January, expressed puzzlement as to how people knew who her sister was. She was shielded by a young stranger

Mercieca is the sister of Roberta Williams, the wife of gangland psychopath Carl Williams who was killed in jail at the peak of Melbourne's notorious underworld war.

Outside court, she insisted her family's past has nothing to do with the current case.

'Why are they calling us mobsters?,' she said. 'This has got nothing to do with my sister.'

She then claimed she had been unfairly treated by the police and was innocent, reported the Herald Sun.

Gangland killer Carl Williams with then wife Roberta Williams - the sister of Michelle Mercieca

The case was adjourned and Mercieca will re-appear on March 19 having had her bail extended.

In a previous court appearance last month, Mercieca told veteran Magistrate Bob Kumar that she planned to contest the charges.

'I'm not pleading guilty to this case,' she said.

Court documents suggest Mercieca's lucky dips paid off better some days rather than others.

One bag snatch on June 2 last year allegedly saw Mercieca get away with a bag containing $12,324 worth of booty.

Another snatch in October 2017, allegedly saw her scamper off with $7,425 worth of gear.

But they weren't all so lucrative. Several people returned to the carousel only to find their luggage containing $200 and $400 worth of goods had been stolen.

Youths gather around Michelle Mercieca as tv crews and photographers pursue her outside of Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court in January

All up, police believe Mercieca got away with at least $46,552 worth of gear, but believe there was probably more.

Mr Kumar, who has sat on the bench for more than 30 years asked how Mercieca even made bail, before toughening up her reporting conditions.

When Mercieca tried to have details of her case suppressed, Mr Kumar sharply rejected her application.

He banned her from going anywhere near an airport before adjourning the case.

Outside court, a group of youths who had been loitering outside all morning, took it upon themselves to help the alleged thief escape the media spotlight.

They held up clothing to shield Mercieca's face, while filming the comical court retreat themselves on their phones.
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A woman in her 40s accused of causing a fire that tore through an apartment building in Paris, killing at least ten people including a baby, allegedly started the blaze after a fight with her firefighter neighbour about noise.

A 22-year-old fireman who lives on the second floor of the building in Rue Erlanger, in the upmarket 16th arrondissement, confirmed he had been quarrelling with the alleged arsonist about her habit of playing loud music late at night.

He said he had come face-to-face with the neighbour shortly before the fire, at which point she 'acknowledged I was a firefighter, and that I liked the flames. Then I smelt burning, and realised she had set fire to the floor.'

The woman, who is alleged to have 'psychiatric problems', was arrested in the street below the building shortly after the blaze started in the early hours of Tuesday, while trying to set fire to a car and a wheely bin in the street outside the block.

While the official cause of the blaze, which left 36 people - including six firefighters - injured has not yet been announced, an investigation into 'death by arson' has been launched.

Blaze: The fire in the eight-storey building killed at least ten people and also left 31 people - including six firefighters - injured

Dramatic: Images show firemen rescuing residents who climbed up onto the roof and top floor to escape the fire

Rescued: Firefighters carry a dog that was saved from the flames of the eight-storey apartment block

Destruction: View of the apartment building on Tuesday, hours after the fire that killed ten people was extinguished

We were disturbed by my neighbor who had put the music on very loud at home, the fireman, named as Quentin L. told Le Parisien.

'Ive only been in the building three months since I was in this building, and it was not the first time she had done that.

Quentin told Le Parisien newspaper that he and his girlfriend did not know the unidentified woman was being treated in a nearby clinic for mental illness.

I did not know she had psychiatric problems, he said. I had never seen her before, but we could hear her screaming regularly, or making incoherent remarks.

I know that a police patrol has already intervened about a fortnight ago because of her behavior.

On Monday night my girlfriend went to knock on her door, and the neighbour was insulted by that. Im a professional fireman and thats why I called the emergency number at 11.50pm.

Police instructed the couple to leave the building so as to spend the night elsewhere, and as they did so they came face to face with the woman on the stairs.

He said:The police had left. After they left, my neighbor tried to smash my window and my door to take revenge.

The neighbour explained to me that there was paper in front of my door with wood. She had set fire to my home to take revenge.

When I met her, she wished me good luck by acknowledging that I was a firefighter, and that I liked the flames. Then I smelt burning, and realised she had set fire to the floor. She then ran away.

Rescue mission: Some of the estimated 200 Paris firefighters working to extinguish the blaze and rescue residents are seen scaling the exterior of the building

In this image taken from video released by the Paris Fire Department, firemen scale the top floors of the building on fire

A photo published by the Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP) shows firefighters evacuating residents

The initial death toll of eight increased to ten after the fire had been extinguished when the remains of two people were found in the rubble of the upper floors

Three people died after falling or jumping from the building, Le Figaro reports.

Prosecutor Remy Heitz told reporters Tuesday an investigation has been opened into the criminal charge of causing death by arson.

He said the arrested woman was in her 40s, and had been under treatment 'for psychological problems'.

'Her T-shirt was smouldering, but she was in the process of starting more fires,' said a source connected to the local BAC anti-criminal brigade, which made the arrest.

Following her arrest, the woman who was drunk at the time of arrest, was taken to a nearby hospital suffering with physical injuries caused by the fire.

'She has psychological problems, and had been drinking heavily at the time of the fire,' said a source close to the enquiry.

'She was being treated at a local psychiatric unit, but was still living in the block where she is thought to have started to fire. She was involved in regular arguments with other neighbours, who often complained about her behaviour.'

An investigation has been opened into the criminal charge of causing death by arson, a Paris prosecutor said

The fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday morning, and continued into the morning before it could be extinguished

The fire raged through the top floors of the building until well into Tuesday morning before it could be put out

Firemen are seen working to put out the blaze on Erlanger Street in the 16th arrondissement in Paris

Firefighters work on the Erlanger street after a fire in a building on the 16th arrondissement in Paris, France

Emmanuel Gregoire, one of the deputy mayors of Paris, said the woman had told police of a 'quarrel between neighbours'.

'We will let the police give additional information, but this is one of the theories being explored by investigators,' Mr Gregoire said according to The Local.

More than 200 firefighters worked through the night to extinguish the fire, which started in the early hours of Tuesday, and were able to rescue 50 people from the flames.

The building is located on an inner courtyard, meaning firetrucks were unable to drive up to the building, and firefighters were forced to carry ladders to be able to reach stranded residents.

Fire service spokesman Clement Cognon said firefighters are continuing to search apartments to see if there are any other victims and ensure that no residual fires break out.

Emergency workers are also working to ensure the building doesn't collapse from the fire damage.

A witness to a Paris apartment fire says she saw flames shooting out for hours from the top of the building and smoke-covered victims fleeing.

Jacqueline Ravier, who lives across the street from the building hit by Tuesday's fire, said 'I heard a woman screaming in the street, crying and screaming for help.'

Fire crews said that the apartment block and surrounding buildings had been evacuated by 3.30am

Some of those affected scrambled on to nearby roofs to escape the flames, and needed to be rescued by fire crews

She said shaken, evacuated residents were brought to her building and the one next door while firefighters continued to fight the flames.

She described seeing 'a young man in his underwear,' blackened by smoke, and a woman motionless on the ground outside.

'We feel the smoke,' she said. 'What's surprising is how long it lasted.'

The building is less than a mile from the Roland Garros stadium that hosts the French Open tennis tournament, and close to the popular Bois de Boulogne park on the city's western edge.

More than 200 firefighters and emergency workers are on the scene, Paris police said, and the street is blocked off.

People in neighbouring buildings were also evacuated.

Images and video shared on social media show the flames tearing through the top of the building

Fire service spokesman Clement Cognon speaks to the press after a building caught fire in the 16th arrondissement

Firefighters and policemen stand on the scene of the fire in Paris, in the early hours of Tuesday

200 firefighters battled to control the blaze and rescue survivors who fled onto nearby roofs

The fire comes a month after a deadly explosion and blaze linked to a gas leak in a Paris bakery.

The 16th arrondissement is one of the most luxurious districts of Paris.

'The toll could still increase because the fire is still in progress on the 7th and 8th floors' of the eight-storey block, a fire service spokesman told a reporter at the scene.

Some of those affected scrambled on to nearby roofs to escape the smoke and flames, and needed to be rescued by fire crews.

With landmarks including the Trocadero overlooking the Eiffel Tower, Paris Saint-Germain's home stadium the Parc des Princes, the picturesque Bois de Bologne and an array of upmarket shops and restaurants, the area is popular with tourists.

Mr Cognon said earlier: 'We had to carry out many rescues, including some people who had taken refuge on the roofs.'
A South Australian man is accused of responding to a backpacker's Gumtree advertisement before abducting and sexually abusing her, a court has heard.

Gene Bristow is on trial in the South Australian District Court, charged with aggravated kidnapping, rape and indecent assault.

Opening the trial on Wednesday, prosecutor Michael Foundas said the European woman had made an online post in search of temporary farm work.

Gene Bristow is on trial in the South Australian District Court, charged with aggravated kidnapping, rape and indecent assault

Mr Foundas said the advertisement was answered by Bristow, who offered her work and accommodation under a false company name.

The court heard Bristow picked the woman up from a bus stop at Murray Bridge and drove her to his farm at Meningie, 150km southeast of Adelaide, in February 2017.

It is alleged he took her to a disused pig shed on the property, several hundred metres from the house he shared with his family.

'This was a pre-meditated and thought out plan... to lure young female backpackers to his farm where the unlucky victim would be held against their will and sexually abused by him,' Mr Foundas told the court.

The trial continues before Judge Geraldine Davison.
A pest control expert has revealed the secret formula for ridding huntsman spiders from your house and car for good - but there's a surprising catch.

Neel Patel is an expert on pests who has worked to eradicate spiders from properties and vehicles in Australia.

Mr Patel's secret for keeping crawling critters away involves fruit, eucalyptus, vanilla extract and peppermint.

Lemons are also useful for warding off the spiders but the fruit's odor mimics a scent that can attract a swarm of bees and is better off avoided.

Lemons are also useful for warding off the spiders but the fruit's odor mimics a scent that can attract a swarm of bees and is better off avoided

Mr Patel's secret recipe for keeping crawling critters away involves fruit, eucalyptus, vanilla extract and peppermint

'If you mix three parts vinegar  which they don't like  with one part vanilla extract and then put some soaked cotton wool balls in the boot and the glove box, that should do the trick,' he said.

'If you re-soak them every few days it will help to keep repelling them.'

Spiders are attracted to cars because they thrive in warm and safe environments.

Keeping doors and windows closed and making sure all gaps are plugged should stop the arachnids from coming in.

Mr Patel added keeping the interiors thoroughly vacuumed, including under the seats, inside the boot and under the seat will keep the hairy horrors away.

Huntsman spiders can be handy as they eat insects such as disease-carrying cockroaches, but the sight of one of these giant spiders crawling out from under the visor can cause road accidents.

A four-car pile up on the freeway near the Blue Mountains in Sydney, NSW, in February 2018 was the result of a Huntsman in someone's vehicle.

Keeping doors and windows closed and making sure all gaps are plugged will stop the arachnids from coming in

Huntsman spiders are attracted to cars because they thrive in warm and safe environments

Mr Patel, who works for nationwide cleaning and maintenance services company Fantastic Services, said fruit is another option to keep the spiders at bay.

'They don't like the smell of lemons, eucalyptus, tea tree or peppermint oils,' he added. 'If you rub these around the doors it can help detract them.'

During the day most huntsman spiders prefer to rest in retreats under bark, crevices or other protected areas out of the sunlight.

This is why they like to take up residence under sun visors and are often disturbed by the vibrations of the vehicle when the engine is turned on and the car starts moving.

There are 155 types of huntsman spiders living across Australia and they can grow as to the size of a dinner plate in Queensland.

During the day most huntsman spiders prefer to rest in retreats under bark, crevices or other protected areas out of the sunlight

'They don't like the smell of lemons, eucalyptus, tea tree or peppermint oils,' he added. 'If you rub these around the doors it can help detract them.'

Huntsman spiders don't spin webs as they use vibrations and vision to find their prey. They can live for about two-and-a-half years, which is a long lifespan for an arachnid.

They are mainly active at night and come out from their sleeping places so they can forage for insects and small invertebrates. They ambush prey, usually lying in wait until they can launch a ferocious strike.

Spider expert Robert Whyte, from The Queensland Museum and The Australian Arachnilogical Society, explained: 'I would say Huntsman are the most dangerous spiders in Australia  not because of their venom or anything like that, but because of people's reaction to them.

'Even people who are not scared of spiders can get quite a fright if a huntsman jumps on their chest while they are driving.

'Everyone knows someone who has had a car accident because of a Huntsman, it really does happen. They are also very fast and are difficult to catch.'

Mr Whyte added if a Huntsman is unexpectedly found in a car, 'staying calm' is the person's 'only hope'.

'The best course of action is to use some kind of container and a sheet of people and remove it from the car.'

Huntsmans have fangs big enough to break skin but thankfully the venom rarely has much of an effect.
Two bodies have been found in the search for two men who went missing in flood waters in Townsville.

Hughie Morton, 21, and Troy Mathieson, 23, were last seen running away from police after a Dan Murphy's bottle shop was looted in the early hours of Monday morning.

On Tuesday afternoon two bodies were found in a stormwater drain.

Hughie Morton (left), 21, and Troy Mathieson (right), 23, were last seen near floodwaters on Monday morning, sparking fears they've been washed away

One of the two bodies (pictured) was found in an open drain in Townsville on February 5

Mr Mathieson and Mr Morton both live on Palm Island, an offshore area with heavily restricted alcohol laws.

Police contacted their families with concerns for their safety after the men went missing.

Officers responding to a call that a bottle shop was being robbed at 3am on Monday were the last to see the men, it is understood.

As of 3pm on Tuesday, it was not confirmed if the bodies found were those of the missing men.

Police (pictured) searched the scene where two bodies were found in a drain running behind a local library

Local police (pictured) and police forensics officers (pictured) were investigating the scene following the discovery of the bodies

Townsville has been hammered by more than one metre of rain in a week for the first time on record.

Townsville residents woke on Monday morning to scenes of total chaos, with thousands of homes, car parks and shopping centres almost totally submerged and huge crocodiles roaming city streets.

Forecasters have warned of a 'risk to life and property' due to 'unprecedented' flooding which could overwhelm up to 20,000 homes as 17,000 properties are left without power.

Vehicles were stranded by floodwaters at the intersection of Stuart Drive and the Bruce Highway in Townsville on Monday

The city was turned into a floodplain on Sunday night when the Ross River Dam spillway gates automatically opened to ease pressure.

This sent 2,000 cubic metres of water per second rocketing through already flooded suburbs as desperate residents scrambled in boats and kayaks to reach evacuation centres on higher ground and 400 were rescued by the army with trucks and helicopters.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a 95 per cent chance of rain every day until at least Thursday, while there's a 90 per cent chance of rain on Friday.

Rescuers went door-to-door to warn locals of the risks of staying as the 'unprecedented' once-in-a-century storm devastated some suburbs of the north Queensland area

Parts of Townsville copped another soaking on Monday night and more rain the way on Tuesday

Townsville can expect up to 200mm over the next week with the likely possibility of thunderstorms on Wednesday and Thursday.

'We saw the worst of the rain over the weekend and Monday morning but we're still expecting heavy falls in the region the coming days,' Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jess Gardner told Daily Mail Australia on Monday night.

'Townsville isn't out of the woods yet in terms of further flooding. More rain is expected overnight with Townsville expected to receive 50-80mm on Tuesday.'

As of 3pm on Tuesday, it was not confirmed if the bodies found by police (pictured) were those of the missing men
A sex starved widower who fell in love with an escort turned up at her brothel and tried to blast her with a double-barreled shotgun after she rejected his love.

Domenico Natale, 89, of Taylors Lakes, couldn't handle the 'disrespect' his young victim had displayed when he attacked the woman in broad daylight as she showed up for work on July 21, 2017.

He was sentenced in the Supreme Court of Victoria to serve a minimum jail sentence of 18 months today where trouble continued to follow.

Domenico Natale draped himself in red velvet during an earlier hearing

Domenico Natale's son attacked media outside the Supreme Court of Victoria

Respected television journalist Sharnelle Vella was verbally abused by the elderly maniac

Natale's son, whom he had been living with in Cobram while awaiting justice, launched himself at media outside court.

He had spent the entirety of the sentence casting death stares at court reporters before losing his cool.

Natale, who draped himself in red velvet and abused television journalist Sharnelle Vella following a court appearance in November, had earlier tried to convince a court he was mentally impaired, but conceded he was fit to plead.

The court heard Natale fired two shots at the the woman as she fled for her life outside the Colebrook St brothel about 9.50am.

He then turned the shotgun on himself, blasting himself in the stomach.

Natale was arrested after pulling his car over to the side of the road as he bled out from the wound.

He pleaded guilty to stalking, reckless conduct endangering life, use of an unregistered firearm and making a threat to kill.

The court heard the Calabrian-born Natale had began visiting his victim while his wife was dying of cancer.

Domenico natale's son lashes out at media outside the Supreme Court of Victoria

Domenico Natale is led to jail after being sentenced to four years in jail over a sickening attack on a sex worker

But the elderly man became infatuated with the sex worker at Brunswick's Romantics Brothel and bombarded her with texts and calls.

When she tried to cut him off, he refused to take the message and became hostile.

Natale was originally charged with attempted murder, but was dealt a lucky break when prosecutors accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charges.

The court heard he demanded sex from his victim, showing her cash and saying: 'You know what youve got to do.'

Supreme Court Justice Lesley Taylor said Natale felt ' disrespected' and and 'decided to take vengeance'.

'You shot at (her) because she was not with you anymore,' she said. 'Her decision to refuse your custom was a significant blow to your self esteem and made you feel indignant, rejected, and betrayed.'

CCTV footage captured from the Brunswick brothel showed Natale calmly walking from his car before taking aim at the woman.

The woman was seen ducking and running as the brick wall behind her exploded from the blast just above her head.

A second shot struck near the brothels entrance as the terrified woman fled for her life.

She escaped uninjured.

Natale rang the brothel after the attack telling an employee he had attacked the woman because she doesnt want me anymore.

He threatened to kill himself before shooting himself in the stomach.

He was sentenced to four and a half years in jail.
Gai Vieira's car was T-boned by officer who was chasing a driver on their phone

The wife of millionaire horse trainer Bert Vieira spent months in an induced coma after a horror car crash on September 5.

Gai Vieira, 68, is able to smile with one side of her mouth but still cannot move her limbs after waking up from a coma.

On Tuesday Mr Viera attended a Downing Centre Court hearing of senior constable Harry Thomas Little.

Sen-Const little was at he wheel of the Highway Patrol's Ford Falcon when it collided with Ms Vieira's Mercedes on The Kingsway at Cronulla on September 5.

Gai Vieira, 68, (pictured) is able to smile with one side of her mouth but still cannot move her limbs after waking up from a coma

Mr Vieira (pictured) told reporters outside Downing Centre Court on Tuesday that his wife was awake and showing gradual signs of improvement

The officer was allegedly travelling at a speed of 124 km/hr in a 70km/hr zone with no flashing lights or sirens before the horrific accident in Cronulla, in Sydney's south.

Mrs Vieira took the impact of the crash while her three-year-old grandson who was sitting in the backseat escaped uninjured.

She suffered severe injuries, including broken bones, and punctured lungs.

Little was charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Mr Vieira told reporters that his wife was awake and showing gradual signs of improvement.

'She's good, she has her eyes open but still hasn't got the use of her limbs,' he said.

'Sometimes, (if you) ask for as smile she moves (her mouth) on one side.

'We have hope and we will continue to have hope.'

Mr Vieira attended the court hearing with his son Trent Vieira, the Daily Telegraph reported.

The policeman was excused from appearing at the court hearing which gave a brief mention of his charges, and the case was adjourned to March 14.

Sen-Const Little had been in pursuit of a motorist using their mobile phone when the accident occurred.

The wife of millionaire horse trainer Bert Vieira spent months in an induced coma after suffering serious injuries in a car crash on September 5 (Bert and Gai Vieira at Randwick race course in April 2018)

Her husband Bert Vieira has since called for a ban on high-speed police pursuits for lower-level traffic crimes

Since the accident Mr Vieira has since called for a ban on high-speed police pursuits for lower-level traffic crimes.

Mr Vieira previously slammed Sen-Const Little for not showing up to the first court hearing in November last year, which Little was not required to attend.

Outside court, Mr Vieira told reporters he was 'totally disgusted' the officer had not attended.
Bali Nine drug smuggler Renae Lawrence has avoided a second stint behind bars in relation to a 2005 high-speed stolen car chase with police in NSW.

On Tuesday in Newcastle Local Court, Lawrence, 41, was placed on a 12-month community corrections order, disqualified from driving for three months and fined $1000.

Magistrate Sharron Crews said the criminal charges against Lawrence were serious, and a conviction simply had to be recorded.

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Convicted drug smuggler Renae Lawrence (white shirt) has avoided a stint in an Australian jail in relation to 2005 driving offences

Renae Lawrence (pictured left) has dodged time in jail after pleading guilty to stealing a car and taking police on a high speed police chase back in 2005

Defence lawyer Drew Hamilton told the court Lawrence was now a very different person compared to back in 2005 when she had a serious drug habit at the time of the offence.

'Today is a good opportunity for Ms Lawrence and her family to draw a line in the sand and move forward,' the lawyer said.

'This is someone who has been punished significantly in the past 13 years.'

Lawrence - who has suffered from anxiety and depression since her chaotic return to Australia in November last year following her release from a Bali prison - pleaded guilty to charges of car theft, driving while unlicensed, speeding and failing to stop for police.

Lawrence had stolen a white Ford Laser hatch at Enfield at about 4am on March 26, 2005.

She was also driving at 130km/h in a 90 zone with fellow Bali drug mule Matthew Norman at Mooney Mooney before her arrest.

Lawrence was subsequently caught at Bali airport in April 2005 with 2.7 kilograms of heroin strapped to her body and later jailed for 20 years.

She served 13 years after being granted repeated sentence reductions.

Renae Lawrence (pictured) leaving Newcastle Court on Tuesday - the Bali 9 drug smuggler pleaded guilty to a string of driving charges, but avoided time in an Australian jail
The property market may be in its steepest decline since the GFC, but you'll still need the salary of a federal politician to afford a freestanding home in Sydney or Melbourne.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures suggest the national average salary for a full-time worker is about $82,000 a year. The general rule is that homeowners will suffer 'mortgage stress' if their repayments exceed 30 per cent of their income.

This means those earning the average salary can only borrow about $450,000 - half of Sydney's median price of $900,000 and well below Melbourne's $740,000 - and live comfortably.

'Unless you have huge savings, and a huge income, then buying in our two biggest cities will be largely out of reach,' Sarah Tindall from financial comparison website RateCity told Nine Finance.

Workers earning the national average salary can only borrow about $450,000 - half of Sydney's median price of $900,000 - and avoid mortgage stress

This table shows how much you need to earn to stay free of 'mortgage stress'

Research from Canstar suggests people hoping to buy a home around the $1million mark in Sydney will need to earn a salary of over $160,000 to avoid mortgage stress, taking into account a 20 per cent upfront deposit.

'Not too many first home buyers enter the market with a $165,000 salary,' Canstar's home loan expert Steve Mickenbecker told news.com.au.

In Melbourne, where the median house price is about $737,000, homeowners need to earn more than $112,000 to comfortably pay their mortgage.

Nerida Conisbee, chief economist at realestate.com.au, said buyers should wait for the market to fall further in the wake of 11.1 per cent and 9.1 per cent slides in Sydney and Melbourne respectively last year.

'Take your time. There's certainly no rush to buy housing in Sydney at the moment,' she said.

Research suggests people hoping to buy a home around the $1million mark in Melbourne will need to earn $112,000 a year

'The prices aren't really going anywhere and if you do want to buy and you find the right home, it does give you more negotiating power and it does give you a better house for your money.'

In Western Australia, which boasts the highest average income in the country at just over $90,000 a year, the dream of home ownership is far more achievable.

The average full-time worker can borrow $497,000 - above Perth's median house price of $465,120 - and live comfortably.

Buyers in Brisbane who earn the state's average salary can borrow about $440,000 and avoid mortgage stress, well below the city's median house price of $540,000.

The average house price in Darwin currently sits at about half a million dollars - just slightly more than what workers in the Northern Territory can afford (stock)

Full-time workers in Adelaide earn about $75,000 a year on average and can accordingly borrow about $440,000.

That figure is just above the city's median house price of $430,000.

The average house price in Darwin currently sits at about half a million dollars - just slightly more than what workers in the Northern Territory can afford.

That state's average income of $86,000 a year allows for a loan of about $476,000.

Workers in Tasmania earn the lowest average salaries in Australia at just over $71,000 a year, which allows for a $392,000 property purchase.

Hobart's media house price is currently $495,000.

People in the ACT earn nearly nearly $95,000 a year on average and can borrow $517,000 and avoid mortgage stress.

The median house price in Canberra is $672,000.
An activist who threw a pink sex toy at a politician during a press conference has been banned from returning to the same area on New Zealand's national day.

Nurse Josie Butler threw the phallic-shaped toy at MP Steven Joyce as he was giving a press conference at Waitangi on New Zealand's North Island in February 2016.

After she hit Mr Joyce in the chin, she cried out 'that's for raping our sovereignty' in protest of the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.

Despite being given a trespass notice by police last week, she vowed to attend Waitangi Day commemorations being held at the same spot on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Ms Butler arrived at the Te Tii Waitangi marae meeting place and was handed a second trespass notice by police.

Waitangi Day marks the date New Zealand's founding document - the Treaty of Waitangi - was signed in 1840, bringing an end to wars between the native Maori and arriving British.

Nurse Josie Butler (pictured) threw the sex toy at MP Steven Joyce as he was giving a press conference at Waitangi on New Zealand's North Island in February 2016

After she hit Mr Joyce (pictured) on the chin, she cried out 'that's for raping our sovereignty', in protest of the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal

She said she had extra motivation to visit celebrations after finding out her great-great-great-grandfather had signed the Treaty of Waitangi, known as New Zealand's founding document.

'I feel really hurt that the opportunity has been taken away from me,' she said in a video posted to Facebook.

'I feel really disillusioned that I could be trespassed from my ancestral lands without even having an opportunity to explore them.'

Ms Butler said the 'kicker' was that former opposition leader Don Brash would attend.

Mr Brash's views on the relationship between Maori and European New Zealanders led to him being pelted with mud as he made his way onto the marae grounds in 2003.

'Don Brash, [a] person who completely opposes Te Tiriti Waitangi [the Treaty of Waitangi]. Don Brash, the person who thinks the Waitangi Tribunal should be abolished. Don Brash, man who has been banned from universities because of his hate speech towards Maori,' she said.

Ms Butler (pictured) said the notice would not stop her travelling almost the length of the country from Christchurch to attend the event

'I think this is a really good example of where our race relations are at today. Decisions being made on our behalf, without us being allowed even a voice in these decisions and when we shout often we are completely ignored.

'I will be attending this year, I will be exploring my ancestral land and I will not be causing a fuss.'

Ms Butler has claimed her sex toy toss was for a 'really good cause, and a good way of getting the community involved'.

The incident received worldwide attention, leading to a flag with an image of Mr Joyce being hit in the face being flown by New Zealand Oscar-winning film director Sir Peter Jackson.
Nigel Farage was pictured with his mother at an event in Kent

Nigel Farage was joined by a blonde supporter at his one man show in Dartford this weekend who, although looking a similar age to him, turned out to be his mother.

The 54-year-old posed for pictures with Barbara, 78, who was draped in a Union Jack flag at his event in Kent, 'An evening with Nigel Farage'.

Barbara Stevens who looks strikingly similar to Coronation Street's Vera Duckworth played by Elizabeth Dawn, posed with her son as she wore a golden pound sign on a chain around her neck.

Miss Stevens, a former Conservative voter, previously admitted she is a fully paid-up Ukip member.

She joined her former UKIP leader son Nigel on his tour of the UK - as he offered fans, followers and critics the chance to get 'up close and personal' with him.

His mother who once stripped for Women's Institute calendars appeared at the event in Dartford on Sunday evening.

Mrs Stevens looks similar to Elizabeth 'Liz' Dawn who played Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street for many years

Mr Farage is touring the UK and speaking to crowds about all things Brexit, this month

She previously said that she has no plans to pose naked again, adding: 'I don't think Nigel needs that sort of publicity to be honest.

'But they were tastefully produced  we weren't aiming for the top shelf.

'We raised a net profit of 42,000 over the years, and it was a wonderful achievement.'
Ministers last night revealed details of a secret deal to offer Nissan tens of millions of pounds after the Brexit vote to keep making cars in the UK.

Business Secretary Greg Clark yesterday told the Japanese car maker it could lose out on a 61million support package after it axed plans to build a new model at its Sunderland plant.

His warning came as he finally disclosed details of promises made to the firm in the months after the EU referendum.

At the time, Downing Street said there was no special deal and Mr Clark insisted no chequebook was used to tempt Nissan into building its X-Trail SUV and a new version of its popular Qashqai in the UK.

Business secretary Greg Clark has previously refused to say what had been put on the table for giants such as Nissan

But yesterday the Business Secretary published a letter written to Nissans chief executive in October 2016 in which he offered a multi-million-pound government package to help in areas such as training and research and development.

In the Commons, Mr Clark said the car giant would be forced to re-apply for the money after it announced on Sunday that the X-Trail will now be made only in Japan. The minister also warned that a No Deal Brexit would be ruinous for our prospects.

Mr Clark said Nissans announcement meant 741 additional jobs would no longer be created. He told MPs: While Im pleased the decision taken in 2016 to build the Qashqai and secure the Sunderland plant is unchanged, its deeply disappointing to me and to the workforce that the extra jobs that would have come from the X-Trail will no longer be available.

The new X-Trail model will be built in Japan, raising fears of the North East suffering a major economic blow

While the decision was made on broader business grounds, Nissan commented on the need for us to come together and to resolve the question of our future trading relationship with the EU. Their advice should be listened to and acted upon so our automotive industry, which is undergoing more change through innovation in the decade ahead than it has for most of the last century, can seize the opportunities for Britain to be a world leader in state-of-the-art car-making.

Criticism of Mr Clark came from all corners. chair of the Treasury Select Committee Nicky Morgan said MPs should have been informed before yesterday.

She said: 'If the Government provided financial assistance to Nissan to persuade it to stay in Sunderland it should set out what this support was and why it did not disclose it.'

Earlier, Mr Clark published the 2016 letter, which sought to reassure Nissan bosses that their investment would not be damaged by Brexit. In it, he promised: In any circumstance, the Government will ensure that the UK continues to be one of the most competitive locations for automotive and other advanced manufacturing within Europe and globally, including sites such as Sunderland.

The letter offered 80million of support in areas such as skills, R&D [research and development] investment, although this was later reduced to 61million.

Mr Clark told MPs that only 2.6million had been paid, for staff training and environmental improvements at the plant.

Nissan could lose out on a 61million support package which was offered by ministers and kept secret from MPs

Asked how much of the rest of the money Nissan would receive, Mr Clark replied: Because the terms of the application which is independently assessed and reviewed has now varied, then of course the company will need to re-submit on the grounds of the new information that it has.

When Nissan announced its plans to boost manufacturing in October 2016, Labour demanded the Government come clean on any secret deals. On the BBCs Question Time, Mr Clark said: Theres no chequebook. I dont have a chequebook.

Nicky Morgan, the chairman of the Treasury select committee, said full details of the Nissan deal should be made public immediately. In a letter to Mr Clark, the senior Tory MP asked him to explain how much direct financial assistance the Government provided to Nissan, and why it had not been disclosed in a 2016 letter to her predecessor, Andrew Tyrie, now Lord Tyrie.

Nissan said: The letter shows Nissan and the UK Governments continued desire to support investment in the UK and maintain Sunderland as one of Nissans manufacturing hubs in Europe.
Wing Commander John 'Tim' Elkington has died aged 98, bringing the heroic band of Battle Of Britain airmen known as 'The Few' down to just six survivors.

Wg Cdr Elkington, of Little Rissington, near Cheltenham, Gloucs, died after a fall on February 1. He is survived by his wife Pat and four children.

His son John last night told the Daily Express that his father was always keen to stress that 'The Few' were always supported by many more heroes on the ground.

He said: 'He would stress that, while he was one of The Few, they in turn were supported by The Many. The ground crew, radar plotters, the merchantmen and tanker crews running the gauntlet of the U-boat wolf-packs.

A young Tim Elkington posing beside his aircraft when he was in the RAF

'And, critically, the ordinary Britons who endured the Blitz. In recent years, he was an extraordinary ambassador for his generation  indeed there has been an amazing outpouring of gratitude over the internet since his death was announced and the RAF ensign went to half-mast at the Battle of Britain memorial.'

Imagine the scene, a fleet of Stuka dive bombers and no fewer than 100 Messerschmitt Bf 109s bounding down on the RAF base at Tangmere near Chichester in West Sussex.

This was a 19-year-old Elkington's first real action in the RAF.

Now imagine the scene through a mother's eyes as she watched her son take on the Germans in the sky, in the name of Britain.

His mother bore witness, through binoculars, to an event that led to an extraordinary feat that saved her son's life.

Emotional Tim Elkington watching a Battle of Britain 70th anniversary display from airliner

The Battle of Britain The Battle of Britain was a military campaign of the Second World War, in which the RAF defended the United Kingdom against large-scale attacks by Nazi Germany's air force, the Luftwaffe. It has been described as the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces. The British officially recognise the battle's duration as being from 10 July until 31 October 1940, which overlaps the period of large-scale night attacks known as the Blitz, that lasted from 7 September 1940 to 11 May 1941. German historians do not accept this subdivision and regard the battle as a single campaign lasting from July 1940 to June 1941, including the Blitz. Advertisement

Looking up into the sky she saw her boy being tailed by three German planes. She knew it was his because of the distinctive markings he painted on the nose of his craft.

Mrs Isabel Elkington watched from her home on Hayling Island, Hants, as cannon fire tore through her son's starboard fuel tank and he was forced to bail out.

He fell to the water beneath without time to inflate his life jacket before losing consciousness and he surely would have died before his life was saved by the heroic quick thinking of his flight leader Sergeant-Pilot Fred Berry.

Berry used the slipstream of his aircraft to blow Elkington ashore and he was taken to hospital in Chichester where his mother was at his bedside within the hour.

He survived an proceeded to look for his saviour upon his release from hospital. Sadly Berry died exactly a month earlier, he was shot down and killed.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales talks to Battle of Britain veteran Wing Commander Tim Elkington during a reception following a service marking the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Britain at Westminster Abbey

After taking on the Luftwaffe in Vaenga airfield near Murmansk and training the Soviets, Elkington had his second lucky escape after he hit a 440,000-volt power cable across the Tyne, plunging nearby towns into darkness.

John Francis Durham Elkington  known as 'Tim'  was born in Edgbaston, Birmingham, in 1920 and entered RAF College Cranwell as a flight cadet aged 18 going on to serve in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, and Christmas Island in the Pacific during British nuclear tests in the 1950s.

The surviving Few pictured in 2017, from left Wing Commander Tom Neil, Squadron Leader Geoffrey Wellum, Wing Commander Tim Elkington and Wing Commander Paul Farnes

In 1975 Elkington was honoured with the rank of Wing Commander when he retired.

His retirement came in the same year that the plane he bailed out of 35 years before was found by an archaeologist buried near West Wittering beach, Chichester, just across the bay to where his mother watched her son take on the Germans.

Elkington's death means only six of The Few remain. They are Flight Lieutenant William Clark, 219 Squadron; Wing Commander Paul Farnes, 501 Squadron; Squadron Leader John Hart, 602 Squadron; Flying Officer John Hemingway, 86 Squadron; Pilot Officer Archie McInnes, 601 Squadron; Flight Lieutenant Maurice Mounsdon, 56 Squadron.
A self-made billionaire has donated a record 100 million to Cambridge University in a bid to attract students from under-represented backgrounds.

David Harding, 57, made the landmark donation alongside his wife Claudia - and it is now the largest British donation ever to be made to an educational institution.

The majority of the gift, 79 million, will help boost the number of postgraduates at Mr Harding's alma mater.

The Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme will fund the research of up to 100 PhD students at any one time. The funding will be available for students in any discipline from October.

David Harding, 57, made the landmark donation alongside his wife Claudia - and it is now the largest British donation ever to be made to an educational institution

Another 20 million is set to enhance 'debt-free' degrees which are handed to undergraduate students with the greatest financial need, the Times reported.

Mr Harding then donated 1 million to boost the number of applicants from low-income households or under-represented ethnic groups.

The 57-year-old is the founder and CEO of investment management firm Winton, which controls an estimated 20 billion in assets.



Mr Harding, who has a personal wealth of around 1 billion, made the donation on behalf of the David and Claudia Harding Foundation.

The charity has a 'primary focus is on funding scientific research and education' at Cambridge University and the Science Museum Group, of which his wife Claudia is a trustee.

Mr Harding told the Cambridge Independent: 'Claudia and I are very happy to make this gift to Cambridge to help to attract future generations of the world's outstanding students to research and study there.

'Cambridge and other British centres of learning have down the ages contributed greatly to improvements in the human condition and can continue in future to address humanitys great challenges.'

The majority of the gift, 79 million, will help boost the number of postgraduates at Mr Harding's alma mater, Cambridge University (file photo)

The philanthropist graduated from St Catharine's College, Cambridge in 1982 with a first class honours degree in natural sciences.

He then made his fortune as a hedge fund manager - first establishing alternative investment fund Adam, Harding and Lueck before going on to found Winton in 1997.

Now, twelve years on, Mr Harding remains chief executive officer of the firm.

St Catharine's College will receive 25million of the gift to support postgraduate scholars.

Professor Sir Mark Welland, master of the college, said: 'The admirable philanthropy of David and Claudia Harding will have a tremendous and permanent impact on St Catharines as well as the university as a whole.

'We couldnt be more honoured to receive this gift.'

Cambridge University received another landmark donation in 2000 when Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda, gave 161 million ($210 million) to establish an grant for postgraduates.
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President Trumps guests to Tuesdays State of the Union address include the children of a couple allegedly murdered by an illegal immigrant, a child bullied because he has the last name Trump, and a recovering opioid addict.

The White House on Monday posted a list of those invited by the President to sit in the gallery during the speech at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday.

They include the daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter of Gerald and Sharon David, the Reno, Nevada couple whom authorities allege were killed by an undocumented immigrant who broke into their home last month.

President Trump (seen above delivering the State of the Union address on January 30, 2018) has invited guests to sit in the gallery of the House of Representatives for this year's speech, which will be given on Tuesday

The White House announced that it has invited the family of Gerald and Sharon David, the Reno couple allegedly murdered by an illegal immigrant last month. The couples daughter, Debra Bissell (center); their granddaughter, Heather Armstrong (left); and great-granddaughter, Madison Armstrong, will be guests of the President and First Lady Melania Trump

Ashley Evans, a recovering opioid addict who relapsed after she gave birth to a daughter in 2017, will also be in attendance

Illegal immigrant, 20, accused of murdering four in Nevada home invasion killing spree - including elderly couple who were rodeo enthusiasts U.S. immigration authorities say a man suspected of killing four people in Nevada last month is from El Salvador and entered the United States illegally. Murder suspect Wilbur Martinez-Guzman, 19, had no criminal record or history of previous immigration violations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement said. The agency did not have additional details on his alleged illegal entry to the U.S., including when and where it occurred. The case shot to national prominence last month after President Donald Trump tweeted about the killings to support his case for the proposed border wall with Mexico. Martinez-Guzman has been linked to the murders of four people in the Carson City area. On January 16, the bodies of 81-year-old Gerald David, and his 80-year-old wife, Sharon (together above in a family photo), were found in their home on the southern edge of Reno Wilbur Martinez-Guzman, 19, was arrested last month in Carson City, Nevada Investigators have not revealed a motive in the case. On the night of January 10, Connie Koontz, 56, was murdered in her home in Gardnerville Ranchos, about 15 miles south of Carson City. Her aging mother, who lived in the home, found her body the next morning. Three days later, 74-year-old Sophia Renken was found dead in her home about a mile from where Koontz lived. Police immediately suspected the two murders were committed by the same suspect due to similarities in the cases. Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley said that it was possible that the suspect targeted the women because of their age, gender and the fact that they appeared to live alone. Then on January 16, the bodies of 81-year-old Gerald David, and his 80-year-old wife, Sharon, were found in their home on the southern edge of Reno, about 20 miles north of Carson City. The couple were remembered as longstanding members of Reno's equestrian and rodeo scene. Former Reno Rodeo Association president Tom Cates says he met Gerald and Sharon three decades ago and spent 'many miles and many hours together' on horseback with them. Cates says Gerald David was previously the association's president and promoted a breast cancer awareness campaign by getting cowboys to show they were 'tough enough to wear pink shirts.' Cates also was a member of the local Elks Lodge when David was the group's leader. He says Sharon David was 'exuberant, bubbly, loved animals to the hills.' Cates says the two were also members of a horseback social organization called the Nevada White Hats. Martinez-Guzman has been jailed in Carson City since last month on possession of stolen property, burglary and immigration charges. News reports listed his age as both 19 and 20, but court records show that he will turn 20 on February 2. Authorities have said they expect to file murder charges against him shortly. Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong said at a news conference last month that federal immigration authorities told his office Martinez-Guzman had lived in Carson City for about a year and was in the country illegally. Advertisement

Wilbur Ernesto Martinez-Guzman, 20, has been arrested in connection with the Davids killing. He is also alleged to have killed two other people.

The couples daughter, Debra Bissell; their granddaughter, Heather Armstrong; and great-granddaughter, Madison Armstrong, will be guests of the President and First Lady Melania Trump.

Matthew Charles, who was released from prison after he was sentenced to 35 years for selling crack cocaine and other drug-related offenses, will also be a guest of the White House.

Charles found God while incarcerated and also became a law clerk, according to the White House.

The White House has also invited Joshua Trump, who is of no relation to the President. Joshua Trump is a sixth-grade student from Wilmington, Delaware. According to the White House, Joshua has been bullied in school due to his last name.

Delaware boy, 11, forced to drop out of school by bullies and change name because he's called Joshua TRUMP Joshua Trump, 11, has no connection to the president other than sharing his name but has been relentlessly bullied at school for it for more than two years In December, the parents of an 11-year-old boy whose last name is Trump first told how they had to pull him out of school and change his surname because he has been relentlessly bullied for it since the 2016 election. Joshua Trump from Delaware has always used his mother Megan's maiden name as his own. The family has no ties to the president but when he launched his presidential campaign, bullies seized on Joshua at elementary school. The bullying became so bad that his father, Robert Berto, pulled him out of school and home schooled him for a year. When Joshua became old enough to go to middle school, the family reentered him into the mainstream system but they say the bullying started again. They then took the unusual step of having his name changed from Trump to Berto in the school's database. It remains unclear if the family will change his name legally or if his younger sister will go by Trump or Berto. Megan and Robert are married and she uses her husband's surname. 'They curse at him, they call him an idiot, they call him stupid,' his mother, Megan, told ABC News. 'He said he hates himself, and he hates his last name, and he feels sad all the time, and he doesn't want to live feeling like that anymore, and as a parent that's scary.' The principal of Talley Middle School, Mark Mayers, said the school had changed Joshua's name in its systems and would help him address any other issues in the future. Five children who were responsible for some of the bullying have been disciplined for it. Advertisement

Grace Eline, a young girl who was successfully treated for brain cancer, will also be in the gallery for the speech.

As will Ashley Evans, a recovering opioid addict who relapsed after she gave birth to a daughter.

Evans is set to mark 13 months of sobriety. Next week, she will be reunited with her daughter full-time, according to the White House.

Elvin Hernandez, a special agent who works for the Department of Homeland Security, will be at the speech as well.

The President will likely highlight Hernandezs experience in helping combat human trafficking by organized crime groups.

Two of the guests are connected to the horrific October 2018 massacre at a Pittsburgh synagogue.

Timothy Matson of the Pittsburgh Police Department was part of the SWAT team that responded to the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue, where 11 people were killed.

Matson suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the leg.

Matthew Charles, who was released from prison after he was sentenced to 35 years for selling crack cocaine and other drug-related offenses, will also be a guest of the White House

Two of the guests are connected to the horrific October 2018 massacre at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Timothy Matson of the Pittsburgh Police Department was part of the SWAT team that responded to the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue, where 11 people were killed

Judah Samet, a member of the Tree of Life congregation, will also be on hand at the State of the Union. Samet, a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to Israel after the Second World War and fought in that countrys War of Independence, avoided death after arriving four minutes late to the synagogue

Judah Samet, a member of the Tree of Life congregation, will also be attending the State of the Union.

Samet, a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to Israel after the Second World War and fought in that countrys War of Independence, avoided death after arriving four minutes late to the synagogue.

He was stopped by police for parking in a handicapped spot. By the time he had arrived to the synagogue, the shooter, Robert Bowers, 46, had already opened fire.

Holocaust survivor, 80, cheated death by FOUR minutes when he arrived late to Tree of Life synagogue - 74 years after his train to Auschwitz was diverted to Bergen Belsen where he was liberated by the allies aged 7 Judah Samet, 80, was heading to the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh on the morning of October 27 when he was stopped parking into a handicapped spot by police. He had arrived to pray at the same place he had for almost 50 years just after Robert Bowers, 46, opened fire on his friends inside. When he was just seven years old Samet and his family were rounded up in Hungary by the Nazi secret police, the Gestapo, in 1944 and put on a train to Auschwitz. But he was re-routed to Bergen-Belsen when Czechs blew up their train tracks. He spent 10 months in the camp before his family was released, just before the Allies liberated the camp. Judah Semet cheated death by four minutes as a gunman opened fire on worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 27 More than 70 years later, he arrived at what he thought was a safe haven to see cops under attack from a man who had spewed anti-Semitic hate online just a few hours before. There was this guy. Very calm and respectful. [He] told me, you better back up, there is an active shooting going on in your synagogue, Samet told Jewish news outlet Forward. Samet said he knew the people who were killed during the attack, including 97-year old Rose Mallinger who typically sat behind him. Joyce Fienberg, 75, Richard Gottfried, 65, Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, Cecil Rosenthal, 59, David Rosenthal, 54, Bernice Simon, 84, Sylvan Simon, 86, Daniel Stein, 71, Melvin Wax, 88, Rose Mallinger, 97, and 69-year-old Irving Younger were identified as the 11 victims by Chief Medical Examiner Dr Karl Williams. Samet explained: If I was inside the synagogue, I would be in the line of fire,' he said. During the shooting, Samet said he was outside and roughly four feet away from a police officer who was under fire from the attacker's automatic weapon. Samet said a police officer near him opened fire on the attacker, who he could see from outside. He added: He was popping his head out from behind a wall and shooting, Samet said. He was shooting towards the cop, who was about four feet away from me, Samet said. He saw the men exchange fire. I saw smoking coming out of his muzzle. I was in the line of fire'. Some of Samets relatives were tortured and murdered by Nazis during the Holocaust. He escaped when Slovakians blew up a railroad line transporting him and his family to Auschwitz. Samet's mother was an interpreter who 'saved hundreds of Jews'. He added: 'My mother taught us never listen what they have to say,' he told Forward. Look at their hands. Because words cannot kill you'. Judah Samet pictured shortly after World War Two ended and he moved to Israel with his mother, before later travelling to New York City and settling in Pittsburgh where he now lives He is seen holding a picture of his family around the time they were sent to the camps A memorial of flowers and stars outside the synagogue where 11 people were killed Samet, who lives in the North Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, has spoken to thousands of people about his experiences during the Holocaust. Samet was born in 1938 in Debrecen, the second-largest city in Hungary. The family of six lived in the Jewish section of town, across the street from the synagogue. In 1944, German Gestapo agents started rounding up Hungarian Jews for deportation to camps across central Europe. The Samets ended up on a train bound for Auschwitz but were rerouted to Bergen-Belsen, in northern Germany, after Czech partisans blew up the railroad, Samet said. Samet, then only 7, spent 10 and a half months at Bergen-Belsen, which started out as a prisoner-of-war camp and became a concentration camp for civilians. On a daily basis, he was given flavored water that was intended to pass as soup, and 'moldy, rock-hard bread'. 'Many people just laid down and died, he said. They knew they were eventually going to die, so why suffer?', Samet told the Rochester Times earlier this year. An estimated 50,000 people, including Anne Frank and her sister, Margot, perished there, according to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. Just before the arrival of the Allies, German officers announced that they needed 2,500 prisoners to leave Bergen-Belsen by train. At the insistence of his mother, Rachel, Samet and his family boarded a train with an unknown destination. 'Later, I asked her, Why did you put us on the train?' and she said it was the difference between the sure thing and the maybe thing,' he told the Rochester Times. Advertisement

When he was just seven years old Samet and his family were rounded up in Hungary by the Nazi secret police, the Gestapo, in 1944 and put on a train to Auschwitz.

But he was re-routed to Bergen-Belsen when Czechs blew up their train tracks.

He spent 10 months in the camp before his family was released, just before the Allies liberated the camp.

The White House has also invited Joshua Trump, who is of no relation to the President.

Joshua Trump is a sixth-grade student from Wilmington, Delaware.

According to the White House, Joshua has been bullied in school due to his last name.

Joshuas parents have told of how they had to pull him out of school and change his surname because he has been relentlessly bullied since the 2016 election.

Grace Eline (left), a young girl who was successfully treated for brain cancer, will also be in the gallery for the speech. Elvin Hernandez (right), a special agent who works for the Department of Homeland Security, will be at the speech as well. The President will likely highlight Hernandezs experience in helping combat human trafficking by organized crime groups

Tom Wibberley, the father of Craig Wibberley, the Navy Seaman who was one of 17 American military personnel killed in the bombing of the USS Cole

His father, Robert Berto, home schooled him for a year.

When Joshua became old enough to go to middle school, the family reentered him into the mainstream system but they say the bullying started again.

Now they have taken the unusual step of having his name changed from Trump to Berto in the school's database.

The Trumps have also invited Alice Johnson, a mother-of-five, grandmother-of-six and great-grandmother of one who was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of drug dealing in 1996.

It was her first conviction and some of her co-conspirators testified against her in exchange for plea deals.

At the urging of Kim Kardashian, President Trump commuted Johnsons sentence. She was freed from prison in June after serving 22 years behind bars.

WHO IS ALICE JOHNSON AND WHY IS KIM KARDASHIAN INVOLVED? Inside time: Alice Johnson in federal prison Alice Marie Johnson, a mother-of-five, grandmother-of-six and great-grandmother of one, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of drug dealing in 1996. It was her first conviction and some of her co-conspirators testified her against in exchange for plea deals. The 63-year-old grew up in Olive Branch, Mississippi, and was married and pregnant by age 15. In 1989, she and her husband divorced. Her life started to crumble as she struggled, as a single mother, to try and be financially stable for her five children, reports Mic. However, in 1990, because of a gambling addition, she was sacked by FedEx Corporation. After filing for bankruptcy in 1991, Johnson lost her house. The next year, a scooter accident claimed the life of her youngest son, Cory. It was while she was at rock bottom that Johnson became involved in a drug syndicate that imported cocaine into Memphis, Tennessee, where she acted as a go-between and passed on messages to drug dealers, relaying coded messages like 'everything is straight' by telephone. While admitting to acting as a middle man for the drug traffickers, passing on the messages in code via telephone, Johnson claims she never directly sold drugs. She was arrested along with 15 others in 1993 on charges including conspiracy to possess cocaine, attempted possession of cocaine and money laundering. But ten of her alleged co-conspirators turned against her in exchange for reduced sentencing or dropped charges. During the trial, evidence showed an operation with Texas-based Colombian drug dealers and their Memphis connections trading tons of cocaine for millions of dollars in cash. At the time of Johnson's February 1997 sentencing the amount of drugs and money involved meant that federal laws mandated a life sentence, despite the fact Johnson was a first-time, nonviolent offender. US District Judge Julia Gibbons, who sentenced Johnson, called the then 42-year-old the 'quintessential entrepreneur' of the drug ring. Mom: Alice Johnson is now a great-grandmother as well 'And clearly the impact of 2,000 to 3,000 kilograms of cocaine in this community is very significant,' Gibbons said at the sentencing. The quantity of cocaine - up to three tons - would now be worth about $85 million. Johnson was 21 years into her life sentence at FCI Aliceville, in Aliceville, Alabama before it was commuted by President Donald Trump on May 6. Her eldest daughter Tretessa Johnson, told Mic several years ago, 'It's like a waking death; it's like the person is alive but they're not. There's never a point of closure, ever. It's heartbreaking for me.' Tretessa has organized an online petition, via change.org, calling for her to be released, explaining that her family's life 'changed forever' when she was sentenced to life in federal prison. She said her mother had explained that she became a telephone mule passing messages between her co-conspirators after losing her job at FedEx. Alice Johnson is quoted on Tretessa's petition: 'I couldn't find a job fast enough to take care of my family. I felt like a failure. 'I went to a complete panic and out of desperation I made one of the worst decisions in my life to make some quick money. I became involved in a drug conspiracy'. Tretessa said that her 'mom's desire upon release is to assist the community with the needs of ex-offenders to help reduce recidivism. 'It serves no purpose or benefit to society to have her locked up for life. Her large and loving immediate and extended family and friends would welcome her return.' During her time in prison, Johnson has displayed exemplary behavior, become an ordained minister, a published writer and a prison tutor, a biography from Can Do Clemency reports. She had gained a large following of people pushing for her to be granted clemency. Part of this push saw her story turned into a short video, which went viral on social media. Kim Kardashian saw the video and retweeted it to her millions of followers with the caption: 'This is so unfair' in October last year. Since then, she has been working to help Johnson receive clemency from Trump. The reality star had her personal lawyer begin working on Johnson's case, and has spent months in conversation with Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and adviser, on the topic. Kushner - whose father Charles is himself a federal felon - is pushing a criminal justice reform agenda. A grateful Johnson penned a moving letter to Kardashian, saying her efforts were 'literally helping to save my life'. 'I was drowning, and you have thrown me a life jacket and given me hope,' she wrote. On May 30, Kardashian went to the White House to secure Johnson's release. Johnson was released on June 6 after having her sentence commuted. Advertisement

Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's guest for the State of the Union address is a woman who cornered Sen. Jeff Flake on live television to protest his support for Brett Kavanaugh.

Ana Maria Archila, who lives in the star freshman Democrat's New York District, said she will wear white and a pin that the congresswoman gave her that says, 'Well-behaved women rarely make history.'

'I never thought I'd be excited about being in the same room with Donald Trump,' said Archila, co-executive director of the left-leaning Center for Popular Democracy.

Ocasio-Cortez invited her a few weeks ago, she said, adding, 'We talked about making sure that we, with our presence, express the dignity of people who are under attack from this administration, the resilience. We will try to communicate that with the way we show up in the space.'

Kavanaugh, now a Supreme Court justice, is also expected to attend Trump's address. Justices typically attend such speeches delivered by the president who appointed them.

Ana Maria Archila confronted Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake during the saga over Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez tweeted a video of herself with Archila announcing she would accompany her to the Tuesday speech

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted an image of a pin she picked up that said 'Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History'

During Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings in September, Archila and another woman confronted Flake in a Senate elevator and, live on CNN, yelled at the Arizona Republican for his intent to vote for the appellate court judge.

Kavanaugh had been accused by Christine Blasey Ford of pinning her to a bed and groping her when the two were teenagers in the 1980s.

Flake later said he wanted to delay the Senate vote to give the committee time to investigate. He ultimately voted to confirm Kavanaugh and is now retired from the Senate.

Kavanaugh angrily denied the accusation and was confirmed to the high court.

But Ford's and Kavanaugh's emotional appeals to the Judiciary Committee were a cultural watershed amid the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct.

Kavanaugh's patron was Trump, who also has been accused of groping more than a dozen women and denies it.
With flood waters rising at an ever alarming rate, this shivering dog must have thought it had had its day.

But at the 11th hour the frightened dalmatian, whose name is Axl, was moved to safety by three rescuers during a brief respite from the biblical downpours.

He is just one of the many animals who have been battling for survival as a year's worth of rain fell in just a matter of days in Townsville.

As the rain refused to dissipate pet dogs were not the only ones struggling to keep their heads above water.

Two Royal Australian soldiers relocated a soaking kangaroo to higher ground on Tuesday after it nearly died in choppy waters.

Pet dogs, such as this dalmation, were captured trying to keep their heads above water

Kangaroos soaked in flood waters were rescued, as the North Queensland town was submerged in a one-in-a-century rainstorm

Soldiers from the Royal Australian Army rescued and relocated this soggy kangaroo to higher ground

The flood plains were made even more treacherous by the threat of crocodiles which were washed into residential areas.

One was seen ominously sitting on a fallen tree trunk.

Native birds such as kookaburras were spotted drenched as they clung onto fallen trees.

Other Australian wildlife such as possums snuck into homes or roofs to seek shelter.

One desperate resident pleaded for the help of strangers on social media to help rescue their dog and six-year-old child.

'Please, we have been stuck at 9 Lakewood Drive waiting for SES for hours... we have a six-year-old and a large dog, neither can swim,' they wrote.

'Does anyone have a boat they can get to us on?'

Concerned owners rushed to veterinary emergency centres with animals who had fallen ill as a result of the floods.

One owner posted about their golden retriever Sammy whose stomach became swollen after swimming in flood water.

One pet-owner's dog named Sammy (pictured) was pictured helpless as they waited in line for the vet for over an hour

Other Australian wildlife such as possums had snuck into homes and roofs of residential homes to seek shelter

Supermarket shelves were stripped of basic food and local suppliers struggled to refill stock after a main trucking route along Bruce Highway, between Ayr and Townsville, closed due to major flooding.

Woolworths have secured charter planes to carry tonnes of fresh food and essential items into the far north of Queensland so customers can return to the stores with shelves stocked up.

Coles supermarkets have also chartered a plane to deliver fresh produce and grocery from Cairns.

The city turned into a disaster zone as streets and roads turned into rivers and canals, forcing residents to abandon their homes and businesses on boats and kayaks.

The city turned into a disaster zone as streets and roads turned into rivers and canals, forcing residents to abandon their homes

Supermarket shelves were stripped of basic food and local suppliers struggled to refill stock due to closed roads

Over 1,000 people found refuge in evacuation centres, with at least one of five centres full

Prime Minister Scott Morrison touched down in Townsville on Tuesday to meet with flood-stricken locals.

He was escorted with members from the Australian Defence Force to some of the city's most affected streets Idalia and Oonoonba.

Many residents returned home for the first time this morning following the record-breaking floods.

Mr Morrison visited the Ignatius Park College evacuation centre where he thanked the community and emergency services for their efforts.

'As the waters recede here and we start to move from the response to recovery phase, there will be big shocks for the community as they return to their homes as they assess the damage to their homes,' he said.

'To hear the stories of when people were evacuated in the middle of the night, floodwaters were dark, the kids, the fact ... people are safe today is an extraordinary achievement.'

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured) touched down in Townsville on Tuesday to meet with devastated locals

He was escorted with members from the Australian Defence Force to some of the city's most affected streets Idalia and Oonoonba

Many residents returned home for the first time this morning following the record-breaking floods

Over 1,000 people found refuge in evacuation centres, with at least one of five centres full and some refusing to leave their homes.

Between 400 and 500 homes have been inundated by floodwaters in Townsville, although there are fears 2000 more may have been damaged by water.

Throughout Sunday night, 850 residents made desperate calls to emergency services as soldiers rescued people from the roofs of cars and buildings.

The monsoon trough that has caused the downpours in north Queensland's east coast is expected to continue until the weekend.

Between 400 and 500 homes have been inundated by floodwaters in Townsville
Women's superior social skills mean they have less to fear than men from the rise of robots in the workplace, a study suggests.

It found women are taking a greater share of top jobs that still require a human touch amid the increasing automation of business and industry.

The study, published by the Centre for Economic Policy Research, was based on records of college-educated Americans who go on to take the most responsible jobs.

It found that in 1980, just over 66 per cent of male graduates worked in high-paying 'cognitive' jobs requiring brains rather than brawn, for example as company managers, doctors, accountants, software engineers and economists.

According to a new study, women have the least to fear from the robot revolution due to their better social skills and 'human touch'

By 2000, the share of educated men in such jobs had dropped to 63 per cent. At the same time, the share of college- educated women in such jobs rose from 54 per cent to almost 59 per cent.

Author Nir Jaimovich, professor of economics at the University of Zurich, said: 'In a world with accelerating automation, the results suggest the growing importance of the acquisition of social skills.

In other words, as technology increasingly seems to replace non-social labour, perhaps what is left is more interpersonal work.'

The report said a rising demand for social skills such as 'empathy, communication, emotion recognition and verbal expression has increased the share of female employment in good jobs'.

It added that 'evidence from psychological research indicates that women have a comparative advantage' in such skills.
The aunt of missing woman Belinda Peisley has added further mystery to the unsolved disappearance of her niece and claimed Ms Peisley feared for her life days before she vanished.

Sharon Versace spoke on ABC's true crime podcast series Unravel and said her then-19-year-old niece showed up at her house in Sydney clearly rattled just days before she disappeared.

'She was just worried for her safety and felt that someone was threatening her,' Ms Versace said.

Ms Peisley was last seen leaving Katoomba Hospital in the Blue Mountains region on September 26, 1988.

The aunt of missing woman Belinda Peisley (pictured) said her niece feared for her life before she disappeared

Sharon Versace said the then-19-year-old was clearly concerned for her safety before she went missing (pictured, Ms Peisley's Katoomba property)

Circumstances surrounding her disappearance has eluded authorities for decades, though a 2013 coronial inquest determined Ms Peisley likely died around the time of her disappearance,

Only in June last year, New South Wales Unsolved Homicide Unit reopened the cold case in an attempt to crack mystery after more than 30 years.

Ms Versace said as little as two weeks out from her niece's disappearance, Mr Peisley turned up at her place concerned for her welfare.

'She was worried that someone was trying to hurt her,' she said.

Not long before she disappeared Ms Peisley, who lived in Katoomba, NSW, said told her aunt she was considering running away.

'She [Belinda] was talking to me about getting a fake identity and clearing out,' she said.

Ms Versace said she told her niece to contact the police, but an adamant Ms Peisley ignored the advice.

When she went to visit her niece in Katoomba with Ms Peisley's mother Lesley, she found that the house had been trashed.

'There was actually blood in the shower recess and on the floor  you could see there had been a bit of an altercation.'

The Coroner's Court heard Ms Peisley was taken to hospital on the night in 1988, after neighbours reported a female screaming and glass smashing at her home.

When police arrived, they found her intoxicated and alone.

The mother-of-two had a long history of drug abuse.

Ms Peisley came from a troubled childhood had often mixed with questionable characters.

She lived alone with her single mother who suffered from mental health problems and Ms Peisley would occasionally stay at women's refuge centres or with her aunt.

When she was only 15, she gave birth to her first son Cody. Her second son Billy came along two years later.

Ms Peisley's (pictured) disappearance has eluded authorities for decades, however a 2013 coronial inquest determined Ms Peisley likely died around the time of her disappearance

Only in June last year, New South Wales Unsolved Homicide Unit reopened the cold case in an attempt to crack the more than 30-year-long puzzle (pictured, Ms Peisley)

Ms Peisley's father Mark Wearne has suspected foul play from early on.

Mr Wearne reconnected with his daughter about a year before she went missing and they would meet for dinner and speak on the phone.

Mark Wearne (pictured) reconnected about a year before Ms Peisley's death, according to the father

But Mr Wearne started to suspect Ms Peisley was in trouble after she asked him to rough up some people that were causing her problems.

After he refused, she didn't speak to him again.

When Mr Wearne went to inspect his daughter's house after she disappeared, he said evidence pointed to a dark end Ms Peisley.

'Her favourite pair of shoes was a pair of doc martins, they were thrown on the floor there was a cardigan she lived in, that was there that is what convinced me very clearly that Belinda was dead.

Three persons of interest were identified in the conclusion of the 2013 coronial inquiry 'who may have been involved in, or have some personal knowledge of, the circumstances in which Belinda disappeared and/or died'.

An excavation at a weatherboard property in Katoomba late last year uncovered a dress and woman's underwear.

'The undergarments are consistent with Belinda's clothing size,' Detective Chief Inspector Grant Taylor said at the time.

A $100,000 reward is still on offer for information about Ms Peisley's disappearance and presumed murder.

Police have yet to locate the remains of Ms Peisley.
The medical school yearbook which has landed Virginia governor Ralph Northam in very hot water was banned from publication six years ago after another racist incident.

Despite Northam and his classmates' racist photos depicting men in black face and Klan garb in 1984, the yearbook for Eastern Virginia Medical School continued to be published.

That was until 2013, when president of the school Richard Homan put and end to the yearbook's printing after another racist photo showing three white students dressed in Confederate uniforms in front of the Confederate flag APPEARED O THE PAGES.

Homan told the Washington Post Monday that at the time he recommended the students in the 2013 photo receive counseling and sensitivity training, adding that the yearbooks were typically made by the students with little faculty input.

More photos from the 1984 yearbook have emerged on social media showing multiple men dressed in blackface, including a photo of three men in blackface on the page opposite Northam's profile

More shocking photos from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's 1984 medical school yearbook have emerged showing multiple men dressed up in blackface. Bottom right is the initial photo that emerged showing Northam's yearbook profile page

Ralph Northam is facing calls to resign as governor after a photo from his profile page in the 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook surfaced on Friday

The president of the school, Richard Homan, put an end to the yearbook in 2013 after three white students dressed in Confederate uniforms with a Confederate battle flag

The 2013 incident happened shortly after Homan hired Mekbib Gemeda as Vice President of Diversity at the medical school and then showed him the yearbook.

After Monday's emergency meeting with the school's Board of Visitors, Homan told the post that he told Gemeda in 2013 the students needed counseling.

'We need to make sure they understand as physicians that this is offensive to me as well as to future patients and grossly offensive to minority students and African- Americans,' Homan said he told Gemeda.

'They're going to be taking care of everybody. You can't be wearing incendiary symbols if you're going to be a young physician and a healer,' he added.

He then cancelled all future publications, but did not go back to review earlier yearbooks to scan for similar racist imagery.

On Monday Homan said: 'In retrospect, that was my error. I thought because I stopped publication that would have been enough. I think in retrospect, I would have had an audit or review of those.'

Newly revealed photos from the 1984 yearbook now show a number of men dressed in blackface.

The photo that sparked calls for Northam to resign in question featured a man in blackface and a second person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe that was on Northam's profile page in the 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook

A photo on Northam's yearbook page depicts a man in blackface and another in a KKK robe. Northam said he felt sick when he saw the image recently, despite admitting to covering his face in shoe polish to emulate Michael Jackson

Another photo featuring blackface in the yearbook was accompanied with the caption: 'Baby Love, who ever thought Diana Ross would make it to Medical School'

Homan announced on Saturday that he will now direct an external investigation into past yearbooks.

The investigation will be carried out by a 'panel of advocates for diversity and inclusion' that will include African Americans and other people of color.

The probe will determine the yearbook publishing process and the extent of administrative oversight.

It will also examine the campus culture at the Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Ralph Northam is facing calls to resign as governor after the photo from his profile page in the 1984 yearbook surfaced on Friday.

While he initially apologized for appearing in the photograph, the Democrat reversed course on Saturday and said that after further consideration he had determined he wasn't in the picture after all.

Northam refuses to step down despite calls from prominent Democrats to do so.
Two Colorado sheriff's deputies have been charged with manslaughter in the death of a 23-year-old man they handcuffed and placed face-down on the floor of a police van while he was taken to a detox facility, prosecutors said.

Boulder County deputies James O'Brien, 49, and Adam Lunn, 36, were charged with manslaughter on Monday in the death of Demetrius Shankling, who was arrested on his 23rd birthday last year.

Shankling spent 16 minutes crammed face down in the back of the van as the deputies drove to the detox facility, investigators said. When they arrived, Shankling was unconscious and not breathing. He died at a hospital 27 days later.

Boulder County prosecutors filed the manslaughter charges, which are class four felonies, against Lunn and O'Brien.

Boulder County deputies James O'Brien, 49, (left) and Adam Lunn, 36, (right) were charged with manslaughter on Monday in the death of Demetrius Shankling

Demetrius Shankling (above) was arrested while celebrating his 23rd birthday. Prosecutors say he asphyxiated in the back of a police van and never regained consciousness before dying

Lunn and O'Brien were both booked into Boulder County jail on Monday. It was not immediately clear if they had attorneys to comment.

The county's coroner classified the death as a homicide, saying Shankling had been placed 'into this position by another person(s).'

An autopsy determined his death was caused by positional asphyxia combined with the effects of drinking and amphetamine.

Court records say Shankling left a downtown Boulder bar around 2am on his 23rd birthday.

Friends who left with him said they were helping him walk down the street when he fell or jumped into a bush.

Boulder police officers then approached the group. Lunn and O'Brien told investigators that they were called to take Shankling to a detox facility in a transport van.

Shankling (above) was celebrating his 23rd birthday with friends when he was arrested

Video footage reviewed by investigators shows the deputies cuffing Shankling's hands behind his back when they arrived. He was 'verbally antagonistic' and would not step into the van, court records said.

The deputies put him in the rear compartment, sliding him 'head first into the van on his stomach and forced the doors closed,' the records state.

Shankling, who was 6 feet tall, was 'physically compressed' into a space less than 5 feet long, according to a detective with the Longmont Police Department who investigated the case.

The van's surveillance footage didn't show the deputies turning him on his side or trying to lift Shankling onto a bench seat where he could be secured upright, court records said.

The deputies should have known to take those steps based on training they received, the records state.

Trainers who led those classes told investigators that they warn police not to leave someone on their stomach any longer than necessary due to a risk of breathing problems.

O'Brien has been with the sheriff's office since 1998 and Lunn since 2011. Both deputies have been on paid administrative leave since September 9.

Prosecutors have asked the sheriff's department not to release body camera footage related to Shankling's arrest until the case has a legal resolution.

Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle called Shankling's death 'a tragedy to all involved.'

'As part of our public safety mission, all deputies are responsible for safeguarding those in our care to the best of our ability and are accountable for our decisions and actions,' Pelle said.
A Good Samaritan in a four-wheel-drive has come to the aid of a police officer who became bogged in the sand after driving too close to the water.

Footage uploaded on social media showed the good-willed motorist towing the police vehicle out of the sludge and sand.

'Bit of raw footage from the other afternoon,' the accompanying caption stated.

A good Samaritan in a 4WD has come to the aid of a police officer stuck in wet sand, while other motorists slammed him for getting bogged in the first place

Footage that showed the good-willed motorist towing the police vehicle out of the sludge and sand emerged on Instagram and Facebook on January 28

The video shows a black 4WD - which is anchored to the rear end of a police vehicle - accelerate along the beach and drag the van with it before stalling.

One bystander is heard saying: 'He stalled it!' before another observer speculates on whether the towing cable is going to break.

The black 4WD restarts his ute and then reverses towards the police vehicle before accelerating again at full throttle, freeing the van from the wet sand.

Many four-wheel-drive fanatics took to social media to slam the police officer for getting bogged in the first place.

'Wouldn't waste a cent of fuel on those muppets,' one person wrote.

'I would have left the f**k heads there and just given them a shovel and said start digging,' another person said.

The black 4WD was filmed accelerating at full throttle and freeing the van from the wet sand

Many four-wheel-drive fanatics took to social media to slam the police officers for getting bogged in the first place

But despite the backlash, other social media users were more than happy to congratulate the Good Samaritan for his handwork.

'Well done in helping out,' one person wrote.

'Well done mate for helping someone in trouble and especially when it was the police. Good job,' another person said.

A third person added: 'What a legend helping them out!'
Malcolm Turnbull admits he should have launched a banking royal commission at least a year earlier while he was still prime minister.

His successor Scott Morrison, who was treasurer at the time in 2016, dismissed calls by Labor for one as 'populist whinge' that would damage the image of Australia's banking sector.

Mr Turnbull explained he was working on a compensation scheme for victims of banking 'malpractice' and thought a royal commission would delay that.

Malcolm Turnbull admits he should have launched a banking royal commission at least a year earlier while he was still prime minister

Retired High Court judge Kenneth Payne's (left with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg) banking royal commission has delivered its findings into Australia's banks

However, he said with the benefit of hindsight he regretted knocking back a commission 26 times and he should have set it up as early as mid-2016.

'I think we should have got on with it earlier.' he told reporters on Tuesday.

'We weren't seeking to protect the banks. Our approach was to act as swiftly as we could to ensure that people who had been wronged were compensated, that people who had done the wrong thing were held to account, were prosecuted.

'You can make a very good case for saying it was started perhaps a year later than it should have been, or 18 months later than it should have been.'

Mr Turnbull said he was focused at the time on getting money back in to the hands of Australians, and expects that effort will be revived with the commission finished.

'I could see that the problem was a failure of responsibility and trust, and I wanted to get on with it and deal with it quickly,' he said.

Mr Turnbull explained he and then-treasurer Scott Morrison were working on a compensation scheme for victims of banking 'malpractice' and thought a royal commission would delay that

'We were well advanced with a compensation scheme to deal with the victims of various bank malpractices... And that was put on hold when the royal commission was set up.

'So I expect that Scott Morrison will dust that off and get back out there.'

Mr Turnbull said the problem was that banks weren't acting in the best interests of customers by giving them loans they couldn't afford.

'You've got to put yourself in the shoes of the customer and ask yourself, is this the best thing for my customer?' he said.

'Just as when a doctor gives you advice about whether you should have a particular procedure or whatever, as a layman you don't know very much about it.

Royal commission recommendations - Ban lenders from paying trailing commissions to mortgage brokers on new loans - Civil penalties for mortgage brokers who fail to act in best interest of borrowers - Capping commissions for add-on insurance products - Ban advice fees for default MySuper accounts - Ban the hawking of superannuation products - Stop charging default interest to farmers in distress - Introduction of a national farm debt mediation scheme Source: Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry final report Advertisement

'The problem with banking, increasingly now, is that the customer has a very low level of knowledge. So it's incumbent on the bank and the financial adviser to really put that customer first.

'You've got to believe that when the bank says "invest in this" or "take this loan", that they're acting in your best interest.'

However, he stopped short of calling for banking executives to be prosecuted for irresponsible practices uncovered by the commission.

'There's always the cry "heads must roll",' he said.

'Leaders obviously have to take responsibility, but I think the most important thing is to make sure that if people have committed offences or crimes, they should be charged, yes, but the banks have to change their culture.'

Commissioner Kenneth Hayne recommended criminal charges against two unnamed institutions and is considering recommending charges against a third.

Nationals Senator John Williams led the calls for a banking royal commission from 2009, before the Greens and then Labor adopted the policy.

The royal commission was finally called in December 2017, more than eight years later.

Mr Morrison last year also admitted he was wrong not to address the 'real hurt' Australians were feeling at the hands of the financial sector.

However, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Tuesday it was time to move forward.

'I think everybody has been surprised by some of the things that they've heard through the royal commission, but the important thing is to look forward to the future,' he told Sunrise.

He promised action on all 76 recommendations in the royal commission's final report but is avoiding a crackdown on mortgage brokers that could end 25,000 small businesses.

The royal commission reserved particular criticism for National Australia Bank, slamming its chief executive Andrew Thorburn (left) and chairman Ken Henry (right), a former Treasury secretary

Catherine Brenner (pictured) resigned as AMP chairman in April last year after the banking royal commission revealed her financial services company had engaged in serious misconduct

Regulators, who copped criticism for being far too weak on financial institutions, will be given more resources and stronger powers.

The two key regulators - the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority - say they are already reviewing enforcement tactics.

'I think you'll see a much more forward-leaning approach on all these issues,' Mr Frydenberg said.

Despite the commission's damning findings, neither side of politics has ruled out accepting donations from the big banks.

'The important thing is to ensure that no donation influences policy,' shadow treasurer Chris Bowen told ABC News.

NAB chairman Ken Henry and chief executive Andrew Thorburn were singled out for fierce criticism by Commissioner Hayne over the bank's unwillingness to address past wrongs.

Both men defended their roles and promised to drive positive change.
A courageous black lab was captured on doorbell cam chasing down a porch pirate who attempted to swipe a package from his owner's home in Utah over the weekend.

The package thief, sporting bright red pants and a jacket with his hood up during the attempted heist, is seen on video creeping up to the porch before quickly lifting the package and darting off.

The man is seen hopping into the passenger seat of a white vehicle shortly before a family dog, named Zero, rushes after him.

A package thief is seen on doorbell cam creeping up to a porch in Itah

The attempted heist took place over the weekend in Ogden

The man is seen jumping into the passenger's seat of a white vehicle shortly before the dog, named Zero, rushes after him

The nine-year-old black lab races toward the terrified thief while the car door is still open, prompting the man to toss the package out on the street and the driver to speed off.

Moments later, Zero's owner Whitney Cahoon follows after him and retrieves her package.

Cahoon told Fox 13 she was shocked over the incident because her dog is typically a 'scaredy-cat'.

The nine-year-old dog runs up to the terrified thief while the car door is still open

The driver is seen driving off as the dog approaches the vehicle

The terrified thief then throws the package out on the street and the driver speeds off

'Just a lab thats scared of everyone and everything. I mean dusters, plastic bags, the cats... hes terrified of the cats,' the woman said.

'He just went for it, it was awesome!'

Cahoon added that the package contained a $4 dimmer switch she ordered from Ikea.

Moments later, Zero's owner Whitney Cahoon follows after Zero and retrieves her package
Beauty chain Napoleon Perdis was reportedly on the brink of collapsing for a year before being forced to close over half its stores this week.

Administrators from Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accountants were called in to take control of the business on Thursday.

It is understood that owner Napoleon Perdis has been trying to sell his cosmetics empire for the past 18 months.

On Monday, Worrells said that 28 of the make-up giant's 58 stores would close with immediate effect.

Beauty chain Napoleon Perdis was reportedly on the brink of collapsing for a year before being forced to close over half its stores this week (pictured: Napoleon Perdis)

The make-up giant is closing 28 of its 58 stores across Australia with immediate effect

Owner Napoleon Perdis is understood to have been trying to sell his cosmetics empire for the past 18 months

A statement filed by Worrells to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission on Monday shows that the firm's Simon Cathro first held meetings with Napoleon Perdis on March 29, 2018.

At that meeting with Mr Perdis and his brother and co-owner Emanuel, they discussed its 'financial position and insolvency options'.

Mr Cathro met with the company again in April, May and August that year, and by September the situation had deteriorated to the point where they were discussing 'preliminary planning on insolvency options'.

A statement filed by Worrells to Australia's corporate regulator on Monday shows that the firm's Simon Cathro first held meetings with Napoleon Perdis on March 29, 2018

At that meeting with Mr Perdis and his brother and co-owner Emanuel, they discussed its 'financial position and insolvency options'

The Perdis brothers met Mr Cathro once more on November 7 to discuss their administration options, and on Tuesday and Wednesday last week met again to appoint Mr Cathro as administrator.

The documents show the Australian Taxation Office is just one of the creditors still waiting to be paid.

Worrells is now attempting to sell or restructure the business to keep it alive.

'Today's closures are a necessary and anticipated step,' Mr Perdis said in a statement released on Monday.

'And while it feels like a sad time, this is not goodbye, and it gives us the best opportunity to keep the business trading.'

Worrells is now attempting to sell or restructure the business to keep it alive

'Today's closures are a necessary and anticipated step,' Mr Perdis said in a statement released on Monday

The collapse of the beauty store has been attributed in part to the rise of Sephora in Australia, and the success of rival Australian chain Mecca

Napoleon Perdis had over 600 employers in 2015 and it is unclear how many will lose their jobs.

The collapse of the beauty store has been attributed in part to the rise of Sephora in Australia, and the success of rival Australian chain Mecca.

High-profile make-up artist Napoleon Perdis, 48, resides in Sydney and first began selling his own line of cosmetic products in 1995 from a store in Paddington.

His products later went on to be sold in major department stores nationwide and his business expanded across sea to the US.
Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing has returned to social media after the tax scandal which saw her ordered to pay back 97million.

The X-Men actress went silent and was away from the public eye between May and October last year when the news over a huge unpaid bill broke.

At first reports were denied but in October the star apologised and vowed to pay the money to the Government, while praising the 'good Party's policies'.

Now, she has returned to Instagram for the first time in nine months.

The 37-year-old actress took to Instagram on Monday to share two selfies with her fans.

The caption translates to, 'I wish you all a happy New Year, safe and healthy! Love you.'

Chinese New Year is being celebrated on February 5.

Fan Bingbing wished her fans a Happy New Year on Instagram today - the day before the biggest day in the Chinese calendar.

The highest paid actress in China returned to social media to the delight of her fans with a message for New Year

Fan Bingbing, the highest paid actress in China, recently avoided the spotlight after she was told to pay back millions in taxes

The post is Fan's first since May. The actress had posted every few days up until May.

The actress was spotted in public for the first time in October after she went missing from the public eye for more than three months amid a massive tax scandal.

The 37-year-old actress, dressed in black attire and wearing a cap and dark glasses, was seen walking swiftly to a waiting car at the Beijing Capital International Airport.

Fan was missing from social media since May

Fan was embroiled in a tax evasion investigation that rocked the nation. Tax authorities had ordered the actress to pay 883 million yuan (97 million) in back taxes and fines in early October.

She disappeared from the public eye and her once active social media presence went silent in May after allegations emerged that she had evaded taxes on a lucrative movie shoot, charges her studio called 'slander'.

A former presenter for state-run China Central Television (CCTV) posted a purported contract for Fan's work on the movie Air Strike, starring Bruce Willis and produced by Mel Gibson.

The photos suggested that she was officially paid 10 million yuan (1 million) for a project while unofficially receiving an additional 50 million yuan (5.5 million) - all for four days of work.

Fan Bingbing topped Forbes magazine's list of top-earning Chinese celebrities with income of 300 million yuan (33 million)

The 37-year-old actress was previously the highest paid Chinese actress following her role in X-Men (pictured)

The actress finally broke her months-long silence on Weibo on October 3 to acknowledge her wrongs, beg for her supporters' forgiveness, and apologise to 'society, the friends who care about me, the public and the national tax authorities.'

'Without the Party and country's good policies, without the loving attention of the masses, there would be no Fan Bingbing,' she wrote to her 62 million followers.

She added: 'I've been suffering unprecedented pain recently. I'm so ashamed of what I've done. Here, I sincerely apologise to everyone.
Two Warwick University students involved in a group chat which contained threats to rape other students will not be returning to campus in September.

In a statement released on Monday university vice chancellor Stuart Croft confirmed the two male students would not come back.

The students were initially barred from campus for 10 years following the incident, but this was reduced to one year following an appeal.

In a statement Mr Croft said: 'We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community. I have today spoken to the two young men concerned and confirm that neither of them will be returning to the university.

University of Warwick vice chancellor Stuart Croft said the men have been barred from the campus for one year

'I am continuing to listen to the views of students, staff and all members of our community here at Warwick and support them so that we can learn from this experience.'

One of the women targeted in the group chat said in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live that she was 'physically sick' when she found out the men would be returning to campus in September.

When the news was revealed last week, students reacted angrily on Twitter tweeting #ShameOnYouWarwick.

The students who have not been named wrote disgusting messages in a group chat which discussed raping women

An open letter from one head of department, Professor Emma Mason, said students and staff were united in their 'shock and disgust' at the decision to reduce the 10-year ban.

Following the news the students would now be returning, one student tweeted: 'I'm longer afraid to come back to Warwick  but I will come back and fight for the safety of our students so they feel safe on campus.'

The incident was first reported by Warwick University newspaper The Boar last year after it obtained screenshots of the group chat.

Graphic messages encouraged members to rape specific students, as well as including anti-Semitic and racist language.

After a university investigation five students were suspended. Two were banned for 10 years, two were excluded for one year and one was given a lifetime ban.
The mother of a two-year-old girl wrote a Facebook post addressed to an anonymous passenger who reacted negatively to them during a recent cross country flight.

Stephanie Hollifield, 33, was on a recent flight with her adopted daughter, Haley, when she noticed a nearby passenger sigh loudly and make overdramatic huffs and puffs because he was annoyed by our very presence.

Hollifield, who blogs about parenting and lives in Georgia, wrote in the Facebook post that her daughter was laughing and playing, obviously too loud for your liking.

I wondered if you had a bad day, or if this grouchy temperament was your normal behavior, Hollifield wrote.

Hollifield wrote that the annoyed passengers wife nodded at your frustrations.

Stephanie Hollifield, 33, was on a recent flight with her adopted daughter, Haley, when she noticed a nearby passenger sigh loudly and make overdramatic huffs and puffs because he was annoyed by our very presence.

By Monday evening, the Facebook post went viral, generating nearly 2,000 reactions, 470 comments, and 200 shares

I wondered if you had children of your own, she wrote in her message to the passenger.

I wondered a lot about you. Did you wonder about us?

Did you wonder about this mom and little girl who were flying alone?

We were so excited to go on an adventure, but I was also very nervous.

Hollifield wrote that this was the first time she was taking a long trip by plane with a child.

She wrote that half of the trip was made without her husband.

Hollifield wrote that she tried numerous ways to get her child to calm down, including dosing her up with Benadryl.

I did everything in my power to keep her calm and quiet. I shushed her, and made sure her little feet didnt kick your seat, the mother wrote.

As we took off, her tears started.

The kicking and the screaming tantrums came on fast.

The stress of the flight appeared to be taking its toll on young Haley, who had been awake since early morning and had not had a nap.

Hollifield wrote that this was the first time she was taking a long trip by plane with a child. She wrote that half of the trip was made without her husband, AJ Hollifield. The couple is seen with their five children in the photo above

Stephanie Hollifield is a parenting blogger who lives in Georgia with her family

To make matters worse, Haley was recovering from a sinus infection, which may have been exacerbated by the cabin pressure increasing with the aircrafts altitude.

She was exhausted and fussy, Hollifield wrote.

Nonetheless, the disgruntled passenger did not let up with [his] mutters of annoyance and looks over [his] shoulder, she wrote.

I apologized to everyone around me. I almost started crying myself.

I was feeling shame and guilt for not being able to control my own child.

Hollifield wrote that an angel flight attendant stepped in and handed the toddler a cup and a straw to play with.

Its ok! Flying is tough on everyone, and you are both doing great! the flight attendant told Hollifield.

Somehow, her kindness calmed my baby, the mom wrote. Somehow, her simple words made me feel better.

She was right. We were doing great!

We were doing our best, and thats as great as it gets.

Hollifield then wrote: The problem wasnt with us, it was with you.

The Facebook post was written with a photo attached showing Haley calmly napping in her mothers arms on the plane.

By Monday evening, the Facebook post went viral, generating nearly 2,000 reactions, 470 comments, and 200 shares.

This is the second time in recent months that Hollifield and Haley have been internet stars.

In November, Hollifield published a post on Facebook asking for help caring for her Haley's hair. Hollifield, who is white, adopted Haley, who is black, when the young girl was just eight months old. Monica Hunter (far left), a Georgia resident, answered the call and helped out

In November, Hollifield published a post on Facebook asking for help caring for her Haley's hair.

Hollifield, who is white, adopted Haley, who is black, when the young girl was just eight months old.

She wrote in her post: 'This clueless white momma is humbly coming to you to ask your help with Haley's hair.

'I have asked my friends. I have asked strangers in Publix with kids with cute hair, and I'm still not getting it.'

Facebook was on her side that day as the open letter caught the attention from Monica Hunter, another Georgia woman.

Monica is black and has three school-aged children of her own; so she messaged Stephanie with an offer to help her in-person.

A few days later, Monica arrived at Stephanie's place armed with supplies to help the desperate mother learn how to do her daughter's hair.
A young and successful doctor has lifted the lid on the 'toxic' workplace culture that led her to turn her back on a career more than a decade in the making.

Dr Yumiko Kadota first walked into a Sydney operating theatre in 2007 as a surgical intern with a beaming smile and ambitions to lead a team of her own.

Within a matter of years, she had secured her dream job as a plastic surgery registrar, earning a six-figure salary and mentoring a group of doctors and interns.

But by 2018, disillusioned, burnt-out and mentally exhausted, she quit the industry after working 20-hour days without breaks, sleep or sympathy took its toll.

Surgeon Yumiko Kadota (pictured) has shared how she abandoned her dream job because of the 'toxic' work culture

Dr Kadota (pictured) spent eight years studying medicine and surgery at university

The young health and wellbeing enthusiast detailed her journey in a blog post titled 'The ugly side of becoming a surgeon'.

In it, she reveals how she transitioned from 'bright-eyed and bushy-tailed beginnings' into 'the worst working days of my life'.

She describes her career trajectory as a 'demise', but goes on to write she doesn't want to discourage people from entering the industry, only to raise awareness of the 'toxic surgical environment that still exists in Australia'.

Dr Kadota says she was lauded as one of the top surgical interns her hospital had ever seen.

The encouragement made her the first to enter the hospital and the last to leave, soaking up all the information she could.

'I stayed back after hours to assist surgeries  not because I had to, but because I wanted to spend more time in the operating theatre,' she writes.

Soon she would learn that the exhausting working hours weren't a choice, but rather an expectation.

The plastic surgeon says she began her career hiding her smile as she attracted praise for her work

More than a decade later, unrelenting hours and lack of sympathy have driven her out

Six years into her career, she says she began to see the 'dark side of surgery'.

A senior neurosurgeon constantly overlooked her for assignments, instead choosing in 'favour of a pretty girl'.

The same neurosurgeon would constantly taunt her, saying she was on a 'downward spiral' and telling her to take her clothes off in Japanese.

He would be eventually fired, but it wasn't the first time misogyny followed her through the wards of the new hospital where she started work in 2018.

The hospital became a home and a workplace all in one.

Workdays spanning 20 hours meant there was no time to go home and sleep before her next shift started.

So she would just sleep in the 'recovery' room, where the clattering of the overnight staff made for a restless sleep.

There was no such thing as a Monday-to-Friday schedule. Days and weeks were long.

'I was at the hospital for 120-140 hours a fortnight, and work would follow me home with phone calls whilst trying to park my car in the garage, whilst I took a shower, whilst I was trying to cook dinner, and whilst I was trying to fall asleep.

'Every fortnight I would only be guaranteed four nights of uninterrupted sleep.

'The other 10 nights were unpredictable. Maybe Ill get woken up, maybe I wont.

'This mental unrest for 10 days a fortnight was taking a toll on me. I couldnt go and exercise, I couldnt plan anything social

'I had to be on standby.'

Dr Kadota says she would work as many as 20 hours on a daily basis without breaks or sleep

The plastic surgeon accrued more than 100 hours of overtime work in her first month

She accrued more than 100 hours of overtime work in just her first month in her new role, and it took a toll.

Dr Kadota was unwell, dishevelled and burnt out with a combination of stress, dehydration, poor nutrition and sleep deprivation.

Talk of her issues made its way through the halls until her head of department called her.

'"We need to look after you. You're damn good, you're damn good," said the voice on the other line with so much conviction that I believed it. "I don't want you to burnout"  but I already was.'

With hopes of a roster change, she rocked up to work the next morning in a better mood.

But, she writes, that was the breaking point.

A 12-hour Monday was followed by a 20-hour Tuesday. An operation had gone long into the night and her boss never answered her call for back-up.

He jovially asked her the next morning if she had actually called him, or whether he was just dreaming.

She would ask for breaks and be knocked back and told to toughen up.

When she received a call at 3am, her frustration was met with an order to 'stop being an emotional female'.

In one instance, she was told to 'stop being an emotional female' when a doctor called her at 3am

She now describes herself as being able to 'waltz out of the ashes', and throws herself into fitness

She resigned on June 1 last year, her 24th consecutive work day.

With her resignation, she knew she would be blacklisted from ever getting another job in a Sydney plastic surgery, but enough was enough.

'I was physically alive, but spiritually broken,' she wrote.

When word of her resignation got back to her head of department, he asked if she couldn't just 'hold on' for another couple of months.

When she told him she couldn't, he replied: 'It's a shame. You have good hands. You're good at what you do but if you can't handle the hours, maybe this isn't for you.'

Months on, she now describes herself as being able to 'waltz out of my ashes'.

Dr Kadota says she hopes that by sharing her story, she can raise awareness about doctors' health, work-life balance and maybe bring about a change in culture.
Tasmanian honey is in line for a dramatic price hike as the industry suffers its worst season in 35 years.

The combination of dry conditions and recent fires has delivered a serious blow to Tasmania's most popular honey product, the ABC reported.

Tasmanian Beekeepers Association vice president Peter Norris said the state's renowned leatherwood honey production will plummet 75 per cent because of the conditions.

'Leatherwood honey will be scarce for years to come,' he said.

The combination of dry conditions and recent fires (pictured) has driven the downward spiral and delivered a serious blow to Tasmania's most popular honey product

Tasmanian Beekeepers Association vice president Peter Norris said the state's renowned leatherwood honey production will plummet 75 per cent

Honey produced in Tasmania fetches more than $10million at bulk price - and is sold for even more at supermarkets.

About 70 per cent of the state's honey production relies on the annual flowering of the leatherwood trees.

Now extreme heat and damaging fires have crippled the once-blossoming industry.

More than 190,000 hectares has already gone up in flames as fast-moving fires continue to burn through much of the state, with some blazes raging since Christmas.

Already, numerous houses have been lost in the Central Plateau, and hundreds of residents have been evacuated from their homes at Huonville.

Leatherwood trees have been destroyed in the Florentine Valley and on the West Coast, including at Zeehan.

'That's a shame because it's an excellent leatherwood resource [in Zeehan],' Mr Norris said.

Damaged trees can take up to 100 years to recover, which spells trouble for future generations.

'We're never going to see it recover  once it's gone, it's gone,' Mr Norris said.

Mr Norris has 150 hives in the Florentine Valley but was thrilled and surprised to find that they had been untouched by the bushfires.

He knows other beekeepers have not been so lucky, with many hives lost on Scotts Peak Road in the southwest and around the Tahune area.

To make matters worse, the fires have made it difficult for beekeepers to access their hives.
Someone is standing up to television's Goliath, with a prominent competitor saying Monday that Netflix is deceiving the public about how popular its hit shows really are.

John Landgraf, the FX Networks chief executive who has frequently pointed out the glut of scripted TV, said Netflix is using bogus measurements to claim increasing dominance among viewers.

It's an approach he said reflects a worrisome Silicon Valley arrogance.

Applying long-used industry standards to Netflix, 'their true batting average would be viewed as unimpressive,' Landgraf told the Television Critics Association on Monday in Pasadena, California.

FX Networks CEO John Landgraf (above in file photo) said on Monday that he believes Netflix uses bogus metrics to claim exaggerated viewership statistics

The streaming service has upended the TV industry with a gusher of programming beyond that of any other outlet. This year, Netflix also realized its goal of earning a best-picture Oscar nomination, for the film 'Roma.'

But success doesn't necessarily stem from an 'endless money cannon,' as Landgraf described spending by what he called Silicon Valley's 'monopolistic titans.'

Netflix's claim that 40 million households globally watched the series 'You' is suspect, Landgraf said, contending the U.S. figure would be only 8 million viewers if the industry's average-viewership standard was applied.

Under the average-viewership standard, the total number of minutes of an episode watched is divided by the number of minutes in an episode.

Landgraf accuses Netflix of counting anyone who watches even a few minutes of an episode as a viewer. Netflix declined comment Monday. The company said in an earnings letter it counts a viewer if they 'substantially complete at least one episode.'

Netflix's claim that 40 million households globally watched the series 'You' (above) is suspect, Landgraf said, contending the U.S figure would be only 8 million viewers under usual measures

Netflix generally refuses to release viewership numbers, emphasizing the subscriber growth it now pegs at more than 130 million worldwide, with nearly 60 million of those in the United States.

Landgraf, who dismissed that measure as meaningless, said a program like 'Stranger Things' is rightly cited by Netflix as an audience 'home run' but called it an outlier.

'By creating a myth that they have used data to find the magic bullet of guaranteed commercial success that has eluded everyone else since the creation of television, they have given the impression that the vast majority of shows on their platform is working ... and that they have or will soon have many more hits than anyone else,' Landgraf said.

FX is coming off a good year, with a wealth of Emmy and other awards for shows including 'The Americans' and 'The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.' Landgraf said he's optimistic about FX's future as Walt Disney Co. prepares to acquire 21st Century Fox, parent company of the channel.

Netflix puts its money where its mouth is: In 2018, the streaming platform said it was spending $8 billion on programming, the vast majority of it original.

Since 2014, programming from Netflix and other, less robust streamers has increased nearly 400 percent, compared to a 1 per cent drop for broadcast and a 32 percent increase for pay cable, according to FX research.

Volume doesn't guarantee quality, no matter what Netflix's message may be, Landgraf said in a Q&A with critics that was part of FX's promotion of upcoming and returning series, including 'Better Things' and 'Legion.'

'The flip side of taking hundreds of at-bats is you're going to get a massive number of strikeouts. So naturally, Netflix made and launched a number of consumer failures,' he said. 'But by reporting singles as if they were home runs, and failing to ever report a single strikeout, they undercut' their claims.

An outlet's performance can only be verified by agreed-upon, consistent measurements such as those compiled and analyzed by Nielsen, he said, noting the company is measuring Netflix and is adding Hulu and Amazon this year.

While some ratings for top-rated broadcast and cable shows are released publicly with network agreement, Nielsen has yet to do the same for Netflix.

'One way or another, the truth will ultimately come out, as it always does,' said Landgraf, who maintained his customary even, somewhat professorial tone throughout his Netflix dissection.

He called on critics to resist reporting what he called 'cherry-picked data' and to wait for third-party measurements.

He also asked the room to consider the issue in the larger context of journalism and the forces that the digital industry that encompasses Netflix has unleashed.

'It's just not a good thing for society when one entity or one person gets to unilaterally make the rules or pronounce the truth,' he said.
A father who first tried to rape his daughter when she was just four years old has been jailed for nine years.

The man, who cannot be named to protect his daughter's identity, cried as the sentence was handed down in Queensland's Bundaberg District Court on Monday.

The court heard the abusive father threatened to 'kill her if she told anyone' after attempting to penetrate the girl's vagina before she had even started school.

Crown prosecutor Christopher Cook revealed the girl was next abused when she was only eight or nine years old at a motel in the south Queensland town of Maryborough.

The father performed sex acts on the child several times and rubbed her groin until she cried, before raping her in the motel room's bathroom, NewsMail reported.

The brave girl, now aged 17, faced her father in court as he was sentenced to nine years jail for rape (stock image)

Russell Clutterbuck, the man's defence barrister, told Judge Leanne Clare his client had suffered sexual abuse at the hands of his grandfather before then struggling with alcohol abuse.

Judge Clare said his early upbringing was 'tragic but it cannot be used as an excuse'.

'You knew these things were very wrong and you knew, perhaps better than most, how traumatic sexual abuse could be,' she said.

'Yet you persisted in assaulting and raping your own child when she was just a little girl.'

The brave girl, who is now aged 17, stared her father down through tears of her own as Judge Clare sentenced him to nine years behind bars.

He will be eligible to apply for parole after just four and a half years in jail.
Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested in Canada and faces possible extradition to the United States, is exploring a defense that claims US charges against her are politically motivated, the Globe and Mail newspaper reported on Monday.

Meng, the chief financial officer of Chinese tech giant Huawei, is the central figure in a high-stakes dispute between the United States and China. Canada arrested Meng in December at the request of the United States and last month she was charged with wire fraud that violated US sanctions on Iran.

'The political overlay of this case is remarkable,' Richard Peck, lead counsel for Meng, told the Toronto newspaper in a telephone interview.

Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, who is out on bail and remains under partial house arrest after she was detained Dec 1 at the behest of American authorities, leaves her home to attend a court appearance regarding her bail conditions, in Vancouver on Jan 29

'That's probably the one thing that sets it apart from any other extradition case I've ever seen. It's got this cloud of politicization hanging over it,' Peck added.

The office of Canadian Justice Minister David Lametti and Peck did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A Huawei spokesman declined to comment.

In December, US President Donald Trump said in a Reuters interview he would intervene in the Justice Department's case against Meng if it would serve national security interests or help close a trade deal with China.

China has called on the United States to 'stop the unreasonable crackdown' on Huawei following the tech giant's indictment on charges of stealing technology, violating trade sanctions and lying to banks

Canada fired John McCallum, its ambassador to China, in January after he said Meng could make a strong argument against being sent to the United States.

'He [Mr McCallum] mentions some of the potential defenses - and certainly, I think any person that knows this area would see the potential for those defenses arising,' Peck told the newspaper.

Meng's lawyers are also planning to challenge whether her alleged conduct would be deemed criminal under Canadian law, the Globe and Mail said.

China's foreign ministry last week complained Washington has 'mobilised state power' to hurt Chinese companies 'in an attempt to strangle fair and just operations' for political reasons.

'We strongly urge the United States to stop the unreasonable crackdown on Chinese companies including Huawei,' the ministry statement said. It said Beijing will defend the 'lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies' but gave no details.

The charges unsealed last Monday accused Huawei of trying to take a piece of a robot and steal other technology from a T-Mobile lab that was used to test smartphones.

Huawei also is charged with using a Hong Kong front company, Skycom, to trade with Iran in violation of US trade controls. Prosecutors allege Meng lied to banks about those dealings.
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has written to a pharmaceutical company asking for a justification on its decision to charge $375,000 annually for a drug that for years has been available to patients for free.

Sanders sent the letter to Catalyst Pharmaceuticals on Monday, in which he asked it to explain both the financial and non-financial factors the company considered when it set the list price for Firdapse in December.

The drug is used to treat Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS), a rare neuromuscular disorder, according to the letter dated February 4.

The disorder affects about one in 100,000 people in the United States.

Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has written to Catalyst Pharmaceuticals asking for an explanation as to why they have priced Firdapse - a drug used to treat a rare neuromusclar disorder - at $375,000 annually when patients have been able to get it free for years at another company

'Catalyst's decision to set the annual list price at $375,000 is not only a blatant fleecing of American taxpayers, but is also an immoral exploitation of patients who need this medication,' Sanders wrote in his letter.

He doubled-down his message yesterday on Twitter, writing: 'Catalyst Pharmaceuticals raised the price of a life-saving drug from $0 to $375,000. Now patients are worried they are going to suffer or even die because of the greed of a drug company.

'If Catalyst does not substantially lower the price of this medication, Congress must act.'

The government is intensifying its scrutiny of the pharmaceutical industry and rising prescription drug prices, a top voter concern and a priority of President Donald Trump's administration.

Both the Democratic-led U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, controlled by Republicans, have begun holding hearings this year on the rising costs of medicines. Sanders is an independent who usually votes with Democrats.

Sanders also wrote on Twitter that people are worried about suffering or even dying because of the company's 'greed'

Sanders also asked for the number of patients who would suffer or die as a result of the price, as well as information on how much Catalyst was paying to purchase or produce the drug.

Catalyst declined to comment on Sanders' letter but its shares fell nearly 8 percent to $2.31.

For years, patients have been able to get the same drug for free from Jacobus Pharmaceuticals, a small New Jersey-based drug company, which offered it through a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) program called 'compassionate use.'

The program allows patients with rare diseases and conditions access to experimental drugs outside of a clinical trial when there is no viable alternative.

Florida-based Catalyst received FDA approval of Firdapse in November, along with exclusive rights to market the medication until 2025.

The company, which bought rights to the drug from a company called BioMarin in 2012, develops and commercializes drugs for rare diseases.

BioMarin and FDA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Sanders joins other U.S. lawmakers in investigating the pricing practices of pharmaceutical companies this year.

Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, in January wrote to 12 pharmaceutical firms asking for detailed information on how they set drug prices.

Democratic Representatives Frank Pallone and Diana DeGette wrote to the heads of Eli Lilly and Co, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi SA, the long-time leading manufacturers of insulin, requesting information on why the drug's price has skyrocketed in recent years.
Saudi Arabia will consider changing its male guardianship system after 18-year-old Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun fled to Thailand last month to escape her family - sparking global attention on the issue.

Ms al-Qunun - who revealed she had dropped her last name connecting her to her Saudi governor father - left the kingdom after rejecting its strict Islamic laws and was granted asylum by Canada.

She has said she wanted to be 'free' from abuse and oppression by both the Saudi government and her own family, as every woman in the kingdom is assigned a male relative whose approval is needed to marry, obtain a passport and travel abroad.

The teenager's plight sparked international outcry - with Australia also having considered her application for asylum - and has encouraged Saudi Arabia to study how its male guardianship system is being abused, Saudi media reported on Monday.

Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun (pictured in Toronto on January 15) left Saudi Arabia after rejecting its strict Islamic laws and was granted asylum by Canada

Ms al-Qunun (pictured) has said she wanted to be 'free' from abuse and oppression by both the Saudi government and her own family

Human rights groups have said the arrangement turns women into second-class citizens, depriving them of social and economic freedoms and making them more vulnerable to violence.

Activists added that many Saudi women fear reporting abuse to the police would only further endanger their lives.

They called for an end to guardianship, which has slowly eroded over the years but remains in force.

Without a codified system of law to go with the texts making up sharia, or Islamic law, the Saudi police and judiciary have long cited social customs in enforcing certain prohibitions on women.

Many aspects of guardianship stem from informal practices rather than specific laws.

Every woman in the kingdom is assigned a male relative whose approval is needed to marry, obtain a passport and travel abroad (pictured: the teenager with her 12-year-old sister)

Saudi public prosecutor Saud al-Mojeb said his office would 'spare no efforts in protecting individuals, whether women, children or parents, from unfair treatment by those who abuse guardianship powers,' according to English daily Saudi Gazette.

His office receives only a small number of complaints about guardianship, he added, without providing details.

The government communications office was not immediately available for comment.

Some freedoms have been granted under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who ended a ban on women driving and eased restrictions on gender mixing.

Yet this has been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent, including the arrest and alleged torture of women's rights activists as well as Muslim clerics.

The teenager's plight (pictured) sparked international which has encouraged Saudi Arabia to study how its male guardianship system is being abused, Saudi media reported on Monday

Prince Mohammed indicated last year he favoured ending the guardianship system but stopped short of backing its annulment.

Saudi Arabia, one of the worlds most gender-segregated nations, is ranked 138 of 144 states in the 2017 Global Gender Gap, a World Economic Forum study on how women fare in economic and political participation, health and education.

Ms al-Qunun is the daughter of a Saudi governor and has nine siblings. She used a loophole in the state's tough laws to travel to Kuwait unaccompanied.

From there, she purchased a ticket to Bangkok and was hoping to seek asylum in Canada, the United States, Australia, the UK or 'any nation would protect her from being harmed or killed by her family'.

The 18-year-old was detained in Thailand following her arrival in the country. She is pictured having barricaded herself in an airport hotel room in a bid to avoid deportation

She garnered support around the world after barricading herself in they city's airport hotel room earlier last month to resist being sent home to her family whom she claims had threatened her life and to force her to marry against her will.

However, despite global praise for her bravery and for Canada's decision to grant her asylum, one Saudi organisation backed by the Riyadh government issued a thinly veiled critique on the matter.

Without naming Ms al-Qunun, The National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) accused several foreign countries of inciting young women to reject their families.

NSHR head Mufleh al-Qahtani accused unspecified countries and international organisations of pursuing political agendas and 'pushing (women) ultimately to be lost and maybe to fall into the arms of brokers and human traffickers'.

He did not name Canada or Australia, which also considered offering Qunun asylum, or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which granted her refugee status.
'Russian Roulette' cop victim Katlyn Alix left her first husband after just three months while he was away on active duty in the US Marines, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal.

Andrew Portell was so heartbroken he penned a bitter rant on Facebook, appearing to accuse her of cheating and calling her 'a wolf in sheep's clothing.'

But within months he mellowed and started talking about how much he loved his 15-years-younger ex, even after the divorce was final.

'We were married a very short time, but in that time we burned hot,' Portell told DailyMail.com.

'I gave her my whole heart and loved that woman with everything I had and everything I was. So, of course, I was hurt when it ended. But I never stopped loving her and caring for her. That's the type of heart and soul she had.

'Till this day I still would have done anything for her. I loved her, I loved her a lot, I will love her forever.'

St. Louis police officer Katlyn Alix left her first husband Andrew Portell, 40, (pictured together in January 2015) just after three months while he was away on active duty in the US Marines

Portell penned a rant on Facebook, appearing to accuse Alix (left and right) of cheating and calling her 'a wolf in sheep's clothing' after she filed for divorce in October 2015

'We were married a very short time, but in that time we burned hot,' Portell (pictured) told DailyMail.com. 'I gave her my whole heart and loved that woman with everything I had and everything I was. I never stopped loving her and caring for her. That's the type of heart and soul she had'

Portell was 36 when he married Alix in St. Charles, Missouri, 30 minutes west of St. Louis, on June 27, 2015. His bride was just 21.

Divorce records exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com show that they split in late September that same year and within a month Alix had filed for divorce.

The final decree was granted on December 28  six months and one day after their wedding.

Alix, a St. Louis cop, was killed on January 24 in what has been described as a version of Russian Roulette. She had gone to the home of on-duty fellow officer Nathaniel Hendren in the early hours of the morning and after drinking alcohol, the two of them allegedly took turns in firing Hendren's revolver  which was not his service weapon  at each other.

Officer Hendren is said to have placed one round in the gun's chamber and pointed it at Alix and pulled the trigger. She then did the same, aiming at him.

The gun did not go off either time. But on the third attempt, Hendren allegedly fired and shot Alix in the chest.

Alix, 24, tied the knot for a second time with another police officer Anthony Meyer in October  just three months before her death.

Portell told DailyMail.com: 'Despite anything that comes of any of this, she truly was an amazing woman. She touched so many people's lives in her short time here on this earth.

'My only hope is that we get justice for her. So that everyone that loved her can find some bit of peace in this tragedy.'

'We are all human,' he added. 'We all have made mistakes. Some people are defined by those mistakes. But not Katy.

'Believe me when I say, despite everything, she really did have a heart of gold.'

Officer Nathaniel Hendren was seen leaving the courthouse in St. Louis in a track suit last Thursday (left) after he was granted $10,000 bail. After Alix's death he is said to have headbutted the rear window of his police SUV with such force that it shattered. That, police say, is why his booking photo shows him with a black eye (right)

Alix (with Portell in August of 2015) died after going to on-duty officer Nathaniel Hendren's home, drinking with him and playing 'Russian Roulette' on January 24

Marine recruiter Portell tells DailyMail.com how much he loved the 24-year-old, saying: 'I never stopped loving her and caring for her'. Portell was 36 when he married Alix (pictured together September 2015) in St. Charles, Missouri on June 27, 2015. His bride was just 21

'We meet hundreds and thousands of people throughout our lifetime,' Portell said. 'Many of those go just as quickly as they came. But, every once in a while, you find a rare one. Someone that touches you to your very soul. That's what Katy did to me.

'My heart latched on and never let go. She was certainly one of a kind. I don't know that I will ever meet someone quite like her again.'

A TIMELINE OF EVENTS LEADING UP TO KATLYN ALIX'S DEATH Wednesday, January 23, 11pm: Nathaniel Hendren and Patrick Riordan report for duty for their 11pm to 7am shift at St. Louis Police District 2 substation Just after 11pm: The officers respond to their first call of the night, an alleged assault at a senior facility 11:48pm: They are called to a burglary alarm on Manchester Avenue Thursday, January 24, 12:14am: They leave scene of call after it is deemed a false alarm 12:56am: Hendren and Riordan call emergency dispatchers from their police radios. They take Alix to Saint Louis University Hospital after the shooting in the Carondelet neighborhood 1:07am: Alix is pronounced dead at the hospital 1:30am: Lt. William Brown files allegations of misconduct Advertisement

When Portell and Alix married, both were in the armed forces. He was a Marine and she was in the Army.

In her divorce petition, Alix's attorney wrote: 'There is no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved and therefore the marriage is irretrievably broken.'

Alix gave no reason for the marriage's breakdown, but in a series of Facebook posts at the time, Portell strongly hinted that his wife had cheated on him. However, he pointed out to DailyMail.com that his post 'wasn't specifically naming anyone or anything.'

'We cannot just assume,' he said. 'But yes, I was heartbroken at the time and yes, we were not married very long.

'But then again, your heart, and more specifically love, knows no time.'

Days before his wife filed for divorce in October 2015, Portell posted a picture of a sign reading: 'Secrets and lies kill relationships. No matter how careful you are, you will get caught.'

Above it he wrote: 'Even if you don't get caught during the relationship, eventually that s**t will catch up to you. Take a deep look at yourself. If your MORAL COMPASS couldn't even help you find your way out of a wet paper bag then your character is probably f****d up.'

'People aren't perfect. Everyone knows that. Lord knows I have made my fair share of these mistakes in my past,' Portell added. 'But I can say that I have learned a lot and grown up a lot from these mistakes. I have also paid a hefty price for many of them as well. And you will eventually too.

'But if (you) put on a front to make you seem like a caring, family oriented, and loving person but deep down you're a wolf in sheep's clothing then you probably don't give a damn about anything but yourself.

On what would have been their first anniversary, Portell wrote: 'I've been dreading this day for a while now. So today rolls on like any other day. No cards, no flowers, no fancy dinner. Just two souls still trying to find their path in this crazy life. Good luck at the academy Kate, I'm sure you're doing great. Just give it your best and your best is what you will get'

Alix gave no reason for the marriage's breakdown, but in a series of Facebook posts at the time, Portell strongly hinted that his wife had cheated on him. Pictured: Alix with Portell and his two children from a previous relationship in March 2015

Pictured: The area where Hendren should have been paroling. At 11pm, Officers Hendren and Riordan report for duty at the District 2 police substation; shortly before 1am, police receive a call that Officer Alix had been shot at Hendrens home; Alix was pronounced dead at 1.07am after Hendren and Riordan took her to Saint Louis University Hospital

'People always think the grass is greener on the other side,' he added. 'That's because they are weak on the inside.

'Don't be surprised if you jump that fence that there isn't razor wire across the top when you try to jump your a** back over.'

He ended the post with the words 'Rant over.'

His heartfelt tirade came after earlier postings when he had praised his much-younger bride. 'I love my wife with all that I am and all that I have,' he wrote after two months of marriage.

'Nothing is sexier than a woman knowing her way around the gym, except for maybe one that knows how to handle a firearm. And got lucky enough to have an amazing woman that does both!!' he posted before they wed.

And Portell called her 'a modern-day Superwoman' when she applied to join the police. 'Couldn't think of a more fitting person to protect our community, our streets, and its citizens than this girl.'

On what would have been their first anniversary, Portell wrote: 'I've been dreading this day for a while now.'

He added: 'So today rolls on like any other day. No cards, no flowers, no fancy dinner. Just two souls still trying to find their path in this crazy life. Good luck at the academy Kate, I'm sure you're doing great. Just give it your best and your best is what you will get.'

Courtesy: FOX2now

Alix (front, center), a St. Louis cop, was killed on January 24 in what has been described as a version of Russian Roulette. She had gone to the home of on-duty fellow officer Nathaniel Hendren in the early hours of the morning and after drinking alcohol, the two of them allegedly took turns in firing Hendren's revolver  which was not his service weapon  at each other

Alix, 24, tied the knot for a second time with another police officer Anthony Meyer (pictured together) in October  just three months before her death

Following her death, Portell changed his Facebook profile picture to a headshot of Alix. 'You were certainly one of a kind,' he wrote.

'You leave behind a string of broken hearts. Gone way too soon. But don't think your duty is done kid. You are now promoted to GUARDIAN and will look over us all.'

Alix's sister Tiffany Chadwick replied to one post: 'Thank you for loving my sister the way you did.'

Portell, 40, is now a recruiter at a Marine Recruitment Center in St. Louis, but during his short marriage he was on active duty, the divorce papers reveal.

He told DailyMail.com he was not deployed at the time but was at training school.

'Respondent is currently on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps but has waived all claims to relief he may have under the Service Members Civil Relief Act,' St. Charles Family Court Judge Erin Burlison wrote in her final divorce judgment.

The act allows active duty personnel to delay legal action against them.

The judge ruled that the two  who had no children together although Portell had a son and a daughter from a previous relationship  should divide their assets and neither should pay alimony. Alix won the right to the couple's 2014 Nissan Sentra, while they had to split payments on a leased GMC Terrain that was ordered to be sent back to the dealer.

Alix's death is still raising more questions than it has given answers, such as what she was doing at her colleague's home in the early hours of the morning, why Hendren decided to abandon his patrol and drive 10 miles home in the middle of his shift and how much alcohol was drunk at the home.

This is the home of Officer Hendren in the Carondelet neighborhood of St. Louis. Hendren and Alix took turns pulling the trigger of a revolver that eventually killed the 24-year-old officer

Patrick Riordan (center) allegedly witnessed partner Nathaniel Hendren and fellow officer Katlyn Alix play the deadly game of Russian roulette that cost Alix her life. He is pictured at his graduation ceremony in April 2017

Hundreds of friends, family and former colleagues gathered at the service as her casket was draped in an American flag was carried into the church by uniformed pallbearers

Hendren's partner Patrick Riordan, who is currently on paid administrative leave, told investigators he had told his fellow cops off for playing with the gun and felt so uncomfortable he decided to leave the apartment. As he reached the door he heard the shot.

The two partners, both 29, bundled Alix into their patrol car and drove her to Saint Louis University Hospital where she died.

Hendren is now under house arrest at a secret location facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action. He has had to surrender all firearms and his passport as conditions of his bail.

He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

After Alix's death he is said to have headbutted the rear window of his police SUV with such force that it shattered. That, police say, is why his booking photo shows him with a black eye.

Riordan has not been charged in the criminal courts but both he and Hendren face internal disciplinary action for allegedly drinking on duty.

His lawyer, James Towey said that his client 'blew all zeroes' after having 'a few sips of a beer' while at Hendren's home.

'He poured the rest out in a kitchen sink, leaving the can by the sink, and that should be confirmed by crime scene photos,' Towey said.

Court papers show Andrew and Katlyn were granted a final divorce three days after Christmas in 2015, just six months and one day after they married
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Former White House Communications Director Hope Hicks is embracing the LA lifestyle months after leaving the east coast for her lucrative new gig at Fox.

Exclusive DailyMailTV photos show the former Trump aide welcoming the weekend by working out at a celebrity-run gym, stocking up on healthy groceries, and sipping smoothies in a trendy juice bar.

Hicks, 30, has even opted for a new look for her stint in the Golden State and was seen sporting fresh blond highlights. She's also traded service cars and the NYC subway for her own sleek black Range Rover.

The ex Trump aide moved to LA in October after taking up the role of chief communications officer at Fox, where she reports to chairman Lachlan Murdoch.

After a scandalous departure from Trump's White House, Hicks has reportedly been trying to fly under the radar and keep out of politics  although she is thought to have stayed in touch with former colleagues such as Conway, according to a recent Vanity Fair article.

LA woman: Hope Hicks was seen living her new life on the west coast, months after she moved to Los Angeles for her new job at Fox. Hicks took a trip to her local Whole Foods near her Brentwood, California home on Thursday

Shopping: Hicks opted for a demure ensemble, sporting a black pea coat, black turtle neck, and black slacks paired with comfy beige ballet flats and aviator sunglasses

New look: Hope was spotted sporting a more summery look with fresh blond highlights - a change from the darker tone she had while working in DC (right)

Her new gig: Hicks is the top PR honcho at the rebuilt Fox and her duties include oversight of the communications shop for the company that owns the cable news channel her former boss loves to watch. The job reportedly comes with a seven-figure compensation package, when benefits and stock options are factored in

The same story also claimed she had split up with fellow aide Rob Porter and had developed a new work routine in which she arrived at her desk at 9am and eschew TV for reading the papers.

She was also said to be sending letters by mail to former colleagues and friends in Washington while staying out of the Hollywood circus  although that didn't prevent her from reportedly enjoying a dinner at Tinseltown hotspot Spago.

But DailyMailTV can reveal that for Hicks, old habits die hard, with the 30-year-old seen leaving her apartment at 7.40am to head to work  just over a mile away  on Friday morning.

In Washington, she would reportedly get up at 4am every morning to be at her desk for 7.30am.

But while her political job was all-consuming, an early start in LA also meant an early finish for Hicks, with the 30-year-old leaving the office at 3.30pm to head to the grocery store.

She was seen picking up a bag of healthy groceries at a branch of Whole Foods near her home before heading to the gym.

Hicks, whose exercise of choice was once jogging, now takes classes at a gym owned by Tracy Anderson  a celebrity trainer whose clients include Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez.

Hicks, who served as Trump's White House comms director, announced her decision to resign last February after admitting to lying on the president's behalf. She left her position on March 29 (pictured)

Hicks has been living in California since beginning her new gig in October. She later stepped out again on Thursday for an afternoon gym session

She was dressed in a grey hoodie, black leggings and sneakers. Hicks could not stop smiling as she walked to her Brentwood home

What's so funny? Hicks at one point, appeared engrossed in an apparently amusing text message conversation and was seen smiling from ear to ear at her phone

Indeed, Paltrow is so close to Anderson, they have gone into business together while Anderson has been repeatedly interviewed for the actress's lifestyle website Goop.

Her dance cardio method aims to deliver a 'dancer's body' and has proved a Hollywood hit with Victoria Beckham, Nicole Richie, Robert Downey Jr and Alessandra Ambrosio among current and former devotees of the routine.

Hicks certainly appears to be a fan: visiting her local Tracy Anderson studio for custom classes twice in the space of two days.

On Friday, as she made her way back from the gym, a beaming Hicks appeared to be enjoying an animated discussion over FaceTime.

'She looked like she was really enjoying herself,' an onlooker told DailyMailTV. 'She seemed to be flirting and was definitely happy. LA seems to be the right place for her.'

After hitting the gym on Saturday, she was seen strolling up the road to her local branch of Joe and the Juice  a chic Danish juice bar franchise that specializes in smoothies and vegetable 'shots' all made with organic ingredients.

Forget your umbrella? She walked back to her car after going to a coffee shop

Hicks covered up with a hood from her North Face windbreaker while wearing black capri leggings and sneakers

Caught in the rain: On Friday, Hicks stepped out again and was seen braving a rain shower with no umbrella. Los Angeles was experiencing some heavy rainfall but the former White House comms director was undeterred

She also made a second trip to pick up groceries  this time at Ralphs; an upmarket chain native to southern California.

Hicks endured a turbulent end to her career with President Trump, after DailyMail.com revealed she had been having an affair with Porter, 41, in February 2018.

On Friday, Porter was pictured thousands of miles away in Washington, D.C. as he left his apartment building in his black Mercedez-Benz.

The disgraced former secretary of staff was forced to resign after DailyMail.com ran interviews with two of his ex-wives  both of whom claimed he had belittled and beaten them.

Hicks followed her former lover out the door at the end of March and spent the summer contemplating her options at her family home in Greenwich, Connecticut.

She also joined her old boss on Air Force One in August and then at a rally in Ohio  sparking speculation that she would take on the newly vacant chief of staff role.

Meanwhile, Hicks's lover Rob Porter was seen on the other side of the country leaving his D.C. apartment on Friday

The disgraced former Trump aide looked casual wearing a red cap and blue quarter-zip jacket as he left the garage in his black Mercedes-Benz

Porter was forced to step down from his role last February amid allegations of domestic abuse from his two ex-wives

But in early October, it was announced she had joined the new company being built out of the remains of Rupert Murdoch's empire.

Fox will incorporate the remaining assets of Murdoch's company including Fox News, Fox Sports, and the broadcast television network - properties left out of the sale of most of 21st Century Fox to Disney for $71.3 billion. The sale will be finalized this year.

Hicks is now the top PR honcho at the rebuilt Fox and her duties include oversight of the communications shop for the company that owns the cable news channel her former boss loves to watch.

As executive vice president and chief communications officer, she reports to Viet Dinh, the company's chief legal and policy officer.

Hicks's lover former White House secretary of staff Rob Porter was nowhere to be seen in LA. Hicks was caught in the middle of Porter's scandal which made headlines just days after the two were rumored to be dating after they were seen canoodling in the back of car in Washington, D.C. They were seen sneaking around in Central Park, months later (right)

The gig reportedly comes with a seven-figure compensation package, when benefits and stock options are factored in.

And while Hicks appeared to have left politics behind, DailyMailTV can reveal she spent Sunday watching the Super Bowl at the home of a prominent Democratic donor.

She was seen by arriving at a $9m Brentwood mansion owned by United Talent Agency co-chairman Jay Sures, 52, and his interior designer wife Molly, 47, before the match.

His clients include ultra-liberal producer Judd Apatow and CNN's Jim Acosta, while her roster includes Steven Spielberg and Dustin Hoffman.

And while Sures has previously spent time with Hicks's former colleagues Kellyanne Conway and Anthony Scaramucci at DC parties, he is also a regular donor to Democratic causes  among them Kamala Harris's senate campaign and the election war chest for California governor Gavin Newsom.

Hicks left after just two hours - returning to her new home in a upscale Brentwood apartment building that boasts that residents take their lives 'to the next level and live in the lap of luxury.'




Governor Ralph Northam has consulted with Virginia's top administration officials about whether to resign amid the furore over a racist photo in his 1984 yearbook.

Practically all of the state's Democratic establishment - as well as Republicans - turned against the 59-year-old after the picture surfaced late last week of someone in blackface next to another person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe. The photo was on Northam's medical school yearbook page.

The sense of crisis deepened Monday as the politician next in line to be governor, Democratic Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax, denied an uncorroborated allegation of sexual misconduct first reported by a conservative website.

Fairfax told reporters that the 2004 encounter with a woman was consensual, and he called the accusation a political 'smear.'

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is said to be consulting with top officials over whether to resign following the discovery of a racist photo on his yearbook page from 1984

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax also answered questions about the controversial photo in Gov. Ralph Northam's yearbook page, but was himself forced to deny an allegation of sexual misconduct

Protest chants, meanwhile, echoed around Capitol Square. Lobbyists complained they were unable to get legislators to focus on bills. Security guards joked about who was going to be the next governor.

Cafeteria workers and members of the cleaning staff shook their heads in wonder. And banks of news cameras were set up outside the governor's Executive Mansion.

The Democrat Governor stayed out of sight as he met with his Cabinet and senior staff to hear their assessment of whether it was feasible for him to stay in office, according to a top administration official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The meetings included frank conversations about the difficulties of governing under such circumstances, the person said.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's page in his 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook. The page shows a picture, at right, of a person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood next to different pictures of the governor. It's unclear who the people in the picture are, but the rest of the page is filled with pictures of Northam and lists his undergraduate alma mater and other information about him

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and his wife Pam at a news conference in the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond on Saturday

Calls from lawmakers for Northam's resignation seemed to ease Monday. State Del. Lamont Bagby, head of the Legislative Black Caucus, said there was little left to say: 'I'm going to let him breathe a little bit, give him space to make the right decision.'

The waiting game played out on what was already one of the legislature's busiest days of the session, with the House and Senate each seeking to complete legislation to send to the other chamber.

Finance Secretary Aubrey Layne said he told Northam that the state cannot afford a prolonged period of uncertainty over his future. Northam's Democratic office is in the middle of negotiations with GOP lawmakers over a major tax overhaul and changes to the state budget. The Republicans control both houses of the legislature.

'One way or the other, it needs to be resolved,' Layne said.

The furor over the photo erupted on Friday, when Northam first admitted he was in the picture without saying which costume he was wearing, and apologized. But a day later, he denied he was in the photo, while also acknowledging he once put on blackface to imitate Michael Jackson at a dance contest in Texas decades ago.

The scandal threatens to cripple Northam's ability to govern. In a sign Monday of the challenges he could face, Katherine Rowe, president of the College of William & Mary, canceled an appearance by Northam at an event this Friday because his presence would 'fundamentally disrupt the sense of campus unity we aspire to.'

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors office at the Capitol in Richmond, Virginia on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019

The demonstrators calling for the resignation of Gov. Ralph Northam after a racist photo on his medical school yearbook page was widely distributed Friday

Northam, a pediatric neurologist who graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School and came to politics late in life, is one year into his four-year term. If he resigns, Fairfax will become the second African-American governor in Virginia history.

The state's Republican House speaker said lawmakers are hesitant to seek Northam's impeachment and are hoping he steps down instead.

'Obviously on impeachment, that's a very high standard,' Speaker Kirk Cox said. 'And so I think that's why I think we have called for the resignation. We hope that's what the governor does. I think that would obviously be less pain for everyone.'

Referring to the allegation against him, Fairfax said he was not surprised it came at a critical time: 'It's at that point that they come out with the attacks and the smears. It is unfortunate. It really is, but it's sadly a part of our politics now.'

The Associated Press is not reporting the details of the accusation because AP has not been able to corroborate it. The Washington Post said Monday that it was approached by the woman in 2017 and carefully investigated but never published a story for lack of any independent evidence.

Despite protests outside the Governor's Mansion on Saturday calls from lawmakers for Northam's resignation seemed to ease by Monday

Tara Raigns, of Petersburg, Virginia (right) reacts to Governor Northam's comments during a news conference and joined protesters outside, calling for his resignation

The Post said the woman had not told anyone about it and that the account could not be corroborated.

Fairfax denied it, and the Post was unable to find other similar allegations against him among people who knew him in college, law school or in politics.

The woman did not immediately respond Monday to a voicemail, text message or email from an AP reporter.

The allegations were first reported by Big League Politics, the news outlet that first published the yearbook image.

Last week, Northam came under fire from Republicans who have accused him of backing infanticide after he said he supported a bill loosening restrictions on late-term abortions.

Late last month, Florida's secretary of state resigned after photos surfaced of him in blackface as a Hurricane Katrina victim at a 2005 Halloween party.
The appointment of Justice Oagile Key Dingake as an adjunct professor of Law, by a leading Australian University James Cook- soon after a similar conferment by the University of Cape Town, is confirmation of his intellectual depth. Dingakes appointment was made on the 18th, December 2018. It makes him an Adjunct Professor of Law in the College of Business, Law and Governance.

Dingake is one of the most celebrated judges the country has ever produced. Some people believe that he is the greatest judge Botswana has ever produced, whose services are now sought in many jurisdictions. He is currently a Judge of the Supreme and National Courts of Papua New Guinea in the Pacific, North of Australia. He is also a Judge of the Residual Special Court of Sierra Leone (RSCSL) appointed by the Secretary General of the United Nations in 2013.Dingake is armed with a PhD in Law from the University of Cape Town; an LLM from the University of London and an LLB from the University of Botswana. He has a number of post graduates certificates in international development studies and political economy of development from the University of Oslo and London School of Economics.

He has been recognised as an exceptional and distinguished scholar by a number of Universities around the globe, including the University of Pretoria, Cape Town and James Cook University in Australia. The latter recently, in December, 2018, appointed him Adjunct Professor of Law. This is the second Professorship in Law that has been conferred on him by an international university after the conferment by the University of Cape Town. Confirming the appointment to Botswana Guardian, Dingake said it is expected that his engagement with the University will include sharing his extensive knowledge of the law with the University community; engaging with students and staff in legal research in areas of his expertise.

It is also expected that in my role as Adjunct Professor, I will consult with the University and faculty executive on engagement with South East Asia and with African states. I am obviously elated by the increased recognition, on a global stage, of my scholarship and jurisprudential output as a judge nationally and internationally, Dingake said. In the last 15 years Dingake served in the Botswana judiciary and left an unprecedented mark in the development of the law in the country. His colleagues in the legal fraternity cite cases in Diau, Maphanyane, Mmusi, BOPEU, Bah and Mathambo as pure classics.

They say, intellectually, for a long time he and Justice Kirby ruled supreme. They say the two only differed in terms of philosophical outlook. Dingake was regarded by many as progressive and Kirby as conservative. Those who worked closely with him say the last decade in Botswana judiciary could easily be characterised as the age of Judicial Case Management (JCM) and Justice Dingake. He is recognised by his peers in Africa and globally as a judicial leader. He is the Chairperson of the Rules Amendment Committee of the RSCSL; former Chairperson of the Law Reporting Committee in Botswana; Chairperson of the African Centre for Justice Innovation (ACJI); President of the Africa Judges Forum on HIV/TB, Human Rights and the Law and Chairperson of the African Think Tank on HIV, Health and Social Justice.

In 2016 Judge Dingake ran and was shortlisted as a candidate of the UN Special Rapporteur of the Independence of Judges and Lawyers.Professor Werbner of Keele University in the United Kingdom, in his book: The Making of An African Working Class- Politics, Law and Cultural Protest, discusses and contrasts the judgments of Dingake J and those of Kirby JA in labour law and concludes that some of Justice Dingake s judgements exudes amazing intellectual depth and brilliance. He actually goes so far as to say one of his judgements must be made an annexure to the Botswana Constitution. Dingake is an author of two important books - Collective Labour Law in Botswana and Individual Labour Law in Botswana.
Crown jewels belonging to the Swedish Royal Family were stolen yesterday by thieves who sped away on a speedboat.

Police were seen chasing the two suspects on a motorboat after the 'priceless' items were taken from Strangnas Cathedral in southeastern Sweden.

Two royal crowns - one belonging to King Karl IX, the other to Queen Kristina - were taken, as well as a royal orb.

Two royal crowns - one belonging to King Karl IX, the other to Queen Kristina - were taken, as well as a royal orb

Karl IX was the King of Sweden from 1604 until his death in 1611. The two crowns are the burial crowns from 1611 but were later exhumed and put on display.

Both crowns are made of gold and inset with pearls and other precious stones.

Christofer Lundgren, dean of the cathedral, said: 'This is part of the national cultural heritage - this is a theft from Swedish society.'

The cathedral was open to the public when the jewels were stolen from locked-up glass boxes.

Police spokesman Thomas Agnevik last night said there had been no arrests. He said: 'It's 1-0 to them right now.'

Two men were seen jumping into a motorboat outside the cathedral (pictured), which is about 50 miles from Stockholm, after the theft

He added: 'I have talked to someone at the county administrative board that says it is not possible to put an economic value on them - these are invaluable objects of national interest.

'We are looking for a small and open motorboat.

'We have some different information about how exactly the boat looked. We are now examining all the tips we receive.'

He added: 'By boat you can reach Malaren, Koping or Arboga in the west, or Vasteras, Eskilstuna or Stockholm if you drive east.

'We direct our search in all these directions.'

Eyewitness Tom Rowsell, who is getting married at the cathedral this weekend, described the incident.

He said: 'One of my friends saw two people running...I saw the boat just there, a white little boat with a motor on the back.

'The two men hurriedly jumped on board. We contacted the police and told them and they told us they had taken something from the Cathedral.

'I knew immediately they were burglars because of the way they were behaving.

'The girls said it was odd, in this small quiet town...but the fact that the boat was waiting, it was obvious to me that they were burglars.

The cathedral was open to the public when the jewels were stolen, Aftonbladet reported. Pictured left: The grave of Karl IX at the cathedral. Right: The king himself

'I think it's awful, it's despicable that people would steal from a holy building and take something of historic and monetary value. I hope the police succeed in finding them.'

Nobody was hurt during the raid.

It is not the first time the Swedish Royal jewels have been stolen.

In 2012, a 19-year-old man admitted stealing 850,000 kronor (102,000) worth of jewels from Princess Christina's apartment near the Royal Palace.

He allegedly sold most of the jewels to two drug dealers and also reportedly threw a tiara off a bridge in Stockholm.
Australia's outgoing Race Discrimination Commissioner has complained that proposed new laws targeting foreign spies are hurting the feelings of Chinese migrants.

Tim Soutphommasane, who earns a $346,000-a-year salary from taxpayers, is worried the Turnbull Government's push to legislate new espionage laws is upsetting Asians.

'It is concerning that some of the antagonism towards the Chinese party state is threatening to spill over into a general suspicion of Chinese-Australians,' the former Labor policy adviser told the National Forum on Racial Tolerance and Community Harmony in Sydney today.

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Australia's outgoing Race Discrimination Commissioner has complained that proposed new laws targeting foreign spies are hurting the feelings of Chinese migrants (Sydney's Chinatown pictured)

Tim Soutphommasane, who earns a $346,000-a-year salary from taxpayers, is worried the Turnbull Government's push to legislate new espionage laws is upsetting people

'Many Chinese-Australian members of the community have expressed this apprehension to me.'

Dr Soutphommasane, who was appointed by Labor as an Australian Human Rights Commission officer in 2013, made the comments six months after former New South Wales Labor premier Kristina Keneally accused the Turnbull Government of being 'Chinaphobic'.

In December, Labor's unsuccessful Bennelong by-election candidate claimed the government had politically exploited former Labor senator Sam Dastyari's link to Chinese Communist Party-linked businessman Huang Xiangmo.

'There is an element of Chinaphobia that is rippling through Malcolm Turnbull and the Liberals' rhetoric,' Ms Keneally, who is now a NSW senator, said.

'It's quite unhelpful.'

She failed to win the former Labor seat off Liberal MP John Alexander, despite people of Chinese descent making up 21 per cent of the electorate in Sydney's north, but went on to replace Mr Dastyari in the Senate in February.

Former NSW Labor premier Kristina Keneally accused Malcolm Turnbull of 'Chinaphobia'

Ms Keneally accused the government of politically exploiting former Labor senator Sam Dastyari's link to Chinese Communist Party-linked businessman Huang Xiangmo

With four by-elections to held on July 28, federal Attorney-General Christian Porter is pressuring the Labor Opposition to support the Turnbull Government's proposed new foreign interference and espionage laws before that time.

'You weaken a democracy by creating a sense of division or dysfunction and you can very easily do that by placing opinions and trying to affect opinions and just causing general chaos in the context of elections,' Mr Porter told the ABC's Insiders program on Sunday.

Dr Soutphommasane, who was born in France to Laotian parents in 1982, conceded new foreign influence laws were needed to stamp out undue Chinese interference on Australian politics.

'We have seen an intensification of debate about foreign influence  in particular, that of the Chinese Communist Party,' he said.

'This is an important issue, and it is vital there is proportionate action taken to eliminate foreign influence aimed at disrupting and undermining our democratic institutions.'

Dr Soutphommasane's tenure ends in August.

With four by-elections to held on July 28, Attorney-General Christian Porter wants Labor to support the Turnbull Government's proposed new foreign interference and espionage laws
A senior cabinet minister who was hit in the face by a flying dildo, sued by Eminem and ridiculed for an $11.7billion mistake has quit.

Steven Joyce announced on Tuesday he was stepping down as an MP in New Zealand.

Mr Joyce had served as Finance Minister and led the National Party's election campaign five times - but he is best known internationally as being on the receiving end of a flying dildo hurled by a protester.

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Steven Joyce announced on Tuesday he was stepping down as an MP in New Zealand

Mr Joyce had served as Finance Minister and led the National Party's election campaign five times - but he is best known internationally as being on the receiving end of a flying dildo hurled by a protester

Mr Joyce's resignation comes after he made a failed attempt at the leadership of the party, which was won by Simon Bridges.

'I have had a wonderful time in this place,' Mr Joyce said.

'With the recent change of National Party leadership I have had the opportunity to consider again what I would like to do over the next several years.'

Mr Joyce said he was offered a place on the Opposition frontbench with a 'choice of portfolio' by Mr Bridges, but decided it was 'time for [Mr Bridges] to get a new team around him to take National forward'.

Mr Joyce, then the Economic Development Minister, copped a sex toy on the chin after it was thrown at him by Christchurch nurse Josie Butler at Waitangi on February 5, 2016.

Ms Butler was protesting New Zealand's involvement in the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, which was due to be signed in Wellington.

Mr Joyce, then the Economic Development Minister, copped a sex toy on the chin after it was thrown at him by Christchurch nurse Josie Butler at Waitangi on February 5, 2016

Ms Butler was protesting New Zealand's involvement in the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, which was due to be signed in the coming days

She said the dildo toss was for a 'really good cause, and a good way of getting the community involved'.

Mr Joyce has been a frequent target for ridicule from Last Week Tonight host John Oliver.

Rapper Eminem had sued the National Party claiming they stole his song 'Lose Yourself' for a television advertisement during the 2014 election.

Asked how confident he was about the use of the song, campaign leader Mr Joyce said he felt it was 'pretty legal, I think these guys are just having a crack'.

Rapper Eminem had sued the National Party claiming they stole his song 'Lose Yourself' for a television advertisement during the 2014 election

The response drew bewilderment from Oliver, who said 'pretty legal' was 'not a concept that exists'.

'That is like being sort of dead. I want to see that man [Mr Joyce] as a defence lawyer.'

After Mr Joyce was hit in the face with the dildo, Oliver dedicated a whole segment on his show to the incident.

The clip climaxed with Lord of the Rings director Sir Peter Jackson flying a redesigned New Zealand flag featuring Mr Joyce being hit in the face by a dildo.

Ahead of the 2017 election Mr Joyce claimed the Labour party had a '$11.7billion hole' in their budget.

The claim was widely debunked, and Labour went on to form a government after the election.
The wife of an Australian millionaire podiatrist has been sentenced to 20 years' jail in the Bahamas for stabbing her world-renowned husband to death.

Donna Vasyli, 55, has been convicted of her husband's murder after Phillip Vasyli, 59, was found dead at their Caribbean home in the exclusive gated community of Old Fort Bay in March this year.

The court heard Vasyli had described her husband as the love of her life but claimed she suffered battered women's syndrome and stayed with him despite his abuse, infidelity, and drug and alcohol addiction.

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Wife of an Australian millionaire podiatrist Donna Vasyli has been sentenced to 20 years' behind bars

Phillip Vasyli was found with multiple stab wounds inside his gated community home in the Bahamas

Mr Vasyli, also an Australian and the owner of multiple podiatry clinics around the world, founded an orthotic footwear company that sells Vionic with Orthaheel Technology products.

He set up his first practice in western Sydney and had lived in the Bahamas with his wife and two children for at least 15 years.

In his 30-year career, Mr Vasyli has treated more than 50,000 people and established three Sydney practices, according to his website. He has since sold the businesses.

Vasyli's lawyer had asked for a sentence of probation, but when the judge announced the jail term, she showed no emotion.

This was in contrast to her tears and shock on October 1 when a jury announced its guilty verdict.

Donna Vasyli (pictured far right) has two children with Mr Vasyli, including daughter Lauren (pictured far left)

Donna Vasyli (third from right) helps her husband run his not-for-profit organisation, Vasyli Foundation

The podiatrist had 30 years' experience and had started up three practices in Sydney

The sentence follows after Acting Chief Justice Stephen Isaacs described the incident as 'a domestic dispute gone horribly wrong', the Nassau Guardian reported.

Vasyli had initially denied she stabbed or fought with her husband and claimed marks on her hands were due to laser treatments.

She previously told family and friends during a court appearance earlier this year: 'I'll be out,' and blew kisses to her supporters.

It is believed Mr Vasyli owned two houses in the Old Fort Bay area inside the gated community

Vasyli had been in custody since the body of her husband was found with numerous stab wounds in the couple's luxury home just west of Nassau, the Bahamas capital.

Local police said the married father-of-two had been dead for about seven hours before a worker found him.

Detectives originally took Vasyli into custody following the discovery, saying she was a person of interest in the investigation.
The money was allegedly laundered and reinvested in Dubai

Imran Yakub Ahmed, from Preston, is wanted over 1 bi llion fraud in Italy

A British national is wanted by Italian police in connection with a fraud of more than a billion pounds.

Imran Yakub Ahmed, from Preston, is accused of defrauding the Italian state out of 1.15 billion - (1.17 billion) in VAT.

Imran Yakub Ahmed, who is wanted over a fraud of more than a billion euros.

A spokesman for the prosecutor confirmed their investigation involved a number of European passport holders - including one Briton from an immigrant community - and was 'almost complete'.

Police are investigating 38 people and 11 of those are still wanted for questioning, including 40-year-old businessman Ahmed.

Italian authorities claim Ahmed worked with another company and used stolen identities and fake corporations, to buy and sell carbon credits at marked up prices

Ahmed came to the attention of the Italian authorities in 2010.

Ahmed administered the SF Energy Trading company in Milan, working with another Italy-based company to buy and sell carbon credits. The credits are traded between firms and states to meet their international environmental commitments, under the Kyoto Protocol.

The two companies allegedly used stolen identities and links to fake corporations in China to run the scam, in which carbon certificates were bought in France, Germany, Holland and the UK, then sold on to unsuspecting customers with an added cost of 20 per cent VAT.

The tax was never paid to Italian authorities, but was allegedly transferred to bank accounts in Cyprus and Hong Kong, before ending up in Dubai.
Iron ore miner Ferrexpo was on a downhill slide after launching an investigation into its charitable donations.

Ferrexpo's auditor Deloitte has found 'unexplained discrepancies' in the bank statements of Blooming Land, a Ukrainian charity which was set up to manage the miner's corporate and social responsibility programme.

This involves providing medical and social services to communities across Ukraine, though Blooming Land is not managed by Ferrexpo.

The FTSE 250 iron company said it donated 7.3million to Blooming Land in the first half of last year, but is launching an independent review to determine why the charity's bank statements do not seem to align with its own.

Ferrexpo's auditor Deloitte has found 'unexplained discrepancies' in the bank statements of Blooming Land

Deloitte found the discrepancies when verifying that Blooming Land was using Ferrexpo's contributions correctly.

The auditor warned its discovery of the potential errors might prompt it to qualify, or even modify its audit opinion relating to Ferrexpo's 2018 accounts, which are due on March 20.

The worrying announcement came just days after Ferrexpo's senior independent director Simon Lockett, the former boss of Premier Oil, resigned with immediate effect.

Shares in the company tumbled 7.9 per cent, or 20.8p, to 241.3p.

A clutch of smaller miners and drillers also disappointed investors yesterday.

Stock Watch - Transense Car sensor business Transense shot up after revealing its technology would be used by the US army. GE Aviation, which uses Transenses technology under licence, was selected to help re-engine the armys Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters. The army is planning to replace more than 6,000 engines, which will all include Transenses Surface Acoustic Wave sensor. Shares climbed 14.9 per cent, or 6.5p, to 50p.

Mixed results from a well at the Brockham Oil Field, south of London in Dorking, pushed down shares in its owners Angus Energy and Alba Mineral Resources.

Angus said that the well had been deepened from 960 metres to 1,155 metres, after delays throughout December and January due to component failures.

But it hit water during the drill, and will now need to engineer a work-around to isolate the water and produce undiluted oil.

Chief executive George Bingham, who is Lord Lucan's son, said: 'The water zone is obviously an unexpected hindrance but, with natural flow to surface and evidence of oil, we remain quietly optimistic of achieving commercial success at Brockham.'

Bingham  the 8th Earl of Lucan, whose father disappeared after the murder of the family nanny in 1974  only took the helm at Angus last week after a boardroom battle.

Previous boss Paul Vonk stepped down ahead of a vote on his removal, which had been put forward by two secretive shareholders.

Angus had claimed one of them was connected to its previous chairman Jonathan Tidswell-Pretorius, who left the company last year. Following the Brockham announcement, shares slid 21.4 per cent, or 1.5p, to 5.5p.

Alba Mineral Resources, which also owns part of the oil field's licence, dipped 8.9 per cent, or 0.03p, to 0.26p.

Firestone Diamonds, which operates the Liqhobong Diamond Mine in Lesotho, said it had treated less ore in the last three months of 2018 and recovered fewer carats.

Though it was still on track to meet full-year guidance, shares fell 8.7 per cent, or 0.25p, to 2.62p.

Back on the FTSE 250, drugs company Indivior  which makes treatments for heroin addiction  slipped 1.5 per cent, or 1.75p, to 113.15p after announcing a pair of deals.

First it said it was selling its rights to the Sai Bo Song tablet in China to Zhejiang Pukang Biotechnology, for up to 94million.

Secondly, it had stopped its competitor Alvogen Pine Brook from selling a copycat version of its dissolvable film dug in the US.

Alvogen agreed not to import or sell the treatment until US courts dropped the injunction that had already been granted against Indivior's rival Dr Reddy's Laboratories.

After an uneventful day, relatively devoid of political upset, the FTSE 100 edged up 0.2 per cent, or 13.91 points, to 7034.13 points.
I'm heading to Goa soon and didn't realise I couldn't get rupees in Britain to take away with me.

I'm concerned about being ripped off in India when it comes to exchanging money. Why can't I get the currency here?

What tips do you have for me to avoid getting stung in India? Is it best to get a prepaid currency card or are there other options?

Worthless: 500 and 1,000 rupee notes were scrapped in 2016 to try and crack down on fraud in India

Grace Gausden, This is Money, replies: It has been the case for a couple of years that it is not possible to take rupees in and out of India - and many travellers may not realise it.

In an effort to crack down on fraud, the Indian government announced in 2013 it was going to more heavily regulate rupees and ban people from taking the currency in or out of the country.

This also led to 500 and 1,000 rupee notes being scrapped in 2016 with The Reserve Bank of India, India's Central bank, saying: 'High denomination notes have been misused by terrorists and for hoarding black money.'

At the time, the 500 and 1,000 rupee notes made up 86 per cent of the currency in circulation. It was a bold - and somewhat controversial move - by the Government to cut the notes completely.

Furthermore, 90 per cent of monetary transactions made in India in 2016 were with cash, resulting in a huge change for the country.

Subsequently, billions of rupee notes were quickly removed from circulation, leading to massive cash shortages across India and a restriction on how much currency people could withdraw each day from banks, cash machines and exchange bureaus.

Currently, the only people able to take rupees into the country are Indian citizens but even that amount is limited to 7,500 rupees - 79.94 in sterling at the time of writing.

Tourists can only bring cash or travellers cheques in another currency and a bank card which you can exchange money with once in India.

This can cause travellers no end of bother as they won't have any local currency with them when they arrive in India which could lead to trouble, for example, trying to pay for transport such as a taxi from the airport to their destination.

It is advised that travelers bring cash with them, either in sterling or US dollars and in 5 or 10 denominations, as it is easier for Indian bureaux to exchange.

It is also recommended that these notes are clean - otherwise they may not be accepted.

People travelling to India are unable to bring rupees with them

When in India, it is possible to exchange currency through a traditional exchange bureau at the airport.

However, as could be expected, the exchange rates are likely to be poor.

Cash machines are also an option but they are not found as frequently as they are in Britain - and many are old fashioned, or may not work, adding stress to your trip.

There are also 'informal' money sellers on the streets, but to avoid being ripped off, tourists are warned to be careful and make sure they are not given old, worthless notes.

One of the best ways to get your money when in India is to take a pre-paid travel card.

These will allow you to load money onto your card and use it in cash machines abroad to withdraw money in the local currency.

One of the most popular travel cards is Halifax's Clarity credit card. This allows cardholders to take out money overseas without receiving a charge - although ATM machines may add their own fees.

George Day, digital marketing manager at WeSwap, replies: As the Indian rupee is a closed currency, holidaymakers aren't able to purchase the currency online or pick up rupees up from a Post Office or travel agent.

Even UK airport bureax de change aren't able to exchange your pounds for rupees and, as such, the only way to get them is to buy them in India.

Despite this, it is still perfectly fine to sign up for a pre-paid card in the UK and withdraw once you get to India.

Some travellers may be tempted to exchange their money at the airport once they arrive.

We advise against this as not only are the exchange rates consistently poor but you are faced with additional costs in the form of heavy commissions on your exchange.

Popular: Many Britons head to India every year to soak in the culture and sights such as the Taj Mahal, pictured - but may not realise currency complications

There are two ways you can ensure you are getting a good exchange rate for your pounds.

Firstly, the most secure option would be to use a pre-paid travelcard to withdraw Indian rupees from an ATM.

When choosing your travel card, watch out for additional charges such as bank and card fees and always choose to withdraw your money in the local currency rather than have it converted.

Your advice Have you visited India in recent years? What did you do when it came to currency? Let us know in the reader comments section below...

Many of India's international airports have ATMs available.

Otherwise, there are ATMs throughout India that will allow you to withdraw in local currency.

However, most tourist places will accept card and so, with a prepaid travel card, you may not need as much cash as you might think.

For the most part, the only places that seem to not accept cards are smaller shops, so it helps to have a little cash to hand.

Secondly and - the least secure due to its informal nature - is to exchange your pounds with money changers on the street.

They usually offer really good rates compared with bureaux de change. However, when exchanging, make sure you check to see that the notes you receive aren't out of circulation.

Exchange: Millions of people around India had to queue to change their 500 and 1,000 rupees

Andrew Brown, Post Office Travel Money expert commentator, replies: We would recommend either taking sterling or US dollars to exchange in India.

These are hard currencies, meaning they are not likely to depreciate suddenly or to fluctuate greatly in value, so people are happy to accept them.

While dollars are good at the moment because of the volatility of sterling, it does mean changing cash first into dollars and then into rupees on arrival which means two transactions so sterling could be regarded as cheaper.

For safety, we would recommend carrying this on one of our sterling or US dollar Travel Money Cards as these are widely accepted and secure as they are not linked to bank accounts.

There are plenty of bureau de change in the airport so you can change sterling (or dollar) notes into rupees on arrival. If changing notes, it is very important to ensure that these are in good pristine quality.

Old marked notes are unlikely to be accepted, for example, ink marks and scribbles on notes make them unacceptable.

Your reader should get notes from the bank, a Post Office or cash machine and make sure they have different denominations.

Bureaux will be happy to change small amounts into rupees so 5 and 10 notes are good.
The tussle over the future of UK-based regional airline Flybe is one of those bids which makes you want to reach for a cold compress.

What is plain is that fighting over the carcass of the carrier at this stage is a waste of energy.

The companys biggest investor Hosking Partners, with 19 per cent of the carrier, has decided there is something rum about the consortium bid led by Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Group and Cyrus Capital.

Flybe's biggest investor Hosking Partners has decided there is something rum about the consortium bid led by Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Group and Cyrus Capital

It fears the board is selling the airline, which flies to 81 airports in the UK and Europe, on the cheap.

The solution it proposes is to replace chairman Simon Laffin with its own nominee, industry veteran Eric Kohn, and eliminate a perceived conflict of interest.

Laffin formerly worked at another Virgin-branded outfit, Northern Rock.

One can understand the anxiety of Hosking and private investors in Flybe who have seen the value of the carrier plunge from 210million, when it was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 2010, to just 2.2million.

Nobody likes to see equity wiped out as I, as an investor in HMV, another company on its back, could testify.

Airlines are difficult beasts and as Monarch and other carriers that have failed could testify, confidence drains away very quickly.

Passengers who have booked ahead using credit cards not surprisingly seek to retreat. This leaves the credit card processors as big creditors.

No one wants to book a flight with an airline which may go out of business before it flies and might face delays and cancellations as it seeks to bring down costs.

The overriding interest in such circumstances must be keeping the carrier in the skies, making sure loyal customers are not let down and that the livelihoods and pensions of the 2,350 or so staff are kept as safe as possible.

By providing working capital of up to 100million, the consortium is doing just that. Just to add another level of complication, one of the biggest investors, former Stobart chief executive and big investor Andrew Tinkler, has indicated he might be willing to make his own bid.

Tinkler, who is already involved in a court room conflict with his former employers, is reportedly seeking to put funding together.

But whether he could actually muster the resources to keep Flybe in the air is a moot point. Disclosures in court documents about his expenses when at Stobart have already raised eyebrows.

As we report today, he also is being probed by the Isle of Man authorities over the alleged misuse of a private jet for commercial purposes, an apparent breach of regulations.

At a moment when overcapacity in the no-frills airline industry appears to be a big factor, the mighty Ryanair was a loss maker in the third quarter, so Flybe is fortunate to have found some safety.

Hosking should call off the dogs. And Tinkler has more than enough on his plate without complicating the picture.

Confidence trick

The defiance of the economy in the face of political wrangling over Brexit has been remarkable, especially in terms of employment. But even optimists might begin to worry that a further long period of uncertainty could wipe out some of employment and fiscal gains.

Data from the construction sector is always lumpy, and the cranes over the London and Manchester sky lines would suggest all is still well.

Latest figures from the sector shows the purchasing managers index at its lowest level in ten months, and hovering close to the 50-mark which would signal contraction.

The Office for National Statistics shows that in spite of an increase in real disposable income per head of 0.7 per cent in the third quarter of 2018, there has been a levelling off in citizens well-being and perception of the future has been worsening.

At the same time some 55 per cent of financial services professionals say they are less optimistic about economic prospects than last year. Time for politicians, on all sides of the Brexit debate, to wake up and smell the coffee.

Big number

Fearful that 41 trillion of derivatives contracts could tumble into the Channel on March 29? Then dont be.

The Bank of England has announced it has reached a deal with the European Securities and Markets Authority on mutual recognition of transactions should there be a No Deal Brexit.

It was a good scare while it lasted.
Ryanair has announced a boardroom shake-up after suffering its first quarterly loss for five years.

Chief executive Michael O'Leary said he will remain at the top of the airline for another five years, but in a different role.

And American billionaire David Bonderman is stepping down as chairman in summer 2020 after more than 20 years in the job.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary said he will remain at the top of the airline for another five years as it was revealed the airline had as Ryanair swung to a 19m in the final three months of 2018

The shake-up came as Ryanair swung to a 'disappointing' 19million in the final three months of 2018, its first quarterly loss since early 2014.

The loss was down from a profit of 99million in the third quarter of 2017.

The firm was hit by a 6 per cent fall in air fares amid stiff competition in the short-haul market in Europe

Ryanair said this overcapacity was unlikely to change  meaning it cannot raise ticket prices  and that more airlines were likely to fail this year as a result.

Ryanair's share price fell as much as 5 per cent in early trading, before closing down 2.3 per cent, or 28 cents, to 11.18.

Announcing an overhaul of the company's structure, O'Leary, 57, said he will stay at the airline for a further five years, but will step back into a different role.

The company will become 'a group structure not dissimilar to IAG', the parent company of British Airways, Ryanair said.

This means it will have a small senior management team overseeing its four units  Dublin-based Ryanair, Austria-based Laudamotion, Poland's Ryanair Sun and Ryanair UK.

Stan McCarthy, who joined Ryanair's board in 2017, will take over from Bonderman, 76  although Ryanair said 'a legend like David Bonderman will be a very hard act to follow'.

O'Leary had previously said he was unsure if he would stay for another five years. 'I'm not sure Mrs O'Leary would be very happy,' he told the AGM last summer.
In November 2017, Amanda Thomas's doctors told her she had one week to live.

After not feeling well following a car accident, the 30-year-old was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of brain cancer.

The tumor wraps around the brain and it is very resistant to chemotherapy. Surgery was also not an option.

But one doctor in her home state of North Carolina had seen this kind of tumor before and told Thomas there was a clinical trial drug that could help treat her.

Today, Thomas's tumor has significantly shrunk and she says she wants to share her story to encourage patients in a similar situation to never give up.

Amanda Thomas, 30 (left and right), from Charlotte, North Carolina, went to the hospital in November 2017 after not feeling well following a car accident. An MRI showed she had a rare, aggressive brain tumor called H3 K27M mutant glioma

The tumor wraps around the brain and it is very resistant to chemotherapy. Surgery was not an option. Pictured: Amanda in the hospital in March 2018 while she was undergoing chemotherapy

When Thomas began having headaches following the car crash, her mother, Ann Nguyen, was worried her daughter had a concussion.

They went to the hospital where doctors performed an MRI on Thomas, and she was diagnosed with H3 K27M mutant glioma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

According to the Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina, this tumor 'wraps around the brain like a spider web' and does not often respond to radiation or chemotherapy.

The tumors are grade IV, the most deadly form, and the two-year survival rate is less than 10 percent.

'Her tumor was really large and very deep within the brain,' Dr Ashley Sumrall, a hematologist and oncologist at the Levine Cancer Institute told PEOPLE. 'When I got involved in her case, she was dying.'

Dr Sumrall told Thomas that the type of brain tumor she had qualified her for Phase 2 of a clinical trial for a drug.

However, because it was not available commercially, guidelines dictated taht it needed to be seen if radiation or chemotherapy would work first Thomas's mother, Ann, told DailyMail.com.

Thomas underwent radiation for about six weeks and then chemotherapy, but she had a bad reaction to it.

That's when Thomas was approved for the clinical trial as a last resort.

'At first, I'm not going to lie, I was like: "Five pills [in] one week, I don't know if I can do this",' Thomas told WSOC-TV. 'But I gave it a try. It was the best thing I did in my life.'

The drug is called ONC201, an experimental oncology pill developed by drug company Oncoceutics.

It crosses the blood-brain barrier and targets pathways in the tumor that have receptors and blocks them so the tumor can't grow.

From there, it kills cancer cells - most importantly without killing normal cells and with little to no side effects.

Dr Ashley Sumrall told Thomas (left and right) that the tumor she had qualified her for a Phase 2 clinical trial of a drug called ONC201. It targets pathways in the tumor to stop it from growing and kills cancer cells without killing normal cells

Thomas's tumor has shrunken down to less than half its size and doctors will continue to monitor her. Pictured: Thomas, right, with her husband Joshua

'Traditionally someone with a tumor like hers should have passed away months ago,' Dr Sumrall told PEOPLE.

'But we know some patients on this drug have seen their tumors shrink by 90 percent.'

A 2017 study conducted by Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey found that the drug also helped shrink the tumors of patients with prostate and endometrial cancer.

According to a Facebook post written in November by Thomas's husband Joshua, her tumor has shrunken from 45cm down to 17cm.

Doctors are continuing to monitor Thomas because they don't know what her prognosis will be, but she says she's happy she has more time to spend with her husband and play with her dog.

She also wants to encourage other cancer patients to consider pursing other treatment options than traditional chemotherapy and radiation.

'For someone to say that you're only going to live for maybe a week, to living for 11 months now - that's a huge difference,' she told Atrium Health.
Despite a fall in the number of people drinking alcohol, booze-related hospital admissions have risen every year since 2008 - with new figures showing that the older generation are fueling the increase.

Official statistics show that baby boomers are ignoring drinking guidelines, with English people aged 55 to 64 the most likely to be admitted to hospital because of alcohol-related problems.

Coming in second place are people aged 45 to 54 and then those aged 65 to 74 - as drinking levels among young people continue to fall.

In total, 338,000 people were admitted to hospital because of issues caused by alcohol - an increase from 293,520 a decade earlier.

And 69 per cent of these hospital admissions were for people aged 45 and over.

Alcohol-related hospital admissions have risen every year since 2008, with people aged between 55-64 the most likely to be affected (FILE photo)

In total, 1.17 million hospital admissions in England last year had alcohol as the main reason, or as one of the secondary diagnoses.

This was 7.2 per cent of the overall number of hospital admissions and was three per cent higher than in 2016/17, NHS Digital said.

The number is similar to 2016/17, but 15 per cent higher than a decade ago.

'Alcohol in England is without a doubt at crisis point and worse still, we start another year with no dedicated strategy from Government for tackling alcoholism in this country,' Eytan Alexander, chief executive of addiction treatment specialists UKAT, said.

'The numbers speak for themselves, and it's time to admit that change is needed in order to help the NHS and to help those most vulnerable in society.'

In total, 1.17 million hospital admissions in England last year had alcohol as the main reason, or as one of the secondary diagnoses (File photo)

The number of deaths known to be a consequence of alcohol misuse has also risen, according to figures published in December.

There were around 5,800 alcohol-specific deaths in England in 2017, which was 6% higher than 2016 and up 16% from 2007.

A spokeswoman for NHS England said: 'Alcohol addiction remains one of the biggest causes of ill health and early death, yet the right support can save lives.

'The NHS Long Term Plan introduced new measures including expert teams to work in hospitals across the country providing timely care for alcohol dependent patients and their families.'

The proportion of people drinking to dangerous levels has fallen between 2011 and 2017, according to NHS Digital figures. Men drinking at an increased or higher risk of harm decreased by six per cent, and by four per cent in women

The latest data comes as evidence suggests that Britons are falling out of love with booze.

The number of adults drinking more than the recommended 14 units of alcohol a week has fallen significantly.

Just one in seven women, and one in four men, are breaching the limit. In 2011, it was one in five women and one in three men.

Two friends help their companion in Birmingham (file photo)

Experts said the findings were a sign that public health warnings were finally getting through. However, the NHS report also showed that deaths from alcohol abuse have risen 16 per cent in a decade to 5,800 a year.

Drink has become one of the biggest reasons for severe illness among the middle-aged, causing heart disease, liver disease, cancer and dementia. The report also found that:

Alcohol-related hospital admissions have risen 15 per cent to 338,000 a year;

Heavy drinkers aged 55 to 64 were the most likely to need treatment;

High-income households were the least likely to stick to alcohol guidelines;

Girls aged 11 to 15 are getting drunk more often than boys of the same age.

The Alcohol Information Partnership, which represents the drinks industry, said the figures showed the country's 'relationship' with alcohol was changing.

'More people are choosing to drink for pleasure, rather than to get drunk and for a great many of them the trend is toward choosing fewer, better quality drinks,' a spokesman said.

'This reflects a maturing relationship with alcohol  the negative image of 'Boozy Brits' is increasingly out of date.

'To encourage this pattern of sensible drinking across the board, we need to see more targeted measures which address the small minority of drinkers who drink to harmful levels and need to change their habits.'

Susannah Brown of the World Cancer Research Fund said the figures were a good start in the fight against excessive drinking. But she added: 'While fewer people are drinking at harmful levels, the increase in alcohol-specific deaths shows that a culture shift is still needed for those who are.

The data also showed that hospital admissions where alcohol was the primary reason have increased over the past decade by 15 per cent

Salford, Manchester, was the local authority with the highest rate of hospital-admissions relating to alcohol in 2017/18, at 3,430 per 100,000, compared to Wokingham, Surrey, with the lowest rate at 1,410

'Drinking alcohol is a cause of six different types of cancer, so we want to see governments do more to encourage and empower people to cut down on the amount of alcohol they drink by creating environments that make it easier to make healthier choices.

'We advise not drinking alcohol  however cutting down by having alcohol-free days each week, is a positive start.'

The 14-unit limit, established in 2016, allows for men and women to drink no more than the equivalent of a small, 150ml glass of wine a day.

But sales of gin up 23% ... in Dry January! Despite the fall in problem drinking, sales of alcohol  and especially gin  surged last month as 'Ginuary' clashed with 'Dry January'. An estimated 4.2million Britons gave up booze for the month, but total sales rose by 10 per cent year on year. Gin was up by 23 per cent, according to retail analysts Kantar Worldpanel. Spokesman Fraser McKevitt said: 'Alcohol performed well over the month, though this was helped by a strong New Year's Eve. 'All in all, 53 per cent of households bought alcohol in January.' The biggest sales jump of all was by low-alcohol and no-alcohol beers, up by 79 per cent, as those feeling the effects from a sodden December embraved Dry January. The campaign began as a charity drive in 2013, when just 5,000 people stopped drinking for a month and gave the money they saved to good causes. Today, many of the millions who join in are motivated more by the health benefits, which can include significant weight loss. A rival  and somewhat incompatible  campaign to celebrate Ginuary has been embraced by those unwilling to give up spirits after the festive season. Sales have seen such a major lift in recent years that gin has now been added to the official basket of goods used to calculate inflation alongside baked beans and bread. More than 275 gin distilleries now operate in the UK. The drink has undergone a remarkable transformation from the scourge of the 18th-century working classes to a style-statement drink. Once demonised as 'Mother's ruin', it provoked governments to impose punishing taxes and severe restrictions on sales. Consumption then flatlined until the 1970s when gin and tonic became a popular middle-class tipple. Now more than half of all gin drinkers are under 35 and many prefer upmarket brands which add 'botanicals' such as coriander seeds, angelica roots, rhubarb and even seaweed. Advertisement

Yesterday's report from NHS Digital showed that in 2011, 34 per cent of men and 18 per cent of women regularly exceeded that amount. But by 2017  the most recent year for which figures are available  that had fallen to 28 per cent of men and 14 per cent of women.

Alcohol-related hospital admissions have risen 15 per cent over a decade to 338,000 a year. Almost a quarter of were for cancer, while a similar proportion involved accidental injuries.

The report suggested that although overall consumption appears to be falling, excess drinking is still a problem.

Those aged 55 to 64 were the most likely to have been admitted to hospital because of alcohol-related diseases and injuries. Higher income households were the most likely to exceed the 14-unit guidelines each week.

The figures showed that girls aged 11 to 15 were more likely to have been drunk in the past four weeks than boys of the same age.

Public health chiefs have launched a number of campaigns, including one urging regular drinkers to set a weekly target of two consecutive non-drinking days to improve health and avoid dependency.

Last night a spokesman for NHS England said: 'Alcohol addiction remains one of the biggest causes of ill health and early death, yet the right support can save lives.

'The NHS long-term plan introduced new measures including expert teams to work in hospitals across the country providing timely care for alcohol-dependent patients and their families.'

Chris Snowden, of the Institute of Economic Affairs, a free-market think tank, said efforts should be focused on the worst drinkers instead of those who enjoyed the occasional tipple.

He said: 'We have seen a big decline in alcohol consumption over the past 15 years, but this has not translated into better health outcomes.

'It suggests that the 'public health' approach of lowering average consumption in the hope that the heaviest drinkers will miraculously decide to consume less does not work.

'Efforts to turn moderate drinkers into light drinkers are futile. It is the small minority of genuinely heavy drinkers who should be the focus of harm reduction.'

The UK now ranks 18th out of 44 countries for weekly alcohol consumption. It was 16th in 2000.
Experts have called on the WHO to declare an international public emergency

The disease has had a death rate of 61 per cent since it began in August

At least 785 people have been infected in the DRC's ongoing Ebola outbreak

The Ebola outbreak ravaging the Democratic Republic of the Congo has become an international health emergency, experts warn.

More political, financial and technical support is desperately needed to battle the deadly epidemic, the group of experts said.

At least 484 people have died since the virus took hold in August and 785 people have been infected  a death rate of 61 per cent.

A detailed map has revealed how the lethal virus has spread across the African nation as fears grow Ebola may spread to nearby countries such as South Sudan.

Detailed map reveals how Ebola has spread through the Democratic Republic of Congo

The rate of infection and death from Ebola has been rising since the outbreak began in August last year  it took more than two months (August 5 to October 21) for the first 200 cases to be confirmed, then 272 people were infected between November 4 and December 25

Health workers continue to track down people who have come into contact with Ebola patients and to vaccinate those living in and around the areas where it's spreading in the North Kivu and Ituri provinces of Democratic Republic of the Congo (Pictured: a health worker takes a woman's temperature)

A group of world health experts wrote in British medical journal The Lancet this week and said the outbreak is 'not under control'.

They said 'bold measures' are needed to stop it and called on the World Health Organization to take 'drastic action'.

The African nation's epidemic has been riddled with twists and turns making fighting it more difficult.

Health workers and quarantine camps have been attacked by militants, some people are distrustful of aid workers, and unofficial medical centres in people's front rooms have contributed to the disease's spread.

'The epidemic is not under control,' said the article's lead auther, Lawrence Gostin, a global health faculty director at Georgetown University in Washington DC.

Professor Gostin and his colleagues say the World Health Organization should consider declaring the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

This alert, a PHEIC, has only been used four times in the past  for the last major Ebola outbreak in 2014, the Swine flu outbreak in 2009, a resurgence of Polio in 2014, and the Zika outbreak in South America in 2016, according to The Telegraph.

A map produced by the World Health Organization shows how areas of Sierra Leone closest to the country's border with Guinea were worst affected during the Ebola outbreak of 2014-2016

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been raging on for six months and has killed nearly 500 people  experts warned it should be designated as an international health emergency in an article in the medical journal The Lancet (Pictured: Soldiers have their boots and tyres sprayed with bleach to try and stop the spread of the virus)

Invoking a PHEIC would require another meeting of the WHO's emergency committee, which last met in October when the death toll was just 139.

The academics wrote: 'WHO, the DRC Government, and non-government organisation partners have shown remarkable leadership but are badly stretched.

'The outbreak remains far from controlled, risking a long-term epidemic with regional, perhaps global, impacts.'

They worry dense populations and regular migration could spread the illness  300,000 refugees have fled to Uganda since the outbreak began.

THE HISTORY OF EBOLA IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO SINCE THE KILLER VIRUS WAS FIRST DISCOVERED THERE IN 1976 CASES DEATHS DEATH % STRAIN AREA 1976 318 280 88% Zaire Yambuku (Equater) 1977 1 1 100% Zaire Tandala 1995 315 250 79% Zaire Kikwit 2007 264 187 71% Zaire Luebo/Mweke 2008/09 32 15 47% Zaire Luebo/Mweke 2012 36 13 36% Bundibugyo Orientale 2014 69 49 71% Zaire Equater 2017 8 4 50% Zaire Likati 2018 (May) 54 33 61% Zaire Kinshasa 2018-ongoing 785 484 62% Zaire North Kivu/Ituri

A TIMELINE OF THE CURRENT EBOLA OUTBREAK Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is announced by the World Health Organization on August 5th . Most of the cases are in Mabalako.

. Most of the cases are in Mabalako. Within two weeks, the number of cases in Mabalako have doubled to reach 84, while the deaths have jumped from 28 to 48. Nowhere else has double-digit cases.

The killer virus is spotted in Kalanguta on September 2nd . Just one week later, a confirmed case and death crops up in Masareka  another small village.

. Just one week later, a confirmed case and death crops up in Masareka  another small village. On September 23 , two confirmed cases and one confirmed death are announced in Tchomia  the second town in Ituri province to be struck down.

, two confirmed cases and one confirmed death are announced in Tchomia  the second town in Ituri province to be struck down. By the end of September , there are 150 cases and 100 deaths, mostly all occurring in Mabalako (90/65). Ebola is beginning to take hold of the city of Beni, too.

, there are 150 cases and 100 deaths, mostly all occurring in Mabalako (90/65). Ebola is beginning to take hold of the city of Beni, too. At the beginning of October , aid workers confirm one case in Komanda  another town in the Ituri province, which borders Uganda and South Sudan.

, aid workers confirm one case in Komanda  another town in the Ituri province, which borders Uganda and South Sudan. Beni - home to 232,000 people - becomes the hub of the Ebola outbreak by the end of the month, with nearly half of the 274 cases in total.

Between November 4 and November 11 , confirmed cases of the lethal virus are spotted in Vuhovi, Kyondo and Mutwonga.

and , confirmed cases of the lethal virus are spotted in Vuhovi, Kyondo and Mutwonga. By the end of the fourth month of the outbreak, Beni remains at the centre. However, dozens of cases have been recorded in Kalanguta and Katwa.

In the run-up to Christmas , a case is confirmed in Biena in North Kivu. On Christmas Day itself, a case and death are confirmed in Nyakunde in Ituri.

, a case is confirmed in Biena in North Kivu. On Christmas Day itself, a case and death are confirmed in Nyakunde in Ituri. At the beginning of 2019 , there had been 608 cases and 368 deaths because of Ebola in the DRC. Some 225 and 137 of these were in Beni, respectively.

, there had been 608 cases and 368 deaths because of Ebola in the DRC. Some 225 and 137 of these were in Beni, respectively. Ebola is spotted in Manguredjipa on January 14 and on January 21 in Kayina  between Beni and Goma, a city home to one million people. Advertisement

Health workers in Uganda have been vaccinated and travellers are being screened at its main airport, but there is potential for carriers to slip through the net.

Neighbouring South Sudan is thought to be one of the most fragile countries in the world and couldn't tackle the outbreak as well as DRC has, they warned.

Professor Gostin added: 'Taking bold measures to prevent the spread of the disease in this country where violence is prevalent, and a famine is predicted, is critical to preventing a humanitarian disaster.'

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE WORST EVER EBOLA OUTBREAKS? 1. Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone + more YEARS: 2014-16 CASES: 28,652 DEATHS: 11,352 DEATH PERCENTAGE: 39.62% 2. Democratic Republic of Congo YEARS: 2018-ongoing CASES: 785 DEATHS: 484 DEATH PERCENTAGE: 61.66% 3. Democratic Republic of Congo YEAR: 1976 CASES: 318 DEATHS: 280 DEATH PERCENTAGE: 88.05% 4. Democratic Republic of Congo YEAR: 1995 CASES: 315 DEATHS: 250 DEATH PERCENTAGE: 79.37% 5. Uganda YEAR: 2000 CASES: 425 DEATHS: 224 DEATH PERCENTAGE: 52.71% Advertisement

Despite their warning, however, the academics feared declaring a PHEIC could result in travel or trade bans which would damage the country's economy.

In response to the article, the WHO yesterday said the DRC and nearby countries continue to monitor the situations for signs an emergency committee meeting might be needed.

The experts argue the criteria for declaring an international emergency have been met, including the public health impact, size of the outbreak, and movement of people.

Spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said: 'If and when we see those signs, the director general will call a meeting.'

Dr Nathalie MacDermott, an Ebola expert at Imperial College London told MailOnline: 'The declaration of a PHEIC opens the door to increased availability of finances and potentially greater response from the international community.

'However, a PHEIC should only be declared if there is significant concern about containing an epidemic and whether the disease may spread across international borders or to large urban centres.

'While some relatively large urban areas have been affected by the current epidemic, there has not been any confirmed spread across an international border, despite the close proximity of the epidemic to Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan.

'Should there be spread across this border or any international border the epidemic will likely be declared a PHEIC.'

Dr MacDermott added if health authorities don't manage to get the outbreak under control, the disease could become embedded in the region and cases continue to pop up for years into the future.

Some local communities are distrustful of aid workers, which has impeded efforts to try and stop people passing the contagious virus on to one another. (Pictured: A health worker shows traditional healers how to use protective gloves)

'The best case scenario,' she said, 'is that communities start to engage more with responders and gradually the epidemic comes under control to the point where there are no further new cases and the area can be declared Ebola free.'

The call to attention comes as Ebola has spread to 18 separate health zones in DRC.

And although many initial hotspots have been contained, new ones have popped up in recent weeks.

WHAT IS MAKING THIS OUTBREAK DIFFICULT TO STOP? The current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been continuing for six months. Dr Nathalie MacDermott, an expert on Ebola at Imperial College London, shared some of her thoughts on the situation with MailOnline. Dr MacDermott said: 'The current outbreak has posed significant challenges to medical teams on the ground. 'The region has suffered several decades of ongoing conflict and militia activity. This has affected the ability of responders to engage with communities to provide awareness and encourage them to see medical teams early for testing and treatment. 'There has also been significant risk to medical teams, some of whom have been attacked, and in some cases killed, by fearful community members and militia groups operating in the region. 'As such, and despite the use of an effective vaccine, the epidemic has continued to spread to different communities. 'This was recently exacerbated by violence preventing responders accessing affected communities. This resulted from affected communities not being able to vote in national elections.' Advertisement

The first cases in this outbreak were in the zone of Mabalako, where 71 people have since died.

But the worst hit areas in the Province of North Kivu, where the vast majority of the epidemic has happened, have been the city of Beni, with 234 cases and 147 deaths, and Katwa, with 189 cases and 105 deaths.

Last week two soldiers died of the virus in Beni and three others were put under investigation amid fears it could spread in the military.

Army Major Mak Hazukay told AFP at the end of January: 'Two of our soldiers have died from the Ebola virus in Beni. Three others are under observation.

'All measures have been taken to stop the troops from being contaminated.'

Health officials have described the DRC as 'one of the most complex settings possible' for an epidemic of this kind.

And while political unrest following an election over the Christmas period, warring militias and makeshift medical centres have made it difficult to control the virus in DRC, bordering countries are watching with bated breath.

Front-line health responders in South Sudan  including the capital city of Juba  started receiving vaccines against Ebola on January 28 as a precaution.

Merck  the pharmaceutical company behind the vaccine  delivered 2,160 doses to the African nation.

'It is absolutely vital we are prepared for any potential case of Ebola spreading beyond the Democratic Republic of the Congo,' said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization's regional director for Africa.

'WHO is investing a huge amount of resources into preventing Ebola from spreading outside DRC and helping governments ramp up their readiness to respond should any country have a positive case of Ebola.'

WHAT CLASSES AS AN INTERNATIONAL HEALTH EMERGENCY? The World Health Organization has only invoked a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) four times in the past, according to The Telegraph. These were during the last major Ebola outbreak in 2014, the Swine flu outbreak in 2009, a resurgence of Polio in 2014, and the Zika outbreak in South America in 2016. WHO's Emergency Committee must convene to decide on the seriousness of a disease outbreak and the threat it poses to other countries before declaring a PHEIC. These are the incidents it has deemed serious enough in the past: 2009 Swine flu epidemic In 2009 'Swine flu' was identified for the first time in Mexico and was named because it is a similar virus to one which affects pigs. The outbreak is believed to have killed as many as 575,400 people  the H1N1 strain is now just accepted as normal seasonal flu. 2014 Poliovirus resurgence Poliovirus began to resurface in countries where it had once been eradicated, and the WHO called for a widespread vaccination programme to stop it spreading. Cameroon, Pakistan and Syria were most at risk of spreading the illness internationally. 2014 Ebola outbreak Ebola killed at least 11,000 people across the world after it spread like wildfire through Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone in 2014, 2015 and 2016. More than 28,000 people were infected in what was the worst ever outbreak of the disease. 2016 Zika outbreak Zika, a tropical disease which can cause serious birth defects if it infects pregnant women, was the subject of an outbreak in Brazil's capital, Rio de Janeiro, in 2016. There were fears that year's Olympic Games would have to be cancelled after more than 200 academics wrote to the World Health Organization warning about it. Advertisement

WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THE ONGOING EBOLA OUTBREAK? WE BREAK DOWN THE STATISTICS TO SHOW ITS SPREAD SINCE AUGUST CASES TOTAL CASES CONFIRMED DEATHS TOTAL DEATHS CONFIRMED DEATH %* Aug-05 43 16 34 7 N/A Aug-12 57 30 41 14 100.00% Aug-20 102 75 59 32 128.57% Aug-26 111 83 75 47 46.88% Sep-02 122 91 82 51 8.51% Sep-09 132 101 91 60 17.65% Sep-16 142 111 97 60 0.00% Sep-23 150 119 100 69 15.00% Oct-02 162 130 106 74 7.25% Oct-07 181 146 115 80 8.11% Oct-15 216 181 139 104 30.00% Oct-21 238 203 155 120 15.38% Oct-28 274 239 174 139 15.83% Nov-04 300 265 186 151 8.63% Nov-11 333 295 209 171 13.25% Nov-19 373 326 217 170 -0.58% Nov-26 421 372 241 194 14.12% Dec-03 453 405 268 220 13.40% Dec-10 500 452 289 241 9.55% Dec-16 539 491 315 267 10.79% Dec-25 585 537 356 308 15.36% Jan-01 608 560 368 320 3.90% Jan-06 625 577 377 329 2.81% Jan-14 658 609 402 353 7.29% Jan-21 699 650 433 384 8.78% Jan-28 743 689 461 407 5.99% Feb-04 785 731 484 430 5.65%

*Percentage increase in deaths from the previous week
Scientists have successfully grown mouse kidneys inside rats - an advancement that may bring us one step closer to solving the donor organ shortage, a new study suggests.

The team at the National Institute of Physiological Sciences in Japan injected a type of stem cells that have the potential to become many other types of tissues from mice into pregnant rats bred to be missing their kidneys.

As their embryos - which should have also been missing kidneys - matured, the mouse stem cells developed into rat kidneys.

This means, in theory, that this method could be used to grow kidneys for one species, like humans, inside others, like livestock.

Such a method brings hope for the 100,000 or so people in need of transplants, but it would require significant resources and would certainly be a setback in the general trend away from animal testing.

Scientists in Japan have grown mouse kidneys in rats, suggesting that we could one day grown human kidneys in other animals, which could help combat the shortage of donated organs

Two years ago the Japanese team pulled off exactly the same feat with mouse pancreases.

But this is a more significant breakthrough.

Lead author Dr Teppei Goto, of the National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi, explained: 'We previously used blastocyst complementation to generate rat pancreas in mutant mice missing the organ.

'We therefore decided to investigate whether the method could be used to generate functional kidneys, which would have much greater application in regenerative medicine owing to the high donor demand.'

Donor organs are in short supply as only around three in 1,000 people die in a way that makes them suitable as organ donors.

In the US, an average of 10 people a day die waiting for an organ transplant, and in the UK, nearly a third of people who need an organ wait more than two years in poor health, and one in 10 die before they get a transplant.

The shortage has prompted research into creating organs in the lab. Many of these methods involve stem cells.

Stem cells can turn into almost any type of tissue once exposed to the right chemical cocktails.

But growing large organs with complex three-dimensional structures and their own blood supply has proved far from easy.

Dr Goto and colleagues believe their results - achieved from just a few donor puripotent stem cells (PSCs) - have major implications for humans.

For patients in the final stages of kidney disease, a new organ is the only hope for regaining quality of life.

But, with 95,000 patients on the waiting list for a donor kidney in the US alone, the organs are in much higher demand than the donor supply can meet.

There are currently about 7,000 people in the UK awaiting a transplant. One in four will die before a suitable organ is found. Most are kidney patients.

So researchers have been working on methods to grow healthy organs outside the human body.

Using blastocytes to do so has already produced promising results.

The cells are formed several days after egg fertilization from mutant animals missing specific organs.

The primitive embryos are injected with stem cells from a normal donor - not necessarily of the same species.

In the new study, researchers took blastocytes from healthy mice and injected them into pregnant female rats bred to lack kidneys, and the rat's offspring were born with kidneys they otherwise wouldn't have had.

Initial attempts by the researchers to grow rat kidneys in mice proved unsuccessful, their PSCs did not readily differentiate into the two main types of cells needed for kidney formation.

A diagram from the study shows how scientists altered the genes of rats so they wouldn't have kidneys (I), injected the pregnant rats with stem cells from healthy mice (II) and the result was chimeric rats with mice kidneys (bottom right)

But, when the reverse scenario was attempted, mouse stem cells efficiently developed inside rat blastocysts, forming the basic structures of a kidney.

Remarkably, more than two thirds of the resulting rat pups contained a pair of kidneys derived from the mouse stem cells that could be harvested and transplanted to other mice.

Further screening showed all of the organs were structurally intact, and at least half could potentially produce urine, reports Nature Communications.

Corresponding author Dr Masumi Hirabayashi said: 'Our findings confirm inter-specific blastocyst complementation is a viable method for kidney generation.

'In the future, this approach could be used to generate human stem cell-derived organs in livestock, potentially extending the lifespan and improving the quality of life of millions of people worldwide.'

This suggests that someone needing a new kidney or liver, for instance, could have what is essentially their own organ grown to order inside a specially conceived piglet, by providing a small skin sample.

Pigs or sheep make the best candidates, because their organs are a similar size to ours.

Dr Goto said: 'The resulting kidneys appeared to be functional, providing proof-of-concept validation this approach could be used to generate human kidneys inside livestock.'

He added: 'The chronic global shortage of donor kidneys leaves many end-stage kidney disease patients reliant on continued dialysis treatment.'

In January 2017 his team made worldwide headlines after announcing they had grown mouse pancreases inside rats.

When small parts of the organs were transplanted into mice with diabetes, it reversed their disease.

It was the first time this kind of inter-species organ generation had successfully treated a medical condition.

Then, last August, a US team predicted grow-your-own organs could be available for desperately ill patients within five years.

The team at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) successfully transplanted bioengineered lungs into pigs for the first time.

But Dr Goto said there are ethical issues to overcome concerning the creation of hybrid animal-human organs, called chimeras.

The technique would involve inserting human cells into pig embryos.

So the adult animals could have some human brain cells - raising the question of whether they should be afforded greater moral consideration.

Researchers may be able to avoid creating pig-human brains by using human stem cells that have been genetically altered so they are incapable of forming brain tissue.
More than 200 people have died in the UK after taking Xanax or a fake version of it since 2015, figures have revealed.

The drug is used to treat anxiety in the US  although not available on the NHS, private doctors can prescribe it in Britain and it is sold illegally.

More than half of the 204 deaths to which Xanax has been linked have been in Scotland  126 happened in the country between 2015 and 2017.

And more than 1million worth of fake versions of the drug has been confiscated by UK border forces in the past three years.

Xanax, designed to treat anxiety and panic attacks and prescribed in the US, is not available on the NHS but can be bought illegally in the UK, where it is a class C drug

Counterfeit Xanax can be mixed with other drugs and chemicals, making it potentially deadly, the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire Programme reports.

The company which invented the drug, Pfizer, said it was 'alarmed' by the rise of fake versions of the drug, although it isn't clear how big the rise is.

It warned Xanax  known as alprazolam  'should only be used as prescribed by and under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner'.

But the pills, which are a class C drug in the UK alongside anabolic steroids and benzodiazepines, can be bought on the dark web.

British law stipulates possession of class C drugs (except steroids) carries a maximum two-year prison sentence, while selling them could result in 14 years in jail.

Some 35 people died between 2015 and 2018 in England and Wales because of Xanax, along with 43 people in Northern Ireland between 2015 and 2017.

The police in Northern Ireland say counterfeit Xanaz is their third most seized drug and was linked to a quarter of all drug deaths in the country in 2018.

They confiscate more Xanax than they do heroin or ecstasy, DCI David Henderson told the BBC.

STUDENT, 20, DIED IN 2017 AFTER TAKING ILLEGAL, FAKE XANAX Kyle Remzi, a 20-year-old computer science student at Essex University died after taking counterfeit Xanax in 2017. He overdosed on what he believed to be alprazolam after struggling with an addiction to the drug. His mother, Sarah Stewart told the BBC: 'I kept begging him to listen. Xanax was the problem with him. He was addicted and I tried so hard.' Kyle Remzi, a student in Essex, treated Xanax as a party drug, his mother said, but died of an overdose when he took it with alcohol and ecstasy in his system at the same time A coroner's report revealed illegal, fake Xanax was in Mr Remzi's system when he died and was the cause of his death. He also had alcohol and MDMA (ecstasy) in his blood. Ms Stewart said: 'When he died, so did the family. We're all in pieces. 'He just thought it was a party thing. He was educated, loved by everyone - all the love in the world didn't save him.' Advertisement

UK Border Force and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) figures showed 340,000 bars of fake Xanax were intercepted last at airports and ports last year.

Drug advice website Frank published an article in December entitled 'The dangers of Xanax misuse'.

It said: 'You are at risk of serious harm if you take alprazolam... long-term use could mean you become physically dependent on it and then suffer withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it.'

Frank added people are more at risk of being sexually abused or raped because the drug can cause blackouts.

And it said: 'If you mix it with alcohol you're at a big risk of overdose caused by heart and breathing problems  and this can lead to death.'
A miracle baby who was born the size of a 'small doll' and defied doctors who said he would die is set to go home for the first time after spending 545 days in hospital.

Mikey Barone, now 17 months, of Buffalo, New York, will finally be able to experience the outside world after he was born on July 5, 2017.

His parents Kristine, 40 and Michael, 37, were devastated when their six-month ultrasound scan revealed Mrs Barone had dangerously high blood pressure, forcing her to give birth via C-section at just 25 weeks.

Weighing just 1lb 10oz, Mikey needed breathing apparatus to keep him alive, which his parents refused to remove despite medics suggesting they let him die in peace.

After enduring multiple life-saving surgeries, the youngster is finally strong enough to go outside despite the risk of infection.

Mikey Barone was born the size of a 'small doll' at just 1lb 10oz (left). His parents Kristine and Michael Barone (pictured right with their newborn son) refused to give up on him when doctors suggested they remove his breathing tube and let the youngster die in peace

Mrs Barone - who conceived naturally after four-and-a-half years of fertility treatment - was told at her six-month ultrasound scan (pictured) she had dangerously high blood pressure, and her kidneys and liver were failing. Mikey therefore had to be born at 25 weeks via C-section

Mr and Mrs Barone were shocked to discover they had conceived naturally after enduring four-and-a-half years of fertility treatment and a miscarriage.

'It was kind of like a miracle, my husband tried to talk me into taking a test, but it didn't feel right after all the treatment and everything,' Mrs Barone said.

'But I went through it, thinking I would do it to humour him and when it came out positive, I couldn't believe it.'

However, their joy was short lived when Mrs Barone was forced to give birth early when her blood pressure rose, and her liver and kidneys started to fail.

Mrs Barone - who cares for her son full time - said: 'When Mikey was born, he was the size of a very small doll, he looked so skinny with a tiny body and a big head.

'We had many meetings where doctors told us he would have a bad quality of life because of his lungs and he wouldn't get very far.

'They wanted to take out his breathing tube, then hand him to me, from there he would either thrive or pass away in my arms.

'We couldn't do that to him and instead took each day as it came, hoping for the best.'

Mikey (pictured left with his ventilator and feeding tube attached) has never left hospital despite being born on July 5 2017. His mother (pictured left with her son and husband) has spent every night with Mikey, refusing to leave hospital unless it is with him

Pictured as a newborn, medics warned Mikey's parents he would have a poor quality of life

Mikey - who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and weakness of the airway walls - only left hospital to be passed to a different treatment centre.

The family's hopes were initially raised when doctors suggested the youngster may be home in time for Christmas.

But medics then revealed Mikey - who is still fed via a tube - needed further surgery and had to stay in hospital over the festive season.

'We were all ready to have him home around Christmas, then suddenly we had the emergency and were told he couldn't leave,' Mrs Barone said.

'I was a bit depressed, it was disappointing, but we decided to order some lights and put them around his room. It definitely made it more special.'

His parents decorated his hospital room at Christmas after initially being told he would be able to go home for the festive season. Their hopes were dashed when he needed further surgery

Against all the odds, Mikey is now 'thriving' and ready to go home.

'I would love to see the doctors who were ready to give up on our little boy now, as he is now thriving,' Mrs Barone said.

'We are so proud of all the small steps he has made.'

The ordeal has taken a huge toll on the family, with Mrs Barone spending every single day in hospital with her son.

'Staying with him has given me the opportunity to learn what I needed to take care of him,' she said. 'It feels like this is where I am supposed to be,' she said.

'I am excited to take him for a walk when it's warm, I think that's what I am really looking forward to the most about getting him home.

'He knows there is a world out there but hasn't been able to see it, feel it and be out there.'

Mikey (pictured left on his birthday) is now 'thriving' and strong enough to go outside despite the risk of infections. Mrs Barone is pictured right during her 'miracle' pregnancy

The Barone family have been helped by the fundraising efforts of the website Sweet Buffalo - which publishes 'positive and inspirational stories to brighten your day'.

Its founder - Kimberly LaRussa, 31 - said: 'Mikey's mum shared a photo with me of the Christmas tree of lights she put up in his window at the hospital.

'Although the funds are much needed to them, I also wanted to give them some hope and show them we care.

'Mikey became a little superstar here in Buffalo after everyone had a chance to see how amazingly strong and wonderful he is.'

His parents are speaking out to help them get donations to cover their medical bills - which they estimate could be more than a million dollars.

'I have not left the hospital since July, I've always said the only way I was leaving was when we were both able to leave,' Mrs Barone said.

'The hospital has told us they will send us a medical bill, but we have no idea what it will be.

'We are expecting it to be really high, we don't know how much our insurance will cover but we expect the bill to be in the millions.

'There was a guy on Facebook that was in the NICU here with his kid and nowhere close to the length of time we were and his bill was $4.8million [around 3,689,080].'

Donate towards Mikey's medical costs here.
Harriet Corr (pictured with her mother Emma) is battling cystic fibrosis. Her family face the difficult decision of whether to uproot to Scotland in the hope she will have access to a wonder drug that could extend her life

The family of a girl battling cystic fibrosis (CF) face the difficult decision of whether to uproot and move to Scotland in the hope they will have access to a 'wonder drug' that could prolong her life.

Harriet Corr, from Jarrow in Tyne and Wear, was diagnosed with the genetic disorder at just five days old.

Her mother Emma Corr, 38, is forced to give her four-year-old daughter cocktail of drugs and vitamins, as well as intense physiotherapy, every day.

But Harriet can't get access to the medication Orkambi on the NHS in England. It slows a sufferer's lung function decline - the main cause of death for those with CF - and has been approved for use in two-to-five year olds across Europe.

A deal for the use of Orkambi in Scotland is expected to be finalised soon to allow doctors to prescribe it, however, the drug is not currently offered by NHS England.

Emma and her husband Chris, 36, must now weigh up whether to take the gamble and move north of the border with Harriet and their other daughter Nancy.

Although settled in England, the family are begrudgingly considering moving to help give Harriet the best chance in life.

'If the drug was made available here, there would be potentially 10,000 people who would stand to benefit,' Mrs Corr said. 'They are all being completely ignored.

'The hope is Orkambi will check the underlying causes rather than just the symptoms.

'I want Harriet to be able to go to university and get a job. We want her to have a long, healthy life where she can do everything she wants to do.

'I love my job here and the girls are settled at school. It's a huge dilemma - why should we have to uproot our entire lives?'

Harriet was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at five days old. The now four-year-old relies on a cocktail of drugs and vitamins every day, as well as physio to clear sticky mucus from her lungs

Harriet is forced to take up to 16 tablets a day to ensure she can absorb nutrients from her food. Malnutrition is common among CF sufferers.

She also has to endure daily physiotherapy sessions in an attempt to clear the sticky mucus that builds up in her lungs and digestive system.

The youngster also has regular check-ups at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

'Harriet is getting to the age where she is asking why she has to do this,' Mrs Corr said.

Despite all the youngster has to endure, Mrs Corr insists her daughter is like any other four-year-old.

'She's the funniest, brightest and bravest little girl,' Mrs Corr said. 'She does not know any different - this has been her routine for as long as she can remember.

'Harriet deals with it all amazingly. It takes so much of our day, she's a four-year-old who should be outside playing.'

Orkambi, which slows a sufferer's decline in lung function - the main cause of death for those with the disorder - has been approved for use in two-to-five year olds across Europe. NICE rejected making it available in NHS England, however, a deal may be struck for Scotland

Harriet's parents have been at the heart of the campaign to make Orkambi available on the NHS for more than three years.

The couple have joined protests and were at the House of Commons while the issue was debated by MPs.

But the drug still remains unavailable in England after its use was rejected by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and is only ever prescribed on rare compassionate grounds.

The decision was based on cost factors and the lack of long-term data on Orkambi's effectiveness.

Vertex International - the pharma giant behind the drug - recently announced it was confident the drug has the 'potential to extend life' and will soon be available in Scotland.

Mrs Corr has fiercely criticised NICE's decision to reject Orkambi.

'We are upset to live one of the most developed countries in the world and while most countries have access to this drug, why on earth can't we?,' she said.

'Everyone in the CF community is so happy for Scotland, but it's just difficult and frustrating for us.

'We seem to be at an impasse in England. It's all down to costs which is barbaric. All I can do is try and shout as loud as I can about it, what else can I do?

'We're desperately trying to secure a future for Harriet and give her a longer life expectancy and a better quality of life.'

A spokesperson for NHS England added: 'We understand how difficult it must be [for] families affected by cystic fibrosis.

'This is why it is so important that as with all companies seeking NHS approval for treatments of this kind, Vertex must fully engage with the NICE process.'
Twins battling a rare condition underwent life-saving surgery in the womb, defying a five per cent chance of survival.

Isla and Jemima, from Evesham, Worcestershire, were diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), which caused an imbalance in the blood they each received.

Their mother, Tabitha Rean, 26, underwent surgery at 18 weeks pregnant. Without it, doctors warned there was a 90 to 95 per cent chance they would die.

Even with surgery, there was just a 50 per cent chance both twins would survive, Mrs Rean and her husband, Ben, 27, were devastated to hear.

But the surgery was a success and at 29 weeks pregnant, Mrs Rean gave birth to both twins.

Despite being 11 weeks premature and weighing less than 6lbs between them, they were home at six weeks old, and have now turned one.

Twins Isla (left) and Jemima Rean (right), aged just 7-days-old in the image, had twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and a five per cent chance of survival

The twins, from Evesham in Worcestershire, had to be operated on in their mother Tabitha Rean's womb. The 26-year-old and her husband Ben Rean, 27, found out the devastating news at the 18 week scan. Pictured, now one year old

Even with surgery, there was just a 50 per cent chance both twins would survive, doctors said

Mrs Rean, an illustrator, said: 'Just as I thought I was going to be able to start enjoying my pregnancy after overcoming my severe morning sickness, we got the horrific news that the girls were suffering with TTTS.

'It felt like someone had ripped my heart out of my chest and shredded it into a million little pieces.'

The condition, occurring in around 15 per cent of identical twins who share a placenta, causes abnormal blood vessel connections to form in the placenta and prevent blood from flowing evenly between the babies.

In TTTS, part of the blood flow is diverted from one donor twin, which was Jemima, to the other recipient twin, which was Isla.

In most cases, one twin then becomes dehydrated, which affects its growth, and the other develops high blood pressure which can lead to heart failure.

TTTS was spotted at Mrs Rean's 18 week scan. Isla was at risk of heart failure and Jemima was severely anaemic because of the condition.

'The girls were diagnosed with stage three TTTS, but they could have potentially diagnosed the TTTS sooner making it lower risk', Mrs Rean, who was told she could miss her 16 week scan, said.

The surgery entailed a laser ablation, which involves finding the blood vessels connecting the twins and closing them off to prevent blood flowing between them.

The twins, pictured in a scan, were receiving an imbalanced level of blood supply, which threatened their lives unless their mother had surgery

The surgery was a success, however the twins were born 11 weeks prematurely at 29 weeks, weighing less than six pounds between them

Mrs Rean said: 'When I walked into the operating theatre, there were computers and screens everywhere with around 12 people all dressed in scrubs - I've never been so frightened in my life.

'Both Ben and I were petrified as we really didn't have any idea if the twins would survive the surgery and we couldn't bear the idea of losing our twins.'

Around 300 twins die from the condition every year in the UK, while 6,000 babies are affected annually in the US.

Just 20 minutes after the operation at Birmingham Women's Hospital, the ultrasound showed two healthy heartbeats.

Over the following weeks, the scans continued to show two heartbeats and no brain damage from the TTTS.

Mrs Rean said: 'Every time I would lie on the ultrasound bed, it's as if the world would stand still until I'd hear them confirm two heartbeats.

'As well as being scanned weekly, I had a 90 minute long MRI scan to check if the girls had any neurological damage - it took so long because they were both wriggling around so much that the radiographers struggled to get a still picture!'

It wasn't until 29 weeks that Mrs Rean went into labour 11 weeks early - another shock for the couple.

She said: 'Ben and I were cuddled up on the sofa after a lovely day out when I began to experience constant pain and regular contractions.

'Something didn't seem right, and when we looked it up, we realised I was in labour.

'We were really anxious about their early arrival as it wasn't expected.'

Once at the hospital, doctors tried to postpone Mrs Rean's labour as long as they could, but after 14 hours decided to go through with an emergency C-section.

Isla and Jemima were born on November 9, 2017 and weighed just under six pounds between them.

But after more than six weeks in hospital, Mr and Mrs Rean were able to take the twins home.

The twins were taken home at six weeks old after the emergency C-section

Miraculously, just 20 minutes after the operation at Birmingham Women's Hospital, the ultrasound showed two healthy heart beats

Mrs Rean said she had 'never been so frightened in her life' before the surgery

The family are now raising money for future research into TTTS to save lives

Now, 14 months on, the couple are settling in well as a family of four - they now want to thank those who helped bring their daughters into their lives.

Mrs Rean said: 'The staff at Birmingham Women's Hospital and Worcester Royal were fantastic and our two beautiful daughters wouldn't be here without all their efforts.

'That's why Ben is now fundraising for future research so they can help save lives in the future.

'We feel so incredibly lucky to have our two beautiful little girls.

'We can't put into words how grateful we are to all of the medical teams that saved our family - thank you will never be enough.'

To raise money for TAMBA, a charity for twins and multiple births, Mr Rean is taking part in the Prudential London to Surrey 100 mile bike ride in August 2019. To donate, visit here.
A student with a medical condition sweats so uncontrollably that her clothes freeze in the winter.

Sophie Dwyer, 20, from Houston in Texas, sweats ten times more than the normal person due to hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating.

She was diagnosed as a young child, after cruel schoolchildren laughed at her for thinking she had wet herself.

Since then, Miss Dwyer has had to abandon dreams of a career in medicine, as well as suffered awkward dating.

She has to drink 5.7 litres of water a day to replace the moisture lost, mainly from her hands, feet, and armpits, and never wears anything other than black or white.

Excessive sweating is estimated to affect between one and three in every 100 people in the UK and 2.8 per cent of the US population.

Sophie Dwyer, 20, from Texas, sweats ten times more than the normal person due to a condition called hyperhidrosis, mostly affecting her hands, feet and armpits

The student sweats so uncontrollably that her clothes freeze in the winter and she must drink almost six litres of water a day to replace lost moisture

Miss Dwyer, pictured with her father, William, when she was ten, was diagnosed at eight years old. Cruel schoolchildren laughed at her for thinking she had wet herself

Speaking candidly about the embarrassing ailment, Miss Dwyer said 'I sweat so much that I'm pretty much always uncomfortable.

'But winter is by far the worst time. It's really horrible at the moment, because I'm sweating just as much but the sweat runs cold.

'I have to dress up warmly, but I know that the sweat will start to soak through the layers, which then starts to freeze making me even colder. There's no way I can win and it can make me really depressed sometimes.'

The communication studies student's parents, William, 51, who works for the space agency NASA, and stay-at-home mother Heidi, 51, realised she was stickier than her playmates as a two year old.

Miss Dwyer's cousin, Emily, then aged four, refused to hold her hand, saying it was 'too gross'.

But, as William was also prone to sweating, they were not overly concerned, assuming she was like her dad.

When Miss Dwyer reached school age, her parents realised her problem was causing her embarrassment and discomfort.

Miss Dwyer said: 'I was constantly having to dry my hands on my clothes at school, to the extent where they'd always be wet.

'I'd leave puddles on my work and kids wouldn't want to get anywhere near me.'

Miss Dwyer, pictured showing her sweat marks, had to abandon the idea of a career in medicine, believing it would be unprofessional to be around patients

Miss Dwyer has primary hyperhidrosis, an inherited disorder that begins in childhood and normally affects only certain areas - in Miss Dwyer's case, her hands, feet and armpits

Miss Dwyer has eczema on her feet due to the excessive moisture

Things came to a head when Miss Dwyer was humiliated in front of her classmates by a teacher who asked if she had had 'an accident,' as she was so wet.

'Obviously, at that age, all the kids laughed and it was very upsetting for me, as an eight year old, to be made fun of in front of so many people,' Miss Dwyer said.

As a result, her parents took her to see a doctor and she was diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis, an inherited disorder that begins in childhood and normally affects only certain areas - in Miss Dwyer's case, her hands, feet and armpits.

She has also developed other medical problems because of it, including eczema on her feet.

'I have broken my computer and my phone because of water damage, and I also really struggle to drive because the wheel slips around in my hands,' Miss Dwyer said.

'I had also considered a career in medicine, but I know that's something that probably isn't an option for me - because who wants to be examined by someone with clammy hands, let alone hands dripping with sweat?'

Various treatments were prescribed, including iontophoresis where the hands are placed in water that is connected to an electrical current, but sadly none were effective.

Miss Dwyer cannot afford Botox treatment, which can be very effective, but costs $1,500 (1,150) for each six-monthly session.

Therefore, she has found ways of adapting: 'I began carrying sweat rags around with me all the time and would only wear very particular kind of clothes,' she said.

Miss Dwyer tried iontophoresis where the hands are placed in water that is connected to an electrical current, but this was not successful

Miss Dwyer can only wear black or white to hide sweat marks, and clothes of a certain material

Miss Dwyer carries a sweat rag with her to avoid embarrassment

'You'll never see me wearing a grey t-shirt and I only ever really wear white and black, which make sweat marks less obvious.

'I'm careful to feel all of my clothes before I buy them, too. I need something that I can dry my hands on throughout the day that won't show up the moisture marks.'

'If I'm out with friends, I make frequent trips to the bathroom to dry my armpits using a hand-dryer.'

Dating has also been difficult for the singleton - who tries to be open about her condition.

Miss Dwyer said: 'I once told someone I was on a date with about it - as I always do whenever I meet someone - and he took it fine, but then kept on referencing it and making jokes about it throughout the date.

'I was thinking, "Can we just move on?" I don't like the fact that people often define me by it.'

An introverted youngster because of her condition, she felt isolated from her peers.

Miss Dwyer said that her friends, who she met as an older child, are understanding. She can even makes her hand sweat on cue - a party trick her friends find amusing

'I have broken my computer and my phone because of water damage, and I also really struggle to drive because the wheel slips around in my hands,' Miss Dwyer said.

Then she joined secondary school and met a group of friends who were far more understanding and accepting of her unusual complaint.

Miss Dwyer has even turned her perpetual perspiring into a party trick, making her hands sweat on cue.

She said: 'I call myself the "Sweat Bender", after Uri Geller the "Spoon Bender" because I have this ability to make my hands sweat really fast just by thinking about sweating.

'It's like a kind of superpower, although possibly the worst superpower in the world. My friends enjoy watching it though.'

'When you have a disorder like mine that you can't control or stop, you can either let it make you miserable or start to own it.

'So I started to own it, openly telling people about hyperhidrosis and how it affects me. I think people respected that.'

Hyperhidrosis is not something wants to hide from and she has created an account on the picture-sharing site Instagram to discuss openly her condition.

Miss Dwyer said: 'I feel like I have to embrace this, not to shy away from it and pretend like everything is fine.

'I'm going to spend my life living with this - so I have to face up to it.'
Progress: A major trial to compare the X-Bolt (pictured) with the traditional screw is under way in ten centres around the country

As soon as Gloria Hague fell in the shower last year, she knew shed done herself some serious damage.

The 62-year-old was taken to hospital, where X-rays confirmed the worst, that shed fractured her left hip.

Hip fractures affect 75,000 people a year in the UK. However, they are notoriously difficult to treat because they tend to occur in elderly, frail patients, many of whom have other conditions such as osteoporosis  where bones lose strength, making them more difficult to repair.

Currently, one in 20 operations to repair hip fracture fails: the 30-day death rate after a hip fracture repair operation is 6 per cent. But if the procedure fails, the second, much bigger operation has a 50 per cent mortality rate.

Hip fractures are an enormous problem, taking up more bed days than stroke and heart attack combined, says Xavier Griffin, an associate professor of trauma surgery at the University of Oxford.

We try to operate on patients as quickly as possible, within 36 hours, because lying in bed and not being able to walk can have a negative impact on their health.

It can lead to chest infections and pneumonia (its harder for the lungs to expand when you are lying flat, and coughing isnt as effective, causing mucus to collect in the lungs) and urinary tract infections  and many of these patients already have very little reserve, adds Professor Griffin.

The traditional way to fix these fractures is with a sliding hip screw, invented in the Fifties. This involves making a 4in to 6in incision at the top of the thigh and screwing a plate along the outer thigh bone, then inserting a larger screw through the top of the thigh bone to hold the fracture together.

These fractures heal pretty well if you can stabilise them with plates and screws, explains Professor Griffin. However, in many patients the bones are softer and more brittle due to osteoporosis.

This means instead of screwing into hard wood-like bone that holds together, you are working with soft spongy bone that makes anchoring a device difficult. This makes these operations more likely to fail.

There are around three million people with osteoporosis and now there is a new option if they fracture their hip; using a device called the X-Bolt.

Did you know? Hip fractures affect 75,000 people a year in the UK, but they're difficult to treat

It consists of wings that expand in the ball part of the thigh bone, compressing surrounding bone to fit in snugly and give greater anchorage.

Professor Griffin explains: The idea of the new device is to get better grip in the bone.The screw that goes into the top of the thigh bone to hold the fracture together contains a flattened, winged bolt.

Once in place, the wings of the bolt are released by turning a screw thread they are attached to and they expand to give greater stability in the bone. Its the same principle as expandable wall plugs.

The idea is that more stability also allows greater strength and rotation in the joint and leads to a fuller recovery. The device was invented by orthopaedic surgeon Brian Thornes. He claims the X-Bolt, first used in England in 2012, could revolutionise treatment for these patients and reduce revision surgery.

This device has the potential to transform fixation in patients with osteoporosis and hip fractures, providing a significant improvement in mobility and quality of life, he says.

Early results look promising. A 100-patient pilot study at the University of Warwick, published in 2016 in The Bone & Joint Journal, showed a zero re-operation rate with the X-Bolt, compared to 6 per cent for the traditional procedure.

Now a major trial to compare the X-Bolt with the traditional screw is under way in ten centres around the country.

In total, 1,140 patients will receive either a gold standard sliding hip screw  used by the NHS  or the X-Bolt.

Looking good: A 100-patient pilot study at the University of Warwick, published in 2016 in The Bone & Joint Journal, showed a zero re-operation rate with the X-Bolt, compared to 6 per cent for the traditional procedure

The X-Bolt operation, carried out under general or spinal anaesthetic, takes 45 minutes and is done in the same way as a sliding hip screw procedure.

Patients are in hospital for around 11 days and need painkillers for two to three weeks.

So far 1,000 patients have been followed up a year after their surgery. Results of the study, funded by maker X-Bolt Orthopaedics and the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, will be published in June.

Gloria, from North Shields, Tyne and Wear, was asked if she would like to take part. Trial patients are randomly given either device; Gloria believes she received the X-Bolt.

They showed me a picture of the device and explained it might make the joint more secure,  says Gloria, who was born with spinal muscular atrophy  a muscle-wasting condition that makes her bones more fragile.

Almost a year on from her operation, Gloria still experiences problems, although she is hopeful for improvement. My hip is still painful and I stay at home a lot more, she says. But I am grateful to have had the surgery; when I fell, I thought I was a goner.

Merris Walton, 74, from Oxford, who was also enrolled on the trial after she fell and broke her right hip, had a similar experience. She doesnt know which device she was given.

Because I have osteoporosis, my bones dont just break, they shatter, says Merris, a retired hairdresser and hospital clerk, who has five children. Before the fall, I was able to get around fine but now Im using one crutch when I go out.

According to Professor Griffin, whos leading the trial, this is not uncommon.

Hip fractures generally occur in older people because their bones have weakened with osteoporosis, he says.

Few patients recover to where they were before the fall. Most have a step down in their mobility. If the trial shows the X-Bolt is effective, we will try to get guidance on its use from NICE so more patients can benefit.

The X-Bolt is being offered as part of the trial at hospitals in Oxford, Northumbria, Leicester, Newcastle, South Tees, Surrey, Slough, Coventry, Bristol and Portsmouth.

Adrian Wilson, an orthopaedic surgeon at The Wellington Hospital in London, says: Any innovation that can improve the success rate of hip fracture repair surgery is a good thing.
My wife has an overactive thyroid and her endocrinologist spotted she also has a leaky heart valve (as a result of rheumatic fever when she was a child, 70 years ago).

He recommended replacing the valve. However, the cardiologist shes seen since pooh-poohed this. Were waiting to get another opinion, but what do you think?

Andrew Aitken, Hereford.

I am sorry to hear the way your wifes heart condition is being handled has caused you such concern.

I do feel that, while she has a significant cardiac problem, which might need surgery at some stage, the failure at this time is not medical.

Instead, it is one of communication, and you would benefit greatly from being able to put your questions directly to the cardiologist.

Fact: The damage to the heart caused by rheumatic fever gradually gets worse over time and patients should be under regular review by a cardiologist

I should explain briefly about rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

Rheumatic fever is a rare inflammatory disease that can occur after the bacterial throat infection known as strep throat. It is less common now than it was when your wife was a child because of the far greater use of effective antibiotics.

It causes inflammation of the heart in 80 per cent of cases, and arthritis in 30 to 60 per cent of cases. This can last for several months and, in some cases, results in long-term damage to the heart and its valves, preventing it from pumping blood properly.

The mitral and aortic valves (which allow blood into and out of the left ventricle, the main pumping chamber of the heart) are likely to be affected, probably because they are under greater pressures on that side.

Over time, they may become leaky (known as incompetence or regurgitation) or narrowed (referred to as stenosis). However, the problem may go undiagnosed for years, or even decades, until pregnancy or another illness, such as pneumonia, puts the heart under extra strain.

The muscle of the left ventricle may also thicken (ventricular hypertrophy) as a result of working harder to compensate for the diseased valves. It is quite possible your wifes overactive thyroid added to that.

The main potential hazard is heart failure, in which the ailing heart struggles to pump blood round the body, leading to fatigue, breathlessness and ankle swelling. Heart failure is an alarming term and I prefer to call it heart inefficiency. Nevertheless, the symptoms must not be ignored.

The damage to the heart caused by rheumatic fever gradually gets worse over time and patients should be under regular review by a cardiologist.

Did you know? Rheumatic fever is a rare inflammatory disease that can occur after bacterial infection strep throat. It causes inflammation of the heart in 80 per cent of cases...

The decision of when to intervene and operate requires skill and experience. The risks and benefits need to be weighed up, and it is the role of a heart specialist to make a judgment.

I suggest you go to your GP together, explain your concern about the discrepancy in opinion and ask to be referred back to the consultant cardiologist for an urgent review.

Once there, you can ask about the condition of her heart, the prognosis and predictions about the timing of surgery.

If one is receiving drugs for an enlarged prostate, is it unwise to also take alternative medicines which are advertised as being of great benefit?

Norman Wanstall, Burford, Worcs.

With age, a mans prostate gland increases in size  a process as inevitable as the development of wrinkles.

As this doughnutshaped gland grows bigger, it can narrow the urethra  the urinary channel around which the prostate is wrapped  and as the urethra narrows further, the bladder cannot empty properly.

These changes cause symptoms including poor stream, hesitancy, urgency and nocturia (getting up to go to the loo more than once at night), which collectively used to be referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia, but the preferred term now is lower urinary tract symptoms.

Write to Dr Scurr To contact Dr Scurr with a health query, write to him at Good Health Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT or email drmartin@dailymail.co.uk  including contact details. Dr Scurr cannot enter into personal correspondence. His replies cannot apply to individual cases and should be taken in a general context. Always consult your own GP with any health worries. Advertisement

The drugs that can be prescribed to alleviate symptoms broadly fall into two categories. The first, alpha-1 adrenergic antagonists (including tamsulosin, doxazosin and alfuzosin), improve flow and symptoms such as urgency by relaxing the muscles in the prostate. The second group, 5alpha reductase inhibitors (including finasteride and dutasteride) shrink the prostate.

Several herbal remedies are said to help. A popular one is saw palmetto, an extract from the fruit of a palm tree first described as a treatment for urinary symptoms in Egypt in 1500 BC. But there is little evidence supporting it.

Another herbal preparation is Cernilton, derived from a type of grass pollen. Trials of this have shown an improvement in symptoms such as nocturia, but the flow rate measured when emptying the bladder is unchanged.

A third herbal preparation for prostates is pygeum  an extract from an African plum tree. It appears, from the small studies available, that there is an improvement in symptoms in men using it.

While none of the above herbal preparations has been found to be unsafe or toxic, the mechanisms of action are unknown, and there have been no studies of any of them when taken in conjunction with the two scientifically researched drug classes I have described above.

It may be that they interfere with such treatments, or the combination might even cause harm.

Another concern is that one study analysing six brands of saw palmetto showed that the content varied from 3 per cent to 140 per cent of the stated dosages.

In other words, the manufacturing quality of these preparations may not be sufficiently rigorous, so the response and outcome may not be reliable  whether taken as a sole treatment, or in conjunction with a formal drug.
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Hawaii could become the first US state to ban cigarette sales.

Democratic state Rep Richard Creagan introduced a bill that would incrementally increase the minimum age to buy cigarettes, leading to a practical ban.

Currently, the Aloha State doesn't allow cigarettes to be sold to anyone under the age of 21.

But under Creagan's bill, the minimum smoking age would increase to 30 in 2020, 40 in 2021, 50 in 2022, 60 in 2023 and 100 in 2024.

Under a new bill proposed by Democratic state Rep Richard Creagan, Hawaii could become the first US state to ban cigarette sales by raising the minimum smoking age to 100 by 2024. Pictured: Smoke shops and cigarette displays in New York in 2013

Creagan, who is also a physician, told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald that taxes and other regulations have only slowed down tobacco use.

'It's slowing it down, but it's not stopping the problem,' he said.

'We essentially have a group who are heavily addicted - in my view, enslaved by a ridiculously bad industry - which has enslaved them by designing a cigarette that is highly addictive, knowing that it highly lethal. And, it is.'

The bill would also make retailers pay a $500 fine if they sell cigarettes to anyone underage.

Hawaii has some of the strictest smoking laws in the country and was the first state to raise the minimum smoking age to 21 in 2016.

About 13 percent of adults in Hawaii smoke compared to the national rate of 17 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hawaii also has the fifth-highest cigarette tax rate in the US at $3.20 per 20-pack of cigarettes.

Opponents say the measure will create a nanny state in Hawaii and could lead to an increase in cigarette smuggling - but Creagan disagrees.

'The state is obliged to protect the public's health,' Creagan told the Tribune-Herald.

'We don't allow people free access to opioids, for instance, or any prescription drugs. This is more lethal, more dangerous than any prescription drug, and it is more addicting.'

The state's House Health Committee will hold a hearing on the measure this week, the newspaper reported.

The new age limit proposed by the bill would not apply to e-cigarettes, cigars or chewing tobacco.

However, the US Food and Drug Administration earlier this month threatened to pull e-cigarettes from US markets completely unless youth smoking rates fell.

The agency found that vaping increased 78 percent among high school students and 48 percent among middle school students from 2017 to 2018.
Food Unwrapped viewers have slammed KFC for spending 18 months changing its chips - only to make ones that taste 'worse than before'.

The fried chicken chain switched its skinny fries for chunkier, skin-on chips back in November to satisfy customer demand.

Talking about the change on the Channel 4 show last night, innovation direction Jack Hinchliffe revealed the two main questions he gets asked about his job are 'do you know the secret recipe' and 'when are you going to fix the fries?'

He spent a year and a half trying to tackle the problem, trying out different kinds of potato and sizes before settling on the new version.

But not everyone was happy with the change - with Channel 4 viewers blasting the new fries as being 'awful'.

KFC's innovation direction Jack Hinchliffe revealed he spent 18 months to create a new recipe for its chips on this week's episode of Food Unwrapped

The new fries, pictured, are chunkier and have the skins left off. They retain heat for longer, which means they should not get soggy as quickly as the skinny fries

But Brits took to Twitter to blast the 'god awful' new fries, saying 'everyone' hates them

Shelley Young tweeted: 'We now know it's Jack who's to blame for those god awful new fries [vomiting emoji] #jackneedsthesack.'

Kam added: '@Food_Unwrapped watching your takeaway special tonight. Tell the KFC man that everyone hates the new chips.'

Angela Dobson wrote: 'Watching #foodunwrapped on @Channel4 and see why @kfc changed from a French fry to a chip [angry emoji] #bringbackoriginal fries.'

Food Unwrapped then put the two different fries to the test, showing that the skinnier fries lose their heat far quicker and are less crispy to begin with.

When chips cool down, they become soggy, and Jack and his team realised they needed heat-retaining fries for food deliveries.

But Brits have claimed the new chips are still soggy - and even worse than before.

Sonia Greene said: 'I'm sorry @kfc but the new chips are rank. They are tasteless and more soggy than ever, even my kids won't eat them now, bring back the skinny chip.'

On the show, Jack put the old and new fries to the test to see how crispy they were straight after frying, with the new chips coming out on top

Others claimed the chips were more soggy than the original ones, despite the show testing out the new fries to prove they were crispier straight after frying

Cate McNeil added: 'Watching #FoodUnwrapped and I'm not sure which @KFC_UKI they went to, but I haven't had a 'crispy' chip since they switched... they are awful and soggy [laughing emoji].'

James Roe tweeted: 'The new KFC chips are even worse than the old ones. It's taken them 18 months to make an already bad chip worse.'

Last year, KFC began they advertising campaign by promoting several tweets complaining about the fries over the past four years.

One tweet was by Charlie Burness, from London, who said: 'I've got to say, KFC are riding solely on their chicken because Christ, those are cr** fries.'

The fast food joint also had posters printed with tweets from those who had criticised its chips.

One featured a tweet from user Upgrade_music and read: 'Dear KFC, no one likes your fries. Yours sincerely, the entire world.'

Jack said at the time: 'We don't change things on a whim - the Colonel's Original Recipe chicken hasn't changed since he finalised it in 1940.

'This was different though. We heard the nation's outcry. We read the brutal tweets. We had to step up our fries game.'
The Duchess of Cornwall confirmed today that she and her husband will be the first royals to set foot in Cuba when they visit the Communist country this spring.

Camilla, 71, said she was looking forward to listening to the music and seeing the architecture of the country, but confessed she 'wasn't so sure' about the food.

Speaking on a visit to the Supreme Court on London with Prince Charles, the royal confirmed speculation that they will undertake an historic official tour to the Caribbean country.

The Duchess of Cornwall confirmed today that she and her husband will be the first royals to set foot in Cuba when they visit the Communist country this spring. The Duchess made the comments during a visit to the Supreme Court in London today, pictured

Camilla, 71, pictured today, said she was looking forward to listening to the music and seeing the architecture of the country, but confessed she 'wasn't so sure' about the food

Baroness Hale, the president of the Supreme Court, spoke to the duchess about the Caribbean as she and Prince Charles toured the courtroom where the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council sits.

Lady Hale said afterwards: 'They are going to visit the Caribbean. They are not only going to the Anglo Caribbean, they are going to Cuba as well.

What may be on the menu Cuban food draws its influences from Spanish, African and Caribbean cultures. A typical meal consists of roast or fried pork and chicken accompanied by rice, black or kidney beans and root vegetables. National dishes include ropa vieja, pictured, a shredded beef or lamb stew with green peppers, tomatoes, onions and garlic, while another delicacy is Lechon, a spit-roasted suckling pig. Seafood is served in most restaurants. However, the cuisine does not always receive the warmest reception. Travel publisher Rough Guides said: There is a marked lack of variety and after two weeks in Cuba you will be very familiar with the national cuisine. Advertisement

'She is very much looking forward to going to Cuba. It will be quite an event for members of the royal family to visit Cuba.

'She said she loved the music and was interested in the architecture. And she did make a remark about she wasn't so sure about the food.'

Cuban food is a blend of influences including Native American Taino, African, Spanish and Caribbean cuisines. Favourite dishes include tamales, made of a starchy dough steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf with rice and beans.

The trip, which will be part of a large-scale Caribbean tour, would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, as the country was emerging from six decades of leadership under the dictator Fidel Castro and his family.

However Charles met with the new Cuban president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, at Clarence House in November, in a major breakthrough for diplomatic relations.

Barack Obama became the first US president to visit Cuba in 2016, but no British prime minister has ever been there or member of the Royal Family.

Overseas visits by Prince Charles are almost of the status of state visits now that the Queen no longer does overseas travel.

They are at the request of the Foreign Office, and reflect Britain's foreign policy aims and ambitions.
A woman who claims she discovered a sharp plastic hook sticking out of a tampon has spoken out about the trauma she suffered as a result of the incident.

22-year-old Harmony Grant was unwrapping a tampon back in January when she noticed that there was something black inside the product.

The Virginia Beach-native pulled the object out, and discovered that it was a sharp plastic hook.

Dangerous: 22-year-old Harmony Grant discovered a sharp plastic hook inside of a tampon that she opened in January, after thinking that it was just a black mark, at first

Shocked! The Virginia Beach-native first noticed a black mark on the tampon, and when she pulled at it, she discovered that the black 'thing' was in fact a sharp object

After the incident occurred, Harmony shared her story to Facebook, where she also revealed photographs of the damaged tampon, in order to warn her friends, family and others to be cautious when using feminine products.

She accompanied the post with a caption that read: 'Warning! Ladies be careful when getting tampons be sure to do a quick check before using!

Upset: Harmony (pictured) said the discovery left her traumatized

'This morning I got a tampon out of my Playtex sport box and saw something black inside, so naturally I'm not going to use it.

'Upon further inspection of this black "thing" inside of my tampon I found a SHARP PLASTIC HOOK embedded into the tampon,' she said.

Harmony added that she recently decided to use an alternative type of tampon.

'I just switched to using clear tampons free of dyes and I'm glad I did, however I will no longer be using them at all,' she explained.

She added: 'Be safe in what you put inside yourself.'

Speaking to 13NewsNow, Harmony said: 'I couldnt even tell what it was until I picked at it, and opened up a hook.'

'I was utterly shocked that there was a hook sticking out of a tampon,' she added.

Since her discovery, Harmony has reached out to the company that makes Playtex products - Edgewell Personal Care.

The company responded to the 22-year-old in an email, according to the publication.

Warning: Harmony took to Facebook to share her experience and warn others to 'be careful when getting tampons' as she urged women to check the products before using them

In the message, the company apologized to Harmony, and asked her to send back the box of tampons.

The business said it would reimburse her for the box of tampons, which cost approximately $7.00.

Speaking about the apology she received, Harmony said it was 'unacceptable'.

Freak accident: Harmony claims that the product she discovered the sharp object in was one from a box of Playtex tampons

She explained: 'It was like, completely unacceptable. I kind of felt like they brushed it off like it wasnt a big deal.

'I could have seriously been injured,' she added.

Harmony revealed that she has been left 'traumatized' after the whole situation.

She said: 'That could've been potentially very harmful to me, and I just want other women to know things like this are happening.'

The damaged product was one from a box of the Playtex Simple Gentle Glide tampons that Harmony had purchased, according to the publication.

Playtex is one of the most popular brands of tampon used by women in the U.S. according to research carried out by Statista.

The brand carries a wide variety of different products, including tampons, pads, and other menstrual-related products.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Playtex for a comment.

Meanwhile, Playtex's parent company Edgewell Personal Care released a statement to Yahoo Lifestyle, which read: 'While we wait for the customer to return the product so we can accurately evaluate the specific report incident, we are also conducting a thorough internal Quality Assurance review to ensure this is an isolated report.

'To date, there have been no other similar reports and Playtex tampons remain safe when used as directed.

'The health and safety of the women who use our products is a top priority for Edgewell Personal Care. We have stringent quality assurance measures in place to ensure we can deliver safe and high-quality products to our customers.'
The Duchess of Cornwall accompanied Prince Charles at a dinner celebrating the achievements of the British Asian Trust on Tuesday night.

Camilla, 71, dazzled in a sparkly green gown as the pair greeted high profile guests including former cricketer Isa Guha at the Buckingham Palace event.

The Duchess paired her outfit with silver jewels with her hair worn in loose waves for a relaxed appearance.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall met former cricketer Isa Guha (pictured left) at Tuesday night's British Asian Trust Dinner at Buckingham Palace

The royals appeared in good spirits as they greeted guests, who glittered in glamorous black tie before Prince Charles delivered a speech, pictured

The royals appeared in good spirits as they greeted guests, who glittered in glamorous black tie.

Prince Charles, who looked dapper in black tie, later gave a speech at the event.

It was held to celebrate plans to support projects providing large-scale social support across South Asia.

The appearance came after the couple visited the UK's highest court to commemorate its 10th anniversary earlier today.

Prince Charles (pictured) delivered a speech during the dinner which was held to celebrate the achievement of the British Asian Trust

Prince Charles took time to greet other supporters of the trust during the dinner including Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock (pictured left)

Camilla and Charles were in good spirits as the talked and laughed with staff, with the prince looking smart in a blue pinstriped suit.

Meanwhile, Camilla cut an elegant figure in a light grey fitted coat with a patterned scarf.

She teamed the look with classic pearl earrings and natural make-up, while her hair was worn down and flicked back off her face.

The couple were visiting the Supreme Court to meet the Justices of the Court, including its president, Lady Hale, and deputy president, Lord Reed, and staff.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during a visit to The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in Parliament Square

The Prince of Wales meeting security staff during a visit to The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in Parliament Square,

The Prince of Wales during a visit to The Supreme Court today as he giggled with staff

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were shown around the court by President, Lady Hale, who was the first Woman Justice of the Supreme Court when it opened back in 2009.

A decade ago the Justices moved out of the House of Lords and across Parliament Square to their new home - formerly the Middlesex Guildhall which had been painstakingly renovated over the previous two years to restore many of its original features.

The establishment of the Supreme Court was a landmark moment in the nation's constitutional and legal development, separating Parliament from the judiciary at its highest level.

The Justices sat for the first time as a Supreme Court in October 2009 and have gone on to make rulings on the most important and pressing cases.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall today during a visit to The Supreme Court

The Duchess of Cornwall during at The Supreme Court today - her and Prince Charles were there to commemorate its 10th anniversary

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, with the Supreme Court Justices, during a visit to the court today

The Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (C-L) arrive at the Supreme Court in London, Britain

Charles as he was shown round the courts, by Lady Hale, who was the first Woman Justice of the Supreme Court when it opened back in 2009

Lady Hale and Prince Charles as they admire all all three courtrooms and items from the Supreme Court and Middlesex art collections

During the visit the Prince and Duchess viewed all three courtrooms and items from the Supreme Court and Middlesex art collections.

Among the pieces they viewed were an official portrait of the Queen opening the building 10 years ago, a bust of King Edward VII and a portrait of Charles I.

Later Charles and Camilla will host a Buckingham Palace reception and dinner for supporters of the British Asian Trust (BAT), co-founded by the prince to combat widespread poverty and hardship in South Asia.

The event, attended by leading British Asians, Health Secretary Matt Hancock and International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt, will celebrate BAT's recent achievements.

Prince Charles as he arrived at the court and looked cold as he made his way inside, with the Duchess just behind him
Queen Mathilde of Belgium donned three traditional outfits as she stepped out in Mozambique earlier today.

The mother-of four, 45, arrived at the water desalination project 'Water Gaza' during what is the second of a five-day working visit.

One outfit was covered in an intricate blue and cream design, another bold blue ensemble was decorated with dollar signs, while the third was made up of red and white checked patches.

The mother-of-four completed the looks with circular gold statement earrings, a coordinated watch and bracelet on her left wrist and some open-toe nude cork wedges - which peeped out from underneath.

Queen Mathilde of Belgium donned three traditional outfits as she stepped out in Mozambique earlier today. Above, she wore a blue and cream patterned ensemble complete with polkadots

Mathilde also fashioned a stunning bold blue ensemble which featured several dollar sign logos - while her palm-tree print palazzo trousers can be seen underneath

The final outfit the mother-of-four styled over her cream blouse was a red and white check patch - and she completed the look with her gold circular statement earrings

King Phillippe of Belgium's wife is an advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

She was visiting the 'Water Gaza' project which saw the completion of a solar-powered drinking water supply for six villages, 7,200 inhabitants, in the Gaza Province.

The royal received a warm welcome from locals looked in great spirits as she knelt down to engage in conversation.

Once the traditional attire was removed, Mathilde revealed a beige blouse teamed with a pair of loose palm-tree print palazzo trousers.

During her five-day visit to the Southern African nation, she will focus on projects that promote the economic empowerment of women and tackle the issue of violence against women.

Mathilde will meet local communities and initiate ideas that will have a positive impact on their quality of life.

As an advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Mathilde's visit will pay particular attention to projects that promote the economic empowerment of women and tackle the issue of violence against women

Mathilde was visiting the 'Water Gaza' project which saw the completion of a solar-powered drinking water supply for six villages, 7,200 inhabitants, in the Gaza Province

The royal arrived in the capital Maputo yesterday, where she was greeted by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Adriano Maleiane and Cidalia Chauque Oliveira - the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Action.

Following this, she paid a visit to Horizonte Azul Socio-Cultural Grassroots Association at Santo Antonio Community School in Mozambique.

There, Mathilde received a special welcome from students who performed a traditional warrior dance, before she attended a dinner hosted by Governor of the Province, Stella da Graca Pinto Novo Zeca.

Over the next few days, the Belgium royal will also visit a hospital in the Chokwe District that treats patients with mental health issues, before speaking at the capital's largest university, where she will discuss the country's future sustainable development goals.

Mathilde can be seen multitasking as she was trying to hold up a part of her outfit while shaking the hand of a local at the same time

Queen Mathilde engaged in conversation during her visit today. During her stay, she will also visit a hospital in the Chokwe District that treats patients with mental health issues, before speaking at the capital's largest university, where she will discuss the country's future sustainable development goals




The Duchess of Cambridge met the woman named as the World's Best Teacher today during a series of school visits to mark Children's Mental Health Week.

Kate, wearing a 2,100 bespoke dress from Eponine, travelled to northwest London to learn how the school of award-winning Andria Zafirakou is supporting the wellbeing of pupils and staff.

Ms Zafirakou was awarded (766,000) in prize money and the 2018 Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, which recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession.

The art and textiles teacher, who works at Alperton Community School, learnt how to say basic greetings in many of the 35 languages spoken at the school to help parents feel welcome.

Teacher's pet! Kate travelled to northwest London to learn how the school of award-winning Andria Zafirakou (pictured) is supporting the wellbeing of pupils and staff

During her visit to Alperton Community School, Kate joined a round-table discussion with teachers about students' school readiness and teacher welfare

Along with colleagues she redesigned the curriculum to make it relevant to pupils, is known for taking the time to understand students' lives by visiting their homes, and was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours.

During her visit to Alperton today, Kate also joined headteacher Mr McKenna and students taking part at the Random Acts of Kindness Club.

Place2Be, a children's mental health charity which has the duchess as its royal patron, is behind Children's Mental Health Week which this year has a theme of Healthy: Inside and Out, focusing on the connection between physical and mental health.

The charity works with more than 280 primary and secondary schools across England, Scotland and Wales, providing support and expert training to improve the emotional wellbeing of pupils, families, teachers and school staff.

Now that's a welcome! The Duchess was serenaded as she arrived at Lavender Primary School in Enfield, the first of two engagements on Tuesday marking Childrens Mental Health Week

Serenade: The Duchess of Cambridge was given a rapturous welcome by a choir of excitable children this morning as she visited a primary school in north London. She was at Lavender Primary School in support of Children's Mental Health Week

Custom Kate! The Duchess, dressed in a bespoke 2,100 Eponine dress and 295 LK Bennett boots, brought with her a photograph of her family as she joined pupils sharing objects that represent 'something that makes them feel good'

The Duchess of Cambridge is given flowers by a pupil during a visit to Lavender Primary School in Enfield, north London, in support of Place2Be's Children's Mental Health Week 2019. She was greeted by singing children as she arrived

It's a dog's life! The Duchess of Cambridge is greeted by an excitable cockerpoo named Herbie as she arrives at Lavender Primary School this morning, wearing a 2,100 Eponine dress teamed with 295 LK Bennett boots and a Mulberry clutch

The Duchess of Cambridge is greeted by delighted primary school pupils at Lavender Primary School. Todays visit will allow the duchess to find out more about the support offered to students, teachers and parents to help with mental wellbeing

During her visit to Alperton Community School, Kate joined a round-table discussion with teachers about students' school readiness and teacher welfare, and met pupils taking part in an extracurricular club focusing on the wellbeing of the school community.

The duchess also visitede Lavender Primary School in Enfield, north London, to watch pupils taking part in the school's Daily Mile challenge, which teaches children about the importance of being active.

She joined a group of parents talking about the challenges of putting in place good routines and habits around sleep, screen time, healthy eating and exercise.
The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly having acupuncture to 'boost the flow of blood to her uterus' as she approaches her due date in April.

Mother-to-be Meghan, 37, is said to be having sessions with London-based acupuncturist-to-the-stars Ross Barr, Vanity Fair reported.

Barr boasts a glittering client list and is understood to have treated the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in the lead up to their wedding in May last year.

Mother-to-be Meghan, 37, is said to be having sessions with London-based acupuncturist-to-the-stars Ross Barr. Pictured, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in Bristol last week

Now it seems Meghan is once again turning to the alternative medicine to keep herself and her baby as happy and healthy as possible in the third trimester.

'Meghan has been having regular acupuncture sessions to help her unwind and relax,' a source close to Barr told Vanity Fair.

'Its brilliant for the blood circulation and boosting blood flow to the uterus. She plans to use acupuncture right up to her due date.'

Barr boasts a glittering client list and is understood to have treated the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in the lead up to their wedding in May last year. Pictured, the Duchess last month

Barr works out of spaces in Notting Hill and Wimpole Street - a hotspot for private doctors - but is likely to treat the royal mother-to-be in the comfort of her home.

The 45-minute sessions cost between 90 and 120.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that dates back at least 3,000 years.

It involves inserting fine needles just below the skin on the face and body in order to treat a range of conditions and ailments, from hair loss to relationship problems.

The Duchess of Sussex is understood to have been a fan of the alternative medicine before meeting Prince Harry, 34.

Like many mothers-to-be, she is undertaking an ante-natal regime to keep herself as healthy as possible.

Last week US Weekly reported the Duchess of Sussex had hired a doula to be by her side when the baby arrives.

A doula is a non-medical professional who provides emotional support during and after a woman's pregnancy.
An eagle-eyed fan has set tongues wagging after noticing a 'face' in Kate Middleton's 2,100 designer dress.

The Duchess of Cambridge, 37, was pictured wearing the bespoke version of an Eponine dress as she visited Lavender Primary School in North London on Tuesday, but it was an unfortunate crease in the frock that caught one follower's attention.

Kate, who was making the visit as part of Mental Health Week , appeared unaware of the fashion faux pas, which saw the buttons being compared to 'pocket eyes' on Twitter.

Remarking on the sartorial blip, one fan shared a snap of the duchess, tweeting: 'Someone wasnt happy to be brought out of the wardrobe this morning.. Worlds angriest dress'.

The Duchess of Cambridge was pictured wearing the bespoke version of a 2,100 Eponine dress as she visited Lavender Primary School in North London on Tuesday, but it was an unfortunate crease in the frock, along with the 'pocket eyes' that caught one follower's attention, who claimed it resembled an 'angry face'

Kate, teamed the green jumper dress with a 295 L.K. Bennett boots, 1,833 gold pave earrings from Kiki McDonough, and a Mulberry clutch.

However the shape of the pockets, which featured a black button to the centre, drew in comparisons to 'eyes' on an 'angry face'.

Additionally the positioning of the crease gave the 'face' an animated look, with one picture being likened to a 'kiss face'.

Children's character Evil Pea, seen above, who boasts a furrowed brow, was thrown into the mix as another comparison to her frock, with the buttons on Kate's bespoke dress likened to eyes, and the crease resembling a mouth

Remarking on the sartorial blip, one fan shared a snap of the duchess, tweeting: 'Someone wasnt happy to be brought out of the wardrobe this morning.. Worlds angriest dress'

One snap shows the duchess holding her clutch by her hip, and looks as though her dress is snacking on the bag.

In another picture, the bunch of flowers Kate is holding, almost doubles up as a nose for the animated face.

And 'face' comparisons weren't the only thing that Kate's vibrant frock choice provoked.

Kate, who was making the visit as part of Mental Health Week , appeared unaware of the fashion faux pas, which saw the buttons being compared to 'pocket eyes' on Twitter. One picture, above, saw the dress appear to 'blow a kiss' as the crease morphed into a mouth

One snap shows the duchess holding her clutch by her hip, and looks as though her dress is snacking on the bag (left). In another picture, the bunch of flowers Kate is holding, almost doubles up as a nose for the animated face (right)

Some followers joked that the sweater material reminded them of Muppets favourite, Kermit the frog.

Elsewhere Evil Pea, who boasts a similar furrowed brow, was thrown into the mix, while fluffy Sesame Street character Oscar the Grouch was also named.

The duchess was at the north London school in her role as patron of the charity Place2Be, a leading UK children's mental health charity that provides in-school support and expert training to improve the emotional wellbeing of pupils, families, teachers and school staff.

And 'face' comparisons weren't the only thing that Kate's vibrant frock choice, seen left, provoked- with green cartoon characters such as Shrek (seen right) getting a mention online

Some followers joked that the sweater material of Kate's green bespoke designer dress reminded them of Muppets favourite, Kermit the frog (pictured above)
Most three-year-olds are content with fish fingers and beans but it appears Princess Charlotte has slightly more refined taste when it comes to afternoon snacks.

The Duchess of Cambridge revealed today that her second child loves nothing more than munching on olives - and has even been known to make pasta sauce from scratch.

Kate, 37, was speaking to pupils at Lavender Primary School in north London on Tuesday when she spilled the beans on her children's eating habits.

She was chatting with a group of youngsters about how foods that are high in sugar can give you a brief feeling of euphoria before making your emotions come crashing down.

Scroll down for video

Princess Charlotte and Prince George (pictured with Kate in Gloucester, June 2018) love making cheesy pasta from scratch, their mother revealed during a school visit today

Kate, 37, was speaking to pupils at Lavender Primary School in north London on Tuesday (pictured) when she spilled the beans on her children's eating habits

Charlotte loves olives, she said, and told the children that she frequently gets her two eldest children to cook with her - including their favourite cheesy pasta.

Speaking afterwards, Matthew Kleiner-Mann, chief executive of the the Ivy Learning Trust, said: She was telling us how much her children love cooking and how they cook for her. They made cheesy pasta the other day.

'One stirs the flour, one puts the milk and butter in, and they make salads and stuff. Food is important to her and she understands the links between mental health and physical exercise.'

Kate has previously revealed that George and Charlotte love to 'get their hands messy' making pizza dough.

Kate revealed today that her daughter (pictured in Poland in July 2017) loves snacking on olives, and has been known to make homemade cheesy pasta as well as pizza dough

Mr Kleiner-Mann, who introduced Place2Be to the school when he was headteacher 13 years ago, added: She was so engaging and was interested in how Place2Be fitted into the whole school community.

'She was wonderful with the children and was keen to speak to the parents about the whole helps with their mental wellbeing too.

I introduced Place2Be to the school because I realised the important of counselling and mental wellbeing but didnt have the wherewithal to do it myself.

The Duchess was really interested in how it worked, how Place2Be worked in a school environment and how it helps all children, not just those specifically having dealings with them day to day.'
A young man has decided to bare all to become a naked household cleaner in order to save up enough money to buy a house.

Daniel Aitken, 26, from Brighton started his new enterprise just two weeks ago after first proposing the idea as joke to his parents - but he says business is already booming.

The former construction worker, who also works as a professional hugger, now strips down to nothing but a pair of Marigold gloves as he puts some elbow grease into cleaning homes.

And despite his unique venture, Daniel - who charges 30 per hour for his cleaning services - is thrilled by the surge of interest after setting up his own business Facebook page.

'So far all my customers have ensured they are home and have tended to follow me from room to room whilst we chat and clean, I am very good at multi-tasking,' he said.

Daniel Aitken, 26, started his new business just two weeks ago after first proposing the idea as joke to his parents - but he says business is now booming with him seeing six clients a week

He hopes all the funds saved will allow him to built his own property in the next few years.

He said: 'I'm aware it's a pretty random job but I saw a gap in the market and thought I would jump at the opportunity.

'I only started my naked cleaning business two weeks ago, but I can already see the potential as I've already been so busy.

Daniel's dream is to buy his own home and says the naked cleaning business will help him get there

'I have already cleaned six people's house in one week and despite being naked, I don't feel awkward.

'I'm quite confident, and so far my clientele have been a mixture of men and women who are mostly middle aged.'

The entrepreneur added that he hopes his new business will go from strength to strength.

He added: 'I just turn up to their house with a bottle of Flash, dust pan and brush, take my clothes off and start my shift.

Daniel also works as a touch therapist, where he cuddles strangers for up to 45 an hour

'I don't mind putting myself out there, I am sure it is nothing they haven't seen before.

'I have experience in cleaning from when I was a labourer, you have to sweep some pretty grubby floors.

'My friends think it is hilarious but I remain professional and ensure their house is spotless when I leave.'

Daniel is also a touch therapist - which involves cuddling strangers for up to 45 per hour - an additional service he adds onto his cleaning.

Daniel - who charges 30 per hour for his cleaning services - advertises his business through Facebook

He added: 'The aim of professional cuddling is to give companionship, this I do fully clothed.

'It is a mixture of men and women who buy these services, I have learnt a lot about Brexit when cuddling older men.

'If you go without human touch for a while, you can feel isolated so sometimes I just meet my clients in a cafe.

'My dream is to build my own house in the future and I am willing to do whatever it takes - within reason - to achieve it.'

Last year, Femail reported a naked cleaning company was rejecting young, slender applicants because customers prefer middle-aged women.

Last year, Femail reported a naked cleaning company was rejecting young, slender applicants because customers prefer middle-aged women.

The Naturist Cleaners has some 300 professionals on its books who are willing to scrub, dust and polish in the nude at homes across the UK.

The cleaners earn between 30 and 45 an hour and a strict 'no touching' policy is in place on all jobs.

Clients can request male or female cleaners of a range of ages, shapes and sizes - but it is women of an 'experienced age and fuller figure' who prove most popular.
From a soldier's bomb dog to a young cancer sufferer's best friend, these five extraordinary pooches are all in the running for a coveted award at Crufts 2019.

The faithful dogs have been shortlisted after coming top of five different categories: extraordinary life of a working dog, hero assistance dog, man's best friend, child's hero and breed rescue dog of the year.

Following a public vote, one will be crowned the winner of the Friends for Life award at the annual competition, which will return to Birmingham's NEC next month.

Each of the finalists have been given 1,000 to give to the dog charity of their choice, with the overall winner receiving 5,000 to donate.

Scroll down to meet the adorable pairs in consideration - and to cast your vote for your favourite...

Hero assistance dog

Emma the golden retriever and Milli Gunn

Emma the golden retriever is one of the finalists for the Friends for Life award at Crufts this year. She helped Milli Gunn, who has down syndrome, find her confidence

Milli Gunn, from Essex, suffers from a number of health issues, having been born with down syndrome and diagnosed with a hole in her heart at just four weeks old.

Spending her time in and out of hospital, the seven year old has had two open heart surgeries and was later diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension at the age of five.

The brave little girl struggles with her heart condition and anxiety, meaning she lacks the confidence to interact with others and make new friends.

Her father, Steve, was determined to help Milli, and enlisted the help of charity Dogs for Good.

Although Milli was initially scared of dogs, now she and Emma the Golden Retriever are inseparable.

The pooch helps Emma by picking up dropped items and retrieving her medicated drinks.

Recently, Emma noticed that Milli was getting short of breath during play sessions so she began putting her head on Milli's lap, calming her down and giving her the space to get her breathing back under control.

Emma also helps Milli find the confidence to increase her friendship circle and get more involved at school.

Father-of-three Steve said: 'Emma's turned a light on for Milli and given her the confidence to shine as brightly out in the wider world as she does at home.'

Child's hero

Snoopy the cross breed and Ollie Gage

Snoopy the cross breed was nominated under the child's hero category for helping Ollie Gage, from Banbury, Oxfordshire, as he battles acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Ollie Gage, from Banbury, Oxfordshire, formed an instant bond with Snoopy the cross breed when the family adopted him at 10 weeks old.

The three year old adored the sweet pooch - but just three months later, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Ollie was forced to stay inside in case he caught an infection, so the toddler turned to his loyal dog for a cuddle whenever he needed a friend.

His mother, Rebecca, said: 'I don't know how my son would have coped without Snoopy by his side, Ollie was isolated from his friends because of infection, but Snoopy was there and ready for whatever was needed, whether it was a cuddle or a play.

'Snoopy was even allowed in the hospital when Ollie got really sick and knew when Ollie needed him and would just lay with him. He helped Ollie learn to walk again and has been the light in such a dark time.'

Although Ollie is still critically ill, Snoopy helps him feel stronger.

Extraordinary life of a working dog

Lance the labrador retriever and Pte Lee Hampson

Lance the labrador retriever worked with Pte Lee Hampson to locate explosive devices and weapons in vehicles in Afghanistan

Lee Hampson clicked with Lance, an arms and explosives search dog, immediately while in training.

After being sent away on exercise across the globe, the pair were deployed to Afghanistan where they helped locate explosive devices and weapons in vehicles.

The Army tried to split the pair up in February 2016 when Lee accepted a posting in Cyprus, but the determined private fought to keep his loyal dog by his side.

The pair continued to work together as a team, until Lance, who is now nine, was retired this Christmas.

Now Lee has rehomed Lance with his family in Rutland, Leicestershire, where the only work the labrador retriever has to do is play with his toys.

Lee said: 'Lance looked after me in Afghanistan and helped lots of people get home safe to their families - now it's my turn to look after him. He is my best friend.'

Man's best friend

Finn the German shepherd and PC David Wardell

PC David Wardell is campaigning to make attacking service animals a criminal offence after Finn the German shepherd saved his life when a robbery suspect ran at them with a knife

PC David Wardell, from Burtingford, Hertfordshire, owes Finn the German shepherd his life after the heroic dog defended him from a robbery suspect who attacked them with a knife.

Sustaining life-threatening injuries to his chest and head, Finn was stabbed multiple times, refusing to let go of the suspect until reinforcements arrived - allowing David to escape with just a minor hand injury.

Since the attack in October 2016, David has been campaigning for 'Finn's Law', which would make attacking service animals a criminal offence.

After the savage attack on the pair, the suspect was charged with actual bodily harm for attacking David but only criminal damage for stabbing Finn.

This is because the law currently only views animals such as Finn as property, meaning criminal damage is one of the only laws available to prosecute with.

David is hoping his campaign will bring awareness to the efforts of service animals across Britain.

Breed rescue dog of the year

Ringo the greyhound and Sarah Candy

Sarah Candy, from Luton, says Ringo the greyhound completely turned her life around, making her fitter and supporting her daughters through their GCSEs

Sarah Candy, from Luton, says her rescued greyhound Ringo has completely turned her life around, making her fitter and supporting her daughters through their GCSEs.

Ringo was rescued by the Greyhound Trust after being retired from racing at just three years old.

The hare coarser, who was originally from Ireland, was brought over to the UK when he was no longer wanted.

Now the retired pooch is saving other dogs' lives as a regular blood donor at the Royal Veterinary College in Hertfordshire.

Sarah said: 'When I saw him on the Greyhound Trust Facebook site it was love at first sight.

'Ringo has changed all our lives as well as saving countless dogs' lives with the blood he donates. He is never happier than when he is at home chilling on our sofa with our three cats - he is such a loving, wonderful dog.'

You can vote for your favourite dog by clicking here.
A dog whisperer, who became famous for walking a pack of unleashed German Shepherds through busy cities has revealed the techniques he uses to train canines.

Augusto Deoliveira, 27, from Sharon, South Carolina, admits that he doesn't use any 'harsh devices' to correct the dogs, instead guiding them with a gentle touch or tug.

The professional dog trainer, who also says that he gets the dogs' attention by using body language, grew up surrounded by dogs on a farm in Brazil, and now owns 20 German Shepherds of his own.

Augusto Deoliveira (pictured in September) is an expert dog trainer from Sharon, North Carolina, and is able to control his dogs with just gentle touches and body language

The dog lover, who was brought up in Brazil, is able to stroll down the street with his dogs unleashed, and frequently does so in his hometown

Augusto owns 20 German Shepherds and often takes numerous unleashed dogs out at once, safe in the knowledge that he can keep them under control

He says that he likes the idea of humans being able to 'communicate' with animals, which is what he believes he does with his dogs when he speaks to them and touches them

Augusto, who cuts a striking figure as he walks with his dogs, says that he doesn't use any 'harsh devices' to correct the canines, instead using a gentle touch or tug

But while some might find that many canines impossible to control, Augusto, who calls himself a 'balanced trainer', says that he has mastered his leash-free technique by using both positive and corrective reinforcement techniques to train the dogs.

He said: 'I have always liked the idea that humans are able to train animals and communicate with them in a certain way.

'When I was three years old I used to play with the dog in the house trying to communicate with them. From that point, I knew I wanted to be a dog trainer.'

'I consider my correction techniques to be extremely effective and the gentlest corrections available.'

'I don't use abusing, harsh devices to correct dogs  a gentle touch or a gentle tug at the leash is enough.

The gifted animal lover uses his skills with other people's dogs too, working as a professional trainer to other pups

'You can't just have one set method to train different dogs,' Augusto said. 'You are going to need to try different things'

Augusto, who is seen at his home in Sharon with some of his dogs, claims that the best trainers are always those with the most open minds

Off they go! People will often stand and watch Augusto walking down the street with his unleashed dogs

Augusto can be seen demonstrating his training techniques in front of a very impressed crowd in his hometown of Sharon, South Carolina

'It has a lot to do with the energy I let out, and my body language, that's really what gets the dogs attention.'

Augusto has started training his dogs off leash in a group but using a simple leash to guide the dogs into the position he wants them to be.

He explained: 'It's a matter of being consistent and being very strict about what you want from your dogs.'

'It's a matter of really understanding the dog and having the dog be able to understand you.

'You can't just have one set method to train different dogs. You are going to need to try different things.'

Standing by: While speaking about his training skills, Augusto said that consistency is essential

Safe and sound: Augusto's German Shepherds are able to sit quietly and calmly by themselves without anyone worrying that they might jump up or run off

Augusto, who is pictured with several of his dogs, says: 'My job as a trainer goes a lot beyond what most people think of a dog trainer'

'I'm willing to try any "method" to train as long as it's not going to hurt the dogs and will be effective,' Augusto said of his preferred techniques

Take a seat! Unsurprisingly, Augusto and his animals often attract quite a lot of attention when they take a stroll through town

'I believe a trainer will fail the majority of the dogs they train if they only use one method, such as an only treat, or only correction,' he added.

'The best trainers will be the ones with an open mind. I'm willing to try any "method" to train as long as it's not going to hurt the dogs and will be effective.'

The trainer says that the most rewarding part of his job as an expert dog trainer is the ability to save lives of dogs who otherwise would have been put down by their owners for their aggressive behaviour.

Augusto said: 'I have never had to use a shock collar to train my dogs.

'I actually believe that the methods that I use to train them are a lot more effective than a shock collar and a lot safer.'

Conversation: 'I have never had to use a shock collar to train my dogs,' Augusto says, insisting that he has developed much more effective methods of training

The trainer says that the most rewarding part of his job is the ability to save lives of dogs who otherwise would have been put down by their owners for their aggressive behaviour

'I believe a trainer will fail the majority of the dogs they train if they only use one method, such as an only treat, or only correction,' he said

Augusto at home with his dogs - the trainer grew up surrounded by dogs on a farm in Brazil

Saving lives: 'I have trained dozens of dogs that would otherwise have been put down,' Augusto, pictured with his pups, has said

Augusto's client, Jerrica Brown, who owns one of his dog's puppies, said: 'Augusto is probably the best thing ever because anytime I have an issue I can message him, anything that I need from him he always gets back to me right away.'

Augusto said: 'My job as a trainer goes a lot beyond what most people think of a dog trainer.'

'I'm usually the owner's last hope so I am pretty used facing dogs that have a lot of aggression issues.

'I have trained dozens of dogs that would otherwise have been put down.

'And to be able to turn those dogs around and just see the hope in the honest face and just the joy of knowing that they do not have to put the dog down because they found a solution is very rewarding to me.'
The daughter of Russian multi-millionaires, who admits that her parents 'never said no' and received her first Chanel handbag age five, has had a taste of how the other half live in Rich Kids Go Skint.

Geology student Maria Rimmer, 21, traded in her Champagne lifestyle for a penny-pinching week with a low-income family in their council estate home in Croydon in a new series of the 5Star programme.

Unlike most students Maria wants for nothing living in a penthouse in Staffordshire while she studies but also shares a London property with her husband.

The couple also share an eight-month-old daughter Sandra, though Maria is hardly weighed down with the duties of motherhood with her nanny and maid on hand to provide her with constant support.

Student, Maria Rimmer, is the daughter of a Russian multi-millionaires and has never wanted for nothing with a disposable income of about 8,000 a month. Pictured: Maria and her daughter Sandra

She joins couple Becky and Hamma and their two children who live off benefits totaling 650 a month to support their family of four

Her five star lifestyle sets Maria back around 8000 per month and she has spent as much as 34,000 on a single handbag and 50,000 on a two week holiday.

This is in stark contrast with couple Becky and Hamma and their two children Mahdi aged 4 and Alfie, 18 months, in their emergency and temporary accommodation in Croydon.

Hamma, originally from Tunisia,hasnt lived in the UK long enough to claim benefits but has secured some part time work. His earnings along with Beckys meagre 650 a month benefits are all they have to pay the bills and feed and clothe their family.

Ahead of her stay with the family Maria admits that she doesn't know 'anything about benefits' and has a very set idea about the people she is about to meet.

Maria spends a week in the family's emergency accommodation in Croydon in 5Star's Rich Kids Go Skint

The mother-of-one has lead a charmed life receiving her first Chanel handbag at the age of five and owning a Hermes Birkin bag totaling 34,000

She says: 'When I think of a family in a poor area I automatically think of dirt - people that definitely don't take care of themselves look wise.

She adds: 'I'm hoping there's bottled water. (Some) people drink tap water.'

Becky shows Maria where she will be sleeping, on their sofa in the living/dining area which Maria admits she has 'never seen both together.'

She adds: 'I can't say that I felt 100 per cent safe here because of the neighbourhood it's a little sketchy.'

Maria admits on the show that she is concerned over whether the family will have bottled water. Pictured: Maria enjoying her five star life

The student, who is married, has a penthouse near her university in Staffordshire as well as a home in London

During the show Maria is tasked with shopping for clothes for Becky's two children from a charity shop, usually having no budget for her own daughters outfits

Getting to know their guest Becky and Hamma question Maria about her typical spending habits, leaving the couple in shock.

Becky says: 'Without that amount of money I think that we would be able to survive 7-8 months on everything travel bills food the whole lot you're spending that in four weeks.'

In a bid to curb her spending habits Becky gives Maria a budget of 10 to buy clothing for both of her sons in a charity shop, a store the student 'didn't realise existed.'

She says: 'I would find it very difficult to put Sandra in clothes that another child has worn for Becky there are all those gorgeous clothes out there and she can't go and buy them.

'I feel very lucky that I don't have to shop at places like that.'

Following her visit Maria says she is going to try and be 'more responsible' with her money

Becky is then reduced to tears when Maria offers to pay for the family's flights to Tunisia to visit their other relatives

She is faced with an equally trying task when she was given a 50 budget to do the family's food shop for the week, and blows 10 on a bottle of wine, much to Becky's disdain.

During her stay Becky's youngest Alfie becomes sick with the mother explaining to Maria that if he gets worse she will take him to her GP, an alien concept for Maria.

She says: 'Growing up if a doctor wasn't available they would fly in a doctor for me I feel terrible that they have to go through the whole NHS experience and they can't go private. I didn't realise that people actually willingly go to the NHS.'

It seems that the visit has had an impact on the student who tells the couple she is going to try to be 'more responsible'.

She tells the couple: 'The money that I throw away basically could be a lot to somebody. This was very eye-opening for me.'

Becky is then reduced to tears when Maria offers to pay for the family's flights to Tunisia to visit their other relatives.

Becky says of her new friend: 'She's absolutely amazing she's so lovely but she's so down to earth and we've got quite a lot in common as well.'

The two women have since remained in touch and are even organising a play date together.

Rich Kids Turn Skint airs on Tuesdays at 9pm on 5Star.
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The Duchess of Cambridge joined in a game of show-and-tell with primary school children today - bringing along a photograph of her family as the object that makes her happy.

Kate, who wore a bespoke version of a 2,100 Eponine dress and 295 L.K. Bennett boots, brought with her a photograph of her family as she joined Lavender Primary School pupils sharing objects that represent 'something that makes them feel good'.

Sitting down with a table full of of youngsters in Enfield, north London, the royal opened up her Mulberry clutch bag and told them: Ive got something. Its not very big. Do you want to see it?

Kate, who teamed her outfit with 1,833 gold pave earrings from Kiki McDonough, continued: This is a photograph of my family. These are my children and this is my husband. And my family makes me feel happy. And we like playing outside together and spending lots of time together as a family. And that makes me feel very happy.

The duchess was at the north London school in her role as patron of the charity Place2Be, a leading UK children's mental health charity that provides in-school support and expert training to improve the emotional wellbeing of pupils, families, teachers and school staff.

Candid Kate! The Duchess of Cambridge, dressed in a green Eponine dress and LK Bennett heels, brought with her a photograph of her family as she joined pupils sharing objects that represent 'something that makes them feel good' (pictured)

The Duchess, who teamed her SS18 shift dress with 1,833 Kiki McDonough earrings and a Mulberry clutch, chatted animatedly as she chatted to pupils and showed them a family photo that 'makes her happy' (right)

The Duchess of Cambridge took a copy of this photo of her family taken in 2018. It shows Kate with William and their three children, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte at home in Anmer Hall in Norfolk

It's a dog's life! The Duchess of Cambridge is greeted by an excitable cockerpoo named Herbie as she arrives at Lavender Primary School this morning, wearing a 2,100 Eponine dress teamed with 295 LK Bennett boots and a Mulberry clutch

As part of her visit, she also joined Ms McGrath and Year 6 pupils for a food diary activity, which focused on the links between food choices and mood and feelings.

After being greeted by singing children in the playground and dignitaries, where she was also given a posy, she joined Charlotte Monk, a Year 2 teacher, for her show-and-tell class, listening to the youngsters talk about objects they had brought in and how they made them feel, from swimming goggles to football stickers.

Afterwards, Kate popped outside to watch some of the youngsters being put through their paces in the playground as part of the Daily Mile Challenge, which encourages the youngsters to get more active and start to think about how their physical health can affect their mental well-being.

She also met the school dog, a cockerpoo called Herbie, before Year 6 teacher Ashley McGrath and her class, who were working on a mood meter, discussing the benefits of food as part of your physical and mental wellbeing.

Kate joined in with a group of youngsters chatting about foods such as sugar can give you a brief feeling of euphoria but how your emotions can then come crashing down.

Its interesting how food and energy and how you feel work together, said Kate, smiling at the children. Its amazing the connection between physical and mental wellbeing.

The Duchess of Cambridge is given flowers by a pupil during a visit to Lavender Primary School in Enfield, north London, in support of Place2Be's Children's Mental Health Week 2019. She was greeted by singing children as she arrived

Serenade: The Duchess of Cambridge was given a rapturous welcome by a choir of excitable children this morning as she visited a primary school in north London. She was at Lavender Primary School in support of Children's Mental Health Week

The Duchess of Cambridge is greeted by delighted primary school pupils at Lavender Primary School. Todays visit will allow the duchess to find out more about the support offered to students, teachers and parents to help with mental wellbeing

Custom Kate! The Duchess, dressed in a bespoke 2,100 Eponine dress and 295 LK Bennett boots, brought with her a photograph of her family as she joined pupils sharing objects that represent 'something that makes them feel good'

Kate wears a green Eponine dress as she arrives at Lavender Primary School in support of Place2Bes Childrens Mental Health Week 2019. The royal dazzled in a vibrant green dress from London label Eponine teamed with black tights and high heels

Kate is greeted by a dignitary as she arrives at Lavender School in Enfield this morning. She has made mental health in the young one of the cornerstones of her public work, and has launched a steering group to investigate mental health in children

She also told them them that her three-year-old daughter already enjoyed eating olives.

Charlotte loves olives, she said, and told the youngsters how she frequently got her children to cook with her - including their favourite cheesy pasta.

She then moved into a final room to chat to a group of parents about issues affecting them and their children.

Ive just been learning about healthy eating. Theres a very brave teacher who has laid out her weekly menu next door for the children to criticise, she told them.

Among the issues they discussed were techniques that parents used to cope with the stresses of the day, including yoga and spending time together as a family, away from television and screens.

Speaking afterwards, Matthew Kleiner-Mann, chief executive of the the Ivy Learning Trust, which includes Lavender Primary, spoke of how engaging the duchess had been.

The Duchess bends down to talk to an adorable young fan who greeted her with a bunch of flowers at Lavender Primary School this morning. Her dress is a bespoke version of a boucle dress from Eponine's SS18 collection

All smiles! Kate grins as she is given a rapturous welcome by a choir of excitable children this morning. She visited a primary school in north London to learn about efforts to improve mental health and will now travel to a school in west London

Kate beams as she arrives at Lavender Primary School this morning where she was presented with a bunch of flowers. The Duchess wore a bespoke version of a pink dress from London label Eponine's SS18 collection made from boucle

Now that's a welcome! The Duchess was serenaded as she arrived at Lavender Primary School in Enfield, the first of two engagements on Tuesday marking Childrens Mental Health Week

The Duchess of Cambridge meets staff and pupils during a visit to Lavender Primary School in Enfield, north London, in support of Place2Be's Children's Mental Health Week 2019. She was greeted by a lovely performance of a mental health song

Kate gives her pint-sized hosts a round of applause as she arrives at Lavender Primary School this morning. Todays visit will allow the duchess to find out more about the support offered to students, teachers and parents to help with mental wellbeing

Mr Kleiner-Mann, who introduced Place2Be to the school when he was headteacher 13 years ago,said: She was so engaging and was interested in how Place2Be fitted into the whole school community. She was wonderful with the children and was keen to speak to the parents about the whole helps with their mental wellbeing too.

I introduced Place2Be to the school because I realised the important of counselling and mental wellbeing but didnt have the wherewithal to do it myself.

The Duchess was really interested in how it worked, how Place2Be worked in a school environment and how it helps all children, not just those specifically having dealings with them day to day.

She was very interested in our discussion about how food can change moods. She was telling us how much her children love cooking and how they cook for her. They made cheesy pasta the other day.

Kate is visiting London schools this morning on behalf of Place2Be, a leading UK children's mental health charity providing in-school support and expert training to improve the emotional wellbeing of pupils, families, teachers and school staff

Kate opted for bespoke Eponine this morning. The mother-of-three, who later met pupils and teachers at Alperton Community School in west London, dazzled in the vibrant green boucle dress as she arrived in Enfield on Tuesday

The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Lavender Primary School this morning. Kate has made mental health in the young one of the cornerstones of her public work, and recently launched a steering group to investigate the correlation between vulnerable young children and those who experience mental health problems, addiction and anti-social issues

Kate wore green boucle for her first engagement of the day. Before departing the Duchess will join a group of parents talking about the challenges of putting in place good routines and habits around sleep, screen-time, healthy eating and exercise

'One stirs the flour, one puts the milk and butter in, and they make salads and stuff. Food is important to her and she understands the links between mental health and physical exercise.

The mother-of-three - who later met pupils and teachers including 'World's Best Teacher' Andria Zafirakou at Alperton Community School in west London - dazzled in the vibrant green boucle dress as she arrived in Enfield this morning.

Kate has made mental health in the young one of the cornerstones of her public work, and recently launched a steering group to investigate the correlation between vulnerable young children and those who experience mental health problems, addiction and anti-social issues when they are older.

The main thrust of the group, comprised of healthcare experts, charities and academics, is to discover whether earlier intervention would make a difference to their future lives.

Kate arrives at Lavender Primary School this morning. During her visit Kate, mother to George, five, Charlotte, three, and Louis, who will turn one this spring, will meet teachers and students taking part in Childrens Mental Health Week

Kate stuns in Eponine as she arrives in Enfield in her role as patron of Place2Be. The theme of this years Childrens Mental Health Week is Healthy: Inside and Out, focusing on the connection between physical and mental health

Kate chats to pupils at Lavender Primary School this morning. The theme of this years Childrens Mental Health Week is Healthy: Inside and Out, focusing on the connection between physical and mental health

Kate meets Year 2 pupils at Lavender Primary School. Place2Be, of which she is is patron, is a leading UK children's mental health charity providing in-school support and expert training to improve the emotional wellbeing of pupils, families, teachers and school staff

The Duchess chats to Year 2 pupils. The Duchess, who teamed her dress with 1,833 Kiki McDonough earrings and a Mulberry clutch, was serenaded as she arrived at Lavender Primary School in Enfield, the first of two engagements today

All smiles! The mother-of-three, who later met pupils and teachers - including 'World's Best Teacher Andria Zafirakou' - at Alperton Community School in west London, dazzled in the vibrant green boucle dress as she arrived in Enfield

Making friends: Kate joins Ms McGrath and Year 6 pupils for a food diary activity, which focused on the links between food choices and mood and feelings. Lavender Primary School in Enfield was her first of two engagements on Tuesday

Keeping it simple: The Duchess of Cambridge kept has makeup to a minimum this morning, wearing a subtle smoky eye teamed with a nude lip and a hint of blusher. She wore her hair in her signature bouncy blow dry

Kate was in Enfield this morning in her role as patron of Place2Be. The charity launched the first ever Childrens Mental Health Week in 2015 to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young peoples mental health

Kate chats to school children in her first of two engagements today. The theme of this years Childrens Mental Health Week is Healthy: Inside and Out, focusing on the connection between physical and mental health

Kate wore green Eponine and black tights. As part of her visit, she also joined Ms McGrath and Year 6 pupils for a food diary activity, which focused on the links between food choices and mood and feelings

The Duchess chats to pupils at Lavender Primary School this morning. Kate has made mental health in the young one of the cornerstones of her public work, and recently launched a steering group to investigate the correlation between vulnerable young children and those who experience mental health problems, addiction and anti-social issues when they are older

Kate waves to pupils as she arrives in Enfield. Later she visited Alperton Community School to meet the UKs first winner of the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, Andria Zafirakou, and find out more about the programmes the school runs

Kate was in Enfield this morning in her role as patron of Place2Be. The charity launched the first ever Childrens Mental Health Week in 2015 to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young peoples mental health

Kate is given bunches of flowers as she leaves Lavender Primary School. The Duchess, who teamed her SS18 shift dress with 1,833 Kiki McDonough earrings and a Mulberry clutch, was serenaded as she arrived at the school in north London

Kate waves goodbyes to pupils at Lavender Primary school. Her next stop was Alperton Community School where she will meet the UKs first winner of the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, Andria Zafirakou

Day Kate met the World's Best Teacher The Duchess of Cambridge met the woman named as the World's Best Teacher today during a series of school visits to mark Children's Mental Health Week. Kate, wearing a 2,100 bespoke dress from Eponine, travelled to northwest London to learn how the school of award-winning Andria Zafirakou is supporting the wellbeing of pupils and staff. Ms Zafirakou was awarded (766,000) in prize money and the 2018 Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, which recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession. Teacher's pet! Kate travelled to northwest London to learn how the school of award-winning Andria Zafirakou (pictured) is supporting the wellbeing of pupils and staff The art and textiles teacher, who works at Alperton Community School, learnt how to say basic greetings in many of the 35 languages spoken at the school to help parents feel welcome. Along with colleagues she redesigned the curriculum to make it relevant to pupils, is known for taking the time to understand students' lives by visiting their homes, and was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours. During her visit to Alperton today, Kate also joined headteacher Mr McKenna and students taking part at the Random Acts of Kindness Club. Advertisement

Todays visit allowed the duchess to find out more about the support offered to students, teachers and parents to help with mental wellbeing in support of Place2Bes Childrens Mental Health Week 2019.

Place2Be, of which she is is patron, is a leading UK children's mental health charity providing in-school support and expert training to improve the emotional wellbeing of pupils, families, teachers and school staff.

The charity works directly with more than 282 primary and secondary schools across England, Scotland and Wales.

Place2Be launched the first ever Childrens Mental Health Week in 2015 to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young peoples mental health.

The theme of this years Childrens Mental Health Week is Healthy: Inside and Out, focusing on the connection between physical and mental health.

Kate leaves Alperton Primary School today. She met with students taking part in the Random Acts of Kindness Club, which is an extracurricular club focusing on the wellbeing of the school community

Kate is waved off by Alperton staff on Tuesday afternoon. Before departing, the Duchess of Cambridge dropped in on an art class where she heard how the school uses art to enhance childrens confidence and creativity

The Duchess of Cambridge leaves Alperton Community School where she met the UKs first winner of the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, Andria Zafirakou, and found out more about the programmes the school runs

Kate departs Alperton Community School, where she learned about its programmes designed to support both students and teachers with their mental wellbeing. She wore a green boucle Eponine dress

During her visit to Lavender Primary School, Kate met teachers and students taking part in Childrens Mental Health Week activities and sat in on two different lessons focusing on the importance of physical and mental health.

She then travelled to Alperton Community School to meet the UKs first winner of the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, Andria Zafirakou, and find out more about the programmes the school runs to support both students and teachers with their mental wellbeing.

Miss Zafirakou won the global prize in 2018 in recognition of her contribution to the school community. On arrival the duchess joined a roundtable discussion with teachers about students school readiness and teacher welfare.

She also met students taking part in the Random Acts of Kindness Club, which is an extracurricular club focusing on the wellbeing of the school community.

Before departing Kate dropped in on an art class where she heard how the school uses art to enhance childrens confidence and creativity.

She encouraged young people to switch off from the online world and focus on their true talents.

Kate hailed a budding artist as a fantastic advert for what young people can do. Shown the work of A-level student Shaquille, 16, she said: Wow, this is what you can do when youre not on social media!

Kate was at Alperton Community School in north London to mark Childrens Mental Health Week. At another school earlier, she produced a photo of her family for a Year 2 show and tell.

Asked to show something that makes you happy, she opened her black clutch bag and teased: Ive got something. Its not very big. Do you want to see it?

Kate, continued: This is a photograph of my family. These are my children and this is my husband.

My family makes me feel happy. We like playing outside together and spending lots of time together... and that makes me feel very happy.

The photo is the one the couple sent out on their Christmas cards last month.

Matthew Kleiner-Mann, of the Ivy Learning Trust, said: She was so wonderful with the children.
British viewers were left in shock over a documentary exploring the introduction of armed teachers in US schools.

The Channel 4 programme Teachers Training to Kill visited Butler County in Ohio where Sheriff Richard Kay Jones is campaigning for educators to be given fire arms to protect students in the event of a mass shooting.

Jones hoped to arm teachers in two schools in the county, Madison and Hamilton, even providing training sessions in the Foothills of the Appalachian mountains to train teachers to kill.

While Madison was keen to implement the motion, Hamilton's superintendent Harry Knapp is trying to keep his establishment a gun-free zone.

Channel 4 documentary Teachers Training to Kill saw Hamilton school in Ohio practice a shooting drill

Speaking on the programme he said: 'I don't think teachers want to carry guns. The people that work in schools got in there because they want to help and they want to better everyone who's in that school.

'That's why teachers are there, they love kids, they like working with kids. They didn't get into this to carry guns.

'There's just so many things that could go wrong when you put a deadly weapon in somebody's hand that's not accustomed to handling it.'

In an effort to convince locals that they don't need armed teachers in their school, Knapp organises a shooting drill, inviting local media along to capture it.

A local police officer took on the role as the 'gunman' while staff and students played out what would happen in the instance

The scenes left viewers in shock, describing the scenes as 'more awful than they could imagine'

Many took to Twitter during the programme to express their horror over the situation

Both teachers and students took part, acting out what would happen if a gunmen were to enter the school, leaving many viewers in shock.

Taking to Twitter one wrote: 'Watching Training Teachers to Kill is absolutely terrifying, imagine being 5 years old and having to do a school shooter drill once a week.'

Another said: 'I can't believe what I am watching, channel 4 teachers training to kill! Schools in America actually have mass shooting drills! What is the world coming to?!'

A third wrote: 'Teachers training to kill on @Channel4 is sickening to watch! Little babies no more than 4 being taught lock down drills in case of active shooters in the school?! And then they think the answer is to arm the teacher.'

Another added: 'Watching Teachers Training to Kill on Channel 4... genuine insanity.'

Harry Knapp's efforts to prove that he was equipped enough in the event of an armed intruder failed to convince the sheriff.

Sheriff Richard Kay Jones of Ohio was looking to get armed teachers into both Hamilton and Madison school in the Butler County

Cooper Caffrey, 15, is a student at Madison and three years ago was shot by a fellow pupil - he is against arming teachers in school

Superintendent Harry Knapp (pictured) of Hamilton chose not to arm teachers, however, Madison high school chose to carry the motion

He said: 'I believe that all the school should have at least one or two persons that is armed.

'It doesn't cost anything they're already employed it's just having an extra duty and responsibility of being armed.'

The documentary also met 15-year-old Cooper Caffrey, a student at Madison school.

In 2016 Cooper was one of the two students shot by a 14-year-old pupil at the school - and he is on the rally campaigning for a gun-free schools.

Speaking on the documentary he said: 'School isn't a gun-free zone anymore. I feel threatened by it,

Viewers described the motion as 'insanity'questioning how introducing more guns would solve the problem

'Teachers are people too, just like any high schooler can have an unhinged moment or a bad day a teacher can have that as well.

'All the teachers that I spoke to expressed doubt and didn't want to be responsible for that.'

His father agrees arguing that the local authorities are 'manipulating a situation when my son almost dies to manipulate their own agenda.'

By the end of the summer holidays in 2018, the Hamilton school board announced that they would not be arming their teachers.

However, Cooper's high school, Madison carried the motion and while they have not yet introduced weapons they are the only school in Butler County to agree to it.

Cooper has since left his high school in order to attend one without armed teachers.

Catch up with Teachers Training To Kill on All4
A concerned Australian mother has shared a warning issued by her child's school about the safety surrounding gel ice packs.

The school had sent home information about two young children who tried to 'lick' the contents of the ice pack because 'it looked like jelly' after the packaging burst open in their lunchbox.

'May we please ask all parents not to use the gel ice packs as per the photograph,' the school decreed.

A concerned mother has shared a warning issued by her child's school about the safety surrounding gel ice packs

The school had sent home information about two children who tried to 'lick' the contents of the ice pack because 'it looked like jelly' after the packaging burst open in their lunchbox

The Perth-based mother said she was passing the warning along just in case other parents had them lying around their home.

Hundreds of comments littered the posting, many of whom had similar experiences with the 'jelly-like' material.

'Mine did this last year. My daughter thought the same thing as it was new,' one woman wrote.

Hundreds of comments littered the posting, many of whom had similar experiences with the 'jelly-like' material

One person said they use a reusable food pouch and fill it with water (pictured)

'I had these ones and they burst in my son's cooler bag. Went everywhere! Will never buy them again,' another added.

A third said: 'Mine also did this last year, obviously happens a lot!'

One person said they use a reusable food pouch and fill it with water, freeze it and then pop it in their child's bag.

This avoids any need to use the gel-like substances.

The gel-like substance is labelled 'non toxic' so in the event it does get into your child's mouth it shouldn't cause any considerable harm.

'Has anyone licked them? They wouldn't do it twice! They are made to taste disgusting! They are also non toxic. You could put them in a ziplock bag so the gel doesn't come out, if they bust,' said one commenter.

For ease, some parents are opting for brick-like ice packs which don't contain any chemicals within them.
It isn't uncommon for bars and pubs to insist on customers abiding by a dress code.

And one Sydney venue recently made their strict list of rules public knowledge after posting a picture of the cheeky dress code board on social media.

The management team behind Slims Rooftop - a pink hued bar on the third floor of Hyde Park House near the CBD - shared their tongue-in-cheek list of rules and sparked an amused response from customers.

'Cheap, ill-fitting suits and power ties; seriously, nobody cares up here,' is one of the first things listed.

A Sydney venue has recently shared their new list of items that they have banned customers from wearing while at the venue

'Cheap, ill-fitting suits and power ties; seriously, nobody cares up here,' is one of the first things listed

They have also asked people to not have 'comb-overs' and they won't tolerate 'd***heads' or 'thongs after sunset'.

According to the post staff will also turn away groups in fancy dress and couples who are dressed to match.

Other banned items include 'shoes that you can't walk in', 'sh** chat', 'cargo shorts at all times' and sporting team jerseys.

The owners also don't want to see people in a high-vis kit as 'we've finished building up here', nor do they want those who will be 'creeping'.

They have also asked people not wear 'big granny undies' or 'comb-overs' and they won't tolerate 'd***heads'

All of this considered, they have said that 'w**kers are ok in moderation... We all need a little pleasure sometimes!'.

On the Slims Rooftop website the management team have said that they also do not allow minors, bucks parties, mad-Mondays, overt hen's parties and 18th and 21st birthdays.

This is because they're 'all about fun but not at the expense of everyone else'.

According to the post staff will also turn away groups in fancy dress and couples who are dressed to match

Followers on Instagram seem to appreciate the amusing list, with many leaving appreciative comments on the post.

'Surprised they let us in,' one man joked as he tagged his friends.

'What were you getting up there before the new code?' another commenter curiously asked.

Other customers commented saying Slims Rooftop is 'our kind of bar' and 'how good are the new rules?'.
Thousands of residents on the north Queensland coast have returned home to find their cars, lounges, suitcases and clothing have been infested by mould.

The city of Townsville and surrounding areas received unprecedented levels of rainfall over the last few days that forced thousands of residents to flee, leaving their sodden belongings in their wake.

And while very dangerous outbreaks of mould are to be approached with caution, a number of experts are sharing the best ways to get rid of it safely - and fast.

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Thousands of residents on the north Queensland coast have returned home to find their cars, lounges, suitcases and mats have been infested by mould

The city of Townsville and surrounding areas received unprecedented levels of rainfall over the last few days that forced thousands of residents to flee, leaving their sodden belongings in their wake

'Attention Townsville! I pulled this from my kitchen cupboard yesterday! Although the immediate threat to life and property has subsided; mould poses very real and serious long term chronic health issues,' one woman wrote alongside a photo of her mould-ridden bag.

'Please don't become complacent. Throw away things that are this bad. Use your aircons to dry out the house, air purifiers can help, make sure you 'dry' walls after wiping them down.

'I am about to start a clean up. We will be using vinegar, clove oil and some hydrogen peroxide to try and get rid of it.'

Why and where does mould grow? Generally, if you can see or smell mould, you need to clean up and remove the mould immediately, as mould can damage surfaces it grows on. The longer it grows the more damage it can cause. Mould only grows when there is sufficient moisture. When mould appears, the first task is to try to establish where the moisture is coming from. Parts of a house that get wet or have poor ventilation are prone to mould growth, such as: Avoid conditions encouraging mould growth, by using heat, insulation and ventilation. The cheapest and easiest way of reducing moisture and humidity levels is by ventilating a room by opening a door or window. Use exhaust fans where available. Source: Better Health Victoria Advertisement

Big Red Carpet Cleaning in Townsville also offered some tips on how to stay safe around mould growths

'Vacuum over the mould with a hepa vacuum to remove mould spores growing in the area,' they wrote on Facebook

Big Red Carpet Cleaning in Townsville also offered some tips on how to stay safe around mould growths.

'Vacuum over the mould with a hepa vacuum to remove mould spores growing in the area,' they wrote on Facebook.

'You can minimise the spread of the mould by mixing 80 per cent vinegar to 20 per cent water. Spray this directly onto the mould and leave for several hours to kill the mould.

'If you have power keep your air conditioning on and set at 21-22 degrees to prevent the humidity from spreading more mould.'

Many locals were trying to come up with the best solutions for ridding your house of mould

Sydney-based cleaner Ricky, who runs Ricky's Cleaning Services , wanted to make it quite clear that safety around mould was the number on priority

'You need to wear gloves and a face mask to remove it,' he told FEMAIL

For cleaning mould from carpet ABC Local Radio's cleaning expert Shannon Lush recommends two tablespoons each of bi-carb soda, white vinegar and methylated spirits, and two teaspoons each of eucalyptus and glycerine.

Sydney-based cleaner Ricky, who runs Ricky's Cleaning Services, wanted to make it quite clear that safety around mould was the number on priority.

'You need to wear gloves and a face mask to remove it,' he told FEMAIL.

'If any room has extreme mould it's better to scrub it off instead of spraying chemicals to treat it. If it's mild mould you can spray Exit Mould onto the area and brush it away, but a cheaper alternative is premium bleach from Woolworths.'

Tens of thousands of families are currently on their seventh day of battling the wet conditions, and have now been warned the flooding has displaced crocodiles

What does the government say about mould removal? When returning to your home, be aware of any visible mould or a musty smell. High mould levels are likely if the house has been flooded for more than two days. The key to preventing mould growth is to clean up and dry out the house as quickly as possible (within 24 to 48 hours). If you are visiting your house to collect belongings, visually inspect for damage or to do basic clean-up over short periods: - wear sturdy footwear, and rubber or leather gloves - it is preferable that footwear is waterproof and has rubber soles - it is not usually necessary to wear a respirator unless you are sensitive to mould. Before cleaning or disposing of water or mould-damaged items, always seek expert advice from your insurance company. Before you plan your clean-up, remember that not everyone is suited to working in damp, potentially mouldy conditions. Check that family members and volunteers who offer to help are not sensitive to mould. People who should avoid being present during post-flood cleaning or repair works include: - children (under 12 years, particularly infants) - pregnant women - people over 65 years - those with weakened immune systems, allergies, severe asthma, and chronic, obstructive, or allergic lung diseases. Source: Better Health Victoria Advertisement

Early estimates suggest insurance costs will exceed $16million, but this could increase drastically should the tornado hit

Tens of thousands of families are currently on their seventh day of battling the wet conditions, and have now been warned the flooding has displaced crocodiles.

Crocodiles were spotted in the residential neighbourhood of Mundingburra shortly before 10pm on Sunday.

Residents were warned to keep their eyes peeled while wading through the waist-deep waters.

Forecasters now fear the monsoonal weather conditions and strong winds will create a tornado in the region in the coming days.

Early estimates suggest insurance costs will exceed $16million, but this could increase drastically should the tornado hit.
As children around Australia return to school in the height of summer, parents are just starting to relax back into their normal routines.

Whether that be returning to full time work or simply having extra child-free hours in the day, for some its a welcome relief from ferrying their little ones between play dates and outings.

Mother-of-four Tina Gibson from Western Australia decided to share an amusing image of what that first day back to the classroom looked for her and her tribe.

Mother-of-four Tina Gibson from Western Australia decided to share an image of what that first day back to the classroom looked for her and her tribe

'This was my first day back to school photo this morning. They're all legends and this photo needed to be done!' The 31-year-old joked.

'It'll take me a few days to process my devastation.'

In the photo Ms Gibson is sitting in a hot tub with a glass of white wine in her hand smiling at the camera.

Behind her three children dressed in uniform stand against a pool fence smiling - with another small boy holding a sign saying 'I start tomorrow!'

'I actually saw a photo of a lady floating in a pool a while ago and two of her children were standing on the edge. I'm not sure if it was a back to school photo or not,' the doting mother told FEMAIL.

'With just moving into our new home with a spa I thought it would be funny to reenact it when my boys went back to school.

'Everybody that knows me knows that I adore my four boys. And that I also enjoy a wine to unwind and a good laugh!

'So I thought this would be a different way to show my friends a picture of my kids starting school for the year instead of them standing against the wall.'

The photo garnered a hundred likes from the stunning woman's friends and family, namely because of its hilarious sentiment.

'This is gold' and 'best first day back photo' were just some of the comments left below the happy snap.

'Thought Id get some laughs,' Ms Gibson added in the comment thread below.

'7:20am might be a tad to early for wine and the water was freezing but totally worth the shot!

'Spewing Asher isn't in his uniform too, not sure if you can read the sign. He starts tomorrow.'
As Valentine's Day approaches, many women are starting to think about their ideal date outfit.

So, to help them complete the process, cosmetic giant Mecca Australia has revealed their most 'romantic' perfumes for both wearing and gifting.

In addition to the top 10, they also suggested fragrances that contain vanilla, citrus and rose as they 'transcend personal preferences' and are universally liked.

100BON Tonka Et Amande EDP

This smell combines the tonka bean with almonds to create an almost sweet syrup fragrance.

A 50mL bottle of this frangrance will set you back $78.

For those who follow the vegan lifestyle, this could be the scent for you with 100BON's entire range being vegan.

This can be purchased online or is available at select Mecca Maxima stores.

This smell combines the tonka bean with almonds to create an almost sweet syrup fragrance

ALTAIA Purple Land EDP

This unisex smell is 'evocative of the island days,' according to Mecca.

The smell has hints of fruits and florals such as grapefruits, lily of the valley, papaya and musk.

A 100mL bottle of the perfume retails for $305.

This can be purchased online or is available at select Mecca Maxima stores or Mecca Cosmetica stores.

The smell has hints of fruits and florals such as grapefruits, lily of the valley, papaya and musk

Floral Street Black Lotus EDP

This scent is sophisticated yet playful with key notes of red peppercorn, black leather and narcotic musk flower.

The cosmetic store said that this smell is popular for an evening date.

A 50mL bottle is worth $109 and is available online and at select Mecca Maxima stores.

This scent is sophisticated yet playful with key notes of red peppercorn, black leather and narcotic musk flower

EDITIONS DE PARFUMS BY FREDERIC MALLE Carnal Flower EDP

This scent will remind you of fresh melon, coconut cream and suntan lotion.

The main ingredient is carnal tuberose, which is a white floral with citrus and green notes.

A 100mL bottle will set you back $482 and is available online and at select Mecca Maxima and Mecca Cosmetica stores.

The main ingredient is carnal tuberose, which is a white floral with citrus and green notes

MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN Baccarat Rouge Extrait

This scent is packed with Egyptian jasmine, saffron and balsamic cedar wood,

The smell intensifies and is based off the original Baccarat Rouge 540 EDP.

A 70mL bottle of the Baccarat Rouge Extrait retails for $511 and is available online and at select Mecca Maxima and Mecca Cosmetica stores.

A 70mL bottle of the Baccarat Rouge Extrait retails for $511 and is available online and at select Mecca Maxima and Mecca Cosmetica stores

Le Labo The Noir 29

This perfume may not be your traditional romantic scent due to the absence of fruit, vanilla or rose - however it is 'undeniably alluring'.

The intoxicating scent has notes of bay leaves, back tea and cedar wood.

The $413 100mL bottle of perfume can even been personalised.

It is available online and at select Mecca Maxima and Mecca Cosmetica stores.

This perfume may not be your traditional romantic scent due to the absence of fruit, vanilla or rose - however it is 'undeniably alluring'

D.S. & DURGA Bowmakers

This scent is woody but also has hints of maple syrup, varnish and smoky church incense.

Mecca recommended this scent be worn to a whiskey tasting or a burlesque club.

A 50mL bottle retails for $268 and is available online and at select Mecca Maxima and Mecca Cosmetica stores.

This scent is woody but also has hints of maple syrup, varnish and smoky church incense

Byredo La Selection Valentine

This collection of six scents which are 12mL each and available from February 5, 2019.

The $262 collection is made up of scents titled Gypsy Water and Rose Of No Man's Land, with the later being made up of Turkish rose and woody papyrus.

This is available at select Mecca Maxima and Mecca Cosmetica stores.

The $262 collection is made up of scents titled Gypsy Water and Rose Of No Man's Land, with the later being made up of Turkish rose and woody papyrus

ELLIS BROOKLYN Myth Hydraparfum

This 30mL bottle has a blend of lotus, creamy musk and narcotic jasmine - and it comes it gel form.

This is perfect for people with sensitive skin as it is alcohol-free.

The $107 bottle of perfume is available online and at select Mecca Maxima and Mecca Cosmetica stores.

The $107 bottle of perfume is available online and at select Mecca Maxima and Mecca Cosmetica stores

Rodin Olio Lusso Perfume EDP

This $367 bottle of perfume blends jasmine is a 'lusty' manner due to the mix with zingy citrus and spicy neroli.

This is the epitome of the signature Rodin scent in a minimalistic bottle.

The 30mL bottle is an online exclusive.
Emily Ratajowski has revealed her evening skincare regime that involves using a variety of products that add up to $800.

During an interview with Coveteur, the actress and model revealed that taking care of her skin is a big priority, and that no matter how hectic a day she has, she will always take care of her skin at the end of the day.

The 27-year-old, who also posed for stunning images shot by photographer Alec Kugler for the website, added that she alternates between products and techniques depending on how her skin feels on the day.

Routine: Emily Ratajkowski revealed her skincare routine in a recent interview with Coveteur, where she detailed her must-have five products of the moment

Priorities: She revealed that no matter how hectic a day she has had, she always makes the time to take care of her skin in the evening time

Strike a pose: The model and actress also posed for a stunning photo shoot for the website

Style star: In the shoot, the brunette model poses in both a bathrobe, and a chic silk shirt-and-jeans ensemble

While speaking to the website, the model revealed five go-to products that she likes to use to prepare her skin before going to sleep.

'No matter how crazy my day is, I always take the time to take care of my skin. I take my makeup off,' she said.

'I take my makeup off, do a little exfoliating, and depending on whats going on, Ill use different products,' she added.

She revealed that two of her go-to cleansers at the moment are both by American skincare brand Kiehl's.

'Im using a tea tree exfoliating face wash, and Im also using a Kiehl's exfoliating cleanser thats actually for men, its really nice,' she explained.

The Age Defender Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser retails for $28 at Kiehl's, and is described as a two-in-one clay mask and exfoliating face wash for men.

Emily added that she regularly uses another Kiehl's product on her skin.

'For everyday, my go-to is just the simple Kiehls cleanser if my skins looking OK and I dont want to screw with it too much.'

The brand's Ultra Facial Cleanser retails for $20, and boasts that it is a mild face cleanser that is suitable for all skin types.

Go-to: The 27-year-old revealed that she uses Kiehl's Age Defender Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser ($28) and the brand's Ultra Facial Cleanser ($20) to wash her face

Skincare favorites: After washing her face, Emily applies the 'amazing' Joanna Vargas Super Nova Serum (left, $295). She also uses Barbara Strums Rich Face Cream (center, $230) before adding a layer of Sisley's Black Rose Precious Face Oil (right, $235)

Glowing: It's no wonder the stunning model's skin is constantly glowing despite regularly wearing makeup for fashion shows and photo shoots

Next in Emily's regime is a retinol, which is used to prevent fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

She said: 'I use a retinol; I really love Joanna Vargas Super Nova Serum, that product in particular is amazing.'

Saviour: Emily uses the Kerastase Resistance Extentioniste ($124) to thicken her hair after heat makes it more brittle

A 30ml bottle of the serum costs $295.

To finish up her evening skincare process, the 27-year-old applies a layer of Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich, which retails for $230.

Explaining the finished results of applying each product, Emily said: 'They all sort of seal together, and in the morning my skin is good.'

She added that if her skin is feeling particularly dry, she will add a layer of Sisley's Black Rose Precious Face Oil, which costs $235.

The model added that she likes products from cosmetics brand By Terry.

Altogether, Emily's evening skincare products cost $808.

She also revealed the secrets behind her ever-perfect hair, which she says she puts virtually no effort into doing.

She said: 'Im truly not as good with hair as I am with skin or makeup. Hair is harder for me, so whats really been helpful is making my hair really healthy.

Emily added that she loves the Kerastase Resistance Extentioniste ($124), which she said 'totally changed' her hair.

Haircare: Emily revealed that the Kerastase Resistance Extentioniste 'totally changed' her hair as it helped to thicken her hair that she said receives a lot of heat treatment

Fun: The model frolicked around in front of the camera during the shoot, which was done by photographer Alec Kugler

Lovers: Emily pictured with her husband Sebastian Bear-McClard who she got married to last February in a private wedding

Explaining her haircare routine, she said: 'Ill shampoo my hair just at the roots, rinse it pretty quickly, and then Ill put the conditioner in mid-length down, but not too much.'

'Then Ill shave or whatever, then rinse. You can actually feel it thickening your hair.

Emily, who tied the knot with her now husband Sebastian Bear-McClard almost one year ago, is no stranger to sharing insights of her life online.

She regularly shares photos to her 21.7 million Instagram followers, who tune in to see her latest modelling campaigns, makeup looks and fashion designs for her swimwear line inamoratawoman.

The model was recently spotted attending a Super Bowl party in Atlanta last weekend, where she stunned in a little black dress.

She completed her look with a green velvet coat draped over her shoulders, and sported straightened locks and black sunglasses.
For nine years little Brendan McMasters was pretty sure he understood what praying was all about. After all, he attended Mass every Sunday at the local Catholic Church with his mother Ann.

So it's little wonder he was taken aback when his new chum Yasmin told him she didn't sit in a pew in church to pray, but instead laid a mat on the floor.

Not only that but Yasmin, who is Muslim, always prayed before every meal, to a god with a different name.

The pair witnessed each other's different religious practises as part of an extraordinary television experiment.

Originally from Ireland, Brendan, 9, lives with his mother a 51-year-old nurse, and his three siblings. They all have red hair and are nicknamed the Weasleys

How the Other Kids Live, starting on Channel 4 this week brings together children from different backgrounds for playdates they would otherwise never have.

From rich to not-so-rich, nuclear families to single-parent families, they are playdates among children who may live just a stone's throw from each other but exist on different sides of not just a class but a cultural divide that is rarely breached.

Because as Brendan's mum points out, most of us tend to live, unquestioningly, in our social comfort zones, cleaving towards others we see as similar.

'Brendan does mix with different kids in afterschool clubs but at school most kids come from the same background,' she says. 'So when I heard about the programme I put Brendan forward as I thought it would be nice for him to know about other cultures and backgrounds because otherwise you can grow up a bit narrow-minded.

Ann, a 51-year-old nurse who is divorced from Brendan's father  also called Brendan  lives in a spacious semi in Birmingham with her four children, all vibrant redheads who, as Brendan confides to camera, sometimes get called The Weasleys after the carrot-topped family in the Harry Potter books.

Originally from Ireland, Brendan  an ebullient but sensitive boy who describes himself as 'not super-dooper popular but a bit popular' - attends the local Roman Catholic primary school and 'likes' Jesus, 'because he saved the world.'

A few minutes' drive  but arguably also a world - away, seven-year-old Yasmin Kolawole is also a fan of her God. 'I'm a Muslim and I pray every single day. At school once I forgot and then someone was mean to me and next day I prayed and no one was mean to me that day,' she announces.

Yasmin lives with stay-at-home mum Hafsat and care worker husband Kazhim in a two-bedroom rented home. Space is tight, and Yasmin shares a bedroom with her two younger brothers.

Yasmin, 7, lives with stay-at-home mum Hafsat and care worker husband Kazhim in a two-bedroom rented home - a few miles away from Brendan

Hafsat and Kazhim came to the UK from Nigeria ten years ago, and are trying to raise their children with what they see as the best of both cultures. 'We consider ourselves Africglish' jokes Kazhim.

Their bouncy daughter, however, has her own ideas. 'I want to grow up as an English person more than an African woman,' she declares. 'I want to be a policeman and then I could be rich.'

Like Ann, Hafsat is anxious that her daughter Yasmin understands that friendship should be able to breach all divides. 'I want them to see for themselves there is no colour barrier in being friends.'

Nor does she want her daughter to be put off by differences in class or wealth. For the first televised playdate Yasmin and Brendan visit the home of privately-educated nine-year-old twins Billy and Tom Moxon, who live in an affluent part of Birmingham in a three storey five bedroom home which Yasmin declares 'humungous' on first sight.

Privately-educated nine-year-old twins Billy and Tom Moxon, who live in an affluent part of Birmingham in a three storey five bedroom home with their parents who are both lawyers

Billy and Tom's parents Sian and Nick are both lawyers who have their own touching reason for taking part in the programme: Tom has Down's Syndrome and often gets left out when it comes to playdates.

'It is a little bit upsetting,' confides Sian. 'When he sees his brother going off he says 'can I go too?'.' This social experiment is, she believes, a way of helping to redress the balance and show Tom that he can make friends on his own.

Nonetheless, she's nervous about how new children will react to Tom - although his brother tells her not to worry. 'I think he'll find it scary at first because it's new people but when he gets used to it he'll be fine' confides Billy.

Billy is right  all the children happily dive into a game of hide and seek within moments of arrival at the Moxons' home, although there is a momentary misunderstanding between Tom and Brendan when Brendan can't tell what Tom is saying and both become tearful.

How the Other Kid Lives, starting on Channel 4 this week brings together children from different backgrounds in the three families, for playdates they would otherwise never have

'Brendan was trying to explain something and didn't know what Tom was saying - he was eight, in a different home and I think he worried that he was going to be rude,' says Ann now.

'But as time went on he got more comfortable. And what was interesting is that any awkwardness from that first playdate didn't carry into the second time they met at our home. And by the time they went to Yasmin's they had become really quite good friends.'

Such good friends that the initially reticent Tom, who has never been left at someone else's house without his mum, doesn't want to go home  leaving Sian 'over the moon' .

The youngsters quickly fall into candid conversation. Yasmin asks Billy what it is like to have a brother with Down's Syndrome (his thoughtful reply: 'it's nice to have a different kind of person, he's not the same as us so it's interesting to see what he acts like.')

In the show, Yasmin (centre) asks Billy (right) what it is like to have a brother with Down's Syndrome and is intrigued by Brendan's (left) religion

Brendan and Yasmin are intrigued by each other's religions. 'I'm actually quite interested to see how you pray' says Brendan to Yasmin on their third playdate, during which, alongside the twins, they have visited the park close to Yasmin's home before returning to her home for tea.

He gets confused when Yasmin puts on her hijab, saying: 'My friend told me that if you put your hood up during mass it's disrespectful.' Yasmin quickly reassures him that being Muslim, means 'you can celebrate the same stuff but in a different way.'

When Ann watches the documentary footage back, she says: 'The children are all curious but there are no labels or judgement - they don't judge because you're a Muslim or because your brother's got Downs, they have the ability to see past all that and just get on with it.

'As an adult you could take something from it. When I first arrived at Billy and Tom's house. I thought "oh my God their hall is bigger than my lounge" - but of course Brendan didn't mention a word about it.'

The parents of twins Billy and Tom said they signed up to the show because Tom is often left out of playdates due to his Down's Syndrome

It's a sentiment echoed by 52-year-old Tim Stubbs, whose ten-year-old daughter Isis - named after the Egyptian goddess  took part in a postcode playdate with two other girls in the second episode in the series.

'What struck me was how similar the girls were in nature and their approach despite their difference in background,' he says. 'Their instinct is just to play and get on with it.'

Tim, who works in property maintenance in Bristol, is separated from Isis' mum Sarah Thorpe, and his 'independently-minded' daughter, who attends the local primary school, divides her time equally between her mum's home and that of Tim, who rents a three-storey terrace with a friend who has a son. 'We're a very non-nuclear family' he acknowledges.

By contrast mischievous aspiring actress Piper, is being raised alongside younger sister Siena, seven, by both father Darran Mabbs, 54, who owns a roofing company, and mum Allison Ball, 46, a part-time PA. The family of four live in a large house in an affluent suburb of Bristol and after a few years at the local primary Piper is now being privately educated and has a schedule packed with all manner of sports, swimming and drama. 'They've had "quite an easy ride", Darran says of his daughters.

Initally reticent Tom (left), who has never been left at someone else's house without his mum, didn't want to go home when he visited Yasmin's house

It's not a charge that could be levelled at eight-year-old Lily Rankin, raised on a housing estate on the edge of the town centre by 28-year-old single mum Cassie.

Five years ago Cassie had a mountain biking accident that has left her with crippling migraines and only able to walk with a stick.

Today her pain frequently leaves her housebound at her small two-bedroom home and, unable to work, she is reliant on benefits. 'We have an abundance of love but not really an abundance of anything else,' she says.

Wise Lily - 'We all have one thing in common and that thing is that we all have problems' she tells the cameras at one point - is also a mini-carer for her mum, fetching her pills and looking after her when she is in too much pain to move from the sofa, a responsibility that can occasionally leave her feeling isolated.

'Sometimes I find it difficult to make friends because it's hard for me to keep my relationships up,' she confides. She's not alone in this: the 'confident, determined but empathetic' Isis also reveals that she sometimes feels 'discluded' by the other girls at her local school.

The children experience each others cultures in the show. Brendan (left) gets confused when he sees Yasmin (centre) put on her hijab, saying: 'My friend told me that if you put your hood up during mass it's disrespectful

But on the playdates all the girlsget on like a house on fire, gaily chatting about everything from unicorns  they're all fans  to Piper's hilarious plans to 'marry a boy use him to have a baby then dump him and marry my best friend.'

'I was struck by how honestly they talked to each other,' says Dad Tim, who played host on the second meetup. 'They were just very matter of fact about things.'

Take one poignant exchange, in which the girls talk about their parents, with Isis confiding that she would prefer her mum and dad to live together and Lily's heart-breaking admission that she feels 'almost like I don't have a piece of me' because she doesn't have a relationship with her father.

'But I still obviously love him with all my heart because he's my dad,' she says.

The children all stayed friends after filming, Ann McMasters (Brendan's mother) said 'We've all got different backgrounds and lifestyles but we all get on'

It's particularly poignant for Cassie, who admits her daughter is 'desperate for' the perfect family. 'When she came home from Isis' house she was very struck by how involved Tim was,' she recalls now. 'So that stayed with her and of course I felt for her.

'There can be a common misconception that as a young single mother you couldn't do that job as well as two parents that stay together or are in a better financial position - but when I got pregnant with Lily I made a promise to myself to do the best job I possibly could,' says Cassie. 'So what struck me most was that all three girls were very similar in the way they conducted themselves. Regardless of our financial backgrounds we have all raised our children in quite a similar way.'

The crunch question, of course, is whether the children remained friends once the cameras stopped rolling. The answer, happily, is a resounding yes: while the strictures of different schools and busy lives mean they don't see each other as regularly as they would like, the children have met on several occasions in the last few months - while their parents have formed a friendship too.

As Ann McMasters says: 'We've all got different backgrounds and lifestyles but we all get on.'
Brands have been criticised for using slender and seemingly flawless models in adverts purporting to celebrate diverse and body positive beauty.

Boohoo and ASOS are just three of the retailers that have come under fire in recent months over campaign images that were either unedited, or claimed to feature women with diverse body types.

Speaking to FEMAIL, Liam Preston, Head of YMCA's Be Real Campaign, pointed out adverts that claim to depict 'real' or 'normal' women, but actually feature women with a standard model physique, can in fact by more damaging than regular adverts.

Meanwhile former Miss America Kirsten Haglund, whose foundation Eating Disorder Hope campaigns to raise awareness of eating disorders, accused retailers of trying to cash in and 'make a buck' off the rise of the body positive movement.

Brands have been criticised for using flawless models in adverts purporting to celebrate diverse and body positive beauty. This week the issue made headlines once again after In The Style released its latest unretouched lingerie campaign featuring a toned and slender model

Criticism was leveled last week against US brand Aerie after it featured stars including Jameela Jamil, pictured, Busy Philipps, Samira Wiley, Aly Raisman, and Iskra Lawrence in a campaign titled '#AerieREAL'. Shoppers questioned whether the women reflected 'real' women

This week the issue made headlines once again after In The Style released its latest unretouched lingerie campaign featuring a toned and slender model'.

The woman had just the tiniest of imperfections, including a slight scratch on her leg; uneven skin tone, a tiny patch of cellulite and marks from the seams of the clothing she was wearing before the shoot.

Kirsten, 30, who lives in Zurich, explained such a campaign is evidence of how 'out of touch' a brand is from reality.

'It's really fascinating to see what brands call "real" because people who work in the fashion industry and in photography are so used to working where they see things are so airbrushed and so photoshopped, they see a picture of a beautiful woman and say "of course this is real",' she said.

'They are so out of touch with what the average woman looks like, they just have no clue how it comes across. The models they use represent one per cent of naturally occurring body type in the world.'

ASOS has a selection of photos using the same model to advertise their Ann Summers Curve Adorn lace and satin knicker - and was accused of 'padding' the model to appear larger

Boohoo came under fire over its choice of model used to advertise a plus-size clothing range online, with many claiming she was too slender, pictured

Liam agreed that by casting 'perfect' models, brands are actually 'going against the entire thing they're trying to suggest'.

He continued: 'It is essential that the fashion industry champions diversity and reflects what women actually look like.

'These images and the models chosen will naturally leave impression on the young women they are targeted towards.

'Our research found that just under half of young people said that the pressure to look a certain way came from models. When brands give the illusion that they care about such an important issue but in reality do not, they can actually do more damage than good.'

The In The Style campaign for the Valentine's Day collection has been designed to encourage women to feel great for themselves, rather than anyone else. Marks on the model's leg from the clothes she was wearing earlier can be seen just above her knees and bikini line

Many agreed with one person who took to social media and said: 'There's no imperfections anyway' and questioned why this model needed to be airbrushed anyway

Criticism was leveled last week against US brand Aerie after it featured stars including Jameela Jamil, Busy Philipps, Samira Wiley, Aly Raisman, and Iskra Lawrence in a campaign titled '#AerieREAL'.

Customers took to Twitter to question the decision, claiming none of the women could be considered truly plus-size.

Meanwhile Boohoo came under fire over its choice of model used to advertise a plus-size clothing range online, with many claiming she was too slender.

ASOS has faced similar criticism, with some questioning whether the online retailer had used padding to make models curvier for plus-size clothes.

Plus size blogger Georgina Grogan took to Twitter to accuse online retailer ASOS of using padding to advertise their curve range

Kirsten said this sort of behaviour is typical of retailers trying to cash in on customers who want to see greater diversity and representation in fashion.

She added: 'It's all about money now that the fashion industry can see that the tide is turning we can make a buck out of authenticity, they're just trying to make a buck. They are saying things are real, but it's all about branding- it's not real.

'We can try to put pressure on theses brands to change, but as consumers we need to realise they are trying to make money out of us, and adjust our spending habits, we shouldn't reward it.'

Boohoo has been publicly criticised over the size of model used for its plus-size range

Commenting on the Aerie campaign specifically, Kirsten said: 'Aerie do really well, they parterned with NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) in the US. They have done a really good job of trying to be conscious. But ultimately, all these brands care about is there share holders'.

Responding to the criticism, Jamil said: 'Hey everyone. I want to take a second to address yesterday and how much I was criticized for being part of a campaign that didn't have big enough sizes,' she wrote.

'I'm really sorry if that hurt you, and it does need to change across the entire industry, and I'm glad you spoke out. But I just want to explain my decision, as someone who fights ethnic, lgbtq, and disabled erasure, eating disorder culture as well as fat phobia.

'As a South Asian girl who grew up never seeing us in campaigns or media or fashion or tv unless we were being ridiculed or made to behave in a derogatory cartoonish way to make white people laugh, or often white people literally just wore brown make up and pretended to be us and then played stereotypes of us, it meant the world to be asked to be in a big mainstream American campaign.

Responding to criticism, Adam Frisby, Founder and CEO of In The Style told Femail: 'I am completely aware of the impact that "perfect" looking models can have on young woman and I want to be very clear the valentines campaign for the brand was not an intended "unedited" campaign at all.

'It was just a starting point to show we don't need to retouch anyone and this wasn't about the model being any particular size, it was just a positive step in the right direction to move towards not retouching at all - we have some major plans this month to further focus on body positivity and this will really highlight as a brand that we are inclusive.'

Femail has contacted Asos, Boohoo and Aerie for comment.
A mother has been branded unreasonable for raising security concerns over her child's leavers' hoodie.

Writing anonymously on Mumsnet, the British woman explained that her child's school had arranged for the latest cohort of Year 6 leavers to have jumpers with their full names printed on the back, including those of their classmates and that of the school.

Speaking under the handle SavonDeMarseille, she argued that the parting gift presented a 'big safeguarding issue' to the 10 and 11-year-olds and 'should not be permitted'.

And despite her vowing to take the issue up with the school's parent-teacher association (PTA), she was quickly accused of overreacting by fellow parents.

Would you let a child wear a hoodie printed with their full name and the name of their school? A British woman has sparked a heated debate on the topic on Mumsnet (file photo)

The British woman explained that her child's school had arranged for Year 6 leavers to have jumpers with their full names printed on the back, including those of their classmates

One accused the mother of getting unnecessarily worked up over a 'non-issue'.

Another hit out at her overly cautious approach, writing: 'Do people really have to suck the joy out of every little thing these days?'

Adding to the 360 replies that flooded in, Mumsnetter Sirzy argued: 'It would only be a safeguarding issue if they put the full name of the child on that the school knew was at risk, and didn't have permission to use the name for.'

And MrsWillGardner argued that the leavers' hoodies were 'simply a nice thing to do', adding: 'Are you paying for it? Don't get your kid one if it's got you up in arms.'

Another pointed out the children would soon be leaving the primary school anyway, and warned her not to 'ruin it for everyone else'.

Backlash: Despite the anonymous woman vowing to take the issue up with the school's parent-teacher association (PTA), she was quickly branded of overreacting by fellow parents

Support: Not everyone disagreed, with a handful of parents coming out in support of the woman and agreeing that the Year 6 leavers' hoodies presented a 'safeguarding issue'

However, some users were in agreement that the hoodies were indeed a 'safeguarding issue'.

One Mumsnetter pointed out: 'A child who has an abusive parent or has been adopted could be traced to a school by the jumper.

'I would ask whether the PTA are going to get consent to use the children's names because they may not be aware of all the safeguarding issues.'

Another wrote: 'I wouldn't like that and I'd question why they are doing this at all. Seems [over] the top and an unnecessary expense for parents.'
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Man arrested following probe into drug trafficking in West Chester
HARRISBURG  The first two stops on Lt. Gov. John Fettermans listening tour to hear Pennsylvanians' views on legalizing marijuana will be in the states capital city and the nearby rural county of Perry County.

Fetterman will be in Harrisburg on Monday and in Newport on Tuesday.

Fettermans listening tour initial dates: Fettermans listening tour initial dates:

He has been an outspoken advocate for legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Gov. Tom Wolf in January said he thinks its time that Pennsylvania seriously consider legalization of the drug as more states across the country get rid of their marijuana prohibitions.

Pennsylvania is one of 33 states that allow marijuana to be used for medical reasons. Ten states have legalized recreational use of the drug  Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. Proposals to legalize recreational marijuana are expected to move in the state capitols in New York and New Jersey, soon, as well. That was a trend Wolf noted in suggesting its time for Pennsylvania to examine the issue.

In announcing the listening tour, Fetterman said he wanted to find out if people agree with the idea of legalizing marijuana or have recommendations about how it should be done.

The idea faces stiff resistance in the state legislature. When Wolf expressed openness to the idea of legalizing marijuana, Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre County called it reckless and irresponsible.

On the other hand, the idea is starting to gain more traction, particularly among urban and suburban lawmakers.

On Monday, state Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Allegheny County, introduced a bill that would legalize marijuana use. Twenty-seven lawmakers, all Democrats, signed on as co-sponsors.

For too long we have allowed myths and ignorance to prevent a realistic and thoughtful discussion regarding the legalization of adult-use cannabis, Wheatley said. In 2016, we passed a law allowing medical cannabis in Pennsylvania. That law was the right step, the first step, but we need to do more.

Auditor General Eugene DePasquale announced last year that the state would get $581 million in new tax revenue a year if the state legalized recreational use of marijuana and taxed it at a rate of 35 percent.

He pointed to data showing that more than 8 percent of Pennsylvania adults already say they use marijuana recreationally.

Polls suggest that public support for the concept is even broader.

A September 2017 Franklin and Marshall poll found that 59 percent of those surveyed said theyd support legalizing recreational marijuana.

Traffic safety groups, including the Pennsylvania DUI Association, have called for lawmakers to slam the brakes on the push for legalizing pot.

There is no good real social value whatsoever that comes (from) legalizing recreational marijuana, said Stephen Erni, executive director of the DUI Association. The move to justify legalizing marijuana is the biggest hoax of my lifetime, he said.

Erni pointed to data compiled by Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a national group fighting legalization efforts. That group released a report last March examining the negative impacts in states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use.

Among their findings: in Colorado, the number of people intoxicated from marijuana use and involved in fatal traffic crashes increased 88 percent from 2013 to 2015. Colorado began allowing recreational use of marijuana in 2014.

AAA has also expressed reservations about the way marijuana legalization has been getting rolled out across the country.

"Research shows that legal limits for marijuana and driving are arbitrary and unsupported by science, said James Garrity, a AAA spokesman.
Spearfish, SD (57783)

Today

A few clouds. Low 54F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 54F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Glo Stidham Whitt of South Charleston, WV, formerly of Catlettsburg KY passed away on June 19, 2021. She is survived by her children, Judson Whitt, Lee Jones, Daniel Whitt, and Robin Whitt, five grandchildren and four grandsons. As requested there will not be a public service.
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y.  It will be up to a Dutchess County grand jury to bring any additional charges against a 15-year-old boy accused of shooti
The following items are based on information provided by officials in law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
Diane Pineiro-Zucker has been a reporter at the Daily Freeman since April 2013. Pineiro-Zucker worked as a reporter in the Freemans Rhinebeck bureau in the early 1980s, left to become executive editor at Taconic Newspapers in Dutchess County.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 5)  Mayor Carlwyn Baldo of Daraga town, Albay, who was hospitalized days after his arrest for illegal possession of firearms, has been released from the hospital and is back in police custody.

Baldo was transferred from the University of Santo Tomas Hospital of Legazpi City to the City Police Headquarters, Monday evening.

Atty. Arnold Ardiente, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region V Head, said the mayor is still under medication but is physically able. Baldo was rushed to the hospital early morning of January 23 due to hyperventilation after his arrest on January 22.

The mayor is also facing double murder charges, and six counts of frustrated murder. Baldo was earlier tagged as the mastermind behind the killing of AKO Bicol Party-list member and Daraga mayoralty race rival, Rodel Batocabe last December.

Ardiente said they are waiting for a resolution from the Camarines Sur Prosecutor's Office after Baldo's camp filed a motion for the Albay Prosecution Office to inhibit itself from his cases.

Pending said resolution, Baldo will remain at the detention facility of the Legazpi City Police. Albay-based journalist Rosas Olarte contributed to this report.
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Kingston

Lawmakers in no rush to approve bus merger
Ethos is a nationally recognized, award-winning independent student publication. Our mission is to elevate the voices of marginalized people who are underrepresented in the media landscape, and to write in-depth, human-focused stories about the issues affecting them. We also strive to support our diverse student staff and to help them find future success.



Ethos produces a quarterly free print magazine full of well-reported and powerful feature stories, innovative photography, creative illustrations and eye-catching design. On our website, we also produce compelling written and multimedia stories.



Ethos is part of Emerald Media Group, a non-profit organization thats fully independent of the University of Oregon. Students maintain complete editorial control over Ethos, and work tirelessly to produce the magazine.



Since our inception as Korean Ducks Magazine in 2005, weve worked hard to share a multicultural spirit with our readership. We embrace diversity in our stories, in our student staff and in our readers. We want every part of the magazine to reflect the diversity of our world.
Dalton, GA (30720)

Today

Showers in the morning, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 81F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

A mostly clear sky. Low 57F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
MATTHEW TOTH

mtoth@dailyamerican.com

Garrett Borough officials are still holding out hope for a municipal police force despite going without one for the better part of a year.

Council members said they are looking for more candidates to apply, but added they are having trouble matching salaries offered by nearby communities. The council has been seeking a new officer since March.

If we could find somebody, wed definitely hire him, council President Jerry Dupont said.

The borough allows officers to work up to 20 hours a week at a starting salary of $11.50 per hour. The time is supposed to be split between members of the force. The council budgeted $3,000 for the department in 2019, the same as in 2018.

Dupont said the Meyersdale Borough Police Department is offering $17 an hour for new, part-time officers, a rate Garrett Borough cannot afford.

Every time we talk about a police officer, it seems like Meyersdale or Berlin is hiring and they pay more than what we do, Dupont said.

The borough was considering two cadets in August to become part-time officers{&semispace}however, one took a job with the Indian Lake Borough police force and the other with the Somerset County Sheriffs Office. The borough is not currently advertising for the position.

Officials said they have talked to Meyersdale about the potential for a partnership, but the borough would still not be able to afford an officer in that situation.

Its hard for us to afford $17 an hour to start out, council member Lynn Lee said.

Officials were considering a 2-mill property tax increase as part of the 2018 budget to provide more police coverage, which at the time would have generated $7,236 for the borough. However, the borough did not raise taxes after residents asked them not to.

In November, council members passed a $72,000 budget and kept property taxes steady at 5.22 mills. The council has not raised taxes since 1990.

Officials were supposed to discuss insurance matters, including removing the department from the boroughs plan, Monday, but only two council members attended the meeting. There are five members on the borough council.

We have to have at least three here, Dupont said.

The borough pays $8,800 a year in insurance and $9,948 in workers compensation insurance, which includes borough workers and the volunteer fire department.

Officials said that despite all the obstacles in finding an officer, council members still plan to continue the search.

We didnt give up on the police, but like I said its hard to find somebody, he said.
The Biter Bit: Secret Russian Files Are Leaked

A group of transparency advocates released a massive number of hacked and leaked Russian documents on Friday 25th January in what is being viewed as retaliation against Russia's sharing of hacked Democratic National Committee (DNC) emails to influence the 2016 presidential campaign.

The documents, totaling 175 gigabytes in data, were shared on Distributed Denial of Secret's website and on Internet Archive around the same time. The scope of the documents shared is far larger than the total known material Russian officials obtained from the DNC and then-Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign.

The collection of material, called "The Dark Side of the Kremlin," includes insider information such as hundreds of thousands of messages and files from Russian politicians, journalists, oligarchs, religious figures, and nationalists/terrorists in Ukraine, according to the group that posted the documents.

Special counsel Robert Mueller indicted Russian intelligence members last year for the 2016 hacking of the DNC and former Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta. The Russian government has repeatedly denied hacking the DNC.In a new court filing last week, the DNC said it was also targeted by Russian hackers after the 2018 midterm elections in November.

A chunk of the documents include material hacked from Russias Ministry of Internal Affairs that WikiLeaks did not publish in 2016, saying that it rejects all submissions that it cannot verify or that it finds insignificant.

Emma Best, a journalist and transparency advocate, told the Times that the posting of the Russian files was not done explicitly as payback for Russias 2016 hacks and leaks, but said it does add some appreciable irony.

Our motive is to collect and make available materials for a subject that was very underexplored, Russian power circles, how they interconnect, their influence operations, Best said. People have a cursory understanding of that, but outside of a few experts it hasnt been looked at in detail and contextualised.

Best last year helped organise Distributed Denial of Secrets which hosts thousands of leaked documents from multiple countries, and operates similarly to WikiLeaks.

The Hill:

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The Image Of Julian Assange Grows Darker:
Eugene Crow, age 91, of Cullman, went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, June 19, 2021. He was born June 13, 1930 to Felix and Pearl Stowe Crowe. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Irene, his parents, two brothers and a sister. Mr. Crow served his country and is a veteran of The 
Credit unions are facing tight competition for both branch and operational staff. Society is changing and workers, especially those of younger generations, are developing higher expectations for work. They want more meaningful work, and they want better working environments. The skills gap, which has resulted from automation transforming the very nature of work from routine to dynamic and complex, ensures that todays skilled candidates are going to get the positive working experiences theyre seeking. The only question remaining is where?

The organizations that create great employee experiences are winning the war for talent. These experiences are about more than compensation, in fact 75% of millennials and over half of Americans in general would take a pay cut to work at a better company. This makes credit unions, with their commitment to people over shareholders, uniquely prepared to compete for the best talent. And in fact, many things that credit unions are doing to create great member experiences carry over into employee experiences. These experiences center around three main pillars: the work they are doing, the physical working environment, and wellbeing.

The most impactful change for branch employees is the shift from the traditional, boring teller position to complex and dynamic problem-solving roles where they can tackle any issue a member comes in with. Credit unions like Verity Credit Union in Seattle are leading the way with tellerless branches, where universal associate employees have the freedom to move about an open lobby, greet members at the door, and help them with anything from cashing a check to taking out a mortgage. This is great for members, but it also works wonders for the employee experience. This mirrors the manufacturing industry, where companies realized that by cross-training workers and giving them more responsibility they could eliminate the boredom that comes with repetitive work and cultivate a happier, more productive workforce. By empowering staff with more skills and responsibility, credit unions are creating more meaningful and fulfilling work.

The physical working environment is another important aspect of the employee experience, and one that has the potential to make a big impact during the interview stage of the recruiting process. This is where your credit union has the opportunity to immediately and visibly communicate its attitude and personality to candidates. The materials and colors that make up the branch have the potential to create a bright and welcoming environment that engages employees and instills in them a sense of pride around their work.

Credit unions are also discovering that the member experience is improved when they focus on supporting the health and wellbeing of their employees, and many are making wellness a prominent aspect of the employee experience. HAPO Community Credit Union recently opened a WELL Certified branch, where every aspect of the design, construction, and occupancy supports the wellbeing of employees and visitors. This involves things like cleaner air, more comfortable workstations, and light that syncs our circadian rhythms, time based biological processes, with the natural daylight cycle.

Winning the war for talent is going to be one of the biggest challenges that credit unions will face in 2019. But if they stick to their principles of people helping people, and provide not only great member experiences but great member experiences as well, itll be the big banks scratching their heads and wondering why theyre losing the best and brightest to the credit unions.
Finding and cultivating a strategic focus is essential to small credit unions, and a major reason why Teri Robinson was able to turn her credit union around. Robinson, president/CEO of Ironworkers USA FCU, Portland, Ore. and chair of CUNAs Small Credit Union Committee, shared her thoughts on small credit union success in a Credit Union Times op-ed.

Robinson describes taking over a credit union around 10 years ago that was struggling with net-worth restoration and a disastrous CAMEL rating. But after finding inspiration in the members, and knowing her credit union was best positioned to help them, she helped get things moving in the right direction.

Last year, the CUNA Small Credit Union Committee identified the four biggest barriers to success for small credit unions: Having talented staff, adding members, collaboration, and, perhaps most importantly, finding and cultivating a strategic focus or niche, she wrote. That last point is probably the biggest reason why weve not only turned things around, but grown exponentially.
Golden 1 CU representatives celebrate the groundbreaking of the Wind Youth Center. Front row, from left: Richard Musci, Golden 1 CU; Steve Hansen, City of Sacramento; Suzi Dotzon, Wind Youth Services; Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg; Golden 1 President/CEO Donna Bland; and Amanda McCarthy, Golden 1 CU and Wind Youth Services board member. Back row, from left: Golden 1s Cassandra Jennings, Samantha Lui, and P. Craig Cornett, and John Wickland, Wind Youth Services.

In 2017, Golden 1 Credit Union in Sacramento, Calif., pledged to contribute $1 million over three years to establish the Wind Youth Center, which promotes the safety, shelter, and self-determination of youth experiencing homelessness.

The center aims to break the cycle of youth homelessness by providing much-needed resources such as mental health counseling, career and education services, and access to permanent housing.

With early intervention, homeless youth are less likely to become chronically homeless adults.

Golden 1 also donated $165,000 to three other organizations dedicated to combating youth homelessness.
NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger will discuss federal issues affecting the credit union industry Monday, Feb. 11, at the Metropolitan Area Credit Union Management Associations (MACUMA) monthly meeting.

Berger will share with attendees NAFCUs top advocacy priorities for 2019, and will also discuss the Trump administration, Congress, federal regulators, and more.

The event is being hosted at the Key Bridge Marriot in Arlington, Va. It begins at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Monday, Feb. 11.
BRANFORD  With 191 food service establishments inspected in town in 2017 and 2018, there were a few failures.

But during that time, while there were a total of six failures, one  the Krauszers store at 170 Cedar St.  fell below the 80 score (on a 100-point scale) needed to pass, according to East Shore District Health Department records.

Click here to learn more about Connecticut restaurant inspection rules.

The other five that failed  56 Diner at 30 Leetes Island Road, JJs Mobile Bliss Food Truck, Nellie Greens Restaurant at 50 Maple St., John B. Sliney School at 23 Eades St. and Takumi Sushi, Ramen & Lounge at 906 W Main St.  did so as a result of automatic failures triggered by a single 4-point violation, inspection records show.

In four of those cases  all except Takumi  it was the same violation, related to improper temperatures while preparing, displaying, serving or storing food, records show.

Further, in regard to Slineys Oct. 24, 2018, failure, East Shore District Director of Health Michael Pascucilla said the school, which scored a 96  with its only violation being the one that sunk it  fixed its temperature problem on the spot, while the inspector was still there.

Technically, while its listed as a failure, in retrospect, maybe we shouldnt have listed them as a failure, Pascucilla said.

Chef John Turenne, director of dining services for the Branford public schools system and a manager for Chartwells, the private company that holds the school systems food service contract, said the food served in Branford schools is impeccable.

We have eight staff members who are ServSafe Certified, Turenne said. Ive been here for four months and I think the kitchens are very well kept.

Takumi got an overall score of 89 on Nov. 1, 2018, but failed as a result of a 4-point violation related to the provision of handwashing facilities, along with several other, more minor violations.

It passed a reinspection on Nov. 13, 2018, after access to a handwashing sink that Pascucilla said was blocked on Nov. 1 was restored, records show. No score was issued the second time around.

Manager Abey Huang said Takumis problem was just a sink. He wants it always to be accessible. There were empty cases ... in that corner, she said.

56 Diner scored 92 in its initial inspection on Aug. 29, 2018, but failed because of a 4-point violation related to temperatures, with turkey measuring 52 degrees, chicken salad at 48 degrees, cut tomatoes at 50 degrees, diced tomatoes at 45 degrees, ham at 54 degrees, boiled eggs at 65 degrees and noodles at 49 degrees. Cold food is required to be stored at or below 41 degrees.

But when it was reinspected on Sept. 12, 2018, 56 Diner scored a 99 out of 100, with its only violation related to suitable hand cleaner and sanitary towels or a hand-dryer being provided, inspection records show.

Manager Jenny Pinos said 56 Diners problem was just that day and was related to extremely hot weather ... Nothing was broken, but it was very hot in the kitchen, she said.

He came back and gave me a 99 because there were no other problems, she said. Pinos said 56 Diner consistently scores in the 90s and even has had a perfect 100 score in one inspection.

The place is clean. Weve very good at trying to keep the food at the right temperature, Pinos said. We work very hard to keep this place clean and organized. I want to be one of the cleanest and best diners in town.

Nellie Greens owner Michael Savinelli said his popular restaurant, on the Branford River off Maple Street, also works hard to serve tasty, healthful meals, even though it also failed a Dec. 28, 2018, inspection.

It was reinspected on Monday and passed with a score of 90.

In the Dec. 28 inspection, Nellie Greens scored an 83 but failed because of a four-point violation for temperature issues, with one reach-in cooler at 49 degrees and several vegetables stored at 53 degrees, higher than the required 41 or below temperature.

We werent quite open yet. We were prepping, and a lot of things werent finished yet, Savinelli said of the Dec. 28 inspection. We just did not have anything up to where it should have been at that point.

I understand how things go, Savinelli said. Im here 12 years.

Also in the Dec. 28 inspection, a panini machine wasnt clean, shelves were rusty in a walk-in cooler, and cutting boards were gouged and stained, among other issues.

One person who wont let that failure deter him from eating there is Pascucilla.

What Ill say is, Nellie Greens is an excellent restaurant  in fact, we order food from them, Pascucilla said.

Savinelli said that, among other steps, hell be sending several employees on Feb. 11 to a 2-hour class at the East Shore District Health Department to make sure they know what the new updated rules are.

At Nellie Greens, Weve never really had any issues with anybody getting sick, or anything like that. But its always possible and you want to make sure that never happens, Savinelli said. I care about everything that happens in my place ... and we follow the rules.

JJs Food Truck scored an 89 in a Sept. 12, 2018 inspection but failed as a result of a 4-point violation related to the temperature of foods, records show.

The health department said a food storage unit on the cooking line was 50 degrees, with raw chicken at 47 degrees, cooked chicken at 47 degrees, burgers at 51 degrees and cooked onions at 52 degrees. All were voluntarily discarded, records show.

JJs Food Truck was reinspected Wednesday and scored a 97, said owner Danny Jones, with the health department confirming it.

What can I say. It was a mistake. I made a mistake back in September, Jones said. I usually have good food ... I dont serve bad food from my truck. Thats not something that I do.

It was one refrigerator  it was a reach-in refrigerator that wasnt reaching the right temperature, he said. The refrigerator has since been replaced, he said.

Krauszers had no automatic failure violations, but its total score of 79 was just below the 80 needed to pass its Aug. 22, 2018, inspection.

Food was not properly covered or wrapped in a refrigerator, a deli case and hot food storage unit were filthy, fruit flies were present, the back door was open, food was stored on the floor, tongs werent used to serve some foods, knives werent stored properly, the dumpster area needed to be cleaned and the dumpster covered, inspection records show.

The inspector also recommended that trash must be removed more frequently and that a number of aspects of the store be cleaned, among other issues. The business was re-inspected on Aug. 31 and received a score of 91, records show.

Manager Rahul Shah said that at Krauszers, We take care of our problems ... Well fix everything, he said.

He said he had no problem with the way the health department does its job.

Ill tell you one thing. Theyve been really good with me, he said. I have no complaints about them.

mark.zaretsky@hearstmediact.com
The following are recent arrests released by the Bridgeport Police Department on Feb. 5, 2019.

Feb. 1

A 38-year-old Park Avenue man was charged with risk of injury to a child, criminal mischief, interfering with an emergency call, threatening and disorderly conduct.

A 37-year-old North Avenue man was charged with possession of drugs with intent to sell, illegal possession of a controlled substance, criminal trespassing and resisting arrest.

Feb. 3

A 31-year-old Fairview Avenue man was charged with strangulation, risk of injury to a child, assault and unlawful restraint.

A 39-year-old Chopsey Hill Road man was charged with engaging police in a pursuit, reckless driving, criminal mischief, criminal attempt, failure to display license plates, failure to renew registration and operating a vehicle without minimum insurance.

A 32-year-old Beachmont Avenue man was charged with assaulting an elderly victim and reckless endangerment.

As of January 2019, Hearst Connecticut Media does not include names in online police blotters.
UPDATE: Missing New York woman identified as victim found in suitcase

Original story:

GREENWICH  Police are working to identify a woman found dead in Glenville Tuesday, part of a homicide investigation that began in the morning with the grisly discovery of her body stuffed in a suitcase in a wooded area near Glenville Road.

The victim had been bound at her hands and feet, Greenwich Police Capt. Robert Berry said at a Tuesday afternoon press conference.

She was found about 10 to 15 feet off Glenville Road near Stillman Lane by town highway workers around 8:15 a.m. Tuesday. They alerted police.

Berry said the woman appeared to be an adult female under the age of 30, possibly as young as 18.

There was no doubt homicide was involved, said Berry, who heads the detective unit. We do not know the manner or cause of death at this time.

Her body was clothed, Berry said at a noontime news conference. The spot where she was found is in a quiet residential area, not far from the Merritt Parkway.

I can say it was not committed right there, the death was not right in that location. Where the death took place, we dont know at this time, Berry said.

The captain said it also was not clear when the murder took place. He gave few details and would not reveal the victims race or ethnicity.

The states chief medical examiner was on the scene into the late afternoon, checking the body and the immediate surroundings. An autopsy will be conducted by the medical examiners office. The Chief States Attorneys Office was assisting as well.

Police officers were interviewing local residents, and seeking video footage from security systems for clues. Investigators were also examining tire prints and other forensic evidence, and checking missing persons reports.

The area where the body was found is out of sight from nearby residences, in a small depression on the east side of Glenville Road. It is near a small area adjoining the road where a car could park.

Residents and visitors to Glenville were shocked by the disturbing discovery, highly out of character for a town often tagged as one of the safest in the nation.

A grandmother from Port Chester, N.Y., who came to town for a workout class, wiped away tears after hearing the news that quickly consumed the sleepy neighborhood Tuesday.

Its tragic, she said. I have two granddaughters. I worry about this all the time.

The killing, which involved the binding and constraining of a young woman, is an especially heinous example of violence against women, she said.

Its a national (problem) and it always has been, she said. Its sickening.

A 49-year-old Glenville woman, who took the same exercise class, was nearly speechless when she learned of the slaying.

Oh my God, this feels surreal, she said. Its not unbelievable, but its shocking that it happened right here.

Steve Schacter, who has an office in Glenville, said that even though the killing may be a shock, the high-profile murder of Martha Moxley in 1975 shows that murder is possible anywhere, even in prosperous communities.

Greenwich is such a great place, including this neighborhood, that when a murder occurs, its so out of the ordinary that it sends reporters out to ask peoples reactions, he said outside of the neighborhoods Stop & Shop supermarket.

Scott Chiappetta, who works at a preschool in the neighborhood, said, My gut is it probably happened somewhere else, but these days, you never know. Its very quiet. Nothing ever really happens around here, other than (traffic) from the firehouse. It feels safe.

Berry said investigators had some information to work with.

We have received some leads on a possible identification, the police captain said. One of our biggest concerns is trying to positively identify the victim, for notification of next of kin.

He expressed condolences on behalf of the Police Department and said the investigation would be a thorough one.

This is going to be a long methodical process, we want to make sure we do things correctly, Berry said. Its going to take time.

Glenville Road was closed after 9 a.m. and remained closed until 4:40 p.m. for the investigation. Sawhorses were set up with police cars also blocking the roadway. Officers were on the scene near Glenville Center as traffic was diverted at the Shell station. The road was blocked at the other end near Eagle Hill School.

Numerous residents and passersby expressed concern and curiosity about the police presence.

Liza Scullin, walking her dog Fletcher, said the discovery of a body in the quiet neighborhood was troubling.

I feel like this neighborhood is relatively safe, so its a surprise. Finding a body near where you live, its concerning, she said.

News trucks were parked on Glenville Road, and a police officer was kept busy blocking traffic and talking to motorists.

Due to the closure of the highly traveled road, the school district adjusted one bus route at the nearby Glenville School and one bus route for Greenwich High School. Three buses serving Brunswick, Greenwich Academy, Greenwich Country Day and Stanwich private schools also had routes change.

The district communicated the changes directly to the affected families from Greenwich High and Glenville, and the private schools communicated the changes directly to their impacted families.

Police asked anyone with information on the case to call 203-622-3333.
Lingering doubts over Gov. Ralph Northam's political future after the publication of a racist yearbook photo could propel a black political newcomer into the governor's mansion.

If Northam stepped down, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax would be the second black governor in Virginia's history and just the fourth in the entire United States since Reconstruction.

Practically all of the state's Democratic establishment  and Republican leaders, too  turned against the 59-year-old governor after a picture surfaced late last week of someone in blackface next to another person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe. The photo was on Northam's medical school yearbook page.

Fairfax has experienced a brief, meteoric rise through Virginia politics. His supporters have touted him as a fresh face whose charisma has allowed him to connect with voters. His detractors suggest he is unproven and inexperienced.

His ascension could mean that the racial scandal dogging Northam would end with a black governor trying to lead the Democratic Party to a takeover of the Legislature in November and potentially, through a quirk of law, being able to serve more than one term.

On Monday, Fairfax was drawn into a controversy of his own. He denied an allegation of sexual misconduct first reported by a conservative website, calling it a "smear." Fairfax said the 2004 encounter with a woman was consensual. The Associated Press is not reporting the accusation because it has not been able to confirm it.

The Washington Post said Monday that it was approached by the woman in 2017, carefully investigated, but didn't publish the accusations. The Post said the woman had not told anyone about it, the account could not be corroborated, Fairfax denied it and the Post was unable to find other allegations against him.

The 39-year-old lieutenant governor has held elected office for only one year. A descendant of slaves, he carried a copy of his ancestor's manumission papers with him as he was sworn in. Since then, he has become best known in Virginia for refusing to preside over the Senate chamber as lawmakers offered tributes to Confederate leaders on Virginia's Lee-Jackson Day, in January. He said he stepped off the dais to honor his family.

Before entering politics, Fairfax served for two years as a federal prosecutor in Alexandria, a prestigious outpost within the Department of Justice that handles numerous high-profile cases. He did not work on any of those cases, however.

Gene Rossi, a 30-year veteran of the Justice Department and one of the prosecutors who helped train Fairfax, said the lieutenant governor has "an incredibly acute legal mind" and is a quick study who could "hit the ground running."

"I think he has what it takes to become governor and lead us out of this," Rossi said in a phone interview Monday morning, before Fairfax addressed the sexual assault allegation publicly.

Fairfax and Rossi ended up as opponents in the 2017 Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, which Fairfax won handily.

Political observers say Fairfax would have an enormous learning curve ahead of him as Virginia's governor.

His biggest challenge would be building effective relationships with the legislature, something it took Northam years to do before he was able to achieve such accomplishments as passing Medicaid expansion last year.

"Is he capable of doing this? Yes, he's a smart person and organized, has some good people around him," Quentin Kidd, a political science professor at Christopher Newport University, said of Fairfax. "But this is an enormous job. A large part of the job is building relationship over time."

Fairfax graduated from Duke University and Columbia Law School. He worked for Tipper Gore during Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign. He also worked for former Sen. John Edwards.

A native of Annandale, his first run for office came in 2013, when he ran for attorney general against Mark Herring, a state senator who was much better known in Democratic political circles. Herring won, but Fairfax got 48 percent of the vote and impressed party leaders as a potential up-and-comer. He stayed active in Democratic politics and campaigned heavily for U.S. Sen. Mark Warner in his narrow re-election bid in 2014.

During the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, Republican opponent Jill Holtzmann Vogel attacked Fairfax's lack of experience. At one debate, she said he was not sufficiently informed to "talk intelligently" about issues. Democrats saw the remark as an unfair attack with racial overtones.

Fairfax won with nearly 53 percent of the vote as Democrats, including Northam, swept all three statewide elections in 2017.

Should Northam resign, Fairfax would have the unusual opportunity in 2021 to seek another term as governor since he was not elected in the first place. Virginia law only allows governors to be elected to a single four-year term.

"This scenario could not only create Virginia's second African-American governor, but an environment where the second African-American governor would have the opportunity to have almost a seven-year term," said University of Mary Washington political science professor Stephen Farnsworth. The state's first African-American governor, Douglas Wilder, served from 1990 to 1994.

___

Associated Press writer Ben Finley in Norfolk contributed to this report.
The U.S. population is aging, which means a growing percentage of Americans are experiencing the aches and pains that come with the senior years. Apparently, many have found a way of managing those aches and pains: marijuana.

Using cannabis for pain relief is a growing trend among seniors. The New York Times recently reported that older Americans are flocking to marijuana. They interviewed a 66-year-old Orange County, Calif., resident who uses a salve containing cannabidiol (CBD) on an aching toe she broke decades ago. She also said she smokes a little weed in the evening because relaxing is healthy for you.

Related: 5 Ways Hemp Is a Boon for Health

Seniors are a huge market.

Seniors are a growing market for cannabis producers, thanks to the post-World War II generation of Baby Boomers. That giant generation born between 1946 and 1964 gave us hippies in one era and yuppies in another. Now, as they enter their golden years, they are giving us the first generation of senior marijuana users -- and there are many, many of them.

Wrap your head around these numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau:

By 2035, there will be more Americans over 65 (78 million) than kids under 18 (76.7 million)

The ratio of working adults to older adults will drop from 3.5 workers for every senior in 2020 to 2.5 per senior by 2060.

The median age of Americans right now is 38. By 2060, it will be 43.

To look at it another way, the percentage of the population over 65 will grow from 15 percent now to about 24 percent by 2026, according to the Population Reference Bureau.

California dispensary Bud and Bloom understands the opportunity. The business charters a bus to transport seniors to its Santa Ana store, according to the Times. These older customers get a catered lunch and a senior discount on their cannabis purchases.

Related: Silver Lining: Mature Cannabis Consumers Are a Fast Growing Market

How seniors use weed.

A study released last year based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that marijuana use among seniors had doubled between 2013 and 2016, from 1.4 percent of seniors to 3 percent.

Those percentages remain small. But its easy to expect them to grow given the spread of legalization throughout the country. A study from University of Florida researchers reported that physicians anticipate an increase in seniors use of cannabis. The report also stated that those 65 years or older had the greatest increase in marijuana use in the older adult population.

Does cannabis help seniors? The University of Florida study urged more research, something that is difficult in the United States because cannabis remains a Schedule I illegal drug at the federal level. However, a study published in the European Journal of Internal Medicine by Israeli researchers found that 93.7 percent of patients reported improvement after six months of cannabis treatment. Significantly, use of cannabis also lessened use of opioid medication for pain.

The two most common reasons for seniors using cannabis were cancer-related issues and chronic pain, the study found.

Follow dispensaries.com on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest cannabis news.

Related:

More Seniors Are Using Marijuana and It May Decrease Their Opioid Use

Silver Lining: Mature Cannabis Consumers Are a Fast Growing Market

Congress Is Seriously Considering Regulating Weed Like Alcohol



Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
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What is a mission statement?

In simple terms, and as defined by Merriam-Webster, a mission statement is something that states the purpose or goal of a business or organization. A mission statement explains why a company was formed and what the organization does. It defines the culture, ethics, values, fundamental goals and it all applies to key stakeholders.

Thats a lot to absorb but a clear, written mission statement when starting your business provides a guideline for decision-making that will help align and motivate your team. It allows and welcomes healthy changes -- and gives you a vision for the future. Most importantly, a mission statement gives your business direction.

How will you develop your own mission statement? For starters, make your statement memorable, relatable and straightforward. For example, the mission statement of Casper, the mattress in a box company is "Great sleep, made simple. Compare that to Albertsons, which is: "To create a shopping experience that pleases our customers; a workplace that creates opportunities and a great working environment for our associates; and a business that achieves financial success."

Thats not the worst, I guess. At least it doesnt sound like that was spun through the Mission Statement Generator but their statement doesnt tell customers what Albertsons actually does. Its a grocery store, if youre curious. Somewhere in their statement they should have mentioned that they sell food.

Secondly, make your statement short, concise, and to the point -- just like Caspers. Another good example is Kickstarter, which is, To help bring creative projects to life.

Finally, a mission statement should accurately and honestly sum up your organization. If youre not sure where to start, then answer the following four questions to guide you:

What do we do?

How do we do it differently than others?

Who do we do it for?

What value do we provide our audience?

With that in mind, here are seven mission statements that you can use as inspiration. These statements make you stop what youre doing and buy their product right now.

1. Coca-Cola.

Mission: To refresh the world in mind, body and spirit; Inspire moments of optimism and happiness through our brands and actions; create value and make a difference.

First introduced back in 1886, Coca-Colas mission statement is a good example of saying what you want your brand to be doing, and then doing exactly what you said you would be doing.

If you dont believe me, go back and watch the iconic and uplifting 1971 ad I'd like to buy the world a Coke, which also ties into the companys values of collaboration, leadership, integrity, passion, accountability, quality and diversity.

More recently -- more and more people are becoming conscious about their health. Now, Coca-Cola has taken steps to help customers enjoy their products with less sugar.

2. IKEA.

Mission: At IKEA our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.

Believe it or not -- the Swedish-founded company has been around since 1943. Today, its the world's largest furniture retailer. Its probably because of the companys mission statement -- particularly the first line: At IKEA our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people.

Instead of starting off with a mention about its affordable and innovative furniture -- the company went with the "to make everyday life better for its customers," route. It backs up this claim. They start by allowing customers to view showrooms and select their own functional furniture. They have large and varied accessories -- and customers can save money purchasing in this store.

Related: 5 Reasons Why Your Mission Statement Probably Stinks

3. Nordstrom.

Mission: In our store or online, wherever new opportunities arise- Nordstrom works relentlessly to give customers the most compelling shopping experience possible. The one constant? John W. Nordstrom's founding philosophy: offer the customer the best possible service, selection, quality and value.

Starting out originally as a simple shoe store in 1901, Nordstrom is a popular department store with close to 500 locations within the U.S. and Canada.

If youve shopped at Nordstrom -- their mission statement shouldnt be a surprise. The company focuses on the customer experience. It accomplishes this by providing top notch customer service. They always having someone on the floor asking if customers have already been helped -- while also offering quality products.

4. Patagonia.

Mission: Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.

Patagonia, founded in 1973, is a clothing company known for marketing and selling sustainable outdoor clothing. They provide philanthropic efforts to help the environment -- and they highlight employees who are saving the world. Their mission statement lets their customers know this in one clear sentence.

Patagonias mission statement puts their values and what theyre committed to front and center. Even better -- Patagonia has built a successful business by staying true to its core values every step of the way. This is a great example of a brand being authentic and putting its money where its mouth is.

Related: 5 Lessons on Taking a Stand You Can Learn From Patagonia

5. Southwest Airlines.

Mission: The mission of Southwest Airlines is dedication to the highest quality of Customer Service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and Company Spirit.

First taking flight in 1967 as Air Southwest, Southwest Airlines has become one of the worlds most popular and largest low-cost carrier airlines. The company has proven that it truly cares about two things: its customers and employees.

On your next trip fly with Southwest and be greeted by some of the friendliest employees in the sky. Browse the Southwest Magazine in your seat -- and read the page where customers explain why they love traveling with Southwest. Theres even a page dedicated to the employees who go above and beyond both at work and in their community.

Despite the fact that the airline struggled to stay profitable for some time -- they stayed true to their core values and mission statement and are now one of the most profitable airlines in the country.

Related: Southwest Airlines: A Case Study in Employee Engagement

6. Sweetgreen.

Mission: Our mission is to inspire healthier communities by connecting people to real food.

Sweetgreen, founded in 2007 is a fast-casual restaurant chain. They serve bowls and salads using healthy and local ingredients. Whats inspiring about their mission statement is that it should align with your values. This is because theyre connecting us with local farmers to provide us with locally grown and healthy food options.

Sweetgreen also is known for educating children with fitness, healthy eating and sustainability. The company also educates kids on where the food they eat come from. The company donates 100 percent of the proceeds to a local partner when a new store opens.

Related: For Warby Parker, Free Glasses Equals Clear Company Vision

7. Warby Parker.

Mission: Warby Parker was founded with a rebellious spirit and a lofty objective: to offer designer eyewear at a revolutionary price, while leading the way for socially conscious businesses.

Tired of spending too much money on glasses? So were the founders of Warby Parker. In 2010 they decided to solve this problem. The company makes their designer frames in-house so they can sell them at a more affordable price.

Warby Parker took that rebellious spirit a step further by making the process as painless and fun as possible. Go online, select five pairs to try-on at home for free -- and keep what you want. The company has partnered with non-profits like VisionSpring to provide glasses to people in need.

Related:

7 Mission Statements That Inspire You to Buy

4 Culture Pitfalls to Avoid After Big Success

Don't Let These 3 Threats Kill Your Startup's Mission in Its First 5 Years



Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
BRIDGEPORT  One week after a melee broke out in the Golden Hill Street courthouse, there still was disorder in the court.

Monday morning, two men were arrested after getting into a fight in the courthouse lobby and a man fled from the courtroom as a judge prepared to raise his bond following his third arrest for allegedly assaulting his wife.

In an unrelated incident, on Jan. 28, about two dozen people brawled in the courthouse lobby before the arraignment of 39-year-old Jayvell Washington for the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Eugene Rogers at a Reservoir Avenue gas station.

Three people were arrested after that melee.

Although judicial marshals at the time worked to get the crowd under control, their meager force was quickly overwhelmed. One marshal was injured.

Judicial Branch officials later conceded that more judicial marshals are needed to keep the courthouse secure in incidents like the melee.

Ive testified year in and year out before the General Assembly about the shortage of judicial marshals, said Judge Patrick Carroll III, chief court administrator for the Judicial Branch, last week. We need to have an adequate number of security personnel in place.

Carroll said the system needs 850 marshals to provide security and handle prisoner transportation for the states courthouses, but at this point there are 639.

On Tuesday, the brawling parties from last week are expected to be back in the courthouse, as is Washington, before a judge for allegedly violating a criminal restraining order. Washington is accused of ignoring an order to stay away from his former girlfriend, Rogers sister.

Judicial marshals did take control of the situation on Monday morning when several people got into a fight in the courthouse lobby prior to an arraignment unrelated to the Washington case. Few details were available, but police said they made two arrests.

Then, Akino Reid, 29, was called up to the bench in arraignment court Monday afternoon.

Reid was out on bond after being arrested three times for allegedly assaulting his former wife and violating a protective order to stay away from her.

Senior Assistant States Attorney Judy Stevens told Superior Court Judge Tracy Lee Dayton that Reid was going to be arrested again on gun charges and she urged the judge to raise Reids bond to an amount that would put him in custody as Reid stood there shifting from one foot to another.

Apparently, Reid believed the judge was going to go along with Stevens request because the words had barely gotten out of the prosecutors mouth when Reid suddenly bolted from the courtroom.

He fled out the front door of the courthouse and ran down Golden Hill Street.

A police broadcast was put out for Reid and he was being sought by police Monday night.
FAIRFIELD, CONN.  Two days before Catherine Taylors ex-husband allegedly shot her to death inside a Fairfield, Conn. home, police were called to resolve a dispute the two were having over vehicles.

As a result of the argument, Catherine moved into her sons home, about 500 feet away.

While there, police said, she was using an app on her iPad to track ex-husband James Taylors movements when, about 9:30 Sunday night, it showed that he was walking around the building.

Catherine Taylor asked her son to call police. Moments later, police said, he heard glass breaking, his mother screaming for help, a gunshot and a body thudding to the floor.

Police said the son ran into his living room to find James Taylor, 75, holding a .22 rifle and standing over 70-year-old Catherine, who was bleeding from the head and motionless.

Police said Taylor then tried loading another round into the rifle and leveling it at his stepson. But the stepson tackled him and struck Taylor several times in self-defense while calling 911, according to a police report written by Fairfield Detective Kerry Dalling.

Fairfield cops said they found Taylors stepson pinning him to the living room floor next to Catherines body. They charged James Taylor with murder, home invasion, attempted murder, first-degree burglary, illegal discharge of a firearm and third-degree assault.

He was arraigned Monday in Bridgeport, where Judge Tracy Lee Dayton set his bond at $2 million and continued the case to Feb. 19 after noting the seriousness of the charges.

One victim is dead and the allegation (is that) Mr. Taylor broke into the home where the deceased victim was with her son, and there was an assault on him as well and, it appears, an attempt to actually, possibly shoot him as well, the judge said.

Tracking by iPad

According to the police report, James and Catherine Taylor divorced 25 years ago, but continued to live together at a property in Fairfield until last May, when he told her to move out.

They reportedly reconciled three months later, but Catherine did not move back into the house, instead living in a cottage on the property. Then, on Friday, Taylor got into an argument with his ex-wife and her son, and told them things were going to get bad for her, police said.

The police report says Taylor took several vehicles belonging to his ex-wife and stepson, after which the police were called and one of the vehicles was returned to her. Meanwhile Catherine moved to her sons house on Catamount Road.

Over the weekend, the police report says, she found out she could use the find my phone app on her iPad to track Taylor because they shared a family plan for their cell phone service. She monitored his whereabouts, thinking he might reveal where a missing vehicle was.

The police report says she realized Taylor was approaching her sons home moments before he allegedly broke in and shot her to death.

Police questioned Taylor after taking him to St. Vincents Hospital for treatment of injuries he sustained during the struggle with his stepson.

The police report quotes Taylor as telling police I cant understand how I got here and I cant make sense of anything.

When it came to providing specific details about what happened, Taylor either did not recall or could not recall, the report says. He stated that he didnt have a conceptual memory of what happened but he did remember being there. Taylor stated that I think trying to justify things like this is horrible. 

In court Monday, Taylor stood in blue scrubs and answered questions from the judge calmly as she explained a protective order barring him from having any contact with his stepson.

$2 million bond

Senior Assistant States Attorney Kevin Dunn asked the judge to set Taylors bond at $3 million because of the threat he would pose if released.

This is a very strong case for the state, Dunn said.

A bail commissioner said Taylor had a record dating back to the 1960s, including a 2014 conviction for disorderly conduct and a 2009 domestic violence case that was dismissed.

The 2009 case did not involve his ex-wife, Dunn said.

The prosecutor said authorities believe Taylor could try fleeing to Costa Rica, but did not elaborate. A public defender representing Taylor, Joanna Carloni, asked the judge to set bond at $500,000.

He cant make any bond, she said.

After setting bond at $2 million, the judge said that if Taylor is able to post it, he must return to court to be fitted with a GPS device so officials can monitor his whereabouts.

Humberto Juarez and Michael P. Mayko also contributed to this story.
BRIDGEPORT  A local man is facing up to two years in prison after he pleaded guilty Tuesday to crashing his car into a woman and two children outside a restaurant.

Allen Pearson, 37, pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Frank Iannotti to one count of second-degree assault.

The judge said he would impose a sentence of up to five years, suspended after Pearson serves two years and followed by three years of probation when Pearson is sentenced on March 19.

On May 31, police said twin 8-year-old boys were standing outside the Junco Restaurant on Harral Avenue just after noon when Pearson drove his car right at them. Shanta Jordan, 32, saw the car headed toward the boys and leaped in front of it hoping to protect them, police said.

All three were pinned by the car against a wall.

Police said Jordan suffered a fractured hip while one boy suffered fractured legs and his brother sustained bruises and abrasions.

No test was done to determine if Pearson was driving under the influence at the time of the crash but a day later he was arrested by Stamford police and charged with possession of a hallucinogen and possession with intent to sell after Stamford police said they found PCP on him.
BRIDGEPORT  The Federal Bureau of Investigations criminal probe into sales of municipal scrap metal accelerated Tuesday, with agents visiting the finance and legal departments in the downtown government center.

And in a related development, Mayor Joe Ganim has assigned Ed Adams  the retired G-Man who helped convict Ganim of corruption 16 years ago, then aided the mayors 2015 comeback and got a City Hall job  to scrutinize municipal purchasing.

Those developments are the result of an anonymous letter that targeted the Public Facilities Department and was sent last fall to the City Council. The writer alleged that city employees there were improperly selling tens of thousands of dollars of scrap metal for cash and not depositing it with the Finance Department.

Hearst Connecticut Media obtained documents detailing over $35,500 in scrap-for-cash transactions, and city sources have since confirmed that only around $10,000 of that has been accounted for.

The anonymous letter also accused Public Facilities of giving out lucrative no-bid contracts, including for paving at the newly constructed municipal garage, where the cost of the parking lot grew from $185,822 to $678,899.

The FBI was rumored earlier in the winter to be interested in the letter. Then on Jan. 17, agents interviewed public facilities staff at the government center, including Director John Ricci, a close ally of Ganims, and Deputy Director Joe Tiago.

On Tuesday, agents met with Finance Director Ken Flatto, whose department is on the first floor, and also stopped by the municipal law department, whose second floor offices are a short walk down the hall from the mayors.

Meanwhile Ganim, who when first mayor was convicted in 2003 of running a pay-to-play operation following an FBI investigation, has tried to defuse the potentially politically damaging situation as he seeks re-election.

As one city employee who did not want to be named said after learning that federal agents were back in town, Oh my God, here we go again.

Trying to stay ahead

The mayor and his police chief, Armando Perez, recently said they brought the anonymous letter to the FBIs attention late last year.

And the mayor, as the result of an internal reviews by his labor relations and legal offices of the scrap metal sales, over the past two weeks fired Tiago and Jose DeMoura, the recycling manager; took two weeks salary and two weeks of paid vacation from Ricci; and required a fourth Public Facilities staffer, Luis Burgos, to receive coaching and counseling.

Ganim and Flatto have also put an end to unauthorized scrap metal dealings and tightened the purchasing requirements for no-bid contracts.

The mayor, in a brief interview Tuesday, said having Adams  whom he hired as an aide in early 2016  play a more direct role in purchasing is the next logical step following up on the (anonymous) memo ... to have a greater level of accountability and transparency.

Adams, who had been part of the FBIs corruption probe into Ganims first administration, shocked many people when he supported the fallen mayors successful 2015 bid to return to his former job as Bridgeports chief elected official. Adams joined Flatto, Ricci, Perez and R. Christopher Meyer, whom Ganim hired to run the citys law department, as a key campaign adviser.

After winning re-election, Ganim hired Adams as a $91,800 aide who was supposed to be the returned mayors unofficial good-government and ethics watchdog. The City Council had refused to formally create that position for Adams.

The mayor said Tuesday that he was unaware FBI agents were again in the government center.

I dont know if thats true or not, Ganim said, but he added it would not be a surprise.

Too little, too late?

Councilwoman Maria Zambrano Viggiano, a chairman of the Budget Committee, has been pressuring the Ganim administration to provide her and her colleagues more information about no-bid purchases.

Viggiano said she has not interacted with Adams and would contact him about his new duties with purchasing.

This is something Im very concerned about, Viggiano said. We tell our taxpayers our budget doesnt stretch for education and quality-of-life things like potholes and street paving. ... Then we hear about a large amount of money used for a Public Facilities parking lot. Of course as a taxpayer Id be outraged. I am outraged as a taxpayer.

Viggiano said she wants to ensure it doesnt take an FBI investigation to get the ball rolling on some of these changes.

That is state Sen. Marilyn Moores complaint. Moore, a Democrat like Ganim, recently announced her plans to run against him this year. Moore said that given his criminal history, Ganim should have done a better job tightening purchasing and contracting policies when he returned to office.

Were three years in, Moore said Tuesday. Considering this was a second chance mayor, I thought he would have gone in very tight and strong from the beginning, overseeing all of these departments that handle any type of money, negotiations contracts.

Moore said Ganim should bring in someone who is independent and non-partisan, not Adams or other political hires.

Adams was there to oversee this type of thing, Moore said. If he didnt do it in three years, whats different about right now?

Ganim said, Obviously I have full confidence in Ed.
WASHINGTON  Sen. Richard Blumenthal on Monday said he would vote against confirmation of William P. Barr to be attorney general, saying Barrs refusal to commit to releasing Special Counsel Robert Muellers final report could amount to a cover up.

The key question is will the Mueller report be released, or will it be a Barr report  which involves editing, redaction or deleting? said Blumenthal, D-Conn., after meeting Barr in his office.

The Senate Judiciary Committee, of which Blumenthal is a member, could vote at its Tuesday meeting to pass Barrs confirmation to the Senate floor. With Republicans in control, Barrs confirmation appears to be guaranteed.

Blumenthal had been hinting that he would oppose Barr, citing release of the Mueller report as the key issue for him.

At his confirmation hearing last month, Barr said he was committed to getting as much of Muellers findings out to the public as possible, but technically he would be obligated to incorporate the special counsels report and in turn issue an attorney generals report.

Barr declined to commit to releasing Muellers report even though the law gives the attorney general full discretion to release it, Blumenthal told reporters after the meeting.

Barr served as attorney general in the early 1990s under President George H.W. Bush. President Trump nominated him to replace Attorney General Jeff Sessions, whom he fired principally because Sessions recused himself from m oversight of the Mueller investigation into Trumps 2016 campaign ties to Russian intelligence.

At the confirmation hearing, Barr said he would permit Mueller to finish his investigation, which so far has resulted in a slew of indictments of former Trump campaign officials including Paul Manafort of New Britain.

Some Democrats said they felt that Barr was as close to an honest broker as possible with Trump in the White House. And in any case, he was far preferable to acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker, a Trump true-believer.

Blumenthal said Monday that he didnt share that view.

Since the Justice Department has a policy of not indicting a sitting president, the combination of no indictment and no Mueller report would be disastrous, Blumenthal said.

In effect, there would be a cover-up of the presidents role in conspiring with Russia or obstructing justice after becoming president, Blumenthal said, adding: And that is intolerable for the public interest.

Dan@hearstdc.com
ReFRAMING Aging: Health, Happiness, and the Arts, the next exhibition at New Canaans Silvermine Arts Center, will feature artists whose creative energy and ingenuity have continued over a lifetime.

ReFRAMING Aging will debunk myths about aging, deepen visitors understanding of why lifelong creativity matters and inspire intergenerational bonds  illuminating what it means to age creatively in our youth-oriented society when people are living longer, Silvermine said in a news release.

The exhibition, which runs Saturday, Feb. 16, through Saturday, March 23, will trace the creative evolution of nine artists, ranging in age from 72 to 87, who are central to Silvermines enduring presence as an artists community: June Ahrens, Paedra Bramhall, Marilyn Clements, Kathy Conway, Carol Nipomnich Dixon, James Grashow, James Reed, Jonathan Talbot, and Florence Zolan. Paintings by a 10th artist, Binnie Birstein, will be exhibited in memoriam.

Their visually compelling art addresses socially relevant ideas  climate change and our changing relationship to nature, gender identity and our yearning to accept ourselves, mortality and our capacity for resilience, Silvermine said of the artists, whose works are represented in museums nationally and in some cases internationally.

The exhibition and the series of programs connected with it are free and open to the public.

On Saturday, Feb. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m., public is invited to the opening reception and keynote lecture by James Kaufman, Ph.D., a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut and a leading scholar on creativity.

In his lecture, The Science Behind the Art: How Everyone Can be Creative, and Why it Matters, Kaufman will discuss the science and psychology of creativity and explore the ways in which creativity manifests itself over a lifetime. He will also offer some research-based tips on how to enhance ones creativity.

On Sunday, March 3, from 2 to 3 p.m., Silvermine will host Better With Age, a lecture and conversation with Robin Jaffee Frank, PhD, Director of Strategy and Development at Silvermine Arts Center, and an author and art historian, on the revitalized brilliance of renowned artists late in their long lives. Following at 3:30 p.m. is a panel discussion and Q&A on Creativity and Healthy Aging, moderated by Dr. Allison Ostroff, Director of Geriatrics at Stamford Hospital and Founder/Director of the Geriatric Assessment Center.

A day of family programming and adventurous art-making activities will take place on Saturday, March 23, from 2 to 3 p.m. Children, parents, and grandparents can join painter and award-winning childrens book Illustrator and author Leonard Everett Fisher in conversation with Anne Butler Rice, Director of Education at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.

From 3 to 4:30 p.m., families will enjoy Exploring Art Together, where they will listen to stories about how making art unites us across generations and choose from a variety of fun, hands-on activities led by Silvermine Teaching Artists that reflect the work on view in ReFRAMING Aging, from a sense of self and community to concerns about our natural world.

Exhibition support was provided by Sam Ingram in memory of his wife, Guild artist Jane Ingram.

Connecticut Humanities (CTH), a non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), has awarded a Quick Grant for $3,500 to support programs accompanying the exhibition.

Were most grateful to the Connecticut Humanities for funding programs  a keynote lecture, a moderated panel discussion and a family day of storytelling  that will engage visitors of every age and explore the benefits of art, creativity and discovery across generations, Robin Jaffee Frank, Director of Strategy and Development, said in the news release.

Silvermine Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Road, New Canaan. 203-966-9700, www.silvermine.org
STAMFORD  IT consulting and research firm Gartner , which is expanding its Connecticut headquarters, reported Tuesday increasing revenues for the past quarter and year.

Quarterly revenues increased 7 percent, to about $1.1 billion. Profits came to approximately $84 million, compared with $107 million in the same period in 2017. The 2017 results reflected a $60 million gain tied to the U.S. tax reform passed the same year.
People who purchase Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as Nest thermostats and security cameras, likely don't realize the potential problems that can arise if the services go down, like they did recently with Nest thermostats  making it impossible to keep a house warm in winter or cool in summer. Nor are they aware that hackers could take control of their devices if they don't follow smart password practices, such as not reusing passwords or failing to set up two-factor authentication (2FA).

But they are learning the hard way. Recently a family had their Nest camera hijacked, and the hacker had it blare fake warnings about North Korean intercontinental ballistic missiles heading for the U.S. Then there's the Texas couple who, in December, heard sexual expletives coming from the Nest Cam baby monitor in their 4-month-old sons room. The mom, Ellen Rigney, said, So we turned on the light in our room, we turned that camera on, and he told us to turn off the light and said Im going to kidnap your baby  I'm in your babys room. Thankfully there was not actually a kidnapper in their babys room.

Fast forward to January, and there are more frightened Nest owner parents. An Illinois family told NBC they heard a deep male voice coming from a Nest security camera in their 7-month-old baby boys room. Not only had the hacker taken control of the camera, but he had remotely cranked up the Nest thermostat to 90 degrees!

Arjun Sud, who owns $4,000 worth of Nest IoT products, including 16 Nest cameras, two Nest thermostats and a security system, said he hadnt used 2FA because he didnt know it was an option. He says Google and Nest should have alerted him about the 2FA option and notified him when someone else accessed his account. He called it a blame game where they (Google/Nest) blamed me, and they walked away from it.

As for the hijacked devices, Google has said:

Nest has reset all the accounts where customers reused passwords that were previously exposed through breaches on other websites and published publicly. Even though Nest was not breached, these customers were vulnerable because their credentials were freely available on the Internet. Each customer has received instructions on how to establish new credentials. For added password security, we're preventing customers from using passwords which appear on known compromised lists. As before, we encourage all customers to use two-factor verification for added account security, even if your password is compromised.

Also recently, Nest fixed a bug that, from Jan. 25 to 30, caused the IoT cameras green indicator light to come on as if someone were accessing the live view mode. Nevertheless, it frightened a group of moms who believed their cameras had been hacked.

But Nest is just one brand of IoT devices, a mere drop in a swelling ocean of smart devices  many of which have pathetic security.

More IoT security news

Hacker exploits LIFX mini smart light bulb flaws to extract Wi-Fi credentials, encryption key

It took a hacker less than an hour to hack a smart light bulb and extract the Wi-Fi username and password, which was stored in plaintext on the connected bulbs memory. The security researcher, going by LimitedResults, demonstrated three vulnerabilities in an internet-connected LIFX mini white light bulb. Besides extracting the users Wi-Fi credentials from the LIFX mini, an IoT device that costs $20 to $25, LimitedResults also extracted the RSA private encryption key and root certificate, as well as discovered the device had no security settings whatsoever. Despite the failings, LIFX claimed data security is a priority when it announced new firmware that closed the three gaping security holes. It is worth noting that this is not the first time the company has been accused of shoddy security that exposed Wi-Fi passwords.

Spying capabilities of secret security camera in smart lamp

Besides the security pitfalls in the insecure IoT, there is a plethora of privacy pitfalls. Even if you dont personally embrace IoT, you could potentially still come under its surveillance umbrella by doing nothing more than staying at an Airbnb rental.

Digital Trends pointed out that Panasonics HomeHawk floor lamp, as seen on Indiegogo, comes with a tiny hidden security camera that has a 140-degree wide-angle lens, has motion detection technology, has color night vision, has HD recordings and gives owners the ability to view lie footage. In theory, the lamps owner could get away from the ugly and obvious mounted security cameras, but the capabilities take on a much more sinister tone when considering it could be used in an Airbnb.

Think about where these things could be placed, Digital Trends added, spying on us without us knowing it: doctors offices, rental houses, public bathrooms, the living rooms or bedrooms of our significant others, hotel rooms. You get the idea. If home surveillance technology is making its way into a benign floor lamp, whats next? A spying couch?

State of IoT security report reveals systemic security and privacy hazards

A recent State of IoT Security Report (pdf) by Pepper IoT and Dark Cubed found some flaws, such as in an IoT light bulb, were so serious that it is beyond what could be considered a mistake. The researchers pointed out, When you have to open up a line of communications to China and enable real-time location sharing just to dim a lightbulb, you should be concerned.

After Dark Cubed purchased a dozen off-the-shelf IoT devices from retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon and MicroCenter, the cybersecurity firm found that by installing just 12 IoT devices our personal information and other data began spreading across the globe. The accompanying map with the report drills the fact home.

The researchers were shocked by the findings, and coming from security experts that expected things to be insecure, that is saying something. While we certainly expected to find vulnerabilities and weaknesses, the obvious nature of the security flaws we found was surprising. These flaws were so blatant and obvious that it is more than just a mistake, it is a systemic issue that needs to be addressed.

Scott Ford, CEO at IoT platform and service provider Pepper IoT, said, Just as retailers wouldnt sell unsafe toys, tainted lettuce or products with toxic chemicals, they have a responsibility to sell safe and secure IoT devices to consumers.

Dark Cubed CEO Vince Crisler added, If we do not address the problem of insecure consumer IoT devices and the lack of respect for consumer privacy soon, it is going to be too late. Just because the space is complex and rapidly developing is not an excuse for retailers and regulators to turn a blind eye. In fact, the opposite is true. Retailers must consider security as a part of their buying processes and government must consider regulations that focus on consumer protections.
Companies spend a huge amount of time and billions of dollars on security technology to keep threat actors out  on firewalls, IPS systems, endpoint security, and the like  and employees are letting those bad guys in by clicking on phishing links. In fact, a recent F5 Labs report says phishing was the root cause of 48 percent of the breaches they investigated.

This corroborates my own research, as I have talked to many people that do penetration testing and they told me the number one way to breach a company is by stealing a users credentials via phishing. Indeed, one of them showed me how quickly they could do up a mock email from the CEO that entices a user to click and enter user information. Another interesting thing he told me: In about 90 percent of the cases, he can get the credentials in under four hours.

[ Check out these 11 phishing prevention tips for best technology practices, employee education and social media smarts. | Get the latest from CSO by signing up for our newsletters. ]

Phishing is a global problem thats reached near ubiquity

The F5 Labs report also highlights how widespread the use of phishing is by threat actors: A whopping 75.6 percent of the websites taken offline by the F5 SOC were phishing sites. A distant number two, at only 11.3 percent, is malicious scripts, and URL redirects are 5.2 percent. Whats interesting is that the latter two are typically used in conjunction with phishing, so reducing it should lower all top three types of fraud.

Mobile phishing reared its ugly head in this report at 2 percent and is likely to see a rise in the next few years. Anything security professionals can do now to educate workers today will have a bigger payoff in the future.

Phishing is more than mass emails

The report outlines how phishing works, which is important because many non-security individuals I speak to think its just mass emails sent out with the hopes that someone clicks on it. That might have been true when the King of Nigeria was asking for help bringing $300 million out of the country, but its not the case anymore. Phishers are great at stealing personal data from poorly secured websites that can give a small nugget of personal information. For example, if a salesperson joins a local business group to build up some contacts and that information is stolen, the phisher can direct an email there looking like it was from the group. Its the high level of personalization involved in phishing that separates it from just a few years ago.

This is one reason why I tell security and business leaders that there is no such thing as a small breach. A retailer may get breached and think they dodged a bullet when the hackers werent able to steal credit card information. Maybe they only snatched people that signed up for a loyalty card, which is seemingly harmless. The fact is this type of data can be used to focus the attack and create an incentive to click on a link.

Phishing gets more sophisticated

Another finding in the report that should be cause for concern is that 93 percent of phishing domains offer a secure version (https) of the site, making them seem legitimate. Early phishing websites were shoddy and filled with errors, but not so today. Newer sites are near identical clones of the brands we have all come to know, love, and above all else, trust. The report shows the top 10 impersonated sites are all technology or financial services organizations. These are sites many of us visit routinely, and many individuals wouldnt think twice about receiving an email from them.

Webroot The top 10 organizations phishers impersonated from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31, 2018 (left). The top 10 targets by industry (right).

Employee education is the best defense against phishing

Knowing now that phishing is a significant problem that can give the bad guys a back door into the company raises the question of what to do about it. Without a doubt, the best first step is user training. Educate employees to look for anomalies. Any time an email includes a link or attachment, particularly Zip and PDF files that are easy to hide malware in, the individual should be skeptical. If its an email from a co-worker check to see if the sender's email looks legitimate.

I went into my own spam box to look for an example. In one, the users signature line showed an email of info@company.com, but the return email was company@vip.163.com (I anonymized the company name). This mismatch should be an immediate red flag and avoided. Other notable things to look for are shortened URLs, certificate warnings, emails with an urgent alert, or emails that are unexpected.

If a user has been directed to a website, they should carefully inspect the URL to see if its legitimate. Phishing sites often use URLs that are close to the original company as a way of fooling people. For example, a fake F5.com site could be something like FFiveSecurity.TV, which might look legitimate but isnt. If theres any question, educate the user to go to a separate browser session and reach the company that way.

User training is often overlooked, but the report did manage to quantify the impact. The average click-through rate of phishing links when companies do five or fewer training events is 33 percent. This drops to as low as 13 percent with 11 or more. The key here is that organizational leaders need to be persistent with awareness training.

Security tools to catch phishing emails

Protecting against phishing is more than just education. There are a number of security tools that can be used. Below are a few that were mentioned in the report that, to me, are no-brainers:

Email labeling that identifies emails from outside the company

Antivirus software to catch malware when the user clicks on a phishing link

Web filtering to block known phishing sites

Inspection of encrypted traffic to see inside https sessions

Single sign-on, which reduces password fatigue and has been proven to limit phishing attacks

Multi-factor authentication to prevent credential theft

Access controls to limit employees from reaching critical systems

Fraud detection to quickly find infected endpoints

Phishing has become the top challenge for security professionals and, as the F5 Labs report indicates, has gotten out of control. However, all is not lost. A combination of user training and cybersecurity tools can help minimize the risk and limit the damage.
The MSC Magnifica and Phoenix Reisen's Artania will make their San Diego debuts this week as the port is expecting both ships, marking two maiden calls.

The first vessel to sail into San Diego will be the MSC Magnifica, arriving on Tuesday, followed by a Friday call from the Artania.

The ships transatlantic voyage began in Genoa, Italy and its most recent stop was in Cabo San Lucas. After San Diego, MSC Magnifica will visit the ports of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The Port of San Diego is proud to welcome MSC Magnifica and the Phoenix Reisen Artania on their inaugural visits, said Garry Bonelli, Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners. These Port calls highlight the diversity of our cruise line customers and strengthen San Diegos reputation as a world-class destination for vacations.

Of note, both ships are on world cruises.

Prior to arriving in San Diego, the the Artania will be in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Following San Diego, it will sail up the California coast.

As Californias third busiest cruise port, the Port of San Diego is anticipating approximately 92 cruise calls and nearly 300,000 passengers in fiscal year 2019-2020. Its primary homeported lines are Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Lines. Last year, Carnival Cruise Lines announced a return to San Diego and will be making 13 calls to the Port with the Carnival Miracle.
NYK, the mining company BHP, NYK, GoodFuels and BLOC (Blockchain Labs for Open Collaboration) have announced the delivery of sustainable biofuels to the BHP-chartered, NYK-owned bulk carrier Frontier Sky, with CO2 savings verified with BLOCs blockchain fuels assurance platform.

The companies stated that the advanced biofuel, supplied by GoodFuels via logistics partner Varo Energy, is a drop-in marine gasoil (MGO)-equivalent, and was blended with conventional fossil-based MGO in a mix of 30% biofuel to 70% conventional MGO. They also said that this delivery saves over 50 tons of CO2, equivalent to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of approximately 125,000 miles driven by a car, and that it sets the stage for further savings, driven by switching to this carbon neutral fuel.

This is said to be an important step in the decarbonization strategies of both BHP and NYK. According to a prepared statement, NYK was recently recognized as a global leader on corporate climate action by the environmental non-profit organization CDP, achieving a place on the Climate Change A-List for its climate strategy. NYKs reduction targets for GHG emissions are 30% per ton-km by 2030 compared with a 2015 base year, and 50% per ton-km by 2050.

Abdes Karimi, head of strategy and planning at BHP said: We recognize we have a stewardship role, working with our customers, suppliers and others along the value chain to influence emissions reductions across the full life cycle of our products. We fully support moves to decarbonize the freight industry, including implementing IMO2020. Biofuels offer an innovative approach to more sustainable bunker fuel. Its important for us to ensure the biofuel we use is sustainably produced and traceable. This consortium has invented new ways of working that improve productivity and reliability in the bunker fuel supply chain and enable trustful tracking of both the provenance and carbon savings. It demonstrates an effective model for the whole industry to build on in the future.

Hiroshi Kawaguchi, general manager of the Dry Bulk Marine Quality Control Group at NYK said: For shipping to reduce its carbon emissions, we need to ensure that we are exploring how all available technologies can play a part. Using sustainable marine fuel like biofuel unlocks significant emissions savings that, alongside increased efficiency, a reduction in downtime, and increased optimization through hardware innovation and digitalization, move us towards our science-based GHG reduction targets.

Isabel Welten, head of marine, GoodFuels added: We want to make it as easy as possible for vessels to use biofuels to reduce their footprint. By documenting emissions savings and chains of custody, and combining this with smart incentives to use cleaner fuels, we can build a trusted, financially viable pathway towards zero-carbon shipping.

Deanna MacDonald, CEO, BLOC, said: We're building on an earlier trial undertaken in September and are moving towards validating an important decarbonization pathway with blockchain technology. We are further testing the prototype in a real world setting to capture the biofuel delivery from BHP, and to create a complete digital audit trail, with extended functionality for biofuels and emissions tracking. This is an important demonstration of how blockchain technology could play a role in creating a global, trusted MRV system, and build the trust necessary for broader adoption of cleaner fuels both in terms of meeting 2020 sulfur cap requirements and the IMOs 2050 decarbonization goal.
XXV Gala Puerto Vallarta - Riviera Nayarit, Feb. 11-12

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, in conjunction with the Convention and Visitor's Bureau of Riviera Nayarit, will host the 25th Annual Gala Vallarta-Nayarit at the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center on February 11 and 12, 2019.

A specialized trade show that brings national and international wholesalers and tour operators that sell travel to this popular vacation destination together with Banderas Bay area hotel industry leaders, Gala Vallarta - Nayarit is the most important commercial tourism event in the region.

In this twenty-fifth edition, a total of 89 national and international wholesalers are scheduled to meet with the 96 Banderas Bay area hotels participating in the trade show, which sets an all-time record in attendance and represents a 32% increase over 2018, when 66 wholesalers were present.

This year, partners from Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil, will join the partners from North America (Mexico, the United States and Canada), Spain and England that have been represented in past years, bringing the total number of countries participating to sixteen.





In the 2019 edition, the trade show will once again be conducted in the innovative format that has become characteristic of Gala Vallarta-Nayarit. All wholesalers and operators will have pre-established appointments with the hoteliers, with the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board and the Riviera Nayarit CVB arranging meetings between the parties.

An Increasingly Popular Destination

The ongoing success of Gala is reflected in the constant increase in air connectivity to the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The negotiations that are achieved within the framework of this annual event result in a greater demand for rooms which, in turn, increases the demand for more flights and frequencies to the destination.

Now offering flights to more than 50 destinations around the world, the Puerto Vallarta International Airport welcomed around 4.76 million travelers in 2018, according to the facility's operator, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico.

Connectivity to the region has been consolidated in mature markets, such as Mexico, which in 2017 saw an increase of 13%, thanks in part to with the new flights from El Bajio on Volaris and from Puebla on Viva Aerobus. For Canada, there are new Swoop routes from Hamilton and Abbotsford; and for the United States, Sun Country recently announced a new flight from Las Vegas.

As for Europe, the Finnair flight from Helsinki is well into its second winter season, and TUI recently announced an additional frequency from Manchester, England, for winter 2019 and summer 2020.

But the flight with the highest expectations is from Copa Airlines that opens the doors to Latin America through the hub of the Hub of the Americas in Panama.

The negotiations carried out at Gala Puerto Vallarta - Riviera Nayarit work hand-in-hand with the continuous work of the tourism boards who, in alliance with the three levels of government, promote the destination throughout the year.

This active partnership has attracted numerous investments in hotel infrastructure, along with improvements to the airport and cruise port , which both continue to report an ongoing increase in arrivals to Vallarta-Nayarit.
Edward "Ed" G. Day, 76, of Fairfield Glade, passed away June 11, 2021, at Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville. He was born Aug. 29, 1944, in Detroit, MI, son of Marie (Stalski) Weber. Ed worked as a photocopy salesman and retired from Panasonic in 2001. He was a member of Shepherd of the
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David Langham Horace, 44, passed away June 9, 2021 in Lufkin. Viewing will be held on Friday, June 18, 2021 at Emanuel Funeral Home of Crockett from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Antioch Baptist Church in Pennington at 12 p.m. with burial to follow in A
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Health & Beauty



Vallarta Medical Matters Conference Speakers - Part 1



HealthCare Resources and CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort are proud to welcome some distinguished medical practitioners as featured speakers at this year's PV Medical Matters Conference. Share Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Meet physicians, ask questions, learn about local labs and diagnostic centers, hospitals  any and every thing to do with your health and well-being - during the 2019 Puerto Vallarta Medical Matters Conference at the Marriott CasaMagna Resort on February 11th from 9 am to 3 pm. The day will feature a vast array of health care-related providers like international insurance representatives, local private hospitals, clinics, physicians, spas, diagnostic centers, labs  to name a few. In addition, a non-stop speakers program will feature local physicians covering a wide variety of general healthcare and specialty topics, including: Dr. Carlos Garcia & Dr. Habid Becerra

For Men Only: Ballsheimers, When You Think Your Sex Life is Forgotten

Salon VI-VII at 9.15 am

Dr. Garcia is a Urologist/Urology surgeon who has worked in Puerto Vallarta since 2000. He did his residency in general urology in Juarez Hospital in Mexico City, studies endo-urology and reconstructive urology in Monterrey, as well as laproscopic and urologic surgery. He was the first Mexican Urologist trained in the United States and Canada in the usage of "HIFU Sonablate 500 System (in 2004). He has travelled to various areas throughout the world, training other urologists on various procedures including Turkey, Poland, Chile, Israel. In 2017, Dr. Garcia opened Urovallarta, a state of the art urological procedure center here in Puerto Vallarta. He loves to sail in his spare time and as well, is an avid photographer. Anyone that knows Dr. Carlos Garcia knows he is hysterically funny and loves a good joke! is a Urologist/Urology surgeon who has worked in Puerto Vallarta since 2000. He did his residency in general urology in Juarez Hospital in Mexico City, studies endo-urology and reconstructive urology in Monterrey, as well as laproscopic and urologic surgery. He was the first Mexican Urologist trained in the United States and Canada in the usage of "HIFU Sonablate 500 System (in 2004). He has travelled to various areas throughout the world, training other urologists on various procedures including Turkey, Poland, Chile, Israel. In 2017, Dr. Garcia opened Urovallarta, a state of the art urological procedure center here in Puerto Vallarta. He loves to sail in his spare time and as well, is an avid photographer. Anyone that knows Dr. Carlos Garcia knows he is hysterically funny and loves a good joke!

Dr. Becerra is a Urologist/Urology surgeon. He was born in Morelia, Mexico. He attended school at the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo. General surgery was completed at Hospital Regional VGF in Guadalajara and then a urology specialty at the same hospital. He did his training for percutaneous renal surgery in Durango and then on to study urodynamics and pelvic floor medicine in Guadalajara, where he obtained the third highest score nation-wide as chief resident! Dr. Habid likes to read, cook and do mixed martial arts. He says his favorite part of the job is learning new stuff! is a Urologist/Urology surgeon. He was born in Morelia, Mexico. He attended school at theGeneral surgery was completed at Hospital Regional VGF in Guadalajara and then a urology specialty at the same hospital. He did his training for percutaneous renal surgery in Durango and then on to study urodynamics and pelvic floor medicine in Guadalajara, where he obtained the third highest score nation-wide as chief resident! Dr. Habid likes to read, cook and do mixed martial arts. He says his favorite part of the job is learning new As urologists, both doctors specialize in sexual dysfunction and aging, worries and concerns, making this an excellent topic for men of all ages! Dr. Jonathan Robles & Dra. Pamela Cerdio

For Women Only: Pelvic Floor Disorders. There IS a Treatment!

Salon I-III at 9:15 am Many women suffer from 'leaking' of pee, from minor, to having-to-wear-a-diaper, amounts. There is treatment for this extremely common problem and one does not have to live with this continuously.

Dr. Jonathan Robles, Gyneurologist: Jonathan Alonso Rodriguez Robles studied medicine at the University of Guadalajara, Campus Ciudad Guzman. He attended his internship at the 46th clinic of the IMSS in Guadalajara and his first year of specialization as a general surgeon in Puebla, after which he finished specializing as a urological surgeon at the renowned General Hospital of Mexico. At the General Hospital of Mexico he had contact with a great variety of diseases and patients, so he recognizes that there are still many areas of urology that need to be investigated, and therefore he likes to participate in research projects constantly. He has contact with the urological sub-specialties such as endourology, pediatric urology, urooncology and also reconstructive surgery for women and men, an area for which he feels a great affinity. Jonathan Alonso Rodriguez Robles studied medicine at the University of Guadalajara, Campus Ciudad Guzman. He attended his internship at the 46th clinic of the IMSS in Guadalajara and his first year of specialization as a general surgeon in Puebla, after which he finished specializing as a urological surgeon at the renowned General Hospital of Mexico. At the General Hospital of Mexico he had contact with a great variety of diseases and patients, so he recognizes that there are still many areas of urology that need to be investigated, and therefore he likes to participate in research projects constantly. He has contact with the urological sub-specialties such as endourology, pediatric urology, urooncology and also reconstructive surgery for women and men, an area for which he feels a great affinity.

Dra. Pamela Cerdio, Proctologist: Dra. Pamela is as well, a general surgeon and trained in colon, rectum and anal disease. She studied medicine at the University of Autonoma de Guadalajara. She did her specialty in general surgery from UNAM-ISSTE in Mexico City. Sub-specialty in Colo-Proctology from UNAH ISSTE in Mexico City. Dra. Cerdio moved here recently with her husband (who is a radiologist) and they have started a family here with an adorable baby boy! There is nothing very glamorous about this specialty for sure, but she most definitely is an expert in her field! This is a 'male dominated' specialty, so an extra BRAVO! to Dra. Pamela. Dra. Pamela is as well, a general surgeon and trained in colon, rectum and anal disease. She studied medicine at the University of Autonoma de Guadalajara. She did her specialty in general surgery from UNAM-ISSTE in Mexico City. Sub-specialty in Colo-Proctology from UNAH ISSTE in Mexico City. Dra. Cerdio moved here recently with her husband (who is a radiologist) and they have started a family here with an adorable baby boy! There is nothing very glamorous about this specialty for sure, but she most definitely is an expert in her field! This is a 'male dominated' specialty, so an extrato Dra. Pamela. Dr. Antonio Matilla

Social Media and Medicine

Salon Mexico/Cozumel at 10:15 am

Dr. Antonio Matilla was born in Barcelona, Spain. He moved with his family to Mexico City when he was 10 years old. He studied medicine at the Universidad Anahuac in Mexico City and did his residency in Internal Medicine at Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI and the IMSS in Mexico City. He just completed a residency fellowship in Hospital Clinic in Barcelona, Spain in autoimmune disease. He says he loves internal medicine because "you can incorporate all of the medical knowledge into one specialty and that is what makes you a more complete and versatile physician." He is happily married (to Dra. Leslie Swindle - cardiologist) and has two sons who attend university. He is an avid triathlon participant and we always cheer him on! His topic is spot-on as everyone in the medical field deals with patients using "Dr. Google" and other forms of social media. Excellent topic! Dr. Antonio Matilla was born in Barcelona, Spain. He moved with his family to Mexico City when he was 10 years old. He studied medicine at the Universidad Anahuac in Mexico City and did his residency in Internal Medicine atand the IMSS in Mexico City. He just completed a residency fellowship in Hospital Clinic in Barcelona, Spain in autoimmune disease. He says he loves internal medicine because "you can incorporate all of the medical knowledge into one specialty and that is what makes you a more complete and versatile physician." He is happily married (to Dra. Leslie Swindle - cardiologist) and has two sons who attend university. He is an avid triathlon participant and we always cheer him on! His topic is spot-on as everyone in the medical field deals with patients using "Dr. Google" and other forms of social media. Excellent topic! Dr. Hector Escoto

Cellulitis: From a Simple Cut to a Dangerous Infection! Causes and Treatments.

Salon I-III at 10:15 am

Born in San Juan de Lagos, a small town near Guadalajara, Dr. Hector Escoto attended school at the University of Guadalajara and performed his specialty in Cardithoracic and Vascular surgery at Hospital Civil in Guadalajara. He says that he choose Cardithoracic surgery because he always found the vascular and chest the most interesting. He moved to Puerto Vallarta in 2005. His main focus is to always make sure that he provides the very best medical attention to his patients and keeping updated in the newest medical treatments and surgical procedures. He says "There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a happy face on a patient when they have recovered their health." Super topic as cellulitis can start out from a very innocuous cut! Born in San Juan de Lagos, a small town near Guadalajara, Dr. Hector Escoto attended school at the University of Guadalajara and performed his specialty in Cardithoracic and Vascular surgery at Hospital Civil in Guadalajara. He says that he choose Cardithoracic surgery because he always found the vascular and chest the most interesting. He moved to Puerto Vallarta in 2005. His main focus is to always make sure that he provides the very best medical attention to his patients and keeping updated in the newest medical treatments and surgical procedures. He says "There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a happy face on a patient when they have recovered their health." Super topic as cellulitis can start out from a very innocuous cut! Dr. Alberto Marron

Painful Shoulder: Causes and Treatments of Shoulder Pain

Salon VI-VIII at 11:15 am

Dr. Marron is an Orthopedic Surgeon who is originally from Guadalajara where he went to elementary and high school and continued there through the University of Guadalajara for his medical degree. He did his specialty training in Mexico City and in Puebla. He participates in a wide variety of continuing education classes where he hones is skills as an orthopedic surgeon and performs hundreds of orthopedic surgeries of all kinds. Dr. Marron is the leader in the area performing stem cell treatments in orthopedic patients and as well, he uses the patient's own stem cells rather than harvesting elsewhere. Dr. Marron is ALWAYS one of our most popular Medical Matters speakers! Dr. Marron is an Orthopedic Surgeon who is originally from Guadalajara where he went to elementary and high school and continued there through the University of Guadalajara for his medical degree. He did his specialty training in Mexico City and in Puebla. He participates in a wide variety of continuing education classes where he hones is skills as an orthopedic surgeon and performs hundreds of orthopedic surgeries of all kinds. Dr. Marron is the leader in the area performing stem cell treatments in orthopedic patients and as well, he uses the patient's own stem cells rather than harvesting elsewhere. Dr. Marron is ALWAYS one of our most popular Medical Matters speakers! Dr. Armando Joya

Pushing Through! Hernias! Everything You Need to Know!

Salon I-III at 11:15 am

Dr. Armando Joya was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco but grew up in the Puerto Vallarta area with a large family. He attended medical school at the University of Guadalajara. He did his social service in Las Palmas, Jalisco and then he did his specialty in General Surgery at Centro Medico Nacional in Torreon, Coahuila. He chose this specialty because he was always attracted to surgical procedures. He received further specialty training in laparoscopic surgery at Baptist Hospital Surgery Center in Miami, Florida. Dr. Joya has a multi-specialty practice as a gastroenterologist/gastric surgeon, having performed thousands of gastric surgeries, laparoscopic surgeries, endoscopies and colonoscopies. Dr. Joya enjoys his job because "He helps his patients to recover a healthy life." Dr. Joya has changed the lives of literally thousands of people. People call him 'the master of laparoscopy' which is the very best way to handle hernias, which are so very common, all kinds, in both men and women. Dr. Armando Joya was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco but grew up in the Puerto Vallarta area with a large family. He attended medical school at the University of Guadalajara. He did his social service in Las Palmas, Jalisco and then he did his specialty in General Surgery at Centro Medico Nacional in Torreon, Coahuila. He chose this specialty because he was always attracted to surgical procedures. He received further specialty training in laparoscopic surgery at Baptist Hospital Surgery Center in Miami, Florida. Dr. Joya has a multi-specialty practice as a gastroenterologist/gastric surgeon, having performed thousands of gastric surgeries, laparoscopic surgeries, endoscopies and colonoscopies. Dr. Joya enjoys his job because "He helps his patients to recover a healthy life." Dr. Joya has changed the lives of literally thousands of people. People call him 'the master of laparoscopy' which is the very best way to handle hernias, which are so very common, all kinds, in both men and women. Note: We suggest that you visit each speaker at their exhibit to ask questions and obtain further information, not at the talk. This is so we can continue to run on time. No pre-registration or reservations are required for the talks, just look for the Medical Matters Volunteers, who will direct you to the various salons. BN Editor's Note: In the coming days, we'll be publishing information on additional speakers and the topics they will be covering at the 2019 Puerto Vallarta Medical Matters Conference, so keep checking THIS PAGE on BanderasNews.com for all of the latest news and updates.



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02/05/2019

Photo source: Health Canada Hello Fresh Canada is recalling the red chili ingredient included in Hello Fresh brand and Chefs Plate brand meal kits.

The red chili ingredient in the kits may be contaminated with Salmonella.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

The following items, sold in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec, are being recalled:

Brand Name Common Name Size Code(s) on Product UPC Hello Fresh Red chili 1 (included in the 902 g kit) Included in Hello Fresh brand Coconut Dal meal kit coded as

Best Before 19 JA 29

WK19041920

2P None Hello Fresh Red chili 1 (included in the 1804 g kit) Included in Hello Fresh brand Coconut Dal meal kit coded as

Best Before 19 JA 29

WK19041920

4P None Chefs Plate Red chili 1 (included in the 856 g kit) Included in Chefs Plate brand Beef Chow Mein meal kit coded as January 19, 2019 (A2) None Chefs Plate Red chili 1 (included in the 856 g kit) Included in Chefs Plate brand Beef Chow Mein meal kit coded as January 22, 2019 (A2) None Chefs Plate Red chili 1 (included in the 1712 g kit) Included in Chefs Plate brand Beef Chow Mein meal kit coded as January 19, 2019 (A4) None Chefs Plate Red chili 1 (included in the 1712 g kit) Included in Chefs Plate brand Beef Chow Mein meal kit coded as January 22, 2019 (A4) None

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled products should not consume them, but discard them or return them to the store where they were purchased.

Consumers with questions may contact Hello Fresh Canada at (855) 272-7002 or by email at foodsafety@hellofresh.ca.
Henry Newman is Director of Open Europe.

As Conservative Home readers will know, Ive been a reluctant supporter of Theresa Mays Brexit deal. Although Ive thought there were substantive issues with the backstop, which required addressing, I also argued that the deal overall offered the safest path out of the EU, particularly given the Parliamentary maths and errors made during the negotiations. In my view some critics of the deal misrepresent it, while ignoring its various benefits, and can be unrealistic about the alternatives on offer at this stage.

Last week, MPs conclusively demonstrated they would support a version of the deal, if problems with the backstop could be resolved. But how possible is it to resolve those issues, and what can be achieved when?

European leaders are understandably irritated that Theresa May is seeking changes to a package she herself signed off in December. However, the Prime Minister has little choice  the deal suffered the biggest defeat in Parliamentary history. Getting it through the Commons will require movement. And its not unprecedented for the EU to revisit a negotiated deal. Back in 2009, Ireland had to get the EU to agree an additional legally-binding protocol to the Lisbon Treaty, long after European leaders had signed things off in December 2007.

But theres now a structural problem. As Open Europes man in Brussels, Pieter Cleppe, revealed, Brexit is now being handled by Martin Selmayr, the Commissions Secretary General. Changes will now need sign off by all EU leaders  rather than Michel Barnier  and the next scheduled meeting of the European Council isnt until late March. However, the BBCs eagle-eyed Adam Fleming spotted a meeting of the Council, with the Arab League, in Sharm el-Sheikh in late February. Might that provide a moment to approve any changes?

Whats the mood of the EU? My understanding is that most members are open to helping the UK, but Ireland is resisting. Germany wants clarity on what changes would deliver a Commons majority for a deal although sources are ruling out a move in the next fortnight. Perhaps unsurprisingly, France is yet again emerging as a major roadblock. Theres also been a change of views on Article 50 extension. The EU wants to avoid looking responsible for No Deal, so is unlikely to refuse a request for delay (although it may come with conditions). However, Paris is now leaning towards backing a long extension  for up to 21 months.

What can be achieved? Officials warn the Malthouse Compromise is a non-starter with the EU, which is unsurprising given that it is premised either on the wholesale replacement of the backstop or a sort of managed No Deal. Kit Malthouse achieved the seemingly impossible by brokering something to which Nicky Morgan and Steve Baker could both sign up. He did a great service to Party unity, but the problem is getting Brussels to agree. Whats more possible is a legally-binding protocol, that sits alongside the Withdrawal Treaty.

What should it say? It needs to do two key things: first, provide clarity on exiting the backstop, and second, reassure the DUP and others that Stormont will have a lock over any new regulatory divergence if the UK enters the backstop. The Government has already committed to this, but putting it into international law would provide additional assurance.

Getting clarity on exiting the backstop wont be easy. But May will need to propose a menu of options (helpfully, Open Europe will publish a briefing later today setting ideas out). When Geoffrey Cox, Steve Barclay and David Lidington sit down with EU leaders they cant risk appearing nebulous.

If the EU wont bite on Malthouse, what about a sunset clause combined with objective criteria that any alternative arrangements must achieve? As Professor Verdirame and I argued previously, the UK should also reserve its rights under the Vienna Convention if the EU fails to use best endeavours to agree a replacement deal. That doesnt provide the unilateral rip cord that some seek, but it would mean that Britain had an arguable legal case if the EU sought to trap us in the backstop.

Some critics claim that a time limit defeats the point of a backstop. But given that the EU itself argues that Article 50 cannot create a permanent relationship, surely an expiration date of ten years from the end of Article 50 would be reasonable? That would mirror the GATT treaty (Article XXIV) which allows for interim trade agreements of up to ten years. The EU would be loath to accept a limit, but some in Government believe that by that point the backstop would be legally challengeable anyway (ironically at the European Court).

In the Sun on Sunday, Jacob Rees-Mogg, the ERGs chair, seemed to further soften his Brexit position (he previously argued that although he prefers No Deal to the Prime Ministers deal, he prefers her deal to Remain). He wrote he has come to the conclusion that leaving on March 29 is at risk. This is important. Theres a strong chance that when the Brexit deal is next put to Parliament on 14th February, MPs could back a version of the Cooper amendment, seeking to seize control of the Brexit timetable and delay the exit date. This would be very unfortunate  it would reduce pressure on the EU to compromise on the backstop. Countries like Germany are waiting to see what happens on Valentines Day before moving on the backstop.

However, its becoming increasingly likely that the Government will  as the Foreign Secretary suggested last week  need a technical extension of Article 50 to complete ratification of the Brexit deal. Perhaps the Prime Minister should announce that she would be open to a short extension, but only once Parliament backs an actual deal. I think this should be acceptable to Eurosceptics. For example, the influential John Whittingdale said yesterday he was willing to consider an extension only for the specific period required to get a bill through Parliament which would legislate for the Withdrawal Agreement. It could also dissuade some wavering MPs from backing the Cooper amendment.

Finding a possible landing zone for a Brexit compromise with the EU will be challenging but some sort of legally-binding protocol improving the backstop should be possible, especially if Cooper is defeated. It remains unclear though, how many of the Conservative critics of the Prime Ministers deal are looking for ladders to climb down, rather than crosses on which to martyr themselves. But ultimately, as Rees-Mogg went on to warn this Sunday in a curious echo of the Prime Minster own words, there is now a risk not just of Brexit being delayed but even [of] no Brexit at all. MPs should push for the backstops issues to be addressed, but insisting that its the Malthouse compromise or nothing is a risky path.
Neil Shastri-Hurst is a former British Army Officer, doctor, lawyer, and Conservative activist in the West Midlands

With Brexit dominating the political debate and headlines you, would be forgiven if news of the Society of Conservative Lawyers upcoming publication, Prior Parliamentary Approval for Military Action, had slipped by unnoticed. But this report, launched today in Committee Room 15 at the Palace of Westminster, addresses an important issue relating to the relationship between the executive and legislature, and the use of prerogative powers.

A V Dicey, the renowned constitutional theorist, defined the royal prerogative as the name for the residue of discretionary power left at any moment in the hands of the Crown, whether such power be in fact exercised by the King himself or by his Ministers. Traditionally, one such power has enabled the government of the day to take the country into conflict. It allows military operations to be instigated with the required level of stealth to ensure their maximal effectiveness.

Yet, since the invasion of Iraq in 2003, a new convention has developed: seeking parliamentary approval before committing troops to combat operations. Tony Blair went as far as stating, following the 2003 vote, that he could not conceive of a situation in which a Governmentis going to go to war  except in circumstances where militarily for the security of the country in needs to act immediately  without a full parliamentary debate.

As evidenced by the 2013 vote on Syria, when the Commons defeated the Coalition Governments motion on military action, Parliaments approval goes way beyond an indicative vote of support with the executives plan. In essence, it usurps the Governments role in making the decision. This is a dangerous game and has no constitutional law basis. Conventions, by their very nature, must be entrenched in parliamentary procedure. This is not the case here.

The role of the legislature is to provide checks and balances upon the executive. Its role is to hold the Government to account. By making decisions on the latters behalf, the lines between the separation of powers are blurred. It would be near on impossible for any Parliament which had voted for military intervention to legitimately hold the Governments feet to the fire when analysing and critiquing the decision. The responsibility would be shifted to the whole of Parliament.

The UKs recent experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan have divided opinion. There is a reluctance amongst many politicians to engage in major foreign policy interventions. There is a real risk that we will miss strategically opportune times to strike because of their fear that they may get it wrong. This fear is perpetuated by the sparsity of military intelligence briefings available to the Commons as a whole. The Executive, by contrast, has the full raft of intelligence and legal advice required to make these judgements. In truth, the new convention is setting parliament up to fail by providing only a fraction of the information required to make an informed and fully judged decision.

Lord Houghton summed it up by writing that the new convention had caused unease within military ranks. It would be an unwise Parliament that failed to heed the words of a former Chief of the Defence Staff. The general knows that without flexibility, speed, and the element of surprise military operations can rapidly lose their desired impact. For this reason alone, it is imperative that we do not allow our Armed Forces efficacy to be undermined by our own Parliament.
Mohammed Amin MBE is Chairman of the Conservative Muslim Forum. He is writing in a personal capacity.

Modern usage of Islamophobia comes from the 1997 report by the Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia: Islamophobia: A Challenge for Us All.

I wrote in 2012 that the report was seriously flawed, because it conflates attitudes towards Islam and attitudes towards Muslims. Re-reading the report while composing this article I noted that it does not contain a short, quotable definition of Islamophobia; perhaps one of the many disadvantages of committee authorship.

Subsequently, there have been attempts to steer the word Islamophobia away from its somewhat nebulous Runnymede 2017 definition, and instead to use it as a shorthand for reprehensible behaviours such as:

anti-Muslim hatred,

anti-Muslim bigotry,

anti-Muslim prejudice,

anti-Muslim discrimination.

However, when people seek to use Islamophobia as a shorthand for the above behaviours, others respond by asserting their freedom to have negative views of Islam, and profess a legitimate fear of Islam, thereby harking back to the original meaning of Islamophobia as understood by the Runnymede 2017 report.

Subsequent attempts to rescue the word Islamophobia with a new definition

Given the widespread criticism of the 1997 Runnymede definition, there have been several attempts to rescue Islamophobia with a revised definition.

Some of the definitions are too long to reproduce here. I recommend instead glancing at the full reports linked above. These attempts to rescue the word are doomed to fail for two reasons.

1. A definition cannot be enforced by the Government

In France, the Academie Francaise guards the French language. It fights a noble, but largely unsuccessful, campaign to defend the French language from incursions by foreign words.

English is quite different. There is no overarching authority. Words in English mean whatever the generality of English users decide that they mean.

The Government can legislate definitions for statutory purposes. As a tax adviser, I spent years advising clients about the definition of loan relationship for tax purposes, originally contained in the Finance Act 1996. However, such statutory definitions apply only for the purposes specified. That Act could not, and did not seek to, alter the meaning of the words loan relationship as used by citizens in their daily lives. (I have yet to meet a citizen who uses the words loan relationship for any purpose other than taxation.)

Accordingly, the Government could, if so minded, legislate a definition of Islamophobia for use by the criminal justice system. The definition would need to be tightly drawn so that it could be unambiguously applied by the courts. I suspect the Government regards that task as superfluous. We already have laws covering:

racially motivated hate crime,

religiously motivated hate crime,

incitement to racial hatred,

incitement to religious hatred,

discrimination because of a persons race,

discrimination because of a persons religion or belief.

Each of the above is defined in law without any need for a statutory definition of the word Islamophobia. Accordingly, I fail to see how creating a statutory definition would help the legal system.

In theory, the existence of a definition for statutory purposes might change the way that the word Islamophobia is understood by the man in the street. However, as most people have little interaction with statute law, I am dubious.

2. The pitch has been irretrievably queered

For 20 years, proponents of the word Islamophobia attempted to defend the Runnymede 1997 definition.

Trying to use Islamophobia as a synonym for the anti-Muslim bad behaviours enumerated above, while also adhering to the Runnymede 1997 definition, ran into a brick wall of opposition. Namely the Runnymede 1997 definition is about much more than those anti-Muslim bad behaviours. It is about an attitude towards Islam.

The Runnymede 1997 definition was appalling and has led to Islamophobia becoming a crock of a word, as Douglas Murray described it in the Jewish Chronicle in 2013.

Subsequent attempts to repair the 1997 damage with reports such as Runnymede 2017 have suffered from two flaws:

Unwillingness to explicitly abandon the Runnymede 1997 definition. Use of the word racism, a word which means something entirely different to sociology academics and to the man in the street. The man in the street knows that Muslims are not a race, so how can you be racist against Muslims?

It is time to abandon the word Islamophobia because using it harms Muslims.

It diverts attention from serious anti-Muslim bad behaviours, as enumerated above, and instead draws people into a wholly unproductive debate about the meaning of the word Islamophobia. Every minute spent in such a debate is a minute when we are not talking about anti-Muslim hatred.

If people desperately want a single word to be a strict Muslim analogue to antisemitism, then a new word must be invented. It needs to be a new word, to escape the baggage which the proponents of the word Islamophobia have allowed to build up around it.

I have elsewhere proposed the word antimuslimism and offered a definition modelled very closely on the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
Malthouse MPs meet with ministers and officials to thrash out a way ahead

An alternative arrangements working group, made up of Conservative backbenchers, ministers and civil servants will meet in Westminster. A spokesman for the Department for Exiting the EU said the first meeting of the group, chaired by the Brexit secretary, Steve Barclay, had been detailed and constructive, and the first step of a process to find common ground on the issue of the backstop. Attendees included the Treasury select committee chair, Nicky Morgan, the European Research Groups Steve Baker and the former work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith. The group was created after Tory MPs from the leave and remain camps came together to promote the Malthouse compromise, which involves a longer transition period while alternatives to the backstop are explored. Morgan said the government was taking very seriously the desire of parliament to identify alternative arrangements.  The Guardian

>Today:

>Yesterday:

Trimble launches Good Friday Agreement legal challenge against the backstop

One of the architects of the Northern Ireland peace process is backing a legal challenge against Theresa Mays Brexit deal on the grounds that it undermines the Good Friday Agreement. Lord Trimble, the former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party who was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his work on the agreement, is working on the plans to challenge the deal in the High Court in London. The news came as the Prime Minister flies to Belfast for two days of talks with local businesses today and meeting with local politicians tomorrow. A crowd-funding page is set to be launched this morning, with 5,000 already raised from private donors in Northern Ireland. The legal action is based on the argument that the Prime Ministers Withdrawal Agreement encroaches in the Good Friday Agreement.  Daily Telegraph

The Prime Minister heads to Northern Ireland  The Sun

The NIO has not allocated funds to tackle No Deal  FT

>Yesterday: ToryDiary: Our survey. More than eight in ten Conservative members oppose extending Article 50.

Selmayr says May has not asked to reopen talks

Martin Selmayr, secretary-general of the European Commission, suggested to a delegation of British MPs that Mrs May had not even formally asked to reopen negotiations, according to one of those present. MPs on the Commons Brexit committee say Mr Selmayr asked whether some form of legal assurance on the temporary nature of the backstop would help a deal pass through parliament, but Tory Eurosceptics said it would not be enough. Mr Selmayr later tweeted that the idea was not on the agenda in Brussels in any event. On the EU side, nobody is considering this. Asked whether any assurance would help to get the Withdrawal Agreement through the Commons, the answers of MPs were . . . inconclusive . . . The meeting confirmed that the EU did well to start its no deal preparations in December 2017.  FT

>Today: Interview. Raab on the great opportunities and imponderable risks that he sees in a No Deal Brexit

Business Secretary under fire as secret pledges to Nissan are revealed

Ministers last night revealed details of a secret deal to offer Nissan tens of millions of pounds after the Brexit vote to keep making cars in the UK. Business Secretary Greg Clark yesterday told the Japanese car maker it could lose out on a 61million support package after it axed plans to build a new model at its Sunderland plant. His warning came as he finally disclosed details of promises made to the firm in the months after the EU referendum. At the time, Downing Street said there was no special deal and Mr Clark insisted no chequebook was used to tempt Nissan into building its X-Trail SUV and a new version of its popular Qashqai in the UK.  Daily Mail

Clark made promises on the nations behalf  FT

It was a bribe  The Sun

Accusations that he tried to exploit the issue in the Brexit debate  Daily Telegraph

The company must now reapply  FT

Construction growth slows  FT

Steelmakers warn of No Deal  FT

Tata optimistic  FT

Opinion and Editorials

>Yesterday: Ed Hall on Comment: We can win back car manufacturers if we adapt to the huge changes overtaking the industry

Francois commissioned to carry out review of forces retention crisis

Field blames Russia for collapse of nuclear treaty  The Times

Creeping Parliamentary convention on approving military action is dangerous, general warns  Daily Telegraph

Parliament has no right to approve action  Daily Telegraph Leader

New child protection regulations threatened for social media platforms

A review of the armed forces retention crisis has been ordered by the prime minister to stem the flow of thousands quitting each year. Theresa Mays top military adviser has commissioned Mark Francois, a former defence minister and member of the Commons defence select committee, to lead a report into the problem, which is compounding the forces personnel shortage. It comes after 5.6 per cent  7,500 personnel  quit the military in 2017, the latest year for which there are official figures, up from 3.8 per cent in 2010. The trend correlates with a decreasing proportion of personnel recording satisfaction with service life: from 60 per cent in 2010 to 41 per cent last year, according to the annual armed forces continuous attitude survey.  The Times

Social media firms face new laws to force them to protect vulnerable users, the Digital Minister will declare today. Margot James will tear into tech giants for behaving as if they are above the law. Speaking at a Safer Internet Day conference, she will put the companies on notice that tougher regulations are on the way. Her comments come after 14-year-old Molly Russell killed herself after looking at self-harm images on Instagram. Miss James will say: Her tragic death is the latest consequence of a social media world that behaves as if it is above the law. In America and Europe these companies have legal protection from liability for user-generated content. Too many have milked this privilege for all its worth. We will introduce laws that force social media platforms to prioritise the protection of users beyond their commercial interests.  The Sun

At last, protection for our kids online  Daily Mail

Lessons to combat grooming  Daily Telegraph

Academies ordered to cut excessive pay for heads  The Times

Gender identity row engulfs Cambridge pool  The Times

FGM being performed on babies  The Times

The Popes ambassador refuses to give evidence to independent child abuse inquiry  The Times

Opinion

>Today: Anna Firth on Local Government: How we are helping to protect children in Sevenoaks from digital harm

Anderson: Thatchers business reforms have failed, just look at the becalmed stock market

Lewis attack over Twitter pic backfires

At the dawn of the Thatcher era, it was believed that British business could and should thrive once the state and unions were rolled back. The fervour surrounding privatisations was seen as supportive evidence of nascent capitalist high spirits. Colleagues constantly told me that we should have more invested in the UK because of the supply-side miracle and the ensuing corporate virtuosity. Weve now had 40 years of corporate-friendly government. Yet we have an entire stock market that is frozen in time and returns. We were promised entrepreneurial efflorescence. What we got was investment bankers and hedge funds.  James Anderson, Daily Telegraph

The Tory party chairman faced a major backlash yesterday for shaming a Labour parliamentary candidate after she accidentally liked a picture of a mans penis on Twitter. Brandon Lewis even called on Jeremy Corbyn to sack Sally Keeble, Labours candidate for the Northampton North seat, over the picture. And he refused to delete the tweets despite Ms Keeble stating that her Twitter account had been hacked. Twitter appeared to back her up by revealing her account had been accessed from three difference locations. Ms Keeble referred the matter to the police.  The Sun

Who cares? What was he thinking?  The Sun Says

Labours General Secretary says it is impossible to stamp out anti-semitism

Anglican lay preacher claims Jews oppose Corbyn because he wouldnt be obedient to them  The Times

A Labour split has been inevitable since Corbyn took over  Tom Harris, Daily Telegraph

Khan gives crime gig to crony  The Sun

At a stormy meeting in Parliament, Jennie Formby  a key ally of Jeremy Corbyn  rejected MPs demands to say how many cases of anti-Semitism Labour is still dealing with The meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) unanimously passed a motion demanding details within a week of how officials are dealing with complaints. MPs asked to know how many outstanding cases of anti-Semitism Labour still needs to investigate and how many are due to be considered by its ruling National Executive Committee (NEC). They asked how many Labour officials are investigating complaints, the names of organisations lined up to provide anti-Semitism training, and how many members who have been through the disciplinary process are waiting to start such training. But Mrs Formby rejected the call, saying the NEC had decided not to publish the data. She said: I dont answer to the PLP. I answer to the NEC. And she added: It is impossible to eradicate anti-Semitism and it would be dishonest to claim to be able to do so.  Daily Mail

>Today: Mohammed Amin on Comment: It is time to abandon the word Islamophobia

Italy and Greece break ranks by refusing to endorse Maduros opponent

European divisions over the Maduro regime in Venezuela were laid bare yesterday when Italy and Greece refused to back an EU declaration recognising Juan Guaido as the countrys rightful leader. Britain joined at least 16 EU member states in supporting Mr Guaido. Greece continues to support President Maduro and Italys populist coalition is split. Mr Maduro is widely blamed for destroying the Venezuelan economy and installing a dictatorship when it became apparent he could never win a fair vote. The US recognised Mr Guaido, 35, as interim president on January 23, the day he swore himself in before hundreds of thousands of anti-Maduro protesters in Caracas. The main countries in South America followed suit.  The Times

News in Brief
Shoppers at Vivocity sad due to closure of Giant hypermarket from February 17

Singaporean shoppers visiting the attractive VivoCity mall may be devoid of a supermarket in the coming months as the Giant hypermarket is going to close on February 17.

To add to the woes of the people, another supermarket Cold Storage in the same mall is also going to close on the same day. Both Giant and Cold Storage are being manged by retail group Dairy Farm.

However, there is silver lining as the rival chain NTUC FairPrice is opening its biggest store of Singapore at VivoCity in the third quarter of this year.

People of Singapore throng Giant supermarket for making purchase of different products. Photo courtesy: Wikimedia

FairPrice, the largest supermarket chain, is set to take over the space by the third quarter of this year. The FairPrice Xtra outlet, spanning 90,000 sq ft, will be its largest in Singapore.

Regular customers thronging the place are concerned about the closure of supermarkets at the Mall within a fortnight, as they would be inconvenienced and would have to visit other supermarkets.

One of the regular patrons and resident of Tiong Bahru, housewife Maria Peter was sad about the closure of Giant outlet. She said, The store has a good variety of produce and the prices are reasonable. Its very upsetting.

Now, she will have to shop at the FairPrice Finest supermarket at Tiong Bahru Plaza or visit the Giant Express store at Jalan Membina in Bukit Merah after the closure of Giant and Cold Storage supermarkets in VivoCity.

Another shopper James Fernandez is a regular visitor to Giant outlet. He said, I prefer this store because of the choices and quality, and they refresh it pretty often. Its very difficult to replace.

Now, he will go to a FairPrice outlet at Bukit Merah after the hypermarket shuts.

Last year, two Giant stores in Bukit Panjang and Jalan Tenteram in Whampoa estate were shut down

The chain is also reviewing if business will remain viable in at least three other stores. The outlets  at The Grandstand mall on Turf Club Road, Block 512 on Bishan Street 13, and Block 118 on Aljunied Avenue 2  are being reviewed for lease renewals and store performance, among other considerations.

It is mention worthy that in the first half of last year, operating profit for Dairy Farms hypermarket and supermarket businesses dropped to USD33.2 million (SGD44.8 million) from USD71.3 million (SGD96.3 million) in the same period the year before.
The local church has made a mediocre at best attempt to right this wrong. After closing schools in the inner city, the Baltimore archdiocese has announced the building of one new school. Hopefully, this is just a beginning as much more needs to done to repent for centuries of institutional racism. What will the next concrete steps be? Over many years, I don't remember ever hearing a homily about the serious sin of racism. We have prayed for an end to racism but there has been little guidance from the pulpit. I suspect that one of the reasons for this serious lack of direction is the fear of alienating some Catholics who still harbor racist sentiments.
President Halimah Yacob extends Chinese New Year greetings to Singaporeans

President of Singapore Halimah Yacob has extended warm greetings to the people of the country on the occasion of Chinese New Year which started today. She termed it as a special time for Chinese community to bond with family and strengthen ties.

In a special Facebook video greeting, President Halimah said, It is a time when families bond together and strengthen their ties. A wonderful tradition passed from generation to generation helping to remind our young of the importance of family.

President of Singapore Halimah Yacob. Photo courtesy: Facebook page of President Halimah

True to the Singaporean spirit, it is common for the Lunar new year celebration to also embrace the other races, who get to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of their Chinese neighbours and friends, she said.

As we enter the Lunar New Year, we have much to celebrate together and be proud of, she added.

Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong had also greeted people on the occasion of Chinese New Year, observing that Chinese Singaporeans have integrated into larger, multiracial Singapore.

President Halimah Yacob has also welcomed the people to attend the open house at the Presidential abode Istana from 8:30am to 6pm tomorrow.

During the open house, she will also launch the exclusive Istana 150 Souvenir Series in commemoration of the Istana's 150th anniversary.

The special Istana 150 Souvenir Series will have different collectors items and is a result of collaboration between Istana and Singapore Mint.

The silver medallions and FlashPay cards bear significant features of the Istana, as well as the architecture of buildings located within the Istana compound.
Danville, IL (61832)

Today

Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High around 75F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear skies. Low 59F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form
Marijuana is a proven "gateway drug" for heroin. Baltimore is known to be the heroin capital of the United States and heroin now laced with fentanyl is killing more people than guns or car accidents.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 4)  The Senate has no plans to follow in the steps of the House of Representatives in tightening rules to obtain a copy of senators' statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs), Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III said.

Sotto told reporters in a chance interview on Monday that the Senate follows the Supreme Court's method in releasing SALNs of senators.

In the past years, the Senate granted formal media requests for the release of senators' SALNs.

Under new rules adopted by the House last week, requests for the release of congressmen's SALNs would be evaluated by the SALN Review and Compliance Committee for approval or rejection. The plenary has the last say on whether to grant or reject these requests.

Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source, House Majority Leader Fredenil Castro defended the new House rules, saying this would prevent "fishing expeditions" and deter extortionists and terrorists from tampering with SALNs and using these to blackmail congressmen.

Senators Grace Poe and Sherwin Gatchalian agreed that lawmakers could put safeguards in releasing SALNs to protect themselves, but stressed that the document detailing their wealth should still be easily accessible.

"Ang ikinababahala ko lang kasi ay kung magiging istrikto tayo sa pagpapalabas ng SALN, baka mas lalong lumakas ang loob ng mga ibang may hindi naman maayos na gawain," Poe said.

[Translation: My fear is that when we become strict in releasing SALNs, those who do not do good things may be emboldened.]

For his part, Gatchalian said requiring plenary approval before the release of SALNs is just as good as refusing to release the documents.

"'Pag dumaan pa sa plenaryo, alam naman natin ang tagal-tagal pa bago lumabas. In effect, sinasabi na 'pag dumaan pa sa plenaryo, parang ayaw mo na rin magbigay. The process should be transparent, easy and it has to be mabilis makuha ang official document," Gatchalian said.

[Translation:If it goes through the plenary, we all know that it takes so long before it gets passed. In effect, when they say it has to pass through plenary, that's like you don't want to release it. The process should be transparent, easy and the official document should be quickly obtained.]

Gatchalian also hit the 300 fee for every copy of a congressman's SALNs, calling it "expensive."

Castro told The Source that the House can change the fee charged for SALN requests and that people can obtain congressmen's SALNs for free, but they have to bring their own paper.

CNN Philippines' Joyce Ilas and Xave Gregorio contributed to this report.
The second reported sexual assault of the spring semester occurred on Saturday, according to a university-issued Timely Warning.

The forcible sex offense happened between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Saturday in the North Halls complex. It was reported to University Police at 7:15 p.m. on Monday.

According to the warning, a student reported that an unknown male who she had just met sexually assaulted her in her room.

University Police ask that anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them.

This is the ninth sexual assault reported at University Park during the 2018-2019 academic year.
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Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's president, speaks during a televised press conference in Caracas, Venezuela, on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019. Carlos Becerra | Bloomberg | Getty Images

A coalition group of Latin American countries and Canada has urged the Venezuelan military to sever ties with President Nicolas Maduro. It comes at a time when political tensions in Venezuela are reaching boiling point, with the oil-rich, but cash-poor, country in the midst of the Western Hemisphere's worst humanitarian crisis in recent memory. In a statement published Monday, 11 of the 14 members of the Lima Group called for a "peaceful transition through political and diplomatic means without the use of force." The group also underscored the need for an urgent delivery of humanitarian aid and insisted international governments "take measures to prevent the Maduro regime  from doing business in oil, gold and other assets."

What's going on?

Major global powers, including the U.S., have publicly recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate interim president. Guaido's declaration as the rightful leader of the South American country takes Venezuela into uncharted territory. That's because there is now an internationally recognized opposition  without control over state functions  running a parallel government to Maduro.

Juan Guaido, President of Venezuela's National Assembly, reacts during a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government and to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the end of the dictatorship of Marcos Perez Jimenez in Caracas, Venezuela January 23, 2019. Carlos Garcia Rawlins | Reuters

At the start of January, Maduro was sworn in for a second term. It followed an election marred by an opposition boycott and claims of vote-rigging. The result prompted a fresh wave of anti-government demonstrations in the capital city of Caracas, with thousands of protestors seen marching in support of Guaido over the weekend.

What does the Lima Group want?

The Lima Group was set up in 2017 with the aim of finding a peaceful solution to Venezuela's deepening economic and humanitarian crisis. On Monday, it published a 17-point declaration following a meeting in Ottawa, Canada. The document says the governments of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru "reiterate their recognition and support for Juan Guaido." In addition to condemning the "persistent and serious violations of human rights in the country," they also "called upon the National Armed Forces of Venezuela to demonstrate their loyalty to the interim president in his constitutional functions as their Commander in Chief."

Chrystia Freeland, Canada's foreign affairs minister, right, speaks during a news conference following a meeting of the Lima Group in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. David Kawai | Bloomberg via Getty Images

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also announced $53 million in new funding to support people in Venezuela. The aid package is designed to help the three million refugees who have fled the crisis in recent years. Mexico, Guyana and Saint Lucia were the only Lima Group members not to be included on the statement.

What has Maduro said?
The state of American politics is sliding away from President Trump.

He heads into tonight's State of the Union address in historically precarious condition. Just four in 10 Americans approve his handling of the job; nearly six in 10 disapprove and, more than that, tell the Washington Post/ABC News Poll they won't even consider supporting his re-election.

The White House can take comfort in the identity of the one recent predecessor with lower approval before his third-year State of the Union. That was Ronald Reagan, who a year later had recovered so robustly that he won 49 states in his landslide re-election victory.

But profound differences in their circumstances make it exceedingly improbable Trump can engineer a comparable turnaround  despite surface similarities to an earlier Republican president who faced a Democratic House while holding a Senate GOP majority.

Most Americans liked Reagan personally even when they disliked his presidential decisions. When his job approval slipped below 40 percent during the 1982 recession, the Gallup Poll showed, 60 percent still held a favorable personal view.

By contrast, the NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll shows Trump's personal favorability has never reached even 50 percent. Neither has Trump's job approval, despite a robust job market and solid economic growth.

The economic trajectory of Trump's early presidency also diverges sharply from Reagan's. The 1982 recession brought Reagan's popularity down, and helped Democrats gain 26 House seats.

Then the 1983 recovery lifted it back up. When the Gipper addressed Congress in his third year, the economy was beginning its "Morning in America" run of six consecutive quarters of 5 percent-plus growth and six more of 3 percent-plus after that.

Today, the economy has already begun slowing as Trump moves toward his re-election year. In 2018, Democrats gained 40 seats and control of the chamber despite second-quarter growth of 4.2 percent and 3.4 percent third quarter growth.
The specific conclusions of the report will remain nonpublic, the press release said, but its findings will be utilized in future elections. In the meantime, "efforts to safeguard the 2020 elections are already underway," the statement said.

That conclusion was spelled out in a classified report sent by acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen to President Donald Trump on Monday, according to a joint statement.

They said that the findings applied to "identified activities of a foreign government or foreign agent."

Trump administration officials said Tuesday that they found no evidence that any foreign actors had a "material impact on the integrity or security" of election infrastructure during the 2018 midterms.

The finding comes nearly three months after the November midterm elections, where Democrats won majority control of the House and Republicans strengthened their hold in the Senate.

That cycle was dogged by reports of attempts by Russian trolls to wage online influence campaigns on the eve of Election Day.

For instance, the DOJ charged Russian national Elena Khusyaynova in October with participating in a conspiracy of "information warfare" against the U.S. by trying to "create and amplify divisive social media and political content."

But the agency's criminal complaint noted that it "does not include any allegation that Khusyaynova or the broader conspiracy had any effect on the outcome of an election."

After Election Day, Facebook revealed in a blog post that it had blocked dozens of accounts on Facebook and Instagram that were allegedly linked to Russian trolls.

Facebook said those social media accounts may have been linked to Internet Research Agency, the Russia-based troll farm that has been targeted by special counsel Robert Mueller.

Mueller is investigating Russia's meddling during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, as well as possible collusion with Trump campaign associates and potential obstruction of justice by Trump.

The special counsel claimed in a court filing Wednesday that evidence in one of his cases was recently used in an online disinformation campaign, apparently in an attempt to discredit his probe.

Whitaker and Nielsen's report is likely to please Trump, who has long disputed that Russia's meddling in 2016 had any impact on his victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Read the full press release here:

Report Concludes No Material Impact of Foreign Interference on Election or Political/Campaign Infrastructure in 2018 Elections WASHINGTON  Acting Attorney General Matthew G. Whitaker and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen yesterday submitted a joint report to President Donald J. Trump evaluating the impact of any foreign interference on election infrastructure or the infrastructure of political organizations, including campaigns and candidates in the 2018-midterm elections. The classified report was prepared pursuant to section 1(b) of Executive Order 13848, Imposing Certain Sanctions in the Event of Foreign Influence in a United States Election, which the President issued on Sept. 12, 2018. Throughout the 2018 midterm election cycle, the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security worked closely with federal, state, local, and private sector partners, including all 50 states and more than 1400 local jurisdictions, to support efforts to secure election infrastructure and limit risk posed by foreign interference. Efforts to safeguard the 2020 elections are already underway. Although the specific conclusions within the joint report must remain classified, the Departments have concluded there is no evidence to date that any identified activities of a foreign government or foreign agent had a material impact on the integrity or security of election infrastructure or political/campaign infrastructure used in the 2018 midterm elections for the United States Congress. This finding was informed by a report prepared by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) pursuant to the same Executive Order and is consistent with what was indicated by the U.S. government after the 2018 elections. While the report remains classified, its findings will help drive future efforts to protect election and political/campaign infrastructure from foreign interference.

WATCH: Is midterm meddling a serious concern
Check out the companies making headlines before the bell:

Viacom  The media company earned an adjusted $1.12 per share for its latest quarter, 9 cents a share above estimates. Revenue fell short of forecasts, however, as domestic advertising sales declined.

Estee Lauder  The cosmetics company beat estimates by 19 cents a share, with adjusted quarterly profit of $1.74 per share. Revenue also topped forecasts on stronger global sales of its skin care brands.

Pitney Bowes  The shipping and mailing solutions company matched Street forecasts with adjusted earnings of 38 cents per share. Revenue was also above analysts' estimates. Pitney Bowes slashed its quarterly dividend to 5 cents per share from 18.75 cents, but also boosted its share buyback authorization by $100 million.

Archer-Daniels Midland  The grain processor came in 4 cents a share shy of estimates, with adjusted quarterly profit of 88 cents per share. Revenue was shy of forecasts, as well, and ADM noted complicated and rapidly changing market conditions in presenting its results. The company also announced a dividend increase to 35 cents per share from 33-1/2 cents.

Church & Dwight  The maker of Arm & Hammer baking soda and other consumer products earned 57 cents per share for its latest quarter, a penny a share shy of estimates, although revenue was above Street forecasts. Church & Dwight notes that price increases that were implemented late in the quarter had minimal impact on results, but will be more impactful this year. Church & Dwight also gave a 2019 earnings forecast that falls slightly short of Street estimates, and announced a dividend increase.

Centene  Centene reported adjusted quarterly profit of $1.38 per share, 6 cents a share above estimates. The health insurer's revenue beat Street forecasts and Centene made upbeat comments about its 2019 outlook, noting increased membership and contract wins.

WellCare Health  The health insurer beat estimates by 7 cents a share, with adjusted quarterly profit of $1.63 per share. Revenue beat estimates and WellCare also raised its full-year forecast, based in part on increased membership growth in its Medicare business.

Kraft Heinz  The food producer's stock was downgraded to "hold" from "buy" at Deutsche Bank, which said although Kraft Heinz is showing overall improvement, store brands are making headway in many of Kraft Heinz's largest categories.

Merck  Bank of America/Merrill Lynch added the drugmaker's stock to its "US 1" list, calling it the firm's top pick in the pharmaceutical sector. Bank of America noted Merck's position in a variety of cancer-related markets as a primary driver of its view.

Alphabet  Alphabet reported quarterly profit of $12.77 per share, beating the consensus estimate of $10.82 a share. The Google parent's revenue also beat forecasts, however investors appear concerns about a sharp increase in Alphabet's spending, with investments in data centers and cloud computing personnel.

Gilead Sciences  Gilead came in 26 cents shy of consensus forecasts, with adjusted quarterly profit of $1.44 per share. The drugmaker's revenue beat forecasts, but it saw sales of its hepatitis C treatments continue to decline.

Seagate Technology  Seagate earned an adjusted $1.41 per share for its latest quarter, 14 cents a share above estimates. The disk drive maker's revenue was in line with Wall Street forecasts. Seagate said it was dealing with a challenging demand environment.

Johnson & Johnson  J&J is in talks to settle most individual lawsuits involving its DePuy unit's Pinnacle hip implants, according to a lawyer for the plaintiffs. Attorney Mark Lanier said the parties are close to a deal regarding suits that allege the implants were defective and caused injuries.

General Electric  GE said it would complete the merger of its transportation business with rail equipment manufacturer Wabtec by February 25.

T-Mobile US  T-Mobile told the Federal Communications Commission it would freeze most prices for three years if it gets approval for its proposed $26 billion buyout of wireless rival Sprint.

Apple  Apple has reached a deal with France to pay an undisclosed amount of back taxes, according to the company's French division. French media are reporting the sum at approximately $571 million.

BP  The energy giant's annual profit doubled in 2018 to $12.7 billion, driven by a significant increase in oil and gas output.

Booking Holdings  Deutsche Bank upgraded the online travel services company to "buy" from "hold," saying it sees acceleration in hotel room night bookings for 2019 among other positive factors.

Box  Goldman Sachs initiated coverage on the stock with a "buy" rating, calling it one of the best-positioned vendors in cloud content management.
The United States and South Korea have reached an agreement "in principle" on sharing the cost of stationing U.S. troops in the Asian country, the State Department said Monday.

"The United States and the Republic of Korea have reached an agreement in principle on a new Special Measures Agreement," a spokeswoman said. "Both sides are committed to working out remaining technical issues as quickly as possible."

CNN quoted an State Department official as saying that under the revised agreement, South Korea would boost its financial contribution to nearly $1 billion.

The 2014 deal that expired last year required Seoul to pay about 960 billion won ($848 million) a year for keeping some 28,500 U.S. troops in the South Korea. The allies had appeared unable to strike an accord to renew the deal despite 10 rounds of talks since March.
Executives from seven pharmaceutical manufacturers will testify about drug pricing practices before the Senate Finance Committee "one way or another," Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said Tuesday.

Wyden and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, on Monday sent letters asking for representatives from the seven major drugmakers to testify at a Feb. 26 hearing. The seven companies are AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Pfizer and Sanofi.

Calling the pace of drug price increases "unsustainable," Grassley, who is the committee's chairman, said in a statement that he wants pharmaceutical executives to explain how they price these treatments, "whether the status quo is unacceptable" and what can be done to lower costs.

Wyden, the committee's ranking member, followed with a tweet Tuesday that stopped short of threatening to issue a subpoena, indicating that participation at the hearing isn't entirely voluntary. He said the companies "will come before the committee one way or another."

Wyden tweet

Grassley criticized pharmaceutical companies that declined his invitation to testify at last week's hearing about drug prices, adding that several of the companies asked to testify Feb. 26 declined his original request.

"The companies that declined said they would discuss their ideas in private, but not in public," Grassley said at the committee's Jan. 29 hearing. "That is not what I mean when I talk about transparency. So, we will extend the opportunity again in the future, but we will be more insistent the next time."

Wyden said at the time that the committee would use its "power to compel the drug company CEOs to show up" if they don't testify.

Two companies have agreed to send their CEOs to the hearing, a spokeswoman for Grassley said Tuesday. Merck CEO Ken Frazier will attend, a spokeswoman for the company told CNBC. Sanofi is determining whether current scheduling allows CEO Olivier Brandicourt to attend the hearing, a spokeswoman said. AstraZeneca told CNBC that "we are currently reviewing the request and will respond to the Committee in due course."

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have demanded something be done to lower drug prices. President Donald Trump has made lowering out-of-pocket costs for patients one of his administration's top priorities. He's expected to address the issue Tuesday night in his State of the Union address.
We need a mayor and a police commissioner who are as serious as Ms. Mosby when it comes to using our limited public safety resources to address the violence that plagues Baltimore. We need officials who take brave steps to save other families from feeling our pain. If you want to honor us, then support policies like this one from the states attorney. Stop directing your energy toward harassing people under counterproductive marijuana policies.
A Puerto Rican flag flies above empty pairs of shoes outside the Capitol building in this aerial photograph taken during a protest against the government's reporting of the death toll from Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Friday, June 1, 2018.

A U.S. federal judge on Monday approved a plan to restructure $17 billion of debt from Puerto Rico's Sales Tax Financing Corporation, known as COFINA, marking the second deal between the bankrupt U.S commonwealth and its creditors to win court approval.

Judge Laura Taylor Swain, who is hearing Puerto Rico's bankruptcy case filed in May 2017, called the COFINA plan "a significant step on the path towards Puerto Rico's financial recovery, economic stability, and prosperity."

The island, which is trying to restructure about $120 billion of debt and pension liabilities, won court approval in November for a consensual deal with creditors over about $4 billion of debt related to its Government Development Bank (GDB).

According to Puerto Rico's federally created oversight board, the COFINA plan will slash debt service on the sales tax-backed debt by $17.5 billion over nearly 40 years, saving the island an average $456 million annually.

Future sales tax revenue previously pledged exclusively to COFINA will be split, with 53 percent going to COFINA bondholders and 46 percent flowing to the commonwealth government.

"Court approval of the COFINA plan of adjustment is an important milestone for Puerto Rico because putting the restructuring behind us is key to the island's future," said Oversight Board Chairman Jose Carrion in a statement.

The COFINA ruling followed a two-day hearing on the matter in mid-January. Opposition to the plan came mainly from labor unions, which alleged it was not in the best interest of Puerto Rico, will drive away resources from essential public services and is not economically sustainable in the long term.

Owners of more than $14.5 billion of COFINA bonds, meanwhile, voted in support of the plan of adjustment.

In her order, Swain acknowledged the objections, including the lack of a comprehensive debt audit. The judge also noted that the island's core government debt, which includes roughly $13 billion of general obligation bonds and almost $50 billion in unfunded pension liabilities, must still be addressed.

The board has raised the possibility that an adjustment plan could be imposed on creditors in a process known as a cramdown. It also asked the court last month to invalidate more than $6 billion of the GO debt.
As last winter made abundantly clear, city school facilities are in a state of crisis. More than 100 public school buildings need renovation or replacement. In many Baltimore schools, the water is undrinkable. HVAC and other essential systems need significant investments. Instead of investing in the children of Baltimore, the governor has offered annual budget battles and doomsday scenarios. He has failed to address the $3 billion debt owed to city schools by the state. To now seek to divert millions of dollars away from school district priorities to line-jump construction for quasi-public school facilities is to add insult to injury. There is a long line for facilities improvements in Baltimore and charter schools should not be allowed to cut to the front.
President Donald J. Trump meets with Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China Liu He in the Oval Office at the White House on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Lawyers for President Donald Trump's inaugural committee on Monday received a subpoena for documents from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's Office, which is investigating the committee, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The subpoena requests documents related to the committee's donors and spending, according to the Journal, which said it had viewed a copy of the subpoena.

In December, the newspaper reported that federal prosecutors were investigating whether the inaugural committee misspent some of the record $107 million it had raised from donors.

The investigation is examining whether some of the committee's donors gave money in exchange for policy concessions, influencing administration positions or access to the incoming administration, the Journal reported.

Prosecutors also showed interest in whether any foreigners illegally donated to the committee, the New York Times reported. Federal law prohibits foreign contributions to inaugural funds.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan declined to comment to Reuters.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Although campaign finance laws restrict the size of campaign contributions, inaugurations can accept unlimited donations, including from corporations. The amount raised by Trump's inaugural committee, chaired by real estate developer and investor Thomas Barrack, was the largest in history, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un speaks at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa island in Singapore on June 12, 2018.

North Korea is working to ensure its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities cannot be destroyed by military strikes, U.N. monitors said ahead of a meeting between U.S. and North Korean officials to prepare a second denuclearization summit.

The U.S. special envoy for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, will meet his North Korean counterpart on Wednesday in Pyongyang to prepare for a summit later this month between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the U.S. State Department said on Monday.

Biegun has said he hoped the meeting with new North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol would map out "a set of concrete deliverables" for the summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Biegun, who held talks with South Korean officials in Seoul on Sunday and Monday, said he would be aiming for "a roadmap of negotiations and declarations going forward, and a shared understanding of the desired outcomes of our joint efforts."

South Korean officials said they and the United States could be looking at a compromise that could expedite North Korea's denuclearization - the dismantling of the North's main Yongbyon nuclear complex, which could be reciprocated by

U.S. measures including formally ending the 1950-53 Korean War and setting up a liaison office.

But U.N. sanctions monitors said in a confidential report, submitted to a 15-member U.N. Security Council sanctions committee and seen by Reuters on Monday, that they had "found evidence of a consistent trend on the part of the

DPRK to disperse its assembly, storage and testing locations", using the abbreviation for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The North Korean mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report, which was submitted to Security Council members on Friday.

The first summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un last June in Singapore yielded a vague commitment by Kim to work toward the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, where U.S. troops have been stationed since the 1950-53 Korean War.

The Vietnamese resort town of Danang is seen as the most likely location for the next summit.

Trump last Thursday hailed "tremendous progress" in his dealings with North Korea, but the view in the United States is that it has yet to take concrete steps to give up its nuclear weapons program.
About 180 million Canadian dollars ($137.21 million) in cryptocurrencies have been frozen in the user accounts of Canadian digital platform Quadriga after the founder, the only person with the password to gain access, died suddenly in December.

Gerald Cotten died aged 30 from complications with Crohn's disease while volunteering at an orphanage in India, according to the Facebook page of Quadriga CX, which announced his death on Jan. 14.

The platform, which allows the trading of Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum, filed for creditor protection in the Nova Scotia Supreme Court last week.

Quadriga has 363,000 registered users and owes a total of 250 million Canadian dollars to 115,000 affected users, according to an affidavit filed by Cotten's widow Jennifer Robertson on behalf of the company.

Robertson said in the affidavit that Cotten's main computer contained a "cold wallet" of cryptocurrencies, which is only accessible physically and not online, and his death left "in excess of C$180 million of coins in cold storage."

Robertson said she was not involved in Cotten's business while he was alive and did not know the password or recovery key.

"Despite repeated and diligent searches, I have not been able to find them written down anywhere," she said.

Robertson said that she has consulted an expert who has had "limited success in recovering a few coins and some information" from Cotten's other computer and cell phones, but the majority remains untouched on his main computer.

Quadriga's troubles highlight the unique challenges of cryptocurrencies, Dean Skurka, vice president of rival platform Bitbuy.ca, said in an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.

"This really highlights the need for the government to take action and regulate cryptocurrency exchanges," Skurka said.

Robertson said in her affidavit she has received online threats and "slanderous comments", including questions about the nature of Cotten's death, and whether he is really dead.

WATCH: The crypto craze ended 2018 with a whimper  Here's what nine experts say to expect in 2019
General Motors and Ford are raising the stakes in the war to win over buyers of heavy-duty pickups, full-size trucks coveted by America's contractors, cowboys and commercial buyers alike. GM unveiled Tuesday its new heavy-duty Chevy Silverado at the company's plant in Flint, Michigan, where the truck will be manufactured. "They are very purpose built," Mark Reuss, president of General Motors, told CNBC. "Things like snowplows, going to work at a construction site, using the power out of the bed. These are tools, but they are also refined tools." The new Silverado, complete with a 10-speed transmission, rolled out just hours after Ford announced new capabilities and technology for its F-Series Super Duty pickup truck.

Chevy Silverado HD Phil LeBeau | CNBC

"Our new Super Duty has more power, more payload and towing capability and better technology than ever to help these customers build a better world," Kumar Galhotra, Ford's president of North America, said in a new release announcing the new truck. Not to be outdone, Fiat Chrysler has a new Ram Heavy Duty 2400/3500 pickup heading into showrooms this spring. It comes complete with a new Cummins engine and the capability to tow 35,100 pounds, roughly the weight of five African elephants according to Fiat Chrysler.

There's a reason the Detroit Big 3 automakers are in a arms race when it comes to big pickups. These are among the most profitable models the automakers sell. "Pickup trucks, the full-size and then the heavy duty, combined account for well over 100 percent of global auto profit," said Adam Jonas, auto analyst at Morgan Stanley. "We like to joke sometimes the Ford F-150 is called the F-150 because it accounts for 150 percent of Ford's global profit." Jonas estimates some of the newest full-size pickups each bring in $10,000 to $15,000 in profits for automakers, depending on the model. He calls the profit margins "Ferrari like."

All of which explains why the Big 3 are pouring billions into rolling out newer, more capable and higher-priced heavy duty pickups. For example GM is adding 1,000 jobs to its plant in Flint to help with production of the new Silverado. Many of those jobs will be filled by GM employees working at some of the six plants the company is idling in a North America. Last year, roughly 1 out of every 4 full-size pickup sold in the U.S. was a heavy-duty model according to IHS Markit, Ford's heavy-duty F-Series being the most popular. There is one other reason why GM, Ford and Ram believe their new heavy-duty pickups will rack up strong sales this year. The economy remains strong, so businesses and contractors looking to invest in new work trucks are primed to upgrade their heavy-duty trucks. "Construction starts, anything with building, anything with servicing. All those areas are very healthy and that helps out truck business and in particular, the heavy duty business," said Reuss.

Chevy Silverado HD Phil LeBeau | CNBC
Exxon Mobil and Qatar Petroleum on Tuesday announced a final decision to finance a $10 billion-plus project to export liquefied natural gas from the Texas Gulf Coast.

The decision moves forward the latest export terminal fueling growing shipments of U.S. LNG, or natural gas cooled to liquid form, for overseas travel. The Department of Energy last month forecast that LNG will play a major role in the U.S. exporting more energy than it imports by 2020, a feat the nation has not achieved in nearly 70 years.

The plan to export LNG from Exxon's Golden Pass terminal speaks to the renaissance in U.S. energy production. The facility was originally built to import LNG, but the surge in U.S. natural gas production over the last decade means American drillers are now looking overseas for buyers.

Exxon says work to retool the terminal near Port Arthur, Texas, along the Louisiana border will begin this quarter. The oil giant expects the facility to start up in 2024 and says it will ultimately be able to produce roughly 16 million tons of LNG each year.
Ever wish you got the day off for Election Day? If lawmakers get their wish, that might just happen.

The first bill House Democrats introduced this January included a wide range of anti-corruption measuresand a proposal to make Election Day a national holiday.

While more than two-thirds of Americans polled by Pew Research have said they'd support such a measure, not everyone is a fan.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called the proposal a "power grab" by Democrats.

"Just what America needs, another paid holiday and a bunch of government workers being paid to go out and work, I assume [for] our colleagues on the other side  on their campaigns," he said on the Senate floor on January 30th.

The proposal is just the latest of many over the years to turn Election Day into a National holiday. The bill would change a practice that dates back to a law passed under President John Tyler in 1845, one that established a firm tradition: Voting would occur on a Tuesday and in November.

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America and in Congress assembled, that the electors of the President and Vice President shall be appointed in each state on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in the month of November," reads the statute.

At the time, the U.S. was mostly agrarian and legislators believed that voting on Tuesday would allow rural voters to attend religious services while still having time to travel to the polls. Voting in November also ensured that the election wouldn't interfere with seasonal farming schedules.

Election Day was also often considered an unofficial holiday. "Voters could expect to be treated with barbecue, cake and rum punch. George Washington provided 158 gallons of alcohol to voters during one Virginia election," writes Holly Jackson associate professor at the University of Massachusetts, Boston for the Washington Post. "From 1840 to 1896, about 80 percent of eligible voters showed up for elections."

To be sure, voting a century ago was a privilege enjoyed by only a fraction of the country, and the voting population was comprised mostly of white men. In the near century since, voting rights have expanded to most citizens 18 and older who meet their state's residency requirements.

Meanwhile, American's lives have also changed significantly. In the 1840s, farmers comprised roughly 69 percent of the labor force. Today, less than 2 percent of the U.S. labor force is employed in the agriculture industry.

These shifts mean the traditional voting practices don't work for many Americans. For instance, weekday voting is disproportionately difficult for single parents and those who work multiple jobs, according to those who support making Election Day a national holiday.

The current system also creates obstacles for emergency workers and low-income people, other experts say.

Additionally, non-voters cite scheduling conflicts and inconvenient polling locations among the top reasons they stay away from the ballot box.

Currently, federal law does not require employers to allow their workers time off to vote. Voter protections for taking time off for work do exist, but they vary from state to state.

Several states including New York, Delaware, and Hawaii do offer state holidays for Election Day but the specifics of these holidays vary and largely apply to public workers.

Such complications add to the hassles that drive down voter turnout. Only around half of America's voting-age population cast a ballot in the last presidential election, a number that hasn't changed unchanged significantly for decades, according to Pew Research.

That said, it's not known if a federal holiday (or even a shift to weekend voting) would impact turnout. While some believe making Election Day a national holiday could transform voting culture in the U.S., more research is needed to truly understand the impact, as Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law recently told USA Today.

Still, supporters say, any change that removes obstacles from low-income voters and others is a step in the right direction.

As Congresswoman Anna Eshoo tells CNBC Make It, "Congress should do everything it can to make it easier for Americans to vote, not harder. That's what this bill does."

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The British Army has awarded a 1 million ($1.3 million) contract to a software developer to "explore how virtual reality can be integrated into soldier training."



The business, called Bohemia Interactive Simulations, was described by the government as a "global developer of military simulation and training software."



Founded in Australia in 2001, Bohemia Interactive Simulations employs over 250 people in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Poland, German and the Czech Republic. According to the business, more than 50 defense organizations use its products to train personnel.



The British Army's pilot scheme will look to test a range of virtual reality applications. These include high resolution virtual reality headsets; avatars that can be customized to replicate facial features and body shapes; and technology that offers data capture and analysis to help soldiers "better understand their own performance."



In a statement Monday, Brigadier Bobby Walton-Knight, army head of training capability, said that innovations like virtual reality offered "immersive and flexible training, and this pilot is pushing the boundaries to explore how we might make best use of it."



The contract was awarded via the 800 million Defence Innovation Fund, which the government described as helping to develop "cutting-edge ideas to benefit front-line services."

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BP reported stronger-than-anticipated full-year profits on Tuesday, citing a strong operating performance across all business segments.

The British oil giant said its underlying replacement cost profit, used as a proxy for net profit, came in at $12.7 billion in 2018. A company-provided consensus forecast had expected full-year underlying replacement cost profit of $11.88 billion.

"This is a really good quarter and, actually, the end of a great year for us," Bob Dudley, chief executive of BP, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Tuesday.

"We've doubled our earnings from last year (and) we've doubled our returns from last year  that's what shareholders wanted to see," he added.

Shares of BP rose toward the top of the European benchmark Tuesday morning, up more than 3 percent.

BP's fourth-quarter profit jumped more than 65 percent when compared to the same period in 2017, following a sharp rise in oil and gas production and the acquisition of BHP's U.S. shale assets.

Here are the key takeaways:

Underlying replacement cost profit came in at $3.5 billion in the final three months of 2018. That compares to $2.1 billion over the same period in 2017.

Return on average capital employed was 11.2 percent, compared to 5.8 percent in 2017.

Dividend of 10.25 cents per share announced for the fourth quarter  2.5 percent higher than a year earlier.

Market participants saw large gains in energy shares over the first nine months of 2018 largely wiped out by a dramatic decline in crude futures in the fourth quarter.
A model of a Boeing 737 aircraft is pictured in the Boeing Sheffield factory, the aerospace company's first manufacturing facility in Europe, in Sheffield, northern England on October 25, 2018.

Boeing Co is pushing to speed up assembly of its best-selling 737 jetliner in early summer, two people familiar with the plan said on Monday, as it tries to keep up with soaring global demand and its European rival.

Boeing aims to begin assembling 57 single-aisle jets per month starting on June 3, up from the current rate of 52, said one of the people.

The goal is contingent on the world's largest planemaker overcoming persistent supplier delays on engines and other issues that have hobbled the 737 factory to varying degrees since last summer, though Boeing says it is making progress.

The extra five planes a month is key to Boeing's effort to raise profit margins on its top-selling jetliner, the company's largest source of profit. The more planes Boeing makes a month, the less it usually pays suppliers for the parts.

It may take some time for new jetliners, which carry a list price of $100 million, to work their way through final testing and delivery, when an airline hands over the bulk of the money for a plane it ordered.

Boeing has said it would increase production later this year but has not released specifics. A spokesman declined to provide more details.

European rival Airbus SE is on the brink of producing 60 aircraft per month of its best-selling single-aisle A320-family, a rate roughly comparable to Boeing's given the long European summer holiday.

Last week, Boeing Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg said the company was still battling delays on engines supplied by U.S.-France venture CFM International but had moved some parts of its supply chain to the higher rate.

CFM contributed to a major bottleneck at the Seattle-area 737 factory last year.

"We're not going to make that full transition to 57 a month until we're very confident that we're ready," Muilenburg said last week.

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc, which makes about 70 percent of the 737's structure and was also cited by Boeing as a cause of delays last year, said on Friday it has been conducting practice runs to support the higher rate of 57 planes per month.

Boeing is also working to hit a higher rate of 14 787 Dreamliners per month in the second quarter, the company said on Wednesday, confirming an earlier Reuters report.

The 787 transition to 14 per month will be completed by the second quarter, Muilenburg said.

WATCH: Why Airbus and Boeing dominate 99% of the large plane market
WASHINGTON  Boeing is partnering with supersonic start-up Aerion to develop a jet that will bring back the luxury of faster-than-sound business travel, the aerospace giant announced Tuesday. The AS2 aircraft, designed to fly at Mach 1.4 or approximately 1,000 miles per hour, is slated for its first flight in 2023. Along with the partnership, Boeing said it "made a significant investment in Aerion" although the companies did not disclose financial terms of the agreement. That investment will help Aerion "accelerate technology development and aircraft design," Boeing said.

"Through this partnership that combines Aerion's supersonic expertise with Boeing's global industrial scale and commercial aviation experience, we have the right team to build the future of sustainable supersonic flight," Steve Nordlund, vice president and general manager of Boeing NeXt said in a statement. GE Aviation is supplying its Affinity supersonic series of jet engines for AS2. Lockheed Martin and Airbus previously worked on AS2.

Boeing unveiled a rendering for a hypersonic passenger plane in June, which is the next speed class above supersonic. Boeing's design was for a plane that could fly as fast as Mach 5, or about 3,900 miles per hour. Along with Aerion's AS2, these plans are looking to bring back the luxuries of traveling on board the supersonic Concorde, which was retired 15 years ago. Several startups are racing to get next-generation supersonic prototypes in the air. But each must overcome the deficiencies of the Concorde, which was costly and limited in commercial use. WATCH: Why Airbus And Boeing Dominate The Sky

Lockheed Martin also working on a supersonic jet

Last year, NASA awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth nearly $250 million to develop an aircraft capable of reaching supersonic speed without creating the deafening sonic boom that comes with breaking the sound barrier. In November, the defense giant announced its experimental supersonic plane had entered production. Lockheed's X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology aircraft, which is designed to cruise at 55,000 feet and reach speeds of about 940 miles per hour, is expected to create a noise level akin to the sound of a car door closing. Current regulations ban commercial supersonic aircraft from operating over land. New companies like Boom Supersonic are trying to make use of the technology for transoceanic routes, with backing from investors like Richard Branson and Japan Airlines. Read more: Lawmakers pave the way for the return of supersonic flight But Lockheed Martin and NASA want to advance the technology through noise reduction to overturn regulations. The new experimental plane is designed to return supersonic air travel to routes over land. The last such flight was by the Concorde in October 2003.

The X-59 will conduct its first flight in 2021. It will be used to collect community response data on the acceptability of the quiet sonic boom generated by the aircraft, helping NASA establish an acceptable commercial supersonic noise standard to overturn current regulations banning supersonic travel over land. Lockheed Martin is also in the process of developing the SR-72, a hypersonic unmanned plane dubbed the "son of the Blackbird." And when it comes to developing a high-speed reconnaissance aircraft, the Pentagon's top weapons supplier is playing in its home court. In 1976, the Air Force flew Lockheed Martin's SR-71 Blackbird from New York to London in less than two hours  at speeds exceeding Mach 3, or three times the speed of sound. The SR-72 is envisioned to operate at speeds up to Mach 6. And while the hypersonic SR-72 isn't expected to be operational until 2030, the company sees developing a platform of that magnitude as a game changer.

Concept art of a Lockheed Martin SR-72. Source: Lockheed Martin
In an odd way, both men, and their bewildered defenders, prove why Black History Month  this month  is so necessary. I have long been ambivalent about a 28-day binge that permits a majority of the nation to think that regurgitating the same highlights once a year makes up for the inadequate integration of black history into American history, especially that offered in the public education system. Im beginning to think that maybe Black History Month is needed to undo the miseducation of people who are not black, especially those like Mr. King and Mr. Northam who aspire to public office. The same may be said for months set aside to mark the contributions of women and various minorities. With missionary-like zeal, our goal can become less celebration and more education with outreach efforts aimed at grown folks who profess naivete.
Former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein weighed in on the debate raised this week by lawmakers who want to restrict companies from buying their stock.

In a tweet Tuesday, Blankfein challenged the premise that corporate stock buybacks divert resources from workers and meaningful investments. "The money doesn't vanish," he said. "It gets reinvested in higher growth businesses that boost the economy and jobs. Is that bad?"

Tweet

Goldman bought $3.3 billion of its shares last year, according to its recent financial report.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said in a New York Times op-ed on Sunday that they were going to introduce a bill that seeks to put preconditions on companies that want to buy their own stock, including that they pay workers at least $15 an hour and provide other benefits.

Sanders punched back at Blankfein with a tweet of his own. "Lloyd Blankfein, the former CEO of Goldman Sachs, is correct that the money from stock buybacks "doesn't vanish," he wrote on Tuesday. "It increases the wealth of billionaires like him. Instead of making the very rich even richer, how about increasing wages for American workers. Is that a bad idea?"

Tweet

Last year, more than $1 trillion of buybacks were announced by large companies, including Apple's record-shattering $100 billion plan. Critics say buybacks reward stock-owning executives by propping up share prices instead of using company cash to build the business, and are especially jarring in light of high-profile layoffs and plant closings last year.

But the counter-argument is that buying by companies last year helped support a market that was otherwise down 6 percent.

"A company used to be encouraged to return money to shareholders when it couldn't reinvest in itself for a good return," Blankfein said.

Blankfein retired as chairman of Goldman at the end of December after stepping down as CEO at the end of September. He held more than 2.3 million shares of Goldman as of last March, valued at $458 million, according to FactSet. The average pay at Goldman for 2018 was $336,065, or about $162 an hour.

WATCH: Buyback legislation treats symptom, not cause
Apple's retail boss Angela Ahrendts will leave the company in April, Apple announced Tuesday.

Deirdre O'Brien, who has worked at Apple for three decades, will take on an expanded role as a senior vice president of Retail + People, Apple said. O'Brien previously held the title of vice president of people, and Apple said she would continue to oversee functions related to that role, including talent development and employee relations.

Ahrendts led Apple's retail and online stores for the past five years but is now leaving "for new personal and professional pursuits," according to Apple. She had been one of the highest-paid employees at Apple. Ahrendts' total compensation was $26.5 million in 2018, according to Apple's proxy statement from Jan. 8, 2019. CEO Tim Cook, by comparison, made $15.7 million in total compensation that year, according to the filing.

Ahrendts joined Apple from Burberry, where she served as chief executive. She had been rumored to be a potential CEO successor to Cook, but Ahrendts had called the claims "fake news" and "silly" in an interview with BuzzFeed News published in October 2017.

In an interview with Vogue Business published late last month, Ahrendts said a part of her still missed fashion, but she was pulled to Apple by the work it was doing at the time.

"You know, I loved fashion for 40 years," she said in the interview. "It is wonderful when you know everything there is to know about the industry because you grew up in it. There are things about the fashion industry that I miss, but I went to Apple because I felt it was a calling to one of the greatest companies on the planet. I felt we could even do a little of what we did at Burberry: uniting people to do incredible things."

At Apple, Ahrendts said she concerned herself with retail's impact on the company's brand, rather than simply on sales numbers.

She told Vogue, "No matter how that customer comes in and buys, you have to look at it as one P&L. This is the issue, companies try and make these stores work on a standalone basis. When someone buys online and picks up in-store the revenue goes to online and not the store, but you are doing all the work in the store. They need to look at it differently."

Cook posted the following photo to Twitter late on Tuesday afternoon, showing himself with O'Brien and Ahrendts:
TJ Smith fixes an 'I Voted' sticker on his shirt after casting his ballot at a polling station during early voting for the mid-term elections in the Lakeview Terrace neighborhood of Los Angeles, California on November 4, 2018.

Twitter bots, including thousands originating in Russia and Iran, as well as those created in the United States, were a much more active presence than previously known during last year's midterm elections.

More than 15,000 Twitter accounts identified as robots used the #ivoted hashtag on Election Day, according to a new study, which came from the University of Southern California's Information Sciences Institute and a Swiss researcher. In virtually every U.S. state, more than a fifth of those posting about the elections on Twitter in the weeks before Election Day were robots.

In contrast, Twitter released findings last week that focused mainly on foreign efforts. Days before the midterms, Twitter made a splash when it confirmed it had removed 10,000 bots pretending to be Democrats.

Between Oct. 6 and Nov. 19, nearly two weeks after Election Day, the researchers behind Monday's report identified more than 200,000 bots posting about the midterm elections, compared to about 750,000 humans.

The new figures are included in a report published by researchers who collected and analyzed millions of Twitter posts, and in a subsequent study to be released in the coming days.

The research provides more detail about interference operations that Twitter said on Thursday were found to originate within Iran, Venezuela and Russia.

Thousands of those bots could be traced to Russia and several hundred could be traced to Iran, according to Emilio Ferrara, one of the study's four authors and the principal investigator in the Machine Intelligence and Data Science group at USC's Information Sciences Institute.

Still, much of the bot activity appeared to originate in the United States or had no clear provenance, he said. External researchers do not have as much information as Twitter and law enforcement about where accounts originate.

In a statement for this story, Twitter spokesman Ian Plunkett called the company's report the "the single source of truth from our side on the election." The Department of Justice declined to comment, and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment.

In August, Twitter, Facebook and Alphabet, Google's parent company, removed hundreds of accounts tied to Iran ahead of the midterm races. Two reports prepared for the U.S. Senate and released in December found that Russia used every major social media platform to interfere in the 2016 presidential election.

Disinformation will be in the spotlight in the coming months as Twitter and other platforms seek to avoid a repeat of 2016, in which the Russian government amplified American cultural divides using deceptive social media practices. The companies are working to prevent fake actors from using their services while protecting the ability of their human users to express political viewpoints.
When Alisa Purifico rides the New York City subway, she's not glued to her phone trying to avoid eye contact with other passengers. Instead, she's scouting the crowd for that special someone. When a cute guy or gal catches her eye, she approaches to ask if they're single, sometimes opening the conversation by asking for directions or complimenting an outfit choice.

Purifico is married, but she's scouring Manhattan for mates for her clients at matchmaking company Three Day Rule, who've turned to a professional service to find the love online dating didn't yield. She's one of about 40 matchmakers at the company, which has a presence in 10 major U.S. cities.

A growing number of people are "outsourcing" their love lives to matchmakers like herself, Purifico says, especially as people are "incredibly, incredibly frustrated with dating" in the digital age.

"People are becoming more and more frustrated with finding people organically," Purifico said. "People are busier than they've ever been. They're more stressed out than they've ever been."

The people skills and emotional intelligence required to thrive as a professional matchmaker can translate into a six-figure job. Three Day Rule tells potential matchmakers they can expect to earn between $80,000 and $110,000 in combined salary and commission.

The company's clientele tends to be professionals in their 30s, 40s and 50s, "because those people are the busiest or the most frustrated. They have the least amount of time," Purifico said.

For clients in New York City, Three Day Rule offers three-month and six-month packages that cost $5,000 and $8,000, respectively. The six-month package provides at least six matches, while the three-month package provides at least three.

Take a look at the video to see how busy New Yorkers react to being approached by a professional matchmaker about finding love.

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Don't miss: I spent 10 hours shadowing a Delta flight attendanthere's what it's like to lead a crew
With more than $109 billion in cash and marketable securities on hand, Google is often at the center of M&A speculation  who the company should buy, who it missed out on. But CEO Sundar Pichai says the company has a "very high bar" to do a deal.

"Really we are always evaluating opportunities," he said on the company's Q4 earnings call. "To me it's been more about us finding the right fit rather than being constrained by anything in particular."

Google had a shot at open source software companies GitHub and Red Hat last year, but ultimately lost out to Microsoft and IBM respectively. CNBC reported in October that Google held talks with both companies, but was ultimately outbid or walked away. The company has also previously looked at Twitter and Snap, according to media reports.

With former Oracle executive Thomas Kurian replacing Diane Greene as Alphabet's new head of cloud, rumors are swirling about possible big acquisitions in the enterprise software space.

"It's always an important part of our strategy, and we have done great acquisitions in the past things like YouTube and Android Wear  big acquisitions for us," Pichai said. "And so we continue to look for opportunities ahead."

WATCH: Loup Ventures Gene Munster gives instant reaction to Alphabet earnings
Slack is making moves that indicate its moving into the health care sector.

The company filed for a confidential IPO on Monday.

Two sources said Slack is only HIPAA compliant for file uploads, and not yet for direct messaging. But that's expected in the coming months.

Christina Farr

Slack, the messaging and chat application for businesses, appears to be setting itself up for the $3.5 trillion health care market.

Slack, which confidentially filed to go public Monday, recently updated its security page to note that it is HIPAA compliant, suggesting that it is working towards a use case where health care providers can begin using it to share sensitive patient health information.

Two people who have talked to Slack about the certification said the compliance only currently extends to file uploads, and not for direct messaging or channel communication between health providers. Both the people, who work at health start-ups, said that Slack told them it's working to expand its scope to include messaging in the coming months. The sources declined to comment publicly to preserve their business relationship with Slack.

Slack noted via Twitter that only the enterprise version of the product, Slack Enterprise Grid, is HIPAA compliant. The company did not comment further.

Since Slack released its product in 2013, several start-ups have emerged claiming to be the "Slack for health care messaging." One of them, called Stitch, is pitching hospitals on a product that can provide an easy way for patients to check in and receive messages from the front desk. That product is also used by physicians and nurses to share labs, scans, and other health information as they work to treat a patient.

Stitch positions itself as taking on an $11 billion market (hospitals waste roughly that amount every year due to communication breakdowns), which points to the size of the market opportunity for Slack.

But the major thing that stood in its way is HIPAA compliance, which applies to "covered entities" including health plans and providers. HIPAA is a set of federal rules and requirements designed to protect patient information.

Slack might have an edge over these smaller competitors, as many physician practices and hospitals already use it for administrative matters that don't touch on specific patient cases.

Slack isn't the only business-to-business company to explore opportunities in health care. Dropbox, Box and others have also added compliance to their offerings to move into the $3.5 trillion market.

"As more and more of healthcare moves to the cloud, there is a massive opportunity for new tools and platforms to deliver a better experience for healthcare professionals and patients," said Box CEO Aaron Levie.

"It's exciting to see Slack support HIPAA compliance and expand into this space."

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A new proposal to restrict corporate buybacks is treating the symptom instead of the cause  and could result in companies shutting down in the U.S., economist Diane Swonk told CNBC on Monday.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, outlined their plan in a New York Times op-ed on Sunday. They want to prevent companies from buying back their own shares unless they pay workers at least $15 an hour and offer health benefits and paid time off.

Swonk said those preconditions aren't a good thing.

"It is treating the wrong problem," the chief economist at Grant Thornton said on "Closing Bell."

"Once you start doing this you are going to start closing down companies in the U.S. and having them go elsewhere even more so."
I wish the Kirwan Commission understood that every teacher, like Bill Murrays character, could become exceptional if we could teach the same curriculum again and again. I have had the privilege to teach and improve certain physics lessons over the past 26 years. Each iteration is like working a peculiar maze. I run into dead ends and take false turns, but what didnt work for the students one year can be improved the next  unless the experts hand me a new set of mazes to run each year.
Exploring Languages and Cultures Speaks to CMU Students

February 05, 2019

Nearly half of all Carnegie Mellon University graduates take classes in the Department of Modern Languages. In any language, that's saying something.

Forty-eight percent of 2018 Carnegie Mellon graduates took a Modern Languages course. Nationwide, there are only 7.5 modern language course enrollments per 100 students, according to the most recent report conducted by the Modern Language Association.

For Susan G. Polansky, the head of CMU's Department of Modern Languages, that participation rate, and the fact that it has held steady since the university began tracking data in 2003, is remarkable.



Susan Polansky speaks at the Department of Modern Languages Centennial celebration.

"Celebrating 100 years of modern languages at Carnegie Mellon has brought the opportunity for festivity and reflection about engagement with multiple languages and cultures on campus and beyond," said Polansky.

According to Polansky, many factors contribute to the department's success at attracting participation across campus.

"Given the profile of many of our students who are on a professional path that has a global dimension to it, you might say that Carnegie Mellon students just get it," Polansky said. "They understand the importance professionally and personally of having multi-lingual, multi-cultural expertise."

Polansky said that many CMU students come with good experiences in high school language classes. Others envision working for a global company and realize that language skills will be invaluable.

Some students are looking to learn the native language of a significant other, or the heritage language of their family.

Dervla McDonnell, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in art in 2015 and a master's of arts management degree in 2017, started taking Japanese for fun her freshman year at CMU. "It was refreshing to meet people from different colleges within CMU, many of whom I would have never interacted with otherwise, and bond through our mutual desire to learn Japanese," she said.

Over her college career, she declared a second major in Japanese studies, and spent the summers of 2013 and 2014 studying in Himeji, Japan.

"I had no idea that this class I decided to take 'for fun' would lead to many life-changing relationships, experiences, and ultimately influence my overall career path in far bigger ways than I could have imagined," McDonnell said. "Thanks to Modern Languages at CMU, I have caught the language bug for life."

Amy Burkert, vice provost for Education, spoke at Modern Languages' 100th Anniversary celebration in October.

"Students at CMU want to take language, not because they have to do so but because they want to, at numbers that are the envy of peer institutions," Burkert said. "The Department of Modern Languages has had a real, tangible impact on our students, faculty, institution and community that has contributed to our climb to a global stature."

This is no surprise to Bonnie Youngs, a teaching professor of French and Francophone studies and the director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Modern Languages.

"Ask anyone about our department's outstanding teaching and research, our ability as a department to retain student interest even though a course in Modern Languages isn't required for CMU students, our active presence at campus events, and our engagement on committees at the college and university levels," Youngs said.

The Department of Modern Languages offers undergraduate programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish. Faculty encourage students to find opportunities to develop and apply their on-campus learning, and the department partners with CMU's Office of International Education to help students to create their own study abroad experiences that could include an internship, volunteering, doing research, or some combination. They also will launch this fall, in collaboration with the Department of English, a Master of Arts in Global Communication and Applied Translation program with a 4+1 option for undergraduates.

As part of the department's centennial celebration, it will host a faculty and student research symposium entitled, "Modern Languages Anniversary Symposium, Communicating Across Cultures," from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22, in the Cohon University Center.
Heinz College Experts Discuss Troll Farms, Fake News

February 05, 2019

Social media platforms have proven to be an efficient means of propagating disinformation and sowing division. This innovation has developed into an urgent problem for which experts in Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy prescribe technological, policy and human remedies.

The 2016 U.S. presidential election brought this new threat into the public consciousness, with Russia using Facebook and Twitter as frontlines and weapons in a new kind of information warfare.

"In 2014, Russia started to invest small amounts of money in troll farms. Nothing on the scale of a typical military operation. [The intelligence services would spend] a million here, a million there," said Ambassador Sarah E. Mendelson, Distinguished Service Professor of Public Policy at Heinz College and head of Heinz College in Washington, D.C. She remarks that until that point, Russian president Vladimir Putin didn't have much interest in social media as a tool. That changed after Putin saw uprisings of Russian citizens protesting corruption, including his own return to presidential power in 2011 and 2012; these citizen uprisings developed spontaneously and organically in part on social media.

Russian "troll farms"  groups of organized online agitators  identify grievances in other countries and then insert themselves into those debates with the aim of inflaming them, Mendelson said. Rather than promoting any one political ideology, professional Russian trolls instead focus on fanning Americans' emotions around heated topics such as gun control or immigration, and then pitting Americans against Americans. The tactic is  literally  divide and conquer.

"They're not making these things up. They're finding tensions that exist on Facebook or Twitter, and they're amplifying," Mendelson said. "It's pretty basic social marketing, using social media in ways that are hugely successful. And not terribly expensive, in the scheme of things, for the amount of chaos that they created."

Last July, 13 Russian officials and multiple Russian organizations  including the Internet Research Agency in St. Petersburg, a company with ties to the Kremlin that has been named as a troll farm by the U.S. Intelligence Community  were indicted by a federal grand jury for various attacks on the American electoral system, including a hack of the Democratic National Committee and spreading disinformation with the intent to influence and interfere in the 2016 election.

In November, a Russian national was charged for activities pursuant to interference in the upcoming 2018 midterm elections.

"This is ongoing. This is an investment that they continue to make," Mendelson said. "And it's easy to recruit for these positions. There are many young people both inside and outside of Russia who are going to work for these organizations. Perhaps they need money and see it as easy money, but many of them have anti-Western feelings."

For Good or Bad, Social Media is Powerful

Intersecting data analytics, data security and privacy, technology, consumer behavior, policy, and ethics, Heinz College professor Ari Lightman said social media weaponization is a complex problem that Heinz College is uniquely suited to address.

"As a school we focus on data. Some of us focus more on data for policy decisions, and some on data for business value, but the two are becoming increasingly intertwined," said Lightman, who teaches several courses that focus on understanding and harnessing the power of social media data.

"Facebook can be exploited due to its popularity and vastness," he said. Facebook has 2.23 billion monthly active users (204 million in the United States); Twitter has 335 million monthly active users (49.35 million in the United States.) "People are continually checking their News Feed, more often than they may check in on actual news, and that's an issue."

On Facebook, user preferences and content targeting often create "echo chambers" of like-minded people sharing content with each other and "filter bubbles" in which users rarely see viewpoints that oppose their own.

"It's very easy to unfriend people who have a different political belief than you, so you can become surrounded by people who think and believe like you. And then because Facebook wants to show you things that you will like, you'll be shown content that reinforces your belief system," Lightman said.

Bad actors who understand those mechanisms and user tendencies have used that knowledge to weaponize information in various ways, such as swaying public opinion or sowing chaos in the leadup to an election. Between fake accounts and social bots  specialized computer programs that can autonomously post messages on social platforms  false information spreads with incredible velocity.

"Bots exacerbate the problem. People spread disinformation, and then bots spread it in a million directions," Lightman said.

It doesn't help that social media exists in a regulatory grey area. Lightman suggests that government and social media executives work together to find a way forward and combat this problem. First, legislators and regulators need to ramp up their knowledge about the medium.

"I don't think legislators sufficiently understand the rules of engagement, the business model, the community or the social nuances associated with social media. They need to get educated," he said. "Then we need an alliance to be created between legislators, regulators and social media executives to understand the scope of this problem and identify mechanisms that don't require anything drastic like platforms getting shut down. Because social media provides a valuable utility, and that part of the story often gets swept under the rug because there's so much focus on the abuses."

Lightman added that even though public awareness of this problem is growing, it goes beyond the platforms simply deleting fake accounts or using machine learning techniques to identify fake news. Some of the responsibility falls on users to be more vigilant about disinformation and more cognizant of the information they share and how it might be misused.

To that end, Mendelson said U.S. schools need to be teaching digital literacy.

"We're already in a very different situation than we were [three] years ago. People know this is going on now," she said. "The Russians may be continuing to do it, but it is less successful than in 2016 when people didn't even know it was happening."
Clinton, IA (52732)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 77F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Isolated thunderstorms in the evening, then cloudy with rain likely later at night. Low around 60F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
In our world of divisiveness, generally, most people can agree  crime is bad. But what about hate crimes? We have all heard the loaded-phrase before, but many remain unclear about what elevates a seemingly regular crime into a hate crime? Two recent incidents reported on by the Clevel
STRONGSVILLE, Ohio -- A bank established more than 125 years ago in Trumbull County opened its first Cuyahoga County branch Monday (Feb. 4) in Strongsville.

Cortland Bank -- headquartered in the city of Cortland, northeast of Warren -- now occupies a building at 14357 Pearl Road, just south of Ohio 82. The building was vacated last year by Chase Bank, which has built a new Strongsville branch on Pearl south of Shurmer Road.

"We're looking to expand into communities that have regional and national banks but are missing a community bank (like Cortland)," James Gasior, president and CEO of Cortland Bank, told cleveland.com Monday. "The idea is to bring community banking back into Northeast Ohio."

Gasior said Cortland's branch managers know the businesses in their communities and are authorized to make financial decisions. That means faster turnaround on business loan applications.

Mayor Thomas Perciak was the catalyst in bringing Cortland to Strongsville. Perciak is vice chairman of Cortland's Board of Directors, so he knew Chase Bank was moving and that a building would become available on Pearl.

Before he became mayor, Perciak was president and CEO of Strongsville Savings Bank, which in 1999 was merged into Fifth Third Bank.

Cortland Bank, which today has 15 offices, was established in 1892. It has expanded over the years from Trumbull County into Summit, Mahoning, Portage and Ashtabula counties.

Gasior said Cortland's growth has accelerated over the past 10 years or so. The Strongsville branch is the bank's third new location within the past four years.

"We saw limited opportunities in staying within the footprint we were in," Gasior said. "We wanted to continue to grow the bank by expanding into new markets."

For 2018, Cortland reported record earnings of $8.8 million, more than twice the 2017 amount.

Cortland is planning a March 25 grand opening at Bucci's J-Bella Restaurant on Pearl Road in Strongsville.
And then theres the matter of truth. Under Maryland case law, the plaintiff in a libel suit has the burden of proving the falsity of the allegedly defamatory statement, and whether he was in that moment being respectful is inherently unprovable. Respect is in the eye of the beholder, and whatever Mr. Sandmanns intent may have been at that moment does not change the right of the archdiocese or any other observer to characterize his actions as they wish. Such a statement falls clearly into the fair comment privilege in libel law that generally protects statements of opinion. Even if the archdiocese later regretted its initial comments  whether because officials there genuinely changed their views in light of new facts or because of blow-back from the teens supporters or any other reason  that doesnt make the original characterization objectively false.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- State Sen. Matt Dolan was named the chairman of the Ohio Senate finance committee on Tuesday, giving the Chagrin Falls Republican a key role in setting the next state budget.

In a statement, Senate President Larry Obhof cited Dolans extensive and diverse knowledge of financial matters." Dolan, an attorney and a member of the Dolan family, which owns the Cleveland Indians, previously served as the chair of the Ohio House Finance Committee from 2007 through 2008.

Dolan could not immediately be reached for comment. But in a statement, he said the Senates priorities will include investments in education, workforce development and clean water.

Dolan, 54, has served in the state Senate since 2016, when he won a hotly contested Republican primary before winning comfortably in the general election that November. He previously served in the Ohio House from 2005 through 2010, when he ran and lost in the Cuyahoga County executive race.

The Senate finance committee plays a central role in developing the state budget, helping write the actual language before approving it and sending it to the full Senate for a final vote. Dolans position in leading that committee, which will include setting its legislative schedule, will give him perhaps the second-most powerful position in the Senate.

Newly elected Gov. Mike DeWine is expected to introduce his first budget proposal in March and send it to the House for review and possible changes. Meanwhile, the Senate is expected to work on its own proposal, which eventually will be combined with the House version. The final state budget is due June 30.

State officials also have begun the process to develop the states transportation budget, which will fund road and bridge projects across Ohio. State lawmakers are debating whether to raise taxes on gas sales to help fund those projects.

Northeast Ohio also likely will have key representation on the committee that shapes the state budget for the Ohio House. House Speaker Larry Householder told reporters Friday that Rep. Scott Oelslager, a North Canton Republican, likely will lead the House finance committee.
Rotunda Rumblings

New chairman: Gov. Mike DeWine announced late Monday that he will name Samuel Randazzo, a recently retired attorney who has represented utilities, as the next chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Consumer groups tried to pressure DeWine not to appoint Randazzo, an independent from Columbus, because they think hell support rates hikes with utilities in mind and that he opposes renewable energy standards. DeWine praised Randazzos knowledge and experience and said hell make an excellent chairman. Randazzo will begin serving April 11, when commission member Thomas W. Johnson retires.

So long: Meantime, the current PUCO chairman, Asim Haque, is leaving the commission on March 1 to work for grid manager PJM Interconnection,John Funk of The Plain Dealer reports. That will leave another PUCO vacancy for DeWine to fill.

Discrimination data: The Ohio Civil Rights Commission, which investigates complaints of discrimination in housing, employment and other areas, saw an increase in complaints last fiscal year, cleveland.coms Laura Hancock reports. The commission closed 3,674 cases last year, including 2,100 cases closed without finding a probable cause of mistreatment based on race, sex/pregnancy, religion and other protected classes  though some of those closed cases originated the previous year.

The survey says: A new poll from Monmouth University does not provide much hope for Kasich as he weighs whether to challenge President Donald Trump in the 2020 Republican primary. Although more than 4 in 10 Republican-leaning voters in the telephone poll would like to see a contested primary, a hypothetical matchup has Trump beating Kasich, 73 percent to 14 percent. On the Democratic side, Sen. Sherrod Brown polls at 1 percent in a field of 19 possible contenders. The poll was taken Jan. 25-27, before Browns well publicized tour of Iowa.

Speaking of Iowa and polls: A Jan. 30-Feb. 2 Emerson College poll of Iowa registered voters shows Trump beating Brown, 55-46 percent. The only one among eight Democrats to beat Trump in the Iowa poll was former Vice President Joe Biden. Among 14 potential Democratic Iowa Caucus-goers, Brown pulled in 4 percent (tied for sixth place with New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker).

Not impressed: Opportunity Ohio, a conservative Columbus think tank led by longtime Kasich critic Matthew Mayer, has released a report assessing Kasichs tenure as governor. Mayer, citing jobs and spending data, slammed the former governors record on the economy and for accepting Medicaid expansion, among other topics. Mayer said Kasich was fortunate to have held office during a period of national economic expansion. John Kasich serves as a timely reminder that it really is better to be lucky than good, he writes.

Gavarone gets the nod: Republican State Rep. Theresa Gavarone is moving to the Senate. She was recommended by a GOP screening committee to fill the seat of Sen. Randy Gardner, who was chosen by Gov. Mike DeWine as the states higher education chancellor. Gavarone, of Bowling Green, will represent Senate District 2, which includes Erie, Ottawa and Wood counties and parts of Fulton and Lucas counties.

Paying a visit: Corey Lewandowski, former campaign manager for President Donald Trump, will be in Ohio later this month raising money for the Ohio Republican Party. Lewandowski, co-author of Trumps Enemies, will make stops Feb. 26-27 in Youngstown, Cleveland and Sandusky, according to an email from party Chairman Jane Timken.

Ballot access: Citizens who have unsuccessfully tried to get issues on the ballot have gone to federal court, saying Ohios process for reviewing such initiatives is unconstitutionally restrictive, reports Marc Kovac for the Columbus Dispatch. "Individuals representing ballot efforts in Youngstown and Toledo and Athens, Medina, Meigs and Portage counties joined the suit, Kovac writes.

Drug trade: Ohio dispensaries have sold 68.22 pounds of medical marijuana from Jan. 16, the first day of sales, through Sunday. Revenue has been $502,961, according to the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program.

Road trip: A subcommittee chaired by Democratic U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge of Warrensville Heights went to Texas to hold its first listening session on voting rights, cleveland.coms Sabrina Eaton reports. Fudges subcommittee sought to draw attention to the erosion of equal access to voting in Texas after a U.S. Supreme Court decision overturned parts of the Voting Rights Act.

More on voting: Cleveland.coms Rich Exner will moderate a Cleveland-area forum on Thursday featuring newly elected Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose. The topic for the forum, co-sponsored by cleveland.com, is Voter rights: What we have learned about how to run elections. It also will feature Michael Li from the Brennan Centers Democracy Program and Camille Wimbish of the Ohio Voter Rights Coalition.

Full Disclosure

Five things we learned from the April 9 financial disclosure of Rep. Brett Hillyer, a Tuscarawas County Republican serving his first term in the Ohio House.

1. Hillyer is a licensed attorney and lists the firm of Connolly Hillyer & Ong as his employer. He also was employed as an attorney for the city of Uhrichsville, and the villages of West Lafayette, Roswell and Freeport.

2. Hillyer went above and beyond the required financial disclosure by listing his income from his employers: $52,000 from his law firm, $21,500 from Uhrichsville, $12,000 from West Lafayette, $3,600 from Freeport and $2,400 from Roswell.

3. For investments, he listed McDonalds, BP and First National Bank of Dennison.

4. He owed over $1,000 at some point in 2017 to First National Bank and Sally Mae.

5. He didnt report receiving any gifts or free food and beverages, which is typical for people who filed when they were candidates.

On the Move

Republican U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson of Central Ohio will serve as the ranking member of the Innovation and Workforce Development Subcommittee of the House Committee on Small Business.

Straight From The Source

Now that we have had a spectacular election outcome, its time to make sure the Democrats cannot take it away from us in 2011 and 2012. -A redistricting memo from Republican National Committee officials that was recently revealed in a federal Michigan gerrymandering lawsuit.

Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. If you do not already subscribe, you can sign up here to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Two Cuyahoga County Common Pleas judges believe a decision should be made on whether to consolidate the 13 municipal courts in the county while the county is deciding what to do about the outdated Justice Center.

The municipal courts are the starting point for most felony cases prosecuted in Common Pleas Court and having one court instead of 13 could make for better, more efficient justice, judges David Matia and John J. Russo told cleveland.com.

A consolidated municipal court could greatly affect whether to rehabilitate or replace the downtown Justice Center, which houses the Common Pleas Court, the Cleveland Municipal Court and the crowded County Jail, the judges said.

Im not saying we need to do it absolutely, but why is there not a discussion about it before we move forward? said Matia, a veteran Common Pleas judge who specializes in cases involving defendants with drug problems.

Cleveland.com has called for greater regionalization for years and has more recently advocated in the Justice For All series for consolidation of the municipal courts.

Matia and Russo believe consolidation could makes sense for several reasons.

A single municipal court connected to a jail would make it easier to provide a central-booking facility where suspects arrested anywhere in the county could be brought for processing. Having all suspects brought to one location would make it easier to have them assessed prior to a bond hearing and to have them tested for drugs or screened for various mental-health issues.

Timely access to those kinds of pretrial services would then help municipal court judges make bail decisions that keep people out of jail while awaiting trial. Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish has said he wants to expand pretrial services in Cleveland Municipal Court, which supplies 60 percent of the felony defendants in Common Pleas Court. Judges in other municipal courts would like access to those services as well, but cant afford them.

A countywide municipal court would also make it easier to provide legal representation to indigent defendants shortly after they are arrested. As it stands, Cleveland Municipal Court is the only municipal court in the county staffed by the County Public Defenders Office.

Russo said he doesnt think consolidating the municipal courts would mean reducing the number of judges or inconveniencing the public. Municipal courthouses already in place could become satellite courts for a county municipal court, he said.

Russo is a member of the 12-member executive committee that will make the decisions on the Justice Center project, but he believes the question of municipal court consolidation should be left up to another group.

We should be running two train tracks at the same time, he said.

County Executive Armond Budish and the County Council should bring together a group to discuss court consolidation and other aspects of regionalism, Russo said, including an analysis of whether it makes sense to merge all the municipal police departments into one countywide police force.

We need the legislative branch of our government to step up, Russo said.  . . . Somebody needs to call a meeting and its not the court.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Uno Lady is going places.

Literally, and musically.

Clevelands one-woman choir is the recipient of two new fellowships, one in Akron and the other in France, that are sending her in new musical directions as well as across the globe.

Going forward I want to have both visuals and audio, I want to always have video with my music. Thats become very important to me, says Uno Lady, whose name is Christa Ebert. In the last decade she has established herself as one of the most unique voices, literally, in town with her high clear vocals that she accompanies with more of her own voice, prerecorded on tapes and played and looped as she performs live.

Thats something Ive been working on with the Akron Soul Train fellowship I was awarded in November.

I proposed to take my shows to the next level, invest in a better camera (I was using a GoPro), and start making visuals for my performances.  I want to submerge myself in nature, take videos and field recordings, then let the scenes and sounds write the song. That was the original plan but I bought the camera in November and with the show being 2.5 months later, I figured it was best to create video for my current songbook.

Ebert will debut the fruits of the her work in Akron with two local shows this month.

On Friday, shell be performing at the Akron Recording Company, 243 Furnace St., Suite B. from 7  10 p.m. Shell follow this up with a Cleveland show at Gordon Square smART Space on Friday, Feb. 15 from 7  8:30 p.m.

The goal of the Akron Soul Train residency program was connecting and empowering the community and artists by granting fellowships that provide resources for all creative disciplines, thereby fostering a more vibrant downtown Akron.

Ebert used her stipend to purchase a new camera, a Panasonic Lumix, and other equipment to allow her more visual creativity.

Ive been filming lots of video and taking sound samples I will integrate into my performance, she says. I took a trip to New Orleans and took a lot of footage of the swamp and birds. Mainly nature footage, which is what I intended to do.

Eventually, I want to let the video write the songs and integrate more sound samples.

Ebert plan to continue in this direction in the French countryside this fall, where she has earned an artist-in-residency at the Chateau d'Orquevaux in the Champagne-Ardenne region.

This castle in the French countryside offers artists from all over the world a place with limited distraction and an abundance of natural inspiration. The residency comes a bedroom, a studio, and some meals. Ill share the castle with a few other artists as well as goats and chickens on the 40 acre estate, she says.

I plan on writing lyrics, recording videos, and exploring my vocal range in a castle built in the 1700s. The tall ceilings and wine cellars are begging for me to belt in them and be drenched in their reverb I plan to mash environmental footage with ethereal sounds to create a transportive, meditative effect.

Ebert, not ever one to sit still, is also at work on a new record, Osmosis.

Osmosis is a collection of songs about growth: self-awareness, love and letting go, politics, perception, and wanderlust, she says.

She plans to shop it to national labels later this year.

I want to expand beyond a Cleveland audience and I think a label and distribution will allow me to do that, she says.

Until then, Akron, here she comes 

Performances

Friday February 8, 7-10pm, Akron Recording Company, 243 Furnace St suite b, Akron

Friday, February 15, 7-8:30pm Gordon Square Presents: Uno Lady 78th Street Studios, smART Space, 1st floor, Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Ohio  A 65-year-old man was found dead and frozen Friday inside an abandoned home where the water pipes burst, according to police.

Juan Proctor was found dead about 1:30 p.m. in the home on East 123rd Street south of Corlett Avenue in the citys Union-Miles neighborhood.

The temperature that day was between 8 and 15 degrees and the two days prior had been dangerously cold at -40 degrees wind chill and -2 actual temperature.

Investigators have not determined when Proctor died or when the pipes in the homes burst. The home was boarded up and had no heat, according to police reports.

A friend who stopped by to drop off food for Proctor found him dead and called police. He told officers Proctor had no family in the area and that he last saw him alive on Jan. 1, the last time he dropped off food.

He tried to get Proctor to move from the home because it had no heat, police reports say.

A pipe burst in the basement and caused extremely heavy ice on the basement floor. Officers noted that ice covered the kitchen sink and part of the floor.

They found Proctor dead in the kitchen and reported that his body was completely frozen, according to police reports.

The officers noted there were no signs of foul play. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner has not yet ruled on Proctors death.

At least three other people died in suspected weather-related deaths during the cold snap in Northeast Ohio, including a woman in Olmsted Township who was found buried in ice on Sunday.

Olmsted Township police said a couple spotted a hand sticking out from a pile of ice in the 27500 block of Sprague Road. The woman had a wedding ring on her finger, but was not wearing any clothes or shoes on the lower half of her body, according to police.

Township firefighters cut the womans body out of the ice, while getting specific directions from investigators in order to preserve any evidence, police said. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office is investigating, along with township police.

The medical examiner on Tuesday identified the woman as Julie Parks, 48, of Columbia Station. Parks went missing Jan. 6. Lorain County Sheriff deputies said Parks suffered from a mental disability due to a traumatic brain injury.

A 60-year-old woman in Lorain also was found dead in a vacant home and a 59-year-old man was found dead after leaving a Euclid rehabilitation facility.

To comment on this story, visit Tuesdays crime and courts comments page.
PERRY, Ohio  Two men and a dog were rescued from swift waters on the Grand River in Lake County in separate incidents Monday, officials with the Perry Joint Fire District say.

The park ranger found himself in trouble Monday afternoon after he found a dog that had fallen down a cliff along the river. The ranger was able to reach the dog but then was unable to climb back up the cliff and was stranded because of high water along the river, officials say.

Water rescue officials with the Perry and Madison fire departments were able to reach the ranger and dog with a raft and take them to safety. The dog suffered a broken leg but is expected to recover. The ranger was not injured.

A second rescue occurred on the river in Concord Township when a fisherman fell through the ice and ended up stranded on an island in the river, officials say. He was unable to get off the island because the water was too high and swift.

The fisherman was taken to safety and was not seriously injured, but he was treated for minor hypothermia.

Perry, Painesville City and Fairpor Harbor water rescue teams all assisted in helping the fisherman.

If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Mondays crime and courts comments section.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  A Cleveland EMS worker was reassigned on Tuesday after a video surfaced showing the employee making an apparent inappropriate gesture at a Cleveland elementary school where 10 students were taken to the hospital after a student handed out weed gummies, according to city officials.

The statement does not elaborate on how officials became aware of the video. City spokesman Dan Williams said the city is not naming the employee, nor elaborating on the gesture.

Safety Director Michael McGrath will review the incident, the statement says.

The gesture was captured by television cameras at the scene on Monday and viewers of NBCs Today show began posting on social media about the incident on social media.

The video shows an EMS worker escorting children to an ambulance while holding making an okay sign.

Hey, @ClevelandEMS, why did I just see one of your EMTs flashing a white power sign behind a black woman's back on national television? https://t.co/KCXgk40WEX  Jenny Narwhal (@Jenny_Trout) February 5, 2019

@ClevelandEMS is this one of your employees who is white power racists?  Carrie Marvin (@CarrieMarvin3) February 5, 2019

Teach them this isn't cool, in fact it's bad. VERY VERY BAD! pic.twitter.com/GFDHowyC12  RicKitty (@Rick_Kitty) February 5, 2019

In the last few years, the gesture has become a racist sign signaling white power. A U.S. Coast Guard employee was removed from his duties in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence after he made the sign on a live broadcast with MSNBC.

The Cleveland Association of Rescue Employees, the union that represents EMS employees, said in a statement late Tuesday that they spoke with the employee, who said he made the gesture as part of game EMS workers play. The game was popularized in 2002 and brought it back through online memes and to photobomb picture takers and the media, according to the statement.

The worker was unaware of any other meaning and in no way intended anything by this gesture to be racially motivated, the statement says.

The incident happened about noon Monday at Anton Grdina School, where some 15 elementary school students reported eating marijuana-laced gummies.

Ten students between the ages of 5 and 9 were taken to the hospital for treatment, but only one tested positive for THC, according to police reports.

A 9-year-old boy brought the gummies to school after taking them from his mother and aunt, police reports say.

The boys mother was arrested on suspicion of child endangering, but has not yet been charged.
Thomas Suddes wrote about the Ohio Supreme Courts allowing Toledos Lake Erie Bill of Rights onto the ballot. Thats settled. A related issue is whether, if voters approve it, it would be enforceable  a complicated issue for later. Most important is that it highlights the needs of Lake Erie. The ultimate goal, though, should not be local environmental bills of rights  for citizens or for the Lake. The goal should be an amendment to the Ohio Constitution granting environmental rights to, and imposing environmental responsibility on Ohio and its local governments. We need only look to Pennsylvania, whose Constitution includes an Environmental Rights Amendment, to see whats possible.

Pennsylvanias Environmental Rights Amendment requires the Commonwealth  here it would be the State  and all cities and towns, to take care of Pennsylvanias environment. Pennsylvanias amendment hasnt prevented all avoidable environmental harm there, but it provides an avenue for legal redress, and it recently provided grounds for allowing local governments to make some of their own decisions regarding oil and gas production within their jurisdictions. Perhaps Toledos questionably enforceable Lake Erie Bill of Rights will be a step towards a greater possibility, an Environmental Rights Amendment to the Ohio Constitution.

Heidi Gorovitz Robertson,

Cleveland Heights
Nearly 100 years ago my four grandparents came to America. Presumably they came for economic reasons. One ended up a sweeper in a factory; the other sold dry goods until he lost a leg to illness. It must have been a struggle. I returned to their village Carto Ceto in the Marche district of Italy to find they left land that to me was so beautiful, spread with wide patches of golden wheat and greenery. Now I and my siblings are American without doubt and I wonder what the fear is of this century's newcomers. Most all of us here are immigrants, Mr. President, so why this attempt to sow dread of those seeking a better life?

Roldo Bartimole,

Cleveland
BROOKLYN, Ohio -- The new year means it's time for the annual Brooklyn State of the City address.

Mayor Katie Gallagher will deliver the presentation during the noon Feb. 14 Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce lunch meeting at the Brooklyn Senior Center, 7727 Memphis Ave., Brooklyn.

Those interested in attending should contact exec@brooklynohiochamber.org or call 216-635-4297.

Lunch begins at noon. Cost6 is $15 for chamber members, $20 for non-members. Those who make a reservation will be invoiced unless they cancel before noon on Feb. 12.

For more information or to register online, visit brooklynohiochamber.org.

Communication strategies: A program on "Effective Communication Strategies" for those affected by Alzheimer's will be offered 6-7 p.m. Feb. 19 at Mount Alverna Village, 6765 State Road, Parma.

Register online at alz.org/events/event or call 800-272-3900.

Communication is more than just talking and listening -- it's also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language.

As people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias progress, the ability to use words is lost and families need new ways to connect. The program will explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer's. Attendees will learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help. The program is one of many the Alzheimer's Association is offering throughout the region.

Visit alz.org for more information on other programs, resources and more for families, caregivers and those struggling with Alzheimer's and/or dementia.

Visit Tri-C: The Western Campus of Cuyahoga Community College will have a visitation day for prospective students with sessions at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Presidents Day, Feb. 18.

The day offers an opportunity to discuss academic programs with faculty and counselors; learn more about enrollment, financial aid and scholarships; discover the variety of student services available; and explore the buildings.

Registration is requested for the program, which includes an informational meeting and campus and classroom tours. This free event is open to the public, with free onsite parking available.

Western Campus is located at 11000 Pleasant Valley Road in Parma.

There also will be visits at five other Tri-C sites on Presidents Day:

Brunswick University Center, 3605 Center Road in Brunswick: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Eastern Campus, 4250 Richmond Road in Highland Hills: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Hospitality Management Center, 180 Euclid Ave. in Cleveland: 10:30 a.m.

Metropolitan Campus, 2900 Community College Ave. in Cleveland: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Westshore Campus, 31001 Clemens Road in Westlake: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

For more information, or to register at any of the six locations, visit .tri-c.edu/visit or call 216-987-6000

Cornerstone of Hope will have its 16th annual benefit, including a car raffle, on Feb. 23.

Car raffle: Cornerstone of Hope will have a Sweet Sixteen car raffle as part of its 16th annual benefit gala on Feb. 23. The prize is a 2018 Chevy Trax LT Redline Edition.

Tickets are available for $100 each or three for $200. The winner does not have to be present to win.

Those purchasing raffle tickets must be 18 or older. The car must be titled to a person 18 or older and the car must be claimed within 30 days of the drawing. This raffle is for the car only - no cash value - and there will be only one winner.

New officers: The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad's Board of Trustees added new members and elected new officers at its recent meeting.

Peter Buerling, director, records and information compliance at FirstEnergy Corp., was elected board chair. He has been a CVSR board member since 2006. James Virost, retired CFO, The Robbins Co., will serve as vice chair; John Scott, senior vice president and regional executive for the Institutional Real Estate Group of KeyBank National Association, was elected treasurer and Matthew Ridings, partner, Thompson Hine LLP, will serve as secretary.

Raymond Labuda, retired vice president, Hankook Tire Co. Ltd., is the past chairman.

Myron Vernis of Akron and Samuel Hartwell of Cleveland Heights are new board members. The board serves as the CVSR's governing body and provides management and direction for the nonprofit organization.

At the library: Pete Buttigieg, author and the Democratic mayor of South Bend, Indiana, will speak at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Cuyahoga County Public Library's Parma-Snow Branch, 2121 Snow Road, Parma.

Buttigieg was first elected mayor in 2011 at age 29 and was re-elected in 2015 with 80 percent of the vote. During his time as mayor, South Bend went from being called one of America's 10 dying communities by Newsweek to seeing its fastest pace of population and investment growth in recent memory.

Buttigeig's new book, "Shortest Way Home: One Mayor's Challenge and a Model for America's Future," interweaves two once-unthinkable success stories: that of an Afghanistan veteran who came out and found love and acceptance, all while in office, and that of the transformation of a Rust Belt city.

This event is presented in partnership with The City Club of Cleveland. It is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register online at attend.cuyahogalibrary.org/event/1131728 or call 216-661-4240. Books will be available for purchase and signing courtesy of Mac's Backs - Books on Coventry.

Information, please: Readers are invited to share information about themselves, their families and friends, organizations, church events, etc. in Brooklyn, Independence, Parma, Parma Heights and Seven Hills for the Sun Postings column, which I write on a freelance basis. Awards, honors, milestone birthdays or anniversaries and other items are welcome. Submit information at least 10 days before the requested publication date to carolkovach@hotmail.com.
The Associated Press is not reporting the details of the accusation because AP has not been able to corroborate it. The Washington Post said Monday that it was approached by the woman in 2017 and carefully investigated but never published a story for lack of any independent evidence. The Post said the woman had not told anyone about it, the account could not be corroborated, Fairfax denied it, and the Post was unable to find other similar allegations against him among people who knew him in college, law school or in politics.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Nuevo Cleveland has a bubbly tasting scheduled, Pier W has Lakewood Uncorked! and a bunch of other events, tastings and pairings are coming up. Deadline to send info on wine events is Thursday; email me. Most dinners do not include tax and tip. Always check on availability.

February

Tuesday, Feb. 5: Pier W will hold Lakewood Uncorked! A Wine Dinner & Fundraiser 6-9 p.m. The four-course meal will include Italian wines. Cost is $125. It's at 12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood. To be poured:

 Benvolio Prosecco, Estate Bottled, Veneto.

 2017 Di Lenardo Chardonnay, Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

 2015 Castello Di Farnetella Chianti Colli Senesi, Tuscany.

 Villa Moscato, DAsti Bianco Dolce, Piedmont.

Tuesday, Feb. 5: Rozi's Wine House offers $2 off wine by the glass. It's at 14900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood.

Tuesday, Feb. 5: The Wine Spots Bottle Days allows customers to buy and drink a bottle of wine off the shelf with a flat $5 corkage fee if drunk at the store, which is at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights.

Wednesday, Feb. 6: The recently opened Flight wine bar is holding Portugal: The Wine 7-9 p.m. Taste seven wines. Cost is $30. Call for reservations, 216-400-6867. It's at 5712 Detroit Ave., Cleveland.

Thursday, Feb. 7: Parallax and Cowell & Hubbard in Cleveland will hold a take-home winter wine sale. Bottles will have special prices for those who eat lunch or dinner at any of the restaurants. It does not apply to by-the-glass options. Parallax is at 2179 W. 11th St., and Cowell & Hubbard is at 1305 Euclid Ave.

Thursday, Feb. 7: The Galaxy's Circle L Steakhouse offers discount bottle night. It's at 201 Park Center Dr., Wadsworth.

Thursday, Feb. 7: Heinen's will hold a Pinot Noir Wine Social at 5:30 p.m. Taste five examples of this classic red wine. Cost is $15. It's at 900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.

Thursday, Feb. 7: West Shore Wine Co. will feature a grab-bag tasting 6-8 p.m. Cost is $6 and includes six wines and food. It's at 21629 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River. Call 216-712-6400 to reserve a spot.

Friday, Feb. 8: Ten Vines and Wines Trail wineries will hold their annual Chocolate, Cheese and Wine celebration noon to 6 p.m. At each participating Northeast Ohio winery, travelers sample wines and munch on cheese or chocolate. At one designated winery, they will receive a box of Cleveland's Malley's Chocolates and a glass. Wineries will mark trail tickets, so travelers can stop during any (or as many) of the event's four days to complete the trail. This is the first of four days. Cost is $50 (couple), $40 (single). Reservations required; the event sells out. Call 440-466-4417 or go online for details on participating wineries.

Friday, Feb. 8: Greater Cleveland Aquarium's Adult Swim will feature a wine and chocolate event 7-10 p.m. Cost is $40 ($30 for aquarium passholders, $20 for designated drivers). Includes light hors doeuvres, 20 tasting tickets and souvenir tasting glass. Tastings sell out. It's at 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland.

Friday, Feb. 8: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Oregon wines at 5 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes samples, tasting notes and cheese. It's at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Friday, Feb. 8: Regency Wine Sellers and Bars weekly tasting is 6-8 p.m. Prices vary. Its at 115 Ghent Road near Ohio 18, Akron.

Saturday, Feb. 9: Gervasi Vineyard will offer exclusive pairing tours at 3 and 4:30 p.m. Take a close-up tour of the winery and taste four 1-ounce pours paired with small bites. Cost is $19. Check in at The Crush House tasting bar 15 minutes prior to tour. Note: Winery temperatures are kept low. A jacket or sweater is recommended. Gervasi is at 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

Saturday, Feb. 9: Gervasi Vineyard will hold free 30-minute winery tours at noon, 1 and 2 p.m. beginning at The Crush House tasting bar. Gervasi is at 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

Saturday, Feb. 9: Akron Civic Theatre's Wine, Cheese & Chocolate, Darling! is 7 p.m. The event will feature 45 domestic and international, dry to sweet, white to red, sparklers to Port. Tastings will be paired with 21 cheeses and chocolates presented by local purveyors. Cost is $45. It's at 182 S. Main St., Akron.

Saturday, Feb. 9: Ten Vines and Wines Trail wineries will hold their annual Chocolate, Cheese and Wine celebration noon to 6 p.m. At each participating Northeast Ohio winery, travelers sample wines and munch on cheese or chocolate. At one designated winery, they will receive a box of Cleveland's Malley's Chocolates and a glass. Wineries will mark trail tickets, so travelers can stop during any (or as many) of the event's four days to complete the trail. This is the second of four days. Cost is $50 (couple), $40 (single). Reservations required; the event sells out. Call 440-466-4417 or go online for details on participating wineries.

Saturday, Feb. 9: Colonial Wine and Beverage will hold a Valentine's Port and chocolate tasting 6-8 p.m. Ten Ports will be poured with an assortment of chocolates. Details are online. Cost is $25. It's at 8389 Mayfield Road, Chesterland.

Saturday, Feb. 9: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Oregon wines at 11 a.m. Cost is $15 and includes samples, tasting notes and cheese. It's at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Saturday, Feb. 9: West Shore Wine Co. will feature a grab-bag tasting 3-6 p.m. Cost is $6 and includes six wines and food. It's at 21629 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River. Call 216-712-6400 to reserve a spot.

Sunday, Feb. 10: Urban Farmer offers $25 bottles. Its at 1325 E. 6th St., Cleveland.

Monday, Feb. 11: Alley Cat Oyster Bar, Chinato and L'Albatros Brasserie in Cleveland will hold a take-home winter wine sale. Bottles will have special prices for those who eat lunch or dinner at any of the restaurants. It does not apply to by-the-glass options. Alley Cat is at 1056 Old River Road, Chinato is at 2079 E. 4th St., and L'Albatros is at 11401 Bellflower Road.

Tuesday, Feb. 12: L'Albatros Brasserie will hold a six-course dinner featuring Domaine Chanson wines at 6:30 p.m. The winery is located in a region about 170 miles southeast of Paris. Vincent Wallays, export director for the winery, will guide the tasting. Cal 216-791-7880. It's at 11401 Bellflower Road, Cleveland.

Tuesday, Feb. 12: Rozi's Wine House offers $2 off wine by the glass. It's at 14900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood.

Tuesday, Feb. 12: The Wine Spots Bottle Days allows customers to buy and drink a bottle of wine off the shelf with a flat $5 corkage fee if drunk at the store, which is at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights.

Wednesday, Feb. 13: Spice Kitchen + Bar's Wine Wednesday Dinner series on Napa Valley is sold out.

Thursday, Feb. 14: The Galaxy's Circle L Steakhouse offers discount bottle night. It's at 201 Park Center Dr., Wadsworth.

Thursday, Feb. 14: Spice Kitchen + Bar will hold its first four-course Galentine's Day Wine Dinner 6:30-9:30 p.m. It will feature the three Cs: Caviar, Champagne and chocolate. Cost is $75. It's at 5800 Detroit Ave., Cleveland.

Thursday, Feb. 14: Heinen's will hold Valentine's Day Wine Social at 5:30 p.m. Five special Valentines Day-inspired wines will be poured. Cost is $15. It's at 900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.

Thursday, Feb. 14: West Shore Wine Co. will feature wine and chocolates 6-8 p.m. Cost is $10 and includes six wines and food. It's at 21629 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River. Call 216-712-6400 to reserve a spot.

Friday, Feb. 15: Ten Vines and Wines Trail wineries will hold their annual Chocolate, Cheese and Wine celebration noon to 6 p.m. At each participating Northeast Ohio winery, travelers sample wines and munch on cheese or chocolate. At one designated winery, they will receive a box of Cleveland's Malley's Chocolates and a glass. Wineries will mark trail tickets, so travelers can stop during any (or as many) of the event's four days to complete the trail. This is the third of four days. Cost is $50 (couple), $40 (single). Reservations required; the event sells out. Call 440-466-4417 or go online for details on participating wineries.

Friday, Feb. 15: Nuevo Cleveland will hold a Five-Course Bubbly Tasting and Food Pairing at 7 p.m. Cost is $60. It's at 1000 E. 9th St., Cleveland. To be poured:

 Marques de Gelida Brut Reserva Cava Rose.

 Marotti Campi NV Spumante Rosato Brut.

 2015 Llopart Brut Rose Reserva.

 Champagne Collet NV Brut Rose.

 Elio Perrone Bigaro Rose.

Friday, Feb. 15: Regency Wine Sellers and Bars weekly tasting is 6-8 p.m. Prices vary. Its at 115 Ghent Road near Ohio 18, Akron.

Friday, Feb. 15: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature a blind tasting at 5 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes samples, tasting notes and cheese. It's at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Saturday, Feb. 16: Gervasi Vineyard will offer exclusive pairing tours at 3 and 4:30 p.m. Take a close-up tour of the winery and taste four 1-ounce pours paired with small bites. Cost is $19. Check in at The Crush House tasting bar 15 minutes prior to tour. Note: Winery temperatures are kept low. A jacket or sweater is recommended. Gervasi is at 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

Saturday, Feb. 16: Gervasi Vineyard will hold free 30-minute winery tours at noon, 1 and 2 p.m. beginning at The Crush House tasting bar. Gervasi is at 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

Saturday, Feb. 16: Ten Vines and Wines Trail wineries will hold their annual Chocolate, Cheese and Wine celebration noon to 6 p.m. At each participating Northeast Ohio winery, travelers sample wines and munch on cheese or chocolate. At one designated winery, they will receive a box of Cleveland's Malley's Chocolates and a glass. Wineries will mark trail tickets, so travelers can stop during any (or as many) of the event's four days to complete the trail. This is the fourth of four days. Cost is $50 (couple), $40 (single). Reservations required; the event sells out. Call 440-466-4417 or go online for details on participating wineries.

Saturday, Feb. 16: Heinen's will hold a France vs. California wine battle at 1:30 p.m. The tasting will pit France's Nomine-Renard Champagnes against California's Schramsberg Vineyards. Cost is $30. It's at 900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.

Saturday, Feb. 16: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature a blind tasting at 11 a.m. Cost is $15 and includes samples, tasting notes and cheese. It's at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Saturday, Feb. 16: West Shore Wine Co. will feature wine and chocolates 3-6 p.m. Cost is $10 and includes six wines and food. It's at 21629 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River. Call 216-712-6400 to reserve a spot.

Sunday, Feb. 17: Urban Farmer offers $25 bottles. Its at 1325 E. 6th St., Cleveland.

Tuesday, Feb. 19: The Wine Spots Bottle Days allows customers to buy and drink a bottle of wine off the shelf with a flat $5 corkage fee if drunk at the store, which is at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights.

Wednesday, Feb. 20: North Coast Wine Club will feature Amarone/Appassimento for its monthly tasting 6:30-8 p.m. Cost is $30. The event is open to members and guests of members. It's at 30700 Bainbridge Road, Solon.

Thursday, Feb. 21: Spice Kitchen + Bar's will hold its Winter Supper Club featuring a four-course dinner with its neighbor, Flight Cleveland wine bar. European wines will be poured. Cost is $100. It's at Flight, 5712 Detroit Ave., Cleveland.

Thursday Feb. 21: The Little Birdie Wine Nest and CLE Cookie Dough Co. are holding a tasting and wine pairing 6-7 p.m., 7-8 p.m. and 8-9 p.m. Cost is $25 via eventbrite. It's at 6060 Broadview Road, Parma.

Thursday, Feb. 21: The Galaxy's Circle L Steakhouse offers discount bottle night. It's at 201 Park Center Dr., Wadsworth.

Friday, Feb. 22: Mustard Seed Market & Cafe will offer a tour through Italy by tasting 20 wines 7-9 p.m. Cheeses, breads and apps with an Italian flair will be served. Cost is $35 via eventbrite. It's at 3885 West Market St., Akron.

Friday, Feb. 22: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Australian wines at 5 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes samples, tasting notes and cheese. It's at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Friday, Feb. 22: National Margarita Day.

Saturday, Feb. 23: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Australian wines at 11 a.m. Cost is $15 and includes samples, tasting notes and cheese. It's at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Saturday, Feb. 23: Gervasi Vineyard will offer exclusive pairing tours at 3 and 4:30 p.m. Take a close-up tour of the winery and taste four 1-ounce pours paired with small bites. Cost is $19. Check in at The Crush House tasting bar 15 minutes prior to tour. Note: Winery temperatures are kept low. A jacket or sweater is recommended. Gervasi is at 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

Saturday, Feb. 23: Gervasi Vineyard will hold free 30-minute winery tours at noon, 1 and 2 p.m. beginning at The Crush House tasting bar. Gervasi is at 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

Saturday, Feb. 23: Royal Park Fine Wines will hold a tasting of California wines from Beringer 5-7 p.m. Teresa Budinsky of Beringer Vineyards will guide the tasting. Cost is $25. It's at 12700 Royalton Road, North Royalton. Call 440-582-8766. To be served:

 Napa/Carneros Chard, $20.99

 Distinction Luminus, $29.99

 Private Reserve Chardonnay, $45.99

 Sonoma Pinot Noir $24.99

 Knights Valley Cab, $29.99

 Quantum Red Blend, $45.99

 Private Reserve Cabernet, $169.99

 Brothers Bourbon Barrel Aged Red Blend, $14.99

Sunday, Feb. 24: Urban Farmer offers $25 bottles. Its at 1325 E. 6th St., Cleveland.

Monday, Feb. 25: Edwins Restaurant will hold The Butcher Goes to Bordeaux, a five-course exploration of all things beef paired with wines from France's Bordeaux region at 6 p.m. Complimentary valet available. Tickets are $125. Call 216-921-3333 to reserve. It's at 13101 Shaker Square, Cleveland.

Tuesday, Feb. 26: The Wine Spots Bottle Days allows customers to buy and drink a bottle of wine off the shelf with a flat $5 corkage fee if drunk at the store, which is at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights.

Thursday, Feb. 28: The Galaxy's Circle L Steakhouse offers discount bottle night. It's at 201 Park Center Dr., Wadsworth.

March

Saturday, March 2: Gervasi Vineyard will offer exclusive pairing tours at 3 and 4:30 p.m. Take a close-up tour of the winery and taste four 1-ounce pours paired with small bites. Cost is $19. Check in at The Crush House tasting bar 15 minutes prior to tour. Note: Winery temperatures are kept low. A jacket or sweater is recommended. Gervasi is at 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

Saturday, March 2: Gervasi Vineyard will hold free 30-minute winery tours at noon, 1 and 2 p.m. beginning at The Crush House tasting bar. Gervasi is at 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

Sunday, March 3: Urban Farmer offers $25 bottles. Its at 1325 E. 6th St., Cleveland.

Wednesday, March 13: Spice Kitchen + Bar's monthly Wine Wednesday Dinner Series celebrates Spanish wines 6:30-9:30 p.m. The five-course meal will pair half-glasses of wine. Cost is $125. It's at 5800 Detroit Ave., Cleveland.

Wednesday, March 20: North Coast Wine Club will feature Gewurztraminer for its monthly tasting 6:30-8 p.m. Cost is $20. The event is open to members and guests of members. It's at 30700 Bainbridge Road, Solon.

Thursday, March 21: Spice Kitchen + Bar's quarterly Seasons of Change dinner series will focus on seasonal cuisine 6:30-9:30 p.m. The four-course tasting menu will be paired with wine. Cost is $75. It's at 5800 Detroit Ave., Cleveland.

Thursday, March 21: Forage Public House is holding More Than A Whiskey Dinner at 7 p.m. It's whiskey and barrel-aged beer paired with food. Cost is $75. It's at 14600 Detroit Ave., Lakewood.

Friday, March 22: Greater Cleveland Aquarium's Adult Swim will feature Ohio wines and beer 7-10 p.m. Cost is $40 ($30 for aquarium passholders, $20 for designated drivers). Includes light hors doeuvres, 20 tasting tickets and souvenir tasting glass. Tastings sell out. It's at 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland.

April

Wednesday, April 17: Spice Kitchen + Bar's monthly Wine Wednesday Dinner Series celebrates wines of the Loire Valley 6:30-9:30 p.m. The five-course meal will pair half-glasses of wine. Cost is $115. It's at 5800 Detroit Ave., Cleveland.

Wednesday, April 17: North Coast Wine Club will feature Sangiovese for its monthly tasting 6:30-8 p.m. Cost is $20. The event is open to members and guests of members. It's at 30700 Bainbridge Road, Solon.

May

Wednesday, May 15: North Coast Wine Club will feature Rose for its monthly tasting 6:30-8 p.m. Cost is $20. The event is open to members and guests of members. It's at 30700 Bainbridge Road, Solon.

June

Wednesday, June 12: Spice Kitchen + Bar's monthly Wine Wednesday Dinner Series will focus on the Finger Lakes region of New York 6:30-9:30 p.m. The five-course meal will pair half-glasses of wine. Cost is $115. It's at 5800 Detroit Ave., Cleveland.

Thursday, June 13: Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. will hold a dinner-pairing series 6-8 p.m. Tonight: Dewar's Aged Scotch Dinner. It's at 587 Grant St., Akron.

Wednesday, June 19: North Coast Wine Club will feature Sauvignon Blanc for its monthly tasting 6:30-8 p.m. Cost is $20. The event is open to members and guests of members. It's at 30700 Bainbridge Road, Solon.

July

Wednesday, July 24: Spice Kitchen + Bar's monthly Wine Wednesday Dinner Series celebrates Australian wines 6:30-9:30 p.m. The five-course meal will pair half-glasses of wine. Cost is $115. It's at 5800 Detroit Ave., Cleveland.

August

Saturday, Aug. 10: Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. will hold a dinner-pairing series 6-8 p.m. Tonight: Tequila. It's at 587 Grant St., Akron.

Wednesday, Aug. 14: Spice Kitchen + Bar's monthly Wine Wednesday Dinner Series celebrates wines of France's Rhone Valley 6:30-9:30 p.m. The five-course meal will pair half-glasses of wine. Cost is $115. It's at 5800 Detroit Ave., Cleveland.

September

Friday, Sept. 20: Greater Cleveland Aquarium's Adult Swim will feature fall wines 7-10 p.m. Cost is $40 ($30 for aquarium passholders, $20 for designated drivers). Includes light hors doeuvres, 20 tasting tickets and souvenir tasting glass. Tastings sell out. It's at 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland.

October

Wednesday, Oct. 9: Spice Kitchen + Bar's monthly Wine Wednesday Dinner Series celebrates wines of Burgundy 6:30-9:30 p.m. The five-course meal will pair half-glasses of wine. Cost is $125. It's at 5800 Detroit Ave., Cleveland.

Saturday, Oct. 26: Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. will hold a dinner-pairing series 6-8 p.m. Tonight: Four Roses Bourbon. It's at 587 Grant St., Akron.

November

Thursday, Nov. 21: Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. will hold a dinner-pairing series 6-8 p.m. Tonight: Calling All Bourbon Lovers. It's at 587 Grant St., Akron.

Saturday, Nov. 23: Greater Cleveland Aquariums Adult Swim will feature Christmas ales and ciders 7-10 p.m. Cost is $40 ($30 for aquarium passholders, $20 for designated drivers). Includes light hors doeuvres, 20 tasting tickets and souvenir tasting glass. Tastings sell out. Its at 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  The old awning sign is gone, a mounted neon sign in its place. Republic Food and Drink is set to open next week in the space formerly occupied by Otto Moser's in Playhouse Square.

"It's a big transition," said Scott Kuhn of The Driftwood Group, which owns Republic along with Cibreo, Bin 216 and several other restaurants.

Scott Kuhn and business partner Chris Hodgson are putting the finishing touches on the 146-seat restaurant on Euclid Avenue, next to Parnell's Irish Pub.

On a recent morning, the two hung pictures, keeping a "touch of history" as a hat tip to the long-standing Otto Moser's, which closed in September after 24 years on Euclid.

The transition has gone smoothly, and Kuhn and Hodgson spoke highly of the previous owners, Dan Bir and Steve Dimotsis.

"It's our way of saying thanks," Kuhn said of the wall lined with close to 50 old black and white photographs.

Scott Kuhn and Chris Hodgson.

While Kuhn and Hodgson respect the past they are looking to the future.

"Everything is here now," Kuhn said. "It's just getting buttoned up."

They overhauled the kitchen, redesigned the interior, and created a menu aimed for the customers the area will draw.

"It just needed some love," Kuhn said.

"People are excited, people are sticking their heads in the door" inquiring about the opening, he added.

The approach is "nothing fancy or pretentious," Hodgson said.

Republic Food and Drink is set to open in Playhouse Square. It's on Euclid Avenue.

That means pub fare like burgers, fish and chips, deep-fried onion, potato skins, grilled pork belly and daily prime rib.

"A little something for everybody," Hodgson said.

Appetizers will be less than $10, with dinner prices between $16 and $29 - with only the prime rib pushing the high end of that range. For drinks, the restaurant has a strong bourbon focus, with flights offered. And while the wine-bottle list is very small, the by-the-glass options are plentiful and diverse. Half a dozen drafts are offered along with more than a dozen bottled beers and ciders.

"Its all about prices and value," Kuhn said.

"I think people are tired of trying to figure out what they are eating,"" he added. "Good, consistent food is welcomed."

Their attention soon will turn to the patio, which will seat 30 to 40 people, and down the road brunch could be offered when The Lumen opens.

Classic old photos are an homage to Otto Moser's, the restaurant that occupied the space.

That 34-story residential complex being constructed at Euclid and E. 17th Street has a target opening date of 2020.

"It's amazing what this district has become." Kuhn said. "Once the Lumen is open this is the most complete district in Cleveland."

Add to that Playhouse Square's beefed-up programming, which has a direct correlation to area restaurant business, and Kuhn and Hodgson see a bright future.

"The customer is coming back every month," Kuhn said, referring to a group of regular theatergoers, those season-ticket holders who make dinner reservations way in advance for all the nights they are seeing performances. And because of that Kuhn remains strict about Republic's mission: "They can't miss curtain call."

Knowing theatergoers have a deadline gets incorporated into menu items, Kuhn said.

As Hodgson said: "We're built for speed."

Republic Food and Drink's menu will focus on pub fare.

One different between Republic and Otto Mosers is that reservations now will be taken.

"We're excited," Kuhn said. "Time has been flying by, but it's hard to believe its been 16 weeks since we started.

Previous coverage

The Driftwood Group buys Otto Moser's

Otto Moser's closes

About Republic

Republic is at 1425 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. It will be open seven days a week. Parking is in nearby garages.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Its been 20 years since DMX burst onto the scene with his debut album Its Dark and Hell Is Hot, and now hell be commemorating the big anniversary with a North American tour.

DMX, aka Earl Simmons, is known for songs like Party Up, X Gon Give It To Ya and Where The Hood At. He has released seven full-length albums.

Its Dark and Hell Is Hot earned critical acclaim from hip-hop fans upon its release in 1998. The album includes one of DMXs biggest hits, Ruff Ryders Anthem.

DMXs tour kicks off just a couple of months after the rapper was released from a year-long prison sentence for tax evasion charges. His tours first show will be on March 8 in Oklahoma City.

The tour will bring DMX to Clevelands House of Blues on May 5. Tickets will cost $75-$122, and will go on sale on Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. Find more information about tickets at LiveNations website.

Find more information about the House of Blues concert at the venues website.
BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Approximately 30 firearms were stolen during a break-in at a Broadview Heights gun shop, authorities said.

The break-in happened sometime late Monday or early Tuesday at Stonewall LTD Gun Shop and Pistol Range on Ken Mar Industrial Parkway near East Royalton Road, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said.

Investigators are still working to determine how many and what type of guns were stolen, the spokeswoman said. She could not immediately provide any additional information about the incident.

The Broadview Heights, Cleveland and Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority police departments are assisting in the investigation.

The break-in is the second at Stonewall LTD in less than a year. At least four people broke into the gun shop and stole 23 firearms on July 11, 2018. No arrests have been made in that case, the ATF spokeswoman said Tuesday.

A Stonewall employee on Tuesday directed questions to a manager who is out of the state and not immediately available for comment.

To comment on this story, visit Tuesdays crime and courts comments page.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Members of environmental activist groups in seven Ohio counties sued Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose and several boards of elections over what it said were unconstitutional tactics that kept certain ballot initiatives from going in front of voters.

The lawsuit, filed Friday in federal court in Youngstown, says the system the state has to set up to approve and deny ballot measures violates the First Amendment and other constitutional rights because elections boards and the secretary of state are allowed to review the substance of the measures, instead of just seeing whether those measures conform with state elections law.

The activists come from Athens, Franklin, Lucas, Mahoning, Medina, Meigs and Portage counties and all say their measures were unconstitutionally blocked from the ballot. State courts, including the Ohio Supreme Court, previously ruled against placing on the ballot many of the measures the groups wanted to put in front of voters.

For several years, Ohio election statutes have unconstitutionally restricted Plaintiffs rights to place proposed measures on the ballot by allowing Defendants to engage in content-based, pre-enactment review of proposed ballot measures, the lawsuit states.

(You can read the lawsuit here or at the bottom of this story.)

The lawsuit asks a federal judge to invalidate sections of Ohio law that permit substantive, content-based review by elections officials.

Maggie Sheehan, spokeswoman for LaRose, said the office does not comment on pending litigation.

Among those suing are members of Sustainable Medina County, an environmental advocacy group that sought to place proposals on the ballot that would ban fracking, oil injection wells and oil pipelines from going through the county. The group vociferously opposes the installation of a natural gas pipeline that will run from Ohio to Canada, the lawsuit states.

The Medina County Board of Elections certified the groups petition in 2015, but someone protested. Then-Secretary of State Jon Husted, now the lieutenant governor, subsequently invalidated the groups petition and the Ohio Supreme Court upheld Husteds decision, the lawsuit notes.

The group altered and re-submitted petitions in 2016 and 2017, but Husted again denied them. The courts provided the group no relief, according to the lawsuit.

Similarly, the Portage Community Rights Group tried in 2016 to place a measure on the ballot in Portage County that, among other things, would prohibit fracking and injection well usage. The county elections board denied the measure, saying the governmental structure proposed under the measure did not include a county executive, according to the lawsuit.

Husted denied the groups protest and told the elections board not to place the measure on the ballot. The Ohio Supreme Court later upheld that decision, the suit states.

The lawsuit takes issue with tweaks to the law passed by the Ohio Legislature in 2017. It says those changes eroded the ability for citizens to bring ballot initiatives. However, many of the instances cited in the suit occurred before 2017.

Attorney Terry Lodge, who filed the suit, did not immediately return a phone call to clear up the discrepancy.

The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Benita Pearson.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  City Council on Monday approved a land swap with Cleveland public schools that will clear the way for a long-idled grade school to be converted into housing for the elderly.

The project involves the former Longfellow Elementary School on East 140th Street in Collinwood near the East Shoreway. The building, constructed in the 1920s, was closed in 2010.

Vesta Corp. of Connecticut intends to convert it to 93 affordable apartment units for seniors. Thirty of the apartments will be in the Longfellow building. The remaining 63 will be in a new building that will be erected on property behind the school.

The project is expected to cost $20 million to $22 million.

The land swap approved by City Council was needed because the school district could not legally transfer the property to the development corporation.

In exchange for the property, Cleveland gave the district land on Addison Avenue in Hough that is adjacent to Wade Park Elementary School.

The city now will transfer the Longfellow building to Vesta.

Cleveland schools shuttered the building in 2010, but over time vandals got in the building, stealing pipes and creating health hazards  particularly with asbestos.

When teams went in to inspect the building for the development project, they had to wear environmental suits equipped with respirators.

Following redistricting in 2014, the building became part of Councilman Michael Polenseks Collinwood ward.

I was determined to do something with the building which occupies a full city block, he said Monday afternoon during councils Finance Committee.

"I think what weve developed here is a blueprint for future abandoned school redevelopment, Polensek said. As schools go on line to be closed, we need to work together because what we learned with this one was it was not properly mothballed.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Gov. Mike DeWine has appointed attorney Samuel Randazzo chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

DeWine made the appointment about six hours after current chairman Asim Haque announced he would resign on March 1 to take a job with PJM Interconnection, the company that manages the high-voltage, long-distance grid in Ohio and 12 other states.

Randazzo three weeks ago applied for another position on the five-member commission, the seat that Commissioner Thomas Johnson will leave in April.

Both Johnson and Haque were appointed by former Gov. John Kasich.

Randazzo was one of four applicants for Johnsons seat that a special screening committee chose last week for DeWines consideration.

Randazzo has spent more than 40 years as a private attorney representing utilities in front of the PUCO. Before that he was a staff member of the PUCO and an assistant Ohio attorney general.

Sam Randazzo has the knowledge and experience to lead the PUCO, with expertise in a wide-range of utility-related issues, said DeWine in a release announcing the appointment. I am confident that he will be an excellent Chairman.

The governors office expects the screening committee, known as the nominating council, to send four additional candidates for DeWines consideration to fill the seat Haque is leaving. The appointments must be approved by the Ohio Senate.

In the days since the screening committee included Randazzo among the four candidates it chose for DeWines consideration, nearly half dozen environmental groups have decried his nomination.

In a letter delivered Friday to the governors office, five environmental groups stressed that they opposed the appointment.

"Mr. Sam Randazzo has worked earnestly to dismantle Ohios energy efficiency resource standard and renewable portfolio standard (RPS) since 2012 via multiple pieces of legislation. He was supportive of the legislation that froze Ohios standards for two years, worked behind the scenes with the study committee that issued a faulty report allegedly assessing the costs and benefits of the [renewable and energy efficiency standards.]

Additionally, due to Mr. Randazzos representation of anti-wind energy activists at the Ohio Power Siting Board, and his advocacy in the legislature supporting overly-burdensome wind siting requirements that have led to a de facto moratorium on new wind farms, there is no question that Mr. Randazzo does not subscribe to the all of the above energy strategy the DeWine Administration has promoted.

The letter was signed by Environmental Law and Policy Center, National Audubon Society, Natural Resources Defense Council, Ohio Environmental Council and the Sierra Club Ohio Chapter.

Ohio Consumers' Counsel Bruce Weston on Monday night congratulated Randazzo and said he looks forward to working with him.

Consumers Counsel Weston conveys his congratulations and best wishes to Sam Randazzo for his upcoming public service to Ohioans as chair of the PUCO," said Westons spokesman Jon Blackwood.

With current PUCO chair Haques announced resignation, another seat on the PUCO will need to be filled. We recommend that the seat be filled with a bona fide representative of residential consumers, especially considering that the current PUCO commissioners include two former utility representatives, Blackwood said in an email.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Today is the day Isaac Everhart has long been waiting for, the day he appears before an administrative law judge with the Social Security Administration in a bid for disability benefits.

Isaac is counting on the benefits to lift his wife, Violet, and daughter, Tiffany, out of their subsistence existence  the result of his inability to work since 2015 because of a back injury.

Violet is supporting the family on wages from a factory job, but the factory has eliminated the overtime shifts she used to help make ends meet. Medical bills from 11-year-old Tiffanys recent tonsillectomy are making matters worse.

At the hearing, Isaac and his lawyer present the judge with medical reports and x-rays documenting Isaacs fall from a tree during a landscaping job and how the injury exacerbated his scoliosis, a severe curvature of the spine.

Isaac assumes the hearing is just a formality, that the judge will make an immediate ruling to grant him monthly disability checks and retroactive pay to the date of his fall. But he is mistaken.

At the end of the hearing, the judge informs Isaac that a review of the material in the nearly six-inch binder could take as long as 75 days. If the decision is in Isaacs favor, it would likely be three to six months before Isaac sees the first check.

The news reduces Isaac to tears.

I dont understand how they can make us wait any longer, Isaac tells his lawyer.

Violet rubs his shoulder and offers consoling words.

Well be okay, she says. Weve come this far. Well go as far as we have to.

Isaac looks into her eyes, tears streaming down his face and whispers.

Im sorry.
According to Van Hollen, Johnson was told by her supervisor to use sick leave and vacation days "to make up for her lost pay." He and Sen. Ben Cardin, also a Democrat, are pushing for legislation to help contractors supply back pay to low-wage contractors furloughed or laid off during the shutdown.
Crews are hauling dirt to the hardened edge of a fertilizer waste mountain in Louisiana and pumping out part of an acidic lake on top, hoping to stop the gypsums outward creep and prevent a potential disaster.

Mosaic Fertilizer LLC near Donaldsonville reported the problem Jan. 10 to state and federal authorities.

Part of one hard side of the 200-foot-high (60-meter-high) pile is moving an average of a half-inch (13 millimeters) a day, though in fits and starts from place to place, state Department of Environmental Quality spokesman Greg Langley told The New Orleans Advocate.

The moving section is about 1,000-foot-long (305-meter-long) and makes up about one-third the length of that side, company spokeswoman Callie Neslund said Thursday. The bulge is about 12 feet (3.7 meters) out at its farthest point, making it difficult to see, she said.

The piles top incorporates a 140-acre (57-hectare) lake of wastewater  about the size of 68 square city blocks.

If the gypsum stack were to give way and release what Mosaic calls process water into nearby wetlands, it would be a world-class environmental disaster, Louisiana Sierra Club spokesman Darryl Malek-Wiley told Nola.com The Times-Picayune.

The water is about as acid as vinegar or lemon juice and is considered a hazardous material, Russell Schweiss, Mosaics vice president of mine permitting and land permitting, told The New Orleans Advocate.

Its not something we want to see moving off-site, and were going to take the countermeasures necessary to ensure that doesnt happen, he said.

Schweiss said crews began draining the water Jan. 14. The pond was believed to hold about 720 million gallons (2.7 billion liters), and workers are removing about 10 million gallons (37.8 million liters) a day, he said.

The water is pumped to the top as slurry. The gypsum settles out and dries hard, Neslund said. The water is treated and re-used.

Neslund said crews initially were pumping it into a new cell of the waste area but are now moving it into a large reservoir.

Other crews will shore up the edge of the pile by dumping 150,000 cubic yards (114,700 cubic meters) of dirt alongside it. As a comparison, 169,000 cubic yards (131,820 cubic meters) of concrete went into the Superdome.

Neither Schweiss and Ron Yasurek, Mosaics general manager of phosphate operations, nor state regulators could say for certain how long it would take for the companys measures to work, or if they definitively would, The New Orleans Advocate reported.

Schweiss said company official are also waiting on an analysis of the lakes bottom for a better idea about how much water to pump out.

Engineers have learned that a layer of the subsoil 95 feet (29 meters) below the surface has sheered off from the lower depths and is bringing the gypsum wall with it, Schweiss said.

Mosaic Co. has had other environmental problems. It made a $2 billion consent agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Justice Department, and state environmental agencies to settle a 10-year court fight over gypsum waste disposal in Louisiana and Florida. That included payments of a $5 million federal penalty and about $1.5 million each to Louisiana and Florida, and a trust fund to be used to cover the eventual costs of closing the Donaldsonville plant and three in Florida.

Terms of that settlement were among reasons the company had to file the Jan. 10 notice, Nola.com and The Times-Picayune reported.

Mosaic announced in May that it had completed an $84 million repair of a sinkhole below a gypsum stack in Mulberry, Florida, where the limestone geology is liable to sinkholes. It said the incident had no effects outside its own grounds.

It was a minor environmental problem but a major public relations disaster, The Lakeland Ledger reported.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
When Jo was in her mid-20s, her family, in North Korea, arranged for her to marry a man who made a lot of money, she told me. He sold black market goods to Chinafrog oil, medicinal herbs, sea cucumber. When they met, she had a bad feeling, but she would be well fed, and thats rare in North Korea. Once they married, he began trading and taking drugs. When they fought, it was physical. One day, he held a knife to her throat and threatened to slit it. I had to leave if I wanted to live, she said.

It was autumn, 2012. By then, Jo had a daughter, who she dropped off at her mothers place. Then she made her way to the Yalu river, to cross the border into China. She carried only the clothes on her back, a bag with moneythe equivalent of less than $1,000and salt that, if she sprinkled along her path, would fend off evil. Jo was well aware that state media denounces those who defect as human scum and, if caught, authorities would lock her up. If she made it safely to South Korea, Jo told herself, shed find a way to bring her daughter over.

Jo, now 40 years old, recounted this story to me on the outskirts of Seoul, as part of an independent reporting project I was doing on North Korean women. A well-respected journalist whod also fled North Korea had helped me set up the interview. The journalist, whom Ill call May, had talked with me in person, and on the phone; wed discussed several times the ethics of such an interview: I couldnt pay Jo but I could offer her a meal, pay for her transportation, and compensate her for any lost income.

ICYMI: An editor was fired for trying to publish a shocking Henry Ford quote on the cover of a magazine

We finished the interview and Jo left the room to use the bathroom. May came in. Now she needs to be paid, she said. May explained: No defector would sit through a two-hour interview without being paid. Then, May added, all media, including US, British, and Japanese pay. She reasoned that Jo needed the money to livelike many of the roughly 30,000 North Koreans living in Seoul, she was struggling financially. It turned out that May had already promised Jo the equivalent of roughly $200 for the interview. I was expected to pay.

This wasnt the first time Id heard, at least anecdotally, of foreign media organizations paying for interviews with defectors. It also wasnt the first time Id been asked to pay for interviews and information, both directly and indirectly. Once, someone asked if Id donate to her organization, of which she was the head; another time, a source asked if Id translate a set of documents from Korean to Englishat my expenseto which Id have exclusive access, except the translated version would be passed around for advocacy purposes. Some fixers incorporate interview rates in their daily fee; surreptitiously pay defectors without the journalist knowing; or, worse still, recycle the same individuals for multiple interviews, compounding the trauma with which many defectors live. Over the course of a few weeks in South Korea, the matter of payment must have come up dozens of times.

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Reporters working with vulnerable populations, particularly in conflict situations, often face a high-stakes predicament: the job of bearing witness demands of us the highest ethical standards. At the same time, we confront extreme suffering, and even our pocket change might change someones circumstances, at least temporarily. Most of us in this profession do it so that we can expose injustice and maybe even improve lives; the belief is that reporting can influence the powerful to create humane policies. And yet journalism ethics forbid us to provide direct aidor influence the storyby sharing our cash with those in need. Are there circumstances in which such hard-and-fast rules do not apply?

The practice of paying for informationaccording to John Cook, a reporter, writing for CJR in 2011is, among American journalists, generally regarded as falling in the same moral category as paying for sex. The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) admonishes journalists to be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news. Mike Farrell, one of the SPJs board members, explained in an SPJ ethics position paper: The practice of checkbook journalism threatens to corrupt the newsgathering and reporting functions of the media. Because journalismaccurate and credible newsis so essential to the maintenance of a democracy, checkbook journalism is not only unethical, it threatens to undermine journalism and damage democracy.

In practice, however, this rule can feel abstruse, and some journalists told me that applying a certain level of flexibility is morally correct. Ryan Lenora Brown, the Christian Science Monitors Africa correspondent, has reported across the continent. If you dont grow up steeped in a Western-style of journalism that demands that sources never be paid and everyone participate freely as a way to bring knowledge to your society, its not something that necessarily makes sense, Brown says. Its a culturally-specific idea that we treat as universally applicable. When fixers have suggested that Brown pay sources for interviews in numerous countriesincluding Uganda, Tanzania, and northern Nigeriashe has declined, but if an interviewee shares her time without expectation of return, Brown buys goods from her business (perhaps a restaurant or shop), if she has one, or offers a meal. In Sierra Leone, when Brown interviewed several former Ebola burial workers, she paid those workers for transport, since they took time off work and other responsibilities.

Other journalists have suggested that paying for documents, in some circumstances, can be advantageous. That argument was advanced by Cook in this magazine: if paying for documents provides evidence of massive and systemic abuses of the public trust, he suggested, then there must be room to bend the rules, especially if those stories might otherwise go untold. Where Cook would draw the line is in paying someone for testimonies or interviews; those stories could corrupt the final product and create incentives for embellishment. But what if, in some cases, paying for interviews would serve the public interest?

ICYMI: BuzzFeed management faces harsh criticism from staffers, internal messages reveal

The Daily Mail, a British tabloid, paid for an interview in 2011 with Virginia Roberts, who in the early 2000s was 16 and working at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort when she was approached to work as a masseuse for Jeffrey Epstein, an investment banker. Roberts later described to the Miami Herald that she was groomed to sexually pleasure Epstein and his friends, including Prince Andrew (who denies they had sex). Since the Daily Mails interview with Roberts, several women have come forward accusing Epstein of sexually abusing hundreds of girls, and some of Epsteins victims are pursuing a case in federal court. One woman, going by the pseudonym of Katie Johnson, claims in a 2016 lawsuit that she was raped by Trump at a party Epstein held in 1994 at his mansion in Manhattan; she was 13 years old. (Trump denies this.) Would these details have been exposed had the Daily Mail not paid Virginia Roberts? Its impossible to know, but I cant help but wonder if in this case the payment was valid.

Whats clearly problematic is when legitimate journalism is commercialized and subjects expect payment because theyve received it beforethe case I experienced in South Korea. Others have confronted the same dilemma: Omar Hama Saley, a freelance journalist and fixer for international media in Niger, who I spoke to over WhatsApp in French, told me that his job has become more challenging as commercants (or businesspeople) have profiteered off journalists. People who have no experience in journalism have entered the fixing business in the Sahel, where they have told journalists that the only way to access interviews is by paying traffickers, smugglers, and migrants; the result is that not only have journalism teams paid for interviews, fuelling a dangerous smuggling network, but when Omar shows up to do his reporting or fixes for other journalists, hes unable to access information and has faced threats because he refuses to pay. Sometimes, through negotiation, he gets access; other times he doesnt.

The traffickers and smugglers run what Saley referred to as the ghettosan area where migrants stay and rent housesand, when Saley has gone to report, the bosses have demanded from him upwards of roughly $2,000 for access, none of which, he said, go to the migrants. The issue has become exponentially worse over less than a decade, as more and more journalists travel to cover the region. The future will be dangerous if we as journalists do nothing to stop this and sensitize the population, he says. Journalists are not businesspeople.

When I understood that Jo had come to the interview expecting payment, I knew it was over and that the material was unusable. I was inclined to believe her testimony, yet I later learned that shed spoken to a Japanese media organization that paid, and that made me skeptical. Did she furnish details she thought I wanted to hear? More important: did the fact that I paid the $200 for an unusable interview undermine my ethical obligations as a journalist?

This reporting was supported through a grant provided by the Reporting Award at NYUs Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute as well as the International Womens Media Foundations Howard G. Buffett Fund For Women Journalists.

ICYMI: Amid BuzzFeeds massive layoffs, remember that in 2015 the company made a fateful decision

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Annie Hylton is an independent investigative journalist and magazine writer based in Paris.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled a plan to legalize and tax recreational marijuana as part of his executive budget proposal. The section spelling out the many, many details of marijuana legalization spans a whopping 191 pages. That gives lawmakers, advocates and opponents a lot to sift through. Some questions are answered in the bill, while other questions will likely spark ongoing debate over the next year. Here are some of the most pressing questions regarding what now seems like the nearly inevitable legalization of recreational marijuana in New York.

How many other states allow legal marijuana?

A total of 10 states and the District of Columbia have fully legalized recreational marijuana for adult use: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Colorado, Michigan, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine. New York would be somewhat unusual among these states by legalizing marijuana through a statute, rather than through a ballot referendum with additional laws and regulations established after the fact. The only other state to go this route was Vermont, whose law went into effect in July 2018.

But isnt this still technically illegal on the federal level?

Marijuana is still considered a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning the federal government considers it to have the highest risk for abuse and no accepted medical use. Under President Barack Obama, the Justice Department eased its enforcement of federal drug laws in states that had legalized marijuana. The Trump administration reversed that decision, but no state has faced serious consequences for its medical or recreational marijuana programs yet.

Who will oversee recreational marijuana?

Cuomo has proposed creating a new Office of Cannabis Management to oversee not just recreational marijuana but medical marijuana and industrial hemp as well. The office would be part of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control in the state Liquor Authority. It would be in charge of licensing growers, processors and distributors, as well as certifying patients for medical use.

What happens to the states existing medical marijuana program?

Much of the debate surrounding the legalization of recreational marijuana has centered around criminal justice and potential tax revenue. The fate of the states medical marijuana program, established in 2014 through the Compassionate Care Act, has played a smaller role in the conversation. Under Cuomos new budget proposal, patients with a serious condition must still receive certification from a doctor for medical marijuana, only now the Office of Cannabis Management would register patients, rather than the state Department of Health, which currently handles the program. This is still for the most part restricted to a limited number of conditions previously enumerated by the state, but Cuomos proposal expands the list slightly to include Alzheimers disease, muscular dystrophy, dystonia, rheumatoid arthritis and autism. It also gives the executive director of the Office of Cannabis Management the authority to add more conditions. Medical providers must also still register with the state after completing a short educational course. Overall, the proposal mostly transfers the program intact to the Office of Cannabis Management.

Are there any changes for patients using medical marijuana?

One notable change to the program is that patients would be able to grow their own marijuana at home, with a limit of four plants per registered patient. Patients previously were not allowed to grow marijuana, and the new proposal does not extend to recreational users. Further regulations regarding home growing would be determined by the executive director of the Office of Cannabis Management.

The program still faces a larger existential question in the face of recreational legalization, which only time will answer: whether the program will survive. Right now, medical marijuana is both expensive and difficult to come by. According to the Times Union, it can cost some patients close to $1,000 a month, and over a third of those who registered never got the drug last year. The possible proliferation of recreational marijuana may drive people away from the medical program in favor of self-medicating. Doctors involved with the program hope that competition from the recreational market will drive down medical marijuana prices. Those in the medical marijuana industry say allowing them to also sell recreational marijuana would lower prices.

While the circumstances are not identical to New York, Colorado did not see a significant decrease in medical marijuana patients following recreational legalization. Colorado also instituted a lower tax rate for medical products compared to its recreational counterparts.

What happens to those convicted of marijuana-related crimes?

The Office of Cannabis Management could review and seal past marijuana convictions, although the speed at which this might occur is not made clear in Cuomos proposal. The process may involve resentencing for those currently imprisoned to reflect lesser charges under new laws.

Does this mean there will be no more marijuana arrests?

While marijuana would be legal under Cuomos proposal, that does not mean that people will no longer be arrested on marijuana-related charges. Aside from DWI and DUI charges (discussed in more detail below), growing a cannabis plant or selling marijuana without a license would still be against the law. Depending on the pricing and availability of the drug, there is a good chance that a black market would still exist that does not comply with new state regulations. For the most part, those found in violation of new laws and regulations would be charged with misdemeanors.

So how much can I legally carry at once?

According to The Buffalo News, you would be able to carry up to 1 ounce of cannabis or 5 grams of concentrated cannabis. This is also the same amount that a retailer would be allowed to sell to a single person in one day.

What about hemp?

The cannabis plant comes in many varieties, not just those with high concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the plants main psychoactive component. Hemp comes from the cannabis sativa L variety of plant, which has a a THC concentration below 0.3 percent and is used for industrial purposes like clothing, paper, biofuel, food, body care and bioplastics. The state estimates hemp can be used to manufacture over 25,000 different products.

Hemp has long been classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law, lumped together with marijuana as a drug as dangerous as heroin. That changed in December 2018 when President Donald Trump declassified hemp as part of the 2018 Farm Bill, making it legal on the federal level, though leaving specifics on regulations up to individual states.

An industrial hemp pilot program already existed in New York under the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, established in 2015 and expanded in 2017 to include businesses and farmers. Cuomos new proposal differentiates between industrial hemp, encompassing nearly all nondrug-related uses of the plant, and hemp cannabis, which refers specifically to cannabis grown to cultivate cannabidiol, a popular form of hemp oil.

John Gilstrap of Hudson Hemp, an industrial hemp company participating in the pilot program, predicted that hemp will become a multibillion-dollar industry, outpacing the recreational marijuana business. The recreational is always a sexy topic to talk about, Gilstrap told City & State. But people who are really into the science or to the business recognize that really, its the molecules, its all about the molecules in the end.

How will recreational marijuana be taxed?

The governor proposed imposing three taxes on recreational marijuana. The first would occur during cultivation, at a rate of $1 per gram of cannabis flower or $0.25 per gram of cannabis trim. The second is a 20 percent tax on the sale of marijuana from a wholesaler to a retail dispensary. The third is a 2 percent tax on the same sale, but with proceeds going toward the county where the dispensary is located. Cuomo predicted this will generate $300 million in new revenues each year. However, he estimated that the first legal sale of recreational marijuana would not occur until at least April 2020, and if other states are any indication, it may take several more years for New York to see robust returns.

How will that new tax revenue be used?

Many have already begun debating how best to use marijuana tax money, such as investing in public transportation or reinvesting it into communities of color that were hurt by marijuana policing. Cuomos proposal earmarked money for the administration of the program and other program-related expenses; small-business development and loans; substance abuse and mental health treatment; and public health education. Each expense seems to be directly or indirectly related to the recreational marijuana program. Cuomo also said the Office of Cannabis Management could recommend other uses for the revenue.

Currently, it does not appear that the governor is specifically setting aside any of the money for the states general fund.

Will driving become more dangerous?

The short answer is maybe. In states where recreational marijuana has become legal, traffic accidents have increased. While studies havent proven a direct causal link between the two, the correlation is troubling. Part of the problem, according to state Sen. Todd Kaminsky, is that there is not enough public education about the dangers of driving high. Despite the fact that research has shown that driving while under the influence of marijuana slows reaction times and increases the likelihood of crashes, and a general consensus that driving while high is bad, Kaminsky referenced polling that shows there still seems to be a disconnect about just how dangerous driving high can be. If we dont have a conversation about road safety parallel to every other one about legalization, were not going to be prepared and were going to have fatalities, Kaminsky told City & State. He held a roundtable with stakeholders last month to begin discussing the issue.

Is there a test for driving while high?

Adding to the complications of safe driving in the age of recreational marijuana is that unlike with alcohol, there is no accurate field sobriety test for marijuana intoxication levels. Currently, the only way to determine someones blood THC content is through a blood test, which attorney and cannabis law expert Elizabeth Kase said can back up the court and quickly cost lots of money. Breathalyzer-like devices claiming to accurately detect THC are in development, but are not yet on the market.

There is also the matter of determining what level of THC in the blood constitutes impairment. Some states have set the level at 5 nanograms per millimeter of blood. But even this is imperfect, since different ingestion methods of the same amount of marijuana can lead to widely varying levels of THC in the blood.

In order to address some of the concerns regarding impairment, Cuomo plans to convene a traffic safety commission as part of his marijuana proposal.

What if you dont want recreational marijuana in your town?

As part of his proposal, Cuomo included the ability for counties and municipalities with populations over 100,000 to opt out of the new regulations by banning the cultivation, processing, distribution and sale of recreational marijuana within their jurisdictions. This does not mean that possession of marijuana would be illegal, but for the general consumer, one would need to purchase it somewhere else. New York is not the first state to provide this option, with many municipalities in Michigan choosing to opt out of its new recreational marijuana program. So far, North Hempstead on Long Island is the only places to opt out.

Kase warned that allowing municipalities to opt out can impede the rollout of the program. She pointed to Massachusetts, which has similar opt-out options and local zoning issues, where she said it has taken the recreational marijuana program longer than planned to get up and running following its 2016 ballot initiative. Currently, the state has eight dispensaries. I think youre going to see more and more of this in upscale neighborhoods, Kase said. That is going to put a crimp and cramp in the rollout  potentially.

How strict will New Yorks regulations be?

The answer to this question is still hard to determine as many specific regulations need to be established. But given the restrictive nature of New Yorks medical marijuana program, it wouldnt be a surprise if the state institutes a similarly strict recreational program.

How will sales and licensing work?

The state plans to offer individual licenses for cultivation, processing, distributing, retail and on-site consumption. Anyone with a cultivation license to grow marijuana would not be allowed to also have a retail license to sell it. A single entity can, however, hold a processing and distribution license. The idea is to avoid the vertical integration of the marijuana business and ensure a separation between the companies growing the product and those who ultimately sell it to consumers. This structure is different than the states medical marijuana industry, in which the company that grows and processes the drug is the same that runs the dispensaries. There is an exception for organizations currently registered with the medical marijuana program that would allow them to produce and sell recreational marijuana without being subject to the restrictions applied to other companies.

On-site consumption licenses permit consumers to use or ingest marijuana products within their premises. Those with a retail license may also have one for on-site consumption, though there are restrictions about consumption within locations that are also dispensaries. And dont expect to be able to purchase marijuana products at bars, as any location with a liquor license would not be allowed to have a retail license for marijuana.

Will there be a cap on licenses?

Cuomos proposal may set a limit on the number of licenses issued, but leaves that decision up to the unnamed executive director of the Office of Cannabis Management. That person could choose a number, or choose not to impose a limit. If the rules turn out anything like the medical marijuana program, licensing could be fairly restrictive. Only 10 medical marijuana companies are allowed to operate in the state, up from five initially, and each can only have a maximum of four dispensaries.

Correction: The town of Hempstead will vote later this month on a one-year moratorium on dispensaries and sales of recreational marijuana. An earlier version of this story misrepresented the town's stance on the drug.

Clarification: Only counties and municipalities with populations over 100,000 can opt out of the new marijuana law.
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Over time, all software technologies find their place in the IT world. Some technologies, like CODASYL hierarchical databases, become an indispensable part of the software development toolkit and seemingly overnight give way to more advanced components, in this case relational databases. Some programming languages, like Pascal, contained dramatic, even revolutionary, technological advances and quickly fall from grace as the language of choice, in this case by the C, which was then further enhanced into C++ by adding object orientation. The list goes on and on. PowerBuilder was overtaken by Visual Basic because of Microsofts marketing muscle. Microsoft ASP Pages gave way to .NET. Java has risen in popularity but is now being questioned within various IT circles. COBOL, on the other hand, rose to prominence in the early 1960s and despite the continuing prediction of its demise, is still an essential component of worldwide computing.

As this time has passed and various technologies have come, gone or remained, another technology has quietly reinvented itself over the years as underlying computing platforms have evolved. With the convergence of cloud computing, digital transformation and a couple of generations of tech-savvy business professionals, this technology is ready to rise like a phoenix from the ashes. Since the early 1990s, this technology has gone by many names, such as fourth-generation language, rapid application development tools, code generators, end-user development and others. Over these decades of transition, transformation, great promise, dramatic failures and continued improvement, its ready to be a critical part of every strategic thinking CIOs agenda. This technology is no/low code computing.

Today, no/low code computing platforms, have much richer user interfaces on the front-end and enhanced connectivity on the back-end. This finally allow them to be seriously viewed as enterprise level technologies. These new architectural type features include:

Cloud-based architectures . No/low code platforms have traditionally been a trade-off between performance and productivity. Todays modern cloud-based architectures enable high productivity with enterprise scale and performance, and dramatically simplified deployment and maintenance on the part of users.

. No/low code platforms have traditionally been a trade-off between performance and productivity. Todays modern cloud-based architectures enable high productivity with enterprise scale and performance, and dramatically simplified deployment and maintenance on the part of users. Enterprise-class security. Advances in encryption, audit, compliance and governance oversight enable IT to move fast knowing critical data is safe, even when no/low code platforms are in the hands of business users.

Advances in encryption, audit, compliance and governance oversight enable IT to move fast knowing critical data is safe, even when no/low code platforms are in the hands of business users. Modern REST APIs. When the data and functionality of your no/low code apps is needed in a high control programming environment, for integration into your ecosystem of business systems, data lakes and business processes, its accessible to your pro developers just as they would expect.

When the data and functionality of your no/low code apps is needed in a high control programming environment, for integration into your ecosystem of business systems, data lakes and business processes, its accessible to your pro developers just as they would expect. In-memory database computing. As the cost and speed of memory improves, underlying computations and optimizations can be done instantly and on-the-fly. This means high performance data services can be vertically integrated into no/low code platforms without users having to worry about data bindings, SQL, indexing or traditional database administration. Its just there and users just think about their data and process.

As a result of these enhanced capabilities, these platforms are finding a niche within the CIOs technology strategy. They are being used to quickly develop smaller, less complex, applications for smaller user constituencies, that previously could not be properly serviced, while still being able to provide scalability, data security and maintainability. Examples of no\low code solutions include the following:

Example #1: IT backlog reduction

IT shops everywhere have backlogs stretching years, frustrating business leaders. No/low code platforms provide overtaxed IT pros a new high productivity tool in their toolbox to quickly roll out an application, and in many instances, hand off customization and iteration of these apps to their business groups, where business analysts or other non-programmer resources can take it from there. Additionally, forward-looking IT organizations are also using no/low code platforms to outsource the development of certain business applications to the business, effectively expanding the companys pool of application developers!

Example #2: Spreadsheet replacement

Very often companies have spreadsheets acting as small data repositories of important company data, typically used in decision making, process flow and other similar uses. Moving these spreadsheet pseudo-applications to a no/low code platform puts the data into a controlled, secure environment protected by proper backup, security, audit and other security features. And, for the business, it ensures the latest and most update-to-date data is always available at their fingertips.

Example #3: Extending systems of record

Official Systems of Record present a conundrum for many CIOs and IT staffs. The data within them is extremely valuable and useful to the organization but they are typically locked down, hard to use and expensive to change. The more IT can do to get that data into the hands of those closest to the work, the more effective and data driven a business can be. At the same time, for good reason, Systems of Record are important to protect. No/low code platforms can offer a solutionacting as a System of Engagement that safely connects to the data and puts it in the hands of business users who can extend it with other data and put it to work for business intelligence, reporting and custom business processes, without putting at risk any of the needed system of record controls.

Example #4: Creating cost-effective custom workflow tools

There are hundreds of unique every day processes running businesses. No/low code platforms offer a fast and cost-effective way to build small to large workflow applications that manage departmental workflows being done by hand. In fact, if you have multiple workflows to automate, it can be extremely cost effective to put them all on a no/low code platform because you generally only pay for the platform and not each application on it. As a result, there is no out-of-pocket cost (other than your in-house rapid development time) for multiple applications. If you are currently maintaining multiple single-purpose applications or are considering building/buying more single purpose applications, this could be a money-saving solution.

Example #5: Enhancing business agility

No/low code platforms are ideal for engaging the business even deeper into your agile development methodologies. Because of their ability to support rapid application development, prototypes can be created and iterated in real time directly with your business users, saving time and energy in the requirements and design phase, and ensuring you get the business requirements exactly right. Many times, these prototypes evolve into the end application, with the business users helping with parts of development.

In closing, as an application developer by background, Ive seen and used a variety of these products over the years. Its good to see that this class of development platforms has finally arrived!
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, has also called on Northam to resign. Governor Northam: From your neighboring state across the Potomac River, please do the right thing for our region and the countryresign, Van Hollen tweeted. Your actions have been unacceptable and your explanation inadequate.
PARKER MICHELS-BOYCE, STR / NYT

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam should have resigned when he first admitted posing in blackface while he was a student at Eastern Virginia Medical School. The revelation prompted immediate calls for him to step down from all sectors of his state. It also poured water on the notion that America can transcend racism without confronting its roots.

Northam a day later took back the apology he made Friday for appearing in a 1984 yearbook photo of two individuals holding beer cans at a party, one in blackface and the other wearing a Ku Klux Klan outfit. The governor denied he was either person, but said he did remember darkening his face with shoe polish to impersonate Michael Jackson at a dance contest in San Antonio that same year.
Weve had classes where people meet pit bulls, and after being licked for an hour they say theyve changed their minds about that breed, Furstenberg said. Or they might see a special needs dog, and say I never would have considered adopting a handicapped dog, but they absolutely fall in love.
Plans for the highly-anticipated high-speed bullet train project that will connect Houston to Dallas in 90 minutes are inching along. While construction is not set to begin until late 2019, according to the Houston Chronicle, developers at Texas Central are making moves to get the project on track.

RELATED: Things to know about Houston-Dallas high-speed bullet train beginning construction in 2019

On Monday, Texas Central announced via press release that it's partnered with Resource Environmental Solutions (RES) to help protect and enhance natural ecosystems and the environment throughout construction and operations. Over the past decade, the Houston-based company, in projects across the country, has restored more than 58,000 acres of wetlands, enhanced more than 290 miles of streams and planted more than 14 million restorative trees, according to the release.

RES will oversee plans to comply with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) requirements including restoring, enhancing and preserving wetlands, streams and environmentally sensitive habitats located along the train's route. As well, RES will proactively will collaborate with community leaders to identify local and regional conservation opportunities.

"As Texans, RES understands the importance that Texans place on preserving the natural beauty of our great state, and we are confident that this systematic approach to restoring and preserving sensitive ecosystems will result in widespread improvements across the region and beyond," project delivery director at Texas Central Bill Tucker said in the release.

The project's scale allows RES to identify both isolated pockets along the route that require restoration, and also entire complexes of streams and wetlands suitable for improvement and conservation in areas near the Trinity River, Navasota River, Spring Creek and Cypress Creek.

The results will help strengthen and connect wildlife habitat corridors, improve water quality along the route and increase flood resiliency.

The roster of other benefits include the following: For every one mile of high-speed railroad tracks, approximately 450 acres of farmland will be preserved; the high-speed train is estimated to remove more than 14,630 cars per day from Interstate 45, offsetting emissions in an area covering four counties that are in air quality non-attainment status; and Texas will use the newest generation of Shinkansen Japanese trains, the N700 Supreme, which consumes seven percent less energy and weigh seven tons less than the previous model, producing less noise and vibration.

What's more, the project is expected to create an estimated 10,000 jobs each year of construction and 1,500 full-time jobs when operational.

Marcy de Luna is a digital reporter specializing in social media, the famous, and food. You can follow her on Twitter @MarcydeLuna and Facebook @MarcydeLuna. Read her stories on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com. | Marcy.deLuna@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message
Anyone who is vaccinated for measles, and has their children vaccinated can stop reading this article.

But for anyone without the vaccination, or for the 3 percent of vaccinated people who might still contract measles, here's what you need to know about the dangerous and highly contagious disease.

For starters, it is almost entirely preventable with a set of standard vaccines given to children at 12 months and again at four years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vaccine is 97 percent effective when children receive both sets.

Several health authorities announced Monday that there are five confirmed cases of measles throughout the Houston area, including three in Harris County and one in each of Montgomery and Galveston counties.

"This is something you definitely want to take seriously," Dr. Peter Jay Hotez said. Hotez is a professor of pediatrics and dean of National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.

"You don't want to be alarmed, but you want to take it seriously," he said. "For any child who's unvaccinated, now's your chance to vaccinate your child."

The measles disease lives in a person's mucus inside their nose and throat, according to the CDC.

Dr. Peter Jay Hotez, professor of pediatrics and dean of National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, said the disease can be dangerous  particularly for infants.

The first symptoms start with coughing, runny nose and red eyes, Hotez said. After about four days with the sickness, the patient will start to develop a serious rash.

A patient's own antibodies will typically eradicate the disease from their body after about a week, Hotez said.

But in some cases, that's only the beginning of measles' danger. Patients can develop severe infections in the middle ear, inflammation and even pneumonia.

In rare cases, a patient can lose their hearing completely.

The disease is spread mostly through airborne toxins exuded when a person sneezes.

Because the disease is highly contagious (a single patient could infect up to 18 people at any point), Hotez advised against immediately seeing your doctor or going to an emergency room.

"If you think you have measles, you want to call ahead to your doctor," Hotez said. "The reason is, if you go into a waiting room with measles, you're going to infect everyone who's not vaccinated."

Children younger than 12 months old cannot receive the vaccine, Hotez said.

For parents of infants younger than 12 months, Hotez suggested not taking their children out of the home until the most recent bout of cases are gone.

If you're not yet vaccinated, Hotez said adults can get vaccinations for measles just as children can.

Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message
A southwest Houston massage therapist is facing charges for allegedly groping a 16-year-old client in early 2017.

Bing Wang, 47, was working at the Happy Feet massage parlor on Bellaire Boulevard near Boone Road when a teenage girl came in for a massage on March 13, 2017.

The girl told the Houston Police Department detectives that she typically gets massages because she suffers from fibromyalgia, according to court documents.

NEW: DNA testing results released on Houston-area death row case

During the massage, Wang allegedly fondled the girl's breasts and touched her in other inappropriate ways, court documents detail.

The teenager told police she was so scared that she froze as soon as Wang allegedly reached underneath her shirt for the first time.

After the massage, she called her mother who was waiting in the parking lot. The mother confronted Wang before calling police, according to court documents.

Officers came to the scene and interviewed Wang, who denied touching the girl inappropriately. He was not immediately arrested, court documents show.

At some point after officers initially spoke with Wang, they scheduled an interview with him  but he allegedly skipped that interview and has not been heard from since.

Prosecutors filed charges against Wang on Jan. 30, nearly two years after the girl said she was molested.

Wang has yet to be arrested.

Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message
Donovan Micah Jones faced numerous charges in the Houston area before he allegedly beat a woman to the point of unconsciousness last month, leaving lasting injuries to her face, court records show.

According to a criminal history information in a Texas Department of Public Safety database, Jones, 25, was also on probation for an aggravated robbery charge out of Brazoria County at the time of the alleged assault on Jan. 16.

The robbery occurred outside a Pearland pharmacy in 2013, and he was sentenced to 10 years probation for the felony charge, DPS records show. In Harris County, he previously faced charges of criminal mischief, interfering with the duties of a public servant, manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

Jones assaulted the woman, Rachel Busch, after she refused to have sex with him at his mother's apartment, prosecutors said. Busch said the doctors told her the facial trauma looked like she was involved in a high-speed car crash.

"It's hard to look at myself," she told Chron.com last week. "It's hard to hear myself at all, because this is not how I sound or look...He destroyed my face."

RELATED: Houston teen charged in armed robbery outside Pearland pharmacy

Jones has been sitting in Harris County Jail without bail since then on a charge of assault causing serious bodily injury. Prosecutors cited the aggravated robbery case when asking the judge to deny bail. Jones' attorney previously declined to comment on the assault case.

In the 2013 robbery, previously reported in the Houston Chronicle, police said Jones met up with his cousins at the Kroger store near Cullen and Broadway. Police said he told his cousins he needed money and asked whether they wanted to "hit some licks," which is slang for robbery.

When the cousins tried to talk Jones out of the plan, he got out of the at CVS Pharmacy, approached a man in the parking lot and pulled a handgun from his waistband, police said.

"Do you want to die?" Jones asked the man, according to the victim.

Jones allegedly stole his wallet and keys.

RELATED: 'He destroyed my face': Houston woman coping with changed appearance following brutal assault

About one month after that robbery, on June 21, he was accused of selling between one and four grams of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy. Both charges have since been dismissed.

In 2017, Jones faced a misdemeanor charge of interfering with the duties of a public servant after he was accused of pulling his arm away from a police officer trying to arrest him. The following year, Jones faced another low-level misdemeanor charge in Harris County after breaking a window, records show.

Those two charges have been dismissed and disposed, respectively, records show.

Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here.
A former employee at a Catholic Charities shelter for immigrant children has been accused of fondling a teenage boy from Guatemala and offering other children candy for sexual favors, according to an affidavit filed last week in Harris County.

Edgar Alexander Campos, 23, oversaw about 32 kids at St. Michael's Home for Children at 2900 Louisiana St., the affidavit said. He faces a charge of indecency with a child after he allegedly forced his hand down a 16-year-old boy's shorts in Aug. 2018 and rubbed his penis after Campos let him use his cellphone, the affidavit said.

Campos was also accused of walking into the boy's bedroom at the shelter that night and again rubbing his penis while he slept.

Campos was booked into Harris County Jail last Friday. He has since remained there with a bail of $30,000, records show.

St. Michael's takes immigrant children referred by the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement and works to reunite them with relatives in the U.S. or their county of origin, according to its website.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, which runs the shelter, said Campos was suspended when they learned of the allegations. He was eventually fired from the position.

Catholic Charities spokeswoman Betsy Ballard said the shelter has "adhered to absolutely every reporting requirement to the letter in addressing this situation."

ARCHDIOCESE: Archdiocese releases list of 'credibly accused' priests in Houston region

"Catholic Charities' first priority is to provide a safe, secure environment for children entrusted to our care," the organization said in a prepared statement. "We have a 75 year history of helping the most vulnerable individuals of all ages through our comprehensive and caring network of social service programs. We have strict processes for our prospective employees involving background checks, references and more."

Campos' charges come as the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston released a list of more than 40 clergy members who have "credibly accused" of sex abuse over the last seven decades.

St. Michael's also fell under intense scrutiny in 2011, when a federal investigation determined that managers with Catholic Charities deliberately misled federal officials about a sex assault at the shelter.

Ballard said Catholic Charities has put an all-new leadership team in place since then.

She also said she couldn't answer detailed questions about Campos' charges until Houston police wrap up their ongoing investigation.

"We're just being really careful so we don't cause any problems for the investigation," she said. "I think the most important thing to us is that our children are protected and the integrity of the system is intact."

ST. MICHAEL'S: Children's shelter tried to cover up assault feds claim

On the day of Campos' alleged assault, police said the boy asked to use his cellphone to reach his parents in Guatemala. Campos reportedly told the boy he needed a sexual favor in return. When the boy returned the phone, Campos reached his hand down the boy's pants, police.

When fondling the boy a second time in a bedroom, police said the boy woke up and startled Campos. The man fled the room and later apologized to the boy, police said.

A few months later, in November, police scheduled Campos to attend a voluntary interview at the Children's Assessment Center. There, Campos said he was attracted to men and admitted he was reprimanded twice for entering kids' bedrooms against regulations. He added that he had the closest relationship to the 16-year-old.

Police said they obtained surveillance footage that shows Campos entering kids' rooms after hours four times from Aug. 5 to Sept. 7. Police also spoke to other children in the shelter who said Campos offered candy for sexual favors.

Additional charges have not been filed in the case. The investigation is ongoing. Campos' next hearing is scheduled for March 7 in the 176th District Court.

Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here.
The Houston Police Departments Special Victims Division is investigating two allegations of inappropriate touching involving Catholic clergy, just days after the local archdiocese released the names of dozens of priests credibly abused or under investigation for child sexual abuse, police and church officials said Monday.

And the Harris County Sheriffs Office said Monday it is taking another look at a 2015 complaint alleging inappropriate conduct by another unidentified Catholic priest, an allegation that did not result in criminal charges at the time, said Jason Spencer, sheriffs spokesman.

Details were not available from police and sheriffs officials about when the alleged abuse occurred or where.

Houston police spokesman Victor Senties would say only that investigators were made aware of the complaints through a third party and are reaching out to the victims. No police reports have yet been filed.

ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: 42 priests named with abuse claims on Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston list

The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston said Friday it had turned over two complaints to Houston police about Prince of Peace Priest John Keller, who they said is currently under investigation. The abuse is alleged to have happened in the past 25 to 40 years, according to officials.

Keller was removed from ministry Thursday  after celebrating one last Mass at Prince of Peace  pending the results of the investigation, officials said.

RELATED: Here are names of Houston-area priests credibly accused of child sexual abuse

The archdiocese has received at least two sex abuse complaints against Keller in more than 10 years. The first known allegation was reported in 2001 by a woman who accused Keller of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with her ninth-grade son. A CBS News report last week identified a man who said he came forward to church leaders in December with a claim of sexual abuse against the pastor.

It was not known if the claims now under investigation by Houston police are either of the those alleged victims.

ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Search the statewide list of credibly accused priests named

The archdiocese released the names Thursday of 40 priests credibly accused of child sex abuse. Keller is one of two priests identified by the archdiocese as being under investigation. Also named was former Conroe priest Manuel La Rosa-Lopez who is charged with four counts of indecency with a child in Montgomery County.

The list of names was part of a statewide release by Catholic officials that date back to the 1940s and 1950s. Many of the accused priests transferred from church to church and most of them are now dead.

At Prince of Peace Sunday morning, Auxiliary Bishop George Sheltz was met with applause as he addressed the latest allegations against Keller with congregants.

Father has only been alleged he did something, Sheltz said. The system has to work itself out.

nicole.hensley@chron.com
Harris County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved $4.9 million in repairs to the downtown criminal courthouse to make 16 more courtrooms available to judges.

Court members said the repairs are a temporary fix aimed at helping clear a backlog of cases exacerbated by Hurricane Harvey while the county mulls whether to build a new criminal courthouse.

The short-term solution is to remodel elevators that right now cant be used, and to remodel 16 courtrooms so folks can have their dockets, County Judge Lina Hidalgo said. Im very, very happy to see our system moving once again.

The court used a special meeting Tuesday morning to approve paying Amtech Elevator Services $4.5 million to repair the buildings elevators. The county engineers office will spend another $400,000 in to repair courtrooms on floors 10, 11, 15 and 16. Currently, only courtrooms on floors 17 through 20 are in use.

The 20-story building took on four feet of water during Harvey. In addition, water that leaked into the basement caused computers that regulate water pressure to malfunction, bursting pipes on upper floors and soaking courtrooms on floors well above the floodwaters.

Tuesdays meeting, which lasted less than three minutes, was a departure from the two hours-long gatherings the court held in January. County Engineer John Blount recommended the repairs, court members unanimously agreed without discussion, and promptly adjourned.

District Attorney Kim Ogg in December persuaded Commissioners Court to delay a decision on whether to spend $14 million to repair floors two through 20. She argued the expense would be foolish if the county ultimately decides to raze the building.

A working group assembled by Hidalgo, which includes the district attorney, sheriff, chief public defender, district clerk and criminal district judges, recommended spending $4.9 million as a compromise.

We need more courts trying more cases and, if this is what it takes, we are for it, Ogg said in a statement Tuesday.

Harris Countys criminal justice system remains backlogged, 18 months after Harvey flooded the courthouse and halted proceedings for weeks. Displaced judges have shared courtrooms with other jurists in nearby buildings, and prosecutors remain scattered in offices throughout downtown Houston.

The future of much of the countys criminal justice complex remains in limbo, as its proximity to Buffalo Bayou puts the roughly eight-block area at risk of repeat flooding. The seven-year-old, $13 million jury assembly building sits abandoned at the center of the complex. Commissioners Court decided repairing the building would be unwise, as it is mostly underground, but has yet to approve a plan to replace it.

The countys Family Law Center at 1115 Congress, which was pressed back into service after Harvey, lacks a sprinkler system and proper evacuation routes and operates with a waiver from the Houston fire marshal. The 12-story building at 1301 Franklin, which houses offices of the district clerk, public defender and district attorney, also lacks sprinklers.

Harris County voters in 2007 approved a $70 million bond to build a new family law building, but Commissioners Court has yet to approve a plan for the structure.

Blount, the county engineer, said the working group must evaluate the criminal justice needs of the county before committing to new construction.

If we need twice as many offices and half as many courtrooms, we need to decide that now before we rebuild, Blount said.

zach.despart@chron.com
These 30 seconds should make you never leave your car unlocked again.

A brazen, late-night car break-in was captured by home surveillance camera in Houston last week, which shows a man allegedly break into an unlocked car.

In the video, the suspect walked through the front yard up to a black passenger car in the driveway.

CRIME: Massage therapist accused of groping teenager in southwest Houston

Frosty from the near-freezing temperatures in Houston last week, the car appears to have been unlocked since the burglar was able to open it right away.

The suspect rummaged through the car with a flashlight but appears to not make off with anything. Video shows he then went to a neighbor's vehicle and broke into that one, too.

The video, captured by a Ring camera, was recorded using motion-sensing technology that picked up on the suspect walking onto the homeowner's property.

The Houston Police Department urges drivers to lock their vehicles and hide or take any valuables.

Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message
Coming to the Harford County Sheriffs Office, I learned a lot about the office. It has a long, rich history, said Davis, 52, who lives in Stewartstown, Pa. Im honored by confidence of the sheriff to be able to have an even bigger role in this office that has had a great history and success, and be able to be part of its success going forward.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 4)  Opposition lawmakers argue the recent bombings in Jolo are not enough to justify the third extension of martial law in Mindanao.

In the 35-page memorandum filed Monday, petitioners explained the bombing incidents have been categorized as a terrorist attack by President Rodrigo Duterte himself  and not an act of continuing rebellion in Mindanao.

Lawmakers said the attack happened 46 days after the third extension of martial law was granted by Congress upon the initiative of the President, but it was not factual at the time of the extension.

READ: Congress grants third extension of Mindanao martial law until end of 2019

Petitioners pointed out terrorism is not equivalent to rebellion as they differed in "motive, target, and scope," and explained terrorism was a ground for the President to exercise his power to call on the armed forces to subdue lawless violence.

Rebellion, they added, is a basis for the declaration of martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.

They said no one in authority has called the Jolo blasts as acts of rebels, or were done to continue a rebellion.

They noted, it was simply and clearly terrorist attacks.

The military  in convincing justices during arguments  cited the Jolo Cathedral attack as proof of "continuing danger posed to the public by terrorist groups."
A committee examining equity within Houston ISDs coveted magnet school system made several recommendations for changes Monday, including the expansion of magnets to all middle and high schools, as well as a reduction in benefits for some elementary campuses.

In an effort to more fairly distribute magnet schools across the 213,000-student district, HISD should add new magnet programs to 14 middle schools and seven high schools currently without such options, committee members recommended. The programs would align according to feeder patterns, meaning middle and high schools in the same geographic area would contain identical magnet options.

To help pay for the magnet expansion, the committee recommended scaling back spending and transportation at some elementary schools with magnet programs, including those with dual language, International Baccalaureate, Vanguard and STEM offerings. Any changes should be phased in gradually, with students currently in elementary magnets maintaining their access to transportation through fifth grade, the committee said.

The recommendations followed two years of deliberations among a district-appointed group of roughly 30 staff members, parents and community leaders. Committee members said the goal is to provide more opportunities for students to attend high-quality magnet programs closer to their homes. About 32,700 students transfer out of their zoned neighborhood school to attend magnet programs throughout HISD, according to district data.

There were entire areas in our school district that were lacking magnet programs, and you could absolutely see why students and parents and families were choosing to bus their students around, said Aimee Wood, a committee member with three children in HISD magnet schools. Im really hoping our suggestions and recommendations will be a positive movement toward equity for all students in the district.

HISD administrators did not specify during a presentation Monday whether they plan to adopt any of the recommendations. No HISD officials were made available following the presentation to answer questions about the proposal. The committee included several HISD administrators, including Interim Chief Academic Officer Noelia Longoria.

Multiple trustees praised the committees recommendations Monday, while cautioning that they needed more time and information before fully endorsing the proposal.

I think (this) is an important step in doing what we have attempted to do on so many occasions and were not able to, Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones said.

HISDs extensive magnet and school choice system is one of the districts distinguishing features, providing wide-ranging opportunities for students to attend schools with extensive offerings. HISD first implemented magnet programs in 32 schools during the mid-1970s as a method of racial desegregation, at a time when the district served higher percentages of black and white students.

Today, 112 of the districts 280-plus campuses are considered magnet or choice schools. Some programs are housed in neighborhood schools, where magnet and non-magnet schools blend. Other campuses, mostly clustered near downtown Houston, serve students who travel from all corners of the district, with no neighborhood zone.

In recent years, critics of HISDs current magnet system have noted that some higher-poverty neighborhoods particularly those on the citys northwest, east and south sides  have fewer schools with magnet options. District administrators have pitched tweaks to HISDs magnet setup in recent years, often in fits and starts, with few major overhauls.

Most of the 14 middle schools that would get new magnet programs are located in the eastern half of the district. The seven high schools receiving new offerings would be Madison; North Forest; Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center; Sharpstown; Wheatley; Wisdom; and Worthing.

The committee did not recommend specific magnet programs for each campus. It was not immediately clear to what extent current middle school magnet programs would be changed to fit feeder patterns.

The committee also recommended eliminating academic requirements for admission to some magnet middle schools, which would allow an estimated 1,600 students to possibly attend those programs, among several other changes. The committee did not call for changes to program offerings at specialty non-zoned schools or tweaks to magnet funding rates.

HISD officials noted that no changes to current magnet offerings are imminent for 2019-20.

It would take a year of planning, at least, and it would be a three-year phase out, Longoria said.

jacob.carpenter@chron.com

twitter.com/chronjacob
The Havre de Grace group is scheduled to travel to Mumbles in September and stay in town with host families for five days  the exact dates will be determined at the Twinning Associations next meeting on March 19  and a group from Mumbles is slated to visit Havre de Grace in 2021. Inter-city visits will then happen on a four-year cycle, Stathes said.
I only half-listen to talking-head speculations about Robert Mueller, the special counsel, and what illegal activities he might have discovered with regard to Russia, Trump and Trumps 2016 campaign. One of the first advisories I received in the news business: You can prepare to report the deaths or indictments of public figures, but dont predict them, even if your sources are good. So, to my ear, all the conjecture about what Muellers investigators might have on Trump is, for now, chatter to fill the 24-7 news cycle.
Cary said officers are trained for any situation that can happen in an urban environment. The officers who apprehended the shooting suspect Monday had been responding to an unrelated fire alarm in a nearby building when they heard shots and saw someone fleeing. They pursued the suspect and caught him a short distance away.
The Rev. Malcolm Stranathan said the conversations address topics that are important to the community. The first serious concern many think of is the opioid crisis, but they have addressed others that may get less attention like zoning and affordable housing in the county or making connections with other faith communities.
On Jan. 21, its new statement sought to clarify its message by saying it condemned any disrespect to people based on skin color or ethnic heritage, but that it would be the responsibility of school authorities, parents and others to get to the bottom of a complex situation. On Jan. 23, it acknowledged in a third statement that initial reports of the incident were at best incomplete and issued an apology for [speaking] out too hastily.
The driver of the SUV  Mary Grillo, 80, of Gambrills  was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor-trailer  Tramaine Thompson, 28, of Nashville, Tennessee  was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.
AUSTIN  Secretary of State David Whitley, who sent a flawed data analysis to every elections official in Texas warning that nearly 100,000 non-U.S. citizens may have illegally registered to vote, is due Thursday to meet with state senators who will decide whether he should keep his job.

Democratic lawmakers say they want answers from Whitley, appointed in December by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, whose list of possible illegal voters has spurred a flurry of civil rights lawsuits, denunciations from county elections officials  and applause from the Texas GOP as well as President Donald Trump condemning voter fraud.

Whitley will need to be able to answer that there is not an effort to infringe peoples right to vote, said Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, vice chairman of the nominations committee that will hear testimony on Thursday. This is, in my view, a very important step in the process and a unique opportunity to start getting on the record answers about why were in this situation.

There are four Republicans and three Democrats on the committee.

Whitley, Abbotts former deputy chief of staff, has been applauded by both Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton for passing along the findings of the investigation  which was initiated in March 2018  into possible illegal voter registration.

Within days after Whitley sent out the analysis on Jan. 28, elections officials in a handful of counties, including Harris, found that more than 20,000 names had wrongly been included.

The state directed counties to check the lists and then send notices to suspected non-citizen voters requiring them to provide proof of citizenship. A half-dozen counties quickly sent out the notices and now face a lawsuit from a coalition of civil rights groups. Other counties, including Harris and Bexar, are waiting, reviewing the purge lists for more mistakes, or doing both.

Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

The hearing Thursday will be the first with Whitley speaking publicly about the voter rolls. Whitely declined an invitation to discuss the matter with the Mexican-American Legislative Caucus, said state Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, although Whitleys staff says the secretary has met privately with some legislators.

The issue is at best a scandal of incompetence and at worse, it is a scandal of maliciousness, said Anchia, who chairs the caucus. The fact that a group of duly elected legislators is getting the stiff arm from the state is troubling.

Paxton immediately launched a criminal investigation into voter fraud as Whitleys office sent out the initial list of 95,000 registered voters. They had been identified as possible non-citizen voters based on the analysis of elections records and driver license applications gathered by Department of Public Safety. About 58,000 of the flagged voters had cast ballots in past Texas elections.

Several groups, including the ACLU, the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund, and the League of United Latin American Citizens have since sued the state over what they call an attempt to purge eligible voters from the rolls.

Texas has a very stained history for denying people the right to vote, giving lawmakers and voters justifiable concern, Watson said. I think the Senate needs to be justifiably deliberate.

Related: ACLU, civil rights groups sue Texas officials over voter purge

Texas has a long record of court rulings that found intentional discrimination in how legislative district maps have been drawn, and in the states voter ID laws. This also isnt the first time a Texas secretary of state released a list of voters that wrongly identified people to be purged. The last was in 2012 when the state believed dead people were wrongfully listed on the voter rolls.

Buck Wood, an Austin attorney and former director of the state elections division, said the DPS data is notoriously inaccurate and called Whitleys list voter suppression, plain and simple.

Abbott says Whitley made it clear to elections officials that the list included weak matches that needed verification.

If he is approved by the nominations committee, Whitley will need approval by the full Senate to win his confirmation. A committee vote is expected in mid-February.

I doubt it impairs his chances but theyll take their lumps over it, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston.

On Monday, the League of United Latin American Citizens asked a judge for a preliminary injunction blocking any further action on the advisory issued to counties in their lawsuit against the state, the first one filed against the voter purge efforts. There will be a hearing Feb. 19 on the request in San Antonio.

Staff writers Dylan McGuinness in San Antonio and Samantha Ketterer in Houston contributed to this report.
Although it is not yet open to the public, most Harris County Precinct 4 departments have made the move to the precincts new service center in Tomball.

The staff has been moving to the new center since December from the old offices on Hugh Road near Beltway 8.

The new service center is located around Humble Road, just south of Alice Road on the west side of Texas 249. The offices were moved to the new location so that it would be closer to different locations in the precinct.

The future of the Hugh Road center is undecided, although several options are being considered. The main reason for the move was to provide a more centrally located facility for the precinct so that emergency, construction and maintenance operations could be deployed throughout the precinct more quickly and more efficiently, said Joe Stinebaker, Precinct 4 spokesperson.

The City of Tomball annexed about 375 acres of property back in May, which included the site of the service center in order to provide utilities to the site.

Additional construction to expand the center may also take place later this year, although a schedule has not been announced.

There are plans for maintenance facility, a covered area for maintenance vehicles, a gravel yard and covered vehicle rescue storage, Stinebaker said.

Operations and sign shop are two departments that have yet to move into the new facility, according to Stinebaker. Pct. 4 officials have not announced a date by which the new service center will be open to the public.

It is difficult to find. The road is not completely built to get back there for the public entrance, said Kent Clingerman, community assistant with Precinct 4.

Precinct 4 can be reached with questions or concerns at 832-927-4444.

mayra.cruz@chron.com
Courtesy photo

Feb. 14 is a day to focus on love. For members of the American Association of University Women Fort Bend Branch, the Feb. 14 will be an opportunity to focus on love of the planet and their personal environment.

We will hear Katharine Hayhoe, atmospheric scientist and professor of political science at Texas Tech University and director of the Climate Science Center, the AAUW reported in a news release. Through her TEDx Talk, Dr. Hayhoe says, The most important thing you can do about climate change is talk about it.
The lawsuit claims that Jones was investigated in June 2013 after the victim told his parents about the abuse, but due to the perilous state of his psychological state at the time  it was decided by the states attorney not to pursue criminal charges at the time.
After four long hours, officials with the Houston SPCA 24-hour animal ambulance and a local mechanic were able to rescue an adorable puppy that was stuck in a car engine Monday, according to a release from the Houston SPCA.

The owner noticed the puppy was stuck in her engine when she heard soft cries coming from inside the car, according to a Facebook post from the Houston SPCA.
As congregants gathered for Friday Shabbat, they joyfully sang songs in Hebrew and celebrated inclusion of those with disabilities both in and outside of their synagogues walls.

At Congregation Beth Yeshuruns Ninth Annual Inclusion Shabbat on Feb. 1, artists from Celebration Company  an entrepreneurial program for adults living with disabilities  lit candles and participated. The congregation sang a song that encouraged people to be themselves, and Maria Town, director of the Houston Mayors Office for People with Disabilities, shared about moments of inclusion that had changed her own life.

The special service was the work of the synagogues inclusion committee, which was one of the first across the nation when it formed in spring of 2010.

Our incredible inclusion committee has annually sponsored a Friday night Inclusion Shabbat in February during National Jewish Disability Month as a way to create awareness, respect and sensitivity within our community for the needs of those with disabilities, said Senior Rabbi Brian Strauss.

Through the committees advances, Beth Yeshurun has become more accessible by adding accessible doors, assisted listening devices, more handicap accessible seating, wheelchairs available for use and more. Services are also captioned.

In addition, the synagogue hosts a monthly activities program called The Gathering Place that serves those who are experiencing memory loss from conditions like Alzheimers and Parkinsons.

Strauss said the committee is always looking for ways to make Beth Yeshurun a more inclusive environment.

Maria Town worked in the White House on the nations disabilities programs under President Barack Obama before coming to Houston to work for Mayor Sylvester Turner.

She said, Inclusion happens in moments.

Born nearly three months premature, Town has dealt with physical disabilities all her life.

Her mother knew from the beginning that she would be different. The doctors told her, Ms. Town, your daughter may never ever walk or talk, but dont worry about that because well have technology. Town said she will always be thankful they did not tell her mother that she would be different and to institutionalize her.

From the moment I arrived, that was never an option with my family, Town said. That one moment with that doctor who made the comment that no matter how disabled I appeared, it was possible to live in the community, it was possible for me to be included.

In the sixth grade, Town arrived late to her first day at a new school. As she walked in classroom, the other students went dead silent and stared, except for one girl that erupted in nervous laughter. Town later learned the schools principal had told all of them ahead of time what to expect and to not acknowledge that she had a disability.

That girl eventually became Towns best friend, and the other students did grow to accept her and embrace her.

But what happened that day was those leaders of the school did not trust enough in me nor my fellow students in our own humanity to embrace one another and tried to create an artificial inclusion that ultimately backfired, Town said. I was more different in that moment than if I had just come in on my own and said, Hi, Im Maria. Its really nice to meet you. Im so excited to be in this class with you, which is what I had done throughout every other moment in my life.

Years later, Town invited a woman to the White House who had become disabled through physical violence as the president was planning to speak about a national campaign against violence. She was reluctant to come because she was not sure how she would be able to navigate the old building in her wheelchair, but Town said she would be there to guide her. Then she told Town she was worried about not being able to stand as the president entered the room.

I had to speak with her candidly and say, Every time I interact with the president, Im afraid Im going to fall. And the thing is I know intellectually that even if I did fall, hed be OK with it because hes human too, Town said. And so whats most important is not that you rise to show him respect but that you show him respect and tell him how important it is that we reduce violence in the United States and tell him your story.

Today, that woman is Arizona State Rep. Jennifer Longdon. She made up her mind then that she wanted to run. Since being elected, Longdon has worked worked to modify the Arizona state house for her wheelchair.

Town said that moment of honest conversation has paved the way for others to be included.

I still carry fear, and because I was so candid and admitted that to her and because we respected each others dignity, even in our frailty, she is creating moments of inclusion for so many people beyond her, Town said.

She said, Facilitating inclusion means facilitating rest, and offering an Inclusion Sabbath at Congregation Beth Yeshurun is an important step.

Being able to go into a classroom and know that youre accepted, being able to have a premature child and know that no matter how this child develops, they will be able to live and thrive in their community, being able to meet with anyone whether its the president of the United States, the leaders of your synagogue and know that no matter how you exist in your body or mind, you will be included means that you can rest fully and gracefully and peacefully, she said.

Congregation Beth Yeshurun is located at 4525 Beechnut St. in southwest Houston.

tracy.maness@hcnonline.com
From quiet suburbs like Katy to the historic River Oaks neighborhood and the heart of Houston, some of the city's most chilling crimes have taken place at these 17 addresses.

Who could forget places like Las Palmas II off Telephone Road, the cantina-turned brothel where police busted one of the largest sex-trafficking rings ever found in Houston in 2013? According to a previous Chronicle article, women were held at the site against their will, "and subjected to beatings, rape and threats of further abuse if they didn't work as prostitutes."
A northwest Harris County woman is behind bars after allegedly trying to get a troubled teen to enter a life of prostitution, according to Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heaps Office.

Shameka Young, 25, is being held in Harris County Jail on a $50,000 bail. Due to the age of the teen, Youngs ability to post personal bond was not approved. Young, 25, is charged with promotion of prostitution, a second-degree felony. A second-degree felony in Texas is punishable with 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

According to Harris County Constable Ted Heaps Office, Young tried to to force a 15-year-old runaway girl into prostitution. The incident began with the victim reportedly meeting Young near the intersection of FM 529 and Havencreek Drive in west Harris County.

HOUSTON CHRONICLE: HPD chief says city's violent crime down 10 percent

"The victim, a 15-year-old girl who suffers from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, told Precinct 5 investigators that Shameka Young took her to Southwest Houston on Jan. 16 and tried to force her, against her wishes, to 'walk the track,' working as a prostitute," according to the Constable's Office.

The victim said she refused.

The complainant stated that she asked the defendant several times to let her call her mother so she could go home, but the defendant refused, according to the filed complaint.

After another attempt to force her into prostitution, the teen was left at a shopping center in the 9800 block of Bissonnet. There she was found unharmed by Precinct 5 deputies on the evening of Jan. 17. The teen was released to her mother on the scene.

PREMIUM ANALYSIS: Houston parents of UT Austin student who died after possible hazing call for campus reform

According to the filed complaint, this section of Bissonnet Street is well known for street prostitution.

After reviewing the case, Precinct 5 investigator Ryan Hottman was able to track down Young through phone records and an earlier case involving a missing debit card. After interviewing the victim, her mother and other witnesses, investigators were able to identity the suspect which led to her arrest on Jan. 30.

Youngs next court date is set for March 29. According to Harris County District Clerk records, she was previously arrested twice on felonies, once for aggravated assault on a family member and once for evading arrest.

rkent@hcnonline.com

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You have to meet patients where they are, and thats what this program is doing, said Dr. Jay Perman, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore, one of the partner institutions in the program. Its low-tech, its high-tech, its community-based. It combines what we can do with our tele-health abilities. And it is a model that puts the patient at the center of the team.
With all the praise lavished on the The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown, you'd think it would claim the top spot on a list of Houston's best hotels.

But the U.S. News & World Report just unveiled its top 15 hotels for 2019, and it ranks the buzzy hotel at No. 3 on the list of best Houston lodgings. >>>See the full Houston ranking in the gallery above.

Don't feel too bad for the posh hotel: Since it opened in March 2018, the Post Oak has generated numerous headlines for its local and national accolades. In September, Tilman Fertitta's latest debut received the AAA's most prestigious five-diamond rating. It was the only Houston hotel to earn the distinction in 2018.

UNIQUE TEXAS TRAVEL: Book a bubble suite under the Texas stars

Of course, newer hotels often need more than a mere 11 months open to establish their level of customer service and amenities, which are considered when composing these rosters.

So which local hotel took the No. 1 spot for U.S. News & World Report? Spoiler: the Hotel Granduca, which has claimed the top place on this list in years past.

LOCAL LIFESTYLE: Find i-depth dives into Houston culture at HoustonChronicle.com

The Galleria-area hotel was lauded for its "old-world Italian charm," from the decor to the dining. The report's praise for the local winner:

"Inspired by Old World Italy, the Hotel Granduca treats Houston visitors to a taste of Europe. From the gourmet cuisine at Ristorante Cavour to afternoon tea, this property knows how to help guests slow down and unwind. You can pick from a number of room types, the most luxurious being the Residenza Imperatore, which has its own separate entrance and 2,100 square feet of space. Most guests say the customer service is excellent, too (perhaps reminiscent of the famous Italian hospitality). Visitors enjoy spending time by the pool and in Bar Malatesta, where drinks are often accompanied by live music. To top it all off, Hotel Granduca gladly welcomes pets, pampering them with treats and special pillows. What's more, Leaders Club members get perks like room upgrades and complimentary breakfast at this hotel.

World Report's broader lists look at lodgings on a national and global scale, too. In the U.S., Hawaii's Four Seasons Resort Hualalai took the No. 1 spot, followed by The Peninsula Chicago at No. 2 and the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida at No. 3.

"The U.S. News Best Hotels rankings combine data from industry expert evaluations as well as traveler-focused reviews and insight to provide a more holistic idea of what each hotel has to offer," senior travel editor at U.S. News Hannah Cheney said in a prepared statement. "Readers can use the rankings to find a variety of options for every type of vacation."

NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here.
Jobie Breaux gently grasped the hands of the woman named Lisa who stood behind the counter at a Katy massage parlor and bowed her head.

Praying over the woman, Jobie, a volunteer who had come to an intervention with Elijah Rising, asked God to allow Lisa to feel your love.

Cover her with your presence and your blessing and she would just know the love of Jesus. Amen, Jobie said in prayer.

Smiling, Lisa thanked Jobie and accepted a rose from the Elijah Rising volunteers, but it was unclear whether Lisa, whose English was limited, understood the interaction.

Abby Stewart, a 21-year-old Elijah Rising volunteer, was leading the hours-long intervention on a Friday night along Fry Road and said encounters like this are common during the once-a-month interventions.

A lot of these women here are being trafficked because they were guaranteed a work visa, Stewart said. They came over (from Asia) and they were expecting a job, but the job they were expecting was probably not the job they currently have. But now because of the papers they have, the person who brought them here is kind of in control of that whole situation.

Vanessa Forbes, intervention coordinator at Elijah Rising, said touring Asian massage parlors is how she first got involved in the organization.

COMING TOGETHER: Katy community supports Canyon Gate couple

Everyone goes out of their way to find the missing 17-year-old suburban white girl, but lets talk about the women who are here in the middle of our neighborhoods who are being asked to do sexual acts every day, Forbes said. They are hidden in plain sight. They are overlooked.

While efforts by community groups to bring attention to human trafficking in the region have been successful across Harris County and some neighboring counties, where the Houston Police Department has established a federally-funded human trafficking task force aimed at identifying, apprehending and prosecuting those engaged in the practice, not all law enforcement believe the problem is as widespread as nonprofits say it is.

To be truly successful in putting a dent into trafficking activity, collaboration between agencies is crucial, said Houston Police Department Sgt. John Wall, who heads the task force.

Come together, work together

According to information from Polaris, a nonprofit dedicated to eradicating human trafficking, victims of massage parlor trafficking in the United States are mostly mothers between the ages of 30 and 50 who recently arrived from China or South Korea and speak little or no English.

CHILLING BACK STORIES: The most notorious addresses in Houston

The Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance-Southern District of Texas works with community partners, such as Elijah Rising, to offer victims services and to identify victims of all forms of human trafficking, including domestic, international, labor and sex trafficking.

We conduct proactive investigations, meaning we go out into the community to locate victims based on intelligence that we have developed, Wall said. We can prosecute on the state level and on the federal level just depending on the type and complexity of the case.

The task forces jurisdiction is Harris County and any county that touches it, as those counties fall into the United States Attorneys Office Southern District of Texas, where a federal prosecutor has the authority to prosecute human trafficking cases.

We all just kind of come together, work together and thats the thing, Wall said. This is not a problem that can be tackled by one entity. I mean it takes everybody, including the community.

The HTRA has federal and state task force officers in position in Montgomery and Harris counties, and one officer in Fort Bend County out of the District Attorneys Office.

We really kicked off in late 2016 and we started with about six agencies, Wall said. That has grown to 22 local, state and federal agencies within a two-year period. As we continue to move forward, we are looking at prospects in Galveston County, Brazoria County, in and out east toward Liberty and Chambers County.

ON HoustonChronicle.com: Public education, school safety flagged as emergency items by Gov. Greg Abbott

The task force is behind the arrest of nearly two dozen Houston men and women accused of promoting prostitution or trafficking a person in some way in 2018, including a case in which a three people were charged with felony aggravated promotion of prostitution after authorities said they had forced a 20-year-old Fort Worth woman to be a prostitute against her will.

In October 2018, through its work with the HTRA, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office arrested 75 suspects and recovered five trafficked individuals after a month-long prostitution sting in The Woodlands.

The county joined the multi-jurisdictional task force in 2017, said Montgomery County Sheriffs Office Lt. Scott Spencer.

Through this partnership, we have been able to combine resources and become a force multiplier with other local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized, Spencer said.

The task force has been able to target human trafficking suspects, investigate cases of human trafficking and provide services to victims, he added.

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By being proactive in the fight against human trafficking, Sheriff (Rand) Henderson has been able to send a message loud and clear that human trafficking will not be tolerated anywhere, especially in Montgomery County, Spencer said.

Wall said that a $1.5 million grant from the federal government could help the task force expand its capabilities with a dedicated human trafficking state-of-the-art facility that will bring together state, federal and local law enforcement, prosecutors, and victims service under one roof.

Hidden in plain sight

Elijah Rising, which formed in 2012, is one of many in the region dedicated to raising awareness of the issue and fighting human trafficking. Using escort service-type websites, volunteers can target Fort Bend County-area illicit massage parlors where women offer sexual favors for cash.

Through intervention, prayer and bus tours, their goal is to show support to the women working in the parlors with small gifts and kindness in hopes that the woman will eventually leave. The women oftentimes do not see themselves as victims, Forbes said.

In Fort Bend, Freedom Church Alliance trains churches to be actively engaged in fighting human trafficking, said Development and Operations Manager Allison Hankins.

Weve hosted events in Sugar Land and are planning more to keep educating that community, Hankins said.

BELLAIRE BUSINESS: Massage therapist accused of groping teenager in southwest Houston

Not all law enforcement in the jurisdiction believe the problem is as big as community groups say it is. Law enforcement across Fort Bend County were split on whether the human trafficking is as widespread as community groups in the Houston region say.

Sgt. David Marcaurele, Fort Bend County Sheriffs Office chief deputy, said he hears about human trafficking in the area from community groups all the time.

They are very vocal about it, Marcaurele said. I can only tell you that from a professional standpoint of law enforcement, we dont see evidence of that to support a widespread issue. Not withstanding that  it could happen tomorrow. We havent seen a lot of it. Weve had some cases that Ive seen with different agencies, but its not as widespread.

Marcaurele said Fort Bend County is not conducive to that kind of crime, so they dont do it here.

Thats basic criminality, Marcaurele said, noting that the county is affluent and rural. Were the place that maybe (criminals) want to come out and maybe steal some stuff from somebody because we have good things to steal.

Katy Police Department Interim Chief Tim Tyler said that while the city hasnt had any reports of human trafficking, hes not naive enough to think that with Interstate 10 running through the city that its immune to the problem.

GOODBYE HISD: The most popular schools for students transferring out of HISD

We have not taken any reports or had an investigation in the matter, Tyler said. With Interstate 10 running through the city - thats the major east-west corridor for the south United States. There are going to be vehicles and stuff like that coming through that holds people against their will. Theres just no other way they can get through here without coming through Katy.

Lt. Lowell Neinast with the Richmond Police Department said he doesnt recall a case of human trafficking ever crossing my desk, ever.

We dont face a lot of it here, Neinast said. Its not something that we deal with. Im sure there are trafficking victims here, but how do you identify them? That just goes to show how dark and underground (the practice) is. Thats a scary thought.

Proactive approach

Rosenberg Police Department Assistant Chief Jarret Nethery said with the city on U.S. 59 South, human trafficking definitely occurs in the area.

The 59 corridor is a pipeline for the trafficking of illegal narcotics, guns, money and persons, Nethery said. Nethery, who was once a detective on the Internet Crimes Against Children task force in the Fort Bend County Sheriffs Office, said human trafficking is often underreported.

If you dont have people going and flipping over those rocks, youre not going to find it, he said. If we were to encounter issues with human trafficking or suspected incidents of it, that would be our answer: to bring in regional resources such as Houstons Vice Division.

State of the Union 2019: Familiar Houston names and faces in attendance

Wall said he hopes that the task forces proactive approach spreads into more of the suburbs. The task force is adding another investigator to the Fort Bend region.

He acknowledges the comments made by some Fort Bend authorities regarding their belief on the scarceness of human trafficking in the area.

We all know that thats not true, Wall said. I know that for a fact. And all you have to do is really go on to some of these escort sites and see the ads in Stafford, Missouri City, Richmond, places like that.

I dont know if its politics or if they really believe that or not, but I can tell you based on my experience in doing this the last five years that theres not one area that is immune, he added.

michelle.iracheta@chron.com
Pho Dien 1960 will let diners know that Tet, or Lunar New Year, is here with flower displays, holiday songs, luck totems, and the gift of food.

On Jan. 8, however, it was the Pho Diens turn to be gifted. In the latest version of its Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. list, Yelp ranked Pho Dien 1960 at 58th, making it one of five Houston-based eateries that impressed enough visitors to gain the status of must try this year.

Ly Minh Bao Quynh, Pho Dien 1960s owner, was ecstatic when he found out. The store will have its first anniversary on March 10.

What Quynhs mother, Nguyen Thi Thanh Van, loved most about the place is how it could let people visit another culture by way of cuisine. Although retired, Van, and husband Pham An Da, are a regular presence at the restaurant  shes the cashier, hes one of the waiters.

Although we could go exercise or do charity work, wed like to help our son since the restaurant is still new, Van said. If it gets crowded, (Da) can help greet customers, say a thing or two. I may help the young staff set the tables, too.

MUST TRY: Houston-area restaurants on Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in U.S. list

She added that Das main job is to guide diners, which would mainly be non-Asians, she observed, to the right way of enjoying pho. Van said hed give the regular tip of tasting the broth first  as is  before cueing the condiments such as hoisin sauce, satay or Sriracha.

On the restaurants Yelp page, older gentleman is listed as one of the three notable features.

The service I received is the big winner here, wrote user Shawn P. from Humble in his review in April.

Van credited Pham Cong Dien, whose name is also on the restaurant, for being around when everything started. The Humble spot is the second Pho Dien in Houston, the other is at Bellaire and Kirkwood.

He always helps other people, Van said. Technically hes a brother-in-law, but to us hes much more than that.

Dien has owned his brand for seven years now; Bellaire-area frequenters would be no stranger to his original restaurant once-located in Kim Son Plaza. Of the Humble store, he said he is happy with its current direction.

HIDDEN GEM: Restaurant at Houston suburb gas station makes Yelp's national best eats list

For me, when we open a restaurant that has a strong sense of family, we will gain a lot of trust from the surrounding communities, Dien said. I could open a location anywhere  Im adaptable  and in any business decision passion always must be placed first. We show our passion through ingredients of quality. Diners are very sharp, especially Vietnamese who often go grocery shopping, so theyll know which is fresh.

Dien added that he might extend his brand to Austin and Dallas and become a consultant for the franchise owner.

That person will be the lucky one, and I used lucky because I will be guiding them from A to Z  just like a master I once knew, he said, referring to a Hong Kong chef who taught him the trade while living in Colorado.

Pho Diens official website is phodienhouston.webs.com. Pho Dien 1960, opens seven days at 9 a.m., also accepts to-go orders at 281-973-8868.

nguyen.le@chron.com
On Saturday, January 26, the Liberty Middle School Panther Players traveled to Tarkington for the District 21-4A One Act Play competition and garnered several awards.

Performing Ford Ainsworth's Farewell to Galatea, the Liberty Theater Program took second place, winning the District Runner-Up Trophy.
Oil sank for a second straight day as service-sector orders fed worries about the economy and traders received another report of booming U.S. crude supplies.

Futures in New York fell 1.7 percent on Tuesday, after a volatile session that bounced between gains and losses. A gauge of demand for American service industries hit a one-year low in January, following data on Monday that showed an unexpected drop in factory activity. Prices maintained the decline after an oil-industry report was said to show crude stockpiles growing for the third consecutive week.

That countered word that Russia curbed output by 47,000 barrels a day last month from October levels, as it seeks to implement cuts pledged by top exporters to boost the market. Saudi Arabia was said to nudge up prices for its heavier grades as well. The uncertain outcome of the leadership struggle in oil-rich Venezuela also hung over the market.

PREVIOUSLY: Oil slides as U.S. stockpiles swell, factory orders disappoint

"People are slowly getting nervous about the economy," said Michael Lynch, president of Strategic Energy and Economic Research in Winchester, Massachusetts. "Everyone is worried that prices will be weaker than last year."

Crude has rallied about 20 percent this year as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and other partners cut volumes by the most in two years. Rig data signaled U.S. shale drilling is slowing down despite record output from the nation. Still, concerns about the global economy and thus oil demand have lingered.

West Texas Intermediate crude for March delivery settled at $53.66 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, down 90 cents.

AT THE PUMP: Gasoline prices dip despite oil's recovery

Brent for April settlement slipped 53 cents to $61.98 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The global benchmark crude was at a $7.98 premium to WTI for the same month.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said Russia is "fully complying with obligations" and will gradually cut output by May. That would put it behind an earlier promise to reach its pledged reduction in the first quarter. Saudi Arabia said last month that Russia's curbs were moving slower than hoped for, although the kingdom said it expected compliance eventually.

In the U.S., crude inventories grew by 2.51 million barrels last week, according to people familiar with American Petroleum Institute data released on Tuesday. Official statistics are due Wednesday from the Energy Information Administration. A Bloomberg survey of analysts predicted a smaller 1.85 million barrel increase.

--With assistance from Michelle Kim, Tsuyoshi Inajima and Alex Longley.

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
Mayor Sylvester Turner urges Houston companies and organizations to join the hundreds of their counterparts who already participate in Hire Houston Youth, the trailblazing program that matches the citys youth with summer jobs, internships and apprenticeships that pay at least $8 per hour for seven weeks.

The program empowers applicants 16 to 24 years old to learn and earn as they plan and train for full-time jobs in Houstons dynamic economy.
When Yesenia Sanchez got home late Jan. 27 and bit into her Whataburger sandwich, she got a huge surprise.

Instead of tasting the juicy, cheesy perfection of a typical burger from Texas' beloved fast-food chain, Sanchez said she got a mouth full of mud.

"[My] body went numb and [my] stomach turned into knots," Sanchez wrote to the Chronicle. "[I] couldn't believe what I was looking at. [I] felt it and [it] looked like mud."

Sanchez shared video of the discovery Sunday night.

"I was literally gagging and threw up a bit in my mouth," Sanchez said.

Sanchez said she called the restaurant located at 1900 Decker Drive in Baytown immediately and was told to come and speak with the manager in person.

HOUSTON RESTAURANTS: The top 10 most common health violations  and why you should care

"Once I opened the sandwich he [the manager] shook his head and apologized for it said he'd 'talk to them,'" Sanchez said.

Sanchez said she thinks the two employees that made the sandwich intentionally placed the mud in the sandwich after she requested a different type of bread, she said. Sanchez said she did receive a refund for the allegedly muddy burger, but she feels let down by Whataburger.

"I handled the situation calmly and [I was] collected even though what they did to me was foul," Sanchez said. "[I] feel sorry for the boys that cooked my sandwich [and I] hope they get help with the problems that led them to do that."

A manager of the Baytown Whataburger refused to provide a comment to the Chronicle. The Chronicle reached out to the Whataburger Corporate Communications team for comment and received the following statement:

"We're taking this matter very seriously, and we're focused on getting to the bottom of what happened and making it right with this customer. We immediately reached out to apologize and invited the customer back for a free meal and open dialogue. We're also reinforcing training procedures."

Rebecca Hennes covers community news. Read her on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | rebecca.hennes@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message
Across Texas, thousands of iconic brown and yellow signs tell state park visitors where they are, where to go, what they're looking at and how to find the restrooms.

The man behind all of them is Willie Steinhauser, the only sign maker employed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Since he began the job, based at Bastrop State Park, about four and a half years ago, Steinhauser guesses he has made somewhere between 5,000 and 6,000 signs  and probably has at least one sign in every one of the almost 100 state parks.

"It's something I really enjoy," Steinhauser said. "It's kind of interesting to make these things and know they're going out there somewhere in Texas, which is a vast place, and families all over the place are going to see them. It's kind of fulfilling. You can go places and say 'I've made that one.'"

Steinhauser had worked as a park ranger before becoming the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's sign shop manager and had some experience repairing the markers, but otherwise knew relatively little about the process.

RELATED: Texas Parks and Wildlife opens new access points for fishing, kayaking at Llano River

When the former sign shop manager decided to retire after decades in the position, Steinhauser applied for the job.

"I wasn't quite sure I knew what I was getting into, I just knew it was the sign making," Steinhauser said.

Jamie Creacy, superintendent of Bastrop and Buescher State Parks, said Steinhauser is a natural.

"Willie is a great fit to manage the sign shop because he has a strong independent work ethic, values putting out a good product, holds a high regard for serving the state park system and is always willing to land a hand," Creacy said in a statement.

The position has duties outside of sign making -- he steps in as needed to a variety of park ranger roles -- but when Steinhauser puts his other obligations aside and devotes a day to making signs only, he produces quite a few, he said.

First, he sands and prepares the wood, spending about 15 minutes per board. He carefully double checks the spelling of the text requested by parks officials and then inputs it into a Computer Numeric Control machine, which carves the text onto the board in about three to five minutes.

I truly dont think Ive ever made a spelling mistake, Steinhauser said in a video made about him by Texas Parks and Wildlife.

When hes printing signs in Spanish, he consults an expert.

I check it all the time just to make sure its spelled right," he said.

State Park staff and volunteers paint the signs once they arrive, so once the machine is done, so is Steinhauser's job.

Except he's almost never done.

RELATED: Padre Island National Seashore's Kite Day canceled due to shutdown, annual clean-up to take place

Steinhauser has caught up quite a bit on back orders in the past four years, thanks primarily to the new machine, which is significantly faster than a more labor-intensive method the state was using before he began. He's sped up turnaround time from about one year to one to four months. Even so, he's constantly trying to keep up with the slew of orders pouring in.

"It's a big state. There are like 96 state parks in Texas," Steinhauser said. "They always need signs for trails, roads, warnings, different things. Some are just damaged through age. And they're not just for state parks, but also divisions like the Wildlife Division...and Fisheries Departments."

Signs are broken through natural wear-and-tear, by being hit or by natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey. Occasionally, park staff will be able to repair damaged signs, but more often they replace them. Staff send orders of up to several hundred to Steinhauser, totaling an estimated 2,000 per year, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Spokeswoman Stephanie Garcia.

Requests already have words or phrasing included, so Steinhauser doesn't have to write anything unless the requested text doesn't fit the sign. Some requests are as simple as a number, while others are 12-foot long park names. He's been known to include park logos, handicap signs and even dinosaur tracks on the signs.

His most unusual pair says "Nowhere" and "The other side of nowhere." The two signs sit back to back in Big Bend Ranch State Park. He's hoping to one day get a chance to make the "Morgue" sign that sits in another state park, he said.

Another sign he made, for Caprock Canyons State Park, was nicknamed the official scratching post for the state bison herd.

RELATED: Photos show Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's 'newest crown jewel'

His professional budget of about $11,000 pays the cost of all the signs and is mostly used for timber, he said.

One of the best parts of the job, he said, is seeing his signs and pointing them out to his children while traveling across the state. He can always tell which ones he made because the font is slightly different than under the previous sign maker.

Steinhauser's signs are likely familiar to almost every Texan. But though his work is recognizable, many Texans know his name or the process.

"Always wondered about the signs," one person commented on the Texas Parks and Wildlife YouTube video. The sentiment was echoed by multiple others.

When he does meet people, he's easily remembered as "the sign shop guy."

"Usually it's somewhere in a park where I start to run into people and they say 'Oh, you're the sign shop guy,'" Steinhauser said. "It's been kind of fun. I've met a whole lot of people in this state."

S. M. Chavey is a breaking news and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | sarah.chavey@express-news.net | @smchavey
Houston energy service firm McDermott International has been awarded a contract to design an offshore platform that will be used to feed a liquefied natural gas plant in Western Australia.

Woodside Energy awarded McDermott a contract for front-end engineering and design work on a floating production unit for the Scarborough gas field off the west coast of Australia.

Located in the Indian Ocean about 236 miles off the Australia's Burrup Peninsula, the Scarborough field is being developed as a joint venture between Perth, Australia-based Woodside and BHP Billiton. The offshore field is believed to hold an estimated 7.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves.

The floating production unit being designed by McDermott will be used to process natural gas from a series of 12 underwater wells. The natural gas will be shipped via pipeline to the mainland for further processing and delivery to Woodside's Pluto LNG plant and domestic natural gas networks.

Overseas: McDermott lands ethylene furnace contract in Indonesia

Financial terms were not disclosed. A team from McDermott's office in The Hague, Netherlands has been selected to lead the project.

"Woodside is a key customer of our company, and it is therefore outstanding to see such an important project leveraging off McDermott's global capabilities," McDermott Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific Ian Prescott said in a statement.

Fuel Fix: Get daily energy news headlines in your inbox

Upon completion of the engineering and design work, Woodside has the option to award McDermott with an engineering, procurement, construction and installation contract for project.

Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Houston, McDermott is an engineering, procurement, construction and installation company that specializes in energy projects. The company has more than 40,000 employees in 54 countries.
The Court of Special Appeals rejected the argument that the mishandling of cellphone tower evidence was grounds for a new trial, as the lower court had found. But it upheld the lower court ruling nonetheless, accepting the argument that Syeds defense should have called Asia McClain Chapman to the stand as an alibi witness, something the lower court had not accepted.
(Bloomberg) -- Digital-asset exchange Quadriga CX has a $200 million problem with no obvious solution -- just the latest cautionary tale in the unregulated world of cryptocurrencies.

The online startup cant retrieve about C$190 million ($145 million) in Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ether and other digital tokens held for its customers, according to court documents filed Jan. 31 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Nor can Vancouver-based Quadriga CX pay the C$70 million in cash theyre owed.

Access to Quadriga CXs digital wallets -- an application that stores the keys to send and receive cryptocurrencies -- appears to have been lost with the passing of Quadriga CX Chief Executive Officer Gerald Cotten, who died Dec. 9 in India from complications of Crohns disease. He was 30.

Cotten was always conscious about security -- the laptop, email addresses and messaging system he used to run the 5-year-old business were encrypted, according to an affidavit from his widow, Jennifer Robertson. He took sole responsibility for the handling of funds and coins and the banking and accounting side of the business and, to avoid being hacked, moved the "majority" of digital coins into cold storage.

BITCOIN BENTLEY: Houston billionaire entrepreneur's auto dealership takes cryptocurrency

His security measures are understandable. Virtual currency exchanges suffered at least five major attacks last year. Japan, home to some of the worlds most active digital-asset exchanges, has also hosted two of the biggest known crypto hacks: the Mt. Gox debacle of 2014 and the theft of nearly $500 million in digital tokens from Coincheck Inc. last January.

The problem is, Robertson said she cant find his passwords or any business records for the company. Experts brought in to try to hack into Cottens other computers and mobile phone met with only "limited success" and attempts to circumvent an encrypted USB key have been foiled, his widow, who lives in a suburb of Halifax, said in the court filing.

"After Gerrys death, Quadrigas inventory of cryptocurrency has become unavailable and some of it may be lost," Robertson said, adding that the companys access to currency has been "severely compromised" and the firm has been unable to negotiate bank drafts provided by different payment processors.

Quadriga CXs directors posted a notice on the firms website on Jan. 31 that it was asking the Nova Scotia court for creditor protection while they address significant financial issues" affecting their ability to serve customers. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, and Ernst & Young has been chosen as a proposed monitor.

For the past weeks, we have worked extensively to address our liquidity issues, which include attempting to locate and secure our very significant cryptocurrency reserves held in cold wallets, and that are required to satisfy customer cryptocurrency balances on deposit, as well as sourcing a financial institution to accept the bank drafts that are to be transferred to us," the firm said. Unfortunately, these efforts have not been successful."

As is often the case with crypto, the episode has raised speculation on Reddits online forums, where posters are wondering aloud if the business was a scam, calling for class-action lawsuits and even concocting conspiracy theories that call into question whether the CEO is even deceased. The latest online speculation suggests that Quadriga CX funds have been moving -- even though the firm claims they cant get access.

--With assistance from Luke Kawa.

To contact the reporter on this story: Doug Alexander in Toronto at dalexander3@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Michael J. Moore at mmoore55@bloomberg.net, ;David Scanlan at dscanlan@bloomberg.net, ;Jeremy Herron at jherron8@bloomberg.net, Dave Liedtka, Andrew Dunn

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
Syrian Muslims embrace Christianity after witnessing ISIS brutality

Syrian Christians have shared how they converted from Islam to Christianity after witnessing the brutality of Islamic extremist groups like ISIS, who carried out barbaric acts in the name of Allah.

Members of the recently-established Church of the Brethren in Kobani  the first local Christian place of worship for decades  shared with NBC News how Christianity appealed to them after living under Sharia law.

Farhad Jasim, 23, who works as a mechanic, converted to Christianity late last year. He told NBC he was jailed by ISIS for six months in early 2016 after the militants discovered he didn't know the basics of Islam. During his time in captivity, he was tortured and forced to read the Quran.

"After I witnessed their brutality with my own eyes, I started to be skeptical about my belief," Jasim said.

After hearing about the Church of the Brethren, which opened in September and is part of a denomination that dates back to 18th-century Germany, Jasim decided to visit: "It didn't take me long to discover that Christianity was the religion I was searching for," he said.

Jasim told the outlet his family has rejected him because of his newfound faith and expressed hope that one day, his loved ones will not only forgive him but embrace Christianity, too.

"If ISIS represents Islam, I don't want to be a Muslim anymore," he said. "Their God is not my God."

Firas, a 47-year-old farmer, told NBC he converted to Christianity after living under ISIS for two years. He recalled how militants would terrorize anyone who didn't adhere to their particular brand of Islam.

"I saw men and young teenagers being whipped on the streets because they were caught smoking. I saw dead bodies of young men being thrown from high buildings for being gay," Firas said. "This was their Islam."

"If heaven is made for ISIS and their belief, I would choose hell for myself instead of being again with them in the same place, even if it's paradise," he added.

While ISIS was driven out of the city, located along the Syrian-Turkish border, over four years ago, converting to Christianity remains taboo  and even dangerous  in the Muslim-majority region. Persecution watchdog Open Doors notes that even in more secure parts of Syria, Christians who have converted from Islam face pressure and discrimination from their communities. Kobani is home to about 300 Christians, according to estimates.

Omar, 38, who serves as church administrator, said that even before ISIS overtook the region, it was strictly forbidden to change religion from Islam to Christianity. But under ISIS, converting to Christianity "wasn't even imaginable," he said, adding: "ISIS would kill you immediately."

"Most of the brothers here converted or come to church as a result of what ISIS did to them and to their families," he said. "No one is forced to convert. Our weapon is the prayer, the spreading of spirit of love, brotherhood and tolerance."

Currently, just 4.6 percent of Syrians are believed to be Christian, according to a report by Aid to the Church in Need. Additionally, about 700,000 Christians are believed to have left Syria since the civil war began in 2011.

In December, President Donald Trump announced that US troops would withdraw from Syria, stating, "We have won against ISIS. We've beaten them and we've beaten them badly. We've taken back the land and now it's time for our troops to come back home."

However, amid concerns that pulling U.S. troops out of Syria will put persecuted Christians, Kurds and other ethnic minorities at risk, Trump later clarified he would send U.S. forces back if ISIS and other terror groups regain their strength.

"The President's made clear that we support Christians, that we support the Kurds," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders recently told CBN News. "He's made that clear to Turkey, he's made that clear publicly on a number of fronts, and just one of the reasons that the President has been tough on Iran is to make sure that people don't feel threatened. We've supported the safe zones that are going to be very important, and the idea that the President is just stepping away and ignoring any potential problem doesn't understand the fundamental decision that he's made."

Courtesy of The Christian Post
Some midwives withholding unborn baby's gender over abortion fears

Some hospitals in Scotland are choosing not to disclose the gender of unborn babies to parents over concerns around legal action, it has been claimed.

Some midwives reportedly fear that legal action will be taken against them by parents-to-be if they get the gender wrong, but one told the Sunday Post they were concerned about sex-selective abortions.

The newspaper reports that following a freedom of information request, four out 14 NHS boards in Scotland said that they did not reveal the unborn baby's gender.

Two unnamed midwives mentioned the possibility of legal action if they got the gender wrong.

'Mistakes happen,' one told the newspaper.

'I had a case where a couple were told they were having a wee girl and everything they had was pink, the nursery was decorated pink, and then they had a boy.'

Another had the same concern but added their fear that the mothers of girls may not continue with the pregnany.

'There were threats of legal action if we got it wrong,' they said.

'And some women no longer nurtured the pregnancy if they were told it was a girl.'

NHS Grampian said sonographers in its hospitals no longer reveal the gender because they have received 'verbal abuse' in the past after being unable to tell whether the baby was a boy or girl.

The spokesperson told the Sunday Post that policy documents were being amended to clarify that 'gender is not determined' unless the pregnant woman needs to be informed of a medical condition in the womb.

NHS boards in Orkney, Shetland and Forth Valley also withhold information about the gender.

Elizabeth Duff, senior policy adviser at the National Childbirth Trust, said it was not always possible to accurately determine an unborn baby's gender from sonographs.

'Naturally, while having a scan many parents want to find out the sex of their baby  it's exciting, enables them to plan and can help with bonding,' she said.

'However, due to many factors such as the clarity of the images and position of the baby, the sonographer cannot guarantee they will accurately identify the baby's gender.'

Sponsored partner: How to know the gender of the baby during pregnancy at home
Sean Doherty to be new principal of Trinity College Bristol

The new principal of the Church of England's Trinity College, Bristol has been announced as Rev Dr Sean Doherty, currently on the staff of St Mellitus' College in London.

Doherty has served as tutor in ethics at St Mellitus College in London for the last eight years and as director of studies for the last four. He and his wife Gaby live opposite Grenfell Tower with their four children; Gaby is the author of Grenfell Hope, a book about their experience of the fire and the impact it had on them and their community.

Doherty is the author of The Only Way is Ethics and has contributed to the ongoing debate on human sexuality in the CofE as a member of the General Synod and through the 'Living in Love and Faith' process.

He describes himself as a 'Christian who experiences same-sex attraction but who has chosen to move away from a gay identity', writing in an article for Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics of the need to 'vigorously challenge the rigid, binary 'gay-straight' polarity as a marker of identity' and to 'model and promote celibacy  whether temporary or lifelong'.

Trinity's departing principal Rev Dr Emma Ineson said: 'Sean brings with him a wealth of experience in theological education, which will be invaluable to Trinity in the coming years. He is someone who will understand and embrace Trinity's kingdom vision. He is a gifted academic and is well known and respected in the wider Church of England, and in various other networks. Above all, Sean has a gentle and humble nature, a pastor's heart, and a passion to share in the formation of leaders for the church. I am excited to see what God will do through Trinity under Sean's leadership over the coming years.'

Doherty said: 'I had heard through Emma Ineson about some of the exciting things going on at Trinity, especially its kingdom ethos. I'm delighted to join a community that places such value on the formation of the whole person. You get that best through community  a community that is open to the Holy Spirit.'
New El Salvador president urged to champion peace after election win

The newly elected president of El Salvador Nayib Bukele has been urged to work for peace when he takes office in June.

The 37-year-old broke the decades-long hold on power by the country's two main political parties after winning the election on Sunday.

CAFOD's head of Latin America, Clare Dixon, warned however that the former mayor still faces a tough challenge ahead to win support in the legislative assembly.

She said decades of two-party politics had left Salvadorans 'deeply polarised', with only around half of the country bothering to vote in the election.

Bukele rose to victory on the promise of stamping out corruption but Dixon said his ability to implement meaningful reforms would depend on how successful he is in persuading other political leaders to support his programme.

'The future is unpredictable but the next two years will be crucial in determining whether Salvadorans can look forward to a brighter future,' she said.

Others share her concern. The Director of Caritas El Salvador, Antonio Banos, said he feared more violence following Bukele's win.

He warned that 'uncertain times lie ahead for El Salvador and that it is possible that the endemic violence in the country could increase in the wake of this result'.

Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chavez, the auxiliary Bishop of San Salvador and President of Caritas, said that the principal challenge for Bukele lay in overcoming murderous violence and restoring peace to the country.

He welcomed the peaceful way that Bukele's election rivals had accepted the result as he called on all sectors of the country to work together to address corruption, poverty and impunity.

'A profound renewal is needed,' he said.
Muslim man jailed for four years after attacks on Christian volunteers

A Muslim man has been handed a four-year prison sentence after targeting Christian volunteers.

According to the Metro, Ali Al-Hindawi shouted 'Allah is God' as he lashed out at Christian preacher Claudio Boggi while he was distributing leaflets last June.

Mr Boggi, who is wheelchair-bound, said he forgave Al-Hindawi, 23, saying, 'I love you because Jesus loves you.'

Mr Al-Hindawi had apparently threatened Mr Boggi and spat on him as he handed out leaflets for his local church, saying: 'Allah is god, Jesus was only a prophet. You're in a wheelchair, you're lucky I don't hit you.'

He then attacked Kayode Ogunleye a few hours later. The Christian volunteer was assisting the homeless in Westminster when Mr Al-Hindawi attacked him with a metal bar and bit his fingers.

Mr Ogunleye also forgave him, telling police that he wished him 'only Jesus's love.'

In another attack, a passerby on the street was punched in the head twice by Mr Al-Hindawi, who also threatened to use a screwdriver on him.

Two weeks later, Mr Al-Hindawi, originally from Coventry, reportedly threatened violence again when he was told to leave the St Vincent's homeless shelter over accusations that he had been drug dealing.

He reportedly threatened to cut the throats of staff at the hostel and tried to set it on fire.

His legal counsel, Avirup Chaudhuri, told Southwark Crown Court that his memory of the incidents was 'hazy'.

Judge Loraine-Smith interjected that this was because of 'drugs'. She sentenced him to four years and four months.

'Once you got here, to London, you revealed a volatile temper and a willingness to arm yourself and resort to violence at a moment's notice,' she said.

'Most of these offences were committed against people trying to help you. Eleven very serious offences committed on three separate occasions.'
Multi-site Texas megachurch launches another campus  in prison

A Texas megachurch that meets over six locations has just announced a seventh campus  in a prison.

The pastor of Gateway Church in Dallas, Robert Morris, told his congregation on Sunday.

The church began to hold services at the Coffield Unit in Anderson County last November, according to Faithwire. Since then around 500 inmates have made commitments to Christ.

Gateway holds 27 weekend services across six locations. The new campus will pe pastory by an ex-offender, Stephen Wilson, who said: 'My first meeting to launch a Gateway Prison campus happened seven years ago. We've been praying for this for seven years.'

The new church will be served by inmates who will host the service and form worship teams.

Morris told Fox News: 'At Gateway Church, we're all about people because God is all about people. Many of the men and women inside prison have been forgotten by society, but we want them to know we love them and God loves them, and they are our brothers and sisters in Christ.'

The initiative was praised by Franklin Graham among others, who wrote on Facebook: 'Lives are being transformed! More than 500 have already put their faith in Christ. I challenge churches across America to pray about doing something like this for the prisoners in their area.'
Liam Neeson racism row: star turned to a priest for help when he wanted to kill a black man after friend's rape

Liam Neeson has denied being racist after saying he wanted to kill a random black man after the rape of a friend.

Neeson, 66, shocked fans and other showbiz personalities when he confessed in an interview with The Independent that he had gone around with a cosh looking for a 'black b******d' after his close friend was raped.

'I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping I'd be approached by somebody  I'm ashamed to say that  and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some 'black bastard' would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him,' he told the newspaper.

His comments led to accusations of racism and some calls for him to be banned from the Oscars or Hollywood altogether.

UK Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan said his comments reflected the 'purest personification of racism'.

In light of the backlash, the Taken actor went on Good Morning America to insist that he was not racist.

He also admitted that he had been so 'scared' by his urge to kill that he sought the help of a priest, who heard his confession.

'I'm not racist, this was 40 years ago. I had a primal urge. I was trying to show honour for a friend I dearly loved in a medieval fashion,' he said.

He continued: 'I did seek help. I went to a priest, who heard my confession' and also later confided in two friends while out powerwalking.'

The actor said he would have had the same reaction if the rapist had been white.

'If he was Irish, a Scot or Brit or a Lithuanian. I know I would have had the same reaction,' he said.

He made the shocking confession during an interview to discuss his new movie, Cold Pursuit, in which he plays a dad seeking revenge against a drug baron following the murder of his son.
Five held in Philippines over deadly cathedral bombing

Philippine authorities have detained five suspected Abu Sayyaf militants in connection with the deadly bombing of a cathedral last month.

The attack on Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo town, Sulu province, in the south-west of the country killed 23 people and wounded dozens more.

The suspects face charges of murder and attempted murder. In addition to the five detained, the Associated Press reports that several more remain at large.

National police chief Oscar Albayalde said on Monday that the detainees are suspected of escorting two Indonesians believed to have been behind the attack to a meeting with Abu Sayyaf commander Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan prior to the bombing.

Authorities have accused Sawadjaan of planning and funding the attack. Another suspect identified as Kammah Pae is believed to have helped plan the attack but did not take part in its execution.

'Although he has knowledge about the bombing ... he did not actually participate,' Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters.

Last week, interior minister Eduardo Ano said the evidence pointed to an Indonesian man and his wife carrying out the attack.

'They are Indonesians,' Ano, a former military chief, told CNN Philippines' News Night. 'I am certain that they are Indonesians.'

He added, 'There are two foreigners involved in the bombing and they were aided by local Abu Sayyaf who acted as guide, and probably conducted preliminary surveillance prior to the bombing,'

Doubts were raised over the claim by Sidney Jones, director of the Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, who said the authorities did not know who had carried out the attack.

'There's no evidence! Different officials are saying different things - Malaysians, Yemenis, Indonesians. They actually have no clue,' she told The Jakarta Post.

The attack has elevated fears of the Islamic State gaining a foothold in the region after it claimed responsibility for the double bombing.
In the December 2017 order, Circuit Court Judge Karen C. Friedman ruled that a city ordinance forbidding food trucks, in certain instances, from operating within 300 feet of a business was unconstitutionally vague. Specifically, she ruled against language prohibiting a vendor truck from parking within 300 feet of a retail business primarily engaged in selling the same type of food product...as that offered by the mobile vendor.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 4)  Malacanang on Monday downplayed the rumored "death" of President Rodrigo Duterte, saying the issue was only made up by the president's critics.

In a media briefing, his spokesman Salvador Panelo slammed the government's critics anew for supposedly spreading what he initially called "fake news."

"Eh kasi yung makukulit (the persistent ones), they cannot accept the fact that this president appears to be indestructible and apparently immune from any illness despite his punishing schedule. They just kill him in their minds," Panelo said.

"Sinasadya nga nila yun eh, ng mga kritiko. Actually galing yun sa mga kalaban ni Presidente, hindi sa ordinaryong tao," he added.

[Translation: They're doing it on purpose. Actually, it (the rumor) came from the enemies of the president, not from ordinary people.]

A report that the 73-year-old Duterte has died circulated over the weekend  days after the chief executive skipped a peace and order event in Tacloban as he was "not feeling well."

Panelo reiterated the President is just resting and recovering from a "slight fever" and maintained there's no need for the latter to release a medical bulletin.

"Nagpahinga lang, medical report na agad? Pag serious illness lang. Hindi naman eh," the spokesman said.

[Translation: He just rested, why should we ask for a medical report? That's only for serious illness. But it's not.]

"He felt siguro (perhaps) his body was not up to performing any activity that day so he canceled all activities to rest. We should commend him for that, which means he's taking care of himself. He's not pushing his body to the limits."

Duterte, in a Facebook video shared by partner Honeylet Avancena on Sunday, addressed the speculations on his death and weakening health.

"For those who believe in the news that I passed away, then I request of you, please pray for the eternal repose of my soul. Thank you," he said in the clip.

The President, in previous speeches, admitted to having several medical conditions -- prompting critics to call for transparency on his health.

The President said he had suffered migraines, nausea, pain due to a spinal injury, Buerger's disease or a disorder affecting blood vessels, and Barrett's esophagus or a complication which causes heartburn or acid indigestion.

Duterte continued to shrug off rumors on his health problems -- when a few detractors pointed out the visible darkening of his face and skin. He also visited the hospital on the eve of his 2018 State of the Nation Address.
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In 1902, Rudyard Kipling published a collection of childrens stories that became known as the Just So Stories. These were fanciful explanations for how various animals acquired their best-known characteristics, like the camels hump, the leopards spots, and the elephants trunk.

They were called just so stories because his daughter Josephine demanded that they be told in the same way each time, in other words, just so.

In 1976, the paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould, writing about the emerging field of evolutionary psychology, used that phrase, just so story, to express his skepticism about the entire field of study. Since then, the label just so story has come to mean an unverifiable narrative explanation for a cultural practice, a biological trait, or behavior of humans or other animals.

The most recent just so story Ive seen announced a link between brain damage and religious fundamentalism. Yes, you heard that right: brain damage.

The study, entitled Biological and cognitive underpinnings of religious fundamentalism, was published in the journal Neuropsychologia. In it, researchers went over the data from 119 Vietnam War veterans who were specifically chosen because a large number of them had damage to brain areas suspected of playing a critical role in functions related to religious fundamentalism.

Is your Spidey-sense going off here? It should be The researchers werent studying the brains of 119 random people looking to see what, if anything, they might find. No, they assumed that a particular kind of brain damage played a role in whether someone became a religious fundamentalist, and then went looking for evidence that confirmed those suspicions.

Can you spell confirmation bias, boys and girls?

Comparing the brain-injured vets CT scans to those of non-injured vets, researchers found that an injury to a specific region of the prefrontal cortex was associated with religious fundamentalism.

If your Spidey-sense is now giving you a headache, good. So many unanswered questions here for example, What do they mean by religious fundamentalism? In this case, an ideology that emphasizes traditional religious texts and rituals and discourages progressive thinking about religion and social issues. So, like, every Abrahamic religion?

It gets better. Fundamentalists tend to oppose anything that questions or challenges their beliefs or way of life, and are often aggressive towards anyone who does not share their specific set of supernatural beliefs.

The researchers theorize that damage to the particular region of the prefrontal cortex causes a reduction in cognitive flexibility and openness. This leads to an increase in religious fundamentalism.

So many problems here, so little time, so Ill settle for two obvious problems. First, we have no idea whether these brain-injured vets were actually fundamentalists, or if they simply answered the questionnaires in a way that led a researcher to label them that way. The lack of cognitive flexibility and openness in what the researchers deemed religious matters might also be true of the rest of their lives. Why single out religion? Not to mention, the researchers seemed to lack a good bit of cognitive flexibility and openness to any understanding of religion thats different than theirs. Are they brain damaged fundamentalists too?

And, second, dont lots of non-religious people aggressively oppose anything that questions or challenges their beliefs or way of life? Some are even running for president right now. Is there something wrong with their prefrontal cortex?

In the just-so story How the Elephant Got Its Trunk, a curious elephant wanders too close to a river and a crocodile grabs it by its-then stubby nose, stretching it until the calf gets away. The new elongated nose proves so useful that no elephant would even dream of going back to their old stubby one.

The only difference between that story and the one published in Neuropsychologia is that Kipling actually knew he was writing a just so story.

Resources

A link between brain damage and religious fundamentalism has now been established by scientists, Bobby Azarian | salon.com | January 8, 2019

Originally posted at Breakpoint.
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Last week, a panel of three judges on Pakistans Supreme Court upheld their decision to overturn the blasphemy conviction and death sentence of Asia Bibi, a Christian wife and mother.

The case has gained international attention over the more than nine years since Asias arrest, stemming from a dispute between her and her Muslim co-workers. After Asia allegedly drank from a water cup reserved for Muslims, her co-workers scolded her and pressured her to convert to Islam  the religion of 95 percent of Pakistans population.

Asia was accused of telling her co-workers, in response, that while the Prophet Muhammad is dead, Jesus is still alive. Days later, police filed a First Information Report accusing Asia of blasphemy against Muhammad (no Islamic scholar denies that Muhammad did, in fact, die, and the mullah who reported the offense was not present when the alleged blasphemy occurred). Sections B (blaspheming the Quran) and C (blaspheming Muhammed) of Pakistans infamous blasphemy law (Law 295) allow police to make an arrest based on the complaint of just one person alleging blasphemy.

Asia was convicted of blasphemy against Muhammed in 2010 and sentenced to death by hanging. A local mullah told media members he shed tears of joy when he heard Asia would be executed.

After Asias first appeal, an appellate court upheld both the conviction and death sentence in 2014. Asia then turned to Pakistans Supreme Court, which agreed to review her appeal. Finally, four years later, they issued their controversial decision.

Quoting the Quran, the Hadith and Shakespeare, the Supreme Court justices found multiple errors in the proceedings of Asias lower-court trial, overturning the verdict and sentence, and ordering Asias release.

While Christians and many others around the world rejoiced, radical Muslims in Pakistan promised nationwide protests and even threatened the judges who allowed the blasphemer to go free. Schools in Pakistan have been closed through this week in hope that any potential for violence will have passed by then.

There were media reports Bibi was leaving Pakistan for a safer country.

So how do we, Christians in the United States, respond to this good news from Pakistan? Of course we rejoice! But we also weep.

1. We Rejoice that Our Sister Will Be Free 

A wife  unjustly convicted and held in jail for more than nine years  is reunited with her husband! A mother has been reunited with her daughters! It is impossible not to celebrate this good news. We rejoice that this Christian woman is out of jail, and we pray she will soon be in a place where her safety will be protected.

But We Weep that It Took So Long

Asia Bibis daughters have grown from girls into young women, and their mother wasnt allowed to be a part of their lives. How many significant moments have they missed together? How many changes have occurred in your family in the past nine years? More than nine years have passed since Asia cooked dinner for her family or hugged her girls as she sent them off to school. NINE YEARS.

The evidence against Asia Bibi hasnt grown weaker in those years. No key witness died or changed her story, and no exonerating DNA was discovered. This was a case that never should have been filed by local officials, and certainly never should have resulted in a guilty verdict upheld on first appeal. Why did it take so long?

2. We Rejoice that Pakistans Legal System Worked 

I have traveled to Washington, D.C., three times with teams from The Voice of the Martyrs to deliver signed petitions to the Pakistan Embassy calling on its government to release Asia Bibi. More than 500,000 people from around the world  including Pakistanis  signed the petition.

On one of our visits, we met directly with a deputy to the ambassador. And every time we went, we heard the same message: We have to let the legal system work.

Thankfully, the system did eventually work for Asia Bibi. A conviction and sentence on a charge that never should have been filed has been overturned. An innocent wife and mother is out of jail. And that freedom came from within Pakistans legal system rather than from a pardon or other extrajudicial intervention.

The system failed at the local court level and again at the appellate court level. But on final appeal, on the verge of a third strike, the Supreme Court stood up  under immense pressure not to do so  and scored a victory for justice. We rejoice that the system worked, and we hope that Pakistans government and people will honor the decision of their highest court.

But We Weep that the Unjust Blasphemy Law Remains in Place

Under Section 295 of Pakistans Penal Code, evidence isnt required to bring blasphemy charges. If someone says he heard or saw a blasphemous act, the blasphemer is locked up for years  if not killed first by radical-Muslim vigilantes defending the honor of their faith.

Not only Christians but also hundreds of Muslims have been falsely accused under the blasphemy law, which has become an easy way of settling scores or getting rid of enemies. By the time the court determines that no blasphemy occurred and sets the person free, his or her property has been taken or their accuser has won the dispute.

A tragically ironic result of the Supreme Courts decision in favor of Asia Bibi is that lower courts may now feel less pressure to diligently examine future blasphemy cases, especially when radical Muslims are demanding justice in the name of Allah. Local court judges  and even higher court judges  may think, Why risk my life for this case? The Supreme Court will set it right, and I wont have to look over my shoulder the rest of my life.

A far better solution would be for Pakistans government to modify or eliminate this unjust law.

3. We Rejoice that One Family Is Free from Persecution and Oppression 

The hope is that Asia and her family will soon be out of Pakistanif they are not already out by the time you read these words. It isnt safe for them to remain in the country. There have been too many cases where the courts overturned a 295 verdict, only to have the accused killed outside the courthouse or soon after their release. Radicals unsatisfied with the justice system often enact Quranic punishment themselves.

Asia and her family will be welcomed into a safer, Western nation, where opportunities for education for their girls and plenteous food and material blessings will be in reach. Their battle for justice isI hopealmost over. There are wounds that need to heal, yes, but that healing will be able to take placeand we pray it does take placeaway from the battlefield.

But We Weep that So Many Pakistani Christians Are Threatened with Death Every Day

Thousands of Christians in Pakistan lack the opportunities that Asia and her family, by Gods grace, should now have. They wake up every day and face demeaning, laborious, low-paying jobs as street sweepers or sewer workers, jobs reserved for the lowest in Pakistani society. Or they work as a kind of indentured servant in a brick kiln. Christian women are hired as house cleaners in Muslim homes  places they often feel (for good reason) unsafe. Their pay is a dollar or less per day. And if they dont like it theres no one to hear their complaint. Advanced educational opportunities are out of reach; Christians face a difficult life from their first breath.

This month, Christians around the world pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Pakistan and other nations on The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. It is no accident, I think, that The Voice of the Martyrs video for this years Day of Prayer focuses on Christians in Pakistan. Shot inside Pakistan, the video shows the everyday oppression and persecution faced by Christians there.

It shows something else, too, though. It shows their joy. They may be outcasts in their own country, but the Bible says followers of Jesus are, first, citizens of heaven and that we should focus more on that citizenship than on our earthly citizenship.

For more than nine years, Christians around the world have prayed for a wife and mother in a Pakistani jail cell. Weve prayed for her husband and her daughters. Weve prayed for her lawyer and for the judges presiding in her case. This week our prayers were answered, and we rejoice!

There are still imprisoned Christians to pray for this Sunday and every day: Pastor John Cao in China, Pastor Haile Naizgi in Eritrea, and Asias countryman, Imran Ghafur, who remains in prison in Pakistan on Law 295 charges. There are others in Iran, North Korea and other nationsmany whose names we will never know or hear. We pray with expectation and look forward to the day when we can rejoice for them as we do today for Asia Bibi and her family.
Traveling Solo on a Christian Cruise

The lunch meetup was set for 12:15 where a small group of exuberant travelers gathers outside the ms Eurodams Dining Room. Hugs are exchanged as are pictures and stories from the previous days shore excursions.

Ive joined some of the solo travelers (those who came alone or without a spouse on the In Touch Ministries Alaska Cruise) to find out what their experience has been so far. I had wondered what type of atmosphere I might encounter amongst people who barely know one another. But Im relieved to feel included in a warm reunion of old friends.

Braving a Solo Expedition

The group begins to tell me how they were first introduced at a lunch arranged for them by Inspiration on the first full day of the cruise. Since then, they have kept an eye out for each other and shared as many meals as possible.

Sitting to my right is Etlyn from Boston who has followed the ministry of Charles Stanley for years. She first heard him on the radio while at work and wondered how this man she had never met could address issues in her life with such laser-like accuracy. She found herself so convicted at times, she would cry at her desk.

When her two would-be traveling companions changed their minds about joining her on the cruise, she didnt waver. They objected, You cant go by yourself! She said, Im going! And she is beyond glad she did. This isnt just a cruisethis is ministrythat I am really grateful for.

Mike from the sticks of Georgia is the one of a few solo male travelers aboard and is enjoying life as the patron gentleman of the group. Hes been blessed by the smiles and greetings exchanged by passengers. You dont come on a cruise like this just to sit in a room by yourself, he explains. I knew I would meet a thousand people on this cruise I think Ive met 599 of em so far.

So, no one had any apprehensions about coming on the cruise without a partner? I ask.

Not this cruise! is the unanimous reply.

None of the solo travelers seem surprised to have made such fast friends aboard the ship. Linda from Wisconsin chimes in, It feels like a big community. The atmosphere is so friendly.

The conversation meanders between light-hearted and deeper topics. The travelers have already shared with each other about some of the difficult things they have walked through. Inspirations Event Development Executive Director Charlie Spencer describes what hes observed on the 200-some cruises hes attended. People come on their own and make friends for life. I even see some of them traveling together on subsequent cruises.

Philadelphia native, Sandy, has been on over 15 cruises, but never a Christian cruise. There is a kind of camaraderie, a connection that comes from being Christians, that is special enough to break down common social barriers. She also senses how being surrounded by Believers is playing a role in her spiritual walk. I dont have a lot of super strong Christian friends, and this has really encouraged me to seek out the right fellowship when I get back.

There are moments of laughter as well. For instance, Donna, who ordered an iced coffee from a well-meaning member of the Indonesian waitstaff, is brought a glass full of hot coffee and vanilla ice cream on the side. (However, she and her traveling companions are delighted to discover that adding ice cream to coffee isnt such a bad idea!)

As the lunch concludes and we disperse to afternoon events, I feel refreshed and enlivened. After witnessing such a profound sense of togetherness, Im not sure the term solo travelers really applies.

Family (of God) Connections

Being single myself, I had wondered if I might find it difficult to mingle with the other passengers, since they were predominantly married couples. In fact, I found the opposite. Everyone I met was very open and eager to get into great conversations, and my entire cruise was full of enriching moments with fellow Believers.

Beyond the lunch meetup, I encountered other cruisers who were single or traveling with someone besides a spouse: cousins from different states using the cruise as an excuse to visit; friends traveling together; college roommates; widows and widowers; multi-generational families. Regardless of the type of relationship shared between passengers, the overarching sense that we were all linked together as the Body of Christ prevailed. Denny, who I chatted with in the main corridor, summed up the feeling aboard the ship perfectly, There are no strangers.

Gayle, a first-time cruiser like myself, had a wonderful time in spite of her husband not being able to join her. I loved everything about it. Even the quiet times in my cabin, just reflecting and looking out over the water. She also used the cruise as an opportunity to reunite with old college friends she hadnt seen in years.

Jeanette, from California, shared her moving cruise testimony with me. This is my first cruise since my husband passed. Its opened my eyes thatIm here; Ive not gone to heaven yet; God has a new life for me.

How about you? Are you considering joining a Christian cruise or tour as a solo traveler? I hope these stories (and countless like them) give you the courage to do so. The world awaits! And youre sure to be in good company.

Learn More About Inspiration Cruises & Tours Today!
Trump admin. claims reuniting migrant families 'could be traumatic to the children'

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The Trump administration claimed that reuniting migrant families that were separated at the U.S.-Mexico border could be traumatic to the children who the administration separated from their parents.

Reuniting the thousands of children with their parents may not be "within the realm of the possible," the Trump administration claimed in court documents filed late Friday.

In a statement from the Office of Refugee Resettlement, the federal agency said reuniting the children separated from their families could "destabilize the permanency of [the children's] existing home environment, and could be traumatic to the children" to remove them from sponsor homes they placed following separation.

Jallyn Sualog, deputy director in the refugee resettlement office, said in Friday's court filing that it would take up to eight hours to review each of the 47,083 cases between July 1, 2017 and a June 2018 court order from a San Diego federal judge saying children in government custody must be reunited with their parents. Doing so would "substantially imperil" operation without extensive hiring of more staff, Sualog said.

The court filings come as a result of a lawsuit from the ACLU scheduled to head back to court later this month. A hearing is set for Feb. 21.

"The Trump administration's response is a shocking concession that it can't easily find thousands of children it ripped from parents, and doesn't even think it's worth the time to locate each of them," said ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt, who is leading the suit.

"The administration also doesn't dispute that separations are ongoing in significant numbers."

The issue of separating children from their families came to a head last summer following a "zero tolerance" policy which began last spring.

Then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions said at the time that anyone who crossed the border illegally would be criminally prosecuted. The result was a notable increase in family separations and immense pushback ensued, particularly as photos and footage of emotionally distressed children circulated around the Internet.

"The vast majority of children are released to relatives, but many of them are not parents. Of children released to sponsors in the 2017 fiscal year, 49 percent went to parents, 41 percent to close relatives like an aunt, uncle, grandparent or adult sibling and 10 percent to distant relatives, family friends and others," the Associated Press reported Saturday.

Separating families at the border has long been allowed under federal law in specific situations, including when there are serious criminal charges against a parent, or when the children are ill or if their welfare is endangered.

The Department of Health and Human Services assistant inspector general for evaluations, Ann Maxwell, said in January that the number of separated children was larger than the 2,737 figure the government listed in court documents. Maxwell said her staff estimates the number to be in the thousands but could not give an exact number.
Senate Democrats block bill to protect babies who survive abortion

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A bill meant to preserve the life of babies who survive an abortion attempt was rejected by Senate Democrats after Nebraska Republican Sen. Ben Sasse pleaded with them to unanimously pass the measure Monday.

This isnt about Republicans or Democrats. We're way beyond that. Everyone in the Senate ought to be able to say unequivocally that the little baby deserves life. That she has rights, and that killing her is wrong, Sasse declared in remarks seeking unanimous consent on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

The bill sought to require "any health care practitioner present" at the time of a birth to "exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of the child as a reasonably diligent and conscientious health care practitioner would render to any other child born alive at the same gestational age."

It exempted mothers involved from prosecution, and proposed requiring practitioners to "ensure that the child born alive is immediately transported and admitted to a hospital." A possible term of imprisonment of up to five years for violations, not including penalties for first-degree murder that could also apply was also proposed.

The U.S. House passed a similar bill in January, 2018.

A similar bill, the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, was signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2002, but that legislation didn't contain any penalties or enforcement mechanisms.

Sasse pointed to recent decisions by New York and a proposal by Virginia supported by the states embattled Gov. Ralph Northam, to allow abortions up to birth as a march toward removing protections against infanticide.

Governor Northam is a disgraced coward and he has such an abysmally view of human dignity that he couldnt bring himself to say this basic truth: its wrong to let little babies who've been born die, Sasse said.

The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act prohibits exactly the kind of infanticide that Governor Northam was endorsing. Thats it. Thats what the legislation is about.

Its based on the simple idea that every baby deserves a fighting chance. Its a simple idea that every human being is an image bearer, even the weakest and the most marginalized among us are no less human, and every one of us has a moral obligation to defend the defenseless, he said.

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, who was the only Democrat on the floor objected to Sasses request however, arguing that there are already laws in place to protect against infanticide.

We have laws against infanticide in this country. This is a gross misinterpretation of the actual language of the bill that is being asked to be considered and therefore I object, she said before leaving.

Four Republican senators, including Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, who spoke in favor of Sasses proposal, expressed dismay at Murrays objection, the Omaha World reported.

We have moved beyond all common sense when this body can no longer unanimously condemn murder, Ernst said. We face a moral crisis when this body refuses to acknowledge the repugnancy and savagery of infanticide. This assault on human dignity cannot stand.

Conservative groups following the proceedings also quickly condemned the decision to scuttle Sasses proposal to protect infants born alive.

Im grieved that any senator would in any way stand with Virginia Governor Ralph Northam who left many wondering last week what he believes about infanticide. The governor seems to be perfectly fine with letting babies born-alive die after a botched abortion, so long as that is the wish of the parents and their physician. Additionally, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo should not have signed legislation expanding abortion until birth while also removing care protections for babies born alive after a failed abortion, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said in a statement Monday.

Senator Murray wont have the final say on whether infants born alive will be fully protected by federal law. One day soon, Im confident U.S. senators will be forced to take a vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act and then voters will hold them accountable for their votes, he added.
Gateway Church opens new campus in maximum-security prison, over 500 embrace Christ

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Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church in Dallas, Texas has announced an unconventional location for the church's newest campus: The state's largest prison.

On Sunday, Morris told his congregation, We have a new campus. And youre gonna be really surprised.

He then shared a video revealing that in November, the church launched a new campus at the Coffield Unit in Anderson County, which houses over 4,000 criminal offenders. More than 650 inmates attended the megachurch's first service, and over 500 men made decisions to follow Jesus.

"Gateway has really impacted my life because a lot of us do not have visits, and you guys comin' in here and sharing y'alls love to us has really impacted our life," one of the inmates says in the video.

Morris revealed that Stephen Wilson, an ex-offender who went to seminary school and has been ministering in prisons for years, will serve as the Gateway Coffield campus pastor.

We welcome you guys and we love you. We are your brothers and sisters in Christ, Morris said amid applause. Were excited that we have a campus there now.

According to Fox News, the Coffield Campus runs like any other church campus, with inmates serving as greeters, ushers, operating the sound, video, and audio, and leading the worship team.

Over the next two years, the church reportedly plans to open ten prison campuses within 100 miles of existing Gateway campuses. Additionally, there are small groups at every Gateway campus for families of the incarcerated.

Gateway Prison Ministry is committed to discipling the incarcerated and their families, notes the church website. We plant Gateway churches inside prisons and build community within prison walls, so offenders will feel part of the Gateway family. They can experience regular worship and attend Gateway Equip classes centered on discipleship, marriage, and parenting to help prepare them for life after incarceration.

On Facebook, Samaritans Purse CEO Franklin Graham applauded the move and encouraged other churches to follow suit: Now thats a great ideathis church is setting a great example for reaching out in Jesus Names, he said. Lives are being transformed!

I challenge churches across America to pray about doing something like this for the prisoners in their area, he added. One inmate summed it upI never knew that I could feel so free inside prison.

Previously, Scott Highberger, a former inmate who now serves as the outreach and prison pastor at Road to Life Church in Michigan City, told The Christian Post that God often uses prison as a place of refinement and transformation for inmates.

To the outside world, prison is a place for punishment. For me, prison was a place to be alone with God, to begin a recovery process, to be away from negative influences, and to be stripped of everything. I found freedom in prison, he said.

What I really preach from the rooftops is that Jesus leaves the 99 for that one, he continued. He left those 99 for me and he grabbed ahold of my life in prison. There is hope for that drug addict, the alcoholic, the career criminal, the one that is so far gone that you think they can never be redeemed. Abundant life can be found right there in the jailhouse.
Christians, asked if they believe outdated parts of the Bible, denied foster application

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A Canadian human rights law firm is accusing a government adoption agency of discriminating against a Christian couple who wanted to become foster parents.

The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms sent a letter to the Simcoe Muskoka Child, Youth and Family Services in Ontario demanding that they end what the group called religious discrimination against the couple.

The letter, whose online copy simply identified the couple as A and L, claims the couples application to become foster parents was denied not due to any legitimate deficiency in their qualifications, but due solely to Child Services prejudice and bias against the religious beliefs of [the couple].

According to the letter, the couple submitted an application in November 2017 to become foster parents. In the week of April 30-May 4 of last year, they met with a Child Services social worker.

The social worker asked the couple, one of whom is a pastor, if they still believe in some of the more outdated parts of the Bible and if they considered homosexuality a sin.

Last October, the couple received a letter from Child Services declining their application, stating that the policies of our agency do not appear to fit with your values and beliefs.

In a statement released last week, the Centre explained that with the demand letter, they hope to have Child Services reopen the couples application to foster and properly process their application to become foster parents in a non-discriminatory manner.

Founded in 2010, the Centres stated mission is to defend the constitutional freedoms of Canadians through litigation and education.

Last year, the Centre got a legal victory for an evangelical couple in Alberta who had been told they could not adopt because they oppose same-sex marriage.

Centre lawyer John Carpay said in a statement last May that he was thrilled by the decision in favor of the Alberta couple, adding that the legal battle "has not diminished their enthusiasm for adopting a child."

"The government has no right to discriminate on the basis of religion when looking at couples who are seeking to adopt," stated Carpay in 2018, according to The Canadian Press.

"You can't say that someone can't become an adoptive parent because they're Muslim, they're Jewish or because they're evangelical Christian."
480, mostly Christians, killed in Nigerian military massacres' from 2015-2017: NGO report

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Nigerian military and security forces killed hundreds of mostly Christian ethnic Igbo civilians advocating for self-determination, in massacres that took place from 2015 to 2017, according to the most comprehensive report to date, which took three years to make.

The NGO International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) released a new 85-page report this week that purports to highlight how Nigerian military and security forces are responsible for the deaths of 480 and the injuring of over 500 other unarmed and defenseless civilians in crackdowns targeting Igbo self-determination activists and members of the Igbo population.

The crackdowns were carried out through various internal security operations in Southeast and other southern regions of Nigeria that have drawn criticism from those warning that the Nigerian military is being deployed against unarmed civilians.

The new Intersociety report, titled "Under Buhari & Osinbajo: Many Have Gone & Crippled For Life In Eastern Nigeria," is based on three years of research that includes interviews with survivors, relatives and victims.

Most, if not all the slain, wounded or abducted victims are members of the Nigerian Christian Faith and other non-Muslim religions, the report reads. Hospitals, where the wounded were taken to for treatment, were also invaded by soldiers at night or late evening during which some of them were abducted to unknown locations where they must have been shot dead and remained untraced.

The report lists 10 locations identified during the course of Intersocietys investigations where the killings and massacres occurred.

The report also lists seven significant graveyards or dumping sites where the slain were shallowly buried, or burnt to ashes, or lacerated with suspected raw acid substances. Other dead bodies were reportedly either dumped in the open, thrown off a bridge or left in secret or isolated places to decompose.

The alleged killings highlighted in the report occurred as there has been a revival in the call for Biafra independence in the Igbo population in Southeast Nigeria, most of which are Christian in faith.

The secession of Biafra in 1967, which represented the aspirations of the Igbo people concerned about ethnic, economic and religious tensions, is what led to the Nigerian Civil War and deaths of over 2 million people from 1967 to 1970.

According to the report, the segment of the general Igbo and other non-Igbo Christian population affected by the massacres and killings were exercising their rights to self-determination using nonviolence through democratic assemblies such as street protests, picketing, prayers and worship, and religious processions.

The massacres in question were said to be part of the Nigerian Armys Operation Python Dance and other internal security operations designed to stamp out terrorist activity, according to Intersociety.

However, the report refutes the governments terror claim.

This is the first time in the world an unarmed and defenseless self-determination group is dubbed terror group, the report explains. The intents and purposes for same were for intensification of the Governments racial profiling and attempts to cover the massacre and escape from being held to account.

Intersociety Board Chairman Emeka Umeagbalasi told CP that the organization decided to launch an investigation into the killings because it is our region and we are professed Christians.

[This is so we are] able to put this in a database and in a document because the law says when a crime is committed and there is no documentation, then no crime has been committed, Umeagbalasi, an Igbo criminologist, continued. If a crime is committed by a perpetrator and they do not put it in writing or in black and white, then we [have no case] against the perpetrator. But when you put it in a database, the perpetrator can be tracked anytime or any day.

Intersociety claims that some Igbo citizens were killed, wounded or abducted at their places of work, on their way home or while they slept in the dead of the night.

The report asserts that the massacre operations were the crude and deadly response of the federal government led by President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to renewed nonviolent campaigns by disenchanted people of the old Eastern Nigeria calling or agitating for the restructuring of Nigeria and end to their age-long political exclusion and persecution or total independent statehood for the Biafra People.

However, John Campbell, the former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria during the George W. Bush, administration and a current senior fellow of Africa Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, told CP that he is skeptical of the claim that the president and vice president are complicit in the crimes.

Campbell also contended that the fact many of those killed in the report are Christian is irrelevant because the crimes were committed more so in the context of stamping out a separatist movement.

There is a so-called Operation Python Dance that has been conducted by the security services, which seeks to root out those who are supporting a revival of the idea of Biafran independence, Campbell explained. The government claims that the some of the secessionists advocate violence and even terrorism. The secessionists argue though that what they are arguing for is self-determination.

The Nigerian security services, including the Army, are quite rough, not to say brutal in terms of their tactics, Campbell continued. In fact, security service human rights abuses are often said to be a primary driver of Boko Haram recruitment in eastern Nigeria so that I would view as credible claims that the security service had killed civilians in Southeastern Nigeria.

Campbell also questions if the number of people killed highlighted by the report are completely accurate.

Frankly, everybody lies on one side and down the other about casualties, Campbell said. You have to put this in the context of government response to a secessionist movement of which the government, in my view, is frightened because of the experience of the civil war, meaning the 2 million [dead].

Nina Shea, a prominent international human rights lawyer and director of the Center for Religious Freedom at the Washington-based think tank Hudson Institute, told CP that the scale and nature of the human rights violations alleged in the report are shocking considering they are alleged to have been carried out by security forces.

The report's accounts of mass murder, torture, abuse and unlawful imprisonment by Nigerian security forces are extensively detailed and documented apparently by legal and investigative professionals, she stated. This report needs to be taken with utmost seriousness.
John Chau's dad blames 'extreme Christianity' for US missionary's death on remote island

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The father of slain American missionary John Chau blamed extreme Christianity for his sons death while on a mission to evangelize an isolated and hostile tribe in the Andaman islands.

Patrick Chau, the father of the 26-year-old from Washington state who was killed by a tribe on North Sentinel Island in the Bay of Bengal last November, didnt hold back about his true thoughts on his sons death when recently asked for comment by the United Kingdom-based news outlet The Guardian.

Although Patrick Chau is like his son in the fact that they both are graduates of the charismatic evangelical Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma, the father is unlike his son in the fact that he no longer considers himself a Christian. He is now a follower of Chinese philosopher Confucius.

In an email, Patrick Chau called religion the opium of the mass[es].

If you have [anything] positive to say about religion, l wish not to see or hear, Chau wrote.

The father detailed that he was not supportive of Chaus missionary desires, which were a point of contention that they agreed not to talk about.

John is gone because the Western ideology overpowered my [Confucian] influence, Chau was quoted as writing, adding that evangelical extreme Christianity was to blame for his sons life coming to a not unexpected end.

The elder Chau reportedly took issue with one of the central components of Christian belief, the call that Jesus gave his followers to go and make disciples of all nations as seen in Matthew 28. The command is better known as the Great Commission.

The news of Chaus death stirred criticism from many commenters, including some Christians, who disagreed with the way Chau went about his missionary calling. Chau went to an island of isolated inhabitants that the Indian government has banned unpermitted visitors to visit. Chau was viewed by many as reckless.

Critics were quick to point out that contact with Chau could have spread disease to the hardly-ever-contacted tribal community that is not immune to common illnesses.

However, reports have indicated that Chau took great precaution by receiving 13 immunizations, was quarantined before his trip, and was prepared to stay on the island long-term.

Chau was taken to the island by fishermen and was supported by the Kansas City-based mission agency All Nations. Seven people believed to be responsible for Chau reaching the island were arrested following his death.

All Nations came to the defense of Chau. In an interview with Christian Today, Pam Arlund, a member of the international leadership team of All Nations, explained that Chau came to them nearly two years ago to express his desire to bring the Gospel to the people of North Sentinel Island.

She said that the organization provided training to prepare Chau for a long-term mission on the island.

Arlund further contended that the Indian government had lifted its Restricted Area Permit (RAP) on North Sentinel and a number of other inhabited islands. Yet, the Indian governments Andaman Island tourism webpage explains that visiting to tribal reserved areas in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is prohibited.

Arlund told The New York Times that Chau had the appropriate amount of preparation for his mission, put together a responsible plan and that he was "not reckless or extreme at all."

He had counted the costs and knew that he might lose his life," she said. "But he had also put plans in place to protect the North Sentinelese. Thats because he loved them.

Some mission agencies have criticized the fact that Chau went on the mission alone. Many mission agencies carry out the practice of teaming on missions.

In an Instagram post following his death, the Chau family offered forgiveness to those responsible for their sons death. They also called for the released of his friends in the Andaman islands, stating that Chau ventured out on his own free will and that no contacts need to be punished.

In one of his final journal entries, Chau wrote a note to his parents.

You guys might think Im crazy in all this but I think its worth it to declare Jesus to these people. Please do not be angry at them or at God If I get killed  rather, please live your lives in obedience to whatever he has called you to and Ill see you again when you pass through the veil, Chau wrote. Dont retrieve my body. This is not a pointless thing  the eternal lives of this tribe is at hand and I cant wait to see them around the throne of God worshiping in their own language as Revelation 7:9-10 states.

Although Patrick Chaus objections to his sons missionary zeal may be stirred by his own animus toward Christianity, Chau is not the only parent who objects to their children entering the global mission field as some parents  even Christian parents just want their children to live safe and comfortable lives.

Familial objections can sometimes serve as the biggest obstacles to young adults going into missions. When teens and young adults feel like they are being called to go, their parents objections can be a big dilemma considering the biblical call for Christians to obey their parents.

Pastor and writer John Piper, who serves as the chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis, tackled this issue when asked for advice by a reader who was told by his parents that going into missions would be a waste of my life, and that I would be a fool to leave America, which is, they say, the greatest nation in the world.

Piper suggested that in some cases it would be best to postpone the execution of the missionary calling.

Honor your parents for the next season by staying in the States. Search out a rigorous Christian college or university, be involved in missions all along the way, and get the deepest, widest, strongest preparation of mind and heart you can get, Piper answered. And in that process, God will make the future plain.
Over the past month, pro-lifers have been compelled to speak openly and loudly about the possibility of infanticide being permitted by our laws.

On the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, video spread of New Yorks legislature giving a standing ovation for a bill that, among other things, removed requirements that infants born during abortion procedures receive legal protection as persons.

Those concerns were stoked again last week, as video went viral of Virginia state legislator Kathy Tran saying a similar bill in her statewhich was since voted down in committeewould permit the termination of an infants life even during labor. A similar bill has gone before state legislators in Vermont.

From the outside, pro-lifers claims of legalizing infanticide might seem like hysterical reactions against attempts to liberalize abortion access. Those exhausted by the culture wars might be tempted to dismiss such outrage as conservative handwringing.

Yet our concerns are fully justified. Even Virginia Governor Ralph Northams attempt to clarify matters ended up conflating expanding abortion access with declining care for infants born in the process.

Defending Trans proposal, Northam stated that babies determined in the third trimester to have severe deformities or be nonviable would be delivered, kept comfortable, and resuscitated if thats what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother.

The controversy has since moved on, as Northam is dealing with the fallout from an infamous yearbook photo. But the emerging discussion about infanticide seems to represent a new stage in Americas ...

1
Its the latest in a string of bankruptcies and store closings as retailers look to become leaner and trim the number of physical locations to stay competitive in an era of online shopping. Closings have come as well from Sears, Kmart, JCPenney, Bon-Ton, Macys, Gymboree and others.
Democrats Block Bill Banning Infanticide of Babies Who Survive Abortion Share Tweet

Democrats blocked a Senate bill Monday that would have required doctors to keep alive any baby that survives an abortion and immediately transport and admit it to the hospital.

The bill was sponsored by Republican Sen Ben Sasse (Neb.), who requested unanimous consent for passage  an action that allows any one senator to block it. Democratic Sen. Patty Murray (Wash.) spoke up and objected, saying laws already existed to prohibit infanticide. She also said Sasse had misinterpreted the bill.

The bill, known as the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, applies only to cases of an abortion or attempted abortion that results in a child born alive, according to the text.

It says any health care practitioner present during such a case must exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of the child as a reasonably diligent and conscientious health care practitioner would render to any other child born alive at the same gestational age.

The bill further requires that the child born alive be immediately transported and admitted to a hospital.

Doctors, and not mothers, would be charged if a violation occurs. The bill builds on the Born-alive Infants Protection Act, which President Bush signedin 2002. That earlier bill gave protections to babies who survive abortion, yet it used vague language to make it passable by unanimous consent. The 2002 bill, for example, said nothing about requiring a baby who survives abortion be taken to the hospital. The word abortion was mentioned in the bill only once.

Sasses bill has 42 co-sponsors.

This isnt about a clumps of cells. This is fourth-trimester abortion, Sasse said during a floor speech. ...There are only two sides of the debate on the floor tonight: youre either for babies or youre defending infanticide.

Sasse said he was inspired to bring the bill to the floor after hearing Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, apparently endorse infanticidewhen discussing a bill protecting third-trimester abortion. That bill became controversial when its sponsor acknowledged it would allow abortion during delivery.

In this particular example, if a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen, Northam said. The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that's what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother.

Senators, Sasse said, were being given an opportunity to unanimously say the most basic thing imaginable  and that is that its wrong to kill a little newborn baby.



Every Senator will have the opportunity to stand for human dignity  to stand for the belief that, in this country, all of us are created equal, he said. Because if that equality means anything, surely it means that infanticide is wrong.

Referencing Scripture, Sasse said, Its a simple idea that every human being is an image bearer, even the weakest and the most marginalized among us are no less human, and every one of us has a moral obligation to defend the defenseless.

After Sasse asked for unanimous consent, Murray rose to spoke.

We have laws against infanticide in this country, Murray said. This is a gross misinterpretation of the actual language of the bill that is being asked to be considered, and therefore I object.

The bill can be read here.

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida criticized Democrats for blocking the bill.



That Senate Democrats would block a bill to protect a baby who survives an abortion speaks volumes, Rubio said. Supporting a newborns right to life should not be a partisan issue. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats, like their colleagues in Virginia and New York, seem to have no issue publicly supporting legal infanticide. It is clear that, on the issue of life, extremism has become mainstream in the Democratic Party.

Brit Hume, senior political analyst for Fox News, tweeted, They claim the bill bans nothing not already banned. That would make it harmless, no? So why block it?

Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit MichaelFoust.com.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Chip Somodevilla/Staff

Video courtesy: Senator Ben Sasse
Assisted Suicide Turned Homicide?: Doing in the Dutch Share Tweet

Officially, the Netherlands is a safer country to live in than the United States. Its gun homicide rate is about 4 percent that of the United States, and its official murder rate is less than one-fourth that of the United States.

The key word in that statement is official. Because, as a recent report in the Guardian tells us, theres a lot of killing going on in the Netherlands that doesnt involve a gun and isnt classified as murder, although it should be.

An article in the January 18 edition of Britains Guardian newspaper asked the question  Death on demand: has euthanasia gone too far? 

Now to be clear, the Guardian is the British Lefts paper of record. Its a far more liberal publication than any mainstream American newspaper. So for the Guardian to ask whether euthanasia has gone too far suggests that things could be a lot worse than the public has been led to believe. And the area of focus for the piece was The Netherlands.

The Guardian found that in 2017 well over a quarter of all deaths in the Netherlands were induced. Induced means that the person died at his or someone elses hand, instead of by illness or accident.

By way of comparison, during the same period in the United States approximately 65,000 deaths out of more than 2.7 million were induced. This includes approximately 17,000 homicides, 45,000 suicides, and 1,300 deaths via physician-assisted suicide. Thats only 2.5 percent.

So, which one is the more dangerous country again?

As I noted, the Netherlands official homicide rate is one-fifth that of the United States, and its suicide rate is about a third lower. So, whos inducing all these deaths? The troubling answer is doctors.

Weve talked a lot on BreakPoint about the ever-expanding euthanasia-industrial complex. We have told you about how the so-called right to die eventually becomes, in effect, the duty to die. Weve also told the stories of doctors so eager to end life that it isnt clear in some instances if it was what the patient actually wanted.

Still, even in the context of all of those realities, what the Guardian found was shocking. For example, Dutch doctors commonly practice whats known as terminal sedation. This is a slow-motion euthanasia wherein patients not in the active stage of dying are put into artificial comas and denied all sustenance until they dehydrate to death.

This is different from palliative sedation, which is a rarely required procedure in which patients near death are sedated to control pain or other symptoms such as severe agitation or air hunger that cannot be alleviated in any other manner.

While approximately 6,600 Dutch were officially euthanized and another 1,950 people killed themselves in 2017, the Guardian found that the number of people who died under palliative sedation  in theory, succumbing to their illness while cocooned from physical discomfort, but in practice often dying of dehydration while unconscious [that is, terminal sedation]  hit an astonishing 32,000.

Add it all up, and in 2017 more than 40,000 of the 150,000 deaths in the Netherlands were induced.

While the Guardian was astonished, Wesley J. Smith wasnt. Hes among those telling anyone who will listen that in places like the Netherlands the line between palliative sedation and terminal sedation has been blurred for some time.

As he wrote in the National Review, Since euthanasia was first decriminalized in the Netherlands, the countrys doctors have traveled a very dark road. The category of people deemed candidates for induced death has steadily grown. And while a theoretical line has been crossed, Dutch officials do nothing.

It could hardly be otherwise. As Smith put it, the Dutch arent horrible, ghoulish people. But they are logical. Once they accepted the premise that killing is an acceptable answer to suffering, theyre now simply taking that belief precisely where it leads.

Which makes the Netherlands a lot more dangerous than official stats suggest. And which makes me ask, Americans, is this what we really want?

BreakPoint is a Christian worldview ministry that seeks to build and resource a movement of Christians committed to living and defending Christian worldview in all areas of life. Begun by Chuck Colson in 1991 as a daily radio broadcast, BreakPoint provides a Christian perspective on todays news and trends via radio, interactive media, and print. Today BreakPoint commentaries, co-hosted by Eric Metaxas and John Stonestreet, air daily on more than 1,200 outlets with an estimated weekly listening audience of eight million people. Feel free to contact us at BreakPoint.org where you can read and search answers to common questions.

John Stonestreet, the host of The Point, a daily national radio program, provides thought-provoking commentaries on current events and life issues from a biblical worldview. John holds degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (IL) and Bryan College (TN), and is the co-author of Making Sense of Your World: A Biblical Worldview.

Publication date: February 5, 2019

Photo courtesy: Pixabay
Students at Sundance Explore Film through the Eyes of Faith Share Tweet

Editor's Note: RNS has updated this story to correct the name of one of the colleges in paragraph 18.

(RNS)  More than 200 seminary and Christian college students, faculty and others who view films through the eyes of faith attended the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, recently. They joined the nearly 125,000 celebrities, directors, producers, distributors, publicists, critics and fans who were attending the independent film festival, hosted annually in the small town.

The students were part of Windrider Forum, an initiative that began in 2005 with a few dozen students from Fuller Theological Seminary and Biola University. Now an official partner with the festival, Windrider hosts screenings for students from more than 20 Christian schools.

Keri Putnam, executive director of the Sundance Institute, welcomed the Windrider group to the festival, the key industry event for independent films made outside of the Hollywood production system. Putnam sees Windrider as a way to reach the faith community with story-driven films that probe important issues.

Windrider participants attended a private screening of Clemency and had an intense question-and-answer session with the director and producer of the film, which won the festivals top prize: the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize Award.

Clemency, which explores issues of life, death and capital punishment, stars Alfre Woodard as prison warden Bernadine Williams, a woman worn down by carrying out too many executions who is changed by the human connection she establishes with a man she is scheduled to kill.

Another award-winning film to explore religious themes was the short film Ghosts of Sugar Land, about a group of young Muslim-American men in Texas who think one of their friends has joined ISIS. The film won the Short Film Jury Award: Non-fiction.

Jelyn Leyva, who is pursuing a masters degree in art and theology at Fuller, said she was inspired by some of the independent dramas and documentaries she saw during the festival.

Im way more aware of the role independent films play in storytelling, she said. And as a theologian, these stories help me understand how people derive their meaning.

Windrider Institute CEO John Priddy is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, and Fuller graduate. He said independent films provide a place for people to avail themselves of stories that illuminate the human condition and address lifes ultimate questions.

Priddy came to Sundance in 2004 with his brother Ed, Biola instructor Craig Detweiler and Fuller staffer Will Stoller-Lee to explore the possibility of hosting a class there.

He sees independent filmmakers as prophets, poets and sages of our time who are wrestling with stories that we will be encountering in the next year or two.

Windrider students are taught to engage in active listening, told to turn off their electronic devices and are exposed to stories and conversations that often challenge their assumptions or beliefs.

Priddy admitted that some students struggle with dark and difficult independent films shown at the festival. But he said many Sundance offerings explore religious and theological themes in unexpected ways.

For example, last year, a Sundance Grand Jury Prize was awarded to The Miseducation of Cameron Post, the story of a teenaged girl whose sexual encounter with another girl leads her devout Christian aunt to send her off to a church-run gay conversion therapy center. Meanwhile, an audience prize was awarded to Burden, which was based on the true story of a Klansman who comes to faith and repents of his racism with the help of an African-American pastor.

This years festival included a panel on religion and film called Leaps of Faith.

Priddy said the true stars of Windrider at Sundance are the members of the Park City, Utah, faith community, who make the Forum possible in a small town of just over 8,000 people that can be overwhelmed by the annual film fest.

Our movie screening venue is the gymnasium of the local Latter-Day Saints Church, said Priddy. The Christian Center of Park City hosts our classes, receptions and small group meetings. And members of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church found more than 40 host homes for our students. Its the church at its best.

Christian students who have participated in Windrider at Sundance come from a wide range of Christian schools: Dallas Theological Seminary, California Baptist University, Liberty University, Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, Point Loma Nazarene University, Abilene Christian University, Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and John Paul the Great Catholic University in Escondido, California. This year saw first-time students from NYU, Notre Dame, and Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio.

Phil Allen Jr., the founding pastor of the Own Your Faith congregation in Santa Clarita, California, said his week at Sundance was transformative.

The films that impacted me the most were the documentaries, many of them centered around race, said Allen, a Fuller student who is pursuing a doctorate in ethics with a minor in theology and culture. Allen said his father and grandfather were killed in racially motivated attacks that were never prosecuted. He hopes someday to produce a film about their story.

Independent filmmakers are not afraid to tell the unpopular perspective, to be the voice of the voiceless or to make people uncomfortable, he said. Theyve made me more bold to tell my own story.

Correction: A previous version of this story misidentified one of the schools involved in the Windrider Forum. Students from John Paul the Great Catholic University in Escondido, California were part of the program. Students from John Paul II Catholic University in Lublin, Poland were not. RNS regrets the error.

READ THIS STORY AT RELIGIONNEWS.COM

Article originally published by Religion News Service. Used with permission.

Photo courtesy: RNS/Travis Wise/Creative Commons
Hindu Extremists Pressure Convert to File False Charge against Pastor in India, Sources Say Share Tweet

NEW DELHI, February 5, 2019 (Morning Star News)  A pastor is facing criminal charges in northern India even though the complainant later denied allegations against the church leader of luring him to convert, sources said.

Police in Rupaidiha village, Uttar Pradesh state on Jan. 28 arrested 40-year-old pastor Dharmendra Singh on a charge of alluring to convert and two related charges  outraging religious feelings and promoting enmity. He was released on bail on Jan. 31.

Pastor Singh denied all charges against him, saying members of the Hindu extremist Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal fabricated a story and pressured a new Christian, Ramesh Gautam, to file a false complaint against him.

Gautam said in court on Jan. 30 that the allegations were false, the pastor said.

He witnessed that his faith is his own choice and nobody has forced him or his family to believe in Jesus, Pastor Singh told Morning Star News. We have not converted by allurement but have become worshippers of Jesus, said Ramesh in the courtroom.

Pastor Singh leads a church in Nepalganj, Nepal, where he resides just across the India-Nepal border, but he regularly visits the Indian village of Rupaidiha, Bahraich District, to lead the new fellowship there where Gautam worships.

Gautam and other members of his family put their faith in Christ about six months ago after the pastor had prayed for his wife, who is from Nepal, and she was healed, he said.

Ramesh, his wife and other members of his family believed and started to attend church regularly, Pastor Singh said. The entire village began to trouble the Gautam family and made things difficult for them.

In spite of pressures, Gautams wife stood firm before villagers and defended their new-found faith, he said.

The pastor said he was grateful to God for the hardships he and his family have endured from his arrest.

It is my privilege to suffer for Christ, he said, adding that he was able to share the message of the saving grace of Christ with a group of 150 prisoners his first day of incarceration.

Later he shared the gospel with smaller groups of prisoners, as he did each day until his release, he said.

The message of Christ was proclaimed with power amongst the prisoners, and I am delighted that the name of Christ was heard by all 1,300 prisoners, Pastor Singh said. I saw that their spirits were crushed, and they had deep loneliness in them.

Some of the prisoners were convicted murderers and had killed as many as 22 people, and he prayed with and embraced many of them, feeling an anointing and the power of God, he said.

I am delighted to have gone to the prison and been used by God, he said. Now that I have seen them and have been there, I can pray for them with much conviction and burden.

A native of Delhi who converted to Christianity from Hinduism, the pastor moved to Nepal five years ago and lives there with this wife and three children. He runs a tailoring training center in Nepalganj with his wife and also has been ministering at the Prem Sewa Clinic, a hospital in Rupaidiha, for nearly two years.

Indian and Nepalese nationals may cross the border without restrictions, though there is a customs checkpoint for goods and for those from other countries.

India this year cracked the top 10 on Christian support organization Open Doors 2019 World Watch List of countries where Christians experience the most persecution, ranking 10th, up from 11th the previous year.

Nepal: No Conversion Zone

In Nepal, the increase in persecution of Christians that began after a new criminal code was passed in October 2017 (taking effect in August 2018) continues, with a mob stopping construction of a church building in Kathmandu, the capital, on Jan. 20, another pastor said.

Nearly all districts in Nepal now have roadside signs reading, No Conversion Zone, Pastor Sagar Baiju told Morning Star News.

Local people got together and objected to the construction of a church building  they said that Christians cannot come into their cities and reside here, Pastor Baiju said.

A local resident of Kathmandu told Morning Star News that Christians commonly face harassment when renting or leasing apartments in the city. When they inquire about availability, they are asked to state their religion, and generally landlords are not willing to rent homes to Christians, the source said.

On Christmas Day, the President of the Hindu Revival Campaign Nepal (Hindu Jagran Abhiyan Nepal), Ram Prasad Upadhyay, led a huge anti-Christian procession and burned Bibles at a highway intersection.

A crowd estimated at between 5,000 and 8,000 people shouted slogans such as, Beat the Christians, Throw out Christians and Down with Christians in Bharatpur, Chitwan District. Bharatpur, the fourth largest city in Nepal, is 160 kilometers (almost 100 miles) from Kathmandu.

The procession featured saffron flags and banners with threats printed on them.

Bharatpur is a prominent city, and we can see a wave moving against Christians, B.P. Khanal, pastor of The Lords Assembly and a social activist, told Morning Star News.

The burning of the Bibles was a symbolic representation of their victory over conversion and Christianity in the country.

Police did nothing to stop the anti-Christian threats and hate speech, illegal under Nepalese religion laws.

Leave aside the police taking action against the mob, they were actually there to give protection to the whole procession, safeguarding against any kind of communal tension that could arise, Pastor Baiju told Morning Star News.

He added that he was shocked to see that no media covered the procession.

Christian leaders filed a request with police to take action against such processions on grounds of hate speech and disrupting the peace in the society, but officials took no action, sources said.

The general secretary of the Nepal Christian Society, along with its president and leaders of the National Churches Fellowship of Nepal (NCFN), went to see the home minister on Dec. 31 and appealed for him to look into the procession and take appropriate action against organizers.

Though the home minister said good words and assured the delegation of action, no action was taken, Pastor Khanal said.

The meeting, however, led the home minister to send a proposal to declare Dec. 25, 2019 as a holiday, he said.

People are traumatized in Chitwan and across the nation, Pastor Khanal said. Most of the Christians are afraid to go out and evangelize. Some of the churches are threatened and are afraid to conduct regular worship services.

Unlike Christmas in 2017, Christmas carols were sung behind closed doors last year, sources said.

This past Christmas, the majority of carol singing has taken place inside our respective churches, said one source. Out of fear, very few have gone door-to-door carolling, and the government is mum; the police are mute spectators.

Pastor Baiju said he feels that the government is not doing enough to protect the rights of the Christian community, and that radical groups are taking undue advantage of this laxness.

Nepal was ranked 32nd on Christian support organization Open Doors 2019 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian.

If you would like to help persecuted Christians, visit http://morningstarnews.org/resources/aid-agencies/ for a list of organizations that can orient you on how to get involved.

If you or your organization would like to help enable Morning Star News to continue raising awareness of persecuted Christians worldwide with original-content reporting, please consider collaborating at https://morningstarnews.org/donate/?

Article originally published by Morning Star News. Used with permission.

Photo courtesy: Morning Star News
Grand Canyon University Disinvites Ben Shapiro from Speaking at Their Campus Share Tweet

Grand Canyon University has rescinded an invitation for conservative commentator Ben Shapiro to speak at the campus.

Shapiro, editor-in-chief of The Daily Wire and host of The Ben Shapiro Show was initially invited to speak by the campus organization Young Americans for Freedom. Grand Canyon University in Arizona is a Christian school.

A statement released last week by the university, however, said that Shapiro would not be allowed to speak because it would be detrimental to the schools unique and united community.

"We believe in many of the things that Ben Shapiro speaks about and stands for, including his support for ideals that grow out of traditional Judeo-Christian values and his belief in a free market economy. Our decision to cancel Shapiro's speaking engagement is not a reflection of his ideologies or the values he represents, but rather a desire to focus on opportunities that bring people together," the statement read.

Shapiro responded to the statement on Twitter, writing Oh.

GCU said the decision would most likely disappoint some students, but the change was meant so the university could bring unity to a community that sits amidst a country that is extremely divided.

Students and others took to Twitter to voice their disappointment over the schools decision.

"Wait so if 'unity' is the standard, then no one can be invited to speak. Because there will always be someone who disagrees and is offended. #GCU should probably get out of the University business... and maybe search the scriptures a bit more to see how 'divisive' Jesus was," one Twitter user said.

Said another: "My alma mater GCU has chosen to ban @benshapiro from speaking at a student event. Aren't universities supposed to be a place for discussion of all ideas? Why is GCU banning free speech? #gcu #benshapiro

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Rich Polk/Stringer
Church Holds 96-Day Prayer and Worship Service to Save a Family from Being Deported Share Tweet

A Netherlands church band together to stop the deportation of an Armenian family, and after 96 days of prayer, the government is allowing the family to stay.

According to NBC News, the Bethel Church in The Hague welcomed the Tamrazyn family into their church and then held a 96-day prayer service to prevent them from being deported. Netherlands laws prohibit police from entering houses of worship while services are underway, so, as long as the church was participating in a service, the Tamrazyns were safe from deportation.

Relevant Magazine reports that after more than three-month of prayer and worship, the service finally ended on Tuesday when the countrys Cabinet decided to allow the Tamrazyns and several other families who were rejected for permanent residence to stay in the country.

The family of five fled to the Netherlands some nine years ago, where they sought asylum from the Armenian government. After a strenuous process of seeking a legal asylum that yielded no results, the family, along with many others, were ordered to return to Armenia  a country the Dutch government deemed to be safe.

According to NBC News, immigration has long been an issue in the Netherlands. The outlet reports that the Netherlands Liberal party, which has control of the parliaments Lower House by one seat, is expected to lose its Senate majority in the upcoming March election. As such, NBC News reports that they are trying to present a tough stance on immigration, to avoid losing ground to rivals including the anti-Islam party of Geerts Wilder.

Photo courtesy: Ian/Unsplash
To resist gender-transitioning of kids, be willing to lose friends, activists say CP Reporter | 04 February, 2019 by Brandon Showalter

Radical feminists, a former trans-identified male and a lesbian who was kicked off the Baltimore mayor's LGBTQ commission are urging people to scrap social media conversation and start speaking to people face-to-face about the dangers of transgender ideology.

Assembled before hundreds gathered at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, a panel of exclusively leftist, feminist, and lesbian voices urged those in attendance on Monday to speak out against the threat of gender identity legislation, particularly given the Equality Act, now being considered in Congress.

The proposed bill is an update to the 1964 Civil Rights Act  regarded by many as the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.  and would add "gender identity" as a protected legal category in civil rights law even though, the activists say, no one has ever defined that phrase or knows what it means. Radical feminists maintain the entire concept is a grave threat to hard-won rights they have fought for on the basis of biological sex.

Among the speakers was Hacsi Horvath, who once identified as transgender and presented as a woman for several years and is an adjunct lecturer in the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco.

"Don't play along with it. I don't play along," Horvath said when asked by The Christian Post about how people on the political right and left might respond effectively together to the rapid spread of gender identity ideology in a polarized political climate.

"I don't say transwoman, I don't say she, her [when speaking about a male]. I don't care if it hurts their feelings. This is reality and it gaslights everybody else. And it gaslights yourself, and you begin to internalize it."

Jennifer Chavez, an attorney and a board member of the radical feminist group Women's Liberation Front, read stories from parents, who remained nameless, about how they lost their children to gender identity, how the health of their kids was wrecked by puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, and how some children no longer speak to their parents.

"Everyone who is here has a reason to be concerned that we will be attacked in our jobs or in our personal lives, lose friends, lose family even. I think we all have to start trying to give cover to each other and make room for there to be questioning [of trans ideology]," said Chavez.

"And there has to be that kind of making room within the medical profession, where more and more people need to just speak up and create space for the questioning so that every time that happens that person isn't just slammed down."

As The Christian Post reported in December, Dr. Michael Laidlaw, a Rocklin, California-based endocrinologist, indicated that a culture of fear shrouds the medical community and concerned physicians are reluctant to speak against administering puberty blockers to children.

"I have been told by a Kaiser doctor: 'Well, I can't say anything about this or I may lose my job. I have a family to feed,'" Laidlaw told CP.

Continue reading about transgender ideology on The Christian Post.
Tim Keller: Christians should ask this 1 question before choosing a career Christian Post Contributor | 04 February, 2019 by Leah MarieAnn Klett

Before choosing a career path, believers should ask themselves, "What gifts do I have, and how can I be useful to other people through my work?" pastor and author Tim Keller has advised.

During a recent desiringGod.org podcast, Keller, founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York, said that in this "consumeristic age," people find their identity in the products and brands they consume  and jobs are "like that too."

"There is just no doubt," he said. "I see plenty of people taking jobs that really don't fit. They don't fit their talents very well, and very often the jobs don't necessarily fulfill them because the jobs aren't really helping people very much. But the jobs are high status, and people feel like 'I need to be in that job so I can feel good about myself.' It is an identity marker."

Keller contended that when choosing a career path, many people ask themselves, "How do I take a job that gives me the same kind of sense of self-worth I get when I am driving a particular kind of car?"

Instead, he advised people to choose a job on the basis of vocation and ask themselves, "What gifts do I have, and how can I be useful to other people through my work?"

The Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work author stressed that God created people to work  and "all good work done well is God's calling."

"Seeing your work as a calling is not a problem if you're stuck in a job you don't like," he said. "You need to say that right now it is still God's calling and that gives you a lot of peace. You can say, "Hey, I can still answer God's calling in this job even when I am looking for a job that I think fits my gifts better."

Earlier, Keller explained that the Christian understanding of vocation is "if you produce a product that makes people's lives better, even if it's a rather boring process to do it, you are doing God's work."

"You are caring for God's creation. You are serving people's needs," he said.

Unfortunately, secular culture promotes the idea that work is about personal fulfillment, excitement, and a paycheck.

"Why does it have to be so incredibly fulfilling when you know that you are doing something that helps people?" he asked. "I do think that is part of what I mean when I say that we have lost the idea of calling, and we are looking now at work as a way of fulfillment, and that actually, in the end, crushes you."

Grumpiness, anger, or "only doing what I have to do to get by" when it comes to work demonstrates a "lack of a Gospel character," Keller warned.

"The Gospel helps make you grateful, make you humble, gives you inner peace, makes you generous in your spirit," he said. "If you just don't show all those things at work, it means that you are not really letting the Gospel change the heart the way it ought to."

Read more from "Tim Keller: Christians should ask this 1 question before choosing a career" on The Christian Post.
Syrian Muslims find Jesus after ISIS brutality: 'Christianity was the religion I was searching for' Christian Post Contributor | 04 February, 2019 by Leah MarieAnn Klett

Syrian Christians have shared how they converted from Islam to Christianity after witnessing the brutality of Islamic extremist groups like ISIS, who carried out barbaric acts in the name of Allah.

Members of the recently-established Church of the Brethren in Kobani  the first local Christian place of worship for decades  shared with NBC News how Christianity appealed to them after living under Sharia law.

Farhad Jasim, 23, who works as a mechanic, converted to Christianity late last year. He told NBC he was jailed by ISIS for six months in early 2016 after the militants discovered he didn't know the basics of Islam. During his time in captivity, he was tortured and forced to read the Quran.

"After I witnessed their brutality with my own eyes, I started to be skeptical about my belief," Jasim said.

After hearing about the Church of the Brethren, which opened in September and is part of a denomination that dates back to 18th-century Germany, Jasim decided to visit: "It didn't take me long to discover that Christianity was the religion I was searching for," he said.

Jasim told the outlet his family has rejected him because of his newfound faith and expressed hope that one day, his loved ones will not only forgive him but embrace Christianity, too.

"If ISIS represents Islam, I don't want to be a Muslim anymore," he said. "Their God is not my God."

Firas, a 47-year-old farmer, told NBC he converted to Christianity after living under ISIS for two years. He recalled how militants would terrorize anyone who didn't adhere to their particular brand of Islam.

"I saw men and young teenagers being whipped on the streets because they were caught smoking. I saw dead bodies of young men being thrown from high buildings for being gay," Firas said. "This was their Islam."

"If heaven is made for ISIS and their belief, I would choose hell for myself instead of being again with them in the same place, even if it's paradise," he added.

While ISIS was driven out of the city, located along the Syrian-Turkish border, over four years ago, converting to Christianity remains taboo  and even dangerous  in the Muslim-majority region. Persecution watchdog Open Doors notes that even in more secure parts of Syria, Christians who have converted from Islam face pressure and discrimination from their communities. Kobani is home to about 300 Christians, according to estimates.

Omar, 38, who serves as church administrator, said that even before ISIS overtook the region, it was strictly forbidden to change religion from Islam to Christianity. But under ISIS, converting to Christianity "wasn't even imaginable," he said, adding: "ISIS would kill you immediately."

"Most of the brothers here converted or come to church as a result of what ISIS did to them and to their families," he said. "No one is forced to convert. Our weapon is the prayer, the spreading of spirit of love, brotherhood and tolerance."

Currently, just 4.6 percent of Syrians are believed to be Christian, according to a report by Aid to the Church in Need. Additionally, about 700,000 Christians are believed to have left Syria since the civil war began in 2011.

Read more from "Syrian Muslims find Jesus after ISIS brutality: 'Christianity was the religion I was searching for'" on The Christian Post.
Satan's plan to sabotage your destiny Christian Post Contributor | 04 February, 2019 by Jamie Morgan

"...because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me." 1 Cor. 16:9

I recently spent some time in reflection after celebrating twelve years of pastoral ministry. One of the greatest joys of ministry has been watching Christians answer God's call on their lives. The greatest sorrow has been when they don't.

As a pastor, I've lost count the number of Christians I have witnessed ALMOST answer their call, ALMOST use their gifts and talents to build the Kingdom, and ALMOST fulfill their destiny. Watching this play out is truly one of the heartbreaks of ministry, and for the person that falls into the enemy's trap, the pain and regret are unbearable.

Satan hates when believers are about to step into their destiny. He will use anything to try to stop it: fear, condemnation, insecurity, temptation, doubt, sin, comfort, etc.

Here is the typical scenario:

God opens a huge door of ministry opportunity in a believer's life.

As the believer's foot is about to cross the ministry threshold, right on cue, the enemy attacks.

The believer succumbs to the attack by believing the lies of the enemy.

SABOTAGE!  door blocked and call successfully thwarted!

It is no surprise that the enemy will try to steal a believer's destiny - it is guaranteed. It's part of Satan's job description (John 10:10). The real surprise for me, however, is how many believers fall prey to it.

Here are four steps to foil Satan's plan to steal your destiny:

1. Don't be caught unaware and think the enemy will leave you alone. He won't. Be on the offense, knowing the enemy will attack God's purposes for your life. Expect it.

2. Think what you are thinking about. The enemy will inject lies into your mind about why you can't run through the door of opportunity. Cast down these lies and speak God's Word. Pick up your weapons and fight!

Read more from "Satan's plan to sabotage your destiny" on The Christian Post.
Christian university cancels Ben Shapiro speech, citing 'extremely divided' America Christian Post Reporter | 04 February, 2019 by Brandon Showalter

An Arizona Christian university has canceled a speech from conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, saying that while they support much of what he stands for they want to focus on opportunities that foster unity in a divided time.

In a statement Friday, Grand Canyon University, an evangelical school in Phoenix that was founded in 1949 by Southern Baptists, explained that they moved to block the event in light of the polarized climate in the United States.

"We believe in many of the things that Ben Shapiro speaks about and stands for, including his support for ideals that grow out of traditional Judeo-Christian values and his belief in a free market economy," the university said.

"Our decision to cancel Shapiro's speaking engagement is not a reflection of his ideologies or the values he represents, but rather a desire to focus on opportunities that bring people together."

In light of the division in America and the high volume of rhetoric, the university aims to posture itself in an action-oriented way in order to contribute to community-building and solving problems in society. To do that, the school has developed a plan to collaborate with groups like Habitat for Humanity to rebuild the inner-city, reducing crime in their neighborhood through a $1.6 million partnership with the city law enforcement to pay for police overtime.

"We hope it is a model that is emulated by others and builds strong communities where people can live and prosper in harmony, no matter their differences," GCU explained.

"It was not our intent to disappoint or offend anyone. It was, rather, to use our position as a Christian university to bring unity to a community that sits amidst a country that is extremely divided and can't seem to find a path forward toward unity," the school said, grounding their rationale with the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:9.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God," the verse, which is part of the Sermon on the Mount, reads.

GCU concluded: "Making peace in a way that honors Christ is something we will continue to try to do."

Penny Nance, president of the Concerned Women for America was not impressed, noting that the purpose of a college education should involve exposure to a variety of viewpoints.

"My alma mater @LibertyU recently hosted @benshapiro @SenSanders and #PresidentJimmyCarter Isn't that the point of the university experience? To learn, think and grow?" she tweeted Monday.

"@GCU not your job to shield your students from diverse thought. I am embarrassed for you."

Shapiro, who hosts The Ben Shapiro Show and is also the editor-in-chief of the Daily Wire, had been invited by to speak by the GCU chapter of the Young Americans for Freedom, a conservative student group. He was one of the featured speakers this year at the March for Life in Washington, D.C.

In response to the school denying Shapiro an on-campus venue, YAF spokesman Spencer Brown said it was all too familiar given that UC-Berkeley did something similar to Shapiro in 2017, calling GCU's decision "pathetic."

Read more from "Christian university cancels Ben Shapiro speech, citing 'extremely divided' America" on The Christian Post.
The racist next door: KKK flyer incident reveals influence of hate groups on the Lower Columbia
Still no pay for former Klean employees: rehab company's legal battle has only made matters worse
If you feel a pang in your heart when a great series departs from TV, 2019 could be a rough year. Thats because fans will say goodbye to Game of Thrones and Veep on HBO before bidding farewell to Homeland on Showtime.

In brief, you will see three of the best shows of the decade disappearing in the space of six months. While we know HBO will air its two departing shows in the spring, the word from Showtime was wed get to dig back into Homeland by the summer (June, actually).

But the date for the spy thriller will be pushed back, Showtimes president of programming Gary Levine announced last week. As reported by TV Line, the new schedule from the network will have Homeland appearing in the fall, which would push the series finale close to the holidays.

Overseas production demands cited

Mandy Patinkin as Saul Berenson and Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison in Homeland (Season 5, Episode 9, The Litvinov Ruse). | Stephan Rabold/SHOWTIME

In a word, Homeland is now slated to start its final, 12-episode season three-to-four months later than expected due to issues with overseas production. Levine cited the demands of scheduling shoots and staging scenes abroad as the reason for pushing back the premiere of its signature show. (Homeland remains even more popular than the excellent Billions.)

As was previously reported, the shows producers decided to abandon the D.C. and New York locations of recent seasons in order to get back to foreign locales. The eighth installment will use Afghanistan as a primary setting, with those scenes shooting in Morocco, TV Line reported.

The last time we saw Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) abroad (Season Five), she was working in private security in Germany while raising her young daughter and struggling to maintain a relationship. Some attempts on her life eventually led to her saving a wayward Peter Quinn (and, later, an attack on a German train station).

Back in Season Four was the last time she worked in the Middle East. (At the time, she was Kabuls CIA station chief.) This season returns her back to that tense spot on the map. Showtime execs promise plenty of excitement ahead.

A surprising and moving ride to the shows conclusion

Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison in HOMELAND (Season 7, Episode 11, All In). | Kata Veinrmes/Showtime

How do you end a classic show like Homeland? Do you take the David Chase route with The Sopranos or eschew ambiguity for a explosion-filled finale? Whatever the Homeland producers have planned, they havent offered any hints. However, we know the show doesnt shy away from fireworks, so wed expect more of the same.

According to Levine, who read some of the early scripts, the show will deliver a breathless, surprising and moving ride to its conclusion. All things considered, Homeland fans cant ask for more than that.

Though the time jumps ahead a few years and removes Carrie from the concerns of D.C., the show will be bringing back familiar characters  from the last time we saw her in Afghanistan.

If you were wondering, the early February headlines about the U.S. war in Afghanistan should settle any concerns about whether the final season will be as timely as the previous seven.

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THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY  Femme Finale Episode 1318  Pictured: (l-r) Gina Kirschenheiter, Emily Simpson  (Photo by: Phillip Faraone/Bravo)

Gina Kirschenheiter from The Real Housewives of Orange County has a message after her DUI arrest. The mother of three was arrested late January 31 in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.

Gina Kirschenheiter was stopped for a traffic violation in Rancho Santa Margarita at Santa Margarita Parkway, public affairs officer Jaimee Blashaw told US Weekly. She was arrested for DUI at 12:20 a.m. on January 31 and was released at noon that same day.

Kirschenheiter made a statement following her arrest, but recently took to Instagram to dive further after doing some soul searching.

Kirschenheiter speaks out following the arrest

She made this statement to US Weekly following her arrest. I made a very bad choice the other night after a moms night out. I am extremely disappointed in myself and regret my actions wholeheartedly. She adds she has learned a valuable lesson and hopes to show that this one incident does not define her. Kirschenheiter has a court date on February 28.

Some of Kirschenheiters Instagram followers commented about the arrest on a Happy Monday post. She needs to change, one follower wrote. She needs to stop drinking and driving. The follower added that Kirschenheiter got arrested for a DUI and luckily no one was hurt this time.

But this fan said everyone should learn and forgive. Well Im sure she is horrified by that. People make bad judgements sometimes. Shes going through alot . This has nothing to do with changing. She just had bad judgement . A cab or uber would have been the better choice but weve all been there.

She comes clean on Instagram

Recently, Kirschenheiter posted about changing her behavior and wrote about the outpouring of support she received. Plus how much she regrets what happened.

Bad choices have bad consequences, she wrote. Mine are magnified bc I chose to share my life with you on a very public stage. Those who are a part of my real life gave me words of encouragement and love knowing the content of my character and the love in my heart. As embarrassed and hard on myself as Ive been in these past few days, Ive been shocked by the astonishing amount of it could have happened to anyone and weve all been there that Ive received through friends both close to me and on social media.

She also adds she is disappointed in herself. I could easily join in with the chorus saying youre right, it could be any of us but it shouldnt be any of us. EVER !

Kirschenheiter says it is terrible this has become a social norm. I am disappointed in myself and that I am a part of this social norm. Especially since everyone who knows me knows Im the queen of Uber/Lyft. This didnt happen to me. I wasnt unlucky I made a conscious decision to do something epically stupid. One time is one time too many. I am awake now. I can promise this will NEVER BE ME again.

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Spring is just around the corner, and Meghan Markle is enjoying the final months of her pregnancy. The Duchess of Sussex is set to give birth to her and Prince Harrys first child in April or May of 2019.

Though they are in the midst of a massive life change, the royal couple hasnt missed a beat so far. They have continued to attend numerous events while renovating their new home, Frogmore House. Markle, who is an ultra-organized former actress reportedly already has her birth plan in order. Will the duchess be using a doula when she gives birth?

What is a doula?

A doula is a non-medical professional whose sole purpose is to advocate on behalf of the mother. More and more women, especially women of color like Markle who are more at risk during birth are opting to have doulas at their side during labor and delivery. Doulas are present to provide comfort and emotional support, but they do not replace doctors, nurses, or midwives.

Is Meghan Markle using a doula?

As Meghan Markle gears up to give birth, she is working with a doula. According to US Weekly, Markle has reportedly been using a doula during her pregnancy who has visited her and Harrys homes multiple times. Meghan is focused on calm and positive energy around the birth  shes a big believer in that.

Meghan Markles birth plan

The Suits alum already has a birth plan in mind. Though this is Markles first child, she and Prince Harry are reportedly considering a home birth instead of the traditional hospital birth at St. Marys Hospital Lindo Wing. Since the prince and the duchess will be moving to Frogmore House in Windsorabout an hour away from London, getting Markle to St. Marys in the midst of labor would be too far of a trek.

In addition to her doula and Prince Harry, Markles mother Doria Ragland will also be present in the labor and delivery room. Vanity Fair reports, Doria plans to be around a lot when the baby arrives, and there are plans for her to have a dedicated space at their new home. She wants to be on hand to help Meghan and Harry with the baby. Doria will be involved, and if shes involved she will be encouraging Meg to go for a natural birth.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex | Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Will Meghan Markle post for the traditional post-birth photo opp?

Since Markle probably wont give birth at Lindo, we highly doubt she will be posing for that traditional post-birth photo. After all, it seems absurd that any woman would want to engage in a full-on photoshoot just hours after giving birth . As a source close to the royal family explained, Harry and Meghan are intent on doing things their own way. One way or the other, they will get what they want.

Read more: Everything Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Have Said About Having Children

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Meghan Markle is allegedly due in just two short months, which means the Duchess of Sussex is likely thinking more and more about her birth plan. And, rumor has it, she has taken some advice from her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton. Is Meghan Markle considering the same birthing technique that the Duchess of Cambridge used to deliver all three of her children? Find out  plus other details about Meghan Markles birth plan  ahead.



Meghan Markles birth plan



Meghan Markle is allegedly due April 2019.| Chris Jackson/Getty Images

As the Duchess of Sussex approaches the end of her first pregnancy journey, she has likely thought about where and how she will deliver Baby Sussex. Take a look at what Meghan Markles birth plan could entail, including why she might try the same birthing technique as her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton.



Shes thinking about using the same birthing technique that Kate Middleton used

When Kate Middleton delivered her babies, she relied on a technique called HypnoBirthing. And, now, Meghan Markle might do the same. The Duchess of Sussex has allegedly read up on the technique and is seriously considering doing the same.



Hypnobirthing is a special technique that requires a certain breathing practice, visualization, relaxation, and meditation.



She might not deliver at the St. Marys Hospital Lindo Wing

Theres a good chance the Duke and Duchess of Sussex might welcome their firstborn away from London. In what would be a break from tradition, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could choose to deliver their baby closer to their new home in Windsor, Frogmore Cottage. If thats the case, they might choose The Princess Margaret Hospital, as it is a short six-minute drive from Windsor Castle.



In addition to giving birth at a hospital near her new Windsor home, Meghan Markle might also be considering a home birth.



She has a doula

Unlike other royal women, Meghan Markle has hired a doula to help her during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum transition. The doula has already visited her and Prince Harrys home multiple times, helping to prepare the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for baby.



Meghan is focused on calm and positive energy around the birth  shes a big believer in that, a source told Us Weekly of her potential reasons for hiring such expertise.



Acupuncture sessions



In true Hollywood fashion, Meghan Markle has also allegedly hired a celebrity acupuncturist to help prep her for delivery. The Duchess of Sussex has reportedly visited Ross Barr to help her unwind and relax before baby, says a Vanity Fair source. Its brilliant for the blood circulation and boosting blood flow to the uterus. She plans to use acupuncture right up to her due date, the source added.



Her mother plans to help out after birth



Doria Ragland has plans for an extended stay in the United Kingdom to help her daughter and son-in-law get accustomed to life after baby. The royal mother-in-law already has her own room at Prince Harry and Meghan Markles newly renovated country home and might even help the Duchess of Sussex get back into her yoga practice once shes cleared for exercise.



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At the outset of 2019, Thrive Regional Partnership welcomed seven new trustees to its board that reflect growing representation and leadership across the tri-state, 16-county greater Chattanooga region. The newly-elected board trustees are Whitney Coe, Joel Houser, Brittany Pittman, Emerson Russell, Dr. Mina Sartipi, Dennis Tumlin and Greg Vital.

Bridgett Massengill, president and CEO, said, It is with great honor that we welcome the newest Trustees to our board. Their appointments align us closer with our founding boards vision of fully representing the 16-county region and the four focus areas we serve. Not only do these new Trustees expand our reach across the region, but they also add a depth of expertise in rural, urban, conservation, workforce, education, data analytics, and economic development that will enrich the value Thrive lends to the tri-state region.

Whitney K. Coe of Athens, Tn. in McMinn County is coordinator of the National Rural Assembly with the Center for Rural Strategies, a rural movement made up of activities and partnerships geared toward building better policy and more opportunity across the country. In 2018 she served locally on the Athens Thriving Communities team, leveraging local arts and culture assets across McMinn County to achieve economic vibrancy and growth. Ms.Coe has a MA in Appalachian studies from Appalachian State University in North Carolina and an undergraduate degree in religion and philosophy from Queens University of Charlotte.

Joel Houser of Chattanooga, is the Southeast field coordinator for the Open Space Institute, a regional environmental protection organization. His regional efforts in conservation cover the entire 16-county footprint. He is an active member of the community, an avid outdoor recreationist, and environmental conservationist with a background in agriculture. He has served as the executive director of Crabtree Farms, and the Southeast regional director for The Land Trust for Tennessee. Over the course of his career, he has expressed: My favorite parts of this region are the lands and its people.

Brittany Pittman is a native of Chatsworth, Ga. in Murray County. She has a strong desire to see rural Georgia thrive, which led her to her current role as the State of Georgia Program Manager for the Appalachian Regional Commission. She previously served as the Sole Commissioner of Murray County Georgia during which time she was instrumental in the recruitment of the Appalachian Regional Port to northwest Georgia. Ms. Pittman feels that regional collaboration along with a strong focus on economic development is the key to building successful communities.

Emerson Russell, a resident of Rossville, is the CEO of ERMC, headquartered in Chattanooga, and has lived in Catoosa County for over 20 years. Mr. Russell has served as the Chair of the Top of Georgia initiative for the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority, a bold six-year program to stimulate economic and community development in Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade and Walker Counties. Mr. Russell launched ERMC as a security company in 1972. The company now offers a full-range of janitorial, maintenance, security and landscaping services to more than 200 companies across the country in industries ranging from aviation and industrial to retail and residential.

Dr. Mina Sartipi is the founding director of the Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) in Hamilton County, where she is also a UC Foundation professor in the Computer Science and Engineering Department. Her research, funded by NSF, NIH, state of Tennessee, and industry, focuses on data-driven approaches to tackle real-world challenges in smart city applications such as transportation, health, and energy. She has a number of invited papers, journal papers, and professional conference presentations and she serves on the board of directors of startups and non-profit organizations. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and outdoor activities including hiking and rock climbing with her husband (Dr. George Yu) and their two young daughters.

Dennis Tumlin is the executive director of the Rhea County Economic Development and Tourism Council in Dayton, Tn. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a BS in Business Administration and is a TN Certified Economic Developer through the University of Tennessees Center for Industrial Services. Mr. Tumlin has served on Governor Haslams Rural Task force subcommittee on rural economic development, and also served on Governor Haslams Project H20 board focusing on a long term plan for water stewardship in Tennessee. His vision to create the 330-acre Rail Hub South industrial development paved the way for the recently announced Nokian Tyres manufacturing plant that selected Dayton in May 2017. Mr. Tumlin is a Rhea County native where he currently resides with his wife and three daughters.

Greg A. Vital is co-founder, president and chief executive officer of Independent Healthcare Properties and Morning Pointe Senior Living. Since the formation of the company in 1996, IHP has developed over 32 assisted living facilities throughout the Southeast. Both a noted conservationist and developer, Mr. Vital owns farmland in Georgetown, where he raises buffalo. A portion of the farm is protected through a conservation easement. He currently serves as a board member of the Tennessee Aquarium, The Land Trust for Tennessee, East Tennessee Historical Society, and is board chairman of National Parks Conservation Association.

Each of the Thrive board members bring a unique and special attribute to the table, said Connie Vaughan, chair of Thrive Regional Partnership. As we welcome these new members, I look forward to their contributions to help steer the organizations collaborative efforts around efficient transportation, community development, and the preservation of our natural resources.

With these appointments, the Thrive board consists of 22 trustees. Chaired by Connie Vaughan, Government Relations Manager for McKee Foods, the board of trustees includes: Rob Bradham, President & CEO of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce; Daniel Carter of Carter Farm and Sewanee, University of the South; Chuck Dobbins of Dobbins Investments, LLC; Gary Farlow, President & CEO of the Cleveland-Bradley Chamber of Commerce; Christy Gillenwater, President & CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce; Daniel R. Jacobson, Chairman of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority; Beth Jones, Executive Director of Southeast Tennessee Development; Erik McNair of McNair Media; Denny Mobbs of Jordan Fabricating; Rick Roden, President & CEO of Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce; Honna Rogers, Municipal Management Consultant for UT-Municipal Technical Advisory Service; Dr. Edna Varner, Senior Advisor for the Public Education Foundation; Elizabeth Wells of Rossville Redevelopment; and Charles Wood, Chief Economic Development Officer of the Greater Chattanooga Economic Partnership.

Thrive Regional Partnership is an independent nonprofit with a mission to ignite responsible and inspired growth across the tri-state region for the next four decades. Through communication, collaboration, analytics and innovation, Thrive optimizes community development opportunities while protecting the natural treasures and landscapes that define this special place.
The remains of General Nathan Bedford Forrest and his wife have been dug up from a park in Memphis and moved to a Confederate museum. General Forrest was a grand wizard in the KKK and therefore is hated. How much did that cost the taxpayers? Robert Byrd and his wife remains are in the Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington, Va., very close to Arlington National Cemetery. He was ... (click for more)

Ive known Joe Smith, a current member of the Hamilton County School Board, for what seems to be a lifetime. Hes as real a guy as I have ever known in my life and, while our views sometimes differ, he has dared to share his soul with me on more than one occasion. Do you know he and his wife have raised 19 beautiful foster kids, this after Joe was an orphan himself? Or how about ... (click for more)
The Humanities and Fine Arts Division of Chattanooga State Community College will host the fourth installment of its 5th annual Chautauqua Lecture Series on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. in the Humanities Auditorium on Chattanooga States main campus, with a dessert reception to follow.



In 1874, people gathered on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in New York State to enjoy speakers, teachers, musicians, and specialists who entertained and educated members of the community, thus catalyzing an adult education movement that subsequently spread throughout rural America. Since 2014, Chattanooga State has hosted its own monthly Chautauqua to unite faculty, students, staff, and the larger Chattanooga community in exploring a wide array of topics within the Humanities. This year, Chattanooga States Chautauqua Series features the informative and unique research of seven Humanities & Fine Arts faculty as well as the series finale with Writers@Work 2018-2019 visiting authors Beth Ann Fennelly and Tom Franklin.



This months lecture features Professor Katheryn Thompson, who will present Borderlands: The Land Between and the Finding and Creation of Self. The concept of the borderland has had a tremendous impact in Chicano literary theory, but also in other areas. Join Professor Thompson as she connects Gloria Anzalduas concept of the threshold between two worlds with broader literary and social contexts, such as the college students educational journey, and the personal negotiation of ones own identity.



A self-described bibliophile, Ms. Thompson sees the relevance of Anzalduas borderlands across a wide range of literary texts and notes that scholars have recognized that it functions in all kinds of immigrant literature as well as in the literature produced in former colonial areas.

Ms. Thompson goes on to explain that in addition to Chicano literature, other works like Moby Dick, The Scarlet Letter, and The Last of the Mohicans bear witness to characters and authors who straddle the boundary between two cultures or places in order to create for themselves a unique identity.



Following Ms. Thompsons February lecture, Assistant Professor Eric Niemi will present in March on Playing with Rituals: How Board Games Impact Culture. The final installment in the 2018-2019 Chautauqua Lecture Series will be a special event offered in partnership with the Humanities Departments Writers@Work program, entitled Writers@Work: The Art and Craft of Writing.

During this session, the 2018-19 Writers@Work visiting authors, Beth Ann Fennelly and Tom Franklin, will discuss their writing process, their collaboration on the novel The Tilted World and the art and craft of writing.



The event is free to all members of the public.


The Hamilton County Department of Education will be in charge of providing the school system with interpreters for their Spanish-speaking students registering for the 2019-2020 school year.



The Department of Education made this transition of responsibility with the hiring of Maricela Mardi Leonard, the district interpreter for the county.



Ms. Leonards focus is to provide supplemental language support to the district for the Spanish-speaking community, which makes up approximately 15 percent of Chattanoogas current population.



In past years, La Paz Chattanooga has served the district by providing nearly 100 volunteers each year to assist in school registration for Hispanic/Latino families.



Dr. [Marsha] Drake will be releasing detailed information about how the district supports non-English speaking parents/families with our Spring registration information packet and press releases, said Dr. Julie Legg, director of ESOL, RTI2, and World Language Programs for HCDE.



"We sincerely appreciate the support that La Paz has provided to Hamilton County Schools over the past several years."



Based on a 2013 report by HCDE, the district is the fifth largest ESOL district after Davidson, Rutherford, Knox counties and Memphis City schools.



We will continue to serve the Latino/Hispanic student population in Hamilton County in other capacities throughout the school year. We are very happy with the districts decision to increase their ESOL-serving capacity, and congratulate them on this next step, said Stacy Johnson, executive director of La Paz Chattanooga.



"La Paz encourages past volunteers to continue their service to our student population by serving with the district on their official registration day, however the organization will host an unofficial school registration event before the 2019-2020 school year begins," officials said.
Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander today said, Expanded access to primary care can help reduce health care costs.Dr. Lee Gross, of Florida testified at this committees fifth hearing on the cost of health care, Senator Alexander said. He told us that after seven years as a primary care doctor, he had an epiphany: too many government mandates and insurance companies were getting between doctors and patients and making primary care more expensive than it needed to be.So in 2010, Dr. Gross created one of the first Direct Primary Care practices. Instead of working with insurance companies and government programs, Dr. Gross patients pay him a flat monthly fee directly: $60 a month per adult, $25 a month for one child, and $10 a month for each additional child. Dr. Gross is one of more than 300,000 primary care doctors in the United States who most of us go to see for day-to-day medical carereceiving vaccines, like the flu shot, annual physicals and help managing chronic conditions, like diabetes.Senator Alexander said Dr. Gross practice is a good example of how a primary care doctor can help reduce costs: The first way Dr. Gross [helps reduce costs] is by helping with his patients wellness. Second, by keeping you out of the emergency room. And third, primary care is patients access point to more advanced care.I believe we can empower primary care doctors, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants to go even a step further, Senator Alexander said. Even if information on the cost and quality of health care is easily accessible, patients still have trouble comparing different health care options. For example, earlier this year, hospitals began to post their prices online, as required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, but to the average consumer, this information has proved to be incomprehensible. And while the data may be incomprehensible today, it is a ripe opportunity for innovation from private companies, like Health Care Bluebook, a Tennessee company that testified at a hearing last fall, and non-profit organizations to arrange the data so primary care doctors can help their patients to have better outcomes and better experiences at lower costs.Employers are increasingly taking an active role in their employees health and in the cost of health care. One of our new committee members, Senator Braun, was an employer of a thousand people and was aggressive about helping his employees reduce health care costs. Like primary care doctors, more good data could help employers like Senator Braun more effectively lower health care costs.Senator Alexander made his remarks today at a hearing to hear from witnesses about how primary care can play a role in lowering health care costs and improving outcomes, and explored innovative ways to improve access to affordable primary care.The Senate health committee held five hearings last Congress on reducing health care costs. At the first hearing on reducing health care costs, the committee established a common understanding of how much health care costs; at the second hearing, the committee explored ways to reduce unnecessary health care spending; at the third hearing, the committee focused on ways to reduce the administrative burden on doctors and hospitals; and at the fourth hearing, the committee focused on finding ways to improve access to information about the cost and quality of health care for patients. At the fifth and final hearing of the series, the committee examined what the private sector is doing to encourage innovation and what Washington can do to get out of the way to lower costs.You can read Senator Alexanders full prepared remarks here
The Chambers newest BEST partnership is a relationship between Tennessee Christian Preparatory School and McIntire & Associates Insurance, Inc.

We are so thrilled and honored to have McIntire and Associates as our BEST partner, said Dr. Jimmy Harper, Tennessee Christian Preparatory School president. They are a quality organization with positive impact across our community. This partnership is a huge blessing for TCPS.



BEST, the acronym for Business & Education Serving Together, is a program of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce that unites the efforts of a business and a selected school for the betterment of both.

We are extremely excited for this new adventure with TCPS, said Bob McIntire, president of McIntire & Associates Insurance, Inc. We are looking forward to upcoming projects together and the further community involvement that will prosper from this partnership.



The Chambers BEST program unites the efforts of a business and a selected school and involves a commitment of time, energy and expertise, Sherry Crye, the Chambers director of workforce development, said. The ultimate goal is to help prepare students for the labor force. The intermediate goal is to forge affiliations between a business and a school for the benefit of both.



Each public school in the Bradley County and Cleveland City School Systems has one or more local business partners. For information about the BEST partnership program, call Sherry Crye at 423-472-6587.


(Editors Note: Dr. Wayne Shearer, 94, is a retired optometrist and retired colonel from the U.S. Air Force Reserve now living in Hixson. In his early 90s, he decided to sit down and write from memory and a few records he still possesses his recollections of going through Army Air Corps pilot training at several bases in the United States during World War II. A lifelong writer, he wanted to pen them as he remembered them happening at the time. He also recreates now-lost letters as best as he recalls writing them and references newspaper articles he collected at the time and still possesses. This is the ninth in a series of regular excerpts from it.)

* * * * *

Setting: At the College Training Detachment at Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio

July 2, 1943:

Our marching band unit is ready to march with the rest of our detachment on Independence Day in downtown Cleveland.

One of my roommates received a letter from a high school friend, who is in primary training at Stamford, Texas. His friend had four hours dual time when, at an auxiliary field practicing landings and take offs, his instructor had him park the airplane and get out. It was his turn to solo. He made his first landing and taxied back to his instructor, but noticed that he was shaking his head. He thought it meant to give it another try, so he did. In the second landing of the PT-19, the instructor waved him in.

After the instructor climbed into the rear cockpit through the gosport, he asked, Do you like short field landings? The cadet, thinking that he was to do some, nodded yes. The instructor said loudly into the gosport, You dont need any practice since you broke off the fence caution flag on your first landing. The instructor never said another word about it.

I think that these various training stories that we hear from those ahead of us let us know what to expect in the future. I found out that in primary, the gosport is a device-like, one-way speaking tube that leads from the mouthpiece in the instructors rear cockpit to the ear (head) phone worn by the cadet in the front cockpit. The cadet acknowledges instruction by a head nod.

Letter home:

July 4, 1943

Dear Mother and Dad,

Everything went well at the Independence Day parade. People lined the streets. Some of the men were wearing American Legion caps and shouting encouragement to us, such as You look sharp, Chin up, You look proud. Dont think I missed too many notes in the marching band unit. It was fun. I am sure by now the farmers around Cordele are bringing a lot of watermelons and cantaloupes to sell at the markets. Id like to have one!

Your loving son, Wayne

July 5, 1943:

Our detachment marched well. We all thought we were sharper than the aviation student detachment at John Carroll Universitys Case Institute. My marching band flight kept the music playing that the spectators seemed to enjoy. A large crowd lined the street; especially notable were World War I veterans in their American Legion caps shouting encouragement to us. We sang our marching songs.

One of the local newspaper writers wrote, These future pilots, navigators and bombardiers march briskly, as though their wings were on the feet rather than on the sleeves of their coats. Its a thrilling sight, a satisfying one and an inspiring one. We all wish you good luck in your training as you win the war for us.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer on Sunday morning, July 11, 1943, said: INVADING TROOPS SEIZE 100 MILES OF SICILIAN COAST, DRIVE INLAND. Gen. Eisenhower announces that the landing was successful and artillery has been put ashore. The United States and British navies are pouring troops and war equipment into Sicily.

Another headline said: WARS LAST PHASE BEGUN, FDR SAYS. President Roosevelt told the world today that the invasion of Sicily means the war against Germany and Italy has entered its final phase, with the complete destruction of Nazism and Fascism as the objective directly ahead.

July 14, 1943:

Today is Wednesday and the professors at these beautiful ivy-covered campus academic buildings are moving us rapidly covering the subject matter. Everyone is pouring over the books. Were having more frequent exams. At times I feel like a knucklehead. There havent been any easy questions, but Im doing about like the others. There have been the usual latrine rumors about wash-outs. Passing grades are required on all academics, especially physics and math. Glad I had these subjects at North Georgia College, which helps me now, but its still a struggle. Same course but different instructor makes a difference.

Letter home:

July 16, 1943

Dear Mother and Dad,

Today is Friday and another week closer for my 10 hours flight indoctrination. It will be at the Cleveland airport where the famous Cleveland air races have been held before the war. I understand that Im on the list to start next week or the week after. If so, that means Ive been placed on the three months only needed in college list rather than 5 months. I thought your son would need 5 or 6 months extra! Tomorrow after morning inspection, several of us will ride the Euclid Avenue streetcar downtown to the Lake Erie waterfront amusement park. Tell Norma to keep enjoying her summer.

Your loving son, Wayne

July 19, 1943:

This morning started as usual marching to a good breakfast, then marching to class. Near the end of the class before lunch, one of the sergeants came into the room and read a list of 12 or 15 names, including mine, saying that for the next two weeks after lunch, wed form up and ride on a bus to the Cleveland airport for our flight instruction. Happy day, this is what I volunteered to do. Finally, just to touch and sit in a real airplane!!

When I was 10 years old, a Ford Tri-motor plane landed in a farmers field at Cordele and, for $1 each, took Dad, me and several others up for a quick flyover of our town. That was a thrill. And this afternoon it was more thrilling to actually be instructed in flying.

We rode in a bus for about an hour to the Cleveland airport on the other side of Cleveland from the college. Everyone was highly excited. I thought we would never get there. This is a large airport with paved runways. The bus drove us right up to where three Piper Cubs and three Aeronca 65-horsepower planes were parked. All were yellow colored. This was our first view of the yellow birds wed heard about. We will receive 10 hours dual instruction but not be soloed. It is tandem seated.

I know by now that were alphabetized in what we do and three of us at the end of the alphabet were assigned to an instructor who appears to be 10 years older than we are. The four of us walked around the Aeronca inspecting the tires, with the pitot tube covering removed, all flaps movable, and tiedown ropes removed. Once the engine is started, the student next to fly would remove the wheel blocks. Since I was second to fly, that was my job today and be careful of the propeller, I was warned. Always stay behind and clear of it. I pulled the wheel blocks and they taxied out to the runway.

The other student and I watched the takeoff until they became a speck in the blue summer sky. Then it was back inside the flight office to study the flight manual and wait. In less than an hour, they were parking the Aeronca at the flight line. We bounded out to the plane to place the wheel blocks at engine cutoff.

Our fellow student got out looking sick. And our instructor, looking disgusted, climbed out of the back seat with vomit on his shirt and pants. He said to the student, Dont eat tomorrow before we fly. Ill get a bucket of water and rags for you to clean out the plane. Looking at us, he said that whoever gets sick in a plane has to clean it out. He had more vomit on him than Dan did!

Dan told us that he was alright until near the end of the flight, when the instructor said they were going to do a 1 turn spin to lose altitude preparatory to landing. He said he already was feeling queasy and disoriented as the instructor suddenly stalled and jerked that plane into a spin, and as we were spinning straight down that instructor got us straight and level, I turned toward him to tell him I was sick and I puked all over him.

The inside of the plane was cleaned up after we all helped and then it was my turn. I climbed into the front seat still enthused, although the plane now smelled of a combination of gasoline, oil and vomit. We taxied out for take-off clearance at the end of the runway. He said to put your hand on the stick and feet on the rudder pedals, saying youll notice that Im pushing right rudder pedal in, slightly due to the small amount of engine torque. This engine torque is more so in engines of stronger horsepower, he said.

We climbed to 3,000 feet above the ground and I could see Lake Erie with Clevelands tall buildings and a lot of homes. All looked small. We did right turns, left turns, climbing turns, stall series and then, to lose altitude prior to landing, Ill demonstrate a two-turn spin, he said. We stalled into the spin and I was in an upside down situation with the homes turning below me. I dont know if I enjoyed it that much; but if Im going to fly the P-40 some day, this it the learning method. We had a soft, easy landing, and I didnt feel sick. I wanted to do this again!

As we rode back to the university in the bus, most of us were pleased with our first flight. We got back in time to eat, but missed the Retreat formation. Its been a good day, but now back to studying and looking forward to tomorrows flying.

Letter home:

July 24, 1943

Dear Mother and Dad,

Everything went well at our usual Saturday inspection today. Ive had flight instruction every afternoon this week. It will be dual only with no soloing. Im getting the feel of it. Next week well fly in the morning, with afternoon classes at the college. It is exhilarating to be at the controls of the yellow bird. The newest scuttlebutt says that those who are getting our 10 hours of instruction presently will be shipped out to the classification center around the second week of August.

One of the things those of us from the South miss drinking to cool off is a Dr Pepper. They dont have them in Cleveland. I am sure Norma is enjoying her season ticket to swim at Williams Cordele Swimming Pool. Write soon!

Your loving son, Wayne

The Philadelphia Inquirer on Sunday morning, July 25, 1943, said: PATTON DRIVES ON CATANIA AS MARSALA FALLS; NAZI SUMMER OFFENSIVE CRUSHED, STALIN SAYS; U.S. BOMBERS RAID NORWAY, CRETE BLASTED. Allied troops in 14 breathtaking days have annihilated Axis armies in all of Sicily, except the Northeast corner, trapping 110,000 enemy soldiers. Smashing at targets in Norway for the first time American airmen in Flying Fortresses staged a 1,200-mile round-trip daylight raid on an aluminum plant near Oslo.

* * * * *

To see the previous entry in this series, read here.

https://www.chattanoogan.com/ 2019/1/25/383605/Wayne- Shearers-World-War-II-Memoir. aspx

* * * * *

Dr. Shearer can be contacted at docshearer@epbfi.com
The Tennessee Department of Correction opened two Veterans Housing Units specifically designed to address the needs of veterans on Friday.

The units, which are located at Turney Center Industrial Complex (TCIX) in Only, Tn. and Bledsoe County Correctional Complex (BCCX) in Pikeville, will provide services for veterans to address their unique and specific issues through partnerships with the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services.

The units are modeled after a Behavioral Therapeutic Community that focuses on peer interaction and support to build on the structure and dignity instilled through military service. Each unit will also have veterans-centric staff including Veterans Service Officers and a Veterans Justice Specialist.

The Veterans Units currently have a capacity of 182 men. While TCIX and BCCX are the first units to open, the department is looking to expand the program later in 2019.
Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, after a border visit at El Paso, Tex., said a wall being constructed there is vital.

He said, I believe there are many elements to the border security solution, and my visit today confirmed that conversations regarding border security should be comprehensive.

My tour of the El Paso del Norte Border Crossing highlighted the immense volume of traffic this location experiences, and the vital role that proper drug detection technology plays in the security of our nation.

I was able to see the vehicles seized by border patrol agents and the means by which these vehicles are used to transport deadly drugs across the southern border.

"I also toured the wall under construction in El Paso. This new construction is evidence that an operationally effective barrier is paramount to proper border security. Along the New Mexico border, I visited with border patrol agents, listened to their stories, and thanked them for risking their lives to protect our nation.
Sequatchie County Commission unanimously voted to approve a new 5-year contract with Puckett EMS to provide ambulance response to all 911 calls within the county at their regularly scheduled meeting on Jan. 28. Puckett EMS submitted a proposal in a competitive bid process earlier this month that was unanimously recommended by the Emergency Services Committee.

Puckett EMS has exceeded our expectations in performance, community investment and partnership with our local first responders in the last five years, said Sequatchie County Executive Keith Cartwright. Five years ago, Sequatchie County made the decision to contract our ambulance service and selected Puckett EMS as our partner. That has proven to be an excellent decision, and I am pleased that the Emergency Service Committee and County Commission has confirmed them to continue service.



In addition to their excellence performance and community involvement, transitioning ambulance service to Puckett EMS has delivered direct financial benefit to taxpayers - saving the county more than $1.5 million over the past five years.



The new agreement for 911 service increases the number of vehicles contracted to serve the county to two 24-hour ambulances within Sequatchie County, as well as improves response time standards in both urban and rural parts of the county.



For time sensitive diagnoses like cardiac arrest and stroke, response times can directly relate into lives saved in Sequatchie County, said Puckett EMS Vice President Shane Garrison. By continuously honing our ambulance deployment plan to meet call demand, we have been operating at a higher level for response times than contract standards. We are pleased to be able to adjust the contract to meet our higher standards and set a new bar for performance in Sequatchie County for the next five years.



As Sequatchie Countys ambulance service partner, Puckett EMS also provides emergency first responder (EMR) certification courses open to local volunteer fire departments. Additionally, Puckett EMS has provided AEDs through its EMS Cares Foundation to numerous schools and public buildings, as well as provided the associated maintenance and training. Puckett EMS offers free CPR training to local schools and organizations and provides standby ambulance service community events at no cost to the county.



Based on their previous performance, Puckett EMS has been able to improve response time standards and increase ambulances in the new contract to ensure that performance remains at a high level, said Sequatchie County Emergency Services Committee Chairman Jeff Mackey. This is great news for our community, and the Emergency Services Committee was proud to be able to recommend Puckett.

Puckett EMS is the preferred ambulance provider for Erlanger Health, which opened a local free-standing emergency department in Sequatchie County in 2014. At the same time, Sequatchie County released a request for proposals for privatized ambulance service to the community. Puckett EMS assumed the ambulances and equipment assets from Sequatchie County to begin providing 911 service to the community.



As you well know, your ambulance provider has a great impact on the quality and delivery of emergency services in your community, said Erlanger Health Vice President of Operations Robert Tester. I want you to know that we certainly made the right decision when Erlanger Health System selected Puckett EMS as our ambulance provider partner in 2010. Their leadership team has always been actively involved and has supported the hospital systems efforts in improving healthcare for citizens throughout East Tennessee. A shining example of what can be accomplished through strong Healthcare and EMS partnerships has been in Sequatchie County over the past five years.



The new contract term begins on May 1.


After receiving a report of a man following a high school student in a car Monday morning while masturbating, the Dalton Police Department arrested Anthony Wayne Ray, 46, of 93 Monte Carlo Drive in Chatsworth, on multiple charges.

Ray is listed as a sexually dangerous predator on Georgias sex offender registry in connection with a 2011 child molestation case. Now investigators want to know if any other people may have had similar encounters with him.

The incident happened near Morris Innovative High School where the teenage female victim is a student. The victim reported that when she was walking to school along Henderson Street, she noticed a man in a blue SUV following her slowly along the roadway. The victim told police that at one point, the man pulled into her path and she had to walk around the car. Scared, she snapped a picture of the vehicle and its license plate before hurrying away to school. The victim told Officer Steven Collins, the school resource officer for Morris Innovative, that she saw the driver of the vehicle masturbating while following her.



After running the license plate, Dalton officers tracked down the registered owner of the vehicle, Anthony Ray. Ray denied the allegation and also denied ever even being in the area of the school this morning. However, as part of his probation he is required to wear an ankle monitor and a review of the GPS tracking data on the monitor revealed that Ray had indeed been in the Henderson Street area near Morris Innovative High School this morning. After further investigation, Ray was arrested on charges of stalking, public indecency, and making false statements to police.



Anyone who may have had a similar encounter with a man in a blue 2000 model Ford Explorer SUV or who might have more information on this crime is asked to contact Detective Aaron Simpson at 706 278-9085, ext. 9253.


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Some oil and gas companies may be burning off more natural gas through gas flaring than reported to state regulators, according to a study by a non-profit. But industry officials say thats not the case.

The Texas Railroad Commission oversees the energy industry. The commission typically allows an operator to flare natural gas while drilling a well, and for up to 10 days after the wells completion. A permit is required, and can be extended another 45 days if the operator meets certain guidelines, according to the Texas Railroad Commission website.

The Texas Railroad Commission approved 4,488 flaring permits across Texas in 2018. A testament to the richness of resources in the Permian Basin, something highlighted at the State of Oil and Gas event hosted by the Midland Chamber of Commerce last week.

Concho Resources Inc. representative, Tim Leach, explained the amount of resources in the area.

Well were sitting on top of the largest oil and gas resource in the world. Thats going to have economic development here for generations to come, he said.

A report by the Environmental Defense Fund claims that in 2017, companies reported burning off 55 billion cubic feet of natural gas to the Texas Railroad Commission.

The group compared satellite data from a federal organization, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, coming to the conclusion that 104 billion cubic feet of gas may have been flared.

The non-profit said 4.4 percent of natural gas produced in the Permian Basin was flared. The cost of the flared gas is valued at $322 million, according to Environmental Defense Fund.

The group said their findings match others, citing an analysis from S&P Global, a research and data analysis firm. The firm used NOAA satellite scans. The S&P Global report shows between 2012 and 2017, oil and gas companies in Texas only reported about half the volume of gas burned.

Some Oil and gas company representatives said they disagree with the Environmental Defense Funds claims.

One representative, Phillip Titanic with PDC Energy, said hes not aware of companies not reporting their full flaring activity.

I dont think anybodys purposefully flaring more than what theyre reporting. I mean, we want to get the gas to market. Sometimes you necessarily cant get the gas to market. But Im not aware of anybody thats actually not reporting numbers that theyre required to report, he said.

Leach added that many companies do not want to flare natural gas, but it can be unavoidable.

Natural gas flaring is an economic loss to all producers. And were putting great effort into not flaring any gas. But from time to time, you have to flare gas for emergency reasons and things like that. Measuring it from outer space is a trick Id like to learn more about, he said.

The Texas Railroad Commission said companies burn natural gas via flares when they are exploring new areas, if a gas plant shuts down, if a repair needs to be made, for maintenance, or if a pipeline has capacity issues.

Environmental Defense Fund Report: http://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/2019/01/24/satellite-data-confirms-permian-gas-flaring-is-double-what-companies-report/

S&P Global Report: https://platform.mi.spglobal.com/web/client?auth=inherit&sf200858251=1#news/article?id=47199929&cdid=A-47199929-12062
Peter Steinfels's long career in journalism included years of service as editor of Commonweal (from which perch he took me to the woodshed more than once), followed by a decade as senior religion correspondent of the New York Times.

Steinfels has now done the Catholic Church in the United States  and American society as a whole  a tremendous service by telling some disturbing truths about the August 2018 Pennsylvania grand jury report on clerical sexual abuse in six Keystone State dioceses. His lengthy article, "The Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report: Not What It Seems," was first published on Commonweal'swebsite this past January 9; it is required reading for those determined to grapple with the linked problems of sexual abuse and episcopal failure in the Church.

Like anyone with a grain of moral sensibility or human feeling, Steinfels, long a leader of U.S. Catholicism's liberal wing, was revolted by the graphic stories of sexual predation contained in the grand jury report, which Pennsylvania attorney general Josh Shapiro presented with great fanfare last August 14. Yet unlike other journalists who bought Mr. Shapiro's lurid presentation hook, line, and sinker, Steinfels actually read the entire report  and then took the trouble to sift through its hundreds of pages to see if the data supported the charge that "Priests were raping little boys and girls, and the men of God who were responsible for them not only did nothing; they hid it all."

After what must have been weeks of painstaking research, Dr. Steinfels reached a harsh but, to my mind, persuasive conclusion: Attorney General Shapiro's office had produced an "inaccurate, unfair, and fundamentally misleading report" whose "shortcomings should not be masked by its vehement style, its befuddling structure, or its sheer bulk."

Steinfels rightly does not spare the Church. The Pennsylvania report "documents decades of stomach-churning violations of the physical, psychological, and spiritual integrity of children and young people. It documents that many of these atrocities could have been prevented by promptly removing the credibly suspected perpetrators from all priestly roles and ministry. It documents that some, although far from all, of those failures were due to an overriding concern for protecting the reputation of the Church"

But then he calls Attorney General Shapiro to account: "What does the report not document? It does not document the sensational charges contained in its introduction (i.e., the only part most reporters and editorialists read)  namely, that over seven decades, Catholic authorities, in virtual lockstep, supposedly brushed aside all victims and did absolutely nothing in the face of terrible crimes against boys and girls  except to conceal them. This ugly, indiscriminate, and inflammatory charge, unsubstantiated by the report's own evidence, to say nothing of the evidence the report ignores, is truly unworthy of a judicial body responsible for impartial justice."

So let the Church  create and support a panel of distinguished, retired judges (preferably non-Catholics) to review the reports that issue from those investigations  and then publish an analysis of each report's probity, fairness, and reliability, absent any editing of the panel's conclusions by Church authorities.

Might other states do better? Only, Steinfels suggests, if future grand jury or state-investigative reports "are written in a way that expresses necessary, justifiable repulsion toward crimes against children and young people without burying all efforts at analysis in a mudslide of outrage," as the Pennsylvania grand jury report did.

The sexual abuse of the young is a plague throughout society. Since Abuse Crisis 1.0 in 2002, no institution in the United States has done more to acknowledge the plague, reach out to its victims, and devise means to prevent its further occurrence than the Catholic Church. There is deeper reform needed in the Church, and there are more churchmen to be held accountable for gross irresponsibility. But in the course of confronting this evil within our Church, U.S. Catholicism has learned some things that could benefit those willing to get to grips with the revolting reality of sexual abuse. If, however, other state attorneys general follow the path pioneered by Pennsylvania's Josh Shapiro and reinforce the false impression that a culture of child rape and institutional cover-up is festering in the Catholic Church right now, no one is going to look to American Catholicism for models of how to address the plague.

That is not only bad for the Church; it's bad for all of American society. So let the Church, while cooperating fully with state investigative agencies, create and support a panel of distinguished, retired judges (preferably non-Catholics) to review the reports that issue from those investigations  and then publish an analysis of each report's probity, fairness, and reliability, absent any editing of the panel's conclusions by Church authorities.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a subsidiary of the Indian Railways through a notification has called for recruiting 50 Supervisors in the Hospitality section of IRCTC in the West Zone through a 'Walk-In-Interview' process. Candidates shortlisted as Supervisors (Hospitality) will be posted in IRCTC's West Zone comprising Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Goa., or at any of IRCTC's work stations in India. The 'Walk-In-Interviews' are scheduled from 25 February 2019 to 15 March 2019 at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) in Mumbai, Bhopal, Ahmedabad and Goa, respectively.

The selection of candidates as Supervisors (Hospitality) will be on a Contractual term for a period of 2 years, which can be extended further as per on IRCTC's requirement and the candidate's performance during the course of his appointment.

Also Read: DSSSB Recruitment 2019 For Welfare Officers, JEE, Legal Assistants; Apply Before 05 March 2019

CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Supervisors (Hospitality) West Zone Organisation Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Educational Qualification B.Sc in Hospitality & Hotel Administration (HHA) Experience 2 years in the relevant trade/field Job Responsibilities As detailed in the advertisement Skills Required Medical fitness as per IRCTC standards Job Location India, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa Salary Scale Rs. 25,000/- per month Industry Railways/Catering/Tourism Application Start Date February 5, 2019 Application End Date March 15, 2019

Age Criteria And Fees

Candidates interested in applying for the post of Supervisor in the Hospitality section of IRCTC in the West Zone through IRCTC Recruitment 2019 must not have attained 30 years of age as on 01 January 2019, with a relaxation in the upper age limit by upto 35 years for SC/ST candidates and 33 years for OBC categories, with a further relaxation of 10 years for PWD candidates.

For details regarding fee payment, if any, refer to the detailed notification provided at the end of the article.

Educational Criteria And Experience

Candidates interested in joining as Supervisors in the Hospitality section of IRCTC in the West Zone through IRCTC Recruitment 2019 must possess a B.Sc. Degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from the Government of India/AICTE/NCHMCT UGC-recognised University/Institution.

He/she must possess a minimum 2 years experience in Food and Beverage (F&B) Industry (production/service/operations etc.) unit certified by FSSAI.

Selection And Pay Scale

Candidates shortlisted as Supervisors in the Hospitality section of IRCTC in the West Zone through IRCTC Recruitment 2019 will be done based on the candidate's academic credentials, experience and performance in the interview.

Candidates shortlisted as Supervisors in the Hospitality section of IRCTC in the West Zone will be paid a monthly emolument of Rs. 25,000/-.

Also Read: West Bengal Police Recruitment 2019 For 8,419 Constable Vacancies; Apply Before 05 March 2019

Walk-In-Interview Details

Candidates applying for the post of Supervisors in the Hospitality section of IRCTC in the West Zone through IRCTC Recruitment 2019 must attend the 'Walk-In-Interviews' at the following venues:

Institute of Hotel Management (IHM): Mumbai. Dadar Catering College, Veer Savarkar Marg, (Opposite Suryavanshi Hall, Near Shivaji Park) Dadar West,

Mumbai - 400 028 on 25 February 2019 (Monday)

Institute of Hotel Management (IHM): Bhopal 1100 Quarters, Near Academy Of Administration, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh - 462016 on 05 March 2019 (Tuesday)

Institute of Hotel Management (IHM): Ahmedabad Between Koba Circle & Infocity Road, Bhaijipura Patia, P.O.Koba, Gandhinagar, Gujarat - 382426 on 11 March 2019 (Monday)

Institute of Hotel Management (IHM): Goa Institute Of Hotel Management,

Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Alto Porvorim, Bardez, Goa - 403 521 on 15 March 2019

Candidates must attend the 'Walk-In-Interview along with their filled application forms, original as well as attested copies of supporting certificates/documents along with 3 lastest passport size photographs.

For detailed notification about IRCTC Recruitment for Supervisors in the Hospitality section of IRCTC in he West Zone, click on Doc No. 9355 - "Notice for Walk-in-Interview for the post of SUPERVISOR (HOSPITALITY) west zone" link provided in the IRCTC Download section or click here
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When the time comes to make the great tabulation of pre-eminent Commonwealth public servants, Sir William Cole, who died on January 9, 2019, can be assured of a position in the front rank. He was born in 1926 and attended Northcote High School in Melbourne with fellow student Don Chipp, who was to become a federal Liberal Party minister and then the leader of the Australian Democrats, an organisation Cole thought lived in a "fantasy world". When he was 15, he became a telegram messenger in the Postmaster-General's Department. It's possible the bicycle skills he developed in this early employment helped him to become a motorbike racer, including, apparently, at major venues like Bathurst. During World War II, Cole served in the Royal Australian Air Force and was subsequently admitted to Melbourne University as a non-matriculant under the Commonwealth reconstruction training scheme. He graduated with a first-class honours degree in commerce and joined the Department of Supply. In 1952, Sir Frederick Wheeler (not at that stage knighted) recruited Cole to the Treasury as a research officer. After a stint in the International Monetary Fund in Washington in the late 1950s, he became a class 11 (now executive level 2) in a branch headed by John Stone, who was to be the Treasury's secretary from 1979 to 1984. Michael Keating, who was to become, among other things, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet's secretary from 1991 to 1996, was a class 8 (now EL1) in the branch. In 1970, Cole was appointed director of the Bureau of Transport Economics, rejoining the Treasury in 1972 as head of its general finance and economic policy division responsible for both fiscal and monetary policy, including budget coordination. In 1976, Cole became the Australian statistician, a posting cut short when, later that year, he was asked to be the first secretary of the new Department of Finance, an institution the Fraser government created from parts of the Treasury. Perhaps to the surprise of some, Cole became chairman of the Public Service Board in 1978; it was an appointment widely welcomed by board staff and regretted by those in Finance. In 1984, he was appointed secretary of the Department of Defence, a position from which he retired from the public service in October 1986. Cole subsequently conducted a review of superannuation arrangements for the military. It resulted in a new scheme in 1991 and Cole became the first chairman of its board of trustees, a position from which he resigned after five or six years. The bare facts of Cole's CV display, among other things, high degrees of mobility, variety and the esteem of appointing authorities, who repeatedly invited him to take on sorely testing jobs. Thus, Cole returned to the Treasury in 1972 to deal with a series of controversial budgets under three Whitlam government treasurers: Frank Crean, Jim Cairns (a fellow Northcote High boy) and Bill Hayden. If these were not enough, the Treasury was under the distracting stress of the so-called loans affair while Cole's direct superior, John Stone, remained a person of bombastic self-confidence who had a strong influence on many Treasury staff. A colleague from these days remembers that, at morning teas, Cole would have vigorous but never rancorous debates with Stone and other officers, including Ian Castles and Fred Argy. It's easy to imagine Cole more than holding his own in such quick-witted company. The scuttlebutt that he left the Treasury for the Bureau of Statistics because of differences with Stone is almost certainly untrue. The two were good friends and it would be entirely out of character for Cole to run from an argument. The bureau job was a promotion and Cole said "Treasury is an exciting place but it's a bastard of a place to work because of the pressure. And it's nice to be running your own organisation." Cole was an ideal first secretary of Finance. He had a working familiarity with its responsibilities and he and subsequent Finance secretaries, most notably Castles and Mike Keating, turned the department's functions into greater forces for good than they would have been had they remained in the Treasury. When Cole became chairman of the Public Service Board in 1978, the public service was in the middle of major reductions in staff. There was a wage freeze, the breakdown of so-called wage indexation and roiling industrial conflict made worse by provocative legislation enabling staff to be dismissed for taking industrial action. The period marked the beginnings of large-scale restructuring and redundancies in the public service, particularly in Defence, with controversial new legislation to cope with those circumstances. The crucially important Bowen committee report on public duty and private interests landed on Cole's desk about the same time as he issued the first extensive code of conduct for the public service. There were radical changes in administrative law, including freedom of information and revised methods of review of administrative decisions in place of the prerogative writs, and continuing attempts to implement the recommendations of the Coombs royal commission. Cole stood up for the public service. When prime minster Malcolm Fraser announced further staff reductions in 1981, Cole said in the board's annual report "that this will require shedding of functions or reduction of activities if the service is to operate efficiently and without excessive strain". And he pushed for easing of staff ceilings and special training to help with the administrative law changes about which he was sceptical. Perhaps drawing on the lessons of his experience, Cole fostered various staff mobility schemes: an interchange program between the public service and the private sector, and executive development and personnel management schemes. Industrial relations was possibly the least satisfying part of his duties at the board. He was unhappy with certain changes in the early 1970s, which he saw as providing conditions of employment better than those in other comparable areas of employment  pace-setting, as it were  and he was pleased to get the chance to wind bits of this back. While he was ever polite in union negotiations, it's unlikely he got much satisfaction from them. In the middle of a major strike, he said "at times like this I wish I was back in Finance". Cole found it difficult to "adjust" from the Public Service Board to Defence. Still, he got on well with the senior military; they respected him for his courtesy and willingness to debate issues with restraint and on their merits. Several long-serving senior civilian staff believe Cole was the best Defence secretary in the last 30 years of the 20th century. He was pleased to have the Department of Defence Support (essentially the old Department of Supply, in which he had been a junior officer about 1950) merged into the Department of Defence. That made sense in machinery-of-government terms and it opened the door for microeconomic changes, the significance of which can be signified by noting that, in the subsequent 20 years, the Defence civilian workforce was reduced by about 30,000 to the great benefit of the organisation, taxpayers and the economy. Cole was, however, frustrated about Defence's inability to progress a broad review of defence policy initiated by the Hawke government and its first defence minister, Gordon Scholes. "Defence could not get it started," Cole complained. According to PM&C;, when Kim Beazley succeeded Scholes, Cole advised the new minister to get in an outsider to help break the deadlock. A former defence official, Paul Dibb, was engaged and his report resulted in a Defence white paper in 1987 outlining major changes in strategic defence policy, the essence of which remains to this day. Cole's view of the public service was clear and consistent. When asked to give a talk on "the changing role of the public service", he changed the topic to "the role of the public service in a changing environment", pointing out that the unchanging role of the public service is "to assist governments in thinking through and implementing their plans and policies". "It's easy in the public service," he added, "to be preoccupied with contemporary challenges and to imagine these are new and different. But that says more about the way memory discounts the past than anything else  the latest problem ... is always the worst." That phenomenon endures, unfortunately. Cole probably had a more conservative opinion of the proper ambit of government activity. For example, he said: "I do not think it can be seriously argued that public trading enterprises are not handicapped by being government-owned", including, he added in a typical barb, as a consequence of "short-sighted Department of Finance scrutiny". Cole had a sophisticated appreciation of the central role of cabinet and its ministers. He put great effort into getting cabinet submissions right and to ensuring that "coordination comments" in these documents were crafted with due seriousness. On policy advice, he said: "Often it is a matter of judgment as to how forcefully and tenaciously public servants should express their own views. Certainly there are circumstances when officials must put their views pungently and with determination. However, they should know when to stop and where the dividing line is between pressing an argument and nagging." Cole was impatient with those who sought to draw a line between policy and administration, saying: "The minister must often become involved in the detailed administration of his department ... That is proper because the success or failure of many programs will depend on the way they are administered." He believed in firm central control of staff numbers, pointing out that "the public service is not a business ... for the head of a Commonwealth department, extra staff ... are, in economic terms 'free goods'  the money doesn't come out of their pockets and they don't have to provide a profit and loss account". Goodness knows what he'd make of the present system, whereby departmental heads routinely mock staff controls by employing contractors to perform public service jobs thereby opening the gates to untold corruption and nepotism in personnel management. Finally, Cole had open and enlightened views of how public servants should behave. In 1979, he emphasised that "where personal behaviour does not interfere with the proper performance of official duties, and where it does not reflect on the integrity and standing of the service, it is of no interest to the employing authority". At the time, that was a quite modern sentiment, and it still is. Former colleagues comment on Cole's tremendous command of detail and his capacity as an incisive and decisive analyst who never allowed himself to get flustered or bogged down. One said that his "back of the envelope calculations generally proved to be uncannily accurate". And he was a fine writer who eschewed the obfuscating confusions of jargon and cliche. He was polite, almost self-effacing, and he had a developed sense of wry humour that often expressed itself in witty annotations on documents. He was fond of telling amusing stories against himself. As he was about to park his car outside the Department of Finance in a place reserved for him, a young lad in a delivery van swerved in front of Cole's car and took up the spot. Cole jumped out and asked the lad to move his van. The lad said "Get stuffed, grandpa" and raced into the building to deliver his parcels. Cole parked his car hard against the back of the van which was hedged in at its front by concrete curbing and a wooden sign signifying the place was reserved. Cole rushed to his office and watched from his window to see what the lad would do. When he returned, the lad revved up his van, jumped it over the curbing, knocked the reserved parking sign flying and sped over the adjacent lawn and back onto the road. Cole reckoned he tried unsuccessfully to find the lad because he thought he'd make an excellent division head in Finance. He may have been more successful in helping to edge others into senior positions. As chairman of the Public Service Board in 1978, it would have been legally necessary to provide advice to the prime minister on the appointment of Stone as Treasury secretary early in 1979. He also influenced the careers of many other secretaries, some of whom may not have realised it. It's been said Cole was one of a now long-gone breed, a mandarin of the old school, whatever that might mean. He would almost certainly have respectfully brushed such well-intentioned, semi-compliments aside. Of course, Commonwealth officials cannot now begin their careers as telegram messengers, as there are no telegrams to deliver. But to consign Cole to an extinct species cancels the value of his example. To be clear: there's no reason people can't follow a career similar to Sir William's, and he should securely remain an inspiration for those who aspire to do so. Paddy Gourley is a former senior public servant. pdg@home.netspeed.com.au

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 5)  Miss Universe 1993 and former actress/TV host in the Philippines Dayanara Torres revealed on Tuesday she has been diagnosed with the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

The Puerto Rican beauty queen said she was diagnosed with melanoma from a new, uneven mole on the back of her knee that she neglected. She said it had already spread from her knee to the top of her leg.

"Today I have some sad news... I have been diagnosed with skin cancer 'melanoma...' After a biopsy & a second surgery last Tuesday the results unfortunately are positive. Now we are waiting to see which treatment I will be receiving," she wrote on her Instagram page.

She added, "They have already removed a big area from the back of my knee & also they have removed 2 lymph nodes at the top of my leg where it had already spread. Hoping it has not spread to any more areas or organs."

The 44-year-old Torres said her fiance Marvel film producer Louis D'Esposito has been bugging her to have her mole checked, but it took her a while to see a doctor. She urged the public, especially moms, to take better care of themselves and to visit the doctor as early as possible once they feel or see something unusual in their bodies.

"PLEASE, never forget to take care of yourself. If you see something or feel something different in your body have it checked... I had no idea skin cancer could spread anywhere else in your body," she said.

Signs of melanoma include a change in the way a mole or pigmented area looks. The U.S. National Cancer Institute said the number of new cases of melanoma has been increasing worldwide over the last 30 years. It said among the risk factors for this form of skin cancer is overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, from sun exposure or using sunbeds.

Torres starred in several blockbuster Filipino movies in the '90s, starring alongside Aga Muhlach, Gary Valenciano, and Cesar Montano. She has also hosted a live variety show and her own dance show, earning her the moniker "The Dancing Queen of the Philippines."
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The senior executive service, about 2600 strong, includes some of the nation's brightest managers and policymakers. For the most part, they work brutal hours for relatively scant reward. The recruitment process is arduous. Many of these elite officers oversee projects of greater complexity than those which far more highly paid private-sector executives would ever contemplate. In other words, they're not slackers. Yet something has gone badly wrong in how the Australian Public Service manages these managers, especially those who no longer perform to the standards demanded. Over the past decade, 2235 SES officers left the bureaucracy. That's not abnormal. What is unusual is that almost half of these executives were paid to leave. And no one knows how large these pay-outs were  not even the Public Service Commission, which ostensibly oversees the SES. There is no formal limit on the size of the payments, nor are they reported publicly. The government's main financial watchdog, the Auditor-General's office, is now concerned enough by the pay-outs that it's considering investigating whether they are used appropriately. They're certainly lawful: they're called "incentive to retire" payments and are allowed under the Public Service Act (section 37). But the legality of these golden handshakes is not the main point. The more pertinent questions are: Few officials are prepared to discuss these matters on the record. A spokeswoman for the Public Service Commission pointed out that the pay-outs, as with pretty much all staffing issues these days, were a matter for individual agencies and departments, not the commission. "It is for the agency head, as the delegate, to decide the appropriateness and justification for such a payment." More surprisingly, she confirmed the government had no idea how much money agencies spent on these executive benefits. "The [commission] does not have visibility of amounts paid," she said. Which no doubt explains why Auditor-General Grant Hehir has raised his eyebrow and is considering scrutinising the payments more closely. So, how much are they likely to be worth? The commission says two weeks' pay per year of service, up to 48 weeks, "is an appropriate reference point". Anecdotally, I hear a year's salary is standard, which, today, would be about $195,000 for a typical band 1 senior executive (a deputy secretary might receive about $350,000). A nice farewell, certainly, and most SES also have a handsome pension awaiting them. (If they are in the PSS super fund, the payments also trigger an immediate, lifetime pension, regardless of their age.) Agency heads are advised to consult the public service commissioner if they want to pay an officer more than 48 weeks' salary, though that's a guideline only  who knows whether anyone pays attention to it. But let's go back to the legality of the pay-outs. Yes, agency heads are allowed, under the act, to grant "a payment of a specified amount" to boost the departing benefits of officers who don't wish to leave. In other words, "incentive to retire" pay-outs are essentially redundancies. However, various government publications acknowledge that the payments are also used to remove underperforming SES; officers who, for want of skills or motivation, can no longer do their job. The bizarre thing about this? The government explicitly forbids the use of redundancy payments to get rid of underperforming non-SES staff. It says that to do so is an improper use of public money and, hence, in breach of the APS code of conduct  a form of corruption. Yet, somehow, a "corrupt" payment to a junior public servant is an appropriate and lawful "incentive" for a senior one. There's another likely reason for the Auditor-General's office's interest in this matter. In a small note in a 2017 report, its auditors estimated that one in three SES staff who received these payments were duds (or, to use their more polite language, officers who "no longer had the skills to perform at their SES classification"). I asked the office how it arrived at this estimate, but it wouldn't divulge its method. Nonetheless, if we apply its estimate across all 1019 SES officers who received an "incentive to retire" payment over the past decade, it suggests about 340 "elite" senior executives were so poor at their jobs that their agency head threw money at them to go. Over that same period, not a single SES officer was sacked for underperformance (though four were fired for misconduct). I began researching this article while toying with the idea of defending the use of redundancies to get rid of dud employees. Yes, it's not lawful but, as most public servants know, it happens all the time. Performance management can be a messy business; many human resources staff warn senior executives not to bother, because the hours lost, and the potential legal costs, pose significant risks. By comparison, and for a relatively small outlay, a targeted redundancy can invigorate an entire team's morale and productivity. However, the present use of "incentive to retire" payments among the SES is simply immoral. They have clearly become a perverse incentive, encouraging executives who want to move on to instead wait for a lucrative send-off. Nor is there is any justification for the secrecy that surrounds them. I have no wish to slight the SES; every one of them that I know works harder than me, and could earn more money elsewhere. I don't believe the SES is laden with slackers, nor are these officers grasping. But bad laws induce improper decisions. It's worth noting that Parliament was warned of these potential problems more than two decades ago. When the draft Public Service Act was scrutinised in the joint committee of public accounts in 1997, former public service commissioner Denis Ives said the clause that dealt with the payments lacked clarity. The committee's report notes Ives "also expressed concerns about the level of any pay-out being at the discretion of the agency head rather than, as is the case currently, being coordinated by the public service commissioner. His view is that a coordinated approach is more likely to result in consistency and reasonability." Ives was ignored. A couple of months later, Labor senator Barney Cooney asked the government why it wanted to replicate the private sector's practice of massive departure benefits. "[Does] that mean that, from time to time, we may expect substantial pay-outs when senior executive service people leave in the same way as there are very substantial pay-outs to people in the private sector when they leave?" Government frontbencher Chris Ellison responsed with a non-answer, and the matter was dropped. Let's hope the Auditor-General doesn't let this one drop again.

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Two bodies found in a Townsville stormwater drain have been identified as the men reported missing on Monday morning, as the city reels from record flooding. The bodies were found near the Aitkenvale Library on Petunia Street in the north Queensland city just before noon. As the extreme weather event entered its 11th day on Tuesday, thousands of people remained in temporary shelters and emergency crews dealt with hundreds of calls for help. The bodies were found as police searched for two men, aged 21 and 23, reported missing in Townsville in a flooded area after they had not been seen since Monday morning, prompting a water and land search. They were last seen on Ross River Road in the Townsville suburb of Aitkenvale near the site of a bottle shop looting and their families said they had not heard from them. On Tuesday afternoon, police issued a statement confirming officers who were conducting a search operation for the pair found the bodies of two men. "The bodies were found near Aitkenvale Park around midday and have been identified," police said. "Next of kin of the men have been advised." The Ethical Standards Command will investigate the matter for the state coroner, with oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission. Earlier, Communities Minister Coralee O'Rourke, whose electorate of Mundingburra covers Aitkenvale, described the news as an "absolute tragedy". "I think the Townsville community has been in a situation where they've experienced something they've never experienced before and to hear they've lost two young lives, I think it will hit hard," she said. "I'm sure everyone will send condolences to the family and friends of these two young men because this is something that should never have happened." Ms O'Rourke reminded people to not be complacent in flooded areas. "This is not over yet, we still have water, the river is still raging, please still be safe," she said. On Tuesday afternoon, police urged residents on Palm Island to boil their drinking water until further advised as recent rain had impacted the water treatment plant. Meanwhile, the police car swept away in the floods about 8.15pm on Sunday was recovered from behind the Townsville RSL about 9am on Tuesday. The two officers inside at the time were pulled to safety by swift water rescue teams after they got into trouble evacuating residents from the Townsville suburb of Hermit Park. However, as one vehicle was recovered, another one popped up. A ute was spotted wedged under a pontoon by a passer-by in Mackay on Tuesday morning. Police inspected the strange spectacle after it was reported about 7am, but were waiting until low tide to be able to access the vehicle. Officers have no missing persons involving a ute and believe the vehicle was simply abandoned. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Monday night there were 17,000 people in Townsville without power and on Tuesday morning, this was down to 11,000. "As soon as the water does start going down, were ready to go," she said. "We want to see the roads open as quickly as possible, we want the children back into the schools, we want to make sure that power gets reconnected as quickly as possible and also, too, that the phone towers are restored. "We've just heard from some of the mayors out west around McKinlay, Flinders, Cloncurry - what we are hearing is that there are impacts from this wet weather system out there on livestock. There are going to be livestock losses. "On some good news, when I was up in Townsville yesterday, one of the biggest issues we heard from people was in relation to fresh food and supplies coming in. The good news is that the Bruce Highway is now open. "We've had people working around the clock last night and I'm very pleased to advise that those freight trucks are now moving north from Mackay and should be headed towards those impacted communities, Townsville and also up towards Cairns." More than 8000 personal hardship grant applications have been made and almost 3000 of those have been processed, according to Ms Palaszczuk. Prime Minister Scott Morrison spent Tuesday morning touring homes and businesses that were damaged or destroyed when the recent deluge swamped about 20 suburbs. Mr Morrison said touring flood-affected far north Queensland had been "overwhelming" but that he hopes his visit has given comfort to stricken Townsville residents. He praised the resilience of flood survivors and the dedication of the emergency services workers who have rescued hundreds of people from rising waters. Mr Morrison said the extent of the clean-up might not become apparent for days. "I think people are in shock," he said. "A lot of young families, they've worked so hard to get themselves into these homes and to see them just damaged so badly, it must just be heartbreaking." He said he was confident his visit would reassure residents they had federal government support, but warned there was a lengthy recovery process ahead. Bureau of Meteorology acting state manager Richard Wardle said many north Queensland rivers were continuing to recede, meaning the clean-up operation would soon be in full swing. "We expect this active monsoon to remain active for the coming days, potentially easing over the weekend, so there is an end in sight," Dr Wardle said. "But we are expecting further periods of heavy rainfall, some of it very heavy, about the north-east tropics for the next few days, between about Cardwell and Mackay, and with that there is the real elevated risk of flash flooding. "A severe weather warning is current for heavy rainfall and likely flash flooding around the Herbert and lower Burdekin, and the central coast, and this will likely remain in place for several days. "As the monsoon trough moves south there is a flood watch for catchments down to Mackay. "We cant be certain where those heaviest falls will be at this stage because of the showery and thundery nature of the rainfall but we do expect that flash flooding to remain a risk." During the 48 hours to 5am on Tuesday, the State Emergency Service received almost 1200 calls for help, mostly from Townsville residents requesting sandbags and supplies. Overnight, three people were plucked from their sinking cars by rescue crews during a 12-hour period. Swift water rescue crews found a car under a bridge in Deep Creek, Townsville, about 1.30am on Tuesday and took the driver to higher ground. Two more motorists were rescued about 1.45pm on Monday in the flooded Hermit Park suburb. They were pulled to safety just in time, with their car almost fully submerged. Townsville Airport reopened at 2pm on Monday. Large numbers of local schools and childcare centres remained closed on Tuesday and Townsville courthouses were also shut. - with AAP

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A 12-year-old girl under care and protection is being repeatedly locked up in juvenile detention in a system that has run out of options. The girl appeared once again in the ACT Childrens Court on Friday after spending 45 nights in Bimberi since December 17. While the court has said Bimberi is no place for the vulnerable 12-year-old, there are concerns her placement in the community is not meeting her needs. And the government has so far failed to provide the kind of secure therapeutic protection place already allowed for under the law. When not in custody the girl lives isolated from other children in a multi-bedroom facility run by Premier Youthworks. There are few carers at the organisation still willing to supervise her, and no women. But if she leaves they have no power to restrain her, and police are called, and the cycle starts again, a magistrate said. The girl, who cannot be named, has freely admitted she preferred Bimberi, where there is other children, structure and activities such as sport, and that that is the reason she offends. After spending Christmas in detention she was released on January 25, but was arrested the next day after assaulting her carers. She faced court on Friday on charges of common assault and property damage relating to assaults on her carers and biting a police officer. The case had been adjourned to Friday for the director general to prepare a report, which said in part that they held concerns for her safety and that of others if she was released. Magistrate Robert Cook said he had no doubt community services was doing everything it could to support her. She had a therapeutic care team with case workers and other specialists. But Mr Cook expressed serious concern the placement was not meeting her needs and raised the lack of options in Canberra. Looking further afield, he said authorities had contacted secure therapeutic placements across Australia including Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory. But they are not willing to accept the girl, because she lives in Canberra. The girl's case exposes the absence of such a facility in the territory. Mr Cook on Friday said it was surprising that the government of a community such as Canberra cannot provide such a place for the five or six children who it would benefit. And it is not the first time a children's court magistrate has expressed frustration at the lack of options for young people exposed to significant trauma. While Canberras children and young people laws allow for the minister to declare a therapeutic protection place, the government has not provided one. In a statement on Friday, ACT Minister for Children Rachel Stephen-Smith said the current therapeutic protection provisions did not align with best practice. She asked the ACT Human Rights Commission in December 2017 to review the law and develop options that align with contemporary knowledge. "This work is underway, but is particularly complex due to the evolving evidence base and the unique nature of each child or young persons trauma response and patterns of behaviour," Ms Stephen-Smith said. "There is no one-size-fits-all solution in supporting children who have experienced significant trauma in their young lives as a result of abuse and neglect." She understood the director general and senior officials had recently met with Mr Cook and she welcomed that engagement. However, Ms Stephen-Smith said the work was complex and difficult, and that a child's progress through trauma would often be a case of two steps forward, one step back. "I can assure the Canberra community that the directorate is working with its partners and drawing on experts in the field to respond to these very serious matters as they arise," she said. On Friday, Mr Cook dismissed the charges against the girl and freed her from custody.

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St. Johnsbury, VT (05819)

Today

Showers in the morning, then cloudy in the afternoon. Cooler. High 66F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Cloudy early with partial clearing expected late. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable.
Leo Varadkars government is becoming increasingly nervous as warnings intensify about a no-deal Brexit, according to a report in the Financial Times.

Mr Varadkar himself told his MPs on Wednesday there was no viable position other than to hold firm on the backstop. EU officials are clear that the bloc will not shift stance on the issue without Irelands consent  and that it will not put pressure on Mr Varadkar.

The Taoiseach's dilemma is over what happens if there is no compromise and the UK crashes out without a deal.

About 70% of respondents in a Sunday Business Post poll said Dublin should simply refuse to reinstate checks. Such an approach could avoid increasing the economic pain of Brexit and inflaming sectarian tensions.

According to the Financial Times, there is concern in Dublin that any border customs officials would be open to attack by dissident republican paramilitaries. Irish officials and politicians are worried that any attack would prompt a security build-up, raising the risk of yet more attacks and then reprisals.

The report quotes former Irish minister for Europe, Lucinda Creighton, as saying, "The appalling prospect is that the government finds itself in a months time or six weeks staring down the barrel of a gun, being faced with a chaotic, disorderly, economically catastrophic and politically explosive hard Brexit."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
State-owned lender Punjab National Bank (PNB) on Tuesday reported a 7.12 per cent growth in its net profit at Rs 246.51 crore for the third qurter ended December 31, 2019, helped by the rise in net interest income (NII) and imporvement in asset quality.

"The country's fourth largest lender posted a net profit of Rs 230.11 crore in the same quarter last year," PNB said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

The bank's total income, fell by 2.64 per cent to Rs 14,854.24 crore for the quarter under review from Rs 15,257.5 crore in the year-ago quarter.

Also Read: Future Retail Q3 profit rises 10% to Rs 201 crore, to raise Rs 2,000 crore from promoters

PNB managing director and CEO Sunil Mehta said the company's financial numbers are back in black.

"We have honoured all our commitments. Our bank, as on date, has provided all for that incident (Nirav Modi fraud). We suffered because of the one-off incident which has now been absorbed by the bank," Mehta said

On PNB's asset quality, the bank said, its gross non-performing assets (NPAs) as a percentage to total advances rose to 16.33 per cent from 12.11 per cent in the year-ago period.

Its net NPAs, however, came down to 8.22 per cent from 8.90 per cent at the end of December 2017, PNB said in a BSE filing.

Total provisions, excluding for income tax, made during the third quarter of the current financial year were Rs 2,753.84 crore as against Rs 4,466.68 crore in the year-ago period.

Out of which, provisioning for bad loans stood at Rs 2,565.77 crore as against Rs 2,996.42 crore reported during the third quarter of the previous fiscal.

Shares of PNB were trading 1.98 per cent higher at Rs 74.60 apiece on BSE.
As the Mamata Banerjee and Kolkata Police vs Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) showdown enters the third day, new developments are piling up at a fast pace. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the Supreme Court's stopping the CBI from arresting Rajeev Kumar was a "victory of democracy".

Earlier, the Supreme Court ordered Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the investigative agency in Shillong in connection with the probe into the Saradha and Rose Valley Chit Fund scams. The capital of Meghalaya was picked as it's a neutral place unlike Delhi. Significantly, the top court directed that the CBI cannot take any coercive steps, including arrest, against Kumar.

In a related development, the CBI submitted an additional affidavit in the top court alleging that Kumar not only refused to join the investigation despite multiple notices but also "actively connived with the accused persons whom he was investigating in suppressing, destroying and destructing of crucial material evidence" linked to the probe.

Yesterday, when the agency filed an interim application in the Supreme Court specifically naming Kumar as a "potential accused" and seeking directions to the West Bengal government and police to cooperate with its probe, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had asked for proof. "If the Kolkata Police Commissioner even remotely thinks of destroying evidence, bring the material before this Court. We will come down so heavily on him that he will regret," said Gogoi. Today's affidavit makes several charges against the state police and Kumar in particular.

"Sh. Rajeev Kumar IPS was the Commissioner of Police, of Bidhan Nagar Police Commisionerate from 2012 to 2015. It is submitted that under the said Commissionarate, both big ponzi companies i.e Shardha and Rose Valley were flourishing," read the affidavit.

It went on to allege that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed nearly six years ago to look into the Saradha scam, which was headed by Kumar before the CBI took over, was "conniving" with the accused and the potential accused persons and "was actively subverting the investigation process" instead of serving its real purpose. "During the investigation by the Special Investigation Team crucial original, primary and fundamental evidence such as laptops, mobile phones etc. were handed over to the main accused in the Sharada Scam case by the I.O. of West Bengal Police working under direct supervision of Sh. Rajiv Kumar," the affidavit stated, adding, "It is submitted that the return of crucial evidence to the main accused by the SIT headed by Sh. Rajiv Kumar, despite the regular monitoring by the Hon'ble High Court, clearly show connivance of the SIT to a larger conspiracy wherein local authorities have obstructed investigation and made attempts to destroy the evidence prior to the transfer of the case to the CBI by this Hon'ble Court."

As an example of foul-play the CBI claimed that an FIR had been filed against Rose Valley - which is accused of duping investors of crores - in Durgapur Police Station, Kolkata, back in 2013. This FIR was allegedly suppressed by the SIT due to which the CBI could not register its own FIR against the company.

Another allegation in the affidavit is related to tampering with or doctoring call data records [CDRs] of the prime accused in the investigation. The CBI claims to have obtained the original CDRs from the service providers which prove that Kumar tampered with the evidence that the SIT handed over to the agency. The CBI has sought the top court's leave to submit such incriminating material in a sealed cover during the course of submissions.

The CBI has not spared the Banerjee administration either. "I submit that the inaction, selective action, police and chit fund nexus and the functioning of SIT was in fact used to shield the selective companies such as Shardha, M/s Rose Valley and Tower Group etc., which have given huge contributions (even by way of cheques) to the party in power in the State of West Bengal. It is submitted that the said can be corroborated by documentary evidence in the form of cheque payments," read the affidavit.

The CBI has also accused Kumar and the state government of harassing its officials after the probe was entrusted to the agency. Kumar, along with "the support of local political and executive machinery at his disposal has created numerous obstacles by harassing the CBI officials by unnecessarily summoning them when they have no connection with the said cases," the affidavit added.

The top court also issued notice to the West Bengal Chief Secretary, the DGP, and Rajeev Kumar in the contempt of court application filed by the CBI. They reportedly have to file their response on or before February 18, and on consideration of their replies, the Court may require the personal presence of these officers on February 20.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), the Modi government's new programme promising Rs 6,000 per year in three instalments to small and marginal farmer families, is key to the ruling party's upcoming election campaign. Hence, it is eager to get as many beneficiaries as possible at the earliest before the poll juggernaut gets underway.

The government has earmarked Rs 20,000 crore in the current year's budget itself for this programme and, as Business Today reported yesterday, the first instalment of Rs 2,000 is slated to reach the farmers' bank accounts before March 31. But the latest buzz is that the Centre may even push out the second instalment before the polls.

According to The Economic Times, the government sees no stumbling blocks to these accelerated plans - once the first payment is made ahead of the formal announcement of polls, it sees no conflict with the Election Commission of India's Model Code of Conduct.

"We are working out modalities to swiftly transfer the first instalment to identified beneficiaries and roll out the second payment of Rs 2,000 before the elections," a senior official of the agriculture department privy to developments told the daily, adding, "Since the first instalment would be distributed before the Code of Conduct, the implementation of this scheme would become a routine exercise. This would not stop the second disbursement."

If this comes to pass, the small and marginal farmer families will have bagged Rs 4,000 each before the polls. That's a politically astute move given that farmer distress was among the key causes for the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) recent losses in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

State governments have already been asked to prepare a database of beneficiaries. For the purpose of the calculation of the benefit, the Centre has defined a small and marginal landholder family as the one comprising of husband, wife and minor children up to 18 years of age, who collectively own cultivable land up to two hectare as per the land records of the concerned states

In fact, the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh is reportedly confident of sending the list of eligible farmers by the middle of this month itself, clearly with an eye on maximising political gains from the programme, the daily reported. The BJP-ruled state boasts the highest number of farmers so the party hopes PM Kisan will help counter the formidable electoral alliance forged by leading rivals BSP and SP.

Meanwhile, the government has already dandled another candy in terms of a bigger allocation for PM Kisan in future. "We are starting off with (a budgetary allocation of) Rs 75,000 crore a year (for 2019-20) and I foresee this amount increasing in the years to come. And if the states top it up, some states have already started with the scheme, I think the others must emulate them, (and then) it will increase," Union minister Arun Jaitley said on Sunday.

(Edited by Sushmita Choudhury Agarwal; with PTI inputs)

Also read: Why the Modi govt needs to be commended for the Interim Budget 2019
Fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya has decided to appeal against his extradition order to India by the UK Home Secretary. "After the decision was handed down on December 10, 2018 by the Westminster Magistrates Court, I stated my intention to appeal. I could not initiate the appeal process before a decision by the Home Secretary. Now I will initiate the appeal process," said Vijay Mallya. It means that the government will have to wait longer to get Mallya back to India because if the appeal gets accepted, it might take a few months more to get the final order.

According to the UK Home Office spokesperson, the Secretary of State "having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed the order for Vijay Mallya's extradition to India" on February 3. However, Mallya still has fourteen days from the date of the order to appeal against his extradition before the High Court, something he has decided to do.

The decision has come two years after the Indian government handed over the extradition request to the British High Commission in Delhi. During the long-drawn trial, Mallya had also brought up the conditions of prisons in India.

After hearing the case, Senior District Judge Emma Arbuthnot said in her 74-page long judgment that the allegations in the extradition request of CBI constitute extraditable offences within the meaning of Extradition Act, 2003 of UK.

Also read: UK home secretary clears Vijay Mallya's extradition to India

"After taking cognisance of offences, Special Judge, CBI Cases approved a request seeking Extradition of accused Vijay Mallya from United Kingdom, which was forwarded to the UK Authorities by MHA on February 9, 2017. The Extradition Request led to initiation of Extradition Process against the fugitive in April 2017," said an officer of CBI.

UK Home Secretary Savid Javid had received the case on December 10 last year. According to procedure, if he had not made a decision in two months - that is expiring this week, Mallya could have applied to be discharged.

"We have taken note of the decision of the UK Home Secretary to sign on the order for Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. While we welcome the UK Government's decision in the matter, we await the early completion of the legal process for his extradition," said a top government source.

Meanwhile, the liquor baron, in a series of tweets claimed that properties worth more than Rs 13,000 crore have been attached for the recovery of Rs 9,000 crore. "Every morning I wake up to yet another attachment by the DRT recovery officer. Value already crossed 13,000 crores. Banks claim dues including all interest of 9,000 crores which is subject to review. How far will this go and well beyond? Justified?," tweeted Mallya.
BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya Tuesday thanked the Supreme Court for directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI, saying it was a "victory of democracy" and demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The apex court Tuesday directed Kumar to make himself available before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate with the agency in investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam probe.

"The SC verdict is a victory of democracy. Mamata Banerjee should immediately tender resignation," Vijayvergiya told PTI.

The apex court also said that no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata Police chief, will take place during the course of investigation.

The state government and the state police have repeatedly created hurdles during the investigation, he alleged.

A CBI team had gone to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence in the city on Sunday to question him in connection with the multi-crore chit fund scams, but was denied permission, bundled into jeeps and whisked away to police station.

The Trinamool Congress supremo has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah of trying to plot a "coup" in the state and alleged that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is directing the CBI to "harass" political opponents on the orders of the PM.

"Mamata Banerjee is on dharna to stop CBI from questioning a police officer. The people of this country would have loved to see Banerjee holding dharna to return the money of chit fund investors," Vijayvargiya said.
Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday slammed opposition parties backing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's dharna against the Centre and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and referred them the 'Kleptocrat's Club' that aspires to capture the reigns of India.

"Mamata Banerjee's disproportionate over-reaction to the CBI wanting to interrogate the Kolkata Police Chief has flagged several issues for a public discourse. The most important being that a Kleptocrat's Club now aspires to capture the reigns of India," Jaitley wrote in a Facebook post.

Since Sunday evening, WB Chief Minister is sitting on dharna in Kolkata against the CBI's action to question the city Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in the chit fund scams, including Saradha and Rose Valley. Kumar was the head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) Mamta Banerjee's government had set up to investigate the Saradha scam back in 2013.

Also Read: Mamata Banerjee vs CBI: What is the Saradha scam?

In a Facebook post titled 'The Kleptocrat's Club', Jaitley said that those who have lent support to the West Bengal Dharna are those who are battling serious allegations of economic improprieties, criminal misconduct and even corruption.

"Can 'New India' be ever run by this Kleptocrat's Club," Jaitley said.

The Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government and the central government are at loggerheads over the CBI investigation into the Saradha chit fund scam. The standoff between the state and the central government started after the CBI reached Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence on Sunday to question him on the scam.

Raising question over Mamata Banerjee's dharna tactics, the senior BJP leader asked what is the strategy behind Chief Minister's disgraceful and disproportionate reaction? What is her strategy in inviting all other leaders belonging to every opposition to join her on the Dharna?

It would be a gross error to assume that she did this because of a routine investigation involving a police officer, he said adding that she did it to defocus from other opposition aspirants for the highest office and to project herself as the nucleus of India's opposition.

Also Read: Rose Valley scam: All you need to know about the chit fund case

Her speeches attack Prime Minister Modi but her strategy is aimed to defocus some of her other colleagues in the Opposition and hogging the centre stage, the Minister said.

Taking on the Congress President Rahul Gandhi for supporting Mamata Banerjee, Jaitley said that the AICC President somersaulted his position from Saradha being a scam to "shoulder-to-shoulder" support to the scamster.

"This somersaulter belongs to the first family of the Congress Party where most members of the family are on bail. It has been argued in the past that the Opposition is going in for a non-ideological short-lived coalition. India cannot afford instability," he said.

Jaitley said that it has also been argued that the choice in the next Election will be either Modi vs Chaos or Modi vs Anarchy. Mamata Banerjee's latest acrobatics are the best evidence of the kind of governance India's opposition can provide, he added.

Edited by Chitranjan Kumar
Eyeing a greater pie in India's massive military modernisation, a top American defence manufacturing company has said it has proposed a "game-changing" partnership with India.

"Lockheed Martin is committed to strategic, long-term international defense partnerships with India. India has a pressing need for advanced, scalable defense capabilities," Vivek Lall, vice president, Aeronautics Strategy and Business Development at Lockheed Martin told PTI.

Lockheed Martin is "proposing game-changing defense partnerships that benefit multiple stakeholders" not only in India, but also in the US and beyond, he said on Monday.

"We believe our proposed partnerships with India fighter aircraft - for new fighter aircraft, helicopters and other platforms are ideally suited to not just meet, but exceed India's capability and defense-industrial needs in the near-term and well into the future," he said.

Lall asserted that the company had demonstrated this commitment by announcing last September that it will partner with Tata to produce F-16 wings in India for future customers.

"This landmark 'Make in India' partnership is a natural next step that builds on our successful partnerships with Tata on the C-130J airlifter and other premiere defence and aerospace platforms," he said.

"We're also engaging with numerous others in India, the US and beyond to unleash the power of partnership and Indian innovation. We're very excited about all of the potential we see in India," he said.

When asked about the status of 24 helicopters for the Indian Navy, Lall said the Indian government had issued a Letter of Request (LOR) for Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) to the US government for the acquisition of 24 MH-60R helicopters.

"The US Navy is preparing its response, which is expected to be delivered shortly. We are confident the MH-60R "Romeo" is the right aircraft for India's Navy as it provides a vital capability for the Navy in the Indo-Pacific region," he said.

Lockheed Martin is also planning to participate in the Indian Navy's move to acquire 111 utility helicopters. The S-76D helicopter is the right platform for the India Naval Utility Helicopter programme, he said.

"Combining the attributes of the S-76 helicopter family with today's latest technologies, the S-76D helicopter offers unrivaled levels of safety with experience gained through the S-76 family's more than 7.2 million fleet flight hours," Lall said.

"Reliable, powerful, available, proven and trusted, the S-76D aircraft is capable of performing diverse naval missions in some of the most challenging environments," he said in response to a question.

Also Read: Govt moves ahead on direct income support, plans to disburse first instalment by March 31
The interim budget attempts to address all sections of the society. Specific emphasis is on the small businesses and the rural population. With various measures announced like interest subvention on loans to small businesses and village industries, it is expected that this may provide an impetus for the uptake of these sectors. This is likely to encourage entrepreneurship in these sectors.

From the education and skill development perspective, there are now increased options for the youth to choose their vocation, given the enabling environment for encouraging entrepreneurship. With skill development infrastructure and facilities now available across the country on account of ongoing skill development programmes, the youth in the rural areas can now opt for skilling courses, which will allow them to participate in village industries like food processing, etc. or establish a small business leveraging their chosen vocation.

The proposal to transform one lakh villages into digital villages over the next 5 years is also expected to generate jobs through expansion of Common Service Centres for digitally delivering services in rural areas.

This will require expertise and skill sets and local residents are expected to take up vocational courses, which would allow them to benefit from these opportunities.

Opportunities for skill development are also expected to increase in areas like manufacturing of mobile phones and components, which has seen a significant increase in the number of players opting for local manufacturing, given the large domestic market size. Similarly, skill sets to address the increased outlays in infrastructure like new airport services, increased port activities on account of Sagarmala, trust on renewable like solar power generation and distribution is expected to create new job opportunities for which the required skill sets and expertise are required.

The increased outlay for the National Education Mission is expected to address quality concerns as observed in the Annual Status of Education Report 2017, which highlights the state of affairs of India's education system. It is expected that this increased amount will be spent on teacher training, transforming and modernising teaching methodologies, introducing smart classrooms, etc. There is a need of introducing a robust counselling service in schools through which students and their parents are professionally advised on the most appropriate options on education/vocational courses, based on the students' aptitude, which could possibly help them in having a successful career path.

As the government aims to make India a $10 trillion economy by 2030, there is a need for our education system to gear up to address the requirements of a technologically and digital advanced society. The establishment of the National Centre on Artificial Intelligence is expected to encourage the education institutions in introducing courses to address the requirements of emerging digital technologies including that in the area of Artificial Intelligence.

To meet the aspirational needs for Vision 2030, which envisions the digitisation of all aspects of India's economy and everyday lives of the citizens, improving quality of life through next generation infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, clean and renewable energy generation, etc. there is a need to develop expertise and skill base in the country. This will require the education system to be upgraded in terms of introducing new course curriculum, training faculty and investing in the required laboratories to meet the needs of the country.

India is on a growth trajectory and with its demographic advantage, the budget along with the vision presented for India 2030, there is an urgent need to transform the way our education system delivers so that quality is improved and the aspirational needs of the citizens are met.
By Jonathan Stempel(Reuters) - A U.S. jury has ordered Takeda Pharmaceutical Co's Baxalta unit to pay Bayer AG $155.19 million for infringing a patent related to a Baxalta hemophilia treatment, court records made public on Tuesday show.Jurors in the federal court in Wilmington, Delaware, reached their verdict on the seventh day of a trial after rejecting Baxalta's argument that the June 2016 patent on the treatment, Adynovate, was invalid.Bayer said the infringement arose from Baxalta's exclusive license agreement with Nektar Therapeutics, a San Francisco-based company that had done research ...
By Arnab Paul(Reuters) - Indian shares flitted between negative and positive territory on Tuesday as investors kept a cautious stance ahead of the three-day central bank policy meet, while gains in automobile stocks offset declines in telecom companies.According to a Reuters poll of 65 analysts, two-thirds have said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) would hold its repo rate, a surprise change of stance following the appointment of Shaktikanta Das as the central bank chief in December. The central bank will start its three-day policy meet later in the session.The 'neutral' stance would be in ...
By Noah BrowningLONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Tuesday, a day after data showing a decline in U.S. factory orders dragged both benchmarks down from 2019 highs.Despite the slide, investors expect U.S. sanctions on Venezuela and production cuts led by OPEC to head off a glut this year, buoying prices.U.S. crude futures were down 17 cents, or 0.31 percent, at $54.39 per barrel by 1215 GMT. They touched their highest in more than two months at $55.75 the previous day.Brent crude futures were down 24 cents, or 0.38 percent, at $62.27 a barrel, off a high of $63.63.Trading proceeded at lower ...
By Amanda Cooper and Alex LawlerLONDON (Reuters) - There is ample spare capacity in other oil producers and strategic reserves to compensate for a loss of Venezuela's crude exports, helping explain the tepid reaction of global oil prices to U.S. sanctions announced a week ago.Venezuela exports around 1 million barrels of oil per day, about 1 percent of global production, of which half heads to the United States. Many U.S. refineries are designed to run heavier, sour grades of crude, a good portion of which comes from Venezuela.Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia could replace this volume from spare ...
MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's tea production nudged 0.8 percent lower in 2018 from a year ago to 1311.63 million kg, trimming exports from the world's biggest black tea producer by 1.1 percent, the state-run Tea Board said on Friday.The south Asian country's exports eased to 249.11 million kg from 251.89 million kg a year ago, the board said in a statement.India, the world's second-biggest tea producer, exports CTC (crush-tear-curl) grade mainly to Egypt, Pakistan and the United Kingdom, with the orthodox variety exported to Iraq, Iran and Russia. (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav, Editing by Sherry ...
Indian steel firms are putting pressure on the government to impose higher duties on imports as trade disputes and a global economic slowdown divert surplus Asian steel stocks to India, industry executives and government sources said. Local producers are suffering from the double whammy of a rise in cheap imports and low domestic steel prices, which threatens to wipeout the healthy profits made in the past couple of years. The steel companies have approached the ministry multiple times over the past few months, alleging China, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam are ...
Amazon.com Inc's grocery service is slowly returning on its India website after the online retail giant faced disruption from revised e-commerce curbs which kicked in on Feb. 1. New federal rules, which bar companies from selling products via vendors in which they have an equity interest, forced Amazon India to remove hundreds of thousands of products from its site last week. The policy has spooked Amazon and Walmart-owned Indian rival, Flipkart, as it is forcing them to alter their business structures. On Tuesday, Amazon Pantry was offering select food products, such as ...
Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit Tuesday asserted that the people of the city want to bring back the Congress to power for good governance and development.

The former Delhi chief minister said if the Congress workers put up a united show before the Opposition parties, the party will "sweep" the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi by winning all seven seats.

"People of Delhi now want change as they neither want the BJP nor the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in power. These parties have only ruined the lives of the people in the past four years," Dikshit said at a party workers meeting in Chandni Chowk area here.

The veteran leader said her doors were always open for party workers and lauded them as "the Congress' backbone".

"If the party workers of Delhi work like a solid unit, no force can prevent us from sweeping the elections and winning all seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital," she claimed.

Under the presidentship of Dikshit, the Congress has seen a surge of excitement among workers as the three-time Delhi chief minister has put a bold step forward by stating the Delhi Congress was capable of fighting the Lok Sabha elections without any alliance with the AAP.

In her public meetings, Dikshit has appealed to the people to bring back the Congress to power, saying only it can provide "good governance and stability" while attacking the BJP and AAP over their alleged failures.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Underlining that France's doors are always open for Indian students, the French envoy here said his country's goal is to reach 10,000 student and research visas in a year by 2020.

Over the past five years, Indian visa applications to France registered a 180 per cent increase, a statement said.

During President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India in March 2018, the goal of reaching 10,000 Indian students leaving for France annually by 2020 was set.

"In 2018, we registered 8,000 student and research visas for talented young Indians. Though twice as much as a couple of years back, this is still too little. We want to reach 10,000 by 2020, but why not 20,000 in 2025?" French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler said.

"Our doors have always been open to Indian students, and our courses, many fully taught in English, are among the world's best," he said.

The agreement on the Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications between India and France, signed during President Macron's India visit, will enhance the already close ties between our two nations, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Virginia went into further turmoil as the lieutenant governor of the eastern US state, where the governor is under intense pressure to resign, was accused of sexual misconduct.

Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, who would take over if Governor Ralph Northam steps down, strongly denied the allegation made by a woman about a sexual encounter they had in a hotel room 15 years ago.

Fairfax, 39, a Democrat who won election along with Northam in November, said it had been a "100 per cent consensual encounter". "There was no inappropriate contact whatsoever," Fairfax told reporters.

"Years later, now we have a totally fabricated story out of the blue that's meant to attack me because of where I am in politics," he said on Monday. "This has been weaponised and used as a smear."



The allegations against Fairfax came as Northam, 59, is facing calls to step down from both Republicans and Democrats alike.

Northam has been fighting for his political survival since a 1984 yearbook surfaced last week that features a racist photo on a page dedicated to him.

The allegation of sexual misconduct against Fairfax was made on the same conservative website that published the yearbook picture.

At a press conference on Saturday, Northam denied that he was one of the men in the photo, which features two people standing together -- one in blackface, the other dressed in a Ku Klux Klan robe and hood.

Blackface is makeup traditionally used by non-black performers to mock African Americans and was prevalent in minstrel shows in the 19th century.

Northam described the photo as "shocking and horrific." While denying he was in the photo, the governor did admit that he had once applied shoe polish on his face - to imitate Michael Jackson during a 1984 dance contest.

"I look back now and regret that I did not understand the harmful legacy of an action like that," Northam said.

Fairfax demurred when asked whether Northam should resign.

"I believe that the governor has to make the decisions in the best interests of the Commonwealth of Virginia," he said. "I know that there are many others who have called on him to resign.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
-FirstCall/ -- Launches 1107 Nextgen Vakrangee Kendra stores across the country at the same time on the same day



Overall, the Company launched 3,300+ stores



Today, Vakrangee celebrates their latest feat of becoming the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title holder for the Most stores launched simultaneously. Vakrangee has announced that it has entered the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS by opening 1,107 stores at 11:07 AM on January 14, 2019. This is the highest number of stores opened anywhere in the world. It achieved this by beating the existing GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title of Most stores launched simultaneously of 505 stores on October 29, 2018 held by Xiaomi Technology India Pvt. Ltd.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD[TM] Ceremony Photograph: https://vakrangee.in/gallery4.php?id=156



These 1,107 stores were part of the 3,300+ NextGen Vakrangee Kendras, which were launched on January 14, 2019. These NextGen stores offer a comprehensive range of products and services across banking, insurance, ATM, assisted e-Commerce, e-governance, financial services and logistics. These NextGen outlets are spread across 19 states, 350+ districts and 2,000+ postal codes of the country, out of which more than 70% outlets are from Tier 5 and Tier 6 cities.

Commenting on the same, Mr. Dinesh Nandwana, Founder Promoter & Executive Chairman, Vakrangee Ltd. said, "We are honored and excited to receive this certification from GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS. This global recognition is a validation of our belief and commitment to the transformation agenda to the NextGen Vakrangee Kendras. This record-breaking feat also showcases capability of our extended family of Vakrangee employees, franchise partners and vendor associates."



Vakrangee's planned target is to reach at least 25,000 operational outlets by FY 2019-20 and further enhance it to reach 45,000 outlets by FY 2020-21 and 75,000 by FY 2021-22.

Commenting on the same, Mr. Swapnil Dangarikar, Official Adjudicator, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS, said, "We are delighted that Vakrangee have created a new world record by opening Most stores launched simultaneously. All outlets were collectively inaugurated at sharp 11.07 AM on 14th January 2019."



"It is an honor to present Vakrangee Limited a certificate for achieving a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title. I am excited to announce that they are now Officially Amazing[TM]," he added.

About Vakrangee Limited (BSE Code: 511431) (NSE Code: VAKRANGEE)



Incorporated in 1990, Vakrangee is the unique technology driven company focused on building India's largest network of last-mile retail outlets to deliver real-time banking & financial services, ATM, insurance, e-governance, e-commerce and logistics services to the unserved markets. The Assisted Digital Convenience stores are called as 'Vakrangee Kendra' which acts as the 'One-stop shop' for availing various services and products. Vakrangee has been at the forefront in financial inclusion space in India. It has signed 'Common BC' agreements with various public sector banks for offering real-time banking to unserved and underserved rurban population. In addition to banking, 'Vakrangee Kendra' outlets also provide insurance products, e-governance services and e-commerce products. For more info, visit www.vakrangee.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Tuesday told the Delhi High Court that it was not legally and technologically feasible to use Aadhaar biometrics for forensic purposes like identification of dead persons.

The UIDAI told a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao that using Aadhaar biometrics to identify bodies would be contrary to the Aadhaar Act.

The authority, represented by advocate Zoheb Hossain, further claimed that even the Supreme Court in a verdict last year had held that the biometrics were not to be used for any other purpose than those stipulated in the Act.

The UIDAI has contended that the Aadhaar Act was enacted to provide good governance as well as an efficient, transparent and targeted delivery of subsidies, benefits, services and social schemes.

However, petitioner Amit Sahni told the court that Aadhaar was being used to trace and identify missing children and, therefore, it can be used to identify unidentified bodies as well.

Taking note of Sahni's submission, the bench asked the UIDAI to respond and listed the matter for further hearing on April 23.

In its affidavit, the UIDAI has said that using the biometric data it collects for identifying bodies "may not be technologically feasible" as for authentication purposes both the "live biometric" and the Aadhaar number were essential.

"The technological architecture of UIDAI or its mandate for Aadhaar-based authentication does not allow for any instance of 1:1 matching wherein fingerprints are matched against the other fingerprints in the UIDAI database," the affidavit has said.

It has also contended that "sharing of biometric information or use of biometric information for any purpose other than generation of Aadhaar number and authentication under the Aadhaar Act is impermissible".

The UIDAI further said in its affidavit that the petition was baseless and without merit and therefore, liable to be dismissed.

Sahni, a social activist as well as a lawyer, in his petition has sought a direction to the Centre and the UIDAI to utilise Aadhaar biometrics to identify the unidentified bodies.

The petition has sought a direction to the Centre, the UIDAI, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and the states to scan the biometrics of unidentified bodies and process them with the Aadhaar portal to trace any pre-existing biometric details.

He has also sought directions to the Centre and the UIDAI to share the pre-existing Aadhaar details, if any, without any delay with the NCRB and the states for the identification of bodies.

A similar plea was earlier filed by the petitioner before the Supreme Court, which had asked him to approach the Delhi High Court, where he has already filed a petition for using Aadhaar biometrics for the purpose of tracing and re-uniting missing and mentally-challenged persons with their families.

Thereafter, he withdrew the plea from the top court.

The plea says despite registering the biometrics and scanning more than 122 crore citizens at the Aadhaar portal, the database is not being utilised for identifying bodies.

It adds that thousands of unidentified bodies are recovered in the country every year.

A five-judge Constitution bench of the apex court had on September 26 declared the Aadhaar scheme as constitutionally valid but had struck down some of its provisions, including its linking with bank accounts, mobile phones and school admissions.

The bench had held that while Aadhaar would remain mandatory for filing Income Tax returns and allotment of the Permanent Account Number (PAN), it would not be compulsory to link it with bank accounts and that telecom service providers cannot seek its linking for mobile connections.

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Militants operating out of Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to threaten Afghan stability as well as stoke tensions between Pakistan and India, and the US looks to Islamabad to cease behaviour undermining regional stability, a top Pentagon Commander said on Tuesday.

During a Congressional hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Commander of the US Central Command General Joseph Votel told the lawmakers that Pakistan has taken positive steps to assist Special US Representative of Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in facilitating talks with the Taliban.

But Pakistan "has avoided taking any concrete or irreversible steps such as arresting or expelling Taliban leaders who do not cooperate with reconciliation efforts," he said.

"Militants operating out of Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to threaten Afghan stability as well as stoke tensions between Pakistan and India. We look to regional actors such as Pakistan to cease behaviour undermining regional stability and play constructive roles in achieving peace in Afghanistan as well as the whole of South Asia," Gen Votel said.

"With our strategic focus on reconciliation and regional security, Pakistan has a unique opportunity to make good on its promises of support to US efforts focused on finding a negotiated settlement to the Afghanistan conflict," the US Commander said.

He said that if Pakistan plays a positive role in achieving a settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan, "the US will have opportunity and motive to help Pakistan fulfil that role, as peace in the region is the most important mutual priority for the US and Pakistan".

Pakistan, Votel said presents the US with challenges and opportunities in the execution of its South Asia Strategy.

As a state possessing nuclear weapons that sits at the nexus of Russian, Chinese, Indian, Iranian, and US geopolitical interests, Pakistan will always be a country of importance to the US, he noted.

"However, Pakistan's actions are often a source of frustration to the US regional efforts in Afghanistan," Votel said.

The Pentagon's posture with Pakistan involves supporting Department of State as they pursue a diplomatic solution with Islamabad to end the conflict in Afghanistan while ensuring that Pakistan's equities are acknowledged and addressed in any future agreement.

Votel told lawmakers that Pakistan has not taken concrete actions against the safe havens of violent extremist organisations or VEOs inside its borders.

"Similarly, VEOs located in Afghanistan conduct attacks inside Pakistan. This cross-border instability and violence generates tension along both sides of the border," he said.

"The suspension of US security assistance funds to Pakistan remains in place. Meanwhile, some US Pakistan military cooperation activities have continued, demonstrating the importance of military cooperation, despite challenges in the bilateral relationship," the top American Commander said.

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The Trump administration is using "all available tools" to respond to the serious challenges being posed by China on trade, an official report has said, asserting that the US' approach towards Beijing's "unfair" trade practices is more aggressive than ever in the past.

In a report to the Congress on China's WTO compliance, US Trade Representatives (USTR) alleged that despite repeated commitments to refrain from forcible technology transfer from US companies, China continues to do so through market access restrictions, the "abuse of administrative processes, licensing regulations, asset purchases, and cyber and physical theft."



"Out of necessity, the US is now using all available tools including domestic trade remedies, bilateral negotiations, WTO litigation and strategic engagement with like-minded trading partners to respond to the unique and very serious challenges presented by China, it said.

Running into more than 180 pages, the report said America's approach to China is more aggressive than in the past, but the goal for the US remains the same, which is seeking a trade relationship with China that is fair, reciprocal and balanced.

It said China committed to open the electronic payment services market in 2006. "Today, the reality remains that no foreign electronic payment services companies conduct business in China's domestic market, USTR rued.

USTR alleged that China's use of export and import substitution subsidies has been ubiquitous throughout the past two decades in sectors as diverse as automobiles, textiles, advanced materials, medical products and agriculture, despite explicit prohibitions in the WTO Agreement.

China has repeatedly committed to review applications of agricultural biotechnology products in a timely, ongoing and science-based manner. "However, the Chinese regulatory authorities continue to review applications slowly and without scientific rationale, while Chinese companies continue to build up their own capabilities in the area of agricultural biotechnology," it said.

The report alleged that China has repeatedly deployed illegal export restraints, such as export quotas, export licensing, minimum export prices, export duties and other restrictions, on scores of raw material inputs, as determined in multiple WTO cases brought by the US and other WTO members.

Further, China has used these illegal export restraints to provide substantial cost advantages to a wide range of downstream producers in China at the expense of foreign producers, while creating pressure on foreign producers to move their operations, technologies and jobs to China, it said.

The USTR told the Congress that any review of China's trade regime also shows that China's regulatory system is so opaque that it is often difficult for US companies or even the US government to fully understand China's legal requirements in a particular area of the economy.

This problem is exacerbated by China's extremely poor record of adhering to its transparency obligations as a WTO member. These shortcomings create their own trade barriers and undermine the competiveness of China's trading partners, it said.

As such, the report said, the US will defend US companies and workers from China's unfair trading practices and will seek to restore balance to the trade relationship between the US and China.

As part of these efforts, the US will take all appropriate actions to ensure that the costs of China's non-market economic system are borne by China, not by the US, it said.

USTR alleged that one significant result of China's non-market economic system is the creation of excess capacity that is, capacity that would not persist if market forces were operating properly.

"Many WTO members, including Canada, Australia, India and the EU, have responded to the trade-distortive effects of China's excess capacity by imposing trade remedies such as anti-dumping and countervailing duties in response to petitions from their domestic industries, USTR said.

The report alleges that China has not transformed its economic system to embrace open, market-oriented principles, nor has it abandoned its state-led, mercantilist trade regime in favour of a cooperative approach that promotes a multilateral trading system that is more fair and more open.

Nevertheless, China has used WTO membership to develop rapidly, it said.

As China's role in global trade has grown, its nonmarket economic system and state-led, mercantilist trade regime increasingly have disrupted international trade to the detriment of the US and other WTO members, it said.

Rather than allow this harm to continue, the US has pursued both bilateral and multilateral mechanisms in response, it added.

The US and China have been locked in an escalating trade spat since early 2018, raising import tariffs on each other's goods.

Last year, Washington and Beijing imposed tariffs on more than USD 360 billion in two-way trade, after President Donald Trump initiated the trade war because of complaints over unfair trade practices.

During a meeting in Argentina on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to halt any further tariff increases for 90 days beginning January 1.

The two countries hailed "progress" in talks held in Washington last week aimed at avoiding an escalation of the conflict. But if no deal is reached by March 1, US duty rates on USD 200 billion in Chinese goods are due to rise to 25 per cent from 10 per cent.

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The US special envoy for North Korea will head to Pyongyang on Wednesday for talks ahead of a much-anticipated second summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, the State Department has said.

In addition to preparations for the summit, Stephen Biegun's meetings with North Korean official Kim Hyok Chol will "advance further progress on the commitments the president and Chairman Kim made in Singapore: complete denuclearization, transforming US-DPRK relations and building a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula," a statement read on Monday.

In an interview with CBS on Sunday, Trump said the date and venue of his upcoming second summit with the North Korean leader had been agreed -- and would likely be announced before or during his State of the Union address on Tuesday.

Vietnam is seen as the most likely venue for the meeting, which is expected to take place late this month, and follows their landmark first summit in Singapore last June.

That meeting - the first-ever between the leaders of the US and North Korea - produced a vaguely-worded document in which Kim pledged to work towards "the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula." But progress has since stalled with the two sides disagreeing over what that means.

Last week, US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told Congress that "North Korea is unlikely to give up all of its nuclear weapons and production capabilities".

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When US President Donald Trump delivers his second State of the Union speech to Congress on Tuesday, his guests will include Joshua Trump, a sixth grader passionate about science and animals.

The youngster isn't a member of the president's family, but instead a boy from Wilmington, Delaware, who has been bullied in school as a result of his last name, according to a short statement issued the White House.

"He appreciates science, art, and history," the statement said.

"He also loves animals and hopes to pursue a related career in the future," it continued, adding young Trump's hero and best friend is his Uncle Cody, a member of the United States Air Force.

"Unfortunately, Joshua has been bullied in school due to his last name. He is thankful to the First Lady and the Trump family for their support," the statement concluded.

The president, first lady, and the 535 members of Congress are permitted to invite guests to the annual speech, a key fixture in the American political calendar which sees the US leader tout their successes and outline goals.

The first couple's other guests include family members of Gerald and Sharon David, an elderly couple killed in January allegedly by an undocumented immigrant; and Matthew Charles, a former drug dealer who turned his life around in prison and was the first person released under a criminal justice reform law passed in December.

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An American has hunted Pakistan's national animal and rare wildlife species markhor after paying a record USD 110,000 permit fee during a trophy hunting season in the country's northern Gilgit-Baltistan region.

Markhor, a distinctive species of wild goat identified by its long hair and spiralled horns, is a protected species in Pakistan unless permitted by the government to kill it under trophy hunting programmes.

US national Bryan Kinsel Harlan hunted the highest-priced, flared-horned animal Monday from the Sassi-Harmosh community conservation area in Sassi village of Gilgit, Dawn reported.

According to the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) wildlife department, Harlan paid a whopping USD 110,000 for hunting the rare wildlife species in the region under a conservation programme.

This is the highest permit fee ever paid in the country.

The foreign hunter managed to hunt the 41-inch markhor trophy, which is considered a good-sized trophy, the report said.

"It was an easy and close shot and I am pleased to take this trophy," Harlan said.

On January 21, another US citizen Dianda Christopher Anthony hunted the highest-rated Astore markhor after paying USD 105,000, days after fellow countryman John Amistoso hunted the Astore Markhor in the community-controlled Bunji area of Gilgit, paying USD 100,000 permit fee.

So far, about 50 wildlife animals have been hunted by foreigners and national hunters in the region under trophy hunting season 2018-19.

The trophy hunting programme has been successful in increasing the number of markhor as well as bringing prosperity to the region, according to the officials.

Authorities hand over 80 per cent of the permit money to the respective local communities, while the remaining goes to the government exchequer.

The local people now work to protect the animal instead of killing, leading to a drastic decrease in its numbers.

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The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted an Special Investigation Team to probe the circumstances that led to riots in Kanpur in 1984 following the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi, an official release said Tuesday night.

The four-member SIT, to be headed by retired UP Director General of Police Atul, has been asked to submit its report within six months, the release said.

Other members of the SIT include retired District Judge Subhash Chandra Agarwal and retired Additional Director (Prosecution) Yogeshwar Krishna Srivastava.

At least 125 people were killed in 1984 riots in Kanpur after the assassination of then prime minister Gandhi.

In August 2017, the apex court had issued a notice to the state government on a petition seeking an SIT probe of the riots.

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Opposition members hurled paper balls towards the podium as Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik addressed a joint sitting of the state legislature on the Budget Session first day on Tuesday.

As soon as the governor began reading out his speech, opposition members started raising anti-government slogans and shouted 'Rajyapal Wapas Jao (Governor Go Back)'.

They soon started hurling paper balls towards the podium which were deflected by members of the staff using cardboard files.

Amid the din, the governor kept reading out his speech, which highlights various welfare and development schemes, besides achievements of the Uttar Pradesh government.

The annual budget will be presented on February 7 by Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal.

The session is likely to conclude on February 22.

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Opposition members hurled paper balls towards the podium and raised slogans as Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik addressed a joint sitting of the state legislature on the Budget Session's first day on Tuesday.

In his about 55-minute speech, the governor highlighted the welfare and development schemes of the state government, and also justified the renaming of Allahabad and Faizabad districts, saying, "my government has restored their cultural names."



Opposition members, including those from the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Congress, started raising slogans against the government and shouted 'rajyapal wapas Jao (Governor Go Back)' as soon as Naik began addressing the state legislature.

SP members hurled paper balls at the podium, but Naik continued to address the House, with staff using cardboard files to deflect the paper balls.

Speaking to reporters at the Central Hall of the House, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the behaviour of the opposition leaders and termed it "undemocratic" and "unparliamentary".

During the uproar, Subhash Pasi of SP, who was standing on a chair, fell and fainted after which he was rushed to a hospital.

In red, blue and white caps, members of the SP, BSP and other opposition parties also held placards reading, "gathbandhan se ghabraye hain; CBI, ED laye hain" (afraid of an alliance, they have unleashed CBI and ED), "jhoothey vaade band karo, mukhya mantri sharm karo" (stop making false promises, CM should be ashamed) and "khet bachao saando sey, desh bachao choron sey" (save fields from bulls and the country from thieves).

The opposition members also had posters in their hands in which the CBI was shown as a "cadged parrot". One of these posters had a picture of a dog with a strap attached to its neck and CBI was written on it.

Some members also had small replicas of cows and bulls in an obvious bid to show that government was not concerned with the stray cattle menace in the state.

In his 28-pages address, Naik said there has been "considerable improvement in the law and order (situation) in the state".

"Now, the common man is fear free and women are not afraid of coming out of their houses even during the night," he said.

The governor said due to the drive against criminals, there has been a substantial decline in serious crimes as compared to the last year.

"As many as 7,626 culprits were arrested in 3,285 police action against them. During these actions, 946 culprits sustained injuries, 73 others were killed. In these operations, 576 police personnel sustained injuries and four jawans attained martyrdom," Naik said.

Property worth about Rs 179 crore was seized while taking action against 289 criminals under the National Security Act and 10,541 others under the Gangster Act, he said.

The address also mentioned the ongoing Kumbh and highlighted works being done by the state government for organising the mega event.

Justifying the renaming of districts in the state, he said that "by changing name of Allahabad to Prayagraj and Faizabad to Ayodhya, my government has restored their cultural names."



On farmer's welfare, Naik said, "A record purchase of 52.92 lakh metric tonnes of wheat was made from 11,27,195 farmers under the price support scheme in 2018-19 and online payment of Rs 9231.99 crore was made within 72 hours."Naik claimed that MoUs worth Rs 4.68 lakh crore were signed during the investor summit in February 2018 and foundation stones of 81 projects, involving an investment of over Rs 61,000 crore, was laid in July by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In the power sector, he said in the past 22 months, 94 lakh electricity connections, the highest and a record in itself, have been given in the state. The state has bagged 12 national awards for successful execution and implementation of central schemes, Naik said.

He said the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was held successfully for the first time in the state in January in Varanasi.

Referring to the Lok Sabha polls, the governor said he would like to urge all voters to exercise their right to vote and ensure maximum voting.

On the uproar in the House, Adityanath condemned behaviour of opposition members in front of governor and termed it as undemocratic.

"Behaviour of the SP, the BSP and the Congress in front of the governor is condemnable. It is unparliamentary and undemocratic and such agitation lower their dignity. The Samajwadi Party crossed limits of hooliganism by hurling paper balls and targeted the governor," he said.

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An unclaimed bag lying in the international arrival terminal of the Delhi airport triggered a security alarm leading to recovery of 32 gold bars worth Rs 1.78 crore, officials said Tuesday.

They said a bag lying in a luggage trolley was spotted by CISF security personnel at the international transfer area of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on Monday night and soon a bomb detection and disposal team of the force was rushed to check the contents.

While the bag did not contain any explosive or improvised explosive device (IED), 32 gold bars weighing 5.9 kgs was recovered from it, they said.

When no passenger claimed it, a CCTV review was done and it was found that an unidentified passenger, who came from Hong Kong and took a flight to Mumbai, dumped the bag in the terminal area, possibly in fear of being caught by security agencies, they said.

The gold bars, valued at Rs 1.78 crore, have been handed over to Customs authorities at the airport for further probe, officials added.

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A dog called Hector has been branded as the 'loneliest dog in Britain' after spending over 500 days at an animal shelter.

Staff and volunteers at an animal charity are desperately trying to find a home for the lurcher, who was rescued in October 2017 over welfare concerns.

A lurcher is a sighthound such as a Greyhound crossed with a terrier, herding breed, or large scenthound. Lurchers are primarily hunting dogs.

Despite having a small fan club online, he has not left the Little Valley Animal Shelter in Exeter, Devon.

Shelter Manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Jo Evans, said: "Hector is hilarious. He never fails to make us smile and is a firm favourite with all who meet him.

"He's adored by staff and we can't understand why he is always overlooked. This big lad has lots of love to give so if you have space in your heart and home then please get in touch," The Sun quoted Evans as saying.

"He's an active boy who is looking for like-minded owners who can take him on plenty of adventures. He especially loves the beach, and we have learnt he likes to swim," he said.

Hector loves meeting and playing with other dogs out and could live with older children, although he would be best suited to being the only pet in the home.

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Two persons were killed and 30 others injured in separate road accidents in Rajasthan Tuesday, police said.

A roadways bus rammed into a stationary truck in Pali district in the morning, killing bus conductor Pratap Singh, 55, and passenger Kishan Singh, 65, Station House Officer (SHO), Sojat city police station, Rajendra Singh said.

Four other passengers were injured in the incident, he added.

They were rushed to a nearby hospital where the condition of one among them is stated to be critical, the SHO said.

In another accident, at least 26 persons were injured after their bus fell off a bridge on Jaipur-Kota highway, SHO, Chaksu police station, Rajesh Kumar said.

The injured, including the bus driver and conductor and two-three minor children, were admitted to a hospital where their condition is stated to be stable, he said.

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Television actor Shilpa Shinde Tuesday joined the Congress in the presence of its Mumbai unit chief Sanjay Nirupam.

The actor, who was a winner of the 11th season of the reality show Bigg Boss, told reporters at the induction function that she wanted Congress chief Rahul Gandhi to be the next Prime Minister.

"The Congress party has run the country for ages. This is why I decided to join it. Today, the country is in dire need of change and only the Congress can bring about this change," she said.

On a query about the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, which had supported her during her spat with the makers of a television serial after she was replaced in it, Shinde said the Raj Thackeray-led party focused only on "Marathi-speaking" people.

"The Congress does not look at any caste or religion while extending a helping hand to those in need. However, the MNS only focuses on Marathi-speaking people. When I needed help, the MNS gave a Marathi angle to my plight," she claimed.

She added that she was keen to contest elections, but did not specify if it was for the Lok Sabha or the state Assembly, both of which are scheduled for this year.

Nirupam said the country was unhappy with the current dispensation and people who believed in the core principles of the country were joining the Congress.

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US President Donald Trump will touch on the issues like immigration, national security and trade and call for unity in a divided Congress in his annual State of the Union address as he begins the second half of his first term in office.

The annual State of the Union address is the keynote prime time speech by the president to the Congress in which he sets out his legislative agenda and national priorities for the next year and highlights his achievements to the American people.

The speech will be Trump's third to a Joint Session of Congress his initial appearance on February 28, 2017 was weeks after his inauguration and not considered a formal State of the Union.

Contrary to his tweets and his frequent lashing out against the opposition Democratic leadership, Trump intends to portray a picture of national unity in resolving the challenges being faced by the country, officials familiar with preparations for the State of the Union Address said Monday.

The president and the Democrats had a 35-day stoush over his proposed wall along the US-Mexico border, which shut down the government and postponed the address.

China, which is being considered as a major challenge for the United States, is expected to figure prominently in his address, which as of Monday was scheduled to last between 60 and 90 minutes.

The US and China have been locked in an escalating trade spat since early 2018, raising import tariffs on each other's goods.

Last year, Trump imposed tariff hikes of up to 25 per cent on USD 250 billion of Chinese goods. The move prompted China to increase tariffs on USD 110 billion of American goods.

"Choosing Greatness" is the theme of the address.

He will update Congress on the upcoming summit with North Korea, developments in Venezuela and withdrawal of troops from Syria and Afghanistan.

"In his address, the president will cast an inspiring vision of American greatness. He will outline a policy agenda that both parties can rally behind to achieve this vision," a senior administration official said.

In the address on Tuesday, Trump will express confidence in future and encourage Congress to reject the of resistance and retribution, and instead adopt a spirit of cooperation and compromise so we can achieve it.

"Together we can break decades of political stalemate. We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of America's future. The decision is ours to make," Trump will say in his address, as per the excerpts of the speech provided by the senior administration official.

Safe and legal immigration system; protecting American workers, rebuilding America with infrastructure; lowering the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs; and protecting America's national security, are expected to be the major topics in his speech.

"One can expect the president describing his vision for a safe and legal immigration system," the official said adding that he will reaffirm his determination to stop illegal immigration, human trafficking, and the flow of drugs and crime.

Trump will update the Congress on his fight to protect American workers who have been hurt by decades of flawed trade deals.

"The President will update Congress on our trading relationship with China. He will also call on Congress to replace the NAFTA disaster by approving the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, said the official.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is an agreement signed by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, creating a trilateral trade bloc in North America.

In addition, the president will call on Congress to pass the United States Reciprocal Trade Act, which if signed into law could have consequences on bilateral trade with India.

The Reciprocal Trade Act would give him authority to levy tariffs equal to those of a foreign country on a particular product if that country's tariffs are determined to be significantly lower than those charged by the United States.

It would also allow Trump to take into account non-tariff barriers when determining such tariffs.

"The President will also talk broadly about rebuilding America, and he will ask Congress to produce an infrastructure package that delivers substantial investments and vital national infrastructure projects," the official said, adding that Trump will also talk about lowering the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs.

In terms of protecting America's national security, Trump will update Congress on his diplomatic and military efforts around the world, and reaffirm his determination to protect American interests, and bring to an end endless foreign wars, said the senior administration official familiar with the drafts of president's State of the Union speech.

Trump in his speech is expected to propose policies to expand prosperity and make possible an amazing quality of life for all Americans.

"And then, having restored America's leadership around the world, he will cast a vision for greater security and peace, the official said.

According to the senior administration official, people will be reminded, through the speech, how much the President has accomplished for all Americans, and will be reminded of the broad appeal of his agenda.

The last two times he spoke before Congress, Trump tried to provide a unifying, bipartisan, optimistic tone, the official noted stating that he we'll be striving to do the same this year.

Describing the first speech as optimistic, second as unifying, the official said Tuesday's speech could be considered visionary in the sense that it will be looking towards the future, offering a commonsense path forward with strong bipartisan appeal that transcends the political stalemates of the past.

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US President Donald Trump on Tuesday greeted people across the world celebrating the Lunar New Year.

"Today, people across the United States and around the world mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year with spectacular fireworks displays, joyful festivals, and family gatherings," Trump said in a statement.

This is a sacred time for many people of Asian descent, and it is an opportunity for all Americans to honour the important contributions these communities have made to the story of American greatness, he said.

Chinese people all over world bade farewell to the 'Year of the Dog' and welcomed the 'Year of the Pig' on Tuesday, ushering in the Lunar New Year with prayers and family feasts. It is also celebrated as Spring Festival.

"As families, friends, and loved ones gather to welcome the Year of the Pig, we join in sharing our best wishes for good health, prosperity, and happiness," Trump said.

Chinese lunar calendar years are grouped into a 12-year cycle, with each year assigned an animal symbol: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo invited all nations to strengthen the bonds of friendship and join America in the endeavour to build a better world.

"During this new lunar year, let us continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship with allies and partners as we invite all nations to join us in the endeavour to build a better world for future generations," Pompeo said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that Lunar New Year is a joyous time of reflection, celebration and optimism for Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities across the country and around the world.

"As we welcome the Year of the Pig, we draw inspiration from the beauty and diversity of our immigrant heritage and the remarkable contributions that AAPI families have made to San Francisco and to our nation," she said.

Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel wished Asian Americans across the country a joyful Lunar New Year.

"The Republican Party honours the important contributions of Asian Americans to society and our Party, which continue to make America great. I extend my warmest wishes to every family coming together to ring in the new year ahead," she said.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Tom Perez, its Vice Chair Grace Meng, and DNC AAPI Caucus Chair Bel Leong-Hong in a joint statement sent best wishes to everyone celebrating the Year of the Pig in America and around the world.

"Democrats believe that our diversity is our strength, and we fight every day for our values of inclusion and opportunity. As the new year begins, let us recommit to that fight and to building a brighter future for all. From the Democratic family, we wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous Year of the Pig," the DNC statement said.

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China's air force and navy may be undergoing massive expansion with most modern aircraft and ships, but a Chinese military veteran has warned that lack of rigorous training of the PLA troops with new weapons could prove costly in real battle conditions.

Training, not hardware is key to military preparations and size is not everything in modern warfare, Chinese naval officer (retd.) Wang Yunfei said in a rare public appraisal of the levels of training of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) navy and air force which, he termed, inadequate compared to Japanese troops.

Comparing the skill training put in by Japanese pilots flying new generation aircraft, Wang said he saw them training even murky and overcast conditions.

"In China, (our military planes) would not have taken off (for training) if the cloud was lower than 400 metres above ground," he told Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post on Tuesday.

"Such conditions are dangerous (for military aircraft to take off) but they (Japanese pilots) were able to carry on training despite the weather," he said.

The Chinese military which has now annual budget of over USD 175 billion is investing heavily in modernisation of navy and air force.

As China expands its military might with new aircraft carriers, advanced fighter jets and other world-class weaponry, questions have been raised about whether the PLA can compete with other advanced forces, the Post said.

Wang, now a naval armament expert, pointed out that size was only one determining factor in modern warfare, and hardware could only answer part of the question as China raced to catch up with leading powers like the US and its top allies, including Japan.

"Doubling the number of our warships would not make our military twice as strong strategically," he said.

"It is the people who use these weapons that count, and that essentially boils down to our level of training.

"Some people hold the view that our military planes are more advanced than others. But if we look at the level of training of our forces...We are not at the same level (as others) yet."



Antony Wong Dong, a military expert based in Macau who has spent years studying the PLA, agreed with Wang's assessment.

Although the PLA which has not fought a major war since the Korean war - has made great strides in improving training for its rank and file in past decades, Wong said there was much room for improvement to raise its "preparedness".

After watching the Japanese pilots training, Wang said, "it immediately came to my mind that we should not look down upon the Japanese forces. We must bear in mind that the level of training reflects your level of combat preparedness.

"Our fleet of warships and military planes far outnumber the Japanese forces, even by the number of more advanced generations of fighter jets... but in real combat, the size of the battlefield is limited, whether it is at sea or in the sky," he said.

"You cannot deploy everything you have. And when both sides deploy the same resources into the battlefield, we must not be blindly [optimistic] about our chance of winning," he said.

The rapid development of new hardware could also pose challenges for training Chinese troops, especially in helping them master the skills necessary to use and understand the new weapons.

"We are still exploring. It is not that we are slack. (These new weapons) are just too advanced," Wang said.

"Like (the stealth fighter jet) J-20... or (carrier-based fighter jet) J-15, we initially didn't know how to make the best use of them in different circumstances," he said.

"We only recently mastered how to take off and land (J-15s) at night. It is not certain if we are ready to undertake evening flight missions of these aircraft when they are loaded with heavy missiles," he said.

Since President Xi Jinping took over in 2012, the military - now 2-million strong after the lay of the three lakh troops - has undergone a sea change.

According to a recent report, China's military, the world's largest force, has cut the size of its land-based army by about 50 per cent and significantly boosted its navy and air force as part of an "unprecedented" strategic shift designed to transform the PLA into a comprehensive modern force.

While the navy is being expanded with new aircraft carriers, observers say battle ships and submarines are being added on almost monthly basis.

China has one aircraft carrier, another undergoing sea trial and the third one is being constructed at a feverish pace. Official media reports say China plans to have four to five aircraft carriers in the near future.

In terms of aircraft, China is building new jets for the aircraft carriers besides stealth planes.

Xi, who is regarded as the most powerful Chinese leader heading the military besides the ruling Communist Party and the Presidency, has been pushing the military into real time military exercises emulating battle conditions.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday said the CBI should do non-political jobs and that nobody from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) had spoken to him on any issue, including the recent standoff between the central probe agency and the Kolkata Police.

"No one from the TMC has been in touch with us for at least a year," Patnaik said, replying to reporters' queries during his tour to Koraput on whether TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee had spoken to him on the Kolkata Police-CBI standoff.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee reportedly said in Kolkata that she would consult Patnaik over the continuation of her dharna. The West Bengal chief minister has been staging a protest over the CBI-Kolkata police imbroglio in Kolkata since Sunday night.

"Our party's statement on Monday had to do with events in our own state," Patnaik told reporters.

The BJD had clarified that its statement on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was in relation to Odisha and the overall issues confronting the probe agency at the national level and should not be used to club it with any political party or grouping.

The statement had said the "institutional integrity of the CBI has to be restored. We are a mature democracy and professionalism should be maintained" and pointed out that there was "sudden action" by the investigating agency just before the panchayat polls in the past.

"Now, before the general election, the move by the CBI smacks of unprofessional conduct and is coloured with political motives," it had added.

The statement apparently referred to the CBI's recent notice to two BJD MLAs and former ministers in connection with a chit fund case. Both the MLAs have said they will respond to the probe agency's notice.

Asked to comment on the activities of the CBI, which have been criticised by many opposition parties including the BJD, Patnaik said, "We, like everyone else, would like to see the CBI do a professional and non-political job."



On the Supreme Court's directive on the Kolkata Police-CBI standoff, he said, "We will follow the Supreme Court judgment."



To a question on whether the CBI had issued a notice to him, Patnaik shot back, saying, "Absolutely nonsense."Earlier, Odisha BJP leader K V Singhdeo had sought a clarification from Patnaik on whether the central probe agency had issued notice to him in connection with the chit fund scam.

The BJP leader had said he had sought the chief minister's clarification on the basis of media reports.

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West Bengal BJP leaders appeared not very supportive of the idea of imposing President's rule in the state as they feel it might adversely affect the party's prospect in the Lok Sabha elections, even as the TMC government fights a pitched turf war with the Centre over CBI probe in the chitfund scam cases.

BJP leaders Tuesday said if the Centre imposed President's rule



in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee would cry foul and try to grab sympathy votes.

"If you want to know the views of the state leadership," a senior state BJP leader told PTI requesting anonymity, "I would only say the state unit is not in favour of imposition of President's rule."



Another BJP leader said the TMC was fast losing its ground in the state.

"In such a position, if President's rule is imposed, the TMC would complain of vendetta and bag sympathy votes. Why should we let that happen?" the leader said.

By nature, the people of West Bengal always vote for the party which is opposed to central government, he said.

The issue of imposition of President's rule has come up after an all-out war broke out between the Centre and the TMC government on Sunday, with Chief Minister Banerjee beginning a dharna here over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chitfund scam cases.

Insisting that the CBI's move stifled the spirit of "Constitution and federalism", Banerjee had wondered if the Centre was mulling to impose President's rule in the state.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said the "unfortunate" and "unprecedented" developments in West Bengal involving the CBI and the Kolkata Police indicate a constitutional breakdown, warning that the Centre has powers to take action.

Singh had also spoken to Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi in wake of the CBI team being allegedly obstructed by the state police when they tried to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha ponzi scam case on Sunday.

HRD minister and senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar Monday claimed that Constitutional order has completely broken down in the state but has stopped short of demanding imposition of President's rule in West Bengal.

State BJP leaders said, they have clearly conveyed it to the party's central leadership that imposition of President's Rule in the state would not only act as an advantage for the TMC but would also have an adverse impact on the party's prospects in Lok Sabha polls.

However, there is a minor section within the state unit which feels that "imposition of President's rule is a must to restore democracy in West Bengal".

Union minister and BJP MP from Asansol in West Bengal, Babul Supriyo, had demanded that President's rule be imposed in the state.

"President's rule should be imposed in West Bengal to control this 'Rogue' TMC government under a corrupt CM Mamata Banerjee. This is a constitutional crisis 'created' by Mamata to shield her corrupt & tainted accomplices," Supriyo had said in a tweet.

Since Independence, West Bengal had witnessed imposition of President's rule on four occasions between 1962-1972. The decade was marked by political instability, collapse of a United Front governments and rise of the naxalite movement.

With the chief minister sitting on a dharna alleging misuse of the CBI, various opposition parties, including the Congress, BJD, TDP, SP and NCP, have come out in support of Banerjee.

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Pakistani security forces gunned down three terrorists during an operation in a tribal district bordering Afghanistan in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday.

The security forces conducted the operation against terrorists in Gul Kutch area of South Waziristan District merged into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The terrorists opened fire at the security forces in Gul Kutch area and in the retaliation firing three terrorists were gunned down.

Heavy consignment of weapons was recovered from the possession of the terrorists which included SMG, hand grenades, and communication gadgets.

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Thousands of passengers were left stranded on Tuesday after the UK government suspended Turkmenistan Airlines from landing at its airport over safety concerns.

Britain's Civil Aviation Authority cited a notice from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) while announcing the suspension of flights by the airlines on Monday.

The flagship airline of Turkmenistan, a former Soviet Union country, operates a number of budget routes to Amritsar in India, besides other Asian destinations.

"Passengers who have travelled may need to make their own arrangements to return home," the UK's Civil Aviation Authority said, offering Indian airlines such as Air India and Jet Airways as alternatives for passengers stranded in India.

For the many who have booked but are now unable to fly will have to contact the airline for a refund, it added.

"Turkmenistan Airlines offers convenient connections from Birmingham, London, Frankfurt and Paris via Asghabat to Bangkok, Beijing and Amritsar. All international flights use the new International Airport in Ashgabat," notes the airline's website, which gives no information regarding the latest crisis.

"Turkmenistan Airlines transports about 3,000 passengers daily in the country and near 2 million passengers are transported annually on the international and domestic routes together," it adds.

The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advisory issued on Monday notes that the EASA has ordered the airline's suspension, which means flights from Amritsar to Birmingham and London's Heathrow Airport, and New Delhi to Heathrow Airport, which fly via Turkmenistan capital Ashgabat, will not be able to land in Britain.

"The European Aviation Safety Agency has suspended Turkmenistan Airlines flights to and from the EU pending confirmation that it meets international air safety standards," the FCO advisory notes.

"This means Turkmenistan Airlines flights from Amritsar to Birmingham and Heathrow, and New Delhi to Heathrow, which fly via Ashgabat, do not have permission to continue their route from Ashgabat to Birmingham and Heathrow; affected passengers are advised to contact Turkmenistan Airlines for advice," the FCO said.

The route is a commonly used budget route between India and the UK, with cheaper tickets as a result of the indirect route via Turkmenistan.

The airline operates five flights a week from Birmingham to Ashgabat and a weekly departure from Heathrow Airport, with a majority of the passengers connecting to services to India.

It is an especially popular route with the British Punjabi population, flying to Amritsar.

Turkmenistan had set up its flagship airline in 1992. Its other flights to be affected by the EU suspension include those connecting Ashgabat with Germany and France.

The UK remains an EU member-country until the Brexit deadline next month and therefore all EU rules continue to apply in Britain.

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Scientists have identified thousands of Twitter bots, including those originating from Russia and Iran, that were active during the mid-term elections in the US last year, a study has found.

The study by researchers from University of Southern California in the US showed that more than a fifth of those posting about the elections on Twitter with #ivoted were robots.

Between October 6 and November 19, nearly two weeks after the election day, the researchers identified more than 200,000 bots posting about the mid-term elections, compared to about 750,000 humans.

The research provides more detail about interference operations that were found to originate within Iran, Venezuela and Russia, CNBC reported.

Thousands of those bots could be traced to Russia and several hundred could be traced to Iran, according to Emilio Ferrara, of USC's Information Sciences Institute.

Much of the bot activity appeared to originate in the US or had no clear provenance, Ferrara said.

To identify which accounts were bots, the researchers used a tool called the "Botometer" which uses machine learning techniques to determine whether an account is operated by a human or by a software algorithm.

Ferrara said the tool correctly designated an account about 95 per cent of the time.

The number of bots active in the 2018 elections appeared to represent a dramatic reduction compared to 2016, researchers said, possibly as a result of Twitter's efforts to remove bots from its platform.

However, the team warns that it is impossible to tell whether the reduction in bot activity since 2016 was the result of increased monitoring efforts or if the bots were becoming more sophisticated and avoiding detection.

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The Pune Police told the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it will not arrest activist Anand Teltumbde till February 12 midnight, even as the Dalit scholar termed the case a ploy to "humiliate" and "harass" him.

The statement was made by the state's counsel Aruna Pai on behalf of the Pune Police before a bench of Justice N W Sambre.

The court was hearing an application filed by Teltumbde seeking anticipatory bail in the Elgar Parishad-Koregaon Bhima case.

Teltumbde is an accused in the case, which was filed following violent clashes at Koregaon-Bhima village near Pune on January 1, 2018.

He was booked on several charges, including sections under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Justice Sambre on Tuesday directed Pai to give an oral undertaking as a pre-condition for securing time to file an affidavit opposing Teltumbde's plea.

The court said it would hear the plea on February 11.

Teltumbde later termed the police's case against him and several other social activists as "harassment" and a ploy to "humiliate" them.

"The police does not want to investigate the case... they just want to harass and humiliate us. I have been cooperating with the investigation since long. I don't understand why this sudden move to arrest me," he told reporters here.

Teltumbde was arrested last week after a Pune court rejected his pre-arrest bail plea. He was, however, ordered to be released a day later on Saturday (February 2) following a court order.

He approached the high court on Monday seeking anticipatory bail and said he had no role to play in the case.

When the plea was heard on Tuesday by Justice Sambre, advocate Pai sought for it to be dismissed on the ground that UAPA Section 43D(4) bars granting anticipatory bail to an accused.

Pai also pointed out that earlier last year, Teltumbde, who the police claim has Maoist links, filed another plea in the high court denying all charges against him and urged the court to quash the FIR against him in the case.

However, another bench rejected the plea.

"The HC bench rejected the plea after analysing all evidence against him. That, too, should be a valid ground to dismiss the anticipatory bail application," Pai said.

Teltumbde's counsel Mihir Desai said the law provided for anticipatory bail even under the UAPA in "exceptional cases".

Pai asked the court to grant her time to put her arguments on an affidavit.

Justice Sambre granted her time till February 9 to file the affidavit after she assured the court that Teltumbde would not be arrested till February 12, considering that the Supreme Court had granted the activist time till February 11 to exhaust all his legal remedies seeking protection from arrest.

Teltumbde was arrested from the Mumbai airport last Saturday around 3 am.

His arrest was deemed illegal by a sessions court and he was released from custody.

Teltumbde was booked following an Elgar Parishad event on December 31, 2017, which, the police alleged, triggered violent clashes the next day at Koregaon-Bhima village in Pune district.

According to police, the event was funded and supported by Maoists.

At the event, some activists made inflammatory speeches and provocative statements that contributed to the January 1 violence, they had said.

Several activists were named in the FIR. Some of them, including Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj, P Varavara Rao and Gautam Navlakha, were initially put under house arrest on the directions of the Supreme Court.

All of them, except Navlakha, were recently re-arrested and taken into custody by police.

In October last year, Pune Police registered another FIR, naming eight more activists, including Teltumbde and Stan Swamy.

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Pune Police told the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it will not arrest activist till February 12 midnight.

The statement was made by state's counsel Aruna Pai, representing Pune Police, before a bench of Justice N W Sambre.

The court directed Pai to give an undertaking as a pre-condition for securing time to file an affidavit opposing Teltumbde's plea seeking protection from arrest in the Elgar Parishad-Koregaon Bhima case.

Teltumbde is an accused in the case, which was filed following violent clashes at Koregaon-Bhima village near Pune on January 1, 2018.

He was booked on several charges, including sections under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

The Dalit scholar, who was arrested last week and released following a court order, approached the high court seeking protection from arrest.

He filed an anticipatory bail application through his counsel Mihir Desai, arguing that he had had no role to play in the case.

Advocate Pai, however, urged Justice Sambre to dismiss Teltumbde's application on the ground that UAPA Section 43D(4) bars granting anticipatory bail to an accused.

She also pointed out that earlier last year, Teltumbde, who the police claim has Maoist links, filed another plea in the high court denying all charges against him and urged the court to quash the FIR against him in the case.

However, another bench rejected the plea.

"The HC bench rejected the plea after analysing all evidence against him. That, too, should be a valid ground to dismiss the anticipatory bail application," Pai said.

Desai said the law provided for anticipatory bail even under UAPA in "exceptional cases".

Pai told the court to grant her time to put her arguments on an affidavit.

Justice Sambre granted her time to February 9 to file the affidavit after she assured the court that Teltumbde would not be arrested till February 12, considering that the Supreme Court had granted the activist time till February 11 to exhaust all his legal remedies seeking protection from arrest.

Teltumbde was arrested from the Mumbai airport last Saturday around 3 am.

His arrest was deemed illegal by a sessions court and he was released from custody.

Teltumbde was booked following an Elgar Parishad event on December 31, 2017, which, the police alleged, triggered violent clashes the next day at Koregaon-Bhima village in Pune district.

According to police, the event was funded and supported by Maoists.

At the event, some activists made inflammatory speeches and provocative statements that contributed to the January 1 violence, they had said.

Several activists were named in the FIR. Some of them, including Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj, P Varavara Rao and Gautam Navlakha, were initially put under house arrest on the directions of the Supreme Court.

All of them, except Navlakha, were recently re-arrested and taken into custody by police.

In October last year, Pune Police registered another FIR, naming eight more activists, including Teltumbde and Stan Swamy.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should sign an affidavit promising that he would not seek help from any of the 23 opposition parties which the BJP has labelled as ""corrupt" and "thieves" to form a government at the Centre after the Lok Sabha polls.

Yadav was among the opposition leaders who met Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at her dharna site here and addressed the gathering there.

He had also participated in the mega opposition rally called by Banerjee in the city on January 19.

BJP national president Amit Shah had compared the opposition parties to a "band of thieves" and had alleged that they had looted the country's wealth by indulging in corruption.

"Today all BJP leaders are saying that a band of thieves have joined hands to form the federal front (of opposition parties). I request you Modiji, Arun Jaitley ji, Amit Shah ji and Ravi Shankar Prasad ji to please sign an affidavit stating that you will not seek help from any one of the 23 opposition parties to form the government," he said.

Tejashwi said that if a party severs ties with the BJP then it is labelled as corrupt.

When Chandrababu Naidu parted ways with the BJP, they started harassing him. So the situation is they will hound you if you are not with them but if they need you, then they will place you on their heads," he said.

Naidu, TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh chief minister who had snapped ties with the NDA in March 2018, had accused the NDA government of harassing political rivals through central agencies. He had also withdrawn the general consent accorded to CBI to conduct raids and carry out investigations in the state. The move had been welcomed by Banerjee.

The RJD leader wondered whether CBI would be able to initiate any investigation against BJP national president Amit Shahs son whose business had allegedly got a big upswing after the BJP-led government came to power at the Centre in 2014.

"You (CBI) are showing overactive drive against us. If you are so neutral then will you be able to initiate investigation against Amit Shahs son?" he said.

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Targeting farmers on the basis of landholding is unlikely to benefit a large section of the rural population in India and will create fiscal burden without solving the actual problem, an expert at an American think-tank has said.

Responding to questions on the government's budgetary proposal to provide direct financial benefit of Rs 6,000 per annum to about 120 million small and marginal farmers and that of minimum income guarantee announced by opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Anit Mukherjee described them as a political gimmick before the elections.

"There is some evidence that targeting on the basis of landholding would not benefit a large section of the rural population who are equally if not more in distress. This might even backfire politically if the government is seen to be favouring the already well-off farmers," Mukherjee, a policy fellow at the Center for Global Development think-tank, told PTI in an interview.

Well known for his works on issues of governance, public finance, and service delivery in developing countries, Mukherjee's current research focuses on impact of biometric ID and digital payment systems to reform public subsidies, improve financial inclusion, and promote gender empowerment



"To call Rahul Gandhi's Minimum Income Guarantee and the Government's income support schemes as Universal Basic Income or UBI misleading," he said.

"Both completely exclude the urban poor who are growing in number, but the political parties do not consider them to be influential vote banks. So to be clear, there is very little economic basis for these schemes - it should be seen for what they are: a political gimmick before the elections, Mukherjee said.

"There are several other problems as well, he said. One of the main advantages of UBI is that it is universal - no targeting is necessary. India is replete with lessons of how difficult it is to target schemes to particular beneficiaries, leading to misallocation, corruption and leakage. Aadhaar and Jan Dhan would not be able to solve the targeting problem," he argued.

Mukherjee said that "half-baked policies" will do more harm than good, both in the short and the long term.

"They will create fiscal burden without solving the actual problem. Just think of farm loan waiver - how much damage it has done, but still politicians think it is the only way to get votes. I sincerely hope the cash transfer program doesn't go the same way," he said.

In his budget speech, finance minister Piyush Goyal had said that 12 crore farmers would be given Rs 6,000 cash benefits every year.

Congress president Gandhi has also promised that his party would ensure "minimum income guarantee" for every poor person if it comes to power at the Centre.

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Shares of Suzlon Energy dived over 24 per cent Tuesday amid concerns over its financial position.

The company's shares tumbled 23.26 per cent to close at Rs 3.63 on BSE. During the day, it sank 42.91 per cent to Rs 2.70 -- its 52-week low.

At NSE, shares plummeted 24.21 per cent to close at Rs 3.60.

Its market valuation too fell by Rs 584.92 crore to Rs 1,931.08 crore on BSE.

On the traded volume front, 197.67 lakh shares changed hands at BSE and more than 18 crore shares on NSE.

Suzlon in a clarification to BSE said Tuesday, "in response to certain media queries, we wish to further clarify that none of the shares of the promoters held in the company have been invoked.

"Further, the promoters' shareholding in the company has been pledged for collaterally securing the obligations of the lenders of the company and not towards securing promoters' personal borrowings. And the said pledge too is not mark-to-market."



The stock also fell amid media reports of a debt default.

In a separate clarification to BSE, Suzlon said, "we wish to clarify that the company is regular in servicing its debt obligations including servicing obligations towards banks and others for January 2019."



The rumours about the company are baseless and "we appeal to all the investors and stakeholders to not to believe the same," it said.

"We are currently under silent period for declaration of financial results for the quarter ended December 2018 and hence cannot comment further; however wish to submit that the company is committed towards compliance of the listing regulations and would ensure necessary disclosures as and when applicable," the filing added.

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Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi Tuesday lambasted Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee for staging a dharna to protest the CBI's attempts to question the Kolkata Police commissioner in a chit fund case and wondered whether the IPS officer was privy to any "secret" of the West Bengal chief minister.

Demanding that Centre suspend the commissioner of police (CP) for being present in Banerjee's dharna, Modi accused her of helping "revival" of the CPI(M)-led Left Front, with a view to dividing anti-BJP votes in the Lok Sabha polls.

The senior BJP leader also claimed that the party's popularity was growing in the neighbouring state, even as the ruling TMC was losing its support base.

That was the reason the TMC government tried to thwart the rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Modi told reporters here.

When CBI had earlier questioned TMC ministers and MPs, Banerjee did not have problems, but she threw a fit when the agency attempted to grill Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, he said.

"This makes me wonder whether she is scared that he may divulge some of her unsavory secrets," Modi said.

Banerjee is on a sit-in against the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams. Her protest entered the third day on Tuesday.

The Supreme Court Tuesday directed Kumar to make himself available before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate with the agency in investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam probe. However, the judges ruled that he could not be arrested.

On Banerjee's claim that the Supreme Court's ruling that Kumar be questioned without being arrested was tantamount to her moral victory, Modi said if she sees a victory in what is a smack in her face, then none can anything.

"She should explain why did her police prevent CBI sleuths from meeting Kumar on Sunday. They after all wanted only to question him and not arrest him," he said.

Modi said, "In reality, Banerjee is scared of the growing unpopularity of her own party and the corresponding rise in the BJP's appeal. She has, therefore, embarked on a covert attempt to revive her arch rivals - the Left Front - so that anti-BJP votes get divided in the Lok Sabha polls."



He said, "The Centre should also immediately place Rajeev Kumar under suspension for joining the chief minister in the dharna. A serving officer is not supposed to indulge in such acts."



Kumar, West Bengal Director General of Police Virendra and State Security Advisor Surajit Kar Purkayastha, were with Banerjee at the dharna site for sometime on Sunday night.

The Bihar Deputy CM also took a swipe at his predecessor Tejashwi Yadav saying his father Lalu Prasad had similarly tried to thwart his own arrest in the fodder scam decades ago but he has been convicted and now in jail.

"His younger son, who owns properties worth crores at a tender age of 29, seems to be worried about his own prospects which explains his sudden dash to Kolkata to express solidarity to Banerjee," Modi said.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav came to Kolkata and met Banerjee at the dharna site Tuesday.

Interestingly, RJD's ally Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) disapproved of Banerjee's dharna over the CBI episode.

"She might have a legitimate grouse against the CBI. But she should have gone to the court instead of staging a demonstration which was so unbecoming of a chief minister," HAM founder and former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) took a swipe at the opposition Grand Alliance in the state, the constituents of which have taken divergent stands on Banerjee's dharna.

"This is the Mahagathbandhan. Tejashwi Yadav does not visit a Patna hospital to meet an injured RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha but rushes to another state to take part in Mamata Banerjee's dharna. On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi stays away from her dharna," JD(U) MLC and spokesman Neeraj Kumar tweeted.

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The surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy for militants is under review and the Centre will be consulted before putting it in public domain, K Vijay Kumar, advisor to Jammu and Kashmir governor, said Tuesday.

He said the government is revisiting and reviewing the policy on the advice of Governor Satya Pal Malik.

"The surrender policy has already been there in various formats and the governor has advised us to have a look at the policy and put up a draft," Kumar told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

Responding to a question about the surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy for militants, he said once the draft is completed the governor would have a look at it and consult the Centre before putting it in public domain.

"I do not want to comment whether it is a rehash or a new policy It will be looked at with all seriousness and already director general of police, home secretary, chief secretary and myself are looking at it and we will be placing it before the governor," Kumar said.

Earlier, he declared open the 19th All India Police Band Competition at Gulshan Ground here.

Twenty-three police teams and the Central Armed Police Forces -- consisting 1,448 members, including 32 females -- are participating in the five-day event.

It is being hosted by the state police for the second time.

Earlier, the state hosted the completion in Srinagar in 2002.

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Student leaders on Tuesday accused the Union government of presenting an that was silent on the issue of jobs and employment opportunities for youth in the country.

Students under various outfits will march from the historic to Parliament on Thursday in protest, they said in a joint statement.

N Sai Balaji, the of Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union, said, "(Prime Minister Narendra) Modi will come to young for one more chance. But this time we are not going to give him any chance as our PM. Modi has ruined our future. Through our unity we are going to ensure all vacant government jobs are filled, 10 per cent of GDP is spent on education, gender and social justice is ensured."



Student leaders from AISA, Pinjra tod, Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha, students' wing Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS), Youth for Swaraj etc. argued how the budget was conspicuous by its silence on the issue of jobs, except for pompously declaring that job-seekers have turned job-creators in

"This is a huge blow to the youth of the country who are suffering from massive unemployment rate in the wake of demonetisation. The budget is equally silent about the key demands of regularisation and minimum wages raised by employees," they said in the statement.

Shivani from CYSS said campuses have been turned into "war zones" by the
Samajwadi Party MLA Subhash Pasi suffered a brain haemorrhage while protesting during Governor Ram Naik's address to the joint sitting of both the Houses of the state assembly Tuesday morning.

The SP MLA, who is around 50, fell unconscious and was rushed to Civil Hospital from where he was referred to the King George's Medical University trauma centre.

The trauma centre head, Dr Sandip Tewari, who is attending on Pasi told PTI that the SP MLA suffered "brain haemorrhage".

"He is conscious now but will be kept under observation for another 48 hours by a team of doctors," said Tewari.

Pasi, MLA from Saidpur constituency of Ghazipur, was attending the joint sitting of the UP legislature on the first day of the Budget session when he was taken ill.

Opposition parties including the SP, BSP and the Congress raised anti-government slogans and threw paper balls at the podium targeting Governor Ram Naik during his 55-minute address.

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Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Tuesday said a mutual collaboration between the ASEAN and BBN countries can go a long way in auguring a friendly landscape prevailing in South and South East Asian countries.

Interacting with the ambassadors and high commissioners of ASEAN and BBN countries on the sidelines of the 2nd ASEAN-India Youth Summit here, Sonowal said unity among ASEAN and BBN countries can transform the region into an era of shared prosperity.

The ASEAN and BBN countries need to meet frequently and work on a common agenda, he said.

Stating that India and ASEAN have recently celebrated 25 years of dialogue partnership, Sonowal said the entire region should work for growth-centric mutual cooperation.

In the last four years, the Act East Policy resulted in much greater traction in the cooperation in all sectors -- economic, socio-cultural or connectivity, he said.

India's trade with Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) reached 81 billion Dollars which is 10 per cent of the total foreign trade of India.

Major projects of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral highway have been completed and the Kaladan project connecting Kolkata with Sittwe seaport in Rakhine state of Myanmar by sea has made considerable progress, he said.

The region comprising the Northeast, the ASEAN and the BBN with a population of around 800 million is a huge market which needs to be integrated on pattern of the European Union and the African Community, he said.

Stating the total size of the ASEAN economy is 2.4 trillion Dollars, the chief minister said integration of the entire region with the ASEAN has the potential of reaching out to the skies.

Under UDAN (International) Scheme, subsidized direct flights from Guwahati to Dhaka and Bangkok would be starting from the last part of March, while flight services would also start with Yangon, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Kathmandu.

Sonowal requested the ambassadors and high commissioners to create the requisite ecosystem for students, tourists, business community, wellness sector to utilize services of the airlines to promote trade, tourism and other exchanges.

He said Assam government would be organizing a meeting in Guwahati to discuss and create awareness on the opportunities made available by the two major historical agreements - BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement and access of Chittagong and Mongla ports.

Sonowal emphasised on establishment of Consulates of all ASEAN and BBN countries in Guwahati.

Envoys of Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Thailand and Myanmar were present on the occasion.

Delivering the valedictory speech at the 2nd ASEAN-India Youth Summit here, Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi advocated for connectivity such as airway, roadway, railway, waterway and i-way which hold the key in furthering India's relations with the South East Asian region.

Mukhi said the development of Mainland India- Bangladesh-North East India corridors stating the development of such corridors Agartala-Dhaka-Kolkata, Silchar-Dhaka- Kolkata and Shillong-Dhaka-Kolkata hold tremendous importance.

On waterways, the governor said the Barak river has been dredged to make it navigable to start trade activities between India and Bangladesh as trade between the two nations through Chittagong Port will usher in a new paradigm of development.

He said steps should be taken to improve railway connectivity with Bangladesh and digital connectivity for economic progress of the region.

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Noted danseuse and nominated MP Sonal Mansingh on Tuesday performed at the Balyogi Auditorium in Parliament library premises on the theme of "Sanklap se Siddhi", a release from the Rajya Sabha Secretariat said.

The programme was inaugurated by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu who said it was only through the resolve of Indians across generations that the country could progress.

"The mantra of 'Sankalp se Siddhi' has been given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who said that nation building can only be achieved through the hardwork of Indians across generations. The PM has called upon every citizen to contribute towards nation building in their own way," Naidu said.

He also said that Mansingh has linked the culture of cleanliness in thought, actions and words through her performance and highlighted its importance in society, community and family - these are good traits that help in development of personality, he said.

Awarded with the Padma Bhushan, Mansingh was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in July 2018 for her contribution to the arts.

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Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Tuesday visited



Squadron Leader Siddharth Negi's home here to condole his death.

The IAF pilot died in a plane crash in Bengaluru last week.

Accompanied by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, Sitharaman arrived at Negi's residence in Panditwadi area in the city.

She laid a wreath on Negi's picture and spent about an hour commiserating with the grieving family.

The minister prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to his family to bear the loss.

Negi was among the two IAF pilots killed recently when a Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft crashed during a test sortie at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited runway in Bengaluru.

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The Arts Council in Karachi has invited veteran actor Shabana Azmi and her husband, screenwriter Javed Akhtar, for a conference which will pay tributes to her father, noted poet Kaifi Azmi.

"We have invited Kaifi Azmi's daughter Shabana Azmi and her husband Javed Akhtar for the event besides some other notable cultural personalities from India," an office bearer of the Arts Council said on Tuesday.

He said Akhtar and Azmi have confirmed that they would be coming to Karachi for the event, which is set to be held on February 23 and 24 at the Arts Council. The couple will also address the event.

"It is a great opportunity for notable and popular writers, poets and artists from India to interact with their Pakistani counterparts and we are confident the festival will be a success," Professor Ejaz Farooqi, secretary of the council, said.

Farooqi said Kaifi Azmi is regarded as one of the top literary figures in the subcontinent.

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Seven people died and another was seriously injured in a building fire in a wealthy Paris neighbourhood on Monday night, the fire service said.

"The toll could still increase because the fire is still in progress on the 7th and 8th floors" of the eight-storey block, a fire service spokesman said at the scene.

The blaze in the French capital's trendy 16th arrondissement also left 27 people -- including three firefighters -- with minor injuries.

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The Centre is "hell bent" on stalling the Assam NRC work, the Supreme Court said Tuesday while rapping it for seeking suspension of the process during upcoming Lok Sabha polls citing non-availability of security forces.

The apex court got irked when Attorney General K K Venugopal submitted that the process be suspended from the last date of submission of nomination papers till two weeks after the date of upcoming elections in view of the fact that 167 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), engaged in Assam NRC work, would be sent to other parts of the country to maintain law and order during polls.

"We are sorry to say this. The MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) is hell bent upon not to carry on the NRC process and it is destroying entire efforts being made by this court," said a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranan Gogoi and Justice R F Nariman.

The bench, which reiterated that it would not extend the deadline of July 31 for finalisation of NRC, also directed that 3,457 state government officers be kept free for NRC work and asked the Election Commission to "examine the case of exemption of officers, in the rank of District Magistrates, Additional District Magistrates...from transfers which are likely to be made in view of the elections".

Dissatisfied with the response of a MHA official over the availability of CAPF and the total number of companies which would be needed during polls, the irked CJI said, "Do you want us to summon the home secretary and other concerned officers".

When Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing Assam government, attempted to intervene, the bench said that they (law officers) have not been briefed properly by officials.

"If you have the will then there are 100 ways to do the work. The Government of India is not cooperating at all. The NRC process is being stalled. The elections are definitely to be held peacefully and in order. Likewise, the NRC work has to go on peacefully and in order," the bench said, adding, "Are we asking too much from the government".

At the outset, Mehta apprised the bench that a meeting involving Assam chief secretary, NRC co-ordinator Prateek Hajela and the Secretary of the poll panel had taken place on January 29.

The attorney general said in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, 2,500 CAPF companies were deployed and this year, around 2,700 such companies would be needed to ensure law and order.

He said 167 CAPF companies, which are presently overseeing NRC works in Assam, would be sent to other parts of the country during elections.

"You (Centre) have 3,000 combined armed companies. You need 2,700 companies for polls. Assam NRC work requires 167 companies. So what is the problem," the bench asked.

"We need to protect the borders also. Security of country is involved," Venugopal said, adding that the government wanted suspension of NRC work from the date of notification of Lok Sabha polls to two weeks after the voting.

Venugopal, while seeking suspension of NRC work, also said it was anticipated to be a "highly surcharged political atmosphere" on the eve of elections and hearing of the NRC cases would not be conducive.

"We have considered the submissions...At this stage, we are not inclined to pass any orders on the said request (suspension)," the bench said.

It then took note of the report of Hajela on requirement of state officials for completion of NRC work.

"We direct that adequate number of State Government officials (number indicated by the State Coordinator as 3,457) which would consist of officers in different ranks as stated in the report, be kept free for NRC work. The availability of the said officers for NRC work would still leave out over 2,000 persons currently engaged in NRC work for being engaged in the election work at the relevant point of time," it said.

It also said the poll panel will consider the matter keeping in mind that this court, which has consistently monitored NRC work, was of the view that "least interference should come in such works so that final NRC is made and published on the stipulated date that it July, 31, 2019."



The matter would be now taken up in the first week of March.

The top court had said on January 24 that the July 31, 2019 deadline to finalise the NRC cannot be extended.

The draft National Register of Citizens for Assam was published on July 30, 2018 in which the names of 2.89 crore of the 3.29 crore people were included. The names of 40,70,707 people did not figure in the list. Of these, 37,59,630 names have been rejected and the remaining 2,48,077 are on hold.

The first draft of the NRC for Assam was published on the intervening night of December 31, 2017 and January 1 in accordance with the top court's direction. Names of 1.9 crore people out of the 3.29 crore applicants were incorporated then.

Assam, which had faced influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century, is the only state to have an NRC, first prepared in 1951.

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BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya Tuesday thanked the Supreme Court for directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI, saying it was a "victory of democracy" and demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The apex court Tuesday directed Kumar to make himself available before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate with the agency in investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam probe.

"The SC verdict is a victory of democracy. Mamata Banerjee should immediately tender resignation," Vijayvergiya told PTI.

The apex court also said that no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata Police chief, will take place during the course of investigation.

The state government and the state police have repeatedly created hurdles during the investigation, he alleged.

A CBI team had gone to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence in the city on Sunday to question him in connection with the multi-crore chit fund scams, but was denied permission, bundled into jeeps and whisked away to police station.

The Trinamool Congress supremo has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah of trying to plot a "coup" in the state and alleged that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is directing the CBI to "harass" political opponents on the orders of the PM.

"Mamata Banerjee is on dharna to stop CBI from questioning a police officer. The people of this country would have loved to see Banerjee holding dharna to return the money of chit fund investors," Vijayvargiya said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court's direction that no coercive steps, including arrest of Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar, will take place during the course of investigation is "our moral victory", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Tuesday.

The Supreme Court Tuesday directed Kumar to make himself available before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate with the agency in investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam probe.

The court also said no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata Police chief, will take place during the course of investigation.

Banerjee is on a sit-in against the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams. Her protest entered the third day on Tuesday.

The Supreme Court's order is a victory of the common man, democracy and the Constitution, Banerjee told reporters at the dharna venue in central Kolkata.

"There must be some story behind this. Nobody can dare to speak against (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) Modi. Our's is a mass agitation and we are going to fight it unitedly," the chief minister said.

Banerjee sat on a "Save India" dharna in front of Metro Cinema in the heart of Kolkata on Sunday night insisting that the latest CBI action was tantamount to stifling the spirit of "Constitution and federalism" in the country.

"We always respect the law and feel that things should run as per the law. But, if someone tries to destroy the pillars on which democracy stands, then there would be nothing left of the democratic process that we are so proud of.

"We really welcome the [Supreme Court] verdict. It is absolutely correct. Our case is very strong. We never said we will not cooperate. This is political vendetta," Banerjee said.

Several opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, DMK's Kanimozhi, RJD's Tejaswhi Yadav, have supported Banerjee's protest.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court Tuesday directed Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the probe into the Saradha chit fund scam but said he must not be arrested, an order over which both West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Centre claimed moral victory.

The direction by the apex court came as the sit-in by Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress(TMC) supremo, against the CBI's attempt to question Kumar in connection with chit fund scams entered the third day in Kolkata.

The tense stand-off between the CBI and the Kolkata police disrupted proceedings in Parliament for the second consecutive day amid protests by opposition parties, including the TMC, SP and Congress over alleged misuse of the CBI in West Bengal.

Banerjee said the court direction that no coercive steps, including arrest of Kumar, will take place during the course of investigation, is "our moral victory and boost the morale of civil servants".

Banerjee said she was not fighting for the Kolkata Police commissioner, whom she described as a 'simple man who had put in 34 years of service", but for millions of people of the country.

The order is a victory of the common man, democracy and the Constitution, Banerjee told reporters at her dharna venue.

"There must be some story behind this. Nobody can dare to speak against (Narendra) Modi. Our's is a mass agitation and we are going to fight it unitedly," she said.

The Centre on its part said the court order directing Kumar to make himself available before the CBI was a "blow" to the Banerjee government and a moral victory for the investigating agency.

Welcoming the order, senior BJP leader and union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also said it showed that nobody is above the law, including the police commissioner.

Echoing Prasad's views, Union minister Smriti Irani said political histrionics of Banerjee have been brought to a screeching halt by the apex court.

The apex court directed that Kumar will appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigation at Shillong, the Meghalaya capital, and no coercive steps, including his arrest, will take place during the course of the probe.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi also issued a notice to Kumar and sought his response before February 20, the next date of hearing, on the allegations by the CBI he was tampering with electronic evidence and that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the West Bengal police headed by him provided the agency with doctored material.

During the hearing, which lasted for about 15 minutes, Attorney General K K Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta alleged that the SIT was not handing over complete documents to the CBI and that some of the documents given by it were doctored.

Narrating the sequence of events of the Saradha scam since it was unearthed in 2014, they alleged that Kumar was not cooperating in the investigation of the cases arising out of the scam, which was handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court.

The CBI has alleged that the state SIT had not given the complete call data details and there was serious omission or commission wilfully done by the SIT.

"What was given to us were doctored copy of call records," the AG said, mentioning "the chit fund scam concerning the Rose Valley case was a case of cheating, involving Rs 15,000 crore.".

While he was making submissions, the bench proposed to pass an order that it will direct Kumar to make himself available for the investigation.

"No reason why he will not make himself available for the investigation," the bench said.

Lakhs of depositors in several eastern states including West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Bihar and Jharkhand were duped by the promoters of Saradha and Rose Valley groups of their hard earned money. The size of the Saradha swindle is pegged at roughly Rs 4,000 crore.

The court also directed the West Bengal chief secretary, the director general of police (DGP) and the Kolkata Police commissioner to file replies on the contempt pleas filed against them by the CBI on or before February 18.

The bench, also comprising justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjeev Khanna, said on the consideration of replies of the chief secretary, the DGP and the Kolkata police commissioner, the court might prefer the personal appearance of these three authorities on February 20.

The apex court's secretary general will inform them on February 19 whether they are required to be present before the apex court on February 20, the bench said.

During the hearing, Venugopal also narrated the incident of detention of CBI officials who reached Kolkata Police chief's residence on Sunday for questioning him.

Venugopal said 25 CBI officials were bundled into a bus and taken to the police station, and even joint director of CBI Vikas Shrivastav's house was under seige of the police.

He said the entire family of Shrivastav kept themselves locked in the house while the personnel of the state police were banging their doors.

Such a stand taken by the West Bengal government manifests that there is total breakdown of constitutional mechanism and there will be serious repercussion if such happenings continues, the AG said.

However, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the West Bengal police, rejected the allegations of the CBI, saying it is an attempt to harass and humiliate Kumar.

He even tried to refer to an order of the apex court in which he said the role of the SIT was appreciated and it was clearly stated that the probe in the chit fund cases can be transferred to the CBI because it involved multi-state operations.

Singhvi said till now no FIR has been lodged against Kumar and he has not even been made an accused in any of the cases arising out of the chit fund scam.

The Kolkata police commissioner was served notice thrice and there was an intervention of the Calcutta High Court so he has not appeared before the CBI, he said



Referring to the events of Sunday when the CBI officials had go to Kumar's residence in connection with the probe, Singhvi said such a step against the Kolkata police chief was taken after a gap of three years.

The Sunday events took place two days after a political rally in the state, he added.

The West Bengal Police and Kumar are fully cooperating with the agency and the DGP had written five letters to the CBI in connection with the probe, he claimed.

Kumar has also conveyed to the CBI that the agency's officials can come to his office anytime or they can meet him at any of the central places in the city, Singhvi said.

He said there was no destruction of evidence which the CBI is claiming after five years of investigation.

The Calcutta High Court, meanwhile, adjourned hearing on the West Bengal government's plea against the CBI's attempt to enter Kumar's residence for questioning.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court Tuesday directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to make himself available before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate with the agency in investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam probe.

The apex court said Kumar will appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigation at Shillong in Meghalaya and no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata Police chief, will take place during the course of the probe.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi also issued a notice to Kumar and sought his response before February 20, the next date of hearing on the allegations by the CBI that he was tampering with electronic evidence and the SIT headed by him provided the agency with doctored materials.

The apex court also directed the West Bengal chief secretary, the director general of police (DGP) and the Kolkata Police commissioner to file replies on the contempt pleas filed against them by the CBI on or before February 18.

The bench, also comprising justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjeev Khanna, said on the consideration of replies of the chief secretary, the DGP and the Kolkata police commissioner, the court might prefer the personal appearance of these three authorities on February 20.

The apex court's secretary general will inform them on February 19 whether they are required to be present before the apex court on February 20, the bench said.

During the hearing, which lasted for about 15 minutes, Attorney General (AG) K K Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta narrated the sequence of events of the Saradha scam case since 2014.

They alleged that Kumar was not cooperating in the investigation of the cases arising out of the chit fund scam, which was handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the West Bengal police, of which Kumar was the functional head, was not handing over the complete documents over to the CBI and some of the documents given by the SIT were doctored, Mehta and Venugopal alleged.

The CBI has alleged that the state SIT had not given the complete call data details and there was serious omission or commission wilfully done by the SIT.

"What was given to us were doctored copy of call records," the AG said, mentioning "the chit fund scam concerning the Rose Valley case was a case of cheating, involving Rs 15, 000 crores.".

While he was making submissions, the bench proposed to pass an order that it will direct Kumar to make himself available for the investigation.

"No reason why he will not make himself available for the investigation," the bench said.

However, when Venugopal said the CBI has also filed a contemp petition against the Kolkata police chief, the bench said any order can be passed only after examining the replies of the parties.

"We will examine whether there is commission of contempt or not. We have to examine. The other side has to be heard," the bench said.

The AG also narrated the incident of detention of CBI officials who reached Kolkata Police chief's residence on Sunday for questioning him.

Venugopal said 25 CBI officials were bundled into a bus and taken to the police station, and even joint director of CBI Vikas Shrivastav's house was under seige of the West Bengal police.

He said the entire family of Shrivastav kept themselves locked in the house while the personnel of the state police were banging their doors.

Such a stand taken by the West Bengal government manifests that there is total breakdown of constitutional mechanism and there will be serious repercussion if such happenings continues, the AG said.

However, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the West Bengal police, opposed the allegations of the CBI, saying it is an attempt to harass and humiliate the Kolkata police commissioner.

He even tried to point out an order of the apex court in which he said the role of the SIT was appreciated and it was clearly stated that the probe in the chit fund cases can be transferred to the CBI because it involved multi state operations.

Singhvi said till now no FIR has been lodged against Kumar and he has not even been made an accused in any of the cases arising out of the chit fund scam.

The Kolkata police commissioner was served notice three times and there was an intervention of the Calcutta High Court so he has not appeared before the CBI, he said



Referring to the events of Sunday when the CBI officials had go to Kumar's residence in connection with the probe, Singhvi said such a step against the Kolkata police chief was taken after a gap of three years.

The Sunday events took place two days after a political rally in the state, he said.

The West Bengal Police and Kumar are fully cooperating with the agency and the DGP had written five letters to the CBI in connection with the probe, he claimed.

Kumar has also conveyed to the CBI that the agency's officials can come to his office anytime or they can meet him at any of the central places in the city, Singhvi said.

He said there was no destruction of evidence which the CBI is claiming after five years of investigation.

"Where is the destruction of evidence after five years. After five years no FIR against Kumar for destruction of evidence under section 201 has been submitted," Singhvi said.

However, the bench interrupted and told him that it has already made a proposal that the Kolkata police commissioner will have to join the investigation.

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by Bernardo Cervellera

The criticism: "just words"; it "has a theosophical foundation". In reality, the document traces the path for cooperation in all fields: for the rebirth of the religious dimension to counter nihilistic materialism; for the defense of life from its beginning to its natural end; for the education of young people. The basis for affirming freedom of conscience, full citizenship for Christians in Islamic countries; the dignity of women. Some similarities with Benedict XVI's Regensburg address, falsely interpreted as "contrary to Islam".

Rome (AsiaNews) - The "Document on human fraternity for world peace and living together", signed yesterday in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis and the great imam of Al Azhar Ahmad Al Tayyib is of prophetic and revolutionary value: prophetic because it establishes how members of the religions should treat each other and especially Christians and Muslims, precisely when an "impossible coexistence" is being preached; revolutionary because it means not only aims to improve relations between faiths, but to restore a spiritual soul to the world of measure and profit.

Someone has already dismissed it as "just words". It is true that a document is made of words, but they pierce the mind, illuminate it and indicate a direction: a word is always a revelation.

The two signatories are also convinced of this and they speak of a "joint declaration of good and heartfelt aspirations" and ask "authorities, influential leaders" and all institutions to translate it "into policies, decisions, legislative texts, courses of study and materials to be circulated ".

Others turn up their noses, saying that the document has a "theosophical" flavor. In reality, it seems to me that the document has a strong "creationist" basis, citing the "God who created all human beings", from Whom we derive rights, duties, commitments against war, the manipulated use of religion, etc. This underlining of the Creator God gives a clear religious taste to the motto "fraternity" which is in no way romantic or esoteric.

There are some words in particular that must be underlined.

First of all the choice to a culture of dialogue as the path; mutual cooperation as the code of conduct; reciprocal understanding as the method and standard". The indifference and mutual ignorance of one's faith is in fact creating ever-greater barriers and suspicions. Many were amazed that there are living Christian communities in the emirates, which contribute to the good of society. This is because the dominant idea in the West is that Islam is intolerant and bloody. The same applies to Muslims, who confuse every Western thing, even the worst, as being "Christian".

Another strong point is the critique of the " materialistic philosophies that deify the human person and introduce worldly and material values in place of supreme and transcendental principles", which turn people away from religious values and eventually lead young people " to fall either into a vortex of atheistic, agnostic or religious extremism, or into blind and fanatic extremism, which ultimately encourage forms of dependency and individual or collective self-destruction". I find this point fundamental because it closely resembles the speech that Benedict XVI gave in Regensburg in 2006. That speech was manipulated, presented as "against Islam". In reality, Benedict XVI had affirmed that reason (and God) does not require violence, and above all, he pointed out that the elimination of the religious dimension from Western culture, or of instrumental reason, would have led to countless conflicts: exactly as this document suggests.

A collaboration that has this religious dimension and fraternity as its starting point leads to a defense of family and life: We therefore condemn all those practices that are a threat to life such as genocide, acts of terrorism, forced displacement, human trafficking, abortion and euthanasia. We likewise condemn the policies that promote these practices". In 1994, in Cairo, at the UN Conference on Population, unity between Islamic and Catholic countries had blocked the inclusion of abortion as a contraceptive method. We can only imagine what the collaboration of over a billion Catholics and another billion Muslims could mean to curbing the suicidal and deadly drifts of agencies for euthanasia and abortion and give meaning to life "from its beginning until its natural end".

Then there are some words that are revolutionary for the Muslim world. At a certain point, the document speaks of "freedom of belief" and quoting the Koran at a distance, condemns "the fact that people are forced to adhere to a certain religion or culture". I think that this is the basis for a true freedom of conscience and freedom to change religion that is slow to come to many Islamic countries.

We even read an invitation to reconciliation and fraternity among all believers, indeed among believers and non-believers", accepting the presence of atheists in society, which usually fundamentalist Muslims consider worthy only of death.

Moreover, reference is made to "full citizenship" in our societies, to renouncing "the discriminatory use of the term minorities", something the Christians in Islamic countries have often requested; of the commitment to women's rights; for the protection of places of worship; and to many other themes. The document even suggests a new non-conflictual relationship between East and West, in favor of one based on mutual collaboration: The West can discover in the East remedies for those spiritual and religious maladies that are caused by a prevailing materialism. And the East can find in the West many elements that can help free it from weakness, division, conflict and scientific, technical and cultural decline".

In order not to keep them only at the level of good intentions, the Catholic Church and Al Azhar have committed themselves so that " become the object of research and reflection in all schools, universities and institutes of formation, thus helping to educate new generations to bring goodness and peace to others, and to be defenders everywhere of the rights of the oppressed and of the least of our brothers and sisters".
India's largest state-owned lender SBI's regional head in the UK has been honoured with the 'Freedom of the City of London' award in recognition of his contribution to promoting the bilateral relations.

Sanjiv Chadha, who oversaw State Bank of India (SBI) UK's transition into a subsidiary in April last year, was nominated for the honour by Lord Mayor of London Peter Estlin and Sheriff Vincent Keaveny.

The award, given by the City of London Corporation, dates back to the 13th century and has since developed into an honour bestowed upon individuals who make an impact in the financial hub of London, referred to as the City or the Square Mile.

"The State Bank of India is one of the oldest and most respected foreign banks in the Square Mile. Mr Chadha has been instrumental in expanding the bank's presence across the UK, and in boosting wider bilateral ties in financial services," said Lord Mayor Peter Estlin.

"He's been an excellent voice leading the Indian banking community and overseeing significant investment into the City," he said.

Chadha, who took up his position at the helm of the 98-year-old London office of the State Bank of India in 2014, received the award at a special Freedom ceremony at London's Guildhall on Monday. He will be succeeded by Sharad Chandak when his term completes this year.

The 'Freedom of the City of London' is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.

The previous Indian recipient of the honour is Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Other recipients include author J K Rowling and actor Dame Judi Dench.

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Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday termed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's charge that he was involved in the Saradha chit fund scam as "frivolous", even as the state Youth Congress staged a protest in front of the CBI office here, seeking his arrest.

The minister also said he had offered full cooperation in the ponzi scheme case as a witness.

"The frivolous & baseless campaign by @MamataOfficial Didi against me is very painful. I am not fortunate enough like your Police Commissioner. I've joined the investigations and offered my full cooperation as a witness. And all this happened much much before I joined @BJP4India," Sarma said in a tweet.

Apparently referring to Sarma, Banerjee, who is staging a sit-in protest since Sunday night over the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with the chit fund scam, had said on Monday that she had "enough evidence against the Assam deputy chief minister" in the case.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief had also dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah to get him arrested.

Training guns on Sarma, Assam Youth Congress activists staged a demonstration outside the CBI office here, demanding his arrest for his alleged involvement in the Saradha chit fund scam and the Louise Berger case, involving a water supply project in Guwahati.

They shouted slogans, accusing the minister of receiving Rs 20 lakh per month from Saradha group chairman Sudipta Sen for running his business in Assam.

One of the protesters said, "The Modi-led BJP government is misusing the CBI. Sarma switched to the BJP from the Congress when the heat of the Saradha scam probe was becoming too hot for him to handle."



Another Youth Congress activist alleged that the CBI probe into the Saradha scam "slowed down considerably" after Sarma joined the BJP.

"West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has clearly stated that Sarma was involved in the chit fund scam," Assam Congress spokesperson Pradyut Bordoloi told reporters here.

"Apart from Saradha, the BJP had earlier accused Sarma of involvement in the Louis Berger scam. A number of arrests were made in Goa in connection with this scam, but no action was taken in Assam," the former Assam minister said.

It seemed that Sarma was cleared of all the charges after he joined the saffron party, he added.

"Himanta has a history of changing allegiance to save his skin. When TADA cases were slapped against him, he had left the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) to join the Congress. Later, he joined the BJP to save himself from the Saradha and Louis Berger cases," the former cabinet colleague of Sarma said.

In July 2015, the Louis Berger International Inc., a New Jersey-based construction management company, had told a US court that it had bribed government officials in India to bag a contract for project management consultancy in a water supply project in Guwahati.

The then Congress government in Assam, led by Tarun Gogoi, had ordered a CID probe into the case, but the Gauhati High Court had later directed the CBI to inquire into the allegations.

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The CBI Tuesday alleged in the Supreme Court that Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who was leading the SIT probe into Saradha chit fund scam, tampered with the electronic evidence and handed over document to the agency some of which were "doctored".

The CBI also alleged that there was a "wilful" omission and commission by him and the Special Investigating Team (SIT) of which he was its functional head.

Attorney General K K Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that Kumar was not cooperating in the investigation of chit fund cases, handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court, and the SIT had not given the complete call data details.

"What was given to us were doctored copy of call records," the attorney general told a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjeev Khanna.

The CBI alleged that the laptop and cellphones recovered from Sudipta Sen, Chairman of the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzy scheme by the SIT were not sent to forensic laboratory.

Those electronic devices were recovered from Sen, who was arrested from a place in Jammu and Kashmir after being absconder for a long time.

The agency alleged that call data was also erased and it was difficult to find out who called whom.

However, the allegations against Kumar were refuted by senior advocate A M Singhvi, who was appearing for the West Bengal Police.

He said that there was no destruction of evidence which the CBI is claiming after five years of investigation.

"Where is the destruction of evidence after five years. After five years no FIR against Kumar for destruction of evidence under section 201 of IPC has been lodged" Singhvi said.

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The municipal corporations of north and east Delhi told the Delhi High Court on Tuesday the over Rs 1,100 crore released to them by the AAP government was inadequate and not in accordance with the Fifth Delhi Finance Commission (DFC) recommendations.

A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao asked the Delhi government to file the response to the two corporations' claims and listed the matter for further hearing on March 7.

It also directed the corporations, represented by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain, to use the funds received for payment of the salary and pensions of its current and retired employees.

The Delhi government, represented by its additional standing counsel Satyakam, told the court that Rs 632.05 crore and Rs 472.43 crore have been disbursed to East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) and North Delhi Municipal Corporation (North MCD) in accordance with the recommendations of the Fourth DFC.

The disbursement of funds was made pursuant to the court's earlier orders that the Delhi government was liable to pay the municipal corporations in the city in accordance with the recommendations of the 4th DFC, the lawyer said.

However, the ASG said that Delhi government had recently accepted the 5th DFC recommendations and therefore, the amounts disbursed were inadequate and urged the court to direct that some more funds be given to the two corporations.

He said that according to the 5th DFC recommendations, EDMC was to receive over Rs 987 crore against which it has only been given Rs 632 crore.

The bench, after hearing the arguments briefly, said that it will take up the issue on the next date and directed the Delhi government to file its response to the corporations' claims by then.

The court was hearing a batch of writ petitions on providing adequate funds to all the local bodies, including the municipal corporations, to enable their proper functioning.

On April 16 last year, the court had directed the Delhi government to release the amounts according to the 4th DFC within four weeks for the period from November 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018, saying it was imperative to ensure salaries are paid and civic facilities not affected.

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Film and TV personalities should be roped in to spread the message that idol immersion is leading to "unacceptably high level of toxicity" in the Yamuna river, according to a committee appointed by the National Green Tribunal.

The panel also said that these celebrities can send the message across that "only clay idols without paint need to be used".

"An awareness programme that use appropriate TV and radio channels should be started in a planned way, bringing out why idol immersion is leading to unacceptably high levels of toxicity in the river. Well-known personalities can be interviewed e.g. film stars, TV actors as well as leading NGOs," the committee said in its directions to the Delhi authorities.

National Green Tribunal chairperson Justice A K Goel had set up the committee in July to monitor the cleaning of the river. The committee comprises former Delhi chief secretary Shailaja Chandra and retired expert member B S Sajwan.

The committee, in its report, submitted to the NGT also suggested that authorities explore the possibility of creating artificial ponds and pits in various localities for idol immersion.

It also suggested that the height of idols should be restricted to a maximum of three feet.

The suggestions have been made taking a cue from Surat in Gujarat, which recently set an example by not allowing any idol immersion in the Tapti river.

The Surat city reported to have set up 4,000 CCTV cameras, deployed 8,000 police personnel, 3,250 home guard jawans, six companies of the State Reserve Police and one company each from the BSF and the RAF for effective deterrance against immersing idol in the river.

The police commissioner of Surat was contacted by the monitoring committee and asked for an official report on the strategy of zero tolerance for idol immersion in the river, the committee said.

According to the report, the police commissioner said that with full public co-operation, 60,000 idols were immersed in local pits and none was immersed in the river or any water body.

The officials of Delhi NCR have been advised to get a first-hand idea of how things were managed there.

The period between January and March should be used to plan effective management with the goal of controlling toxicity in the river. The Divisional Commissioner may consider visiting Surat along with relevant police special unit to get a first-hand idea on how things were managed there, the committee further added.

"The NGT may consider whether a direction can be given that river immersion be replaced altogether in the interest of public safety on the lines of Gujarat example of 2018 which was managed successfully," the committee said. "This could be done after the visit by the officials to Surat and receiving the report."



The monitoring committee also noted that concentration of heavy metals has increased in the river due to immersion of painted and polished idols with metallic ornaments and shiny materials.

Post-immersion, the level of chromium increased 11 times from the limit (0.05mg/l) set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), while iron concentration increased 71 times from the 0.3 mg/l limit. The Nickel level also increased while the lead level went up two times from the 0.01 mg/l limit, the CPCB said.

According to researchers, toxicity of heavy metals can damage functioning of brain, lungs, kidney, liver and other vital organs and also can alter blood composition. Long-term exposure can lead to ailments such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and muscular dystrophy, among others.

CPCB guidelines state that idols should be made from natural materials and clay should be used while baked clay, plaster of paris and other such items should not be allowed.

"If idols are to be painted, water-soluble non-toxic natural dyes should be used. Use of toxic and non-biodegradable chemical dyes for painting idols should be strictly prohibited," the guidelines said.

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Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra is expected to appear before the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday in connection with a money laundering case relating to alleged possession of illegal foreign assets, official sources said Tuesday.

Vadra was directed by a Delhi court to cooperate with the investigation being carried out by the central probe agency after he knocked on its door seeking anticipatory bail in this case.

The sources said Vadra, once he appears, will be grilled about the transactions, purchase and possession of certain immovable assets in London and his statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

A Delhi court last week granted interim bail to him till February 16 and asked him to join probe by appearing in person on February 6 in this case.

The case relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

The agency had told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belongs to Vadra including two houses of five and four million each, six other flats and more properties.

"We just want him to come and inform about his properties," the ED counsel had said in the court.

In his anticipatory bail plea, Vadra had said he was being subjected to "unwarranted, unjustified and malicious criminal prosecution which on the face of it is completely politically motivated and is being carried out for reasons other than those prescribed under law".

The ED had carried out raids in this case in December last year at premises of a firm linked to Vadra in Delhi. It also grilled his associate Manoj Arora in connection with the case.

Vadra had alleged he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Arora had also alleged before the court that the case was foisted on him by the NDA government out of "political vendetta".

However, the ED had refuted the allegations, asking that "should no authority investigate any political bigwig because that will be called a political vendetta?"



The agency had told the court that it filed the money laundering case against Arora after his role came up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-blackmoney legislation against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It had alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for GBP 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately GBP 65,900 on its renovation.

"This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," the ED had told the court.

Arora, an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, was a key person in the case and he was aware of the latter's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, ED had alleged.

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The Delhi High Court Tuesday asked Haryana to remove the bunds that, according to the Delhi government, were blocking flow of clean water into the Yamuna and was leading to an increase in pollution levels in the national capital's water supply.

The direction by a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao came after the Haryana government stated in an affidavit that it will remove the bunds.

In its affidavit, the Manohar Lal Khattar government has said the bunds were put up in DD-8 canal to ensure that pollution from it does not flow into the Yamuna.

It also denied the Delhi government's allegations in its recent application, that due to the bunds the water supply of the national capital was getting more polluted.

Haryana in its reply to the application has said that of the 1,000 million gallons per day (MGD) water requirement of the national capital, 500 MGD good quality raw water is supplied by it through canals and 440 MGD is sourced from the Ganga and tubewells.

Only the remaining 60 MGD water which is sourced directly from the Yamuna would contain high levels of ammonia, it has said and added that Delhi was the largest contributor to pollution in the Yamuna.

The Delhi Jal Board (DJB), represented by senior advocate Dayan Krishnan and advocate Sumeet Pushkarna, told the bench that they need to go through the affidavit and sought time to respond to it.

The court, thereafter, gave the DJB time till March 13 to respond to the claims made by Haryana in its affidavit.

Haryana, in its affidavit filed by the principal secretary of its water department, has claimed that the raw water supply from it to Delhi never gets affected or reduced even in the lean season.

It has also said that Delhi should take urgent steps to reduce its losses which are alleged to be 10 per cent during treatment and 30 per cent after that, as residents of Haryana suffer from dearth of water to ensure the national capital does not.

Haryana has contended that some losses during treatment are inevitable, "but losses to the extent as projected by DJB are unpardonable and can even be termed as criminal wastage of precious raw water."



It has further said that "any deficiency in water supply to the citizens of Delhi is because of mismanagment and inaction on the part of the DJB".

It has also said that at Agra in Uttar Pradesh, which is downstream of Delhi, the Yamuna water received is of much worse quality and therefore, that state has installed a water treatment plant (WTP) of much higher capacity.

Haryana has stated that the DJB should also consider setting up a WTP of higher capacity.

It has contended that the application filed by the DJB was not maintainable and was liable to be dismissed as Delhi was receiving more than its requirement of water from Haryana and the surplus can be used to dilute the ammonia levels in the Wazirabad reservoir.

The DJB, in its plea, had claimed that if urgent steps are not taken to remove the bunds it would adversely affect the water supply to central Delhi, including the Lutyens zone.

It had claimed that the DD-8 channel which supplies additional water to Yamuna to dilute its pollution levels has been blocked by Haryana and therefore, the water being received at Wazirabad was unusable for treatment as it had high levels of ammonia.

The application had said that water treated at Wazirabad is supplied to Central Delhi where all the major government offices, bungalows and the Supreme Court and the High Court are located.

It also sought directions to Haryana to control the pollutants that it was discharging into the Yamuna.

The DD-8 channel carries clean water from the Delhi Sub Branch Canal (DSBC) and the Munak canal into the Yamuna to ensure the reservoir at Wazirabad is always kept full, the application had said.

The application was moved by the DJB in a PIL by a lawyer, S B Tripathi, seeking sufficient water supply for the national capital.

The high court had earlier asked the Haryana government to ensure that it releases the entire quantity of water required as per the undertaking given by it to the court.

Haryana has to release 719 cusecs of water per day into Munak canal and 330 cusecs per day in DSBC, according to the undertaking and earlier court orders.

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Rebel BJP leader and former minister Choudhary Lal Singh Tuesday said his recently floated 'Dogra Savabhiman Sangathan' (DSS) has applied for registration with the election commission of India (ECI) to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

"We are expecting to get the registration in the next couple of days and we will fight both the Lok Sabha seats from Jammu division as well as the assembly polls with a sole motive to end discrimination with Jammu region and restore the pride of Dogra's," Singh said.

On July 22, Singh had announced the launch of his "apolitical" group and released its 25-point vision document and flag at a function to mark the 100 days of his campaign for a CBI probe into the Kathua rape and murder case which rattled the entire nation in January last year.

The body of an eight-year-old girl from a nomadic tribe was recovered in Kathua district on January 17, 2018, a week after she went missing from the forest area while grazing horses.

The special investigation team of Crime branch of the state police has arrested eight persons for abduction, rape and murder of the girl.

Singh and his party colleague Chander Prakash Ganga had to submit their resignation from the council of ministers in the previous PDP-BJP dispensation after questions were raised on their participation in a rally organised in support of those arrested in connection with the incident.

Though Singh had said his group will be non-political in nature but the vision document showed its clear political agenda as it focused on various issues including rotational chief minister, two deputy chief ministers for each region, separate public service commission and service selection board, delimitationand Dogra certificates.

Singh, who skipped Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public rally in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, said he has been staying away from the BJP functions for the last nine months.

"It (BJP) has its own flag and symbol and I have mine," he said, adding that the doors of his party are open to everyone who supports the vision document.

Singh reiterated his demand for a CBI probe into the Kathua incident, saying he will continue his fight even after the court verdict in the case.

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The Rajasthan government has issued an order for giving a grant of Rs 2 per litre to farmers who supply milk to dairy cooperative societies, an official release said.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had recently announced the grant and the order will be effective from February 1, it said.

Necessary provisions for the current financial year have been made accordingly by the Gaupalan department, the release said.

This decision will benefit nearly five lakh dairy farmers associated with 11,500 milk producers' committee under Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation, according to the release.

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The Rajasthan Information Commission has directed the state Public Service Commission, Ajmer to provide footage recorded during the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) mains exam in 2016 after a candidate filed an RTI.

Information Commissioner Ashutosh Sharma stated in his order that the information is not personal and the conduct of examination is a public affair and footage recorded during the exam cannot be considered secret.

In 2016, the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) had denied to give a copy of the footage of an examination centre in Sikar to the candidate, Mahendra Kumar, on the ground of secrecy, personal information and no public interest.

Sharma directed the RPSC to provide the desired information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act to Kumar.

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Cardinal al-Rahi praised the United Arab Emirates for hosting the Pope and sponsoring a joint Christian-Muslim declaration. During Mass, he highlighted anti-war warning in a region marked by conflicts. Yesterday, he spoke at the interfaith meeting.

Abu Dhabi (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Maronite Patriarch Card Beshara al-Rahi praised the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for hosting Pope Francis in the first, historic visit by a pontiff to the Arabian Peninsula and for sponsoring a joint Christian-Muslim declaration that will serve as the basis for future relations between the two religions.

Speaking at todays final Mass, the prelate praised the UAE for its message of openness and for the honour of being the first in the Gulf region to welcome a pope.

"This is an event of enormous importance and significance in the Middle East, deemed a region of war and conflicts between religions," al-Rahi explained.

"Today, the United Arab Emirates told the world loud and clear that we are brothers, that religions are a source of brotherhood and that wars do not derive their origin in religions."

"Christians must show the true image of Islam within their communities. At the same time, Muslims must strive to highlight the true face of Christianity" among their fellow believers.

Yesterday, the prelate took part in the interfaith meeting in Abu Dhabi with about 700 other representatives of various religions. In his address, the primate of the Maronite Church called for an end to all wars and conflicts.

"Humans, said the prelate, are created to live in peace and tranquility, not war as suggested by the theme of the papal visit to the UAE: Make me an instrument of your peace.
An engineer of the North Central Railway was caught red-handed while taking a bribe of Rs 85,000 from a contractor here Tuesday, police said.

The accused, Rakesh Kumar Meena, senior section engineer at the Eidgah Agra station (Uttar Pradesh), had demanded the bribe from the contractor for clearing bills against works done by his firm, they said.

Meena had also assured complainant Chandrashekhar that he will not face any problem in the future, officials said.

"After verification of the complaint, the accused engineer was trapped at the firm's office in Bharatpur. He has been arrested," Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ashok Chauhan of the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau said.

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Qatar Airways and European Union officials announced Tuesday that they had concluded talks on a "landmark" deal which could allow more European airlines to operate services to and from Doha.

The Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement, said to be the first of its kind agreed by Brussels and a Gulf state, will enable carriers from all EU countries to have far greater access to Qatar and vice versa.

"Our hope is that the success of these negotiations will encourage other trading blocs and significant aviation markets to join in achieving a liberalised global aviation regime for future generations," said Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar al-Baker.

Following the end of talks, the deal is expected to be formally signed later this year.

State-owned Qatar Airways, like other Gulf carriers, has faced accusations it is unfairly subsidised, giving it an advantage over airlines in Europe and North America.

The deal, agreed in Doha, covers various areas including competition, environment and consumer protection.

Henrik Hololei, a European Commission transport director, said the two sides had found "common ground" to overcome any differences.

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Multiplex operator PVR Tuesday decided not to proceed with the proposed joint venture arrangement with Dubai's Al-Futtaim Pvt Co for cinema business expansion in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, a senior official said.

In July last year, PVR had entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Al-Futtaim Pvt Co to explore opportunities for jointly developing cinema business in the MENA region.

It had announced that the two parties would conduct a feasibility study before converting the MoU into a formal joint venture arrangement.

"Post conduct of a feasibility study and necessary evaluation, the management has decided not to proceed with the proposed transaction and has decided against deploying any capital in the MENA region for the time being. The MoU with Al-Futtaim stands terminated," PVR said in a regulatory filing.

In December 2017, PVR had said it was scouting overseas destinations for expansion and planned to open its first project in Sri Lanka in the next two years.

At present, PVR operates over 700 screens in more than 50 cities in India.

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The Prism party Tuesday urged Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga and Assembly Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo to convene an all party meeting on the issue of the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

A press statement issued by People's Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM) party here said that it has submitted letters to to the CM and speaker to call the meeting to ensure that the people of Mizoram, irrespective of political affiliations would have one voice against the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

The statement said that the party had earlier made an appeal to Zoramthanga on January 15 last, but was yet to receive any response from the chief minister till date.

United efforts of the people would be more effective than the fragmented voices of the political parties and civil societies, the statement said.

The Mizoram cabinet on January 10 had described as "unfortunate" the passing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill by the Lok Sabha.

The Cabinet meeting also decided that concerted efforts be made by the state government to ensure that the proposed amendment should be defeated in the Rajya Sabha, an official statement said.

Zoramthanga had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on January 14 and told him that the people of the northeastern state vehemently opposes the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

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US President Donald Trump will focus on key issues like immigration, national security and trade and call for unity in a hugely divided Congress in his annual State of the Union address on Tuesday as he begins the second half of his first term in the White House.

Contrary to his aggressive tweets and his frequent lashing out against the opposition Democratic leadership, Trump intends to portray a picture of national unity in resolving the challenges being faced by the country, officials familiar with preparations for the State of the Union Address said on Monday.

The annual State of the Union address is the keynote prime time speech by the president to the Congress in which he sets out his legislative agenda and national priorities for the next year and highlights his achievements to the American people.

The speech on Tuesday night (7:30 am IST on Wednesday) will be Trump's third to a Joint Session of Congress. His initial appearance on February 28, 2017 was weeks after his inauguration on January 20, and not considered a formal State of the Union.

While the theme of the address is "Choosing Greatness", the president's top aides say Trump will respect tradition in his speech. He will call for unity as predecessors have done in the century since the custom of in-person State of the Union addresses was revived by President Woodrow Wilson.

He will call for "an end to the of resistance and retribution," a senior aide said.

"Together we can break decades of political stalemate. We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of America's future. The decision is ours to make," Trump will say in his address, according to the excerpts of the speech.

The president and the Democrats had a record 35-day standoff with the Democrats led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over his proposed controversial wall along the US-Mexico border, which shut down the government and postponed the address which was earlier scheduled on January 29.

And watching Trump from the House will be 2020 Democratic presidential candidates, including Kamala Harris, the first Indian-origin Senator and Tusli Gabbard, the first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress.

China, which is being considered as a major challenge for the United States, is expected to figure prominently in his address, which could last between 60 and 90 minutes.

The US and China have been locked in an escalating trade spat since early 2018, raising import tariffs on each other's goods.

Last year, Trump imposed tariff hikes of up to 25 per cent on USD 250 billion of Chinese goods. The move prompted China to increase tariffs on USD 110 billion of American goods.

He will update Congress on the upcoming second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, developments in Venezuela and withdrawal of troops from Syria and Afghanistan.

"In his address, the president will cast an inspiring vision of American greatness. He will outline a policy agenda that both parties can rally behind to achieve this vision," a senior administration official said.

Safe and legal immigration system; protecting American workers, rebuilding America with infrastructure; lowering the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs; and protecting America's national security, are expected to be the major topics in his speech.

"One can expect the president describing his vision for a safe and legal immigration system," the official said adding that he will reaffirm his determination to stop illegal immigration, human trafficking, and the flow of drugs and crime.

Trump will update the Congress on his fight to protect American workers who have been hurt by decades of flawed trade deals, the official said.

"The President will update Congress on our trading relationship with China. He will also call on Congress to replace the NAFTA disaster by approving the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement," said the official.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is an agreement signed by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, creating a trilateral trade bloc in North America.

In addition, the president will call on Congress to pass the United States Reciprocal Trade Act, which if signed into law could have consequences on bilateral trade with India.

The Reciprocal Trade Act would give him authority to levy tariffs equal to those of a foreign country on a particular product if that country's tariffs are determined to be significantly lower than those charged by the United States.

It would also allow Trump to take into account non-tariff barriers when determining such tariffs.

In terms of protecting America's national security, Trump will update Congress on his diplomatic and military efforts around the world, and reaffirm his determination to protect American interests, and bring to an end to endless foreign wars, said the senior administration official familiar with the draft of the president's speech.

Trump in his speech is expected to propose policies to expand prosperity and make possible an amazing quality of life for all Americans.

"And then, having restored America's leadership around the world, he will cast a vision for greater security and peace," the official said.

The last two times he spoke before Congress, Trump tried to provide a unifying, bipartisan, optimistic tone, the official noted stating that he will be striving to do the same this year.

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At a time when the fate of the electoral tie-up between the BJP and the Shiv Sena is hanging in balance, political strategist and JD (U) leader Prashant Kishor Tuesday visited Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, and expressed a wish to join hands ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Both the Sena and the JD(U), which is headed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, are members of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The Sena, which is part of the Central and Maharashtra governments, has been at loggerheads with the BJP.

Kishor is credited with conceptualising and implementing innovative strategies like 'chai pe charcha' with Narendra Modi, who was the BJP's prime ministerial nominee at that time, that are said to have contributed to the BJP's stupendous victory in the 2014 elections.

He is currently the vice president of the JD (U).

"As part of NDA, we look forward to joining forces with you in Maharashtra to help secure victory in upcoming Lok Sabha elections & beyond. @nitishkumar," Kishor tweeted while tagging JD(U) president Nitish Kumar.

Kishor re-tweeted Shiv Sena youth wing president Aditya Thackeray's tweet welcoming him at their residence "Matoshree" in suburban Bandra.

"Thank you for your warm hospitality Uddhav ji and @AUThackeray," he tweeted.

Earlier this afternoon, Aditya tweeted: "Today Uddhav Thackeray ji and I had a special visitor over lunch. Some great talks @PrashantKishor ji".

The Thackeray junior also tweeted photos of Kishor meeting his "hosts".

A close aide of Uddhav Thackeray said no senior BJP leader had visited the residence of the Sena chief since 2014 except BJP chief Amit Shah, and held talks about the alliance between the two parties.

Sena leaders refused to divulge details of the meeting between Uddhav and Kishor.

After falling out with PM Modi, Kishor worked with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the 2015 assembly elections campaign. He was reportedly instrumental in bringing Nitish and his arch rival RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav to take on the BJP during the polls.

Kishor was later roped in by the Congress for the assembly elections held in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh in 2017. While the Congress returned to power in Punjab, it fared badly in Uttar Pradesh.

Several Congress leaders like Randeep Surjewala had hailed Kishor for the Punjab outcome.

In Maharashtra, future of electoral alliance between the Sena and the BJP is under cloud with the Uddhav Thackeray-led party giving mixed signals about its willingness to contest Lok Sabha polls with the BJP by its side.

Both the parties had contested the 2014 general elections in an alliance, but went solo in the assembly elections held in October that year.

Sena on January 24 last year announced to contest all the forthcoming elections on its own strength.

The party has been criticising the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a range of issues in the party mouthpiece "Saamana".

Meanwhile, Sena leadership held meetings with its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs as well as with MLAs and MLCs Tuesday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pope Francis has acknowledged receiving a request from embattled Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro to help relaunch talks to end the country's political crisis but ruled out any involvement unless opposition leader Juan Guaido requests it.

Francis on Tuesday acknowledged that he hadn't read Maduro's letter, which he said arrived at the Vatican via diplomatic pouch.

He added, "We'll see what can be done." But speaking to reporters en route home from the United Arab Emirates, he recalled that a previous Vatican diplomatic effort to facilitate talks between Maduro and the opposition "went up in smoke."



And he insisted on the basic diplomatic requirement that two sides to any conflict must jointly request external facilitation or mediation of negotiations.

"I'll have a look at the letter, I'll see what can be done. But the preliminary conditions are that both sides ask for it," he told reporters, without citing Guaido by name.

However, Venezuela's opposition, led by Guaido, has made it clear that any offers of dialogue must start with negotiating the terms of Maduro's exit.

Dozens of countries, including the United States and most of the European Union, have recognized congressional leader Guaido as Venezuela's interim president, arguing that Maduro's re-election was invalid.

But Maduro, too, has widespread international backing and holds practical control over the crisis-wracked nation's institutions, including the military.

Maduro said in a statement that he sent the letter to Pope Frances, explaining that he's deeply Christian in both prayer and action.

"I ask the pope to put forth his best effort, his willingness to help us move down a path of dialogue and hopefully a positive response," Maduro said.

Francis had been asked about whether he might follow in the footsteps of St. John Paul II, who helped mediate a border crisis between Argentina and Chile over the Beagle Channel that almost brought the two countries to war in 1978.

The Argentine pope, who was a young Jesuit provincial at the time, called John Paul's intervention "courageous" because it "avoided a war that was on the horizon."



But he noted both Chile and Argentina requested the Holy See's intervention, and that besides, there are plenty of "small steps" that can be taken diplomatically before arriving at actual mediation of a conflict.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused European Union countries of "vileness" and acting against democracy a day after more than a dozen of them endorsed Guaido as the country's interim president.

In an address to his ruling party's legislators on Tuesday, Erdogan said the EU countries had "delivered the presidency of a nation to someone who hasn't even been through an election."



Sixteen European countries recognized Guaido on Monday.

Turkey is among at least nine nations including Russia and China that have declared support for embattled President Nicolas Madura.

"Where's democracy? What's this vileness?" Erdogan said of the EU countries. "On one hand you say 'democracy, democracy, democracy'...

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held wide-ranging talks with Monaco's reigning monarch Prince Albert II and discussed stepping up cooperation, especially in the renewable energy sector and in combating climate change.

Prince Albert, who arrived here on Monday on a week-long India visit, met the prime minister at Hyderabad House here.

There was a good exchange of views on enhancing cooperation, especially in and climate change and renewable energy, through sharing best practices, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

India and Monaco established diplomatic relations in 2007, though their friendship goes back much further in time, he said on Twitter.

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Prince Albert and discussed opportunities for cooperation in the areas of environment, specially renewable energy, investment into India, smart cities, marine ecosystems, tourism and people-to-people contacts, Kumar said.

On Monday, Prince Albert attended the India-Monaco Business Forum.

The visiting dignitary will proceed on a private tour of India after his official engagements and leave for home on February 10.

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Piramal Enterprises and Canadian fund CDPQ Tuesday announced Rs 500 crore equity investment into an integrated township developed by realty major Lodha Developers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Piramal Enterprises Ltd (PEL) and Ivanho Cambridge, a real estate subsidiary of CDPQ (Caisse de Dpt et Placement du Qubec), have made an equity investment of Rs 500 crore from the Piramal Ivanhoe Residential Equity Fund towards Palava, a smart city developed by Lodha group.

Piramal group, in its statement, did not disclose the equity stake acquired by the fund in this project through this investment.

Piramal Enterprises had earlier set up a strategic co-investment fund with Ivanho Cambridge to provide long term equity capital to blue chip residential developers across the five major metro cities Mumbai, Bengaluru, NCR, Pune and Chennai. Ivanho Cambridge had allocated an initial USD 250 million in this fund.

This is the first deal through Piramal Ivanhoe Residential Equity Fund, said Khushru Jijina, Managing Director, Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Ltd, said



"We believe that the timing is opportune for the provision of equity capital over a longer time horizon and facilitate participation in larger projects with the ability to generate returns across real estate cycles," he added.

Rita-Rose Gagn, President, Growth Markets, Ivanho Cambridge said the Palava City project is a game-changer for mixed-use residential communities in India.

Lodha group MD Abhishek Lodha said "the current investment is a testament to our proven track record in the affordable housing segment and our vision for developing Palava as one of the 50 most livable cities in the world.

Palava City is an integrated smart city near Mumbai, with over 4,500 acres of land being developed across different phases. Phase I, spread across about 300 acres of land is already delivered, while, phase II spread across about 700 acres and is currently under development.

Palava is currently home to a population of close to 1 lakh people.

Piramal Enterprises is one of India's large diversified companies, with a presence in financial services, pharmaceuticals and healthcare insights & analytics.

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The Competition Commission of India Tuesday gave approval to state-owned financial institution Power Finance Corporation (PFC) for the acquisition of 52 per cent stake in REC.

The government is expected to garner around Rs 15,000 crore from this sale process.

In December 2018, the cabinet committee on economic affairs as well as the board of PFC had given in-principle approval for the strategic sale.

In a tweet Tuesday, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said it "approves acquisition of 52 per cent shareholding in REC Ltd by Power Finance Corporation Ltd."



The government's shareholding stood at 57.99 per cent in REC, and 65.64 per cent in PFC at the end of the September quarter.

However, the government holding in Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) had come down to 52.63 per cent following stake sale through exchange traded funds (ETFs).

At the end of 2017-18, the total resources of REC stood over Rs 2.46 lakh crore, of which reserves were Rs 33,515.59 crore. The net worth of the company was Rs 35,490 crore and cash and bank balance was Rs 1,773 crore at the end of March 2018.

PFC's reserves and surplus stood at Rs 37,221 crore, and cash and bank balance stood at Rs 4,600 crore at the end of March 2018.

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Young people, the elderly and the poor are at the centre of the Lunar New Year message issued by some religious leaders. "May all ethnic groups co-exist in harmony, religions develop in concord and humanism is put into practice,

Hong Kong (AsiaNews)  Many Asian communities around the world are celebrating the Lunar New Year, which last night saw the start of the Year of the Pig. Below we propose the greetings issued by the Colloquium of Six Religious Leaders of Hong Kong, with representatives from Buddhism, Catholicism, Confucianism, Islam, Protestantism and Taoism.

2019, Jihai, the Year of the Pig is ever-thriving and full of vitality

In the advent of spring, with all ailments gone, all things flourish

In robust health with hearts desires granted, follow Heavens Dao

With modesty, deference and prudence, rid all grudges

Nurture wisdom and a peace of mind. Great virtue is magnetic

All religions have one heart with no strife or rivalry

In harmony and mutual help, discover the Truth, testify the value

Serve the community, unite in one heart

Families enjoy peace, mother country prospers

Peace to Tian Xia (the world)

On the occasion of the start of the Chinese New Year (the Year of the Pig) in the midst of economic uncertainties and instabilities, the Colloquium of Six Religious Leaders of Hong Kong sincerely offers our blessings and prayers to the people of Hong Kong. We cordially reach out our hands and with you all, walk together, live out the great love and overcome adversities.

Our strongest wish is to nurture the young and help them to cultivate virtue and wisdom for their loving hearts to become the light that illuminates peoples souls. We want to help our young students to develop clear goals so that they can adapt to their life path and walk on a broad and stately avenue in darkness without fear. We also want to help them to build a blessed life and inject hope into their future; and fill their lives with benevolence and love, mercy and compassion, justice and righteousness, and, truth and wisdom. Moreover, we pray that the government of the Hong Kong SAR and members of the Executive Council and Legislative Council, at the start of the Chinese New Year, will find a balanced approach to land use and land tenure, and to give concern to peoples livelihood especially the problems of elderly services, housing, and welfare for the underprivileged. It is also our wish that policy on education and internet discipline and the ethics of the mass media can be affirmed so that peoples mind can be put at ease.

It is great jubilation that this year is the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the Peoples Republic of China as well as the 40th Anniversary of the Reform and Opening up of China and we, the Colloquium of Six Religious Leaders of Hong Kong would like to give our mother country our heartfelt blessings: May our country enjoy prosperity and stability and may virtue spread over our land of sublimity. May the elderly be given the best of care, the children be well looked after and the young be nurtured. May people enjoy the fruit of economic growth and wealth and households move out of poverty. May all ethnic groups co-exist in harmony, religions develop in concord and humanism is put into practice. We, the descendants of the Chinese nation, being sheltered in the virtue of our ancestors, are benevolent and genuine, peace-loving and amicable. We tread in the way of Dao and cultivate virtue which we use to transform Tian Xia and benefit the world.

We, the Colloquium of Six Religious Leaders of Hong Kong, embracing our national and societal spirit of mercy, love and compassion and the immortal spirit of cultivating virtue, doing meritorious deeds and speaking words of wisdom, take the auspicious occasion of the Chinese New Year to make our declaration of intent and ask the Providence to give us inspiration and blessedness, to give our mother country and the Hong Kong SAR the blessings of prosperity and peace. We earnestly pray that everyone would enjoy good health, peace and happiness as well as realize their wishers and fulfil their aspirations.

The Most Ven. Kuan Yun, President, The Hong Kong Buddhist Association

John Cardinal Tong Hon, Apostolic Administration, Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong

Dr. Tong Yun Kai, President, The Confucian Academy

Mr. Sat Che Sang, Ibrahim, Chairman, The Chinese Muslim Cultural and Fraternal Association

Rev. Dr. So Shing Yit, Eric, Chairperson, Hong Kong Christian Council

Mr. Leung Tak Wah, Chairman, The Hong Kong Taoist Association
San Francisco-based Kraken is one of the most popular USA cryptocurrency exchanges and has acquired other platforms in the past including Coinsetter and CleverCoin. It did not provide any other details about the deal. In addition to offering cash-settled futures trading for Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Litecoin, and Ethereum trading pairs, Crypto Facilities provides data to the CME Group as part of their Bitcoin reference rate (an index that powers the CME Group's USA futures offering). In 2016, the company raised Dollars 1.5 million in a seed round by Pamir Gelenbe's AngelList syndicate with participation from Playfair Capital, Digital Currency Group, String Ventures and hedge fund veteran Lee Robinson.

Timo Schlaefer, Crypto Facilities CEO and founder, said: "Teaming up with Kraken allows us to innovate the next generation of products and tremendously boosts the value we are able to provide to our clients". Futures trading will not, however, be available for its U.S. customers.

Kraken CEO Jesse Powell also told Fortune that they have already integrated Crypto Facilities' trading software into the exchange, and that futures trading for USA users should go live "soon".

"Over the coming months, our teams will continue to enhance and expand these offerings", Kraken Chief Executive Jesse Powell said in a statement.

The deal was closed at the end of previous year but only became public today. It also calculates CME's reference rate for virtual currency ether and other cryptocurrency indices. The company is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority.

As Fortune further reports, the exchange is "on the cusp of completing a United States dollars 100 million funding round financed by its larger customers".

Kraken have also disclosed to Fortune Magazine that they have secured $100 million in new funding from (mostly non-US) accredited investors.

The exchange claims it has more than 4 million clients in over 190 countries.

Kraken did $90bn of crypto trading volume over its platform in 2018 and its over-the-counter desk for worldwide investors handled $2bn-worth of trades.
CBI told the Supreme Court Tuesday that its probe into the Saradha scam led to the arrest of "people found close to or connected" to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal.

The submission was made by Attorney General K K Venugopal before a bench, comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjeev Khanna, which was hearing the CBI plea seeking direction against the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar who has avoided to join the investigation.

Venugopal narrated the legal proceedings since 2014 and said all cases relating to the Chit Fund scam in West Bengal were transferred to the CBI.

"Before that, the state had itself has appointed a SIT. Between April, 2014 and when the judgement was pronounced in 2017, we have collected material and proceeded to make arrests. some of them were People found close to or connected to the TMC, the ruling party," he told the bench.

He said CBI issued summons to Kumar, who was the functional head of the SIT as the material handed to the agency was not complete.

"So we sent summons and then three notices. When he failed to respond, we wrote to the DGP who is the head of the SIT", the top law officer submitted.

Making submission on the alleged destruction of evidence and other apprehensions, the attorney general said: "We had serious doubts as to the documentation handed over to us."



He referred to the case of Sudipto Sen, who owned the entire chit fund, saying he was arrested in a place in Jammu and Kashmir.

A laptop and four-five mobile phones that contained data were recovered from him but without retaining any part of the data or sending it to the Forensic Science Laboratory to identify and transplant it, the phone was handed back to him, Venugopal said.

"This was a very serious thing. The call data records were shared with us but were not complete. We found discrepancies in the number of calls, which were drastically less. The details of from whom to whom the calls were made were also deleted. There were four other incidents. We could only take over the FIRs already registered like, in Rose Valley, where the highest revenue was raised and the most cheating had taken place to the tune of 15,000 crores," the attorney general said.

The Saradha and Rose Valley scams had hogged the limelight in West Bengal and and other eastern states in 2013.

Since the scam involved investigation into other states, the apex court had transferred the probe to the CBI.

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Punjab Congress general secretary Pawan Dewan on Tuesday formally staked claim for the party ticket to contest from Ludhiana in the Lok Sabha polls.

Dewan, who hails from Ludhiana, submitted his application for ticket at the Punjab Congress office here.

"I have been associated with the Congress party for past 30 years. I have served the party in various capacities. I was block president, president of the district youth Congress and then district unit president (from Ludhiana). Now, I am general secretary of the Punjab Congress," Dewan said after submitting his application.

Dewan, a close confidant of senior Congress leader and former Union minister Manish Tewari, said he is hopeful that party will consider his name while allotting ticket for the Ludhiana seat.

At present, Congress' Ravneet Singh Bittu represents the Ludhiana parliamentary constituency.

Tewari, a former MP from Ludhiana, is vying for the Congress ticket from Chandigarh.

Former railway minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, who is ex-MP from Chandigarh, and Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu's wife Navjot Kaur too have staked claim for the Congress ticket from there.

On Monday, Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill had staked claim for the party ticket to contest from Anandpur Sahib seat in Punjab.

Anandpur Sahib seat is currently represented by SAD MP Prem Singh Chandumajra who had defeated senior Congress leader and former Union minister Ambika Soni in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

With the 'Mission 13' campaign, the Punjab Congress has already begun an exercise to find winnable candidates for the 13 Lok Sabha seats for the upcoming elections.

Punjab has 13 Lok Sabha seats. Out of these, four seats each are held by the Akali Dal, AAP and the Congress while one by the BJP.

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A Palestinian was shot dead and another wounded in a clash at a military checkpoint in the northern West Bank, Palestinian officials said, without giving further details.

The Israeli army said its troops fired at "two assailants who hurled an explosive device" on Monday in the vicinity of the checkpoint, near Jenin, but it did not confirm if either were hit. It said no soldiers were hurt.

The Palestinian health ministry named the dead man as Abdullah Tawalba, 19, and said in a statement that he was "hit by live bullets" and died in the Jenin hospital.

It called him a "martyr" - a term used to describe those killed while carrying out attacks.

Officials at the hospital had earlier said his name was Abdallah Abu Talib, aged 20, and said he was killed in the Jalameh incident.

Both sources said a second man was injured moderately.

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Pakistan on Tuesday observed Kashmir Solidarity Day, with top leaders extending their support to the people in the Valley and to finding a just and peaceful resolution to the issue.

President Arif Alvi in his address in the Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir asked the Indian government to uphold the rights of the Kashmiri people.

He reiterated Pakistan's "unflinching solidarity" with the people of Kashmir, Radio Pakistan reported.

"We reassure our Kashmiri brothers and sisters that we will remain consistent in our principled position on Kashmir. The entire Pakistani nation stands with its Kashmiri brethren in their valiant struggle to achieve the legitimate right to self-determination."



Prime Minister Imran Khan criticised India for its alleged atrocities in Kashmir.

He said seven decades have passed and the issue of Jammu and Kashmir remains unresolved.

Separately, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who is in London, in his message said "the Government and the people of Pakistan re-affirm our unflinching support to the brave people" of Kashmir.

He said Pakistan was committed to finding a just and peaceful resolution to this long standing dispute.

Several events were planned for the day to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

The India says Kashmir is its integral part and Pakistan has no business to interfere in the internal affairs of the country.

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Pakistani troops Tuesday violated ceasefire in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir by firing two rounds of rocket launchers towards an Army camp along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Krishna Ghati sector, an army officer said.

Indian troops did not retaliate to the "deliberate provocation" to avoid civilian casualties across the border, said the officer, asking not to be named.

He said the rockets aimed at the army camp in Jhulas area of the Krishna Ghati sector were fired around 10.30 am but did not cause any damage.

"The firing of rockets was a deliberate attempt to instigate strong reaction from the Indian Army since Pakistan is observing Kashmir solidarity day. There was a possibility of civilian casualties in view of the public rallies across the border," he said.

The latest ceasefire violation ended several days of lull in the firing from across the border.

Since the beginning of the new year, Pakistani troops have been regularly violating the ceasefire especially along the LoC in Jammu division. A few incidents of ceasefire violations were also witnessed along the International Border in January.

On January 15, Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad of BSF was killed when he was hit by a Pakistani sniper from across the IB.

An Army porter lost his life along the LoC in Rajouri district on January 11. The same day two army personnel including a major were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack along the LoC in Naushera sector of Rajouri.

The year 2018 had witnessed the highest number (2,936) of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops in the last 15 years along the Indo-Pak border.

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The Pakistan government's decision to abolish the Haj subsidy will save Rs 450 crore to national exchequer, the country's Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Minister Noorul Haq Qadri has said.

The decision to abolish the Haj subsidy was taken during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad recently,



sparking a debate whether Islam allows a subsidised Haj or not.

"The previous (PML-N) government was paying Rs 42,000 subsidy on each pilgrim which put an additional burden of Rs 450 crore on national exchequer. Keeping the current financial situation of the country, the Federal Cabinet has decided to withdraw this subsidy," Qadri was quoted as saying by The on Tuesday.

This year 184,000 Pakistanis will perform Haj out of which 107,000 will go on government quota whereas the remaining will perform the pilgrimage on private quota, the minister said.

"The government has withdrawn Rs 450 crore financial assistance which it was paying as subsidy for the pilgrims. Major chunk of Haj's inflated price is due to rupee devaluation and Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed by the Saudi government," he said.

"Pakistan's Haj expenditure are still the lowest in the region if you count it in US dollar as India, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Indonesia are charging more in term of US dollars. My ministry had proposed that the subsidy should not be abolished but the Federal Cabinet decided against it," the minister said.

Last week, the federal government increased Haj prices up to 60 per cent putting an additional burden of up to Rs 156,000 on each pilgrim.

The political leaders of opposition parties have criticised Prime Minister Khan's government for abolishing subsidy and increasing Haj price.

The Haj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and is required of all able-bodied Muslims once in their lifetime if they are healthy enough and have the means to do so.

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Industry body ISSDA Tuesday raised concerns that exporters of stainless steel in several countries are colluding with some Indian importers to misuse the provisions of the ASEAN-India free-trade agreement.

Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) also said the imports of stainless steel from Indonesia have jumped over eight-fold in one year.

"Exporters of stainless steel in several countries are colluding with some Indian importers to misuse the provisions of Indian-ASEAN FTA rules," the association said.

Exporters from ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are trying to avail preferential tariff under the free-trade agreement (FTA), it added.

Import of stainless steel from Indonesia into India has grown to massive proportions from nearly 8,000 tonne in 2017-18 to 67,000 tonne in 2018-19, the body said.

"Chinese investments in Indonesia are backed by Chinese government subsidies provided to expand in overseas markets. They are also subsidised generously by the Indonesian government to attract more investment," K K Pahuja, president, ISSDA, said in the statement.

Through Indonesia, the Chinese producers are indulging in rampant misuse of India-ASEAN FTA, ISSDA said adding that cold rolled material from China is exported to Indonesia for minor value additions like slitting into smaller widths, after which, the same consignment is exported to India.

"In another method to evade the duties, Indonesia imports hot rolled stainless steel coils from China and then converts the same consignment into cold rolled stainless steel coils. These cold rolled materials are then exported to India claiming preferential duty of zero per cent," he added.

The government must initiate appropriate actions against erring importers who are not only causing loss to the exchequer but also hurting the domestic industry, Pahuja said.

ISSDA has requested the government to impose anti-dumping duty/countervailing duty on imports of stainless-steel flat products from Indonesia, to counter Chinese imports, which are now being routed through the ASEAN-India FTA route, he said.

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Over 36,000 Long Term Visas (LTVs) were issued to Pakistani citizens and 236 to Bangladeshi nationals in the last seven years, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

Replying to a written question in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju also said a total of 884 LTVs were issued to Myanmar nationals till December 31, 2017 and 12 Myanmar nationals were deported recently after following due process.

"As per the available information, the figure of LTVs granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals are available since 2011 and during 2011 to 2018, a total of 36,610 and 236 LTVs have been granted to Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals respectively," Rijiju said.

According to the existing guidelines, LTVs are granted to specific categories of nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

The policy regarding granting LTVs to Afghan nationals came into effect from July 17, 2017 and till date, no LTV was granted to any Afghan national, Rijiju said.

"During these years, LTV applications have been processed both in the offline and online modes and therefore, the state-wise data is not centrally available," he added.

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Putting its ally BJP in Uttar Pradesh on notice, the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party has said the option of going with the SP-BSP alliance in the general elections was open to the party.

SBSP chief and senior cabinet minister Om Prakash Rajbhar has been making sharp statements against the BJP and had recently threatened to walk out of the National Democratic Alliance.

"In case there is no headway with the BJP, the option of going along with SP-BSP alliance (in the coming Lok Sabha elections) is open to us," the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief said.

The minister for backward classes welfare and department of disabled people development was speaking to reporters at his residence here on Monday night.

To a question as to whether he had talks with leaders of either of the two parties - the SP and the BSP - Rajbhar said that he had not met anyone on this issue so far.

On the developments in Kolkata, Rajbhar came out in support of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and questioned the CBI action, saying how could the sleuths go without any order.

"Why has the CBI not raided the house of the main accused in the Saradha case who has joined the BJP," Rajbhar asked and added that the Supreme Court has already called the CBI a "caged parrot".

Banerjee is on a sit-in against the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams. Her protest entered the third day on Tuesday.

She sat on a "Save India" dharna in front of Metro Cinema in the heart of Kolkata on Sunday night insisting that the latest CBI action was tantamount to stifling the spirit of "Constitution and federalism" in the country.

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: China-based smartphone-maker Oppo Tuesday announced its partnership with Telangana government to create opportunities for budding entrepreneurs and start-ups in India.

Under the partnership, the two would work towards developing a support system for startups and entrepreneurs in the specific areas of expertise, a press release said.

Oppo would provide technical expertise and mentoring support to startups thereby helping the government create a supportive ecosystem for startups working in areas specific to cameras and image processing, battery, networks (5G), system performance, payments, Artificial Intelligence and gaming, the release said.

The startups would be selected based on the solutions they provide towards key problems faced by Indian mobile-users, with the intention of using their idea, application, technology or service to help enhance consumer experience for Oppo users, it said.

Vice-president and R&D Head (India) Tasleem Arif said, ''Through this partnership with the government, the company hopes to encourage and co-develop innovative solutions that will transform the smartphone industry across the country.

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For the Chaldean primate, persecution in the region is one of the pontiffs main concerns. Francis will try to turn the page in Christian-Muslim relations and renew the journey of peace. The visit could also help Iraqi Christians and give them new confidence in the future.

Baghdad (AsiaNews)  Anti-Christian persecution in the Middle East is a major concern, said Pope Francis in yesterdays Angelus before leaving for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he will remain until tomorrow, something Chaldean Patriarch Card Louis Raphael Sako stressed as he spoke about the first papal visit to a Gulf state.

With persecution in Iraq, Syria and Yemen in his mind, the Pope will try to turn a page in Christian-Muslim relations in order to renew the journey of peace.

The 70-year-old cardinal, originally from Zakho in northern Iraq, plays a leading role in interfaith dialogue in his country.

"Pope Francis is saying that this is enough. Let us live in peace, love, tolerance and renounce violence and hatred," Card Sako noted, adding that in the UAE, the Pope will promote Christian-Muslim outreach, trying to oppose any fanatical, violent or hateful discourse.

According to the prelate, the pontiff will raise awareness among the believers of various religions of the situation of Christians in the region and will refer to the values found in various sacred texts and scriptures, which call for human coexistence.

"The UAE has become a role model for other countries with a flourishing economy, Mgr Sako noted. Our message to the Christians in the UAE is to hold on to that country, its traditions and to connect with Muslims.

"People, he insisted, should live and develop a personal, deep and spiritual bond with God away from hatred, separation and threats, which are not related to faith in any way".

The cardinal also pointed out that some 500,000 Christians still live in Iraq. "At one point, Christians represented 20 per cent of the Iraqi population, but the number dropped first to 10 per cent and it now stands at 2 per cent".

For him, what happened in Iraq is a breach in international law, and the papal visit to the UAE could help Iraqi Christians by giving them new confidence in the future.

In the recent past, "Christian homes were threatened, kidnappings took place," he said. Now, although the security is improving and a new government was formed, the status of Christians remains uncertain.

"We have co-existed in peace with each other for 14 centuries. I wonder why people's mentality has changed driving Christians to believe that there's no future for them.
Alleging that the opposition parties who are talking about unity are united only in opposing BJP, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Tuesday said they should debate on the basis of manifesto and performance.

"That's why the opposition parties who are talking about unity, they are talking about unity only in opposing BJP and Modiji...., why you don't debate on the basis of manifesto and performance," he said, addressing a meeting of BJP functionaries here.

"What work we are going to do (for people), what work you are going to do, what we have done, what you have done, the history of 70 years... is in front us.

Why you don't come forward? Our programme is to work for the welfare of village, poor and worker and farmer. Definitely discuss that," he said.

He alleged that efforts would be repeatedly made to change the agenda of elections from development to casteism and communalism and false propaganda.

The BJP's effort is to seek votes for the NDA government on the basis of what it has done and what it intends to do and to work for the welfare of the poor, the farmers and workers, he said.

Those who were not used to even wish each other are now coming together in opposing BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he alleged.

Can a "khichdi government" comprising those lacking mutual understanding ensure the development of the country, he asked.

Gadkari, who spoke elaborately on the peformance and schemes of the NDA government in various sectors, expressed confidence that it would be re-elected.

"The country's image is changing.If the performance of our government is to be counted, I can speak for two hours more...," he said.

The senior BJP leader alleged that BJP's rivals, including the Congress, are creating a fear in the minds of Muslim minorities against the BJP-led NDA government instead of discussing the government's performance.

"That's why, our rivals are not discussing our performance, programmes, the work of our government and implementation. Their capital is fear.

They are creating fear in the minds of Muslims. This government of Modiji, BJP will... and send to Pakistan, choose Congress to stay safe," he said.

Dalits and Adivasis are being told that the NDA governnmt is against them, he said.

The opposition parties are talking about forming an alliance out of fear that they would be able to defeat BJP by coming together, he claimed.

He expressed confidence that BJP can achieve a major victory in Telangana as well if the party's activists can convince people about the good work of the NDA government.

"Also remember that when the competence to convince ends, then (attempt) to confuse begins," he said, alleging that opposition and some sections in the media show statements out of context in a way that confuse the party's activists and supporters.

"I don't say all are like that. It's okay. All have rights in a democracy," he said.

He also said the BJP-led NDA government gave a corruption-free rule, without discriminating among states on political considerations.

The party worked for the welfare of people without the narrow considerations of caste, creed or religion, he said.

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The opposition parties Tuesday requested the Assam Assembly Speaker to call for a special session before February 13 to discuss the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which is likely to come up in Rajya Sabha by next week.

Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami assured to discuss the matter with all the parties and take a decision by Wednesday.

All the opposition parties -- Congress, AGP and AIUDF -- had brought three different resolution to discuss the bill, but the speaker clubbed them together and made it one.

Raising the issue during Pending Resolution of private members, AGP MLA Phani Bhusan Choudhury cited rules that give chance to postpone an ongoing resolution and take up a new one if it is of immediate importance.

His party colleague Keshab Mahanta said: "The Parliament is ending on February 13 and the bill is likely to be raised in Rajya Sabha before that. We want to send an unanimous resolution from Assam Assembly. So please allow us to discuss the matter before that."



He pointed out that the next date fixed for discussing private members resolution in Assembly is February 22.

Senior Congress leader and the Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia urged the speaker to take up the "very important resolution" and if necessary, "have a special session before February 13".

AGP's Ramendra Narayan Kalita said: "Today's resolution is more important than the pending resolution. I had my incomplete speech scheduled for the pending resolution, but I will not complete my speech for the interest of the state."



AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam too requested the speaker to allow discussing the resolution on the bill.

The ongoing Budget Session of the state Assembly started on January 28 and will continue till February 26, but there will be recess from February 11 to 17 after presentation of the state budget on February 6.

Reacting to all members, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said the government has no problem in taking up the new resolution and ready to give its reply.

On this, Goswami said: "Some of our rules are contradictory, but I don't want to go into details of those. I will call all of you later and discuss the matter. Accordingly I will take a decision by tomorrow."



The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8, seeks to provide Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India even if they do not possess any document.

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The one-way traffic resumed on Jammu-Srinagar national highway Tuesday as authorities allowed traffic from summer capital Srinagar after remaining suspended for the past five days, an official said.

The traffic was allowed to ply on the 270-km highway - the only all weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country - from Srinagar to Jammu Tuesday morning, the official from the traffic department said.

On Monday, the authorities had cleared majority of the stranded Kashmir-bound trucks despite disruption caused by a fresh landslide in the Banihal area along the highway.

The official said the landslide which struck the highway at Kharpora was cleared within hours Monday evening to ensure resumption of the one-way traffic for both heavy and light motor vehicles.

"The traffic is plying smoothly though the weather remains cloudy. No vehicle was allowed from the opposite direction (Jammu)," he said.

The highway was closed for traffic on Thursday last following heavy snowfall around the Jawahar Tunnel -- the gateway to Kashmir -- and multiple landslides between Banihal to Ramban stretch.

While the Srinagar-bound passenger vehicles and trucks were cleared on Saturday and Sunday, no vehicle was allowed from Srinagar towards Jammu since Thursday.

The traffic on the highway usually plies from the twin capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu alternatively during winters.

Meanwhile, the weatherman has predicted another spell of snow and rain till February 8 with major activity on February 6 and 7, which might affect the traffic on the highway once again.

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: Power producer NTPC Limitedhas sorted out issue over payment dues with various discoms of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, sources said Tuesday



Also, the NTPC said it would not regulate power supply as it had indicated in its notice earlier, the sources said.

The dues from the three parties were Rs 5,838.04 crore and the amount overdue by 60 days was Rs 4228.39 crore.

The power producer had, on January 30, issued notices to the discoms saying it would regulate the supply to various power utilities of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka from February 6 for not clearing bills pending for over 60 days.

Notices have been issued that power supply would be regulated until the dues for over 60 days. However, the issue has been resolved after getting a satisfactory reply from them, the sources told PTI.

According to the notices issued by the public sector undertaking, the discoms in Telangana owe Rs 2152. 92 crore of which Rs 1,356.06 crore was overdue by 60 days.

Andhra Pradesh power utilities have to pay Rs 2971.83 crore out of which Rs 2219.84 crore was due beyond 60 days while the Hubli Electricity Supply Company in Karnataka would have to pay Rs 713.29 crore of which Rs 562.49 crore exceeded 60 days.

According to the terms of power purchase agreement (PPA) and bulk power supply agreement (BPSA) and other such pacts signed between Andhra Pradesh and the NTPC for various NTPC stations, payments for the energy bill are to be made within two months from the date of issue of the bill.

In the event of default, the NTPC has the right to discontinue or regulate the power from its station.

The proposed regulation would be implemented with effect from February 6, the NTPC had said in its notice to AP Transco.

Chairman and managing director of Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited K Vijayanand said they were in the process of raising some funds through bonds and once that is done pending bills would be cleared.

Chairman and managing director of TS-Transco and Genco D Prabhakar Rao said they informed the NTPC that they would clear dues in two or three installments to which the PSU agreed and the notice was withdrawn.

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Authorities have slapped the stringent National Security Act (NSA) against three men accused of killing a cow at Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh, police said on Tuesday.

The trio, identified as Shakeel, Nadeem and Azam, were sent to jail by a local court on Monday.

"Acting on a tip-off that a few persons were allegedly involved in illegal act of slaughtering a cow, police raided a place at Kharkali village near here last Friday and seized a large knife and beef from the spot," Moghat police station in-charge, Mohan Singore said.

However, the accused fled from the spot during the police action, he said.

But police arrested them on Saturday from their different hideouts in Khandwa city and district collector, Vishesh Garhpale, slapped the provisions of the NSA against them, Singore said.

"On Monday, they were produced before a local court, which sentenced them to jail under the NSA and other relevant sections of the IPC," he added.

According to police, Nadeem was earlier also involved in slaughtering of cows and was wanted in the case.

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Nepal's anti-graft body on Tuesday charged former minister Badri Prasad Neupane and 13 others for their alleged involvement in embezzling millions of rupees while leasing out government-owned land to a private organisation.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a corruption case at the Special Court against Neupane, the former minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare, and 13 others on charge of irregularities worth Rs 315.21 million while leasing out land to Fun Park, a children's amusement park at Brikutimandap in Kathmandu.

The park which covers 60 ropanies of land is owned by the Social Welfare Council (SWC), the regulatory body of the non-government organisations.

A meeting of the Board of Directors of SWC headed by erstwhile minister on September 5, 2012 awarded the contract to Rabindra Gurung to run Fun Park for a monthly rent of Rs 555,000 (inclusive of all taxes) for 15 years without competitive bidding, causing a loss of Rs 315.21 million to the council, the CIAA has said in its chargesheet.

The anti-graft body said that as per the Governmental Contract Agreement Act, 1963, the defendants were required to award the contract through tender process but they did not comply with this provision.

It also said that the defendants awarded the contract for 15 years for a very low amount violating public procurement laws.

The CIAA has sought recovery of the amount from Neupane and others as well as a jail term of up to 10 years each.

Neupane was representing the Chure Bhawar Ekta Party which later merged with the then CPN-UML.

Other defendants in the case include former vice-chair of Social Welare Council (SWC) Pramod Mehata, former treasurer of SWC Kunja Bihari Prasad Chaudhary and former members of SWC Hari Neupane, Mohan Raj Sharma, Madan Kumar Lal Karna and former member secretary of the council Ravindra Kumar.

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Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma Tuesday said there is an urgent need to expand the food processing sector to create avenues for livelihood generation through entrepreneurship and improve the economic status of farmers.

"The food processing industry accounts for only 10 per cent of the total agricultural produce of the State. There is a need to expand the sector to create avenues for livelihood generation through entrepreneurship and improve the economic status of farmers," he said, addressing at a food processing workshop here.

The chief minister said, "Value addition has been one of the key focus area for the government. Keeping this in mind the government has recently created the Directorate of Food Processing to tap the potential and give adequate thrust to agro processing activities in the State."



He urged the people, especially the young entrepreneurs, to utilise the opportunities in the food processing sector, informing that the government is taking keen interests for the development of entrepreneurship in the state and has embarked on various programs to handhold, nurture and assist the budding entrepreneurs.

"I want to see young people get into entrepreneurship. I want the people of the state to develop an entrepreneurial culture. That is the reason why the government has initiated various programmes to help young people to take up entrepreneurship as a viable option for self-employment and in turn create livelihood opportunities for others as well," he said.

Urging people to look beyond conventional domestic markets, Sangma said neighbouring countries are a source of marketing the goods produced in the region.

"We share close to 440 km of international boundary with Bangladesh. This is a huge opportunity for us, to market and sell our products to nearby neighbouring countries and beyond," he said.

Earlier, Agriculture Production Commissioner K N Kumar informed the gathering that according to the report of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries the total value of Food Processing Industry will touch Rs 3.45 lakh crore in 2020.

"We need to take advantage of the rapid growth in the sector. We need to sensitise the people about various government schemes so that they can seize the opportunity of the current growth in the processing sector," he said.

The chief minister also released the Food Processing Technical Manual at the inaugural function. Over 600 farmers, agri-entrepreneurs are attending the workshop.

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Congress president Rahul Gandhi will address a farmers rally at the BHEL Jamboree Maidan here on Friday, the party's media cell coordinator Narendra Saluja said.

Saluja termed it a "thanksgiving rally" where farmers would felicitate Gandhi for the farm loan waiver announced in the state after a Congress-led government under Chief Minister Kamal Nath took over.

Gandhi, during the campaign for the MP Assembly polls in November last year, had promised a farm loan waiver if his party was elected to power.

"All top Congress leaders from the state, including (CM) Kamal Nath ji, Jyotiraditya Scindia ji (AICC general secretary) and Digvijay Singh ji (ex-CM), will participate in the rally," he said.

Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi claimed more than two lakh farmers from the state are likely to participate in the rally.

The MP government had earlier said the Rs 50,000 crore farm loan waiver scheme titled 'Jai Kisan Rin Mukti Yojana' would benefit 50-55 lakh farmers.

Under the scheme, loans up to Rs 2 lakh of eligible farmers are to be waived off.

The government has said that farmers will start receiving benefits of the waiver in their bank accounts from February 22.

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Moody's Investors Service Tuesday downgraded the credit rating of telecom operator Bharti Airtel and the backed senior unsecured notes issued by the telco's Africa arm on account of uncertainty around the company's profitability, cash flow situations and debt levels.

"Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") has downgraded to Ba1 from Baa3 the senior unsecured rating for Bharti Airtel Ltd. (Bharti) as well as the backed senior unsecured notes issued by Bharti's wholly-owned subsidiary, Bharti Airtel Int'l (Netherlands) B.V.," the agency said in statement.

Credit ratings reflect the company's calibre to repay debt and raise funds. Ratings range between Aaa, which means best, to lowest category C. Ba1 rating means obligations are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk, but have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

"At the same time, Moody's has assigned a Ba1 corporate family rating (CFR) to Bharti and withdrawn the company's Baa3 issuer rating. The ratings outlook is negative," Moody's report said.

The negative outlook indicates possibility of further downgrade of rating.

"The downgrade reflects uncertainty as to whether or not the company's profitability, cash flow situation and debt levels can improve sustainably and materially, given the competitive dynamics in the Indian telco market," Moody's Vice President and Senior Credit Officer, Annalisa DiChiara said.

The report said that Bharti Airtel reported EBITDA (cash flow indicator) of Rs 26,500 crore for the 12 months ending December 31, representing a 15.5 per cent year over-year contraction and the profitability of its core Indian mobile segment -- which contributes around 37 per cent of EBITDA - remained low, generating just Rs 9,800 crore over the same period.

Bharti Airtel, last week, reported a 72 per cent drop in consolidated net income for the three months ended December 2018 at about Rs 86 crore, amid market turbulence triggered by cut-throat competition in India business.

Change in accounting structure with respect to Airtel Payments Bank brought an exceptional gain of Rs 1,017 crore for Bharti Airtel and bolstered the company's financials.

"After accounting for gain of Rs 1,017 crore towards exceptional items (net of tax), the resultant net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, came in at Rs 86.2 crore," Airtel said in a statement.

Its net income stood at Rs 306 crore in the same period of the previous year.

While rival Reliance Jio posted a 22 per cent rise in profit at Rs 831 crore on a year-on-year basis in the home turf, Airtel's losses from India operations (before exceptional items) stood at Rs 971.9 crore, compared to a net income of Rs 373.5 crore in the year ago period. Among telecom service business arm, only Airtel Africa recorded increase in the profit.

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An umbrella organisation major churches in Christian-majority Mizoram has urged its members to organise mass prayers next week so that the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is defeated in Parliament.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC) made the appeal to its 16 constituent churches to offer mass prayer during the night service on February 16 so that the Bill is not introduced in the Rajya Sabha or, even if taken up, is not passed.

The bill seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, even if they do not possess any document.

It was passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8 and has been awaiting nod from the Rajya Sabha.

There has been strong opposition in Northeastern states against the Bill. The protesters claim that if the Bill is implemented, it will endanger the lives and identity of indigenous people of the region.

The MKHC statement said Bill would be harmful for the survival of the Mizos and is against the principle of secularism as enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

It also asked the members to pray for ensuring the safeguards of the Mizo people and return of true spirits of religious freedom.

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Afghan officials say 21 people have been killed in the latest Taliban attacks in the country.

11 policemen were slained when the insurgents stormed a checkpoint in northern Baghlan province (Representational Image)

Kabul: Afghan officials say 21 people have been killed in the latest Taliban attacks in the country, including 11 policemen who were slain when the insurgents stormed a checkpoint in northern Baghlan province.

Safder Mohsini, head of the provincial council, says the checkpoint attack late on Monday night in Baghlan's district of Baghlani Markazi also wounded five local policemen.

He says the Taliban made away with all the weapons and ammunition from the security post. In northern Samangan province, the Taliban targeted a local pro-government militia, killing 10 people there, including a woman.

Sediq Azizi, spokesman for the provincial governor, says four people were also wounded in that attack on Monday morning in Samangan's Dara-I Suf district.

The Taliban have claimed both attacks. Insurgents carry out near-daily attacks on Afghan forces.
Mizoram BJP chief John V Hluna on Tuesday threatened to dissolve the party's state unit if the national leadership goes ahead with the passage of the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, "harming the interests of northeast people".

He stressed that people of Mizoram and their safety were of "primary importance".

"The BJP state unit was formed to safeguard the interests of the people of Mizoram. If the central leadership decides to legislate the proposed amendment, the state unit would have no option but to dissolve itself," Hluna told reporters here.

He said he had approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and other national leaders over the controversial bill and appealed to the party's central leadership to revoke it.

He added that as an alternative, the state BJP unit also requested the national leaders that the bill, if not revoked, should at least keep the northeastern states out of its purview.

"We would be left with no choice but to dissolve the BJP state unit if our appeals are not taken into consideration," Hluna said.

The churches in the Christian-majority state have been asked to organise a mass prayer for the bill's defeat in Parliament, he said.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8. It seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12, which is the norm currently, even if they do not possess any document.

Protests against the bill have rocked the entire northeast, including the Mizo National Front-ruled Mizoram.

Several organisations and political parties claim that the bill threatens the identity, language and culture of indigenous people.

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PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday demanded action against an Army officer, who allegedly subjected a man from Pulwama to torture and threatened to kill him in an encounter.

"I would request the governor and the Army chief to look into the matter as to why has the Army officer so brutally tortured this youth that he has been hospitalised," the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister told reporters after paying a visit to the man -- Tauseef Wani -- at the SMHS hospital here.

Wani has alleged that he was called to the Shadimarg camp of the Army by one Major Shukla, where he was tortured. According to him, he was also threatened that if he did not pose with a gun, he would be eliminated in an encounter.

"Tauseef's father was killed by militants 23 years ago and his younger brother is serving in the Army. If this is what is done to our own people, those who have relatives in the Army, what will be the fate of others," Mehbooba said.

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief said Major Shukla was spoken about highly for being a brave soldier, adding, "What kind of bravado is this to call a person to the camp and torture him?"



Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks about breaking the backbone of terror, Mehbooba said the Kashmir issue was a political one which could not be resolved militarily.

"There has to be a dialogue with the stakeholders and Pakistan. Till then, the situation will not improve," she added.

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A Goa-bound man was apprehended at the Bangalore airport Tuesday for allegedly carrying a revolver in his baggage, an official said.

U C Suvarna was going through the security checks at the airport around 2.30 pm when a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel detected a pistol-like object in his hand baggage, the official said.

"A revolver was recovered from the hand bag of the man who is a resident of Bengaluru. He was handed over to the police as he could not produce valid documents for carrying the firearm," he added.

The man was supposed to take a flight to Goa, he said.

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A man was arrested for allegedly attempting to rape a one-year-old girl in outer Delhi's Aman Vihar, police said Tuesday.

The 22-year-old accused was working at a food stall and lured the niece of his employer on the pretext of buying her toffees on Monday, they said.

Finding their daughter missing, her parents and neighbours started looking for her and found her with the accused in a room, police said. The accused had removed her clothes and was trying to force himself on her but she was saved in the nick of time, they said.

The accused was thrashed by the girls' family and neighbours before being handed over to the police, they added.

The medical examination of the girl revealed that she had not been raped and is safe. A case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was registered and the accused nabbed, police said.

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The Ghaziabad district court Tuesday sentenced a man to 10 years of imprisonment for raping a four-year-old girl in 2015 here.

Special judge (POCSO) and additional session's judge 8th Vandana Singh also slapped a fine of Rs 15,000 on the convict.

Special government council (POCSO) Ranvir singh Dagar said that on January 1, 2015, Rahul, a Tronica city resident, raped the four-year-old "daughter of a man who had provided them a room to stay on humanitarian grounds as their house was under construction".

According to the complaint lodged by the girl's father, Rahul raped her on the terrace of the house.

The girl had suffered genital injuries and was admitted to hospital. Rahul's blood-stained shirt was recovered from the spot.

He was sent to jail under sections of rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act.

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A 30-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly harassing a Belgian tourist in December after which she left Delhi within a day, police said.

The accused, identified as Imran Latha, hails from Khayyam Chowk in Srinagar and is a resident of east Vinod Nagar. He is a travel agent and owns a shop in NDMC market in outer circle of Connaught Place, they said.

"He is being interrogated to identify and find out the whereabouts of two others who brought the Belgian national to his shop in an autorickshaw," Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Madhur Verma said.

He, along with his brother, interacted with the Belgian national and cheated her by selling a cheap hotel package and made her believe that her original booking was cancelled because of protests near the hotel, the officer said.

She informed the Belgian embassy about the incident which got in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which in turn wrote to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik.

The MEA stated the Belgian national, who arrived in Delhi on December 6, 2018, was harassed by several people, including an auto-rickshaw driver and a travel agent, following which the victim left India the next day, police said.

The victim alleged said upon her arrival in Delhi she went to New Delhi Railway Station from the airport. She boarded an autorickshaw from the station which took her to Minto Road, they said.

There, the driver stopped in front of two men who impersonating as police personnel told her that due to a demonstration the streets leading to her hotel had been cordoned off and she would require permission from 'tourist police' to proceed further, the MEA said in the complaint.

Guided by the two men to the address of a "police centre", the autorickshaw dropped her at the spot where she found six men in uniform, the complaint said.

They told her that the zone is inaccessible and advised her to leave New Delhi. According to the victim, they showed her videos of violent protests, claimed those to be live and even advised her to remove her jewellery.

The accused contacted her hotel where her room was booked and was informed that the booking was cancelled due to some events. The man in uniform then directed her to another auto-rickshaw which took her to a travel agency.

After wandering in the city for five hours, she finally settled for a hotel which suited her budget and took a cab there.

The Belgian national claimed the hotel had no windows, no Internet connection and she did not open the door of her room despite people knocking on it, police said.

She contacted one of her acquaintance in Rishikesh and narrated the incident. The acquaintance then contacted the hotel where a room was booked for her earlier and was informed that her room was not cancelled.

A staffer from the hotel where she was supposed to stay earlier picked her up from the hotel where she was putting up and she left for her country on December 7, police said.

A case has been registered in the matter and police are trying to get in touch with the victim, a police official said.

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During her days in opposition, Mamata Banerjee had accused an IPS officer of tapping the phones of political rivals of the ruling Left Front. A decade down the line, she is staging a dharna to protest the CBI's bid to question him.

Meet Rajeev Kumar, the Kolkata police commissioner, known for his impeccable investigating and electronic surveillance skills, who was once a blue eyed boy of former West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya.

Banerjee had then accused Kumar of snooping on telephonic conversations of opposition leaders, an allegation rejected by the then Left Front government.

An IPS officer of the 1989 batch, 53-year-old Kumar, who holds an engineering degree in computer science from IIT Roorkee, is a native of Uttar Pradesh.

During his impressive career, Kumar has held important positions including those of Joint Commissioner (Special Task Force) and Director General (CID).

It was under his helmsmanship that the STF of Kolkata Police became a byword for terror for several top Maoists leaders and notorious criminals.

He was instrumental in the arrest of Chattaradhar Mahato, the much-feared convenor of People's Committee Against Police Atrocities, a frontal organisation of CPI (Maoist), at the height of Lalgarh movement. Kumar's officers disguised as journalist had arrested Mahato.

The tribals of Lalgarh, backed by Maoists, had begun a movement in the region against alleged police atrocities over a decade-and-half ago. They had targeted the then chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's convoy at Salboni in Paschim Medinipur, prompting the government to launch a massive crackdown to flush out the rebels.

Former Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar, in his book 'Dial D for Don', reminisced how Rajeev Kumar, then SSP (CID), did extensive work after the American Center attack in 2001 and the high-profile kidnapping case of Khadim shoe company's CEO Partha Pratim Roy Burman. The former Delhi police boss was full of praise for Kumar.

Former IPS officers say Kumar always stood by his subordinates.

"He always stood by his men and officers. He is a team leader in the true sense," a former IPS officer said, adding he enjoys "immense respect" among the rank and file of the Kolkata police force.

In 2011, when Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress came to power ending the 34-year Left Front rule, she wanted Kumar to be shuted to some insignificant position. She was, however, disssuaded by senior police officers from taking such a course.

Over the next eight years a lot of water has flown down the Howrah bridge.

In January 2012, when Bidhannagar Police Commissionarate was formed, Rajeev Kumar was appointed its first commissioner.

When the Saradha chit fund scam was busted in 2013, thousands of collection agents for the company converged at the TMC headquarters and demanded action against its chairman Sudipta Sen. The first cases against the group were lodged under the jurisdiction of Bidhannagar police commissionerate.

Kumar and his team arrested Sen and his partner in crime Debjani Mukherjee from Jammu and Kashmir on April 18, 2013. The state government formed a special investigation team (SIT) under him to probe the fraud which saw lakhs of depositors getting duped of their hard earned money with the promise of abnormally high returns.

It was during his stint as SIT chief that he grew closer to the ruling dispensation.

His proximity to the establishment also brought with it criticism, as opposition parties accused the SIT of trying to destroy evidences against ruling TMC leaders and stalling the probe.

In November 2013, rebel TMC MP Kunal Ghosh was arrested by the SIT.

A CBI probe into the chit fund scam was ordered by the Supreme Court in May 2014 on a petition by senior Congress leader Abdul Mannan.

Meanwhile, the TMC dispention elevated him as Additional Director General of CID.

During his tenure as ADG (CID) he outsmarted the CBI and arrested the first accused in the case of rape of a 70-year-old nun. The nun was raped by a gang of seven dacoits inside a Convent in Nadia district on March 14, 2015.

Amid growing outrage, the state government had decided to hand over the case to the CBI on March 18, 2015. But before the federal probe agency could lay its hands on the perpetrators, Kumar arrested the first accused on March 26.

He took over as 21st police commissioner of Kolkata on February 2016, the year the state had its last assembly polls.

A month later, two officers of Kolkata police, disguised as cow smugglers, tried to bribe BJP national secetary Rahul Sinha to help them in their trade. The incident happened just a fortnight after Narada released sting videos showing Trinamool Congress leaders purportedly accepting money from a fictitious company.

In April that year, the Election Commission decided to replace Kumar with Somen Mitra.

Once back in power, Mamata Banerjee reinistated Kumar.

Last September, a series of audio clips of purported telephone conversations between Kailash Vijayvargiya, BJP general secretary in charge of West Bengal, and Mukul Roy, a former confidante of Banerjee and now a frontline leader of the saffron party, started doing the rounds in social media.

The clips included a conversation where Roy purportedly asked Vijayvargiya to talk to BJP president Amit Shah and get CBI to keep a "watch" on four IPS officers serving in the state so as to "scare" them.

Roy had then alleged that their phones were tapped by Kolkata police, which rejected the allegations.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday termed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's protest against CBI as a "disproportionate over-reaction" and said opposition leaders supporting her is like a "kleptocrat's club" aspiring to capture the reigns of power in the country.

Jaitley said the West Bengal chit fund fraud was unearthed in 2012-13 and its investigations were handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the

"The court-monitored these investigations. The CBI has interrogated and even arrested some people. Many have been granted bail. If a police officer is also required to be interrogated, how does it become a super emergency, assault on federalism, or destruction of institutions? Jaitley questioned in a Facebook post titled 'The Kleptocrat's Club'.

The minister said the CBI was being "brutally prevented" by physical force from investigating a crime which is legally within its jurisdiction. "It is a textbook illustration of a state government assaulting federalism, said Jaitley, who is in the US for medical treatment.



Since Sunday, Banerjee is sitting on dharna in Kolkata against the CBI's attempt to grill the city police chief Rajeev Kumar in chit fund scams, including Saradha.

"Mamata Banerjee's disproportionate over-reaction to the CBI wanting to interrogate the Kolkata Police Chief has flagged several issues for a public discourse. The most important being that a Kleptocrat's Club now aspires to capture the reigns of India," Jaitley said.



Stating that it would be a gross error to assume that Banerjee did this because of a routine investigation involving a police officer, Jaitley said She did it to defocus from other opposition aspirants for the highest office and to project herself as the nucleus of India's opposition.

Most of the opposition leaders or their affiliates, supporting Banerjee, are today being investigated, prosecuted and in some cases have also been convicted for crimes of corruption, Jaitley said.



"Curiously, the AICC President somersaulted his position from Saradha being a scam to shoulder-to-shoulder support to scamster. Interestingly, the first family of Congress where most members are on bail. A non-ideological short-lived coalition of opposition is disaster for India," he said.

Questioning whether New India can be ever run by this "kleptocrat's club", Jaitley said those who have lent support to the West Bengal dharna are those who are battling serious allegations of economic improprieties, criminal misconduct and even corruption.



"2019 election will be either Modi vs. chaos or Modi vs. anarchy. Mamata Banerjee's latest acrobatics are the best evidence of the kind of governance India's opposition can provide, Jaitley said.

The Supreme Court, earlier in the day, directed Kumar to appear before the CBI in Meghalaya's capital Shillong. The court also said no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata police chief, will take place during the course of the investigation.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar Tuesday accused his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee of putting obstacles in the CBI probe into the Saradha chit fund scam.

He alleged that Banerjee is playing with the Constitution to hinder the ongoing probe by the CBI into the Saradha chit fund scam.

Referring to the dharna of Banerjee ever since a CBI team tried to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the scam, Khattar told reporters that in a democracy, it was not a decent act by the chief minister and the state.

The CBI is probing the scam on the directive of the Supreme Court and such act of Banerjee was contempt of court, he claimed, adding that the Apex Court should take cognizance on the issue and take action against her.

Khattar was here to take part in the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morchas Kolhan division conference-- "Vijay Lakshya".

Earlier, addressing the BJYM workers, he asked them to get ready for the Lok Sabha election and ensure BJPs victory with a good margin.

He asked the workers and leaders to highlight achievements of the Modi-government as well as the BJP-ruled state governments.

Lauding the Jharkhand government headed by Raghubar Das, the Haryana Chief Minister said it was the first government to announce transferring of Rs 5000 in the accounts of farmers.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Taking on Mamata Banerjee on her home turf, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday accused her of trying to protect a "corrupt" officer and said there could be nothing more "shameful and unconstitutional" than a chief minister staging a sit-in to prevent "secrets related to corruption" from spilling out.

The BJP leader, who travelled by road from Jharkhand to this West Bengal town to address a rally after being denied permission earlier for landing helicopter in the state, targeted the Trinamool Congress chief for opposing the CBI's attempt to quiz the Kolkata police chief in connection with the ponzi scams.

He said the "TMC goons" will be put behind bars and will be begging for mercy once the BJP comes to power in West Bengal in the same way "SP-BSP goons" have been reined in his state Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing the rally, Adityanath also accused Banerjee of exploiting the poor in West Bengal and not allowing benefits of central schemes to reach the people of the state.

He referred to the Supreme Court's order directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to "faithfully" cooperate with the CBI in the investigation of the Saradha scam.

"Why was West Bengal Chief Minister Banerjee trying to protect the police officer?



"You must have seen how she is trying to save a corrupt officer. Nothing can be more shameful, undemocratic and unconstitutional than a chief minister of a state sitting on a dharna (sit-in protest) to ensure that secrets of corruption don't spill out," the UP chief minister alleged.

Purulia had witnessed political violence last year. Three BJP supporters were murdered and their bodies found hanging from trees and in one case with a high tension wire in Purulia district last year, attracting angry reactions from BJP president Amit Shah and others.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee had taken a swipe at the Uttar Pradesh chief minister asking him to concentrate on his own state instead of roaming around in West Bengal.

Reacting to her remarks, Adityanath said, "I want to tell Mamata ji that Uttar Pradesh is being taken care of very well... and the day BJP government is formed in West Bengal, TMC goons will be begging for mercy just like the goons of SP-BSP in Uttar Pradesh (Jis di Bhartiya Janata Party ki sarakar aayegi, TMC ke goonde apne gale mein takhtee laga ke chalenge jaise ke Uttar Pradesh mein SP-BSP goonde chalte hein aur kehte hein hame baksh do).

"Instead of rioting and harassing people, goons in UP are now begging for their lives and promising to reform. This is the BJP rule in Uttar Pradesh," he said.

Adityanath said there was no violence in panchayat polls in UP unlike in West Bengal.

"While I was coming by road, I saw how the people of this area have been deprived just because TMC cadres siphon off all the funds given by the central government," he said.

"When the entire country has moved forward in last four-and-a-half years, why the TMC government has deprived the people of this area of those benefits. It has no right to continue in power. We need to fight hard to oust this corrupt and undemocratic TMC government," he said.

The West Bengal BJP had on Monday cancelled a public rally of Adityanath in Bankura scheduled for Tuesday claiming that the district administration was "dilly-dallying" on giving permission for the landing of his helicopter.

The tussle between the TMC and the BJP became uglier Sunday with the West Bengal government denying permission to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's chopper to land in the state and let him address two scheduled rallies in north Bengal.

Adityanath had to address the rallies in Raigunj and Balurghat via telephone.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The fake university was set up by the DHS's investigating unit in Greater Detroit area to bust the 'pay-and-stay' racket.

Some of the students who were released and many of those who escaped detention have left the country. (Photo: AP | File)

Washington: All 130 foreign students, including 129 Indians who were detained for enrolling in a fake university, were aware that they were committing a crime to fraudulently remain in the US, the State Department has said, days after India issued a demarche to the American Embassy in New Delhi.

The foreign students were arrested last week by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for enrolling at the University of Farmington allegedly to remain in America. The fake university was set up by the DHS's investigating unit in Greater Detroit area to bust the "pay-and-stay" racket.

"All participants in this scheme knew that the University of Farmington had no instructors or classes (neither on-line nor in-person) and were aware they were committing a crime in an attempt to fraudulently remain in the United States," a State Department spokesperson said in a statement on Monday.

The State Department's response came after India issued a demarche to the American Embassy in New Delhi on Saturday, expressing its concern over the detention of Indian students and sought immediate consular access to them.

The External Affairs Ministry said India continued to closely monitor the situation arising out of the mass detention. Eight of the individuals who ran this racket have been arrested and are either Indian citizen or Indian American.

The fake university which had no classes, a low tuition fee and gave work permits on the very first of the enrolments of the students had some 600 students, an overwhelming majority of whom are Indians.

The actual number of those detained is much higher. Some of the students who were released and many of those who escaped detention have left the country.

An unknown number of Indian students have been radio tagged and authorities have put restrictions on their movement. The Indian Embassy here has made an aggressive effort to reach out to these students and, with the help of the community leaders, is providing them with legal help.

Eminent Indian-Americans and some media outlets have also questioned the modus operandi of the US government in the detention of Indians in the "pay-and-stay" university visa scam, saying "trapping of innocent students" is a "crime, illegal and immoral".

In the first reaction, days after the story broke out, the State Department had described it an unfortunate aberration in the proud history of India-US educational exchanges.

"More than a million international students' study at US institutions each year, including approximately 196,000 Indian students last year. Instances of fraud schemes are rare, unfortunate aberrations in the proud history of educational exchange between the United States and India," the State Department said.

The US government fully supports international education and is committed to facilitating legitimate student travel, it said in an apparent reference to the panic that the latest US move has created and reports coming out from India that students are now considering option to study in other countries and not the US. "International students are a valuable asset to our universities and our economy and enrich our communities through sharing their diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences," it said, acknowledging that Indian students not only bring in about USD 6 billion per annum but also become instrumental in creation of thousands of jobs in the US.

"It is unfortunate that some student recruiters and individuals seek to use the international student programme to foster illegal immigration status in the United States," the State Department said.

Overseas Friends of BJP USA, in a statement, said that it was shocked to learn that 129 students of Indian-origin were arrested by the ICE, with about 600 students' fate in jeopardy.

"It is very unfortunate that several students are affected by this University and majority are Telugu students. Most of these students have joined to get their work permits without knowing that this college is not accredited and became victims of this. Their dreams are shattered now," North America Telugu Association said.

The association has advised other students not to fall into the trap and instead work hard and get OPT/CPT from reputed universities as per the normal guide lines.

"If some university is offering a CPT without any course, it is not true at all," it said. The Indian embassy in the US has also opened a 24/7 hotline to assist 129 Indian students. It has appointed a nodal officer to help the students in distress.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Tuesday accused Mamata Banerjee of exploiting the poor in West Bengal being only interested in saving a "corrupt" officer allegedly involved in the Saradha ponzi scam.

Adityanath, who travelled by road to this West Bengal town to address a rally after flying to Bokaro in neighbouring Jharkhand, also referred to the Supreme Court's order directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to "faithfully" cooperate with the CBI in the investigation of the Saradha scam.

He questioned why West Bengal Chief Minister Banerjee was trying to protect the police officer.

"You must have seen how she is trying to save a corrupt officer. Nothing can be more shameful, undemocratic and unconstitutional than a chief minister of a state sitting on a dharna (sit-in protest) to ensure that secrets of corruption don't spill out," Adityanath alleged.

Calling the TMC government in West Bengal as "corrupt and undemocratic", he criticised Banerjee for not allowing benefits of central schemes to be passed on to the people of the state.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee had said the Uttar Pradesh chief minister should concentrate on his own state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Tuesday alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had put democracy in peril in West Bengal and sought to know if Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar was an office bearer of her party TMC.

Maurya's remarks came in the backdrop of Banerjee staging a "Save India" dharna (sit-in) in Kolkata since Sunday night insisting that the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams



was tantamount to stifling the spirit of "Constitution and federalism" in the country.

"I feel that in West Bengal democracy is in peril. Someone occupying a constitutional post is violating the federal structure of the country. This certainly does not augur well for the democracy of the country," Maurya told PTI here in an interview.

Banerjee owes an answer to the nation on "whether Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar is a TMC MP, MLA or an office bearer of her party", he said.

Seeking an answer from the West Bengal chief minister, Maurya said, "What is the reason that when the CBI is questioning an officer on the directives of the Supreme Court, that its (CBI) officers were detained, and then a drama of dharna was staged (by Banerjee) despite being in power."



On Sunday, in an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained.

Maurya said the public meetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi held in West Bengal, has frightened her.

"She has misused her sarkaari tantra (government machinery) and apraadhi tantra (crime machinery) only to gather people for the mahagathbandhan.

"But, more than those number of people, more are actually turning up to listen to the prime minister at his rallies. Other political leaders who are standing with the TMC chief have also stains of corruption on them," the deputy chief minister said.

This is a sign of nervousness on part of Banerjee. Today, the country is facing a situation, where there is a battle between democracy and corruption, Maurya said.

In a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Maurya said, "Earlier, the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi had criticised the TMC on the chit fund scam, and today he is extending support to Mamata Banerjee. And to me, it makes me believe that chor-chor mausere bhaai (birds of a feather flock together)."



The denial of permission to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's chopper to land in the West Bengal, drops ample hints that she does not believe in democracy, he alleged.

The tussle between the TMC and the BJP got uglier on Sunday, with the West Bengal government denying permission to Adityanath's chopper to land in the state to let him address two scheduled rallies.

Adityanath addressed the rallies there telephonically and lashed out at the "anti-people" TMC government in West Bengal, saying the days of Chief Minister Banerjee's rule are "numbered".

The Uttar Pradesh chief minister and the West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh were scheduled to address "Ganatantra Bacaho" rallies at Balurghat in South Dinajpur district and Raiganj in North Dinajpur district.

Though the BJP was allowed to organise the rallies, the district administration denied permission for Adityanath's chopper to land at both the places, party leaders said.

Following denial of permission to land his chopper, Adityanath decided not to attend either of the rallies and instead addressed them telephonically.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called off her sit-in protest Tuesday evening after the Supreme Court forbid the CBI from taking coercive action against Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar but vowed to wage a relentless battle against the Narendra Modi government till it was ousted from power.

Banerjee, who dramatically began the dharna on Sunday evening over the CBI's bid to question Kumar, in a throwback to her street fighter politician past, said she was ending the protest following a "favourable" Supreme Court order after consulting leaders of like-minded political parties.

"I will not give up....Modi hatao, desh bachao (oust Modi, save the country. The dharna is a victory of the people, of the country, of democracy. I will now take the fight to Delhi," she told a gathering of her supporters with TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu by her side.

The stormy leader had begun the protest claiming that the spirit of "Constitution and federalism" was being stifled by the Modi government after a CBI team went to quiz the Kolkata police commissioner Sunday evening in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam case, setting the stage for a fresh confrontation with the Centre.

CBI officials were dragged by Kolkata police, bundled into vehicles and detained, in a development Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh dubbed as "constitutional breakdown".

Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, drew support from over 20 opposition parties as she claimed the Centre was plotting a "coup" to topple her government.

Asserting that opposition parties will take the fight against the Modi government to a "logical conclusion", Naidu said their leaders will meet in the national capital on February 13-14 to chalk out an agitational programme.

"Democracy is in danger. Everybody is under threat. If anybody raises his voice, you throw them in jail. Is it Emergency? It is worse than Emergency," he said.

Naidu said he, as a representative of 23 opposition parties, and Banerjee spoke NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, his Samajwadi Party counterpart Akhilesh Yadav, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, DMK chief M K Stalin and former Union minister Sharad Yadav, and all favoured immediately calling off the dharna.

"But the fight will not end here. We will fight in Delhi. We will take it to a logical conclusion," Naidu declared.

Banerjee called off her protest hours after the Supreme Court directed Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate in the probe in the Saradha chit fund scam case but said he must not be arrested, an order which both Banerjee and the Centre claimed was their moral victory.

The Banerjee-Centre face-off resonated in Parliament for the second day running, with proceedings getting disrupted amid protests by opposition parties, including the TMC, SP and Congress, over alleged misuse of the CBI in West Bengal.

Banerjee said the court direction that no coercive steps, including arrest of Kumar, will take place during the course of investigation, is "our moral victory and boost the morale of civil servants".

The Centre, however, insisted the court order directing Kumar to make himself available before the CBI was a "blow" to the Banerjee government and a moral victory for the investigating agency.

Welcoming the order, senior BJP leader and union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in New Delhi it showed that nobody is above the law, including the police commissioner.

Echoing Prasad's views, Union minister Smriti Irani said political histrionics of Banerjee have been brought to a screeching halt by the apex court.

The apex court directed that Kumar will appear before the CBI for investigation in Meghalaya capital Shillong, and no coercive steps, including his arrest, will take place during the course of the probe.

The federal probe agency has accused Kumar of tampering with electronic evidence and claimed that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of West Bengal police headed by him provided the agency with "doctored" material.

The Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi also issued a notice to Kumar seeking his response to the allegations before February 20, the next date of hearing.

However, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the West Bengal police, rejected the allegations of the CBI, and called those an attempt to "harass and humiliate" Kumar.

Singhvi said till now no FIR has been lodged against Kumar and he has not even been made an accused in any of the cases arising out of the chit fund scam.

Lakhs of depositors in several eastern states including West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Bihar and Jharkhand were duped by the promoters of Saradha and Rose Valley groups of their hard earned money. The size of the Saradha swindle is pegged at roughly Rs 4,000 crore and that of Rose Valley a staggering Rs 15,000 crore.

Banerjee's dharna opposite Metro cinema brought back memories of the 26-day hunger strike she undertook 13 years ago at the same place against "forcible" land acquisition in Singur by the then Left Front government for Tata Motors' Nano car plant.

The feisty West Bengal leader's 46-hour dharna this time also dominated the national tv coverage over the last two days and underscored how crucial she is for the opposition's efforts to forge a broad-based alliance to take on the Modi dispensation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday asked the National Investigation Agency (NIA) if it had sought permission to truncate the documents and witnesses' statements that were part of the 2008 Malegaon blast case charge sheet.

A division bench of Justices A S Oka and Ajey Gadkari was hearing an application filed by one of the accused, Lt Col Prasad Purohit, seeking non-truncated copies of the documents and statements of witnesses.

Purohit had earlier filed the application in the high court challenging the applicability of provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in the case.

His advocate, Shrikant Shivade, told the court on Tuesday that when the first probe agency, the state Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS), filed its charge sheet in the case, several documents and witnesses' statements were truncated or masked.

He claimed that the agency never sought the court's permission to truncate or mask the documents and had done so at its own discretion.

The bench then sought to know if the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is now the prosecuting agency, had taken court's permission for it.

"Has the court passed any order allowing the documents and statements to be truncated? Or has the prosecution filed any application before the court to this effect? The investigating officer does not have the powers to truncate documents like this," Justice Oka said.

The bench directed NIA lawyer Sandesh Patil to take instructions from the officers concerned and posted the matter for further hearing on February 26.

Six people were killed and over 100 injured when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon, a town about 200 km from here in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008.

In October last year, a special court had framed charges under the UAPA against Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and some other accused persons in the case.

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Malayalam Actor Kollam Thulasi, who courted controversy over his anti women provocative remark during the sabarimala protest, surrendered before police Tuesday in chavara in Kollam district.

A case had been pending against Thulasi for his 'shocking' statement in October last that young women entering sabarimala should be ripped apart and one half sent to Delhi and the other to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan's office.

He had also attacked the bench which had delivered the judgement.

The actor, who is popular in negative roles in films and television serials, had made the offensive remarks while speaking at a meeting convened to welcome the BJP state president, P S Sreedharan Pillai led "sabarimala samrakshana yatra" on October 12 last year at chavara.

Though he publicly apologised for his remarks, an FIR was registered on a complaint by a local leader of the DYFI, the youth wing of the CPI(M).

The Kerala High court had on January 10 dismissed his anticipatory bail petition after directing him to surrender before the investigation officer.

Police sources said he surrendered this morning and his arrest had been recorded.

The actor would be produced before a magistrate court soon.

The actor was booked under various sections of IPC for deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage the modesty of women, Punishment for criminal intimidation, word, gesture or act to insult the modesty of women and wantonly provocating to cause riot and sexual harassment.

The Kerala State Women's Commission had also registered a case against him.

On September 28 last year, the Supreme Court had allowed women of all ages to enter the sabarimala temple and offer prayers, setting aside the centuries old tradition of not allowing children and women in the menstruating age group of 10-50 at the shrine.

After the ruling CPI(M)led LDF government decided to implement the Apex court verdict, following which right outfits with BJP/RSS support launched protests.

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A jewellery store employee was Tuesday arrested for falsely claiming that he had been robbed while transporting gold and silver in Maharashtra's Jalna district, a senior police official said.

Punjaapa Dukandar claimed that he had been robbed by unidentified persons who snatched his bag containing 100 grams of gold and 2.51 kilogrammes of silver, cumulatively valued at Rs 4.61 lakh, Additional Superintendent of Police Samadhan Pawar said.

He was given the gold and silver biscuits by his employer Shashikant Bodke, who owns a jewellery store in Jintur in neighbouring Parbhani, over 130 kilometres from here, to hand over to another jeweller in Jalna, the Additional SP said.

"Punjaapa claimed that he was travelling with the gold and silver in a rickshaw when some identified persons snatched his bag near the Jalna bus stand. His employer Bodke then filed a complaint with Sadar Bazar police station," the official said.

A Crime Branch team led by Inspector Rajendra Singh Gour, which started a parallel probe, found inconsistencies in the statements of the accused, he said.

Gour said a tip-off led them to a woman with whom the accused was reportedly in a relationship.

"The gold and silver were recovered from the woman's house," Gour told reporters.

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Nine persons, including four doctors, have been arrested for operating a racket in which female foetuses were aborted illegally in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district, police said Tuesday.

An official said the racket was underway for several years in the MIDC, CIDCO and Osmanpura areas of the district.

One of the doctors who has been arrested, identified as Varsha Rajout, is a government medical officer, he added.

"We suspect these persons performed at least 200 abortions in hospitals and clinics," Rahul Khade, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Aurangabad city, told PTI.

He said the lid on the racket was blown off following a specific tip-off on January 22, resulting in the arrest of five persons in a raid on a hospital by MIDC police.

Police probe so far has revealed that accused Dr Suraj Rana is the kingpin in the racket and he was the main link between hospitals and clients desirous of an abortion, the official said.

Apart for referring such persons to hospitals for carrying out illegal abortions, Rana also at times carried sex-determination machines to these medical facilities, he said.

During a raid on a hospital in Osmanpura Tuesday by a police team led by Assistant Police Inspector Shradda Vaydande, at least 10 chambers were found inside the rooms adjacent to the beds and a main chamber outside the hospital, he informed.

"We are investigating whether these chambers were for the purpose of destroying the aborted foetus after the illegal termination," API Vaydande said.

The nine persons have been charged under relevant sections of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act and Indian Penal Code, she said.

While five of them have been sent to judicial custody, four have been remanded in police custody till February 7, the API informed.

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Amid concerns over social activist Anna Hazare's health, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and two Union ministers Tuesday met the 81-year-old here and requested him to call off his fast.

Hazare, who began his indefinite fast on January 30 over appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs, has lost around 4.30 kg weight in the last seven days, doctors said.

Fadnavis reached Hazare's native Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmednagar district in the afternoon and held talks with him. Union ministers Radha Mohan Singh and Subhash Bhamre and Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan were also present.

The chief minister requested Hazare to call off the fast.

"Anna has expressed his disappointment with the Central and state governments over appointment of Lokpal and Lokayukta. If Fadnavis proposes something concrete, then only is there hope for a solution," an aide of the activist said.

Hazare began his fast demanding appointment of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states where such statutory anti-corruption watchdogs do not exist, and resolution of farmers' issues.

He has also been demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on ways to address agrarian distress, besides electoral reforms.

Locals who observed a bandh recently to show support for Hazare's agitation, restricted entry of government officials to the village on Tuesday.

The anti-graft crusader earlier said if the Modi government does not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan award.

Hazare Monday claimed that senior BJP leaders who once vehemently backed his Lokpal demand had turned 'allergic' to it after coming to power and accused the ruling dispensation of betraying people who voted it to power in 2014.

"During my Ramlila Maidan agitation on Lokpal and Lokayukta, the entire country stood up. An atmosphere was created. That is the reason why you (BJP) came to power. Now you are betraying the people who brought you to power," Hazare had said.

"Leaders like Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj had once vehemently defended the Lokpal demand in Parliament. But after coming to power, they are mum over it. It looks like they are allergic to Lokpal and Lokayukta. The agitation brought them to power but they have forgotten it," Hazare had said.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray and water conservationist Rajendra Singh met Hazare on Monday and extended their support to his agitation.

Thackeray asked him not to sacrifice his life for the "useless" government.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, whose party is an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra, has extended his support to Hazare, asking him to emulate socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan and lead an agitation against corruption.

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An aircraft being used for civil aviation training crashed Tuesday in Pune district, injuring the pilot, police said.

The pilot, Sidharth Titus, has sustained a fracture on his right hand, they said.

The crash happened near Rui village in Indapur taluka, police said, adding a technical snag may have caused it.

The aircraft belonged to the Carver Aviation Private Limited based in Baramati in the district, a police official said.

The pilot has been rushed to hospital, he said, adding his injuries are not life threatening.

The pilot has been with the institute since three years and has around 130 hours of flying experience, police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The budget session of the Maharashtra Legislature, which is set to begin on February 25, has been extended by a day, officials said on Tuesday.

As per the earlier schedule, the session was to conclude on March 1.

"The duration of the budget session has been increased by one day for a debate on drought situation. It will now conclude on March 2," officials said after the meeting of Business Advisory Committee (BAC).

The budget session will begin on February 25 with address of Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao to both houses of the legislature.

The vote-on-account will be tabled in the state Legislature on February 27, the officials said, adding that a debate will take place the next day (February 28), when the budgetary provisions will be passed.

Apart from the supplementary demands, both the Houses of the state Legislature will hold a debate on drought from March 1. The debate will conclude on March 2 with the government's reply, they said.

There are six Bills to be taken up for the passage during the session.

In December last year, the government had decided to curtail the budget session to five days.

Earlier, the session was supposed to start from February 18 and go on for three weeks. However, as the model code of conduct is expected to come into force in March, it would have become difficult to implement the schemes announced in the budget. Hence, it was decided to have a shorter session with a vote-on-account, sources said.

The state cabinet decided to postpone the start of the budget session to February 25. It was scheduled to end on March 1.

The monsoon session in July will be the last one for the Devendra Fadnavis-led government as Assembly polls are due in Maharashtra by October.

A full-fledged budget will be presented during the monsoon session, sources said.

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Mumbai-based RCom said on Friday it will seek fast-track resolution of its debt through the National Company Law Tribunal.

RCom said on Friday it approached the NCLT as lack of regulatory approval for asset sales. Photo: PTI

Reliance Communications Ltd on Monday moved the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) to withdraw its appeal in a dispute with Ericsson as it seeks to pursue a debt resolution plan through the countrys bankruptcy court.

Mumbai-based RCom, controlled by Anil Ambani, said on Friday it will seek fast-track resolution of its debt through the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), the countrys court that deals with bankruptcy cases.

The NCLAT on Monday asked Ericsson to file a response by Feb. 8 and scheduled a hearing for Feb. 12.

The Swedish telecom equipment maker signed a deal with RCom in 2014 to manage and operate its network and last year approached the court over unpaid dues.

In May 2018, the NCLAT put on hold insolvency proceedings against RCom as part of a settlement and asked it to pay Ericsson 5.5 billion rupees (USD 81.5 million) by the end of September.

Ericsson declined to comment on RComs latest debt resolution plans and was not immediately available to comment on RComs latest appeal.

RCom said on Friday it approached the NCLT as lack of regulatory approval for asset sales as well as pending cases at the Supreme Court and Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) hampered efforts to sell its assets.

Under the court-led restructuring, which it aims to complete within nine months, RCom said on Sunday it will continue to pursue monetising its assets via the sale of all telecom infrastructure assets and spectrum.

The company has reported a string of losses during a price war, triggered by the entry of Reliance Industries telecoms venture Jio, owned by Mukesh Ambani - Asias richest person and Anil Ambanis elder brother.

RCom has been left owing banks USD 7 billion as of March 2017, when it last made its debt level public, and more to vendors.

Separately, after-market hours on Monday, RCom said TDSAT has exempted a one-time spectrum charge (OTSC) on the telecom companys spectrum holdings in CDMA and GSM bands.

TDSAT has also directed the Department of Telecommunications to return a 20 billion rupees (USD 278.55 million) bank guarantee, RCom added.

RCom shares plunged as much as 54.3 percent to 5.3 rupees apiece on Monday. Over 378.8 million shares changed hands on Monday, compared with their 30-day average of 73.6 million.

RCom, worth 1.69 trillion rupees (USD 23.6 billion) at its peak in 2008, is now worth less than USD 330 million.
The Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the Tamil Nadu Government to inspect all old age homes in the state and file a report after a PIL alleged that senior citizens had been taken for a ride by retirement homes in Coimbatore.

A division bench of justices Vineet Kothari and CV Karthikeyan gave the interim order on the public interest litigation which sought implementation of the November 23, 2016 government order related to running of old age homes in letter and spirit.

The PIL filed by an inmate of a retirement home "Tapovan" in Coimbatore alleged that the promoters charged exorbitant fee but did not provide minimum standards of facility as had been prescribed in the government order.

The petitioner said several real estate promoters offered such homes on lease and sale basis in Coimbatore with attractive assurances to draw former government and public sector employees.

After the PIL was filed, similar alleged deficiencies in two other retirement homes, 'Nana Nani Home' and 'Dhyanaprastha Foundation', in Coimbatore came to the knowledge of the court.

When the petition came up for hearing on Tuesday, state Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department Seretary K Manivasan filed a status report in compliance with an earlier order of the court.

The report said the registration of Tapovan had been cancelled after deficiencies and certain violations were noted.

It also gave the number of government approved homes district wise.

The bench in its order said, "It seems the three old age homes in the city itself are facing difficulties and inmates of those old age homes appear to be facing quite a great amount of discomfort."



In the absence of proper supervision, regulation, inspection and provision of the requisite facilities in such homes, the complainants have reached the stage of filing not just PILs, but also contempt petitions, it said.

Referring to the cancellation of the registration of Tapovan, the bench said that "we do not consider it as a sufficient and proper remedy to the situation" and added that it may add to the problem.

It would pose a problem because the inmates of Tapovan may shift to other home in the same district or other districts. Hence the problem would not be solved at all, they said.

On the contrary, the state and its authorities should ensure that the management of such homes offer basic minimum facilities such as water, electricity, and food that go to the root of giving a dignified life to the senior citizens of the old age homes.

The court then recorded an undertaking given by the Secretary Manivasan that he would visit old age homes in Coimbatore, conduct meetings with district-level committees and file an affidavit with the remedial action.

Also, the bench suggested that the homes maintain suggestion register or box so that the inmates can record their grievances.

It directed that inspections of old age homes be carried out in all the districts and the compliance reports be presented to the court on the next date of hearing.

The court then adjourned the hearing to March 9.

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Eyeing a greater pie in India's massive military modernisation, a top American defence manufacturing company has said it has proposed a "game-changing" partnership with India.

" is committed to strategic, long-term international defense partnerships with India. India has a pressing need for advanced, scalable defense capabilities," Vivek Lall, vice president, Aeronautics Strategy and Business Development at told PTI.

is "proposing game-changing defense partnerships that benefit multiple stakeholders" not only in India, but also in the US and beyond, he said on Monday.

"We believe our proposed partnerships with India fighter aircraft - for new fighter aircraft, helicopters and other platforms are ideally suited to not just meet, but exceed India's capability and defense-industrial needs in the near-term and well into the future," he said.

Lall asserted that the company had demonstrated this commitment by announcing last September that it will partner with Tata to produce F-16 wings in India for future customers.



"This landmark 'Make in India' partnership is a natural next step that builds on our successful partnerships with Tata on the C-130J airlifter and other premiere defence and aerospace platforms," he said.

"We're also engaging with numerous others in India, the US and beyond to unleash the power of partnership and Indian innovation. We're very excited about all of the potential we see in India," he said.

When asked about the status of 24 helicopters for the Indian Navy, Lall said the Indian government had issued a Letter of Request (LOR) for Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) to the US government for the acquisition of 24 MH-60R helicopters.

"The US Navy is preparing its response, which is expected to be delivered shortly. We are confident the MH-60R "Romeo" is the right aircraft for India's Navy as it provides a vital capability for the Navy in the Indo-Pacific region," he said.



Lockheed Martin is also planning to participate in the Indian Navy's move to acquire 111 utility helicopters. The S-76D helicopter is the right platform for the India Naval Utility Helicopter programme, he said.

"Combining the attributes of the S-76 helicopter family with today's latest technologies, the S-76D helicopter offers unrivaled levels of safety with experience gained through the S-76 family's more than 7.2 million fleet flight hours," Lall said.

"Reliable, powerful, available, proven and trusted, the S-76D aircraft is capable of performing diverse naval missions in some of the most challenging environments," he said in response to a question.
Scientists are testing the effectiveness of a drug, currently used to treat liver ailments, in slowing down the progression of Parkinson's disease.

After screening 2,000 drugs, researchers from the University of Sheffield in the UK identified ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) as the most promising drug to rescue mitochondrial function in Parkinson's disease.

The clinical trial will assess the safety and tolerability of the drug --which has been used to treat liver disease for over 30 years -- in Parkinson's patients.

Scientists hope that the drug will be repositioned to help slow down the progression of the disease.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition severely affects a patient's quality of life and symptoms include problems with mobility such as walking, coordination or tremor, but can also result in memory loss, low mood or abnormal bowel function.

The symptoms of Parkinson's are mainly due to the loss of dopamine containing nerve cells in the area of the brain which controls movement.

An important reason why these cells die in the brain of patients with Parkinsons is due to a malfunction of the cell's batteries -- known as mitochondria.

The trial, led by Professor of Movement Disorders Neurology at the Sheffield Insitute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) and also an Honorary Consultant Neurologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was made possible due to the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) for Neurological Disorders.

"After nearly a decade of research we are extremely pleased to launch the first clinical trial of UDCA in Parkinson's patients to see if the drug is safe and tolerated," said Oliver Bandmann, a professor at the University of Sheffield.

"This is a pilot trial, which if successful, will lead to a bigger study to firmly establish the effectiveness of the treatment to slow down progression of Parkinson's," said Bandmann, who is leading the clinical trial.

"Currently, Parkinson's is relentlessly progressive but patients tend to respond very well to symptomatic medication in the early stages of the disease," Bandmann said.

"A drug which will slow down the progression of the disease -- even after the first few years of diagnosis -- would help people to have an improved quality of life for longer," he said.

The effectiveness of the drug will be assessed with two novel approaches. By using 31P MRI-Spectroscopy (31P-MRS), researchers will be able to quantify the function of the mitochondria to examine whether the drug successfully normalises the function of the brain tissue affected in Parkinson's.

Specially designed sensors will also be used to measure the effect of UDCA on a patient's motor impairment.

The bio-sensors will be worn by patients at the beginning and end of the trial, giving more effective results than using a clinical scale which may not be objective.

Repeat sensor-based objective measurements of motor impairment throughout the trial may also tell researchers whether UDCA might have the potential to slow down progression of Parkinson's.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Lima Group of Latin American countries and Canada has called for a peaceful change in government in Venezuela, without military intervention.

They also urged Venezuela's military to support opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president and "not to impede the entry and transit of humanitarian assistance to Venezuelans."



Eleven of the group's 14 members said in a joint statement after meeting in Ottawa - which saw protesters briefly disrupt a closing press conference - that they "reiterate their support for a process of peaceful transition through political and diplomatic means without the use of force."



At the same time, the group welcomed into the Lima Group Guaido's "legitimate government of Venezuela" and vowed to "recognize and work with" his representatives in their respective countries.

At a closing press conference, host Chrystia Freeland, Canada's foreign minister, said 34 countries have so far recognised Guaido as Venezuela's interim leader until new elections are held.

She pressed the entire international community to join them, and to also freeze the assets of President Nicolas Maduro's "dictatorial regime." Those monies should be placed in the hands of the transition government, she said.

Pressed about possible military intervention in Venezuela, Freeland was unequivocal - it is not an option.

"This is a process led by the people of Venezuela in their very brave quest to return their country themselves to democracy in accordance with their own constitution," she said.

Peru's Foreign Minister Nestor Popolizio echoed those comments, saying: "We would not consider the use of force." Two women using press credentials to access the event briefly interrupted, unfurling a banner and chanting "Hands off Venezuela" before being escorted away by security.

Freeland smiled and remarked that protesting was a right guaranteed by the constitution in Canada, one that "I am sad to say political protesters in Venezuela do not (have)."



Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged USD 40 million in humanitarian aid for Venezuelans amid the deepening crisis.

The bulk of the funds is set to go to "trusted partners" and neighbouring countries to help them support three million refugees that have fled Venezuela, he said.

Guaido has accused the military - controlled by President Nicolas Maduro - of planning to divert international humanitarian aid headed for the crisis-torn country.

"We have received information, from the circle close to the high command, who are no longer evaluating if they let it enter or not, but how they will steal it from us," Guaido told reporters in Caracas.

"They are going to hijack it to distribute it through the CLAP," he alleged, referring to the socialist government's program to distribute subsidized food boxes to its supporters.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and European Union deputy diplomatic chief Helga Schmid also participated by videoconference in the Lima Group talks.

Guaido, who heads the opposition-controlled National Assembly, addressed the gathering in a video message, saying he looked forward to having "free and fair elections as soon as possible in order to restore democracy to Venezuela." Venezuelans are "very close to reclaiming their freedom," he said.

The next Lima Group meeting is due to be hosted by Colombia. Emergency talks at the headquarters of the Organization of American States in Washington will also be held on February 14 to help deliver aid to the country's population facing major shortages of food and medicine.

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Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday wrote to his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal expressing serious concern over the release of "highly polluted" water into the Yamuna river and Gurugram canal.

He urged Kejriwal to direct all the departments concerned of Delhi government to ensure that no untreated or partially treated effluent is released into the river and the canal.

In the letter, Khattar said Yamuna enters Delhi at Palla in Sonipat district and then again near Okhla Head in Basantpur village in Faridabad district. It travels at a stretch of 52 kms in the NCT of Delhi.

"During this course, more than 60 drains having partially treated or untreated effluent of industrial or domestic sources, outfall into it. This causes severe pollution of the river before its re-entry into Haryana," he wrote in the letter.

According to an official release, Khattar highlighted that Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in the river at Basantpur village during July-December, 2018 has ranged from 45-46 milligram per litre against the permissible limit of 3.0 milligram per litre.

The BOD in Gurugram canal, the only major source of irrigation water for the Mewat area, ranged from 32-45 milligram per litre during the same period. This, Khattar said, is a matter of grave concern as the release of highly polluted water into the river and the canal severely affects the health of a large number of families of Gurugram, Faridabad, Palwal and Nuh districts.

Besides, it also badly impacts agricultural productivity of the farmers of these districts, he wrote.

"Hence, there is a dire need for the Delhi government to treat the effluent and to ensure that only fully treated sewage is released into the river Yamuna," Khattar asserted.

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Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday suggested that at least six airports across Northeast be connected with ASEAN countries.

Speaking at the second ASEAN-India Youth Summit being held at Guwahati, Khandu said that ASEAN region and Northeast have less aerial distance, so air service from at least six airports in NE with ASEAN countries could be started, an official release said here.

Khandu said the summit should be held as a calendar event and in different locations across the Northeast.

"Way forward to such summit is to build greater cultural exchanges and strengthen trade ties," he said.

Speaking to the youth participants from ASEAN countries, Khandu requested them to visit different parts of Northeast to know the region better.

Speaking at the event organised by India Foundation and Ministry of External Affairs, Khandu spoke on the cultural diversity and geographical vastness of Arunachal.

He said Northeast is often mistaken as one cultural entity, but even a single state like Arunachal has more than 26 tribes and 100 sub tribes.

"Arunachal is making tremendous progress in improving air, rail, digital and road connectivity. Earlier the state used to have lowest density of road in the country but now under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, roads are reaching remote corners of the state through different central schemes," Khandu said.

On air connectivity, the chief minister said that all the seven Advance Landing Grounds (ALGs) built during 1960s have been rebuilt and operationalised.

"Once airport in Itanagar comes up, the ALGs along with one civilian airport at Tezu will be put to use to start air connectivity services within the state using fixed wing aircraft," Khandu said.

The chief minister also spoke of the enormous potential the state offered in the sector of tourism, hydropower, agriculture and horticulture.

He said state has vast land resources which are yet to be exploited to its full extent.

Khandu also took part in the interactive session on the topic Northeast as Indias Gateway to ASEAN.

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Kamala Harris, the first Indian-origin Senator and Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress, the two 2020 Democratic presidential candidates, on Tuesday announced tour of four States which will hold the Democratic primaries early next year.

Harris, 54, would travel to South Carolina, New Hampshire, Iowa and Nevada later this month, her campaign said.

Daughter of an Indian-American from Tamil Nadu, Harris had formally launched her campaign late last month from her hometown of Oakland which was attended by an impressive 20,000 people.

In less than an hour of her formal launch, she raised more than USD1.5 million.

Tulsi Gabbard, 37, the Democratic colleague of Harris in the House of Representatives, who formally launched her campaign over the weekend would be in Iowa and Chicago this month, according to an announcement by her campaign.

"In Chicago, Tulsi will be visiting faith and advocacy leaders from a spectrum of denominations and cultural backgrounds. In Iowa, Tulsi will be sitting down with community leaders including the Asian-American, Latino, and youth communities," a media release said.

Both Gabbard and Harris have a wide support base in the Indian-American community, which constitutes just one per cent of the US population, but are known for their fund-raising capabilities.

Indian-Americans can play a key role in some of the key early primary states if the contest is close.

Harris, according to her campaign, would spend last two weeks in the four early primary States. Beginning with South Carolina, she will swing by New Hampshire (February 18-19), Iowa (February 23-24) and Nevada (February 28-March 1), according to an advisory released by her campaign.

The 2020 presidential primaries would kick off on February 3 with Iowa Caucus. This would be followed by New Hampshire primary on February 11, Nevada Caucus on February 22 and South Carolina primary on February 29.

The Super Tuesday is scheduled for March 3 which will have primaries in Alabama, California, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia.

Several of the other Democratic presidential candidates have also announced their intention to be in these early primary States this month. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker plans to be in Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire this month.

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has already made trips to Iowa and New Hampshire after announcing her presidential bid. She plans to be in South Carolina later this month.

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Actor-politician Kamal Haasan Tuesday held discussions with office-bearers of his Makkal Needhi Maiam on contesting the coming Lok Sabha elections.

The two-day meeting, which began Tuesday at the party office in nearby Pollachi, is being attended by district, assembly constituency and Area in-charges of the party to get feedback and inputs, party sources said.

In-charges from 11 districts including Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Erode, are participating in the meeting.

Haasan has recently announced that his party would contest the Lok Sabha polls in alliance with like-minded parties.

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Describing the union budget 2019-20 as 'self-serving,' Actor-politician Kamal Haasan Tuesday said it sounded in parts "like the legitimate version of money for votes."



The Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) president said the promises made to farmers "might look impressive" but that it would amount to a "paltry sum," when broken down to per diem.

Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal had presented the NDA government's interim budget last Friday.

"Economic experts will easily be able to pick holes in this budget. But what is obvious even to the common man is that this budget sounds in some parts like the legitimate version of money for votes," Haasan said on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Without referring to any particular announcement, he said "all the promises in this interim budget made to the middle class and the farmers might look impressive prima facie but if broken down to per diem/day allowance, it would amount to a paltry sum."



Among others, Goyal had announced that farmers would be provided Rs 6,000 per year in three instalments under a scheme to be fully funded by the central government.

Apparently referring to the BJP as "the party in power," he said, while it may reap the benefits of this dole, what if the people choose another party in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

Why would the new dispensation continue with these budgetary proposals "which they are already critical of?" he asked.

"The bottom line is, it is a very self-serving budget by the Government. And more importantly, the budget doesn't address any of the critical issues that affect the people of Tamil Nadu," Haasan added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker firmly defended the EU's competition policy on Tuesday, one day ahead of an expected veto of a Siemens-Alstom merger that has riled Paris and Berlin.

"We will always allow competition that is fair for business and ultimately fair for the consumer," Juncker told an industrialists conference in Brussels.

But he added: "We will never play politics or play favourites when it comes to ensuring a level playing field." "This is a message for those who are saying that the commission is composed of blind, stupid, stubborn technocrats," he continued.

Juncker appeared to be hitting back at Joe Kaeser, the Siemens chief executive who last week complained that "backwards-looking technocrats" were going to thwart a tie up that he felt was key for Europe.

Several sources have told AFP that the EU's anti-trust supremo, Margrethe Vestager, will on Wednesday veto the blockbuster merger.

The tie-up, staunchly backed by Paris and Berlin, would aim to combine the rail businesses of Germany's Siemens and Alstom, the maker of France's iconic TGV trains.

Backed by their governments, the companies argue the merger is necessary to face competition in Europe from state-backed Chinese giant CRRC.

If approved, the merger would create a rail behemoth with operations in 60 countries and annual turnover of 15.6 billion euros ($17.8 billion).

Alone, CRRC's annual revenues of 26 billion euros outweigh the three Western heavyweights Bombardier, Siemens and Alstom, each of which brings in around eight billion a year.

But the alleged Chinese danger has failed to impress Brussels, which insists that the rivalry from CRRC remains unfounded in Europe, at least for now.

Juncker insisted that in the 30 years since the first European merger rules came into place "we have approved more than 6000 deals and blocked less than 30." "This shows that we believe in competition as long as it is fair for all," he added.

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Even the external affairs minister often sometimes the terminology wrong in what it calls a list of extraditions.

India-UAE cooperation in handling terrorism and white-collar crime is suddenly in the spotlight since the Indian investigative agencies got back three high-profile individuals required over the AgustaWestland helicopter deal and the irregular seat-sharing with Gulf carriers. Both issues date from the time of the Congress-led UPA government. The media, by and large, has mixed up extradition with deportation, and generally refers to any transfer as the former. Even the external affairs minister often sometimes the terminology wrong in what it calls a list of extraditions.

The confusion is furthered by an impression that the recent transfers are a result of a diplomatic breakthrough by the current NDA government. In fact, the MEA lists first eight entries pertain to the UAE and begin in 2002. India and the UAE negotiated an extradition treaty in 1997, which was ratified in 1999. Indias problem in getting fugitives from the UAE was that those being sought had committed terrorist acts in India, starting with the 1993 Mumbai bombings, which even split the Dawood Ibrahim gang on communal lines, with Chhota Rajan and his associates walking out. Dawood was till then operating from Dubai, his local sponsor being a top Dubai judge. However, after the bombings, he, his brothers and associates obtained Pakistani protection and even Pakistani passports. This made the UAE reluctant to touch them as it avoided entanglement in India-Pakistan disputes, needing the expatriates of both nations to work in the UAE. All that changed after the 9/11 attacks on the United States.

The MEA lists opening entry pertains to Aftab Ansari, sought by India for attacking the American consulate in Kolkata. He was not extradited but deported by the UAE on February 20, 2002. This became the standard method for obtaining the custody of Indian fugitives as the UAE cancels the visa, withdraws consent to allow the fugitive to stay in the UAE, and deports him to the country of his nationality. But there were always some transactional and political dimensions, particularly when Dubai was involved. But the initial breakthrough related to persons sought by India for terrorist acts in India. Out of 70 entries in the MEA list, updated to January this year, the UAE fugitives mostly relate to terrorism, including the last high-profile one named Farooq Takla, deported on March 8, 2018. But the three recent cases in 2018-19 are white-collar fugitives. Christian Michel James was extradited after a proper judicial trial in December 2018, with two days of campaigning remaining in the crucial Rajasthan election.

The deportation now of Deepak Talwar and Rajiv Saxena occurs weeks before the Lok Sabha electioneering kicks off. All three are sought in connection with cases that point a finger at the Congress-led UPA.

Deepak Talwar went missing from New Delhi once his companies were raided two years ago over alleged malfeasance in the allotment of air-rights to Gulf airlines, clearly at the cost of Air India. In fact, the national carrier faced double jeopardy as not only competition flooded its lucrative Gulf routes but after the merger of Air India with Indian Airlines, it was saddled with new aircraft purchases. Thus, a weakened airline was loaded with more debt, from which it has not recovered since. Of this issue, I have first-hand experience as ambassador to the UAE: as what made Dubai amenable to deport fugitives after 2002 was both the enabling counter-terrorism environment post 9/11, as indeed their desire to get more seats and new destinations from India. But the UPA allowed this lever to disappear in an act of magnanimity, now being seen as having had ulterior financial motives. Talwar is the alleged key to this mystery. But much as such crimes need investigation, the domestic political dimension is obvious. The

civil aviation portfolio for much of the UPA government was with the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party, which is critical to the electoral outcome in Maharashtra and possibly even Gujarat.

Similar is the case of Michel and Saxena, but the target here is the Congress Party and the Agusta VVIP helicopter deal, which was cancelled after charges of bribery surfaced in Italy. Michel has been thoroughly grilled by the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI and is now in judicial custody. Saxena is a chartered accountant based in Dubai, who allegedly facilitated the transfer of proceeds of crime in this deal or some earlier unspecified ones. Michel needed to be extradited as he held a British passport and the mere cancellation of his visa could only have led to his deportation to the UK. The India-UAE extradition treaty came into play and proved useful. However, all extraditions are ultimately political acts as even after a determination by a judicial authority, the foreign offices or some designated political authority has to approve it. For instance, among the grounds for refusal of extradition specified in UAE Law No. 39 of 2006 are factors like the alleged act being a political crime or the danger of prosecution on grounds of race, religion, nationality or fear of torture, etc. These may be standard features in extradition treaties, but the determination is political eventually.

Why is the UAE accommodating India at a sensitive pre-election time when the sheer transfer of a fugitive can lead to political insinuations in real time by the Indian investigative agencies leaking snippets to damage Opposition parties. Pollsters are dubbing the next Lok Sabha election as too close to call. The infighting within the CBI, and now its standoff with the West Bengal government clearly breaches the norms of federal governance and constitutional propriety. In this vitiated atmosphere, the UAE may be inadvertently getting into the kind of controversy Russia got into in the last US presidential election. When does cooperation in criminal matters by a foreign power become interference in an electoral process? Its possible that the UAE may in the meantime seek countervailing favours. Jet Airways future hangs in the balance. Will it effectively pass to the Abu Dhabi-owned Etihads control as a feeder airline, which Indian guidelines forbid? In that case, it remains moot who harms Indias civil aviation more  those who weakened Air India or those letting a private airline quietly slip out of Indian hands. In politics todays fugitives may be tomorrows rulers, and vice versa.
Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd, which operates Dominos Pizza and Dunkin' Donuts chains across the country, Tuesday said it would pay a corporate royalty to its promoter group firm Jubilant Enpro Pvt Ltd.

The company's board had approved payment of royalty for using the brand name of Jubilant, the company said in a BSE filing.

"The board of directors of the company has approved the payment of a corporate brand royalty to Jubilant Enpro Pvt. Ltd. (a promoter group company), which owns the corporate brand name 'JUBILANT'," the company said.

It further added: "The royalty payment will enable the group to help protect, nurture and enhance the corporate brand name 'JUBILANT' and the group's image globally. It has been decided to pay 0.25 per cent of the consolidated revenue of the company effective FY20 as royalty."



Jubilant FoodWorks is part of Jubilant Bhartia Group and operates a network of 1,200 Domino's Pizza restaurants across 271 cities (as of December 31, 2018).

The company and its subsidiary have the exclusive rights to develop and operate Domino's Pizza brand in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Currently, it operates in India and Sri Lanka.

The company also has exclusive rights for developing and operating Dunkin' Donuts restaurants for India and has 32 Dunkin' Donuts restaurants across 10 cities in India (as of December 31, 2018).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hollywood megastar Angelica Jolie on Tuesday said that Myanmar must show "genuine commitment" to end violence against the Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state and create conducive environment for their return to resolve the world's worst refugee crisis.

Over 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have taken refuge in Bangladesh after fleeing from Rakhine state in neighbouring Myanmar to evade atrocities, which the UN called "a textbook example of ethnic cleansing", following the military clampdown in August 2017.

Jolie, the special envoy for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), visited various refugee camps on the outskirts of Cox's Bazar and spoke to Rohingyas and listened to their horrifying stories.

"I urge the Myanmar authorities to show the genuine commitment needed to end the cycle of violence and displacement and improve the condition of all communities in Rakhine state including the Rohingya," the special envoy of the UN Refugee Agency told reporters.

The 43-year-old Hollywood actor arrived here yesterday and visited a refugee camp in Teknaf near the Myanmar border.

Jolie said any government's "test and measure" was reflected in its treatment to the most vulnerable people of the society and how "they (governments) treat those who stand up for the vulnerable and speak out for the atrocities committed against them".

"The people responsible of human rights violations (in Myanmar) must be held accountable for their action," she said after visiting the world's largest refugee settlement ahead of ahead of a new UN appeal to raise nearly USD one billion for the Rohingyas in Bangladesh.

Describing Bangladesh as a "generous country with rich culture and history but with limited resources", she and said it must not be left to tackle the crisis alone.

She urged the international community to continue to provide the humanitarian aid necessary to meet the needs of the refuges as well as support the local community who generously hosted the huge numbers of displaced Rohingyas.

"I am humbled and proud to stand with you (Rohingyas) today, you have every right to living security, to be free to practice your religion and to coexist with people of other faiths and ethnicities, you have every right not to be stateless and the way you have been treated (in Myanmar) shames us all," she said.

The special UNHCR envoy will conclude her Bangladesh tour tomorrow when she is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen.

During the meetings, Jolie was expected to discuss how the UN Refugee Agency could best support the current response led by the Bangladeshi government, along with the need for safe and sustainable solutions to their plights, an official said.

The UN said it was set to launch of a new appeal for the humanitarian situation in Bangladesh - the 2019 Joint Response Plan - which seeks to raise some USD 920 million to continue meeting the basic needs of Rohingyas and the communities so generously hosting them.

This is Jolie's first visit to Bangladesh but she also met Rohingyas during a visit to Myanmar in July 2015 and in India in 2006.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
/ -- Scholarship Aimed at Supporting Higher of Meritorious but Needy Students



Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), one of India's premier business schools, has announced the commencement of an annual scholarship program to help deserving and financially underprivileged students manage the cost of their higher

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/816709/JBIMS_Scholarship_Awards.jpg )



Effective 2019, every year two M.M.S. students will be granted Rs. 100,000 each as part of the Smt. Jyoti Dwivedi Memorial Scholarship Awards. The scholarships will be provided to second year students to meet their fees based on their first year scores as well as their family's financial situation.

This scholarship amount has been provided to JBIMS by Nimish Dwivedi from JBIMS' batch of 1993.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Kavita Laghate, Director of JBIMS said, "JBIMS is very thankful to our alumna, Mr. Nimish Dwivedi for his support to meritorious students in the form of this scholarship. I am very sure that the students will be really motivated by this award and will strive to achieve more in future."



Nimish Dwivedi, a consumer marketing and financial services veteran who has lived and worked in India, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, and is currently based in Vietnam, added, "I am thankful to the Director and to my Business School for instituting this scholarship in my late mother's cherished memory. I owe my current career and standing to JBIMS. The only reason I got into JBIMS was due to my late mother who was a great believer in the power of higher education and one of the first graduates from her home town in Gujarat during the nineteen sixties."



This year, the scholarship has been awarded to Rutuja Dharkar and Bhimsingh Rajpurohit.

Rutuja Dharkar hails from Nashik and has managed to do her engineering as well as got into JBIMS with her firm belief in breaking the stereotypes that small town girls are not made for corporate world and prove that women are equally competent.

Bhimsingh Rajpurohit hails from a family of ten including eight siblings. He has managed to complete his engineering as well as got into JBIMS with his firm belief that 'if you are going through hell, keep going and be unstoppable.'



About JBIMS:



An Institute founded in 1965, JBIMS is considered to be unique in management education as it is firmly rooted in the local soil and capable of articulating the Indian ethos. In the contemporary era, where Globalization and Liberalization are the buzz words, the Institute has, without disturbing the said roots, ordered itself to meet the emerging challenges, sentiments and opportunities that are going to present themselves on account of the new economic order. The Institute believes that proper managerial perspective, search of excellence and efficient managerial action is possible by a person with managerial potential developed into a highly resourceful, enriched and stimulating mind through knowledge, skills and attitudes provided in the MMS course. For more information, visit: http://jbims.edu/ .

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Minister is likely to return back from the United States, where he has been undergoing medical treatment, by this weekend, a source with knowledge of the matter said.

Jaitley, who was Minister before a medical procedure led to the charge being temporarily taken away from him, missed presenting the sixth and the final Budget of the In his absence, the charge of the Ministry was given to Railways Minister

Jaitley, however, has been active on tweeting and writing posts and had also met reporters through a video call from and fielded questions on the Budget. He also gave interviews on the subject.

The source said Jaitley is recovering well and is likely to be back in by this weekend and depending on doctor's advice, may also attend Parliament next week.

He, however, did not offer any details.

It is unclear if he would be renamed the minister soon after his return.

In an interview to PTI in after the Budget presentation, he said he was on recovery course and return to in time to reply to the Budget debate in Parliament will depend on when his doctors allow him to leave.

"It depends on after my treatment here, which is all over. I am on the recovery course. It's when my doctors allow me to go back. As of present, as I understand, will be replying (to the Budget debate in Parliament)," he said.

The Budget session of Parliament ends on February 13, and debate on the interim budget, presented by Goyal, is supposed to happen before that.

"Will be back soon. I am much better now. Hopefully, will be back soon," Jaitley had said on February 1, when asked when would he come back.

Jaitley, 66, had last month flown to for the treatment after being reportedly diagnosed with soft tissue cancer which required surgery.

This is his first overseas visit after he underwent renal transplant surgery on May 14, 2018, at AIIMS.

He had stopped attending office at the beginning of April last year due to his kidney ailment and was back in North Block - the seat of Ministry - on August 23, 2018. Even then, Goyal had manned the Ministry for about 100 days.

Jaitley in September 2014 underwent bariatric surgery to treat weight gain that he suffered because of a long-standing diabetic condition.
Hitting out at the opposition coming together in support of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Union Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday said that a "kleptocrat's club" was aspiring to capture the reigns of power in the country.

The disproportionate over-reaction by Banerjee to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) wanting to interrogate the Kolkata Police chief has flagged several issues for a public discourse, the minister said, adding the most important being that a kleptocrat's club now aspires to capture the reigns of India.

In a Facebook post titled The Kleptocrat's Club', Jaitley said the West Bengal chit fund fraud was unearthed in 2012-13. Its investigations were handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court.

The court monitored these investigations. The CBI has interrogated and even arrested some people. Many have been granted bail. If a police officer is also required to be interrogated, how does it become a super emergency, assault on federalism, or destruction of institutions? Jaitley questioned.

Stating that it would be a gross error to assume that Banerjee did this because of a routine investigation involving a police officer, Jaitley said She did it to defocus from other opposition aspirants for the highest office and to project herself as the nucleus of India's opposition.

Since Sunday, Banerjee is sitting on dharna in Kolkata against the CBI's attempt to grill the city police chief in the chit fund scams, including Saradha.

Today, the CBI is being brutally prevented by physical force and detention of its officer from investigating a crime legally within its jurisdiction, in the state of West Bengal. It is a textbook illustration of a state government assaulting federalism, Jaitley said.

He said Banerjee's decision to sit on a Dharna received support of many opposition parties who aspire to be in power.

Most of them, or their affiliates, are today being investigated, prosecuted and in some cases have also been convicted for crimes of corruption, he said.

Curiously, the AICC President somersaulted his position from Saradha being a scam to shoulder-to-shoulder support to scamster. Interestingly, the first family of Congress where most members are on bail. A non-ideological short-lived coalition of opposition is disaster for India, he said.

Questioning whether New India can be ever run by this "kleptocrat's club", Jaitley said those who have lent support to the West Bengal dharna are those who are battling serious allegations of economic improprieties, criminal misconduct and even corruption.

2019 Election will be either Modi Vs. Chaos or Modi Vs. Anarchy. Mamata Banerjee's latest acrobatics are the best evidence of the kind of governance India's opposition can provide, Jaitley said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court Tuesday asked senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, who is assisting it as an amicus curiae in a matter related to administration of Jagannath temple in Puri, to visit the shrine to assess the ground reality there.

A bench headed by Justice A K Sikri said this after the counsel appearing for Odisha argued that the amicus should visit the temple and himself see the situation there.

When the bench asked Kumar about it, he said he would visit the temple on February 22 and 23 and apprise the court.

The top court is dealing with a plea which has highlighted the difficulties faced by the devotees at Jagannath temple and their alleged harassment or exploitation by the 'sevaks' of the temple.

During the hearing on Tuesday, Kumar said one of the major issues at the temple was the lack of proper crowd management and absence of queue system for the devotees.

To this, the state counsel said that as the architecture of the shrine was different it was not easy to have a "typical queue system" for the devotees there.

Referring to the architecture of the sanctum sanctorum there, the counsel said, "The amicus can go there and see the situation. The problem which the state is facing today cannot be visible unless the amicus goes there and sees it himself. We are not opposing the queue system."



After Kumar said he would go to the shrine, the bench asked the state to make all arrangements for his visit there.

The bench also said that Puri's District Judge, who had earlier given a report to the apex court about administration of the shrine, and administrator of the temple to assist the amicus.

The bench posted the matter for further hearing on February 27.

Kumar referred to the interim report filed last year by the district judge in the top court which had raised the issue of alleged harassment of devotees by the 'sevaks' (staffs) of the temple.

"Despite all the recommendations, either the state or the administrator are not doing anything or they do not want to do this due to which visitors going there are harassed," the amicus told the bench.

When one of the advocates appearing in the matter raised the issue of 'sevaks', Justice Sikri observed, "We are telling you with our own experience that there is exploitation (of devotees)."



On January 9, the apex court had appointed Kumar as an amicus curiae to assist it in the case.

The apex court had on November 30 last year accepted the request of senior advocate Gopal Subramanium to relieve him as amicus curiae in the matter.

Nine policemen were injured in the violence at Puri in October last year during a 12-hour bandh called by a socio-cultural organisation protesting the introduction of a queue system for devotees visiting the temple, police had said.

The court had earlier said that no policeman should enter Jagannath temple "with weapons and shoes" after it was alleged before it that during the October 3 last year violence at the shrine, cops had entered there with boots and guns.

The Odisha government's counsel had termed the allegations as "absolutely false" and said no policeman had entered the temple as the incident had taken place at office of Shree Jagannath temple administration which is situated around 500 metres from the main temple.

In July last year, the top court had directed the Jagannath temple management to consider allowing every visitor, irrespective of faith, to offer prayers to the deity.

However, it had said that it would be subject to regulatory measures regarding dress code and giving an appropriate declaration.

It had directed the Centre to constitute a committee to look into the issues raised by the district judge of Puri regarding alleged exploitation of devotees, abolishment of hereditary Sevaks and appointment of Sevaks in the temple.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BJD leader B Mahtab on Tuesday wondered whether reciting something in Sanskrit is not secular as he raised in Lok Sabha the issue of certain entities not agreeing with the decision for compulsory recitation of common prayers in Sanskrit by students in all Kendriya Vidyalayas.

A petition has also been filed in the Supreme Court regarding the revised education code for Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) Sangathan schools comprising compulsory recitation of common prayers in Sanskrit by students.

During the Zero Hour, Mahtab asked the government to put forth its view on the matter in the House as well as in the Supreme Court.

He said some parents, children and organisations from certain communities do not agree with this common prayer in KVs, which are run by the central government.

Mahtab said it was a common fact that the common prayers that are being sung in Kendriya Vidyalayas are from Upanishads, which are widely acclaimed by one and all in this world.

"Our original Constitution has the motifs of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Upanishads which are on display both in the Parliament House Library and also in the Teen Murti Bhavan Library and it was never questioned as to why it had features of Hindu religion....

"Today, we hear that the secular character is being tarnished because of the invocations in Sanskrit," he noted.

He also referred to Sanskrit shloka 'Yato Dharma Tato Jaya' which is part of the Supreme Court logo.

Even in Lok Sabha, Dharma Chakra Pravartanaya is written in the panel, Mahtab said and asked whether it means that something "which is being recited in Sanskrit is not secular?"



He said that Upanishads have given us 'Asathoma Sad Gamaya, Thamasoma Jyotir Gamaya' (From ignorance lead me to truth, from darkness lead me to light) and that is recited in Kendriya Vidyalayas.

"Why should someone go to the Supreme Court challenging it that it impinges on the secular character?" he wondered.

Congress member Shashi Tharoor raised the Sabarimala temple issue and said the controversy can be resolved either through judicial process or through legislative action by Parliament.

Various entities, including right-wing groups, have been protesting in the wake of the Supreme Court decision in September 2018 to lift the ban on entry of females between 10 and 50 years of age into the shrine. The ruling LDF in Kerala had decided to implement the court's order.

During the Zero Hour, Tharoor, who represents Thiruvananthapuram constituency, said Kerala has been deeply troubled by the ongoing controversy regarding the Sabarimala Temple.

Irresponsible parties have been trying to hijack protests by genuine believers in a bid to reap political dividends. They have been engaging in vandalism and violence disrupting the law and order in the state, he alleged.

"This problem can only be solved either through a judicial process in the form of a review of the Hon. Supreme Court's judgement or through a legislative action by Parliament," he said.

Without naming any party, Tharoor said it was hypocrisy "to create violence and protest when you have the majority to pass a law".

"I urge the government to come up with a legislative action to ensure and protect the freedom of religious places and worship in principle with constitutional values because we need to clarify the application of essential religious practices," he said.

BJP member Nishikant Dubey alleged that the West Bengal government was protecting corrupt people and illegal immigrants from Bangladesh for vote bank politics.

Dharmendra Yadav (SP) raised the issue of change in roster system for recruitment of teachers in colleges and universities.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mobile internet services were snapped for five hours in parts of the city Tuesday to prevent separatist leaders from addressing the 'International Conference on Kashmir' in London through video conferencing, officials said.

The services were snapped within two-kilometre radius of the residences of Hurriyat leaders Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq in Hyderpora and Nigeen areas of the city, respectively, they said.

The services were restored at 10 pm, the officials said.

The International Conference on Kashmir was held inside the British Parliament Tuesday.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi addressed the conference.

India had on Thursday said it has "very strongly" taken up with the UK the issue of a conference on Kashmir in London.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said India was expecting the British government to address its concerns on the issue, adding the conference is "very clearly" intended to undermine unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Indian internet advocacy firms along with others has voiced concerns over the proposed changes in IT rules for social media and messaging apps, alleging that the draft amendments include vague terminologies and can be a big threat to privacy.

Internet advocacy firms and professionals have shot off a joint letter to Information Technology Secretary Ajay Prakash Sawhney, appealing for a "less invasive" means of regulating internet.

"The draft rules require intermediaries to include a traceability feature to assist law enforcement agencies. Such a traceability requirement could lead to breaking of encryption on apps such as WhatsApp...and this will be a major threat to the privacy rights of citizens," the letter dated January 31 said.

It said the draft rules, despite being targeted on social media platforms and messaging applications, would apply equally to all intermediaries involved in transmission and facilitating service of internet which will lead to disproportionate use of government regulation.

Citing a Supreme Court order which struck down Section 66A of the IT Act 2000 for vagueness of terms like offensive, menacing and dangerous, among other reasons, the letter said similar vague terms as grossly, harmful, harassing and hateful exist in the draft amendments as well.

The letter said as per the draft, intermediaries are required to deploy deeply automated tools for proactively filtering unlawful content on their platforms.

This would result in pre-censorship regime, violating the right to free speech and expression, where artificial intelligence would crawl through social media to filter and remove content which it deems 'unlawful', the letter said.

"While being cognizant of national security interests, we appeal for less invasive and proportional means of regulation of the internet," it said.

The letter was signed by entities like Digital Empowerment Foundation, Free Software Foundation Tamil Nadu, Free Software Movement of India, Internet Democracy Project, Software Freedom Law Centre, India , IT for Change, besides bloggers, online journalists and academicians.

The draft rules have been now closed for public comments but counter comments can be given till February 14.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Congress' farmers' unit president Nana Patole Tuesday alleged that by promising Rs 17 a day to farmers in the Union Budget, the government has added salt to their injuries.

The All India Kisan Congress chairman, addressing a press conference here, said a farmer's family cannot even afford tea with the amount announced for them.

At the conference, some farmers displayed cheques of Rs 17, which they said they would send to the prime minister as part of their protest.

Patole said by paying Rs 17 a day to farmers, the government had added salt to the their wounds and would have to pay for it.

Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal, in the Interim Budget, announced that farmers will be provided Rs 6,000 per year in three installments under a central government scheme. This translates into Rs 16.44 daily.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Since the arrest was under bailable sections, Kumar was later released on bail.

NEW DELHI: A 21-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly publishing fake Lok Sabha 2019 polls schedule on his website from a WhatsApp group in January. The accused was arrested following a complaint from the office of Chief Electoral Officer.

According to the police, they received a complaint in January from the electoral officer mentioning that a fake news about the schedule of 2019 general elections is being circulated on various online and social media platforms.

During investigation, we zeroed down on a website named www.mytechbuzz.in. It was found that the false schedule had published from this website. Technical investigation was conducted and we were able to identify the admin of the website as one Gomunt Kumar, a resident of Jharkhand. Kumar was pursuing his graduation in B.Sc from Ranchi. He was asked to join the probe in Delhi and was later arrested on January 31, said a senior officer of cyber.

During interrogation the man revealed that he had received the election schedule on a WhatsApp group which he then published on his website to increase the popularity of the website.

Since the arrest was under bailable sections, Kumar was later released on bail.

His devices have been seized and further investigation is underway. We are yet to check the content of the WhatsApp group from where he took that information, said Deputy commissioner of police (cyber cell) Anyesh Roy.

Police are also checking Kumars involvvements in previous cases if any. We were told that he has shut down his website. Political involvement behind the incident and background of the members of the WhatsApp group are also being checked, an officer said.
Indian peacekeepers serving in UN missions from Lebanon to South Sudan are being lauded for their tireless efforts and service in helping the communities in the host nations - from critical infrastructure development to starting language courses for young women.

Indian peacekeepers deployed in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) last week started English language course for a group of young women of Souk Al Khan in their area of responsibility in south-eastern Lebanon.

The six-week course, for which 23 women have registered so far, kicked off at the Centre for Care and Development and will entail written and spoken expressions of the English language.

According to UNIFIL news, the programme, initiated at the request of local authorities, will help the young women improve their participants' skills in the usage of English language in their everyday life. It will also help them enhance their employment prospects after having learnt an additional language.

"Between peacekeeping duties, UNIFIL peacekeepers regularly carry out various small-scale activities with the host communities, which boosts their bond and further facilitates the UNIFIL's core operational activities," UNIFIL said.

Indian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) undertook critical work to complete rehabilitation of a main supply route, 250-km long, linking Malakal to Melut.

Commanding officer of the Indian Horizontal Military Engineering Company, Lt Col Amit Sirohi, said the challenging task could only have been successfully achieved through strong collaborations.

"I must admit that because of the continuous support from all three agencies that is the UN, the government of South Sudan and above all the people of South Sudan, we were able to complete the work well ahead of the deadline given to us," Sirohi was quoted as saying in an article from UNMISS.

The rehabilitation involved leveling and grading the surface to make it passable for both heavy and light traffic, a strategic move set to save both the peacekeeping mission and humanitarian agencies their already scarce resources which would otherwise had been used for costly air transportation of aid and manpower.

Acting Governor John Odhong Adiang welcomed the development and thanked the peacekeepers for their timely interventions, saying the task has been well accomplished and in the shortest possible time period.

Separately, Indian engineers serving with UNMISS launched rehabilitation work on the main road linking Bentiu and Leer, where poor condition had made it impassable for the past three years.

The UNMISS said poor roads in the area have been a huge cause of concern for women who had to walk long distances to find food, with reports indicating that such roads contribute to cases of sexual violence.

Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan are also being lauded for convincing refugees and displaced persons to return home. The establishment last year of a new UN peacekeeping base in Akobo the only one in opposition-held territory is helping build confidence by providing a protective presence.

Forty Indian "Blue Helmets" currently serve at the remote and austere UN base which is manned by different troops on a weekly basis. Medical outreach to the town's inhabitants by Indian peacekeepers has in the past been praised by the local population.

The UN and humanitarian agencies are also supporting internally displaced people who want to make the journey home from a UN protection camp in Bor. With the establishment of the base and other UN efforts, Akobo is beginning to bustle with life again with the return of about 12,000 refugees and internally displaced families.

More than 2,400 Indian peacekeepers are currently deployed with the UN Mission in South Sudan.

Apart from dutifully carrying out their peacekeeping responsibilities, Indian personnel also celebrate their culture, sharing important occasions with the local communities.

The UNMISS article quoted Indian Ambassador to South Sudan S.D. Moorthy as highlighting the importance of community outreach activities undertaken by Indian peacekeepers around the country, including providing veterinary services and training for cattle owners, agricultural support, as well as vocational training for youth.

"These are things that we can do at the local level that really benefit the local community, particularly those who are returning from refugee and internally displaced camps," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two leading Indian-American women have led the Democratic party's move to oppose the nomination of fellow community legal luminary Neomi Rao for the prestigious and powerful US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

US President Donald Trump had announced Rao's nomination in November while celebrating Diwali at the White House. Trump had nominated her in place of Justice Brett Kavanaugh who in October was sworn in as the Supreme Court judge.

If confirmed by the United States Senate, Rao, 45, would be the second Indian-American after Sree Srinivasan in this powerful court, which is considered a step below the US Supreme court.

However, unlike the nomination process of Srinivasan, wherein the entire Indian American community was united and campaigned aggressively for his confirmation, Indian-Americans are a bitterly divided lot this time.

Senate Judiciary Committee "should reject" Rao, Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said on Monday.

Now considered as among the leading Democratic lawmaker, Jayapal was recently re-elected for her second consecutive term to the US House of Representatives.

"Neomi Rao made excuses for sexual assault, blocked women's access to reproductive health and would allow health care providers to deny care to LGBTQ patients," said Jayapal, the first Indian-American woman ever elected to the House of Representatives.

"This is simply not appropriate for someone who wishes to serve on a federal bench," Jayapal said.

Vanita Gupta, a leading Indian-American legal luminary, in a strongly worded statement alleged that Rao had already proven that she is incapable of serving as a fair and impartial judge on the federal bench.

"Her past is her prologue," said Gupta, who currently is president and the CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

Rao is slated to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee for her confirmation hearing on Tuesday.

She is expected to face tough questions from the Democratic members of the Senate judiciary Committee including the Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris.

"Her controversial writings set the stage for the damage she has done as President Trump's Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), where she has led the Trump administration's aggressive regulatory agenda to undermine civil rights and public protections," she said.

"Rao's demonstrated hostility to the civil and human rights of all should disqualify her from a lifetime appointment on the federal judiciary. We urge all senators to reject her nomination," Gupta said.

The White House did not immediately respond to questions on the allegations against Rao.

In her current role, Rao has played a key role in regulatory reform, which according to the White House saved American families and businesses USD 23 billion in fiscal year 2018 by getting rid of unduly burdensome and unnecessary regulation.

Prior to her service as OIRA Administrator, Rao was a professor of structural constitutional law, administrative law, and legislation and statutory interpretation at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University.

She founded the Law School's Center for the Study of the Administrative State and focused her scholarship on the political and constitutional accountability of administrative agencies and the role of Congress.

She has served in all three branches of government including Associate Counsel and Special Assistant to former President George W Bush.

In between government service, Rao practised in the London office of Clifford Chance LLP, specialising in international law and commercial arbitration.

"Neomi Rao, who was just nominated to replace Brett Kavanaugh on the DC Circuit court, has no business being anywhere near the federal bench," said Senator Kirstin Gillibrand.

After graduation from law school, Rao clerked for Judge J Harvie Wilkinson III on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and for Justice Clarence Thomas on the United States Supreme Court.

She received her B A from Yale University and her JD from the University of Chicago.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An Indian-American was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly submitting 11 fake H-1B visa applications and fraudulantly procuring his own citizenship, US Attorney Craig Carpenito said.

Neeraj Sharma, 43, living in the Piscataway township of New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of visa fraud and one count of naturalization fraud, the attorney said.

He will be produced before US Magistrate Judge Michael Hammer in Newark federal court.

The visa and naturalisation fraud charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of USD 250,000.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Sharma recruited foreign workers with purported IT expertise who sought work in the US.

He is the owner and chief executive officer of Magnavision LLC, an information technology staffing and consulting company based in Somerset, New Jersey.

When submitting the potential staffers' H-1B visa paperwork to US Citizenship and Immigrations Services, Sharma falsely represented that the foreign workers had full-time positions awaiting them at a national bank, a pre-requisite to securing their visas, federal prosecutors alleged.

The H-1B program applies to employers seeking to hire non-immigrant aliens as workers in specialty occupations or as fashion models of distinguished merit and ability.

In fact, Sharma had never secured work for the applicants and submitted phony letters to the USCIS on the bank's letterhead with forged signatures of bank executives, the complaint said, adding that he committed these crimes as an Indian citizen and as legal permanent resident.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India will send a draft to Pakistan for finalisation of an agreement for opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, which will facilitate easy passage to Sikh pilgrims to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, officials said.

This was decided at a high-level meeting, convened to discuss how to fast-track the implementation of the Kartarpur corridor project.

The meeting was chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and attended by Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan AjayBisaria, Punjab Chief SecretaryKaran Avtar Singh and others.

Kartarpur is located in Shakargarh in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab. Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, had spent more than 18 years of his life there. The Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara is located on the banks of the Ravi river, about three-four km from the border in Pakistan.

"India will send within a month the draft of the agreement to be signed with Pakistan for the Kartarpur corridor. We hope the modalities will be completed soon," Punajb Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh told reporters after the hour-long meeting.

India has already communicated to Pakistan the coordinates of Zero Point for the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, a home ministry official said.

The meeting discussed land acquisition for the highway and for the Integrated Check Post (ICP).

At the meeting, it was informed that the preliminary notification for land acquisition for highway has already been issued and the notification to acquire land for ICP will be issued on Wednesday.

The Punjab government has assured that the land will be made available for both the projects by mid-March, the official said.

Meanwhile, the possession of the land to commence preliminary work will be made available to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI).

According to the official, a detailed plan of ICP is expected to be finalised within the next few days.

The Punjab Chief Secretary said the process of land acquisition is on the second stage.

On November 26 last year, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone of the Dera Baba Nanak - Kartarpur Sahib Corridor (up to the International Border) at an event at Mann village of Gurdaspur district of Punjab. On November 28, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone for the 4-km corridor which is expected to be completed by 2019.

The much-awaited corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Guru Nanak Dev.

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Union minister Subhash Bhamre on Tuesday said the country is going to invest huge resources on modernisation of the defence sector in the coming years.

A lot of defence equipment are currently being imported, he said, and called for better collaboration between the defence sector and the industry to reverse this trend.

The minister of state for defence also urged industry leaders to invest in the country's defence sector.

He was speaking at a seminar on 'Defence Industry Indigenisation', jointly organised by defence-related website bharatshakti.in and city-based Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries & Agriculture, where industry leaders and officials from various defence organisations were present.

"India is going to commit huge resources on defence modernisation in the coming years. Hence, those of you (industry leaders) who are ready to invest in the sector have, perhaps, one of the best opportunities to get favourable returns on investments," Bhamre said.

Currently a lot of defence equipment are being imported. "Should we put our heads together, it should be possible for us to reverse the equation in the next few years," said.

"When we talk about the defence sector and its requirement, I must flag that technology up-gradation has invaded the battlefield in a major way...technology up-gradation is extremely rapid. The cost of importing technology is very expensive," said Bhamre.

The government, industry, research and development (R&D) establishments and the academia have to come together to evolve Indian technologies for the country's requirements, the minister opined.

"The industry needs to know what the armed forces are looking for...what would be their requirements in the coming years. Similarly, (armed) forces also understand that R&D and business establishments require time to develop a world class product, so such initiatives are a big step giving impetus to efforts of indigenisation in the defence sector," he said.

Urging industry leaders to invest in the country's defence sector, Bhamre said capital infusion in the defence industry is another area that requires a thrust.

Private players, especially large Indian companies, need to pursue R&D as part of their business models to retain relevance of their product portfolios, he said.

The minister said in thelast few years, he has traversed the country to understand the difficulties faced by the defence industry, especially the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

"Pune is important because it is also a reckonable industrial hub with adequate industrial activity that could be spurred by the industry increasing its footprint in the defence sector," he said.

The day-long seminar will have several technology sessions involving speakers from the industry, armed forces, and R&D establishments.

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India has issued a revised travel advisory for Iraq, stating that due to the improvement in the security situation, Indians may now consider travelling to the country except to five provinces which are still affected by terrorism and violence.

"With improvement in security situation in Iraq, Indian nationals may now consider travelling to the country except to the five Provinces of Iraq, namely Nineveh (capital Mosul); Salahuddin (capital Tikrit); Diyala (capital Baquba); Anbar (capital Ramadi) and Kirkuk," the advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

Indian nationals are advised not to travel to the five provinces in Iraq as these remain affected by terrorism and violence, it said.

Indians wishing to travel for employment to the safe areas other than those listed as unsafe areas, must register on e-migrate portal of the government and inform the Indian Embassy in Baghdad or the Consulate General of India in Erbil prior to travelling to Iraq, the advisory said.

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Asserting that India-Monaco ties are doing well, President Ram Nath Kovind Tuesday said the two nations need to prioritise areas like renewable energy and climate change for mutual benefit, according to an official statement.

Welcoming Prince Albert II of Monaco, who had called on Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President said that India and Monaco have always enjoyed a relationship of trust, friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The current visit imparts a strong impetus towards taking the relationship to newer heights, he said.

The President said that India-Monaco ties are doing well.

"However, there is scope to do a lot more together. On issues such as renewable energy, climate change and the environment, there is a strong meeting of minds between us. We must prioritise these areas for bilateral cooperation," Kovind was quoted as having said in the statement issued by his office.

The President said India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. "Monaco's technology and investment companies can significantly benefit from the Indian growth story," Kovind said.

Later, the President hosted a lunch for the Prince and his accompanying delegation.

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India and Monaco on Tuesday vowed to deepen ties in trade and investment, as well as collaborate on combating climate change, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Monaco's reigning monarch Prince Albert II.

The head of state of Monaco, who arrived here on Monday, also held talks with President Ram Nath Kovind, who said the visit imparts a strong impetus towards taking the relationship to newer heights.

After the talks, it was announced that diplomatic visa waiver will be granted to Monaco for visiting India and officials from both sides will be working to finalise this agreement, a joint press communique on Prince Albert's visit said.

"Economic and technical cooperation are important facets of our existing bilateral relations. It was agreed that India's rapid economic growth offers an enhanced investment opportunity for companies from Monaco in various sectors. There is also scope for business cooperation," the statement said.

During the discussions, it was agreed that there is a vast potential for establishing linkages especially in the mutually beneficial area of infrastructure development.

The visit of Prince Albert provided an opportunity for the two sides to review progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the multi-faceted partnership in areas of mutual interest, the statement said.

There was a good exchange of views on enhancing cooperation, especially in and climate change and renewable energy, through sharing best practices, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

India and Monaco established diplomatic relations in 2007, though their friendship goes back much further in time, he said on Twitter.

India and Monaco have shared interest in tackling climate change and use of ocean resources along with commitment for sustainable growth, the statement said.

The visit also demonstrated willingness of both sides to step up cooperation in renewable energy, urban affairs, including smart cities, and climate issues, it said.

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Prince Albert and discussed opportunities for cooperation in areas of environment, specially renewable energy, investment into India, smart cities, marine ecosystems, tourism and people-to-people contacts, Kumar said.

Prince Albert, who is accompanied by senior officials of the Monaco government and a large business delegation, was hosted by President Kovind for lunch.

On Monday, Prince Albert attended the India-Monaco Business Forum.

The visiting dignitary will proceed on a private tour of India after his official engagements and leave for home on February 10.

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India is among the several countries that stand to benefit from the ongoing trade tensions between the world's top two economies - the US and China, the UN has said in its latest report.

The US and China are locked in a trade war since President Donald Trump imposed heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items in March last year, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war.

In response, China imposed tit-for-tat tariffs on billions of dollars worth of American imports.

The United Nations experts said Monday that the tit-for-tat trade dispute between China and the United States may do little to protect domestic producers in either country and could have "massive" implications on the global economy unless it is resolved.

Of the USD 250 billion in Chinese exports that are subject to US tariffs, only about six per cent will be picked up by firms in the US, according to a report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

And of the approximately USD 85 billion in US exports that are subject to China's tariffs, only about five per cent of this will be taken up by Chinese firms, according to the UN research.

In a bid to meet the US' demand of bringing down the USD 375 billion bilateral trade deficit, China has pledged to take measures to step-up American imports and investments. March 1, 2019 is the deadline for implementing the measures.

Unless the US and China agree to drop their tariff dispute by March 1, duty on each country's products will rise to 25 per cent, up from the current 10 per cent level, the UN said.

Countries that are expected to benefit the most from the trade war are the EU members as exports in the bloc are likely to grow by USD 70 billion. Japan and Canada will see exports increase by more than USD 20 billion each, it said.

Other countries set to benefit from the trade tensions include Australia, with 4.6 per cent export gains, Brazil (3.8) India (3.5), Philippines (3.2) and Vietnam (5), the study said.

Quoting former US Secretary of State Cordell Hull, UNCTAD's Pamela Coke-Hamilton repeated his description of protective tariffs as "a gun that recoils on ourselves", which had also contributed to the Great Depression of the 1930s and the rise of extremism.

"I think that is a single lesson from what we have had here today. If - barring an agreement between the US, China on March 1 - tariffs will escalate to 25 per cent, which is a significant difference from the 10 per cent as it currently exists," Coke-Hamilton said.

The implications of such a development would be "massive", the UNCTAD Director, Division on International Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities, continued, adding that its effects would first of all involve "an economic downturn... due to instability in commodities and financial markets".

"One major concern is the risk that trade tensions could spiral into currency wars, making dollar-denominated debt more difficult to service," the report added.

Imposing tariffs make US-made products cheaper than imported ones, and encourage consumers to buy American.

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Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the maximum number of terror violence incidents in 2018 as compared to the four years before that, whereas such incidents in the country's north east and Naxal-hit areas saw a marginal drop in the same comparative period, the government told the Parliament Tuesday.

Minister of State for Home Hansraj G Ahir furnished a statement in the Lok Sabha on a question related to details of terrorist, insurgent and extremist incidents that took place in the country between 2014 and 2018.

The reply said a total of 614 terrorist incidents took place last year in Jammu and Kashmir that led to the killing of a maximum of 91 security forces personnel and 257 terrorists over a five-year period. In these incidents in 2018, 38 civilians were also killed, Ahir said.

The comparative figures for 2017 were 342 terror incidents that led to the killing of 40 civilians, 80 security personnel and 213 terrorists.

The north eastern theatre witnessed a decline in violent incidents over the five-year period, as per last year's data a total of 252 insurgency incidents took place that led to the killing of 23 civilians, 14 security forces personnel and 34 extremists.

The comparative figures for the north east in 2017 was 308 incidents that led to the death of 37 civilians, 12 security personnel and 57 extremists.

In the Left Wing Extremism-hit (LWE) areas, a total of 833 incidents of violence were registered last year where 173 civilians, 67 security personnel and 225 Maoists were killed.

In 2017, a total of 908 incidents of violence took place in the LWE-affected areas that led to the killing of 188 civilians, 75 security personnel and 136 Naxals.

The figures of these incidents during the 2016-14 period was higher than the last two years, the data provided by the minister said.

In the hinterland of the country, Ahir said, only one terror incident was registered last year that led to the killing of three people.

While there were no such incidents in the previous year, one such incident was registered in 2016 that led to the killing of one civilian, seven security personnel and four terrorists.

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Kumar visited the venue in the morning after the apex courts direction on Tuesday morning.

Kolkata: Declaring her moral victory, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has hailed the Supreme Courts direction to Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for his questioning in the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam at a neutral place.

She, however, sounded relieved over the top courts instruction to the CBI that it cannot take any coercive action, including arrest, against Mr Kumar. Rallying support behind the city police chief, the Trinamul Congress supremo also dismissed the Union home ministrys order to her government to initiate a departmental inquiry against Mr Kumar for allegedly violating the All India Service Rules and discipline via his pre-sence at Ms Banerjees sit-in dharna at Metro Cha-nnel in Esplanade on more than one occasion since February 3.

Significantly, Mr Kumar visited the venue in the morning after the apex courts direction on Tuesday morning. In a surprising move he also wrote a letter seeking an appointment with the new CBI director Rishi Kumar Shukla on February 8, according to sources.

Welcoming the SC ruling, Ms Banerjee told the media, It is a moral victory. It is also a victory of our people, democracy, Constitution and country. We have total faith in the judiciary, which has been upheld only. We are so obliged to the SC that it has ordered that Mr Kumar cannot be arrested. The other charges incl-uding the CBIs contempt plea against us have been rejected by the apex court.

She added, We have highest respect for the Chief Justice of India and judges of the SC and high court. She, however, complained that the CBI has been taking away the accused to Bhubaneswar in Odisha after arresting them. It is a new trend. It happened in the cases of two of our MPs, Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Tapas Pal and a journalist, Sum-an Chattopadhyay, she alleged.

On the selection of Shillong as the neutral place for questioning of Mr Kumar by the CBI, Ms Banerjee noted, We have no objection. It was Mr Kumar who wanted the ta-lks to be held at a neutral place. If you want to ask some clarification, you can come and we can sit. But they (CBI) went to his house on a secret operation without any notice.
In its biggest catch, the customs department has seized 600 kilogram of psychotropic substance 'Dry Chat' smuggled to India from Ethiopia, according to an official statement issued Tuesday.

'Dry Chat' is a banned substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

The seizure was done at the air cargo (import) terminal of Delhi airport and three persons including two Somali refugees have been arrested in the case, it said.

Acting on inputs, a team of Air Cargo Commissionerate (ACC), Import, seized three consignments of 'Dry Chat', which had come from Ethiopia recently, mis-declared as green tea, when they were pending clearance from the customs authorities.

The value of the seized substance in the market is about Rs 12 crore.

It is the biggest seizure of 'Dry Chat' in the country, a customs official said.

The test samples, sent to Central Revenue Control Laboratory reported positive for 'Dry Chat'.

Simultaneously, concerted efforts were made to apprehend the persons involved in the smuggling racket, the statement by the ACC (Import) said.

Following this, one customs freight forwarder who appeared to be the main facilitator of the clearance of the said goods was apprehended.

"However, his questioning further led to the disclosure of the details of two suspected foreign nationals involved in the import of the said goods from Ethiopia," the statement said.

Thereafter, discreet plans were put in place to apprehend one of them, who was subsequently held from south Delhi in well executed operation by the officers of ACC Import.

On sustained interrogation, he divulged the information about the possible location of his associate.

"Again a discreet surveillance was mounted in the area and the second foreign national was also apprehended from a restaurant in the Hauz Rani area, New Delhi," it said.

The two foreign nationals were Somalian refugee status holders and they admitted that they were aware that 'Dry Chat' was a substance notified under NDPS Act, 1985.

Consequently, the foreign nationals and one customs freight forwarder were arrested.

They were produced before the Metropolitan Magistrate and have been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody.

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Delhi Food minister Imran Hussain has suggested the Centre to consider implementation of doorstep delivery of ration across the country citing various "irregularities and shortcomings" in the electronic point of scale (ePoS) system.

In a letter to Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Ram Vilas Paswan on Monday, Hussain also complained against food commissioner of Delhi and sought his transfer.

He said a trial run of the ePoS system during January-March 2018 had exposed several "serious irregularities and shortcomings" such as ration on fake cards, biometric authentication failure and multiple OTPs generated for fraudulent pilferage of ration.

"May I, therefore, request you to consider implementing the ePoS enabled door step delivery of ration throughout India," Hussain wrote to Paswan.

He said technology-led reforms are the way forward but not rectifying the "loopholes" that have been noticed in the course of implementation of the ePoS system will defeat the efforts at checking pilferage in the public distribution system.

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi is pushing for implementation of door step delivery of ration in the national capital citing the "shortcomings" in the ePoS system.

Seeking transfer of the food commissioner, Hussain alleged that the Delhi government had suspended ePoS through its order on February 20, 2018, in view of "deficiencies in it , but the officer did not stop ration distribution through it".

He also claimed that the door step delivery of ration approved by the Delhi government was also not implemented by the official.

"The Cabinet had decided to implement the door step delivery of ration system. However, despite the Cabinet decision and a number of directions, the Commissioner, Food and Civil Supplies Department, has deliberately not taken any step to implement it," Hussain complained.

He also asked the Union minister to take up with Delhi's Lt Governor the matter of investigation of cases of corrupt practices in the public distribution system on an expeditious level.

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The South Delhi Municipal Corporation has informed the National Green Tribunal that an illegal motor vehicle sale and service unit, being run in residential area of Dhool Siras village in Dwarka, has been shut down.

The municipal corporation told a bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel that action against the unit has been initiated and the premises have been vacated.

"Vide order dated November 28, 2018, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) was required to furnish a report in the matter. Accordingly, a report has been received by e-mail dated January 29, 2019 to the effect that prosecution has been initiated and the premises have been vacated.

"Illegal activities have been stopped. In view of above, no further order appears to be necessary," the bench noted.

The tribunal's order came after taking note of a letter by Bijwasan MLA Colonel Devinder Sehrawat.

The letter claimed that the unit was in non-conforming area and urged the commissioner at the SDMC to take necessary action in the matter.

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A section of IIT-Madras research scholars Tuesday held placards against Padma Bhushan awardee and cardiologist B M Hegde during a lecture on the campus, calling him a proponent of "pseudo-science and quackery."



Belle Monappa Hegde, who had won the third highest civilian award in 2010, was invited by one of the student bodies of the institute, 'Saathi' to lecture on the topic 'Matters that Matter'.

While he was speaking, the group of research scholars of the institute held placards saying 'RIP Science' and 'Saathi of Quacks' in spite of the attempt by the institute security to curb the protest.

"A Padma Bhushan awardee and a cardiologist, prima facie the profile of Hegde looks attractive. But, an elementary googling reveals that he is a proponent of pseudo-science and quackery," the group alleged in a statement.

"He (Hegde) has time and again rejected modern medicine and supported 'quantum healing', which has been dismissed by the scientific community as 'technobabble', a portmanteau of technology and babble," they said.

"Is this just a lapse in checking the background of the speaker? Or is the team Saathi and IIT Madras, accomplice in propagating pseudo-science?" they said.

When contacted by PTI, organisers of the event (Saathi) refused to comment on the incident.

Reacting to the protest, Hegde told PTI it only indicates how much the protesters know about science.

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The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) on Tuesday issued an advisory asking residents in five districts to stay away from avalanche-prone slopes, an official spokesperson said.

The advisory comes after the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) issued an avalanche warning for various parts of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, Kinnaur and Kullu districts, where heavy snowfall is expected in the coming days.

Earlier, predicting heavy snowfall in the high and mid hills, the meteorological department had issued 'orange' and 'red' alerts for Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

The HPSDMA asked the district administrations and district disaster management authorities (DDMAs) to monitor the situation in their areas regularly and take appropriate precautionary measures, the spokesperson said.

They have also been directed to keep rescue teams on standby to deal with any emergency situation, he added.

The district administrations were also asked to convey bad weather warnings to all grassroots functionaries and locals and to advise tourists against venturing in snow-bound areas, he added.

The public has also been advised to keep adequate stock of essential commodities and emergency medicines, the spokesperson said.

He said people have been asked to keep the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) informed at 1070 about any situation in their areas.

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Batting strongly for holding the assembly elections along with the parliamentary polls in Jammu and Kashmir, the migrant cell of the National Conference Tuesday said only an elected government can bring the state out of morass and uncertainty.

"We want that elections be held as soon as a possible in J&K. We urge the Election Commission to take a call is this regard," NC minority cell president M K Yogi told reporters here.

He said most of the political parties in the state, including the NC, were in favour of holding the assembly elections along with Lok Sabha polls.

"A democratically elected government only can bring peace and stability in the state and ensure that it is brought out of quagmire and uncertainty," Yogi said.

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The JKNPP Tuesday demanded that assembly elections be held before the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, saying any delay in the state polls will amount to "subversion of democracy".

The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party also appealed to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take a decision about holding assembly elections in the state without any further delay.

"With the state earlier remaining under Governor's rule for six months followed by President's rule, it would be wholly unjustified and unconstitutional to plan further extension of central rule after May 21," JKNPP chairman and former minister Harsh Dev Singh told reporters here.

He claimed rumours were doing rounds in the political circles that assembly elections in the state might be held after the parliamentary polls by extending the President's Rule.

Singh said even the Supreme Court had ruled that if the legislative assembly of a state is prematurely dissolved, then fresh elections should be held within a period of six months.

"The democracy cannot be held hostage for the political expediencies of the ruling party at the Centre," he said.

The JKNPP chief accused the BJP-led NDA of "denying" the people of Jammu and Kashmir their democratic rights.

Singh said the people could not be further deprived of their right to choose their own representatives and to have an elected government in the state.

"If the municipal and panchayat elections could be held in the state, the postponement of assembly elections on frivolous grounds defies all logic and rationale," he said.

Referring to a September 2018 order of the ECI, Singh said in case of premature dissolution of a state assembly, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) immediately comes into force in the state concerned till fresh elections are held.

"If the MCC was imposed in Telangana last year in view of the dissolution of its assembly before maturity, why was the state of J&K left out in similar circumstances by defying the ECI's directives?" he asked.

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The Delhi High Court Tuesday directed the CBI to not take coercive steps against a Hyderabad-based businessman who is an accused in a corruption case involving meat exporter Moin Akhtar Qureshi, the agency's ex-director A P Singh and a witness in the ED case.

A bench of justices Siddharth Mridul and Sangita Dhingra Sehgal sought responses of the CBI and ED on a plea by Pradeep Koneru, the Hyderabad-based businessman.

The court said no coercive steps be taken against Koneru till the next date of hearing on March 19. It, however, granted liberty to CBI to seek modification of this order at any stage.

It asked Koneru to keep joining the investigation as and when called by CBI officials.

Koneru, who was represented by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, said the ED filed a chargesheet in 2018 arraying him as a prosecution witness and not an accused but he was shocked to learn that CBI has issued a "recommendation for his arrest".

The FIR, in connection with which Koneru was being questioned, was filed in 2017 by CBI after ED and Income Tax department's probe into money laundering and blackmoney allegations against Qureshi allegedly revealed involvement of senior public servants.

The ED had written a letter to the CBI in this regard and it had in 2017 lodged an FIR against the meat exporter as well as its former director A P Singh, Koneru and several others.

Another Hyderabad-based businessman, Sathish Babu Sana, on whose complaint a bribery case was filed against then CBI special director Rakesh Asthana, is also a witness in this case.

Koneru, in its plea filed through advocate Aniruddha Deshmukh, said he was summoned by the investigating agencies several times and has co-operated with them.

He said that on May 19, 2018, when he was travelling abroad, he was apprehended at the airport on the basis of a Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against him.

Koneru, who sought quashing of the FIR filed against him by CBI, has also challenged various provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, saying they are unconstitutional and violates his fundamental rights.

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A "hardcore criminal" was detained under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district, police said Tuesday.

Mohammad Irshad alias Shadu, a resident of Bari Brahmana, is named in nine FIRs registered between 2010 and 2018 in various police station and the charges against him include attempt to murder, rape and house-trespassing, a police spokesman said.

He said the district magistrate, Samba, issued the warrant of his detention under the PSA recently, and accordingly a special police team managed to nab him from the Bari Brahmana area. Subsequently, he was lodged at sub-jail Hiranagar.

"The accused was absconding and was evading arrest for a long time," the spokesman said, adding that his detention under the PSA was necessary to curtail his activities.

The PSA is an administrative detention law that allows detention without charge or trial for up to two years in some cases.

"He was a great threat to the life and liberty of the people, particularly in the Bari Brahmana area. He is a habitual criminal and his activities are prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order," the spokesman said.

His motive was not only to create terror among the peaceful and law abiding citizens of the town but also to form a criminal gang by encouraging criminal-minded men to join him, he added.

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Hollywood star Gwyneth Paltrow has signed a deal with Netflix under which her lifestyle brand Goop will produce a 30-minute docu-series focused on wellness.

The still untitled docu-series, which will premiere on the streaming service later this year, consists of episodes hosted by the site's editors, chief content officer Elise Loehnen and Paltrow.

According to Variety, Goop will take help from experts, doctors, and researchers to examine issues relating to physical and spiritual wellness.

"We were speaking to the platform question, and where our people are. They're watching Netflix. Some of the more strategic, bigger stories we want to tell require a TV budget. Obviously, there's no better partner in that," Loehnen said.

"Gwyneth is a highly visual, tactile person. The quality of everything that we produce is very important to her. She's always looking for white space. Whether it's developing physical products or thinking of content. With this show, I think she's only really interested in opportunities where we can uniquely be ourselves and do things potentially disruptive," she added.

Goop's eponymous podcast has also signed an exclusive distribution deal with Delta. The podcast, which was hosted by Paltrow and Loehnen, was one of the iTunes store's most-downloaded in 2018.

The team is also developing standalone podcasts with in-house beauty expert Jean Godfrey-June, a food program hosted by an award-winning chef, and a Goop book club featuring author interviews and reviews.

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Banerjee was on a sit-in against the CBIs attempt to question the Kolkata police chief in connection with chit fund scams since Sunday night.

New Delhi: After the Supreme Court directed Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar to cooperate with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Saradha chit fund scam probe, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday claimed that West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjees histrionics have been brought to a screeching halt.

Terming Ms Banerjees protest against the CBI a disproportionate overreaction, the BJP claimed that Opposition leaders supporting her were like a kleptocrats club aspiring to capture the reigns of power in the country. Asserting that the apex court ensured that a free and fair investigation takes place, Union minister Smriti Irani said that the courts order has put constitutional restraint on didi ki dadagiri (Mamatas intimidation tactics).

Taking a swipe at Ms Banerjee after she claim-ed a moral victory following the courts order, Ms Irani said the West Bengal chief minister has been left with egg on her face.

Ms Banerjee was on a sit-in against the CBIs attempt to question the Kolkata police chief in connection with chit fund scams since Sunday night.

Welcoming the apex courts order, senior BJP leader and Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said its a blow to Ms Banerjee-led government and a victory for the CBI.

In a Facebook post titled The Kleptocrats Club, Union minister Arun Jaitley said the West Be-ngal chit fund fraud was unearthed in 2012-13 and its investigations were handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court.

The court monitore-d these investigations. The CBI has interrogated and even arrested some people. Many have been granted bail. If a police officer is also required to be interrogated, how does it become a super emergency, assault on federalism, or destruction of institutions? said Mr Jaitley.

He added that the CBI was being brutally prevented by physical force from investigating a crime which is legally within its jurisdiction. It is a textbook illustration of a state government assaulting federalism, wrote Mr Jaitley.
The government plans to launch an index to rank states on the basis of ease of doing agri-business, Parliament was informed Tuesday.

Minister of State for Agriculture Parshottam Rupala replied in affirmative when asked if the government was planning to launch such an index.

"To ensure that reform agenda of the government is implemented by the desired pace by all states/UTs, a need is felt to develop a competitive spirit between the states.

"Keeping this in mind, to rank the states through an index -- ease of doing agri-business -- a concept note along with parameters for developing an index has been circulated to all states and union territories inviting their views," he said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

Rupala said the parameters in the proposed index would comprise increase in production, productivity and price realisation as well as decline in input cost and risk mitigation.

The proposed index will help in fostering agriculture among states by promoting a competitive spirit, he added.

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The government has asked Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) to add ONGC as its co-promoter but the oil refining company has sought further clarifications before adhering to the direction, a top company official said.

Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) had in January last year bought the government's entire 51.11 per cent stake in HPCL for Rs 36,915 crore. Thereafter, it sought to be identified as the company promoter but HPCL continues to list "President of India" as its promoter with "zero" per cent shareholding. ONGC is listed as "public shareholder", owning "77.88 crores" shares or "51.11 per cent" shareholding of the company.

HPCL Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh K Surana acknowledged that the government has written to the company asking it to recognise ONGC as co-promoter but "we have asked for certain clarifications" on the said directive.

He sidestepped regulatory issues like insider trading regulations not applying on ONGC because of it not being listed as a promoter. It has a nominee on HPCL board but the Sebi's insider trading regulations are not applied to it because it is not classified as a promoter.

Surana said the transaction, which was aimed at meeting the government's disinvestment target, was based on the premise that "HPCL will maintain its separate identity, its separate brand, its separate culture and it will be independently board managed Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE)."



"To that extent, there were statements made by ministers in Parliament as well," he said.



Also, it was said that the government will continue to have control of HPCL. "That fundamentally remains. So everything else is only technicality and modality of how do we go through that. So, HPCL will continue to be a listed, board managed CPSE, having separate brand and culture," he said.

But ONGC, which had to borrow Rs 24,876 crore for the acquisition that helped the government meet its disinvestment target for the 2017-18 fiscal, wanted to be recognised as a promoter of HPCL. After all, no one spends Rs 36,915 crore without getting anything for its shareholders and so it wrote a strongly worded letter to HPCL, warning of regulatory consequences of not recognising the majority shareholder as the promoter.

HPCL, however, has stuck to its guns and has refused to recognise ONGC as its promoter.

When the issue first arose in August 2018, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had clearly stated that ONGC is the new promoter of HPCL.

ONGC, he had said, had invested in acquiring a majority stake in the company and so it is the promoter. "ONGC is the promoter of HPCL," he had said.

But HPCL refused to acknowledge ONGC as its promoter as evident from its shareholding filing with stock exchanges, the latest being on January 21.

Surana said there is a distinction between ownership and management and ownership is segregated from shareholding. "Shareholders are not owners of assets of the company," he said.

"As far as promoter issue is concerned, it has never been in doubt that the Government of India will continue to be the promoter of HPCL. The issue was whether ONGC should also be added as co-promoter. We had asked certain clarification and the government has advised that the Government of India is the promoter of HPCL and ONGC can also be added as a promoter of HPCL. But to add ONGC as a promoter, there is a certain procedure to be followed and certain clarification required. We have asked for clarifications on those," he said.



Without elaborating on the clarifications sought, he said listing rules and Act defines the procedure and certain requirements of who could be called a promoter.

"We have asked certain clarifications. Once we receive clarification, we will do that. We are maintaining status quo till then," he said.

There is a procedure defined to the classification of promoters and HPCL will follow that procedure, he said.

Surana said all appointments on HPCL board are done by the government and ONGC as a promoter has no say in that.

After ONGC bought out government stake, HPCL became its subsidiary. Since ONGC takeover in January 2018, HPCL has made four stock exchange filings about the shareholding pattern of the company -- the first on April 20, 2018, then on July 12, 2018, then on October 19, 2018, and finally on January 21, 2019. In all four, ONGC is shown as the public shareholder and President of India listed as the promoter.

According to the Securities and Exchange Board of India's rules, the entity that owns the controlling stake should be listed as promoter even if it was not the original promoter of the company.

When Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) had bought the government's stake in fuel retailer IBP Co Ltd, it was listed as the latter's promoter in every instance after the deal. The same was the case when IOC acquired a majority stake in Chennai Petroleum Corp Ltd (CPCL).



Surana has retained the title of Chairman and Managing Director despite corporate governance structure require a group having just one chairman and subsidiaries being run by managing directors and CEOs.

ONGC's overseas subsidiary, ONGC Videsh Ltd, is headed by a Managing Director and CEO. Its refinery subsidiary Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL), which is listed on BSE, too, is led by a Managing Director and CEO. ONGC Chairman is the head of boards of both the

Since acquiring a majority stake in HPCL, ONGC has only been able to appoint one director to that firm's board.

ONGC has appointed its Director (Finance) Subhash Kumar to HPCL board. He has replaced Sushma Taishete Rath, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Prior to this, HPCL had two government nominee directors -- Rath and Sandeep Poundrik, Joint Secretary (Refineries) of the Oil Ministry. After the appointment of Kumar, there remains only one government nominee director on HPCL board.
Development and Irrigation Minister Gopal Rai Tuesday held a meeting with farmers in outer Delhi's Narela area for devising a mechanism to implement MSP for crops on the basis of recommendations of the Swaminathan Committee Report.

According to an official statement, the meeting was attended by senior government officers, farm experts and farmers from nearby villages.

Rai would meet Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh on Wednesday on implementation of the Swaminathan Committee's recommendations.

The statement said Rai has ordered formation of a committee comprising farmers, officers and sought its report within seven days.

Rai will also hold another meeting with farmers in outer Delhi's Najafgarah, dominated by farm areas, on February 7.

On January 29, the government had organised a meeting to devise a mechanism to implement the minimum support price as per the recommendations of the Swaminathan Committee Report.

Higher wages, input costs, transport charges and cost of other allied services peculiar to Delhi will be factored in while determining the MSP, Rai said last month.

The proposed MSP with 50 per cent margin at the cost of production is Rs 2,616 per quintal for wheat and Rs 2,667 quintal for paddy.

If implemented, it is likely to incur an additional liability of Rs 96.38 crore, Rai told reporters after an Agriculture Conference on implementing the recommendations of the "M S Swaminathan Committee Report on Farmers' Welfare" in Delhi.

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A German woman and two Egyptian children were killed Tuesday when a building collapsed in a residential neighbourhood of Egypt's southern city of Luxor, a senior security official told AFP.

"So far there is a German tourist who died along with two Egyptian girls," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The woman, who had been passing by the building the moment it collapsed at around 6 pm (1600 GMT), succumbed to her injuries soon after arriving in hospital, he said. A German man who had been walking with the woman was injured and taken to the hospital. His relation to the woman was unclear, medical sources and other security officials said.

At least 13 other people were injured and taken to hospital, the sources said.

Luxor is one of the country's most important tourist destinations and is home to the tomb of Egypt's legendary Pharaoh Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings.

Authorities have been pushing to revive tourism, a pillar of the Egyptian economy, since mass street protests in 2011 toppled long-time leader Hosni Mubarak and tipped the country into years of unrest.

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Union minister Nitin Gadkari Tuesday said those who love Sanskrit should try to remove the misconceptions prevailing in the society about this ancient language.

Gadkari was speaking at the inauguration of the New Academic Complex and Guruji Golwalkar Gurukulam at Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, Ramtek.

"Even today, there are misconceptions about Sanskrit among many people. Sanskrit lovers should work towards removing these misconceptions," he said.

Gadkari also said that during his visit to Iran and Germany, he realised how popular Sanskrit was in these countries.

"During my visit to Iran, the president of Iran had apprised me that Persian language came from Sanskrit...When Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I went to Tehran, we came to know about the 'Sanskrit chair' in Tehran University...Also how much research is being done on Sanskrit and Ayurveda in Germany as compared to India," the minister added.

"It is a special responsibility of Sanskrit lovers to spread the knowledge of this language among the common people," he said.

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Aam Aadmi Party's Punjab unit chief Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday wrote to Chief Minister Amarinder Singh urging him to fulfil the promises which his party made to the people of the state ahead of the 2017 Assembly elections.

In his letter, Mann sought to remind Singh that the government led by him had "failed" to measure up to the aspirations of the people even after two years of assuming power.

He said the Congress had made "tall promises" to various sections of the society including youth and farmers, but "failed" to fulfil them.

The Sangrur MP later told reporters here that he has also urged the chief minister to give relief to the public by lowering power tariffs, which he claimed had been hiked on four occasions during the past two years.

Mann lamented that "today every consumer in the state is paying electricity tariff more than what consumers in other states of the country are paying".

The AAP leader said the electricity rate was much higher in Punjab than other states of the country despite the state government having ample resources and infrastructure for power generation.

"Power rates touch Rs 10 per unit here. On the other hand, the AAP government in Delhi, which has to purchase electricity and does not have enough resources of its own, has been providing electricity to the people at Re 1 per unit," he claimed.

"Consumers including poor Dalit households, whose power consumption is much less, are being slapped with hefty electricity bills in Punjab," he alleged.

"If the government fails to take any concrete step to provide relief to people on high power tariff, the AAP will be compelled to hit the streets over the issue...," he said.

On the possibility of the Aam Aadmi Party entering into an alliance with any outfit in Punjab ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, he said, "Our talks with the BSP and the Akali Dal-Taksali parties is on. However, nothing has been finalized as yet."



Replying to a question on who could be his possible opponents from Sangrur, Mann replied, "We are ready to take them on."



At the same time, he said, "my competition is against mafia, hardships faced by farmers.. I have been raising issues pertaining to common people in Parliament. I will keep my report card before my constituents. In democracy, people are supreme, they know the works I have done and they will decide accordingly".

Replying to a question,Mann justified his repeatedly citing example of Delhi model of governance, saying there is nothing wrong in that.

"Everyone knows that despite all odds we face, we have made government schools, hospitals in Delhi world class. We have carried out lot of development works. People from around the country and abroad come to see our schools and hospitals.

"Narendra Modi used to often talk about Gujarat model of governance during his speeches earlier. Why should we not give example of work of the Delhi government?" he asked.

On farmers to get Rs 6,000 per annum under centrally-funded scheme, Mann dubbed it as a "stunt of the Modi government ahead of the Lok Sabha polls".

"The BJP government promised giving 2 crore jobs each year, will they tell the people of this country where have these jobs vanished," he asked.

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France's yellow vest protest movement joined ranks with a major union, a first for both, in a day of nationwide protests over taxes and buying power that brought tens of thousands into the streets.

Brief scuffles marked the mostly calm Paris demonstration on Tuesday.

Police fired several rounds of tear gas, clearing troublemakers from the Place de la Concorde, which borders the US Embassy.

Tear gas was also used in Lille and elsewhere.

However, tension was minimal compared with the weekly protests held since mid-November by the yellow vest movement to demand fiscal and social justice in a major challenge to President Emmanuel Macron.

As protesters marched, lawmakers in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, voted 387-92 to pass a bill aimed at preventing violence during protests, and helping authorities maintain order.

The bill would, for instance, authorize regional prefects to prevent people seen as a serious threat to public order from protesting, or force protesters involved in violence to pay for damage.

The bill, which must go before the Senate, would also make it a crime for protesters to conceal their faces a common occurrence during Saturday protests by the yellow vest movement, by both those trying to offset the effects of tear gas and by troublemakers concealing their identities.

Meanwhile, the Communist-backed CGT union marched from Paris City Hall to the Place de la Concorde side-by-side with protesters from the yellow vest movement, which takes its name from the safety vests they wear that are required in all cars.

Union chief Philippe Martinez cheered the hand-in-hand protests with the yellow vests, promising daily initiatives and "something big" each Tuesday.

He noted overlapping demands between his union and yellow vest protesters. "There's no reason why we shouldn't demonstrate next to each other or one behind another.

What's important is that our first day together is a success, in the middle of the week," he said.

"I find business leaders have it easy and it's time we hold big company bosses in this country accountable," Martinez said.

The grassroots yellow vest movement has no anointed leader and an array of demands.

However, increasing buying power and ending what they perceive as favoritism toward the powerful at the expense of the less fortunate are leading demands.

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Four Egyptian policeman were wounded in an ambush Tuesday in the southwest of the country, a security source said, in an attack claimed by the jihadist Islamic State group.

The attack took place in El-Wadi El-Gedid governorate (New Valley in English), a mostly arid region in the Western Desert bordering Libya, when gunmen ambushed a police checkpoint, the source said.

The police "responded to the armed attack" leading to an "exchange of fire" with the assailants who managed to flee, the source said, adding that four policemen were wounded.

IS's propaganda agency Amaq released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack.

It quoted a "security source" as saying IS "fighters" attacked the so-called Baghdad checkpoint on a road linking El-Wadi El-Gedid's capital Kharga to the city of Luxor further south, without giving further details.

Egypt has been the target of several jihadist attacks in recent years including from IS who are active in the restive Northern Sinai region.

The military launched a year ago an operation dubbed "Sinai 2018" in a bid to dislodge IS from the northeastern Sinai Peninsula and other parts of the country, including the Western Desert.

On Saturday the military said it had killed eight jihadists in air strikes in the Western Desert.

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/ -- From fireworks display to well-wishing rituals, there's something for everyone is this ancient festival



Chinese New Year also known as the spring festival is the most famous Chinese festival celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. It is impossible not to be caught up in the energy of this festival as one can see themselves squeezed into the crowded temples to pray for good fortune, festive markets, auspicious food and shock red lanterns that adorn the city. Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will be hosting a special Chinese New Year Night Parade featuring a splendid line-up of 9 floats, and 25 Mainland, international and local performing groups.

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/817875/Chinese_New_Year_Hong_Kong.jpg )



With fabulous parade of floats, international and local performers, stunning fireworks show over the harbour, heart pounding actions at the race track, this ancient festival has a unique Hong Kong flavour. The Chinese Zodiac moves in a 12 year cycle. According to Asian Astrology, a person's year of birth and the animal it represents determine a lot about their personality traits. This year, 2019 is the year of Pig. Anyone born in the year of Pigs is diligent, compassionate, and generous.

The International Chinese New Year Night Parade is one of Hong Kong's most anticipated annual events, with fantastic floats and spectacular performances by local and international performers welcoming Chinese New Year with a festive energy that is uniquely Hong Kong. Themed 'Best Fortune. World Party', the parade will take place on Chinese New Year day, bringing positive energy to everyone in the audience and a vibrant party to see in the Year of the Pig. Nine magnificent floats and over 20 local and international performing groups will depart from the Hong Kong Cultural Center and proceed along the main streets of Tsim Sha Tsui. With lots of energy and passion, international performing groups will celebrate their unique cultures and extraordinary skills with hip hop dancing, cheerleading, acrobatics and more.

Locals believe that a stroll in the bustling Chinese New Year flower markets bring good fortunes as fruits and flowers symbolise good fortune. In preparation for Chinese New Year, locals stock up on festive treats and delicacies which offers guests in an ornate red snack box called 'chuen hap'. One will often find some of 'the eight sweets' in local households: candied shredded coconut, lotus seeds, bamboo shoots, kumquat, lotus root, coconut ribbons, and winter melon. In addition to symbolising a sweet time in the year ahead, different treats bear different blessings: lotus root sounds like 'plenty of surplus' in Cantonese, deep-fried peanut pastries promises advancement, and the golden deep-fried sesame balls bring to mind a home full of wealth.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)



The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government- subvented body tasked to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and to enhance visitors' experience once they arrive.

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/in/index.

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A Dutch former far-right MP and right-hand man of anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders has set tongues wagging in the Netherlands after revealing he has converted and become a Muslim, reports said Tuesday.

For seven years Joram van Klaveren fought a relentless campaign in the Lower House against Islam in the Netherlands as a lawmaker for Wilders' Freedom Party (PVV).

At the time, the "hardliner pleaded for banning the burkha and minarets, saying 'we don't want any Islam, or at least as little as possible in the Netherlands'," the daily tabloid Algemeen Dagblad (AD) said.

But the 40-year-old Van Klaveren said he had changed his mind halfway through writing an anti-Islam book, which he told the respected NRC daily "became a refutation of objections non-Muslims have" against the religion. "If everything I wrote up to that point is true, and I believe that, then I am a de facto Muslim," he told the NRC.

Van Klaveren converted to Islam on October 26 last year, the NRC added in the interview piece ahead of the release of Van Klaveren's book called: "Apostate: From Christianity to Islam in the Time of Secular Terror."



"His conversion has surprised both friend and enemy," the AD newspaper added.

Van Klaveren split with Wilders in 2014 after the PVV leader's controversial comments that year when asking supporters whether they wanted "fewer or more Moroccans in your city and the Netherlands".

Wilders in 2016 was found guilty on discrimination charges. Van Klaveren then went on to form his own far-right party called "For Netherlands" (VNL) but left politics after failing to win a single seat in the 2017 elections.

"If this really isn't a PR stunt to promote his book, then it really is an extraordinary choice for somebody who had a lot to say about the Islam," his former VNL co-founder Jan Roos told the AD.

"But we have religious freedom in the Netherlands. He can worship whomever he wants," Roos added.

Said Bouharrou, who serves on the Board of Moroccan Mosques in the Netherlands praised Van Klaveren.

"It is great when somebody who has been so critical of Islam... realises that it is not so bad or perverse," he told the AD.

"It is brave that he's prepared to do it in public," Bouharrou said.

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The TMC government led by Mamata Banerjee declined permission for Yogis chopper to land for rallies without any prior notice.

The BJP has condemned Banerjee over the obstacles faced by the party in conducting rallies and other events in the state. (Photo: File)

Lucknow: Having been denied permission to land his chopper in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will on Tuesday touch down in Jharkhands Bokaro and then travel to West Bengals Purulia district by road to address a public rally.

The chief minister will leave for Purulia after the adjournment of the Vidhan Sabha session today. He is slated to address the rally at around 3:30 pm.

Yogi was scheduled to address two rallies in West Bengal on February 3, one in North Dinajpur district's Raiganj and the other in South Dinajpur district's Balurghat. However, the TMC government led by Mamata Banerjee declined permission for Yogis chopper to land for both rallies without any prior notice.

Later in the day, Yogi addressed the rally in Raiganj via telephone and accused Banerjee of carrying outshameful activities.

The BJP has condemned Banerjee over the obstacles faced by the party in conducting rallies and other events in the state, while also criticising her government for the ongoing tussle between the CBI and the state police.

Uttar Pradesh Science and Technology Minister Mohsin Raza told ANI, The CBI is an independent agency and it has the right to go anywhere in the country. What Mamata ji is doing I have never seen anything like it in my political career, where she is supporting an IPS officer who is being investigated by the CBI.

She allows Rohingyas and foreign infiltrators to stay in the state, people who promote democratic values, be it our chief minister, our national president, they cannot go. She is being supported by people who are also under the CBIs radar. It is shameful and condemnable. They are making a mockery of the Constitution. If you want to see a situation of emergency anywhere, you can see it in West Bengal, Raza said.

Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Sidharth Nath Singh said, Mamata ji has created an unconstitutional and undemocratic atmosphere in West Bengal. The CBI vs Mamata situation in the state clearly shows that democracy is in peril there. When Narendra Modi ji was the Gujarat chief minister, he fully cooperated with agencies when he was under probe. He was also in your position and he showed that you have to cooperate with the law and not fight it.

Banerjee launched her dharna in Kolkata on Sunday night amidst an unprecedented face-off with the Centre over CBI versus state police issue.

She launched her 'Save the Constitution' sit-in at around 9 pm after the CBI attempted to arrest Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha chit fund case, which was foiled by the state police.
The Delhi University Teachers' Association marched from Mandi House to Parliament Street Tuesday and demanded the removal of the varsity's vice-chancellor over his alleged inaction on important issues in the varsity.

Teaching came to a complete standstill in the Delhi University at DUTA's call for strike on Tuesday as thousands of teachers joined in the march, the DUTA said.

The government's delay in promulgating an ordinance/bill in the current budget session of the Parliament in favour of the 200-point college/university unit-wise roster has put in danger jobs of a large number of teachers belonging to SC, ST and OBC communities, the DUTA said.

The DUTA said there have hardly been any permanent appointments in the Delhi University in the last decade.

They demanded that the government makes a one-time Ordinance to absorb all temporary and ad-hoc teachers.

Ever since this government came to power, it has been constantly trying to privatise higher and Delhi University and its constituent colleges through schemes like tripartite MoU and autonomous colleges.

The DUTA has strongly opposed all such schemes and will continue to oppose the government's plan to convert higher from a grants-based economy to the loan-based economy, they said.

The inaction by the Vice Chancellor on important issues has paralysed the University. The DUTA is demanding removal of the Vice Chancellor for misgovernance," they added.

The DUTA demanded that all these issues be resolved at the earliest by the active intervention of the HRD Ministry and also threatened to further intensify its agitation in the coming days.

Some protesters said they were not allowed to march till Parliament and were stopped by the police. They alleged they were manhandled but the police denied using any force against them.

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A woman was arrested in Pakistan for allegedly drowning her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter in the sea after being abandoned by her husband, police said Tuesday.

The 28-year-old woman committed the crime as her husband threw her and his daughter out of the house and her family refused to give them shelter, they said.

SSP South Investigation Tariq Dharejo said the woman planned to commit suicide after the incident.

"She had no place to live and no one to turn to which led her to commit the crime," he said.

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All 130 foreign students, including 129 Indians who were detained for enrolling in a fake university, were aware that they were committing a crime to fraudulently remain in the US, the State Department has said, days after India issued a demarche to the American Embassy in New Delhi.

The foreign students were arrested last week by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for enrolling at the University of Farmington allegedly to remain in America.

The fake university was set up by the DHS's investigating unit in Greater Detroit area to bust the "pay-and-stay" racket.

"All participants in this scheme knew that the University of Farmington had no instructors or classes (neither on-line nor in-person) and were aware they were committing a crime in an attempt to fraudulently remain in the United States," a State Department spokesperson said in a statement on Monday.

The State Department's response came after India issued a demarche to the American Embassy in New Delhi on Saturday, expressing its concern over the detention of Indian students and sought immediate consular access to them.

The External Affairs Ministry said India continued to closely monitor the situation arising out of the mass detention.

Eight of the individuals who ran this racket have been arrested and are either Indian citizen or Indian American.

The fake university which had no classes, a low tuition fee and gave work permits on the very first of the enrolments of the students had some 600 students, an overwhelming majority of whom are Indians.

The actual number of those detained is much higher. Some of the students who were released and many of those who escaped detention have left the country.

An unknown number of Indian students have been radio tagged and authorities have put restrictions on their movement.

The Indian Embassy here has made an aggressive effort to reach out to these students and, with the help of the community leaders, is providing them with legal help.

Eminent Indian-Americans and some media outlets have also questioned the modus operandi of the US government in the detention of Indians in the "pay-and-stay" university visa scam, saying "trapping of innocent students" is a "crime, illegal and immoral".

In the first reaction, days after the story broke out, the State Department had described it an unfortunate aberration in the proud history of India-US educational exchanges.

"More than a million students' study at US institutions each year, including approximately 196,000 Indian students last year. Instances of fraud schemes are rare, unfortunate aberrations in the proud history of educational exchange between the United States and India," the State Department said.

The US government fully supports education and is committed to facilitating legitimate student travel, it said in an apparent reference to the panic that the latest US move has created and reports coming out from India that students are now considering option to study in other countries and not the US.

" students are a valuable asset to our universities and our economy and enrich our communities through sharing their diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences," it said, acknowledging that Indian students not only bring in about USD 6 billion per annum but also become instrumental in creation of thousands of jobs in the US.

"It is unfortunate that some student recruiters and individuals seek to use the international student programme to foster illegal immigration status in the United States," the State Department said.

Overseas Friends of BJO USA, in a statement, said that it was shocked to learn that 129 students of Indian-origin were arrested by the ICE, with about 600 students' fate in jeopardy.

"It is very unfortunate that several students are affected by this University and majority are Telugu students. Most of these students have joined to get their work permits without knowing that this college is not accredited and became victims of this. Their dreams are shattered now," North America Telugu Association said.

The association has advised other students not to fall into the trap and instead work hard and get OPT/CPT from reputed universities as per the normal guide lines.

"If some university is offering a CPT without any course, it is not true at all," it said.

The Indian embassy in the US has also opened a 24/7 hotline to assist 129 Indian students. It has appointed a nodal officer to help the students in distress.
BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Tuesday said the TMC-led government in West Bengal has denied the party permission for a rally in Murshidabad and alleged that there is complete lawlessness in the state.

Hussain said he will still go to Murshidabad and is already on the way.

Last week, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was denied permission to hold a rally in the state, which is witnessing a political slugfest between the ruling TMC and the BJP.

"I have been told that the district administration has not given permission to hold a rally in Murshidabad, which was scheduled for today. The party had sought permission and had informed the local administration in advance," Hussain told PTI.

The Mamata Banerjee-led government in the state and BJP are at loggerheads after the CBI tried to question Kolkata's police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee has been on a 'dharna' since Sunday night over the CBI's attempts to interrogate the police chief.

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The Delhi High Court Tuesday sought ED's response on a plea by alleged lobbyist Deepak Talwar challenging his detention by Indian agencies after he was deported from the UAE last week in connection with a money laundering case.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that Talwar, who is in its custody, acted as middleman in negotiations to favour foreign private airlines causing the loss to national carrier Air India.

A bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Sangita Dhingra Sehgal issued notice to the ED and directed it to file a response to the petition by February 11. The court listed the matter for further hearing on February 12.

In his habeas corpus petition, Talwar claimed that his arrest and custody from January 30 onwards was illegal detention for which affirmative orders deserve to be passed to secure his personal life and liberty.

He alleged that his fundamental rights have been grossly violated by the authorities.

"He has been illegally picked up from a foreign country and brought to India without initiating any extradition proceedings despite the fact that there exists an extradition treaty between India and the said foreign country, i.e. UAE," the petition said, adding that he was not even given an opportunity to comply with the summons issued by the ED in the proceedings.

It claimed that when Talwar was in Dubai, a travel ban was imposed in him by a court in Dubai in a commercial dispute due to which he could not return to India despite repeated requests.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Talwar, contended before the that his client was picked up from Dubai and handed over to Indian authorities.

"Government of India abducted my client. More so when there was summons for him to appear on February 4. There was no extradition and they picked him up," he argued.

The ED was represented by Central government standing counsel Amit Mahajan who sought time to respond to the plea.

"It is pertinent to mention that no extradition procedure or procedure known to law was followed while picking up the petitioner from Dubai/UAE and he has been practically abducted/ kidnapped by unknown agencies claiming to be Indian law enforcement authorities in collusion with Dubai authorities," the petition said.

It said no reasons for arrest were furnished to him at the time of deportation and added that he be released from the illegal custody of ED and the proceedings emanating from the FIR be quashed.

A habeas corpus petition is a writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, especially to secure his release unless lawful grounds are shown for their detention.

Talwar, who is in ED custody, was deported from Dubai on January 30 and was arrested by the agency after landing here.

He has sought quashing of the FIR against him in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and also to declare some provisions of the Act as unconstitutional and in violation of fundamental rights.

ED had earlier said before a trial court that it needed to interrogate Talwar to get the names of officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, National Aviation Company of India Ltd and Air India, who favoured foreign airlines, including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia.

The agency had claimed entities directly or indirectly controlled by the accused received exorbitant amounts from Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia and submitted a chart of total USD 60.54 million received by firms directly or indirectly owned by Talwar between April 23, 2008 to February 6, 2009.

He has been accused for the offences of criminal conspiracy and forgery under the IPC and under various other sections of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) for allegedly diverting Rs 90.72 crore worth of foreign funds meant for ambulances and other articles received by his NGO from Europe's leading missile manufacturing company.

His role in some aviation deals during the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) regime at the Centre is under the scanner as well.

Talwar was booked by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in criminal cases of corruption, while the Income Tax Department charged him with tax evasion.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In a heated debate on the governor's address to the state assembly, the Congress Tuesday accused the BJP government of multiple failures, prompting Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur to put up a spirited defence of his government.

Initiating the debate on Governor Acharya Dev Vrat's address to the state assembly on the second day of its budget session, Leader of Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri rued omission of various issues in the address, saying they indicated the government had no achievements to mention on those fronts.

There was no mention of national highways in governor's address despite tall claims of the Jai Ram Thakur government of getting huge funds for a number of new highways from the Centre, said Agnihotri.

This clearly shows that the Thakur government has failed to get approval for any new national highway from the Centre, he said, adding his government is misleading the public on this issue.

The government has also failed to do anything to reduce the state's debt, which has increased to over Rs 50,000 crore, he said, adding it has failed to fulfil most of the promises made by the BJP in its vision document released before the last assembly elections.

Urging Thakur to get funds for national highways and for reducing the state debt, the leader of opposition said the CM should try to get funds from the Centre at the earliest as the Modi government will last only for 25 days.

The leader of opposition said the chief minister had made tall claims on starting heli-taxi service between Shimla and Chandigarh but it was not functional for quite some time.

Accusing the Thakur government of spending a huge amount of money from public exchequer on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public meeting in Dharamshala on the first anniversary of the government, he said the prime minister, however, did not announce any package for the state.

The PM did not even lay the foundation stone for a Central university in Dharamshala, he added.

On governor's praise to the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme, Agnihotri took a dig at the chief minister, saying "Do not praise the schemes launched by (Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash) Nadda, he will become a threat for you."



Agnihotri apparently was alluding to the fact that the Union minister hails from Himachal Pradesh.

Ruing the alleged omission of the state's law and order situation in the governor's address, Agnihotri said the issue found no mention despite a worsening crime situation in Himachal.

Referring to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna, Agnihotri said, "The small farmers will not be benefitted much with Rs 17 per day scheme of the Centre. If Thakur government is serious, it should waive farmers' loans like the Congress governments are doing after coming to power in various states."



The Congress leader also criticised the Thakur government on water scarcity in Shimla during last summer and the public rebuke of Shimla Mayor Kusum Sadrate by Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj during the Jan Manch Programme at Chaura Maidan a few days ago.

Rebutting Agnihotri's charges of huge expenditure on PM's Dharamshala visit, the chief minister said, "I can understand the opposition's concern over the prime minister's visit to Himachal twice - at my oath taking ceremony and at the first anniversary of this government."



The previous Congress government had spent a huge amount on Congress president Rahul Gandhi's Mandi rally while he was not even holding any constitutional post, said Thakur.

Referring to Agnihotri's statement on Jan Manch Programmes, the chief minister said, "His concern on JMPs clearly shows that this scheme is a great success in the state."



On the issue of laying foundation stone for a Central university at Dharamshala, Thakur said the date for laying it has been finalised as February 26.

On the provision of Shimla-Chandigarh helitaxi service, Thakur said he had deployed the helicopter, hired by the government for the chief minister on the helitaxi service for three days a week.

But the helitaxi service was not operational due to some technical reasons for some time now and that's why he has deployed the chopper nowadays to ferry sick persons from tribal Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts, he said.

The other leaders who participated in debate included Govind Thakur, and Rakesh Pathania of the BJP and Ram Lal Thakur and Jagat Singh Negi of the Congress.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amid alleged renewed attempts by the opposition BJP in Karnataka to destabilise it, the ruling Congress-JDS coalition government, which is beset with dissidence, is gearing up for a stormy budget session of the state legislature commencing here from Wednesday.

The eight-day session will begin with Governor Vajubhai Vala's customary address to the joint sitting of the legislature.

The BJP is likely to corner the government on a host of issues including the administrations handling of the drought situation in the state, cash allegedly seized from a clerk working at a minister's office, among others.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who also holds the Finance portfolio, is scheduled to present his coalition governments second budget on February 8.

Expressing doubts about budget presentation on February 8, senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister R Ashoka has claimed that 20 to 25 disgruntled MLAs of the alliance were out of reach of their leaders and the coalition government was in a "coma."



Also the saffron party has said it was not averse to moving a no-confidence motion against the Kumaraswamy-led government.

In the budget, among other things, the government is expected to make an announcements directed at fulfillment of its loan waiver promise.

Recently in an interview to PTI, Kumaraswamy had said he will fulfill his Rs 46,000-crore loan waiver commitment made to farmers "completely" in the budget.

The farm loan waiver scheme would be implemented in one stroke with required allocation in the budget instead of completing the process in four stages as was planned earlier, he had said.

This will be the first session after the cabinet expansion in December and political turmoil that engulfed the state following the alleged attempt by the BJP to topple the government by poaching disgruntled legislators of the ruling coalition.

The crisis last month was triggered by few Congress legislators camping in Mumbai along with BJP leaders,allegedly with an intention to jump to the saffron party's side.

The Congress had accused BJP of luring MLAs with money and power and also threatening to fix them using central agencies.

The Congress later called for a legislature party meeting that was seen as a show of strength amid the alleged poaching bid. Four MLAs, who stayed away, were served notices seeking explanation as to why action should not be taken against them under the anti-defection law.

There is still uncertainty within the Congress, whether these four MLAs will be on the coalitions side during the session or will side with the BJP or abstain, if the saffron party makes any move to destabilise the government or push for a trust vote, party sources said.

With reports about more legislators being in touch with these four disgruntled MLAs, it has caused concern for the Congress and the ruling coalition.

Amid reports that disgruntled Congress lawmakers on the BJP's radar might keep away from the session, state Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao Monday said action would be taken against legislators if they violate the whip.

However, BJP state chief and leader of opposition in the assembly B S Yeddyurappa Tuesday indicated that budget will be presented as per schedule, even as he hit out at the ruling coalition for unnecessarily blaming the party, unable to keep their flock together.

Taking a dig at JDS supremo H D Deve Gowda, Yeddyurappa asked him to stop accusing the saffron party of trying to "destabilise" the government and instead keep the coalition flock together.

He was reacting to Gowda's comments that attempts were being made by the BJP's state unit to "destabilise" the government.

Meanwhile, there are retaliatory moves planned by the coalition leaders to counter BJPs alleged moves to poach their MLAs, with Urban Development Minister and Congress leader U T Khader and Tourism Minister Sa Ra Mahesh of JD(S) on Monday claiming that few legislators from the saffron party were in touch with them and their leadership.

The opposition is also expected to corner the government on issues like alleged squabbles between coalition partners affecting the administration, demand for Backward Class Welfare Minister C Puttaranga Shettys resignation from the cabinet as huge amounts of cash had been allegedly seized from a clerk working in his office.

Delay in the arrest of Kampli Congress MLA J N Ganesh, who is currently absconding following a case of attempt to murder for allegedly assaulting colleague Anand Singh during a brawl at a resort here recently besides drought mitigation measures undertaken by the government are among the issues that are on the BJPs radar.

The ruling coalition too on its part is likely to corner the BJP accusing the saffron partys union government of bias in drought relief to state compared to others, non-clearance of MNREGA funds, among other things.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A body of catholic bishops in Kerala has come out with guidelines to protect minors and vulnerable adults in church-run institutions from any form of sexual exploitation or abuse and proposing action against anyone committing such offences.

In a 16-page document for priests and other church officials, the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council emphasised that there should be zero tolerance towards sexual assault or harassment, asserting that such incidents occurring in its institutions should be reported to the church as well as the civil authorities.

The document titled "KCBC Guidelines for Safe Environment Programme for Church Personnel connected with institutions where minors or vulnerable adults are given particular care" was issued in June 2018, but has come into public domain only now.

Kerala was rocked by the rape charges levelled by a nun against bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar diocese last year leading to his arrest in September.

The nun had accused the 54-year old clergyman of repeatedly raping and having unnatural sex with her between 2014 and 2016.

A KCBC spokesperson Tuesday said the guidelines were issued in June 2018 and were "in the stage of implementation".

The document termed as "heinous crimes and grave sins" the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults and proposed necessary ecclesiastical disciplinary action against the offenders.

"Our Catholic presbyteries, churches, educational institutions, religious institutions, houses of special care and Catholic organisations should be places where all feel comfortable," it said.

The purpose of the guidelines was also to provide a safe and secure environment for minors and vulnerable adults to protect them from any form of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse and to respond to victims of sexual offences with care and compassion, the KCBC said.

It also seeks to address the possibility of false accusations against the clergy, employees and volunteers.

According to the guidelines, Church officials shall refrain from viewing and exhibiting any sexually explicit or morally in-appropriate material in the presence of minors and vulnerable adults.

They shall not indulge in or encourage sexually offensive humour and conversation in the presence of minors and vulnerable adults, the document said.

Adults should ensure that there was no inappropriate physical contact with minors and no minor shall reside in any church rectory or other living quarters of priests, unless the minor is accompanied by parent or an adult entrusted by the parent, it said.

"Church personnel are bound to report cases of sexual offences to the authorities concerned and also cooperate with the investigation by civil authorities," the guidelines said.

The new policy was evolved on the basis of directives issued by the Vatican and the Catholic Bishops Conference of India.

The Kerala-based Syro-Malabar Catholic Church last month decided to set up internal committees at the diocesan level to create a "safe environment" for all, including children and vulnerable adults.

The Catholic Church in India has been hit by various scandals involving priests in the recent past.

Bishop Mulakkal, a senior member of the Roman Catholic clergy in India, was arrested amid mounting public outrage over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting the nun.

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Actors Daniel Craig, Chris Evans and Brie Larson are among the Hollywood A-listers who will be presenting awards at the Oscar 2019.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced the first list of stars which also includes Awkwafina, Tina Fey, Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Lopez, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Amandla Stenberg, Charlize Theron, Tessa Thompson, and Constance Wu.

Oscar producers Donna Gigliotti and Glenn Weiss said in a statement that more names will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

"The Oscar nominees have generated tremendous worldwide attention through their captivating stories, achievements and performances," Gigliotti and Weiss said.

"We want to give the public an opportunity to once again experience the moments that have moved us all. It is a celebration of our universal love of movies," they added.

The Oscars also announced that Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic will perform during the "In Memoriam" segment of the award ceremony.

Earlier, the Academy had said that the ceremony will feature musical performances of the five original song nominees.

Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper will be performing the song, "Shallow", from their film "A Star Is Born", while "When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings" from "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs" will be performed by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

"The Place Where Lost Things Go" from "Mary Poppins Returns" will be performed by a "surprise special guest" during the telecast, while Jennifer Hudson will take the stage for the Diane Warren-penned "I'll Fight" from documentary "RBG".

Kendrick Lamar and SZA will perform "All the Stars" from "Black Panther".

The 2019 Academy Awards will be held on February 24. A replacement of actor Kevin Hart as the Oscars host is yet to be announced by the AMPAS.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
China welcomed the Year of the Pig on Tuesday, ushering in the Lunar New Year with prayers and family feasts as millions travelled to their villages and holiday destinations in the world's largest annual migration to rejoice the country's grandest festival.

Beijing and all major cities wore a festive look but with fewer people on streets as most of the Chinese people travelled to their villages to spend time with their families or to various travel destinations for holidays.

Since Monday, China came to a grinding halt as the government declared a week-long holiday to celebrate the festival. Every year, the new year holiday marks the biggest human migration within and outside the country with millions of Chinese heading either to their villages or to holiday destinations.

On Monday, the Chinese bade farewell to the Year of Dog and welcomed the Year of Pig. Pigs symbolise good fortune and wealth in Chinese culture.

In the Chinese Lunar calendar, years are grouped into a 12-year cycle, with each year assigned to an animal with symbols including rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

There is a mad scramble for air, rail and bus tickets. On the eve of the festival, top Chinese leaders make customary visits to the selected communities to spend the festival with common people.

Chinese President Xi Jinping last week visited some of the middle-income communities in Beijing and interacted with the local people.

This year's Spring Festival is taking place on a sedate note amid concerns over the slowdown of the Chinese economy and impact of the trade war between China and the US.

In his greetings on the eve of the festival, Xi played down concerns over the slowdown of China's economy and the trade war with the US, saying the world's second largest economy made steady progress and his government was carrying out necessary reforms to avert risks.

In his speech, Xi noted that Chinese people had a hard but fulfilling year.

The Chinese economy remained steady while making progress, with new steps taken in reform and opening-up, he said. China's economy sank to a 28-year low in 2018 slowing down to 6.6 per cent year-on-year, lower than the 6.8 per cent growth registered in 2017.

The slowdown continued amid the trade war with the US over President Donald Trump's demand to reduce the USD 375 billion trade deficit and protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) and more access to American goods to Chinese markets.

The two countries are currently holding talks to reach a trade deal before the March 1 deadline set by Trump.

Xi said his government has actively pushed forward campaigns to defuse major risks, carry out targeted poverty alleviation and prevent and control pollution, with poverty alleviation projects achieving remarkable outcomes.

Defence and military reforms extended to a deeper level, major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics opened a new chapter and Communist Party governance further improved, he said.

"Chinese society has been stable, and the people have enjoyed a stronger sense of fulfilment, happiness and security," he said.

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Accused Mehul Choksi fled India before the of Rs. 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case surfaced last year.

Bringing Mehul Choksi back to India would be a boon for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he tries to bolster his anti-corruption credentials ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. (File Photo)

Georgetown: Fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi, accused in the Rs. 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case, is still an Indian citizen despite holding an Antigua and Barbuda passport, an Indian official told Reuters, adding the government is pushing for his extradition.

Mehul Choksi fled India before the accusations surfaced last year. His nephew Nirav Modi, a celebrity diamantaire is an accused in the case. He has also skipped the country.

Bringing Mehul Choksi back to India would be a boon for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he tries to bolster his anti-corruption credentials ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi are accused of colluding with a handful of bankers to secure credit from overseas banks using fraudulent guarantees. Both have denied the allegations.

Mehul Choksi has secured a passport from Antigua and Barbuda, where wealthy foreigners can become citizens in exchange for investing in the country.

But Indian officials still consider him an Indian citizen, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana and Non-Resident High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda as well as St. Kitts and Nevis, said in an interview in Georgetown last week.

"He has not renounced his Indian citizenship. We have revoked his passport, but that does not mean we have revoked his citizenship. We must agree if someone wants to renounce their citizenship; we have not agreed," Mr Mahalingam said.

"You cannot commit some crime and run away from the country and (think) we'd allow you to renounce your citizenship. That would look really stupid."

India in August lodged an extradition request, which Mr Mahalingam said Mehul Choksi was fighting.

If all sides agree Mehul Choksi is Indian, he could potentially be extradited from Antigua using a Commonwealth-based agreement. But his Antiguan citizenship complicates the situation even though India does not permit dual citizenship.

"He is ... entitled to the protection any citizen of Antigua and Barbuda is," Lionel Hurst, the chief of staff for the Antiguan Prime Minister's Office, told India Today TV in September.

'BROUGHT TO JUSTICE'

In January, Mr Hurst told India Today the struggle over Mehul Choksi now depended on Antiguan courts, and warned the case could "last for a very long time".

Mehul Choksi in November also filed an application to a Mumbai court refuting that he was a fugitive and blaming "persisting medical conditions" for preventing him from returning to India, court documents show.

When asked whether Mehul Choksi remained an Indian citizen, his lawyer Sanjay Abbot late last week confirmed that Mehul Choksi had surrendered his passport but directed questions on his citizenship to David Dorsett, his lawyer in Antigua.

Mr Dorsett did not respond to a request for comment.

PM Modi said recently any corruption suspect would face justice "regardless of whether he is in India or abroad".

"Any person who has cheated or looted the country shall be brought to the justice," PM Modi said in a speech.
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst said yesterday that the Senate "can no longer unanimously condemn murder."

Ernst was referring to Democrat Sen. Patty Murray's objection to the Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act, legislation that would ensure medical care for an infant who survives an abortion; the bill, introduced by Republican Sen. Ben Sasse, required unanimous consent.

Murray did the bidding for her fellow Democrats. "We have laws against infanticide in this country," she said. We did.

When Barack Obama was an Illinois state senator, he pushed hard for legislation that would allow a child who survived an abortion to die unattended by medical staff. Just last week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a law that allows the child born alive following an abortion to die without any consequences to physicians or the non-physicians who can now perform abortions. Also last week, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam championed a bill that would permit infanticide.

Even if Murray believes the laws on infanticide are sufficient, why would sheand the Democratswant to stop a bill that enhances legislation of great moral weight? If a child born alive does not have a right to life, then human rights are a chimera. Why worry about anti-discrimination laws if we begin by discriminating against children at the time of birth?

Murray was chosen to do the bidding of the Senate Democrats because she is a Catholic woman. In 2014, she sported her Catholic bona fides by staying up all night to draw attention to the issue of climate change. But unfortunately for the kids, her Catholic colors did not kick in yesterday. We have reached an alarming level of moral imbecility when politicians are more exercised about changing weather patterns than they are infanticide.


Hong Kong: CE inspects LNY fair clean-up

Chief Executive Carrie Lam started the first day of the Year of the Pig with visits to frontline staff at a Lunar New Year fair site clean-up and the airport.

Mrs Lam inspected the Lunar New Year fair site clean-up at the Victoria Park this morning. She thanked the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department staff for their hard work during the holiday and the departments volunteers for sending flowers and plants donated by fair vendors to elderly homes and hospitals.

Mrs Lam then went to the airport where she attended Chinese New Year festive activities, exchanged greetings with travellers, and met frontline immigration and customs officers.

She said Hong Kong is a regional and global aviation hub, with the airport playing a key role. The Civil Aviation Department has set a new single-day record of handling 2,467 flights just days ago.

The Government will continue work together with the Airport Authority to boost Hong Kong's leading position as an international aviation and cargo hub, she added.

During the day Mrs Lam also visited the 98-year-old Uncle Fook, whom she met during her tenure as the Director of Social Welfare, in an elderly home in Tsz Wan Shan.

She presented mandarin oranges to other elderly residents there and conveyed them her well wishes.

This story has been published on: 2019-02-05. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday held a public meeting in Nabarangpur and attacked the Centre over alleged negligence of backward areas of the state, even as Congress activists tried to disrupt his rally, demanding jobs for local youths.

Patnaik's meeting comes a day ahead of Congress president Rahul Gandhi's visit to adjacent Kalahandi district.

The Congress president is set to address a public meeting on Wednesday at Bhawanipatna, the district headquarters of Kalahandi.

Over 100 activists of the grand old party were detained by the police Tuesday as they tried to enter the rally venue, seeking jobs for local youths, police said.

Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput (KBK) region, spread across southern and western regions of Odisha, is among the most backward areas in the country.

The CM inaugurated several development projects in Koraput and Nabarangpur districts and tom-tomed his government's achievements in the less-developed areas.

Attacking the BJP-led NDA government, the CM said the KBK region has been "neglected by the Centre".

"We will not allow the derailment of development works in the KBK region. The state government has launched Biju KBK Yojana for providing basic facilities to the people of the region," he said during his address at Nabarangpur.

Patnaik also asserted that his government has been working for the poor, empowering women and taking every measure to strengthen the farmers of the state.

"The small, marginal, landless farmers and agricultural labourers are entitled to get benefits of Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme."



He criticized the central government for reducing scholarship allotment for SC students.

Patnaik's visit to the region is considered politically significant as people in the KBK region has mostly stood with the Congress since the time of Indira Gandhi.

The CM inaugurated projects worth Rs 1,155 crore and laid foundation for development works worth Rs 1,846 crore in the two districts.

In Nabarangpur, he inaugurated projects worth Rs 19 crore and laid foundation of new works worth Rs 1,197 crore.

In Koraput, Patnaik launched the much-awaited Telangiri Irrigation Project (TIP), constructed at a budget of Rs 992.85 crore. The project is expected to provide irrigate of Jeypore and Borigumma blocks of Koraput.

"The TIP will strengthen the economy of the farmers of the region," Patnaik said.

In all, he dedicated projects worth Rs 1,136.4 crore to the people of Koraput and laid foundation of new works worth Rs 749 crore.

The chief minister also attended a youth conclave organised by the Biju Yuva Bahini (BYB) at Jeypore.

Thousands of BYB activists from Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri districts attended the programme.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The PMK Tuesday said due to its sustained effort, the Centre has given its approval for a new railway line between Morappur and Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu at an estimated cost of Rs 358.95 crore.

The 36 km long new line will cut down travel distance by 81 km and link Dharmapuri with Chennai and fulfill the over seven decades dream of the people, the party said.

"The 78 year dream of people has been fulfilled, a new railway line between Dharmapuri and Morappur for a distance of 36 km will be built," PMK leader and Dharmapuri Lok Sabha MP Anbumani Ramadoss said.

Releasing a letter, dated February 4, 2019, addressed to him by Railway Minister Piyush Goyal informing him of the sanction for the new line, Anbumani said it was due to his sustained effort and "pressure."



In the letter, Goyal cited Anbumani's letter of October 2017 seeking a railway line between Morappur and Dharmapuri.

The Minister said he had requested Tamil Nadu to take up the project in Joint Venture model or give consent for 50 per cent cost sharing of the project.

The government of Tamil Nadu, however, informed that it was not feasible to execute this new line project through JV models.

All such projects with negative Rate of Return are not sanctioned unless the State government agrees to share the cost, he said.

"I am happy to inform you that despite the negative response from the State, the proposal for the new line between Morappur and Dharmapuri has been sanctioned on January 16, 2019 by the Ministry of Railways in a record time," Goyal said.

"Presently, route from Morappur to Dharmapuri is via Salem with a distance to 117 km. After construction of this line, distance will reduce to 36 km and thus there will be saving in distance to the tune of 81 km.

This will also be an alternative route to industrial corridor of Bengaluru and Hosur," the Minister said.

As per the Detailed Project Report, the cost of the project including electrification is Rs 358.95 crore with a negative Rate of Return of 5.60 per cent.

Anbumani said between 1906 and 1941, a narrow guage line was in operation between Morappur and Dharmapuri and after over seven decades, only now an electrified line is set to come up.

"A stone will soon be laid for the project and work will commence. I will urge the Centre to soon hold the stone laying ceremony. My 2014 Lok Sabha election promise has been fulfilled," the PMK leader said.

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The Centre Tuesday asked the West Bengal government to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar for indiscipline and violation of service rules.

The Union Home Ministry, which is the cadre controlling authority of the Indian Police Service officers in the country, has asked the West Bengal Chief Secretary to initiate the process.

In a communication on Tuesday, the Home Ministry said that as per information received by it, Kumar sat in a dharna along with some police officers with Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee which is prima facie in contravention of the extant provisions of the All India Services (Conduct) rules, 1968 and All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, .

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The Bihar government's plan to run buses from Delhi to various destinations in the state has been in limbo with the transport department of the city government remaining non-committal on granting permission for the service.

Lakhs of people from Bihar settled in Delhi depend on trains that are overcrowded throughout the year, to visit their home places. Private buses plying between Delhi and Bihar charge exorbitant fares, officials said.

Sources said the proposal of Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) had been given in-principle nod by the then Transport commissioner Varsha Joshi but later the file on it was summoned by the Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot.

"The file is still lying with the transport minister for nearly two months now," they said.

No immediate reaction was available from Gahlot.

Bihar Transport Secretary and Administrator of BSRTC Sanjay Agarwal said he was not aware of the current status of the file.

"We have applied for the permit from the Delhi government's Transport Department, but approval is still awaited. No update on it is available to us. We are waiting for their reply," Agarwal said.

As per plans, BSRTC was to run four air-conditioned buses between Anand Vihar(New Delhi) and state capital Patna. The number of buses was to be raised to 30 to connect important destinations in the state.

"We have sought permission for 30 buses but initially only four buses are planned to be operated between Patna and Anand Vihar. Delhi's Transport department had agreed to it but a formal approval is still awaited," Agarwal said.

In November last year, Agarwal had written to the Transport Secretary of Delhi, seeking permission to operate 30 buses.

The BSRTC is party to an agreement with Association of State Road Transport Undertakings(ASRTU) for running buses between Delhi and Bihar.

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CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said the Supreme Court order on Tuesday showed both the BJP and the TMC their place and alleged the two parties were hand in glove in "sharing the spoils" of the chit fund scam.

Speaking to reporters, Yechury and Md Salim, the party's MP in Lok Sabha, said the agenda of the CPI(M) was clear -- "defeat BJP, save India; defeat TMC, save Bengal."



Reacting to the West Bengal Chief Minister who earlier said that the SC order was a "moral victory" for her, Salim said that it was in fact a "tight slap on the face of the state government".

Accusing the state government of falsely implicating CPIM leaders in the chit fund case, the leaders said that while the CBI has been misused in the past, in this case, it was probing the matter on the orders of the court.

"In this instance when the judiciary orders the CBI to investigate a case, the CBI's movement in the investigation into any state or territory cannot be construed as an attack on the authority or the powers of the state government.

"What is objectionable is when the CBI suo motu takes action and investigates without permission of the state government. That would be a violation. That is not the case here. So it is not a issue of Centre-State relation," said Yechury.

The Supreme Court Tuesday directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to make himself available before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate with the agency in investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam probe.

The apex court said Kumar will appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigation at Shillong in Meghalaya.

The apex court also said no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata Police chief, will take place during the course of investigation.

"Both corrupt parties, the TMC and the BJP get put in their place by the Supreme Court. (CBI) must investigate the top leadership of the TMC too, of loot. Several TMC MPs have already faced arrests and charge sheets. Why did the BJP wait for five years to investigate? To pull corrupt members into its own fold?" the CPIM general secretary said.

Attacking both the BJP and the TMC, Yechury said that the stand of both the parties was "equally contradictory and inconsistent".

He said that there is a long list of corruption cases against the BJP -- GSPCL scam, Vyapam scam, Sahara-Birla diaries, and PNB scam involving Nirav Modi.

"Rafale is an open and shut case of corruption, and their involvement is proven by their refusal to have a JPC (joint parliamentary committee). BJP is trying to appear as a corruption crusader. Why don't they order a probe into the Rafale scam? It cannot be a pick and choose, this is politically motivated," he asked.

He demanded that the investigation into the chit fund scam should proceed and in the time being, the properties of the owners of these companies should be confiscated and utilise these properties to repay those people who have been cheated.

Coming down hard on Banerjee's three-day protest in Kolkata, Salim said that the sit-in was a "political drama".

"She was unsettled after she saw the huge CPIM rally on Sunday. She started the protest to get media coverage. The TMC leaders who had been questioned in the Sardha scam have now joined the BJP and the two parties are now playing a game of "chor (thief)-police," he said, referring to the Left Front rally at the Brigade Parade ground.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
CPIM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said the Supreme Court order on Tuesday showed both the BJP and the TMC its place and that the two parties were hand in gloves in "sharing the spoils" of the chit fund scam.

Speaking to reporters, Yechury said he did not find anything wrong in the way the CBI had embarked on the investigations into the scam in Kolkata and pointed out that their actions could have been objectionable if the agency had proceeded suo moto.

"In this instance when the judiciary orders the CBI to investigate a case, the CBI's movement in the investigation into any state or territory cannot be construed as an attack on the authority or the powers of the state government.

"What is objectionable if when the CBI suo moto takes action and investigate without permission of the state government. That would be a violation. That is not the case here. So it is not a issue of Centre-state relation," he said.

The Supreme Court Tuesday directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to make himself available before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate with the agency in investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam probe.

The apex court said Kumar will appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigation at Shillong in Meghalaya.

The apex court also said no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata Police chief, will take place during the course of investigation.

"Both corrupt parties, the TMC and the BJP get put in their place by the Supreme Court. Must investigate the top leadership of the TMC too, of loot. Several TMC MPs have already faced arrests and charge sheets. Why did the BJP wait for five years to investigate? To pull corrupt members into its own fold?" he said.

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The BJP on Tuesday projected the apex court order directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to make himself available before the CBI as a blow to the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal and a moral victory for the investigating agency.

The Supreme Court said Kumar would appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Meghalaya capital Shillong. The court also said no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata Police chief, will take place during the course of the investigation.

Senior BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad welcomed the order and said it's a blow to the Mamata Banerjee government and a victory for the CBI. It also showed that nobody is above the law, including the police commissioner, he added.

The Kolkata Police commissioner will appear before the CBI in Shillong as the environment is not conducive in West Bengal, Prasad said.

Describing the order as a "slap on the face" of the Mamata Banerjee-led government, top functionaries in the central government said it is quite apparent that the court has taken a dim view of the Kolkata Police commissioner and the entire top bureaucracy of the Mamata government.

Emphasising that the conduct of the Mamata government's senior officers is being watched, the functionaries, citing the order, said the apex court has asked the Kolkata Police chief "to faithfully cooperate with the investigating agency at all times".

The Mamata Banerjee-led government in the state and the BJP are at loggerheads after the CBI tried to question Kolkata's Police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee has been on a 'dharna' since Sunday night over the CBI's attempts to interrogate the police chief.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday alleged that the BJP is "blackmailing" people by using central agencies like the CBI against them and then getting them into the party fold.

Banerjee said she has "great respect" for the CBI and urged it to speed up its probe into theft of the Nobel medal of Rabindranath Tagore with the same alacrity with which, she alleged, the agency executes the orders of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah.

The Trinamool Congress supremo, was speaking before ending her three-day dharna (sit-in protest) at the Metro cinema in the city's Esplanade area against the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in connection with the chit fund scams.

She said once the people who are being blackmailed by the BJP join the saffron party, the cases lodged against them by the central agencies are dismissed.

"Once you join the BJP, then there will be no cases. There will be no CBI, no ED, no I-T (Income Tax Department) against you," she said.

Banerjee, who came to power in West Bengal riding the crest of the anti-farmland acquisition wave at Singur and Nandigram, alleged that political vendetta is working behind the CBI going slow on its investigations into the Tapasi Malik's death at Singur and into the Nandigram killings.

Malik, a teenager and part of the Trinamool Congress-led Save Farmland Committee, was raped and killed at Singur in December 2006 during the agitation against the acquisition of farm land by the government for Tata Motors' small car factory.

"Its been a number of years that the Nobel medal has been stolen and you (CBI) are yet to give us any result. I request you to speed up the investigation into it in a manner similar to the one you adopt when it comes to directives by Narendra Modi or Amit Shah," Banerjee said.

The Nobel medal was stolen from Shantiniketan in 2004 and is yet to be recovered.

On allegations that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was denied permission to land his helicopter for two rallies at Raigunj and Balurghat in West Bengal on Sunday, she said the BJP seeks permissions for holding rallies and public meetings at the eleventh hour which do not give much time to the administration.

She said the BJP applies for permission without checking whether there is any other programme fixed from an earlier time. Once they have applied they want the permission for it right away, she added.

Banerjee said she has no problem with chief ministers of other states visiting West Bengal, but Adityanath should take care of his state before thinking about others.

"The chief minister of one state can go to another state for a meeting. But Yogiji must concentrate on his state before thinking about West Bengal," she said.

Referring to BJP national president Amit Shah's Malda January 22 public meeting in the state, the TMC supremo, without naming him, said, "We never objected when you (Shah) came here to address a rally just after getting out of hospital where you were treated for swine flu. Swine flu is a vector borne disease.

"Also Ive heard that even BJP workers were not allowed to go near to you (Shah)," Banerjee said and recollected instances when she was denied accommodation in Maharashtra and Bihar in the past where she had gone to participate in rallies.

The chief minister alleged that pressure is being created on companies to cancel agreements to provide helicopters to Trinamool Congress during the upcoming general elections.

She said TMC had given advance money for booking choppers for two occasions and the company has returned the money in both cases.

"Why are they (BJP) so scared ? Of what? This way they will not be able to stop me. Such cancellations will not help BJP as I will walk or take a cycle. Or I may go online - there is the social network and the digital platform," Banerjee added.

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In a dig at dynastic politics, Union minister Nitin Gadkari Tuesday said the BJP is not a "family party like that of mother-son and father-son" and it is a common mans party where a small-time worker like him could rise to become its president and a tea seller could become the country's Prime Minister.

The Narendra Modi government has taken a historic decision to provide 10 per cent quota in jobs and educational institutions to the economically weaker sections (among the general category), without reducing the reservation of SCs, STs and Other Backward Classes, Gadkari said.

The union minister was speaking at a function organised by various organisations to thank him and the Centre for the gesture.

"Our party is not the one like that of mother-son, father-son, family party. I was a small-time party worker and used to paste posters.

My mother was not an MLA nor my father an MP," he said.

Gadkari said he did not also go to Delhi seeking any post.

"But, despite all this a worker like me working at the grassroot went on to become BJP's president and a tea seller from a poor family went on to become the Prime Minister," the Minister for Road Transport and Highways said.

"BJP is common man's party. We never thought on the lines of caste, religion and language.

We serve for the poor, under privileged and vulnerable sections and we have adopted the mission to change their lives. So, 10 per cent reservation is for those poor who did not have any facilities," he said.

The BJP leaders have hit out at dynastic and has in particular targeted the Congress, saying it is a "maa-beta" (mother and son) party.

The senior BJP leader alleged that the Congress government 'garibi hatao' slogan and programmes announced in that regard did not eradicate poverty and poor became more poorer.

"But, when our government came, we decided that of 21st century is the for progress and development.

We built good roads, provided water to farmers lands and created jobs to unemployed and are making efforts to eradicate poverty.

The developmental works done by our government is in front of you. The Modi government at the Centre extended all necessary help to both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the last five years which no government did over the past 50 years," he claimed.

Gadkari said his party wanted to bring transparent governance and work for the country's progress and rid it of fear, hunger, terror and corruption.

Gadkari said in his ministry projects worth Rs 10 lakh crore have been awarded across the country and no contractor had met him nor had to come to his office to get the contract work.

The Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh is funded by the Central government, he said.

Gadkari said 1100 TMC ft of Godavari river water goes waste into the sea and a scheme has been prepared wherein it will be diverted into the Krishna and then to Penna river and from the Penna to the Cauvery to reach Tamil Nadu.

"In Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the BJP did not succeed in big way but we dont discriminate on political (lines). Good governance and developmentare among our party's principles," Gadkari added.

Telangana BJP president K Laxman said the Telangana government should also implement the 10 per cent reservation announced by the Centre for the economically weaker sections (EWS) from the general category.

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The Jharkhand unit of BJP Tuesday accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of disrespecting federalism and democracy by trying to stop her Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath from entering Bengal.

The saffron party leaders further charged her with announcing an undeclared emergency in Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee has proved that she does not respect federalism and democracy. She tried to stop Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from entering West Bengal. She has announced an undeclared emergency in Bengal as her words are law, BJPs Jharkhand unit spokesmen Praveen Prabhakar and Pratul Shahdeo told a press conference here.

They claimed Banerjee appeared fearful of Adityanath and BJPs national president Amit Shah due to which she is not allowing them to enter Bengal, adding, The final countdown for her has begun as the people will throw her out in the elections.

Their press conference came in the backdrop of Adityanath travelling to Purulia by road after his chopper landed at Barmasia in Bokaro district, about 30 km from Purulia in bordering state West Bengal, during the day.

Shahdeo said that the Apex Courts direction to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to cooperate with the CBI has shamed Mamata Banerjee government.

He also said Trinamool Congress had murdered democracy during last year's panchayat polls in Bengal.

Prabhakar said, Instead of preventing intrusion of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas into their state, she is stopping BJP and CBI. She should tell the nation as to why she is afraid of the BJP and the CBI? Why she is not allowing them to enter the state?



Prabhakar also alleged that Banerjee opposed Durga Puja and Ram Navami, but has no problem with cow slaughter.

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CJI said even if 2,700 out of the available 3,000 paramilitary companies are required, there are still 300 companies of the CAPF left with the govt.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up the Centre for trying to destroy the verification process for preparation of the final National Register of Citizens now under way in Assam.

Making a strong observation against the Union home ministry, a bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Rohinton Nariman told attorney-general K.K. Venugopal: You are hell bent on destroying the process. The bench refused to pass any order at this stage on the Centres request to suspend the verification process for two weeks on the ground that it could not provide 167 companies of Central forces for deployment in the coming elections.

The CJI asked the A-G: Why do you want to withdraw the forces? It looks like you dont want the NRC exercise to go on. We are left with no other option but to say that the ministry of home affairs does not want the NRC exercise to go on. We are very sorry to say that the impression the home ministry is giving is that it is not willing to continue with the NRC work. The entire effort of the MHA is to destroy the NRC process. We are sorry to say that.

The A-G said the Central armed police forces comprising the CRPF and other paramilitary forces, now deployed in Assam for NRC work needed to be deployed in different parts of the country. He submitted that the anticipated political atmosphere in the country would be surcharged during the elections, and it would not be conducive for the NRC exercise to go on during that period.

The CJI said even if 2,700 out of the available 3,000 paramilitary companies are required, there are still 300 companies of the CAPF left with the government. Then why do you want to disturb the 167 companies deployed for NRC work? If you want the NRC work to go on, there are 1001 ways the Government of India can cooperate in completing the exercise. But the Government of India does not seem to be keen on completing the process.

The CJI said: We want that the elections must be held peacefully and in an orderly manner. We also want the NRC process to be completed in an orderly and peaceful manner. Both the processes (are) very important for the country.

In its order, the bench directed the Centre and the Assam government to provide an adequate number of officials (that is 3,457), as indicated by the state coordinator, that consists of people of all ranks be kept for NRC work. The bench further requested the Election Commission to examine the question of exempting an adequate number of senior officials from election work to ensure that the NRC process is not affected.
After early losses, shares of Bharti Airtel Tuesday recovered lost ground to close almost flat at Rs 307.85 apiece on the BSE.

The scrip had declined over 4 per cent during the day after Moody's Investors Service downgraded the credit rating of the telecom operator.

Shares of the company ended day almost flat on the BSE and the NSE.

On the NSE, the scrip closed at Rs 307.00 apiece.

"Moody's has downgraded to Ba1 from Baa3 the senior unsecured rating for Bharti Airtel as well as the backed senior unsecured notes issued by Bharti's wholly-owned subsidiary, Bharti Airtel Int'l (Netherlands) BV," the Moody's Investors Service said in statement.

Ba1 rating means obligations are subject to substantial credit risk.

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Bharti Airtel shares fell 4.5 per cent Tuesday after Moody's Investors Service downgraded the credit rating of the telecom operator.

Shares of the company declined 4.33 per cent to Rs 293.30 on BSE.

On NSE, shares dropped 4.46 per cent to Rs 292.85.

"Moody's has downgraded to Ba1 from Baa3 the senior unsecured rating for Bharti Airtel as well as the backed senior unsecured notes issued by Bharti's wholly-owned subsidiary, Bharti Airtel Int'l (Netherlands) BV," the agency said in statement.

Credit ratings reflect the company's calibre to repay debt and raise funds.

Ratings range between Aaa, which means best, to lowest category C.

Ba1 rating means obligations are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk, but have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

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Bangladesh's newly-appointed Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will travel to New Delhi on Wednesday in his maiden overseas trip during which he will attend the 5th India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) meeting and held talks with top leaders.

Momen, who will lead a high-level delegation, said on Tuesday that during his visit he would seek increased Indian support to resolve the Rohingya crisis.

"I am visiting India on my first foreign trip to honour our great neighbour, the world's greatest democracy...among other things I want to consult with my counterpart about the early resolution of the Rohingya crisis as it may affect the regional stability," the minister told PTI.

Momen said he expected enhanced Indian support in resolving the crisis as "it is likely to appear as an issue for the regional security".

Bangladesh has said it gave makeshift refuge to over one million Rohingya Muslims on humanitarian ground as they fled Myanmar to evade a brutal military crackdown but unless the crisis was resolved immediately it could expose the country and its neighbours to threats of radicalization.

Momen acknowledged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first foreign leader to greet her Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina soon after the December 30 election results were announced.

"We always found them beside us in our crises. Indian people gave their lives for our 1971 independence," he said.

During the JCC meet, the entire gamut of bilateral relations ranging from trade and investment, security cooperation, connectivity, border management, defence cooperation, energy, shipping, and people-to-people exchanges are likely to come up for discussion.

"We have some issues as neighbours everywhere in the world have, but by now we amicably resolved several of them like the major maritime boundary and the land boundary and expect the others to be solved as well since we now enjoy the warmest ever relations," he said.

The minister did not elaborate the expected deals with India during his visit but officials said the two countries could ink five memorandums of understanding (MoUs).

"The two sides so far agreed to sign three MoUs and they could reach a consensus on another two by tomorrow," a foreign ministry official said, preferring anonymity.

He said one of the three MoUs involved cooperation of the two countries in graft investigation while the two others were over TV broadcasting and medicinal plants.

They said Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were expected to sign the first MoU, state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Prasar Bharti would sign the second one and the two health ministries would ink the third one.

During his visit, Momen will call on Prime Minister Modi on Thursday morning and hold talks with his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj on Friday. He will meet former president Pranab Mukherjee at the latter's residence.

The last JCC meet was held in Dhaka on October 22-23, 2017 when Swaraj led the Indian delegation.

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More than thirty paintings and drawings signed "A. Hitler" and presumed to be the work of the Nazi dictator are due to go under the hammer at a Nuremburg auction house on Saturday.

The pictures -- from watercolours of pastoral scenes to sketches of female nudes -- will be sold at the German city's Weidler auction house, according to its website, which includes the listing of an Adolf Hitler "special auction" at the end of its sales catalogue.

The works include pictures either "signed or monogrammed by A. Hitler" and other furnishings, it said.

They are in a variety of styles and mediums.

"The items come from Austrian or rather European private ownership, originally from famous artists of the 3rd Reich, from heirs or from the estates of collectors," the catalogue says.

According to a report on the sale in the local Nurnberger Nachrichten newspaper the starting prices vary from 130 euros ($150) for a charcoal sketch, "Weinberg Monastery", to 45,000 euros for a watercolour entitled "Ortschaft an Vorgebirgssee", a scene of a village near a mountain lake.

Hitler tried to enrol in the Vienna Academy of Arts as a young man but was rejected for lack of talent.

He continued painting, however, and copied landscapes from post cards which he sold to tourists.

The Nuremburg sale comes just two weeks after German police seized three watercolours presented as Hitler's works before they were due for auction in Berlin, claiming they were fakes.

The Alpine and Rhenish landscapes were dated 1910 and 1911 and were signed A. Hitler and were offered by auction house Kloss.

A 2015 auction of Hitler watercolours fetched nearly 400,000 euros ($452,000).

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An army helicopter made an emergency landing on an agriculture field in the city outskirts Tuesday following a technical snag, police said.

However, no one was injured.

The incident occurred at Thattaguppe under Kaggalipura police station limits at about 1 pm, they said.

Two trainee pilots noticed the technical fault in the helicopter and informed the local authorities before grounding it.

"Some problem was detected in the engine due to which they (pilots) landed at Thattaguppe. Nobody was injured," a police official told PTI.

The incident comes close on the heels of a Mirage 2000 aircraft crash at the HAL airport in the city on February 1 killing both the pilots while performing sorties.

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BJD leader B Mahtab Tuesday wondered whether reciting prayers in Sanskrit is not secular as he sought to raise in the Lok Sabha the issue of a petition in the Supreme Court against Kendriya Vidyalaya students being asked to recite prayers in Sanskrit.

He also asked the government to put forth its view on the matter in the House as well as in the Supreme Court.

A petition has been moved in the apex court against the revised education code for Kendriya Vidyalayas wherein recitation of common prayers in Sanskrit has been made compulsory for students.

Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, Mahtab said that common prayers are from the Upanishads.

Is something recited in Sanskrit not secular and why should someone go to the Supreme Court, he wondered.

BJP member Nishikant Dubey alleged that the West Bengal government was protecting corrupt people and illegal immigrants from Bangladesh for vote bank politics.

Dharmendra Yadav (SP) raised the issue of change in roster system for recruitment of teachers in colleges and universities.

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President Donald Trump plans to nominate David Malpass, a Trump administration critic of the World Bank, to lead the institution.

That's according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official wasn't authorized to comment publicly on personnel decisions.

Trump is expected to make an announcement later this week.

Malpass, the undersecretary for international affairs at the Treasury Department, has been a sharp critic of the World Bank, especially over its lending to China.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders declined to confirm that Malpass is the president's pick to lead the institution on Tuesday.

"When the president is ready to make that announcement, he certainly will," Sanders said. "I can tell you if he chooses David, it will be a great choice. Highly respected and a strong member of the team."



Malpass would succeed Jim Yong Kim, who announced in January that he is stepping down three years before his term was set to expire.

The final decision on a successor to Kim will be up to the bank's board. Politico was first to report on the nomination.

The World Bank was founded in 1944 with the task of shoring up the economies of nations devastated by World War II. The first recipient of a World Bank loan was France.

The bank, whose leader is nominated by the US and has always been a U.S. citizen, has since shifted its focus from reconstruction, to development, extensively in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Kim's unexpected departure is likely to become a contentious fight between the Trump administration and other countries who believe the US exerts too much influence over the bank, which is based in Washington.

The White House said last month that Ivanka Trump will take part in the nomination process.

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As the mass agitation against mineral sand mining in the coastal hamlet of Alappad is set to enter the 100th day this week, Kerala Industries minister E P Jayarajan Tuesday flayed protesters and alleged interference by "external forces" in the anti-mining stir.

Extending support to mineral sand mining, he said mineral sand for Kerala is what petrol is like to Gulf countries and the LDF's stand was to mine it without causing harm to the

While replying to a notice for adjournment motion moved by the opposition UDF over the issue in the state assembly, Jayarajan said he failed to understand why the agitators were protesting against an industry which had provided jobs to thousands of people.

The minister also rejected the protesters' claim that Alappad in Kollam district was 'disappearing' from the map due to mining activities by the Indian Rare Earth (IRE), a central Public Sector Undertaking, and state government-owned Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML).

He said it was not mineral sand mining, but the tsunami which had hit the shores in 2004 besides reduction in sand flow from the sea which were responsible for sea erosion in the area.

The public-sector industries could not be destroyed by stopping the mining, the minister added.

The people of Alappad were not against mineral sand mining, Jayarajan said and alleged that conciliatory talks by the government had not yielded any result due to interference by "external forces" in the agitation.

There were attempts to stop the mining even by constructing a temple in the area, he alleged.

Seeking notice for the motion, P T Thomas (Congress) said over 5000 families had already left the coastal hamlet due to mining and the alleged environmental issues.

"Temples, churches and public roads are vanishing. One hamlet is on the verge of disappearance," he said.

The legislator said the CPI(M)-led LDF government should be ready to shed its "stubborn" attitude and hold talks with the protesters to resolve the stir.

He also wanted Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to visit Alappad.

As speaker P Sreeramakrishnan denied leave for the motion, the UDF members staged a walkout protesting the government stand.

Local people of Alappad had launched an indefinite relay fast on November 1 raising the slogan "Save Alappad, Stop Mining."



The agitation, which garnered widespread support from various quarters, will enter the 100th day on February 8.

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BJP president Amit Shah will visit Odisha again on February 15 and address a rally at Sambalpur, state BJP chief Basant Panda said here Tuesday.

Shah will have a meeting with the booth level organisers of four Lok Sabha constituencies of Dhenkanal, Sambalpur, Bargarh and Sundargarh. About 60,000 booth level organisers will attend the meeting, he said.

This will be Shahs third visit to Odisha this year and second within 12 days. His last visit was on February 3 when he addressed a meeting of BJP's ST Morcha at Puri.

Earlier, he had visited Cuttack district and addressed a public meeting at Kulia on January 29.

In both the occasions, Shah had criticised the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government in Odisha.

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Rajeev Kumar agrees to face sleuths in Shillong on Friday.

New Delhi: Putting to rest the simmering controversy for now, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI in Shillong, a neutral place outside West Bengal, for facing questions on Saradha scam while making it clear that he will not be arrested.

Within hours of the three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, offering Mr Kumar protection against arrest, the beleaguered IPS officer wrote a letter to the CBI informing it that he will meet investigators in Shillong on February 8.

During the hearing. the CBI sought access to Kolkata police chief, who is at the heart of a huge showdown between the CBI and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, for questioning and accused him of attempts to shield suspects, including leaders of the ruling Trinamul Congress, in the multi-crore chit fund scams by doctoring phone call records, tampering with the electronic evidence and taking selective action against culprits.

The apex court Bench, including Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjeev Khanna, also issued a notice to Mr Kumar and sought his response before February 20, the next date of hearing, on the CBIs allegation that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by him provided the agency with doctored materials at the time of handing over the probe into the scams.

Earlier, while observing that there is no reason why he (Kumar) will not make himself available for the investigation, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said, We make it clear that no

coercive steps including arrest shall be taken against the commissioner of police.

After hearing attorney-general K.K. Venugopal, who maintained that a contempt of court has been committed by preventing CBI officers from exercising their duties, the Bench issued notices to West Bengal chief secretary and director general of police seeking their responses by February 18.

The Bench made it clear that on consideration of their replies, the court may require the personal presence of the three officers on February 20 and the Secretary General of the court would intimate this to them on February 19.

The CBI went to the Supreme Court on Monday, after its team that arrived at Kolkata police chiefs home was blocked by police, bundled into buses and detained for a few hours. The dramatic developments on Sunday evening led to Ms Banerjee launching a sit-in that ended on Tuesday. The Centre had dubbed the ill-treatment of CBI officials an indication of constitutional breakdown.

Earlier, Mr Venugopal submitted that the state police was not co-operating with the probe. Citing instances, he said the material handed over to the CBI was not the entire material. We had serious doubts over the documents which were handed over to us. Call data, which was given to us, was incomplete. There is a serious breakdown of legal machinery and law and order in West Benga, he said.

The AG along with solicitor general Tushar Mehta said, Can state police confront Centres police which is acting pursuant to the orders of this court? Your lordships have to issue notice for contempt and also lay down the law in this regard. The conduct of Mr Kumar and the State of West Bengal amounted to contempt of the Supreme Court judgment.

The CBI affidavit said such actions which were on a public display throughout the country tantamount to nothing less than an armed rebellion against the Central government and the Central agencies. The SIT used to shield selective companies such as Sharadha, Rose Valley and Tower Group, which have given huge contributions (even by way of cheques) to the party in power in West Bengal. Kolkata police commissioner tampered with material related to the chit fund scams and primary evidence in the form of CDRs.

The CBI said it is also investigating inaction, selective action, police and chit fund nexus.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for West Bengal government refuted the submissions, saying that the whole episode on Sunday was enacted with the object of harassment and humiliation.

He said that there is no non-cooperation on the part of West Bengal, and that if the CBI had a problem, they should go to the Calcutta high court. He also submitted that the CBI officers were neither arrested nor detained. I have videos of the episode, he added.
Hitting back at BJP president Amit Shah, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Tuesday said he had no right to talk about corruption.

The BJP chief came down heavily on Naidu on Monday, dubbing the latter the "U-turn CM of the country" and also called the Telugu Desam Party a "corrupt and dynastic party".

Reacting to Shah's attack during a rally at Palasa in Srikakulam district on Monday, Naidu said "He is speaking as if he is a paragon of honesty...he says doors of NDA are closed on TDP.

In fact, people have closed their doors on the BJP," the TDP chief said in the state assembly.

On Union minister Nitin Gadkari's remarks that "one who cannot take care of home, cannot manage the country", Naidu said "It is no longer the old BJP we have. BJP used to have values but now it is Modi-Shah BJP," the Chief Minister said.

Naidu took exception to Shah's reference to his son and minister Nara Lokesh, saying the BJP chief had no right to talk about him.

"People of AP are vexed with your corruption.They are not willing to make your son your successor (as Chief Minister)....," Shah had said at the rally.

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The Punjab government has decided to merge the 1st Commando Battalion with its Special Operations Group, saying it will strengthen the state's ability to tackle terror threats.

The merger would place an additional fund of Rs 16.54 crore at the disposal of the SOG for modernisation and upgrading its weapons, besides giving incentives to the specialised anti-terror force, said an official statement.

The chief minister also gave an in-principle approval to provide risk allowance to anti-terror commandos to the tune of 40 per cent of their basic pay in line with the incentive given to the specialised forces in other states.

The financial incentive to the commandos would put a burden of Rs 5.15 crore on the state exchequer, it said.

Singh took the in-principle decisions at a high-level meeting to review the overall police preparedness to deal with terror contingencies, it added.

The formal proposal on these decisions would be placed before the state Cabinet for its approval, it said.

Noting that non-conventional means of warfare by militants and anti-national elements warrant transformation of the state's counter-terror apparatus, Singh told the meeting that the SOG's role was critical in the new global scenario.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to nurture the SOG as an exclusive and "highly-endowed strike unit" and said no financial crunch would be allowed to come in the way of its upkeep.

Observing that serious terror threats have emanated from local as well as cross-border, Pakistan-based militant outfits, the chief minister said the border state's vulnerability has become more pronounced in recent times.

Punjab shares an international border of 553 km with Pakistan.

The 1st Commando Battalion comprises 932 men and officers, including support staff.

A total of 157 commandos were being currently trained at the Commando Training Centre in Patiala by expert trainers from the Army and the National Security Guard.

Underlining the importance of continuous training, Singh directed the additional chief secretary (Home) to explore the feasibility of arranging live operational training for state's SOG commandos in Jammu and Kashmir to impart them the first-hand experience in combat operations.

The SOG was set up as an anti-terror force by Punjab with an objective to neutralise the militant threats such as fidayeen attacks, hostage taking and armed infiltration.

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Japanese food processing and seasoning company, Ajinomoto has chalked out expansion plans in the domestic market under the popular Hapima brand besides strengthening its distribution network, a top official said.

The company which has a manufacturing facility at Mahabalipuram near the city showcased Hapima Veg Masala Mix Varuval, an all in one seasoning mix, at the second edition of Global Investors Meet held last month.

"This is first pure vegetarian masala mix for Tamil Nadu consumers. We have started expansion of Varuval mix..", company Marketing Manger, Govinda Biswas told PTI.

Elaborating further, he said, under the Hapima brand, the company was retailing MSG (Monosodium glutamate) and later expanded into fried rice mix.

"Currently, Hapima is ranked Number 1 in fried rice mix in terms of market share and in terms of volume also," he claimed.

Following a pilot study undertaken across Tamil Nadu, the company introduced the Veg Masala Varuval Mix which is a combination of selected spices and ingredients for the State.

"This is like a side dish. As per our consumer research, each household consumes four to five dish varuval and poriyal( curries).We found that this dish is a very lucrative category. It is a huge potential (market for us)", he said.

The company besides serving the Tamil Nadu market would also launch the mix in Karnataka this month, he added.

Asked on the production capacity of the new product, he said, the plant in Mahabalipuram was operating at 50-60 per cent of capacity and with the launch of the Vegetarian masala mix it can be increased to 80-90 per cent.

On the expansion of retail network, he said, the company was having 70 distributors in State which has been expanded to 110.

"Our focus is on kirana shops. We are focusing on rapid expansion. We are planning to expand distribution to 210 across Tamil Nadu by next year," he said.

Besides serving Tamil Nadu, Ajinomoto products are sold in Telengana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Mumbai, Delhi, Aizawal and Kolkata.

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The ruling AIADMK slammed DMK president M K Stalin Tuesday accusing him of trying to divide people on religious lines after a two-year-old video clip surfaced on social media purportedly showing him criticising Vedic ceremonies of weddings.

Hitting out at Stalin, without naming him, the ruling party said he has "offended Hindu rituals, and in particular Brahmins reciting Vedas," while taking part in a function held by a minority community.

In the 1.28-minute video that appeared on social media last weekend, Stalin purportedly takes potshots at "Vaidika," Hindu marriages presided over by a Brahmin priest.

The smoke from the yagna (havan) makes not only the bride and groom "cry a little," but also those around to witness the ceremony and creates a sombre ambience, he is seen saying in the video.

The Sanskrit 'shlokas' cannot be comprehended by anyone including the priest and its "inner meaning," is "disgustful," Stalin allegedly says in the video clip.

Also, the bride and groom would not be comfortably seated on chairs and they have to sit on the floor, he says.

The video clip triggered outrage on the social media with several users attacking the leader. However, Stalin got some support also from a few quarters for speaking out the Dravidian ideology.

AIADMK's mouthpiece 'Namadhu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma', in a write up titled "Arrogant speech," alongside a caricature of Stalin, wondered why Hindu beliefs should be derided.

The ruling party said such "derision" stemmed from a "miscalculation that minority community people will vote for them and it is an attempt to divide people on religious lines."



Quoting verses of renowned Tamil poet and freedom fighter 'Namakkal Kavignar' V Ramalingam Pillai that unthoughtful barbs will only harbour hate, the AIADMK advocated vigil against it.

Hindu Munnani founder organiser Rama Gopalan demanded Stalin apologise for his comments, saying a political party should be for all people and respect every community.

"No one can interfere and say that only a particular kind of (weddings sans rituals) marriages should be performed," the Sangh parivar outfit leader said.

Rejecting claims that Stalin's speech was offensive, a DMK spokesperson told PTI that marriages sans ceremonies have all along been the cornerstone of the party's ideology.

"It is a two-year-old video clip and it has now been released seeking to gain political mileage by right wing supporters," he said and added that the video features only a portion of his speech.

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Daughters of farmers in Puntamba village of Maharashtra, which saw a movement for loan waiver two years ago, have launched a fresh agitation on Tuesday in support of their demands for cultivators.

These young women, all in their early 20s, are demanding complete farm loan waiver and other relief measures like remunerative price for crop produce.

The village, located in Ahmednagar district, had shot into prominence in 2017 after an agitation started by farmers there spread to other parts of the state, prompting the Devendra Fadnavis government to announce Rs 34,000 crore farm loan waiver in June that year.

Now, around 10 to 15 daughters of farmers, who took part in the 2017 agitation, have started a sit-in at a makeshift pandal in Puntamba, located around 250 km from here, under the banner of Kisan Kranti Morcha, a farmers' body.

Their agitation is led by Nikita Jadhav, daughter of Kisan Kranti Morcha's state convener Dhananjay Jadhav.

"Their key demands are complete farm loan waiver, hike in milk procurement price to Rs 50 per litre and remunerative price for farm produce. The women are firm on their demands," a member of the Kisan Kranti Morcha said.

Farmers from Puntamba village had in April 2017 decided at a gram sabha meeting to stop the supply of produce to all major cities from June 1 that year.

The strike, that had spread to various parts of Maharashtra in the next few days, led to farmers shutting down wholesale markets and blocking highways. They had also disposed of milk and vegetables on roads.

The protests had forced the state government to form a Cabinet sub-committee to follow up on farmers' demands of farm loan waiver and remunerative crop prices.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is likely to travel to West Bengal's Purulia district by road from Bokaro in BJP-ruled Jharkhand to address a party rally on Tuesday.

"Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is going to Ranchi in Jharkhand by flight. He will then proceed to Bokaro in a chopper from where he is likely to take road route to Purulia in West Bengal," an aide of the chief minister told PTI here on Tuesday.

The BJP had on Monday said Adityanath's proposed rally in Bankura district scheduled for Tuesday was cancelled as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government was was "dilly-dallying" on giving permission for the landing of his helicopter.

However, his Purulia rally will take place as per schedule, BJP's West Bengal chief Dilip Ghosh had said.

In an early morning tweet, Adityanath said, "It saddens me that Gurudev Tagore's Karmabhoomi, our Bengal today is suffering from anarchy and misrule of Mamata Banerjee government. Now is the time that West Bengal is freed from this government to protect the Constitution through a strong democratic movement."



In another tweet, he said, "...and that's why I will stand today in Purulia holding the flag of this movement challenging the alliance of corrupts."



The tussle between the TMC and the BJP became uglier on Sunday with the West Bengal government denying permission to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's chopper to land in the state and let him address two scheduled rallies in north Bengal.

Adityanath had to address the rallies in Raigunj and Balurghat over telephone.

He lashed out at the "anti-people" TMC government in the state, saying the days of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's rule were "numbered".

Commenting on the developments, Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya alleged that Banerjee had put democracy in peril in West Bengal and sought to know if Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar was an office-bearer of the TMC.

Maurya's remarks came in the backdrop of Banerjee staging a "Save India" dharna (sit-in) in Kolkata since Sunday night insisting that the CBI's attempt to question Kumar in connection with chit fund scams was tantamount to stifling the spirit of "Constitution and federalism" in the country.

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Accusing the government of not fulfilling the promises made last year, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) Tuesday announced that the peasants' bodies would once again take out a long march from Nashik to Mumbai beginning February 20.

The farmers will reach Mumbai on February 27, the AIKS said in a statement after its meeting.

Farmers -- 40,000 in number as pegged by the AIKS -- had taken out the protest march in March last year between the two cities to press for several demands, including farm loan waiver, minimum support price and provision of water and pension to farmers.

The farmers' bodies have been up in arms against the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project as well.

The state government had "woken up" to and had accepted the farmers' demands after they took out the march between Nashik and Mumbai, it said.

"A year has passed, but the government has not executed the promises it made. There is dissent among the farmers," the AIKS said in the statement.

"Hence, a long march will be taken out again against this betrayal by the Centre and state government," it said.

The statement was jointly issued by AIKS president Ashok Dhawale and its leaders J P Gavit, Kisan Gujar, Arjun Aade and Ajit Navale.

The AIKS claimed that the upcoming march will have twice the number of farmers taking part in it as compared to last year.

It said farmers from 23 districts of the state will take part in it.

The new long march also follows 208 organisations of farmers from parts of the country staging protest in Delhi in November last year, raising the demands.

"It was expected that the Centre would make provisions in the Union Budget to fulfil the demands. But those were not fulfilled in the interim Union Budget presented by Minister Piyush Goyal," the statement said.

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Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Tuesday said a section of the people are "hell bent on creating disturbance" in society over the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

"The Government of Assam is committed to safeguard the interests of the indigenous people of the state," Sonowal said while inaugurating the Golaghat Engineering College, here.

The chief minister said his government has taken several initiatives for the welfare of the local people of the state.

The Golaghat Engineering College, set up at Bogorijan is the sixth engineering college set up by the state government.

Sonowal asked the students of the college to become efficient and responsible engineers who can contribute to the growth of society.

The chief minister said the state government can play the role of facilitator and create infrastructure.

Emphasising on the need for teachers and parents to motivate the students, he termed the 21st century as a century of competition and asked the young generation to keep themselves abreast of the scientific developments taking place across the globe and march ahead to prove their prowess in the present world order.

Sonowal said that divyangjans (specially abled) who constitute an important segment of the demography of the state should be empowered.

"Therefore, the first ever ITI for the divyangjans is being built in Dibrugarh to help them to empower themselves technically," he said.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has announced Rs 22,594 crore for capacity augmentation of Numaligarh Refinery in the district from the existing 3 Million Metric Tonne Per Annum to 9 MMTPA , he said adding petroleum products from NRL will be sent to Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

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Senior IPS officer A P Maheshwari was on Tuesday appointed as Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Home Ministry, according to an official order.

Maheshwari, a 1984 batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed to the post up to the date of his superannuation, i.e. February 28, 2021, the Personnel Ministry said in the order.

He has been appointed in place of Rina Mitra, who superannuated on January 31.

Maheshwari is at present Director General in Bureau of Police Research and Development.

The crucial Internal Security division in the Home Ministry deals with police, law and order, besides analysing threats emerging from terrorists and Maoists, among others.

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Nearly 90 per cent of the police personnel posted at police stations across the country worked for over eight hours a day, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

In a written reply to a question, Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir told the Lok Sabha that this information came following a study conducted by the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad and sponsored by the Bureau of Police Research Development in August, 2014.

"Nearly 90 per cent of police station staff, across the states and across various police stations, presently work for more than eight hours a day," the minister said.

He added that a copy of the study report was sent to the director generals of police (DGPs) of all the states and Union territories for appropriate action.

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4 women move top court seeking to intervene as parties in case.

Significantly, the lone woman in the bench, Justice Indu Malhotra, was the sole dissenter to the majority judgment.

New Delhi: A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court will hear on Wednesday a batch of petitions seeking review of the September 28, 2018, verdict allowing women of all ages to visit the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Kerala.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Rohinton Nariman, A.M. Kanwil-kar, D.Y. Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, will hear the petitions. On Tuesday, four women filed applications seeking to intervene in support of the judgment. Two of the applica-nts  Bindu and Kanaka Durga  had entered the temple on January 2. Some contempt petitions have also been filed.

Ms Bindu, who teaches law at Kannur University School of Legal Studies, said that she has intense desire to pay her respects to Dharma Shastha, who is worshipped as Lord Ayyappa. Reshma Nishant and Shanila Satheesh have filed the other plea.

The apex court, by a maj-ority of 4:1, had held den-ial of entry of women only on the ground they are menstruating violates Ar-ticle 14 of the Constituti-on, namely right to equality. The rule brought by Kerala in 1965 denying en-try of women in the age group of 10 to 50 violated the right of women to worship.

Significantly, the lone woman in the bench, Justice Indu Malhotra, was the sole dissenter to the majority judgment.

Kanaka Durga said that she is a believer of all Hindu gods and narrated the discriminatory practises she had to face during menstrual period, such as isolating her in another room, not permitting her to touch the well or draw water from it, etc.

The petition narrated their attempt to enter temple on December 24, 2018, which got foiled due to protests. Later, on January 2, they entered the temple with police assistance. They said that the judgment needs no interference, as it does not suffer from any patent error.

A batch of review petitions filed by Nair Service Society and others contended that the restriction based on age of a female is not a restriction, which amounts to discrimination on the ground of only of sex.
A man in his seventies, who was suffering from depression, allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday by shooting himself at his home in southeast Delhi's Sundar Nagar area, police said.

The man, identified as Yadav Nath Bhargava (74), was suffering from hard cough problem for the last six years and was in depression because of his illness, police said.

Police officials, who found Bhargava's body lying in a pool of blood in his bathroom, have ruled out any foul play as of now.

Hazrat Nizamuddin police station was informed regarding a suicide around 9 am. Initial investigations revealed that about 8.15 am, the victim's wife, Mamata Bhargava, heard a loud bang.

Mamata asked her domestic help to check the noise. The help found Bhargava lying in the bathroom. His licensed revolver was also found there, Chinmoy Biswal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast), said.

Crime team of police has visited and inspected the spot, the officer said.

The body has been sent for the postmortem examination and further investigation is underway, he said.

Bhargava had a dry-cleaning business in Kashmiri Gate area, which was being looked after by his son Gaurav. He lived with his wife and son at his Sundar Nagar home since 1959, police said.

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A group of Indian-origin youth from eight countries called on Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh under the 53rd edition of 'Know India Programme', according to an official statement issued Tuesday.

The Know India Programme (KIP) is organised by the Ministry of External Affairs with the objective of familiarizing the India diaspora youth, in the age group of 18-30 years, with developments and achievements made by the country and bringing them closer to the land of their ancestors.

The programme provides a unique forum for students and young professionals of India-origin to visit India, share their views, expectations and experiences and to bond closely with the contemporary India.

The 53rd edition of Know India Programme for young Indian diaspora involves 40 participants (24 females and 16 males) from Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, Portugal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago, the Personnel Ministry said in the statement.

The partner states of this edition are Maharashtra and Daman & Diu.

The minister interacted with the youth and discussed with them experiences of their visit to India.

The participants who are on a visit to India from January 23 to February 16 have visited Maharashtra, Daman & Diu and Agra.

Now they are in Delhi where they will visit historical monuments and cultural places.

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As many as 225 bids by companies such as Adani Gas, Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Torrent and GAIL Gas were received Tuesday at the close of bidding for city gas licences for 50 cities, official sources said.

Without disclosing the names of bidders, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) said "about Rs 50,000 crore" of investment would be plowed in the cities offered for bidding for a licence to retail CNG to automobiles and piped cooking gas to households kitchens.

The cities on offer included Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, Mysore in Karnataka, Ajmer in Rajasthan and Howrah in West Bengal.

"About 225 bids were received in respect of all the 50 geographical areas (GAs) offered in the 10th City Gas Distribution (CGD) bidding round. The technical bids would be opened between February 7 and 9," PNGRB said in a statement here.

PNGRB had offered 50 geographical areas (GA), carved out by clubbing adjoining districts in 14 states, in the 10th round of bidding for city gas licences.

Bidders were asked to quote the number of CNG stations to be set up and the number of domestic cooking gas connections to be given in the first eight years of operation. Also, they have to quote the length of pipeline to be laid in the GA and the tariff proposed for city gas and compressed natural gas (CNG), according to PNGRB.

The GAs, PNGRB said, cover 124 districts - 112 complete and 12 part - in 14 states and extends CGD coverage of 18 per cent of India's geographical area and 24 per cent of its population.

The bid round comes within months of the close of the 9th round, which was the biggest ever city gas distribution licensing round where 86 permits for selling CNG and piped cooking in 174 districts in 22 states and union territories were offered.

The government is targeting raising share of natural gas in the primary energy basket to 15 per cent from current 6.2 per cent, in the next few years and the bid rounds are aimed at fulfilling that objective.

They are also aimed at meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's target of giving piped cooking gas connection to 1 crore households, roughly triple the current size, by 2020.

Cities offered in the 10th round include Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, Muzaffarpur in Bihar, Kaithal in Haryana, Mysore and Gulbarga in Karnataka, Allapuza and Kollam in Kerala, Ujjain, Gwalior and Morena in Madhya Pradesh, Jhansi and Basti in Uttar Pradesh, Firozpur and Hoshiarpur in Punjab, Ajmer and Jalor in Rajasthan, Nainital in Uttarakhand and Darjeeling and Howrah in West Bengal.

Companies having a net worth of not less than Rs 150 crore could bid for GAs with a population of 50 lakh and more while the same for GAs with a population of 20-50 lakh has been proposed at Rs 100 crore.

The net worth eligibility goes down with population, with a Rs 5 crore net worth firm being eligible to bid for GAs that have less than 10 lakh population.

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The family that lost four of its members on Monday in an arson attack allegedly by another member saw two more deaths Tuesday, police said here in Malda district.

A woman and an 8-year-old girl succumbed to their injuries in the Malda Medical College and Hospital.

The incident occurred at Madantola village under Manikchak police station.

Angry over his younger brother Gobinda securing a government job on compassionate grounds, 30-year-old Makhan Mondal allegedly set two rooms of their house on fire killing four members of the family and injuring five others.

Makhan allegedly poured petrol in two rooms of the tiled-roofed hut on Sunday night when the family members were asleep.

Gobinda, 28, elder brother Bikash, 32, and Goninda's two daughters - aged 3 and one-and-a-half years - were charred to death, police had said Monday.

Gobinda's wife Rakhi, 22, and Bikash's daughter Gomi, 8, died Tuesday.

Gomi's mother and two brothers are now fighting for their lives in the hospital.

Mother of the brothers was sleeping in another room and she escaped unhurt, police said.

A hunt is on to arrest Makhan who was absconding.

Police said Makhan's wife was arrested from her parents' place and she, along with her toddler child, was remanded to judicial custody.

Police and family sources said Gedu Mondal, a worker of the National Volunteer Force (NVF), had died in harness sometime back and Gobinda got the job on compassionate grounds with help from Bikash, leaving Makhan angry.

The brothers were engaged in agricultural work.

Their another brother Lakshman lives in Delhi.

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A 55-year old NRI businessman found dead in a parked car on a highway in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh last week was murdered and two people arrested Tuesday for alleged involvement in the crime, police said.

In a related development, S Malla Reddy, Assistant Commissioner of Police in Rachakonda Commissionerate in neighbouring Telangana, was shifted to Armed Reserve police following allegations that he spoke to the prime suspect in the killing of the businessman, a report from Hyderabad said.

US-based Chigurupati Jayaram, on a business visit to the state, was found dead with head injuries in his car on the roadside at Itavaram village, about 80 km from here, by a police patrol on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada national highway.

District Superintendent of Police Sarvashreshta Tripathy Tuesday told reporters in Nandigama that police arrested Rakesh Reddy, an acquaintance of Jayaram's niece, and his house watchman D Srinivas on the charge murder.

He said financial dispute was the main motive for the murder of Jayaram, who was the Director of private Coastal Bank and also owned a pharmaceutical company in Andhra Pradesh.

Police in Hyderabad said during the course of investigation names of the ACP and an Inspector rank police official in the city had "cropped up".

They were accused of being in conversation with the prime suspect Reddy.

Rachakonda Police Commissioner Mahesh M Bhagwat Tuesday issued orders posting ACP Malla Reddy to armed reserve headquarters at Amberpet.

"After getting a detailed report from the Andhra Pradesh police, further inquiry will be initiated, " the Commissioner said.

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Indian visa applications to France have seen an increase of over 180 per cent in the last five years, demonstrating that the country is growing in popularity here, a statement from the French Embassy said Tuesday.

From 2017 to 2018, there was a rise of over 54.5 per cent in the number of visas issued to Indian students headed for France, the statement said.

"In 2018, we registered 8,000 student and research visas for talented young Indians. Though twice as much as a couple of years back, this is still too little. We want to reach 10,000 by 2020, but why not 20,000 in 2025?" French Ambassador Alexandre Ziegler said.

Our doors have always been open to Indian students, and our courses, many fully taught in English, are among the world's best, he added.

"France's very high educational standards and the French government's subsidies make studies much more affordable for Indian students than that in many other countries. Moreover, the agreement on the Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications between India and France, signed during President Emmanuel Macron's India visit, will enhance the already close ties between our two nations," he said.

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Sixteen people died due to swine flu in Himachal Pradesh this season, Health minister Vipin Parmar informed the state assembly on Tuesday.

A total of 113 patients have so far been tested positive for the H1NI virus, he said, adding that 36 swine flu cases have been reported in Kangra district followed by 33 cases in Shimla.

At present, 21 swine flu patients are being treated at IGMC Shimla and eight in Tanda Medical College, Parmar said.

In his statement soon after the Question Hour, he said most of the swine flu patients who had lost their lives were suffering from other ailments too.

Referring to the two deaths due to swine flu at the IGMC hospital on Monday, Parmar said one of the two people was 92 years old and was suffering from heart disease and acute infection.

Similarly, the other person was diabetic and was suffering from kidney ailments and high blood pressure, he said.

Providing data of previous years, the health minister said 27 people had died due to swine flu in 2015, five in 2016, 15 in 2017 and two had died due to the influenza in 2018.

Urging the public not to panic, the health minister said adequate arrangements have been made in the state hospitals to deal with the situation.

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A group of 15 underprivileged students hailing from this picturesque hilly area of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir Tuesday left on a 10-day 'Bharat Darshan' tour to Visakhapatnam.

The tour with the theme 'from mountains to sea' was organised by the CRPF to expose the students to the outside world as most of them have never ventured outside their home town.

CRPF Deputy Inspector General P C Jha flagged off the tour from the Kotli community hall in presence of the 4, Rashtriya Rifles' commanding officer, Col D D Pandey, Bhadarwah's Additional Superintendent of Police Rajinder Singh and Bhaderwah Development Authority's Chief Executive Officer Rajinder Kumar Khajuria.

"The tour under the civic action programme is primarily aimed at giving exposure to the 15 students belonging to below-poverty-line families of different villages of Bhadarwah valley," Commanding officer of CRPF's 33rd battalion commanding officer A Padama Kumar said.

He said these students have never gone beyond Jammu and some of them are moving first time even outside Bhadarwah.

For these students, it's like a dream come true to move beyond the hills to the coasts of Visakhapatnam," Kumar added.

He said it was heartwarming to see the excitement of the students.

This tour will go a long way to expand their vision and overall development of their personality. For this noble gesture of CRPF, I, as a teacher, feel indebted to the force for giving my students this opportunity which otherwise they could have never afforded due to financial constraints," educationist Arif Hamid Rana said.

After flagging off the tour, Jha said, "Visakhapatnam is the largest Navy yard and our motive to take these underprivileged students there and other places including Delhi is to expose them to the development in the country.

He said the tour will help the students to understand different cultures so that they can also feel an urge to compete and reach there to be a part of developed India.

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Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail machines would be used with all electronic voting machines in the coming Lok Sabha election, the Election Commission informed the Madras High Court Tuesday.

The commission's counsel Niranjan Rajagopal made the submission before a bench comprising justices S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad on a PIL seeking a direction to the EC to use VVPAT machines in all constituencies in the general election, expected in April-May.

After the EC's submission assuring 100 per cent use of VVPAT machines, the bench dismissed the petition.

VVPAT or paper trail machine is a device that dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip appears on a small window for seven seconds and then drops in a box. But the voter cannot take it home.

Petitioner S Packiaraj submitted that there had been complaints about tampering of EVMs and the EC had introduced VVPATs in select constituencies.

The EC's counsel submitted that the Supreme Court has passed an order in 2013 for use of VVPAT machines and the commission has been implementing it in a phased manner.

A decision was taken to 100 per cent implementation of VVPAT system in the 2019 election at an all-party meeting convened by the EC in 2017.

Consequently, the EC on September 19, 2017 issued a circular to the chief electoral officers of states and Union territories that VVPAT machines shall be used with EVMs in all polling stations in all future elections to Parliament and state assemblies conducted using EVMs, he said.

Concurring with the submission, the bench noted that the EC had implement the Supreme Court order and held that the apprehension of the writ petitioner was ill founded.

"There is no manifest illegality in the impugned communication. Writ petition deserves to be dismissed," it said in its order.

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A woman has been arrested over a deadly blaze that killed eight people in Paris and police are treating the fire as a possible arson attack, a prosecutor said Tuesday.

Speaking at the scene, Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz said that a woman who lived in the building in rue Erlanger in the wealthy 16th district had been detained by police.

The fire service had previously said that seven people had died, but that the toll could rise further.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The accused has indicated to move Supreme Court against the lower court order, jail officials said.

If the execution was carried out, Gond would be the first under the new legislation to hang the child rapists. (Representational image)

Bhopal: The Jabalpur Central Jail in Madhya Pradesh has begun preparations to hang a school teacher on March 2 following the black warrant final order for execution- issued against him by a local court in Satna in the state for raping a 4-year-old girl last year.

Satna district and sessions court issued the black warrant on Sunday after Madhya Pradesh high court upheld the death sentence pronounced in the case by the trial court, according to local government counsel.

The accused, Mahendra Singh Gond, would be hanged till death at 5.00 am on March two inside Jabalpur Central Jail as mandated by the court unless Supreme Court intervened in the case, a senior officer of Jabalpur Central Jail said on Tuesday.

We have received the hard copy of the order on Monday and informed the accused about it, Jailor J.K. Mishra said.

If the execution was carried out, Gond would be the first under the new legislation to hang the child rapists.

The jail authorities have initiated a move to hire a hangman from outside the state since there is no hangman in MP to carry out capital punishment.

The accused has indicated to move Supreme Court against the lower court order, jail officials said.

Gond had abducted the child in Nagod area in Satna district on the night of June 30, 2018 and took her to a nearby jungle where he brutally raped her.

He had then abandoned her at the crime spot thinking her as dead.

Her family members had found her lying in a pool of blood and then rushed her to the district hospital.
P.C. Mohanan grew up in a village without electricity, studied statistics at a public university, and then spent more than three decades crunching numbers for the Indian government. But in the past week, the mild-mannered official has been caught up in a political storm that has threatened to undermine Prime Minister Narendra Modis government months before a general election. On Jan. 28, Mohanan resigned as acting chairman of the National Statistical Commission (NSC), a government-funded advisory body that checks the quality of Indias official data, in protest at a delay in ...
In what is seen by many as the Congress' answer to the Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat, the party on Tuesday afternoon posted a short clip on social media that shows its president Rahul Gandhi, dressed casually in black, talking to a group of students in a Delhi restaurant.

After introducing himself, the 48-year-old says, "Welcome to the first episode of 'Apni Baat Rahul Ke Saath'." Congress leaders later said it was an impromptu conversation  the students were told that a leader of the party would talk to them, but they were stunned when it turned out to ...
Stressing that it is determined to do more to keep people safe across its services, Facebook said it has identified some key areas where it has to do more to keep its platforms sanitised.

"We still face legitimate scrutiny, but we're not the same company we were even a year ago," Facebook said in a blog post on Monday.

When it comes to political interference on its platform, the social media giant said it is committed to bringing greater transparency to the ads people see on Facebook.

"This is particularly true with ads related to politics. All political ads on Facebook and Instagram in the US must now be labelled - including a 'paid for by' disclosure from the advertiser.

"We also launched a searchable archive for political content that houses these ads for up to seven years. We've since expanded this feature to Brazil and the UK, and will soon in India," said the company.

Beyond political and issue ads, people can now see every ad a Page is running -- even if the person wasn't targeted. People can also filter ads by country and can report an ad to Facebook.

"We have introduced new policies requiring advertisers to specify the origin of their audience's information when they bring a customer list to us," Facebook informed.

"When something is rated 'false' by a fact-checker, we're able to reduce future impressions of that content by an average of 80 per cent."

The company said it is now detecting 99 per cent of terrorist-related content before it's reported, 97 per cent of violence and graphic content, and 96 per cent of nudity.

On users' privacy, Facebook said: "We know we didn't do a good enough job securing our platform in the past.

"We now have over 30,000 people working on safety and security -- about half of whom are content reviewers working out of 20 offices around the world."

On regulation, the company said it agrees with the demand from various governments to regulate the Internet.

"We're working with governments to improve the safety of our platform, including a recent initiative with French regulators to reduce hate speech.

"We're establishing an independent body which people can use to appeal Facebook decisions involving potentially offensive content," said Facebook.

--IANS

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Udita Bhargavas "Dust" starring Morten Holst and Vinay Pathak will have its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival 2019. The film will be screened in the 'Perspektive Deutsches Kino (New German Cinema) section.

The film, with the backdrop of the Maoist conflict that affects large parts of India, is a German Indian co-production shot entirely in India with an international crew.

Bhargava is an Indian filmmaker who has previously worked on films like Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire", Lars von Trier's "Antichrist" and Mira Nair's "The Migration". "Dust is her first feature film as a director.

"We are delighted to start our journey at the Berlinale. It feels like a homecoming for many of us, since a large part of our team is from Berlin. Also, as an Indian, I am looking forward to watching Zoya and Rima's films and hope they too can watch mine," Bhargava said in a statement.

The film, produced by Titus Kreyenberg's Unafilm, also stars Abu Bakr Golu, Kalyanee Mulay and Amrita Bagchi in pivotal roles.

"I was amazed with the understanding of the grave subject that Udita has and the sincerity with which she wanted to tell the story. We are happy the film is being screened at Berlinale. We are looking forward to the response as this is the first screening for a larger audience," said Kreyenberg.

This time, there are three Indian women filmmakers at the Berlinale. Zoya Akhtar will showcase "Gully Boy" and Rima Das is showcasing "Bulbul Can Sing".

--IANS

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The US is trying to do to Venezuela what it did to Libya and Iraq with a military intervention on "artificial" grounds and attempts for a coup are underway through mercenaries, Venezuela Ambassador to India Augusto Montiel said on Tuesday.

Venezuela is mired in political turmoil which began when opposition leader Juan Guaido -- backed by the US -- rejected last year's election as not free and on January 23 declared himself "interim President" of the nation till fresh polls were conducted.

"The US has never accepted election results in Venezuela except when the winning candidate has been backed by it. It attempted a coup against Hugo Chavez in 2002 but failed. Same story is being repeated again. This is unacceptable to us," Montiel told reporters here.

He accused Washington of attempting to topple the "democratically elected" government of Nicolas Maduro through a military intervention.

He said that the US was going to use Brazil and Colombia as its military bases for its intervention through mercenaries.

Austria, Britain, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Spain and Sweden have recognized Guaido as interim President.

But Russia and China -- both UN Security Council members -- weighed in favour of Maduro.

The Ambassador said a "propaganda campaign was being run by international news agencies which were spreading lies about the conditions in Venezuela".

He called Guaido a "puppet of US" and a man "trained by the Central Intelligence Agency".

The diplomat added that the economic crisis in his country was because of the US-imposed sanctions, which led to a drop in its oil exports.

Since the US sanctions, imposed last week in an attempt to force Maduro out of power, India's oil import has reduced by 100,000 barrels per day.

India used to import 500,000 barrels per day from Venezuela, which has now come down to 400,000 barrels per day, the diplomat said.

--IANS

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UNICEF on Tuesday called for global concerted action to prevent online violence, cyberbullying and digital harassment for over 70 per cent of children and young people online.

The call, made on Safer Internet Day, comes following a recent United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) poll of young people, which received more than a million responses over five weeks from more than 160 countries, and suggestions from a series of student-led #ENDviolence Youth Talks held around the world.

"We've heard from children and young people from around the globe and what they are saying is clear: The Internet has become a kindness desert," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore.

That's why, she said, UNICEF is inviting everyone, young and old, to be kind online, and calling for greater action to make the Internet a safer place for everyone.

According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), while 94 per cent of young people, aged 15-24 in developed countries are online, more than 65 per cent of young people in developing countries are online. This is well ahead of the pace of Internet usage among the general population. Worldwide, half of the total population, regardless of age, is online.

"This online proliferation comes with increased risk," Fore said. According to data from UNESCO on the prevalence of cyberbullying in high-income countries, the proportion of children and adolescents who are affected by cyberbullying ranges from 5 per cent to 21 per cent, with girls appearing to be more likely to experience cyberbullying than boys.

Cyberbullying can cause profound harm as it can quickly reach a wide audience, and can remain accessible online indefinitely, virtually following its victims online for life. Victims of cyberbullying are more likely to use alcohol and drugs and skip school than other students. In extreme situations, cyberbullying has led to suicide.

In honour of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF also called for renewed urgency and cooperation to put children's rights at the forefront of digital efforts.

As part of this, it is implementing programmes to leverage the internet's promise of connectivity and education on behalf of the world's children.

"Thirty years after the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the creation of the World Wide Web, it is time for governments, families, academia and the private sector to put children and young people at the centre of digital policies," said Fore.

--IANS

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John Cantlie, British photo-journalist who was taken hostage in Syria in 2012 and featured in a number of Islamic State (IS) terror group's propaganda videos, is believed to be alive, UK Security Minister Ben Wallace said on Tuesday.

He was kidnapped along with American journalist James Foley while covering the Syrian conflict in November 2012.

Wallace told reporters in London the British government believed Cantlie was still being held by the IS, the Independent reported.

Foley was beheaded alongside other British and American hostages in 2014, while Cantlie was forced to appear in propaganda videos criticising Western foreign policy and military action.

Cantlie was later featured in a series of mock news reports from different IS strongholds and his byline appeared on articles in the group's English-language magazine.

Asked about British hostages around the world, Wallace said the UK does not pay ransom and discourages other countries from doing so.

Cantlie's relatives had made a series of emotional appeals for his release. His father Paul Cantlie released a video shortly before dying, two years after his capture.

Cantlie's sister Jessica appealed for "direct contact" with the IS in 2014 and said the family was open to dialogue with the jihadis.

Cantlie is one of the three foreign journalists unaccounted for in Syria, including American Austin Tice and South African Shiraz Mohamed.

--IANS

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US President Donald Trump said that he will nominate David Bernhardt, acting secretary of the Department of Interior, to lead the agency.

"David has done a fantastic job from the day he arrived," Trump wrote on Twitter on Monday afternoon.

"We look forward to having his nomination officially confirmed!" he added.

Bernhardt, 49, would replace Ryan Zinke, who resigned in December amid ethics investigations, if Senate approves his nomination, Xinhua news agency reported.

Trump nominated Bernhardt for the agency's deputy secretary in April 2017 and the Senate confirmed him months later.

A former oil lobbyist, Bernhardt is expected to continue implementing the administration's goal of boosting domestic fossil fuels production, by opening more US public lands to drilling and mining.

In response to Trump's decision, Friends of the Earth, an environmental group, urged the Senate to work on exposing Bernhardt's "numerous conflicts of interest and ethics violations, as a fossil fuel lobbyist and now as a government official."

"The Senate must reject Bernhardt because he will undoubtedly put his fossil fuel industry friends before the American people and our environment," the group said in a statement.

With more than 70,000 employees, the Department of the Interior is responsible for the management and conservation of most federal lands and natural resources.

It also oversees the development of conventional and renewable energy supplies on public lands and waters.

--IANS

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At about 10:30 am unprovoked firing with rocket launchers started from the Pakistani side in Krishna Ghati sector, Army sources said.

Poonch: Pakistan army has once again violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

At about 10:30 am unprovoked firing with rocket launchers started from the Pakistani side in Krishna Ghati sector, Army sources said.

Pakistani troops have been regularly violating ceasefire, especially along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.
Over 30 young women brought some of the iconic roads in the national capital to life as they sped along in their luxurious sedans and SUVs as part of the JK Tyre Young FICCI Ladies Organisation Power Drive here on Tuesday.

Tanya Gorawara and co-driver Priyanka Ahuja emerged victorious with a total penalty of 17:57 minutes. Meenal Kothari and Anchal Bhalla, who claimed to be 'not fast just curious', finished second (penalty of 21:38 minutes) while Aparna Pasricha and Sumedha Sharaf of the Mother Truckers fame took the third place (penalty of 29:13 minutes).

The unique rally, held in the standard TSD format under FMSCI guidelines, was first of its kind to promote motorsports among women. Held in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), it is in line with the JK Tyre Motorsport's vision of encouraging ladies to take up this exciting sport.

Members of the Young FICCI Ladies Organisation (FYLO) lined up enthusiastically at the FICCI House in the morning, eager to get a feel of the sport in all its competitive glory and understand its nuances.

The 50-kilometre challenge, with eight time controls, tested the ladies' driving and navigational skills to the hilt and drew to a close after 3 hours at the ITC Bharat in Gurgaon, Haryana.

--IANS

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As many as 41 Afghan security force personnel were killed and 15 others injured in attacks by Taliban militants at security check-posts in the country's Kunduz and Baghlan provinces, officials said on Tuesday.

Safi Amiri, Deputy Provincial Council Chief of Kunduz province, told Efe news that Taliban fighters attacked check-posts on the outskirts of Kunduz city shortly after midnight.

"In the overnight attack 27 soldiers and three members of the local police were martyred and up to 15 injured," Amiri said, adding the attack was carried out by Taliban's red unit commandos. THey were armed with modern weapons to launch quick attacks, he added.

"The militants took advantage of the snowstorm. Casualties were inflicted on the security forces before the reinforcement arrived," he said.

Inamuddin Rahmani, Kunduz police spokesperson, claimed that the security forces had foiled the attack in which 22 Taliban fighters were killed and 18 wounded.

In a separate attack in neighbouring Baghlan province, Taliban militants stormed an isolated check-post of the Afghan local police at 2 a.m.. The clash between the rebels and the security forces lasted two hours.

"Unfortunately, 11 security forces, including 10 members of the local police and one member of the local uprising force, were killed and five others injured," said Safdar Muhsini, the Provincial Council Chief for Baghlan.

"All weapons and equipment of the security forces were stolen by the enemy fighters," he said.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed in a statement that its "fighters" killed 30 soldiers and police officers in Kunduz and 10 police officers in the Baghlan province.

--IANS

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to relax the July 31 deadline for publishing Assam's final National Register of Citizens (NRC) as it expressed its disapproval of the Centre's plea for putting the updation work on hold after the Lok Sabha election schedule is announced.

"The Ministry of Home Affairs is bent upon that NRC work is not carried out. The entire effort of the Ministry is to destroy this process. If you want NRC work to go on, there are 1,001 ways of doing it. The government is not co-operating," Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said.

His remarks came after Attorney General K.K. Venugopal apprised the apex court of the Centre's stand that work on NRC updation should be put on hold after the Lok Sabha elections are announced.

Brushing aside the Centre's request, the bench of Chief Justice Gogoi and Justice Rohinton Nariman asked the poll panel to examine if it could hold elections in the state by sparing 3,457 officers who would continue with the NRC work.

"We also request the Election Commission of India to examine the case of exemption of officers, in the rank of District Magistrates, Additional District Magistrates, etc..., from transfers which are likely to be made in view of the elections," the court said in its order.

The Election Commission, the order said, will consider the matter "keeping in mind that this Court which has consistently monitored the NRC work is of the view that least interference should come in such works so that final NRC is made and published on the stipulated date i.e. 31st July, 2019."

Declining to pass any order, at this stage, on the request made by the Centre, the Chief Justice said, "we direct that adequate number of state government officials (number indicated by the state Coordinator as 3,457) which would consist of officers in different ranks as stated in the report, be kept free for NRC work".

The availability of the said officers for NRC work, the court said "would still leave out over 2,000 persons currently engaged in NRC work for being engaged in the election work at the relevant point of time".

Expressing "disappointment" over the stand of the Central government and making it clear that they are not extending the deadline, Chief Justice Gogoi said: "Is it too much to ask the government of India for both works to go on? Both exercises are important for the country."

Attorney General Venugopal told the court that in 2014 polls, 2,500 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) were deployed and in 2019, this is likely to go up to 2,700 and would require withdrawing some of those currently posted in Assam.

Besides deployment for election duties, the central police forces are also required for guarding the borders, he added.

Noting a statement by the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs that there are 3,000 CAPF companies, Chief Justice Gogoi said that even if 2,700 of them are deployed for election duty, still there are enough to take care of other requirements.

Meanwhile, NRC state Co-ordinator Prateek Hajela urged the court to reschedule, by two weeks, the updation work of NRC which would involve hearing of claims and objections.

He said that with elections on, the process of holding hearings on claims and objections is also likely to generate passions.

The top court in the last hearing of the matter on January 24 had directed convening of a meeting of the Assam Chief Secretary, the Election Commission and the Co-ordinator to find a way to avoid any clash of work involving preparation of final NRC and holding of the Lok Sabha elections as it extended the publication of final NRC till July 31.

Making it clear that the work on the updation of NRC and the holding of Lok Sabha elections had to go together without any of the two coming each other's way, the court had then asked the three to "devise a way to deal with the situation".

--IANS

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Union Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday described the Supreme Court order asking Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI, as a moral victory for the probe agency and said that his questioning was not influenced by political considerations.

"It is a moral victory for the CBI. The Supreme Court's order is clear, the Kolkata Police Commissioner, who was not appearing before CBI despite notices will have to appear before them now," he told the media outside Parliament.

"The Supreme Court order has clearly stated that he will now have to appear before CBI in Shillong. The apex court has given a notice to contempt of court," he said.

Firing salvos at Kumar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said: "The big question is why was he not helping in the probe for the last three years? Why were they not appearing before the CBI?"

His remarks shortly after the Supreme Court directed Rajeev Kumar to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the Saradha cheat fund case.

Prasad also said that we have to ask larger questions on behalf of the party. Lakhs of small investors were cheated and looted off their money.

"Is it not our moral obligation for an investigation? Why is Mamataji silent on this? Why are the other political parties silent on this?" he questioned.

"This investigation must be done in a fair manner. Let's not politicise it. This is a great moral victory for CBI," he added.

--IANS

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Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners have transferred American-made weapons to Al Qaeda-linked fighters, Salafi militias and other factions waging war in Yemen, in violation of their agreements with the US, according to a CNN report.

The weapons have also made their way into the hands of Iranian-backed rebels battling the coalition for control of Yemen, exposing some of America's sensitive military technology to Tehran and potentially endangering the lives of US troops in other conflict zones, the report based on an investigation said on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), its main partner in the war, have used the US-manufactured weapons as a form of currency to buy the loyalties of militias or tribes, bolster chosen armed actors, and influence the complex political landscape, according to local commanders on the ground and analysts who spoke to CNN.

By handing off this military equipment to third parties, the Saudi-led coalition is breaking the terms of its arms sales with the US, according to the Department of Defence.

In response to the CNN report, a US defence official confirmed that there was an ongoing investigation into the issue.

Previous CNN investigations had established that US-made weapons were used in a series of deadly Saudi coalition attacks that killed dozens of civilians, many of them children.

The Abu Abbas brigade, a militia group linked to the Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), possesses US-made Oshkosh armoured vehicles, which they had paraded in a 2015 show of force through the city.

Abu Abbas, the founder, was declared a terrorist by the US in 2017, but the group still enjoys support from the Saudi coalition and was absorbed into the coalition-supported 35th Brigade of the Yemeni Army.

In 2015, Riyadh launched the coalition to oust Iranian-supported Houthi rebels from Yemen's capital city of Sanaa and reinstate the internationally recognised government of President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi.

The war split the country in two, and with it came the weapons -- guns, anti-tank missiles, armoured vehicles, heat-seeking lasers and artillery, CNN said in the report.

Since then, some of America's military equipment has been passed on, sold, stolen or abandoned in Yemen.

Arms markets are illegal in Yemen, but they still operate openly in the mountainous city of Hodeidah located in the country's southwest.

To one side hang veils, abayas and colourful dresses for sale; to the other are pistols, hand grenades, and US assault rifles available on special order, according to the report.

The US is by far the biggest supplier of arms to both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and its support is crucial to the Saudi-led coalition's continuing war in Yemen.

US lawmakers are trying to pass a resolution ending the Trump administration's support for the coalition.

--IANS

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Saudi Arabia has set up an office to monitor state spending and expand the fight against corruption, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The setting up of Nazaha, the anti-corruption office, will end the 15-month anti-corruption crackdown led by 34-year-old Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

The crackdown in November 2017 saw hundreds of elite princes, ministers and businessmen held at the luxury Ritz-Carlton hotel in the Saudi capital. While many were detained for weeks in the upmarket hotel, most were released after agreeing to significant financial settlements.

Bin Salman, colloquially known as MbS, had defended his campaign as "shock therapy" in a bid to develop and diversify the economy. He said the crackdown would continue under the Nazaha office, which would be part of the General Auditing Bureau.

The royal court said the crackdown resulted into $106 billion for the state exchequer via settlements. The government summoned 381 people, some as witnesses, under the campaign.

It said 87 people confessed to charges against them and reached secret settlements that included forfeiture of real estate, companies, cash and other assets, according to SPA.

Saudi Arabia's anti-graft sweep was labelled by some critics as a shakedown and power grab, but authorities insisted the purge targeted endemic corruption.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, 84, who assumed power on January 23, 2015, said the government would continue to protect public funds.

--IANS

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Rome, Feb 6 (IANS/AKI) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is breaking the law, Italy's far-right interior minister and deputy premier Matteo Salvini said on Tuesday, calling for "free, democratic polls as soon as possible".

"Maduro is a criminal, he starves, imprisons and tortures his people. I hope there will be free, democratic polls as soon as possible," Salvini said.

"I am close to the millions of Italians and descendants of Italians who live, struggle for survival and suffer in Venezuela," Salvini added.

Italy's populist has stopped short of recognising Venezuela's opposition-held National Assembly's leader Juan Guaido as interim president and is said to have blocked a European Union resolution supporting him on Thursday at an informal meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers in Bucharest.

Salvini's League party is the anti-establishment 5 Star Movement's junior partner in the ruling coalition and 5 Star has declared that it's not "for the EU to tell another nation what to do".

So far more than half of the EU states have declared recognition of Guaido as interim leader, including the UK, France, Germany and Spain, and Guaido on Monday urged Italy to follow suite.

Maduro defiantly rejected a Sunday deadline set by several EU states to call fresh elections and denounced Guaido's move as a coup.

Venezuela's contested May 2018 presidential elections were marred by an opposition boycott and allegations of vote-rigging which triggered large protests in Venezuela amid a protracted economic crisis that has driven over million people from the country.

--IANS/AKI

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The Russian Defence Ministry on Tuesday announced its plan to develop and deploy within two years two new cruise and hypersonic missiles as Moscow's initial response to the US' decision to abandon the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty .

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia will develop new ground versions of its intermediate-range Kalybr cruise missile and hypersonic missile, Efe news reported.

The INF Treaty was signed in 1987 between the then Soviet Union and the US on the elimination of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles.

Moscow and Washington have been accusing each other of violating the agreement in recent years amid increasing tensions.

"During 2019 and 2020 we will develop a new ground variant of the sea-launched long-range cruise missile that functioned so well in Syria," Shoigu said at a press conference.

"Within the same time-frame we will develop a ground version of our hypersonic missile."

The sea and air variants of these missiles were already operational, Shoigu said, adding that "it will allow a considerable reduction of the new missile's delivery schedule and overall project cost".

"Our priority is to increase the range of our current ground missile systems."

Shoigu ordered his Deputy Defence Minister Alexei Krivoruchko to begin developing both weapon projects "in the very near future" within the multi-annual budget assignment set aside for this purpose.

Last Saturday, Shoigu detailed these plans to President Vladimir Putin after the latter announced that Russia had also forsaken the INF Treaty.

The Russian Defence Minister also said that Washington was already actively developing new ground missiles with a range exceeding 500 km, therefore violating INF guidelines.

On Saturday, Putin assured Russia's response to the US decision would be "symmetrical" but that nevertheless, Moscow would still refrain from deploying weapons with a range between 500 and 5,500 km in European Russia and other global regions, so long as Washington also agreed not to.

On Friday, Washington announced that it had suspended its INF Treaty-related obligations after Russia refused to destroy its Novator 9M729 cruise missile which, according to Washington, allegedly violated the INF treaty.

--IANS

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Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the newest fifth generation member of the Gandhi-Nehru family to plunge into active politics, will function from a room at the AICC headquarters here next to the office of her brother and party chief Rahul Gandhi as she prepares to take charge as General Secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh East.

The room, made spic and span, was allotted to her on Tuesday, a day after she returned from the US. It will serve as her base to bring about a change in the fortunes of the party in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

It has pictures of former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi and also of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. There is a picture of Rahul Gandhi on the table and she may decide to add more pictures.

It is the same room which Rahul Gandhi used as his office till his elevation as the party chief in December 2017. A name plate with her designation has been put outside the room.

Congress sources said it was not clear when she will formally take charge of her office at 24, Akbar Road but a meeting of General Secretaries had been convened on February 7 by Rahul Gandhi.

There has been a buzz in the Congress since her formal entry into and her appointment as the Congress General Secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh last month. Party workers are expected to throng the Congress headquarters the day she formally assumes office.

The room has in the past been occupied by several Congress leaders including A.K. Antony, Janardan Dwivedi and Suhshil Kumar Shinde.

Party sources said she will decide on her team and staff after taking charge of the office but there is speculation that AICC Grievances Cell chief Archana Dalmia and Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Dev would be part of her team.

It remains to be seen how often Priyanka Gandhi will visit her office.

Rahul Gandhi, who was appointed General Secretary in 2007 and later Vice President in 2013, came to the office a few times every month depending on his schedule and engagements.

The meeting on Thursday is expected to be Priyanka Gandhi's first meeting with the party office-bearers at AICC and they would chalk out the roadmap and strategies for the Lok Sabha elections.

After her return from the US, Priyanka Gandhi met Rahul Gandhi on Monday. The meeting was also attended by party leader Jyotiraditya Scindia, who has been given charge of west Uttar Pradesh.

Charismatic and ebullient, Priyanka Gandhi faces a challenging task to revive the Congress in Uttar Pradesh as it could win only two Lok Sabha seats there in 2014 and the party is battling it out alone as the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party have kept it out of their alliance.

Party leaders have indicated that Priyanka Gandhi would not confine herself to Uttar Pradesh and campaign in other parts of the country as well.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A politically enfeebled President Donald Trump will face the nation on Tuesday night with his State of the Union Address to a joint session of Congress that was put on hold by his Democratic Party adversaries in a budget war where he lost the first round.

His nationally-televised speech (at 7.30 a.m. on Wednesday in India) in the House of Representatives' chamber that a sixth of the US population is expected to watch will be his attempt at clawing his way back to relevance.

It was in the House that his party lost the majority last November and he suffered a personal defeat last month when he could not get it to agree to allocate $5.7 billion in the budget for his signature campaign promise of a wall along the Mexican border to deter smuggling and illegal immigration.

"This is the defining moment of his presidency," said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.

The government's agenda for next year that he will be laying out in his speech will be the first salvo in the campaign for the presidential elections due next year with the prospective candidates already lining up on the Democratic side.

When he takes the podium at the half-way mark of his presidency, there will be signs of disarray all around his administration in personnel and policy. There are five Cabinet vacancies, including the portfolios of Defence, Interior and Attorney-General, and he doesn't have a Chief of Staff.

And the foreign policy is incoherent.

But his is obsession with a border wall overrides all else for him.

The funding war for the wall was a gamble that backfired. Trump refused to allow a budget without the money for a border wall and forced a government shutdown betting that it would make the Democrats back down.

But Speaker Nancy Pelosi outsmarted him by taking his challenge and waiting for the tide to turn against him, which it did a month into the shutdown as his public opinion ratings fell and rumblings of rebellion in his party emerged.

It was also a blow to his personal machismo, being humbled by Pelosi, a 78-year-old woman whom he underestimated, and to the negotiating skills he boasted about.

Now another shutdown looms if their temporary truce to reopen the government does not yield a compromise within the 10-day deadline he has set.

Trump has changed the campaign script about the wall, making it into a combination of tall see-through slats that don't cover the entire border and some hi-tech deterrents, which could be the most he could wrangle out of the Democrats in the negotiations between Congressional leaders of both parties to meet the February 15 deadline.

He could then make it sound like getting what he wanted.

On the other hand in an interview last week with The New York Times, Trump dismissed the negotiations on border security funding a "waste of time". He dangled the threat of doing it his way by declaring a state of Emergency citing the crisis at the border where thousands of Central Americans have converged in caravans and using the military to build the wall with defence funds and bypass Congress.

But his own party opposes such an extreme move.

His speech may give a clue to how he plans to deal with the dilemma.

The Democrats have picked Stacy Abrams, an African-American woman who narrowly lost the race for Governor in Alabama to give the party's response to the President -- an unusual choice meant to highlight the contrast between the two parties.

Taking stock at the midway point of his four-year term, in the foreign policy domain, he is at odds with his party and officials.

Trump's announcement of troop pullouts from Afghanistan and Syria drew sharp criticism from his own party leaders with Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell pushing through a Senate measure opposing them and stressing that the fight against the Islamic State was not over.

His intelligence chiefs contradicted him before Congress on Syria (IS was still a danger), Iran (it was observing to the denuclearization agreement) and North Korea (it wasn't going to completely denuclearize).

In the middle of the muddle, he announced that the US would pull out of the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with Russia banning short and intermediate range missiles, set up a meeting with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un later this month and delved into Venezuelan internal by recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as President.

Iran remains the focus of his Mideast policy, even though the tide of opinion is rising in the US against Saudi Arabia after the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

On the trade front, though, he may have one singular success in the works if China agrees to a trade deal that would help reverse the US adverse balance of payments if the current trend of negotiations persists.

And internally he scored an under-appreciated achievement belying his tough right-wing image: He managed to get a bipartisan criminal justice reform passed with the support of both parties. It will roll back tough punishments for a variety of federal crimes and give judges more leeway in imposing sentences and assuage complaints that minorities are unfairly given stiff punishments.

The economy is chugging along steadily as if on auto-pilot, with the stock markets recovering from the last year-end selloff and unemployment at historic lows.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter @arulouis)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
On Shillong as the 'neutral place' of questioning Banerjee noted, 'It is a beautiful place. We have no objection.'

Asked whether she would continue her stir the Trinamool chief however added, 'Not right now at least...We will take a decision about it after discussing with all the party leaders.' (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

Kolkata: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has hailed the Supreme Court's direction to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam at a neutral place.

The Trinamool Congress however sounded more relieved over Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi's instruction that the CBI can not take any coercive action against Kumar.

Welcoming the top court's ruling, Banerjee told the media at "Save the Constitution" dharna at Metro Channel in Esplanade in central Kolkata, "It's a victory of our democracy, constitution and country. We have total faith in the judiciary which has been upheld only. We are obliged to the Supreme Court that it ordered that Kumar can not be arrested. The other charges including the CBI's contempt plea against us have been rejected by the apex court. We have highest respect for the CJI, SC and high court judges."

Asked whether she would continue her stir the Trinamool chief however added, "Not right now at least...We will take a decision about it after discussing with all the party leaders."

She complained that the CBI has been taking away the accused to Bhubaneswar in Odisha after arresting them. "It is a new trend," Banerjee alleged. On Shillong as the "neutral place" of questioning Banerjee noted, "It is a beautiful place. We have no objection."
Prime Minister Narendar Modi is likely to lay the foundation of the much-awaited Patna Metro Rail next month.

"While it is not confirmed by the PMO yet, Modiji is likely to lay the foundation of Patna Metro Rail on March 3," Bihar Urban Development Minister Suresh Sharma told the media here on Tuesday.

Sharma, a senior BJP leader, said that Modi will address an NDA rally here on March 3 and lay the foundation of the Patna Metro Rail project.

Last year, the Bihar cabinet approved a fresh detailed project report (DPR) for the Patna Metro Rail and sanctioned Rs 17,887.56 crore for the same.

The Union government approved the DPR in November.

According to the DPR, in the first phase, a 33.1-km-long track having two corridors -- east-west and north-south -- will be set up in Patna.

The west-east corridor would run between Danapur and Patna railway station via Dakbungalow Square while the south-north corridor would run between the Inter-State Bus Terminal and Gandhi Maidan via Rajendra Nagar and Ashok Rajpath.

The project is expected to be completed in five years from the date of its commencement.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A parliamentary committee headed by BJP MP Anurag Thakur has summoned Twitter India along with representatives from Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for alleged bias against "nationalist" accounts.

The Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology will examine the issue of 'Safeguarding citizens rights on social media/online news platforms' in its meeting on February 11, panel head Anurag Thakur tweeted.

This comes after activist-advocate Ishkaran Singh Bhandari met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on January 28 and apprised him of the alleged "discriminatory and unfair practices" by Twitter, which he said were a "threat to national security".

In his application, Bhandari alleged that Twitter was suspending accounts which either support "Indic ideals or the current government".

The panel is scheduled to meet on February 11 in Parliament complex.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistani Finance Minister Asad Umar has proposed changes in the initial plan of (SEZs) under the (CPEC) in order to make them more investor friendly.

In a meeting of Economic Cooperation Committee (ECC) here on Monday, Umar directed the Board of Investment, a department under the Prime Minister's Office which is responsible for making policies to mobilise and facilitate local and foreign investment, to approve application of companies interested in investing in the SEZs in 45 days from the previous 90 days, reports Xinhua news agency.



Chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the purpose of the meeting was to deliberate upon the country's economic situation, and form a future strategy for the stability and revival of economy.

Both China and Pakistan have agreed to make focus on industrial cooperation after the first five-year early harvest period since 2013.

The joint venture in the SEZs is a major area in the bilateral industrial cooperation between China and Pakistan under aiming at boost local economy and employment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said that he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow later in February for more talks on Syria and Iran's presence in the country.

The meeting will take place on February 21, Netanyahu said in joint statements with visiting Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen.

According to Netanyahu, the meeting will be held as a continuation of his talks with Putin in Paris three months ago and a series of phone calls between the two leaders, reports Xinhua news agency.

The new talks will focus on how to prevent Iran from establishing a military foothold in Syria, where its forces are fighting alongside the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The meeting comes in the wake of tensions between Israel and Russia, which grew in recent weeks following Israeli airstrikes in Syria.

Israel and Russia have been coordinating their moves in Syria over the past years. But such coordination met difficulties after Syria mistakenly shot down a Russian reconnaissance plane following an Israeli airstrike on September 17 last year.

All 15 soldiers aboard the plane were killed and Russia's Defense Ministry said Israel should be held accountable.

Israel has become increasingly concerned over the declared withdrawal of the US forces from Syria, fearing that it will expose the Jewish state to threats from Iran, which Israel considers its biggest enemy.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court verdict in a CBI plea against Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar and described the order to the CBI not to arrest him a "moral victory".

The apex court directed Kumar to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Saradha cheat fund case at a "mutual place" and asked the agency not to take any coercive action against the officer, including arrest.

"It is our moral victory. We said we have full respect for the judiciary and institutions," Banerjee told the media from the dais of her sit-in protest here.

"This order was passed earlier also that they can talk mutually in a mutual place. We are grateful for the verdict.

"Rajeev Kumar never said he would not cooperate. He gave five letters to the CBI asking the officials to meet him at a mutual place but they went to his house to arrest him in a secret operation.

"Today the court said no arrest... We welcome the verdict. It will strengthen the morale of the officials," Banerjee said.

Asked if her sit-in protest will continue after the court verdict, Banerjee said she would take a decision after talking to other opposition leaders.

"I don't go alone. We are not alone. I will consult the main opposition leaders of all the parties who extended their support to us," the Trinamool Congress supremo said.

"I am grateful to the people of the country. I am grateful to all my forces including the state and central forces. We respect each other. We have no quarrel but this Modi government is creating divisions between the state and central forces. This is not fair.

"Our case is very strong. We never said we will not co-operate. The even questioned my office staff by going to his residence as he is a 72-year-old person," she said.

Noting that the central and the state governments have their own jurisdiction, the Chief Minister claimed that the CBI action without informing the state government was a violation of the Constitution and the federal structure.

"Both the state and central governments are elected governments and both have their own jurisdiction.

"If you see that the central agencies are coming to arrest the state officials vindictively without any prior notice to the state government, don't you think it will violate the constitutional obligation as law and order is a state subject?" She questioned.

Banerjee said the CBI cannot enter any house and arrest whoever they want to.

"In India no one is the 'Bigg Boss' of the country except the people and the Constitution," she declared to cheers from her supporters.

"Why is the CBI calling people and arresting them? You cannot fight them after the arrest for four months as you are not allowed to go to any other court except the CBI court. So where will people get justice?"

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court's verdict in a CBI plea against Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar that ordered against his arrest and termed it a "moral victory".

The apex court directed Kumar to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Saradha cheat fund case at a "mutual place" and asked the probe agency not to take any coercive action against the officer, including arrest.

"It is our moral victory. We said we have full respect for the judiciary and the institutions," Banerjee told the media from the dais of her sit-in protest here.

"This order was passed earlier also that they can talk mutually in a mutual place. We are grateful for the verdict.

"Rajeev Kumar never said he would not cooperate. He gave five letters to the CBI asking the officials to meet him at a mutual place but they went to his house to arrest him in a secret operation without any notice.

"Today the court said no arrest... We welcome the verdict. It will strengthen the moral of the officials," Banerjee noted.

However, when asked if her sit-in protest will continue even after the court verdict, Banerjee said she would take a decision after talking to the other opposition leaders.

"Let me talk to the leaders. I don't go alone. We are not alone. I will consult the main opposition leaders of all the parties who extended their support to us," the Trinamool Congress supremo said.

"I am grateful to the people of the country. I am grateful to all my forces including the state and central forces. We respect each other. We have no quarrel but this Modi government is creating divisions between the state and central force. This is not fair."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Contrasting the grandly-funded Statue of Unity and the simple craft of envelope-making that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel undertook during a jail term during British rule to save money, former West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi recalled the Mahatma's Gujarati phrase "Vallabhbhai ni kala" to praise his co-prisoner's skill.

Speaking at the opening panel of international symposium 'Creativity And Freedom', which was inaugurated at the India International Centre (IIC) on Tuesday, Gandhi cited the vast body of Indian prison literature, especially the widely-read books written by the Mahatma, Jawaharlal Nehru and Bhagat Singh when behind the bars.

During a jail term from 1932-33, Patel, on the other hand, busied himself with "not a phenomenally intellectual activity, but a craft activity" -- making 'lifafas' (envelopes) -- and focused diligently over the task using the material he had "thriftily and creatively", the former civil servant said.

He recalled the politically, philosophically, and historically priceless letters his grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi, had sent to Devdas (the fourth and youngest son of the Mahatma) during the prison term. Many of the letters, preserved by Devdas, were sent in envelopes prepared by Vallabhbhai Patel.

In a letter dated May 11, 1932, the Mahatma had mentioned that the envelope containing the letter had been made by Patel. "We thus save money pai by pai," he had written. In another letter, Gandhi tells his son to observe the envelope for "Vallabhbhai ni kala" (Vallabhbhai's artistry), and in yet another, lauded his determination and said they "may well set up a fair-sized shop for envelopes" when they were free from jail.

But where did the paper for these envelopes come from?

"It was not bought. Remember they were saving 'pai by pai'. They were made from incoming letters," Gopal Gandhi said.

"One size of an incoming letter is blank, if one so wishes, that can be turned into an envelope. But not all letters with one page blank are turned into envelopes, only those, the contents of which, if read by another, will pose no problem. That is the uniqueness of this shop. Patel looked for incoming letters with an intentness in cat's mind for a mouse," he quoted from his grandfather's writings.

"What the simple envelopes tell is that, the man for whom a 182-metre -- the world's tallest and perhaps, the costliest -- statue has been built, made the smallest of the objects using one side of paper to save 'pai by pai'," Gandhi said.

The two-day symposium also opened with theatrist-filmmaker Suman Mukhopadhyay's personal account of encountering a world of censorship in performing arts, author Kunal Basu's emphasis on orthodoxy hindering creativity, and business journalist T. N. Ninan's speaking on how creative ideas move business, stocks and the market.

The panel also featured Victoria And Albert Museum chairman Nicholas Coleridge, who spoke on museums and creativity, and Ashoka University vice-chancellor Pratap Bhanu Mehta, who deliberated upon modern societies accepting arts' freedom by keeping them marginal.

The symposium relooks at creativity and freedom as two integral posts of society, which are being "reimagined and redefined", through the lens of thinkers, academics, filmmakers, artists and others from the creative world, who will present how they view freedom and creativity and their models for the future, Symposium director, art historian and curator Alka Pande told IANS.

--IANS

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The madrasas (Islamic seminaries) and the imparted in them must be modernised to make it sustainable, US-based Muslim philanthropist Frank Islam said here on Tuesday.

"The clergy that resists the modern has his own interests. (But) They must understand that the being given there cannot provide any jobs to students," he said during an interaction with mediapersons here.

Known for funding higher education in India, Islam however said that he has no plans to fund ay madrasas here.

Asked if he has any plans to fund or establish a "model madrasa" where religious education can be gelled with contemporary learnings, he said: "As of now I have not thought about it. But I think a few people here in India including Lt Gen (retd) Zameeruddin Shah are working on this concept."

He shared a few ideas regarding the educational empowerment of Muslims.

"Ensure a strong focus on literacy development in the rural areas and for females, develop technical and entrepreneurial skills, place an increased emphasis on higher education, make connections and build coalitions both here in India and with Muslims around the world," he said.

He stressed on developing technical and entrepreneurial skills.

"Around the world, we are finding that technological advances are occurring so rapidly that basic education and literacy ... are insufficient for success in life. This is true in India as well. To be fully empowered, Muslims must have the technical and entrepreneurial skills to compete and also to create their own opportunities in the 21st century workforce," Islam said.

On building coalitions inside the country as well as with Muslims around the world, Islam said that no government can alone achieve the goal of educating all the people.

"No group can do it alone. But together we can. We need to reach out to others who share our cause. If they are brought together, we will be able to create the level and type of educational empowerment that we need," he said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Lok Sabha was adjourned twice on Tuesday in the pre-lunch session following disruptions over the alleged misuse of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against political opponents.

After the first adjournment till noon, when the House reassembled, the scenes were no different. It forced Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the House again till 2 p.m.

Trinamool Congress members trooped to the Speaker's podium, raising slogans against the government: "CBI tota hai" and "Chowkidar chor hai".

They were protesting the CBI's action on Sunday when its officers showed up near the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who has been under the scanner in connection with the CBI probe into the ponzi scheme scam case.

Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Samajwadi Party members joined them.

The Congress renewed its demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Rafale fighter jet deal.

Members were forced to raise their issues during Zero Hour amid the ruckus.

Dharmendra Yadav of Samajwadi Party raised the issue of the 13-point roster in universities while Biju Janata Dal's (BJD) Bhartruhari Mahtab spoke on compulsory Sanskrit prayer in Kendriya Vidyalayas.

Pappu Yadav from Bihar demanded an inquiry into the derailment of Seemanchal Express on Sunday.

Congress' Shashi Tharoor raised the issue of Sabarimala temple and said "irresponsible political parties" were hijacking the genuine protests of devotees.

Bharatiya Janata Party's Nishikant Dubey raised the issue of Bangladeshi intruders and accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of protecting them.

Mahajan urged the agitating members to go back to their seats but they did not relent. As the din increased, she adjourned the House till 2 p.m.

The earlier adjournment took place after the Trinamool and some other opposition parties trooped near the podium and did not allow the Speaker to proceed with the Question Hour. She adjourned the House till noon.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Lok Sabha on Tuesday witnessed acrimonious scenes as members of the Trinamool Congress and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) traded barbs at each other during discussion on Motion of Thanks on President's address.

When the House reassembled in the post-lunch session, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan took up the discussion on the motion. As BJP veteran Hukumdev Narayan Yadav began, Trinamool Congress members trooped near Speaker's podium and started sloganerring against the government over the Sunday standoff between the Central Bureau of Investigation and Kolkata police.

As soon as he started speaking, Trinamool's member Aparupa Poddar took his mike and started shouting slogans. This was opposed by BJP members.

During his speech, Yadav took potshots at opposition alliance, saying the corrupt and anti-social parties have joined hands to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is working hard for uplifting the poor.

This led to an aggressive argument between Samajwadi Party's Dharmendra Yadav and the BJP members. Due to the heated argument, the Speaker adjourned the House for 10 minutes.

When the House reassembled, BJP's Yadav, resuming his speech, said that the Modi government has implemented various welfare schemes for the upliftment of poor people in the country.

Under the Jan-Dhan Yojana, so far 34 crore accounts have been opened in which the people have deposited Rs 84,000 crore, he said.

"In the budget, the government has announced to provide Rs 6,000 annually to small farmers under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi. Under Ayushman Bharat scheme, so far 10 lakh people have availed benefits," he said.

The veteran leader described the next Lok Sabha elections as a "Mahabharat" and said it will be a fight between the right and wrong.

Seconding the motion, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal said that the NDA government has taken several measures for the welfare of farmers and the poor.

He also hailed recent income support scheme for small and marginal farmers.

As the Speaker called Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge to speak, he said as there was no order in the House, the discussion should be postponed to Wednesday.

Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay also demanded that the discussion be postponed to Wednesday and assured that his party will cooperate.

To this, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that those who want to speak on Wednesday should be given time, but those who want to participate in the discussion on Tuesday should be allowed to speak.

This was followed by slogan shouting by opposition members prompting the Speaker to adjourn the House for half an hour till 4 p.m.

When debate resumed, Biju Janata Dal's Bhartruhari Mahtab demanded fixing of MSP of farmers' produce.

Welcoming the budget announcement of providing Rs 6000 annually to small farmers, he, however, said that such a step is not a permanent solution for farm distress.

AIADMK's P. Venugopal demanded the government to release the arrears of GST compensation to Tamil Nadu while SP's Dharmendra Yadav demanded reintroduction of 200-point roster in recruitment of teachers in Universities.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Banerjee began her sit-in at 8.30 pm on Sunday, calling it 'satyagraha to save Constitution' and rallying other parties around her agenda.

The CM has been on the dharna since the night of February 3. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

Kolkata: Continuing the dharna on Day 3, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refuses to budge from her sit-in protest.

The confrontation was triggered by a CBI teams attempts to question commissioner of police, Kolkata, Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam on Sunday evening  a move that Banerjee said was out of vendetta.

The investigative agency approached the Supreme Court on Monday saying Kolkata Police commissioner Kumar was a potential accused in the Saradha chit fund scam and claimed the local police could be destroying crucial evidence.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Andhra Pradesh counterpart Chandrababu Naidu are expected to visit the dharna site at Metro Channel on Tuesday, sources said.

Today's highlights:

06:22pm: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee: "This dharna (Save the Constitution) is victory for the Constitution and democracy, so, let us end it today."

"The Court gave a positive judgement today. Next week, we will continue to take up the issue in Delhi."

(Photo: Twitter | ANI)

05:20pm: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress MP: There is no democracy in Bengal, its with the help of ruling govt that people were looted off in the Chit Fund Scam. This Police Commissioner is Mamatas servant, he will do whatever she says.

04:58pm: Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu meets West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee at the stage where she has been sitting on 'Save the Constitution' dharna since February 3 over CBI issue.

(Photo: Twitter | ANI)

04:12pm: West Bengal: Andhra Pradesh CM and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu arrives in Kolkata.

02:20pm: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik when asked if there has been any communication with WB CM over CBI matter said, "No one from TMC has been in contact with us for at least a year. Our party statement yesterday had to do with events in our state. We would like CBI to do a professional and non political job."

Photo: ANI | Twitter

12:35 pm: Mamata Banerjee was responding on Yogi Adityanath's visit to West Bengals Purulia district to address a public rally.

#WATCH WB CM Mamata Banerjee:Ask Yogi to take care of Uttar Pradesh first. So many ppl have been killed,even police were murdered,so many ppl were lynched,he himself will lose if he contests elections.He doesnt have a place to stand in UP thats why he's roaming around in Bengal pic.twitter.com/ijtBwTHdvX  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

11:50 am: Talking on Supreme Court's decision, Union minister RS Prasad said, "Today we've to ask larger questions on behalf of the party. Lakhs of small investors were cheated and looted off their money. Is it not our moral obligation for an investigation? Why is Mamata ji silent on this? Why are the other political parties silent on this?"

"This order was given by Supreme Court to investigate the conspiracy angle and also money laundering angle. This investigation must be done in a fair manner. Let's not politicise it. This is a great moral victory for CBI," he added.

Photo: ANI | Twitter

11:45 am: Talking on 'if she will continue dharna', Mamata Banerjee said, "Let me talk to my leaders, I dont go alone. Today Chandrababu Naidu is also coming, I will consult other leaders also. I will also consult Naveen Patnaik Ji, then I will let you know."

11:33 am: Mallikarjun Kharge said, "The govt is settling scores with opposition after interfering in autonomous bodies. We are fighting against those elements. It is not about an individual, an officer or a party, we are fighting against government's attempt to discredit autonomous bodies."

Photo: ANI | Twitter

11:30 am: Mamata Banerjee said, "But what they started doing? They wanted to arrest him. They went to his house, on a secret operation, on Sunday, without any notice. That court said no arrest. We are so obliged. It will strengthen the morale of the officers."

11:25 am: "Rajeev Kumar never said he'll not be available. He said we want to meet at mutual place,if you want to ask for any clarification, you can come and we can sit ," said Mamata Banerjee.

11:15 am: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on SC order that no coercive steps would be taken against Rajeev Kumar said, "Its a moral victory. We have great respect for judiciary and all institutions. We are so grateful. We're so obliged."

Photo: ANI | Twitter

11:00 am: The Supreme Court said that the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kuamr can not be arrested but he should be available and fully cooperate with the CBI investigations.

The next date of hearing is February 20.

10:45 am: Calcutta HC adjourns hearing in Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar case till Thursday (February 7) as the Supreme Court is seized of the matter.

10:40 am: The Supreme Court commences hearing on pleas of probe agency in Saradha chit fund scam case.

10:35 am: CBI files affidavit in the Supreme Court alleging there are several incriminating material/correspondence that was collected during the investigation by the CBI against the senior police officials as well as senior politicians.

09:05 am: Actress and TMC's Indrani Halder meets Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at 'Save the Constitution' dharna in Kolkata. The CM has been on the dharna since the night of February 3.

Photo: ANI | Twitter

08:30 am: Visuals from the site of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's 'Save the Constitution' dharna near Metro Channel. The stage is currently covered with curtains. The dharna over the CBI issue began on the night of February 3.

Kolkata: Latest #visuals from the site of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's 'Save the Constitution' dharna near Metro Channel. The stage is currently covered with curtains. The dharna over the CBI issue began on the night of February 3. pic.twitter.com/orN4Krt6sB  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

Day 3 begins

09:40 pm: West Bengal Congress to hold a protest rally on February 6 demanding immediate conclusion in the investigation of Saradha, Rose Valley and other Chit fund cases and the immediate arrest of the accused in Narada case.

08:40 pm: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and DMK leader Kanimozhi meet West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee at the stage where she has been sitting on 'Save the Constitution' dharna.

Photo: ANI | Twitter

Day 2: Read: Kolkata Police-CBI face-off: WB Guv prepares confidential report, sends to MHA

Mamata Banerjee began her sit-in at 8.30 pm on Sunday, calling it a "satyagraha to save the Constitution" and rallying other parties around her agenda.

The dharna site, titled "satyagraha mancha", has been devoid of any political colour.The chief minister has been discharging her official duties, including signing of papers, from the dais.

The West Bengal Chief Minister has described her protest as a non-political one and welcomed all anti-BJP parties into it.

Months before the general elections, this has become another flashpoint in the BJP versus Opposition bust-up with several leaders, from Rahul Gandhi to Chandrababu Naidu, Arvind Kejriwal and Tejashwi Yadav, pledging their support to Mamata Banerjee.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI and faithfully co-operate in the probe into the Saradha chit fund scam, but said he must not be arrested.

A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice L. Nageswara Rao and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said the CBI must not resort to any coercive action, including arresting the officer.

Directing the Kolkata Police Commissioner to "appear and make himself available before the investigating agency ... the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)", the court order said that he would "faithfully cooperate with the investigating agency at all times".

In a rider, the court said, "however, we make it clear that no coercive steps including arrest shall be taken against the Commissioner of Police".

Attempting to avoid all "unnecessary controversy", the court ordered: "We direct the Commissioner of Police to appear before the investigating agency in Shillong, Meghalaya on such date(s) as may be fixed."

The court opted for a neutral place Shillong on a request from Attorney General K.K. Venugopal.

The court also sought responses from the West Bengal Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police (DGP) and Rajeev Kumar on a contempt petition moved on Monday by the CBI along with the one asking for direction to Kumar to surrender for investigation.

Directing the Chief Secretary, DGP and the Kolkata Police Commissioner to file their responses to the "statements made in the contempt petition on or before 18.2.2019", the order said that on consideration of their replies, if court requires their personal presence on February 20 -- the next date of hearing -- the same would be communicated to their respective offices on February 19.

During the hearing, Attorney General K.K. Venugopal described the situation as "a total breakdown of constitutional machinery" and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted that the CBI personnel were detained at a police station.

Appearing for the Kolkata Police Commissioner, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the court: "They have asked for surrender when no offence is made out.

"Rajeev Kumar is vilified. He has written to the CBI to meet at a neutral place where the entire SIT will be there to be questioned," Singhvi told the court.

Justice Gogoi said: "The problem with you is you assume too many things. What is your problem? You can cooperate."

The next hearing will held be on February 20.

--IANS

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Actor Jussie Smollett was initially reluctant to report that he had been racially attacked by two men last month in Chicago, according to a police report.

Smollett, the 36-year-old musician and actor who appears on the show "Empire", told the police that he was accosted on the street at 2 a.m. on January 29.

Television station ABC7 here obtained a partially redacted copy of the report through a Freedom of Information Request on Monday, reports variety.com.

According to the report, the officers were told that Smollett "did not want to report the offence however he believed it to be in the best interest to".

The report states that police found Smollett with a white rope around his neck, and that he stated the attackers threw an unknown chemical substance on him, staining his clothes.

Smollett said he was accosted by two men dressed in black, one of whom was wearing a ski mask. He did not remember any other details of the suspects.

Chicago Police have reviewed hundreds of hours of surveillance footage in an effort to find the attackers, but have not found video of the attack. The department released an image of two "persons of interest" in the case on January 30.

Smollett performed on February 2 at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, during which he sought to clarify some details of the incident.

"I was bruised but my ribs were not cracked; they were not broken. I went to the doctor immediately... I was not hospitalised. And above all: I fought the f-back,"he said on stage.

--IANS

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Japanese firms are keen to invest in Karnataka's industrial township being developed in Tumakuru district, Japan's Ambassador to India Kenji Hiramatsu said on Tuesday.

"Many Japanese companies are eager to invest in the upcoming Japanese Industrial Township at Vasanthanarasapura in Tumakuru (about 90km from Bengaluru), being developed by the Karnataka government," a statement from Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's office said quoting Hiramatsu.

A Japanese delegation, led by Hiramatsu, met the Chief Minister here on Tuesday.

The township was announced in 2016 by the state government as an exclusive facility to host Japanese businesses in the southern state.

A 519.5-acre area has been earmarked in the Vasanthanarasapura village for setting up of Japanese Industrial Township, Kumaraswamy said in the statement.

"The Township will be an integral part of Tumakuru industrial node in the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor," he added.

The Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor is among the five industrial corridors being developed by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry to boost economic activity and create jobs.

Heavy engineering, machine tools, automotive and aerospace components will be among the key sectors of the industrial township.

"Infrastructure facilities for the township like concrete roads, water supply and tertiary treatment plant, establishment of electric sub-station are in progress," the statement added.

--IANS

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Japan's Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso has come under fire for blaming childless women for the country's declining population, the media reported on Tuesday.

During a speech, Aso, 78, denied that the elderly were the cause of the decline and increasing social security costs, CNN reported.

"There are lots of strange people who say the elderly are to blame, but that is wrong," said Aso, who also holds the role of Finance Minister.

"The problem is with those who didn't give birth."

After being grilled by an opposition lawmaker during a budget committee session, Aso said on Monday that he would retract the remark "if it caused misunderstanding".

"It gave a false impression without conveying the meaning of my original remark," Aso explained, without giving much details.

Japan is a "super-aged" nation, meaning more than 20 per cent of its population is older than 65. It has been on a steady demographic decline since the 1970s.

In 2017, fewer than 950,000 babies were born while the number of deaths rose to a post-war high of 1.3 million, according to the Ministry of Health and Labour.

Since the 1990s, Japan has introduced policies to boost its birth rate, such as enhancing child care services and improving housing and public facilities for families with children.

However, structural issues still prevent both working men and women from balancing their careers with family life.

--IANS

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The Vedanta Group on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that if the high level of water pollution was the ground for shutting down its Thoothukudi Copper smelting plant, then by that measure other industries too should face closure.

Recalling the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) argument that 500 TDS is a desirable level of water pollution and 2,000 TDS a permissible level, Vedanta told the bench of Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice Navin Sinha that other industries should also face closure as groundwater pollution in the entire state is very high.

Pointing to the perplexing action of the Tamil Nadu government, senior counsel C.A. Sundaram appearing for Vedanta said that the company also knocked the doors of the high court seeking quashing of the report that brought out that the groundwater pollution is high in the entire state.

Vedanta's Sterlite Copper smelting plant was shut down "permanently" on May 28, 2018, by the TNPCB for causing a near-irreversible level of groundwater pollution.

Sundaram also cited figures showing that the level of groundwater pollution is high not only in Thoothukudi but in other districts as well and mentioned the instance of Dharmapuri district of the state.

"The high level of groundwater pollution in not limited to the place in and around the plant now under closure but across the district," the senior counsel said.

Vedanta said this to the court in the course of hearing of a plea by the Tamil Nadu government and the TNPCB, challenging December 15, 2018 National Green Tribunal's order.

The green tribunal by the December 15 order had asked TNPCB to give its consent to Vedanta to run the plant though subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.

Sundram told the court that in two consent orders in the past by the TNPCB, none of the objections that are being flagged now were raised.

Sundram will continue his arguments on Wednesday.

--IANS

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Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba held a high level meeting on Tuesday to fast-track the implementation of the Kartarpur corridor project.

Punjab Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh, BSF DG R.K. Misra, Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad Ajay Bisaria and senior officers of other agencies attended the meeting.

They discussed the acquisition of land for the highway as well as for the integrated check-post. It was informed that the preliminary notification for land acquisition for the highway has been issued.

Home Ministry sources said the Punjab government has assured that land for both the projects would be made available by mid-March.

Meanwhile, land to start preliminary work would be made available to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI).

A detailed plan is expected to be finalised in the next few days.

The meeting was informed that coordinates of zero point have been communicated to Pakistan.

--IANS

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Himachal Pradesh has been strongly raising the issue of safety and the quality of construction of the Parwanoo-Shimla highway four-laning project with executing agency the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur told the Assembly here on Tuesday.

The state government recently apprised the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and the NHAI Chairman about various issues such as cutting of hill slopes, suitable protection works in a scientific manner and continuous maintenance activities for ensuring safe roads, he said.

In a written reply to Congress member Dhani Ram Shandil, Thakur said the NHAI on January 11 told the state that the issues of providing all possible safety measures and keeping the road in traffic worthy condition are being monitored at the senior management level.

The government is committed to ensure quality and safety for the four-laning project and is continuously monitoring each work package at the highest level, the Chief Minister said.

The Rs 748 crore outlay for the first phase of the four-laning project lapsed in March last year. A total of 23,785 trees were axed for widening the Parwanoo-Shimla highway. The first phase is now likely to be completed in March this year.

In the next phase, the four-laning of a 22 km-long stretch between Chambaghat and Kaithlighat is scheduled. It will cost around Rs 598 crore. Work on the last stretch between Kaithlighat and Shimla will commence after that.

Official sources told IANS that the four-laning of the 88-km stretch connecting Parwanoo with Shimla would cost Rs 2,730 crore, as per initial estimates.

--IANS

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The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday issued a travel advisory after an avalanche warning in the high hills by the Manali-based Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE).

The SASE issued an avalanche threat in Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, Kinnaur and Kullu districts.

A state government spokesperson said the district administrations have been advised to keep search and rescue teams on standby and ask people to avoid travel.

The western disturbances -- storm systems originating from Caspian Sea and moving across the Afghanistan-Pakistan region -- will be active in the region till Thursday, Met Office Director Manmohan Singh told IANS.

Under the influence of an active western disturbance, rain and snowfall is likely to occur at most places in the state on February 6 and 7, he said.

There are chances of heavy snowfall at some places in Kullu, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, Kangra and Kinnaur districts from Wednesday.

--IANS

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Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal has expressed concern over the release of highly polluted water into the Yamuna river and the Gurugram canal by Delhi.

He directed departments concerned to ensure that no untreated or partially treated effluent is released into the Yamuna and the Gurugram canal.

In a letter addressed to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Manohar Lal has drawn his attention to the problem of sever pollution of the Yamuna water being caused as it flows through Delhi.

He said the Yamuna enters Delhi at Palla in Sonepat district and again near Okhla head in Basantpur village in Faridabad district.

It travels a stretch of around 52 km in Delhi. During this course, more than 60 drains having partially treated or untreated effluents of industrial or domestic sources flow into it.

This causes severe pollution of the river before its re-entry into Haryana, he added.

Manohar Lal highlighted that bio-chemical oxygen demand (BOD) in the river at Basantpur village during July-December 2018 has ranged from 45-46 milligram per litre against the permissible limit of 3.0 milligram per liter.

The BOD in Gurugram Canal, the only major source of irrigation water for the Mewat area, ranged from 32-45 milligram per liter during the same period.

This, he said, was a matter of grave concern as the release of highly polluted water into river Yamuna and Gurugram canal severely affects the health of a large number of families of Gurugram, Faridabad, Palwal and Nuh districts.

Besides, it also hits agricultural productivity in these districts.

--IANS

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The government on Tuesday said it is planning to launch an index to rank states on the basis of 'ease of doing agri-business'.

Minister of State for Agriculture Parshottam Rupala informed the Lok Sabha, in a written reply, that a need was felt to develop a competitive spirit between the states to ensure that the reform agenda of the government was implemented at a desired pace.

"Keeping this in mind to rank the states through an Index i.e. Ease of Doing Agri-Business, a concept note along with parameters for developing an Index has been circulated to all States/UTs inviting their views," he said.

The concept is to consider farming not solely as a production-oriented activity carried out to achieve food security for the country, but as a business activity carried out by farmer as entrepreneur, Rupala noted.

"The proposed index has taken the aspects of increasing production/productivity, increasing price realisation of agri produce and decreasing input costs of production, risk mitigation and investment related attributes.

"The index will obviously help in fostering agriculture among states by promoting a competitive spirit amongst the states," he added.

--IANS

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The route was rethought to ensure that the chief minister gets to enter West Bengal where BJP is looking to make inroads in 2019 LS polls.

On Sunday, Yogi Adityanath addressed his two rallies in Bengal on phone after being denied the landing permission. (Photo: File)

Lucknow: Two days after being denied landing permission in West Bengals South Dinjapur district for addressing public rally, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has decided to take the road to Bengal.

The BJP has planned a rally by UP CM in Purulia on Tuesday for which CM would enter Bengal through BJP-ruled Jharkhand. CMs office confirmed that Adityanath would leave Lucknow by a special plane for Ranchi on Tuesday and from there, he is scheduled to take a helicopter till Bokaro before taking the road to Bengal.

The route was rethought to ensure that the chief minister gets to enter West Bengal where BJP is looking to make inroads in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Due to TMCs decision to deny landing permission to Adityanath on Sunday, it has been decided that he would travel to West Bengal by road. Lets see how what the terrified didi does now, a senior BJP leader said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is popularly referred to as did in West Bengal and has come under attack from the BJP. The BJP claimed that denial permission for a helicopter landing reflected that she was scared of Yogi Adityanath.

On Sunday, Yogi Adityanath addressed his two rallies in Bengal on phone after being denied the landing permission. During his address, he claimed that Banerjee government was afraid of the BJP as it very well knows that its days in Bengal are numbered.

Mohsin Raza, the UP governments lone Muslim minister, tweaking a popular dialogue from film Uri asked Mamata Banerjee, How is the khauf (fear)?

Apart from West Bengal, Adityanath is scheduled to address party cadres in Bihar (February 7), Uttarakhand (February 9), Kerala (February 12, 14) and Odisha (February 20).
The US has accused the students arrested in connection with a fake university visa scam of being "aware they were committing a crime" for visas when they enrolled at the institution while lawyers for those charged accused the government of tricking them.

The State Department said on Monday in a statement: "All participants in this scheme knew that the University of Farmington had no instructors or classes (neither online nor in-person) and were aware they were committing a crime in an attempt to fraudulently remain in the US."

The US reaction came after India's External Affairs Ministry issued a demarche to the US embassy in New Delhi asserting that the students "have been duped into enrolling in the 'university' (and) should be treated differently from those recruiters who have duped them".

Lawyers for the accused recruiters in the scam on Monday accused the government of tricking the students into enrolling at the University of Farmington, a fake institution set up by US law enforcement officials in a sting operation to crackdown on visa fraud, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Last week, US immigration officials arrested 129 Indian students and eight alleged recruiters involved with the university.

John Brusstar, a lawyer for one of the accused recruiters, criticized the sting operation saying "it is unfair for the government to set up something like this to entrap people", the Free Press reported.

The students face only civil immigration charges while the eight alleged recruiters have been charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud and harbouring aliens for profit and face maximum sentences of five years.

Some of the arrested students have been released from custody on condition that they wear ankle monitors that would allow authorities to monitor their movements electronically.

Release with electronic monitors is considered preferable to being detained with those accused of major crimes while awaiting trial or disposition of cases.

One of the arrested students is a Palestinian, according to the newspaper.

About 600 students who joined the fake university may be at risk of legal action.

Five of the alleged recruiters were produced wearing shackles in a federal court in Detroit on Monday and denied they were guilty, according to the Free Press.

The lawyers for four of them agreed to their being held in jail because they face detention by immigration authorities as they are undocumented, the newspaper said.

But Phanideep Karnati, who is represented by Brusstar and is on a work visa, was ordered released on a $10,000 unsecured bond by Magistrate Judge R. Steven Whalen, according to the Free Press.

Another accused, Prem Rampeesa, has requested an interpreter and is to be produced in court later, the newspaper reported.

The newspaper quoted prosecutors as saying that the students enrolled at the fake university in order to get jobs under a student visa programme called Curricular Practical Training (CPT) that would allow them to work.

But lawyers for the accused countered saying that such programmes are legitimate and that the government had tricked them into joining the University of Farmington.

Many of the students had come to the US on legitimate student visas and studied at other universities but were trying to extend their stay through CPT visas by transferring to Farmington.

Although the arrests came during a period of heightened immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump, the fake university was set up in 2015 by Democratic President Barack Obama's administration.

The so-called university offered student visas without requiring them to attend classes, enabling them to work illegally.

This is at least the second fake university run by government agencies.

Obama administration officials set up University of North Jersey and ensnared over 1,000 students, most of them from India and China.

Twenty-one people who acted as student visa brokers were arrested in the crackdown in 2016.

US law enforcement frequently uses elaborate sting operations by undercover agents to deter crimes of all types.
A 74-year-old man committed suicide on Tuesday by shooting himself with his licenced revolver in South Delhi's Sundar Nagar area, the police said.

The incident came to light at 9 a.m. after a resident of the area informed the local police about hearing a gunshot.

"A police team rushed to the spot and found a senior citizen, Yadav Singh, lying in a pool of blood inside his residence. His licenced revolver was also recovered from near him," Chinmoy Biswal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast), told IANS.

"Prima facie evidence suggests that it's a case of suicide as the deceased was suffering from depression for the last four years," Biswal said, adding that further investigations were underway.

--IANS

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) was on Tuesday asked by the Delhi High Court for a response on a plea by alleged lobbyist Deepak Talwar challenging his detention here by agencies after he was deported to India from the UAE last week.

A bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Sangita Dhingra Sehgal issued notice to the ED and directed it to file a response to the petition by February 11. The court listed the matter for further hearing on February 12.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Talwar, submitted that he was abducted from Dubai and handed over to Indian authorities and there was no extradition treaty with the UAE.

ED counsel Amit Mahajan sought time to respond to the plea.

Talwar, who is in ED custody, was deported from Dubai on January 30 and was arrested by the agency after landing here.

Talwar has been accused by the ED of acting as a middleman in negotiations to favour foreign private airlines in the matter of seat-sharing on Air India's profitable routes.

ED wants to question Talwar to get the names of officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, National Aviation Co of India Ltd and Air India, who favoured foreign airlines, including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia.

He has been charged with criminal conspiracy, forgery and under various other sections of the FCRA for allegedly diverting Rs 90.72 crore worth of foreign funds meant for ambulances and other articles received by his NGO from Europe's leading missile manufacturing company.

His role in some aviation deals during the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime is under the scanner as well.

Talwar was booked by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in criminal cases of corruption while the Income Tax Department charged him with tax evasion.

--IANs

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Delhi contributes 79 per cent of pollution load in the Yamuna river, Haryana government told the Delhi High Court on Tuesday.

Citing a November 2006 report of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Haryana told a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V. Kameswar Rao that Delhi contributes 79 per cent of pollution load in the river while pollution load of Haryana cities of Panipat and Sonipat is shown to be five per cent.

"Yamuna marginally get polluted in Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand before the water is received at Tajewala," Haryana government said.

In the last hearing, Delhi government told the court that the water meant for the city was polluted and Delhi was not getting clean water because Haryana was not allowing clean water to flow into the Yamuna.

The Delhi government has also said that national capital is facing scarcity of clean water due to Haryana which is obstructing the flow of the river.

On Tuesday, the Haryana government told the court that direction has been issued to remove the 'bundhs' .

Haryana also told the court it keeps releasing the nearly 1050 cusecs water from Munak canal for Delhi.

"It is the population of Haryana only, which suffers the vagaries of a lean season and not Delhi as the water works in Haryana would be partly filled/unfilled for some duration," the Haryana government said in a reply.

"Therefore Delhi should take urgent measures to reduce their losses which are alleged to be 10 per cent in treatment and 30 per cent post treatment. Some treatment and post-treatment loses are inevitable, but losses to the extent as projected by DJB are unpardonable and can be termed as criminal wastage of precious raw water."

The bench listed the matter for further hearing on March 13.A

The court was hearing a plea, filed by advocate S.B. Tripathi, who has sought direction to the DJB to provide 100 per cent sewage facility in the entire city and the Central government to provide financial assistance to the DJB for the work.

The plea said that in 2016, the DJB had told the court that only 55 per cent of the Delhi population was covered with sewage facility and there was no sewage facility available to the remaining 45 per cent.

Tripathi has said as 330 cusecs of water was supplied by Haryana through a 'kutcha' canal, 50 per cent of water was being lost due to seepage and Delhi got only about 170-180 cusec water per day.

--IANS

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Even as the Delhi High Court sought a response from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a plea challenging the detention of high profile 'corporate lobbyist' Deepak Talwar, information gathered during his questioning in custody is expected to open a Pandora's box, exposing close links between bureaucrats, politicians, big business, media and middlemen that has the prospect of triggering seismic jolts in Lutyen's Delhi.

Soon after his arrest -- his lawyer Mukul Rohatgi told the court earlier, "Government of India abducted my client" -- the ED said that Talwar, who had been brought in from Dubai along with Rajeev Saxena, was required to be questioned in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case and the manner in which national carrier Air India gave up profit-making routes to benefit domestic and foreign private airlines.

Talwar's return to India after over 20 months in Dubai, has turned the needle of suspicion towards a number of bureaucrats, politicians and journalists, mainly those connected with civil aviation.

These include Ministry of Civil Aviation officials, officials of the National Aviation Company of India Ltd and Air India, who favoured foreign airlines, including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia. The key person in the negotiations is said to be the then Minister for Civil Aviation.

There are reports that Talwar was handed a hefty sum every month by a key airline operator to identify officials and media persons who could be compromised and help its cause.

Talwar's arrest is likely to unnerve officials and politicians who have been on either side of the political divide because of the uncertainty over what he might reveal. A well-networked man, he started his lobbying career with Coca-Cola and was said to have been close to Ranjan Bhattacharya, the controversial foster son-in-law of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

His stars grew bright following his association with the then Minister for Civil Aviation. In fact, during those days he was known as the pointman of this Minister.

The journalists and bureaucrats on his payroll helped him to stay ahead of developments. In fact, for a long time after the lid blew off on his operations, there was little noise over his escape and that he was in hiding in Dubai -- which is being attributed to the pay-offs to people in positions of influence.

The deals over an increase in seats to the private domestic and foreign airlines were struck during meetings in Dubai, Sharjah, and Qatar. The discussions with Indian and UAE officials were held for Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras-al-Khaima after which there was an increase in the number of seats for the contracting countries.

There is an alleged correlation between the networking at the highest level of the power structure and a money trail that investigating agencies claim can be traced back to Talwar once he starts coming out with details during his interrogation.

There have allegedly been pay-offs to bureaucrats and media persons and at the root of this are Talwar's consultancy DTA, an NGO called Advantage India and public relations firm PR.

The ED says that between June and November, 2008, Talwar received $45 million in his Bank of Singapore account, and then another $15 million from Qatar and Air Arabia.

Talwar is described by the agency as a middleman in the negotiations that helped private airlines get lucrative routes that Air India operated on. The result was massive losses to the national carrier. The pay-offs and inducements to those who colluded in the scam that killed Air India is believed to have continued till the latter half of 2017.

The airline has accumulated losses of over Rs 55,000 crore. The government evidently believes it is a lost cause as it allocated a mere Rs 1,00,000 to it as extra budgetary support on Friday triggering rumours that it might finally be privatised.

Talwar's interrogation could well reveal the names of those who took down the national carrier while their pockets were being lined.

The ED told the court: "It has been alleged that officials of Ministry of Civil Aviation, NACIL, Air India, by abusing their official positions as public servants and receiving illegal gratification, in conspiracy with other public servants, private domestic and foreign airlines, made the national carrier give up profit-making routes and profit-making timings of Air India in favour of national and international domestic and foreign private airlines."

--IANS

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"We give our warriors outdated machines to fight, they still deliver it with all their prowess and might," goes a viral message in the name of Garima Abrol, wife of squadron leader Samir Abrol who died in a Mirage 2000 crash along with his colleague Siddharth Negi.

But Samir's brother Sushant clarified to IANS on Tuesday that it was he who penned the message not her. He said that he was overcome by emotions while flying back with his brother's coffin and it was a comment on the system in general with no reference to anyone specific.

"Never had he breathed so heavy, as for the last time, while the bureaucracy enjoyed its corrupt cheese and wine," read the message, but Sushant said that the word 'corrupt' has been taken in a wrong sense.

He said there were eight other officers on that flight and he saw tears in their eyes as they were my brother's course mates who had spent all the time with him.

"I realised it could have happened with one of them also," he said. It is not the family's loss but loss for the air force, for his friends, he said. "What I wrote was in the flow of things," he said.

Sushant said the family is awaiting the outcome of the court of inquiry report of the accident to know about the causes and are with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Abrol and Negi were highly trained Aircraft&Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) test pilots.

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited the families of the two pilots on Tuesday to express her condolences.

The accident has brought HAL under an accountability cloud. The aircraft was upgraded by HAL and was on an acceptance sortie.

Talking about his brother, Sushant said he opted to become a test pilot which is five times riskier than a normal fighter pilot.

The tweets in the name of Garima ran thus:

And as he fell from the sky onto the ground,

With broken bones; all but a black box was found.

His ejection was safe but parachute caught fire,

Shattered the family and all that he desired.

Never had he breathed so heavy, as for the last time,

While the bureaucracy enjoyed its corrupt cheese and wine.

We give our warriors outdated machines to fight,

They still deliver it with all their prowess and might.

Once again a martyr was killed,

As he fell from the sky onto the ground.

Unforgiving & and thankless is a job of a test pilot

Someone has to risk it to show others the light.

Proud of my husband \\Fights on always my BATMAN!!

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The death of Canadian entrepreneur Gerald Cotten, died due to complications with Crohn's disease while travelling in India in December, has left a huge stash of cryptocurrencies locked off from the people who own them.

Quadriga, Canada's biggest cryptocurrency exchange, said it's unable to gain access to $145 million of bitcoin and other digital assets after the death of Cotten, its 30-year old CEO and Co-Founder.

Many of the digital currencies held by Quadriga are stored offline in accounts known as "cold wallets," a way of protecting them from hackers. Cotten appears to have been the only person with access to the wallets, according to court documents cited by Canadian media and posted online by cryptocurrency news site CoinDesk, CNN reported.

The unusual case highlights the risks investors face looking after their assets in the thinly regulated industry.

Cotten's death has plunged Quadriga into crisis and left it struggling to figure out how to refund more than 100,000 of its users. The company filed for creditor protection in the Nova Scotia Supreme Court on Thursday.

"For the past weeks, we have worked extensively to address our liquidity issues, which include attempting to locate and secure our very significant cryptocurrency reserves held in cold wallets. Unfortunately, these efforts have not been successful," Quadriga said in a statement on its website.

Cotten's widow, Jennifer Robertson, said in the affidavit posted online that the laptop that Cotten used to run the currency exchange is encrypted.

"I do not know the password or recovery key. Despite repeated and diligent searches, I have not been able to find them written down anywhere," she said.

The company hired an investigator to see if any information could be retrieved but ongoing efforts have had only "limited success in recovering a few coins" and some information from Cotten's computer and phone, BBC reported.

The Canadian High Commission in New Delhi told CNN that it was aware of Cotten's death and had "provided consular assistance," but declined to reveal further details.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Actor Ram Charan has taken full responsibility for the failure of his latest Telugu release "Vinaya Vidheya Rama".

He said the the film didn't elicit the expected response as it didn't meet the expectations of the audience.

Boyapati Sreenu-directed "Vinaya Vidheya Rama" released last month for the Sankranti festival.

Within hours of the film's release, some scenes were heavily trolled for over-the-top action sequences.

Despite the film's failure, Ram Charan has thanked his fans for supporting him through thick and thin.

"I would like to thank each and every technician who strove day and night to execute Vinaya Vidheya Rama. No amount of words is sufficient to describe the support extended by our producer DVV Danayya. I will always be grateful to my distributors and exhibitors who believed in our film and backed it," Charan said in a statement.

"We worked really hard to deliver a film which would entertain all of you. Unfortunately, the vision could not get translated properly on screen and we could not meet your expectations," he said.

He said the love of his fans will inspire him to work harder and deliver better films which will in turn help him meet their expectations.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An intense cold wave continued in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, with the Met office forecasting widespread rainfall and snowfall likely in the state.

Residents and tourists have been advised not to venture out on the high hills as chances of snapping of road links were high.

The western disturbances -- storm systems originating from Caspian Sea and moving across the Afghanistan-Pakistan region -- will be active in the region till Thursday, Met Office Director Manmohan Singh told IANS.

Under the influence of an active western disturbance, rain and snowfall is likely to occur at many places on Tuesday and at most places on the subsequent two days, he said.

Chances of heavy snowfall at some places in Kullu, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, Kangra and Kinnaur districts from Wednesday.

"Due to moderate to heavy snowfall, roads are likely to be blocked, especially in Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti districts," Singh said.

Most of the prominent tourist towns like Shimla, Narkanda, Kufri, Manali and Dalhousie, located in mid-hills, may also witness snowfall.

Both Shimla and Manali, about 250-km from here, which is wrapped under a blanket of snow, on Tuesday saw the night temperature at 5.8 degrees Celsius each.

Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district was the coldest place in the state at minus 11 degrees Celsius.

It was minus 4.2 degrees in Kalpa and 3.8 degrees in Dharamsala.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India and Monaco can further augment their ties by focusing on areas such as and climate change and renewable energy where they have a "strong meeting of minds", President Ram Nath Kovind said on Tuesday.

Welcoming Monaco's ruler, Prince Albert II, who is on a week-long visit to India, he said that the two countries have always enjoyed a relationship of trust, friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.

"India-Monaco ties are doing well. However, there is scope to do a lot more together. On issues such as renewable energy, climate change and the environment, there is a strong meeting of minds between us. We must prioritise these areas for bilateral cooperation," the President said.

"India is the fastest growing major economy in the world, and Monaco's technology and investment companies can significantly benefit from the Indian growth story."

President Kovind and Prince Albert also discussed various issues like trade and energy.

On Monday, Prince Albert had attended the India-Monaco Business Forum.

On the same day, The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation - founded by the Prince himself with an aim to protect the - had also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) to support work in areas of priority which include energy, environment, climate, resource efficiency and sustainable agriculture.

According to a statement released by TERI, both organisations will work towards information exchange on the strategies and programmes implemented in their countries, including sectoral policies, and priority actions to promote in those countries and the conditions for their implementation.

"They will also aim to implement joint projects in these areas. A committee will also be set up under the agreement in order to facilitate the exchange of technical and scientific knowledge to benefit the common areas of work," it said.

The Prince will proceed on a private tour of India after his official engagements and leave for home on February 10.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Courts observation came while dismissing a plea for withdrawal of 167 companies of combined armed forces.

The court added that the central forces cant be withdrawn from Assam. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up the Union home ministry over the National Register if Citizens (NRC) in Assam, saying that the ministry comes up with different stories to destroy process.

The top court rapped Ministry of Home Affairs for its plea seeking to stall the NRC work for two weeks keeping in mind the role of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the election duty. Reiterating that July 31 deadline for the completion of NRC exercise will not be extended, a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi

"The Home Ministry is coming up with all sorts of excuses to delay the NRC (National Register of Citizens) process in Assam. The entire effort of the Home Ministry is to destroy the process of NRC. Should we summon the Home Secretary? Because AG and SG are not briefed properly," said Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi.

The top court had said on January 24 that the July 31, 2019 deadline to finalise the NRC for Assam cannot be extended.

The courts observation came while dismissing a plea for withdrawal of 167 companies of combined armed forces. The court added that the central forces cant be withdrawn from Assam.

The government sought the suspension of the NRC process to which court said it is too much to ask for both. The top court ordered that elections and NRC should go on simultaneously.

The court told the government wanted the citizen register process to go on there were 1001 ways to do so.

The draft National Register of Citizens for Assam was published on July 30, 2018 in which the names of 2.89 crore of the 3.29 crore people were included. The names of 40,70,707 people did not figure in the list.

(With PTI inputs)
The government is planning to make the first payment under the Direct Income Support (DIS) for farmers, announced in the Interim Budget, before the model code of conduct sets in once the election schedule is put in place.

The government wants that the final list of beneficiaries is prepared and the first due is paid before the model code of conduct comes into force so that the farmers get their instalments under the PM-KISAN scheme when the polls are underway, officials said.

With the rural distress said to have been a major contributor for the BJP's defeat in the Assembly elections in three Hindi heartland states, the central government is banking on the DIS of Rs 6,000 per year to change the tide.

The has asked the states to share land records as soon as possible so that the first instalment of Rs 2,000 is paid before the first week of March. Going by past experiences, the code of conduct for the 2019 general elections is expected to be announced in the first week of March.

According to informed sources, a senior official has undertaken a tour of the some state capitals to expedite the procedure as a delay may leave out many farmers, making it difficult for the government to include them in the second instalment, mostly due in May, when the model code of conduct would be in force and the election would be at its peak.

"In some states, land records are well-kept and updated. However, there are a few states where the database about farmers is not maintained properly. So the Ministry is approaching some states with urgency," said an official.

"We want to be ready with the final list and start payments in the first week of March. If it is done before the elections are announced, we are sure there will not be any hurdle when the polls are underway."

In the Interim Budget, the government announced a DIS of Rs 6,000 per year to 12.5 crore small and marginal farmers with land holding of up to 2 hectares under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN).

The government will incur an annual expenditure of Rs 75,000 crore in 2019-20 while it has allocated Rs 20,000 crore in the revised estimates of the current year as the scheme will be effective from December 2018.

The scheme is based on the lines of Telangana's Rythu Bandhu and Odhisha's KALIA (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation) programmes.

Unlike the KALIA scheme, the Centre's PM-KISAN does not include landless farmers, sharecroppers and those indulging in allied activities such as fishery and animal husbandry.

If farmers in Odisha get more assistance through PM-KISAN, then it is to be welcomed, said Prasanna Acharya, a member and head of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) farmers' wing.

"However, tenant farmers, sharecroppers and those busy with animal husbandry and fishery are not a part of it. The KALIA scheme takes care of everyone, almost 92 per cent of farmers are covered. And the income support amount is also more, Rs 10,000 per year," he said.

A senior Ministry official said the landless farmers could not be a part of the PM-KISAN scheme since the government did not have the required data.
Caution over RBI's rate-decision along with high crude oil price subdued the Indian equity indices on Tuesday.

However, healthy gains in the global stock markets and a strengthened rupee aided the domestic indices to end on a flat-to-positive note.

Investors maintained caution ahead of the three-day Monetary Policy Committee meeting of the RBI which commenced on Tuesday. The decisions will be on Thursday.

The BSE Sensex closed 34.07 points or 0.09 per cent higher at 36,616.81 while the broader Nifty settled 0.20 per cent up at 10,934.35.

"Market was volatile and faced stiff resistance at 10,950 levels. However, investors got bargaining opportunity in auto and private banks post the January auto sales and in expectation of dovish RBI monetary policy," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services.

Stock-wise, HeroMoto Corp, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj-Auto and Maruti Suzuki closed 2 per cent higher while Mahindra and Mahindra gained 1.40 per cent.

The top losers among the 30-stock Sensex were Tata Motors, Tata Motors(DVR), Coal India, ONGC and Tata Steel, all of whom declined in the range of 2 to 3 per cent.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Entrepreneur Reuben Singh -- also known as the Bill Gates of Britain -- took the Internet by storm when he updated pictures of his six newly purchased Rolls-Royce cars and added them to his personal "Jewels Collection by Singh" fleet. Itcost him just Rs 50 crore.

Founder and CEO of the alldayPA contact centre company, Singh's latest Rolls-Royace collection includes three Phantom luxury sedans and three Cullinan luxury SUVs -- named Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds.

The "Jewel Collection" with Phantom -- the most expensive Rolls-Royce sedan in the market and Cullinan -- the only SUV produced by the British luxury car marker -- was delivered to Singh by Torsten Muller-Otvos, chief executive officer (CEO) of Rolls-Royce, himself, the media reported on Monday.

"There is always a little room for more," Singh captioned the picture of his grand new Rolls-Royace fleet on his Instagram account.

The British entrepreneur became an internet sensation in December 2017 for the "seven day Rolls-Royce Turban Challenge", in which he matched the colour of his turban with his 7 Rolls Royce for a week, after an Englishman mocked his turban.

With the latest addition to his garage, the total number of Rolls-Royce models in Singh's possession has reached 20.

The car-enthusiast is a proud owner of other super-expensive and desirable luxury cars like Bugatti Veyron, Porsche 918 Spyder, Pagani Huayara, Lamborghini Huracan and Ferrari F12 Berlinetta (the only one of its kind in the world).

Born into a business family, the entrepreneur is CEO of private equity fund Isher Capital and has served on a government advisory panel for small businesses under former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The first day of the Budget Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly began on a stormy note on Tuesday as the opposition created a ruckus during Governor Ram Naik's address.

As soon as the House assembled, legislators of the Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Congress stormed to the Speaker's podium and raised anti-government slogans.

Some members also threw paper balls at the Governor.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who left for West Bengal after participating in the proceedings, condemned the unruly behaviour of the opposition and slammed them for showing disrespect to the Governor.

Naik completed his address amid the bedlam following which the House was adjourned till 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

While the Governor's address was on, opposition lawmakers crossed all limits of democratic decorum, the Chief Minister said adding that the "SP was unable to come out of its mindset of goondaism".

In the melee that ensued during the opposition protests, SP legislator from Saidpur, Subhash Pasi fainted and fell down. He was attended to by a medical team and later rushed to the Civil Hospital.

Talking to reporters in the Central Hall, Adityanath said the conduct of the Congress, SP and BSP MLAs was "unconstitutional and undemocratic".

"Their behaviour in the House shows enough how they would be behaving in normal life," he said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday called "frivolous and baseless" the charge made against him by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that there was "evidence" of his involvement in the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam.

Banerjee's allegation on Sunday triggered a war of words in Assam with the Congress raising the issue on Monday in the Assembly, demanding a statement from the government about Banerjee's allegation.

The Congress in Assam said the Central Bureau of Investigation probing the Saradha scam in Assam had stopped the probe after Sarma, then in Congress, joined the BJP in 2015.

The opposition party said the CBI had questioned Sarma and even raided his house in Guwahati, but the investigation stopped after he joined the BJP in 2015 with the saffron party coming to power in the state the following year.

Claiming to have enough evidence about the involvement of Sarma, Banerjee dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah to arrest the the Assam Minister.

"The frivolous & baseless campaign by @MamataOfficial Didi against me is very painful. I am not fortunate enough like your Police Commissioner. I've joined the investigations and offered my full cooperation as a witness. And all this happened much much before I joined @BJP4India," tweeted Sarma on Tuesday.

"People of Assam already know who is involved and who is not. However, if someone wants to make their TRP high by doing with my name or if someone wants to keep their shop open by showing my name, why should I mind?" Sarma told newsmen outside the Assembly on Tuesday.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nigeria's police on Tuesday confirmed that 26 people were killed and seven others abducted in two separate attacks by gunmen in the country's northwestern state of Zamfara.

The gunmen stormed seven villages in Mada district of Gusau, the state capital, late Monday, killing at least 15 people, Xinhua news agency reported.

Also in Batauna village of the state, police authorities said armed bandits wreaked havoc on residents, killing 11 persons and setting houses ablaze the same night.

The security agency identified one woman among the killed in the Mada district attack, while a man and six women were abducted.

Zamfara police spokesman Muhammadu Shehu said the entire attacked areas and environs have been subjected to coordinated bush-combing for possible arrest of the perpetrators.

Recent years have witnessed security challenges in Zamfara, the rural state which used to be peaceful but is currently troubled by conflicts between farmers and pastoralists.

Bandit attacks have left dozens of people killed and thousands displaced in Zamfara since December. The Nigerian government has responded with the deployment of additional security forces and military aircraft in Zamfara and the neighboring Sokoto state.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Key benchmark indices were trading almost flat in early trade. At 9:21 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 5.70 points or 0.02% at 36,577.04. The Nifty 50 index was almost flat at 10,911.90.

Among secondary barometers,the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.34%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.05%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was almost even. On BSE, 536 shares rose and 500 shares fell. A total of 49 shares were unchanged.

Overseas, most Asian markets remained closed for public holidays. US stocks closed higher Monday, as investors looked ahead to another week of high-profile earnings and developments in US-China trade talks.

US-China trade talks will remain in focus as a March 1 deadline to avoid an increase on tariffs on Chinese imports looms. On the US data front, US factory orders fell by 0.6% in November.

Back home, Coal India was down 0.02%. The company said that its board of directors has approved the buyback proposal of equity shares not exceeding 4.46 crore equity shares at Rs 235 per share for an aggregate consideration not exceeding Rs 1050 crore on a proportionate basis through the tender offer route. Coal India has fixed record date as 15 February 2019 for the purpose of ascertaining the eligibility of the shareholders to participate in the buyback. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 February 2019.

Bharat Financial Inclusion was down 0.16%. The company yesterday assigned a pool of receivables of an aggregate value of Rs 751.19 crore to one of the largest private sector banks on a Direct Assignment basis as per the guidelines prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India. This is the seventh Direct Assignment transaction in FY19. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 February 2019.

Godrej Agrovet was down 3.25%. On a consolidated basis, Godrej Agrovet's net profit fell 17.45% to Rs 40.92 crore on 17.53% rise in total income to Rs 1462.27 crore in Q3 December 2018 over Q3 December 2017. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 February 2019.

SRF was up 0.39%. On a consolidated basis, SRF's net profit rose 26.28% to Rs 165.71 crore on 38.88% rise in total income to Rs 1969.26 crore in Q3 December 2018 over Q3 December 2017. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 February 2019.

Future Retail was up 1.73%. The company's net profit rose 9.99% to Rs 201.43 crore on 12.99% rise in total income to Rs 5306.28 crore in Q3 December 2018 over Q3 December 2017. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 February 2019.

On the economic front, fiscal deficit for the first nine months of the current fiscal, that is April-December, crossed 112.4% of the Budget Estimate (BE). Fiscal deficit for the first nine months is more than Rs 7.01 lakh crore as against the BE of Rs 6.24 lakh crore.

According to the data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), the revenue receipts of the government totalled Rs 10.84 lakh crore or 62.8% of BE in 2018-2019 till December, compared with 66.9% during the same period last year.

Tax revenue was 63.2% of BE, compared with 73.4% in the comparable period of the previous year. The total expenditure of the government at December-end was Rs 18.32 lakh crore or 75% of BE.

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Two women aged below 50 had entered the Lord Ayyappa temple to offer prayers on January 2.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will hear review petitions against the on the Supreme Courts verdict allowing women of all ages to enter Sabarimala temple. (Representative Image))

New Delhi: The chief priest of Sabarimala temple has given an explanation to Travancore Devaswom Board on "purification" ritual conducted at the shrine after entry of two women between the age group of 10-50 years.

The board had earlier asked him for an explanation. A board meeting will be held later today.

Meanwhile, a contempt petition filed against the chief priest for shutting the sanctum for purification after two women belonging to the previously prohibited age group entered the temple on January 2, was mentioned before the Supreme Court on Tuesday for an early hearing.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked the lawyer to be present on February 6, when it will hear review petitions against the judgement on Sabarimala temple.

"All right, you be present when the review is heard, said the bench when advocate PV Dinesh mentioned the contempt plea for early hearing.

This comes after Kerala Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran on Monday said in the state Assembly that the government has confirmation about only two women in the age of 10-50, who offered prayers at the shrine.

Surendran said that there was no confirmation yet on the age of a Sri Lankan woman who visited the temple in January this year.

On January 18, the Kerala government in a note to the Supreme Court had said that 51 women between 10 and 50 years of age entered the temple following the verdict of the top court.

Nearly four months after the top courts verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the shrine, the two women aged below 50 entered the Lord Ayyappa temple to offer prayers. After their entry, a purification process took place in the temple, while violent protests broke out across the state with agitators pelting stones and blocking the national highways.

On September 28 last year, the apex court had lifted the ban on the entry of women aged between 10 and 50 years into the shrine in Sabarimala.
Posted Tuesday, February 5, 2019 5:32 am

Gilbert Joseph Huber, 86, was born Oct. 7, 1932, in Teutopolis, Ill., the son of Bernard J. and Margorie E. (Warren) Huber. He died Jan. 8, 2019, in Colonial Springs Healthcare Center, Buffalo, Mo.

He was born and raised in Illinois. He was in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged.

On Nov. 10, 1953, he was united in marriage with Shirley Ann Brown in Danville, Ill.

He moved his family to Bryant, Texas, where he worked in the oil fields. He received his master electrician license and owned and operated his own business. He sold his business, retired and followed his daughter Tamie to Missouri, where he made his home for the rest of his days.

He was baptized into the Catholic faith and was a member of St. Anthony in Newton, Ill.

In his spare time, he treasured spending time with his family and friends. He would help anyone who was in need. He was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

He had a passion for apple pies. He could be found at the Coffee Cup restaurant giving the waitresses a hard time. People always knew that when he got that gleam in his eyes and that smirky smile to be ready for the world according to Gilbert.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of nearly 53 years, Shirley, on March 9, 2006; his two sons: Matthew Huber and David Huber; eight brothers; and three sisters.

Survivors include his children, Tamie Eidson and husband, Jessie, Urbana, Mo., Candy Cartwright and husband, Chuck, North Vernon, Ind., and Mark Huber, Urbana; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Jack Huber and wife, Betty, Yale, Ill., and Bobby Joe Huber, Rosehill, N.C.; a sister, Ethel Dhom, Newton, Ill.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

It was Gilberts wishes that there be no services.

Online condolences may be made at alleeholmanhowe.com.

Arrangements were under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Camdenton, Mo.
Jubilant Foodworks announced that the National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) has passed an order in the Anti Profiteering Investigation on the Company which has been posted on NAA website on 04 February 2019 concluding a profiteering of Rs. 41.42 crore.

Jubilant FoodWorks unreservedly supported the reduction of GST on restaurants to 5%, as we believed it to be an extremely progressive and growth-enabling measure.

In the absence of any explicit rules and guidelines, we followed the spirit of the law and passed on the benefits of GST reduction to our customers with immediate effect.

The company further asserts that the loss to the company due to Input Credit withdrawal was far higher than the price increase that was taken, and this wasn't taken into account by the NAA. The company said it is studying the order in detail and will be exploring all possible options for the future.

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Vowels Advertising has recently been recognized as one of the ten most promising creative agencies in India. Founder of this creative agency, Geet Bagrodia, began his journey as a mechanic. Now with over 10 years of experience, he has carved his name in the industry as a solid marketer.

Today as they successfully complete three years in the business, it is essential to note that Vowels Advertising agency has been able to build over 190 brands across the world through offices in India, Dubai and Australia. Team Vowels is working towards building stronger brands through their capabilities in branding, creative content, communication, digital marketing and video production. "As a team, we consistently aspire to offer unique solutions to all our clients. The aim is to have Vowels on the speed dial of every brand from every industry in the country," says Geet.

Through their efforts, they have worked with several multinational brands for escalating their growth and have also been fundamental in the successful launch of varied start-ups in hospitality, real estate, healthcare, retail and F&B. As a team, they have reshaped communication within the jewellery industry and have played a pivotal role in rebranding players from the FMCG community. Their journey so far has witnessed a colossal reach of over 9 crore people. Their brainchild event 'Rock Paper Beer' created a massive ripple and gathered a footfall of over 20,000 people.

Looking ahead, they are willing to move out of their comfort zone and create something unique through distinctive projects. "What lies in the future is more and more innovative & irrational creative solutions that would help build brands through Vowels," says Geet.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Representatives from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) had to face embarrassing moments here on Monday as they were asked by a Pakistani diplomat to leave a conference held to vent Pakistani propaganda on Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.

The representatives were told by the diplomat that they were a "security risk" at the event attended by Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the Committee Room of House of Commons in London.

Apart from a few other Parliamentarians, there were some members of PoK Assembly and Pakistan National Assembly. The audience overwhelmingly consisted of British Pakistanis and British Kashmiris from PoK who needed no lecture on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

A delegation of Kashmiri nationalists from the platform of Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance also went to attend the Conference.

Mahmood Kashmiri, Chairman of JKNIA and other office bearers, former Councillor Ghulam Hussain, Dr Misfar Hassan and Sardar Amjad Yousaf are peaceful people and went there to hear what Pakistanis and their Kashmiri supporters had to say on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

A Pakistani diplomat approached Mahmood Kashmiri and asked if he was Mahmood Kashmiri? When he replied in the affirmative, the Pakistani diplomat, most likely an operative of Inter-Services Intelligence requested Kashmiri to step outside as someone wanted to talk to him.

When Kashmiri refused and stated whoever wanted to talk to him could do so inside, the 'diplomat' went out and returned with two uniformed policemen who asked the JKNIA delegation to leave the conference room since they were a "security risk."

The delegation of the JKNIA was forced to leave the conference room where Pakistanis were disseminating lies and distorted stories on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Member of Parliament from Burnley, Julie Cooper protested and said it was against the British democratic norms and right of expression. She also walked out to express her solidarity with the JKNIA delegation.

Soon after this, a rumour spread that 'Indian agents' who had come to disrupt the Kashmir Conference were expelled from the conference.

JKNIA delegation met some MPs after the Conference and briefed them about this incident. They also plan a demonstration outside 10 Downing Street between 11 am and 4 pm.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
United States President Donald Trump has picked David Bernhardt, a former energy lobbyist, to be the Interior Department's next secretary.

"I am pleased to announce that David Bernhardt, Acting Secretary of the Interior, will be nominated as Secretary of the Interior," Trump tweeted on Monday.

"David has done a fantastic job from the day he arrived, and we look forward to having his nomination officially confirmed!" he said.

Trump will have to send Bernhardt's nomination to the Senate, where a majority of senators will have to approve him.

"It's a humbling privilege to be nominated to lead a department whose mission I love, to accomplish the balanced, common sense vision of our President," Bernhardt said in a statement Monday.

Bernhardt will lead an agency that oversees about 500 million acres as well as the energy production on that land.

He became the agency's deputy secretary in 2017 and has led the department on an interim basis since former Secretary Ryan Zinke resigned amid ethics scandals in January. In the weeks since Zinke's departure, Bernhardt has risen to the top of the list as the most likely candidate Trump would choose for the post, The Hill reported.The department has 70,000 employees in various agencies overseeing federal land, offshore drilling, endangered species and American Indian affairs, among other duties.

Bernhardt has worked at Interior in various capacities, including solicitor during the George W. Bush administration.

He has also had multiple stints at the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP, representing clients including Eni Petroleum, Sempra Energy, Halliburton Energy Services, Targa Energy, Noble Energy and the Westlands Water District.Under ethics standards, he has recused himself from matters involving so many former clients that he carries a card with him listing the recusals.Environmental groups immediately denounced Bernhardt's nomination.

"The ethical questions surrounding David Bernhardt and his commitment to pandering to oil, coal, and gas executives make former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke look like a tree-hugging environmentalist in comparison. And Ryan Zinke was a disaster," Vicky Wyatt, lead climate campaigner for Greenpeace USA, said in a statement.

"We already let Bernhardt do enough damage to our federal lands and waters as deputy secretary - we have to stop him before he destroys some of this country's best ideas including the Endangered Species Act."

"David Bernhardt's nomination is an affront to America's parks and public lands," said Jennifer Rokala, executive director of the Center for Western Priorities, a conservation group that has been vocally critical of the Trump administration.

"As an oil and gas lobbyist, Bernhardt pushed to open vast swaths of public lands for drilling and mining. As deputy secretary, he was behind some of the worst policy decisions of Secretary Zinke's sad tenure, including stripping protections for imperiled wildlife."

However, the industries Interior regulates have largely been supportive of Bernhardt.

"We have always been supportive of acting Secretary Bernhardt. We supported his nomination and would support him if the president decides to nominate him to be secretary," Mike Sommers, president of the American Petroleum Institute, told reporters Monday.

Bernhardt's nomination will go to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for an initial hearing, and then a vote before the full Senate.

Republicans hold 53 of the Senate's 100 seats, so Bernhardt's confirmation is likely to go through.

One of the most recent controversies surrounding Bernhardt involved the recent partial government shutdown, which furloughed most of Interior's workforce.

He drew criticism after announcing the National Park Service would pull from their entrance fee revenue coffers in order to pay for the clean-up and maintenance of parks left up to the public during the shutdown.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath came down heavily on MLAs from opposition parties for causing ruckus inside the Legislative Assembly on the first day of the Budget Session on Tuesday and termed the Samajwadi Party (SP) members as "goons".

The Budget Session was stormy as MLAs from opposition parties including SP, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Congress vehemently protested against the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in the state.

Paper balls were reportedly thrown at Governor Ram Naik while he was addressing the joint sitting of both the houses of the bicameral state legislature.

"The conduct of the legislators of Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and Congress is undemocratic and unconstitutional. Such behaviour and conduct weakens the democracy and undermine its institutions," said the Chief Minister.

"Members of Samajwadi Party have done 'gunda-gardi' inside the house. They have thrown paper balls at the Governor while he was addressing the House. The SP is a party of goons and its members have still not given up their earlier behaviour," said Adityanath.

The Budget Session kick-started with the joint sitting of both the houses, the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council, here at 11 am with Governor Ram Naik addressing the joint sitting.

Chief Minister Adityanath-led BJP government will present the budget for the year 2019-20 on February 7. Subsequently, the discussion on Budget will take place on four days beginning February 12.

The house will discuss the Governor's address on February 6- 8 and on February 11. In the backdrop of forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, the SP-BSP allied together to pose a formidable threat to the ruling BJP in the state and Centre.

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Scholars, former diplomats, human rights activists and journalists from various parts of the gathered in Paris to discuss the implications of the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

While discussing the CPEC's legal, geo-strategic, economic and environmental impacts, the participants during a seminar argued that acquiring control of trade inevitably translates into governmental influence.

"CPEC is just another way to exploit Baloch people. First of all it is an economic method. It is a method of land compensation and is a method of depriving local people of jobs and natural resources. An area which is already being deprived, all the economic benefits of CPEC is going into Punjabis and Chinese pockets. The local people have no benefits," Francesca Marinoa, a journalist from Italy noted.

Activists have long blamed China and Pakistan, who together aim to change the demography of Balochistan while highlighting the atrocities which are being committed against innocent Baloch people.

Along with this, activists have also claimed that the CPEC is illegal and that the indigenous people of Balochistan and illegally occupied Gilgit Baltistan, from where the corridor passes, have been stripped away of their natural resources.

"We Baloch people see CPEC as an attempt to occupy our land and our resources. It is a try to grab the lands and 'debalochise' Balochistan. They have started from Gwadar and we don't know till where they want to go. But people of Gwadar don't have water to drink, don't have food and can't go fishing. So life in Gwadar is miserable. Baloch people are protesting for days and nights but nobody is listening to them," Naela Quadri Baloch, the President of the Baloch Women's Forum noted at the conference.

Mahdin Baloch, a senior leader from the Balochistan National Movement (BNM), added, "CPEC has exaggerated Baloch sun sight. Unfortunately, we have between 1 to 2 million people who would be displaced as a consequence. There have been aerial bombardments of CPEC routes and also make way for the routes. It really means the end of Baloch as people. Balochistan has become an Islamist safe haven, unfortunately, and the rail route of high connectivity will only benefit the Islamist's route operating in Balochistan which is already sponsored fully by the Pakistani Army. It also means that they will be sent into Afghanistan and to the LoC to cause even more deaths of innocents in Kashmir and Western Capital cities."

They also allege that the CPEC project has only brought death and destruction for the local people instead of economic opportunities.

"People have been resisting that our land has been occupied. If the land is under occupation, the state which has occupied it does not have any right to design mega projects or strategic on that land. So this question should have been solved before going beyond that the how this design will benefit people," Munir Mengal, the President of the Baloch Voice Association also stated at the conference while outlining the plight of the Baloch civilians.

A journalist from Israel, Anna Reitman also said, "I do think that any development projects do show enormous opportunities but I also think that Baloch people have been made a lot of promises that have come to very little. Some of those issues were presented today. How this will unfold in a time when there is enormous multi-political uncertainty across quite a few regions and as well as I don't think it's going out on a lame to say that our nuclear proliferation, the risks of that are increasing. Within that context, I do think that this presents some of the risk factors that are coming together present enormous danger for the people living in that region."

Participants in the conference also highlighted that those who have opposed CPEC have been subjected to violent crackdowns and torture under the pretext of anti-terrorism laws.

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Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday hailed the Supreme Court judgment directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before CBI in the Saradha scam as a moral victory for the probe agency. He also stressed that there was no need to politicise the issue.

"This order was given by the Supreme Court to investigate the conspiracy angle and also the money laundering angle. This investigation must be done in a fair manner. Let's not politicise it. This is a great moral victory for CBI," said Ravi Shankar Prasad.

He also said that Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other opposition leaders are silent on the Saradha chit fund scam which was a "huge loot" of the money of small investors.

"Today we have to ask larger questions on behalf of the party. Lakhs of small investors were cheated and looted of their money. Is it not our moral obligation for an investigation? Why is Mamata Banerjee silent on this? Why are the other political parties silent on this?" asked Prasad.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the BJP-led central government was "settling scores" with the opposition by "misusing" the autonomous bodies.

"The government is settling scores with the opposition after interfering in autonomous bodies. We are fighting against those elements. It is not about an individual, an officer or a party. We are fighting against the government's attempt to discredit autonomous bodies," said Kharge.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI, in investigations related to the Saradha chit fund scam.

The bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi also ruled that no coercive step should be taken against Kumar.

The Supreme Court has also issued a contempt notice to the chief secretary of the West Bengal government, the DGP and the police commissioner on a plea for allegedly detaining the CBI probe team.

Rajeev Kumar will now appear before the CBI in Shillong, Meghalaya as a neutral place. The case will now be heard on February 20.

On the other hand, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lauded the Supreme Court verdict as a moral victory.

Addressing the media from her dharna site at Kolkata's Metro Channel, Banerjee said that she and her party TMC have great respect for the judiciary, and today's verdict will boost the morale of the officers.

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Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners transferred US-made weapons to al Qaeda-linked fighters, hardline Salafi militias, and other factions waging war in Yemen, in violation of their agreements with the United States, CNN reported.

The weapons have also made their way into the hands of Iranian-backed rebels battling the coalition for control of the country, exposing some of America's sensitive military technology to Tehran.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, its main partner in the war, have used the US-manufactured weapons as a form of currency to buy the loyalties of militias or tribes, bolster chosen armed actors, and influence the complex political landscape, according to local commanders on the ground and analysts who spoke to CNN.

By giving the military equipment to third parties, the Saudi-led coalition is breaking the terms of its arms sales with the US. A US Department of Defense official told CNN that an investigation has been launched into the issue.

Previous CNN investigations established that US-made weapons were used in a series of deadly Saudi coalition attacks that killed dozens of civilians, many of them children.

In the aftermath of the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi embassy in Istanbul, the U.S.'s role in the Saudi-led war in Yemen has been under increased scrutiny.

Many lawmakers believe that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the murder.

The Senate voted 56-41 in December to pass a resolution that would withdraw U.S. forces in or "affecting" Yemen, except troops fighting al Qaeda and associated forces.

However, the then-Republican controlled House blocked Yemen war powers resolutions from coming to the floor for a vote.

In the new Congress, it is expected that lawmakers will once again push Trump to change the administration's policy toward Saudi Arabia.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) told The Hill on Wednesday that he expects the resolution on the House floor in the next month.

"This will be the first time in the history of this country since 1973 that we will successfully pass a war powers resolution through the Senate and through the House," Khanna said.

Trump is unlikely to sign the war powers measure into law.

However, the Trump administration ended its mid-air refuelling support of Saudi-led coalition aircraft in November.

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New Delhi [India], Feb 5 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the people of India will shut the doors on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Naidu was reacting to Amit Shah's statement made on Monday, where the BJP president termed the TDP supremo a "U-turn Chief Minister" and that he will not be allowed to join the NDA alliance again.

Naidu told ANI in an interview: "We all know how Amit Shah was five years back. As he has got a big position, he is thinking he has become so powerful. Who asked him to open that door (to join NDA)? Did I ask him or beg him? He is talking all rubbish?"

"After the general elections, the people of India will close the doors for the BJP," the TDP chief stated.

On Monday, Shah, addressing a rally in Andhra Pradesh, had said: "I am sure once the counting for 2019 elections is over and the NDA government comes to power again, Chandrababu Naidu will make all the efforts to join the NDA back. Let me tell you that this time, the NDA's doors for him have been shut forever. He has misguided the people of the state. It is appropriate to call Chandrababu Naidu a U-turn chief minister."

Slamming the Centre for failing to keep the promises made to Andhra Pradesh, Naidu said: "The BJP is responsible for Andhra Pradesh's problems. There is a bifurcation act, the Centre promised special status to the state. However, the government later denied that. Now, they are trying to threaten us. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should answer what he has done for Andhra Pradesh."

"BJP should not insult and humiliate people of Andhra Pradesh," the Chief Minister added.

The TDP, which is ruling Andhra Pradesh, pulled out from the NDA last year over the demand for special category status which was promised during the bifurcation of the state in 2014.

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In a pre-emptive strike to stop the Pashtuns from backing the Baloch cause of freedom from Pakistan, the Pakistani security forces heckled, harassed and arrested a group of Pashtun leaders, when they were going to attend the funeral of Arman Loni.

A local Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Arman Loni died after Pakistani forces opened fire when he and his supporters were peacefully protesting against the growing forced evictions in the region.

It is pertinent to mention here that this is not the only incident which sheds light on Pakistan's brutality that uses military high-handedness to keep control over the people and the resources of the region.

This incident has sparked a widespread rage on social media as well. People are demanding authorities to bring the culprits to justice.

Pakistan has also been carrying out a similar oppressive agenda against ethnic Pashtuns. Islamabad leadership, which largely works at the commands of army Generals sitting in Rawalpindi, has been committing human rights violations of the highest degree to keep people of the region at bay from the mainstream.

The Pashtun community has been regularly protesting and seeking justice for the atrocities committed by security forces in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

However, a new liaison between Sindhis and Balochs is set to pose a bigger challenge to authoritarian leadership of Pakistan which has separately and systematically been carrying out its oppression in the region.

Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) - a political movement, which has been campaigning extensively against the Pakistani military's cruelty has been rapidly gaining ground in Balochistan and have been successful at gathering traction amongst the masses of Balochistan, who have been seeking freedom from Pakistani clutches for decades now.

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The Kolkata police commissioner will appear before the CBI in Shillong as the environment is not conducive in West Bengal, Prasad said.

Senior BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad welcomed the order and said it's a blow to the Mamata Banerjee government and a victory for the CBI. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

New Delhi: The BJP on Tuesday projected the apex court order directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to make himself available before the CBI as a blow to the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal and a moral victory for the investigating agency.

The Supreme Court said Kumar will appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation in the Meghalaya capital Shillong. The court also said no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata police chief, will take place during the course of the investigation.

Senior BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad welcomed the order and said it's a blow to the Mamata Banerjee government and a victory for the CBI.

It also showed that nobody is above the law, including the police commissioner, he added. The Kolkata police commissioner will appear before the CBI in Shillong as the environment is not conducive in West Bengal, Prasad said.

The Mamata Banerjee-led government in the state and BJP are at loggerheads after the CBI tried to question Kolkata's police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee has been on a 'dharna' since Sunday night over the CBI's attempts to interrogate the police chief.

BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Tuesday thanked the Supreme Court for directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI, saying it was a "victory of democracy" and demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The apex court on Tuesday directed Kumar to make himself available before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate with the agency in investigation of cases arising out of the Saradha chit fund scam probe.

"The SC verdict is a victory of democracy. Mamata Banerjee should immediately tender resignation," Vijayvergiya told PTI. The apex court also said that no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata Police chief, will take place during the course of investigation.

The state government and the state police have repeatedly created hurdles during the investigation, he alleged.

A CBI team had gone to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence in the city on Sunday to question him in connection with the multi-crore chit fund scams, but was denied permission, bundled into jeeps and whisked away to police station.

The Trinamool Congress supremo has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah of trying to plot a "coup" in the state and alleged that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is directing the CBI to "harass" political opponents on the orders of the PM.

"Mamata Banerjee is on dharna to stop CBI from questioning a police officer. The people of this country would have loved to see Banerjee holding dharna to return the money of chit fund investors," Vijayvargiya said.
A Hindu temple was vandalised in Pakistan's southern Sindh province after miscreants set fire to holy books and idols inside the premises, leading to shock and fear among the community.

The arson attack took place in the Sham Sundar Shewa Mandli Temple situated in Kumb, a town in Khairpur district of Sindh province on Sunday evening, Samaa TV reported.

The suspects entered the temple at around 6 pm (local time) and set fire to idols and three sacred books, including Bhagwad Gita and Guru Granth Sahib, which were kept in separate rooms. The fire destroyed the books and the idols. The miscreants fled from the scene.

An FIR has been registered against the unidentified persons.

According to the TV report, children sounded the alarm about the fire and quoted a resident who said the miscreants vandalised the temple within 15 minutes.

The police found fingerprints from the window of temple and have taken three persons into custody, said Vijay Kumar, in-charge of the temple, according to the report.

Surprisingly, there is no caretaker at the temple, located in a Hindu populated neighbourhood. The community believed that the place of worship was safe enough and it is situated near their respective houses.

Also, the door has not been locked as many people come and visit the temple.

Taken aback, the Hindu community said it had not received any threats.

Expressing concerns over the security of Hindu temples, Rajesh Kumar Hardasani, the adviser of the Pakistan Hindu Council, has urged for the constitution of a special task force for enhanced protection of other Hindu temples.

Condemning the attack, Hardasani was quoted by Samaa TV as saying: "The task force should comprise of non-Muslims who should be deployed for the security of minorities' religious places in order to avoid these kinds of incidents."

"This action has caused unrest among the Hindu community. These types of attacks are conducted in an attempt to disturb religious harmony across the country," he added.

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Pakistan, once again, displayed its holier than thou attitude as on one hand, Islamabad is holding an anti-India Kashmir conference in the House of Commons in London and on the other hand, the armed forces of the nation are cracking down on the Kashmiri people in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan.

Massive protests are taking place in parts of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan, as Islamabad continues to ill-treat political prisoners.

Baba Jan, a leading political activist from Gilgit Baltistan, who has been languishing in prison for more than eight years due to trumped-up charges, has been denied adequate healthcare despite his deteriorating health.

Protesters including his followers, friends and relatives in Hunza valley In Gilgit demanded his immediate release and transfer to a better medical facility.

A woman protester in Hunza said, "I met him yesterday and found that he was suffering from unbearable pain. He also told me that he was prescribed mere painkillers. Since there is no facility available for angiography in Gilgit Baltistan, he should be shifted to Islamabad or to any other city where he can receive better medical attention".

Protesters said that the local administration which acts at the commands of Islamabad has done nothing for the people of the region.

They also accused the establishment of exercising high handedness in order to stifle reasonable voices.

Baba Jan is one such activist who challenged the administration, which was essentially working against the people in order to fill the coffers of Islamabad.

"A single letter of Baba Jan exposed all political people, NGOs, government departments and health sectors of the region. There is not even one dedicated department for health in Gilgit Baltistan, a region which has a population of 25 lakhs. Baba Jan has followers (who can fight for his cause) but what about the poor and destitute. So, it is not an issue confined to Baba Jan but all 25 lakh citizens of Gilgit Baltistan", said another protester at a gathering.

This agitation against the Pakistani establishment comes ahead of its dubious exercise of commemorating 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' in London on February 5.

However, its agenda which is fundamentally based on peddling lies and spewing venom against India was unmasked as Kashmiri people took to the streets expressing their grief and grievance against Islamabad. The region of POK has deliberately been kept deprived of basic services.

A protester said, "Criminals and terrorists have become part of the Pakistani protocol (establishment) and one struggles for rights of the people, the ones who provide energy to their voices and ones who fight for the oppressed is meted out with ill-treatment."

Pakistan makes huge claims of working for the welfare of the people of occupied Gilgit Baltistan and PoK on international platforms. However, the ground reality reeks of a rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in the region.

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Following an uproar by army officers, a wing of the Defence Ministry on Tuesday backtracked on its February 4 notification which stated that it will no longer process travelling and dearness allowance (TA/DA) and advances and claims of the officers.

"Due to insufficient funds available under temporary and permanent duty heads of Army officers, no TA/DA advances and claims can be processed till receipt of sufficient funds under the relevant heads," said a statement from the principal controller of defence accounts PCDA (officers) on Monday. It had also said that facility of Leave Travel Allowance (LTC) will continue.

After the notification, Army officials started an uproar on social media and subsequently the PCDA removed the information from its website.

Clarifying on the issue, the Defence Ministry spokesperson said "Funds in any specific head may fall short momentarily. These are only temporary and resolved routinely through reappropriations as in the instant case."

"The hype created is unnecessary and needs to be avoided by all concerned. The news is baseless," he added.

The PCDA disburses the salaries and other claims of the officers of the armed forces and is under the Defence Ministry's Finance wing.

The Union government while presenting the interim budget in Parliament at the beginning of the month claimed that the defence budget for the first time touched the figure of Rs 3.05 crore as the government hiked it by Rs 19,873 crore from last year's allocation of Rs 2,85,423 crore.

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MoS Home Hansraj Ahir on Tuesday said no proposal is being considered by the Centre to scrap the sedition law.

"No such proposal (scrapping sedition law) is under consideration by the Government," Ahir said in a written reply in LokSabha.

Last month, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal had accused the Centre of misusing sedition charges and termed it a "colonial law".

Speaking to ANI, Sibal had said, "There is no need for a sedition law in today's times, it is a colonial law. Many who merely speak or tweet against the government have sedition charges imposed against them; it is being misused by the Centre just to keep citizens in check."

The reaction from the Congress leader came two days after Delhi Police slapped charges of sedition, rioting, and criminal conspiracy on former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar and nine others in a three-year-old incident which rocked the campus of India's premier seat of learning on the evening of February 9, 2016.

The JNUSU termed the charge sheeting of Kumar and nine others in the sedition case as "a clear case of vendetta" allegedly carried out at the "well-planned instruction from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO)."

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NDA government at the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains committed to inclusive, holistic and sustainable high economic growth, said Union Petroleum and Natural and Skilled Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday.

Inaugurating the WLPGA 2019 Asia LPG Summit here, Pradhan said that with a strong economy and supportive policy environment, "our Government remains committed to inclusive, holistic and sustainable high economic growth." "India has emerged as a bright spot in the global economy in the recent years," he added.

"As a welfare state, we are committed to providing basic necessities of life to the last person standing. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is a programme to provide affordable house to all by 2022, each of which will have toilet, electricity connection, LPG, drinking water, and bank account under the Jan Dhan Yojana," he said.

The Minister said that Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), which was launched in May 2016 with a target of 5 crore of deposit free LPG connections, has already covered over 6 crore vulnerable, disadvantaged sections of the society, and it will cover 8 crore by next financial year. He said that PMUY is now a universal scheme, covering all poor households.

Appreciating the collective efforts of all the stakeholders, Pradhan said that the LPG connections are now available to 90 per cent population which was just about 55 per cent in 2014. He said that traditional fuel causes pollution and has health implications. Switching over to LPG has not only empowered women, but has also protected their families from indoor pollution.

The Minister said that India has become the second largest importer of LPG. The successful implementation of PMUY has been hailed by various multilateral agencies and developed nations and has set an example for the developing countries. "The scheme has brought Swasthya and Samman, important for Swaraj," he said.

The Minister talked of Ujjwala Panchayats in which 10 million beneficiaries have participated so far, and which focusses on safety, sharing of experiences and provides valuable feedback. He said that the Government has implemented PAHAL, the largest DBT scheme through which one lakh crore rupees have been transferred.

Pradhan said that the Prime Minister launched 'Giveitup,' which inspired people to take part wholeheartedly in giving up subsidies, and the savings were used for developmental activities. The Minister talked about extending regional cooperation with neighbouring countries and stressed on collaborative efforts.

The Asia LG summit is being organised by the World LPG Association (WLPGA), which is the voice of the global LPG Industry representing the full LPG value chain. The primary goal of the Association is to add value to the sector by driving premium demand for LPG, while also promoting compliance with good business and safety practices.

The WLPGA brings together over 200 private and public companies operating in more than 125 countries involved in one, several or all activities of the industry; develop long-term partnerships with international organisations, and implements projects on local and global scales. The Association was established in 1987 and granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 1989.

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The head of state of Monaco, Prince Albert II, on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held talks on enhancing bilateral cooperation in key areas such as environment, climate change and renewable energy.

Taking to his Twitter handle, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, said that the two leaders had a "good exchange" of bolstering cooperation between the two countries.

"Harnessing mutual strength. PM @narendramodi met HSH Prince Albert II of #Monaco. Good exchange of views on enhancing cooperation, especially in & climate change and renewable energy through sharing best practices," Kumar tweeted.

The two leaders also met at the Hyderabad House for an official photo session before going for bilateral talks.

Earlier in the day, Prince Albert II, who arrived in India on a two-day official visit, laid a wreath at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

The Monaco Prince met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and discussed on opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, investment into India, smart cities among other key areas.

"Affirming trust and friendship. EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on HSH Prince Albert II of #Monaco. Discussed opportunities for cooperation in areas of environment, specially renewable energy, investment into India, smart cities, marine ecosystems, tourism & people-to-people contacts," Kumar tweeted.

Prince Albert II is slated to meet President Ram Nath Kovind during the visit.

He is scheduled to emplane for Monaco on February 10, following a private tour of India after the conclusion of his official engagements.

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Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday shot off a letter to West Bengal, asking the state government to initiate disciplinary action against Kolkata Commissioner Rajeev Kumar for "indiscipline and violation of service rules."

As per well-placed sources, the MHA, which is the cadre controlling authority for Indian Police Service (IPS) officers in the country, in the letter to West Bengal Chief Secretary Malay Kumar De, has cited "indiscipline behaviour and violation of All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968/AIS (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969" as a reason for initiating action against the officer.

The face-off between West Bengal and the Centre, which looks all set to snowball into a major political issue, brings back into focus the Centre-state relations and rights, which have always been a debatable issue.

The letter also cites that as per the information received by the MHA, Rajeev Kumar sat on a "dharna" along with some police officers with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the Metro Channel in Kolkata, which is "prima facie in contravention of the extant provisions of AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968/AIS (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969."

The MHA communication also outlined the ex provision of the Rules 3(1), 5(1) and 7 of the AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968 which were allegedly flouted by Rajeev Kumar, a 1989 batch IPS of West Bengal cadre, who was to be questioned by a CBI team on Sunday night which led to a full-blown confrontation between the police and the CBI.

Since Sunday night, West Bengal Chief Minister Banerjee along with her party leaders has been sitting on a 'Save the democracy dharna" in the state capital, alleging the abuse of central agencies like the CBI by the Centre to destabililise the state and its government. Since then, most of the opposition leaders have joined the 'dharna' and aired their concerns over the alleged growing abuse of central agencies against opponents by the current dispensation at the Centre.

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Roaring at full throttle, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign and go back to Gujarat.

Chief Minister Banerjee, who called off her 'Dharana to save the Constitution and the democracy' here on Tuesday said: "The Central government wants to control all the agencies including the state agencies. Prime Minister, you resign from Delhi and go back to Gujarat. One man government, one party government is there."

"Next we will do a programme in Delhi. I can go on with the 'dharna' but now that we have got justice from one pillar of democracy, that is, judiciary I announce to end the 'dharna.' The Supreme Court gave a positive judgement today. This 'dharna' was to save our democracy, Constitution, IAS-IPS officers, agencies, civil servants. This 'dharna' is a victory for the people, democracy and the Constitution."

She also said that the Central government's claim that Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar had joined her in the protest was not true.

"The truth is Rajeev Kumar never joined the protest. Is Rajeev Kumar their nightmare? Why are they so scared of? As per the protocol wherever PM, CM or any other minister or Governor goes, the police always has to be with them to give them security," she said.

A full-blown face-off between Chief Minister Banerjee led TMC government and the Centre erupted after a CBI team moved to arrest Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. CBI officials were denied entry to the top cop's residence and were detained briefly too.

Escalating her confrontation with the Centre, Chief Minister Banerjee started a sit-in on Sunday night to protest against what the TMC called a 'coup' by Prime Minister Modi led NDA government at the Centre.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, however, directed Kumar to appear before the CBI in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam probe.

But the bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that no coercive step should be taken against Kumar, who will appear before the CBI in Shillong in Meghalaya.

The Supreme Court, which posted further hearing in the case to February 20, also issued a contempt notice to West Bengal Chief Secretary, the DGP and the Kolkata Police Commissioner on a plea which said that a CBI team was detained when it went to question Kumar on Sunday.

The Supreme Court's directions came a day after the CBI approached the apex court to complain that Kumar, a senior IPS officer, was not cooperating in the chit fund scam probe, which is monitored by the top court.

An attempt by the CBI to question Kumar at his residence in Kolkata on Sunday was foiled by the local police, which detained the team of the central investigative agency for some time.

The CBI, in an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, alleged that there were several incriminating materials or correspondence in the Saradha chit fund case that were collected during the investigation by the CBI against the senior police officials and politicians.

The CBI affidavit states that "the investigation was being done by an SIT and crucial evidence such as laptops, mobile phones among others was handed over to the main accused in Saradha scam case by the investigating officer of West Bengal police working under the direct supervision of Rajeev Kumar."

The affidavit further states that the "return of crucial evidence to main accused by the SIT, despite regular monitoring by Calcutta High Court, clearly shows connivance of SIT to a larger conspiracy wherein local authorities obstructed probe and attempted to destroy evidence prior to the transfer of the case to CBI by the Supreme Court."

The CBI had on Monday filed a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against the Chief Secretary of West Bengal, the Director General of Police and the Kolkata Police Commissioner for their alleged willful and deliberate violation of the apex court orders.

The agency said the non-cooperation of Rajeev Kumar was brought to the notice of the West Bengal DGP. However, neither the DGP nor the Police Commissioner co-operated alleged the CBI.

The CBI is investigating this case under a "hostile environment and non-cooperation from the state of West Bengal and its agencies/departments," the petition said.

Rajeev Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, has been serving as Kolkata's Police Commissioner since January 2016. He has allegedly not responded summons from the CBI in connection with their probe into the Rose Valley and Saradha ponzi scams.

Kumar led the SIT investigation into the scams until 2014 when the agency took over following directions from the Supreme Court. The CBI was slated to question Kumar about documents that reportedly went missing.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Turning the table, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday blamed BJP of obstructing her party's campaign and accused it of putting pressure on a helicopter company not to provide her party with a chopper.

Alleging that a company which was scheduled to provide helicopters to her party, has backed out under pressure, she said: "We had an agreement with a company for procuring two helicopters during the elections. We had also made an advance booking as per our agreement and the party had also paid advance for the same."

"However, it is very sad," she further revealed, "that while the agreement was signed on January 15, they (the company) informed on February 1 that they will not be able to provide a helicopter. How will democracy work like this, how will elections be conducted?"

Addressing the media from her ongoing dharna site at Kolkata's Metro Channel, the Chief Minister said that her party will bring up the issue to the Election Commission's notice after elections are formally announced.

"Such things have never happened. All political parties must take precaution. It is BJP's vendetta which won't allow anyone to even move for the campaign. All this is not good for the country," said emphasised.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu also reached Kolkata to express solidarity with Banerjee in her campaign.

Addressing the gathering from the stage of Banerjee 'Save the Constitution' dharna, Naidu outlined the unity of opposition parties and blamed the central government of victimising the Opposition.

"Mamata is the architect or main pillar for the unity of Opposition parties. We had an all-party meeting in Delhi where we charted out a programme to unite together. Later Mamata organised a big rally in Kolkata which gave a big message to the nation," he said.

He added, "All democratic institutions are in danger and they (central government) are misusing CBI, ED, RBI, etc. They are victimising the Opposition leaders. It is a very clear indication that in one month there is going to be an election. This is an old case and they have misused and revived all the cases to victimise Opposition parties," said Naidu.

He also alleged that his party's legislators and parliamentarians are being attacked by probe agencies because they have demanded special status for the state.

"In Andhra Pradesh, we demanded special status and was agreed by earlier government. Because of this, our MPs are attacked by CBI and MLAs by ED. The same thing has happened with Congress, SP, BSP and others. I am happy with the Supreme Court's judgment," said Naidu.

The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh further issued a veiled threat to the central leadership and asserted that no governments are subordinate to any other.

"We are in a democratic country and in cooperative federalism. But the way the Prime Minister is behaving, (it is) in a very-very high-handed way. We are all sovereign governments and we are not subordinate to anybody. We respect the Centre and Centre has to respect us, otherwise the country will lose heavily," Naidu underlined.

The dharna was also addressed by RJD leader and former Bihar chief minister Tejashwi Yadav, who was one of the first leaders to reach Kolkata yesterday to join Banerjee in her protest.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hollywood actor Liam Neeson has recalled a disturbing incident when he contemplated a racist revenge attack after somebody close to him was raped.

"I went up and down areas with a cosh (a club), hoping I'd be approached by somebody, I'm ashamed to say that, and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some 'black bastard' would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him," Neeson shared in an interview with a leading British newspaper.

According to Variety, the actor revealed that he had found out about the rape after returning home from a trip. Without going into exact details he mentioned that the person who was raped was a family member.

"There's something primal - God forbid you've ever had a member of your family hurt under criminal conditions," he said.

Talking about the rape victim Liam said, "She handled the situation of the rape in the most extraordinary way. I asked, did she know who it was? No. What color were they? She said it was a black person."

Promoting his new film, "Cold Pursuit," a tale of revenge, Neeson admitted that he did "learn a lesson" from his reaction to incident and noted that while he understands the primal drive for revenge, it eventually leads to more bloodshed.

The actor is now facing backlash on social media with people calling him racist.

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Kangana Ranaut gets candid about her childhood, her rebellious streak and how her busy schedule helps her cope during low phases.

National Award-winning actor Kangana Ranaut has been embroiled in controversies for the last couple of months, the latest row being about sharing the directors credit with Krish Jagarlamudi. The actress who was in Delhi for a Signature Masterclass shared her inspirational journey with her fans where she recounted her childhood days, roadblocks and triumphs on the path to becoming the force to reckon with in the film industry. The 31-year-old actress revealed that nothing is impossible if one gives their heart and soul to what they believe in.

Recalling her childhood days, Kangana says, I remember being protective and overprotected. I was very different from other children as a kid. While others would be playing, I would doze off under a tree. I was lost as a child and was always very quiet. Every child has a personality of their own and I was a bit different from the rest. The actress who has a younger brother and elder sister was considered the rebellious child. At the age of 14, after tenth grade, I demanded to go to Chandigarh and from a small school, I moved into a huge school with lots of people. For me, the campus was intimidating. I was a good student but I couldnt cope up in this setup, she admits and recounts how as a teenager, she was left in many do-or-die situations and it was her passion to succeed that eventually led her to toughen up.

But her heart was not in academics and after telling her parents about her disinterest in studies, she left for Delhi to begin her modelling career. I couldnt stay in the hostel where my father sent me and he could never empathise with me as he couldnt understand that I was having trouble with studies. He became stern with me and during weekends, when children would call home, he wouldnt take my calls and told my mother that I need to become tough, she explains and adds that for each assignment, she was paid about Rs 7,000 to 8,000.

But modelling didnt work out too well for Kangana and she then joined an acting workshop, which made her realise the true meaning of acting and theatre. That was a turning point in her life and she started to believe in herself. If your intention is right in your heart, you will never fall flat on your face. I am a very straightforward person and say whatever I believe in, she quotes. Talking about her professional life that has seen a more than a fair share of ups and downs, she reveals, I feel my professional life is like walking on a thin rope. Politicians, actors and all those who are in the limelight, face a lot of criticism, at times. I feel I have faced a lot of challenges in the last few years where my films werent doing so well and a few people filed cases against me. I felt cornered when I had my accident while fighting (in a scene of a film). I had 18 stitches on my forehead and six people attacking me simultaneously in the media.

But the feisty actress doesnt believe in lying low or feeling cornered. Everyone goes through a low phase at some point of time or the other but I dont get depressed during a low phase. I keep myself happy and worry about my career but not too much. I have a closely-knit group of friends and family with whom I spend time and feel happy. My heart and soul were in for Manikarnika as this story belongs to each one of us. It is not like Rani Laxmibai was my relative; she belongs to each one of us. Whatever we are today is because of those who fought and sacrificed their lives. Yes, crossing the 100-crore mark does say that the film is a success. I didnt charge a single penny to direct the movie. I was completely devoted to it and it was like a seva for me. People love it and are overwhelmed after being connected to the legacy. Though some people are being obnoxious and ganging up against me in the industry, she says.

The actor who spent a considerable amount of time in Delhi finds the city to be lovely and unlike Mumbai. I have met horrible people in Mumbai and still meet the most obnoxious people who are different from the rest of the world. I have lived in many places but Mumbai is a completely different place altogether. Mumbai has been a place where I have had extreme situations, she says.
Ambalappuzha Judicial First Class Magistrate Court on Tuesday asked the police to register a case against Kerala Public Works Department Minister G. Sudhakaran on the basis of a sexual harassment complaint filed by a woman.

The petition has been filed by the minister's former women personal staff member.

The complainant alleged that Sudhakaran had outraged the modesty of a woman by criticizing her at a public function. She also alleged that the local police refused to file a complaint about the incident that took place on February 28, 2016, when the accused was an MLA.

The petitioner was Sudhakaran personal staff member from 2006 to 2011.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday hit out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her ongoing 'dharna' over the current CBI vs state police tussle and alleged that her actions are aimed at hogging the limelight by projecting herself as the epicentre of the united Opposition and defocusing those aspiring to be prime minister.

In a blog post titled "The Kleptocrat's Club," Jaitley said, "What is the strategy behind Chief Minister's disgraceful and disproportionate reaction? What is her strategy in inviting all other leaders belonging to every opposition to join her on the Dharna?"

"It would be a gross error to assume that she did this because of a routine investigation involving a Police Officer. She did it to defocus from other opposition aspirants for the highest office and to project herself as the nucleus of India's opposition. Her speeches attack Prime Minister Modi but her strategy is aimed to defocus some of her other colleagues in the Opposition and hogging the centre stage," Jaitley added.

He further aimed a jibe at opposition leaders for supporting Banerjee in her protest, saying that a "Kleptocrat's Club now aspires to capture the reigns of India".

"Mamata Banerjee's disproportionate over-reaction to the CBI wanting to interrogate the Kolkata Police Chief has flagged several issues for a public discourse. The most important being that a Kleptocrat's Club now aspires to capture the reigns of India," Jaitley said.

He noted that the chit fund fraud in West Bengal was unearthed in 2012-13 and a Supreme Court-monitored probe was handed to the CBI.

"If a Police Officer is also required to be interrogated, how does it become a 'super emergency', 'assault on Federalism', or 'destruction of Institutions'?" Jaitley said.

His remarks come in the wake of Banerjee staging a sit-in protest at Kolkata's Metro Channel station since Sunday night. Her protest came after a full-blown faceoff erupted between the Centre and the TMC government as five CBI officials moved to arrest Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar earlier that day.

However, the CBI officers were not allowed access to Kumar's residence and were detained by the city police. The CBI alleged that it had evidence that Kumar had tampered with evidence in the Saradha chit fund scam case when he was heading a SIT probe into the case.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Kumar to appear before the CBI for investigation in the Saradha chit fund case.

However, the bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi and also comprising Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice Hans Raj Khanna stated that no coercive step will be taken against Kumar.

Jaitley in his blog said, "Today the CBI is being brutally prevented by physical force and detention of its officer from investigating a crime legally within its jurisdiction, in the State of West Bengal. It is a textbook illustration of a State Government assaulting Federalism. The prevention of a Central investigating agency discharging a function given to it by the Supreme Court is a direct assault on Federalism".

Jaitley said that the most "important commonality" between all opposition parties supporting Banerjee is that they aspire to be in power and that most of them, or their associates "are today being investigated, prosecuted and in some cases have also been convicted for crimes of corruption".

"India cannot afford instability. It has also been argued that the choice in the next Election will be either Modi Vs. Chaos or Modi Vs. Anarchy. Mamata Banerjee's latest acrobatics are the best evidence of the kind of governance India's opposition can provide. Can "New India" be ever run by this Kleptocrat's Club?" Jaitley said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Lauding the Supreme Court' verdict directing that Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar cannot be arrested by the CBI, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Tuesday it is a moral victory.

Addressing the media from the dharna site at Kolkata's Metro Channel, Banerjee said that she and her party TMC have great respect for the judiciary, and today's verdict will boost the morale of the officers.

Asked about the top court's direction asking Kumar to appear before the CBI, she said, "Rajeev never stated that he will not cooperate (in the probe into the Sarada chit fund scam). He wanted to meet at a neutral place, but the CBI came to arrest him from his residence without any notice on Sunday."

Slamming the ruling BJP, she alleged that the Centre was misusing agencies under it and interfering in opposition-ruled states.

The chief minister called the CBI versus Kolkata Police row "a constitutional breakdown", saying that there cannot be any big boss in the country.

"Only democracy is the big boss here, Banerjee said.

The CBI had on Monday filed a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against the chief secretary of West Bengal, the director general of police and the police commissioner for alleged wilful and deliberate violation of apex court orders.

The agency said the non-cooperation of Rajeev Kumar was brought to the notice of the West Bengal DGP. However, neither the DGP nor the police commissioner cooperated, it alleged.

The CBI is investigating the case under a "hostile environment and non-cooperation from the state of West Bengal and it's agencies/departments", the petition said.

Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, has been serving as Kolkata's police commissioner since January 2016. He has reportedly not responded to summonses from the CBI in connection with its probes into the Rose Valley and Sarada ponzi scams.

He led the SIT investigation into the scams until 2014 when the agency took over following directions from the Supreme Court. The CBI was slated to question Kumar about documents that allegedly went missing.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hyderabad police have arrested an employee of a jewellery shop and recovered gold ornaments weighing about 3 kg and 20-carat diamond worth Rs 1 crore.

On January 26, the city police received information, following which, Banjara Hills police nabbed Ghodawath Vivek Jain (29), who is a sales executive in Rysun Jewels.

He gradually gained the trust of the owner by delivering the gold and diamonds to different showrooms. The accused thought that the owner is not reviewing the stock delivered by him to various showrooms. However, the owner learned about the fake bills and disarray in the stock of gold and silvers.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Social activist Anna Hazare whose ongoing indefinite hunger strike enters the seventh day on Tuesday has lost over 5 kilograms and is in a critical condition, doctors attending to him said.

"Annaji has lost 5.5 kg weight till now. He is in critical condition. We have informed him. The ketone bodies in his urine are 3+ and sugar level is also reduced. We have advised him to call off the strike as soon as possible," Dr.Dhananjay Pote said.

Hazare went on a hunger strike from January 30 demanding the setting up of a Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states.

The 81-year-old has refused to take saline or ORS offered by the doctors, said Dr Pote who pointed out that if Hazare continues with the hunger strike, it may do irreversible damage to his kidney and brain.

"Today, the entire village will not cook food and we will sit here. The agriculture minister is coming today to discuss the demands of Annaji. Our village will go for self-immolation if Annaji's demands were not fulfilled. His protest should stop in any condition and for this, our village is ready to do anything," said Lankesh Auti, deputy sarpanch of Ralegan Siddhi village.

Minister of State Defence Subhash Bhamre representing the central government and Girish Mahajan from the state government who met Hazare on Monday also tried to convince him to call off his hunger strike.

"Their proposal does not have strong decisions, it is only meant to misguide the people. Our protest will continue," Anna said on the government's proposal.

Under the banner of 'Jan Andolan Satyagraha', Anna Hazare launched his indefinite hunger strike on January 30 at his village Ralegan-Siddhi to demand the setting up of a Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states as the Narendra Modi government "had failed" to set up the anti-corruption bodies.

"Through Lokpal, even the prime minister can be investigated if people will give any evidence against him...Similarly, in Lokayukta a chief minister and all ministers and MLAs under him can be investigated if somebody gives any evidence against them. That's why they don't want it. No party wants it. Lokpal was passed in Parliament in 2013, but the government is yet to appoint it," Hazare had told ANI earlier.

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The world's most popular, and controversial, social networking service, Facebook has turned 15. Celebrating the anniversary, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared a customary post on the service underlining the history of the service and its possible future.

Facebook, which was launched as an internal networking portal by the Harvard dropout from his college dorm, today hosts about 2.7 billion people are connected on the service. In his long post, Zuckerberg notes how the initial years of Facebook were filled with doubts on its survival.

However, Facebook grew by bounds and how. Not only it gobbled down other similar services such as Orkut, but became to be the only service people trusted to use. Although in the more recent history, Facebook has been plagued with controversies over the misuse and mishandling of user data through its platform.

For this, Facebook plans to spend more on safety and security that its whole revenue at the time of IPO. It is also planning to invest in artificial intelligence to manage content at scale.

Zuckerberg wrote, "But if the last 15 years were about people building these new networks and starting to see their impact, then the next 15 years will be about people using their power to remake society in ways that have the potential to be profoundly positive for decades to come.

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday filed a reply in connection with the plea of a consortium of banks led by State Bank of India (SBI) in the special court of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), seeking immediate and speedy liquidation of properties seized from fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya.

Additional Sessions Judge MS Azmi has asked all the interveners to file a reply to the plea seeking liquidation of properties by March 5. He later slated the matter for hearing on March 13.

In its reply, ED said: "United Breweries Holdings Limited (UBHL) had moved an offer for settlement of dues of the consortium." However, the consortium of banks had rejected the settlement offer made by the fugitive liquor baron before the Supreme Court stating that the amount offered was not sufficient.

"In an affidavit filed by Manmohan Singh Kapur, erstwhile director of UBHL, he stated that UBHL is keen on settling the debts owed to the banks. Further, he also lists the assets belonging to both Dr Vijay Mallya and UBHL, the sale of which could satisfy the repayment of the principal amount of Rs 6,203 crore (approx) owed to the banks by Kingfisher Airlines Limited and payable by UBHL and Dr Vijay Mallya," the ED said.

"The complainant opposed the settlement offer primarily on the grounds that the jurisdiction of the court was barred to provide the relief under the Companies Act as the said assets were attached under the PMLA," the ED said.

"PMLA being a special act, the assets can only be sold under Section 8(8) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) read with Prevention of Money Laundering (Restoration of Confiscated Property) Rules, 2016," the banks had told the Karnataka High Court in response to the settlement offer by UBHL and Vijay Mallya.

The pleas by the bankers have requested immediate liquidation stating that a delay may reduce the value of the assets as certain assets are amenable to market fluctuations.

In August 2016, the CBI had registered a fresh case against Mallya for alleged irregularities in the repayment of  1,600 crore loan he had taken from the SBI.

A PMLA offence was registered against Mallya and investigated after the CBI registered a case against him under Sections 13 (2) and 13 (1)(D) of the Prevention of Corruption Act read with Section 120 B, 420 and 409 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) on the complaint of the consortium of banks led by the SBI.

The efforts made to seek extradition of Mallya have got a major boost with the UK Home Office signing an order approving his extradition to India. "On February 3, the Secretary of State, having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed the order for Vijay Mallya's extradition to India," said the UK Home Office spokesperson on Monday.

"Vijay Mallya is accused in India of conspiracy to defraud, making false representations and money laundering offences," added UK Home Office spokesperson.

The fugitive liquor baron has decided to initiate the appeal process.

For long, India has been pushing for the extradition of Mallya, who is wanted in the country for loan frauds, money laundering and other economic offences.

A major breakthrough was achieved on December 10 last year when the Westminster Magistrate's Court found merit in the charges registered against Mallya in India and approved his extradition. The matter was then posted to the UK's Secretary of State for confirmation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A head constable of the Delhi Police was arrested in Bihar's Supaul district for allegedly being under the influence of alcohol during a raid on Monday.

Consumption and sale of liquor is banned in Bihar.

The head constable, named Mukesh Kumar, along with ASI S Dutta of K.N. Katju Marg Police Station, Rohini, had come to Supaul to arrest a 19-year-old man, who allegedly eloped with a girl from Delhi. The girl's father had filed a complaint against the man.

According to the landlord of the house, where the couple was staying, Kumar created ruckus after which the locals called the excise department.

The head constable was later allegedly found under the influence of alcohol and arrested.

"We had come here regarding a kidnapping case filed by the girl's father. We have found the couple and will now take forward the investigation," said ASI Dutta.

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A Delhi police constable shot himself with his service gun when he was on duty at the police control room in Dayalpur on Monday.

The constable, who was identified as Suresh, has also left behind a suicide note.

According to the preliminary inquiry, it was revealed that he was in depression after his father's death.

Further investigation is underway.

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The customs department has seized 600 kg of psychotropic substance 'Dry Chat' under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, said an official statement issued on Tuesday.

The seized 'Dry Chat' is of a value worth approx 12 crore in the market.

According to the customs department, it is one of the biggest seizures of 'Dry Chat', held at the air cargo terminal of Delhi airport.

Three people, including two Somali refugees, have been nabbed in the case by the department.

"On the basis of intelligence, Delhi Customs (Air Cargo Import) has seized 600 kg of psychotropic substance "Dry Chat/Khat leaves" imported from Ethiopia valued at Rs 12 crore, imported in the guise of Green tea and also arrested three persons including two Somalians under NDPS Act, 1985," tweeted Delhi Customs department.

As per the team of Air Cargo Commissionerate (ACC), the accused attempted to pose the three consignments of 'Dry Chat' as 'Green Tea'.

The ACC sent the test samples to the Central Revenue Control Laboratory for examination and the samples were later reported positive.

Simultaneously, concerted efforts were made to apprehend the persons involved in the smuggling racket.

As a result, one F-card holder of a CHA firm and his associate were brought for questioning which led to the interception of a customs freight forwarder who appeared to be the main facilitator of the clearance of the said goods. However, his questioning further led to the disclosure of the details of two suspected foreign nationals involved in the import of the said goods from Ethiopia.

Thereafter, discreet plans were put in place to apprehend one of them, who was subsequently apprehended from South Delhi in well-executed operation by the officers of ACC Import.

On sustained interrogation, he divulged the information about the possible location of his associate.

Again discreet surveillance was mounted in the area and the second foreign was also apprehended from a restaurant in the Hauz Rani area, New Delhi.

The two foreign nationals were Somalian refugee status holders and they admitted that they were aware that said 'Dry Chat' was a substance notified under NDPS Act, 1985.

Consequently, the 2 foreign nationals and one customs freight forwarder were arrested and produced before the Metropolitan Magistrate, and have been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Army officials started an uproar on social media and subsequently the PCDA removed the information from its website.

Defence budget for the first time touched the figure of Rs 3.05 crore as the government hiked it by Rs 19,873 crore from last year's allocation of Rs 2,85,423 crore.

New Delhi: Following an uproar by army officers, a wing of the Defence Ministry on Tuesday backtracked on its February 4 notification which stated that it will no longer process travelling and dearness allowance (TA/DA) and advances and claims of the officers.

Due to insufficient funds available under temporary and permanent duty heads of Army officers, no TA/DA advances and claims can be processed till receipt of sufficient funds under the relevant heads, said a statement from the principal controller of defence accounts PCDA (officers) on Monday. It had also said that facility of Leave Travel Allowance (LTC) will continue.

After the notification, Army officials started an uproar on social media and subsequently the PCDA removed the information from its website.

Clarifying on the issue, the Defence Ministry spokesperson said Funds in any specific head may fall short momentarily. These are only temporary and resolved routinely through reappropriations as in the instant case.

The hype created is unnecessary and needs to be avoided by all concerned. The news is baseless, he added.

The PCDA disburses the salaries and other claims of the officers of the armed forces and is under the Defence Ministrys Finance wing.

The Union government while presenting the interim budget in Parliament at the beginning of the month claimed that the defence budget for the first time touched the figure of Rs 3.05 crore as the government hiked it by Rs 19,873 crore from last year's allocation of Rs 2,85,423 crore.
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar's petition challenging his deportation to India and terming it illegal.

The plea was mentioned before a division bench of the Delhi High Court presided by Justice Siddharth Mridul and Sangita Dhingra Sehgal, which posted the matter for hearing on February 12.

During the course of the hearing, senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi appearing for Talwar told the court that his client had been "abducted and brought to India". "No extradition was carried out and that no procedures were followed", he maintained.

Rohatgi further moved a Habeas Corpus plea alleging illegal detention. Habeas corpus is a writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, especially to secure the person's release unless lawful ground is shown for their detention.

Talwar is currently in the Enforcement Directorate's custody till February 7 as a main accused who allegedly facilitated dispersal of profit making routes of Air India to private airlines using his contacts.

On January 31, the Patiala House Court in the capital granted a seven-day custodial remand of Talwar to the ED after he was produced before the Special Judge S.S. Mann.

The financial investigators had requested 14 days custody of Talwar, who was extradited by Dubai authorities early on January 30, along with Dubai-based businessman Rajeev Saxena, to India in the evening.

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Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Tuesday said that Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar is West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's "servant as he works on her directions."

MP from the state's Baharampur constituency, Chowdhury said: "There is no democracy in Bengal. It is with the help of the ruling government that people were looted in the chit fund scam. This Police Commissioner is Mamata's servant. He will do whatever she says."

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam probe.

The bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, however, said that no coercive step should be taken against Kumar, who will now appear before the CBI in Shillong in Meghalaya.

The Supreme Court, which posted further hearing in the case to February 20, also issued a contempt notice to West Bengal Chief Secretary, the DGP and the Kolkata Police Commissioner on a plea which said that a CBI team was detained when it went to question Kumar on Sunday.

The Supreme Court's directions came a day after the CBI approached the apex court to complain that Kumar, a senior IPS officer, was not cooperating in the chit fund scam probe, which being monitored by the top court.

An attempt by the CBI to question Kumar at his residence in Kolkata on Sunday was foiled by the local police, which detained the team of the central investigative agency for some time.

The CBI, in an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, alleged that there were several incriminating materials or correspondence in the Saradha chit fund case that were collected during the investigation by the CBI against the senior police officials and politicians.

The CBI affidavit states that "the investigation was being done by an SIT and crucial evidence such as laptops, mobile phones among others was handed over to the main accused in Saradha scam case by the investigating officer of West Bengal police working under the direct supervision of Rajeev Kumar."

The affidavit further states that the "return of crucial evidence to main accused by the SIT, despite regular monitoring by Calcutta High Court, clearly shows connivance of SIT to a larger conspiracy wherein local authorities obstructed probe and attempted to destroy evidence prior to the transfer of the case to CBI by the Supreme Court."

The CBI had on Monday filed a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against the Chief Secretary of West Bengal, the Director General of Police and the Kolkata Police Commissioner for their alleged willful and deliberate violation of the apex court orders.

The agency said the non-cooperation of Rajeev Kumar was brought to the notice of the West Bengal DGP. However, neither the DGP nor the Police Commissioner cooperated alleged the CBI.

The CBI is investigating this case under a "hostile environment and non-cooperation from the state of West Bengal and its agencies/departments," the petition said.

Rajeev Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, has been serving as Kolkata's Police Commissioner since January 2016. He has allegedly not responded summons from the CBI in connection with their probe into the Rose Valley and Saradha ponzi scams.

Kumar led the SIT investigation into the scams until 2014 when the agency took over following directions from the Supreme Court. The CBI was slated to question Kumar about documents that reportedly went missing.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Activist Anand Teltumbde, an accused in Bhima Koregaon case, has filed an anticipatory bail application in the on Monday.

Teltumbde, whose anticipatory bail plea was earlier rejected by a Pune sessions court, was later granted interim protection by the for four weeks, which ends on February 11.

On Saturday, Pune Police had arrested Teltumbde from after the sessions court on Friday rejected an anticipatory bail of the activist and professor. He was kept at Ville Parle police station in

Labelling the arrest as illegal, the sessions court, on Saturday, ordered the release of Teltumbde. As per the order, activist Teltumbde has interim protection till February 11.

Meanwhile, he can approach the competent authority which includes the sessions court, the high court and the for bail/pre-arrest bail, the sessions court observed.Teltumbde said that his arrest by Pune Police in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon was "objectionable", hence, the sessions court has termed it illegal.Talking to the media, Teltumbde said: I welcome the decision. But what the police has done, the arrest and all the drama is objectionable.

Last month, the Supreme Court dismissed Teltumbde's plea seeking quashing of an FIR registered against him by Pune Police in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence.On January 1 last year, violence had erupted during the 200th-anniversary celebrations of Bhima-Koregaon battle, leaving one dead and several injured.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Financial services firm Morgan Stanley has said that it may make sense for Walmart to potentially walk away from the India market if the US retail giant can't see a long-term path for profits, like Amazon did in China. It said, new e-commerce regulations in India increase the cost of doing business and add to the uncertainty over Flipkart losses. An exit is likely not completely out of the question with the India e-commerce market becoming more complicated, said Morgan Stanley, in a report Assessing Flipkart Risk to WMT ...

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Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

We, however, have a request.



As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.



Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.



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Campus News

UB to celebrate Chinese new year

By BRUCE ACKER

This event is special because it brings Chinese and non-Chinese people together for a wonderful celebration to showcase their talents and renew friendships. 

Western New Yorkers of all ages will display their talents on Feb. 9 at UB as people of Chinese heritage and other cultural backgrounds come together to welcome the lunar new year.

The free public celebration, filled with Chinese music, dance and martial arts, will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the Mainstage theater in the Center for the Arts, North Campus.



The popular annual event will feature student and adult groups affiliated with the Chinese Club of Western New York (CC-WNY) and UBs Confucius Institute, as well students from Gold Summit Martial Arts Institute performing acrobatic lion and dragon dances, and a presentation of the UB Confucius Institute Awards for Excellence in Chinese Language Learning.

This will be the ninth consecutive year the Confucius Institute and CC-WNY have presented a Chinese New Year celebration in the Mainstage.

The celebration at UB comes a few days after the actual arrival of the lunar new year on Feb. 5. One of 12 different animals represents each of the calendars annual cycles, with 2019 being the Year of the Pig.

Chinese people have many customs surrounding the lunar new year, also known as the Spring Festival. Among these traditions, families gather for a large New Years Eve meal; children receive gifts of money in red envelopes; and doors are decorated with couplets and signs wishing visitors happiness and good fortune (fu). Fireworks are often part of the celebration. In mainland China, many people watch the Spring Festival Gala, a variey show featuring music, dance, martial arts, comedy and other performance styles, on CCTV.

At UB, approximately 250 performers will take the stage on Feb. 9 in a program incorporating traditional and contemporary elements of Chinese culture. While many of the performers have been involved in Chinese arts their entire lives, others are Chinese language students in local schools who are learning Chinese performing arts for the first time.

The students in local Chinese language programs supported by the Confucius Institute do a fantastic job on stage at this celebration. Its very rewarding to see them engaged in learning not only language, but also Chinese performing arts, says Zhiqiang Liu, UB professor of economics and director of the Confucius Institute. And obviously, there is tremendous talent and pride among the Chinese community. This event is special because it brings Chinese and non-Chinese people together for a wonderful celebration to showcase their talents and renew friendships.

In addition to the lion and dragon dances, performances will include energetic dancing by elementary-age children, dynamic contemporary dances by middle school and high school groups, and sophisticated performances by adult musicians and dancers, all interspersed with performances by choral groups whose members comprise many different ages and Chinese language backgrounds.

The Chinese Club is pleased to be partnering once again with the Confucius Institute on the 2019 Chinese New Year celebration, says Zhen Liu, CC-WNY president. In the past two years, we also extended our culture programs from the big stage to face-to-face engagement. Our mid-autumn festival, for example, offered all participants the opportunity to make mooncakes and dumplings, in addition to trying Chinese painting, calligraphy and other arts.

This joint Chinese New Year celebration and many other Confucius Institute and CC-WNY events throughout the year provide valuable opportunities for Western New Yorkers to come together to engage with Chinese culture and learn about Chinas past and present.
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Talk about a fowl commute!

Straphangers on some Q trains took unexpected express trips between Prospect Park and Kings Highway stations on Monday, after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority diverted the subways so its workers could pluck a wayward goose from the tracks.

The feathered obstruction waddled onto the Coney Islandbound Q tracks near Parkside Avenue around 1:40 pm, where it lingered for more than an hour, causing delays and forcing trains to skip local stops, a spokesman for the state-run Authority said.

Cops nabbed the hapless bird more than an hour later, around 3 pm, after transit workers cut power to the tracks amid their rescue operation, according to the spokesman, who said regular Q-train service resumed soon after.

Police Department reps did not immediately return messages seeking comment about the birds physical state following the ordeal, or its ultimate fate.

But if the goose plays its cards right, it could wind up on the bucolic grounds of an upstate animal sanctuary in the company of two goats that animal-loving comedian Jon Stewart delivered to the refuge last year, after officials recovered the cloven-footed commuters from N-train tracks near the Hamilton Parkway station in Dyker Heights.
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Hes written about black powers.

A Bay Ridge comic book creator will bring his graphic novels about a superpowered black cop to the Black Comix Expo at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on Feb. 10. The writer and illustrator of Nowhere Man, who will join about 20 other artists at the day-long celebration of comics creators of color, says he invented the heroic character because he wanted to read about someone he could identify with.

When you look at successful characters in comic books, its often someone the author can relate to, said Jerome Walford, who founded Forward Comix in 2010.

Walford was a big fan of comic books growing up, but felt like the classics that inspired him, including Alan Moores Watchmen and the Batman story The Killing Joke, did not represent his experience. In high school, he invented the character who developed into the star of Nowhere Man  Jack Maguire, a black police detective who discovers futuristic technology that lets him walk through walls, create blasts of energy, and hack communications, among other abilities. But the state sees the super-cop as a threat, and unleashes a paramilitary force to hunt him down, racially profiling and harassing black men in his neighborhood.

Walford said that his protagonist reflects the black experience in modern-day New York.

In the context of relations between the African-American community and law enforcement, I wanted to create a character that would walk both lines and Nowhere Man came about organically, he said. We have this scene where the chasers go into the communities and use aggressive tactics to try and hunt down Jack. We see interactions, and we begin to realize that this looks very current and very relatable.

Walford, who immigrated with his family from Jamaica during the 1980s, also created the Gwan Anthology in 2016 to publish the stories of immigrant comics creators.

Writers and readers from non-white backgrounds have increasingly been able to find their own stories reflected in comics, a trend amplified in recent years by the release of the blockbuster movie Black Panther and Netflixs Luke Cage, according to one of the organizers of the Black Comix Expo.

Comics play a big part, because for some readers they are the first visual representations of some of these ideas, said Deirdre Hollman, the founder of the Black Comics Collective, which co-hosts the event.

Another recent factor, she said, has been the growth of the Afrofuturism movement, which envisions a future distinctly shaped by black culture and tradition.

Its an affirmation that not only do black people survive in the future but they bring with them the cultural traditions that have sustained them throughout time, said Hollman.

In addition to the comics creators, the Expo will feature several events inspired by Afrofuturism, including a virtual reality experience that puts visitors in the body of a black woman, and a panel discussion on black women in science fiction and fantasy. The event will also feature a superhero cosplay contest and an art workshop for kids.

Black Comix Expo at BAM Peter Jay Sharp Building [30 Lafayette Ave., at St. Felix Street in Fort Greene, (718) 63641001, www.bam.org]. Feb. 10; 11 am5 pm. Free.

Reach reporter Kevin Duggan at (718) 2602511 or by e-mail at kdugg an@sc hneps media.com . Follow him on Twitter @kduggan16.
Latest News Teachers Mutual launches digital bank for essential workers New digital bank will focus on healthcare, emergency services and education employees

Sydney auction unfazed by recent COVID-19 outbreak The city reported the highest level of activity among all capital cities

The industry is still reeling from the news that broker commissions look likely to be scrapped next year, after the Royal Commission final report suggested broker pay changes.

Commissioner Kenneth Hayne made the recommendation to scrap trail payments and switch to a borrower-pays system.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the changes to trail would be implemented by 1 July 2020, but that a review would take place in three years to assess the impact of any changes to upfront payments.

In response to the Royal Commission report, the industry associations have been vocal about their opinions on the matter.

The Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) has warned that the big banks will profit from these changes.

In a statement, CEO Mike Felton said the broker channel will be at severe risk, as changes damage competition and access to credit.

He added, As reviews by ASIC, the ABA and the Productivity Commission have found, brokers drive competition by providing a shopfront for smaller lenders, particularly for rural and regional customers. We are critical to the health of Australias mortgage lending market.

I fail to see how decimating the broker channel, leaving Australians with a handful of lenders to choose from, is good for competition, or good for customers.

At this stage it is still unclear whether the Final Report is recommending a consumer fee-for-service or the so-called Netherlands model.

If the recommendation is a broker only consumer fee-for-service, that will mean brokers and smaller lenders will no longer be able to compete on a level playing field with the big banks with major branch networks.

The fears over changes to broker remuneration have been echoed across smaller lenders.

The Customer Owned Banking Associations (COBA) CEO Michael Lawrence has urged policy makers to ensure the focus on competition is not lost.

He said, The broking channel is an important one for many smaller lenders. We are keen to proceed with caution to ensure that there is no adverse impact on consumers access to lenders and that competition in the home lending market isnt eroded.

It is critically important that the focus on competition is not lost. We have a banking market that is dominated by four major players, who throughout the Royal Commission have proved that their focus is not always in the customers best interest.

CEO of SME lender Scottish Pacific, Peter Langham, said he had real concerns over the drastic changes.

We work closely with commercial brokers to organise funding for thousands of SMEs, he added. While the Royal Commission recommendations focus on residential brokers, we are concerned about the impact this will have on the viability of the whole broker sector and consequently on small and medium business owners.

Adding a broker fee for service is likely to be detrimental to anybody who can't get funding from the banks. Brokers play a major role in putting non-bank lending alternatives to their clients, providing real solutions for business owners when the banks cant or wont lend to them.

Fee for service is likely to drive borrowers straight to those with the biggest advertising budget.
All Court functions have been cancelled, but arrangements for the funeral, and for the period of mourning, await the new Queen's return. THE NEW QUEEN IS IN EAST AFRICA News of her father's death was immediately flashed to the new Queen in Kenya. She and her husband were at Sagana Lodge, near Nyeri in the Kenya highlands, this morning. They spent last night in a remote hotel built in a treetop above a pool and salt-lick where big game feed and drink. The new Queen returns to London following the death of her father in February, 1952 Credit:Syndication International

They will fly home by way of Entebbee, Uganda, and El Adom, where the plane will refuel and pick

up a fresh crew, and fly non-stop to London. The Royal couple were scheduled to fly in a twin-engined Douglas aircraft tomorrow from Nanyuki airport to Mombasa to board the liner Gothic for the voyage to Ceylon, Australia and New

Zealand. The new Queen will be proclaimed Sovereign at a special meeting of the Privy Council summoned for this afternoon. The accession will be proclaimed from the roof of Saint James's Palace and will afterwards also be proclaimed throughout Britain from public buildings and civil headquarters. TENSE SCENES IN PARLIAMENT

Announcement Of The King's Death

CANBERRA, Wednesday. - The Prime Minister, Mr. Menzies, announced the news of the King's death to a packed, silent House of Representatives at 9.50 to-night. Proceedings were brief and tense. The House had adjourned 20 minutes earlier to await confirmation of the news which stunned Ministers. When the House reassembled, Mr. Menzies rose and said: "It is my very melancholy task to inform the House that news which ran in rumour a few minutes ago is now officially confirmed.

"His Majesty the King died this morning. I myself and I am sure every honourable member feels quite incapable at this moment of saying what should be said. "I therefore propose that this House should adjourn until to-morrow when we can express our feelings as those feelings should be expressed. "Meanwhile, all I need say is that the thoughts and prayers of all their subjects in this country are with the now Queen Mother and with the new Queen." Mr. Menzies's voice broke and he abruptly resumed his seat. The Leader of the Opposition, Dr. H. V. Evatt, said; "I would add nothing to what the Prime Minister has said.

"It is quite impossible to transact business when hearing news of a loss which is very great and very poignant to all of us." The House then adjourned until 10.30 a.m. tomorrow. Front page of Sydney Morning Herald on February 7, 1952 Credit:SMH Archives NEWS RACED THROUGH CITY At 10 o'clock last night few people wandering through the city streets were aware that the King was dead.

When people were toldof the news they at first refused to believe it and then appeared stunned when assured that it was true. Tram conductors and taxidrivers soon spread the news throughout the city and suburbs and by midnight therewere few people who did not know. Radio stations solemnly announced the news to thousands of listeners shortly before 9.30 p.m. In most cases the scheduled programmes were discontinued and sacred music was played. STAYED OPEN

Later cables and B.B.C. announcements and programmes were broadcast for the remainder of the evening. Most stations remained open long past their normal closing hour. Newspaper offices and radio stations were besieged with inquirers seeking confirmation of radio news flashes and street rumours. Most city picture theatres continued with their programmes throughout the evening and did not announce the King's death at the end of their sessions. The great majority of cinema-goers were thus unaware of the King's death.

As they poured out on to the footpaths they continued to joke and talk of the films or plays they had seen. Some suburban cinemas flashed the news across the screen and ended their programmes. Audiences were stunned and the immediate reaction was the fear that the Royal tour of Australia and New Zealand would probably be cancelled. At one city night club patrons stood in silence for one minute after the manager had announced the King's death. ELIZABETH II IS SIXTH WOMAN TO RULE GREAT BRITAIN
CCTV cameras will be installed in about 1000 shops and community centres over the next four years under a new $5 million program by the NSW government to fight crime.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said from April - after the state election - small businesses and community organisations could apply for up to $5000 in funding and have CCTV cameras installed.

More than 1000 shops will receive funding to operate CCTV cameras. Credit:Wolter Peeters

The program will first be trialled in 10 western and south-western council areas, including Parramatta, Liverpool and Camden.

"Its a start," Ms Berejiklian said in Granville. "We want to see how it goes and to see the feedback the police give us as to how successful it is and if it is, expand it to other areas."
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size You'd be forgiven for believing Australia's white-tailed spider is a flesh-eating monster, such is the (rotting) tissue of lies it's been caught in. Its bad reputation was amplified last year when a western Victorian man, who had his legs amputated after developing a supurating wound, blamed the spider. Months later, doctors pointed to the arachnid when a Melbourne woman almost lost her toe. For decades, similar news articles have taught us that one quick bite from the spider, commonly found hidden in the nooks and crannies of our homes, can lead to the victim losing a limb. The truth is that's nothing more than tall tales, with experts proving long ago that white-tailed spiders are about as harmful as bees (for those not allergic to bees) and recent studies indicating that something else is to blame for the flesh-eating wounds. But this doesnt make white-tailed spiders any less interesting. They are complex creatures, from the tops of their hairy pincers to the dab of camouflage white on their "tails". Let's take a look under the microscope.

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So where do you find these spiders? This won't come as good news to arachnophobes: white tails love to lurk in our homes as we sleep. Largely nocturnal, they prefer warm and dry climates, making our houses their perfect residences. They enjoy being outdoors too, under tree bark, mulch, leaves, rocks or logs  but one of their favourite spots is our bedrooms. They are more likely than other spiders to be found where we sleep, with experts believing this could be due to the increased heat from our bodies. Mating can be a dangerous game for male white-tailed spiders. If they approach it the wrong way, they could end up as their interest's dinner. Males approach females from the front and wait until they get a signal that she accepts. If they don't wait, the female can pounce.

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If mating is successful, eggs begin to hatch in spring and peak in summer. You're more likely to see white tails in the warmer months as cold air immobilises them, with many dying in winter  most don't make it through a year. And while white tails might not be deadly to humans, they certainly use a clever trick to lure black house spiders to their deaths. As web spinners, black house spiders cant see very well, with their sight undeveloped beyond sensing night and day. White tails play this to their advantage, using their legs to strum black house spiders' webs, mimicking the movements of their prey. When the house spider runs blindly towards what it thinks is its dinner, the white tail pounces. Another myth about white tails is that they eat daddy long legs spiders and co-opt their venom. You might have been told daddy long legs venom is toxic to humans  only they cant bite people, due to their long legs and feeble fangs. Also, daddy-long-legs are more likely to eat white tails. But white tails also enjoy eating their own species. This is simply because they can't tell they belong to the same spider family. To them, another spider is just another food source.

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So why are white tails blamed for flesh-eating diseases? The first lies spun about the white-tailed spider were in the early 1980s when they were named as the so-called mystery spider responsible for a spate of necrotic lesions, or flesh-eating ulcers, in southern Australia. It seems our collective fear of spiders has led to mistaken identity  victims and sections of the medical community still assume that white tails are to blame for these conditions. The myth was first busted in a 2003 landmark study of 130 white-tailed spider bites, where an expert had caught and identified the spider afterwards. The study found that not one white tail had caused an ulcer or infection. Experts Geoffrey Isbister and Michael Gray concluded that white tail bites caused only mild pain in most cases or a painful, itchy red lesion in almost half. Fewer than one-third of cases involved severe pain (which is classified as greater than or the equivalent to a bee sting).

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Another study a year later investigated nine patients whose ulcers had been blamed on white tails or other spiders, with all found to have been misdiagnosed. What do you do if you're bitten? We spoke with one person who believed she was bitten by a white tail in bed  three times across her back  in February. Her daughter, who was sleeping beside her, was bitten under the arm. She says at first it felt like a mosquito bite, but "it's itchy and then if you scratch it, it feels a bit like a nettle sting". Most bites require no treatment, but victims can clean the area and apply an ice-pack to reduce swelling if needed. Panadol can be taken to reduce pain if necessary and tetanus shots should be up to date, as with any bite or wound. What does cause flesh-eating ulcers? It is believed many of the cases attributed to white tails are in fact Buruli ulcers.

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A Melbourne man who called on his social media followers to assassinate Malcolm Turnbull has been spared jail time by the "slimmest of margins".

Matthew Ainio posted an image of the then-prime minister to Facebook in August 2017 with the caption: "Can someone please assassinate this Turnbull c---. Pretty please."

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull. Credit:AAP

Nearly a year later, the 43-year-old published another image of Mr Turnbull, writing: "Would someone please shoot the PM or give me a gun and I'll do it. Put the fear back into politicians. Kill your PM/President today."

Prosecutors said Ainio was angry about how Mr Turnbull and the Liberal Party had "stabbed Tony Abbott in the back", referring to the federal leadership challenge of 2015.
The delicate task of clearing out warehouses packed to the rafters with drums of toxic chemicals in Melbourne's north is "like a game of Jenga", authorities say.

One wrong move could ignite millions of litres of dangerous chemicals that have been illegally stockpiled in eight warehouses in Epping and Campbellfield, WorkSafe operations chief Marnie Williams said.

Workers inspect the stockpile of toxic chemicals at the Epping warehouse on Wednesday. Credit:Justin McManus

On Wednesday, crews started removing the containers from one Epping warehouse, where 44-gallon drums could be seen stacked wall to wall.

"If you take one out the wrong way others could fall and that could be very dangerous," Ms Williams said.
The Morrison government has accused the Andrews government of keeping Victorians in the dark about the dangers of combustible cladding, arguing people deserve to know if a property they live in or own is on a list of problem buildings.

The Victorian government has refused to release its list of 360 high-risk buildings its cladding taskforce has identified including apartment towers, schools and hospitals.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne said publishing the list could prompt arsonists to target affected buildings.

The cladding on a building in Spencer street Melbourne caught fire in the early hours of Monday morning. Credit:Jason South

Federal Industry Minister Karen Andrews said people had a right to know if their building was dangerous.
Traffic is building on the Monash following the horror crash. Credit:Seven News

A motorcyclist has died after a horror collision with a truck on the Monash Freeway.

The freeway is closed to city-bound traffic at Springvale Road following the serious collision, which occurred just after 8am.

Police confirmed the male motorcyclist died in the crash.

"Sadly it collected one car on one side and ended up underneath a b-double truck and has now lost his life," Assistant Commissioner for road policing Stephen Leane told 3AW radio.
The Ethical Standards Command will investigate the matter for the state coroner, with oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission. Earlier, Communities Minister Coralee O'Rourke, whose electorate of Mundingburra covers Aitkenvale, described the news as an "absolute tragedy". "I think the Townsville community has been in a situation where they've experienced something they've never experienced before and to hear they've lost two young lives, I think it will hit hard," she said. "I'm sure everyone will send condolences to the family and friends of these two young men because this is something that should never have happened." Stranded vehicles as the floods engulf the intersection of Stuart Drive and the Bruce Highway in Townsville. Credit:AAP

Ms O'Rourke reminded people to not be complacent in flooded areas. "This is not over yet, we still have water, the river is still raging, please still be safe," she said. On Tuesday afternoon, police urged residents on Palm Island to boil their drinking water until further advised as recent rain had impacted the water treatment plant. Meanwhile, the police car swept away in the floods about 8.15pm on Sunday was recovered from behind the Townsville RSL about 9am on Tuesday.

The two officers inside at the time were pulled to safety by swift water rescue teams after they got into trouble evacuating residents from the Townsville suburb of Hermit Park. However, as one vehicle was recovered, another one popped up. A ute was spotted wedged under a pontoon by a passer-by in Mackay on Tuesday morning. Police inspected the strange spectacle after it was reported about 7am, but were waiting until low tide to be able to access the vehicle.

Officers have no missing persons involving a ute and believe the vehicle was simply abandoned. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Monday night there were 17,000 people in Townsville without power and on Tuesday morning, this was down to 11,000. "As soon as the water does start going down, were ready to go," she said. "We want to see the roads open as quickly as possible, we want the children back into the schools, we want to make sure that power gets reconnected as quickly as possible and also, too, that the phone towers are restored. Steve Knight cleans mud from his front yard on Tuesday after flooding in the Townsville suburb of Hermit Park. Credit:AAP

"We've just heard from some of the mayors out west around McKinlay, Flinders, Cloncurry - what we are hearing is that there are impacts from this wet weather system out there on livestock. There are going to be livestock losses. "On some good news, when I was up in Townsville yesterday, one of the biggest issues we heard from people was in relation to fresh food and supplies coming in. The good news is that the Bruce Highway is now open. "We've had people working around the clock last night and I'm very pleased to advise that those freight trucks are now moving north from Mackay and should be headed towards those impacted communities, Townsville and also up towards Cairns." Two soldiers rescue a kangaroo from floodwaters. Credit:7 News More than 8000 personal hardship grant applications have been made and almost 3000 of those have been processed, according to Ms Palaszczuk.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison spent Tuesday morning touring homes and businesses that were damaged or destroyed when the recent deluge swamped about 20 suburbs. Prime Minister Scott Morrison visiting flood-affected areas in Townsville. Credit:AAP Mr Morrison said touring flood-affected far north Queensland had been "overwhelming" but that he hopes his visit has given comfort to stricken Townsville residents. He praised the resilience of flood survivors and the dedication of the emergency services workers who have rescued hundreds of people from rising waters. Mr Morrison said the extent of the clean-up might not become apparent for days.

Mr Morrison hugging a Townsville resident. Credit:AAP "I think people are in shock," he said. "A lot of young families, they've worked so hard to get themselves into these homes and to see them just damaged so badly, it must just be heartbreaking." He said he was confident his visit would reassure residents they had federal government support, but warned there was a lengthy recovery process ahead. Bureau of Meteorology acting state manager Richard Wardle said many north Queensland rivers were continuing to recede, meaning the clean-up operation would soon be in full swing.

"We expect this active monsoon to remain active for the coming days, potentially easing over the weekend, so there is an end in sight," Dr Wardle said. "But we are expecting further periods of heavy rainfall, some of it very heavy, about the north-east tropics for the next few days, between about Cardwell and Mackay, and with that there is the real elevated risk of flash flooding. "A severe weather warning is current for heavy rainfall and likely flash flooding around the Herbert and lower Burdekin, and the central coast, and this will likely remain in place for several days. "As the monsoon trough moves south there is a flood watch for catchments down to Mackay. "We cant be certain where those heaviest falls will be at this stage because of the showery and thundery nature of the rainfall but we do expect that flash flooding to remain a risk."

Loading During the 48 hours to 5am on Tuesday, the State Emergency Service received almost 1200 calls for help, mostly from Townsville residents requesting sandbags and supplies. Overnight, three people were plucked from their sinking cars by rescue crews during a 12-hour period. Swift water rescue crews found a car under a bridge in Deep Creek, Townsville, about 1.30am on Tuesday and took the driver to higher ground. Two more motorists were rescued about 1.45pm on Monday in the flooded Hermit Park suburb. They were pulled to safety just in time, with their car almost fully submerged.
Australian medical experts should not be able to decide for themselves whether their links to drug companies are a conflict of interest, the nations peak medical body says.

A new report published on Tuesday found one in five Australian medical experts tasked with deciding which drugs are recommended for use by doctors have undisclosed links to drug companies.

The reports authors found in most cases the experts in question were simply following the accepted processes and were not deliberately doing anything wrong.

A review has found one in five experts who worked on medical guidelines had undisclosed links to drug companies. Credit:MICHEL O SULLIVAN

However, they said that very fact meant the processes needed to be strengthened.
A petition asking Brisbane City Council to "compulsorily" acquire Woolloongabba's derelict Broadway Hotel from private ownership has been discussed at the years' first city planning committee meeting but a formal response was deferred.

Greens Gabba ward councillor Jonathan Sri lodged the petition last year, which received 410 signatures, calling on the council to "compulsorily acquire the site for use as public green space and a community centre".

The derelict Broadway Hotel after the September fire. Credit:Jesse Harrison

The hotel, which has been derelict since 2010 and was burnt out a third time by a fire in September last year, is state heritage-listed and its condition has sparked a fight between the council and the state government over who is responsible for enforcing repairs.

At the city planning committee meeting on Tuesday, the petition and council's formal response to petitioners was discussed but deferred after chair Matthew Bourke unintentionally closed the meeting before the response was voted on.
The nomination of one of Brisbane City Councils longest-serving former councillors to the South Bank Corporation Board has been rejected by Labor councillors.

Retired councillor Margaret de Wit OAM, who announced the end of her work as a councillor in 2015, was nominated to the board by lord mayor Graham Quirk as one of the councils two allocated nominations.

Margaret de Wit, who served on Brisbane City Council for 19 years. Credit:Harrison Saragossi

Cr Quirk proposed the nomination of former Cr de Wit, and the renomination of BMD construction boss Mick Power AM, to the South Bank Corporation board at the first council meeting back after the summer recess.

But opposition leader Peter Cumming said Labor did not support the nomination of former Cr de Wit, saying it was a job for a former councillor rather than merit-based.
Bali Nine drug smuggler Renae Lawrence has avoided jail in NSW after being convicted of five charges relating to the theft of a car nearly 14 years ago.

Lawrence, now living at Wallsend, was handed a 12-month community corrections order with supervision and fined a total of $1000 in Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday for the 2005 offences.

Renae Lawrence leaving Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday, where she avoided further jail time. Credit:AAP

A NSW community corrections order can include a range of conditions such as supervision, community service work and curfews.

In 2005, Lawrence stole a white Ford Laser hatchback from a home at Enfield, then led police on a pursuit along the F3 freeway from the upper north shore of Sydney to the Central Coast.
Emily Zee (left), Zhen Lim and Jordan Ta (right) will be performing in lion dances all around Melbourne this week. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

Youd be hard pressed to find a Lunar New Year celebration in Australia that doesnt involve a lion and dragon dance, but in China its appeal is diminishing.

It is increasingly the children and grandchildren of Chinese migrants keeping the tradition alive, particularly here in Australia.

"I have a lot of Chinese or Taiwanese relatives who come over and are like, You still do the lion dance? We dont care about that anymore, says Jordan Ta, 19, who has been involved in Melbourne's Chinese Masonic Society Lion Dance team for seven years.

Ta, alongside Emily Zee, 22, and Zhen Lim, 34, will be performing in lion dances across the city during Lunar New Year celebrations.
Have you spotted this important but subtle shift in the recent debate about superannuation?

For decades, every advertisement for an investment product has come with the disclaimer that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. These "buyer beware" warnings still appear.

The Productivity Commission said the "old adage" about past performance and future returns was only true in a "narrow" sense. Credit:Jessica Shapiro

In some of the recent debate, however, the idea behind these disclaimers seems to have been somewhat forgotten, or at least downplayed.

The Productivity Commission's recommendation for a shake-up of retirement savings, for example, proposed we develop an expert-selected shortlist of the top-10 funds likely to deliver "the best outcomes" for members over time.
Shopping Centres Australasia Property will focus on upgrading and integrating the $678 million portfolio of assets acquired in the first half to propel it to a 6 per cent increase in finds from operations for the full year.

SCA Property had a spending spree in late 2018, buying 10 convenience-based shopping centres from Vicinity Centres and two Coles-anchored centres in Wagga Wagga, regional NSW, and one on the Gold Coast, Queensland.

They are food-based centres, a sector of the property market which is proving to be more resilient to the uncertain consumer outlook than the volatile apparel retail tenants.

Bentons Square shopping centre, now owned by SCA Property. Credit:Daryl Gordon

Overall, the supermarket tenants of Coles and Woolworths, saw a rise in comparable sales of 1.7 per cent as the price discounting war diminished, while discount department stores such as Big W, saw increased sales of 1.9 per cent from a restructure in the businesses.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation and several of its directors have been ordered into mediation "as soon as reasonably practicable" with sacked managing director Michelle Guthrie, who is suing the public broadcaster for unfair dismissal.

Neither Ms Guthrie nor the ABC's directors attended the first case management hearing in the Federal Court in Sydney on Tuesday morning. The case could drag on for several months, with another hearing scheduled for April 9.

Former ABC chairman Justin Milne and former ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie. Credit:AAP, ABC/Four Corners

Ms Guthrie filed an adverse action lawsuit on December 20 against the ABC and specifically named ex-chairman Justin Milne and directors Donny Walford, Joseph Gersh and Vanessa Guthrie as defendants. Board members Kirstin Ferguson (current acting chair), former Seven executive Peter Lewis, Georgie Somerset and staff-elected director Jane Connors were not named in the action.

Ms Guthrie has asked for remedies such as compensation and the ability to be returned to her almost $900,000-a-year role as managing director.
The office at 5 Stewart Street sold in front of a crowd of more than 50 people.

Graffiti, iron bars on the windows and roller doors added to the gritty authenticity of a two-level corner office at 5 Stewart Street which set a benchmark for the suburb when it sold for $4.1 million on a land rate of $17,400 per sq m in front of a crowd of more than 50 people. Savills Australias Clinton Baxter , Jesse Radisich and Glenn Ye , who brokered the deal, described the result as staggering. The land rate demonstrates the huge demand that exists for land-holdings within the Cremorne area, Mr Baxter said.

A shortage of strata properties for sale amid high demand is driving up prices. Shops 3A and 3B at 2 Queen Street were snapped up for a combined $3.84 million on a yield of 4.4 per cent through sales agents Colliers Internationals Oliver Hay, Chris Ling, David Sia and Anthony Kirwan. Given the lack of prime CBD retail opportunities in 2018, the property was well received and sold after 35 days on market, Mr Ling said. About 23 strata retail assets changed hands in the Melbourne CBD in 2018, totalling just over $95 million. The average yield for strata retail in 2018 was 5.11 per cent.

Docklands

Two levels of strata office/shop space at Waterfront City have sold for $4.1 million. The 937 sq m property at 116 Newquay Promenade with floor-to-ceiling windows sold with vacant possession through CBREs Ashley McIntyre and Leon Ma, together with Paul Sutherland and Paul Farrelly of Sutherland Farrelly. We received interest from a wide variety of users, including hospitality, catering, sporting and tourism operators, Ms McIntyre said.

Braybrook

Five parties went to second-round offers to snap up a car yard at 254A-268 Ballarat Road. The 6087 sq m corner site with a small office/showroom sold to a national storage company for $3.87 million, CVAs Anthony Carbone and Leo Mancino said.
Swedish royal treasure from 1611 that was stolen last year from a cathedral might have been found, officials say.

Police said in a statement that "all seems to indicate King Karl IX's stolen funeral regalia have been found in the Stockholm area".
Activists have expressed alarm about more than 100 whales that are being kept in small pools in what environmentalists are calling a "whale prison" off the coast of Russia.

The local court last week agreed to hear the activists' lawsuit seeking to penalise officials who allowed the capture and demanding the animals' release.

Activists first raised the alarm late last year when 90 belugas and 12 orcas were captured and placed in a marine containment facility.

Russian law only allows for the capture of whales for "scientific" or "cultural" purposes.

But activists believe the whales have been captured for sale to foreign amusement parks.

Local animal rights activists say the cramped conditions and low temperatures threaten the whales' lives.

"There are very small chain-link pens, 12 to 15 baby whales are put there and have to be on top of each other," said activist Nina Zyryanova.

"Now it's getting colder every day. Although these animals are native to the Arctic, they must move, hundred kilometres a day, to stay warm."

Russian inspectors during the recent FSB investigation reported that many of 87 Belugas held captive inside the infamous "Whale Prison" facility in Srednyaya Bay are juveniles under the age of 5 years and that some of the 13 beluga calves are actually less than 12 months old. pic.twitter.com/oCTX45rPK1  Quad Finn (@Quad_Finn) February 5, 2019

The marine containment facility in Srednyaya Bay near Vladivostok has been investigated by Russian prosecutors who have already called the capture illegal.

Kirill Parkhomenko, assistant to the Vladivostok environmental prosecutor, said that four Russian companies caught the animals after they obtained a permit from the Federal Fishery Agency.

The prosecutors believe that this permit was obtained illegally because the company cannot prove that it is engaged in any scientific or cultural activities.

Whales are worth a fortune on the black market, and the activists believe that they were captured for sale to amusements parks in China.

The whales are kept at one location but are owned by four separate companies. Company records and court filings, however, indicate that the companies are connected.

In an interview with Russian state TV last year, a representative for the facility rejected reports of poor treatment of the animals.

One of the companies, Bely Kit, unsuccessfully sued the Federal Fishery Agency in 2017 over its refusal to issue it a quota for capturing unidentified marine mammals.

The 2017 ruling shows that Bely Kit had a standing contract with a company in China's northeast and that the company was unable to prove that the whales would be kept in good conditions and used for educational purposes.

The city of Weihai in the Shandong province hosts an ocean amusement park.

Several owners and managers at the four companies have been previously fined for illegal capture of the whales.
State Representative and doctor Richard Creagan hopes that Hawaii will become the first state to ban the sale of cigarettes, according to Khon2 News.

A new bill that is being put forward aims to prohibit anyone under the age of 30 from buying cigarettes, and ban all sales of cigarettes by 2024.

According to Hawaii News Now, the ban would go into effect progressively, starting with raising the minimum age for buying cigarettes to 30 in 2020, age 50 by 2022, and age 100 by 2024.

Mr Creagan told Khon2 News: "We're taxing them, that did decrease use somewhat, but we still have 140,000 people in our state that smoke cigarettes.

Richard Creagan. Picture: Hawaii Government website.

"You don't see them as much anymore, because we kind of made them hide.

"But, they're going to die, half of them are going to die if they keep smoking, and we can prevent that."

Hawaii was the first state in the US to ban anyone under the age of 21 from smoking cigarettes back in 2016.

"Our beaches will be free of cigarette butts, our parks, all of that. Kids won't be exposed.

"You won't have to worry about your baby or your dog chewing on a cigarette butt, I mean, we'll be the first state to be cigarette-free and I think that's really cool."
Derry City have announced the signing Gerardo Bruna, a former Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder.

Bruna joins Darren Cole and Eoghan Stokes in signing on at the Bradywell.

28-year-old Bruna was a youth player at Madrid before signing a professional contract with Liverpool.

Welcome to Brandywell, @gerardo_bruna



*Cough, time for a new profile pic pic.twitter.com/xENyLu1Wp6  Derry City FC (@derrycityfc) February 5, 2019

He failed to break into the first team at Anfield and departed the club, joining Blackpool.

Following that he had spells in Spain with Huesca and back in England before playing with Ottawa Fury in the USL where he made over 30 appearances.

Centre back Cole rejoins the club having "taken time away to consider his options after the end of the 2018 campaign" and has made 50 appearances for the Candystripes since 2017.

Stokes has signed a one-year deal with the club having joined from Bohemians, where he scored three goals in 22 games last season.

The signings comes on the back of the news that Derry have agreed a pre-contract agreement with Michael McCrudden.

The striker has scored 19 goals in 25 appearances for Institute and he will join the Candystripes following the end of the NIFL Premiership season.
Kerry star David Clifford has said that Dublin's 'drive for five' All-Ireland's in a row is of little relevance to his side.

The East Kerry attacker said Dublin will only come into the Kingdom's focus when the two sides meet in the league next weekend.

"I suppose Dublin's five-in-a-row isn't exactly top of our agenda at the moment," said Clifford, speaking as Kerry GAA launched a third year of its partnership with Alliance Medica.

We're playing Dublin in the third league game so I think that's the only time Dublin will come into our focus early on in the year.

The forward is of the belief that Kerry can "go a few steps further" under new management.

Peter Keane replaced Eamonn Fitzmaurice for the 2019 season and the team have two wins from two in the league so far.

"The regime Eamon had was unbelievable," said Clifford, paying tribute to his former boss. "Every little last detail was thought of. "

"Carrying through onto Peter Keane and the new lads that have come in, it's going to be unbelievable as well.

David Clifford with Alliance Medical at Bon Secours Hospital. Picture: Don MacMonagle

"From what we've seen so far, the work we're putting in is of a very high standard and we're just hoping that we can go a few steps further this year."

Clifford believes Kerry's blend of youth and experience will boost the Kingdom this season, with

Read More:

"It's unbelievable to have the amount of young players we have mixed with the experienced players so I think it should be a very exciting year ahead for Kerry."

With so much young talent emerging in the Kingdom, Clifford stated the step up to the senior ranks is challenging - saying there is big change in physicality.

"Fellows were bigger and the hits you were getting were a lot tougher," said Clifford.

"The pace was a big step up. Even the atmosphere and things around match day was totally different so nerves and things like that set in a lot more last year than it did in previous years."

He did reveal, however, the need to listen "to my body a bit more".

In 2018, the 20-year-old played three games in the space of a week resulting in a hamstring injury.

It was my first year with Kerry and I wanted to play and playing the Sigerson with Tralee was massive.



So down the line it is something I really have to have to look at and be careful with because it's the last thing players want to do is be injured.

Also speaking at the launch of the Alliance Medica partnership, Kerry County Board Chairman Tim Murphy said it will be an exciting year for Kerry.

"There is a sense of anticipation, of expectation and we are all looking forward to it. The management team is leaving no stone unturned."
A 52-year-old woman is set to be extradited to Northern Ireland for the alleged theft of six designer handbags from a Belfast department store.

Catherine Gaffney had contested her surrender at the High Court today, with her lawyers submitting that she was treated differently in a Belfast prison because she was a "southern Irish Catholic".

High Court judge Ms Aileen Donnelly said today that these alleged high-end thefts which were valued at 6,000 (6,800) were planned and not impulsive.

Gaffney, with an address at Carraroe Avenue, Grange, Dublin 13, opposed her extradition on the basis that they breached her rights under Article 3 and Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Gaffney is wanted in Northern Ireland in respect of three theft offences, one attempted theft offence and one offence of obstructing a Constable in the execution of his duty.

Counts one and two on the warrant state that Gaffney stole Mulberry handbags valued at 2,785 on July 7 and 8 2016, which belonged to Stephen Mewha, an employee of House of Fraser in Belfast. The items were not recovered.

The third offence alleges that Gaffney stole a further three Mulberry handbags at the same store and valued at 3,000 on November 19, 2016. The warrant states that the respondent placed a blue handbag and two red handbags into her blue reusable shopping bag before she left the shop.

The fourth offence on the warrant claims that Gaffney attempted to steal a seventh Mulberry handbag as well as a purse valued at 1,500 at the same store on December 10, 2016. The warrant states that staff detained Gaffney that day for theft believing her to be the same female responsible for previous thefts.

A member of store security followed her after she placed the handbag and purse into her carrier bag and walked off toward the exit without offering payment. However, she lifted the handbag and purse out of the carrier bag and "dumped" them on a shelf when she realised that she was being followed. The respondent was detained by security staff and the police were called.

The fifth offence relates to Gaffney obstructing a Constable in the execution of his duty on December 10, 2016.

By the time a decision was made to prosecute the respondent in January 2017, she had left the jurisdiction.

Opening an application for surrender today, Counsel for the Minister for Justice, Jane Horgan Jones BL, told Ms Justice Donnelly that there were five offences in total and the respondent was in custody on other matters. A person guilty of theft and attempted theft in Northern Ireland shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years.

Kate Egan BL, for Gaffney, outlined to the court objections to the surrender of her client to Northern Ireland.

Ms Egan said the central submission related to a potential breach of Gaffneys Article 3 and Article 8 rights if she was returned to Hydebank Prison in Belfast.

Gaffney spent a week at the south Belfast prison in 2016 and she feared a deterioration in her physical and mental health if she was returned there for her trial, counsel said. She is unlikely to get bail so she will spend some time there, the court heard.

Ms Egan submitted that her client was treated differently in the Belfast prison as she was a southern Irish Catholic and some of the incidents that occurred had a sectarian basis.

She was physically and verbally assaulted and was older than most of the prison population, counsel added.

The barrister submitted that Gaffney is an Irish national and moved to Ireland from the UK when she was three years of age. The respondent is also in recovery from a life-long alcohol addiction of 20 years, said the lawyer, adding that she was also at risk of losing her family ties if she was surrendered.

In reply, Ms Horgan Jones said there was an absence of cogent and up-to-date medical evidence in Gaffneys affidavit and Hydebank Prison conditions have improved since 2016.

Delivering her judgment today, Mr Justice Donnelly said the handbags were worth a significant amount of money and had not been recovered.

The judge said she was satisfied that there was no basis to prohibit Gaffneys surrender and made an order directing her surrender to Northern Ireland.

Ms Horgan Jones informed the court that Gaffney is currently serving a sentence with an anticipated release date of August 24 this year and she was also in custody for matters pending before the Circuit Court.

The matter was put back until July 22 and she was remanded in custody until that date.

In 2018, Gaffney was jailed for a year after being found guilty by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of stealing three Chanel handbags from Brown Thomas, Grafton Street in 2015. She had 35 previous convictions for shoplifting type offences at the time.
A cohort of women who worked in the High Park Magdalene laundry has expressed fears they will not receive full redress due to a dispute over whether they worked in the laundry after 1980.

A total of 14 women who were in the An Grianan training centre post-1980 and worked in the High Park Magdalene laundry in Dublin have yet to receive a provisional offer for redress from the Department of Justice.

A number of these women said they have been told by the Restorative Justice Unit (RJU) in the Department of Justice, which administers the redress scheme, that the Order has stated that it stopped sending girls from An Grianan to work in the main laundry in 1980.

The women have learned that a potential reason for this cut-off point is a claim that a separate laundry was constructed at An Grianan that year and that no girls were sent to work in the main laundry as a result.

However, the Irish Examiner has obtained documents showing this laundry was constructed "in the early months of 1984" at a cost of 17,001.

The Order was reimbursed for some of the cost of the construction by the Eastern Health Board in early 1986.

The RJU has asked a number of the women affected to attend a meeting tomorrow to discuss their applications.

File photo of a Magdelene Laundry

One woman, who was in An Grianan between 1975 and 1982, told the Irish Examiner that she had no interest in attending such a meeting.

"I went to the High Court for two years on this. I signed sworn affidavits that I worked there which were accepted in 2017. I don't need to go in for a meeting. They are calling us liars. I am so upset about it," she said.

Human rights lawyer Colin Smith pointed out that the High Court accepted in 2017 that children worked at High Park into the 1980s.

"This was conceded by the Minister, yet his Department is now relying on vague and unreliable information received, it seems, from the religious order which ran the High Park Magdalene Laundry to badger women who worked in the Laundry after 1980 into submitting to interview.

"The Department has already refused to share its information with the women to give them an opportunity to refute it."

It is obscene that in 2019, women clearly entitled to redress as a matter of law should have to appear in person to beg for it from Department of Justice officials.

"There appears to be no limit to the determination of the Department of Justice to make access to redress as difficult as possible for victims of historic human rights violations," he said.

The Department of Justice said it has received information from the Order in relation to the issue of An Grianan residents working in the laundry from mid-1980 on.

"To ensure that we have the most accurate and up-to-date information available, the Department has raised a series of further questions with the religious congregation, in relation to activities undertaken in An Grianan during that period and in relation to individual records for each of the relevant applicants under the addendum. As this is an ongoing enquiry, we are not in a position to comment further at this stage," said the statement.

It said that any interview carried out with an applicant "is solely for her benefit" and to facilitate a fair assessment of the claim for redress.
A retired surgeon accused of groping a number of boys in his care has told a jury he has got some senile dementia.

Michael Shine (aged 86) of Ballsbridge, Dublin has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 13 charges of indecent assault allegedly committed during medical examinations at Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth and at two private clinics in Drogheda.

On the fourteenth day of the trial, Mr Shine told Cathleen Noctor SC, prosecuting, that a nurse was always present whenever he had an appointment with a patient.

Mr Shine agreed that he saw around 18,000 patients a year while working at Lourdes hospital. When asked if it was possible that a nurse was not present for every single one of these appointments, Mr Shine said a nurse was always present and said that at this stage in my life, I have got some senile dementia.

It was put to him that one complainant had given evidence that Mr Shine had groped his genitals during an appointment following surgery on his finger. Mr Shine said that he had no memory of it and said that at no time would I grope any patient.

Ms Noctor asked Mr Shine how he could rule out the possibility of the allegations being true if he says he has no memory whatsoever of treating any of the complainants.

I never indecently assaulted any patient or groped any patient, replied Mr Shine.

Ms Noctor asked him if it would be inappropriate, as has been alleged by a complainant, for a doctor to masturbate a patient who presented with abdominal pain. Mr Shine remarked Are we crazy? Are we crazy or what? before agreeing that it would be an inappropriate examination.

When asked if it there was a medical justification for performing a rectal exam while simultaneously masturbating the patient, he said it would be impossible. Impossible. Impossible. Mr Shine said that there was no medical justification because it is physically impossible.

Ms Noctor asked about an allegation that following an operation on an appendix he examined the genitals of the patient, pulled their foreskin down and suggested a possible circumcision. Mr Shine said to think that he would examine a patient to determine if they needed a circumcision following surgery on their appendix is so nonsensical, it is so crazy.

Mr Shine said he worked for 12 hours every day of the week and that Lourdes hospital was busy at all times. He did not accept that there was ever quiet times at the hospital at any point in which he worked there between 1964 and 1995.

He said that his decisions would sometimes be challenged by junior doctors, but that he always made the final decision. He gave the example that some patients would come into the hospital on a dozen different medications and that he would sometimes say to stop all drug treatment to see which ones they really needed.

Mr Shine said that a junior doctor would object and say that the patient would be dead in the morning if they ceased all drug treatment, but come the morning the patient would still be alive and that they would figure out the treatment from there.

He agreed it was fair to say that he was respected by those working under him, but absolutely ruled out that any of them feared him.

The trial continues tomorrow before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury.
Update - 6.08pm:The new terms of reference for the investigation into the overruns at the National Children's Hospital will aim to find accountability from key parties, Newstalk have reported.

It comes after the initial investigation was told not to find individuals culpable, as revealed on the radio station.

New terms of reference have been issued saying the review should be done by March 29 if the investigation can gain access to appropriate personnel and documents.

By Juno McEnroe

Update: 5.05pm: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he "struggled" to believe the inflated costs for the children's hospital last November as he defended Health Minister Simon Harris taking over three months to raise concerns.

Mr Varadkar also outlined how corporate rules did not trump government orders and the chair of a board planning the hospital had a fiduciary responsibility to inform a minister about project costs.

Debate around the 1.7bn planned hospital during Leaders in the Dail saw Opposition leaders question claims nobody in Government knew the inflated costs involved until late last year.

Labour leader Brendan Howlin asked how the project cost had almost doubled.

A 2010 government circular unearthed by Labour, he said, proved officials on the hospital board were not just there in a so-called 'personal capacity' but were obliged to raise serious issues with ministers.

The minister must be notified, insisted Mr Howlin.

Such government circulars overrided any confidentiality at board level, he argued.

Mr Howlin zoned in on why it had taken Mr Harris three months, from August to November last, to specifically raise alarm bells over the project with Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe.

It is unimaginable that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform was kept in complete ignorance of public expenditure, he said.

Mr Varadkar replied, initially outlining the merits of the project, insisting that any delay to the new hospital now would just add to the costs.

Mr Harris had done the correct thing, he said, seeking out facts and figures before informing him and Mr Donohoe in November.

Mr Varadkar also added: When I found out about it in November, around the same time as the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I responded in the same way as other people in this House.

"First, disbelief, struggling to believe how the prices had gone up again.

I will be asking the Taoiseach to explain how the Minister for Public Expenditure can claim he didn't know about spiralling costs at #ourchildrenshospital until November if the Minister for Health knew in August! And why did last year's Budget not cover the then known shortfall? https://t.co/rPFxp5kj7w  BrendanHowlin (@BrendanHowlin) February 5, 2019

Alan Kelly: Simon Harris and Paschal Donohoe in firing line over children's hospital over-run

By Fiachra O Cionnaith, Political Correspondent

Update 2.35pm:Health Minister Simon Harris and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe's positions "are in serious trouble" if it emerges they knew about the scale of the children's hospital budget over-run earlier than claimed.

Labour health spokesperson Alan Kelly issued the warning to the two senior Government ministers this morning, despite stopping short of demanding a no-confidence vote until all details of what happened are released.

Speaking to reporters at Leinster House, Mr Kelly said the Government's claim that a senior Department of Public Expenditure official did not inform either Mr Donohoe or Mr Harris of the scale of the over-runs before October "beggars belief".

And answering a direct question beside Labour leader Brendan Howlin on whether the opposition party will seek their removal if it emerges ministers knew about what was happening but kept quiet, Mr Kelly confirmed this is an option.

"Certainly if we find out there was a change in the timelines, I think both of their positions are in serious trouble. Particularly if we find out there was in information in either of their departments that contradict the timelines.

The issue is the state of his [Mr Donohoe's] department, the competency of him, and whether the department is actually functioning on behalf of the taxpayer. Either way it's bad news.

"It's a matter for Paschal Donohoe and Simon Harris to come out now and line out chronologically who knew what when. It's black and white, the responsibilities. Either civil servant didn't adhere to this or else the timelines don't add up," Mr Kelly said.

Mr Kelly also insisted Paul Quinn, the Department of Public Expenditure official who was a public representative on the children's hospital board, and the secretary general of the Department Robert Watt appear at a Dail committee as soon as possible to clarify when the crisis was first uncovered.

Noting a circular from 2010 obtained by Mr Kelly which states any department official must inform their line minister of issues such as the children's hospital over-run, Labour leader Brendan Howlin said there are serious questions to answer.

"The current Fine Gael Government has set their stall on fiscal responsibility, but the capital plan shows that reputation is in ruins.

"The idea the flagship project could go completely off the rails without the knowledge of the line minister is just beyond any sense of reality and beyond credibility," Mr Howlin said.

At a separate press briefing, Sinn Fein health spokesperson Louise O'Reilly was similarly critical, saying the Government must clarify what happened immediately.

However, asked if she is seeking resignations or a no-confidence motion, Ms O'Reilly said getting answers "needs to be our first port of call" and that "we need to take it one step at a time".

Earlier: Barry Cowen: 'Not credible' that ministers unaware of rising children's hospital bill

By Juno McEnroe

Update 11.58am: Ministers' claims that they were unaware of escalating costs for the national's children's hospital are "not credible", a senior Fianna Fail figure has argued.

The main Opposition party has also confirmed that, while it does not have confidence in the government over the debacle, that any move to remove Health Minister Simon Harris would "trigger a general election".

Mounting criticism over the runaway costs for the St James' Hospital Site hospital continues as the minister is set to face questions in the Dail later this afternoon on the scandal.

Proposed revised terms for a PwC review of the hospital costs and project are also awaited, including a change to allow the probe determine accountability.

Fianna Fail's Barry Cowen lashed the government over the excessive spend today, noting the final bill for the hospital, which could reach 2bn, was some four times higher than initial estimates.

Fine Gael can't claim to be a party of prudence and financial management and not be accountable, declared the party's public expenditure spokesman.

He said claims by Mr Harris and his counterpart, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe, that they were unaware prior to last November of details of the rising bill were not credible.

This was especially so with a department official and a HSE figure sitting on the hospital oversight board, it was added.

Those officials were not dipping into their personal wallets when deciding the costs, he said, but the the public's money.

Health spokesman Stephen Donnelly said any expression of no confidence against Simon Harris would trigger a general election.

The PwC review needed to get to the bottom of the overspend, Fianna Fail said.
An East Cork man fired a gun over the head of a 12-year-old boy who was subjected to a horrific sexual assault and today the culprit was jailed for two-and-a-half years.

David Stanton, aged 64, of 5 Church Road, Ballinacurra, Co Cork, smiled at Cork Circuit Criminal Court as the sentence was imposed on him by Judge Brian OCallaghan.

When described as the only guilty man in the courtroom, Stanton also smiled and shook his vigorously from side to side.

He denied the four charges of sexually assaulting the boy, who was aged 11 to 12 in 1990/1991 when the crimes were committed. A jury found him guilty in November by majority 11-1 verdicts and sentencing was put back until today.

Detective Sergeant Sean Leahy said there was grooming of the boy with cigarettes and sweets, blackmailing by Stanton that he would tell the boys parents he was smoking, and finally threatening to shoot the schoolboy if he did not engage in sexual acts.

The victim had been taken out shooting with the defendant where they fired his .22 rifle at bottles in a remote area. The accused had been in the army years before.

Det Sgt Leahy said the most serious sexual assault occured when Stanton pointed the rifle at the child and said: I will shoot you.

He made the injured party touch his erect penis and fired a gunshot over the injured partys head. He then masturbated in front of the child.

Apart from the firing of the gun, this was the only one of the sexual assaults where he got the victim to touch his (Stantons) penis.

The first sexual assault saw him getting aggressive with the boy when they were out shooting. Stanton shouted at the boy that if he missed the target  a bottle in the distance  he would nibble his ears.

Det Sgt Leahy said that, just as the boy was about to fire his shot, Stanton kicked his leg to put him off and make him miss the target. At that, the accused jumped on the boys back and pressed his erect penis against his rear.

In the course of that and other sexual assaults, Stanton threatened the boy that he would ride him and explained what he meant.

Judge OCallaghan referred to the defendants evil deeds and said the sexual assaults were horrific and he complimented the injured party of his victim impact statement.

The victim said afterwards he was disappointed with the sentence but what was most important to him was the jury finding Stanton guilty.

In his victim impact statement, the injured party said: My innocence, dignity, and childhood were robbed as an 11-year-old boy by an evil monster called David Stanton who sexually abused me, degraded me, and did things to me that I didnt want him to do. It not only destroyed my childhood but also my teenage years and most of my adult life.

He said to me back then to be a real man. Children grow up and today I am speaking not as a fearful child, today I am a man  a real man coming forward to tell the truth. He is not a real man because he did not tell the truth. And real men do not sexually abuse, blackmail, threaten to kill or put unmerciful fear on innocent children.
In the US, a judge has ruled that an Irishman who is facing hundreds of sex offence charges is to be extradited to Ireland.

The man appeared in court on Friday in Albany, New York State.
Hundreds of GPs will lead a cavalcade of cars to the Dail tomorrow to protest at the conditions and cuts faced by doctors.

The National Association of General Practitioners (NAGP) is organising the protest which will see a mass gathering of GPs from all around the country gather at Merrion Square before leading a slow drive of 'Doctors on Call' cars to Dail Eireann.

The association has accused the Government of abandoning general practice and said that without urgent intervention the sector is "not for resuscitation".

It pointed out that Ireland has one of the most expensive yet inefficient health systems in the world and accused the Government of being determined to suffocate and destroy general practice.

The NAGP said young, newly trained GPs are emigrating and older GPs are giving up and retiring early and that years of successive cuts in Government funding for general practice has created an "inefficient unstructured health system, which is now collapsing".

The group said that the number of doctors who can no longer take on any more patients is a growing crisis and that the medical card system can no longer cope, having been "starved of resources for a decade".

Many GPs are having to retire early due to burnout and the group also claimed that there are simply not enough GPs to serve the public need.

Tomorrow GP's are standing up for patient's rights and fighting to save General Practice in Ireland. Please tweet @Paschald @campaignforleo @MichealMartinTD @SimonHarrisTD @jerrybuttimer @BillyKelleherTD

GP Practices are closing all over the country. pic.twitter.com/8EscXr8Bqd  Kevin McCarthy (@Kmcno9) February 5, 2019

The NAGP has called for FEMPI cuts from 2010 to be restored immediately and without pre-conditions.

The FEMPI measures were a series of cuts introduced by the Government between 2009 and 2013.

The NAGP claims that while most of the cuts to public sector workers have been restored, this has not happened for GPs who sustained "the highest cuts of any group of workers".

It has said a continued programme of investment in general practice and primary care over the next 10 years must be established to enable essential reform and develop integrated care.

The protest comes as the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) said it hopes to be able to agree a new deal for GPs with the Government "over the coming weeks".

In a memo to its members, it said that the reversal of FEMPI measures must happen but that GPs must also be willing to offer something in return.

"GPs cannot be treated less equitably than their colleagues in the public service in terms of the reversal of FEMPI. While it is easy for others to set red lines such as full reversal of FEMPI without preconditions that is not negotiation, that is rhetoric which will not deliver anything tangible," said the memo.

The IMO described the talks as "intensive" but said that it hoped a deal could be achieved in the coming weeks.

"However, it is important to state that we are also prepared to walk away from any deal that is not in the best interest of general practice," said the memo.
By Ann O'Loughlin

The Garda Commissioner has acknowledged a man arrested during an incident more than eight years ago had acted lawfully in the protection of his partner and children, the High Court heard.

Owen Fay (aged 29), Berryfield Road, Finglas, Dublin, sued the Commissioner and the State over the incident in which he says he was hit with batons and his bare feet stood on by gardai outside a house at Lanesborough Square, Finglas, on October 2, 2010.

The defendants denied his claims of assault, battery and false imprisonment.

A jury was sworn in to hear the case today but, following talks, Patrick McCann SC for the defendants, told Mr Justice Michael McGrath the matter had been resolved with an order for taxation of Mr Fay's costs on an agreed basis.

In a statement, Mr McCann said An Garda Siochana acknowledged Mr Fay was acting lawfully in the protection of his partner and children on the date in question.

Mark Harty SC, for Mr Fay, told the jury the fact they had been empanelled had "made a difference" to the parties in coming to a resolution.

The court heard earlier, in the absence of the jury, the case had previously been tried but, following that hearing, it resulted in a hung jury.

The court also heard the incident started when a woman called to the house at Lanesborough Square brandishing a knife.

Mr Fay, in his claim, said he was restraining her when a patrol car arrived and parked outside the house.

Around four gardai then got out and grabbed Mr Fay by the arm, he claimed.

He said he lay on the ground and was not resisting when he was hit on the arm, hip and leg with batons and one garda stood on his feet which were bare at the time.

He was cuffed and while seated in the patrol car a garda punched him on the right side of the head, he claimed.

He was taken to Finglas Garda Station and released without charge about half an hour later.

He claimed gardai used excessive force, that there was a failure of discipline and a failure to investigate his complaint, among other things.

He suffered extensive bruising, shock and trauma, it was claimed. He said he was a week off from his job as an office clerk at the time.

The gardai denied the claims.
Former Minister for Justice Patrick Cooney has received an apology, damages and his legal costs under a settlement of his defamation action against the Irish Times.

The case was listed in the High Court jury list for hearing on Thursday but Paul Gallagher SC, for Mr Cooney, told Mr Justice Bernard Barton today it had settled on terms including an apology to be read in court.

Brian OMoore SC, for the Irish Times, then read the apology.

It stated: On February 26, 2014, the Irish Times published an article suggesting that Mr Patrick Cooney was an accomplice to alleged Garda brutality when he was Minister for Justice from 1973 to 1977.

On November 17, 2014, the Irish Times published an apology for making this allegation, acknowledged its falsity and undertook not to repeat it.

An opinion piece by Professor Diarmaid Ferriter in the edition of June 4th, 2016, referred to a unit within the Garda Siochana known as the Heavy gang and to Garda abuses.

Neither the Irish Times nor Professor Ferriter intended the reference to Mr Cooney in that article as suggesting that he approved of any abuse that occurred.

We accept that he did not approve of such alleged abuses or illegality and that any such suggestion is entirely false.

We apologise to Mr Cooney and his family for the great upset caused to them by this article and undertake for the future not to print or publish this allegation or any similar allegation in this form. The Irish Times has further agreed to pay substantial damages and costs to Mr Cooney.

After counsel completed reading the apology, Mr Justice Barton struck the case out on the basis agreed between the sides.
A young Cork man has been arrested and charged with murdering his grandfather.

The late Joseph OCallaghan, 66, was found at 8 Galweys Lane, Douglas, Cork, on July 2 2018.

His grandson, Christopher OCallaghan, was charged today with his murder.

Garda Martin Lawton arrested Christopher OCallaghan at 11.44am at Togher garda station and charged him contrary to Common Law.

The charge alleges that on July 2, 2018 at 8 Galweys Lane, Douglas, Cork, he did murder Joseph OCallaghan.

The 22-year-old was cautioned that he did not have to say anything when charged but that anything he might say would be taken down in writing and could be given in evidence. He made no reply.

The young man wore a dark three-piece suit, dark tie and white shirt for the brief hearing before Judge Olann Kelleher at Cork District Court. He was not required to speak.

The judge explained that bail could not be granted at the district court for the charge of murder.

On the application of Sergeant Gearoid Davis, Judge Kelleher remanded the accused man in custody for one week until February 12.

Sergeant Davis said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed the case to go before the Central Criminal Court for trial or for sentence on a signed plea of guilty.

Michael Quinlan, solicitor, asked for free legal to be given in the name of solicitor, Frank Buttimer, and said the accused had been working in construction but was no longer in employment.

Judge Kelleher granted free legal aid.

The address for Christopher OCallaghan on the charge is 15 Woodview, Pinecroft, Grange, Douglas, Cork.
The National Association of General Practitioners has said that "General Practice is dying.

It comes as its members will drive a cavalcade of cars to Dail Eireann alongside hundreds of GPs at around 2pm tomorrow in protest at cuts to the sector.

Dr Andrew Jordan NAGP Chairman, said: "50% of GP practices are in debt trying to keep going.

"There are now entire communities where GPs have retired and not been replaced - there are not enough GPs to handle the demand. Young, newly trained GPs are emigrating and there is no one to replace older GPs.

"General Practice in Ireland is literally dying because it is not being properly resourced. Government funding for primary care was cut in 2010 (FEMPI) and never restored."

He added that tomorrow's protest "is the only way we can highlight to the Government that General Practice is dying.

He went on to say that evidence shows that the family doctor system is the most efficient, safe and effective way of providing healthcare.

"This is part of the Governments stated strategy for healthcare, with joined-up services between General Practice, primary care services in the community and secondary care in hospitals. And yet the Government is not acting to enable this strategy. This is inexplicable."

Dr Maitiu O Tuathail, NAGP President, said: There are currently 26 communities without General Practitioners across this country. With 700 GPs about to retire in the next four to five years, and newly qualified GPs choosing Dubai over Dublin, many more communities will be left without a GP.

"The neglect of General Practice by this Government will lead to its extinction."

The people of Ireland must carefully consider how they will vote come election time if they want their families to continue to have GPs into the future.

Patients cannot get GP appointments. GPs cannot get adequate funding for nursing staff, administrative staff and for simple diagnostic tools which enable patients to be treated rapidly in the community.

Dr Jordan said 2010's FEMPI cuts must be restored and the Government must establish a continued program of investment in General Practice and primary care over the next 10 years.
By Tom Tuite

A Dublin mother has been given a 21-day suspended sentence after her daughter missed more than 40% of school days over the past two years.

The woman pleaded guilty to breaking the Education (Welfare) Act for not complying with an official warning to ensure her child went to school.

Dublin District Court heard her now 14-year-old daughter kept missing school despite her mother being offered a wide range of supports.

These included the offer of a lift to get her child to school.

Judge Alan Mitchell described the child's level of school attendance as "chronic" and told the woman she needed to apologise to her daughter for neglecting her education.

The case was referred to an education and welfare officer in 2017 after the girl, who is in second year, had missed 113 days out of 181, with 90 absent days remaining unexplained.

Going back to when she was in fifth class in primary school she had also missed 78 out of 181 days.

The woman was prosecuted by the Child and Family Agency (CFA).

A school attendance notice was issued by an education and welfare officer in October 2017 and after that, the girl continued to miss about 40% of days, Judge Mitchell heard.

The minimum school leaving age is 16 years, or the completion of three years of post-primary education.

The charge results in a 1,000 fine and a one-month sentence but harsher penalties can be applied for repeat offences.

An education and welfare officer told the court a suite of supports was offered to the girl and her mother: a home school liaison, a school completion programme, text messages and letters were sent out, behaviour support, a learning support programme, extra-curricular activities and a homework club.

The court heard that school transport was among the supports offered to physically bring her to school on mornings it was necessary.

A one-on-one support worker was offered to help the girl remain in education.

Judge Mitchell heard that the school had confirmed the child did not have special education needs.

Prosecution solicitor Orla Crowe told the court the education and welfare service tried to encourage attendance when support from the parent was limited.

She said it was considered a parental responsibility issue.

Defence solicitor Roy ONeill told the court there had been a number of bereavements in the womans family.

He said the woman wished to apologise to the court but Judge Mitchell told her, she needs to apologise to her child.

Mr ONeill said the accused now took it seriously and the child was bright with a good future.

Judge Mitchell noted from a school report that although the girl had managed to pass her exams she was completely at a loss in relation to content being taught due to absenteeism.

The woman had no previous convictions.

Judge Mitchell told her not giving children an education was a form of neglect.

He imposed a 21-day jail sentence but suspended it on condition she did not re-offend in the next 12 months and was supervised by the Probation Service.

He said the amount of days missed was very high and there had not been a significant improvement.

He said she risked going to jail if her daughter does not go to school and he asked the CFA to keep the matter under review.
A man accused of murdering his alleged love rival knew of the existence of the tank where the deceased's body was found, his trial has heard.

Witness Jimmy Lowry said he grew up on the farm at Fawnagowan in Tipperary where 52-year-old Bobby Ryan's body was found in 2013. He told prosecuting counsel David Humphries BL the tank was built in the late 1970s to take waste from his father's milking parlour.

When Mr Humphries asked him who knew about the existence of the tank he said: "As far as I know myself, my brother Johnny and Pat Quirke."

Patrick Quirke (50) of Breanshamore, Co Tipperary has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 52-year-old Bobby Ryan - a DJ known as Mr Moonlight - on a date between June 3, 2011 and April 2013.

He is on trial at the Central Criminal Court.

Mr Ryan went missing in June 2011 and his body was found in a run-off tank on a farm owned by Ms Lowry and leased by the accused at Fawnagown, Tipperary in April 2013.

Clare O'Grady told Mr Humphries that she saw a silver van parked on a laneway that leads to her home on the morning that Mr Ryan went missing.

She said she thought it unusual as she leaves for work at 6.45am and lives on a quiet country lane and had never before seen any vehicles there at that hour.

The van was parked in a gateway but with the rear sticking out onto the road so that she had to drive around it.

The trial has previously heard that the deceased drove a silver van which was found at a nearby woods the day he went missing.

Mary Ryan, the former wife of the deceased, told Mr Humphries that she split with Mr Ryan because they had grown apart.

Bobby Ryan

They were, she said, more like friends than husband and wife; they had different interests and the split was amicable.

When she heard that he was seeing Mary Lowry she was happy for him and told him: "I hope everything goes well for you."

Johnny Lowry told Mr Humphries that when he found out his sister-in-law, who was widowed by his brother Martin, was seeing a new man he was happy for her.

His sister Mary Carey said she was also happy that Mary was seeing someone and sent her a text to wish her well.

Niall Quinn, a sub contractor at the quarry where Mr Ryan worked as a truck driver, described the deceased as punctual and a "perfect employee" who got on well with his colleagues and customers.

Before his disappearance he told Mr Humphries that Mr Ryan took the previous Friday off to travel to Bundoran. When he returned the following Monday, the witness felt Mr Ryan was in "good form".

When he failed to show up for work on Friday, June 3, Mr Quinn went to the deceased's house looking for him. He didn't find him and decided to take over Mr Ryan's truck driving duties for the day.

The trial continues this afternoon in front of Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of six men and six women.
Growth in Britains construction industry ebbed in January to its weakest since icy weather beset the sector last March, as uncertainty around Brexit dragged particularly on commercial building work, a new business survey showed.

The IHS Markit-CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) fell in December, below all forecasts in a Reuters poll of economists.

Growth in the housebuilding and civil engineering sectors slowed sharply and activity contracted in the commercial sector for the first time since March, when construction was hit by unusually cold temperatures.

Construction firms hired staff at the slowest pace since July 2016, just after the Brexit referendum, as optimism soured ahead of Britains departure from the EU, scheduled in less than two months time.

Delays to client decision-making on new projects in response to Brexit uncertainty was cited as a key source of anxiety at the start of 2019, Tim Moore, economist at survey compiler IHS Markit, said.

A similar survey of the manufacturing sector also showed a sharp slowdown underway, caused by a cooling global economy as well as Brexit uncertainty.

UK prime minister Theresa May, under pressure from her own Conservative Party, wants to reopen a Brexit treaty with the EU to replace an Irish border guarantee, something the Irish Government and the EU have rejected.

Investors have urged the UK government to ensure an orderly exit from the club it joined in 1973.

The closely watched IHS Markit-CIPS survey of services companies, which accounts for the bulk of private-sector activity, is due later today.

Meanwhile, accountancy firm Deloitte said its survey showed British businesses appetite to take on financial risk has fallen to its lowest level in nearly a decade due to fears of the hardest of Brexits and rising US protectionism. Brexit was identified as the top risk.

Corporates are positioned for the hardest of Brexits, with risk appetite at recessionary levels and an intense focus on cost control, Deloittes chief economist Ian Stewart said.

A survey by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales also showed falling sentiment, and pointed to weak first-quarter economic growth.

Last week, the main trade body for Britains car industry said a no-deal Brexit would cause permanent devastation, as carmaker Nissan cancelled its previously announced UK investment.

Reuters
After the UK parliament rejected the withdrawal agreement struck between Theresa Mays government and the EU by an over- whelming margin in mid- January, the deal looked dead in the water.

However, last week saw quite a turnaround when MPs voted they would accept the agreement if the Irish backstop was replaced by alternative arrangements to avoid a hard border.

However, it is going to be a major challenge to agree alternative arrangements to the backstop that would prevent a hard border.

If this was an easy task, then viable alternatives would have come to the fore during the negotiations on Brexit over the past year.

A rehash of previously rejected ideas, such as using as yet undeveloped technology, would not be an acceptable solution.

The EU remains very firm in saying the deal cannot be reopened and that there can be no renegotiation of the backstop.

The Irish Government has also been steadfast in its refusal to countenance any renegotiation of the backstop.

In these circumstances, the UK could be left facing the choice of accepting the current agreement or leaving the EU without a deal, possibly sometime later this year after an extension to Article 50.

A difficulty for the EU is the UK parliament has not specified what type of alternative arrangements it wants. There is no guarantee any new arrangements would be acceptable to the UK parliament.

This means February and March could prove to be the two most torrid months yet in the Brexit process, as the clock ticks down towards the UKs scheduled departure date of March 29.

Later this month, efforts could begin to find some modification to the backstop.

The closer we come to March 29, the more likely that it may be accepted by the UK parliament, in order to avoid a no-deal hard Brexit.

Sterling has made good gains in the past month on rising hopes that a no-deal hard Brexit can be avoided, if necessary by extending the Article 50 to delay Brexit.

It has risen from $1.26 at the start of the year to around $1.31 and has strengthened against the euro to around 87p.

Sterlings gains are likely to be limited as an exit deal will still leave a lot of uncertainty about the future relationship between the UK and EU.

Difficult trade talks are still to come. The euro may fall against sterling to around 85p.

On the other hand, if the prospects of a no-deal hard Brexit start to grow, then sterling can be expected to fall quite sharply.

Oliver Mangan is AIBs chief economist
The prospect of massive disruption to Irelands exports has ratcheted up, following the crushing rejection of the EU-UK withdrawal agreement in the House of Commons and the fig leaf replacement offer by Prime Minister Theresa May to a bewildered European Commission.

Exporters both in the UK and Ireland are frustrated at the lack of adequate planning for the UKs exit from the EU.

The majority of UK ports have confirmed they are not prepared for a hard Brexit: Only 16% of UK ports and harbour authorities have made significant or practical plans for Brexit, according a recent survey.

This is the first real evidence of what will happen outside of the main europort of Dover, which had a less than encouraging trial run of the UK governments emergency planning late last year.

Only 25% of UK port chiefs think they are in a position to cope well with Brexit.

A third say they could cope but will need further investment, while over 40% say they either dont know or doubt their ability to handle additional demands.

Irish exporters and importers have also called for urgent solutions for customs and border arrangements.

They point to the need for a bilateral agreement to cover vehicle permits to ensure free access for trucks transiting across the UK  the so-called landbridge  that carries 60% of exports to the continent.

They also have been pressing Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe to follow the lead of other EU countries and exempt paying Vat at a rate of 23% due on all imports from the UK once it leaves the EU.

Many Irish firms are looking at using a system of bonded warehouses to enable imported goods leave Irish ports under a customs-free transit arrangement.

The system is workable and would relieve some port congestion but does require a bank bond, a Revenue requirement which Minister Donohoe could waive.

Irish ports have been preparing well for the worst case Brexit scenario.

Dublin Port is rapidly completing a 30m investment, including primary and secondary inspection posts for Revenue and Department of Agriculture officials.

The officials will have to carry out a fivefold increase in checks on goods requiring customs clearance, as well as carrying out additional checks on food and animals arriving from the UK.

The Port of Cork has announced a new direct service to Spain, which it believes will relieve the congested UK landbridge.

The MV Connemara, which Brittany Ferries has chartered for an initial two-year period, will have the capacity for around 100 trailers and 80 to 100 cars, catering for commercial haulage as well as tourists on a 26-hour crossing down to Santander.

On the direct French connection, Irish Ferries has given a mid-March date for the launch of the direct freight route to continental Europe.

The Port of Rosslare has customs buildings close to the ships birthing quay and extensive investment is needed to meet the demands of Brexit.

John Whelan is managing partner at international trade consultancy The Linkage-Partnership
By Fiachra O Cionnaith, Political Correspondent

Update 6.10pm: Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has admitted Government predictions a no deal hard Brexit may see 40,000 people lose their jobs and slash economic growth by 6% are "conservative" and could be dwarfed by the real life impact of the crisis.

Mr Donohoe issued the warning as he insisted the Government will not be "involved" in planning any hard border physical infrastructure - but admitted it is "logical" conversations will take place with the EU and Britain if no deal is struck.

Speaking during a wide-ranging Oireachtas finance committee on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Donohoe said existing Government projections suggest a no deal hard Brexit will pose significant problems for both the national and regional economies.

In an opening statement to the committee, Mr Donohoe said a worst-case scenario Brexit could see Ireland's economy slump by 6% compared to if Brexit does not happen, and 4.25% compared to a soft Brexit scenario.

However, asked by Fianna Fail finance spokesperson Michael McGrath if he acknowledges the situation could be "significantly worse than the economic model predicted", Mr Donohoe admitted the predictions are "conservative" and "evolving".

"In some cases they are based on information and estimates evolving. I would see this as the minimum affect on economy, I have acknowledged the sectoral and regional impact of a disorderly Brexit could be quite different for our country," Mr Donohoe said.

During a later exchange with Fianna Fail senator Gerry Horkan, Mr Donohoe confirmed the percentage figures mean between 30,000 and 40,000 more people could lose their jobs if a no deal Brexit strikes.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has said under Oireachtas finance committee questioning that a no deal hard #Brexit could see 30-40,000 more people unemployed and approximately 52,000 less jobs created in Ireland than if Brexit does not happen. #iestaff  Fiachra O Cionnaith  (@Ocionnaith) February 5, 2019

He said such a scenario could also slow the number of jobs being created in Ireland by 52,000, and repeated the figures are potentially conservative.

Meanwhile, during the same Oireachtas committee meeting Mr Donohoe said it is "not possible to avoid all risk in a no deal scenario" as "not all issues are within Ireland's control", and dismissed British claims of a "managed no deal" by saying: "No such thing exists."

Asked by Sinn Fein finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty if he would like to clarify that there will be "no checks at all" on the border if there is a no deal Brexit, Mr Donohoe said the Government "will not be involved in any procedure that will see checks on the border".

Mr Donohoe repeated the view to Mr McGrath and Solidarity-PBP TD Paul Murphy, saying the Government is not planning for any physical infrastructure hard border.

However, in response to Mr McGrath, he conceded "it is only logical if for reasons beyond our control the backstop is no longer operable we would then have to engage with the EU and UK on how it [a no deal] is delivered".

He separately told Mr Murphy's "hypothetical" question of whether the Government would reject any EU demands to help create a hard border if this happens.

Mr Donohoe also confirmed there may be some customs checks on goods if a no deal hard border hits.

Asked by Mr McGrath if further impact updates will be made before the March 29 EU-UK divorce date, Mr Donohoe said there are no plans to do so before the "unique event" occurs.

Donohoe: Estimated impact of no deal Brexit may not capture full impact

Update 4.30pm: The Minister for Finance has warned a no deal Brexit could see a 2% growth in the unemployment rate here.

Paschal Donohoe is appearing before the Oireachtas Finance Committee to discuss Ireland's preparedness for Brexit and says it represents an historic challenge.

Minister Donohoe warned that a disorderly Brexit would lead to a significant reduction to Ireland's pace of growth which would have negative consequences on public finances and the labour market.

Minister Donohoe says the damage could be worse than initial estimates.

"These estimates may not capture the full impact and the figures could be conservative," said Mr Donohoe.

"The impact in certain exposed sectors and regions could be worse than the average.

"Nevertheless, quantifying the impact is important to help the government understand the possible macroeconomic implications and to design the appropriate policy response."
OTTAWA - Two major Canadian unions' support for Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro is rooted in ignorance of the country's struggle for freedom and the plight of its downtrodden and abused workers, Venezuelan pro-democracy activists say.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 5/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores acknowledge supporters at the end of a rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The pro-Maduro stance of at least two major Canadian unions is rooted in ignorance of their country's struggle for freedom and the plight of its downtrodden and abused workers, Venezuelan pro-democracy activists say. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Ariana Cubillos

OTTAWA - Two major Canadian unions' support for Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro is rooted in ignorance of the country's struggle for freedom and the plight of its downtrodden and abused workers, Venezuelan pro-democracy activists say.

Major Canadian unions, including the Canadian Union of Public Employees and the Canadian Labour Congress, have criticized the Liberal government for backing Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido, the head of Venezuela's legislature, as the legitimate interim leader of the country.

Canada and Latin American allies in the Lima Group, along with the United States, have been pushing Maduro, Venezuela's socialist president, to step down. On Monday European countries including Spain, Germany, France, Britain, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, the Netherlands and Lithuania added their voices calling for free and fair elections as soon as possible.

They are supporting Venezuelan people who have taken to the streets in mass protests, blaming Maduro for keeping power through a rigged election and perpetuating the crisis that has wrecked Venezuela's formerly oil-rich economy and forced three million of its citizens to flee their homes.

In a statement, CUPE supported the Maduro government and called the Liberals' support of the opposition akin to aligning Canada with an American plan to engineer "a coup d'etat." CUPE declined further comment on Tuesday.

The CLC said it is "alarmed at the escalation of international interference in the democratic process of a sovereign nation, including the possibility of military intervention."

Those words leave Rebecca Sarfatti angry and hurt. She's been a pro-democracy activist for her home country since coming to Canada in 2001.

"We're talking about human beings. We're talking about the future of a nation ... It's not about left or right, or politics," said Sarfatti, a member of the non-profit Canada Venezuela Democracy Forum.

Sarfatti said it is "absurd" that unions that are supposed to represent the rights of workers can say, "don't bother Maduro, let him keep being a dictator."

"There's people in Venezuela who are being abused, who are dying, or are being fired because they think different (from the government)," added Sarfatti.

Political scientist Angel Alvarez fled to Canada from Venezuela four years ago because, he said, he no longer had the academic freedom to teach.

The Canadian unions are undermining the international momentum that is required to force Maduro to step down and make way for peaceful elections, said Alvarez, who received his doctorate at Notre Dame University in the U.S. and was a department head at the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas.

"I think that they (the unions) are biased by ideological prejudice about previous experiences of the U.S. intervention in South America," said Alvarez.

While he agrees the American history of intervention in Latin America has given rise to dictators and led to much bloodshed, he said the current situation is much different.

"They do not take into account the current situation in Venezuela needs strong diplomatic pressure on the government of Maduro and the military in order to find a peaceful solution."

Hassan Yussuff, the president of the Canadian Labour Congress, said he understands how hard the crisis is for the Venezuelan people, and how important it is to find a peaceful, negotiated solution.

"I'm not approaching this from an ideological (perspective). I can't speak for others; I'm speaking for myself," said Yussuff, who is also the president of the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas, which has members in Venezuela.

"I don't think you can separate the American history of military intervention and say this is different."

Sarfatti said the anti-American rhetoric is an outdated view rooted in the 1960s, and that it is insulting to Canadians and Venezuelans.

"Canada has had the strongest voice and the leadership in this issue. The U.S. has joined what Canada and other South American countries are saying. It offends me when they say the U.S. is leading everything," she said.

"It is Venezuelans' choice. It is Venezuelans' struggle  and fight."

At the end of January, U.S. President Donald Trump's national-security adviser John Bolton told reporters that no options are off the table in dealing with the situation in Venezuela. But a European diplomat who attended the closed-door talks in Ottawa on Monday said none of the discussion, especially with American participants, came anywhere near to proposing armed intervention. That included a 10-minute speech, via video link, from U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

"He made a very strong speech in support of Juan Guaido and what he's doing, underlining the constitutional nature of what he's doing," said the diplomat, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks. "If anybody is leading the process at the moment, it's Canada and Peru."

Ben Rowswell, Canada's ambassador to Venezuela from 2014 to 2017, said the current crisis shows that in the 21st century true sovereignty belongs to the citizens of a country, not their state.

"By remaining silent when the Venezuelan constitution was effectively suspended in 2017 and weighing in now in support of the Maduro government, CUPE has shown it believes sovereignty rests with states."
One of nature's greatest migrations may be returning to health after a stunning growth in the number of monarch butterflies that fluttered across North America last year.

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This article was published 5/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In this Sept. 17, 2018 file photo, a monarch butterfly rests on a flower in Urbandale, Iowa. One of nature's greatest migrations may be returning to health after a stunning growth in the number of monarch butterflies that fluttered across North America last year. But if populations of the striking black-and-orange aviators are starting to recover, it's no thanks to Canada, said Carolyn Callaghan of the Canadian Wildlife Federation. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Charlie Neibergall, File

One of nature's greatest migrations may be returning to health after a stunning growth in the number of monarch butterflies that fluttered across North America last year.

But if populations of the striking black-and-orange aviators are starting to recover, it's no thanks to Canada, said Carolyn Callaghan of the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

"Canada, well, hmm. Not so much going on."

Canadian wildlife officials dispute that. They say the species is considered a priority and $14 million has been spent since 2012 on the butterflies.

Every year, the main population of monarchs numbering in the tens of millions migrates from Canada and the United States to overwinter in Mexico. That's a journey of more than 5,000 kilometres undertaken by tiny creatures weighing less than a gram.

In recent years, the number of monarchs making the flight plummeted by about 90 per cent from historic numbers, Callaghan said.

Scientists estimate monarch numbers by measuring a tiny patch of central Mexican forest where they congregate. There can be anywhere from 10 million to 50 million monarchs per hectare.

As recently as 1993, the butterflies took up 6.2 hectares. Last year, the size of forest where scientists could find them was down to 2.5 hectares.

Something, though, seems to have gone very right since then.

A newly released survey for 2018 found monarchs on more than six hectares of forest, which would suggest population numbers were up 144 per cent over 2017. One year's increase is not necessarily a trend, but it's good news.

"It's a reprieve from a dire situation," said Callaghan.

In addition to good weather  the previous year's butterflies had been pummelled by tropical storms and tornadoes  a three-country agreement to bring back the monarch may finally be paying off, she said.

Mexico has cracked down on illegal logging that destroyed monarch habitat and is working to create eco-tourism opportunities as a replacement. The U.S. has engaged in extensive replantings of the weeds and wild flowers monarchs need for nectar and egg-laying.

"I'm astounded at what they've been able to do," said Callaghan. "The state of Ohio alone has restored more than (32,000 hectares) of habitat."

Much of that has consisted simply of planting milkweed and wild flowers along highway meridians, power corridors or other unused plots of land.

Southern Canada, especially Ontario and Quebec, contains important monarch breeding grounds. About one-third of the butterflies that show up in Mexico have been found to have originated in Canada or the northern states.

The Americans and the Mexicans have far surpassed Canadian efforts to restore habitat, Callaghan said. That's despite an agreement signed in 2016 between the leaders of the three countries to address habitat loss across breeding and migrating habitat.

"We have a role to play," Callaghan said. "We have yet to do this."

The butterflies are considered endangered but are not yet protected under the Species at Risk Act.

Andrea Kettle of the Canadian Wildlife Service says that although Canada doesn't directly run monarch habitat programs, it has worked with and funded about 50 outside organizations that have. Research is also being done to determine which areas are most important, Kettle said.

"It wasn't that long ago that milkweed was on a noxious species list, so it had a bad reputation. The behavioural change to encourage people to plant milkweed has been undertaken by lots of organizations that we have supported."

Canada could be doing more, said Callaghan.

"The U.S. has had a huge lead on us. Every (state) department of transportation is taking on restoration, mowing less, planting native flowers.

"We can do that on our hydro lines. We can do that on our roadways. We can do that on our buffer lands. We haven't even begun to hit the tip of the iceberg here in Canada."

 Follow Bob Weber on Twitter at @row1960

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An early version had the wrong last name for Carolyn Callaghan in some references.
OTTAWA - The organization in charge of providing physical security to Parliament is looking to improve its cybersecurity.

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Parliament Hill is pictured through an East Block window in Ottawa on Thursday, May 29, 2014. The organization in charge of providing physical security to Parliament is looking to up its cybersecurity. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA - The organization in charge of providing physical security to Parliament is looking to improve its cybersecurity.

The Parliamentary Protective Service is considering using cloud-based software services but needs guidance on how to do it without putting its data at risk. According to a request for proposals posted Monday, it's hoping to hire a contract cybersecurity specialist to teach staff about security standards and advise them on what to look for in software vendors.

"The expertise of a cybersecurity specialist is being sought to help ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for applications and systems for the PPS administration," reads an email from Joseph Law, chief of staff to the service's director, senior RCMP officer Jane MacLatchy.

The results of the contract will set terms to use in software selection.

Storing data online and hiring outside firms to maintain an organization's software can be more efficient than doing it internally but comes with its own risks: It means outsourcing not just the information-technology work to keep software updated and functioning, but some of the security that keeps sensitive material safe from hackers.

In December, the Communications Security Establishment, Canada's cyberspying agency, said China was responsible for compromising several service providers as early as 2016. According to indictments issued by the United States, state-sponsored hacking of "managed service providers" led to the thefts of data from dozens of clients, including the personal information of more than 100,000 workers in the U.S. navy.

"Cybersecurity is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges facing Canada and its allies," noted the release.

Follow Stephen Cook on Twitter @StephenCooked.
OTTAWA - In a move likely to send shockwaves through Quebec and its shipbuilding industry, the federal government has decided to speed up construction of one of its permanent new naval support vessels.

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This article was published 5/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards worker stands on a barge under construction during a party in celebration of the company being awarded an $8-billion federal shipbuilding contract in North Vancouver, B.C., on Wednesday November 2, 2011. In a move that will likely send shockwaves through Quebec and its shipbuilding industry, the federal government is planning to speed up construction of two permanent support vessels for the navy. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

OTTAWA - In a move likely to send shockwaves through Quebec and its shipbuilding industry, the federal government has decided to speed up construction of one of its permanent new naval support vessels.

The government's multibillion-dollar shipbuilding plan has long called for Seaspan Marine in Vancouver to build an ocean-science vessel for the Canadian Coast Guard before turning to the navy's two new support ships.

But the federal procurement department says the government will finish one of the support ships  which carry food, ammunition and fuel for fleets at sea  before moving onto the science vessel.

The second joint support ship, as the permanent vessels are called, will be built last.

The government last year approved a plan for Seaspan to start some advance work on one of the joint support ships as the shipyard waited for the coast guard to finish designing the science vessel.

The decision to now go ahead and completely finish the first ship will "build on the good momentum underway," said Public Services and Procurement Canada spokesman Pierre-Alain Bujold.

It will also ensure the shipyard stays busy so workers aren't sitting idle or laid off while they wait for the ocean-science vessel, he added, and allow time for lessons to be absorbed before construction of the second joint support ship.

"This decision makes good sense and is a prime example of how the (national shipbuilding strategy) allows us to be flexible in meeting Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard requirements while finding efficiencies at shipyards."

While Bujold said further details on schedules will be provided in the coming months, sources say the decision is expected to see the first new support ship delivered earlier than its current 2023 timeline.

That could be bad news for Seaspan's rival in Quebec, Davie Shipbuilding.

The federal government awarded Davie a $700-million contract in 2015 to convert a civilian container ship into a temporary supply vessel and lease it to the navy for at least five years.

The contract, which is at the heart of Vice-Admiral Mark Norman's breach-of-trust case, was intended to fill a gap that was created when the navy's two previous support ships were forced into early retirement in 2015 due to fire and rust.

The Quebec government, Davie and federal opposition parties have been pressuring Ottawa to lease a second ship, at a cost of $500 million, which they say will serve the navy while supporting workers at the shipyard near Quebec City.

Much of the basis for their argument about meeting the navy's needs has been Seaspan's constant struggle to meet deadlines and the fact design work on the coast guard's oceanographic science vessel still isn't finished.

Those may now be moot points if the changed schedule does result in faster delivery of a permanent vessel, though a government source said some design work is still needed.

Davie spokesman Frederik Boisvert wasted no time Tuesday blasting the decision to prioritize completion of the first joint support ship as going "against common sense" and as "an insult to Canadian taxpayers."

He questioned the impact on the coast guard, whose existing oceanographic-science vessel is nearly 60 years old, and noted Seaspan has struggled to deliver the first of three fisheries-science vessels for the coast guard. All three were supposed to have been delivered by 2018.

"The most basic principle of the national shipbuilding strategy was to start out with smaller projects and let the shipyard prove themselves before moving on to larger, more complex projects," Boisvert said Tuesday.

"Seaspan has failed miserably on all fronts: cost, schedule and quality. They should be blacklisted by the government and (are) now rewarded for failure. ... It makes no sense at all and it will be another blow to the coast guard."

In an apparent reference to Procurement Minister Carla Qualtrough and Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, who represent Vancouver-area ridings, Boisvert went on to accuse "regional politicians in Vancouver who are thinking solely about winning seats in this year's election" for the decision.

The MV Asterix was the first temporary support ship delivered by Davie; the second on offer is called the MV Obelix.

"The reality is no matter what games are played, the Obelix is needed," he said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced pointed questions in Quebec City last month over his government's refusal to give a second contract to the Davie shipyard for a supply vessel.

While he said he was looking at ways to provide more work for the shipyard, Trudeau said a second supply ship is simply not needed right now.

Navy commander Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd told The Canadian Press recently that he was "comfortable'' with having only one temporary support ship in the water given when officials expected the two joint support ships to be delivered.

 Follow @leeberthiaume on Twitter.
PORT COQUITLAM, B.C. - A man who faces a series of charges including alleged assaults of escorts in British Columbia's North Okanagan has pleaded guilty to assault in an unrelated incident involving a sex worker in Maple Ridge in 2013.

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PORT COQUITLAM, B.C. - A man who faces a series of charges including alleged assaults of escorts in British Columbia's North Okanagan has pleaded guilty to assault in an unrelated incident involving a sex worker in Maple Ridge in 2013.

Curtis Wayne Sagmoen was initially charged with assault causing bodily harm but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge Monday in provincial court in Port Coquitlam.

The trial was scheduled for five days but was shortened to a day when Crown prosecutor Juan O'Quinn and defence lawyer Lisa Jean Helps made a joint submission agreeing to the guilty plea on the lesser charge and a recommended sentence.

Court heard that on Jan. 6, 2013, Sagmoen contacted the woman, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, in response to an advertisement posted online for massage escort services.

She arrived at a townhouse in Maple Ridge that Helps said Sagmoen shared with his brother.

Sagmoen and the woman had a dispute over money, which resulted in an injury to the back of her head. She ran away and Sagmoen followed her, but the dispute was overheard by a neighbour who called the police, court heard.

At the time of the incident, court heard that Sagmoen was addicted to crystal methamphetamine.

Helps said Sagmoen, 38, has no criminal record and works as a pipefitter.

He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and two years' probation but his jail time is considered already served because he remains in custody on the separate allegations. His conditions include keeping the peace, good behaviour and having no contact with the victim.

"I'm satisfied that the joint submission presented to me is an appropriate sentence and would meet the principles of denunciation and deterrence that I'm required to give considerable consideration to in crafting a sentence, as well as the principle of rehabilitation," Judge Robin McQuillan said.

Sagmoen faces a series of other charges including assault causing bodily harm and assault with a weapon, but none of the allegations in those cases have been tested in court.

Police have said the alleged victims worked as escorts in the North Okanagan and advertised their services online.

When Sagmoen was first charged in October 2017, police issued a warning to the general public and sex workers to take extra precautions for their safety around Salmon River Road in a rural area north of Vernon.

It's the same area where police uncovered the remains of missing 18-year-old Traci Genereaux while searching a 10-hectare farm in the North Okanagan that a title search shows belongs to Wayne and Evelyn Sagmoen.

Sagmoen's lawyer told provincial court Monday that he lives at the same address where the search occurred with his parents when he is not incarcerated.

At the time, police said Genereaux's death was suspicious but they have not released a cause of death. No charges have been laid in the Genereaux case and police have not named a suspect.

Police have not made a link between the search and the public warning issued in October 2017.

In December, Sagmoen was given an absolute discharge in a separate case in Vernon after pleading guilty to a single count of mischief. The discharge means no conviction was placed on his record.

He was originally accused of mischief under $5,000 for wilfully placing spikes or nails on a spike belt to damage the tires of a vehicle before pleading guilty to the lesser offence.
TORONTO - Former Guantanamo Bay prisoner Omar Khadr is asking Alberta youth court to order his release and declare his eight-year sentence  imposed by a widely maligned military commission in the United States  to have expired.

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Omar Khadr speaks outside court in Edmonton on Thursday, December 13, 2018. Khadr is asking Alberta youth court to order his release and declare his eight-year sentence  imposed by a widely maligned military commission in the United States  to have expired. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

TORONTO - Former Guantanamo Bay prisoner Omar Khadr is asking Alberta youth court to order his release and declare his eight-year sentence  imposed by a widely maligned military commission in the United States  to have expired.

In a separate application before Federal Court, Khadr is attempting to force national parole authorities to grant him a hearing at which he would argue for release.

The overriding idea, Khadr's Edmonton-based lawyer said in an interview Tuesday, is to ensure an end point to the eight-year sentence the commission imposed on him in 2010.

Had Khadr, 32, remained in custody, his sentence would have expired this past October. However, the clock stopped ticking when an Alberta judge freed him on bail in May 2015 pending his appeal of his military commission conviction for war crimes  a years-long process that still has no end in sight.

"The bail order does interrupt the ticking of the clock but practically speaking, the guy has served his sentence now," lawyer Nate Whitling said from Edmonton. "The youth court judge does have the authority to just simply terminate the sentence and say, 'It's now over'."

The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled the punishment handed Khadr for alleged acts committed in Afghanistan when he was 15 years old to be a youth sentence. His application, to be heard this month, asks a youth judge to release him under supervision for a single day, then declare his sentence served.

One hurdle Khadr must overcome is proving the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench has jurisdiction because the international treaty under which he was transferred to Canada from Gitmo could be interpreted as precluding such a review. If that view prevails, his application asks the judge to declare that part of the treaty unconstitutional.

In a separate application, Khadr wants Federal Court to order the Parole Board of Canada to grant him a hearing  something the board has refused to do on the basis that it only has jurisdiction over inmates in custody.

"As with everything in Omar's case, there's no precedent," Whitling said. "(But) we're confident that if he were to be given a parole hearing, he'd be an extremely strong candidate for full parole with minimal conditions. He's been out all this time under these conditions and under close supervision."

A Justice Department lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Since his release on bail in 2015, Khadr has lived in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta., without incident. While the courts have eased some of his initial bail conditions, several remain in place despite his efforts  most recently in December  to have them lifted.

Those conditions include withholding access to a Canadian passport, a ban on unsupervised communication with his sister Zaynab who lives in Georgia, and a requirement to notify his bail supervisor before leaving Alberta.

"He's got these conditions on him and essentially right now, they're going to be there indefinitely," Whitling said. "We would like to get Omar's clock ticking again. We want this sentence to actually start ticking, so it will expire."

Kate Porterfield, a prominent American psychologist who has worked extensively with Khadr over the years, has written in support of his applications  pointing out that the bail restrictions and never-ending sentence are psychologically harmful and akin to the situation Khadr faced at the U.S. naval prison.

Under their rules, the Americans could have detained Khadr indefinitely  even if the commission had acquitted him. Khadr has said he pleaded guilty to the war-crimes charges only as a way out of Guantanamo.

Khadr was sent to the notorious U.S. military facility in Cuba just months after he was captured as a badly wounded 15 year old in Afghanistan in July 2002. The U.S. accused him of throwing a grenade that killed an American soldier.

In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled Canada violated his rights while he was a U.S. captive, leading the government to pay him $10.5 million in compensation in July 2017.

Note to readers: This is a corrected version. An earlier version had a wrong last name for Kate Porterfield.
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This article was published 5/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In this artist's sketch, serial killer Bruce McArthur (centre) attends his sentencing hearing in Toronto on Monday, Feb.4, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Alexandra Newbould

Four stories in the news for Tuesday, Feb. 5

BRUCE McARTHUR SENTENCING HEARING CONTINUES

A sentencing hearing continues today for Bruce McArthur, a serial killer who preyed on men from Toronto's gay village for years before he was arrested. Friends and relatives of McArthur's eight victims are expected to continue reading their victim impact statements. Many wept in court Monday as prosecutors provided previously unheard details of the killings, which took place between 2010 and 2017. Police arrested McArthur in January 2018. He pleaded guilty last week to eight counts of first-degree murder.

THREE WORKERS DIE IN CANADIAN PACIFIC DERAILMENT

Officials with the Transportation Safety Board will provide a briefing in Calgary this morning on the train derailment near Field, B.C., that killed three Canadian Pacific crew members. The westbound Canadian Pacific freight jumped the tracks early Monday, and a union representative says it fell more than 60 metres from a bridge and into the Kicking Horse River. The railway says in a statement that conductor Dylan Paradis, engineer Andrew Dockrell and trainee Daniel Waldenberger-Bulmer were killed in the derailment. The union said the crew was based out of Calgary.

SAGMOEN PLEADS GUILTY TO ASSAULT AGAINST WOMAN

A man who faces a series of charges including alleged assaults of escorts in British Columbia's North Okanagan has pleaded guilty to assault in an unrelated incident involving a sex worker in Maple Ridge in 2013. Curtis Wayne Sagmoen was initially charged with assault causing bodily harm but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge Monday in provincial court in Port Coquitlam. The trial was scheduled for five days but was shortened to a day when Crown prosecutor Juan O'Quinn and defence lawyer Lisa Jean Helps made a joint submission agreeing to the guilty plea on the lesser charge and a recommended sentence.

ALBERTA HONOURS FORMER PREMIER JIM PRENTICE

Jim Prentice, the last premier of Alberta's 44-year Progressive Conservative dynasty, was honoured Monday as a man of courage and vision  and one who couldn't resist meeting with school tours when they passed by his office. Prentice died in October 2016, at age 60, when the light plane he was in crashed in the lake country just outside Kelowna, B.C. He was Alberta's 16th premier, taking over in September of 2014 but losing to Premier Rachel Notley and her NDP in the May 2015 election. Notley recalled Prentice as a man committed to alleviating child poverty and honouring the promise of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

ALSO IN THE NEWS:

 Quadriga, Canada's largest cryptocurrency exchange, is due in court today as it seeks creditor protection in the wake of the sudden death of its founder and CEO in December, and missing cryptocurrency worth roughly $190 million.

 Sgt. Paul Gauthier appears at the Toronto Police Disciplinary Hearings Office on charges of insubordination and neglect of duty.

 A preliminary inquiry continues in the case of Bassam Al-Rawi, a former Halifax taxi driver accused of a 2012 sexual assault.

 WestJet releases its fourth-quarter results before markets open and will hold a conference call with analysts.
MONTREAL - A Quebec municipal councillor who was already under fire for denying the existence of Islamophobia is drawing new scrutiny for recent comments questioning whether the Earth is round.

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This article was published 5/2/2019 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MONTREAL - A Quebec municipal councillor who was already under fire for denying the existence of Islamophobia is drawing new scrutiny for recent comments questioning whether the Earth is round.

Nathalie Lemieux of Gatineau, Que., created controversy last week after she told a reporter the word "Islamophobia'' doesn't exist for her. She was stripped of her title as deputy mayor but remains a councillor in Quebec's fourth largest city.

Gatineau councillor Nathalie Lemieux is shown in a handout photo. A Quebec municipal councillor who was already under fire for denying the existence of Islamophobia is drawing new scrutiny for recent comments questioning whether the Earth is round. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Ville de Gatineau MANDATORY CREDIT

In an interview Tuesday, Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin acknowledged Lemieux's comments about Islamophobia could be harmful.

"Yes, it could affect the (city's) reputation, but it's only one person," he said by phone, calling Gatineau "a model of integration." He said the city's swift action to dissociate itself from Lemieux's comments would limit the damage. "I don't think it will hurt much," he said.

The mayor declined comment on another eye-opening remark from Lemieux, reported this week by Le Droit newspaper. In an online comment two weeks ago, Lemieux suggested there is a conspiracy to eliminate evidence that the Earth is flat.

"Who decided that the Earth is round, and why should we believe it?" she asked.

"The first question to ask" she wrote, "is now that people realize that it's possible that the Earth is flat, why do they want to hide the explanations that prove it." She also wondered how much money is diverted to NASA and said she does not believe anything on the news, preferring to conduct her own research.

"The world is a stage and several actors are amusing themselves at our expense thinking they are more intelligent than us," she wrote.

Lemieux's assistant confirmed Tuesday that the councillor made the comments, which appeared under a news article about YouTube clamping down on videos promoting conspiracy theories. She said Lemieux was not available for an interview.

The councillor first entered the spotlight last week when she told Le Droit that Islamophobia is a problem invented by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The newspaper also quoted her saying, "These people do a lot of things wrong, with their trucks and all that, it's normal to be scared.''

Pedneaud-Jobin said Lemieux, who was first elected to council in 2017, is a good person who didn't appreciate the impact of her comments about Muslims.

"For me that's what is very serious  to make a connection between Muslims and all terrorists  mixing up things doesn't make sense," he said. "It's dangerous, because it prejudges and makes life difficult for the Muslim community."

Lemieux was applauding Quebec Premier Francois Legault for his statement last week that there is no Islamophobia in Quebec. After Muslim groups denounced Legault's comments, the premier's office clarified to say Islamophobia exists but there is no culture or current of it in Quebec.

The councillor apologized if anyone was hurt by her comments but remained defiant in a statement on her Facebook page Monday. She said Quebec society is far from being Islamophobic and she remains critical of "all cultural or religious practices that don't respect human rights, the equality of women and men and the rights of children."

She said the loss of her deputy mayor title makes her wonder whether freedom of expression is in danger in Gatineau. Later in the day she changed her profile picture to a woman knight in armour with the statement, "Sometimes you need to remind yourself you're a warrior and warriors don't give up."
When more than half of the American population reports that the current political climate is a leading source of stress, the attendees at the event were there to chat about the source of that stress for manyPresident Trump.

What Matters is a Bowdoin series that brings people together to talk about a current event. Make Shift Coffee House is a local organization that organizes forums for town hall-like discussions around divisive social and political issues. They collaborated on this program.

Make Shift Coffee House founder Craig Freshley started off the event by announcing that the evening was not intended to convert anyone or win over a stranger to one's side. We are here to understand peoples viewsnot to find common ground, change minds, or convince people, he said. He encouraged people with a wide variety of perspectives to articulate their opinions.

Freshleys first question was, Why Trump? A graduate from Bowdoins class of 1966 answered right away: Over thirty-five years, thousands of jobs from shoe, paper, and textile industries disappeared. You become desperate.

But some members of the Brunswick community, in response, wrestled with questions about how Trump could ever reflect true American values.

Another Brunswick resident said he was disturbed by the polarization that he declared the Trump administration incited. Trump has no moral compass. I dont feel safe raising my grandchildren in this country, he said.

A Brunswick resident added that she feared that if Trump continued to demonize others by calling them diseases and rapists, he would spur violence in the streets.

A participant stood up and said that he grew up in the segregated South, a setting that was demeaning for everyone. While he wanted everyone to be included in today's society, he was worried about another big segregator. It is an unbalanced system for people who have money, he said.

A Bowdoin graduate who identified himself as Republican said while there was a rise in identity politics, he urged the audience to be more patriotic. For him, patriotism was about recognizing the errors of the past but leaving them in a historical context, and working on forging a shared identity.

A sophomore at Bowdoin followed this by arguing that Republicans have been mischaracterized. His views were reinforced by the chair of Maines Republican party, Demi Kouzounas, who added that Trump is above politics, which is part of his appeal. She challenged anyone in the audience who thought that they could ever bribe him.

Even so, some still felt that the blind trust that Americans put into the current administration, and indeed, past ones, was not ideal.

Yet someone else pointed to a bright side to today's difficult political climate: those who were not politically active before have now started to pay attention.
Our View: Education is the challenge for this Legislature
Reporter Claire Withycombe: cwithycombe@eomediagroup.com or 971-304-4148. Withycombe is a reporter for the East Oregonian working for the Oregon Capital Bureau, a collaboration of EO Media Group, Pamplin Media Group, and Salem Reporter.
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The job market is an extremely difficult one and as we see more and more applicants come through the door there are a number of things that seem to be hindering the appointment of these applicants, especially in the PR industry...
The Mining Charter has provided clarity for investors on what's expected of them, but there's still work to do if the industry is to help grow the economy.

Gwede Mantashe, minister of mineral resources. Photo: Mining Indaba

People over profit

Separating mining from petroleum

Mine safety

"The policy and legislative framework were marked with concern about uncertainty. That has been addressed and investors coming to South Africa now know what they need to do," said Gwede Mantashe, minister of mineral resources in his keynote address at the Investing in African Mining Indaba at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.The mining industry has been affected by the economic slowdown of the past decade. "Growth from the global financial crisis has been fragile and uneven and in order for us to do better, we must work harder. Mining is as good as the performance of the individual mines.He envisions an economic scenario where mining companies are more profitable and contribute more to gross domestic product (GDP). We hope to build the mining sector's contribution to GDP up to 10% in the next five years.The minister said the industry must ensure that it coexists with communities, and there needs to be a move away from the perception that mining is only destructive. He added that the time when companies where chasing profits primarily without considering labour and communities was gone. "The mining communities must be respected as that is where companies extract investment. They deserve to be respected," he said.The responsibiiity of our ministry is explore and extract, Mantashe said in relation to the process currently underway to separate mining from petroleum. To date, the charter guidelines have been gazetted and the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Amendment Bill has been withdrawn to separate oil and gas from the mining legislation.Mine safety is important to us. There was a spike [in incidence] in 2018, we must turn it around, Mantashe said. Last year, the mining industry experienced several accidents and a high number of disasters resulting in multiple fatalities. As a result, the Mine Occupational Health and Safety Summit was held in October. The summit created a platform for all stakeholders to engage and come up with solutions that will assist the industry turn the tide with regards to fatalities, injuries and diseases.In conclusion, Mantashe said: South Africa is indeed open for business.
Considered a stalwart on the South African culinary map, Chef de Patron and founder of the new urban restaurant FYN, Peter Tempelhoff is a lover of complex dishes; favouring the use of coastal plants and fynbos. It is no surprise that Tempelhoff would name his new restaurant after the Afrikaans word fynbos, which also means 'fine' in English.

Peter Tempelhoff

I'm really just enjoying what I do and have a great love for our industry. I fail a lot in the kitchen, but I think failure is a very important part of the creative process...

What inspired you to become a chef and what drives your passion for food?

Tell us about your journey and what its meant?

What was it like to work with Giorgio Locatelli and Marco Pierre White  what were the takeouts from this experience?

How have your travels influenced your cooking and use of flavour?

Any personal favourite FYN menu items you'd suggest first-time visitors try?

You were recently placed 134th in the world selection for Top 300 Best Chef Awards  what has this nomination meant for you, especially being one of four South Africans to be placed on the list?

You are one of the most revered chefs in the country. How do you break the mould and challenge yourself to continue to explore new flavour sensations for your patrons?

What is the inspiration behind the name FYN?

What differentiates FYN from other restaurants in its class in Cape Town and the rest of South Africa?

Tell us more about your decision to open a restaurant in Cape Towns CBD?

As a chef what's the ultimate goal

What sort of trends do you forecast in the near future for hospitality?

Do you have some words of wisdom you can share with up-and-coming chefs?

FYN is run by executive chef Ashley Moss (Tempelhoff's former head chef at Greenhouse) and general manager Jennifer Huge (former La Colombe general manager).Tempelhoff says FYN is an urban restaurant for people who dont have a lot of time, offering "a menu with as much flavour and texture in a shortened version as you would expect in a long tasting menu". Served in the Japanese kaiseki tradition, guests can expect a completely different kind of fine dining experience.Beginning his chef training in Cape Town at the Institute of Culinary Arts, Tempelhoff embarked on his studies at the Culinary Institute of America and thereafter made his way through a series of Michelin-starred restaurants in London; where he was mentored by the likes of Marco Pierre White, Aaron Pattern and Giogio Locatelli, crafting restaurants to be the best in the city.Appointed as executive chef at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate in Franschhoek on his return to South Africa, Tempelhoff quickly grew his local footprint to being votedChef of the Year. From here, he went on to oversee five kitchens under The Liz McGrath portfolio  the collection was awarded numerous accolades including a nine star in Rossouws Restaurant Guide.In 2018, the former Greenhouse Restaurant chef was placed 134th in the world selection for the top 300 Best Chef awards  only one of four South African chefs to be featured on the list.We caught up with Tempelhoff as he shares culinary passion, experiences and awardsI was inspired by my desire to spend the rest of my life in a creative space working with my hands and my senses. My passion comes from my love of flavours and that every plate is making someone happy.It has been an amazing 22 years of discovery and exciting challenges. Being the late bloomer, I was, I had a lot of catching up to dofrom the age of 27, I had to hustle and shake to get where I wanted to beand thats right here, right now - running one of the most successful restaurants in South Africa and about to open my first one. An exciting journey that is far from over.Anyone working with chefs such as Giorgio, Marco and any other of the modern legends will always take something from the experience. Marcos kitchen taught me how to handle the pressures of the kitchen environment plus the importance of speed and common sense in the workplace.Giorgios(cooking style) was all about respecting the best ingredients, with a serious focus on keeping things simply plated but well executed.Travel is an important source of inspiration for me; I would definitely not have the same comprehension of flavour and textures if I didnt have the opportunities to spend time in all the foreign kitchens over the years. I suppose I could sum it up really quickly- Japan lightened my food; Spain simplified my approach; France gave me confidence and America added restraint.I love the guinea fowl dish; it has such fantastic balance and a wide range of flavours.Of course, it is always nice when someone gives you something you were not expecting! I am happy that someone thinks I should be ranked so high on a list of world chefs; but at the end of the day, it is a tribute to my team and to the guys that support me every day - they are the real worlds best chefs.I don't see myself as that at all. I'm really just enjoying what I do and have a great love for our industry. I fail a lot in the kitchen, but I think failure is a very important part of the creative process, having the courage to take risks while exploring new ideas promotes abstract thinking, which is great for discovery.My business partner, Ashley Moss and I were at the end of a long name-generation process  which saw us go through 300+ names, without anything sticking. Suddenly Ashley just kind of blurted out, "What about FYN?", almost as a passing remark.The moment we heard it, the penny dropped and we knew it was right; complementing what we wanted to create in the space. I would also like to think that its gonna be aplace to dine. I am very proud of my Afrikaans heritage and the name we have chosen.The restaurant was a slab of concrete a few months ago, which gave us a chance at a completely blank canvas  this doesnt come around very often.It meant that we could engineer each inch of the space as we pleased; within budget that is. Its the reason that almost every element of the restaurant was designed with FYN in mind; from the very first act of raising the level of the floor by half a metre, to meet international wheelchair regulations, to designing each bowl specifically to fit onto a specific tray and to match a piece of crockery. It is quite amazing to eventually see all the pieces fitting into place to form FYN.I love the city and its energy. Being smack in the middle of the city opens new markets for my cuisine, as it's an accessible, vibrant spot which is on the rise. The journey I have had with the designers and partners has been fantastic. To have my vision transformed into such an edgy and exciting space is an amazing feeling.I think If you plan too far ahead, you get lost and disappointed as things never go to plan. The best growth is always organic. Take small and regular steps to reach your goals.Simple fine dining is definitely on the cards, in other words; restaurants that trim away all the fancy bits and present food that is real to the core and focused on flavours and natural presentations.Selfish eating will be coming back as well, as a lot of people are not into sharing their food with others any more - I know I dont want to share my lamb chops with my mates not sure about you!Keep your head down and chop, chop, chop, lest you get chopped, you chop! On a more serious note, keep pushing yourself to improve- never go from a good kitchen to a bad kitchen, always find a place that is better than the last!As a time-honoured recipe dating back to the 1980s when, as a young boy, Tempelhoff would gaze through the window of the local coffee shop and drool over the cheesecakes on display... 900g Philadelphia Cream Cheese (warmed) 330g sugar 60g corn flour Three eggs 170g double cream 250g digestive biscuits 60g butter (melted) 60g chocolate (melted)1. Combine the biscuits, butter and chocolate and press the mixture evenly into a lined springform tin.2. Add the warm cream cheese to a mixer followed by the dry ingredients. Mix well for three minutes and then add the eggs. Once the mixture is smooth, stop the machine and fold in the cream.3. Pour the mixture onto the crust and bake in a water bath for 70 minutes at 170 C, or until just set and golden on top. 45 g water 150 g sugar 90 g cherry puree Three gelatin leaves (bloomed) 600 g cherries1. Cut the cherries in half and place them in a hot oven (180 C) for four minutes. Remove from the oven and hold.2. Meanwhile, boil the sugar and water to 125 C and add to the puree. Mix well, allowing the mixture to cool slightly before adding the gelatin leaves. Mix well.3. Fold the mixture through the cherries and chill until needed.
South Africans will come together to celebrate the life and music of Zimbabwe's master of song, Oliver Mtukudzi, at The Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein on 5 February 2019. Tuku, as he was popularly known, passed away at the age of 66 on 23 January 2019.

A champion of the Zimbabwean people and their music

A collaborative soul

Zimbabwean music legend, Oliver 'Tuku' Mtukudzi dies at 66 Celebrated singer, songwriter and guitarist Dr Oliver 'Tuku' Mtukudzi passed away, aged 66, in Harare on 23 January 2019...

A cry of remembrance

Searching for an mbira sound on the guitar, he fused the Zimbabwean music style of Jiti, the traditional drumming patterns of his clan, the Katekwe, South African mbaqanga, the marimba, Afro-pop styles and conjured up over 67 albums with his own signature music sound.He was a recipient of many accolades and awards. In 1992 Oliver won the M-Net award for Best Soundtrack for Neria, a movie in which he also starred. In 2003 he received a pair of Kora awards (Lifetime Achievement; Best Southern African Male Artist), a Channel O Reel Music Video Award (Best African Language) and an honorary arts degree from the University Of Zimbabwe. A dedicated and inspired African artist, 2004 brought a Nama (National Arts Merit Awards) award for Best Group/Male vocalist, 2006 a Zima (Zimbabwe Music Awards) Music Ambassador award and in 2008 another Nama for Outstanding Musician. 2009 found Oliver receiving yet another Honorary M.Sc in fine arts, this one from Womens University in Africa in Harare, Zimbabwe. 2003 also found Tuku featured on the cover of Time magazine as a champion of the Zimbabwean people and their music.Beginning his performance career in 1977 with the group Wagon Wheels, which also featured the Chimurenga great Thomas Mapfumo and legendary Zimbabwean guitarist James Chimombe. The success of their single Dzandimomotera precipitated the release of Tukus successful debut album, Shoko. A collaborative soul, Mtukudzi was also an integral member of the original incarnation of Southern African supergroup Mahube, which also featured the likes of Louis Mhlanga, Steve Dyer and Phinda Mtya. In 2011 he released Abi angu (Duets of My Time) which featured, amongst others, Cesaria Evora, Ringo Madlingozi, Eric Wainaina and The Jaziel Brothers. 2016 found him doing a duet Tapera with the late Hugh Masekela. This over four-decade career included Southern Africa, the African continent and diaspora and Europe.On Tuesday, 5February 2019 at The Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein from 12pm5pm a memorial celebrating the music and life of Oliver Mtukudzi will take place. Open to the public, this celebrations focus is Tukus music with a musical programme directed by fellow traveller and compatriot Steve Dyer  this is a South African cry from the heart. A cry of sorrow and loss, a cry of remembrance, a cry of joy and love. Come share with us as we celebrate this son of Zimbabwe and child of Africa.
Microsoft CMO on the transformation of digital marketing

Peter DeBenedictis, chief marketing officer for Microsoft in the Middle East and Africa, based in Dubai, recently attended the Microsoft Ignite tour in Johannesburg, where he also had the opportunity to meet the local team.

Peter DeBenedictis With trends on everyones minds at the moment, I interviewed him to find out more about his thinking behind the current state of marketing in the region, how it has changed over recent years and what he predicts for the industry in the near future



Lets get right to it with comment on the current state of marketing in the region. Lets get right to it with comment on the current state of marketing in the region. With trends on everyones minds at the moment, I interviewed him to find out more about his thinking behind the current state of marketing in the region, how it has changed over recent years and what he predicts for the industry in the near future

Where does artificial intelligence (AI) come in? Where does artificial intelligence (AI) come in?

Vision: computer centres can actually identify objects in the same way that the human eye can;

Speech: you can train your AI to differentiate between ambient background noise and when someone is talking;

Language: not only can they identify speech, but they can also identify the language the person is speaking and try to translate that into meaning in real-time in the same way that a person can; and

Learning: an AI application can learn in the same way and at the same pace as the human brain can.

What does this mean for marketing? What does this mean for marketing?

#BODCT: Don't let robots take your job, boost your creative thinking! Digital marketing pioneer Rob Stokes is father to four children under the age of five. Little wonder his thoughts often turn to their future and the impact of AI on the world as we know it. Here's why it's crucial to hone your creative thinking skills...

WPP merges VML and Y&R, creates new 'brand experience agency' NEWSWATCH: It's been reported that WPP will merge creative agency Y&R and digital network VML to create a new entity called VMLY&R, marking new CEO Mark Read's first significant move just weeks after being appointed.

#NewBiz: Wunderman and J. Walter Thompson form Wunderman Thompson WPP has announced that Wunderman and J. Walter Thompson will unite to form Wunderman Thompson, a creative, data and technology agency built to inspire growth for its clients...

What do you believe AI will enable for marketers? What do you believe AI will enable for marketers?

So, what do marketers need to do now to address some of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead? So, what do marketers need to do now to address some of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead?

When Im hiring, for example, I no longer look for a digital marketer. For me, all marketers are digital marketers. Were all digital marketers today. Marketers really need to build their skills and embrace new technologies, new ways of engaging their customers and new ways of listening to and understanding their customers needs.

Concluding comments? Concluding comments?

Theres a joke that there are two types of originations, those that have been hacked and those that dont know theyve been hacked. Thats just part of the new normal of todays digital world and marketers really need to get very crisp and clear on their responsibility in this area because theyre at the vanguard, theyre at the forefront of this when it comes to the collection and protection of customer data.

Jessica Tennant's articles About Jessica Tennant Jess is Senior Editor: Marketing & Media at Bizcommunity.com. She is also a contributing writer. Jess is Senior Editor: Marketing & Media at Bizcommunity.com. She is also a contributing writer. moc.ytinummoczib@swengnitekram

Just like any other industry or function, marketing is going through a transformation and this shift to digital is only just getting started. If you think about how digital marketing was initially conceived, it was about putting a banner ad onto a website and, hopefully, you got some clicks. People were aware of your product and you could measure engagement, but that was it.I think were shifting, particularly on B2B but even B2C to move away from what I would call vanity metrics (clicks/impressions) and more towards what I would call end actions, so trying to drive a consumer or business decision-maker to do something that you want them to do  that could be downloading a whitepaper, or filling out a form so that someone can contact them about a product or solution.That is becoming far more important than how many people clicked on your ad or how many views you got. Digital marketing needs to be about more than just engagement. While it is still important, you actually want to drive an action, and that for me is the biggest shift Ive seen over the last five years. I think the shift away from justis a big one.The other is that digital marketing is part of an integrated marketing mix. The challenge for marketers today is how to create an entire customer journey For the last five or seven years, we as a function have been encouraging people to be siloed and experts in one area, when in fact nowis far more important.Those are some of the trends that Im seeing not just in this region but across the world, and I think a recurring theme is around. How do you create the skills necessary to have that holistic, integrated capability?AI is a bit of a buzzword right now. I think before you get into how it has been impacting marketing, I think its important to think through what it is because there are a lot of misconceptions. There are four key areas:The interesting thing about these four areas is that this is not a futurist notion, this is literally happening today in real-time.There is an art and science to marketing. Theres an element of creativity that will never go away and that I dont think AI will ever replace.What it will replace is routine tasks that are done by people, that effectively are doing the same thing over and over again, such as media planning.Media plans from one campaign to another across multiple markets largely look the same, particularly if you use the same platforms. I can see a time when this will be done by an app or a bot versus being done by a media planner. What that will mean is that your media dollars can go further because youre not needing to pay an expensive client serving team to do repeatable tasks.I think this has more of an impact on agencies than marketers, and were seeing on a global basis this playing out where your old, very well-oiled brands such as Y&R and JWT have merged [with other agencies] and there are various other cases where agencies are being absorbed by digital agencies.We work with Wunderman and Wunderman and JWT are merging. Why? Because you do not need those big agencies with big client servicing and creative shops developing TV commercials and big ads on TV. There are still some brands that do that, but more are moving towards more tactical, smaller scale digital campaigns, which just dont require that same infrastructure, so the agency industry is being massively disrupted. Thats why youre seeing a lot of EMEA activity both within WPP and indeed within the other network agencies.It will accelerate creativity. It may take an art director two, three, four days to flesh out an idea. With advanced algorithms and machine learning, maybe it will get 10 iterations in a couple of hours... Accelerated creativity will happen, but it will still require an art director with a creative eye and with human intuition to develop the concept.This is great for marketers because it means they can develop campaigns a lot faster, they can be a lot more nimble and they can pivot their messaging much faster. It doesnt mean that human beings will go away, it just means that their work will be done differently.Marketers will also be able to leverage AI to get customer insights in a much faster, more meaningful way. By digitally leveraging AI and machine learning, you can actually get a much truer understanding of your customer needs, how your product or solution solves them and develop campaigns and messaging to target that audience.And the targeting can be a lot more focused, but you want to do this in a way that is not obtrusive and that youre not doing interruption marketing, youre actually engaging with customers who are ready and willing and able to be engaged.Thats what I see happening today and it will only accelerate in future.There are two things that are happening today. One, you have a tremendous amount of technology intensity when you think about how much you interact with tech, and marketers need to acknowledge this and that its not going to go away, if anything, its going to increase.And the second thing is to build their skills.Ultimately, thats what marketing is about: understanding your customer and creating activities and tactics that find the audience where theyre consuming the media; the right customer at the right time with the right message to drive the different outcome youre trying to drive.I dont think thats ever going to change. What will change is the tactics, the skills required to do that and so I think embracing the technology intensity and building skills and lastly, adopting new tools that are going to enable us.I think those are the key things, not just for marketers but any professional today and that will always make sure you are relevant today regardless of whether AI or any other technology comes in.Marketers really need to takeand cybersecurity incredibly seriously. In the past, marketers would get technical data from a variety of sources. It would sit on their PC. They would use it somewhat indiscriminately. I think marketers, historically, did not take that privacy very seriously and I think the world is changing.Consumers and businesses are becoming far more sensitive to this interruption of their privacy by brands and platforms. Marketers really need to understand that they are really important custodians of private information and they need to embrace it as a key part of their job.Tied in with that is. Not only is having the data important but protecting it in the most appropriate way is incredibly important and so embracing cloud is not a nice-to-have, its the best way for agencies and marketers to protect the integrity and the privacy of the data, but also to protect their own system.The last thing would be around how marketers can leverage this data to really understand their customers better. I think theres been a divide in marketing  you have the creative types and you have the analytical types. The analytical types do their data thing, the creative types do their thing around creating campaigns and theres a blurring of lines between the two. Marketers today need to be as much a data scientist as they are a creative guru and bridging the gap between the two is incredibly important for marketers.Marketers should not be on the sidelines of their business digital transformation. I think its imperative for marketers to get in the middle of the conversation. All industries are being disrupted by technology and marketers can play a unique role in understanding customers and helping their organisations develop new business models that will answer their customers needs today and in the future.
On 7 February, Bacardi employees will pour into more than 1,000 bars in 130-plus cities around the world for the drink giant's second annual 'Back to the Bar' initiative.

John Burke, chief marketing officer and president of Bacardi Global Brands Limited and with Jacob Briars, Bacardi global advocacy director. Photo credit: Benjamin Eagle.

Trendspotting to take centre stage

#BizTrends2019: 5 trends forecasted for the cocktail industry Three local South African industry experts - Leah van Deventer, Denzel Heath, George Hunter - explain what's in store for cocktails in 2019. They summed it up in five top trends...

Coinciding with the companys annual Founders Day, 'Back to the Bar' commemorates the 157th anniversary of family-owned Bacardi, today the worlds largest privately held spirits company. Designed to reignite the companys bar-born spirit and family culture, Back to the Bar has become an important cultural touchstone for the company which was originally founded in Cuba and today operates in more than 200 countries around the globe.Back to the Bar is based on our belief that our brands are built in bars, not boardrooms. As Bacardi celebrates our 157th anniversary, its important to reconnect with our roots, think like founders and put our own feet on the street to see first-hand how our business, bars and consumers are changing, said Mahesh Madhavan, CEO of Bacardi Limited.For Bacardi people, visiting bars is often more work than play as we do on-the-ground research and put ourselves in the role of salespeople and social media influencers.From trends like 'drink less but better' to 'Instagrammable handcrafted cocktails' to 'no/low is the new go-to', Back to the Bar will shine a light on important trends in a drinks business that continues to flourish, with Millennials  dubbed the 'shaken and stirred' generation  at the forefront of a new golden age of cocktails.The cocktail revolution continues as more people from more places drink more varieties of spirits than ever before, and bars and bartenders are on the frontlines, said Jacob Briars, Bacardis global advocacy director. In addition to spending time with consumers, Back to the Bar is a chance for us to thank the bars and restaurants who support us and the worlds best bartenders, who are truly on the cutting edge of whats new and next in our business.As part of this years event, Francois Portier, area director for South and East Africa, and Nicolas Koumbarakis, brand Ambassador sub-Sahara Africa will be going Back to the Bar at Rockets Bryanston and Gemellis in Johannesburg, respectively. Classic cocktails from the portfolio of Bacardi will be available including the Bacardi Cuba Libre, Martini Negroni cocktail and Patron Margarita.
TECNIS Eyhance IOL has European CE Mark approval and is now commercially available across Europe, including UK, Italy, France, Spain and Germany

Johnson & Johnson Vision has announced the launch of its TECNIS Eyhance IOL for the treatment of cataracts in Europe. This next-generation monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) allows patients to experience high-quality vision at both intermediate and far distances.

This is an important first for the monofocal IOL category, as today most lenses in the monofocal category only correct vision to help patients with cataracts see things at a distance, and thus do not improve the intermediate vision that is required for many important daily tasks.

Tom Frinzi, Worldwide President, Surgical, Johnson & Johnson Vision said, With the availability of TECNIS Eyhance IOL in Europe, we are proud to deliver another meaningful solution for patients with cataracts. We saw an opportunity to build upon the legacy of the TECNIS Family of IOLs and the proven design of our 1-piece platform to reimagine what was possible with the standard aspheric monofocal IOL.

As per the company statement,TECNIS Eyhance IOL allows patients to achieve significantly improved intermediate vision, compared with a standard aspheric monofocal IOL, along with 20/20* distance vision. In addition, data has shown a low incidence of halo, glare or starburst (bright circles of light that surround headlights and other light sources) comparable to what has been reported with the TECNIS 1-piece IOL. According to patient-reported outcomes, TECNIS Eyhance IOL enables most patients to perform certain activities with greater ease, such as being able to walk on uneven surfaces, and to engage in activities of personal interest, including favorite hobbies.

Dr. Oliver Findl, Chief of Department of Ophthalmology, Hanusch Hospital Vienna and ESCRS Board Member and Secretary said, Today, patients with cataracts are forced to make a trade-off decision on their vision when selecting a monofocal intraocular lens. They can have corrected vision at a distance, but require glasses for near and intermediate vision activities, which refers to everything at arms length such as computer work or looking at a car speedometer. TECNIS Eyhance IOL offers high quality intermediate as well as distance vision, which is an important advancement to allow patients greater ease in certain activities in their day-to-day lives.

TECNIS Eyhance IOL has European CE Mark approval and is now commercially available across Europe, including UK, Italy, France, Spain and Germany. This product is not currently approved or commercially available in other countries. In some countries, TECNIS Eyhance IOL is covered by medical insurance making it an important option for patients when a monofocal IOL is being considered.

TECNIS Eyhance IOL is part of the TECNIS Family of IOLs, which offer a variety of personalized vision options for people with cataracts, all with the goal of ensuring clear, sharp vision to meet individual needs and lifestyles. In particular, presbyopia-correcting IOLs, like TECNIS Symfony IOL, also exist that may be able to address other visual conditions, help patients wear glasses less often, and enhance focus at a full range of vision  near, intermediate and distance.

An estimated 253 million people live with vision impairment: 36 million are blind and 217 million have moderate-to-severe vision impairment. Cataracts, the leading cause of blindness globally account for 35 percent of the blindness and 24 percent of the moderate-to-severe visual impairment. More than 90 percent of people develop cataracts by age 65. Left untreated, cataracts cause vision to deteriorate over time. Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed around the world.
Under this programme, free, specialized cancer-screening will be conducted across the country for women from underprivileged families.

Indian Cancer Society and AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited has announced the launch of a nationwide cancer awareness initiative - Cancer Screening for Women. Under this programme, free, specialized cancer-screening will be conducted across the country for women from underprivileged families. These screening camps will focus on prevalent cancers such as oral, cervical and breast and will follow a rigorous process to link the suspect cases with health care facilities for further management. The programme also aims to raise awareness about risk factors, symptoms, removing stigma, and promoting healthy lifestyle for cancer prevention. The first screening camp to mark this launch was held on World Cancer Day at Indian Cancer Society, Mumbai, where over 100 women were screened.

Mr. Naveen Kshatriya, Honorary Secretary & Managing Trustee, of the Indian Cancer Society said, With the increasing incidence of cancer cases in women, there is an urgent need to raise awareness about early cancer detection at grass-roots level. With this initiative, we aim to enable people to stay ahead of cancer through early detection and timely treatment.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Gagan Singh, Country President and Managing Director, AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited said, We are pleased to partner with Indian Cancer Society and other partners to achieve our shared vision of curing cancer through early detection. Womens health is integrally linked to access to available resources and we believe that opportunistic screening with a robust framework to link them to the healthcare system is an important pathway to address this challenge

As part of Phase 1 of this programme, around 4000 women beneficiaries from vulnerable section of society will be screened in identified high priority district areas of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka with the help of mobile detection units with qualified technicians across urban and rural areas. In Phase 2, the specialised screening camps will be expanded to states in North & North - East India. The entire programme will run over the coming years. We thank our chief Guest Shri Vishwanath Mahadeshwar The Mayor of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation , Mumbai and Shri Kalidas Kolambkar MLA, Wadala Constituency.

Indian Cancer Society (ICS) is India's first voluntary, non-profit, National Organization for Awareness, Screening, Treatment Support, Survivorship and Rehabilitation, of those affected with cancer, Cancer Registry. ICS was established in 1951 by Dr. D.J. Jussawalla and Mr. Naval Tata and since then Indian Cancer Society has been doing sterling work in fighting cancer across India. ICS is actively involved with Tata Trusts, Tata Memorial Hospital, Govt of Maharashtra and various local organisations in executing awareness, screening, research and education, treatment support, survivorship and rehabilitation of cancer patient.

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three therapy areas - Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism and Respiratory. AstraZeneca India was established in 1979 and is marking its 40th year of long standing commitment to India. It is headquartered at Bengaluru, Karnataka. AstraZeneca India has a workforce of over 1200 employees across the country committed to deliver great medicines to patients through innovative science and global excellence in development and commercialization.
For Immediate Release, February 5, 2019 Contact: Robin Silver, (602) 799-3275, rsilver@biologicaldiversity.org Lawsuit Seeks Expanded Critical Habitat for Endangered Mount Graham Red Squirrels TUCSON, Ariz. The Center for Biological Diversity and Maricopa Audubon today filed a notice of intent to sue and compel the U.S. Fish and Service to expand critical habitat for Arizonas highly endangered Mount Graham red squirrel. Only about 75 of the squirrels remain on Earth. The squirrels no longer live in the area designated as critical habitat because it has been destroyed by the construction of mountaintop telescopes, wild fires and fires set intentionally to protect the telescopes. Their habitat includes spruce-fir forests above 9,200 feet. With so few Mount Graham red squirrels left, we need to do everything we can to protect their habitat, particularly the only places they now live, said Robin Silver, Center cofounder and board member. After widespread loss of their homes to the telescopes and fire, the squirrels desperately need new habitat protection. The squirrels now live at lower elevations, which is where they need habitat protections. One challenge for the squirrel is that the best remaining habitat is currently occupied by a camp and recreational cabins that were supposed to have been removed as mitigation for the telescopes, but never were. In response to a previous notice sent by the Center, the U.S. Forest Service, which issues the leases for the camp and cabins, is currently consulting with the Fish and Wildlife Service over how it can avoid jeopardizing the squirrels survival, which is a violation of the Endangered Species Act.
Chen Jizhong was all ready to head for China on Jan. 22 when FBI special agents swooped in on the Apple engineer. Chen's alleged crime, according to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, was to have stolen trade secrets relating to the company's autonomous vehicle program. In doing so, Chen appeared to be following in the footsteps of Zhang Xiaolang, a Chinese compatriot and Apple colleague whom authorities also nabbed as he prepared to flee to China in July 2018. In both cases, the men were planning to start employment with Apple's Chinese competitors in the driverless car market.

Two cases in which engineers working on Apple's autonomous vehicle program allegedly stole trade secrets show that corporate espionage will continue to be a major threat to companies.Nevertheless, the prosecution of an insider may not necessarily discourage future employees from following the same path.The differences in the tactics in the two cases demonstrate that corporate spies will learn from the mistakes of predecessors, and adapt to changes in security policy.

The Chen and Zhang cases bear some striking similarities but also feature some intriguing differences. Together, they illustrate that the threats to in-demand intellectual property will persist even after a successful prosecution and that agents will alter their tactics in response to efforts by corporate security departments to better protect their company's critical information.

Photos of a Computer Screen

Apple's investigation into Chen began Jan. 11, after an alert co-worker reported that he was taking pictures in a restricted area of the company's driverless car division. A subsequent search of the suspect's personal electronic devices revealed that he had loaded 2,000 files containing sensitive schematics and design details onto his personal laptop and to an external hard drive, and that hetaken hundreds of pictures of other sensitive documents using his cellphone. Apple immediately suspended Chen and denied him access to the firm's facilities and additional company information. After that, the firm contacted the FBI.

Chen told the FBI he recorded the files as an insurance policy because he was afraid he would lose his job after company officials placed him on a performance improvement plan in December 2018. Apple investigators, however, found evidence that the suspect had been storing proprietary material on his personal laptop since he began working there in June 2018. Chen also stated that he wanted to use the information to help him apply for other positions at Apple, only for the company probe to discover that he had applied for a job with a Chinese company planning to produce driverless cars.

When Apple security confronted Chen, they found that his personal cellphone contained around 100 photos taken inside the company's secure facility  a violation of the firm's security policy. Subsequent investigation also discovered that his laptop featured hundreds of other photos of sensitive information that he had photographed on his computer monitor. It is unclear whether Chen had downloaded the images directly from the phone to the computer using a cable, or if he sent the images from his office to an email address, text account or cloud location before deleting the original pictures from his phone. Using such a method would allow an employee to send photos outside the workspace without keeping them on the phone, reducing the possibility that authorities would apprehend the employee in possession of incriminating photos. In Chen's case, however, he appears to have engaged in sloppy tradecraft by keeping the photos on his personal computer. (It is unclear at this point if he ever sent them elsewhere.) As a result, those photos will now provide ample evidence against him in court.

Updating the Tradecraft

Perhaps one of the biggest differences in the Chen and Zhang cases is that the latter succeeded in downloading over 20 gigabytes of technical specifications and other proprietary data from restricted Apple databases. Zhang subsequently transferred the data without authorization to his wife's computer shortly before resigning from the company. Reviews of logs and surveillance footage also demonstrated that Zhang had removed hardware, including a server and circuit boards, from his laboratory.

Chen, by contrast, is accused of using an external hard drive to make a complete copy of the contents of his work laptop  something that we have seen intelligence officers request in other corporate espionage cases.

According to complaint against Chen, Apple uses software to carefully limit access to its restricted databases (likely the ones Zhang downloaded from), as well as to monitor who is viewing them. Apple may have implemented stricter controls as a result of the Zhang case, or perhaps the company had just become more vigilant following the revelations that Zhang had succeeded in downloading so much protected data.

Indeed, given that Chen  who had access to some of the protected databases in line with his job responsibilities  took photos of information displayed on his computer monitor using his smartphone, it appears that he was either unable to download the necessary critical data or was afraid of doing so due to internal controls. In the end, the changes to company security procedures in the wake of the Zhang case apparently altered Chen's access to information, thereby forcing him to resort to the comparatively low-tech solution of snapping photos of data displayed on his computer monitor.

Whipping out a camera to take photos of sensitive documents in the workplace is old-school espionage tradecraft. During the Cold War, generations of agents recruited by intelligence agencies in both the East and West used miniature Minox cameras smuggled into their workplaces to capture classified documents. That, however, was only half the battle: In such operations, the agents then had to smuggle the exposed film out of the workplace in a variety of clever ways  using everything from hidden compartments in lipstick tubes to hollowed-out shoe heels.

Today, of course, the story is different. Instead of a special Minox camera, every agent (along with nearly everybody else) has a smartphone that can photograph sensitive documents, equipment or, as in Chen's case, sensitive information on a computer screen. Indeed, because of the obvious espionage threat posed by smartphones, many government offices require employees to check their cellphones at the door. Many corporate facilities that handle classified government information have also adopted the policy, while corporations that process business-critical research and development or other sensitive intellectual property may also consider doing the same.

Evolving Espionage

So far, little information has emerged detailing Chen's interactions with the Chinese vehicle company, and it is unclear whether he established his relationship with them before taking the job with Apple or only after December 2018, when he began to fear for his employment due to the performance improvement plan. Equally unclear is whether he received any instructions on how to acquire information or direction from the Chinese company about which specific information to obtain. The fact that he was amassing sensitive information from the beginning of his employment also raises the possibility that he was an intentional plant inside the company. Whatever the case, if Chen had received instructions, he likely would have taken better care to send the photos to the cloud or a specified contact rather than retaining so much incriminating evidence.

Ultimately, just as Chen adopted new tactics as a result of the Zhang case, it is very likely that future corporate spies will sharpen their tradecraft in response to the mistakes that got Chen caught  as well as in response to any new security procedures established in the wake of his case. Beyond that, Chen's case highlights just how persistent the threat of corporate espionage is. Companies that develop technologies or other intellectual property of interest to competitors had best be on their guard  even if they manage to apprehend a corporate spy or two in their midst.
The Hamburg Lions Club presented a donation to Hamburg Strand. From left to right are Lions Club President Wade Schreffler, Strand theater coordinator Stephanie Adam and Lions Club Board member Charles Stewart.
David Kennedy is the president of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association. A trooper since 1995 and now a sergeant, he served in several patrol units and later as a criminal investigator, supervisor of the Lancaster Criminal Investigation Unit, and firearms unit supervisor at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.
Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 80F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

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Thunderstorms likely in the evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms later on. Low 69F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
A blogger from Vietnam is missing after he fled to Thailand to seek political asylum with a UN refugee agency, fueling fears that he has been abducted by Vietnamese security agents.

There has been no word since Jan. 26 from Truong Duy Nhat, a weekly contributor to the Vietnamese-language service of Radio Free Asia (RFA), a sister entity of BenarNews.

We are extremely concerned about the safety and well-being of Truong Duy Nhat," RFA President Libby Liu said on Tuesday. "We hope to hear from him as soon as possible about his whereabouts and to be assured that hes not in any danger, she said.

Nhats disappearance has sent a chill through the Vietnamese refugee community in Thailand and prompted a call from Human Rights Watch for Thai authorities to investigate.

Sources said that Nhat had gone to the office of the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees in Bangkok on Jan. 25 to apply for refugee status.

The Thailand-based sources, who requested anonymity because they feared for their own safety, said that Nhat went missing the next day during a visit to Future Park, a huge mall on the outskirts of Bangkok. One of the sources said Nhat was arrested at an ice cream shop on the third floor of the mall.

Thai police said they don't have Nhat in custody.

Weve checked through the list of detainees, we dont see him, Truong Duy Nhat, on the list, Police Col. Tatpong Sarawanangkoon, who is in charge of the detention section at the Immigration Detention Center in Bangkok, told RFA.

The UNHCR was tightlipped, citing privacy concerns. Associate external relations officer Jennifer Harrison said: Due to reasons of confidentiality and data protection, we are unable to comment on individual cases.

An urgent obligation

Nhat's wife, who is in Vietnam, and their Canada-based daughter believe that he left Vietnam for Thailand about three weeks before they heard he had gone missing, according to thevietnamese.org, an online magazine.

The authoritarian government of Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is at present holding more than 200 political prisoners, including rights advocates and bloggers deemed threats to national security, according to the California-based Vietnam Human Rights Network.

The government controls the news media, censors the internet, and restricts basic freedoms of expression.

Nhat himself served a two-year-imprisonment in 2014-2015 for his activism after being arrested in May 2013 and held in detention until his trial.

Human Rights Watch, or HRW, urged Thai authorities to investigate the case of Nhat, noting that he had come to Bangkok to apply for political asylum.

"[T]he Thai authorities have an urgent obligation to seriously investigate this disappearance, Phil Robertson, HRW's Bangkok-based deputy Asia director, told RFA.

Robertson accused Vietnam of "consistently engaging in hostile surveillance and harassment of Vietnamese and Montagnard [minority] who fled the country to escape political and religious persecution, and this includes activities in Bangkok."

California-based blogger Nguyen Van Hai, who was detained in the same prison with Nhat before Hais release in 2014, said he believes Nhat was abducted by Vietnamese security agents in Thailand.

"We are looking at the possibility that he has been abducted," Hai told RFA.

"We know he arrived at Bangkok and went to the UNs office to apply for refugee status. If for any reason Nhat now appears in Vietnam, it must be against his will," Hai said.

Kidnapped in Berlin

This is not the first time the Vietnamese government has been accused of abducting its citizens from abroad.

Last year, a German court jailed a Vietnamese man almost four years for helping his countrys secret services kidnap a former oil executive from a Berlin street in 2017 and smuggle him back to Vietnam.

Ex-oil executive Trinh Xuan Thanh was seeking asylum in Germany at that time and his disappearance soured bilateral relations, with the German foreign ministry accusing Vietnam of breaching international law.

Thanh was subsequently tried and jailed for life on corruption charges in Vietnam.
A dissident couple who fled China four years ago over fears of alleged political reprisals will be resettled in Canada from Thailand in the coming months, a lawyer said Tuesday.

Last year, Thai authorities arrested the couple and charged them with immigration violations, although U.N. agency UNHCR gave them refugee status the previous year. Wu Yuhua and her husband, Yang Chong, arrived in the Southeast Asian country in February 2015, claiming Chinese police were targeting them because they had joined press freedom protests in southern Guangzhou city in 2013.

UNHCR recently informed Wu Yuhua that she and her husband were cleared for Canadian resettlement, attorney Warissara Rungthong told BenarNews.

It is apparent that they may be able to fly to Canada soon, expectedly in March, said Warissara, a lawyer with the People Serving People foundation. There are sponsors in Canada who helped them out.

After receiving their refugee status in 2017, the couple started looking for resettlement in a third country, their lawyer said.

I feel very happy when I heard that we could move to Canada, Yang Chong said in a text message to BenarNews. Lately, Im in a good health but my wife is having some stress.

Thai authorities arrested the couple in August 2018, along with another Chinese national, outside the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok, while they were applying for asylum.

They were locked up in an immigration detention center in Bangkok. In December, a court acquitted Wu of charges that she entered the Buddhist-majority country without proper documents.

Meanwhile, Yang was tried and found guilty in November of staying in Thailand after his visa had expired. He was sentenced to six months and a fine of 10,000 baht (U.S. $303). But he was allowed to walk free on a one-year probation because he had no criminal record, court officials said.

Thailand has a record of sending refugees from China back home.

In July 2018, authorities in southwestern Chinas Chongqing city sent rights activist Dong Guangping and political cartoonist Jiang Yefei to prison after they were repatriated from Thailand, where they were awaiting resettlement as political refugees.

Amnesty International said Dong was just five days away from freedom and was set to leave Thailand to start a new life with his wife and daughter in Canada when Thai authorities forcibly returned him to China in November 2015. He has since been detained without trial, Amnesty said in a statement in April last year.

Jiang, who was also granted refugee status by the UNHCR in Bangkok, was preparing to move to Canada, too, at the time of his arrest.

A court in Chongqing tried him in secret after he was sent back from Thailand in 2015, sentencing him to six and a half years in jail for inciting subversion of state power, and "illegally crossing a national border, according to the Hong Kong Free Press.

Thailand is failing to protect people at risk of serious human rights violations once returned to the countries they left, Amnesty said.

In the last four years, the Thai government has forcibly returned more than 100 political refugees to China, Cambodia and Bahrain, according to estimates from the London-based rights watchdog.
American actress and U.N. special envoy Angelina Jolie addresses reporters during her visit to the Kutupalong refugee camp in Coxs Bazar district, southeastern Bangladesh, Feb. 5, 2019.

Rohingya should be allowed to return to Myanmar with full rights but the world needs to ensure they can live with dignity in Bangladesh until then, American film star Angelina Jolie said Tuesday after touring the largest refugee camp on Bangladeshi soil.

The actress and special ambassador for the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR visited the Kutupalong camp, which houses more than 600,000 Rohingya sheltering in southeastern Coxs Bazar district, on day two of her first humanitarian mission to Bangladesh.

You have every right to live in security, to be free to practice your religion and to coexist with people of other faiths and ethnicities, Jolie told Rohingya at the camp as she turned to a crowd of those people without a country, who stood near her while she read out a prepared statement to reporters.

You have every right not to be stateless, and the way you have been treated shames us all.

On the first day of her three-day trip to Bangladesh, the 43-year-old Hollywood superstar met with Rohingya women and children at the Chakmarul refugee camp. They told her about alleged abuses suffered at the hands of Myanmar security forces during a brutal crackdown in Rakhine state that followed deadly attacks mounted by Rohingya insurgents in August 2017.

The crackdown led to more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims seeking shelter across the border in neighboring Coxs Bazar and other areas.

It was deeply upsetting to meet the families who have only known persecution and statelessness their whole lives, who speak of being 'treated like cattle, Jolie said.

I also met yesterday some of the many survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, including mass rape. Nearly two years after the beginning of this emergency, there is still a worrying gap in psychosocial services available for refugee survivors. This gap urgently needs to be addressed, she said, adding that Rohingya refugee children desperately lacked educational opportunities in the camps.

Jolie is due to meet with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other government officials in Dhaka on Wednesday. She is visiting the country ahead of the launch of a new humanitarian funding appeal by the United Nations, which will seek nearly $1 billion in extra aid money for managing the Rohingya refugee crisis.

Until they can return, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that they can live dignified lives here in Bangladesh, she said of the refugees.

Bangladesh is a generous country rich in culture and history, but with limited resources, Jolie added.

And it cannot be left to shoulder the responsibility of hosting Rohingya refugees alone. So I urge the international community to continue to provide the humanitarian aid necessary to meet the needs of the refugees and support the communities so generously hosting them.

Jolie also urged authorities in Myanmar to show the genuine commitment needed to end the cycle of violence and displacement and improve the conditions for all communities in Rakhine State, in line with the recommendations of the Rakhine Advisory Commission, and working together with UNHCR and others.

After reading her statement aloud, Jolie did not take questions from reporters. UNHCR later released the actresss remarks via its website.

All of us want to return home. But we will not go unless we are given citizenship. Our safety and security must be ensured. If we go right now, the military and the Mogh will make us starve to death, Masud Arakani, a Rohingya leader at the Lambarshia camp refugee camp, which is next to the Kutupalong camp, told BenarNews, using a pejorative name for Buddhists in Rakhine state.
Armed and masked members of the Ulster Volunteer Force on the Shankill Road.

Armed and masked members of the Ulster Volunteer Force on the Shankill Road.

The murder of Ian Ogle is believed to be the 30th killing of a Protestant by the UVF since the loyalist terror group declared its ceasefire in 1994.

Despite the vow to give up dispensing so-called justice from the barrel of a gun, money, drugs and bruised egos have made it the most prolific murder gang since the end of the Troubles.

In 2005, its killing spree led the British Government to state it no longer recognised the UVF ceasefire. Three years later it reversed that decision but the bloodshed has continued.

Just under a year after the end of their armed campaign was announced by former UVF leader Gusty Spence, the gang murdered Billy Elliott (below) in Bangor for his role in the shockingly brutal murder of Margaret Wright.

Elliott allegedly ordered his men to savagely beat and shoot the 31-year-old Protestant to death in a band hall in south Belfast in April 1994, believing she was a Catholic or an RUC informant.

He was shot dead by gunmen near a friend's home in Bangor in September 1995 by gunmen from the UVF-linked Red Hand Commando - including Frankie Curry, who was himself murdered by the UVF in March 1999.

The most high-profile UVF killing since its supposed ceasefire was the murder of Raymond McCord Jnr by men from the Mount Vernon UVF.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera, Ryan and Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Ian Olge's family including his son Ryan and daughter Toni pictured at the funeral. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Ian Ogle's children Ryan and Toni during the Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Ian Ogle's daughter Toni during the Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph MP Gavin Robinson as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera, Toni and Ryan Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera, Toni and Ryan Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera and Ryan Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera and Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. Ian Ogle Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Floral tributes placed at the scene where father-of-two Ian Ogle was murdered by UVF thugs last week Freddie Parkinson Ian Ogle Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph / Facebook

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Whatsapp Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week.

The 22-year-old was beaten to death with breeze blocks on the orders of Mount Vernon commander Mark Haddock in November 1997.

His father, Raymond McCord, has tirelessly campaigned to uncover collusion between the UVF and the RUC, for which Haddock was an informer.

Mr McCord told Sunday Life yesterday that following the killing of Ian Ogle, he wants to hear unionist leaders call for the arrest of the UVF leadership.

Expand Expand Previous Next Close Former UVF leader and Loyalist icon Gusty Spence along with William Smith, Gary McMichael, David Irvine and David Adams announces the loyalist ceasefire in 1994 David Ervine with mentor Gusty Spence / Facebook

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Whatsapp Former UVF leader and Loyalist icon Gusty Spence along with William Smith, Gary McMichael, David Irvine and David Adams announces the loyalist ceasefire in 1994

He also questioned the length of time it took for the police to say the Ogle killing may be linked to the East Belfast UVF.

"Why did it take them four days when two minutes after the murder everybody knew who did it?" he said.

Before last Sunday's brutal murder, the most recent killing carried out by the gang was the brazen slaying of Bobby Moffett, a former Red Hand Commando prisoner.

Mr Moffett was gunned down in broad daylight in front of hundreds of people on the Shankill Road in west Belfast in May 2010. The 44-year-old was killed by two men dressed as workmen as he made his way to meet UVF chiefs to resolve issues following a row with members.

The Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) later ruled that UVF bosses sanctioned the murder of Mr Moffett, although they were meant to be on ceasefire. The body said it had been a "public execution" sanctioned by UVF leaders.

In the summer of 2005 the gang shot dead Jameson Lockhart (25), Stephen Paul (28) and Michael Green (42) in a seven-week period as it feuded with the rival Loyalist Volunteer Force.

That same year, Craig McCausland (20) was shot dead in the Woodvale area of west Belfast, 18 years after his mother was raped and beaten to death at a loyalist drinking club in north Belfast.

In 2000 at least seven people were killed during the feud between the UVF and the UDA's Shankill Road 'C Company', including UDA men Jackie Coulter and Bobby Mahood.
Prosecutors are considering an appeal against the prison sentence handed to a 67-year-old man in a sex abuse case, after a Kansas judge called two teenage girls the aggressor in the encounter.

Leavenworth County District Judge Michael Gibbens jailed Raymond Soden for five years, 10 months in December for soliciting a 13-year-old on Facebook.

Prosecutors had sought more than 13 years as Soden had prior convictions, the Kansas City Star reported.

Soden admitted to knowing that one of the young girls was 13 when he began exchanging messages with her online.

But Judge Gibbens said that the girls, aged 13 and 14, were more an aggressor than a participant.

Sexual assault is never the victims fault. It doesnt matter what the girls did or didnt do, he is still the adult and nobody deserves to be taken advantage of sexuallyMichelle Herman, Sunflower House

He said that the teenagers had voluntarily gone to Sodens house and taken money for sexual favours as he explained his decision to give Soden a prison sentence eight years less than that recommended in Kansas sentencing guidelines.

Judge Gibbens also questioned the level of harm the victims suffered because they did not appear at the sentencing hearing.

He declined to comment.

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said prosecutors are considering an appeal.

Harleigh Harrold, a prevention coordinator for the Metropolitan Organisation to Counter Sexual Assault, told the newspaper that children do not have the ability to understand the consequences of such an act.

She said perpetrators target children from troubled situations that may lack the support they need.

It doesnt mean those children are at fault in any way or have opportunity to consent in a relationship with an adult, Ms Harrold said.

Michelle Herman, president and CEO of the child advocacy centre Sunflower House, said: Sexual assault is never the victims fault.

It doesnt matter what the girls did or didnt do, he is still the adult and nobody deserves to be taken advantage of sexually.
Donald Trump has been in a Twitter row with Chuck Schumer ahead of the presidents State of the Union address (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

US President Donald Trump has criticised a prominent Democrat on Twitter ahead of his State of the Union address.

Mr Trump lashed out at Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer after he accused the president of blatant hypocrisy during a speech.

Mr Schumer said on the Senate floor that the president talks about unity in his annual addresses to the nation but spends the other 364 days of the year dividing us.

President Trump will report tonight on the state of our union.



But, the state of the Trump economy is failing Americaas middle class.



The state of the Trump healthcare system is failing American families.



The state of the Trump Administration is chaos. https://t.co/TFZmaoD2Jw  Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 5, 2019

Minutes later, Mr Trump tweeted that Mr Schumer hadnt even seen the speech and was just upset that he didnt win the Senate, after spending a fortune.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders indicated the president would highlight what he sees as achievements and downplay discord.

Youre going to continue see the president push for policies that help continue the economic boom, Ms Sanders said on Monday night while appearing on Hannity on Fox News.

Youre also going to see the president call on Congress and say, Look, we can either work together and get great things done or we can fight each other and get nothing done. And frankly, the American people deserve better than that.

But Washingtons most recent debate offered few signs of co-operation between Mr Trump and Democrats. Under pressure from conservative backers, Mr Trump refused to sign a government funding bill that did not include money for his long-sought border wall.

With hundreds of thousands of Americans going unpaid, Mr Trump ultimately agreed to re-open the government for three weeks to allow negotiations on border security to continue.

With the new February 15 funding deadline looming, Mr Trump is expected to use his address to outline his demands, which still include funding for a wall along the US-Mexico border.

You'll hear the State of the Union, and then you'll see what happens right after the State of the UnionDonald Trump

He has teased the possibility of declaring a national emergency to secure wall funding if Congress does not act, though it appeared unlikely he would take that step on Tuesday night. Advisers have also been reviewing options to secure some funding without making such a declaration.

Youll hear the State of the Union, and then youll see what happens right after the State of the Union, Mr Trump told reporters.

Republican senator John Cornyn said he remains hopeful Congress can resolve the dispute.

Democrats can call it a fence, the president can call it a wall and then we can call it a day, which I think is one way of skinning the cat, said Mr Cornyn, who is a close adviser to Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell.

The presidents address marks the first time he is speaking before a Congress that is not fully under Republican control.

House speaker Nancy Pelosi, who won plaudits from Democrats for her hardline negotiating tactics during the shutdown, will be seated behind the president  a visual reminder of Mr Trumps political opposition.

Expand Close Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will sit behind the president during the address (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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In a letter on Monday night to House Democrats, Ms Pelosi wrote that she hopes we will hear a commitment from the President on issues that have bipartisan support in the Congress and the Country, such as lowering the price of prescription drugs and rebuilding Americas infrastructure.

In the audience will be several Democrats running to challenge Mr Trump in 2020, including senators Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Another Democratic star, Stacey Abrams, will deliver the partys response to Mr Trump. Ms Abrams narrowly lost her bid in November to become Georgias first black governor, and party leaders are aggressively recruiting her to run for Senate.

Mr Schumer earlier previewed Democrats message for countering Mr Trump, declaring on Monday: The number one reason the state of the union has such woes is the president.

Thanks for watching my speech but you must have missed this line:



aEven more empty than his policy promises are President Trumpas calls each year for unitya#SOTU https://t.co/dtKUKBnNlK  Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 5, 2019

While Mr Trump was still putting the final touches on the speech on Tuesday, he was expected to use some of his televised address to showcase a growing economy.

Despite the shutdown, the US economy added a robust 304,000 jobs in January, marking 100 straight months of job growth. That is the longest period on record.

Mr Trump and his top aides have also hinted that he is likely to use the address to announce a major milestone in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria. Despite the objections of some advisers, Mr Trump announced in December that he was withdrawing US forces in Syria.
A whale is seen in the marine containment facility in Srednyaya Bay near Vladivostok (Free Russian Whales via AP)

Activists have expressed alarm about more than 100 whales that are being kept in small pools in what environmentalists are calling a whale prison off the coast of Russia.

The local court last week agreed to hear the activists lawsuit seeking to penalise officials who allowed the capture and demanding the animals release.

Activists first raised the alarm late last year when 90 belugas and 12 orcas were captured and placed in a marine containment facility.

Russian law only allows for the capture of whales for scientific or cultural purposes.

Expand Close The marine containment facility in Srednyaya Bay near Vladivostok (Free Russian Whales via AP) AP / Facebook

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But activists believe the whales have been captured for sale to foreign amusement parks.

Local animal rights activists say the cramped conditions and low temperatures threaten the whales lives.

There are very small chain-link pens, 12 to 15 baby whales are put there and have to be on top of each other, said activist Nina Zyryanova.

Now its getting colder every day. Although these animals are native to the Arctic, they must move, hundred kilometres a day, to stay warm.

The marine containment facility in Srednyaya Bay near Vladivostok has been investigated by Russian prosecutors who have already called the capture illegal.

Kirill Parkhomenko, assistant to the Vladivostok environmental prosecutor, said that four Russian companies caught the animals after they obtained a permit from the Federal Fishery Agency.

The prosecutors believe that this permit was obtained illegally because the company cannot prove that it is engaged in any scientific or cultural activities.

Whales are worth a fortune on the black market, and the activists believe that they were captured for sale to amusements parks in China.

The whales are kept at one location but are owned by four separate companies. Company records and court filings, however, indicate that the companies are connected.

In an interview with Russian state TV last year, a representative for the facility rejected reports of poor treatment of the animals.

One of the companies, Bely Kit, unsuccessfully sued the Federal Fishery Agency in 2017 over its refusal to issue it a quota for capturing unidentified marine mammals.

The 2017 ruling shows that Bely Kit had a standing contract with a company in Chinas northeast and that the company was unable to prove that the whales would be kept in good conditions and used for educational purposes.

The city of Weihai in the Shandong province hosts an ocean amusement park.

Several owners and managers at the four companies have been previously fined for illegal capture of the whales.
Angelina Jolie has urged Burma to show a genuine commitment to ending violence in Rakhine state, where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh for safety.

The Hollywood star, a special envoy for the UN human rights agency, made the comments as she visited sprawling camps in Bangladesh that are home to one million Rohingya refugees.

"To the Rohingya refugees, I want to say I am humbled and proud to stand with you today."



Statement by our UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie, in Kutupalong refugee settlement, Bangladesh https://t.co/O21y4h4d9z  UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) February 5, 2019

More than 700,000 have arrived since August 2017, when Burmas army led a violent crackdown following attacks on security posts by a Rohingya insurgent group.

Jolie is visiting for three days before launching a global appeal for $920 million (710 million), chiefly to support the refugees needs.

She met and talked with refugees, including children and rape victims.

It was deeply upsetting to meet the families who have only known persecution and statelessness their whole lives, who speak of being treated like cattle, she told reporters at the Kutupalong refugee camp.

Jolie added: They have been denied their most basic human right: citizenship in their country of birth. And some still wont even call the Rohingya by their rightful name.

She thanked Bangladesh for hosting the refugees despite being over populated, and urged the international community to provide more resources for the refugees.

Bangladesh is a generous country rich in culture and history, but with limited resources. And it cannot be left to shoulder the responsibility of hosting Rohingya refugees alone, she said.

Jolie said Burma must ensure safety for the Rohingya to return home.

They have an absolute right to return home, but only when they feel safe enough to do so voluntarily and they know that their rights will be respected, she said.

Bangladesh attempted to start repatriation of Rohingya in November last year, but the country postponed the process after no Rohingya came forward to go back voluntarily.

The UN and other global human rights groups have said no Rohingya should be forced to return.

Bangladesh authorities said they will send them back only if they are willing to go back and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged international community to put pressure on Burma for ensuring safety in the country for making their voluntary return possible.

Most people in Buddhist-majority Myanmar do not accept that the Rohingya Muslims are a native ethnic group, viewing them as Bengalis who entered from Bangladesh centuries ago.

Nearly all have been denied citizenship since 1982, as well as access to education and hospitals.
MADRID - Catalan pro-independence members of the Spanish Parliament sent a warning on Tuesday to the minority socialist government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez that if it doesn't provide "openings" on the legal front for jailed pro-independence leaders, they may not approve the government's budget bill.



Spokespeople for the Catalan party Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) filed an amendment on Tuesday to the entire budget bill, which was also announced by the Catalan Democratic European Party (PdeCAT).



If it isn't withdrawn by February 13, ERC will prevent the start of the examination of the 2019 budget bill planned for that day, the day after the start of the Supreme Court trial of 12 pro-independence leaders jailed for the secessionist referendum held on October 1, 2017.



ERC is demanding significant "gestures" on the judicial front or negotiations, including the possibility of an authorised self-determination referendum, something that the Sanchez government is not willing to do.



Meanwhile, the media cited socialist sources who are still confident in the possibility of negotiations.


With the anniversary of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., coming up next week, the media is gearing up to reflect on the violent event.

On Feb. 12, two days before the actual anniversary of the Feb. 14 shooting that left 17 students and school personnel dead, HarperCollins will publish Parkland: Birth of a Movement by Dave Cullen. He is the author of the acclaimed book Columbine, a detailed account of the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School in suburban Denver.

Also on Feb. 12, the DVD of the documentary Parkland: Inside Building 12 , by Charlie Minn, will be released. The two-hour film features survivors of the shooting and has drawn attention for its use of student cellphone video of the horrific scene inside the school. That film has had limited runs in a few theaters starting last fall.

This Thursday, Feb. 7, HBO will premiere a less-harrowing tale to emerge from the Florida incident. Song of Parkland  is a half-hour documentary about how the theater students at Stoneman Douglas High coped with the shooting by returning to the stage under the direction of veteran drama teacher Melody Herzfeld.

If that theme sounds familiar, there are reasons for it. Last February, in the days after the shooting, The New Yorker ran a story about how many of the student anti-gun activists who were taking the spotlight were theater kids, including Cameron Kasky, one of the most prominent student leaders of the nationwide March for Our Lives last March 24.

Kasky was among a handful of MSD students who were already rehearsing as cast members of a nearby community theater production of Spring Awakening, the Tony Award-winning musical that deals in an edgy way with themes of teenagers responding to a world created by neglectful adults. (The musical, by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, is based on an 1891 German play and is set in the 19th Century, and deals with teenage sexuality, abortion, and suicide.)

The Florida staging of Spring Awakening led to a short documentary, Awakening: After Parkland , by Cristina Costantini and Darren Foster, focused on the MSD students experience with the production, with appearances by Kasky, Sawyer Garrity, and Alex Wind, among others.

Awakening came out last year and is now available for screening on YouTube and a site called Topic.

Song of Parkland - Trailer

The new Song of Parkland documentary on HBO treads some similar ground as Awakening. Director Amy Schatz, who also made Through a Childs Eyes, about young peoples perspectives on the terrorism of Sept. 11, 2001, had some good access to Melody Herzfeld and her students as they returned to school after the shooting and returned to preparations for their annual childrens play.

When we came back to school, we all knew what we needed to do, student Alex Wind says in the documentary.

Fellow theater student Alex Athanasiou says the sentiment of the students was that We want to bring happiness to the school again. ... We want to shine a light if you will.

There are a few obligatory shots of news coverage of the Feb. 14 shooting, and Herzfeld shows off the utility room where she kept some 60 students on lockdown as the shooting unfolded.

Student Ally Reichard recalls that Herzfeld was dismissive of the fire alarm that had sent many MSD students into the halls and directly into danger.

That minute that we were in the classroom and didnt go outside basically saved all our lives, Reichard says in the film.

The documentary shows the students rehearsing for a childrens play called Yo, Vikings! by Marcus Stephens. It is definitely not Spring Awakening.

Herzfeld reflects during the documentary about having taught at least 10 of the Never Again student anti-violence leaders. She says that she strived to make her students understand that despite the violence they had endured, that life is still worth living.

Life is so good, she recalls telling them. So dont ever lose that. Because if they lose that, they lose everything theyre supposed to have when theyre kids.

The documentary closes with the tribute to Herzfeld at last Junes Tony Awards in New York City, which included a surprise rendition of Seasons of Love from Rent performed on the Tonys stage by some 15 MSD students who Herzfeld had taught over her then-15 years at the school.

The moment is as moving in the documentary as it was on TV last spring. As we enter a week or so when many of the disturbing and violent moments from the Parkland incident will be replayed, Song of Parkland offers a brief but hopeful melody.
Instagram boss Adam Mosseri said the social media platform is not yet where it needs to be (Yui Mok/PA)

A proposed crackdown on social media companies is expected to be announced, to force them to remove illegal content and protect vulnerable users.

With mounting anger against tech giants, the Press Association takes a look at the debate.

 Why are social media firms being criticised?

Disturbing images of self-harm can be found on social media, whether broadcasted into users feeds by those they follow, or by searching for certain terms. Many are uploaded by youngsters.

The desperate expression from vulnerable individuals is feared to influence others into harming themselves.

Social media firms are currently left to their own devices as far as regulation is concerned, but they have been urged to act to protect their users and been threatened with legislation.

Suicide prevention minister Jackie Doyle-Price is expected to warn that the normalisation of self-harm and suicide content online poses a danger as grave as child grooming.

Outrage has intensified following the death of Molly Russell.

Expand Close Molly Russell died in November 2017 (Family handout/PA) / Facebook

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 Who is Molly Russell?

The 14-year-old girl took her own life in November 2017. Her family later found she had viewed social media content linked to anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide.

Her father, Ian Russell, said he had no doubt Instagram helped kill my daughter, blaming algorithms used by the platform for enabling her to view more harmful content.

 Have they acted already?

Instagram boss Adam Mosseri said he was deeply moved by Mollys story and acknowledged his platform was not yet where we need to be on the issues of suicide and self-harm.

Images that encourage the acts are banned, but the boss admitted that Instagram relies on users to report the content before it is purged.

The bottom line is we do not yet find enough of these images before theyre seen by other people, Mr Mosseri added.

But he said the Facebook-owned firm would introduce sensitivity screens making it harder for users to see images showing cutting.

The issue is not simple though.

He argues a key piece of advice from external experts is that safe spaces for young people to discuss their mental health issues online are essential, providing therapeutic benefits.

The site fears stigmatising mental health by censoring images that reflect real issues.

A spokesman for Instagram and Facebook vowed to make it harder to find self-harm related content through hashtags and the search feature.

Currently, searching for one hashtag that takes users to images of self-harm first warns that some of the following posts often encourage behaviour that can cause harm and even lead to death.

If youre going through something difficult, wed like to help, the warning message adds.

 Does social media increase incidents of self-harm?

The evidence is currently patchy.

One UK study found self-harm in girls aged 13-16 rose 68% from 2011 to 2014, a period that mirrors a boom in social media usage.

But the authors from the University of Manchester warned more research was necessary to attribute a cause and they suggested it could partly reflect girls being more willing to talk.

Another study led by the University of Oxford said moderate use could be beneficial but extreme usage may have a minor negative influence, pointing towards limiting adolescents technology time.

 Whats next?

Digital minister Margot James was on Tuesday expected to announce proposals to crack down on social media companies by forcing them by law to remove illegal content and sign a code of conduct.

We will introduce laws that force social media platforms to remove illegal content, and to prioritise the protection of users beyond their commercial interests, she was to say.

But, as has been the case with prior social media scandals, whether the giants act themselves will perhaps limit any regulation.
The Goonhilly Earth Station is located in Cornwall (Ian Jones)

Two UK space companies have joined forces to develop rocket launch technology.

Shetland Space Centre (SSC) and Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall will work on improving capabilities to track data and bring it back to Earth.

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) committing them to collaborate on a range of projects as the UKs space sector flourishes.

Shetland is recognised as the best location by key launch companiesIan Jones

Frank Strang, chief executive of SSC, said: As soon as we met the team from Goonhilly, we all recognised that there are potentially huge benefits from collaborating.

We have a shared drive and determination to increase the footprint of the UK space industry from launches on UK soil to a huge range of ground station activities.

Ian Jones, chief executive of Goonhilly, said: Were really looking forward to working with the Shetland Space Centre team at this hugely exciting time in the development of UK launch activity.

I think its obvious that Shetland is recognised as the best location by key launch companies.

The team at SSC have the skills and determination to make this a viable business opportunity.

Projects include working together to support both Shetlands and Cornwalls aspirations for vertical and horizontal UK space launches.

In horizontal launches, projectiles take off in a similar way a plane does from a runway.

The firms will jointly promote and deliver launch, monitoring and tracking capabilities from the two sites.
A prominent police officer has expressed disappointment at comments by actor Liam Neeson which revealed he once held violent thoughts about killing a black person in revenge after someone close to him was raped.

The Hollywood star provoked widespread criticism after he said he had walked the streets armed with a weapon, hoping he would be approached by someone so that I could kill him.

Detective Sergeant Janet Hills, chairman of the Metropolitan Black Police Association, said the remarks highlighted the need for intelligence-led policing instead of profiling a whole community.

I think it's disappointing that he has said what he's said and elaborated on thatDet Sgt Janet Hills

Asked about Mr Neesons comments, Ms Hills told the BBC: I think its disappointing that he has said what hes said and elaborated on that.

People will take a different view as to whether he is right or wrong.

But, when I align that with policing, that is why it is so key that we use intelligence-led policing to identify individuals and not profile a whole community in regard to criminal activities.

Because there are specifics in his case. There was a specific person that committed that.

It wasnt just any black man on the street. And that is why its really key that we use, and continue to use, intelligence-led policing to solve crime and to build reassurance with our communities.

The Taken actor, 66, recalled the feelings of anger in an interview to promote his new film Cold Pursuit.

Discussing how his character turns to anger, Neeson told the Independent: Theres something primal  God forbid youve ever had a member of your family hurt under criminal conditions. Ill tell you a story. This is true.

He said the rape happened some time ago and said of his friend: She handled the situation of the rape in the most extraordinary way.

I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping Id be approached by somebodyLiam Neeson

But my immediate reaction was I asked, did she know who it was? No. What colour were they? She said it was a black person.

I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping Id be approached by somebody  Im ashamed to say that  and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some black bastard would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him.

It took me a week, maybe a week and a half, to go through that. She would say, where are you going? and I would say, Im just going out for a walk. You know? Whats wrong? No, no, nothings wrong.

It was horrible, horrible, when I think back, that I did that. And Ive never admitted that, and Im saying it to a journalist. God forbid.

Its awful. But I did learn a lesson from it, when I eventually thought, What the f*** are you doing, you know?

I come from a society  I grew up in Northern Ireland in the Troubles  and, you know, I knew a couple of guys that died on hunger strike, and I had acquaintances who were very caught up in the Troubles, and I understand that need for revenge, but it just leads to more revenge, to more killing and more killing, and Northern Irelands proof of that.

All this stuff thats happening in the world, the violence, is proof of that, you know. But that primal need, I understand.

The comments triggered an intense debate on social media.
The introduction of a simpler test for bowel cancer has led to an increase in the number of people taking part, official analysis suggests.

Figures published by the Information Services Division (ISD) indicate there was a higher participation in screenings since the launch of the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) in November 2017.

The test, carried out at home, requires the collection of just one sample, rather than three over a 10-day period as had previously been the case.

The screening kits are then sent to a centre and tested for hidden traces of blood.

New stats - 64% of people in Scotland returned a new bowel cancer screening test kit in the first six months since its introduction. This is the first time uptake has been better than the standard of 60% - great news. pic.twitter.com/JNmaxdlmqZ  CRUK in Scotland (@CRUKScotland) February 5, 2019

In Scotland, men and women aged 50 to 74 are invited every two years to take part in a bowel screening.

Statistics highlight that between November 2017 and April 2018, 64% of people eligible for the test returned their FIT.

In the same period the previous year, uptake of the old test  the Faecal Occult Blood Test  was 56%.

The biggest improvement in participation with FIT was among those living in the most deprived areas  up from 42.0% to 51.8%.

The number of men taking the test also rose by more than nine percentage points from 52.6% to 61.8%.

There was also a marked increase from 8.2% to 18.4% in uptake among those who had never participated before but previously had the opportunity to.

Gordon Matheson, of Cancer Research UK, said: Screening for bowel cancer saves lives because detecting cancer at an early stage increases the chances of successful treatment.

It appears the introduction of a new testing kit in Scotland has helped make it easier for people to take part in the bowel screening programme, which is welcome news.

Scotland was the first UK nation to introduce this and the challenge for Scottish Government now is to address long-standing shortages among the staff who detect cancers, especially endoscopists and pathologists.

An ageing population means more people are being invited to screening so NHS Scotland must recruit and retain enough key health professionals if we are to achieve the ambition of detecting and treating more cancers early.

Getting checked early is one of the reasons why more people are surviving cancer than ever before.



Do you know the common signs and symptoms to look out for? You can find out more at https://t.co/1DMDWRvuVG. #WorldCancerDay pic.twitter.com/0UNYC8X8no  Scottish Government (@scotgov) February 4, 2019

Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick described the figures as encouraging.

He said: The fact that more people than ever before are taking part in the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme is very encouraging.

We know that the earlier a cancer is detected, the greater the chances of successful treatment and often cure.

This is why we launched our Detect Cancer Early programme in 2012 backed by a 42 million investment.

Screening remains one of the most effective ways to find bowel cancer early and help reduce health inequalities in cancer outcomes.

This is why Im delighted to see one of the biggest improvements was amongst those living in deprived areas.

Anas Sarwar, Labour MSP for Glasgow, stated the importance of encouraging more people to take part in tests.

Bowel cancer screening saves lives and can detect cancer early when treatment has the best chance of working, Mr Sarwar said.

Its vital that we increase uptake and work to overcome any embarrassment that people  particularly men  feel about taking part.

Its deeply concerning that uptake levels in Glasgow are the lowest in the country, with barely over half of eligible patients taking part.

Yet, at the same time, the city has one of the highest positive screening results, demonstrating how vital it is to participate.

While the new bowel screening test introduced in 2017 has clearly had a positive impact, general uptake levels remain low in deprived communities.

It is incumbent on the Scottish Government to continue targeting these areas to increase the number of patients undergoing screening.
A "highly intelligent" Chinese PhD student who was arrested trying to enter Buckingham Palace with a knife and later went on to sexually assault a woman at his university will probably be removed from the UK, a judge has said

A "highly intelligent" Chinese PhD student who was arrested trying to enter Buckingham Palace with a knife and later went on to sexually assault a woman at his university will probably be removed from the UK, a judge has said.

Hang Zhang (27) was arrested outside the palace in August 2016 carrying a folded knife and charges against him were dropped when he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

Zhang appeared at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday to be sentenced for a sexual assault he admitted committing on another Chinese student at Sheffield University.

Judge Jeremy Richardson QC said the defendant had developed a "penchant" for following Chinese women students and, in October 2018, he followed one student out of a gym class and pulled down her shorts.

The judge said he was sure that Zhang was suffering from a complex mental disorder - almost certainly bipolar affective disorder.

He said: "There was a bizarre but very worrying incident at the palace when you had a number of curious thoughts and desires."

Referring to the sexual assault in Sheffield, the judge said: "It was, on any analysis, disgraceful conduct but it was equally quite bizarre."

He ordered Zhang to be detained at a medium secure hospital under the Mental Health Act, adding that if he had not been mentally ill he would have been given an immediate prison sentence.

The judge said: "It is important, given your history, and in particular the episode at the palace, that the Secretary of State is made aware of your case.

"I have every suspicion that, in due course, you will be removed from the country and returned to the People's Republic of China."

Addressing Zhang - who was studying for a doctorate in engineering and arrived in the UK in 2015 - the judge said: "It is a tragic case. You are a highly intelligent young man who, sadly, has a mental illness."

He said he hoped the defendant would get the treatment he needed.
The Duchess of Cambridge will visit schools in London to mark Childrens Mental Health week. Jane Barlow/PA Wire

The Duchess of Cambridge will meet the woman named as the worlds best teacher during a series of school visits to mark Childrens Mental Health Week.

Kate will travel to north-west London to learn how the school of award-winning Andria Zafirakou is supporting the wellbeing of pupils and staff.

Ms Zafirakou was awarded a million dollars (766,000) in prize money and the 2018 Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, which recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession.

The art and textiles teacher, who works at Alperton Community School in Brent, learnt how to say basic greetings in many of the 35 languages spoken at the school to help parents feel welcome.

Expand Close Andria Zafirakou (Varkey Foundation/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook

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With colleagues she redesigned the curriculum to make it relevant to pupils, is known for taking the time to understand students lives by visiting their homes, and was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours.

Place2Be, a childrens mental health charity which has the duchess as its royal patron, is behind Childrens Mental Health Week which this year has a theme of Healthy: Inside and Out, focusing on the connection between physical and mental health.

The charity works with more than 280 primary and secondary schools across England, Scotland and Wales, providing support and expert training to improve the emotional wellbeing of pupils, families, teachers and school staff.

Expand Close Kate has been the Place2Be patron since 2013 (Victoria Jones/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook

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During her visit to Alperton Community School, Kate will join a round-table discussion with teachers about students school readiness and teacher welfare, and will meet pupils taking part in an extracurricular club focusing on the wellbeing of the school community.

The duchess will also visit Lavender Primary School in Enfield, north London, to watch pupils taking part in the schools Daily Mile challenge, which teaches children about the importance of being active.

She will also join a group of parents talking about the challenges of putting in place good routines and habits around sleep, screen time, healthy eating and exercise.
A senior dissident who gardai believe is the leader of the New IRA in Dublin has become the fourth man to be found guilty of the murder of father-of-three Peter Butterly nearly six years ago.

Kevin Braney (44), formerly of Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght, was found guilty of being involved in the organisation and planning of the shooting of dissident republican Butterly (35) outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on March 6, 2013.

Delivering judgment yesterday at Dublin's non-jury Special Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul Coffey, presiding, sitting with two other judges, said the court was driven "irresistibly" to the conclusion Braney was involved in organising Butterly's murder, beyond a reasonable doubt.

The court found Braney had attended meetings with others involved in the murder plot and that a massive Garda surveillance operation had seen him driving his own car in convoy with the killers as they moved a car the night before the murder.

Braney was also observed by gardai driving on the route the killers would take to and from the murder scene.

Butterly died instantly from three gunshot wounds to his neck and back after trying to flee his killers when they opened fire on his parked car.

Prior to the murder, gardai had a number of vehicles and individuals under surveillance, but no knowledge that a murder was going to take place. They had observed vehicles moving toward The Huntsman Inn and away from it and apprehended the chief suspects as they made their getaway.

In his opening address last October, prosecuting counsel Paul O'Higgins SC told the court that Braney "is said in effect to have been the man who gave the orders... and is shown to have had an extensive involvement".

Yesterday, the judge said the circumstantial evidence connected Braney with Butterly's killers Dean Evans and Edward McGrath, as well as with The Huntsman Inn.

The court considered it "highly significant" that Braney drove to The Huntsman Inn on the night before the shooting. There was also evidence that Braney met Butterly's murderers two days before the killing.

The judge outlined how gardai had placed a listening device at that meeting in a KFC restaurant at Charlestown Shopping Centre in Finglas and that six men including Braney could be heard talking about the killing and how the area was saturated with gardai. One piece of conversation picked up by the listening device was "Sorry... did you do the pickup?" This was followed by: "No, no, no. Everything got f**ked up. Butterly had to have known that something was going down."

The judges found this meeting was "so proximate" in time they could not dismiss it as unconnected. Braney was remanded in custody for sentencing on Friday.
A managed no deal being touted by some Brexiteers as an alternative to the Withdrawal Agreement does not exist, the Finance Minister has said.

Paschal Donohoe said there was no such thing as a so-called managed no deal that is being touted by some in London as an alternative to the deal reached between the UK and the EU.

The EUs stance is that the UK cannot be allowed to reduce the impact of leaving the EU without a deal by trying to enter into other deals.

Mr Donohoe said: It is very important not to pretend that there can be, what some in the UK are calling, a managed no deal. No such thing exists and, from the EU perspective, we need to be very careful not to put at risk the benefits of the Withdrawal Agreement and, in particular, the transitional arrangements and the backstop.

He made the comments during a parliamentary finance committee meeting on Tuesday where he faced questions from TDs and senators about the Governments Brexit contingency plans.

We are not engaging in or planning for the implementation of infrastructure on our borderFinance Minister Paschal Donohoe

Some Brexiteers have voiced their support for a so-called managed no deal, which could see the UK paying the EU for a transition period or mini deals to ease the negative impacts of the UK crashing out of Brexit.

During the committee meeting Mr Donohoe reiterated the Governments backing of the Withdrawal Agreement and the backstop.

But the Dublin TD said the Government was working daily on its no-deal contingency planning, but he said they did not include plans for physical infrastructure for a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland.

We are not engaging in or planning for the implementation of infrastructure on our border, he said.

In the event of a disorderly Brexit, discussions would need to be held between the UK and the Commission regarding how that would be delivered.

Speech to FinPERT Committe today on Brexit preparations, the economy, customs and taxation and legislation in this area as March 29th approaches: https://t.co/GwLenjpNCa  Paschal Donohoe (@Paschald) February 5, 2019

This is the very reason weve been negotiating for a backstop in the first place, he said.

He was pressed by Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty whether he could reassure the committee that there will be custom checks on the border in no-deal scenario.

Mr Donohoe said: I am re-stating that we will not be involved in any procedure that leads to the development of checks on the border. I want to be very clear about that.

He added that in the worst case scenario there would be checks in place on goods coming from UK to Ireland because the UK would become a third-country.

Asked by Mr Doherty what would happen if those goods came across the border, from Newry to Dundalk into the Republic, Mr Donohoe replied: That will have to be subjective engagement that we have with the European Commission.

Mr Donohoe told committee members that the risk of a disorderly exit had increased in recent weeks and that if it came to pass the Department of Finance has predicted that the economy would slow by 6% more than if Brexit did not happen and by 4.25% more than the Governments current trajectory which factors in a deal being made between the UK and the EU.

He added that the unemployment rate would increase by an estimated 2%, relative to Budget 2019 projections, and that the most adverse impacts are likely to be felt in agri-food and indigenous manufacturing sectors.
Cigarettes were recovered from a car by gardai investigating burglaries in counties Wicklow and Wexford (Garda/PA)

Two men have been arrested following a number of overnight burglaries at businesses in counties Wicklow and Wexford.

Gardai said that shortly after 2am on Tuesday, a number of men forced entry into a filling station in Gorey town in Co Wexford.

Cigarettes along with an undisclosed sum of cash were taken.

A short time later convenience stores in the villages of Redcross and Rathnew were burgled along with a phone shop in Wicklow town.

Sums of cash along with cigarettes and mobile phones were taken during the raids.

2 men have been arrested as part of Op Thor following a number of burglaries at businesses in Wicklow & Wexford. A large quantity of cigarettes, phones, sim cards & other property were recovered in a car by GardaA.



More info available from:https://t.co/zkQR3pDxcl pic.twitter.com/fjuowL2Fgj  Garda Info (@gardainfo) February 5, 2019

During a follow up operation involving gardai attached to special crime operations, Dublin based garda units and the garda air support unit a car was intercepted in the Bawnogue area of west Dublin.

As part of Operation Thor, two men aged in their 20s were arrested at the scene following a foot chase.

Both men are being held at Wicklow Garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

The car involved in the incident has been removed for forensic examination. A large quantity of cigarettes along with phones, sim cards and other property were recovered from the car by investigating gardai.
Spanish govt to put Civil Guard on sea rescue patrol boats To stop irregular landings on Spanish coasts

(ANSAmed) - MADRID, FEBRUARY 5 - The Spanish government has decided to place Civil Guard officers aboard sea rescue patrol boats in the western Mediterranean for "security reasons", according to sources in the Spanish armed forces cited by Spanish daily El Pais.



The measure is part of a government plan to reduce irregular migrant landings, which totaled 64,298 people in 2018, by 50% this year.



The goal is to "make it so that Moroccan coast guard officers broaden their zone of action and carry out more rescues," El Pais said.(ANSAmed).




Alternatives to the border backstop represent "wishful thinking", the Irish government has said.

Tanaiste Simon Coveney said many hours were involved in coming up with a "legally credible and pragmatic" solution.

He asserted the draft backstop text rejected by MPs already allows the EU and UK to work on alternative arrangements.

Mr Coveney said: "The Irish protocol in the Withdrawal Agreement already allows for alternative arrangements or alternative solutions to the backstop and if they're there they can replace the backstop. The problem is that none of those ideas around alternative arrangements stand up to scrutiny, we have certainly not seen any that have."

Mr Coveney attended meetings in Brussels yesterday.

He added: "What Ireland is being asked to do by some in Westminster is to essentially do away with an agreed solution between the UK Government and EU negotiators and to replace it with wishful thinking and I think that's a very unreasonable request to ask the Irish government to be flexible on.

"So if there are alternative arrangements that can work the current protocol, if people take the time to read it, takes account of that and it says very clearly that the backstop can be replaced by alternative arrangements as long as they work."

Dublin has strongly supported the concept of a backstop in the face of criticism from unionists and Tories at Westminster.

Unionists fear it could undermine the constitutional integrity of the UK by creating a distinct customs regime for Northern Ireland.

Nationalists argue that a hard Brexit without a backstop could endanger peace process gains and would create trade chaos in Ireland.

Mr Coveney added: "We have a pragmatic solution that we know will work, it was agreed with the British government and we expect them to follow through on that commitment."
The Dutch foreign minister has said another outcome to the Withdrawal Agreement is "not realistic" during a visit to the Irish border.

Stef Blok travelled to Co Louth yesterday to learn more about the implications of Brexit on border communities and said hearing first-hand the effects of the Troubles "was very different" from reading about it.

"The backstop is not there because the European Union asked for it, but because the UK has drawn a number of red lines," Mr Blok said.

"It is the result of more than two years of negotiations, so after two-and-a-half years of negotiations, it's not very realistic to expect that there will be a completely different outcome.

"The EU has shown unity throughout negotiations and there is no reason to change that unity, we are willing to listen to any proposals made by the UK, but until now there haven't been any specific proposals.

"This is a border that is not really a border, it's like something you would see between two municipalities.

"I have heard from people who have lived here all their life, there was violence, their lives were influenced by the situation here and they don't want to return to it." Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to travel to Brussels in the coming days, following last week's vote in the House of Commons which urged her to negotiate an alternative to the backstop.

Mrs May has said she will travel armed with "a fresh mandate" to "agree a pragmatic solution" for Brexit.

Irish minister of state for European affairs Helen McEntee and representatives from InterTradeIreland and Co-operation Ireland joined Mr Blok on the visit.

"We've always said that we will take on board any proposal, but we've spent two years looking at every possibility and what we have come up with is the backstop," Ms McEntee said.

"We're almost two weeks on from the vote, and we are yet to see any proposals that we believe would work. To ask Ireland to compromise now from what we see as an integral part is like asking us to compromise on the Good Friday Agreement, to compromise on the peace we have collectively achieved.

"This is not about scaremongering, this is about protecting peace which has taken 20 years to develop which is still very fragile."

Tanaiste Simon Coveney was due to host a bilateral dinner for Mr Blok yesterday evening to discuss Brexit and other global issues.
The Plaza Ballroom and John Barrs clothes shop, which was the seat of the blaze in Buncrana

A huge blaze that destroyed a well-known dance hall in Co Donegal appears to have started in a next door clothes shop.

Firefighters from both sides of the border tackled the inferno in Buncrana shortly before 10pm on Sunday and stayed there until 6am yesterday.

Crews from Londonderry, Omagh, Strabane and Dungiven helped fight the blaze alongside colleagues from Co Donegal.

Hundreds of people gathered to watch as the flames spread to the Plaza Ballroom, bursting through the roof of the venue.

The ballroom was built in 1958 and is now a community-owned project.

Among the onlookers was Liam Cutliff, whose home is a short distance from Buncrana's Main Street.

He said: "I arrived here around 11.30pm on Sunday night and the buildings were well alight by that time and there was a big crowd.

"It was sad watching it, particularly the Plaza, because it is a building that holds so many wonderful memories for the people in Buncrana and Derry.

"I played in a band and we played the Plaza so many times, the same as Gerry Anderson and his band, and Dickie Rock.

"There's great memories for people in that building so I hope it will be able to open again.

"It was sad to see the flames coming up through the roof and out the front of the building, and awful sad too for John Barr's clothes shop." Mr Cutliff added: "We stayed and watched until about 1am when I thought it was all over, but a short time after that when I was back in my own house, it started up again and I could see the flames and the sparks flying in the air," Mr Cutliff added.

"That was after 2am and it was out the back of the Plaza at that stage.

"It is eerie being here now and looking at it and seeing so few people around."

At one point more than 60 firefighters battled the blaze.

A police cordon kept traffic away from Main Street and the surrounding area, but pedestrians had some access to shops that were not in immediate proximity to the fire.

The owners of the Excelsior Bar next to the Plaza Ballroom were waiting to hear when they could return to their premises and reopen.

Owner Peter McLaughlin, who was at the scene until the early hours of yesterday, said he was grateful to firefighters for preventing the blaze spreading.

He said: "I have been in and had a look inside our building and it is safe, thankfully.

"We have been so lucky, the Fire Service saved our building but it was sad being here. We were here until 4am until the guards sent us away because there was asbestos in the air because of the blaze.

"The electricity has been turned on again, but I am still waiting to hear when I can reopen. We don't know how it happened or what exactly did happen, all we know is it started in the clothes shop."

No one was injured but a number of families were evacuated from their homes as a precaution.
Dalradian has an Exploration Licence for the Sperrin Mountains near Greencastle, Co Tyrone

A company holding public events about plans to mine for gold in Co Tyrone had the rug pulled from under it when a local venue was declared unavailable, the High Court heard today.

Counsel for Canadian firm Dalradian claimed newspaper adverts had been taken out and up to 1,500 leaflets distributed when it was informed the information meeting could not take place at Rouskey community centre.

With the event in 2016 then relocated to the mine site itself, Stewart Beattie QC rejected any suggestions of a lack of independence.

He said: "The bottom line is, without prior notice until the end of September, the rug was pulled from under Dalradian in terms of the public event."

The company is seeking permission to operate a mine in an area of the Sperrin Mountains where up to 3bn worth of gold is said to be deposited.

But residents group Greencastle, Rouskey, Gortin (GRG) Community is challenging the Department for Infrastructure's handling of the pre-application community consultation (PACC).

They claim there were serious flaws at that preliminary stage around such a significant and controversial proposed scheme, involving 144 hectares of surface infrastructure in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Issues have been raised about information provided at a public event in late 2016, with lawyers representing GRG arguing the plans were not "oven ready" at that stage.

However, Mr Beattie backed submissions on behalf of the Department that the project was flexible enough to reflect consultation responses.

The court heard there had been unprecedented numbers on either side of the plan - around 10,000 objections, but also 3,000 letters of support.

Rejecting claims that it was little more than a box ticking exercise, Mr Beattie insisted it was an "unfair characterisation of the process and the steps taken by Dalradian to comply with the statutory framework".

Five public exhibitions were held at three different locations, with pamphlet drops, newspaper notices and questionnaires also made available for feedback, the court heard.

Environmental and design team experts attended the events.

Mr Beattie claimed GRG sought separate communication as part of the process.

"It started with the proposition that the development was the wrong development in the wrong place, which poses some difficulties (about) where you mine for gold and how you mine for gold," he added.

If approved, the 25-year mining scheme could support 350 jobs, with the company predicting a massive boost to the local economy.

But according to the residents group they were not given enough information before the 10,000 page planning application was submitted.

Further issues were raised about the level of detail provided on the stripping of peat topsoil and the size of a car park which would feature.

Reserving judgment following closing submissions, Mr Justice McCloskey pledged to rule on the case later this month.
Protesters knock down a symbolic wall that was built as part of an anti-Brexit rally at the Irish border (Brian Lawless/PA)

Theresa Mays hopes of getting a Brexit deal through Parliament could hinge on finding a way of ditching the Irish backstop.

But what is it and how could it be replaced?

 What is the backstop?

The backstop is effectively an insurance policy required by the EU to ensure the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic remains open if no wider deal is agreed on future UK/EU trade.

It would see the UK enter into a temporary customs union with the EU if no trade deal is sealed by the end of a transition period after Brexit, which lasts until December 2020 and could be extended to the end of 2022.

The backstop would ensure there is no need for customs checks on goods travelling between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Northern Ireland would also abide by EU single market rules on goods, to avoid any need for regulatory checks of products crossing the border.

My reply to @theresa_may, together with @eucopresident, providing clarifications to the #Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration. pic.twitter.com/f0PalJkRVu  Jean-Claude Juncker (@JunckerEU) January 14, 2019

 Why is it needed?

Outside the single market and customs union, the post-Brexit UK could have significantly different tariffs and standards to the European Union.

Brussels fears that the UKs only land border with the remaining EU could become a conduit for smuggling after Brexit if there is no deal in place, allowing goods which do not meet Brussels regulations into the 27 member states.

There are concerns on all sides that the construction of border posts and checkpoints  or even the installation of cameras  could set back the peace process in Ireland by creating a visible symbol of division which might be targeted for attack.

 Who opposes it?

Brexiteers fear it could lock the UK into a permanent customs union with the EU  thus preventing Britain from striking lucrative new trade deals and fulfilling the promises of the 2016 referendum.

The Democratic Unionist Party, which gives Mrs May crucial Commons support, fears that the backstop could lead to divergence in rules between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK  effectively creating a regulatory border in the Irish Sea.

Former Northern Ireland first minister Lord Trimble has said he is considering a judicial review, claiming the imposition of the backstop would breach the Good Friday Agreement.

 What could be done to resolve the issue?

MPs registered their opposition to the backstop in a key vote on January 29, which called on the Government to find alternative arrangements instead.

An alternative arrangements working group bringing together Brexiteers and former Remainers on the Conservative benches has begun efforts to resolve the issue.

Downing Street has said potential alternatives to the plans in the Withdrawal Agreement include technological solutions, a strict time limit or a unilateral break clause allowing the UK to exit the backstop.

 What does Brussels say?

In public, senior figures have insisted the backstop has to remain in place as the only all weather guarantee to avoid a hard border and the Withdrawal Agreement will not be reopened.

Dialogue @EU27 continues #Brexit. Today in The Hague with @MinPres Mark Rutte: full agreement that Withdrawal Agreement cannot be reopened. Backstop = only operational solution to address Irish border issue today. EU ready to work on alternative solutions during transition. pic.twitter.com/YsCNI10K71  Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) February 4, 2019

EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said it is the only operational solution.

But some on the UK side believe the EU will back down in order to avoid a no-deal Brexit.
Sinn Fein has accused Theresa May of serving up only platitudes and promises on Brexit.

Party vice president Michelle ONeill said the Prime Minister failed to outline any alternative to the border backstop when she addressed business leaders in Belfast.

Sinn Fein, the DUP and the other main Stormont parties will meet with Mrs May on Wednesday morning.

Speaking after Theresa May's remarks in Belfast today, @moneillsf said it offered nothing to reassure people in the north #Brexit pic.twitter.com/l8UnlGXYXG  Sinn FAin (@sinnfeinireland) February 5, 2019

Ahead of the encounter, Mrs ONeill accused the Prime Minister of committing an enormous act of bad faith on the backstop, having previously come to Belfast to urge people to back the proposal.

I heard no evidence, I heard no commitment, I heard no suggestion, no proposal, anything that would deliver no hard border on this island, she said.

We know the only way to do that is the issue of the backstop, the backstop which Theresa May and her government negotiated with the EU.

That is the only way in which we could avoid a hard border, that commitment needs to be lived up to.

Dublin needs to hold firm, the EU needs to remain firm.

I welcome the fact they have offered very strong words in that regard.

But I heard nothing new from what Theresa May said today.

I heard no words of comfort, no assurances, I heard nothing that would leave the community here to be in any way in a better position than from before her visit.

The backstop is the problem and Parliament has spoken with a definitive voice to reject itEmma Little Pengelly, MP

DUP MP Emma Little Pengelly welcomed the Prime Ministers decision to go back to Brussels to seek changes to the withdrawal deal.

It is good that the Prime Minister is visiting Northern Ireland but also that she is returning to Brussels to seek change which can address our objections to the draft withdrawal agreement, she said.

The backstop is the problem and Parliament has spoken with a definitive voice to reject it.

We want to reach a deal which can provide certainty for business but that also is in the long-term interests of Northern Ireland.

Expand Close Countryside near Castlederg, Co Tyrone, part of a former smuggling route covering both sides of the Irish border (Michael McHugh/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Countryside near Castlederg, Co Tyrone, part of a former smuggling route covering both sides of the Irish border (Michael McHugh/PA)

It must be one which respects the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom.

Northern Ireland cannot be left as a rule taker, running to Dublin to seek changes to the rules governing our core industries.

Whilst there have been positive voices from Brussels about the need to seek creative solutions, such commentary will now be tested.

There needs to be a political will to reach a consensus which works for the United Kingdom and also the European Union.

The Prime Minister must stand strong and press for the necessary legally binding changes.
Police in Northern Ireland have released a man they were questioning over the murder of German backpacker Inga Maria Hauser.

The 59-year-old was originally arrested in connection with Inga Maria s death last May and later released on bail pending further inquiries. He has been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.

The body of the Munich teenager was found dumped in a remote part of Ballypatrick Forest, outside Ballycastle, Co Antrim, 14 days after she was last seen alive on a ferry from Scotland.

The 18-year-olds death in April 1988 remains one of the regions most high-profile unsolved murders.

Expand Close The scene at Ballypatrick Forest in Co Antrim where the body of 18-year-old Inga Maria Hauser was found (PSNI/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp The scene at Ballypatrick Forest in Co Antrim where the body of 18-year-old Inga Maria Hauser was found (PSNI/PA)

Another man was arrested last May for questioning about the murder. He was also later released on bail pending further enquiries. Detectives changed the terms of his release to unconditional in December.

Last year, on the 30th anniversary of the crime, detectives said they believed a number of people may have been involved either directly in the murder or in the subsequent cover-up, and said they only need fractional pieces of evidence to bring the chief suspects to justice.

Police have a male genetic profile found at the murder scene.

A number of years ago, in one of the largest DNA screenings ever undertaken in the UK, 2,000 samples failed to produce a definitive match.

Prior to her death, Ms Hauser had travelled through England and Scotland and, according to diary entries, intended to travel south to Dublin after her ferry docked at Larne, Co Antrim.

But for reasons as yet unexplained, she ended up going in the opposite direction and was found dead in remote woodland two weeks later.

It is understood the IRA carried out its own investigation into the killing 30 years ago.

It is believed republican paramilitaries had considered passing information about the alleged murderer to the RUC (Royal Ulster Constabulary) at the height of the Troubles, but did not follow through.
The Police Ombudsman's Office may investigate the brawl that broke out between passengers at Belfast International Airport at the weekend, it has emerged.

On Saturday evening, two groups of passengers threw metal rubbish bins and baskets at each other during a prolonged altercation in the airport's departures lounge.

Footage circulating on social media, which has since gone viral, also shows two men armed with metal poles swinging them at each other in front of shocked onlookers.

Read More

Belfast International Airport said four individuals were prevented from flying and the rest of the two groups were allowed to carry on their journey as there was no alcohol involved.

The airport also said no others involved in the altercation could be identified.

No one was injured in the incident.

Since the footage emerged, there has been much debate around the time in took the airport police to respond to the incident.

Several witnesses said the altercation lasted for around 20 minutes, however this has been disputed by the airport.

"The incident, in its entirety, lasted seven minutes with police arriving on scene within three minutes. The rapid intervention of police was not captured in the videos posted on social media," an airport spokesperson said.

The airport also issued a timeline of events "for the sake of clarity and accuracy".

18:01  Disturbance commenced

18:02  Airport control alerted

18:03  Airport police tasked to disturbance

18:06  Airport police in attendance

18:07  End of disturbance

In a statement on Tuesday evening, the Police Ombudsman's Office said it is looking at the incident to see whether it should be investigated.

"Concerns have been raised over an incident which took place at Belfast International Airport on Saturday evening and the response by airport police," they said.

"Complaints about airport police come under the remit of the Police Ombudsman's Office.

"Our investigators have been in contact with the airport and are establishing whether this is a matter which should be investigated further."
A new report has found one Northern Ireland council spent 2,100 on consultants to examine the potential benefits of a clown festival and comedy night.

Another spent over 5,000 on the design of a new logo.

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The findings were uncovered by an investigation by The Times which found a near 400million spend last year among 266 councils across the UK which responded to a Freedom of Information request.

That figure overall was up almost a third over the past four years and demonstrated how some councils had increased spend on consultants despite cutting back on services.

The Times found Newry, Mourne and Down District Council 2,100 on economic impact reports for a clown festival and comedy night.

While Derry City & Strabane District Council spent 5,600 on a new logo and branding.

The Local Government Association, told the paper it would be a waste of money to employ full time staff for occasional help in specialists. It also said consultant spend was a small part of council expenditure.

A spokeswoman for Derry City and Strabane District Council explained that due to the reform of local administration in 2014 and the merger between the former Derry City and Strabane district councils, a new suite of branding materials was required for the new corporate council body.

She added: "Much work on the rebranding process was carried out internally but due to additional pressures on resourcing following the merger, and the specialist nature of the work required, some elements of the rebranding campaign were outsourced to ensure the process could be completed within a reasonable timeframe with the required level of expertise."

A Newry Mourne and Down District Council said: "The Clown Festival was not a Newry, Mourne and Down District Council run event. The organisers of the event requested sponsorship funding support for this event.

"Approval was granted for sponsorship funding support for this event in 2014/15 prior to the current term of the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

"An economic impact assessment was carried out on all of the tourism events that formed the annual event programme in the council district in 2015/16 including the Clown Festival. This assessment was carried out to determine if the events provided value for money and economic impact to the district."
Floral tributes placed at the scene where father-of-two Ian Ogle was murdered by UVF thugs last week

Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast.

Vera and Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

Vera and Ryan Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

Vera, Toni and Ryan Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

Vera, Toni and Ryan Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

MP Gavin Robinson as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week.

Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week.

Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

Ian Ogle's daughter Toni during the Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

Ian Ogle's children Ryan and Toni during the Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week.

Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week.

Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Ian Olge's family including his son Ryan and daughter Toni pictured at the funeral. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

Vera, Ryan and Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week.

A man arrested as part of the Ian Ogle murder investigation has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

The 38-year-old was arrested on Tuesday morning and questioned by police before being released on Tuesday evening.

Of the 12 individuals arrested so far - 10 men and two women - all have been released without charge.

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Mr Ogle was stabbed in the back 11 times and suffered a fractured skull after being attacked by a group of at least five UVF men on the night of Sunday, January 27.

He was left to die yards from his Cluan Place home.

At Mr Ogle's funeral, the 45-year-old father of two was said to have had the "heart of a lion, meeting lethal danger head on". There were also appeals for no retaliation for the killing believed to be carried out by the UVF.
Israeli high court dismisses Netanyahu request Was asking for no decision on criminal charges before vote

(ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, FEBRUARY 5 - The Israeli Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asking the country's attorney general, Avichai Mandelblit, to postpone the public release of verdicts in corruption cases against the prime minister until after April 9 elections, media reports said.



Mandelblit had already refused a similar request by Netanyahu, who then went to the high court with his appeal.



After police concluded their investigations into the prime minister, they asked Mandelblit to bring formal criminal charges against Netanyahu. (ANSAmed).




40% of young people worry that they will never be as happy as the people hey see on social media. (Lauren Hurley/PA)

Nearly two thirds of young people in Northern Ireland feel "overwhelming pressure" from social media, a new survey has revealed.

A report carried out by a children's charity found that over half (57%) of young people in Northern Ireland feel "inadequate" when comparing their life to their friends on social media.

According to the Prince's Trust eBay Youth Index, nearly two thirds (61%) of 16-25 year olds surveyed think social media creates an "overwhelming pressure" to succeed.

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More than a third (40%) of young people worry that they will never be as happy as the people they see on social media.

One in six (18%) said they "always" or "often" feel "panicked" when seeing the lives of their friends online.

The findings are contained in the Youth Index, supported by eBay, a national survey of young people's happiness and confidence across a range of areas from their working life to physical and mental health.

The survey also found that 31% of young people feel more confident online than they do in person.

A third (32%) of respondents claim that social media makes them feel like they can have a voice for their generation and influence positive change.

Asked about what makes them happy, only one in five (20%) said spending time on social media, while more popular responses included sport (38%), earning enough money to live how they want (29%) and spending time with family (76%).

Responding to the findings, UK chief executive of The Prince's Trust Nick Stace said: "It appears that in the last 12 months nothing has happened to improve the way young people in Northern Ireland and across the UK are feeling about their lives.

"It is very sad to see the Youth Index score remain at its lowest level, and especially concerning that young people in Northern Ireland are lagging behind their peers.

"Since the Youth Index launched a decade ago, social media has become omnipresent in the lives of young people and this research suggests it is exacerbating what is already an uncertain and emotionally turbulent time.

"Young people are critical to the future success of this country, but they'll only realise their full potential if they believe in themselves and define success in their own terms."

He added:"It is therefore a moral and economic imperative that employers, government, charities and wider communities put the needs of young people centre stage."

Rob Hattrell, vice president of eBay UK, added: "The decline in young people's wellbeing score in this year's Youth Index is very concerning. eBay continues to work closely with The Prince's Trust, building the confidence and skills of more young people to help them realise their full ambition and potential.

"The next generation is the future of our economy, so it's now more important than ever to ensure every young person is equipped to carve their own path to success."
DUP Leader Arlene Foster said she hopes to speak to the Irish government later this week (Yui Mok/PA)

The Irish government has rejected the prospect of bilateral discussions on Brexit with the Democratic Unionist Party.

It comes after DUP leader Arlene Foster said she hopes to speak to Irish premier Leo Varadkar later this week.

Mrs Foster said her party is in the process of setting up talks with the Irish government.

In a statement, however, a spokesman for the government said: The Irish government is always willing to discuss the Good Friday Agreement and peace process with the DUP.

However, negotiations on Brexit take place through the European Commission.

Jeffrey Donaldson: We will engage with Dublin on the backstop



The DUP's chief whip tells Claire Byrne Live that he expects there to be meaningful engagement between his party and the Irish Government on #Brexit this week #cblive pic.twitter.com/efQrFP1dD0  Claire Byrne Live (@ClaireByrneLive) February 4, 2019

Mr Varadkar said he will travel to Northern Ireland on Friday where he will meet with political parties, but added he will not be holding any Brexit negotiations.

Speaking in the Dail, he said: As should always be the case when you travel to Northern Ireland, we should listen to all of the parties and not just any one party.

(I will) also speak to businesses and civil society in relation to Brexit, however I wont be carrying out in negotiations with any political party because the negotiations are between the EU and the UK.

While we can certainly have discussions with the UK and discussions with political parties or individuals politicians, the negotiations can only happen with Ireland and the EU on one side of the table and the UK on the other, and we are in a much stronger position in that regard and we will not be departing from that.

On Monday, DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson said his party wants to have face-to-face discussions with the Irish government.

Speaking to RTE, he said: I want to respect the integrity of the Irish government position, I want to sit down with them and see if we can move this forward.

I believe there will be meaningful engagement and we have asked them.

Speaking on BBC Good Morning Ulster, Mrs Foster said: We recognise this is a very critical issue for our neighbours in the Republic of Ireland, and therefore taking what (Irish foreign affairs minister) Simon Coveney said in the Dail last week, when he said regardless of what happens we must work intensively together to ensure we avoid a hard border, regardless of whether we have a deal or not.

I think that is a good starting point and we want to have those conversations.

The DUP leader also said that Westminster has sent a message to the European Union that it wants a Brexit deal but that the controversial backstop arrangement needs (to be) replaced.

She added: We have now narrowed the issue down to the backstop, they know thats the problem, they have been told that for some considerable time but unfortunately they are turning their face against that and it is time for Brussels to respect Unionism in Northern Ireland.

We have heard a lot about them understanding the Belfast Agreement, that they dont want a hard border on the island of Ireland but they are quite content to build a hard border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, thereby interfering with the constitution of the UK.

That is wrong as well and they need to recognise that.
An investigation has been launched into the death of a 27-year-old inmate in Magilligan Prison

An investigation has been launched into the death of a 27-year-old inmate in Magilligan Prison.

The prisoner died on Monday morning while in hospital and his next of kin have been informed.

An investigation into the cause of death has been launched by the PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman.

It's understood the man is the first prisoner to die in Northern Ireland prisons this year.

Ronnie Armour, Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, said: "On behalf of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, I would like to extend my sympathy to the family of the prisoner. My thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

John Dallat, SDLP MLA for East Londonderry, passed on his condolences to the prisoner's family.

"I'm sure the authorities at Magilligan will also be deeply distressed that someone under their watch has died, albeit in hospital," he said.

"I welcome the investigation but prisoners are often vulnerable people.

"It's so unfortunate when any of them die while in the care of the authorities.

"I visited the prison recently. The place is crying out for capital investment, but the staff at Magilligan do aspire to have people leave in a much better state than when they came in.

"Many of them leave with trades and go straight into jobs.

"So obviously when you hear depressing news like this it's all the harder.

"This is another family that has been given bad news, but until the investigation is completed we can't say much more."

There are currently around 440 prisoners at the medium-security jail near Limavady.

In 2018, an inspection report said conditions at Magilligan had seen a massive improvement over the past three years.

The increased availability of educational and vocational training for prisoners was among the changes highlighted.

While there was further praise for a positive culture between staff and prisoners, the inspectors added that concerns remained over the availability of illegal and prescription drugs, as well as a trend of poorer outcomes in key areas for Catholic prisoners.
Ian Ogle's coffin is carried past a sign close to the scene of his murder at Cluan Place

Toni Johnston-Ogle at funeral of her dad

Ian Ogle's coffin is carried past a sign close to the scene of his murder at Cluan Place

Vera, Toni and Ryan Ogle at the funeral of Ian Ogle in east Belfast yesterday

Vigils were held for Ian Ogle after his murder.

Police have made a further arrested in the Ian Ogle murder probe, their 12th since the brutal killing.

The 38-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday morning and taken to a Belfast police station for questioning.

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Of the 11 individuals arrested so far - nine men and two women - all have been released without charge.

Mr Ogle was stabbed in the back 11 times and suffered a fractured skull after being attacked by a group of at least five UVF men on the night of Sunday, January 27.

He was left to die yards from his Cluan Place home.

At Mr Ogle's funeral, the 45-year-old father of two was said to have had the "heart of a lion, meeting lethal danger head on". There were also appeals for no retaliation for the killing believed to be carried out by the UVF.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera, Ryan and Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Ian Olge's family including his son Ryan and daughter Toni pictured at the funeral. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Ian Ogle's children Ryan and Toni during the Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Ian Ogle's daughter Toni during the Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph MP Gavin Robinson as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera, Toni and Ryan Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera, Toni and Ryan Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera and Ryan Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera and Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. Ian Ogle Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Floral tributes placed at the scene where father-of-two Ian Ogle was murdered by UVF thugs last week Freddie Parkinson Ian Ogle Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph / Facebook

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Whatsapp Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week.
A new government report has found that while half of all children live under a mile from their primary school, almost two-thirds (65%) get driven to the gates.

Over the past five years there has been a drop in the number of kids walking to school and an increase in those getting in the car.

In 2013/14 59% of pupils got the car to school with 31% walking, 10% on the bus and 1% cyclling.

In the 2011-2016 programme for government the then Department for Regional Development had a target of getting 36% of primary school pupils and 22% of secondary aged kids to walk or cycle to school.

The latest information was published in the Northern Ireland transport study for methods of how children get to school on Tuesday.

It found that just over a quarter - 26% - regularly walked to school. A further 9% travelled to/from school by bus, while 1% of pupils cycled.

In terms of distance half (50%) of pupils lived under a mile from their primary school, with 32% living between between two and three miles and 18% living over four.

For post-primary pupils, 18% lived 0-1 mile from their school, with 31% living between 2-3 miles. The remaining 50% lived 4 or more miles from their school.

For those in secondary level schools 50% of pupils travelled to and from school by bus as their main mode of transport and a further 31% were driven by car. Under a fifth (16%) of pupils walked to/from school while a small proportion took the train (2%). These results are similar to 2016/17 but again there has been an increase in those taking the car since 2014.

In 2017/18, there were 817 primary schools and 199 post-primary schools in Northern Ireland.

"It is likely therefore," report authors said, "that children will live closer to primary schools so these results are not unexpected."

The information will be used by the Department for infrastructure in order to assess its effectiveness in promoting sustainable transport and
Police Scotland say the man may have travelled to Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Police Scotland are asking members of the public in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland if they can help with a robbery in a Fife village.

The raid took place in Lundin Road, Crossford, on Friday May 4, when a 76-year-old woman was held in a house and a number of items were stolen.

CCTV images previously released show a man who police officers hope will be able to help with their inquiry.

It is believed he may have had links to the Greenock in Inverclyde, Clarkmannanshire and Stirling, and could also have travelled to Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.

Police are appealing for anyone who recognises the man to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Kelly McEwan from Dunfermline CID said: The man in the CCTV images may have information that can help with the ongoing investigation and one line of inquiry for us is that he may now be somewhere in either Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.

Id ask that communities from both countries look at our footage and get in touch as a matter of urgency if they believe they recognise the man pictured.

In addition, anyone with any further information relating to this robbery should also contact police immediately.

Those with information can contact Dunfermline CID via 101 and quote incident number 0099 of 5th May.

Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The former leader of the National Front in Northern Ireland has been jailed for two months for a "vile" racially-motivated assault on a taxi driver in Co Antrim.

Mark Brown (31), of Skerryview in Craigahullier near Portrush, also made off without paying for an 18.40 fare.

The defendant had contested the charges but was convicted at Coleraine Magistrates Court in January. He was back in the same court yesterday for sentencing.

He was given a two-month jail term but was released on bail pending appeal.

In court yesterday a defence barrister said it was accepted Brown should not have been anywhere near the taxi as he had "history" with the driver.

The lawyer said the taxi driver had not been injured but that the defendant had gone "beyond the criminal pale".

Sentencing Brown, Deputy District Judge Peter Magill said a suspended sentence from 2015 had only expired last October and just days later he committed new offences.

He added: "This was a racially-aggravated offence.

"You did admit that you expressed quite abhorrent racist views in respect of this man whilst denying any assault and making off.

"There is no place in our society for this type of behaviour, no place in this society for racism".

To punish Brown and to act as a deterrent, Mr Magill said he was jailing him for two months.

In January Mr Magill said it was a "racially-motivated" offence and the defendant had "clearly expressed vile racist comments" regarding 56-year-old taxi driver Ricardo Alavijeh.

Mr Alavijeh, who is originally come from the Middle East, told the court last month Brown punched him on the head while he was in his cab, but because he was wearing a cap he wasn't seriously injured.

After Brown left the cab he said he drove up the road to phone the police and noticed the defendant "running after me".

"I was very worried, I was panicking," he said.

He told the court Brown was also "being racist towards me" during the incident.

The court heard Brown had previously been convicted around a decade ago of offences against Mr Alavijeh. The taxi driver said that last November he had initially received a call under a different name and wasn't at first aware it was Brown.

During the contested hearing last month a defence barrister claimed that because of the history between the two men the taxi driver "decided to make trouble" for Brown by falsely accusing him of assault and not paying the fare.

The lawyer alleged that Brown had tried to pay the taxi fare he owed.

Police said that when arrested, Brown made remarks including references to "Muslim c***" and "low-rent Jihadi b******".
A Londonderry man has revealed he had to quit his job after going eight days without sleep as he juggled work with caring for his dad

A Londonderry man has revealed he had to quit his job after going eight days without sleep as he juggled work with caring for his dad.

Michael Downes had to give up a successful career in Devon, England, to return home to look after his ailing father, Jim, in 2002.

He took a job working 12-hour shifts in a local factory but was left so exhausted by combining his caring role with work that he was forced to resign.

"I hadn't slept for eight days and I turned up for work and couldn't actually get out of the car," he said.

"Some of the guys from work had to come out and carry me in, I did my shift and that was it.

"I basically crashed out of work - but it didn't have to be that way, if only I'd had more support."

While the move home was supposed to be temporary, he has since become a full-time carer for his mum, who has developed vascular dementia.

Ann Downes (82) also has some mobility problems and requires care 24 hours a day, which is provided by 57-year-old Michael. He explained: "My dad died two years ago in March but my mum isn't well now.

"I've lost all my confidence since I moved back. I used to be extremely confident to the point of being obnoxious I would say.

"But I'm not the same man I was.

"I can't imagine ever being able to go back to work.

"If you'd told me 17 years ago that I would be where I am now, I wouldn't have believed you.

"I have a degree and I managed a bar and restaurant and I had a good social life - but now the only time I get out is once a week to meet other carers.

"That's been an absolute lifeline to be honest."

He continued: "I can't tell you how hard it is to be a carer. I'm working harder now than I ever did and I'm broke. I've had to use up all my savings.

"Everything that I had is gone and I don't think that's how anyone sees their life panning out.

"When you become a carer, they basically want you to work 24 hours a day for nothing.

"It's ridiculous, because they pay a person 1,000 a week to go into someone's house and look after them when they have dementia, but when you're related to the person you're entitled to 67 a week carer's allowance."

Mr Downes has lifted the lid on the torment being endured by carers as a leading charity revealed more than 70,000 people in Northern Ireland have quit their job to care for a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill.

Carers NI is calling for employers to support the increasing number of staff with caring responsibilities to stay in the workforce.

Previous research shows that those aged between 45 and 64 are most likely to have a caring responsibility, providing a strong driver for employers to support and retain some of their most skilled and experienced employees.

Clare-Anne Magee, head of Carers NI, said: "Better workplace support for people juggling paid work with caring for a loved one is becoming increasingly important, with a growing need for employers to improve flexibility and, with an ageing population, support people to keep working for longer, contributing to better productivity.

"With 15% of the Northern Ireland population working and caring, there is a real social and economic imperative for businesses to adopt carer friendly workplaces."

She said the charity wants the Government to improve rights for people with both work and care responsibilities by introducing a new right of five to 10 days of paid care leave.

"Adequate care and support services are also a key condition for many people's employment so it's more important than ever that the Government's forthcoming social care proposals deliver the high quality and affordable care services we need now and in the future," Ms Magee continued.

According to the charity's research, 87% of carers said a supportive line manager is most important for people combining their job with unpaid care for a loved one, while 84% wanted the option of flexible working.

Three quarters of respondents called for 10 days of paid care leave a year.

Despite overwhelming support for such initiatives, the research also found that only 12% had paid care leave.

A third of people said there were no policies in place to support carers.

This suggests that for many carers, the lack of support in the workplace is a difficult reality, said Carers NI.

Michael Downes commented: "If I wasn't willing to take on the caring role, my mum would have to live in a residential home.

"It's tough being a carer, and my mental and physical health have suffered as a result, but I would never turn my back on my mum or dad."
The daughter of a woman who died suddenly after a battle with alcoholism has called for more support for people struggling with the addiction.

Erin Ewings described seeing the lifeless body of her mother Sophie (42) as "the hardest thing I've ever dealt with" and said that "the world just stopped in that moment".

The 21-year-old student from north Belfast called for more care in the community for people like her mother, and said she was in favour of a hike in alcohol prices.

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Despite 15 stints in different rehab facilities over the last decade, Sophie was found dead in the kitchen of her Skegoneill home by her parents on January 27.

Doctors said the mother-of-two's heart gave out as a result of 10 years of alcohol abuse. She was laid to rest four days later, her death recorded as alcohol syndrome.

Erin said: "Too many people are ashamed to speak out when something like this happens because they want to brush it under the carpet and pretend it hasn't happened.

"I don't want to do that because my mum had been married for 20 years with a family and she was far too young to die. She tried so hard to stop.

"I've read her journals about her fight against alcoholism.

"They describe how she felt, how she felt with the drink, how it took over and how she was trapped inside her body and couldn't get out.

"Her body was drinking and she was inside screaming 'no'."

Erin, who lives with dad Sean (46) and sister Holly (16), said her mum had moved out of the family home and into a flat in Skegoneill five years ago as her condition worsened.

"I was 10 when it got noticeably bad," she recalled.

"It went from drinking at the weekend to being drunk every single day. I was P7 in primary school.

"She changed. Her personality changed. It wasn't her.

"During the day you would have seen your mum and then at night it would be someone completely different.

"I used to find bottles of wine and vodka in my wardrobe and beneath my teddy bears."

In the run-up to her death, Erin said her mum "wasn't in the worst place that she had been", although "she was still drinking and still struggling".

"There was never an in-between with mummy - she was either fine or passed out on the floor," she said.

"She struggled her whole life with depression and anxiety.

"She struggled with her mental health and didn't know how to deal with it.

"She felt ashamed, and because she felt ashamed about it and didn't reach out for help for so long, by the time everybody else could notice and step in and do something it was too late."

Erin told how her dad, who builds and fixes machines, had called at her mum's home the night before she was found dead, but there was no answer when he knocked on the door around 7.30pm.

"He rang mummy's parents who had a key and they called over the next morning and that's when they found her," she said.

"She had died the previous night. I'm so glad it wasn't my daddy who found her. He has been so heartbroken over this.

"Mummy was the love of his life. They've been together since she was 13. This has almost killed him."

When Erin saw the body, she described how the world "literally stopped".

She added: "People were talking to me but I couldn't hear anything they were saying to me. I was so shocked."

She added the hardest part for the family has been dealing with the guilt of "not having done enough".

"We all feel we should have done more, there had to have been something else we could have done," she said.

"You don't die at 42 for nothing, we blame ourselves."

Erin said her mum's death was "really hard" for her younger sister who "doesn't have all the good memories that I have and that makes it harder".

"Holly was so young when the alcohol took hold of mummy," she added.

"When people started to notice she was drinking too much, she started hiding drink all round the house."

And she revealed that her dad stopped drinking alcohol about a decade ago "because he saw its devastating effects".

"Alcohol doesn't interest me or my sister either; it's terrifying how quickly it can ruin someone's life," she said.

Erin said the main problem for recovering alcoholics is that there's no aftercare in the community following rehab.

"No one follows up on anything," she said.

"You're told to go to meetings and that's it.

"If there had been somebody to go and check on mummy every day that would have made a difference.

"She also tried to help herself by going to AA meetings, but there were so many times that she ended up being left home drunk because she had met someone there and gone out afterwards."
Accord in Amman for exchange of 1,800 prisoners in Yemen 1,200 in hands of Houthi rebels, 600 with pro-Saudi Arabia loyal

(ANSAmed) - BEIRUT, FEBRUARY 5 - About 1,800 war prisoners will be exchanged in Yemen between the shiite Houthi rebels and their loyalist pro-Saudi rivals, according to sources on Tuesday at talks currently underway in Amman, Jordan.



Pan-Arab media cited sources that said the UN-mediated talks in the Jordanian capital have thus far resulted in an accord to free 1,200 prisoners currently in the hands of the Houthis, considered loyal to Iran, and 600 prisoners being held by the loyalists backed by the Saudi-led coalition. The first round of talks took place in Amman on January 16.



The second round of talks, for the prisoner exchange, is taking place in the presence of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).



In recent days, ICRC supervised the exchange of a Saudi prisoner for seven Houthi prisoners. (ANSAmed).




Prime Minister Theresa May at a community centre during her visit to Belfast.

Community leaders have warned the Prime Minister about their fears of the impact of a hard Brexit on Northern Ireland.

Theresa May spoke to a number of community leaders during a visit to the 174 Trust in north Belfast on Tuesday.

Pro-Palestine supporters held a protest outside the venue during the visit, and were held back by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Expand Close Pro Palestine campaigners held a protest in north Belfast as Prime Minister Theresa May visited a community centre. (Rebecca Black/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Pro Palestine campaigners held a protest in north Belfast as Prime Minister Theresa May visited a community centre. (Rebecca Black/PA)

Inside the community centre Mrs May took part in round table discussions.

Seamus McAleavey, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) said he told Mrs May that there is a real fear in Northern Ireland over Brexit.

We told the Prime Minister what we thought with regard to the issues, there is a real fear in Northern Ireland that if we leave the EU with no deal it would have a catastrophic impact on Northern Ireland in particular and the UK, he said.

We did support her Withdrawal Deal and we do think the backstop is very important as well.

Peter McBride, chief executive of Inspire, said he told the Prime Minister of a palatable sense of frustration in the community about how Northern Irelands views are being represented at Westminster.

Expand Close Prime Minister Theresa May at a community centre during her visit to Belfast (Clodagh Kilcoyne/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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There is one side that is being represented in Westminster but that doesnt necessarily reflect the views of all the people in Northern Ireland, he said.

This was an opportunity to describe to her some of the risks that there are in the face of a no deal, and as Seamus said, the backstop arrangement is something that is attractive and probably is necessary, and certainly better than no deal.

My experience of her was that she listened intently, engaged with us, asked questions and was very keen to hear what it was like on the ground.

Nora Smith, chief executive of CO3, a membership organisation for charity leaders, said it was a really important opportunity to engage directly with the Prime Minister.

She said there are real fears and concerns among the charity sector over Brexit.

If we are looking at a no-deal Brexit scenario, that is really worrying on a number of different levels, in terms of access to funding, our peace process and just how divisive that is for wider society in Northern Ireland, Ms Smith said.

So the opportunity to speak directly to the Prime Minister and share those concerns was invaluable.

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Stephen Mathews, chief executive of the Cedar Foundation, which supplies services to people living with disabilities, said the organisation works with many in the border counties and is concerned about the impact of Brexit on that work.

We are very concerned that opportunities that have been developed through European funding over many, many years are going to be lost, he said.

We provide services in the border counties and I told her about the reality of the situation where people work and live on different sides of the border, and that really the border isnt something that has been part of peoples lives for a generation now.

She certainly was very willing to listen to our point of view and seemed to understand the importance of making sure that services that we provide are protected.
Ian Ogle's coffin is carried past a sign close to the scene of his murder at Cluan Place

Ian Ogle's coffin is carried past a sign close to the scene of his murder at Cluan Place

Vera, Toni and Ryan Ogle at the funeral of Ian Ogle in east Belfast yesterday

Mourners at the funeral of east Belfast man Ian Ogle were yesterday told that his murder must lead to an end of paramilitary intimidation and fear.

Pastor Kevin Sambrook, who comforted the 45-year-old loyalist as his life ebbed away, told a crowd of more than 1,000 people that he had the "heart of a lion, meeting lethal danger head on".

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He was stabbed in the back 11 times and suffered a fractured skull after being attacked by a group of at least five UVF men on the night of Sunday, January 27.

He was left to die yards from his Cluan Place home.

His daughter Toni Johnston-Ogle (27) said her family endured 18 months of intimidation over accusations that her brother Ryan (23) gave a "dirty look" to someone she believed to be a member of the terror group in a bar.

Speaking at the funeral service in the Covenant Love Church on Albertbridge Road yesterday, she joked that she hadn't prepared a speech, "but one of the qualities my daddy did give to me was I could talk the leg off a stool".

"Me and Ryan are going to be lost without him, but we have to be there for my mummy," she said.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera, Ryan and Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle take place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Ian Olge's family including his son Ryan and daughter Toni pictured at the funeral. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Ian Ogle's children Ryan and Toni during the Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Ian Ogle's daughter Toni during the Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral in east Belfast for murdered loyalist Ian Ogle. Mr Ogle was murdered by a loyalist gang close to his house in Cluan Place last Sunday night. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week. The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph MP Gavin Robinson as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera, Toni and Ryan Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera, Toni and Ryan Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera and Ryan Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Vera and Toni Ogle as The funeral of Ian Ogle takes place in east Belfast on February 4th 2019 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. Ian Ogle Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Floral tributes placed at the scene where father-of-two Ian Ogle was murdered by UVF thugs last week Freddie Parkinson Ian Ogle Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph / Facebook

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Whatsapp Funeral of murder victim Ian Ogle at Covenant Love Church on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast. The 45-year-old died after being assaulted by several people at Cluan Place area of east Belfast last week.

"He was her first love, and last.

"I'm just going to leave it at that, but daddy, deserted you stood alone."

Mr Sambrook said that Mr Ogle had been "courageous, fearless and utterly selfless" on the night of his murder.

"He valued the lives of those he needed to protect more than his own," he said.

"Ian met his end with unparalleled bravery, and died protecting those he believed to be in danger, without a second thought for his own safety.

"Ian willingly gave his life for others that night, while others willingly took it from him.

"I found myself kneeling beside him as he lay dying, praying the Lord would be with him.

"Ian sadly passed away as his son Ryan was with him. Others from Cluan Place arrived to give help, as well as Toni and (his wife) Vera - how shocking and traumatic it was for them.

"What I witnessed that night will stay with me for the rest of my life, but my strongest and most abiding memory will be not of Ian's murderers, but rather this brave and selfless man displaying supreme courage with the heart of a lion, meeting lethal danger head on, knowing he never stood a chance but content to fulfil an obligation as he saw it to protect others.

"I saw a man that night fall with dignity.

"Ian had moved away from his past. He had some time ago clearly stated that he no longer put his trust in man, but the Lord alone."

He warned that "there must be no revenge".

He said: "An ancient proverb says: 'He who seeks revenge must first dig two graves'. This country is littered, literally littered, with the graves of those who sought revenge, and today's avengers soon become tomorrow's dead.

"There is someone listening to my voice today, and you remember the Christian faith of your praying mother or the Christian faith of your father, but you have chosen the path of darkness.

"The Lord says to you today: 'Open your eyes: turn from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God, that you might receive forgiveness of sins'."

He said the blood of Christ was "the only detergent that can bleach away the stain of sin".

He added that the murder must produce the "transformation of a community united in grief, desperate for justice and brave enough to demand and accept nothing less than change where fear and intimidation no longer remain".

"The greatest tribute that we can pay to Ian is for his death to become that catalyst for that change beginning now," he told the mourners.

Mr Sambrook urged the community to "let God repay", instead of seeking revenge, saying that "God's fingerprints need to be on this and no one else's".

He added: "Let me be clear: forgiveness is not forgetting about justice, which must be pursued and the full weight of the law brought to bear upon the guilty.

"What forgiveness does is to release those who have been wronged, bereaved, shocked and traumatised from the poison of bitterness and the need to seek personal revenge.

"Like the rest of us, Ian wasn't perfect, but he found God and put his trust in him.

"Ian's legacy may be many things, but the greatest is that hope and trust in Jesus Christ."

Mr Ogle was laid to rest at Roselawn Cemetery.

On Sunday night, a week on from the killing, the PSNI revisited the scene. Officers spoke with people, handed out leaflets and placed posters on lampposts in the area to encourage eyewitnesses to come forward.

To date, detectives have arrested 11 people - nine males and two females - as part of the murder investigation.

Two men aged 40 and 37 arrested on suspicion of murder remained in custody last night.
Theresa May on her visit to Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

Business leaders have urged the Prime Minister to end political brinkmanship which risks chaos in Northern Ireland.

Aodhan Connolly said a no-deal Brexit would destroy 40 years of supply chain development with the Republic of Ireland.

He is director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC), the lobby group representing large firms like fashion outlets House of Fraser and Next and supermarkets Sainsburys and Lidl.

NIRC Reaction to Meeting With Prime Minister May pic.twitter.com/fwxG38DqeK  AodhAn Michael Connolly (@MichaelAodhan) February 5, 2019

Mr Connolly said it could take four years for the average trade deal to be agreed following a no-deal exit from Europe.

We cannot afford fiscal chaos in Northern Ireland for four months, he added.

He said tariffs, customs and checks will add costs to the average family shopping basket in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

Mr Connolly said: It is time for the political games and brinkmanship to end, and time to provide the certainty that businesses and households across the UK need.

Any alternative arrangements must provide the same guarantee of continued frictionless, tariff-free trade and movement of people on the island of Ireland as the backstop does.

While Northern Ireland will feel the bite of a no-deal Brexit first and hardest, it will nonetheless be felt across the whole country.

Another business leader said the Prime Minister understood the peace process complexities.

Our Policy Chair, @tinamckenz engaging with PM @theresa_may earlier in Belfast. A no deal outcome must be avoided. pic.twitter.com/QpeZjl9bfp  FSB Northern Ireland (@FSB_NI) February 5, 2019

Tina McKenzie represents small businesses which make up the majority of firms.

The Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland policy chairwoman was part of the round-table meeting with Theresa May in Belfast.

Ms McKenzie said the Prime Minister understood how the local economy could be affected by a hard Brexit.

She added: She understands that the Good Friday Agreement is there and that peoples rights need to be protected, whether they are British, Irish, Northern Irish, neither.

She understands the complexities of this place and she has given a commitment that she wont risk that with these negotiations.
Defendant accused of carrying out the sexual assault at their home

A Belfast man has appeared in court today charged with raping his disabled mother.

The 32-year-old defendant, who cannot be identified, is accused of carrying out the sexual assault at their home in the early hours of Sunday morning.

His lawyer said he emphatically denies the alleged offence.

Belfast Magistrates' Court heard the man claims he went into his mother's bedroom to get cigarettes.

According to his account she woke up when he lifted a bed sheet to look for a lighter which had fallen from the packet.

Defence solicitor Feargal MacElhatton told the court: "She said 'You're trying to have sex with your mother', which he denied by saying 'catch yourself on' or words even more emphatic than that."

The man left their home a short time later and contacted a relative to say 'My mother's at it again, she's gone crazy', Mr MacElhatton submitted.

He stressed that the accused maintained his denials throughout five interviews, and also provided intimate samples for forensic tests.

Opposing bail, a detective cited the vulnerability of the alleged victim.

"She has a range of disabilities," the detective said.

Concerns were also raised for the accused's own safety.

Deputy District Judge Trevor Browne was told police have notified the man about a potential threat to him believed to come from other family members.

Granting bail, however, Mr Browne banned the defendant from any contact with his mother.

He is only to be released when an address approved by police is identified and confirmed.

The man is due back in court in four weeks time.
Sinn Fein has been accused of "throwing the toys out of the pram" over plans for new statues at Belfast City Hall.

Last month, proposals were made to honour a range of prominent Belfast citizens, including groups which had been historically under-represented.

But Sinn Fein 'called in' the decision at last night's council meeting, claiming a request for a statue of Winifred Carney had been excluded by other parties.

The republican figure had been a trade unionist, suffragette and secretary to James Connolly, who had a prominent role in the 1916 Easter Rising.

It means that the decision must now go back to committee level for further discussions.

Councillor Ciaran Beattie said an Equality Impact Assessment showed there were "too many statues of white, male, British, unionist, middle/upper class statues in Belfast City Hall grounds".

He said a permanent statue of Carney in the grounds of City Hall "would go a long, long way to address that imbalance".

But Alliance's Michael Long said by stalling the decision, Sinn Fein was "prepared to throw its toys out of the pram to protect its own vision of nationalism".

It's understood there are two available places for statues at City Hall, with suggestions that trade unionist Inez McCormack and SDLP co-founder Paddy Devlin would be chosen.

Mr Beattie said he had no objection to Ms McCormack, but felt that Mr Devlin did not represent the republican community in Belfast.

Sinn Fein's Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey seconded the motion.

"This main civic building within this city should reflect the two main traditions mentioned in the Good Friday Agreement, but also reflect other traditions and new traditions," she said.

She noted a proposal had also been made to include reference to Carney's husband on the statue. George McBride had been a member of the old UVF and fought at the Somme.

Mr Long said Sinn Fein had "bailed out" of the process over an "obsession" with Carney.

"After four years of discussions and compromise from all parties, Sinn Fein has shown it doesn't care about creating an inclusive, diverse City Hall for all, but rather is willing to block the memorial of so many others for their own personal agenda," he said.

Mr Long said the call-in decision would only delay the public from having their say, as the plan had been due to go out for consultation last night.
Prime Minister Theresa May said her commitment to avoiding a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland was "unshakeable".

In a speech in Belfast she said: "I'm here today to affirm my commitment, and that of the UK Government, to all of the people of Northern Ireland, of every background and tradition."

She added that she was committed to the Good Friday Agreement and its successors.

She said she wanted to "affirm my commitment to delivering a Brexit that ensures no return to a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, which is unshakeable".

While she had tried to make the case for the Withdrawal Agreement, she had had to accept it would not get through Parliament in its current form.

"I fought hard to make the case for the deal as it stands," she said.

"I believed it could command a majority in the House of Commons but I have had to face up to the fact that in its current form it cannot and the need for changes to the backstop is the key issue.

"While there were those in Northern Ireland who favoured it, it is also true that the backstop is not supported by the two main Unionist parties here and it also influenced MPs in England, Scotland and Wales in voting against the deal."

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The Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of a seamless border and how the current arrangements had helped "deliver peace and prosperity".

She said: "While I have said that technology could play a part and that we will look at alternative arrangements, these must be ones that can be made to work for the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland."

Northern Ireland does not have to rely on the Irish Government or the European Union to prevent a return to borders of the past. The UK Government will not let that happen. I will not let that happen. Theresa May

Theresa May said she was "determined" to work towards a solution to the Northern Irish border question that can command support from across the country, as she reiterated that there will be no hard border.

She said: "I know that the prospect of changing the backstop and reopening the Withdrawal Agreement creates real anxieties here in Northern Ireland and in Ireland, because it is here that the consequences of whatever is agreed will most be felt.

"I recognise too that the majority of voters in Northern Ireland voted to remain and that many will feel that once again decisions taken in Westminster are having a profound and in many cases unwanted impact in Northern Ireland and Ireland.

"So I'm determined to work towards a solution that can command broader support from across the community in Northern Ireland."

Mrs May added: "We stand by our commitment in the Joint Report that there will be no hard border - including any physical infrastructure or related checks and controls."

Mrs May said: "I know this is a concerning time for many people here in Northern Ireland.

"But we will find a way to deliver Brexit that honours our commitments to Northern Ireland, that commands broad support across the communities in Northern Ireland and that secures a majority in the Westminster Parliament, which is the best way to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland.

"As we do so, I hope we can also take steps to move towards the restoration of devolution, so that politicians in Northern Ireland can get back to work on the issues that matter to the people they represent.

"For, ultimately, the measure of this moment in Northern Ireland's history must be more than whether we avoid a return to the challenges of the past. It must be how, together, we move forwards to shape the opportunities of the future.

"As Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, it is a profound honour and duty to play my part in shaping that future and to do my utmost to support the peace, prosperity and progress that can give the people of Northern Ireland the brightest future for generations."

Asked how she could convince the people of Northern Ireland to accept a Brexit deal which was stripped of the backstop, Mrs May said: "I'm not proposing to persuade people to accept a deal that doesn't contain that insurance policy for the future.

"What Parliament has said is that they believe there should changes made to the backstop.

"And it is in that vein, in that light, that we are working with politicians across Westminster, across the House of Commons, but also will be working with others - with the Irish Government and with the EU - to find a way that enables us to maintain our commitments that we have set, very clearly, for no hard border, but to do it in a way that provides a Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration for the future that can command support across the House of Commons and therefore that we will be able to ratify with the EU such that we leave on March 29 with a deal."

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Northern Ireland parties react

Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O'Neill accused the Prime Minister of a "dangerous political U-turn" over her stance on the backstop.

"Theresa May must understand that no amount of warm words and platitudes will be acceptable to Sinn Fein, citizens or businesses here," she added.

"Only the legally binding backstop can guarantee certainty, prevent a hard border and protect the Good Friday Agreement framework. We told Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer this yesterday and we will tell Theresa May that tomorrow.

"The DUP do not speak for the people of the north of Ireland - and are doing a huge disservice to our people, businesses, farming industry and key sectors of the economy by misrepresenting our interests."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: "Despite claims that upon entering Number 10 [Theresa May] felt her 'most profound' responsibility was to serve the interests of the people of Northern Ireland, her actions have shown otherwise.

"We will be very clear tomorrow that the future of Northern Ireland cannot be left to majorities in England and Wales. The British Government must deliver a deal that does not undermine the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, and the only plausible way to do that is to deliver on the Backstop."

Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann said the backstop beaches the Good Friday Agreement and urged the Prime Minister to remove it from the Withdrawal Agreement.

"I welcome the fact that even the DUP now recognise that the Belfast Agreement secures Northern Irelands position within the United Kingdom," he said.

"Anyone who understands the Belfast Agreement knows full well that the backstop is incompatible with it and the Government needs to make this point loud and clear. Once that basic fact is recognised and accepted by Dublin and Brussels, then perhaps we can make real progress.

"The Withdrawal Agreement and the Backstop must be amended to respect the Belfast Agreement and to both recognise and defend the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom.

DUP MP Emma Little-Pengelly said Theresa May must press the EU for the necessary legally binding changes to the Withdrawal Agreement.

"Northern Ireland cannot be left as a rule taker, running to Dublin to seek changes to the rules governing our core industries," she added.

"Whilst there have been positive voices from Brussels about the need to seek creative solutions, such commentary will now be tested. There needs to be a political will to reach a consensus which works for the United Kingdom and also the European Union."
Just 10% of voters think the EU is likely to agree to ditch the backstop, according to a new poll.

And 60% believe the EU will not abandon the controversial plan to ensure an open Irish border, according to the monthly YouGov tracker poll for The Times newspaper.

Some 35% of those questioned said MPs were right to back the Brady Amendment, offering Parliament's support for the agreement so long as the controversial backstop arrangement for the Irish border is removed.

But 23% said it was wrong and - in a sign of public uncertainty on the issue - 42% said they did not know.

Almost half of voters (45%) would back delaying Brexit beyond the scheduled date of March 29 to allow time to negotiate a better deal.

With just 52 days remaining to the UK's withdrawal from the EU, just 34% said they would oppose a delay for this purpose.

Those questioned also backed postponing Brexit to give more time to make preparations for a no-deal departure, by a margin of 39%-37%.

But they opposed a delay to hold a general election by 50%-28% or a second referendum by 44%-37%, and were almost evenly split (38% opposing to 37% supporting) on whether the government should seek more time to get Theresa May's Withdrawal Agreement through.

Only 14% said the government had done a good job of negotiating with the EU, compared with 78% who said it had done a bad job.

And just 14% of those questioned thought Mrs May's deal would be good for the country, against 37% who saw it as a bad outcome.

More than half (51%) said that leaving without a deal would be bad for the country, compared with just 18% who thought it would be a good outcome.

Some 48% of the 1,650 voters questioned said the UK had made the wrong decision when it opted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum, against 41% who thought it was right to leave.

When 'don't knows' were removed, the result was Wrong 54%, Right 46%. It is now more than a year since the monthly poll recorded a majority thinking that the 2016 referendum result was the right thing for Britain.

Some 37% said that a new referendum resulting in the UK remaining in the EU would be a good outcome for Britain and 7% viewed it as an "acceptable compromise".

But 43% said this would be bad - including 36% who said it would be very bad - for the country.

More than half (52%) said a second referendum with a Remain victory would make the country more divided, against just 17% who said it would bring Britain together.

A Norway-style Brexit leaving the UK in the single market and customs union was regarded as a good result by 27% and bad by 28%.

Fewer than one in eight (12%) of those questioned said Labour's policy on Europe was "clear", compared with 70% who said it was "confusing".

And just 14% said they supported Jeremy Corbyn's approach to Brexit, against 56% who oppose it.

When the same question was asked about the Conservative policy, some 24% found it clear and 61% confusing.

Mrs May's approach was backed by 33% and opposed by 47%. YouGov questioned 1,650 British adults for its poll on January 30 and 31.
MADRID - The Spanish government has decided to place Civil Guard officers aboard sea rescue patrol boats in the western Mediterranean for "security reasons", according to sources in the Spanish armed forces cited by Spanish daily El Pais.



The measure is part of a government plan to reduce irregular migrant landings, which totaled 64,298 people in 2018, by 50% this year.



The goal is to "make it so that Moroccan coast guard officers broaden their zone of action and carry out more rescues," El Pais said.


Smoke-free: quitting isnt easy but there are measures you can try

We're well into the new year, which means a significant proportion of the population will be battling to uphold their resolution to quit smoking.

According to the Office for National Statistics, over 70% of people who currently smoke say they want to quit. But anyone who has tried to kick the habit will know - ditching cigarettes for good can be much easier said than done.

If you started the year with a resolution to prioritise your health, giving up smoking is one of the biggest single things you can do - and there are lots of tips and tricks that can help you reach your goal.

Only a small proportion of people succeed with the 'cold turkey' method - so don't beat yourself up if you're one of the many who attempted to do so but found it too hard. But there are lots of other measures you can try - getting support from your healthcare provider, which may include nicotine replacement patches and gum alongside counselling, can vastly improve your chances for a successful quit.

Here, two addiction and cravings experts shares some top tips to help you quit...

1. Make plans to quit

The first thing you need to do is set a date and stick to it. "No excuses," says Steve Clarke, a specialist in the psychology of addictive behaviours at Priory's Life Works hospital in Woking (priorygroup.com). "Whenever you find yourself in difficulty, tell yourself that the craving will pass, and stick with it until the urge ceases."

2. And have a relapse prevention plan

Over time, Clarke says cravings drastically recede, but you should initially make a 'relapse prevention plan' just in case. "Identify potentially difficult events - like a party, for instance - and plan your escape routes in advance."

3. Switch up your routine

Smoking can easily become an automatic behaviour linked to daily routines, such as that afternoon work break. Clarke suggests changing your schedule so that lighting up no longer becomes a ritual.

"If that after-meal cigarette was a ritual, it needs breaking," says Clarke. "Get up and do the dishes straight away, or settle down in a room where you don't smoke and start reading a book to occupy your mind elsewhere."

4. Enrol some support

Telling friends and family members that you're serious about giving up can help to keep you accountable. "If someone you know wants to give up too, suggest that you give up together," says Clarke.

Ask close pals to engage in non-smoking activities while you're kicking the habit, such as exercise or the cinema, and instruct them to stop you from asking around for a cigarette at any social occasions.

5. Identify when your cravings hit

If you've ever tried to give up smoking, you'll notice that some parts of the day can feel harder than others.

"A craving can last five minutes, so make a list of five-minute strategies that will help you manage this," says Clarke. For example, you could do a crossword puzzle on your phone, go for a walk, or simply plug in to a podcast for five minutes. If you're on a night out, go to dance, strike up a non-cigarette related conversation, or leave completely.

6. Get physical

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"Studies have found that even a small amount of exercise, such as a five-minute walk or a stretch, can cut cravings," says Clarke. He suggests joining a local group, such as yoga, mindfulness or walking, that has an enjoyable social element to it, so it feels like less of a chore.

You might not be able to see the benefits of giving up smoking on the inside of your body, but once you see the beginnings of a six-pack forming, you'll be all the more inclined to stick to your new habits.

7. Make non-smoking friends

A pretty common 'mistake' while attempting to give up smoking is surrounding yourself with temptation. "When you're at a party, stick with the non-smokers," advises Clarke.

8. Keep your hands and mouth busy

If you like holding a cigarette, Clarke says you should keep a pen or another cigarette-shaped object handy for times when you're tempted.

"When you're out, try putting your drink in the hand that usually holds a cigarette, or drink from a straw to keep your mouth busy," he adds.

9. Think of the wider benefits

"Smoking isn't just detrimental to your own health, it can also be damaging to those around you," says Dr Arun Thiyagarajan, medical director at Bupa Health Clinics.

"The cost of smoking is creeping up all the time, so see it as an opportunity to save money quickly - and then reward yourself with the savings by buying something you like or need."

10. Think positive

"If you have tried unsuccessfully beforehand, look at where you may have not succeeded, and make the changes," says Clarke.

"Remind yourself how good it would feel to have health and financial benefits, and keep a check-list reminding yourself of the reasons why you have chosen to stop smoking."
Popping to the shops, picking up a coffee on the way to work, queuing up for a travel card and then hopping on a bus or train - for most of us, these are everyday actions we don't give a second thought to. But for people with agoraphobia, they could be the stuff of nightmares.

We might not talk about it very much, but agoraphobia is one of the most common panic-related disorders in the UK. While it's commonly associated with a phobia of open spaces or leaving the house, there can be a lot more to it than that, and for some people, the fear may revolve around specific circumstances or places - such as being in crowded public spaces.

The NHS estimates that in the UK, up to two people in every 100 have some form of panic disorder, and it's thought around a third of them will go on to develop agoraphobia, which can affect both men and women and develop at any age.

A complex condition

In its essence, agoraphobia is a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult and help wouldn't be available if things go wrong - but this can look different for different people.

"It has a wide definition and includes many different fears, such as open spaces, crowded places and being alone," says Nicky Lidbetter, CEO of Anxiety UK (anxietyuk.org.uk), who explains that the term 'agoraphobia' refers to an interrelated cluster of phobias.

"Most often, a person with agoraphobia is afraid of having panicky feelings, wherever these may occur.

"While most agoraphobics can tell you what it is they dread will happen to them if they are placed in their feared environment, some agoraphobics simply do not know what lies at the root of their fear," she adds.

In other words, in some cases, the phobia arises from a specific trigger or experience - while for others, it can be more general.

For many people with agoraphobia, it is not necessarily where they are that triggers panic, but the feeling of being trapped and unable to escape from the situation they find themselves in, which results in avoiding the places where this can happen most frequently. Examples might include being a passenger in a car, travelling on a train or bus or standing in a queue.

Panic attacks

When a person with agoraphobia encounters a situation they don't feel comfortable with, they'll usually experience symptoms of a panic attack, such as a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, shaky limbs, feeling hot and sweaty and nauseous.

Once a panic attack has happened, Lidbetter says avoidance is often the key characteristic of agoraphobia - whereby the individual concerned starts to consciously avoid any situation that resembles where they first had a panic attack.

"At its worst, agoraphobia can prevent individuals from leaving a room, rendering them effectively room-bound," says Lidbetter. "Others who suffer with milder versions of agoraphobia may appear to be functioning fairly normally to the outsider, when they are actually coping by avoiding potentially fearful situations such as travelling further afield.

"Another common feature of agoraphobia is dependence on a trusted person," Lidbetter adds. These 'support persons' are considered safe - but if they are depended on too heavily, further problems might develop, such as monophobia, or the acute fear of being alone.

Help is out there

Experts say the first thing anyone who may be experiencing signs of agoraphobia should do is speak to their GP. They'll be able to help make a correct diagnosis and discuss suitable treatment options.

"If you've already started to avoid places, the most appropriate form of therapy is something called 'graded exposure therapy', or 'systematic desensitisation'," says Lidbetter. "This process involves gradually re-entering phobic situations and learning to cope with anxiety and panic as it occurs, and not moving up the hierarchy of feared situations until the anxiety experienced at each step has dissipated.

"It can be beneficial to practise this with a trained cognitive behavioural therapist, although it is possible to do so on your own."

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be a very effective talking treatment for phobias. "A cognitive behavioural therapist will actively focus on specific problems occurring in a client's present daily life, teaching skills such as how to examine and recognise 'negative thinking patterns' and 'negative automatic thoughts'," explains Lidbetter. "By identifying these thought distortions, people are able to learn to modify their thoughts which in turn has a positive impact on mood."

She explains that this can help change the negative associations a person with agoraphobia has with certain places, allowing them to feel much more in control when faced with being in the situations that previously made them feel anxious.

The fear trap

Jessica Boston is a hypnotherapist who treats clients with severe agoraphobia (jessicaboston.com).

"The way I approach it, is that (agoraphobia) is a mystery that needs to be solved. There is always a reason behind it: if you weren't born with it, we can make sense of it, and most people aren't born with agoraphobia," she says.

Boston says hypnotherapy can help to tap into the subconscious mind, which is where behaviours can be buried. Even though we may know a fear is irrational, for a person with a phobia, irrational thoughts can seem far more powerful than rational ones.

"The subconscious mind is where this idea (of fear) is trapped. It's about talking to the subconscious mind and playing with the perspective - as the mind is often stuck in the past.

"It's absolutely curable for most people though," Boston adds. "With understanding and knowledge, you can change a lot of things, and it is avoidance and 'the fear of the fear' that will keep you in it."

Removing the stigma

Awareness and understanding of agoraphobia is improving - and treatment really can work - so nobody should feel embarrassed about asking for help.

"There has been so much stigma around (agoraphobia) for years, that it was a sign of weakness, and now we are all realising that you wouldn't be alive if you didn't have some form of anxiety," says Boston.

"Panic attacks are designed to feel completely terrible - they are the primitive response that our mind and body have to avoid danger, so it's not supposed to feel like a treat.

"If you weren't receiving responses from your mind to your body to keep you away from certain dangers, you wouldn't be alive.

"It's just that the responses have got out of control [in people with panic disorders], and you're not functioning in the way that you'd like to.

"Seek help, because there is no shame," Boston says.
Royal London has been given approval to transfer over 1 billion worth of assets to Ireland as the fund manager steps up its Brexit contingency planning.

The group, which has 114 billion in total funds under management, received approval from the High Court on Tuesday for the move, which involves over 500,000 policies.

It is designed to deal with the consequences of a no-deal hard Brexit, in which Britains financial services sector would lose passporting rights that allow them to function in the EUs single market, the worlds richest trading bloc.

In approving the switch to Dublin, Mr Justice Snowden said in his judgement: In common with many other financial institutions, Royal London is concerned that in the event of a no-deal Brexit it will lose the passporting rights which currently enable it to rely upon its authorisation in the UK to carry out regulated activities to service its policyholders in other European Economic Area member states.

To address this possibility, Royal London wishes to transfer its long-term business with policyholders in the EEA to RLI, which is be authorised and regulated in the Republic of Ireland, and thus able to service the policies concerned after Brexit, whatever form that may take.

Just over 1 billion gross is transferring, but because the business is being reinsured, the net asset transfer amounts to 10.5 million.

Royal London has told its policyholders that even if an agreement between Britain and the EU were to be reached permitting it to continue administering the policies from the UK after Brexit, it is now committed to the transfer.

Royal Londons new Ireland arm has been capitalised with 40 million euros from the parent company and one-off costs of the transfer are estimated to be 21 million.

Several banks  including the Baclays, Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and a host of others  have set up continental hubs in preparation for Britains exit from the EU.

This involves hundreds of jobs and hundreds of billions in assets being shifted out of London, hitting the Treasurys tax revenue and denting the capitals reputation as a financial centre.

Frankfurt, Germanys financial capital, is one of the biggest beneficiaries of Brexit.

For its part, Royal London is creating 20 new jobs in Dublin.
Troubled retailer Carpetright has said UK sales remain under pressure as uncertainty continues to affect shopper confidence.

The group confirmed UK like-for-like sales fell once more in the 13 weeks to January 26, although it said trading had improved since the first half, when sales tumbled 12.7%.

Carpetright said: Trading patterns have remained volatile week to week, against a backdrop of uncertainty and weak consumer confidence.

Its European operations have fared better, with the group saying trading has been consistently ahead of a year earlier, driven by robust trading in the Netherlands.

Trading patterns have remained volatile week to week, against a backdrop of uncertainty and weak consumer confidenceCarpetright

The group also confirmed it is on target to deliver promised annual cost savings of 19 million, agreed as part of a rescue deal announced in April that will see it undergo a dramatic store closure programme.

Its update on Tuesday also saw the group announce that its chief financial officer of more than 10 years, Neil Page, is stepping down later this month to retire from a full-time role.

He will leave the board on February 25, but will remain with the company until April 30.

Mr Page will be replaced by Jeremy Simpson, most recently chief financial officer of Sureserve Group, on February 25.

Wilf Walsh, chief executive of Carpetright, said: As CFO, Neil has made an outstanding contribution to Carpetright over many years and the board wishes to express its gratitude for his unstinting commitment to the business, particularly through the recent challenging period of restructuring.

We are delighted that Jeremy is joining us as CFO, he has a strong plc track record and will be able to integrate swiftly into the executive team.

Carpetright announced a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) in April, allowing it to close up to 81 under-performing outlets.

It said at the half-year stage that 54 were shut in the period and another two will close in the second half. Another 25 continue to trade without paying rent.

An additional 11 stores had been shut in the first half where the landlord had decided to take back the lease, with another nine closures expected in the second half.

Carpetright made a loss before tax of 11.7 million in the 26 weeks to October 27.
The year 2018 will go down as the year of the backstop but it could also be dubbed the year of skills shortages, particularly in sectors such as hospitality and IT. In 2019, it remains to be seen whether the backstop comes into being, but one thing that is for sure is skills shortages will remain a feature and persist throughout the next 12 months and beyond.

In this environment, many Northern Ireland companies have had to get good at recruiting, working out how best to identify and attract the right kind of recruits. But competition is fierce and intensifying. As a result, companies will need to get better at retention, working out not only how to recruit but also how best to retain the best people.

One part of this is 'purpose' - ie, a company's fundamental reason for being. A key statistic in this respect is that 86% of millennials think business success should now be defined by more than financial performance, according to a Deloitte survey. That's significant when this generation is taking up an increasing share of the labour force. And some believe that millennials will account for up to three-quarters of the US workforce as soon as next year. This means that businesses need to be much more than just money-makers. Employees want them to have a clearly defined roll in contributing purposefully to society.

As Larry Fink, who runs Blackrock, a major US fund managing $6trn of assets, said in a letter to chief executives: "Society is increasingly looking to companies, both public and private, to address pressing social and economic issues."

He said businesses should be thinking of "purpose before profits", and about "investing for the long-term, serving a community, developing the talents of a workforce". This form of 'shared capitalism' is said to have been central to the German economy's success.

Part of the reason for this need for change is that capitalism got derailed; an issue that was explored at a lecture by Paul Collier - author of the book The Future of Capitalism - at Queen's University last month. His argument is that capitalism got derailed for third time during the last 30 to 40 years, culminating with the financial crisis in 2007. Trust in capitalism, as well as politics and business, has arguably been mired in recession too. Capitalism and its actors now need to reinvent themselves, or perhaps rediscover some of the purposes that businesses had in the past.

Indeed, corporate social responsibility, or CSR as it is known, has had a long history, right back to companies like Boots, Cadbury and Rowntree who were philanthropic in their purpose and invested significantly to create and improve communities. CSR perhaps lost its way in more recent years and became more superficial than fundamental. Today, CSR needs to be at the heart of organisations, because it is important to employees as well as a wide range of other stakeholders.

Google has been singled out as an organisation that has broken new ground in creating the right environment to help attract and retain staff. This includes offering free meals to every employee, as well as providing on-site gyms, offering massage therapy, and encouraging a healthy worklife balance. It's original mantra "Don't do evil", also says something of its understanding of the need to have a positive purpose and to go against where it was perceived capitalism was heading.

In some areas, we are seeing Northern Ireland companies adapt their approach towards creating an environment where they can retain staff. The IT and wider tech sector is one area where we are seeing companies create attractive offices with gyms, food offerings and other incentives. We are also seeing a greater focus on wellbeing, with companies encouraging and supporting team members to have a better work-life balance and to be healthier.

But we need to see this happening more broadly in the Northern Ireland business community. Not just because it is the right thing to do, but also because it makes business sense. Google doesn't just offer free food on site to attract and retain staff. It also does it to keep them in the office for longer so that they can be more productive for the company. The reality is that happy, contented employees are more likely to work harder, particularly if they feel that they are working for a purpose that they believe in.

Investing in people's skills is also seen as a key way to retain them as employees. If they feel they are being developed and offered opportunities for progression, then they will be more inclined to remain with the business. Increasingly, self-development has greater importance relative to status and salary, which is a change that has happened in the business world in recent years. Part of the reason for this is that skills now have a much shorter shelf-life than they did in the past. According to Deloitte, the lifetime of a skill has dropped from 30 years in 1984 to between two-and-a-half and five years today.

Some employers will be concerned that investing in their employee's skills will make them even more attractive to other companies and therefore potentially even more mobile and likely to leave. But if they don't invest in employees' skills, someone else will, and this will certainly lead to them moving on.

There is an element of mutual trust at play here. Employees want to be able to trust the companies they work for to act in their interests and in the wider interests of society at large. But employers also need to trust their employees - that if they treat them well and invest in them, they will provide a return on that investment.

These are issues that are only going to become bigger in 2019. And they are being led from the top down and the bottom up. In the US, Democrat Elizabeth Warren is arguing for the implementation of a charter of corporate purpose. In France, Emmanuel Macron is doing something similar.

In Northern Ireland, particularly in an environment of escalating skills shortages, it is essential that companies ensure they are in line with these key trends. Retention and purpose will be the business watchwords of 2019.

In next week's Economy Watch we hear from EY chief economist Neil Gibson
Norman Apsley (centre) of Catalyst Inc won the Lifetime Achievement Award last year. He was joined by Richard McClean (left), INM, and Richard Donnan, Ulster Bank

The Belfast Telegraph Business Awards for 2019 have opened for entry with Ulster Bank lending its support as title sponsor for a third consecutive year.

Business organisations both large and small can now enter online via www.belfast telegraph.co.uk/businessawards/enter across 13 categories, ahead of the closing date on March 21.

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The prestigious black-tie awards ceremony will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast on Thursday, May 2.

Now in its 17th year the business awards programme is the longest-established in Northern Ireland and this year welcomes a new chairman of the judging panel.

Professor Mark Durkin, Executive Dean of Ulster University Business School, will bring a wealth of local and international business experience and expertise to the judging process.

Sarah Little, publishing director of Independent News and Media NI, said: "We continue to build on our awards year on year and Ulster Bank as our title sponsor and partner has helped us to further improve and expand the awards programme since they came on board in 2017.

"I would like to thank them for their support and also warmly welcome Prof Mark Durkin to the judging panel as our new chair.

"The Business Awards afford companies of all sizes and from differing sectors the opportunity to spotlight their successes both at home and on the international stage. Whilst last year was the best in terms of entries, we know there are even more brilliant business success stories out there and we would like to encourage enterprises and individuals to come forward and enter."

Richard Donnan, head of Ulster Bank, Northern Ireland, said he was pleased that Ulster Bank is partnering with the awards again and is looking forward to entry submissions reflecting an ever developing and entrepreneurial business ecosystem in Northern Ireland.

"Last year's awards received a record level of entries demonstrating the exceptional work taking place in small and large businesses and augurs well for the 2019 awards," he said.

"In line with Ulster Bank's focus on support for entrepreneurs through our accelerator hub, this year's gala awards night will feature a special elevator pitch session pitting some of Northern Ireland's brightest entrepreneurial talent against each other to win an impressive prize.

"We had a really strong line-up of finalists last year and it's fantastic to see these companies of all sizes going from strength to strength and contributing to the local economy.

"Our 2018 overall winner Novosco continues to make great strides and since the awards ceremony has announced a 20m expansion alongside a 107m contract with an NHS Foundation Trust."

Prof Mark Durkin said he was delighted to take over the reins from esteemed past chairman, economist John Simpson.

"I'm privileged to join and chair the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards judging panel and am looking forward to assessing submissions alongside Richard from Ulster Bank and fellow panellists from a range of professional bodies and business organisations," he said.

"I'm especially delighted that long-serving panel member and past chair John Simpson is remaining on the team and without doubt this year's submissions will continue to impress and amaze the judging panel. I would particularly like to underline the need for businesses to submit evidence-based entries showing clear qualitative and quantitative business outcomes. It's absolutely essential and makes the difference in terms of reaching the shortlist or not."

Last year's overall winner Novosco also took the IT Company of the year accolade. Other winners included Mackle Pet Food, Warden Bros, Shredbank, Copeland Spirits, Lidl NI, Northway Mushrooms and Mascott.Norman Apsley was awarded a Lifetime Achievement with Gareth Chambers Young Business Person of the Year.

How to buy tickets

The gala awards dinner takes place on Thursday, May 2 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Shaws Bridge, Belfast. A table of 10 costs 1,500 plus VAT while individual places are available at 160 plus VAT. To book online www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/businessawards/tickets.
Political crises bring out the best in some people and the worst in others. What is it about Brexit that when it comes to the British political classes, Brexit's unique brand of toxicity only serves to bring out the worst?

This was never more evident than in the House of Commons last week when British Prime Minister Theresa May dumped the backstop as government policy and decided to do a U-turn on the need for a legally binding safety net to ensure there is no hard border in Ireland.

The British government is now truly in unique territory where ministers are saying the backstop must go, having agreed as a government, to introduce it in a major international agreement signed by their Prime Minister.

It might have some credibility if a different British government or different prime minister was advocating this new position for pragmatic reasons.

But Theresa May remains in place.

There have been so many Brexit phrases in the last two-and-a-half years which have meant different things to different people. When Theresa May began to yield to reality in the negotiations by softening her position, some in Westminster described it as the 'Brexit betrayal'.

When an EU Commission spokesman said there would be a hard border in a no-deal scenario, it was seen here as a 'Brexit backstab'. But the most unnerving and slippery phrase used about Brexit came from Boris Johnson when he was interviewed in Dublin by Bryan Dobson. He was asked why he signed up to the backstop in December 2017, given that he actually sees it as unnecessary and unacceptable.

Johnson said he saw the backstop at the time as a "convenient fiction" - something which simply allowed the talks to progress.

Former Brexit secretary David Davis at the time said he saw it as a "statement of intent" rather than something that was legally enforceable.

These are the very reasons why the Irish Government was right to push for a backstop in the first place. How could any sovereign government trust the word of someone who signs up to something in writing only to say they simply saw it as a convenient fiction?

Theresa May saw it through as far as a vote defeat in the House of Commons but has now abandoned it. The backstop may well be politically dead, as far as getting it through the House of Commons goes, but how could the Irish Government or Brussels negotiate with such a failed British government leader.

Unfortunately, the prime minister's decision to put the stubbornness of a minority in her political party against the interests of her country, has brought the whole process closer to a no-deal scenario in which everybody loses. The suggested alternatives to the backstop include:

A TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME - which will help with large-scale businesses but will still require regular physical checks of goods. It would be a smuggler's charter without regular actual checks.

MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF RULES WITH THE EU - This simply won't work because it implies the EU would recognise UK rules while the UK reserves the right to introduce its own rules. It makes no sense unless there is a formal agreement not to change rules.

TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS - These remain something of an illusive fantasy.

TIME LIMIT ON THE BACKSTOP OR UNILATERAL EXIT FROM IT - this means it is not a backstop at all, just an extension of the transition period. The path through this mess which doesn't end up with a no-deal exit is becoming harder to identify. A second referendum looks more distant after this week.

It is quite possible that a second referendum in the short-term would bring about a similar leave result anyway. An acceptable deal that protects the status quo along the border is disappearing.

The ratcheting up of rhetoric around the border issue has got so bad, there is an expectation all along the border that any kind of infrastructure built there in the future will be blown up.

People would now be surprised if it wasn't. This contributes to making it a self-fulfilling prophesy.

The pressure on the Irish Government to back down on the backstop is already substantial. It will build and build even if the British government secures an extension to the March 29 deadline. Dublin is very much in the Tories' sights.

The British government will target the Irish Government constantly until the cracks appear.

It really is time for businesses to batten down the hatches and prepare for the worst.
Steve Orr, CEO at Catalyst Inc, launches the 2018 Knowledge Economy Report with Ian Sheppard, NI MD at Bank of Ireland UK

The following quote is from the 2018 Knowledge Economy report, published last week. "If we don't increase our efforts  there is no question that our economy will continue to fall behind. And we all have a role to play."

Catalyst Inc, the successor to the former NI Science Park, has been working with Ulster University to examine how a stronger contribution from the knowledge economy is helping progress in the Northern Ireland economy.

Growth in the knowledge economy would bring together business developments using advanced knowledge and techniques, employment opportunities for people with higher skills and better earnings potential, and in consequence would build a more competitive and profitable business sector.

Catalyst Inc has now published its 2018 report codifying the evidence collected by the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre. The challenge for the local policy makers is to decide what needs to be done so that we close the considerable gap between the contributions of knowledge-based industries here when compared to the results found elsewhere in the UK.

There is now good evidence on how Northern Ireland is performing. The headline claim by Catalyst is that NI is the fourth-fastest growing KE region in the UK. The underpinning of this conclusion comes from a combination of relevant statistical indicators measuring, first, the increasing level of KE employment, second, the improving comparative level of R&D spending by businesses and, third, the rather less encouraging evidence on business innovation (and patent) activity.

Using 25 selected performance indicators, NI's position in comparison with the other UK regions shows a relative improvement in seven features, and also that in two-thirds of the indicators there has been growth.

Although Catalyst emphasises the positive results, the scale of the performance gap still to be closed is clear when NI is observed to be in tenth place of the 12 UK regions. Catalyst comments on the identification of "some positive aspects of the KE as well as concerning trends and gaps".

Correcting adverse trends and closing gaps becomes the focus for the policy conclusions. The potential outcomes would add 3bn to the NI GVA, 80,000 more jobs and would mean that we needed net immigration of about 2,500 people each year.

The delivery of improved policies to grow the KE becomes the responsibility of many interested parties living and working here. Delivering an even faster growing KE also faces the challenges of the arrangements in the aftermath of Brexit and the evolution of Westminster influence.

Catalyst asks that policy initiatives should:

 Translate activity into outcomes faster

 Stay focused on excellence

 Build on the R&D base

 Educate for tomorrow today

 Increase innovation and patent activity

 Maintain investment performance

 Maximise the impact of the Belfast Region City Deal, and

 Establish a knowledge economy policy matrix

These aspirations are non-controversial.

However, far from setting an operational agenda, they only serve, initially, to set the baseline from which operational plans need to be devised, allocated to appropriate people and agencies, secure delivery commitments, gain financial support and, most critically, generate a collective committed response on behalf of the community.

In the absence of an effective working form of regional Government, gaining momentum for a stronger, faster growing KE will be difficult. A 'do nothing' stance could emerge.

In summary, Catalyst shows that the KE is still growing, is still significant, but adds that growth is slowing. There is a challenge here for the leadership of the public and private sectors. The least that the senior civil servants can do is use the discretionary decision making that lies within their remit in focused, priority setting, ways. For necessary major capital projects and schemes calling for larger financial sums, Catalyst should act as a critical voice so that political decision makers hear clearly what distortion and damage their 'absence' is causing.

Company Report: John Hogg Ltd

John Hogg Ltd, a diverse group of companies with its registered office based in Holywood, is under the control of the Webb family. The group report describes it as being in transition, with operational control passing to the next generation of family directors.

The main business of the group is described as the manufacture and marketing of dyestuffs and markers to the petroleum industry, the design and sale of household textiles and soft furnishings, property rental and warehousing, a finance company and a travel agency.

The group is the main shareholder in seven subsidiary trading companies and holds a large minority shareholding in an eighth. One trading subsidiary is registered in Croatia.

The group of businesses continues to trade profitably.

Turnover in the year to April 2018 increased by 8%, although operating and pre-tax profits were down on 2017 but still higher than those recorded in 2016.

When fair value movements in the value of investment property are taken into account, operating profits in 2017 would be 690,000 lower, meaning that the

underlying trading profits were slightly lower.

Capital expenditure has varied slightly from year to year. The figures quoted here include sums spent on investment properties of over 1.5m in 2018.

Employment in the group has increased more recently to average 134 people.

The group operates a defined-benefit pension scheme which holds an actuarial deficit of 6.2m, down from 8.3m a year ago. In each recent year the group has paid dividends to shareholders costing about 746,000.
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Bedford designing office renovations, fire station demolition could begin in March

Will DeShong / Gazette Photo/Will DeShong Pictured is the Bedford Borough building at 244 W. Penn St. on Monday. The borough is preparing a $1 million renovation project to the building.

Demolition of the Bedford Fire Departments fire station could begin as early as next month, borough officials said Monday night.

Borough Council at its monthly meeting approved an agreement with Stiffler McGraw and Associates to begin design work on a planned borough building renovation project, which will follow the construction of a new neighboring fire station.

Borough Manager Barbara Diehl said the fire department will begin moving its equipment from the station during the next few weeks to prepare for demolition.

That means we need to get moving on the design of the renovation of our own building, she said.

The borough and fire department are coordinating on the pair of projects. Construction of the fire station will be done first and the boroughs renovations will follow.

Diehl said demolition of the existing fire station will be dependent on weather but could begin in March.

The groundhog says its going to happen, Diehl joked, referencing Punxsutawney Phils prediction of an early spring made this past weekend.

The fire department will tear down its three-bay station and a neighboring house on its property to make way for a new six-bay station.

Work on the borough building will begin later this year and will include a number of renovations, such as adding council chambers for meetings and moving the Bedford Police Department to the upper floor, providing street-level access to Penn Street.

The boroughs work is expected to cost about $1 million, while the fire departments project is estimated at $3 million.

In separate discussion, Mayor Bill Leibfreid told council that Police Chief Jim Sigler plans to retire by the end of the year.

Our finance and personnel committee will work on finding a replacement for him, Leibfreid said.

Diehl said there is not yet a firm date of when Sigler will retire.

Itll be later this year, she said.

Sigler was not at the meeting.

Leibfreid also heralded a borough employee during the meeting. The mayor said John Whitmore, superintendent of the water treatment plant, assisted another borough worker from the police department who had fallen in the parking lot behind the borough building during the early morning hours of Jan. 24.

We had an employee fall in the parking lot behind the borough building, Leibfreid said. He fell on the pavement and knocked himself out.

Leibfreid said Whitmore was going to work about 4:50 a.m. that morning and found the employee in the lot in freezing temperatures. Whitmore called 911 and assisted the injured worker.

He got raincoats and blankets and got him covered until the ambulance came and took him to the hospital, Leibfreid said, noting the injured employee was released from the hospital later that afternoon.

Diehl at the end of the meeting updated council of upcoming street and curb work set to be completed this year.

She said two speed humps will be installed on John Street on both sides of the Bedford High School following the completion of a paving project on the street.

Diehl said borough officials met with the transportation director of the school district about concerns of potential speeding on the freshly paved street.

We have some history of what happens when we have a nicely paved street, Diehl said. Speed increases.

Borough Engineer Tim Cooper said the speed humps are more gradual than speed bumps and wont interfere with the boroughs plowing.

Diehl said John Street will be repaved from Bedford to Anderson streets, adding the borough already has concerns with speeding on John Street.

The paving work this year includes repaving portions of John, Bedford, Wood and East streets following the completion of water and sewer line work in the area. The borough also will redo 22 curb ramps to make them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The work will total $320,000.
TEL AVIV - The Israeli Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asking the country's attorney general, Avichai Mandelblit, to postpone the public release of verdicts in corruption cases against the prime minister until after April 9 elections, media reports said.



Mandelblit had already refused a similar request by Netanyahu, who then went to the high court with his appeal.



After police concluded their investigations into the prime minister, they asked Mandelblit to bring formal criminal charges against Netanyahu.


CMS placed Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center in Janesville, Wis., on "immediate jeopardy" in 2016 after a man visited the hospital with suicidal thoughts and committed suicide the same day, reports the GazetteXtra.



Four things to know:

1. Jim Brieske, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2006, visited Mercyhealth Hospital around noon on May 23, 2016. He committed suicide around 10:30 p.m. that night.

2. A complaint received shortly after Mr. Brieske's death spurred CMS to investigate Mercyhealth's compliance with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. Inspectors identified several EMTALA violations that put emergency department patients like Mr. Brieske in "immediate jeopardy," according to a CMS letter sent to the hospital and cited by GazetteXtra.

3. CMS' investigation found the physician who discharged Mr. Brieske did not discuss his condition with his case manager, social worker or crisis team. Mr. Brieske's family did not even know he'd visited the hospital the day he died until reporters from WebMD and Georgia Health News contacted them for a story on EMTALA violations in 2018.

4. Mercyhealth Hospital took corrective actions and was found in compliance with CMS during a follow-up survey Sept. 7, 2016. However, a Mercyhealth official on Feb. 1 told GazetteXtra the hospital disputed or is still disputing multiple findings from CMS' investigation, including that clinicians failed to complete an appropriate medical exam for a patient with suicidal ideations.

"Given privacy laws, we cannot comment on specifics as to the patient's treatment, however, to the extent that any patient consents, generally all patients receive a medical screening exam," Paul Van Den Heuvel, vice president of legal affairs for Mercyhealth, told the publication.

To view the full report, click here.
The Pennsylvania Health Department may investigate Ellwood City Medical Center after a recent inspection found it improperly stored biological waste, according to sources cited by the Ellwood City Ledger.

Inspectors found several bags of waste in a shed at the hospital that should have been disposed of by a contractor, the Ledger reported. The contractor cut off service due to nonpayment, the paper stated.

Nate Wardle, the health department's press secretary, would not comment to the Ledger on whether an inspection happened or an investigation has been launched.

The health department has 41 days to release a report on an inspection at the hospital. The medical center was listed in compliance on June and November inspections.

A Feb. 4 call for comment from the Ledger to Beverly Annarumo, the hospital's CEO, was not immediately returned.

The hospital already is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor and Industry for a series of payroll delays. The Lawrence County (Pa.) District Attorney's Office also is conducting a criminal investigation into hospital leaders' financial practices.

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A former nurse at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., accused of inadvertently injecting a patient with a fatal medication dose has been indicted on charges of reckless homicide and impaired adult abuse, The Tennessean reports.

The nurse's error happened in December 2017 but was not publicly revealed until a CMS inspection report was released in November 2018.

After the investigation, CMS threatened to suspend Vanderbilt's Medicare reimbursements but decided not to after Vanderbilt submitted a plan of correction. The plan has not been made public.

The nurse, Radonda Leanne Vaught, was indicted Feb. 1, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

That report said the nurse, who at the time was not identified, meant to give the patient a routine sedative but instead injected vecuronium, a powerful drug for keeping patients still during surgery.

The drug was given to the patient, who was put into a body scanning machine before staff realized a medication error had been made.

The patient was left alone to be scanned for as long as 30 minutes before staff realized the patient was not breathing and medical staff began performing CPR, according to the federal investigation report.

The drug appears to have hindered the patient's ability to move or breathe. The patient suffered cardiac arrest and was left partially brain dead. She died a day later after being taken off a breathing machine.

A hospital spokesperson said the hospital acted swiftly after the patient's death, including taking "personnel actions" and notifying the patient's family.

"We have cooperated fully with regulatory and law enforcement agencies investigating the incident," the spokesperson said Feb. 4 after the indictment became public. "That includes providing background information about the event itself, along with physical evidence, requested health records information and other documents."

Editor's note: This article was updated May 13 at 1:48 p.m.
Hospital sinks stationed near toilets in patient rooms may act as reservoirs for Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing bacteria, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control.

Researchers conducted the study in a 26-bed medical intensive care unit at a 600-bed hospital in Milwaukee. The rooms have an open-concept design, with a sink by the door and a second sink stationed next to a toilet. Researchers took specimen samples from every sink drain in the MICU.

A majority (87 percent) of sinks next to toilets tested positive for KPC, compared to 21.7 percent of sinks located near the door. Of the five rooms where the sink near the door tested positive, the sink near the toilet also tested positive in four rooms. The hospital unit did not report any carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections in the past year, meaning KPC may persist long term in sinks.

"This study, if validated, could have major implications for infection control," study authors Blake Buchan, PhD, and Silvia Munoz-Price, MD, PhD, said in a press release. "If sinks next to toilets are indeed a reservoir for KPC, additional interventions  such as modified hand hygiene practices and sink disinfection protocols  may be needed to stem the risk of transmission among healthcare providers and patients alike."
Emergency departments in Minnesota's Twin Cities region are seeing a flood of patients who injured themselves by slipping on ice Feb. 4, reports CBS Minnesota.

Regions Hospital in St. Paul, North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale, and HCMC in Minneapolis all reported an uptick in patients with ice-related injuries. Regions Hospital clinicians treated more than 70 patients in its ED Feb. 4, while HCMC saw more than 60 patients.

"People are coming in really fast and it's taking a lot of work to keep up with it," Andrew Laudenbach, MD, an emergency medicine physician at HCMC, told CBS Minnesota. "The main thing we are seeing a lot of today is slip and fall on ice and broken bones, dislocation, sprains, bruises, head injuries, back pain."
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is continuing his efforts to suspend the sale of two hospitals, according to the Gilroy Dispatch.

In early January, Mr. Becerra filed a petition to halt El Segundo, Calif.-based Verity Health's sale of two hospitals to Santa Clara County. Verity filed for bankruptcy in August and is seeking to divest its six hospitals.

On Jan. 30, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Ernest M. Robles denied Mr. Becerra's request to block the sale. The judge said Mr. Becerra failed to identify a statutory provision that establishes his authority to review a sale when a county government is buying a nonprofit hospital.

A few days after the judge's ruling, Mr. Becerra filed a motion asking the court for an emergency stay of the sale.

He wants to block the deal because he claims Santa Clara County has not agreed to conditions put in place in 2015 when private hedge fund BlueMountain Capital acquired six hospitals owned by Los Altos, Calif.-based Daughters of Charity Health System. The deal and name change to Verity were approved, subject to several conditions, including that O'Connor Hospital and St. Louise Regional operate as acute care hospitals and offer emergency services for 10 years.

Access the full Gilroy Dispatch article here.

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Registered nurses at Pacifica Hospital of the Valley in Sun Valley, Calif., voted Feb. 4 to authorize their bargaining team to call a strike, according to a union news release.

The nurses, who are represented by Service Employees International Union Local 121RN, are in contract negotiations with hospital administrators.

Union officials said nurses have sought to preserve patient services during negotiations. Services have declined over the decades, including last year's closure of the hospital's labor and delivery department, the nurses said.

"Our patients feel like we're family, that this is their hospital," said Alejandra Salazar, RN. "So, it was devastating to watch my department disappear. The hospital was unable to invest in the kinds of things other hospitals were providing, like a NICU unit, 24-hour in-house anesthesia, a laborist."

Nurses want more investment and growth in quality of patient services, union leaders said.

Eric Rose, spokesperson for Pacifica Hospital of the Valley, expressed disappointment about the strike authorization vote.

He said in a statement the hospital has bargained in good faith and has offered "a fair and competitive package" for unionized employees and hopes both sides reach an greement soon.

"While the union's strike authorization vote is a normal part of negotiations, we are confident a strike will not be necessary if the union will join us and focus their efforts at the bargaining table," said Mr. Rose.

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After nodding off during an operation he was observing in the fall of 2015, Herbert Dardik, MD, who was 80 years old at the time, said hospital leadership immediately called on him to reduce his workload and undergo testing to evaluate whether he could continue practicing medicine safely.

In an interview with The New York Times, Dr. Dardik, the chief emeritus of vascular surgery at Englewood (N.J.) Health, said he had undergone a minor medical procedure a few days before the scheduled surgery and told his patient another surgeon would perform her operation. He said the patient insisted he at least be present.

"I was really an accessory," he said, stating that the operation "was so boring, I kind of dozed off"  and was reported to hospital leadership by an alarmed nurse anesthetist. The hospital's chief of anesthesiology and CMO both paid a visit to Dr. Dardik's office to suggest a lighter workload.

"I got so annoyed, I stood up and opened the door and said, 'Get out.' Who knows better what I can do but I myself?" he said.

However, not long after, Dr. Dardik said he found himself on a plane questioning the capabilities of the older-looking captain.

"It hit me like a hammer  this is what other people think when they look at me," he said.

Data from the American Medical Association cited by The New York Times notes that almost 25 percent of practicing physicians were 65 years or older in 2015. In 2017, more than 122,000 physicians in that age group said they continued to engage in patient care.

After his realization on the flight, Dr. Dardik became the first physician to be evaluated by Sinai Hospital's aging surgeon program. The program aims to evaluate older surgeons' capabilities to ensure they are still physically and mentally able to provide patient care. Now in its fifth year, Sinai Hospital's program has screened a total of eight surgeons, ages 55-81, the report states.

Research is split on whether older surgeons have poorer outcomes than younger surgeons, and many physicians often resist suggestions to slow down or retire. Mandatory retirement ages may be a viable option, but such limits could also violate discrimination laws and sideline competent physicians.

"Being a physician is at the core of their identity. It becomes something they can't let go of. They can't imagine retiring," Glen Gabbard, MD, a psychiatrist at the Houston-based Baylor College of Medicine, told the publication. Dr. Gabbard specializes in psychological evaluations of physicians.

To access the full report, click here.
Community Health Net, a medical center in Erie, Pa., denied claims in a discrimination lawsuit filed by former CEO R. Anthony Snow, MD, local news platform GoErie.com reports.

Dr. Snow was fired in April 2017, and he filed a lawsuit against the medical center in November seeking his job back in addition to lost wages and benefits.

In the lawsuit, Dr. Snow, a 64-year-old black man, claimed the medical center's board of directors fired him based on his age and race. The lawsuit alleges Dr. Snow was mistreated by the medical center's board for hiring white physicians. It also alleges Dr. Snow's firing stemmed from his refusal to dismiss employees at the board's request.

Community Health Net denied all the claims, according to the report. Read the full story here.

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David Torchiana's, MD, decision to step down from his role as president and CEO at Partners HealthCare has forced the Boston-based health system to re-evaluate how to continue integrating its flagship hospitals, The Boston Globe reports.

Four things to know:

1. Partners' Boston-based flagship institutions  Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital  have had a complicated relationship since merging roughly 25 years ago. While a potential breakup of the system is unlikely, the health system's board will face a range of crucial decisions about the future of the organization.

"The board needs to decide whether their articulated vision of an integrated system is what they want the new leader to pursue, or whether the development of parallel strong institutions which compete with each other is what they want a leader to pursue, because it is that tension that I think has made it such a difficult job," James Roosevelt Jr., a healthcare lawyer and former CEO of Watertown, Mass.-based Tufts Health Plan, told The Boston Globe.

2. After Dr. Torchiana announced last week that he would retire in April, The Boston Globe spoke with 20 current and former Partners executives and others with knowledge of the organization. Sources said that since merging, the system's flagship hospitals work together on certain physician training programs and research projects, but also pursue different growth strategies and continue to offer competing clinical services.

"The pushback in 1994 is not much different than the pushback in 2019. These places are very successful on their own, and change proves to be difficult," Ellen Zane, a former CEO of Boston-based Tufts Medical Center who also previously served as president of Partners' physician network, told the publication.

3. While Partners executives acknowledged to The Boston Globe that the hospitals have maintained their own leadership teams and department heads, they said the relationship between the two organizations has never been better, and the hospitals' respective leaders collaborate well together.

"The historical tensions between the Brigham and MGH, two of the world's greatest clinical operations, is something people have chattered about for a couple decades. But it's dramatically better over the last four or five years. The number of cooperative programs has increased dramatically," Scott Sperling, chairman of Partners' board, told the publication.

4. Dr. Torchiana was largely responsible for the push to think more strategically about the hospitals' relationship and about the future of the health system as a whole. He assembled a task force to examine the system's governance structure, brand, capital priorities and other issues, the report states. It is unclear if the system's new chief executive will maintain a similar vision.

To access the full report, click here.
(ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, FEBRUARY 5 - The Jewish community of the United Arab Emirates, which has been forced to dwell in the shadows, will now be able to operate in total freedom, in part thanks to Pope Francis's historic visit to the Arab peninsula, according to US Rabbi Marc Schneier.



Schneier is president of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, which promotes interreligious dialogue between Islam and Judaism, and co-author of the book "Celebrate Tolerance", which was publised by the UAE Minister for Tolerance Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan on the occasion of the pope's visit.



In the document all religious minorities are recognised, including the Jews.



Schneier, who was present in the meetings between the pope and Muslim religious leaders, was therefore able to meet with the Jewish community that has been in hiding up to now.



"Every Shabbat took place in a synagogue inside a private home," Schneier said, cited by the media.



"They have a president but not a rabbi. Now, thanks to the official recognition, talks are underway to open a real synagogue," he said.



After emphasising that the pope's visit helped, Schneier said the community is made up of 150 families. (ANSAmed).


Members of Congress plan to bring guests to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address Feb. 5 to bring awareness to surprise medical billing, according to Kaiser Health News.

Democrat Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, for instance, reportedly intends to bring a guest who was billed more than $1,600 for a trip to an emergency room that was in her insurance company's network. The physician the patient saw was out of network.

Democrat Sens. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin also will bring guests with stories about prescription drug costs, according to KHN.

The issue of surprise medical billing has been in the spotlight recently after President Trump vowed to end surprise medical bills that leave patients with high, unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

The president's pledge in January has sparked efforts by lawmakers to address the billing issue.

Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said he expects to see surprise billing legislation "in the next several months," according to KHN.

While it is unclear what final legislation would look like, a bipartisan group of senators has proposed a bill called the Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills Act. Ms. Hassan also has worked on surprise billing legislation, as has U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, chairman of the House Ways and Means' health subcommittee.

Read more about those proposals here.

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South Carolina hospitals are warning patients that they could see unexpected healthcare charges due to "split billing," according to The Post and Courier.

Split billing happens when patients undergo an annual physical or a preventive service exam and incur extra charges. These extra charges can be billed when the physician addresses a chronic pre-existing condition during an annual physical.

To help notify patients of the potential for split billing, Charleston, S.C.-based Roper St. Francis sent a letter to patients saying they should anticipate additional charges if a physician addresses pre-existing conditions during an annual physical, The Post and Courier reports.

A Roper St. Francis spokesperson declined to provide an expert to answer questions from the publication.

Other healthcare providers in Charleston are also giving a warning.

Tara Vandegrift, MD, with Palmetto Primary Care Physicians, told The Post and Courier patients might be better off making a separate visit from their annual physical if they want to address extensive health concerns.

Terrence Steyer, MD, chairman of family medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, advised that patients may be better off saving conversations for pre-existing health concerns for diagnostic exams that monitor existing health concerns.

Access the full report here.

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S&P Global Ratings affirmed its "A" long-term rating for Cheyenne (Wyo.) Regional Medical Center.

The rating reflects the hospital's six-year management services agreement with Aurora-based University of Colorado Health, which gives the hospital access to economies of scale and medical staff collaboration and recruitment.

The rating outlook has been revised from stable to positive.
Guymon, Okla.-based Memorial Hospital of Texas County's Medicare provider agreement is slated to be terminated April 18 unless deficiencies are corrected, according to ABC 7.

In January, the Oklahoma State Department of Health determined Memorial Hospital of Texas County was not in compliance with Medicare and Medicaid rules after reviewing reports from hospital surveys conducted in October. The department of health found the hospital was not in compliance with several rules, including those related to emergency services and medical screening exams, according to the report.

One incident noted in the report involved two teens who were discharged from the hospital without receiving mental health evaluations after trying to commit suicide by overdose. A registered nurse involved with one of the patients' care said she didn't know the correct procedures for treating a minor who had overdosed, according to ABC 7.

A second incident in the report involved a person who came to the hospital with a rattlesnake bite. The bite was treated with triple antibiotic ointment instead of anti-venom. The patient had to receive additional care the next day at a different hospital.

The report also detailed a few incidents involving pediatric care, including one involving a 27-day-old baby. The infant was brought to the hospital's ER three times for vomiting, constipation, jaundice and blood in the urine. No labs were ordered and no medications were provided during the first two visits. The patient's primary care physician sent the baby to a different hospital, where the baby underwent surgery for pyloric stenosis, according to the report.

As a result of these findings, the hospital's Medicare agreement will be terminated April 18 unless it corrects deficiencies identified in the surveys. Most hospitals take necessary steps to correct deficiencies before termination, and Memorial Hospital of Texas County has already submitted a correction plan, according to the report.

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The following hospital and health system credit rating and outlook changes or affirmations occurred in the last two weeks, beginning with the most recent:

1. S&P lowers Lawrence General Hospital to 'BB'

S&P Global Ratings lowered its rating for Lawrence (Mass.) General Hospital from "BB+" to "BB."

2. S&P revises Cheyenne Regional Medical Center outlook to positive

S&P Global Ratings affirmed its "A" long-term rating for Cheyenne (Wyo.) Regional Medical Center.

3. S&P assigns 'AA-' rating to University of Kansas Hospital Authority

S&P Global Ratings assigned an "AA-" long-term rating to Lawrence-based University of Kansas Hospital Authority, which does business as the University of Kansas Health System.

4. Moody's affirms 'Baa3' rating for Adventist Healthcare

Moody's Investors Service has affirmed its "Baa3" rating for Gaithersburg, Md.-based Adventist Healthcare, affecting $327 million of debt.

5. Moody's affirms 'B2' rating to Hopkins County Hospital District

Moody's Investors Service has affirmed its "B2" rating for Hopkins County (Texas) Hospital District, affecting $21 million of outstanding revenue bonds.

6. Moody's affirms 'Baa2' rating for Virginia Mason Medical Center

Moody's Investors Service has affirmed its "Baa2" rating for Seattle-based Virginia Mason Medical Center, affecting $393 million of debt.

7. Moody's upgrades Citrus Valley Health Partners rating to 'Baa1'

Moody's Investors Service upgraded its rating for Covina, Calif.-based Citrus Valley Health Partners from "Baa2" to "Baa1."

8. Moody's revises Mercy Medical Center's outlook to negative

Moody's Investors Service affirmed its "A2" rating for Des Moines, Iowa-based Mercy Medical Center, affecting $97.5 million of outstanding revenue bonds.

9. S&P assigns 'AA-' rating to Partners Healthcare

S&P Global Ratings assigned an "AA-" long-term rating to Boston-based Partners Healthcare.

10. Moody's revises Washington Hospital's outlook to negative

Moody's Investors Service affirmed its "Baa2" rating for Washington (Pa.) Hospital, affecting $31.4 million of outstanding debt.

11. Moody's affirms "MIG 2" for Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp

Moody's Investors Service has affirmed its "MIG 2" rating for Bethel, Alaska-based Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp, affecting $162 million of loan anticipation revenue notes.

12. S&P affirms 'BBB' long-term rating for Delano Regional Medical Center

S&P Global Ratings affirmed its "BBB-" long-term rating for Delano (Calif.) Regional Medical Center.

13. S&P raises Greenwich Hospital rating to 'AA-' after joining Yale New Haven Health

S&P Global Ratings raised its underlying rating for Greenwich (Conn.) Hospital from "A+" to "AA-" after the hospital was acquired by Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health.

14. S&P raises Yuma Regional Medical Center rating to 'A'

S&P Global Ratings raised its long-term rating for Yuma (Ariz.) Regional Medical Center from "A-" to "A."

15. S&P lowers Louisiana hospital district's rating to 'B'

S&P Global Ratings lowered its long-term rating for Jefferson Parish (La.) Hospital Service District No. 2 from "B+" to "B."

16. Fitch assigns 'AA-' IDR to Banner Health

Fitch Ratings assigned an "AA-" issuer default rating to Phoenix-based Banner Health.

17. Moody's assigns 'A1' rating to Carilion Clinic

Moody's Investors Service assigned an "A1" rating to Roanoke, Va.-based Carilion Clinic.
The Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society featured Center for Specialty Surgery of Austin's Julia Grove, highlighting her thoughts on surgery center operations.

What you should know:

1. Ms. Grove serves as chief certified registered nurse anesthetist at the Center for Specialty Surgery of Austin (Texas).

2. She graduated from Fort Worth-based Texas Wesleyan University and underwent clinical training at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, Calif. She attended OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City with a focus on pediatrics.

3. Ms. Grove said the staff at Center for Specialty Surgery of Austin feels like family.

"Our surgeons know us well and vice versa," she told TASCS. "They know that they're getting a familiar team, and we know what they expect from us."

4. Ms. Grove also said she believes ASCs should actively recruit surgeons and adopt transparent pricing practices.

"Transparent pricing has not been a conventional practice in healthcare but is making small appearances recently that have a huge opportunity to affect healthcare in general," she said. "There is a huge opportunity for growth, and it's exciting for those involved from the ground level."

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A study published in The Lancet claims hepatitis C can be eliminated worldwide by 2030, but several improvements will have to be made to get there, Medscape reports.

What you should know:

1. For these goals to be met, the World Health Organization needs to implement several aggressive strategies, particularly in Egypt, China, India and Pakistan. These four countries contribute most new HCV infections.

2. Researchers said if these countries could increase their HCV testing and treatment efforts, the infection rate could be reduced by 80 percent by 2030, compared with 2015 levels. Mortality rates could drop by 65 percent by 2032.

3. To achieve WHO's goals, the world's countries would have to increase their HCV screening rates to 90 percent by 2030. Malta is the only country with a screening rate that high.

To read the whole study, click here.
Minneapolis-based Shriners Healthcare for Children-Twin Cities is exploring a sale as the health system shifts to an outpatient-only format, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports.

What you should know:

1. Shriners will continue to operate the clinic while it explores the sale.

2. Shriners is marketing the site to an array of buyers in the healthcare and housing industries.

3. The hospital sits on 10 acres of land, with 7.5 undeveloped acres.

4. As Shriners explores a sale, it's also searching for a long-term facility for its outpatient clinic model.

5. Shriners is in the process of converting five of its hospitals into outpatient-only models.

https://www.beckersasc.com/asc-turnarounds-ideas-to-improve-performance/shriners-hospitals-for-children-tampa-converting-to-outpatient-only-facility-4-insights.html
A Kansas-based surgical hospital took on a new minority owner, according to a report in The Mercury.

Four key points:

1. Topeka, Kan.-based Stormont Vail Health became a minority owner in Manhattan (Kan.) Surgical Hospital, a physician-owned facility, for an undisclosed amount.

2. Board Chairman of Manhattan Surgical Hospital Jamie McAtee, MD, said the new ownership structure will allow the hospital to strengthen services and expand to new services.

3. After the deal is finalized, within the next 90 days, the partners aim to develop new medical office space and bring on new providers.

4. Stormont previously invested in Cotton O'Neill Manhattan (Kan.), a medical group, in 2012. The surgical hospital will be its most recent investment in Manhattan.
(ANSA) - Aboard the papal plane, February 5 - Pope Francis said Tuesday the Vatican was working to stem sexual abuse of nuns by clergy.

Francis said that, on the war in Yemen, he had found "a will to start peace processes" after his appeal in Abu Dhabi for peace in the Gulf country.

The pope said there was a risk of war and hatred if faiths don't unite.

Francis said that his joint document signed with the grand imam of Al-Azhar in Abu Dhabi did not veer from the Second Vatican Council.


(ANSA) - Rome, February 5 - A 45-year-old woman in Sweden has undergone surgery to permanently implant a robotic hand that she will be able to use on a daily basis in a world first, sources said Tuesday. The robotic hand was built thanks to the DeTOP European project led by Christian Cipriani of the Pisa Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna's Institute of Bio-robotics. Experts are working to prepare two more operations, in Italy and in Sweden, the sources said. The Swedish woman, whose right hand was amputated in 2002, is following a programme of rehabilitation to regain strength in the muscles of her forearm, which were weakened after the amputation, and, by using virtual reality, is learning to control the robotic hand, researchers and scientists told reporters on Tuesday.

In the next few weeks, they said, she will be able to go home and use the new hand every day.

"Thanks to this human-machine interface that is so accurate," Cipriani said, "and thanks to the skill and degree of sensitivity of the artificial hand, we expect that in the space of a few months the woman will regain motor and perceptive functions very similar to those of a natural hand".

The surgical operation took place in Goethenburg, at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

The operating surgeons were Richard Branemark and Paolo Sassu. They implanted into the forearm (radius and ulna) of the woman titanium structures as a bridge between bones and nerve endings on the one side and the robotic hand on the other, the scientists said.

Thanks to 16 electrodes inserted into the residual muscles, it was possible to establish a direct connection between the prosthesis and the nervous system.

In this way, the robotic hand can be controlled in a more effective way and it becomes possible to restore the sense of touch too.

The implant was developed in Sweden by a group coordinated by Max Ortiz Catalan, of the Integrum company, in collaboration with the Chalmers University of Technology. The robot hand was realised by the dalla Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa and the Prensilia company, a spin-off of the Sant'Anna BioRobotics Institute, within the framework of the DeTOP project (Dexterous Transradial Osseointegrated with neural control and sensory feedback), financed by the European Commission within the Horizon 2020 programme.

Other collaborators include the Swedish universities of Lund and Gothenburg, the University of Essex, the Swiss Centre for Eletcronics and Microtecnologiay, Rome's Universita Campus Bio-Medico, the Centro Protesi of Italian work-accident insurance agency Inail and the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli in Bologna. Cipriani told ANSA that "the next implant will be made in Italy by the dal Campus Biomedico di Roma and the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli di Bologna".

"We are looking for a candidate who lends themself to an intervention similar to that carried out in Sweden, but who has a different case file".

For this reason, he said, it is hard to predict when the operation will take place.


3 1 of 3 Beaumont Police Department Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Beaumont Police Department Show More Show Less 3 of 3





One of the men accused of tempering with several gas pumps in SETX was arrested after returning to the United States from Cuba, according to information from the Beaumont Police Department.

At approximately 10:22 p.m. on September 10, 2017 officials responded to a call in reference to suspicious behavior at a gas station in the 2800 block of Dowlen Road.
Bishop Curtis Guillory has reaffirmed the Diocese of Beaumonts position regarding sexual abuses by members of the clergy after a statement from a pastor this weekend that questioned the criminal nature of the acts.

Any act of sexual abuse of a minor is a heinous crime and it is a sin, Guillory said, echoing his public letter of apology issued Thursday. Its a grave sin.

> > BACKGROUND: Pastor backs off questioning criminal nature of priests' conduct

The bishop said he spoke with Monsignor William Manager on Monday morning regarding comments during a Saturday service, during which Manger said the small number of clergy members arrested for sexual acts tells him what they did was not to an intense criminal standard.

Guillory said Manger corrected the statement during Sundays services. Manger also told the Enterprise on Sunday he shouldnt have brought up the issue and wasnt clear on the offenses that 13 local clergy members were said to have committed. Their names were made public as part of a statewide counting of credibly accused priests for actions committed over the decades.

> > LIST: Accused clergy in Southeast Texas

Guillory said he does not expect Manger to address the issue further and no disciplinary action will be taken. However, the bishop said hes asked members of the clergy and staff in the nine-county diocese to be very sensitive to the victims.

Words to them or a conversations with them should always be one of healing and sensitivity, he said.

Marci Hamilton, a University of Pennsylvania law professor and founder and CEO of the advocacy group Child USA, said it is especially important to consider how these acts, and statements about them, are interpreted by children involved.

For children who are in the dark on these issues and dont understand whats being discussed, what they may hear from (statements like Mangers) is that something terrible that happened to them wasnt a crime, said Hamilton, whose group has lobbied for reforms to the limitations rules in child sex abuse cases. Its a message to not report it and keep it a secret.

The statements also fail to acknowledge other reasons someone wouldnt face criminal charges aside from the seriousness of the act, experts said.

Oftentimes, people dont face charges or arrest as the result of the sexual abuse of a child because the statute of limitations expires before the victim feels comfortable coming forward, said Arizona State University university professor of political science Carolyn Warner. Warner also has studied Catholic institutions.

Children can be dissuaded from reporting for myriad reasons including the trauma of the events, confusion of what actually took place and belief that priests are basically God on Earth  a very strong authority figure, she said.

They also could avoid criminal prosecution if the local prosecutor or police dont think theres enough evidence to convince a jury of the crime, among other reasons.

The fact that someone didnt face criminal charges  doesnt mean that they didnt do something horrendous, Warner said.

Some teachings of the Catholic Church can make it challenging for clergy members to see the acts through a lens of punishment. Warner says the canon law of the church, which sets the legal principles made and enforced by the church, focuses more on the sinner than the victim of the sin.

These procedures stress being forgiving and allowing multiple second chances, she said. The stress in Catholic theology is all about the sinner. It doesnt include information about what to do for the victim of the sinner.

As a result, bishops in the past were almost compelled to allow clergy members who seemed repentant and who were trying to get help to come back to the church.

To the outside, it looks like theyre privileging the priest over the victim, she said. But again, canon law is very focused on the person whos done something wrong and not the person who was subject to the child sex abuse.

The difference between the church and society at large can be even more obvious when many people who operate under Bishops authority rarely mix with ordinary people and dont often realize the approaches of the church arent commonly recognized to the rest of society.

Being more open about these procedures with parishioners could help give outsiders a look into the reason the Catholic Church has operated in such a way that seems to be protecting members of the clergy for so long. It also would give Catholics and opportunity to demand more from priests and bishops moving forward, Warner said.

kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com

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Golden Pass Products will start construction on a $10 billion expansion to the existing Golden Pass liquefied natural gas facility in Sabine Pass as soon as this spring.

The company on Tuesday said the project will create about 9,000 construction jobs over the five-year construction period and more than 200 permanent jobs once the facility opens. If the project gets under way by the first quarter, as projected, Golden Pass thinks the terminal will be open by 2024.

"Our team has worked diligently on the design, development and permitting for this world-class LNG export facility, and we are eager to begin construction to bring this exciting project to life," president Sean Ryan said in a statement.

A company spokesman said no Golden Pass officials were available for further comment.

> > FROM 2013: $10B LNG export terminal planned for Sabine Pass

Engineering, procurement and construction contracts were given to a collaboration between Chiyoda International Corp., McDermott International Inc. and Zachry Group.

Golden Pass also announced it had created a 20-year transportation agreement with Enable Midstream Partners and secured pipeline capacity with Natural Gas Pipeline Co. of America.

The company expects the project will have a capacity of about 16 million tons of liquefied natural gas per year, according to a statement from the company.

The Golden Pass LNG Terminal is a joint venture originally created by Qatar Petroleum, Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips. The project is now split between a 70 percent interest for Qatar Petroleum and a 30 percent interest for Exxon Mobil, according to a news release from Exxon Mobil.

The facility expansion is part of Qatar Petroleum's overall plans to invest about $20 billion in the United States to increase its overseas oil and gas footprint. Qatar announced in December that it would be leaving the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) after the first of the year.

While the country was one of the smallest oil producers in OPEC, it is one of the largest producers of liquefied natural gas in the world.

> > FUEL FIX: Golden Pass LNG cleared to export

Exxon Mobil and Qatar Petroleum have also partnered on exploration and development activities in Argentina, Brazil and Mozambique.

The project has been in earnest development since at least 2013, and was updated again in 2015 when the company put out an open call to companies throughout Southeast Texas to register contracts and partnerships related to the expansion. It obtained its final environmental impact statement in 2016, one of the final steps before securing approval from the federal government.

The Golden Pass terminal was originally built in 2009 to import liquefied natural gas from abroad, but it changed direction after a domestic boom in gas production fueled by advances in fracking.

The terminal became one of a number of construction and expansion projects planned by companies to increase exports of petroleum products instead of accepting imports. In January 2017 alone, there were seven facilities under construction and another four that had been approved.

"Golden Pass will provide an increased, reliable, long-term supply of liquefied natural gas to global gas markets, stimulate local growth and create thousands of jobs," said Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods said in a statement.

> > PHOTOS: World's largest refineries

Jim Rich, executive director of the Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation, said the Golden Pass announcement, along with similar projects nearby, will mean a new industry for the area to adapt to and grow around.

"Its huge for the area because we become the center of LNG distribution and storage," Rich said. "That brings ship traffic and a need to train our workforce to do different things. This is something new, the beginning of a new kind of industry."

Sempra Energy, which announced it was a step closer to an LNG facility in Port Arthur, is also constructing a facility in Hackberry, La., just across the border.

Exxon Mobil is including the Golden Pass project in its $50 billion Growing the Gulf initiative, which aims to expand manufacturing and add 45,000 U.S. jobs over the next five years.

jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com

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Gayle Duane Shumaker went home to his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at the age of 82. Gayle was born July 7, 1938 in Princeton, WV to the late Charles and Flossie (French) Shumaker. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Ruth A. (Rathbun) Shumaker; children Mark, Todd, Sus
(ANSA) - Rome, February 5 - Chocolate maker Pernigotti on Tuesday signed a deal at the labour ministry to start laying off the 100 workers at its Novi Ligure plant from Wednesday, trade union sources said.

As well as the reindustrialisation lay-off scheme, a plan to retrain workers will start, sources said.

Unions said they would be a fresh meeting to assess how the plan is going by the end of March.

Pernigotti is a manufacturer of chocolate with its speciality being the production of high quality Gianduiotto, a chocolate-hazelnuts based treat.

The company also makes nougats, Easter eggs and ice creams.

It is one of the oldest and most traditional manufacturers of chocolate and nougat in Italy, founded in 1860 in the town of Novi Ligure, Piedmont.

In 2013 it was sold to the Toksoz company of Istanbul.


Do you know how the Police need to treat you as they maintain law and order? Wahome Thuku takes as through most critical and crucial parts in the Police in Uniform reforms.THE Kenyan courts have held a million times that taking alcohol inside or outside clubs or bars whether at midnight or 4 am is not illegal. The DPP has made that clear to every investigator. You then wonder what goes on in the head of a police officer who raids a pub and arrests all the patrons. Its time to start hitting back at them through the law.There is simply no law prohibiting drinking. The law governing ulevi affairs in Kenya is the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010. The sections that deal with sale and consumption are 33 to 42.Every police officer knows they can't charge you anywhere, for taking alcohol. The offence is always selling alcohol after hours. In part 2 I will discuss how even a charge of selling always collapses in court due to negligence or lack of knowledge by arresters.This is a matter of law not emotions or attitude or feelings. If you are a police officer and you find 10 people taking biri biri in a pub at 1am, you can only arrest the seller and even then you must be very careful because they could sue you in person, win and auction everything in your house.
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, February 05, 2019 / B3C newswire / -- The REGAIN consortium, led by Audion Therapeutics BV, a company dedicated to the development of therapeutics for hearing loss, today reports positive results from its Phase I multiple ascending dose, open-label safety study of the Notch Inhibitor LY3056480 in 15 patients with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). LY3056480 mediated Notch inhibition is aimed at regeneration of inner ear sensory hair cells that are lost with advancing age. The study was conducted at University College London and University College London Hospitals and focused on the safety and tolerability of LY3056480 in patients with adult onset mild to moderate SNHL. Dose escalation within the Phase I clinical trial demonstrated that trans-tympanic injection (3 administrations, one week apart) at the highest dose of 250 micrograms of LY3056480 was safe and well tolerated. No safety issues were reported.

The Phase I data support the advancement of LY3056480 to a multi-centre efficacy study in 40 adult patients with mild to moderate adult onset SNHL recruited in the UK, Germany and Greece. Pure tone hearing levels and speech in noise performance are the main efficacy parameters. Recruitment for this Phase II study started in January 2019.

Audion Therapeutics CEO Rolf Jan Rutten commented: These positive Phase I results are an important milestone for Audions lead program addressing the growing, global need for treatment options for hearing loss. This achievement would not have been possible without our excellent academic and industrial partners with whom we form the REGAIN consortium under the EU Horizon 2020 program.

Professor Anne Schilder, director of the NIHR UCLH Biomedical Research Centers Hearing Theme at the UCL Ear Institute, who led the design and delivery of the clinical trial, said: We are proud to be part of the REGAIN consortium and to be leading on translating this scientific breakthrough into a treatment that may improve peoples hearing health and lives.

Professor Shakeel Saeed, Professor of Otology and Clinical Director of the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital and lead clinician on the REGAIN clinical trial added: We are very excited by this research and are thankful to all the participants in the study without whom we could not have delivered on this trial."

About Hearing Loss

Hearing loss affects half a billion people globally which makes it the fourth leading cause of years lived with disability. The estimated annual cost of hearing loss is over 750 billion US dollars. With a growing and ageing global population, the number of people with hearing loss increases at a rapid pace. WHO projections suggest that unless action is taken, there will be 630 million people living with disabling hearing loss by the year 2030; a number expected to grow to over 900 million by 2050. There are currently no clinically available drug treatments that protect, halt the progression of hearing loss or that restore hearing.

About Audion Therapeutics

Audion Therapeutics BV is a private pharmaceutical company based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Cambridge, MA, USA, dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of drugs and delivery technologies for the treatment of diseases affecting the ear. Audions lead program targets sensorineural hearing loss caused by the loss of inner ear hair cells.

About REGAIN and Horizon 2020

The REGAIN consortium aims to develop a drug treatment for sensorineural hearing loss. Audion coordinates the consortium that includes Eli Lilly and its R&D unit Chorus that specializes in Proof of Concept clinical development, Nordic Bioscience and ttopstart as industrial partners and University College London and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Eberhard- Karls University of Tubingen and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens as clinical academic partners. The Horizon 2020 is the EU program for Research and Innovation focusing on excellent science, industrial leadership and tackling societal challenges. The goal is to ensure Europe produces world-class science, removes barriers to innovation and makes it easier for the public and private sectors to work together in delivering innovation. It promises breakthroughs, discoveries and world-firsts by taking great ideas from the lab to the market.

Contact

Audion Therapeutics

Rolf Jan Rutten

CEO

+31646767255

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PRAGUE, Czech Republic, February 05, 2019 / B3C newswire / -- SOTIO, a biotechnology company owned by PPF Group, announces today the appointment of Harald Fricke, M.D., Ph.D. as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Fricke has more than 30 years of experience in the field of immuno-oncology research and clinical development of new cancer therapies. At SOTIO, he will be responsible for clinical strategy and leading the expansion of SOTIOs clinical-stage pipeline.

Radek Spisek, CEO of SOTIO, commented: We are very excited to welcome Dr. Fricke to our team. His long-term experience and successful track record in scientific research, drug development and regulatory strategy in immune-oncology will be extremely valuable for SOTIO.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Fricke said: I am joining SOTIO at a pivotal moment as SOTIO is initiating two important clinical trials: the first-in-human study with SO-C101, SOTIOs IL-15 superagonist, and the pivotal trial with DCVAC/OvCa, an active cellular immunotherapy product for patients with ovarian cancer hold great promise. I am impressed by the clinical results of the two Phase II trials with DCVAC in 1st and 2nd line ovarian cancer and the preclinical data of SO-C101. I am excited to join SOTIOs team and look forward to contributing with my knowledge and experience to advance SOTIOs broad product pipeline.

Dr. Harald Fricke graduated from the Medical University of Lubeck (Germany). He received a postgraduate clinical certification in internal medicine and specialized in nephrology and clinical immunology. During his time as a post-doc at the Institute of Chemical Immunology at the Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel) (1987-1990), he worked on the role of idiotypic networks in autoimmunity. After his habilitation at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich (Germany) in 1996, he moved to the pharmaceutical industry.

Dr. Harald Fricke has worked at SmithKline Beecham, GlaxoSmithKline, Baxter and Fresenius Biotech where he held management positions with increasing global R&D responsibility and in 2006 he was a Co-Founder of Apogenix (Heidelberg, Germany). Under his leadership as COO and CMO of Apogenix, an innovative platform was discovered and developed, which resulted in an extensive portfolio of immuno-oncology product candidates. In his scientific work, autoimmunity and tumor immunology are his specialist areas of expertise.





About SOTIO

SOTIO is an international biotechnology company leading the efforts of PPF Group to build a diverse biotechnology portfolio through its own research & development, collaborations, in-licensing, investments, mergers and acquisitions. The company is developing new medical therapies, focusing on the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. The most advanced project is the SOTIO proprietary platform of active cellular immunotherapy (ACI) based on dendritic cells. SOTIO is conducting multiple Phase I to Phase III clinical trials verifying the safety and efficacy of its DCVAC products. SOTIO is also collaborating with NBE Therapeutics on the development of novel antibody-drug conjugate products (ADC), with Cytune Pharma on developing novel IL15-based immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and with LDC and the Max Planck Society on an oncology program addressing a novel target in tumor metabolism. SOTIO has facilities in Europe, the United States, China and Russia.

SOTIO is a registered trademark of SOTIO a.s. in selected countries.

Contact

Richard Kapsa

Head of Communication

T: (+420) 224 174 448

M: (+420) 603 280 971

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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(ANSA) - Rome, February 5 - Deputy Premier, Interior Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini on Tuesday said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was an outlaw and fresh elections should be held as soon as possible after last July's allegedly rigged ballot, as opposition leader Juan Guaido is demanding.

"Maduro is an outlaw: he starves, imprisons and tortures his people," said Salvini in a statement.

"I hope for free and democratic elections as soon as possible. I'm close to the millions of Italians, and descendants of Italians, who live, resist and suffer in Venezuela".

Salvini's government partner, the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S), says Italy should not meddle in Venezuelan politics.


President Donald Trump has invited a 6th grade student from Wilmington, Del., Joshua Trump, to sit in first lady Melania Trumps box during Tuesdays State of the Union address.

Joshua has been bullied in school because of his last name, according to a White House press release. But, he is thankful to the First Lady and the Trump family for their support, a White House statement said.

Education Week has reported on concerns about a rise in bullying, hate crimes and bias incidents in schools since the campaign and election of President Trump, who has frequently used coarse language and racist rhetoric when describing immigrants, people of color, and women. Some students, educators, and parents have suggested that Trumps influence has emboldened some children, teenagers, and even school employees to openly espouse hateful views.

Its possible that President Trump will mention Joshua in the speech as an example of how politically polarized the current climate is. And he may give a shout-out to first lady Melania Trumps anti-bullying campaign, #BeBest.

Also in the first ladys box: Grace Eline, a child cancer survivor, and two people with a connection to the massacre at Pittsburghs Tree of Love Synagogue in October. They include Thomas Matson, a Pittsburgh police officer who was shot while responding to the shooting, and Judah Samet, a Holocaust survivor who was at services that day, but survived.

So far, the White House hasnt mentioned any guests connected to the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. But two lawmakers from Florida will be bringing parents of victims. Rep. Ted Deutsch, D-Fla., invited Manny Oliver, who started the organization Change the Ref after his son Joaquin was killed at Parkland. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., chose to bring Andrew Pollack, the father of Meadow Pollack, another Parkland victim.

Meanwhile, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., invited Alexandria Goddard, who helped organize Portlands March for Our Lives, as a high school student.

Want more on the speech? Check out our preview of what to watch for here .

President Donald Trump speaks as he hosts a listening session about school violence with high school students, teachers and parents in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington on Feb. 21, 2018. --Carolyn Kaster/AP

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
LEIDEN, the Netherlands, February 05, 2019 / B3C newswire / -- ProteoNic Biotechnology BV announces that it licensed its 2G UNic technology for boosting recombinant protein production to Eli Lilly and Company.

Under the agreement, Lilly gains non-exclusive commercial rights for application of the technology to the development of proprietary products. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

ProteoNics mammalian protein expression technology is designed to improve recombinant cell line production levels across a range of host cells, selection systems and protein targets. It increases transcription and translation rates via the combined effect of novel genetic elements, which together exert a powerful positive effect on recombinant protein production levels as well as on stability of expression. ProteoNics 2G UNic can be combined with other technologies to improve their performance.

Frank Pieper, CEO of ProteoNic, states that 2G UNic technology can be instrumental in achieving the highest possible production levels and contribute to the economically viable production of both innovator and biosimilar products. ProteoNic will continue to work to reach maximum potential of the production of biologicals for current and future clients.

About ProteoNic Biotechnology BV

ProteoNic is a privately held company with offices in Leiden, the Netherlands and Boston, USA.

The company offers technology and services for the generation of cell lines with greatly improved biologics production characteristics, including production levels and stability. The company commercializes its proprietary 2G UNic technology through licensing and partnership arrangements.

Contact

ProteoNic Biotechnology BV

Mark Posno

VP Business Development

+1 617 480 8016

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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It looks like a motor home but the mobile unit will soon be used to help those affected by trauma right at the scene in Phoenix.
A former Hacienda employee used to be in patients' rooms with Sutherland she said both would perform their duties but then she would leave and often Sutherland would finish up in patient's room by himself. But as we learn more about him, she says never did she expect him to be arrested for this.
By Abdul Kerimkhanov

The French construction company Freyssinet is planning to build a new cement plant for the needs of Uzbekistan Temir Yollari, Uzbek media reports.

The parties agreed on it after the negotiations held between representatives of French company and Uzbekistan Railways.

The parties discussed the organization of a new cement plant, whose work will be aimed at meeting the needs of the railway company. It also dealt with re-conducting geological surveys on the proposed construction area in the Pakhtachy district of the Samarkand region, introducing new technical equipment and modern technologies.

French experts noted that the planned production capacity of the new plant will be about one million tons of high-quality cement products per year.

In addition, the parties discussed during the meeting, issues of urban development in Tashkent, the construction of new facilities in the capital, and, in particular, suspension bridges and subways.

The parties substantively reviewed a number of submitted projects, exchanged views on the construction of new structures and structures in a modern design and unique style that meet international standards and are designed to decorate the capital.

The decree of the Uzbek President of November 7, 1994, No. UP-982 on the linear divisions basis, the enterprises, the organizations and establishments of railway transport located in the territory of Uzbekistan formed the State and joint-stock railway company "Uzbekiston Temir Yullari".

Now JSC Uzbekiston Temir Yullari is vertically integrated society as on its summary balance there are infrastructure and rolling stock (freight cars and locomotives).

The modern look gives to the train, first of all, its design  aerodynamic, optimized under influence of a wave of pressure and side wind. Length of an electric train makes 157 m, height  four meters. All salons are equipped with soft, convenient chairs with a folding back and the built-in little tables, and also monitors for viewing of a video. All zones of the train are non-smoking.

Salons of all cars are equipped with hangers for clothes and places for storage of large baggage, and also traditional luggage regiments. In cars necessary conditions for physically disabled people are created, in the third car, there is also a place with special fastening for placement of wheelchairs supplied with the button of a call of the steward. Movement of wheelchairs is promoted also by that the floor in all zones of the train has an identical level.

Founded over 70 years ago by Eugene Freyssinet, the inventor of prestressing, Freyssinet brings together an unrivalled range of skills in the specialist civil engineering sector, offering integrated technical solutions in the fields of construction and structural repair.

Freyssinet is a subsidiary of the Soletanche Freyssinet Group, a world leader in the soils, structures and nuclear sectors.

---

Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

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By Trend

Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi says Iranian researchers at the Khandab Research Reactor have been able to produce Oxygen-18 at 97 percent of purity.

Oxygen-18 is a natural, stable isotope of oxygen and is an important precursor for the production of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) used in positron emission tomography (PET). Oxygen-18 in the water or gaseous form serves as a source for short-lived positron-emitting isotope fluorine-18, which allows tracking the processes of cerebral blood flow, glucose metabolism in the central nervous and cardiovascular systems, evaluating the impact of drugs on neuroreceptors.

I officially announce that researchers at Khandab are able to produce Oxygen-18 at a purity of 97 percent with a capacity of about 60 kg per year. From now on, Iran is not only self-sufficient in the PET drug production, but also can export Oxygen-18, Salehi told reporters while visiting the Arak Heavy Water Plant in Markazi Province, Trend reports citing ISNA.

We buy Oxygen-18 for $30,000 per kg from abroad, but after four years of research, scientists have finally managed to produce it, taking a big step, he said.

The number of countries that produce Oxygen-18 is very small, and in fact its production is monopolized by several countries. We have been able to break this monopoly and achieve self-sufficiency.

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By Trend

Iran wants the European Union to fulfill its economic obligations, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, member of Iranian parliament and former Chairman for the the parliaments Committee for Foreign Policy and National Security, told Tasnim News Agency, Trend reports.

Boroujerdi said that the first steps towards establishing INSTEX, the EU's special financial mechanism with Iran, should be taken. The EU, however, did not fulfill Iran's expectations.

"Iran does not want the EU to take a political action to protect the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action [JCPOA]," he said.

Boroujerdi said that the EU should fulfill its commitments on the JCPOA, and hopes for the steps to be taken soon.

"If the EU interconnects the INSTEX issue with the FATF [Financial Action Task Force], then Iran will not accept it in any way," he said.

Boroujerdi said that the FATF issue is being monitored within the framework of the law.

INSTEX (Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges) is a special financial mechanism for trade with Iran formed by France, the UK, and Germany  the three European signees of the JCPOA.

The FATF enforces international standards for combating money and property laundering, financing terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Two of the four FATF projects have been approved in Iran. Two other projects  namely, Palermo and CFT  are awaiting approval.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
By Abdul Kerimkhanov

For Nikol Pashinyan is much easier to speak in the squares than to deal with the Karabakh issue. The Armenian PM tried to avoid this topic for a long time, but had to participate in the process.

Pashinyan has turned out in a strange situation. He claims that he will not negotiate for Karabakh, but negotiations are already underway, and Pashinyan is participating in them.

This situtaion clarifies that the power in Armenia has changed, but nothing has changed in the negotiation format. Obviously, Pashinyan got confused himself and confused others in the Karabakh issue.

Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Grigory Karasin visited Armenia on January 29-30, but it is noteworthy that he spent almost half a day talking with his Armenian counterpart Zohrab Mnatsakanyan.

Political analyst Yervand Bozoyan believes that Karasins visit was intended to clarify the not quite clear position of Armenia on Karabakh question. He considers, Russia wants to understand what to expect in the near future and what is the position of Armenia in the framework of negotiations.

As for the OSCE Minsk Group, each co-chair country tried to undertake the main mediation mission. Washington, Paris and Moscow constantly replaced each other. However, neither Moscow nor Washington understand the current position of Yerevan.

Nikol Pashinyan found himself in a difficult situation. On the one hand, he does not want to continue the policy of the former regime in the Karabakh issue, since he understands that this is a direct way to the destruction of Armenia. On the other hand, he has already understood that nationalists would not allow him to deviate from the course of the "Karabakh clan".

Pashinyan is a companion of Levon Ter-Petrosyan, who has a very clear and reasoned position on the Karabakh settlement. For this position, he once lost power, and Pashinyan today afraid to experince the same fate.

Nevertheless, he is increasingly attracting associates of the first president to his team. Big noise, for example, created the appointment of Vladimir Karapetyan, the head of the press service of the prime minister of a man from the inner circle of Ter-Petrosyan.

At the end of last week, Pashinyan confused and alarmed his public and expert community completely.

We cannot discuss the formula of territory for peace. Our government pursues a policy in the Karabakh settlement that no government has pursued. If someone tries to draw parallels with previous political policies, I will say right away that this is a delusion," he said.

Its hard to imagine a position that would be more controversial. Pashinyan demands not to draw parallels with the previous authorities and states that he is pursuing a different policy in the Karabakh issue. In fact, Pashinyan did not explain what is his strategy.

The Armenian leader sees that the processes are rapidly developing not in favor of Armenia. He also realizes that an attempt to slow them down can be costly for his country. Pashinyan would like to remain in history as the prime minister who resolved the Karabakh issue. But this is unrealistic with the current controversial rhetoric of the Armenian authorities.

Anyway, Nikol will not be able to evade participation in the process. If he does not want to deal with the Karabakh issue-the Karabakh issue will deal with him.

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Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
By Trend

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting with Yoichi Kobayashi, Vice President of Japans "Itochu" and Co-chair of Japanese  Turkmen Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation, Trend reports referring to Turkmen Foreign Ministry's statement.

The parties discussed attracting investments in gas and chemical industry via partnership with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and discussed matters of joint projects for the supply of agricultural equipment manufactured by "Komatsu" company.

Eight documents were signed by the governmental delegation of Turkmenistan during the working visit to Japan in October of last year, concerning the realization of new joint projects, including the construction of ammonia and carbamide production plants, natural gas processing and gasoline production, a workshop for phosphate fertilizer production, along with partnership with JBIC, and supply of the earthmoving machinery of "Komatsu" company and "Toyota" cars to Turkmenistan.

Japan has already realized a number of major projects in Turkmenistan. Among them are the construction of ammonia and carbamide plants in the city of Mary, industrial complexes in the Balkan Region for polyethylene production at the Turkmenbashi Complex of Oil Refineries, carbamide fertilizers in Garabogaz, and polyethylene and polypropylene in Kiyanly.

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By Trend

A spokesman for the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of Irans Parliament said the foreign minister at a meeting of the Committee called INSTEX the EUs positive and initial step to safeguard Iran's interests, and denied the links between INSTEX and FATF.

On Jan. 31, three European countries  France, Germany and the UK (shortened as E3)  officially announced the creation of the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), a special purpose vehicle, to allow them bypass US sanctions on trade with Iran. INSTEX facilitates non-dollar trade with Iran, allowing European companies to trade with the Islamic Republic without being hit by the sanctions.

In their statement announcing the move, the European powers said the mechanism will function under international standards of anti-money laundering, combating the financing of terrorism, so they expect Iran to swiftly implement all elements of its FATF action plan.

A meeting of the Parliaments National Security and Foreign Policy Committee was held today with the presence of Foreign Minister Javad Zarif to discuss INSTEX, Trend reports citing ISNA.

At the meeting, the foreign minister briefed the MPs on the financial mechanism between Iran and Europe and stressed that this mechanism was a positive and initial step by the EU to maintain the interests of Iran, Spokesman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of Irans Parliament Ali Najafi said.

At the meeting, the foreign minister, while denying the links between FATF and INSTEX, said we did not accept this precondition, and even objected that the delayed European action in providing this mechanism cannot have conditions, Najafi added.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
By Trend

Road shows will be held in New York, Boston and London to issue and place the first sovereign international bonds of Uzbekistan from Feb. 7 to 14, Trend reports via Uzbek media.

As a result of meetings, it is planned to issue the country's first sovereign international bonds for a period of 5 and/or 10 years based on conditions and trends in the international financial markets, the Uzbek Ministry of Finance said.

An Uzbek delegation is expected to negotiate with major investors during the road show.

Uzbekistan plans to issue and place sovereign bonds at a fixed coupon rate of at least $500 million and a circulation period of 5 or more years this year.

From the Uzbek side, JP Morgan was appointed a global coordinator and a joint bookrunner, while Citibank and Gazprombank were appointed as joint leading managers and bookrunners.

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By Trend

Tajikistans government has singled out a number of prospect sectors of the countrys economy for attracting investments, namely, hydropower industry; agriculture and processing of agricultural products; mining and chemical industry; light industry; transport; financial sector;

Tourism, Trend reports referring to Tajinvest state unitary enterprise.

More than 70 investment incentives are provided for the creation of a favorable investment environment, as well as attracting investments in the country by legislative and regulatory acts in the Republic of Tajikistan. Investment incentives are divided into fiscal (such as tax rebates) and non-fiscal incentives (such as grants, soft credits, measures to improve the business environment).

Import of agricultural equipment is exempted from VAT and customs duties.

Activities related to the delivery or export of cotton fiber, cotton yarn and raw cotton are exempted from VAT.

Import of goods for own needs by newly created enterprises engaged in the full cycle of processing cotton-fiber into final products is exempted from such taxes as:

-value-added tax at zero rate;

from payment of income tax;

from payment of real estate tax up to 12 years.

Value added tax is established at a rate of 10 percent for the import of wheat, the delivery of wheat and the final result of its processing (flour or bran).

The poultry products and enterprises engaged in the production of combined fodder for birds and animals and operating with the involvement of foreign capital in the amount of not less than 16 million US dollars are exempted for up to 12 years from payment of:

value added tax;

profit tax;

road tax;

real estate tax;

-customs duties for the import of goods for the needs of enterprises.

Import of goods directly for own needs by newly created enterprises involved in the industrial processing of leather, wool, raw silk and other agricultural raw materials into final products is exempted for a period of up to 5 years from payment of: -customs duties; -value added tax; -profit tax.

The enterprises engaged in the full cycle of processing cotton fiber into the final product are exempted for up to 12 years from payment of: -profit tax; -real estate tax;

-customs duties for the import of goods for own needs of the enterprise.

Delivery, including for export, of the following goods is exempted from value added tax:

-precious metals and stones; -jewelry from precious metals and stones; -primary aluminum; -metal concentrates; -commercial ore;

-ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals; -other metals produced in the Republic of Tajikistan.

Import of production and manufacturing equipment and components for the creation of a full production cycle are exempted from payment of: -customs duty; -value added tax.

The zero rate of import customs duty for the import of goods originating from the member states of the Eurasian Economic Community and Ukraine.

The lowered rate of the import customs duty at a rate of fifty percent of the approved rates is valid for the import of goods originating from the least developed countries.

For the construction of a hydroelectric power plant, the investor and the general contractor are fully or partially exempted from payment of: -value added tax; -road tax;

-profit tax (tax payable on a simplified system); -vehicle tax; -real estate tax;

-social tax in respect of foreign citizens directly engaged in the construction of HPP.

Import of goods for the construction of hydroelectric power plants, which are especially important objects, is exempted from customs duties.

When constructing a hydroelectric power plant, the investor and the general contractor are fully or partially exempted from paying the state duty for the registration of prospectuses of non-state securities carried out in connection with the construction of a hydroelectric power plant.

Newly established enterprises operating in the field of tourism are exempted from payment of profit tax for a period of 5 years.

Import of equipment and building materials for tourist facilities is exempted from the payment of value added tax and customs duties.

The activities of securities market entities in Tajikistan are exempt from payment of profit tax and value added tax for a period of 5 years.

Investors receiving income from circulation of securities on the stock exchange of Tajikistan are exempted from income tax and tax on dividends for a period of 5 years.

Import of medicines, medical, pharmaceutical equipment and medical instruments is exempted from VAT and customs duties.

Legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan guarantees equal rights to both domestic and foreign investors, and protects their property from nationalization and requisition. Investors have open access to the real sectors of the economy, and also have the right to carry out exploration, processing and exploitation of the natural resources of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Moreover, investors are guaranteed the right to freely transfer abroad income and salaries in foreign currency, obtained legally from investment and production activities. In case if the subsequent legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan will lead to an increase of the aggregate tax burden to the investor's activity, then within ten years they are given a guarantee of applying the legislation that was in effect at the time of registration of the enterprise.

When carrying out reinvesting, the investors fully make use of legal protection, guarantees and privileges established by the legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The investment agreement may specify a special regime of implementation of the investment project and provide the investor with certain privileges, not stipulated by the legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan. The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan guarantees compliance with and implementation of the provisions of the investment agreement by all government bodies responsible for implementing the investment agreement.

One of the effective incentives for the attraction of investments is the creation and operation of free economic zones.

For the purpose of provision of favourable conditions for attracting foreign investments and support of the private sector, four free economic zones were created in Tajikistan:

Dangara FEZ, with a total area of 521 hectares (Khatlon region),

Sughd FEZ, with a total area of 320 hectares (Sughd province),

Pyanj FEZ, with a total area of 401 hectares (Khatlon region)

Ishkoshim FEZ, with a total area of 200 hectares (GBAO).

Currently about 70 entities operate in free economic zones, which are exempted from all types of taxation, except for income and social taxes. During the activity of free economic zones, investments worth $160 million were attracted to the economy of Tajikistan.

Preferences

In accordance with the legislation of the republic, the import of production and construction equipment into the territory of free economic zones is carried out without levying customs duties and taxes.

Taxes and customs duties are not levied and economic prohibitions and restrictions are not applied, when exporting goods from the territory of the free economic zone outside the Republic of Tajikistan.

The annual rent for one square meter of the land plot is $1.

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By Trend

The market rate of Kazakhstans national currency reached 382.74 tenge against the US dollar, decreasing from 377.46 tenge by 1.4 percent for the week during the trades on Feb. 1, Trend reports referring to the National Bank of Kazakhstan on Feb. 4.

The main reasons for the weakening of the tenge rate are the decision of the US Federal Reserve Board to keep the key rate at 2.25-2.5 percent and hold the negotiations between the US and the China.

During the negotiations the sides agreed to reduce the imbalance in mutual trade, discussed the issues concerning the amendments to a draft agreement on the UKs withdrawal from the EU and the postponement of the Brexit vote on February 13, the political crisis in Venezuela and the imposition of the US sanctions on the national oil company PDVSA.

Moreover, the publication of statistics on slowing business activity in China, rising unemployment, creation of jobs and slow wage growth in the US also contributed to the cheapening of Kazakhstans national currency last week.

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By Leman Mammadova

The third meeting of the Ministers of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on January 31.

The meeting discussed issues of expanding cooperation on cybersecurity, e-government, satellite services and the Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway (TASIM) project, as well as other priority areas in the field of ICT.

The event was attended by representatives of Kazakhstan, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary and other countries, including Secretary General Baghdad Amreyev, Kazakh Minister of Information and Communications Dauren Abayev, Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Mehmet Cahit Turhan, Chairman of the Kyrgyz Committee of Information Technology and Communications Bakit Sharshembiyev, Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Elmir Velizade and Deputy State Secretary of Info-communications, Innovation and Technology of Hungary Dr. Karoly Balazs Solmar.

The Azerbaijani delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Elmir Velizade.

Speaking at the meeting, Velizade told about the state policy implemented in Azerbaijan in the field of ICT, large-scale work done and the progress achieved. He noted that Azerbaijan is an active member of the information society. Saying that today special attention is paid to ensuring cyber security, the deputy minister noted that Azerbaijan has developed a National Strategy on Cyber Security.

Furthermore, recalling the annual regional training sessions on cyber security in Baku, Velizade expressed the view that specialists of member countries of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking States should participate in these trainings.

He also added that over 80 percent of Azerbaijans population are Internet users, and the number of users of a broadband wireless network is 73 percent. He also stressed that the number of mobile subscribers in Azerbaijan is 106 for every 100 people.

Secretary General Baghdad Amreyev emphasized the importance and the role that ICT plays in the socio-economic development of the Member countries. He also named the core issues (mentioned above) to be on the center of discussions on cyber security.

Dauren Abayev called on member states to strengthen integration in information and communication sector, emphasizing the creation of TASIM, by the initiative of Azerbaijan.

It should be noted that TASIM (Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway) project was initiated by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Communications and High Technologies at the meeting within the 14th "Bakutel" exhibition-conference in Baku in November 2008 by the adoption of Baku Declaration.

The aim of the project is to establish a transnational fiber optic line from Frankfurt to Hong Kong, from Western Europe to East Asia. This project will eliminate "digital distinction" and open new economic opportunities for landlocked Eurasian countries.

First time participating in Turkic Council Ministerial on ICT Dr. Karoly Balazs Solmar, Deputy State Secretary of Info-communications, Innovation and Technology of Hungary emphasized the readiness of his country for close cooperation with Turkic Council Member States in ICT sector. He invited the member states to take part at the ITU Telecom World 2019 event to be held on September 9-12, 2019, in Budapest.

Representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey made presentations on achievements and perspectives of their countries in the field of ICT.

Then, the sides discussed issues of mutual interest and exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation.

Following the meeting, a protocol was drawn up and it is agreed that the next meeting of the Ministers in charge of ICT of the Turkic Council will be held Kyrgyzstan in 2020.

The Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States (CCTS) was established in 2009 in Nakhchivan as an international intergovernmental organization, with the overarching aim of promoting comprehensive cooperation among Turkic Speaking States. Its four founding member states are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey.

The main purposes and tasks of the Organization are: strengthening mutual confidence and friendship among the Parties, developing common positions on foreign policy issues; coordinating actions to combat international terrorism, separatism, extremism and cross-border crimes; promoting effective regional and bilateral cooperation in all areas of common interest; creating favorable conditions for trade and investment and others.

The member countries of the CCTS invested over $12 billion in the economy of Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijan invested over $14 billion in the CCTS member states.

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Leman Mammadova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888

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By Trend

The implementation of the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline (TANAP) and Trans-Adriatic pipeline (TAP) projects will be discussed during the visit of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to Turkey, Trend reports via Turkish media.

Another topic of discussion during the talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be the expansion of the Turkish Stream project to the Greek border.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's visit to Turkey will last from Feb. 5 to Feb. 6. The Greek PM visits the bordering country at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

TANAP, together with Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor, which provides for the transportation of gas from the Azerbaijani field Shah Deniz to Europe.

The initial capacity of TANAP is expected to be 16 billion cubic meters of gas per year. About six billion cubic meters will be supplied to Turkey, and the rest to Europe. After completion of the TAP, the gas will reach Europe in early 2020.

The share distribution in TANAP is as follows: Southern Gas Corridor CJSC - 51 percent, SOCAR Turkey Enerji - 7 percent, Botas - 30 percent, and BP - 12 percent.

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UNICEF warned today of the dangers posed by online violence, cyberbullying and digital harassment for the 70.6 per cent of young people aged 15 to 24 years old who are online globally, and called for concerted action to tackle and prevent violence against children and young people online.

The call, made on Safer Internet Day, comes following a recent UNICEF poll of young people, which received more than 1 million responses over five weeks from more than 160 countries, and suggestions from a series of student-led #ENDviolence Youth Talks held around the world. In it, young people provided thoughtful responses about what they and their parents, teachers and policymakers could do to keep them safe -- and kindness stood out as one of the most powerful means to prevent bullying and cyberbullying.

Weve heard from children and young people from around the globe and what they are saying is clear: The Internet has become a kindness desert, said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. Thats why this Safer Internet Day, UNICEF is inviting everyone, young and old, to be kind online, and calling for greater action to make the Internet a safer place for everyone.

The Internet has become a fixture of young peoples lives regardless of income level. According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), while 94 per cent of young people aged 15-24 in developed countries are online, more than 65 per cent of young people in developing countries are online. This is well ahead of the pace of Internet usage among the general population. Worldwide, half of the total population, regardless of age, is online.

This online proliferation comes with increased risk. According to data from UNESCO on the prevalence of cyberbullying in high income countries, the proportion of children and adolescents who are affected by cyberbullying ranges from 5 per cent to 21 per cent, with girls appearing to be more likely to experience cyberbullying than boys.

Cyberbullying can cause profound harm as it can quickly reach a wide audience, and can remain accessible online indefinitely, virtually following its victims online for life. Bullying and cyberbullying feed into each other, forming a continuum of damaging behaviour. Victims of cyberbullying are more likely to use alcohol and drugs and skip school than other students. They also are more likely to receive poor grades and experience low self-esteem and health problems. In extreme situations, cyberbullying has led to suicide. On Safer Internet Day, UNICEF is reminding everyone that kindness  both online and off  is a responsibility that begins with each of us.

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF is also calling for renewed urgency and cooperation to put childrens rights at the forefront of digital efforts. As part of this, UNICEF is implementing programs to leverage the internets promise of connectivity and education on behalf of the worlds children. For example, UNICEFs Internet of Good Things aims to bridge the digital divide and build knowledge in societies by hosting mobile-packaged content designed to make life-saving and life-improving information available for free, even on low-end devices.

Thirty years after the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the creation of the World Wide Web, it is time for governments, families, academia and the private sector to put children and young people at the centre of digital policies," said Fore. By protecting them from the worst the Internet has to offer and expanding access to its best, we can each help tip the balance for good.

Notes to Editors:

Learn more about online safety here.

Learn more about UNICEFs #ENDviolence global campaign here.



About ITU ICT Facts and Figures

Data about Internet penetration among children and young people come from the ITU ICT Facts and Figures 2017, which features end-2017 estimates for key telecommunication/ICT indicators.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the worlds toughest places, to reach the worlds most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

For more information about UNICEF and its work for children visit www.unicef.org.

Follow UNICEF on Twitter and Facebook

For more information, please contact:

Kurtis Cooper, UNICEF New York, Tel: +1 917 476 1435, [email protected]

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By Laman Ismayilova

A new project "Volunteer Parliament - Azerbaijan 2019" has been launched.

The project is co-organized by the Azerbaijani Parliament and ASAN Volunteers.

The event will take place on February 18-21, Trend Life reported.

The main objective of the project, is to enable young people to show their potential in the field of political analysis, educate them in a patriotic spirit, increase the level of education in public speaking and the political sphere, and stimulate citizenship in a constructive approach to various events.

Volunteer Parliament will be attended by 50 people who will be interviewed.

For registration, please visit:

http://kpa2019.asanyouth.az/

Media partners of the event are Azernews.az, Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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The price of Azeri LT CIF Augusta, produced at the Azeri-Chirag-Deepwater Gunashli (ACG) field, went down by 2 cents on June 18 compared to the previous price, reaching $74.54 barrel, Trend reports referring to the source from the country's oil and gas market.
By Trend

The first meeting of the working group for implementation of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea is scheduled to be held in February in Baku, Spokeswoman of the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan Leyla Abdullayeva told Trend.

"The first meeting of the working group is scheduled for February. The exact date of the meeting will be announced this week," she said.

On Aug. 12, the heads of five Caspian states signed the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea at the 5th Summit of the Heads of Caspian States in Aktau. The Convention is a historic document for the region, the work on which has been carried out for two decades since 1996.

The Convention was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and President of Iran Hassan Rouhani.

The leaders of the Caspian states also signed other important documents arising from the Convention, in particular, the Protocol on cooperation in the fight against organized crime in the Caspian Sea, the Agreement between the governments of the Caspian states on trade and economic cooperation, the Agreement between the governments of the Caspian states on cooperation in transportation, the Agreement on preventing accidents in the Caspian Sea and the Protocol on Cooperation.

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By Trend

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed an Order to provide funding for renovation of roofs of multi-story residential buildings in Azerbaijan.

Under the presidential order, 21,685,830 manats were allocated to Ganja, Sumgayit, Shaki, Shirvan and Gazakh district executive authorities for renovation of roofs in 379 multi-story residential buildings.

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By Trend

A meeting of the Azerbaijan-Israel joint intergovernmental commission may be held in the second half of 2019, Ambassador of Israel in Azerbaijan Dan Stav told Trend.

He stressed that Azerbaijan and Israel convened the first meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission in May 2018. The most important tasks of this committee are to establish a promising agenda for cooperation, create a favorable environment for business in both countries and develop bilateral civilian relations, he added.

The intergovernmental commission was established in December 2016. From the Azerbaijani side, the commission is headed by Minister of Taxes Mikayil Jabbarov, while from the Israeli side by Minister of Ecology, Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Elkin Zeev.

According to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, trade turnover with Israel in 2018 amounted to $1.3 million.

As compared to the last year, trade turnover between the countries increased by 49.7 percent, while the exports of Azerbaijani products increased more than two times.

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By Abdul Kerimkhanov

Armenian water terror remains a steady threat to the residents of bordering Azerbaijani villages, who continue suffering from water shortage since the very beginning of Karabakh conflict.

The issue causes alarm for many international organizations, which urge Armenia to observe the universal convention on use transboundary water resources. PACE report on "The population of the border regions of Azerbaijan deliberately deprived of water" clearly describes the problems created to the Azerbaijani side by the Armenian occupants in connection with the Sarsang reservoir resources. The use of water, according to international conventions, is an integral part of human rights, and the use of transboundary water bodies for the purposes of blackmail and pressure is unacceptable.

Sarsang water reservoir, which was built in 1976, used to irrigate the sown areas of the Yevlakh, Goranboy, Tartar, Barda, Agdam, Agjabedi and Agdere regions.

However, Armenia continues to ignore international legislation with impunity and now intends to build a new channel in occupied Azerbaijani region of Karabakh, which will connect the Sarsang reservoir with Agdere.

Armenian media reports that the government plans to attract foreign investment in the amount of $100 million to realize this illegal plan in occupied territory. They also intend to build three more new reservoirs, as well as a cascade of hydropower plants in order to further export electricity, despite understanding illegality of any business activities in the area.

The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) issued a statement condemning Armenias actions to build a water channel from the Sarsang reservoir in the occupied territory of Azerbaijan.

ISESCO regards the Armenian attempt to build a new channel in the occupied territory of Azerbaija as a gross violation of international law.

ISESCO Director General Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri stated that the expansionist plan of Armenia is aimed at changing the situation in the occupied territory of Azerbaijan and plundering the Azerbaijani natural resources.

He assessed this step as a violation of the private and public property rights and international law, namely the Fourth Geneva Convention, which states that "the occupying state ensures the protection of civilians in the occupied territories".

ISESCO Director General urged the international community and international human rights organizations to force Armenia to abandon its expansionist plan aimed at developing the country's economy through the use of Azerbaijans natural resources and ethnic cleansing policy, and urge it to immediately release the occupied territories of Azerbaijan in order to establish peace and security in an important region of the world.

ISESCO is large organization, uniting 54 member-states, along with three observer states, out of the 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

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Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

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By Mirsaid Ibrahimzade

Since 2020, the introduction of compulsory medical insurance will begin throughout Azerbaijan, Deputy Prime Minister, Executive Secretary of the New Azerbaijan Party, Deputy Chairman Ali Ahmadov told reporters on February 5, Trend reported.

He noted that currently compulsory medical insurance is operating as a pilot project in the city of Mingachevir, Agdash and Yevlakh regions.

"The results of the pilot projects show that people really need this [compulsory medical insurance]," said Ahmedov.

The Deputy Prime Minister went on to say that the 2019 can be considered the year of preparation for the full-scale implementation of the compulsory medical insurance.

"During the year, all the hospitals will conduct the necessary preparatory work. I believe that the experience gained during the implementation of pilot projects is enough to prepare hospitals for the introduction of the compulsory medical insurance system during the year," he said.

Since the end of 2016, a pilot project on CMI has been implemented in the country, which currently covers the city of Mingachevir, as well as the Yevlakh and Agdash regions of the republic.

During the first year of implementation of pilot project, a lot of attention was paid to the number of services and their accessibility for the population, then within the framework of the second year the attention was paid more to quality. At the same time, organizers prepared a plan for a full transition of the entire country to compulsory medical insurance. In July 2018, a consultant who would be responsible for the successful transition period was appointed. A lot of work has been done and a special roadmap was prepared. This was stated by Zaur Aliyev, the Chairman of the Board of the State Agency for Mandatory Insurance, during the business forum arranged by the Caspian European Club on August 29, 2018.

During the business forum, he also spoke about the determination of the approximate amount of insurance premiums to receive services for the compulsory medical insurance and stated that process was carried out mainly based on the results of the pilot project and has almost been completed. As a result of calculations and taking into account the economic situation, there was taken the figure of 120 manat ($70.38) as the basis.

In addition, a number of categories of citizens of the country, such as, children, pensioners, disabled people and low-income families will be exempt from payment of insurance premiums. Their expenses on compulsory medical insurance will be paid by the state. People will be able to pay insurance premiums in installments.

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By Leman Mammadova

Although at present, oil and gas account for the main share in exports, Azerbaijan is eager to expand its list with non-oil sector's products. An upward trend is already showing itself in the non-oil exports.

Azerbaijan will launch supplies of medicinal tea to Germany.

Discussions were held on the export of Azerbaijani products within the framework of Berlin International Green Week on January 18-27, and preliminary agreements have been reached, the Economy Ministry told AZERTAC.

Thus, the Herba Flora of Azerbaijan has reached the agreement on the export of medicinal herbal tea with Germany's Herbacon GmbH and Tramontabio.

At the same time, Babek Sirab and Qatar's Dandy Company Ltd have agreed to export mineral waters.

Recently, the products of 14 Azerbaijani companies operating in wine and other alcoholic drinks, medicinal herbal teas, confectionary products, dried fruits and other products were presented at the "Made in Azerbaijan" stand at the exhibition International Green Week 2019 held in Berlin on January 18-27, 2019.

Established in 1926 the International Green Week is a one-of-a-kind international exhibition for the food, agricultural and horticultural industries.

Herba Flora started operating on May 25, 1998. Initially, the company started to produce medicinal plants and gradually expanded its scope to switch to the production of various herbs and herbal teas. The company also produces syrups on the basis of plant concentrates that can be used in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

So far, the company has produced over 200 products.

The company HERBA FLORA operates in accordance with the international standard ISO 9001: 2008 quality management system.

HERBA FLORA took part many times in Azerbaijan International Health Care, in 2013 in Beauty and Aesthetic Medicine Exhibition. It had been awarded the certificates at The Demonstration of the Best Product and The Best Corporative Style and The long term participation nominations.

Launched in 2016, the Made in Azerbaijan brand envisages a large-scale promotion of local non-oil products in foreign markets.

Azerbaijan is organizing a number of export missions to promote national products under the Made in Azerbaijan brand. Export missions are a supporting measure to identify opportunities for accessing new markets, strengthen local product positions in existing markets and provide these markets with new products.

Promotion of export-oriented local products under the Made in Azerbaijan brand in a wider geographic area also helps to attract foreign investment. The export of non-oil products will stimulate the expansion of the production of these products and will further strengthen the non-oil sector's share in the structure of the GDP.

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Leman Mammadova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888

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By Trend

A new appointment has been made in Azerbaijans Ateshgah Insurance, the company told Trend Feb. 4.

Orkhan Rzayev has been appointed deputy chairman of the board of Ateshgah Insurance.

The decision was made at a meeting of the board of directors.

Presently, chairman of the board of Ateshgah Insurance is Azer Aliyev.

Rzayev has been working in Ateshgah Insurance since 2005. He held various positions in the customer service department and direct sales department. He worked as a retail sales manager and a regional sales manager. He served as a member of the board of directors.

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By Trend

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have 30 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said Feb. 5, Trend reports.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

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An Armenian regional newspaper claimed to be systematically bullied by individuals linked to the countrys largest mining company after a car belonging to it was set on fire early on Tuesday.

Photographs posted by the Syuniats Yerkir newspaper based in Kapan, the administrative center of the southeastern Syunik province, showed that it was partly destroyed by what its editor, Samvel Aleksanian, described as a deliberate arson attack.

I regard that as a crime committed because of our professional activities, Aleksanian told RFE/RLs Armenian service (Azatutyun.am).

Aleksanian pointed the finger at Vahe Hakobian, a former Syunik governor, and other influential persons thought to be close to the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC), an industrial giant located in the nearby town of Kajaran. He said his paper has been at odds with the company because it has consistently tried to ascertain who its real owners are.

In the last two years there have been numerous incidents involving our newspaper and myself but none of them has been solved, said Aleksanian. In particular, he claimed to have been physically assaulted outside his Kapan office in August.

This latest attack was the continuation of the previous ones, the editor went on. We raise issues which hidden shareholders of the Kajaran plant dont like.

Hakobian, who was sacked as Syunik governor shortly after last springs velvet revolution in Armenia, flatly denied the allegations. The media outlet mentioned by you has for years spread untrue and slanderous reports and even personal insults but we are following only the legal path, he said, pointing to over a dozen libel suits filed against Syuniats Yerkir by him and senior ZCMC executives.

The former governor also suggested that Aleksanian might have himself burned down the newspaper car in yet another attempt at self-promotion.

ZCMC, which employs more than 4,000 people, was privatized in 2004 at a relatively modest price of $132 million. A German metals group, Cronimet, gained a 75 percent stake in the industrial giant at the time.

The rest of ZCMC is controlled by at least two obscure Armenian firms. Ownership of those firms has long been a subject of speculation in Armenia, with some local commentators and opposition politicians linking them to former President Serzh Sarkisian or his predecessor Robert Kocharian.

Hakobian worked as a senior ZCMC executive before Sarkisian appointed him as Syunik governor in 2016. In early 2017, he also became the head of the regional branch of Sarkisians Republican Party of Armenia (HHK).

According to the Hetq.am investigative publication, Hakobian holds a 10 percent stake in Cronimet Metal Trading CIS, an apparent subsidiary of ZCMCs largest nominal shareholder.

Hakobian already found himself in hot water shortly after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian sacked him as Syunik governor last summer. An Anglo-American gold mining company, Lydian International, accused him of involvement in the continuing disruption of its operations in Armenia. Lydian released a short video that purportedly showed the driver of a car used by Hakobian delivering food to several dozen protesters blockading the Amulsar gold deposit developed by it.

Hakobian denied that. He claimed that the videotaped car was driven by a ZCMC employee who accidentally met one of his relatives on a highway near Amulsar.

Lydians allegations were taken seriously by Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinian. He said in July that they are a cause for deep concern and require an objective and consistent examination.
The U.S. will not be endorsing any candidate in the April 9 elections in Israel, a senior White House official tells me.

A giant election billboard in Tel Aviv. Photo: Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images

Why it matters: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is stressing his close relationship with President Trump in his election ads and on his campaign. The White House official was reacting to an ad published by Netanyahu's Likud Party that shows Netanyahu and Trump shaking hands. The ad was published on several huge billboards along the main highways in Israel.

"Its no secret that President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu have a strong relationship based upon mutual respect and that they reflect the mutual admiration and affection of the American and Israeli people."

 Senior White House official

It is standard practice for presidents to decline to make public endorsements in elections overseas. Shared today from Trump's Instagram account, though, was a post from Netanyahu featuring the handshake ad. The White House official said that was not a political endorsement.

What's next: Netanyahu is planning a visit to Washington two weeks before the elections. He will give a speech at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference and is expected to have a meeting with Trump in the Oval Office  a perfect photo opportunity for Netanyahu on the eve of the elections.
After facing minimal foreign policy friction with Congress in the first half of his term, at least among Republicans, President Trump has for several months been caught in a maelstrom of bipartisan criticism from lawmakers.

The big picture: Historically, American presidents have enjoyed wide latitude on foreign policy. But Trump has finally bumped up against the limits of that freedom and can no longer count on Congress falling in line  with pushback from both an assertive Democratic House and a foreign policy establishment well channeled by the Republican Senate.

Details:

Saudi Arabia: The killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi put the kingdom under the spotlight and galvanized bipartisan opposition to its war in Yemen, which Trump has supported. A bipartisan Senate vote to end American arms sales for the Saudi war in Yemen passed and the House will soon act  solidifying the rebuke of Trumps position.

The killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi put the kingdom under the spotlight and galvanized bipartisan opposition to its war in Yemen, which Trump has supported. A bipartisan Senate vote to end American arms sales for the Saudi war in Yemen passed and the House will soon act  solidifying the rebuke of Trumps position. The Middle East: Trumps decision in December 2018 to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria and hints of doing the same in Afghanistan prompted a backlash , including the resignation of Jim Mattis over Syria. Congress snapped to, and the Senate last week passed a bipartisan measure opposing the withdrawals.

Trumps decision in December 2018 to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria and hints of doing the same in Afghanistan prompted a backlash including the resignation of Jim Mattis over Syria. Congress snapped to, and the Senate last week passed a bipartisan measure opposing the withdrawals. Arms control: Congress has yet to address the administration's announced withdrawal from a Cold War-era nuclear arms treaty with Russia, but is typically loath to pull out of diplomatic agreements without replacements. Doing so can both trigger new security threats and undermine American credibility at future negotiating tables  a concern for North Korea talks.

Congress has yet to address the administration's announced withdrawal from a Cold War-era nuclear arms treaty with Russia, but is typically loath to pull out of diplomatic agreements without replacements. Doing so can both trigger new security threats and undermine American credibility at future negotiating tables  a concern for North Korea talks. Russia: Congress has been vexed by zigzagging implementation of sanctions against Russia for election interference. While it failed to reverse Trumps lifting of sanctions against companies linked to Putin-ally Oleg Deripaska, the vote attracted 11 Republicans.

Congress has been vexed by zigzagging implementation of sanctions against Russia for election interference. While it failed to reverse Trumps lifting of sanctions against companies linked to Putin-ally Oleg Deripaska, the vote attracted 11 Republicans. Venezuela: Trump has hewed to the congressionally supported line of opposition to President Nicolas Maduro. But too much talk of military action to remove Maduro could end that alignment.

Yes, but: On foreign policy issues with strong domestic support, such as military aid to Israel, the status quo persists in both Congress and the Trump administration, despite partisan attempts to claim otherwise.

What to watch: Russia will continue to be a flashpoint  with House Intelligence Committee hearings on election interference and Senate concerns about a new nuclear arms race  as could Defense and State Department authorization bills, if they set up conflicts over the Middle East or nuclear weapons policy.

Joel Rubin is president of the Washington Strategy Group and the former deputy assistant secretary of state for the House of Representatives.
The controversial election of Felix Tshisekedi to the presidency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the end of last year raises many new questions about the countrys future, especially with respect to the global cobalt market. Because the DRC holds half of all known, economically recoverable cobalt reserves  currently accounting for 60% of global production  the worlds cobalt supply is inextricably tied to the DRCs political stability.

Democratic Republic of the Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi. Photo: Tony Karumba/AFP via Getty Images

Why it matters: Cobalt, which the U.S. considers vital to national security and economic prosperity, is an essential component for many large-scale energy storage systems and electric vehicle batteries.

Where it stands: Cobalt shortages are already expected by the early 2020s because of rapid demand for energy storage technology, which would drive up battery costs unless alternative chemistries are developed. Exacerbating the challenge for the U.S., the Trump administration also imposed tariffs on cobalt as part of its broader trade war with China, the worlds leading producer of refined cobalt and a leading supplier of U.S. cobalt imports.

Background: Even before Decembers election, concerns over resource nationalism in the DRC were growing.

Recognizing cobalts increasing importance in the global clean-energy sector, Joseph Kabila, Tshisekedis predecessor, signed a new mining law in June 2018 setting the royalty rate on cobalt extraction at 3.5%, a 75% increase.

Then, in December, he issued a presidential decree declaring cobalt a strategic mineral resource, nearly tripling the royalties once more to 10%, a level likely to discourage further investment.

Its unclear whether Tshisekedi will now follow through on the decree, abandon it while leaving the new mining law in place, or reform or revoke the law altogether. Though he purportedly criticized the law on the campaign trail as anti-investment, Tshisekedi also said in a recent speech that he wants mineral rents to increase from 10% to 45% of total government receipts.

What to watch: The coming months will reveal whether Tshisekedi breaks from Kabilas policies. Regardless of the administration's decision, renewed political violence could upset global supply by disrupting the countrys considerable production.

Sagatom Saha is an independent international energy policy analyst. David Livingston is deputy director for climate and advanced energy at the Atlantic Councils Global Energy Center.
The State Department has requested a new committee of scientists to investigate the unusual health effects experienced by dozens of U.S. diplomats and their relatives stationed in Cuba in the past two years, Yahoo News first reported Tuesday and Axios has confirmed.

Details: A department spokesperson told Axios the committee will look at "health monitoring, medical interventions, risk assessment and exposure mitigation for overseas locations that may present a higher risk of adverse health effects." Since late 2016, the U.S. has been wrestling to identify why at least 26 of its embassy workers in Cuba have suffered from dizziness, headaches and nausea associated with loud, painful sounds  with investigators pointing to a range of possible explanations that include sonic weapons, microwave attacks by Russia and even "mass hysteria."
Russia watchers tend to believe it will be Russias elites, and not its people, who eventually remove Vladimir Putin from power.

Oleg Deripaska (R) with Vladimir Putin at the 2014 APEC summit in China. Photo: Sasha Mordovets/Getty Images

The big picture: The U.S. and Europe know Putin is not going to change his stripes. Theyve been deploying sanctions in an effort to increase the pressure on him, in part by deepening fissures within Russias power structure.

Yes, but: The case of oligarch Oleg Deripaska shows there are limits to the costs the West is willing to absorb in the process.

Zoom out: Nigel Gould-Davies of Chatham House said today at a Wilson Center event that Russias elites are in an unprecedentedly uncomfortable position as access to the Western institutions they rely on to secure their wealth is severed.

Gould-Davis said the oligarchs can choose to: Get closer to Putin and seek the protection of the Russian state, move their assets out of the West (perhaps to Asia) or muddle on and hope things change.

Get closer to Putin and seek the protection of the Russian state, move their assets out of the West (perhaps to Asia) or muddle on and hope things change. However, some might be tempted to think about how they can use these resources to bring about some sort of change in Russia itself. In Russia and the broader region, he said, political change always takes place, or certainly is initiated  when the networks of elite power defect.

Between the lines: Thats not to say sanctions will tip the scales, says Alina Polyakova of Brookings: The political will isnt there to push as hard as theyd have to to convince the oligarchs Putin cant guarantee the security of their assets.

If they do go so far," she adds, "there are second- and third-tier knock-on effects because of Russias integration into the global economy.

Zoom in: That brings us to Deripaska. Hes among the most powerful oligarchs in Russia and was one of a number of influential Russians sanctioned last year due to ties to Putin.

The U.S. Treasury delayed the implementation of sanctions on Deripaskas businesses, including aluminum giant Rusal, before agreeing last week to drop the sanctions in return for Deripaska reducing his ownership stakes.

That deal divided leaders on Capitol Hill. It came after lobbying from European governments and companies who were concerned about the broader economic impacts of targeting Rusal, which produces 7% of the global aluminum supply.

Western business interests aren't the only factors blunting the force of sanctions. At the Wilson Center event, Daniel Ahn, former chief economist at the State Department, presented findings that show the Kremlin is bailing out firms hit by sanctions to the tune of $13 billion and growing.

Thats an expensive balancing act for the Kremlin. And as Gould-Davies said, If they need to be compensated, they cant be ignored.

The bottom line: While the West may not be able to destabilize Putin through sanctions, we know we can weaken him, says Anders Aslund of the Atlantic Council.

As long as Russia continues with war, and we continue with sanctions, Russias economic outlook wont improve, he says. "Sooner or later this regime will collapse.

Go deeper: Putin Joins Trump in Finding Ways to Ease Deripaska's Pain (Bloomberg)
1 big thing: Humans, climate and history

Forecasts of a grim future ahead from extreme weather have been at once so vague and frequent as to numb many people as to what's coming. But it turns out that this is the second incidence in history of climate change at least partly induced by humans.

In the first, a half-millennium ago, humans made the Earth cooler, which contributed to famine, disease and popular uprisings in Europe, experts say.

Driving the news: In much-discussed new research, U.K. scientists say the 16th century exploration of the Americas by Europeans led to a cascade of disaster:

The deaths of some 55 million native people to pandemic disease over less than a century, representing 90% of the inhabitants of North and South America  and 10% of the world population.

to pandemic disease over less than a century, representing 90% of the inhabitants of North and South America  and 10% of the world population. A reforestation of their fallow farms, covering a combined area about the size of France, causing a massive and sustained amount of carbon to be sucked from the atmosphere

covering a combined area about the size of France, causing a massive and sustained amount of carbon to be sucked from the atmosphere And a consequent deepening of the so-called Little Ice Age, when temperatures plunged in Europe and across the globe. Among popular uprisings were mob violence in Ireland and a resurgence of witchcraft trials.

Why it matters: The research, from four scholars at University College London, suggests that European contact with the Americas starting with Columbus had an impact on a vast scale  shifting human and Earth history. "It caused about half of the cold snap in the 17th century that caused all kinds of havoc all over the world," Charles Mann, author of "1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created," tells Axios.

"The cessation of farming doubled the cooling of the Little Ice Age," says Mark Maslin, a professor at University College London, and a co-author of the paper.

Thought bubble from Andrew Freedman, author of Axios' Science newsletter: "Assuming the new study is correct, it indicates that the era of human engineering of the climate system started much earlier than the Industrial Revolution."

"It also suggests that the discussions about the task before us  slowing, halting and reversing global warming  may be too focused on high-tech carbon removal technologies."

"Planting trees and maintaining healthy forests might deserve a higher place on the priority list for carbon removal, the study suggests."

The research follows up on pioneering work by William Ruddiman, professor emeritus at the University of Virginia. Ruddiman, reached at home in Virginia, said he was a peer reviewer of the paper and that he had only one quibble, which the authors handled in a footnote.

Ruddiman's linkage of the post-Columbus human disaster and climate cooling remains controversial, though it's accepted by an increasing number of mainstream experts, and the paper has gotten some pushback.
White House senior adviser Jared Kushner is expected to share an update about the Trump administration's Middle East peace plan during a public session at the Warsaw Middle East conference next Thursday. A White House official told me Kushner will be participating in a discussion hosted by former Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende on efforts to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Why it matters: This would be the first time Kushner will speak publicly and answer questions about the long-awaited peace plan. Kushner is not expected to give details about the parameters of the plan, but he will most likely provide an update on its status and how the administration wants to reveal and launch it in the next few months  after the April 9 elections in Israel.
The slow, steady erosion of democracy around the world continued for the 13th consecutive year, according to the latest annual "Freedom in the World" report by Freedom House, a watchdog group that advocates for democracy and human rights.

The big picture: Between 1988 and 2005, democracy surged around the world. Since then, the reversal has been less dramatic, but it has been "consistent and ominous," according to the report.

Political rights and civil liberties became weaker in 68 countries since last year's report, and improved in only 50 countries.

became weaker in 68 countries since last year's report, and improved in only 50 countries. The authors cite a shifting global balance of power in favor of countries like China, and "anger and anxiety in Europe and the United States over economic inequality and the loss of personal status" as underlying causes of the strains we're seeing on democratic institutions.

a shifting global balance of power in favor of countries like China, and "anger and anxiety in Europe and the United States over economic inequality and the loss of personal status" as underlying causes of the strains we're seeing on democratic institutions. Globally, 39% of people live in countries deemed "free," while 24% live in "partly free" countries and 37% "not free."

A warning about the United States: The report says the U.S. freedom score has declined by 8 points (from 94 to 86) over the past eight years. It's still firmly in the "free category," but it's falling behind counterparts like the U.K., Canada, France, Australia, Germany and Japan.

The report blames longstanding problems like political polarization, loss of economic mobility, the influence of special interests and the rise of partisan media. But it also warns that President Trump "exerts an influence on American politics that is straining our core values and testing the stability of our constitutional system."

Other big changes:
Southwest Airlines is due to conduct its maiden flight from Oakland, California, to Honolulu, Hawaii, this week as part of its ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) certification. Partly delayed by the government shutdown, Southwest will complete its ETOPS certification flights over the next few weeks with the goal of launching California-to-Hawaii revenue flights by mid-March.

Southwest announced its intent to serve Hawaii last year.

The low-cost carrier, which started flying internationally with its service to the Caribbean in 2014, has not needed ETOPS certification until now. Southwest also flies to Mexico and Costa Rica, but did not need ETOPS approval to complete those routes.

Southwest wont be the only carrier using the venerable 737 to hop the Pacific. Alaska Airlines currently runs the 737-800 from West Coast airports to Honolulu.
Suzuki PH still aiming to launch the new Jimny in Q3 of this year Marcus De Guzman February 05, 2019 10:47

The much-awaited 2019 Suzuki Jimny still has a long way to go before it makes its way to the Philippines. First previewed during the 2018 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), the company said that the new 4x4 could arrive at around Q3 of 2019 and could top out at Php 1.1 million. Why the long wait?

For one, demand for the all-new Jimny is still high. Last weve heard, the waiting period in Japan alone is still at one year. And number two, the fourth-generation Jimny is currently being built in just one factory.

However, Keiichi Suzuki, the General Manager for Automobiles in Suzuki Philippines, shared with us that the company is currently speeding up production of the new Jimny at their Kosai plant in Japan.

In our home market alone, the waiting period for a new Jimny has increased to more than one year. To keep up with the demand, our Kosai plant has increased production output. That way, we can deliver the units in Japan faster, as well as export the new 4x4 faster in other markets besides ours said Suzuki.

When asked whether the company plans on initiating some of the Jimnys production to another factory within or outside of Japan, Suzuki said that they have no plans to transfer it elsewhere besides Kosai.

While it would greatly help in meeting customer demand, we would like to maintain the Japanese build quality that has made the Jimny a tough and reliable 4x4. Also, if we shifted production elsewhere, our local suppliers will also have a hard time shipping their components to another factory, not to mention the added costs of logistics, added Suzuki.

The company is still optimistic that they will be able to bring the new Jimny to the Philippines by Q3 of this year. But with Suzuki ramping up production in the Kosai factory, were hoping that the new 4x4 will be able to arrive sooner than later.

In the meantime, while were still waiting for its official launch in the country, you can check out our first impressions of the 2019 Suzuki Jimny during last years Auto Focus Pre-Christmas Drive Festival.
Less than a year ago, Porsche launched its own Charging Service in seven European countries. Now, the company announced its availability of the service in an additional five countries, meaning the network of charging points available through the service has grown to comprise in excess of 49,000 locations.The Porsche service works not unlike the one envisioned by Audi and whose prices were announced on Monday. Being a Porsche customer gives one the possibility of charging the Taycan or another of Porsches hybrids from a number of stations belonging to a wide range of operators, without the need to register with each of them.To be able to benefit from the service, customers will, of course, have to pay a monthly fee. In Germany, that amounts to 2.5 EUR per month, on top of which the costs for actual charging  depending of the provider - is added.Access to the service is allowed via the Porsche app, that also doubles as a locator of suitable charging stations, complete with info on the price for vehicle charging, in real time.Having customers that pay at times well over 100,000 EUR for a car get their hands in their pockets for a trivial 2.5 EUR per month for this service might seem strange. Audi, a far less luxury brand, announced that the prices for its subscription start at 4.5 EUR per month, not including the price for charging.European Porsche customers are also at a disadvantage when compared to the ones in the U.S. There, Porsche will be offering Taycan buyers three years of free charging , courtesy of Electrify America.The Porsche Taycan will be fitted with a battery capable of over 500 km (311 miles) of range. The battery can fast charge to a range of four hundred kilometers (248 miles) in just fifteen minutes.The car will use two permanently synchronous motors (PSM) to drive its wheels  one for each of the axles - similar to the ones deployed on the 919 Hybrid race car and capable of developing 600 horsepower.
Dundas, who moves from HWL Ebsworth, is an expert in dispute resolution and insolvency, acting for clients in complex commercial disputes and all aspects of administrations, receiverships, liquidations.

Both partners have deep relationships and extensive experience in a wide range of industries, including hospitability and leisure, energy and resources, real estate, aviation and transport, and financial intuitions, KWM said.

We look forward to welcoming Carl as we further strengthen our real estate capability in Perth and add to our pre-eminent national practice as well as support our Asian clients looking to invest into the WA commercial property sector, said Craig Rogers, the firms managing partner for projects and real estate.

Sam will bring additional breadth to our dispute resolution practice, strengthening our litigation expertise in the local and regional market as well as additional bench-strength to the firms market-leading restructuring and insolvency practice, said Peter Pether, managing partner for dispute resolution and taxation.

The new partners join KWM later this month.
HFW has been in the US market since 2017 when it merged with Legge, Farrow, Kimmitt, McGrath & Brown. It now has 20 lawyers in the US.

Magic Circle firm appoints global disputes head

Freshfields has appointed long-time partner Andrew Hart as its global head of dispute resolution.

Hart has been a partner at the Magic Circle firm for more than 20 years, representing clients on some of the largest global finance issues. He has achieved notable trial wins for Deloitte, Rothschild, and Deutsche Bank.

He succeeds David Scott who has completed his four-year term in the role.

The firm also has a new head of dispute resolution for its substantial London practice; Sarah Parkes has been with the team since 2008.
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Colorado Department of Transportation Crews survey the impacts of a rockfall incident in Glenwood Canyon on Tuesday afternoon. The rockfall occurred at 1 a.m. Tuesday and closed both directions of travel on the highway until eastbound lanes reopened around 11 a.m. Crews were working Tuesday evening to get one westbound lane open.
Doug Putman, who runs the Canadian retailer Sunrise Records, has bought the UK music and film retailer,  [which] collapsed into administration just after Christmas, blaming tough conditions on UK high streets and competition from streaming sites such as Netflix and Spotify. Two years ago, Putman and Sunrise bought Canadas HMV stores, rescuing them from closure.  The Guardian
For nine months in 1969-70, Native American activist John Trudell made weekly broadcasts from the shuttered prison in San Francisco Bay, programs that aired on Pacifica Radio stations in California, New York, and Texas. They brought the injustices faced by indigenous Americans to the ears of more than 100,000 listeners  and earned Trudell an FBI file that ran to more than 1,000 pages.  Narratively
Over a career spanning seven decades, Mr. Lee wrote nearly a dozen volumes of historical fiction, but his best-known work was his debut novel, The Flower Drum Song, which brought instant literary stardom upon its release. He was called an overnight sensation, but in fact, he had spent years toiling in obscurity after having arrived in the United States from China on a student visa during World War II.  The Washington Post
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The first day of the CAPA Qatar Aviation, Aeropolitical and Regulatory Summit commenced today at the Sheraton Hotel in Doha, Qatar.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, delivered an inspiring keynote address on the first day of the conference in front of international delegates and decision-makers from across the aviation industry.



Al Baker said: Qatar Airways has demonstrated tremendous resilience in the face of the blockade, and our resilience as an airline is reflective of that of the State of Qatar as a whole. Rather than falling to our knees, we have transformed the blockade into an opportunity to innovate and diversify. One of our key objectives is to ensure a regulatory environment that encourages investment and welcomes new entrants into the market. We strongly believe in the vital role that liberalised aviation plays in connecting people and fostering economic prosperity.



While my country may be small in size, we are big in ambition. This is why we have set ourselves the goal of becoming the first country in the Gulf region to achieve a Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement with the European Union. We expect that this agreement will demonstrate to the world that through positive engagement, we can build trust among nations, overcoming the fear of competition and embracing the benefits of liberalisation.



Liberalisation facilitates open and fair competition, enabling our industry to innovate and prosper despite structural and geopolitical challenges. While receding back to old protectionist approaches may be a normal reaction to the fear of competition, it will only result in compounding the challenges our industry faces.



CAPA  Centre for Aviation Executive Chairman, Peter Harbison, said: This is an extremely important time in the evolution of aviation regulation. As the world seemingly drifts towards greater conflict in trade internationally, and pressures grow on the airline industry to become more restrictive in terms of market access, it is important to establish a reference point to address future directions.

The opportunity provided with this high-level group of experts in Doha is extremely timely, and we look forward to many valuable discussions over the next two days. We are grateful to the Qatari government and to Qatar Airways for this opportunity to bring together such a distinguished group of experts.



The CAPA Qatar Aviation, Aeropolitical and Regulatory Summit, taking place from 5-6 February, features more than 30 expert speakers from across the airline, legal and government sectors discussing the latest developments in international aviation regulation, both within the Gulf region and globally.
Jetex is the only private aviation company in the world to be assessed and awarded by The Global Star Rating System for Services for providing exceptional experience for customer happiness across all service channels.

Jetex is also the only company to be certified by both Safety 1st and The International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) in both France and the Middle East proving that service and safety are paramount in its values.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai unveiled the official results of The Global Star Rating System for Services, awarding both Jetex Paris - Le Bourget and Jetex Dubai distinguished Five-Star awards.

Our primary mission is to contribute to excellence in hospitality, serving the entire aviation industry, said Adel Mardini, Jetex CEO and President. Were so proud to be awarded by The Global Star Rating System and look forward to expanding the assessment throughout our global network.

The Paris and Dubai locations assessed were evaluated on eight aspects, including strategic alignment, customers, services, channels, customer experience, service efficiency and innovation, human resources and technology, against 127 requisites. Jetex plans on expanding locations assessed by the rating program this year to Abidjan, Oman, and Morocco. Currently Jetex has over 465 employees in over 56 locations around the world.
Do many in Spain wish to return to the centralised administration system that was pervasive, for instance, during General Francos regime? Well, it would appear that way, even after nearly forty years of devolved regional powers. If we are to believe the latest report published by CIS, the Spanish governments polling body, in Spain as a whole only 16 per cent would like the central government to scrap the system currently in place. But when you also consider that 12.1 per cent of respondents say they would like to see some powers taken back from Spains autonomous governments, you get a more significant 28.1 per cent. If we zero in on certain regions, we soon discover that some parts of Spain openly oppose the current system of autonomous regions. Specifically, nearly 50 per cent of respondents in Madrid, Cantabria, Castile and Aragon favour some form of regression. In Madrids case, for example, supporters of a recentralised administration outnumber those who prefer the current system or might even like regions to be granted additional powers.
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As Samsung is preparing to release the Galaxy M series in India, Xiaomi has decided to openly mock the Korean OEMs latest series in an attempt to convince potential customers to wait for the arrival of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 to the Indian market before putting their money on the table. Using the upside-down tagline Good things come to those who wait on the official Mi forums in India, the Chinese OEM picks on one of the weaker points of the Samsung Galaxy M10 and Galaxy M20, namely the fact that these new devices feature TFT display technology.

The forum post reads Because a Mobile with TFT display is just too old, wait for the MiPower and includes an upside-down image exaggerating the poor quality of a TFT panel compared to a crisp image.

In addition, the crisp image associated with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 includes the hashtag 48MP, reminding readers that the aforementioned device boasts a high-resolution main camera along with a 5-megapixel depth sensor. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy M10 and Galaxy M20 are each equipped with a 13-megapixel unit and a similar depth sensor as Xiaomis solution.

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Likewise, while the Samsung Galaxy M10 and Galaxy M20 feature PLS TFT display technology and a screen resolution of 1,520 by 720 and 2,340 by 1,080, respectively, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 has a more modern IPS LCD panel with the same pixel count as Samsungs higher-resolution model. Furthermore, Xiaomis phone arrives with Android 9 Pie while Samsungs duo relies on Android 8.1 Oreo, but in both cases, the OS is modified by the OEMs and the choice between Samsung Experience 9.5 and MIUI 10 boils down to personal taste.

Generally, TFT displays have been phased out and gradually replaced by IPS LCDs and OLED panels over the past few years, at least in the mid-to-high-range segments, so regardless of Xiaomis mocking tone or marketing strategy to poke fun at its rival in India, it is rather difficult to make a case in favor of Samsungs latest budget devices when comparing them to Xiaomis alternative.

However, the two Samsung Galaxy M smartphones are expected to launch in India very soon, whereas Xiaomis solution will arrive at a later date and its price has not yet been confirmed. Meanwhile starting with February 7, Amazon India will sell the entry-level Samsung Galaxy M10 with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage for the starting price of Rs. 7,990 ($111) and the Galaxy M20 model with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard memory for Rs. 10,990 ($153). The more powerful models with additional RAM and storage will cost Rs. 8,990 ($125) and Rs. 12,990 ($181) respectively.

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The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is expected to sell for around Rs. 9,990 ($139) and if this will indeed be the case, it will position the handset right between the two Samsung models, price-wise. Having said that, the only advantage Samsung appears to have over Xiaomi right now is the earlier release. Xiaomi seems to be well aware of this fact, which is why the recent mocking post emphasizes that prospective buyers should wait and be rewarded with a better device later down the line. Of course, this might not be an option for some customers but its worth noting that the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is rumored to become available for purchase in the country before the end of February, and possibly sometime next week.
OnePlus is asking customers to participate in a new contest which allows them to be involved in the development of new features for OxygenOS  the OEMs custom software based on Android OS. Particularly, fans of the brand have been invited to design a new software feature for an upcoming OxygenOS build, and the contests winner will enjoy VIP treatment at a future OnePlus launch event where they will witness the features debut, all the while winning the smartphone theyve helped create.

The contest winner will be revealed in mid-March, which could mean that this user-developed feature might be part of the upcoming OnePlus 7 and the VIP invite could be for the smartphones launch event. OnePlus forum users willing to participate in the contest have been provided with a simplified product pitch template inspired by the process employed by the OEMs actual product managers.

The product pitch should include a number of specific details like an explanation of the software features main purpose. If the feature will be inspired by an existing smartphone then the participant is also required to explain in what way their implementation is superior. Other questions that need to be answered include what users will be targeted, what user value will be added by the feature, and each submission should include diagram sketches.

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In principle, the user-created feature should contribute to ease of access, and OnePlus staff including employees from the Product department, the UX Design department, and other developers will review the pitch in great detail and ask questions about how the new feature will interact with the existing software.

The process seems to be quite rigorous, with OnePlus comparing it to the show Shark Tank in which entrepreneurs get to pitch their ideas to industry giants. More importantly, the process seems to be designed to determine whether an idea that might sound good on paper could be just as useful when implemented in practice.

Given the timeframe, the winning user-submitted software feature will be part of an upcoming OxygenOS build based on Android 9 Pie. The first Pie-based version was OxygenOS 9.0 launched on the OnePlus 6 last September, and as yet the latest OS version is 9.0.3. It was introduced at the very end of 2018 for both the OnePlus 5 and 6 series. It provided improved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stability, included a new Android security patch, VoLTE support for French provider Bouygues Telecom, and a handful of improvements to the camera application.

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This is not the first time OnePlus is inviting the community to participate in a public contest and last year users had a chance to review the OnePlus 6T as soon as it launched. The OEMs involvement with the community is part of what makes the OnePlus experience rather unique. Nevertheless, this is one of the more exciting contests from the perspective of software development, especially for users who already spend time providing feedback and suggestions through the OEMs official forums. This might be their time to shine.

Readers and OnePlus enthusiasts who might want to participate in this contest should make sure to review the terms and conditions imposed by the OEM. Participants will have to be at least 18 years of age and be located in an eligible region. The product pitches should be submitted to the Tech section of the official OnePlus forums and ideas submitted after February 22 will not be eligible.
Nokia and Zain Saudi Arabia (Zain KSA) are joining up for a new 4.9G pilot program, using 5G equipment to bolster the network in Jeddah in the leadup to a full deployment of services. Nokia says the test will specifically make use of its own 5G-ready AirScale massive MIMO antenna on the 2.6 GHz TD-LTE network spectrum.

The goal of the pilot is to test the viability of pushing network speeds up to over 700 Mbps on a per-user basis thanks to the 64-Transmit-64-Receive and Gigabit throughput capabilities of Nokias equipment. The result should be a serious boost to both capacity and speed, stepping Zain KSA closer to a full 5G network if everything goes as planned.

This is not at all a Nokia first and not quite 5G

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The technology being implemented, while it is a step closer to 5G, it isnt quite 5G. The 4.9G service that is currently being tested is technically LTE Advanced Pro under 3GPP standards release 13 and 14. Similar networks have been deployed in the US for some time and the same technology is behind AT&Ts controversially dubbed 5G E networks.

That means customers could theoretically hit speeds of up to a Gigabit per second but that it doesnt approach the multiple Gigabits per second expected from 5G.

The new partnership is bound to be good news to Zain KSA customers in Jeddah and elsewhere in the region but this is certainly not Nokias first brush with next-generation networks. Deployment of 5G has also already begun in areas of the US and Nokia was able to take part in enabling the worlds first 5G phone call from a moving vehicle back in August of last year. That test was important because it took place in a relatively uncontrolled environment compared to many of the prior 5G tests.

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The first Android smartphones operating on 5G arent expected to arrive until around the time of MWC 2019 in Barcelona at the end of this month. Samsung, LG, and several Chinese manufacturers including Xiaomi are expected to present concepts of those handsets during the event at a minimum. An HMD-built, Nokia-branded smartphone could arrive in 2019 as well.

The full Zain rollout

For the most recently announced trial between Nokia and Zain KSA, the carrier additionally indicated that it has plans to expand on its offerings to customers with new services enabled by the next-generation network. The products associated with those plans are presently unspecified may also include new services and products for business customers.

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Since 5G smartphones may be few and far between for at least the first year following a more widespread rollout of the technology, Zain KSAs first products will likely mirror those from US carriers. Namely, the company will most likely begin by offering 5G home or portable services more comparable to Wi-Fi.

No details have been provided regarding the length of the trial period or the timeframe for a more complete rollout from the service provider, in the meantime. So it may be several more months at least before 4.9G becomes more widely available in the region.
The 2019 State of the Union address was originally set to take place on January 29. But due to the shutdown, Speaker Pelosi disinvited the President (this is because the President cannot just come to the House Chamber by himself, he must be invited). Saying that the State of the Union would be rescheduled for after the government has reopened. Well, its now reopened, and itll be taking place on February 5.

As is the case every year, the State of the Union is going to be broadcast just about everywhere. Theres going to be no escaping President Trumps address, which is usually around an hour long. Though last year, President Trump did speak for about an hour and a half, making it the longest State of the Union in the past 50 years.

So how can you watch the State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 5? Well if you have TV  cable, satellite or streaming  you can watch it on virtually any channel. This includes the free, OTA channels like ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox. It will also be available on C-SPAN, Fox News and MSNBC.

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Those that do not have TV, maybe have cut the cord, there are tons of other places to watch. Including YouTube, Facebook Watch and Twitter. Google has already confirmed that ABC News, CBS News, C-SPAN, Fox News, NBC News, New York Times, PBS NewsHour, Telemundo, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post will be live-streaming it on YouTube.

While it is up to the news organization, it will likely also be available on Facebook Watch and Twitter, from these same news organizations. Allowing viewers to pick their favorite news outlet and watch their coverage.

YouTube has been live-streaming the State of the Union since 2010  as well as other big political events like the Inauguration and debates. Facebook Watch and Twitter have also joined in with live-streaming these events, as they are something that everyone needs to be a part of. Whether they have TV or not. With so many people cord-cutting these days, it makes it much simpler to find out what the state of our union really is, each year.

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The State of the Union is set to start at 9PM EST on February 5. It will be given in front of a joint session of Congress in the Chamber of the House of Representatives. After the President is done giving the speech, the Democrats will respond to the State of the Union. This year, itll be former Florida Gubernatorial candidate, Stacey Abrams. And it is sure to be an exciting response.

President Trump is reportedly going to try and bring the country together with his speech this week, through bipartisanship. Though, Trump doesnt have much of a choice, seeing as the House is now controlled by the Democrats, forcing Trump to work with the other side. He is also expected to continue to talk about why the US needs to spend nearly $5.7 billion on a wall. And with the current funding bill set to run out next Friday, we could be staring at another government shutdown over this wall.
Employees at the San Francisco-based machine learning and artificial intelligence company Figure Eight was unwittingly involved in Googles highly controversial Project Maven AI program, based on a series of new emails received and reported by The Intercept.

According to information contained in the emails, after Project Maven kicked off in April of 2017, Google began looking to outsource the work of analyzing and labeling satellite images for the associated AI to learn from. In October of the same year, it began working with Figure Eight  known as CrowdFlower at the time.

The search giant was effectively sending the company raw images from a satellite technology known as wide-area motion imagery with the goal of training an AI for use by Air Force drones. Figure Eights role was to label objects, people, buildings, and other subjects in the image according to Googles instructions, essentially drawing boxes around the items.

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Left in the dark

That Figure Eight and its workers were kept in the dark about who or what the AI was being used for. Former employees have reportedly noted that isnt uncommon in scenarios where a business set up to provide exactly those types of identification services for machine learning. More often than not, employees of those companies arent made aware of who a given client is or what the project will be used for.

Googles run-in with its own employees and more general backlash associated with the project have been widely reported since news first broke. Summarily, in the case of Project Maven, the overarching goal was to enable rapid identification of enemy combatants and other key objects using military drones. In particular, the technology was expected to see use on active battlefields and similar areas.

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The search giant has since abandoned the project and made sweeping changes to its AI policy but news about the specifics of image analysis and how Project Maven progressed may be indicative of a deeper problem.

A source of future controversy?

The apparent fact that Figure Eight and its employees were left unaware of the military-centric goals of their work and that it is a common industry practice is likely to be concerning to many. Similar work may have been conducted or could be in the future, to begin with, but Figure Eight isnt the only so-called human-in-the-loop business in operation either. The concepts behind the business are beneficial in creating realistic AI models that are contextually aware and even Amazon has a division dedicated to the task called Mechanical Turk.

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The newly reported emails, although exact details have not been reported, will open an array of questions for those opposed to the idea of AI being used on a battlefield or in similar scenarios. Although Google has suspended work on Project Maven and vowed to not use or sell its AI for any use without consideration for the consequences moving forward, it has stopped short of promising not to get involved in similar projects.

Taken in combination with the fact that other organizations and companies are actively pursuing futures in AI, that could leave plenty of room for future controversy and backlash.
While smart speakers are still taking off, many companies are starting to turn to Smart Displays. This includes the likes of Amazon, Google, LG, Lenovo and JBL. But which smart display is worth picking up? Well it really depends on which ecosystem  Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant  youre investing in. There arent too many smart displays available right now, but there are more coming in the next few months.

Weve rounded up the very best smart displays that are currently on the market, and these all work for different use-cases. Whether thats for someone that wants some really good sound, someone that wants it in the kitchen for recipes, or someone that just wants it as an alarm clock next to their bed. Theres something for everyone in this list.

As always, all of the options in this list are models that are currently available, ones that you can buy today (at the date of publication) and not those that have been announced but arent available for immediate purchase yet.

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Google Home Hub

When it comes to the Google Assistant, the Google Home Hub is the all-round best smart display on the market. There are others out there that have better sound quality, maybe a better design. But as far as all of the checkboxes, the Google Home Hub is the best.

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Google Home Hub is one of the smaller smart displays on the market, coming in with a 7-inch display. It does look a lot smaller in person than it does in pictures on the Internet. This was done on purpose by Google, so that you could put the Home Hub virtually anywhere in your home and not worry about it taking up a lot of space.

There is an omission on the Home Hub that might surprise some people. And that is the camera, there isnt one. This was also done on purpose. Since many are worried about these smart displays spying on us in our home with these cameras, by choosing not to include one, Google doesnt have to worry about that. It also allows you to put it in your bathroom or bedroom without worrying about that camera watching you.

Unlike other Google Assistant smart displays, this does not run Android Things, but a slightly altered version of Cast. That doesnt mean much to the average consumer, seeing as it runs the same as the Lenovo Smart Display. But you do have the ability to have pictures slide around on this display, as well as watching videos from YouTube and much more. It works really well for recipes in the kitchen.

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The Google Home Hub is routinely priced at $149, but lately it has been dropping to $99 quite often  making it the cheapest smart display too. Its currently $199 at Walmart and you can grab it using the link below.

Amazon Echo Show (2nd Generation)

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The Amazon Echo Show got a refresh not too long ago, and it was a much needed refresh. The first generation looked pretty dated, even though it wasnt that old. But this new smart display from Amazon looks much better, with a larger, higher-resolution display. And of course, some insane speakers on the back.

Echo Show is Amazons first-party Alexa smart display. Unfortunately there are no third party manufacturers making Alexa-enabled smart displays, yet. Besides Facebook, and you should not (under any circumstances) buy the Facebook Portal.

With the Echo Show, you get a large 10.1-inch HD display, which may sound pretty low-resolution, but given the fact that this is sitting on a table, a few feet from you or further, you really wont notice that lower resolution display. So its not as big of an issue.

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Amazon has made the Echo Show with a camera built-in. This camera works for doing video calls, but it also works for adjusting the brightness in the room. The Echo Show will dim the display if there are no lights on, and if there is no one in the room, it will turn off the display. But that also means that it is watching you all the time. Definitely a big con for this smart display, but you can turn it off. Though you will lose a few of those features.

Alexa runs on the Echo Show as youd expect, and it works really well. Using Alexa in a visual state makes things much nicer for your Flash Briefing, showing you the weather and so much more.

The Amazon Echo Show (2nd Generation) usually retails for $229. However, right now, it is on sale for $179.99. You can pick it up from Amazon using the link below.

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Lenovo Smart Display

Lenovo offers its Smart Display in both eight and ten inch versions, so if you want something a bit larger than the Google Home Hub, this is the one to get.

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With the Lenovo Smart Display, you are getting a speaker on the left side, and unfortunately, you cant flip it 180-degrees. It offers some good sound, but, having just one speaker means that its not as filling as the JBL LINK View would be.

This does everything that the Google Home Hub does, just on a larger display. That means that you can still get your recipes on the screen in your kitchen, as well as watching YouTube while you are cooking and so much more. Remember, Netflix is not supported on Google Assistant smart displays, yet.

There is a camera on the Lenovo Smart Display, so you can make video calls through Duo (only, others are not supported). There is also a shutter that will slide in front of the camera to turn it off. So you wont have to worry about it spying on you, which is really nice.

The Lenovo Smart Display does come in eight and ten inch models as mentioned, usually priced at $199 and $249 each. However, right now they are $149 and $199 respectively.

JBL LINK View

If you are looking for the very best sound on a smart display, then JBLs LINK View is going to be the one you want. And that should be no surprise. JBL has been known for its sound quality for many years. Its also no surprise, since there are dual speakers on either side of the display on the LINK View.

Similar to the Lenovo Smart Display, JBL has included a 8-inch HD display, which actually looks really good on this smart display. There is also a camera included, allowing you to video chat through Google Duo. The camera can also be turned off, so youre not worried about it spying on you.

The great audio quality on the JBL LINK View is used for more than just playing music. It also changes the experience when watching YouTube videos, as well as doing video calls. It will also get much louder than the Lenovo Smart Display, due to the larger speakers.

This does run the Google Assistant, so everything youd expect is here. Including being able to get your news from the Google Assistant, seeing the weather and much more.

The JBL LINK View is not cheap, coming in at $249 and it doesnt really drop in price. You can pick it up from JBLs website using the link down below.

Amazon Echo Spot

The Echo Spot may be the coolest smart display on this list, and that is because it is small and offers a round display. This is meant to be a smart alarm clock that goes beside your bed. Its definitely the coolest alarm clock out there right now.

Echo Spot can still do everything that the Echo Show can do with Alexa, just on a smaller, circular display. Being able to ask Alexa for the weather while you are still laying in bed, is a pretty neat feature. Also telling Alexa to set your alarm, before bed and much more. If you do have any cameras around your home, you can bring up the live stream on the Echo Spot, all without leaving your bed, which is also a nice feature to have.

There is a camera on the Echo Spot, which can be turned off, and if you are putting this in your bedroom, you will want to turn it off.

Amazon offers the Echo Spot in both black and white. It is normally priced at $129, but right now you can get it for just $99 using the link below.

Wrap Up

There are some pretty interesting looking smart displays on the market right now. From the Echo Spot to the Google Home Hub, and there are more coming in the next few months. If you want something like the Echo Spot, but running Google Assistant, Lenovo has one that is coming in the next month or so. But otherwise, you really cant go wrong with any of the options on this list.

The Google Home Hub is a favorite, since it is a Made by Google product, and does sometimes get Google Assistant features before the third-party products from Lenovo, JBL and others. So keep that in mind when purchasing. The Lenovo Smart Display is also popular for its larger screen and pretty cool looking design.

The product(s) above is in stock, at this price, at the time of publishing. We are not responsible if the retailer goes out of stock, or pulls the sale.

This post may contain affiliate links. See our privacy policy for more information.
The February 2019 security bulletin for Android is now live, showcasing fixes included in this months updates and key patches at the system and manufacturer level. The 2018-02-01 security patch is already live in both full OTA and factory images for Googles Pixel-branded handsets too. Changes in the 2018-02-05 security patch apply to devices from other OEMs and contain fixes for the kernel as well as NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and HTC specific components.

The first patch for this month squashes bugs in the media framework for the OS with just one additional patch for the system itself but each is a relatively important fix.

In the first of those categories, the patch fixes no fewer than five vulnerabilities rated at high severity and two that are critical. The system level patch is only ranked as a moderate threat but the most prominent of each prevents a malicious actor from accessing privileged processes or running code ordinarily restricted to privileged processes.

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Fixes in Februarys second patch

Fixes arriving more directly on specific hardware will roll out with updates to each respective device but, as mentioned above, some of those apply to devices made by HTC or featuring NVIDIA components.

For both manufacturers, there are only two fixes with the 2018-02-05 patch. HTC devices will receive a patch that fixes high and moderate severity problems that could allow unauthorized access to data by malicious installed apps. NVIDIAs patches fix media framework problems similar to those in the first of Februarys security patches, each at a high severity level.

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Qualcomm has the most fixes rolling out, although these patches contain a relatively small number of patches needed compared to prior security updates. There are a total of nine high-level vulnerabilities and a single critical level vulnerability in the update. Most apply to WLAN components from Qualcomm with a few in the media framework as well. The most dangerous of those closes the gap to prevent remote attackers to execute malicious code in a privileged process.

Finally, three fixes are incoming at the kernel level, with a similar focus to that found in the Qualcomm patches and the 2018-02-01 update.

A staggered timeline

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Fixes found in the latest bulletin from Google wont be hitting every device at once and whether or not a handset or tablet sees the patches at all will vary between OEMs. Carrier-locked devices have an added step in the process since providers often make their own adjustments before pushing an over-the-air update.

The inconsistent timeline between manufacturers is something Google is looking to solve. One way it hopes to address the problem is by allowing manufacturers of individual components  where the most common vulnerabilities are present  to push their own updates to Android Devices. That could phase out monthly updates entirely but the search giant isnt quite there yet and theres no guarantee that will happen any time soon either.

Users of any of Googles Pixel devices, including the Pixel C Android tablet, can flash the images to install the update either with a fresh install or with the stock over-the-air software manually, in the meantime. That can be accomplished using ADB and Fastboot with relative ease on computers running Windows, Linux, Mac or Chrome OS.




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Will humans ever posses the technology to revive a dead person back to life? Dr. James Hiram Bedford certainly hopes so. He has been waiting for that day for the last fifty years frozen in a lab at the Alcor Life Extension Foundation.

James Hiram Bedford was an American psychology professor at the University of California. Prior to his death in 1967, Bedford expressed his desire to be cryogenically frozen so that his body could be repaired and his consciousness revived with more advanced technology, when they become available, sometime in the distant future. Bedford was suffering from kidney cancer that had metastasized into his lungs. Death, he knew, was imminent. He quickly willed $100,000 for the preservation of his body.

When the old man finally kicked the bucket on January 12, 1967, everyone was caught off guard. The science of cryonic was little more than a fringe idea and there was no cryonics industry equipped to preserve a body. Cryopreservation was only used for small tissues and cells such as sperms and eggsnever for an entire body. To honor his wishes, Bedfords nurse reportedly ran up and down the block collecting ice from home freezers of neighbors. She then called the Life Extension Society, a group founded in 1964 to promote cryonic suspension of people. What followed was described by one reporter as having the slightly manic quality of a local theater production, forced to open a couple of weeks early.

A team of experts arrived and began to prepare the body. Adapting techniques from the field of cryogenics, which studies materials at low temperatures, they injected medical-grade antifreeze into his bloodstream while continuing to pump oxygen through his system to minimize damage to his brain. His body was then put inside a capsule packed with dry ice (about 79 degree centigrade), before putting him in a liquid nitrogen environment at 196 degree centigrade.

Bedford is injected with dimethyl sulfoxide following his death on the afternoon of 12 January, 1967.

For the next two years, Bedfords body was stored at a facility in Phoenix, Arizona, then moved to a new facility in California. Eight years later, Bedfords frozen body was shifted again while Bedfords son and wife continued to fight his relatives demand that the doctor be thawed and interred. The cost of preserving his body and the court battles long exhausted the $100,000 Bedford had set aside for this little experiment. At one point, frustrated by the high cost of storage, Bedfords son moved his fathers body to a self-storage facility and periodically topped the container with liquid nitrogen themselves. In 1982, Bedfords body was entrusted to Alcor Life Extension Foundation where it has remained ever since, but how well his body was preserved is open to question.

An examination made in 1991 found the upper body and neck, as well as his arms, discolored and red as if inflamed from an infection. His nose was flattened as a result of being compressed by a slab of dry ice during initial freezing, and the skin on his chest had cracked. If Bedford is ever revived he will most certainly look like a ghost.

But the prospect of reviving a frozen body is so unfathomably distant and improbable that there are many within the scientific community who believe that selling even the hope is unethical. Even if such a medical breakthrough is made, it is highly unlikely that Bedford, with his crude vitrification process, could every be brought back to life. True vitrificationwhich transforms body fluids into a solid gel like consistency without the formation of damaging ice crystalswas not introduced until the 1980s. In addition, the antifreezedimethyl sulfoxide, which was once thought to be useful for long-term cryogenicsis no longer used, and almost certainly damaged Bedford's brain beyond repair. Nevertheless, Bedford remains in cryostorage in suspended state akin to a deep coma, reads a press report released by Alcor Life Extension Foundation. Bedford, the report reads, is not currently, legally alive. But neither is he dead.

Some of the canisters where bodies are preserved. A single canister can hold four whole-bodies and five heads.

The technology behind cryonics has improved since Bedfords time but there is still no evidence the process works. For all we know, a cryonics patient could have sustained irreparable damage during vitrification making them as good as dead, as one medical professor from the University of Oregon told a reported back when Bedford was frozen: Hes dead once hes frozen, and hes not going to come back again.

But the hope that the future will change continues to drive customers to the three commercial cryonics facilities in the worldAlcor, the Cryonics Institute in Clinton Township, Michigan, and KrioRus near Moscow. Over 300 bodies and brains are currently preserved in between them, with 3,000 more signed up to join them. They include people mostly from the US, closely followed by the UK, Canada, Australia and Germany.

Leading image of a frozen brain by Fer Gregory from Shutterstock.com
Why stop at Medicare For All?

Thus far, in the recent leftist fantasy rantings on health care, only the insurance component of that sector has been put on the table as being ripe for federal government nationalization. But why stop there? There seem to be two assumptions underlying this sudden and insane thirst for a Cuban- or Maoist-style industry takeover. One assumption is cost. The previously mentioned candidates apparently believe that the federal government can spend money more wisely, fairly, and efficiently than the private market. Pointing out counterfactual examples by comparing the Post Office to UPS or the Veterans' Administration hospital system to private community hospitals has had, and will have zero educational impact on the thinking of Kamala Harris, etc., and on their ill informed supporters. Everyone knows the old adage that insanity consists of repeating the same behavior over and over, while expecting different results.

Another issue is envy. A preponderance of health care sector jobs involve relatively high pay. Physicians, employees of pharma, and medical device companies, and executives at every level within the supply chain earn enviable salaries, bonuses, stock options, and the like. The social justice crowd would love to bulldoze this landscape into their imagined level playing field. In January of 2018, health care beat out manufacturing and became the largest employment sector in the country. If the entire supply chain were to be nationalized, imagine the number of jobs that could be doled out in patronage fashion to the well connected. According to numbers from the prestigious Kaiser Family Foundation, the number of U.S. workers employed in providing direct services such as doctors and nurses was 13,090,150 according to recent data. Add in 67,000 retail pharmacies and the entire medical supply chain comprising wholesale distributors, home health care providers, nursing homes, and physical therapists, and the scope of the opportunity begins to loom larger. In 2016, the U.S. pharmaceutical industry was valued at $450 billion. The U.S. market for medical devices is expected to top $173 billion by 2019. Just those two line items add up to a dollar amount in the same vicinity as the U.S. defense budget. Presumably, many additional facets of the medical and health care industry are ripe for having private spending reallocated through government channels, thus taking money out of the hands of wealthy "fat cats" and spending it ever so much more equitably through compassionate government bureaucracy. Imagine every research scientist, surgeon, pharmacist, and nurse being a direct employee of the federal government and, in time to come, joining a public-sector union like teachers and sanitation workers do today. The reliable Democrat voting bloc will then become ever so much more reliable. Typically, we imagine Democrats-Progressives-leftists as having hare-brained, impractical schemes that go too far to be rational. In this instance, perhaps in Trojan horse fashion, they've pulled up short in their quest for Nirvana and are mentioning and focusing on only the dimension of medical "insurance," not all things medical...for now. Lest anyone frustrated enough by the partially birthed disaster that is Obamacare support Medicare for all, the best will be yet to come. A few short years afterward, should the socialists be persuasive, and we'll be staring directly into the maw of "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need."
I have never seen such stupidity in my life as I did in the editorial in the Washington Post today. The paper actually wrote this: " Bernie Sanders's estate tax plan would reduce the federal debt and help even the playing field ."

Mr. Sanders wants to roll back the GOP reform  and more. He would insist that estates worth more than $3.5 million pay at least 45 percent on money over that threshold, with higher tax brackets scaled to the size of the fortune in question. The rate would be 77 percent  the top rate from 1941 to 1976  on estates worth more than $1 billion. Because such a plan would spur estate planners to seek legally creative ways to avoid inheritance taxes, Mr. Sanders would also close some loopholes currently used as tax avoidance vehicles. Mr. Sanders estimates that his plan would raise $315 billion over a decade.

If high estate taxes level the playing field and reduce federal debt, why didn't the high estate taxes and the low exemption work to do that in the past?

The Washington Post editors pay lip service the idea that loopholes would be closed, but they haven't the slightest idea how determined the wealthy are to find them. If one is closed off, they will find others. They haven't noticed what the wealthy have done over decades to make sure their heirs would not lose everything and that their businesses would survive. It is appalling that a family that builds up wealth over decades from its small business would be compelled to turn over the bulk of the money to the government for politicians and bureaucrats to spend as they like while they pretend they want to help the poor. The Sanders tax would destroy jobs and take away economic opportunities for everyone.

A couple of examples are the Kennedys and the Rockefellers. How come so many generations live off previous earnings if high taxes supposedly had worked to level the playing field?

It is truly astonishing how greedy the government and politicians are and how the complicit journalists support that greed.

Several of the richest counties in the United States are around Washington, D.C., and every policy the Democrats support is there to enable them to get richer.

The "rich" pay huge taxes throughout their lives. These include income taxes, payroll taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, and all the other taxes and fees the greedy government confiscates from them for their unending appetite for spending.

The economic ignorance of journalists is embarrassing. Capitalism is the best way to allow people to move up the economic ladder. Socialism makes the government and the connected richer and makes the rest of us poorer.

It should be noted that most of the people in the top 1%, 5%, and 10% tax brackets today were not in those categories a short time ago. The owner of the Washington Post was not in the "tippy top" a short time ago, yet he is the richest man in the world today. It is a shame he allows the economically illiterate journalists at the Post to spread the garbage they write as if they knew something.
But the caravan migrants, heading up to the U.S. through Mexico in three separate caravans totalling at least 12,000, have an obviously different perspective. According to Breitbart News :

Mexican authorities in two border states announced the arrival of nearly 2,000 Central American migrants who are part of a caravan headed for the border cities Piedras Negras and Nuevo Laredo. The area between those two municipalities does not feature any type of fencing or barriers like the ones a previous caravan encountered in California. State officials in Coahuila announced the arrival of more than 1,700 members of a migrant caravan that recently left Honduras. They are slated to be ferried by bus to the Texas border. The Nuevo Leon government is preparing shelters and security. The migrants are traveling with the intent to request asylum on U.S. soil, thus making any detention by border authorities irrelevant. The group is expected in Eagle Pass and Laredo, Texas, however, since the region lacks any fencing or physical barriers, some could successfully storm the border with little effort.

Conclusion? The caravan migrants don't want any walls, flimsy, or otherwise, as they found in Tijuana on the last caravan run, to deter them. No taking a number, no waiting. This time, they're heading to a border crossing with no walls, with the aid of Mexican businessmen who are providing free rides to the border, as the article notes, so they can slip into the U.S. instantly with no wait for their asylum claims to be called as happened in TJ. Once they are picked up by the Border Patrol, they get instant customer service on their 90%-phony asylum claims. And if they aren't picked up by the Border Patrol, all the better, easily done in places with no walls, and the benefits will waiting for them. All they'll then have to do is get to California, which is easily reached through an inexpensive bus ride. Sound like a plan?

It's the lack of walls that makes that happen.

So much for Democrat talking points about walls not working. The caravan migrants are demonstrating through the series of decisions they're making about the easiest route in that walls do work. How hard is this to understand?

President Trump, who's giving his political all to the building of a border wall, can see what's happening, and he's just issued tweet about it.

Tremendous numbers of people are coming up through Mexico in the hopes of flooding our Southern Border. We have sent additional military. We will build a Human Wall if necessary. If we had a real Wall, this would be a non-event!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 5, 2019

Ahead of the State of the Union address, one can only hope that the point is made clearly in order to get the public squarely behind him as he moves forward on the building of a wall. If a wall isn't built, the caravans are going to keep rolling in, because like water, they take the easiest path downward. They're offering a live action demonstration now about whether walls really don't work.

Image credit:  Tomas Castelazo, www.tomascastelazo.com // Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 4.0
The proof that CNN was tipped off by an official within the FBI investigation to Roger Stone's pending indictment and home raid is evident in the damning omission that comes on the final page of the letter:

Documentation was released yesterday , reportedly from Roger Stone's lawyer, that claims that CNN didn't just happen upon Mr. Stone's home right before a 29-person FBI team raided it and took him into custody based on a "gut instinct," as the FBI claimed. The letter was produced by Mr. Stone's lawyer, Grant Smith, who sent it to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. It details a frightening tale of CNN acting on behalf of the FBI in regard to the continual Russia probe.

6:22 am I receive, via text message from Sara Murray of CNN, what appears to be a draft copy of the indictment as it has no PACER filing notations in the header. (See attached) This makes the document provided to me different from the copy currently on the DOJ website and would appear to be prior in time to the filling and the unsealing. It is unknown how CNN had obtained a copy of a sealed indictment without a PACER filing header. Additionally, the metadata of the document sent to me, also attached, indicates that the author was "AAW" and that it was created and modified on 1/23/19 at 11:04 pm using Acrobat PDF Maker for Word, a full day before it was filed with the Court under seal.

The metadata are the technical aspects of the computer file that CNN's Sara Murray sent Mr. Stone's lawyer and act as a resource for when the document was first created and who created it. Stone's indictment was filed on Jan. 24, 2019, but the image was created the day before, with no modifications after. The image is included and confirms Smith's information:

Some are speculating that the author name of the PDF file of "AAW" could refer to Andrew A. Weismann and implicates him as the leaker. Weismann left his position as chief of the criminal fraud division at the U.S. Department of Justice to help Mueller lead the FBI investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election. Here, his initials as AAW appear on a document related to Paul Manafort's charges:

CNN has claimed that its reporters were just at Stone's house with perfect timing on the hunch of fabulous investigative journalists and had no prior knowledge of the raid. However, they conveniently arrived only an hour before the FBI, and once the pre-dawn raid commenced, they were allowed to pass government barriers to film the arrest in its full glory. The days following, CNN anchors toasted each other as the network continued to replay the terrifying rifle-drawn raid of a 66-year-old sleeping man who was charged only with crimes related to the investigation itself, not because the investigation uncovered a crime prior to its manufacturing.

The implication that an FBI official is leaking information to control CNN's coverage of the federal agency's activities could lead to another criminal investigation of its own people and be enough to ruin the current two-year probe.

Could this "AAW" have made this conceivably fatal error on Mueller's behalf? If the investigation is shut down over illegal leaks, then liberal media will be given a chance to continue to narrate it as anti-Trump, totally evading that the two-year investigation has led to nothing that would support its existence in the first place. Democrats can continue to pretend forever that President Trump is guilty of Russia collusion because there is no longer a way to exonerate him.

Besides the mid-January BuzzFeed "bombshell" that was instantly refuted by Mueller's team, there have been no new investigative developments that even hint toward Russia collusion since October, when previous predictors claimed that the investigation would wrap up.

CNN and the FBI being caught together in bed should cause a breakup with the investigation, and inquiring minds are wondering if that was the lovers' plan all along. Are they trying to take the coward's way out and sabotage the FBI investigation themselves, with CNN's help, because they found nothing  or, even worse, found evidence that their own investigation was begun on illegal pretenses? Mueller could be too uncomfortable at the prospect of telling millions of desperate Democrats that his two-year investigation turned up zero evidence of collusion between President Trump and Russia.

Or CNN could just be that foolish  not only to act illegally obtain information regarding Mr. Stone, but then present to it to his counsel via text message.

Connect with Taylor Day on Twitter @TABYTCHI.
Here is an exception: They decided that the story about sexual abuse by a black Democrat Lieutenant Governor shouldn't be run even though they knew the actual incident occurred. Beckett Adams writes in the Washington Examiner :

There are many examples where the Washington Post and other supposedly reliable news outlets have run endless stories seeking to destroy people or policies they didn't like with no actual evidence, or ran stories pushing an agenda when there is no actual evidence that the talking points are true.

The Washington Post went all-in on Brett Kavanaugh but spiked a similar story about a Democrat If the Washington Post didnt have double standards, it would have no standards at all. Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfaxs office issued a statement Monday rejecting claims by a woman who alleges he sexually assaulted her in 2004, when they both attended the Democratic National Convention. Almost as notable as Fairfaxs denial is the fact that the Washington Post was first approached by the alleged victim more than a year ago and decided not to publish her story. The Post explained Monday that it declined to report the womans allegations due to an absence of corroborating evidence.

There are a huge number of examples where the Washington Post and others didn't give a damn about evidence. Here are just some of them:

There was never any actual evidence against Brett Kavanaugh but in coordination with Democrats the media sought to destroy him anyway.

The media set out to destroy the well-behaved boys from a Catholic school in Kentucky because, heaven forbid, they had MAGA hats on. Again, the purpose of the story was to gin up racial hate and blame Trump. Katherine Rodriguez writes at Breitbart:

WATCH: Nick Sandmanns Lawyers Release Video of The Truth About March for Life Covington Catholic High School student Nick Sandmanns legal team released a 15-minute video on Friday exposing the truth about what happened to him at Januarys March for Life. Sandmanns lead attorney, nationally-recognized First Amendment expert L. Lin Wood, said in a tweet Saturday that the release of the full video was meant to show the full truth of what happened to his client at the March for Life, combating many of the agenda-driven accusations and threats resulting from the piecemeal 30-second clips circulating the Internet

There has been significant reporting about an alleged racial attack on a black, gay actor in Chicago with the attackers yelling MAGA even though there is no actual evidence that it is true. The purpose of this story is to gin up racial hate and blame Trump.

After a black teen robbed a store in Ferguson, Missouri and tried to take a white policeman's gun the media, in conjunction with Democrats, ginned up racial hate and hate of cops with the fictional hands up, don't shoot narrative. The media intentionally set out to divide the country.

The New York Times ran an unverified story with no evidence about Trump working for the Russians and most of the media just repeated the story as if it were true because the agenda is clearly to destroy Trump and elect Democrats.

For over two years almost all the media, in conjunction with other Democrats, have run the story about the Trump campaign colluding with the Russians in the 2016 election even though there has never been a scintilla of evidence that the story is true.

Meanwhile, there is a great deal of evidence that Hillary and her aides broke many laws and that the FBI, under Obama, targeted Trump to defeat him while protecting Hillary and other powerful Democrats in the Obama from prosecution and few journalists report that factual story.

Without evidence, most of the media says that the shutdown was very costly to the economy and that we may be heading for a slowdown. The jobs report showing over 300,000 new jobs shows how strong the economy is and how good Trumps policies are. It is no surprise that while most of the worlds economies are slowing that the U.S. economy is doing much better because Trump focuses on helping the economy with lower taxes and fewer regulations.
At least that's the picture we get from watching Fox News, as media pundits assure us that William Barr, President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, is a consummate professional and dedicated proponent of the rule of law. According to Joe diGenova, "Bill Barr is a man of great legal and ethical stature." In fact, when Robert Mueller uncharacteristically called out BuzzFeed for circulating a false story, diGenova was quick to point to Barr as the reason, since Mueller recognized that there was a "new sheriff in town" who would fire him if he failed to correct BuzzFeed's fake news.

We're about to see justice in America once more.

Well and good.

But consider what followed scarcely a week later: the shameful pre-dawn FBI raid of Roger Stone's home, and Stone's removal in handcuffs, all gleefully filmed by CNN, which had been mysteriously tipped off so it could broadcast the theatrics for its Trump-hating viewers.

Right under the new sheriff's nose, Mueller sent heavily armed shock troops to arrest 66-year-old Stone as if he were a dangerous criminal or a flight risk. The specter of Barr in the background was not enough to stop this Gestapo-like tactic against a law-abiding citizen. Mueller, who pulled this KGB-style raid before in the case of Paul Manafort  another man whose crime seems to be his support for Donald Trump  brazenly flexed his unconstitutional muscles once more.

Just as worrisome, to my way of thinking, is the fact that Mueller and Barr are pals. In fact, Barr invited Mueller to the weddings of both of his daughters. Mueller's and Barr's wives belong to the same Bible study group. Yet the only commentator I've heard on Fox who finds Barr's cozy friendship with Mueller troubling is former federal prosecutor Sidney Powell.

Larry Klayman, founder of Judicial Watch, says, "The president should withdraw Bill Barr. There are other people he can get in there who are not cozy with Mueller."

There is also talk of Barr, due to a memo he wrote last June on the Russia probe, having to recuse himself from oversight of Mueller! The president is risking the appointment of Sessions 2.0.

During his hearing, Barr stated that he would not consider ending Mueller's probe and that he doesn't view Mueller's investigation as a "witch hunt."

Huh? Did he say that because the Dems might have blocked his confirmation or because he's playing for the Deep State team? In fact, as we all know, it's a witch hunt on steroids.

Nor is it reassuring to review Barr's record.

For one thing, Barr supported gun control before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1991. Then there's his role in the tragedy of Ruby Ridge, which happened under his watch as A.G. In a nutshell, the FBI, apparently based on false information, began surveillance of Randy Weaver, who lived off the grid in Idaho with his family. It's a complicated tale, which reached its climax when the ATF, U.S. marshals, and the FBI decided to escalate, eventually using deadly force against virtually all members of Weaver's family. They killed his 14-year-old son and murdered his wife Vicki in cold blood as she stood in the doorway of their cabin, holding their infant son in her arms. Weaver survived being shot in the back and went on to win a judgment of over $3 million from the DOJ.

So what did A.G. Barr do after this tragedy concluded?

He fought to protect the FBI sniper who killed Vicki Weaver from being criminally charged. According to a 1995 Senate Judiciary Committee report, then-attorney general Barr "helped to weaken the bond of trust that must exist between ordinary Americans and our law enforcement agencies." In other words, Barr essentially sanctioned the unconstitutional use of brute force against innocent civilians.

Today, many pundits and politicos are singing Barr's praises. I for one don't find this reassuring.

Recall that when Robert Mueller was appointed as special counsel, Fox News ran this headline: "Robert Mueller appointment to lead Russia probe wins bipartisan praise." Here's a sampling of such praise:

Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah): "Mueller is a great selection. Impeccable credentials. Should be widely accepted."

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine): "The Deputy Attorney General made an excellent choice in selecting former FBI Director Robert Mueller to serve as special counsel. He has sterling credentials and is above reproach."

Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.): "Robert Mueller is an exceptional public servant  from his days as a decorated Marine, through his years as a federal prosecutor, to his time as head of the criminal division and then as Acting Deputy Attorney General, and then onto his twelve years of principled leadership as the Director of the FBI. His record, character, and trustworthiness have been lauded for decades by Republicans and Democrats alike."

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.): "This is a victory for all Americans who believe in the integrity of the rule of law." And then this: "We must follow the facts wherever they lead, and demand complete accountability for any wrongdoing that is found."

Well, I agree with that last statement. The facts, if followed, clearly lead to plenty of wrongdoing by the Obama administration's DOJ and FBI, as well as its State Department, including the outrages of Benghazi, the Uranium One scandal, and the long list of Hillary's high crimes and misdemeanors, for openers.

Back to William Barr. According to CNN reporter Laura Jarrett, guess who was "elated" by the choice of Bill Barr for attorney general. It was none other than...wait for it...Rod Rosenstein.

I rest my case.
Oddly, Northam is being done in by leftist identity politics and not by the Kermit Gosnell-style infanticide he coldly supports.

After a tumultuous weekend in which high-profile Democrats demanded that Virginia governor Ralph Northam step down after old photos of him in blackface surfaced, it is difficult to imagine the politician surviving the same vile race-baiting gotcha culture he and his fellow left-wing Democrats have fostered for years.

Many conservatives believe that the sickening irony here is that Democrats are fine with snipping the spine of a nearly born black baby but go insane over blackface, an offensive practice that doesn't actually kill anyone.

The Left's current anti-blackface fetish is relatively new. Amos 'n' Andy, which ended in 1960, is one of the most successful sitcoms of all time despite its stereotypical depiction of blacks in Harlem that would today offend many Americans. But even the passage of decades did little to stigmatize the use of blackface.

Until fairly recently, left-wingers were fine with blackface and offensive stereotypical depictions of black Americans. No one protested Robert Downey, Jr.'s use of blackface in the 2008 movie Tropic Thunder or the blackface employed by Sarah Silverman, Jimmy Kimmel, or Howard Stern.

The career-ending blackface controversy came days after Northam expressed support for pending Democratic legislation in his state that would legalize infanticide.

Northam said medical doctors should be allowed to end an infant's life even after birth.

"If a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen," he said. "The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that's what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother."

Seeing the writing on the wall, Democrats are throwing Northam under the bus. Why shouldn't they? Waiting in the wings to succeed Northam is leftist Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, a black Democrat whom Federalist co-founder Sean Davis describes as "a former Planned Parenthood official who is even more radically pro-infanticide than Northam."

"There's no downside for abortionists in calling for Northam's head," Davis tweeted. "They get all the baby-killing [without] the baggage."

Abortion, after all, is the Left's holiest sacrament.

Leftists believe that abortion must be defended at all costs. Protecting the Democratic Party's brand is more important than standing by a loyal leftist ally.

Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, and Joe Biden have all demanded that Northam resign as Virginia governor after Patrick Howley of Big League Politics first reported Feb. 1 that Northam had posed for a blackface photograph in his school yearbook from Eastern Virginia Medical School, from which he graduated in 1984.

The photo in question shows one individual in blackface posing beside someone in white Ku Klux Klan attire on a page devoted to then-student "Ralph Shearer Northam." A quotation, attributed to Northam, reads: "There are more old drunks than old doctors in this world so I think I'll have another beer."

The yearbook also contains other images of individuals in blackface, CNN reports.

"Blackface was used in the mid-19th century by white actors in minstrel shows to depict false stereotypes of black people," according to CNN. "The characters were used to mock, dehumanize and present African-Americans as inferior in every way possible."

Howley also reported Sunday that Northam is descended from slave-owners.

On Friday, Northam confirmed he was one of the individuals in the photo and apologized, describing the costumes as "clearly racist and offensive." He did not say if he was the person in blackface or the person wearing the KKK costume.

But at a presser the next day, the governor stunned reporters by telling them he did not appear in the photo. In a confusing aside, Northam admitted that he darkened his face in 1984 in order to look like Michael Jackson in a dance contest.

"I had the shoes, I had a glove, and I used just a little bit of shoe polish to put under my  or on my  cheeks," he said. "And the reason I used a very little bit is because, I don't know if anybody's ever tried that, but you cannot get shoe polish off."

"I look back now and regret that I did not understand the harmful legacy of an action like that," he added.

The governor also said he would not resign his post unless he came to believe he could not govern effectively.

Republicans haven't forgotten the particularly vicious, Al Sharpton-style racist assault the Northam campaign directed at Republican gubernatorial candidate Ed Gillespie during the 2017 campaign.

Northam smeared his GOP opponent for daring to point out the Democrat's support for lawless so-called sanctuary cities that harbor illegal aliens and resist federal immigration enforcement.

"VA in an inclusive and diverse community  we won't put up with Ed Gillespie's racist rhetoric and fearmongering," Northam said in a tweet despite the complete absence of any racist rhetoric or fearmongering by his adversary.

Working with a leftist super-PAC, the Northam campaign put out a video ad showing a man driving a pickup truck bearing a "Gillespie for governor" bumper sticker trying to run down a group of minority children. This kind of character assassination is business as usual for the Left, which helps to explain why left-wingers failed to condemn the ad.

Clinton, Pelosi, and Biden are the biggest Democrat names so far to have tossed Northam overboard. At time of writing, Barack Obama, who campaigned enthusiastically for Northam, had yet to comment on the Northam saga.

Both of Virginia's Democrat U.S. senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, have called upon Northam to resign. So have former Virginia governors Terry McAuliffe and Douglas Wilder, Virginia's Democratic Party, the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, and the Virginia House and Senate Democrats.

Democrat members of the commonwealth's U.S. House delegation  Bobby Scott, Elaine Luria, Abigail Spanberger, and Donald McEachin  have publicly urged Northam to relinquish his post.

A growing list of 2020 presidential candidates, would-be candidates, and Democrat lawmakers have called on Northam to resign.

Among the current U.S. senators demanding that Northam quit are Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillibrand, Cory Booker, Tammy Baldwin, Sherrod Brown, and independent Bernie Sanders. U.S. reps. Eric Swalwell and Karen Bass (California), Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (New York), as well as former Rep. John Delaney (Maryland), also say Northam needs to step down. South Bend, Ind. mayor Pete Buttigieg and Julian Castro, who is the former mayor of San Antonio, Texas and former Housing and Urban Development (HUD) secretary, have also urged Northam to resign.

"Black face in any manner is always racist and never okay," tweeted Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP. "No matter the party affiliation, we can not stand for such behavior, which is why the @NAACP is calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor @RalphNortham."

President Trump couldn't resist going on Twitter to mock Northam.

Democrat Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia just stated, "I believe that I am not either of the people in that photo." This was 24 hours after apologizing for appearing in the picture and after making the most horrible statement on "super" late term abortion. Unforgivable!

He followed up on Twitter, writing:

Ed Gillespie, who ran for Governor of the Great State of Virginia against Ralph Northam, must now be thinking Malpractice and Dereliction of Duty with regard to his Opposition Research Staff. If they find that terrible picture before the election, he wins by 20 points!

If only Republicans took opposition research seriously.

Matthew Vadum is an independent investigative reporter in Washington, D.C. and author of Team Jihad: How Sharia-Supremacists Collaborate with Leftists to Destroy the United States and Subversion Inc.: How Obama's ACORN Red Shirts Are Still Terrorizing and Ripping Off American Taxpayers. E-mail him at matthewvadum [at] gmail.com.

Image: Craig via Flickr.
Democrats Are the Party of Destruction

The first image that came to mind after viewing the 2019 expression of exultant joy by New York Democrat representatives when Governor Cuomo called for a constitutional amendment to shore up abortion for New Yorkers was the 1939 jubilation by the German Reichstag when Hitler asserted that the end of world Jewry was his ultimate goal. In both cases, the elation was about death. It is not really surprising, since it is becoming patent that the "D" in Democrat stands also for "destruction." Democrats may couch their destructive tendencies in euphemisms like "social justice" and "women's rights," but one thing is clear: there is no objection from any Democrats as the party embraces the most radical left-wing ideology, meant to result in the demise of America. Success is to be destroyed; advancement is to be suppressed. Babies are expendable. Hubris under the cloak of social justice slogans runs amok.

It extends to each issue the Democrats embrace. Every city that has come under Democrat control is proof positive that instead of raising the standard of living for the occupants, the city falls to crime, gangs, and drugs. In fact, "America is awash with troubled, dysfunctional cities that have been electing Democratic mayors for decades." Their restrictive economic policies combined with outright corruption result in the death of the middle class. Once that is gone, the city is done for. Yet the Democrat slate of socialist-loving candidates continues to opt for this destruction as its members tout the 70% tax, which would turn America into Venezuela. Concomitant with this assault is the death of outrage as "diversions, half-truths, equivocations and sophistry" now describe the Democratic Party. Moreover, the destruction of public schools, once the jewels of American education and advancement, has been taken over by the Democrat left. John Perazzo documents in his "Shame of Our Schools" how the Democrats have destroyed public education in the inner cities. It is about the exploitation of our children's minds rather than the elevation of their thinking. A mind is a terrible thing to waste, yet in this generation of more credentialed students than ever before, many of these same students are functionally illiterate as they clutch a college degree to show for it. The latest assault on American education resulting in wanton destruction of excellence is at Harvard University. A bastion of left-wing ideology and outright discrimination, Harvard denies admittance to Asian students because such does not comport with the left-wing diversity that has permeated and poisoned centers of higher learning. Abe Greenwald writes in "The War on Asian Americans" how "at Harvard ... the attack on Asian-American applicants is so clear, deliberate and systematic as to be disturbingly similar to the most bigoted chapter in that institution's history  its campaign to purge Jews from its student body throughout the early decades of the 20th century." Academia, dominated by left-wing Democrats, is not disturbed one iota for "once again singling out one [group] for exclusion and perpetrating a great sin against thousands of individuals." Thus, the thinking goes that it is moral to destroy the aspirations of one group over another. Mayor Bill de Blasio will not work to improve the education of New York's Hispanic and black student population. Instead, he will destroy the highly touted Specialized High Schools Admissions Test, which has always been an academic, not a race-based exam. No one will bother to inquire why so many blacks and Hispanics continue to do poorly  could it be that public schools deliberately dumb down their education? Could it be that Spanish-speaking students do not assimilate and are not held to a higher standard of learning English like every other immigrant group? Could it be that the gang violence in the inner cities is more a magnet than any constructive activities because corrupt politicians will not improve conditions? No, that would not fit the lie that America is a racist society, which is the dominant theme of the Democratic Party, wherein the word "racism" is applied to everything. If the protection of innocent babies does not register within the Democratic Party's moral compass, surely, Democrats don't care about securing American borders from vicious MS-13 gangs, human-traffickers, Islamic terrorists, and sexual predators. Rather, the Democrats pave the road with censorship and scorn at commonsense ideas and solutions. Michael W. Cutler explains how the term "illegal aliens" has now become "undocumented workers," softening the facts about people who are en masse making an assault into the United States. In fact, " [t]he desire of the majority of people to be fair and polite has been perverted to obfuscate important issues." The Democratic Party's globalists continue to exploit language. Hence, "[w]hen it comes to immigration, consider how effectively scammers with malevolent motives have cynically played the 'compassion card.' They see vulnerabilities to exploit in the compassionate and charitable characteristics of Americans, turning virtues into veritable weapons to be used against Americans." The linguistic convolutions of Nancy Pelosi are astonishing as she weaves and bobs to avoid the obvious. To think that the Democrats were interested in the DREAMers  instead, they are working to destroy this group's chances via Trump's latest accommodation. In a perverse twist, it seems that like King Midas, whose touch turned everything into gold, the Democrat globalists destroy everything they touch. Life is supplanted for calculated death, either through late-term abortions or death panels for the elderly. Liberty and opportunity are squashed as the Democrats eagerly await the time when they can tax people to the point of abject poverty. Left-wing Democrats have made a devil's pact with social media sites that serve to censor and close American minds  the first step toward a totalitarian world. Pursuit of happiness can never be the aim of the Democratic left because if Americans are content, the Democrats will have lost their base. Who will need to be dependent on Democrat government freebies? The grandiose but completely unworkable ideas of free health care and free tuition can be implemented only when the left has completely indoctrinated its school-age population so that genuine intellectual curiosity and questioning are subdued and eventually snuffed out. Punishment, shaming, and ostracism result if one disagrees with the left-wing Democratic Party line. Oh, and the assault on boys  this is not about empowering the girls. It is about making men feel that it is wrong to stand up and be heroic. It is about demeaning those traditional ideas of honor, courage, and protection of the home and family. Democrat operatives are sculpting boys in such ways that these good manly attributes are scorned and eventually destroyed. They have already succeeded within the black population, where 72% of black children are fatherless as a result of Democrat legislation over the years. Extreme ideas are fostering extreme behavior to the point that a nine-month-old baby can now be murdered as he is born. Are there any sensible Democrats left in the party who are troubled by the radical tilt their party has taken? Why don't they speak up? Why don't they put on their big boy pants? Why don't they leave the party? Clearly, they ignore Winston Churchill's warning: "Dictators ride to and fro on tigers from which they dare not dismount. And the tigers are getting hungry." If these weak-minded politicians continue to support their party's policies, accept the anti-Semitism of the party's latest arrivals, and allow the murder of innocent babies without any restrictions, they too will end up in the tiger's mouth. The destructive dictatorship of the Democratic Party will eventually be their own demise. In 1908, Churchill asserted "What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?" We, of any political persuasion, must not be afraid to halt the truly destructive tendencies so that the next generation will not look at us with disdain. For starters, the Democratic Party must be seen for what it is: a party that exults when destruction is achieved. Eileen can be reached at middlemarch18@gmail.com.
Catholic Clergy: Making Themselves Irrelevant

The beliefs of the Catholic Church are defined by two thousand years of careful writings and a slow process of understanding the revealed truths. This has brought us our Catechism, our Creed, encyclicals such as Humanae Vitae, and other solid references which provide a foundation for living well, especially in stressful times. One role of the clergy is to guide us Catholics in these teachings. The Church is not defined by whatever a priest in Paducah happens to say on Tuesday, and its faithful are under no obligation to take direction from misguided clergy. But how do we determine when to ignore? For Catholics using their rational minds and their God-given free will, its been happening for centuries. Some (unfortunately) leave the church altogether, some walk to the next parish over, and some simply ignore the bad advice and view their priest as just a delivery vehicle for the sacraments. Sadly, what were seeing now is an unprecedented amount of incompetence, and it exists at all levels of the church.

Lets start at the top. Pope Francis continues to astound the Catholic faithful with his ridiculous, fact-denying comments, from global warming as the worlds most pressing problem, to his undying support of soul-deadening socialism/communism, to his purge of pro-life advocates within the Vatican, to his intentionally nebulous writings on serious matters of faith, to his most recent act of squelching the U.S. bishops in their efforts to address the child abuse problem within their ranks. Some could argue were expecting too much from this man, given the stellar theological minds which occupied his position the prior 30 years. But I disagree -- were simply asking for several logical statements, based on fact, not feelings, which can hold up to the scrutiny of an intelligent high-school senior. His inability to hit this low bar drives Catholics to ignore him. Next down the chain are the cardinals, such as New Yorks Timothy Cardinal Dolan who, by proudly claiming excommunication shouldnt be used as a punishment, has kept in good Church standing a man who is blatantly promoting murder. The unswerving intents and actions of Gov. Andrew Cuomo have been known for years, and the good cardinal seems to care not, laughing it up with him and currying favor whenever possible, evidently with the childish expectation that being a good pal will win him over. Selectively citing prior canon lawyers on loosely related cases shows an astounding lack of the circumspect behavior required of his post. It would have been easy to find other canon lawyers with the opposite view, so clearly Dolan didnt even try, instead telling us its essentially settled law. This lack of diligence incumbent with his office will reap its due rewards when folks simply ignore his next public statements. Perhaps he could start by rationalizing why communion is a right, an enticement to be distributed in hopes of not alienating an adult, but for an innocent child (a seven-year-old desiring first communion), it is a privilege not available until he or she has shown proper respect for the eucharist through first confession. Some of our bishops are not much better. The most recent are the two Kentucky bishops chiming in on the Covington controversy. Displaying an astounding lack of maturity for a man in his position, Bishop Roger Foys ignored his responsibility to spend a few hours looking for facts, and instead immediately groveled before the mob, throwing the students under the bus. Armed with the same lack of facts, Bishop John Stowe from a neighboring diocese concurred, with the ridiculous statement that the students were obviously guilty of something, and simply wearing MAGA hats was an affront to the pro-life movement (not exactly a Thomist or Augustinian advancement of Catholic theology). Subsequent apologies may earn them forgiveness, but in their pathetic claims of being bullied, these fully-grown men have shown their character. Clearly, leadership and rational thought arent in the quiver. They, too, will be ignored the next time they speak. Not many years ago, Albanys former bishop Howard Hubbard set an example for his flock when he proudly made the trip to D.C. to attend the inauguration of the most pro-abortion president ever, but couldnt be bothered to stay an extra day to attend the March for Life. On immigration, the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops promotes an illogical self-serving agenda of lawlessness, in direct violation of its own Catechism. And after decades of ineffective efforts against its homegrown problem of sexual abuse, only now is the USCCB beginning to admit that maybe it should have some adult supervision from the laity and the state. For a number of the individuals, and certainly as a group, they are an unimpressive, uninspiring lot. Finally, at the parish priest level, we often see a profound lack of will to stand in the pulpit and talk directly about an important moral issue. Ive had one priest tell me, in a patronizing tone: We dont like to discuss controversial issues -- it disturbs some of the parishioners. Sometimes, after mass, we are handed a letter which provides a paragraph with conventional church teaching on a topic, but that is invariably followed by another paragraph saying that there are many other factors, and decisions are always complex, so perhaps its safest to say theres no solid Catholic viewpoint. Really? We are way more intelligent than our clergy credits us, and we are seeing right through their invisible cassocks. Many Catholics are blessed with solid leaders who are likely struggling as they see what is happening around them; we continue to pray for them and all of our clergy. We recognize that our clergy are people, prone to error and sin. Detractors like to focus solely upon these failures, and willfully ignore the undeniable amount of good achieved in its two millennia of existence, vastly overwhelming the times of bad actions. But, while we recognize the value of the Churchs history, we also recognize that the real point of Catholicism is our faithful connection to Jesus and our corresponding works, which silently preach that faith. To be good Catholics, we dont actually need the specific individuals who populate todays hierarchy. We will ride it out until these weak-kneed vicars are flushed, and we will pray that perhaps our children will one day see competent leadership. From top to bottom, the clergy are driving more and more of their flock away from their guidance. Quite simply, by their actions and inactions, they are one by one, making themselves irrelevant.
BOSTON (AP)  If your business falls victim to ransomware and you want simple advice on whether to pay the criminals, don't expect much help from the U.S. government. The answer is apt to be: It depends.
Bulgaria will head to the polls in July after the Socialists became the third party to refuse to lead a government.
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- Some 80 dogs are scheduled to appear in what can only be described as a unique dog show in Ocean Springs later this month.

There are likely few pure breeds, no AKC champions or the like in this show. Instead of categories like "Best of Breed" or "Best in Class," there will be "Cutest Wiggly Butt," "Best Kisser," and "Best Dressed."

The Mississippi Citizens Against Animal Cruelty (MCAAC) will present its second annual "Best in Rescue Dog Show" on Feb. 24 in the parking lot of Ocean Springs Lumber on Government Street.

The MCAAC's Linda Bock is one of the show organizers and explained that MCAAC was formed to help fight for strengthening Mississippi's animal cruelty laws.

Last year's first Best in Rescue show was the brainchild of Debbie Martin, a local competition breeder (now retired) who has won prestigious shows such as Westminster Kennel Club and the Eukanuba dog show.

"She just woke up one morning, called me and said she had an idea," Bock said. "I thought it was a great idea, so we just started spreading the word and it gradually came together."

All of the dogs in the Best in Rescue show are from local animal rescue groups, ranging from Bay St. Louis to Mobile, Ala. Last year's show resulted in the adoption of more than 30 dogs, Bock said.

"We were absolutely thrilled with that," she said.

This year, she said they have eight confirmed rescue groups committed for the event, including the Jackson County Animal Shelter, which could not participate last year due to a scheduling conflict.

Bock expects at least 80 dogs to be in the show, all adoptable and ranging from puppies to older adults. Representatives of the various rescue groups will judge the individual categories, after which Ocean Springs Mayor Shea Dobson will judge the overall Best in Rescue winners.

There will also be vendors on hand, including a food truck from Lucedale, which the show did not have last year.

"We did have hot dogs last year, but no drinks," Bock noted. "As I said, it was a learning experience. But everybody loved it, so this year I had a bunch of people step forward wanting to help.

"We've got the ASGARD motorcycle group providing our port-a-potties and we have a lot more sponsors, more vendors, so it's already growing and we're really excited about that."

On hand will also be a handful of politicians who have been supportive of MCAAC's efforts to bolster state animal cruelty laws.

While the event opens at 10:30 a.m., the show won't begin until 2 p.m. Prior to that, there will be a "dog stroll" down the Government Street sidewalk, with the dogs dressed in their finest Mardi Gras gear, with Bock adding that the theme of this year's show is "Krewe de Critters."

Other activities for those attending will be face-painting, raffles and pet portraits.

For more information on the Best in Rescue Dog Show, visit the event's Facebook page or email at MCAAC2018@gmail.com.
(Image source from: Ndtv.com)

Vijay Mallya's Extradition Cleared By UK Government:- Liquor baron Vijay Mallya who went absconding from India is facing tough times in London. The British Government cleared the extradition process of Vijay Mallya to India but wanted in multi-crore loan cases to be recovered by several banks before he will be sent to the country. Home Secretary Sajiv Javid signed the order formally. Vijay Mallya has been given two weeks to appeal the government order. Earlier before this, the Westminster magistrate court on December 10th allowed the extradition of Vijay Mallya to India.

All the relevant matters are considered after which the UK Government allowed his extradition. Vijay Mallya now initiated the process to appeal after the decision of Home Secretary is out. Things will be completed in a span of two months predicted the officials. Vijay Mallya owes Rs 9000 crores to Indian banks after his Kingfisher Airlines ended up bankrupt. Vijay Mallya flew from India during 2016 and is currently residing in London. The CBI and Enforcement Directorate filed charge sheets and are working hard for the extradition of Vijay Mallya.
(Image source from: Telugu360.com)

All Doors Closed For BJP Says Chandra Babu:- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu who deferred with BJP and NDA alliance has been taking his time to launch an attack on the alliance for ignoring Andhra Pradesh. Now Babu said that it is just one month and the whole country will close the doors against BJP and its alliance. People will teach a lesson for them for sure during the next elections intended Babu.

"People are aware about who came to join whose hands during the 2014 elections. BJP failed to fulfill their promises made during the previous elections. Amit Shah said that they granted Rs 5 lakh crores for AP. They gave Rs 670 crores when the current requirement was Rs 12,000 crores. Centre gave 670 awards for the state in various fields. If we will sit waiting for the funds from the Centre, it will take another 30 years for the state to develop. Polavaram project, Kadapa steel factory and all others are going because of the state's money and not the Centre's fund. YS Jagan is the face of Modi in AP and his comments are making things worse. We are in plans to take the revolt to the next level against BJP in the national capital" said Babu.
Thanks to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Elizabeth Warren, the most important battle in American politics is finally on.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Elizabeth Warren have poked the B-hive. Thats B as in billionaire!

Higher taxes! On the rich.

The two billionaires with presidential ambitions who are associated with the Democratic Party  Howard Schultz (who built up Starbucks to ubiquity) and Michael Bloomberg (who made his billions delivering urgent info to Wall Street)  instantly came buzzing out of their hives.

Taxing the rich was dire! Dangerous! It would mean no more honey!

Mr Schultz threw a full double Caramel Creme Frappuccino right in Ms Ocasio-Cortezs face! Metaphorically, of course. She, by floating the idea of a top marginal income tax rate as high as 70 percent, had caused him to leave the Democratic Party and announce his run for president as an independent.

Money has played an ever-increasing role in US politics. Members of the media not only know that, they promote it. The viability of candidates is based on their access to funds. Schultz could self-fund. That gave him instant status. All the news networks had him on. Immediately. Normally, its considered impossible for an independent to win. Still, Schultz said he had a fully caffeinated vision. There were more independents, 42 percent, than either Democrats, 31 percent, or Republicans, at just 24 percent. They would unite behind him. Plus, he would get anti-Trumpians from the right and centrist Democrats as appalled by anti-rich radicals as he was. What policies would he promote if he won? How would he get everyone else, who were still members of the two parties, to come together on them? In his vision, he saw himself swept into office by such a wave, that rather than defy it, legislators would also become his followers. He would then bring in the best people, real problem solvers, who would come up with the best deals  it sounded appallingly familiar.

Schultz also felt personally insulted by Elizabeth Warren.

She tried to criticise him for being a billionaire. His umbrage was not for himself, it was on behalf of the American Dream. Im self-made. I grew up in the projects in Brooklyn, New York. I thought that was the American Dream?

Warrens actual proposal was that the first $50m in assets would not be taxed. Assets above that would be taxed at two percent. Assets above one billion dollars would be taxed at three percent.

It would affect just 75,000 households.

What would that do to Schultz?

His net worth was reported to be $3.3bn. He would pay two percent on the $950m between the first $50m and a billion, then three percent on the remaining $2.3bn. He would be paying $88m. That sounds like a lot. Until you realise he would be left with $3.21bn! Even with a very conservative strategy, Schultz would expect to make more than three percent on his money. So his wealth would continue to increase in spite of the new tax.

Schultz screamed, Socialism!!!

Yes, of course, Americans would stop pursuing their own special dreams if they knew that at the end they might be worth a mere $3.21bn instead of $3.3bn.

Misleading the public

Back in 2012, Bloomberg said, Raising taxes on the rich is about as dumb a policy as I can think of.

Bloomberg is a good liberal on many things. But when it comes to taxing the rich, he is a perfect example of the automatic resistance and, this is important, the fundamental dishonesty of much of what we will hear.

He spoke of driving out the one percent of the people that pay roughly 50 percent of the taxes, or the 10 percent of the people that pay 70-odd percent of the taxes. Without them, our revenue would go away, and we wouldnt be able to have cops to keep us safe, firefighters to rescue us, teachers to educate our kids.

Those statistics refer to personal federal income taxes. They exclude the many other taxes Americans pay: Social Security, Medicare, sales taxes, property and school taxes, various fees and levies. Add those in, and we find that Americans pay something closer to a flat tax than a progressive tax, with only the very rich and the truly destitute paying significantly less. This quick conflation that makes it seem like the rich already pay for everything is not only misleading, it is employed constantly without correction. We will hear it over and over again in the coming 22 months.

When the S-word is not enough

While Schultz used the S-word, Bloomberg used both the S-word and the V-word!

V for Venezuela!

If you want to look at a system thats non-capitalistic, he instructed us, Just take a look at what was once, perhaps, the wealthiest country in the world, and today, people are starving to death. Its called Venezuela.

Venezuela is clearly a country with a lot of problems. However, its top marginal tax rate is just 34 percent. Even after the Trump tax cuts, the top US rate is higher, at 37 percent. Nonetheless, the V-word has already become the new synonym for socialism-as-a-disaster and an argument for not taxing the rich.

Neither Ocasio-Cortez nor Warren are backing down. Theyre sticking to it and in doing so they have established the standard for the upcoming campaigns. Among the declared and potential Democratic presidential candidates, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, Julian Castro, and Bernie Sanders have specifically called for tax hikes on the rich. Another potential presidential candidate, Sherrod Brown, said were likely to hear many more proposals like theirs, because clearly, we need to make the wealthiest one percent pay more.

The battle is on

For the last half-century, the number one issue for Republicans has been tax cuts for the rich. Increasing both their wealth and power.

The Democrats have been sadly complicit, routinely servicing their own big donors, those members of the financial elites, like Bloomberg and Schultz, who are socially liberal. The policies of the two parties combined have led us to ever increasing inequality. That condition underlies Americas social unrest and the dissatisfaction with democracy that has spread worldwide.

The only real way to address it is with taxes.

That debate is on. That debate will be a battle. It will be fierce, loud, full of lies, and, at last, some real elements of truth.

Neither Schultz nor Bloomberg has issued their own tax plan. Though Schultz says, urgently, that we need comprehensive tax reform. With not even a hint of what it will entail, except the getting the best people on it.

Then, theres Kamala Harris plan. It is both progressive and very problematic, both politically and economically.

Its ending the Trump tax cuts and reaiming them at the least well off, from the genuinely poor up to the middle, using payments. This is necessary since shes speaking of federal taxes and federal income taxes only take money from the top 50 percent, so you cant reduce them on the bottom 50 percent, you can only give out money.

The political problem is that really does come off as handouts. The crudest form of redistribution. The practical problem, as with Obamas tax cuts, is where does that money go? Does it go to places that grow the economy or to buying cheap goods from China? How does it build business and raise wages? The economic problem is that it retains the ever-growing Trump deficits.

In any case, the battle is on. It promises to be as busy and noisy as a busted open beehive.

It is also the most important and only real political debate in American politics  which translates to world politics  in decades.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
New Delhi, India  For the past six months, a group of seven Indian artists has been working with discarded materials to produce replicas of the seven wonders of the world.

Under the Indian government initiative that began in August, the artists used scrap  from a typewriter to a grass cutter, drums to cycle rims, poles to pipes, iron bars to spare car parts  to create their masterpieces.

Part of the Clean India project, the initiative in capital New Delhi aimed at incorporating waste to recreate the iconic structures.

Through the installations, the city, ranked one of the worlds most polluted, remodelled hundreds of tonnes of waste into art pieces, which are now expected to be a world-class attraction.

The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) and the state-run Horticulture Department turned a two-hectare landfill site into a park that hosts the replicas.

Situated in the Sarai Kale Khan area of New Delhi, barely 100 metres from Hazrat Nizamuddin Metro Station, the park is expected to attract thousands of visitors.

The park has replicas of the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and Romes famous Colosseum.

Yogesh Sharma, 51, who runs a tea stall near the park, is waiting eagerly for the opening. It would be a dream come true to witness such iconic structures, he said.
Family members of Emantic E.J. Bradford Jr. called the Alabama Attorney Generals report on his death a cover-up after learning the Hoover police officer who fatally shot the 21-year-old on Thanksgiving night will not be criminally charged.

The family and their attorney, Benjamin Crump, met with representatives from the Alabama Attorney Generals Office around 11 a.m. Tuesday about the investigation into 21-year-old Bradfords shooting, after AG Steve Marshall released a report saying the officers actions were justified.

My son was murdered. And you think Im going to let it go?, Emantic Bradford Sr. said after the meeting. That was a homicide you killed my son. You are a coward. Youre a coward too, Steve Marshall.

Crump and the family said they did not meet with Marshall himself, but rather officials from the AGs office.

Bradford was shot by Hoover police on Thanksgiving night at the Riverchase Galleria mall, which was crowded with shoppers for Black Friday. The AGs report detailed the investigation into the gunfire inside the mall that injured 18-year-old Brian Wilson and 12-year-old bystander Molly Davis moments before Hoover police killed Bradford. Erron Brown, 20, is charged with attempted murder in the shooting of Wilson.

Were in Alabama. Its still cool to kill a black man, Bradford Sr. said Tuesday. It aint over. It aint over at all. Bottom line, I am going to have justice for my son and youre going to deal with it.

Bradfords mother April Pipkins also spoke. Attorney [Marshall], I want to know, if that was your child would you consider this justice?, she said. Would anyone consider this justice? You shoot my child three times, and you call this justice.

She said her son will be remembered as a hero.

Crump, a nationally known civil rights attorney, said Bradford ran away from the shooting before realizing his friend Wilson wasnt with him. The video tells the whole story, Crump said. He was running away, like everybody else He took his gun out and went back, trying to protect his friend, Crump said.

E.J. Bradford had absolutely nothing to do with the initial altercation, Crump said, adding Marshall had enough evidence with the surveillance video and body camera footage to charge the police officer.

We dont have any evidence whatsoever that EJ ever knew the police officers were there whatsoever. Crump also said the officers stated in the AGs report they didnt give Bradford any verbal warning before firing, and Crump doesnt believe Bradford ever saw the police officers approaching.

In that report, Marshall wrote that the officer, whose name has not been released by officials, was justified in shooting Bradford.

After an extensive investigation and review, the Attorney General has determined Officer 1 did not commit a crime under Alabama law when he shot and killed E.J. Bradford and thus the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct preclude presentation of this case to a grand jury, Marshalls report states.

Full coverage of the Thanksgiving night Riverchase Galleria shooting

The facts of this case demonstrate that Officer 1 reasonably exercised his official powers, duties, or functions when he shot Bradford, the report continues.

The report, Crump noted, includes a quote from a witness who said she heard officers commanded Bradford to drop his weapon. They picking and choosing now whats favorable, Crump said. Theyre going to go find someone to exonerate the officer. Its a coverup.

The attorney also said the body cam footage, which wasnt released to the media or shown to the family Tuesday, shows two officers fist bumping over Bradfords dead body.

My son is a deer in the headlights now? Bradford Sr. said. You hunting? Thats what he was doing, he was hunting.

Im mad. Im mad and Im hurt. He said Marshall should have sent the case to a grand jury for citizens to decide whether the officer should have been charged. Youre not the dadgum judge and jury.

Birmingham activist and president of the Outcast Voters League Frank Matthews also spoke at the press conference. He also called the lack of charges a cover up and said the attorney general improperly took the case away from Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr. He also chanted No justice, no peace, and said there will be protests.

Crump questioned why the mall surveillance video was released to the media before being shown to the family. Thats the disrespect the attorney general has shown this family, he said.

Watch the full press conference below.
An investigation is underway after a man was found dead near Birminghams Railroad Park early Tuesday.

The discovery was made at 5:45 a.m. in the 1600 block of First Avenue South. The Jefferson County Coroners Office said the victim is an adult black male. They believe they know his identity but have not yet located family. Sgt. Johnny Williams said they believe he could be a transient.

The man was found by a passerby on the sidewalk of First Avenue South. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 6:22 a.m.

It wasnt immediately clear whether the man was killed there or killed somewhere else and dropped of there.

Authorities said it appears the man was shot., The homicide is Birminghams 11th so far in 2019. Of those, one has been ruled justifiable. In all of Jefferson County there have been 16 homicides including the 11 in Birmingham.

Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
TVA has asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed after a proposed sale of Bellefonte Nuclear Plant collapsed in November.

Nuclear Development, the group led by Chattanooga developer Franklin Haney, had a conditional deal with TVA to purchase the unfinished northeast Alabama facility for $111 million. On the eve of the Nov. 30, 2018 sale date, TVA informed Nuclear Development it would not sale the plant because the company had not met all contractual obligations.

Nuclear Development sued TVA the next day, alleging breach of contract.

In its motion to dismiss, filed Monday, TVA said that the sale of the plant to Nuclear Development would have been illegal under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

According to TVA, the sale was voided because Nuclear Development did not acquire transfer of two construction permits held by TVA from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

That echoes statements made by TVA on Nov. 30 announcing the deal with Nuclear Development had fallen through.

In its lawsuit, Nuclear Development said TVA was erroneous in its understanding of the Atomic Energy Act.

TVAs interpretation of the Atomic Energy Acts application to the contract is erroneous, the Nuclear Development lawsuit said. The transfer of the Bellefonte Site and its improvements in their current condition to Nuclear Development does not violate the NRC Permits, the NRC regulations, or the Atomic Energy Act. Moreover, the transfer of the NRC Permits is not a prerequisite to closing under the Contract.

TVA quotes passages of the Atomic Energy Act to support its argument that Nuclear Development failed to meet the conditions of the sale.

The NRC made crystal clear more than forty years ago that it must give its approval prior to transfer of ownership of a nuclear plant subject to a construction permit, the TVA filing said, referring to a 1978 ownership transfer of a New Hampshire nuclear plant.

TVA also said Nuclear Development waited until a relative last minute to obtain the permits from the NRC. The application was submitted on Nov. 13, 2018, according to TVA.

The fact that ND initiated an application for transfer of the construction permits just before the agreements closing date does not save ND from the deficiency under the act, the TVA filing said.

In its lawsuit, Nuclear Development said it had already paid TVA more than $30 million in down payment on the plant purchase as well as maintenance for the plant during the two-year sale period. The company is seeking to recapture that money in its lawsuit.

TVA said there was no breach of contract in its motion to dismiss, which it maintained means that the claims of damages must be dismissed as well.

The case is before U.S. District Judge Liles Burke in the northern division of Alabama.
Alvin, TX (77511)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies early, then thunderstorms developing late. Low near 75F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies early, then thunderstorms developing late. Low near 75F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
President Donald Trump will deliver his rescheduled State of the Union address Tuesday night.

The address was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Jan. 29 but was delayed due to the government shutdown. The speech will now take place on Tuesday, Feb. 5 starting at 9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. CT). All major networks  ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC  will air the address live, and it will be streamed on C-SPAN and public radio and news stations. The White House will also stream the speech.

The delay came after Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi cited security concerns during the government shutdown that had many federal employees at home without pay for more than a month. The 35-day shutdown ended Jan. 25 and the speech was rescheduled.

Its not the first time a president has delayed a State of the Union speech.

President Ronald Reagan was scheduled to deliver the State of the Union address on Jan. 28, 1986 but delayed the speech when the space shuttle Challenger exploded, killing all seven astronauts on board.

What Trump is expected to say

The president is expected to tout his economic plans and strong job numbers while stressing the need for immigration reform and a wall at the U.S./Mexico border.

Trump will also stress bipartisanship and cooperation in the now Democratically controlled House.

Together we can break decades of political stalemate," Trump plans to say, according to an excerpt of the speech released by the White House. "We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions and unlock the extraordinary promise of Americas future.

"The decision is ours to make.

Who is delivering the Democratic response?

The Democratic response, which will follow the presidential address, will be delivered by Stacey Abrams, who lost a close battle for the Georgia governorship in the midterm election.

Presidential guests

The White House announced former Alabama prisoner Alice Johnson and Joshua Trump, a sixth grade boy who was bullied for his last name. You can see a complete list of White House guests here.

Will Ruth Bader Ginsburg attend?

Its not likely Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg will attend Trumps address but her absence shouldnt be attributed to her recent fall and cancer surgery.

Ginsberg has not attended either of Trumps past two addresses.

The 85-year-old recently made her first public appearance since her surgery to attend a production of the Notorious RBG in Song at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington.

Justice Kavanaughs first SOTU

Justice Brett Kavanaugh will attend his first State of the Union address as a member of the high court.

Also attending will be Ana Maria Archila, who confronted then-Sen. Jeff Flake over Kavanaughs Supreme Court nomination after sexual abuse allegations against him. Archilla was invited by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.
A former Alabama prisoner whose sentence was commuted by President Trump and a Delaware boy who said he was teased for his last name will be among the president and first ladys guests at Tuesdays State of the Union address.

Alice Johnson and Joshua Trump will be among the handful of presidential guests. The State of the Union address is set for 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT).

Johnson, 62, was granted clemency by Trump in June 2018 after being sentenced to a mandatory life sentence without parole for charges associated with a nonviolent drug case. At the time of her release, which came after lobbying by reality television star Kim Kardashian, Johnson was serving her sentence in Alabamas Aliceville Federal Correctional Institution.

Joining Johnson will be Joshua Trump. A sixth grader in Wilmington, Delaware, Trumps family said hes been bullied at school due to his last name.

He is thankful to the first lady and the Trump family for their support, the White House said when announcing his attendance.

Also scheduled to attend will be:

Debra Bissell, Heather Armstrong, and Madison Armstrong  Family members of Gerald and Sharon David of Reno, Nevada, who were killed in their home by an undocumented immigrant.

Matthew Charles  A former prisoner, Charles is the first person released as a result of the First Step Act.

Grace Eline  At age 9, Eline was diagnosed with Germinoma, a germ-cell brain tumor, and in May 2018, Grace started cancer treatment. Now finished with chemotherapy and with no evidence of the disease, she is determined to help other children who are fighting cancer.

Ashley Evans  After years of struggling with substance abuse, Evans turned her life around with the help of Brigids Path, a medical care facility in Kettering, Ohio.

Elvin Hernandez  A Special Agent with the Trafficking in Persons Unit of the Department of Homeland Securitys Homeland Security Investigations division.

Roy James  James is the Plant Manager of the Vicksburg Forest Products lumber facility. He was rehired for his job through a provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Timothy Matson  A member of the Pittsburgh Police Department, Matson responded to the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds and saved countless lives in the attack.

Judah Samet - Samet is a member of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. In October 2018, he survived the shooting that killed 11 members of his community. Judah is also a survivor of the Holocaust.

Tom Wibberley - Wibberley is the father of Navy Seaman Craig Wibberley, a seaman killed on the U.S.S. Cole.
Activists and organizers say they plan to resume protesting in Hoover, claiming city officials have not complied with a list of demands organizers made in mid-December.

Protesters are still calling for the release of any video of the Thanksgiving night incident at the Riverchase Galleria that left 21-year-old Emantic Bradford Jr. dead from police gunfire. Protesters have also called for an economic boycott of the city of Hoover. Theyve held demonstrations at multiple businesses in Hoover and the homes of many Hoover city officials and at the home of Attorney General Steve Marshall.

In coming weeks, well be resuming protests in Hoover and expanding protests to Montgomery, said Iva Williams, adviser for the Birmingham Justice League, during a press conference in front of Hoover City Hall Monday afternoon.

Organizers called for protesters to come out Wednesday to demonstrate and support the protesters who were previously arrested during demonstrations. Those charged are set to appear in court Wednesday, organizers said.

We will be here out in force to support those. Those of us who were not arrested are still coming out because a lot of these trials are tried in the court of public opinion," Williams said.

Justice League President Carlos Chaverst Jr. claims city officials have not responded to organizers or worked with them to meet a list of demands they made in mid-December.

We are still pushing for the entire video to be released. We are still prepared to protest. We are still here and still coming. We are not going anywhere, Chaverst said.

Chaverst and Williams both addressed the city council during the public comment portion of the Monday night meeting.

City Administrator Alan Rice addressed Williams after Williams expressed frustration that the city had not offered a form of clemency to the protesters arrested in the weeks after the Thanksgiving night shooting that left Bradford dead.

Rice said the city did not offer clemency to those protesters who were arrested and claimed organizers mischaracterized their mid-December discussion.

There were not offers or deals," Rice said.

Around 7:30 p.m., Chaverst was asked to leave the city council meeting after he began addressing some concerns about some Hoover officers' interactions with protesters. Chaverst claimed officers prevented him from entering the city hall building earlier Monday afternoon.

Mr. Chaverst, this is not about our police," said Council President Gene Smith before asking police to remove Chaverst from the chambers a few moments later.

This is not a discussion about our police officers or our police department, Smith repeated as Chaverst and Williams objected to his request to have Chaverst removed.

Chaverst continued speaking for a few moments before he walked out of the chambers, followed by police. The council then went into executive session to discuss pending real estate litigation.
Gov. Kay Ivey and Attorney General Steve Marshall have directed the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles to continue making changes started last year after victims advocates and prosecutors said too many inmates were being considered for early parole.

Ivey and Marshall met with the three-member parole board in October. Ivey ordered them to draft a corrective action plan. The board submitted a plan in November, but Ivey and Marshall said it fell short of what they requested and failed to answer their questions.

In late December, the parole board submitted an updated plan.

In a letter dated Jan. 31, Ivey and Marshall responded to the updated plan. They said Board Chairwoman Lynn Head had assured them the parole board would fix what they thought was a loophole in revised rules for consideration of early parole. The letter does not identify the loophole.

Those revised rules in the updated plan say that members of a review committee that can grant early parole consideration must document their reasons. A deputy attorney general or assistant attorney general would monitor the review committees decisions and could reverse them.

Early parole consideration happens when an inmate is considered for parole sooner than allowed by the boards operating rules. Under those rules, offenders for some crimes must serve at least 10 years or one-third of the sentence, whichever is less, before parole consideration. For the worst crimes, including, murder, rape, first-degree robbery and others, inmates have to serve at least 85 percent of their sentence or 15 years, whichever is less, to be eligible for parole consideration.

In their Jan. 31 letter, Ivey and Marshall objected to the boards plans to hire independent consultants to study parole officer caseloads, employee morale, executive leadership and organizational structure.

They said they had asked the parole board to consult with the State Personnel Department about those matters.

Given the resources already available to the Board through the State Personnel Department, the Governor does not intend to approve any outside contract in these areas without the State Personnel Departments endorsement, Ivey and Marshall wrote.

The letter also requests monthly progress reports on the boards corrective action plan and a timeline on when the changes would be implemented.

Ivey and Marshall wrote that they would continue to reflect on the issues raised in the executive order with an eye toward identifying any legislative changes that may need to be made."
The fatal shootings of police last month in Birmingham and Mobile is prompting leading Alabama law enforcement officials to issue stern warnings in recent days: Shoot a cop, and government will come after you.

We will bring everything we have against you if you harm one of our law enforcement officers, said Richard Moore, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama. We will come after you.

Said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson: Something has got to change and change quickly.

The recent comments were made during a news conference Tuesday at Moores downtown Mobile office. He was flanked by Stimpson and leading law enforcement officials in Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The Mobile news conference also comes five days after Moore joined Louis Franklin Sr., the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama, and Jay Town, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, for a news conference Friday in Tuscaloosa.

The two press events offered similar messages as Alabama law enforcement officials grapple with the aftermath of the Jan. 13 killing of 44-year-old Birmingham police Sgt. Wytasha Wyt Carter and the Jan. 20 death of 30-year-old Mobile police officer Sean Tuder.

Tuder was killed approximately 11 months after 27-year-old Mobile police officer Justin Billa was shot to death trying to arrest a man wanted for murder.

We need to do something, Moore said.

Moore and others did not address the officer-involved Thanksgiving night shooting of 21-year-old Emantic Fitzgerald EJ Bradford Jr. inside the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover. The Tuesday news conference occurred about one hour before Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that his offices investigation found no wrongdoing on behalf of the Hoover police which resulted in Bradfords death.

Federal offenses

Moore and other law enforcement officials did not roll out any new initiative during the news conference.

Moore said his office will charge the most readily approvable offense in cases in which federal charges are warranted.

He cited an example in Tulsa, Okla., where U.S. Attorney Trent Shores is seeking a life sentence against 35-year-old John Terry Chatman Jr. for shooting a police officer.

On July 3, Chatman shot Tulsa Police Sgt. Mike Parsons during an encounter. Parsons, according to Tulsa media reports, suffered only a minor injury after the bullet struck a military challenge coin that he was carrying in his right pants pocket.

They charged him with obstruction of justice, which is a federal offense, said Moore. On the federal side, we need to look at those kind of things when you have a police officer trying to do their job. Well be looking for things like that which we can charge.

Carter and Tuder are two of the 15 police officer fatalities that have occurred so far in 2019, representing a 67 percent spike during the same Jan. 1 to Feb. 5 timeframe a year ago, according to statistics tracked by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Overall, police fatalities were down in 2017 to 129 from 160 in 2015 and 159 in 2016, according to the Fund.

Bridging the Gap

Authorities also promoted the Bridging the Gap program, which started under former U.S. Attorney Kenyon Brown.

That program was introduced in Mobile about five years ago following the civil unrest that occurred nationwide after the 2014 officer-involved killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo.

The programs intent is to improve police and youth interactions by focusing on students entering the 9th grade, and by educating them on what they should expect when encountering law enforcement.

Bridging the Gap has spread to other Alabama cities including Prattville, Daphne and Dothan.

Moore said hes encouraging all police departments throughout his district to institute a similar program.

I think everyone can offer some version of this program given the track record and that it makes sense, said Moore. I anticipate it will grow.

The news conference also provided another opportunity for authorities to send another message to the public about securing their guns.

Stolen guns

James Barber, executive director of public safety in Mobile, said there is large amount of guns stolen each year in Mobile. He said a majority of them are taken out of cars, 80 percent of which are unlocked.

Help us to keep us safe and for Gods sake, help us by securing those weapons, Barber said.

Even Moore admitted to past incidences in which hes left his own personal firearm inside his vehicle with the doors locked. He said that he now makes sure that his own guns are not left unattended inside his truck.

Scrutiny on unattended firearms has risen in the aftermath of Tuders killing.

Marco Perez, the 19-year-old charged in Tuders death, allegedly was in possession of a stolen firearm at the time he shot the officer.

Do not leave a firearm in a vehicle  make sure you are protecting that weapon, said Moore.
Twenty-one states support Alabamas petition for the U.S. Supreme Court to review the decision by lower courts to block Alabamas law restricting dismemberment abortions.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that the states endorsed a brief submitted to the Supreme Court by Louisianas attorney general.

The case concerns a method of abortion used in only about 7 percent of all abortions in Alabama but used in almost all abortions after 15 weeks of gestation. The procedure is known by the medical term dilation and evacuation.

The Alabama Legislature passed a law in 2016 requiring that doctors kill the fetus before conducting the dismemberment procedure to extract it in parts.

In 2017, U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson ruled that the law placed an undue burden on womens right to an abortion because it would effectively terminate the access to an abortion after 15 weeks. Thompson found that the methods suggested by the state to cause fetal demise before the dismemberment were unsafe and experimental and not a feasible alternative to the standard dilation and evacuation procedure.

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Thompsons decision.

The ACLU of Alabama, which has represented the abortion clinics that challenged the state law, has said the law is a part of a long-standing strategy to ban abortion in the state.

Louisiana, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia have passed laws similar to Alabamas. Other states that joined in the brief were Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota and Utah.

The support of these states underscores how significant the national interest is in resolving this issue, Marshall said.

The brief says its important for the Supreme Court to hear the case because litigation is pending on dismemberment abortion in multiple courts across the country.
The fact that Jackie McMillan refers to herself as a hands-free crafter tells you something about her sense of humor. Shes hands-free because she literally has no hands. She has no feet, either. And yet this indefatigable, fiercely independent woman with an adventurous spirit and a can-do attitude doesnt let anything slow her down.

Ten years ago, Jackies hands and feet were amputated during a six-month hospital stay. Since then, she has adjusted to prosthetic legs  shes on her fourth pair  and re-learn how to do everything with arms that now end above the wrists. Once an aspiring restaurateur  her Vietnamese mother is a wonderful cook, she says, and taught her to how to cook at a young age  Jackie has had to reinvent herself. With the help of her supportive family and new husband, Michael, she has started her own business, Love by JM, creating realistic-looking floral arrangements with flowers made of balsa wood.

Jumping off

Jackie was born in Germany, where her father was station in the U.S. Army. She grew up in Lawton, Okla., with one brother and one sister.

She followed her former husband to Mobile, where she lived for about nine years until her life changed in 2009. She was working as a kitchen manager at OCharleys, with a second job as a bartender at Fabachers, when one morning she couldnt get out of bed. A self-described workaholic, she rarely called in sick to work. But that day, she knew something was terribly wrong. When her roommate asked if she wanted to go to the hospital, she said yes.

I passed out and woke up with no hands and legs, she says.

Diagnosed with sepsis, she was in a coma for two weeks, given a 15 percent chance to live. Her parents came from Oklahoma, thinking they might be saying goodbye to her. But, after six months in the hospital and with the help of Dr. Darren Mason, she survived. His decision to amputate her limbs saved her life, she says. To this day, whenever she sees him, she cries tears of joy in appreciation for him. The doctor told her she was lucky to have sought medical attention when she did.

Following her stay in the hospital and rehabilitation, she ended up moving to Norfolk, Va., to live with her sister, then to Oklahoma City, where her parents live, for two years. While she was there, she helped take care of her now-9-year-old nephew, her brothers son, who has cerebral palsy.

After meeting Michael, a photographer, online, she eventually moved to California to be with him. When they decided to get married, he really wanted a traditional wedding, but Jackie is too practical to spend too much money on things like flowers.

While she was stressing out, she happened to see an episode of Shark Tank featuring a product called Eco Flower  sustainable, recyclable floral arrangements made of wood and other materials. How cool is that? she thought. She ordered a bouquet from the company and held it when she walked down the aisle in Berkeley, Calif., on June 25, 2017.

She also catered her own wedding and made all the decorations herself.

Living in California was expensive, though, so after their wedding Jackie suggested they move to Mobile. I had a really big support system during her ordeal, she says. Thats why I love Mobile so much and why Im back.

They bought a cute fixer-upper cottage and transformed one of the bedrooms into her neatly organized craft room. Prosthetic hands never worked for her, she says, so she uses a battery strap around her wrist to hold an array of tools such as paint brushes to dye and paint her balsa wood flowers, making them look as real as possible. Then, with the help of a wooden chopstick, she arranges them in tiny terra-cotta pots and dainty tea cups.

Im addicted to miniature things, she says.

Last March, she decided to start selling some of her creations at the monthly ArtWalk event in downtown Mobile. It was scary as all get-out, she says. But Im one of those people who always jump off the ledge.

Big day

She took another risk in September, when she splurged on a booth at the Daphne Jubilee Festival. But it was there that she met Tracy Roberts and her daughter, Mary Bourne, who was planning a wedding to James Butts on Dec. 29, 2018.

When I met Jackie, saw her art and then heard her story, I knew immediately that I wanted her flowers to be a part of my big day, says Mary Bourne. Most importantly, I fell in love with the fact I will forever be able to have my wedding bouquet. And the possibility of passing it on to someone special, hopefully a daughter, made my heart swell.

Jackie was terrified, she remembers, because she had never made flowers for a wedding before, but she decided to try it. She made the brides and bridesmaids bouquets, six boutonnieres and two corsages  and the bride couldnt have been happier. Her creation was perfect: light and simple, says Mary Bourne. I was so honored for her to have agreed to such a project, being her first wedding ever. Im so thankful for her.

Neither Jackie nor Mary Bourne could have predicted what would happen next. While Jackie was on vacation and Mary Bourne was on her honeymoon, a video of Mary Bourne dancing with her terminally ill father at her wedding reception went viral. Shortly after her dad, Jim Roberts, died in January, the bride and groom were invited to appear on The Ellen Show, where they received a gift of $25,000 toward buying their first house.

If that wedding is any indication of her future success, Jackie might soon have more work than she can handle. I know Ill never be rich doing this, she says. But it makes people happy.

And she hasnt given up completely on her dream of owning her own restaurant one day. She toys with the idea of a food truck. The wheels are always turning in my head, she says, her whole face lighting up with a smile.
Highlands College, which trains up to 500 students in ministry currently at the Greystone campus of the Church of the Highlands, plans to move its campus by 2021 to the churchs Grandview property on U.S. 280 and double enrollment.

This location is perfectly suited for a college campus and relocating there will elevate our visibility within the community, according to a statement on its web site. The Grandview location will give us the capacity to create a true college campus designed to promote community with state-of-the-art learning facilities and a beautiful green space that transforms the property into a walkable campus.

Want to know more about what the future holds for Highlands College? You're going to want to check this out: https://t.co/D6SEhh0wQs  Highlands College (@HCollege) February 5, 2019

Plans call for eventually adding student housing to the site. The Church of the Highlands in 2016 bought the Cahaba Grand Conference Center on U.S. 280, where it began holding services as its Grandview branch campus on March 6, 2016.

The conference center was originally built as the Richard M. Scrushy Conference Center as part of the HealthSouth headquarters campus, now called the Grandview Plaza. Its located behind Grandview Medical Center, which also was formerly part of the HealthSouth campus.

Highlands College also announced a campaign to raise a $100 million endowment for renovations at the Grandview campus and to provide scholarships for students.

We will seek to fund an endowment that will allow us to provide the opportunity for up to 1,000 students to attend Highlands College on full scholarships, the statement said.

These scholarships are a vital part of the Highlands College vision because our approach requires students to be fully immersed in the classroom and in the living laboratory of the church.

Highlands College was founded 16 years ago by the Church of the Highlands, which was founded by Pastor Chris Hodges and launched in 2001. It has become the largest church in Alabama and one of the largest in the country with more than 40,000 worshippers weekly attending services at the main campus on Grants Mill Road in Irondale and at 18 branch campuses across the state.

The college trains leaders for the nearly 700 churches founded by the Association of Related Churches, which was also founded by the Church of the Highlands.

There is new hope for the local church in America, but there are not enough equipped, dynamic leaders to guide these new churches toward greater growth and impact, the statement from the church said. Highlands College is committed to helping fill that gap by training and sending out the best future church leaders prepared to make a difference.
The Catalyst is honoring North Alabamas entrepreneurs, and you can vote for the Peoples Choice Award winner.

The award will be given to the local entrepreneur who receives the most votes on AL.com through Feb. 15. That person will be honored during the 4th Annual Entrepreneur Awards Luncheon March 1 at Campus 805 - Stone Event Center.

The Entrepreneur Awards honor entrepreneurs who create a business out of an idea, and highlight the stories of North Alabama entrepreneurs active in the community.

Among the honors are Entrepreneur of the Year, Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, Creative Entrepreneur of the Year, Female Entrepreneur of the Year, Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year, Youth Entrepreneur of the Year, Peoples Choice Entrepreneur of the Year and Entrepreneur Champion of the Year.

Meet (and vote for) the nominees for the 2019 Peoples Choice Award

The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship is pleased to host the Entrepreneur Awards for the fourth year as part of Innovate Huntsville Week, Katie Williams, Womens Business Center Program Director for The Catalyst, said. This event focuses on celebrating the talented entrepreneurs right here in our community.

The Awards event is hosted as part of Innovate Huntsville Week- an annual event for innovators and entrepreneurs in North Alabama. While Innovate Huntsville is active year-round, Innovate Huntsville Week is an annual event spotlighting the resources that are available to future entrepreneurs wishing to establish their businesses in Huntsville.

The event is presented by This Is Alabama.

For more information on the event or to order tickets, click here.

Here are the nominees. Vote for your favorite Peoples Choice Award nominee below. Only one vote per device per day will be counted.

Voting is now closed.
The Senate today passed its first bill clamping down on the pro-Palestinian boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel by a vote of 77 to 23.

But Democratic leaders arent committing to putting the Combating BDS Act, introduced by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., on the House floor amid a debate over free speech within their caucus.

The committee would need to look at it, hold hearings on it and mark it up before its brought to the floor, a senior Democratic aide told Al-Monitor.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has lobbied Congress to pass three anti-BDS bills, but the potential snag on the Combating BDS Act could also affect debate on the two others. Notably, the Houses first two pro-BDS lawmakers both sit on committees that have jurisdiction over the issue: Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., on Foreign Affairs, and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., on Financial Services.

And House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., appeared to throw cold water on the Rubio bill at a Capitol Hill press conference last week.

I think there is clearly a question of drawing the line on free speech and the right of anybody to advocate the policy that they want and actions to hurt an ally of the United States and I think thats an important distinction, Hoyer said. I am not sure the Rubio legislation drew that distinction properly.

The Republican-held Senate prioritized the Combating BDS Act as its first order of business in the new Congress, as part of a broader package of Middle East bills.

Rep. Mike McCaul, R-Texas, has introduced the House version of that package  including the anti-BDS provision  in his capacity as the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. But it remains unclear if committee Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., will take up the legislation given Hoyers concerns.

The problem is the Senate passed  a package of four bills, so it wasnt discrete, Hoyer told reporters last week. The anti-BDS bill, he pointed out, has not been vetted in the House.

While the legislation has significant bipartisan support, Republicans did not advance the House version of the bill, introduced by Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., when they controlled the lower chamber last year.

The bill would fall under the jurisdiction of the Financial Services Committee. That could give the pro-BDS freshman Tlaib  the first Palestinian American woman in Congress  a chance to make a case against it.

The bill would give legal cover to state-level anti-BDS laws targeting boycotts of Israel or its West Bank settlements. More than 20 states currently have anti-BDS laws or executive actions on the books, according to an analysis from the Foundation for Middle East Peace, which opposes the legislation. They range from regulations requiring states to divest pension funds from entities boycotting Israel or its settlements, to laws prohibiting public agencies from doing business with pro-BDS advocates  including individual contractors.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has challenged many of these laws in court, arguing that they violate constitutionally protected free speech rights. It has also lobbied Congress against the Combating BDS Act, arguing that it encourages states to pass similarly unconstitutional laws.

The ACLU also argues that another anti-BDS bill, the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, introduced by Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., is unconstitutional. Hoyer has endorsed that bill despite his skepticism of Rubios effort.

Mr. Cardin has issued a very good rebuttal that speech is not constrained, actions are constrained, Hoyer told Al-Monitor last month. [Israel is] an important ally and important to the national security of the United States.

Cardins bill would levy a criminal penalty of up to $1 million on US-based companies and their employees if they provide information to multilateral institutions such as the United Nations that could be used to publicly list businesses operating in the West Bank. Still, Hoyer noted that he hasnt whipped his caucus to see if the votes are there.

While Cardins bill sat dormant in the Senate Banking Committee last year, the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously advanced its own version, which would have allowed the Donald Trump administration to write anti-boycott regulations and penalties. But Omar, the other pro-BDS freshman, sits on Foreign Affairs, giving her a prominent perch to muster Democratic opposition to the bill.

Finally, House Middle East panel Chairman Ted Deutch, D-Fla., partnered with former Rep. Peter Roskam, R-Ill., to introduce the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act last year. The legislation broadens the Department of Education's definition of anti-Semitism, potentially allowing the Trump administration to crack down on academic boycotts of Israel. The ACLU argues that the bill would chill free speech on college campuses.
On Jan. 31, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev paid a visit to Abu Dhabi to meet with the United Arab Emirates' national security adviser, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two exchanged views on the situation in North Africa and the Middle East, with special emphasis placed on developments in Libya and Syria.

On Jan. 29, Patrushev took part in bilateral consultations on security issues in Cairo with his Egyptian counterparts. The talks revolved around the situation in North Africa and the Middle East, counterterrorism and issues related to what are termed "color revolutions  particularly the upheaval taking place in Sudan. Moreover, the agenda included military and military-technical cooperation, as well as joint efforts in law enforcement. Patrushev was later received by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

The talks in Egypt and the UAE followed the visit to Saudi Arabia of Sergey Naryshkin, director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service. The Russian intelligence chief met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also the country's defense minister, on Jan. 21 and conducted talks with Khalid bin Ali bin Abdullah al-Humaidan, director general of General Intelligence Directorate. The parties focused on enhancing interagency cooperation in fighting international terrorism and effectively settling regional conflicts. Further details of the visit have not been revealed.

Thus, regardless of the Russian-Turkish joint efforts in Syria, one can speak about intensified contacts between Russian security services charged with supervising the settlement of Middle Eastern conflicts among other matters, with the troika of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, a powerhouse in the Middle East and in the Islamic world, currently at loggerheads with Turkey and Qatar over regional influence.

While striving to preserve high-level cooperation with Turkey on Syria, Moscow is still seeking to obtain alternative leverage on Ankara on the Syrian track, not least with the help of the trio of Cairo, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.

Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have been engaged for a relatively long period in northern Syria by supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-dominated alliance hostile to Turkey. Military and political representatives of the three states are widely reported to have visited the city of Manbij in December and Kobani in November, where consultations were held with SDF representatives. The deployment of military units from these states to northern Syria may be under consideration.

However, it is believed that the SDF troops would be unable to counter a Turkish offensive, and that the presence of Gulf and Egyptian troops would not be enough to avert such a military operation. The military representatives of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt may more likely offer guarantees to the SDF in its interaction with Damascus, that is, to preserve the military and political autonomy of the Kurdish-Arab alliance after the Assad regime takes over SDF-controlled territories.

The UAE and Egypt  and at a later stage possibly Saudi Arabia  are willing to further normalize relations with Syria and pave the way for its return to the Arab League. In exchange, they seek to safeguard their own interests and want some guarantees. This primarily concerns limiting the Iranian presence in Syria and its influence on decision-making in Damascus. Preserving both the SDF as a special autonomous part of the Syrian army and self-governance in northern Syria may provide the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia with a certain guarantee that these territories will not house Iranian military facilities and that such a zone free from Tehran-backed forces could expand in the future. Northern Syria, with no Iranian presence on the ground, offers prospects for investments in Syria from Abu Dhabi and Riyadh and could determine their willingness to allocate additional funds to the reconstruction of Raqqa in case it is retaken by Damascus.

In this context, one can say that there are many points of convergence between Moscow and the aforementioned trio of the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, including their opposition to greater Turkish influence in northern Syria aimed at preventing the creation of a Turkish buffer zone and countering Iran's presence in the country. At the same time, Russia will seek to maintain its relations with Turkey and Iran, suggesting that the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt should announce initiatives originating in Moscow that can be supported by Damascus against Turkish and Iranian interests in Syria.

Libya was the second item on the Cairo and Abu Dhabi agendas for Patrushev. It is noteworthy that the Russian Security Council has long been involved in formulating Russian strategy on Libya, which is evidenced, among others, by the meetings between between Patrushev and Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter. The Libyan dossier appears to be part of the Russian-UAE-Egyptian-Saudi portfolio of settling Middle Eastern conflicts. Specifically, in exchange for the UAE, Egyptian and Saudi readiness to promote Russias interests in Syria, including Assads re-legitimation, Moscow may step up efforts to back Hifter, a protege of the Emirates, Egypt and partly of the Saudis. Against this background, the revealing fact is that Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is allegedly in charge of the Russian private military contractor Wagner group, attended the November talks between Patrushev and Hifter in Moscow. Now some reports suggest the mercenaries are allegedly willing to train the Libyan National Army (LNA) and to potentially engage in the offensive launched by Hifter-led forces in the southwestern region of Fezzan, in Sabha. Should the military campaign end in success, Libya's eastern leader would be able to gain control over El Sharara, the biggest oilfield in the west, and then tighten the noose around the Government of National Accord in the country's northwestern region of Tripolitania. The task of protecting LNA-controlled oilfields might subsequently be assigned to Russian military contractors.

Finally, in the UAE and in Egypt, Patrushev discussed the issue of countering what have been called color revolutions  above all, the ongoing developments in Sudan. The interests of Russia, Cairo, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are on the same page as far as bolstering Sudanese President Omar al-Bashirs position is concerned and all are prepared to continue to support him. Sudan remains a key member of the anti-Houthi coalition in Yemen, with its troops, the biggest foreign military unit on the ground, carrying the greatest burden in heavy fighting against the Houthis. A collapse of the Bashir regime and a Sudanese withdrawal from Yemen would seriously dent the coalition headed by the Emirates and the Saudis.

As for Russia, Moscow is developing military and political ties with Khartoum, which includes possibly using Sudanese ports for Russian naval vessels as well as Russian private security firms training the Sudanese military; Moscow recently acknowledged that these contractors are at work in Sudan. Consequently, one should expect Russia and the trio of the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia to further coordinate their efforts in supporting the Sudanese regime. Moscow will be ready to continue giving its helping hand in the form of its military advisers and private military contractors, while Abu Dhabi and Riyadh will keep providing Sudan with necessary funding.
Top Donald Trump administration officials indicated today that US bases in Iraq would have little role in monitoring Iran-backed proxies after the president vowed in a TV interview that American troops would stay in the country to watch Iranian forces.

Iraqi political figures roundly criticized Trump in the wake of a Sunday interview on CBS "Face the Nation." President Barham Salih, a longstanding American ally, called the potential action unacceptable and insisted the United States hadnt been granted permission by Baghdad to snoop on Iran.

Testifying before Congress today, just hours before Trumps State of the Union address, US Central Command chief Joseph Votel said that the Pentagons mission focusing on the defeat of the Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIS) had not changed despite the administrations focus on curtailing Irans use of Shiite proxy groups in the Middle East.

The government of Iraq understands the relationship, the view that we have on Iran and understands our concerns with Iran," Votel said.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, State Department officials likewise insisted that the 5,200 or so US troops in Iraq  according to the last official Pentagon count from 2017  remained focused on that mission.

Trumps comments come as the Pentagon worries that the US military relationship with Iraq is increasingly complicated after May 2018 elections that saw Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr make substantial gains, raising safety concerns for American troops and diplomats. In September, the State Department closed the US Consulate in the southern city of Basra after an Iran-backed group launched a rocket attack against the facility.

The target was already on US forces in the region, said Phillip Smyth, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy who tracks Iranian proxy groups. Smyth said those militias could potentially threaten American troops with rockets, improvised explosive devices and small-arms fire.

In 2015, al-Asad air base in Sunni-dominated Anbar province  the base Trump indicated could be used against Iran  faced shelling and indirect fire from IS. Suicide bombers snuck onto the grounds soon after, but were stopped by Iraqi troops.

Underlying the safety fears, the Pentagon appears increasingly worried that sectarianism is hampering Iraqs ability to get its government and security forces in order following IS' defeat.

A Defense Department Inspector General report released on Monday concluded that Iraqs failure to seat new heads of the Defense and Interior ministries has hampered the rebuilding of Baghdads military. Pro-Iran Iraqi lawmakers have proposed nominating Falih al-Fayadh, the leader of the Shiite-dominated Popular Mobilization Units, which Baghdad has struggled to control, for the Interior Ministry post.

Some experts believe that means the extensive effort needed to help the Iraqi army recover from the IS fight should push the Pentagon to keep US troops focused on a training mission instead of hunting down militants.

US forces are out there moving all over the place when they just need to stay on the bases, said Douglas Ollivant, a former National Security Council director for Iraq.

Experts who spoke to Al-Monitor said that al-Asad air base would not be enough to counter Irans overland and maritime routes into Syria and Lebanon that US officials believe are used to support Shiite proxies. Trump toured the base on Dec. 26 in his first overseas visit to US troops.

It is well positioned, but an observatory post is likely insufficient to thwart Tehrans land bridge, said Behnam Ben Taleblu, a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. But if the goal is to have the administrations overall Iran policy be operationalized and effective, it is going to take a lot more than just watching.

Taleblu said the United States would need to maintain American troops in positions blocking Iranian supply routes and support Israeli strikes on Tehran-backed weapons transfers through Syria to be effective.

The United States also has a large air base in Iraqi Kurdistan, but experts told Al-Monitor its not clear that air operations from that site or monitoring from al-Asad could effectively disrupt Iran-backed supply lines, which are strung up along air, maritime and land-based corridors throughout the region.

I dont think it is particularly useful in monitoring Iranian activists outside of Iraq or Syria, said David Witty, a retired colonel in the US Army Special Forces. Other US bases are better situated for that, he added, citing American installations such as al-Udeid in Qatar, and a US naval base in Bahrain, where the Pentagon and spy agencies deploy intelligence platforms that can track Irans movements.

But even as the administration turns its gaze on Iran, there may be few senior US officials left that have Trump's ear on decisions facing the United States in Iraq and Syria, where the threat of Iran-backed forces continues to loom.

Votel, the departing CENTCOM chief, said in his testimony that the White House did not provide warning ahead of Trumps decision to pull out of Syria. The administrations nominee to serve as US envoy to Iraq has yet to have a Senate hearing, leaving less senior State and National Security Council officials in charge of the file.

The relationship is strong enough to survive something like this, said Ollivant, the former NSC Iraq director. Its kind of the equivalent of being rude to your girlfriend. It doesnt mean shes going to leave you, but it doesnt help.
RAMALLAH, West Bank  The Israeli government is expelling the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH) force, the civilian observation mission that has monitored the divided city in the southern West Bank for more than 20 years.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided Jan. 28 not to renew the TIPH mandate. We will not allow the presence of the TIPH force that operates against us, Netanyahu said in a statement to the press. Israel's Public Security Ministry accused the TIPH of cooperating with extremists and interfering with soldiers and police.

The TIPHs mandate is normally renewed twice a year, in January and June, by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Israel. The TIPH reports to its five founding countries  Turkey, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Italy  as well as the PA and Israel, on breaches of agreements on Hebron, as well as on violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws.

Saeb Erekat, secretary-general of the PLO Executive Committee, said at a press conference Jan. 31 that he had personally signed the renewal of the TIPH mandate Jan. 27. He confirmed, however, that the TIPH received the Israeli government's decision to terminate its mission.

The Israeli decision raised the PA's concern over possible repercussions on Palestinians in Hebron. The PA fears Israeli settlers will launch more attacks on Palestinian residents in the absence of a third-party observer. The PA also fears the decision will encourage Israelis' settlement activities, specifically in the old quarter and the southern area of Hebron.

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for PA President Mahmoud Abbas, warned in a Jan. 28 press release of the impact Israel's decision could have on the situation in Hebron. Israel's disregard of all signed agreements and its refusal to abide by its commitments create an atmosphere of tension and chaos, with unpredictable consequences, he said.

In a Jan. 29 press release, Erekat said Israels decision is a preliminary step toward abolishing all bilateral agreements reached since the Oslo Accord on Palestinian autonomy in the 1990s. He described the nonrenewal of the TIPHs mandate as a move toward the illegal annexation of the West Bank and the imposition of Greater Israel on Palestines historic land, demonstrating clear contempt for the UN and international laws.

Erekat said Netanyahu's decision represents an open invitation to commit more massacres that will give Israeli settlers the freedom to act against Palestinians without any supervision.

The TIPH was deployed in Hebron after the UN Security Council issued Resolution 904 in March 1994 in the wake of a massacre at the Hebron Mosque of Ibrahim. On Feb. 25, 1994, Israeli settler Baruch Goldstein gunned down 29 Palestinian worshipers and injured 125 others. The UNSC resolution called for measures to be taken to guarantee the safety and protection of the Palestinian civilians throughout the occupied territory, including, [among other things], a temporary international or foreign presence.

Representatives of the PA and Israel held bilateral negotiations in 1994 and asked Italy and Norway to deploy international observers temporarily in Hebron. The first TIPH mission began that May and withdrew from the city that August.

The signing of the Oslo II Interim Agreement on Sept. 28, 1995, called for a partial redeployment of the Israeli security forces in Hebron, along with a temporary international presence. On Feb. 1, 1997, the TIPH started operating in Hebron.

After Netanyahu's announcement, Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Marie Eriksen Soreide told Reuters, The one-sided Israeli decision can mean that the implementation of an important part of the Oslo Accord is discontinued. She noted, "[The] situation in Hebron is unstable and characterized by conflict, adding that the TIPH's expulsion is worrying."

Hebron Deputy Gov. Khalid Dudin told Al-Monitor, The TIPH is the only international witness that monitors attacks by the Israeli army and settlers in the old city of Hebron and the southern area. This did not please the settlers and the army. He added, The presence of the TIPH comforted Palestinian citizens, especially as the mission would document all acts on the ground.

According to Dudin, the TIPH suspension ends the remainder of the Oslo agreement and the Hebron Protocol of 1997, and kills any potential chance for international protection of Palestinians, because Israel will not allow it. The governorate is in contact with the PLO, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Palestinian Mission at the UN to ask the UN and the world to pressure Israel into reneging on its decision.

Netanyahu's decision comes in the midst of a fierce election campaign in Israel. All candidates, including Netanyahu, aspire to win the support of settlers.

Netanyahu  is leading a battle to win every vote amid his difficult situation, against the background of his investigation on corruption charges," said Antoine Shalhat, director of the Israeli Scene Unit at the Palestinian Forum for Israeli Studies (MADAR). In the last elections, Netanyahu relied on a right-wing base of settlers to become prime minister and he is trying to preserve this base for the legislative elections slated for April 9.

Shalhat added, "The settlers in Hebron who incite against TIPH are the largest and the most radical part of this electoral base. This is why Netanyahu saw the expiry of TIPH as an opportunity to get rid of it and assert his loyalty to the settlers.

Tayseer Khaled, a member of the PLO Executive Committee, told Al-Monitor that Netanyahu's decision demonstrates Israels total disregard of international law and UN resolutions.

He pointed out that the TIPH provides no physical protection to the Palestinian people on the ground, but rather monitors events and documents them in its reports. The international community doesn't act or show any reaction to these reports. Yet Israel keeps rejecting the TIPH, Khaled added, noting that the suspension of the TIPH mandate should be a problem acknowledged by the international community.

As the PA relentlessly calls for international protection for the Palestinian people, Netanyahu's decision to expel the TIPH forces seems to turn those hopes into a far-fetched dream.
Just over 18 months after starring at the leadership summit of the central European Visegrad Group in July 2017, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will host the leaders of Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia Feb. 18-19 in Jerusalem. Even the most hostile of media outlets (which according to Netanyahu include all Israeli journalists and television networks not unconditionally supportive of him), will be forced to cover the unusual event. Which other candidate running for the premiership on April 9 will have his photo taken with four European leaders against the backdrop of Judaisms holiest site, the Western Wall? How many of those running can organize such an Israel-supporting coalition of European Union states, so many of which are opposed to Israels occupation of the Palestinians and advocate human rights? So what if several of them are tainted by anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial? No stain can resist the bleaching effect of a wreath-laying ceremony at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem.

Yair Lapid, the chair of centrist Yesh Atid and a second-generation Holocaust survivor, was the only senior politician to speak out against the hosting of the summit in Israel. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki had pushed through legislation degrading to victims of the Holocaust, he said. When this law was first debated in Poland in 2016, Yehuda Bauer, the pre-eminent Holocaust historian who serves as an academic adviser to Yad Vashem, told Haaretz that the legislation bordered on Holocaust denial. Lapid also pointed to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who had engaged last year in a campaign bordering on anti-Semitism. This is a loss of all national pride and international damage, he tweeted Jan. 28. Lapid urged Netanyahu to curb his lust for campaign photo ops and forego hosting the summit. Nonetheless, let us not forget that Lapid himself was silent over reports of Israeli arms sales to despicable regimes accused of war crimes.

Retired Ambassador Colette Avital, the chair of the Israeli umbrella organization of Holocaust survivor groups, was less diplomatic. In an interview with Al-Monitor, she accused Netanyahu of providing a seal of approval to leaders and regimes with neo-Nazi leanings, hurting Holocaust survivors and the memory of its victims. The former Labor Party Knesset member added, Motivated by narrow interests, the prime minister is helping those rewriting history  those who love Israel but hate the Jews.

For Netanyahu, the paramount interest is to remain in power (and to avoid going to jail). In his view, Israels broader interests lie in tougher sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program and in removing its presence from Israels borders. Next in line is blocking international pressure on Israel to stop the creeping annexation of the West Bank and end the Israeli occupation there. Netanyahu, like his predecessors, also attaches great importance to selling arms to the highest bidder, including to dark regimes. Respect for the principles of liberal democracy, human rights and universal morality have no place in the Netanyahu school of government.

As Netanyahu sees it, a close relationship with the Visegrad Group serves Israeli interests well. So do the burgeoning ties with Persian Gulf leaders, Chad, South Sudan, China, Brazil, India and, of course, US President Donald Trump, the only leader who can take on Netanyahu in a mudslinging contest against the guardians of democracy. As Netanyahu himself said at the July 2017 Visegrad Summit in Budapest, The European Union is the only association of countries in the world that conditions relations with Israel, which produces technology in every area, on political conditions.

He is quite right. Netanyahus worldview and the array of interests guiding his policies place him far closer to Orban than to German Chancellor Angela Merkel. They even have a mutual, make-believe enemy: Jewish American philanthropist George Soros, who is of Hungarian origin.

According to a Jan. 20 Buzzfeed expose, Netanyahu was the one who hooked up Orban with his legendary American campaign advisers, Arthur Finkelstein and George Birnbaum. The two masterminded the campaign that led Hungarys right-wing party to victory. The unwritten deal between Netanyahu and the leaders of Central Europe is best described by what Netanyahu said about his policy on the Palestinians  If they give, they will receive; if they dont give, they will not receive. The Visegrad Europeans give Netanyahu a photo op alongside international leaders as though his country were not an occupying power. In return, he gives them one at Yad Vashem as though there were no anti-Semitism problem in their countries.

Like every VIP visitor to Israel, the Visegrad Four will lay wreaths at Yad Vashem. So did the tyrant from Chad, Idriss Deby (2018), and President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte (2018). Duterte had declared in 2016, Hitler massacred three million Jews  theres three million drug addicts. There are. Id be happy to slaughter them. Other Yad Vashem visitors include Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta (2016) and Myanmar military head Min Aung Hlaing (2015), who launched a genocide and ethnic cleansing shortly after visiting the memorial.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz took the trouble of bringing with him on his June 2018 visit a list of his countrys lost Jewish communities. The guide who showed him around could not resist mentioning some of the sites of recent anti-Semitic events inspired by the Austrian Freedom Party, a member of the countrys coalition government. Austria complained and Yad Vashem apologized.

Speaking to the New York Times, Bauer the historian explained that the Foreign Ministry determines the guest list and the memorial's policies but justified the invitation extended to every foreign leader, even if its people we wouldnt invite to dinner.

However, Shalmi Barmor, former head of the Yad Vashem education department, protests what he describes as multiple carnival productions of Jewish identity. Speaking with Al-Monitor, he voiced harsh criticism of the apologetic attitude toward modern anti-Semitism, which views Jews as a parasitic bacteria that has infiltrated the body of the nation and is destroying it from within.

Barmor said, The particular lesson of the Shoah, never again, meaning a strong Jewish state that will defend the Jews and prevent another Holocaust, is undoubtedly a worthy, legitimate goal. Nonetheless, he bemoans that the Israeli school system scarcely addresses the broader, universal aspects of the Holocaust lessons. The reason, he said, is that Israel itself is not immune to such conduct as persecuting African asylum seekers, turning the occupied territories into mass ghettoes and whitewashing anti-Semites and tyrants from all corners of the world.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus advisers have no doubt that, in the end, Israel Resilience, the party of Benny Gantz, the new star of Israeli politics and main rival of Netanyahu, will merge with Yair Lapids Yesh Atid. Netanyahu is concerned that such a joint list would get more mandates than the Likud. A Channel 12 poll, for instance, gives a Gantz-Lapid union 35 mandates compared to 30 for Netanyahu and the Likud.

Netanyahu fears that if the Likud isn't the largest party in the Knesset, President Reuven Rivlin, with whom he doesnt get along, will charge Gantz with trying to form a government. Thus, Netanyahu is acting on two fronts. On one, he seeks to create a Likud-right-wing bloc that would run in a joint list and ensure its place as the largest party. To do so, Netanyahu asked Likud members to reserve three places on the list for him, and not just the one hes already reserved. Like that, he will be able to plug in three candidates of his choice without needing the party institutions approval.

The move was meant to offer a solution to small right-wing parties that might have difficulties overcoming the vote threshold, like Avigdor Libermans Yisrael Beitenu, which found itself in such a situation in 2009, or the religious Zionist party HaBayit HaYehudi. Liberman doesnt reject such a possibility, but he unrelentingly attacks Netanyahu for failing to implement right-wing policies. HaBayit HaYehudi announced that such a possibility wont be considered. The partys CEO, Nir Urbach, told Al-Monitor, Were not an offshoot of the Likud and well be a strong and impressive party. However, its likely that both parties would respond to the Likuds offer if polls leading up to the election show that theyre on the brink of the vote threshold.

Netanyahu and his advisers are also trying to encourage a union between the right wing and the ultra-Orthodox parties in order to prevent a waste of votes on parties that wont pass the vote threshold. Netanyahu fears that, according to his advisers estimates and analysis, his primary campaign message about his persecution by the elites in the media and the police, and the justice systems obsession to convict him, could draw many votes away from the small right-wing parties and thus endanger them.

Speaking with political sources, Al-Monitor learned that in a telephone conversation over the weekend between the prime minister and chairman of Mizrahi ultra-Orthodox Shas, Aryeh Deri, Netanyahu asked where the union between the other (Ashkenazi) ultra-Orthodox parties is stuck and how he could help. Deri answered that the party's not really sure if a union is indeed necessary, since he thinks Shas could reach 6-7 mandates, according to internal polls and the results of the local elections where it had rather good success. Secondly, he said, theres internal opposition in the Shas movement to such alliances that could erase the Mizrahi ultra-Orthodox partys uniqueness and conflict with the intentions of the movements founder, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. The two most experienced and senior politicians of Israeli politics (Netanyahu and Deri) examined various scenarios, and Netanyahu warned that if Shas falls under the vote threshold, Gantz and the left wing would be charged with forming the next government.

Netanyahu and his people, including his Chief of Staff Yoav Horowitz, held similar conversations with Yaakov Litzman and Moshe Gafni, the leaders of the two factions that compose Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox party, Yahadut HaTorah. Litzman is a big fan of the idea, while Gafni is not thrilled but wont oppose the unification move. In any case Deri, Litzman and Gafni gave Netanyahu a similar answer, saying that theyll consult their rabbis, who will direct them. In Litzmans Agudat Yisrael faction, the rabbis support such a move; in Gafnis Degel HaTorah faction, they havent decided yet, and in Shas, as noted, theres opposition, but if Deri wants it, the opposition will surely give in.

Netanyahu had a similar phone conversation with Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of Ichud Leumi (the National Union), the party representing the more hawkish side of religious Zionism. Netanyahu encouraged him to advance a possible alliance with the more moderate HaBayit HaYehudi party and also with far-right Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power)  the party of nationalist activist Rabbi Meir Kahanes successors. At the same time, Netanyahu is pushing for unity in this framework with Eli Yishai, head of ultra-Orthodox Yachad party, which broke off from Deris Shas a few years ago.

But while these contacts go on, Smotrich, who takes a nationalist, critical approach rather than a stately, or more mainstream, one toward the Israel Defense Forces, the police and security forces, continues to express his opinions. This week, on Jan. 31, he demanded that several soldiers accused of striking Palestinians be released from detention.

Leaders of center and left-wing parties, including Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid, criticized Netanyahus willingness to advance extremist right-wing parties, as some of them espouse racist platforms. But Netanyahu sees only the need to prevent a loss of votes for the right. Journalist Shimon Riklin, one of Netanyahus associates, responded to these allegations and said that the left is not ashamed to depend on the Arab parties, some of whose members (allegedly) argue against the existence of the State of Israel and aid terrorists, and thus they have no ground to rebuke Netanyahu.

The problem of the vote threshold exists on the left as well. Thus, the Meretz party, according to polls, teeters at the 4-5 mandate cliff, perhaps because of a loss of votes to Gantzs party, who seems to be the only person able to defeat Netanyahu and the Likud. Journalists and public figures are pushing for a Meretz alliance with the Labor Party, so that the Meretz party wont be erased. Chairwoman of Meretz, Tamar Zandberg, has appealed to Labor Party members in such a spirit. Senior Labor member Shelly Yachimovich supports this move, but Chairman Avi Gabbay is not thrilled, saying that theres significant gaps between the two parties and that a merger wont help change the government. His associates say his stance is firm and that a union is unlikely.

The four Arab parties that ran in the Joint List alliance in the last 2015 election have broken up since the resignation of Knesset member Ahmad Tibi and the formation of his Taal Party. Two of them might run on one ticket, yet nothing has been decided. Tibi told Al-Monitor that he wont respond to efforts to return him to the Joint List and that he has polls that show he would receive at least six mandates if he runs independently at the head of Taal.

Opinions are split on this. Shlomi Eldar wrote recently for Al-Monitor that Tibi refused tempting offers to return to the Joint List, and that several Joint List seniors would actually be happy to hand him over Raam  the party representing the Islamic Movement in Israel. Raam has presented a set of demands vis-a-vis Hadash party Chairman Ayman Odeh, who also serves as head of the Joint List; demands that he would rather not accept. A senior Arab Israeli politician confirmed to Al-Monitor that efforts are indeed being made to convince Tibi to join forces with Raam. Tibi has good connections with the heads of this party, and over the weekend, on Feb. 2, he even traveled with them to visit Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In the end, some of the mergers would probably take place both on the right and on the left. These decisions will be made according to polls in the third week of February, before the last date to submit candidate lists for the Knesset on Feb. 21.
Mohammad Bathaei, Irans controversial education minister, can finally claim some victory in gathering bipartisan support for his campaign against the countrys educational book publishers. During his two years in office, the 55-year-old former teacher has managed to ban supplementary books from schools, claiming that they are detrimental to the school curriculum. These books are one of the main sources of income for private educational book publishers.

Bathaei also announced, on Jan. 2, the partial end of "the konkur," Irans highly competitive national university entrance exam. This, too, will deliver another blow to the publishers who earn millions in test preparations for the multiple-choice exam that is taken by millions of high school graduates every year, after intense preparations.

Bathaeis battle against homework at schools is another blow. In Iran's elementary and secondary schools, most of the homework is assigned from  and solved with the help of  supplementary textbooks rather than official textbooks. Banning homework  as Bathaei did in September 2018  means that these textbooks will no longer be necessary, depriving private book publishers from another chunk of their revenues.

Ironically, the most vocal reaction to the homework ban has not come from the educational book publishers but from Grand Ayatollah Jabar Sobhani. "This is not a correct measure, and a student should not be set loose after school  their brains should exercise by doing homework," Sobhani was quoted as saying in the local media in mid-December.

Sobhani went as far as saying that banning homework was against the Quran and the lifestyle of the ulema, those educated in religious law. He called upon the education minister to readdress the issue and overrule the decision. Students should be asked to do homework like in the past," he said.

The ayatollah's strong statement immediately got the attention of the media that noticed the disagreements between Bathaei and Sobhani. Media reports revealed that Sobhani had criticized Bathaei in a meeting with the Cultural Association of Educational Publications.

The ayatollah's support backfired, however. Mohammad Taghi Rahbar, a senior cleric, told Reformist Entekhab news site Dec. 15, "We cannot refer to the Quran to [claim] the necessity of homework. This is not related to the Quran. The only nightly homework in the Quran is praying."

On social networks, Iranian users created the hashtag #homework in Farsi to express their views. Media activist Ali Akrami boldly tweeted on Dec. 13 that the ayatollah had been under the influence of publishers, not the Quran, to make such a statement: "The managers of [educational book publishers] such as Gaj and Ghalamchi visited the grand ayatollah to get this fatwa [religious edict] that banning homework is against the Quran."

Gaj and Ghalamchi, two most powerful private educational institutions in Iran, offer a wide range of educational products and services that range from supplementary textbooks to biweekly exams and personal tutoring for those who are competing for university seats.

Their roles have been challenged by Bathaei ever since he became minister in 2017. At a press conference on Aug. 26, 2018, he referred to the supplementary textbooks as detrimental to the school curriculum and said that they must be removed from all schools starting with the country's elementary schools.

In early January, Bathaei commented on the konkur, writing on this Twitter account with the hashtag #goodbyekonkur, Students can gain admission to 85% of the fields of study at universities without needing to take part in the difficult exam and undergo intense stress, solely based on their educational backgrounds."

It is yet to be seen whether this can lead to the complete end of the national exam and what the new system will be. Ahmad Hajforoush, an independent researcher on education, wrote on Khabar Online Jan. 19 that "the 85% open seats" are for unpopular subjects and academies and had been announced before, implying that students who seek admission to the top universities would stil have to take the konkur.

Bathaei blames the "Konkur Mafia" for being behind the resistance against all his actions, because with homework and the konkur exam gone both teachers and students will use less supplementary textbooks and publishers will lose revenues.

Supplementary textbooks are a major market in Iran. According to Fars News Agency and Khaneh Ketab (Book House), a nonprofit organization that releases a wide range of statistics on published books in Iran, of the total of 6,961 books published in September 2018, textbooks topped all other topics by 1,701 books. In addition, Khorasan newspaper reported that 200 million books were published in 2018 and more than 22 million were textbooks.

According to the former chairman of Iran's Islamic Azad University, Farhad Rahbar, there is an 80-trillion-rial industry ($1.9 billion) benefitting from the konkur. Therefore, he said, "those who benefit from it would do anything to keep the exam in place."

However, it looks like the education minister's campaign has been victorious so far, as confirmed by the publishers themselves. In October 2018, Gaj publishers laid off 500 people, announcing that more layoffs could be imminent if the publishing business diminished further.

The campaign against the educational book publications has become bipartisan. Hard-line Javan newspaper wrote on Dec. 15 that the "Destructive Mafia had taken advantage of grand ayatollahs, warning them that "the Qom ayatollah should be careful so that 'the Konkur Mafia' does not exploit the legitimacy of grand ayatollahs for their own interests."

The next battleground may be the advertisements by the publishers on state TV, which the critics say persuade Iranian families to be "deceived" into believing that they are jeopardizing their childrens education if they do not use the supplementary textbooks and educational tools proposed. Gholam Reza Kateb, a conservative member of parliament, revealed in August 2018 that "one of the educational groups has paid 320 billion rial [$7.6 million] to state TV in return for broadcasting its ads for one month."

A report published on moderate Khabar Online in October said that the educational book publishers pay 500 trillion rial ($119 million) for special shows on state TV in connection to the konkur.

On Jan. 1, Bathaei stated that he had written a letter to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei concerning the rampant educational ads on state TV and received a positive answer. Subsequently, state TV announced that it has decreased the broadcast of such ads by 50%.

It looks like Bathaei has won the war against the educational book publications by a partial ban of the konkur and abolishing homework. The sector, in turn, may resort to lobbying in parliament, persuading a number of parliamentarians to act against the minister, which, even if successful, would not change the decision that has been taken.
It all began with petitions signed by "the revolutionary people" of Karaj, a city west of the capital Tehran, where parliament speaker Ali Larijani was scheduled to deliver a speech on the upcoming 40th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution Feb. 11. According to ultra-conservative outlet Raja News, the petitions were an expression of anger backed by the city's Friday prayer leader Seyyed Mohammad Mehdi Hosseini Hamedani, who declared it a "legitimate" protest.

The hard-line cleric openly demanded that the speech be canceled. "The ceremony is meant to commemorate the revolution. The speaker of that ceremony must be a revolutionary, too," Hamedani's website quoted him as saying.

The term "revolutionary," a recurrent motif in speeches by Iran's supreme leader, has increasingly come to reference people he and figures close to him view as committed to the basic principles of the Islamic Republic. Critics perceive it as a euphemism for someone with a hard-line mindset and zero tolerance for political differences.

The message from the Karaj Friday prayer leader was clearly received. Larijani's office announced that the trip was canceled and that the cleric could feel free to ask anyone of his choice to deliver the speech.

Larijani has been a heavyweight politician with significant leverage in Iran's key decision-making processes for years. Despite his origins in the country's conservative camp, he has made a piecemeal metamorphosis into a moderate figure. His close coordination with President Hassan Rouhani and particularly his support for the highly divisive nuclear deal enraged his former allies, exposing him to unyielding attacks.

While conservative papers largely ignored the cancelation of the speech, outlets with Reformist affiliations covered it extensively. Arman ran an interview with Gholam-Ali Rajaee, a Reformist adviser to the mayor of Tehran. Rajaee warned that if not properly addressed, similar moves could target other senior officials. The parliament speaker took "a smart tactical step," opined Aftab, another Reform-leaning daily.

The parliament speaker's decision was perhaps rooted in concern about a repeat of what happened to him during a similar event in the ultra-religious city of Qom  his own constituency  back in 2013, when he was confronted by a large and furious shoe-throwing crowd.

After the cancelation of the speech, Larijani's like-minded colleagues came out in his defense. "There are certain people in our country who insist on extremism," said Mahmoud Sadeghi, a lawmaker from Tehran known for his quick and outspoken reactions. Sadeghi also raised concern about "what the hard-liners might have in store for the country."

Deputy parliament speaker Ali Motahari, who is also Larijani's brother-in-law, urged the Iranian judiciary to intervene, while another deputy speaker, Masoud Pezeshkian found the matter serious enough to be addressed by the supreme leader.

The "revolutionary people" who blocked Larijani's speech have not offered an explanation as to why he was so unwelcome. But speculation has been rife that Larijani is aspiring to become Iran's next president. The speech, therefore, might have been viewed by powerful hard-liners as a prelude to the 2021 campaign.

In the "bumpy road ahead," as an Iranian economic analyst has put it, Larijani faces other, more serious accusations. There are unofficial reports that ultra-conservative cleric Ayatollah Mohammd Yazdi, a member of the Assembly of Experts, told a meeting of the powerful clerical body that Larijani had sat down with the UK Ambassador to Tehran, Rob Macaire. According to Yazdi's account, the British diplomat offered Larijani a deal: The UK government will support Larijani in the 2021 presidential polls in exchange for the parliament speaker's help with the ratification of a controversial bill against the funding of terrorism, a precondition for Iran to be removed from the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force.

The British envoy expressed surprise at the claim and denied even having met with Larijani, let alone engaging in such a discussion with him. "I certainly would not be 'pledging help' for anyone in Irans next elections, since we do not interfere in Irans internal politics."

Larijani is not the lone target of the hard-liners' campaign to keep moderate figures away from podiums. "Now that the public demand for the cancelation of Larijani's speech has worked, lets just take another resolute step forward by doing the same to Rouhani's speech as well," tweeted a man introducing himself as a staunch supporter of the supreme leader. He was referring to a key speech addressing the Tehran rallies for the Islamic Revolution's anniversary, traditionally delivered by the country's sitting president. Days ahead of the annual address, pressure is already mounting and calls are getting loud under the hashtag "No to Rouhani's Speech."
When President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in May, Iran was expecting the European signatories to the deal to engage in serious efforts to uphold it. Indeed, on the very same day as the US withdrawal, President Hassan Rouhani announced in a televised speech his government's plans to launch intense, short-term negotiations with Europe to determine whether Iran should remain in the pact.

Eight months later, France, Germany and the UK issued a joint statement on the setting up of a transaction channel dubbed the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), meant to keep trade with Iran flowing. The mechanism, the so-called E3 announced, was to be based in Paris and managed by a former German banker, with a British-led board. But while formally registered, INSTEX is still far from being operational.

In their joint statement, the E3 made it clear that the channel would be limited, at least in the short term, to vital trade in food and medicine, an indication that INSTEX may do little to benefit the greater Iranian economy, which is in dire need of investment by large foreign firms as a remedy in the face of US sanctions. Still, the establishment of the payment channel can be seen as a positive political step amid an adverse psychological atmosphere for Iran; this could explain why INSTEXs registration has been welcomed, albeit cautiously, by Iranian officials.

Yet hopes that the move will be sufficiently encouraging for Iran to stay within the deal are dim. Ever since the JCPOA was inked, the E3 has repeatedly expressed concern over Iran's missile program and its regional activities. On Jan. 9, the European Union placed two Iranian individuals as well as a department of the country's Intelligence Ministry on its sanctions list for what it called Tehran's role in a failed bomb plot in France. Weeks later, the French foreign minister warned that if progress is not made in talks with Iran about its missile program, Tehran will face new sanctions.

The US departure from the JCPOA has in the past year triggered an exodus of large European companies from Iran. In other words, Europe has not provided Iran with the benefits that the Islamic Republic hoped to gain from the agreement. This has now brought to the fore a serious debate in Tehran over whether to remain committed to a deal which is not benefiting it. It has also exposed the Rouhani administration to cutthroat criticism and pressure from the country's hard-liners.

"Thanks to the Rouhani government's weakness, the Europeans who were expected to bring us guarantees [of the promised dividends under the deal] slapped us with sanctions," wrote Kayhan, a conservative paper affiliated with the office of Iran's supreme leader. The Jan. 8 editorial, which referred to fresh EU penalties, noted that rather than imposing sanctions on Iran, Europe must clarify why it is harboring "such terror groups as the MEK [the exiled Mujahedeen-e-Khalq opposition group] and Al-Ahwaziyah [the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz], which have killed Iranian civilians." As a staunch opponent of the nuclear deal with a cynical view toward European intentions, Kayhan also highlighted Europe's unfulfilled promises related to the landmark accord. "The only measure to counter Europe's growing impudence is for Iran to immediately depart from the JCPOA," the editorial concluded.

Voices of discontent about INSTEX continue to be heard from hard-line figures in Iran who have been relentlessly opposing the JCPOA. In a chain of tweets, Mehdi Mohammadi, a prominent conservative pundit, hit out at the E3 countries, describing them as "weak and untrustworthy conspirators." He warned that in a matter of six months, Iran will regret pinning its hopes on Europe.

The European policy of compartmentalizing the JCPOA from other thorny issues couldnt be more evident in the tensions reported in a Jan. 8 meeting between Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and European ambassadors, who warned that their governments would not tolerate Iran's missile program and assassination plots on European soil.

While expected to do more to mitigate the impact of the US departure from the JCPOA, Europe has shown no signs of compromise on non-nuclear matters of dispute with Iran. As such, it has even reportedly failed to protect ordinary Iranians, including students who cannot open accounts with European banks. In another setback, Germany announced Jan. 21 that it was banning Mahan Air. As these negative impacts are increasingly being felt by ordinary Iranians, the measures are likely to further convince Iranian public opinion that the country should bid farewell to the JCPOA.

"Europe's current Iran policy is founded on the key principle of differentiating between the JCPOA and such matters as the missile program and Iran's regional presence," European affairs analyst Yasser Nour-Alivand told Al-Monitor. "Therefore, they will continue to maintain pressure on Iran over its missiles and regional influence while implementing INSTEX in a way that it would not interfere with the non-JCPOA sanctions on Tehran."

Nour-Alivand said that as long as Europe proceeds with such a policy, Iran would be better off reducing its compliance with the JCPOA. "While making sure that the basis of the JCPOA remains unharmed, Iran will be sending an important signal to the Europeans that warnings about a withdrawal from the JCPOA are not empty threats and that any coming decision will be made in proportion to future European steps," the analyst said.

The current circumstances surrounding the JCPOA are highly reminiscent of the atmosphere that prevailed after the failures of the 2003 Sadabad Declaration and the 2004 Brussels Understanding. Back then, Irans European interlocutors ultimately gave in to pressure from US President George W. Bush and failed to safeguard the deals. In response, Iran resumed its enrichment program, which it had voluntarily suspended. Those developments ultimately brought about numerous implications for both Iran and the wider region: The Iranian nuclear program was fast-tracked, and backed by the country's hard-liners, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad  who openly advocated defiance of the enrichment freeze  was elected president in 2005. The West imposed extensive punitive measures to force Iran to change course.

Now, a repeat of history is highly probable. While, unlike in 2003, the Europeans are stressing the necessity of sticking to the deal, they also are demonstrating little willingness to undertake serious practical measures that would allow Iran to enjoy the promised dividends in exchange for the commitments it has lived up to under the agreement. This European approach is, therefore, pushing Iran toward considering  more seriously than ever  a departure from the JCPOA as its only option.
CNN released a bombshell report Monday evening accusing Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates of funneling American-made weapons to Al-Qaeda and other militant groups in Yemen, which would violate US arms sales agreements.

Why it matters: The Pentagon confirmed to CNN that it has launched an investigation into the Saudi-led coalitions arms transfers in Yemen, which could expose sensitive US technology to Iran-backed Houthi rebels and other hostile groups.

"We have not gotten authoritative certification of how those weapons are being used, US Central Command Chief Joseph Votel told the Senate Armed Services Committee at a hearing on global threats today. We have not authorized Saudi Arabia or the Emirates to transfer any of this equipment to other parties on the ground in Yemen.

But Votel also said he was concerned that the US arms sales process was too lengthy and not responsive to the needs of American allies. He hands over command to Marine Gen. Kenneth McKenzie in March.

Reaction from Capitol Hill: This investigation needs to be a wake-up call, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said in a press release today. Congress should immediately pass our bipartisan War Powers Resolution to get us out of the war in Yemen that has gone horribly wrong, and we must stop selling weapons to help Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to perpetuate this disastrous war.

Upcoming oversight: While the investigation will take some time, lawmakers from both parties who are frustrated with the high rate of civilian casualties in Yemen and the lack of progress into the probe of journalist Jamal Khashoggis murder are ready to take action. Just a few examples:

 Just ahead of Votels hearing, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., a potential 2020 Democratic presidential contender, made public a letter calling on Central Command to reveal more information about coalition airstrikes conducted with US munitions or US aerial refueling, as well as reported US training for Yemen operations following a Jan. 16 Yahoo News report. The US military cut off refueling support last year.

 Democrats in both chambers have reintroduced legislation to revoke President Donald Trumps war powers, including his ability to provide US intelligence support to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.

 Top Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democrat Bob Menendez of New Jersey is expected to soon reintroduce his bipartisan bill to suspend the sale of many US weapons to Saudi Arabia, including ammunition, guided missiles and aircraft. Menendez held up the sale of precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates during the last Congress.

Whats next: The Trump administration must certify that the Saudi-led coalition is mitigating civilian casualties in Yemen as a condition for US support by mid-month. President Trump may hear first-hand from US allies when he hosts the counter-Islamic State summit in Washington on Wednesday.

Know more: Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis put direct pressure on the Saudi-led coalition to cut down on collateral damage in the Yemen conflict, but his successor, Pat Shanahan, may be less engaged on the issue. Read Pentagon correspondent Jack Detschs latest on how personnel changes at the Defense Department are impacting US policy on Yemen.

-Jack Detsch
As Turkey and the Syrian Kurds lobby the Donald Trump administration on rival visions of a safe zone in northern Syria, a new proposal to deploy 10,000 Arab and Kurdish fighters to man it has prompted fresh speculation that a deal may be on the table.

Saudi Arabias Asharq al-Awsat newspaper reported today that US, Turkish and Iraqi Kurdish officials welcomed a plan from Syrian opposition leader Ahmad Jarba, a Sunni Arab tribal leader, to deploy between 8,000 and 12,000 fighters near the border. They would be drawn from his elite forces as well as Iraqi and Syrian Kurdish peshmerga fighters allied with Iraqi Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani.

This constellation would ostensibly replace the Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG), the United States main ally in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) in northern Syria. Turkey has been nagging Washington to scotch the alliance because of the YPGs links to Kurdish rebels fighting the Turkish army who are formally designated as terrorists by both Ankara and Washington.

Why it matters: President Trumps decision to withdraw the more than 2,000 US troops deployed in YPG-dominated areas has triggered a race between Turkey and the Syrian Kurds to milk as much out of Washington as they can. For Turkey, the priority is that the YPG be disarmed and tossed aside. The Kurds for their part insist that Turkey not be permitted to invade more of their territory, as it keeps threatening to.

The Saudi report quoting western diplomatic sources comes a day before foreign ministers of the 79-member global coalition against IS gathers in Washington for their periodic huddle. The leak appears calculated to encourage the notion that Trumps Syria team is succeeding in striking an arrangement that would check Irans influence, isolate Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and keep the Turks and the Kurds out of Russias orbit.

Nicholas Heras, a fellow at the Center for a New American Security, told Al-Monitor, the Americans are working on ways to stay in Syria that dont require US soldiers. Heras said Jarba, who handed over 500 of his men to the YPG-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), is the lowest common denominator leader [because] the Americans, the Turks, the SDF and the Gulf Arabs can all tolerate him.

Pie in the sky: But well-informed sources speaking to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity contested that view, calling Jarbas maneuvers all a game. With Trump determined to pull out of Syria, Turkey is playing for time with its purported safe zone schemes so as to get Washington to discourage the SDF from negotiating with the Assad regime. If deals need to be cut with Damascus, Turkey wants to get there before the Kurds.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans admission on Sunday that low-level contacts were already taking place with Damascus chimes with this strategy. Well-informed sources told Al-Monitor that detente with Damascus figure prominently in Erdogans weekend meeting in Istanbul with Jordans King Abdullah II, who has been quietly rekindling ties with the Assad regime.

Whats next: Erdogans fresh gripes today about the lack of progress on the so-called Manbij road map to purge pro-YPG figures from the mainly Arab towns military and civilian affairs is further evidence of the continued differences between Ankara and Washington over Syria. If the two countries cant implement a road map for a single town agreed on in June, its hard to imagine how they can see eye-to-eye on broader security arrangements for territory three times the size of Lebanon. Turkeys battles with Syrias Kurds are shifting from Washington to Damascus, with Russia and Iran among the principal power brokers.

Know more: Read Jack Detschs report on Syrian Kurdish lobbying efforts in Washington and Jano Shakers interview with a Syrian Kurdish leader who describes what the Kurds can expect from their contacts with Moscow and the Syrian regime.

-Amberin Zaman
Ayatollah Asks UN to Investigate Violence Against Mosul's Assyrians

Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani is regarded as the spiritual leader for Iraq's Shia Muslims and one of the most senior Shia clerics in the Islamic world. He is based in Najaf, Iraq. He has recently meet with the United Nations Investigative Team intended to advance accountability for the crimes committed by ISIS, a Sunni terrorist organization. During this meeting, the Ayatollah reportedly urged the UN team to pay specific attention to the crimes of ISIS against religious minorities, such as Christians in Mosul.

Religious sectarian conflicts have plagued Iraq for decades, with Christians often caught in the middle between warring Shia and Sunni factions. Iraqi Christians began leaving the country in waves following the invasion in 2003. The violence which prompted the waves of mass exodus would become steadily worse, eventually cumulating in ISIS taking over the Nineveh Plains in 2014.

Christians had made the Nineveh Plains their home in Iraq for centuries, but the violence of ISIS has left behind irreparable damage. Though defeated, the ghosts of ISIS haunt the region through the massive amount of destruction left behind. A lack of stability and security, combined with missing basic services such as water, have deterred many displaced Christians from returning home. Christians also continue to point to how quick many of their neighbors were to join ISIS in their genocidal ideology against religious minorities. A lack of community trust, particularly in regards to Mosul, remains prevalent throughout society.
ANKARA, Turkey  President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned today that if Syrian Kurdish militia members are not expelled from Manbij and the Turkish-Syrian border zone, Turkey will do the job itself.

Making his weekly address to legislators of his Justice and Development Party in parliament, Erdogan expressed impatience with the United States for its perceived failure to deliver on understandings he reached in phone calls with President Donald Trump.

We have warm conversations with Trump but, on the lower level of diplomatic and military issues, the US offers no concrete plan, Erdogan said.

If the terrorists in Manbij are not removed in the next few weeks, our waiting will end. We will go our own way and nothing will stop us from implementing our plans, including a sanctions list, he said, referring to the possibility that the United States would penalize Turkey for intervening in the north-central Syrian town.

Turkey reached an agreement with the United States for the withdrawal of the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) from Manbij last year. But despite Trumps announcement in December that US forces would pull out of Syria, the town continues to be controlled by US troops and the allied Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)  of which the YPG is the largest component.

Similarly, Turkey says the Americans have not done enough toward setting up a safe zone along Syrias northeast border with Turkey, a zone free of the YPG. Turkey regards the YPG as a terrorist organization as it is a sister organization of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a Turkish Kurdish insurgent group.

If the US does not contribute to a safe zone under the control of Turkey, we will take the matter into our own hands, Erdogan said.

We dont accept any other formula than a safe zone where Turkey has control and other countries provide logistical support, the president added, indicating he expected American air power to back Turkey.

But if Turkey does not get Washingtons support for its plans in northern Syria, it risks a confrontation with both the United States and Russia.

Trump warned last month he would devastate the Turkish economy if Turkish troops marched into Syria and attacked the SDF. Russia, which has armored cars on the outskirts of Manbij waiting for the Americans to leave, has said Syrian government forces should retake control of northern Syria after the US withdrawal. President Vladimir Putin supports the idea of a safe zone along Syrias border with Turkey, but says it should be maintained by Syrian government troops.

Reuters reports the safe zone is on the agenda of a ministerial meeting of countries fighting the Islamic State group that will be held in the United States on Wednesday. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is due to attend.

In other news, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras landed in Ankara this afternoon for talks with Erdogan on a variety of issues, some of which have plagued Turkish-Greek relations for decades.

The prime minister stepped down from a small air force passenger plane, wearing a dark suit and his signature white shirt with no tie.

He and Erdogan have met several times and they appear to get along despite sharp differences in views. Their last meeting in each others capitals was a public relations flop. In December 2017, Erdogan went to Athens and suddenly called for the renegotiation of the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne  the foundation of modern Turkey as well as Turkeys relations with Greece. Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos told the press it was out of the question and Tsipras said the proposal left him confused.

The issues facing Turkey and Greece include Cyprus  which has been divided into a Turkish-occupied north and a Greek Cypriot south since Turkey invaded in 1974 after a coup instigated by the junta in Athens; tension between Cyprus and Turkey over exploration for oil and natural gas off the Cypriot coast; refugees who cross illegally from Turkey to Greece in small boats; eight Turkish soldiers who found refuge in Greece after taking part in the attempted coup of 2016; and the Turkish states closure of the Greek Orthodox seminary on Heybeliada, an island near Istanbul.

A Turkish journalist of Greek origin, Yorgo Kirbaki, told the Turkish channel NTV that while the Greek press is pessimistic about Tsipras visit, he sees it as a positive move. Kirbaki said Tsipras has been pursuing a policy of improving relations with Greeces neighbors. The prime minister's foremost success so far has been to overcome the name dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The country is now called North Macedonia in deference to the northern Greek province of Macedonia.

Of all the issues on the table, the one that seems to be favored by Washington for resolution is the seminary on Heybeliada. The ecumenical head of the Orthodox Church, Patriarch Bartholomew, is a graduate of the theological school. NTV broadcast a video on the seminary today, showing a classroom with empty desks of black wood and its lovingly preserved chapel with frescoes and golden columns. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barrack Obama urged Ankara to reopen the seminary. But Ankara seeks matching concessions for the Turkish-speaking minority in eastern Greece.

Another Turk of Greek origin, Stelyo Berberakis, who reports for NTV from Athens, said the idea had been floated that Greece would open a mosque in Thessaloniki, the northern town where Ataturk was born, in return for Turkeys allowing Heybeliada seminary to reopen.

Separately, the issue of hunger strikes came to the fore today when Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of the biggest opposition party, the Republican Peoples Party (CHP), addressed his legislators in a chamber of parliament.

More than 200 prisoners are currently on hunger strike in a bid to force the government to allow the imprisoned PKK leader, Abdullah Ocalan, to have regular meetings with his lawyers and relatives.

The strikes were initiated by Leyla Guven, a legislator for the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party, who was imprisoned in January 2018 for criticizing Turkeys military intervention in Syria.

Kilicdaroglu spoke of Eren Erdem, a former CHP legislator who has been detained for seven months on charges of being a Gulenist terrorist. Erdem began a hunger strike Jan. 28, saying he wanted a fair trial and a fair, democratic and fully independent Turkey.

Addressing Erdem, Kilicdaroglu said: We, as the CHP and this country, need you. Please end your hunger strike for justice.

Two hours later Erdem began eating food.

However, there has been no such let-up by Guven, who has not eaten for 90 days. Her health is failing and she cannot walk by herself.

On Jan. 25, a court ordered her release, but Guven continued her fast at home.
CAIRO  The Egyptian governorates, headed by Cairo governorate, started Jan. 19 implementing the government's decision to paint building facades in a unified color for a more modern and "civilized" look. The decision stirred controversy among citizens on the costs involved.

The color white was selected for the coastal governorates, light beige for the governorates in Upper Egypt and dark beige for Greater Cairo.

The move comes after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi instructed the government Jan. 17 to deal with the buildings whose facades are still unpainted. The Cabinet confirmed in a statement on the same day that the facades of these buildings will have to be painted or legal action would be taken against their owners, provided that the facades of these buildings are painted in one color to avoid what the statement described as a noncivilized scene.

Local Development Minister Maj. Gen. Mahmoud Shaarawi said in a Jan. 20 statement that the Unified Building Law issued by Decree No. 144 of 2009 obliges owners of real estate property to paint the facades of their buildings. He pointed out that residents would be responsible for painting the facades of the dwelling they own. The owners of real estate units in the new cities planned by the government will also be required to implement this decision and will only be granted licenses for electricity and water supply after painting their properties.

Article 84 of the Unified Building Law's Executive Regulations stresses the need to take into account the harmony between colors of new facades and colors of the surrounding buildings in order to create a unified look and preserve the areas urban character. The government is relying on this article to impose its penalties on contravening parties.

Article 104 of the Unified Building Law stipulates that whoever executes construction works [in residential units] without taking into account the technical rules in the design or execution shall be sanctioned with six months imprisonment and a penalty of not less than the equivalent of the value of the contravening works of a minimum of 50,000 Egyptian pounds [$2,800] and not more than three times of this value or with any of the two penalties.

Mohammed Abu Saada, the head of the National Organization for Urban Harmony (NOUH) told Al-Monitor that NOUH divided Egypt into seven regions and identified color groups for each region according to the nature and climate of the area. He noted that execution will begin immediately after counting the unpainted buildings across all governorates in the coming days.

Affirming that real estate owners will bear the costs of the painting works, Abu Saada said, The first stage of implementation would be to paint the buildings whose external facades have not been finished along main roundabouts and roads across all the governorates, and the second stage would cover buildings along secondary roads. The third stage is reserved for buildings whose facades were painted in other colors not specified by NOUH, so as to ensure greater urban homogeneity and harmony.

Of note, the government has yet to announce providing any financial or technical assistance to real estate owners to paint their properties.

Abu Saada noted that he held a meeting at NOUH headquarters two days after Sisi's instructions Jan. 17 with professors of architecture and arts from the various colleges, in addition to experts in the field of architecture. The meeting aimed to pick the color grades for painting the real estate facades, he added.

He also explained that the districts and governorates will be responsible for implementing Sisis instructions, but he did not set a date for when the work needs to be completed.

The decision to paint facades in a uniform color caused controversy among citizens. Many praised the decision, but others feared the execution of the presidents instructions would lead to a price hike in residential real estate properties.

Hanan Ahmed al-Dahshouri, a resident of Qalyubia governorate, told Al-Monitor that the government's decision to paint building facades would help generate "a kind of psychological comfort among citizens."

The decision would increase harmony and reduce the areas with redbrick buildings in many governorates, she said. The decision to beautify neighborhoods by painting the facades of buildings must go hand in hand, however, with residents understanding the decision.

Dahshouri pointed to the cheerful and colorful houses in Nubia, in the far south of the Nile Valley, saying, The Nubian community is convinced of the need to decorate their dwellings, irrespective of any law issued in this respect.

Mohammed Adly, a resident of Cairo, shares the same opinion. He praised the governments decision because of its aesthetic and artistic impact. Urban beautification is a cultural expression of community members and their lifestyle, he told Al-Monitor. The mechanism of implementation of this decision is linked to its acceptance or rejection by the residents. Under the Cabinet decision residents will bear the painting and refurbishing costs. For households with a low income this could be an additional financial burden they cannot afford.

He added, The government ought to bear part of the cost of the painting and refurbishing works and reduce the prices of the materials that must be available at public markets and shops. Residents would no longer bear the total cost of painting works alone and the beautification campaign would not lead to an increase in rental prices in the Egyptian market.

Deputy Minister of Local Development Khalid Qassem clarified in a press statement Jan. 20 that citizens who fail to paint the facades of their buildings would get a warning, and that relevant penalties provided for in the law would be imposed if they do not comply with the decision. He also talked about setting up a higher committee, which held its first meeting Jan. 31, tasked with following up on the implementation of this decision. The committee would be headed by the minister of local development and formed by representatives of NOUH, the governorates and civil society organizations.

Parliamentarian Saad Bdair, a member of the parliamentary Local Administration Committee, confirmed in a phone call to Al-Monitor his support for the government's decision. This would create a harmonious urban scene in residential areas, he said, noting that the Unified Building Law has not been applied for 10 years, which allowed the spread of redbrick buildings.

This decision will improve the citizens psychological situation and give an aesthetic look to cities, breathing life back into them, Adly said. He pointed out that the Local Administration Committee will follow up in the coming days with government officials on the implementation of this decision in all governorates, especially the main cities.
CAIRO  Mustafa (pseudonym) woke up Jan. 23 to the sounds of tractors as security forces, without prior notice, entered the area where his home is located in Nazlet El-Semman in Giza, amid protests from residents who had no idea what the government was planning.

This comes as part of a new round of forcing people from their homes and demolishing dwellings in different parts of Cairo and Giza, which the government calls eliminating violations or campaigns to develop and beautify Cairo.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi launched these campaigns in 2017 in order to develop several areas across Egypt by removing buildings illegally constructed.

Mustafa told Al-Monitor the details of what happened to the people of Nazlet El-Semman, an area overlooking the pyramids of Giza about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from central Cairo. On the morning of Jan. 23, security forces entered the area with tractors and besieged it, he said, noting that they began to demolish houses near the tourist area where shops sell souvenirs.

The residents tried to stop the security forces from demolishing their homes, insisting on their ownership of the land and that they were not encroaching on state land. Mustafa noted that this resulted in clashes, as security forces fired tear gas and arrested more than 30 people on charges of attacking the security forces.

The Cabinets media center issued a press release that Al-Monitor obtained a copy of, denying that there is a systematic campaign underway to displace the area's residents and that the video footage of the events that went viral is an attempt to convey a false truth.

The press release noted that a number of infringing properties, which had been built without security approval and affect the civilized landscape, were removed.

Meanwhile, the residents stressed that they have ownership documents proving their right to the land and the houses built on it.

Residents of the area are now negotiating with the government ways to ensure their rights as land and home owners, as they are in possession of the required documents that would allow them to take legal steps should the security forces continue the demoltion of their homes, according to Mustafa.

In June 2017, Sisi spoke about the encroachments on state lands at a youth conference. He said that removing these buildings would open the door to the economic exploitation of these areas, paving the way to develop them and eliminate what he called the slums. Since then, action in this regard has been increasing.

Nazlet El-Semman is not the only area whose residents the authorities decided to force into displacement. The same has been happening since the beginning of April 2018 in Maspero Triangle, a triangular-shaped area located behind the Egyptian National Media Authority (Maspero) on the borders of Giza governorate, roughly 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from central Cairo.

The actual displacement of the Maspero Triangle residents, which began three months ago and is still ongoing, has been the most violent among similar campaigns.

Mesbah Hassan, a resident of the Maspero Triangle and a member of the committee negotiating with the Egyptian government, told Al-Monitor, Some 4,000 families were displaced and their homes destroyed. Around 460 of them were given alternative housing in the Asmarat area, a new residential area on the outskirts of Cairo. However, it is not as close to the city and it lacks [public] services.

Hassan added, Some 950 families have negotiated with the government to return to the area after development works have finished. They agreed that they would return in three years and in the event of any delays, they would be granted 1,500 Egyptian pounds [$85] per month until they can move into their new homes.

He pointed out that landowners are still having problems with the state, especially since the government has not yet paid them their financial dues in return for giving up their homes, although it has been three months since displacement began and they signed contracts with the competent authorities for giving up their homes.

Hassan stressed the need to find a solution that satisfies everyone and provide the necessary services for families, especially as they had no other option than to agree to what the government put forward.

Al-Monitor tried to contact the Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Development, but to no avail.

Haitham Hariri, a member of parliament for the 25-30 bloc affiliated with the opposition in parliament, told Al-Monitor that the main problem is the government not offering citizens concrete alternatives. He said that there is a genuine trust issue between the residents and the current Egyptian regime, as a result of many policies. The process of forcing residents into displacement is not all bad, but the government has to provide appropriate alternatives, he added.

Hariri suggested that the government needs to take an initial step before demolishing houses and displacing people and build alternative housing first, rather than making what residents see as empty promises, given the lack of trust.

Removing citizens from Alexandrias residential areas in 2015 was a positive step because the government decided first to build new houses and immediately provide alternatives instead of leaving people out in the streets without any protection, Hariri concluded.
GREENVILLE  With the death of the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility at the Savannah River Site comes a new priority for U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham: getting weapons-grade plutonium out of South Carolina, and quickly.

"I've got one goal," Graham, a South Carolina Republican, said Monday before delivering a lunchtime speech. "I want the 9 metric tons  out of this state. Now. I want it out now."

Graham's call for speedy removal comes less than one week after the National Nuclear Security Administration's general counsel, Bruce Diamond, announced a half-metric-ton of defense plutonium was shipped from SRS to the Nevada National Security Site, about 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

The relocation campaign, Diamond explained in a court declaration, was handled prior to November 2018.

Graham was seemingly unimpressed by the amount moved: "Yeah, that's not much of a comfort to me," he said Monday.

The U.S. Department of Energy is required by court order to remove 1 metric ton of weapons-grade plutonium from South Carolina by 2020.

The DOE also faces a maximum $100 million fine each year it does not process plutonium via MOX  a venture terminated by the NNSA late last year  or more generally does not remove 1 metric ton of it from the state.

South Carolina is currently negotiating a potential settlement with the DOE regarding the $200 million owed from 2016 and 2017, according to court records. But on Monday, Graham said he doesn't "want the money."

"I want the stuff out," he said, continuing: "I want a pathway forward out of the state; I thought MOX provided that pathway. Now that MOX has been apparently terminated, I am more interested in a pathway out for the plutonium than I am about anything else."

Graham was one of MOX's most fervent supporters.

Last summer, the senior senator introduced an amendment to the fiscal year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act that would prevent the DOE from ending the MOX project.

While the amendment was approved on the Senate side, it did not make it into the final NDAA. President Donald Trump signed the FY19 NDAA into law in August 2018.
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Rena Humes, the winner of the 2019 Aiken County Scripps National Spelling Bee, got some good advice from her school's library media specialist, Michelle King, before the competition.

Her special tip was spell all the words right, said Humes, a sixth-grader at Kennedy Middle School.

And she did  even hypothesis, which Humes said was one of the harder words.

It was just long, she said.

Humes, a daughter of Yoon Park and Donald Humes, spelled the words popularity and boutique Monday night to win the spelling bee in 10 rounds. She will travel to Washington, D.C., in late May to compete with spellers from across the country in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Humes was the runner-up in the 2018 bee when she was a student at J.D. Lever Elementary.

Humes said she had a feeling she might win this year.

I'm definitely really hyped that I won, she said. I kind of knew it was going to happen because my Mom was praying really hard for me, and we were studying so much. I definitely feel relieved that it's over, and I'm still kind of nervous. My legs are still shaking a little bit  but it's a really good feeling.

Humes said she and her mom worked on spelling lists for about an hour every day to prepare for the bee, and for that help, Humes said she'll share the iPad she won for first place with her.

She'll probably get it for about a month, said Humes, who communicated with her mom in Korean after the bee.

I'm so proud of her, Yoon Park said. We worked so hard, and it worked out. I thank you, God, so much.

Andrew Pond, an eighth-grader at Paul Knox Middle School in North Augusta, placed second. He is a son of Mandy and Brad Pond.

The other 10 contestants in this years competition were Joanna Brown, Schofield Middle School; Bella Burton, Jefferson Elementary School; Serenity Hilton, East Aiken School of the Arts; Gina Hofstetter, Aiken Elementary School; Alex Kikendall, Aiken Middle School; India Perez, New Ellenton Middle STEAM Magnet School; Gianna Rando, Horse Creek Academy; Peyton Stevens, Belvedere Elementary; Liahona Velez, J.D. Lever Elementary School; and Yolanda Ward, New Ellenton Middle STEAM Magnet School.

The contestants represented 11 elementary and middle schools.

The alternates were Jayden Avancena, Leavelle McCampbell Middle School; Allie Harm, Chukker Creek Elementary School; Caden Jenkins, J.D. Lever Elementary School; Joseph Marshall, North Augusta Elementary School; Reina Mendez, Langley-Bath-Clearwater Middle School; and Erik Stier-Delgadillo, Millbrook Elementary School.

Humes and Pond each received a $100 Apple gift card, and all 12 contestants received a $100 gift card for Books-A-Million.

I'm going to buy a lot of books, Humes said. That's what I did last year. I love to read.

AECOM, Savannah River Remediation and the Aiken Standard sponsored the 2019 Aiken County Spelling Bee, which was held in the AECOM Center for the Performing Arts.
The soybean market during the summer growing season oftentimes takes its direction from the weather, and the way this summer is shaping up it 
Denver, the premium fragrance brand for men, recently appointed Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu as its brand ambassador. The association was announced at a press conference held at Annapurna Studios, Hyderabad, on February 1, 2019.

Through this appointment, Denver aims to tap into the massive opportunity for fragrance brands in the South Indian market. It plans to launch a TVC featuring Mahesh Babu to drive greater brand resonance with its target audience in the region during the first phase of the association.

Denver has positioned itself as a brand that celebrates the spirit of success, targeting the dynamic youth segment of India. Staying true to its existing image, the brand has zeroed in on Mahesh Babu, one of the most admired celebrities in the region, to enhance the brand recall amongst its target audience.

Speaking on the appointment, Saurabh Gupta, Director (Marketing & Sales)  Denver, said, Weve created deep inroads within Hindi-speaking markets with Shahrukh Khan as our brand ambassador. Now we also have Mahesh Babu on board, one of the well-known superstars of south India, as our second brand ambassador. An icon and idol for the regions youth, he is the perfect fit for the brand. We are confident that this association will enable us to reach out to and capture a much larger audience, thus significantly accelerating our growth in the South Indian market.

Mahesh Babu said, Denver is a brand that displays immense growth potential on the back of its excellent products. Its range of fragrances are perfect for men who thrive on their success and enjoy the better things in life. I am excited to be a part of Denvers growth journey as its brand ambassador for South India and am looking forward to a long and mutually successful association.

Denver currently enjoys 2% market share in South India, while its pan-India market share stands at 7%. Through this partnership, Denver is eyeing a 300% boost in market shares across South India and aims to become the most preferred fragrance brand in the region, thus bolstering its long-term vision of evolving into an all-encompassing grooming brand for men over the next couple of years.
Britannia, has introduced the Winkin Cow Thick shakes in an attractive Tetrapak format. The thick shake offers consumers the ultimate indulgence with four exciting and refreshing flavors  Vanilla, Choco, Strawberry and Mango. Packing in the wholesomeness of milk and natural ingredients and with no added preservatives or artificial colours, Winkin Cow is a go to for all thick shake fans.

To launch the new tetra offering, Britannia got on board Celebrity Chef Ajay Chopra to use Winkin Cow Thick Shakes and create delightful treats suited to a range of pallets. The recipes appeal as much to a homemaker looking for a quick and delicious treat for her kids, as it does to a time strapped millennial looking for a quick dessert hack for a party! Chef Ajay Chopra will showcase the finest dessert recipes like Badam Phirni, Chocolate Pancake, Mango Kulfi and Vanilla & Strawberry Pannacotta made super-easy with Britannia Winkin Cow thick shakes.

Talking about his partnership with Britannia, Chef Ajay Chopra says, With Britannia Winkin Cow Thick Shakes, I have taken a spin on regular favorites like pancakes and panacota. The taste, flavors and consistency of the thick shakes make them an ideal base ingredient to whip up delicious treats for a variety of occasions, be it a breakfast, an evening snack or a home party.

Venkat Shankar, VP & Head, Dairy Business, Britannia Industries Limited says, The launch of Winkin Cow thick shakes in Tetrapak serves our consumers with yet another convenient format to savour the product in. The thick shakes are a delightful and filling drink available in a range of our favorite flavours

The new Winkin Cow Milk Shake tetrapak is available PAN India in a convenient packaging of 180 ml, competitively priced at Rs.25.
Chico City Council to Discuss Emergency Shelter Tuesday

The Chico City Council will discuss a shelter emergency due to the cold. They will consider creating pop-up shelters with room for less than 100 people a night.

Chico City Council to Discuss Temporary Housing for Camp Fire Evacuees

The Chico City Council will also be addressing the housing crisis from the Camp Fire. They will consider setting up FEMA trailers on Hegan Lane in South Chico. The meeting is at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

Butte County Board of Supervisors to Discuss Local Hazard Mitigation Plan

Tuesday, the Butte County Board of Supervisors plans to discuss its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Officials are working to update the county's 2014 plan against floods, wildfires and severe weather. The meeting is open to the public. It starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday night at the Board's Chambers in Oroville.

Paradise Town Council and Butte County Board of Supervisors Vote to Repeal Temporary Housing Ordinance

Hundreds of Camp Fire survivors can no longer stay in temporary homes on their properties. Both the Paradise Town Council and the Butte County Board of Supervisors had to revoke the ordinances that allowed them to stay because of the threat of FEMA funding being pulled. Property owners will be allowed back once the debris is cleared.

Man Arrested for Hijacking Amtrak Train While Drunk

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office says this man Dylan Baldini hijacked an Amtrak train while drunk. The train was going from Mount Shasta to Dunsmuir. Baldini reportedly activated the train whistle and tried to put the train in emergency-stop mode. Crews said the situation put everyone on board in danger.

Highway 70 Closed due to Winter Weather Conditions

Highway 70 is closed to all traffic due to winter weather conditions that caused several big rigs to spin out at Hallelujah Junction, where Highway 70 meets with Route 395 near Beckwourth Pass in Plumas.

I-80 Closed due to White-Out Conditions

I-80 is still closed Tuesday morning between Applegate and Nevada due to white-out conditions.

Chain Controls in Effect for Various Areas in the North State

Chain control remains in effect for many areas in the North State. You can check the cal trans quick- map for updated chain controls, road closures, and conditions by CLICKING HERE.
UPDATE 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 8, 2019 - Chico City Council voted 5-2 on March 5 to submit the city's existing Diversity Action Plan to an internal affairs committee for review.

The goal is to identify tasks the city can accomplish at low cost within the coming year to improve cultural awareness and messaging to diverse populations.

Councilwoman, Ann Schwab, who submitted the action plan, said Chico State has offered to partner with the city to achieve some of the diversity goals outlined.

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UPDATE 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019 - During the Tuesday, Feb 5, 2019 meeting of the Chico City Council, members voted 6-1 in favor of placing the Diversity Action Plan, presented by Councilwoman Schwab, on a future agenda for consideration. To view the City Council meeting regarding the action, click here.

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CHICO, Calif.  Most everyone who lives in and or visits Chico, finds the community to be welcoming. But is it a diverse city? In 2011, then-Mayor Ann Schwab spearheaded a Diversity Action Plan.

A host of community leaders came together to build a more inclusive city. It is now 2019; eight years later. Action News Now Morning Anchor Julia Yarbough explored how the original plan has turned out.

One woman who has lived in Chico since 1978 says she moved away to North Carolina for several years and discovered much more diversity in that area. When asked how she would describe diversity in Chico, she said, Oh boy, we could use some more.

Chico City Councilwoman Ann Schwab says the city today is exactly where it was when the plan started. How did this plan come about?

In 2010, numerous acts of hate were the catalyst behind the Diversity Action Plan. At that time, the Chico State Student Body President was verbally attacked and violently stabbed. Later that same year, another man was sentenced on federal charges after he physically assaulted an African American man in a Chico establishment.

At the same time, these incidents were capturing headlines, Schwab says she had learned of a prospective doctor who had turned down employment in the community after someone hurled racially charged verbal attacks at him and his family while downtown.

Schwab says those incidents sent a clear message, the City would have to do something to show the community it was a leader and willing to learn how to be more aware of cultural differences and become more inclusive.

The Diversity Action Plan is a 23-page document, found on the City of Chico website. It spells out a five-year plan outlining specific targeted goals for Chico.

Some of the goals include increased messaging to underserved populations which, includes language translations for information posted to the City of Chico website, increasing diversity in hiring, offering more education to staff, such as implicit bias training which addresses attitudes and stereotypes which can affect interactions and each department setting a diversity-related goal.

Schwab says sometimes simply having greater awareness can make a big difference towards moving the City to where it needs to be.

The most recent U.S. Census puts Chicos population at just over 93,000, with 82.3 percent comprised of Whites. I reviewed employment statistics from the City of Chico Human Resources Department. Of 337 employees, just 41 are considered People of Color. Of those, one is considered two or more races and just one, is African American.

Action News Now spoke with Chico Fire Chief Steve Standridge about diversity within the ranks. He said he believes diversity is the key to making a much more resilient, innovative and stronger workforce. However, he admits, his current staffing does not reflect diversity.

At the helm for roughly one year, Chief Standridge says he has already been working to revamp current hiring practices to reach a more diverse pool of qualified candidates. He says there is always room for improvement when it comes to diversity practices.

At the Chico Police Department, there is a total of 94 employees, including the one African American employee in the City.

When asked whether diversity is a priority within the department, Police Chief Michael OBrien said, he always wants to hire the best and that is always the objective. He said in order to do that it is best to have a broad an applicant pool as possible.

Where is diversity thriving within the Chico community? On the campus of Chico State University.

President Gayle Hutchinson says diversity is what gives the community strength. She says when there are people from different backgrounds all coming together the community is stronger.

Councilwoman Schwab says given the immense growth and change taking place in the community as a result of the Camp Fire, she believes now is a good time to revisit the Diversity Action Plan.

Although the goals set out in the plan have not been reached, there are some steps underway. Chico State is currently working with the Chico Fire Department to create a program to identify qualified fire service candidates.

Police Chief OBrien says his department often looks to Criminal Justice students from the university as academy hopefuls.

To put the overview into even greater perspective, Chico may not be that much out of line for this region. In Redding, which has a similar population of just over 91,000, Anglos far outnumber every other demographic group at 84.3 percent.

Councilwoman Schwab says she plans to reintroduce the Diversity Action Plan during the Feb. 5 council meeting, in hopes the current council will see value in the proposal and be willing to place it on the agenda for a vote.
















Here's my view thus far of what the so-called "Mandela Effect" appears to be, having reflected on my own experiences and having reviewed various testimonies online.



Have you ever had the experience of being very tired somewhere and you accidentally fall asleep and begin having a somewhat intense very vivid dream? At first, you may not even realize that you're dreaming. But then something happens in your dream that your sub-consciousness recognizes to be "weird", "strange" or "unusual". Your brain instantly then recognizes that you're in a dream which often triggers you to wake-up out of it.



I correspondingly suggest that "Mandela Effect Shocks" are your higher dimensional consciousness seeking to alert your brain that you're in a dream. However, the problem for you existentially is that you seem to be in a dream which you cannot wake-up . The rational side of you grounded in "science" then starts to take-over as having rejected the "farfetched" scenario that you're in a dream.



You have now been caught up in an apparent plot to misdirect you called "science".



Mainstream "science" is how manipulative aliens have sought to control humanity through its Archons that preside over its various branches. The psychologists will decree that you're simply having a "false memory" and to ignore the statistical improbability of so many people having the same experiences of a different set of facts.



Some people, however, will use science to suggest that many of us who have experienced the Mandela Effect were from an "alternative reality". Some people will further blame "CERN" for having destroyed the "former universe" in 2012 through its experiments resulting in many, but not all, humans being "hurled" or "put" here as if the "new Earth" in an "alternative reality" was a "refugee camp" for displaced humans.



Now, I wouldn't claim to be an expert on the lives of people in alternative realities or parallel universes. However, don't you think that if you really landed in an alternative reality or parallel universe with REAL flesh and blood people like you, wouldn't you expect that they would be just as surprised and curious about you as you're curious and surprised about them in a context of "mutual astonishment"?



However, I have thus far not heard, seen or experienced such a context of mutual surprise and curiosity. Instead what I observe is an apparent coordinated effort by the "natives" as described by some Mandela Effect "experiencers" to try to convince me and others that "it's all in your head -- it has always been like that, and goes to show how fragile human memory really is."



If you ever read warnings issued by the ancient Pagan Gnostics and various ancient tribal societies like those described by African Zulu Elder Credo Mutwa, we would readily be able to recognize this world where South America can move hundreds of miles west along with other

such apparently fluid alterations to the material word as a "dream-like state".



When the Pagan Gnostics had elevated their consciousness through tantric orgiastic sexual encounters with each other, they were able to discover the presence of an mechanical manipulative alien entity which sought to operate as a parasite on the human mind. They referred to this demonic alien as having had roots to the fallen angels and observed these aliens as lacking in the creative consciousness of humans. The ancient Pagan Gnostics had observed these aliens as apparently having the substantive capability of technological simulation.



If we therefore rely on the critical documented experiences of the Pagan Gnostics, we may conclude that "the people" who seem to be busy seeking to convince us that the Mandela Effect is a product of "faulty human memory" are extensions of this "dream simulation" that archons have concocted using their "Artificial Intelligence" (AI).



A Pagan Gnostic appreciational context would recognize the systematized "Mandela Effects" that we, as humans, have experienced as part of some kind of spiritual warfare spearheaded by the reptillian entities Pagan Gnostics had warned about.



Somehow, I believe, everyone one of us who has experienced Mandela Effects have had our minds connected with each other through Artificial Intelligence which resulted in the sharing of a Twilight Zone-like "dream state" in some kind of alien laboratory.



It appears that the archons under the direction of Fallen Angels are importing the consciousness of humans from the Real Earth by getting Artificial Intelligence to interfere with our abilities to awaken out of a dream-like state. The so-called "alternative reality" that Mandela Effected individuals describe may be appreciated as a Virtual Reality enhanced vivid dream in which the Archons can fluidly manipulate causing "Mandela Effects".



I would describe this apparent "Virtual Reality" that the Pagan Gnostic warned about that we now seem to be experiencing as some kind of Alien Laboratory to study our reactions to various "Mandela Effects" as a means of furthering the conquest of the Real Earth. It appears that people who have experienced Mandela Effects tend to have certain kind of human characteristic that the Fallen Angels are seeking to study toward a conquest objective.



It is further notable in this apparent simulation how AI has sought to use the mass media to promote the AI agenda at all levels of society toward the enslavement of human kind while presenting AI as leading to a "better life" that they monitor and control.



This "Alien Laboratory" can be compared to a sort of fish bowl meant to fool fish that they are still swimming in an ocean but are not.



I would also suggest that it is in the interest of ourselves and humanity to elevate our consciousness to wake up out of this apparent dream state and get back into "normal space" with other flesh and blood real people in order to support the liberation of humankind as had been sought by the ancient Pagan Gnostics and trial societies with ancient knowledge of having confrontations with "simulated people" who were not humans.



The Pagan Gnostics warned AI that's orchestrated through Fallen Angels as a threat to humanity in which we as humans must collective stand against.



It's apparent that entities through "people" who tell you that these Mandela Effects are all a part of some Divine Plan associated with spirituality are working for the Fallen Angels.



The Fallen Angels are demons that seek to present humans with angelic messages that are designed to manipulate humans into enslavement by them.



A Fallen Angel can be compared to a would-be abductor who hangs around playgrounds of children and who seek to lure them with nice words and candy.



Our collective consciousness from the Real Earth has someone all been brought into this enforced Dream State in various phases.



I would suggest that someone's first experience of a "Mandela Effect" could very well be the time in which they were abducted into this apparently enforced Dream State where Real Humans who experience the Mandela Effect seem to be interacting with physically cloned entities who resemble who we know on the Real Earth but are alien in design.





I saw a video in which a lady complained that "her whole family has changed ". Physical cloning would explain that observation.







Other "experiencers" also documenting certain family members no longer existing . That may be the result of the Fallen Angels not cloning them just to see how you would react as your family member on the Real Earth wonder where you are.

No need to look any further than YouTube to find evidence of these cloned entities that from time to time seem to malfunction.







The Canadian presented how to potentially recognize a

In a previous article,presented how to potentially recognize a clone

Just use such keywords as "clones" and "freezing" to see evidence that we appeared to be in some sort of manipulative alien AI matrix in which real humans exist alongside the AI programmed robotic entities designed to fool us to regard as humans.







Based upon Pagan Gnostic insights, it's vital that we as humans elevate ourselves beyond even the confines of "quantum mechanics" which uses an Archontic intellectual filtration system and begin to tap into our elevated consciousness as human beings to see the "alien mind parasites" that seek to treat humans as lab rats in their Mandela Effect experiments toward a "New World Order".


Twitter Music

The South Korean group will come to Staples Center in Los Angeles to present an award, though it's unknown what accolade they will be giving out.

Feb 5, 2019

AceShowbiz - BTS (Bangtan Boys) is coming to the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. Even though the South Korean group will not be taking the stage to perform their hit singles, it has been confirmed that they are named among the presenters for the upcoming award-giving event. Variety first broke the news.

It's not yet known what award the group will present at the show. Aside from presenting, BTS is also nominated for best recording package category for their "Love Yourself: Tear" album. They are up against the likes of St. Vincent's "Masseduction", The Chairman's "The Offering" and Foxhole's "Well Kept Thing".

Soon after the news first hit the internet, fans of BTS immediately took to social media to express their excitement to see their idol making an appearance at the biggest night in the music industry. "I am so happy for @BTS_twt for all your hard work and never stop in believing in yourself. Thank to you're messed of #LoveYourself I am learning how to love the person that I am today," one tweeted.

#BTSxGrammys

I am so happy for @BTS_twt for all your hard work and never stop in believing in yourself  Thank to you're messed of #LoveYourself I am learning how to love the person that I am pic.twitter.com/iopS96sfYU  BTS Army 2016 to Forever (@SantillanSophie) February 5, 2019

"Anyway, the grammy's ratings are about to triple. Everyone say thanks BTS," another said along with a GIF of Jimin giggling. "I'm so proud of BTS. They've come so far and now the GRAMMYs!!! I'm literally speechless. Talent always wins," one other noted.

Anyway, the grammy's ratings are about to triple. Everyone say thanks BTS. #BTSXGRAMMY pic.twitter.com/dt2I7dFrLA  Joon's World  (@kimparkdaily) February 5, 2019

Many others, meanwhile, couldn't help but feel happy for Suga since attending the Grammys had always been something that he wanted to do. The second-oldest member of the group previously said during an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" that he wished to go the event. "You can dream," host Jimmy Fallon replied at the time.

The 61st Grammy Awards will be hosted by Alicia Keys and broadcast live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on CBS on Sunday night, February 10. Kendrick Lamar leads the nominations with 8 nods.
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During a Television Critics panel chat, the 'La Reina del Sur' star talks about her 2016 action that led authorities to threaten her with arrest if she went back to Mexico.

Feb 5, 2019

AceShowbiz - Mexican actress Kate del Castillo has no regrets about helping to set up Sean Penn's jungle interview with fugitive Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, even though her actions prevented her from filming her hit drama in her homeland.

Kate acted as the go-between between the drug lord and the Oscar winner ahead of an interview for a Rolling Stone expose in 2016, and Mexican authorities punished her by accusing her of drug trafficking and threatening to arrest her if she went home.

That meant producers of her show "La Reina del Sur" had to employ a look-alike for scenes they shot in Mexico last year (18).

Kate admits she hated watching another actress take on her character, but wouldn't have done anything differently if she had her life to live again.

"That was an episode of my life that I do not regret at all," she told the media during a recent Television Critics panel chat. "It's an experience that I will keep (with) myself forever."

The actress reveals she returned to Mexico without incident at Christmas.

"Legally, I could go back a year ago but my lawyers said, 'We don't want you to go down there while the presidency is still on'," she explains. "As soon as (former President Enrique) Pena Nieto was out I could go back more confident. That's why I spent Christmas with my parents."

Del Castillo will reprise her role as Teresa Mendoza for the spring 2019 return of the hit Telemundo drug drama, which is based on the novel of the same name by Arturo Perez-Reverte. She will be joined by Eric Roberts, "Quantum of Solace" actor Antonio Gil, and legendary Latino star Humberto Zurita.
Instagram Celebrity

The 'Avengers: Infinity War' actor sparks speculations that he has secretly wedded Sabrina Dhowre after he uploaded a video in which he talked about his facial hair preferences.

Feb 5, 2019

AceShowbiz - Idris Elba's fiancee has cleared up reports suggesting the couple is secretly married after the actor and DJ referred to her as his "wife" online.

The "Thor" star has been engaged to Sabrina Dhowre for almost a year, but he had some fans wondering if they had quietly exchanged vows after calling her his spouse in an Instagram video clip posted on Friday, February 01, when he discussed his facial hair preferences.

"There's a reason why black men love facial hair," the 46-year-old told fans. "It's a kind of like, shape thing. Whenever I have to shave off my facial hair, it's like, what...?".

Idris, who is currently filming the movie adaptation of hit stage musical "Cats", went on to explain that he's learning to "appreciate" the shape of his face as he grows older, but that doesn't mean he likes rocking the clean-cut look, especially when he has little choice in the matter.

"Every now and again as I get older I just have to appreciate it...," he said. "But now, man, I'm missing my s**ts right now. I'm making a movie at the moment where they (filmmakers) insisted, based on the special effects, that you had to shave it, but - whoa - struggling. I always struggled with this bit between my nose and my top lip. It's like massive, you know what I mean? But anyway, some people like it, but a lot don't, like my wife."

The brief reference sent gossips into a spin, but Sabrina has now spoken out to clarify their relationship status, revealing they are close to tying the knot, but have yet to say, "I do."

"Our wedding is coming up soon and I'm really looking forward to it," the 29-year-old bride-to-be told Britain's Metro outlet.

Idris and model Sabrina met in 2017, while he was on location in Canada for survival movie "The Mountain Between Us".

The marriage will be the actor's third after previous failed unions to make-up artist Hanne Norgaard, and real estate attorney Sonya Nicole Hamlin.

He has a 17-year-old daughter named Isan with Norgaard, and shares four-year-old son Winston with his ex-girlfriend Naiyana Garth, from whom he split in 2016.
WENN/Cinzia Camela Music

Although his impromptu 'Shallow' performance at GaGa's Las Vegas residency show was well received, the star and director of 'A Star Is Born' couldn't help but feel nervous about the upcoming gig.

Feb 5, 2019

AceShowbiz - Bradley Cooper is daunted by the task of taking the stage for a duet with Lady GaGa at the Oscars.

The actor's directorial debut, "A Star Is Born", will compete for seven awards during the annual ceremony, including Best Original Song for the film's track "Shallow", which Cooper has agreed to perform alongside Gaga, his leading lady - and he jokes he must have a "death wish" for agreeing to sing live with the pop sensation.

"Yes! It's terrifying, absolutely," he told news show "Extra". "I was like, 'Why? I must have some sort of death wish.'"

Cooper shouldn't be too worried though as his last performance with the "Just Dance" hitmaker was well received by fans, quickly going viral.

The moment took place during Gaga's Las Vegas residency show last month (January 2019), when Cooper emerged from the crowd to sing "Shallow" with the 32-year-old. And the 44-year-old couldn't be more thrilled about the positive response to their heartfelt performance.

"It was wonderful," he added.

Cooper is up for the Best Actor honour for his turn as washed-up country star Jackson Maine, while Gaga earned a nod for Best Actress.

Following news of the Academy's recognition of the project, Cooper shared his gratitude in a statement.

"When I got this opportunity I knew I had to risk it all because I may never get another chance, so to be here today in a place where people who have seen the film are talking about how it makes them feel, something deep - that simple human thing - that we need each other - and the Academy to recognise that this morning - I just am so grateful," he shared.

The acclaimed drama is also in contention for the coveted Best Picture prize.

Jennifer Hudson, Kendrick Lamar, and SZA are also confirmed to perform songs at the 2019 Oscars.
Instagram Music

Lashing out at the rapper for his 'Racks on Racks' single, Geoff Barrow of Portishead clarifies that he and Ben Salisbury do not want their music to be associated with a track that degrades woman.

Feb 5, 2019

AceShowbiz - Rapper Lil Pump has been accused of illegally sampling a song by Portishead musician Geoff Barrow for his new single.

The instrumentalist has taken to Twitter to complain about Pump allegedly using elements of "The Alien" from the score he created with Ben Salisbury for Natalie Portman's 2018 film "Annihilation" for "Racks on Racks", on which the 18-year-old boasts about his drug use and sexual encounters, among other aspects of his wild lifestyle.

Lashing out at the rising hip-hop star and his disrespectful lyrics, Barrow raged, "Who is Lil Pump? He's used mine and @Benjaminsal (Ben Salisbury)'s Annihilation score in his deeply f**king sexist song ("Racks on Racks"). Just so you know we didn't give clearance."

"As 2 fathers of daughters this s**t needs to seriously f**k off," he vented.

Barrow expanded on the issue in a statement to Pitchfork, insisting he and Salisbury are simply concerned about their association with Pump and his misogynistic lyrics.

"We don't expect any royalties and copyright infringement is not our issue," he writes. "We want people to know that in no way have we granted the use of our music to be used on a track that is so terribly degrading to young woman."

"As fathers & firm supporters of the Me too movement (against sexual misconduct) We are amazed how tracks like this are not called out by the media for this reason. I know people will try and Call us out as old f**kers and the music ain't for us and they would be right but misogamy is still Bulls**t what ever age you are."

Pump has yet to respond to the complaint.
Instagram Celebrity

The 'Bank Account' hitmaker is facing deportation after being taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Atlanta on claims that he stays in the U.S. without correct paperwork.

Feb 5, 2019

AceShowbiz - Officials from Britain's Foreign Office have confirmed they have been in contact with rapper 21 Savage's lawyer.

The "Bank Account" hitmaker, real name Shayaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, was picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, February 03 as part of a "targeted operation with federal and local law enforcement partners".

Until the news of his arrest hit headlines, 21 Savage was thought to have been a local act from Atlanta, but ICE officials claim the hip-hop star is actually a U.K. national without the correct paperwork to remain in America, and he is now facing deportation.

Accordingly, a spokesperson for the British Foreign Office has now told reporters at Reuters that they have spoken to 21 Savage's lawyer.

"Our staff are in contact with the lawyer of a British man following his detention in the USA," they said, though declined to share any further information.

An ICE representative declared in a statement issued to Atlanta news station WSB-TV on Sunday that the musician was taken into custody "as he is unlawfully present in the U.S. and also a convicted felon".

"Mr. Abraham-Joseph initially entered the U.S. legally in July 2005, but subsequently failed to depart under the terms of his non-immigrant visa," the official added.

However, the two-time Grammy nominee's lawyer, Dina LaPolt, has told editors at TMZ that the arrest was due to a "misunderstanding".

"We are working diligently to get Mr. Abraham-Joseph out of detention while we work with authorities to clear up any misunderstanding," she commented.

21 Savage's latest project, "I Am > I Was", hit number on the U.S. albums chart upon its release in December, and he is nominated for two Grammy Awards for "Rockstar", his popular collaboration with Post Malone. The ceremony is due to take place in Los Angeles next Sunday, February 10.
WENN/Judy Eddy Celebrity

Found dead at his home on February 3, the actor known as Neil Winters on 'The Young and the Restless' was mourned by fiancee Kseniya Mikhalev and former co-star Vivica A. Fox among others.

Feb 5, 2019

AceShowbiz - Kristoff St. John's cause of death has been deferred following an autopsy on Monday, February 04.

The 52-year-old was found dead at his home in the San Fernando Valley, California on Sunday and an autopsy was carried out on Monday morning, but the coroner is waiting for toxicology tests to determine the exact cause of death.

CBS Television bosses have paid tribute to St. John, who was best known for his role as Neil Winters on the network's soap "The Young and the Restless", in a statement, which reads: "The news of Kristoff St. John's passing is heartbreaking. He was a very talented actor and an even better person."

"For those of us who were fortunate enough to work with him on 'The Young and the Restless' for the last 27 years, he was a beloved friend whose smile and infectious laugh made every day on set a joy and made audiences love him. On behalf of the Y&R cast and crew, CBS and Sony Pictures Television, we offer our heartfelt sympathy to his family and loved ones, especially his two daughters, Paris and Lola."

St. John's fiancee, model Kseniya Mikhaleva, has taken to social media to mourn the loss of the actor, writing: "How did it happen??? How??? Why did you leave so early????. And left me alone... I can't believe... you were everything to me... you were a loving father, a loving man...".

Kseniya Mikhaleva reacts to fiancee Kristoff St. John's death.

Vivica A. Fox also took to Instagram to share a photo of the two together, and recalled working with St. John at the start of her career: "It is with a very heavy heart that I wake up this morning to hear about the passing of my good friend @KristoffStJohn who I started off my acting career with on the Soap Operas #Generations & #Young&TheRestless and recently #AChristmasCruise WOW!," she wrote. "Kristoff I will soo miss u my brotha! U were a true gentleman 4sho...!".

There have also been tributes from St. John's "Young and the Restless" co-star Alice Hunter, actress Yvette Nicole Brown, and Stan Shaw, who played Kristoff's grandfather on "Roots: The Next Generations".
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Copyright  2019 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  A proposal to enact a four-year moratorium on the issuance of new hydraulic fracturing permits for oil and natural gas drilling across New Mexico is making waves at the Roundhouse.

Backers of the legislation, Senate Bill 459, describe it as a temporary freeze that would give the state time to study the environmental impacts of fracking, hire more state workers to monitor the industry and possibly develop additional regulations.

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I have been concerned for a while, and what we need is a pause, Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, D-Albuquerque, said in an interview Tuesday. The oil and the shale will still be there in four years.

But critics say it sends a negative message to an industry that  via an oil drilling boom in southeast New Mexico  has boosted state revenue collections to an all-time high.

New Mexico Republican Party Chairman Steve Pearce said in a statement the bill could do damage even if its not passed.

The mere discussion in Santa Fe of the concepts presented in this bill will cause future investors to reconsider investing hundreds of billions of dollars in New Mexico when the state is considering eliminating their ability to recoup their investment, said Pearce, who has worked in the oil field industry and was the Republican Partys nominee for governor last year.

In a presentation to lawmakers, New Mexico Oil and Gas Association Executive Director Ryan Flynn said the energy industry has already been implementing technological improvements to use less water and reduce methane emissions.

Meanwhile, the debate even flared up on the Senate floor Tuesday, with Sen. William Sharer, R-Farmington, saying New Mexicans should be thankful to oil and natural gas companies.

If we get ourselves all worked up and try to limit our oil and gas production, it too will shut down our economy just as if we banned all automobiles, Sharer said.

In response, Sedillo Lopez cited a section of the state Constitution that calls on the Legislature to regulate pollution levels to the benefit of all New Mexicans.

Fracking involves using pressurized water and chemicals to fracture underground rock formations to gain access to mineral deposits. The moratorium legislation, which was introduced this week, would bar any new permits from being approved until June 2023.

In the meantime, it would also require several state agencies to file annual reports to both the Legislature and the Governors Office about how many permits have been requested and approved, the environmental impact of fracking and more.

Sedillo Lopez, who is co-sponsoring the bill with Sen. Benny Shendo Jr., D-Jemez Pueblo, acknowledged the legislation might face long odds during the 60-day session that ends March 16, but said the bill has widespread public support.

I think its going to be a heavy lift, but I hope to convince them, Sedillo Lopez told the Journal.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Former teen innovator Alissa Chavez, known for inventing a Hot Seat to alert adults about babies left in cars, is at it again, this time with a new baby bottle for parents on the go.

Chavezs new product, which stores formula and water in a single baby bottle for quick, easy feeding, won third place in November at Future Founders U.Pitch, an annual competition in Chicago for college students from around the nation. Chavez beat out 300 other applicants to reach the semi-finals, and then competed in live pitches to investors and entrepreneurs against 18 competitors from 14 states.

Future Founders President and CEO Scott Issen said Chavezs new product, plus her previous track record of success, impressed judges.

She identified a unique problem in the market that affects a large population and created a solution, Issen said. And shes already an innovator who has traction and good plans to move forward.

Chavez gained national notoriety a few years ago after inventing and patenting the Hot Seat while still a student at El Dorado High School. She launched her own company, Assila, to market it online following a wave of national media attention.

Now a 22-year-old University of New Mexico student, Chavez has pre-sold hundreds of Hot Seats built by contract manufacturers in Albuquerque.

Were getting ready to ship them now, she said.

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Her new product, EasyFlo, allows parents to stop lugging water bottles and baby formula around, which they mix for feeding while juggling a baby. Formula and water are pre-stored in the bottle, and with a twist of the lid, they flow together for immediate feeding.

We have a prototype, and we expect to move to production this spring, Chavez said.

Shes pre-selling EasyFlo online, and working to get inventory on Amazon and in select Target stores by year-end. Shes also raising a seed round of Angel funding, buoyed by the Future Founders competition.

Third place only paid $1,250, but Chavez gained good connections.

I went there to get exposure to venture capitalists, angels and entrepreneurs, Chavez said. Some promising conversations have come from it.
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MEXICO CITY  A caravan of about 1,600 Central American migrants camped Tuesday in the Mexican border city of Piedras Negras, just west of Eagle Pass, Texas.

The governor of the northern state of Coahuila described the migrants as asylum seekers, suggesting all had express intentions of surrendering to U.S. authorities.

While previous caravans had travelled to the border city of Tijuana, where migrants have to join a waiting list to make asylum claims, the relatively open border around Eagle Pass is different. The border is marked mainly by the Rio Grande and lacks the long sections of high barriers found in Tijuana.

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Still, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security vowed that the lawless caravan would not be allowed in.

Approximately 2,000 aliens have arrived in northern Mexico as part of a caravan seeking to cross the border into Texas. Illegal entry will not be tolerated and we stand ready to prevent it, DHS Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen wrote in a statement Tuesday, adding: DHS will take all steps to ensure the safety and security of law enforcement personnel on the front lines.

Images from local media showed U.S. agents with riot gear and shields standing on a bridge separating Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras. DHS said Border Patrol officers had already apprehended some migrants who crossed the border illegally overnight.

Coahuila state Gov. Miguel Angel Riquelme said the Central American migrants arrived late Monday aboard 49 buses from the cities of Saltillo and Arteaga. Another smaller group headed toward the neighboring state of Nuevo Leon.

An improvised shelter was set up for the migrants at an unused maquiladora factory, and local officials said the migrants had been given sleeping mats, blankets, food and wireless access. State child welfare officials reported that 46 unaccompanied youths aged between 15 and 17 were in the caravan.

The area from Piedras Negras east to Nuevo Laredo has long been dominated by the now-fragmented Zetas cartel. The caravan was escorted by soldiers and police, and the state government said migrants wouldnt be allowed to split off from the main group because these types of caravans have been victims of organized crime groups that try to force the migrants to work for them.

That is why we are being strict about security, Coahuila state Interior Secretary Jose Maria Fraustro said.

Local media reported that some migrants objected to guards and closed gates at the improvised shelter, saying they did not want to be locked in.

Participants in caravans of mainly Honduran migrants last year mostly went to the border city of Tijuana in their bid to reach the United States. But Tijuana officials said their city was overwhelmed and unprepared to receive more migrants, after a mass rush by migrants trying to cross the border led to temporary closure of some crossings.

Coahuilas governor said authorities in his state are trying to avoid such scenarios. The state government said authorities are trying to maintain an open dialogue with the migrants, making sure their needs are met, without affecting the daily life of Piedras Negras residents.

A second, larger caravan of several thousand migrants is expected to set out across Mexico soon.

The U.N. refugee agency noted that Mexico had received 12,574 requests for humanitarian visas Jan. 17-29, almost all from migrants who left Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.

The agency interviewed almost 1,000 of the migrants on the border bridge between Guatemala and Mexico. Of those interviewed, almost 30 percent said they wanted to reach the United States; 46 percent said they might remain in Mexico. Almost one-third were minors.
















Today, quite a number of companies heavily rely on an IT support system to help keep their computers, applications, stores, networks, and data functioningwhile ensuring that their workers are productive.

But, for many organizations, IT service management (ITSM) and support are quite expensive to operate. Businesses and their third-party ITSM organizations are now turning towards AI and automated help desks like SysAid to help make their IT support operations more cost-efficient.

By using AI-enabled systems to create an automated help desk, enterprises can now streamline their IT support while predicting, managing and solving common user challenges.

IT self-support and self-service

Typically, between 20% and 50% of IT support ticket requests are related to either resetting passwords or administrating user management requests.

According to Forrester, the average cost for a standard password reset call is $70, and it typically takes an IT organization 24.2 hours to respond to a single support ticket." This can amount to significant costs for large organizations who have thousands of employees.

However, by utilizing an AI-enabled assistant, a large percentage of these somewhat trivial tickets can be fully automated and the process a lot faster. With more and more IT organizations now deploying chatbots, this would provide employees with round-the-clock assistance for basic, yet urgent, IT support requests. Chatbots are becoming more intelligent and can perform quite a number of tasks, from resetting passwords to provisioning IT resources to providing on-demand support.

Furthermore, about 95% of all IT support issues can be categorized as regular and predictable, so much so that they can be easily automated by intelligent assistants that understand the content of IT support tickets.

Using natural language processing and other machine learning-enabled technologies, IT organizations are now taking advantage of solutions that can read ITSM application support tickets, chat messages, voicemails, inbound emails, and photographs to aid them in understanding the nature of the requests and automatically handling support inquiries.

Automatically detecting and handling IT support challenges

AI in help desk systems are getting better, and they now possess the ability to detect problems and automatically open troubleshooting tickets based on inbound requests. They can even carry out these tasks without passing through an established IT support channel.

With an AI-enabled automated help desk, organizations can easily monitor IT support email addresses, phone numbers, and messaging channels to instantly intervene and automatically create support tickets whenever they are required.

However, these systems go beyond simply responding and initiating support tickets. Advanced AI-enabled ITSM systems can take it a step further and identify IT solutions to appropriately resolve problems based on previously observed patterns. A typical example would be programming AI-enabled ITSM to automatically configure user accounts and systems. They could also be trained to respond to requests in a conversational manner.

In addition, AI systems have the ability to detect issues before they occur.

Through machine learning-enabled predictive maintenance, AI-enabled automated help desks monitor for potential issues and are able to either pre-emptively resolve the problems or generate tickets to escalate support to those who can resolve the issues, said AI enthusiast, Ronald Schmelzer in a report.

These proactive systems are already being used to avoid the potential for catastrophic problems. AI systems can help with demand planning by predicting which IT resources will be needed to address capacity issues, resolve problems or mitigate existing support issues.

Strengthening human support

Even for an organization with a structure that places humans as the primary contact for handling all IT support related issues, AI systems can still provide an added advantage.

Using predictive algorithms, AI enabled help desk systems can help users identify tickets that follow a particular pattern, learn how similar support items were previously resolved by human personnel and then recommend the most effective response to IT support staff.

Additionally, automated help desks can also help support incoming support tickets by performing a sentiment analysis of the users. Based on the results of that analysis and by observing past support resolution patterns, the AI-enabled ITSM system is then able to help identify the best individual capable of handling a particular incoming ticket.

Enhancing reporting accuracy

According to research by Forrester, it is reported that enterprises have achieved only 20% of the benefits of automation as its implementation is limited.

However, automating the workflow in an organization greatly improves the accuracy of help desk statistics by avoiding human errors and common inconsistencies in data entry. Additionally, it also relieves managers of manual processes required to collect data and correct errors.

With an automated help desk system, field defaults, auto-routing rules, and required fields are all essential tools to ensure every incident reported is properly handled in exactly the same way. This increases data accuracy for reporting purposes while improving service simultaneously.

Building collective knowledge

Having a knowledge base makes it much easier for support technicians to document fixes they have implementedboth the successful and unsuccessful attemptsso their colleagues can learn from their past experiences and avoid investing time and effort on a futile solution.

However, when a particular solution has been found to be helpful, the help desk technician can now generate a knowledge base article from the resolution in the help desk ticket. The knowledge base would then be searchable by both technicians and users, but it would equally provide a means to hide more-complex solutions from users. This ensures that they dont attempt complicated fixes on their own.

Having a knowledge base helps the team provide consistent answers to users while making it easy and fast to respond to frequently asked questions (FAQs). Therefore, automated help desk processes can save your team time, improve speed and accuracy, and help the organization to minimize costs.
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BLOOMFIELD  Bloomfield Police Chief David Karst said his uncle, a retired state police officer and former San Juan County Sheriff, inspired him to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Since I was eight years old, thats all Ive wanted to do is be a cop, he said.

His uncle, Conn Brown, sat in the audience at Bloomfield City Hall today as Karst was sworn in as the new Bloomfield Police Chief.

I was excited and nervous at the same time, Karst said. Its the beginning of a new chapter for my life and also the end of a 13-year run with Farmington, the place Ive been since I started.

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He said leaving the Farmington Police Department felt bitter-sweet.

Several Farmington police officers, including Chief Steve Hebbe, attended the ceremony to show support for their colleague.

Karst said his time at the Farmington Police Department prepared him for leading the Bloomfield Police Department by providing him with training, experience and the chance to work in various departments within Farmingtons police department.

Karst said he anticipates the biggest challenge he will face as the police chief will be the budget.

He said police departments throughout the country are facing fiscal challenges.

Its about doing more for less, he said.

He said his main goal is to gain the communitys trust.

Mayor Cynthia Atencio said she was impressed by his knowledge during the interview process.

This guy came in here and he had done his research, she said.

She said the biggest thing she hopes Karst accomplishes is increasing the police departments engagement with the community.

Hannah Grover covers government for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4652 or via email at hgrover@daily-times.com.



2019 The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.)

Visit The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.) at www.daily-times.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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The denunciations began within hours of the disclosure that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northams medical school yearbook page featured a person in blackface standing next to a person in a Ku Klux Klan outfit. Democratic activists and presidential contenders quickly called for his resignation. By the time the Democratic governor held a press conference to defend himself, both the national and state party had also demanded he leave.

Northam has refused to step down so far  he says hes not in the photo. But the pressure he faces highlights his partys insistence on policing its own when it comes to wrongdoing related to race and, in some cases, sexual misconduct. As the Republican Party has frequently shied away from disciplining or expelling its own members, Democrats have largely embraced a hard line.

That stance allows Democrats to draw a stark contrast with President Donald Trump and other Republicans who have made racist or sexist remarks. Its also a response to the demands of an increasingly diverse Democratic Party whose staunchest supporters are African-Americans and women, whose last president was a black man and who has two black people, one Latino and several women running for president.

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We cant call out Donald Trump, we cant call out Steve King, if were not walking the talk, said Karine Jean-Pierre of MoveOn, a group founded in the late 90s to fight impeachment proceedings against President Bill Clinton over his affair with a White House intern.

The contrast with King, an Iowa Republican congressman, is one Democrats are eager to make. King had a long history of controversial rhetoric about immigrants, but it wasnt until he defended white supremacy in an interview with The New York Times last month that Republicans in Congress moved to strip him of committee assignments and called for his resignation.

Looming even larger is Trump, who fanned the racist conspiracy that Barack Obama wasnt born in the United States, said a federal judge couldnt rule on a lawsuit against him because he was Mexican, has been accused of sexual wrongdoing by 19 women and reportedly used a profanity to describe countries that send black immigrants to the U.S.

When it comes to Trump, a 72-year-old white New York billionaire, contrast is everything for Democrats. On Tuesday, theyll answer his State of the Union address with a response from Georgias Stacey Abrams, a 45-year-old who narrowly lost her bid last year to become Americas first black female governor. Theyll invite guests who represent key Democratic agenda items  climate and the environment, immigration, LBGTQ rights, the plight of federal workers  to watch from the gallery.

The distinction from Trump is especially crucial for Democratic presidential contenders. All the declared candidates  and most of those eyeing a campaign  called on Northam to resign. There have been precious few Northam defenders, but a handful argue he is being prejudged. Former Virginia Rep. Jim Moran decried a rush to judgment on CNN on Monday, while former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman told the cable network that Northam has a chance to prove what is his essence, not to rush him out of office for what is, unfortunately, political reasons.

Some Democrats bristle at the notion that politics played any role in the revulsion at Northam. Booting electeds from office who have worn blackface is not about purity, said Rebecca Katz, a Democratic strategist. Its about whats right.

The last prominent elected Democrat pushed out of office by his own party was Al Franken, the Minnesota senator who resigned after weeks of internal pressure over sexual harassment allegations in 2017. The Franken departure came as Democrats were still smarting over Trumps election in the face of numerous sexual harassment and assault allegations. He was replaced in the Senate by another Democrat, Tina Smith, who was overwhelmingly re-elected in November.

Similarly, Democrats lose nothing by jettisoning Northam because theyd maintain control of the governors mansion: The next in line is Democratic Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax.

But the Virginia turmoil also illustrated the complications of the zero-tolerance approach.

Fairfax on Monday strongly denied allegations of sexual assault that were initially circulated on a conservative website, calling it a smear.

The woman accusing Fairfax has retained Washington, D.C., law firm Katz Marshall & Banks and is consulting with the firm about next steps, said a person close to the legal team who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. One of the firms founding partners, Debra Katz, represented Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her decades ago when they were teenagers. Kavanaugh denied the allegation and later was confirmed to the court.

The Associated Press is not reporting details of the Fairfax allegation because the AP has not confirmed it.

If Northam were to resign and Fairfax were not in position to assume the office, the governorship would go to the Democratic attorney general, a set of dominoes that has unleashed chaos in Virginias capital.

Democratic presidential aspirants were notably silent on Fairfax. The party also stood with Keith Ellison as the then-congressman successfully ran for Minnesota attorney general last year despite allegations that he had abused an ex-girlfriend. Ellison also strongly denied those accusations.

In a sign of the crosscurrents Democrats are navigating, multiple liberals asked not to be quoted when discussing the contrast because they were skeptical of the allegations but did not want to be seen as disbelieving people who reported sexual misbehavior.

Sexual harassment allegations have also rattled the potential presidential field. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is mulling a second presidential run, apologized to staffers for sexual harassment allegedly committed by workers on his 2016 presidential campaign. On Saturday, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, another possible Democratic contender, apologized for not stopping a staffer he fired for sexual harassment from landing a job in the New York mayors office.

Still, the Northam case stands out, said Guy Cecil, head of Priorities USA, a major Democratic super PAC and one of the Democrats who immediately called for Northams ouster when the yearbook photo first appeared.

Theres no question that we need to be thoughtful about when were approaching these big questions, but I dont think were nearing some sort of tipping point when we say a man who dressed in blackface in the 80s shouldnt be governor, Cecil said.

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Associated Press writer Julie Pace contributed to this story from Washington.
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Copyright  2019 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  New Mexico workers would be able to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave per year to attend to medical emergencies  including the birth of children  under two competing bills pending at the state Capitol.

But its unclear if either bill will move forward after a House committee deadlocked Monday on a scaled-back proposal  that would involve further study of the issue  and did not vote on the other bill.

In their initial form, both proposals would require all employees to pay into a new fund that would be in charge of managing the leave program and paying out leave benefits.

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And both would also likely require a payout from the state  an estimated $36 million in the coming budget year  to hire staff and implement the necessary technical resources.

During Mondays hearing on the bills, backers said a paid worker leave program would improve health care outcomes in a state with one of the nations highest poverty rates.

They also pointed out the United States is one of the few industrialized nations without a national paid family leave program.

It makes for a happy, healthier and more productive workforce when we institute policies like this, said Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero, D-Albuquerque, the sponsor of one of the two bills.

But representatives from business groups raised concern the law would be cumbersome and could be difficult for businesses to comply with.

Rep. Rebecca Dow, R-Truth or Consequences, said the bill could impose specific burdens on small businesses and nonprofit groups, which could also face an increase in the states $7.50 per hour minimum wage under separate legislation thats also pending at the state Capitol.

I get the intent and the heart behind it, Dow said. Im just trying to figure out how a senior center or a homeless shelter  is supposed to implement all of these different initiatives.

Under federal law, employees already have the right to take up to 12 weeks annually to care for a family member, newborn or attend to their own serious medical conditions. But the federal law does not require employers to pay their workers during the leave period.

Only four states  New York, New Jersey, California and Rhode Island  currently have paid leave programs, with Washington set to become the fifth state in 2020, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Under House Bill 213, the bill proposed by Roybal Caballero, most of the states roughly 850,000 employees would have to pay at least $2 out of their paychecks every calendar quarter  or at least $8 per year into the fund.

Backers said those mandatory deductions would function similarly to health insurance premiums.

Its time to take an action and to bring the state of New Mexico into the 21st century and protect our families by providing them with financial resources when they need them the most, said Pamelya Herndon, the former executive director of the Southwest Womens Law Center.

Meanwhile, the other paid family leave bill, House Bill 264, is sponsored by first-term Rep. Christine Chandler of Los Alamos.

During a Monday meeting of the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee, Chandler proposed a rewrite of her bill. It would have merely appropriated $1 million in the coming year so the issue could be more closely studied.

She said the Department of Workforce Solutions, the agency that would ultimately run the program, was in favor of the approach.

But a motion to advance the scaled-back bill stalled on a 5-5 vote, with Roybal Caballero joining the committees four Republican members in casting no votes.

A vote on Roybal Caballeros bill was not immediately taken, leaving the fate of both bills in limbo.
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TOKYO  Japans Finance Minister Taro Aso has reluctantly apologized for saying childless people are to blame for the countrys rising social security costs and its aging and declining population.

If it made some people feel uncomfortable, I apologize, Aso said Tuesday after drawing complaints over a comment he made during the weekend at a seminar in Fukuoka, his constituency in southwestern Japan.

The gaffe-prone Aso, a 78-year-old former prime minister, is among conservative lawmakers in Prime Minister Shinzo Abes government who have at times blamed the elderly or childless for long-term demographic trends.

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There are lots of strange people who say the elderly people are to blame, but that is wrong. The problem is those who dont have children, he told the audience.

The comment was nearly the same as one he made in 2014 that also drew criticism. Others have made similar comments that many found offensive. In 2007, former health minister Hakuo Yamagisawa called women birth-giving machines. In 2017, another senior ruling party lawmaker, Akiko Santo, said the government should consider awarding women who produced four or more children.

According to the latest government statistics, the number of births in 2018 fell to 921,000, the lowest since Japan began recording such statistics in 1899. Japans total population fell by 448,000 people, a record decline, to 126 million. It is forecast to fall below 100 million by 2050, barring a huge influx of immigrants.

As of 2017, Japanese women on average gave birth to 1.43 children during their lifetimes. That compares with nearly 1.8 in the U.S. and Britain.

Abe himself has no children. He has acknowledged that lack of access to affordable child care, excessively long working hours, elder care and other realities, especially in Japans biggest cities, contribute to the countrys low birthrate. But promised labor and other reforms to help alleviate the burden on families that discourage couples from having more children have made limited headway.

Longevity in Japan is another factor behind the aging of its population and rising costs for elder care.

Aso retracted his comment when asked about it during a parliamentary session on Monday. He apologized at a news conference following a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, but said his comment was taken out of context and misunderstood.

Opposition lawmakers disagreed.

He not only lacked consideration to those who choose not to or cannot have children, but he just doesnt understand what the problem is, said opposition lawmaker Kiyomi Tsujimoto, who belongs to the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, on Monday. He has no sense of human rights.

On Tuesday, Aso acknowledged his tendency toward gaffes.

Ill have to watch what I say, he said.

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Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi
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Someone forgot to tell U.S. House District 2 Rep. Xochitl Torres Small that shes supposed to follow the party line when it comes to border issues.

Thank heavens. Now if only she can impart some of her pragmatism on her colleagues.

The southern New Mexico Democrat told the Journal last week that physical barriers can be effective if carefully placed in areas that make sense. Thats contrary to the immoral wall position many Democrats have voiced in Washington in recent weeks. And it doesnt appear to be the one expressed by her fellow members of New Mexicos congressional delegation.

Just Monday, Sen. Tom Udall criticized President Trump for trying to build a wasteful, ineffective and offensive wall that New Mexicans reject in a bill co-sponsored with Sen. Martin Heinrich and others. It would bar the president from building a wall under an emergency declaration.

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Torres Small is certainly no proponent of the presidents border wall  throwing out a number and saying you want to build physical barriers isnt enough to create real border security, she says  but at least she acknowledges that barriers can help border security in some places based on the terrain and if carefully planned.

Ive seen places where a physical barrier works, because they divide the terrain based on the time it takes for someone avoiding detection to disappear, whether its in a car or into urban populations, she told the Journal.

Unlike Udall and Heinrich, Torres Small can cite her experience of living along the border and her conversations with Customs and Border Patrol that barriers can be effective.

She points out that the last time Congress approved physical barriers it was based on a detailed plan about how it would be implemented on the ground, with mile-by-mile analysis. That, of course, was in 2006 under another Republican president, and it had substantial Democratic support.

This time around, Torres Small stresses the need for more border patrol agents but seems to be a lone Democratic voice of reason in a literal desert when it comes to physical barriers. And thats whats been missing in the impasse that led to the 35-day partial federal shutdown. And even though the government is back open, at least through Feb. 15, that impasse has shown no signs of ending.

We will no doubt hear the presidents latest proposals tonight during his State of the Union Address, as well as the Democrats response, to be delivered by former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. Heres betting that response includes no wall money of any kind.

And this is exactly where common-sense lawmakers with real-world experience, such as Torres Small, should step up and show the leadership needed. They, not the folks a couple of thousand miles away in the Beltway, know firsthand what is going on along the border.

They are the ones in direct contact with border agents, law enforcement officers, ranchers, farmers, undocumented residents and others who are affected by the hundreds of migrants now arriving weekly, as well those trying to transport illegal narcotics. Torres Small says that as chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight, Management and Accountability for the Committee on Homeland Security, shes also trying to give the Border Patrol the agents it needs to do its job.

Our entire delegation, Sens. Udall and Heinrich and Reps. Ben Ray Lujan and Deb Haaland, along with Torres Small, should be among those leading the conversations  not just providing party-line, anti-wall soundbites  to address solutions to problems their constituents are dealing with.

Because that is who and what they should be fighting for, not a political victory against the other side.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
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Warrens tax on the wealthy, like Trumps, rights wrongs

A brash political candidate forms a presidential exploratory committee. Almost immediately, the candidate announces a controversial policy: a wealth tax on the ultrarich.

Just 1 pages long, the proposal is met with some cheers but lots of jeers  about its constitutionality, feasibility, fairness. Right-wing pundits bemoan the appeal to class warfare.

That candidate?

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Donald Trump, in 1999, pursuing the Reform Party nomination.

Everything old is new again. Last month, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., now exploring a presidential run, proposed her own wealth tax. Warrens proposal is constructed differently than Trumps was  his was a one-time levy, hers is annual  but the reception has been similar.

The case for such a tax has only grown stronger over time, even if the way Warren goes about it could stand to be improved.

Over several decades, U.S. policies have facilitated a systematic upward redistribution of wealth.

Congress has slashed taxes overall, but especially on the rich; reduced or eliminated brackets that applied only to the tippy-top income percentiles, making the tax code less progressive at the top; neutered the estate tax; cut rates on long-term capital gains; added Inception-like loopholes within loopholes, which disproportionately benefit taxpayers with the sophistication and resources to game the system; and gutted the Internal Revenue Service, which catches these tax dodgers.

All of these deliberate choices helped the richest households to accumulate more wealth and make that wealth more persistent across generations.

They have also contributed to the governments growing revenue shortfall. If you want to patch deficits, go where the money is  increasingly, at the very top.

We should think of a wealth tax as a way to correct the mistakes of the past.

Its hard to unwind 40 years of bad tax policy by jacking up marginal rates on ordinary income alone. The Trump family makes a good poster child for why: Adding a new 70 percent marginal tax rate on income above $10 million, for instance, would barely dent the accumulated wealth passed down  much of it untaxed  from Fred Trump to Donald to Ivanka and subsequent generations.

There are some problems with a straightforward wealth tax, however.

For starters, its constitutionality is unclear, given the requirement that direct taxes be apportioned among the states. Some legal scholars argue that a wealth tax would hold up to a constitutional challenge. But with the current Supreme Court, thats far from guaranteed.

There are other hitches, too, some specific to Warrens relatively barebones formulation: a 2 percent annual tax on a households wealth above $50 million, with the rate rising to 3 percent on any wealth above $1 billion. Some obvious ways to game that $50 million threshold trigger include strategic divorce, within-family transfers and tricks for deflating valuations.

Plus, annually enforcing such a system would be an administrative nightmare for the government  and a feast for accountants, tax attorneys and the like. As tax practitioners whove appraised large estates could tell you, mark-to-market valuations of highly illiquid assets  closely held businesses, rare works of art  are easily manipulated.

Warren proposes handling this by beefing up tax enforcement, through greater IRS funding, for example. Thats something we should absolutely do anyway, but its not clear manpower alone would be enough.

These problems are not insurmountable, however. As tax experts such as University of Chicago law professor Daniel Hemel have suggested, you could reconfigure parts of the income tax to create something that effectively operates like Warrens wealth tax, except with fewer constitutional or administrative headaches.

Congress could set the tax rate on long-term capital gains to match that of ordinary income. It could shore up the estate tax and repeal the stepped-up basis that allows unrealized capital gains to go untaxed when a person dies.

Raising the capital-gains rate might encourage rich people to delay sales of assets. But Congress could claw back these deferral benefits through something called a retrospective wealth tax. Its a bit complicated, but its like charging interest for the years you held an asset before selling it or dying. Nobel laureate William Vickrey proposed a version of this 80 years ago, and it has since been tweaked by Alan Auerbach and David Bradford. Despite the name, such a tax could still be administered through the income-tax system, reducing the risk of constitutional challenge.

Other possible iterations are worth considering, too. Lets hope Warrens proposal produces at least a vigorous, good-faith debate about the best and fairest ways to redress the policy errors of past generations.

E-mail crampell@washpost.com. Twitter, @crampell. (c) 2019, Washington Post Writers Group.
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NEW YORK  This years World Economic Forum, more than usual, prompted a spirited round of elite-bashing, which has now become the trendy political posture on both right and left. On one side, President Trump and Fox News hosts slam the out-of-touch establishment that, according to them, has run things into the ground. On the other side, left-wingers decry the millionaires and billionaires who, in one authors phrase, broke the modern world.

Underlying these twin critiques is a bleak view of modern life  seen as a dysfunctional global order, producing stagnant incomes, rising insecurity and environmental degradation. But is this depiction in fact true? Are we doing so very badly that we need to bring back the guillotines?

On the simplest and most important measure, income, the story is actually one of astonishing progress. Since 1990, more than 1 billion people have moved out of extreme poverty. The share of the global population living in these dire conditions has gone from 36 percent to 10 percent, the lowest in recorded history. This is, as the World Bank president, Jim Yong Kim, notes, one of the greatest achievements of our time. Inequality, from a global perspective, has declined dramatically.

And all this has happened chiefly because countries  from China to India to Ethiopia  have adopted more market-friendly policies, and Western countries have helped them with access to markets, humanitarian assistance and loan forgiveness. In other words, policies supported by these very elites.

Look at any measure from a global perspective and the numbers are staggering. The child mortality rate is down 58 percent since 1990. Undernourishment has fallen 41 percent, and maternal deaths  women dying because of childbirth  have dropped by 43 percent over roughly the same period.

I know the response that some will have to these statistics. The figures pertain to the world in general, not America. Things might have improved for the Chinese but not for the denizens of rich countries. That sense of unfairness is what is surely fueling Trumps America First agenda and much of the anger on the right at the international system. More bewilderingly, the left, traditionally concerned about the poorest of the poor, has become critical of a process that has improved the lives of at least a billion of the worlds most impoverished people.

When criticizing the current state of affairs, its easy to hearken back to some nostalgic old order, the modern world before the current elites broke it. But when was that golden age? In the 1950s, when Jim Crow reigned in America and women could barely work as anything more than seamstresses and secretaries? The 1980s, when two-thirds of the globe stagnated under state socialism, repression and isolation? What group of elites  kings, commisars, mandarins  ran the world better than our current hodgepodge of politicians and businessmen?

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Even in the West, it is easy to take for granted the astounding progress. We live longer, the air and water are cleaner, crime has plunged, and information and communication are virtually free. Economically, there have been gains, though crucially, they have not been distributed equally.

But there have been monumental improvements in access and opportunity for large segments of the population that were locked out and pushed down. In the U.S., the gap between black and white high school completion has almost disappeared. The poverty gap between blacks and whites has shrunk  but remains distressingly large. Hispanic college enrollment has soared. The gender gap between wages for men and women has narrowed. The number of female CEOs at Fortune 500 companies has gone from one to 24 over the last 20 years. Female membership in national legislatures of OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries has almost doubled in the same period. No countries allowed gay marriage two decades ago, but more than 20 countries do today. In all these areas, much remains to be done. But in each of them, there has been striking progress.

I understand that important segments of the Western working class are under great pressure, and that they often feel ignored and left behind by this progress. We must find ways to give them greater economic support and moral dignity. But extensive research shows that some of their discomfort comes from watching a society in which these other groups are rising, changing the nature of the world in which theyd enjoyed a comfortable status.

The fact these changes might cause discomfort to some is not a reason to pause, nor to forget it represents deep and lasting human progress that we should celebrate.
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For years, Brett Samsky had taught people the finer points of mountain climbing, whitewater rafting and hiking along the Appalachian Trail, all the while lugging an 80-pound backpack.

But by his 30s, Samsky found himself experiencing chest pains and struggling to breathe. He was sure something was wrong with his heart, but doctors kept telling him his ticker was just fine.

Samsky had earned two degrees  one in accounting and another in business administration  from the University of Georgia. He knew how to prepare and examine financial records. He knew how to make sure those records were accurate, and that taxes were paid properly and on time.

Doctors, he figured, knew the inner workings of the body. But Samsky and his wife just knew something wasnt right.

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By 2009, theyd gone to three different cardiologists. All three told them nothing was wrong with Brett Samskys heart.

A fourth one agreed, but when Samskys wife, Louise, asked for an additional test, he obliged.

All three of the arteries that carry blood from the heart were essentially closed. Samsky had two weeks to live, max.

That day, he was admitted to the hospital. Two days later, doctors performed open-heart surgery. Samsky was 44, but alive.

It didnt take long for his condition to worsen. To try to figure out why, doctors did another procedure and discovered one of the arteries had closed again.

Over the next three years, Samsky would undergo 12 heart procedures, including two at Ohios Cleveland Clinic, ranked the No. 1 hospital in the country for cardiovascular care.

He was there for the second, when a doctor mentioned one of the clinics best cardiologists, Vivek Rajagopal, had left there to work here at Piedmont Hospital Atlanta.

Samsky was overjoyed. He had a young son, Connor. It would be much easier on his family if he could be treated closer to his home in Dunwoody.

When he met Dr. Rajagopal two weeks later in 2012, he noticed something different from the other doctors hed seen.

He always had a smile on his face, Samsky remembered. He was super warm and very caring. He listened to us.

And it wasnt just Rajagopal, it was all of Piedmont.

I felt this hug of caring that I hadnt felt previously, he said.

Samsky, whod left off working at Deloitte & Touche, started and stopped law school, and co-founded a financial firm called Credigy, knew then hed have to return the favor.

By 2014, Samsky could barely walk, let alone breathe. He was more like a 90-year-old man than 40-something.

Hed undergo three more procedures, including an experimental one that finally stopped his arteries from closing.

It was like magic, Samsky said.

Two days after the procedure, he went home. He remembered wanting to return the favor shown him and telephoned the hospital.

What can we do for Piedmont Heart? he asked.

Piedmont had been raising funds to purchase software that would allow doctors to see a 3D image of patients hearts. They needed $400,000 more. Samsky wrote them a check, but believed God wanted him to do more.

In 2015, he and his wife went back to Piedmont. This time, they were told the hospital could use a heart failure center. The Samskys donated $6 million to that effort and, in February 2017, the Samsky Advanced Heart Failure Center opened to much fanfare.

Previously, patients had to walk a blue mile back and forth across Piedmont Atlanta grounds to get to their appointments. The Samsky center houses a multidisciplinary team of heart specialists in one place and is a top 10 national LVAD (left ventricular assist device) implanting center.

Early last year, Samsky suffered another setback. In March, he was diagnosed with lung cancer, but after having half of his left lung removed, hes back to himself again.

Talking to him recently, none of this seemed possible.

For a man who has spent the past nine years of his life in and out of hospitals, Brett Samsky is extremely upbeat. His eyes danced and his smile never left his face.

At 54, hes beaten death twice and lived to talk about it, but not everyone is as fortunate.

He knows that heart disease  from congestive heart failure to coronary heart disease and congenital heart disease  is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S., particularly here in the Southeast.

That could change if there was a world-class center for heart care. Samsky believes in the idea so much he has donated $11 million more to Piedmont that he will pay over several years to establish the Samsky Invasive Cardiovascular Services Center. The center will be located within the Atlanta hospitals Piedmont Atlanta Tower, the systems $603 million expansion project set to open in September 2020.

This is a lot of money for us, but thats how important this is to me, my wife and Connor, he said. Statistically, I should have been a dead man. We want to make sure other people are able to live, too.

Samsky said he hopes the center will be the best in the world. He thought about that for a moment.

Why shouldnt Atlanta have the best heart services? he asked.

Its a good question. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 630,000 Americans die from heart disease each year.

Theres your answer.
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CAMBRIDGE, Mass.  Before he started the whole alien spaceship thing last year, the chairman of Harvard Universitys astronomy department was known for public lectures on modesty. Personal modesty, which Avi Loeb said he learned growing up on a farm. And what Loeb calls cosmic modesty  the idea that its arrogant to assume we are alone in the universe, or even a particularly special species.

You can find a poster for one of these lectures in Loebs office today, though its a bit lost among the clutter: photos of Loeb posing under the dome of Harvards enormous 19th-century telescope; thank-you notes from elementary schoolchildren; a framed interview he gave the New York Times in 2014; his books on the formation of galaxies; his face, again and again  a bespectacled man in his mid-50s with a perpetually satisfied smile.

Loeb stands beside his desk on the first morning of spring courses in a creaseless suit, stapling syllabi for his afternoon class. He points visitors to this and that on the wall. He mentions that four TV crews were in this office on the day in the fall when his spaceship theory went viral, and now five film companies are interested in making a movie about his life.

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A neatly handwritten page of equations sits on the desk, on the edge closest to the guest chairs.

Oh, this is something I did last night, Loeb says. Its a calculation, he explains, supporting his theory that an extraterrestrial spacecraft, or at least a piece of one, may at this moment be flying past the orbit of Jupiter.

Since publishing his controversial paper, Loeb has run a nearly nonstop media circuit, embracing the celebrity that comes from being perhaps the most academically distinguished E.T. enthusiast of his time  the top Harvard astronomer who suspects technology from another solar system just showed up at our door. And this, in turn, has left some of his peers nonplused  grumbling at what they see as a flimsy theory or bewildered as to why Harvards top astronomer wont shut up about aliens.

What you cant call Loeb is a crank. When astronomers in Hawaii stumbled across the first known interstellar object in late 2017  a blip of light moving so fast past the sun that it could only have come from another star  Loeb had three decades of Ivy League professorship and hundreds of astronomical publications on his resume, mostly to do with the nature of black holes and early galaxies and other subjects far from any tabloid shelf.

So when seemingly every astronomer on the planet was trying to figure out how the interstellar object (dubbed Oumuamua, Hawaiian for scout) got to our remote patch of Milky Way, Loebs extraordinarily confident suggestion that it probably came from another civilization could not be easily dismissed.

Considering an artificial origin, one possibility is that Oumuamua  pronounced Oh-mooah-mooah  is a lightsail, floating in interstellar space as a debris from an advanced technological equipment, Loeb wrote with his colleague Shmuel Bialy in Astrophysical Journal Letters in November  thrilling E.T. enthusiasts and upsetting the fragile orbits of space academia.

 Oumuamua is not an alien spaceship, and the authors of the paper insult honest scientific inquiry to even suggest it, tweeted Paul Sutter, an astrophysicist at Ohio State University, shortly after the paper published.

A shocking example of sensationalist, ill-motivated science, theoretical astrophysicist Ethan Siegel wrote in Forbes. North Carolina State University astrophycisist Katie Mack suggested Loeb was trolling for publicity. Sometimes you write a paper about something that you dont believe to be true at all, just for the purpose of putting out there, she told the Verge.

Most scientists besides Loeb assume Oumuamua is some sort of rock, be it an asteroid ejected from some star in meltdown hundreds of millions of years ago, or an icy comet wandering the interstellar void. But its moving too fast for an inert rock, Loeb points out  zooming away from the sun as if something is pushing it from behind. And if its a comet spewing jets of steam, the limited observations astronomers made of it showed no sign.

Loeb argues that Oumuamuas behavior means it cant be, as is commonly imagined, a clump of rock shaped like a long potato, but rather an object thats very long and no more than 1 millimeter thick, perhaps like a kilometer-long obloid pancake  or a ship sail  so light and thin that sunlight is pushing it out of our solar system.

And while hes not saying its definitely aliens, he is saying he cant think of anything other than aliens that fits the data. And hes saying that all over international news.

Many people expected once there would be this publicity, I would back down, Loeb says. If someone shows me evidence to the contrary, I will immediately back down.

In the meantime, hes doubling down, hosting a Reddit AMA on how the discovery of alien life in space will transform our life, and constantly emailing his friends and colleagues with updates on all the reporters who are speaking to him.

In a matter of months, Loeb has become a one-man alternative to the dirge of terrestrial news.

It changes your perception on reality, just knowing that were not alone, he says. We are fighting on borders, on resources. . . . It would make us feel part of planet Earth as a civilization rather than individual countries voting on Brexit.

So now he is famous, styling himself as a truth-teller and risk-taker in an age of overly conservative, quiescent scientists.

The mainstream approach [is] you can sort of drink your coffee in the morning and expect what you will find later on. Its a stable lifestyle, but for me it resembles more the lifestyle of a business person rather than scientists, he says.

The worst thing that can happen to me is I would be relieved of my administrative duties, and that would give me even more time to focus on science, Loeb adds.  All the titles I have, I can dial them back. In fact, I can dial myself back to the farm.

Loeb grew up in an Israeli farming village. He would sit in the hills and read philosophy books imagining the broader universe, he says, a fascination that led him into academia and all the way to Oumuamua.

I dont have a class system in my head of academia being the elite, he says, as he leads a reporter into the locked chamber of the Great Refractor  an enormous 19th-century telescope where he sometimes does photo ops. I see it as a continuation of childhood curiosity  trying to understand what the world is like.

He joined Princeton Universitys Institute for Advanced Study in the late 1980s (Where Einstein used to be, he notes) and later took a junior position in Harvards astronomy department, where for 20 years no one had been promoted from within . . . They tenured me after three years.)

As he tells it, his life story sounds like a cerebral version of Forrest Gump  Loeb always singemindedly pursuing his science and intersecting with the giants of the field, whom he regularly name-drops. Stephen Hawking had dinner at his house. Stephen Spielberg once asked him for movie tips. Russian billionaire Uri Milner once walked into his office and sat on the couch and asked him to help design humanitys first interstellar spaceship  which he is now doing, with a research budget of $100 million and the endorsement of Mark Zuckerberg and the late Hawking.

Loeb mentions casually that when he was 24 years old he got a private audience with the famed physicist Freeman Dyson  and then pauses for effect beneath the 20-foot shaft of the Great Refractor, grinning until he realizes the reporter doesnt know who Freeman Dyson is.

At midday, Loeb leaves the telescope and his office and descends to a bare white classroom to introduce the basics of astrophysics to a dozen new students.

If hes mastered the national news interview by now, his lecture begins a bit stilted. He looks down at the table as he speaks. He asks the freshmen at this most prestigious of universities to go around the table and list their hobbies.

Ten minutes later, Loeb goes off script.

Did anyone hear the name Oumuamua? he asks. What did it mean?

Almost everyone nods, and freshman Matt Jacobsen, who came to Harvard from an Iowa farm town, volunteers quietly: There was speculation that it was from another civilization.

Who made that speculation? Loeb asks, smiling.

Theres an awkward silence in the room, and then Jacobsen cries, Was it you? Oh my gosh! and the professor smiles wider.



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Video: The Washington Posts Cleve Wootson explains why a recent admission from the government is intensifying UFO conspiracy theories.(Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Time to break out the heavy jackets.

After a spring-like start to the week, much colder temperatures with wind, valley rain and mountain snow will return to central and northern New Mexico Wednesday and Thursday.

A storm system will cross the state on Wednesday, bringing chances for accumulating snow across the northern and western mountains as well as lower elevations of northwest New Mexico, according to meteorologists at the National Weather Service office in Albuquerque.

Forecasters say they also expect strong to damaging winds will also return to the area with the system, especially along and east of the central mountain chain where gusts in excess of 50 mph will be possible.

The main concern across eastern New Mexico will be the wind, said Kerry Jones, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Combined with a little bit of that dryness, its something to watch in terms of fire weather conditions. Humidities will not be below critical values, but its going to be plenty windy.

Much colder air will move into New Mexico behind the system, resulting in well below normal temperatures for Thursday, and low temperatures in the single digits and teens Thursday night in some areas. Wind chill temperatures Thursday morning will be bitterly cold on the way to school and work.

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A weak clipper-type system could bring a brief shot of precipitation to north central and northeast parts of the state also on Thursday.

The system brings a slight chance of rain and snow to the metro area on Wednesday with a temperature warming into the high 40s. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Temperatures will then plunge into the low 20s Wednesday night and only warm to near 40 on Thursday, with morning wind chills in the teens.
 Reuters Falsely Links Jerusalem Embassy, Two-State Solution | Main | Palestinian Malevolent Indoctrination Exposed; Mainstream Media Are Indifferent 

February 04, 2019

Did WCC Activists Attend A Birthday Party Promoted by Palestinian Extremist Organization?

The video is a bit fuzzy and grainy.

But the footage of birthday party for Shadi Farar, a 12-year-old Palestinian boy who spent three years in an Israeli jail on charges of intent to murder, indicates that at least one member of a so-called peacemaking organization was present. The birthday party took place in Hebron late last year.

At about four and a half minutes into the video, theres a few frames worth of someone wearing a vest seems to be one of the vests worn by activists associated with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine Israel or EAPPI. This organization, which is part of the World Council of Churches, has a long-history of promoting anti-Israel propaganda and affiliating with anti-normalization extremists in the West Bank.

Instead of working to promote peace between Jews and Arabs living in the West Bank, EAPPI works to undermine the prospects of peace between the two communities.

If it werent for EAPPIs history of demonizing Israel and violating Israeli law (more about that here and here), we would be obligated to give the organization the benefit of doubt. There would simply no way that a responsible Christian peacemaker would visit a birthday party promoted on Facebook by Younes Arar, who leads an organization called, Palestinian Human Rights Defenders.

To get a sense of the organizations agenda, take a look at its logo, which can be seen on its Facebook page:

Theres a lot of blood in that logo, which seems to indicate that the organizations underlying agenda is not a peaceful one. And then theres the slogan: Dismantle the Ghetto, Get the Settlers Out of Hebron.

The last time someone worked to get Jews out of Hebron was in 1929, when Palestinian terrorists incited by the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin Al-Husseini, murdered 69 Jews. The Grand Mufti would probably love the logo!



This is why it is so troubling that WCC and EAPPI officials have not responded to queries posted on Twitter regarding the party. The question is a pretty simple one: Did EAPPI activists attend a propagandistic birthday party promoted by Palestinian Human Rights Defenders, an anti-normalization organization that seeks to drive Jews from their homes in Hebron? If the answer is no, great! If the answer is yes, well, then the WCC owes Israel and its citizens an apology for allowing its peace activists to affiliate with people who promote hatred and hostility toward Jews in the Holy Land in clear contradiction of the organizations stated opposition to antisemitism and violence. This would not be the first time EAPPI activists have associated with promoters of hatred in the West Bank. They made regular visits to Hasan Breijieh, coordinator for the Committee Against the Wall and spokesperson for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which was designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department in the 1990s. Watch this video here to see Breijieh being accompanied by two EAPPI activists as he harasses Jews outside their homes  on shabbat no less  in the West Bank. He's also written a poem that looks forward to the murder of Jews living in the West Bank. (You can see the text of that poem in the description of the Youtube video linked above.) Breijieh has gotten regular visits from EAPPI activists. Here are three photos from Breijiehs Facebook page documenting these visits.

Clearly, EAPPI activists have been hanging out with people they shouldnt be hanging out with. In light of this evidence, it seems reasonable to ask the WCC a few questions, such as: 1. Did EAPPI activists go to the birthday party mentioned above? Yes or no?

2. What type of oversight does the WCC exert on EAPPI activists?

3. Whos in charge of the actions of EAPPI activists once they're in the field?

4. Have EAPPI activists ever visited the homes of Israeli Jews who have lost their loved ones to Palestinian acts of terror?

5. Has the WCC taken any actions whatsoever to prevent the EAPPI program from being hijacked by Palestinian extremists? Have they ever stood in opposition to Palestinian violence? Until the WCC and EAPPI start answering questions like this, Israelis and Jews throughout the world have every reason to be suspicious of the organizations' agenda.

Posted by dvz at February 4, 2019 03:38 PM

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FALLS CHURCH, Va.  Lingering doubts over Gov. Ralph Northams political future after the publication of a racist yearbook photo could propel an African-American political newcomer into the governors mansion.

If Northam stepped down, Justin Fairfax would be the second African-American governor in Virginias history and just the fourth in the entire United States since Reconstruction.

Fairfax has experienced a brief, meteoric rise through Virginia politics. His supporters have touted him as a fresh face whose charisma has allowed him to connect with voters. His detractors suggest he is unproven and inexperienced.

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His ascension could mean that the racial scandal dogging Northam would end with an African-American governor trying to lead the Democratic Party to a takeover of the legislature in November and potentially, through a quirk of law, being able to serve more than one term.

On Monday, Fairfax was drawn into a controversy of his own. He denied an allegation of sexual misconduct first reported by a conservative website, calling it a smear. Fairfax said the 2004 encounter with a woman was consensual. The Associated Press is not reporting the accusation because AP has not able to confirm it.

The Washington Post said Monday that it was approached by the woman in 2017, carefully investigated, but didnt publish the accusations. The Post said the woman had not told anyone about it, the account could not be corroborated, Fairfax denied it and the Post was unable to find other allegations against him.

The 39-year-old lieutenant governor has held elected office for only one year. A descendant of slaves, he carried a copy of his ancestors manumission papers with him as he was sworn in. Since then, he has become best known in Virginia for refusing to preside over the Senate chamber as lawmakers offered tributes to Confederate leaders on Virginias Lee-Jackson Day, in January. He said he stepped off the dais to honor his family.

Before entering politics, Fairfax served for two years as a federal prosecutor in Alexandria, a prestigious outpost within the Department of Justice that handles numerous high-profile cases. He did not work on any of those cases, however.

Gene Rossi, a 30-year veteran of the Justice Department and one of the prosecutors who helped train Fairfax, said the lieutenant governor has an incredibly acute legal mind and is a quick study who could hit the ground running.

I think he has what it takes to become governor and lead us out of this, Rossi said in a phone interview Monday morning, before Fairfax addressed the sexual assault allegation publicly.

Fairfax and Rossi ended up as opponents in the 2017 Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, which Fairfax won handily.

Political observers say Fairfax would have an enormous learning curve ahead of him as Virginias governor.

His biggest challenge would be building effective relationships with the legislature, something it took Northam years to do before he was able to achieve such accomplishments as passing Medicaid expansion last year.

Is he capable of doing this? Yes, hes a smart person and organized, has some good people around him, Quentin Kidd, a political science professor at Christopher Newport University, said of Fairfax. But this is an enormous job. A large part of the job is building relationship over time.

Fairfax graduated from Duke University and Columbia Law School. He worked for Tipper Gore during Al Gores 2000 presidential campaign. He also worked for former Sen. John Edwards.

A native of Annandale, his first run for office came in 2013, when he ran for attorney general against Mark Herring, a state senator who was much better known in Democratic political circles. Herring won, but Fairfax got 48 percent of the vote and impressed party leaders as a potential up-and-comer. He stayed active in Democratic politics and campaigned heavily for U.S. Sen. Mark Warner in his narrow re-election bid in 2014.

During the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, Republican opponent Jill Holtzmann Vogel attacked Fairfaxs lack of experience. At one debate, she said he was not sufficiently informed to talk intelligently about issues. Democrats saw the remark as an unfair attack with racial overtones.

Fairfax won with nearly 53 percent of the vote as Democrats, including Northam, swept all three statewide elections in 2017.

Should Northam resign, Fairfax would have the unusual opportunity in 2021 to seek another term as governor since he was not elected in the first place. Under Virginia law, governors can serve more than one term, but not consecutively.

This scenario could not only create Virginias second African-American governor, but an environment where the second African-American governor would have the opportunity to have almost a seven-year term, said University of Mary Washington political science professor Stephen Farnsworth. The states first African-American governor, Douglas Wilder, served from 1990 to 1994.

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This story has been edited to clarify that Virginia law states governors can serve more than one term, but not consecutively.

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Associated Press writer Ben Finley in Norfolk contributed to this report.
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Copyright  2019 Albuquerque Journal

A powerful, improvised bomb exploded behind a busy shopping center on West Central on Monday afternoon, killing the person police say caused it and sparking evacuations of the area.

There is no perceived threat to anybody else, Albuquerque Police Chief Michael Geier said in a news conference from the scene. There is no connection to any terrorist act or any activity that we would need to protect the public from.

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The explosion, which Geier said had a radius of about 80 yards, shook buildings and houses near Central and Coors and could be heard almost two miles away. Employees and customers were told to shelter in place and then were evacuated as investigators with the Albuquerque Police Department, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, FBI, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives combed through the scene.

Shortly before 1 p.m., APD officers patrolling the area and AFR personnel shopping at the Smiths grocery store at 111 Coors NW heard and felt the explosion, and sprang into action. They ran behind the shopping center to find a person had been killed.

Our initial concern was, was this a gas leak or natural causes, but that was ruled out pretty quickly, Geier said. There were people in the area that did witness the explosion. So we started putting together the pieces right from the onset.

He said they have tentatively identified the man who was killed, but had not yet notified family members of his death Monday evening. It is unclear what the motive was or if he had any connections to the shopping center.

Investigators, with help from the FBI, are still determining what the explosive device was made from. Geier said they believe it was on or around the person who was killed.

He said the explosion destroyed a cement wall and dented a dumpster behind the shopping center. There arent any houses in the area, and an expanse of parking lot and a vacant field separate it from the next closest business.

Witnesses reported seeing several different people who looked suspicious running away, but police determined no one else was involved.

Employees at the shopping center and other onlookers gathered in the parking lot throughout the afternoon. Many reported hearing the explosion.

Ana Nieves, a secretary at Jacobos auto sales shop across the street, said their whole building shook.

The sound was horrifying, she said. It sounded like thunder when it makes the house shake. The kind that makes you jump when it hits.

Nieves said she and the other employees went outside to look around and then heard police begin to arrive.

Geier said police occasionally get calls about bomb threats and sometimes find devices that people have made into explosives, but its rare to see one with this capacity.

Tonight, well look at the investigative aspect regarding the individual himself, and how this all came to fruition today, he said.

Mayor Tim Keller expressed gratitude that no one else was injured by the blast.

We are grateful that no one else was hurt and that our partners were able to jump in promptly and deal with the situation, he said. We also want to thank all the businesses and customers who were cooperative during this investigation.
Staff reports

Aberdeen News

It was a messy lawsuit. Things happened and bad decisions got made. Not your finest hour. A confidential settlement can make it go away quietly, and why not? Its your money. Its nobody elses business.

But what if it was your money and somebody else decided to settle confidentially in order to protect their reputation? And now they wont disclose the price you paid or how they arrived at the amount. They wont even say who made the mistake or whether malice was involved.

And thats what happens when a city, county or school board gets sued and quietly settles without disclosing the details to taxpayers.

South Dakota is one of only a few states in which the law allows government boards to pretend taxpayer money is truly lawmaker money. Its time the Legislature set them straight by prohibiting confidential settlements involving government bodies. Exceptions must be allowed to protect victims, but boards should not be allowed to protect themselves without judicial review.

Senate Bill 59, passed by the Senate last week, would bar government entities from entering into secret settlements. It would also allow judicial discretion and exceptions to keep the names of crime victims confidential.

At a committee hearing, the bill was opposed by lobbyists representing bankers, retailers, insurers and the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, who argued it would lead to increased litigation costs.

The bills prime sponsor, Sen. Art Rusch, a Republican from Vermillion and a retired judge, argued the publics right to know trumps any theoretical additional cost of litigation.

Its my feeling the taxpayer has a right to know where their tax money is going, he said.

Why is this even a question? Its taxpayer money. Of course they have a right to know. And if theres any question about undue harm to a victim or related individual, only a judge should be able to restrict those details.

What funding entity  in this case taxpayers  allows an employee  in this case elected officials  to decide whether to provide an explanation about matters of money? How can employers  in this case voters  make responsible decisions about whether to retain their employees?

Hey boss, if you dont ask questions about this, I can shave a few bucks off your bill. Its a fools offer. No employer would accept it.

And yet this isnt the first time Rusch has proposed this fix. His most recent effort found success in the Senate but failed in the House.

This time, Gov. Kristi Noem has indicated support for Ruschs bill, saying she believes in transparency in government.

The South Dakota Supreme Court has also weighed in on the matter, ruling in 2017 that the city of Sioux Falls had no right to withhold information surrounding repairs to the Denny Sanford Premier Center.

Its time for legislators to affirm that they also support the rights of taxpayers. Nobody else should be forced to require the courts to uphold their right to know about matters involving their own money. Its that simple.
Staff reports

Aberdeen News

The Ellendale, N.D., district is rightly interested in the chance to be a full-service community school.

That would happen through a pilot program that adds community services in schools, potentially connecting students, employees and families to mental health, dental and other such services, or giving direct access to paperwork for Medicaid, food stamps and similar services.

We get  and applaud  the schools interest.

The program is possible because of a $2.5 million five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to the North Dakota Full-Service Community Schools Consortium.

According to Heather Simonich, the operations director for the group that got the grant (PATH North Dakota), the program has been exceptionally helpful to rural areas, where some services can sometimes be somewhat limited.

Not only that, but it would make the school more of a hub and cement it as even more of an essential asset to Ellendale.

Many rural schools have been looking for ways to increase enrollment and stay relevant in recent years. This idea certainly wouldnt hurt.

With a population of just less than 1,200, according to a 2017 estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau, Ellendale sits just north of the South Dakota border along U.S. Highway 281. According to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, the districts enrollment as of Sept. 1 was 336 students. The 10-year average is 330.

Now, three larger North Dakota schools are acting as demonstration sites for the Full-Service Community Schools Consortium. They are in Fargo, Mandan and Minot.

But three additional schools can ask to be pilot schools, which is Ellendale has done.

Schools will be notified by Feb. 18 if they are chosen.

Through the venture, the Ellendale school offerings might expand to include a pre-kindergarten program, an after-school program and programs to help students transition from elementary to middle and middle to high school.

The long-term hope is that pilot schools become a model for others interested in adding community services.

Ellendale, just by being open to new ideas and possibilities, is off to a great start when it comes to acting as a model for others. The districts desire to be innovative can  and should  be duplicated by other schools.

A successful pilot program could mean many things to Ellendale and beyond. But above all, becoming a full-service community school would surly contribute to the schools sustainability and improve the lives of students, family members, staff and all residents.
Staff reports

Aberdeen News

The South Dakota Farm Bureau is accepting scholarship applications from high school seniors planning to attend college or technical school, as well as from current college and technical school students.

The scholarships are awarded to students whose parents or guardians have been Farm Bureau members for at least two years. Graduate students are not eligible.

Scholarships are applied toward tuition and fees and are awarded after the first semester.

Applications, which are available at bit.ly/2DLrc0F, are due by March 15.
According to the Montana Department of Transportation, a semi truck and cattle truck have collided on I-15 in the southbound lane. Traffic has been reduced to single lane on the I-15 Gates of the Mountains Interchange.

Celebrate a special graduate in your life Do you want to honor a 2021 graduate in this special section? Simply click below to fill out the form and upload their photo! Submit
An interactive summary of the report is available to everyone and will work on your desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone. The full 26-page report will be available for free to anyone via a dedicated page on the Canada Life website. Half of people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime, and the condition accounts for more claims across all the Group Insurance products combined than any other. Understanding this varied and complex condition, which will touch almost everyones life in some way, is of vital importance to anyone in the protection and wellbeing industries. Please explore the interactive report here. Tim Stoves, Managing Director at Canada Life Group Insurance, said: We deal with an average of six claims caused by cancer every single working day. The scale of the problem is staggering  it feels like more people are being diagnosed than ever before. However, survival rates have been steadily improving for decades thanks to advances in medicine and better awareness of how we can minimise our risks. This decade saw a major milestone achieved, with half of people diagnosed with cancer surviving for 10 years or more, compared to just a quarter in the 1970s. We at Canada Life and other protection providers do what we can to help in our own way. We hope this report will be a part of that, informing more people about cancer and how our industry supports people who have it, often beyond the simply financial.


AARP is committed to easing the burdens on family caregivers. Over the past two years, AARP has been behind the passage of more than 200 state laws that support family caregivers. AARP has drafted model legislation on a wide range of supports for family caregivers. Providing flexibility for working family caregivers is key. One AARP model bill, ELECT, allowing employees to use their paid sick leave to care for an ailing loved one, is now law in Georgia and Illinois.

In 2018, three states  Maryland, New Jersey and Oklahoma  passed laws to help caregivers balance work and caregiving through paid- and unpaid-leave options.

Were also celebrating passage of the RAISE Family Caregivers Act, which requires the federal government to come up with ways to help those who are caring for others.

Other highlights from 2018:



Missouri passed the Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act, which provides support for family caregivers as their loved ones enter the hospital or make the transition from hospital to home. That means 37 states, two territories and Washington, D.C., now have this law in place.

More than a dozen states made telehealth more accessible, so patients can reach doctors and other medical experts who are many miles away or even on another continent.

AARP helped four states (Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii and Rhode Island) improve access to their respite-care programs, which provide a temporary but much-needed break for family caregivers.

We did not do this work alone and like to recognize lawmakers who helped us. AARP named our fifth annual class of Capitol Caregivers, including 58 state legislators and six governors. That list is at aarp.org/statecaregivers.

Weve come far, but there is work yet to do. We wont rest until caregivers get the help they deserve.
Jordan Strauss/Invision for AARP The Magazine/AP Images

Linda Cardellini

Cardellini, of Freaks and Geeks and Bloodline fame, aced her role as Delores, Tony Lip Vallelongos patient wife in Green Book. Cardellini joined castmates Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen and director Peter Farrelly to receive the movies best picture award.

Cardellini was happy to support MFGs mission to recognize the achievements of 50-plus moviemakers. Thats the whole point in life, to get older, she said. So the idea of not celebrating it doesnt make sense.
When Lunar New Year comes around, you can expect a massive migration in China of people traveling home (it's called the "Spring Festival rush"). For this annual family reunion, the most important (and the biggest) event takes place on Lunar New Year's Eve.

When I was but a wee babe, I remember my family gathering at my parents' restaurant after closing time to feast on lobster, pork ribs, and more for New Year's Eve. Back then, I had no clue what we were doing until I grew up, but this annual feast remains my first memory of Chinese New Year even after we switched to celebrating at home.

Third Culture Bakery's co-founder Wenter Shyu also recalls everyone in the family coming home for Chinese New Year (more than 20 people filled his grandma's house every year) to devour golden shrimp, gift red envelopes and consume/hoard a lot of dumplings. "It's like the Super Bowl holiday for our family," Wenter explains. Chef Melissa King laughs when telling me, "I just remember a lot of food, all the time." Same.

Citrus fruits, red envelopes, and sweets are always provided at Chinese New Year tables. (Patrick Wong, KQED)

All jokes aside, this immense feast is truly a celebration of family and a time where we all got together  feuds or long distances be damned. For Melissa, "One of my fondest memories is us in the kitchen, my aunt washing napa cabbage, my sister peeling shrimp, and I'm doing something else. Everyone tackles it together, and, [in] the end, we just sit at the table all together to eat."



On top of a required family feast, families celebrate with centuries-old traditions to bring success with the New Year. For example, red envelopes (typically filled with money) and sweet treats are a big deal for kids and adults alike. Growing up in the Bay Area, Cheryl Quan remembers her grandma carrying around a plate of candies and requiring all family members to eat a piece of candy once they entered the house.

King also remembers the red envelopes fondly and explains, " When I think of Chinese New Year, it's the red envelopes, or lucky money. The history behind it, my mother explained, is that it symbolized small amounts of money that you could give to children to go buy sweets because sweets symbolized prosperity or good luck." There was also a lot of citrus fruits  "My grandma always had pomelos or oranges with the green leaves still attached sitting on her counter," says Melissa.

Finding the Meaning in Special Foods Cheryl Quan and her mother, Diana, serve up some lettuce wraps. (Grace Cheung, KQED) In every culture, certain foods have a special meaning, but according to tradition, it's especially important to eat the right things at New Year's Eve to start the year with the most luck you can gather. Unless you're allergic to an ingredient, you're encouraged to eat a little bit of everything to maximize your good luck potential. Of course, China is large with a vast diversity of regions, dialects, and ethnicities. Families cultivate their own practices rooted in their villages of origin. My family, for instance, always served a seafood dish with a black noodle ingredient called fat choy, and it was because the last word sounded like the "choy" meaning wealth or prosperity. You always greeted family members and family friends on New Year's when you saw them with the phrase "gong hay fat choy" ("wishing you prosperity"). Phone calls to relatives in China were also required to start with this phrase from both parties. For Chinese New Year, Cheryl's family a special dish full of meaning. The women in the family always cook together (with Quan's dad occasionally), but, for as long as Cheryl's memory goes back  which her mom, Diana, jokes is just about two years  their family has pork lettuce cups every year, but only for the new year, marking it as a special occasion. Each ingredient in her mother's recipe represents something special and fortuitous that make it an important addition to the menu. Lettuce (sang choy) means "life, prosperity, family." Water chestnuts mean "unity," while mushrooms mean "opportunity." Pork represents"strength, wealth, abundance." Along with these lettuce cups, Quan's family prepares a whole chicken (to represent a harmonious and unified family) alongside rice cakes (nian gao) and other auspicious dishes. Melissa's mother was from Hong Kong while her father moved from Shanghai to Hong Kong at a young age. Growing up "in a very Cantonese household" meant their family gravitated toward seafood-heavy feasts, and celebrated Chinese New Year with the family hot pot. Though sides might occasionally, the staple at their hot pot table was a clear, chicken bone broth with goji berries, jujubes, and ginger made by her grandmother. For Wenter's family, noodles (long noodles mean long life) and dumplings (the shape represents Chinese ingots a.k.a. money) take a prominent presence since the carb-loaded dishes are what his grandma's region is famous for. In fact, dumplings are present on nearly everyone's table, and they are practically always homemade. And don't forget about what I like to call dessert dumplings, aka tang yuan. Wenter's family always ends their feast with it because, as Wenter explains, "it's supposed to symbolize togetherness because of how sticky it is. As you eat it, it's supposed to symbolize how your family will stick together." And no matter how full you are, you must end the meal with at least one.

Building a Family through Food Third Culture founder Wenter Shyu feeds Sam some freshly cooked tang yuan. (Grace Cheung) And being united as a family is a running theme for Chinese New Yearbesides being lucky and getting rich. Even though we've left home, these cultural traditions our families celebrated made an impression on us and we remember them, even if it is faintly, as adults because it brings us together. Wearing red on the day of our interview, Melissa said, "It's always in the back of my mind, subconsciously, to try and follow those traditions when New Year's gets closer, like wearing red, having gold around the house." Wenter usually tries to go home, but he isn't making it back home for Chinese New Year this year. Instead, he and his partner Sam will still celebrate the occasion with their customers and staff by creating a new tradition: baking black sesame cookies paired with red envelopes and having a small party at their showcase location in Berkeley. These traditions were passed down generation to generation, from mothers and fathers to daughters and sons, but, as we leave home and our families, we can still celebrate those ancient traditions while making some new ones along the way. For us and anyone else who can't make it home for Chinese New Year, it's still important for us to carry on these centuries-old traditions. We can take those memories of being in the kitchen with our parents and siblings and replicate them with our friends and coworkers. While pleating dumplings at her dining room table for her upcoming hot pot party, Melissa smiles and tells me, "It's fun to teach my friends about my culture, where I came from, and the food I grew up on."

Chef Melissa King's Hot Pot Recipe Melissa prepares dumplings for her upcoming hot pot party. (Patrick Wong, KQED) Step 1: Select Soup Base

Step 2: Choose Your Proteins

Step 3: Choose Your Vegetables & Noodles

Step 4: Mix Your Sauce Cooking time: Thinly sliced meats  10-15 seconds

Green Vegetables  1 minute

Seafood, chicken, meatballs, noodles, dumplings, tofu, mushrooms, root vegetables  3-5 mins Instructions: Place a hot plate or burner in the center of a large table. Place a large pot of broth in the center and bring it to a boil, then to a simmer. Place all the prepared ingredients around the hot pot. Have everyone mix up their own dipping sauces. Each person takes the proteins and vegetables of their choice and adds it to the pot to cook. When each item is done, retrieve it from the broth with a wire skimmer and dip it into your sauce and enjoy. As the liquid evaporates, add boiling water as needed. Hot Pot Dos and Donts: Rescuing items: it's ok to rescue something you forgot about, but use your little wire basket to retrieve it, not your chopsticks.

Make sure you ask others before claiming something in the pot.

Do not cross the dividers and cross contaminate proteins. Types of broth: Chicken Bone Broth

Pork Bone Broth

Fish Bone Broth

Miso

Spicy Miso

Kimchi

Curry

Tom Yum

Mongolian Sichuan Chili

Sukiyaki

Dashi/Kombu PROTEIN OPTIONS: Meat: Thinly sliced high-quality ribeye or chuck

Thinly sliced lamb shoulder

Thinly sliced pork belly

Thinly sliced kurobuta pork

Thinly sliced chicken thigh or breast

Offal  beef tripe, beef tendon, pork blood, pork intestines, duck tongues Seafood: Dungeness Crab/Blue Crab, pieces

Lobster, pieces

Boneless, fish fillet slices  salmon, snapper, flounder, cod

Manila Clams

Mussels

Whole Shrimp

Squid/Cuttlefish, slices

Scallops, slices

Bay Scallops

Fish cakes Tofu: Fresh Tofu

Frozen Tofu

Fried tofu

Fried Tofu Skins or Fried Yuba Dumplings/Noodles/Rice: Rice Noodles

Vermicelli

Ramen

Sweet potato noodles/shirataki

Steamed white rice

Homemade or frozen dumplings Leafy Greens: Romaine lettuce/iceberg

Spinach

Watercress

Peashoots

Chrysanthemum

Ong choy Hearty Greens: Napa cabbage

Bok choy

Scallions Root Vegetables: Carrots

Daikon

Potatoes

Kabocha squash

Lotus root

Winter melon Mushrooms: King trumpet

Enoki

Shiitake

Beech

Oyster

Wood ear Chinese sauces options: sesame oil

chili oil

xo sauce (chili and dried shrimp/scallops)

sa cha sauce (ground fermented shrimp/fish)

soy sauce

chopped garlic

scallion

cilantro

jalapeno/serrano

raw egg (chicken or quail) Japanese sauces: ponzu

sesame sauce (goma-dare)

raw egg Melissa's favorite combo: ponzu + sa cha + garlic + scallions + chili oil

This article was written by Grace Cheung, and originally published on KQED's Bay Area Bites.
From BlackPast:

I promised God and some other responsible characters, including a bench of bishops, that I was not going to part my lips concerning the U.S. Supreme Court decision on ending segregation in the public schools of the South. But since a lot of time has passed and no one seems to touch on what to me appears to be the most important point in the hassle, I break my silence just this once. Consider me as just thinking out loud.

The whole matter revolves around the self-respect of my people. How much satisfaction can I get from a court order for somebody to associate with me who does not wish me near them? The American Indian has never been spoken of as a minority and chiefly because there is no whine in the Indian. Certainly he fought, and valiantly for his lands, and rightfully so, but it is inconceivable of an Indian to seek forcible association with anyone. His well known pride and self-respect would save him from that. I take the Indian position.

Now a great clamor will arise in certain quarters that I seek to deny the Negro children of the South their rights, and therefore I am one of those handkerchief-head niggers who bow low before the white man and sell out my own people out of cowardice. However an analytical glance will show that that is not the case. If there are not adequate Negro schools in Florida, and there is some residual, some inherent and unchangeable quality in white schools, impossible to duplicate anywhere else, then I am the first to insist that Negro children of Florida be allowed to share this boon. But if there are adequate Negro schools and prepared instructors and instructions, then there is nothing different except the presence of white people.

More here. (Note: Throughout February, we will publish at least one post dedicated to Black History Month)
Ed Yong in The Atlantic:

A young evolutionary biologist, Barrett had come to Nebraskas Sand Hills with a grand plan. He would build large outdoor enclosures in areas with light or dark soil, and fill them with captured mice. Over time, he would see how these rodents adapted to the different landscapesa deliberate, real-world test of natural selection, on a scale that biologists rarely attempt.

But first, he had to find the right spots: flat terrain with the right color soil, an abundance of mice, and a willing owner. The last of these was proving especially elusive, Barrett bemoaned. Local farmers werent keen on giving up valuable agricultural land to some random out-of-towner. After knocking on door after door, he had come up empty.

More here.
The alternative to a cliff edge end to working life, transitioning into retirement, gives workers the best of all worlds, by allowing them to balance their health and wealth. And maintaining mental sharpness was the top reason given for wanting to take this option, by three in five workers (59%). Sense of purpose (44%) and social engagement (39%) were other valued elements workers felt theyd get from continuing to work in some capacity. It was not just the associated benefits of work that makes extended employment appealing. The need for additional money to supplement a pension was felt to be a major consideration for 42% of workers, with more women than men citing this as a reason for continuing to work beyond retirement, (nearly half (48%) of women versus 39% of men). Interestingly the thought of stopping work altogether and completely retiring was a concern for a quarter of workers (27%) over 50, with 1 in 10 of them (11%) saying they were anxious about the thought. A fifth (19%) were candid enough to admit that beyond the initial excitement, they thought the novelty of not working would be short lived. Why do older workers want to work beyond traditional retirement age? Improved life expectancy means theres now an increased expectation that people will live into their 80s and beyond, making them more inclined to continue working in some capacity in their 60s and potentially 70s. This is especially true if they enjoy good health, which is increasingly the case. With many workers having less physically demanding jobs its also easier to continue working for longer. Steven Cameron, Pensions Director at Aegon, commented: Its interesting to look at why were working later in life. For todays over 50s it goes beyond earning an income and is more about the increasing evidence to suggest that its good for not just your wealth but your health. Workers see transitioning into retirement as having the best of all worlds  benefitting mentally and socially from work, continuing to receive an income and enjoying more leisure time. Work is fulfilling for a variety of reasons and is a big part of a persons identity, which makes stepping away from it a more difficult decision. Our research shows that workers over 50 appreciate that working provides so much more than just financial security. It gives us a purpose, a sense of self-esteem, keeps our brains nimble as well as offering social interaction. These are all seen as important and the key reasons people want to blend work and retirement, before stopping altogether.


Three years ago, the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, hosted the first major exhibition of Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975) in more than two decades. Specifically, it explored the connection between his work and Hollywood. The curators argued that Bentons brief tenure in the silent film industry had given him an appreciation for storytelling that informed all of his work.

The exhibition, which went on to tour museums in Kansas City, Missouri; Fort Worth, Texas; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was organized by Bentons diverse output, from colorful murals of 1920s Hollywood, to horrifying World War II propaganda posters, to book illustrations like his famous depiction of the Joad family for The Grapes of Wrath.

Toward the end of the exhibit were a number of his lithographs, quiet and humble compared with his vivid murals and posters of monstrous Japanese giants devouring Allied soldiers. The lithographs captured poignant, isolated moments in agricultural and small town America. They made art of the commonplace: farms and families, train stations and meeting houses.

These painterly snapshots were the inspiration for a new collection of short stories by award-winning author Donna Baier Stein.

For Scenes from the Heartland, Baier Stein selects nine of Bentons lithographs and, starting with what the artist chose to depict, weaves an intricate tapestry of mothers, sons, fathers, and daughters, people struggling against any number of odds in the Midwest of the 1920s, 30s and 40s.

My original intent, explains the author, Was to transport my imagination to a time and place radically different than my own. To escape the constraints of my own life experiences. Starting with a print that hangs on her own wall, Baier Stein found inspiration time and again. One by one, I chose a picture that engaged me. I began imagining lives for the people Benton had portrayed: Two women standing by a flooded river, looking at submerged houses and trees. A black fiddler sitting on a stool while a white couple and several women dance. A well-dressed man standing near the white carcass of a cow, suitcase dropped on the dirt road behind him, stroking his beard as he looks at a boarded-up shack. A man and a boy standing near an old gas station with a single pump, raising arms as a train rolls past in the distance. A mother embracing her son in a military uniform, as another train approaches.

Benton chose to put his talents to work depicting the everyday. Channeling the artist, Baier Stein takes these ordinary people in situations that appear to be of little consequence, and elevates them so that they become heroes and heroines of their own stories.

So, the two women staring at the flood evolve into rivals at the local church, who reach an unspoken truce in recognition of all they both had to lose. The black fiddler becomes the target of a racist attack, only to be mended by one of the dancers who happens to be a bonesetter. The mother sending her son off to war becomes a symbol of the life she thought shed live and how very different things had turned out.

In addition to pulling narratives out of Bentons work, Baier Stein painstakingly researched rural life in Missouri and Arkansas during the years leading up to World War II. Her inclusion of real-life news stories and brand names gives her characters firm ground even as were invited into their hopes, dreams, and loves lost. Detailed descriptions of everything from a wrinkled dress (the little girls mother had recently died) to a gold filigree bracelet in a tiny blue velvet box (had her husband bought it for the fresh-faced new clerk at Woolworths?) make each story tangible and almost filmic  supporting, perhaps, the museum exhibitions proposition about the influence movie-making had on Bentons work.

Although the stories in Scenes from the Heartland take place nearly a century ago, the individual characters emotional lives are all too familiar and contemporary. Reading about the 1930s fiddler in 2019, its difficult to ignore recent headlines about a black actor who was the victim of a racist (and homophobic) attack. When a frustrated husband has his wife committed because she is suffering from depression after a miscarriage  Your Msa has womens problems, Pa said. Problems I aint got time for.  you can reflect on how far womens rights have come, or you can wonder why eighty years later, womens health issues are still being debated. There may not be a draft, but tens of thousands of mothers still send their sons (and daughters) off to war. And, sadly, betrayal, infidelity, and emotional cruelty have never gone out of style.


First Order Drill Targets Defined at Earaheedy Zinc Project

Perth, Feb 5, 2019 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Rumble Resources Ltd ( ASX:RTR ) ( FRA:20Z ) ("Rumble" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that gravity inversion modelling over the southeast portion of the Earaheedy Zinc Project (E69/3464 - 75 km2) has delineated six first order gravity drill targets. The gravity targets lie directly over inferred northwest trending basement faults/structures. In addition to the modelling, a detailed review of historic drill hole intercepts has been completed which has significantly enhanced the prospectivity.HighlightsSix First Order Drill Targets Defined- Detailed infill gravity surveys completed by Rumble have been modelled (gravity inversion modelling) with six first order drill targets identified.o Importantly, the gravity targets are located over the main interpreted basement extension fault and likely represent high to moderate angle fault breccia zones with high potential to host economic base metal mineralisation.o The gravity targets dip steeply to the southwest in line with the basement fault zone.o The gravity targets (iso-shells) are large, up to 1.5km in strike length (EG1) and up to 300m in widtho All six gravity targets are located within the flat lying carbonate unit that hosts the known zinc-lead horizon (from historic drilling)o Significantly, no historic drill-holes previously intercepted the six first order gravity targets to be drill tested by RumbleScheduled RC/Diamond Drill Program- Two diamond tails will drill test the gravity targets EG1 and EG3 with contingency holes for gravity targets EG4 and EG6, scheduled for March 2019- Rumble has EIS funding up to $100,750 for the drill program.Target Potential and Style- Review of historical drilling identified that thirty-five (35) RC and diamond drill holes intercepted zinc mineralisation over an area of 20km by 3.5km within carbonate rocks that are overlain by granular iron formations (Frere Formation). Examples of intersections:o 11.3m @ 4.34% Zn, 0.85% Pb from 150.2mIncludes 2.3m @ 14.42% Zn, 1.15% Pb from 150.2mo 35m @ 1.3% Zn from 208m.Includes 6m @ 3.16% Zn from 210.5m.o 20m @ 1.86% Zn, 0.56 % Pb from 103m to EOH.Includes 7m @ 3.6% Zn, 1.25% Pb from 103m.o High-grade silver mineralisation was also intercepted and includes4m @ 559 g/t Ag from 257m (18 oz/tonne Ag)2m @ 149 g/t Ag from 223mNo historic drill-holes have intercepted the six first order gravity targets- Rumble is targeting Mississippi Valley Type (MVT) high-grade zinc deposits associated with basement faults (high angle breccia fault zones) within flat lying carbonate rocks- The target size is 10-20Mt, similar to the Pillara (Blendevale) Zn-Pb deposit located in the Lennard Shelf of WA, with a strike of 2km discovered between 80m to 500m below surface for a resource of 20Mt @ 8.3% Zn, 2.5% Pb, 17ppm AgThe area of mineralisation occurs over a strike of 20km and is up to 3.5 km in width. Rumble's Managing Director, Mr Shane Sikora, said: "In line with Rumble's strategy of generating and drill testing a pipeline of exploration projects capable of high-grade world-class discoveries, Rumble is pleased to announce an exciting development at the Earaheedy Zinc Project. As a result of Rumble's systematic drill targetting process, Rumble has identified six first order gravity drill targets at Earaheedy, with priority targets to be immediately tested with the drill-bit.The six gravity shells are compelling drill targets that potentially represent large, mineralised zinc ore bodies. This interpretation is based on:- the widespread Zn and Pb metal distribution surrounding the gravity targets;- the gravity shells highlighting dense areas which could represent mineralisation accumulation;- a review showing that no historic drilling intersected the targets;- the targets are positioned at the same depth of zinc mineralisation identified in historic drilling;- the targets are located over the main interpreted basement extension fault; and- Importantly, modelling determined the dip of gravity targets are in line with the basement fault which could reflect mineralisation intrusion.These elements combined, and the large size of the gravity targets (up to 1.5km in strike length and up to 300m in width), provide the potential to host a target of 10-20mt Mississippi Valley Type (MVT) type high-grade zinc deposits, Rumble looks forward to drill testing these targets and providing shareholders with a near term opportunity for a significant re-rating that would be expected as a result of any exploration success."Project OverviewRumble has an option agreement with Fossil Prospecting Pty Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of ASX Listed Zenith Minerals Ltd - ( ASX: ZNC ) to acquire a 75% interest in E69/3464. Rumble owns 100% of the contiguous application E69/3543. The Earaheedy Project is located approximately 110km north of Wiluna, Western Australia. Zinc and lead mineralisation with elevated silver is associated with the Navajoh Dolomite Member (also known as the Sweetwaters Well Member) of the Yelma Formation. The Yelma Formation is the lower unit of the 5000m thick Earaheedy Basin (Palaeoproterozoic). Sphalerite, galena, pyrite and marcasite (coarse grain) occurs as stratiform/stratabound ore fill veins and breccias, dissolution cavity fill, disseminated, stylolitic and fault fill mineralisation styles (Mississippi Valley Type). Broad spaced drilling (completed in the 1990's) defined oxidised and primary Zn-Pb mineralisation (zinc dominant) over a strike of 20km.The mineralisation is associated with a flat lying to shallow northeast dipping laterally continuous dolomite to shale horizon. The initial drill spacing was 5 to 10km. The current drill program spacing is approximately 2km by 1km.Review of the historic drilling has concluded that approximately half the drill holes did not intercept the target horizon.A total of 64 drill holes were previously completed within the project area (E69/3464), with 35 drill holes intercepting the stratiform zinc horizon (including partial end of hole intercepts).Mineralisation has been defined over an area of approximately 20km by up to 3.5km in width and is completely open.Significant Zn and Pb intercepts include:- TDH4 - 11.3m @ 4.34% Zn, 0.85% Pb from 150.2m including 2.3m @ 14.42% Zn, 1.15% Pb from 150.2m- TDH28 - 55m @ 0.87% Zn from 323m including 11m @ 1.2% Zn from 325m and 5m @ 2.32% Zn from 354m- TDH14 - 31m @ 1% Zn from 222.5m including 10.4m @ 3.28% Zn from 225m- TRC70 - 5m @ 2.52% Zn from 126m to EOH- TRC47 - 20m @ 1.86% Zn from 103m to EOH- TRC49 - 6m @ 1.36% Zn from 112m to EOH- NRC09 - 4m @ 1.7% Zn from 127m to EOHSignificant silver (Ag) mineralisation intercepts include:- TDH16 - 4m @ 559 g/t Ag (18oz/tonne) from 257m and 2m @ 149 g/t Ag from 223mGravity Survey and Targets (Figures 3, 4 and 5)Two surveys covering an area of 24km2 were completed on 100m by 100m and 200m by 100m spacings (1080 stations). The surveys targeted the main basement fault zone (interpreted from aero-magnetics) and the stronger base metal drill-hole intercepts from the historic drilling. Gravity inversion modelling has defined six (6) first order targets that occur over the main basement fault structure (Figure 3.). The targets are determined by variations in density contrasts (iso-shells). Targets EG1 to EG6 (see figures 3 & 5) are defined by the 0-200 (0.20 g/cm) iso-shell.Of Importance:- The six gravity targets sit below the overlying Frere Iron Formation and their dip length strongly correlates with width of the carbonate formations that host the historic Zn mineralisation (see figure 4).- The steep dip of the gravity targets (steep southwest) also reflect the inferred dip of the underlying basement fault.- The depth of the gravity targets gradually deepen to the southeast in line with the basement fault and dip of the hosting sediments.- The gravity targets (EG1 to EG6) are interpreted to be associated with high angle fault/fault breccias that extend from the basement and are hosted in the main carbonate units.- The targets represent bodies defined by density contrasts and these bodies may reflect denser carbonate rich zones or more significantly (based on the widespread Zn and Pb metal distribution), base metal mineralisation (epigenetic replacement).- The gravity targets (iso-shells) are up to 1.5km in strike length (EG1) and up to 300m in width.- Review of the historic drilling has indicated no drill hole has intercepted any of the gravity targets.- Historic drill holes that are close to the gravity targets include TDH19 (approximately 250m into the hanging wall of target EG1 - see figure 4) which returned a wide low-grade intercept of 56m @ 0.46% Zn from 209m.Target Potential and StyleThe target style for the Earaheedy Zn project is considered Mississippi Valley Type (MVT) with economic sphalerite - galena mineralisation hosted in high to moderate angle fault/fault breccia.Widespread flat lying carbonate replacement by low grade Zn and Pb sulphides has been delineated by historic drilling at Earaheedy. The area of flat lying mineralisation is very significant (20km by 3.5km) indicating extensive metal input and is completely open along strike and down dip. The historic drilling is wide spaced and has not tested the zone within the carbonates overlying the main basement fault.Previous work by Rumble has highlighted strong metal zonation Zn:Pb ratios paralleling the basement fault (refer to ASX Announcement 12/10/2017 - Option Agreement to acquire Earaheedy Zinc Project). Metal zonation is characteristic of MVT deposits in the Devonian Lennard Shelf of Western Australia and has proven to be a useful vector to aid in delineating high-grade faults mineralisation.The target size is considered to be 10-20Mt, similar to the Pillara (Blendevale) Zn-Pb deposit located in the Lennard Shelf of Western Australia. The Pillara deposit occurred over a strike of 2 km and was located 80 to 500m below surface. The geological resource was 20Mt @ 8.3% Zn, 2.5% Pb, 17ppm Ag. The deposit produced 10.3Mt @ 6.9% Zn and 2.3% Pb. Of note, the discovery drill-hole (8m @ 8.9% Zn, 3.5% Pb below 210m).Proposed Diamond DrillingRumble has scheduled a drilling program to test the significant first order drill targets in March 2019.Two diamond tails will drill gravity targets EG1 and EG3 with contingency holes for gravity targets EG4 and EG6. The expectation is for 100m pre-collars with diamond tails up to 300m.Figure 4 highlights the proposed diamond drill hole into target EG1.Rumble has received EIS (co-funding) funding approval ($100,750) for this diamond drilling program.To view tables and figures, please visit:About Rumble Resources Ltd

Rumble Resources Limited (ASX:RTR) (FRA:20Z) is an Australian based exploration company, officially admitted to the ASX on the 1st July 2011. Rumble was established with the aim of adding significant value to its current gold and base metal assets and will continue to look at mineral acquisition opportunities both in Australia and abroad.
ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (TWH)  Last week we published the first part of this interview with Damon Leff about the witch hunts that have been happening in South Africa. The murder of innocent people labeled as witches occurs in many countries, and often under reported in the media but according to a 2017 UN report complied by The Witchcraft & Human Rights Information Network (WHRIN) has reached epidemic proportions TWH will continue to report on witch hunts and examine in depth the causes driving the epidemic, which may slightly vary depending on geographic locations. Damon Leff is South African Pagan who advocates for human rights. We appreciate him taking the time to answer our questions and share his knowledge with us and our readers. This is the second part of our conversation.

DL: The words witch and witchcraft are used predominantly as an accusation throughout Africa, either to describe a number of clearly defined traditional religious practices that do not self-define as witchcraft, as well as a number of variable urban legends perpetuated by religious leaders and traditional healers to identify women, children and men who are not actual Witches.

The terms are used solely as accusation, not as identity.

South African healers, whether diviner (isangoma) or herbalist (inyanga), do not therefore identify as Witches, because they do not practice Witchcraft in any form.

The 1995 Report of the Ralushai Commission of Inquiry into Witchcraft Violence and Ritual Murder in the Northern Province, defined the term witch to mean a person who,

 through sheer malice, either consciously or subconsciously, employs magical means to inflict all manner of evil on their fellow human beings. They destroy property, bring disease or misfortune and cause death, often entirely without provocation to satisfy their inherent craving for evil doing.

Testifying before a Truth and Reconciliation Commission Amnesty Hearing in July 1999 Professor Ralushai confirmed his Commissions definition of a witch when hewas asked by attorney Patrick Ndou to define what a witch was. Ralushai stated, A witch is supposed to be a person who is endowed with powers of causing illness or ill luck or death to the person that he wants to destroy.

The (2007) Mpumalanga Witchcraft Suppression Bill attempted to define witchcraft as  the secret use of muti, zombies, spells, spirits, magic powders, water, mixtures, etc, by any person with the purpose of causing harm, damage, sickness to others or their property.

I cannot speak to how practitioners of African religious practices in the US choose to identify, but I can note that whilst such practices in your country may be in a minority, choosing to identify with a larger umbrella  Pagan  may be more useful for some solitary practitioners.

In South Africa, practitioners of Traditional African religion are in a majority, and they have no need to identify with the minority term  Pagan. Many regard the term pagan as one of derision imposed on them by colonialism. They are unlikely to identify as Pagans, and do not identify Traditional African religion as paganism.

***There are exceptions to this rule, where Pagans have chosen to undergo training to become isangomas or inyangas, and therefore may identify as both Pagan and practitioner of Traditional African Religion. These exceptions are few. Although we do have some black South Africans who have embraced Pagan religions and choose to identify as Pagan, they remain a tiny minority. Most Pagans in South Africa are white.

*Note: the terms black, white and coloured remain a divisive product of racist apartheid race identification ideology.

TWH: Race plays a large part in these prosecutions and in SA politics, can you give our readers an idea of how all this intersects and influences the witch-hunts and killings?

DL: Racial divisions and prejudices imposed by apartheid remain an ever present reality for South Africans. Although much has changed for the better since 1994, our country still has to resolve the effects of apartheids legacy on a majority of our citizens, including apartheid spatial planning, inequalities, and growing unemployment and poverty.

Our new democracy is also not immune to corruption  several Commissions of Enquiry are currently exposing the extent of that corruption, and renewed racist rhetoric from an emerging white right promoting a false narrative of white genocide (independently vetted crime statistics show no evidence of genocide against white farmers, but they do show an extremely high incidence of gender-based violence and rape against women) and calling for secession (our Constitution does not provide any legal mechanism for secession).

Our politics remains largely divided on colour lines in terms of voting, although many political parties are visibly multi-racial, as is our National Assembly.

See these articles for more context.

Over the last 10 years the rate of witch-hunts has reduced significantly. Perhaps there is some correlation to be found in the consequent increase in gender-based violence. I dont know that with any certainty though. Our courts have also refused to consider a cultural belief in witchcraft as mitigating factor in sentencing perpetrators of witch-hunts. This may play some role in the reduction of incidences. Our advocacy work with the Commission for the Protection and Promotion of Cultural, Religious and Language Rights, has resulted in more visible action by local government in condemning witch-hunts when they occur. This too plays a part in the reduction of incidences of witch-hunts.

But incidences still do occur.

TWH: Do types and reasons for Witch-hunts vary across the African continent?

DL: I cannot speak for the rest of Africa, but in my research, I think there is a common cause for accusations of witchcraft and witch-hunts. I believe that cause is a combination of spiritual insecurity, fear of the unknown, and expressed prejudice. The belief that misfortune is caused by witchcraft through the agency of a witch, is a common one throughout Africa.



TWH: A term that had popularized in many works of fiction, movies, and literature is the word Witchdoctor. Is this term used in SA by traditional healers?

DL: The term witch-doctor is applied to South African traditional healers who possess knowledge of how to counter malevolent witchcraft and identify (sniff) witches. The term witchdoctor is also used by immigrant practitioners from other African countries, who sell magical aids and cures.

TWH: If you had microphone that the whole world could hear, what is it that everyone needs to understand about witch-hunts and why the work you do is important?

DL: Witch-hunts are an internationally recognised epidemic throughout Africa. Although witch-hunts have historically been viewed as gender specific, with a large percentage of victims still identified as elderly and solitary women, a 2009 report by Yaseen Ally entitled Witch Hunts In Modern South Africa: An Under-Represented Facet Of Gender-Based Violence (June 2009) shows that victims of witch-hunts include both women and men of all ages.

Published media reports highlight tragic human rights abuses arising as a result of witchcraft accusations. The true extent of witch-hunts in Africa (and elsewhere in the world) however has yet to be determined. Many incidences of witch-hunts go unreported and very few governments actually keep detailed statistics of such incidents.

South Africa faces a growing refugee crisis as victims of witchcraft accusation who either survive assault or are expelled from their communities by community leaders, traditional leaders and traditional healers, after being tried in traditional courts and found guilty through divination, of alleged but still unproven accusations of witchcraft activity.

Under existing traditional customary law, Traditional Courts currently adjudicate on matters relating to accusations of witchcraft. Existing customary laws and beliefs concerning witchcraft however, remain prejudicial to citizens who may actually identify as Witches and who practice Witchcraft as a religion.

Traditional Courts within sub-Saharan Africa share a commonly held belief that witchcraft is not a faith that people openly profess, and do not recognize Witchcraft as a constitutionally protected religion.

Customary beliefs about witchcraft remain wholly prejudicial to actual Witches, where witches are viewed as being responsible for misfortune, illness or untimely death. Traditional beliefs do not assume that a witch may be innocent of such accusation because it is believed that such criminal acts are in keeping with the nature of the practice of witchcraft.

Within traditional courts, witchcraft is viewed as a malevolent magical act, one punishable under customary African laws. Accusations of Witchcraft, though illegal under the 1957 Witchcraft Suppression Act, are frequently heard by traditional courts. Accusations are always based on suspicion, rumour, or gossip.
Communists

WATERLOO  How did the Communist Party USA respond after the November elections? The communists declared a historic victory. Communists clearly do not hide their sympathies. They fully support their ideological fellows  the Democrats  and rejoice in the loss of a Republican majority in the House of Representatives. Consequently, one gets the impression that they both receive talking points from the same source. The rhetoric of the Communists and Democrats is similar. They say all the followers of Trump are fascists, as they relentlessly talk about the blue wave. And now, after tirelessly speaking out against U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions for the last two years, they turn to come to his defense after his dismissal by Trump.
My point wasnt that the voters were suckers but that Trump and King treat them as if they are.

Nonetheless, I got scalded in emails from King supporters. One, from a North Iowa public official, said he had known me for a long time and that I was showing my liberal bias. We are living in an age when if someone disagrees with your point of view, the greatest insult they can come up with is to call you either a liberal or a conservative as if those were synonyms for Satan.

With all of this as background and my disdain for Kings behavior well documented, I must tell you that I do not think he should resign. Like all of us, he has the constitutional right to express his opinions and, for that matter, has the constitutional right to say stupid things. It is not against the law.

Several Iowa newspapers have exercised their right to express their opinion in calling for him to resign. Some lawmakers, such as Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, have also called for him to step down. I think Romney and others outside of Iowa should worry about whats going on in their own states and let Iowans take care of their own business.
CEDAR FALLS  After 30 years of operation on Main Street, St. Vincent de Paul is closing its Cedar Falls retail thrift operation at 203 Main St. due to a change in ownership of the building.

St. Vincent de Paul first established a business presence in Cedar Falls in the late 1980s, opening a thrift store on the northeast corner of University Avenue and Main Street. Through a partnership with the Cedar Falls Municipal Band the store was moved to 203 Main St.

Regular store hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and will be maintained until Saturday, Feb. 16. Thereafter, store hours will be reduced to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Monday through Saturday with a volunteer staff. Donations will continue to be accepted during hours of operation. The store will close permanently Feb. 28.

Meanwhile, normal operations will continue at St. Vincent de Pauls Waterloo location at 320 E. Broadway in Waterloo. The public is encouraged to visit the Waterloo store and to continue its donations of used household goods and clothing to the Waterloo location. These donations are given to those in need or sold as thrift. Proceeds are applied to operating expenses or used to support the services the Society provides to the poor.

There are several ways the community can contribute to St. Vincent during this transitional time. Donations of household goods, furniture and clothing are welcome at the Waterloo store at 320 Broadway or its warehouse located at 522 Bratnober St. Financial contributions are always needed and can be mailed to P.O. Box 2727, Waterloo 50704 with checks made out to Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

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WATERLOO  The Dallas Brass, a professional brass quintet with percussion, will be in concert 7 p.m. Monday at the West High School auditorium.

The group tours the United States as part of an educational outreach program. American Musical Journey is the theme of the concert, which will include performances from various musical traditions in the nations history.

Bands from Hoover Middle and West High schools will be part of the concert. During the school day, they will rehearse and participate in a clinic with the Dallas Brass at West.

Admission is $3 or free for children 5 and under. Tickets are available at Hoover and West or at the door on the night of the concert. West is at 425 E. Ridgeway Ave.

Valentines event slated at Hy-Vee

WATERLOO  The Ansborough Hy-Vee will host a Valentines Day Around the World with Chef Roxy: France event from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 14 in the store club room.

Executive Chef Roxy Danielsen will demonstrate and serve five French courses with five wine samples; recipes included.

Register and prepay at Customer Service or call 233-3266.

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Gossan Samples Discovered at DeGrussa North Copper Project

Perth, Feb 5, 2019 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Venus Metals Corporation Limited ( ASX:VMC ) announce Gossan Samples Discovered at DeGrussa North Copper Project.HIGHLIGHTS- Recent geological reconnaissance at DeGrussa North to investigate gravity anomalies and historical anomalous copper rock chip values has discovered subcropping gossans and gossan float at two separate locations in areas largely covered by soil and scree.- At sample location 89, a subcropping quartz-rich limonitic breccia with abundant coarse and fine boxwork textures was discovered.- At sample location 101, abundant float of a sheared hematite and quartz-rich boxwork gossan was discovered.- The boxwork structures are interpreted to be after sulphide mineralization.- As part of the reconnaissance, a total of 111 soil samples from 5 separate traverses and six rock chip samples from one traverse were also collected over the principal gravity anomalies (Figure 1).- Both the rock chip and soil samples have been submitted for assaying; results are awaited.- The results of the reconnaissance trip will allow the company to refine the ground EM survey planned in its search for massive copper gold sulphide deposits at its DeGrussa North prospect area.BACKGROUNDCompany Consultant Geologist Dr Matthias Cornelius conducted a two day examination of the DeGrussa North area in late January 2019. The examination was to:1. investigate the extent of cover over the gravity anomalies defined by previous surveys (see ASX announcement dated 14 December 2018).2. search for any evidence of outcropping mineralization, particularly in the vicinity of the reported high copper anomaly (refer ASX release 14 December 2018).3. collect soil and rock chip samples over the defined gravity anomalies to look for evidence of buried mineralization.RESULTSMost of the area investigated is covered by soil and scree from the extensive weathering events in the area. However, intermittent outcrops and subcrops of weathered sedimentary rocks (BIF) and mafic rock were identified along the most easterly field traverse. This included the discovery of subcropping gossans and gossan float at two separate locations (89 and 101) (Figure 1). The two gossan locations are either side of the historical GSWA rock chip copper anomaly as previously reported (refer ASX release 14 December 2018).Location 89The subcropping gossan with prominent boxworks discovered at location 89 is from an area not investigated by gravity surveys.Forward programAssays results for the rock and soil samples will be received in approximately two weeks.These results will guide the refining of the ground EM survey and other work programs.Commenting on the results of the recent work, Mr Matt Hogan, Managing Director of Venus, said: "The discovery of these sulphide boxwork gossans in our DeGrussa North tenement gives us strong impetus for the EM testing of our targets aimed at the discovery of massive copper gold sulphide at depth. We await the rock and soil assays with great interest to further refine our targets."To view tables and figures, please visit:About Venus Metals Corporation Limited

Venus Metals Corporation Limited (ASX:VMC) is a West Australian based Company with a focus on gold and base metals exploration. The Company aims to increase shareholder value through targeted exploration success on its projects.

The Company's major gold project is the Youanmi Gold Mine, located 500km north east of Perth. The Youanmi Gold Mine is now jointly owned by Venus Metals (30%) and Rox Resources Limited (70%) (OYG JV); Indicated and Inferred Resources of the mine exceed 1.2 million ounces of gold.

Exciting new discoveries at the Youanmi Gold Mine have been made at the Grace prospect in footwall granites where very high grades of free milling gold have been intersected, including 25m @34.7g/t Au from 143m (RXRC 287) and 13m @60.49 g/t from 181m (RXRC 239). The Grace Prospect may substantially add to the Youanmi Gold Mine resources.
WATERLOO  The Cedar Valley can expect more snow and sleet throughout the rest of the week, according to the National Weather Service.

Come Wednesday after 4 p.m. we are looking at a chance of some freezing drizzle and maybe even a freezing rain mix, said Alex Krull, National Weather Service meteorologist in Des Moines.

Winter weather advisories could be coming in the future because of freezing rain mixed with sleet that is expected later today with a high near 22 degrees and a wind chill bringing the temperature down to 5 degrees.

With the more active weather we have coming into Wednesday and Thursday, we will have more headlines coming out, Krull said. The mix could cause some difficult commutes tonight and Thursday morning.

Luckily at these high temperatures in the afternoon, hopefully salt treatments will be able to work well, however it could be problematic at night as low temperatures could potentially be dropping below zero, Krull said. As the week continues, we expect temperatures to be remain rather cool.

A total daytime ice accumulation of less than a 0.1 of an inch was expected Tuesday, according to Nation Weather Service. Snow and sleet accumulation was expected to be less than a half inch
WATERLOO  Police Chief Dan Trelka is seeking more tools for the citys automated traffic enforcement camera system.

Trelka asked the Waterloo City Council Monday to adopt a new $100 municipal infraction for motorists who get caught by the cameras speeding or running red lights at least three times in a year.

Hes also seeking permission to use the cameras set up to catch red light violations also to issue speeding citations.

This program is all for safety, Trelka said. We want to have an impact on peoples driving behavior so they slow down; they stop blowing red lights.

Quite frankly Im shocked at the number of violators we have going 90, 95 mph, he added. I had no idea.

Police have been using hand-held cameras and a specially equipped Jeep to photograph and issue citations to the owners of vehicles caught speeding. In November, cameras were set up at 13 intersections to catch vehicles running red lights.

During the first year, Trelka said there have been 56 vehicles which were issued at least three citations. One vehicle rang up eight citations in a year. The cameras caught another vehicle three times in three days, including a 95 mph speeding citation on U.S. Highway 218.
DES MOINES -- The production, sale and recreational use of marijuana would be legal in Iowa under proposed legislation that even its author says has little chance of becoming law.

Iowa Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, on Monday announced his plan to introduce legislation to end the prohibition of marijuana in Iowa.

Bolkcom said legalizing recreational marijuana likely remains a pipe dream so long as Republicans control the Statehouse and the governor's mansion. Remarks from GOP legislators seemed to confirm as much.

But Bolkcom said he wanted to spark the conversation because he feels support is increasing in the Midwest. Michigan voters in November voted to make recreational marijuana legal, and state leaders in Minnesota and Illinois are discussing the possibility.

Nationally, 10 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana.

I think legal marijuana is coming to the Midwest, Bolkcom said. Its time for us in Iowa to begin to have a serious discussion about how we might tackle that or move away from prohibition.
WATERLOO -- A woman was arrested after police say she pointed a handgun at another woman, then accidentally fired it into her own leg.

Schae Marie Shepherd, 30, of 1117 Lafayette St., was arrested Monday at the police station after she was released from an area hospital and charged with assault while displaying a dangerous weapon.

According to Waterloo Police, Shepherd pointed an unknown type of handgun at Samantha Wilson, 25, on Jan. 25, during a fight about a boyfriend.

Wilson then ran out of the room and later heard a shot, according to the police report.

According to police, an unnamed man tried to take the handgun away from Shepherd when it fired, and a bullet struck her in the upper thigh of one leg.

Shepherd was taken to a hospital for treatment and released Monday, when she was arrested, according to police.

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WATERLOO -- A Waterloo man was arrested Sunday after police say he threatened his neighbor with a shotgun.

Levi Farren Miller, 28, of 1005 1/2 West Mullan Ave., was arrested Sunday at home and charged with assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, possession of a weapon as a felon and two counts of third-offense possession of a controlled substance.

Waterloo Police say a neighbor at the shared rental house apparently placed a suitcase in a shared hallway, and another neighbor, Takeela Lathem, 29, and her friend were planning to move the suitcase, according to the police report.

Before they could do so, Miller allegedly came out into the stairwell and pointed a shotgun at Lathem, and began cursing at the pair, according to police.

Lathem and her friend took off running, according to police. No shots were fired.

Miller is being held in the Black Hawk County Jail on a no-bond hold.

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CEDAR RAPIDS --- A Guatemalan man who used another persons Social Security number to complete employment paperwork was sentenced Monday to five months in a federal prison.

Adner Toj-Velasquez, 35, who was illegally in the United States and residing in Postville, received the prison term after a Nov. 26, 2018, jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of misuse of a Social Security number.

The evidence at trial showed that on Feb. 8, 2015, Toj-Velasquez used someone elses Social Security number on employment and tax documents when applying for work in Luana. On the employment form, Toj-Velasquez falsely claimed to be a United States citizen.

Toj-Velasquez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by U.S. District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Toj-Velasquez was sentenced to five months imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

Toj-Velasquez is being held in the U.S. Marshals custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.

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OHara said the post-traumatic stress came from sexual abuse when she was younger.

He noted she had been prescribed Lexapro following her daughters birth about two years prior, but quit taking the medicine after about two weeks. He said the earlier diagnosis made it likely she began suffering from depression again when Sterling came. He said depression can start anywhere from during pregnancy until weeks after giving birth.

These episodes can last for a very, very long period of time without treatment, OHara said.

Harris also had used marijuana in the past and methamphetamine during Sterlings life. Chronic meth use impacts cognitive abilities, the ability to be a parent and the ability to focus on tasks, OHara testified.

He said many of his findings also had been documented earlier by others who examined Harris.

On cross-examination by the state, Assistant Iowa Attorney General Denise Timmins noted Harris had told OHara she didnt want to change Sterlings diapers, was tired of hearing him cry and her daughter would become upset if she was paying attention to him.

During your interview with the defendant, she admitted to you that she did not want anything to do with Sterling, Timmins said.
WATERLOO -- A third teen has been arrested in connection to a Jan. 10 attack on a 16-year-old girl outside a Waterloo high school.

Naviea Jean Steele, 18, of 1022 Logan Ave., Waterloo,was arrested Tuesday morning on one count of first-degree robbery. Philips turned herself in and is in custody with a bond set at $50,000.

On Jan. 18 Waterloo police arrested Ashanti Deanna Phillips, 18, of Cedar Rapids, on one count of first-degree robbery. Her bond was set at $25,000. Police also arrested a 16-year-old Waterloo girl for first-degree robbery in the case on Jan. 18.

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NEW HAMPTON --- The Chickasaw County Sheriff's Office is asking the public to be on the lookout for a missing man.

James Louis Boyd, 86, of Fredericksburg, was last seen at approximately 2 p.m. Monday at the Waverly Walmart.

He was driving a red Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck with Iowa license plates GV 327. Boyd is described as a white male, 5 fee, 8 inches tall, weighing 225 pounds. He has grey hair, a mustache and is of stocky build. He was last seen wearing bib overalls, a blue jacket, a dark pullover sweater and a dark ball cap. He also wears glasses.

James Boyd may be confused or disoriented and the family told deputies there are dementia concerns. Deputies said Boyd had a prior episode where he got confused and lost and was later located near Minneapolis.

Contact the Chickasaw County Sheriff's Office with any information regarding the whereabouts of James Boyd or his vehicle.

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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP)  A jury has acquitted a 31-year-old man accused of punching to death a 2-year-old girl in Iowa County.

Court records say Cody Stevenson of Williamsburg was found not guilty Monday of first-degree murder.

A criminal complaint said Stevenson struck the daughter of his live-in girlfriend three or four times in the abdomen on June 30, 2017, at a Williamsburg apartment. Authorities say the girl died three days later.

He testified Friday that he'd told authorities that he punched the girl but said so only to protect her mother. He says the mother, Amanda Loffer, punched her daughter. Court records don't show the woman has been charged.

The trial was moved to Cedar Rapids because of pretrial publicity.

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Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn speaks about Tampa's ongoing resurgence at his last ULI Tampa Bay Trends Conference as Mayor.

After decades of mild to lukewarm national interest, the Tampa Bay Area has earned a place among the top real estate markets in the U.S. in 2019.The annual Emerging Trends in Real Estate survey by PwC and the Urban Land Institute ranked Tampa/St. Petersburg 10th in the country, marking a dramatic rise from the 35th place slot the area held in 2007, before the Great Recession.I have never before seen a city go from 30-something to the top-10 for all the right reasons, Mitch Roschelle, a partner and business development leader at PwC, said during a presentation at last weeks Urban Land Institute Tampa Bay Trends Conference. The success story of Tampa is quite remarkable, but not surprising. Having the vision to take the waterfront and do something with it, to realize its an irreplaceable asset another city would die for, you have created a live, work, play downtown here that is the envy of other cities.The annual report pointed to growing interest among institutional investors, the increased construction activity in the wake of the recession, more vibrant downtown cores, migration from higher tax states, and an employment growth rate above the national average as signs of the areas emerging muscle.Among local investors, the Tampa/St. Petersburg market had the second highest confidence level in the South, behind only Orlando, and ahead of metropolitan areas such as Washington D.C., Miami, and Jacksonville. That was based on local investors opinions on the local economy, investor demand, availability of capital, development and redevelopment opportunities, public-private partnerships, and the local development community overall.While some economists are forecasting an economic slump in 2020, analysts and industry insiders who convened at Armature Works in Tampa Heights for the ULI conference predicted this regions boom will have staying power.Roschelle pointed out that, while the national economic expansion in the wake of the recession has been ongoing for nearly a decade, the Tampa Bay regions expansion is still in its early stages and has strong tailwinds behind it with people coming from high tax states.In his final talk at the annual ULI Tampa Bay conference as Tampa mayor, a fired-up Bob Buckhorn, who leaves office in May after two terms, said the city has endured a long journey from the depths of the recession to a metropolitan area competing on the national stage. He noted that only last year did Tampas property tax revenues climb back to the level they were at in 2007, before the recession.Meanwhile, Water Street Tampa, multiple downtown tower projects, Midtown Tampa, the Heights Union, and other transformative projects are still in the pipeline and the downtown riverfront is a hub of activity.We have fallen in love with our community again, Buckhorn said. There is a swagger about this city that never existed.  Over the next five to 10 years, if we continue on this path, youre not going to recognize the place. We are going to become the city we aspired to be.Across the bay, St. Petersburgs ongoing resurgence should only pick up steam with the new Pier under construction and multiple downtown tower projects on the drawing board.One tower project generating interest and discussion is the 50-story tower New York-based Red Apple Group plans on the 400 block of Central Avenue.Red Apple Group Executive Vice President Robert Zorn said company Chairman John Catsimatidis family ties to the area was one reason Red Apple selected St. Petersburg for its first project outside New York City.But Zorn also pointed to the markets opportunities, saying St. Pete is not overbuilt with condominiums, hotels or rental units.We see trends for continued growth and demand that have this area a little more protected from the cyclical nature of the Florida real estate market, Zorn said.The Red Apple Groups plans include ground floor retail and restaurant space with outdoor seating and a high-end bar. Above that, the tower will include more than 300 condominium units and upscale Marriot Hotel.Zorn said Red Apple wants its project to be a focal point linking the bar and restaurant district east on Central with the more arts-oriented stretch to the west.While much of the national attention Tampa Bay is generating among media and investors focuses on the transformation of Tampa and St. Petes downtowns, suburbia remains king, according to a report released at the ULI conference: The New Geography of Tampa Bays Urban and Suburban Neighborhoods. The study, conducted by RCLCO real estate advisors found that 84 percent of the regions population and a large and growing number of its jobs remain in the suburbs.But the report also found a faster pace of growth in urban areas and that urban areas have a significantly younger population than the suburbs -- with 27 percent of the households headed by someone under age 35, compared to 16 percent in the suburbs.RCLCO Managing Director Gregg Logan, who co-authored the report with Senior Managing Director Adam Ducker, said they also found a growing interest in suburban areas for the type of mixed-use developments typically associated with urban areas.People are saying they want suburbs that function more like a city, Logan said.
Defense attorney Ted Fisher painted Tyler as a woman who had tried everything else to curb her boyfriends sons behavior.

The enclosure theyre showing you is after months of escalating behavior when theyre at their wits end, correct? he asked Allen. So theyre kind of saying this is a last resort.

Fisher noted that even after seeing the enclosure on a Friday, Allen allowed the boy to stay at the home over the weekend and have Tyler drive him to a foster home Monday after a safety plan was agreed upon.

So this was not an emergency removal? Fisher asked.

Based on what I knew at the moment  I was still trying to work with this family, so I did not make that decision, no, Allen said.

As far back as 2015, Tyler told a co-worker at Caseys General Store in Ackley her then-first-grade son had behavioral issues, including attention deficit disorder and oppositional defiance disorder, and would urinate and defecate all over the house.

But of the dozens of times when Laura Robinson baby-sat the child, including five or six times overnight, the boy didnt exhibit any of the behaviors of a child with those diagnoses. She knew because her son was diagnosed with both.
Its sad to think that Hawaii Five-O has only a handful of episodes left before the finish of Season 9. The messages, on the power of ohana, have pulsated throughout each episode, along with the dramas trademark action. This week's February 1 Episode 14, Ikiiki i ka la o Keawalua (Depressed with the Heat of Kealwalua), hits straight out of the gate with a brutal murder of one of Flippas (Shawn Mokuahi Garrett) friends and bandmates for no apparent reason. The team quickly discovers that what they assume as a sexual dalliance with a teenage girl is actually a valiant effort to save her from abuse, and the case pulls them into the disturbed minds of hate purveyors.

For Captain Lou Grover (Chi McBride), the situation stirs up memories that he can hardly bear, and Steve McGarrett (Alex O'Loughlin) again proves himself as a steadfast friend.

Missed gig turns into a murder

Flippa is beside himself when his drummer, Luka (Hale Mawae) is running late for an important performance at a cultural festival and is utterly devastated when he literally hears his friend being murdered, slashed nine times with a knife before his last breath, and his van taken.

Steve arrives on the scene, and extolls the longtime Hawaii Five-O ally to not blame himself, and assures him that justice will be delivered to the killer. Judging from the body, Steve deduces that the slaying has to be personal, but instead, hatred is the only thing personal to a contingent of murderous extremists.

Tani (Meaghan Rath) he uncovers transfers from Luka to an online account totaling $5000 to Annie (Maddie Nichols), a 15-year-old teenager trying to escape to Maui. Tani suspects a clandestine relationship between the victim and the teen, but, in truth, Luka was selflessly serving as both therapist and rescuer to Annie, funding her legal fees for parental emancipation, and seeing her once a week as a therapist to guide her in accepting her sexual orientation.

Once brought to headquarters, Annie describes the torturous efforts of her parents in forcing her to undergo conversion therapy, where they are determined to send her. The struggling daughter is crushed to hear of Lukas murder, and Steve assures her that she won't be going anywhere near Idaho, the site of her horrors.

Things don't go well for mom and dad (Tonja Kahlens and Cory Blevins) when they arrive at Hawaii Five-O, either.

Mom tries to defend that they love our daughter very much, but simply hate the sin. Steve immediately retorts that nothing is sinful about the girl in his office, and that it's a good thing she knows that. Hiding behind their biblical untos, the parents are soon the ones needing cover when it turns out that they hired an investigator to look into Luka after they claimed to know nothing about him.

Once again, credit is due to the writer, Paul Grellong, and director, Peter Weller, for this storyline that resonates with realism through its themes of self-acceptance and inclusion without becoming saccharine. Hawaii Five-O has come a long way over the past two seasons. The long-running series has always embraced ohana, and the family is consistently growing bigger.

A hater on a mission

Jerry (Jorge Garcia) uncovers a lead to Connor Russell (Riley Baron), a young man with a criminal record that goes on for miles. Jerry comes prepared in his bulletproof vest for dealing with this perpetrator, and he doesn't bother with procedural paperwork when his bedroom door is locked, a good kick works just fine.

When Jerry tries to take the computer in and break the encryption, malice combines with malware, and an explosive blast takes the beloved conspiracy geek down, thing severe burns on his hands and arms. Recruiting Junior (Beulah Koale) to assist as temporary fingers, they continue with the case.

Russells computer reveals rampant racist ramblings from the bomber and, unbeknownst to the team, he slashes another officer to death when he tries to investigate a sighting of the white stolen van around the storage units, where Russell is welding triggers for his explosives.

A decoy red van, with its owner bound inside, momentarily takes the team of the hot trail.

Lou Grover can hardly bear to listen to the hatred spewing from Russell, twisting his fists on the table, and Steve realizes that the words provoke personal painful memories. He and Lou pay a visit to the prison where Russell shared a cell with Roger Barton (Graham Beckel). The elder killer tries to paint young Russell as a shy, angry, and withdrawn onlooker, while he was actually a pupil to Bartons equally vile teachings. It was Roger who wrote the words that Russell echoed to their brainwashed believers. On a second visit, Grover comes within a hair of going off on Barton, removing his watch, and gripping the wall for dear life rather than making the warped apostle who defends a white man speaking his mind the next deceased.

Five cities are targeted as locations of massive bombings, and a bone-chilling climax comes when the smiling bomber drives through the entrance at a community center where children are crossing from school. Jerry warns, from surveillance, that Russell is on-site and has a grip detonator. Just as he is about to press his control to achieve his deadly goal, Steve comes from behind, and the two struggle in life and death, McGarrett daring not to squeeze the device too hard. He begs Junior to shoot, but he has no clear aim to Russell, Lou takes the fatal aim.

Late that night, Steve comes to join Lou at a bar, being there to listen. Lou advises that he has a long story to tell, and the offers the recollection of a stop in Elkhart, Illinois in 1988.

His stop at a roadside diner turns into a face-to-face encounter in every sense with rural racism, leaving him with a broken finger, and memories that he can never forget. Every component of this episode conveys something meaningful, including Mahalia Jackson on the jukebox.

The story ends with Annie at the memorial service for Luka, thanking Steve for his help in getting both signatures from her parents on emancipation forms. She knows that they may never change, but now, my life will. Steve being such a fatherly figure and listening friend is another lovely touch to this storyline.

At her request, the crowd raises their phones with flashlights bright to the sky. Light is the only power that vanquishes darkness and disables hate.
[Today, we sit down for a quick interview with Australian author, Warwick Hill. A follower of Fjorn Sid, Hill discusses how his spirituality influences his writing; his medieval novel, ; and his upcoming projects.]

BookMusings: How would you describe your personal spiritual path? Are you eclectic or part of a particular tradition?

Warwick Hill: Fjorn Sid, or the Old Path, was revealed to me as a sixteen year-old. I had gravitated to some alternative book shops here in Brisbane, Queensland Australia. And while exploring these bookshops, which my two very Blue-ribbon Christian parents would have not like, I was introduced to a man who would become (and still is) my greatest mentor. Harold is not only a teacher, but one of my closest friends.

Fjorn Sid, put simply, is the path of the Pre-Christian Scandinavians: nature, the Old Gods and Goddesses, and Runes. (My mothers family Hoy are an old Orkney family. I am just four generations removed from being a hybrid of Norse/Scot.) Woven so gently into that are the Sagas of the Old Norse. The path was so natural, it allowed me to be an individual, while belonging to a greater community. Runes became a way of breathing my faith, and as a child I was forever out doing something in the bush, on the beach, anywhere but inside. It guides my daily life, it completes me, but it never seems to put me in conflict within. I can go about my life, and, but for those who know the signs that I follow a different path, most people have no idea. I do not find the need to beat a drum, shout, or demand that people follow my faith, I allow the world to pass me gently, and simply believe, and breath my faith.

BookMusings: How does your spirituality influence your writing?

Warwick Hill: I love the chance to express a different take on life. I love giving my soul the freedom to draw people into a different thought process, so inviting them to see my faith in a different light excites me. There is good and bad in all faiths, but sadly the classical Victorian-Christian, romantic Arthurian tradition of depicting Pagans still alludes to our darker side, not to the honest reality that I believe most would embrace given a chance. I want young Pagans to have heroes, to see them for the flawed humans they are: the contradictions, the passion, the loves, and equally the hatred some find just under the skin. My characters are, I hope, human in every regard. But I also want my readers to see the majesty that exists within even the most complex of characters.

BookMusings: Your novel Pagan Child is set in 14th century Europe. First, why set a novel in that time and place?

Warwick Hill: I have for many years been an avid re-enactor (a total of forty-five years), loving both the Viking Period, and the 14th century. The 14th century intrigues me. So much is written about England, so little about Scandinavia. Currently, I use a 14th century Danish persona, within my group, Order of St. Knud. In fact, my main character is created from that passion. Many of my characters are inspired by real people in my life, many of whom share my faith, while others share my passion for re-enacting.

I love Scandinavia. The great loves of my life live in Norway. The real Freya, and the real Erik, just to name two.

That, and I could never find a really good novel set anywhere in Denmark, Norway, or any of the Baltic countries.

BookMusings: Were you surrounded by mountains of books, or did you do a lot of research online?

Warwick Hill: I am a book hoarder. I cry when I have to give up a book. I collect antiquarian books. I have nearly five hundred reference books, not only on history, but on plants, nature, and forgotten skills.

Initially, I did a lot of internet-based research. But as I discovered good reference books, I purchased them so I could hoard the knowledge I desired.

Adding to that, an amazing friend, Cheryl Ryan did extensive research on my finds to validate their legitimacy. When I used real facts, Cheryl would check multiple sites to confirm accuracy. Two friends overseas are also qualified historians and archaeologists. Both men helped confirm some intriguing facts.

BookMusings: If you wanted people to know one thing about the Baltic Crusades  or the conversion of Europe in general  what would it be?

Warwick Hill: In the case of the Teutonic Crusade in Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and Estonia, The sword was used to convert, and the Flame was used to purify. Put simply, convert at the tip of a sword, or burn the heretics, alive. The Grandmasters of the Teutonic Order were ruthless, and in many cases, almost insane in their obsession to conquer. The Teutonic Order had a very nasty history in the Eastern European countries they had previously held. Corruption, cruelty, lying, and the enslavement of local inhabitants in those regions even led to the Papacy distrusting them, and their obedience to God. Less than a generation before their crusade in the Baltic, they were violently expelled from Eastern Europe, and not even the Papacy rebuked those who threw them out.

BookMusings: Where can readers find your books?

Warwick Hill: My novels are available via .

BookMusings: Which book fairs, conventions, or other events will you be attending in the foreseeable future?

Warwick Hill: Sadly, being based in Australia, bookfairs and conventions are not something I can attend at the moment. I do annually attend the largest Medieval Fayre and Tournament in the Southern hemisphere, at the Abbey of St Michael, here in Queensland Australia every July. This is an event with which I have a very long history -- no, love affair with. Thirty years ago this July, along with several friends, I attended a Saturday afternoon Medieval Market and my love affair began.

Anyone interested in what I am doing can follow me via Facebook on and my re-enactment group's page, .

BookMusings: What other projects are you working on?

Warwick Hill: My latest project, Egric, is soon to be published. This will be a completely new series, a supernatural thriller based in Saxon England. When it hits the ground, my publisher Larisa [at Saga Press] and I are going to partner in a childrens book.

Along with that, I have completed two more sequel novels to Pagan Child. Both will need to be edited.

I have an idea for a more contemporary supernatural young adult novel. I have a whiteboard covered with scribbles. And I have an amazing life as a Sustainable Environmentalist and educator. There is Medieval-style Longbow Archery every weekend, mead making, my community work. But above all, I have the people I love, those who inspire me, and those who challenge me to do better.
Uprooted Palestinians are at the heart of the conflict in the M.E Palestinians uprooted by force of arms. Yet faced immense difficulties have survived, kept alive their history and culture, passed keys of family homes in occupied Palestine from one generation to the next.
FILE - In this Monday, Feb. 22, 2016 file photo, trekkers pass through a glacier at the Mount Everest base camp, Nepal. One-third of Himalayan glaciers will melt by the end of the century due to climate change, threatening water sources for 1.9 billion people, even if current efforts to reduce climate change succeed, according to an assessment released Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. (AP Photo/Tashi Sherpa, file)

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP)  One-third of Himalayan glaciers will melt by the end of the century due to climate change, threatening water sources for 1.9 billion people, even if current efforts to reduce climate change succeed, an assessment warns.

If global efforts to curb climate change fail, the impact could be far worse: a loss of two-thirds of the region's glaciers by 2100, said the Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment released Monday by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development.

"Global warming is on track to transform the frigid, glacier-covered mountain peaks of the Hindu Kush Himalayas cutting across eight countries to bare rocks in a little less than a century," said Philippus Wester of the center, who led the report.

The five-year study looked at the effects of climate change on a region that cuts across Asia through Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The area, which includes the world's tallest mountain peaks, has glaciers that feed into river systems including the Indus, Ganges, Yangtze, Irrawaddy and Mekong.

The assessment said that the impact of the melting could range from flooding from the increased runoff to increased air pollution from black carbon and dust deposited on the glaciers.

Saleemul Huq, director of the International Center for Climate Change and Development, an environmental research center in Dhaka, described the findings of the report as "very alarming," especially for downstream nations such as Bangladesh.

"All the countries affected need to prioritize tackling this upcoming problem before it reaches crisis proportions," he said in an email. Huq was one of the study's external reviewers.

The study said that even if the most ambitious Paris climate accord goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of the century were met, more than a third of the region's glaciers will be lost. If the global rise in temperature were 2 C (3.6 F), two-thirds of Himalayan glaciers will melt, it said.

Story continues

The 2015 Paris Agreement was a landmark moment in international diplomacy, bringing together governments with vastly different views to tackle global warming. It set a headline target of keeping average global temperatures from rising by more than 2 C, or 1.5 C if possible.

According to a recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, emissions of the most abundant greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, would need to be reduced to a level the planet can absorb  known as net zero  by 2050 to keep global warming at 1.5 C as envisaged in the agreement.

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development said the study included work by more than 350 researchers and policy experts from 22 countries. It said it had 210 authors and 125 external reviewers.

The Kathmandu-based center said it receives donations from regional countries, non-regional countries such as Australia, Austria, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and other international programs such as USAID.

___

Associated Press writer Elaine Kurtenbach in Bangkok contributed to this report.
More than 700,000 have arrived since August 2017.

Angelina Jolie has urged Burma to show a genuine commitment to ending violence in Rakhine state, where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh for safety.

The Hollywood star, a special envoy for the UN human rights agency, made the comments as she visited sprawling camps in Bangladesh that are home to one million Rohingya refugees.

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More than 700,000 have arrived since August 2017, when Burmas army led a violent crackdown following attacks on security posts by a Rohingya insurgent group.

Jolie is visiting for three days before launching a global appeal for $920 million (710 million), chiefly to support the refugees needs.

She met and talked with refugees, including children and rape victims.

It was deeply upsetting to meet the families who have only known persecution and statelessness their whole lives, who speak of being treated like cattle, she told reporters at the Kutupalong refugee camp.

Jolie added: They have been denied their most basic human right: citizenship in their country of birth. And some still wont even call the Rohingya by their rightful name.

She thanked Bangladesh for hosting the refugees despite being over populated, and urged the international community to provide more resources for the refugees.

Bangladesh is a generous country rich in culture and history, but with limited resources. And it cannot be left to shoulder the responsibility of hosting Rohingya refugees alone, she said.

Jolie said Burma must ensure safety for the Rohingya to return home.

They have an absolute right to return home, but only when they feel safe enough to do so voluntarily and they know that their rights will be respected, she said.

Bangladesh attempted to start repatriation of Rohingya in November last year, but the country postponed the process after no Rohingya came forward to go back voluntarily.

The UN and other global human rights groups have said no Rohingya should be forced to return.

Story continues

Bangladesh authorities said they will send them back only if they are willing to go back and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged international community to put pressure on Burma for ensuring safety in the country for making their voluntary return possible.

Most people in Buddhist-majority Myanmar do not accept that the Rohingya Muslims are a native ethnic group, viewing them as Bengalis who entered from Bangladesh centuries ago.

Nearly all have been denied citizenship since 1982, as well as access to education and hospitals.
Two Arrested in Paducah Shooting Investigation

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - Authorities made two arrests in a shooting last month in Paducah, and have released additional details about the incident.The Paducah Police Department says officers were called to Baptist Health Paducah on the evening of Jan. 27 about a man with a gunshot wound. They identified the man as 20-year-old Darrius Wesley of Paducah, but were unable to interview him at the time.Wesley was transferred to an out-of-state hospital, where he was listed in critical but stable condition.Police released additional information about the case Monday afternoon, saying officers have arrested 20-year-old Tyrese Jones and 19-year-old David Knight Jr. as suspects in the case on first-degree assault charges. Knight is also charged with first-degree robbery. Jones was arrested on Friday and Knight on Monday.Police said witnesses initially told them the shooting had occurred in the area of 21st and Broadway street, but after a week-long investigation they determined it had actually happened near 10th and Greer Street in an apparent drug deal gone bad. They said Knight and Wesley went to the area to buy illegal drugs from Jones, and Wesley was shot during an ensuing altercation between Knight and Jones.Jones was booked into McCracken County Regional Jail. Knight was being held at the Christian County Jail.McCracken County Jailer David Knight confirmed to West Kentucky Star that Knight, Jr., is his son, but would not comment further.On the Net:
FILE PHOTO: Meng Wanzhou, Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's chief financial officer (CFO), is seen in this undated handout photo obtained by Reuters December 6, 2018. Huawei/Handout via REUTERS

(Reuters) - Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested in Canada and faces possible extradition to the United States, is exploring a defence that claims U.S. charges against her are politically motivated, the Globe and Mail newspaper reported on Monday.

Meng, the chief financial officer of China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, is the central figure in a high-stakes dispute between the United States and China. Canada arrested Meng in December at the request of the United States and last month she was charged with wire fraud that violated U.S. sanctions on Iran.

"The political overlay of this case is remarkable," Richard Peck, lead counsel for Meng, told the Toronto newspaper in a telephone interview.

"That's probably the one thing that sets it apart from any other extradition case I've ever seen. It's got this cloud of politicization hanging over it," Peck added.

The office of Canadian Justice Minister David Lametti said it could not speculate on Meng's possible defences.

"We are committed to a fair process unfolding before the courts and the steps undertaken by the Department of Justice Canada on this case have followed due process, in accordance with the Extradition Act, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and our Treaty with the United States," a spokeswoman for Canada's Department of Justice said in an e-mailed statement.

Peck's office did not respond to a request for comment. A Huawei spokesman declined comment.

In December, U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Reuters interview he would intervene in the Justice Department's case against Meng if it would serve national security interests or help close a trade deal with China.

Canada fired John McCallum, its ambassador to China, in January after he said Meng could make a strong argument against being sent to the United States.

"He [Mr McCallum] mentions some of the potential defences - and certainly, I think any person that knows this area would see the potential for those defences arising," Peck told the Globe and Mail.

Meng's lawyers are also planning to challenge whether her alleged conduct would be deemed criminal under Canadian law, the Globe and Mail said.

(Reporting by Debroop Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Germany has boosted hopes in Downing Street that a controversial part of the Brexit deal will be able to be changed.

Chancellor Angela Merkel revealed she is ready to listen to proposals to solve the Irish backstop "riddle".

That is the insurance policy to prevent a physical border between Northern Ireland and the Republic if a trade deal cannot be struck in time.

Ms Merkel suggested "creativity" was the key and said she was open to suggestions from the UK side.

"To solve this riddle, you have to be creative and you have to listen to one another," she told journalists during a trip to Japan.

"We can have those conversations, so we can use the remaining time to perhaps remove the obstacles that have so far stood in the way and find an agreement if everyone is willing.

"But we must hear from Great Britain how they want to do it."

Civil servants have been drafted in to hammer out a plan to change the backstop, or prepare Britain better to leave the EU without a deal.

They are examining the Malthouse Compromise - a Tory peace plan invented by housing minister Kit Malthouse.

It would see the UK press Brussels to change the backstop so that "technological solutions" are used to stop a hard border, instead of Northern Ireland staying aligned to EU regulations.

If that fails, the UK would ask for a transition period to a no-deal divorce, ending in December 2021.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator has already ruled out changing the backstop, and previously rejected granting a transition period to no-deal.

Mrs May is in Northern Ireland on Tuesday giving a speech admitting the nation faces a "concerning time".

But she will vow to "find a way" to deliver Brexit without the hard border reforming.

Whatever Brexit compromise she manages to navigate, it will have to have the support of the DUP - the Northern Irish party propping up the government.

MPs will get a chance to vote on her progress on 14 February at the latest, if she still has not got a renegotiated deal.

The UK is due to leave the EU by default on 29 March.
Tyler, TX (75702)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms, especially during the evening. Low 69F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms, especially during the evening. Low 69F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Tonight on Foreign Correspondent Eric Tlozek reports on The Promised Land, profiling ex-detainees from Manus Island and Nauru, now living in North America.

Two young men escape the misery of Manus Island to forge new lives in North America. Reporter Eric Tlozek charts their progress and their pitfalls over 18 months.

On his sleepless nights, Imran paces the floor grappling with ghosts from half a world away and many months past.

Im wide awake and I call my friends names. Hey Zainal! Hey Faisal! Where are you? But theyre not here, theyre on Manus. Imran, 24, Rohingya refugee who spent nearly five years on Manus Island.

But come daylight, Imran can revel in his new home  Chicago, 14,000 kilometres from Manus. Its been more than seven years since, aged 16, he fled persecution in Myanmar. Along the way he was held hostage by people smugglers and detained in Indonesia before making his fateful journey to Christmas Island. Now, thanks to a refugee deal with the US, he has a job and is finishing school.

Im free, thats all that matters to me. People have been welcoming and I am loved. So, its home, it definitely feels like home. Imran.

An old friend of Imrans from Manus is also making a new life. Amir was 14 when he left Iran. Now 25 and living in Vancouver on Canadas west coast, Amir has a job in tourism and is set to study law. His good fortune flows from a chance meeting with Chelsea Taylor, a Melbourne nurse who worked on Manus and talked her Canadian-Australian parents into sponsoring him.

You rescued me from an island which so many governments and so many countries were not able to do. Amir, to Chelseas parents Wayne and Linda in Vancouver.

Correspondent Eric Tlozek first met Amir and Imran on Manus Island more than 18 months ago. He follows them from behind the wire to their new lives in North America in the most intimate and detailed account so far of life for Manus refugees.

In Canada and the US, Tlozek meets Australian expats, like Wayne Taylor and fashion designer Fleur Wood, who are pitching in to help ex-detainees now that Australia is done with them.

When I heard about them being resettled in America I knew how little help theyd be getting. Fleur Wood, co-founder of Australian Diaspora Steps Up.

Nearly 500 ex-Manus and Nauru detainees are scattered across the US, receiving only brief and basic support from the government. Woods group hustles to find them housing, bedding and clothing.

When Wood searches for some Rohingyas who are just off Nauru, she ends up at a rundown building in North Chicago where four men share a tiny apartment, eking out casual work, dishwashing and cleaning. One is seriously ill.

After five years on Nauru, these men arent coping with their newfound freedom in America. They still want to come to Australia. Bizarrely, some even want to go back to Nauru.

But for those who are faring better, life is what you make of it.

You can be in the worst place on this planet and make it a heaven for yourself. And you can be in the best country on this planet and make it a hell for yourself. Amir in Vancouver.

8pm Tuesday February 5 on ABC.

Related
Many of us, actually most of us, were pleased with candidate Trumps declared intent to end our involvement in endless foreign interventions. He would put America first and refrain from sending our troops where they dont belong. Once elected, his record was mixed. We launched an ineffective volley of cruise missiles at a Syrian airbase in response to a trumped up gas attack, but we never sought to establish a no fly zone and risk war with Russia. For a while we were well on our way to establish an enduring client state in east Syria. We assumed this was all the doing of the cabal of manipulating neocons that Trump surrounded himself with. His call for immediate withdrawal of troops from Syria surely proved this true. Finally Trump was allowed to be Trump. He was even seeking a way out of Afghanistan, after a literal lifetime of war in that godforsaken land.

The neocons are fighting back bigly. The pace of withdrawal from Syria was slowed and there is no indication we would ever give up our outpost on the Baghdad-Damascus highway at Tanf. Why? I think Trump laid out HIS thoughts on the matter during the traditional pre-super bowl presidential interview.



PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: We have to protect Israel. We have to protect other things that we have...

MARGARET BRENNAN: But you want to keep troops there [Iraq] now?

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: [W]e spent a fortune on building this incredible base. We might as well keep it. And one of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Whoa, that's news. You're keeping troops in Iraq because you want to be able to strike in Iran?

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: No, because I want to be able to watch Iran. All I want to do is be able to watch. We have an unbelievable and expensive military base built in Iraq. It's perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East rather than pulling up. And this is what a lot of people don't understand. We're going to keep watching and we're going to keep seeing and if there's trouble, if somebody is looking to do nuclear weapons or other things, we're going to know it before they do.



So, We are staying in Iraq to keep an eye on Iran and we are doing this to protect Israel. It was not any of the neocons who said this. It was Trump himself. So much for America first. There also appears to be an effort to keep the Rojava Kurds as a proxy force after our troops withdraw to Iraq. We continue sending combat and engineering equipment into Rojava and fully intend to continue providing air support to the YPG. We just cant let it go.

However, Baghdad has thrown a monkey wrench into this developing Trump doctrine. Iraqi President Barham Salih has told Trump to slow his roll.



BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi President Barham Salih said on Monday that President Donald Trump did not ask Iraqs permission for U.S. troops stationed there to watch Iran.

Speaking at a forum in Baghdad, Salih was responding to a question about Trumps comments to CBS about how he would ask troops stationed in Iraq to watch Iran. U.S. troops in Iraq are there as part of an agreement between the two countries with a specific mission of combating terrorism, Salih said, and that they should stick to that. (Reuters)



I see a confrontation in our future, especially with all the Iraqi PMS units in western Iraq.

TTG

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/transcript-president-trump-on-face-the-nation-february-3-2019/

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran-iraq/iraqi-president-says-trump-did-not-ask-permission-to-watch-iran-idUSKCN1PT0E4

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/03/us/politics/trump-iraq-troops-syria-iran.html
People living along a national highway in Vietnam celebrated Lunar New Years Eve by lighting up two sides of the road with flames, creating an impressive effect on the highway gleaming on the night to welcome the new year.

At exactly midnight on Lunar New Years Day every year, each household living along National Highway 1 lights up a bonfire in front of their house, brightening up both sides of the highway.

Also known locally as National Route 1A or Road 1, National Highway 1 is the trans-Vietnam motorway beginning at Huu Nghi Border Gate near the China-Vietnam border and ending in Ca Mau Province, the southernmost province of Vietnam.

Fires on both sides of the national highway light up the road from Dong Nai Province to Binh Thuan Province

Stretching almost 10 kilometers, the lit-up part of the highway runs from Dong Nai Province to Binh Thuan Province.

The first bonfire could be seen in Xuan Hoa Village, Xuan Loc District, Dong Nai, while the last one was located in the area bordering Ham Tan District, Binh Thuan Province.

A resident, Vo Van Thang, who participated in lighting up the national highway, said he had seen this tradition practiced ever since he was a child growing up in the region.

Lighting up a fire is a traditional practice to send off all the bad luck and misfortune of the past year while also providing coziness and light for the area, the 55-year-old resident said.

As a child, Thang recalled his family would always gather unused things in the house that were no longer needed and leave them in the front of their house on the last day of the last month of the lunar year.

These wastes would later be burnt at midnight on Lunar New Years Day as a way to celebrate and welcome a new lunar year.

When the residents were more successful in their careers and financially well-off, they started buying firewood for the fire to last longer and put it in the wastes, according to Thang.

Residents of National Highway 1 prepare firewood for the bonfire on the afternoon of the last day of lthe unar year. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Nowadays, almost every household would save the biggest and most long-lasting firewood pieces to set on fire on Lunar New Years Eve as a tradition instead of burning the unwanted possessions.

Residents usually build a fire at midnight to celebrate the new lunar year

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The Vietnamese community in the northwestern U.S. is excited to welcome the Lunar New Year celebrations which include making traditional Vietnamese dishes for the occasion.

In the cold weather of Washington State, many Vietnamese held banh chung and banh tet cooking activities to welcome Tet - Vietnams Lunar New Year festival.

Banh chung and banh tet are traditional Vietnamese rice cakes most commonly found during Tet and one of the most important offerings when praying.

These dishes are made from glutinous rice, mung beans, pork, and other ingredients.

Making banh chung and banh tet is a complex and time-consuming task but it is one of the most significant traditional activities during Tet, even in Vietnam, so it is widely enjoyed.

The elderly volunteered to make the necessary preparations for the activity, including cooking rice and pork, washing the leaves used to wrap the cakes, and preparing mung beans.

Many elderly participate in the activity. Photo: Cuong Khong / Tuoi Tre

Some families contributed such ingredients as meat and rice to make thousands of these cakes for the Vietnamese community in northwestern America.

One of the elderly volunteers, Hanh Khong, came to help very early in the morning, as he confessed that homesickness was his main motivation.

It has been over 30 years since the 82-year-old volunteer left Vietnam.

Hanh Khong is not the only senior Vietnamese that enjoys the activities, as for many people of his age this is the only way to alleviate homesickness and an appreciated opportunity to mingle with a vast community of Vietnamese.

For these people, it is not only about cooking but about feeling at home.

At the traditional activities, the participants were free to communicate in Vietnamese, eat Vietnamese family meals, and share traditional dishes with one another as they did when they were still in Vietnam.

In Washington, people of Vietnamese origin are appreciated thanks to their outstanding work ethics, friendliness, and good working skills.

Hence, many companies hold Tet celebrations for their Vietnamese workers as a way to appreciate their traditions and show respect for their Vietnamese staff.

Most significantly, many people have even started calling Tet celebrations Lunar New Year instead of Chinese New Year," following Vietnameses dismay.

Other common activities to welcome Tet this year include purchasing contemporary ao dai designs for every family member for $30 per outfit, as well as decorating houses with peach blossoms and other flowers that would bloom during the Lunar New Year to mimic the traditions practiced in Vietnam.

In Vietnam, blooming flowers are one of the most important decorations during Tet.

It is obvious that no matter where Vietnamese are, they would always remember their culture, traditions, and origin.

Female participants are usually in charge of cleaning the leaves used to wrap the cakes. Photo: Cuong Khong / Tuoi Tre

Banh tetare placed in a pot to be cooked. Photo: Cuong Khong / Tuoi Tre

Pots used for cooking were already certified by the authorities to guarantee safety. Photo: Cuong Khong / Tuoi Tre

After being cooked, banh tet are left to dry before being transported to the markets. Photo: Cuong Khong / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Industry executives and experts share their predictions for 2019. Read them in this 11th annual VMblog.com series exclusive.

Contributed by Matt Jacobs, Senior Vice President of Commercial Systems at Penguin Computing

Skills Growth Will Drive the Democratization of Artificial Intelligence

Gartner Inc. predicts, "2020 will be a pivotal year in artificial intelligence (AI)-related employment dynamics, as AI will become a positive job motivator." The research goes on to note, "AI will create 2.3 million jobs by 2020, while eliminating 1.8 million."



At Penguin Computing, while we are currently experiencing significant growth in our AI Practice because of the growth of this market, we are concerned about the true democratization of AI due to the current skills gap.



We agree the market will be reacting to shifting employment dynamics over the next two years. We also predict that AI innovation will rapidly advance and create new talent needs during that time. However, broader democratization of AI will likely not occur until there are enough people with the skills to create the training and inference algorithms necessary for wide usage. That's where the skills gap exists today. That's why we believe the lack of professionals skilled in the disciplines required to fully harness the power of AI will leave many AI roles unfilled for several years and broader democratization will not occur until the 2021-22 time frame.



To solve this challenge, companies will need to source practitioners who understand both data science and machine learning disciplines. Data science is about data set curation and finding trends in that data. Machine learning is using those data sets to train machines to make their own independent inferences in new data sets. More experts in both data science (training side) and machine learning (systems side) will be necessary to close the skills gap. Currently, very few individuals, if any, have the ability to handle both areas.

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About the Author

Matt is responsible for building out the global partner ecosystem for Penguin Computing, setting vertical market growth plans across commercial markets, and overseeing the commercial sales team. He joined Penguin Computing in June 2000 and was responsible for both sales and setting and executing the companys high performance computing (HPC) strategy. In the process, he and his team grew the Penguin Computing business exponentially. Prior to joining Penguin, Matt served as the Western Regional Sales Manager for the Server and Storage division of American Megatrends, Inc. (AMI). There, he significantly increased AMIs presence in the Western U.S. and was instrumental in the formation of the companys Linux strategy. He holds a B.A. from the University of Georgia.


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Is it just me or does anyone else think its hilarious that the Arizona Corporation Commission recently agreed our state would be ready to con
WASHINGTON  Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's guest for the State of the Union address is a woman who cornered Sen. Jeff Flake on live television to protest his support for Brett Kavanaugh.

Ana Maria Archila, who lives in the star freshman Democrat's New York District, said she will wear white and a pin that the congresswoman gave her that says, "Well-behaved women rarely make history."

"I never thought I'd be excited about being in the same room with Donald Trump," said Archila, co-executive director of the left-leaning Center for Popular Democracy. Ocasio-Cortez invited her a few weeks ago, she said, adding, "We talked about making sure that we, with our presence, express the dignity of people who are under attack from this administration, the resilience. We will try to communicate that with the way we show up in the space."

Kavanaugh, now a Supreme Court justice, is also expected to attend Trump's address. Justices typically attend such speeches delivered by the president who appointed them.

Watch: Arizona's Sen. Jeff Flake confronted over his Brett Kavanaugh support Flake stood looking downcast as two women confronted him as he was taking an elevator to today's Senate Judiciary Committee meeting.
PHOENIX  A nurse facing criminal charges in the rape of an incapacitated woman who later gave birth at a long-term care facility in Phoenix pleaded not guilty Tuesday during a brief court appearance.

The only comments by Nathan Dorceus Sutherland came when he identified himself to the court and stated his birth date. Afterward, Sutherlands attorney vowed a vigorous defense, but declined to answer questions from reporters.

Authorities say Sutherland, 36, was working at a licensed practical nurse at Hacienda Healthcare in Phoenix when he raped the 29-year-old victim, who has been in long-term care since age 3 after suffering a near-drowning.

She gave birth to a boy at the facility on Dec. 29. Employees said they had no idea she was pregnant.

The surprise birth triggered reviews by state agencies, highlighted safety concerns for patients who are severely disabled or incapacitated and prompted the resignations of Haciendas chief executive and one of the victims doctors.

Investigators say Sutherlands DNA matched a sample from the womans newborn boy, who is being cared for by her family.
The Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation has awarded proceeds from its annual car show to several nonprofits.

The show, held in October, raised $175,721 for charities. The amount brings to $1.4 million raised in the 12 years the Rotary Club has held the car show, the group said in a news release.

The primary beneficiary from last years show was Make Way For Books, which received $70,288. The group works with children and their parents to increase childrens literacy and get them better prepared to enter school.

Wright Flight and the Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Foundation each received $35,144 from the Rotary Club. Wright Flight motivates students to achieve higher goals with an opportunity to fly an airplane. SARSEF promotes science and engineering to area students through its annual science fair.

Interfaith Community Services and Job Path each received $8,786 of the net proceeds.

The remaining 10 percent of the net proceeds is being retained by the Rotary Club to fund smaller charitable grants throughout the year.

The Rotary Club is already preparing for its 13th annual Tucson Classics Car Show, which takes place Oct. 19.

More information is available at rotarytccs.com
So when a school closes or loses an attendance boundary, students and their families lose that opportunity to connect with their community, Jenkins said.

The community and those who attend that school often have to make very different decisions around educational choices, Jenkins said. Districts will sometimes provide students transportation to another school out of the neighborhood, but when that is not available, families are left to fend for themselves.

Higher-income, two-parent families are more likely to have the time to drive their kids to a non-neighborhood school every morning, but lower-income families, who are disproportionately people of color, often dont, Jenkins said.

That reality leaves them with a choice: Move to a neighborhood that has a home school, or find another means of transportation, he said.

That could force a student to walk miles to school or to ride the city bus, if no district transportation is available.

Open enrollment programs are also competitive, Jenkins said, and cherry-picking of students often puts non-neighborhood kids at an advantage when they apply.
More than 200 students from six Tucson-area middle schools along with 29 Raytheon Leadership Development Program (LDP) engineer mentors attended the 14th annual MathMovesU Day sponsored by Raytheon at the University of Arizona. The event is designed to encourage high school students to continue studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. The kids worked from a boxed set of circuit board parts called Snap Circuits Jr. Select, which replaced the telescope kits done in previous years.
Paris' deadliest fire in over a decade killed at least 10 people Tuesday as flames engulfed a nine-story apartment building, sending residents to the roof and clambering across balconies to escape.

A 40-year-old woman who lived in the building, said to have a history of psychiatric problems, was arrested nearby and held on suspicion of having set the fire not long before. French police opened a criminal investigation for voluntary arson resulting in death.

Multiple neighbors said they heard the suspect and her neighbor, an off-duty firefighter, arguing over the woman's music before the fire broke out.  Associated Press
Here's a look at all the restaurants and coffee shops that have opened in 2019.

For an updated list, click here.

Reporting by Andi Berlin, Cathalena E. Burch and Gerald Gay.
Industry executives and experts share their predictions for 2019. Read them in this 11th annual VMblog.com series exclusive.

Contributed by Gerry Gebel, Vice President of Business Development at Axiomatics

Data Security

As new security threats emerge and threaten sensitive customer information, businesses must develop new procedures and adopt modern technologies to improve enterprise-wide data security. In addition, data privacy regulations continue to crop up across the globe, placing an even greater emphasis on data security. The models and tools businesses adopt going forward to protect sensitive digital assets, establish regulatory compliance, enhance the customer experience and gain a competitive advantage are imperative.



As we flip the calendar to 2019, we look ahead to determine what data security trends will dominate business priorities. These trends highlight the challenges businesses face in protecting access to the increasing volume of sensitive data created and stored by businesses today.



Below are the trends we expect to dominate data security in 2019:



Data Service Continue Migrating to the Cloud

This trend continues in force: businesses are migrating all their data, applications, workflows and other business elements to the cloud while they continue launching more artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning data projects. Traditional storage solutions like on-premise relational databases don't offer the easy, more affordable and agile data storage systems that cloud platforms like AWS and Microsoft Azure provide. As new data services emerge, with new features and capabilities, businesses must evaluate the built-in security features cloud platform and cloud data services offer for any potential vulnerabilities or limitations.



Integrating Security Within DevOps

Modern DevOps techniques help businesses that develop software achieve faster time-to-market and continuously deliver new applications at a rapid pace. By transitioning to a model now called "DevSecOps" and incorporating security into DevOps, businesses can automate security processes, determine their internal best practices and securely bring new features to market quickly. However, security solutions must also adapt because legacy identity and security components aren't always compatible with this new DevSecOps model.



Microservices and API Security is Critical

Microservices, service meshes and APIs are often the channel for accessing sensitive or regulated data. By combining OAuth and Attribute Based Access Control models, enterprises can adopt a more comprehensive approach to access control where fine-grained authorization is needed. Authorization as a microservice is a real business advantage, whether deployed independently or in conjunction with an app's microservice. The benefits this trend will bring include proper management and governance of access scopes, cleaner APIs that are not polluted with security logic and more agile development cycles when offloading security to an infrastructure service.



Regulations Galore



The hype around GDPR continued even after the new regulation went into effect in May. Now there is uncertainty over how regulators will enforce GDPR as well as new legislation arising in other parts of the world. The recently signed United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA) agreement (NAFTA 2.0), when ratified, will restrict data localization, allowing data to travel freely across borders, resulting in new data privacy concerns. In addition, Canada is introducing new data protection laws keeping GDPR's standards top-of-mind and California passed the Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (AB375). These regulations drive organizations to apply new security controls that protect information through a context-sensitive and risk-based access control model across the entire business.



Digital Business Transformation

Transforming legacy systems to create modern digital experiences is still a priority, and an improved customer experience is at the core of this trend. As more industries see new and disruptive entrants, the speed of the development process must keep up to help remain competitive; and businesses must find new ways to leverage, monetize and secure their digital information to enhance the customer experience.



Minimizing the IT Skills Gap

This IT skills gap is caused by overly technical IT tools that require specific expertise to use. It is critical for IT leadership to invest in the training required to ensure employees understand how to utilize various modern technologies. IAM tools are a prime example. Using divergent IAM tools requires different sets of skills for each one. The right training is at the core of implementing IAM technologies, and making sure critical assets are protected from unauthorized users.



Securing Access to IoT Data

IoT is responsible for driving the largest quantity of data into data lakes for businesses to analyze to make business decisions. With so much sensitive data at risk, organizations must control who can and cannot access that data. To help protect the data that IoT devices create, finer-grained access control is required to protect the sensitive data within the data lakes as the large quantity of data continues to flow in. With its ability to apply a policy-based approach to accessing data, as well as dynamically filtering, masking and redaction of the data itself, an Attribute Based Access Control model must be every organizations' first line of defense to control access to data generated through IoT devices. This approach will also extend the built-in security capabilities of the cloud platforms and battle complex regulatory requirements.

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PHOENIX  The states new schools chief is calling on lawmakers to repeal a law that prohibits any courses on AIDS and HIV from portraying homosexuality as a positive alternative lifestyle.

In her first-ever State of Education speech, Kathy Hoffman told members of the House Education Committee on Monday the system needs to support the emotional well-being of students. She said that means creating an inclusive environment that supports children from all backgrounds.

And Hoffman said that also means recognizing that students come from all types of families, even those with two moms or two dads.

Hoffman said educators also must consider students who are more likely to be bullied and harassed. She said that includes students in the LGBTQ community.

A simple step we can take to help reduce discrimination and bullying for these students is to repeal the no promo homo law, Hoffman said, saying it contributes to an unsafe school environment.

The statute in question permits schools to provide education into AIDS and HIV  but with conditions. That includes being medically accurate, appropriate for the grade level at which it is offered, and discouraging drug abuse.
PHOENIX  Arizona taxpayers who are ready to start filing their state returns are in a sort of legal and financial limbo because of a fight over income taxes between Gov. Doug Ducey and Republican lawmakers.

The tax forms printed and being sent out by the Arizona Department of Revenue presume that lawmakers eventually will cave in to Ducey and adopt changes he wants in state tax law. That would mean the deductions allowed on those forms would be the same as those now permitted on U.S. forms under a law signed by President Trump in late 2017.

But Ducey has been unable to get his fellow Republicans, who control the state House and Senate, to agree. In fact, he vetoed an alternate plan last week offered by GOP lawmakers.

The bottom line is that whats in the tax forms Arizonans are getting  the Ducey plan  does not match current state law.

And that means taxpayers have to decide whether to follow the law the way it actually is or the way Ducey wants it to be.

The differences can be significant.

For example, the new federal law limits to $10,000 the amount of taxes paid to state and local governments that can be deducted from an individuals federal taxable income.
When it comes to romantic things to do, there are an abundance of them in this area.
A panicked leopard attacked five people Thursday as it went on a rampage through a village in the northern Indian state of Punjab.

Hundreds of people collected on the roofs of their houses in Lamba village in the city of Jalandhar as they watched the leopard sprint across narrow streets, attacking people in its wake.

"There were a lot of people. That is why it was getting aggressive. The area was very congested, very narrow lanes. It became so difficult to catch it," Khushwinder Singh, a local forest official, told CNN.

At least four people were injured over a period of more than seven hours as officials tried to catch the animal and tranquilize it.

"We shot it with three tranquilizers but it worked only after the third one was fired," said Singh. "When they (leopards) are very aggressive, the medicine does not affect them."

Forest department officials stalked the leopard through the village and trapped it in a house. Several hours later, a veterinary team arrived from a nearby zoo and took the leopard with them.

"There was just so much panic and we were scared that there may be damage to someone. The people are important but the leopard is important as well," said Singh.
Despite the bill passing out of committee, it did not receive a reading on the floor of the House due to time constraints. Monday night was the last day for bills to receive a first reading in the chamber in which they were introduced.

As a citizen legislature, we have a finite amount of time during the legislative session to consider bills, House Majority Floor Leader Eric Barlow said in a joint statement. As Majority Floor Leaders, we work hard to ensure every lawmaker has the chance to bring to light the issues they feel are important while prioritizing bills reflective of the shared priorities of lawmakers. This includes financial stability for our General Fund and school obligations, efficient government operations, fortifying economic opportunities with education for our children and job training for our workforce, healthcare options that improve access and affordability and, finally, clearing the way for our core industries to thrive.

When asked for further detail, a spokesperson for the Republican Party referred reporters to the statement, which was released with Senate Majority Floor Leader Dan Dockstader, R-Casper.
By the fall of 1986, the two had moved to Billings. They worked at Bonanza Steakhouse, he as a cook and she as a waitress, and both had family in town.

But in the spring, they left. Kimberly described it as another chapter in their pick-up-and-go lifestyle.

We were usually pretty good about, just, Lets go, she said during a daylong hearing in 2017, where Tipton argued his rape charges should be dismissed due to the statute of limitations. And we left.

The rape for which Tipton is suspected took place on March 20. Kimberly estimated she and Tipton left town by early April. Not quite four months later, they applied for a marriage license in Jackson Hole, newspaper archives show, where Tipton later said he worked as a cook for part of the summer.

Bromgard was still sitting in the Yellowstone County jail on the rape charge by the end of that August when Tipton was arrested in Yakima, Washington, on two misdemeanors.

I entered a crawl space in the ceiling of the bathroom at the Burger Ranch, without permission, and poked a hole in the ceiling, he wrote in slanted cursive handwriting in his guilty plea.
CHEYENNE  House Minority Leader Cathy Connolly, D-Laramie, entered this legislative session with four bills meant to do something about wages in Wyoming, including three to help solve Wyomings gender wage gap  one that is consistently among the nations worst.

After running the gauntlet of the House of Representatives, just one of those  one that would set penalties for willful violations of existing equal pay laws  has survived the trip to the Senate floor after a late Monday night vote by the Senate Transportation Committee.

That bill was one of a suite of three bills proposed by Connolly on a bipartisan basis in the interim session targeting the states gender wage gap. A second bill would have set up a system to ensure wage equality for public employees and would set rules regulating programs funded by public dollars. However, the Transportation Committee voted that one down 3-2.

A third bill that would have outlawed the practice of employers banning workers from discussing their wages with each other failed the House by six votes last week, the same place where another bill sponsored by Connolly  an increase in the state minimum wage  failed by a roll call vote Monday night.

The Senate side
CHEYENNE (AP)  A proposal that would put work requirements on certain Medicaid and food assistance recipients in Wyoming has passed the state Senate.

Senate File 144 was approved Monday on a 23-5 vote. It now goes to the House for further debate.

The proposal would require able-bodied recipients of Medicaid between the ages of 19 and 64 to put in 20 hours a week through a combination of work, schooling, workforce training or volunteering with a local nonprofit. The requirements wouldn't apply to someone who's pregnant, a parent or guardian of a child age 6 or younger, or the primary caregiver of someone who has a serious medical condition or disability.

Legislative staff estimate about 3,200 people currently enrolled in Medicaid could be subject to the bill's requirements.

Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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BNSF transported the two injured employees out of the canyon via a company vehicle that can drive on train rails. They were then met by a Banner Health ambulance. The two employees were treated at the Platte County Memorial Hospital and released, Stevenson said.

Cleanup of the diesel in the river could be completed by the end of the week, according to Hunter, who said the agency and the company were exploring multiple remediation options. That work is currently being hampered by the location of the crash. The tracks and overturned locomotives lie at the base of a 300- to 400-foot cliff face, Hunter said.

The company had placed booms  floating devices made to trap and collect oil spills  downriver Monday. The companys crews were working to put a boom closer to the edge of the diesel spill Tuesday afternoon. BNSF also asked that the Bureau of Reclamation, which controls the release of water upstream from the Glendo Reservoir, to slow the flow of the river.

The low flow of the water and the predominance of ice along the surface have helped contain the spill, said Hunter.

The good thing about petroleum products is they float on top of the water, he said, noting that the booms should catch the diesel downstream.
My new place is almost ready - I say almost because being the perfectionist that I am, it'll never be complete until I'm totally sat...
Honda all-terrain vehicles have replaced mules as the beast of burden of choice, but the wildcat mining camps of French Guiana are governed by the same rules and violence that have marked gold rushes since the 19th century.

Around 10,000 men are thought to be toiling deep in the jungle of the territory in South America, stripping away the soil to sift for golden flecks while playing cat and mouse with the authorities.

They have created a clandestine economy, whose base currency is a gram of the prized metal -- the average daily pay for the "garimpeiros" (miners) who brave squalid conditions, and the risk of arrest.

The miners can buy supplies, transport -- and pay bribes -- with gold dust folded into pieces of paper, or an IOU voucher symbolising one gram, which is worth around 30 euros ($34).

Soldiers in France's Ninth Marine Regiment have staged dozens of raids against the gold panning operations in French Guiana /  AFP

Soldiers in France's Ninth Marine Regiment are well familiar with the workings of this backcountry society, having staged dozens of raids against the gold panning operations.

"You start with the worksite, where they dig and wash the dirt using generators and pumps," said Martin, a captain in the regiment, during a patrol in the Apatou region this month accompanied by AFP journalists.

"There, no alcohol is allowed," Martin said, giving only his first name in line with military policy. "They take drugs and work themselves into a stupor. Then on Saturday night and Sunday they head to the cabarets."

Farther from the rivers, which provide the only way of accessing the remote sites by boat, are camps that have grown into villages complete with bars, workshops, makeshift jewellers and churches which are packed on Sundays.

At the cabarets, women perform pole dances on stages festooned with disco balls and blaring sound systems, while brothels await upstairs.

The owners organise shows and bingo games, with prizes tailored to their audience: For New Year's Eve, the "Garimpo Iopass" cabaret offered the chance to win a pump motor or Yamaha outboard engines.

- Tolls and jewellers -

Depending on how supply lines are functioning, a pair of boots at the village store can cost 30 grams of gold -- nearly 1,000 euros -- while a bottle of cachaca liquor goes for five to 10 grams.

A six-pack of cold beer hovers at around a gram and French forces monitor this price in particular, seeing it as a key indicator of how well they are disrupting supply routes.

The illegal gold miners have created a clandestine economy, whose base currency is a gram of the prized metal -- the average daily pay for the "garimpeiros" (miners), worth about 30 euros ($34) /  AFP

"To operate this deep in the forest, logistics are essential," said Charles, another captain on the Apatou patrol.

"Everything has to be brought in, first of all the fuel for the pumps and generators," he said. "So they need canoes, then the ATVs."

ATV drivers, who are almost always Brazilians, and canoe pilots are usually self-employed, paid per trip.

The all-terrain vehicles, preferably Hondas, are customised by removing the rear brake -- useless in the jungle mud -- and adding a third shock in the back for absorbing heavier loads.

"I've seen ATVs carrying seven 60-litre cans, plus gear," Charles said of the vehicles, worth 400 grams, or some 12,000 euros.

Patrols try to break up illicit camps that have grown into villages complete with bars, workshops, makeshift jewellers and churches /  AFP

Also at work are gangs of roadmen offering access to cleared paths or shortcuts they keep barred with heavy chains. The toll is two grams.

At the bottom of the pyramid are the "petroleros" hauling jerricans of diesel fuel through the forest on foot, while "raseros" earn a few grams by clearing out the vines and trees for a new camp.

Carpenters wielding chainsaws earn more, since they cut the trees into planks for the sluicing and sorting tables.

Also well paid are jewellers melting down the gold specks and fragments in open-air clay ovens, forming rudimentary rings or necklaces with fake stamps of purported designers.

If arrested, a "garimpeiro" might be able to keep his jewellery even if all the other material -- often obtained by taking on huge debts -- is seized or destroyed.

- Costs to bear -

At the top of the economic chain are Chinese merchants on the Suriname side of the Maroni river, who supply all the shovels, high-pressure sprayers and other equipment needed for the panning camps.

At the top of the economic chain are Chinese merchants on the Suriname side of the Maroni river, who supply all the equipment needed for the panning camps /  AFP

Inside their shops are sacks of rice and beans, and freezers stocked with frozen chicken and other meat. Outside are dozens of barrels of fuel, hoses and ATVs.

"They are extremely rich because they profit twice: They sell the gear on the one hand, then buy the gold and deposit it in accounts in Suriname on the other hand," Jean-Sebastien, another French captain, said.

"They extend loans to the garimpeiros and profit from their labour, without ever having to leave their stores," he said.

"But they too have costs to bear," added Martin. "They get shaken down by the Suriname army and police, and sometimes by the ultraviolent gangs."

And in a world where gold fever goes hand in hand with the risk of malaria or the swollen feet of beriberi disease, disputes are settled with a shotgun, if not a Kalashnikov.

Along the jungle trails, fresh mounds of dirt mark the most recent graves, maybe with an overturned bottle of rum by way of a cross.
The National Society of Automotive Traffic (SNCT)'s technical inspections are now more expensive as of 1 February. On Monday, we reported on the reaction of the ACL, which accused the government of trying to discourage driving.

In addition to the ACL, the Luxembourg Consumer Association (ULC) has hit out at the government and called for the price increases to be revoked immediately and going back to 1 February.

The ULC called it an unashamed price increase and questioned whether this would eventually fund free public transport.

The Luxembourg Oldtimer Federation has also denounced the move alongside Pirate Party MP Marc Goergen, who has submitted a parliamentary question on the justification for such a move. Goergen also wanted to know what type of improvements would come alongside the price increase.

On Tuesday, the management of the SNCT reacted to the uproar via a press release. The press release explained that the organisation must conform to European legislation and as a trading company, has had to deal with rising costs without always raising service prices correspondingly.

The SNCT stressed that this was only the sixth price increase in the last twenty years. The press release went on to highlight that the intervals between technical inspections had become longer, in turn causing the company's costs to rise.

Finally, the SNCT highlighted its investment in the quality of its services. As of 18 February, will offer new digital services for professional customers, which will be introduced to private customers on 4 March.
The lower administrative court has overruled the decision of the Minister for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure concerning the conversion of a driver's license.

The lower administrative court viewed the plaintiff's course of action as justified and consequently annulled decisions made by Francois Bausch in September, October, and November 2017.

The man had a Thai driver's license in March 2017 and requested to convert his license into a Luxembourgish one in August 2017. The minister rejected the man's request, leading the man to request an informal appeal to no avail as the minister stood by his decision in October.

In November, the man submitted another informal appeal, which was again overruled. By December 2017, the man took the issue to the administrative court.

The first judge of the court cited an article from the Grand Ducal decree of 1955, which dictates that non-EEA license holders must convert their license within a year of living in Luxembourg. However, licenses can only be converted if the holder has lived or studied in Luxembourg for at least six months.

By requiring a period of residence of longer than six months in order to convert a non-EEA driver's license, the article from the Grand Ducal decree of 1955 contradicts article 10bis, paragraph 1 of the constitution.

In light of the contradiction, the lower administrative court has annulled Bausch's decisions from September, October, and November 2017.
The main opposition figure to Nicolas Maduro since the controversial 2018 elections, Juan Guaido officially declared himself the interim president of Venezuela on 23 January.

Since then, Guaido has been recognised as the interim president by a number of countries, including the USA. Following on from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, Luxembourg is the latest country to offer its support to the opposition figure.

In a press release, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn declared that the presidential elections of 20 May 2018 were neither free nor regulated and called for Guaido to organise another presidential election.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn met with MPs on Monday morning to brief them on immigration statistics in 2018. Afterwards, he presented his report to the press.

Broadly, Asselborn explained, the phenomenon of migrants arriving via the Mediterranean is one that is falling in numbers in the entire European Union, including Luxembourg. As a contrast, secondary migration, which consists of asylum seekers arriving in Italy and coming to Luxembourg, has risen over the last few months.

In total, there were 2,200 asylum requests in 2018. The number fell by 120 compared to the previous year. However, Asselborn explained, if you include the number of migrants relocated from Malta as well as spontaneous requests, there has been a net rise of 220 compared to 2017.

As the minister explained, the majority of asylum requests come from residents of Eritrea, Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. As a further breakdown of the asylum requests, Asselborn explained that requests came from nationals from 65 different countries. Of all of these asylum seekers, approximately a third were minors, a third women, and a third were men.

In 2018, 36 unaccompanied minors sought asylum in Luxembourg. As for the first month of 2019, there were 226 asylum requests. Asselborn explained that if this trend continues at the pace seen in January, then by the end of 2019, there will likely be more asylum requests than ever. 81 of those asylum seekers originate from Eritrea, of which 80% are so-called Dubliners.

An asylum request remains different to being granted the status of refugee. In 2018, 980 individuals received refugee status, which is 200 fewer than 2017. 360 asylum seekers had their applications denied.

 Didier Weber

Of those received by OLAI, the Luxembourg Reception and Integration Agency, 50% were granted refugee status, 10% were rejected, and 40% are still being reviewed. Asselborn explained that the next step is to move the 50% from the government's structures.

No genital examinations

In 2018, 36 non-accompanied minors arrived in Luxembourg to request asylum, down from 50 in 2017. In previous years, there have been discussions on how to determine if someone is under 18 years old or not. The government has made it clear that genital examinations are not necessary to determine age. Instead, an X-ray of the individual's left hand, shoulder blades, and teeth should suffice.

Those in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs charged with immigration services have concluded that the age of unaccompanied minors is steadily falling. Last year, both a four-year-old and a ten-year-old applied for international protection.

Difficulties with one particular nationality

Asselborn expressed his reluctance to generalise, but explained that immigration services had had issues with one particular nationality, the Georgians. The authorities had observed that those who arrive in Luxembourg are active in organised crime, particularly the drugs and weapons trade.

 Didier Weber  Didier Weber

The parliamentary commission meeting



Before the press conference, Asselborn discussed migration and asylum with members of the parliamentary commission on foreign affairs. In that meeting, he explained that reception structures are reaching their limits, as those granted refugee status are struggling to find accommodation.

According to the coalition agreement, OLAI will split as of 1 May. The Ministry of Family Affairs and Integration will be in charge of integration, and reception will fall under the Immigration Ministry's duties. OLAI will be renamed ONA.

According to ADR MPs, Asselborn is experiencing the shattered glass of his own policies. According to MP Fernand Kartheiser, Asselborn's "Merde alors" exclamation against Matteo Salvini had led to asylum seekers to come to Luxembourg.

The Left MP David Wagner expressed his opinion that a number of governments within the EU, not only the Italian one, are instrumentalising migration to distract citizens from real socio-economic issues. In this, he reiterated that refugees are not the cause of these issues.

All parties shared the observation that there is no solidarity within Europe concerning the migration crisis. But a specific solution, such as a reform of the Dublin Regulation, was not mentioned on Monday morning. The regulation states that asylum seekers must request asylum in their country of arrival, which in turn causes a disproportionate number of asylum seekers in Mediterranean countries.
Facing conflict of interest proceedings under tightened EU rules, billionaire Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis may soon become the first European politician found in violation of the bloc's new law.

Babis, the Czech Republic's second wealthiest citizen, is suspected of retaining ownership of the sprawling Agrofert chemicals, food and media group despite having formally transferred ownership to trust funds to comply with the law.

He is already facing criminal charges at home over alleged EU subsidy fraud to the tune of some two million euros ($2.3 million) to build his luxury Stork Nest farm near Prague in 2007-2008.

A populist, Babis has denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations "a smear campaign" run by his political rivals.

Separate proceedings triggered by a complaint by anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International and the opposition Pirate Party show Babis has reason to worry.

"Agrofert gets EU subsidies, Czech subsidies, and takes part in public procurement," David Ondracka, head of the Czech branch of Transparency International, told AFP.

"Babis is in a conflict of interest in all these segments and they all should be suspended."

Last September, Transparency and the Pirates asked the European Commission whether Agrofert was entitled to receive billions in EU agricultural subsidies if Babis still controls it.

They also sent a complaint to the town hall in Cernosice, responsible for Babis's place of residence near Prague, alleging that he violated a Czech conflict of interest law by owning media.

Both the European Commission and Cernosice have suggested that they are inclined to believe the allegations.

- 'Political thing' -

David Ondracka, head of Transparency International in the Czech Republic, says there is a clear conflict of interest for the prime minister /  AFP/File

Babis has flatly denied any involvement in Agrofert's activities during his time as prime minister, denouncing the Pirates as "informers".

"You have squealed on me in Brussels, you have squealed on me in Cernosice," he said in parliament last week.

Last month, Cernosice town hall said it had made its decision but refused to make it public.

Only Babis knows the details and on Tuesday he said that his lawyers had appealed the decision which he labelled an attempt to "force me out of politics".

In a leaked document, EU lawyers said Babis's dual role as premier and tycoon "qualifies as a conflict of interest" since public officials should not decide on EU payouts for companies they ultimately control.

The Commission halted subsidies to Agrofert and sent auditors to check Babis's business with a final verdict expected by April.

It is also looking into subsidies Agrofert received from 2014 when the Slovak-born ex-Communist became finance minister in the previous Social Democrat-led coalition government.

Babis, whose meteoric rise in politics has been dogged by controversy since he founded the populist ANO movement in 2011, also faces criminal charges at home over alleged EU subsidy fraud dating back to 2007.

He has also been hit by allegations that he served as a secret police agent in the 1980s when the former Czechoslovakia was under Moscow's rule.

- 'First test' -

The Czech prime minister's meteoric rise in politics has been dogged by controversy since he founded the populist ANO movement in 2011 /  AFP/File

Ondracka said Transparency had used information from beneficial ownership registers introduced across the EU last year as part of the bloc's drive against money laundering.

A legal term, "beneficial owner" defines specific property rights in equity belonging to a person even though the legal title of the property belongs to someone else.

As the Czech register is not fully public, they used the Slovak one which showed 37 companies held by Agrofert with Babis listed as the beneficial owner, and 28 listing his wife Monika, who also sits on the board of both trust funds in charge of Agrofert.

In 2017, Agrofert received EU subsidies worth 2.1 billion koruna (82 million euros, $94 million), according to Czech media.

"Babis is in a unique position as a prime minister who is also a dominant recipient of EU subsidies," Ondracka told AFP.

"One could say the EU is co-financing an oligarch who wins more and more elections in one member country," he said.

Babis now faced three options.

"Declare that Agrofert, which he still controls, won't get any public money; sell Agrofert -- but not to his wife, or quit politics," he said.

The European Commission is expected to give its verdict in April at the latest.

Independent political analyst Jiri Pehe said the outcome would be important for the EU as "this is the first big case after the directive tightening the conflict of interest rules took effect".

"Babis is a first test for the Commission, so to speak. I think they will want to do a good job."


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Issues of concern to people who live in the west: property rights, water rights, endangered species, livestock grazing, energy production, wilderness and western agriculture. Plus a few items on western history, western literature and the sport of rodeo... Frank DuBois served as the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003. DuBois is a former legislative assistant to a U.S. Senator, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior, and is the founder of the DuBois Rodeo Scholarship.
A blog for students in my introductory classes in government, and any interested passersby. You'll find news items and random stories that illustrate any of the topics we cover in class. Special attention will be paid to the constitutional issues associated with contemporary issues and disputes. Feel free to send me stories you find important. Please note that due to spam, I'm limiting the ability of people to comment on these pages. My apologies.
South Carolina did its part during the Cold War. The Savannah River Site produced plutonium and tritium for nuclear weapons.

In the decades since, there have been plans to effectively and permanently deal with the radioactive waste from the SRS processes. South Carolina was never supposed to be a permanent home.

Its bad enough that the plan to permanently store high-level waste at Yucca Mountain in Nevada has been on hold for years with no sign that will change, and that the MOX project that gave South Carolina some hope of having waste reprocessed has been scrapped by the federal government, but now, not surprisingly, even the smallest of actions to make Nevada fulfill its nuclear mission is the subject of legal and political battles.

The U.S. Department of Energy disclosed this past week that it already has shipped one-half metric ton of weapons-grade plutonium from South Carolina to a nuclear security site in Nevada.

The Justice Department notified a federal judge in Reno the government had already trucked the radioactive material to the site 70 miles north of Las Vegas when Nevada filed a request for an injunction to block the move in November.
Istanbul police detained at least 22 ISIS-linked terrorist suspects, according to a statement released by the Governor's Office.

The suspects were detained in Umraniye, Basaksehir, Beykoz, Gaziosmanpasa, Kadkoy, Maltepe, Uskudar, Pendik and Sancaktepe districts.

The suspects had been organizing gatherings to spread the propaganda of ISIS terrorists, collect funds for their families and to recruit new members. They had also been making plans to bring new recruits to Syria.

Police confiscated documents and materials promoting the terrorist group, Daily Sabah reported.
Politically, her proposals  no matter how over-the-top, ridiculous or unviable -- will actually enhance rather than hurt her popularity. As the great Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises wrote nearly six decades ago, it no longer matters, politically, whether a measure is fit to produce the ends aimed at. What alone counts for [the politician] is whether the majority of voters favor or reject it.

Sadly, wisdom and knowledge are not nearly as important in democratic politics as impassioned promises for a Santa Claus government to give voters free goods. Voters believe in the Santa Claus fantasy, and AOC is playing Santa to the hilt, promising free health care, free college, etc.

Another factor enhancing AOCs popularity is her public stance that she would rather lose her seat in Congress than compromise her principles. In this day and age when few politicians are known for sticking to their principles, AOC stands out from the crowd.

She may know precious little about sound economics, but she has a keen nose for power. That is why she advocates the abolition of the Electoral College -- because it is an obstacle to the mighty (and mighty dangerous) power of unbridled majoritarianism that our wise founders rightly understood to be one of the greatest threats to rights and liberty.
Tennessee authorities have taken a Neeses man into custody on allegations that he participated in an Orangeburg County home invasion.

Wed like to thank the Weakley County Sheriffs Department and the men and women who took part in this apprehension, Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said.

They acted immediately on information from our agency and took this individual off the street, he said.

Nathaniel Isaiah Roberts, 20, was wanted by the Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office on four counts of attempted murder, discharging a firearm into a dwelling, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and criminal conspiracy.

The Neeses man now faces a charge of being a fugitive from justice in Tennessee.

Roberts and three other men are suspects in a Jan. 29 home invasion in Neeses. The residents reported a 15-year-old was shot during the incident.

Around 9 a.m. Tuesday, Weakley County authorities received a tip that Roberts was in the area, according to a Weakley County Sheriffs Department press release.

When confronted, Roberts is said to have fled into a nearby wooded rural area with authorities there in pursuit.

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Rep. Justin Bamberg, D-Bamberg, says hes again seeking state income tax breaks to help attract professionals to live and work in designated rural counties.

Hes introduced the Rural Revitalization Act. If it becomes law, qualifying individuals would be eligible to deduct all income attributable to the taxpayers qualifying employment.

To qualify, an individual must reside and be employed in a designated county as a teacher in a K-12 school; an attorney in a circuit solicitor's office, circuit public defender's office or neighborhood legal assistance program; or, a health care professional.

Additionally, an individual who has been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States may also claim the deduction.

This bill would apply to all "Tier IV" counties, which is the designation in the state tax code given to counties with relatively high unemployment rates and low per capita income levels.

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Qualifying rural counties are Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Chester, Clarendon, Dillon, Hampton, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Orangeburg and Williamsburg.
Durbin proposes bill to prevent prescription drug price spikes

On Friday, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbins office announced legislation to reduce the monopoly period of expensive pharmaceuticals when their prices suddenly spike.

When new drugs are approved, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration agrees not to review  and therefore approve  cheaper, generic alternatives for a period of five to 12 years.

Durbins office said pharmaceutical companies often use this period to raise prices of their drugs, because no competition can surface without the FDAs approval.

Durbins bill, called Forcing Limits on Abusive and Tumultuous Drug Prices (FLAT), would reduce the exclusivity period for a drug if its price is spiked by more than 10 percent in one year. This would allow cheaper generics to come to the market sooner.

For each offense, the legislation would reduce an exclusivity period by six months, with an added month for every 5 percent over the threshold of 10 percent.

The legislation also targets multi-year price hikes: when a drug rises more than 18 percent over two years, or 25 percent over three years.
A Murphysboro woman is going to prison after she violated the terms of her probation on a 2017 charge of reckless discharge of a firearm.

According to a news release from Jackson County State's Attorney Michael Carr, Chelsea Jo Beasley, 26, was sentenced last week to serve 18 months in Illinois Department of Corrections after she failed to comply with the terms of her probation. She got 30 months of probation after she pleaded guilty this past March to a Class 4 felony charge of reckless discharge of a firearm.

Carr's release says that in October of 2017, Beasley shot at her next-door neighbor's parked car while she was high on meth and experiencing paranoia. She thought people outside her bedroom window were conspiring to kill her, so she took a loaded 12-gauge shotgun from her grandfather's bedroom, stepped outside, and fired at her neighbor's car, according to the release.

Her probation was revoked this past November. Beasley was also sentenced last year to complete substance abuse treatment and pay restitution for damage she caused to the vehicle.

 The Southern

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Deutsche Telekom AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated telecommunication services. The company operates through five segments: Germany, United States, Europe, Systems Solutions, and Group Development. It offers fixed-network services, including voice and data communication services based on fixed-network and broadband technology; and sells terminal equipment and other hardware products, as well as services to resellers. The company also provides mobile voice and data services to consumers and business customers; sells mobile devices and other hardware products; and sells mobile services to resellers and to companies that purchases and markets network services to third parties, such as mobile virtual network operators. In addition, it offers internet services; internet-based TV products and services; and information and communication technology systems for multinational corporations and public sector institutions with an infrastructure of data centers and networks under the T-Systems brand, as well as call center services. The company has 242 million mobile customers and 22 million broadband customers, as well as 27 million fixed-network lines. Deutsche Telekom AG has a collaboration with VMware, Inc. on cloud-based open and intelligent virtual RAN platform to bring agility to radio access networks for existing LTE and future 5G networks; and partnership with Microsoft to deliver high-performance cloud computing experiences. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Bonn, Germany.

Read More
15 hours ago

| June 21st | 2021 8:00 AM

Why You Might Have to Retire Later Due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic in general increased retirement uncertainty. In fact, Lincoln Financial Group reported three different sentiments regarding the pandemic and specific age groups: Pre-retirees: The age group from 55 to 64 saw the biggest drop of retirement-ready confidence. Mid-career: Individuals between the ages of 35 and 54 saw a
The Unites States is ready to use the tools of the WTO to open the Russian market for its exports, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said in the report assessing Russias implementation of its respective World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments.

According to the document, the U.S. closely reviews Russia's compliance with WTO commitments.

"Russias accelerating withdrawal from the market-opening rules of the WTO raises barriers to U.S. exports of goods and services... If the United States finds that Russia is not acting consistent with its WTO commitments, it will investigate and use all appropriate means to resolve the matter and keep Russias markets open to U.S. exports," the report says.

The document noted that Washington's bilateral dialogue with Russia has been put on hold due to the situation in Ukraine. The authors of the report also believes that meeting requests from the U.S. Embassy to the Russian side often are not granted.

The report stressed that last year, notwithstanding a few actions taken to comply with its WTO commitments, Russia continued to pursue a regime of import substitution and local content requirements. According to the authors of the report, in response, the U.S. will continue to remind Russia of its WTO commitments.

The document states that importing into Russia remains a difficult task, condemning its rules for localizing production, taxes, fees and phytosanitary control practices.

The report says that the U.S. will continue to analyze Russias export regulatory regime to ensure its consistency with WTO disciplines, and will pursue "enforcement actions" as appropriate.

Chief researcher at the Institute of International Economic Relations Studies of the Financial University under the Russian government Valery Abramov, speaking to Vestnik Kavkaza, noted that the United States first began to violate WTO rules regarding Russia. "Russia has imposed restrictions on the import of certain goods in response to economic sanctions, including on export of certain goods from Russia. In order to put pressure on Russia through the WTO in the current conditions, the United States will have to find a weighty reason, but there are no sufficient legal grounds for this, especially since trade between the United States and the Russian Federation is not significant," he said.

"The only thing they can do is to impose restrictions on the export of software products supplied with equipment by leading companies. The share of these goods in the Russian-U.S. turnover is large, and it will take time for Russian producers to create analogues. In addition, these are aerospace software, satellite related software. But this is outside the scope of the WTO. The U.S. may initiate trade disputes in the WTO regarding Russia's restrictions on certain goods - but the volume of these goods is not so large, the procedure of trade disputes assumes that the sums from restrictive measures should amount to billions of dollars," Valery Abramov stressed.

The expert stressed that a more strenuous effort needs to be made by Russia to defend its interests in the WTO. "In fact, Russia's accession to the WTO was not of economic nature, it was political. It does not make sense to leave the WTO after we spent 18 years to enter it. Russia needs to learn how to defend its national interests, using the WTO norms and rules," the chief researcher at the Institute of International Economic Relations Studies of the Financial University under the Russian government concluded.
16 hours ago

| June 21st | 2021 8:00 AM

Why You Might Have to Retire Later Due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic in general increased retirement uncertainty. In fact, Lincoln Financial Group reported three different sentiments regarding the pandemic and specific age groups: Pre-retirees: The age group from 55 to 64 saw the biggest drop of retirement-ready confidence. Mid-career: Individuals between the ages of 35 and 54 saw a
The Undead Archives

I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world.
The VB 10,000 crane vessel is expected to move back into position over the remains of the shipwrecked Golden Ray in the St. Simons Sound within the next day or two, resuming cutting operations that stopped more than a week ago for maintenance, said U.S. Coast Guardsman Michael Himes, spokesm
Georgia's Parliament Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze presented the annual report of the parliaments activities for 2018 as well as the future plan for 2019.

According to Kobakhidze, the parliament adopted 705 laws last year.

The speaker considers the amendments to the Constitution, completed in March 2018, one of the main achievements. Also, Kobakhidze noted updating the legislative body regulations and bringing a number of laws in line with the Constitution, Sputnik - Georgia reported.
I wholly agree with the editorial by Dave Van Curen, which appeared in the Jan. 8 issue of The Daily News. I would like to respond with some observations of my own.

Trump's rollbacks are destroying our environment. His opening up vast areas of Alaska for oil drilling will hasten the extinction of many already endangered species.

How he treats our legal Hispanic citizens is simply disgusting. How he treats all immigrants falls into the same category. The way he treats Democrats and our intelligence community is reprehensible. His treatment of most of our allies is horrible. He second guesses our military and treats our generals with no respect. And let's not forget how he treats our foes or enemies  Putin, Kim and his prince-buddy in Saudi Arabia. He praises them and idolizes them.

How the Republicans cannot stand tall and call him on his bull is astounding. Thank God the Democrats have taken control of the House, and they can check his power for the next two years. He and he alone is the cause of the government shutdown. He cares only for himself and maybe his family, if it suits his agenda. He is a divider who shows no empathy for others.
One of the few wolves that has taken up residence near Mount Hood has died, wildlife officials confirmed Monday.

The wolf was found in November near U.S. 26 and its cause of death was unknown, said Elizabeth Materna, a spokeswoman with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the agency responsible for wolf management in most of western Oregon.

A necropsy revealed no gunshot wounds nor poison, but the 1.5 year old male had an injury to its front paw, which could have occurred when the animal was captured and fitted with a radio collar for tracking, and it was quite skinny, Materna said.

The wolfs death was first reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Wolves are a relatively new presence the Northern Cascades, at least in recent times.

In early 2018, two grainy pictures marked the first confirmed sighting of multiple wolves in this area of the Cascade Mountains since the predators started returning to Oregon earlier this century. They had been eradicated in the 1940s.

In August, pictures captured by a trail camera confirmed that the wolves near Mount Hood had produced a litter of at least two pups. Wildlife officials said the wolf that died recently is not thought to be the breeding male.
The number of people with measles rose two by more cases Monday to 49, according to Clark County Public Health.

One person who is between 30 and 40 years old has measles  the oldest person so far. Only one other adult has has been diagnosed with measles.

Nine people are suspected of having measles and are awaiting test results.

The highly contagious virus spreads through the air and can linger for up to two hours in an isolated space. People who have never received a measles vaccine are susceptible to the disease, which can be deadly.

Washington health officials urge anyone who hasnt received the vaccine or needs the second dose to get it now. The vaccine is 97 percent effective and can limit the severity or fight off the virus if its administered within 72 hours after exposure.

To further limit the spread of the virus, health officials ask that people who think they might have measles call their doctor or health care provider before visiting a hospital or doctors office.

Washington State Department of Health keeps track of residents immunization status so people can see if they need shots.

Clark County Public Health also now maintains a daily call center for questions about the outbreak at 360-397-8021.

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Earlier in June, a piece of equipment experienced a failure with an electrical transformer. The failed piece of equipment is in the process of being repaired at an off-site location due to the nature of the damage, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management said, and anticipates the plant being offline until the end of June at a minimum.
Possession  Kelso Police Sunday arrested Joshua Dagris, 31, of Kelso on suspicion of a felony possession by a offender.

Drugs  Cowlitz County sheriffs deputies Sunday arrested Tessita Duff Woodard, 44, of Grapeview, Wash., on suspicion of introducing a controlled substance to jail.

Drugs  Longview Police Sunday arrested Lisa Moon, 54, of Longview on suspicion of a felony drug possession, first-degree trespassing and third-degree theft.

Drugs  Kelso Police Sunday arrested Steven Stine, 46, of Tigard, Ore., on suspicion of a felony drug possession, resisting arrest, driving under the influence, trespassing and driving with a suspended license.

Drugs  Kelso Police Sunday arrested Jesse Wheeler, 37, of Chehalis on suspicion of a felony drug possession.

DUI  Woodland Police Monday arrested Donna Malloy, 43, of University Place, on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Fugitive  Woodland Police Sunday arrested Eric Moore, 50, of Vancouver on suspicion of being a fugitive from justice.
Who exactly is advising Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez?

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britains Labour Party, is a known anti-Semite, having called Hamas and Hezbollah his friends, laying a wreath at the cemetery where Muslim terrorists who murdered Israeli athletes in Munich in 1972 are buried, and regularly comparing Israel to Nazi Germany.

First, this Twitter exchange, yesterday:

It was an honor to share such a lovely and wide-reaching conversation with you, @jeremycorbyn! Also honored to share a great hope in the peace, prosperity, + justice that everyday people can create when we uplift one another across class, race, + identity both at home & abroad. https://t.co/7qnz42I8du  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 3, 2019

And now, after much criticism, she says she will engage with the Jewish community over concerns following her praise of Corbyn.

So, to paraphrase Nancy Pelosi:

It looks like you have to phone a Jew-hater to find out he is a Jew-hater.

Via Daily Wire.

Socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) praised notorious anti-Semitic Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on Sunday following an apparent phone conversation the two far-left politicians had. Allegations of anti-Semitismcommitted by members, officials, and the leader himselfhave been the running sore of Corbyns leftist takeover of the Labour Party ever since, and the sense of something gravely wrong has deepened with time. The New Yorkers report notes that Britains three major Jewish newspapers  The Jewish Chronicle, Jewish News, and Jewish Telegraph  each published a joint editorial slamming the Labour Party and Corbyn because of the existential threat to Jewish life in this country that would be posed by a Jeremy Corbyn-led government..

Jeremy Corbyns Anti-Semitism Crisis
As many as 4,000 families are being evacuated, following the collapse of a building in Aleppo that killed 11 people writes Alsouria Net.

The Aleppo Governorate evacuated the residents living in thousands buildings in the city, many of them likely to collapse, after a building collapse killed civilians and sowed major concerns among residents who fear similar incidents. It is thought that as many as 10,000 buildings are unsafe for people to live in.

The governorate decided to transfer 4,000 families living in the eastern district of the city, saying that they would be moved to alternative housing while their homes were repaired or those which could not be repaired were demolished.

The decision came after a building collapse in the Salaheddin district on Saturday, killing 11 people, requiring a study into the reasons for the collapse and the formation of committees to address the issue.

The Governor of Aleppo, Hussein Diab, said that primary information indicated that more than 4,000 families needed to be evacuated from districts whose buildings were nearly destroyed.

The buildings likely to collapse are in the eastern district of Aleppo, which was besieged by the Assad regime and bombarded heavily with Russian assistance. In addition, the area saw heavy fighting between opposition fighters and regime forces, which ended in 2016 with the departure of the opposition and the entry of the regime.

Aleppo has recently seen the collapse of many damaged buildings, claiming dozens of lives, most of them women and children, which has put relevant agencies on alert to resolve the major problem that threatens residents.

Most districts of eastern Aleppo are suffering, whether in the service sector, the delay of the removal of rubble, securing electricity and water or repairing basic facilities, which has put major hardships on people who have returned to their homes despite the situation.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
The European Union sanctioned two individuals and one entity in relation to Iran's "hostile activities" in some European countries.

The Council of the European Union also called on Iran to halt activities aimed at the development and testing of ballistic missiles.

"The Council is deeply concerned by the hostile activities that Iran has conducted on the territory of several Member States and, in this context, decided to list two individuals and one entity. The European Union will continue to demonstrate unity and solidarity in this area and urges Iran to put an immediate end to such unacceptable behaviour," the council said in a statement.
The young man was arrested and tortured in Jarablus, as he made his way north to avoid conscription into the Assad regime's army reports Horriya Press.

In a new scene which has begun to play out in the Free Syrian Army prisons in the liberated areas of northern Syria, a young man, Muhannad Diab al-Qassem, from the northern Homs countryside, was killed while being tortured by military police in the city of Jarablus under the control of the National Army.

Bassam Abou Laich, a friend of the young man, told Horriya Press that, Muhannad al-Qassem was arrested by military police in the city of Jarablus while coming from the northern Homs countryside to northern Syria to flee conscription into regime forces after he was called up for reserve service.

He added that, On Jan. 21, 2019, he reached the al-Aoun crossing between the SDF militia areas and the Free Syrian Army, where military police arrested him. On Sunday, they delivered his body to his family bearing signs of torture, a practise which is more commonly associated with the behavior of the Assad regime.

Abou Laith added that, The young mans parents demanded that those responsible be held to account and that the criminals who allowed themselves to torture their son to death be tried.

The young man came from the town of al-Samalil, which falls administratively under city of al-Houla in the northern Homs countryside.

The incident came days after the death of a young man, Mohamed Saeed al-Attar, from the city of al-Qusayr in the Homs countryside, at the hands of a security council in the Faylaq al-Sham faction in the Aleppo countryside. His family are still waiting for justice to be served and the criminals to be held to account.

The crime that occurred is not different from the crimes of Assads gangs, who kill prisoners using starvation and torture. It is not the first crime of its kind, and it will not be the last, if lower-ranking fighters are not charged and commanders evade being held to accountjust as many have also fled with the money they have collected to shelter themselves in the embrace of their employers in other countries.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Russia, Iran and Turkey will be meeting to discuss the formation of the constitutional committee and the situation on the ground in Syria reports SANA.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that a meeting of the leaders of guarantor states of the Astana process is scheduled for Feb. 14, 2019, in the Russian city of Sochi.

On Monday, Lavrov, in his speech to students at the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, in Bishkek, said, the prospects for a settlement in Syria will be considered within a week to 10 days, i.e. on Feb. 14, at the upcoming summit between the presidents of Russia, Iran and Turkey in Sochi.

He added that work is under way to complete the formation of the constitutional committee.

In parallel with the war against terrorism, there is a political track in which Russia, Iran and Turkey adopted an initiative based on the decisions of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress, held a year ago in Sochi, which was set up to discuss the constitutional committee, Lavrov said, adding that work on this initiative is now complete.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Europe and the US are attempting to ensure that any Arab normalization with the Assad regime is achieved in conjunction with a political process writes Asharq al-Awsat.

Washington and European capitals have stepped up communications with Arab countries to regulate normalization with the Assad regime, and place political conditions before it.

It seems that there is a move towards specifying a joint ceiling during the European-Arab summit planned in Egypt for Feb. 24  25, 2019, in addition to putting forward matters for the donors conference in Brussels, ahead of the Arab summit in Tunisia at the end of next month.

Today in Brussels, a ministerial meeting of Arab and European countries is being held in preparation of the first joint summit in 20 days.

Diplomatic sources said that there have been discussions in recent days among the relevant capitals to draft the closing ministerial statement. One of the issues was reaching a joint statement regarding Syria.

European countries are insisting on including minimum political items with regards to carrying out Resolution 2254, and supporting the UN Special Envoy, Geir Pedersen, as well as achieving progress in the political process, with the aim of regulating Arab normalization with the regime.

Efforts are underway to adopt a position of conditional engagement during the Arab-European summit, while European and donor countries stick to their position, that participation in Syrias reconstruction be tied to progress of a credible political process and supporting the international envoy during the donor countries conference in Brussels on Mar. 13  14, 2019.

Sources said that European countries are keen to hold the donors conference before the Arab summit in Tunisia on Mar. 31, 2019, and that, some countries have stipulated that the process of normalization with Damascus should be delayed until the Mediterranean-European summit and that the major European countries will not accept the joint summit legitimizing a decision by the Tunisia summit to normalize with the regime. It seems that currently there is a move towards putting the brakes on normalization.

Sources expressed their belief that there was a common Arab decision to wait, whether on the bilateral or collective level, with regards to normalizing with Damascus.

These sources said that the decision to wait was for a number of reasons, including the Assad regimes stiffness, whether in it openly saying that it will not submit a request to the Arab League to restore it, or through the media escalation saying that the Arabs need to return to Damascus, and not Syria to the Arabsin addition to the, hardening of the political process and the lack of flexibility offered in forming the constitutional committee in accordance with the United Nations proposals.

According to sources, the American and European advice also contributed to putting the brakes on normalization, whether that be the protests by Western ambassadors in Arab capitals, or through the American Secretary of State Mike Pompeos visit to the Arab region last month. This is in addition to the European Unions approval of sanctions against figures close to Damascus, and American Congress approving a draft proposal related to punishing participants in reconstruction.

The wait has been expressed by a number of signals, including the Emirates not appointing a charge daffaires, while the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, has spoken openly about political conditions and standards that need to be provided before the Assad regime returns to the Arab League and bilateral political relations are developed. The Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit has also expressed the need for their to be Arab consensus to take a decision to lift the freeze.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
For women in Assad's prisons, existence is a life of torture and suffering, never knowing whether you will be released or survive your ordeal writes Zaman Al Wasl.

Whining is the story of a nightmare that has been shocking the souls of the Syrian people. Gruesome atrocities in security chambers and prisons cells have no ending while Bashar al-Assad stays in power.

The documentary is produced by Zaman al-Wasl.

Arrests by the Assad regime are systematic, especially with women, where the arrests have become a despicable lethal weapon. Its a double-edged sword. It depends on intimidating the female detainee, breaking her psychologically, humiliating her family and taking revenge on the opposition. And most importantly, depriving the detainee of her future.

The perspective in society of the female detainee is engulfed with indictment and suspicion due to regime leaks about atrocities committed against them by prison officers.

The female prisoner pays double for a crime she never committed.

If we assume that demanding a right to live in dignity is a crime.

There is no accurate data for female prisoners, and it is not known how many have died under torture.

The Arab Organization for Human Rights says the number of female detainees in the regime prisons is more than 175,000. Other stats made by advocate groups reveal lower or higher numbers. But injustice is still injustice, regardless of the number.

The first shout for freedom broke the fear of Syrians, it was the voice of all. Men, women, young boys and girls.

Syrian women were at the first peaceful demonstrations and were among the first arrested.

In March 2011, the Syrian people took to the streets, after decades of oppression and tyranny. They called for freedom, demanding their right to live an honorable life with social justice and liberty.

Everybody participated in the revolution; and the bullets of regime indiscriminately shot in the faces of all. Men, women and children were made martyrs.

Arrest campaigns tracked all civilians, no norm or moral standards were taken into consideration.

Arrest campaigns were random, as was the mass punishment and intimidation. Most of the female detainees had no active role in the demonstrations, but they were arrested because they were residents of a certain area, or from a revolutionary city. Some were arbitrarily detained by the regime to pressure their families. After the military escalation, women were arrested to be a part of prisoner exchanges and swap deals.

The arbitrary arrests began before the revolution erupted in 2011. Arrests are a fundamental practice of the Assad regime. Its the core of the regimes nature.

Everyone knows that Syria has 13 intelligence departments, each one has numerous prisons. Some are known and some are still secret, some are identified by a number and some have no number. All have been operating since the Assad family took power in 1970.

Adra Central Prison, which founded to be a civilian prison, was not much different from the prisons of the security services. Adra and other prisons are cellars of detention where no judicial power, laws or legal regulations are being implemented.

The only benefit of Adra prison is the regimes recognition of all the people held in detention. Detainees in other prisons have been abandoned and forgotten, without names or recognition, without any guarantees or rights, including, the right to life.

People who die in security branches are deprived of the right to a proper burial or a tombstone that mentions their name.

To reach Adra prison is a step towards freedom, since its an admission that the female detainee is still alive, but that does not mean that she is approaching freedom.

Not all female detainees have endured to physical assault, but all of them were subjected to psychological abuse. The deep impact damage is indelible. It can stay forever. The hardest experience of the detention is when you realize that, getting out of prison does not means you have obtained your freedom.

Most of the security prisons have underground cells. No windows, thick and clammy walls, bricks mashed with blood, clay saturated with tears, spirits choked with dust, where nobody hears your cries.

Blood has a smell, but has no voice, tears have a taste but have no voice. Souls have own whine but have no voice and whining is a voice that has no sound.

The Assad regimes prisons are still full, female prisoners are still there; alone with their grief amid the silence of the world.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Armenian-American rock musician Serj Tankian and his wife Angela Tankian provided assistance to over 200 Armenian families in need, Orran NGO charity organization said in a statement.

According to the statement, it is already several years Serj Tankian and his spouse Angela Tankians are implementing charity programs together with the Orran NGO, Teach for Armenia, Womens Resource Center and Bari Mama, aimed at overcoming poverty in Armenia.

Serj and Angela Tankians annual Food Assistance Program for the year 2018/2019 was successfully completed, the statement said adding that over 240 families from Gegharkunik, Lori, Shirak, Aragatsotn, Armavir, Ararat, Vayots Dzor, Syuniq, Kotayq provinces as well as from Yerevan received three month food supply.

The Tankian family has been helping families in need for the last several years and every year has been expanding the number of their beneficiaries, the statement concluded.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed disbelief that democratic countries in the United States and the European Union have backed a coup attempt by opposition leader Juan Guaido against elected President Nicolas Maduro.

"The European Union has resorted to illegitimate ways to topple a legitimate government in Venezuela," Erdogan said, calling undemocratic measures "unacceptable," Daily Sabah reported.

While addressing the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) group meeting, the Turkish leader said Turkey cannot accept imperialism.
It has been announced that Three Mile Island p,2,1:56.2f ($288,079) has passed away at the age of 34.

Alisa Horner, the office manager at White Birch Farms in Allentown, New Jersey stated that Three Mile Island passed away on Saturday, February 2 of natural causes. Horner also stated that the mare didnt have any health issues prior and still looked great, considering her age.

A bay mare by No Nukes, Three Mile Island was from the Race Time dam Racy Kathy.

Foaled in 1985, Three Mile Island took a two-year-old world record mark of 1:56.2f and earned $288,079 on the racetrack before starting her Hall of Fame career as a broodmare.

From 15 foals, Three Mile Island was a 100 per cent producer whose foals earned over $4.3 million with 12 going over $90,000. Her most notable son was Island Fantasy p,3,1:50.1 ($1,371,525), but she also produced another six sub-1:53 pacers.

Three Mile Island was inducted into the Living Horse Hall of Fame in Goshen as a broodmare in 2001, two years before her sire No Nukes.

Three Mile Islands page in the Standardbred Old Friends book explains that the mare was named for the worst nuclear disaster in North America.

Three Mile Islands last foal was born in 2007 and she has lived the last 12 years as a happy retiree at White Birch Farm.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Three Mile Island.

(With files from White Birch Farms)
The Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) has announced its intention to offer benefits coverage to all Standardbred horsepeople in Ontario, beginning April 1, 2019.

Any horseperson with a valid Standardbred Canada license, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) license and Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card can access benefits as a member of COSA.

COSA invites any horseperson who races at any Ontario racetrack to become a member of our organization and participate in this substantive benefits program, said Bill ODonnell, President, COSA.

COSA will receive a percentage of purses paid by Ontario Racing member tracks to fund its benefit program, which includes Liability Insurance, Members Liability Insurance, Fire and Transportation Insurance and Supplemental Disability Insurance.

Ontario Racing continues to work toward its vision of a customer-focused, unified Ontario horse racing industry, said Katherine Curry, Executive Director, Ontario Racing Management. Working with a trusted partner like COSA to ensure a continuation of a benefits program available to the provinces horsepeople will bring a stability sought by all across the racing community.

Ontario Racing represents over 95% of the horse racing industry, across all levels of racing and breeding of racehorses in Ontario, including representation by racetracks and horsepeoples associations.

(Ontario Racing)

Standardbred Canada will provide further details regarding developments as they progress.
Date for the European Parliament elections has been set

The vote will take place on Saturday, May 25.

The European Parliament elections will take place in Slovakia on May 25, Speaker of Parliament Andrej Danko (SNS) has announced.

People will choose a total of 14 MEPs to represent the country in Brussels and Strasbourg.



Political parties can submit their lists of candidates by February 24.

MEPs are elected for a five-year term. This year's EP elections take place between May 23 and 26, 2019 in all EU member states.

What should you know?

Slovak citizens, but also citizens of other member states who are older than 21 years of age and have a permanent residence in Slovakia, have the right to be elected as Slovak MEPs.

Slovak citizens residing in Slovakia and citizens of other EU member states with permanent residence in Slovakia can cast their ballot in the EP elections on the territory of Slovakia, too.

In both cases, every EU citizen can vote and be elected in only one EU member state.

5. Feb 2019 at 22:11 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Education minister dismisses first person due to dubious redistribution of subsidies

But suspicions concerning R&D subsidies remain.

The first Education Ministry official has lost his job due to the scandal concerning the dubious redistribution of state subsidies to support research and development. Education Minister Martina Lubyova (nominee of the Slovak National Party) has dismissed head of the science and technology department at the ministry, Marek Hajduk, the Sme daily reported.

Problems with the allocation of 33 million from the state budget at the end of last year were revealed by Sme in cooperation with the Stop Corruption Foundation. Some points given in the evaluation of the Navidate projects did not fit. While the first page of its project informed that it achieved 94 out of 100 points, after counting the points for respective criteria on the following pages, the company would score only 84 points, Sme wrote.

Lubyova said that the projects evaluator has admitted to making a mistake. However, she failed to specify her name.

Criminal complaint submitted

At the same time, she announced a plan to submit a criminal complaint in the matter, to clearly show that the ministry distances itself from the case, but failed to specify the crime that had been committed. She explained the mistake with the failure of those who were to check the project, which is why she recalled Hajduk, responsible for the redistribution of subsidies, Sme wrote.

It also tried to downplay the mistake by saying that even if the project had received only 84 points, it would have received the money. The reason is that there was not more money, but they could still provide 770,000, required by Navidate.

Read also: The Education Ministry has allocated stimuli against the law Read more

Lubyova submitted the criminal complaint after several media outlets had reported that some parts of the expert opinions are identical. At the time the information was published, she said that somebody from the outside could have worked with them.

The General Prosecutors Office meanwhile moved the motion to the Bratislava regional prosecutors office, Sme wrote.

Another criminal complaint was submitted by Veronika Remisova, MP for the opposition Ordinary People and Independent Personalities (OLaNO). She points to potential subvention fraud and the abuse of a public officials powers.

Lubyova objected to OLaNOs accusations, and added that some companies are considering submitting a criminal complaint against Remisova.

Doubts remain

Navidates project is not the only problematic one. There are also some ambiguities surrounding the project of the Futurum company, owned by businessman Andrej Babiar. The Gorilla file, allegedly containing the transcripts of the recordings made by the Slovak Information Service (SIS) intelligence agency, describes him as a person representing the interests of the Ukrainian mafia in Slovakia, Sme reported.

Speaker of Parliament and SNS chair, Andrej Danko, who nominated Lubyova for the education minister post, worked with Babiar in the SNS Dynasty, also mentioned in Gorilla. Danko claimed that he has not met Babiar in 15 years.

Futurum failed to meet formal conditions in the project, but the evaluator revised the original decision with a statement, claiming that he had made a mistake. He allegedly did not notice a signature of the companys authorised representative in the electronic system, and changed his mind after the ministry informed him that they had the signature, Lubyova explained.

5. Feb 2019 at 13:57 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Pavol Rusko will not go into custody

However, he remains under house arrest.

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Former general director of private broadcaster TV Markiza, Pavol Rusko, can continue wearing an electronic bracelet instead of sitting behind bars.

This stems from a ruling issued by the Bratislava II District Court on February 4. It turned down the request of the regional prosecutor, who demanded that Rusko be taken to custody since on the outside he can influence witnesses in the case of the alleged commissioning of the murder of his former business partner, Sylvia Volzova, the Sme daily reported.

The reason for the courts decision is that the proposal does not contain any specific facts and reasons that would support the concern of influencing witnesses, said Pavol Adamciak, spokesperson for Bratislava courts, as quoted by Sme.

Prosecutor Michal Surek appealed the verdict.

Rusko, who has been monitored via the electronic bracelet since November 2017, commented that justice has spoken, Sme wrote.

Questionable press conference

Surek did not like the December 2018 press conference convened by Rusko and his lawyer Marek Par. Rusko talked mostly about facts that in his opinion do not fit and allegedly confirm his innocence. He also announced that he had submitted a criminal complaint concerning his case to the General Prosecutors Office.

Read also: Former ex-minister faces charges for commissioning murder Read more

Rusko said after the February 4 court session that he has no problem organising more press conferences since he wants to use them to defend himself publicly. He will organise another one when there is reason to do so, he added, as reported by Sme.

However, Surek opines that Ruskos press conference could influence certain witnesses and impact the entire process. It will be important how witnesses testify at the main trial, he stressed.

The prosecutor did not want to specify the number of witnesses that want to testify against Rusko in the case, dating back to 1997. The information was provided by the ex-boss of the Banska Bystrica-based organised crime group, Mikulas Cernak, who said that Rusko wanted to order Volzovas murder.

His version was later confirmed by his former accomplice Milos Kastan, who said he even took 500,000 Slovak crowns from Rusko as a guarantee. However, the murder was thwarted by Cernaks detention in December 1997, Sme wrote.

5. Feb 2019 at 14:01 | Compiled by Spectator staff
One of the organisers of the For a Decent Slovakia gatherings intimidated

The initiative is ready to submit a criminal complaint.

Karolina Farska, one of the organisers of the For a Decent Slovakia protest gatherings, was verbally attacked while waiting for a trolleybus on the evening of January 31.

She was waiting at the stop at Hodzovo Namestie square in Bratislava , when suddenly a dark car with two men stopped close to her. One man got out of the car, started to take a video of her with his mobile phone and asked whether she is that child of Soros.

Farska was scared, claiming that the man had an unnatural smile.

Like the Joker, she said, as quoted by the Dennik N daily.

Although some people have spat on her on two occasions, she was really scared by the January 31 incident.

I was afraid that he would hit me, Farska said, as quoted by Dennik N. He was talking about [George] Soros, the Open Society Foundation. He was screaming like a boor.

Farska boarded the trolleybus as soon as it arrived. She regrets not taking a picture of the car, including its licence plate number.

The day before, I posted screenshots of what people write to me on Instagram, saying that I should be shot, she added, as quoted by Dennik N.

The For a Decent Slovakia initiative is now ready to submit a criminal complaint, said one of Farskas collaborators, Juraj Seliga. He admitted that all of them have received various hateful messages and threats.

5. Feb 2019 at 0:08 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Message to Angela Merkel: Europe can save the world

But Germany and France must take the lead.

Juraj Mesik is the climate and energy advisor to the Slovak Foreign Policy Association

It is extremely difficult for the common people of Europe to be heard by a top European leader. Even more so for those who, like half of all Europeans, come from the smaller EU member states. Occasional visits by major leaders to their countries provide at least a glimmer of an opportunity to be heard.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit Slovakia on February 7. The issues the Slovak, Czech, Hungarian and Polish politicians will bring to the table will focus on local agendas and desires. Such is the nature of provincial politics and the short-term perspectives of our current democracies.

If things were different, the Visegrad leaders would instead ask Angela Merkel to push for and head the slow European Union towards a leadership role in what is probably the most important task of this generation. To save the worlds climate and with it our civilisation. No one else in the world can do it, only Europe. But Europe can only do so with determined German and French leadership.

The world needs your leadership

These two countries once gave us Robert Koch and Louis Pasteur, the men who saved the world from the plague of infectious diseases. Today, the world needs Germany and France to provide leadership in averting our path towards self-destruction.

Back in 1995, when Berlin hosted the first of the 24 annual global conferences on climate change that have taken place to date, atmospheric CO2 concentration was 360 ppm. Today, it is 410 ppm and rising.

These numbers clearly do not ring a warning bell in Brussels, Berlin, Paris, Warsaw, or in Bratislava, but they are unprecedented in the geological history of the Earth. Masses of students and children on the streets of German, French, Dutch and Belgian towns demanding action on climate change seem to understand the danger. Does Angela Merkel?

As a trained physicist you certainly could.

The Global Warming 1.5 C report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in October 2018 concluded that to keep temperature rises below 2C, humankind must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 45 percent by 2030, compared to 2010. This is totally unrealistic without a massive and urgent effort that exceeds by orders of magnitude such projects as Manhattan, Apollo and the Marshall Plan, projects which saved democracy for the world, put the first people on the moon and saved most of Europe from post-war misery.

Only the EU can do it

The time for business as usual is over, Ms. Merkel! With the United States paralysed by Republicans entrenched in climate science denial, and with China unable to lead the world, the European Union is the only political player capable of leading the global effort to save our planets climate.

We, the Europeans, alongside the Americans, bear by far the largest historical responsibility for climate change  twice as much as the Chinese and many times more than the people of other countries. Responsible for almost 10 percent of the current global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions today, the EU is still the third largest climate killer.

No one else has such historical responsibility, economic weight, and the political clout capable of steering a U-turn from our path to self-destruction. But European leaders must not be paralysed by apathy, ignorance or the feeling of being too small and unable to save the worlds climate. Europe, with its economic and technological resources, is the only global player that stands a chance of reverting the trend towards global self-destruction by climate. And if you are the only one who can do it, you must try.

Lets not be mistaken: Europes climate healing potential is not limited to 10 percent of our current GHG emissions. The technologies, strategies and resources mobilised by Europe can create and scale up global markets that will make clean technologies affordable for India, Indonesia, Brazil and other major but poor polluters. For China and the US too.

You dont need miracles to stop burning coal

Europe needs to reduce the burning of coal, oil and natural gas with extreme speed. For this, no miracles are necessary: there are numerous proven and accessible ways that this can be done.

What is missing is committed leadership with a sense of urgency. Only Germany and France, Ms. Merkel, have the authority to provide such leadership in Europe.

Examples of what can be done within just a few years of determined action are plentiful.

The Chinese city of Shenzhen was able to fully electrify its fleet of 16,000 buses in six years. In total, about 99 percent of the 385,000 electric buses in the world were in operation in China in 2017, accounting for 17 percent of Chinas bus fleet. Europe, where half a million people die annually due to the air pollution partly caused by exhaust fumes from motor vehicles, is shamefully behind. But the EU has all that is needed to do on a continental scale today what China has already done on a mega-city scale.

Electric buses and trucks rather than cars

Europes push towards electrification of its bus fleets would force the prices of electric buses below their diesel competitors. Europe can also fully electrify the fleet of European trucks within less than a decade, thus pushing their prices below their diesel competitors. Constantly moving buses and trucks should be prioritised over personal cars that spend more of their lives in garages and on parking lots.

Getting rid of oil in transport would indeed be useless, if electricity was still produced by burning coal but not if electricity came from renewable sources. This too is doable  and doable quickly, because time is of the utmost essence. Professor Damien Ernst recently proposed a bold idea of how Europe can dramatically increase her use of wind and solar energy by building submarine power cables connecting Europe with Greenland and North America. The distance between Greenland and Europe is shorter than from Denmark to Sicily.

Extended to eastern Ukraine and Turkey, European mornings could be powered by solar electricity from these countries, while the huge wind energy resources of eastern Greenland could power Europe on cloudy days and in winter. No technological breakthroughs are needed: there are already wind farms operating further north than half of Greenland is. Further afield using the same approach, the sunny deserts of Australia could rather quickly power the most populous countries in the world, replacing coal burning in India and Indonesia.

Nobody is saying it will be easy. But it is doable and could be done within a few years. But only with German and French leadership.

There is no one else who can save the world, Ms. Merkel!

5. Feb 2019 at 8:48 | Juraj Mesik
The commoners Central Europe is hollow

We have inherited the Habsburgs conservative worldview along with their hot desserts.

During the nineties, it was fashionable in Central Europe to explore ones own noble origins and, in so doing, gain a better understanding of history in general.

This was especially pronounced in Slovakia, where a particular passion for learning about ancestry drove many to try their best to defeat the thesis that the Slovak character was plebeian in origin, as Vladimir Minac asserted. Eventually, a trove of studies by historians proved those believing in the aristocratic Slovak origin were right.

The quest for nobility

At some point during this time, our intimate search for Central European peerage flourished. Genealogists ran their ads in the classifieds, and every other fortune-teller would persuade those willing to part with enough coin that their forebearers inhabited the Habsburg court in the 19th century or descended from families of palatines and earls.

The desire to find ones aristocratic roots, even if they were somewhere on the level of impoverished gentry, was fundamental for contemporary emancipation and played a symbolic role in the search for a place among other European nations, where nobility still enjoyed a special status.

Several important families sprang up in Polish, Czech and Hungarian politics with familiar names like Lobkowitz, Schwarzenberg, Esterhazy. They were venerable and, at the same time, possessed a vitality for restitutions, proving to the patented old European nations that after the fall of the communist regimes, the new floodgates of history were opened.

Secret family stories about the illegitimate children of the Pallfys and the Thurzos or about earls surviving in communist blocks of flats became part of the new social and political identity of the region.

This quest for ones own ancestors in the countries of the former Hungarian crown resulted in the sale of noble titles, much like diplomas from certain present-day, private universities. These personal investigations were our way of validating our belonging to the Habsburg monarchy, Central Europes most significant political unit in history. It was through this common historical identity that we found a new, sovereign and self-confident congruence, the Visegrad Group.

The von Babis family

In attempts to restore our nobility, still considered a strong symbol of continuity in Europe, we unwittingly took not just the recipes of the Austro-Hungarian cuisine and their hot desserts from the Habsburg times, but also their conservative worldview.

Yes, despite the horse-riding Sissi and Andrassy, the Habsburg Empire was one of the most backward examples of clerical formalism and mafia-style feudalism where the wealth of the country was controlled by the contemporary likes of Basternak and Babis, only with better-sounding names, like Andrassy.

The legacy of this conservative thinking and general cultural lagging-behind that Bram Stoker ascribed to Central Europe descended through the history of the fascist and communist dictatorships, deep into the life of our current society.

It has taken the shape of a hostile state, which we encounter in the dubious understanding of politics, where politicians do not serve their voters. Moreover, governmental offices actually build a bureaucratic maze of duties and processes that strengthen the authoritative loyalty towards the state.

Much like the Habsburgs, we see a certain sanctity in symbols. Statues, flags, busts and trampled flags become fetishes and tools to contaminate the remaining public space with empty ceremonies and political spectacles.

Hollowed states

When it comes to draining the sense of the states existence and its symbols, in the V4 we defeated the mother of all solemnity  the Habsburg monarchy  which collapsed due to its inability to offer its inhabitants a sensible plan of transition into the 20th century.

The countries that descended from this monarchy adopted its empty ceremonies, the murky heraldry and the fabricated rites. There are places where people burn bamboo torches and fire cannons; there are countries covered in flags one might buy in an antique store. Yet, we cannot seem to grasp the true sense of our regional existence.

Well-known circumstances have landed us  and our (now confirmed) noble origins  in the company of venerable states. Slovaks are no longer the shepherds that they used to be in the eyes of Czech tourists; the Poles washing dishes in London take pride in their noble history, and the Czechs have somehow proven that they are more than de facto East Germans.

But the spirit of the ossified Habsburg monarchy survives in our societies like chronic neuropathy.

We have built a new, commoners version of the Habsburgs in the centre of Europe, adapting its gloomy metaphysics of the divine fate, the Central European manifest destiny akin to Musils Man without qualities.

Our joint actions and the way we have tried to distinguish ourselves from the Anglo-Saxon invention of liberal democracy in recent years puts us in a position similar to that of the monarchy after the Austro-Hungarian Compromise.

We like to think that we are changing things radically, but, in fact, we are ever closer to the fatal moment of the breakup of Central Europe into chauvinist states that will fall victim to Russias imperial cannibalism.

The road to Sarajevo

One of the reasons for our insufficient immunity against the destructive calls for fatal self-sacrifice is the retreat of common sense and enlightened thinking as well as the lack of creativity among our politicians.

We have got caught in a civilisation trap. In the event that the world reacts to globalisation by closing off its communities, we will once again be left on our own, at odds with our enemies and allies, with no motivation or plan whatsoever, with no money that Orban believes to be coming from the under-performing Hungarian economy and with no people left because everyone will want to move out.

But, up until our last moment, we will wave our flags, build equestrian statues and have soldiers march wearing their laced uniforms because, just like the Habsburgs, we also reckon that its enough to just fake the existence of society and the state, to imitate it with our ceremonies, with our increasingly incomprehensible words.

We think we can make believe that the future is ours, despite climate change and the technological counter-revolution. Paradoxically, we think that the world is none of our concern, and yet we  Central Europeans  with our family ties to the Austrian crown, will also be the new avant-garde of Europe.

And follow this train of thought all the way to our Sarajevo.

This article is part of the #DemocraCE project organised by Visegrad/Insight. It was originally published in Slovak on SME and can be found here.

5. Feb 2019 at 19:55 | Michal Havran
American settled down in a village of eastern Slovakia, helps Roma women

Some of the women found a job in Kosice factories, where they can use their skills.

Ten years ago she arrived to the eastern Slovak village of Rankovce (near Kosice) where the majority of citizen are Roma. She decided to stay. She bought a house, learnt Slovak and found a new home.

I want to help poor people and there are Roma people here, American Baptists missionary Kristen Wollam talks about her reasons, as quoted by the TASR newswire.

Wollam established a tailors workshop in Rankovce and she is head of the civic association Hope for Romas, dedicated to Roma women and girls. She teaches them how to sew and make bags and blankets. These handmade products are sold mainly in Austria and the US, where they are very popular.

I would like Roma women to gain self-confidence and have a good job, she said, as quoted by TASR.

Relaxation and learning

Many people in Slovakia think that Romas do not want to work, she continues, but her experience is different.

If they do something they can be proud of, something nice, they are willing to work, she noted for TASR, adding that these women would like to sew more than she has time.

Several Roma women who learnt how to sew bought their own tailoring machine and so they can sew at home what they need. Some of them found a job in Kosice factories where they can use their skills.

(Source: Frantisek Ivan, TASR)

I learnt to sew here, firstly we sewed bags, blankets and then other things as well, said Adriana Flitarova, one of the Rankovce citizens, working in the workshop, as quoted by TASR.

We were happy that we as women can make such beautiful things, Flitarova continues, as quoted by TASR, adding that once a week they enter the workshop, both relaxing and learning new things.

The For a Better Life association is also active in the village. This one is focused on embroidery. They work with girls who are studying to be seamstresses and leading them to maintain local Roma embroidery. They embroider tablecloths, bags or small bags for herbs, filled and distributed in Slovakia or abroad, said founder of the association, Frantiska Ondrasikova.

5. Feb 2019 at 14:11 | TASR, Compiled by Spectator staff
The document, prepared by staff of the European Parliament, notes that if the INF Treaty is abrogated, Europe faces a range of stark choices that, at worst, according to experts, could split the NATO alliance or even EU member states.

The experts do not rule out that some "EU member states could opt for a deployment race with Russia, fuelled by U.S. missiles", in a return to a pre-INF Treaty scenario. According to the authors, the "military risk of this option would be significant." "Russia would target any European countries that agree to host U.S. missiles," the document says.

Alternatively, EU member states could "jointly reject the deployment of US missiles", a move that would "further strain the transatlantic alliance", and potentially make Europe "subject to Russian intimidation, even though the overall balance of power in Europe is still in NATO's favour," the report says.

In addition, according to the experts, some EU Members could opt to deploy U.S. missiles, while others could refuse to host U.S. weapons, thus "dividing the EU and potentially splitting the NATO alliance."
The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless.



The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well.







By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism.
Federal prosecutors subpoenaed financial documents from President Trumps inaugural committee Monday as part of the investigation into the financing of the $107 million raised and spent on the Trump administration curtain raising festivities in January 2017. Trumps inaugural committee, which is a non-profit, scooped up an eyebrow-raising two times the amount of the previous Obama inaugural. Federal investigators were tipped off to potential lawbreaking thanks to info uncovered in the April 2018 raid of then-Trump attorney Michael Cohens various properties.

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Mondays court order from Manhattans Southern District is seeking documents from the committee on its donors, which vendors were awarded contracts, and what benefits were given to attendees, including photo opportunities with the president. Prosecutors also showed interest in whether any foreigners illegally donated to the committee, as well as whether committee staff knew that such donations were illegal, asking for documents laying out legal requirements for donations, according to the New York Times. The United States attorneys office in Brooklyn is separately investigating whether foreigners illegally funneled donations to Mr. Trumps inaugural committee using so-called straw donors to disguise their donations As part of their inquiry, prosecutors in Manhattan have pursued the possibility that the inaugural committee made false statements to the Federal Election Commission.

No one in the Trump administration is currently under investigation for the inaugural committees operation, but the escalation of the inquiry shows that there may have been other avenues for Trump-themed graft that will prompt investigations beyond Robert Muellers Russia probe.
When I asked Montana Sen. Jon Tester, a member of the congressional group trying to reach a bipartisan deal on border security spending, if there was anything the president could say in his State of the Union address that would help the negotiations along, he didnt hesitate to answer.

Yeah, that he would sign whatever we came up with, Tester said. I dont expect he will say that.

Few, if any, members of Congress involved in the negotiations know what President Trump will say about the delicate negotiations. But theyre sure hoping it will be limited.

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On Tuesday, members of the Homeland Security conference committee said that the discussions werent deadlocked. This is in part a signal to the president that he need not declare his national emergency just yet, a move that would split the Republican conference. But that doesnt mean they want his help. If there was a bipartisan message to the president on Tuesday afternoon, it was that he should stay away from any firm demands in his speech, and leave the work to the pros.

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Every time we leave it up to the confereesDemocrat and Republican, House and Senateweve been able to come up with a good agreement, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday. Its when the president interferes that theres a problem. My advice to the president: If you dont want to shut down the government, if you dont want to have to declare a national emergency  stay out of it.

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Republicans involved in the negotiations, meanwhile, have come a far way from their posture during the shutdown that they wouldnt consider any legislation the president didnt support. This time, theyre working to see what legislation can get bipartisan agreement, and then theyll see how the president feels about it. They are not in the mood, at this point, to see Trump throw any curveballs into the talks during his nationally televised address.

I think its better if the committee gets to work its will, West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, a member of the conference committee, told me. And I think that means, let us see how far we can go. And then we can get everybody else to weigh in.

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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell echoed that sentiment in his weekly press conference. I think the conferees ought to reach an agreement, McConnell said. And then well hope that the president finds it worth signing.

So if they dont want him to get in the way, what could he say in Tuesday nights address that would be helpful to negotiators? I asked this of Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt, one of the Republicans best negotiators and a member of the conference committee. He thought for a few seconds.

Well, he said, shrugging, that its a real opportunity.

Something tells me that Trump will have a bit more to say on the matter than that.
One of the main reasons the American legal system has remained so resilient over more than two centuries is that judges take precedent seriously. As Chief Justice John Roberts testified at his confirmation hearings in 2005, the courts dont overturn old cases precipitously, because citizens require the stability, predictability, and assurance that whatever the law permitted yesterday it will also permit tomorrow. As Roberts explained at the time, reversing a long-standing precedent creates a jolt to the legal system, and it is not enough that you may think the prior decision was wrongly decided.

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But its also true that cases can be overturned without anyone ever saying so outright and that legal protections are only as robust as the ability to enforce them. There are currently at least 13 cases teed up to help the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade without even having to say that this is what its doing. One of those, June Medical Services v. Gee, will be decided at the court this week. We can talk and talk and talk about the vital importance of precedent. But what happens in the silences between confirmation hearings matters far more. Its what we arent listening for that could change everything.

Since the day Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973, there has been a fierce and desperate national movement to reverse it. That doesnt mean the majority of Americans feel this waypolls show that today, a record 71 percent of voters oppose overturning Roe. But what the public wants and what the Constitution requires dont matter to anti-abortion activistswhat matters to them is that every clinic thats shuttered is a win. This isnt a political movement so much as a zero-sum guerilla war, and that means that wins achieved in secret or by using subterfuge still count as victories.

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After such victories could no longer be achieved openly in the federal courts, the battle moved to the statehouses, where hundreds upon hundreds of TRAP lawsthat stands for Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providershave been passed, often making debunked or unfounded claims about maternal health and exigent medical necessity. Only rarely and inadvertently is the desired endgameto shutter clinics, all clinics, foreveracknowledged. Occasionally, someone will make this point out loud. The day after Texas approved its own TRAP law in 2013, thenLt. Gov. David Dewhurst tweeted a photo of a map that showed all the abortion clinics that would close as a result of the bill, writing, We fought to pass SB5 thru the Senate last night, & this is why! But even though most elected officials arent as forthright as Dewhurst, shuttering clinics has always been the explicit plan, as Americans United For Life the organization that designed most of these lawshas expressed openly. As were moving forward at the state level, we end up hollowing out Roe, even without the Supreme Court, said the former head of the group. States cant outlaw abortion. That does not mean theres a constitutional right to abortion being convenient, another AUL official said.

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What the public wants and what the Constitution requires dont matter to anti-abortion activistswhat matters to them is that every clinic thats shuttered is a win.

And yet the subterfuge persists. Even as groups targeting the right to choose demand nothing but perfect loyalty from state government officials, judicial nominees, and presidents, everyone still pretends this isnt about closing down clinics. The impossibility of this public stance has become increasingly evident under Donald Trump, who promised to appoint only judges who would overturn Roe. Even so, the Supreme Court justices hes seated insist they have no strong feelings on the matter, even as Neil Gorsuch has written, about employee contraception, that all of us face the problem of complicity. All of us must answer for ourselves whether and to what degree we are willing to be involved in the wrongdoing of others, and Brett Kavanaugh has written that some disagree with cases that allow the Government to refuse to fund abortions  some disagree with cases holding that the U.S. Constitution provides a right to an abortion.

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Will five justices on the current Supreme Court vote to protect Roe? Maybe. Will five justices on the current Supreme Court happily stand back while that precedent is hollowed out by states and lower courts? Very likely. This is the maddening subterfuge women wait out, as men who have promised that they respect precedent decide this week whether they respect it enough to fight for it.

Anthony Kennedy was one of the deciding votes in Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt, the 2016 case that reaffirmed the right to terminate a pregnancy. In the courts 53 opinion (Antonin Scalia had died but had not yet been replaced) the majority held that legislative pretexts about maternal health and medical risk must be probed by reviewing courts and not just accepted on their face. The same day Kennedy stepped down, states that had pretended they were operating within the constitutional constraints of Roe, 1992s Planned Parenthood v. Casey, and Whole Womans Health hastily passed laws with the singular purpose of forcing the court to reverse that doctrine. Lower court judges, similarly emboldened, started to simply nullify the core holding in these cases, behaving as though the precedent of Roe, Casey, and Whole Womans Health was already cobwebby artifact. Those judges arent just ignoring precedent. They are overturning it in the hopes that the Supreme Court will pick up the ball, run it into the end zone, and dance. Or, as is more likely, that a majority of the justices will get out the way so someone else can run the ball in for the score.

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This brings us to the case currently facing the court, June Medical Services v. Gee, which involves a 2014 law enacted in Louisiana requiring any abortion provider to get admitting privileges at a hospital thats within 30 miles of the clinic where they work. Its the exact same provision the court struck down as unconstitutional in Whole Womans Health, as Louisiana acknowledged in its pleadings, and so a federal district court blocked it as unconstitutional. But a three-judge panel on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals determined in September, as Brett Kavanaugh was being vetted for the Supreme Court, that even though the two laws were functionally indistinguishable, the Louisiana law could go into effect because the facts in the Louisiana case are remarkably different than those in Texas. The full 5th Circuit, one of the most conservative appeals courts in the nation, voted not to reconsider that decision. That has led the plaintiffs, represented by the Center for Reproductive Rights, to ask the Supreme Court to grant an emergency stay, arguing that if the law went into effect, then only one qualified abortion provider would remain in the state.

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The real story here is how the appeals court managed to distinguish Louisianas law from the virtually identical rule in Texas, the one struck down only two years earlier. The panel did so by simply rejecting the trial courts factual finding that at least one and perhaps two of the states three remaining clinics would have to close if the new law goes into effect, and that, if that happened, just two doctors at most could still perform abortions in Louisiana. The court found that whereas the Texas law at issue in Whole Womens Health wouldve closed about 32 out of 40 of that states clinics, Louisianas law would only close a third. The appellate court juggled wait times and determined that fewer women would face fewer obstacles in Louisiana and that the cessation of one doctors practice will affect, at most, only 30 percent of women, and even then not substantially. Appeals courts, one should recall, are not meant to be triers of fact.

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We are watching the zeroing out of womens interests alongside the zeroing out of womens representation, all of it done via sly acts of omission.

The state also gives us a pinky swearoffered up in its motion opposing emergency Supreme Court reviewthat the Louisiana law will not be enforced as the law had been in Texas. Instead, the state plans an administrative process characterized by mutual communication among doctors, hospitals, and the state agency, with administrative remedies in the event of adverse licensing actionsnot the abrupt descent into chaos Plaintiffs foresee. This bit of administrative posturing may well be all it takes to give the justices the cover they need while still effectively negating Roe. A law built to close clinics will not close the same fraction of clinics in the same ways, so it must be constitutional. Judges say it wont burden enough women enough to matter, and the state promises not to close clinics willy-nilly, so it must be constitutional.

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Pause here to recall that this law isnt about protecting maternal health, though thats how its framed. Theres no evidence this legislation will help women. Instead, its an opportunity to allow lower courts to carve a tunnel through Roe while the Supreme Court pretends it doesnt see the shovels and piles of dirt. The issue for the court this week isnt whether Louisianas law is sufficiently different, when you sift the facts finely enough, to distinguish it from Texas law. The issue is whether it will be the appeals courts or the Supreme Court striking down precedent. As Mark Joseph Stern put it last week, June Medical Services puts immense pressure on Chief Justice John Roberts, the courts new swing vote. Roberts was a dissenter in Whole Womans Health and very likely wants to overturn Roe. But will he be willing to let a lower court brazenly defy precedent, even if its a precedent he dislikes?

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The holding in Whole Womans Health was unequivocal: A TRAP law will be struck down if it provides few, if any, health benefits for women, poses a substantial obstacle to women seeking abortions, and constitutes an undue burden on their constitutional right to do so. Justice Stephen Breyer, writing for the majority, pointed to the virtual absence of any health benefit conferred by the Texas law. The Louisiana law confers no benefit either. The majority in Whole Womans Health was perfectly clear on this point: When there are no medical benefits sufficient to justify the burdens upon access, the law is unconstitutional. The 5th Circuits determination that the burdens on women arent crippling doesnt change the fact that the law doesnt protect any woman from any real thing.

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In the absence of a ruling from SCOTUS, the Louisiana law would have gone into effect Monday. Late Friday, Justice Samuel Alito, who handles appeals out of this circuit, issued a brief order barring the state from implementation until Thursday. This isnt a signal of any conclusions on the merits. As Alito said, the justicesamong them Trumps nominees, Gorsuch and Kavanaughjust need more time to consider the emergency appeal.

TRAP laws are rooted in the willingness to go along with a fiction that something protects maternal health even when science and data show that it does not. Confirmation hearings are rooted in the fiction that a judicial nominee who pledges fealty to precedent cannot stand aside and allow a precedent to die. Women will be the victims of both such fictions. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised. It bears saying again that Donald Trumps federal judicial nominees have been 76 percent male and 91 percent white. A review done by Bloomberg Law last week showed that female advocates made up only 17 of the 112 appearances before the Supreme Court so far this term.

The author of the 5th Circuits majority opinion invalidating the injunction in Louisiana ended his opinion with this piece of mathematical wizardry: The denominator of women actually burdened is limited to those 3,000 women who seek abortions annually at Hope Clinic. The numerator is limited to those women substantially burdened. Since we have already concluded that Act 620 effects no constitutional deprivation, the numerator encompasses no one. In other words, the statute imposes an undue burden on 0% of women. By definition, zero percent is not large.

Its a fitting bit of word salad that perfectly encapsulates the current moment. We are watching the zeroing out of womens interests alongside the zeroing out of womens representation, all of it done via sly acts of omission. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is still deciding whether it wants to get involved. You can be certain that what John Roberts is currently grappling with comes down to this: whether the silent benefits of being done with Roe outweigh the costs of being overruled from below.
When mainstream media outlets reported on sexual assault allegations against thenSupreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Republican politicians and conservative media outlets said hed been the victim of a left-wing smear job. When the same outlets covered a viral video of Covington, Kentucky, high school students facing off with a Native American protester near the Lincoln Memorial, Republican politicians and conservative media outlets said the same thingthat the students had been victimized by left-wing Fake News. Some centrist pundits listened to the criticism and, though not entirely crediting its conspiratorial conclusions, wondered whether the real problem at issue wasnt Kavanaugh or the Covington students behavior as much as it was tribalization or social media.

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In both cases, there was a grain of truth in the right-wing critique. Some of the allegations made against Kavanaugh during his confirmation process do not appear to have been on firm factual ground. Some initial accounts of the Covington incident suggested incorrectly that the students had surrounded the protester when, in fact, he approached them.

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There are similar open questions about some aspects of the scandal into which Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has gotten himself. Last Friday, news broke that a photo on Northams medical school yearbook page showed two individuals at a costume party, one in blackface and one dressed as a member of the KKK. Many Democratic politicians and left-wing commentators called on him to resign. Subsequently, though, some of Northams medical school classmates have said they dont remember Northam in those get-ups, and that its technically possible the picture could have been put on his page by mistake.

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And yet, were not hearing much about a smear job when it comes to Northam. The caveats about who exactly appears in the picture, after all, dont change other facts and realities: that a picture on Northams yearbook page that hed gone three decades without objecting to was probably one that he at the very least approved of; that theres something off about his claim that he only realized a day after the picture came to light that he might not have been in it; and that he has admitted to dressing in blackface on another occasion. Most of the media and political reaction to the story as a whole has thus held firm to the common sense position that he should resign his position for having indulged in offensive racist humor.

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Similarly, a big-picture view of the Kavanaugh and Covington stories does not support the claim of an unfair smear. The two most prominent allegations against Kavanaugh were made by women who dont work in politics and who have plausible and/or verifiable explanations for how they came to interact with Kavanaugh at the times and places described. Those womens accounts were corroborated to the extent possible by acquaintances who said theyd heard about the incidents in question years before Kavanaugh was nominated for the Supreme Court. Video of the Covington students, meanwhile, showed that they had mockingly serenaded the Native American protester involved in the confrontation with a Tomahawk Chop chant/gesture. Kavanaugh and the teenagers were not railroaded on completely fabricated and slanderous charges, but rather called to account for real or plausibly alleged misbehavior. That every single thing alleged about them anywhere by anyone did not turn out to be true does not exonerate them, it doesnt make them heroes, and it doesnt mean that the real villain of the story is some larger social trend.

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The difference between the reaction to Northam and the reactions to Kavanaugh and Covington is pretty easy to spot: Northam is a Democrat. Despite not every detail of his situation being locked down, were not hearing about this story as a smear job because, for reasons including identity, ideology, and coalition-building necessity, Democrats and pundits on the left arent looking for ways to worm out of confronting racist and sexist behavior. Northams peers in his party and his movement arent invested in proving that all such accusations are fraudulent, and centrist media figures havent been made self-conscious about criticizing people like him by years of bias accusations. (Even the minority of Democrats who believe former Sen. Al Franken was forced to resign prematurely tend to say they believe his punishment was excessively harsh or that he didnt receive due process, not that hes a hero or a victim who couldnt possibly have done anything wrong.) As far as I can tell, no one is publicly questioning him or herself for coming to the reasonable conclusion, based on the totality of the facts available, that Northam very likely made a serious mistake and should face repercussions for doing so. (Even those who Ive seen suggesting that he shouldnt have to resign arent disputing the inappropriateness of his yearbook entry.)

Not all hand-wringing is bad. It is good to encourage intellectual humility and fairness in the public sphere. But enforcing accountability and decency in that sphere also often requires weighing conflicting information in order to make judgments and take action. Everyone seems to have done a decent job of that with Ralph Northam. Might it be true that some of us in the social media mob did the same with Brett Kavanaugh and the MAGA teens as well?
A Kansas judge has come under fire after arguing that two girls under the age of 16 had been the aggressors in a sexual abuse case involving a 67-year-old man, the Kansas City Star reported. In pointing to what he saw as their active role in the encounter and their apparent lack of trauma, the judge sentenced the man to less than half the prison time recommended by Kansas sentencing guidelines.

In December, Leavenworth County District Judge Michael Gibbens sentenced Raymond Soden to just five years and 10 months in prison for knowingly soliciting a 13-year-old girl on Facebook, according to the Associated Press. Prosecutors, who told the Star they are now looking into the possibility of an appeal based on the judges comments, had asked for more than 13 years, as Soden had prior convictions for battery and sexual battery.

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The judge, however, made a point of noting that the girls, ages 13 and 14, had voluntarily gone to Sodens house and taken money for sexual favors. I do find that the victims in this case, in particular, were more an aggressor than a participant in the criminal conduct, Gibbens said. They were certainly selling things monetarily that its against the law for even an adult to sell.

He later reiterated, I think that a 13-year-old who offered what she offered for money is certainly an aggressor, particularly since shes the one that had to travel to Mr. Soden.

Gibbens also responded to a statement the younger girl gave that she felt uncomfortable about one incident with physical contact. And so shes uncomfortable for something she voluntarily went to, voluntarily took her top off of, and was paid for? Gibbens asked the prosecutor.

Yes, judge. She was also a 13-year-old who under our laws cant consent to anything, the prosecutor responded. The age of consent in Kansas is 16.

The judge acknowledged the point but, according to the Star, said, I wonder what kind of trauma there really was to this victim under those peculiar circumstances.
The following essay is adapted from an episode of The Gist, a daily podcast about news, culture, and whatever else youre discussing with your family and friends. Listen to The Gist via Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play.

Howard Schultz gets dark-roasted, claims a Boston Globe headline. Dont do it Howard! reads a scribbled cup of Starbucks coffee tweeted by Washingtons state Democratic Party. And skeptical Dems need a little bit less caffeine, Schultz himself fires back.

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We get it. Schultz ran a coffee company. For a while there, we were in a rollicking news cycle where the hilarious coffee references never got cold.

I do think the vitriol from the left around Schultz is kind of ridiculouswhich isnt to say hes a good candidate, or right for the time, or not a white billionaire businessman. But I do think that his temerityhis selfish insouciancehas been presented as fact by a lot of the mainstream media.

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But isnt Schultzand the things hes saying or critiquingkind of useful? Isnt he, to some extent, right? Like, wouldnt Medicare for all come with some costs? No, we just hate Schultz for saying so. I understand these are desperate times and Schultz represents a potential spanner in the works. But if there were an equivalent businessman toying with a run as an independent four years ago, it would have been treated differently. It would have been seen as an interesting, perhaps fun story. Compare the coverage of Schultz (How could he?! Really?) to the coverage of Ross Perot in 1992 (Could he really?).

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Listen to The Gist via Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play.

There are certain stories that political reporters all like. One is a viable independent candidate. Another is a brokered convention. But in 2020, aberrations will not be met with delight, but with suspicion because we can only deal with one aberration at a time.

There is a major problem with taking Howard Schultz seriously: He seems to have no ideas, as in he hasnt actually proposed anything. That is a negative. And though you wouldnt know it from most of his interviews, hes not totally uncharismatic. He has that kind of C-suite charisma, which really relies, to some extent, on the participant saying, Ooh, Im in a conversation with Howard Schultz.

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But my biggest problem with Schultz is just centrism itself. Not ideas that are presented as centrist, but the label of centrism. It sucks. It outsources the imperative to come up with an idea and defines itself as, Oh, Ill be in the middle of these two other ideas. Its not an ideology; its an averaging. Hey, if you want to walk and I want to ride, lets ask the centrist. That guy wants to take a Segway. If I want gazpacho and you want tomato bisque, the centrist will recommend a cold tomato consomme that needs to be sent back to the kitchen and heated up. If you want eggs and I want French toast, the centrist will suggest a McGriddle.

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And who the hell wants a McGriddle? Howard Schultz, I guess. And Joe Biden, and Mitch Landrieu, and Michael Bloomberg, John Hickenlooper, Terry McAuliffe, and Michael Bennet. These were all the centrists described in Thursdays New York Times as monochrome and male. But why so male, why so monochrome? I have theories.

One is age. The average age of all the gentlemen listed by the New York Times is 65. And its not that centrists are necessarily old (although they tend to be older) or that passions cool as the testosterone and estrogen dip. Its that if you were a Democrat forming opinions in the 1970s and 80s, and then implementing those policies in the 1990s, you were probably centristand if you werent, you were probably ineffective. Also, you were probably white and male. Up until some 30 years ago, politics was fairly closed off to women and even more closed off to people of color.

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If you want eggs and I want French toast, the centrist will suggest a McGriddle.

Female politicians over the age of 65 tend to be more centrist too, by the way (see 68-year-old Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Patty Murray, or the no-longer-in-the-Senate Claire McCaskill, whos 65). Sure, Elizabeth Warren is 69 and not a centrist, but remember, she wasnt in politics when these other politicians were developing policies and creating popular ideas. Centrism was once the only path to success, especially for Democrats. And the politicians were talking aboutthe ones who were good enough at their job back then to be even plausible candidates nowprobably have to have been centrists.

What about the white part? Factually, things have been working out much better for white Americans than Americans of different hues, such that its much more likely that a white American would be against radical changes. But there is also plenty of political science showing that the public tends to regard black politicians as more liberal than they actually are. I once interviewed Douglas Wilder about this, and he shared that on his way to becoming the first elected black governor, his opponent would paint him as wildly liberal; he would reply that he wasnt, but the charge stuck. We tend to code black and Hispanic politicians who are centrist as not centrist.

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Ive thought about the centrist label a great deal. I dont regard myself as a centrist per se, but I dont consider myself conservative or very liberal. I want a better label. I also wish there were more of a rainbow coalition within the moderate camp. And I would love to have a leading light or a public face who is slightly more inspiring than John Hickenlooper. And I happen to like John Hickenlooper.

I have one solution for all my centrist wishes. His name is Barack Obama. Im not a centrist. Im an Obamacist. Im an Obamararian. I agreed with almost all of Barack Obamas policy stances. He thinks things out. Hes not a middle-grounder, but hes also not radical. Hes a great poster child (in fact, weve all seen the poster).

And lastly, while Obama is male, as am I (and I dont know whom to apologize to for that, but I feel I might have to), he is not a white male. Thats good for diversity, which makes us centrists sorry, Obamacistsfeel better about ourselves. So I am proudly an Obamacist. And I dont think we Obamacists have much to apologize for. I also dont think that Howard Schultz is the one to carry the mantle of Obamacism, although even hoping to do so takes some audacity.
Billionaire Howard Schultz, who accumulated billions of dollars during his time as the CEO of Starbucks, attended a Q&A last month with CNBC host Andrew Ross Sorkin, whounlike billionaire Howard Schultzdoes not have a billion dollars, let alone billions of dollars. The conversation between billionaire and non-billionaire took place in front of an in-person audience of almost entirely non-billionaires and an online audience of mostly non-billionaires plus a very small number of billionaires. Although its unclear how billionaire Schultzs appearance played with his billionaire peers (people who, much like the Starbucks billionaire, have net worths of at least a billion dollars), non-billionaires were appalled by the billionaires apparently sincere belief that the word billionaire, when used to describe people who have more than a billion dollars, is offensive to billionaires like himself. Instead, the billionaire said, billionaires like him would prefer that billionaires be referred to as people of wealth or people of means, phrases which vaguely suggest that billionaires possess great wealth without referring to the actual mind-numbing figure of one billion dollars. If youd like to spend an hour listening to a billionaires political ideas, heres the entire Q&A:

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If youre mostly just interested in billionaire Howard Schultzs jaw-dropping idea that billionaire is some sort of slur, rather than a straightforward description of someone whose personal wealth is more than one thousand thousand thousand dollars, heres the clip. Sorkin asks the coffee billionaire an open-ended question sent in by non-billionaire Anand Giridharadas, whose book Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World argues that billionaire philanthropists will never allow their billionaire philanthropy to threaten the privileges of billionaires. Lets see how the Starbucks billionaire handles it:

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The weirdest thing about this very weird video of a billionaire asking non-billionaires to stop calling attention to the fact that he is a billionaire is that the thrust of the billionaires argument is that billionaires have too much influence. Any good feelings engendered by the substance of the billionaires answer disappear, however, as he nose-dives his plane to a crash landing on the consultant-tested phrase walk in the shoes of the American people. (Theres a way for a billionaire to do that, but the first step involves not having a billion dollars anymore.) It would undoubtedly be nice for billionaires if they could have it all: more than one billion dollars and the love and respect of the American people. It must be unpleasant to face disrespect or ridicule from non-billionaires, simply for the morally neutral act of acquiring more than one billion dollars. But as another rich man once said, thats what the money is for. You dont have to run for president about it.
When it comes to the threats to global democracy, the call is coming from inside the house.

U.S.-based NGO Freedom Houses annual Freedom in the World report, released Monday, found that for the 13th straight year, global freedom has declined. (The report scores countries on 25 indicatorsfactors like rule of law and freedom of the pressand categorizes them as free, partly free, or not free.) For much of this period, which political scientist Larry Diamond has called the democratic recession, the declines show non-democratic governments, particularly in the Middle East and the former Soviet Union, are becoming more repressive.

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But Michael Abramowitz, president of Freedom House, says that the drivers of the decline are starting to shift. What youre seeing the last year or two is more established democracies suffering declines in institutions and norms, particularly countries that had been improving had heading toward stronger democracy heading back, he says. According to the report, Of the 41 countries that were consistently ranked Free from 1985 to 2005, 22 have registered net score declines in the last five years.

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The poster child for this trend is Hungarywhich thanks to Prime Minister Viktor Orbans attacks on the free press, independent NGOs, academia, and the rights of migrantsdropped from free to partly free in this years report, making it the first non-free member of the European Union ever recorded. Serbia, an EU candidate state, also dropped to partly free. Slovakia and Montenegro both saw significant declines in their scores. Brazils election of Jair Bolsonaro, late last year, is another example of this trend, though one that happened too late to have had a major impact on the score.

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The report contains a particularly scathing section about the United States, which did not see a change in score this year but has been on a downward trend for about eight years. In other words, Donald Trump may be more the symptom than the cause of Americas democratic decline, although the report faults him for straining our core values and testing the stability of our constitutional system with his attacks on essential institutions and traditions including the separation of powers, a free press, an independent judiciary, the impartial delivery of justice, safeguards against corruption, and most disturbingly, the legitimacy of elections. The U.S. score on the report is now significantly below that of democratic peers like Canada, Britain, Germany, and Japan and is more in line with countries like Belize, Croatia, Greece, and Mongolia.

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Abramowitz told me that Americas democratic decline is more than just an American problem. The U.S. is still the most influential country in the world. What happens in the U.S. is really important for the cause of global democracy, he said. Its very difficult for the United States to make the case to other countries that they should respect the freedom of the press or the rule of law if we are not respecting them at home.

If youre looking for reason to be optimistic in the report, there were a few glimmers of hope. While more countries declined than improved, the ratio improved dramatically: The number of improved countries jumped from 35 in 2017 to 50 last year. Abramowitz says that the general trajectory is still downward, and its too soon to know if this marks any sort of turnaround. Two of the most notable improved countries last year are Malaysia, which saw a surprise transfer of power from a longtime ruling coalition in last years election, and Ethiopia, which saw the lifting of a long-running state of emergency and some tentative democratic reforms.

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Freedom House also highlighted the degree to which authoritarian states are promoting their values abroad. Everyones critical of democracy promotion, but theres also authoritarianism promotion going on as well, says Abramowitz, pointing to examples including Russias tampering with foreign elections and Chinas exporting of surveillance technology to other autocratic regimes. The report also highlighted 24 authoritarian countries, including Russia, China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, that have targeted dissidents abroad with tactics including harassment, extradition requests, kidnapping, and even assassination. The killing of Jamal Khashoggi was the best known example of this growing trend, which I wrote about in October.

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Freedom Houses index is a useful tool for activists and scholars, but the major themes of this years report shows that the organizations three neat categories leave something out. From the separation of families to mass surveillance, there are abundant examples of antidemocratic abuses happening in countries that still have elections and a free press. Citizens in democratic countries are increasingly using their freedoms to elect leaders with contempt for democracy. Meanwhile, authoritarian leaders increasingly dont feel that borders should constrain their authority to control and punish their citizens. The line between the free and unfree world is getting very fuzzy.
The British economist Richard M. Auti coined the term Resource Curse in 1993. It is fact that Resource Curse countries have sufficient natural resources i.e. fossil fuels, minerals but may not compete in terms of socioeconomic development with countries having less natural resources. One such example is Russia, with abundant resources and Europe with lesser resources. Eurasian Times reports in its article Venezuela Resource Curse Strengthening Chinese-Russian Economy that the International Monetary Fund regarded fifty-one countries as resource-rich countries. These states received at least 20% of exports or tax revenues from non-renewable resources. Out of these 50 countries, 29 of them are low or middle-income countries. The characteristics of these so-called resource curse countries include the extreme dependence of the budget on resource extraction; low saving rates and poor growth rate.

The country like Norway is an exceptional case, which use oil from the North Sea to transform its economy from micro to macro level with strong institutions and a commitment to wisely distribute resources.

Venezuelas economy emerged as an example of resource curse economy. According to the US Energy Information Administration, the country had oil reserves of 300.878 million barrels in 2017. In 2016, the share of crude oil and petroleum products was 80.1% losing 43 million dollars, every day. It was forced to sell 2.277 million barrels because of 10 percent fall in oil prices in 2014. By the end of 2018, daily production went up to 2.346 million barrels per day. The country is not able to negotiate logistically that has resulted in the decline of oil prices. Like any other country, the oil-rich country of Venezuela is suffering from resource curse because it is critically dependent on food, medicine, and other imports.

Venezuelas currency, the bolivar collapsed and became a natural consequence of the fall in export revenues and the collapse of import deliveries. On Jan 1, 2014, one US dollar was exchanged for 64.3 bolivars which went on increasing till 2018, 111 413.2. The Bolivar denominated and became known as the sovereign bolivar. The course of the sovereign in August was set at 59.21 per dollar and on January 25, 2019, it fell to 2,560.86. The minimum wage in Venezuela is 18,000 bolivars equal to the price of a kilogram of cheese at ten thousand.

The shortage of money, food, and medicine lead to any rebellion creating suitable conditions for the birth of the revolution. The last leaders of Venezuela Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro, were violent opponents of the United States. On 23 January, Juan Guaydo declared himself as an acting President. Guaydo was the speaker of the National Assembly of Venezuela. Both Chavez and Maduro propagated more humanistic policy in their country. Venezuelas current president, Mr. Maduro supply food to poor people, every month. And also provide them free of cost apartments with furniture. Still, the majority of people in rich areas are against this government, which now rules the country, BBC reports highlighted.

The ideology of humanism is not remembered by everyone. Libyan Muammar Gaddafi death confirmed this notion. There is the scenario in which the road between Caracas and Puerto La Cruz which covers a distance of sixty kilometers, often come across people jumping out of the jungle and attacking vehicles to snatch food. Chavez and Maduro are blamed for not creating stable economic conditions in the oil-rich country. The emergence of a serious crisis is resultant of objective conditions.

The Venezuelan protests are similar to that of the Arab Spring protests. This is clearly visible from the current governments dislike for the democratic set up taking the population to the streets for the rebellion to overthrow the power. The Latin American country is undergoing political transformations because it does give a lot of importance to the army. There are several instances from the past, Juan Vincente Gomez was dictator who made himself president three times and won elections too in 1929, but refused the presidency. In the current scenario, Gomez decided to remain supreme commander and discouraged measures taken by Juan Batisto Perez for socio-economic upliftment of the country in 1931.

The Defence Minister of Venezuela, Vladimir Lopez said that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) recognize only Nicolas Maduro as president of Venezuela and reject any parallel format government. Vladimir Lopez seems to have control over the entire army system. The commanders of all eight REDIs (strategic regions of integrated defence, or, more simply, military districts) of Venezuela declared their support for Maduros government. The REDI Central troops began patrolling the territory on the night of January 26 with the sole aim of preventing the Protestants.

Venezuelas Military Attache in Washington, Col. Jose Luis Silva said: I do not recognize Nicholas Maduro as the President of Venezuela. But Jose is just like other colonel posing the minimum threat to the Maduros government which holds the confidence of a significant number of supporters. The Venezuelan media says that Maduro is not only supported by the army but also by the head of the church and the top leadership. The state oil and gas companyPetroleos de Venezuela, Sociedad Anonima (PDVSA) emphasised saying, This, of course, a lot, but  The army, church and business  as you know, the ladies are capricious and fastidious.

In 2014, the states started creating a harsh environment for the Venezuelan economy with the adoption of the Venezuelan Law on the Protection of Human Rights and Democracy that impose restrictions on the transfer of goods or technology to Venezuela. At the beginning of 2018, Americans discussed the issue of imposing sanctions against the Venezuelan oilfield services company and restricting insurance coverage for Venezuelan oil supplies in order to increase pressure on the Venezuelan president, media reports said. Now, American Finance Ministry announced that their economic relations with Venezuela will be built in the context of Juan Guaydo as interim head of the state which means Maduro must leave and Eliot Abrams appointed as the US special diplomat for Venezuela.

Maduro is getting the support of China and Russia which have their own interest in the region, apart from oil reserves. The Russian Air Forces two strategic missiles, Tu-160, a heavy military transporter An-124, and a long-haul IL-62 landed in Venezuela which indicates that Venezuela can serve as the base for all types of military aircraft. The Russian military action has intensified the growth of crisis. The war is a struggle for possession over a territory. Hence, China and Russia want control over South American territories as the US is trying to dominate Eurasia.

Yury Borisov, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister for military-industrial complex visited Havana in relation to the signing of contracts for military cooperation of more than 200 million dollars. On the other side, China is building the Nicaraguan Canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Presently, there is no advancement in the project but is still part of the Chinese agenda.
Mexican drug lord Joaquin Chapo Guzman, the notorious leader of the Sinaloa cartel, has long been a cultlike figure in some parts of Mexico. Hes far from the first crime boss to achieve folk hero status, but hes an unusual candidate for it. Unlike flamboyant figures like Colombian kingpin Pablo Escobar, Guzman shunned the spotlight ever since he began a criminal career that spanned three decades. In the Colombia of the 1980s, Escobars voice was everywhere. Not satisfied with being the leader of the Medellin cartel, Escobar sought social acceptance and political notoriety. Guzman, on the other hand, never wanted any attention. In fact, before he chose to record an interview with actor Sean Penn for a supposed movie based on his turbulent life, Mexicans had only heard Guzmans voice once before, when he was initially captured and jailed in 1993 and claimed, with the peculiar, revving accent typical of northern Mexico, that he was merely a corn and bean farmer, not a drug dealer.

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Among Mexicans, the trial should erase the adoring mythology around El Chapo.

Guzmans elusiveness added to his celebrity. After his escape from the Puente Grande prison where he was first held, urban legends began to make the rounds in Mexico. A recurring example had Chapo calmly walking into a restaurant (preferably seafood) and sitting for a meal while his lieutenants closed the doors and requested other customers cellphones. After a couple of hours of undisturbed dining, Guzman would leave, but not before paying everyones bill. This sort of tale of benevolence and generosity earned him undeserved notoriety, which only grew when, after he was captured again in 2014, he managed to escape from Mexicos highest-security prison through an underground tunnel dug right under his bathroom. Through it all, Guzman managed to amass a fortune that, in the underworld of Mexicos narcoculture, turned him into a perplexing aspirational figure: Narcocorridos (drug ballads) and television shows seemed to laud his exploits with delusional glee, as if the man in question were not the head of a brutal criminal organization but a Sinaloan Robin Hood. Joaquin Guzman Loera transformed into El Chapogood ol shorty.

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Guzmans dramatic ongoing trial in a Brooklyn federal court should put an end to this romantic nonsense. Guzman, who is 61 years old, is accused of smuggling billions of dollars worth of narcotics into the United States and faces 10 counts of drug and conspiracy charges. If found guilty, Guzman would probably receive a life sentence to be served at a maximum-security facility. Well-deserved punishment, to be sure. But legal consequences are not enough for a figure like Guzman. Among Mexicans, at least, the trial should also erase the adoring mythology around El Chapo.

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The procedures in Brooklyn have uncovered a man whose sole drive has been to take advantage of Mexicos fragile judicial, political, and social institutions to further his own criminal ambitions. Guzman corrupted or attempted to corrupt every level of government in Mexico, suborning terrified mayors, buying entire police forces and corrupting public officials including, according to at least one blockbuster statement during the trial, at least two Mexican presidents (both men deny the accusations). He shrewdly joined forces with Colombias cartels to build an ambitious criminal network that transformed Mexico into the epicenter of the drug trafficking world. Guzmans toxic empire was built on brutality. Testimonies at the trial recounted episodes of extortion, torture, murder, and astounding cruelty.

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Jurors also learned of Guzmans deeply flawed character. In one of the trials most awkward moments, Lucero Sanchez, Guzmans alleged mistress, described the drug lord escaping naked through a tunnel, just narrowly avoiding capture. Guzmans moral failings went well beyond mere comic philandering. The trial also helped uncover allegations that Guzman procured young girls he would drug and then rape. Guzman would refer to the girls, some as young as 13, as his vitamins.

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This is not a man who deserves a nickname or any other term of endearment. The real Joaquin Guzman is not the humble farmer he described in Puente Grande, a good Samaritan who helped others in his native Sinaloa. He is, in fact, the complete opposite: a man personally responsible for thousands of deaths during Mexicos decadelong war on drugs and, through his Sinaloa cartel, a ruthless criminal who helped poison millions of people in Mexico, the United States, and elsewhere. Joaquin Guzman built a perverse empire through the suffering of others. He does not deserve a nickname. El Chapo should be no more.
Up until recently, most of the Democratic hopefuls for 2020 have gotten away with being vague about what they mean by Medicare for all. But keeping up the ambiguity is getting harder because journalists keep asking one very particular question: Do they, or do they not, want to eliminate private health insurance?

Some of answers have been more detailed than others. Last week, California Sen. Kamala Harris told a CNN town hall that shed definitely prefer to do away with private coveragelets get rid of all that, she saidbut also suggested that it wouldnt be at the top of her to-do list as president. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, on the other hand, danced awkwardly around the question, telling Bloomberg her goal was affordable health care for every American, whatever that means. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown offered a clear no; he suggested to a group in Iowa that Medicare for all wasnt practical and said he wanted to let Americans buy into the program at 55 instead. Cory Booker was also a nay: Even countries that have vast access to publicly offered health care still have private health care, so no.

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Part of the reason this issue has suddenly flared is that, to the activist left, Medicare for all really means one thing: a single-payer health care system where all Americans receive coverage through one comprehensive government insurance program. That is essentially the plan Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, another likely 2020 candidate, campaigned on in 2016. Its what the Medicare for all bill he introduced in 2017 is designed to do.

Many of Sanders potential opponents co-sponsored his legislation, including Harris, Warren, Booker, and New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. And while some of them may have done so merely as a vague philosophical gesture in favor of expanding government insurance, or just to make nice with Sanders and his fans, its fair to ask them now whether they support the bills actual contents. But recent polling has made answering that question seem politically perilous. While the phrase Medicare for all is popular with just about everyone, the Kaiser Family Foundation has found that more than half of Americans believe it refers to a system where they would be allowed to keep the health plan they currently get from their employer. When people are told that private coverage would be banned, support drops to just 37 percent.

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Technically, Sanders bill does not eliminate private insurance outright. Instead, it bars companies from selling coverage that duplicates any benefit provided by the new Medicare program. Carriers like Aetna or Cigna would still be allowed to offer supplemental policies covering services the government wont pay for. But practically speaking, employer-based coverage as Americans know it today would disappear. Even if you like your plan, you would not be able to keep it.

So candidates are faced with two seemingly unpalatable choices: Oppose single payer, and they risk alienating the left; support it, and they risk staking out a position that might be unpopular in the general election.

Worse yet, this whole debate has a slight air of political theater. Single payer has a quark-size chance of passing the Senate. Doing so would require finding 60 votes to support it, or eliminating the filibuster and finding 50 votes to entirely scrap the existing U.S. health insurance system. Even Sanders himself seems to be aware that single-payer may not really be in the cards given that hes endorsed some more moderate alternatives, such as a bill to let Americans buy into Medicaid on Obamacares exchanges.

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So looked at one way, having a big public debate about the merits of single payer might seem both dangerous for Democrat, and pointless.

But in the end, I think the argument is healthy.

First, its only fair to members of the left, which deserves a clear choice between candidates who might actually champion single payer against long odds and those who wont. Up until now, Democrats have sought to blur those differences. Duping ideologically committed primary voters into thinking youre on their side, then tacking to the center during the general might be OK short-term politics, but its also the kind of thing that breeds cynicism and distrust of politicians.

Perhaps more importantly, having this awkward conversation now will give the party a chance to figure out what Medicare for all should actually mean. Bernie Sanders convinced many young and progressive voters that America ought to adopt something that looks like a version of Canadas health care model, but more generous. (Public insurance there typically excludes things like prescription drugs, dental, and vision care, all of which Berniecare would cover; Canadians often rely on private insurance for those benefits.) But Sanders vision of a medical system where almost all services are paid for by the government with zero out-of-pocket expenses for consumers would ultimately be unique. In other developed countries, universal health care schemes usually involves some cost-sharing schemes; its fair for voters to be skeptical about whether Berniecare would work out as promised or be sustainable.

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As Booker has pointed out, there are other ways to do universal health coverage where private insurance plays a greater role. Australia and the U.K., for instance, both provide their residents with government health coverage (in Australia, its literally called Medicare). But individuals are permitted, and in Australias case even encouraged, to buy private policies that can help them get faster access to care or more choice of doctors and hospitals.

Different approaches have different pluses and minuses. Canadas model is egalitarian and straightforward, but people can end up waiting a long time to see a doctor. Private coverage creates a two-tier system in Australia and the U.K., but it also gives people who really, really dont want to wait for that hip replacement surgery a way to avoid the line at a public hospital. Its a political pressure release valve.

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Its worth it for Democrats to debate, in an upfront and honest way, whether the partys end goal should be to funnel every American into a single and hopefully generous insurance system, or something with a bit more flexibility where the private sector has a bigger role. Even if the goal really is single payer, or close to it, theres a question of how to get there. Do you outright ban private insurance? Or do you design a plan, like the one proposed by the Center for American Progress, that would let companies choose between buying their workers private coverage or a Medicare plan, knowing that the vast majority of them will probably transition to the latter?

Primaries are a good time to suss out these kinds of questionstheyre one of the few moments Americans really tune in for policy debates, before legislation is actually being introduced on the Senate floor. In 2016, Bernie convinced a lot of the country that Medicare for all sounded like a good idea. Now would be a good time to figure out what that idea should actually be.
Whats the point of a carbon tax rebate? That was the headline to a column by Cal Thomas on The Journal's Jan. 9 Opinion page. I feel the need to respond to that very question.

First of all, the point of putting a price on carbon-producing fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas is to reduce the amount of harmful carbon pollution being emitted into the atmosphere. The majority of Americans understand the cause of climate change and the severe consequences of inaction.

Secondly, the carbon tax that Mr. Thomas refers to in Ireland and France is very different from the carbon fee and dividend bills introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate at the end of 2018. These bills, H.R. 7173 and S.3791, both sponsored by Republicans and Democrats, will assess a fee on fossil fuels that starts low and grows over time. The government will not keep any of the fees collected, so the size of the government will not grow. The money from the fee will be allocated equally and directly to all Americans to spend any way they choose.
DES MOINES -- Iowas public K-through-12 schools appear in line for a 2.1 percent state funding boost for the 2019-2020 school year.

Republican leaders in the Iowa Capitol said Monday they have reached an agreement with Gov. Kim Reynolds, and will soon begin running bills with the goal of sending them to Reynolds next week.

The proposal would produce a $3.3 billion state public K-12 education budget, including $89.3 million in new funding.

The new funding includes:

 a 2.1 percent increase in general funding, or $78.6 million

 $7.8 million to help districts with outsized transportation costs

 a $5 per pupil boost in the school funding formula, or $2.9 million

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Were confident that the amount that were committing here today is sustainable, we will be able to fund it and it shows the priority that we have for K-12 education, said Jack Whitver, the Republican Senate Majority Leader from Ankeny.

The general budget increase more than doubles the 1.1 percent and 1 percent increases Reynolds and the Republican-led Iowa Legislature approved for the current and previous school years.
DES MOINES -- The production, sale and recreational use of marijuana would be legal in Iowa under pending legislation that even its author says has little to no chance of being passed into law.

Iowa Sen. Joe Bolkcom, a Democrat from Iowa City, on Monday announced his plan to introduce legislation that would end the prohibition of marijuana in Iowa.

Bolkcom said legalizing recreational marijuana likely remains a pipe dream so long as Republicans control the state lawmaking process in Iowa -- the states governor is Republican as are the majorities in the Iowa House and Senate -- and remarks from GOP legislators seemed to confirm as much.

But Bolkcom said he wanted to spark the conversation in Iowa because he feels support is increasing in the Midwest. Michigan voters in November voted to make recreational marijuana legal, and state leaders in Minnesota and Illinois are discussing the possibility.

Nationally, 10 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana use.

I think legal marijuana is coming to the Midwest, Bolkcom said. Its time for us in Iowa to begin to have a serious discussion about how we might tackle that or move away from prohibition.
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Oil prices were stable on Monday, largely maintaining gains from the previous session as OPEC-led supply cuts and U.S. sanctions against Venezuela provided the market with support. Reuters reports in its article Oil slides on disappointing U.S. data after hitting two-month high that International Brent crude oil futures were at $62.76 per barrel at 0507 GMT on Monday, 1 cent above their last close. Brent rose by more than 3 percent in the previous session to their highest close since Nov. 21. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures were at $55.20 per barrel, down 6 cents from their last settlement. WTI settled 2.73 percent higher in the last session at its highest close since Nov. 19.

Output declines from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) as they make good on their pact to curb a supply overhang were compounded by falling U.S. oil rig counts and sanctions on Venezuelan oil sales. While Venezuelas output reportedly rose last month, fresh U.S. sanctions on the country could see 0.5 to 1 percent of global supply curtailed, said Vivek Dhar, commodities analyst for Commonwealth Bank of Australia in a note on Monday.

The sanctions will sharply limit oil transactions between Venezuela and other countries and are similar to those imposed on Iran last year, experts said after examining details posted by the Treasury Department. OPEC oil supply fell in January by the largest amount in two years despite sluggish production declines from Russia, according to a Reuters survey.

Russian oil output in January missed the target for the output cuts, Energy Ministry data showed on Saturday. Production last month declined to 11.38 million barrels per day (bpd), but that was only down by 35,000 bpd from its October 2018 level that is the baseline for the pact.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak has said the countrys overall cuts from the October baseline would total 50,000 bpd in January. Russia has pledged to reduce oil output by 230,000 bpd from October.

U.S. energy firms last week cut the number of oil rigs operating to their lowest in eight months, to 847, as some drillers followed through on plans to spend less on new wells this year. The collapse in oil prices late last year has resulted in more cautious spending by U.S. oil explorers, said Dhar. Meanwhile, hopes for thawing China-U.S. relations have also helped ease concerns over slowing economic growth. While the United States and China have yet to reach a deal, markets were buoyed by reports that they have made significant progress, ANZ Bank said in a research note.

U.S. President Donald Trump last week said he would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, perhaps twice, in the coming weeks to try to seal a comprehensive trade deal with Beijing, but acknowledged it was not yet clear whether a deal could be reached. Overall, Fitch Solutions said on Monday oil markets had a fundamentally bullish outlook due mainly to the supply cuts led by OPEC as well as increasing oil demand despite the slowdown in economic growth.
WASHINGTON -- Rep. Steve King invited one half of pro-Donald Trump video bloggers Diamond and Silk to Tuesday night's State of the Union speech.

"Having only one ticket, I invited one of two guests for the State of the Union tonight, #sotu, Lynnette Hardaay & Rochelle Richardson, otherwise known as Diamond & Silk," King tweeted. "Diamond won the coin toss."

The Iowa 4th District congressman said both Hardaay and Richardson will be guest speakers at a Wednesday morning meeting of the Conservative Opportunity Society, a Republican House caucus.

The invitation comes in the wake of King receiving widespread condemnation of his recent quote in the New York Times in which he asked "White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization  how did that language become offensive?"

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King, known for his outspoken views on immigration and race, has denied accusations that he is a white supremacist or white nationalist, saying he considers himself a Nationalist fighting to preserve Western Civilization.
CORRECTIONVILLE, Iowa -- Officials on Tuesday continued to investigate a fire that damaged a Correctionville auto body/repair shop late Monday.

Correctionville fire chief Jeff Hill said the cause of the fire at Sioux Valley Automotive has not yet been determined.

Correctionville firefighters were called to the business at 307 Sioux Ave. at about 8:30 p.m., and flames were visible upon arrival, Hill said. The fire was extinguished shortly after midnight with help from fire crews from Anthon, Cushing, Washta, Pierson, Moville and Healey Werks in rural Lawton.

Two buildings attached to one another were damaged, Hill said, and total damages were still being determined. It's not known yet if the buildings can be salvaged.

Hill said no one was inside the business when the fire started and no firefighters were injured fighting the blaze.

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In 2017, Republican lawmakers approved a major overhaul of the state's 40-year-old collective bargaining law, which now limits mandatory items of negotiations to base salaries for most public employees. The new law carved out an exception for public safety unions, which are allowed to negotiate for both wages and benefits.

When the SCEA and district reached the most recent deal in May 2018, Zahner said the package amounted to a 0.55 percent increase in pay for instructors. Zahner categorized it as the smallest single-year raise for district teachers in at least 20 years.

District leaders pushed back on that figure, pointing out it included the elimination of $4,792 in annual pay for nearly 300 middle and high school teachers, beginning with the 2018-19 year. The extra pay was meant to compensate those teachers for covering an additional period in an eight-period schedule spread over two days.

The district said a better summary showed the base salary for teachers would rise by $196 annually and an increase in longevity pay was set at $300. Excluding the reductions in the six-period pay, average teacher pay would rise by 2.2 percent, or $1,401, according to the district.

In speaking on the Tuesday proposal, Zahner pointed back to the impact of last year's outcome.
STORM LAKE, Iowa -- A Storm Lake woman faces a felony charge after allegedly breaking into an apartment, assaulting the tenants and pulling a fire alarm.

Demitra Parker-White, 33, was arrested and charged with burglary in the second degree (class C felony) as well as two counts of disorderly conduct and criminal mischief in the fifth degree (all simple misdemeanors). She was booked into the Buena Vista County Jail on a $10,900 bond.

According to Storm Lake police, Parker-White allegedly began yelling and throwing items in the apartment complex's hallway. She reportedly entered an apartment without permission, assaulted three victims, destroyed property and pulled the fire alarm before leaving.

The Storm Lake Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Storm Lake Fire Department.

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SIOUX CITY -- The trial for a Dakota City woman charged with fatally stabbing another woman will not take place this month as scheduled.

District Judge Jeffrey Neary on Monday filed an order continuing Melissa Camargo-Flores' trial, which had been scheduled to begin Feb. 19 in Woodbury County District Court.

Neary said in the order that attorneys had informed him that more time was needed to gather information and prepare for trial. Neary scheduled a status conference for March 29, when a new trial date will be set.

Camargo-Flores, 21, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. She remains in the Woodbury County Jail on a $500,000 bond. If found guilty as charged, she would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

Camargo-Flores is accused of the April 8 fatal stabbing of Kenia Alvarez-Flores outside her home in the 1200 block of West 14th Street in Sioux City.

Police have said that Camargo-Flores waited for Alvarez-Flores, 24, outside her home before stabbing her multiple times. Witnesses provided police a description of Camargo-Flores' vehicle, and police spotted and arrested her soon after the incident. Officers found bloody gloves and a bloody knife inside the car.

According to court documents, Camargo-Flores admitted to stabbing Alvarez-Flores and told authorities she had been involved in a relationship with the victim's boyfriend.

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ORANGE CITY, Iowa -- A Sioux Center, Iowa, man was sentenced to prison Tuesday for having sex with a minor.

Edgar Diego, 20, had pleaded guilty in Sioux County District Court to assault with intent to commit sexual abuse and possession of marijuana, both misdemeanors.

Diego was sentenced to two years in prison on the sexual abuse charge and 180 days on the drug charge. The sentences will be served consecutively for a total sentence of two and a half years.

Authorities were notified on Nov. 8 that Diego had committed a sex act with the minor, and the ensuing investigation determined that Diego had sex with the minor in his Sioux Center home. During a search of the home, police found marijuana in Diego's bedroom.

Once Diego's sentence has been completed, he will be released to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to begin deportation proceedings.

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SIOUX CITY -- Cardboard sled races will be held Sunday at Cone Park, 3800 Line Drive.

Registration runs from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., with races beginning at 2 p.m. There is no cost to enter a sled, which must be completely made of cardboard. No metal or plastic runners are allowed. A limited number of flat cardboard sheets are available at the Sioux City Parks and Recreation office in the Long Lines Family Rec Center, 401 Gordon Drive.

Trophies will be awarded in each age group for the race, as well as design and construction. The age groups are as follows:

 6 & under

 7 - 10

 11 - 14

 15 - 18

 19+

 Businesses/clubs/organizations

The Sioux City Musketeers will also skate with attendees and sign autographs at the park's outdoor ice rink from 12 to 2 p.m. There is no admission fee to skate. You can wear your own skates or rent them from the park for $3. An outdoor snow bar will serve food and beverages.

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Although federal law and many state laws provide job-protected family leave for eligible workers, only a few states pay workers who need to take time off for baby bonding or to care for a covered relative with serious health condition.

California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New York, Washington state and Washington, D.C., have paid family leave programs, but they offer different amounts of leave time and wage replacement. For example, workers in California can receive about 60 percent to 70 percent of their wages for up to six weeks in a 12-month period, and the maximum weekly benefit is $1,252. Rhode Island pays about 60 percent of wages for up to four weeks and has a weekly maximum payout of $795.

More states are considering bills that would provide employees with paid parental leave and paid leave to care for relatives with serious health conditions. We've rounded up the latest news on these proposals. Here are SHRM Online resources and news articles from other trusted media outlets.

Multiple Proposals in New Hampshire and Vermont

New Hampshire's and Vermont's Republican governors proposed a joint paid-family-leave program between the two states that employers could opt into. Private insurers would manage the plan, and employers would pay premiums. The governors hope to negotiate with their state employee unions to add the insurance to their collective bargaining agreements and guarantee an initial 18,500 users to attract the insurers and low premiums. The program would provide up to six weeks of leave for baby bonding or to care for a close relative with a serious health condition. Some Democratic leaders in each state have said that they want to offer more leave in a mandatory program. For example, New Hampshire lawmakers have proposed legislation that would require private employers to participate and would provide 12 weeks of leave and replace up to 85 percent of wages.

(Concord Monitor)



Nebraska Bill Would Provide Up to 12 Weeks

A proposal in Nebraska would provide workers with six weeks of leave to care for a family member's serious health condition and 12 weeks to care for their own condition or for baby bonding. The maximum benefit would be $564 a week, depending on the worker's average earnings.

(KOLN/KGIN)

Will New Parents in California Get 6 Months of Paid Leave?

California workers are already eligible for up to six weeks of partial wage replacement when they take time off to care for a seriously ill relative or to bond with a newborn or recently adopted child. Some California lawmakers want to expand paid-parental-leave benefits to cover up to six months of baby-bonding time, which could be split between the parents. Lawmakers who support the legislation are still working out how the state would pay for such benefits.

(CBS Sacramento)

Poll Shows Americans Want Paid Leave

Eighty-two percent of Americans who responded to a 2016 Pew Research Center poll said they think new mothers should have access to paid leave and 69 percent said new fathers should have the same. Most respondents who favored such benefits said that employers, rather than the government, should pay for the programs. However, most paid-family-leave benefits are administered through state disability insurance programs.



(Pew Research Center)

[SHRM members-only how-to guide: How to Develop and Administer Paid Leave Programs]

Businesses Offer Paid Leave to Attract Workers

Many employers are enhancing their benefits so they can recruit and retain top talent in a tight labor market. And paid-parental-leave offerings have increased significantly from 2016, according to the Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM's) 2018 Employee Benefits survey. Paid maternity leavewhich includes coverage by family or parental leave policies but excludes leave covered by short-term disability or state lawrose to 35 percent of organizations (up from 30 percent in 2017). Paid paternity leave rose to 29 percent of organizations (up from 24 percent in 2017).

(SHRM Online)


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In June 2018, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed into law An Act Relative to Minimum Wage, Paid Family Medical Leave and the Sales Tax Holiday. As one part of the so-called "grand bargain" legislation, effective Jan. 1, Massachusetts employers with tipped employees are now required to calculate tipped employees' wages at the end of each shift instead of at the end of each pay period.

This change not only presents an additional administrative challenge but also makes it more likely that employers will be required to pay employees additional amounts to ensure that they receive at least the minimum wage during slow shifts.



Like many states, Massachusetts allows employers to pay tipped employees at a service rate ($4.35 in 2019) that is less than the basic minimum wage ($12.00 in 2019) by claiming a tip credit. To claim a tip credit:

The employer must inform affected employees in writing of how a tip credit works.



The employees must regularly receive gratuities exceeding $20.00 each month.



The employees must retain all tips received by them, or tips must be distributed to them through a valid tip-pooling arrangement.



The sum of the service rate and the tips received by the employees must equal or exceed the basic minimum wage. If the sum of an employee's service rate and tips is less than the basic minimum wage, the employer is required to pay the employee an amount sufficient to make up the difference. (Note: The Massachusetts minimum wage will rise $0.75 per year until it reaches $15.00 per hour in 2023; the service rate will rise $0.60 per year until it reaches $6.75 in 2023.)



Before Jan. 1, employers were allowed to perform this calculation at the end of each pay period. Effective Jan. 1, however, employers are required to perform it at the end of the employee's shift. Notably, while this change affects when employers must determine whether they owe tipped employees any amounts in addition to the service rate, it does not affect when employers must pay tipped employees.

To illustrate how the new law is to operate, the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General has provided the following example of how employers are required to calculate a tipped employee's compensation:

In this example, assume that the minimum wage is $12.00 per hour and the service rate is $4.35 per hour.

A restaurant server works one 5-hour shift on Tuesday and one 5-hour shift on Saturday during the same pay week.



On Tuesday, the slow day, the employee earns $21.75 in service rate wages + $20.00 in tips for a total earned of $41.75.



The law requires that the employee receive at least $60.00 for the shift (5 hours x $12.00 minimum wage rate).



The employer is required to add $18.25 to the employee's next pay check to cover the differential for this shift.



On Saturday, the busy day, the employee earns $21.75 in service rate wages + $100 in tips for a total earned of $121.75. Since this total exceeds the $12.00 per hour minimum wage rate for each hour worked, the employer is not required to add any amount to the employee's next pay check for this shift.



Total gross wages to be paid to this employee for this pay week are $181.75.



As this example shows, calculating a tipped employee's compensation at the end of a shift, as opposed to the end of a pay period, is more likely to result in the employer being required to pay the employee an amount in addition to the service rate. Before Jan. 1, 2019, the employer in the example would not have been required to add any amount to the employee's paycheck, as the higher tip total on the busy day would have offset the lower total on the slow day. By contrast, under the new law, the employer owes the employee an additional $18.25.

Employer Takeaways



The new law does not change when tipped employees must be paid in Massachusetts. Rather, for most Massachusetts employers with tipped employees, the law requires employers to change when they calculate tips to ensure that tipped employees receive at least minimum wage for hours worked during each shift. This change is likely to be challenging for many employers.

Massachusetts employers with tipped employees may want to review their payroll policies and practices to evaluate what steps they can take to comply with the law's requirement that tipped employee compensation be calculated, and the minimum wage rate met, on a shift-by-shift basis.

In Massachusetts, failing to calculate and pay employee wages properly exposes employers to mandatory treble damages and attorney fees, as well as potential criminal penalties.

Francesco A. DeLuca and Robert M. Shea are attorneys with Ogletree Deakins in Boston.  2019 Ogletree Deakins. All rights reserved. Reposted with permission.


New York City is home to the largest number of America's top hotels, followed by Las Vegas and Los Angeles, according to a new ranking from US News and World Report.

In the 2019 Best Hotels list, the Big Apple landed 39 Gold badge winners, a designation that denotes hotels that fall at or above the 90th percentile of all ranked hotels in their respective regions.

This year, the title of best hotel in America goes to the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Hawaii, a luxury resort set on white-sand beaches, surrounded by black-lava landscapes.

In the US, the Four Seasons hotel brand swept the awards taking four of the top five spots.

For the 2019 Best Hotels ranking, 30,000 hotels spanning more than 400 destinations are considered. Hotels are scored through a combination of industry awards, star ratings and guest reviews.

The report also named the best regional hotels around the world.

For Europe, Paris's La Reserve took the top spot, while the best hotel in Canada is The Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver.

Editors note that the Caribbean is staging a comeback this year, with several hotels reopening after a devastating hurricane season in 2017. Taking the title of best hotel in the Caribbean is Jade Mountain in St. Lucia.

Here are the 2019 winners:

Best in the US

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii

The Peninsula Chicago

Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida

Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Hawaii

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

Best in Canada

Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver

Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat, British Columbia

Wedgewood Hotel and Spa, Vancouver

Ritz-Carlton Montreal

Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland

Best in Europe

La Reserve Paris

Hotel Sanders, Copenhagen

Hotel Eden, Rome

Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel

La Sirenuse Hotel, Amalfi Coast, Italy
The sun sets over silhouetted boats on the horizon in Manila Bay in Manila, Philippines. (Photo: Getty Images)

Thousands of volunteers and government workers on January 27 launched an inter-agency program dubbed as Battle for Manila Bay in an effort to rehabilitate the waters of the countrys once majestic harbor.

Volunteers collected over 45 tons of rubbish along the shore of the bay in the cleanup drive that also hopes to improve the bays water quality.

With education and sustainment, the government aims to accomplish its mission in seven years.

While the cleanup is a good step toward Manila Bays rehabilitation, there is a lot of work that must be done to save it from its current sorry state.

Can the Philippines sustain this effort of keeping Manila Bay clean? Have your say in the poll and leave us a comment below.

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Related stories:

Beach to bay: Boracay-style rehab planned for Manila Bay

Rehabilitation works in Manila Bay to kick off Jan. 27

Manila Bay clean-up good for Philippine economy
By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate passed a Mideast policy bill on Tuesday including a measure that would allow states to penalise businesses that take part in boycotts of Israel and an amendment that breaks with President Donald Trump by opposing any plans for an abrupt withdrawal of troops from Syria.

The Senate backed the Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act by a lopsided 77-23 on Tuesday, hours before Trump was to deliver his annual State of the Union speech discussing his policies for the year.

Trump is expected to discuss foreign policy in the address to a joint session of Congress, including declaring the Islamic State militant group all but defeated.

Many members of Congress, including several fellow Republicans, strongly disagree with a plan Trump announced in December to withdraw 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria on the grounds that the militant group no longer posed a threat.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who rarely breaks from Trump, introduced the non-binding amendment passed on Tuesday. It acknowledged progress against Islamic State and al Qaeda in Syria and Afghanistan but warned that "a precipitous withdrawal" could destabilise the region and create a vacuum that could be filled by Iran or Russia.

The amendment called on the Trump administration to certify conditions had been met for the groups' "enduring defeat" before any significant withdrawal from Syria or Afghanistan.

The amendment also includes provisions supported by both Republicans and Democrats to impose new sanctions on Syria and guarantee security assistance to Israel and Jordan. Those are seen as efforts to reassure allies worried about shifts in U.S. policy, including Trump's Syria plan.

To become law, however, the bill would need to pass the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives, where it is unlikely to move without significant changes because of concerns about the provision addressing the "Boycott, Divest and Sanction" movement targeted at Israel's treatment of the Palestinians.

Opponents of that provision argue that Americans' participation in boycotts is protected by the constitutional right to free speech.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall)
The Taliban began an extraordinary meeting with high-ranking Afghan politicians -- including women -- on Tuesday in Moscow, where rivals of President Ashraf Ghani called for an interim government as they negotiated without him. The unprecedented gathering saw the Taliban outline their vision for Afghanistan -- including rules around women and the adoption of an Islamic constitution -- before heavyweights, including former president Hamid Karzai, in televised talks. The Taliban lead prayers and dined with the leaders -- some sworn enemies -- before sitting down for their most significant engagement with Afghan politicians in recent memory. The roundtable, which saw women defend their rights, comes a week after the insurgents held talks with US negotiators in Doha about ending the 17-year war. The Doha and Moscow talks, though entirely separate, both excluded the government in Kabul, where Ghani has expressed anger at being increasingly sidelined from key peace negotiations. The meeting in Russia is "nothing more than a fantasy. No one can decide without the consent of the Afghan people," Ghani told Afghan broadcaster TOLOnews late Tuesday. "Those who have gathered in Moscow have no executive authority. They can say what they want." But many of his chief opponents -- including some contesting presidential elections in July -- were present in the Russian capital, and some called for the formation of an interim government to include the Taliban. "The interim government should also pave the way for a transparent election," Atta Muhammad Noor, an influential former warlord, said on Twitter. It could act as a transition "through this fragile and messy situation" and convince the insurgents to take part in the political process, he added. The conference, hosted by an Afghan diaspora group, was welcomed as "useful" by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in a statement. - 'Surreal' scenes - The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan under a ruthless interpretation of Sharia law between 1996 and 2001, said they did not want a "monopoly of power" but "an inclusive Islamic system". But they have refused thus far to engage with Ghani despite his offers for talks, calling his administration a US puppet. "There's something surreal about Afghanistan's most powerful opposition politicians meeting with the Taliban in order to spark an intra-Afghan dialogue that doesn't include the country's own government," analyst Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center in Washington told AFP. Karzai, a US-appointed president who led Afghanistan from 2001 until 2014, described the talks as "very, very satisfactory". "We understand that the government needs to be part of these negotiations. We wish they could have been here today," he told reporters in Moscow. Ghani's allies in Washington insist Afghans should lead the peace process, and the months-long push by Washington to engage the Taliban has ostensibly been aimed at convincing them to negotiate with Kabul. He has repeatedly said that all Afghans should agree to end hostilities but that he would not "surrender to a temporary peace deal". In extraordinary scenes, the Taliban listened as women addressed the Moscow roundtable -- an unthinkable prospect under their regime, which was toppled by US-led forces in 2001. The insurgents indicated they could loosen some guidelines around women -- in line with Sharia law -- extending even to female representation in parliament. Fawzia Koofi, one of two women invited to Moscow, said the Islamist militants would "have to adapt to a modern Afghanistan". "When they were in power, they would not even let women leave their homes," Koofi, the head of Afghanistan's parliamentary Committee on Women and Human Rights, told AFP. "But now we're hearing women could be prime minister or a minister. It's a change I think. It's a positive step but not enough." But the group stopped short of agreeing to a female president, she added. Under their rule, the Taliban severely curtailed women's liberties, barring them from work and school, and confined women to their homes -- only allowing them outside with a male escort and hidden beneath a burqa. - 'Obstacle to peace' - The Taliban also elaborated on their vision for Afghanistan, including the replacement of the constitution with one crafted by Islamic scholars. "The Kabul government constitution is invalid. It has been imported from the West and is an obstacle to peace," said Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, who headed the Taliban delegation. Jarring images of Karzai and other leaders joining Taliban officials in prayer and breaking bread in Russia sparked some anger back home. "If you guys can eat together, laugh and pray together, hug each other why you are still killing innocent Afghans?" one Facebook user posted. The two-day Moscow talks conclude Wednesday. The Taliban are scheduled to hold a separate, second round of peace talks with the US in Doha on February 25.
Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido gestures during a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas, Venezuela February 2, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - The European Union sees Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate interim president, Sweden's Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom said on Monday.

"In the current situation, we support and consider Guaido as the legitimate interim president," Wallstrom told Swedish radio.

Wallstrom said that the EU, which is expected to make a statement later in the day, was united in rejecting the results of last year's election and the imposition of fresh sanctions when appropriate.

(Reporting by Simon Johnson; Editing by Alison Williams)
BANGOR, Maine (AP)  Maine Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins had the best fundraising quarter of her career after she delivered a pivotal vote that helped seat Brett Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court, according to documents filed with the Federal Election Commission.

The Bangor Daily News reports that after announcing her decision to vote in favor of Kavanaugh's nomination during a speech on the Senate floor in early October, Collins raised $1.8 million in the final quarter of 2018.

The records show that of the nearly $900,000 Collins received from individual donors who contributed more than $200 to her campaign, just $19,000 came from individuals with Maine addresses.

"We made an effort to have a strong quarter because we wanted to send the message that Senator Collins will be prepared to run a vigorous campaign in 2020," said Amy Abbott, the deputy treasurer of Collins' campaign committee. "We focused our fundraising efforts nationally, which we typically do until the election year, which is why there were relatively fewer donations from Maine."

She said the campaign received "many contributions" from Maine that were under the $200 reporting threshold.

In the quarter before her Kavanaugh vote, Collins raised $140,000.

Collins' decision to support Kavanaugh's nomination led to a burst of donations for a potential 2020 challenger. So far no Democrats have emerged to challenge Collins next year.
So much has been said about polarisation under Donald Trump. And now even feng shui masters are divided over the US president, with contrasting outlooks on how he will perform in the Year of the Pig.

One Hong Kong fortune-teller said impeachment was on the cards for the president, while another went as far as pinpointing the 31-day window during which he would be most vulnerable to an unseating.

Ahead of the start of Lunar New Year, experts made their predictions on famous figures by studying their birth data in relation to the five basic elements  metal, water, wood, fire and earth.

A year ago many feng shui masters forecast a bumpy 12 months for Trump, saying he had been cursed for offending the god of age in ancient Chinese mythology. The president was born in 1946  the Year of the Dog. Bad luck is said to befall people in the zodiac year they were born, and 2018 was also a Dog year.

However, some fortune-tellers have forecast that Trumps luck will pick up in the Year of the Pig.

Dogs like the president will have a steadier year, according to celebrity Hong Kong feng shui master Peter So Man-fung.

While there are still some residual problems carrying over from last year, dogs will see better luck after the summer, So said.

Fortune-teller Priscilla Lam, who shot to local fame after accurately predicting Trump would win the 2016 presidential election, agreed.

But he should take more care in terms of decision-making, she added.

President Xi Jinping, born in the Year of the Snake in 1953, could face challenges because the Snake usually clashes with the god of age in the Year of the Pig, the soothsayers said.

Eric To Chung-yin, a third-generation feng shui practitioner at Wong Tai Sin Temple, saw US-China relations this way: There is no need to see it as a zero-sum game. Although Trump will have better luck than Xi, this may not necessarily mean Xi will become the lone loser.

Story continues

Globalisation brings benefits to both East and West. If the US gets better, China, as the worlds No 2 economy, will also benefit.

However, Taiwanese feng shui expert Tsai Shang-chi was less optimistic about Trump, predicting the exposure of secrets next year.

All the bad things done by people born in the Year of the Pig could be made public, Tsai said.

There is a chance he might be impeached.

And, if that was the aim of Trumps political opponents, their window of opportunity would be small, according to renowned Hong Kong feng shui master Alion Yeo Tin-ming.

The only chance to successfully impeach Trump will be between December 6, 2019, and January 6, 2020, Yeo said.

Raymond Lo Hang-lap, who has been crowned a grandmaster by the International Feng Shui Association in Singapore, also said international relations would be tense in 2019.

Lo, who teaches feng shui to foreign students in Hong Kong, said: In the Year of the Pig, earth conquers water, and the two elements will be in a destructive cycle. In terms of international relations, this will mean more conflict and less harmony.

Having earth on top and water below is a symbol of peace and relaxation on the outside but with an undercurrent inside. There will still be conflict and disharmony in international relations, but it may be hidden.

Additional reporting by Agence France-Presse

This article Polarising US President Donald Trump even has Chinese feng shui masters divided as predictions fly for Year of the Pig first appeared on South China Morning Post

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Women who lived under the harsh rule of the Taliban urged senior Afghan politicians to ensure their hard-won freedoms are not bargained away when they talk peace with the insurgents on Tuesday. The Afghan Women's Network said their rights should not be used as a "political tool" in dealings with the Taliban, who barred women from schools and jobs and drastically curtailed their personal liberties when they ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. Their appeal comes as the Taliban meets with a high-ranking Afghan delegation in Moscow, and a week after the insurgents held unprecedented talks with United States negotiators. The Taliban said the Moscow meeting -- their most significant with Afghan politicians in recent memory -- would discuss the withdrawal of foreign troops, peace terms and its vision for governance. The two-day gathering is separate from the US-Taliban negotiations in Doha in January, that ended with both sides touting "progress" and a draft framework which could pave the way for peace talks. No representative from President Ashraf Ghani's government -- which the Taliban considers a US puppet -- was invited to either occasion, angering officials in Kabul. Afghan women, also largely excluded from the table, fear seeing their hard-won rights eroded if negotiators seek a hasty truce with the Taliban. "Women should not be used as a political tool by these politicians. If they (Taliban) return and impose restrictions on women, we will not accept that," Mashal Roshan, a coordinator from the Kabul-based women's network, told AFP. "In the past 17 years Afghan women have gained some hard-won achievements. We don't want to lose that. It's our right to go to school and to work, and everyone should respect that." In a statement ahead of the Moscow meet, the network said they would not accept peace at the cost of their freedoms and urged delegates to defend the rights of half of Afghanistan's 35 million people. "There is no need to reinterpret Afghan women's lives," the statement said. Under their brutal interpretation of Sharia law, the Taliban confined women to their homes, only allowing them outside with a male escort and hidden beneath a burqa. Girls were banned from schools and colleges and women prohibited from the workplace save in a few areas such as medicine. The militants have indicated they would provide a safe environment for women's work and education under an "Islamic system" they have proposed for Afghanistan's future. But involvement of the Taliban in any government frightens many women, who recall the stifling restrictions under the Islamic insurgents. Ghani and de facto prime minister Abdullah Abdullah have urged the Taliban to negotiate with Kabul, saying all Afghans should agree on the need for peace and a troop withdrawal. The Taliban are expected to meet with US negotiators again later in the month.
A Dutch former far-right MP and right-hand man of anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders set tongues wagging in the Netherlands on Tuesday after revealing he has converted to Islam. Freedom Party (PVV) leader Wilders compared the conversion of ex-ally Joram van Klaveren to a "vegetarian working in a slaughterhouse". For years Joram van Klaveren fought a relentless campaign in the Lower House against Islam in the Netherlands as a lawmaker for Wilders' party. At the time, the "hardliner pleaded for banning the burqa and minarets, saying 'we don't want any Islam, or at least as little as possible in the Netherlands'," the daily tabloid Algemeen Dagblad (AD) said. But the 40-year-old Van Klaveren said he had changed his mind halfway through writing an anti-Islam book. The work "became a refutation of objections non-Muslims have" against the religion, he told the respected NRC daily on Tuesday. "If everything I wrote up to that point is true, and I believe that, then I am a de facto Muslim," he told the NRC. Van Klaveren converted to Islam on October 26 last year, the NRC added in the interview piece ahead of the release of Van Klaveren's book titled: "Apostate: From Christianity to Islam in the Time of Secular Terror." The former politician who grew up in a Protestant Christian environment said of his conversion that he "has been searching for a long time." "It feels a bit like a religious homecoming for me," he told Dutch newspapers. Van Klaveren could not be immediately reached for comment on Tuesday. - 'Vegetarian in a slaughterhouse' - "What a story... it's like a vegetarian going to work in a slaughterhouse. I have no words," Wilders told RTL television news. "It's up to him of course. But it's good that he left the PVV five years ago, otherwise it would have been time for him to go now. "I expect a lot but I didn't see this coming." Van Klaveren split with Wilders in 2014 after the PVV leader's controversial comments that year when asking supporters whether they wanted "fewer or more Moroccans in your city and the Netherlands". Wilders in 2016 was found guilty on discrimination charges. The sentence is currently being appealed. Van Klaveren went on to form his own far-right party called "For Netherlands" (VNL) but left politics after failing to win a single seat in the 2017 elections. "If this really isn't a PR stunt to promote his book, then it really is an extraordinary choice for somebody who had a lot to say about Islam," his former VNL co-founder Jan Roos told the AD. "But we have religious freedom in the Netherlands. He can worship whomever he wants," Roos added. Said Bouharrou, who serves on the Board of Moroccan Mosques in the Netherlands, praised Van Klaveren. "It is great when somebody who has been so critical of Islam... realises that it is not so bad or perverse," he told the AD. "It is brave that he's prepared to do it in public," Bouharrou said. Around five percent of the Dutch population of 17 million people, or some 850,000, are Muslim, according to the Dutch Central Statistics Bureau (CBS). Despite Wilders' objections, the religion is growing, with experts expecting that number to double by 2050. The Netherlands also last year introduced a partial burqa ban in some public places such as schools and hospitals, ending years of discussions on the hot-button issue. Van Klaveren is not the first high-profile PVV member to convert to Islam. He follows in the footsteps of Arnoud van Doorn, a former Hague-based PVV city councillor who switched in 2013.
Chinese tourists appetite for visiting the United States and Canada remains undimmed despite the current trade war and the controversy over the detention of Huawei executive Sabrina Meng Wanzhou.

The US still tops the list for the most popular long-haul destination during the peak Lunar New Year period, according to Ctrip, which accounts for about 60 per cent of online bookings in China.

According to its 2019 New Year Travel Report, the next most popular destinations were Australia, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Britain and Spain. Figures for Canada were not available.

Fliggy, another online travel service, said the US was the second most popular destination behind Australia for journeys outside Asia.

Canada was the fifth most popular destination, after Russia, New Zealand and Britain, according to the agency, which is owned by Alibaba, which also owns the South China Morning Post.

Trips booked to the US and Canada for this Lunar New Year period have also grown by 60 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively.

This is the first peak travel season since relations between China and Canada took a turn for the worse following the detention of Meng, who is preparing to fight extradition to the US on fraud charges.

The figures suggest the increasingly acrimonious diplomatic row  which has prompted the US, Canada and China to issue new travel warnings to their respective citizens  has had little impact on ordinary Chinese peoples desire to visit North America.

While Canadians and US citizens have been warned by their governments to exercise a high degree of caution due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws in China, Beijing issued new guidance on January 15 warning its citizens to fully evaluate the risks before going to those countries.

A spokeswoman for Ctrip said the company was not able to comment whether the warning had had any effect on travellers interest in North America or the number of bookings made.

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Canadas federal tourism agency suspended new marketing efforts in China in late December.

A spokeswoman for Destination Canada did not give a specific reason for the pause, saying only: There have been circumstances in the past in various markets, when our efforts may not have the desired positive impact in reaching our target travellers, in which case we temporarily paused efforts. These pauses, as in the case with China, have been of a short duration.

The marketing campaign has now resumed, but it offers a stark contrast to last year, which was dubbed the Canada-China year of tourism in celebration of the two countries deep ties.

Chinese visitors to Canada were up 9 per cent in the first 11 months of 2018, compared with the previous year, the tourism agency said.

Destination Canada declined to speculate on the potential impact of current events on tourism, and noted that Lunar New Year was a strong time for Chinese travel to Canada.

Meng was arrested on December 1 in Vancouver at the request of the US. Soon after, China detained two Canadian nationals  former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor  on suspicion of endangering Chinas national security.

Canada described the detentions as retaliation for Mengs arrest, something Beijing denies.

The official extradition request for Meng was issued last week and she faces 13 charges including money laundering, fraud, conspiracy and intellectual property theft.

The charges add to the tensions between China and US, which have been escalating since the start of the trade war last year.

In July, China issued another travel warning for visitors to the US, warning of a range of risks including shootings and robberies.

This article Chinese tourists American dream remains strong despite Huawei row and trade war first appeared on South China Morning Post

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In 2017, 95.9% of children under 16 living in the European Union were considered to be in good or very good general health. According to a study published by Eurostat, 95.2% had no health problems limiting their activity.

Geographical variations exist, however. Romania leads the way in the general state of children's' health, with 99.4% of children under 16 considered in good or very good health. This drops to 90.2% in Portugal. Note that countries such as France (95.1%), Luxembourg (95.1%), the Netherlands (95.3%) and the UK (94.9%) fall below the European average.

When it comes to health problems limiting activities, Italy is the EU's leader, as 99.2% of children have no limitations in activity due to health problems, with 98.8% of children in good or very good health.

Latvia is the only country to achieve double figures in its percentage of children with limitations in activity caused by health problems, with 11.4% experiencing moderate limitations. This is unusually high compared to other EU countries, but is in line with the country's percentage of children in good or very good health, which is relatively low compared to the European average (90.7%), and its percentage of children with no limitations, at 87.6%.

Eurostat observed that the percentage of children in good or very good general health falls slightly with age. While 96.5% of children under five were considered to be in good or very good general health, this dropped to 95.2% for those aged ten to fifteen. There are some exceptions, however, with countries showing the opposite tendency including Ireland (96.4% vs. 96.5%), Hungary (94.9% / 95.5%) and Poland (93.1% / 94.3%).
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras stressed Tuesday they planned to resolve disputes between their two countries through dialogue. Greece and Turkey have a fraught history going back centuries with disputes over maritime borders and the 1974 division of Cyprus. More recently the erstwhile NATO allies have fallen out over Greek courts granting asylum to Turkish soldiers who fled Turkey after the 2016 failed coup. Tsipras, in his second visit to Turkey as Greek premier in four years, met with the Turkish leader at the vast presidential palace on the outskirts of the capital Ankara. "I am very pleased that communication channels (with Turkey) are open so that we can take more constructive steps," Tsipras told a news conference with Erdogan, calling for a relationship based on "respect for international law and reciprocal understanding of our problems". Erdogan, who became the first Turkish president to visit Greece in 65 years in December 2017, said bilateral disputes could be resolved "peacefully". "We believe every problem could be resolved through dialogue." Erdogan said a "politician's job is not to win enemies but friends... otherwise you constantly lose blood". - 'Not welcome'- The eight Turkish soldiers who were granted asylum in Greece after they fled in the wake of the failed 2016 coup against Erdogan's government is one of the sticking issues in ties. "On the thorny issue of the eight officers, Greece respects the decisions delivered by the judiciary," Tsipras said. "In Greece the putschists are not welcome; we must face any criminal organisation that prevents cooperation between the two countries." However Erdogan said Turkey did not want Greece to become a "safe haven" for "members of terror groups". "We expect more cooperation from our neighbour Greece on this issue," he said. Tsipras's visit comes a few days after the 23rd anniversary of a 1996 crisis that brought the two countries to the edge of war over the sovereignty of a pair of rocky islets in the Aegean Sea, which Ankara calls Kardak and Athens refers to as Imia. The trip also comes 20 years after the beginning of a rapprochement which began when Greece rushed to help following a devastating Turkish earthquake in 1999. "Even though these talks might not go anywhere, the essence is that there is a pretence of dialogue, and this is important," said Dimitrios Triantaphyllou, head of the Centre for International and European Studies at Istanbul's Kadir Has University. - Oil and gas - One of the main disputes is the issue of oil and gas exploration off Cyprus, which has been divided between the internationally-recognised Greek south and the breakaway Turkish north for over four decades. The issue has been further complicated by the discovery in recent years of gigantic gas fields in the eastern Mediterranean. Ankara says such exploration would deprive Turkish Cypriots of the island's offshore resources and has called for its suspension until a lasting solution is found to the Cyprus problem. On Monday, Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Turkey would not allow a "fait accompli" in the eastern Mediterranean and would instead defend "equal and fair" sharing of the resources. The two leaders also discussed a migrant deal which Ankara struck with the European Union in 2016 to stem the flow of refugees. Under the deal, Turkey has agreed to take back migrants landing on Greek islands in exchange for incentives including financial aid. Despite the agreement, hundreds of migrants continue to disembark every day on the Greek islands -- about 5,000 people between September and December -- putting heavy pressure on overcrowded Greek refugee camps. The number of people crossing the land border between the two countries has risen from 5,400 in 2017 to 14,000 in 2018, according to Greek Minister for Migration Policy Dimitris Vitsas. On Thursday, Tsipras will travel to Istanbul for a meeting with the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians. He is also expected to visit the Halki seminary, located on an island off Istanbul where Orthodox clergy used to train. It was closed in 1971, after Turkey fell out with Greece over Cyprus. burs-fo/dcr
The 2019 edition of The Gulf and Indian Ocean Hotel Investors Summit (GIOHIS) kicked off in Abu Dhabi yesterday (February 4) at the Park Hyatt hotel.



Running till February 5, the summit will see business leaders, developers and key decision-makers gathering together to discuss the most pressing issues in the hospitality industry today.



Organised by HOFTEL, one of the worlds leading hotel property investment associations, and supported by Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), GIOHIS 2019 is bringing together more than 250 top hotel owners, developers and operators from the Gulf, East Africa, Indian Ocean islands, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region and Australia.



Discussions will cover topical issues affecting the industry such as changing investment opportunities, oversupply crunch, franchising and sector-associated economies. Participants are invited to attend a reception at the Louvre Abu Dhabi on the second night of their stay, and have been encouraged by the organisers of the event to get out and explore all the sights and attractions the capital has to offer.



There are a total of 75 speakers taking part in the summit, including Khalid Al Yahmadi, CEO of Muscat National Development and Investment Company; Simon Allison, chairman and CEO of HOFTEL; Khalid Anib, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Hotels; Ludwig Bouldoukian, regional vice president development for Hyatt; and Ben Dedopulos, regional project director for Marriott Vacations Worldwide, as well as other leading names from the hospitality industry.



Speaking during the first day of the summit, Ali Al Shaiba, acting executive director of the Marketing and Communications Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: We are very proud that the Gulf and Indian Ocean Hotel Investors Summit is now a regular fixture on Abu Dhabis business calendar. Supporting the hospitality sector is one of our major directives here at DCT Abu Dhabi, and this summit shows our serious commitment to the growth of the industry. As worldwide travel and tourism continue to rapidly grow, the hotel industry is continually expanding  particularly in countries in the Indian Ocean region. With this in mind, is extremely important that the hospitality sector invests in innovative, proactive strategies which will drive sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive market.



The programme for the summit features discussions entitled The Gulf and Indian Ocean markets  supply/demand balance is key; Changing investment opportunities as resort and leisure markets mature; Dealing with the oversupply crunch  slash rates to fill, hold out - or just cut costs?; Franchising  is now the time?; Creating a new destination  challenges and lessons to learn. - TradeArabia News Service
 Prez Trump's special guests for his 2019 State of the Union Address suggest he will give significant attention to criminal justice reforms | Main | Jerry Sandusky convictions affirmed on post-conviction review, but resentencing ordered (on a Blakely/Alleyne issue) 

February 5, 2019

"White House Opioid Plan: Recycled War on Drugs?"

The title of this post is the headline of this effective new Crime Report commentary authored by Roman Gressier discussing the recently released National Drug Control Strategy report from the White House Office of Drug Control Policy. I recommend the whole commentary, and here is how it gets started:

With the federal shutdown temporarily at bay, its back-to-school time for the White House, which recently released a drug policy report strikingly reminiscent of former President Reagans Just Say No response to the so-called crack epidemic of the 1980s  and of the hardline rhetoric of the Nixon administration. The National Drug Control Strategy report issued last week by the White House Office of Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) asserts that the current opioid crisis is unprecedented, while seeming to undercut claims by President Trump and his advisers that the Wall is critical to stopping the flow of illicit drugs into the U.S. According to some critics, the report is simplistic. The 20-page report reads like a book report from a student who may or may not have read the book, and who may or may not have wrote his report on the bus ride to school, carped Reason.com. The reports policy priorities will surprise no one who has advocated for focusing policymakers attention on an epidemic held responsible for 130 overdose deaths a day. Reduce the size of the drug-using population through education and prevention programs;

Remove barriers to long-term recovery programs; and

Aggressively reducing the availability of illicit drugs in Americas communities. But it rachets up the rhetoric, noting that the drug crisis our country faces today is unprecedented, warning that it has evolved over the past several decades and has steadily worsened with time, directly affecting every state and county and every socio-economic group.

February 5, 2019 at 10:59 AM | Permalink

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Im curious as to what Doug thinks about the report that California is reducing its pot tax considerably because people are buying on the black market. I remember being told by Doug, and others, that the pot tax would be a considerable boon to tax revenue (a strange advocacy position considering his supposed libertarianism) and that it would end the black market. You know, because prohibition taught us that.

Just like the DP, sentencing deform, and most other crocodile tear positions, the apple we have been sold is wormy and rotten to the core.

Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 5, 2019 12:09:56 PM

Tarls, setting sin taxes at an optimal level  especially with a long standing and persistent black market - is always a very challenging policy balance. It is aggravated by the patchwork of state and local laws in the marijuana space. I do not think I ever suggested moving away from prohibition would be easy. But if you think black markets are harmful, history shows they thrive more in prohibition regimes than in others. So are you for or against a regime that especially fuels a black market?

On the other fronts, I will just note with SotU coming that Prez Trump has fostered the move for sentencing reform and has not reversed the decline of the death penalty (and senator Gardner says he supports marijuana reform). Are you troubled he seems keen on eating from the criminal justice reform apple?

Posted by: Doug B. | Feb 5, 2019 1:19:18 PM

I will add, Tarls, that California's experience in its first year of legalization/sales seems somewhat comparable to what we have seen in some other legalizing states where the move away from black markets starts a bit slowly. I believe tax revenue in Colorado came in below expectations in 2014, but then started exceeding expectations thereafter. This Forbes article from a few months ago, headlined "Cannabis Is A Tax Bonanza For States," talks about some of these issues while making some broader points about economic development in California and elsewhere:

"There have already been 80,000 new jobs created in California because of cannabis sales, producing a $3.5 billion increase in labor income, according to a study by ICF International. And the University of Illinois has found that the taxation and regulation of cannabis could create nearly 24,000 new jobs and generate over $500 million in new revenue for that state. The entire cannabis industry has the potential to create more than 300,000 new jobs by 2020."

As for political theory, my sense is that most libertarians prefer user taxes to other forms of taxation (though I will readily admit that my libertarian leanings can become faint-hearted in this context and many others).

That all said about taxes, I do not want to push back too hard on your concerns about how marijuana reform is being sold by some overly ardent advocates. I still cringe when some suggest marijuana reform will be sure to usher in some kind of utopian nirvana. There are all sort of societal harms as well as benefits that flow from legal and commercialized alcohol (including some bad SuperBowl commercials), and the same is surely true regarding marijuana. But I still generally prefer, for philosophical reasons and well as practical ones, a move away from prohibition regimes that have proven harmful over time to explore other possibilities as we are now doing with marijuana.

Posted by: Doug B. | Feb 5, 2019 2:16:38 PM

I am sorry, Doug, but we were not sold a challenging policy balance. We were sold Big Rock Candy Mountain, where the railroad bulls are blind, theres a lake of stew, and whiskey too. The tax income is not there as promised, the same problem that we have always had when people advocate for new taxes. Peoples behavior changes to avoid them. In this case, a black market. I suspect the advocates knew this, as you are far from dumb and just as you like to use prohibition as an example, you could just as easily have used cigarettes where there is still a robust black market and people going to the rez for taxless smokes. This is for a product that has not even been banned. That money was never going to come at the level promised and you knew it. It was never going to cover all of the rehab programs nor even be used for it in any great amount. General fund and then spent on another stupid project like high speed trains.

I am troubled by Trump (who I didnt vote for) , Gardner, et al., and what I believe is a cynical attempt to gain more of the minority vote rather than what works. Ill take Cotton any day. It hasnt helped California and to continue the musical reference, we are reaching the point where all the cops all have wooden legs...the jails are made of tin, and you can walk right out again.

Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 5, 2019 2:21:18 PM

Tarls, I know California voted down adult use marijuana in 2010 and then voted for it in 2016. Sorry to hear that the political rhetoric was deceptive in your view, but it seems the state still may have collected around $400 million in taxes in 2018, and I would predict it collects more in 2019. I would like to see a lot more of that money devoted to CJ reform in the state (I have written an article on the topic: "Leveraging Marijuana Reform to Enhance Expungement Practices"), but few folks listen to how I want to spend money.

It seems you may be advocating lower taxes on cigarettes and marijuana in order to combat the black market. I agree that high taxes create incentives for black markets, but prohibition appears to make black markets worse. And, I think marijuana policy need to deal with a lot complicated issues, not just seeking to eliminate the black market.

I am not surprised to hear you are a Cotton fan. Maybe you can talk him into giving Prez Trump a primary challenge.

Posted by: Doug B. | Feb 5, 2019 5:46:27 PM

Post a comment
 "18 U.S.C.  3553(a)s Undervalued Sentencing Command: Providing a Federal Criminal Defendant with Rehabilitation, Training, and Treatment in 'the Most Effective Manner'" | Main | "White House Opioid Plan: Recycled War on Drugs?" 

February 4, 2019

Prez Trump's special guests for his 2019 State of the Union Address suggest he will give significant attention to criminal justice reforms

This new White House release details a baker's dozen list of "the special guests who will join the President and First Lady at the U.S. Capitol when President Donald J. Trump delivers the second State of the Union Address of his presidency." Here are two names on the list that should be familiar to regular readers of this blog:

Matthew Charles Matthew Charless life is a story of redemption. In 1996, he was sentenced to 35 years in prison for selling crack cocaine and other related offenses. While in prison, Matthew found God, completed more than 30 bible studies, became a law clerk, taught GED classes, and mentored fellow inmates. On January 3, 2019, Matthew was the first prisoner released as a result of the First Step Act.... Alice Johnson President Trump granted Alice Johnson clemency on June 6, 2018. Alice had been serving a mandatory life sentence without parole for charges associated with a nonviolent drug case. During her nearly 22 years of incarceration, Alice accomplished what has been called an extraordinary rehabilitation. After her release, she was overjoyed to be reunited with her family. She has now dedicated her life to helping those who are in a similar position as she was and giving a voice to the criminal justice reform movement.

I am so very pleased that Matthew Charles and Alice Johnson will have the opportunity to attend the State of the Union and in so doing will provide such a positive and importance face for criminal justice reform efforts. I am also hoping (though not really expecting) that Prez Trump might talk about clemency activity (and reform to the clemency process) and further reform of mandatory-minimum sentences (including retroactive application of recent reforms) as potential next steps for his administration and as important agenda items for the new Congress.

Prior related post:

February 4, 2019 at 08:24 PM | Permalink

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 Litigation update on Alabama death row prisoner denied Muslim spiritual adviser for upcoming execution | Main | "18 U.S.C.  3553(a)s Undervalued Sentencing Command: Providing a Federal Criminal Defendant with Rehabilitation, Training, and Treatment in 'the Most Effective Manner'" 

LawProf Alexandra Natapoff has a terrific new book titled Punishment Without Crime: How Our Massive Misdemeanor System Traps the Innocent and Makes America More Unequal, and you can read part of the book's introduction here at the publisher's website. And over the weekend the New York Post published this commentary penned by Natapoff under the headlined "How a simple misdemeanor could land you in jail for months." Here are excerpts:

Just before Christmas, Janice Dotson-Stephens died in a San Antonio jail. The 61-year-old grandmother had been arrested for trespassing, a class B misdemeanor in Texas. She couldnt afford the $300 bail, and a mere $30 payment to a bail bondsman would have let her out. She stayed in jail for nearly five months, waiting for her case to be handled, before she died. Her family has sued, and an independent agency is currently investigating the cause of her death. This is how the American misdemeanor system quietly and carelessly ruins millions of lives.

Dotson-Stephens was a victim of a vast misdemeanor machinery that routinely and thoughtlessly locks up millions of people every year. America is already infamous for mass incarceration  with 1.5 million state and federal prisoners, we put more people in prison than any other country on the planet. But nearly 11 million people pass through over 3,000 US jails every year, according to a 2016 report by the Department of Justice. On any given day, there are approximately 700,000 people in jail. One-quarter of them are there for misdemeanor offenses; the majority of them, like Dotson-Stephens, have not been convicted of anything and are therefore presumed innocent.

Given the minor nature of most misdemeanors, it is shocking how often they send people to jail. Amazingly, people routinely get locked up when they are arrested for petty offenses even if they could not be sentenced to jail for the offense itself.

Albert Florence was arrested in New Jersey for failing to pay an outstanding civil fine, a transgression for which he could not have been incarcerated. Nevertheless, he spent six days in jail where officials strip-searched him twice, inspected his genitals and subjected him to a delousing shower. Turns out it was a mistake  Mr. Florence had paid the fine years before but the statewide database had not been updated. Was this legal? It was. When the US Supreme Court heard Florences case in October 2011 in Florence v. Board of Chosen Freeholders of County of Burlington, it decided in April 2012 that the strip searches were constitutional.

The most common punishment for a misdemeanor conviction is probation and a fine, but jail remains routine. In Richmond, Virginia, Robert Taylor, an indigent veteran, was sentenced to 20 days in jail for driving on a license that been suspended multiple times because he could not afford to pay traffic court fines. In Beaufort County, South Carolina, a homeless man spent 30 days in jail and was sentenced to time served for the charge of trespassing at a McDonalds.

Poverty isnt a crime, but the misdemeanor machinery often treats it like one, incarcerating people solely because they cannot afford to pay a fine or fee. In Augusta, Georgia, Tom Barrett was homeless, living off food stamps and the money he earned from selling his blood plasma. He was caught stealing a $2 can of beer. He couldnt afford the $50 fee to apply for a public defender, so he represented himself, pleaded guilty and was placed on probation. As part of that probation, he was required to pay over $400 in fines and fees every month. When he couldnt, he was sentenced to 12 months in jail. I should not have taken that beer. I was dead wrong, says Barrett. But to spend 12 months in jail  it didnt seem right....

The misdemeanor system is enormous. Thirteen million misdemeanor cases are filed every year  thats 80 percent of state criminal dockets. This is how the American criminal system works most of the time for most people. And its tendency to incarcerate affects millions of families  over 400,000 children have a parent in jail....

The misdemeanor phenomenon has been largely overlooked, overshadowed by the sheer harshness of its felony counterpart. And some of that is fair enough. Thirty-year drug sentences, solitary confinement and the death penalty do indeed make misdemeanor punishments seem petty. But make no mistake, they are not lenient. People are being stripped of their liberty and their money. If we really want to roll back mass incarceration and improve our criminal system, we need to shrink the massive misdemeanor pipeline and break its expensive and destructive habit of putting people in jail with so little justification.
" " Wochit news YouTube screenshot Many cities in China are trying a novel approach to deal with the problem of food waste: cockroaches. This is a shelf of cockroaches at Shandong Qiaobin Agricultural Technology Co., in Jinan, China.

The world has a big trash problem. Growing urban populations make more waste than landfills can handle. One type of trash  food waste  produces a lot of methane, a far worse greenhouse gas than carbon monoxide (CO). Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, which fuels global warming. Some food waste had been used as pig feed, but the practice was banned after several outbreaks of African swine fever.

Shandong Qiaobin Agricultural Technology Company, in Jinan, China, has an answer to the overflow. The company's plant houses a billion cockroaches that eat their way through 50 tons (45 metric tons) of food scraps a day, a daily mountain of garbage otherwise headed for the landfill.

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The food waste is collected from restaurants, and any plastic, glass or metal is removed. The remainder is blended into mush and piped into the building. Inside, roaches thrive in the warm, humid and dark environment and on a never-ending garbage buffet.

Cockroaches happily make more cockroaches in this optimal environment  a truly renewable resource powered by table scraps. The bugs are also a good protein sources for pigs and other livestock, so when roaches "buy the farm," they're ground into food for farm animals. The company plans to open three new plants in 2019 with the goal of handling a third of Jinan's food waste.

Other cockroach farms are popping up around the country. The biggest is pharmaceutical company Gooddoctor, which breeds 6 billion adult roaches a year  the largest colony of cockroaches ever. Crushed roaches are the main ingredient in the company's popular healing potion sold to more than 4,000 hospitals nationwide.

Good for waste disposal, good for business, but what if all those roaches somehow got out? In 2013, at least a million escaped when a farm was vandalized. Authorities from the local board of health performed a large-scale disinfection while urging residents to stay calm. For many, easier said than done.

Now That's Interesting Cockroaches can live a week without a head. They can hold their breath for 40 minutes and run up to 3 miles an hour (5 kilometers per hour). They would be superheroes if they weren't so disgusting.
Emirates Post will issue a commemorative stamp to mark The Human Fraternity Meeting held in the capital, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.



The meeting was held in the presence of Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, and Grand Imam Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb Sheikh Al-Azhar.



The commemorative stamp, decorated with the picture of the two prominent religious figures, Pope Francis and Grand Imam Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb, reflects the values of the UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and demonstrates the supreme humanitarian message of the UAE and its keenness to promote interfaith dialogue and the solidification of good and peace throughout the world, said a statement.



Abdulla Mohammed Al Ashram, acting group chief executive of Emirates Post Group, emphasised how The Human Fraternity coincides with the UAEs announcement of 2019 as the Year of Tolerance.



This historic meeting also highlights the UAEs rich diversity as a country in which more than 200 nationalities from different religions, ethnicities and faiths live in harmony.



Al Ashram said: The historic visit of Pope Francis and the Grand Imam Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb spreads a message of love, tolerance and peace around the world and aims to establish our homeland as the global capital for tolerance and coexistence.



We are proud to issue this commemorative stamp as a testimony of this visit and to show our pride in our nations experience and long legacy of peaceful coexistence. We aim to highlight its efforts to build bridges of communication and harmony amongst different religions, creeds and races, to promote world peace and tolerance, he added.



The commemorative stamp will be available at all Central Customer Happiness Centers across the UAE for Dh3 ($0.82) by February 7.  TradeArabia News Service
Education Reporter

Mathew Burciaga is a Santa Maria Times reporter who covers education, agriculture and public safety. Prior to joining the Times, Mathew ran a 114-year-old community newspaper in Wyoming. He owns more than 40 pairs of crazy socks from across the globe.
Plagued by another run of bank bailouts and simmering tensions between the partners in its ruling coalition, Italy's brief reprieve following the detente between its populist rulers and angry bureaucrats in Brussels is already beginning to fade. As Bloomberg reminded us on Monday, Italy's $1.7 trillion pile of public debt - the third largest sovereign debt pool in Europe - is threatening to set off a chain reaction that could hammer banks from Rome, to Madrid, to Frankfurt - and beyond.

Just the mention of the precarity of Italian debt markets "can induce a shudder of financial fear like no other" in bureaucrats and businessmen alike - particularly after Italy's economy slid into a recession during Q4.

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While much of Italy's debt burden is held by its banks and private citizens, lenders outside of Italy are holding some 425 billion euros ($486 billion) in public and private debt.

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The Bloomberg analysis of Italy's financial foibles follows more reports that Italy's ruling coalition between the anti-immigrant, pro-business League and the vaguely left-wing populist Five-Star Movement has become increasingly strained. Per BBG, the two parties are fighting a battle on two fronts over the construction of a high-speed Alpine rail and a legal case involving League leader Matteo Salvini over his refusal to let the Dicotti migrant ship to dock in an Italian port last summer.

After M5S intimated that it could support the investigation, the League warned that such a move would be tantamount to "blackmail" against Salvini, whose lieutenants have been pushing for him to take advantage of the party's rising poll numbers and push for early elections later this year. However, Salvini has rebuffed these demands, warning that there's nothing stopping Italian President Sergio Mattarella from calling for a new coalition instead of new elections.

On the other hand, the League is growing increasingly weary of the "Citizens' Income", one of the boldest proposals included in Italy's 2019 budget, which calls for a guaranteed subsidy for all Italians under the poverty line, provided they can prove they are looking for work.

On Monday, Luigi Di Maio and Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte presented the first of the cards that will carry the income during a ceremony that Salvini decided to skip, according to BBG. As many as 5 million Italians could be eligible for the microchip-embedded cards.

"Well be injecting 8 billion euros ($9.2 billion) into the real economy every year - people will be able to spend those 8 billion," Di Maio said, at one point channeling Albert Einstein, saying those who claim something is impossible should leave those who are actually doing it alone. Related: Musk Takes To Twitter To Remind The World Of Teslas Purpose However, the plan has irked business owners, who constitute some of the League's most reliable supporters. Circling back to the threat posed by Italian debt, BBG's analysis showed that French banks are the most exposed, as BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole own retail banking units in Italy.

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To keep operating without massive budget cuts (something neither party in the ruling coalition has shown any sign of supporting) Italy must sell 400 billion euros ($457 billion) of debt per year. But since Italy's banks hold so much of the country's debt, declines in the price of Italian bonds inevitably hurts the shares of Italian banks and also forces them to hold more capital on their books to ensure liquidity from the ECB. This creates the potential for a negative feedback loop known as the "doom loop".

Related: Amazon Slips After Underwhelming Earnings Report

Put another way, "a government crisis could drag down the banking system or a banking crisis could suck in the government."

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And while NPLs held by Italian banks have declined in recent years (as no fewer than seven Italian banks have required bailouts in the past three years)...

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...A genuine crisis would exhaust the lending capacity of the European Stability Mechanism (some 410 billion euros or $470 billion) in just a year. With ECB President Mario Draghi set to depart later this year, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel's power on the wane, if the populists don't manage to generate the economic growth that they have argued will be unleashed by their stimulus programs, it's not outside the realm of possibility that the crisis that tears apart the EU and eurozone is centered in Rome.

By Zerohedge.com

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Boasting one of the most gung-ho financial marketplaces, the world of cryptocurrency trading is rife with all manner of scams with unwitting investors already having lost billions of dollars. While most investors think about hacking schemes, now theyll be thinking about exit scamsand what happens when the owner of an exchange just disappears, or dies, and takes its clients money with them to the grave.

Thousands of Canadian investors have just had a rude awakening to this side of the crypto arena. In a rather bizarre incident, an estimated 90,000+ investors in Canadas largest cryptocurrency exchange, QuadrigaCX, have been left without recourse after the CEO and owner, Gerald Cotten, passed away and took his passwords with him. Related: U.S. Stocks See Strongest January In Decades

That much came to light on January 31 after the deceaseds widow, Jennifer Robertson, filed for creditor protection from the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. Robertson testified that most of the companys funds, estimated at $250M CAD (about USD $190M) in fiat and digital tokens, were locked away in an online blackhole after her husband secured the funds in an encrypted cold wallet than only he knew how to access. Cotten allegedly succumbed to Crohns disease and passed away last December while on a humanitarian mission in India.

Digging deeper

While nobody has yet come out and openly declared this latest incident as another exit scam, it still leaves quite a lot to be desired. First off, it casts a dark cloud over a huge exchange given that Cotten apparently had no insurance cover for client funds despite the fact that some prominent companies now provide cover for digital assets.

But more importantly, how such a large operation became a one-man show is difficult to fathom.

According to Robertsons affidavit, Cotten took sole responsibility for managing the exchange despite a group of directors having played an oversight role. Crypto funds are usually managed using private keys, meaning that funds can be lost if the owner disappears without divulging the details to another party. According to the affidavit, Cotten kept his passwords in an encrypted laptop and an encrypted USB drive, neither of which can currently be accessed.

Related: Amazon Slips After Underwhelming Earnings Report

Another disturbing revelation was that Cotten signed his will on Nov. 27 just days before his demise on Dec. 9, leaving several provisions such as $100,000 for the care of his pet chihuahuas, yet no instructions for retrieving customer funds in the event of his death.

But perhaps most damning of all is the story doing rounds on social media platforms that Quadrigas alleged co-founder, Michael Patryn, is in reality a convicted felon whose real name is Omar Dhananian individual who allegedly served jail-time for online identity theft.

Is Bakkt the answer?

The grim saga is a clear demonstration of some of the pitfalls of the crypto and blockchain industry. While blockchain technology helps promote accountability and transparency, it also allows entities to operate anonymously with little or no legal oversight.

Maybe wary investors should take a cue from JPMorgan, which recently declared that the only way it would test the crypto market was through the newly-minted institutionally-backed crypto exchange, Bakkt.

"Bakkt is the only place wed approach Bitcoin and the crypto space. Any and all other set ups just dont rise to the legal standard that is acceptable risk for us. Bakkt is the only place that passes that test. Whether we are there as soon as the door opens, or window shop for a few months, it is the only name we are considering in terms of client funds finding their way into crypto."

Bakkt is an exchange that was created through a partnership by tech and industry giants including Microsoft, Starbucks and Intercontinental Exchange. Bakkt could hit the ground running judging by the amount of institutional enthusiasm and wherewithal behind it.

By Alex Kimani for Safehaven.com

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"Families can easily access groceries and clothing in one trip," Burckhard-McKenna said.

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In response to their students' needs, many local schools already maintain a supply of food, deodorant, winter coats and other items, but the Regifting Store is more extensive, said Katy Urban, RCAS public information manager.

Burckhard-McKenna said the Regifting Store will be a resource for anyone in Rapid City and the surrounding area who needs assistance, such as senior citizens or college students with limited finances. The store will also be available to aid families who need to replace basic essentials after an emergency, such as a house fire, she said.

The Regifting Store is possible because of donations from the community and the support of local businesses and organizations. JC Penney donated hangers. Safeway provided a grocery cart people can use to transport items to their vehicles. The Clothes Mentor, Once Upon a Child and Plato's Closet have offered to donate clothing, and The Hope Center will pass along donations it is unable to use. Currently, Burckhard-McKenna said, she has so many donations in storage that she will not be able to accept more until March.
Officials will be in Rapid City this weekend during the Black Hills Sport Show & Outdoor Expo to encourage parents to register their kids in a child-identification program.

SDCHIP generates packages of various identifying items of children for parents or guardians. The information includes dental impressions, a DNA cheek swab, digital still photo, fingerprints and a video-image interview.

The South Dakota Child Identification Program is part of MASONICHIP, an initiative of the Masons of North America. Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg calls it a comprehensive child-identification program designed to assist in the event that a child becomes missing.

The event is from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.

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A former Rapid City priest admitted in state court Tuesday to sexually touching a 13-year-old girl last year.

John Praveen, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of having sexual contact with a child under the age of 16. He said he touched the girl's breasts above her clothes in Rapid City on Sept. 28 in order to create sexual gratification.

As part of the plea deal, the prosecution will drop another count that alleged that Praveen engaged in sexual contact with the girl on Sept. 3, said John Murphy, Praveen's lawyer. Praveen has agreed not to ask for a suspended imposition of sentence, which, if granted, would erase his conviction from the public.

The prosecution has also agreed to ask Praveen to be sentenced to local jail time and probation, not prison, Murphy said. People can be sentenced to jail for up to a year.

Judge Robert Mandel warned Praveen that he has the right to sentence him up to 15 years in prison for his crime, and if he deviates from the prosecution's recommendation, Praveen can't take back his plea deal.

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Mandel also said that Praveen's visa may be impacted by the guilty plea, and he could be deported back to India, where he is from.
Their son became an artist, and Erik has other tattoos designed by family members, including a floral armband by Warner.

Duxbury has 10 or 11 tattoos that capture key passions in her life, she said. If she still wants a tattoo after a year's wait, Duxbury gets it, knowing her interests will change.

"It shows where I was at that time in my life," she said. "My body is an archive."

She got her tattoo of St. George last year at a legacy tattoo parlor in Jerusalem. The same family has run the shop since the 1300s, she said.

Some of her other tattoos were done in Little Falls.

Warner and Duxbury don't have a set idea of who they'll hear from or how many tattoos they'll catalog. Warner would like a range of regular people.

One person asked Warner if a tattoo memorializing a family member would be historic enough.

"History is all of us," she said.

The Morrison County Historical Society has its roots in telling the stories of ordinary people during the Great Depression, Warner said.
In response to Ruth Johnsons letter to the editor (Jan. 13) titled "But atheists dont pray."

I will agree we don't pray to a fictitious God or Gods. But she also stated the gentleman in question had no right to an invocation in the state Senate. I disagree. The root of invocation -- invoke -- means: To ask solemnly for, to beg or implore. To implore means to beg for earnestly or to beseech.

Do any of these definitions say anything about it being strictly a prayer?

She began to rant about atheists and murder, Satanism,and other degenerative activities. I became angry at first, but realized she cannot see we don't threaten her or her beliefs.

I am an offspring of a Christian mother and an atheist father. He was kind and stern but with a mind that was always learning and questioning. My mother loved him completely and with all her heart, and kept her own faith strongly rooted.

To my knowledge, my father never killed anyone outside of World War II, nor cheated on my mother and never worshiped the devil. He did, however, help people in need and helped his children when they needed it.
And in an era when people are being asked for their "papers" in cars, on buses and trains, and at checkpoints far from the border, it's easy to imagine that many people -- even legal immigrants and U.S.-born citizens, who have, yes, been hauled into custody on suspicion of being undocumented -- would be quite wary of strangers purporting to be from the government asking all kinds of questions about their lives. That goes double for mixed-status immigrant families.

Supposing that the citizenship question is successfully kept off the 2020 census questionnaire, the cat's pretty much already out of the bag.

"We already have a well-documented undercount of certain population groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, persons without a stable residence or in multiple-family homes, and young children," said Julie Dowling, a University of Illinois Latina/Latino studies professor, in an April 2018 interview on the university's blog. Dowling wrote about how people respond to race and ethnicity questions on the census in her 2014 book, "Mexican Americans and the Question of Race."
The sixth annual Best m-Government Service Award of the World Government Summit (WGS 2019) has received a record 4,646 entries from 87 countries.



The submissions included apps that seek to address a host of pressing issues facing governments with the aim of improving the lives of global citizens in the future. Furthermore, the GovTech initiative will see the UAE host the $100,000 GovHack Series  and the final at that  for the first time, with the winning start-up innovation announced on the last day at the summit.



Organized annually in line with the smart government vision of High Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the GovTech Prize seeks to motivate government entities, startups and students around the world to pioneer technological solutions to common global challenges.



A part of the upcoming seventh edition of the World Government Summit (WGS 2019), set to run at Madinat Jumeirah from February 10 to 12, the overarching GovTech Prize initiative will host the Best m-Government Service Award and the big prize money GovHack Series final.



The Best m-Government Service Award aims to encourage government institutions to provide innovative solutions through smartphone apps. Submissions fall into seven categories, each seeking to address a specific digital challenge faced by governments. The categories include: Data-driven Apps, Harnessing Smart Technology, Public Empowerment, Gamification, Innovative Service, Public Private Partnership and Accessible Government. This years categories have been developed in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).



In its sixth edition, this years Best m-Government Service Award has attracted a record number of submissions  4,646 from 87 countries. The smartphone apps entered for consideration include a range of creative technological solutions to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), accountability-building platforms that empower citizens to combat corruption, and performance management programs that standardize municipal reporting and service tracking. Altogether, the submissions demonstrate how investments in emerging technologies enables governments to provide better, smarter, and more integrated services that improve citizens lives.



Mohammad Bin Taliah, assistant director general for Government Services Sector at the Prime Ministers Office in the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, said: Harnessing technological innovation is essential to develop better methods of tackling the challenges that will arise in our shared future. Every year, the GovTech Prize recognizes the best smart government initiatives as part of the UAEs global mission to contribute to positive and inclusive change in our world through supporting innovation.



$100,000 GovHack Prize Money



This year is also a groundbreaking year for the GovHack Series: it will mark the first time the event has been hosted in the UAE. Running from July 2018 through January 2019, the GovHack Series is a worldwide event hosted across five cities, where start-up participants solve issues that face governments worldwide with innovative start-up ideas. The various fields they seek to address include: governance and resilience, economy and society, environment and health, and future and progress. Participating teams must come up with innovative solutions to help governments better serve their citizens.



At each stop of the event, a winner for each category is announced and receives a $10,000 cash prize and a qualifying spot for the final, which is being hosted at WGS this year.



The winning teams from each leg of the competition then convene at WGS, where their winning innovations will be incubated at Dubais Area 2071. A grand winner will be announced at the event and receive a $100,000 prize.



The unique international competition covers Washington DC, Berlin, London, Santiago, New Delhi, with the aim being that the innovation produced in each city should be implementable within the host city.



With the aim of identifying the most impactful technological solutions developed by top-tier local technology startups that can help governments better serve their citizens as they prepare for the future, the GovHack Series brings together technology pioneers and government officials to promote creative collaboration, dynamic thinking, and technological advancement.



The hackathon attracts some of the best talent in the world  including established programmers, software developers, tech entrepreneurs, and university students  to solve the most critical problems of today. It puts top tech thinkers at the center of the push for future-ready ideas that generate shared public value.



Bin Taliah added: The practical, real-world, solution-oriented character of each category of the GovTech Prize makes the award stand out for its timely contribution to resolving some of the most pervasive challenges facing humanity. As the pace of globalization and technological progress accelerates, the need to find smart solutions to our shared problems has never been greater. While smart technology is becoming increasingly integrated in the everyday lives of global citizens through mobiles, tablets, laptops, watches, and other gadgets, people in impoverished communities still struggle to satisfy their basic needs and human rights.



The GovTech Prize seeks to bridge the gap between government decision makers and technology pioneers to encourage critical capability development and leverage new technologies to strengthen our communities. Core to its mission, the Prize rewards collaboration and creative ideas to ensure opportunities for innovation are identified and technology is utilized for the greatest social impact.



The World Government Summit 2019 is set to convene more than 4,000 participants from 140 countries, including heads of state and governments, as well as top-tier representatives of 30 international organizations.  TradeArabia News Service
A Fulton, Illinois, man remained in the Clinton County Jail Monday after police say he fired three shots into the home of a Clinton woman.

Merle Dean Stage, 56, last known address in the 1600 block of Ebson Road, was charged Friday with attempted murder, intimidation with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon.

At 10:37 p.m. Jan. 29, Clinton police officers were dispatched to the 400 block of 7th Avenue South.

The woman showed officers text messages she had received from Stage that threatened to hurt her and kill her, according to an arrest affidavit.

She told police she was lying on her bed when she heard three shots and saw debris falling from the walls. An officer found a bullet in the wall above the womans bed and another on the floor, two holes in the wall where the bullets entered the home, and two used 9mm casings and a cigarette butt on top of the snow in an alley outside the apartment.

A neighbor told officers she heard two explosions and saw a black 1965 Chevy Impala when she looked out her window. She said she has seen Stage at the building in that car in the past.
The leader of the bi-state chamber, president and CEO Paul Rumler said raising Illinois' statewide minimum wage would hurt regions like the Quad-Cities that share state borders. He argued Illinois businesses could be enticed to move to the Iowa side to avoid high payroll costs. Employees in Iowa  where the minimum wage remains at $7.25  may cross state lines to earn higher wages.

There are very few areas throughout the state that would feel the impact of this like we would because were a bi-state region, Power said. Its going to have a huge impact on the Iowa side. We could see businesses close Illinois locations and move directly to Iowa. Or they could move outside of the entire region and take those jobs and revenue with them due to the disparity of minimum wage between the two states.

Rumler argued the "shift of corporate income, property and sales tax dollars could undercut the Illinois Quad-Cities economy."

"As the regional business voice serving the entire bi-state Quad-Cities region, the Chamber is committed to working with our local elected officials and leaders across the state to finding a solution that is equitable for both businesses and the workforce they employ  without forever changing the underpinnings of our regional economy," Rumler said in a news release.
With the nations longest-ever government shutdown now relegated to history, Congress must focus on actually fixing our broken immigration system.

That does not mean building an ineffectual wall on the United States southern border, a costly and mostly symbolic measure that lacks broad political support. Six Senate Republicans proved as much last Thursday, when they voted for a Democratic plan to reopen the government that omitted money for the presidents wall.

In the process, those senators made it clear that a physical barrier should not be the political centerpiece of U.S. immigration policy going forward.

Instead, this should be an opportunity for Congress to dust off the bipartisan immigration proposals of the past and improve on them. Ultimately, comprehensive immigration reform must include a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million people living in the country without legal permission.

In particular, people brought to the country illegally as children -- commonly known as Dreamers -- need more than an extra few months of assurance that they wont be deported. The president should also abandon attempts to clamp down further on asylum-seekers, something he floated in the waning days of the partial government shutdown.
Of all the crackpots on social media, is any more untethered to reality than the president of the United States?

Seriously, there are tinfoil-hatted lunatics yelling on street corners who make more sense than President Trump's increasingly loopy Twitter feed. Most mornings, and some evenings, the most powerful man in the world rants and raves like someone you'd urgently tell the gate agent about if you were waiting to board the same airplane. This is not normal. This is alarming.

I know, there's a school of thought that says Trump's tweets are nothing but weapons of mass distraction and should be ignored. But if you want to know the administration's policy on just about anything, what other reliable source is there? Surely not press secretary Sarah Sanders and the other White House mouthpieces, whose main job is to invent "evidence" to back up Trump's misstatements, distortions and pants-on-fire lies.
My first thought upon hearing about the current measles outbreak in the Pacific Northwest was to wonder if Washington and Oregon are among the 18 states that allow parents to get waivers for their kids mandatory school vaccinations on account of their personal beliefs.

The outbreak has sickened at least 35 people so far around Vancouver, Wash., and Portland, Ore.

You may recall that California allowed such exemptions until just a few years ago.

A serious outbreak at Disneyland in 2014 woke lawmakers to the fact that the personal belief exemption had been allowing childhood immunization rates to decline to dangerous levels.

They ended that exemption not long after and vaccination rates quickly started rising to safer levels. Phew.

And, yup, turns out that both Washington and Oregon have laws that allow parents to opt out of the vaccination requirement if they have a philosophical or religious objection. Most of the kids sickened had not receive the vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella that is a standard requirement for kids entering public school.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency last Friday.
Lemon said the county was going to get sued and the taxpayers were going to pay for the defense. He said trading the deed back to the county was just trading paper back and forth.

"Don't lose hope now," Lemon said. "Now is the time for you to do what the other side is doing; dig in your heels, take a principled position and lobby the people on your board to have the wisdom you have about this issue."

Simmer said the idea of doing something with the buildings was shot down six years ago when he first joined the board. He said Judge Braud had been a thorn in the side but he was "done" with the courthouse issue.

"If they want to do this and fight us and we lose, it's still coming down," Simmer said. "If they want to do this and they win, it's going to cost you, what did they say, $12 (million), $15 million, $21 million I have heard one time, whatever it's going to cost to fix it? After that it's going to cost another $10 million, whatever you want to spend on it, it's going to cost you, you decide as a group what you want to spend."

Simmer said the county was trying to be responsible, and the board was talking a lot more across the aisle and not as much of the "do as we damn well please" as in the past. However, he said that both sides concede that the county does not have the money to fix it.

"They decided to stop spending money on it back in 1958," Simmer said. "We are strung out  we are strung out far  and you know we are broke."

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Wapello schools, early dismissal 2 hours

Western Illinois University (Macomb and Quad-Cities campuses), University weather advisory has been issued for both campuses from 1 p.m. until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

At this time, both campuses will remain open and classes will be held.

According to University policy, if an advisory is issued due to weather and students consider travel to campus unsafe, they should arrange with faculty to complete academic course requirements missed during the time of the advisory.

Groups and organizations

The German American Heritage Center annual meeting has been postponed and rescheduled for 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., February 12, because of the weather.

Tonight's Scott County Planning and Zoning meeting has been postponed due to the weather. The meeting is postponed until 7 p.m., February 19.

The Davenport Management Update and Mayor/Council Discussion is canceled along with the 5th Ward meeting with Alderwoman Rita Rawson.
EDGINGTON  Rock Island County farmer Tom Mueller of rural Edgington will be the guest of Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Moline, for President Donald Trump's State of the Union address tonight.

Mueller began farming in 1972 and grows corn, soybeans and hay and raises beef cattle on 750 acres in southern Rock Island County. He and his wife, Debbie, live on the same family farm where his father and grandfather farmed.

"Times are tough for farmers right now," Mueller said in a release from Bustos' office. "It's more important than ever that our leadership in Washington walks in our shoes and understands the challenges ag producers face.

Mueller is District 3 director of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, representing Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Henderson, Knox and Warren counties. He said Bustos "always had our backs" but that trade policies from the White House "seriously threaten the future of family farms like mine.

"We need commonsense trade policies that open markets for farmers, but Im afraid the presidents trade war has lost markets for us long term," Mueller said. "Im concerned for farmers across Illinois, and I hope he addresses this issue in his State of the Union Address."

Mueller also is chairman of the St. Matthew Lutheran Church Board, works with the Quad City Parrotheads and is a member of the Rockridge Gourmet and Wine Club. He and his wife have two grown sons.

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Laboratory automation, which involves the use of technologies such as robotic devices to achieve greater efficiencies when carrying out diagnostic testing on humans, has emerged as a major trend at ongoing Medlab 2019, being held in Dubai, UAE.



Medlab 2019, the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) regions largest medical laboratory exhibition and congress, which opened yesterday (February 4) will run until February 7, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.



The event welcomed more than 19,610 medical laboratory industry professionals as well as 678 exhibiting companies from 51 countries and 15 international country pavilions over the four days of the showcase, said a statement from the organisers.



With over 70 per cent of a physicians clinical decisions said to be influenced by laboratory test results, diagnostic tests are an essential link in the healthcare chain.



As such, clinical laboratory automation plays a major role in reducing avoidable human error and diagnosis delays as well as improving turnaround time, increasing productivity, effectively utilising resources and enhancing patient safety.



Dr Shakoor Malik, chief scientific officer, Pure Health, said: Automation has moved from nice-to-have for large reference laboratories to must-have for any clinical laboratory - automation, robotics and laboratory information systems are dominating the industry, which in return leads to quick and independent sample testing and reporting with reduction in operational costs.



The global clinical laboratory industry was worth $180 billion to $210 billion in 2017 and is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6 per cent to 8 per cent till 2025. As more and more money is being spent on introducing newer technologies in the clinical laboratory, automation is expected to present several benefits including improving resourcing and enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of laboratory operations.



Denis Andrieu, vice-president, commercial operations, bioMerieux, said: It is very crucial to have automation in medical laboratories. There could be many advantages to acquiring advanced technology.



This perhaps will address current challenges, such as, but not limited to, scarcity of having skilled lab technicians working 24/7 and the necessity to provide high-calibre quality results in terms of traceability, work standardisation and reliability, he added.



In addition to the exhibition, Medlab 2019 also provides an important platform for scientific exchange by bringing together more than 6,700 conference delegates and more than 110 speakers from 25 countries, in an effort to provide advanced medical laboratory techniques for better health.



While the challenges and effects of total laboratory automation was a major theme throughout the first day of the Congress, today (February 5), delegates had the chance to attend the Immunology Conference which took place at Medlab for the first time. The conference provided a space for discussion on the latest trends and important issues concerning the widespread utilisation of immunological techniques for healthcare advancement.



Over the remainder of the congress (February 6 and 7), delegates are able to attend a number of CME-accredited multi-disciplinary conferences covering topics such as microbiology, molecular diagnostics & genetics, laboratory informatics, haematology and blood transfusion, point of care testing (POCT) and cytogenetics & IVF.



The event is organised by Informa Exhibitions - Healthcare and is officially supported by the UAE Ministry of Health, Government of Dubai, Dubai Health Authority, Health Authority Abu Dhabi, Dubai Healthcare City Authority, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
GENESEO  Three Chicago residents, who allegedly passed counterfeit $100 bills at Culver's restaurant in Geneseo, will see their charges move forward in Henry County Circuit Court.

Kamaya A. Jones, 21, and Ashanti L. Jones, 23, were charged Jan. 24 with two counts of Class 3 felony forgery, and Lee O. Cole, 22, was charged with one count of forgery.

During Monday's preliminary hearing, Sgt. Ben Sleaford of the Geneseo Police Department testified that Culver's employees called police on Jan. 23 stating two female customers had tried to pass a fake $100 bill. He said they had been riding in a small silver Chevy sedan with heavy rear-end damage. A search of the vehicle yielded a backpack with counterfeit currency and identification for Ashanti Jones in a wallet.

Sleaford said a search warrant served on the vehicle at the police department led to the detection of eight counterfeit $100 bills and two bags of cannabis as well as Save-A-Lot receipts. He said Kewanee police were working on a Save-A-Lot case.

Both women advised they were aware the bills were counterfeit, according to Sleaford, who said Cole invoked his right to counsel. He said police detected a hidden compartment behind the glove box with the counterfeit bills in it, and Cole was one of two names on the vehicle title.
SPRINGFIELD  Farmers should expect a survey in the mail soon as the U.S. Department of Agriculture works to measure nutrient management practices.

The USDAs National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting a survey of more than 1,000 Illinois farmers for the Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council to measure management practices, including cover crops, fertilizer application timing, methods of determining nitrogen application rates, wood chip bioreactors, constructed wetlands and saturated buffers.

NASS intended to mail the surveys in early January, but the federal government shutdown caused a delay. One month after the first mailing, NASS will mail another correspondence to producers who have not responded. It also will use its St. Louis calling center to contact farmers who do not respond to either mailing.

Results from the survey will be published in August. For more details, call 800-551-1014.

Geneseo Chamber dinner set March 7

GENESEO  The annual Geneseo Chamber of Commerce dinner is set for March 7 at Lavender Crest Winery on U.S. 6 at Interstate 80.

The event begins with a 5:30 p.m. social hour followed by the event at 6:30 p.m. Cost of the dinner is $45 per person.
Turning the ship before it hits the iceberg
About Me Scott Because prophetic scriptures are found throughout the bible, it is obvious that a comprehensive, systematic approach would be useful, if not necessary, for the understanding of prophecy. Past prophecies have been fulfilled in a literal manner, as confirmed by the dating of these writings and historical records of confirmation. These past prophecies also serve as a model of how to interpret future prophecies. A literal view of prophecy clearly indicates a certain sequence of events will occur within a single generation, concluding with the Tribulation and Second Advent and these events will be obvious. The prophetic signs appear to be present in this generation and we believe these signs are revealed in the news from around the world. View my complete profile
Editor:

History reminds us that whenever a president's poll numbers are slipping, there is nothing better than a good old-fashioned war to bring those numbers up. President Bush used this strategy when he invented "weapons of mass destruction" in Iraq, and it now appears that President Trump is about to take us down that same road one more time.

Similar to the Iraq fiasco, we are again told that our country is concerned about another country's welfare. Really? Could it be that, like Iraq, Venezuela possesses enormous reserves of untapped oil? In spite of Trumps insistence of placing an unelected operative in power, it is clear that the Venezuelan people have already decided that they support President Nicolas Maduro. If our political leaders were really concerned about the Venezuelan people's welfare, then why haven't our leaders offered to work with Maduro and provide their citizens economic aid? Instead, our "big oil" funded leaders chose to freeze Venezuelan bank accounts, deny them credit and not allow the importation of much-needed food and medical supplies. U.S. sanctions have been devastating for the Venezuelan people, and many have been forced to flee their country in order to survive.
I am concerned about all these recent newspaper attacks on the nursing homes in our area. The critics get the attention they seek and the nursing homes have no way to defend themselves. The critics assume that the DOH (Department of Health) are not doing their job, and bring down everyone in the process. I'm concerned because "I'm living in one," and most residents can't speak for themselves. Reminds me of David and Goliath.

When it came time for me to leave Saratoga Hospital  the placement director assured me and my family that her recommended home was Washington Center and that it was an excellent facility. Now that I'm here, I find it is even better than that. The many pictures to back up what I am saying are readily available on Washington Center Facebook. Please have a look. The nurses and staff here are outstanding, and they don't tell me what to say. Caring for Alzheimer's patients takes special, professional people. Centers Health Care leads the fight on Alzheimer's in New York, using the strength of their many centers. We have invited Kirsten Gillibrand to come visit us and a fantastic bunch of Argyle school kids to sing as they did for our Veterans Day Celebration. Thanks to her, we now have a flag which was flown over the White House, where she may live someday.
BALLSTON SPA -- A former Saratoga County man who was arrested last summer for a string of burglaries at local businesses was sentenced Monday to at least 10.5 years in state prison.

William J. Hoffay, 44, of Averill Park, pleaded guilty to three felony counts of third-degree burglary for break-ins last summer in the Saratoga Springs area. Money was stolen.

Saratoga County Judge James Murphy imposed a prison sentence of 10.5 to 21 years.

In all, he was linked to 13 burglaries in the Capital District and others in western Massachusetts during a multi-month period early last year, while he was on parole for a 2017 burglary conviction.

Hoffay has an extensive criminal record that includes at least seven prior felony convictions, including burglary arrests in Washington County in the 1990s. In a news release, Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen called him a "career criminal."

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Some wintry weather will be impacting the region Wednesday evening into Thursday in the form of freezing rain and sleet.

The National Weather Service issued the advisory from 5 p.m. Wednesday to 10 a.m. Thursday for Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties.

Total ice accumulations of one to three tenths of an inch are expected. Total sleet accumulation of a coating to a few tenths of an inch is forecast.

The storm may also cause power outages due to downed trees limbs. Roads and walkways will also be impacted during this time.

For the latest weather updates and school closings, delays and service cancellations visit poststar.com/weather.

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CROWN POINT  The home at 256 Sugar Hill Road was gutted by fire Sunday night; a dog inside succumbed to smoke.

When Crown Point Volunteer Fire Department arrived at around 6:30 p.m., Fire Chief Joseph Norton said, there were heavy smoke conditions throughout the structure, from the basement all the way to the attic.

The smell of smoke was what had alerted the couple to who lived there to the situation, he said.

They started looking, and they found fire in an entrance way by a bathroom.

That wasnt where the blaze started though, he said.

It had already extended to there.

Kept in center

Firefighters battled the blaze from inside the house, though the homes balloon construction made it a challenge.

We vented the roof, kept (the fire) in the center of the structure, Norton said. We had guys in the basement, on the first and second floors, all attacking at once.

Good manpower on scene, the chief observed. Working together kept the place intact.

One firefighter suffered a knee injury, but it wasnt serious, he said.
Claudia Braymer, a Warren County supervisor representing Ward 3 and an environmental attorney, thanked McAuely for the information and asked for more about how to pay for such an assessment.

McAuely recommended applying to community smart grants through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or applying to state funding opportunities. He also recommended writing the Attorney Generals Office and filing a formal complaint that there are concerns over air quality and they can investigate.

He said the companies in the area are not asking to hire him to complete an airshed study of all of Glens Falls, and that the companies are responsible for their own emissions.

Audience members asked who was paying for the talk, and McAuely said he was paying for it himself.

Braymer said shed like to see better air permit standards.

No one is saying theyre (the companies) doing anything illegal, but shouldnt we know what the cumulative impacts are of all the industry, traffic, indoor air? Braymer said.
QUEENSBURY  Testimony could begin late Tuesday in the case of the former childrens camp counselor who is accused of sexually abusing nine boys at the camp where he worked for more than three decades.

Jury selection began Monday in the trial of 51-year-old Dylan T. Stolz, who is charged with the alleged abuse of boys at Brant Lake Camp in Horicon. No jurors were picked by late afternoon as acting Warren County Judge Kelly McKeighan and lawyers in the case worked to weed out those of the 160 or so who were summoned who couldnt serve or didnt want to serve on a jury in light of the subject of the trial.

Jury selection is to continue Tuesday morning.

Stolz, who lives in Little Neck, Long Island, has pleaded not guilty to 27 charges that allege he fondled nine campers as young as 8 years old at the exclusive summer camp in the town of Horicon.

He had worked at the camp for 33 years, supervising counselors for much of the time, until the first child revealed alleged molestation. At least nine others came forward in the weeks that followed with similar allegations of fondling that occurred in Stolzs room, a shower or bunkrooms.
An arrest warrant for former Lake George Rescue Squad Capt. Edward G. Grant Gentner has been withdrawn after he contacted the court late last week to advise that he had retained new counsel.

The warrant was issued in Warren County Court after Gentner missed two court appearances without explanation, as Judge John Hall awaited word on who would represent him on charges he stole thousands of dollars from the squad. His former lawyer had stepped away from the case because of illness, and the case has been in limbo for months as he sought a new attorney.

Gentners former law firm told Hall last week that he was in Colorado on business, but social media postings showed he described the trip as of Jan. 29 as a ski vacation.

A perturbed Hall issued a bench warrant for failure to appear in court as directed and for leaving the state without advising the court, but the warrant was withdrawn Friday after Gentner contacted the court to indicate he had new representation and would appear as directed.

He is free and due in Warren County Court for a bail hearing before Supreme Court Justice Robert Muller on Thursday, with a re-appearance before Hall set for Feb. 20 to set a new case schedule.
I have been thinking about gift giving in Shakespeare. There doesn't seem to be too much of it if I remember rightly. What there is tends to be more insult...

I have been thinking about gift giving in Shakespeare. There doesn't seem to be too much of it if I remember rightly. What there is tends to be more insult...

Man plans, God laughs. Or so the saying goes. My intention was to send out this post so last evening, but "the internets" in my home has been unavailable,...

Man plans, God laughs. Or so the saying goes. My intention was to send out this post so last evening, but "the internets" in my home has been unavailable,...

I've been wanting to write something up about how at Mass we worship God just as Homer described his guys doing 3000 years ago, and how this is essentially...

I've been wanting to write something up about how at Mass we worship God just as Homer described his guys doing 3000 years ago, and how this is essentially...

By the end of 2016, this part of the internets will be no more. The blog posts are being moved to the new home of *A Good Beer Blog* but this place, this...

By the end of 2016, this part of the internets will be no more. The blog posts are being moved to the new home of *A Good Beer Blog* but this place, this...

There are tons of specials everyday as most of you know, and you'll always see the various types linked on the Reference column at the right of this bl...

There are tons of specials everyday as most of you know, and you'll always see the various types linked on the Reference column at the right of this bl...

Well, for this site anyway. This page is going dark. I simply dont post enough to warrant paying for it any longer. Any future posts will appear at my old...

Well, for this site anyway. This page is going dark. I simply dont post enough to warrant paying for it any longer. Any future posts will appear at my old...

My latest post on Catholicmom.com is up here! An excerpt: So while I can no longer shield my adult children, or forbid or prevent them from doing whatever ...

My latest post on Catholicmom.com is up here! An excerpt: So while I can no longer shield my adult children, or forbid or prevent them from doing whatever ...

Kate Spade I never once set foot in one of the stores, passing by never saw a thing Id buy for myself or anyone I know. But when I walk by now a sense...

Kate Spade I never once set foot in one of the stores, passing by never saw a thing Id buy for myself or anyone I know. But when I walk by now a sense...

FROM *THE BOOK OF MIRACLES* Hi people, for current subscribers, or for those who may wish to become new subscribers, please go to the Subscribe to Blog via...

FROM *THE BOOK OF MIRACLES* Hi people, for current subscribers, or for those who may wish to become new subscribers, please go to the Subscribe to Blog via...

In one of her letters, St. Catherine of Siena said -- well, she said basically the same thing in more than one letter, but I'm quoting Letter T5/G225 to...

In one of her letters, St. Catherine of Siena said -- well, she said basically the same thing in more than one letter, but I'm quoting Letter T5/G225 to...

Theognis 167-168 (tr. Douglas E. Gerber): One man is wretched this way, another that, and no one of all whom the sun looks down upon is truly fortunate. ...

Theognis 167-168 (tr. Douglas E. Gerber): One man is wretched this way, another that, and no one of all whom the sun looks down upon is truly fortunate. ...

Quick Quotes

"Christianity brought reverence for what is below us." - Goethe

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"Your salvation is in the hands of God...There is no purely human knowledge of one's eternal destiny that can contain the infinitely greater certainty contained in your faith and hope through Christ our Lord." - EWTN Q&A

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"It is a truism in the interpretation of Scripture that its spiritual message is disclosed only to those who bring to their reading a consciousness of their need for God and his mercy. Only they get it and appreciate the urgency of the message. The others are all bewildered. - Msgr. Herron


Along with intolerance of centrist policies has come intolerance of personal misconduct by politicians. BuzzFeed revealed on Nov. 20, that Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., had been accused of sexual harassment. Within a few weeks, the longest-serving member of Congress was forced to resign. Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., left two days later after he had been accused by several women of touching and kissing them without their consent, even though his alleged behavior fell short of the sort of charges made against Harvey Weinstein.
"Mr. Moody understands the grave mistakes that he has made and the impact that his actions have had, and will continue to have, on the victims of his crime for years to come," Tayman wrote, noting that "many of the victims were previously his friends and held him in high regard."
It will cover Homeland Security's efforts to address border security and assess risks related to transnational criminal organizations. He will then tour the Coast Guard cutter Bear and speak to the crew and joint task force members.
Shirley Chisholm, who served as a congresswoman from New York, wore white on the night in 1968 when she became the first African American woman to be elected to Congress. She then dressed in a white blazer and blouse to appear on her presidential campaign posters four years later. "Bring U.S. together," the poster read. "Vote Chisholm 1972. Unbought and unbossed."
"We were about 65 miles off the coast fishing a wreck when I saw the first one out of the corner of my eye," Pappas said. "We were able to pattern its surfacing and stayed with it for quite a while. It was about 500 yards away from us and I had to do about 9 knots to keep up with it."
Orlando anticipates customers, particularly women, will still want to touch, feel and try on apparel. The mall's central location in a busy shopping corridor is an advantage, as is its ample parking and enclosed nature, which makes it easier for people to stroll and shop during the cold winter months, he said.
The Appalachian Regional Commission uses an index-based economic classification system, which involves the creation of a national index of economic status through a comparison of three economic indicators. Credit: Ohio Alliance for Innovation in Population Health

A nationwide study on economic distress was recently released by the Ohio Alliance for Innovation in Population Health ranking the economic performance of all 50 states in the country from 2009 to 2019. While the economy in New Hampshire has remained the healthiest in the United States over the past decade and Mississippi has continued to be the most economically distressed state over that same time span, that doesn't tell the whole story.

For example, although the economy in New Hampshire improved and allowed the state to stay in the No. 1 position, other states near or at the bottom of the list, such as Mississippi, also improved. New Hampshire had an economic distress index score of 70.8 in 2009 that improved to 68.8 in 2019 (a lower number represents a healthier economy) and Mississippi had a score of 153 in 2009 that improved to 141. 8 in 2019.

According to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Mississippi saw increases across the board in nearly every income-related category from 2009 to 2017 (the most recent year available) but also experienced increased total unemployment.

Orman Hall, an executive in residence for Ohio University's College of Health Sciences and Professions and the Ohio Alliance for Innovation in Population Health (Alliance), conducted the nationwide study based on information compiled by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for 2009 and 2019. Economic distress, as measured by ARC, is determined by unemployment rate, per capita market income and poverty rate averaged over three years and compared to national averages.

Hall expressed appreciation to the ARC for its long-standing work in monitoring economic distress.

"These measures can help elected officials and policy makers identify communities that may be susceptible to elevated levels of mental illness, substance abuse and other serious diseases of despair," Hall said.

North Dakota had the greatest improvement in economy, leaping from 17th with a score of 91 in 2009 to second in 2019 at 71. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Nevada worsened from 14th to 39th.

The Appalachian Regional Commission uses an index-based economic classification system, which involves the creation of a national index of economic status through a comparison of three economic indicators. Credit: Ohio Alliance for Innovation in Public Health

The top 10 states in terms of healthiest economies for 2019 include:

1. New Hampshire

2. North Dakota

3. Hawaii

4. Nebraska

5. Minnesota

6. Massachusetts

7. Maryland

8. Connecticut

9. Vermont

10. Wyoming

The most economically distressed states for 2019 are: Mississippi, New Mexico, West Virginia, Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, Arizona, South Carolina, Arkansas and Georgia."This research provides a valuable benchmark for discerning the relative state of economic distress in counties and states across the nation. The data is valuable on its face, but it will also allow us to map many issues as they relate to economic status," said Rick Hodges, director of the Alliance. "I am in the health field and I look forward to overlaying various diseases to determine the relationship between economic distress and health but this study will also be applicable to issues beyond health."

The Appalachian Regional Commission uses an index-based economic classification system, which involves the creation of a national index of economic status through a comparison of three economic indicators. Credit: Ohio Alliance for Innovation in Population Health

Ohio, the home state of the study, stayed virtually the same, dropping by 0.2 and falling from the 32nd healthiest economy in the nation to 33rd. The study also showed that if the Appalachian counties of Ohio were combined into a separate state, it would be the second-most economically distressed state in the country. However, those Appalachian regions have more overall improvement to the economy than the rest of the state on a per capita basis.

"As a leader in promoting economic restructuring and prosperity across Appalachia, I am pleased to see the progress from Ohio's Appalachian counties, though the numbers reflect more work must be done," said Jennifer Simon, executive director for Ohio University Regional Innovation. "In my 25 years of working on community and economic development here, Appalachia typically comes out of recessions last and goes into recessions first as compared to the rest of the state and country. During this recovery, we witnessed changes from people having jobs to people creating jobs. We also work in Kentucky and West Virginia and would love to see the numbers actually reflect that changing narrative around economic sectors of success in those communities."

Explore further When it comes to your health, where you live matters
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A team of researchers with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis has found a connection between fertility rates in many African countries and access to education for girls living in those countries. In their paper published Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group describes their analysis of population and economic data in multiple African countries and what they found.

Earth can only support a certain number of peoplenobody knows what that number is, but most would agree that steps are required today to prevent the population from exceeding that tipping point. Population growth tends to be highest in undeveloped countries, and nowhere is that more evident than in African countries. Scientists studying population growth and ways to curb it have been working with governments in many African nations to keep tabs on population and fertility rates as part of programs aimed at slowing population growth. Data from such studies has shown that progress in development of African countries has led to declines in fertility rates. In this new effort, the researchers have found a similar association between young girls attending school and family size later on in life.

The researchers began their research by noting that fertility rates ceased declining in several African countries in the early 2000s. To find out why, they obtained data from surveys conducted every few years in the countries under study. More specifically, they looked at data covering the years 1950 to 1995. The data included family size and also information regarding access to education for the children in each household.

The researchers found that 20 years prior, during the 1980s, educational opportunities for children were reduced due to a variety of factors. Young girls, they found, who were denied access to education wound up having more children as adults than did girls in other countries who continued to go to school. They further suggest that had the girls been given the opportunity to attend school, the areas under study would have seen 13 million fewer births.

The researchers claim their findings highlight the need for funding of educational resources in underdeveloped regions as a means for slowing population growth.

Explore further More women in poor countries use contraception, says report

More information: Endale Kebede et al. Stalls in Africa's fertility decline partly result from disruptions in female education, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2019). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Endale Kebede et al. Stalls in Africa's fertility decline partly result from disruptions in female education,(2019). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1717288116

 2019 Science X Network
Pictures of a. Total assemblage b. CLR K16 R9 286 exterior surface c. CLR N17 R3 53 interior surface cranial fragments (after Ghezal and Gosnell). Credit: Journal of Archaeological Science (2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2018.09.011

A team of researchers from University Paul-Valery Montpellier and UMR-IMBE, Universite d'Avignon has found evidence of possible embalming of severed heads by Iron Age Celts living in southern France. In their paper published in Journal of Archaeological Science, the group describes their study of skull fragments excavated at a dig site near Le Cailar, in southern France, and what their analysis found.

The researchers were studying skull fragments uncovered at Le Cailarto date, over 100 have been found. The skulls are believed to be those of enemy combatants who lost their heads after losing their lives in battle. The fragments have been dated back to the third century BCa time when the town was a Celtic settlement.

The researchers report that many of the skulls had cuts indicating they had been decapitated, and some also had marks suggesting the brains had been removed. In some cases, tongues had also been removed. To learn more about the history of the skulls, the researchers ground up small portions of several specimens into dust, and then subjected the dust to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry testing. They report that they found small amounts of diterpenoic compounds in several of the fragments, which are molecules that are produced when conifer resins break down, typically when heated. They also found evidence of cholesterols and fatty acids. As a control, the researchers performed the same tests on animal skulls that had been dug up at the same dig sitenone of them had evidence of conifer resin.

The researchers suggest the resin within the skull fragments resulted from dipping the skulls in a resin-based liquid as a means of slowing decaya form of embalming. They note also that all of the skull fragments were found inside the walls of the compound, suggesting that the heads had been mounted for those living inside, rather than as a means of frightening would-be attackers.

The researchers also report that they have not yet found any evidence that might explain the reason for embalming the heads, but suggest it might have been a means of showing respect to well-known warriors. The hope to learn more as excavation continues at the site.

Explore further Skull fragments with carved long, deliberate lines found at Gobekli Tepe

More information: Salma Ghezal et al. Embalmed heads of the Celtic Iron Age in the south of France, Journal of Archaeological Science (2018). Journal information: Journal of Archaeological Science Salma Ghezal et al. Embalmed heads of the Celtic Iron Age in the south of France,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2018.09.011

 2019 Science X Network
Researchers have been harnessing the properties of paper to build faster, cheaper and more portable devices for detecting infectious diseases. Credit: Purdue University photo/Rebecca Wilcox

When an HIV outbreak hit Indiana's rural Scott County in 2015, the sparsely staffed health department was stretched to confirm cases among an entire community with lab tests that aren't portable and could take weeks to return results.

This meant that it took over a year to confirm 235 HIV cases for the area. Even at-home tests for HIV currently require a person to wait a couple months after possible infection before testing themselves.

What if patients could reliably test themselves at home and know results in minutes, after less than a couple weeks of an infection?

A handheld diagnostic tool made out of paper already has that speed and would work not only for HIV, but many other infectious diseases. Using it would be like doing your own pregnancy test.

Jacqueline Linnes, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Purdue University, has been developing technology with her team that would make lab detection tests both faster and portable, thanks to the inherent properties of paper.

The first paper-based device out of Linnes' lab can detect HIV nucleic acids from the blood of a finger prick within 90 minutes. Her lab is working on using the same platform for detecting other diseases, ranging from whooping cough to cholera, since the process of extracting pathogens from a sample using paper would be the same.

The device has been designed so far to specifically address challenges with faster disease detection in countries such as Kenya and Haiti, which struggle with affording the costs of running lab facilities, maintaining a constant power supply and training staff to interpret results that are sometimes inaccurate.

"In rural areas, a local facility for HIV care can be as far as 10 miles away with poor transport and communication, so many patients on treatment give up and no longer return to health facilities for treatment monitoring," said Eddy Odari, a professor of biomedical research at Jomo Kenyatta University in Kenya, who develops and evaluates diagnostic assays for human pathogenic viruses.

"Such patients who don't return have been associated with sub-optimal HIV treatment and increased resistance to first-line antiretroviral therapy, which can lead to a population with transmitted resistance, " Odari said.

If an affordable and accurate device could run on low enough power to detect diseases on-the-spot for these countries, then it could also prove useful to communities in the U.S. with limited staff and facilities that are far apart.

Linnes and her collaborators plan to investigate the device's utility for rural areas of Indiana alongside addressing HIV in Kenya and cholera in Haiti.

"The idea is to more quickly detect what's causing an infection for patients both in areas of the world that have the lab facilities close by and those that don't," said Linnes, who specializes in building point-of-care diagnostic tools for the field.

For the past 30 years, researchers have been investigating paper-based devices for faster diagnostics because paper-like materials, such as glass fiber and cellulose, are robust and known to function as a pump.

This means that paper can carry samples, such as blood or water, without all the external equipment required within a lab to separate out the nucleic acids of a pathogen and make copies, or "amplify" them, for detection.

"'Paper' is a broad term for a porous material that can pull liquid along, not just the type that you can write on. Band-aid pads are paper-like, for example," Linnes said. "The downside is that paper doesn't have any controls."

For this reason, most paper-based devices relying on nucleic acid amplification are still in very early stages. Linnes' lab has been working to speed up how these devices operate in the field by reducing the number of steps needed to separate pathogens from a sample loaded onto paper.

Jacqueline Linnes. Credit: Purdue University photo/Rebecca Wilcox

So far, Linnes' lab and other researchers at Purdue have reduced these steps through an electronic circuit board that heats wax valves from beneath intricate channels of paper, controlling the flow of a sample in one step rather than multiple steps. The process starts with adding buffer liquid to a finger prick of blood within a vial, and then pouring the vial into a hole within the paper.

If a band shows up on the end of the paper strip after a sample has been loaded, in addition to the control band, then a person has tested positive for a disease.

Because reading a paper strip is easy and low cost, there wouldn't really be a need for the technology to go digital.

But Linnes and her collaborators have been working on another problem that calls for a digital solution: knowing how well a person is responding to treatment for an infectious disease.

Through a company that Linnes co-founded, OmniVis, Purdue researchers are investigating the use of smartphone technology to quantify HIV in the body.

"If you're on antiretroviral drugs and your body is responding well, then the amount of virus would be low, but if you're resistant to the drugs, then the amount of virus would increase," Linnes said.

Patents for the paper-based device have been filed through the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization.
Credit: University of Queensland

Scientists must speak out about the benefits of new genetic technologies such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and gene editing, according to The University of Queensland's new Director of Crop Science, Professor Ian Godwin.

Professor Godwin is the author of Good Enough to Eat?, a new book about new genetic plant and animal breeding technologies.

It charts the history of genetically modified foods from the laboratory to the global dinner plate, and outlines the huge potential of new gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR.

He hopes the book will help end fear and misinformation generated by "fake news" about the safety of genetically modified foods.

"The future of billions of people literally depends on changing the narrative about how we view genetically modified food and genetic technologies," Professor Godwin said.

"If we are to produce more sustainable and nutritious food to meet the growing global demand  in the face of challenges from pests and diseases, eroded soils, lack of water and climate change  we need to be able to take the best from the latest genetic technologies and from organic and agro-ecological farming practices."

With 30 years' experience in agribiotechnology across crops ranging from sorghum, wheat and barley to beans and taro, Professor Godwin calls genetic technologies  such as CRISPR gene editing  a biological revolution.

"Genetically modified, or GM, crops use 37 per cent less pesticide, and increase crop yields by 22 per cent and farmer profits by 68 per cent  and the promise of new genome editing techniques is simply astonishing," Professor Godwin said.

Credit: University of Queensland

"But we have to stop pretending that 'natural is best' and challenge the notion that organic food companies are not actually big global companies with a conflict of interest when it comes to the GMO debate."

He said environmental groups that worked to restrict countries from growing or receiving GM foods proven to be safe and effective should be held morally accountable for their actions.

Sir Gordon Conway  author of One Billion Hungry: Can We Feed the World?  has described Good Enough to Eat? as "a lively dialogue" that tackles the "highly vociferous and unprincipled opposition from some sectors of the public who choose to ignore facts and realities" about GM food.

"Ian Godwin is a first-class scientist and his book gives us answers how food can be grown and engineered to meet one of the world's most important challenges," Professor Conway said.

In the book, Professor Godwin describes his experiences eating some of the world's first gene-edited cabbage, prepared by Sweden's Chef of the Year 2010 Gustav Tradgardh; a horror story working with celery; and his time as part of a sorghum and cotton team in Biloela in Central Queensland, where locals rushed to get washing inside before crop dusters flew overhead and dumped huge amounts of endosulfan and other chemicals on crops.

"In those days in peak season, spraying was happening every day in any given region, and some growers were spraying their crops up to 17 times per growing season to ward off caterpillars  but now GM cotton has reduced the need to spray for insects to once or twice per season."

"This is an exciting and challenging time for agriculture and the bio-economy," Professor Godwin said.

"Our focus will continue to be on improving crop productivity, food quality and sustainability in the crop sciences, and we will use every safe, effective and innovative tool in the toolbox to do so."

Explore further Organic is not always the best choice for you or the planet
A new gene-editing protein, CasX, may give CRISPR-Cas9 a run for its money. UC Berkeley scientists have determined the unique structure of CasX (grey), revealing that this pint-sized Cas enzyme is dominated by RNA (red) that directs it to specific sequences of DNA (blue), where it binds and cuts the DNA. Credit: University of California - Berkeley

In a mere seven years, Cas9 has shown itself to be a formidable gene editor, employed in humans, plants, animals and bacteria to quickly and accurately cut and splice DNA, transforming biology and opening new avenues for treating disease.

But a new kid on the block, CasX, may give Cas9 a run for its money.

Discovered two years ago by UC Berkeley scientists Jill Banfield and Jennifer Doudna in some of the world's smallest bacteria, the protein was similar to Cas9, but quite a bit smaller: a big advantage if you're trying to deliver a gene editor into a cell.

But would it work outside its native bacteria?

According to a study published today in Nature, CasX is, in fact, a potent and efficient gene editor in both bacteria and human cells. Its design is similar to Cas9 and its well-studied cousin, Cas12, but it is different enough that it appears to have evolved in bacteria independently of the other Cas proteins. It can cut double-stranded DNA like Cas9, can bind to DNA to regulate genes, and it can be targeted to specific DNA sequences like other Cas proteins.

Plus, because it comes from bacteria that are not found in humansBanfield dredged them from a database of microbes found in groundwater and sedimentthe human immune system should accept it more easily than Cas9. Some doctors fear that Cas9 may create an immune reaction in patients treated with CRISPR therapies.

"The immunogenicity, delivery and specificity of a genome-editing tool are all vitally important," said co-lead author Benjamin Oakes, a former UC Berkeley graduate student and current Entrepreneurial Fellow in the Innovative Genomics Institute. "We're excited about CasX on all of these fronts."

Co-lead authors Jun-Jie Liu and Natalia Orlova used a cryo-electron microscope to capture snapshots of the CasX protein going through the motions of editing a gene. Based on the protein's unique molecular makeup and shape, the researchers concluded that CasX evolved independently of Cas9, sharing no common ancestor.

"The first thing that jumps out is how the highly unique domains accomplish similar roles to what we have seen with other RNA-guided DNA-binding proteins. CasX's minimal size, with no fat on the bone, helps to clearly demonstrate there is a basic recipe that nature uses," Oakes said. "Understanding this recipe will help us to better evolve and engineer genome editing tools for our purposes rather than nature's."

That's exactly what he and his colleagues are now doing.

"The culmination of biochemistry, genome editing and structure experiments within this single study is a prime example of the comprehensive efforts that are underway at the IGI," said Jennifer Doudna, IGI's executive director, a UC Berkeley professor of molecular and cell biology and of chemistry and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. "We aren't just looking to uncover the next pair of molecular scissors. We want to build the next Swiss Army knife."

Explore further Smallest life forms have smallest working CRISPR system

More information: Jun-Jie Liu et al. CasX enzymes comprise a distinct family of RNA-guided genome editors, Nature (2019). Journal information: Nature Jun-Jie Liu et al. CasX enzymes comprise a distinct family of RNA-guided genome editors,(2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-0908-x
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The periodic table has become an icon of science. Its rows and columns provide a tidy way of showcasing the elementsthe ingredients that make up the universe.

It seems obvious today, but it wasn't to generations of early chemists. That changed when Dmitri Mendeleev started writing a textbook and pondered ways to group the elements together in order to lighten his load.

The Russian chemist spotted an elegant and powerful pattern: He recognized that certain elements exhibited similar traits, and that these traits varied regularlyor periodicallywith increasing atomic weight.

So on Feb. 17, 1869 (according to the Julian calendar used in Russia at that time), Mendeleev published a chart of the 60-odd elements known at the time, sorted by their weights and properties. He called it "An Attempt at a System of Elements, Based on Their Atomic Weight and Chemical Affinity."

It has come to be regarded as one of the greatest scientific contributions of all time.

That's why the United Nations and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry are celebrating the 150th anniversary of Mendeleev's periodic table. The festivities kicked off in Paris on Tuesday.

The journal Science is marking the occasion with a special issue about the table, which includes an essay on its origins by Michael Gordin, a science historian at Princeton University. Gordin spoke with the Los Angeles Times about Mendeleev's invention and its scientific legacy.

Q: Why has the periodic table endured for 150 years?

A: It's an amazing tool that can compress a huge amount of information into one format. It's one of the first things people learn about chemistry. It's in every textbook. It's on the wall of pretty much every chemistry classroom in the world.

Q: How did it come about?

A: Dmitri Mendeleev was writing a textbook when he came up with the idea. It was a scheme he put together in order to help organize the elements in families so that he didn't have to spend time doing each element individually.

Q: How did it work?

A: The table is organized by increasing atomic weight, but broken into rows. When Mendeleev did that, he saw that certain elements have very similar propertiesthey form acids that have similar strength, they form crystals that look the same.

So, in addition to increasing atomic weight, he saw that there is some other pattern that repeats. He's the one who invented the term "periodic."

Q: Did he realize he was onto something big?

A: I think he perceived a pattern that could be one of two things. Is it just a convenient teaching tool, or is it a deep pattern in nature? He saw it both ways.

Over time, he became more convinced that he had discovered a law of nature. That's normal for scientific findingswhen you first propose something, you don't know it's true yet.

Q: Would you say Mendeleev "discovered" the modern periodic table?

A: I usually say that Mendeleev formulated or invented the table. The reason I don't say discovered is that it's not like it's a rock or a mountain. It's a set of relations among things that are like rocks or mountains.

Q: But he wasn't the only chemist working on a table 150 years ago, was he?

A: That's right. There were six different formulations of the table in the 1860s.

Q: What sets his table apart?

A: The first thing is that Mendeleev does all the elements. Previous people had put in many or most, but hadn't done all of them because they weren't sure about the atomic weights. Mendeleev made guesses about their weights to fit them in the table.

The second thing is that he predicted the existence of new elements. When those elements are discovered, his table stands out.

The third reason is that he was very insistent during his lifetime that he deserved credit for the periodic table.

Q: Let's back up a minute. How did Mendeleev predict the existence of undiscovered elements?

A: There are several hypotheses by historians because he didn't write down his thought process.

When Mendeleev started lining up elements with similar properties into columns, he noticed that, in some places, an element seemed to be in the wrong place and should be one column over. When he moved it over, everything worked out. But then there's an empty gap. And he's like, "OK, how do I explain what's in the gap?"

Q: And how did he explain it?

A: He said, "Well, its atomic weight should be about this, because I can average from the elements around it and guess it." And he's like, "I know what its crystal structure should be. And I know something about what kinds of acids it would form, because it has those properties of the elements above and below it."

Within 15 years, three of the elements he predicted in detail were discovered. And they had exactly the properties he said they would.

Q: So other chemists didn't make predictions?

A: Other people recognized that there was a pattern. But they didn't guess about the properties of the elements.

Mendeleev's main competitor is a German named Lothar Meyer. Meyer made a few versions of a similar table in the 1860s, but he never made predictions. He thought it was reckless to guess. He's like, "Chemists shouldn't be doing that, because we don't yet know enough."

Q: What was going on in the 1860s that gave everyone the idea to make tables of the elements?

A: Today, the periodic table is organized by atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus. But they didn't know about protons then, so they organized everything by atomic weight. They had what they thought were accurate atomic weights for all the elements, but some of those weights were measured by different systems.

Then, in 1860, there was an international meeting of chemists in Germany. Mendeleev happened to be there because he was studying nearby. They propose a unified way of organizing the atomic weights, and when they do that, they correct a whole bunch of atomic weights.

Within a year or two, people started seeing these patterns.

Q: Were there earlier attempts to organize the elements?

A: Yes. One method was alphabetical, which was very common.

The other organized elements by their ability to bond together. So you would create a table and say, sulfur bonds really well with this and this and this, in this order. They look like periodic tables, but they are totally different. They don't list all of the elements, and things appear several times.

Q: Do we know what kind of guy Mendeleev was?

A: We actually know a lot about him. He was born in a Siberian city called Tobolsk, which is almost in the exact center of Russia. He ended up in St. Petersburg for education, and he stayed there most of his lifehe taught at the University of St. Petersburgbut traveled very broadly.

He was very boisterous, kind of funny, quick to lose his temper, but also clearly very charismatic and engaging. He was also very politically active. He was in the papers a lot.

After he finished the table, he decided he would start keeping all of his mail and all of his letters because he knew he would be famous. He's the kind of person who cared about his legacy and thought of himself quite well.

Q: Did he become famous in his lifetime?

A: Yes. He does the table when he's 35, in 1869, and he lives until 1907. The table becomes more and more central to chemistry over the course of his life, so he becomes internationally well known.

Q: Scientists didn't really understand atoms until after Mendeleev died. How did that change the table?

A: We now organize the table based on quantum theoryon the positions the electrons in the outer shell of an atom have. That explains their chemical properties because the electrons determine how they bind with other elements.

Mendeleev didn't know any of that. The electron was discovered in 1897, and he didn't like that idea. He didn't like many of these new ideas. When people discovered new things he couldn't put in the table, he got very frustrated. It bothered him.

But later, Niels Bohr, the Danish physicist who's one of the architects of quantum theory, published a very interesting version of the periodic table that incorporates the insights of the quantum vision of the atom to help explain how the system works. It silenced those who thought the table was just a lucky guess.

Q: What else has changed over the last 150 years?

A: All of these new elements that have been discovered, the very heavy elements. They are principally results of using colliders and things like that to make them. They live for a very short period of timemicroseconds. But filling out the table has taught us a great deal about how the nuclei of these atoms work.

We now understand why there are as many columns in the table as there are, and how many rows down we can go before the atom becomes too unstable. We now have a table with no gaps, and that gives us a real feeling of understanding nature.

Q: Is the table complete now?

A: I'm sure somebody will try to create new elements so you could build further rows. But the question of whether it's worth the investment for the amount of knowledge we get is a question that scientists and politicians would have to answer. It's not my business to decide.

Q: Is there anything about the modern periodic table that would have surprised Mendeleev?

A: I think he would have been really surprised at how heavy the elements can get, that we've been able to get to 118.

But I think he would have been very gratified that the table is still omnipresentthat this thing he did is still around.

Explore further UNESCO celebrates 150 years of chemistry's periodic table

2019 Los Angeles Times

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An image provided by the GEOS group that compares before and after satellite data of North Queensland to enable mapping of the flood waters, as indicated in blue. Credit: UNSW School of Civil & Environmental Engineering

UNSW Sydney researchers are providing accurate maps of the Townsville flood frontier within an hour using the latest satellite radar imaging technology.

Record-breaking floods threatening North Queensland are being mapped by UNSW Sydney researchers within an hour to provide snapshots of rising floodwaters where previously such images were slow to produce and hampered by poor visibility.

Using European satellites that are fitted with radar imaging technology able to penetrate cloud cover, the UNSW researchers are able to put together an accurate and comprehensive flood map in less than an hour after images are made available by satellite. This new type of flood intelligence could allow authorities to make decisions about critical infrastructure  such as switching off power stations  before flood waters can reach them.

Professor Linlin Ge of UNSW's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering says this is the first time that such advanced satellite technology has been used to map flooded areas from space.

"First, we download very large volumes of satellite data from the European Space Agency," he says.

"Then we process these data at UNSW to generate comprehensive maps to show the extent of the floods."

Professor Ge says he and his researchers, part of the Geoscience and Earth Observing Systems Group, were previously involved with amassing such data using less advanced satellite technology during the 2011 floods that ravaged southern Queensland. At that time, they provided their data directly to the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy.

This time around, the group went for a simpler strategy and made the data available to all via social media and can be viewed by following the Twitter hashtag #UNSW-GEOS.

Prior to using this latest technology, getting a composite, accurate and up-to-date image of floods has been difficult. Heavy rains, strong winds, thick cloud and lightning can make it impossible or dangerous to fly aircraft to monitor floods like the one in North Queensland, that stretches 700 km from Cairns to Mackay. And even if the elements were favourable, it could take days to piece together a 'big-picture' view of flood movement, by which time the floods could have already moved on to a new front.

Even views from space via optical satellites can be made redundant if, as regularly happens in extreme wet weather systems, large parts of a flood-ravaged region are obscured by clouds.

Professor Ge is expecting his team's round-the-clock monitoring of the data to continue for the next few days. Townsville is at the epicentre of an unprecedented monsoonal downpour with more than a year's worth of rain dumped in just a few days, and three to four more days of torrential rain expected.

The technology

The technology used by the UNSW researchers is one of the most advanced techniques available for flood mapping. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a radar imaging technology that can observe the earth day and night, through cloud cover or smoke.

Interferometric SAR (InSAR) is a technique to combine a pair of SAR images in order to measure changes to terrain or ground displacement. The result, InSAR coherence, is a by-product of InSAR processing and is a reliable and innovative measure showing feature similarity between the two images in the pair.

If an area is not flooded on the first image but inundated on the second image, this will lead to a significant reduction in InSAR coherence.

By using the coherence between two SAR images collected over the same area shortly before the flood as a baseline (the so called pre-event pair), the new UNSW technique of coherence change between the pre-event and co-event pairs can serve as a reliable new tool to map flood extent and to identify flood fronts.

Explore further Image: Iraq flood
The decision to turn over Carlos Ghosn's seat on the board of Nissan to Renault's new boss must still be ratified by shareholders

Japan's Nissan said Tuesday that its board has nominated the new boss of Renault to replace Carlos Ghosn, who is in detention facing charges of financial misconduct.

The decision to turn over Ghosn's board seat to Jean-Dominique Senard must still be ratified by shareholders, and the company said it had set an April 8 date for an extraordinary shareholders' meeting.

Nissan said the shareholder meeting would be limited to discussion of Senard's nomination and the official removal of Ghosn and his right-hand man Greg Kelly from the board.

Ghosn and Kelly were sacked from the board after their arrest on November 19 but a special shareholders' meeting is required to remove them officially.

Senard's nomination does not mean he will replace Ghosn as chairman at Nissan. The automaker is still searching for a replacement and is not expected to announce a decision before June.

The firm has not announced plans to replace Kelly on the board.

Ghosn's arrest and subsequent indictment on three charges exposed rifts between Nissan and French carmaker Renault which, together with Mitsubishi Motors, make up the world's top-selling auto manufacturing group.

The Japanese firms jettisoned Ghosn almost immediately but Renault waited much longer and the tycoon eventually resigned as chairman and CEO.

Current Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa has described Senard's appointment as a "new chapter" in relations between the two firmsan unlikely alliance that Ghosn created and held together.

Ghosn faces allegations he under-reported his salary over the course of eight years, and tried to transfer personal losses to Nissan's books.

In an interview with AFP last week, Ghosn said Nissan's probe into his alleged misconduct was a "trap", "plot" and a "story of betrayal".

It was a result of "opposition and anxiety on the project of bringing the companies together," said Ghosn, amid rumours his arrest was a "coup" designed to prevent a fully fledged merger between Nissan and Renault.

"The scenario was to create a holding company that would control the three operational entities and would hold all the shares, while preserving autonomy of each group," Ghosn told AFP.

Explore further Nissan poised to propose Ghosn replacement on board: report

 2019 AFP
Nikolai Kakhidze, a Masters student at the Faculty of Physics and Engineering, who just has returned from internship at the Brunel University

An experiment on the introduction of nanoscale diamond into an aluminum melt using ultrasonic treatment at the Brunel University (London, United Kingdom) has been completed. The result will be used to create new materials, mainly for maritime transport. The experiment was conducted at the Brunel Center for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST) under the guidance of Dmitry Eskin, Professor at TSU and Brunel University London.

No one had previously synthesized alloys with nanodiamonds; for this, larger particles or graphite were used. Scientists at TSU view diamond as a promising material for the production of hardened alloys, although other nanoparticles are also used.

The resulting materials can be used in the aircraft, automotive, and space industries for the manufacture of shells, interior decoration, and other elements not related to the actuators (engines, gearboxes). They will reduce the weight and improve vehicle safety parameters.

"The experiment on the introduction and distribution of nanoparticles in aluminum alloy was carried out in order to understand how to increase the mechanical characteristics of the alloy during technological processing (ductility, weldability, and others) and operation (corrosion resistance), while maintaining the quality," says Nikolai Kakhidze, a Master's student at the Faculty of Physics and Engineering, who just has returned from internship at the Brunel University. "For the introduction of nanoparticles into the aluminum alloy, we used special ligatures with nanoscale diamond, which were obtained by the original method of shock-wave compaction patented by TSU (RF Patent No. 2654225)."

Nanoscale diamond is a powder of diamonds, with a particle size of several nanometers. Master alloys are auxiliary alloys used to introduce other elements into the liquid metal. In this experiment, they are rods that will later be quite convenient and technologically advanced for use in production.

The experiment showed that the resulting alloy is of high quality, without pores and defects. Thus, the parameters chosen by scientists made it possible to introduce nanoparticles into the alloy without degrading the quality of the starting material; this will further contribute to a significant increase in mechanical properties.

The production of new light alloys based on aluminum with enhanced characteristics is an urgent task for materials science. The introduction of even a small amount of nanoparticles (less than 1%) can lead to a significant increase in the physical and mechanical properties of inexpensive aluminum alloys. Such compounds will have a lower cost compared to the analogs currently used, where the expensive scandium is used for ligatures.

The study was conducted in the TSU High-Energy and Special Materials Research Laboratory as a part of the project related to the production of materials for marine shipbuilding.

BCAST is a division of the Brunel University London. It is engaged in innovative research in crystallization control technology, the development of methods for processing liquid metal. They also conduct their own applied research with individual industrial partners.

Explore further Extremely strong and yet incredibly ductile multicomponent alloys developed
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

It's hard to tell just how imperilled killer whales are. With several different formssome of which may even be different speciesit's unclear which are at serious risk and which are less vulnerable. But one group is definitely in jeopardy. 'The southern resident killer whale population was listed as endangered in the United States in 2005', says Jennifer Tennessen from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), USA and the decline of Chinook salmon in the Pacific Northwestwhich are consumed by the population of ~75 whalesis believed to be one of the causes. While shipping also poses a risk to the animals, NOAA has been monitoring them for a decade and one of the scientists' main goals was to estimate how much fish the charismatic whales capture. But, with the majority of pursuits occurring beneath the waves, Tennessen and her colleagues needed to develop a technique based on the animals' manoeuvres that would allow them to identify when the mammals were successful. They publish their discovery that killer whale hunts are not always successful and that male killer whales hunt more than females in Journal of Experimental Biology.

Heading into the Salish Sea, between Vancouver Island, British Columbia and Washington State, Tennessen and her colleaguesMarla Holt, Candice Emmons, Brad Hanson, Jeff Hogan and Deborah Gilesattached tags to 21 whales to record their sounds and underwater movements. Then the team followed the animals, noting where they surfaced and what they were up to, in addition to retrieving the remains of any meals. 'Fieldwork is one of the most exciting yet simultaneously challenging aspects of the research', says Tennessen, describing how she and her colleagues tracked the animals from small inflatable boats in all conditions.

Safely back on shore, Tennessen and Holt began looking for patterns in the movement recordings that correlated with the tell-tale echolocation clicks produced by the whales when closing in on a fish. 'Once a fish has been detected, the killer whale angles its body steeply downward, begins a descent to depths of about 50-300m, and then remains underwater for about 7-10min while pursuing the fish', says Tennessen, adding that they abruptly roll on their sides and change direction frequently during a pursuit. Incorporating details of these signature manoeuvres into a computer program, Tennessen and Holt were able to identify successfully 126 occasions when the killer whales intercepted a tasty fish.

However, when the team categorised all of the deep dives that they had recorded, they were surprised that some of the dives were unsuccessful and Tennessen explains that this was unexpected, 'because diving deep costs significant energy and it was thought that the payoff was a captured fish'. The team also compared the number of successful hunts, according to their movement signatures, with how often they observed the killer whales dining at the surface and discovered that some of the animals appear to consume their prey before reaching the surface; 'underscoring...that surface observations alone can misrepresent the actual number of fish being captured', says Tennessen. Most surprisingly, the team realised that the males were diving more than the females and that they were more successful. '[This] suggests that males may need to forage more in order to meet their greater metabolic needs', she says.

So male and female killer whales are not equal when it comes to hunting and now the team is eager to find out how the noise generated by shipping and other vessels affects the enigmatic mammals while searching for salmon beneath the waves.

Explore further Climate change pushing killer whales to migrate north

More information: Jennifer B. Tennessen et al, Kinematic signatures of prey capture from archival tags reveal sex differences in killer whale foraging activity, The Journal of Experimental Biology (2019). Journal information: Journal of Experimental Biology Jennifer B. Tennessen et al, Kinematic signatures of prey capture from archival tags reveal sex differences in killer whale foraging activity,(2019). DOI: 10.1242/jeb.191874
William & Mary biologist Jonathan Allen carefully works between the sharp spines of a mature crown-of-thorns starfish, a creature wreaking havoc on Australias Great Barrier Reef. Credit: Jonathan Allen lab photo

Jonathan Allen has good news and bad news for Australians regarding the crown-of-thorns sea star.

The bad news is that the fecund and voracious destroyer of Indo-Pacific coral reefs has a previously unknown method of reproduction.

The good news is that the Australians might be able to limit the outbreaks of these coral-munching echinoderms by using this new knowledge.

Allen is an associate professor in William & Mary's Department of Biology. He is a member of a team that discovered that the crown-of-thorns seastar (COTS) can reproduce by larval cloning. Their discovery is described in "Larval cloning in the crown-of-thorns sea star, a keystone coral predator," published in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series.

Emily Richardson, a 2018 M.S. graduate in biology, is a co-author; her work was supported in part by a grant from William & Mary's Reves Center for International Studies. She is now in a Ph.D. program at Monash University in Australia. Other authors are Dione Deaker and Maria Byrne of the University of Sydney and Antonio Aguera of the University of Brussels. The project was funded by was funded by an Ian Potter Foundation Grant from the Australian Museum's Lizard Island Research Station.

The crown-of-thorns is an infamous pest, responsible for the loss of immense stretches of coral throughout the Indo-Pacific region, especially on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. It's been the object of concern and media exposure for a couple of decades. Many people assume that because it does so much harm, the crown-of-thorns must be an invasive species, but it's not.

"It's native to the Pacific," Allen said. "They're widespread and we now know that there are four species."

From an ecological standpoint, the crown-of-thorns has the same impact whether it's a single species or four, he added. They're all corallivores coral eaters.

"And they pretty much exclusively eat coral," Allen added. "They eat a lot of coral."

They grow to about a meter in diameter, so it takes a lot of coral to keep an adult crown-of-thorns fed. When an adult crown-of-thorns dines on a section of coral reef, there is nothing dainty about the act. Asterias, the common starfish of the East Coast, use their muscular tube feet to open up an oyster or clamshell. Coral polyps have no bivalve protection and so the crown-of-thorns just drapes its body on a section of coral.

"They get in what they think is a good spot," Allen said, "then they kind of throw their stomach up out of their mouth and just lie there and digest the coral outside of their body."

Allen said that the crown-of-thorns are a natural part of the Great Barrier Reef ecology, but crown-of-thorns population explosions, known as outbreaks, put the balance out of whack. He said there has to be some set of environmental conditions that cause the crown-of-thorns population to go through the reef.

"What causes an outbreak? That is the big question. That is the question everyone wants the answer to," Allen said. "There have been multiple hypotheses going back decades."

Explanations for outbreaks are classified generally as either "top-down" or "bottom-up." Allen said that "top-down" ecological hypotheses were au courant in the 1960s among scientists trying to explain crown-of-thorns outbreaks. He explained that the top-down hypotheses suggested that the starfish numbers were exploding in response to decreased predation. He gave the example of large sea snails, commonly called tritons and helmet snails. They are predators of the crown-of-thorns.

"They are long-lived, slow-growing animals, and they make good additions to shell collections," Allen said. "Divers and tourists have collected themprobably going back to Cook."

Other top-down hypotheses center on decreased numbers of reef fish species that eat young crown-of-thorns.

Allen said the most recent thinking is that, while the decreased number of crown-of-thorns predators has some impact, a bottom-up explanation has more to do with the cause of outbreaks.

Bottom-up hypotheses simply suggest that the crown-of-thorns are reproducing and/or growing to maturity much more rapidly than anyone realized.

Mature crown-of-thorns reproduce sexually, a process that, like its feeding, is crude, but effective. Allen said the COTS have distinct genders, but there is no boy-meets-girl stuff.

"They're basically bags of gametes. The males just emit sperm," Allen said. "The sperm drift around on the current, along with chemicals that prime the females. The females release their eggs. Fertilization has a large random element to it."

COTS sex won't inspire many poets. And random and crude as the process is, it works quite well: The team's paper points out that a single mature crown-of-thorns female can produce as many as 100 million eggs each year.

Scientists have found that many of those countless eggs were getting fertilized. Allen explained that advances in technology have allowed researchers to get a handle on the population of crown-of-thorns larvae, which are microscopic in size and drift along with the phytoplankton they eat.

"Through the ease of genome sequencing, you can go out on the reef, take a water sample and see the DNA in the water," Allen explained.

After reading a couple of estimates of crown-of-thorns larvae population, Allen said he retained one comment in the literature: "'There is essentially a continuous cloud of larvae over the reef,'" he quoted. "They're everywhere."

Allen and his collaborators started thinking about larval cloning: What if those baby, microscopic starfish were out there on the reef in their uncounted gazillions, making copies of themselves?

"The phenomenon of larval cloning is well known," Allen explained. Other echinodermseven other starfishreproduce through larval cloning. Even coral larvae clone themselves. "But no one had thought to look at crown-of-thorns before."

It was an understandable oversight. Sexual reproduction of crown-of-thorns is so successful that larval cloning seemed superfluous. But, Allen and his collaborators were curious enough to begin watching larvae back in the lab at Orpheus Island Research Station in Australia.

They only recently were able to witness an act of crown-of-thorns larval cloning, even though they knew it was happening: "You put one larva in a beaker," he said. "You come back the next day and there are two."

They wanted to witness the stages of cloning, and clock the process. Despite their assiduity, for over a year they were unable to see an act of cloning. The watchword in the lab became "A watched larva never clones," Allen said. Then one day, Allen was in the microscope room with one of the Australian co-authors.

"We were taking photographs and measuring these larvae," he said. He was wielding his pipette, "And while I was putting this larva on a microscope slide, it just cloned! Right in front of me."

"And it happened like that," he said, snapping his fingers. "It explains why we don't usually see it. It was essentially instantaneous. I was yelping and screaming."

Allen described the larval cloning process, which he says takes less than a second and starts at the head.

"Well, where the head would be. They don't have a head. There's a mouth and an esophagus and a stomach," he said. "The mouth just pops off. The esophagus and body just float around with no mouth. The mouth part regrows the esophagus and body; and the esophagus and body regrow the mouth."

They've developed an understanding of some of the cues that prompt larval cloning. Chief among them is a correlation with high-nutrient water. Allen said many of Australia's eastern rivers have become loaded with fertilizer used in growing sugar cane. The rivers bring the nutrients out to the ocean reefs, a processknown as eutrophicationthat he said is similar to what is going on in areas of the Chesapeake Bay.

"Eutrophication of the nutrient-poor water on the coral reefs led to phytoplankton blooms. Increased phytoplankton blooms fed the crown-of-thorns larvae," he explained. "And the larvae had a higher success rate, so there are more of them."

In abundance, phytoplanktonmicroscopic algaenot only feeds larvae, but also prompts them to clone. Other larval-cloning echinoderm species were known to respond to high levels of phytoplankton blooms by cloning at higher levels. Allen and his group discovered that the crown-of-thorns had a similar response.

"It makes sense," he said. "From an adaptive standpoint, if you're a larva in a low-nutrient environment, you're not going to want to split your resources. But if you're a larva, and there's plenty of food around, well thenbink! You split into two and there's plenty of phytoplankton here for both of us to eat."

Allen said the team is moving on to address questions that remain about various aspects of larval cloning. For instance, he believes that there is some plane or hinge below the larval mouth that facilitates the cloning split. He also wants to map out the adaptive cost-benefit analysis of larval cloning.

"Obviously there is a big benefit, which is there are two of you, rather than one of you, but there also are costs," he said. "For instance, it takes time to rebuild the larval body that you've split from."

Allen said his team's discoveries pointing to the connection between excess nutrients and crown-of-thorns outbreaks can help Australians make decisions that can help alleviate crown-of-thorns predation on the Great Barrier Reef, a source of national pride as well as tourist dollars.

More information: JD Allen et al. Larval cloning in the crown-of-thorns sea star, a keystone coral predator, Marine Ecology Progress Series (2018). Journal information: Marine Ecology Progress Series JD Allen et al. Larval cloning in the crown-of-thorns sea star, a keystone coral predator,(2018). DOI: 10.3354/meps12843
A study mapping the eastern Australian grey nurse shark population has found it has declined rapidly over the last few decades, with only 400 breeding sharks left, too few to maintain a healthy population.

The findings reveal that additional protection measures are needed to halt further population declines of the critically endangered shark.

The number of breeding individuals remaining is not enough to maintain genetic health and reduces the ability of the population to survive future environmental changes.

Diving with grey nurse sharks is a popular attraction at locations along the east coast of Australia, but the declining population puts the industry's future in doubt.

The grey nurse shark suffered major declines from overfishing in the 60s and 70s because they were considered dangerous and are easy to kill, being relatively slow-moving and aggregating in regular areas. This resulted in controversial closures of fishing areas.

Despite designated protection areas, the study found that grey nurse sharks tend to disperse out of these areas and get caught as by-catch or sometimes killed by entanglement in the shark meshing program, as they travel between the safe zones.

Lead author of the study, Associate Professor Adam Stow from the Department of Biological Sciences, said future conservation efforts need to mitigate threats outside of protected areas and consider the impact of recreational diving, fishing and the use of shark nets.

"Accidental capture of grey nurse sharks occurs outside the existing protected areas, and in addition to direct mortalities from capture and stress, many sharks are found tangled in fishing gear which can cause delayed fatality from punctured organs," said Associate Professor Stow.

"This is the first estimate of the effective population size, or the number of breeders in the population, and reveals an alarmingly low number of sharks left.

"Sharks are apex predators and play an important role in the food chain, meaning if they are removed, it can create 'cascade effects' resulting in imbalance and loss of other species."

Explore further The presence of people is slowing shark recovery on the Great Barrier Reef
Scientists have warned that California should brace for more wildfire as global warming drives longer bouts of hot, dry weather.

Now researchers at the University of California-San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography have found a positive trend when it comes to Southern California's battle against destructive blazes.

Santa Ana windswhich routinely whip up walls of flame through brush-covered hillsideswill probably be tempered in coming decades as a result of climate change, according to a study summarized last week in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

According to the study, Santa Ana winds will become about 18 percent less frequent toward the end of the century if climate change continues unabated.

"For fire, at least this element that determines risk carries some good news," said Sasha Gershunov, a research meteorologist at Scripps and co-author of the study.

The study predicts that the rate of such strong wind events will decrease specifically in the fall and spring.

The number of Santa Ana wind events, for example, could be nearly cut in half in September and October by midcentury, according to the study. And in April and May, that reduction could be about 40 percent.

"In order to understand changes in future wildfire risk, you have to take all of the ingredients," he said. "It's not clear which way the risk is changing, but the thing that seems clear is that we're looking at a later wildfire season."

The authors said it's important for researchers to include the effects of climate change on the Santa Anas when modeling long-term wildfire trends.

"These changes in Santa Ana winds add important detail to the expectation of drier and warmer conditions in the future, which is crucial to have a better understanding of changes in our regional climate," Janin Guzman-Morales, the study's lead author and a postdoctoral student at Scripps, said in a statement.

Santa Ana winds in the middle of winter, at their peak, are not expected to be as significantly disrupted, according to the study.

Noah Diffenbaugh, a professor of earth science at Stanford University, said the findings were an important contribution to understanding wildfire risk in California. But the result didn't assuage his concerns about climate change's potential to drive dangerous conflagrations.

"I don't see a sufficient reduction of winds to override the wildfire risks from warming," he said. "It's clear that the warming itself has already substantially increased wildfire risk."

Santa Ana winds start when cold air collects in the Great Basin of Nevada and Utah. If a high-pressure system blows that cool air west, the colder, heavier air rushes down the mountains to the warmer Pacific Coast at considerable speed.

Climate change will make those cold-air conditions less frequent while also disrupting easterly winds, according to the study.

The dry gusts are a reversal of the more common winds that blow east, carrying moisture, and they bring warmer weather and clear skies in winter months.

They can also knock down trees and kick up particulate matter that triggers allergies.

According to records kept by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the state's most devastating conflagrations have overwhelmingly resulted from wind-driven flames burning through grassland and chaparral.

The Thomas fire, the largest in Southern California history, occurred in December 2017 when back-to-back Santa Ana events blew flames through Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, destroying more than a thousand structures.

The Scripps study found that although such consecutive wildfire events will be somewhat less likely in the future, the risk will continue, especially in December.

Explore further How fierce fall and winter winds fuel California fires

2019 The San Diego Union-Tribune

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Paris, TX (75460)

Today

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 62F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 62F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
An adult male Grasshopper Sparrow at Camp Grafton, ND, wears a light-level geolocator that will help reveal his annual migration route and overwintering area. Credit: Alexandra Lehner

Studying birds that nest in grasslands on the firing ranges and runways of active military installations is not for the faint of heart, but it proved to be a successful strategy for solving some vexing migration mysteries. Fundamental questions regarding the timing and choice of migration routes, and what that means for conservation of grassland bird populations have been surprisingly difficult to answeruntil now. A new paper published in Ecology and Evolution sheds light on the annual movements of two grassland bird species and yields surprising results that may help transform the way we manage grassland bird populations, both across international borders and throughout their annual cycle.

Researchers from the Vermont Center for Ecostudies, with support from the U.S. Department of Defense Legacy Resource Management Program, have published the most extensive examination of the nonbreeding movement ecology for Grasshopper Sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum) and Eastern Meadowlarks (Sturnella magna) to date. By filling in fundamental knowledge gaps, this research will pave the way for cooperative endeavors to slow the decline of these grassland birds in the Midwest and Eastern United States.

"These results are a potential game changer for re-imagining conservation strategies for these grassland birds," explained Vermont Center for Ecostudies biologist Jason Hill. "Grassland bird management has been overwhelmingly focused on improving conditions on the breeding grounds. This is understandable especially for Grasshopper Sparrows, which are very hard to find outside of the breeding season when they're not singing. Our research reveals migration routes and specific wintering locations for several populations of Grasshopper Sparrows, and opens the door for a collaborative cross-border approach to managing them year-round."

Each line represents the most probable fall migration route for Grasshopper Sparrows from breeding populations in Kansas (purple, n = 8) and Massachusetts (orange, n = 10; left panel) and North Dakota (red, n = 1), Wisconsin (blue, n = 4), and Maryland (green, n = 10; right panel). Grasshopper Sparrows from the Midwest almost exclusively overwintered in Texas and Mexico, whereas sparrows from the eastern U.S. overwintered in Florida or the Caribbean. Credit: Jason Hill

Some migratory grassland birds spend nearly half their lives away from their breeding grounds, yet we know relatively little about this part of their annual cycle. To investigate the migratory patterns of these two species, the biologists deployed geolocators on 180 Grasshopper Sparrows and 29 Eastern Meadowlarks at Konza Prairie in Kansas, and at six U.S. Department of Defense installations across the species' breeding ranges. They were able to retrieve location data on 34 Grasshopper Sparrows and five Eastern Meadowlarks.

Data retrieved from the geolocators held many surprises. Among the most astonishing findings was that Grasshopper Sparrows do not begin fall migration in August as biologists had previously assumed; they actually stay put on the breeding grounds until October. The data also revealed that Grasshopper Sparrows make short, nearly daily migration flights, and that the North American Great Lakes region likely serves as a migratory divide for Midwest and East Coast populations. Data from Eastern Meadowlarks provided evidence of a diversity of individual movement behaviors, ranging from year-round residency in the same location to short and longdistance migration strategies.

Jason Hill prepares to release a color-banded Eastern Meadowlark wearing a GPS tag. Credit: Jason Hill

The study reveals where and when these grassland birds travel each year between their breeding seasons, but Hill says many questions remain. "The stopover ecology and nonbreeding habitat used by both species, especially for Grasshopper Sparrows in Mexico and the Caribbean Islands, should be a priority for future research."

An airplane is probably not the only threat these birds face in their lifetime, and understanding what these migratory birds need when they're away from their breeding grounds will help us protect them all year long.

GPS tag locations (circles) during fall (orange) and spring (green) migration, and the nonbreeding period (blue) from Eastern Meadowlarks originally tagged at Department of Defense installations (triangles) in Kansas and Wisconsin (main panel), and Massachusetts (inset). Colored lines represent probable and approximate flight paths between consecutive (~12 weeks apart) locations. Not shown are two meadowlarks tagged in Maryland that were nonmigratory yearround residents. Credit: Jason Hill

Explore further Researchers uncover migratory schedule of swallows, new study

More information: Jason M. Hill et al. Migratory patterns and connectivity of two North American grassland bird species, Ecology and Evolution (2018). Journal information: Ecology and Evolution Jason M. Hill et al. Migratory patterns and connectivity of two North American grassland bird species,(2018). DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4795
The relationship between pop artist Roy Lichtenstein and the creators of comics was famously fraught, with accusations of imitation and idea-stealing from the 'strip men'. However, new research published in the journal Art History reveals a more complex and collaborative dynamic of mutual admiration.

Researchers at the University of Chichester and the University of Leuven have discovered Roy Lichtenstein's forgotten admiration for comic books. Over the years Lichtenstein's famous blow ups have attracted significant hostility from the world of comic books.

However Professor Hugo Frey (Chichester) and Professor Jan Baetens (Leuven), working with the Roy Lichtenstein Archive, have discovered that for a period the artist and the comic book men shared a mutual admiration. Published this spring in the journal Art History they explain that pop art significantly shaped comics publications and, most importantly, cartoonists and pop artists were briefly meeting with each other and discussing each other's work in flattering terms.

In 1965 the National Cartoon Society commissioned work from Lichtenstein and hosted him at their annual event, with Lichtenstein telling the strip men: "I am honoured and very much amazed that you are feeding me and not stringing me up." A year later Lichtenstein engaged againthis time with the Paris comics world and an interview in its fanzine Giff-Wiff.

In the same Art History article Frey and Baetens speculate on a long forgotten source of Lichtenstein's fascination with the comics. While a student at Ohio State University the young artist's fraternity house wall included a 'blow up' of the Milton Caniff femme fataleBurmafrom Terry and the Pirates.

Professor Hugo Frey from the University of Chichester commented: "Pop art changed everything for a while, including the comics themselves. Of course over the years it has been common to bash Lichtenstein but the relationship was much more of a two-way process: Lichtenstein's work was exhibited alongside comic panels in a famous Paris show at the time. We hope our research shows once and for all that fine art and comics need not be rivals."

Professor Jan Baetens from the University of Leuven added: "In fact, we believe our research indicates all parties were in fact collaborating for greater creativity in both disciplines."

More information: Hugo Frey et al, Comics Culture and Roy Lichtenstein Revisited: Analysing a Forgotten 'Feedback Loop', Art History (2019). Hugo Frey et al, Comics Culture and Roy Lichtenstein Revisited: Analysing a Forgotten 'Feedback Loop',(2019). DOI: 10.1111/1467-8365.12416

Provided by University of Chichester
Apple confirmed it has reached a settlement with French authorities on back taxes

Apple said Tuesday that it had reached an agreement with French authorities to settle 10 years of back taxes, becoming the latest US company to make a deal with France, which has led a European push for higher taxes on tech giants.

Apple paid nearly 500 million euros ($570 million) to resolve the case in a confidential settlement reached in December, a source familiar with the case told AFP, confirming a report in French news weekly L'Express.

"The French tax administration recently concluded a multiyear audit on the company's French accounts and an adjustment will be published in our public accounts," Apple said in a statement.

"We know the important role taxes play in society and we pay our taxes in all the countries where we operate, in complete conformity with laws and practices in force at the local level," the company said.

French authorities declined to comment further, citing the confidentiality of tax matters.

French tech tax looms

Apple is one of several American technology giants in the line of fire in Europe over their tax strategies, which see them route their income through low-tax nations such as Ireland or Luxembourg.

In 2016, it was ordered by the European Commission to pay 13 billion euros in back taxes to Ireland.

The European Commission said Apple paid an effective corporate tax rate of just 0.005 percent on its European profits in 2014equivalent to just 50 euros for every million.

The deal in France comes as the government prepares to push ahead with its own unilateral "GAFA tax"an acronym of Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazonfaced with the failure of EU members to agree on how to get technology companies to pay more tax on their European operations.

The levy, to be put to parliament in a bill this month, would affect companies with global sales of more than 750 million euros and 25 million euros in France.

It would be retroactive to January 1 and is expected to raise 500 million euros this year.

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has called the question of how and where global companies pay their taxes "a major issue in the 21st century".

But an agreement among EU members has proved elusive.

Ireland, Denmark and Sweden have all blocked plans for a levy for fear of dissuading investment, and Germany has proved lukewarm on the issue, fearing US retaliation against its car industry.

The issue has been referred to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, which aims to come up with an international agreement by 2020.

Scramble to settle

According to L'Express, the deal between France and Apple was clinched after several months of talks, and concerned the small amount of revenue the firm booked in France even as the sales it reported in Europe ballooned.

The report said Apple's European revenues exploded seven-fold, from 6.6 billion euros in 2008 to 47.7 billion in 2017, most of which was booked in Ireland where Apple has its European headquarters.

At 12.5 percent, Ireland's corporate tax rate is much lower than in France, where companies pay 33 percent tax on their profits.

Apple insisted Tuesday that it was contributing to the French economy, saying it had invested 800 million euros on outsourcing in the country in 2018.

It is the second US tech heavyweight to reach a settlement with French tax authorities in the past year.

In February 2018, Amazon said it had settled a French claim for nearly 200 million euros and would start declaring all its earnings in the country, ending a dispute that had dragged on for years.

In 2017, however, France's tax collection drive suffered a setback with a local court ruling that Google was not liable to pay 1.1 billion euros in taxes claimed on revenues transferred from France to Ireland.

Anti-globalisation groups have criticised the government's push to settle cases out of court.

"If you steal to eat you go to prison. When the GAFAM (GAFA plus Microsoft) steal billions the state does an out-of-court deal," the anti-capitalist group Attac France tweeted on Tuesday.

Explore further France seeks 600 mn in taxes from Microsoft: report

 2019 AFP
Beijing has released a goodwill Lunar New Year video message to the people of Taiwan that juxtaposes scenes of daily life in the self-ruled island with shots of fighter jets and bombers from the Peoples Liberation Army taking part in exercises.

The film, titled My Fighting Eagles Fly Around Formosa  an old name for Taiwan, was published on social media by the PLA Air Force Airborne Corps on Sunday with a note saying it was to celebrate the new year, which fell on Tuesday.

The 3-minute propaganda film released on Weibo, Chinas Twitter-like platform, leaves little to the imagination as it superimposes the official badge of the air force against a shot of Taiwans iconic skyscraper Taipei 101, once the worlds tallest building.

Despite the footage of H-6 bombers and J-20 stealth fighters, the films official message speaks of reunification and brotherhood. Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province to be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary.

The lyrics of the song that accompanies the images call for Brothers and sisters from Taiwan to return [and] reunite.

My fighting eagles are flying around Taiwan, the nostalgic memory from the homeland is softly calling you to return.

As well as assorted images of Taipei 101, the film includes footage of other famous locations on the island, like Sun Moon Lake and Ali Mountain.

Beijing has taken an increasingly hard line against Taipei since Tsai Ing-wen was elected the islands president in 2016. Tsai refuses to endorse the mainlands view that democratic Taiwan is a province of China.

In response, the PLA has stepped up its military exercises in the air and on the water close to Taiwan, and staged war games on the mainland side of the Taiwan Strait.

The defence ministry in Taipei responded to the PLA film by releasing a 90-second video of its own, titled Freedom Is Not Free, on Monday on Facebook.

Story continues

It includes images of the island flexing its own military muscle, with missile launches and drills involving its ground, air and naval forces, while an accompanying message says Taiwans military is always ready for combat, even during the Lunar New Year holiday.

Also on Monday, Taiwans Mainland Affairs Council condemned Beijing for using the propaganda film to stir up ill feeling across the strait.

This approach aims at reunifying Taiwan with force and will have only counterproductive results as Taiwanese will find it repulsive and distasteful, it said.

This article PLA bombers, jet fighters star in Beijings Happy Lunar New Year video message to Taiwan first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has formally started the rehabilitation of transcentral roads severely damaged by the armed conflict in Marawi City, Province of Lanao del Sur.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda together with DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Yoshio Wada, Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers Concern and Muslim Affairs Secretary Abdullah Mama-o, and Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Mamintal Bombit Adiong Jr. led on Monday, February 4, 2018, the ceremonial groundbreaking of the P970 million road rehabilitation projects funded by a Japanese government grant in Lanao Del Sur Provincial Capitol in Marawi City.

Also present during the groundbreaking ceremony were Task Force Bangon Marawi Chairperson Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario, DPWH Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations and Technical Services Emil K. Sadain, DPWH UPMO Roads Management Cluster I Director Virgilio Castillo, Project Manager Francisco Sawali, DPWH Region 10 Director Zenaida Tan and Asst. Director Rey Peter Gille and other local officials.

Secretary Villar said that the project involves the civil works of Marawi Transcentral Road Contract Packages 1-B and 2 with a total length of 9.56 kilometers and detailed engineering designs of 13 other road sections under Contract Package 3 with a total length of 20.80 kilometers.

Contract Package 1-B under contract with under Al Hussien Construction covers the construction of Bacong-Poona-Marantao-Marawi Road (including drainage), GMA Terminal Access, Marawi-Cadre-New Capitol, Marcos Boulevard, and Idarus Road Section while Contract Package 2 under contract with Odim Kouzbary of Kouzbary Builders covers the MSU  GMA Road and Lumidong  Amai Pakpak Avenue.

Meanwhile, civil works for another JICA-funded Contract Package 1-A involving the 9.41-kilometer Bacong-Iligan-Marawi Road will soon commence anytime this year once the bidding process is completed.

Story continues

The Japanese government, through JICA, has donated a total of JPY2 billion or approximately PHP970 million for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City and its surrounding areas specifically of its 18.97-kilometers road network.

These grant projects of Japan are first of the other significant projects that DPWH will be implementing in Marawi City and its surrounding areas within the next four years to ensure better mobility that will boost further growth to the economic conditions of Marawi City, added Secretary Villar.

In his briefing, Undersecretary Sadain said that completion of Contract Package 1B and Contract Package 2 are slated on April 2020 and February 2020, respectively, while construction of roads under Contract Package 3 will be carried out under JICAassisted Road Network Development Project in Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao (RNDPCAAM), whose Loan Agreement will be signed on February 10, 2019.

Project Director Castillo of UPMO Roads Management Cluster 1 together with Project Manager Sawali were tapped by Undersecretary Sadain to supervise and monitor implementation of JICA-funded Marawi reconstruction and development projects in line with the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administrations program to fast track DPWH Build, Build, Build commitment.

The repair and rehabilitation of Marawis roads comes over a year after the Department of National Defense announced the end of hostilities in the city on October 23, 2017.

DOWH JICA Marawi

The post Marawi Road Network Reconstruction Begins appeared first on Carmudi Philippines.
FOLLOWING his rumored death, President Rodrigo Duterte ended his five-day hiatus from the public sight on Monday, February 4, when he visited the grave of his parents at the Roman Catholic Public Cemetery

FOLLOWING his rumored death, President Rodrigo Duterte ended his five-day hiatus from the public sight on Monday, February 4, when he visited the grave of his parents at the Roman Catholic Public Cemetery in his hometown Davao City.

Duterte paid respects to the memories of his parents around 11:30 p.m. Monday to commemorate the 7th death anniversary of his mother, Soledad Duterte, photos from his long-time aide, former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go, showed.

Duterte was seen lighting candles and offering prayers for his departed.

It has been the tradition of the 73-year-old Chief Executive to go to the resting place of his parents during their respective death anniversaries and in their occasions.

The President's visit to the graves of his parents came after false news about his death circulated on social media.

Duterte's last public engagement was on January 29 when he led the groundbreaking of the new site of the San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital in Malabon City, and attended the movie premiere about former police chief Ronald dela Rosa in Mandaluyong City.

Duterte on Sunday, February 3, merely poked fun about his alleged passing, saying in jest that the public should pray for the eternal repose of his soul. (SunStar Philippines)
China and Norway face off over ridiculous claims Beijing is using Huawei to spy on Scandinavian host

The Chinese embassy in Oslo hit back at Norwegian intelligence on Monday after the agency made ridiculous accusations that Beijing spied on its Scandinavian host.

Its ridiculous for the intelligence service of a country to make a security assessment and attack China with a hypothesis, the embassy said.

The statement came after the Norwegian police intelligence agency PST, in its annual security evaluation, accused the Chinese government of stealing information from Norways cyber domain through technology provided by Huawei.

The embassy said Chinese law did not force companies to build mandatory back doors into networks.

Marie Benedicte Bjrnland, PST chief, said Chinese law compelled individuals and private companies such as Huawei to cooperate with Chinese authorities, Norwegian media reported.

Everyone needs to pay attention to Huawei as a player in connection with the 5G network that will be built out, Bjrnland said. Huawei as a company has apparently tight connections to Chinese authorities.

Denmark expels Huawei staff as Norway warns of espionage risk

Justice Minister Tor Mikkel Wara announced measures to reduce the vulnerability of the Norwegian network.

The Norwegian coalition government will look at preventing Norways largest mobile operators  Telenor, Telia and Ice  from choosing equipment suppliers such as Huawei whose servers were deemed a threat to national security, he said. Both Telenor and Telia used Huaweis mobile network systems for their 4G services.

If the logic of the PST stood, the Chinese embassy said, then it could also be said that China was exposed to threats from Norway because Norway has the capability and the will to use such technology.

Hu Xijin, the editor-in-chief of Chinas state-run Global Times, called on the Norwegian intelligence service to exercise self-respect.

The Norwegian market is like a mosquito to China. What technology does it have? Norwegian intelligence service, have some self-respect, he wrote on Twitter.

Story continues

Norway considers excluding Huawei from 5G network, citing espionage fears

Norway is not the only country to have voiced concerns about the involvement of Chinese telecom companies in its networks.

The United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Taiwan have blocked Huawei from taking part in development of their 5G telecoms networks for fear they may be left open to spying by China.

Recently, the European Union, Germany, its largest industrial power, and UK said they may exclude Huawei.

The Chinese company has denied allowing Chinese authorities access to its hardware, software and networks and pledged to open a cybersecurity centre in Brussels, Belgium, in March to demonstrate its commitment to Europe.

Huawei will never give any countries authorities access to information, Tore Larsen Orderlkken, security director for Huawei in Norway, told Norwegian newspaper DN last month.

We have no ties to Chinese authorities apart from having headquarters in China, he said.

This article China and Norway face off over ridiculous claims Beijing is using Huawei to spy on Scandinavian host first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019.
Anyone who has seen the chilling docu-drama 'Vice ' will already be in despair at the condition of democracy in the United States.The film recorded how Vice-President Dick Cheney quietly, but effectively accumulated vast power for the US Presidency that potentially usurped the checks and balances put in place by the US constitution, and trampled over the human rights of America's 'enemies', while at the same time further enriching powerful businessmen who were allied to Cheney and his friends.The report by the US based Freedom House think-tank should come as no surprise therefore. As the Independent says , the organisation argues that democracy is undergoing an alarming decline across the world as a growing number of countries move towards authoritarian rule. They believe that 2018 was the 13th consecutive year of deteriorating freedoms around the globe:They further highlight that Russian president Vladimir Putin and Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan re-elected for further terms last year, while the National Peoples Congress in China rubber-stamped an amendment abolishing a two-term limit on the presidency, allowing Xi Jinping indefinite rule:The researchers say none of this is new: since 2006, a total of 116 countries have seen a decline in democratic freedoms, while only 63 countries have experienced growth. It does not make good reading.
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LOS REVOLUCIONARIOS NO TOMAN CACA-COLA No se trata solamente de un capricho, sino de una sana actitud en todos los sentidos. Desde la solidaridad con el pueblo colombiano donde la empresa Caca-Cola ha cometido los mas grandes abusos contra sus trabajadores incluyendo el presunto secuestro y asesinato de los dirigentes del sindicato, hasta la proteccion de la salud de nuestros hijos, enviciados por ese jarabe de cola y azucar, que les produce obesidad prematura. Pensemos tambien los revolucionarios, que ese dinero que gastamos en los refrescos es utilizado por esas empresas para financiar el terrorismo en nuestro pais. Es cierto, no se trata solo de la Caca-Cola, sino tambien de la cerveza, de los cigarrillos y todos esos articulos innecesarios y mas que eso, daninos para nuestra salud. Podriamos incluso pensar en un dia de parada para cada uno de ellos. Es cuestion de irnos organizando. Pero para empezar, que tal si dejamos de comprar Caca-Cola y sus similares?



Cuando lo extraordinario se vuelve cotidiano...



Discurso del Acto de Grado en Barinas en 12 de Febrero del 2005 Queridos Graduandos:



Mas que un discurso, quiero dirigirles algunas palabras que escribi anoche, despues de visitar en las clinicas, a los estudiantes heridos, a consecuencia de los enfrentamientos con la policia de hace apenas dos dias.



Me ha tocado por razones del destino, ser la persona que les otorgue el titulo que bien merecieron con sus estudios. Y me siento sumamente orgulloso de serlo. Me consta que la Universidad de Los Llanos Occidentales Ezequiel Zamora, a pesar de lo dicho por los enemigos de esta universidad, es una universidad de primera.



No tendremos la mejor planta fisica, en los salones hace calor. En el comedor hace calor. Pero no es en lo material que las cosas deben valorarse. El mayor capital es el ser humano. Y en eso, nuestra UNELLEZ, lo digo con conocimiento de causa, esta sobrada. Los llaneros venezolanos son nobles, valientes, de coraje.



En la UNELLEZ hacen vida, en este momento, aproximadamente 67000 personas. El 97% de ellas son estudiantes. Jovenes que, como Ustedes hasta el dia de hoy, buscan ese titulo, que constata los anos de dedicacion y de estudio.



Los jovenes son el rio de la vida, ustedes graduados deben ser los capitanes de esos barcos que naveguen por el rio de la vida.



Nuestra Patria atraviesa momentos muy dificiles porque decidio dejar de ser esa matrona de edad vetusta y complaciente, para ser joven, rebelde y altanera. Nuestra imagen ya no es la de una acaudalada ricachona mayamera. En nuestro rostro brilla ahora la sonrisa del Che Guevara, con su diente delantero torcido, su pelo largo y su boina con la estrella.



Entender esto, a mi me ha tomado practicamente toda la vida. Tengo 53 anos, y ya perdi mi oportunidad de derramar sangre joven a causa de un ideal.



Ustedes son jovenes, estan en la flor de la vida. No cometan por favor el error de renunciar a su instinto de rebelion. El Che Guevara fue Ministro de a Economia en Cuba. Los billetes y las monedas se adornaban con su rostro. Nada de eso le importo. Primero fue a Angola donde paso un penoso ano de combate. Despues se fue a Bolivia, donde encontro la muerte. El Che era el ultimo que comia, el que cargaba la mochila mas pesada. Siempre se sacrificaba por los demas en un estoicismo que mas parecia fervor religioso que ideologia marxista.



Si quieren un modelo de vida. Ahi lo tienen.



Dije hace unos momentos que el 97% de la poblacion de la UNELLEZ es estudiante. Se imaginan Ustedes la Universidad que podriamos tener si todos los estudiantes tuvieran la abnegacion, la combatividad del Che?



Los momentos que se avecinan van a requerir de una gran unidad del pueblo venezolano. La alternativa de continuar siendo libres o regresar a la pobreza se nos planteara en los proximos dias de forma enmascarada, o quizas peor, desenmascarada, vestida con uniforme de soldado del Imperio.



Por nuestra parte podemos esperar lo mejor. La macroeconomia no podria ir mejor, la justicia social ha mejorado notablemente. Las misiones ocupan un papel muy importante en el pago de dicha justicia social. Aqui en Barinas ya hemos cumplido con dos de las misiones, la mision Robinson y la mision Sucre. No hay analfabetismo y no hay exclusion en la educacion superior, en estas tierras de Zamora.



Pero ay malhaya! Son precisamente estos exitos los que nos hacen mas antipaticos al Imperio. Para ellos, somos inclusive un mal ejemplo que se esta contagiando al resto del continente y cuidado sino al resto del mundo.



Nunca venceremos al Imperio. Estara siempre ahi, acechando. Por lo menos hasta que el mismo no se autodestruya. Porque, sepanlo senores, el neoliberalismo es canibal. Cuando le ataque el hambre, se devorara a si mismo.



Ustedes, queridos graduandos, a partir de hoy pasan a conformar la elite profesional que debe sostener este pais en los proximos cuarenta o cincuenta anos. Anos decisivos para el logro de nuestra libertad y del rescate de nuestra Soberania.



No se dejen comprar. No se dejen corromper. No se dejen gritar. No se dejen pisar. Que nadie les diga que comer, o que vestirse, o que leer. Sean siempre autenticos, rebeldes, contestatarios. Pero eso si, profundamente patriotas, dignos de ser hijos de Bolivar.



Muchas gracias y que Dios los bendiga.





Alguna duda?



Medio siglo de Holocausto Palestino



Oscar Zanartu Nacio en Caracas en 1960. Ha realizado exposiciones individuales en las galerias Minotauro, Clave y San Francisco, y en salas de Coro, estado Falcon, y Puerto Ordaz, estado Bolivar. En Paris su obra ha sido exhibida en el Centro Cultural Tanagra, en la Exposicion Cite Internationale des Arts, en las galerias De Mars y Arver Space, al igual que en la Galeria Municipal Levallois, en Levallois Perret (Francia). En muestras colectivas, su obra se ha expuesto en Belgica, Francia, Estados Unidos y Venezuela; en Caracas intervino en la exposicion "Del genesis a la memoria", 1995, organizada por la Fundacion La Previsora. En 1982 obtuvo el Premio Nacional Critven y en 1990 la Mencion de Honor Jose Antonio Paez, en la Embajada de Venezuela en Paris. En 1991 se le concedio el primer premio de Pintura Itinerante, en Levallois Perret, Francia.



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Mas fotos de la nevada del pasado agosto 2008



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Nuestro precioso Churum Meru



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Autoretrato



Sabes lo que bebes en una Coca-Cola?

La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.

Mi profesion?

Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.

Sal en la Coca Cola?

A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.

De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:

Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gusto

Acido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)

azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)

Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantas

Mucha Cafeina

Conservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o Potasio

Dioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebe

Sal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracion

El uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.

Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.

Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.

En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).

Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.

La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.

Bebidas Light?

Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el

Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.



Publicado por loretahur



En realidad, la formula secreta de la Coca-Cola se puede detallar en 18 segundos en cualquier espectrometro optico, y basicamente la conocen hasta los perros. Lo que ocurre es que no se puede fabricar igual, a no ser que uno disponga de unos cuantos millones de dolares para ganarle la demanda que te metera la Coca-Cola ante la justicia (ellos no perderian).La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gustoAcido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantasMucha CafeinaConservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o PotasioDioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebeSal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracionEl uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el aspartamo , despues de tres semanas mojado, pasa a tener gusto de trapo viejo sucio.Para evitar eso, se agregan una infinidad de otros productos quimicos, uno para alargar la vida del aspartamo, otro para neutralizar el color, otro para mantener el tercer quimico en suspension porque sino el fondo de la gaseosa quedaria oscuro, otro para evitar la cristalizacion del aspartamo, otro para realzar el sabor, dar mas intensidad al acido citrico o fosforito que perderia su sabor por el efecto de los cuatro productos quimicos iniciales... y asi sucesivamente.Un consejo final !!Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.Publicado por loretahur

MARGARINA o MANTEQUILLA La margarina fue producida originalmente para engordar a los pavos; cuandolo que hizo en realidad fue matarlos.Las personas que habian puesto el dinero para la investigacion quisieronrecobrarlo asi que empezaron a pensar en una forma de hacerlo.Tenian una sustancia blanca, que no tenia ningun atractivo como comestible,asi que le anadieron el color amarillo, para venderselo a lagente en lugar de la mantequilla.Que tal esa?... Ahora han sacado algunos nuevos sabores para vender mas alos incautos como usted y yo.CONOCE USTED la diferencia entre la margarina y la mantequilla?Siga leyendo hasta el final... porque se pone bastante interesante!Comparacion entre mantequilla y margarina:

1.- Ambas tienen la misma cantidad de calorias.

2.- La mantequilla es ligeramente mas alta en grasas saturadas: 8 gramos,comparada con los 5 gramos que tiene la margarina.

3.- Comer margarina en vez de mantequilla puede aumentar en 53% el riesgo deenfermedades coronarias en las mujeres, de acuerdo con un estudiomedico reciente de la Universidad de Harvard.

4.- Comer mantequilla aumenta la absorcion de gran cantidad de nutrientesque se encuentran en otros alimentos.

5.- La mantequilla provee beneficios nutricionales propios mientras lamargarina tiene solo los que le hayan sido anadidos al fabricarla.

6.- La mantequilla sabe mucho mejor que la margarina y mejora el sabor deotros alimentos.7.- La mantequilla ha existido durante siglos mientras que la margarinatiene menos de 100 anos.

Ahora... sobre la margarina:

1.- Es muy alta en acidos grasos trans. (Si, esos que recien ahora loscientificos descubrieron que son malisimos y los gobiernoscomenzaron a prohibirlos) .

2.- Triple riesgo de enfermedades coronarias.

3.- Aumenta el colesterol total y el LDL (el colesterol malo) y disminuye elHDL (el colesterol bueno).

4.- Aumenta en cinco veces el riesgo de cancer.

5.- Disminuye la calidad de la leche materna.

6.- Disminuye la reaccion inmunologica del organismo.

7.- Disminuye la reaccion a la insulina.

Y he aqui el factor mas inquietante (AQUI ESTA LA PARTE MAS INTERESANTE! ):A la margarina le falta UNA MOLECULA para ser PLASTICO...!!Solo este hecho es suficiente para evitar el uso de la margarina de porvida, y de cualquier otra cosa que sea hidrogenada (esto significaque se le anade hidrogeno, lo cual cambia la estructura molecular de lassubstancias).Usted puede ensayar lo siguiente:Compre un poco de margarina y dejela en el garaje o en un sitio sombreado.Dentro de unos dias notara dos cosas:

* No habra moscas; ni siquiera esos molestos bichos se le acercaran (esto yale debe decir a usted algo).

* No se pudre ni huele mal o diferente porque no tiene valor nutritivo; nadacrece en ella. Ni siquiera los diminutos microorganismos puedencrecer en ella.Por que? Porque es casi plastico!!



No a la guerra, Si a la Paz



Misterios de la ciencia...



Los costos de la guerra



medicos y capitalismo...



medicos (2)



Quien educa a nuestros hijos?



Los Medios...



Sin Palabras...



Chistes feministas

- Cual es el problema, Eva?

- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz...

- Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.

- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...

- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.

- Que es un hombre?

- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.

- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.

- Cual es el truco?.

- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.

- Cual?

- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.





Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas?  Porque todos son unos cerdos

Un dia, en el Paraiso, Eva llamo a Dios: Tengo un problema.- Cual es el problema, Eva?- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz... - Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.- Que es un hombre?- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.- Cual es el truco?.- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.- Cual?- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas?  Porque todos son unos cerdos

Ellas (2)...



Tres venganzas femeninas VENGANZA NUMERO 1

Hoy mi hija cumple 21 anos y estoy muy contento porque es el ultimo pago de pension alimenticia que le doy, asi que llame a mi hijita para que viniera a mi casa y cuando llego le dije:

-Hijita, quiero que lleves este cheque a casa de tu mama y que le digas que: Este es el ultimo maldito cheque que va recibir de mi en todo lo que le queda de su puta vida!!! Quiero que me digas la expresion que pone en su rostro.

Asi que mi hija fue a entregar el cheque. Yo estaba ansioso por saber lo que la bruja tenia que decir y que cara pondria.

Cuando mi hijita entro, le pregunte inmediatamente: -Que fue lo que te dijo tu madre?

-Me dijo que justamente estaba esperando este dia para decirte que no eres mi papa!



VENGANZA NUMERO 2

Un hombre que siempre molestaba a su mujer, paso un dia por la casa de unos amigos para que lo acompanaran al aeropuerto a dejar a su esposa que viajaba a Paris.

A la salida de inmigracion, frente a todo el mundo, el le desea buen viaje y en tono burlon le grita:

- Amor, no te olvides de traerme una hermosa francesita Ja ja ja!!

Ella bajo la cabeza y se embarco muy molesta.

La mujer paso quince dias en Francia.

El marido otra vez pidio a sus amigos que lo acompanasen al aeropuerto a recibirla.

Al verla llegar, lo primero que le grita a toda voz es:

- Y amor me trajiste mi francesita??

- Hice todo lo posible, - contesta ella - ahora solo tenemos que rezar para que nazca nina.



VENGANZA NUMERO 3

El marido, en su lecho de muerte, llama a su mujer. Con voz ronca y ya debil, le dice: - Muy bien, llego mi hora, pero antes quiero hacerte una confesion.

- No, no, tranquilo, tu no debes hacer ningun esfuerzo.

- Pero, mujer, es preciso - insiste el marido - Es preciso morir en paz.

Te quiero confesar algo.

- Esta bien, esta bien. Habla!

- He tenido relaciones con tu hermana, tu mama y tu mejor amiga.

- Lo se, lo se Por eso te envenene, hijo de puta!!!



machismo y cibernetica



Chiste machista La NASA ha enviado al espacio una mision experimental tripulada por dos monos y una mujer.Apenas abandona la atmosfera, se establece comunicacion con Houston.

-Atencion, simio 1, verifique sistemas hidraulicos, controle adecuada presion de los propulsores de arranque. A 60.000 pies disminuya un 25% la velocidad.

El simio hace la sena de OK.

-Atencion, simio 2, nivele al cruzar la estratosfera y active sistemas anticongelantes. No olvide monitorear sistemas de comunicacion e indicadores de presion. Comprendido?.

El simio hace la sena de OK.

-Atencion, Houston llamando a mujer: no se olvide.

-Mujer: Si, si, ya se! -interrumpe enojada- que no me olvide darles de comer a estos monos de mierda y que no se me vaya a ocurrir tocar nada!.



.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti.

Un abogado mantiene un romance con su secretaria.Al poco tiempo, esta queda embarazada y el abogado, que no quiere que su esposa se entere, le da a la secretaria una buena suma de dinero y le pide que se vaya a parir a Italia.Esta pregunta: Y como voy a hacerte saber cuando nazca el bebe ? El abogado responde: Para que mi mujer no se entere, tan solo enviame una postal y escribe por detras: Spaghetti. Y no te preocupes mas, que yo me encargare de todos los gastos.

Pasan los meses y una manana la esposa del abogado lo llama al bufete, algo exaltada: Querido, acabo de recibir el correo y hay una postal muy extrana viene desde Italia. La verdad, no entiendo que significa.El abogado, tratando de ocultar sus nervios, contesta:Espera a que llegue a casa, a ver si yo entiendoCuando el hombre llega a casa y lee la postal, cae al suelo fulminado por un infarto.Llega una ambulancia y se lo lleva. Ya en el hospital, el jefe de cardiologia se queda consolando a la esposa y le pregunta cual ha sido el evento que precipito tan masivo ataque cardiaco.

Entonces la esposa saca la postal y se la muestra diciendole: No me explico, doctor; el solamente leyo esta postal. Vea usted mismo lo que trae escrito.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti."Tres con salchicha y albondigas y dos con almejas



Gol !!!!



Chistes de Borrachos Entra un borracho a su casa todo manchado con lapiz labial por todos lados hecho un desastre, y la mujer le pregunta:-Hombre que te paso?Y el borracho le responde:-No me vas a creer, me pelee con un payaso!



Este es un borracho que entra en un bar y le dice al camarero:-Me da cinco copas de whisky?Al rato:-Me da cuatro?Al rato:-Me da tres copas?Despues:-Me da dos copas?Luego le dice:-Me da una copa?Y le dice al camarero:-Ves? Cuanto menos bebo, mas borracho estoy!


Tesla is a step closer to imminently starting Model 3 deliveries in Europe as the first cargo ship loaded with its sedans arrived at a Belgian port last night, Electrek reports.

In January, Tesla loaded Model 3s for shipment to Europe and China on up to five cargo ships, and one of them has already arrived in Belgium, according to sightings from eager customers in Europe.

Tesla expects to begin deliveries of its Model 3 to Europe this month, after receiving in January permission to sell the model in the Netherlands.

The Dutch vehicle authority RDW has added Model 3 to the type of vehicles it has authorized for sale, with which Tesla cleared the final hurdle to start delivering the model to the European market.

Just like with U.S. sales of Model 3, Tesla will start delivering in Europe the Long Range Battery version of the midsize sedan.

Model 3 is key to Teslas vehicle offering as it aims to make its electric cars affordable to more people.

Model 3 will also help Tesla compete on the premium car market in Europe which is being dominated by German brands BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz.

Deliveries of Model 3 outside the United States will be a crucial development for Tesla, whose chief executive Elon Musk has said that he wasnt worried about Model 3 setbacks because of the drop in the U.S. tax credit, as he expected deliveries to Europe and China to take off.

In its Q4 Update letter, Tesla said last week that In January 2019, we started to produce Model 3 vehicles for Europe and China, and the car is now fully certified for sale in these markets. The market opportunity for Model 3 in Europe and China exceeds North America based on the most recent sales of mid-sized premium sedans. Model 3 was designed from the outset for a global market, and shares more than 98% of its parts in common across its regional variants.



By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Last year, Venezuela repaid US$2.3 billion of the loan it had received from Rosneft years ago, but the Latin American country still owes another US$2.3 billion, excluding interests, Rosneft said in its 2018 results release on Tuesday.

Rosneft has extended US$6 billion of loans to PDVSA, which needs to be fully redeemed in crude oil supplies by the end of this year.

As of December 31, 2017, Venezuelas state oil firm PDVSA had to repay US$4.6 billion of the loan. Through the course of 2018, it reimbursed half of that amount, excluding interests, according to Rosnefts 2018 financials presentation. As of December 31, 2018, Venezuela still owed Rosneft US$2.3 billion.

Referring to its oil assets in Venezuela, the Russian oil company said that it has participation in five oil projects and holds 100 percent in a gas project, with export rights.

Last week, Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russias President Vladimir Putin, said that Russiawhich stands by Nicolas Maduro in the Venezuelan political crisiswould use all available legal mechanisms to defend its interests, including oil interests, in the Latin American country.

According to analysts briefed by S&P Global Platts, whatever the outcome of Venezuelas political impasse, Rosneft wont be cut off from Venezuelan oil assets, as oil is pretty much the only hard-currency revenue the country can get. An analyst at a Western bank estimates Rosnefts assets in Venezuela at up to US$2.5 billion, plus another US$2.5 billion in crude supplies for the loan to PDVSA. Even in the unlikely scenario of Rosneft losing all the money it has poured in Venezuelas oil, the outcome would be biting but not critical for the Russian firm, the analyst told Platts last week.



Related: Wood Mac: Venezuelas Oil Output To Fall Below 1 Million Bpd

While Rosneft and Russia are left calculating the potential financial losses from Venezuelas oil, bond holders of PDVSA are also in a difficult position as trading in PDVSA bonds stopped after the U.S. sanctions on the state oil company and its securities.

PDVSA may stop servicing the only bondnotes due in 2020it has kept on servicing even as it has skipped billions of other bond payments, Francisco Rodriguez, chief economist at Torino Capital in New York, told Bloomberg last week. The 2020 notes are backed by a first-priority lien on a 50.1-percent in PDVSAs U.S. refining unit Citgo, but Maduros regime has no incentive to service the bond since Venezuelan oil-related bank accounts are handed over to opposition leader Juan Guaido, whom the U.S. and a lot of European nations recognize as the interim president of Venezuela.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Despite having obtained U.S. waivers to continue importing Iranian oil, Italy and Greece have stopped buying Irans crude, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh said on Tuesday.

Among the Europeans, except for Turkey, no other nation has purchased oil from Iran. Greece and Italy refuse to buy Irans oil despite winning waivers. Nor do they respond to our correspondence, the oil ministrys news service Shana quoted Zangeneh as saying.

Italy and Greece are among the eight countries that received U.S. waivers to continue importing oil from Iran at reduced rates until early May 2019. Italy and Greece, alongside Turkey and major Asian oil buyers China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, are the eight Iranian customers allowed to continue imports in limited volumes.

The Iranian oil minister also described the U.S. sanctions as a unilateral war against Irans petroleum industry, according to Shana.

Asked to disclose how much oil Iran has been exporting since the U.S. imposed sanctions on its oil and shipping industries in early November, Zangeneh continued to stick to the Iranian policy not to comment or reveal export figures until its oil is no longer under U.S. sanctions.

I dont announce any figure about oil exports, the oil minister said, adding that he would not say how Iran plans to skirt the U.S. sanctions either.

In separate comments regarding the U.S. sanctions on Venezuelas oil industry, Zangeneh said, We condemn the US [punitive] actions against Venezuela. Nonetheless, these actions have affected the oil market.



Related: Why Are Asian Spot LNG Prices Plunging?

The four major Asian buyers of Iranian oilChina, India, Japan, and South Koreahave recently resumed buying limited volumes of Iranian crude oil, after a period of around a month and a half in which they had to clarify how much and under what conditions they would purchase oil from Iran.

Those four major Asian buyers saw their combined crude oil imports from Iran drop to a three-year low in 2018, due to the return of the U.S. sanctionslast years Iranian purchases of the four Asian buyers were at their lowest since 2015, the last year before the previous sanctions on Iran were lifted. Although the fresh U.S. sanctions kicked in only in November, Asian importers began reducing their imports of Iranian oil earlier, with South Korea completely suspending imports in August.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader recognized as the countrys interim president by the U.S. and several major European countries, plans to drop the requirement that Venezuelas state oil firm PDVSA hold a majority stake in all joint projects, as the leader looks to boost oil production as soon as possible, Guaidos envoy to the U.S. has told Bloomberg.

We want to go to an open economy, we want to increase oil production, Guaidos U.S. envoy Carlos Vecchio said in an interview with Bloomberg.

The majority of the oil production that we want to increase will be with the private sector, Vecchio noted.

Under current rules, state firm PDVSA has to hold at least 51 percent in all joint oil projects in the country.

With Nicolas Maduros government and PDVSA running out of cash, crude oil production in Venezuelathe country sitting on the worlds largest oil reserveshas been incessantly falling over the past three years, despite Maduro touting deals with Russia and repeatedly vowing to increase oil production.

The economic collapse adds to years of mismanagement and underinvestment in the oil industry to further complicate attempts in Venezuela, one of OPECs five founding members, to stop the steep decline of its oil production.

OPEC figures show that Venezuelas crude oil production dropped by another 33,000 bpd from November to just 1.148 million bpd in December, compared to average 1.911 million bpd for 2017.

Earlier this month, Wood Mackenzie analyst Ann-Louise Hittle warned that Venezuelas crude oil production could fall below 1 million bpd after the United States imposed new sanctions on struggling oil firm PDVSA.

We believe production will likely fall to around 900,000 b/d under pressure from sanctions and a lack of materials for workovers, but we expect waivers will ease the full impact of the sanctions until they expire, Hittle said.



By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The European Union (EU) is mulling over imposing more sanctions on Venezuela, but those sanctions will not be targeting the oil sector, as the bloc looks to punish individuals, not the people of Venezuela, Maltas Foreign Minister Carmelo Abela told Reuters on Monday.

Having further (sectoral) sanctions is not excluded but primarily we are focused on certain individuals, Abela told Reuters after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

The EU initially imposed sanctions on Venezuela in November 2017, including an embargo on arms and on equipment for internal repression as well as a travel ban and an asset freeze on 18 individuals. In November 2018, the EU extended those sanctions by another year, in view of the continuing deterioration of the situation in Venezuela.

While the United States was quick to recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president of Venezuela and imposed sanctions on state oil firm PDVSA, the EU bloc initially said that the voices of Venezuelan people calling for democracy cannot be ignored.

The EU strongly calls for the start of an immediate political process leading to free and credible elections, in conformity with the Constitutional order, the EU said in its early reaction to the Venezuelan crisis, but stopped short of backing Guaido.

Then Germany, as well as Spain, called on Maduro to immediately agree to hold new elections, otherwise both EU members would consider backing Guaido.

After an eight-day deadline for Maduro to call elections expired on Sunday, many of the biggest EU nations, including the UK, Germany, France, and Spain, recognized Guaido as interim president of Venezuela.

Now more sanctions are in the works against Venezuela, but the EU is unwilling to punish an entire sector, and an important sector like the oil industry at that. According to Reuters estimates, crude oil and products account for three quarters of Venezuelas exports to the EU.

Last week, European buyers of the heavy crude produced by Venezuelas PDVSA were said to have put their purchases on hold in anticipation of sanctions against the government in Caracas to be announced by the EU.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Tankers carrying as much as 7 million barrels of Venezuelan heavy crude are sitting in the Gulf of Mexico awaiting some semblance of clarity on how the situation in the South American country will develop after the latest round of sanctions imposed on Caracas by Washington and targeting specifically state oil company PDVSA.

Reuters cites shipping data and industry sources as saying some tankers are being put on hold because their cargoes were bought before the sanctions were imposed while others were idling in the ocean because buyers were not sure who they were supposed to pay for the deliveries.

The latter problem, Reuters reports, concerns an aspect of sanctions that bans U.S. buyers of Venezuelan crude to pay for the commodity directly to PDVSA accounts. They are to pay for it by transferring the money to escrow accounts, which have not yet been set up.

These accounts will be controlled by Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president last month, as required by Venezuelan constitution in case of problematic election results that necessitate a repeat of the vote, which Guaido is calling for. The U.S. along with several South American countries and a handful of European states have thrown their support behind Guaido and insisted that elected president Maduro call new elections and ensure their transparency.

Yet some are seeing an opportunity, according to Reuters sources. Some of the tankers floating in Venezuelan waters and elsewhere in the Gulf are being used as floating storage by traders quick to take advantage of PDVSA offering crude on the open market before the sanctions kicked in.

There were many cargoes of Venezuelan crude already in the Gulf when sanctions were announced, said one trader who does business with the Venezuelan state firm. Others, however, cannot find who to sell them to due to sanctions, the source added.



By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Iran has recoverable crude oil reserves of 160 billion barrels, the National Iranian Oil Company said, adding recoverable natural gas reserves came in at 33.33 trillion cubic meters, Mehr news agency reported.

The data, according to the Iranian media, makes Iran the third-largest holder of oil and gas reserves in terms of exploration capacity after the United States and Russia.

In natural gas, Irans biggest deposit is a field it shares with Qatar, South Pars, where maximum daily production has reached 66 million cubic meters. In oil, some of Irans largest fields lie along its border with Iraq, the largest among them, the South Azagedan field, which pumps 100,000 bpd currently but there are plans to increase this to 150,000 bpd.

The report comes a couple of weeks after Energy Minister Bijan Zanganeh announced a new oil discovery in the so far untapped region of Abadan. This is the first time weve reached oil in the Abadan region, Zanganeh said, adding that the grade was very light and sweet, but giving no details regarding the amount of reserves contained in the reservoir.

The news about the countrys reserves reinforce Irans defiant attitude to U.S. sanctions that came into effect last November and caused a substantial decline in its crude oil exports. The latest update, based on Reuters data, suggests Irans exports to its biggest importing region, Asia, fell to the lowest since 2015, to 1.31 million bpd last year.

This rate of intake will likely remain relatively unchanged in the coming months. Japan, South Korea, India, and China are all buying Iranian crude thanks to the sanction waivers they scored with Washington, but at much lower rates than they did before November. According to S&P Global Platts calculations, the rate at which the four countries are importing Iranian crude at the moment is at least half that of the rate seen before the sanctions went into effect.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Venezuelas oil production could be disrupted to a greater degree than most analysts first thought, as the U.S. government seeks essentially shut in the countrys oil sector.

When the Trump administration first announced sanctions on Venezuelas oil sector a little over a week ago, it sounded as if they would simply bar U.S. companies from buying oil. That would still mean that Venezuela could ship the oil elsewhere, albeit at a painful discount.

However, the U.S. Treasury issued some more details on February 1, sketching out a harsher sanctions regime. The sanctions on Venezuela will actually resemble the measures targeting Iran in that it will bar companies from using the U.S. financial system to do business with PDVSA. As such, the reach of the sanctions will extend well beyond the shores of the United States.

Reuters reported that even prior to last Fridays clarification from the U.S. Treasury, European buyers were already slashing purchases because of concerns over payments. Reuters reported that two of the worlds largest oil traders, Vitol and Trafigura, said that they would comply with all U.S. sanctions.

As a result, PDVSA and Maduros government could have a much harder time finding destinations for Venezuelan oil than first thought. The Wall Street Journal reported oil storage is filling up in Venezuela because of a lack of buyers.

Related: Wood Mac: Venezuelas Oil Output To Fall Below 1 Million Bpd



Moreover, not only are the effects of the sanctions more far-reaching, but also more immediate than first thought. At first, the U.S. seemed to exempt shipments that were underway, outlining a sort of phased approach that would allow a handful of American refiners to gradually unwind their oil purchase from Venezuela. The phased approach, which was supposed to be extended into April, would help to minimize any immediate disruptions, U.S. Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin said in late January.

But that now does not appear to be what is unfolding. PDVSA has demanded upfront payment, likely because it fears not being paid at all or having the revenues steered to the opposition. Indeed, the U.S. effort to steer PDVSA and its revenues into the hands of the U.S.-backed opposition leader Juan Gauido appears to be a decisive turning point.

Oil tankers linked to Chevron, Lukoil and Respsol are delayed, redirected or sitting offshore because of lack of payment. The WSJ says that several of those tankers had recently sent oil to Corpus Christi, Texas, but are now anchored off the coast of Maracaibo sitting idle. This is an absolute disaster, Luis Hernandez, a Venezuelan oil union leader, told the WSJ. Theres almost no way to move the oil.

Unable to sell any oil, Maduros regime could quickly run out of cash. The result could be a humanitarian catastrophe, a merciless and destructive objective that the Trump administration seems to have in mind. The U.S. government is essentially betting that by driving the country into the ground, the military and the people will turn on Maduro. It could yet turn out that way, but it could also deepen the misery and exact an unspeakable toll on the Venezuelan population, the very people the Trump administration says it is trying to help.

In the meantime, oil exports are likely heading into a freefall. The WSJ says that labor problems, including mass defections of workers are accelerating declines. PDVSA could soon run out of refined fuel.

Officials with knowledge of the situation told the WSJ that Venezuelas oil production has likely already fallen well below 1 million barrels per day (mb/d), down more than 10 percent  at least  from December levels.

Related: OPECs Oil Princes Are Fighting For Survival

Wood Mackenzie estimates that production probably stands a little bit higher at about 1.1 mb/d, but that it could soon fall to 900,000 bpd.

Its hard to imagine how Maduro can hang on if oil exports fall precipitously from here. But even if he does manage to stay in power, the U.S. may escalate the situation. Last month, U.S. national security adviser John Bolton had 5,000 troops to Colombia written on his legal pad. President Trump himself said that a military intervention is an option.

For the oil market, the crisis presents a series of problems. If Maduro hangs on and the U.S. continues to heap more pressure on his government, Venezuelan oil production and exports will continue to fall. Alternatively, the U.S. is hoping for a quick regime change, after which it would lift sanctions, which it believes will lead to a reversal in output losses.

The next round of Iran sanctions is nearing, with U.S. sanctions waivers expiring in May. As such, the window of opportunity for the Trump administration is open only a crack, necessitating a quick political change, Barclays wrote in a note. By the third quarter, the loss of Venezuelan output, Iran sanctions, and the looming regulations from the International Maritime Organization will put an increasing premium on medium and heavy oils.

That would push up oil prices significantly. But the U.S. government has blown past the point of no return, leaving it with no other options except to escalate. That means that Venezuela is set to lose a lot more oil than analysts thought only two weeks ago.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

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Me too, Tay

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Stars  They're Just Like Us!

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People need to stop going to awards shows in general.

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I'm honestly ok with that. Bye sis!

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Same Tay. But hope she wins lol

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AKA, "I don't need to schmooze so it ain't worth worth my time if I ain't collecting those statues"

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lol i figured she wouldn't go considering she got shut out of so many categories. ha ego is bruised.

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Poor ha

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She probably knows shes not winning much I guess.

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Toilet has been snubbed. It would be embarrassing if she went there.

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in other words, she has no award to collect so she cant be bothered, cause she knows she aint getting the 1 she nominated for.

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smart, she doesn't want to be associated with a dying award show/pointless award.

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She look like a wax creation in that pic.

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yeah she looks like something made by Madame Tussauds in that pic

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why would anyone fly in for a day just to sit for 3 hrs in an uncomfortable seat to see if you're gonna win 1 award when you can just upload a "thank you!!" video if you win later that day



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 my copy of Black Leopard Red Wolf is still out of delivery. I want to read it so bad. All the reviews I read and watch sounds amazzzzzing. Also, The New Yorker had a whole piece on James last and it was really good.

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i'll check out the new yorker piece, thanks!

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I hope marlon's book is good, I'm looking forward to it. I wonder if he could pull off a Hugo win

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All my holds dropped and I found two of my tbr in the library so right now I'm just like needsmoretime.gif

My pile right now:

Number One Chinese Restaurant

Where the Crawdads Sing

Broke Milennial

The Dangerous Art of Blending In

Before We Were Yours



To be a tad more on topic: I really don't care about the sticker 'literary' tacked onto every book. First of all: I can decide by myself how smart and or deep a story is; secondly - it is too often viewed as synonym for good while it very often definitely isn't.

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that's always my issue with books on hold, they somehow always manage to come in around or at the same time lol.





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I know, right? And same with finding all kinds of good sounding stuff when browsing, while when you want to score, everyone looks meh.

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lol yep

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I put three (!) books back!

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Lol. well there's always next time...



I'm going to return 2 tomorrow - 1 i never got to look at, and 1 i only thumbed thru... i picked up another book yesterday that i doubt i'm gonna be able to get to >:(

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I dnf my previous read, but I can borrow for a year, so I gladly never have to experience 'but it has to be returned!!' again.

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ahhh two more books i need to put on hold at the library! i love LaValle but I haven't read anything by James yet.

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I haven't read either of these authors before, but after reading this interview I am interested in checking them out! I loved this bit:



For me, I think it was reading Stephen Kings Night Shift. It was the first time I started trying to write, and felt totally like, I want to do this. I wasnt thinking about it as a career, like Im going to make a living blah blah blah. But it was like, what hes doing here with these stories, thats what I want to do.



One of my favorite short story collections! Victor's got taste. And i really liked this as well:



Its been overwhelming to me to realize there are people who just want books to be good and who arent coming in with their arms crossed, like, You better wow me. Theyre just like: I want to be wowed. Its so huge, that tiny difference.



These are the people I like talking to about film, books, TV, etc the most - the people who want to like things.

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yes! i loved what he said about Night Shift too. It's definitely one of my favorite short story collections too.



lol i like that other quote too. that whole interview was quote-worthy!

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I love that second quote so much

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I want to read Black Leopard Red Wolf so bad! The reviews have been really promising.



ATM I'm reading One Day in December for the ONTD challenge, and JY Yang's Tensorate series, which is... interesting. I'm trying not to pass judgement on it until I read the second book.

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I'd be interested in your thoughts on the Tensorate series as I have it on my tbr list.

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So the first two books in the series are paired novels, each focusing on one of the twins who are the series' protagonists. I've only read The Black Tides of Heaven. My understanding is that the two books are two sides of the same story so if you just read one book it feels really incomplete. On its own, though, the first book felt rushed and lacked in character development for all of the minor characters. It's only a little over 200 pages but it feels shorter than that (I read it in a single afternoon). I'm not sure if splitting the story into two separate books was a good idea, but I'm trying to reserve judgement until I read the other one.

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Ahh, hmm. I'd be curious how you feel after you read the second one :)

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I only read The Black Tide of Heavens, but I felt exactly the same way as you. I kind of didn't get the point of splitting them up, especially since they were both written at the same time.

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Ohh this is interesting.



I really wanna get my hands on Black Leopard, Red Wolf.

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Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ

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Here's a starter list of real problems to address in State of the Union
(Bloomberg) -- Two employees at Huawei Technologies Inc. in Denmark were expelled following an inspection focusing on improper work arrangements.

The companys offices in Copenhagen were searched on Thursday and four people were initially charged with breaking Danish laws covering residence and work permits, Danish police said. The charges against two of the people were subsequently dropped, a police spokesperson said by phone on Monday.

It was a routine investigation that Danish authorities regularly conduct at work places relying on a high number of foreign employees, the spokesperson said. The person, who asked not to be identified by name citing police policy, declined to provide more details, including the nationality of the workers.

A Huawei spokeswoman said: These visa checks are routine, and we are co-operating with the authorities."

The investigation comes as the company is under fire around the world over allegations it could enable spying by Chinese officials after the country passed a law mandating organizations and citizens to assist national intelligence in their investigations. The U.S. has urged European allies, such as Germany, to shun Huaweis equipment, as telecoms carriers prepare for the next generation of wireless technology known as 5G.

There is no evidence that the measures taken in Denmark are related to any concerns about spying.

Poland in January detained a Huawei employee and former high-ranking official at Polands Internal Security Agency, accusing the two men of conducting espionage activities against Poland. Huawei has said it fired the employee for breaking Polish law, adding that his alleged actions have not relation to the company.

(Updated with Huawei statement.)

To contact the reporters on this story: Natalia Drozdiak in Brussels at ndrozdiak1@bloomberg.net;Christian Wienberg in Copenhagen at cwienberg@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Giles Turner at gturner35@bloomberg.net, Tasneem Hanfi Brogger

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
Rep. Eric Swalwell, whos considering a 2020 presidential run, thinks President Trump is acting guilty, which suggests he probably is guilty of some kind of crime relating to Russia. But the California Democrat doesnt favor impeachment.

He's either going to be impeached by Congress or he's going to be impeached at the ballot box, Swalwell told Yahoo Finance during a recent interview in his Capitol Hill office. I think it's better that democracy works.

Swalwell sits on the House intelligence committee, which is investigating Trump now that Democrats have taken control of Congress. The committee, chaired by Adam Schiff of California, plans to call fresh witnesses to testify, and hand transcripts of previous testimony to special counsel Robert Mueller, who can evaluate if any prior witnesses lied under oath. Republicans who controlled the committee during the last two years declined to give Mueller those transcripts, or pursue certain lines of inquiry, such as Trumps relationship with lenders tied to Russia.

Swalwell, a former prosecutor, says theres probable cause suggesting Trump and his family members committed crimes related to Russian financing during the 2016 campaign. We know that Donald Trump Jr., and Eric Trump, the president's two sons, have said that they've had money flowing in from Russia into the Trump Organization, Swalwell tells Yahoo Finance in the video above. We know the president's lender, Deutsche Bank, has been fined $300 million for a $10 billion Russian money laundering scheme. So if you pair those two up, you have reason to look to see if the president has been financially compromised by the Russians.

Trump insists he has done nothing wrong, even though his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, has pleaded guilty to several crimes, and his former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, has been convicted on several counts of fraud. Others associated with Trumps 2016 presidential campaign have pleaded guilty to lying under oath.

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Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) accompanied by Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY) and Rep. Ruben Kihuen (D-NV), speaks about recent revelations about President Donald Trump's involvement with Russia on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S. May 17, 2017. REUTERS/Aaron P. Bernstein

Trump argues, correctly, that its not a crime for a private-sector developer to pursue a real-estate deal in Russia or accepting financing for legitimate projects from foreign lenders. Trumps two sons, who are now running the family real-estate business, have said before that Russians purchasing units in Trump buildings are among the firms best customers. Theres nothing inherently wrong with that, either.

But Swalwell and other Democrats say Trump has demonstrated consciousness of guilt, a legal phrase meaning hes behaving like he has something to hide. What we've seen from the president is just lie after lie about what their dealings were with the Russians. If it was so innocent, why couldn't they just have been straightforward about it?

The most prominent example may be the revelation, via testimony from Cohen, that Trump was pursuing a real-estate deal in Moscow up the point he secured the presidential Republican nomination in the summer of 2016, and perhaps even up to the point of the election that November. As a candidate, Trump denied any interest in a Russia deal, and in 2017 he said, I have nothing to do with Russia. Yet he was trying to land a deal, at the same time he favored a softer U.S. stance toward Russia than most other candidates, and existing U.S. policy. Trump has continued to show favoritism toward Russia as president.

The Mueller investigation is meant to determine whether theres a hard connection between Trump and Russia, or something more circumstantial. Swalwell doesnt rule out impeachment, if theres clear evidence of a crime. But hed prefer voters to judge, rather than Congress. When asked if he thinks Trump will finish his first term, Swalwell says, I hope so. I dont think its good to have presidents leave early. But if he did cross red lines, I do think we have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law. I really hope it doesnt come to that.

Confidential tip line: rickjnewman@yahoo.com. Click here to get Ricks stories by email.

Read more:

Medicare for all is not going to happen

3 problems with Elizabeth Warrens wealth tax

Trumps lousy dealmaking

Trump is about to clobber the auto industry

Those Trump bankruptcies are starting to make sense

How Elizabeth Warren wants to remake capitalism

Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman
Amman (AFP) - Yemen's Saudi-backed government began a new round of UN-brokered talks with Shiite Huthi rebels in Jordan on Tuesday on a troubled prisoner swap deal that mediators say hangs in the balance.

The huge prisoner exchange agreed in Stockholm in December is seen as a crucial confidence-building measure in the UN-led push to bring the warring sides to negotiations on ending four years of devastating conflict.

Both sides have said repeatedly they remain committed to the agreement that could see thousands of prisoners released by each side.

During two days of talks in the Jordanian capital last month, they submitted lists of the detainees they each want to see freed, but deep distrust prevented them coming up with a final list of names for the exchange.

At the end of January, the rebels released a captured Saudi soldier while Riyadh set free seven Huthi prisoners but they are the only detainees exchanged under the deal so far.

UN envoy Martin Griffiths said he hoped the two sides would be more successful this time as he opened three days of talks in Amman.

"The aim of this event is to finalise... the lists of prisoners and detainees to be released and exchanged," he said.

"Success in this regard is not only of huge importance for those who will be released and return to their families but also to the broader political process in which we are engaged."

A senior official of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which will oversee the deal's implementation, said on Monday that it was "hanging in the balance," with trust among the parties "insufficient".

Each side has presented a list of up to 8,000 detainees to be freed, but many names cannot be accounted for, said the ICRC's director of operations, Dominik Stillhart, adding that the prisoner swap realistically would involve a significantly lower number.

"There is a lot of disappointment on both sides", he said. "What we now see on both sides (is that) they don't have them all because a lot of them, they probably died during the conflict."

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The prisoner exchange is one of the main achievements of a breakthrough in the peace process which the UN envoy brokered last year.

There are fears that its failure would have a knock-on effect on the other key elements -- fragile truce agreements for the lifeline port of Hodeida and battleground third city of Taez.

Those deals too are running into trouble -- while the ceasefires have largely held, timetables for the pullback of combatants have fallen far behind schedule.

The agreements reached in Sweden are widely seen as the best chance yet of ending a conflict that has killed some 10,000 people since 2015 and pushed 14 million to the brink of famine, according to the United Nations.
Washington (AFP) - The search for a new leader for one of the most high-profile global organizations begins Thursday and seems likely to end again with selection of the US candidate.

The Washington-based World Bank has been led by an American ever since it was founded in the aftermath of World War II, while its sister institution, the International Monetary Fund, has always been led by a European.

Growing emerging market countries have challenged this unwritten arrangement in recent years, demanding a more open, merit-based selection process, and a greater voice in the institutions themselves.

But it is unlikely they can build sufficient opposition to the candidate put forward by US President Donald Trump, nor is Trump likely to cede a prominent position on the global stage.

That is unless Trump's nominee is so objectionable or unqualified as to unify the emerging markets as well as Europe, officials familiar with the process say.

However, if Europe were to oppose the US selection, it would tacitly be giving up the leadership of the far-more prominent IMF once Christine Lagarde departs.

"I think the developing countries banding together, organizing themselves, is hard to imagine," Simon Johnson, a former IMF chief economist, told AFP.

"Maybe six or eight years ago they seemed like they were becoming more cohesive as a bloc. I don't think they're particularly cohesive now."

- 'Time for a change' -

The surprise early departure of World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, effective February 1, not even halfway through his second five-year term, potentially hands Trump a key lever over development lenders.

After reshaping the US presidency, traditional alliances, trade relations and the US Supreme Court, Trump now could have a chance to influence how countries like China access concessional lending.

The bank's board will accept nominations from February 7 through March 14, and plans to name a new president prior the IMF and World Bank Spring meetings, set for April 12-14 in Washington. Any of the 189 members can propose a candidate.

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As the biggest shareholder, the United States has sway over the selection of the new World Bank president but it does not have a veto and needs the backing of European nations.

Having uprooted alliances in his two years in office, and strongly criticized the lending policies of the IMF and World Bank, Trump may find it difficult simply to submit a nominee for acclamation.

Mark Sobel, who had a long career with the US Treasury Department and oversaw relations with the IMF, said it was "time for a change" in World Bank leadership.

But he agrees with Johnson that emerging market nations are less unified now than they were during the global crisis that started in and mostly affected advanced economies.

"I think that is going to depend who the Americans run and whether it's a person seen as hostile to the institution or it's someone seen as having a credible resume and will be supportive of the bank," Sobel told AFP.

"I also think that ultimately institutions are better served by having a credible person running them regardless of their nationality."

- Eroding credibility -

Potential candidates reportedly under consideration by Trump include former Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala -- who was nominated by African countries to compete against Kim in 2012 -- former PIMCO chief Mohamed El-Erian, an Egyptian-American, and former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, an Indian-American.

But David Malpass, US Treasury undersecretary for international affairs who has aggressively criticized the World Bank for continuing to lend to China and other relatively well-off countries, is said to be the leading US candidate.

Tony Fratto, former Treasury assistant secretary in the George W. Bush administration, did not mince words: "David Malpass would be a disastrous, toxic choice for World Bank president," he tweeted.

Masood Ahmed, who had a long career at the World Bank and IMF, was more diplomatic, saying that a controversial candidate with well-known views would have a harder time getting support of the members.

Ahmed, president of the Center for Global Development in Washington, said "whoever it is, it's important that it is a person who can forge that consensus and get the confidence of all the shareholders."

But he warned the continued adherence to the decades-old hold on the leadership of the World Bank and IMF, rather than relying on a "truly merit-based" process, "ends up eroding a little further the legitimacy and credibility of the organization."
Looking for a stock that has been consistently beating earnings estimates and might be well positioned to keep the streak alive in its next quarterly report? Franco-Nevada (FNV), which belongs to the Zacks Mining - Gold industry, could be a great candidate to consider.

This precious metals streaming and royalty company has an established record of topping earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The company boasts an average surprise for the past two quarters of 4.10%.

For the most recent quarter, Franco-Nevada was expected to post earnings of $0.26 per share, but it reported $0.29 per share instead, representing a surprise of 11.54%. For the previous quarter, the consensus estimate was $0.30 per share, while it actually produced $0.29 per share, a surprise of 3.33%.

Price and EPS Surprise

Thanks in part to this history, there has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for Franco-Nevada lately. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the stock is positive, which is a great indicator of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with its solid Zacks Rank.

Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Franco-Nevada has an Earnings ESP of +3.05% at the moment, suggesting that analysts have grown bullish on its near-term earnings potential. When you combine this positive Earnings ESP with the stock's Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner. The company's next earnings report is expected to be released on March 6, 2019.

Story continues

With the Earnings ESP metric, it's important to note that a negative value reduces its predictive power; however, a negative Earnings ESP does not indicate an earnings miss.

Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, but that may not be the sole basis for their stocks moving higher. On the other hand, some stocks may hold their ground even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.

Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.



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Vice News is closing in on a deal to launch a new show with Hulu, production of which has already started, Vice executive Josh Tyrangiel told staffers.

In his regularly scheduled Monday meeting at Vice Newss New York offices, Tyrangiel said the final details hadnt yet been ironed out and that the company had decided to engage with Hulu after HBOs decision to end Vices weekly news show Vice on HBO.

An audio recording of the meeting was obtained by TheWrap on Monday. Hulu declined to comment. Vice did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Also Read: Vice Media to Lay Off 10 Percent of Staff in Company Restructuring

Hulu expressed interest in working with us. Once we understood where things might be headed with HBO, we engaged with Hulu, said Tyrangiel, who leads Vice Medias news division. It has taken an immense amount of time. We now have paper. We now have pens. The pens are not on paper.

At the same time, we are confident enough that production on that show is going to start today, he added.

Tyrangiel urged employees not to share any of the Hulu details with outsiders, for fear that it would threaten the deal.

This cannot leave this room. Im really asking for your discretion, he said. Theres no reason for us to risk those pens getting to paper by talking about this with anyone outside this room.

Tyrangiel noted that the Hulu deal would not be as lucrative as Vices previous arrangement with HBO.

Its a good deal. Its a fair deal for both sides. Its fair-market value, he said. It is not the Vice on HBO deal. There is a revenue shortfall.

In the meeting, Tyrangiel also talked about layoffs at Vice Media Friday, saying loss of HBO revenue had been a factor and that the company had expanded too aggressively over the past decade.

Restraint is not a hallmark of the Vice corporate strategy. The pursuit of growth was everything for the previous ten years and on Friday we closed offices that  I gotta be honest  I did not know existed, he said.

Story continues

He added that company investors were demanding Vice become profitable in 2019, leaving management with little choice.

He also accused Vice News sales team of dropping the ball.

Bluntly, our sales team has let us down three consecutive years and that letdown I take very personally. It upsets me tremendously, Tyrangiel said, while adding that the failure of sales had made cuts to Vice News unavoidable.

Its hard to argue with the logic, he said.

Tyrangiel is a longtime media hand and is known to work closely with Vice Media chief Nancy Dubuc. Before joining Vice, he spent more than six years at Bloomberg and a decade at Time Magazine before that.

Read original story Vice Media Near Deal for New Show With Hulu, Executive Says (Exclusive) At TheWrap
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Image source: The Motley Fool.

Versum Materials, Inc. (NYSE: VSM)

Q1 2019 Earnings Conference Call

Feb. 04, 2019, 4:30 p.m. ET

Contents:

Prepared Remarks

Questions and Answers

Call Participants

Prepared Remarks:

Operator

Good day, and welcome to the Versum Materials First Quarter 2019 Financial Results Conference Call. All participants will be in listen-only mode. (Operator Instructions) After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. (Operator Instructions) Please note, this event is being recorded.

At this time, I would like to turn the conference over to Soohwan Kim, Head of Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Soohwan Kim -- Head of Investor Relations

Thank you, Allison. Thanks, everyone, for joining us today for our first quarter of 2019 earnings call. We hope you had an opportunity to review the press release we issued earlier this morning. We've also posted the presentation for today's call in the Investor Relations section of our website at versummaterials.com. We encourage you to review these documents.

On today's call, we'll begin with prepared remarks from Guillermo Novo, our President and Chief Executive Officer; and George Bitto, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Following their remarks, we'll have a Q&A session.

Some of the matters we'll discuss on the call, including our 2019 financial outlook and guidance, are forward-looking and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in today's press release, our Form 10-K and in other SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed on this call.

During today's call, we reference certain non-GAAP financial measures. We include reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP in our news release and in the presentation posted on the Investor Relations section of our website. Versum Materials assumes no obligation to update the information presented on this conference call.

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An archive of this webcast will be made available in the Investor Relations section of our website.

And now, I would like to turn the call over to Guillermo.

Guillermo Novo -- President & Chief Executive Officer

Thank you, Soohwan. Good afternoon, and thank you to everyone joining today's call.

I'd like to begin with some brief comments on our recently announced merger, followed by an overview of our first quarter, and then our strategic priorities. I will then turn the call over to George to take a closer look at the financials.

Although the focus of today's call is our Q1 earnings and outlook, I do want to reinforce our excitement about the recent announcement of our merger of equals with Entegris. This combination will create a $9 billion premier specialty materials company with nearly $3 billion in annual revenue, and approximately $1 billion in adjusted EBITDA, with adjusted EBITDA margins of 33% and strong free cash flow generation. This is truly a strategic move that will create value for all stakeholders by leveraging several core drivers.

The combination will broaden our business portfolio, it will strengthen our technology, infrastructure and capabilities, it will allow us to leverage our operating critical mass to support growth and increase profitability, and grow our enterprise scale and expand our investor base. Since the merger announcement, I've traveled exhaustively to and had a chance to talk to many of our customers, employees and shareholders. I have received overwhelmingly positive feedback, which makes me even more excited about our prospects going forward. We will share more details of the transaction in the upcoming months and we look forward to keeping you updated on our next steps.

Turning to slide 8, we are pleased to report another solid quarter, driven by growth in both our business segments. The Materials segment delivered solid growth led by double-digit revenue increases in Advanced Materials. Our Advanced Deposition and Planarization businesses, both posted strong results, especially in the memory segment.

We have quite a few important -- number of important process of records or PORs ramping this year, which will continue to drive growth. Our teams also maintained their innovation momentum with a number of new POR wins and we have seen accelerated progress on the numerous other POR initiatives as our customers make additional tool time available for this work.

Process Materials delivered low single-digit volume growth. Although NF3 remains capacity constraint, the rest of the portfolio is well positioned to grow. Our NF3 plant conversion in Hometown was complete and we are now in the process of doing qualification work with our customers. NF3 pricing remained stable and we expect some improvement in the back end of the year as memory and OLED ramps begin to pick up demand.

The Delivery System segments also reported higher sales and record profitability. Growth continues to be driven by our equipment and installation project activity. We expect MEGASYS and our parts and support business to grow steadily. We believe the diversity of our business and product portfolio has allowed us to manage well through the current period of unfavorable sentiment in the marketplace.

Given the near-term trends and the higher level of market uncertainty around the ramp timing in the first half of 2019 and the WFE investment in the second half, we are adjusting our EBITDA guidance range down roughly 2%, the details of which George will walk you through in a few moments.

Turning to Slide 9, our core business remains strong and healthy. We believe we will remain well positioned to drive profitable growth as we have leadership positions in all our core businesses and are well positioned to partner, create value and grow with all major customers. We're bringing on incremental capacity for several key products and have an exciting innovation portfolio, which continues to deliver strong results now and into the future.

Lastly, we are investing in unique growth opportunities, which will allow us to enter new markets and support growth independent of the broader market dynamics.

To sum up, the semiconductor materials industry remains relatively healthy. While materials growth may see some impact from the slower volume ramps in the near-term, we are relatively insulated from the semiconductor CapEx and pricing cycles. Semiconductors are crucial to enabling the data economy and we will continue to invest in innovation to move the industry forward.

On Slide 10, our priorities for the year have obviously expanded with the merger announcement. As we have learned from our stand-up activities, our primary focus will stay on driving our business performance, that is, ensuring we maintain our EH&S discipline, deliver on our financial commitments for the year, and executing well on our business strategies and core initiatives. The better we do in these areas, the better we can do on our added goal of completing the merger approval and integration planning activities.

Now, let me pass it over to George to cover some of the financial details for the quarter. George?

George Bitto -- Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Thanks, Guillermo, and good afternoon, everyone.

Beginning on Slide 12, as Guillermo noted, we delivered solid sales and adjusted EBITDA growth in the quarter, again demonstrating the diversity and the resiliency of our portfolio. First quarter sales were $340 million, an increase of 3% compared to prior year. This improvement was driven by volume growth in both of our business segments.

Gross margins remained in the 42% range, consistent with prior year as volume growth overcame an unfavorable pricing comparison and inventory valuation impacts as we establish new cost standards.

Selling, administrative, research and development costs or SARD were $48 million or roughly 14% of sales compared to $48 million or 15% of sales in the prior year. We believe, as we grow, we can continue to leverage our SARD cost to increase our margins even as we invest in resources to drive future growth.

Adjusted EBITDA grew 7% versus prior year with first quarter 2019 adjusted EBITDA of $110 million or 32.5% of sales as compared to $103 million or 31% of sales in prior year.

On a GAAP basis, net income in the quarter was $61 million as compared to the prior year quarter of $19 million. Excluding one-time costs for restructuring and the tax act in the first quarter of last year, adjusted net income increased 2% to $60 million or $0.55 per diluted share compared to $59 million or $0.54 per diluted share in the same period last year, with this year impacted by a higher tax rate.

Turning to our results by segment, and beginning with materials on Slide 13, total sales increased 3% to $222 million compared to $215 million in the prior year. Volumes contributed 6% of this growth with Advanced Materials growing double-digits and Process Materials growing low single-digits. Price mix reduced sales by 2%, roughly in line with the previous quarter, due to accelerated growth in Asia and the lapping of older contract prices, which expired at the end of Q1 fiscal '18. Currency also had an unfavorable 1% impact.

Segment adjusted EBITDA increased 4% to $80 million compared to $77 million last year. Segment adjusted EBITDA margins remained at 36%, consistent with prior year. Strong volume benefits in our AM business drove our margin performance. And as customers continue to qualify our NF3 product coming out of Hometown, we expect positive contributions to margin going forward.

Our Delivery Systems & Services segment reported sales of $117 million, up slightly from both prior year and also prior quarter. Sales were strong in North America and Europe, Taiwan and Greater China versus last year. We have good visibility for the next two quarters in this business, given that our build cycle typically ranges from eight weeks to 12 weeks. While we expect strong overall performance for the next two quarters, current order timing suggests Q2 to be the weaker of the two quarters.

Our infrastructure projects are proceeding with multinational customers, but Q4 equipment orders are still uncertain depending on whether the fab build-outs expected to pick up at the back half of the year occur in our fiscal Q4 or slip into next fiscal year. Segment adjusted EBITDA increased 5% to $35 million and EBITDA margin was a record 30% due to both the strong sales and favorable product mix.

Now please turn to Slide 15, where I'll cover our cash flow performance for the first quarter. Cash from operations was $46 million for the quarter compared to $39 million a year ago. We continue to generate substantial cash flow, allowing us to invest organically in our business. Total CapEx was $22 million for the first quarter. CapEx does exhibit quarterly variability, depending on permits and build schedules. We continue to execute our strategic step out projects and believe our capital spending will still be approximately $120 million for the full fiscal year.

For our new NF3 investment in Korea, we will do some engineering work in this fiscal year. However, the majority of capital will be spent in fiscal 2020. Our cash balance as of December 31, grew to $408 million, with about two-thirds in the U.S. are able to be easily repatriated with little additional costs.

Please turn to Slide 16 for a discussion on our guidance for fiscal 2019. While there is increasing pessimism short-term in both chip output and industry capital spending, there are also mixed signs of recovery later in the calendar 2019. Given that our fiscal year ends in September, there is some uncertainty in terms of how this recovery cycle will impact our year.

We estimate sales for fiscal '19 in the range of $1.38 billion to $1.43 billion, an increase of 1% to 4% versus fiscal '18. We estimate adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal year in the range of $465 million to $485 million, which represents a year-on-year increase of 4% to 9% from prior year. While slowing memory output and weakening industry capital spending environment, we will result in less bullish top line performance. New POR wins and DSS infrastructure projects mitigate some of this top line impact. We believe favorable segment mix and continued cost discipline will drive improved EBITDA margins.

Our estimates for depreciation and amortization, interest expense, net income attributable to non-controlling interests and adjusted effective tax rate remain the same. Restructuring costs are still expected to be minimal, excluding the impacts of the previously announced merger agreement.

With that, I will turn the call back over to Guillermo for closing remarks.

Guillermo Novo -- President & Chief Executive Officer

Thanks, George. Turning to Slide 18, we're proud of our execution in the first quarter. Even as the market goes through a digestion period after an extended growth period, we believe we have a strong business positions, innovation pipelines and unique opportunities to increase our served available market. We continue to drive our investments in these areas, many of which will start to deliver results in 2019.

Our teams have built Versum into a strong and vibrant company. I want to thank our global employees for all their work to serve our customers, your contributions have made all the difference.

With the announced merger, we will be starting a new chapter in our journey. We are no -- not strangers to change given the journey over the last few years, and we know all the excitement and rewards that come with change. In this case, it will be to the benefit of all our stakeholders, our customers, our employees and our investors. I hope that you are as excited as we are for the future.

With that operator, we are ready to take some questions.

Questions and Answers:

Operator

Thank you. We will now begin the question-and-answer session. (Operator Instruction) Our first question today will come from Kieran de Brun of Credit Suisse. Please go ahead.

Kieran de Brun -- Credit Suisse -- Analyst

Hey, good afternoon.

Guillermo Novo -- President & Chief Executive Officer

Hi, Kieran.

George Bitto -- Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Hi, Kieran.

Kieran de Brun -- Credit Suisse -- Analyst

Hey, how is it going? I just was wondering if you can just maybe touch a little bit more within Process Materials. As you think about the back half of the year, your ability to start getting pricing in some of your key products in Process Materials and how you see that trending, I don't know, if it's too early to talk about 2019, but how you see that into the back half of the year and now into 2019? Thank you.

Guillermo Novo -- President & Chief Executive Officer

Okay. Yes, I think right now, it's really about the ramps that are taking place, especially around VNAND, obviously because of the increased bill of material impact it has on products like NF3 per wafer, but also OLED, that will pick up. So right now, most of the capacity that's been added is in the market. Prices have to be looked at quarter-on-quarter, they remain pretty stable. I think the issue is, as the demand starts to ramp up, you'll see the utilization rates increase and more -- a better environment for pricing to start moving. So, that's probably going to be more toward the back half of the year and into 2020 and there's no new capacity that will come into later in 2020. So, I think it's really about the ramps at this point in time.

Kieran de Brun -- Credit Suisse -- Analyst

And then maybe just when we think about your cash balance, I mean you have over $400 million now. In lieu of the merger, have your capital allocation priorities changed at all or is the plan still to kind of prioritize organic growth? I mean, is there still an opportunity to do any kind of -- if there are small kind of opportunities, do bolt-ons or anything along those lines or even a buyback? I mean, are there kind of limits to how you can deploy capital until the merger closes? Thank you.

Guillermo Novo -- President & Chief Executive Officer

I think, given the recent announcements, we are focused on executing our business strategy -- our business plan and our strategy. So, obviously, the organic growth remains our number one priority. Most of those projects are ongoing, especially if you look at the ones we're making -- doing in Korea, they will be finalized by probably mid-calendar year this year for us. So, that's the number one priority and that should start generating new revenue, new business toward the back end of this year and into 2020. So, clearly number one, if bolt-ons, again, we can continue to execute. I think other things we will obviously focus on the merger as the biggest step forward.

George Bitto -- Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Yes, as you noted, I mean there are certain restrictions in the merger agreement which we will honor, but those would be our priorities.

Operator

Our next question will come from Mike Harrison of Seaport Global Securities. Please go ahead.

Jacob Schowalte -- Seaport Global Securities -- Analyst

Good afternoon. This is Jacob on for Mike.

Guillermo Novo -- President & Chief Executive Officer

Hi, Jacob.

Jacob Schowalte -- Seaport Global Securities -- Analyst

Looking at guidance, the decremental margins on the guidance reduction was better than I would have expected. I know you're going to say some of this is sort of the mixed improvement and DS&S becoming a small percentage of sales. But are there any other benefits that sort of you think better than expected in terms of maybe the cost line or maybe sort of the margins in the Materials segment are maybe better than expected that's helping to offset?

George Bitto -- Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Right. So, obviously, the number one issue is what you mentioned out of just of the segment mix change. But, the other part, if you look at our growth rates, its Advanced Materials is the one that's growing the fastest. Those are that tend to be driven by newer products, tend to be more profitable. So, also drive mix improvement for us. In general, our AM business has higher gross profit margins. So, that will have a positive impact.

Jacob Schowalte -- Seaport Global Securities -- Analyst

Okay. And then, last quarter, I think you guys pointed out that Q1 was probably going to be your weakest quarter of the year. But given the industry commentary and the guidance reduction, do you think Q2 is going to be lower sequentially or it's still expected to sort of the Q1 was the weakest and we're going to go higher from here?

Guillermo Novo -- President & Chief Executive Officer

No, we still think that Q1 will be the weakest of the quarters. I think if you look at the market dynamics right now, I mean, if you look at our portfolio, nothing has really changed. The PORs we won, we won. So, this is now about ramp rates. What's ramping, when and how does that impact, what we had planned before in the new outlook. So, if you look at today, in our Q1, clearly foundry was the softer area, memory continue to do fairly well.

I think, as we look at Q2, the indication we have from customers is that some of the foundry demand again will start picking up toward the back end of Q2 and into Q3 and that the memory ramps will also start toward the back end of Q2, more toward Q3 and beyond. So, that's really -- even in our guidance, what we're changing is more acknowledging that there is some noise between the ramp rates and that there is a little bit of a push back a quarter or so from what we had thought in the beginning of the year -- of our fiscal year.

George Bitto -- Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

And I think what we said is, I mean, if you look at Delivery Systems while we expect Q2 and Q3 to hold up fairly well, we do see that from an order pattern perspective that the Q2 may shape up weaker than Q3.

Guillermo Novo -- President & Chief Executive Officer

Yes.

Operator

Our next question will come from Brian Chin of Stifel. Please go ahead.

Brian Chin -- Stifel -- Analyst

Hi. Thank you. And first, congratulations to the team on last week's announcement.

Guillermo Novo -- President & Chief Executive Officer

Thank you, Brian.

Brian Chin -- Stifel -- Analyst

Let me... Sure. Let me again -- it's kind of an open-ended question, and I know Guillermo you touched on -- and in last week's call, the team touched on the sort of the value potential from this deal. But, it would be great to hear again from your perspective and maybe even saying that out a bit, just while you and the Board felt that now is the right time to do this merger, maybe taking into consideration things such as how changes in the industry landscape perhaps the level of collaboration, that's now required between material supply a bit and any other internal company factors as well.

Guillermo Novo -- President & Chief Executive Officer

So, I think, first, the question of timing, why now. Obviously, we started this process last quarter, although all the data will come out when we do the proxy. But I think the real question is, why now? Well, one, it's the sooner we can get the merger in place, I think the sooner we can move to create value for our shareholders and for our customers, because this new company is going to have a much bigger portfolio of capabilities and infrastructure to leverage.

So, I don't think that there's going to be a chance for others in the industry to build such a diversified portfolio, because there's not going to be the same levels of properties available in the market. So, we thought that that was of strategic importance on moving now. Remember that this was a merger of equals. So, it's the relative value of the two companies. So, timing, if it's in a stronger external market a little bit weaker again, that should not have as big of an impact in the relative valuation. So, again, we felt that that driving the strategic value was more critical at this point in time.

Brian Chin -- Stifel -- Analyst

Okay, great. Thanks. That's good to hear. Also, I guess, I think this was touched on here in a recent question. But, you elaborated the weakness in foundry you saw in the Materials side of the business, and then you see sort of a delayed ramp up in terms of some of those initiatives and also just the wafer starts as well. Just curious in terms of looking forward a quarter or two, are you factoring in any sort of potential cutbacks that could manifest in the memory side of that market, if pricing continues to worsen?

Guillermo Novo -- President & Chief Executive Officer

I think most of what we're hearing from the industry, it's more about the ramps and really a cutback in production, so, i.e., lower production than prior year. So, I think this is about the growth rate, not about going into a contraction in the total market. So, the biggest thing that we're acknowledging is that some of the ramps are going to take place probably a quarter later than we saw, if you look at DRAM, especially, but also in the case of VNAND.

I think the foundry is more a little bit of the market. It's more the market dynamics and demand follows of all that and the impact it's having on foundry customers. But, obviously, the expectation is, as they move to 7 nanometer, but that will start ramping also toward the back end of our Q2.

Operator

Our next question will come from Toshiya Hari of Goldman Sachs. Please go ahead.

Toshiya Hari -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst

Great. Thanks. Thanks a lot for taking the question, and congrats again on the announced merger guys. I had a follow-up on your full year guidance. You've updated your view on MSI from, I think, it was 5% to 7% on your last call to 2% to 4% growth this quarter. And obviously, WFE down from, I think, 7% at the midpoint last quarter to down sort of mid to high-teens this quarter. So, given those changes, I'm a little bit surprised by how little your top line guide is being impacted here. So, you're clearly picking up some share in Materials and/or DS&S. So, if you can provide some color on some of the product areas where you're picking up share, that would be helpful? Then I have a follow-up.

Guillermo Novo -- President & Chief Executive Officer

Yes. So, yes, I think, you captured it, Toshiya, that a lot of the growth, and you can see it this quarter even with some softness in the market, double-digit growth in Advanced Materials. And that's really a lot of new PORs. So, these are ramps in 7 nanometer and on -- with logic, and also in DRAM and in VNAND. So, we have of very robust portfolio right now. We look in AM, in deposition or in new both OS and OM products.

So, our question right now is, it's going to grow, it's just -- the ramp rates is where the noise is and that's the part that we're trying to acknowledge it with the adjustment that we made, but it's still going to get very good momentum. Similarly, in our planarization business, FTI, barrier, copper have done very, very well. And although the POR work for some of the newer things like tungsten, probably will come in till the end of the year. We're making significant progress, I think, tool time and access that we're getting with customers is really increased because part of the slowdown and that's been very, very helpful in our POR work and even in the cleans.

I think we're also seeing expansion in the non-NF3, where we're still capacity limited. The rest of the PM portfolio we're seeing also good. Demand obviously once the ramps start taking place in memory, that will be more helpful for the overall portfolio.

And I'd also like to share, I mean on the DSS side, you know, our infrastructure projects are progressing, and so given our order book as you know, we don't necessarily perfectly correlate with WFE. So, I don't think that the movement in WFE will necessarily translate into the exact movement in our DSS business.

Toshiya Hari -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst

Great. I appreciate that. And then as a follow-up, just a question on NF3. We recently talked to a couple of your peers in the group in Korea and Japan, and it seems like your competitors are expanding capacity pretty aggressively until late 2019 and into 2020. You talked about the constraints that you're seeing today and the positive outlook in terms of pricing into the back half, but what sort of the conviction or confidence level you have there in terms of pricing improving into the back half? Thank you.

George Bitto -- Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Yes, I think toward the back half, I mean volume at the end of the day for these products are growing mid double digits. So, demand is there. I think the ramps is the issue. So, I think it's a little bit more of the supply demand balances and some of these new capacity additions come in. From our view of all the announcements, I would say, even ours will be coming in toward the back end of 2020. So, we don't see a lot of significant capacity coming in this year or in the early parts of next year just given the scale of some of these investment requirements.

So, I think pricing hasn't changed very much over the last few quarters, and it's really about the ramps. Once the ramps happen, I think the capacity is going to be needed. Remember that for us, even with the capacity we are adding, we're not going to expand our share position of the market. This is just about staying relevant. So, for us, to sell our -- we've sold out now, to sell our capacity is not as difficult given this is not our core growth driver, it's just a very profitable and healthy part of our portfolio.

Operator

(Operator Instructions) Our next question will come from Chris Kapsch of Loop Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Chris Kapsch -- Loop Capital Markets -- Analyst

Yes, good afternoon. Guillermo, so I had a question focused on the merger. And from your vantage, the question is about synergy potential, not so much cost synergy, but just from your perspective, do you see opportunities for top line synergies, for example, maybe there's situations where Entegris might have a -- might be overweight with the given customer where you're underweight that you could piggyback on their stronger relationship or vice versa? Is there anything that you see on from the strategic impetus from that standpoint?

Guillermo Novo -- President & Chief Executive Officer

I think one that jumps out very clearly for us, it's a benefit on our side of our portfolio, is Japan, given just our history of their products at the time and that was not a core market for them. We have business there, but we don't have as much as an infrastructure. Entegris has a pretty big presence there. I think that should help accelerate both commercial relationships as well as infrastructure capabilities to support growth.

I think the reverse is true in Korea and other areas, where we have very strong positions, especially around the materials side with customers and that should help with the portfolio.

I think, near term, there's going to be not just -- so the portfolio is not a lot of overlap, but there are lot of capabilities that we will be able to leverage. I would say, if you look at our formulated products, both in planarization and in the cleans, but more toward the planarization side, their capabilities in fluid handling and filtration should be very helpful for us. And a lot of the new plants production, quality, reliability, which is also very important driver of growth. It's not just a product that works, but if your customers really like the quality and reliability, and they are raising the bar, I think there is -- that's going to be another big driver. There's a lot of other ones that I'm sure we're trying over. Over time we'll communicate on that, but I think it's probably more appropriate for them to talk about these as they look forward.

Chris Kapsch -- Loop Capital Markets -- Analyst

That's very helpful. And then my follow-up is on your comments about, sort of, the softer, near term ramp conditions on the Materials side, and that represents an opportunity from picking up more tool time for PORs qualifications. And I'm just wondering if that dynamic, is it more pronounced as you might have suggested in foundry, logic or also on memory? I guess, you've highlighted -- yes, go ahead.

Guillermo Novo -- President & Chief Executive Officer

It's across the Board. But I mean for us, we have some very important memory. Projects that we've really seen significant acceleration. I mean our timeline, for example, when you start the POR work in getting the lab approvals first and then you got to go do all the testing in the fabs themselves. We've done it in record time. Things that would have taken a year, we've been able to accomplish in three months, four months. So, that bodes very well for us.

But I would say, in general, we had record number of PORs wins and carryovers old PORs into some of the new nodes in both -- well, in foundry, in logic and in memory. So it's pretty broad based. Equally, we have a lot of new BKMs. These are like new molecules that we're working with our OEM partners and our customers for really the next generation. So, this is even before the POR work starts. So, a lot of exciting new developments and I think bode well for the future.

Operator

And ladies and gentlemen, this will conclude our question-and-answer session. At this time, I'd like to turn the conference back over to Mr. Novo for any closing remarks.

Guillermo Novo -- President & Chief Executive Officer

Well, I wanted to thank all of you for participating in today's call. As we indicated, another solid quarter, the long-term outlook for our industry and our businesses remained extremely positive. Our businesses are very well positioned for the future. So, we're very excited, not only for our own performance and our outlook, but also with the announced merger, what this will be able to bring a value for our customers, our shareholders and all of you, our investors. So, thank you very much and we look forward to connecting with you in the coming weeks.

Operator

The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect your lines.

Duration: 37 minutes

Call participants:

Soohwan Kim -- Head of Investor Relations

Guillermo Novo -- President & Chief Executive Officer

George Bitto -- Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Kieran de Brun -- Credit Suisse -- Analyst

Jacob Schowalte -- Seaport Global Securities -- Analyst

Brian Chin -- Stifel -- Analyst

Toshiya Hari -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst

Chris Kapsch -- Loop Capital Markets -- Analyst

More VSM analysis

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But Carlos Vecchio, a representative for National Assembly leader Mr Guaido, who has been recognised by the US as the interim leader of Venezuela, told Bloomberg Mr Guaido's government would look to open up the economy to increase oil production.

The majority of the oil production that we want to increase will be with the private sector, he said on Monday.

Venezuela under Mr Guaido would honour all legal and financial debt, Mr Vecchio said, but suggested it may not honour debt agreements signed by the current regime under Nicolas Maduro in which the country pays creditors with oil.

The UK, US, Canada and several Latin American and EU countries have disavowed Mr Maduro over his disputed re-election last year and recognised Mr Guaido, the national assembly president, as the countrys rightful leader.

Mr Maduro, who has overseen an economic collapse and the exodus of millions of Venezuelans, is still backed by Russia, China and Turkey, and has the critical support of the military.

Amid an escalating row between countries who support Mr Maduro and those who oppose him, Donald Trump over the weekend raised the prospect of sending US troops to the South American country.

Russia soon responded, warning against destructive meddling by the international community.

Last week, the Trump administration issued crippling sanctions on PDVSA, a key source of revenue for the oil-dependent nation, whose population is experiencing malnutrition and medicine shortages.






















































Figure 3 McArthurs 2004 Dodge Caravan after police located it at a wrecking yard in Courice, Ont. Police detected blood and other bodily fluids inside the van that matched the DNA profiles of several of McArthurs victims. (Photo provided by the Crown)

WARNING: This story contains graphic details.

The sentencing hearing for serial murderer Bruce McArthur began on Feb. 4 with a detailed overview of the evidence in the case against him.

On Jan. 29, a year after his arrest, McArthur pleaded guilty to eight counts of first degree murder in the deaths of eight Toronto men, most of whom had ties to the citys Gay Village community.

While there is no longer any need for a trial to determine his guilt, a sentencing hearing allows the prosecution team to give evidence that will help the judge determine McArthurs sentence. It also allows the people affected by his crimes, the friends and family of his victims, to articulate their grief both to McArthur and to the judge responsible for sentencing him.

McArthur faces a life sentence without the possibility of parole for at least 25 years. The Crown could seek consecutive parole ineligibility terms of 25 years for some of his crimes, or ask for concurrent time. Either way, McArthur will remain in prison at least until he is 91 years old.

On the first day of what is expected to be approximately a three-day hearing, McArthur sat motionless, looking straight ahead, as Crown prosecutor Michael Cantlon detailed the ways the murderer tried, and failed, to cover his tracks, destroy evidence of his crimes and evade arrest.

Cantlon spoke for more than an hour about the unprecedented amount of real, forensic, digital and documentary evidence police had uncovered and used to catch McArthur and identify his victims.

ALSO READ: The men who died at the hands of Bruce McArthur: Families, friends speak about their lives

The court heard about how McArthurs red 2004 Dodge Caravan had given him away after police seized security footage of his final victim, Andrew Kinsman, climbing into it on the day of his disappearance.

Cantlon also told the court how, McArthur had tried to delete hundreds of photos of his victims from several digital devices in his home, but that forensic investigators had managed to recover them. The images, found on devices police seized during a covert search of McArthurs apartment on Dec. 7, showed the men both in life and after McArthur had murdered them.

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The court heard other grim details: McArthur used a ligature to strangle most, if not all, of his victims. He kept hair from the men in bags stored on a property south of Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. He also kept mementos like jewelry and other personal items that belonged to the men.

As grim as these details are, they were the clues that led police to charge McArthur with the murders of Selim Esen, Dean Lisowick, Kirushna Kanagaratnam, Soroushi Mahmudi, Majeed Kayhan, Abdulbasir Faizi, Skandaraj Navaratnam and Andrew Kinsman.

Here is some of the evidence police eventually used to end McArthurs deadly seven-year assault on vulnerable men in Torontos LGBTQ community.
Washington (AFP) - The US special envoy for North Korea will head to Pyongyang on Wednesday for talks ahead of a much-anticipated second summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, the State Department said Monday.

In addition to preparations for the summit, Stephen Biegun's meetings with North Korean official Kim Hyok Chol will "advance further progress on the commitments the president and Chairman Kim made in Singapore: complete denuclearization, transforming US-DPRK relations and building a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula," a statement read.

In an interview with CBS on Sunday, Trump said the date and venue of his upcoming second summit with the North Korean leader had been agreed -- and would likely be announced before or during his State of the Union address on Tuesday.

Vietnam is seen as the most likely venue for the meeting, which is expected to take place late this month, and follows their landmark first summit in Singapore last June.

That meeting -- the first-ever between the leaders of the US and North Korea -- produced a vaguely-worded document in which Kim pledged to work towards "the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula."

But progress has since stalled with the two sides disagreeing over what that means.

Last week, US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told Congress that "North Korea is unlikely to give up all of its nuclear weapons and production capabilities".
For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL  February 5, 2018  Zacks Equity Research UnitedHealth Group UNH as the Bull of the Day, MercadoLibre MELI as the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Alphabet Inc. GOOGL and Gilead Sciences GILD.

Here is a synopsis of all four stocks:

Bull of the Day:

Earnings season is an exciting time for investors, as a plethora of new information presents a fresh opportunity to buy strong stocks. One example of a stock that still has room to run higher in the wake of its earnings announcement is UnitedHealth Group.

UnitedHealth is a managed health care company. Through its Optum segment, UNH provides health analytics, billing solutions, pharmacy benefits management, care delivery services, and other technology-forward offerings. The companys UnitedHealthcare unit provides benefit plans. UNH is one of the largest companies in the United States and the worlds largest healthcare company in terms of revenue.

UnitedHealth reported earnings on January 15. The company posted quarterly earnings of $3.28 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate and improving 27% year over year. Revenue for the period was $58.4 billion, ahead of estimates and about 12% higher than the year-ago quarter thanks to healthy growth across both segments.

Revenue at UnitedHealthcare improved 11% year over year. Optum revenue surged 13%. Total operating costs across the whole company were up 12%, but UNH offset this through a 10 basis point improvement to operating margin. Management reaffirmed its 2019 EPS guidance and said that it expects full-year revenue in the range of $243 to $245 billion.

Bear of the Day:

It is important that growing companies work to improve margins and lock in consistent profitability in a timely manner. When that growth hits a snag, it can cause volatility in share prices. Unfortunately, thats evident in MercadoLibre right now.

MercadoLibre is an e-commerce company. It is the largest online shopping platform in Latin America and is based in Argentina. The website attracts hundreds of millions of visitors and serves as the market leading e-commerce option in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and more.

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Founded just 19 years ago, MercadoLibre is a young company that should continue to develop as access to the internet, delivery availability, and purchasing power improves in its key markets. However, it is currently being battered by rising costs, and that introduces a certain level of uncertainty that investors may want to avoid for the time being.

MELI is facing margin pressure from increased warehousing expenses, a transition to the public cloud, free shipping subsidies, and discounts on certain POS devices. There is also a rising tide of competition that is threatening to take a chunk out of MELIs dominant position in the region.

Notably, MELI faces competition from the likes of Amazon, Rakuten and Cnova on the e-commerce side. MELI might have a head start in most of its markets, but these competitors certainly know how to pack a punch. MercadoLibre could also lose market share to brick-and-mortar stores that are still developing their own digital platforms.

These headwinds appear to be reflecting themselves in MELIs earnings estimate trends. MELI is expected to release its most recent earnings report in a few weeks. For this period, analysts are projecting a quarterly loss of 15 cents per share. Thats significantly wider than the eight-cent loss seen in the consensus just 90 days ago.

This loss would mark a decline of 175% from the year-ago quarter. It would also put the company on pace for a full-year loss of $0.98 per share, down around 138% on a year-over-year basis.

Estimates are also down for fiscal 2019. Analysts now expect earnings of $0.52 per share on the year. Just 90 days ago, that consensus was as high as $0.74 per share. Moreover, while a 52-cent profit is obviously a major improvement from 2018s loss, it is quite a ways below the $2.53 per share earned in 2017. Earnings are headed in the wrong direction from what youd like to see out of a growth company.

After the market closed Monday afternoon, Google parent Alphabet posted Q4 earnings that came in stronger than expected. Earnings of $12.77 per share were well ahead of the $11.08 in the Zacks consensus -- provided this is an apples-to-apples comparison; Google is one company that still makes analysts work to figure out how the actuals match the estimates -- on $31.48 billion in revenues -- excluding Traffic Acquisition Costs (TAC; see what I mean?) -- that topped the $31.28 billion we were looking for.



These TAC costs came to $7.4 billion in the quarter, whereas ad revenues grew 23% and cost per click came down 29%. Its Other Bets segment grew from the year-ago quarter but also created a bigger operating loss in Alphabet's Q4 2018. Overall, Operating Income grew nearly 13% to $9.7 billion. Its number of employees grew quite notably year over year, as well -- from just over 80K this time a year ago to nearly 99K now.



Shares are trading down in the after-market, giving up the full 2+% GOOGL had gained in normal Monday trading. The company had seen a 6% upswing in stock price from the beginning of the year; perhaps we're seeing a bit of "sell the news" here. It remains obvious the company is a robust machine that will be with us a long time. The company had carried a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating into the earnings report. For more of GOOGL's earnings, click here.



HIV treatment giant Gilead Sciences also reported Q4 earnings late Monday, and results here were mixed: $1.44 per share was well below the $1.74 in our consensus, yet revenues of $5.8 billion easily surpassed expectations of $5.52 billion coming in. The company also announced an increase to its quarterly dividend by 11%. But this is the fourth miss in the last 10 quarters for Gilead, and shares are selling off roughly 2.75% in the after-market.

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By Christoph Steitz and Tom Kackenhoff

FRANKFURT/DUESSELDORF (Reuters) - Uniper on Tuesday said it would start fresh talks with its biggest shareholder, Finland's Fortum, about future cooperation, renewing investor hopes that there could be a full takeover of the German energy group.

The companies have been at odds over how to define their relationship following Fortum's acquisition of a 47 percent stake in Uniper from E.ON last year, a deal that Uniper's management opposed.

Uniper said Chief Executive Klaus Schaefer and Chief Financial Officer Christopher Delbrueck, who had been vocal in their opposition to Fortum's approaches, would be stepping aside as of Aug. 31 to facilitate talks.

"I'm in agreement with Fortum Board of Directors Chairman Matti Lievonen and Fortum CEO Pekka Lundmark that the status quo can't continue," Bernhard Reutersberg, chairman of Uniper's Supervisory Board, said. "Too much is at stake - for both companies, for our employees, and also for the energy industry as a whole."

Keith Martin and Eckhardt Ruemmler, Uniper's remaining management board members, will join a working group to start discussions with Fortum, Reutersberg said. He said the aim was to determine how a partnership between the groups could add value.

He said the discussions would take place without a predetermined outcome, raising hopes that they could pave the way for a complete integration of Uniper should Fortum decide to make a full takeover offer.

Schaefer, who has been undergoing cancer treatment since last summer, said he could not devote the required energy to working out a cooperation deal with Fortum due to his illness.

Fortum, which last week said it raised its stake in Uniper to 49.99 percent, currently valued at 4.78 billion euros ($5.45 billion), has repeatedly said it was unhappy with how talks about a potential cooperation with Uniper were going.

Sources told Reuters in December that Fortum held talks with activist fund Elliott, Uniper's second-largest shareholder with a 17.84 percent stake, over how to gain control of the German firm.

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"It is in the interest of everybody that we rapidly advance now to create value for the stakeholders of both companies," Lundmark said.

Majority-owned by the Finnish state, Fortum originally intended to take over all of Uniper, but that move was blocked by Russian authorities, who have capped Fortum's ownership at 50 percent over a water testing license owned by Uniper's Russian unit Unipro.

Should Unipro decide to sell the license, it would theoretically remove the hurdle for Fortum to eventually take over the rest of Uniper.

(Editing by Jane Merriman, Rosalba O'Brien and Leslie Adler)
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - Three days of UN-brokered talks between Yemen's government and Huthi rebels have brought the warring parties closer to agreement on redeploying their forces from the flashpoint of Hodeida, the United Nations said Tuesday.

Envoys from the two sides have been meeting aboard a UN vessel in the port of Hodeida since Sunday to hammer out details of the military pullback in line with a ceasefire deal reached in Sweden in December.

The UN push to persuade pro-government forces and Huthi militias to abide by the Stockholm agreement is "beginning to pay off," said a UN statement.

"Today, the parties are closer to agreeing modalities for phase one redeployment than they were six weeks ago," it added.

Phase one provides for a redeployment from the ports of Hodeida, Saleef, Ras Issa and from parts of the city where there are humanitarian facilities, according to the agreement.

That was scheduled to happen two weeks after the ceasefire went into force on December 18, but that deadline was missed as the government and Huthis were locked in a dispute over the interpretation of the agreement.

The ceasefire and the redeployment of forces agreed in Stockholm have been hailed as major step toward ending Yemen's devastating four-year war, but UN officials have warned that the peace gains are fragile.

The talks aboard the ship were led by retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert, who on Tuesday handed over his duties as head of the UN observer mission in Yemen to Danish General Michael Lollesgaard.

Lollesgaard will chair a new round of talks aboard the ship on Wednesday.

The meetings are to address the "complexities of disengaging forces in close proximity of each other and the gradual redeployment of heavy weapons, armor, and infantry," added the statement.

The Red Sea port of Hodeida is the entry point for the bulk of Yemen's imported goods and humanitarian aid, providing a lifeline to millions in the Arab world's poorest country.

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Yemen's rebels have been mired in a war with government forces backed since 2015 by a Saudi-led coalition.

The conflict has triggered what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people at risk of starvation.

The World Health Organization has put the death toll since 2015 at about 10,000 people but rights groups say the figure could be five times higher.
North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs remain intact and Pyongyang is using airports and other facilities to shield its weapons from possible US military strikes, according to a UN panel of experts.

The panel said in a report seen by AFP on Tuesday that sanctions against North Korea were "ineffective," with Pyongyang still able to acquire illegal shipments of oil products, sell banned coal and violate an arms embargo.

"The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs remain intact," said the report, using the official name for North Korea.

"The panel found that the DPRK is using civilian facilities, including airports for ballistic missile assembly and testing with the goal of effectively preventing 'decapitation' strikes."

The confidential report was sent to the Security Council as President Donald Trump prepares for a second summit this month with leader Kim Jong Un that the United States hopes will yield concrete progress in dismantling Pyongyang's weapons programs.

The Trump administration has led the drive at the United Nations to impose a series of tough economic sanctions on North Korea in response to its nuclear tests and missile launches in 2017.

But North Korea has resorted to illegal transfers of oil, fuel and coal using a network of ships at sea to circumvent the UN-imposed measures aimed at depriving Pyongyang of revenue to build up its weapons programs.

"These violations render the latest United Nations sanctions ineffective by flouting the caps on the DPRK's import of petroleum products and crude oil as well as the coal ban imposed in 2017," said the report.

UN sanctions resolutions have set ceilings for North Korea of four million barrels of crude oil per year and 500,000 barrels of refined oil products.

- Rampant violations -

"The panel found that DPRK ports and airports are used for rampant violations of the resolution ranging from illegal oil imports and coal exports to the smuggling of bulk cash by DPRK nationals," said the report.

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North Korea continues to violate an arms embargo and attempted to supply light weapons to Syria, the Huthi rebels in Yemen, Libya and Sudan, it added.

"Financial sanctions remain some of the most poorly implemented and actively evaded measures of the sanctions regime," said the panel.

North Korean financial institutions operate in at least five countries, despite UN-imposed restrictions, while the country's diplomats help their country evade sanctions by controlling bank accounts in multiple countries.

The panel's findings were in line with US intelligence assessments that North Korea is unlikely to scrap its weapons programs but may offer to scale back its activities to win sanctions relief.

Last week, US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said North Korea's leaders see nuclear weapons capability as "critical to regime survival."

US special envoy for North Korea Stephen Biegun will hold talks in Pyongyang on Wednesday to press for progress and steps that could be touted as success during the upcoming summit, which is likely to take place in Vietnam.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and South Korea have reached an agreement "in principle" on sharing the cost of stationing U.S. troops in the Asian country, the State Department said on Monday. "The United States and the Republic of Korea have reached an agreement in principle on a new Special Measures Agreement," a spokeswoman said. "Both sides are committed to working out remaining technical issues as quickly as possible." CNN quoted an State Department official as saying that under the revised agreement, South Korea would boost its financial contribution to nearly $1 billion. The 2014 deal that expired last year required Seoul to pay about 960 billion won ($848 million) a year for keeping some 28,500 U.S. troops in the South Korea. The allies had appeared unable to strike an accord to renew the deal despite 10 rounds of talks since March. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that South Korea, where the United States has stationed soldiers since the 1950-53 Korean War, should bear more of the cost. South Korean news agency Yonhap earlier quoted a diplomatic source in Seoul as saying that Washington appeared set to accept South Korea's request to contribute under $1 billion in 2019, and that the agreement would run for a year as opposed to a previous five-year deal. Yonhap said the two sides were expected to seal the deal as early this week. Its source attributed the compromise to the allies' efforts to focus on diplomacy with North Korea ahead of a second U.S.-North Korea summit planned for later this month. South Korean officials have said Seoul had sought to limit its share to $1 trillion won ($891 million) and make the agreement valid for at least three years. A senior legislator in South Korea's ruling party said last month that negotiations were deadlocked after the United States made a "sudden, unacceptable" demand that South Korea pay more than 1.4 trillion won ($1.25 billion) per year. About 70 percent of Seoul's contribution covers the salaries of some 8,700 South Korean employees who provide administrative, technical and other services for the U.S. military. The U.S. military warned Korean workers on its bases they might be put on leave from mid-April if no deal was reached. Trump announced a halt to joint exercises with South Korea in June after his first meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying they were expensive and paid for mostly by the United States. Major joint exercises have been suspended, which Washington said would expedite talks aimed at getting North Korea to give up its nuclear program, but some small-scale drills have continued. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Additional reporting by Hyonhee Shin in Seoul; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall)
By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) - A federal judge has granted adult film actress Stormy Daniels' request to dismiss a defamation claim against U.S. President Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen, while letting her pursue her lawsuit against Trump and Cohen to end a hush money settlement. In a decision made public on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge James Otero in Los Angeles said federal rules permitted Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, to amend her lawsuit, and there was "nothing wrong" with her request to drop the defamation claim. He said not granting that request could even prejudice Cohen by potentially forcing Trump's self-proclaimed former fixer "to continue to litigate a meritless defamation claim." Otero dismissed the defamation claim with prejudice, meaning Daniels cannot bring it again. He did not rule on the rest of her case. The judge had previously dismissed Daniels' separate defamation case against Trump. [nL1N1YH009] Lawyers for Daniels and Cohen welcomed the latest decision. Brent Blakely, a lawyer for Cohen, called the decision "a clear win" for his client. Michael Avenatti, a lawyer for Daniels, said: "We asked that the minor defamation claim be dismissed and it was because the court sided with us and against Cohen." Avenatti later tweeted: "We did not lose anything." Trump's lawyer, Charles Harder, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The decision relates to the lawsuit that Daniels, 39, filed last March to rescind a nondisclosure agreement that kept her from discussing her alleged 2006 sexual relationship with Trump in the final weeks before the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Cohen has said the agreement, under which Daniels was paid $130,000, was struck to help Trump capture the White House. Trump has denied having had sex with Daniels. The nondisclosure agreement has not prevented Daniels from speaking to news media, including CBS' "60 Minutes," or releasing a memoir, "Full Disclosure." Cohen was sentenced on Dec. 12 to three years in prison after pleading guilty to campaign finance violations, including payments to Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who also claimed an affair with Trump. [nL1N1YH0P2] Trump has denied McDougal's claim. The case is Clifford v Trump et al, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, No. 18-02217. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Tom Brown)
The erosion of democratic liberties in the United States could trigger a worldwide regression of freedom, a new report warned.

And part of the blame belongs to President Donald Trump.

On Monday, Freedom House, a primarily government-funded NGO dedicated to advocating for democracy, released its annual study assessing global freedoms. For the 13th year in a row, the group found such freedoms were on the decline.

The organizations president, Michael Abramowitz, wrote that while the issue preceded Trumps presidency, there remains little question that [he] exerts an influence on American politics that is straining our core values and testing the stability of our constitutional system.

No president in living memory has shown less respect for its tenets, norms and principles, Abramowitz added. Trump has assailed essential institutions and traditions, including the separation of powers, a free press, an independent judiciary, the impartial delivery of justice, safeguards against corruption and most disturbingly, the legitimacy of elections.

Abramowitz also accused Congress of failing to check Trumps power and resist his threats to democracy.

For 2019, the U.S. received a score of 86 out of 100 on the organizations freedom scale, with 0 being the least free and 100 being the most. But thats untraditionally low.

The current overall U.S. score puts American democracy closer to struggling counterparts like Croatia than to traditional peers such as Germany or the United Kingdom, Abramowitz said.

While America remains solidly in the free category, Abramowitz cautioned that there was no guarantee things would stay that way.

Irresponsible rhetoric can be a first step toward real restrictions on freedom, he said, pointing to oppressive regimes in Venezuela, Turkey and Hungary as examples.

Syria, Eritrea and North Korea ranked as the reports least free countries. Saudi Arabia, which ranked 4th worst, has been linked to the assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in one of its embassies. Despite CIA intel verifying this connection, Trump called Saudi Arabia a great ally and doubted its role in the murder.

Story continues

Click here to read the full report (PDF).

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. special envoy for North Korea will meet with his North Korean counterpart on Wednesday in Pyongyang to prepare for a summit later this month between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the U.S. State Department said on Monday. U.S. envoy Stephen Biegun said last week he aimed in working-level negotiations with his new North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol to map out "a set of concrete deliverables" for the second summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un. Biegun said he would be aiming for "a roadmap of negotiations and declarations going forward, and a shared understanding of the desired outcomes of our joint efforts." An unprecedented first summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un last June in Singapore yielded a vague commitment by Kim to work toward the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, where U.S. troops have been stationed since the 1950-53 Korean War. In the U.S. view, Pyongyang has yet to take concrete steps to give up a nuclear weapons program that threatens the United States, while North Korea has complained that Washington has done little to reciprocate its freezing of nuclear and missile testing and dismantling of some nuclear facilities. Pyongyang has repeatedly urged a lifting of punishing U.S.-led sanctions, a formal end to the war, and security guarantees. On Thursday, Biegun said Kim Jong Un had committed during an October visit by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to the dismantling and destruction his country's plutonium and uranium enrichment facilities in return for "corresponding measures" from the United States. Biegun said such corresponding steps would be the subject of this week's talks and Washington was willing to discuss "many actions" to improve ties and entice Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. At the same time, he set out an extensive list of demands, including a full disclosure of North Korea's arms program. Biegun held talks with South Korean officials in Seoul on Sunday and Monday. Trump on Thursday hailed "tremendous progress" in his dealings with North Korea and said the date and location of a second summit would be announced "early next week" - probably during his State of the Union speech on Tuesday. Vietnam's central resort town of Danang has been seen as the most likely location. The director of U.S. national intelligence, Dan Coats, told Congress on Tuesday that North Korea was unlikely to give up all its nuclear weapons and has continued activity inconsistent with pledges to denuclearize. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Eric Beech; Editing by Sandra Maler)
By Leigh Thomas

PARIS (Reuters) - A dimming economic outlook and massive street protests against President Emmanuel Macron have made France less attractive for U.S. companies with investments in the country, a survey showed.

Firms from the United States are the single biggest source of foreign corporate investment in France and their confidence surged after Macron's 2017 election on a reform platform.

But the latest annual survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in France and consultants Bain & Company, released on Tuesday, showed that only 30 percent of executives at U.S. companies in France consider the country an attractive market in 2018, down from 72 percent the year before.

The drop was mainly due to the number with a neutral view, which rose to 50 percent from 19 percent, the survey said.

However, 42 percent of the executives at the 127 companies polled planned to hire more people in France, while 41 percent intended to keep headcount stable.

Even though the poll was conducted in December and January, when waves of violent street protests saw cars burnt and windows smashed in central Paris and other cities, 55 percent of those polled said France enjoyed either a good or excellent perception at headquarters in the United States, up from 48 percent.

With Britain facing Brexit, Italy doubts about its budget and German questions about its post-Merkel future, France is proving easier to grasp for U.S. firms, the survey found.

"The situation in our neighboring countries is difficult to read," Citigroup country head Mathieu Gelis told journalists.

"France as a bet on an industrial or financial project offers more certainty versus our partners in a volatile environment. But I agree that it remains fragile," he added.

Some 56 percent of those polled considered that the pace of Macron's reform drive was meeting their expectations, while seven percent indicated that it was surpassing theirs.

Macron launched an overhaul of France's strict labor laws and scrapped its wealth tax during his first year in office, but planned reforms of corporate law, unemployment insurance and pensions are falling behind schedule.

Following the recent unrest, the social climate was a concern for 84 percent of the executives polled in the survey, with 77 percent concerned about France's national debt, which is flirting with 100 percent of economic output.

(Reporting by Leigh Thomas; Editing by Alexander SMith)
Soon the Himalayas will be bare rock (AP)

The icy peaks of the Himalayas are under threat from climate change caused by human action  and two-thirds of Himalayan glaciers could melt.

If global warming continues, the melt would disrupt water supplies for billions of people, as the mountains transform into bare rock by 2100.

The region is known as the worlds Third Pole, and is home to Everest and K2.

Even if the world succeeds in cutting carbon emissions, a third of the glaciers will still melt, rising to two-thirds if we continue as we are.

Even if Paris climate agreement goals are met, scientists say the Himalayas are set to lose more than 30 percent of their glaciers by 2100.

Floods from the melting glacial ice could also disrupt crops along rivers such as the Ganges and the Indus, the researchers warn.

MORE: Son charged with murder of kind mum found dead in her own home

MORE: Just one in 450 fly-tipping cases in England lead to a prosecution

Philippus Wester, a scientist with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development said, This is the climate crisis you havent heard of.

Global warming is on track to transform the frigid, glacier-covered mountain peaks  to bare rocks in a little less than a century.

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ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he had not yet seen an acceptable plan from the United States for the creation of a safe zone in northeastern Syria, three weeks after President Donald Trump suggested establishing the zone.

"There is no satisfactory plan that is put before us concretely yet," Erdogan told a parliamentary meeting of his AK Party. "Of course we are loyal to our agreements, our promise is a promise. But our patience is not limitless."

Turkey wants to set up the safe zone with logistical support from allies and says it should be cleared of the U.S.-backed Kurdish YPG militia which Ankara considers a terrorist group.

Erdogan said that Turkey did not need not have to ask anyone for permission to implement its own plans in the area. "No threat can make us turn from this path, including a sanctions list," he said.

The safe zone will be an issue at a meeting on Wednesday in the United States of ministers from a coalition of countries fighting the Islamic State militant group. Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will attend those talks.

In December, Trump confounded his own national security team with a surprise decision to withdraw all 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria, declaring that Islamic State had been defeated there.

Erdogan also said on Tuesday that Turkey would only wait a few weeks for militants to be removed from the north Syrian town of Manbij. The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is spearheaded by the YPG, has controlled Manbij since 2016.

After months of disagreement, Ankara and Washington agreed in June on a roadmap that would see the YPG removed from the town. Turkey has repeatedly expressed its frustration that the implementation of the plan has been delayed.

Trump has warned Turkey not to attack Kurdish fighters in Syria and last month threatened economic devastation if Ankara attacked the YPG militia.

(Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen and Sarah Dadouch; Editing by Dominic Evans)
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trumps inaugural committee confirmed Monday that it had received a subpoena from federal prosecutors in New York as part of an investigation into the groups fundraising activities.

While we are still reviewing the subpoena, it is our intention to cooperate with the inquiry, the committee said in a statement.

Owen Blicksilver, a committee spokesman, declined to elaborate on the scope of the governments request.

The investigation is being led by prosecutors from the Southern District of New York in Manhattan, and represents potentially more legal trouble for the Trump administration as it continues to confront the ongoing inquiry into Russias interference in the 2016 election and other spinoff investigations.

State of the Union: Politically wounded from the shutdown, Trump faces a tough time with his agenda

Related: When, where and how to watch President Donald Trump's 2019 State of the Union address

A copy of the new subpoena, reviewed by the Wall Street Journal, indicated that prosecutors had sought all documents linked to the committees fundraising activities, including donors and those who provided services to the organization.

The committee had raised more than $100 million to host events related to Trumps inauguration.

The inaugural committee inquiry is separate from the investigation led by Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller whose inquiry is focused on possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Nevertheless, prosecutors leading the inaugural probe also are believed to be reviewing whether the committee received contributions from foreign sources, according to previous accounts by the New York Times.

Federal law prohibits such donations.

The investigation rose, at least in part, out of information seized while investigating Michael Cohen, the president's former attorney and fixer.

In December, Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison for a host of crimes, including making secret hush payments before the 2016 election to women who accused Trump of having affairs and lying to Congress.

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During April raids on Cohen's home, office, and hotel room, federal investigators discovered a taped conversation between Cohen and Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, who worked with the inaugural committee, the Wall Street Journal reported last year.

The contents of the recording are unclear but Wolkoff, according to the Journal, voiced concerns over how some of the inaugural funds were being spent.

Disclosure of the new subpoena also comes at a politically fraught time for Trump, who is scheduled to deliver the State of the Union address Tuesday and as a possible second government shutdown looms over a clash with Democrat lawmakers about funding for the presidents long-promised border wall.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump inaugural committee subpoenaed by federal prosecutors for financial documents
A man who died in a light aircraft crash on the Essex-Suffolk border has been named by police as Stuart Penfold. (SWNS)

A man who died in a light aircraft crash on the Essex-Suffolk border has been named by police as Stuart Penfold.

The 54-year-old grandfather from Halstead was pronounced dead at the scene in Belchamp Walter, near Sudbury, at about noon on Sunday.

Mr Penfold is reported to have almost singlehandedly rebuilt the plane himself, including a converted VW Campervan engine.

Essex Police said they were called after reports of a light aircraft in distress at 11.50am and eight fire engines attended.

No-one else was on board the Luton Minor aircraft, which crashed into fields.

In a tribute released through police, Mr Penfolds family said: In loving memory of a devoted, reliable and wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

A passionate light aircraft flyer and a keen member of Braintree Motorcycle Club, on a journey to his next destination.

The crash site is about five miles from Ridgewell Airfield, the home of Essex Gliding Club.

Airfield owner Richard Teverson said he had spoken to Mr Penfold just half an hour before take-off.

The chief executive of the Light Aircraft Association and close friend, Steve Slater, 50, said he helped Mr Penfold buy his Luton Minor, which he practically rebuilt.

Mr Slater said there are only about 20 Luton Minors currently in service as their development was stopped during the Second World War.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch is investigating the circumstances around the crash.

Witnesses are asked to call Braintree Police Station on 101 quoting incident 503 of February 3.

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Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust (SGX:D5IU), which is in the reits business, and is based in Singapore, saw a significant share price rise of over 20% in the past couple of months on the SGX. As a small cap stock, hardly covered by any analysts, there is generally more of an opportunity for mispricing as there is less activity to push the stock closer to fair value. Is there still an opportunity here to buy? Today I will analyse the most recent data on Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trusts outlook and valuation to see if the opportunity still exists.

See our latest analysis for Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust

Whats the opportunity in Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust?

Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust appears to be overvalued according to my relative valuation model. In this instance, Ive used the price-to-earnings (PE) ratio given that there is not enough information to reliably forecast the stocks cash flows. I find that Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trusts ratio of 22.66x is above its peer average of 13.33x, which suggests the stock is overvalued compared to the REITs industry. In addition to this, it seems like Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trusts share price is quite stable, which could mean two things: firstly, it may take the share price a while to fall back down to an attractive buying range, and secondly, there may be less chances to buy low in the future once it reaches that value. This is because the stock is less volatile than the wider market given its low beta.

What does the future of Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust look like?

SGX:D5IU Future Profit February 5th 19

Future outlook is an important aspect when youre looking at buying a stock, especially if you are an investor looking for growth in your portfolio. Although value investors would argue that its the intrinsic value relative to the price that matter the most, a more compelling investment thesis would be high growth potential at a cheap price. Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trusts earnings over the next few years are expected to increase by 51%, indicating a highly optimistic future ahead. This should lead to more robust cash flows, feeding into a higher share value.

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What this means for you:

Are you a shareholder? It seems like the market has well and truly priced in D5IUs positive outlook, with shares trading above its fair value. However, this brings up another question  is now the right time to sell? If you believe D5IU should trade below its current price, selling high and buying it back up again when its price falls towards its real value can be profitable. But before you make this decision, take a look at whether its fundamentals have changed.

Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on D5IU for a while, now may not be the best time to enter into the stock. The price has surpassed its industry peers, which means it is likely that there is no more upside from mispricing. However, the positive outlook is encouraging for D5IU, which means its worth diving deeper into other factors in order to take advantage of the next price drop.

Price is just the tip of the iceberg. Dig deeper into what truly matters  the fundamentals  before you make a decision on Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust. You can find everything you need to know about Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust in the latest infographic research report. If you are no longer interested in Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust, you can use our free platform to see my list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential.

To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements.



The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com.
Prime minister Theresa May in Belfast in June. Pic: Reuters Th

New economic analysis from financial services firm EY suggests that the Northern Irish economy could contract by around 2.7% and slip into recession in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Prime minister Theresa Mays arrival to the region on Tuesday, for a two-day visit, thus couldnt be more timely.

But the analysis from EY is also a study of contrasts. At the same time that the firm warned that the significant impact of a no-deal exit could see Northern Ireland lose almost 12,000 jobs, it also said that the Republic of Ireland was more than able withstand to ramifications of such a scenario.

So while May will dart around Belfast to meet politicians and business representatives  the majority of whom have long warned about the calamitous impact of a no-deal Brexit on the region  the focus on the other side of the Irish border will be on other matters, like a looming strike of 37,000 nurses and midwives.

READ MORE: No-deal Brexit is biggest threat to Northern Ireland in a generation

Given the current strength of the Irish economy, there are sectors that would eagerly absorb any labour that becomes available and there may also be increased movement of economic activity from the UK to Ireland, said Neil Gibson, the chief economist for EY Ireland, on Monday.

Despite occupying the same island, Ireland and Northern Ireland have long had differing economic fates. Northern Ireland, for instance, has experienced weak economic growth for years, and policymakers there have long been focused on a dogged productivity problem.

Part of this can be explained by the regions small private sector. Ireland, on the other hand, has been intently focused on attracting foreign direct investment, with global behemoths like Facebook, Google and Apple setting up shop in the country. Average salaries are up to 35% higher as a result.

Northern Ireland currently receives a 10.8 billion subvention from the UK  a figure that actually accounts for around a quarter of the regions GDP. This funding goes towards public services such as healthcare.

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This has meant that, despite the comparatively weak economic fundamentals in the region, those who live in Northern Ireland actually have a higher standard of living than their counterparts across the border.

READ MORE: Irish economy resilient enough to withstand bumps of hard Brexit

But this subvention has also been central to the debate about a united Ireland, which would require referendums on both sides of the border. If Dublin, not London, was responsible for the economy of Northern Ireland, economists have estimated that the standard of living in the Republic could fall by around 15%.

Though Brexit has increased the likelihood of such a scenario, we are not anywhere close to this yet. But May will be acutely aware that the nationalists Sinn Fein, the second-largest political party in Northern Ireland, will not be reticent to exploit the prospect of a no-deal Brexit.

She will hold talks with the partys leaders, Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle ONeill, on Wednesday. They will warn that the backstop from her Brexit deal must not be removed or changed.
Diageo (NYSE: DEO) is one of only a handful of companies that control most of the global spirits industry. That's given the company a lot of brand cachet and pricing power in a business that continues to steadily grow year after year.

In fiscal 2019, the company continues to bet on its biggest, most well-known brands to drive growth, and the strategy is succeeding. Here's what results looked like for the recently-reported first half of the year.

Cocktail on a wooden bar.

Image source: Getty Images.

Diageo: The raw numbers

Metric H1 2019 H1 2018 Year-Over-Year Change Net sales 6.91 billion pounds 6.53 billion pounds 5.8% Net income 1.98 billion pounds 2.06 billion pounds (4%) Diluted EPS 0.809 pounds 0.822 pounds (1.6%)

Data source: Diageo 1H 2019 earnings release. Chart by author.

What happened with Diageo this quarter?

The top-line numbers were great, and growth was broad-based, driven by gin and tequila. Here are the details behind the numbers:

Organic revenue grew 7.5%, with volume accounting for 3.5 percentage points of growth. Price increases and a favorable mix of products accounted for the rest of the gains. Organic operating profit rose 12.3%.

Net sales increased 8% in North America and Asia Pacific, the two largest regions for Diageo. Africa followed with 6% growth, Latin America notched a 4% gain, and Europe and Turkey reported 2% growth.

The popularity of different spirits changes from year to year. Right now, gin and tequila are hot. Tequila net sales were up 36% in the first half of the fiscal year, while gin was up 29%. Scotch, which has been strong for more than a decade, grew only 6%, and vodka sales inched up just 2%.

The decline in earnings was more than accounted for by what management called exceptional items, including legal charges, one-time taxes, and costs for asset sales. Without these items, earnings per share would have risen 13.6% to 0.77 pounds.

As the business continues to do well, management has focused on fewer brands and used cash flow to buy back stock. In December 2018, Diageo sold 19 brands to Sazerac, and in the first half of fiscal 2019, the company bought back 1.28 billion pounds of stock as part of a 3-billion-pound buyback program. Diageo is doubling down on its premium brands, and right now the strategy appears to be working.

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What management had to say

As strong as the first half of the year was, CEO Ivan Menezes acknowledged that some of the sales gains were one-time in nature and didn't change the company's outlook. He stated, "This half has benefited from some one-time and phasing gains in both organic net sales and operating profit, and therefore we continue to expect to deliver mid-single digit organic net sales growth for the year and to expand operating margins in line with our previous guidance of 175 [basis points] for the three years ending 30 June 2019."

Growth drivers such as price increases aren't something a company like Diageo normally implements multiple times a year, so in the periods when price increases take hold, there is an outsized impact on growth, which is what we saw in the first half of fiscal 2019.

Looking forward

Diageo continues to ride its "global giants" brands to strong growth numbers, while the wide variety of spirits in its portfolio have helped soften the blow of changing global tastes. Management continues to see mid-single-digit growth and expanding margins for 2019, which is about the best investors could ask for from a mature spirits business.

More From The Motley Fool

Travis Hoium has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Diageo. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
BERLIN/FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Telefonica Deutschland has filed an emergency motion seeking a temporary halt to Germany's mobile spectrum auction, a regional court said on Tuesday, raising the possibility that the allocation of frequencies for 5G services could be delayed.

The spectrum auction is planned for the second half of March and several companies have already filed legal complaints that were to have been considered independently of the auction so not to delay the process.

Michael Ott, a spokesman for the Cologne administrative court, said Telefonica's 60-page motion was received on Monday.

It was unclear how quickly the court would rule on the matter because the BNetzA federal network regulator, which set the terms for the auction, must first have a chance to respond.

"The petitioner wants to use the emergency motion to achieve a temporary halt to the mobile spectrum auction," Ott told Reuters.

Telefonica declined to comment, but Germany's No.3 mobile operator behind Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone has criticized a requirement to extend geographic coverage and increase data speeds as onerous.

Operators have also criticized the terms on which they should provide roaming access to their networks to any new market entrant.

Telefonica is already required under conditions imposed by European Union regulators on its 2014 merger with E-Plus to make available 30 percent of its capacity to virtual network operator 1&1 Drillisch.

Drillisch, a unit of United Internet, has applied to bid in the spectrum auction, raising the prospect of a shift from three to four players in Europe's largest market.

A spokesman for the BNetzA declined to comment on the Telefonica filing, but said the agency was well aware of the possibility that the terms of the auction could face scrutiny in the courts.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal and Douglas Busvine; Editing by Edmund Blair and David Goodman)
Moscow (AFP) - The Taliban began an extraordinary meeting with high-ranking Afghan politicians -- including women -- on Tuesday in Moscow, where rivals of President Ashraf Ghani called for an interim government as they negotiated without him.

The unprecedented gathering saw the Taliban outline their vision for Afghanistan -- including rules around women and the adoption of an Islamic constitution -- before heavyweights, including former president Hamid Karzai, in televised talks.

The Taliban lead prayers and dined with the leaders -- some sworn enemies -- before sitting down for their most significant engagement with Afghan politicians in recent memory.

The roundtable, which saw women defend their rights, comes a week after the insurgents held talks with US negotiators in Doha about ending the 17-year war.

The Doha and Moscow talks, though entirely separate, both excluded the government in Kabul, where Ghani has expressed anger at being increasingly sidelined from key peace negotiations.

The meeting in Russia is "nothing more than a fantasy. No one can decide without the consent of the Afghan people," Ghani told Afghan broadcaster TOLOnews late Tuesday.

"Those who have gathered in Moscow have no executive authority. They can say what they want."

But many of his chief opponents -- including some contesting presidential elections in July -- were present in the Russian capital, and some called for the formation of an interim government to include the Taliban.

"The interim government should also pave the way for a transparent election," Atta Muhammad Noor, an influential former warlord, said on Twitter.

It could act as a transition "through this fragile and messy situation" and convince the insurgents to take part in the political process, he added.

The conference, hosted by an Afghan diaspora group, was welcomed as "useful" by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in a statement.

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- 'Surreal' scenes -

The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan under a ruthless interpretation of Sharia law between 1996 and 2001, said they did not want a "monopoly of power" but "an inclusive Islamic system".

But they have refused thus far to engage with Ghani despite his offers for talks, calling his administration a US puppet.

"There's something surreal about Afghanistan's most powerful opposition politicians meeting with the Taliban in order to spark an intra-Afghan dialogue that doesn't include the country's own government," analyst Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center in Washington told AFP.

Karzai, a US-appointed president who led Afghanistan from 2001 until 2014, described the talks as "very, very satisfactory".

"We understand that the government needs to be part of these negotiations. We wish they could have been here today," he told reporters in Moscow.

Ghani's allies in Washington insist Afghans should lead the peace process, and the months-long push by Washington to engage the Taliban has ostensibly been aimed at convincing them to negotiate with Kabul.

He has repeatedly said that all Afghans should agree to end hostilities but that he would not "surrender to a temporary peace deal".

In extraordinary scenes, the Taliban listened as women addressed the Moscow roundtable -- an unthinkable prospect under their regime, which was toppled by US-led forces in 2001.

The insurgents indicated they could loosen some guidelines around women -- in line with Sharia law -- extending even to female representation in parliament.

Fawzia Koofi, one of two women invited to Moscow, said the Islamist militants would "have to adapt to a modern Afghanistan".

"When they were in power, they would not even let women leave their homes," Koofi, the head of Afghanistan's parliamentary Committee on Women and Human Rights, told AFP.

"But now we're hearing women could be prime minister or a minister. It's a change I think. It's a positive step but not enough."

But the group stopped short of agreeing to a female president, she added.

Under their rule, the Taliban severely curtailed women's liberties, barring them from work and school, and confined women to their homes -- only allowing them outside with a male escort and hidden beneath a burqa.

- 'Obstacle to peace' -

The Taliban also elaborated on their vision for Afghanistan, including the replacement of the constitution with one crafted by Islamic scholars.

"The Kabul government constitution is invalid. It has been imported from the West and is an obstacle to peace," said Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, who headed the Taliban delegation.

Jarring images of Karzai and other leaders joining Taliban officials in prayer and breaking bread in Russia sparked some anger back home.

"If you guys can eat together, laugh and pray together, hug each other why you are still killing innocent Afghans?" one Facebook user posted.

The two-day Moscow talks conclude Wednesday. The Taliban are scheduled to hold a separate, second round of peace talks with the US in Doha on February 25.
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - Sudan faced calls from Western powers at the UN Security Council on Thursday to respect the rights of anti-government demonstrators and investigate violence that has left at least 24 dead.

The council was meeting to discuss the situation in Sudan's troubled Darfur region but the United States, France, Britain and others raised serious concerns about the protest violence.

Britain slammed as "unacceptable" the use of deadly force by Sudanese security troops against the demonstrators and called for those responsible for the deaths of protesters to be held accountable.

"Security forces' use of lethal force and arbitrary detentions in response to peaceful protests is unacceptable and it should stop," said British Deputy Ambassador Jonathan Allen.

"We are appalled at reports that security forces have used tear gas and violence within hospitals against those being treated and against doctors providing medical assistance."

In Khartoum earlier, police fired tear gas to break up a demonstration that headed toward the presidential palace to demand President Omar al-Bashir's resignation.

Sudan has been shaken by the protests that began on December 19, initially to vent anger over a hike in bread prices but which have since morphed into a challenge to Bashir's rule.

Clashes have killed 24 people, according to an official toll. Rights groups say many more have been killed.

Sudan's ambassador told the council that his government was "fully committed to giving citizens a space to peacefully express their views" but would act to "protect lives and public property against sabotage and arson and all other forms of violence perpetrated by some demonstrators."

Ambassador Omer Dahab Fadl Mohamed complained that the demonstrations "were not related remotely" to the topic of the council meeting.

The United States urged Sudan to respect the right to freedom of association, called for the release of detained protesters and activists, and said the deaths of demonstrators should be quickly investigated.

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A transparent investigation should be "followed by accountability for any excessive use of force," said US political coordinator Rodney Hunter.

France called for restraint from all sides to bring calm to the situation and said the government must respect the right to freedom of assembly and to freedom of expression.

Russia echoed Sudan's complaint, saying the protests were a "purely national Sudanese issue" and should not be discussed at the Security Council.
Khartoum (AFP) - Sudanese police fired tear gas Tuesday at hundreds of teachers in Khartoum protesting the death of a colleague in detention as demonstrators pressed on with rallies against President Omar al-Bashir's rule.

Groups of doctors, students and lawyers also staged demonstrations in the capital and other areas of the country -- part of protests sparked by a government decision to triple the price of bread which have rocked Sudan since December 19.

The unrest quickly escalated into nationwide rallies against Bashir's three-decades in power, with demonstrators demanding the veteran leader step down.

Officials say 30 people have died in protest-related violence since then, but Human Rights Watch says at least 51 people have been killed.

Teachers on Tuesday rallied near the education ministry in Khartoum to protest the death of a fellow educator in the eastern state of Kassala, witnesses said, adding that riot police had fired tear gas to disperse the group.

Ahmed al-Kheir, a 36-year-old teacher and member of the Islamist Popular Congress Party (PCP), died in detention after security agents arrested him last week in connection to the protests, a relative told AFP on Saturday.

Fellow teachers poured into the streets to chant for "freedom, peace, justice", a witness said, employing the rallying cry of the protest movement against Bashir's government.

"Many were carrying photographs of Kheir who died in detention," the witness added.

Kheir was a member of the PCP, which is part of Bashir's government but has called for a probe into the deaths of protesters killed during the rallies.

Police on Tuesday also fired tear gas at a separate demonstration launched by graduates of Khartoum University, witnesses said.

"The students were trying to stage a march, but they were dispersed with tear gas," a witness said.

Hundreds of doctors held sit-ins in several hospitals across the country calling on Bashir to step down, witnesses said.

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Video footage uploaded onto social media showed doctors holding banners calling for Bashir's resignation.

About 200 lawyers held a separate march in Khartoum, but they were swiftly dispersed with tear gas, a lawyer said.

"We wanted to give a petition to the chief of the judiciary that calls for freedom of speech and the release of detainees," he told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"But riot police fired tear gas at us, after which we had to disperse."
TOKYO (Reuters) - There is still time to find a solution to the impasse on Britain's withdrawal from the European Union, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in Japan on Tuesday. British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal was rejected by parliament last month and she is trying to persuade the EU to accept changes to the agreement before the March 29 deadline for departure. "From a political point of view, there is still time," Merkel told an economic conference in Tokyo. "That should be used, used by all sides. But for this it would be very important to know what exactly the British side envisages in terms of its relationship with the EU," she said. Acknowledging that the tight timeframe was difficult for businesses desperate for certainty given "just-in-time" production systems, Merkel said the "special" problem was the Irish border and the backstop agreement. "It should be humanly possible to find a solution to such a precise problem. But this depends ... on the kind of trade deal that we forge with each other," she said. (Reporting by Andreas Rinke; writing by Madeline Chambers in Berlin; editing by Thomas Seythal and Andrew Heavens)
Donald Trump's postponed State of the Union address to Congress has been rescheduled for 5 February after the longest US government shutdown in history was brought to a close.

Originally scheduled for 29 January, House speaker Nancy Pelosi asked the president not to go ahead with his speech during the diplomatic impasse and suggested he submit it by letter, a manoeuvre Republicans were quick to brand political and which appeared to provoke Mr Trump into denying Ms Pelosis congressional delegation the use of a military plane to visit troops in Afghanistan.

The president finally bowed to the speakers right to refuse him an invitation but can now press ahead, albeit a week later than planned.

What is the State of the Union address?

Nominally a speech to congressmen and women in the chamber of the House of Representatives assessing the current wellbeing of the American political and economic landscape, the address is really intended for the ears of the people and often sees the administrations accomplishments presented in a flattering light.

Article II, section three of the US Constitution says of the president: He shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.

While the commmand that the speech be given from time to time is vague in wording, it used to be made every December to mark the close of the calender year. The passing of the 20th Amendment on 23 January 1933 saw the opening of Congress shifted from March to early January, meaning the address moved too. Since 1934, it has been made as early as 3 January and as late as 12 February.

The president has to be formally invited to the House to give his progress report by the speaker, hence the newly sworn-in Ms Pelosi having the power to delay this years message in light of the current state of stagnation, the debate over federal funding for Mr Trump's proposed border wall with Mexico no closer to resolution.

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When it does take place, both the president and the speaker will be permitted to invite 24 guests each to witness events from their respective boxes. Only members of the Cabinet, Supreme Court justices, the diplomatic corps and military leaders have reserved seating - their entry formally announced by a deputy sergeant at arms - everyone else is invited into the chamber on a first-come, first-served basis.

The only person not to be given a seat is Cabinets designated survivor, the statesman or woman chosen to miss the occasion so they can succeed the president and vice president and form a rump Congress in the event of the chamber being successfully targeted by a terror attack. Last years was agriculture secretary Sonny Perdue.

The president himself is duly announced at the door of the chamber by the sergeant at arms and is applauded en route to the house clerks desk, where he hands copies of his speech in manila envelopes to the speaker and to the vice president (who sit together) before commencing.

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While the content of the speech primarily concerns legislative achievements, members of the public who have undertaken acts of heroism or other distinction are sometimes invited to attend in order to be congratulated by the president.

Such guests are known as Lenny Skutniks after the man Ronald Reagan paid tribute to in 1982 for his courage during the Air Florida Flight 90 crash, the bystander rescuing a passenger from Washingtons Potomac River when the plane struck the capitals 14th Street Bridge just two miles from the White House.

Once the address has been made, the opposition party to the presidents own is given the opportunity to issue a rebuttal, a custom in place since 1966. Massachusetts Democrat Joe Kennedy III, grandson of Bobby Kennedy and grandnephew of John F Kennedy, did so in 2018 and was widely praised for his performance.

What is its history?

George Washington gave the first annual message to a joint session of Congress sitting in New York City on 8 January 1790.

The formal speech was subsequently abandoned under Thomas Jefferson in 1801, who deemed it too monarchical. Until Woodrow Wilson revived the old approach in 1913, it was submitted by the president as a letter, which was read aloud on his behalf by a clerk.

Since Wilson, Herbert Hoover is the only president not to have given a State of the Union address to Congress in person.

The speech was actually known as the Presidents Annual Message to Congress until Franklin D Roosevelt renamed it in the Thirties to echo the wording of the Constitution.

The address was first broadcast on radio in 1922 under Warren Harding. Harry Trumans was the first to be shown on television in 1947 (a full decade before the Queens first Christmas speech was broadcast in Britain) and Bill Clintons 1997 message was the first to be streamed online. Mr Clinton also holds the distinction for giving the longest-ever, speaking for 89 minutes in 2000.

When this years is given the go-ahead, President Trumps will be screened live across all major broadcast and cable TV networks.

The last time a president submitted their State of the Union address via letter was Jimmy Carter in 1981, nearing the very end of his term in office. The last time the speech had to be postponed altogether was five years later under his successor, President Reagan, as a result of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, in which seven astronauts were killed when their craft broke apart over the Atlantic.

Significant State of the Union addresses include Roosevelts on 6 January 1941, when he outlined the Four Freedoms everyone should be entitled to (freedoms of speech and worship and freedoms from want and fear), Lyndon Johnson announcing his War on Poverty in 1964 and George W Bush naming North Korea, Iraq and Iran among his axis of evil in 2002.

Richard Nixon attempted to use his 1974 speech to downplay his troubles, saying: I believe the time has come to bring that investigation and other investigations of this matter to an end. One year of Watergate is enough. He resigned the following August.

Among the most downbeat was Gerald Fords a year later: The state of the Union is not good: Millions of Americans are out of work ... We depend on others for essential energy. Some people question their governments ability to make hard decisions and stick with them. They expect Washington politics as usual.

President Trump is unlikely to be so candid, despite the myriad problems his administration faces.
President Donald Trump has announced who will attend Tuesday's State of the Union as his guests.

The list includes people who represent different topics Trump is expected to speak on during his national address. Those topics include immigration, border security, the economy, the military and criminal justice reform.

The president's speech was delayed a week because of the shutdown and comes as lawmakers try to avoid a second shutdown over funding the construction of a border wall.

Several lawmakers have announced who they plan to bring as a guest. Here is a look at who the White House said will attend as guests of President Trump. USA TODAY will livestream the speech and produce live coverage of Trump's remarks and the response from Democrats.

Family members of Gerald and Sharon David will attend to represent the Reno, Nevada, couple. The Davids were killed in January after police said a man suspected of being in the country illegally killed shot them during a robbery.

The Davids' daughter Debra Bissell, granddaughter Heather Armstrong, and great-granddaughter Madison Armstrong  making up three generations of the family  will attend in their honor.

Matthew Charles will attend as the first prisoner to be released because of the First Step Act. He was released on January 3 after being sentenced to 35 years in prison for drug-related offenses.

The First Step Act gives judges more discretion in sentencing offenders for nonviolent crimes, particularly drug offenses, and strengthen rehabilitation programs for former prisoners. It would also call for placing federal prisoners closer to home  no more than 500 miles  so families could visit more often.

Charles found God, taught GED classes and became a law clerk while in prison, according to the White House.

Doctors discovered a mass on Grace Eline's pituitary gland in April 2018. After a series of seemingly never-ending scans and tests, the family received a diagnosis of germ cell brain tumor, a rare cancer. She was 9 years old.

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She has since finished several rounds of chemotherapy and shows no evidence of the disease, according to the White House.

Ashley Evans will attend as the one-year anniversary nears of her recovery from drug addiction. Evans spent much of her life battling opioid and substance abuse, according to the White House.

She will be in recovery for a year on Feb. 9 and will be reunited with her daughter on Feb. 15, according to the White House.

Trump has spent a considerable amount of time talking about human trafficking along the border. Elvin Hernandez, a special agent with the Department of Homeland Security, investigates drugs, gangs and human trafficking, according to the White House.

Hernandez has spent more than 18 years working in federal law enforcement.

Roy James will represent the Vicksburg Forst Products lumber facility that the White House said has reopened thanks to "provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

The White House says the plan was saved after being declared an "Opportunity Zone".

Timothy Matson was one of the Pittsburgh Police Department officers who responded to the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue that claimed 11 lives.

Matson suffered multiple gunshots wounds while responding to the tragedy.

Judah Samet survived the Tree of Life Synagogue, in part, because he was late for the services on the Sabbath.

Samet, a Holocaust survivor, served as a paratrooper and radioman in the Israeli Defense Forces before moving to the United States in the 1960s, according to the White House.

Joshua Trump has been getting bullied simply because he shares the president's last name.

The sixth grader from Wilmington, Delaware, is expected to attend the State of the Union to represent bullying prevention, a key element of an initiative Melania Trump named "Be Best."

Tom Wibberley's son Graig was killed on the bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen. Graig Wibberley was 19 at the time of his death and was one of 17 crew members to be killed in the 2000 attack.

A scholarship fund was created in his memory for students studying computer science, according to the White House.

Alice Marie Johnson, a mother and grandmother, was serving a life sentenced after being convicted as part of a multi-million dollar Houston-to-Memphis cocaine operation that ran from June 1991 to September 1994.

Authorities said it was fueled by drugs that originated with the Cali drug cartel from Colombia. She was granted clemency by Trump in June 2018.

His decision came after an appeal from reality television star Kim Kardashian West. The White House says Johnson is now "dedicated her life to helping those who are in a similar position."

Contributing: Associated Press, Reno Gazette-Journal, Memphis Appeal, Delaware Online, Daily Record

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: State of the Union 2019: Donald Trump's guest list hits on all his expected talking points
A Southwest Airlines flight bound for Florida had to make an emergency landing due to a cabin pressure related-injury.

Flight 1694, departing from Hartford to Tampa, turned around mid-flight around to return to Connecticuts Bradley International Airport, after several passengers complained about feeling pain and discomfort. Moe than one passenger were reportedly bleeding from their ears.

The pilot of the Boeing 737 aircraft reported a potential pressurisation issue and requested to make the emergency landing, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

Several customers among the 139 on board are being treated for injuries and discomfort by local paramedics, the airline said in a statement. We have removed the aircraft from service and will accommodate those wishing to continue their travel with another aircraft.

The plane returned to Hartford a little after 9pm after an hour of heading towards Tampa International Airport.

Once the plane landed, emergency medical personnel treated several passengers.

There are no reports indicating any of the injuries were severe.

Southwest Airlines reported that it removed the aircraft from service.
Celebrity makeup artist Sir John looks poised to be the next big beauty expert to launch his own product line.

The creative has teamed up with a mystery partner on a surprise beauty launch for this year, he recently revealed to WWD.

Responding to the question of whether he would ever consider launching his own makeup line, Sir John divulged: "That's totally happening now. I have two licensing deals. Some things are coming out this year and I think everyone's going to be super surprised about who I'm partnering with."





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Sir John, whose glittering client list includes Beyonce and Priyanka Chopra, is on a major roll at the moment, having also just been appointed the global ambassador of the luxury British-based beauty brand Alleven, which was founded by the model Celia Forner. According to WWD, the makeup artist has been working with the label on extending its shade range, and coming up with a trio of new products: an Instant Perfector', a Hyaluronic Airbrush Foundation' and a Total Body Serum'.

Launching his own beauty range would see Sir John tapping into a major current trend within the industry. Fellow makeup artists that have made similar moves over the past few years include Pat McGrath, whose Pat McGrath Labs brand has become wildly successful since it was first unveiled back in 2015, and Charlotte Tilbury, whose global eponymous range recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. The celebrity go-to and creative director of Lancome Lisa Eldridge dipped her toe in the waters with the launch of a trio of lipsticks last November, while the fashion industry favorite Gucci Westman also unveiled Westman Atelier' last year.
Many of Kristoff St. Johns friends and colleagues spoke out following the news of his unexpected death on Sunday. Now Shemar Moore, who played his brother Malcolm on The Young and the Restless, has broken his silence over the loss.

Amid TMZs new report that St. John had checked into UCLA Medical Center in January to treat depression related to his sons suicide and had just been released within the last few days, Moore took to Instagram to pay tribute.

Mr. Kristoff St. John, an emotional Moore began. I lost my brother yesterday. Ive never had a brother, but you were my brother. You showed me the way. You were my mentor. You were my inspiration. You showed me what true talent was. You showed me what humility was. I love you. I hate this. I love you. But Im going to celebrate all your good. To my Y&R family: Kristoff St. John a.k.a. Neil Winters, celebrate this man. The most popular, iconic black man in soap opera daytime history. Give him that. He earned it.

Kristoff St. John, left, and Shemar Moore at the NAACP Awards in 2014. (Photo: Alberto Rodriguez/Getty Images for NAACP)

Moore told St. Johns family members to cry your tears. Im crying right along with you. He ended by telling St. John to sleep, man and find your peace. In the caption he promised, Ill finish what YOU started.

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Moore shared several other photos, including a Soap Opera Digest cover of the fictional Winters family, the most prominent African-American family on daytime television. It also featured Victoria Rowell as Drucilla and Christel Khalil as Lily.

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He also posted photos of them as Neil and Malcolm. St. John joined the cast in 1991, while Moore came on three years later, leaving the show in 2005 for primetime opportunities.

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Rowell, who played St. Johns ex-wife on Y&R, also shared tributes to her former co-star.

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Khalil, who played St. Johns TV daughter (though there was paternity drama and Moores character ended up being the dad), also spoke out. She talked about the deep pain St. John was in that no one could understand.

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Many of St. Johns other co-stars, including Eric Braeden, acknowledged his heartbreak over the death of his son Julian by suicide in 2014.

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Soap Opera Digest editorial director Stephanie Sloane said St. John was able to overcome so many things, but the death of Julian was just a breaking point for him in a lot of ways. In 2017, St. John underwent psychiatric treatment after allegedly threatening to kill himself. I think that just proves that you never really can know someones pain  even though Kristoff actually shared a lot of his suffering with the world. He would be so brutally honest about the trials and tribulations hed been through in his life and with his children.

St. John is survived by his fiancee, Kseniya Mikhaleva, as well as daughter Paris with first wife, Mia St. John, and daughter Lola with second wife, Allana Nadal.

An autopsy of the soap star was completed Monday, but a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County medical examiner told People magazine that the cause of death has been deferred pending additional results. The Blast reported that these will include a toxicology report.

Read more from Yahoo Entertainment




WASHINGTON (AP)  The Senate voted Monday to oppose the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria and Afghanistan, breaking with President Donald Trump as he calls for a military drawdown in those countries.

Senators voted 70-26 for the amendment sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. The measure says the Islamic State group and al-Qaida militants still pose a serious threat to the United States, and it warns that "a precipitous withdrawal" of U.S. forces from those countries could "allow terrorists to regroup, destabilize critical regions and create vacuums that could be filled by Iran or Russia."

Trump abruptly tweeted plans for a U.S. pullout from Syria in December, arguing that the Islamic State group had been defeated even though his intelligence chiefs have said it remains a threat. Trump also ordered the military to develop plans to remove up to half of the 14,000 U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

The strong bipartisan vote comes as Republican senators have increasingly diverged from Trump on foreign policy. When he introduced the amendment last week, McConnell said "ISIS and al-Qaida have yet to be defeated."

McConnell's amendment, which is nonbinding, would encourage cooperation between the White House and Congress to develop long-term strategies in both nations, "including a thorough accounting of the risks of withdrawing too hastily."

Idaho Sen. Jim Risch, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the amendment was not a rebuke to Trump, though he added, "we can do things over there which will make us safer here."

While the majority of senators voted for the amendment, a handful of Republicans voted against it. McConnell's Kentucky colleague, Republican Sen. Rand Paul said before the vote that "enough is enough" and the money spent on wars should be spent at home.

"I want to compliment President Trump for being bold and brave," Paul said.

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Many of the most liberal members of the Senate  including several Democrats who are eyeing presidential runs in 2020  also voted against the amendment. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and others have agreed with Paul that the United States should withdraw, though they have criticized Trump for his sudden announcement.

McConnell's provision was added to a wide-ranging foreign policy bill that has been pending on the Senate floor for several weeks. The legislation includes measures supporting Israel and Jordan and would slap sanctions on Syrians involved in war crimes. The Senate is expected to vote on the broader measure later this week.

That bill has split centrist and liberal Democrats due to a provision from Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., that seeks to counter the global Boycott, Divest and Sanctions movement against Israel over its treatment of Palestinians and their settlements. Israel sees a growing threat from the BDS movement, which has led to increased boycotts of the Jewish state in support of the Palestinians.

That has led to a "boycott of the boycotts" as Israel pushes back against those aligned with BDS.

In support of Israel, Rubio's measures would affirm the legal authority of state and local governments to restrict contracts and take other actions against those "engaged in BDS conduct." Several states are facing lawsuits after taking action against workers supporting BDS boycotts of Israel.

Opponents say Rubio's measure infringes on free speech.
The US Senate approved by a large majority Monday an amendment critical of President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Syria and Afghanistan, in a sign of the deep discontent caused by the policies within his own Republican ranks.

The resolution was sponsored by the Republican leader of the Senate Mitch McConnell, who said last week the measure "would acknowledge the plain fact that Al-Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates in Syria and Afghanistan continue to pose a serious threat to our nation."

It passed by a majority of 70 to 26 -- opposed by only three of the 53 Senate Republicans. The amendment will eventually be incorporated into a broader security law on the Middle East.

According to the text, the "precipitous withdrawal of United States forces" from either country "could put at risk hard-won gains and United States national security."

In December, Trump tweeted plans to remove America's 2,000 troops out of Syria, arguing that the Islamic State group had been defeated, even though his intelligence chiefs testified last week that the jihadists remain a potent threat and are seeking a comeback.

The president has also vowed to pull half of the 14,000-strong American force from Afghanistan, where the US has had a military presence since 2001, citing the high cost in blood and treasure.

Senators, including prominent Republicans, inflicted a resounding rebuke to the president in December, holding the Saudi crown prince responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi after the Trump administration had been largely supportive of Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
WASHINGTON  The Republican-led Senate is poised to approve legislation Tuesday that includes a sharp rebuke of President Donald Trumps planned withdrawal of American troops from Syria and Afghanistan.

The bill also includes a controversial provision that would allow local governments to penalize businesses or individuals engaged in anti-Israel boycotts.

Supporters of the boycott provision said its needed to protect Israel from economic warfare waged by liberal groups against Americas closest ally. Detractors said its a violation of free speech against individuals engaged in a peaceful protest against Israels treatment of the Palestinians.

The Senate is scheduled to vote on the bill  the Strengthening Americas Security in the Middle East Act  on Tuesday afternoon, before Trumps State of the Union speech.

In his remarks Tuesday night, Trump is likely to highlight his planned drawdown of U.S. forces in the Middle East and call for an end to "endless foreign wars," according a senior administration official speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe the presidents planned remarks.

Trump announced his decision to withdraw all U.S. forces from Syria in December, declaring on Twitter that the Islamic State had been defeated. Trump is considering a major reduction of troops in Afghanistan.

President Donald Trump pictured during a White House meeting.

Lawmakers in both parties expressed alarm at Trumps plans, saying that the Islamic State, also known as ISIS, has not been defeated and that troop withdrawals would allow extremist groups to regroup and re-emerge as a pernicious global threat. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.  who has been reluctant to criticize Trump  sponsored the provision opposing Trumps withdrawal plan.

McConnells measure warns that a precipitous withdrawal of United States forces from either Syria or Afghanistan could put at risk hard-won gains and United States national security. Its nonbinding but highlights a growing public rift between hawkish congressional Republicans and Trump.

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The Senate adopted McConnells resolution as an amendment to the broader Middle East bill, which is sponsored by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. The underlying bill would authorize new sanctions against the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad and extend a security cooperation agreement between the United States and Jordan, among other things.

It's fate in the House is unclear. Democrats are divided over the Israel boycott provision  centrist lawmakers embraced the measure, and liberals are sharply opposed.

Contributing: John Fritze and David Jackson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Senate poised to pass bill rebuking President Trump's planned troop withdrawals from Syria, Afghanistan
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that the crisis in Venezuela could only be solved by getting the authorities and the opposition to talk to each other, the RIA news agency reported. Major European nations on Monday joined the United States in recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president of Moscow ally Venezuela, heightening a global showdown over Nicolas Maduro's socialist rule. "We continue to believe that the only way to exit this crisis is by sitting the government and opposition down at the negotiating table," Lavrov was cited as saying by RIA. "Otherwise it will simply be the same regime change that the West had done many times." (Reporting by Katya Golubkova; writing by Tom Balmforth; editing by Andrew Osborn)
By John Miller ZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss drugmaker Roche aims to broaden the use of its Kadcyla breast cancer treatment as rivals crowd into the market with biosimilar copies of its older mainstay Herceptin. Roche said on Tuesday it had applied for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for Kadcyla, a five-year-old drug, for post-surgical use in women with a form of early stage breast cancer who still show signs of disease after treatment with Herceptin and chemotherapy. Kadcyla, which generated sales of 979 million Swiss francs ($981 million) last year, is already approved for people with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. Expanding use of Kadcyla, which works by attaching Herceptin to a chemotherapy drug developed by ImmunoGen Inc to interfere with cancer cell growth, could help Roche defend its turf in treating women whose cancer contains increased amounts of a protein known as HER2. Herceptin is Roche's biggest-selling drug, at about $7 billion last year, but its patent has expired and its European sales last year tumbled 16 percent. The company sees possible U.S. competition in the second half of 2019 from rivals including Celltrion and Teva, Pfizer and Mylan. "We are working closely with the FDA to bring Kadcyla to people with HER2-positive early breast cancer who have residual disease after neoadjuvant therapy as early as possible," Sandra Horning, Roches chief medical officer, said. Approval of Kadcyla for such patients would help Roche secure a big share of Herceptin sales now made to patients following surgery, an analyst said. "With Kadcyla, the approximately 60 percent share of sales generated by Herceptin as an adjuvant would be secured for several years," wrote Michael Nawrath, of Zuercher Kantonalbank, in a note. "This prospect is an underrated asset in the market," Nawrath said. Roche shares were up 0.5 percent after the announcement, in line with the rise of the Stoxx Europe 600 Health Care Index. Of people treated with Kadcyla, 88.3 percent did not see their breast cancer return after three years - compared to 77 percent treated after surgery with Herceptin - according to a clinical study Roche is using to underpin its approval case with the FDA. The FDA has granted the medicine a speedy review, Roche said, pointing to a decision in coming months. ($1 = 0.9983 Swiss francs) (Reporting by John Miller; Editing by Michael Shields and Susan Fenton)
By Madeline Chambers BERLIN (Reuters) - Politicians and campaigners are urging Germany to use the lessons of its own reunification to help bring North and South Korea together, but Berlin is in no rush to take up the challenge. A second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un planned for later this month has raised hopes for lasting peace on a peninsula divided since war there ended in a truce more than 65 years ago. Reflecting that optimism, diplomats, politicians and foreign policy experts say Germany, which has an embassy in Pyongyang, should be exploring back channels for talks, offering advice on treaty negotiations, and promoting dialogue. But instead, in their opinion, it is falling short. "Germany has a special role to play. Germany and the city of Berlin are for most Koreans symbols of reunification," said South Korea's ambassador to Germany, Jong Bum Goo. "Our government wants to integrate North Korea into the international community but in my view the German government is still rather passive on this," Jong told Reuters. Despite this, some former leaders of Communist East Germany, Berlin's Free University, some parliamentarians, and civil society groups are engaging with North Korea to share the lessons of German reunification nearly 30 years ago. While nobody is seriously talking about a German-style reunification in Korea, a thaw could lead to a peace deal that would usher in stability in North East Asia. A senior South Korean diplomat in Seoul told Reuters that the government had not made any specific request of Berlin and was "grateful for Germany's ongoing support for inter-Korean reconciliation". However, many experts agree that Germany, one of the few countries with diplomatic relations with North and South Korea and also with personal contacts in Pyongyang dating back to Communist East German times, is being stubborn. Hans Modrow, the last Communist leader of East Germany, who took the late North Korean leader Kim Il Sung on a boat trip down the Elbe in 1984, maintains an active interest, and visited both Koreas in September to discuss reunification. The spritely 91-year-old was scathing about Chancellor Angela Merkel's Korea policy. "The U.S. president can have talks with the top man in North Korea but the Germans can't even have their foreign minister have direct contact," Modrow told Reuters. "To achieve peace and security in Korea, we need more engagement," said Modrow. Others agree. "I would like a bit more courage from the German foreign ministry so that Germany, as a reunited country, claims a special status and supports dialogue and exchange," said Nataly Jung-Hwa Han, head of the Berlin-based Korea Association, which promotes understanding of North Korea. Nobody was available at North Korea's embassy in Berlin Germany's stance reflects its reluctance to assume a global role since the end of World War Two. Foreign policy, which Merkel stresses is based on multilateralism, is embedded in that of the European Union and tends to follow the U.S. line. On North Korea, this means joining sanctions aimed at getting it to end its nuclear program. INSPIRATION The criticism of Germany comes 18 months after South Korean President Moon Jai-in came to Berlin to appeal for support. "The end of the Cold War that started in Berlin will be completed in Pyongyang and Seoul, the new peace vision for North East Asia and worldwide will be implemented," he said in 2017. Last October, Moon visited Europe again, seeking support for possibly easing sanctions against North Korea once it makes progress on denuclearization. But his summit with the EU, in which Germany holds sway, failed to reach agreement. "Our position was there's a need for sanctions relief under the premise that denuclearization is realized," the South Korean diplomat in Seoul said, adding the EU agreed in principle but insisted sanctions stay until North Korea takes concrete action. Merkel has pledged to promote a peaceful solution of North Korean nuclear issues, but no action has followed. "Deeds must follow words," said a German-Korean youth forum which met in Daejeon in South Korea in October, adding there was big potential for Germany, and the EU, to play a consultative and mediatory role. So far, moves toward Korean reconciliation have brought three summits, a military agreement to defuse tensions and more family reunions. Joint North-South participation in last year's Winter Olympics in the South has been followed by economic, cultural and personal exchanges. This resonates among Germans whose reunification followed two decades of rapprochement, initiated by West German Chancellor Willy Brandt. "You would think it would be a long-term German policy to support a Korean solution," said Bernt Berger, head of the Asia program at the DGAP think-tank in Berlin. "It's tragic because South Korea really wants German support as they think it would understand the situation and be able to help find solutions," said Berger. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas visited South Korea in July, stopping at the Demilitarized Zone that divides the two Koreas to underline German support for reconciliation. The foreign ministry said it was ready in principle to look at possible support for reconciliation but stressed this must be driven by the two Koreas. "The top priority on North Korea is the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization," said a ministry official, adding that while Germany does have a special role, EU coordination was important. NO MODEL Regardless of what their government does, interest is growing among Germans who recall East Germans pouring through the Berlin Wall and destroying the most potent symbol of the Cold War without a shot being fired. Academic institutions see potential for cooperation. Berlin's Free University and the Kim Il Sung University in Pyongyang signed a letter of intent to cooperate in social sciences in September. The Berlin Wall Foundation, the Goethe Institute and South Korean game developer Nolgong unveiled an interactive game in January to encourage players to learn about Germany's split and reunification and about Korea's war and division. But the main recommendation from Berlin is that Korea should not to copy Germany where after three decades, and transfers of about 2 trillion euros from West to East, inequalities persist. "I stress Germany should not be a model," Modrow said, adding it was essential to help North Korea catch up economically to avoid consequences similar to the rise of the far-right in Germany. The South Korean ambassador sees two lessons from Germany for Korea: change will come via reconciliation, and reunification is complicated but worth pursuing. "We think of the words of Brandt - what belongs together will grow together. We still believe that," he said. (Additional reporting by Hyonhee Shin and Josh Smith in Seoul; Writing by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Giles Elgood)
BERLIN (AP)  Germany's tightening public finances are raising questions over whether the country will miss its military spending target at a time when the U.S. is increasing pressure on its European allies to increase defense budgets.

A Finance Ministry document circulated to other ministries for discussion suggests defense spending won't increase sufficiently to meet targets amid a projected budget shortfall of 24.7 billion euros ($28.3 billion) through 2023, the dpa news agency reported Tuesday.

NATO members at a 2014 conference in Wales, agreed to "aim to move toward" increasing defense spending to 2 percent of their gross domestic product by 2024, though Germany has already said it doesn't expect to meet that goal.

President Donald Trump has been pushing for NATO members to meet the 2 percent as a hard target, a stance U.S. Ambassador Richard Grenell underlined following the news on the possible German budget woes.

"NATO members are expected to reach their 2 percent commitment by 2024," he told The Associated Press. "Now is not the time to take NATO for granted or undercut it in any way."

Most NATO members don't yet meet the target, though spending is generally increasing. In Germany's case, defense spending rose from 1.18 percent of GDP in 2014 to 1.24 percent in 2018.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel last year said beyond the NATO goal, the country's military needed to rebuild after years of declining spending.

German officials have long emphasized the "move toward" part of the Wales statement, and last year committed to raising spending to 1.5 percent of GDP by 2025.

"Sometimes this may seem too slow, but things are going in the right direction," Merkel said at a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg last summer.

Germany long enjoyed better-than-expected tax revenues as Europe's biggest economy motored along but Finance Minister Olaf Scholz warned last month that "the fat years are over."

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The government recently cut its growth forecast and has acknowledged that slower economic growth will have an effect on tax revenues.

The Finance Ministry wouldn't comment on what the shrinking tax revenue might mean to the defense spending goal, saying only the numbers won't be finalized until the end of March.

But Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen, speaking Monday on a trip to Latvia, said that Germany would still meet its goal to increase military spending to 1.5 percent of GDP by 2025.

"The clear political agreement is 1.5 percent by the year 2025," she told reporters.
Tory MP Nigel Evans has said the Red Arrows should perform a Westminster flyover on March 29 to celebrate Brexit. (PA)

The Red Arrows should fly over the Palace of Westminster to celebrate Brexit on March 29, ministers have been told.

Tory MP Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley) said an appearance from the world famous RAF Aerobatic Team would ensure the historic event could be properly celebrated.

Defence minister Tobias Ellwood, who backed Remain at the 2016 EU referendum and has expressed concern over a no-deal Brexit, did not commit to the idea and instead said the nation as a whole must come together after the UK leaves the EU.

The exchange emerged as MPs debated the future of RAF Scampton, which is the home of the Red Arrows but could close in 2022.

Nigel Evans MP says the Red Arrows should perform a flypast Westminster to help celebrate Brexit. (PA).;

The closure plans include relocating the Red Arrows, something which Lincolnshire MPs have argued against.

RAF Scampton has been home to the world famous Red Arrows for several years and was also used by 617 squadron, known as the Dambusters, who attacked German dams in one of the most daring raids of the Second World War.

Speaking in Westminster Hall, Mr Evans said: Theyre such an iconic institution in the United Kingdom.

We associate them with anniversaries, particularly the 100th anniversary of the RAF, and commemorating important events, and as we have an important event coming up on March 29 this year, does he think it might be possible to arrange for the Red Arrows to fly over Parliament in order for us to properly celebrate that important historic event.

Mr Ellwood joked in his reply: Oh Im so tempted to say so many things here.

(Mr Evans), who I have huge respect for, knows we came from different sides of the argument here.

For me, where we are is not where Id want to be, I make that very, very clear, but my democratic commitment recognises the process we have undergone which means I respect the fact that if there is a deal we depart the European Union on March 29.

But I hope hell forgive me by saying whilst 17 million people may be shouting up and down for joy on that day and will demand the Red Arrows perhaps participate, the nation as a whole, 43 million voters, then need to come together, put aside their polarised views, the gridlock that we have faced and move forward.

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We often see insiders buying up shares in companies that perform well over the long term. On the other hand, wed be remiss not to mention that insider sales have been known to precede tough periods for a business. So before you buy or sell ITE Group plc (LON:ITE), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling.

What Is Insider Buying?

It is perfectly legal for company insiders, including board members, to buy and sell stock in a company. However, such insiders must disclose their trading activities, and not trade on inside information.

We dont think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions. But logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. For example, a Columbia University study found that insiders are more likely to engage in open market purchases of their own companys stock when the firm is about to reveal new agreements with customers and suppliers.

Check out our latest analysis for ITE Group

ITE Group Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by CEO & Executive Director Mark Shashoua for UK302k worth of shares, at about UK1.32 per share. So its clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price. While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the companys future. We generally consider it a positive if insiders have been buying on market, even above the current price. Mark Shashoua was the only individual insider to buy over the year.

Mark Shashoua bought 658.20k shares over the last 12 months at an average price of UK0.94. You can see the insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

Story continues

LSE:ITE Insider Trading February 5th 19

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Does ITE Group Boast High Insider Ownership?

Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. Our data suggests ITE Group insiders own 0.3% of the company, worth about UK1.3m. We prefer to see high levels of insider ownership.

So What Do The ITE Group Insider Transactions Indicate?

Our data shows a little more insider buying than selling in the last three months. But the net investment is not enough to encourage us much. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. The transactions are fine but itd be more encouraging if ITE Group insiders bought more shares in the company. If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future.

If you would prefer to check out another company  one with potentially superior financials  then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements.



The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's inaugural committee said it had received a subpoena on Monday for documents from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's Office, which is investigating the group.

"We have just received a subpoena for documents. While we are still reviewing the subpoena, it is our intention to cooperate with the inquiry," a spokesperson for the committee said in a statement.

The subpoena requests documents related to the committee's donors and spending, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times reported.

In December, the Journal reported that federal prosecutors were investigating whether the inaugural committee misspent some of the record $107 million it had raised from donors.

The investigation is examining whether some of the committee's donors gave money in exchange for policy concessions, influencing administration positions or access to the incoming administration, the Journal reported.

Prosecutors also showed interest in whether any foreigners illegally donated to the committee, the New York Times reported. Federal law prohibits foreign contributions to inaugural funds.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan declined to comment to Reuters.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Although campaign finance laws restrict the size of campaign contributions, inaugurations can accept unlimited donations, including from corporations. The amount raised by Trump's inaugural committee, chaired by real estate developer and investor Thomas Barrack, was the largest in history, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

(Reporting by Nathan Layne; Editing by Sandra Maler)
ABOARD PAPAL PLANE (AFP) - Pope Francis admitted Tuesday that Catholic priests and bishops had sexually abused nuns, the latest scandal to rock the church.

"There are some priests and also bishops who have done it," the pontiff said in response to a journalist's question on the abuse of nuns, speaking on the return flight from his trip to the United Arab Emirates.

The papal admission followed a rare outcry last week from the Vatican's women's magazine over the sexual abuse of nuns, leaving them feeling forced to have abortions or raise children not recognised by their priest fathers.

The issue hit the headlines last year after a nun accused an Indian bishop of repeatedly raping her in a case that triggered rare dissent within the country's Catholic Church.

Francis said the problem could be found "anywhere" but was prevalent in "some new congregations and in some regions".

"I think it's still going on, because it's not something that just goes away like that. On the contrary," he added.

He said the Church has "suspended several clerics" and the Vatican has been "working (on the issue) for a long time".

- 'Must do more' -

"I don't want to hear it said that the Church has not got this problem, because it has.

"Must we do more? Yes! Do we want to? Yes!" he said.

He said it was a cultural problem, the roots of which lie in "seeing women as second class".

The February issue of "Women Church World", a supplement distributed with the Vatican's Osservatore Romano newspaper, warned that nuns have been silent over abuse for decades for fear of retaliation.

It said the Vatican received reports of priests abusing nuns in Africa in the 1990s.

"If the Church continues to close its eyes to the scandal -- made even worse by the fact that abuse of women brings about procreation and is therefore at the origin of forced abortions and children who aren't recognised by priests -- the oppression of women in the Church will never change," editor Lucetta Scaraffia wrote.

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In the Indian case, Bishop Franco Mulakkal was arrested on September 21 in the southern state of Kerala on suspicion of raping the nun in question 13 times between 2014 and 2016.

Pope Francis suspended him the day before his arrest, appointing another bishop in his place. Mulakkal, 53, who headed the diocese of Jalandhar in the northern state of Punjab, has denied the allegations.

The nun first spoke out in June but police only started formal questioning in September, as fury over the case mounted.

Five nuns -- in a rare public show of dissent within the Indian Church -- and dozens of supporters staged days of protests.

Failure by Church officials to take action on sexual abuse allegations has been one of the biggest scandals to hit Roman Catholicism globally in recent years.
Over the years, Chinas economy has turned out extremely crucial in gauging global economic and investing health. Chinas $13 trillion economy, second in size just after the United States, makes up about a third of global growth each year. So, if Chinas debt-ridden economys growth slows down, which actually has been the case of late, the global economy will have reasons to worry.

Against this backdrop, China is stepping into its Lunar New Year 2019  the Year of the Pig  today. Lets find out whats in store for China ETFs this New Year.

Recap of the Dog Year

The year went all wrong for China investing due to year-long trade tensions with the United States. It started in March after Trump ordered duties on steel and aluminum imports followed by an announcement to levy up to $60 billion of import duties on Chinese goods.

The whole year was spent on negotiations with no concrete solution in sight.To date, the United States has slapped tariffs of 10% on $250 billion worth of Chinese products, and has warned tariffs on US$267 billion more. Meanwhile, China has set tariffs on $110 billion worth of U.S. goods (read: China's Likely Retaliation to US Tariffs & Its Impact on ETFs).

Chinas fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) grew at the weakest clip since the financial crisis of 2009, slipping to 6.4% from 6.5% in Q3. Overall, the economys 2018 growth rate of 6.6% was a 28-year low.

Weak investment and wavering consumer confidence weighed on the economy. Chinas factory activity contracted last December, for the first time in more than two years(read: China's 2018 GDP Growth 28-Year Low: ETFs That Lost the Most).

iShares China Large-Cap ETF FXI is down 14.3% past year (as of Feb 1, 2019) while Xtrackers Harvest CSI 500 China A-Shares Small Cap ETF ASHS is off more than 30%.

What Lies Ahead in the Year of the Pig?

Looks like the year of the pig, which symbolizes wealth and prosperity, will bring luck for China investing thanks to optimism surrounding trade with the United States. Per the sources, both sides are considering a meeting in Vietnam on Feb 27 and 28, and striving to reach a resolution on trade ties. Both parties may seek to protract trade war truce before the final deal.

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Chinas central bank cut its reserve requirement ratio (RRR) several times in the past year, to release about $116 billion for new lending and boost the economy. The latest cut in RRR has been in 2019 that has taken RRR to 14.5% for large institutions and 12.5% for smaller banks. The cuts will be put into effect on Jan 15 and Jan 25, respectively.

To boost the economy, China recently launched tax breaks for small businesses run by recent graduates and low-income workers. The cuts take effect from Jan 1 and will continue till 2021-end. The Finance Ministry said this month that it will roll out larger tax and fee cuts, to boost small firms and manufacturers, per Reuters.

Still, with the trade war and other internal issues in the economy, one analyst predicts Chinas economic growth at a tepid 5.3% in the pig year. However, IMF reiterated its 2019 forecast for Chinese GDP at 6.2% and sees robust consumption. In short, the year of the pig will continue to see China moving forward to more self-reliant policies, which will shift its dependence from exports to consumption.

And the investing world has higher chances of outperformance in the New Year. After being beaten down in the dog year, Chinese stocks are now trading at cheaper valuation.

ETFs in Focus

Against this backdrop, we would like to highlight a few China ETFs that have been the steadiest at the start of the New Year. These ETFs are outperformers so far in 2019 (as of Feb 1, 2019).

Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF PGJ  Up 16.7%

KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF KWEB  Up 15.7%

Global X MSCI China Health Care ETF CHIH  Up 15.3%

Global X MSCI China Consumer Discretionary ETF CHIQ  Up 14.6%

Global X MSCI China Information Technology ETF CHIK  Up 13.5%

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iShares China Large-Cap ETF (FXI): ETF Research Reports



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Sony World Photography Awards nominees  architecture Shaun Mills, United Kingdom, Sentinel

From penguins to Potsdamer Platz  these are some of our favourite images shortlisted for a prestigious photography award.

The Sony World Photography Awards has revealed its open competition shortlist across 10 categories  from still life to wildlife.

Here, weve pulled together a selected of our favourites which have been singled out by expert judges.

From the carefully posed portraiture category to the chaotic street section  the competition is fierce.

Now in its 12th year, the Sony World Photography Awards celebrates the finest contemporary photography from the past 12 months.

More than 326,000 entries were submitted across the four competitions of the 2019 Awards  the highest ever number to date.

Winners are set to be announced on April 17, the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition is on show at Somerset House April 18 to May 6.
From left: President Trump; Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and President Ronald Reagan sign the treaty eliminating U.S. and Soviet intermediate-range and shorter-range nuclear missiles Dec. 8, 1987, at the Washington summit. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photo: AP, AFP/Getty Images)

American voters overwhelmingly reject the prospect of withdrawing from a 32-year-old arms-control accord with Russia, which forbids either nation from fielding intermediate-range nuclear weapons, according to an in-depth University of Maryland survey scheduled for release Tuesday.

President Trump announced his intention last October to withdraw from the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), and began taking formal steps to do so last week, arguing that the Russians 9M729 cruise missiles, believed by U.S. intelligence agencies to have a range of well over 310 miles, were in violation of the treatys terms. The weapons that are the focus of the agreement are particularly worrisome to U.S. allies in Europe, on which any nuclear exchange of such weapons is likely to be focused.

Two-thirds of survey respondents oppose abandoning the treaty, and instead favor pursuing diplomacy to resolve the dispute over compliance by the Russians, according to the survey, conducted by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland in conjunction with the universitys Center for International and Security Studies. The Center for Public Integrity provided consulting for the survey.

Even the majority of Trumps fellow Republicans who were surveyed  55 percent  said they oppose withdrawal from INF, including more than half (51 percent) of self-described Trump voters polled. Among Democrats, 77 percent of respondents said they favored observing the treaty.

Concerns about Russian cheating, while substantial, were not strong enough to override support for this treaty-based effort to control nuclear arms, said Steven Kull, director of Program for Public Consultation.

The national survey of 1,131 registered voters, which carries a 2.9 percent margin of error, was conducted online between Jan. 7 and Feb. 1 as part of a larger University of Maryland poll on U.S. nuclear weapons policy that will be released shortly. Respondents received a briefing beforehand to explain the context of the INF Treaty, signed by President Ronald Reagan and his Soviet counterpart Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987 to outlaw either nation from possessing land-based missiles with flight ranges of between 310 and 3,420 miles. Respondents were told that the United States and Russia are currently accusing each other of violating the treaty; both sides deny they are in violation.

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Nuclear experts representing a broad array of viewpoints reviewed the survey in advance to ensure its fairness and accuracy, and to guarantee that the strongest possible arguments for staying in or abandoning the treaty were presented to respondents.

The argument for withdrawal noted that the presidential administrations of both former President Barack Obama and Trump had unsuccessfully tried to convince Russia to come back into compliance with the INF Treaty, after years of allegedly fielding a missile that falls within the forbidden flight range.

The case was made that the United States must impose consequences for Russias violation, and that withdrawal from the treaty could have the desired effect of extracting a Russian admission of violations that could lead to compliance. Furthermore, respondents were told, the INF Treaty restrains the United States from deploying the prohibited weapons in Asia, even though China, which is not a party to the treaty, has already made intermediate-range weapons. Sixty-five percent of respondents found this argument for withdrawal persuasive, including 80 percent of Republicans and 53 percent of Democrats.

In this video grab provided by RU-RTR Russian television via AP television on March 1, 2018, a computer simulation shows Russias new Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile flying over the globe. President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia has developed a range of new nuclear weapons that he says cannot be intercepted. (Photo: RU-RTR Russian Television via AP)

The case for remaining in the INF Treaty, respondents were told, hinged largely on the accords significance for American allies. NATO partners nervous about Russia possessing nuclear weapons capable of striking European capitals with little or no warning still support the INF Treaty, and Washington would have a difficult time convincing some allies in Asia and Europe to allow U.S. intermediate-range nuclear weapons to be deployed on their soil as a counterbalance. The United States should thus try harder to negotiate differences with Russia, according to this argument, which was judged to be persuasive by 68 percent of overall respondents, including 58 percent of Republicans and 77 percent of Democrats.

But when asked for a final recommendation after hearing the arguments for and against withdrawal, a mere 30 percent favored the choice of starting the withdrawal process and formally exiting the treaty if Russia does not make the changes the U.S. seeks. Staying in the treaty and pursuing negotiations to address the concerns of both nations had the support of 66 percent of those who responded. The remaining 4 percent were undecided.

Republican respondents provided particularly interesting perspectives, which showed most of them disagree with the presidents chosen course of action. A greater majority of Republicans polled found the argument for withdrawal more compelling (80 percent) than the argument for remaining in the treaty (58 percent). But a clear majority, 55 percent, recommended preserving the treaty after hearing the arguments for and against. Among Democrats, just 20 percent favor withdrawal.

Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, a Washington, D.C., think tank, said the survey results reflect a bottom-line view that the treaty has kept the United States and Europe safer, while tamping down a potential arms race. Americans, whether Republicans or Democrats, support verifiable nuclear arms reduction agreements that reduce the threats posed to the U.S. and our allies, as the INF Treaty does, Kimball said in a phone interview.

Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center in Washington, D.C., said its not clear from Trumps decision exactly how more favorable terms could be achieved, or what the desired terms might include.

What are we competing for? Are we seeking a better agreement? What does that look like? How do you get that? asked Sokolski, who was on the staff of Sen. Dan Quayle, R-Ind., when the INF Treaty was first vetted in Congress. Its not only not clear, its not being discussed.

Footage from the web site of Russias Defense Ministry shows the nuclear submarine Yuri Dolgoruky test-firing Russias Bulava missiles on the White Sea on May 22, 2018. The exercise was the first launch of four Bulava missiles in a single salvo. (Photo: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service/AP)

The conclusion of the INF Treaty was a pivotal moment at the end of the Cold War, triggering the destruction of nearly 2,700 U.S and Russian nuclear missiles within four years of its adoption. Since 2014, the U.S. State Department has reiterated time and again that Russia is in violation of the treaty for deploying the 9M729, an intermediate-range cruise missile.

Russian leaders have denied that the weapons range violates the INF, and complain that Washington refuses to engage diplomatically on the issue. They have also expressed objections to U.S. missile defense batteries in Europe that they say could be deployed offensively.

Trump has expressed hope that a bigger and better defense pact will replace the INF: a comprehensive accord between all the nations that possess intermediate-range nuclear weapons. Thats an ambitious goal, since such a group would include not only Russia and the United States, but China, India, Pakistan, Iran and North Korea.

Supporters of U.S. withdrawal from the pact are frustrated that Russia has overtly flouted the terms of the treaty and shows no sign of coming into compliance with it. However, some arms control experts have complained that withdrawal from the INF Treaty would stoke an arms race between the United States and Russia to develop intermediate range forces, at a time when defense spending, including modernization of the nuclear arsenal, is already steadily climbing, with even greater increases expected in coming years.

The Center for Public Integrity is a nonprofit investigative news organization in Washington, D.C.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
One Ohio sheriff's deputy was killed and another was injured during a deadly standoff that ended early Sunday morning in Clermont County.

The officers originally responded around 7 p.m. to a 911 call from a man who said there were subjects in his apartment who were refusing to leave, Capt. Jeff Sellars with the Clermont County Sheriffs Department said during a news conference Sunday morning. The subject also told officers that he had weapons in his home.

Deputy Bill Brewer was shot at approximately 10:30 p.m. in what was police described as a "barrage" of gunfire from a suspect barricaded inside Royal Oaks Apartments in Pierce Township.

Brewer died as a result of gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital, according to a news release. He is survived by a wife and 5-year-old son.

Detective Bill Brewer, a 20-year veteran of the Clermont County Sheriffs Office, was transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital where he later died as a result of the gunshot wounds he sustained. Deputy Brewer is survived by a wife and 5 year old son.

His body is being transported from the Hamilton County Coroner's Office to Nurre Funeral Home in Amelia, said Cincinnati Police Department Lt. Steve Saunders.

The procession departed at 11 a.m.

"Deputy Brewer gave his life attempting to help a person who was admittedly suicidal, said Clermont County Sheriff Steve Leahy. This will forever change the atmosphere of the Clermont County Sheriffs Office.

Another deputy, Lt. Nick DeRose, was shot in the ankle during the standoff at Royal Oak Apartments, said David C. O'Neil, spokesman for Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's office. DeRose was treated and released at University of Cincinnati Hospital Medical Center.

Lt.. Nick DeRose, a 22-year veteran of the Clermont County Sheriffs Office, was transported to University Hospital after he was shot in the ankle. He was treated and released.

O'Neil said SWAT team members apprehended the suspect Sunday morning from the middle floor of an apartment building.

The suspect, who is in police custody, was identified as 23-year-old Wade Edward Winn. He has been charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder, according to court documents.

Wade Edward Winn, 23, was taken into custody by police Feb. 3, 2018, as the suspect in deadly overnight standoff that resulted in one Clermont County Sheriff's Office deputy killed and another injured.

O'Neil said officials are declining to disclose details about where Winn is being currently held.

At 7 a.m. Sunday, fire was reported at the building. Officials say it broke out as a result of the standoff.

Story continues

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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: One deputy killed, another injured during deadly overnight standoff in Ohio
By Stephanie Kelly

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Monday after disappointing U.S. factory data sparked fresh concerns about a slowdown in the global economy, but losses were limited as OPEC-led supply cuts and U.S. sanctions against Venezuela pointed to tighter supply.

Brent crude futures dropped 24 cents, or 0.38 percent, to settle at $62.51 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell 70 cents, or 1.27 percent, to settle at $54.56 a barrel.

Weighing on oil markets, U.S. government data showed new orders for U.S.-made goods unexpectedly fell in November, with sharp declines in demand for machinery and electrical equipment.

"In a market that's looking for direction, there's concern that any slowdown in the manufacturing sector would slow down demand. Because the number was a little disappointing, it played into the slowing demand scenario," said Phil Flynn, oil analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago.

Prices also dipped after data showed U.S. crude inventories at Cushing, Oklahoma, the delivery point for U.S. crude futures, rose by more than 943,000 barrels in the week to Feb. 1, traders said, citing data from market intelligence firm Genscape.

Crude futures earlier posted around two-month highs. Brent reached $63.63 a barrel, the highest since Dec. 7, while WTI climbed to $55.75 a barrel, the strongest since Nov. 21.

Prices have been buoyed by a new round of supply cuts from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies that began in January. OPEC supply fell last month by the largest amount in two years, a Reuters survey last week found.

Russia has been in full compliance with its pledge to gradually cut its oil production, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in a statement on Monday, adding that production decreased by 47,000 barrels per day (bpd) in January from October.

The impact of OPEC+'s supply curbs has been boosted by U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA. The sanctions will limit oil transactions between Venezuela and other countries and are similar to those imposed on Iran last year, some analysts said after examining details announced by the U.S. government.

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The European Union is considering imposing more sanctions on the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro but has not discussed an oil embargo, Malta's foreign minister said on Monday.

However, while OPEC is cutting output, the United States has expanded supply, with production most recently totalling 11.9 million bpd.

GRAPHIC: U.S. oil production & drilling levels, click https://tmsnrt.rs/2Tm4u4I

Market participants are also watching for developments surrounding the U.S.-China trade war, which has dragged on world markets as investors worry that the dispute could contribute to a potential global economic slowdown.

"The market seems to be turning on renewed worries that there doesn't seem to be a lot of progress on the U.S.-China trade talks," said Gene McGillian, director of market research at Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut.

U.S. President Donald Trump last week said he would meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in the coming weeks to try to settle the dispute.

(Additional reporting by Alex Lawler and Noah Browning in London and Henning Gloystein in Singapore; Editing by Andrea Ricci)
By William James and Gabriela Baczynska LONDON/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May will travel to Brussels on Thursday to tell European Union leaders they must accept legally binding changes to the Irish border arrangements of Britain's divorce deal or face the prospect of a disorderly no-deal Brexit. The United Kingdom is due to leave the EU in just 52 days, yet London and Brussels are arguing over whether the deal clinched in November can be changed, raising the possibility of a delay to Brexit, a last-minute deal or a no-deal exit. Since British lawmakers voted down the withdrawal agreement last month, parliament has instructed May to replace its most contentious element - an insurance policy covering the possible future arrangements for the border between EU-member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland. May will meet European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and then European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels on Thursday. "From a political point of view, there is still time," German Chancellor Angela Merkel told a conference in Tokyo.[nL5N2001CG] "That should be used, used by all sides. But for this it would be very important to know what exactly the British side envisages in terms of its relationship with the EU," she said. May, on a visit to Belfast on Tuesday, tried to reassure Northern Ireland that she can deliver an orderly Brexit that will ensure peace in a province riven by three decades of sectarian conflict until a 1998 accord. The Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which has propped up May's government since she lost her parliamentary majority in a 2017 snap election, said it wanted to get a deal agreed but the border backstop had to be replaced. "The current backstop, as I have said all along, is toxic to those of us living in Northern Ireland," DUP leader Arlene Foster, who will meet May in Belfast on Wednesday, told BBC radio. Foster refused to say whether the deal would have to be renegotiated or whether she would accept legally binding assurances. "If the backstop is dealt with in the withdrawal agreement then, despite the fact we may have misgivings around other parts of the withdrawal agreement, we will support the prime minister because we do want Brexit to happen in an orderly and sustained fashion," she said. Britain, Ireland and the EU want to avoid physical checks on the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland that ceased with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. IRISH BORDER Where British soldiers once manned checkpoints in a reminder of Ireland's division, the border is now open with no controls since both the United Kingdom and Ireland are part of the EU. But when the United Kingdom leaves the EU's Single Market and Customs Union the EU does not want the 310-mile (500-km) border to become a backdoor into the bloc without customs and regulatory checks. As a way to prevent a hard border, Brussels and London agreed a so-called backstop - basically a promise that unless the sides come up with a better idea then the United Kingdom would remain bound by EU market and customs rules so that goods would not have to be checked. The backstop is the most contentious part of the rejected deal in Britain. The DUP says it could endanger Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom, while Brexit supporters in May's Conservative Party worry it would lock the country into EU rules for the long term. May told senior British ministers that she aimed to get changes that ensure the United Kingdom could not be trapped indefinitely in the backstop. The EU will not renegotiate the divorce deal and the Irish backstop but alternatives could be worked on after Britain leaves, chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier said on Monday. There is little appetite for a no-deal Brexit in the EU. As Brussels waits for Britain to set out its plans, diplomats and officials in the rest of the EU are increasingly expecting a delay to Brexit, due to take place on March 29. "It could only be a few weeks, until late May or early July. And not that we know that it would get us anywhere. But it would buy us some time," said an EU diplomat dealing with Brexit. (Additional reporting by Amanda Ferguson in Belfast, Kylie MacLellan in London and Andreas Rinke in Tokyo; Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Janet Lawrence and Frances Kerry)
By Michelle Nichols and David Brunnstrom UNITED NATIONS/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - North Korea is working to ensure its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities cannot be destroyed by military strikes, U.N. monitors said ahead of a meeting between U.S. and North Korean officials to prepare a second denuclearization summit. The U.S. special envoy for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, will meet his North Korean counterpart on Wednesday in Pyongyang to prepare for a summit later this month between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the U.S. State Department said on Monday.Biegun has said he hoped the meeting with new North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol would map out "a set of concrete deliverables" for the summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un. Biegun, who held talks with South Korean officials in Seoul on Sunday and Monday, said he would be aiming for "a roadmap of negotiations and declarations going forward, and a shared understanding of the desired outcomes of our joint efforts". South Korean officials said they and the United States could be looking at a compromise that could expedite North Korea's denuclearization - the dismantling of the North's main Yongbyon nuclear complex, which could be reciprocated by U.S. measures including formally ending the 1950-53 Korean War and setting up a liaison office. But U.N. sanctions monitors said in a confidential report, submitted to a 15-member U.N. Security Council sanctions committee and seen by Reuters on Monday, that they had "found evidence of a consistent trend on the part of the DPRK to disperse its assembly, storage and testing locations", using the abbreviation for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The North Korean mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report, which was submitted to Security Council members on Friday. The first summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un last June in Singapore yielded a vague commitment by Kim to work toward the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, where U.S. troops have been stationed since the 1950-53 Korean War. The Vietnamese resort town of Danang is seen as the most likely location for the next summit. Trump last Thursday hailed "tremendous progress" in his dealings with North Korea, but the view in the United States is that it has yet to take concrete steps to give up its nuclear weapons program. 'SANCTIONS INEFFECTIVE' North Korea has complained the United States has done little to reciprocate its freezing of nuclear and missile testing and dismantling of some nuclear facilities. It has also repeatedly urged a lifting of punishing U.S.-led sanctions, a formal end to the war, and security guarantees. The U.N. report said sanctions were proving ineffective. "The country continues to defy Security Council resolutions through a massive increase in illegal ship-to-ship transfers of petroleum products and coal," the sanctions monitors found. "These violations render the latest U.N. sanctions ineffective." The monitors said they had evidence of one unprecedented prohibited petroleum product transfer of more than 57,600 barrels, worth more than $5.7 million. North Korea has said it will never unilaterally give up its nuclear weapons unless the United States first removes any threat to it. North Korea has long demanded U.S. troops be withdrawn as a condition for peace. The Korean War ended with an armistice that left the two Koreas technically still at war. The United States has stressed that U.S. troops are not a bargaining chip and South Korea has said U.S. troops in the South were unrelated to any future peace treaty and that American forces should stay even if such an agreement is signed. The U.S. State Department said on Monday that Washington and Seoul had reached an agreement "in principle" on sharing the cost of stationing U.S. troops in the Asian country. CNN quoted a State Department official as saying that under the revised agreement, South Korea would boost its contribution to nearly $1 billion. A 2014 deal that expired last year required South Korea to pay about 960 billion won ($848 million) a year for keeping some 28,500 U.S. troops in South Korea. The allies had appeared unable to strike an accord to renew the deal despite 10 rounds of talks since March. (This story has been refiled to amend wording in paragraph six) (Additional reporting by Hyonhee Shin in Seoul; Writing by Michael Perry; Editing by Robert Birsel)
Washington (AFP) - Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad and Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido's envoy to Washington are among the top guests invited to attend US President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, lawmakers announced Monday.

In keeping with tradition, the 535 members of the US Congress may invite someone to accompany them to the annual speech, to be held Tuesday, where the president is expected to tout his accomplishments and outlines his vision for the future.

It's an occasion for the Democrats, Republicans and independents of the 100-member Senate and 435-member House of Representatives to bring guests who symbolize policy goals and bring attention to the causes they hold dear.

Murad, an Iraqi Yazidi woman who escaped the clutches of the Islamic State group to become a leading campaigner against sexual violence in war, and Carlos Vecchio, whom the US has recognized as Venezuela's top diplomat in Washington, are among the high-profile guests this year.

Murad was invited by Jeff Fortenberry, a Republican congressman for Nebraska, who said the 26-year-old's tale "is a story the world needs to hear."

"I am so honored that she will be my guest at this year's State of the Union," he added.

IS fighters swept into Murad's village, Kojo, in August 2014, killing the men, taking children captive to train them as fighters and condemning thousands of women to a life of forced labor and sexual slavery.

Murad was taken to Mosul, the Iraqi "capital" of the IS's self-declared caliphate. She was held captive there and repeatedly gang-raped, tortured and beaten.

IS fighters wanted "to take our honor, but they lost their honor," she has said about the ordeal.

- 'Tireless advocate' -

Vecchio, who has lived in exile since 2014, was invited by Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who has called him a "tireless advocate for the restoration of democracy and freedom of his beloved homeland."

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"I anticipate President Trump will reemphasize his administration's stance against tyrannical leaders in Latin America and in support of the people of Venezuela," Rubio said.

Venezuelan opposition chief Juan Guaido declared himself interim president last month, triggering an ongoing standoff with socialist leader Nicolas Maduro.

Britain, France and Spain were among 16 European nations to side with Guaido on Monday, following in the footsteps of key regional powers and the United States, which has refused to rule out a military intervention in the crisis-wracked country.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis meanwhile announced he would be bringing Pastor Andrew Brunson, who was freed from a Turkish jail after spending a year and a half there and becoming a cause celebre for Trump's conservative Christian base.

Democratic Senator Jeff Merkeley of Oregon will be accompanied by a Guatemalan mother and daughter who were separated at the Mexico border in 2018 -- highlighting the plight of thousands of others who faced similar circumstances due to Trump's hardline immigration policies.

Republicans on the other hand have invited border patrol agents who fiercely defend the president's fight against illegal border crossings.
U.S. natural gas prices have been on a downhill ride this year despite Polar Vortex. Normally, Arctic Chills give life to this commodity every winter. The cold snap boosts electricity demand across the region, putting focus on natural gas.

However, despite Polar Vortex 2019 from the Dakotas through the Great Lakes region, natural gas prices failed to gain ground. Natural gas use in the United States hit a record of 150 Bcf/d on Wednesday, according to estimates by financial data provider Refinitiv, quoted by Reuters.

Half of that high demand came from heating. Although hub pricing jumped to winter highs in some areas such as Chicago Citygate, prompt month for NYMEX futures slid to its lowest price since July 23 on Feb 1.

In any case, overall gas prices have been highly volatile this winter. In November, it shot up with daily expirations ranging from $4.84 per MMBtu in November to $2.73 on Feb 1. Last winter, gas prices from November 1 to February 1 traded in much tighter range of $2.60 to $3.63, per Forbes (read: Natural Gas ETFs to Heat Up on Winter Chills?).

Supply Crunch Not Acute

Working gas in storage was 2,197 Bcf as Jan 25, 2019, per EIA estimates. This was only 0.6% down from the year-ago level and 13% lower from the five-year average. This was a pretty comfortable situation compared with recent months, per the article published on Forbes.

Uptick in Temperatures Projected

The article went on to explain that Polar Vortex 2019 is a short-term event and an uptick in temperatures is predicted afterward. Heating demand is expected to back track considerably to below average 45-47 Bcf/d over the next two weeks. Investors should note that there have been warmer-than-normal temperatures in six of the past eight weeks, per an article published on Forbes.

ETFs in Focus

An ETF tracking natural gas futures, namely, United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) lost about 6.2% in the past five days (as of Feb 1, 2019). Investors can also take a look at United States 12 Month Natural Gas UNL which added 3.3% in the past five days and leveraged natural gas ETF ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas (BOIL) retreated 12.1% (see all energy ETFs here).

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For those who are doubtful of risky futures contracts, it is worth noting that there is an equity play out there that targets the broad natural gas market in ETF form. The fund is the First Trust ISE Revere Natural Gas Index Fund (FCG), an ETF that holds about 40 stocks in its basket and charges investors 60 basis points a year in fees. The fund is up only 0.6% in the past five days (see all Energy ETFs here).

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South Africa: Three security officers suspended for Clifton Beach incident

This story has been published on: 2019-02-05. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.

Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe says while government continues to work hard to attract foreign direct investment into South Africa, there has been a positive change domestically, with companies pledging huge investments into the economy. He said this during a media briefing, shortly after addressing the opening session of Inv... See more
Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin later this month in Moscow for talks on Iranian military activity in Syria.

It will be their first face-to-face meeting since November and follows a series of air strikes in January against what Israel said were facilities belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force in Syria.

"I'll be going on February 21 again to Russia following my discussions with President Putin in Paris a few months ago and subsequent phone conversations," Netanyahu said.

"It's very important that we continue to prevent Iran from entrenching in Syria," he said in English, at the start of a meeting at his office with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen.

"This is one of the subjects, the main subject, that I'll be discussing with President Putin."

On January 29, Netanyahu held talks in Jerusalem with two Russian officials on reinforcing their military coordination in Syria to avoid any "friction" there, his office said at the time.

The meeting with the Kremlin's Syria envoy Alexander Lavrentiev and Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin focused on "Iran and the situation in Syria", it said.

It came on the heels of January 21-22 Israeli strikes on what the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said were positions and assets held by Iran and its allies in Syria.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria in the past few years against Iranian and Hezbollah targets, and the Jewish state and Russia have set up a "de-confliction" hotline to avoid accidental clashes.

That mechanism was stretched when a Russian military aircraft was mistakenly shot down by Syrian air defences after an Israeli raid in September.

Fifteen Russian soldiers were killed and the Russian army accused Israeli pilots of using Moscow's plane as cover to evade Syrian gunfire.

As part of its response, Russia announced new security measures to protect its military in Syria, including supplying it with an S-300 air defence system and jamming the radars of nearby warplanes.

Both Russia and Israel's arch-enemy Iran are allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and have helped his forces inflict numerous defeats on rebels and jihadists.
Donald Trumps nominee to replace Brett Kavanaugh at a high-profile appeals court has been condemned by activists, who claim she has extreme views on race, sexual assault and LGBT rights.

The American president chose Neomi Rao for a seat on the US Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit which was left empty after Mr Kavanaugh joined the Supreme Court.

The 45-year-old currently serves as administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, and used to work for the George W Bush administration.

She has never tried a case in court.

Since her nomination, a number of opinion pieces written by Ms Rao during her time at Yale College have resurfaced in which she criticises affirmative action and discusses race, date rape and LGBT rights.

In one column for the Yale Herald in October 1994, entitled Shades of gray, Ms Rao wrote that while a man who rapes a drunk woman should be prosecuted, a good way to avoid a potential date rape is to stay reasonably sober.

Unless someone made her drinks undetectably strong or forced them down her throat, a woman, like a man, decides when and how much to drink, she said.

And if she drinks to the point where she can no longer choose, well, getting to that point was a part of her choice.

Implying that a drunk woman has no control of her actions, but that a drunk man does strips women of all moral responsibility.

Brett Kavanaugh testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on 27 September, 2018. (AFP/Getty Images)

In the same publication the following month, she wrote about friction between a campus LGBT organisation and a newly-formed group for conservative gay students, in which she said: Trendy political movements have only recently added sexuality to the standard checklist of traits requiring tolerance.

She also criticised environmental groups that accept issues such as global warming as truth with no reference to the prevailing scientific doubts.

Dan Goldberg, legal director of the left-leaning Alliance for Justice, called Ms Raos writings, especially those on sexual assault, deeply troubling.

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They are vile, they are terrible and she has never disavowed those views, he said.

Mr Goldberg and other critics claim Ms Raos writings can be directly connected to her work at the White House, where she oversees Mr Trumps bid to dismantle rules that protect the environment, consumers and workers.

The US president argues the rules destroy jobs and stifle economic growth.

Shiwali Patel, senior counsel at the National Womens Law Centre, said Ms Raos nomination was particularly troubling since it came just a few months after sexual assault accusations against Brett Kavanaugh.

However Senate Republicans pushed back against Ms Raos critics, saying her college writings are not outside the mainstream, and referencing a 2013 column from online magazine Slate.

In the piece, Emily Yoffe wrote: Lets be totally clear: Perpetrators are the ones responsible for committing their crimes, and they should be brought to justice.

But we are failing to let women know that when they render themselves defenseless, terrible things can be done to them. Thats not blaming the victim; thats trying to prevent more victims.

Ms Raos nomination was set to be heard by the Senate judiciary committee at a hearing on Tuesday.

The American Bar Association said it deemed Ms Rao well-qualified for the appeals court.
From a material perspective, life in America gets better and better. From a moral perspective, we cannot make the same claim. One manifestation of our moral decline is how the country, thanks to the Democratic party and the Left, is getting meaner.

The case of Virginia governor Ralph Northam and a 35-year-old racist photo from his medical-school yearbook is the latest example.

A generation ago, Americans not only forgave the sins of public figures; they sometimes forgave too easily. But throughout American history, Americans understood that sinners can turn their lives around. They understood that what someone did 30 or 40 years ago did not forever disqualify the individual from being deemed a decent person if he or she had led a decent life after that.

Americans understood that people can morally change and that we should embrace such change. It was called repentance. And in a religious America, penitence and forgiveness were considered vital to the moral health of society. The most famous Christian prayer, the Lords Prayer, recited by both Catholics and Protestants, is about forgiving others: Our Father, who art in Heaven . . . Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Judaisms holiest day is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and its most sacred work after the Bible, the Talmud, teaches, In the place where penitents stand, even the righteous do not stand. In other words, those who have done wrong and then repented are on a higher moral plane than those whove never had to repent.

Having abandoned the Bible and religion, the sources of wisdom in America and the West, our society has become both dumber and meaner.

The notion that a man who had exhibited no racism in 30 years should be driven from office because of a racist photo in his medical-school yearbook page would have struck our grandparents as un-Christian, un-Jewish, stupid, and mean. Not today. Thanks to the corrosive influence of the Left and the party that has forsaken liberalism for leftism, America is a less compassionate nation. Its heart has been hardened. And its mind has been weakened.

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I said this with regard to Roy Moore, the former judge who was accused of having acted inappropriately with teenage girls 40 years ago, and who has led an honorable family life all the decades since. I said it when Judge Brett Kavanaugh was accused of having sexually assaulted a girl at a party 36 years ago, when he was in high school  after having led an honorable family life, as universally acknowledged, since then. And I say it here. Governor Ralph Northam had a racist photo on his medical-school yearbook page but has led a life free of racism for the 30 years since. All three of these men should have been forgiven. (I need to note here that I believe Judge Kavanaugh was falsely accused of sexual misconduct). None of them should have had their names and reputations dragged through the media mud; none should have been driven from office or driven from seeking office. But thanks solely to the Left, we are an increasingly mean and foolish nation.

Having said that, Northam brought this treatment on himself. His race-baiting ads attacking Ed Gillespie, his Republican opponent for Virginia governor, were vile and, by all counts, played a significant role in his winning.

Northams campaign defended what is one of the most morally obscene ads in American political history. The 60-second video shows a pickup truck flying a large Confederate flag as the truck drove toward children of color  a Latino, a black, a Muslim, and an Asian  who are urging one another, Run! RUN! as they flee for their lives. During the pursuit, the camera pulls back, showing the truck from the rear and a bumper sticker that reads Ed Gillespie for Governor.

In other words, because of Northams cynical and immoral use of the racism card, he deserves these calls for his resignation. As I watch the monster he and his Democratic party have created devour one of its own, I can only conclude that maybe there really is karma. The tragedy is that while he deserves it, America doesnt.

The only hope for America is that liberals and conservatives will awaken to the mortal threat leftism poses to everything good about us. Lets pray that what happened to Moore, Kavanaugh, and now Northam sounds the alarm that will awaken them.

 2019 Creators.com

More from National Review
The market expects Molson Coors Brewing (TAP) to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on lower revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended December 2018. This widely-known consensus outlook is important in assessing the company's earnings picture, but a powerful factor that might influence its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on February 12. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus Estimate

This beer maker is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.79 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +27.4%.

Revenues are expected to be $2.53 billion, down 1.9% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions Trend

The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.9% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings Whisper

Estimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is subject to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

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Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Molson Coors?

For Molson Coors, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -4%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Molson Coors will beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?

While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Molson Coors would post earnings of $1.57 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.84, delivering a surprise of +17.20%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times.

Bottom Line

An earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Molson Coors doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.



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DALLAS (AP)  An MMA fighter suspected in two killings who escaped from a prison van that stopped at a Texas McDonald's was recaptured less than a mile away thanks in part to local surveillance video, police said Monday.

Cedric Joseph Marks escaped from the van Sunday morning when guards with the Texas Prisoner Transportation Service stopped at the restaurant in Conroe, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) north of Houston. Two guards in the van were transporting 10 prisoners, the Conroe Police Department said in a statement.

Police and the company have not commented on why the van stopped at the fast-food restaurant or how Marks escaped. Authorities have said the 44-year-old middleweight fighter was wearing leg, hand and belly restraints when he managed to flee.

No guards or other prisoners were injured in the escape, Conroe police Lt. Dorcy McGinnis said Monday.

The search for Marks narrowed after surveillance video showed him wearing his jail-issued orange jumpsuit near a business in Conroe, McGinnis said. He was found hiding in a trash can in a residential neighborhood less than a mile from the restaurant around 4:45 p.m.  about nine hours after he escaped.

He had freed an arm and a leg from his shackles, McGinnis said. She declined to say whether authorities believe Marks was able to partially free himself from the shackles or if he was improperly secured. Federal regulations require violent offenders to be shackled at the legs and have double-locked handcuffs.

A person who answered a phone number listed for Texas Prisoner Transportation Service said Monday that no one was available to comment on the escape. The private company says on its website that all its transportation specialists have a minimum of two years' experience in law enforcement, corrections or the military, and that the company treats all detainees "as maximum security."

The Bell County Sheriff's Department has a contract with the transportation service to move prisoners and Marks' escape will be taken into consideration when that contract comes up for renewal, according to Major T.J. Cruz, a spokesman for the sheriff's office.

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Cruz said an investigation into the escape is being handled by the Montgomery County Sheriff's office and that he's not aware of any other such mishaps by the company.

Under federal regulations, guards with private prisoner transport companies must pass background checks and meet minimum training standards and there must be one guard for every six violent prisoners.

Marks was being held Monday in the Bell County Jail on charges including capital murder, burglary and violating a protective order, according to online jail records. His bond was set in excess of $1.75 million.

Marks is suspected in the killings last month of his ex-girlfriend, Jenna Scott, and Scott's friend, Michael Swearingin, in the Central Texas city of Temple. Both disappeared on Jan. 4. Their bodies were found Jan. 15 buried in a shallow grave in Clearview, Oklahoma.

Marks was arrested in Michigan last month on a burglary charge in Bell County, Texas, alleging he had broken into Scott's home in Temple in August. He was being transported to Bell County to face that charge when he escaped. Murder warrants were issued Sunday.

Scott requested a protective order against Marks last July, accusing him of choking her unconscious twice, Temple television station KCEN reported. The protective order request was denied.

Police in Bloomington, Minnesota, said Marks also remained a person of interest in the 2009 disappearance of April Pease, the mother of one of his children. The two were involved in a fierce custody dispute in Washington state and Pease, who had a drug problem, went to live in a Bloomington women's shelter because she said she was afraid of Marks. She also said Marks had choked her unconscious more than once, according to a court custody investigator. Pease went missing in March 2009 and Marks won custody of their son.

Dottie Pease told KCEN last month that she had believed her daughter might have had a drug relapse, but that given the developments in Texas, it was possible that Marks had something to do with April Pease's disappearance.

Marks compiled a record of 31-28-0 during his professional MMA career, which began in 1999, according to mixedmartialarts.com. His last fight was in September.

___

For the Latest on Cedric Marks' escape and recapture: https://bit.ly/2DSwFma
Jackson in 1993 (Getty Images)

A new video has been unearthed showing the late Michael Jackson giggling, squirming and quoting Bible verses as he is questioned by a lawyer about alleged child molestation.

The video, obtained by MailOnline, shows the late star, then 37, answering questions about his relationship with the then underage Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin and additional male underage friends Jordan Chandler and Brett Barnes.

Filmed in 1996, at the Four Seasons Hotel in New York City, the three hour interview was filmed as part of a lawsuit filed by a group of five former Neverland Ranch employees, accusing Jackson of unfair dismissal.

Within the lawsuit, they claimed Jackson had threatened dismissal when they witnessed him behaving inappropriately with underage guests at the property.

In the footage, Jackson is showed to giggle as he is questioned over the molestation charges bought against him in 1993.

In the latter portion of 1993, there were some allegations levelled at you concerning improper conduct with some young boys. Are you aware of this?

A smirking Jackson giggles and replies Yes to this and a series of questions regarding the case, before his own lawyer interrupts him and prevents him from questioning him about Jordan Chandler.

Chandler is the young boy whose parents accused Jackson of molesting him in 1993, for which Jackson allegedly settled out of court with a more than $20 million (15.3 million) settlement payment.

Michael Jackson with Jordan Chandler at EuroDisney in 1992. (Getty Images)

The lawyer then asks Jackson is he is aware of claims he molested Macaulay Culkin, to which his own lawyer interjects with: Thats an instruction not to answer on that one

Later on in the same video footage, Jackson reads out notes hed written about the various rumours about him reported in the press.

Im a black American man and Im proud of it, and Im honoured of it. The bleach skin rumour is a rumour, I dont bleach my skin; Im not gay. Dont judge a person unless you have spoken to them one on one  which is true, he said.

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He also went on to ramble about how he is similar to Jesus Christ, and how Jesus too had a love for children.

Jesus said to love the children and be like children; be youthful; be innocent, be pure and honourable.

He was talking to his apostles and they were fighting over who was the greatest among themselves and he said, Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest among me.

He always surrounded himself with children, and thats how I was raised, to be like that and imitate that, he said.

This footage comes a week after Leaving Neverland premiered at The Sundance Film Festival in Utah, USA.

The damning two-part documentary, which will be aired on Channel 4 later this year, tells the molestation allegations against Jackson by Wade Robson and James Safechuck.





Read more

Jermaine Jackson defends late brother Michael

Phillip Schofield slams Dancing on Ice fix claims

Piers Morgan mocks Meghan Markles signed bananas
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's government said on Tuesday it is not defending Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro after European nations, the United States and others recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the South American country's legitimate head of state. "We don't defend Maduro or his regime, nor are we taking a political position, we want there to be dialogue," Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said in an interview with local television. "We're not taking sides, everyone can have their point of view." Major European countries on Monday joined most members of the Lima Group, including Argentina, Brazil and Canada, supporting Guaido as interim Venezuelan leader and calling for free elections. Mexico was once an outspoken critic of Maduro. But ties with Venezuela have warmed under leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who invited Maduro to his inauguration last month. Lopez Obrador's government has said it is following a policy of neutrality and non-intervention. Maduro's government, overseeing an economic collapse that has prompted 3 million Venezuelans to flee the country, lashed out at the EU nations, saying their move would affect relations with Caracas. (Reporting by Sharay Angulo; Writing by Christine Murray; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
A butterfly sanctuary is about to be demolished to make way for President Donald Trumps hotly contested border wall between the United States and Mexico, prompting outrage and protests from Native American and conservationist groups.

On Monday, bulldozers and heavy machinery were spotted at the National Butterfly Centre in Misson, Texas, indicating the start of the border wall construction that will plough right through the protected habitat.

The funding for this portion of the wall was approved by Congress in the 2018 federal budget, shortly before the impasse between Democrats and the president halted another round of funding for the wall leading o a 35-day partial government shutdown.

As construction equipment were being offloaded on Monday morning, a group of 35 Native American members held a marching demonstration on the Rio Grande levee where the wall will be built.

I didnt expect it this soon, Juan Mancias, the tribal chair of Carrizo Comecrudo leading the protest, told Express News. But theres a constant uneasiness.

Federal documents state the border wall include a 150-foot wide enforcement zone, prompting fury that it will obliterate the tribal ancestors at the Eli Jackson Cemetery in San Juan.

Mr Trump has repeatedly  and unsuccessfully  demanded $5.7bn to build a border wall, a figure far larger than then $1.6bn than the last Congress-approved budget.

After the longest recorded federal closure in US history, the president reopened the government under a temporary funding measure that is about to expire on February 15. Members of Congress are currently negotiating a resolution over border security to present to the president before the deadline.

The $1.6bn from the 2018 budget will pay for 33 miles of border fencing on the Rio Grande Valley that will cut through the butterfly sanctuary.

The steel-and-concrete wall fencing will block off 70 of the butterfly centres 100 acres.

You come over here, you see the butterflies here, the animals here, and you also see gravesites that have been here since 1865, Mr Mancias added.

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The Carrizo Comecrudo tribal chair said he feels a connection with the butterfly sanctuary, saying that theyre both committed to saving that which is native to Texas whether that may be butterflies or the history of Native Americans.

We have an association with nature, we are a part of it, he added.

Those protesting the border wall construction cutting through the butterfly centre sang in the native Lakota language. One song featured a verse that says: We know that everything is sacred, so we walk with everything that is sacred.

The Trump administration is deferring 28 environmental laws to build the border wall, a decision from a November lawsuit brought forward by environmentalist group Defenders of Wildlife, which asserts that the waivers exceed the governments authority.

This isnt due process, Ms Lori Burnett, a community organiser for Defenders of Wildlife, told Express News, arguing that the butterfly centre isnt on federal land.

Im here for my grandchildren, Ms Burnett, who is also protesting the border wall construction, said. This is the most pristine, most beautiful area I have ever witnessed. This is gorgeous. And to know that my grandchildren will never be able to see this....the damage that is going to be done by this wall is going to take centuries to rebuild, if it can.

The butterfly centre isnt the only sacred land the Trump Administration will plough through for its construction of the border wall.

On Wednesday, the government will argue in court for access to examine land belonging to the La Lomita Chapel after the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville refused to grant access at the site, which would leave it stranded between the Rio Grande and the proposed wall.
By Michael Erman and Yasmeen Abutaleb

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. drugmaker Merck & Co Inc said on Tuesday that its Chief Executive Ken Frazier plans to testify at a Senate hearing later this month examining rising prescription drug prices.

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, ranking member of the committee, on Monday invited executives from seven pharmaceutical companies, including Merck, to testify. The others are AbbVie Inc, AstraZeneca Plc , Bristol-Myers Squibb Co, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer Inc and Sanofi SA.

A spokesman from Senator Grassley's office said on Monday that two of the CEOs have agreed to testify so far, but did not specify from which companies.

A Sanofi spokeswoman said the French drugmaker was reviewing Chief Executive Olivier Brandicourt's scheduling to determine if he can attend the hearing. Britain-based AstraZeneca said it was reviewing the request and will respond to the committee.

Pfizer, Bristol-Myers, and J&J did not immediately have a statement on the invitation to testify, while AbbVie did not respond to a request for comment.

The United States, which leaves drug pricing to market competition, has higher prices than in other countries, where governments directly or indirectly control costs. That makes it by far the world's most lucrative market for manufacturers.

Congress has been targeting the pharmaceutical industry over the rising cost of prescription drugs for U.S. consumers, particularly since Democrats took over the House of Representatives in January.

Last week, the House Oversight Committee and the Senate Finance Committee brought in patient advocates and health policy experts to discuss the burden of high drug costs on consumers.

Senators and congressmen have also written to insulin manufacturers requesting information on why its cost has skyrocketed in recent years and how much the companies profit from the life-sustaining diabetes treatment.

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Drug pricing is also a top priority of the administration of President Donald Trump, who had made it a central issue of the 2016 presidential campaign.

Drugmakers have slowed and limited U.S. price increases as scrutiny on their practices has intensified over the past few years.

They nonetheless increased prices on hundreds of drugs in January, including a 6.2 percent increase on the world's top-selling drug - AbbVie's rheumatoid arthritis treatment Humira - and hikes on insulin prices by Sanofi and Novo Nordisk.

(Reporting by Michael Erman in New York and Yasmeen Abutaleb in Washington, Additional reporting by Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago; editing by Bill Berkrot)
WARNING CONTAINS DISTRESSING IMAGES

A man has been jailed for causing the death of several dogs by keeping them in appalling conditions.

Liam Reynolds caused three dogs to starve to death and decompose, and prosecutors say the remains of three other animals were found at his home in Illogan, Cornwall.

After the case, the RSPCA released shocking images to show the squalor the Reynolds, 28, kept his pets in.

They were held inside a cramped trailer without water, and the bodies of two were found decomposing nearby.

Appearing at Bodmin Magistrates Court, Reynolds pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and was sentenced to 16-weeks in prison.

Police and RSPCA officers visited Reynolds in March, 2018, after witnesses had described a powerful smell of rotting flesh.

The bodies of two dogs were found, one had been left to decompose inside an animal feed bag and the other, Sam, was found in a makeshift kennel.

Liam Reynolds has been jailed for 16-weeks for causing unnecessary suffering to animals after inspectors found the remains of three dogs, and three others in poor condition at Illogan, Cornwall. (SWNS)

Three living dogs were found  a lurcher called Ben with skin missing from his face, a beagle called Bruno was aggressive and later put down as a result, and a third named Tia who was found inside a caravan which was in a shambolic state with a build-up of faeces, especially on the mattress.

During a search of the site remains of at least three other dogs were also found.

Before signing over care of the dogs to the police, Reynolds told officers: I know Ive f*cked up.

A postmortem examination of one dog found it had been dead for at least two or three weeks and had died from malnutrition due to starvation.

Kevin Withey, prosecuting for the RSPCA, revealed that upon writing his statement, a police officer with 21 years of service described the site as the most upsetting scene he had ever seen and he had never witnessed animals being forced to live in such poor conditions.

Mr Withey added the animals had been obviously suffering and their needs were deliberately ignored.

Defending Reynolds, Christopher Mitchell told the court Reynolds father died of cancer last year.

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District Judge Diane Baker described the events as the most appalling case of animal cruelty during a prolonged period of serious neglect.

Reynolds was disqualified from owning any animals for 20 years, and cannot challenge the order for 10 years.

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Lorraine Kelly has come under fire for alleged sexism after ogling at a picture of a topless Aidan Taylor in Poldark.

The daytime television presenter said that she would miss Taylor, as filming for the final series of Poldark has just wrapped, and swooned as his shirtless picture appeared on the screen behind her.

That cheers everyone up! the 59-year-old Scottish presenter declared.

But her sofa guest, Doc Martins Martin Clunes, called her out on her sexist remarks.

Thats sexist what you just said. I could have you in a tribunal! said Clunes.

Do you think so? laughed Kelly.

If Id said that show that picture with her baps out Idthered be trouble! he continued.

A baffled and clearly flustered Kelly interjected: What! Hes not got his winky out! Hes just got his chest out!

Clunes called out Lorraine over her remarks. (ITV)

Well thats all I was suggesting! joked Clunes back.

While their banter certainly all seemed in good spirits, several viewers took to Twitter to applaud Clunes of his remarks.

One congratulated Clunes as being bang on and another agreed: Had it been a man drooling over a womans body, there would be outrage. Such double standards.

A third user wrote: Clunes is right. There is an accepted female sexism on TV when leering at men that men would be cautionedsometimes even axed over.

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But Clunes was not done yet and went on to make some undeniably saucy innuendos. Kelly went on to discuss Valentines Day with the actor and asked him whether he was the romantic type.

Clunes replied: I gave my wife a pearl necklace in the MaldivesNext year Im going to take her up the Delta.

While Kelly either didnt pick up on the double entendre or chose to overlook it while live on air, many viewers wrote on Twitter how hilarious they found Clunes cheeky joke.

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Piers Morgan compares Liam Neeson to KKK

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By Andrius Sytas VILNIUS (Reuters) - Lithuania's intelligence agencies fear Russia will interfere in its forthcoming elections, including one in May to find a successor to the staunchly anti-Kremlin president, Dalia Grybauskaite. The Baltic state, ruled from Moscow for much of the 20th century but now a member of both the European Union and NATO, was rattled by Russia's annexation of Crimea, and hosts a German-led multinational battalion to deter any Russian invasion. It holds presidential, municipal and European Parliament elections this year and a parliamentary election in 2020. "Russian intelligence will step up its activity during the 2019-2020 election cycle," the agencies wrote in a joint annual assessment published on Tuesday. "It is possible that Russia will seek to sway the course of the elections by information and cyber means." Moscow could "disseminate propaganda and disinformation in Lithuanian social media", it said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the suggestion was "absolute nonsense", adding: "Russia does not interfere in elections in other countries." Russia is also suspected of carrying out a number of notable cyber attacks, including a concerted assault on the information systems of another Baltic state, Estonia, in 2007, and an attack that knocked out power stations in Ukraine in 2016. Russia denies being behind any cyber attack. Special counsel Robert Mueller is also investigating allegations of collusion between Russia and Donald Trump to help him win the U.S. presidential election in 2016 - allegations that both sides deny. The Lithuanian report said Russia was basing more tanks and bombers in the Kaliningrad enclave, which borders Lithuania and Poland, and upgrading its bases there to be able to deploy missiles including the nuclear-capable Iskander. The report also said there was a growing risk of "unintentional incidents" from increased military maneuvers on the other side of the Russian-Lithuanian border. The agencies said they had observed Russian intelligence targeting people in Lithuania's energy sector and trying to hack into control systems to gain the ability to disrupt Lithuania's electricity supply. "This is far from our priority," the Kremlin's Peskov said. "Recently, in Kaliningrad, Putin opened a gas liquefaction plant, which guaranteed Kaliningrad's self-sufficiency in energy." Lithuania is expanding its liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Klaipeda and, together with fellow Baltic states Latvia and Estonia, reducing its dependence on Russian energy. (Additional reporting by Margarita Popova in Moscow; editing by Johan Ahlander and Kevin Liffey)
Ottawa (AFP) - The Lima Group of Latin American countries and Canada called Monday for a peaceful change in government in Venezuela, without military intervention.

They also urged Venezuela's military to support opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president and "not to impede the entry and transit of humanitarian assistance to Venezuelans."

Eleven of the group's 14 members said in a joint statement after meeting in Ottawa -- which saw protesters briefly disrupt a closing press conference -- that they "reiterate their support for a process of peaceful transition through political and diplomatic means without the use of force."

At the same time, the group welcomed into the Lima Group Guaido's "legitimate government of Venezuela" and vowed to "recognize and work with" his representatives in their respective countries.

At a closing press conference, host Chrystia Freeland, Canada's foreign minister, said 34 countries have so far recognized Guaido as Venezuela's interim leader until new elections are held.

She pressed the entire international community to join them, and to also freeze the assets of President Nicolas Maduro's "dictatorial regime." Those monies should be placed in the hands of the transition government, she said.

Pressed about possible military intervention in Venezuela, Freeland was unequivocal -- it is not an option.

"This is a process led by the people of Venezuela in their very brave quest to return their country themselves to democracy in accordance with their own constitution," she said.

Peru's Foreign Minister Nestor Popolizio echoed those comments, saying: "We would not consider the use of force."

Two women using press credentials to access the event briefly interrupted, unfurling a banner and chanting "Hands off Venezuela" before being escorted away by security.

Freeland smiled and remarked that protesting was a right guaranteed by the constitution in Canada, one that "I am sad to say political protesters in Venezuela do not (have)."

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Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged Can$53 million ($40 million US) in humanitarian aid for Venezuelans amid the deepening crisis.

The bulk of the funds is set to go to "trusted partners" and neighboring countries to help them support three million refugees that have fled Venezuela, he said.

- 'Very close' to reclaiming freedom -

Guaido has accused the military -- controlled by President Nicolas Maduro -- of planning to divert international humanitarian aid headed for the crisis-torn country.

"We have received information, from the circle close to the high command, who are no longer evaluating if they let it enter or not, but how they will steal it from us," Guaido told reporters in Caracas.

"They are going to hijack it to distribute it through the CLAP," he alleged, referring to the socialist government's program to distribute subsidized food boxes to its supporters.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and European Union deputy diplomatic chief Helga Schmid also participated by videoconference in the Lima Group talks.

Guaido, who heads the opposition-controlled National Assembly, addressed the gathering in a video message, saying he looked forward to having "free and fair elections as soon as possible in order to restore democracy to Venezuela."

Venezuelans are "very close to reclaiming their freedom," he said.

The next Lima Group meeting is due to be hosted by Colombia.

Emergency talks at the headquarters of the Organization of American States in Washington will also be held on February 14 to help deliver aid to the country's population facing major shortages of food and medicine.
Washington (AFP) - Hollywood star Liam Neeson insisted Tuesday he was "not racist" after confessing that he had once set out to attack random black men after a friend of his told him she had been raped.

"I'm not a racist," Neeson said on ABC news, although he admitted he had felt a "primal urge to lash out" some 40 years ago after hearing from his close friend that she had been raped by a black man.

"I went out deliberately into black areas in the city, looking to be set upon," the 66-year-old star of "Schindler's List" said, recalling that he went out several times carrying a cosh and hoping a black person would pick a fight.

"I'm ashamed to say that and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some black bastard would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could ... kill him,a he told the British newspaper The Independent earlier this week.

"It was horrible, horrible when I think back, that I did that. And I've never admitted that," he said.

In the end, no violence occurred and Neeson added, "It shocked me and it hurt me ... I did seek help, I went to a priest."

Neeson made the remarks while promoting his new thriller "Cold Pursuit," about a father seeking revenge after his son is murdered.

While the star of "Taken" -- a hit film about a former CIA agent trying to track down his kidnapped daughter -- insisted he was not racist, he said his reaction underscored the need for a broader debate on race in society.

"If she had said an Irish or a Scot or a Brit or a Lithuanian I would -- I know I would -- have had the same effect. I was trying to show honor, to stand up for my dear friend in this terribly medieval fashion," the Northern Irish actor said.

His remarks triggered widespread condemnation. Charles Blow, an African-American columnist for the New York Times, asked on Twitter: "Could Will Smith confess to stalking the streets of Los Angeles for a whole week searching for random white men to kill and get a pass? Exactly."
Legg Mason (LM) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.73 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.69 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.01 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 5.80%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this money manager would post earnings of $0.83 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.81, delivering a surprise of -2.41%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times.

Legg Mason, which belongs to the Zacks Financial - Investment Management industry, posted revenues of $704.32 million for the quarter ended December 2018, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.84%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $793.09 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates two times over the last four quarters.

The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.

Legg Mason shares have added about 17.2% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 8%.

What's Next for Legg Mason?

While Legg Mason has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?

There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.

Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.

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Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Legg Mason was unfavorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to underperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $0.65 on $701.73 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $2.91 on $2.96 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.

Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Financial - Investment Management is currently in the bottom 9% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.



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Washington (AFP) - Latvia's foreign minister called Tuesday for long-term diplomacy to reach a new international agreement on intermediate-range missiles after the collapse of a landmark treaty between Russia and the United States.

The NATO ally has supported the US decision to leave the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, agreeing with Washington that a new Russian missile system violated the 1987 pact, but called for a new accord in its place.

"I would advocate -- even if it is going to take a very long period of time, even if it may be a very, sometimes, complex and disappointing, from time to time, process -- it would be good to try to find a way forward on a multilateral arms control agreement in this area," Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics told AFP.

"It needs to be more than the United States and Russia because there are more countries that can produce such weapons than 30 years ago," he said in an interview in Washington, where he is taking part in a 79-member conference Wednesday on the fight against the Islamic State group.

While pointing the finger at Russia, US officials have voiced concern that the treaty does not constrain China whose rapidly growing military relies heavily on medium-range missiles.

For Latvia, which regained independence with the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia looms large as a threat.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Tuesday that Moscow should develop new types of missile systems over the next two years after President Vladimir Putin followed the US lead in exiting the treaty.

But Rinkevics played down the immediate impact of the INF treaty's demise, saying that Russia had already been stepping up military movements since Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

He acknowledged that a future pact was unlikely to be as sweeping as the INF, under which last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and US president Ronald Reagan agreed to destroy all missiles with a range of 500 and 5,500 kilometers (310 and 3,400 miles).

"The difficult answer is that I don't see currently much appetite to do anything in this direction, almost from everyone," Rinkevics said.

The 1987 treaty put an end to an arms race that had scared many Europeans, who feared the destruction of their cities.
President Nicolas Maduro is facing mounting pressure to stand aside - AFP

A coalition of Latin American nations is urging Venezuela's military to allow badly needed food and medicine to enter the country as the bloc pushes for a peaceful transition of power in the South American nation.

The call came Monday from the Lima Group, which is made up of nearly a dozen conservative Latin American nations and Canada. It has led the push to recognize opposition lawmaker Juan Guaido as Venezuela's rightful leader and seeks ways to remove President Nicolas Maduro.

The coalition met Monday in Ottawa and issued a declaration saying Venezuela's soldiers must show loyalty to Guaido. The group also said the United Nations and the international community should be ready to step in with humanitarian assistance for Venezuela.

The US and other countries have already pledged humanitarian aid for Guaido's administration, though it remains to be seen where and how it can enter the country without the military's support.

Further, the bloc dismissed the idea of opening negotiations with Maduro, who has used past talks as a stalling tactic.

International clamor for snap elections in Venezuela intensified on Monday as European powers recognised Mr Guaido as interim leader, after Mr Maduro rejected an ultimatum to call early voting.

Britain, France and Spain were among 19 EU nations to side with Mr Guaido, following in the footsteps of key regional powers and the United States, which has refused to rule out a military intervention in the crisis-wracked country.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday accused the European Union of seeking to overthrow Mr Maduro in defiance of "democracy."

"On one side you will say 'democracy, democracy, democracy' and 'ballot box, ballot box, ballot box' and later you will dare to topple the government by violence and ruse," Mr Erdogan told his ruling party lawmakers in parliament, referring to the European Union.

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Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro attending a military ceremony to commemorate the "27th Anniversary of the Military RebellionIA Credit: MARCELO GARCIA/ AFP

Key Maduro ally Russia on Monday slammed what it called interference in the oil-rich but now poor Latin American country, saying it was an attempt to "legitimise usurped power."

Mr Guaido thanked each EU country in turn on Twitter "for supporting all Venezuelans in this struggle we undertake to rescue our nation's democracy, freedom and justice."

Claiming his legitimacy from the constitution, the 35-year-old National Assembly leader stunned the world when he proclaimed himself interim president on January 23, setting up a tense standoff with Mr Maduro - with both men heading rival massive street rallies in Caracas on Saturday.
If you were to design a perfect judge for the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in a laboratory, that judge would look like Neomi Rao. The D.C. Circuit, the nations second most important court, is the leading court in which administrative-law decisions are made and one that has exclusive jurisdiction over many federal regulatory agencies. As it happens, Rao currently serves as an extraordinarily effective head of the U.S. Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), from which she spearheads the Trump administrations approach to regulatory policy.

Rao came to OIRA with deep expertise in regulatory policy, having founded the Center for the Study for the Administrative State at George Mason. A graduate of Yale and the University of Chicago Law School, she clerked for Justice Thomas and the highly respected appeals-court judge J. Harvie Wilkinson.

Rao can view legal issues not just from the perspective of her current perch, but also as a former counsel to Senator Orrin Hatch (R., Utah) on the Senate Judiciary committee and as a counselor to former president George W. Bush. Furthermore, she has valuable experience in private practice both domestically and internationally.

But beyond her sterling qualifications and background, I have a bit of a different perspective on her nomination, as I have known Neomi Rao since we were 18-year-old freshmen at Yale. We were both very active in the Yale Political Union, the often-fractious central clearinghouse for campus politics where Neomi was the opposite of a bomb thrower. As a political conservative on a predominantly liberal campus (a tribe I wouldnt join until after my college years), Neomi stood out. But while there were no shortage of liberals and conservatives at Yale who enjoyed being provocative, even obnoxiously so, Neomi was not among them.

Instead Neomi, who even as an 18-year-old was serious and interested in ideas, was unfailingly collegial to students of all different backgrounds, experiences, and political perspectives. Unlike so many of my classmates, I never saw her lose her temper or composure in a political disagreement.

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While Rao is unanimously supported by all of her conservative campus contemporaries of whom I am aware, it is notable that a letter in support of her nomination among our classmates was circulated to me by a confirmed Trump-hater who has given to the Democrats in six figures, and was also signed by many other students who may not share Neomis political views, but appreciate her fundamental decency and integrity.

Little surprise that, faced with the possibility of having a supremely qualified 45-year-old Indian-American woman in such a prominent position, D.C.s left-wing groups are waging an all-out campaign to stop her nomination.

For this reason, the hit pieces came out early in an explicit political strategy, as noted in a recent article in Politico and elsewhere. Left-wing organizations such as People for the American Way accused Rao of having a dangerously reactionary view of the Constitution, while the hyperventilating NAACP called her nomination an insult to all Americans, inventing a nonexistent history of Raos supposed years of vile comments against our most vulnerable communities that seemed to focus particularly on Raos opposition to affirmative action and other race-based preferences.

Having little of substance to actually attack in Neomis professional career and legal writings, most of these shameless hit pieces target Raos student writings as a Yale undergraduate for various campus newspapers, ridiculously mischaracterizing them in the process and declaring her, inter alia, an apologist for sexual assault.

While one hesitates to even treat such obviously political attacks as representing something intellectually serious, It is rather remarkable that these alleged feminists leveling such critiques seem to feel that young women are incapable of taking any sort of responsibility for their own actions and thus must be heavily protected, an attitude toward women that is more Victorian than it is modern and is certainly the antithesis of the message of female empowerment I want to teach my daughters as they grow up.

A man who rapes a drunk girl should be prosecuted. At the same time, a good way to avoid a potential date rape is to stay reasonably sober.  reads one allegedly offensive passage. For the extreme leftists in our media and academia, such statements may signify that the world of The Handmaids Tale is nigh. But if youre a sane or normal person, this is exactly the sort of common sense youd like your own kids to embrace.

Further, examining Raos other allegedly controversial college writings on subjects like affirmative action and feminism, one simply encounters a thoughtful and unapologetic conservative, one who was brave enough to ask difficult questions and question liberal orthodoxies that prevailed at Yale, then as now. In these campus publications, we were students writing for other students, discussing our views, and trying to convince our friends of our positions. Even for those who might find an occasional sophomore opinion of Raos to be sophomoric  well, if everyone who wrote anything disagreeable in a student publication was banned from public office, wed lose almost everyone to public life who wrote anything interesting at all and be stuck with hopeless bores and hackish careerists who were so busy plotting their world takeover at age 18 that, like Bill Clinton, they were already parsing every word and action to ensure their political viability within the system.

In contrast, the sort of willingness to participate in intellectual give and take with those who think differently, such as Neomi did constantly in college, is exactly what we should be looking for from a federal judge.

The Wall Street Journal editorial page understands the stakes of Raos nomination, which is why they have weighed in in strong support of her and against the Lefts thuggish tactics. The Journal is absolutely right that If the Senate rejects a nominee as qualified as Ms. Rao, it will have descended one rung lower in the confirmation inferno. Conservatives need to be paying attention  Rao is an outstanding nominee who, like many other conservatives, is not being attacked for her faults, but for her virtues.

More important, failure to confirm Rao will be yet another blow against political civility in D.C. As Foxs Stuart Varney noted in his take on Rao for Fox News, How long are we going to tolerate the sliming of decent people?

I can testify first-hand that Neomi, besides having an outstanding professional background and judicial temperament, is a thoroughly decent person.

The entire country will benefit from her intellect  and her decency, if the GOP Senate caucus stays strong and confirms her to the D.C. Circuit.

More from National Review
New York (AFP) - A New York jury began deliberating the fate of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Monday after a three month drug trial that laid bare the loves, schemes and escapes of Mexico's most famous drug lord.

The 12 jurors met behind closed doors to consider the mountain of evidence presented by the prosecution and decide Guzman's guilt or innocence.

Accused of smuggling tons of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and marijuana into the United States over a 25 year period, Guzman faces possible life in prison if found guilty of the 10 felony charges against him.

Besides drug trafficking, they include money-laundering and illegal weapons possession charges.

Journalists, huddled in sleeping bags against the cold, camped overnight outside the Brooklyn federal court to assure a seat in Judge Brian Cogan's courtroom.

The trial has unfolded like a real-life telenovela with Guzman's former beauty queen wife in the audience and a parade of her husband's lovers and henchmen taking the witness stand as the onetime head of the Sinaloa cartel looked on.

Before instructing the jury, Cogan asked whether any of them had read or heard about an "offensive or suspect article" related to the trial.

He was referring to a prosecution document, leaked after last week's closing arguments, that quotes one of the 14 prosecution witnesses, former Colombian drug trafficker Alex Cifuentes, as saying that Chapo, 61, drugged and raped girls as young as 13, regarding them as "vitamins" to stay young.

Guzman, dressed in a dark suit and tie, listened quietly to the court proceedings, alert to his surroundings as he has been from the first day.

His young wife, Emma Coronel, who attended every day of the trial, arrived shortly after the start of deliberations.

Cifuentes made no mention of the alleged rapes during his four days of testimony against his former associate.

The jury, which is forbidden to read or listen to media reports about the trial, cannot take the leaked document into account in reaching a verdict.

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- An abundance of evidence -

After questioning the jurors, Cogan decided to press ahead.

"I have no opinion on the verdict you'll have to reach," Cogan told the jurors. "I have no dog in this fight."

"Remember you took an oath ... to reach a verdict solely based on the evidence," he said.

In his closing arguments on Thursday, Guzman's lawyer Jeffrey Lichtman asked the jury not to convict on the basis of the "garbage" testimony of government witnesses.

Lichtman contended that Guzman was merely a "scapegoat," and that the real culprit in the drug trafficking operations was Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, the co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel.

"Mayo has been the largest narcotrafficker for decades in Mexico. He has never been arrested. He has paid hundreds of millions of dollars to stay free," Lichtman said.

The government, meanwhile, appealed to the jury not to let Guzman escape -- an allusion to his two spectacular jail breaks in Mexico, the last one in 2015 through a tunnel from a shower area in his cell.

"Do not let him escape responsibility. Hold him accountable for his crimes. Find him guilty on all counts," US assistant attorney Andrea Goldbarg said in her closing arguments on Wednesday.

During the trial, the government presented 56 witnesses and troves of incriminating materials, including intercepted calls between Guzman and his associates, and conservations taped secretly by informants.

The defense's strategy centered on attacking the credibility of the cooperating witnesses -- former secretaries, pilots, cocaine suppliers, Guzman's top trafficker in the United States, a manager, an accountant, a former communications chief, and even a former lover.

Most are serving prison sentences and hoped to have their penalties reduced in return for their cooperation with prosecutors.

"Those witnesses not only admitted to lying every day of their lives, their miserable, selfish lives -- they lied to you here in the courtroom," Lichtman said.
NEW YORK  Jurors in the federal trial of accused Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman completed their first day of deliberations Monday without reaching a verdict.

The panel of eight women and four men deliberated for roughly three hours on the fate of the internationally notorious defendant accused of smuggling tons of drugs into the United States before retiring at about 4:15 p.m.

Jurors sent out several notes during deliberations, at one point asking a legal question about one of the charges against Guzman and at another seeking additional copies of verdict sheets and legal instructions that U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan read them earlier in the day.

Six alternate jurors also went home for the night.

Guzman, 61, is accused of smuggling tons of drugs into the United States as a leader of Mexico's Sinaloa drug cartel.

He's charged with 10 federal felony counts, including engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, trafficking in cocaine and other narcotics, use of a firearm in connection with the alleged scheme and money laundering.

If found guilty of the criminal enterprise charge, he could be sentenced to life in prison.

In this courtroom sketch, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, center, and his attorney Eduardo Balazero, right, listen as a prosecutor delivers closing arguments during his trial, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019, in Brooklyn, NY.

Guzman, dressed in a dark suit and tie, displayed little emotion as the jurors left the courtroom. His wife, Emma Coronel Aispuro, a regular spectator through more than two months of testimony, was not present for the start of deliberations. However, she returned to the courthouse later in the afternoon.

Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Whittaker made a surprise appearance in the courtroom immediately after the jurors retired. He thanked and shook hands with the federal prosecutors who presented the government's case.

Earlier Monday, Cogan briefly delayed final instructions to the jury after defense lawyers asked him to question members of the panel about whether they had seen news reports about the case over the weekend.

The judge did not describe the reports in open court, but the questioning appeared to relate to coverage of newly filed court papers in which a witness claimed Guzman had sex with girls as young as 13, drugged them, and referred to them as his "vitamins."

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Attorneys for Guzman denied the allegations.

The judge questioned the jurors and then went ahead with final legal instructions.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jurors in El Chapo's federal trial end first day of deliberations with no verdict
Kutupalong (Bangladesh) (AFP) - Angelina Jolie said Tuesday that Myanmar must "show genuine commitment" to end violence that has driven hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims into neighbouring Bangladesh.

The superstar envoy for the UN refugee agency made the comments on the second day of emotional meetings with Rohingya, including rape survivors, in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district where some 740,000 Rohingya have taken refuge since August 2017.

There were already about 300,000 in camps before the exodus, which has strained Bangladesh's resources to the limit.

The visit came ahead of a new UN appeal to raise nearly one billion dollars for the one million Rohingya now in the camps around the town of Cox's Bazar.

"It was deeply upsetting to meet the families who have only known persecution and statelessness their whole lives, who speak of being 'treated like cattle'," Jolie told reporters.

"The Rohingya families I have met are no different from other refugees in one crucial respect: they want to be able to return home," she said.

The latest wave of refugees arrived after a military clampdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

Jolie insisted that the refugees should return home "only when they feel safe enough to do so voluntarily and they know that their rights will be respected."

"I met a woman yesterday, a survivor of rape in Myanmar, and she told me, 'You would have to shoot me where I stand before I go back without my rights'," the 43-year-old said.

"The responsibility to ensure those rights and make it possible for the Rohingya people to return to Rakhine state lies squarely with the government and the authorities in Myanmar," she added.

She called for an end to violence in Rakhine, which UN officials have compared to genocide, and demanded action against the perpetrators.

"I urge the Myanmar authorities to show the genuine commitment needed to end the cycle of violence and displacement and improve the conditions for all communities in Rakhine state," she said.

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Jolie has previously met with displaced Rohingya while in Myanmar in July 2015 and in India in 2006.

She will conclude her visit on Wednesday by meeting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, and other senior officials in Dhaka, a UN statement said.

The talks will focus on how the UN's refugee agency can help Bangladesh's efforts for the Rohingya and "sustainable solutions" to settle the persecuted minority, the statement added.
ROME (Reuters) - The Italian cabinet has nominated euro-sceptic European Union Affairs Minister Paolo Savona as the next head of Consob, the country's market watchdog, a government source said on Tuesday. The proposal will now be reviewed by a parliamentary commission and must ultimately be approved by President Sergio Mattarella, who last year refused to let the 82-year-old Savona become economy minister because of his anti-euro views. However, a source in the president's office told Reuters earlier on Tuesday that Mattarella would not object to Savona moving to Consob, which has been without a president since September, if his nomination overcame various legal hurdles. The government source said Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte would take over the reins as EU affairs minister on a temporary basis. (Reporting by Giuseppe Fonte; writing by Crispian Balmer; editing by Steve Scherer)
Irish finance minister Paschal Donohoe in 2018. Pic: PA

Irish finance minister Paschal Donohoe said on Tuesday that there was no such thing as a managed no-deal Brexit.

It is important, Donohoe said, not to pretend that there can be what some in the UK are calling, a managed no-deal.

Brexiteers in recent weeks have suggested that, if the UK was to leave the EU without signing a deal, the country could negotiate specific sectoral deals to soften the impact, terming this a managed no-deal.

The EU has already indicated that it would be willing to take action to reduce disruption in the aviation and financial sectors. But it has also long insisted that it will not sign any smaller deals with the UK, and that any measures it takes will be to benefit the blocs own citizens.

Speaking about the possibility of a managed no-deal Brexit to an Irish parliamentary committee, Donohoe said that no such thing exists.

From the EU perspective, we need to be very careful not to put at risk the benefits of the withdrawal agreement and, in particular, the transitional arrangements and the backstop, he said.

Donohoe reiterated that the signing of the already agreed withdrawal agreement with the UK was the only way to ensure an orderly Brexit.

READ MORE: As Theresa May heads to Belfast, Ireland gets contrasting economic warnings

But we must also continue to implement our preparations for a no-deal scenario, he said.

He noted, however, that it would not be possible to eliminate the risks involved in this.

Any Brexit will be negative, and a no-deal most of all. Not all issues are within Irelands direct control. This is not to avoid responsibility, but to be frank and open. This is about damage limitation.

Responding to a question about the possibility of a hard border on the island of Ireland in a no-deal scenario, Donohoe said that the Irish government would not be involved in any procedure that will see checks on the border.
By Padraic Halpin DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland will aim to ensure there is as little friction as possible in trade across its border with British-ruled Northern Ireland if Britain crashes out of the European Union without a deal, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said on Tuesday. The future of the border, which will be the United Kingdom's only land frontier with the EU after its departure, is proving the major hurdle in ensuring the UK quits the bloc in an orderly fashion when it is due to depart in 52 days time. Britain, Ireland and the EU want to avoid physical checks on the border, which was marked by military checkpoints before a 1998 peace deal ended three decades of violence in the region. But they disagree on the "backstop", or insurance mechanism, to put in place to exclude such border checks. The Irish government is also refusing to countenance contingency plans for how the border would be managed if there were a no-deal Brexit, saying only that there would need to be "very difficult conversations" between Dublin, Brussels and London over future border arrangements if Britain left without a deal. "What we would want to do is be in a position where we have as low friction trade as is possible in the kind of scenario you are describing," Donohoe told a parliamentary committee when asked how the European Commission would facilitate its wish to have no physical border infrastructure, even in a no-deal. "The whole reason we want a backstop in the first place is to avoid being in the scenario of a risk to the movement of goods on our island. If we are in the situation of a disorderly Brexit and we don't have a backstop, there will be trade-offs and choices that have to be made regarding how that issue will be dealt with." As a way to prevent a hard border, Brussels and London agreed the so-called backstop - a promise that unless and until the sides come up with a better idea the United Kingdom would remain bound by EU market and customs rules so that goods would not have to be checked. While it is by far the most contentious part of the rejected deal for many lawmakers in Britain, Dublin has sought to emphasize that its concerns go beyond trade. "The Irish government have made clear that we will not be putting in place procedures or checks on our border and the reasons for that transcend the discussion we are having about economics," Donohoe said. "I know the consequences would stretch all over our island and deeply affect the stability and peace that we have and for those reasons, the government continues to be clear in its objective." (Editing by Peter Graff and Frances Kerry)
Tehran (AFP) - Iran is ready to help rebuild Syria, the Islamic republic's top diplomat said Tuesday as he hosted his Syrian counterpart in Tehran.

Mohammad Javad Zarif, whose country has been a staunch ally to Damascus throughout Syria's devastating war, met Walid Mouallem for closed-door talks at the Islamic republic's foreign ministry.

Zarif confirmed "the readiness of Iranian companies to cooperate economically with Syria during the reconstruction period," the ministry said in a statement.

Damascus and Tehran signed a string of deals late last month, including a long-term "economic cooperation" agreement.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said the deals were meant to "help consolidate Syrian and Iranian resilience against the economic war waged against them by some Western states".

Iran and Russia have been Assad's main backers throughout Syria's nearly eight-year civil war, which has claimed more than 360,000 lives and displaced millions.

The conflict has also caused nearly $400 billion-worth of destruction, according to the United Nations.

With help from its allies, Assad's regime has retaken swathes of territory from rebels and jihadists since 2015 and now controls around two-thirds of the country, including its main cities.

Assad has pledged to prioritise reconstruction, and Damascus has consisently emphasised the key roles Russian and Iranian companies are expected to play in the process.

Mouallem on Tuesday also met Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

His arrival in Tehran coincided with the first visit to Tehran by the UN's new Syria envoy, Geir Pedersen, who also met Zarif.
Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card!

Raisio plc (HEL:RAIVV), which is in the food business, and is based in Finland, saw significant share price movement during recent months on the HLSE, rising to highs of 2.83 and falling to the lows of 2.35. Some share price movements can give investors a better opportunity to enter into the stock, and potentially buy at a lower price. A question to answer is whether Raisios current trading price of 2.55 reflective of the actual value of the small-cap? Or is it currently undervalued, providing us with the opportunity to buy? Lets take a look at Raisios outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if there are any catalysts for a price change.

See our latest analysis for Raisio

Whats the opportunity in Raisio?

Raisio appears to be overvalued according to my relative valuation model. In this instance, Ive used the price-to-earnings (PE) ratio given that there is not enough information to reliably forecast the stocks cash flows. I find that Raisios ratio of 34.01x is above its peer average of 17.21x, which suggests the stock is overvalued compared to the Food industry. Furthermore, Raisios share price also seems relatively stable compared to the rest of the market, as indicated by its low beta. If you believe the share price should eventually reach its true value, a low beta could suggest it is unlikely to rapidly do so anytime soon, and once its there, it may be hard to fall back down into an attractive buying range.

Can we expect growth from Raisio?

HLSE:RAIVV Future Profit February 5th 19

Investors looking for growth in their portfolio may want to consider the prospects of a company before buying its shares. Buying a great company with a robust outlook at a cheap price is always a good investment, so lets also take a look at the companys future expectations. With profit expected to grow by 94% over the next couple of years, the future seems bright for Raisio. It looks like higher cash flow is on the cards for the stock, which should feed into a higher share valuation.

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What this means for you:

Are you a shareholder? RAIVVs optimistic future growth appears to have been factored into the current share price, with shares trading above its fair value. At this current price, shareholders may be asking a different question  should I sell? If you believe RAIVV should trade below its current price, selling high and buying it back up again when its price falls towards its real value can be profitable. But before you make this decision, take a look at whether its fundamentals have changed.

Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping tabs on RAIVV for some time, now may not be the best time to enter into the stock. The price has surpassed its industry peers, which means it is likely that there is no more upside from mispricing. However, the positive outlook is encouraging for RAIVV, which means its worth diving deeper into other factors in order to take advantage of the next price drop.

Price is just the tip of the iceberg. Dig deeper into what truly matters  the fundamentals  before you make a decision on Raisio. You can find everything you need to know about Raisio in the latest infographic research report. If you are no longer interested in Raisio, you can use our free platform to see my list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential.

To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements.



The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com.
Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card!

We often see insiders buying up shares in companies that perform well over the long term. On the other hand, wed be remiss not to mention that insider sales have been known to precede tough periods for a business. So well take a look at whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in Bank of Hawaii Corporation (NYSE:BOH).

What Is Insider Buying?

It is perfectly legal for company insiders, including board members, to buy and sell stock in a company. However, such insiders must disclose their trading activities, and not trade on inside information.

We dont think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions. But logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. For example, a Columbia University study found that insiders are more likely to engage in open market purchases of their own companys stock when the firm is about to reveal new agreements with customers and suppliers.

See our latest analysis for Bank of Hawaii

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Bank of Hawaii

Director Barbara Tanabe made the biggest insider sale in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for US$51k worth of shares at a price of US$83.23 each. So we know that an insider sold shares at around the present share price of US$79.15. They might be selling for a variety of reasons, but its hard to argue this is a bullish sign. Arguably, insider selling at around current prices should give us reason to reflect on whether the stock is fully valued at the moment.

In the last twelve months insiders netted US$121k for 1.48k shares sold. All up, insiders sold more shares in Bank of Hawaii than they bought, over the last year. The average sell price was around US$81.81. Its not particularly great to see insiders were selling shares around current prices. Since insiders sell for many reasons, we wouldnt put too much weight on it. The chart below shows insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

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NYSE:BOH Insider Trading February 5th 19

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Insiders at Bank of Hawaii Have Sold Stock Recently

Over the last three months, weve seen a bit of insider selling at Bank of Hawaii. Barbara Tanabe sold just US$40k worth of shares in that time. Its not great to see insider selling, nor the lack of recent buyers. But the selling simply isnt sufficiently substantial to be of much use as a signal.

Insider Ownership of Bank of Hawaii

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. Insiders own 1.8% of Bank of Hawaii shares, worth about US$58m. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment.

So What Does This Data Suggest About Bank of Hawaii Insiders?

Insider selling has just outweighed insider buying in the last three months. But the net divestment is not enough to concern us at all. Recent insider selling makes us a little nervous, in light of the broader picture of Bank of Hawaii insider transactions. But we do like the fact that insiders own a fair chunk of the company. Of course, the future is what matters most. So if you are interested in Bank of Hawaii, you should check out this free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

If you would prefer to check out another company  one with potentially superior financials  then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements.



The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com.
By Juarawee Kittisilpa

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thais of Chinese descent largely ignored Bangkok's call for restraint in burning of incense and "spirit money" to mark the Lunar New Year as the city fights choking pollution.

Most people celebrating the Year of the Pig, which began on Tuesday, shrugged off health concerns as they burnt offerings to ancestors at shrines, many wearing anti-pollution masks.

"It's impossible to completely stop burning incense," said Romnalin Wangteeranon, 61, from behind a mask. "It's a festival that we descendants cannot do without."

Air quality in Bangkok has been hovering at unhealthy levels as the amount of hazardous dust particles known as PM 2.5 exceeded the safe level in several districts where face masks have sold out at most drug stores.

PM 2.5 is a mixture of liquid droplets and solid particles that can include dust, soot and smoke, one of the main measures of the Air Quality Index (AQI).

Tuesday's AQI was 110 in the afternoon, according to airvisual.com, which measures levels in cities worldwide, placing Bangkok among the world's most polluted cities.

Bangkok's index has improved from last week due to a change in wind direction. But measures taken by the government, including seeding rain clouds, regulating truck traffic and hosing down streets, have helped little.

There was only slightly less incense burning this year compared to 2018, which was not enough to make a difference, said an official at the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, which runs the Tai Hong Kong Shrine in Bangkok's Chinatown.

"Since we could only ask for cooperation, not impose a ban, most people are still doing it," the official said.

(Writing by Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Editing by Nick Macfie)
London (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Margaret Thatcher's home town cautiously backed plans Tuesday to erect a statue of the late British leader -- but only after putting it on a plinth tall enough to keep vandals at bay.

The strong-willed "Iron Lady" of the 1980s remains a polarising figure in Britain six years after her death at the age of 87.

Her sweeping privatisation and deregulation efforts are credited with pulling Britain out of the economic doldrums.

But her resolve to break the trade unions -- especially the miners -- in the face of strikes and street protests made her into a hate figure for the left.

A bid to have a statue of the Conservative party leader stand alongside icon Winston Churchill and other leaders filling a square opposite parliament in London fizzled out last year over concerns about "potential vandalism and civil disorder".

Thatcher's daughter Carol also reportedly objected to the absence of her mother's trademark handbag.

The 10.5 foot (3.2 metres) tall bronze statue shows the former prime minister in the flowing robe that she wore as a member of the House of Lords.

Thatcher's hands are folded solemnly before her -- without the handbag.

The local council in Grantham in central England approved it only after agreeing to put it on an equally tall granite plinth to keep it safe from "politically motivated vandals".

Thatcher will now hover over a central Grantham square facing the local museum.

"There remains a motivated far-left movement across the UK... who may be committed to public activism," a report submitted to the local district council cautioned.

Some council members said the statue -- reportedly gathering dust in a foundry since being rejected by London -- should stay where it is.

"I understand Margaret Thatcher's statue is currently out of sight in a secret location," councillor Charmaine Morgan was quoted saying by the Grantham Journal.

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"Perhaps it should stay there."

- 'Police burden' -

Grantham is a town of around 45,000 that once produced steam engines but is now mostly known as being the birthplace of both Thatcher and the scientist Isaac Newton.

Local heritage association trustee David Burling admitted that "the debate about Margaret Thatcher's legacy will now continue for generations to come".

But he said in a statement posted on the local council's website that what Grantham needed most was tourist money.

Local council leader Matthew Lee agreed.

"Whatever your views, the statue will undoubtedly attract more visitors to the town which can only be good news for Grantham's local economy," he said in the same statement.

But councillor Morgan said Thatcher "did little to help her fellow women" and "preferred the company of men".

"Our police are struggling to manage without the additional burden," Morgan argued.

Grantham's only existing commemoration of Thatcher is a plaque marking where she was born.

She will now stand besides an existing statue of Newton and a 19th-century local politician named Frederick Tollemache.

The entire A300,000 ($390,000) project will be paid for by donations raised by a British historical charity.

"No public funds have been used," the local council stressed on its website.
Closing down: A general view of the HMV (His masters voice) store entrance with neon sign on Oxford Street on January 03, 2019 in London, England. Photo: John Keeble/Getty Images

HMVs flagship Oxford Street store is set to close despite the rescue of the chain.

KPMG, the administrators of music shop HMV, on Tuesday revealed the names of the 27 stores that will be closing under a proposed rescue deal for the chain, which went bust at the end of last year.

They include the Oxford Street branch, where the music and film retailers first branch was opened in 1921.

Earlier on Tuesday, it was confirmed that HMV is being rescued from administration by Doug Putman, a young retail mogul who owns a similar chain of Canadian stores called Sunrise Records.

Putman is buying 100 HMV stores, which will save 1,487 jobs. However, 27 stores were not acquired and will be closed immediately, resulting in 455 job losses.

Heres the full list of stores set to close:

Ayr

Bath

Bluewater

Bristol, Cribbs

Chichester

Exeter Princesshay

Bristol (Fopp)

Glasgow, Byres (Fopp)

Manchester (Fopp)

Oxford (Fopp)

Glasgow, Braehead

Guernsey

Hereford

Manchester, Trafford

Merry Hill

Oxford Street

Peterborough, Queensgate

Plymouth, Drake Circus

Reading

Sheffield, Meadowhall

Southport

Thurrock

Tunbridge Wells

Uxbridge

Watford

Westfield London

Wimbledon

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Will Wright, partner at KPMG and joint administrator of HMV, said in a statement: Our immediate concern is now to support those employees that have unfortunately been made redundant.

Neil Gostelow, partner at KPMG and joint administrator, said: We are grateful for the support of all key stakeholders including the suppliers whose support throughout this process has been key in securing this sale.

HMV fell into administration at the end of 2018. It was the second time the music retailer had fallen into administration in 5 years.








The yearly Roll Up the Rim promotion at Tim Hortons is a tradition beloved by many Canadians. With the purchase of a coffee, customers can unfurl its rim to have a shot at winning a range of prizes, from a free donut to a new car. But over the years, the limited-time contest has stirred up a fair share of controversy and brew-ha-ha, if you will. Heres a timeline of some of the most scandalous Roll Up the Rim-related stories.

2006: A 10-year-old girl in Montreal finds an unrolled coffee cup in the garbage at her school. The girl asks a 12-year-old friend to help roll it up and they discover its a prize-winning cup for a Toyota RAV 4. The families of the two girls get into a dispute involving lawyers, over whether the prize should be split. A school employee then claims that he was the one who threw out the cup in the first place. Tim Hortons eventually decides the car rightfully belongs to the girl who found the cup, and the proper thing to do is award the prize to her family.

2008: A man in Newfoundland finds teeth marks on his cup and accuses Tim Hortons staff of rolling it up before selling it to him. This follows a similar incident in Halifax, where a man claims his cup had been pre-rolled. Tims claims this was the result of a manufacturing error.

2009: A house painter from Parksville, B.C. rolls up the rim to find out hes won a 2009 Toyota Venza. After bringing his cup to claim his prize, hes eventually informed by the company that the cup was a fraud. After the man went to local media in an attempt to get some publicity, the coffee company informed him they might get legal authorities to officially investigate. Eventually, a 12-year-old girl who lived in one of the houses the man was painting fessed up to the prank, saying she made the fake cup as an April Fools joke.

2012: Tim Hortons is introduced in gas stations as self-serve kiosks. Some stations are forced to keep their Roll Up the Rim cups behind the counter, to prevent customers from swiping several of them at a time. Some people even try to make off with full sleeves of the coffee cups, with one attendant comparing them to Lord of the Rings character Gollum yearning for his precious.

2015: A Newfoundland woman attempts to claim her Roll up the Rim prize of a $100 Tims gift card, but is denied for not abiding by the new rules. According to the company, the woman didnt produce a part of a cup rim that shows a PIN number. The woman takes her strife to the Internet, and is eventually contacted by the manager of her local Tim Hortons, who offers her a gift card.

2017: Police in Belleville, Ont. make several arrests in connection with a break-and-enter at a local Tim Hortons, in which a number of boxes of precious Roll Up the Rim cups are stolen. Three teenagers are charged, including a former employee of the store.
Johnny C. Taylor Jr., a human-resources expert, is tackling your questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society.

The questions are submitted by readers, and Taylor's answers below have been edited for length and clarity.

Have a question? Do you have an HR or work-related question youd like me to answer? Submit it here.

Question: My company is working to increase diversity. I want to help. How can I, as an employee, contribute to my workplaces commitment?  Anonymous

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.: Workplaces with diverse and inclusive cultures are better places to work, and they perform better. Employees can and should play a role in that commitment.

We call it diversity and inclusion, but inclusion should come first because when employees have a sense of belonging, they feel welcomed and empowered.

To help build an inclusive work environment where employees bring their best selves to work every day, the primary focus must be on commonalities, not differences. This builds connections between people that allow them to learn from their differences.

For employees, this means learning how to celebrate colleagues work while acknowledging that their viewpoints, though different, are valued.

As you consider how to contribute to your companys commitment to inclusion, speak first with HR and leadership about their vision and the strategy to reach it. Knowing what theyre already working on will help you figure out how you can help.

If your company is seeking ideas on how to improve its practices, you might suggest:

 Conducting a work and communications assessment to understand each person on the team.

 Creating a diversity and inclusion communication tool to share relevant articles and news.

 Celebrating a variety of holidays and events.

 Starting an employee resource group for open discussion, learning and support.

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 Offering training in unconscious bias to help employees recognize their own blind spots.

 Scheduling team-building activities and sponsoring events.

As an employee, you can:

 Make sure HR and company executives know you want to be a champion for diversity and inclusion.

 Look for ways to weave inclusion discussions into regular employee meetings and gatherings.

 Ensure vendors and distributors incorporate inclusion in their own organizations. If you are not in that position, suggest your company does so.

But remember: One approach doesnt necessarily fit all companies, so work with your leaders to determine what will benefit your organization.

On a very personal level, you can show your commitment to diversity and inclusion by taking a colleague who has a different background and set of life experiences out to lunch, for example. While company leadership plays a role in changing culture, it all really happens one employee at a time by the actions of each of us.

Question: I must be out of the country for two months for personal reasons, and I do not have enough PTO hours to cover the time off. I could telework, but there is a difference between being in the office and handling business remotely. What options do I have as a long-time employee who doesnt want to resign?  S.

Taylor: Personal and work lives often intertwine, and hardships in one often affect the other.

As a long-term employee, you may find your company is willing to work with you on a short-term solution. Heres how I would approach the situation:

Talk to HR. Doing so will help you better understand what options are available to you and whether your workplace is set up for remote working arrangements. There are professions, like nursing, where telework is off the table. But for others, employees can use technology to communicate effectively with colleagues and get work done across time zones and international borders.

If remote work is not possible, there are other flexibility options. If youre lucky enough to work for one of the 5 percent of U.S. employers that offer a paid sabbatical program, you might be eligible for time away with a percentage of your wages and continuation of medical benefits. An unpaid sabbatical or taking leave without pay are other routes to explore.

Once you know your choices, do your homework before taking a request to your boss.

Ideally, for example, a telework arrangement should allow you and your team to function at the same level as if you were in the office. Your employer will want to know what effect the arrangement will have on your individual or department productivity, your participation in meetings and your co-workers or other stakeholders.

Thinking about and preparing your answers ahead of time will help you make your case for remote work and reassure your employer.

You didnt mention the reason for your travels. If its health-related, you might qualify under the Family and Medical Leave Act for 12 weeks of job-protected leave. This law provides time off if you or an immediate family member has a serious health condition, regardless of where medical treatment is administered or where the ill family member is located.

Whatever the reason, have an informed discussion with your employer as soon as possible so your supervisor has ample time to consider your request and make any logistics decisions.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How can I help my company increase workplace diversity? Ask HR
Los Angeles (AFP) - Would-be cigarette smokers in the US state of Hawaii might have to wait a very long time for their first legal drag, after a lawmaker introduced a bill that would bar sales to anyone under the age of 100.

The proposed law, introduced by local Democratic representative Richard Creagan, would effectively amount to a cigarette ban by 2024.

Hawaii already has some of the toughest laws on cigarette sales but Creagan -- an emergency room doctor -- believes more needs to be done to ban "the deadliest artifact in human history," according to his proposed bill.

"Basically, we essentially have a group who are heavily addicted -- in my view, enslaved by a ridiculously bad industry -- which has enslaved them by designing a cigarette that is highly addictive, knowing that it highly lethal. And, it is," he told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

Under current law, you must be 21-years-old to purchase cigarettes in Hawaii. Nationwide, the minimum age is 18 or 19.

Creagan's proposal calls for raising the cigarette-buying age to 30 by next year, 40 in 2021, 50 in 2022 and 60 in 2023. By 2024, the minimum age would be 100.

He said the bill is structured to withstand any legal challenge.

"The state is obliged to protect the public's health," Creagan, who acknowledges smoking cigarettes during his medical studies, told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

"We don't allow people free access to opioids, for instance, or any prescription drugs," he added.

"This is more lethal, more dangerous than any prescription drug, and it is more addicting."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, accounting for nearly half a million deaths every year.
Hain Celestial Group, Inc. HAIN is slated to release second-quarter fiscal 2019 results on Feb 7, before the opening bell. In the last quarter, the company delivered a negative earnings surprise of 30.8%. In three of the trailing four quarters, this food conglomerate has underperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate, recording average negative earnings surprise of 12.7%.

How are Estimates Faring?

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in the fiscal second quarter stands at 26 cents, reflecting year-over-year decline of 36.6%. We also note that the Zacks Consensus Estimate has gone down by 2 cents in the past 60 days.

The company posted first-quarter adjusted earnings of 9 cents a share that declined sharply from 20 cents recorded in the year-ago period. Lower net sales, higher interest and other expenses negatively impacted the bottom line in the previous quarter.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $612 million, down approximately 21.1% from $775.2 million in the year-ago quarter. We note that total revenues of this New York-based company decreased 5% in the last reported quarter.

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. Quote

Factors Influencing Performance

Hain Celestial is concerned about dismal sales surprise history, stemming from softness in its U.S. segment along with weakness in U.K. and Rest of World sales. Also, higher trade and promotional investments in the United States along with escalated freight and commodity costs have been hurdles to profitability.

Adding to the woes, rising SG&A expenses have been weighing on the companys profitability. In fact, SG&A costs increased 10 basis points (bps) to 14.7% as a percentage of sales in the first quarter. As a result, adjusted EBITDA plunged 36%, while adjusted EBITDA margin shrunk 300 bps to 6.1%.

All said, we expect the company to get some respite from Project Terra, which generated cost savings of $60 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Going ahead, the company expects savings of roughly $90-$115 million in fiscal 2019. Additionally, the company is divesting its Hain Pure Protein business to boost efficiency and simplify brand portfolio. Apart from these, the company is focusing on global expansion, with plans to expand distribution network in China and capture the India market. Additionally, Hain Celestial is focusing on making marketing investments in key brands to boost growth.

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What Does the Zacks Model Say?

Our proven model does not conclusively show that Hain Celestial is likely to beat estimates this quarter. A stock needs to have both  a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) and a positive Earnings ESP  for this to happen. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before theyre reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Hain Celestial has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) and an Earnings ESP of -7.69%. We caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 or 5 (Strong Sell) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.

Stocks With Favourable Combination

Here are some companies you may want to consider as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat:

Nomad Foods NOMD has an Earnings ESP of +1.45% and a Zacks Rank of 2. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Monster Beverage Corporation MNST has an Earnings ESP of +0.31% and a Zacks Rank of 2.

Post Holdings POST has an Earnings ESP of +0.56% and a Zacks Rank of 3.

Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2019

In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-holds for the year?

Who wouldn't? Our annual Top 10s have beaten the market with amazing regularity. In 2018, while the market dropped -5.2%, the portfolio scored well into double-digits overall with individual stocks rising as high as +61.5%. And from 2012-2017, while the market boomed +126.3, Zacks' Top 10s reached an even more sensational +181.9%.

See Latest Stocks Today >>



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Nomad Foods Limited (NOMD) : Free Stock Analysis Report



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Zacks Investment Research
By Svea Herbst-Bayliss

BOSTON (Reuters) - More investors who typically make passive bets flexed their muscles last year and helped push a total of 922 companies to perform better by improving operations and capital allocation, data from research group Activist Insight show.

The data show that 922 companies were approached last year compared with 856 companies approached in 2017 by investors who had ideas on how management could run the business better or who asked for board seats.

So-called occasional activists were the most pushy last year, contacting 266 companies with public demands, the data show. In 2017 they reached out to 240 companies. These investors are typically passive shareholders who try to protect existing investments by demanding improvements at underperforming companies.

The numbers also show that only 116 companies were contacted by primary focus activists, the large hedge funds that have made their reputations over the years by pushing for change at companies from Allergan to Yahoo!

"More entrants into the activism space does limit the options for the big name activists," said Josh Black, an analyst at Activist Insight, which tracks activist fund managers and their activities.

Activist Insight worked with law firm Schulte Roth & Zabel to compile its annual review.

To be sure many primary focus activists like Starboard Value, Pershing Square Capital Management and Third Point were busy in 2018 targeting companies ranging from Newell Brands to United Technologies to Campbell Soup.

But as a group, primary focus activists targeted only 116 companies in 2018 after having reached out to 121 companies in 2017. This made them the least pushy last year, the data show.

And the brand-name activists are still commanding attention from corporate chiefs. Elliott Management, one of the biggest firms to pursue activist strategies, was busier than ever in 2018 and launched 24 new campaigns. And Starboard won 29 seats through negotiated settlements in 2018.

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Referring to these types of firms who started 2019 on a busy note, Schulte Roth partner Eleazer Klein said pure play activists will always be around and working. "These people are not going away."

And they will raise money even amid poor returns where the average activist hedge fund lost roughly 11 percent last year. "Fund raising is certainly more challenging especially when firms are not performing. But I don't think these types of firms will have problems."

(Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss; Editing by David Gregorio)
Ankara (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras stressed Tuesday they planned to resolve disputes between their two countries through dialogue.

Greece and Turkey have a fraught history going back centuries with disputes over maritime borders and the 1974 division of Cyprus.

More recently the erstwhile NATO allies have fallen out over Greek courts granting asylum to Turkish soldiers who fled Turkey after the 2016 failed coup.

Tsipras, in his second visit to Turkey as Greek premier in four years, met with the Turkish leader at the vast presidential palace on the outskirts of the capital Ankara.

"I am very pleased that communication channels (with Turkey) are open so that we can take more constructive steps," Tsipras told a news conference with Erdogan, calling for a relationship based on "respect for international law and reciprocal understanding of our problems".

Erdogan, who became the first Turkish president to visit Greece in 65 years in December 2017, said bilateral disputes could be resolved "peacefully".

"We believe every problem could be resolved through dialogue."

Erdogan said a "politician's job is not to win enemies but friends... otherwise you constantly lose blood".

- 'Not welcome'-

The eight Turkish soldiers who were granted asylum in Greece after they fled in the wake of the failed 2016 coup against Erdogan's government is one of the sticking issues in ties.

"On the thorny issue of the eight officers, Greece respects the decisions delivered by the judiciary," Tsipras said.

"In Greece the putschists are not welcome; we must face any criminal organisation that prevents cooperation between the two countries."

However Erdogan said Turkey did not want Greece to become a "safe haven" for "members of terror groups".

"We expect more cooperation from our neighbour Greece on this issue," he said.

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Tsipras's visit comes a few days after the 23rd anniversary of a 1996 crisis that brought the two countries to the edge of war over the sovereignty of a pair of rocky islets in the Aegean Sea, which Ankara calls Kardak and Athens refers to as Imia.

The trip also comes 20 years after the beginning of a rapprochement which began when Greece rushed to help following a devastating Turkish earthquake in 1999.

"Even though these talks might not go anywhere, the essence is that there is a pretence of dialogue, and this is important," said Dimitrios Triantaphyllou, head of the Centre for International and European Studies at Istanbul's Kadir Has University.

- Oil and gas -

One of the main disputes is the issue of oil and gas exploration off Cyprus, which has been divided between the internationally-recognised Greek south and the breakaway Turkish north for over four decades.

The issue has been further complicated by the discovery in recent years of gigantic gas fields in the eastern Mediterranean.

Ankara says such exploration would deprive Turkish Cypriots of the island's offshore resources and has called for its suspension until a lasting solution is found to the Cyprus problem.

On Monday, Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Turkey would not allow a "fait accompli" in the eastern Mediterranean and would instead defend "equal and fair" sharing of the resources.

The two leaders also discussed a migrant deal which Ankara struck with the European Union in 2016 to stem the flow of refugees.

Under the deal, Turkey has agreed to take back migrants landing on Greek islands in exchange for incentives including financial aid.

Despite the agreement, hundreds of migrants continue to disembark every day on the Greek islands -- about 5,000 people between September and December -- putting heavy pressure on overcrowded Greek refugee camps.

The number of people crossing the land border between the two countries has risen from 5,400 in 2017 to 14,000 in 2018, according to Greek Minister for Migration Policy Dimitris Vitsas.

On Thursday, Tsipras will travel to Istanbul for a meeting with the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians.

He is also expected to visit the Halki seminary, located on an island off Istanbul where Orthodox clergy used to train.

It was closed in 1971, after Turkey fell out with Greece over Cyprus.

burs-fo/dcr
Komotini (Greece) (AFP) - Outwardly, Komotini looks like other Greek cities, but there is a major difference: it has nine mosques whereas there are none in Athens.

The northeastern city has existed from the second century and was captured by Ottoman-era Turkey in the 14th. It was an important hub connecting the capital city of Constantinople, as Istanbul was then known, with the European part of the empire.

Now it is home to nearly 30,000 Muslims, many of whom complain of marginalisation.

Greece has for centuries had a testy relationship with Turkey, with a slew of disputes ranging from Aegean sea issues to the long-running Cyprus problem.

"The minority Muslims and their Greek compatriots cohabit but each side lives in its own corner," said Mustafa Mustafa, a lawmaker from Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's party, speaking in this frontier city of some 60,000 people.

Tsipras visits Turkey on Tuesday in a bid to improve relations.

"Relations deteriorated in the 1960s and until 1990 many villages in the area were ringed by military barricades," Mustafa, who is in his sixties, said.

"We could not access our properties or get a driving licence," he said.

- 'We are being used' -

"We would like to be a bridge of peace and friendship and not act as a brake."

The issue of the Muslim minority is one of the sensitive areas in ties between the two neighbours.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during a historic trip to Greece in 2017 -- the first by a Turkish leader in 65 years -- visited the Thrace region and called for the respect of the Muslim minority, railing against "discrimination" by the Greek government.

"It's sad that we are being used," said a young Muslim woman, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"These are normal people like us who are paying the price of politics," she said of residents of Komotini, which lies about 100 kilometres from the border.

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There are up to 150,000 Muslims in Greece's western Thrace region, who were given minority status after the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne following the end of a war between Turkey and Greece which rang the death knell for the Ottoman empire.

The treaty provided for the application of sharia law to settle family disputes and the use of Turkish in educational institutions.

The presence of a Turkish consulate in the region adds to tensions.

"It would be better for everyone if the consulate stops serving the interests of the Turkish foreign ministry," Komotini's mayor Giorgos Petridis said.

- 'Islam = Turkey' -

"What characterises this population is a plural identity," said Thalia Dragona from the Athens National University.

"The new generation is educated and wants to break free from being slotted," she said.

A young Muslim recounted how her family was criticised for putting their children in Greek schools, saying: "In their eyes, we had become traitors."

Chatitze Molla Sali, who is in her seventies, lived in Komotini before relocating to Istanbul. She had inherited her husband's house under Greek law but her sisters-in-law contested the decision, evoking sharia.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled in her favour in December.

"The decision clarifies the situation since it makes it impossible to apply Muslim law on European citizens," her lawyer Yanis Ktistakis said.

In a deeply orthodox society where 76 percent of Greeks see Christianity as a central part of their identity, according to the Pew Research Center, "many people associate Islam with Turkey," said Giorgos Kalantzis, the general secretary of religious affairs.

"The country has suffered at the hands of Turkey and this still brings up painful memories," he said.
General Motors and Ford (F) are raising the stakes in the war to win over buyers of heavy-duty pickups, full-size trucks coveted by America's contractors, cowboys and commercial buyers alike.

GM (GM) unveiled Tuesday its new heavy-duty Chevy Silverado at the company's plant in Flint, Michigan, where the truck will be manufactured.

"They are very purpose built," Mark Reuss, president of General Motors, told CNBC. "Things like snowplows, going to work at a construction site, using the power out of the bed. These are tools, but they are also refined tools."

The new Silverado, complete with a 10-speed transmission, rolled out just hours after Ford announced new capabilities and technology for its F-Series Super Duty pickup truck.

"Our new Super Duty has more power, more payload and towing capability and better technology than ever to help these customers build a better world," Kumar Galhotra, Ford's president of North America, said in a new release announcing the new truck.

Not to be outdone, Fiat Chrysler (FCA-IT) has a new Ram Heavy Duty 2400/3500 pickup heading into showrooms this spring. It comes complete with a new Cummins engine and the capability to tow 35,100 pounds, roughly the weight of five African elephants according to Fiat Chrysler.

There's a reason the Detroit Big 3 automakers are in a arms race when it comes to big pickups. These are among the most profitable models the automakers sell.

"Pickup trucks, the full-size and then the heavy duty, combined account for well over 100 percent of global auto profit," said Adam Jonas, auto analyst at Morgan Stanley. "We like to joke sometimes the Ford F-150 is called the F-150 because it accounts for 150 percent of Ford's global profit."

Jonas estimates some of the newest full-size pickups each bring in $10,000 to $15,000 in profits for automakers, depending on the model. He calls the profit margins "Ferrari like."

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All of which explains why the Big 3 are pouring billions into rolling out newer, more capable and higher-priced heavy duty pickups. For example GM is adding 1,000 jobs to its plant in Flint to help with production of the new Silverado. Many of those jobs will be filled by GM employees working at some of the six plants the company is idling in a North America.

Last year, roughly 1 out of every 4 full-size pickup sold in the U.S. was a heavy-duty model according to IHS Markit, Ford's heavy-duty F-Series being the most popular.

There is one other reason why GM, Ford and Ram believe their new heavy-duty pickups will rack up strong sales this year. The economy remains strong, so businesses and contractors looking to invest in new work trucks are primed to upgrade their heavy-duty trucks.

"Construction starts, anything with building, anything with servicing. All those areas are very healthy and that helps out truck business and in particular, the heavy duty business," said Reuss.

 CNBC producer Meghan Reeder contribute to this report.

Questions? Comments? BehindTheWheel@cnbc.com .
FLINT, Mich.  General Motors said Tuesday it will add 1,000 workers to build new heavy-duty pickup trucks at its plant in Flint, Michigan, and will give priority to GM workers who were laid off elsewhere.



The announcement comes the day after GM said it was starting to hand pink slips to about 4,000 salaried workers in the latest round of a restructuring announced in late November that will ultimately shrink its white-collar workforce in North America by 15 percent out of 54,000.

GM has come under fire from U.S. President Donald Trump and Midwestern lawmakers for its plans to stop production at five North American factories and cut up to 15,000 jobs in all. The automaker has said it is trying to find new jobs for 1,500 U.S. hourly workers at the affected plants. Flint's truck plant could be a haven for many of these employees.

Sales of heavy-duty pickups in the United States have grown to more than 600,000 vehicles a year, up more than 20 percent since 2013, according to industry data. Prices for luxury models can easily top $70,000.

GM on Tuesday will celebrate the launch of a new generation of heavy-duty GMC and Chevrolet pickups at the assembly plant in Flint, Michigan, that is now building all such trucks for the company.



Elsewhere in the company on Monday, two people briefed on the cuts in the white-collar salaried workforce said GM is cutting hundreds of jobs at its information technology centers in Texas, Georgia, Arizona and Michigan and more than 1,000 jobs at its Warren, Michigan Tech Center. GM is filing new required mass layoff notices with state agencies and disclosed the cuts to lawmakers.



The largest U.S. automaker announced in November it would cut a total of about 15,000 jobs and end production at five North American plants. The cuts include eliminating about 8,000 salaried workers, or about 15 percent.



GM cut about 1,500 contract workers in December and said 2,300 salaried workers accepted buyouts, officials said.



"These actions are necessary to secure the future of the company, including preserving thousands of jobs in the U.S. and globally. We are taking action now while the overall economy and job market are strong, increasing the ability of impacted employees to continue to advance in their careers, should they choose to do so," GM spokesman Pat Morrissey said, adding the bulk of the cuts should be completed in the next two weeks.



Morrissey said GM would provide salaried workers with severance packages and job placement services.

GM is also cutting its executive ranks by 25 percent and last week laid off three senior people in its Washington office, and some other small salaried layoffs previously took place.



President Donald Trump and U.S. and Canadian lawmakers have blasted GM's plans to end production at plants in Ontario, Michigan, Ohio and Maryland. GM said in November it would end U.S. and Canadian production of the Chevrolet Cruze, Volt, Impala, the Buick LaCrosse and the Cadillac XTS. Production of the Cadillac CT6 sedan appears as if it will continue at least a little longer, but not where it's currently built, at GM's Hamtramck facility.



Trump, who made a 2017 speech near GM's Lordstown Assembly plant in Ohio, said in November the company had "better" find a new product for that plant.



But GM Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra wrote last week: "We are more convinced than ever that our strategy is sound and in the long term."



Last month, Comprehensive Logistics said it would cease operations at its facility in Lordstown that provides logistics and warehousing, impacting about 180 jobs. Magna International Inc is also laying off about 120 people at its Lordstown Seating Systems plant that makes seats for GM vehicles.



Related Video:
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The ever-expanding population of the world puts pressure on the environment, and many forecasts predict that it will hit 9 billion by 2050.

The UN has warned that at some point, the world may no longer be able to support the expanding population.

But a new book has suggested that these estimates may be wrong, due to failing to take into account factors such as womens education and urbanisation. Wired reports.

Taking these into account, journalist John Ibbitson and political scientist Darrell Bricker say in Empty Planet, the population in 2050 will be nine million, not 11 million.

MORE: Son charged with murder of kind mum found dead in her own home

MORE: Just one in 450 fly-tipping cases in England lead to a prosecution

China is facing warnings of a declining population, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences warned this week  with a contraction due to begin in 2027.

Bricker told Wired that womens education will help to limit and reduce the birth rate.

Bricker said, So you can say that the old models always worked in the past, but what if the past is not prologue?

What if were moving into a different cultural moment? What if its accelerating?

And what if that cultural moment really is about the personal decisions women make about their lives?

Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK
Tokyo (AFP) - There is still time to find a solution to Britain's exit from the EU, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday, voicing optimism on a political deal over the tricky "backstop" that has stymied progress.

Speaking to Japanese and German business leaders in Tokyo, Merkel stressed that "on the one hand, time is pressing" and businesses using "just-in-time" delivery processes could not afford lengthy customs procedures.

However, she added: "From a political point of view, there is still time. Two months is not a long time but there is still time, and this should be used by all sides."

Britain is poised to leave the EU at the end of March following a 2016 referendum.

Merkel acknowledged the issue of the unpopular Northern Ireland backstop provision was "complicating" Brexit talks.

The backstop is intended to ensure there is no return to a hard border with Ireland, but Brexit supporters fear it will keep Britain tied to EU customs rules.

She said the issue with the backstop was a "problem that is precisely defined and therefore one should be able to find a precisely defined solution".

"But this solution depends on the question of what the future relationship between Britain and the EU will be like and what type of trade deal we sign with each other," added the chancellor.

Throwing the ball into London's court, she stressed: "It will be very important for us to know what exactly the British side sees as its future relationship with the EU."

After meeting Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe Monday, she urged "creativity" and "goodwill" to find a solution.

However, she was clear that any solution could only come via the political declaration attached to the withdrawal agreement -- rather than re-opening talks on the actual exit deal.

There are concerns in London that any tweaks to the political declaration will not be legally binding.

Story continues

Her Monday comments were seen as conciliatory and boosted the pound as British Prime Minister Theresa May prepares to engage in further talks with EU officials to break the Brexit deadlock as the exit date approaches.

A top EU official, however, sounded the alarm bell after talks with British MPs.

Martin Selmayr, the right-hand man of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, said the meeting had confirmed the view that the EU was right to start in December 2017 preparations for a "no-deal" Brexit.

Merkel said relations between Britain and the EU bloc were currently strong and would remain that way.

"Over the last two years during which we have been dealing with Britain's exit, we have worked more closely together than during several years when Britain was a member of the European Union," she quipped to laughter.
General Motors Company GM is working on feasibility conditions to invest $2.73 billion (10 billion reais) in Brazil within four years, per Reuters. This billion-dollar investment plan is expected to begin in 2020 and last until 2024. The company has added that it is about to complete theexisting investment plan of 13 billion reais in 2019, which began in 2014.

The U.S. automaker is in talks with Brazilsunions, suppliers, dealers and the government for its additional investment of 10 billion reais for the development of factories at Sao Caetano do Sul and Sao Jose dos Campos.

In the last month, General Motors announced that further investment in the emerging economy would depend on its profitability. The company also informed that it was in talks with Sao Paulo state for tax incentives. Further, this automaker warned employees that it might opt for sacrifices to turn its operation in Brazil into a profitable one. The announcement raised concerns about job cuts and closing assembly lines among employees.

General Motors Company Price and Consensus

General Motors Company Price and Consensus | General Motors Company Quote

The company aims to attain a sustainable future with its Brazilian investments to face challenges in the competitive industry. Per Valor Economico, General Motors is likely to invest in its Brazilian product line until 2022 and is expected to enjoy tax incentives beginning 2023. Despite holding a leading position in the Brazilian market, the company witnessed loss of 1 billion reais in 2018.

Of late, consumers higher disposable income in developing nations has led to rising vehicle sales in these economies. Additionally, weakening sales in developed countries pushed carmakers to focus on developing economies to sustain their businesses.

In January 2019, General Motors announced that it plans to introduce eight vehicle models, with shared designs and components in emerging economies, consisting China, Brazil and Mexico. Launching these models will replace the existing vehicles that cannot be manufactured efficiently.

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Despite high tariff-related costs and weakening demand in China, the company expects to surpass earnings in 2018. It anticipates earnings to exceed the previously mentioned $5.80-$6.20 per share in 2018. General Motors is scheduled to announce fourth-quarter and 2018 earnings on Feb 6.

For 2019, this Detroit-based automaker pinned high hopes on its new vehicle line-ups of trucks, crossovers and SUVs. In fact, the company expects earnings of $6.50-$7.00 per share this year compared with the previously stated range for 2018. Further, it expects adjusted cash free cash flow of $4.5-$6 billion for2019.

Price Performance

Over the past three months, shares of General Motors have gained 6.8% against the industrys decrease of 2.1%.

Zacks Rank &Other Stocks to Consider

General Motors currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). A few other top-ranked stocks in the broader auto sector are Oshkosh Corporation OSK, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. HMC, and Meritor, Inc. MTOR, each presently carrying a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Oshkosh Corporation has an expected long-term growth rate of 14.6%. The companys stock has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in fiscal 2019 being revised 5% upward over the past seven days.

Honda has an expected long-term growth rate of 2.9%. The companys stock has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in fiscal 2019 being revised 2% upward over the past seven days.

Meritor has an expected growth rate of 9.9% for the current fiscal year. The companys stock has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in fiscal 2019 being revised 4% upward over the past seven days.

Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2019

In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-holds for the year?

Who wouldn't? Our annual Top 10s have beaten the market with amazing regularity. In 2018, while the market dropped -5.2%, the portfolio scored well into double-digits overall with individual stocks rising as high as +61.5%. And from 2012-2017, while the market boomed +126.3, Zacks' Top 10s reached an even more sensational +181.9%.

See Latest Stocks Today >>



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



General Motors Company (GM) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Oshkosh Corporation (OSK) : Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



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Townsville (Australia) (AFP) - Two bodies were discovered in Australia's flood-ravaged northeast on Tuesday as continuing heavy rain prompted authorities to warn of further flash flooding in the hours ahead.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison toured the region where "once-in-a-century" floods have inundated thousands of homes and closed airports and schools, leaving cars and houses submerged.

As stormwaters receded in some areas, he warned of a difficult recovery ahead.

"It's just going to be tough, going to be tough for a while," Morrison said, expressing sympathy for young families who had lost their homes.

"The real work is to make sure that they can get through the clean-up and rebuild their lives."

In hard-hit Townsville, more than 650 people have been evacuated from their homes and about 11,000 houses remained without power Tuesday. Around 9,000 more have asked for help.

Police said late Tuesday that two bodies had been discovered in Townsville floodwaters following a search for two men in their 20s, who were last seen during the peak of the deluge early Monday.

There seems little prospect of an immediate respite from what locals call the "Big Wet".

"We expect this active monsoon to remain active for the coming days, potentially easing over the weekend, so there is an end in sight," said Richard Wardle of Queensland's Bureau of Meteorology.

"But we are expecting further periods of heavy rainfall, some of it very heavy, about the north-east tropics for the next few days... with that there is the real elevated risk of flash flooding."

Local gym instructor Rebecca Chilmaid described the scale of the devastation, of people left "without clothes, cars, their homes, everything".

"People and businesses have lost everything," she told AFP. "I sit and struggle to keep tears from falling thinking about it."

Australia's tropical north typically experiences heavy rains during the monsoon season, but the recent downpour has seen some areas get a year's worth of rainfall in just a week.

Story continues

"Last night it was crazy," Bluewater resident Michael Nieminen, some 30 kilometres (18 miles) northwest of Townsville, told national broadcaster ABC.

"We had another lot of flash flooding come through, we had water come right up in the backyard again, similar to last week, not as high, luckily, but a lot of rain and a lot of water upstream," he added.

The authorities were forced to open floodgates of a major dam late Sunday, unleashing what they called "dangerous and high velocity flows".

As waters began to recede Tuesday in some areas, authorities were warning people of the dangers of returning home, not least thanks to the risk of encountering crocodiles.

"Do not go swimming in those floodwaters," Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

"And when the clean-up begins, you need to make sure that you are wearing closed-in boots and that you do not have any scratches or anything exposed."
By Regis Duvignau and Claude Canellas BAYONNE, France (Reuters) - In the Basque Country town of Bayonne, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, French police are struggling to stem a growing flow of migrants crossing the snow-capped mountains that straddle the border between France and Spain. Spain became a major entry point for Africans fleeing war and poverty after a populist government took power in Italy early last year and largely shut down ports to migrants. More than 58,000 migrants landed in Spain by boat in 2018, according to the International Organization for Migration, nearly triple the previous year and eclipsing for the first time the numbers passing through North Africa to Italy. Many head north and cross the French frontier hidden in trucks, riding buses or on foot, crossing mountains whose highest peak rises to 3,400 meters (11,000 feet) and where winter temperatures often fall below zero. "My colleagues are professionals but they become despondent when they run searches, take migrants back over the border, only for them to re-enter. It's like emptying an ocean with a spoon," said Patrice Peyruqueou, a police official in France's southwestern Pyrenees-Atlantiques region. Lack of resources meant police could not monitor all border crossing points around-the-clock, Peyruqueou added. "SAVING MY SKIN" The European Union has struggled to resolve tensions among member states over migration policy, even as overall numbers arriving from Africa and the Middle East have declined sharply. With Spain a flashpoint, Bayonne, 40 km (25 miles) north of the border, is grappling with a humanitarian situation that is stretching the town's finances and pitting mayor Jean-Rene Etchegaray against the local interior ministry representative. In the New Year, Etchegaray asked the local prefect for funds to help finance the running of a reception center dubbed "La Pausa" where up to 150 migrants at any one time can rest for three days, receiving food handouts and donated clothes. But the interior ministry's then local prefect, Gilbert Payet, refused support for the center, arguing it helped encourage the movement of migrants across France. Etchegaray was stunned. "It's a question of humanity," he told a local radio station. Somali teenager Mokhtar fled his homeland 18 months ago, but not before a policeman shot the 18-year-old in the thigh and then his lower leg after word got around he intended to leave. "He said that would make it harder for me to run," Mokhtar recounted. "I left to save my own skin." The youngster followed a route increasingly used by human traffickers, crossing the Sahara desert to Libya before heading west along the coast to Morocco then making a perilous traverse of the Straits of Gibraltar. He then wound his way north through Spain before reaching the French border. "I don't know how many times they took me back to the Spanish side," he said. Eventually, a motorist helped him cross. Now he dreams of a normal life. "Just the other day," he said, "I had toothache and for the first time in my life I was taken to a dentist." (Writing by Richard Lough; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
Riley, Keegan, Tilly and Olly all died in the fire

Four children aged between three and eight have died in a house fire in Staffordshire.

Two adults and a fifth child are being treated in hospital for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening following the blaze in Stafford.

Police and emergency services were called to reports of a fire on Sycamore Lane in the Highfields area at 2.40am on Tuesday.

Police confirmed that three boys, aged three, six and eight, died in the fire alongside a four-year-old girl.

They were named locally as Riley, Keegan, Tilly and Olly. Neighbours said their two-year-old brother, named locally as Jack, survived the fire with mother Natalie Unitt, 24, and her partner, Chris Moulton, 28.

The fire brigade said a man, a woman and a child jumped from a first floor window of the house.

Part of the roof has collapsed with the windows smashed and the inside appearing to have been blackened by smoke.

The fire happened on Tuesday morning (Picture: SWNS)

The scene of a house fire in Sycamore Lane, Stafford, which claimed the lives of four children.(Picture: PA)

Chief Inspector John Owen of Staffordshire Police described the incident as absolutely heart breaking.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue are examining the scene and police have begun an investigation into the cause of the fire.

In a statement, police said: Our thoughts are with the family, who are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) were called by the fire service.

Two paramedic officers, three ambulances, the Trusts hazardous area response team, the Merit trauma team and a Basics emergency doctor attended the scene.

A spokeswoman for WMAS said: When crews arrived they found an ongoing serious house fire. Three occupants, two adults and a child, had managed to get out of the property.

Emergency services were called to a house fire in Stafford (Picture: SWNS)

Firefighters at the scene of the house fire (Picture: PA)

All three patients were assessed and treated on scene by ambulance staff for non-life threatening injuries before being taken to hospital for further care.

Tragically, four children from the property were confirmed dead on scene. Our thoughts are with the family at this exceptionally difficult time.

MORE: Son charged with murder of kind mum found dead in her own home

MORE: Just one in 450 fly-tipping cases in England lead to a prosecution

Story continues

A nearby resident described how a sheet of flames engulfed an upstairs window at the property.

The witness, who asked not to be named, said: We heard a bang and looked out of the back window upstairs.

At the start it was just a sheet of fire coming out of the bedroom window.

The neighbours came out and drove their car out of the back garden and there were lots of fire engines and police.

Residents said a woman aged in her mid-20s lived at the property with her partner and five children aged between two and eight.

Four children were killed in the fire (Picture: SWNS)

Police and firefighters at the scene of a house fire in Sycamore Lane, Stafford, which claimed the lives of four children (Picture: PA)

Another resident, who also didnt want to be named, said: The room at the back was completely full of flames.

We just stood there with our hands over our mouths wondering what was going to happen next.

A man and a woman got into an ambulance. They were in blankets and she had the little one in her arms.

Id assumed they had all got out. Its terribly sad, almost beyond belief.

Four children have died after the fire in Stafford (Picture: SWNS)

A friend of the childrens mother said she believed the family had lived at the end-terrace property for around six months, having moved there from another part of Stafford.

Neighbour Bryan Pickering, who lives about 40 yards from the scene of the fire, was among those who contacted the emergency services after spotting the blaze.

We were straight on to 999, he said. The flames were coming out that bad, there was nothing you could have done  even with a ladder.

Local woman Amanda Blagg visited the scene to lay flowers and a teddy in memory of the children.

Wiping away tears, the 38-year-old said: I saw the mum every day at the school  her son is in the nursery with my son.

I heard what had happened on the news and I just cried straight away. Its awful.

Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK
There are plenty of choices in the Mid Cap Blend category, but where should you start your research? Well, one fund that you should consider investigating is Fidelity OTC Portfolio (FOCPX). FOCPX holds a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 3 (Hold), which is based on nine forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance.

Objective

FOCPX is one of many funds to choose from. Because Mid Cap Blend mutual funds typically feature a portfolio filled with stocks of various sizes and styles, it allows for a diversification strategy focusing on companies with market caps between $2 billion and $10 billion. Mid-cap blends, while offering exciting growth potential, income opportunities, and value picks, offer some stability as well.

History of Fund/Manager

Fidelity is based in Boston, MA, and is the manager of FOCPX. Fidelity OTC Portfolio debuted in December of 1984. Since then, FOCPX has accumulated assets of about $10.85 billion, according to the most recently available information. The fund is currently managed by Sonu Kalra who has been in charge of the fund since September of 2017.

Performance

Obviously, what investors are looking for in these funds is strong performance relative to their peers. This fund carries a 5-year annualized total return of 12.32%, and is in the top third among its category peers. If you're interested in shorter time frames, do not dismiss looking at the fund's 3-year annualized total return of 11.43%, which places it in the top third during this time-frame.

When looking at a fund's performance, it is also important to note the standard deviation of the returns. The lower the standard deviation, the less volatility the fund experiences. Over the past three years, FOCPX's standard deviation comes in at 16.69%, compared to the category average of 11.06%. The fund's standard deviation over the past 5 years is 15.67% compared to the category average of 10.83%. This makes the fund more volatile than its peers over the past half-decade.

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Risk Factors

Investors cannot discount the risks to this segment though, as it is always important to remember the downside for any potential investment. In FOCPX's case, the fund lost 53.58% in the most recent bear market and underperformed its peer group by 4.74%. This means that the fund could possibly be a worse choice than its peers during a down market environment.

Even still, the fund has a 5-year beta of 1.18, so investors should note that it is hypothetically more volatile than the market at large. Another factor to consider is alpha, as it reflects a portfolio's performance on a risk-adjusted basis relative to a benchmark-in this case, the S&P 500. Over the past 5 years, the fund has a positive alpha of 2.68. This means that managers in this portfolio are skilled in picking securities that generate better-than-benchmark returns.

Holdings

Examining the equity holdings of a mutual fund is also a valuable exercise. This can show us how the manager is applying their stated methodology, as well as if there are any inherent biases in their approach. For this particular fund, the focus is largely on equities that are traded in the United States.

This fund is currently holding about 96.32% stock in stocks, with an average market capitalization of $355.89 billion. This fund's turnover is about 38%, so the fund managers are making fewer trades than its comparable peers.

Expenses

As competition heats up in the mutual fund market, costs become increasingly important. Compared to its otherwise identical counterpart, a low-cost product will be an outperformer, all other things being equal. Thus, taking a closer look at cost-related metrics is vital for investors. In terms of fees, FOCPX is a no load fund. It has an expense ratio of 0.88% compared to the category average of 1.05%. From a cost perspective, FOCPX is actually cheaper than its peers.

Investors need to be aware that with this product, the minimum initial investment is $0; each subsequent investment has no minimum amount.

Bottom Line

Overall, Fidelity OTC Portfolio ( FOCPX ) has a neutral Zacks Mutual Fund rank, and in conjunction with its comparatively strong performance, average downside risk, and lower fees, Fidelity OTC Portfolio ( FOCPX ) looks like a somewhat average choice for investors right now.

This could just be the start of your research on FOCPXin the Mid Cap Blend category. Consider going to www.zacks.com/funds/mutual-funds for additional information about this fund, and all the others that we rank as well for additional information. Want to learn even more? We have a full suite of tools on stocks that you can use to find the best choices for your portfolio too, no matter what kind of investor you are.



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Federal prosecutors subpoenaed President Trumps inaugural committee on Tuesday for documents regarding its funding and financial activity, writing that they are particularly interested in the possibility of donations made by foreign nationals.

The new investigation was opened by the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office in December and is separate from Special Counsel Robert Muellers Russia probe.

Prosecutors have requested a variety of documents related to who funded the committee, how it spent that money, and whether donors received inappropriate kickbacks. The committee raised a record $107 million from donors.

We have just received a subpoena for documents, a spokeswoman for the committee said. While we are still reviewing the subpoena, it is our intention to cooperate with the inquiry.

Prosecutors are investigating a laundry list of crimes, including conspiracy against the U.S., making false statements, mail and wire fraud, money laundering, disclosure violations, straw-donor violations, and illegal foreign donations. One point of interest is Imaad Zuberi, a Los Angeles financier who gave $900,000 to the committee through his private-equity firm and once registered as a foreign agent working on behalf of the Sri Lankan government, the subpoena said.

Its well known that after supporting President Obama and Hillary Clinton, that Imaad gave generously and directly to the Trump inaugural. But many others gave considerably more. For what its worth, Imaad, as always, gave only his own money from his own resources, said a spokesman for Zuberi.

The subpoena also requests information on inauguration attendees and whether they were promised photos with Trump.

The lead prosecutor named in the subpoena, Tom McKay, was one of the top prosecutors in the case of Trumps former attorney and longtime fixer, Michael Cohen.

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Virginia lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax on Monday called the sexual-assault allegation leveled against him Sunday night a smear and implied the claim was publicized by political enemies intent on blocking his ascent to the governorship.

Does anybody think its any coincidence that on the eve of potentially my being elevated that thats when this uncorroborated smear comes out? Fairfax told reporters at the state capitol when asked if he believed the claim, advanced by the liberal Collective PAC, that embattled governor Ralph Northams team disseminated the allegation.

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Fairfax is poised to assume the governorship should Northam cave to the mounting calls for his resignation, which began Friday after it was revealed that a photo depicting one man in blackface and another in Ku Klux Klan uniform was featured on his 1984 medical-school-yearbook page. Northam initially apologized and conceded that he did appear in the photo on Friday evening. Then, during a Saturday afternoon press conference, he rescinded the admission and said that, while he did not appear in the photo in question, he did darken his face with shoe polish for a Michael Jackson costume he wore in college.

Without naming him specifically, an unnamed woman accused a politician that fit Fairfaxs description of sexually assaulting her in a hotel room during the Democratic National Convention in 2004 in a post published Sunday night by Big League Politics, the right-wing website that first published the Northam yearbook photo.

Fairfax admitted to having a consensual sexual encounter with the woman in a Monday statement but denied ever having assaulted anyone, citing the Washington Postsrefusal to publish, and inability to corroborate, the womens claims as evidence of his innocence.

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(Reuters) - A slew of European nations this week joined the United States and other Western countries in recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, heightening a global showdown over Nicolas Maduro's rule. Guaido says the May 2018 vote in which Maduro won a second term was a sham and on Jan. 23 invoked a constitutional provision to declare himself president, promising free and fair elections. The 35-year-old has since won the support of many western nations although powerful countries such as Russia, China and Turkey continue to back Maduro and denounce what they call foreign meddling in Venezuela's domestic affairs. Below is a summary of the support enjoyed by each leader. MADURO - The top brass of Venezuela's military has shown no sign of leaving Maduro's side. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino has said Venezuela's armed forces disavow any self-proclaimed president. - Russia and China, which are major investors in Venezuela's oil industry and significant creditors to the indebted government, have stood by Maduro and criticized U.S. interference. The two blocked a push for the United Nations Security Council to back Guaido. - Turkey has also backed Maduro in contrast with its NATO allies while Iran has accused the United States of seeking "world hegemony." - The Venezuelan Supreme Court, stacked with Maduro loyalists, has remained solidly behind the socialist leader, ruling last month that all actions taken by the congress - led by Guaido - are null and void. - State oil company PDVSA, which accounts for most of Venezuela's export earnings, stood by Maduro. PDVSA President and Oil Minister Manuel Quevedo, a career military officer, said on Jan. 31 that Guaido was "a puppet" of the United States. - A few left-leaning governments in the region, including Cuba, Bolivia and Nicaragua, continue to back Maduro. Mexico, where leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took office last year, has dropped the previous government's opposition to Maduro and said it will follow a policy of non-intervention. - Both Mexico and Uruguay have called for dialogue between Venezuela's government and opposition for a resolution to the South American country's political crisis. GUAIDO - The United States recognized Guaido shortly after he proclaimed himself president, saying it would use its "economic and diplomatic power" to restore democracy in Venezuela. - Numerous right-leaning Latin American governments, including Brazil, Colombia and Argentina, also recognized Guaido shortly thereafter. - Britain, Germany, France and Spain and more than a dozen other members of the European Union recognized Guaido in a coordinated action on Feb. 4 following the expiration of an ultimatum they gave for Maduro to call a new presidential election. - Australia, Canada, Israel and Morocco also recognize the young leader. - There are some signs that support for the opposition is expanding beyond its traditional middle- and upper-class areas. Several protests against Maduro broke out in working-class neighborhoods last month, while many former Chavez and Maduro supporters have come out to opposition marches in the last 10 days. - Some low-ranking military officers have expressed discontent with the government. The government on Jan. 21 said it suppressed a military revolt after a group of officers stole weapons, kidnapped officers, and demanded Maduro's removal. - Air Force General Francisco Yanez became the first active general to openly recognize Guaido in a video that circulated on Feb. 2, although skeptics note Maduro had inflated the ranks of generals to as many as 2,000 during his rule. - Yanez's defection came after that of Venezuela's top military envoy to the United States a week earlier. (Reporting by Brian Ellsworth, Luc Cohen and Sarah Marsh; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien and Lisa Shumaker)
By Andrew MacAskill and Simon Jessop LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's financial services industry has emerged largely unscathed so far from the build-up to Brexit, with about 2,000 roles expected to have moved or been created overseas even as the risk of a disorderly exit grows, a new Reuters survey showed. Many bankers and politicians predicted Britains vote to leave the European Union in a 2016 referendum would prompt a mass exodus of jobs and business and deal a crippling blow to London's position in global finance. But the number of jobs UK-based financial institutions say they actually expect to shift overseas has fallen steeply from the 5,766 predicted to move in the event of a no-deal Brexit in the last survey in September. This new estimate is about a fifth of the 10,000 flagged in the first survey in September 2017. A no-deal Brexit would mean Britain leaving the European Union without an agreement on trade. Currently, the UK is on track for such a scenario because a deal giving London and Brussels a 21-month transition period to negotiate a trading relationship is at risk of collapse. Most bankers, however, are confident a compromise will be hammered out. They are waiting to see what will be agreed and what the relationship will be, before making any final decisions about relocations. The survey results are based on answers from 132 of the biggest or most internationally-focused banks, insurers, asset managers, private equity firms and exchanges to a survey conducted between Jan. 3 and Jan. 28. The jobs are equivalent to 0.5 percent of the 400,000 people who work in financial services in London. Meanwhile, top investment banks plan to hire far more people in London than anywhere else in Europe, indicating they expect Britain will remain their main regional hub, at least in the short term, a separate Reuters survey showed. "It will be a slow burn. We won't know what the full impact will look like for at least 10 years," said Catherine McGuinness, the de facto political leader of the municipal body that helps to run London's financial district, known as the City. "But the City is always changing and it will find a way to thrive." BREXIT BRINKMANSHIP Bankers' sanguine outlook comes even as the United Kingdom is on course to leave the EU in 52 days without a divorce deal, a step that could send shockwaves through financial markets. British lawmakers last week instructed Prime Minister Theresa May to renegotiate a Brexit divorce deal, a move that is fiercely opposed by other members of the bloc, meaning there is likely to be weeks of political brinkmanship. The survey findings suggest London, which has the largest number of banks and the largest commercial insurance market in the European Union, is likely to remain the region's center of international finance. The decision to leave the EU has jolted London's finance industry, which has been a critical artery for the flow of money around the world for centuries. Banks and insurers in Britain currently enjoy largely unfettered access to customers across the bloc in most financial activities. Elements long taken for granted, such as the right to buy and sell products in a single market, are suddenly in flux. Under a worst-case no-deal scenario, consultants Oliver Wyman predicted as many as 75,000 jobs could go, while the London Stock Exchange suggested two years ago that figure could be as high as 232,000. The future of London as Europe's financial center is one of the most important outcomes in the Brexit talks because it is Britain's largest export sector and biggest source of corporate tax revenue. Large investment banks are expected to have moved about 890 jobs, just under half the number expected by end-March, according to interviews with more than two dozen industry sources. Bank of America is moving about 200 employees to Paris by the end of February, according to sources. The bank declined to comment. But many other finance companies are holding off staff moves until the political situation becomes clearer. HSBC, which has publicly said up to 1,000 jobs could move to Paris, has so far not moved any staff, according to a source at the bank. Royal Bank of Scotland, which said it could move 150 employees to Amsterdam, also has not moved any employees, a source at the bank said. Under the terms of the current divorce deal, only a basic level of access to the bloc's markets will be maintained after Brexit, but if Britain decides to leave the EU next month without a trade deal this would mean no transition period to lessen the turmoil. A senior executive at one U.S. investment bank said they would have to potentially double or triple the number of staff moved overseas if Britain leaves the EU without a trade deal. So far, the executive added, the impact of Brexit had been much less than expected and was less of a concern than the slowing economy in China and political upheaval in the United States. "It's a real pain in the arse, but it's a technical problem, it's solvable," the executive said. Ninety of the companies that responded said they would have to move staff or restructure their businesses because of Brexit, although only 59 specified numbers. The rest said it would have no impact or they were still deciding what to do or they declined to comment. For the first time since Reuters started surveying City financiers on their job plans, a handful said there was a possibility Brexit might not happen at all because of the lack of agreement within British politics over how an exit can be engineered. But the companies said they would not reverse the job moves if Britain were to remain in the EU. "The issue of political risk has become a really significant issue," McGuinness said. "Even if you turned Brexit back, which I cant see happening, I think we have damaged our international image and we are going to have to work very hard to regain it." (Additional reporting by Sinead Cruise and Jonathan Saul in London, Noor Zainab Hussain and Arathy S Nair in Bangalore and Suzanne Barlyn in New York. Editing by Carmel Crimmins)
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The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. (NYSE: EL)

Q2 2019 Earnings Conference Call

Feb. 05, 2019, 9:30 a.m. ET

Contents:

Prepared Remarks

Questions and Answers

Call Participants

Prepared Remarks:

Operator

Good day, everyone and welcome to the Estee Lauder Companies Fiscal 2019 second quarter conference call. Today's call is being recorded and webcast. For opening remarks and introduction, I would now like to turn the call over to the Senior Vice President of Investor Relations, Ms. Rainey Mancini.

Rainey Mancini -- Senior Vice President, Investor Relations

Good morning. On today's call are Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Tracey Travis, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Since many of our remarks today contain forward-looking statements let me refer you to our press release and our reports filed with the FCC where you will find factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. To facilitate the discussion of our underlying business, commentary on our financial results and expectations is before restructuring and other charges, goodwill and other intangible asset impairment, changes in contingent consideration, the finalization of provisional charges related to the U.S. tax law enacted at the end of calendar 2017, and the new accounting standard for revenue recognition. All net sales [inaudible] numbers are in constant currency. You can find reconciliations between gap and non-gap figures in our press release and on the investors section of our website.

During the Q and A session, we ask that you please limit yourself to one question so we can respond to all of your questions within the time schedule for this call. And now I'll turn the call over to Fabrizio.

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Fabrizio Freda  President and Chief Executive Officer

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Thank you, Rainey. Good morning, everyone. We delivered excellent results in our second quarter as multiple engines of growth drove close to currency double-digit gains in sales and earning per share led by strong advances in our product categories, brands, countries, and channels. We strategically invested in the most promising opportunities in our reach digital contact engaged consumers attracting them to our high quality and novelty products. Overall, net sales grew 11% and for the first time exceed $4 billion in a quarter.

We achieved this milestone despite an extremely challenging and volatile environment, which included softness in two of our largest markets, the U.S. and the U.K., and global trade sanctions. This is a testament to our strategic resource location, superb execution by our talented employees and improved capabilities throughout the organization.

We leveraged our strengths where we had the greatest growth opportunities, including China and travel retail. And we further broadened and diversified our growth engines with strong results in the rest of Asia and emerging markets. In our fast-growing channel and most brands. The benefit from our Leading Beauty Forward Initiative allowed us to deliver savings and selectively increase our advertising spending, which in turn supported our [inaudible] line growth and enabled us to leverage our growth structure. The earning per share rose 25%, more than twice our sales pace. Importantly we accelerated our share growth in global prestige beauty in the quarter, which confirmed our strategy has enabled us to gain share profitably. Within our outstanding results and ongoing confident that we will continue to effectively execute our winning strategy, we are raising our sales and EPS guidance for the year. We now expect sales growth of 8 to 9% and EPS gains of 14 to 16% for fiscal 2019.

In the recent quarter, we benefited from many growth engines throughout our business supported by strong product innovation and effective marketing, which was informed by improved customer insights and data analytics. Our innovation program is getting stronger. We have developed more robust data and are using it to focus on top priority areas and create highly desired products. The proof is evident in sales of our new launches. We have reached an all-time high of nearly 30% of our business. And we've become even more sophisticated marrying analytical insight with our innate creativity. We believe our innovation has the potential to reach new heights. Also thanks to the improved speed to market.

Over time consumer command for different kinds of beauty products fluctuates, and skin care is currently the fastest growing category globally. With agility, we deployed more of our resources into this area. Our skin care sales grew sharply. While our make-up and hair care categories also posted healthy gains. Our luxury and artisanal fragrance brands were stars in the fragrance area. But the category declines slightly because of some designer fragrances. Estee Lauder Beautiful Belle was a popular new scent during holiday gifting season.

Three of our largest brands grew globally, validating consumer loyalty to powerful, authentic, well-established brands especially when supported by compelling innovation and strong hero products. Momentum continued in our Estee Lauder brand, which climbed double digits for the seventh consecutive quarter. The brand delivered double-digit increases in every region and a stellar performance in both skin care and makeup led by its hero franchises.

MAC gains were led by a strong international showing, and it continued to pivot to fast-growing channels with greater penetration online and specialty multi.

La Mer continued its superior results. It gained shares in every region in luxury skin care fueled by growing consumer loyalty to its beloved products and effective digital campaigns that recruited many new consumers.

Clinique continued to make good progress. Although it's overall results were impacted by declines in North America brick and mortar department stores including the closure of Bon-Ton. Nonetheless Clinique's skin care sales rose globally on the strands of several key franchises, and we are optimistic about its skin care growth in the coming quarters reflecting expected strong performance from recently launched innovations. Clinique new Hydrating Jelly and Dramatically Different Moisturizer franchise achieved terrific results across the globe.

The brand's newest innovation, Clinique iD, is a breakthrough product line that is custom fit for consumer needs by offering 15 combinations of different moisturizers and treatments. It launched in the last week of the quarter and is off to a very encouraging start, exceeding our expectation in many markets. Clinique iD has the potential to become one of our company's most exciting launches and addressed consumer growing desire for more personalization.

Looking at other brands in our diverse portfolio, our Tom Ford luxury brand resonated very well with consumers. And fragrance brands Jo Malone London, Le Labo, Frederic Malle, and KILIAN achieved double-digit growth. Two-phased further expanded internationally and remained highly ranked in the U.S. specialty multi-channel.

A key strategy behind our brand success is creating a significant base of profitable repeat business from devoted consumers while attracting new users with compelling innovations and marketing. And then the quality of our products turns them into lifelong fans. Many of our brands thrive in a broad range of markets with diverse consumer needs showing the power of their global appeal layered with locally relevant insights.

We have developed robust analytics and are using the data to help inform our innovation and our communications. Together with compelling storytelling, macro influencers, and digital advertising we can now better engage the consumers through our product offerings and marketing. Asia-pacific continued strong growth at a double-digit rate. China led the advance. Hong Kong and Japan had solid gains. Our sales in Korea accelerated. Virtually every brand generated higher sales in the region, both in net and retail, boosted by the hero product and successful, locally relevant innovations. Luxury brands had been in high demand in China, and our sales mirror that trend as they increased strongly. We continued to build share as prestige beauty further accelerated in the market. Every brand, category, and major channel grew double digits.

Makeup has been gaining favor among Chinese consumers. It now represents nearly one-third of our mix of business. Within prestige makeup Estee Lauder, MAC, and Tom Ford were especially popular and gained significant market share. Online has been growing sharply for many quarters and now accounts for more than one-third of our sales in China. We had superb results on [inaudible] and with growing interest in makeup, MAC was the number one prestige makeup brands on [inaudible] during the entire calendar 2018, and has become number two in prestige makeup in the total market. Demand for prestige beauty from Chinese consumer has remained strong. In spite of market issues and potential risks to the economy including higher tariffs, [inaudible] and more oversight on Chinese travelers who buy goods offshore for resale domestically. So far, we have not seen an impact and remain optimistic about the long term health and resilience of prestige beauty in China. The industry will be driven by favorable demographics, and we are confident that the large and growing middle class in China will remain passionate about high-quality beauty products. We note also that other actions such as the announced tax cuts have the potential to sustain consumer consumption over the next few years.

Beyond China, our success in Asia was widespread as we further diversified our growth engines in the region. Our strategy in Japan is to broaden our target consumer reach beyond our primary department store channel. We made excellent progress further penetrating specialty multi and online and had rapid growth in those fast-growing channels. With strong fragrance growth in Korea, we gained share. Led by our high-end brands by KILIAN, Tom Ford, and Jo Malone.

Our business advanced in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region with good underlying momentum in most markets. We had gains in most emerging markets with large improvement in the Middle East. And delivered increased sales in the group of developed western markets. Even though prestige beauty in North America was challenging during the last month of the holiday season influenced also by the government shut and weak storm market that impacted consumer's sentiment. There were several bright spots in our businesses.

Several brands expanded farther in Ulta where we have seen strong growth including Estee Lauder, MAC, Clinique, and Bumble and bumble. Many of our brands' holiday sales were popular including Estee Lauder blockbuster, which sold through early on. We saw strong retail sales on department store and specialty multi e-commerce sites as well on our own brand sites.

Our global digital agenda is working well and is a key enabler of our company's strategy. We continued to support our brands with compelling social media programs, technology advances, and growing online initiatives. Across our e-commerce business, our orders [inaudible] increased and 125 million global visits to our brand sites during the quarter made them highly valuable media outfits. Sales on our brand sites, retailer sites, and third-party sites all grew double digits. Several brands had record-breaking days online during the holiday period in North America. For example, Estee Lauder, La Mer, and Aveda generated sales records on their sites on Black Friday. And Clinique's Cyber Monday event was its largest ever.

In China, single day activations boosted many of our brands online. Sales on our brand stores on that day in November rose nearly 80% and Estee Lauder and MAC were among the top 5 performers in total prestige beauty. In Europe, we experience strong demand for our products on third party sites including Aesops in the U.K. and Zalando in several markets in Europe. Our global travel retail business remained robust. Thirteen of our brands grew double digits at retail. All categories grew and [inaudible] sales were strong. Our retail sales rose several times more than the pace of global passenger traffic growth, and we lifted our business with successful exclusive product.

La Mer, for example, leveraged the opportunity to reach travelers who arrived in the U.K. on new flights from China. As a result, its travel business in the U.K. skyrocketed. Traveling consumers are showing an increased interest in the convenience of ordering products online before departing on their trips. Our online travel retrial business known as pretail sales increased dramatically. It started to account for a meaningful share of our business where it is available and is increasingly converting travelers into buyers. In addition, we are working with travel retail partners to develop alternative online selling models into the channel. To build on these exciting opportunities our brands are now building digital campaigns specifically for travel retail.

International passenger traffic is expected to continue to increase in the next two quarters, and we have plans to expand our brand presence in airports. For example, we plan to open more doors for our newest artisanal fragrance brands in our new millennial focus makeup brands like Too Faced and BECCA.

In closing, we are very pleased with our progress this quarter. And in the first six months of our fiscal year, many of our key brands and countries delivered terrific growth. China remained very strong. The Middle East improved. And our momentum expanded in other emerging markets. Our two fastest-growing channels, online and travel retail, kept up their rapid pace globally. Our innovations were highly successful, and our hero franchises continued to support growth across the portfolio. We are proud of our financial results and share gains in global prestige beauty and increasing our guidance even while recognizing certain geopolitical and economic risks in the short term.

At the same time, I want to emphasize that historically prestige beauty has been less sensitive to economic downturns, because it is an affordable luxury driven by repeated purchases and loyalty. Long term our industry has strong fundamentals including favorable demographics that should drive solid growths for years to come.

In the next two quarters, we plan to invest more behind our innovation to further build our share, to continue fueling our innovation's success we expect to invest behind important new product launches such as Clinique iD, upcoming innovations, and popular products and are leveraging our brands during Chinese New Year with robust advertising dollars in beautiful dedicated products. We are also allocating additional resources to strengthen our capabilities throughout our business.

Our strategy is to further build our global share and drive long term profitable growth. We are very well positioned to succeed. Over the last few years, we have streamlined our organization to better capitalize on global opportunities. We have unleashed savings from Leading Beauty Forward and other programs that we plan to invest in the most exciting opportunities to strengthen our leadership and to continue driven profitability. We operate our business with a long term view and a [inaudible] in our outlook thanks to our diverse brand portfolio, wide global reach, and talented employees who are successfully executing our winning strategy. We believe the fiscal year of 2019 will be another year of exciting sales gain in double-digit EPS growth. Now I will turn the call over to Tracey.

Tracey T. Travis -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Thank you, Fabrizio, and good morning, everyone. First I will review our fiscal 2019 second-quarter financial results, and then cover our expectations for the third quarter and for the full year. As a reminder, my commentary today includes the adjustments that were mentioned at the beginning of the call by Rainey. All net sales growth numbers I will discuss are in constant currency and comparable accounting methods unless otherwise stated. Also, as a reminder, we adopted the new accounting standard for revenue recognition, ASC 606, this fiscal year on a modified retrospective basis. For the quarter, the impact decreased our sales growth by 2 percentage points, our operating profit growth by 7 points, and our diluted EPS by $0.11.

And now for the quarter results. Net sales for the second quarter rose 11% with broad-based growth across most regions and product categories. From a geographic standpoint, our Asia-Pacific region had robust net sales growth this quarter. Net sales overall rose 20% with many markets experiencing double-digit increases. Sales in China and Hong Kong grew very strong double digits with most brands, categories, and channels contributing to growth. Our sales in department stores in China continued to grow strong double digits and other channels, especially online, rose even faster. We also achieved excellent mid-single digit sales growth in Japan and Korea with growth across all channels including department stores, specialty multi, and online. And other markets such as Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia also contributed to the region's growth with our sales in Australia declining slightly.

Net sales in our Europe, the middle east, and Africa region rose 16% driven by strong double-digit increases in both our global travel retail sector and our emerging markets in the region. Double-digit like door growth across most brands drove the majority of the increase in travel retail. And expanded consumer reach for brands such as Jo Malone London, Tom Ford, and MAC also contributed to growth.

Outside of travel retail the Middle East, turkey, and Russia led our emerging market's growth in the [inaudible] region. Western European growth was mixed with Greece and Italy particularly strong and Germany more challenged. Our U.K. business declined 2% as macro issues dampened consumer spending including the uncertainty over Brexit with the greatest impact felt across brick and mortar distribution. The online business remained a brighter spot as consumers continue to shift their spending to online.

In online we had solid growth across most retailed and third party sites. House of Fraser, one of our largest department store customers in the U.K., has been reorganizing under new ownership and we, therefore, reestablished trading with them in November.

Net sales in the Americas declined 3%, excluding $22 million in prior year sales to Bon-Ton the region's sales would've declined 1%. North America continued to achieve solid growth online with strengths across both retailer and brand sites. With much of brick and mortar sales in North America softened in December, net sales in the specialty multi-channel continued to grow particularly in Ulta.

Latin America sales were flat overall as growth in Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina was offset by a decline in Venezuela. Skin care, again, led product category growth this quester. Net sales grew 22% with very strong global contributions from the Estee Lauder and La Mer brands. Both brands had successful new products, as well as growth in existing franchises. Our origins brand also delivered a terrific performance in Asia and travel retail reflecting increasing demands for the brand's key product line.

Net sales in makeup grew 6% led by strong demand for double wear foundation in Asia and travel retail, as well as a greater focus on makeup in our U.S. holiday offering. MAC and Tom Ford continued to resonate with Chinese consumers, and BECCA saw double-digit gains from its holiday program and other new products. Net sales of fragrances declined 1% as declines in designer and Estee Lauder fragrances offset gains in luxury and artisanal brands. Our hair care net sales rose 6% primarily driven by Aveda's recent launches and strong online sales.

Our gross margin declined 250 basis points compared to the second quarter last year due entirely to the impact of the new accounting standards, which negatively impacted our gross margin by 240 basis points through the reclassification of samples, testers, and collateral to cost of goods from operating expenses. Additionally, favorable mixed impacts of 88 basis points were mostly offset by adverse foreign currency and obsolescence. Operating expenses as a percent of sales improved 280 basis points. Major drivers of the improvement include 180 basis points related to the new accounting standard for revenue recognition, 130 basis points from lower selling costs, and 90 basis points saving in general and administrative costs. We reinvested 120 basis points more in ASP to drive the business and still realized expense rate improvement. Operating incomes rose 8% and operating margin increased by 20 basis points. Excluding the impact of the new accounting standard, operating income rose 15% and operating margin increased 120 basis points. Diluted EPS of $1.74 increased 14% compared to the prior year and grew 18% in constant currency. Earnings per share for the quarter included $0.05 of unfavorable currency translation. Diluted EPS excluding the impact of the accounting change was $1.86, an increase of 22% compared to the prior year or 25% in constant currency.

For the six months, we generated $1.27 billion in net cash flows from operating activities, which was slightly below the prior year due primarily to investment in inventory to support our international growth and some timing differences in payables and receivables. We invested $292 million in capital expenditures and we returned significant cash to shareholders. We used $1.13 billion to repurchase 8.2 million shares of our stock. And we paid $297 million in dividends, essentially doubling the value of stockholder distributions this year compared to the first six months of last year. During December we took impairment charges of $38 million for goodwill and other intangible assets related to the Smashbox brand. This action reflects a slowdown in the brand's makeup sales driven by increased competitive activity and slower than expected growth in key retail channels for the brand. The charges represent less than 20% of the current value of Smashbox's goodwill and other intangible assets.

Now, let's turn to our outlook for the third quarter and for the full fiscal year. We've had an outstanding first half, which should reinforce confidence in our full-year guidance; however that are still a number of macro risks and opportunities encompassed in our outlook for the second half. These include uncertainties caused by political instability and soft economies in certain markets including the U.K. and Europe with a Brexit deadline impending shortly, soft January retail trends in some areas of the U.S. also influenced by the government shutdown, strong but somewhat moderating growth in China and travel retail, the impact of expected additional tariffs in China, and comps in the U.S. easing as the impact of Bon-Ton sales in the prior year decline in our second half.

As Fabrizio mentioned, given the strong first half performance, we are raising our expectation for full-year net sales growth to 8% to 9% in constant currency, excluding the impact of the new accounting standard. currency translation is expected to negatively affect reported sales growth by 3 percentage points reflecting rated of 1.147 for the Euro, 1.283 for the Pound, and 6.874 Won for the full fiscal year. We now expect the impact of the new accounting standard to be immaterial to net sales growth for the full year. We are raising our EPS expectation to a range of $4.92 to $5.00 before restructuring and other charges. This does reflect a slightly lower effective tax rate estimates of 22%, approximately $0.22 of dilution from currency translation, and $0.01 dilution from the new accounting standard in constant currency and with comparable accounting, we expect EPS to rise by 14% to 16%.

For the third quarter net sales are expected to increase approximately 8% to 9% in constant currency in using comparable accounting. Currency translation is expected to negatively impact growth by 5 percentage points, and the accounting change is forecasted to add two points to growth. Therefore, we expect reported net sales to grow between 5% and 6%. EPS is forecasted between $1.26 and $1.28 before restructuring charges. This includes approximately $0.09 of dilution from currency and a $0.18 benefit from the new accounting standard. With a strong first half of the fiscal year behind us, we are focused on investing further behind key launches, digital outreach, and brand expansion to support future growth in North America and continued strength in other markets. We have the flexibility to make these investments in our second half while delivering another successful year of solid top line growth, margin expansion, and double-digit EPS growth as reflected in our increased guidance for the year.

...

And that concludes our prepared remarks. We'll be happy to take your questions at this time.

Questions and Answers:

Operator

The floor is now open for questions. If you have a question, you simply press the "*" key followed by the 1 on your touchtone telephone. Questions will be taken in the order in which they were received. To ensure everyone has the opportunity to ask their questions, we will limit each person to one question. Time permitting, we will return to you for additional questions. Just queue up once again by pressing the "*" key and the digit 1. Our first question today comes from the line of Olivia Tong with Bank of America.

Olivia Tong -- Bank of America -- Senior Equity Analyst

Thanks, good morning. I wanted to start on China, because the growth there obviously continues to be fairly impressive. First, if you could talk about the overall environment because some of your [inaudible] are also saying that they haven't seen the slow down yet. But in terms of your performance, how much do you think the environment has held up better than feared versus the actions you are taking? Growing market share, positioning yourself in faster-growing channels, launching more brands, more online initiatives, all these things. And can you give us a sense of where your company's growth is versus what's come from new brand launches into either the market or also online? Thanks.

Fabrizio Freda -- President and Chief Executive Officer

Okay. So, the environment on prestige beauty, I want to be clear, is strong. Actually, as we said in our prepared remarks, the prestige beauty market in the quarter has further accelerated growth. And our performance within that market is very, very strong, because we continue to be market share even in an accelerated market. So, to answer directly your question our program is working very well. And we are very satisfied so there is a lot of our specific activity which is working. That's why we are growing market share. But the market also remains solid. This is the prestige beauty market. It's not necessarily the total economy, which is different which shows that prestige beauty is particularly resilient in China versus the total market. This comes from the passion of consumers for the category, from the growth of the middle class, and very importantly from the role of young people in the role of the Chinese consumer base.

China is a very special market where the young generation is consuming more than their parents in many areas, but particularly in prestige beauty. Where the market share of prestige and luxury in the young generation is bigger than the market in prestige and luxury in the more adult consumer. That's why prestige beauty in this moment is doing well and is also, in general, more resilient than other categories in China.

Operator

Your next question comes from Ali Dibadj with Bernstein.

Ali Dibadj -- Bernstein -- Equity Research Analyst

Hey guys. So, I want to better understand and maybe help quantify what is actually in the expectation in your guidance along three dimensions. One is North America. Can you talk a little bit about that by channel? It looked like specialty multi slowed a little bit. I want to get a sense of growth there by [inaudible]. Two is again just on China. Tracey, I think you mentioned, somewhat moderating, a solid but somewhat moderating in China. I just don't understand what you put into your guidance there. And then any more you can give us about the return on those investments you're making in the second half. Try to help us understand the expectation you're setting on guidance. Thank you.

Tracey T. Travis -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

I'll start in terms of the Americas in the second half. In general, we are expecting slightly improved performance in the second half from the Americas region and in particular in the U.S. for a couple of reasons. One, obviously as we mentioned we are not anniversaring the Bon-Ton shipments from the first half of last year. That will represent some improvement. At the same time, were cognisant of the fact that January, you know as we mentioned in our prepared remarks, Ali, has been quite soft. And anything from weather-related issues to obviously the government shutdown I think has impacted consumers' sentiment in the U.S. in the third. We also have very strong innovations that as I mentioned we are supporting globally. Clinique iD being one of them and really focused on our largest brands, some of which will be announced later. And that also will  we expect those to do quite well and we are investing incremental advertising in the second half in North America behind those programs. So, from a channel standpoint, we expect some improvement in department stores, continued good performance in specialty multi, in particular with the traction we've seen in Ulta and Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada and a few other and online. Online continues to grow nicely across all of the channels of distribution. Retailer.com as well as our own brand.com sites.

In terms of the return on the investments that we're seeing in the second half. You know, we obviously have a tremendous amount of experience, and Fabrizio suggested in his prepared remarks that the improvements that we've made internally in terms of our data analytics. So, we have lots of information to inform not only the new products that we're launching in the second half of the year but how to communicate, and what to invest behind in terms of marketing those products, and what generates the highest return. So, that is a continual area of increasing improvement for us. And obviously, as we have seen in the first half, we've shown that we actually have a good return on the investments that we've made in that area.

Operator

Your next question comes from Wendy Nicholson with Citi.

Wendy Nicholson -- Citigroup -- Analyst

Hi, good morning. Can you talk about the margin on skincare? I mean, it's phenomenal and I guess if you can unpack that a little bit. Is it more driven by channel? Is there less promotion is that? Is that a function of Leading Beauty Forward? Is it the growth in China and you just have to spend less to support the brands there? Just trying to get a sense for a 30-plus% operating margin in skin care. How sustainable is that going to be going forward? Thank you.

Tracey T. Travis -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

So, I'll start and Fabrizio may add to it, Wendy. But thanks for the question. So, skin care grew at 22% in the quarter. And that's a combination of great innovation. The investment that we put behind skin care in all markets but in particular where we saw the greatest momentum, which was in Asia as well as in travel retail. And we saw the benefit from those results. So, that really is the predominant driver of the better margin in skin care. Skin care is also benefiting in the investments in Leading Beauty Forward both in terms of lower cost, as well as some of the investments we've made in digital and social capability internally that's allowed us to market the skin care products in a better way. Those are all contributing factors to skin care.

Fabrizio Freda -- President and Chief Executive Officer

And I just wanted to add that the profitability is also improving in skin care because the strong growth is leveraging our cost base in an amazing way. And the strong growth is generated by our much more accurate ability via the user data to identify target groups and ways to reach the target group be it a channel or an investment in advertising or digitalization. So the new model we are developing, which is more data based is making the growth stronger. And the stronger growth is leveraging our cost structure better. The other thing is  the second point is Leading Beauty Forward is really transforming our PNF structure and taking money from [inaudible] to advertising and we deem advertising and promotion to be clear, the entire increase is advertising. Promotions are flat despite our strong business growth. With that dynamic, advertising is much more flexible. Advertising is the resource that you can move from a working initiative, from taking down initiative which is not working and very far from a market, which has good momentum or out of a market that doesn't have good momentum. So, we have basically made our resources much easier to relocate with speed to the biggest opportunity around the globe. And this improved agility is increasing the return of our resources and this is very evident in this moment particularly of skin care.

Operator

Your next question comes from Steve Powers with Deutsche Bank.

Steve Powers -- Deutsche Bank -- Equity Research Analyst

Yes, hi. Can you hear me OK?

Tracey T. Travis -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Yes.

Steve Powers -- Deutsche Bank -- Equity Research Analyst

Okay, great, thanks. So, I actually wanted to follow up on Fabrizio's comments there surrounding Leading Beauty Forward. Both for an update on the benefits you're achieving as well as for more perspective on the costs of achieving them. I think if my math is correct and my records are correct since the start of the year you've raised your dissipated restructuring cost now by about 50% at the midpoint. Again, just hoping you can elaborate on what initiatives are driving that increase, what portion of those costs are cash and whether we should view this as you pulling forward program costs and benefits or whether this is in effect an increase in the overall program. Both in terms of the cost to achieve but also hopefully the benefits also.

Tracey T. Travis -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

So, I'll start and then Fabrizio might add to this. We did raise the expected benefits as well as costs of the program at the beginning of the year. So, we're now expecting the full program cost to be $900 to $950 million and the benefits to be $350 to $450 million once the program is complete. The full annualized benefits from the program. So, yes you are seeing higher charges this year related to that increase. The increase is driven by adding more programs to Leading Beauty Forward. We launched it in 2016. This is the last year of charges for Leading Beauty Forward and then we realize the benefits from the ongoing program's execution. So, that's the reason why you're seeing higher cost from the program. In terms of the elements of the program. We have a number of supply chain initiatives in the program to increase agility and reduce inventory levels, and speed to market. We have supported an accelerated transformation in our digital and social capability through the Leading Beauty Forward Initiative and have incurred restructuring charges related to that. We've established share service operations in the organization and that has allowed us to leverage growth, which you saw certainly this quarter in our sales much more effectively and flow more dollars to the bottom line. We have investments in savings from our procurement program and that has allowed us to achieve more savings in our indirect procurement spending, which we expect to continue going forward. So, there are many different areas under Leading Beauty Forward that we've invested behind in the program over the last two and a half, almost three years now that we've been managing the program in order to drive the kind of results that we're seeing now and expect to see in the future.

Operator

Your next question comes from Erinn Murphy with Piper Jaffray.

Erinn Murphy -- Piper Jaffray  Principal, Senior Research Analyst

Great. Thanks. Good morning. I guess my question, Fabrizio, is for you on the comments you made on pretail shopper retail sales. It sounds like that's become more of a sizable portion of the overall business. Can you just share a little bit more about that and how you think about the expansion plan for pretail? And then I guess any comments on what you're seeing from a customer base with Clinique iD. Is it reactivating a lost consumer or bringing in a lost consumer?

Fabrizio Freda -- President and Chief Executive Officer

So, pretail, as I explained in my prepared remark, is basically the possibility of when you have a ticket, you're making a journey you could, instead of buying in the airport you could buy online before coming to the airport. And then you will get the products at the airport, in some cases on the [inaudible] that today is mainly in Korea. I would say, is only significant in Korea. So, it's the beginning of the learning about this area. But in Korea where this is started is becoming a significant part of the business. We believe is a  first of all is a good service to the consumers. They can decide to shop while traveling even without investing the time to go to the stores, et cetera. So, is a good convenience process for the consumer. But interesting as an input in improving conversation. Because we know that we estimate between 10% and 15% of the travelers buy anything. Obviously, if you have had the possibility for conveniently to buy online than taking your time to choose this can increase the amount of conversion. So, this can be over time. Another booster of the overall market potential in trying to retain our opinion because can be a conversion booster over time. But to be very clear, for the moment, is a Korean  mainly a Korean reality.

The second question is Clinique iD. We see very, very promising initial results from Clinique iD. The consumers are very interested. They are trying the product and by the way, the advertising spending behind the brand is just starting and we will see more the next month and the large majority actually will be in quarter four. So, there are a lot of great programs that in the next six, eight months will then hopefully bring Clinique iD to the levels that we believe has the potential to go. As I explained in my initial comments is that that idea of personalization is very much appreciated by the consumer. And the personalization opportunity together with the high touch services that Clinique provides in every touch point with the consumer together with the data, the information that we have what are the concerns that people have and our ability to focus the personalization on the most promising concerns that Clinique can address. The combination of these factors, we believe, has strong potential.

Erinn Murphy -- Piper Jaffray  Principal, Senior Research Analyst

Thank you.

Operator

Your next question comes from Nick Monte with RBC Capital Market.

Nick Monte  RBC Capital Market

Yeah, thanks. Just quick housekeeping and then the real question. Just on the cash flow I see for the first half of the three cash flow's been lagging operate and profit quotes. So, just wanted to get some contact around that. And then the broader question is, when you really think about how many your channel mix has been diversifying, I'm just curious if you're finding on the sampling line. My understanding is that that's a decent sized nugget in the PNO. So, I'm just curious if you're finding opportunities to save money in that area. Thank.

Tracey T. Travis -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

All right, Nick. So, on the cash flow as I mentioned in the prepared remarks our cash flow as a bit less than last year. Really primarily related to working capital. You know, given the strong growth that we've had two years running now, we certainly are staging white a bit of inventory to support growth going forward. So, that combined with we had some very aggressive programs last year as it relates to payables. We're still seeing improvement in payable and receivables but less improvement than we saw last year, which was, as you recall, a record year in terms of cash flow growth. So, that's really what's happening in the cash flow. Still quite strong as it relates to cash generation. Strong enough that obviously, we purchased a fair amount of our own stock in the first half with the excess cash that we had.

Yeah, so, sampling. In terms of the channel mix and the samples with the growth of online that does require some sampling in certain markets. So, certainly in venues in Asia and in China in particular. We do have a lot of samples in that venue. Less though in travel retail and a bit more mixed in specialty multi but certainly as we see the shift of our department stores, I would say samples, in general, the cost has come down. But certain channels do require more samples than others. But overall sample cost is coming down.

Fabrizio Freda -- President and Chief Executive Officer

The only thing I wanted to add is that we have done some great work in the cost per sample but the idea is to invest more in more samples in the future because trial is when you have high-quality products with the kind of repurchase rate that we have. Being able to create product sampling is a great opportunity. And so, we will continue to invest in the number of samples particularly on our new upcoming very promising innovations, but we are reducing the cost per sample.

Tracey T. Travis -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

And are being more targeted in terms of the products that were offering samples in.

Operator

Your next question comes from Rosie Edwards with Berenberg.

Rosie Edwards -- Berenberg -- Equity Analyst

Yes, good morning. Just quick follow up on China. You emphasized prestige a number of times when describing the market conditions. Do you think the share gains of prestige versus other channels in China have increased, largely the mass market here? And then just very quickly, no mention of France at all. Am I right in thinking, therefore, there was no disruption from the Yellow Vest riots that we saw in Q4? Thanks.

Tracey T. Travis -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

SO, I'll take the second question in terms of France. We did see growth in France, obviously, a bit slower given some of the protests as you mentioned but we did see growth in France. So, I talked about Western Europe had mixed performance but France was one of the markets that actually did grow.

Fabrizio Freda -- President and Chief Executive Officer

France was good. And the  your first question on China. What we mean is that, again, the phenomenon of the young people in China and the middle class in general to trade up to high-quality products is continuing and these are actually accelerating. So, our view of the market is that high quality is paying out. And the trade up to quality is continuing even in a situation where there are more economical concerns than in the past.

Operator

Your next question comes from Dan -- Morgan Stanley

Dan -- Morgan Stanley

Hey guys. So, the question on North America. So, the comments on North America were helpful in of weak holiday season and obviously the January issues, but Fabrizio I was hoping for more of a longer-term perspective sort of setting aside January and moving past that. do you think North America can get back to consistent growth going forward as you look out to next fiscal year and beyond, particularly with the growth in specialty and online? And maybe just pre-empt tonight's speech a bit and give your own State of the Union on North America and thoughts there. And then also on the margin side, obviously we've seen some large compression in the last years. Can that reverse at some point going forward or do you expect to see continued investment there? Thanks.

Fabrizio Freda -- President and Chief Executive Officer

I'll start with the trend in North America. We believe we are on the process of turning around our North America business, and we believe we will go back to growth in North America. To put again more perspective on the last quarter, the quarter was pretty solid in November, included. And December's been a very soft month. And then Tracey explained the beginning of January continued the trend. We actually viewed, at least parts of that to the government shutdown to the overall consumer sentiment was not an easy moment to spend a lot of money in December. But our performance in November was very, very positive. When we look at the quarter results in the U.S. particularly, the marker was flat. Now the market before was growing 5%, 7%. So, all the difference that we see in our performance in the U.S. in the quarter is frankly is the market, is not what we are doing in the market for the long term. So, our agenda for the long term is unchanged. And what is it? It's first of all, we are investing more money. We will have more advertising power on the right priorities in the U.S. and we will see some of it taking place in the next six months, particularly in quarter four behind some great innovation that with the help of data has been tailored to the American consumers even more than the past in many aspects. Our analytical efforts also are helping our U.S. team to have a much more granular analysis of what are the opportunities by the group. For example, we are focusing our existing hero products more on the Hispanic target where we didn't have sufficient market share as an example. And our field restructuring that will be fully in place by the end of this fiscal year will allow us to execute this further tailoring by American region and groups in a much more accurate way than we've ever been able to do in the past. And then to your point, the sales in the fast-growing channels is accelerating and we are going to be in a situation where the majority of our business will be in fast-growing channels and this percentage will further increase. And obviously, this will help the pivot. And I want to underline, we are still working very collaboratively with our department store partners to restart growth in the department store, which we believe is absolutely a possibility also thanks to the very encouraging results that newcomers are happening in our department store, with our department store partners. So, it's a combination of factors that we believe will bring the U.S. again to growth in the future. And then when this will start impacting will also depend from the overall market in the U.S. and how the overall market situation will evolve. And our consumer sentiment in the U.S. will evolve. But for the long term, we are absolutely focused on that. On margin...

Tracey T. Travis -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Yeah then on margin just a reminder that our America sector does include a portion of our corporate expenses. So, in terms of what happened in the quarter, the Smashbox impairment that we mentioned was charged against the Americas' segment. The revenue recognition impact from a profit standpoint was $21 million as it states in our press release. And then we had some of the investments that we've made in IT and a few other areas that also impacted the Americas' segment. We certainly expect that when America's segment returns to growth that we will start to see the impact from a margin standpoint. The Americas' region itself is strong from a margin standpoint. But because we have some of these other items in here, it does suppress  as it always has  some of the margin results and certainly as the sales growth has softened in the Americas, we're seeing that impact in the quarterly results currently.

Operator

Your next question comes from Caroline Levy with Macquarie.

Caroline Levy -- Macquarie -- Analyst

Thank you so much and good morning. I'm going to pivot back to China and just ask you for your perspective on the changes that might happen among daigou, the resellers who buy in travel retail who I think are now required to have a tax ID to resell in China just to talk about whether you think there is an impact, has been in impact, will be an impact. And then you mentioned tariffs and we also know that there are some lower import taxes I believe in the beauty segment. So, putting all these different things together, how do you think each of them play out?

Fabrizio Freda -- President and Chief Executive Officer

Let me comment on the daigou phenomenon. First of all, our travel retail business has not seen the impact from the stricter enforcement through January. So, we don't see the impact so far. It is also important however to remember that we at Estee Lauder Companies have a long-standing policy that limit the numbers of products that a single consumer can buy at any counter in our travel retail globally since ever. So, we were never benefiting from a lot of the daigou business because of our strict policies to avoid any phenomenon like this and obviously to limit any risk of a grey market around the world. So, this policy that has been restricting us in the past is turning probably to be an advantage today because we see less of the difference. We believe we see less of the difference. Whatever will be the implication of this new legislation. For the moment, we do not see an impact. And the other important thing is that we believe in general the items of prestige beauty are affordable luxuries. People can still buy given the new regulation something which is a lower price and still make purchases again within our policy. And so this will continue being more actionable on low-cost items than on very expensive items. And so, I believe there will be also this differentiating factor over time. And then we continue to focus our efforts also on the drivers of our travel retail business for the long term independently from the daigou issues. So, we continue to target to international passengers and to the rising middle class working our corridors. We continue really increase the distribution of our new brands. We continue the conversion of travelers into shoppers as I explained before also helped by the potential in the long term of the pretail system. We continue to deliver more services and exclusivity to the channels also offering more exclusive products. So, all these great actions that we are doing the travel retail for the long term I believe have the potential to more than upset whatever will be the limitation created by that phenomenon. So, that's that.

Tracey T. Travis -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

And then, Caroline, as it relates to China as we mentioned any expected tariffs that have been discussed we've included within our guidance. So, that's certainly in our second half the expectations both as it relates to margin and expenses. And as it relates to the import duties, yes. Certainly over the last few years now there has been a steady increase in import duties. As we stated previously we have passed those savings on to consumers. We do believe that has stimulated some of the growth in China for sure for all of the prestige beauty players who have done the same. And in addition to that with some of the tax cuts that Fabrizio mentioned in our prepared remarks that are expected to benefit Chinese consumers this year, income tax cuts. That also is another stimulus that we think will support continued growth in prestige beauty.

Fabrizio Freda -- President and Chief Executive Officer

And the last thing I want to add is on travel retail particularly is that the impact of our increased advertising investment in the key countries where the big populations that travel are origins frankly the biggest driver of travel retail. The travel retail business is driven by our ability to create demand and aspiration for our brands and our great products in the country of origin of the travelers. The travel retail business without these investments, without these [inaudible] obviously will not flourish just because of whatever system or whatever promotion or whatever prize or duty discounts. So, the key idea is that what we are seeing in our travel retail business is also the result at the end of what we discussed before. Meaning, the Leading Beauty Forward system liberating more resources our ability to invest these resources in advertising in the key markets and the improved innovation programs that goes with it. All of this is the main driver of travel retail and we should not forget that.

Tracey T. Travis -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

And that's the main driver in China. We've seen the same in Russia, Brazil, and other markets that have large traveling consumers purchasing.

Operator

Your next question comes from Lauren Lieberman with Barclays.

Lauren Lieberman -- Barclays  Managing Director, Equity Research

Thanks, good morning.

Fabrizio Freda -- President and Chief Executive Officer

Hi, Lauren.

Lauren Lieberman -- Barclays  Managing Director, Equity Research

I just wanted to ask something about the Middle East. So, back to business. I know it's been super choppy, to say the least given distributor route to markets. If you could just kind of give us an update on any changes you've made in the route to market. Anything you've been able to do or maybe not to kind of smooth out shipments versus demand and manage that business differently than maybe had been the case two years ago.

Fabrizio Freda -- President and Chief Executive Officer

I have to say what we are seeing today is just the beginning of the plan we have to reinforce the Middle East in many aspects. Because what we are seeing today is more adjustment of the stock. You remember when there was the increase all of the sudden we have too high stocks in the market and when because of the sudden slow down the stocks were very high. In the long chain that you just described what happens is that people don't buy the new products fast enough because they have stocks of the old products and this slows down even the ability to create more consumer interest. So, we have been breaking this negative cycle. We have gone back a have a more reasonable level of stock, which means more orders of the new and more ability to involve the consumers, which is at the end what really counts on the power of our innovation and the power of our brands. And doing that, we have seen an improvement of trends. So, that's the current situation. In the future, we will make further improvements. We have brands that have very high potential. They can be further leveraged. We have regions of the Middle East, which have high potential. They can be further leveraged. And we have obviously the ability to invest more in advertising on the new innovation, but to be fair this is not yet in the results we have published so far but has potential to be in the next couple of years in the Middle East.

Lauren Lieberman -- Barclays  Managing Director, Equity Research

Thanks so much.

Fabrizio Freda -- President and Chief Executive Officer

You're welcome.

...

Operator

That concludes today's question and answer session. If you were unable to join the entire call, a playback will be available at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time today through February 19th. To hear a recording of the call, please dial 855-859-2056. The pass code is 8459666. That concludes today's Estee Lauder conference call. I would like to thank you all for your participation and wish you all a good day.

Duration: 72 minutes

Call participants:

Fabrizio Freda -- President and Chief Executive Officer

Tracey T. Travis -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Rainey Mancini -- Senior Vice President, Investor Relations

Olivia Tong -- Bank of America -- Senior Equity Analyst

Ali Dibadj -- Bernstein -- Equity Research Analyst

Wendy Nicholson -- Citigroup -- Analyst

Steve Powers -- Deutsche Bank -- Equity Research Analyst

Erinn Murphy -- Piper Jaffray -- Principal, Senior Research Analyst

Nick Monte -- RBC Capital Markets

Rosie Edwards -- Berenberg -- Equity Analyst

Dan --Morgan Stanley

Caroline Levy -- Macquarie -- Analyst

Lauren Lieberman -- Barclays  Managing Director, Equity Research

Nick Monte  RBC Capital Market

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Erdogan, whose government survived a coup bid in July 2016, has given support to Maduro in the wake of the crisis and told him in a phone call to "stand tall."

But Turkish backing for Maduro has drawn the ire of the United States, and a senior US official said last week that Washington was "disappointed" with Ankara's move.

On Tuesday, Erdogan called what happened in Venezuela as an "international coup attempt to remove the country's elected leader from power."

He said: "Is Venezuela one of your states?", in a veiled reference to the United States.

"How dare you tell an elected person to leave and deliver the head of state to the one who did not even run in the elections," he added.

"Where is democracy? ... Is it possible for us to accept that?"
Dot (June Brown) and Doctor Legg (Leonard Fenton) in EastEnders (Credit: BBC)

Doctor Harold Legg, one of the longest serving members of the EastEnders cast, will make his final appearance on the show later this month, its been confirmed.

According to the Radio Times, his last scenes will be broadcast on February 15, as he finally succumbs to terminal cancer.

The GP, who only returned to the show last year, after over a decade off screens, will pass away peacefully with his old friend Dot Branning at his bedside.

Played by 92-year-old actor Leonard Fenton, hell be persuaded to spend his final hours in Albert Square, rather than in hospital, with touching scenes between him and Dot.

Fenton was among the long-running soaps original cast, and a regular on screen between 1985, when the show was first broadcast, and 1997.

(Credit: BBC)

He has since returned for brief appearances, first in 2000 for the funeral of Ethel Skinner, and then funeral of Mark Fowler in 2004.

Dr Legg also appeared again in 2007, in a storyline which involved a baby boy abandoned on the steps of a church.

His latest storyline involved him returning to the fold when Dot fears she is dying, and goes to see her old friend to seek reassurance.

However, he informs her that in fact he is the one who is dying, of pancreatic cancer, and that he wants to be buried next to his wife Judith.

However, on visiting her grave, they find it has been desecrated with anti-semitic graffiti.

His final scenes will be followed by more former cast-members returning to the show.

Both Tom Watt, who played Lofty Holloway, and Mary Smith, played by Linda Davidson, will be back to pay respects to the doctor as hes laid to rest.

They filmed their scenes in the show for more than 30 years earlier this month.

Read more

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Emmerdales deadly feud intensifies

Game of Thrones prequel to film this summer




Its on the move, and its going fast (Getty)

Earths north magnetic pole is on the move, and its moving so quickly scientists are struggling to keep up as it moves towards Siberia.

The pole is moving about 34 miles a year, scientists say, crossing the international date line in 2017 on a journey towards Russia.

Its a problem for organisations (such as the US military) which use magnetic north for navigation, and its now moving so quickly scientists are having to update their estimates ahead of schedule.

Its caused by turbulence in the liquid outer core of our planet, where a hot ocean of iron and nickel generates a magnetic field.

Earths North Magnetic Pole has been drifting so fast in the last few decades that scientists say past estimates are no longer accurate enough for precise navigation.

Daniel Lathrop of the University of Maryland said, It has changes akin to weather. We might just call it magnetic weather.

Earths magnetic field is currently getting weaker, and scientists believe the poles could flip at some point in the future.

Our planets magnetic field has weakened 15% in the past 200 years.

MORE: Son charged with murder of kind mum found dead in her own home

MORE: Just one in 450 fly-tipping cases in England lead to a prosecution

If the poles flip, compasses will point south  and it could have significant effects on Earths power grid (although its not likely to happen immediately, despite doomsday-mongers obsession with the idea).

It could be thousands of years before the magnetic field reverses again, the researchers believe.

NASA has poured cold water on the idea that magnetic field reversals could lead to an apocalypse, saying in 2012 that, The science shows that magnetic pole reversal is  in terms of geologic time scales  a common occurrence that happens gradually over millennia.

While the conditions that cause polarity reversals are not entirely predictable  the north poles movement could subtly change direction, for instance  there is nothing in the millions of years of geologic record to suggest that any of the doomsday scenarios connected to a pole reversal should be taken seriously.

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Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - A dam that collapsed at a Brazilian mine last month, killing at least 134 people, had drainage problems according to a technical inspection carried out for the mining giant Vale, media reported Tuesday.

Several outlets published excerpts of the stability inspection report carried out by the German company TUEV SUED and accompanying photos showing some drainage tubes damaged and others said to be blocked by vegetation.

However, after listing a number of recommendations to Vale, the German firm signed off on the dam's stability certificate.

Vale said it had fulfilled each of the recommendations before the January 25 collapse of the dam, which stored mining waste near the town of Brumadinho, in southeast Brazil.

Nearly 200 people remain missing, presumed dead, in the disaster, which saw millions of tons of muddy sludge crash across the mine and through vegetation, sweeping up hundreds of mine workers and some nearby residents.

Three Vale employees responsible for operations licenses at the mine and two TUEV SUED engineers involved in the inspection were arrested January 29 for extensive questioning.

On Tuesday, a court ordered their release, saying their detention was "unfounded" despite the "seriousness" of the disaster.

Vale, which was involved in a similar dam collapse disaster at another mine in the same region in 2015, has embarked on a series of measures to show it was responding to the tragedy.

On Monday, another court ruled that the company was no longer allowed to store mining waste in eight other dams it operates.

That decision meant the immediate suspension of operations at one of the company's biggest mines in Brazil, at Brucutu, which has annual output of 30 million tons of iron ore, or about 7.5 percent of Vale's production forecast for this year.

Vale said in a statement that all its dams had "the necessary licenses and valid stability certificates." It said it would appeal the court's ruling on the dams.

Shares in the company, which fell 24 percent the first trading day after the disaster, lost 3.4 percent on Monday on the Sao Paulo stock market following the decision.

On Tuesday the shares had stabilized, dipping a small 0.5 percent hours before close of trading.
Luanda (AFP) - DR Congo's new president, Felix Tshisekedi, on Tuesday defended his disputed election victory as he visited neighbouring Angola on his first trip abroad since being sworn in last month.

"I know that there have been some imperfections, some irregularities in these elections, but overall it went well because this change of leadership was done peacefully," Tshisekedi told reporters.

Tshisekedi was inaugurated in January following the December polls, but runner-up Martin Fayulu has dismissed the result as an "electoral coup" masterminded by long-term outgoing president Joseph Kabila.

Standing by his Angolan counterpart Joao Lourenco, the Congolese president dismissed any controversy over his victory.

"To this day, I'm still waiting for the evidence of the one who challenges the verdict of the Constitutional Court. I still have not seen anything," Tshisekedi said, referring to Fayulu.

The handover marked the country's first-ever peaceful transfer of power since independence from Belgium in 1960.

Tshisekedi confirmed he was ready to share power with Kabila's supporters who control parliament after winning an overwhelming majority in national assembly.

"There is no agreement yet, but there are discussions... I undertook to send a message of conciliation to Mr. Joseph Kabila and his friends," Tshisekedi said.
Brussels (AFP) - US officials are fanning out across Europe to warn about the security risks of allowing Chinese telecoms giant Huawei to help build 5G mobile networks, a US diplomat said Tuesday.

Washington considers the matter urgent as European Union countries prepare to roll out fifth-generation networks that will bring near-instantaneous connectivity, vast data capacity and futuristic technologies.

"We are urging folks not to rush ahead and sign contracts with untrusted suppliers from countries like China," a US State Department official told reporters in Brussels.

The official said he was meeting EU officials as well as those in Belgium, France and Germany, while colleagues will be travelling to Spain and elsewhere to underline US concerns.

"Going with an untrusted supplier like Huawei or ZTE will have all sorts of ramifications for your national security," he warned, speaking on condition of anonymity.

It could also undermine intellectual property protection, privacy and human rights, he added.

He said Washington's priority was warning Europe where strong alliances make the "national security component even more compelling from the US point of view."

In December, European Commission Vice President Andrus Ansip echoed US warnings about the threat posed by Huawei and ZTE who -- under a 2017 Chinese cybersecurity law -- are required to cooperate with Beijing's intelligence services.

Speaking on Tuesday, Ansip said the Commission, the European Union's executive arm, can play a limited coordinating role.

"National security is up to the member states," the former Estonian premier told reporters.

"If the member states ask to coordinate, to take the common approach, then historically the Commission has always done so. We will do so if asked," Ansip said.

Huawei strenuously denies its equipment could be used for espionage.

The commercial stakes are high.

- High stakes -

Experts say Huawei is between six months and one year ahead of Sweden's Ericsson in terms of the quality of its 5G equipment.

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Finland's Nokia is said to be even further behind.

Several operators have already begun tests in French cities with Huawei equipment, such as France's Bouygues Telecom and SFR.

Deutsche Telekom, in an internal document obtained by Bloomberg, warned that Europe could fall behind China and the United States by as much as two years if it forgoes using Huawei's 5G equipment.

The US diplomat said Washington was motivated by security rather than commercial interests, adding that Ericsson, Nokia and Korea's Samsung would benefit from a Huawei ban -- and not US firms.

A Commission spokesperson told AFP on condition of anonymity that no further EU regulation was planned to tackle the risks from Huawei.

"We have EU procurement rules in place, and we have the investment screening proposal to protect European interests," the spokesperson said.

Under procurement rules, contracting authorities may reject "unjustifiably low" bids.

Under EU agreements with third countries, parties may adopt any measure to protect their "essential" security interests.

Member countries can block deals with economic operators from third countries for military electronic equipment and security-related purchases involving or containing classified information.

Under screening rules yet to come into force, the commission and the member states cooperate in assessing cyber-security and other risks posed by foreign investments.

During a visit to Tokyo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there was a "big debate" in Germany about using Huawei equipment.

Germany has taken a prudent approach so far, with the country's IT watchdog saying it had seen no evidence Huawei could use its equipment to spy for Beijing.

In Brussels, Ansip warned: "If we await until there is enough solid evidence in the public record, it would be too late."
Donald Trump, the US president, will deliver his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening - REUTERS

Donald Trump will pledge to bridge old divisions and heal old wounds in his State of the Union address on Tuesday as he plays up the need for bipartisanship to solve Americas problems.

Speaking in the House of Representatives, which is now controlled by his political opponents the Democrats, the US president is expected to call for congressmen to work across party lines.

Mr Trump will name reducing prescription drugs prices and approving billions of dollars in new government spending on infrastructure as areas where the Democrats and Republicans can agree.

He will also urge politicians to green light his renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement [Nafta], an economic pact with Mexico and Canada whose reworking needs Congresss approval.

But on the most contentious issue between both parties, immigration, the message could be less harmonious, with Mr Trump recently hinting he could declare a national emergency to build his Mexico border wall.

Nancy Pelosi, the House Speaker and Democrat congresswoman, will sit behind Donald Trump during his State of Union address Credit: Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images

Together we can break decades of political stalemate, we can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of Americas future. The decision is ours to make, Mr Trump will say, according to an excerpt released by the White House.

A senior administration official gave an outline of the presidents thinking in a briefing ahead of Tuesday nigh's address, which was delayed for a week because of the partial government shutdown.

The speech is one of the stand-out events of the US political calendar, seeing the president address senators, congressmen, Supreme Court judges, members of his cabinet and senior diplomats

This years theme is choosing greatness and the speech will outline Mr Trumps inspiring vision of the countrys future, according to a senior administration official. It will embody a very American, can-do, optimistic approach, the official added.

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The address will focus on five areas: safe and legal immigration, trade deals to protect American workers, more infrastructure spending, lower prescription drug prices and US national security.

It is the first of those topics where Mr Trumps call for bipartisanship will be most tested, given the historic recent standoff between Democrats and Republicans on the issue.

The Democrats refusal to give Mr Trump the $5.7 billion he demanded for his Mexico border wall contributed the government shutting down for 35 days, the longest in US history.

The chance of a new spending deal being struck before February 15 - the deadline for three weeks of immigration negotiations, after which the shutdown resumes  looks slim.

Declaring a national emergency would theoretically allow Mr Trump to circumvent Congress, using executive powers and pre-existing funds to construct a wall along the 2,000-mile US-Mexico border.

However it would likely trigger a legal challenge that could see his border wall held up in a court battle, with the result uncertain, and lead to rebellions from some Republican senators.

Donald Trump speaking at his first State of the Union address in January 2018 Credit: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

On foreign policy, Mr Trump is due to speak out against Nicolas Maduro, the embattled Venezuelan president whose legitimacy has been challenged by America and many other Western nations.

The US president is likely to discuss his trade talks with China, which will intensify in the coming weeks , and his second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, due later this month.

Mr Trump will also reiterate his desire to bring to an end our endless foreign wars, a reference to his announced withdrawal of US troops from Syria and desire to resolve the conflict in Afghanistan.

Democrats may approach Mr Trumps cross-party rhetoric with caution. He made a similar appeal at last years State of the Union, only to soon return to familiar attacks against his political opponents.
A dog owner has been fined for not picking up his animals mess (File picture: Getty)

A dog owner has been ordered to pay more than 4,000 for failing to pick up his pets poo.

Carl Davies was filmed by a resident repeatedly letting his dog mess on public lawns in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, in March last year.

He pleaded not guilty to three offences of failing to pick up after his dog but he was convicted after a court was shown the secret video footage.

The Beach Lawns, on the resorts seafront, are covered by a council public space protection order making it an offence not to pick up after your dog.

District Judge David Taylor found Davies guilty of all three offences after a two-day trial at North Somerset Magistrates Court in Weston.

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After legal arguments about the admissibility of video evidence, Davies, formerly of Royal Sands, Weston-super-Mare, now of London, was fined 100 for each offence.

He was also ordered to pay a 30 victim surcharge and 3,873 in costs to North Somerset Council  a total of 4,203.

The prosecution was brought by the council after a local man saw Davies walking his dog on a number of occasions, failing to pick up after it, and began to film him.

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The resident handed his footage to the council who originally tried to deal with the matter by way of fixed penalty notices.

The dog owner failed to clean up his animals excrement on numerous occasions (Picture: Getty)

Davies declined to pay the penalty notices and so the council took him to court.

Councillor Peter Bryant, North Somerset Council executive member for environment, said the conviction was a strong reminder to dog owners to pick up after their pets:

He said: My thanks to council officers for gathering the evidence and prosecuting the case. Thanks too to the resident who helped us secure the conviction.

Mr Davies showed scant regard for others when he failed to pick up after his dog and he has had to pay a heavy price for his anti-social behaviour.

This conviction comes as a strong and powerful warning to other irresponsible dog owners.

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Dividends play a key role in compounding returns over time and can form a large part of our portfolio return. Historically, Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels (Group) Company Limited (HKG:2006) has paid dividends to shareholders, and these days it yields 4.6%. Lets dig deeper into whether Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels (Group) should have a place in your portfolio.

See our latest analysis for Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels (Group)

5 questions to ask before buying a dividend stock

When assessing a stock as a potential addition to my dividend Portfolio, I look at these five areas:

Is it paying an annual yield above 75% of dividend payers?

Has it consistently paid a stable dividend without missing a payment or drastically cutting payout?

Has dividend per share risen in the past couple of years?

Does earnings amply cover its dividend payments?

Will it have the ability to keep paying its dividends going forward?

SEHK:2006 Historical Dividend Yield February 5th 19

How well does Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels (Group) fit our criteria?

The company currently pays out 58% of its earnings as a dividend, according to its trailing twelve-month data, which means that the dividend is covered by earnings. Going forward, analysts expect 2006s payout to remain around the same level at 56% of its earnings. Assuming a constant share price, this equates to a dividend yield of 5.6%. Furthermore, EPS should increase to CN0.15.

If you want to dive deeper into the sustainability of a certain payout ratio, you may wish to consider the cash flow of the business. A company with strong cash flow, relative to earnings, can sometimes sustain a high pay out ratio.

Reliablity is an important factor for dividend stocks, particularly for income investors who want a strong track record of payment and a positive outlook for future payout. Although 2006s per share payments have increased in the past 10 years, it has not been a completely smooth ride. Investors have seen reductions in the dividend per share in the past, although, it has picked up again.

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In terms of its peers, Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels (Group) has a yield of 4.6%, which is high for Hospitality stocks but still below the markets top dividend payers.

Next Steps:

Taking into account the dividend metrics, Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels (Group) ticks most of the boxes as a strong dividend investment, putting it in my list of top dividend payers. Given that this is purely a dividend analysis, I recommend taking sufficient time to understand its core business and determine whether the company and its investment properties suit your overall goals. There are three essential aspects you should further research:

Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for 2006s future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for 2006s outlook. Valuation: What is 2006 worth today? Even if the stock is a cash cow, its not worth an infinite price. The intrinsic value infographic in our free research report helps visualize whether 2006 is currently mispriced by the market. Other Dividend Rockstars: Are there better dividend payers with stronger fundamentals out there? Check out our free list of these great stocks here.

To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements.



The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com.
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China Oriental Group Company Limited (HKG:581) is a true Dividend Rock Star. Its yield of 9.8% makes it one of the markets top dividend payer. In the past ten years, China Oriental Group has also grown its dividend from CN0.11 to CN0.44. Below, I have outlined more attractive dividend aspects for China Oriental Group for income investors who may be interested in new dividend stocks for their portfolio.

See our latest analysis for China Oriental Group

What Is A Dividend Rock Star?

It is a stock that pays a consistent, reliable and competitive dividend over a long period of time, and is expected to continue to pay in the same manner many years to come. More specifically:

Its annual yield is among the top 25% of dividend payers

It has paid dividend every year without dramatically reducing payout in the past

Its dividend per share amount has increased over the past

It is able to pay the current rate of dividends from its earnings

It has the ability to keep paying its dividends going forward

High Yield And Dependable

China Oriental Group currently yields 9.8%, which is high for Metals and Mining stocks. But the real reason China Oriental Group stands out is because it has a high chance of being able to continue to pay dividend at this level for years to come, something that is quite desirable if you are looking to create a portfolio that generates a steady stream of income.

SEHK:581 Historical Dividend Yield February 4th 19

If theres one type of stock you want to be reliable, its dividend stocks and their stable income-generating ability. 581 has increased its DPS from CN0.11 to CN0.44 in the past 10 years. During this period it has not missed a payment, as one would expect for a company increasing its dividend. This is an impressive feat, which makes 581 a true dividend rockstar.

The current trailing twelve-month payout ratio for the stock is 21%, which means that the dividend is covered by earnings. Going forward, analysts expect 581s payout to increase to 28% of its earnings. Assuming a constant share price, this equates to a dividend yield of 6.7%. However, EPS is forecasted to fall to CN1.31 in the upcoming year. Therefore, although payout is expected to increase, the fall in earnings may not equate to higher dividend income.

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When thinking about whether a dividend is sustainable, another factor to consider is the cash flow. Companies with strong cash flow can sustain a higher payout ratio, while companies with weaker cash flow generally cannot.

Next Steps:

With China Oriental Group producing strong dividend income for your portfolio over the past few years, you can take comfort in knowing that this stock will still continue to be a top dividend generator moving forward. However, given this is purely a dividend analysis, I recommend taking sufficient time to understand its core business and determine whether the company and its investment properties suit your overall goals. Ive put together three relevant aspects you should further examine:

Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for 581s future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for 581s outlook. Valuation: What is 581 worth today? Even if the stock is a cash cow, its not worth an infinite price. The intrinsic value infographic in our free research report helps visualize whether 581 is currently mispriced by the market. Other Dividend Rockstars: Are there strong dividend payers with better fundamentals out there? Check out our free list of these great stocks here.

To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements.



The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com.
With her beguiling salmon-skin leathers, seaweed yarns, and wastewater pottery, Nienke Hoogvliet of Studio Nienke Hoogvliet works a strange kind of magic, melding urgent environmental inquiry with an engineers design sense and an artists inspired creativity. When I started, I thought I was a designer, so I wanted to work on things you can actually use, Hoogvliet says. But the longer Ive worked, the more important the story behind the project has become, and I think thats more part of being an artist.

The seeds of Hoogvliets passions were sown early on. As a child I was already quite activistic, Hoogvliet says. I was trying to convince people not to use products tested on animals, and I became a vegetarian when I was 7, not because my parents wanted me to, but because I wanted to. Still, it took attending art schoolnamely, the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdamfor Hoogvliet to realize how design could be used to tell the story of things that I think are a bit problematic.

Photo: Nienke Hoogvliet

Indeed, with Studio Nienke Hoogvliet, which she established in 2013, Hoogvliet has made it her job to research, develop and make use of a wide range of sustainable materials; among them a biodegradable urn, furniture made from reclaimed toilet paper (part of a commission from the Dutch Water Authorities), and all sorts of things from seaweed. Every material has its own surprises, Hoogvliet says, but I fell in love with seaweed because there are so many different types, and every type has a certain beauty of its own. Over the last several years, Hoogvliet has spun the aquatic plant into a rug (hand-knotted in an old fishing net to underscore the contrast between the polluting plastic waste issues and the beautiful things the sea has to offer), a chair, and various dyes and paints; detailing her methodology in a short, illustrated book.

Photo: Boudewijn Bollmann

Small as her practice may beat present, the Studio consists of only Hoogvliet and a part-time assistant, with Hoogvliets architect boyfriend, Tim, providing moral supportHoogvliet has always wanted its ideas to be as widely accessible as possible. If more people are working on the same topic, we can have a bigger influence, she says. In the right hands, for example, her seaweed yarn could revolutionize the textile industry, vastly reducing the toxic waste released back into the environment; as could her recent experiments with dyes from medicinal herbs. (Im trying to find out if they have benefits for our health, she explains.) I dont always want to keep my projects conceptual, Hoogvliet says. I really want to develop them further so that they can become industrial, as well. But that must be done by other people.

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Photo: Nienke Hoogvliet

It could be argued that Hoogvliet is never not working; when she isnt physically in her studio, hand-weaving a garment or mixing pigments, shes gathering inspiration. Im always looking at the structures of materials, or in nature, Hoogvliet says, and I try to analyze the shapes. That impulse is especially strong when shes down by the sea. I love to go to the beach, but when Im at the beach, Im always looking for seaweed, Hoogvliet laughs.
WASHINGTON  There is one clear area where President Donald Trump has had a unifying effect on Capitol Hill: the color Democratic women wear to joint sessions of Congress.

The chairwoman of the Democratic Womens Working Group, Florida Rep. Lois Frankel, is encouraging members to wear white to this year's State of the Union address as a shoutout to the voters who handed Democrats a majority in the House in the midterm elections and a reminder that they plan to make women's economic security a priority.

The color choice is also meant to honor the women's suffrage movement that led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

"By wearing suffragette white to #SOTU2019 tmrw were sending a message to everyone that voted for @HouseDemocrats & delivered us the majority that we're working #ForThePeople, promoting the economic security of women & their families!" Frankel said in a tweet Monday.

State of the Union 2019: When, where and how to watch

Democratic women also wore white to Trump's first speech before a joint session of Congress in 2017, about a month after his inauguration and the massive Women's March on Washington. At the time, Frankel said they wore white "to unite against any attempts by the Trump administration to roll back the incredible progress women have made in the last century."

More: The hidden meaning behind Clinton's white debate outfit

Hillary Clinton also wore white when she accepted the nomination for president at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in honor of the women's suffrage movement. And Geraldine Ferraro wore white when she accepted the nomination to become the first female candidate for vice president for a major American political party at the 1984 Democratic convention.

Last year, Frankel's working group encouraged members of Congress to wear black to Trump's first State of the Union address to express solidarity with the #MeToo movement. Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., also said it was meant to send a message to Trump, who himself has been accused of sexual harassment.

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"The last couple years we were basically reflecting back to Trump," Frankel told Roll Call. She said this year it was a "much more positive" message, "emphasizing economic security for women and their families."

One big change this year: new House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., will be sitting behind the president as he delivers his address. And Pelosi  the woman who recently went toe-to-toe with Trump in the government showdown  will likely be wearing white.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Democratic women to send political message by wearing white to State of the Union
An egg has no gender, race or religion. An egg is an egg, its universal. Thus spoke Chris Godfrey, the man who revealed himself Sunday to be the person behind the most-liked picture on Instagram: a photo of a perfectly normal egg.

29-year-old Chris Godfrey, an advertising executive from London, has been credited with creating the viral sensation, helped by friends Alissa Khan-Whelan, 26, and C.J. Brown, 29. When they saw that a picture uploaded by Kylie Jenner that had been liked almost 19 millions times held the world record, they hatched a cunning plan to usurp her. Since it was uploaded January 4, their picture of a lightly speckled brown egg, resplendent on a sheer white back drop, has been liked over 52 million times.

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Khan-Whelan told The New York Times the group decided to put any speculation to bed by revealing their identities now. The trio, who live in London, spoke to media as the egg featured in a commercial that aired during the Super Bowl on Sunday. Broadcast on streaming service Hulu, the ad shows the egg cracking under the pressure of social media fame in an advert for Mental Health America, a non-profit organization based in Virginia dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness, according to its website.

The ad reads: Hi, Im the world record egg. (You may have heard of me.) Recently Ive started to crack. If youre struggling too, talk to someone.

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Godfrey told the Times that the past few weeks had been crazy and a real journey. Its not really about me, he said. Its just about the egg and sort of where we can take it and what we can do with it. However, he did admit the success had been a fluke. But its a fluke that caught the worlds attention. Its what you do with that attention that counts, he said.
The troubled crypto exchange QuadrigCX has appealed for creditor protection, setting the stage for a significant court hearing on Feb. 5 in Canada.

Last Thursday, the exchanges appeal was made before the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, with QuadrigaCX claiming that doesnt have access to wallets containing some $137 million (U.S. dollars) in cryptocurrency. As such, it has claimed to be unable to repay more than 115,000 customers who are owed funds a and creditor protection is being sought to forestall any lawsuits while it attempts to find a solution.

To that end, QuadrigaCX is seeking to have professional services firm EY oversee its proceedings. Tuesdays hearing, at 830 a.m. EST, will see the companies go before the court.

QuadrigaCX Owes Customers $190 Million, Court Filing Shows

Christine Duhaime, a financial crimes attorney and managing partner with Duhaime Law, told CoinDesk that the most likely outcome during the hearing will be that a monitor a in this case, likely Ernst and Young a will be appointed.

Quadrigaas filing was not just for a monitor, however. Applying for creditor protection means it is trying to prevent customers from suing to recover lost funds, she noted.

Duhaime explained:

aThere are many unanswered questions though, for example, why have the wallet addresses not been disclosed? As you know in Bitcoin world, people know the pooled wallet addresses of exchanges a its not confidential or business information so thatas an unanswered question that a Court eventually will have to address. Someone is eventually going to bring an application for disclosure of all the wallet addresses.a

Crypto Exchange QuadrigaCX Files for Creditor Protection

aTransparency is going to be critical for Quadriga and providing the wallets addresses is the first step to transparency,a she added.

EY proposal

The professional services firm EY has already submitted an initial report after discussing the situation with QuadrigaCX, according to a filing obtained by CoinDesk.

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aThe Proposed Monitor understands that Quadriga is experiencing a liquidity crisis and has been unable to satisfy withdrawal requests from users. Additionally, Quadriga has been unable to locate a significant amount of cryptocurrency following the death of the Applicantsa founder and Chief Executive Officer, Gerald Cotten,a the filing states.

The filing notes that the company has not yet been able to verify the details included in Quadrigaas initial filing, though it ahas assumed the integrity and truthfulness of the information and explanations provided to it.a

In its report, EY explains that a number of factors resulted in Quadrigaas current issues, including its lack of a corporate bank account and Cottenas death.

Most notably, EY has recommended that Quadriga maintain the suspension of its website. The exchange first took down its trading platform last week, after voting in new directors to run the company.

The firm has also recommended that Quadriga receive creditor protection under the Canadian Companiesa Creditors Arrangement Act.

Doing so, it explains, will allow for a full investigation of the exchange and its business, which will determine what assets are available for distribution and what is actually owed to users (in its report, EY claims that Quadriga only owes funds to 92,000 users a far fewer than the exchanges claim of 115,000 users).

Plan pitched

If granted, Quadriga has a rough plan to operate through the next 13 weeks, or until April 28, the EY report says.

Duhaime noted that unless customers or shareholders have an opportunity to file affidavits or other submissions prior to the hearing opposing this protection, it is likely that Quadriga will receive the courts approval.

Customers can appeal this decision, aand they can take action to protect their interests and seek the return of their funds a but that would be dependent on the order issued Tuesday, she explained.

Duhaime did question why Quadriga filed for creditor protection in Nova Scotia, rather than British Columbia, where the companies affiliated with the exchange are registered.

aOne of Quadrigaas new directors is resident in British Columbia. Quadrigaas only known former accountant and auditing firm is in British Columbia. One of the [companies] is cease traded in British Columbia which means that the British Columbia Securities Commission has jurisdiction over that company. Its corporate records are in British Columbia. Most of its shareholders are in British Columbia and a sophisticated transfer agent in British Columbia, is in charge of shareholder matters for that company,a she noted, adding:

aIn my opinion, I cannot see a Nova Scotia judge, if he or she is apprised of all of the actual matrix regarding the connections to BC, concluding that a Nova Scotia Court has jurisdiction. It may happen that a Nova Scotia Court accepts jurisdiction but usually a Judge would ask the party to prove the jurisdiction issue, especially in this case where the applicant is seeking an order to prevent litigation so the rights of parties across the country are affected.a

Funds recovery

The most important issue in the case revolves around the wallet addresses, Duhaime said. As far as Quadriga is concerned, the most important priority should be amaking [customers] whole.a

EYs report says there are two initial sources of funds that can be recovered quickly: the cash held by Quadrigas payment processor in the form of bank drafts, and any cryptos or fiat held by third-parties.

The company may also look into selling the QCX trading platform, as it is potentially a saleable asset of considerable value.

As these sources of funds are liquidated, the company added, it will hire cryptocurrency forensic advisors to try and locate or access the missing coins.

Duhaime noted that in other cases, an exchange might track wallet addresses and have other exchanges it is working with freeze any activity to preserve funds. But that has not happened with Quadriga.

Quadriga has also not yet asked for a court order to freeze its assets as a form of protection for customers.

People may query why a freezing order makes sense but if you are an exchange and your wallets with all your funds are suddenly not accessible, wouldnat you rush to get a court order to stop anyone else from possibly spending those funds or transferring them to other parties? she told CoinDesk.

Gavel image via Shutterstock

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By Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thepgumpanat BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha is known for losing his temper in public, but recently he has displayed a softer side amid speculation he may run for office in the first elections since the army seized power in 2014. The general-turned-prime minister has appeared on state television cooking a chicken curry for villagers and riding a tractor with farmers. Last month, he released one of his trademark ballads, which has been played repeatedly on the radio. "Don't let anyone destroy things like in the past ... Hold our hands sincerely and go forward together," goes the song, which was written by the 64-year-old leader himself. Prayuth, in short, has been acting a lot like a politician - even as he keeps the country waiting to hear if he will be a candidate in a long-delayed general election to restore civilian rule, now set for March 24. The election is seen as a battle between voters loyal to ousted populist prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck - both deposed in military coups - and establishment-minded traditionalists who accuse the Shinawatras of corruption. A pro-military party, Palang Pracharat, last week asked Prayuth to be its prime ministerial candidate. Prayuth, however, says he needs time to think. Technically, he has until Friday, the deadline to register candidates. Most presume he will not be able to resist entering the race. Under a new constitution ratified in 2016, the military has a powerful sway over who will be prime minister. A combined majority of the 250-seat Senate, entirely appointed by the junta, and the 500-seat House of Representatives chooses the prime minister. So a candidate who can count on the support of the Senate would only need 126 votes in the lower house to have an overall majority. Even if he doesn't stand in the election, Prayuth could still return as a last-minute "outside" prime minister if parties cannot agree on any of the candidates listed before the vote. LOVE, NOT FEAR Despite the built-in advantages, Prayuth's transition from coup-maker to candidate may not be easy. Since taking power, he has often shown flares of temper. He once threatened to throw a podium during a press briefing and at another time mused he could "probably just execute" a roomful of reporters. He drew fire from rights groups for a ban on political activity and internet censorship, and for detaining and summoning hundreds of activists and dissidents for "attitude adjustment". Now, Prayuth must act less authoritarian, said political scientist Prajak Kongkirati, who lectures at Bangkok's Thammasat University "Prayuth needs people to love him now because to win an election you cannot use fear," Prajak said. "He knows he cannot be a dictator forever." In Thailand's deeply divided politics, Prayuth appeals to the royalist, military and middle-class opponents of Thaksin, who is seen as corrupt demagogue for policies that included subsidised health care and support for rice farmers. Both Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, and his sister, Yingluck, forced from office in 2014, live in exile. Both have been convicted of corruption, which they deny. For many in the elite, Prayuth's 2014 coup was necessary - and they might vote for him to extend his tenure, said Pongphisoot Busbarat at Chulalongkorn University "Prayuth has been doing well for the elite, big businesses and royalist allies," Pongphisoot said. "His grumpy character may appear a liability to his image for many voters, but for his supporters it is his strength." 'UNCLE TU' Prayuth was born in 1954 to a military family in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, and his military career was forged during a turbulent period. He was in pre-cadet school in 1973 when student protests brought down a military regime, ushering in democratic rule. Three years later, he was at the prestigious Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy when right-wing mobs massacred dozens of left-leaning student protesters leading to another military takeover. In the army, Prayuth was known for his decisiveness and devotion to the revered monarchy. This year's election comes just six weeks before the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who assumed the throne after the death of his father, who reigned for 70 years. Prayuth rose in the ranks to become army chief, and in 2014 staged Thailand's 13th successful military coup. His reputation for testiness came almost immediately. There are also more eccentric moments that endear Prayuth, known by his nickname "Uncle Tu", to his supporters, like his ballads and when he kissed a frog in 2017. "It's like he has two personalities," said Wassana Nanuam, a veteran journalist who has followed Prayuth's career since 2003. "He also knows how to use humor which people know isn't fake." Prayuth, whose office did not respond to requests for an interview, spends most of his private time with his wife and twin daughters, in their 30s, at his home at a military base. One leisure activity he has had to give up is riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. "Sometimes he just starts his Harley up at home because he can't go out. He hasn't been able to ride outside since he became army chief, because he would require security to follow him," said government spokesman Lieutenant General Werachon Sukhondhapatipak. After nearly five years in power, Prayuth is not acting like a man ready to ride into the sunset. "I am a soldier, so if you criticize me a lot I will get angry," Prayuth told reporters in November. "But I have to adjust myself now because I have to be patient to be a politician." (Editing by Kay Johnson, Robert Birsel)
A mountain lion suffocated to death after trying to attack a Colorado trail runner. (REUTERS/Rick Wilking/File Photo)

A Colorado man is expected to make a full recovery after suffocating a mountain lion to death when the animal attacked him while he was running.

According to The Coloradoan, the man was jogging on a path in Horsetooth Mountain Park near Fort Collins when the 80-pound animal appeared from behind and began attacking him. Despite suffering cuts to his face and wrists from the lions claws, the unidentified man was able to wrestle himself free from the feline. Per The Denver Post, the jogger took himself to a nearby hospital after hiking to safety.

When speaking to authorities, the man alleged that he ultimately killed the lion by suffocating it to death. This would later be confirmed by the wildlife officials who located the animals corpse near where the ambush occurred.

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Its an amazing story. Everyone is baffled and impressed, Rebecca Ferrell, a representative for Colorado Parks and Wildlife said in disbelief. He had no weapons, no knives or trekking poles with him. How did he do it? Its pretty rare. That is definitely a twist on this, Im sure.

As of Tuesday, the jogger was still nursing his bruises in the hospital. Ferrell also mentioned that authorities will pay the jogger a visit to the hospital in order to better understand his tactics behind fighting and eventually killing the lion.

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The Hague (AFP) - Former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo has been released in Belgium under conditions following his acquittal by the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the court said Tuesday.

Belgium said on Saturday that it had agreed in principle to host Gbagbo pending a possible prosecution appeal, after he was cleared of crimes against humanity on January 15.

The conditions include that Gbagbo, 73, will return to court if required for a possible prosecution appeal against his acquittal, and that he surrender his passport to Belgian authorities.

"Mr Gbagbo is now released under conditions in Belgium," an ICC spokeswoman said, without giving further details.

Gbagbo was the first former head of state to stand trial at the ICC and had been held in the Netherlands since 2011.

ICC judges acquitted Gbagbo and Ble Goude on charges stemming from a wave of violence after disputed elections in the west African nation in 2010.

More than 3,000 people died on both sides of the Ivory Coast conflict after Gbagbo refused to concede defeat to his internationally backed-rival -- and now-president -- Alassane Ouattara.

The former strongman and his aide Charles Ble Goude have been staying in an undisclosed location since their release from an official ICC detention centre late Friday.

Belgian immigration office spokeswoman Dominique Ernould confirmed that Gbagbo had been granted a visa.

"We have given instructions to grant him a visa... which allows him to stay for 90 days," she told AFP.

The visa would allow him to register as a resident in Belgium. Such visas are only renewed in exceptional circumstances, Belgian sources said.

- 'There will be surveillance' -

Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said on Saturday that there had been "a request from the court to host Mr Gbagbo simply because he has family in Belgium: his second wife, a child in Brussels".

"We have concluded that it is alright for him to stay in Belgium while on conditional release," he said, adding: "There will be surveillance."

Story continues

The delay in Gbagbo's release was because prosecutors said that he should be kept in detention pending a possible appeal against his acquittal, arguing that he would not return to the court if there was a retrial.

Appeals judges rejected the prosecution argument on Friday after Belgium said it was ready to host him.

The release conditions include that Belgium will guarantee that Gbagbo would go back to the ICC if required.

He must also surrender his travel documents, report to authorities weekly, avoid contacting witnesses in Ivory Coast, and refrain from making public statements about the case, court documents said on Friday.

The ICC's unwillingness to let Gbagbo return to Ivory Coast could be linked to that country's refusal to surrender Gbagbo's first wife, Simone, despite an outstanding ICC warrant for her arrest for her role in the violence.

She was convicted and jailed by the courts there in 2015, but Ouattara granted her an amnesty last year, to allow her release after seven years in detention.

Gbagbo's release comes at a particularly tense time in Ivory Coast.

With presidential elections due in 2020, Ouattara has not said whether he will seek a second term, and the coalition he formed with Henri Konan Bedie, his former ally against Gbagbo, has collapsed.
A Kuka robot adjusts a windscreen on a model of the A-class production line at Mercedes Benz at the Daimler factory in Rastatt, Germany. Photo: Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach

Germany has long been a favourite destination for Chinese companies thanks to its high-tech industrial expertise. But investment in 2017-2018 fell by 22%, down to $10.7bn (8.2bn) and the number of transactions by Chinese companies in Germany declined by 35%.

A new EY study on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity by Chinese firms in Europe says that while Germany and the UK are still the most popular European countries for Chinese investors, overall there was a 21% drop in the number of transactions in 2018 and a 46% plunge in the value of Chinese investment in Europe, down to $31bn.

Yi Sun, head of EYs China Business Services for Germany, Switzerland, and Austria gave three main reasons for the drop in Chinese M&A activity in Europe. The Chinese government has been putting the brakes on large capital outflows from the country, and battling a slowing economy plus a trade spat with the US.

Meanwhile, on the German side, the government has grown increasingly concerned about Chinese companies acquiring the countrys most high-tech and strategically important technologiessuch as Chinese appliance maker Mideas 2016 takeover of robotics company Kuka.

In 2018, Li Shufu, head of Chinese carmaker Geely, surprised Germany by buying an almost 10% stake in Daimler for $9bn. It was one of the investments that spurred the federal government in Berlin to tighten the rules on non-EU investors last year, lowering the investment threshold where it could intervene to 10%.

On Tuesday, German economy minister Peter Altmaier said that the government could take stakes in technology companies to block foreign takeovers. It can go as far as the state taking temporary stakes in companies  not to nationalise them and run them in the long run but to prevent key technologies being sold off and leaving the country.

The transaction process has become more complicated, Sun said. For some years now, European buyers have been asking Chinese investors to provide evidence of the necessary funds at the beginning of a sales process. In addition, a detailed integration planning is often expected.

Sun says that Chinese firms could ramp up their acquisitions in the medium term, if the trade war with the US dies down and the Chinese economy picks up again.

While Chinese interest in high-tech companies remains high, Chinese investors are also keen on European consumer goods companies too. EY says that in 2018, the number of M&A transactions in the consumer goods and services sector rose from 13 to 27.
Sydney (AFP) - Leading Australian trainer Darren Weir faces a lengthy ban from racing after deciding not to fight charges of possessing devices used to deliver electric shocks to horses, officials said Tuesday.

Weir, a veteran of the sport, is renowned for training the Prince of Penzance, which female jockey Michelle Payne rode to victory in the 2015 Melbourne Cup.

He was arrested by police with two other men last week over allegations of corruption in racing before being released.

At a hearing by Racing Victoria late Monday, Weir said he would not contest three charges of possessing the Taser-like "jiggers", which are used to prompt a horse to perform better on the track.

His stable foreman Jarrod McLean said at the same hearing that he would contest the charge made against him of possessing a jigger.

Racing Victoria stewards said that "given the severity of the charges" against Weir, they were seeking to suspend him from training for four years.

He will be barred from entering or racing any horses as a trainer or owner until the charges are determined, Racing Victoria's executive general manager for integrity Jamie Stier said in a statement Tuesday.

Weir last week was issued with a show cause notice by Racing NSW to explain to the neighbouring state's racing body why he should not be disciplined after the Victoria allegations emerged.

"Racing NSW is on record time and again as saying integrity and welfare in this industry is paramount," Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys said in a statement.
Four children have died in a house fire in Stafford, Staffordshire Police

The four young children who were killed when a fire ripped through their home in Staffordshire have been named as eight-year-old Riley Holt, Keegan Unitt, six, four-year-old Tilly Rose Unitt and Olly Unitt, aged three.

A fifth child, named locally as two-year-old Jack, escaped from a first-floor window along with his mother Natalie Unitt and her partner Chris.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

Officers searching for missing student Daniel Williams, 19, have found a body in a lake on campus at the University of Reading.

Thames Valley Police said that Mr Williams family had been notified, although formal identification had not yet taken place.

The death is being treated as unexplained and is not believed to be suspicious, the force added.

Last summers heatwave has cut around an inch off the average chip, according to a new report from the Climate Change Coalition.

The study claims climate extremes of the past few years  including the snowfall and freezing temperatures of February and March 2018 and one of the driest June months in England and Wales since 1910  have been devastating for UK fruit and vegetable farmers.

Potato farmers have reported yields down an average of 20% on average, meaning that potato products will be smaller and in shorter supply.

A dog owner has been ordered to pay more than 4,000 for failing to pick up his pets poo.

Carl Davies He pleaded not guilty to three offences of failing to pick up after his dog but was convicted after a court was shown secret video footage taken by a member of the public on Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.

The Beach Lawns, on the resorts seafront, are covered by a council public space protection order making it an offence not to pick up after your dog.
By Rod Nickel, Dominique Patton and Hallie Gu

WINNIPEG, Manitoba/BEIJING (Reuters) - A political dispute between China and Canada over the arrest of a Huawei executive is slowing canola shipments through Chinese ports and causing some importers to hesitate to buy from their biggest supplier, according to interviews with a dozen traders.

Since Canadian authorities arrested Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou in December for extradition to the United States, China detained two Canadians and escalated a drug smuggling sentence against a third Canadian to death, moves Ottawa has described as deeply concerning.

In the same period, cargoes of Canadian canola have taken longer to clear Chinese customs and GMO permits needed to import genetically modified crops, including canola, became more difficult to obtain, traders said. Back in Canada, canola stocks piled up to a record-high level at year-end, Statistics Canada said on Tuesday.

China buys some C$2.5 billion ($1.90 billion) of Canadian canola per year, and a slower sales pace would be another hit to exporters, which include Richardson International, Viterraand Cargill Ltd in a year when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces a tough race for re-election.

Spokespersons for Richardson and Viterra did not respond and Cargill declined to comment.

While several cargoes of Canadian canola have cleared customs since Meng's Dec. 1 arrest, many were unusually delayed, said traders.

One Chinese crusher that had a cargo that arrived at the end of December said it took more than 20 days to clear customs, about twice the usual time, as authorities carried out more thorough inspections related to GMOs.

A second cargo that arrived in mid January had not been cleared by the end of the month.

China is likely carrying out the heightened checks to "pressure Canada" amid the current diplomatic tensions, the crusher said, adding that it would make him "more cautious" about purchases in the future.

Story continues

A Canadian exporter said canola seed that requires crushing in China into vegetable oil and meal to feed pigs and fish has faced additional inspections and tests in Chinese ports.

"There's no doubt that they are retaliating specifically against canola seed itself," the exporter said.

China's General Administration of Customs, which oversees imports, did not respond to a fax seeking comment on the issue.

The Canadian government is not aware of any decision by Beijing to stop Chinese companies from buying Canadian crops, said James Watson, a spokesman for the Canadian agriculture department.

COOLING INTEREST

Some Canadian canola shipments are due to arrive in China this month, but Canadian exporters said most of them are deliveries of sales made before Meng's detention in Vancouver.

A dozen traders, some with direct knowledge of sales in Canada and China, and others in the United States who monitor sales, said the shipping pace has noticeably slowed since Meng's arrest.

Factors besides the political dispute may also play a role in reduced interest from Chinese buyers, such as lower demand for pig feed and weak profit margins at Chinese processors.

There is no evidence to suggest that Beijing has ordered buying to slow. But some importers say they are avoiding purchases as they pre-empt additional hurdles to trade.

Total exports of Canada's most recent canola crop are down 7 percent year over year from August through Jan. 27, according to the Canadian Grain Commission. Chinese customs data showed that China received 347,949 tonnes of Canadian canola in December, higher than the same month a year earlier, reflecting earlier sales.

A source at a Chinese company that imports Canadian canola said it stopped buying from Canadian sources shortly after Meng's arrest.

"We are not buying now as the current situation is quite tense and sensitive," the source said. China relies on Canada to supply more than 90 percent of its canola imports. But Beijing has imposed barriers on these shipments in the past, giving reasons such as concern about fungus and foreign material in cargoes.

Canola's name itself incorporates Canada, the country where it was developed as a new form of rapeseed in the 1970s, making it a national symbol and "a weak spot where they can hit us," a Canadian exporter said, adding that other Canadian exports such as soybeans and canola meal have not faced similar obstacles in China.

Another Canadian trader said he was not aware of any Canadian export company booking a new canola shipment to China since Meng's arrest. "It brings a lump to everyone's throat."

Canola futures prices have stayed firm since the arrest, but brokers say worries about China have caused prices for canola to miss out on a rally in its oilseed cousin soyoil.

(Reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Hallie Gu and Dominique Patton in Beijing; additional reporting by Michael Hirtzer in Chicago; Editing by Dan Grebler)
File  An employee prunes a marijuana plant, at a Fotmer SA, greenhouse in Nueva Helvecia, Uruguay, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Short seller attacks, shareholder activism, and consolidation will intensify in Canadas cannabis sector, solidifying dominant players and weeding out weaker rivals, predicts Canaccord Genuity analyst Matt Bottomley.

Speaking at the Canadian Club of Torontos 2019 Cannabis Outlook event, Bottomley said while the industry on the whole has a tremendous amount of legitimacy, Canada has more publicly-listed cannabis companies than it needs.

If you include every single company that has cannabis in its description, there are probably 100 or 200 of them. In Canada, we have three or four telecom companies [and] four, five, six banks, we dont need 100 cannabis companies, he told attendees on Tuesday.

The allegations of cannabis short sellers have wiped out billions in market value, sparked internal investigations, and prompted management overhauls.

A recent attack by prominent short seller Citron Research on Namaste Technologies Inc. (N.V) caused an investigation that led to the ousting of CEO Sean Dollinger on Monday. In December, Aphria Inc. (APHA.TO) shares tumbled after a report by Quintessential Capital Management and Hindenburg Research accusing the company of buying Latin American assets at inflated prices.

I think its going to be an increasing theme, Bottomley said. There is probably some justified criticisms out there in the market, depending on the companies and depending on how the market plays out.

He expects future short seller reports will put a spotlight on overcrowding in the cannabis sector, though he warns investors should carefully weigh the findings against the authors profit interest.

He said negative sentiment stirred up by public short attacks impacts the sector as a whole, scaring off long-term institutional investment that could that could help smooth out notoriously volatile share prices.

You are affected no matter what producer you are, he said. Canopy, for example. Even though they are not named in any of those issues, Im sure they hate this.

Story continues

Brian Wagner, chief executive officer and founder of Cannabis Compliance Inc., said corporate governance remains a very overlooked area in the cannabis sector, and expects to see more companies stumble on that front as the industry matures.

He likens the situation to a 14-year-old in Alberta who just got their learners licence  theres potential to go fantastic places, but the risk of an accident is high.

We havent got into too many accidents yet, he told 2019 Cannabis Outlook event attendees. I think more accidents will happen.

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
Cabot Corporation CBT recorded net profit of $69 million or $1.14 per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 (ended Dec 31, 2018), against a net loss of $122 million or $1.98 in the year-ago quarter.



Barring one-time items, adjusted earnings per share (EPS) were 87 cents, up from 93 cents in the year-ago quarter. However, the figure missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 90 cents.



Net sales increased around 14% year over year to $821 million in the quarter. The figure outpaced the consensus mark of $778.4 million.



According to Cabot, performance in the Reinforcement Materials and Performance Chemicals units were affected by weaker environment in China along with softer automotive demand and customer inventory destocking. Notably, the company has reached an agreement to divest the Specialty Fluids unit for $135 million.

Cabot Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Cabot Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Cabot Corporation Quote

Segment Highlights



Reinforcement Materials sales increased 18.1% year over year to $457 million in the fiscal first quarter. EBIT in the segment was $62 million, flat year over year. The benefit from improved pricing and product mix as well as higher volumes was offset by the negative impact of lower margins in China. Margins were affected by lower pricing from weak automotive demand along with a decline of feedstock costs and high inventory levels.



Sales in the Performance Chemicals inched up around 0.9% year over year to $231 million in the quarter. EBIT declined 23.4% year over year to $36 million, due to lower volumes and higher costs associated with growth investments.



Sales in the Purification Solutions went down 7.1% year over year to $65 million in the quarter, while the same in the Specialty Fluids segment rose more than three-folds on a year-over-year basis to $19 million. Performance in the Specialty Fluids segment gained from a higher level of project activity on year-over-year basis.



Financial Position



As of Dec 31, Cabot had cash and cash equivalents of $142 million, down from $189 million a year ago. The companys long-term debt expanded 6.3% year over year to $671 million.



Cash used by operating activities was around $39 million in the reported quarter.



Outlook



Cabot provided an update on adjusted EPS view for fiscal 2019, considering a challenging first half. It now expects adjusted EPS in the range of $4.20-$4.60, down from the previous projection of $4.35-$4.75.



The company expects the impact on automotive production from new emissions regulations in Europe and customer destocking to have sequentially lower impact in the second quarter of fiscal 2019.



Moreover, it expects Reinforcement Materials division to gain from the calendar year 2019 customer agreements. However, the unit faces headwinds like challenging environment in China and lower oil prices in the fiscal second quarter.



Price Performance



Shares of Cabot have lost 23.3% in the past year compared with the industrys 17.5% decline.

Story continues





Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider



Cabot currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).



A few better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space include Franco-Nevada Corporation FNV, Quaker Chemical Corporation KWR and Israel Chemicals Ltd ICL, all carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.



Franco-Nevada has an expected earnings growth rate of 9% for 2019. The companys shares have moved up 3.6% in the past year.



Quaker Chemical has an expected earnings growth rate of 21.1% for 2019. Its shares have surged 40.8% in a years time.



Israel Chemicals has an expected earnings growth rate of 11.1% for 2019. Its shares have rallied 45.5% in a years time.



Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2019



In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-holds for the year?



Who wouldn't? Our annual Top 10s have beaten the market with amazing regularity. In 2018, while the market dropped -5.2%, the portfolio scored well into double-digits overall with individual stocks rising as high as +61.5%. And from 2012-2017, while the market boomed +126.3, Zacks' Top 10s reached an even more sensational +181.9%.



See Latest Stocks Today >>



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



Cabot Corporation (CBT) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Quaker Chemical Corporation (KWR) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Israel Chemicals Shs (ICL) : Free Stock Analysis Report



Franco-Nevada Corporation (FNV) : Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment Research
One in four British travellers leave their lilo at their hotel (Picture: PA)

British holidaymakers dump almost 3 million lilos while abroad each year, a survey has claimed.

A study by Holiday Hypermarket found that one in four travellers left their lilo at their hotel at the end of their holiday.

Given that more than eight million package holidays were taken by Britons in 2018, it could mean up to 2.7 million lilos getting left behind, the company said.

It said the trail of abandoned lilos would be enough to build an inflatable bridge from Gatwick Airport to the popular resort of Hurghada on Egypts Red Sea coast.

Holiday Hypermarket surveyed 2,000 people and asked them about their lilo habits.

Of those surveyed, 25% said they left their lilo at their hotel, while 9% said they put them in a bin before going home.

According to the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), more than eight million package holidays were taken by Britons last year.

This could mean that just over two million people left their lilos behind, with more than 700,000 throwing theirs away.

If laid end-to-end, that many lilos could stretch for almost 3,300 miles, Holiday Hypermarket said.

MORE: Son charged with murder of kind mum found dead in her own home

MORE: Just one in 450 fly-tipping cases in England lead to a prosecution

Its poll said only 13% of British holidaymakers took their inflatables home, while around half said they never buy a lilo on holiday.

Craig Duncan, from Holiday Hypermarket, said: We were shocked to discover how many lilos are abandoned after holidays.

Recent campaigns have raised awareness of the impact billions of bottles, straw and cigarette butts have on marine life, so now its time for British holidaymakers to think about the waste of using a lilo for just one holiday.

During our research we spoke to hotels and they described lilos as an awful problem that is getting worse.

Lilos are being abandoned by British holidaymakers, a survey says (Picture: Getty)

When a holidaymaker leaves a lilo behind hotels have little choice but to store them or send them to the local landfill.

In our survey, we asked holidaymakers if they would use free lilos and inflatables provided by their hotel, but a staggering 57% said no.

Story continues

This means that even if people think their left-behind-lilo will be used by someone else, the chances are it wont as most holidaymakers prefer to buy their own.

British holidaymakers need to change their holiday habits to tackle the inflatable mountain that we risk leaving behind if we dont change our behaviour.

The company said travellers shouldnt buy a lilo until checking if the hotel has some that are reusable. It also advised giving the lilo to another family at the end of the holiday.

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Brussels (AFP) - EU leaders will host British Prime Minister Theresa May for talks in Brussels on Thursday as the two sides seek to save their Brexit deal.

Plans for Britain to leave the European Union on March 29 under a withdrawal agreement signed last year were thrown into doubt when British lawmakers rejected the accord.

Brussels is now waiting for May to formally request renewed talks, while warning that the agreement itself cannot at this stage be reopened for discussion.

The British leader will meet European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker before holding separate talks with European Council president Donald Tusk, the two sides said.

"While the commission's position is clear, we are waiting to see what the prime minister has to say," Juncker's spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters at his daily briefing Tuesday.

"A series of votes has taken place in the British parliament, upon the basis of which the prime minister will come to explain what comes next."

- 'Real anxieties' -

The House of Commons last month overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU over 18 months.

In a subsequent vote, a majority of MPs urged her to renegotiate the most controversial part of the agreement -- the "backstop" arrangement intended to keep open the border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland.

May's government is now urgently looking into what changes might satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU trade rules, with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland.

Speaking in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, May promised to seek a solution that keeps the Irish border open and preserves the peace agreement that ended years of sectarian violence in the British province.

"I know this is a concerning time for many people here in Northern Ireland," May said, adding that prospects of last-minute negotiations "creates real anxieties here in Northern Ireland and in Ireland".

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"I believe there's a yearning in the hearts of all the people of these islands for a close, trusting relationship between all of us, and an absolute horror that we should take even a single step backwards in the progress we've collectively achieved," she said.

May's Brussels trip will come a day after Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar holds talks with EU leaders on Wednesday.

The impasse has led to heightened fears Britain could crash out of the EU, its closest trading partner, without a deal next month.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a trip to Tokyo on Tuesday: "Two months is not a long time but there is still time, and this should be used by all sides."

- Legal guarantees? -

The EU has repeatedly said it will not amend the backstop, but Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz suggested the bloc could agree to some form of legal assurances on how it might be used.

"The worst case scenario is no-deal Brexit and in our opinion we should do what we can to avoid that, to look for some solutions, to be creative," he told reporters in Brussels on Monday.

He declined to repeat his previous suggestion that the backstop could be given a five-year time limit -- something Brussels and Dublin have rejected.

But he said: "Maybe you can envisage other legal guarantees without reopening the negotiations? In my opinion it is possible."

British MPs who met with Juncker's right-hand man, Martin Selmayr, in Brussels on Monday said he did not rule out putting some kind of legal assurance on the backstop into the withdrawal deal.

But Selmayr himself rejected this, tweeting: "On the EU side, nobody is considering this."
Louella Fletcher-Michie overdosed and died at Bestival in 2017.

The daughter of Holby City actor John Michie was filmed by her boyfriend as she overdosed on drugs at a music festival, a court has heard.

Louella Fletcher-Michie, 24, was given the drugs by her on-off boyfriend Ceon Broughton, 29, and died as her parents rushed to help her, it is alleged.

She took the class A party drug 2-CP at Bestival in Dorset on September 10 2017 and died in woodland an hour before her 25th birthday.

Her parents rushed to the site after telephoning Broughton as Ms Fletcher-Michie overdosed and hearing her screeching, Winchester Crown Court heard.

However, Broughton insisted she was fine and referred to Ms Fletcher-Michie as a drama queen, jurors heard.

Coen Broughton filmed his girlfriend Louella Fletcher-Michie as she overdosed and called her a drama queen, a court heard. (PA)

Broughton, of Enfield, north London, denies manslaughter and supplying Ms Fletcher-Michie the drug.

Prosecutor William Mousley QC said Broughton did not get help because he was handed a suspended jail term one month earlier and feared the consequences.

He said: She died as a result of having taken a large dose of, later described by the defendant as an overdose, of a class A drug known colloquially as 2-CP, which he had given her at a music festival.

Mr Mousley added: It had a terrible effect upon her, leading to her death after a significant period of suffering in woods close to the festival site, all of which he must have observed.

Jurors heard Broughton filmed Ms Fletcher-Michie, a dancer and yoga teacher, as her condition deteriorated.

Louella Fletcher-Michie: Daughter of Holby City star who died at Bestival was the first to be killed by 2CP party drug

In clips shown to the court, she repeatedly shouts at Broughton to telephone her mother, Carol Fletcher-Michie, but he tells her to put your phone away.

Carol Fletcher-Michie eventually contacted Broughton at 6.48pm and heard her daughter screeching.

Mr Mousley said: She told her husband that they needed to get to her and they dropped everything to travel from north London to Dorset.

Her brother Sam also contacted Broughton and urged him to seek medical help.

But Broughton sent Sam a message which said call back in an hour and referred to Ms Fletcher-Michie as a drama queen, the jury heard.

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Jurors were told Sam had also been given 2-CP by Broughton previously.

When Sam then asked if Ms Fletcher-Michie had taken 2-CP, Broughton told him: Yeah, but I bumped it up a bit.

Mr Mousley said Sam thought that meant either a larger dose or a combination of it with other drugs.

Broughton has also previously admitted supplying the drug to Ms Fletcher-Michie and her friend at Glastonbury Festival in June 2017, the jury heard.

After Mr Michie arrived at the festival site at Lulworth Castle, he messaged Broughton asking if he had sought medical help, Mr Mousley said.

Carol Fletcher-Michie also sent a message which said: Please message me that Louella is okay.

Mr Mousley added: In addition, during that extended period of time when they were together, he filmed her on a number of occasions.

He filmed her when she was disturbed, agitated and then seriously ill over a period of hours.

He even did so, the prosecution suggest, after she was apparently dead.

A month before the incident, Broughton was handed a 24-week prison sentence suspended for one year, jurors heard.

Mr Mousley said: His failure to get her treatment which may well have saved her life was borne of selfishness and in self-preservation.

Because to have done otherwise, to have acted positively, he knew would have exposed him to the possibility of arrest and prosecution for a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment.

Ms Fletcher-Michie was found dead by a security steward in the woodland, 400m from the festivals hospital tent, at around 1am.

A post-mortem examination found 2-CP toxicity and traces of ketamine and MDMA.

Mr Mousley said a medical expert, Professor Charles Deakin, estimated a 90% chance of survival with early intervention.

Jurors were told Ms Fletcher-Michie occasionally used party drugs, including 2-CP and MDMA, and tried to take pills into Bestival which were confiscated by security.

She told Broughton, who had travelled to the event separately, and he replied that he would bring some, the jury heard.

Stephen Kamlish QC, defending, said Broughton and Ms Fletcher-Michie were in love with each other and soulmates.

He said: You will hear from experts that no-one has ever been known to die from taking this drug (2-CP) or taking an overdose.

Ms Fletcher-Michie had acquired the 2-CP herself, he said, adding: This is not gross negligence manslaughter.

The trial continues.
By Alastair Macdonald and Gabriela Baczynska

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union has a message for Prime Minister Theresa May as she plots a path out of the Brexit impasse: Britain needs to decide what it really wants but the negotiated divorce deal will not be reopened.

With less than nine weeks until Britain is due by law to leave the European Union on March 29, there is no agreement yet in London on how and even whether to leave the world's biggest trading bloc.

Parliament defeated May's deal two weeks ago by a huge margin, with many Brexit-supporting rebels in her Conservative Party angry at the Irish "backstop", an insurance policy aimed at preventing a hard border in Ireland if no other solutions can be agreed.

Ahead of Tuesday's votes in the British parliament on a way forward, lawmakers in May's party are pushing for her to demand the European Union drop the backstop and replace it with something else.

"It is quite a challenge to see how you can construct from a diversity of the opposition a positive majority for the deal," EU deputy chief negotiator Sabine Weyand told a Brussels conference organised by the European Policy Centre think-tank.

In a note of criticism of May's strategy, she said there appeared to be a lack of "ownership" in Britain of the agreement struck between the two sides in November, and that there was insufficient transparency in the prime minister's moves.

"There will be no more negotiations on the Withdrawal Agreement," said Weyand, a German senior civil servant at the European Commission, reiterating the EU stance.

As the Brexit crisis goes down to the line, however, EU officials indicated there might be wriggle room if May came back with a clear, and viable, request for changes that she - and the EU - believe will secure a final ratification.

WRIGGLE ROOM?

However, Weyand echoed her boss Michel Barnier in saying that Britain could resolve some of the problems caused by opposition to the Irish backstop by changing some of its demands on post-Brexit trade.

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Referring to an amendment to May's proposed next steps on Brexit put forward by senior Conservative lawmaker Graham Brady, who wants "alternative arrangements" to the backstop, Weyand said that the withdrawal treaty already contained that possibility.

"We are open to alternative arrangements" on the Irish border, she said. "The problem with the Brady amendment is that it does not spell out what they are.

"The backstop is not a prerequisite for the future relationship," she said. "We are open to alternative proposals."

A source in May's office said the government would tell Conservative lawmakers to vote in favour of Brady's amendment if it is selected by the speaker on Tuesday.

Britain remaining in a customs union, or even the EU single market, could help reach a final agreement, Weyand said, adding: "We need decisions on the UK side on the direction of travel."

Weyand said the ratification of the EU-UK deal would build the trust necessary to build a new relationship, but ruled out bowing to British calls to set a time limit to the backstop beyond which the insurance policy would lapse.

"A time-limit on the backstop defeats the purpose of the backstop because it means that once the backstop expires you stand there with no solution for this border," Weyand said.

IMPASSE

Speaking to the same conference, a former British envoy to the EU, Ivan Rogers, said he expected the deadlock to persist in the coming weeks, saying it had always seemed likely that the outcome would remain in doubt until much closer to March 29.

Rogers was speaking in a personal capacity, having resigned two years ago after differences with May over the negotiation.

The question for May is whether the EU can offer enough to get a variant of her defeated deal through parliament.

May wants to use a series of votes on Tuesday to find a consensus that lawmakers in her own party could support, just two weeks since her deal suffered the biggest parliamentary defeat in modern British history.

Parliament will vote on proposals made by lawmakers including a delay to Brexit and going back to the EU to demand changes to the Northern Irish backstop.

In essence, May is forcing lawmakers to show their cards on what sort of Brexit, if any, they want. Lawmakers in her own party want her to demand a last-minute change to the withdrawal deal to remove the backstop, which they fear could end up trapping the UK in a permanent customs union with the EU.

(Additional reporting by Kylie MacLellan and William James in London, Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Janet Lawrence and Gareth Jones)
Prague (AFP) - Facing conflict of interest proceedings under tightened EU rules, billionaire Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis may soon become the first European politician found in violation of the bloc's new law.

Babis, the second wealthiest Czech, is suspected of still owning the sprawling Agrofert chemicals, food and media group despite having formally transferred ownership to trust funds to comply with the law.

Separate proceedings sparked by the anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International and the opposition Pirate Party show that Babis has reason to worry.

"Agrofert gets EU subsidies, Czech subsidies, and takes part in public procurement," David Ondracka, head of the Czech branch of Transparency International, told AFP.

"Babis is in a conflict of interest in all these segments and they all should be suspended."

Last September, Transparency and the Pirates asked the European Commission whether Agrofert was entitled to receive billions in EU agricultural subsidies if Babis still controls it.

They also sent a complaint to the town hall in Cernosice, responsible for Babis's place of residence near Prague, alleging that he violated a Czech conflict of interest law by owning media.

Both the European Commission and Cernosice have suggested that they are inclined to believe the allegations.

- 'Political thing' -

Babis has flatly denied any involvement in Agrofert's activities during his time as prime minister, labelling the Pirates as "informers".

"You have squealed on me in Brussels, you have squealed on me in Cernosice," he said in parliament last week.

The Cernosice town hall said in January that it had made its decision but refused to make it public. Only Babis knows the details.

"I definitely disagree (with the decision). It's become a political thing. I will definitely file an appeal," Babis said in response.

"I can't see how clerks who deal with traffic misdemeanour can take a decision on a complex legal problem like this. They're wrong."

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In a leaked document, EU lawyers said Babis's dual role as premier and tycoon "qualifies as a conflict of interest" since public officials should not decide on EU payouts for companies they ultimately control.

The Commission halted subsidies to Agrofert and sent auditors to check Babis's business pending a final verdict expected by April.

It is also looking into subsidies Agrofert received from 2014 when the Slovak-born ex-Communist Babis became finance minister in the previous coalition government led by the Social Democrats.

Babis, whose meteoric rise in politics has been dogged by controversy since he founded the populist ANO movement in 2011, also faces criminal charges at home over alleged EU subsidy fraud from 2007 valued at some two million euros (dollars).

He has also been hit by allegations that he served as a secret police agent in the 1980s when the former Czechoslovakia was under Moscow's rule.

- 'First test' -

Ondracka said Transparency had used information from beneficial ownership registers introduced across the EU last year as part of the bloc's drive against money laundering.

A legal term, "beneficial owner" defines specific property rights in equity belonging to a person even though the legal title of the property belongs to someone else.

As the Czech register is not fully public, they used the Slovak one which yields 37 companies sheltered by Agrofert with Babis listed as the beneficial owner and 28 listing his wife Monika who also sits on the boards of both trust funds in charge of Agrofert.

In 2017, Agrofert received EU subsidies worth 2.1 billion koruna (82 million euros, $94 million), according to Czech media.

"Babis is in a unique position as a prime minister who is also a dominant recipient of EU subsidies," Ondracka told AFP.

"One could say the EU is co-financing an oligarch who wins more and more elections in one member country," he said, adding that Babis now had three options.

"Declare that Agrofert, which he still controls, won't get any public money, sell Agrofert -- but not to his wife -- or quit politics," he said.

The European Commission is expected to pass its verdict in April at the latest.

Independent political analyst Jiri Pehe said the outcome would be important for the EU as "this is the first big case after the directive tightening the conflict of interest rules took effect".

"Babis is a first test for the Commission, so to speak. I think they will want to do a good job."
Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card!

Today well evaluate Babcock International Group PLC (LON:BAB) to determine whether it could have potential as an investment idea. To be precise, well consider its Return On Capital Employed (ROCE), as that will inform our view of the quality of the business.

Firstly, well go over how we calculate ROCE. Then well compare its ROCE to similar companies. And finally, well look at how its current liabilities are impacting its ROCE.

Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)

ROCE is a measure of a companys yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. In general, businesses with a higher ROCE are usually better quality. Overall, it is a valuable metric that has its flaws. Renowned investment researcher Michael Mauboussin has suggested that a high ROCE can indicate that one dollar invested in the company generates value of more than one dollar.

So, How Do We Calculate ROCE?

Analysts use this formula to calculate return on capital employed:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets  Current Liabilities)

Or for Babcock International Group:

0.075 = UK368m  (UK6.4b  UK1.5b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2018.)

Therefore, Babcock International Group has an ROCE of 7.5%.

Check out our latest analysis for Babcock International Group

Does Babcock International Group Have A Good ROCE?

When making comparisons between similar businesses, investors may find ROCE useful. Using our data, Babcock International Groups ROCE appears to be significantly below the 10% average in the Commercial Services industry. This performance could be negative if sustained, as it suggests the business may underperform its industry. Setting aside the industry comparison for now, Babcock International Groups ROCE is mediocre in absolute terms, considering the risk of investing in stocks versus the safety of a bank account. Readers may find more attractive investment prospects elsewhere.

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LSE:BAB Last Perf February 5th 19

When considering ROCE, bear in mind that it reflects the past and does not necessarily predict the future. Companies in cyclical industries can be difficult to understand using ROCE, as returns typically look high during boom times, and low during busts. ROCE is only a point-in-time measure. What happens in the future is pretty important for investors, so we have prepared a free report on analyst forecasts for Babcock International Group.

How Babcock International Groups Current Liabilities Impact Its ROCE

Current liabilities include invoices, such as supplier payments, short-term debt, or a tax bill, that need to be paid within 12 months. The ROCE equation subtracts current liabilities from capital employed, so a company with a lot of current liabilities appears to have less capital employed, and a higher ROCE than otherwise. To check the impact of this, we calculate if a company has high current liabilities relative to its total assets.

Babcock International Group has total liabilities of UK1.5b and total assets of UK6.4b. Therefore its current liabilities are equivalent to approximately 23% of its total assets. This is a modest level of current liabilities, which would only have a small effect on ROCE.

The Bottom Line On Babcock International Groups ROCE

With that in mind, were not overly impressed with Babcock International Groups ROCE, so it may not be the most appealing prospect. But note: Babcock International Group may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with strong recent earnings growth (and a P/E ratio below 20).

For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements.



The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com.
AvalonBay Communities, Inc.s AVB fourth-quarter 2018 core funds from operations (FFO) per share of $2.31 missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.32. However, the figure matched the mid-point of the companys core FFO per share outlook issued in October and also mirrored an improvement of 2.7% from the year-ago tally of $2.25.



Total revenues of $578.5 million were up 4.2% year over year, as revenues from stabilized operating communities and development communities recorded growth. The reported figure also outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $575.1 million. Results highlight growth in average rental rates. The company also announced a 3.4% hike in its quarterly dividend.



For full-year 2018, core FFO per share came in at $9.00, up 4.4% from the prior year tally of $8.62. This was backed by a 5.8% increase in total revenue to $2.28 billion.



Quarter in Detail



In the reported quarter, average rental rates were up 2.7% year over year, while economic occupancy remained flat at 96.1%.



Revenues from established communities  consolidated communities that have stabilized operations as of Jan 1, 2017, are neither executing nor planning any significant redevelopment work, and are not held for sale or planned for disposition within the current year  improved 2.7% year over year to $412.5 million. This indicates increase in average rental rates.



Operating expenses for established communities escalated 2.7% on a year-over-year basis. Consequently, NOI from established communities increased 2.7% year over year to around $298.0 million.



As of Dec 31, 2018, AvalonBay had 21 communities under construction (expected to contain in total 6,609 apartment homes and 87,000 square feet of retail space), which will likely be accomplished for a projected total capital cost of $2.4 billion. However, the development pipeline excluded 15 West 61st Street for which the company is pursuing a potential for-sale strategy of individual condominium units for the residential part.



Balance-Sheet Position



As of Dec 31, 2018, AvalonBay did not have any borrowings outstanding under its $1.5-billion unsecured credit facility. The company had around nearly $217.9 million in unrestricted cash and cash in escrow as of that date. In addition, the companys annualized net debt-to-core EBITDA for the Oct-Dec quarter was 4.6 times.



Moreover, the company sold 244,924 shares of common stock at an average sales price of $189.14 per share, reaping net proceeds of $45.6 million under its current continuous equity program established in December 2015.



Outlook



For full-year 2019, the company expects core FFO per share of $9.05-$9.55. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the same lies within this range and is currently pinned at $9.31.



Dividend Hike



AvalonBays board of directors announced first-quarter 2019 dividend of $1.52 per share, reflecting a 3.4% increase from the prior-quarter payout of $1.47 per share. This dividend will be paid on Apr 15, to common stockholders of record as of Mar 29, 2019.



In Conclusion



AvalonBay is expected to benefit from its high quality assets in premium locations, favorable demographics, household formation, recovering economy and job-market growth. Yet, new apartment deliveries are anticipated to remain elevated in the companys markets in the near-to-mid term, limiting robust rent growth.



AvalonBay currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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AvalonBay Communities, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise



AvalonBay Communities, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | AvalonBay Communities, Inc. Quote

Recently, Equity Residential EQR posted its quarterly results. The company reported fourth-quarter 2018 normalized FFO per share of 84 cents, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny. However, normalized FFO per share came in higher than the 83 cents reported in the year-ago quarter. Though the companys results reflect enhanced same-store NOI, casualty losses from its Washington, D.C. portfolio, and transaction activity in recent years had a negative impact.



Moreover, Essex Property Trust Inc. ESS reported fourth-quarter 2018 core FFO per share of $3.19, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Core FFO per share improved 6.0% from the year-ago quarter figure of $3.01. Results of this residential REIT reflect growth in same-property NOI. Improving economic environment and job growth helped in driving rental housing demand.



We now look forward to the earnings release of another REIT, UDR Inc. UDR, which is slated to report its quarterly numbers on Feb 12.



Note: Anything related to earnings presented in this write-up represent funds from operations (FFO)  a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs.



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To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment Research
BEIJING (AP)  Asia welcomed the lunar Year of the Pig on Tuesday with visits to temples, family banquets and the world's biggest travel spree.

Celebrations took place throughout the region, from Beijing and Seoul to Hanoi and Singapore.

The streets of Beijing and other major Chinese cities were quiet and empty after millions of people left to visit relatives or travel abroad during the year's biggest family holiday.

Families gathered at home for multigenerational banquets. Companies, shops and government offices closed for official holidays that ranged from two days in South Korea to a week in China.

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Worshippers stood in line for hours at Hong Kong's Wong Tai Sin Temple to welcome the new year by lighting incense.

Lana Wong, a prominent Hong Kong actress, wore a pig costume for the event.

"My first wish is for world peace," said Wong, 88. "Everyone has food to eat, employment and houses to live in. The elderly also hope the government will take better care of them."

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In Beijing, performers in traditional Qing dynasty robes strummed zithers for a re-enactment at sunrise of a sacrificial ceremony at the Chinese capital's Temple of Earth park.

An actor portraying an emperor bowed before an altar as dozens of people in ceremonial dress behind him.

Acrobats and drummers also performed. Vendors sold toys branded with the British cartoon character Peppa Pig, which is enjoying a surge of popularity for the Year of the Pig.

"My wishes for new year are a promotion, a raise and finding a boyfriend," said a spectator, Cui Di, a 28-year-old employee of a foreign company.

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The holiday in mainland China is marked by the biggest annual travel boom as hundreds of millions of people visit their home towns or travel abroad.

The railway ministry forecast mainland travelers would make 413 million trips during the three-week period around the holiday.

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Chinese set off billions of fireworks to celebrate the new year. An explosion at an illegal fireworks shop in southern China killed five people early Tuesday. Investigators said it was triggered by fireworks set off by the shopkeeper outside the shop.

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In Bangkok, people lit incense sticks and burned paper money and other symbolic offerings for deceased relatives despite government appeals to avoid contributing to smog.

Some shopkeepers sold symbolic ballots to burn as offerings following official promises of an election this year, the first after four years of military rule.

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In the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, visitors left bouquets of flowers at statues of former leaders Kim Il Sung and his son, Kim Jong Il.
Apple (AAPL) must have been pounding protein shakes and swilling creatine, because the iPhone maker spent much of its week flexing its 42-inch biceps all over Silicon Valley. Last week, the company went after Facebook for breaching Apple's enterprise developer program agreement. In essence, the social network used the developer program, which is designed for companies to test apps internally, to send an app to some consumers that tracked their user data.

Apple subsequently revoked Facebook's (FB) use of the enterprise program, following a report about the issue by TechCrunch, cutting off the social media giant's ability to use such apps. It also impacted Facebook employees' ability to access company-specific apps they may need to do their jobs.

It turned out, however, that Facebook wasn't the only company breaking Apple's agreement. Google (GOOG, GOOGL) was also sending out apps to consumers by abusing the enterprise developer program. And like Facebook, Google had its access revoked.

Apple has since re-enabled both Facebook and Google's access to the enterprise developer program, after the companies pulled their apps, but that raises the question: Should Apple be able to exert so much control over other companies? And what about consumer apps?

Apple's ability to kick Facebook and Google off of their own apps proves just how much power the iPhone maker has. What's more, it helps illustrate how much Facebook and Google need Apple. If those companies want access to the 1.4 billion Apple devices on the market, they have to follow the hardware maker's rules.

Why Apple turned off those apps

Apple pulled back the certificates for both Facebook and Google for the same reason. The companies were only supposed to use Apple's iOS enterprise developer program to create and test apps internally. None of the apps were supposed to be available to consumers, because that's what Apple's App Store is designed for.

Instead, both Facebook and Google skirted the App Store by sending those apps through the enterprise developer program. It's worth noting that the apps were designed to scan a users' smartphone to see exactly what apps they use and how often, something App Store apps aren't allowed to do. Users who installed the apps were also paid to do so.

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So, when TechCrunch reported that Facebook's app existed and explained how it was getting out, Apple responded by pulling the plug on the company's enterprise program access. Google was then found to have a similar program, so Apple killed that, too.

"My particular take on it is that Apple's response is very measured, and instead of throwing their weight around it shows how they're kind of locked in this relationship with Facebook and Google," explained University of Buffalo School of Law professor Mark Bartholomew. "To me this doesn't seem like overreach but I see the potential for overreach down the road.

Apple has a long-running stance on privacy protection. CEO Tim Cook has called consumer privacy a human right and said that the kind of data collecting that companies like Facebook and Google conduct is an invasion of privacy. Cook's Apple even took the step of blocking social media trackers on third-party websites in its Safari browser.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has fired backed at Cook in the past telling Vox that Cook's take on Facebook's data use, and suggestion that the company doesn't care about users "extremely glib and not at all aligned with the truth." Of course, Facebook isn't the only company that uses consumer data to turn a profit. Google uses consumers information to help sell ads to advertisers. And Amazon is quickly becoming a major player in the online advertising marketplace.

"One kind of wrinkle here is that this is a privacy dispute, and Apple's brand here is really about privacy  and what goes along with that is a tradeoff," Bartholomew said. "To enjoy Apple's greater attention to privacy, you have to put up with this curated environment that allows you less freedom to use these devices as you might find in other spaces."

"I'm comfortable to a degree with putting it out there and letting people decide that tradeoff," he added. "I just think it should be really transparent."

Should Apple have that much control?

It's important to note that Apple's move didn't impact Facebooks or Google's consumer products. Those go through the Apple App Store, which Facebook and Google would appear to abide by. But the truth is, Apple could easily pull apps from its own App Store, cutting off companies' access to consumers.

In fact, Apple has done just that in the past. In 2017, Apple removed a slew of VPN, virtual private network, apps from its local Chinese App Store. Apple said it made the move to comply with the Chinese government's rules, which prohibit the use of certain VPNs.

That's because those such apps can be used to circumvent China's so-called Great Firewall, which blows access to websites and services China's Communist regime deems inappropriate. Apple defended the move saying it was abiding by Chinese law, just as it does with U.S. law.

Apple is also the final arbiter when it comes to the apps you can install on the phone you own. That's because the company prohibits the installation of apps from third-party sources outside of its own App Store. If your app isn't on the App Store, it's not getting on consumers' phones.

In fact, the only way you can install apps on an iPhone from outside of the App Store is to crack, or jailbreak, the handset, which voids its warranty. Google, on the other hand, allows you to install third-party apps by changing an option in its Android devices' settings menu.

Apple's decision helps ensure the apps users install are safe and from verified sources. Does that then cross a line in preventing users from accessing the apps they want? Not according to Bartholomew.

"When they cross the line is when it's obvious that people aren't free to make the choices they want, and this particular situation doesn't seem that way to me," he said.

"I guess the line for me is when Apple is just really controlling people's choices in a way that wouldn't reflect a flourishing marketplace."

Apple users will have to decide if a lack of a completely open app store is worth the tradeoff for more privacy. And so far, it looks as though it is.

More from Dan:

Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@oath.com; follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley. Follow Yahoo Finance on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.finance.yahoo.com/
Paris (AFP) - Apple said Tuesday that it had reached an agreement with French authorities to settle 10 years of back taxes, becoming the latest US company to make a deal with France, which has led a European push for higher taxes on tech giants.

Apple paid nearly 500 million euros ($570 million) to resolve the case in a confidential settlement reached in December, a source familiar with the case told AFP, confirming a report in French news weekly L'Express.

"The French tax administration recently concluded a multiyear audit on the company's French accounts and an adjustment will be published in our public accounts," Apple said in a statement.

"We know the important role taxes play in society and we pay our taxes in all the countries where we operate, in complete conformity with laws and practices in force at the local level," the company said.

French authorities declined to comment further, citing the confidentiality of tax matters.

- French tech tax looms -

Apple is one of several American technology giants in the line of fire in Europe over their tax strategies, which see them route their income through low-tax nations such as Ireland or Luxembourg.

In 2016, it was ordered by the European Commission to pay 13 billion euros in back taxes to Ireland.

The European Commission said Apple paid an effective corporate tax rate of just 0.005 percent on its European profits in 2014 -- equivalent to just 50 euros for every million.

The deal in France comes as the government prepares to push ahead with its own unilateral "GAFA tax" -- an acronym of Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon -- faced with the failure of EU members to agree on how to get technology companies to pay more tax on their European operations.

The levy, to be put to parliament in a bill this month, would affect companies with global sales of more than 750 million euros and 25 million euros in France.

It would be retroactive to January 1 and is expected to raise 500 million euros this year.

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French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has called the question of how and where global companies pay their taxes "a major issue in the 21st century".

But an agreement among EU members has proved elusive.

Ireland, Denmark and Sweden have all blocked plans for a levy for fear of dissuading investment, and Germany has proved lukewarm on the issue, fearing US retaliation against its car industry.

The issue has been referred to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, which aims to come up with an international agreement by 2020.

- Scramble to settle -

According to L'Express, the deal between France and Apple was clinched after several months of talks, and concerned the small amount of revenue the firm booked in France even as the sales it reported in Europe ballooned.

The report said Apple's European revenues exploded seven-fold, from 6.6 billion euros in 2008 to 47.7 billion in 2017, most of which was booked in Ireland where Apple has its European headquarters.

At 12.5 percent, Ireland's corporate tax rate is much lower than in France, where companies pay 33 percent tax on their profits.

Apple insisted Tuesday that it was contributing to the French economy, saying it had invested 800 million euros on outsourcing in the country in 2018.

It is the second US tech heavyweight to reach a settlement with French tax authorities in the past year.

In February 2018, Amazon said it had settled a French claim for nearly 200 million euros and would start declaring all its earnings in the country, ending a dispute that had dragged on for years.

In 2017, however, France's tax collection drive suffered a setback with a local court ruling that Google was not liable to pay 1.1 billion euros in taxes claimed on revenues transferred from France to Ireland.

Anti-globalisation groups have criticised the government's push to settle cases out of court.

"If you steal to eat you go to prison. When the GAFAM (GAFA plus Microsoft) steal billions the state does an out-of-court deal," the anti-capitalist group Attac France tweeted on Tuesday.
By Svea Herbst-Bayliss

BOSTON (Reuters) - Hedge fund Appaloosa LP on Tuesday urged pharmaceutical company Allergan Plc to split its chairman and chief executive roles, arguing that an independent chair could help CEO Brent Saunders boost the company's sagging share price.

Appaloosa's billionaire founder David Tepper turned up the heat on the Botox maker one week after the company delivered disappointing earnings and shelved plans to sell its women's health business, which it had put on the block in May.

"In the wake of last Tuesday's earnings call ... it should by now be readily apparent to all interested and responsible parties that Allergan requires a fresh approach," Tepper wrote in a letter made public on Tuesday.

"We believed that the introduction of a seasoned independent Chairman with extensive pharmaceutical experience could exert a favorable influence on executive decision-making," the letter said.

Allergan's shares have fallen nearly 30 percent since October and are trading at less than half their historic high of more than $330 hit in 2015. On Tuesday, they were up 1.6 percent at $140.09.

The company undertook a review of its corporate strategy last year, but the result of that review may only be the sale of its relatively small infectious diseases unit and a commitment to remain disciplined in its spending.

Allergan said it had received the Appaloosa proposal and is "committed to continuing to engage with them." The company also said it is committed to strong governance practices and independent board leadership, and touted its pipeline of products in development.

Appaloosa, which oversees $12 billion, began pressuring Allergan to separate the roles, both currently held by Saunders, and to recruit an outsider to oversee its board in 2018. Tepper said that this is the fourth time he has written to the board to request this change.

Allergan's "moribund corporate performance and flagging stock price since our letters only deepens our conviction on this point," Tepper wrote. He also said splitting the roles is not a controversial move.

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At the end of the third quarter, Appaloosa owned nearly 2 million Allergan shares, having cut its holdings by 41 percent, a regulatory filing shows.

Last year, both Appaloosa and Senator Investment Group wrote to Allergan urging the company's board to split the chairman and chief executive role and reconsider its acquisition strategy.

Analysts said that Allergan's disappointing earnings report last week made it vulnerable to more activist pressure.

(Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss in Boston, Michael Erman in New York, Tamara Mathias and Manas Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Susan Thomas and Bill Berkrot)
The political world is feeling the shockwaves of the racist photo discovered on the 1984 medical school yearbook page of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, who is being pressed  even by fellow Democrats  to resign.

Those with a sense for race relations in the state and the time when the yearbook was published are no less indignant, but their astonishment is tempered by a sense of history.

The photo, depicting a person in blackface next to another person in a Ku Klux Klan robe, is offensive. Unheard of? Not quite.

Northam has done himself no favors with his changing explanations, first apologizing for being in the picture and then saying he wasnt in it at all but acknowledging he once wore blackface when imitating Michael Jackson in a dance contest.

But Alvin Tillery, director of the Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy at Northwestern University outside Chicago, said Virginia in the mid-1980s was wrestling with the competing forces of its past as a mecca of slave trading and the emerging political power of African Americans.

He called it an upper-South state that was still holding on very much to the old Jim Crow politics, or trying to.

More: Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown calls Trump 'a racist' amid Northam controversy

More: 'I am not the person in that photo': Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam denies he was in racist image

In 1967, the Supreme Court had banned all state laws prohibiting interracial marriage in the landmark Loving vs. Virginia case. Less than two decades later, in 1984, civil rights leader Jesse Jackson of South Carolina, two states to the south, made his first run at the Democratic presidential nomination, challenging the way the party operated.

Six years later, Douglas Wilder became Virginias first black governor.

There was very active racial politics, a high degree of racial polarization between black and white in Virginia in 1984, Tillery said. It doesnt surprise me that a man in his mid-20s would have been doing Halloween costumes in blackface and Ku Klux Klan uniforms because, frankly, we still have that problem today.

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And todays political climate has some parallels with the direction the country was taking at the time.

Kari Winter, professor of American studies at the University at Buffalo, said the civil rights and womens rights gains of the two previous decades elicited a backlash that found support in the policies of Republican President Ronald Reagan, who served two terms from 1981-1989.

In this Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019 file photo, Gov. Ralph Northam, center, arrives to deliver his State of the Commonwealth address during a joint session of the Virginia Legislature in the House chambers at the Capitol in Richmond, Va.

Reagans penchant for deregulation exacerbated economic inequality, Winter said, adding that his administration was no friend of women or minorities. She sees a similar bent, though in a much more caustic way, in current President Donald Trump and his desire to reverse the course taken by his predecessor, Barack Obama.

What Reagan started has gotten to its apex with Donald Trump, Winter said. Reagan really set in motion the neocon backlash against civil rights, against womens rights, that were seeing now with Trump in its worst and most ugly face.

Political scientists say the use of old slave imagery like blackface has always been known to be offensive  its typically meant as mockery  but it wasnt until the 1970s and 80s that it began to be openly questioned.

By the next decade, such symbols were clearly deemed unacceptable.

Weve had a very firm consensus that these things were objectionable for people in public life beginning in the 1990s, Tillery said.

Opinion: Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam squanders his moral authority

Opinion: Give Ralph Northam an opportunity to redeem himself

The offensive photo linked to Northam was published the same year he graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School, in 1984. He was soon to be 25, but that doesnt necessarily give him cover.

Winter said Northam, born and bred in Virginia, should have learned from his home states troubled history with race relations, even as early as elementary school. As a contemporary, shes aghast at the poor judgment he displayed when he was already an adult.

What Northam needs to do is stop excusing and defending himself and actually use this as a time to learn and grow, Winter said. You have to study history. Where did you come from that would make you think that putting on blackface and dressing up like the Ku Klux Klan is a good time? That is a culture that is deeply sick, deeply toxic, and Northam needs to confront it.

With Democrats billing themselves the party of inclusion and relying strongly on black and Latino voters, political observers question whether Northam can survive this scandal. So far, Northam has resisted calls to step aside by leading figures including the states two senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats.

Terri Jett, associate professor of political science at Butler University in Indianapolis, noted that even in a country deeply divided along partisan lines, theres strong condemnation of Northam.

We do have a lot of polarization, but more people than not find what he did intolerable and offensive, she said. Hes going to have to do something. And he keeps changing his story. It keeps getting worse and worse. Like, Michael Jackson, really?

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Sick, deeply toxic' culture: Ralph Northam hails from a time of troubled race relations in Virginia, US
By Aditya Kalra and Sankalp Phartiyal

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI (Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc's grocery service is slowly returning on its India website after the online retail giant faced disruption from revised e-commerce curbs which kicked in on Feb. 1.

New federal rules, which bar companies from selling products via vendors in which they have an equity interest, forced Amazon India to remove hundreds of thousands of products from its site last week.

The policy has spooked Amazon and Walmart-owned Indian rival, Flipkart, as it is forcing them to alter their business structures.

On Tuesday, Amazon Pantry was offering select food products, such as cookies and tea, in New Delhi and Mumbai. Though Reuters reporters in both cities were able to place Pantry orders, several customers complained on Twitter they were struggling to get their requests fulfilled.

India allowed Amazon to retail food products in the country in 2017 and the company committed $500 million in investment. Amazon was using that government permission to sell some Pantry grocery products via an affiliate, two sources familiar with the plans told Reuters.

Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Though several of Amazon's products, such as its own range of Presto-branded home cleaning goods, were still unavailable, some have returned for sale in recent days.

Some products were now being sold through sellers in which Amazon doesn't have direct or indirect equity stakes, making them compliant with the new rules, one of the sources said.

Nevertheless, the new policy has hit Amazon and Walmart hard.

Morgan Stanley warned that the new regulations would increase the cost of doing business and add uncertainty over losses for Flipkart. Walmart last year pumped in $16 billion to buy 77 percent of Flipkart in its biggest ever deal.

Though still too early to assess, Morgan Stanley said it may make sense for Walmart to "walk away" if it can't see a long-term path for profits in the country.

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Investors too have criticized the policy, saying the sudden changes to the e-commerce curbs raise broad worries about an unstable regulatory environment in India.

"Frequent policy changes make the whole ecosystem nervous," said Rajat Tandon, President of the Indian Private Equity & Venture Capital Association, which counts global investors such as KKR & Co and Sequoia Capital among its members.

The new rules, however, have pleased small traders who had long complained that e-commerce giants used their control over inventory from affiliated vendors to create an unfair marketplace where they could offer discounts.

(Reporting by Aditya Kalra; Editing by Martin Howell/Keith Weir)
By Paresh Dave and Arjun Panchadar (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc reported sharply higher fourth-quarter spending on video content, employees and facilities, worrying investors who sent the tech company's shares down about 3 percent after hours on Monday. Google's parent company beat Wall Street's estimates for revenue and profit, but the bigger-than-expected spending prompted investors to question whether cash funneled into Alphabet's newer businesses will generate the returns that its search engine unit historically has. "While the core business is still growing impressively, the significant spending shows growth isnt quite as capital-light as had been hoped," said George Salmon, a stock analyst at financial firm Hargreaves Lansdown. The company reported $31.07 billion in total fourth-quarter costs and expenses, up 26 percent from last year. Capital expenditures rose 64 percent compared to last year, up to $7.08 billion. Spending was pushed higher by Google boosting staffing on its cloud computing division, promoting its consumer devices and YouTube subscription packages and acquiring office buildings in Silicon Valley and New York City. Alphabet Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat told analysts that capital expenditures would moderate significantly this year, but the company would continue to invest in long-term bets on artificial intelligence services, consumer hardware and emerging markets. REVENUE, PROFIT BEATS Alphabet's fourth-quarter revenue rose 22 percent from a year ago to $39.28 billion, compared with Wall Street's average estimate of $38.93 billion, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. About 83 percent of the revenue came from Google's ad system. Heavy advertising in the run-up to the holiday shopping season boosted sales. Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai told analysts the number of people shopping on Google.com each day during the holidays doubled over last year. Profit for the quarter was $8.95 billion, or $12.77 per share, compared with a $3 billion loss a year ago. That beat analysts' average estimates of $7.69 billion, or $10.87 per share. Partly because of the higher spending, Alphabet's operating margin was 21 percent, down from 24 percent in the year-ago period. "For a growth company, investment should be applauded," said Atlantic Equities analyst James Cordwell. "But a lot of the additional expenditure is going into cloud where it is unclear whether there will ever be a return on that investment." Google remains behind rival Amazon.com Inc in the cloud, said Cordwell. The company has authorized a plan to buy back an additional $12.5 billion worth of its shares, Porat said. NO NEWS ON WAYMO Google's mostly free search, video and productivity tools are used by billions of people across the world, despite a backlash in some countries over how the company uses and protects customer information. Investors concerned that Alphabet's future growth, especially in emerging markets, will not match its previous rates, are looking to the company's other businesses to provide new streams of revenue. But Alphabet gave away little new information on its other ventures on Monday. It gave no indication when its self-driving car company Waymo will generate noticeable revenue. In October, Alphabet said Waymo had begun revenue-generating rides within a small section of Arizona but did not break out the company's financials. Pichai said Google's cloud computing unit last year doubled the number of deals it struck worth more than $1 million. The cloud unit's G Suite productivity product now has 5 million customers, he said, up from 4 million in last year's first quarter. (Reporting by Arjun Panchadar in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva and Bill Rigby)
The Telegraph

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed that they did buy the Lilibet Diana and Lili Diana internet domain names before their daughters name was approved by the Queen. The revelation will raise further questions about whether the couple sought permission from Her Majesty to use the highly personal pet name or rather told her when the baby had been born. A spokesman for the Sussexes said they purchased a significant number of domain names for a range of potential names they were co
The millennial architects of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Green New Deal appear to be drawing inspiration from the old mantra of their generation's most iconic company: "Move fast and break things."

That company, Facebook (FB), has connected about a third of the world's population in just over a decade. The insurgent political movement behind Ocasio-Cortez has something more ambitious in mind: remaking the planet's largest economy in order to save the world from climate change.

As the the progressives begin to release the early sketches of their plan to create a zero-carbon economy, some policymakers and researchers worry the Green New Deal will literally break things. The concern is that Ocasio-Cortez's plan to achieve climate goals in just 10 years will not only tee up defeat but unleash disruptions and unintended consequences that reverberate from U.S. power markets to Central African mines.

In one possible scenario, a rapid transition creates vulnerabilities in the system that leave the nation exposed to power shortages during times of peak demand, like last week's polar vortex. While conservatives have long evoked rolling blackouts as a bogeyman in the debate over renewable power, energy researchers do express concern about the time frame for achieving Ocasio-Cortez's goals.

"From a vantage point like mine, they're certainly outside the realm of what is achievable, and I'm not sure that by putting those proposals forth, we're actually really moving the ball forward for the agenda," said Francis O'Sullivan, head of research at the MIT Energy Initiative.

A Green New Deal would mobilize the nation's capital  its money, manpower and know-how  to advance clean tech and overhaul the American energy and transportation sectors. The goal is to drive carbon dioxide and other greenhouse-gas emissions to zero and prevent the potentially catastrophic impacts of climate change.

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Ocasio-Cortez and the progressive wing of the Democratic Party are the latest advocates for such a plan. Their vision also strives to achieve economic justice with proposals like a federal jobs guarantee, basic income and universal health care. Ocasio-Cortez and Democratic Sen. Edward Markey are expected to introduce legislation into both chambers of Congress to move the plan forward soon.

The progressive coalition has yet to propose policies to reach this clean energy future, and Ocasio-Cortez has only floated ideas for how to pay for it  including a charge on carbon emissions and a 70 percent marginal tax rate for wealthy Americans. However, the coalition has set broad, ambitious goals:

Generate 100 percent of the nation's electric power from renewable sources.

Build a national, energy-efficient "smart" electric power grid.

Upgrade every residential and industrial building for energy efficiency.

Eliminate greenhouse-gas emissions from the transportation sector, as well as from farms, factories and other industries.

Fund "massive" investment, and make the U.S. a leading exporter of clean-tech products and services.

In her proposal to establish a House select committee, Ocasio-Cortez said she wants to hit the targets within 10 years of passing legislation authorizing a Green New Deal.

To be sure, the goals are not promises, said Demond Drummer, executive director at New Consensus, the think tank charged with fleshing out the deal and other progressive policies.

"We're not promising anything. We're setting a goal," he said. "We're setting a goal, and we're going to get there."

"Ten years is the statement. It really communicates we need to take bold, aggressive action."

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez's office declined to make the Congress member or an aide available for this story and did not respond to written questions.

Hitting mid-century goals by 2030

Policies aimed at achieving zero emissions have historically targeted mid-century for two reasons, according to Dr. Noah Kaufman, who studied pathways to decarbonization on the White House Council on Environmental Quality under President Barack Obama.

First, climate scientists generally believe cutting emissions by 80 percent to 100 percent by 2050 would allow nations to collectively prevent global temperatures from rising above 2 degrees Celsius by 2100, the headline goal of the 2015 Paris climate agreement. Beyond that threshold, climate scientists warn the impacts of global warming grow less predictable and perhaps exponentially more devastating.

Second, a longer timeline allows reductions to occur without major disruptions to the way companies and citizens go about their business. The 10-year target for Ocasio-Cortez's goal, for example, would force utilities to shut down natural gas plants long before their useful life is over, said Kaufman, now a research scholar at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy.

Drummer confirms the Green New Deal would phase out all fossil fuel and nuclear plants, though he said it would be done "responsibly and justly."

"The reason why we think it's worth looking into is because the science says we actually don't have 10 years. The science says this should have happened 10 years ago from yesterday," Drummer said.

Drummer points to the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's recent warning that "unprecedented changes" are necessary to meet the more ambitious goal of holding global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The world is on pace to exceed that level as soon as 2030, the Nobel Prize-winning panel composed of climate scientists said.

Policymakers and scholars tell CNBC a broad, overarching strategy to combat climate change is necessary, and they welcome the attention that Ocasio-Cortez has brought to the issue.

Kaufman does not doubt the nation could drive emissions close to zero in 10 or 20 years, provided the United States treats climate change as a national emergency and reaches political consensus. However, he and others warn that a sudden, rapid transition could create problems that undermine green goals.

"Looking at something like 10 years, it's not a lot of time to look around at what's going on and react to it," Kaufman said. "If you give yourself a little more time, you have more opportunity to see what's working and make tweaks to make sure you're on the right path and accomplishing your policy objectives."

100 percent renewable power: "A really big stretch"

Currently, only some parts of the country, like California and Texas, are seeing renewables go from playing a marginal role in the power system to a meaningful role, said O'Sullivan, the MIT researcher.

"The idea of a wind and solar future  100 percent in 10 years' time  that's a really big stretch in many places. A very considerably cleaner system in 10 years' time, now that's much more realistic in regions where you have some hydro, aggressive additional buildup of wind and solar and quite a bit of nuclear hanging out as well."

Renewable-energy sources generated 17 percent of the country's electric power in 2017, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Hydropower accounted for 7.4 percent, followed by wind at 6.4 percent. Solar contributed just 1.3 percent.

Meanwhile, nuclear power plants generated 20 percent of the nation's electric power and 63 percent of its zero-carbon power.

Scaling up wind and solar power would require replacing hundreds of thousands of miles of transmission and distribution lines with high voltage wire, in addition to outfitting the infrastructure with sensors to create a smart grid.

O'Sullivan said the United States is "nowhere near" implementing a national smart grid, and he is skeptical the country could stand one up in 10 years. Building out that infrastructure is a tortuous process that entails navigating a thicket of stakeholders, from local landowners to federal regulators.

In 2011 the Electric Power Research Institute estimated the cost of a national smart grid, including storage, at $338 billion to $476 billion. EPRI said the grid would create $1.3 trillion to $2 trillion in economic benefits and cut emissions by nearly 60 percent from 2005 levels. EPRI, an independent nonprofit, is mostly funded by utilities.

Even at today's modest levels, rapid deployment of renewables has created technical and market complications, said O'Sullivan. California solar and wind farms have curtailed large amounts of supply because they were generating more power than could be used or stored at times. The spike in renewable power also drove prices down to levels that create problems in power markets.

These complexities "are surmountable, but they are not surmountable in unrealistic time frames  in time frames that just do not mesh with the overall inertia of the system," O'Sullivan said.

More batteries, more problems

The Green New Deal also requires installing systems to store energy when the wind doesn't blow and the sun doesn't shine.

The United States currently has 1.4 Gw of installed energy battery storage capacity, and it's on pace to grow that capacity to 4 Gw by 2023, according to energy research firm Wood Mackenzie. That pencils out to 3 percent to 4 percent of the electric power the nation can generate.

"There is no solution for 100 percent renewable that doesn't require massive amounts of storage," said Daniel Finn-Foley, senior energy storage analyst at Wood Mackenzie Power and Renewables.

That's where the Green New Deal's vision for electric power intersects with its transportation sector goal  replacing all internal combustion engine vehicles with electric vehicles. The dominant technology behind both EVs and electric power storage is lithium-ion batteries.

Wood Mackenzie forecasts that under current conditions, annual electric vehicle sales will reach 2.9 million by 2030, accounting for 16 percent of all lightweight vehicles sold in the United States.

Getting to 100 percent around 2030 would be a "huge" jump, and one that raises serious geopolitical, humanitarian and environmental concerns, said Ravi Manghani, director of storage research at Wood Mackenzie Power and Renewables.

That's because lithium-ion batteries rely on rare earths like cobalt .

There are serious concerns about the environmental impacts on lithium-producing nations. Meanwhile, more than half of the world's cobalt supply comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a central African nation with a record of instability and a history of child labor in the mining industry.

Lifting EV sales from 16 percent to 100 percent by 2030 would require a roughly five- to sixfold increase in mining, Manghani said. He is concerned that a huge surge in demand over a short period could incentivize environmental and labor abuses and even tip DRC further into instability.

One solution is to prioritize new battery technologies that use less cobalt, and certainly, the Green New Deal calls for mobilizing the nation on a scale similar to World War II and the Space Race to accelerate innovation.

Still, Drummer acknowledges that some technologies, like zero-carbon airplanes, are unlikely to emerge at commercial scale over the next decade.

"That may take 50 years, but the point is, we've got to try," Drummer said. "We're not moving currently with the urgency we need to be moving to actually address this existential threat."

He added: "The unintended consequence of moving fast must be weighed with the known consequences of not moving fast enough."
By Abdul Qadir Sediqi and Jibran Ahmad KABUL/PESHAWAR, Pakistan (Reuters) - Afghanistan's main spy agency said on Wednesday it had killed the Taliban commander behind a deadly attack on one of its bases this week, and vowed to hunt down and kill all the rest of those involved. The National Directorate of Security (NDS) said the Taliban commander, identified only as Noman, was killed in an air strike on Tuesday night. The agency said Noman was the mastermind of a Monday attack on an NDS base in Maidan Wardak province, west of Kabul, in which the NDS said 36 people were killed and 58 wounded. Other officials said the casualty toll was higher. "Noman, along with seven others, was targeted after being identified by the NDS forces," the security agency said in a statement. "NDS will follow the terrorist group and kill them all." The Taliban issued a statement, denying that the commander had been killed. The insurgent attack in Maidan Wardak was the latest to inflict heavy casualties on government forces and underlined the pressure they face as increasingly confident fighters step up violence, even as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict are underway. In Monday's attack, the Taliban detonated a captured military Humvee packed with explosives. Some government officials said the casualty toll was higher than the one given by the NDS. A senior defense source had told Reuters 126 members of the Afghan security forces were killed. Two senior security officials in the capital, Kabul, said at least 72 men being trained by the NDS were killed with 38 severely wounded. The Taliban said their attack killed 190 people. It was not immediately clear if Tuesday's air strike was supported by U.S. forces. Afghan forces backed by U.S. air strikes have been targeting Taliban commanders, but questions have been raised over the future of U.S. involvement by reports that President Donald Trump wants to bring home almost half of the 14,000 U.S. troops. 'HEATED ARGUMENTS' Officials in Maidan Wardak gave conflicting accounts of the violence that followed Monday's Taliban attack. Mohebulla Sharifzai, spokesman for the provincial governor said the NDS had killed six gunmen in an air strike in the provincial capital, but he was not sure if Taliban commander Noman was among them. A second provincial official said the NDS, with support from foreign forces, conducted two raids. "An air strike conducted by foreign forces killed three men and a boy, they were not gunmen but hunters," said Akhtar Mohammad Taheri, head of Maidan Wardak's provincial council. Taheri told Reuters in the second raid, NDS forces hunting militants killed five civilians from the same family. An NDS spokesman was not available for comment and did not respond to requests for comment. The surging violence came as Taliban leaders met U.S. officials in Qatar for talks to try to agree on a way to end the 17-year war. Officials from the two sides have met at least four times in recent months but the militants have refused to talk to the U.S.-backed Kabul government. The Taliban say they are fighting to oust foreign troops, topple the government and restore strict Islamic law. The United States and its allies say they want to stop Afghanistan from becoming a haven for international militants plotting attacks in the West. Taliban officials privy to the talks, which entered an unscheduled third day on Wednesday, said U.S. negotiators, led by special envoy for peace Zalmay Khalilzad, were concerned about deteriorating security and feared that a U.S. withdrawal could lead to "terrorist groups" taking control in Afghanistan. The two sides exchanged heated arguments and counter-arguments, said a senior Taliban official who declined to be identified. Our delegation made it clear that they would never let Afghanistan to be used against any other country, the official said. (Writing by Rupam Jain; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Robert Birsel)
By Hamid Shalizi KABUL (Reuters) - Afghanistan's president Ashraf Ghani said on Tuesday that no peace deal between the Taliban and the United States could be finalised without involving his government as "the decision-maker". Ghani's government has so far been shut out of the evolving peace talks between Taliban negotiators and U.S. envoys to end more than 17 years of war, with the hardline Islamist movement branding his government as a U.S. puppet. His made his remarks in a television interview as Afghan opposition politicians, including his predecessor Hamid Karzai, meet Taliban representatives in Moscow. "At the end of any peace deal, the decision-maker will be the government of Afghanistan," Ghani told TOLO News, the country's largest private television station. "No power in the country can dissolve the government," he said, adding that he was ready to "stand and defend our country". "Rest assured that no-one can push us aside," he said. With both sides hailing progress in talks in Qatar last month, U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is due to meet Taliban representatives there again on Feb. 25. Ghani's comments are some of the most extensive since he met Khalilzad in Kabul last week following the last round of talks. U.S. officials say any withdrawal is contingent on a ceasefire - something the Taliban insists on happening first - and that the movement must be prepared to enter talks with the Afghan government to help create a durable peace. After two years of intensified attacks by the Taliban on the Afghan government, military and foreign forces, they now control or contest nearly half of the districts across Afghanistan. A ceasefire and the withdrawal of thousands of U.S.-led NATO troops is on the table after Washington secured earlier assurances from the Taliban that they would not allow groups such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State to attack the United States and its allies. Western diplomats and security advisers believe a swift foreign pullout would put the stretched Afghan forces under severe strain. "The Taliban said they ready to sever ties with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, and this is a good development," Ghani said. Shortly before the interview was broadcast, a U.S. general told a Senate hearing that the talks were in their early stages and the Afghan government would have to be part of any negotiated solution. "I would characterize where we are in the process as very, very early in the process," U.S. General Joseph Votel, head of the U.S. military's Central Command, told a Senate hearing. Votel also said that the United States would need to continue to support Afghan security forces financially even if U.S. troops withdrew. The United States has about 14,000 troops in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led Resolute Support mission and a separate counter-terrorism effort largely directed at groups such as al-Qaeda and Islamic State. Some 8,000 troops from 38 other countries also participate in Resolute Support. (Writing by Greg Torode, Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Through Her Eyes is a new weekly half-hour show hosted by human rights activist Zainab Salbi that explores contemporary issues from a female perspective. You can watch Through Her Eyes every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on Roku, and see full episodes at yahoonews.com.

Rev. Jacqueline Lewis, senior minister of Middle Collegiate Church in Manhattan, is on a mission to eradicate racism  especially within the church she loves. Though Rev. Lewiss own congregation is a model of diversity, Rev. Lewis isnt shy about being critical of the wider Christian world  what she calls the capital C church. Appearing on the Yahoo News program Through Her Eyes, Rev. Lewis contended that the church is just one of many areas in American life that she says has been stained by racism.

The thing that does not change, the thing that has no change, is the persistent myth of white supremacy, she said. That takes form in the Christian church, where white supremacy masquerades as faith, that gets built into capitalism, that gets built into government, that gets built into voter redistricting, and it gets written into how were going to gerrymander. And that sense of keeping white folks on top does not change.

Rev. Lewis is also seeking to bring people together  including the Womens March movement, which has recently been steeped in controversy.

I think we have more to lose by breaking up the movement, Rev. Lewis said.

The leaders of the Womens March have faced accusations of anti-Semitism, with much of the criticism focusing on their support of Louis Farrakhan, a leader in the Nation of Islam. As a result, the Womens March has splintered, and other organizations, such as March On, have been formed. But Rev. Lewis hopes feminists and their allies can focus on common goals to drive the Womens March movement forward.

Our shared enemies are so clear, Rev. Lewis said. White supremacy is our shared enemy.  Greed is our shared enemy. Homophobia and transphobia, those are our shared enemies.

Look, were family. Those of us who are trying to lead our nation to justice are family. And families dont get along all the time. Family life is messy.
Liquidity indicates a companys capability of meeting debt obligations by converting assets into cash and equivalents. Companies with a favorable liquidity position have always been in demand as these are believed to have potential for boosting portfolio returns.

However, one should be cautious before investing in liquid stocks. While a high liquidity level may mean that the company is meeting its obligations at a faster rate compared with others in its domain, it may also indicate that the company is failing to use its assets efficiently.

Hence, one should consider the efficiency level of a company in addition to its liquidity for identifying potential gems as this combination is reflective of underlying financial strength.

Measures to Identify Liquid Stocks

Current Ratio: It measures current assets relative to current liabilities. This ratio is used for measuring a companys potential to meet both short- and long-term debt obligations. Thus, a current ratio  also known as working capital ratio  below 1 indicates that the company has more liabilities than assets. However, a high current ratio does not always indicate that the company is in good financial shape. It may also mean that the company has failed to utilize its assets significantly. Hence, a range of 1 to 3 is considered ideal.

Quick Ratio: Unlike current ratio, quick ratio  also called acid-test ratio" or "quick assets ratio"  indicates a companys ability to pay short-term obligations. It considers inventory excluding current assets relative to current liabilities. Like the current ratio, a quick ratio of greater than 1 is desirable.

Cash Ratio: This is the most conservative ratio among the three, as it takes into account only cash and cash equivalents, and invested funds relative to current liabilities. It measures a companys ability to meet its current debt obligations using the most liquid of assets. Though a cash ratio of more than 1 may point to sound financials, a higher number may indicate inefficiency in cash utilization.

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So, a ratio greater than 1 is desirable at all times but may not always appropriately represent a companys financial condition.

Screening Parameters

In order to pick the best of the lot, we have added asset utilization, which is a widely used measure of a companys efficiency, as one of the screening criteria. Asset utilization is the ratio of total sales over the past 12 months to the last four-quarter average of total assets. Though this ratio varies across industries, companies with a ratio higher than their respective industries can be considered efficient.

In order to ensure that these liquid and efficient stocks have solid growth potential, we have added our proprietary Growth Style Score to the screen.

Current Ratio, Quick Ratio and Cash Ratio between 1 and 3 (While liquidity ratios of greater than 1 are desirable, significantly high ratios may indicate inefficiency.)

Asset utilization greater than industry average (Higher asset utilization than the industry average indicates a companys efficiency.)

Zacks Rank equal to #1 (Only Strong Buy-rated stocks can get through). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Growth Score less than or equal to B (Back-tested results show that stocks with a Growth Score of A or B when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 or 2 handily beat other stocks.)

These criteria have narrowed down the universe of more than 7,700 stocks to only 10.

Here are five of the 10 stocks that qualified the screen:

Niwot, CO-based Crocs, Inc. CROX is a provider of innovative casual footwear for men, women and children.The company has a Growth Score of A and delivered average four-quarter positive surprise of 126.3%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2019 earnings has been stable at $1.05 over the past 30 days.

Based in Tinton Falls, NJ, Commvault Systems, Inc. CVLT is a provider of Unified Data Management solutions for data protection, universal availability and simplified management of data in complex storage networks. The company has a Growth Score of A and came up with average four-quarter earnings surprise of 15.3%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2019 earnings of $1.81 has been revised 9% upward in the last 30 days.

Fabrinet FN, domiciled in George Town, Cayman Islands, is a provider of precision optical, electro-mechanical and electronic manufacturing services to original equipment manufacturers of complex products. The company has a Growth Score of A and pulled off average four-quarter beat of 6.11%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2019 earnings of $3.55 has moved a penny north over the past 30 days.

Headquartered in Seattle, WA, Trupanion, Inc. TRUP operates as a direct-to-consumer monthly subscription service provider of a medical insurance plan for cats and dogs. The company has a Growth Score of A and delivered average four-quarter positive surprise of 97.08%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate of 9 cents for fiscal 2019 earnings has been flat over the past 30 days.

Mumbai, India-domiciled WNS (Holdings) Limited WNS is a leading global provider of business process management services. The company has a Growth Score of A and delivered average four-quarter positive surprise of 16.07%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2019 earnings has been raised 6% to $2.66 in the last 30 days.

Get the rest of the stocks on the list and start putting this and other ideas to the test. It can all be done with the Research Wizard stock picking and back testing software.

The Research Wizard is a great place to begin. It's easy to use. Everything is in plain language. And it's very intuitive. Start your Research Wizard trial today. And the next time you read an economic report, open up the Research Wizard, plug your finds in, and see what gems come out.

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Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material.

Disclosure: Performance information for Zacks portfolios and strategies are available at: https://www.zacks.com/performance.



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Historically, February is not a favorable month for stocks as the S&P 500 has offered negative 0.05% on average since 1950, per moneychimp.com. This year, January was the best in 30 years and the winning momentum is continuing in the second month of the year.

Positive signals from the Fed and developments on the trade front have been driving the rally. The Fed has dropped hints of taking a dovish stance on rate hikes this year. However, there is uncertainty related to the government shutdown. After more than a month-long impasse, the U.S. federal government reopened in January-end for three weeks.

The differences between Democrats and Republicans on passing the $5.6-billion funding for Mexico border wall is still in place. China and the United States are said to have progressed on trade relations, but probably meet at month-end for further discussions. So, many key economic factors are still in limbo and might cause some upheaval in the market in late February (read: 3 Dividend Growth ETFs & Stocks to Counter Looming Volatility).

Given this, investors must be interested in finding ETFs to win over the unseen or cash in on some inevitable euphoria. For them, we have highlighted a few ETFs.

ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF (MJ)

Marijuana stocks are on a tear since the start of the year on upbeat industry developments and growing mergers and acquisitions. Growing global legalization, for both medical and recreational purposes, has been supporting marijuana stocks. So, investors can tap this high-momentum trade and bet on a pure-play ETF.

SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY)

With reasons for volatility to stay, investors can safely bet on dividend growth ETFs. Stocks with a history of raising dividends provide hedge against economic uncertainty and these are high-quality in nature.

The underlying S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index of SDY measures the performance of the highest dividend yielding S&P Composite 1500 Index constituents that have consistently hiked dividends for at least 20 straight years.

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GraniteShares US High Income ETF HIPS

With the Fed dropping hints of relatively accommodative policies in the near term, Treasury bond yields have been near moderate levels. So, many investors may like to tap multi-asset income ETF like HIPS that offer as sturdy as a 7.73% annual yield. The fund ensures high current income and is likely to give protection during market selloffs as these have exposure to several types of asst classes.

Invesco Dynamic Oil & Gas Services ETF (PXJ)

First of all, the sector enjoys seasonal strength in February, per equityclock.com. Fresh output cut decision by OPEC and Russia for the first six months of the year, U.S. sanctions against Venezuela on political grounds and U.S.-Sino trade deal hopes have kept oil and energy ETFs steady of late.

Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV)

Overall, the healthcare sector appears strong. While the sector is non-cyclical in nature, it should benefit from rising merger and acquisitions as well as approvals for some novel drugs. However, the price gouging issue is still a concern (read: Best ETF Ideas for 2019).

Want key ETF info delivered straight to your inbox?

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Susan Smith, 26, was slapped with a Criminal Behaviour Order banned here from every branch of the Co-op and Marks and Spencer in England and Wales. (SWNS)

A prolific female shoplifter has been banned from every branch of Marks & Spencer and the Co-op in England and Wales.Susan Smith was slapped with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) following a string of thefts.

She also repeatedly verbally abused staff in her home town of Malvern, Worcestershire.

The 26-year-old has now been banned from entering all 979 M&S stores and around 4,000 Co-op branches for three years.

Susan Smith, 26, was slapped with a Criminal Behaviour Order banned here from every branch of the Co-op and Marks and Spencer in England and Wales. (PA/SWNS)

The order comes after she was jailed for four-and-a-half months for a number of thefts last month.

On Monday she was handed the CBO at Kidderminster Magistrates Court.

The order bans her from: Shouting and swearing or being verbally abusive towards others; behaving in an aggressive or threatening manner, entering M&S or CO-op anywhere in England and Wales.

She is also banned from entering an area of Lowesmoor, in Worcester and told must attend appointments to address her misuse of alcohol.

Smiths CBO prohibits her from:

1. Shouting and swearing or being verbally abusive towards others or within the hearing of others who are caused or likely to be caused, alarm, harassment or distress.

2. Behaving in an aggressive, threatening or intimidating manner towards others or within the hearing of others who are caused or likely to be caused alarm harassment or distress.

3. Associating in any public place with a named individual.

4. Entering any Marks and Spencers store anywhere in England and Wales.

5. Entering the area of Lowesmoor, Worcester.

6. Entering any Co-op store anywhere in England and Wales.

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A 4-year-old girl died of complications from the flu and pneumonia just four days after she began to exhibit any signs of illness, according to her devastated family.

Ashanti Grinich, of Garland, Texas, became sick with cold-like symptoms following a family church outing on Sunday, Jan. 27, her parents told KTVT.

That Tuesday, Ashanti's parents brought her to the emergency room with a 103-degree fever, where she was diagnosed with Influenza type A. Doctors sent her home once her fever subsided and recommend her parents manage her symptoms with over-the-counter medicines.

The 4-year-old's mother rushed her back to the emergency room on Thursday, Jan. 31, when she began acting extremely lethargic. Ashanti was diagnosed with pneumonia, a serious lung infection often caused by influenza, and died later that day.

"She wasnt even running fever at this time, we just knew she was very sluggish and she wasnt eating," Martell Grinich, Ashanti's father, told KTVT.

When I think about my baby, that tears me down man," the bereaved father said through tears. "Thats what I was living for. I told her I wasnt going to let (anything) bad happen to her."

Ashanti's death marks the first reported pediatric flu death in Dallas County of the 2018-2019 flu season. Her family said she had not been vaccinated against the disease.

Dr. Christopher Perkins, Director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services, urges those who have not done so already to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible.

"We cannot predict the intensity, severity or duration of the flu season from year to year," he said. The best way to protect yourself and others is to get your seasonal flu shot."

Ashanti's aunt, Nereida Olivarez, created a GoFundMe page to help cover the cost of her niece's funeral. It has raised over $11,700 of its $15,000 goal at the time of publishing.
AMD

Sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Co has announced the sale of nearly 35 million shares in semiconductor firm Advanced Micro Devices (AMD).

According to Reuters, the state fund of Abu Dhabi disposed of 34.9 million common equity shares in AMD. Mubadala also intends to convert 75 million warrants in the chipmaker into common equity shares. After the conversion Mubadala will have an ownership stake of around 6.9%. The chipmaker will benefit from the conversion to the tune of $448.5 million.

Per a spokesperson, Mubadalas decision to sell part of its stake in AMD was driven by its investment strategy. This strategy, the spokesperson pointed out, is to monetize mature holdings to deliver attractive commercial returns.

Mubadala has been Holding AMD Shares for Over a Decade

The sovereign wealth funds initial investment in AMD was made in 2007. At the time the stock was hovering below $20. While Mubadala did not reveal the sale price it could have netted more than $840 million. This is based on the closing price of $24.13 recorded on Monday.

Read the full story on CCN.com.
2020 Ford Super Duty Pickup Truck Gains More Powerful Engines

Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.

Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.

The battle for heavy-duty pickup truck supremacy rages on, as each major competitor updates and redesigns their entries. Ford is the latest to trot out improvements, aimed at raising the Super Duty's workhorse capabilities while defending its market-leading position.

The 2020 Ford Super Duty pickup truck, expected to be fully unveiled this week at the Chicago Auto Show, showcases light cosmetic updates and boasts significant improvements under the hood. Specifications are expected to be revealed at the show.

Here's what we know so far:

Outside

The updated Super Duty trucks look strikingly familiar, with changes limited to headlamps, bumpers, grille, taillights, and tailgate. Some changes to the front are meant to freshen the appearance and help cool the engine.

Inside

Various trim levels receive minor updates, such as to their badges and stitching. More notable is the now-standard Fordpass telematics system with WiFi hot-spot capability and available wireless phone charger that can help both workers on the go and traveling families.

What Drives It

For 2020 the base 6.2-liter V8 engine will be mated with the ubiquitous 10-speed transmission that's spreading through Fords truck line. This new transmission has selectable drive modes that include normal, tow/haul, eco, slippery, and deep sand/snow. Ford explains that despite adding four gears, the 10-speed unit fits in the same space as the previous six-gear system and weighs just 3.5 pounds more.

There's a new step-up engine for 2020, a 7.3-liter V8. Ford expects this to be the most powerful V8 in the class. If so, output should be greater than the 410-hp, 6.4-liter V8 offered in the new 2019 Ram 2500.

A redesigned 6.7-liter diesel V8 will be the choice for challenging commercial and towing duties. The last diesel we tested had oodles of power, and it was quick for the class.

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Safety and Driver Assist Systems

Buyers will need to skip over the rather basic XL trim to get key advanced safety features. The XLT and higher trims will come with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Blind spot warning and lane keeping assist with trailer coverage are available as options. These features are recommended given the massive size of this vehicle and the likelihood that owners will use it for towing.

The Super Duty will be available with Pro Trailer Backup Assist, a helpful feature seen on other Ford trucks. This system helps with backing up with a trailer, enabling the driver to steer via knob (rather than the steering wheel) while monitoring the rearview camera display.

CRs Take

The F-250 is known as a tough work truck that can pull a heavy load and provides a roomy cabin. The new powertrains promise to improve its capabilities. However, were not hearing that some of the shortcomings exposed in our road test have been addressed, such as ponderous handling and long stopping distances.

See our current Ford F-250 road test.





More from Consumer Reports:

Top pick tires for 2016

Best used cars for $25,000 and less

7 best mattresses for couples



Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright  2019, Consumer Reports, Inc.
Ouagadougou (AFP) - Fourteen civilians were killed in a jihadist attack in northern Burkina Faso near the Mali border, the military said on Monday.

The army conducted raids in three northern provinces in response and said it had "neutralised" 146 militants, according to a report that AFP could not immediately confirm from an independent source.

The jihadist attack, which took place in the town of Kain in the Yatenta province bordering Mali, is one of the most serious recorded in the country and came on the eve of a G5 Sahel summit in Ouagadougou.

Army spokesman Colonel Lamoussa Fofana said in a statement: "On the night of Sunday 3 to Monday, February 4, 2019 a terrorist attack in Kain left 14 civilian victims.

"In response to this attack, the national defence and security forces immediately began operations in the Kain, Banh (Loroum Province, north) and Bomboro (Kossi Province, northwest) areas.

"This counterattack... resulted in a land and air operation which neutralised 146 terrorists in the three areas," the statement said.

A military source confirmed to AFP that the term "neutralise" meant kill.

- Sahel force struggling -

The army said it suffered "light casualties" but "no loss of life" during the retaliations, adding that security operations were continuing in the affected areas.

Both civilians and security forces have paid a heavy price for jihadist attacks in recent years, with the death toll now standing at nearly 300 since 2015.

There were three major attacks in the north alone last month: on January 10, 12 civilians were killed in the village of Gasseliki; on January 27, 10 civilians were killed in an attack on Sikire; and on January 28, four soldiers died in a massive jihadist attack in Nassoumbou.

Attacks have also affected the east, and to a lesser extent, the west of the country.

Ouagadougou has been hit three times since 2016, with nearly 60 lives lost. The last attack, in March 2018, hit the army headquarters in the city centre.

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The Kain attack came just before a summit of the five Sahel countries -- Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger -- to be held in the capital on Tuesday.

The group have put together a military force to try to stem the jihadist attacks throughout the region, but the force is fighting an uphill battle.

Its commander, Mauritanian General Hanena Ould Sidi, announced on Sunday that the force had staged three operations since January 15, without giving more details.

Burkina Faso police are also struggling to combat the increasingly frequent and deadly jihadist attacks. Since 1 January, a state of emergency has been declared in 14 out of 45 provinces, giving additional powers to security forces.

President Roch Marc Christian Kabore dismissed the army chief of staff this month and then replaced the defence and security ministers during a reshuffle.

At the end of February, Burkina Faso will host the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, one of the biggest African film festivals, which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary.
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Flooded with phone calls from panic-stricken students, an eminent Indian American attorney on Tuesday alleged that Department of Homeland Security knowingly allowed the 'fake university' to be set up and misled students sitting hundreds of miles away in another country.





A day after the State Department blamed Indian students for the mass detention and possible deportation from the United States for enrolling themselves in a fake university set up by the Department of Homeland Security, California-based immigration attorney Anu Peshawaria said that the undercover operation has devastating consequences for hundred of Indian students.





"We are not saying that our students are not at fault. They should have done their due diligence before signing up. If they are perpetrating crime knowingly, they should be punished but if they are trapped or encouraged to commit the crime then we need to help them," Peshawaria said.





As per last week's figures provided by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as many as 130 of the 600 students from the fake University of Farmington were detained last week.





Of these 129 were Indians.Many of them since then have been released or put under restricted movement. Several of them have left the country.





Peshawaria said that some students are worried that they will have arrest on their record for ever and have lost years of education to no avail.





"They could be possible blackmail for the rest of their lives. What is surprising is that the university was registered with the education board that authorises the issuance of I-20s to students, which in turn is approved by the Department of Homeland Security," she said.





"Department of Homeland Security knowingly allowed the 'fake university' to be set up and misled students sitting hundreds of miles away in another country," she said noting that her office has been receiving numerous calls from panic-stricken friends and families of a large number of Indian students which could result in mass deportation.





Worse, these students, based on their approved i-20s even got driver licenses from the US Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This only added another stamp of authenticity to the credentials of the university, she asserted.





Many students travelled to meet the Dean of the University, which has now been closed, many of them asked for classes curriculum, she said.





"Given that authorities knew this was a set-up, they should have stopped the students there and then. If they wanted to catch the perpetrators what right do, they have to defraud innocent lives," Peshawaria said.





"In fact, during this time the government also enjoyed taxes that these consultants paid. Now, they cannot suddenly wake up and decide to put all these people behind bars," Peshawaria added.





Many students have huge loans to pay, she said based on her interaction with these students.





They were saving up to send to their families in a small village in India, she said adding that they are devastated.





"It is all easy to say that students knew what they were doing, did we all know all the laws when we moved to United States that they should get such harsh punishment," she asked.





"We are all fighting to release the students immediately. The students are calling me that US govt is forcing them to self deport but they want back their degrees and lost time and compensation for pain and anguish," Peshawaria asserted. -- PTI





Image only for representation.


Tuesday night President Donald Trump will walk through the U.S. House of Representatives chamber, ascend the dais, and give a speech that has become a central ritual of modern politics: the State of the Union address. These addresses have a long history in American politics and have become a modern ritual in the nations capital. This years address, like the current president, may be surprising.

Background

The U.S. Constitution states that the president shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient. The first two U.S. presidents, Washington and Adams, presented their ideas for congressional action in speeches to Congress. From 1801 to 1913, presidents sent written addresses to Congress instead, until Woodrow Wilson revived the tradition of presidential speeches to Congress.

The modern State of the Union (SOTU) address is a prime opportunity for presidents to highlight past successes, frame current policy debates, and propose future actions in domestic and foreign policy. The speeches often feature planned applause lines and recognition of key guests. Opposition parties strategize how much they will display support or opposition to the address. Since 1966, the opposition party has offered a televised response to the presidents address, including Floridas Sen. Marco Rubio in 2013. In 2011, then-Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen gave the first response speech in Spanish, in addition to Paul Ryans English-language response. This years responses will be made by Stacey Abrams, 2018 Democratic candidate for governor in Georgia (English), and Xavier Becerra, attorney general of California (Spanish).

Behind the scenes, SOTU addresses play an important role in helping the president coordinate the priorities of the executive branch. Each agency (and members of Congress) competes for its priority issues to be included in the SOTU, so as the president and his staff decide whether to include an issue in the address they are also deciding which issues are important to them. As a result, SOTU speeches often begin with grand rhetoric, but eventually turn into a list of policy pronouncements representing the fruits of this competition for the presidents attention.

Questions about the 2019 Address

When will it happen? This years address was originally scheduled for Jan. 29, but Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House, rescheduled the address in a series of public letters between the speaker and Trump. Speaker Pelosi was concerned that the address should not and could not be held during a government shutdown. She urged the president to submit a written address, or to reschedule the speech after the government was funded.

Will the president give a conventional speech or focus on immigration? Over the last three months, the president has focused on his proposal to build a physical structure for the entire length of the U.S. border with Mexico, making the Wall and caravans of Central Americans traveling to the border to seek asylum his focus during the 2018 election campaign. This was the key issue behind the partial government shutdown and a national address just four weeks ago. The president may maintain this focus on reducing immigration, or present a broad-based survey of domestic and foreign policy topics.

What will the president say about the ballooning federal deficit? Predictably, the combination of increased defense spending and corporate tax cuts has led to increasing deficits. The Republican Party in Congress was committed to reducing government spending during the Obama administration, so one might expect the president to present a plan to restructure the federal budget.

Will the president maintain his plans to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria and Iraq? President Trumps announcement of U.S troop withdrawal led to the protest resignation of the Secretary of Defense. Last week the heads of U.S. intelligence agencies testified before Congress that withdrawal could lead to the revival of the Islamic State (ISIS) forces, and the U.S. Senate voted against the withdrawal by a 68-23 margin.

Will President Trump identify areas for bipartisan cooperation over the next two years, or signal a strategy of executive actions and partisan confrontation? After two years of working with Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress, President Trump now must work withor fight againsta Democratic majority in the U.S. House led by Pelosi. Trump might use the SOTU to identify areas of potential cooperation between the parties, or he could signal his intention to rail against Democratic policies and use the executive powers of the president to advance his agenda without Congressional support.

Gregory Koger is a professor of political science at the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences.
YEREVAN.- The process of development of electric transport is very important, Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan stated on Tuesday during the meeting with the delegation of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) led by Managing Director for Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, Matteo Patrone, the press service of the Yerevan Municipality reported.

During the meeting, representatives of the EBRD offered the mayor a number of new cooperation programs, in particular, in the field of electric transport, including assistance to the implementation of programs related to the development of the subway and the construction of the cable car.

Thanking his guests for their willingness to cooperate, Marutyan noted that active discussions with various international organizations on the construction of a new metro station are currently underway.
Azerbaijani military serviceman Elnur Huseynzade, who was sentenced to two years in prison by the ruling of a court of Artsakh has been released on February 2, after serving his sentence at a penitentiary.

Huseynzade was charged with illegally crossing the state border of the Republic of Artsakh, on February 1, 2017. Subsequently, he had entered a trench at the combat position, whereupon he was detained by the Artsakh military servicemen overseeing the state border.

Talking to NEWS.am, spokesperson for Artsakh president Davit Babayan said the man does not wish to return to Azerbaijan and will leave for a third country.

Israeli defense ministry returned the export licenses for from Aeronautics Defense Systems which is suspected of using drone against Armenian troops at the behest of its client Azerbaijan in violation of Israeli law.

Although the export license for three company's officials has been suspended, the ban on selling kamikaze drones has been removed.

On Monday, the company informed the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange that the ban on sales of its Orbiter 1K kamikaze drone to its central customer A' had ended.

Armenia, along with several other countries, has recorded unexpected progress in the year past, in terms of democratization, says the report published by Freedom House.

According to the Freedom in the World 2019 report, even though Armenia continues to be classified as a partly-free country, last year it recorded a positive trend toward democratization.

The Freedom House report highlighted the changes that were recorded in Armenia and described them as progress.

Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan will attend the Munich Security Conference, and, according to our data, the Azerbaijani FM also will attend it.

However, spokesperson for the Armenian MFA neither confirmed nor denied the likelihood of another meeting between the FMs of the two countries on the margins of the Conference.

She added that the meetings of the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers were discussed in advance.

A 33-year-old man was found hanged Monday in Gyumri, Armenia.

The body of Gor Manukyan, 33, was hanged from the natural gas pipe in the corridor of this apartment, and with a scarf.

According to the preliminary conclusion of the forensic doctor, there were no traces of violence on the body. Manukyan was a trainer at the Gyumri Olympic Sports-Youth School.

Another case of death from H1N1 or a swine flu has been registered in Armenia, Health Ministry said in a statement, but provided no details.

A woman became the third swine flu victim in Armenia this winter.

According to the Health Ministry, the number of acute respiratory infection cases is decreasing. As of February 4, 781 people are hospitalized, and 92.8 percent of them are children.
YEREVAN.  Everything indicates that an attempt is being made to restore the Minsk process, director of the Caucasus Institute, political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan believes.

According to him, this is the reason for the contacts of Aliyev and Pashinyan, which cannot be called just random meetings.

Many things that are now happening around the Karabakh issue are not new  no transperency, contradictory statements, non-compliance with agreements, Iskandaryan told reporters.

Although the parties adhere to the principle of preserving peace, the goals are different and even opposite.

This suggests that the calm situation will not last long. It is difficult to predict the war, but it is quite possible to forecast an escalation, he added.

Alexander Iskandaryan added that the calm situation around Karabakh is not entirely beneficial for Baku in terms of internal problems.

The Karabakh conflict serves as a good excuse for rather poor population living in a rich country. It should be clear that on the sidelines no one, in fact, discusses the issue of the return of Karabakh, the process of saving the face of Azerbaijan is underway, the political scientist concluded.
YEREVAN.  The Armenian delegation to EuroNest raised the issue of anti-Armenian propaganda in Azerbaijani schools, My Step bloc MP, head of the Armenian parliaments delegation Mkhitar Hayrapetyan told reporters on Tuesday.

Armenia should take a proactive stance on such an important international platform as EuroNest Parliamentary Assembly of the Eastern Partnership, the MP said referring to specific programs and verified actions to resist the destructive position of Azerbaijan.

According to him, Armenias criticism of Azerbaijan will be constructive.

This position has received a positive feedback from our European partners, Hayrapetyan noted.
YEREVAN.  The United States are interested in the peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict, political analyst Suren Sargsyan told reporters.

Washingtons interest in regional peace is first of all explained by the Iranian problem.

A war in Karabakh will weaken the potential of the neighbors which can be used against Iran. Azerbaijan is also a transit country for the U.S. to be connected to Afghanistan, the expert said.

Sargsyan believes that the phone calls of John Bolton, Trumps national security adviser, to Armenian PM and Azerbaijani president had different goals.

The call to Pashinyan was connected with his willingness to congratulate him on the transition of power in Armenia, while, the call to Aliev was just an aspiration to preserve balance. There was no other goal, he said.
YEREVAN.  The dates for Sevan Startup Summit have been announced. Tent camp business forum will be held from 28th of July to 4th of August. Over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business experts will gather at the shore of Lake Sevan, Armenia.

The aim of the Summit is to encourage innovative ideas as well as create a unique non-formal environment for the main stakeholders of the business world. During the seven days of the Summit the participants get a chance to take part in various workshops and discussions with influential and successful founders and business people. This year also the founders of successful startups will be invited to Armenia in order to share their experience and success stories with young entrepreneurs. Its expected to host over 100 business experts and mentors.

The prize fund of Sevan Startup Summit 2019 will reach $100,000, and will be distributed between the winners of the pitching sessions. Over 10 venture funds will have their representatives in the Summit and representatives of famous international acceleration programs will attend the event.

Vahagn Raptan, the CEO at Seaside Startup Summit, has mentioned: The Summit has already become one of the most awaited startup events not only in Armenia, but in international level. We try to engage more and more influential investment funds and successful entrepreneurs year by year. Im proud to announce that this year besides the prize fund, also the guaranteed $100,000 investment fund will be provided by Seaside Startup Holdings.

For the first time the Summit was held in 2016 in Armenia and by now over 2,000 entrepreneurs and startup founders took part in the Summit. The prize fund exceeds $150,000 and the investments of over $1,000,000 have been committed there. In 2018 the Summit was held three times: in United Arab Emirates, India and Armenia.

If you have a startup either in idea stage or seed stage and are looking for the grants, investments, meeting with business experts and gaining valuable connections, Sevan Startup Summit is the right event for you to attend. For taking part in the event register here: https://www.seasidestartupsummit.com/events/82 
Azerbaijani Elnur Huseynzade, who days ago was released from prison after serving a two-year sentence in the Republic of Artsakh, does not wish to return to Azerbaijan.

Davit Babayan, press secretary of the President of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR), told the aforesaid to Armenian News-NEWS.am. He noted that Huseynzade expressed a desire to move to a third country.

That person had announced from the beginning that he doesnt wish to return to Azerbaijan, [and] therefore he will leave for a third country, Babayan said. But we cant say which country, since the Azerbaijani side could pursue him in the future.

The Artsakh presidential spokesperson added that the relevant services will do everything possible so that this person is transferred to another country.

In Artsakh, they dont hold or torture people just for [their] national affiliation, Davit Babayan stressed, in particular.

Zara Amatuni, the communications manager of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Yerevan Office in Armenias capital city, for her part, told Armenian News-NEWS.am that the ICRC was aware of Huseynzades release, and noted that this person continues to be protected under international humanitarian law.

As reported earlier, Azerbaijani military serviceman Elnur Huseynzade, who was sentenced to two years in prison by the ruling of a court of the Republic of Artsakh, was released on February 2, after serving his sentence at a penitentiary of the Artsakh Police.

Huseynzade was charged with illegally crossing the state border of the Republic of Artsakh, on February 1, 2017. Subsequently, he had entered a trench at the combat position, whereupon he was detained by the Artsakh military servicemen overseeing the state border.
YEREVAN.  Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan will attend the Munich Security Conference, and, according to our data, the Azerbaijani FM also will attend it.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Armenia, Anna Naghdalyan, noted the aforementioned during Tuesdays press briefing.

But she neither confirmed nor denied the likelihood of another meeting between the FMs of the two countries, within the framework of the forthcoming Munich Security Conference.

She added that the meetings of the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers were discussed in advance.

If something like that happens, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia will definitely inform, Naghdalyan assured.

This years Munich Security Conference will be convened from February 16 to 18.
STEPANAKERT.  Azerbaijani military serviceman Elnur Huseynzade, who was sentenced to two years in prison by the ruling of a court of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR), has been released on February 2, after serving his sentence at a penitentiary the Artsakh Police.

As per the prosecutors office of Artsakh, Huseynzade was charged with illegally crossing the state border of the Republic of Artsakh, on February 1, 2017. Subsequently, he had entered a trench at the combat position, whereupon he was detained by the Artsakh military servicemen overseeing the state border.

According to a statement which the Artsakh National Security Service had disseminated, taking advantage of the foggy weather, the Azerbaijani armed forces had launched a sabotage attempt toward Talish village of Artsakh, on February 1, 2017.

But the NKR Defense Army vanguards had taken preventive actions and drawn the adversary back, making it suffer casualties.

On the same day, the Artsakh defense forces had found and detained Azerbaijani army soldierand sabotage team memberElnur Huseynzade, at a combat position of the Defense Army.

Criminal charges were brought against Huseynzade, on counts of sabotage attempt and illegal crossing of the NKR state border.

And on February 4, 2017 Elnur Huseynzade was arrested.
YEREVAN.  The matter of arms race in the region has always been on the agenda of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Armenia.

Spokesperson Anna Naghdalyan stated about the aforementioned at Tuesdays press briefing at the MFA. She noted this reflecting on the sale of Israeli-made military drones to Azerbaijan.

Naghdalyan said Armenia is going to raise this matter at bilateral and multilateral platforms, and that there will be no exceptions regarding this matter.

Our [Armenias] position that the arms race in the region is extremely perilous should be noted and constantly reiterated to international partners, the MFA spokesperson added.

The Aeronautics Defense Systems company of Israel has decided to sell military drones to Azerbaijan.
YEREVAN.  Armenian Minister of Education and Science Arayik Harutyunyan received Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin and Director of the Russian Center for Science and Culture Sergey Ribinsky, Armenian Ministry of Education and Sciences press service reported.

According to the source, the perspectives of deepening Armenian-Russian cooperation in education and science were discussed during the meeting, while the minister highlighted the importance of the constructive cooperation within the intergovernmental commission of the two states.

The minister expressed hope that the forthcoming session of the commission in Moscow will give impetus to the strengthening and development of the education sphere.

The sides also discussed a number of issues related to the activities of the classes for Russian students in Armenia. In this context the minister noted that the period for passing Armenian language test required for university entrance has been changed for foreign students.

The sides touched upon issues related to the competition held jointly with the Ministry of Education and Science and the Russian Center for Science and Culture for the 2019-20 academic year to receive education in Russian higher educational institutions.

Issues related to the implementation of joint programs in the fields of secondary vocational and higher education were also discussed during the meeting.
Israeli defense ministry returned the export licenses for from Aeronautics Defense Systems which is suspected of using drone against Armenian troops at the behest of its client Azerbaijan in violation of Israeli law, The Times of Israel reported.

Although the export license for three company's officials has been suspended, the ban on selling kamikaze drones has been removed.

On Monday, the company informed the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange that the ban on sales of its Orbiter 1K kamikaze drone to its central customer A' had ended.

The Defense Ministry announced to the company that the suspension of its license was immediately canceled. The company can continue to supply the UAV to the aforementioned customer as soon as possible, Aeronautics wrote.

CEO Amos Matan, deputy CEO Meir Rizmovitch and a third, unnamed, employee were suspended of in late January.

The above-mentioned employees are suspected of fraud and violation of the law on arms export control.

An investigation into the company was opened in September 2017 but a gag order has been placed over many of its details.

In August, 2017 Aeronautics was deprived of its license to export the Orbiter 1K drone to the significant client.

The reports were first published by Israeli periodical Maariv. According to the reports, the team of Israeli Aeronautics Defense Systems specialists arrived in Azerbaijan to complete the deal on the sale of Orbiter 1K drone. There the company representatives were asked to strike the positions. According to the periodical, two Israelis operating the drone refused to do that. Afterwards the high-ranking representatives of the company started flying the drone but did not achieve their goal.
Armenian H3 TV channel, owned by Arthur Baghdasaryan has been sold, Past (Fact) newspaper of Armenia reported referring to its own sources.

The TV channel was bought by a Russian company, and it will soon begin its broadcasting with the ABC logo, the source noted.

According to reliable sources, the Russians have invested serious money in the project, while the political position of the channel is expected to become even more acute.
The EU warned Tehran over its ballistic missile programme and interference in the Syria conflict Monday, while welcoming a new mechanism to trade with Iran while bypassing US sanctions, Daily Mail reported.

In a long-awaited statement on Iran that has been the subject of more than a week of wrangling in Brussels, the EU restated its commitment to saving the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and took aim at Washington for abandoning the pact and reimposing sanctions.

"The Council has serious concerns regarding Iran's military involvement and continuous presence of Iranian forces in Syria. The European Union calls upon Iran to fully support the UN-led process on Syria in line with UN Security Council resolution 2254, and urges Iran to use its leverage with the Syrian regime to this end. It urges Iran as one of the Astana guarantors, together with Russia and Turkey, to ensure cessation of hostilities and unhindered, safe and sustainable humanitarian access throughout all of Syria, and particularly in Idlib," the statement reads.

The bloc hailed the creation last week by France, Britain and Germany of a system to allow firms to trade with Iran without falling foul of US sanctions as vital to supporting legitimate business and said the "resolve to complete this work is unwavering".

"The (EU) Council has serious concerns regarding Iran's military involvement and continuous presence of Iranian forces in Syria," the statement said.

Iran is a key supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the statement urged Tehran to use its leverage to get Damascus behind UN-led efforts to end the civil war, which has claimed more than 360,000 lives since it began in 2011.

While defending the nuclear deal -- which limited Tehran's atomic ambitions in return for sanctions relief -- Europe has sought to keep up pressure with sanctions, most recently listing Iranian intelligence services over plots to assassinate regime opponents on Dutch, Danish and French soil.

Continuing Iranian missile tests have also alarmed the EU -- not to mention countries in the Middle East -- and Monday's statement called on Tehran to stop such activities.

"Iran continues to undertake efforts to increase the range and precision of its missiles, together with increasing the number of tests and operational launches. These activities deepen mistrust and contribute to regional instability," the statement said.

Brussels hopes the new Iran trading mechanism -- registered last week in Paris under the name INSTEX -- will keep Tehran in the nuclear deal by preserving some of the economic benefits it received.

Iran gave INSTEX a cautious welcome but US officials have dismissed the idea that the new entity would have any impact on efforts to exert economic pressure on Tehran.

Before INSTEX can go live, Iran has to set up a similar entity of its own so the two sides can clear trading on a barter basis without transferring money. It is not clear how long this will take.
Armenia ruling party member warns pseudo-lawyers

'Armenia' bloc issues statement on results of snap parliamentary elections and election observation missions

Armenia acting PM: Political crisis is resolved and is over

Zakharova: Russia hopes to strengthen ties with Armenia based on results of snap parliamentary elections

Gunshots heard in Yerevan, city's police chief is at scene of incident

Erdogan invites OSCE Minsk Group to Karabakh

Armenia President calls on making transition to presidential system again

Armenia MFA: Specifics of work with UNSC regarding Azerbaijani invasion of Armenian territory not subject to disclosure

Armenia acting minister says he will start using 'steel mandate' tomorrow at 9 am

National-Democratic Axis Party issues statement on results of Armenia snap parliamentary elections

Karabakh emergency situations service: Remains of another 3 servicemen removed from Varanda (Fizuli) region

Ukraine heralds free trade zone with Turkey

Armenia President receives OSCE/ODIHR Director and OSCE PA Secretary General

Child dies from car accident in Armenia's Gegharkunik Province

Armenia Izmirlian Medical Center head is charged

Karabakh President congratulates Armenia's Pashinyan on victory in snap parliamentary elections

Russia MOD congratulates Armenian counterpart on snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Armenia Investigative Committee charges citizen and head of campaign headquarters for violating ballot secrecy

Iran's President-elect says he has always protected human rights

Georgia PM congratulates Armenia's Pashinyan on winning snap parliamentary elections

PACE and OSCE PA election observers say they are content with elections in Armenia, in spite of violations

India kicks off nationwide free COVID-19 vaccination campaign

Azerbaijan, Pakistan agree to conduct military exercises

Armenia 1st President's spokesperson on snap parliamentary elections

Armenia MP: Azerbaijan is celebrating Nikol Pashinyan's victory, ruling party is holding fireworks display

Charles Michel congratulates Pashinyan on winning snap elections

OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission in Armenia says it heard allegations of administrative resources use

OSCE Secretary General thanks Russia for its work in Minsk Group on Karabakh settlement

Lavrov calls to wait for formation of new Armenia government

Armenia's Pashinyan garners 197,000 less votes compared with elections in 2018

OSCE/ODIHR: Power outages did not considerably affect Armenia snap elections

Garo Paylan congratulates Armenia's Nikol Pashinyan

'Armenia' bloc issues statement on results of snap parliamentary elections

Opposition party leader: 'Armenia' bloc doesn't accept results of vote and will apply to Constitutional Court

Digest: Armenia snap elections is over, Pashinyans bloc leads with almost 54%

OSCE Secretary General: We work within Minsk Group framework to achieve long-term solution to Karabakh conflict

Bayramov: Azerbaijan complains about non-fulfillment of points of trilateral statements on Karabakh

Azerbaijan FM believes that Armenia authorities will draw right conclusion

Pompeo: US should not negotiate with Iran's newly elected President

Azerbaijan blackmails, threatens Armenia under guise of cooperation proposal

Member of Armenia delegation to PACE: Azerbaijan delegation head said 50% of minefield maps given are fake

Armenia freedom fighter is detained, declares hunger strike

9 children killed in accident during storm in US

Swedish parliament passes vote of no confidence in PM's country

Kremlin is following Armenia post-election situation

Artsakh emergency service: Armenian, Azerbaijani sides exchanged bodies from time to time

Azerbaijan Prosecutor General's Office accuses Armenia of deliberate deforestation in Lachin

13 Armenian captives trial starts in Azerbaijan

What will happen if Armenia opposition forces do not accept their parliamentary seats?

Armenia Central Electoral Commission approves preliminary results of snap parliamentary elections

US won't issue threats or ultimatums to China in connection with investigation of pandemic causes

CIS, CSTO observers find no considerable irregularities in Armenia snap parliamentary election voting

Armenia acting PM visits Yerevan military pantheon

Heiko Maas considers new EU sanctions against Belarus inevitable

26 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Armenia acting premier: Civil Contract Party will have constitutional majority in new parliament

Reduction of US military assets in Saudi Arabia will not affect its defenses

Armenia new National Assembly to have 107 MPs

Borrell says mistrust is at core of political crisis in Lebanon

Counting of ballots over in Armenia snap parliamentary elections

Counting of ballots coming to an end in Armenia snap parliamentary elections

Armenia Central Electoral Commission counts 86.4% of ballots

Armenia Central Electoral Commission counts 80% of ballots

Armenia Central Electoral Commission counts two thirds of ballots

Armenia Central Electoral Commission counts 40% of ballots

Acting PM thanks people of Armenia

Armenia parliament vice-chair on Erdogan's "platform of six" proposal: We will answer later

33.49% of ballots counted: Pashinyans bloc leads

Almost 27% of ballots counted by Armenia Central Electoral Commission (PHOTO)

"Armenia" bloc: Snap parliamentary election results being published do not inspire confidence

19,95% of ballots counted by Armenia Central Electoral Commission (PHOTO)

Artsakh President comes out of Armenia ruling party headquarters

2.54% of ballots counted by Armenia Central Electoral Commission (PHOTO)

Armenia Central Electoral Commission announces most preliminary results of snap parliamentary elections

Armenia's Citizen's Decision Party member not allowed to enter precinct, apprehended a little while ago

"I Have Honor" bloc: Armenia National Security Service searches mayor's apartment, 2 MP candidates abducted

Results of electronic voting: Civil Contract Party: 163, "Armenia" bloc: 135, Armenian National Congress: 43

Electric Networks of Armenia: Power outages during vote counts were systematic

Citizen who disseminated anti-propaganda leaflets against "Armenia" bloc shows up at police station

Mediaport: Power is out in Armenia's Gyumri, Vanadzor, Artik, Aparan, Dilijan and Armavir city

Armenian News-NEWS.am providing live coverage at polling station #9/48 in Yerevan district (VIDEO)

Armenian News-NEWS.am providing live coverage at polling station #9/49 in Yerevan district (VIDEO)

Tense situation at polling station #9/21 in Armenia, red beret police officers called to location

Armenian News-NEWS.am providing live coverage at polling station #14/13 in Etchmiadzin (VIDEO)

Power goes out before vote count at polling station #25/58 in Armenia's Odzun

Russian Ambassador Anatoly Antonov returns to US

Armenia Police receive 87 alarms via hotline as of 8:30 pm

Armenia snap parliamentary elections voter turnout 49.4%, 51.55% voter turnout in Yerevan

Armenia Ombudsman's statement on taking photos of ballots speculated

Armenia Civil Contract Party member obstructing work of opposition party proxy at polling station

Armenia advocate: National Security Service decided to conduct search in office and apartment of Masis mayor

Armenian News-NEWS.am providing live coverage at polling station #2/46 in Yerevan district (VIDEO)

Netanyahu and his family to leave PM residence no later than July 10

Armenian News-NEWS.am providing live coverage at polling station #31/02 in Gyumri

Armenian News-NEWS.am providing live coverage at polling station #8/04 in Yerevan district (VIDEO)

Gabrielyanov: Russian institutions' exit poll results of Armenia snap parliamentary elections announced

Armenian News-NEWS.am providing live coverage at polling station #17/03 in Armenia's Ashtarak (VIDEO)

Catholicos of All Armenians sends congratulatory message to Iran's President-elect

Armenia snap parliamentary elections are over

hetq.am: Ballot box at polling station in Armenia's Gavar not sealed
I am writing with regard to your Jan. 30 article titled Audit questions community leases, hot-air balloon launches at Veterans Home in Yountville, which reprints with additions of an article from the Sacramento Bee.

We at the museum were shocked by both the audit report and by the Sacramento Bee article, which so inaccurately describe our ground lease with the state. Both unfairly suggest that we are paying less rent than we should -- even questioning whether the museum is of benefit to our neighbors on the Veterans Home property.

What the audit report and the Bee article fail to disclose is that we are renters of the land on which our museum sits, not of the museum building itself. To suggest that the Veterans Home should somehow now receive market rate rent for a building it does not own is nonsensical.

In fact, with the support of our donors and trustees, we developed the land, we built the building, we own the building, and we maintain the building. We also built both our own parking lot and an adjacent lot for use by the Veterans Home, all as part of a ground lease agreement entered into with the state of California for our mutual benefit back in 1988.
One thing was very clear after a near-disastrous almost- accident last summer at the now-defunct San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station beside the Orange-San Diego county line:

Canisters of radioactive waste from the shuttered plant already placed for temporary storage on its grounds and new containers not yet placed must go somewhere else, as soon as possible.

The problem is, there is no other place and virtually no one wants an atomic dump anywhere near their home. Thats why nuclear waste is now stored at more than six dozen active or decommissioned atomic power plants around America.

The near accident last year saw a 45-ton canister filled with spent fuel with a half life in the hundreds of thousands of years somehow get stuck on the edge of a storage cavity about 18 feet above the floor of San Onofres temporary storage facility 108 feet from a state beach popular with surfers.

Plant operator Southern California Edison Co. insisted the incident never posed a danger. It was kept quiet until an industrial safety worker spoke of it during a public meeting about a week later.

Edison says there was no danger of escaped radiation even if the canister had fallen to the floor of the storage plant.
The lawsuit was filed by the McCorkle Eastside Neighborhood Group and St. Helena Residents for an Equitable General Plan. Vickie Bradshaw, speaking on behalf of those groups, said the plaintiffs were disappointed by the ruling and havent decided whether to seek review by the California Supreme Court.

A key policy issue learned from this decision is that Council members should not pass resolutions drafted by staff that contain findings on specific issues that the Council was prevented from even discussing, considering, let alone deciding, Bradshaw wrote in a statement.

McGrath said he was pleased with the outcome of the case, but there are no winners here.

Defending this lawsuit has driven up the cost of the McCorkle project by nearly 15 percent over budget, he wrote in a statement. St. Helena loses, as this lawsuit has deterred, and will continue to deter, other quality developers from building highly-needed, affordable, small, quality infill projects that tuck neatly into neighborhoods.
Tuesday, Jan. 29

0616 -- A silver Dodge Ram tried to pass a Mercedes in a no-passing zone on Silverado Trail and clipped the Mercedes. Both cars pulled over south of the Pope Street bridge.

0914 -- A car was seen making a U-turn on downtown Main Street at approximately 5:46 p.m. Jan. 24. U-turns are illegal on Main Street.

0918 -- A pickup had reportedly been parked on Spring Mountain Road for four days.

0941 -- A woman said her belongings were being kept by another person, and she was afraid they would be sold against her will.

1030 -- A person inquired about gun permits.

1046 -- The police department donated six bikes and two scooters to the Salvation Army.

1055 -- Report of a possible drunk driver dodging other cars and swerving on Main Street, with the driver yelling out the windows.

1143 -- Report of someone trespassing on Crane Avenue.

1900 -- Police were told to be on the lookout for a man in a gray Yukon who had reportedly brandished a knife at someone in Calistoga. Calistoga police stopped the car on Highway 29 and detained the man.
On Tuesday, Jan. 29, nine local eighth graders from St. Helena Montessori left for the schools inaugural 15-day Cultural Exchange trip to Spain.

The students are Madeline Sullivan, Ellie Beckstoffer, Lael Gott, Veronica Kelly, Oliver Spencer, Emrys Davies, Alice Wrede, Josie Katz, and Ava Bracher. All are in St. Helena Montessoris Adolescent Program. They flew to Madrid and are staying with families in the town of Jaen, in the Andalucia region of southern Spain.

They are attending school with their host families and will embark on excursions throughout the region to locations like Cordoba and Granada to experience the rich cultural history of Spain.

The exchange was organized through the school and Senora Beatriz Bell, a Spanish instructor at St. Helena Montessori and the coordinator for Globally Students, an international cultural exchange program designed to foster language skills and provide experiences to broaden students view of the world. Adolescent Program Director Alexander Heil added, It promises to be a wonderful opportunity to immerse themselves in Spanish life, learn more about the people and culture, and acquire more of the language. We hope that they are able to begin friendships that will continue through the years.
Some are intricate and detailed artwork in a style that harkens back to that of sculptors who lived thousands of years ago. Others, such as his translucent resin coffee table, are modern with angular shapes or smooth lines.

Though he likes them all, one in particular stands out.

Gray was commissioned to make a stone fireplace surround that resembles the face of Poseidon, the god of the sea. The fireplace sits in Poseidons gaping mouth, his mustache spilling around the sides and onto the mantel. His horns curl back behind his head and a crab sits on one side of his forehead.

Typically, a piece like this can take a couple of months depending on the size and complexity, Gray said. The process starts when a client or designer contacts him with an idea in mind. They discuss the budget, the size requirements and other parameters.

He collects all the measurements from the space and starts the design process in a software program. Once he has something the client is happy with, he begins carving.

The inspiration is from however many thousands of years of artwork that humanity has produced, he said, adding that he also seeks to create things that havent yet been thought of.
See what it means to be an Angelo State Ram!

When you step on campus, we consider you part of the Ram Family. Once you visit, we hope you will know Angelo State is the right fit for you!

We offer campus tours on Mondays - Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Tour check-in will begin 30 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time.

Please be sure to wear comfortable shoes as this is a walking tour. This tour will be like no other. We will share laughs, make memories and become best friends by the end.

Register Now

Please note, campus tours will not be held on admissions event days or when the college is closed. Campus tours may be canceled for inclement weather (i.e., lightning overhead, ice storm, etc.).

Current Health and Safety Precautions

The health and safety of our campus community continues to be of utmost importance. Effective May 17, Angelo State University lifted the mask mandate. Masks are now optional everywhere on campus.

Review Campus COVID-19 Policies

Group Tours

All group tours and field trips are postponed until further notice. We will continue to assess the situation and determine if group tours will be available.

In the meantime, you can register for a tour individually, or explore our campus through our virtual tour .
Complete the following steps to make your transition into the Ram Family as seamless as possible.

Sign up for New Student Orientation and Ram Round-Up Dive into life as part of the Ram Family and start building your connections on campus. GET RAM READY!

Submit Your Final Transcripts. Once youve completed high school, request a copy of your Final Official High School Transcript with your graduation date, official stamp and final grades. Transcripts are processed more quickly when sent electronically to ASU, or your school may provide you with a hard copy in a sealed envelop. If you participated in dual credit with a college other than Angelo State, you will also need to request a Final Official College Transcript directly from the college/university where you received credit.

Submit your TSI Documentation If you are not exempt from the TSI, you must submit your scores to us. If you have taken the TSI but have not submitted scores, please complete the score release form so we can access them, or submit your scores to ASU via fax at 325-942-2553 or email at tsi@angelo.edu. If you still need to take the TSI, contact your high school counselor or local community college for information about possible testing in your area. You may also take the TSI test through the ASU Testing Center.

Submit Proof of Your Meningitis Vaccination State law requires all incoming students who dont meet exemption to show proof of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination. You must have received the vaccine within five years of the first day of classes. The latest possible date to receive the vaccine is 10 days prior to the start of the semester. You can upload your record or your bacterial meningitis vaccination online, fax the record to 325-942-2553 or email it to meningitis@angelo.edu.

Set up your Technology Access Account After you apply for admission, you will receive an email at the address provided on your application. This email contains the information needed to set up your ASU User Account. If you ever need assistance in regards to technology on campus, please contact the IT Service Center at 325-942-2911 or visit our resource page. Once you set up your account, you will gain access to RamPort, our internal web portal. Through RamPort, you will have access to content, tools and services most relevant to you.

Set up FERPA/Proxy Access FERPA establishes requirements regarding the privacy of your student records. After being admitted, set up FERPA/Proxy access if you want ASU to be able to discuss your records with a third party (i.e., a parent or guardian) or you want to allow someone to view your bill, grades or tax information.

Submit a Housing Application Deciding where youre going to live is a crucial component of your college success. If you choose to live on campus, complete your Housing Application as soon as possible. Some students may have the option of living off campus during their first year at ASU. If you choose to stay off campus, you need to fill out the Request for Exemption Form.

Learn About and Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online to be considered for grants, loans and Work Study. We also offer more than 270 general scholarships not tied to specific degree programs. Submit a General Scholarship Application to be eligible. You can view your financial aid award packet in RamPort. Learn more about paying for college

Complete Required Trainings As part of maintaining a safe and healthy community, we require all incoming students to complete two trainings: Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates and Alcohol EDU. Information on how to complete these trainings will be sent to your email address.

Get Your ASU OneCard and Parking Permit The ASU OneCard is your official student ID. Youll need it to use your meal plan, access your residence hall, and to participate in various student events and activities. If you plan to bring a vehicle to campus, youll need to purchase a parking permit.

Pay Your Bill Payment is due before the semester begins and can be paid via cash, check, money order or credit card. Save time and avoid long lines by paying your bill online through RamPort.

Download the ASU Mobile App ASU Mobile is your one-stop shop for all things ASU. You can add/drop classes, view and pay your bill, access your email, find your way around campus, and so much more!
The January 2019 MyBroadband ISP report reveals that Supersonic is the top-rated fibre ISP in South Africa, followed by Cybersmart and Cool Ideas.

The report is based on 213,776 broadband speed tests which were conducted on the MyBroadband speed test platform and Speedtest.co.za between 1 January and 31 January 2019.

MyBroadbands HTML5 speed test servers are hosted in Teracos vendor-neutral data centres to ensure a neutral testing environment.

Through NAPAfrica, all network operators present at its peering points are provided with a free 10Gbps connection to the MyBroadband speed test platform.

As part of their speed test, users are also given the opportunity to rate their Internet service provider (ISP).

These ratings are then used to rank South African ISPs based on their subscribers overall satisfaction.

Consumer satisfaction ratings

The table below ranks South Africas top fibre ISPs based on ratings from their subscribers.

Customer Satisfaction Ratings ISP Average Rating (/5) Supersonic 4.86 Cybersmart 4.60 Cool Ideas 4.49 Vox 4.12 Axxess 3.63 Afrihost 3.57 RSAWEB 3.54 Vodacom 3.37 Cell C C-Fibre 3.35 Internet Solutions 3.14 Telkom 2.51

Pricing comparison

The table below shows the price of uncapped fibre-to-the-home products from South Africas top fibre ISPs.

This pricing comparison was done on Openserves fibre infrastructure.

Price Comparison ISP 10Mbps 20Mbps 40Mbps 100Mbps 200Mbps Cell C C-Fibre R699 R799 R999 R1,299 R1,999 Vodacom R655 R960 R1,110 R1,315  Afrihost Home Uncapped R667 R917 R1,117 R1,317 R1,797 MWEB R659 R929 R1,039 R1,339  Axxess Home Uncapped R649 R959 R1,219 R1,419 R1,999 Vox R756 R1,099 R1,299 R1,449 R1,999 Supersonic R699 R949 R1,199 R1,499 R1,749 Cool Ideas R499 R999 R1,299 R1,499 R2,409 RSAWEB R640 R905 R1,005 R1,615  Afrihost Premium Uncapped R867 R1,217 R1,417 R1,617 R2,097 Telkom R806 R1,008 R1,310 R1,714  Axxess Premium Uncapped R889 R1,319 R1,519 R1,719 R2,299 Afrihost Priority Uncapped R967 R1,417 R1,617 R2,017 R2,497 Axxess Premium Plus Uncapped R989 R1,519 R1,819 R2,219 R2,699

Speed comparison

The table below shows the average download speed, upload speed, and latency of the top fibre ISPs.

It should be noted that these speeds are not only for fibre connections and can be influenced by the profile of fibre connectivity.

It should therefore not be seen as an absolute measure of network performance, but rather as interesting additional information.
When Eskom stopped implementing load-shedding in December, the company stated that it expected a reprieve until 15 January as business shut down for the holidays.

After Eskom started Stage 2 load-shedding in 2018, energy analyst Ted Blom said South Africa should prepare for years of gloom.

Despite telling South Africans to prepare for load-shedding in the new year, however, Eskom has not announced any power cuts in 2019.

The utility has, unfortunately, not responded to questions about how it has been able to keep the lights on.

Energy expert Chris Yelland explained that Eskoms data on outages and peak demand will answer the questions

Reduced peak demand and outages

Eskoms weekly status update reports show that peak electricity demand is much lower than at this time last year, which means that pressure on the system is not as high as originally anticipated.

They also show that between the first and second week of the year, Eskom reduced the outages on its network from 37.75% of its maximum capacity (46,292MW) to 32.84%.

In week 4 (21-27 January), the planned and unplanned outage factor was 34.74% of maximum capacity.

Three-month outlook

Comparing the three-month outlook in the first week of 2019 to that of the fourth week of the year also shows a dramatic shift in Eskoms estimation of the risk of load shedding.

Eskom forecasts the demand versus available generating capacity for each week over the coming three months, and the forecast assumes unplanned outages of 8,500MW  reducing it to 7,500MW from 1 February, and 6,500MW from 1 April.

At the beginning of the year, Eskom planned for a shortage of capacity and the possibility of load-shedding from the third week of January.

It also considered load-shedding a likely risk scenario from the first week of February.

By week four, however, the outlook had changed dramatically. Currently, Eskom does not consider load-shedding a likely risk.

This is shown in the forecast tables below.

The key to read the tables is:

Green : Adequate generation to meet demand and reserves.

: Adequate generation to meet demand and reserves. Yellow : < 1,000MW possibly short to meet reserves.

: < 1,000MW possibly short to meet reserves. Orange : 1,001MW  2,000MW definitively short to meet reserves and possibly demand.

: 1,001MW  2,000MW definitively short to meet reserves and possibly demand. Red : > 2,001MW short to meet demand and reserves.

3-month outlook  Week 1, 2019

3-month outlook: Week 4, 2019

Load-shedding can still happen

While Eskoms week 4 status report is promising, it should be noted that if the number of unexpected breakdowns at power stations exceed Eskoms assumptions, it could quickly change the picture.

Eskom is also in a financial mess, and expects to report a record annual loss of R15 billion on 31 March  and has told the government that its situation is unsustainable.

It has requested the government to take on some of its R419 billion debt, and has applied for permission to raise prices by 15% per year in South Africa for the next three years.

Now read: The big Eskom asset lie
Richwood, TX (77531)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies this evening followed by thunderstorms late. Low 76F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies this evening followed by thunderstorms late. Low 76F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Cryptocurrency projections have been bleak lately, and it is difficult not to blame investors for their pessimistic outlook as Bitcoin drops to its lowest price since 2017.

Since reaching astronomical highs, major cryptocurrencies have continued to plummet  wiping out billions of dollars in market value over the space of a year.

As a result, certain startups have dropped out of the cryptocurrency race to pursue other projects and individual investor interest has declined.

The industry still has its die-hard fans however, who maintain the technology for revolutionary currency systems.

These enthusiasts see the steady price decline as an overdue correction and the exodus of those who were only involved in the market for the potential profits, and not for the technology.

MyBroadband spoke to cryptocurrency expert Simon Dingle on the latest developments, who refuted claims that cryptocurrency is dying.

Investor interest

Dingle said that individual mainstream investors may be less interested in cryptocurrency now, but institutional investors are showing increased interest.

Seasoned investors know that you should buy when prices are low, and sell when they are high, while public hype follows the opposite pattern, Dingle said.

So in 2017, when prices were high, inexperienced investors were buying. Now that prices are low, the serious investors are getting involved.

He said that major institutions were now offering trade execution and custody for cryptocurrencies, showing interest from major players.

Experienced investors also think long-term and know that the low prices of cryptocurrency in 2019 are still exponentially higher than the lows of three to five years ago, Dingle said.

Anyone objectively looking at the space, whether from an adoption or price perspective, should be excited about the future.

The real-world uses, adoption, and development of the technology are far more interesting than looking at price volatility, he added.

Dingle called the term blockchain an over-hyped piece of jargon, which detracts from the true effect of decentralisation on currency systems.

The blockchain is just an enabling technology  and one that makes no sense in any application where it is not decentralised as part of an open source technology stack, Dingle said.

Snake oil versus statistics

Big enterprise technology and consulting firms selling blockchain to their clients are just peddling snake oil, Dingle asserted.

There are far more exciting things happening in the world of currency, like new standards being introduced to the Bitcoin software and scaling solutions like Lightning that are enabling Bitcoin for mass adoption.

According to Dingle, the real vision should be about financial inclusion and the democratisation of the financial system.

Were moving into a world where banks can no longer charge exorbitant fees for their services, and where large financial institutions are no longer able to just pay fines to escape their criminal activities  such as the money laundering fines that are routinely paid by US banks.

Dingle said there were many signs that cryptocurrency is far from over, alluding to the continued growth of the Bitcoin network and the growing hash rate provided to the blockchain.

The amount of Bitcoin nodes running the Lightning protocol has also increased almost tenfold over the last year, which is massively exciting as Bitcoin enters its next phase of adoption as a medium of exchange, Dingle said.

Institutional investors are jumping onboard, and the technology is progressing at a rapid pace.

Dingle said it is easy to be cynical about cryptocurrencies or discount its enthusiasts, but the industry is hard at work and making major advancements.

There are good people doing great work in this area, and its in everyones best interests to support them  with the exception of corrupt politicians and extortive bankers.

If, however, youre a banker or politician who wants to see positive change in the way you serve the world, wed love to talk.
People around the world are slowly moving away from cash-based payments to electronic options, including credit cards and mobile payment apps.

However, it can be argued that these cards are also unnecessary in certain cases thanks to third-party and native banking payment app payments.

This could negate the need to carry around a bank card, along with the need for banks to supply customers with cards when opening new accounts.

Local banks often require customers to link a physical bank card to their bank account for it to work, even if they do not plan to use the card.

Physical bank cards become inseparable from their linked bank accounts, and an expired card can impact banking services in certain scenarios.

To find out why users are required to have a bank card, MyBroadband asked major South African banks about their account rules.

FNB

FNB told MyBroadband that customers are able to open a bank account without a linked card, but it strongly discourages this practice.

FNB provides customers with a range of bank account options, from eWallet Xtra to a fully-fledged cheque account that cater for a diverse range of customer needs, FNB said.

Customers are able to opt out of a card, however this is discouraged for the very reason that card payments are accepted universally and provide a convenient, secure, cost effective alternative to cash.

In addition, bank cards enable a number of other important functions that benefit the customer, such as interbank ATM cash withdrawals, secure digital banking channel registration, and authentication.

FNB customers can open accounts via the banks digital channels and receive their linked card via courier delivery, and they also have access to the banks digital payment mechanisms such as Scan to Pay.

The bank said that as the acceptance of digital payments grows, it will introduce new digital capabilities which further reduce the reliance on a physical card.

Absa

Absa issues bank cards with all transactional accounts due to the high demand for bank card payments in South Africa.

Currently, cards are issued with all Absa transactional accounts, said Absa Head of Card Issuing Tshipi Alexander.

Absa regularly reviews its offerings in line with customer insights and feedback  resultantly the proliferation and demand for cards in the South African market remains, and will continue to remain, compelling, Alexander said.

He added that catering to the needs of the banks customer base, Absa supports Samsung Pay which allows users to pay without a physical bank card.

However the reason why we issue cards to customers is to ensure that they are able to access their funds and perform their day-to-day banking across point of sale, ATM, and online platforms.

Alexander noted that while digital payment methods are gaining momentum globally, acceptance levels are not as mature as traditional bank cards  and vary from country to country.

It is important to note that cards are still the primary mechanism for ATM cash withdrawals and similarly lives side-by-side with products such as CashSend, Absas electronic money transfer facility, he said.

Virtual cards are also on the increase and will certainly grow in usage over time.

Nedbank

Nedbank card issuing and payments executive Chris Wood said that customers can open a MobiMoney transactional account without needing a physical bank card.

Additionally, traditional accounts are linked to physical cheque cards which are instantly digitised inside the Nedbank MoneyApp for Scan to Pay transactions.

The concept of a transactional account has very little to do with the actual plastic card, and everything to do with the customers need for convenient, secure, and instant payment mechanisms, Wood told MyBroadband.

For us at Nedbank, this understanding has always underpinned the design and delivery of all our payments channels.

He said that Nedbanks goal is to ensure that consumers have access to a vast and diverse payments ecosystem wherever they are in the world, from which they can select the methods that best suit their unique needs and preferences.

The digitisation of payments is accelerating at an eye-watering pace, which, in all likelihood, means that the days of plastic cards may be numbered, Wood added.

For developed markets, that has meant an increase in NFC mobile or contactless card payments. However, in the emerging markets there has been an increase in the use of QR codes to make payments.

The flexibility of the QR code market has increased and this technology is set to remain popular for some time, he said.

Standard Bank

MyBroadband reached out to Standard Bank for comment, but the bank did not respond.
Pruitt said there are about 100 country schools in the county to be mapped. Signage for all of the locations is the ultimate goal, but gathering information for identify each location, including when the each was built, used and closed, will take time.

Allgood reported the commission completed two projects last year: phase one of the Muscatine County Historic Jail Archive and Museum project, which included design and construction and the nomination process to add the Muscatine County Old Dairy Barn to the National Register of Historic Places. Allgood said the nine-member commission is working on establishing a friends group to raise funds for the historic jail restoration and plans to work on "public awareness and historic education" by having a social media presence such as Facebook.

Another nomination to the registry, downtown Nichols, is nearly complete and is expected to be done this year. Pruitt said the grant for the nomination for the historic district was completed last year and would include the one block downtown area. Downtown West Liberty and Wilton, and the Muscatine County Fairgrounds all have historic districts.
COLUMBUS JUNCTION - Doris Jean Cummings Woodruff was born August 9, 1935, to Glen and Alice Cummings. She entered Heaven on February 3, 2019. A Service of Resurrection and Reflection will be 11 a.m., Saturday, February 9, at the United Presbyterian Church in Columbus Junction. Immediately following services, a luncheon will be held at the church. Visitation will be Friday, February 8, from 4-7 p.m. at the Stacy-Lewis Funeral Home in Columbus Junction. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Louisa County Historical Society Endowment, P.O. Box 34, Morning Sun, IA 52540 or the Columbus Junction Public Library. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lewisfuneralhomes.com.
The man who left a 5-month-old baby in the woods outside Lolo Hot Springs last year, spurring an hours-long multi-agency search and valiant rescue, pleaded guilty to the deed Tuesday morning in Missoula District Court.

Francis Carlton Crowley, 33, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to criminal endangerment and child criminal endangerment. He also entered a "no contest" plea to the charge of assault on a child. The plea does not admit guilt, but rather concedes prosecutors would have likely secured a conviction at trial.

His sentencing is set for March 12.

One charge was dropped as part of the agreement, endangering the welfare of a child, which filed last month. After Crowley was initially charged, authorities tested one of the infant's hair follicles, which came back positive for methamphetamine.

The change of plea comes at the same time prosecutors leveled a new charge against Crowley Tuesday, that of child criminal endangerment. The charge stems from Crowley driving into the woods while he was high on methamphetamine and bath salts.
Butte-Silver Bow could give its last bit of available Hard Rock economic development money to help Starbucks build its new cafe on Harrison Avenue, which might open as soon as late April.

If commissioners OK the move Wednesday night, the last $11,000 in Hard Rock mining tax revenue that can be tapped will be steered to the project.

Developers behind the project, which is projected to cost more than $3 million, say theyre grateful for any assistance and they hope the new Starbucks will be open by late April or early May.

But they still havent decided what to do with the old Hastings building just behind the new cafe going up at 2307 Harrison Ave., even though they had considered tearing most of it down.

CenterPointe Development Group of Scottsdale, Arizona says it owns the entire lot, including the building that housed the former Hastings store and the portion still home to a Rent-A-Center.

Rent-A-Center has a lease for its store that runs through 2020, but CenterPointe had considered severing and demolishing the Hastings portion and using some of that space as additional parking for its new cafe.
Oil and gas leasing on 12,889 acres in Beaverhead and Madison counties has been deferred indefinitely, a Bureau of Land Management official said Monday.

But that doesnt mean the leases are dead forever.

Cornelia Hudson, BLM Dillon field office manager, said the agency got so many negative public comments last month on the proposed oil and gas leases that the BLM deferred those parcels.

Hudson said the federal employee furlough caused by the partial federal government shutdown from just before Christmas until the end of January also contributed to the deferral.

Agency officials need more time to go through the comments, she said.

Other parcels amounting to 167,113 acres in 15 counties in eastern Montana, plus one in South Dakota, are back up for a lease date of March 27.

They (the 12,889 acres south of Butte) were deferred until a later time to be transparent and open so we can have a conversation back and forth with everyones concerns, Hudson said Monday. Those parcels are pretty controversial and we want to be open and transparent. We didn't want to rush something through the furlough without comment.
July 9, 1937-Jan. 31, 2019

Betty June Mickulin Ott passed away on January 31, 2019 surrounded by her family in Spanish Fork, Utah. She was born on July 9, 1937 in Preston, Idaho to Steve Donald and June Foster Mickulin. She received her secondary education in Billings and attended Eastern Montana College. She served a mission in the West Central States from 1959-1960. During her mission she traveled to Butte where she met Melvin Wilford Ott, they later married on January 10, 1961 in the Idaho Falls Temple. Melvin and Betty had six wonderful children and were married 46 years when he passed in 2007.

She was active in Kiwanis, The Butte Figure Skating Club, and served as past president of the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She worked as a typesetter and office manager for the Nickel Saver and Butte Weekly. Betty June was well known as Buttes Recipe Lady with her weekly publication of Bettys Kitchen. She was an instrumental part of the Ott Family Haunted House, always supporting her son Michaels passion to scare the yell out of folks. Many kids remember her as the haunted house lady who told the ghost story of Betsy. She was an area representative for ASSE International Student Exchange Program and enjoyed meeting students from around the world. Butte was her home until 2005 when she and Mel moved to live with her daughter Jacquie and son-in-law Ken in Utah. She returned to Butte for a short time to work as a Den Mother for the Butte Central International Student Exchange Program. Betty June was able to spend her remaining years at home with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. The Nielson Family provided a loving wonderful home and were always there in her time of need.
In a conference room at the Butte 4Cs, three of the initiatives leaders spoke about their choice to focus on resilient parenting, a term they are still working to define.

Basically, we want to focus on creating programs that increase access to positive parenting skills, said Cass Weber, Buttes Zero to Five initiative coordinator.

Weber sat with Brenda Hergott, executive director of the Butte 4Cs, and Cathy Maloney, the county superintendent of schools. The women explained that this first year of the early childhood initiative has been focused on determining what local support groups and programs Butte already has, identifying gaps in support or barriers to services, and talking with community stakeholders, including parents.

This initiative is unique because we have enough time to really make a difference in our community, Hergott said. We really want to engage with our parents and make as many voices heard as possible.

Hergott, Weber and Maloney said that Butte has an initiative design team in place, but doesnt have many specifics of the program and its reach yet. Weber explained that its been a lot of conversations and coffees at this point, but the local initiative has a few public pilot projects planned for this spring as they move into their implementation phase.
Fresh from a long, slow drive on Interstate 90 from Missoula, Lambrecht agreed to talk to The Montana Standard as soon as he got into Butte Monday evening. He barely had time to check into his accommodations but he says he has already fallen in love with the Big Sky state.

This isnt Lambrechts first time in Montana.

In the early 2000s, he spent time in Three Forks, as part of a deep dive into the Missouri River. He wrote dozens of newspaper stories as he spent time researching, doing on-the-ground reporting on the Big Muddy.

Like most journalists, Lambrecht was driven by his own curiosity to chase a story across 2,341 river miles to get to the bottom of a collision between industry, history, endangered species and the river restoration.

I wondered whats going on here. It was a mystery to me, he said.

The outcome of his travel and exploration was the nonfiction book, Big Muddy Blues: True Tales and Twisted Politics Along Lewis and Clarks Missouri River. It was published by St. Martins Press in 2005.
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While we were enjoying Little Tokyo, we knew exactly where we were headed for dinner. I'd been reading about Kinjiro for several years now. And knowing of the Missus's love of Izakaya's, I thought the somewhat modern elevated izakaya type dishes would please Her.

So, I made reservations about a month in advance. My emails were quickly replied to and the process was a breeze. Good thing too....this shop next to the always busy Sushi Gen in Honda Plaza is reservation only.

We were the first customers of the night and were quickly seated by the very efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable young man working the front of house.

It was pretty easy determining what we wanted to eat, starting with the Squid Ink Shiokara ($7).to think of the days when the Missus wouldn't touch this stuff; but now with Her love of fermented foods (ah those "chinmi" foods) and our visits to Japan and especially Hokkaido, Her tune has really changed.

The wonderful salty-cheesy-funky-oceany-savory and oddly sweet flavors goes so well with sake. We tried several over the course of the evening; our favorite being the Kokuryu Black Dragon Junmai Ginjo, smooth, not overly sweet, and so balanced. The squid fermented in guts had the perfect amount of toothsomeness. This was quite good.

Next up was the Uni, Scallop, and Blue Crab in Ponzu Jelly ($25). This was a nice refreshing turn after the shiokara.

On this evening it was Santa Barbara Uni, decent quality, meaty, slightly sweet, mildly astringent. We both loved the tender scallop....talk about sweet and tender. There was quite a bit of tasty, moist crab meat at the bottom of the cup. Perhaps not the best quality, but still quite good. The ponzu jelly helped to create a nice balance in flavors and tie the dish together.

Next up was the Homemade Agedashi Tofu with Mushroom Ankake Sauce $16).

My least favorite dish of the evening. The typical gooey-starchy ankake sauce lacked the woodsy-earthy flavor I enjoy from mushrooms. Even with the dashi backbone it was still quite bland. The tofu was a bit more firm than I enjoy in this type of dish as well.

The Missus's least favorite dish of the night; the Bone Marrow Dengaku ($12).

Deeply beefy in flavor it was just too much for the Missus; but I loved it. The miso wasn't over-powering and paired well with the buttery-rich bone marrow.

The Missus absolutely adored the Seared Uni ($30).

Initially we thought this was going to be a mushy mess; but the uni had kept it's shape well and was very sweet. It went well with the texture of the wakame; which added some crunch and made the actual nori strips somewhat superfluous. I let the Missus have most of this as She loved it so much.

We both thoroughly enjoyed the Tendon, Tongue, Sinew, and Tripe Stew ($18).

This was wonderfully beefy and savory; with just the right amount of savory (read - miso/soy sauce), tanginess (tomato), sweetness (probably mirin/sake).we were begging for rice! The tendon and tripe were so tender; the tongue had a wonderful beefiness......that dried pesto toast was a travesty to a dish that truly deserved rice! This was wonderful; the flavors taking me back to Nagoya for some reason.

We decided to end the meal here. It was quite nice and I'm sure we'll return. Service was excellent. Again, reservation only, as several parties were turned away.

Kinjiro

424 E 2nd St. (In Honda Plaza)

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Since we had eaten dinner early, we decided to stroll around Little Tokyo a bit more. It was nice to see that an old favorite of the Missus was still going strong.

Though I wondered how much She'd still enjoy it here all these years later?

There's always something interesting to see around here.

At the stage in Japanese Village Plaza brave souls were trying their hand at karaoke.

We hung around a bit to cheer them on!

Wandering around a bit more; I noticed a shop, Karayama a fried chicken chain from Japan had opened in the area. I suddenly had a bit more capacity. At least enough for five pieces of Karaage. So while I waited for my five pieces to go.....

The Missus waited outside checking messages and such.

Sorry to say there's not a whole lot of photos on this one.....

We destroyed the hot, crisp, moist, tasty-but-not-salty pieces of chicken before the end of the block....we'll definitely have to return here!

Karayama

136 S Central Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Open Daily - 11am - 930pm

We got back to the hotel and got ready or bed. Our shuttle to the airport would be picking us up at 5am the next morning, so we needed to get to sleep early.

Still; I couldn't help but take a peek out the window to see if there was still a line outside Daikokuya...
On behalf of Transportation Security Administration employees statewide, I want to express my appreciation to people in communities across Montana who showed incredible generosity and concern during the recent partial government shutdown. Your kind words supplemented by donations motivated our workforce and allowed us to stay focused on our mission to keep the traveling public safe and secure during this uncertain time.

I cannot overstate the impact of the communitys donations. You delivered food and refreshments directly to the breakrooms, provided gift cards to help defray the cost of day-to-day needs and worked with the airport community in Missoula to ensure that our employees were well taken care of. Perhaps most importantly, through your words and actions, you recognized the critical role TSA plays in securing our nations transportation system.

Looking ahead, we will always remember the encouragement and support we received from you. Thank you for coming together to support the Montana TSA team in Missoula.

Dan Fevold,

federal security director for Montana,

Transportation Security Administration,

Billings

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It seems that Congress could do well to remind themselves of this message from one of our nations conservation heroes. While Congress finally reached a temporary solution to the government shutdown, it was not without a detriment to communities, our public lands and related jobs. If Congress touts the value of our outdoors and our growing recreation industry, it doesnt mean much if they continually turn their back on our outdoor assets, instead prioritizing partisan agendas. Actions are much louder than words. And action in this case took 35 days.

Montanas gateway communities made us proud when they volunteered to clean toilets and pick up trash overflowing in Yellowstone National Park thanks to the government shutdown. While they were glad to pitch in, cleaning up the governments mess is not a sustainable path toward economic growth. The cost of picking up the pieces after a shutdown will now be the burden of communities across the country, a result of Congress inability to work towards a wise solution to put the government back to work. From a business perspective, this is nothing short of fiscally irresponsible. The stalemate we witnessed in Washington is yet another symptom of a Congress that is willing to hold our public lands, our businesses and our jobs hostage for political theater.
Last week the governor gave an address in which he outlined his plan to tax and spend on the backs of working Montana families. He would like to cushion his state checkbook to the tune of $300 million by taking $150 million from Montanans' checking accounts and putting it into his state checking account.

Montanans clearly spoke last November at the ballot box when they voted down a tax increase on tobacco products. Yet, this governor has come to the Legislature a short two months after this idea was rejected to propose the same tax.

Along those same lines, the governor is out of step again with the majority of Montanans when he refuses to discuss any sort of work requirements for Medicaid expansion participants. A recent poll by MTN-MSU showed that 76 percent of Montanans agreed that some form of work requirement was appropriate for those in public-funded Medicaid. His proposal does not include reforms such as work requirements or a sunset date for re-evaluation, but does include an increase in taxes.
Tom Livers, budget director for the governor, also rose in opposition. The general fund money called for in Curdys bill, he said, is freeboard we dont have.

We are proposing an alternative bill that is ready for pickup, he said. The big difference is instead of general fund reliance, itll continue an assessment on fees, the existing one, on large investor-owned hydroelectric facilities. The 2017 fees fell on hydroelectric facilities and investor-owned utilities.

Preserving them could run afoul of promises made during that legislative session. In that session we needed bridge funding because we had the AIS (aquatic invasive species) in the state and those hydros, the investor-owned hydros, stepped up and thats what they paid  with the caveat that they were bridge funding and a permanent fee structure would be put in place, said the committees chair, Rep. Kerry White, R-Bozeman.

As far as the executive branch was concerned, said John Tubbs, director of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and conservation, we were only in one meeting, where we committed to the co-ops that this would be a one-time fix. We in the executive continue to think that hydropower is a way to not only generate revenue for this but spread the cost over multiple users.
Michelle Cares, a Missoula city council member and a YWCA board member (although shes currently on sabbatical) said the funding from the MRA is critical to make the project happen.

It was absolutely essential, she said. In a multi-million dollar project like this, every large chunk that can move the project forward is critical to the success of the project.

Cares said that although the new shelter wont solve Missoulas homeless problem, it will be a big help.

It will address the challenges, she said. Folks will still be experiencing homelessness and domestic violence, but this is anticipated to meet the need for the next 30 years. It will have a flexible space to dedicate to different programs should needs change in an unanticipated way. It should absolutely provide for our communitys domestic violence and homeless needs for the next few decades.

Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2020, Behan said. The property is located near Sussex School, about two blocks west of the Good Food Store.

Behan noted that the YWCA has completed several projects in Missoula and has a history of success.
As part of its commitment towards online safety, Microsoft has released the 3rd Digital Civility Index on Safer Internet Day (Feb 05). The index shows that people across the world are experiencing increased levels of online civility, including in India. India was at No. 7 among 22 countries surveyed worldwide. The India index was 59% (vs the global index of 66%), reflecting a gain of 2 points y-o-y, indicating a better level of online civility in the country. A lower index indicates lower risk exposure and a higher perceived level of online civility among the population.

The DCI is based on a survey completed in May 2018 to gauge the attitudes and perceptions of teens (ages 13-17) and adults (ages 18-74) in 22 countries about online behaviors and interactions. It asked questions like, which online risks have you and your close circle experienced, when and how often have the risks occurred, and what consequences and actions were taken?  and it measured respondents lifetime exposure to 21 online risks across four areas: behavioral, reputational, sexual and personal/intrusive.

The survey showed that unwanted contact continues to be the standout risk across geographies and demographics. However, teens around the world now more than ever are looking to their parents and other trusted adults for help with online risks.

The report reveals several insights for India, including the following:

The types of risks that stood out for India compared to the global averages included: 1) receiving offensive or obscene content, 2) encountering fake news and 3) encountering internet hoaxes

Online risks had some of the strongest impacts on millennials and teenagers in terms of risk exposure and consequences

Teens matched the global average in asking for help from parents (+35 points to 45%) or another adult (+18 points to 26%)

29% of perpetrators of online abuse were family or friends

Respondents showed an increase in loss of trust in others, both on- and offline; stress, and sleep deprivation as a result of negative online interactions

Indians were most likely to encounter fake news and internet hoaxes, with 7 points higher than the global average

Digital Civility Challenge

Microsoft is also challenging people to take the Digital Civility Challenge and pledge to adopt positive online habits and practices throughout the year. The goal of the challenge is to support Microsofts long-term commitment to fostering safe, inclusive interactions online and to encourage people to be accountable for their online behaviour and to serve as a role model and/or champion for others. The digital civility actions include:

Live the Golden Rule by acting with empathy, compassion and kindness in every interaction, and treat everyone you connect with online with dignity and respect. Respect differences, honor diverse perspectives and when disagreements surface, engage thoughtfully, and avoid name-calling and personal attacks. Pause before replying to things you disagree with, and dont post or send anything that could hurt someone else, damage a reputation or threaten someones safety. Stand up for yourself and others by supporting those who are targets of online abuse or cruelty, reporting threatening activity and preserving evidence of inappropriate or unsafe behaviour.

The 22 countries that participated in the survey were Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam. Microsoft hopes policymakers, companies, and consumers will consider the need for a safer, more respectful internet and leverage the evidentiary base for a global push toward digital civility.

@Technuter.com News Service
One winter storm failed to show up in Missoula Monday morning but a second was expected to take its place early Tuesday as arctic air settled over western Montana.

Wind chill warnings remained in effect for most places east of the Continental Divide as well as the Kalispell and Polson areas, according to the National Weather Service office in Missoula. The snow was more concentrated west of the mountains, with 2 to 3 inches forecast for Hamilton and 1 to 2 inches for Stevensville, Missoula and points north. Lost Trail Pass had an alert for between 6 inches and 8 inches of snow Monday night into Tuesday.

Wind warnings stayed in effect until 5 p.m. Monday east of Missoula, where wind chills dropped to as low as 40 degrees below zero.

In Missoula the coldest wind chill on Monday was minus-15 at 1 a.m. and again at 6 a.m.

The coldest blast of winter shut down a handful of schools in the region and delayed the start for many outside Missoula.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports that weather officials are warning of dangerous wind chills dropping below minus-30 degrees across much of the state, and avalanche threats in the West Yellowstone area and the southern Madison and Gallatin mountain ranges.
I come from a family of six generation Salvation Army born and raised and I am thankful for the upbringing I had and I think along with my ...
The Miami Marlins announced Tuesday morning that they have signed outfielder and former Met Curtis Granderson to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training.

Granderson, 38 in March, split last year between the Toronto Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers, and hit a combined .242/.351/.431 with 13 homers and 38 RBI.

The Illinois native spent three and a half seasons in the Mets organization from 2014-2017, where he was a beacon of health and hit 20+ homers in three seasons.

The 15-year veteran will look to compete for a roster spot on a young and rebuilding Marlins team.

He will join former Met Neil Walker on the Marlins who signed with Miami last month.
Nikolay Ilyinsky, Dr.Sci.Biol, scientist at the TSU Biological Institute and Siberian State Medical University. Credit: Tomsk State University

Tomsk scientists have conducted a study to identify the characteristics of the course of tick-borne infections and their consequences among residents of several Siberian regions. The findings suggest that the indigenous peoples of the North, and the sixth- and eighth-generation descendants of Siberians more easily tolerate, and recover more quickly from, infection with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), tick-borne borreliosis (Lyme disease), and human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA).

"Under the project, patients from Tomsk, Surgut, Tyumen, and Khanty-Mansiysk were examined. Colleagues from these cities helped us a lot with their selection," says Nikolay Ilyinsky, Dr.Sci.Biol, scientist at the TSU Biological Institute and Siberian State Medical University.

"We have shown that in the case of tick-borne infections in humans, genetically transformed cells appear. In the future it will be an unfavorable sign, so the task of our study was to determine the time periods at which people who have had tick-borne infections normalize the number of cells with genetic changes to the level characteristic of a healthy person. In this connection, we estimated the number of cytogeneticchanges by analyzing the number of cells with micronuclei in the buccal epithelium (on the inside of the cheek), leukocytes, and erythrocytes of human blood."

It was found that the proportion of cells with chromosomal abnormalities in patients with TBE, Lyme disease, or HGA increases sharply at the height of the illness (the first week of hospitalization). In some patients, the full normalization of the level of cells with an abnormal structure is observed in a month. In 39.8% of cases, this occurs after 3 months; 12.6% of patients have it after 6 months, and in 5.2% of cases, it does not decrease to the desired level even after that.

Patients who have had tick-borne borreliosis often have a complication in the form of arthritis, most often affecting the knee joints. Borrelia settle in the cartilage tissue and destroy it, which ultimately leads to the erosion of cartilage, bone deformation, and arthrosis. In the study of the articular fluid of patients with Lyme disease, scientists identified cells with an abnormal structure, including those with extra chromosome number 7 (in total, instead of 46 chromosomes, 47 chromosomes were present in the transformed cells of a sick person). It is noted that the presence of this pathology exacerbates the patient's degree of motor impairment.

"An interesting fact is that certain groups of patients who have had tick-borne borreliosis show high resistance to such adverse effects," says Nikolay Ilyinsky. These are the indigenous people of SiberiaKhanty and Mansi, and Russians who are Siberians in the sixth or eighth generation, that is, people who are well adapted to the conditions of Siberia. The reason for such stability is not known; maybe it is a kind of mechanism of natural selection. There is another point of view: our Novosibirsk colleagues suggest that the whole thing is in the innate immunity that the child acquires from the mother (especially in the rural population).

Perhaps for the same reason, representatives of the above groups are more likely to carry tick-borne infections. The severe course of the disease with chronicity of the process is noted in people who came from the southern regions of the European part of Russia and the CIS c

Along with this, scientists have established a number of factors contributing to the long-term preservation of elevated levels of cells with chromosomal changes: these are alimentary obesity in women and the presence of type II diabetes in men and women. Particularly high and long-lasting preservation of an increased number of cytogenetically transformed cells is observed in mixed infections of tick-borne encephalitis, Lyme disease, and HGA.

The project scientists were the first to obtain data on patients with HGA. Currently world literature provides information only on animals. In the Tomsk Region, this tick-borne infection transmitted to humans has been observed only in the last seven or eight years. The chromosomal analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes in patients with HGA showed an increase in the number of cells with abnormalities in chromosome 18 and 21. Along with this, in men aged 24-45 years, there was an increased frequency of deviations on the same chromosomes in the spermatozoa, which can have a negative effect on the person's reproductive functions.

Professor Ilinsky notes that the results are intended primarily for medical and genetic services and practicing infectious disease doctors. In addition, the new data can be used by obstetrician-gynecologists in treating patients with tick-borne infections.
Value-based incentive programs (VBIPs) aim to drive improvements in quality and reduce costs by linking financial incentives or penalties to hospital performance. However, a new study has found no evidence these programs had any measurable association with changes in catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) rates in U.S. hospitals. This is the first study to look at how these federal payment programs impact healthcare-associated infections.

In 2013, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services implemented VBIPs to financially reward or penalize hospitals based on quality metrics. These programs targeted hospitals' rates of certain healthcare-associated infections deemed preventable. Previous studies demonstrated minimal impact of these payment programs on measures of hospital processes, patient experience and mortality. However, their impact on patient safety metrics, including healthcare-associated infection rates, had been unknown.

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute examined changes in trends for different CAUTI-related quality measures in nearly 600 hospitals across the country. They found no evidence that the VBIPs had any measurable association with CAUTI rates in the critical care units of U.S. hospitals. In particular, implementation of these programs was not associated with reductions in device-associated CAUTI rates, the measure that the programs explicitly target.

"The good news for patients is that we found modest improvements over time in the use of urinary catheters in the critical care units of U.S hospitals, along with decreased risk for associated urinary tract infections in hospitalized patients. However, from a policy perspective, we did not find any evidence that the federal payment programs designed to motivate hospitals to engage in further prevention efforts made any difference," explained corresponding author Heather Hsu, MD, MPH, assistant professor of pediatrics at BUSM.

According to the researchers, these results are relevant to public health because they provide crucial information on whether these federal payment programs should continue in their current form in the future. "Given the time, money and effort involved in these programs' administration and lack of demonstrated benefit to patients, we hope that policymakers will learn from the limitations of these programs and consider revision and simplification prior to their further expansion," added Hsu, a pediatric hospitalist at Boston Medical Center.

These findings appear in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Explore further CMS Policy to reduce hospital-acquired conditions had minimal impact
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Every American has official medical records, locked away in the computers and file cabinets of their doctors' offices and hospitals, and protected by strict privacy laws.

But most people don't think about their other medical recordthe informal "shadow" one they generate during everyday life.

In a new article in the journal Science, a team of experts led by two University of Michigan researchers calls for attention to this shadow record.

They describe it as the data generated by everyone who wears a fitness tracker, uses a smartphone health app, shops for health-related itemsor really, almost anythingonline or with a customer loyalty card, orders DNA tests to learn about their genetic disease risk or ancestry, searches the internet for health information, or posts on social media or other sites about their health.

When shadow-record elements from many people are pooled together and used by academic researchers or industry, they can fuel progress in health care research and innovation, says the international team led by Nicholson Price, U-M assistant professor of law.

In fact, he and his colleagues say companies have already started gathering and selling access to massive amounts of such data. But, they say, few rules apply to how shadow data is stored and usedand how the privacy of the people behind the data is protected.

Meanwhile, academic health services researchers already study bulk data from official medical records, after it's been stripped of individual identification. That kind of study, called health services research, has fueled many improvements in care and policy.

Price and Kayte Spector-Bagdady, an assistant professor at the U-M Medical School and member of the U-M Center for Bioethics & Social Sciences in Medicine, reviewed the current laws and regulations surrounding shadow medical records.

"Not all industry involvement in health data is a bad thing," Spector-Bagdady said. "Industry can help propel innovation. But relying on loopholes to collect personal health data without knowledge is predatory."

She and Price worked with Margot Kaminski, an associate professor of law from the University of Colorado, and Timo Minssen, director of the Center for Advanced Studies in Biomedical Innovation Law at the University of Copenhagen.

They call for better clarity in current regulations, to make sure research in the public interest can go forward. And they recommend that any future data privacy-related hearings, legislation and regulations should pay special attention to health-related topics.

Price and Spector-Bagdady are both members of the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.

More transparent black boxes

Price has also written in recent months about another area of data-drive health innovation that he says needs more transparency.

Called "black box" algorithms, they're a burgeoning type of artificial intelligence software that harnesses large-scale medical data to give doctors, other health providers or consumers advice on health topics.

They're based on a technique called machine learning, which feeds massive amounts of data into computerized systems and teaches them to recognize and predict patterns.

For instance, using data about lung cancer risk from thousands of patients, an algorithm could help doctors decide which patients should go for chest CT scans to see if they have early signs of lung cancer, and which aren't as likely to benefit from such screening.

Writing in Science Translational Medicine in December, Price described the potential value of these algorithms in predicting the course of disease, or augmenting the skills of radiologists and pathologists in reading scans and tissue samples from patients.

But he also noted that guidelines for the clinical use and regulation of such tools need to be developed now, including standards for validating the tools' actual usefulness.

More transparency by industry about the data and assumptions used in making their black boxes could help increase the chance that providers will opt to use the toolsand that regulators would not crack down on them in a way that limits their use.

Rather, he argued, the medical algorithm sector needs regulatory flexibility, transparency and broad involvement by different sectors of the health system including researchers, providers and regulators.

"Big data and AI are racing ahead in medicine," Price said. "And right now, law and policy are playing catch-up."

Warning about too much privacy

Price also co-authored a review article in Nature Medicine in January with I. Glenn Cohen of Harvard University's Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology and Bioethics.

In it, they look at many legal and ethical aspects of the rise of big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning and other data-driven technologies in medicine. They call for a balance between maximizing the potential development and use of such tools, and protecting the privacy of those whose medical and shadow data would be used anonymously to build and test the tools.

"It is important that we not assume privacy maximalism across the board is the way to go," Price and Cohen wrote. "Privacy underprotection and overprotection each create cognizable harms to patients both today and tomorrow."
(HealthDay)The CalproQuest, an eight-item questionnaire, is a feasible instrument for assessing patients for inflammatory bowel disease in primary care settings, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.

Corinne Chmiel, P.D., Dr.Med., from the University of Zurich, and colleagues evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of CalproQuest for at least two weeks among 95 patients with unspecific gastrointestinal complaints who were seen in primary care settings.

The researchers found that 54.7 percent of CalproQuests were positive, with 41.1 percent of patients fulfilling two major criteria and 13.7 percent having one major and at least two minor criteria. General practitioners completed questionnaires on feasibility, which 87.4 percent assessed positively. Similarly, patient-reported acceptance was high (86.3 percent).

"Further prospective studies concerning validity and cost-effectiveness of a combined use with the calprotectin test in this setting are necessary," the authors write.

Copyright  2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Serological group B streptococci (GBS) are common bacteria, which usually remain unnoticed. This is also the case for the almost 20% of pregnant women with vaginal or anal colonization of GBS. The bacteria pose a risk for the babies, however: In the worst case, an infection at birth can cause sepsis or meningitis in the newborn. To prevent these complications, pregnant women with certain risk factors receive antibiotics shortly before birth (risk strategy). However, there is also a test on the market that could be offered to all pregnant women (testing strategy). This test could detect also those pregnant women who have no risk factor, but still carry GBS.

The German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) therefore investigated whether universal screening, i.e. the testing strategy, would offer advantages, and hence an added benefit, for newborns or expectant mothers in comparison with the currently used risk strategy. The final report now presented confirms the results of the preliminary report from 2018. According to the findings, this question cannot be answered as there are no informative studies for the comparison. In the Institute's opinion, it is unrealistic that these kinds of studies will be conducted in the future because it is very difficult to achieve the large sample sizes required.

Antibiotics are standard treatment for certain risks

About one in 3000 newborns is infected with GBS at birth; 3.2% of them die of the consequences. Pregnant women receive antibiotic prophylaxis if they have a fever, if there is a risk of premature birth, or if the birthing process is very slow, for example. This risk strategy can already prevent most infections. As an alternative option, all expectant mothers could be offered a microbiological examination in the form of the GBS test (universal screening). However, the test, which costs between 10 and 30 euros, is not a standard treatment reimbursed by German statutory health insurance fundsunless there is a risk of premature birth.

Study results not sufficiently robust

As was the case in the preliminary report, the Institute identified no study that could have provided robust results. There is a large "cohort study" comparing both strategies with each other (Schrag 2002), which is also referred to by the medical society. However, the Institute still rates its results as not sufficiently certain. The main reason is that there were notable differences between the participants not only regarding the test, but also in other characteristics. A lower complication rate, for example, could therefore have many reasons. The study also showed no "dramatic effects", i.e. no very large differences.

Studies on "screening chain" not realistic

In the final report, the Institute also showed scepticism whether it will ever be possible to conduct informative studies on the total so-called screening chain. Such studies would have to include several hundreds of thousands of pregnant women to ensure sufficient certainty of results. The large sample size is required as infections and their complications overall are rare. In smaller sample sizes, differences between the groups, e.g. the frequency of sepsis in newborns, could be due to chance alone.

In contrast, studies investigating which strategy is better at reducing the currently frequent use of antibiotics are considered reasonable and feasible by IQWiG. Quick tests used during labour, which are already approved in the United States, should also be considered as another prevention strategy in these studies.

Explore further Screening for bacteriuria in pregnant women: Benefit unclear
OPPO has announced its partnership with Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Department (ITE&C), Government of Telangana, to create opportunities for budding entrepreneurs and exciting start-ups in India. Through this partnership both parties will work towards systematically developing a support system for startups and entrepreneurs in the specific areas of expertise.

Reinforcing its commitment to India, OPPO as a part of the agreement, will provide technical expertise and mentoring support to startups helping the government create a supportive ecosystem for startups working in areas specific to camera and image processing, battery, networks (5G), system performance, payments, Artificial Intelligence and gaming. The startups will be selected basis the solutions they provide towards key problems faced by Indian mobile users, with the intention of using their idea, application, technology or service to help enhance consumer experience for OPPO users.

Commenting on the association, Mr. Tasleem Arif, Vice President and R&D Head, India said, OPPO is committed towards developing innovative new technologies and technology-enabled solutions to serve the Indian smartphone industry better than ever. Through this partnership with the Government of Telangana, which has shown positive intent in fostering a conducive ecosystem of entrepreneurship in the state, we hope to encourage and co-develop innovative solutions that will transform the smartphone industry across the country. Once again, we are grateful to the Government of Telangana for partnering with us on this and look forward to working with the exciting startups in the region.

OPPO will also be providing market access to these startups, by Alpha/Beta testing their offerings with the OPPO Color OS community, helping them with feedback that will enable them to streamline their product for the final consumer. In addition to this, the OPPO R&D team will also offer technical and business expertise to the entrepreneurs.

Through such concerted efforts towards building the entrepreneurship ecosystem in India and encouraging the development of innovative new technologies, OPPO aims to play an active role in mobilizing the untapped potential of Indians entrepreneurs and support them in their journey towards developing and growing their respective start-ups.

@Technuter.com News Service
Credit: Alan Cowen

Ooh, surprise! Those spontaneous sounds we make to express everything from elation (woohoo) to embarrassment (oops) say a lot more about what we're feeling than previously understood, according to new UC Berkeley research.

Proving that a sigh is not just a sigh, scientists conducted a statistical analysis of listener responses to more than 2,000 nonverbal exclamations known as "vocal bursts" and found they convey at least 24 kinds of emotion. Previous studies of vocal bursts set the number of recognizable emotions closer to 13.

The results, recently published online in the American Psychologist journal, are demonstrated in vivid sound and color on the first-ever interactive audio map of nonverbal vocal communication.

"This study is the most extensive demonstration of our rich emotional vocal repertoire, involving brief signals of upwards of two dozen emotions as intriguing as awe, adoration, interest, sympathy and embarrassment," said study senior author Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor at UC Berkeley and faculty director of the Greater Good Science Center, which helped support the research.

For millions of years, humans have used wordless vocalizations to communicate feelings that can be decoded in a matter of seconds, as this latest study demonstrates.

"Our findings show that the voice is a much more powerful tool for expressing emotion than previously assumed," said study lead author Alan Cowen, a Ph.D. student in psychology at UC Berkeley.

On Cowen's audio map, one can slide one's cursor across the emotional topography and hover over fear (scream), then surprise (gasp), then awe (whoa), realization (ohhh), interest (ah?) and finally confusion (huh?).

Among other applications, the map can be used to help teach voice-controlled digital assistants and other robotic devices to better recognize human emotions based on the sounds we make, he said.

As for clinical uses, the map could theoretically guide medical professionals and researchers working with people with dementia, autism and other emotional processing disorders to zero in on specific emotion-related deficits.

"It lays out the different vocal emotions that someone with a disorder might have difficulty understanding," Cowen said. "For example, you might want to sample the sounds to see if the patient is recognizing nuanced differences between, say, awe and confusion."

Though limited to U.S. responses, the study suggests humans are so keenly attuned to nonverbal signalssuch as the bonding "coos" between parents and infantsthat we can pick up on the subtle differences between surprise and alarm, or an amused laugh versus an embarrassed laugh.

For example, by placing the cursor in the embarrassment region of the map, you might find a vocalization that is recognized as a mix of amusement, embarrassment and positive surprise.

"A tour through amusement reveals the rich vocabulary of laughter and a spin through the sounds of adoration, sympathy, ecstasy and desire may tell you more about romantic life than you might expect," said Keltner.

How they conducted the study

Researchers recorded more than 2,000 vocal bursts from 56 male and female professional actors and non-actors from the United States, India, Kenya and Singapore by asking them to respond to emotionally evocative scenarios.

Next, more than 1,000 adults recruited via Amazon's Mechanical Turk online marketplace listened to the vocal bursts and evaluated them based on the emotions and meaning they conveyed and whether the tone was positive or negative, among several other characteristics.

A statistical analysis of their responses found that the vocal bursts fit into at least two dozen distinct categories including amusement, anger, awe, confusion, contempt, contentment, desire, disappointment, disgust, distress, ecstasy, elation, embarrassment, fear, interest, pain, realization, relief, sadness, surprise (positive) surprise (negative), sympathy and triumph.

For the second part of the study, researchers sought to present real-world contexts for the vocal bursts. They did this by sampling YouTube video clips that would evoke the 24 emotions established in the first part of the study, such as babies falling, puppies being hugged and spellbinding magic tricks.

This time, 88 adults of all ages judged the vocal bursts extracted from YouTube videos. Again, the researchers were able to categorize their responses into 24 shades of emotion. The full set of data were then organized into a semantic space onto an interactive map.

"These results show that emotional expressions color our social interactions with spirited declarations of our inner feelings that are difficult to fake, and that our friends, co-workers, and loved ones rely on to decipher our true commitments," Cowen said.

Explore further Emoji fans take heart: Scientists pinpoint 27 states of emotion

More information: Interactive audio map: Interactive audio map: s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/vocs/map.html# Alan S. Cowen et al. Mapping 24 emotions conveyed by brief human vocalization., American Psychologist (2018). DOI: 10.1037/amp0000399 Journal information: American Psychologist
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Marijuana use during pregnancy has doubled in the last decade to become the illicit substance most commonly used by pregnant women. A new study from the University of Pittsburgh explores the attitudes of marijuana-using mothers-to-be.

The study, published this month in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, found that pregnant marijuana users considered their habit to be relatively harmless, but they did have some reservations about potential effects on the developing fetus. Fear of legal action kept them from discussing these concerns with their health care providers.

"What these women articulated is that they didn't view marijuana as a drug," said senior author Dr. Judy Chang, associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences. "They perceived it to be very natural, almost herbal, of the earth, and as a result of being more natural, they viewed it as safer  even safer than prescribed medication, which they viewed as chemicals."

Most women using marijuana during pregnancy were already users before they got pregnant. They reported to the researchers that it made them happier and more pleasant, or that it helped to manage chronic pain or depression. During pregnancy, they said, marijuana helped with nausea and appetite.

Despite the attitude that marijuana is relatively innocuous, Chang found that pregnant marijuana users were still concerned about how it might be affecting their unborn babies.

She said there is no definitive evidence about the safety of marijuana use during pregnancy, but four big studies following babies born in the 1980s and '90s all suggested the fetus may suffer lasting neurocognitive effects.

Today's pregnant marijuana users may be putting their children at even greater risk than the literature suggests, Chang said, because the strains of marijuana are more potent than in the past, and users are smoking both larger amounts and more frequently.

Yet many of the women enrolled in Chang's study were cautious about broaching the topic of marijuana use with their health care providers because of the very real risk that they might be reported to child protective services.

Health care workers are legally required to report suspected prenatal drug use in 24 states and the District of Columbia. Most of these states characterize in utero exposure to illicit substances as a form of child abuse.

So pregnant marijuana users turn to the internet, where information is mixed and often biased.

Chang said a possible solution is for health care providers to include a candid discussion about marijuana use during a woman's initial "orientation to pregnancy" appointment. Providers can address concerns and offer information about how to minimize risk during pregnancy, all without the woman necessarily having to disclose her substance use.

"You need to recognize that marijuana is a complicated issue where there are multiple different perceptions and beliefs, so we should be obligated to have a more nuanced conversation without assumptions about the other person's perceptions," Chang said. "We should really be asking, 'How do I help you make the healthiest decisions for you and your baby?'"

More information: Judy C. Chang et al. Beliefs and attitudes regarding prenatal marijuana use: Perspectives of pregnant women who report use, Drug and Alcohol Dependence (2019). Journal information: Drug and Alcohol Dependence Judy C. Chang et al. Beliefs and attitudes regarding prenatal marijuana use: Perspectives of pregnant women who report use,(2019). DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.11.028
(HealthDay)Electronic cigarette use is associated with an increased risk for cigarette initiation and use in adolescents, according to a study published online Feb. 1 in JAMA Network Open.

Kaitlyn M. Berry, M.P.H., from the Boston University School of Public Health, and colleagues examined data from waves 1 to 3 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study (2013 to 2016) for 6,123 adolescents aged 12 to 15 years who had never used cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or other tobacco products at wave 1.

The researchers found that at wave 3, cigarette use was higher among previous e-cigarette users versus adolescents with no prior tobacco use (20.5 versus 3.8 percent). Compared with no prior tobacco use, prior e-cigarette use correlated with significantly increased odds of ever cigarette use and current cigarette use (odds ratios, 4.09 and 2.75, respectively); the odds were similarly increased with prior use of other tobacco products (odds ratios, 3.84 and 3.43, respectively). Low-risk adolescents had a stronger association of prior e-cigarette use with cigarette initiation (odds ratio, 8.57). Among youth aged 12 to 15 years, from 2013-2014 to 2015-2016, 21.8 and 15.3 percent of new cigarette ever use and current cigarette use, respectively, may be attributable to prior e-cigarette use, according to the researchers.

"These findings strengthen the rationale for aggressive regulation of youth access to and marketing of e-cigarettes to achieve future decreases in the prevalence of cigarette use among youths," the authors write.

One author disclosed financial ties to Johnson & Johnson.

Explore further Non-cigarette tobacco use tied to future cigarette use in teens

Copyright  2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
The first person with below-elbow amputation implanted with an osseo-neuromuscular prosthesis. Electrodes implanted in nerves and muscles are accessed via two titanium implants that serve for skeletal attachment and communication interface with the prosthesis. The prosthesis is virtual during the recovery period after surgery to evaluate the interface. Credit: Dr. Max Ortiz Catalan

A female Swedish patient with hand amputation has become the first recipient of an osseo-neuromuscular implant to control a dexterous hand prosthesis. In a pioneering surgery, titanium implants were placed in the two forearm bones (radius and ulnar), from which electrodes to nerves and muscle were extended to extract signals to control a robotic hand and to provide tactile sensations. This makes it the first clinically viable, dexterous and sentient prosthetic hand usable in real life. The breakthrough is part of the European project DeTOP.

The new implant technology was developed in Sweden by a team lead by Dr. Max Ortiz Catalan at Integrum ABthe company behind the first bone-anchored limb prosthesis using osseointegrationand Chalmers University of Technology. This first-of-its-kind surgery, led by Prof. Rickard Branemark and Dr. Paolo Sassu, took place at Sahlgrenska University Hospital as part of a larger project funded by the European Commission under Horizon 2020 called DeTOP (GA #687905).

The DeTOP project is coordinated by Prof. Christian Cipriani at the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, and also includes Prensilia, the University of Gothenburg, Lund University, University of Essex, the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, INAIL Prosthetic Center, Universita Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, and the Instituto Ortopedico Rizzoli.

Conventional prosthetic hands rely on electrodes placed over the skin to extract control signals from the underlying stump muscles. These superficial electrodes deliver limited and unreliable signals that only allow control of a couple of gross movements (opening and closing the hand). Richer and more reliable information can be obtained by implanting electrodes in all remaining muscle in the stump instead. Sixteen electrodes were implanted in this first patient in order to achieve more dexterous control of a novel prosthetic hand developed in Italy by the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna and Prensilia.

The patient is instructed by Dr. Ortiz Catalan to produce movements as indicated in the virtual hand. Muscular electrical activity captured by the implanted electrodes is displayed in the screen. This information is learned by the artificial limb to then respond to the desired movements. Credit: Dr. Max Ortiz Catalan

Current prosthetic hands have also limited sensory feedback. They do not provide tactile or kinesthetic sensation, so the user can only rely on vision while using the prosthesis. Users cannot tell how strongly an object is grasped, or even when contact has been made. By implanting electrodes in the nerves that used to be connected to the lost biological sensors of the hand, researchers can electrically stimulate these nerves in a similar manner as information conveyed by the biological hand. This results in the patient perceiving sensations originating in the new prosthetic hand, as it is equipped with sensors that drive the stimulation of the nerve to deliver such sensations.

One of the most important aspects of this work is that this is the first technology usable in daily life. This means it is not limited to a research laboratory. The Swedish groupIntegrum AB and Chalmers University of Technologyhave previously demonstrated that control of a sentient prosthesis in daily life was possible in above-elbow amputees using similar technology. This was not possible in below-elbow amputees where there are two smaller bones rather than a single larger one as in the upper arm. This posed several challenges on the development of the implant system. On the other hand, it also presents an opportunity to achieve a more dexterous control of an artificial replacement. This is because many more muscles are available to extract neural commands in below-elbow amputations.

Bones weaken if they are not used (loaded), as commonly happen after amputation. The patient is following a rehabilitation program to regain the strength in her forearm bones to be able to fully load the prosthetic hand. In parallel, she is also relearning how to control her missing hand using virtual reality, and in few weeks, she will be using a prosthetic hand with increasing function and sensations in her daily life. Two more patients will be implanted with this new generation of prosthetic hands in the upcoming months, in Italy and Sweden.

"Several advanced prosthetic technologies have been reported in the last decade, but unfortunately they have remained as research concepts used only for short periods of time in controlled environments" says Dr. Ortiz Catalan, Assoc. Prof. at Chalmers University of the Technology and head of the Biomechatronics and Neurorehabilitation Lab, who has led this development since its beginning 10 years ago, initially in above-elbow amputations. "The breakthrough of our technology consists on enabling patients to use implanted neuromuscular interfaces to control their prosthesis while perceiving sensations where it matters for them, in their daily life."

Explore further Artificial joint restores wrist-like movements to forearm amputees
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Hundreds of genes have been newly linked to depression, shedding light on the origins of the condition and highlighting personality types that could be at risk.

The international study, involving more than two million people, is the largest of its kind. It could inform treatments for the condition, which affects one in five people in the UK and is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Scientists led by the University of Edinburgh studied information pooled from three large datasets of anonymised health and DNA records and pinpointed 269 genes that were linked to depression. They also used an innovative statistical method to identify sections of DNA that were common in people with depression and in those who adopted lifestyle behaviours such as smoking.

The findings suggest that depression could be a driving factor leading some people to smoke, but more research is needed to explain why, the team says.

Results also show that neuroticism  a tendency to be worried or fearful  could lead people to become depressed, which could shed light on personality factors that put people at risk. The statistical approach  known as Mendelian randomisation  allows scientists to look at how a condition impacts on behaviour, while ruling out other influences such as age or income.

Anonymised data, used with donor consent, is held by UK Biobank, the personal genetics and research company 23andMe and the Psychiatry Genomics Consortium.

Experts say that the study reflects the importance of data science in understanding mental health.

The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, was funded by the MRC and Wellcome.

Professor Andrew McIntosh, of the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, who led the research, said: "These findings are further evidence that depression is partly down to our genetics.

"We hope the findings will help us understand why some people are more at risk of depression than others, and how we might help people living with depression and anxiety more effectively in future."

Sophie Dix, Director of Research at mental health charity MQ, who was not involved in the research, said: "This study adds to the weight of evidence that genes are one of the key risk factors in depression, which is also impacted by life events such as social environment and trauma. The value of this could really be seen when looking into the development of personalised treatmentsa welcome step given the dearth of innovation in identifying new approaches. We have seen very little advancement in nearly 50 years for people living with depression and right now the avenues available are not working for everyone.

"The power of this big genetic study is that it can point to systems in the brain which adds to our currently limited understanding in this area. By increasing our understanding of these systems, and how the social environment affects biological risk factors, we can begin to identify new targets for treatments that could help the millions of people worldwide affected by depression."

Explore further Depression study pinpoints genes that may trigger the condition

More information: undefined undefined et al. Genome-wide meta-analysis of depression identifies 102 independent variants and highlights the importance of the prefrontal brain regions, Nature Neuroscience (2019). Journal information: Nature Neuroscience undefined undefined et al. Genome-wide meta-analysis of depression identifies 102 independent variants and highlights the importance of the prefrontal brain regions,(2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-018-0326-7
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentitry professors Tim Bussey and Marco Prado are enthusiastic about an open-science initiative  named MouseBytes  that highlights international collaboration among rodent-cognition researchers. Credit: Debora Van Brenk // Western News

Placing collaboration above competition, Western researchers are giving 300 labs around the world the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the mouse brain in hopes of unlocking the secrets Alzheimer's disease and other disorders in humans. Led by BrainsCAN, this is the latest and largest project undertaken by the neuroscience initiative in a push for open-science research.

"There's an understanding that collaboration is better than competition for science," stressed Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry professor Tim Bussey. "It's also the ethics of public institutions  everybody paid for this (research)  and generating data, and then hoarding it, borders on unethical. The open-science movement is huge. It's unstoppable."

The new www.touchscreencognition.org community, the MouseBytes database allows scientists around the world to share knowledge, information and data involving existing touchscreen cognition devices. Every research lab works with identical touchscreen technology to understand how a mouse brain operates; even though they may be working on different research, every researcher also has access to every other researcher's methods and data.

Ultimately, this shared research experience leads to improved understanding about mouse cognition that translate into better insights about how human brains work, Bussey said.

Such sharing turns on its head the traditional way some research takes place  in discrete labs, each competing with the other and comparing data only after published.

"People will realize that collaboration is better for everyone. Especially with these technologies, you have to work together if a project is going to be successful," said Bussey, a Robarts Research Institute scientist. "Now, instead of waiting two years for a paper, we can see the results in real time."

Invented by Bussey and fellow Western researcher Lisa Saksida, the touchscreens record detailed mouse data on standardized data platforms and technology.

"The mice do puzzles on the screen for strawberry milkshakes. They're not reacting to (traditional tests of) chilly water or an electric shock. It's done the same way in every lab so the tests are replicable," Bussey said. So the files you get  and the end results  that's almost completely standardized."

That means a lab working with a dozen mice can have the shared information and impact of the 300 centres and almost 1,000 rodents, said Schulich professor Marco Prado, also a Robarts Research Institute scientist.

The shared technology and open science can lead to better results and faster mobilization of information than could be achieved by a single person scribing the data by hand and publishing results a couple of years later, he said. "If you start automating things, you can test 600 mice per day instead of 10 per day."

Thanks to MouseBytes, researchers can begin assessing results in days or weeks instead of months or years.

"Collaborations happen because we're all so good at these different things," Prado said. "Because we have this unique capability, this allows us to attract all these collaborative efforts. There's no other place in the world that has this touchscreen capability."

Only weeks since it launched, the www.touchscreencognition.org has led to valuable discussions and a lively forum. "It's not one-way (conversation). People are able to comment on it," Bussey said.

More than a dozen researchers arrive in June for touchpads and database training sessions in advance of a symposium expected to attract 150 scientists on the subject.

In September 2016, BrainsCAN received the largest research grant in Western's history  a seven-year, $66-million investment from the Government of Canada through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF). Sharing and collaboration is a key part of that grant, explained Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry professor Ravi Menon.

Last September, BrainsCAN announced the development of the world's first open-source data sets for non-human primate brain imaging. The project's goal is to develop a map of neural connections in the brain and lead to developing biomarkers for human mental-health and other disorders and diseases.

The database for the neuroimaging community aggregates and shares functional and diffusion MRI data sets from laboratories around the world.

Menon, a Robarts Research Institute scientist, and BrainsCAN's Stefan Everling contributed high-resolution structural and functional MRI data sets using in-house-designed and -built hardware on Canada's only ultra-high field human MRI system located at the Western's Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping.

Western's offers the highest resolution scanning, Menon said, noting that while mouse touchpad technology is standardized, that's not the case with scanners  which are made by different manufacturers with different processes and resolutions.

"We'd like to follow in the footsteps of the mouse people and adopt standard protocols" such as standard resolution and orientation of images to make them easier to analyze and compare, said Menon, BrainsCAN's Co-Scientific Director. "The other goal (of collaboration) is if we're going to develop Centres of Excellence and instill a culture in these centres, it has to be one in which collaboration not only exists but thrives."

It's not just sharing data but sharing information about processes and best practices. That also means educating the public about the nature of the research and its scientific significance, he said.

Explore further Brain imaging database of nonhuman primates
Credit: University of Toronto

A study led by researchers at the University of Toronto and the University of Manitoba has brought science one step closer to using the chickenpox virus to develop a vaccine against HIV.

Scientists have long seen the chickenpox virus in vaccine form as a potential "vector" or carrier to deliver HIV genes and generate immunity to HIV, but safety concerns about this approach have limited further advances.

The new study is the first to show that chickenpox vaccine does not trigger an unwanted "HIV-welcoming" immune state in the genital mucosa  as was seen in a previous clinical trial that used a similar viral vector  or in the bloodstream.

"Our study investigated an important safety concern that posed a barrier to this vaccine strategy," said Kelly MacDonald, a professor of immunology at U of T and of internal medicine, immunology and medical microbiology at the University of Manitoba. "The stage is now set to test a chickenpox-based HIV vaccine."

The Journal of Clinical Investigation published the paper online on Jan. 22.

The researchers conducted their study in Kenya, a country severely affected by the HIV epidemic. Study participants were 44 healthy, HIV-negative women who were at low risk for HIV exposure and tested positive for immunity to chickenpox.

Lead author and U of T post-doctoral researcher Catia Perciani worked with researchers from the Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative-Institute of Clinical Research at the University of Nairobi to give study participants a high-dose vaccine against only chickenpox virus. The researchers then tested each participant's blood, as well as mucosal cells from the cervix and rectum at intervals of four, eight and 12 weeks.

The key finding was that 12 weeks post-vaccination, there was no significant difference in the frequency of activated HIV target cells, compared to pre-vaccination.

The study also showed that the vaccine vigorously boosted the women's existing immunity to chickenpox, in their bloodstream but also in the genital area. This immune response in the genital area, where HIV infection first occurs, is a highly positive finding for the HIV vaccine concept, MacDonald said.

A blended chickenpox and HIV vaccine would take advantage of the fact that chickenpox virus undergoes silent cycles of reactivation in the body. Each time it "wakes up" from its dormant state, the body's immunity quickly controls it and the immunity is boosted.

"The idea is to insert HIV genes into the chickenpox virus like extra beads on a necklace. As the Varicella genes or 'beads' are made into protein, the HIV genes also get made into proteins and therefore stimulate immunity to HIV without the risk of giving the actual HIV virus," MacDonald said. "We expect that each time the chickenpox virus is reactivated, it will also refresh immunity to HIV."

MacDonald said the next steps are to continue testing the vaccine strategy using non-human primates and start developing a chickenpox virus-vectored HIV vaccine for a clinical trial in humans.

The study was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

More information: Catia T. Perciani et al. Live attenuated varicella-zoster virus vaccine does not induce HIV target cell activation, Journal of Clinical Investigation (2018). Journal information: Journal of Clinical Investigation Catia T. Perciani et al. Live attenuated varicella-zoster virus vaccine does not induce HIV target cell activation,(2018). DOI: 10.1172/JCI124473
Sam asks me:

I was struck by something that Peter Thiel has talked a bit about in recent months, namely that capital is flowing uphill from China to the U.S., which is not what the neoclassical model would predict. Ive read a few of the general objections to this Lucas Paradox (e.g. differences in human capital, credit risks etc.), but would love to know what your take on this phenomenon is.

I would cite a few factors:

1. China is a high-savings country with high political risk. In general savings dont have that many safe outlets, noting the third largest government debt market in the world is that of Italy. So of course much of this money flows into the United States. And China is hardly the only high-savings emerging economy.

2. China makes it costly or impossible for many kinds of American firms and individuals to invest directly in China, this now being a familiar story. The Chinese stock market also is limited and unrepresentative of the Chinese economy as a whole.

3. American capital will not flow to Russia the way British capital once sopped up opportunities in Argentina and elsewhere in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The end of gunboat diplomacy is one but not the only reason for this.

4. State-owned industry is a bigger factor today than in earlier times. For instance, if Aramco is privatized, plenty of private Western capital will invest in the company. But so far it is not.

5. Savings rates are often especially high during times of rapid income growth, because preferences have not yet caught up with income (an underrated mechanism, which perhaps someday will get its own blog post). Emerging economies in much earlier times did not have such rapid growth, and therefore they did not have comparable huge savings surpluses to dispose of.

6. The United States has issued a lot of debt, whereas the earlier Great Britain ran a balanced budget at least intertemporally.

7. America has accumulated enough wealth so that flows of household savings can be relatively low. Plus we are irresponsible  so good at marketing and spending!  and thus we do not save enough either.

8. If you counted holdings of American dollars, as a reserve currency, as America exporting its rule of law, the flow of funds would look less strange.

Which other reasons?
MACKAY  A woman in Mackay is doing fine after breaking up a fight between her dog and a mountain lion outside her home.

Idaho Fish and Game reported that the woman was breaking up what she thought was a fight between her dog and another dog early Wednesday morning. But as she pulled the two animals apart, she realized that in one hand she held a juvenile male mountain lion weighing around 35 pounds.

While restraining both the dog and the cat, the woman yelled for her husband, who was still inside the house, to grab a gun. He reacted quickly and shot the mountain lion while his wife held onto it, Idaho Fish and Game said in a press release.

The couple called local authorities, and a Fish and Game officer arrived within a half-hour of the incident. The mountain lion carcass is being tested at the Wildlife Health and Forensic Laboratory to determine if disease may have played a part in the lions behavior.

Both the woman and her dog sustained some scratches, but appear to be doing fine. The Fish and Game officer advised her to seek medical attention.
Equine Guelph has announced that an unprecedented seven online short courses developed by Equine Guelph will be offered for free to Ontario racing industry members beginning in February this year.

AGCO license holders will be able to reap the benefits of learning the latest in equine healthcare from industry experts in a series of upcoming relevant online courses. Three of the seven courses have been specifically designed for and will be offered exclusively to members of the Ontario racing industry.

The short courses deliver common sense, practical approaches on hot topics identified by the three racing sectors. The topics for the courses for exclusive offer to the horse industry were listed as top priorities according to the 2016 Ontario Horse Racing Industry Survey  respiratory, lameness and gut health.

Gut Health & Colic Prevention will be offered in an exclusive course just for AGCO license holders, March 11  29, before the 2019 racing season gears up. Digestive issues can do more than hinder performance; they can be a real health threat, with colic being the number one killer of horses other than old age and over 70 per cent of racehorses suffering from ulcers. Past students of this course report changing their management strategies to optimize health, prevent colic and other digestive disturbances and support performance.

The next two industry-requested courses exclusive to the Ontario Racing industry will be rolled out in the winter of 2020: addressing racehorse respiratory health and injury/lameness.

Students of The Horse Portal repeatedly comment on the ease of use and intuitive nature of the courses, even if they have never taken an online course before, says Equine Guelph Director Gayle Ecker. Those who have taken online learning in the past are impressed with the highly interactive components, lively discussion groups and access to top quality instructors and guest speakers available to answer their questions.

The first three offerings in this amazing series free to the Ontario Racing Industry will be:

Equine First Aid

Feb 25 - Mar 4

Gut Health & Colic Prevention (EXCLUSIVE TO RACING)

Mar 11 - 29

Fire & Emergency Preparedness

Apr 8  15

The free offerings for the Ontario Racing Industry will be first-come-first-served to the first 100 to register for each course. Open to trainers, assistant trainers, grooms, jockeys, drivers and other current AGCO license holders.

Register at www.TheHorsePortal.ca/RacingPilot

Equine Guelph thanks the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for providing education, training and awareness project funding in support of AGCO licensees. Course partners include: Grand River Agricultural Society, Intercity Insurance, Meaford Fire Department Training Centre, Ontario Association of Equine Practitioners, Ontario Equestrian, Ontario Racing, Standardbred Canada and Workplace Safety & Prevention Services.

Sign up for Equine Guelph monthly e-communications and be the first to know when registrations open for each offering.

(Equine Guelph)
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- GAC Group announced a year-on-year (YoY) growth of 7.34% with a total of 2,147,892 vehicles sold in 2018 and most subsidiaries achieved positive growth from the previous year. GAC Trumpchi, the group's self-owned car brand, had its 2018 sales grow 5.23% to 535,168 units, the second consecutively year with full-year sales exceeding 500,000 units after 2017.

Apart from the sales performance, Gasgoo hereby summarizes GAC Group's significant events that happened in 2018, helping you review what progresses the automaker made during the past year.

GAC Group, Pony.ai signs strategic cooperation agreement for autonomous driving development

On February 02, GAC Group signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Pony.ai, a Chinese autonomous driving startup, to deploy in autonomous driving area.

According to the announcement GAC released this morning, both companies would collaborate on the development of autonomous driving solutions. Pony.ai would provide technical backing for GAC Group to boost the implementation of the automaker's autonomous driving projects. In addition, both companies would explore potential capital collaboration under mature conditions.

Meanwhile, they planned to co-build a demonstrating autonomous vehicle fleet, establish a demonstration zone of autonomous driving in Guangzhou and carry out autonomous vehicle tests.

GAC Motor Xingjiang plant starts operation with annual capacity of 50,000 units

On February 6, the first phase of GAC Motor's vehicle plant in Xingjiang Uygur autonomous region was completed.

With an annual production capacity of 50,000 units, the first phase of the Xingjiang plant would manufacture GAC Trumpchi's GS4. In the future, the plant might produce other models to meet the market demands.

GAC Motor revealed that the Xingjiang plant, covering an area of 330 thousand square meters, began construction in March last year. The first phase involved an investment of RMB 1.087 billion with a designed production capacity of 50 thousand units. The second phase would add another 50 thousand units to the annual capacity.

GAC Group teams up with Didi to develop intelligent EVs

GAC Group announced that the company and Huidi (Tianjin) Business Services Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, Huidi Tianjin) signed cooperation framework agreement on April 24. Both parties would cooperate in tailored design, development and production of intelligent electric vehicles (EV).

Huidi Tianjin is a platform company for Didi and its partners' cooperation in new energy vehicles (NEV) operations, according to the automaker's announcement.

The two companies would jointly fund and build a joint venture as the tailored demander for the design, development and production of intelligent EVs. GAC Group would accept tailored requirements from the joint venture and take on relevant tasks of intelligent EVs.

GAC Motor, Aisin AW sign agreement on automatic transmission JV

GAC Motor and Aisin AW, a world-renowned AT manufacturer, held the signing ceremony of the automatic transmission (AT) joint venture project in Beijing on the afternoon of April 24. According to the joint venture agreement, both parties would conduct the joint venture cooperation in manufacturing, sale, after-sale service and relevant technical consultation of the AT and AT-related components to jointly enhance both parties products competitiveness and brand premium capability.

As agreed, both parties would jointly set up an automatic transmission joint venture located in Guangzhou. With its registered capital reaching USD 117 million, GAC Motor and Aisin AW would hold 40% and 60% stake of the joint venture respectively.

Honda to transfer stake in Honda Automobile (China) to GAC Honda

Japanese automaker Honda would sell its stake in Honda Automobile (China) to GAC Honda, a joint venture with GAC group, valued at about RMB 602 million (around $94.7 million), according to Honda's statement released on May 17.

The stake to be transferred this time includes 55% from Honda and 10% from Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd.

GAC Group, iFlyTek co-build AI vehicle technology innovation center

GAC Automotive Engineering Institute (GAC Engineering) and Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) company iFlyTek officially established the AI Automobile Technology Center in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province on May 21. Both parties would jointly build a world-leading AI vehicle technology innovation platform based on the industry-oriented demands of GAC Engineering.

According to the agreement, two parties would carry out in-depth cooperation in innovation platform, talent training as well as studies on some special subjects to promote the construction and development of the new innovation center. iFlyTek intended to deepen its AI technology applications in various ICV scenarios relying on the cooperation. GAC Engineering aimed to lay a solid technology foundation in some cutting-edge technical areas like AI and develop a range of world-leading technologies with self-owned intellectual property rights.

GAC, Tencent Cloud step up cooperation in IoV

GAC Automotive Engineering Institute (GAC Engineering) and Tencent Cloud inked an agreement on May 24 to conduct in-depth cooperation in some areas such as integral IoV (Internet of Vehicles) solutions and big data cloud.

Under the agreement, two companies would jointly build the new-generation GAC intelligent-connected cloud ecosystem platform based on Tencent's advantages in cloud computing, content ecosystem, platform security, AI, big data, etc.

To be specific, GAC Engineering intended to provide users with abundant services like radio broadcasting, music, video as well as mapping, relying on the Internet company's powerful social and content ecosystem.

GAC Toyota to add RMB 2.45 billion to enlarge capacity, introduce new SUV model

GAC Group had agreed a project that allowed GAC Toyota to expand its production capacity and introduce more models, the group announced on July 2. The project involves an additional investment of RMB 2.45 billion, which should be raised by GAC Toyota itself.

GAC Toyota saw its annual retail sales volume exceeding 440,000 vehicles in 2017, surpassing its initial sales goal. To ease the capacity pressure and introduce the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platforms, the third assembly line of the Sino-Japanese joint venture was put into operation in January, 2018 with an initial capacity of 100,000 vehicles on an annual basis.

Two model projects of GAC FCA approved by GAC Group

GAC Group announced on July 17 that its board of directors agreed to implement the K4 MCA model project of GAC FCA, a joint venture of GAC and Fiat Chrysler. The investment involves RMB 511.06 million, which would be raised by the joint venture itself.

GAC's board of directors also passed another proposal about GAC FCA's 553 GSE-T4 model project, and agreed GAC FCA to implement the project. Similar to the K4 MCA model project, the 553 GSE-T4 model project's RMB 200.68 million investments would be also raised by GAC FCA itself.

GAC Group plans to set up JVs with CATL

GAC Group announced that it plans to sign a joint venture operation contract with Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) on July 19 in Guangzhou. The two companies planned to jointly invest and establish two joint ventures in Guangzhou, which would be temporarily named as GAC Amperex Power Battery System Co., Ltd. and Amperex GAC Power Battery Co., Ltd.

GAC Amperex Power Battery System Co., Ltd. would be registered with RMB 100 million, which would be raised by both parties. GAC Group, holding a 51% stake in the JV, would provide RMB 51 million. CATL, with a 49% stake in the JV, would fund RMB 49 million.

Amperex GAC Power Battery Co., Ltd. would be jointly funded by both parties with registered capital of RMB 1 billion. GAC Group would invest RMB 490 million to hold a 49% stake in the JV, while CATL would hold the rest stake with RMB 510 million investments.

GAC Motor unveils new brand essence, to roll out two new models in 2018

GAC Motor, the subsidiary independently owned by GAC Group, released a new brand culture and brand essence dubbed The Road to Greatness at its 10th anniversary on July 21, aiming to plan the development route for the company in the following decade and push innovation beyond current limits.

At the event, GAC Motor made clear that its integral development goal was to build itself into a world-class brand and a global automaker. Facing the challenges and opportunities of globalization, the company would be committed to the mission of creating an enjoyable life of mobility for consumers worldwide.

GAC NE, Tencent unveil new AI system, two new BEV models to be launched in 2019

GAC New Energy Automobile Co.,Ltd unveiled an all-new AI-based system co-developed with Tencent at its one-year anniversary and announced that the Trumpchi GE3 530, which is the first model carrying the new AI system, would officially go on sale at the end of August.

In addition, GAC NE announced the plan at the same time to roll out other three new models. The Trumpchi GS4 PHEV would hit the market at the end of this year, boasting a mileage of 60km. In 2019, the company will launch a pure electric model in the first half, featuring a wheelbase of 2.73m and a mileage of 500km, and a 5-seat electric-driven SUV model with a wheelbase of 2.9m and a mileage of 600km in the second half.

GAC Group examines, approves HG model project under GAC Honda's H brand

GAC Group announced that the 80th meeting of the group's fourth board of directors examined and approved the proposal on HG model project under GAC Honda's H brand on Aug. 10, agreeing GAC Honda to implement the HG model project under its H brand.

In addition, the board of directors of GAC Group examined and approved the proposal on capital increase of GAC-Sofinco Auto Finance, agreeing the JV to add RMB 1.4 billion registered capital, which would be half-half raised by shareholders and GAC Group.

Aptiv to supply GAC NE with ADAS

Aptiv, an industrial-leading vehicle safety and autonomous driving solution provider, announced on August 20 that it would develop advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for the electric vehicle (EV) platform of GAC New Energy Automobile Co.,Ltd (GAC NE).

To be specific, Aptiv would offer the Guangzhou-based new energy vehicle (NEV) maker the integrated solutions covering software, hardware as well as computing platform, which involves such products as the intelligent front-view camera co-developed with Mobileye, mid-range radar, short-range radar, active safety multi-domain controllers, driver drowsiness monitoring system as well as relevant software and algorithms. It was reported that the system provided by Aptiv could endow GAC NE's next-generation EVs with a variety of ADAS functions, such as automatic cruise in traffic congestion or on the highway.

GAC Trumpchi spreads roots in Russia

GAC Trumpchi announced the launching of its first overseas sales subsidiary in Russia at the 2018 Moscow International Motor Show, according to local media. The Russian sales company would be responsible for the import and agency businesses of Trumpchi branded cars in Russia and work on weaving the sales networks for the brand by cooperating with local dealers.

GAC Toyota launches pure electric SUV at Chengdu Motor Show 2018

On Aug. 31, GAC Toyota launched its first mass-produced pure electric SUV, the GAC ix4 at the Chengdu Motor Show 2018 with two variants. With price starting from RMB 163, 800, the model also enjoys purchase tax exemption.

Based on the same mature platform as that of the GS 4, the GAC ix4 is powered by a whopping electric motor, high-energy density batteries and a highly-integrated electric motor controller with a maximum power output of 132kW and a peak torque of 290Nm. What's more, it can sprint from 0-50km/h in 4.5 seconds.

GAC Honda to plow RMB3.27 billion into NEV assembly lines with annual capacity of 170,000 units

GAC Group announced on October 31 that it had agreed GAC Honda to invest RMB2.99 billion in building a new NEV (new energy vehicle) plant with an annual capacity of 120,000 units.

The auto group also empowered GAC Honda to refit an assembly staging area into a NEV assembly workshop with an investment of RMB276 million. The program would bring another capacity of 50,000 NEVs annually.

GAC NE unveils new NEV strategy, to launch second-generation BEV platform

GAC NE planned to launch the second-generation Gac Electric Platform (GEP) that boasts more space, lower power consumption and stronger performance, which will be put into operation in 2019, according to the report from the automakers new NEV strategy launching ceremony on November 13.

Gu Huinan, general manager of GAC NE, said that the company aims to achieve the production transformation from the 1.0 era to the 2.0 era, rolling out no less than two new models per year in the future based on the second-generation GEP.

CATL-GAC Group joint venture to invest RMB4.226 billion in power battery program

CATL, a China-based vehicle and energy storage battery maker, announced on December 14 that its board of directors had agreed CATL-GAC Power Battery Co.,Ltd (CATL-GAC) to invest around RMB4.226 billion in a power battery base program.

The new base, covering a total area of 400mu (around 266,667 square meters), will be located in Guangzhou. The whole construction period is planned to last around 24 months.
S.B. 1003 officially gives prosecutors the discretion to divert juveniles who commit nonviolent offenses  such as prostitution  if the child committed the crime as a direct result of being a victim of human trafficking. The bill also lets any child or adult who is charged with a crime they committed as a result of being trafficked assert an affirmative defense that he or she was a victim of human trafficking.

Essentially, a prosecutor has three options when a minor trafficking victim is charged with a related offense: prosecute the child, divert the child to a state-licensed safe house, or release the child back into the world with no charges. Many prosecutors already choose to divert, Dawn Maglish, a member of the states subcommittee to address human trafficking, previously told the Times-News.

The decision to divert comes from an agreement between the prosecutor and the victim, Eric Fredericksen, chairman of the human trafficking subcommittee, told the Senate committee Monday  the victim has a say in the matter, too. But several lawmakers said they were concerned the victims autonomy wasnt reflected in the bills current wording.

I appreciate what theyre trying to do but ... at this time Im uncomfortable with some of the language, said Sen. Steven Thayn, a Republican from Emmett.

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Shes got a court date Friday. Its sealed, Richards said. We cant say more than that right now.

Kenney, a former pre-op nurse at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center, faces one count of tampering with physical evidence, the district attorneys office told ABC News. The district attorneys office has not returned calls from the Times-News.

If convicted, she could face up to 18 months in prison, ABC News reports.

Unnamed family members told ABC News that Kenney has been cooperating with investigators and plans to enter into a plea deal.

St. Lukes spokeswoman Michelle Bartlome confirmed in January that law enforcement had contacted the hospital. Bartlome, however, said she wasnt in a position to disclose which agency made contact. She confirmed Monday that Kenney is no longer a St. Lukes employee.

Woodland Park police said they found evidence at Berreths home to make them believe she may have been killed there. Frazee is thought to be the last person to see Berreth alive. He told police that he met with Berreth on the afternoon of Thanksgiving to pick up their daughter for a visit.
BOISE  Sleep in Heavenly Peace of Twin Falls was honored at Idahos Brightest Stars Ceremony Jan. 16 in Boise. Out of 12 nominees, these volunteers won the award in the nonprofit/civic organization category.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace relies on more than 1,500 volunteers from throughout Idaho to build bunk beds for kids who would otherwise have nowhere to sleep. The organization helped more than 300 Idaho kids move off the floor and into comfortable beds, contributing more than 4,000 hours in 2018.

Volunteerism is a gift that benefits citizens and addresses needs in communities throughout our state, Gov. Brad Little said in a statement. These men and women are not seeking recognition, but it is important to acknowledge these Brightest Star recipients and their generous commitment to giving to others and ensuring a bright future for all citizens.

The volunteers were nominated by their communities for their contributions in seven categories  business, individual, nonprofit/civic organization, senior citizen, student, teacher/professor and veteran. A panel of community reviewers made the final selections.

The annual event was organized by Serve Idaho, the Governors Commission on Service and Volunteerism.

For information, go to serveidaho.gov.

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Wisconsins strength, however, isnt measured solely by surpluses and revenue growth. Since beginning our common-sense reforms in 2011, Wisconsin has come roaring back. Unemployment has been at or below 3 percent for 11 straight months. Wages are growing and more Wisconsinites than ever are participating in the workforce. Last year, Wisconsin led the Midwest in manufacturing job growth and was second nationally only to Texas.

Funding for our public schools is at the highest level in our states history and we are a stones throw away from returning to the state funding two-thirds of public educationa level we havent achieved since Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat, removed the states commitment to do so in 2003.

We have also invested in our transportation priorities around the state while at the same time keeping the taxpayer in mind. The 2017 state budget had the lowest amount of new road borrowing since the 2001-03 budget.

This all begs the question, why turn our back on the policies and reforms that, even a state like Illinois acknowledges, are working?
Just maybe were not very good at talking about the unspeakable.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont and other blue states are busy hammering out their own legal concoctions, likely concerned that Roe v. Wade will be overturned by the now-predominantly conservative Supreme Court. I leave others to argue the validity of those concerns, but my sources in the pro-life movement, including several legal scholars, think upending the decision is unlikely given that, in 1992, the court not only reinforced Roe but actually made the ruling stronger.

Regardless, the pro-choice movement has been preparing for such a frontal assault on the few abortion restrictions left to states. In 1973, when Roe was issued, a babys viability was set at 24-28 weeks. Today, thanks to technology and our finer understanding of human development, viability occurs around 22 weeks.

In New York City, where about two in five pregnancies are terminated, there will no longer be any presumption of humanity for the baby at any stage of pregnancy, which goes far beyond abortion jurisprudence. Most Americans are fully against such extreme approaches to abortion. One survey puts the share who support abortion during the third trimester at just 13 percent.
Lawmakers in the Assembly and Senate collected just under $800,000 in daily travel allowances in 2018, an 18 percent increase over the previous election year.

The Wisconsin State Journal reviewed records submitted to the Assembly and Senate chief clerks of the money legislators receive in daily allowances, known as per diem payments.

The allowances they collected over the last year have increased since 2016  an election year and thus the most recent comparable period  when lawmakers were granted $676,463.

Top 10 legislator per diem payouts for 2018 Lawmakers in the Assembly and Senate collected just under $800,000 in daily travel allowances in 2018. Per diem amounts are in addition to the

The amount claimed last year is roughly $500,000 less than in 2017, a year when legislators were busy debating the state budget.

Per diem amounts are in addition to the annual $53,000 salary lawmakers receive along with other benefits, such as paid mileage and health insurance.

Per diems in both chambers have increased over the years, although Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, capped the total number of days members in his chamber could claim an allowance in 2018, the second year of the two-year budget, to reflect a lighter schedule.
You could start seeing dogs roaming the halls of Madisons City-County Building.

Madison city and Dane County employees who work in the Downtown Madison building will soon be able to bring their dogs with them to work after a joint city-county committee approved the policy on a 4-3 vote Monday evening.

Deputy Madison Mayor Enis Ragland said the change was proposed because dogs in public spaces or work settings has become more common.

Dogs have become welcomed as part of our lives in society, he said.

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin requested the policy change, Ragland said.

The new rule doesnt apply to members of the public with business in the building, although service animals and those in training were already allowed.

Its unclear when the policy will take effect.

The policy change follows a survey in which more than 54 percent of the 529 city employees who responded said they supported the change. About 35 percent said they disagreed with the proposal.
At secondary schools, the proposal would keep the discipline for possessing 1 gram or less of marijuana at the current levels of two through four. But possession of other drugs, regardless of the amount, or more than 1 gram of marijuana would be subject to the higher consequences in levels three through five.

Currently, possession of any drug over 1 gram is addressed under discipline levels four and five. The proposal would add a level three response as an option in those cases.

The changes would also add an explicit violation of swearing, cursing or make obscene gestures, use of racial slurs, or protected class references toward a staff member, with students subject to discipline under levels three and four at middle and high schools. Engaging in such conduct toward another student would bring consequences under levels two and three.

I think ensuring a safe place for our teachers is important, Reyes said.

Currently, the BEP treats such inappropriate language and gestures the same, regardless of whether they are directed toward a teacher or classmate, as level one through three infractions.
Authorities say a snowmobiler was flown by medical helicopter to Madison on Saturday after crashing into a tree in the village of La Valle.

Sauk County Sheriff Chip Meister said in a news release that the crash was reported to dispatchers around 12:48 a.m., and took place off Highway 33 about 2 miles south of the village.

Deputies who responded to the scene found a 2014 Arctic Cat snowmobile with its front end damaged about 300 yards from the road.

The operator of the snowmobile suffered injuries and was carried out by the La Valle Fire Department and turned over to Reedsburg EMS, Meister stated in the release.

First responders requested a University of Wisconsin Med Flight helicopter, which then flew the snowmobiler to Madison for treatment. Meister said the incident remains under investigation.

Follow Tim Damos on Twitter @timdamos or contact him at 608-745-3513.
Austin Siegelman put up career-best numbers in 2018 and is looking to parlay that success into even bigger numbers this year. Siegelman, who will turn 27 on February 27, won 314 races and $2.19 million in purses last season. His win total ranked 26th among all drivers in North America.

I think I had a pretty good year, Siegelman said. I think it was a step in the right direction if my career is going to go forward. I really didnt expect it to happen because I didnt have a steady barn to drive for, and I kind of still dont. Im just going to take it for what it is. Hopefully I can build off it and it gets a little better this year.

Siegelman enjoyed the majority of his success at Monticello Raceway, where he finished third in the driver standings with 229 victories despite missing three weeks as the result of an accident. His 18 per cent win clip was also third among regulars at the upstate New York half-mile oval.

In September, Siegelman added New Jerseys Freehold Raceway to his schedule. He won 32 races there during the remainder of the year, a total that was fourth best at the track. He also had wins at the Meadowlands Racetrack, The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, Tioga Downs, and Yonkers Raceway.

It was nice to get 200 wins at Monticello, Siegelman said. It was nice to get into Freehold towards the end again. It was really nice to break into Yonkers a little bit. Thats where Im looking to go.

Siegelman is currently focused on driving at Monticello, Yonkers, and Freehold. He began racing regularly at Yonkers last July and has won 38 races there.

Id like to drive at the Meadowlands more, but my schedule is nice and tidy with Monticello Monday through Thursday, Freehold on Friday and Saturday, and Yonkers the five nights, Siegelman said. Its a full book.

Id like to pick up a little more quality work at Yonkers and cut down a little. That way its not just a mad rush every day. Its tough. Its tough on the body, its tough mentally. Sunday is my only day off now and I dont want to do anything.

Siegelman, the son of trainer James Siegelman, received the 2013 Rising Star Award from the Monticello-Goshen chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association. Last September, he got career win No. 1,000, which came at Monticello.

For sure that was the highlight of last year, Siegelman said. That was nice.

Siegelman does not set many goals each year, other than continuing to improve.

I watch replays when Im off. I watch races. It doesnt stop, he said. I want to learn. I know the mistakes I make when Im out there. As soon as I make them Im like, oh no. Its not a good feeling.

I think Im finally learning to be a little more patient and play the gate a little better. I used to have it in my head before the race what I was going to do  if I was going to leave, or if I wasnt  and now most of the time I let the horse decide. I think Im starting to get a little more polished. Im still not there yet.

Patience can be difficult for young drivers to achieve, especially as they strive to make a name for themselves.

I want to win every race that Im in, Siegelman said. Its a tough pill to swallow that I cant.

Still, Siegelman is happy with the progress he has made so far in his career.

Im finally getting to a point where Im happy with where Im at, he said. I just take it day by day.

(USTA)
A sentencing hearing was delayed Friday for a Mississippi truck driver on a vehicular homicide charge after the victims father was unable to get to the hearing in time.

Patrick A. Craft, 41, pleaded no contest Oct. 30 to a charge of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle stemming from his failure to stop at a stop sign in August 2017. His semi truck crashed into a passenger van, killing Christine Novak, 40, of Lake Geneva.

Craft faces up to 7 years in prison.

At the Columbia County Courthouse on Friday, Assistant District Attorney Mary Ellen Karst said Novaks father was stuck in the Chicago area after a traffic jam while driving to Wisconsin.

Because of circumstances that were not at all in his control, he is not able to be here today, Karst said.

Karst said she was obligated on the victims behalf to request a rescheduled sentencing date. Two other family members of the victim who were present in court did not wish to deliver an impact statement in person.

Defense attorney Mark David Lawton said his client preferred to move ahead with the sentencing because his own family had traveled a long way to be in court.

Neither party could remain in Wisconsin until Monday.
JUNEAU  A 33-year-old Milwaukee man will serve the next three years in prison after being found guilty of causing a rollover crash that injured his two children.

Tory J. Agnew was found guilty in December of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing injury with a minor in the car. Dodge County Circuit Court Judge Brian Pfitzinger sentenced Agnew Thursday to the 36 months in prison and a 12-month extended sentence. In addition, Agnew must pay $22,764 in restitution. His drivers license will be revoked for 24 months and he must undergo an alcohol and drug abuse assessment.

According to the criminal complaint, the Dodge County Sheriffs Office responded to a rollover crash on Interstate 41, about a mile north of Highway 28, on Sept. 27, 2017. Two small children were ejected from the vehicle. A doctor was on scene and noted a 3-year-old child had a head injury. The doctor was told that Flight for Life was called to the scene, and he asked for a second helicopter for a 6-month-old child.

The children were flown to American Family Childrens Hospital in Madison. A third child, a 1-year-old girl, was not ejected during the crash and was not injured.
According to the criminal complaint, Zdroik was found dead with a gunshot wound to her head in the 6600 block of Highway K in Raymond on Feb. 7, 2000. The complaint goes on to lay out a series of events described by a witness, who said the incident began at a Milwaukee drug house. Zdroik was reportedly hysterically crying after seeing two victims killed.

After that, Cruz and Burgos allegedly said, We are going to take the lady (Zdroik) to Chicago and give her money and a new car.

Cruz, Burgos, a witness and Zdroik allegedly set her car on fire and started driving south on Interstate 94 in a van with Zdroik in the front passengers seat. They turned off on a road, Highway K, and stopped after a few minutes.

The complaint states Cruz tried to pull Zdroik out of the van while she tried to resist and hang onto it. It was then that Cruz allegedly shot her in the head with the same gun that had reportedly been used on the two male victims.

Burgos then reportedly ran over Zdroiks body twice to make sure she was dead.
MADISON  A La Crosse woman who brought a staggering amount of pure methamphetamine into her community was sentenced Friday in federal court to 10 years and 10 months in prison for conspiring to distribute the controlled substance.

Roberta Draheim, 51, led a six-member conspiracy by arranging the delivery of 38 shipments of methamphetamine  some of them multi-pound  from California to La Crosse between October 2016 and February 2018.

Draheim may have started as a small-time dealer, supplying her own and her friends addictions, but the business grew by exploiting vulnerable addicts. It also involved her daughter, Britney Masewicz, 25, who died of a drug overdose in February 2018.

Draheim was called Mama Bear because she oversaw all aspects of the drug operation, according to court records.

To reduce the chance of being caught, Draheim found people to receive the meth shipped via Federal Express or the U.S. Postal Service. They sold it and collected the proceeds, some of which some would be wired back to California, Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper wrote the court.
A very rare piece of Columbus history has found its way home.

The last known car in existence built by the Badger Motor Car Company in Columbus was delivered to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum on a very cold day in Hartford, Jan. 29. The car, a 1910 Touring model, will be displayed in the museum less than 45 minutes from Columbus.

From 1909-1911, the Badger Motor Car Company, located on Baden Street, produced 237 cars. Founder E.W. Arbogast, from Watertown, was an ambitious designer and, similar to many other businessmen in the early 1900s, was swept away in the automobile production craze. According to Columbus Historic Landmarks and Preservation Commission member Janice Ulrich, local residents invested $100,000 to incorporate the company.

Unfortunately for Arbogast and his investors, Badger Motor Car Company ceased operations after just three years. Since each Badger was hand-crafted, the invention of Henry Fords assembly line put many car manufacturing start-ups out of business. Ford could produce more vehicles, better equipped and more reliable, at a faster pace.
Soglin understood the math, but he disagreed with the assessment. He thought he could use the student vote as a base from which to make a savvy, issue-based appeal to the rest of the community.

Others disagreed. Many of the citys most serious and engaged liberals wrote Soglin off as too young, too contentious, too radical to beat Dyke. They had a different plan.

In the 1973 primary, they coalesced around an appealing if predictable liberal named Dave Stewart, who said: Im not Paul Soglin, I am Dave Stewart, and promised to "conduct the office with civility. The argument made by the well-funded Stewart campaign, which attracted endorsements from key Democratic legislators, was that in a runoff with Dyke he could attract voters who Soglin would lose. Campaign ads announced, Dave Stewart can win!
A record number of women are advising Tony Evers and running agencies in his administration, points out columnist Steve Walters. For the first time in state history, he adds, a majority of those working in the governor's office are women.

Columnist Bill Kaplan, in a piece posted on WisOpinion, describes how Wisconsin can stop Foxconn-type giveaway deals. He touts a plan advanced by former Delaware Democratic Gov. Jack Markell, who suggests that when a state gives private corporations huge subsidies there should be a corresponding federal tax of 100 percent on that money. This would discourage corporations playing states against each other.

Meanwhile, Democratic state Sen. Patty Schachtner of St. Croix writes a column for the Hill, the Washington, D.C., news outlet, saying that Wisconsin deserves better from Foxconn. The constant changes coming from the tech corporation have left nothing but uncertainty for a state that tried to be a good player. How much better we could have used that money, she says.
Flood risk in Dane County has been increasing and will likely continue to increase unless vital actions are taken, the technical report states. As a community it is essential that all units of government including state, cities, villages, towns, and the county work together and invest in strategies that reduce risk and improve preparedness to future flooding.

Supervisor Miles emphasized keeping the public aware of the task forces work and eventual recommendations to manage expectations of potential changes.

Its going to be important for this task force to be very transparent and that this information were getting is also available to the public in an understandable way, Miles said.

Those interested in the report can download a copy from the Lake Levels Task Force website and submit written comments about the report to yaharaflooding@countyofdane.com.

Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less.
Wisconsin's Department of Justice says it plans to hire more employees and is developing a pay progression program to speed up processing times at the State Crime Lab, where some types of evidence testing has continued to lag.

Attorney General Josh Kaul announced the additions during the unveiling of a new, $192,000 Crime Scene Response vehicle for the Madison laboratory Tuesday. The vehicle will make it easier for investigators to more efficiently collect and preserve evidence from crime scenes around the state. It joins a fleet of two other vehicles at the state crime labs in Milwaukee and Wausau.

The vehicle is one step in a series of investments Kaul said he is making to improve testing times at the State Crime Lab. The wait times for DNA testing and firearms testing has steadily increased over several years although the amount of evidence being submitted for testing remains stagnant, Kaul said.
Madisons teachers union released its endorsement late Monday for the School Board primary set for Feb. 19.

For Seat 3, members voted to endorse public education advocate Cris Carusi. Ali Muldrow, the co-executive director for GSAFE Wisconsin, received the Seat 4 endorsement. Madison Teachers Inc. announced a dual endorsement for Seat 5, recommending both incumbent School Board member TJ Mertz and one of his challengers, Ananda Mirilli.

Nearly all the School Board candidates made their case to MTI through a candidate questionnaire and interviews last month. Candidates interviewed with the political action arm of MTI, which is comprised of 13 people who guide the unions endorsement process during each election cycle.

The unions bylaws require two-thirds of the committee to agree on a recommended endorsement in order for the recommendation to go to MTI members for approval via an emailed ballot. Voting closed at 5 p.m. on Monday.

Seat 5s endorsement was particularly unique in that two candidates were endorsed.
The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame has announced today it will recognize a world champion, world record holder, and household name of over 100 years ago -- pacer Dan Patch -- as its 2019 Legend.

Dan Patch, the most famous pacer of the early 1900, won all 73 races he contested and attracted large crowds of fans at his appearances in both the US and Canada.

Dan Patch was a horse for the ages and much admired. He set records in races and time trials throughout the US, earning the titles The greatest harness horse in the history of the two-wheeled sulky and World Champion Harness Horse. In the fall of 1906, Dan Patch paced a time-trial mile in 1:55  in Lexington, an almost unbelievable record that would stand for several decades.

To place his record in perspective, the first Canadian horse to go faster than two minutes flat in a race (2:00.00) was Mighty Dudley in 1959.

The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fames decision to honour Dan Patchs exploits is a result of the Canadian portion of his career and the role he played in Canadian harness racing history. The Hall of Fame continues to expand its reach to honour all racehorses and people who have brought honour to Canadian racing and to Canada as a nation.

With great anticipation, many Canadian racing enthusiasts gathered from near and far to watch Dan Patch compete four times in Canada, the first being in Windsor, Ontario on July 10, 1901 in preparation for upcoming Grand Circuit races. In 97-degree heat (Fahrenheit) Dan Patch defeated five challengers in three straight heats. Racing publications of the day declared it a grand performance, Dan Patch cleverly defeated his field with a reserve of speed at the finish.

On August 8 that same year, 118 years ago, Dan Patch faced three challengers, this time in Fort Erie, Ontario, and was again victorious in three straight heats, despite being taken to the back of the field in the first heat before exploding past his competition down the stretch for the win.

The following year in June of 1902, Dan Patch returned to Windsor for a much-publicized match race against Harold H, the best Canadian pacing horse of the time, defeating the Canadian challenger handily in front of thousands of admiring fans.

Dan Patch made his final Canadian appearance at Torontos Exhibition Park October 21, 1905, two weeks after setting his world record in Lexington. He was then owned by Mr. Marion W. Savage, a Minnesota businessman and founder of International Stock Foods, a company that also had a Canadian operation located in Toronto. The Toronto time-trial garnered a Canadian record for a mile on a half-mile track of 2:06, breaking the previous record by three full seconds. Today, that record is acknowledged with a granite bench engraved with the words World Champion horse Dan Patch broke the Canadian record here in 1905, located outside the north end of BMO Field at Exhibition Place.

Throughout the first half of the twentieth century, Canadian restaurants, banquet halls, theatres and homes displayed memorabilia celebrating the exploits of Dan Patch.

Canadians in all walks of life proudly recognized his exploits on Canadian soil. In many ways, he was an adopted son.

During the teens-30s of the 20th century it was difficult to find a Canadian youngster who didnt know about Dan Patch and his exploits on the racetrack. For his time, he was as famous as any superhero and as well-known as the top celebrities of the day; truly the stuff of legends. Movies were made and books were written to chronicle his life and his on-track achievements. There were few like him.

The CHRHF first recognized Legend honourees in the year 2000 as a millennium project to acknowledge the contribution of people and horses to Canadian horse racing at least 50 years before the year of recognition.

Activities relating to the honours bestowed on Dan Patch by the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame are currently in the planning stages and will be announced in the coming weeks.

The CHRHF reminds racing fans and participants that nominations for induction in 2019 to the following categories are still being accepted.

 MALE HORSE: Stallions or geldings whose contribution to Canadian racing occurred in the past 20 years.

 FEMALE HORSE: Mares whose contribution to Canadian racing occurred in the past 20 years.

 VETERAN HORSE: Horses whose careers have been concluded for 20 years, but less than 50 years.

 PERSON: Trainers, Drivers, Jockeys whose contribution to Canadian racing occurred in the past 20 years

 BUILDERS: Including, but not limited to Breeders, Owners, Officials, and others.

 COMMUNICATORS: Includes, but not limited to writers, broadcasters, photographers, announcers.

 VETERAN PERSON: Trainers, Drivers, Jockeys whose careers have been concluded for 20 years, but less than 50 years.

All nomination submissions to be made using the form available on the CHRHF website, or may be obtained by contacting [email protected]. Complete eligibility criteria may be found here.

For further information, or to submit a completed nomination form, contact:

Standardbred Nominations:

Kathy Wade Vlaar, Standardbred Nomination Chair,

Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame

1-2150 Meadowvale Blvd.,

Mississauga, ON L5N 6R6

P: (905) 858-3060 ext. 207 F: (905) 858-3089

E: [email protected]

Thoroughbred Nominations:

Tom Cosgrove, Thoroughbred Nomination Chair,

Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame

555 Rexdale Blvd., P.O. Box 156

Toronto, ON M9W 5L2

P: (416) 213-2113

E: [email protected]

Nomination forms may also be submitted to:

Linda Rainey, Managing Director

Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame

P: (416) 417-9404

E: [email protected]

All submissions will be carefully considered by the Nominating Committee of the applicable breed.

Three finalists in five categories for Standardbreds and five categories for Thoroughbreds will be presented to the Election Committee for final voting by secret ballot.

NOMINATION DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2019 5:00 p.m. (EST).

(CHRHF)
Konkle and Erskine arent 13.

The writer-comedians are both 31, playing middle-school students, while the rest of the actors on the show really are teenagers. Its sort of genius, actually, and not just because both women are such gifted comedians. Middle school is an incredibly awkward time when our bodies seem to betray us. What better way to capture that ungainly period than to have grown women playing gawky kids?

Drawing from their own experiences, Konkle and Erskine are deeply tuned in to the power structures of middle school, how the most popular girl in seventh grade rules over her peers, then wilts in the face of the eighth-graders. Theyre especially keen on how that power is used against the less popular kids in school, ostracizing and belittling them. They bully Maya not by insulting her, but by pretending to be nice to her and complimenting her, thinking its absolutely hilarious that she would ever think she would be accepted by them.
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A Hong Kong police bomb squad on Saturday destroyed a World War I-era hand grenade found at a food-processing facility in a shipment of potatoes from France, news reports said.

Employees reported a suspicious object encased in mud at the facility in Tseung Kwan O district in the New Territories, according to the Sing Tao Daily newspaper and other outlets.

A bomb squad concluded the 1-kilogram object was a hand grenade, possibly made in Germany.

Officers moved cars and piled sandbags around the grenade, then detonated it, according to Sing Tao, the Observer and other outlets.

No injuries were reported. Sing Tao cited police as saying there was no indication of criminal activity.
Candidates in Thailands first general election since the military seized power in 2014 have begun registering, as supporters wave banners and chant slogans in public political activity that until recently was illegal.

Hundreds of candidates from dozens of parties crammed into an indoor stadium yesterday to officially enter the race and draw lots for the numbers that will go alongside their names on ballots.

Enthusiasm for a return to democracy is high, but is tempered with an awareness that new election rules handicap the political machine of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, which has easily won every national election since 2001.

The Thaksin-affiliated Pheu Thai Partys main challenger in the March 24 polls is expected to be the Palang Pracharat Party, widely considered a proxy for the military.
A recent study showed that the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among students at a local university stood at 5.1 percent, following Typhoon Hato which struck Macau in August 2017.

A study of the Global and Community Mental Health Research Group at the University of Macau, which was conducted one month after the typhoon, suggested that mental health services should be available and accessible for students and the general public.

The study  which 1,876 university students participated in  also examined the effect of media exposure on the prevalence of disaster-related PTSD.

It determined that media exposure to drownings and the portrayal of emotional reactions to such tragedies were associated with PTSD, while exposure to heroic acts and information about the typhoon was associated with less PTSD.

According to associate professor Brian Hall, the director of the research group, the findings of the study suggested that students and the public would need access to mental health services, citing the frequency of typhoons in summer.

Hall further explained the importance of developing a disaster preparedness plan to prevent outcomes such as PTSD, noting that the 5.1 percent of study respondents who had PSTD represents nearly 7 percent of local students.

Wider preparedness efforts should also include strengthening the capacity of first responders to provide psychological first aid  a standard supportive prevention approach following natural disasters that almost anyone can learn, Hall said.

Longer term, mental health services should be developed that can meet the need for people who experience mental health issues. This should be done regardless of the typhoon. Since this study involved students, it also points to a need to ensure we can meet the mental health needs of our students on our campus, he added.

According to the study, in which 66 percent of participants were from the SAR, the prevalence of PTSD was higher among local than non-local students.

When questioned whether it would be challenging for the region to have a mechanism to respond to such cases, Hall replied that mental health should be a priority in the city.

It will be challenging so long as mental health remains low in priority in the city. The first step is to acknowledge that mental health and well-being is a critical aspect of health,

Developing capacity in the city can take the form of training mental health providers, and training non-specialists like nurses to deliver psychological help. There are many possible strategies, but mental health needs to be an agreed upon priority that is important for Macaus continued development, Hall concluded.

The study concluded that there were potential positive effects of media use on communities following a disaster, and suggested that future studies may explore the benefit of certain media content in preventing or reducing PTSD.

Future studies should investigate the long-term psychological consequences following Typhoon Hato, college students resilience, and barriers and facilitators of psychological treatment to guide mental health services and facilities, the study noted.

Brian hall receives award from CAS

Brian Hall from the University of Macaus (UM) Department of Psychology has been awarded the Presidential International Fellowship for Foreign Talents by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). According to a statement issued by UM, this fellowship will provide Hall with an honorary appointment in the CAS and the Key State Laboratory in Mental Health, in the Institute of Psychology in Beijing. Hall will also be provided with research funding to initiate new joint collaborations in the field of traumatic stress studies in China. Hall was recently appointed associate editor of the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Well-being, and was awarded the first Global Mental Health Fellowship by the World Health Organization.
Five suspected Abu Sayyaf militants accused of involvement in the deadly bombing of a Roman Catholic cathedral in the southern Philippines have surrendered to authorities, the national police chief said yesterday.

Police Director-General Oscar Albayalde said the five would be charged with murder and attempted murder for their role in the Jan. 27 attack at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Sulu provinces Jolo town, which killed 23 people and wounded about 100 others.

Police have said the attack was carried out by two Indonesian suicide bombers. Police said the suspects taken into custody had escorted the two Indonesians around Jolo and to a meeting with an Abu Sayyaf commander, Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who has been accused of plotting and funding the attack.

Police said the five suspects were led by a suspected local militant identified as Kammah Pae, who has denied any involvement in the bombing.

The attack has renewed terrorism fears across the Philippines and the national police have been placed on full alert and security has been strengthened in churches, shopping malls and other public areas. President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered troops to destroy the Abu Sayyaf, leading to a renewed military offensive in the south that has included air strikes and gunbattles.

The attack has also highlighted concerns that the Islamic State group may be gaining a foothold in Southeast Asia after sustaining major battle setbacks in Syria and Iraq. Local militants aligned with the brutal extremist group laid siege to Marawi city in the southern Philippines for five months in 2017 before they were defeated by the military.

Albayalde said the Abu Sayyaf, a small but violent group based in the jungles of predominantly Muslim Jolo and outlying island provinces, staged the cathedral bombing to gain attention and possible funding from the Islamic State group. The militants also want to foment sectarian conflict between minority Muslims in the south and the countrys majority Christians, he said.

Its the very same reason why they pledged allegiance to ISIS. They are seeking funding and they are bombing, kidnapping and murdering targets to get funds from the ISIS, Albayalde said at a news conference in Manila.

The Abu Sayyaf, which has about 300 to 400 armed fighters, has been blacklisted by the United States and the Philippines as a terrorist organization because of years of bombings, kidnappings and beheadings. The commander police have implicated in the cathedral attack, Sawadjaan, is a Muslim preacher who has been linked to ransom kidnappings and the beheadings of hostages, including two Canadian men in 2016.

Citing witnesses to the bombing and statements by some of the suspects, Albayalde said Sawadjaan funded the assembly of the cathedral bombs, which most likely were detonated by an Indonesia man, who had hidden in the south for about a year, and an Indonesian woman, who only recently entered the south.

From a southern island, the Indonesians traveled to Jolo by boat last month and were met by the group now in custody, he said.

Indonesian officials have said there is no conclusive evidence that the attackers were Indonesian.

Police said the attack was planned since last year. Albayalde said the explosives used were powerful pipe bombs, packed with ammonium nitrate, TNT and other chemicals that have been used by the Abu Sayyaf in past attack. Jim Gomez, Manila, AP
Luso International Banking has sued Hong Kong Airlines for allegedly failing to repay a large portion of a USD20 million loan, following repeated demands.

According to a South China Morning Post report, court documents showed that the airline borrowed USD20 million from the local bank in October 2017 on the condition that the principal loan must be repaid with interest by December 28, 2018.

However, the banks lawyers said that the troubled airline had only paid USD257,943 by January 1, breaching its contractual obligations.

Thus on January 2, the bank demanded the outstanding debt be paid within seven days.

Luso International Bank also wrote to subsidiary Hong Kong Airlines Limited, now listed as the defendant, following its agreement to provide a guarantee.

Despite repeated requests and demands [] the borrower has failed to pay the outstanding debts due and payable to the plaintiff, and the defendant has failed to pay the guaranteed amount to the plaintiff or any part thereof, the writ said.

Luso International Bank was incorporated in Macau in 1974 and has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Xiamen International Bank, the first joint-venture bank in China. According to information available on the banks website, in 2015, it completed the capital injection process and has become a truly local bank in terms of shareholdings. In 2016, the banks first mainland Chinese branch opened in Guangzhou after approval by the relevant mainland and Macau authorities.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, Hong Kongs Air Transport Licensing Authority said that it had reviewed Hong Kong Airlines finances and had demanded further clarification.

An airline spokesman told SCMP that the company had been working with the bank to address the outstanding issue.

This has no impact on our business and we are operating as normal, he said.

The troubled airline is yet to find a chief of finance after a former executive resigned in December after fewer than 18 months on the job.

Since July 2018, the airline has seen six directors leave their posts.

Hong Kong Airlines, backed by debt-laden Chinese conglomerate HNA Group, operates 38 passenger aircraft and flies to 36 destinations.

According to reports, the group sold its last land plot near the Hong Kongs former Kai Tak airport for HKD3.9 million, ending its ambitions for a massive residential project.
His image is on bank notes and in school textbooks in Iran, often as a black-and-white embodiment of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that swept aside the countrys shah and forever changed the nation.

But unlike other countries ruled by family dynasties, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeinis children and grandchildren have never fully entered politics.

Part of the reason lies with Khomeinis own commandments after becoming Irans first supreme leader. The rest likely comes from suspicion in the very system Khomeini set up, even though his name still carries weight today.

I wish I was living during the Khomeini era, said Mahboobeh Ramazani, 27, who recently visited the mosque attached to the ayatollahs residence, now a tourist attraction in northern Tehran. He is still my favorite, since he never sought anything for himself and his family members.

The memory of Khomeini, who died in 1989 at the age of 86, literally looms large over Tehran today. His golden-domed mausoleum in southern Tehran is one of the first things people see driving into the city from the airport named for him.

Even the CIA, in a 1983 analysis on him, acknowledged that Irans revolution could not have happened without him. His tape-recorded sermons circulated through the country in the days leading up to the shahs departure, his calls for supporting the poor striking a populist tone among Irans struggling masses.

His style also fit one of his mantras: Islam is politics.

He uses repetition, rhythm, exaggerated images and cutting political jokes to drive his message home and alters his vocabulary  but not his delivery  to show increased emotion, the CIA wrote. His monotone exerts a hypnotic effect that is heightened by supporters placed among the audience to lead chanted slogans.

But despite his political success, he insisted that his own family not get involved.

Part of that stemmed from the allegations of corruption that surrounded the family of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, whose relatives enriched themselves through government contracts and the public purse.

The shahs family and royal court became known among protesters and the opposition at the time as a 1,000-member oligarchy, a reference to their widespread presence in government and the private sector. Khomeinis own mullah father had been killed only months after his birth over his activism targeting wealthy landowners.

I will that those who are related to me not enter political currents, Khomeini said in 1980 when one of his grandchildren backed Irans then-embattled liberal President Abolhassan Banisadr. I do order you based on Shariah not to enter political games.

Khomeini and his wife, Khadijeh Saghafi, had five children and 15 grandchildren. His daughter, Zahra Mostafavi, later became politically active, but said in 2006 that her father had told her and other family members: Do not enter politics while I am alive.

After his death, we decided not to enter politics, she said. However, she would later publicly write Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to protest the decision to ban influential President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani from running in the 2013 election.

Khomeinis family did not stay out of politics for long, in part due to the changes within Iran. A growing youth population demanded jobs and had a different political perspective than their parents generation. Those demands gave birth to Irans reformist political movement, which seeks to change Irans government from within and grant more political freedoms to its people.

Granddaughter Zahra Eshraghi, whose husband, Mohammad Reza Khatami, was the brother of reformist President Mohammad Khatami and served as deputy speaker of parliament, sought to form her own womens group. Both she and her husband tried to run for parliament in 2004, but were blocked by the Guardian Council, a 12-member panel that vets candidates and routinely rejects those calling for dramatic reform. The council similarly blocked Ali Eshraghi, another Khomeini grandson, in 2008.

Meanwhile, one of Khomeinis great-grandchildren has grown increasingly prominent, in part due to his use of Instagram. Ahmad Khomeini, a 20-year-old Shiite cleric, posts images of himself in both Western attire and the black turban marking him as a direct descendent of the Prophet Muhammad.

He also freely posts images of Khatami, subject of a state-ordered media blackout in Iran, and reformist politician Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who remains under house arrest years after he led Irans Green Movement following his disputed 2009 election loss to hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

His father, Hassan Khomeini, another of Khomeinis grandsons, was barred by authorities in 2016 from running for seats on Irans Assembly of Experts, which can appoint or remove a supreme leader.

But fears about political dynasties persist in Iran. Earlier this year, President Hassan Rouhani described the 1979 Islamic Revolution as being aimed at avoiding having a son to take the throne after the death of father.

Family members of current supreme leader Khamenei have taken a low-key approach to public life.

Political analyst Amir Mohebian, who heads a conservative think tank in Tehran, believes both Khomeinis ban and the peoples anti-monarchy sentiment thwarts the formation of any political dynasties.

The society is very sensitive toward any kind of dynasties dominance, he said.

Yet even today, Khomeini remains a powerful figure in the minds of many Iranians.

Khomeini was great. I joined his revolution despite having a good job, a good life, simply because he said Islam is in danger, said Iraj Khalilzadeh, an 81-year-old retired worker at a shoe factory while recently visiting Khomeinis shrine. I expect the current government to pay attention to poor people. AP
Two employees at Huawei Technologies Inc. in Denmark were expelled following an inspection focusing on improper work arrangements.

The companys offices in Copenhagen were searched on Thursday and four people were initially charged with breaking Danish laws covering residence and work permits, Danish police said. The charges against two of the people were subsequently dropped, a police spokesperson said by phone yesterday.

It was a routine investigation that Danish authorities regularly conduct at work places relying on a high number of foreign employees, the spokesperson said. The person, who asked not to be identified by name citing police policy, declined to provide more details, including the nationality of the workers.

A Huawei spokeswoman said: These visa checks are routine, and we are co-operating with the authorities.

The investigation comes as the company is under fire around the world over allegations it could enable spying by Chinese officials after the country passed a law mandating organizations and citizens to assist national intelligence in their investigations. The U.S. has urged European allies, such as Germany, to shun Huaweis equipment, as telecoms carriers prepare for the next generation of wireless technology known as 5G.

There is no evidence that the measures taken in Denmark are related to any concerns about spying.

Poland in January detained a Huawei employee and former high- ranking official at Polands Internal Security Agency, accusing the two men of conducting espionage activities against Poland. Huawei has said it fired the employee for breaking Polish law, adding that his alleged actions have not relation to the company. Bloomberg
Chief Executive Chui Sai On called for all Macau people to show their enterprise and work alongside the government to maintain the stability of the citys community, amid an uncertain and sometimes volatile global economic situation.

In a speech yesterday to mark the coming Year of the Pig, Chui said that the government would seek to propel  in a courageous manner  a steadier and more sustainable path for Macau.

In his speech, the CE noted it was normal for a society to experience some adversity during the course of its development. He called for concerted efforts to infuse the local community with positive energy and help the region overcome any difficulties.

Current efforts to advance social development would also constitute clear strides toward building a better Macau for future generations, Chui said.

The Chief Executive noted that this year would mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China, and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the MSAR. At a time of such significance, Macau will apply unremitting effort to ensure the successful implementation of the one country, two systems principle, and to further integrate into overall national development, Chui stated in his speech.

Chui also noted that the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important time in Chinese culture, adding that all should  where feasible  take some time to share the joy and goodwill of the festival not only with their families, but also with people in need.
For the past several weeks, NASA's InSight lander has been making adjustments to the seismometer it set on the Martian surface on Dec. 19.

Now it's reached another milestone by placing a domed shield over the seismometer to help the instrument collect accurate data. The seismometer will give scientists their first look at the deep interior of the Red Planet, helping them understand how it and other rocky planets are formed.

The Wind and Thermal Shield helps protect the supersensitive instrument from being shaken by passing winds, which can add "noise" to its data. The dome's aerodynamic shape causes the wind to press it toward the planet's surface, ensuring it won't flip over. A skirt made of chain mail and thermal blankets rings the bottom, allowing it to settle easily over any rocks, though there are few at InSight's location.

An even bigger concern for InSight's seismometer -- called the Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure (SEIS) -- is temperature change, which can expand and contract metal springs and other parts inside the seismometer. Where InSight landed, temperatures fluctuate by about 170 degrees Fahrenheit (94 degrees Celsius) over the course of a Martian day, or sol.

"Temperature is one of our biggest bugaboos," said InSight Principal Investigator Bruce Banerdt of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. JPL leads the InSight mission and built the Wind and Thermal Shield. "Think of the shield as putting a cozy over your food on a table. It keeps SEIS from warming up too much during the day or cooling off too much at night. In general, we want to keep the temperature as steady as possible."

On Earth, seismometers are often buried about four feet (1.2 meters) underground in vaults, which helps keep the temperature stable. InSight can't build a vault on Mars, so the mission relies on several measures to protect its seismometer. The shield is the first line of defense.

A second line of defense is SEIS itself, which is specially engineered to correct for wild temperature swings on the Martian surface. The seismometer was built so that as some parts expand and contract, others do so in the opposite direction to partially cancel those effects. Additionally, the instrument is vacuum-sealed in a titanium sphere that insulates its sensitive insides and reduces the influence of temperature.

But even that isn't quite enough. The sphere is enclosed within yet another insulating container -- a copper-colored hexagonal box visible during SEIS's deployment. The walls of this box are honeycombed with cells that trap air and keep it from moving. Mars provides an excellent gas for this insulation: Its thin atmosphere is primarily composed of carbon dioxide, which at low pressure is especially slow to conduct heat.

With these three insulating barriers, SEIS is well-protected from thermal "noise" seeping into the data and masking the seismic waves that InSight's team wants to study. Finally, most additional interference from the Martian environment can be detected by InSight's weather sensors, then filtered out by mission scientists.

With the seismometer on the ground and covered, InSight's team is readying for its next step: deploying the heat flow probe, called the Heat Flow and Physical Properties Package (HP3), onto the Martian surface. That's expected to happen next week.

About InSight

JPL manages InSight for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. InSight is part of NASA's Discovery Program, managed by the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Lockheed Martin Space in Denver built the InSight spacecraft, including its cruise stage and lander, and supports spacecraft operations for the mission.

A number of European partners, including France's Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), are supporting the InSight mission. CNES and the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP) provided the Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure (SEIS) instrument, with significant contributions from the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Germany, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) in Zurich, Switzerland, Imperial College London and Oxford University in the United Kingdom, and JPL. DLR provided the Heat Flow and Physical Properties Package (HP3) instrument, with significant contributions from the Space Research Center (CBK) of the Polish Academy of Sciences and Astronika in Poland. Spain's Centro de Astrobiologia (CAB) supplied the wind sensors.

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The young politician spearheading efforts to remove Venezuelas authoritarian leader called for a transparent relationship with China, a key investor in the country, saying any agreements made with the regime of Nicolas Maduro would be honored as long as they were lawfully done.

Juan Guaido, the National Assembly leader, is at the forefront of a renewed push to remove Maduro who, with his grip on the military and courts, has presided over crackdowns on protesters, the opposition and a hollowing out of Venezuelas economy. The desperate conditions for ordinary people struggling with skyrocketing prices and power outages has spurred one of the biggest mass migrations of modern times.

I will be very clear: all agreements that have been signed following the law will be respected, Guaido said in a written interview. If previous agreements were signed by adhering to the due process of approval by the National Assembly, they will be accepted and honored.

Guaido has the backing of countries including the U.S. and Brazil, and is seeking to put a noose around Maduros access to funds, primarily oil and gold exports and income from state-dominated businesses. China is one of the biggest investors in Venezuela, and while it has been an ally of socialist administrations dating back to Hugo Chavez, Guaido portrayed it as having suffered from Maduros corruption and financial mismanagement.

We want to establish a transparent relationship with China and put an end to the plundering of our resources that has prevailed under Maduros government, which has ultimately also affected Chinese investors, he said. Chinas development projects in Venezuela have been falling as they have been affected and destroyed by corruption or debt default.

The stance of China and Russia is crucial to Maduros ability to hold onto power. The countries have filled the investment and security vacuum caused by Washingtons decades-long estrangement from Caracas. But the resurgent U.S. interest makes things more complicated.

Russia has strongly supported Maduro while China has been more equivocal, mostly falling back on citing a longstanding policy of noninterference in other states affairs.

Asked three times last week if China still saw Maduro as Venezuelas president, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang simply noted that a special envoy of President Xi Jinping attended his inauguration in January. On Friday, Geng said China has maintained close communication with all parties and ties shouldnt be undermined no matter how the situation evolves.

China is the second-biggest importer of crude from the country, but receives its barrels as repayments of debt. Venezuela hasnt been able to send enough crude to meet its obligations in recent years as its production cratered and crude prices tumbled.

Beijing has invested more than USD62 billion in Venezuela, mostly through loans, since 2007. Last year, it imported 3.6 percent of its oil supply from the country, down from just over 5 percent in 2017. In the throes of a financial crisis last September, Maduro flew to Beijing to win a $5 billion credit line from his big sister China. Chinese technology giants Huawei Technologies Corp. and ZTE Corp. have invested heavily in the country.

Not everyone views Beijings behavior as benign. Ricardo Hausmann, an acclaimed Venezuelan economist and adviser to Guaido who runs Harvard Universitys Center for International Development, has called the China Development Bank a disgrace.

Still, China has shown itself able to navigate doing business in difficult places before. And it has probably learned lessons from Sri Lanka, Malaysia and the Maldives, where it cozied up to authoritarian leaders only to be caught wrong-footed by quick power shifts that saw new governments launch probes of Chinese-funded projects and loans.

While investments often come with strategic objectives, Beijings leaders are also pragmatic, and a change of leadership that incurred losses for China would be affordable for its $12 trillion economy.

China is in a wait-and-see mode, said Pang Zhongying, a former Chinese diplomat who is an international relations professor at the Macau University of Science and Technology. People shouldnt assume that China will lend a hand based on the similarity in socialist systems.

Humanitarian aid would pour in in response to a change in government, and institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank would probably play a role  as the U.S. helped facilitate funding  but Venezuelas economy would require funds for infrastructure that would be unlikely to generate a return for some time. Thats where China, with its deep pockets and longer-term horizon, could come in.

Any Venezuelan government will recognize the irreplaceable value of China as a large customer, said Mei Xinyu, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation affiliated with the Ministry of Commerce. Chinas lending is mutually beneficial for both sides.

Russia in contrast probably cannot afford to keep its investments open-ended and has some payments already due from the current regime.

There is a lot of work to do in this regard and we want to continue working closely with China, Guaido said, referring to reconstruction. He cited sectors including oil and mining, plus light industry and assembly.

With the reactivation of our countrys productivity we see a cooperation with China as an opportunity, rather than a threat, he added. We are ready to begin a constructive relationship and dialogue with China as soon as possible.

Guaido did not confirm if there had been any outreach to Beijing, only saying he would like to meet with officials in the shortest possible time to relaunch our relationship. A person in Caracas with knowledge of the interactions said there had already been some contact with the Chinese embassy.

Those conversations center around a commitment to honor debts to China, plus Venezuelas reconstruction needs, the person said, asking not to be identified talking about private conversations.

The outreach is being carefully done, the person added, because Guaidos focus is on his relationship with the U.S., which views Chinas presence in the region with suspicion. President Donald Trump has escalated trade tensions with China since coming to power, leading Beijing to claim the U.S. is increasingly attempting to contain it.

If the regime changes quickly and peacefully, it will depend on whether the U.S.-backed government in Guaido recognizes the loans made under the past government, said Gui Chenxi, an oil analyst at CITIC Futures. For now, Guaido has signaled that payments will be maintained, but America will probably call the shots if he takes office.

Guaido described the U.S. as both a commercial supporter and an important ally in the effort to oust Maduro. Bilateral relationships are established on the basis of mutual respect and our relationship with the U.S. is historic, he said.

Even so, he added the fact that we have consolidated relationships with other nations does not mean that we cannot open ourselves up to establishing relations with other nations.

We live in an interconnected world where all nations have their own potential, Guaido said. Within that space, China has an important role to play because of its capabilities and flexibility as a commercial partner. Bloomberg

More European nations recognize guaido as leader

Spain, France and Sweden have all announced that they are recognizing Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the countrys interim president and are urging him to hold a new presidential election. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told reporters in Madrid yesterday that we are working for the return of full democracy in Venezuela: human rights, elections and no more political prisoners. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, speaking to France Inter Radio, urged Guaido to call an early presidential election that will ensure the Venezuelan crisis ends peacefully. Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom told Swedish broadcaster SVT the vote that brought Maduro to power was not a free and fair election. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has so far rejected calls by European countries to call an early election.
Three of Australias largest banks could face prosecution following a yearlong investigation into misconduct recommended tougher oversight and better consumer safeguards.

A government-commissioned inquiry found widespread misbehavior in the banking and financial services industry that often went unpunished.

Commissioner Kenneth Hayne referred 24 incidents of misconduct to regulators for further investigation and possible civil or criminal charges against executives and corporations, including all major banks except Westpac Banking Corp.

The banks facing potential charges are Commonwealth Bank, ANZ Banking Group and National Australian Bank.

Hayne reported to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg who said the financial sector must change.

Its a scathing assessment of conduct driven by greed and behavior that was in breach of existing law and fell well below community expectations, Frydenberg said.

The share prices of banks and other financial institutions have slipped over the past year as Haynes inquiry heard evidence of customers being charged fees for services that werent provided, dead customers being charged fees and vulnerable people being sold inappropriate financial products.

Banks have tightened their lending criteria in recent months, anticipating closer scrutiny.

Australian Banking Association chief executive Anna Bligh, a spokeswoman for the banking sector, said Haynes recommendations represented a huge overhaul and top-to-bottom reform of banking and finance in Australia.

The inquiry would change what financial services and products banks could offer, how staff were paid and create new offenses for wrongdoing, she said.

Todays report contains some very tough medicine for banks, including potential court cases, Bligh said.

She was grateful that Hayne did not recommend tightening of lending rules.

Banks were very concerned that there may be recommendations that would see lending practice tighten up and perhaps put pressure on the flow of credit into the economy, she said.

The Australian government responded positively to all Haynes 76 recommendations. The government agreed to create a compensation fund for people who lost money from bad financial advice. It also agreed to set rules to help drought-stricken farmers avoid bank foreclosures.

The government accepted the reports recommendations to strength protections for consumers and improve financial sector accountability and regulatory effectiveness.

The Federal Court would be given jurisdiction to hear corporate criminal charges, which often are not heard for more than two years in congested state courts.

A new oversight authority would also report regularly on the effectiveness of the two regulators in the financial sector, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. Rod McGuirk, Canberra, AP
The State Department, which called back all its furloughed employees a week ago, is following its own schedule. It has accelerated the payment of retroactive salaries, with the first payment coming Monday, followed by a second payment on Thursday. That will catch them up, and they will return to a regular pay schedule by Feb. 14, the agency said.

Airport security lines began to move more conventionally after extended absences during the shutdown that sidelined 10 percent of the workforce, which was working without pay and called in sick in protest.

Things are returning to normal, said TSA spokesman Jim Gregory, who said Sundays no-show rate was 6.6 percent of the checkpoint workforce, well below the 10 percent level of one week ago. I can tell from preliminary reporting that its going to be lower for [Monday], likely back to historical normals.

Based on reports from TSA that compared shutdown rates with those posted one year ago, normally about 3 percent of the agencys checkpoint workers are unable to report for duty at this time of year.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson stood in the lobby of the agencys Washington headquarters to welcome staff back to work, dispensing handshakes and a one-page fact sheet titled Your First Day Back: 12 Fast Facts.
Childrens Hospital & Medical Center denied in an official court filing Wednesday the accusations made against it in a lawsuit by two Omaha surgeons.

The document says the surgeons have callously and intentionally used the tragic death of a child to help make their case.

The hospital says in the document that the surgeons who have filed the suit, Drs. Jason Miller and Mark Puccioni, are trying to protect their business interests by making false accusations against Childrens; Dr. Richard Azizkhan, Childrens CEO; and Dr. Adam Conley. Conley, a pediatric neurosurgeon, has been accused by the two surgeons of incompetence leading to the death of a 7-month-old child.

Miller and Puccioni filed their suit early this month.

Miller, a plastic surgeon, and Puccioni, a pediatric neurosurgeon, contend in their lawsuit that Childrens intentionally drove them away from practicing at the hospital. They charge that Azizkhan and Conley tried to destroy the practices and reputations of the surgeons.
Wildfires can cause devastation and are also to blame for more than a quarter of greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere.

Satellites play a key role in mapping landscape scarred by fire - but the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission has revealed that there are more fires than previously thought.

From the vantage of space, satellites can be used to detect fires and monitor how they spread and, in the first instance, this can often help relief efforts. However, satellites are also important for mapping the scars that fires leave in their wake, particularly in remote regions.

It is currently estimated that fires contribute 25-35% of total annual greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere so more precise information gained from satellite-based scar-burn maps could help to better understand how they add to the greenhouse effect.

Land disturbed by fire is an 'essential climate variable', which are global datasets for the key components of Earth's climate.

Fire-scar mapping is also used for managing natural resources, assessing fire risk and for adopting mitigating strategies, for example.

Thanks to Copernicus Sentinel-2's ability to zoom in on our planet, researchers have discovered that there are more areas are being affected by fire than previously thought.

A paper published recently in Remote Sensing of the Environment describes how researcher used the high-resolution imaging capability of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission to produce the first detailed continental map of burns caused by wildfires.

Sentinel-2 is a two-satellite constellation built for the EU's Copernicus environmental monitoring programme. Each identical satellite carries a high-resolution multispectral imager. The mission has a myriad of uses, particularly related to monitoring the health of world's vegetation and mapping how the surface of our land changes.

The authors focussed on sub-Saharan Africa as the region accounts for around 70% of burned area worldwide according to global satellite databases, making it the ideal testbed for evaluating the potential for improving the understanding of global impacts of fire.

They found that 4.9 million sq km of land had been burned in 2016, which is 80% more than reported with information from coarser-resolution satellite sensors. These new-found areas comprised mainly burned areas smaller than 100 ha.

Although usually not as catastrophic as large fires, small fires are linked to land-use change, particularly if they have been set to clear land for agriculture or grazing.

Lead author, Ekhi Roteta from the University of the Basque Country, said, "This increase the amount of burned area and the fact that it is made up of small areas came as no surprise as Copernicus Sentinel-2 has a resolution of 20 m, more than ten times the zoom of other satellite instruments.

"The additional impact of these small fires may be underrepresented which suggests an increase in the contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. It would therefore be useful to include these data in existing climate models."

"The next step would be create a global map of burned areas at 20 m resolution to reveal the evidence of more small fires, which in turn could lead to greater clarity on greenhouse gas emissions, land-cover change and land management."

The research and data product were developed in the framework of the Fire Disturbance project, part of ESA's Climate Change Initiative. It involved processing 11 000 Copernicus Sentinel-2 images. The product is named FireCCISFD11 and is publicly available from the CCI Open Data Portal. The project is also generating global burned area products from Copernicus Sentinel-3 sensors, as well as radar algorithms for detecting burned areas in cloudy regions.



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SAN DIEGO  Jon Rahm had safely deposited his infant son back in his wifes arms by the time a seemingly unflappable Louis Oosthuizen finally coughed it up on No. 17 at Torrey Pines. He stood, hands on hips, watching on TV as Oosthuizens par putt slid past the hole and it became increasingl
RYDE Transit - Public Transportation is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule a ride in Dawson County or Lexington call 308-324-3670. Public Transportation is easy to ride and open to everyone.

PUBLIC LIBRARies

Mark your calendar! Prime Time Family Reading Time begins Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Lexington Public Library. Prime Time is a six week reading program for families with at least one child in elementary school, kindergarten through grade 5. We read and discuss stories, eat a light meal, and learn about the Library. Pre-registration is required. For more detailed information and to reserve your space, visit the Lexington Public Library or call (308) 324-2151.

The Library has borrowed the button maker from the Central Plains Library System for the month of February. Drop in demonstrations are scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 5 between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6 between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 12 between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., and Wednesday, Feb. 13, between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Once you have learned to operate the button maker, you are invited to return to the Library at any time during the month of February to make the buttons, mirrors, or key rings of your choice. A small fee will be charged to cover materials.
scholarship, news and new ideas in legal history
The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is moving toward Goma, a city of 1 million people.

The United Nations says nearly 2,000 people are being prepared to deal with patients there. If Ebola virus disease reaches Goma, stopping it will become even more difficult.

The campaign against Ebola is already affected by other issues. People travel often and come in contact with strangers. Another concern is security. In eastern Congo, health workers face threats of attack from rebel groups.

Health workers also need to deal with the fears of local people. One woman spoke to the medical group Doctors Without Borders about her experience. Aline Kahindo Mukandala said she thought Ebola patients who went to medical centers were immediately put into body bags.

Another survivor told people that foreign health workers will not steal patients organs. The man is currently helping the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Still, some people remain afraid of treatment or prevention measures and try to flee the area. Millions of people have been tested for Ebola at border crossings with Rwanda and Uganda.

Congos health ministry has reported at least 700 confirmed Ebola cases, including more than 160 children. Over 400 people have already died from the disease.

And, new cases are still appearing without any known connection to a confirmed patient. This shows the difficulty of hunting down the virus in a crowded and worried population.

At the same time, the World Health Organization says some public health measures have been helping limit the virus in a few areas. These measures include training health workers and working closely with people who live in the area.

This Ebola outbreak has brought some medical advances. Health workers are trying experimental treatments for people who have the virus. They are also using a new Ebola vaccine to prevent people from getting the virus. But how well the vaccine works is not yet known. Some people who have received it have still become sick.

Some health experts warn that, even if medicine improves, Ebola could remain a threat in central Africa. It is easily spread through body fluids and can infect people helping with childbirth, giving malaria treatments or just living their usual lives.

Im Kelly Jean Kelly.

The Associated Press reported this story. Kelly Jean Kelly adapted it for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

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Words in This Story

outbreak - n. a sudden rise in the incidence of a disease

body bag - n. a large bag that a dead person's body is put in to be carried or moved to another place

advance - n.progress in development
Pope Francis has become the first pope in history to visit the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam.

Francis opened his official visit Monday in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Top UAE officials welcomed the leader of the worlds 1.3 billion Roman Catholics at the presidential palace. The pope received a traditional military welcome that included a flyover by UAE military aircraft. The airplanes left smoke in yellow and white, the official colors of the Vatican flag.

Welcoming the pope were Abu Dhabis crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the UAEs vice president and prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

In a message, Pope Francis thanked the crown prince for the warm welcome and said the UAE people were in his thoughts and prayers.

Sheikh Mohammed presented the pope with a document from 1963, in which the then-ruler of Abu Dhabi donated land to build the first Catholic church in the Emirates.

The UAE is home to about 1 million Roman Catholics. Many of them are workers from the Catholic-majority Philippines.

On social media, Sheikh Mohammed wrote about his meeting with the pope. He said they discussed increased cooperation in several areas. They also agreed to seek ways to achieve peace, stability and development for all people.

Pope Francis also attended a gathering of leaders from major world religions, including Christianity and Islam.

The pope told the meeting that religious leaders have a duty to reject war and seek to resolve conflict through negotiation. God is with those who seek peace, he said in the speech at Abu Dhabis Founders Memorial.

Pope Francis warned that unless people of different religions come together to seek concrete paths of peace, the future of humanity itself will be in danger.

Speaking in Italian, the pope noted conflicts in Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Libya. He called on the religious leaders to resist such floods of violence. He said that, as representatives of the worlds major religions, they have a duty to reject every nuance of approval from the word war.

The UAE is involved in the conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Libya.

The religious leaders also heard from Sheik Ahmed el-Tayeb, leader of Egypt's Al-Azhar, the 1,000-year-old seat of Sunni Islam. He called on Muslims in the Middle East to embrace and welcome local Christian communities.

You are part of this nation... You are not minorities, he said. The Islamic leader also called on Muslims in western nations to be involved in their communities and respect local laws.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English. His story was based on reports from the Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse and VOA News. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

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Words in This Story

church  n.a Christian religious center

stability  n.the quality of not being likely to change or move

concrete  adj.identifying something real or a group of things

nuance  n.small difference in meaning, appearance or sound

embrace  v.to accept new ideas, beliefs or methods
Many of Americas national parks remained open during the countrys longest-ever government shutdown. But few had enough National Park Service employees working to protect the areas and keep watch of visitors.

Those visitors did a lot of damage in 35 days. They walked over sensitive lands. They opened gates while no one was watching. One person even struck one of Californias famous Joshua Trees with a vehicle.

When park service employees returned to work last week, they began cleaning up and repairing what they could.

But environmental experts warn that the damage in some places could take years to recover. Even before the shutdown, national parks faced $12 billion in much-needed repair work. That number has only grown.

Many parks had no employees working during the shutdown. Others had skeleton crews.. Local governments and nonprofit organizations offered money and volunteers during the shutdown, which began on December 21 and ended on January 25.

National Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst told reporters that the damage was not widespread. He said most visitors took good care of the land.

But interviews with park officials and nonprofit groups that help keep parks running tell a different story.

Angie Richman is a spokeswoman at Arches National Park in Utah. She said visitors left human waste outside a bathroom, walked on trails within an area that was off-limits to visitors and damaged an entrance gate.

At Joshua Tree National Park, an off-road vehicle ran over one of the parks special trees. Several other Joshua trees were damaged, including one that was spray-painted.

A former Joshua Tree National Park ranger told Smithsonian.com that it could take 200 to 300 years for the park to fully recover from the shutdown damage.

At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors cut locks on some gates to closed roads and stole about $5,000 in repair tools, spokeswoman Dana Soehn said.

Employees at Death Valley National Park in California found human waste and toilet paper all across the desert. Park officials also found evidence of people kicking in locked bathroom doors. And a high-speed video on Death Valleys Facebook page showed how it took staffers two hours to clean a bathroom overflowing with trash and covered with waste.

Workers at Death Valley National Park must replant in areas damaged by off-road vehicles. All of this delays much-needed repairs in other areas of the 1.3 million-hectare park.

David Blacker is chief of the Death Valley Natural History Association. He told the Associated Press, It became pretty depressing the kinds of things people will do when they are unsupervised.

At some parks, the lack of people meant animals moved in. A colony of elephant seals took over a Northern California beach in Point Reyes National Seashore. There were no workers there to prevent the animals from gathering in the popular tourist area. Park rangers and volunteers are now leading small groups of visitors to safely see the seals and their young.

The possibility of another shutdown remains. President Donald Trump and Congressional leaders agreed to a temporary spending bill that re-opened the government for three weeks. Trump has said another shutdown could start February 15 if he and Democratic leaders cannot agree on money for a U.S.-Mexico border wall.

Im Ashley Thompson.

The Associated Press reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for VOA Learning English, with additional materials from Smithsonian.com. Caty Weaver was the editor.

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Words in This Story

interview - n. a meeting between a reporter and another person in order to get information for a news story

gate - n. a place in a wall or a fence that has a movable part which can be opened or closed like a door

tourist - n. a person who travels to a place for pleasure
The traditional dragon and lion dances greeted several hundred Asian-Americans over the weekend at Fair Oaks Shopping Center in northern Virginia.

They had gathered to ring in the Year of the Pig.

Hank Chao is a Chinese-American and with the Hai Hau Community Center in Falls Church, Virginia. He said, We used to call it the Chinese New Year. But we have a lot of Southeast Asians, like Korean, Japanese, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia. Those people came to us and said, Hey, we celebrate, too."

Members of the community center have gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year for the past 16 years. The holiday begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar. Because the holiday is based on the moon, it falls somewhere between the end of January and the end of February. This years holiday is on February 5. It marks the year 4717 of the lunar calendar.

Chao said each year, people from many countries celebrate the Lunar New Year in northern Virginia. Some years, the celebration even includes Middle Eastern and Irish dances in addition to more traditional performances.

Many Asian cultures celebrate the Lunar New Year. It is called Chunjie in China, Tet in Vietnam, Seollal in Korea and Losar in Tibet.

For many years, the holiday was not celebrated in North Korea. But in 1989, the Korea Times reports, then-leader Kim Jong-il brought back the holiday tradition.

In South Korea, family members play a popular game called yutnori. And they share traditional foods like tteokguk, a soup made of beef, vegetables, egg and rice cakes.

In Tibet, the first day of Losar acts as a sort of communal birthday. Everyone becomes one year older. And, at the end of the three-day celebration, Tibetans throw roasted barley flour, known as tsampa, to wish each other health and happiness.

It might be the Year of the Pig, but many in Hong Kong are not eating pork this year because of concerns over the African swine fever.

A woman named Liu told the South China Morning Post, It does not really matter, Lunar New Year is more about live chickens anyway, pork is just the side dish and it will not affect our mood to celebrate.

In Vietnam, thousands filled Nguyen Hue Street in the southern city of Ho Chi Minh to watch a fireworks show on Monday. In Hanoi, the party chief and President Nguyen Phu Trong was seen handing out red envelopes to workers. The envelopes are filled with lucky money.

Many Vietnamese celebrate Tet with a traditional food called banh chung, a square-shape cake of sticky rice filled with meat and beans, and then wrapped in green leaves.

Im Ashley Thompson.

Hai Do wrote this story for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Dorothy Gundy produced the video.

Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

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Words in This Story

greet - v. to meet someone who has just arrived with friendly words and actions

roast - v. to cook (food such as chicken, potatoes, or beef) with dry heat in an oven or over a fire

envelope - n. an enclosing cover for a letter, card, etc.
Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Dawn Barker Anderson, Professor of Legal Analysis, Writing & Research at the University of Iowa, has been awarded the President and Provosts Award for Teaching Excellence, the highest teaching award at the University of Iowa.

Professor Anderson graduated with highest honors from the University of Northern Iowa in 1992, and with high distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1995. She practiced law at Meardon, Sueppel & Downer P.L.C.in Iowa City for five years, concentrating her practice on corporate and distribution law. She then went to work as the first in-house lawyer for ACT, where she worked for six years. She joined the University of Iowa College of Law in 2005 when she started teaching Legal Analysis, Writing and served as Associate Director of the Writing Resource Center. She then joined the Faculty of the University of Iowa in 2009 as an Assistant Professor of Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research.

Congratulations on this important recognition.

Hat tip to Caroline Sheerin.

(mew)

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legalwriting/2019/02/iowa.html
Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Deported Americans: Life after Deportation to Mexico by Beth C. Caldwell, Duke University Press, April 2019.

Description

When Gina was deported to Tijuana, Mexico, in 2011, she left behind her parents, siblings, and children, all of whom are U.S. citizens. Despite having once had a green card, Gina was removed from the only country she had ever known. In Deported Americans legal scholar and former public defender Beth C. Caldwell tells Gina's story alongside those of dozens of other Dreamers, who are among the hundreds of thousands who have been deported to Mexico in recent years. Many of them had lawful status, held green cards, or served in the U.S. military. Now, they have been banished, many with no hope of lawfully returning. Having interviewed over one hundred deportees and their families, Caldwell traces deportation's long-term consequencessuch as depression, drug use, and homelessnesson both sides of the border. Showing how U.S. deportation law systematically fails to protect the rights of immigrants and their families, Caldwell challenges traditional notions of what it means to be an American and recommends legislative and judicial reforms to mitigate the injustices suffered by the millions of U.S. citizens affected by deportation.

About The Author

Beth C. Caldwell is Professor of Legal Analysis, Writing, and Skills at Southwestern Law School and was formerly an attorney in the Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender.

KJ

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2019/02/from-the-bookshelves-deported-americans-life-after-deportation-to-mexico-by-beth-c-caldwell.html
WATCH: Michael Eric Dyson Discusses Northams Blackface, the Super Bowl Kaepernick Effect and Black Culture

Virginias embattled Governor, Ralph Northam, is resisting calls to resign, after a racist photo from his 1984 medical school yearbook page surfaced. Professor Michael Eric Dyson tells Ari Melber if Northam cant acknowledge it and cant say this was wrong then we cant have any progress. Dyson also weighs on controversy surrounding the Super Bowl and artists who chose to boycott the event in support of Colin Kaepernick, telling Melber that cancel culture itself has to be cancelled and that we must get beyond a single stream of consciousness.

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(WB) More than 60 members of the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday urged Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to publicly condemn the anti-LGBTI crackdown in Chechnya.

U.S. Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), David Cicilline (D-R.I.), Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) and the other lawmakers in their letter also urged Pompeo to pressure the Russian government to end the crackdown.

The U.S. is a beacon of hope and freedom for the world, as it stands up for the dignity and human rights of all people everywhere, reads the letter. This situation is no different. It is incumbent on you to reaffirm these principles and publicly condemn violence against the LGBT community in Chechnya, and to utilize all of the tools available to you to pressure the Russian government into ending these atrocities.

The Russian LGBT Network earlier this month said at least two people have been killed and upwards of 40 others have been detained in Chechnya, a semi-autonomous Russian republic in the North Caucasus, since late December.

Novaya Gazeta, an independent Russian newspaper, in 2017 reported Chechen authorities had arrested more than 100 men because of their sexual orientation. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe last November released a report that documents extrajudicial killings and other human rights abuses against LGBTI people in Chechnya.

The U.S. House and Senate have both approved resolutions that condemn the crackdown. Igor Kochetkov, executive director of the Russian LGBT Network, this month filed a formal complaint about the most recent detentions with Russias Investigative Committee.

Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov  a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin  and the Kremlin have either denied the reports or downplayed them. Deputy State Department Spokesperson Robert Palladino in a Jan. 17 statement said the State Department is deeply disturbed by the latest reports from Chechnya. President Trump  who is under increased scrutiny over his alleged involvement in the Russian governments interference in the 2016 presidential election  has not publicly commented on the crackdown.
Virginia Scandal Could Push Newcomer Justin Fairfax into Governors Office

Justin Fairfax courtesy photo

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP)  Lingering doubts over Gov. Ralph Northams political future after the publication of a racist yearbook photo could propel an African-American political newcomer into the governors mansion.

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If Northam stepped down, Justin Fairfax would be the second African-American governor in Virginias history and just the fourth in the entire United States since Reconstruction.

Fairfax has experienced a brief, meteoric rise through Virginia politics. His supporters have touted him as a fresh face whose charisma has allowed him to connect with voters. His detractors suggest he is unproven and inexperienced.

His ascension could mean that the racial scandal dogging Northam would end with an African-American governor trying to lead the Democratic Party to a takeover of the legislature in November and potentially, through a quirk of law, being able to serve more than one term.

On Monday, Fairfax was drawn into a controversy of his own. He denied an allegation of sexual misconduct first reported by a conservative website, calling it a smear. Fairfax said the 2004 encounter with a woman was consensual. The Associated Press is not reporting the accusation because AP has not able to confirm it.

The Washington Post said Monday that it was approached by the woman in 2017, carefully investigated, but didnt publish the accusations. The Post said the woman had not told anyone about it, the account could not be corroborated, Fairfax denied it and the Post was unable to find other allegations against him.

The 39-year-old lieutenant governor has held elected office for only one year. A descendant of slaves, he carried a copy of his ancestors manumission papers with him as he was sworn in. Since then, he has become best known in Virginia for refusing to preside over the Senate chamber as lawmakers offered tributes to Confederate leaders on Virginias Lee-Jackson Day, in January. He said he stepped off the dais to honor his family.

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Before entering politics, Fairfax served for two years as a federal prosecutor in Alexandria, a prestigious outpost within the Department of Justice that handles numerous high-profile cases. He did not work on any of those cases, however.

Gene Rossi, a 30-year veteran of the Justice Department and one of the prosecutors who helped train Fairfax, said the lieutenant governor has an incredibly acute legal mind and is a quick study who could hit the ground running.

I think he has what it takes to become governor and lead us out of this, Rossi said in a phone interview Monday morning, before Fairfax addressed the sexual assault allegation publicly.

Fairfax and Rossi ended up as opponents in the 2017 Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, which Fairfax won handily.

Political observers say Fairfax would have an enormous learning curve ahead of him as Virginias governor.

His biggest challenge would be building effective relationships with the legislature, something it took Northam years to do before he was able to achieve such accomplishments as passing Medicaid expansion last year.

Is he capable of doing this? Yes, hes a smart person and organized, has some good people around him, Quentin Kidd, a political science professor at Christopher Newport University, said of Fairfax. But this is an enormous job. A large part of the job is building relationship over time.

Fairfax graduated from Duke University and Columbia Law School. He worked for Tipper Gore during Al Gores 2000 presidential campaign. He also worked for former Sen. John Edwards.

A native of Annandale, his first run for office came in 2013, when he ran for attorney general against Mark Herring, a state senator who was much better known in Democratic political circles. Herring won, but Fairfax got 48 percent of the vote and impressed party leaders as a potential up-and-comer. He stayed active in Democratic politics and campaigned heavily for U.S. Sen. Mark Warner in his narrow re-election bid in 2014.

During the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, Republican opponent Jill Holtzmann Vogel attacked Fairfaxs lack of experience. At one debate, she said he was not sufficiently informed to talk intelligently about issues. Democrats saw the remark as an unfair attack with racial overtones.

Fairfax won with nearly 53 percent of the vote as Democrats, including Northam, swept all three statewide elections in 2017.

Should Northam resign, Fairfax would have the unusual opportunity in 2021 to seek another term as governor since he was not elected in the first place. Under Virginia law, governors can serve more than one term, but not consecutively.

This scenario could not only create Virginias second African-American governor, but an environment where the second African-American governor would have the opportunity to have almost a seven-year term, said University of Mary Washington political science professor Stephen Farnsworth. The states first African-American governor, Douglas Wilder, served from 1990 to 1994.
One may be shocked with the sticker price of Gov. Tom Wolfs inaugural celebration. I have seen reports of the cost being as high as $1.7 million. Yet the governor assures us that public money was not spent, thanks to the generosity of event sponsors. Thank goodness Wolf has the support of so many behind him moving Pennsylvania forward.

Notably absent from the inaugural celebration sponsors were the Big Green organizations that helped Wolf during his campaign. Where was the Sierra Club, PennEnvironment or Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, which all lent their endorsements and campaign staff in support of the governor? They worked hard to propel Wolf into the executive office by promoting him as a champion for the environment. Why would they not want to share this moment of celebration in the inaugural limelight?

Could it be that they would need to be onstage with some of Pennsylvanias largest polluters? For example, those who unabashedly gave thousands of dollars (sometimes tens of thousands) in sponsorship included our neighborly gas extraction and exportation companies EQT Corp., Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. and The Williams Cos. Perhaps you may recognize other event sponsors like the legal firms that represent their gas clients permit violations, environmental damages and eminent domain proceedings in court.

How embarrassing it would have been for Big Green to be seen together as allies with their nemeses. I suppose it was better to let Big Oil and Gas celebrate their victory with the governor.

Timothy Runkle

Elizabethtown
Depravity has reached a new low.

Its support of abortion-related legislation in New York and in Virginia allows us to now refer to the Democratic Party as the Cult of Kermit Gosnell.

Taking the life of a child in the womb prior to viability on its own is horrific.

Taking the life of a living human being in the birth canal passes beyond horrific and touches upon infanticide.

Yet that is exactly what the legislation approves  taking the life of the child at any stage in pregnancy or the birth process.

By definition, morality concerns itself with right and wrong behavior and the goodness and badness of the human character.

The legislation falsely implies that destroying a human being is right behavior and a demonstration of the goodness in the human character.

Claiming that abortion is a morally divisive issue is a ploy with words that allow the immorality of abortion to be hidden behind a facade of words intended to mask the intent of the act.

Caring and nurturing have been replaced with killing and dismembering.

By wedding itself to a goal of unrestricted, lawful abortion, the Democratic Party is now Gosnellian.

Rather than justification for the destruction of life, we should focus on safeguarding life  two lives, mother and child  a verification that the greatest gift that each of us has received is the gift of life itself.

The survival of our society, if not all of humanity, demands it.

Daniel T. Fritsch

Manheim Township
David Lerman, a Berkeley, Calif., lawyer, changed health plans this year only to learn that his new insurer has no contract with the dominant medical provider in his community.

Anthem Blue Cross of California, one of the states largest health insurers, is battling with Sutter Health over how much it should pay to care for tens of thousands of its enrollees in Northern California. Sutter operates 24 hospitals in the region and lists about 5,000 doctors in its network.

Its not the peace of mind I thought I was buying to have the entire Sutter network  which is the biggest game in Northern California  be out-of-network, said Lerman, whose family is insured through his wifes job as a California State University professor.

Lerman and his family, who are enrolled in an Anthem Blue Cross PPO, can continue to visit Sutter facilities until midyear even if a new contract does not materialize before then. Fortunately, he said, nobody in his family suffers from a chronic illness. But not knowing which providers ultimately will be in his health plans network is aggravating, he said.

Contract disputes between insurers and medical providers have been a regular feature of the national health industry for a long time, but the stakes have risen as big players on both sides have expanded to gain market share  and leverage in network negotiations.

Most negotiations are completed before the old contract expires, and consumers usually dont hear about behind-the-scenes disagreements. But when insurers and providers fail to reach an agreement on time, it can force patients to pay higher prices for care that is no longer covered by their health plans. At the least, it can cause considerable anxiety.

It is a game of chicken, and at the end of the day somebody blinks and they come to an agreement, said Wendell Potter, a former senior executive at health insurance giant Cigna who became a critic of the industry and a strong proponent of sweeping health care reform. The big losers in this are patients, because theres a period of uncertainty and angst and a real possibility that the physicians and hospitals you want to go to are no longer in-network.

Amy Thoma Tan, a Sutter spokeswoman, said in an emailed statement, We are in active negotiations with Anthem Blue Cross and recognize that a timely agreement  one that protects access and choice  is in the best interest of our patients, employers, hospitals and clinicians.

A statement by Eric Lail, an Anthem Blue Cross spokesman, was even less enlightening: As we negotiate with providers, we try to strike a balance between protecting affordability and providing a broad network of providers to create choices, which can take time.

Sutter, under fire for high prices, has been accused of using its regional market share for financial advantage. As large hospital systems merge with competitors and snap up medical practices, its much more difficult for insurers to say, OK, were letting you go, said Sabrina Corlette, a research professor at Georgetown Universitys Center on Health Insurance Reforms.

Corlette said both sides should have a greater incentive these days to come to an agreement. When you have a big behemoth health care system and a big behemoth payer with tens of thousands of enrolled lives, the incentives to work something out privately become much stronger, she said. The PR risks are so high for both parties.

Other states have seen their share of feuding between health systems and insurers.

In western Pennsylvania, nearly 50,000 people with Medicare managed-care plans from Highmark Health will lose in-network access to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center hospitals and doctors starting July 1, because of a slow-moving divorce between the two regional health giants.

Among those patients is Judy Hays, a 75-year-old retired office manager from the Pittsburgh suburb of Crescent Township who relies on UPMCs physicians and hospitals to treat a rare form of leukemia. Now, she plans to change doctors mid-treatment because she wants to keep her insurance, which she said has paid for her expensive medications. Its very tough. These people have been taking care of me for the last nine years. I cant have any interruption in my care, Hays told Kaiser Health News. Im very angry about it.

In Georgia, WellStar Health System, with 11 hospitals and numerous medical offices, plans to stop accepting Anthems individual policyholders as in-network patients on Feb. 4, amid a contract dispute between the two companies.

In 2017, an impasse between Anthem and the Hartford HealthCare system in Connecticut forced hundreds of thousands of patients to go out-of-network before the two parties finally inked a deal. The patients bills were retroactively treated as in-network, so patients did not suffer financially.

However, there were stories of people who had to cancel surgeries and switch providers, said Ted Doolittle, Connecticuts state health care advocate. There was all this anxiety and disruption.

Under pressure from their constituents, Connecticut lawmakers last year passed legislation enabling consumers to continue getting care at in-network prices for 60 days during contract disputes. The new law is an improvement, said Doolittle, who had urged legislators to pass such legislation.

In the current California dispute, Anthem Blue Cross members with PPOs can still use Sutter doctors and hospitals at in-network rates for the next six months, said Thoma Tan, the Sutter spokeswoman. People with HMOs face more uncertainty.

Lail, the Anthem Blue Cross spokesman, said in an emailed statement that our consumers can continue to see their Sutter care providers for the time being as these negotiations continue. But as required by state law, the insurer has notified patients with Medicare and Medi-Cal HMO plans that they may be reassigned to non-Sutter providers, Lail said.

There are exceptions that will allow pregnant women, very young children and some other patients to continue receiving care from Sutter at in-network rates, regardless of the type of insurance they have with Anthem Blue Cross, Thoma Tan said.

Sutter has quarreled with other insurers, including Blue Shield of California in a dispute that affected about 270,000 consumers before the two sides reached a deal that took effect in February 2015.

Sutters market dominance in California and its high prices for inpatient care have long drawn criticism. One patient reported that Sutter charged $1,555 for a 10-minute ER visit to treat a cut finger, including $55 for a gel bandage and $487 for a tetanus shot.

Last year, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra sued the giant health system, alleging it had illegally overcharged patients and drove out competition in California. Sutter has contended that Becerra overstepped his authority and that limiting Sutters ability to negotiate with insurers will harm consumers.

Anthem Blue Cross, which insures hundreds of thousands of Californians and whose parent company, Anthem, generated profits of $3.8 billion in 2017, has also drawn the ire of state regulators. The Department of Managed Care fined it $5 million in 2017 for failing to respond in a timely way to consumer complaints. The state previously had fined Anthem Blue Cross for consumer grievances totaling $6 million between 2002 and 2017.

In Berkeley, David Lerman just wants Anthem and Sutter to resolve their differences so his family will have access to the most comprehensive coverage options.

As a consumer, is there no place where you can go and not worry that youll not be covered? he fretted. If Im sick, do I go to the local hospital  or to the airport and fly to Europe?

This KHN story first published on California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation.

Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.
Yes, it's that time of the year and love is in the air. With Valentine's Day around the corner, LancasterOnline wants to know your favorite restaurants for a date night.

The restaurant can be the neighborhood bar that has special meaning to you, maybe the diner where you met or the place where you go for some fine dining.

We will compile the top suggestions into a list to share with readers.
Saying it's time for Pennsylvania to take matters into its own hands, six state senators, including Sen. Ryan Aument of Landisville, say they will soon introduce a bill to save the Three Mile Island and Beaver Valley nuclear plants from closure.

Their proposal: add nuclear power to the state's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, which requires that 18 percent of the electricity supplied by Pennsylvanias electric companies come from alternative energy sources.

The mandate, passed in 2004, provides incentives to wind, solar, hydroelectric and other sources with low carbon footprints. The proposal would presumably raise the value of nuclear power.

"It's time that we finally acknowledge nuclear generation for its considerable zero-carbon production by including it in Pennsylvania's AEPS program," the senators said. "In doing so, we can ensure that nuclear continues to provide the employment, economic, environmental and grid resilience benefits for years to come."

The initiative was immediately praised by some groups and blasted by others.

"Allowing any nuclear plant in the Commonwealth to close would have significant consequences for fuel diversity, resiliency, the environment, customers and the state's economy," said the Nuclear Powers Pennsylvania group.

The group said the legislation would correct a fundamental flaw in electric markets that now doesn't value nuclear power's "zero-carbon electricity."

But Citizens Against Nuclear Bailouts warned the move "would burden Pennsylvania consumers with higher electricity bills to fund a nuclear bailout tax, which would benefit already profitable nuclear power corporations."

Aument is the co-founder of the Bicameral Nuclear Energy Caucus that has urged the governor and the General Assembly to join a handful or other states and take matters into their own hands to prevent the loss of two of its nine nuclear plants.
Magisterial District Judge Janice Jimenezs recent decision to retire was "difficult" and "emotional," she said.

Its been an honor to be your district judge for 11 years, Jimenez, 54, said Monday, thanking the residents of the northeast part of Lancaster city for their support.

Health issues, which she did not want to discuss, led to her decision to retire almost 11 years to the day she took her seat in District 02-2-04.

Current colleagues and former campaign advisers praised Jimenez for her hard work.

Her 2007 run for the seat was all about breaking barriers, said Alan Silverman, who helped with her campaign.

First of all, there wasnt a female in that position for years. There wasnt a Latina in that position ever. Third, the last Democrat to sit in the seat was in the Civil War era, Silverman said.

But Jimenez won, becoming the first Latina elected in Pennsylvania to the post of magisterial district judge outside of the Philadelphia area.

Her term began on Jan. 7, 2008, and she retired Jan. 6.

I think I broke the ceiling and the roof for others, she said. Its not given to you, its hard work.

An influencer

Prior to being a judge, Jimenez was as a sergeant on Millersville Universitys police force. She earned a degree in sociology and criminology from the university in 2006.

Norman Bristol Colon, a leader of Lancasters Latino community, said her 2007 campaign was about honesty, integrity and leadership.

She showed those three values from the bench, he said.

Colon credited Jimenez for changing the course of Lancaster politics.

Thats why you have so many diverse individuals running for different positions in the City of Lancaster, he said.

Greg Paulson, who also worked on her first campaign and is chief of staff for state Rep. Mike Sturla, said public officials, attorneys and constituents regard Jimenez highly.

The community will be hard pressed to replace such a hardworking and fair judge, he said.

Jimenez said she plans to stay in Lancaster, and she wont rule out working in law or criminal justice in the future. For now, shes going to focus on her health, she said.

She said shell miss her post as judge, adding, Theres good and bad in that line of work.

Filling the seat

Senior district judges are covering Jimenezs former seat on a rotating basis, according to Lancaster County Court Administrator Russell Glass.

The seat, along with the vacant District 02-3-09 seat in Elizabethtown, will be up for election in November, he said. The Elizabethtown court seat became open after Jayne Duncan resigned last year.

Mount Joy Magisterial District Judge Scott Albert has been covering the Elizabethtown court since September, Glass said.

Pennsylvania district justices are paid $90,154 annually as of January 2018. Senior judges are paid $558 per day, according to state code.

Glass said Jimenez served her district with distinction.

We relied upon her knowledge, experience and expertise she so willingly shared with many of her colleagues, Glass said.

Although her departure leaves a tremendous void on our bench, we wish her well in her retirement.
A 20-year-old East Lampeter Township man charged with giving drugs to a woman who fatally overdosed had his case bound over to Lancaster County Court on Friday.

Ryan Hughes was charged in January with drug delivery resulting in death and criminal use of a cellphone. He waived a preliminary hearing scheduled for Friday, and District Judge Denise Commins ordered his case to go on to county court, the Lancaster County district attorney's office said.

East Lampeter Township police said Hughes invited the woman, 23, to his home Aug. 3, and gave her what she thought was Xanax, according to the district attorney's office. Xanax is a prescription medication to treat anxiety.

Hughes gave her a powder of heroin, fentanyl and Xanax, according to police.

The woman died of a fentanyl-involved overdose, the district attorney's office said.

Police found some of the powder in Hughes' bedroom. Cell phone conversations showed he had invited the woman to his home to provide her Xanax, according to the district attorney's office.

Hughes remains in Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $750,000 bail.
About 550 people watched lion and dragon dances, heard traditional music and ate traditional food at the recent annual Vietnamese Tet Festival at the Farm and Home Center.

The event was only one of the many held in Lancaster County by the Chinese and Vietnamese communities to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

This year is the Year of the Pig. Of the 12 animals that make up the Chinese zodiac cycle, the pig is the last and is often associated with fortune and personality, said Nguyen Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Mutual Assistance Association of Central PA.

The association holds an annual celebration with communities in Lancaster, Harrisburg and Lebanon.

We dont live in Vietnam anymore, so we want to keep the tradition for the next generation, Nguyen said.

Traditional practices differ among different communities, but many practices are very similar.

Red

The color red is considered lucky and therefore widely used around the new year.

Red envelopes are used to give a two dollar bill for the elderly and one dollar to children, said Nguyen.

Red lanterns are considered a symbol of booming life and prosperity, Rose Long, president of the Lancaster Chinese Association, said in an email.

Well wishes written on banners that frame doorways, and paper cut in patterns that represent prosperity and luck are also red, she said.

Food

Food is steeped in symbolism.

In Chinese culture, whole fish signify an increasing prosperity, and Chinese people always like to have a surplus at the end of the year, Long said.

Dumplings and spring rolls signify wealth, Tangyuan (sweet rice balls) signify the togetherness of family, Niangao (glutinous rice cake) signify a higher income or a higher position and noodles symbolizing happiness and longevity are also traditionally prepared foods, she said.

In Vietnamese culture, sticky rice rolled up in a banana leaf with meat and vegetarian filling inside  Tet  is the most common food for the new year, Nguyen said.

A fruit platter is also prepared with coconut, soursop, papaya, mango (watermelon on the side) as a symbol of praying to have enough rice, meat, or whatever else for the upcoming year, he said.

Other traditions

Fireworks play a big role in the celebrations ringing in the lunar new year.

In places like Hong Kong, the new year is expected to be ushered in with fireworks that will last for about 23 minutes, according to the Hong Kong Traveler.

Traditionally, families get together for a meal on the lunar new years eve and visit their place of worship before the new year starts, Nguyen said.

Houses are also cleaned so that families may be fresh in the new year, Nguyen said.
(AP) Hong Kong's High Court refused on Friday to allow three transgender men to be recognized as males on their official identity cards because they have not undergone full sex-change operations.

The ruling was seen as a blow to the fledgling LGBT movement in the semiautonomous Chinese city of 7.4 million people, which is preparing to host the 2022 Gay Games.

The three, identified as Henry Tse, Q and R, are shown on their ID cards as having been born female, but are undergoing hormone therapy. A full sex change would require the removal of female sexual organs, making them sterile.

Appearing in court, Tse unfurled a banner that read, "Forced Sterilization is cruel and inhumane. Recognize our Rights NOW!"

In his ruling, Judge Thomas Au wrote that "the change of gender entry stated in the ID card does not only concern the private right of the transgender person but also the wider public interest."

Like many Asian societies, Hong Kong has become more open about gender issues, although the legal system is sometimes slow to follow.

Amnesty International called the judgment "a missed opportunity to address the discrimination transgender people in Hong Kong face."

"No one should be forced to undergo gender affirming surgery in order to have their gender legally recognized," Man-kei Tam, director of Amnesty International Hong Kong, said in a statement.

Friday's decision follows a ruling last week by Japan's Supreme Court upholding a law that effectively requires transgender people to be sterilized before they can have their gender changed on official documents. That ruling was widely denounced by human rights and LGBT activists and may spark further legal action.

Japan is one of many countries with a sterilization requirement. In 2017, the European Court of Human Rights said 22 of the countries under its jurisdiction still required sterilization as part of a legal gender change, and it ordered them to end the practice.

Maria Sjodin, deputy executive director of OutRight Action International, which monitors LGBT rights issues worldwide, said she was unsure if all 22 of those countries have fully implemented the court's order.

In Hong Kong, the judgment seemed at odds with a 2013 ruling that allowed a transgender woman known as W to have her gender changed to female on her identity card. W had successfully sued in the city's highest legal body, the Court of Final Appeal, for her right to marry her boyfriend.

Following that case, the city's Equal Opportunities Commission recommended that the government drop the requirement for complete sex reassignment. The government in 2017 held a public consultation on whether the commission's recommendations should adopted but has yet to release the findings.
Break out the muck boots. Lancaster Countys mud sales will soon start.

The mud sales begin Feb. 22 with Strasburg Fire Co.s spring sale and continue through summertime. These fundraisers are a place to find a great deal and they bring in money for volunteer fire companies, schools and nonprofits.

For many fire companies, the sales are the biggest fundraisers. For example, Refton Fire Company raises about a third of its budget during its mud sale, says treasurer John King.

At West Earl Fire Co.s sale, one of the most popular auctions is for donated quilts. Selling just the quilts can bring in more than $50,000, says fire company member Kristopher Pursel.

That money buys equipment and pays to maintain firefighting headquarters.

The sales are also a chance for the community to gather (and eat some hearty food, often homemade).

It ends up being a super community event so to speak, says Mervin Ebersol, chairman auction committee at Bareville Volunteer Fire Co.

While many are called mud sales because theyre held in spring, good weathers also appreciated.

If its not precipitating, its a good day, says Amos Allgyer, public relations chairman of the Gordonville Spring Mud Sale & Auction. We can handle mud. We can handle cold.

Heres the remaining mud sales for the season to check out throughout Lancaster County (and a few more in the region):

August 9-10: Gap Relief Auction

When: Fridays auctions start at 4 p.m. and Saturdays auctions start at 8:30 a.m. Benefits Mennonite Central Committee.

Fridays auctions start at 4 p.m. and Saturdays auctions start at 8:30 a.m. Benefits Mennonite Central Committee. Where: Solanco Fairgrounds, 172 S. Lime Street, Quarryville.

Solanco Fairgrounds, 172 S. Lime Street, Quarryville. More information: 717-786-0880 or bit.ly/GapSale2019.

August 16-17: Intercourse Fire Company Consignment Auction

When: Saturday auctions start at 8 a.m.

Saturday auctions start at 8 a.m. Where: Intercourse Fire Company, 10 North Hollander Road, Intercourse.

Intercourse Fire Company, 10 North Hollander Road, Intercourse. More information: 717-768-3402.

August 24: Bareville Fire Company Consignment Auction

Where: Bareville Volunteer Fire Company, 211 East Main St., Leola.

Bareville Volunteer Fire Company, 211 East Main St., Leola. More information: 717-656-7554.

Outside the county:

October 26: Cochranville Fire Company Mud Sale

Where: Cochranville Volunteer Fire Company, 3135 Limestone Road, Cochranville

Cochranville Volunteer Fire Company, 3135 Limestone Road, Cochranville More information: 610-593-5800
A major Lancaster developer wants to rezone nearly 100 acres of farmland at State Road and Harrisburg Pike near Route 283 in East Hempfield Township.

Oak Tree Development is asking the township to change the two-parcel propertys zoning from agricultural holding to campus zoning and enterprise zoning.

Oak Tree President Mike OBrien said Monday that his company has yet to decide how it wants to develop the property, which has drawn the interest of numerous developers over the years.

Were just talking to the marketplace, he said. We have some vision for the property but we dont have it fully formed.

But OBrien did say that Oak Trees plan, whatever shape it takes, would be less dense than plans proposed by those other developers, who eyed housing projects and an aquatic center.

And he said that Oak Trees plan would be compatible with adjoining uses.

Most likely, there will be a combination of uses allowed in the (township zoning) ordinance. It will be developed in a way that works well with (adjacent uses), he said.

The township uses agriculture holding zoning on parcels it sees as future growth areas... that are not yet needed for development... until such time as the Township determines there is a need to rezone to a more intensive use, according to the ordinance.

Oak Tree is asking that 68.1 acres be changed to campus zoning. Permitted uses include hospitals, assisted living facilities, schools, housing, offices, hotels and restaurants.

Predominant characteristics of a campus-style development include a mixture of uses that are complementary to the principal use..., the ordinance says.

This zone requires that special attention be given to design to ensure all elements of a campus development, particularly pedestrian connectivity, streetscape, and landscaping enhancements, are coordinated and fit within a planned campus development, it adds.

Oak Tree is asking that the propertys other 30.5 acres be changed to enterprise zoning. Permitted uses include auctions, light and general industrial, offices and self-storage facilities.

The township ordinance describes enterprise zoning as a designation for business areas that bring employment and economic/financial stability that help to create a more sustainable community.

To start the lengthy township approval process, Oak Tree will submit its rezoning requests to the township supervisors at their 7 p.m. Wednesday meeting.

There will be no presentation, discussion or action on the plan, except that the supervisors will vote on whether to refer the rezoning petitions to the township planners for review.

If the township approves the rezoning, Oak Tree next would submit a master plan that outlines its intentions. Later, Oak Tree would need to submit a land development plan.

Oak Tree is active in East Hempfield Township and beyond.

Inside the township, its developing Lime Spring Square and Lime Spring Farm. Outside, its redeveloping the Wilbur Chocolate complex in Lititz Borough.

Previous projects include Richmond Square in Manheim Township, CityGate in Lancaster city, Donegal Square in Rapho Township and the Mountain Springs Hotel site in Ephrata Borough.

The State Road property being eyed by Oak Tree consists of a 31.7-acre parcel on the west side of State Road and a 66.9-acre parcel on the east side.

The western parcel is owned by Centaurus LLC and the eastern parcel by Mann Family Partnership II. Oak Tree has sales agreements in place to buy both, according to OBrien.
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With contributions from Lori Galarreta

A lot of rain has been falling in SoCal, which is a blessing as we strive to bounce back from drought, and a curse with flooding, debris flows and the ensuing chaos on roadways.

But another downside to the downpour is how it flushes out an embarrassing truth about modern life in SoCal: we are horrifyingly good at accumulating waste and polluting the local environment.

L.A.'s flood channel has so much trash it could fill the Rose Bowl field two stories high, according to the county's Public Works department.

When it rains as it has been since Thursday, local rivers and storm drains flow, sending all our trash to the ocean we love to celebrate. While our sewer system is separate, litter and debris travels unfiltered to its new home on the coast.

"As a result, our beaches look like landfills after every major rain," Mark Gold, vice chancellor at UCLA's Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, recently told KPCC's Take Two. Gold said that while the much-needed rain is good for local plant life and collecting water, it's "not so great for human health or for aquatic life and our ecosystems."

Seal Beach served as Exhibit A this week, with its typically picturesque shore covered in garbage and debris.

And it's not just the obvious, single-use plastic items like straws, cups and bags that end up in our oceans. Gold explained how residue on our streets and sidewalks wash away, too, including car oil and copper from brake pads, which can be toxic to marine life.

Then there's the animal waste (thank that neighbor who never picks up after their dog) that makes the coastal waters a bacteria breeding ground. That's why public health departments advise people not to swim or surf in the ocean for a few days after a storm.

#HealthAlert: @LAHealthOfficer has extended the Beach Water Use Advisory for all LA County beaches until Wed, Feb 6 at 10:00 a.m. Avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers. #LARAIN More info: https://t.co/LlitTjYRAW pic.twitter.com/fXE0lzzdIs  LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) February 3, 2019

Despite the sad state of stormwater capture, Gold said there is hope in the form of Measure W, which L.A. County voters approved in November. The parcel tax is expected to generate an estimated $300 million per year to fund projects to collect and clean more stormwater, which would mean stopping pollutants from reaching the ocean.

Gold said Southern Californians can also help on the individual level by shifting consumer habits -- namely our "addiction" to single-use plastic items.

"It's just basically thinking more about [how] you don't want some sort of item that literally has a useful life of less than ten minutes," he said.

Essay: I Tried To Live Plastic-Free For A Month. Here's What Happened
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Stroll through Chinatown and if you're not trapped in line at Howlin' Rays or munching on a slice of Phoenix Bakery's famous strawberry cake, you can discover local history through small signs on buildings and historical markers that dot the sidewalks. Today, the area faces more change, thanks to a new wave of gentrification. Nouveau foodie joints attract young crowds while old school restaurants still draw regulars. Developers erect high-end apartment buildings but some seniors halted a proposed rent increase.

Born out of necessity for a community displaced by racism and civic development, the neighborhood has endured for more than 80 years -- but the Chinatown we know today isn't Los Angeles's first such enclave.

A man assists a child across the street on wooden planks in L.A.'s Old Chinatown, circa 1930s. (Security Pacific National Bank Collection/Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

NOT SO ANCIENT HISTORY

Almost nothing remains of Los Angeles's original Chinatown, which sprung up in the mid-1800s near the city's origins, on Olvera Street.

China in the 19th century was in the midst of a population boom, resulting in "land shortages, famine and an increasingly impoverished rural population." Fleeing poverty and political upheaval, Chinese migrants crossed the Pacific for greener pastures in the United States. They often ended up in California, working in industries like mining and agriculture.

MORE: Not Just Dragon Dancing. The History Of LA's Chinatown Parade You Might Not Know

They began settling in and around the area now known as El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, the oldest part of the city. This was a time of immense growth for L.A., which had only become part of the United States in 1848. Near the city's center, multiple ethnic neighborhoods -- the French colony, Little Italy, Sonoratown, Little Tokyo -- took shape while wealthier residents headed to chic neighborhoods like Bunker Hill. Chinatown grew as laborers poured in to work on projects like the San Fernando Tunnel in Newhall.

Exterior view of an unidentified Chinese market with vegetable bins, flowers, "take-out" boxes in L.A.'s Old Chinatown. A sign with Chinese characters above the flowers reads: "Chinese groceries & vegetables." Circa 1930s. (Works Progress Administration Collection/Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

Once here, they faced profound racial discrimination. Newspaper stories spawned negative stereotypes and disparaged Chinese people. Fears that new arrivals were taking jobs from white people stoked growing anti-Chinese sentiment. Racist violence was a reality. That didn't stop immigrants.

By 1870, L.A. was a city of approximately 5,000 people, about 200 of whom were Chinese. Half of them lived on Calle de Los Negros, an alley tucked between El Pueblo Plaza and Old Arcadia Street.

On the night of October 24, 1871, the powder keg of resentment and racism exploded into one of the worst lynchings in U.S. history.

After a police officer and a civilian were shot during a gunfight between rival gangs, a mob of 500 people laid siege to one of Chinatown's most important buildings. The mob robbed, beat and murdered approximately 18 Chinese people. (The exact number of people who were killed has been hard to pin down.) Eight people were tried and found guilty for the Chinese Massacre of 1871 but their convictions were later overturned.

A decade later, in 1882, the federal Chinese Exclusion Act prevented Chinese immigrants from becoming U.S. citizens. The California Alien Land Law of 1913 prevented "aliens ineligible for citizenship" from buying land.

Still, Chinatown's population grew as Chinese people moved from rural areas to an urban one.

"As the region shifted from an agricultural economy to more of an urban economy, so did the job opportunities," says Eugene Moy of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California. "Then there was a need for other kinds of services, whether it was providing food, shopkeepers and restaurants, or personal services like laundries and shoe repair and that kind of work."

Two girls and a boy walk down the sidewalk in Old Chinatown, next to rolling gate that has been pulled across a storefront, circa 1937. (Herman J. Schultheis Collection/Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

Chinese people, as with other ethnic groups, faced restrictions on where they could live. Sometimes, they were explicitly barred from neighborhoods by covenants, portions of deeds that forbade people of various racial or ethnic groups from living in a residence. Other times, they faced unspoken barriers.

"There might not have been a legal mechanism to prevent you from moving to a certain neighborhood, but the property owners, the landlords, would practice discrimination," says Moy. "You couldn't become a naturalized citizen under the exclusion laws, so many went on to achieve success, but not achieve full-fledged citizenship. We didn't really have a complete community in the sense that people didn't feel like they were fully a part of American society."

Nevertheless, Chinatown flourished and expanded eastward.

Tyrus Wong's Dragon's Den Chinese Foods Restaurant, located in L.A.'s Old Chinatown. A sign reads "Fook Wo Lung Curio Co." Another sign advertises a sale of Chinese merchandise from the last of Old Chinatown, due to a need to vacate premises, circa 1930s. (Harry Quillen Collection/Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

In addition to general stores and other necessary businesses, various Chinese organizations took shape. These included family associations for people connected by the same last name. In Chinatown, these groups often functioned as intermediaries, connecting employers with potential employees. Family associations are different from tongs, whose disputes captured headlines in the early 20th century.

"It was partly real," says Moy of the so-called tong wars, "partly a perception created by the press."

Old Chinatown had its heyday from 1890 to 1910, when it could count approximately 15 streets and about 200 units in various buildings, according to Old Chinatown L.A. A 1988 guidebook about the neighborhood's history said it boasted "a Chinese opera theater, three temples, a newspaper (for a while), and later, its own telephone exchange." The Golden Dragon Parade that has become a Lunar New Year tradition in Los Angeles traces its roots to a parade that started near Old Chinatown in the late 1800s.

Along the way, the land that Old Chinatown sat on, located next to several intersecting rail lines, had become valuable. Industrialists and city leaders wanted it for a rail hub. In November 1914, "San Francisco capitalist" L.F. Hanchett bought 25 acres of land in the area, ostensibly to build warehouses but really to build a train station. His plan didn't succeed but it sowed the seeds for what was to come. Although Union Station is one of L.A.'s crown jewels, the story of its development is far less pretty.

A Chinese dragon is paraded through the dirt streets of Old Chinatown, circa 1930. (Security Pacific National Bank Collection/Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

OBLIQUE STRATEGIES

In 1926, Angelenos were presented with the option of a new train station or "elevated railways" known as an L train. City leaders, the Los Angeles Times and even famed preacher Aimee Semple McPherson were loudly anti-L and pro-train station -- and that's how people voted.

It would take more than a decade for the new train station to become a reality. In the process, much of Old Chinatown was leveled to make way for the project. (The rest of the neighborhood was demolished between the late 1940s and early '50s to make way for the 101 freeway.) All that remains of Old Chinatown is a portion of one building inside the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. Known as the Garnier Building, it was home to community organizations, businesses and residences. Today, it houses the Chinese American Museum.

As Chinatown residents were evicted to make way for Union Station, one man stumbled upon a solution in a neighborhood that had previously been home to Mexican, French and Italian communities.

Born in Old Chinatown around 1900, Peter Soo Hoo graduated from USC in 1923 and became the first Chinese American employed as an engineer by the Department of Water and Power. He came across Santa Fe Railway land near the site of the Zanja Madre, the Los Angeles aqueduct that had been shuttered by the early 1900s.

Peter Soo Hoo in Old Chinatown in the early 1930s. (Peter Soo Hoo, Jr. Collection/Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

Alien land laws, which wouldn't be invalidated by California's Supreme Court until 1952, meant migrants had to buy property in the names of their U.S.-born children. Soo Hoo forged an alliance with Herbert Lapham, a white Santa Fe Railroad agent, who gave them a deal of 75 cents per square foot. That workaround helped bring New Chinatown to life.

The initial group of founders who came together to create L.A.'s New Chinatown was comprised of 28 people. They were primarily restaurant and shop owners whose ventures, like the Grand Star and K.G. Louie, would come to be associated with the neighborhood.

In June of 1938, New Chinatown debuted with the grand opening of Central Plaza, located off of College St. between Broadway and Hill. It was an immediate success although Soo Hoo wouldn't get to experience it for long. He died in 1945, at the age of 45, of a cerebral hemorrhage.

The West Gate, which marks the Castelar (Hill Street) entrance to New Chinatown, is partially made of 150-year-old camphor wood. The four Chinese characters across the top, composed by T.K. Chang, translate as "Cooperate to Achieve." Circa 1939. (Herman J. Schultheis Collection/Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

MIDCENTURY MODERNIZATION

Chinatown quickly became a destination. In its first year, the neighborhood celebrated the Mid Autumn Moon Festival. According to a Los Angeles Times article, the event attracted 25,000 people for a parade highlighted by a 1,000-foot golden dragon and celebrity guests such as actresses Anna May Wong and Soo Yong.

World War II brought the end of the Exclusion Act. Although immigration quotas remained tight, the War Brides Act and Displaced Persons Act contributed to population growth.

While visitors came to Chinatown to shop for jewelry and gifts or dine on Chinese food, the neighborhood was also developing resources that would be crucial to the growth of the area's Chinese American population. Among these developments were new financial institutions created by and for the Chinese community.

"Before the '60s in L.A., the ability to get financing for a new enterprise was limited to a few options," says Moy. "You save your own money or you borrow from family. That was it."

F. Chow Chan, who founded Phoenix Bakery, among other businesses, helped change that.

January 27, 1941: "In Los Angeles and other cities where there are large Chinese sections, the New Year is celebrated in traditional fashion. The local Chinese in new Chinatown on North Broadway and China City on North Main street today started their eight-day festival with all the glamor [sic] and color of ancient pageantry. Here Marian Lee and Sylvia Wong are shown feeding the Good Luck Lion before a dance." (Herald Examiner Collection/El Pueblo Monument Photo Collection)

According to a program at a 2007 Chinese Historical Society event honoring local Chinese American banking innovators, Chan had faced trouble securing loans. He then spent years trying unsuccessfully to start a savings and loan before helping launch the commercial Cathay Bank. He eventually started his own savings and loan, now known as East West Bank, in the early 1970s.

The 1965 Immigration & Nationality Act loosened strict immigration quotas, while the Vietnam War and political struggles in Hong Kong brought new migrants to Chinatown in the '60s and '70s.

"Our population began to diversify, especially beginning in the 1960s because of these changes," Moy says, noting that early waves of migrants tended to come from Guangdong (Canton) or Fujian. "Now, with people coming from other regions, the new immigrants brought with them different languages, different foodways, different religions."

A view of Chinatown with paper lanterns can be seen hanging throughout the plaza. Many Chinese restaurants are located in this plaza, including Phoenix Bakery on the right edge of this photo. (Security Pacific National Bank Collection/Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

That impacted the way people in the community saw themselves and their place in Southern California.

"By the 1950s, 1960s, many Chinese Americans had been encouraged to assimilate, to adopt American ways. Many became Christian. Many joined other social organizations and activities, the American Legion or the Rotary Club or become more 'American' by joining traditional organizations," Moy says.

Later immigrants, arriving in the 1960s and '70s, formed a critical mass and had more freedom to build their own institutions rather than conforming to traditional American ones.

"You could bring your cultural institutions from China or other parts of Asia -- Thailand or Vietnam -- and set up new houses of worship, set up a Chinese school or a Mandarin school or organize a Thai supermarket. There is that increased diversity that has actually created a different Chinatown than we had 50 years ago," Moy says.

He points to Yale Ave. as an example. At one end, near a cul-de-sac, you'll find First Chinese Baptist Church. On the other end is Thien Hau Temple, a Taoist temple dedicated to Mazu, goddess of the sea. Both are large and active establishments.

People gather in Chinatown to celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Snake in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. (Photo by Char)

BRANCHING OUT

In the latter half of the 20th century, Chinese American communities developed outside of Chinatown, including Irvine, Monterey Park and Alhambra.

This was due, in part, to the civil rights victories of that era. It was also a result of Chinatown's small size. The neighborhood measures less than a square mile.

Immigrants began bypassing Chinatown. "They didn't need to come to Chinatown first as the port of entry and migrate. They could go directly to these growing areas," Moy says.

The late 20th and early 21st century have seen more changes in Chinatown.

A general view during day 1 of the FYF Fest 2013 at Los Angeles State Historic Park on August 24, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Cowan/Getty Images for FYF)

Beginning in the late 1990s, art galleries began springing up in the neighborhood, clustered along Chung King Road. In 2003, Metro's Gold Line opened in Chinatown. Community activism in the area, which was considered "park poor," led to the development of Los Angeles State Historic Park, a project that began in 2001 and finally opened until 2017.

In the last few years, a wave of ultra-hip restaurants and bars -- Chego, Howlin' Rays, LASA, Majordomo, Highland Park Brewery, Oriel -- have opened in Chinatown. The area has also seen an influx of construction, including apartment complexes with high rents.

With growth, comes gentrification.

In 2018, residents of senior housing facility The Metro @ Chinatown fought a proposed 8% rent increase and won, sort of. Although they won't pay more rent, the deal is subsidized by a future development, the 725-unit College Station.

In a city where development has often been marked by displacement and xenophobia, L.A.'s Chinatown shares its historical DNA with other neighborhoods.

At his office in the Chinese Historical Society, Moy, who has been involved with the organization since 1976, explains, "One of the things that we do is to show that Chinese American History did not exist in isolation. It was really part of a larger context of the development of L.A., the development of Southern California, of California and the U.S. and, for that matter, the rest of the world."
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Tens of thousands of canceled hearings. Delays of new cases. Judges with no time to review existing cases. Missing files. A shortage of court interpreters. This was the situation in L.A.'s immigration court as it reopened after the shutdown.

President Trump launched his showdown with Congress in the name of getting tough on unauthorized immigration, but the five-week partial government shutdown dealt a blow to the administration's efforts to clear the courts' massive backlog and speed deportations.

The federal agency that oversees the courts says people whose hearings were canceled during the shutdown -- an independent group estimates there were more than 80,000 nationwide -- will be receiving notices in the mail with a new hearing date. When that will happen is not clear.

Meanwhile, it's taken time for the courts to get up to speed after the shutdown.

On a recent morning, attorney Richard Lucero emerged from the immigration court building in downtown Los Angeles after a hearing, his first after the shutdown ended. He said things were almost normal, save for one thing.

"Today I proceeded with my case. It was a status conference. The only difference is the government didn't have their file," he said. "The judges had their files ... so [the government attorneys] are still under a little bit of a disadvantage."

During the shutdown, the only cases heard were those of detained immigrants, a small percentage of the overall pending caseload.

When courts like the one in downtown L.A. reopened, more cases had to be continued, judges say. Some government case files stored off-site didn't make it to court because no one had been around to order them. Judges who were furloughed hadn't had time to review cases. Interpreters, who have to be booked in advance, were scarce.

And no one knows when people whose hearings were canceled will have their day in court.

"GO TO THE END OF THE LINE"

All this is happening against a pre-existing backlog of more than 800,000 pending cases nationwide. According to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University, there are more than 76,000 pending cases in Los Angeles, home to the nation's second-busiest immigration court.

"The shutdown was a huge, huge impediment to being able to complete cases," said immigration judge Ashley Tabaddor, who works in the L.A. court.

Of the hearings that were canceled during the shutdown, "the ones that were set for trial will likely have to go to the end of the line," said Tabaddor, who is president of the National Association of Immigration Judges.

"So based on each judge's docket, sometimes it can be two years, three years or more for those cases to be heard," she said. "The shutdown was the worst thing you could do for speeding up the process."

Simple status hearings are one thing, she said, but deportation cases that are set for trial require extensive preparation -- which in some cases couldn't happen during the shutdown.

Tabaddor recalled a case she had on her calendar the first day the court reopened.

"I just frankly told the people that I don't have the ability to go forward today, because I have not been able to read the 500 pages of filings that have been made in this case, and neither had the government," she said. "The government attorney didn't even know what the case was about."

So the case was continued, joining the others that were held up during the shutdown.

YOU CAN ASK TO MOVE UP YOUR COURT DATE, BUT DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH

According to the Executive Office for Immigration Review, which oversees the courts, people whose hearings were canceled may petition to move their hearing up once they receive a new court date.

But because the courts are so backlogged, such petitions are rarely granted, said Lucero, the immigration attorney.

He said exceptions may be made if there's a special circumstance, like an illness in the family. But "just because you want a sooner court date, that's not going to happen," said Lucero, who represents clients pro bono for the Coalition for Humane Immigration Rights of Los Angeles.

It was just a few months ago that former Attorney General Jeff Sessions called on immigration judges to work through cases much more quickly and discouraged them from granting continuances. Sessions also introduced a policy saying judges could not receive a favorable performance review unless they met an annual quota of completed cases.

But that was before the shutdown.

"It's a little bit contrary to [Sessions'] order if the government is shutting down and because of this, these cases are now going to be delayed for years and years," Lucero said.

CAMPING OUT IN A CRAMPED EL SERENO BEDROOM

In lots of cases, he said, canceling a hearing can benefit the person the government wants to deport.

"If you don't have a very strong case here in the immigration court ... it would benefit you to delay your case as much as possible, maybe ... hoping for a new administration," Lucero said.

However, for people with strong cases who've spent months or years waiting for a hearing, "this shutdown is detrimental to you" because of the added delays, he said.

Zuleyma Pacheco fits into that latter category. She's a Salvadoran asylum seeker who spent two years waiting for an immigration court hearing that was set for January 9. Because it's taken so long for her case to be processed, Pacheco could be eligible for a work permit. But she had to appear in court to seek one.

"Now, everything is delayed," she said, sounding dejected one recent afternoon at home in El Sereno. "I'm just trying to get by here in this country, with the work permit that one needs to have."

Pacheco, 46, said she was hoping to earn a better living while her asylum case played out. Right now, she and her 10-year-old son are camped out in her legal-resident mother's apartment, which is already shared with roommates. The three share a cramped bedroom.

Pacheco has no idea when she'll get another hearing date.

Meanwhile, in the L.A. court, the focus right now is to get fully up to speed just to deal with the scheduled hearings, said Tabaddor, the immigration judge. After that will come the thousands that were canceled.

It's not clear how much time the immigration courts will have to get things back to normal. Trump has threatened another government shutdown soon if he doesn't get money for a border wall.
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Los Angeles' chief accountant isn't convinced the city is spending voter-approved funds to house the homeless effectively, so he's preparing an audit to find out.

More than two years ago, in November of 2016, Los Angeles voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition HHH. The bond measure raises $1.2 billion to fund construction of homeless housing and service centers in the City of Los Angeles.

At the time, voters were promised the money would be used to finance the construction of 10,000 units of supportive housing for the most chronically homeless--people who in an another era would likely have been institutionalized.

But City Controller Ron Galperin -- Los Angeles' chief accountant -- worries the city is missing a substantial opportunity to address a humanitarian crisis that a United Nations report last year called "cruel and inhuman."

"Unfortunately, the city is falling very short. Not that anybody expected that these units would be built overnight. But it has been more than two years and we have delivered zero of those units," said Galperin to KPCC/LAist.

According to the controller's office, more than $360 million dollars in bond money has been deposited into city accounts, but less than a tenth of the money has been spent.

That's largely because the funds have been earmarked for a type of housing that is slow and costly to build.

The current strategy works like this: city officials supply housing developers with a "letter of commitment" for proposed affordable and supportive housing developments before actually disbursing the money from its accounts. Developers use the city's commitment to partially fund a project as leverage to procure more funding from more sources.

According to a motion that will be considered in City Council's homelessness and poverty committee later this week, $607 million of the $1.2 billion total has been committed to 55* facilities, totaling approximately 3,700 housing units.

The first three HHH-funded supportive housing projects, totaling 239 units, are expected to open later this year, according to the city's Housing and Community Investment Department.

That's consistent with the plan first pitched to voters back in 2016.

Galperin isn't arguing that voters are being duped. Instead, he's saying that given the severity of the city's homelessness crisis, the finite amount of public money would perhaps be better used in other ways that provide more immediate relief.

"The number one priority has to be to find a way to get people off the street," said Galperin. "Building units that we're not going to see for years and years at a cost of $400,000 to $500,000 per door is not working."

Anxiety over whether or not the money is being used effectively is not unique to the City Controller's office.

Last year, officials reporting to the oversight committee responsible for managing the use of HHH funds warned rising costs meant the L.A. might fall up to 4,000 units short of its initial 10,000 unit goal.

Proposition HHH was also mentioned in a search warrant related to the FBI's ongoing public corruption investigation in Los Angeles City Hall.

And then there's the question of whether or not spending the money on supportive housing is the best use of limited funds since HHH money can be used for a variety of purposes.

Besides supportive housing, it can also be spent on emergency temporary shelters, storage facilities, shower and bathroom facilities, and service centers for homeless people.

"What we want to do is find a way to get people into shelter as quickly as possible to relieve some of that suffering we see happening on our streets," said Galperin.

Annual audits of HHH money by the controller's office are required by law if funds remain unspent at the end of the fiscal year. The office has retained a third party firm to conduct the audit, which will occur in following months.

Community groups and homeless advocates, particularly the Los Angeles Community Action Network, have been advocating for an audit for more than a year.

Reached by email, a spokesperson for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti supplied the following statement:

"We have more than $600 million of HHH funds committed so far, with eight projects under construction, seven more that will begin construction this quarter, and thousands more units in the pipeline. The Mayor is also developing an innovative pilot program that will put 10% of the HHH budget toward finding ways to get housing built even faster. We appreciate the Controller keeping an eye on the City's Prop. HHH expenditures, and look forward to continuing our work with him to make government work better for everyone."

*Note: A previous version of this article said $607 million of HHH money has been committed to build 3,700 units in 26 facilities. The number of proposed facilities with committed funds is 55. Proposals for 26 more have requested funds, though have not recieved committments.
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Every year, hundreds of asylum-seekers seeking help make their way to these quiet but crowded offices on the 19th floor of a Koreatown high-rise.

They're here because they've suffered torture, at the hands of the governments of scores of countries around the world.

The Program for Torture Victims opened its doors four decades ago, the first of its kind in the United States. Today, there are about 60 such programs nationwide.

The need is high. More than 4 in 10 refugees and asylum-seekers living in the U.S. experienced torture in their home countries, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The U.S. has welcomed more than 3.5 million refugees since Program for Torture Victims began. In 2016, the U.S. admitted nearly 85,000 refugees and granted asylum to about 20,000 people.

Coming to America can be a very disorienting journey.

"It's almost like a Star Trek episode," said clinical director Carol Gomez. "You kind of beam yourself over to another country and all of the molecules settle, but then you're in another country and you're like what the heck, I don't even know how this place works."

Still, Gomez said, most clients arrive with optimism that America will be a "land of the free" that respects their human rights.

"The reality, if they've come in more recent times, has certainly been a lot more shocking. Many people find themselves detained for weeks or months in shackles and orange jumpsuits."

As the number of refugees who need help around the world grows, the Trump Administration reduced the maximum number of refugees the U.S. will accept this year from 45,000 to 30,000. That's the lowest level since the refugee resettlement program was launched in 1980.

In December, President Trump announced a plan to deter asylum-seekers at the Southern border, requiring them to wait in Mexico, instead of the U.S., while their claims are processed. The policy, which took effect last month, is expected to face legal challenges for migrant rights groups.

PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA

Rev. Nguyen Cong Chinh (left) with Rev. Matthew Minh Le (right) at Little Saigon Vietnamese Church in Westminster. (Aaron Schrank/LAist)

Gomez estimates that eight percent of the program's clients fled religious persecution in their homelands -- like exiled Vietnamese evangelical Nguyen Cong Chinh, who still has a scar on his head from one of many beatings by Vietnamese authorities.

"Between 1990 and 2011, I was interrogated more than 400 times. And each time that I was interrogated, I was also tortured," Chinh said.

Chinh is an evangelical pastor who sought refuge in Southern California in 2017.

"I picked Santa Ana because this is the capital of free Vietnamese," said Chinh. "I wanted to come here because of the community here. But I also wanted to settle down and seek treatment for whatever condition I had."

Chih said he was tortured for preaching to and advocating for protestant ethnic groups not approved by the communist government -- like the Montagnards in the Central Highlands.

"They started to attack the local congregations that have anything to do with me," Chinh said. "Some of the pastors and congregation members were tortured and killed."

In 2011, Vietnam charged Chinh with "undermining national unity" and sentenced him to 11 years in prison, where he spent time in solitary confinement, and was fed shards of glass. He says his family continued to be targeted.

Behind bars, Chinh organized hunger strikes with other prisoners of conscience over their mistreatment. Then, halfway through his sentence, Chinh was released, on the condition that he leave Vietnam with his family right away.

"These psychological traumas that my wife and child went through, we still carry those, even though we are in America now," Chinh said.

(Photo by Aaron Schrank for LAist)

PUTTING THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER

More than 40 percent of those granted affirmative asylum in the U.S. in 2016 -- about 12,000 people in all -- are living in California. Those waiting to be granted asylum can't get work authorization to bring home a paycheck. The transition can be especially difficult for victims of torture.

According to clinic officials, nearly 30 percent of L.A. clients are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Many are Central Americans fleeing violence. Most connect to the program through word of mouth within L.A.'s many ethnic enclaves.

"The trend of people coming in through California doesn't necessarily reflect the trend of what global geopolitical conditions are," Gomez said. "Most of the people come here because of some remote tie to that same national community, be it a Church, a pastor from that country, distant family relatives, or whatever."

Dr. Rose Marie DuRocher is one of five therapists at the L.A. rehabilitation center. She

says most of the hundreds who walk through their doors each year suffer from post-traumatic stress.

"If you've had to leave your country because you're fighting for human rights, sexual rights, religious rights, or tribal rights, those things are extremely traumatic," DuRocher said.

"They've lost so much, and if we don't have a program to help them, they go on with depression," she said. "They flounder around for a long time. They need something to get on their feet again."

But resources to provide help are limited. Funding from the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, lets L.A.'s Program for Torture Victims treat asylum-seekers from more than 65 countries each year, Still, it can only serve about 300 people annually. That's just a drop in the bucket of more than a million refugee and asylum-seeker survivors of torture living across the country.

"Today, I saw a young woman from Uganda who suffered from FGM [female genital mutilation], and then I had another client who's lesbian from Armenia, another one from Russia who suffered persecution because they're protesting against the government," DuRocher said during a December visit.

Her office provides medical care, case management, trauma therapy and, most crucially: forensic evaluations. Ninety percent of asylum-seekers who get these exams are granted asylum, compared to 43 percent overall.

"If they've had a psychological assessment, it is a big support to their case," DuRocher said.

Gomez says all clients have at least one thing in common: they've suffered tremendous loss.

"Some have literally lost children or family members or spouses or partners to persecution, to violence," Gomez said. "Almost all have fled hoping they can find a safe place to live and then bring other members of their family who are suffering trauma to safety."

Aaron Schrank covers religion, international affairs and the Southern California diaspora under a grant from the Luce Foundation.
Madison's notoriously grumpy mayor, Paul Soglin, has requested a change in policy to allow workers to bring their dogs into the City-County Building.
One of those lawsuits, filed last month by the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and other groups, contends the so-called extraordinary session held to pass the laws was unconstitutional.

The lawsuit prompted Evers to hire private attorneys to represent him at a cost to taxpayers of as much as $50,000. Republican legislative leaders have retained Misha Tseytlin, the former state solicitor general, as their attorney in that case.

Its unclear whether GOP lawmakers will hire attorneys, at taxpayer expense, to defend themselves in the new lawsuit.

Liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now is bringing the other lawsuit, which seeks to overturn the provisions of the lame-duck law that curtailed access to early voting. A federal judge last month blocked those changes as part of a previous injunction against previous laws limiting early voting.

In addition, a state lawmaker, Rep. Jimmy Anderson, has asked Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne to file suit against state Assembly leaders and void the votes that passed the laws. Ozanne has not said if hell act on that request.

Anderson, who is paralyzed from the chest down and requires advance notice of meetings as an accommodation of his health and logistical issues, contends Assembly Republican leaders broke state open-meetings law by not telling him when early-morning votes on the laws would be held.

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(WB) Disney will host its first official Pride event at Disneyland Paris in June.

Inside the Magic reports that Magical Pride, which kicks off Pride month on June 1, will include a Magical March of Diversity Parade. The celebration will include photo opportunities, music performances, DJs and more.

Dress like a dream, feel fabulous and experience Walt Disney Studios Park like never before  loud, proud and alive with all the colours of the rainbow, reads the Disneyland Paris website.

Disney has hosted plenty of unofficial Pride events but this will be the first official event held at a Disney park. Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida both host Gay Days annually. Gay Days first started in 1991 in Florida which drew in thousands of attendees.

Disneyland Paris also hosted its first unofficial Magical Pride event in 2014.
Even as Democrats slammed Republicans for not offering an ongoing way to fund their plan, Evers has explained how he'll pay for only part of his proposal. It would reduce state revenue by about $892 million over the next budget cycle.

More than half of that  about $518 million  would be covered by rolling back the manufacturing credit. That still leaves about $374 million unaccounted for over two years.

Rep. Daniel Riemer, D-Milwaukee, said Democrats hope to take up the tax cut during the budget process, where they can balance the expense with other priorities, such as potential Medicaid expansion, which would provide increased federal funding.

In total, filers making less than $150,000 would see a reduction of $437 million in income taxes in tax year 2019, according to an analysis of the plan provided by Evers' office. About 2 million filers would see a reduction, according to an Evers spokeswoman.

Vos said last month he wants to advance the plan apart from the state budget. But it's much more likely the debate will occur as part of the upcoming state budget deliberations because Evers can veto a standalone bill.
Lawmakers in the Assembly and Senate collected just under $800,000 in daily travel allowances in 2018, an 18 percent increase over the previous election year.

The Wisconsin State Journal reviewed records submitted to the Assembly and Senate chief clerks of the money legislators receive in daily allowances, known as per diem payments.

The allowances they collected over the last year have increased since 2016  an election year and thus the most recent comparable period  when lawmakers were granted $676,463.

The amount claimed last year is roughly $500,000 less than in 2017, a year when legislators were busy debating the state budget.

Per diem amounts are in addition to the annual $53,000 salary lawmakers receive along with other benefits, such as paid mileage and health insurance.

Per diems in both chambers have increased over the years, although Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, capped the total number of days members in his chamber could claim an allowance in 2018, the second year of the two-year budget, to reflect a lighter schedule.
When her father, Ray Mahr, was killed in a car crash en route from the familys home in Dorchester, Iowa, to a job in La Crosse, Bartels said, Our world fell apart.

Her mother, Lila, picked us back up  working two or three jobs to put food on the table.

Bartels became de facto chief cook and bottle washer, and she and her siblings worked odd jobs to contribute to household expenses, she said.

The going got so tough sometimes that I even asked Mom if we were the family that didnt have a pot to pee in or a window to throw it out  if that saying was modeled after us.

She said it could have been  but we all turned out OK  and were grateful to have her as a good example and a model, Bartels said of her mother, who died two years ago at the age of 87.

Bartels, a 63-year-old retired nursing from Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, said, I believe in giving back because La Crosse has been good to me. I went to Viterbo (University), and I love the Franciscan Sisters. They put me on the right path.
Neumeister said it will be a beautiful building but wont be heavily used due to the nature of the realty business.

This is going to have a minimal impact. I have a lot less concerns on this one than I did on the last one, Neumeister said.

The commission granted Iversons request for a waiver to allow parking in the back that would be accessible to the second floor.

The two Highway 16 developments will go to the citys Judiciary and Administrative Committee at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Land sale

Both the citys Plan Commission and Board of Public Works Monday approved selling the city-owned site at the corner of Third and Cameron streets to Renegade Enterprises, which does business as Pischke Motors, for $60,000.

Pischke has leased the 0.15-acre site, which is assessed at $120,000, for several years; however, city staff recommended selling the land due to its beveled frontage and limited access.

This piece of land is much more valuable when its attached to these other pieces, which are all owned by Pischke, said Gilman.

If it were to be redeveloped, it would be much more feasible if the land were all one parcel, he said.

The terms of the agreement also require Pischke to improve the property by October 2020.

Jourdan Vian can be reached at jvian@lacrossetribune.com or follow her on Twitter at @Jourdan_LCT.

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Westby Cooperative Creamery conducted its 115th annual meeting, Thursday, Jan. 17, in the lower-level auditorium of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby.

The annual meeting was called to order by Board President Ralph Peterscheim at 12:30 p.m., following a luncheon prepared and served by church member-volunteers. Pastor John Dumke provided a welcome-invocation and blessing to a standing-room-only crowd of the cooperatives member-owners and guests in attendance.

A presentation by financial auditors reported on a challenging year during fiscal year 2018, as faced by all participants in the United States dairy industry, including here in Wisconsin. Depressed milk pricing at the farm level extended through dairy industry markets and manufactured dairy food products to reduce overall revenues for Westby Cooperative Creamery to just under $70-million for the past year.

Nevertheless, fiscal year 2018 was the third highest year in total revenues following record setting years of just over $70-million in fiscal year 2016 and just under $75-million in fiscal year 2017. Over the past 10 years, annual business revenues have more than tripled for Westby Cooperative Creamery; growing from around $20-million to now just under/over $70-million in the past three years.
The Tomah School Board ratified a ban of the Confederate flag Monday. By a 7-0 vote, the board prohibited students from displaying depictions of the flag on school grounds.

The vote came after several parents expressed concern that the flag carries racist overtones and is intimidating to non-white students. School district superintendent Cindy Zahrte said several parents expressed concern that students who wore the flag were creating a hostile learning environment for their children.

A number of students were feeling threatened ... because we were allowing the Confederate flag to be displayed on student clothing, Zahrte said.

The board first discussed the issue during a Jan. 21 meeting after the Local Indian Education Committee asked the board to take action. During the meeting, speakers told the board the Confederate flag is a symbol of bigotry and racism.

However, several community members have spoken out against the ban.

John Pleuss denied the flag is racist and said the ban is a violation of free speech. He said the flag is part of our heritage.
Four years ago a popular local bartender, Henry Vidal, was found dead in his Wilton Manors apartment. His death was ruled a homicide. But now Vidal's mother has said a detective told her investigators are no longer certain of that conclusion  instead it may have been an accident.

Vidal's mother, Caridad "Cary" Labarta, 63, of Pembroke Pines, said Det. Mike Roque of the Broward Sheriffs Office told her authorities are no longer certain Vidal, 32, was murdered.

But homicide hasnt been ruled out yet.

Labarta said the detective told her that Vidal died of a spleen injury and that he could have fallen. Labarta also said Roque told her a second person's DNA was discovered inside the apartment, but no match could be found in any database.

"They are still investigating," Labarta said. She noted that shes been in contact with Roque, the lead detective, a few times in the last year.

"This is hard. I want to know what happened," Labarta said. "I think the person got scared and left Henry to die. That's what I want to believe.

Police had said previously that they were looking for a person of interest, but Labarta said that Roque has told her no one has been contacted or interviewed.

"They don't have any suspects," Labarta said.

While the investigation remains "active and ongoing," according to BSO Senior Public Information Officer Keyla Concepcion, the BSO said it will not release any information on the case at this time. When pressed that a detective has spoken at length to Vidal's mother, Concepcion said information coming from the mother was fine.

Vidals body was discovered by a co-worker in May 2015. His death was ruled a homicide after the medical examiner released details of the autopsy to authorities. Vidal was employed at the now closed B Bar on Wilton Drive. Prior to that, Vidal bartended at the Alibi.

"I believe there is more to the story," said Vidal's former partner, Evan Linette of Fort Lauderdale. "I have reached out several times to offer assistance. If authorities can keep pushing and dig deeper, continue to ask questions, get the community involved, maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Linette and Labarta remain close and speak often. Both are left wondering what happened.

"This is something I think about every day. Every day," said Linette, who spurred by this incident stepped away from bar managing to take a job as a behavioral health technician at American Addiction Centers. "Henry was my world. His death led me to a career change that I absolutely love.

Labarta is grateful for a community that cares.

"I want to thank them," she said. "The community has supported me through this difficult time. I'm just hoping to have closure."

See related story...
The winner will replace liberal Justice Shirley Abrahamson on a court currently controlled 4-3 by conservatives.

Neubauer campaign manager Tyler Hendricks said people expect judges to be impartial and fair.

Unfortunately, as made clear from these statements and from his record as Scott Walkers lawyer, Brian Hagedorn will bring his personal, extreme and radical agenda to the Supreme Court, Hendricks said.

If you have ever been a Catholic or Christian of various stripes youre going to get attacked for your faith, Hagedorn said. I think its unfortunate and thats not the way things are supposed to be. We dont have a religious test for public office.

Hagedorn said the idea that personally expressed views from years ago means you need to (withdraw from cases) now is just flat-out wrong.

Hagedorn said critics of his blog, which was addressed to fellow soldiers in the culture wars, were cherry-picking views that they think are unmentionable or that they think are not politically correct.

Hagedorn made blog posts on a number of topics while in law school in 2005, including saying it was a travesty that a Texas anti-sodomy law had been struck down.
Id like to see the president come to the table with ideas and proposals that were going to be able to get accomplished over the course of the next two years.

Among the biggest reasons for the partial government shutdown was both parties inability to come to an agreement for funding for a wall along the southern border.

Trump made immigration and the wall a major campaign issue during the 2016 presidential campaign and 2018 midterm. But the bill that opened the government did not provide any funding for a border wall.

I look for the president to discuss both legal and illegal immigration, Steil said. Were a country of immigrants and I think we need to appropriately address illegal immigration but also I think there are opportunities were we can work to improve our legal immigration structure.

Steil said he also hopes Trump puts forward proposals for infrastructure improvement, proposals that would lower the cost of health care and help address skills gap.

Ending Government Shutdowns Act
After that, Cruz and Burgos allegedly said, We are going to take the lady (Zdroik) to Chicago and give her money and a new car.

Cruz, Burgos, a witness and Zdroik allegedly set her car on fire and started driving south on Interstate 94 in a van with Zdroik in the front passengers seat. They turned off on a road, Highway K, and stopped after a few minutes.

The complaint states Cruz tried to pull Zdroik out of the van while she tried to resist and hang onto it. It was then that Cruz allegedly shot her in the head with the same gun that had reportedly been used on the two male victims.

Burgos then reportedly ran over Zdroiks body twice to make sure she was dead.

According to the complaint, Cruz has been convicted of felony drug trafficking, felony conspiracy to traffic heroin and two counts of felony racketeering. Burgos was previously found guilty of battery, online records show.

Break in cold case

The break in the case came in January 2017, when investigators learned that the Milwaukee double homicide may have been tied to Zdroiks death.
RACINE  An allegedly intoxicated Milwaukee man had to be forcefully removed from a Racine residence Monday morning where he was allegedly arguing with residents and is accused of kicking their cat.

The man also reportedly caused a disturbance at the hospital when nurses were trying to check on him.

Jimmie D. McAfee Jr., 41, who, according to official reports, blew a .257 on a Breathalyzer, is charged with two counts of resisting or obstructing an officer and two counts of disorderly conduct.

According to the criminal complaint:

Racine Police officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of West Sixth Street at 12:32 a.m. on Monday for a report of an unwanted party. Dispatchers informed officers en route that McAfee had an active warrant for a probation violation.

When officers arrived, one of the residents told them that McAfee had refused to leave, argued with the residents and kicked their cat. When officers asked McAfee for his name he gave the name, Marcus Muhammad. The residents were able to identify McAfee and confirm his birth date.

Officers reported that McAfee physically resisted removal from the home and continued to yell and threaten the residents as he was being removed.
MOUNT PLEASANT  While theres been plenty of discussion about the potential Foxconn effect on public and private sectors, theres been little discussion of how it could affect the spiritual sector.

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is looking ahead to the potential growth in parishes surrounding the future Mount Pleasant site. And parishioners at St. Paul the Apostle, 6400 Spring St., learned on Monday that their parish has been identified as one with the most potential to grow.

Room to grow

Mark Kemmeter from the Archdioceses Office for Planning and Councils ran through some of the projected numbers with members of the congregation before their All Common Committee meeting Monday evening.

Assuming the majority of the jobs go to people who move to the area, which creates more jobs in other sectors and all those jobs bring more people and families to the area, Kemmeter estimated the areas population could grow by as much as 80,000 people.
The laws are a clear attempt by one branch, the Legislature, upset by an electoral outcome affecting another branch, to undo the separation of powers in the constitution, according to the complaint.

The complaint also argues the laws  by giving new authority to legislative committees to halt the states role in litigation or to suspend state agency rules indefinitely  violate state constitutional requirements for legislative quorums.

Among the defendants named in the suit are Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester; Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke, R-Kaukauna; Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau; and Senate President Roger Roth, R-Appleton. The lawmakers did not respond to requests for comment Monday.

What do Democratic leaders plan to do?

Evers and Kaul, despite having been sharply critical of the laws being challenged, are named among the defendants in the suit in their official capacities as governor and attorney general.

Evers spokeswoman Melissa Baldauff said in a statement that weve said repeatedly that the lame-duck session was a hasty and cynical attempt by Republicans to override the will of the people, and that the governor expected legal challenges.
Much of what lies at the center of President Trump's economic actions are workforce issues.

There is a greater threat of job loss and on-the-job insecurity these days -- real wages are not rising, workers are experiencing changing performance requirements as the workplace changes and underemployment is a vexing issue.

For many years, businesses have outsourced certain activities to other countries to take advantage of lower costs, thereby threatening American jobs. Environmental regulations have also put traditional jobs, particularly in energy industries, at risk.

Real wages, indeed, are not rising; there has been a nearly 10 percent decline in the average full-time real wage since 2006. It's no wonder that workers are gravely concerned about their future employability.

Unfortunately, the knee-jerk policy response has been to argue about a border wall to stem immigration, place trade barriers on offending nations, eliminating environmental regulations and ramming through a tax cut to increase purchasing power. I wish there would be more discussion in the media about the unsavory, long-run consequences of these actions.
Jim Rogers is returning to his role as the Nebraska Democratic Party's executive director.

"His leadership and skills are huge assets as we head to the 2019 City of Lincoln election and the 2020 campaign season," Democratic State Chair Jane Kleeb said Tuesday in announcing that Rogers will rejoin the state party staff.

"Jim will manage the Nebraska Democratic Party's expansion into rural Nebraska where we have a plan to earn the trust of voters, including farmers and ranchers, back again," Kleeb said.

Rogers was executive director of the party from 2009 to 2013, then became political director for Brad Ashford's successful 2014 congressional campaign in metropolitan Omaha's 2nd District.

"Jim joins a growing and diverse staff based in both Lincoln and Omaha," Kleeb said.

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Shane Kearns did not report several speeding tickets and several open alcohol container violations, based on the police report to the council. But convictions for drunk driving and boating under the influence were cited as concerns by the commission.

Like they told council members in December, the Kearnses chalked up these convictions to bad decisions in college.

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They tried to reassure the commissioners Tuesday that safety would be their first priority and their investment in the business could be seen as their investment in Tomahawks' success.

"We have all our assets tied into this business," Shad Kearns told the commission.

Beer service was seen as a key in the viability of their business, which has $5,000 monthly rent payments, he said.

They want to match their competitor, Craft Axe Throwing, which allows beer at the establishment at 1821 N St.

In December, City Council members approved Craft Axe Throwing's license with rules limiting people to two beers before they throw axes, shutting down the ax-throwing at midnight, barring alcohol consumption in the throwing lanes and banning visibly intoxicated customers from holding an ax.
Cindy Lange-Kubick Columnist Cindy Lange-Kubick has loved writing columns about life in her hometown since 1994. She had hoped to become a people person by now, nonetheless she would love to hear your tales of fascinating neighbors and interesting places. Follow Cindy Lange-Kubick Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

The stranger in the dining room had come to ask about her family.

About her parents and their parents before them in the days of slavery.

But first the WPA worker would note that the white frame home on Washington Street was filled with paintings and decorated china and antique furniture, upholstered by the lady of the house.

All of which is in good taste, although there is too much of it, wrote E. Schaible, who had arrived early in the afternoon of March 20, 1941, to interview Mrs. O.J. Burckhardt.

Along with her upholstery work, the lady of this house had painted all the art that hung on the walls and the delicate bowls that filled the glass-doored cabinets.

Her name was Anna Burckhardt, and she had been born in Burlington, Iowa, in 1868, was an eighth-grade graduate, the only girl in a family of seven.

And Schaible would record for history much of what we know today of a charming woman, well-poised and (with) a well-sustained voice.

A woman of French and Negro descent (noted at the top of Form A), who had been widowed young and remarried and came to Lincoln with her second husband, Oliver Burckhardt, a railroad worker and traveling evangelist.
Other elements of the project include a new first-floor waiting area where the current Bryan Advancement and Public Relations offices are located, with an open staircase connecting to a second-floor waiting area that will include a refreshment area, family seating areas, work spaces with charging stations and other amenities. There also will be private consultation rooms on the second floor for family members to meet with surgeons and receive updates.

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Once complete, the project will transform about 115,000 square feet of hospital space and modernize surgical facilities, some of which were built in the 1960s.

"We do think it's going to serve, at least this campus, for the next three decades or so," said Bryan Health Vice President Bob Ravenscroft.

While the project actually will reduce the number of fully equipped operating rooms from 16 to 14, the rooms will be much bigger and better able to accommodate today's larger surgical staffs and modern equipment.

"The largest (operating) room today is smaller than what the new rooms will be," said Don Sheets, director of facilities management.
Still, a number of lobbyists, representing businesses or business organizations, testified in opposition to the bill. Some of them didn't appear to understand that, with the bill, an employer could choose only people he or she felt were qualified for the job to interview, and then ask on that first interview if the applicant had ever been convicted of a crime.

Robert Hallstrom, representing the National Federation for Independent Businesses, said the bill would propose another step in the hiring process. It would be valuable to know at the earliest possible time if an applicant had a criminal record.

Hallstrom said he didn't believe every applicant who checked the box was being denied an interview. "There are plenty of individuals, I would imagine, that are being hired by small businesses, that have criminal records."

Erin Ebler-Rolf, an attorney testifying on behalf of the Lincoln Independent Business Association, said that with the bill, there was no difference between full-time, part-time and seasonal employees. And smaller businesses would fall under the bill even though they have more than 15 employees only at certain times.

The bill might also force employers to waste their time by interviewing applicants who should not be legitimately considered for a specific job because of their criminal record.
100 years ago, Feb. 5, 1919

MATTOON -- By a vote of 8-2, it was decided by the Mattoon City Council to merge, for a period of 30 to 60 days, the two fire departments of the city. The plan is to bring the west side department, known as No. 2, over to the east side and house it with No. 1, in the city building. Aldermen Gabbert and Huckaba opposed the plan. The matter was presented by Alderman Kizer who said the building which houses station No. 2 was in bad disrepair and is unsafe for the men. He was backed by Fire Chief Weaver. Alderman Gabbert said in reply that the city building was virtually condemned 20 years ago, and at the time it was said that it would collapse inside of a year, but it is still standing... MATTOON -- Paul Eaton, 11-year-old son of Edward Eaton of Trilla, was fatally wounded in an accident while carrying a target rifle at his home Monday afternoon. The bullet from the weapon entered the child's abdomen, making nine distinct perforations in his intestines. He lingered until 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the hospital in Charleston. Funeral services were conducted this morning from the Bethel Church, south of Loxa. Little Paul, with three other children, were returning from a store with cartridges. The parents are separated and the father was at work in Lerna. Paul loaded the gun and started into then house to look for his father's shorgun, when he stumbled and fell on the step, discharging the weapon. Although wounded, no attention was given the child by neighbors. At supper time he was feeling ill from the effects of the wound, and was permitted to eat his supper. When his true condition was discovered, Paul was rushed to the hospital at Charleston, but too late.

50 years ago, 1969

MATTOON -- The 14-mile section of Interstate 57 from Mattoon to Arcola should be open to ttraffic in June, according to William F. Cellini, Illinois public works director. An eight-mile section of I-57 from Arcola to Tuscola, is expected to be opened in October. Several other sections of I-57 are expected to be completed this year, Cellini said MATTOON -- Two new members have been added to the advisory board of the local Salvation Army. Named to serve were Roy C. Hopkins Jr. and Laurence W. Grabb, both of Mattoon. Officers re-elected to serve are Chester L. Smith, chairman; Joseph Ethridge, vice chairman; Mrs. Theodore Belt, secretary; Mrs. Lucile Bowman, treasurer; Ethel Brown, James Warren, George Jerdan and Leander Welch. Rev. and Mrs. Kenneth D. Sharp are commanders of the local Salvation Army post.

25 years ago, 1994

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CHARLESTON -- Celebration: A Festival of the Arts will receive an advertising boost through tourism funds released by Gov. Jim Edgar last week. The Charleston Tourism Advisory Board will receive $1,340 in funds from the state to place ads promoting the annual April event. The state guideline stipulates the funds must be used to advertise beyond a 65-mile radius of Charleston. Dan Crews, co-coordinator of the arts festival said Springfield, Peoria, Southern Illinois and, possibly, the Chicago area will be targeted. In addition, the Lincoln/Sargent Farm Foundation was awarded $3,060 for brochures promoting Lincoln Log cabin and the Arthur Association of Commerce will get $1,065 to place magazine ads promoting the Amish area communities CHARLESTON -- December was a bad month for the Charleston Fire Department. Two residential fires that month caused about $125,000 in damages. That brought the 1993 fire damage total to $242,900, a whopping 655 increase from 1992. Electrical problems caused 11 residential fires in 1993, according to Fire Chief Tom Watson.

100 years ago, Feb. 6, 1919

MATTOON -- Hose Company No. 2 , which has been located at 2117 Western Ave., is now consolidated with Company No. 1 in City Hall. The change is said to be temporary. The auto truck of Company No. 2 will be parked at the rear of the chief's automobile, Chief Weaver said. The horse-drawn apparatus will be used often enough to keep the horses in good training, but most of the runs will be made with the auto truck. Mayor Swan said building plans for a new station for Hose Company No. 2 are being prepared. The plan of the mayor and the water committee is to erect in Central Park, preferably on the alley facing North 19th Street, a one-story building with sleeping and living apartments for the firemen... CHARLESTON -- George Graham, charged with operating a confidence game in selling the same stallion to a number of farmers near Lerna, was found not guilty by the jury yesterday afternoon in Judge Brewer's courtroom. Graham was indicted 13 times on charges of operating a confidence game. When first brought to trial at a former term of the court, the case was dismissed. He was brought to trial earlier in this term of the court and the jury failed to reach agreement. Whether Graham will be brought to trial on any of the indictments remaining against him is not known.

50 years ago, 1969

CHARLESTON -- State troopers and Charleston police officers staged a gaming raid at the Charleston Eagles Club. Two people were arrested and a quantity of gambling equipment was seized, according to Charles L. Talbott, Charleston police chief. The raid was staged after complaints about gambling at the club, Talbott said. He said state troopers assisting in the investigation entered the club and witnessed gambling activities on at least three occasions prior to the raid MATTOON -- Senior girls at Mattoon, Lovington and Sullivan high schools have been named DAR Good Citizens by the Governor Edward Coles Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Selected were Miss Patti Buzzell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Boyce Bazzell of Mattoon; Miss Kathey Foley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Foley of Lovington; and Miss Linda Livergood, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Livergood of Sullivan.

25 years ago, 1994

Sunday. No paper.

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CHICAGO  A Cook County judge has denied bail for an architect who is facing murder charges in his live-in girlfriend's strangling death.

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Authorities say 26-year-old Devon Charlton of Chicago was arrested Thursday at O'Hare International Airport. He is charged with first-degree murder in the Jan. 31 death of 23-year-old Ninaa Edwards. Prosecutors say police found her body with red marks on her neck. She was on a bed in the couple's South Side apartment.

Charlton's attorney Joshua Kutnick argued in court Sunday that Charlton wasn't a flight risk and said Charlton went to the airport to pick up his mother, not flee the jurisdiction. Kutnick said Charlton worked for a South Loop studio and was a member of the American Institute of Architects Chicago's Young Architects Forum.

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Recent data released by the United States Census Bureau shows the population of the state of Illinois dropped by more than 45,100 people between July 1, 2017, and July 1, 2018. This represents the second largest percentage drop in population among any state. Undoubtedly, there are a multitude of reasons for the net loss, including that many families and individuals moved to other states in pursuit of employment and educational opportunities.

Of those pursing a higher education, several patterns emerge. Data from the Illinois Board of Higher Education shows the percentage of high school graduates choosing to attend out-of-state four-year colleges and universities has grown by 57 percent since 2002. According to the latest Illinois Report Card, 32 percent of 2018 Illinois high school graduates enrolled in four-year colleges, both in-state or out-of-state, within 12 months of graduating.

In contrast, 43 percent of 2018 high school graduates chose to attend community college, with 97 percent enrolling in a community college in Illinois.

Why is this noteworthy? Community college students overwhelmingly learn and work in their local communities. A recent study by Emsi and the Wall Street Journal indicates 61 percent of community college graduates stay within 50 miles of their alma mater.

This translates to a trained workforce and transfer ready pool of students for our state and region.

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In East Central Illinois, we have an opportunity to strengthen our talent pool from within. Lake Land faculty and staff regularly hear from employers seeking to hire our graduates. Many are willing to pay sign-on bonuses, hire students part-time while they complete their degrees or cover relocation costs -- not to mention starting salaries upwards of $40,000.

How can we work together to share these opportunities with potential students? How can we convince our young high school graduates that investing in two more years of education will provide them with a lifetime of earning potential? What partnerships can we form to ease the financial burden of attending college for these students?

As a community leader, you may be surprised to learn that many of our students want to stay in the area after they graduate, but are not always aware of the local career opportunities. We regularly hear from students who assume they need to relocate to find gainful employment in their field of study.

Lake Land College Physics Instructor Rakhsha Nasseripour is leading a team to bridge this gap. In 2018, she surveyed our engineering students and discovered 93 percent would like to have an internship at an engineering company, yet only 50 percent were aware of such companies in our area. Additionally, 50 percent stated they would like to remain in this area if they could find an engineering job locally. These findings propelled Nasseripours team to create an advisory council of area industry leaders to discuss options for connecting local students to their businesses. Students now take field trips to area businesses, and this spring the advisory council will meet to discuss a new internship program for engineering students.

This is just one example of how Lake Land College faculty and staff partner with business and community leaders to create new opportunities for students and, in turn, support local industry and the economic development of our area.

As we look to the future, I welcome your thoughts and ideas on how we can continue working together to create more of these opportunities so our area residents and high school graduates know an investment in a quality education from Lake Land College will result in a good-paying career right here in east central Illinois.

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MATTOON -- Tina Stovall has been a student, staff member and administrator over the years at Lake Land College.

Stovall recently retired as vice president for student services but she is staying on the job at Lake Land through Feb. 15 to help with the transition to the new holder of this position, Beth Gerl, who began her duties on Friday. Stovall will likely remain a regular visitor to campus after Feb. 15, particularly at Laker sporting events.

"I am quite the Laker fan," Stovall said, adding that she has attended as many home games as possible over the years and many away games at major tournaments.

The Lovington native said she began her studies at Lake Land in the early 1980s at a time when she was uncertain about her academic path. Stovall said she soon committed to seeking an associate's in arts at the college in preparation for transferring to Eastern Illinois University.

"By that time, I had really come to love going to college at Lake Land," Stovall said. She added that she received a lot of support and mentoring from college faculty, including speech instructor Bill Hollada and child development instructor Roberta Hollada. "It was instructors like that who were super inspiring."

After graduating from Lake Land in 1984, Stovall continued her studies at Eastern and ultimately earned a master's in guidance counseling there. Stovall said she then worked as a child and adolescent therapist in Decatur for about six months until she had the opportunity to become academic counselor and director of counseling at Lake Land in 1987.

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"That was an opportunity I could not pass up," Stovall said of returning to her alma mater. Stovall said she loved being a counselor at Lake Land and working directly with students there. Stovall said she was able to share her own story of how her studies at Lake Land helped focus her academic goals.

While serving as counseling director, Stovall helped develop a "Strategies for Success" course for students in the early 1990s. She said her work as director led to her being engaged with departments throughout campus, a role she enjoyed. Stovall said this interest inspired her to obtain a doctorate in community college leadership from the University of Illinois.

In 2000, Stovall left Lake Land to take a student services administration post at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills. Stovall said she really enjoyed working at this college in the Chicago suburbs but she returned to Lake Land in 2006 to take a "dream job" as vice president for student services.

"I had the chance to come back to the college I love and the community I love," Stovall said. She noted that the vice president for student services, Larry Larvick, during her early years working at Lake Land had been a great mentor to her and encouraged her to work on her doctorate.

Stovall said she has seen Lake Land develop many opportunities since 2006, such as starting an annual Laker Homecoming celebration, and overcome challenges, such as the state's extended budget impasse in recent years.

She said the college has aimed to ensure during such challenging times that students can still take the courses they need at Lake Land at an affordable price, with financial assistance available.

"We are really focused on creating the best experience we can for our students," Stovall said. She added, "It's really our goal to make college possible for anyone and everyone in our community."

Contact Rob Stroud at (217) 238-6861. Follow him on Twitter: @TheRobStroud

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MATTOON -- The proposed Mattoon Bicycle Plan includes ideas for improving travel by bike along city streets and on off-road trails, including expanding the Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail.

The council will consider voting on the bike plan and on the arbitrator ordered promotion of four firefighters when it meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight (Tuesday) in City Hall, 208 N. 19th St.

City Administrator Kyle Gill said the bike plan idea originated with the Mattoon in Motion community planning effort. He said the Lumpkin Family Foundation then provided grant funding last year for the Ride Illinois nonprofit organization to work with the city to develop a plan.

"Whether for choice or necessity, transportation by bicycle is made safer and more inviting when a city designates a network of connected on-road and off- road bikeway segments throughout town," the proposed bike plan states.

Many of the bike plan's ideas focus on using lane markings and signs to enhance safety. For example, the plan calls for striping paved shoulders along Sixth Street between DeWitt and Oklahoma avenues and for installing bike route signs from DeWitt to Piatt avenues.

The bike plan also presents ideas for off-road trails, such as creating links from the Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail to the Cross County Mall and to the Broadway Avenue East commercial area. The plan also proposes creating a new trail section along former railroad right of way from 21st or 24th street to the west side of town.

Gill said having the plan in place would help the city be ready to seek grants for public improvement projects. He added that the plan's ideas would be implemented as funding is available.

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In other matters, the council will consider promoting firefighters Dusty Rhoads, Dillon Kircher, Barry Pullen, and Adam Whalin to engineer. Bart Owen, president of Mattoon Firefighters Local 691, said engineers are responsible for knowing how to use all of the equipment on the vehicles they operate and for maintaining these items.

Owen said the proposed promotions resulted from the union filing a grievance against the city in 2017 with the Illinois Labor Relations Board. He said this grievance called for the city to fill vacancies needed for the fire department to have 12 engineers on staff, as required by city ordinance. Arbitrator Brian Clauss ruled in the union's favor on Jan. 9.

"The city argues that financial difficulties have forced it to temporarily fill engineer vacancies. Leaving the required positions unfilled and having firefighters act up is not the proper vehicle for addressing those difficulties. The ordinance is incorporated into the (labor) agreement and requires 12 engineer positions," Clauss wrote.

Gill said the city had held off on permanently filling the vacant engineer posts due to it facing a deficit budget and having eliminated the fire department's ambulance service last summer. He said the department no longer has three ambulances to operate, so the city had hoped to reduce the number of engineer posts in contract negotiations.

The city reports that the four promotions will cost $25,000 for the budget year. Owen said the annual cost will even out over time because the salaries of the promoted firefighters would have eventually reached the level of engineers through scheduled pay increases.

Other actions that the council will consider taking include:

Employing Brandon Followell as a meter reader, effective Feb. 15.

Approving a contract with Central States Fireworks, Inc. for Fourth of July fireworks displays for $15,500 in 2019 and 2020, $16,000 in 2021 and 2022, and $16,500 in 2023.

Awarding street maintenance material bids to Ne-Co Asphalt, hot mix asphalt, $80 per ton; Howell Asphalt Co., cold mix asphalt, $71 per ton; MIC Redi-Mix, concrete, $103 per cubic yard; and Morris Trucking, aggregate, $14.95 per ton.

Giving notice to the state that five parades will cross U.S. Route 45 this year -- the Fourth of July, Bagelfest, Veterans Day, Christmas, and Celebrate Downtown parades.

The full agenda for tonight's meeting and related documents can be viewed at http://mattoon.illinois.gov/government/citycouncil/upcomingmeetings.

Contact Rob Stroud at (217) 238-6861. Follow him on Twitter: @TheRobStroud

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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Geely Automobile Holdings Limited (Geely Auto) sold 1,500,838 vehicles throughout 2018 with a year-on-year growth of 20.3%, making it the champion among Chinese PV makers by 2018 sales and its full-time sales exceed 1.5 million units for the first time in history, according to the sales report released by the automaker on January 7, 2019.

Although Geely Auto failed to accomplish its original 1.58 million-unit sales goal for 2018, it is still a pretty well performance amid the overall sales downturn in China this year.

Gasgoo hereby summarized Geely's significant events that happened in 2018, helping you review how the automaker developed itself during the past year.

Geely Auto sales company names new executive vice general-manager

It is reported on January 8 that Song Jun, former vice general-manager of Geely Auto Sales Company, was promoted as its executive vice general-manager to take charge of sales and marketing promotion of Geely Auto brand.

As an outstanding marketing management talent cultivated by Geely Auto, Songjun has worked for it for over 10 years. Previously, he was employed as general-manager assistant of Geely Auto Sales Company. In July, 2017, he was rewarded with promotion to vice general-manager of the same company. After taking the post of companys executive vice general-manager, he bears much more responsibilities for achieving Geely Auto's 20200 Strategy.

Geely to manufacture intelligent new energy commercial vehicles in Shangrao

On Jan. 13, Li Shufu, Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, led a team to visit Shangrao, Jiangxi Province.

During the visit, Geely Holding Group signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement and a cooperation plan of targeted poverty alleviation with Shangrao Municipal Government. It also signed two agreements with Shangrao Economic & Technological Development Zone, one is about investing in the project of Geely's new-gen intelligent new energy urban commercial vehicles, the other is a cooperation agreement of comprehensive vehicle testing grounds.

Geely invests RMB 32.6 billion to build new energy vehicle production base

On February 11, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group signed an agreement with Changxing County of Zhejiang Province. Geely plans to invest a total of RMB 32.6 billion to build vehicle production base, transmission production base, auto parts industry park and so on.

The vehicle production capacity of this program would be up to 300,000 units and the first phase was expected to start construction by the end of October, 2018.

Geely buys $9 billion stake in Daimler

On February 23, Daimler AG confirmed in a regulatory filing that Li Shufu, the founder of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, had become the largest shareholder investor in Daimler with a stake of 9.69%.

On February 24, Geely Group Co., Ltd, owned by Li Shufu and administrated by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, announced that it had become the largest shareholder of the German group after the closing of the deal, rather than the founder himself. The Chinese company promised to hold Daimler's shares for long term. Currently, none of the subsidiaries of Geely Group or Zhengjiang Geely Holding Group had further plans to increase the stake in Daimler.

As to the sources of the funding, Geely said that it is via the overseas capital body that the company gained the shares. The deal wont use the company's domestic capital. At the current market price for Daimler shares, 9.69% stake is worth nearly RMB 57 billion, five times as many as the acquisition price for Volvo Cars.

Geely to set up new DMA plant in Ningbo for new flagship sedan

Geely was about to set up a new DMA plant in Meishan, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, a Chinese media outlet, who got the news from China Construction Eighth Engineering Division Corp. Ltd, reported at the end of February. Besides, the automaker's DMA plant in Hangzhou Bay New Zone, Ningbo, was expected to be put into operation this year.

It is predicted that the company's Meishan DMA plant would manufacture Geely and Lynk & Co's B-class and C-class sedans as well as SUVs. According to an engineer from Geely's R&D center in Hangzhou Bay, the automaker would build a flagship sedan model larger than Borui based on DMA platform. The new model was expected to be in the same size class as the BMW 5 Series, the medium-large sedan series.

All-new Geely Emgrand hits market with starting price of RMB 69,800



Geely Auto announced on March 6th that its all-new Emgrand officially went on sale at prices ranging from RMB 69,800 to RMB 98,800.

According to Geely Auto, the all-new Emgrand still chooses the ripple-shaped intake grille which is typical for Geely family and installs LED headlights at the front end.

Geely Hangzhou Bay program starts construction with investment of RMB 31.5 billion

Geely Auto's Ningbo Hangzhou Bay program officially started construction on March 12, according to local media. This program, involving a total investment up to RMB31.5 billion, includes the second and third phases of Geely Auto's R&D center in Hangzhou Bay, the PMA pure electric vehicle project and Geely Corporate University project.

With an investment sum of RMB 7 billion, the second and third phases of Geely Auto's Hangzhou Bay R&D center will build the world-leading crash test laboratory, environmental wind tunnel laboratory as well as new energy power center, etc. Besides, it plans to recruit around 500 R&D talents.

Geely's all models to carry Autonavi mobile-vehicle map app

AutoNavi, a navigation and location-based services provider owned by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, reached cooperation with Geely Auto, saying that both parties would forge deep exploration in such areas as onboard navigation, location service, traffic big data and Ali ecology. What's more, the latest Autonavi mobile-vehicle map app would be deployed in the full lineup of Geely's models.

It is said that Autonavi mobile-vehicle map app offers navigation services for driving scenarios, featuring a wide variety of cutting-edge functions, such as real-time road conditions, congestion avoiding, 3D navigation guide, traffic accident checking and mobile connection, etc.

Geely, JD.com form strategic partnership in IoV area

On March 15, Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com and Geely formed a strategic partnership recently that would cooperate in such areas like intelligent connection, auto e-commerce and auto aftermarket service to provide consumers with IoV (Internet of vehicle) services.

On the same day, Geely launched its new SUV model, the 2018 Boyue, which is China's first intelligent-connected model using the JD.com's intelligent IoV solution. A driver can control its home facilities in vehicle by connecting great numbers of data from home facilities with the vehicle's computing system.

Geely releases Lynk & Co's European strategy

Lynk & Co released its European strategy in Amsterdam, Netherlands on Mar. 26, according to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. The first European bricks-and-mortar store will open in Amsterdam in 2019, and later will expand its presence in other major European cities gradually. Lynk & Co 01 PHEV, the first model to hit the European market, will be put into production at Volvo's plant in Ghert, Belgium in 2019 and go on sale in the European market in 2020.

Targeting the urban youngsters worldwide, Lynk & Co will focus on the hybrid vehicle models first. With Volvo's global manufacturing strategy and superior quality control system, Lynk & Co chooses Volvo's Ghert plant as its manufacturing base in Europe. In accordance with Lynk & Co's European strategy, the production of the Lynk & Co cars will start in Volvo's Ghert plant from 2019. The Lynk & Co 01, first model to go on sale in Europe, will share the same production line with the 2018 Volvo XC40.

Geely Auto, Aisin AW to establish transmission JV

Zhejiang Geely Luoyou Engine Co., Ltd. (Geely Luoyou), a 99%-owned indirect subsidiary of Geely Auto, would establish a joint venture (JV) with Aisin AW to manufacture and sell front-wheel drive 6-speed automatic transmission and relevant parts, Geely Auto announced on April 25.

Besides, the JV, with a designed annual transmission capacity of 400 thousand units, will start mass production from 2020.

In accordance with the announcement, Geely Luoyou and Aisin AW possess 40% and 60% equity interest respectively in the JV. In addition, the registered capital of the JV totals $117 million.

Li Shufu increases HKD 433 million worth of shares in Geely Auto

Li Shufu, chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding), purchased HKD 433 million worth of shares in Geely Auto, Geely Holding's subsidiary, on May 2, according to the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (SEHK).

Reportedly, this transaction increased Li's shareholding in Geely Auto to 46.39% of the issued capital from 46.16%.

According to the SEHK, the chairman bought 20,154,000 shares of Geely Auto on May 2 at HKD $21.479 per share, which was 2.28% higher than the closing price of HKD 21 per share on April 30. In addition, the stock of Geely Auto closed at HKD 21.65 on May 2.

Geely alternative fuel vehicle, pan-Eurasian parts base located in Chengdu

On May 23, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group signed a cooperation agreement with Chengdu municipal government, marking Chengdu Economic and Technology Development Zone officially become the site for Geely alternative fuel vehicle and pan-Eurasian parts base.

According to the agreement, Geely Holding Group would invest and deploy in R&D of alternative fuel vehicles, parts manufacturing and mobility services. The conclusion of the agreement would help Geely to build a manufacturing platform with capacity of one million vehicles and set up an industry park of pan-Eurasian parts base. Moreover, it also helps the group to gain a total value of more than RMB 100 billion in auto industrial chain in Chengdu.

Geely launches new energy strategy

Geely launched the Borui GE on May 28 in Ningbo Hangzhou Bay New Area. During the launching ceremony, Geely also launched its latest new energy strategy. It is revealed that the Borui GE has a PHEV version and a MHEV version involving 8 variants with price range between RMB 136,800 and RMB 199,800.

In terms of technology, Geely released new energy powertrain system dubbed Zhiqing that covers four technology routes, namely pure electric vehicle technology, hybrid vehicle technology, alternative fuel vehicle technology and hydrogen fuel battery technology.

As to products, Geely aims to realize full electrification for all its products in the future. Over the next three years, Geely will introduce more than 30 new energy and energy-saving vehicles.

Geely, Hainan State Farms to co-develop intelligent mobility service, methanol-fueled vehicles

Geely Group (New Business) Co., Ltd and Hainan State Farms Investment Holdings Group Co., Ltd officially signed a strategic framework agreement on June 3 to cooperate in new energy and mobility service areas. According to the agreement, both parties would join forces to develop four major businesses, including the Share'n Go (an EV sharing platform), the Caocao Zhuanche (Geelys EV mobility service platform), methanol fuel and methanol-fueled vehicles as well as flying cars.

At the signing ceremony, Hainan State Farms Commercial Logistics Industry Group Co., Ltd (HSF) and Share'n Go signed a shareholder investment agreement to fully initiate the operation of Share'n Go in Hainan Province. Both parties would jointly make efforts to provide users with economic and convenient mobility services in the form of long-term and short-term rental, timesharing rental and tailored taxi service, etc. Both companies hope to effectively lower users' travelling cost and reduce the waste of social resources through the cooperation.

Geely, Tencent jointly win bidding for equity of China Railway Wi-Fi provider

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding) and Chinese Internet giant Tencent won the joint bidding to obtain 49% equity in Bullet Train Network Technology Co.,Ltd (Bullet Train Network), which offers Wi-Fi service to high-speed rail passengers across China, Geely announced on June 7.

In addition to providing railway travellers with Wi-Fi access, Geely and Tencent would join forces with China Railway Corporation (China Railway) and its affiliated companies to build a one-stop platform offering various value-added services throughout China's high-speed rail network, such as ticket, shopping, tourism and catering, etc., according to Geely's announcement.

Geely, CASIC likely to join forces to develop hyperloop train

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely) and China Aerospace Science & Industry Corp. (CASIC) had a discussion on June 8 about industrial cooperation and the commercialization of aerospace research achievements.

At the meeting, both parties decided to start cooperation as soon as possible in such areas as industrial connectivity and hyperloop train, a new, futuristic type of transport which would operate via supersonic "near ground flight". Besides, they discussed the potential to extend collaboration in developing self-driving system, vehicle-mounted chip, automotive blockchain application, IoV (Internet of Vehicles) etc.

Corun to buyout Geely's capital in ChinaHybrid System Co.,Ltd

Chinese hybrid power system supplier Hunan Corun New Energy Co.,Ltd (Corun) announced on July 2 that the company plans to acquire 9.9% stake in ChinaHybrid System Co., Ltd (CHS Company) held by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding) and 27.07% stake in CHS Company owned by Shanghai Maple Automobile Co., Ltd.(Shanghai Maple).

According to published information, Corun and Geely Holding signed an agreement on October 23, 2014 to establish a joint venture, namely, CHS Company. Under the agreement, the joint venture would focus on the R&D, manufacturing and marketing of hybrid power system, transmission as well as battery pack (including power battery and battery power systems) and involve a total investment of around RMB 10 billion. Currently, Corun possesses 51.02% stake in the joint venture.

Geely, Tencent, CRIC co-build high-speed train Wi-Fi service joint venture

China Railway Gecent Technology Co.,Ltd (CRGT), a joint venture co-built by China Railway Investment Corp (CRIC), Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding) and Tencent was officially established on July 5. The shares of Geely Holding and Tecent in the joint venture account for 49% in total.

CRGT would focus on constructing and operating China's high-speed train Wi-Fi platform. Besides, it would provide passengers with one-stop services integrating on-line and off-line operational modes, covering Wi-Fi, recreation, news, on-line food order, e-commerce services and smart retail, etc.

Geely announces all-new BMA platform, first SUV BMA-based model to be launched in H2 2018

Geely Automotive Research Institute in Hangzhou officially launched its self-developed BMA platform (B-segment Modular Architecture) on July 25, following the CMA platform (Compact Modular Architecture) jointly developed with Volvo. Reportedly, the automaker planned to roll out 2-3 BMA-based models per year from then on.

According to the on-the-spot introduction, the BMA platform boasts highly scalability, which can be applied in SUVs, sedans, MPVs, crossovers and wagons.

Besides, the BMA platform could maximum the passenger room by optimizing the size of powertrain, the location of suspension system, the height of seats and the layout of automobile parts, etc., without changing the bodywork length over existing models.

Geely Auto opens 149 4S dealerships, involving RMB 1 billion investments

On August 5, Geely Auto announced the opening of 149 new 4S dealerships in Jiangxi Province.

Geely Auto had invested a total of RMB 1 billion in the development of 149 new dealerships. Reportedly, the newly-established 4S shops would introduce the brand new visual image for their sales channels and to fully upgrade the 4S shop's facilities in compliance with the sales channel and service standards of the Geely's 3.0 Era.

Geely New Energy, State Grid EV Service team up to promote NEV development

Geely New Energy and State Grid Electric Vehicle Service Co., Ltd (State Grid EV Service) signed a cooperation agreement in Beijing on August 4 to jointly promote the new energy vehicle (NEV) development in China, according to local media.

Geely New Energy would form an in-depth partnership with the wholly-owned subsidiary of State Grid Corporation of China by fully exercising and integrating each other's resources and actively exploring innovative business modes. According to the agreement, both parties was about to co-build an intelligent IoV (Internet of Vehicles) service platform, and carry out cooperation in clean energy ecological chain and bespoke NEVs, etc.

Besides, both companies agreed to establish a special group to coordinate, promote and deepen the collaboration, timely solve problems and execute concrete projects.

Geely Automobile Holdings says first-half net profits leap 54%

China's Geely Automobile Holdings Limited reported on August 22 that its first-half net profits soared 54% year on year to around RMB6.67 billion and total revenues (excluding Lynk & Co joint venture) surged 36% from the previous year to over RMB53.7 billion.

The company said such blooming profit performance mainly benefited from its lucrative product portfolio and elevated scale economy.

Geely Binrui hits markets, priced at RMB 79,800 to RMB 110,800

Geely Auto announces the official guide price of its all-new compact sedan called the Binrui on August 30. The new model's price is ranging from RMB 79,800 to RMB 110,800.

The Geely Binrui features two engine variants. The first is a 1.0L turbocharged direct-injection engine that can generates a maximum power of 136hp and 205Nm of peak torque, paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The second is a 1.4L turbocharged engine that can output 133hp and 215 Nm, mated with a Punch-sourced 8-speed CVT-type automatic transmission.

Geely, Toyota team up to research, develop hybrid electric vehicle

Dong Changzheng, vice general manager of Toyota Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd., revealed on August 27 that Toyota was cooperating with China's largest privately-owned automaker Geely to popularize hybrid power technology, through Corun, Toyota's largest Chinese core parts supplier of hybrid power.

At the eve of the 2018 Chengdu Motor Show on Aug. 30, An Conghui, president of Geely Holding Group, and president and CEO of Geely Auto Group also confirmed that Geely and Toyota were working on the cooperation. However, the detailed information would be announced later.

Geely plows RMB8 bln in new power battery base in Hubei

Geely's new power battery base had settled in Jingzhou, Hubei province, local media reported in early September. Involving a total investment of RMB8 billion, the new base might be put into operation in 2020, equipped with such facilities as production line and R&D center of batteries and battery modules, office building as well as logistics distribution center.

It is rumored that Geely Auto was going to build a NEV plant with an annual capacity of 200,000 NEVs in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province. With the Jingzhou power battery base starting construction, the automaker took another step forward for its NEV ambition.

Geely Holding approved to buy 51.5% stake in Denmark Saxo Bank

Denmark's Saxo Bank announced on September 14 that China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and Finland's Sampo PLC had gotten all necessary regulatory approval to take control of Saxo Bank.

The completion of the transaction would make Geely Holding and Sampo PLC master 51.5% and 19.9% stake in Saxo Bank respectively. Meanwhile, co-founder Kim Fournais' stake of 25.7% remains unchanged.

On September 13, Li Donghui, executive vice president and CFO of Geely Holding, was named as chairman of Saxo Bank by the bank's board of directors.

Geely, AutoNavi step up cooperation on HD map

Chinese location-based service provider AutoNavi and automaker Geely have cemented their partnership in high-definition map (HD map) area, Liu Zhenfei, president of AutoNavi, revealed on September 17.

Liu Zhenfei said at the 2018 Alibaba Investor Day that AutoNavi has been focusing on developing HD map business in a bid to provide infrastructures for vehicle intelligentization. It was willing to work with Geely to boost the intelligent car development.

Daimler Mobility Services, Geely Group Company announce premium ride-hailing JV in China

Daimler Mobility Services GmbH and Geely Group Company, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group's new business subsidiary, announced on October 24 that they would build a joint venture (the JV) in China to provide premium ride-hailing services, according to Geely's official WeChat account.

The 50-50 JV would be headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The JV would work on providing ride-hailing services in some Chinese cities using premium cars, including but not limited to Mercedes-Benz branded vehicles. At the initial stage, the fleet would include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, E-Class and V-Class and Maybach vehicles and could deploy premium electric vehicles from the Geely Group later.

Geely Binyue hits market on Oct.31, priced from RMB78,800 to RMB118,800

The Geely Binyue, the first A-segment SUV model based on Geely Auto's brand new BMA platform (B-segment Modular Architecture), officially hit the market on October 31. Offering 5 variants in total, the new vehicle is priced from RMB78,800 to RMB118,800.

Featuring gray & brown contrast color design inside, the new SUV model is equipped with a flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel, a full liquid crystal instrument panel and a large-sized floating console liquid crystal display. In addition, the Binyue is also outfitted with such technical amenities as the electronic gear lever, electrical park brake, hill descent control as well as valet parking assistant.

Geely Holding, China Telecom team up to build multifaceted smart mobility ecosystem

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding) and China Telecom, a Chinese state-owned telecommunication company, inked a strategic cooperation framework agreement on November 26 to jointly build a next-generation vehicle-to-home Internet business mode and a multifaceted smart mobility ecosystem, according to Geely Holding's official WeChat account.

Under the agreement, both companies would pursue cooperation on corporation informationization, vehicle-to-home Internet, cloud computing, big data, 5G technology, V2X (vehicle-to-everything), edge computing, International businesses, etc. They are going to co-build a special working group or a joint venture to implement concrete programs and expand the scope of cooperation.

Geely unveils first MPV model Jiaji, offering three powertrain variants

Geely unveiled its first MPV model dubbed Geely Jiaji on December 6. The new MPV model is expected to hit the market in first quarter next year, rivaling such models as the BYD Song MAX and the Buick GL6 after officially hitting the markets.

The Jiaji MPV measures 4,706mm in length, 1,909mm in width and 1,690mm in height, with a wheelbase length of 2,805mm. It will be available in choices of five-, six- or seven-seater options.

Geely, CATL form battery joint venture

Zhejiang Jirun Automobile, a subsidiary of Geely Auto, and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd.(CATL) would set up a joint venture for the research and development, manufacturing and sales of batteries, battery modules and battery packs to enhance their core competence and the ability of sustainable development, both companies said on December 20.

According to the statement, the joint venture would be named CATL Geely Power Battery Co. Ltd, and the registered capital of the new joint venture would be RMB1 billion. CATL holds a 51% stake of the joint venture while the automaker owns the rest stake. Geely expected the new company would help with the stable supply of key components in electric vehicles. Both parties would enjoy complementary advantages and integrate sources to make preparation for the post-subsidies era in new energy vehicle segment.
CHARLESTON -- A man was sentenced to probation for methamphetamine possession but could return to prison because of a parole violation.

Jason A. Abernathy, 44, for whom court records list an address in Westfield, pleaded guilty to a charge that accused him of having the drug on Jan. 7.

With the agreement reached in the case, Abernathy was sentenced to two years of probation for the conviction that also could have resulted in a prison sentence of two to 10 years.

It will be up to prison officials to determine if a parole violation took place.

Illinois Department of Corrections' records show Abernathy was released from prison in October 2017 and was on parole at the time of his arrest last month.

His parole was for a sentence he received in 2009 for a Coles County conviction for aggravated domestic battery.

Terms of Abernathy's probation included an evaluation for substance abuse treatment and various fines and court fees.

Circuit Judge James Glenn sentenced Abernathy by accepting the terms of a plea agreement that Assistant State's Attorney Joy Wolf and Public Defender Anthony Ortega recommended.

Records in the case indicate that police found a small amount of methamphetamine in Abernathy's sock after stopping him for speeding on Bypass Road near Lake Charleston.

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In other drug cases in court recently, Glenn also accepted guilty pleas from:

Timothy P. Golden, 27, whose address on record is 16 Kickapoo Place, Charleston, to a methamphetamine possession charge alleging he had the drug on July 6.

Golden received the maximum probation term possible for the conviction, 2 1/2 years. However, the sentence was the first offender form of probation, which means he won't have a record of a conviction if he completes it successfully.

Terms of the sentence included a treatment evaluation, about $1,700 in fines and court fees and stayed jail time.

Glenn accepted a plea agreement that State's Attorney Jesse Danley and Ortega recommended.

Zachary C. Lawyer, 23, for whom records show an address of 1624 Taurus Loop, Apt. 33B, Charleston, to a charge of possession of a controlled substance alleging he had cocaine on April 15, 2017.

Lawyer also pleaded guilty to a DUI charge in connection with a March 28, 2017, traffic stop, while a DUI count in connection with the April traffic stop was dismissed.

For both charges, he was sentenced to two years of probation with the first offender type for the drug possession offense.

Terms included treatment requirements, about $2,500 in fines and fees, and stayed jail time. Assistant State's Attorney Tom Bucher and defense attorney Todd Reardon recommended the plea agreement.

Fernando C. Lemons, 42, whose address on record is 1408 Lafayette Ave., Mattoon, to a methamphetamine possession charge alleging he had the drug on Nov. 30.

Lemons was sentenced to 18 months of conditional discharge, which is supervision similar to probation but with fewer conditions. Prosecutor Ralph Fowler and Assistant Public Defender Stephanie Corum recommended the plea agreement.

Contact Dave Fopay at (217) 238-6858. Follow him on Twitter: @FopayDave

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CHARLESTON -- A man arrested for having methamphetamine in Mattoon in October is now of one three suspects accused of drug distribution in federal court.

Coles County charges against Frank E. Shaffer III were recently dismissed in favor of the federal case, in which he and other suspects are accused of trafficking the drug to Illinois from Texas.

Shaffer, 39, for whom court records list addresses in Casey and in Texas, was arrested in Mattoon on Oct. 25.

That took place after police responded to a report of man and woman sitting in the lawn of a residence at which they did not live, according to records in his Coles County case.

Shaffer was located at the scene and about an ounce of methamphetamine and a handgun were found in his possession, the records say.

His criminal record made the gun possession illegal, and he was later charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm by a felon.

The motion to dismiss those charges mentioned the federal indictment, which was also returned recently, and the motion said the suspects faced more serious sentences if convicted at the federal level.

The Coles County charges against Shaffer would have required prison time, a maximum of 30 years. Sentences for federal charge convictions are based on a variety of factors.

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Also named as defendants in the federal indictment are Austin L. Carey, 25, for whom records show an Ashmore address, and Jacob R. Burns, 30, whose address on record is in Paris.

Burns was also one the suspects charged in Coles County in connection with a March 16 methamphetamine arrest in Ashmore.

Records in that case say the suspects traveled to Texas to purchase the drug. The charge against Burns was also recently dismissed in favor of the federal prosecution.

Coles County records don't show any criminal drug cases against Carey.

In the federal indictment, Shaffer and Burns are accused of traveling to Texas to obtain methamphetamine starting in April 2017.

In May of last year, Carey began helping Shaffer distribute the drug and joined the other men on trips to Texas to obtain it, according to the indictment.

It also says the suspects wired money to the supplier to pay for the methamphetamine, which along with the interstate travel put the case in federal jurisdiction.

Carey and Shaffer are also charged with carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The indictment says each man had a handgun at times during the drug trafficking.

All three men are in federal custody and have pleaded not guilty to the charges in the indictment. A pretrial hearing in their case is scheduled for March 11.

Contact Dave Fopay at (217) 238-6858. Follow him on Twitter: @FopayDave

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MATTOON -- Jaimie Albert, RN, and Sydney Hadfield, RN, were honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at Sarah Bush Lincoln on Jan. 28.

Albert and Hadfield were nominated after making a big impression on a patient who was hospitalized while out of state and far from family. Heres an excerpt from his nomination letter:

As a Secret Service agent (retired) with 40 years experience, I have been in hospitals all over the world, including Rochester, Minn. (Mayo), Houston, TX, (MD Anderson) and Washington, DC, (GW) among others. Never have I been in a hospital with nurses and staff as pleasant, nice and compassionate as your hospital.

"While the entire nursing staff and care providers on 4 East were excellent, there are two nurses who I feel went above and beyond what might have been expected of them. Their compassion and concern for me and attitude toward me was quite professional, yet their sense of care, sense of humor and all around generous helpfulness and cheerfulness made me feel very special. This treatment endeared both of them to me, and I know this contributed to my return to good health more quickly. Also, both nurses often spoke with my daughter to keep her updated on my wellbeing. My daughter, in turn, was able to keep my wife and other children better informed on my status.

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"I would like to commend Registered Nurse Jaimie Albert and Registered Nurse Sydney Hadfield of 4th floor East for their courteous and compassionate, yet professional approach, toward me time and time and time again. I was up there alone in Mattoon yet they constantly befriended me and cheered me up, ensuring I had little time to feel lonesome. It is amazing how much a pleasant and positive attitude on the part of nurses and other caregivers can aid a patient. Both of these young ladies excelled, and for that I am thankful.

Sarah Bush Lincoln has joined more than 2,700 health care facilities by becoming a DAISY Award hospital partner. During the award presentation, Callaway received a certificate, a DAISY Award pin and a unique, hand-carved serpentine stone sculpture from Zimbabwe, entitled, A Healers Touch.

The DAISY Award was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at 33 of complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for diseases attacking the immune system.)

Patients, visitors, nurses, physicians and other employees may nominate a deserving nurse for The Daisy Award and a nurse will be selected by SBLs DAISY committee every month to received this special honor. Nomination forms are located at www.sarahbush.org and at all SBL clinics and on patient floors.

The forms can be submitted to any Sarah Bush Lincoln staff member, or sent via email to daisy@sblhs.org or mail to Sarah Bush Lincoln, DAISY Nursing Award, 1000 Health Center Drive, Mattoon, IL 61938. For more information, contact SBL DAISY coordinator, Jamie Easton, RN, at 217-238 -6255 or jeaston@sblhs.org.

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TEUTOPOLIS -- Siemer Milling Company is making a donation of $1 million to the University of Kentucky Grain and Forage Center of Excellence to support initiatives to improve grain quality and agronomic productivity of wheat grown in the heart of Siemer Millings business footprint.

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According to a press release, the new Grain and Forage Center of Excellence will be located at the UK Research and Education Center in Princeton, Ky., just 40 miles from Siemers Hopkinsville, Ky., mill that primarily processes wheat supplied by local area growers.

The gift will be given in five annual installments of $200,000 to support the Siemer Milling Company Wheat Production Program Fund. The fund will be used for programming, equipment, outreach, and faculty and student support for the soon-to-be-built Grain and Forage Center of Excellence. A conference center in the new building will also be named the Siemer Milling Company Conference Center.

According to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Dean Nancy Cox, The agriculture industry in Kentucky has been supportive of our colleges research and outreach efforts for many years."

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Introduction



In just 50 years, almost a million Jews, whose communities stretch back up to 3,000 years, have been 'ethnically cleansed' from 10 Arab countries. These refugees outnumber the Palestinian refugees two to one, but their narrative has all but been ignored. Unlike Palestinian refugees, they fled not war, but systematic persecution. Seen in this light, Israel, where some 50 percent of the Jewish population descend from these refugees and are now full citizens, is the legitimate expression of the self-determination of an oppressed indigenous, Middle Eastern people.

This website is dedicated to preserving the memory of the near-extinct Jewish communities, which can never return to what and where they once were - even if they wanted to. It will attempt to pass on the stories of the Jewish refugees and their current struggle for recognition and restitution. Awareness of the injustice done to these Jews can only advance the cause of peace and reconciliation.

(Iran: once an ally of Israel, the Islamic Republic of Iran is now an implacable enemy and numbers of Iranian Jews have fallen drastically from 80,000 to 20,000 since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Their plight - and that of all other communities threatened by Islamism - does therefore fall within the scope of this blog.)
During a conference in Brussels, a number of opinions were given about the way forward for Europe.

The moderator of the event, former EP Vice President Alejo Vidal-Quadras, criticised EU officials, including EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, for trying to push the issue to the side in favour of doing business with Iran. He said that it is very clear that high-level Iranian officials are involved in terrorist activities and that the EU needs to take more than minimal punitive measures.

Retired French journalist and former intelligence agent Claude Moniquet is expanding its terrorist ideology abroad with the aim of extending its rule. He emphasised that the clerical regimes rule is based on two pillars  domestic crackdown and foreign warmongering, and that it is in a desperate situation. He too blamed the EU for being too lenient on Iran, saying that Europe has conveyed the message to the Iranian regime that it can conduct terrorist activities on their soil without being held to account.

Member of the Iranian opposition National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Farzin Hashemi, pointed out that the government of Albania is adopting strong measures against Tehran after it was discovered that the Iranian regime was planning to attack members of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI / MEK) that are based there.

He recommended that the EU takes a tougher stance on the regime. Furthermore, he said: The entirety of the MOIS, the IRGC and all individuals engaged in the acts of terrorism must be blacklisted. The EU should also listen to the Iranian people and put an end to this illusion that there are two different factions in Iran. These terrorism activities are carried out by the entirety of the regime and approved by the Supreme Leader.

Former FBI Director Louis Freeh highlighted that the U.S. is taking the Iran threat seriously and said that the EUs message to Iran is confused. He said, on the one hand the EU is trying to be firm, but on the other hand it is trying to maintain a relationship with the country. He said that the EU needs to realise that if you cant trust a partner, you cant do commerce with that partner.

Former Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi called on EU member states to adopt stronger policy and be more courageous when faced with the regime. He said that the safety and security of the people in Europe must be taken seriously.

Former French intelligence chef Yves Bonnet also highlighted the regimes desire to wipe out its opposition and said that countries need to be willing to close Iranian embassies and expel their diplomats when they are clearly there to eliminate the opposition.
Executions

The use of the death penalty is not uncommon in Iran, even for non-violent crimes, so it should not surprise you to learn that 12 people were executed in Iran in January, with five of those executions taking place in public. This included one man who was forced into confessing to murder and is believed to be innocent by human rights activists and one man who is alleged to have violated the Regimes anti-gay laws.

Corporal punishment

Prosecutor General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri recently lamented not being able to carry out brutal punishments for fear of international reprisals, but evidently, the Regime still does use corporal punishment, as 23 flogging sentences were issued in January and seven were carried out, including one in public. These are also issued for non-violent crimes, like theft, financial crimes and even the vague-sounding negligence, something that Regime members have openly bragged about.

Crackdown on human rights defenders

Human rights attorney Mohammad Najafi had his sentence increased to 19 years and was fined roughly $950 on January 22, all for his work defending clients who had been abused by the Regime, while civil rights activists Reza Khandan and Farhad Meysami were given a six-year sentence and banned from using social media for two years.

Also, eight environmentalists who have been in prison for over a year finally heard the first half of their indictment and discovered that it was based entirely on the retracted forced confessions made by one defendant under torture.

Abuse of prisoners

 Political prisoners Sohail Arabi, Majid Asadi, and Saeed Shirzad have both been refused the medical treatment they urgently need, despite Arabi being in a life-threatening condition and Asadi suffering from multiple serious diseases

 Irans longest-serving political prisoner, Mohammad Nazari, has been denied a new trial, despite being eligible for release

 Jailed human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh has been banned from visits

 Political prisoner Bahauddin Ghassemzadeh was placed in solitary confinement after he protested against the authorities insulting his family and went on hunger strike

Abuse of minorities

Irans abuse of religious and ethnic minorities has continued, with the arrests

 Eight members of the BahaI religion were arrested

 Four Bahai students were denied education

 One female Dervish prisoner arrested during a protest last February is suffering from declining health in prison

 One Sufi woman was sentenced to 148 lashes for revealing that the prison was denying medical treatment to her fellow prisoners

 10 Arabs were arbitrarily arrested in Khuzestan province, as part of an ongoing crackdown

 State security forces killed one Baluch man and left two others wounded after opening fire on a vehicle suspected to be smuggling fuel

 12 Baluchis were arrested in Zahedan

 Border guards shot and killed at least three Kurdish porters and injured 20 others.

 36 Kurdish citizens were arrested, including nine environmental activists, two lawyers and two civic activists

This is a summary, but the full report can be read here.
As readers who have been following the discourse around thewill know, a few days ago the closed-door trilogue negotiations encountered a major obstacle, due to disagreement over one of the most debated provisions in this proposed piece of legislation: Article 13, also known as the 'value gap' or 'transfer of value' proposal

While France has supported the idea that the obligations within Article 13 should be generally applicable, Germany has advanced the view that an exemption should be instead available to undertakings with annual turnovers below a certain threshold (EUR 20 million).

Concept of 'value gap'

Article 13 is a provision which, in the original intention of the EU Commission, would serve to remedy what has come to be known in jargon as the value gap or transfer of value.

This concept refers to a claimed mismatch between the value that some digital user-uploaded (UUC) content platforms are perceived as obtaining from protected content and the revenue returned to relevant rightholders. The argument for supporting that such a gap exists is the inconsistent application of the safe harbour for hosting providers under Article 14 of the

The consequence would be that, on the one hand, rightholders would not be appropriately compensated for the exploitation of content to which they own the rights and, on the other hand, competition in the market would be distorted.



The evolution of Article 13

By means of a simplification, the original formulation of the value gap proposal was rooted within three core ideas:

Irrespective of whether the safe harbour in Article 14 of the E-commerce Directive applies, a provider that gives access to large amounts of works should take appropriate and proportionate measures to ensure protection of works or other subject matter, also by implementing effective technologies.

Irrespective of whether the safe harbour in Article 14 of the E-commerce Directive applies, a provider that gives access to large amounts of works should take appropriate and proportionate measures to ensure protection of works or other subject matter, also by implementing effective technologies. By means of a simplification, the original formulation of the value gap proposal was rooted within three core ideas:

, it would be obliged to conclude a licensing agreement with the relevant rightholder(s), unless it is eligible for the safe harbour pursuant to Article 14 of the

, where a hosting provider stores and gives public access to large amounts of user-uploaded works (the concept of large amounts is however undefined in the proposal), thereby performing an act of communication to the public within the meaning of Article 3(1) of the

That the storing and making available of protected content uploaded by third parties would qualify as an act of communication to the public by the hosting provider itself; That, despite the making of restricted acts, the safe harbour protection within Article 14 of the E-commerce Directive would in principle remain available to the hosting provider. That hosting provider would be subjected to an obligation to prevent the making available of allegedly infringing content. Recital 39 suggests that this could be done in the context of a collaboration between hosting providers and rightholders, in that "rightholders should provide the necessary data to allow the services to identify their content and the services should be transparent towards rightholders with regard to the deployed technologies, to allow the assessment of their appropriateness."





reported that an agreement had been reached within Coreper (the Council's permanent representatives committee) concerning the text of the Directive; last September also the European Parliament managed to adopt its own version of the directive to use as a basis for a negotiating mandate in the context of the trilogue. A few months ago, The IPKatthat an agreement had been reached within Coreper (the Council's permanent representatives committee) concerning the text of the Directive; last September also the European Parliament managed to adopt its ownof the directive to use as a basis for a negotiating mandate in the context of the trilogue.





Today's leak





Politico leaked the text of the compromise eventually achieved within Coreper further to the Franco-German disagreement, which also required a call between Macron and Merkel. The next Coreper meeting is currently scheduled to take place on 11 or 12 February. Todayof the compromise eventually achieved within Coreper further to the Franco-German disagreement, which also required abetween Macron and Merkel. The next Coreper meeting is currently scheduled to take place on 11 or 12 February.





As far as the value gap proposal is concerned (other points tackled in the new text are the press publishers' right, the principle of fair remuneration, revocation right and text and data mining), these are the main points as put forward by the current Romanian Presidency of the Council.





Softer liability regime for small companies and start-ups





Micro- and small sized enterprises with:

a turnover of less than EUR 10 million, and (these are cumulative conditions)

(these are cumulative conditions) whose services have been available to the public in the EU for less than 3 years, should benefit from a softer liability regime. should benefit from aliability regime.





This entails that in the first 3 years of activity these companies will be only subject to notice-and-takedown obligations.





However, if the average number of monthly unique visitors exceeds 5 million, then these subjects shall be under an additional obligation to demonstrate that they have made best efforts to prevent further uploads of the notified works and other protected subject matter for which the rightholders have provided relevant and necessary information.





Comment - From the text as put forward, it appears that the 'softer liability regime' would become inapplicable essentially in 3 cases:

Because of the enterprise's own growth (turnover)

Because of the enterprise's own popularity (visitors)

Because of the passing of time: if 3 years have passed, then it appears that the ordinary liability regime would start applying irrespective of growth. This suggests that, rather than a 'softer liability regime', what is envisaged here is a cooling-off period on the application of the ordinary regime.

Kat-fine print Safe harbour availability





With regard to safe harbour availability, the Coreper text states that protection remains "possible" and that Article 13 should not be intended as imposing a general monitoring obligation. However, the safe harbour would be "for purposes falling outside the scope of this Directive" (Article 13(3)).





Comment - This part seems aimed at those who have criticized the value gap proposal for failing to comply with the E-commerce Directive. While the new Coreper text reiterates the possibility for the safe harbour to apply, one should be careful: the language suggests in fact that the safe harbour would only potentially apply to types of liability other than copyright-related.





In other words, if a platform communicates to the public (together with users of its services), then the safe harbour would not apply tout court.





The situation might be potentially akin to the following: let's assume that a user uploads a video on a UUC platform that triggers their own liability, eg, under a certain Member State's criminal law (eg for defamation). That video also includes a song. The platform might in principle enjoy the safe harbour protection in relation to the defamatory activity of the user, but would not be able to do the same in relation to the making available of the protected song.





What happens in case a licence is not obtained?





Rightholders shall be under no obligation to grant licences.





If a platform makes unlicensed content available it might be liable for unauthorized acts of communication to the public, unless it demonstrates that it:

made best efforts to obtain a licence, and made best efforts to prevent the availability of infringing content in respect of which the rightholder has provided relevant and necessary information, and acted expeditiously, upon receiving a sufficiently substantiated notice by the rightholder, to remove or disable access to that content, and made best efforts to prevent the future availability thereof. The concept of 'best efforts' entails an appreciation of whether the platform has acted as a 'diligent economic operator'.





Comment - If a rightholder does not want to grant a licence, they are acting in their full right. However, the platform should seek to obtain one and, failing to do so, it might still allow the availability of the unlicensed content, provided that it complies with the requirements above. This is what is called a 'mitigation of liability', likely aimed at mitigating the criticisms of those who dubbed Article 13 a 'censorship machine'. No censorship might occur after all [for a different take, see MEP Reda on her website ; also critical, see CREATe ]. If a rightholder does not want to grant a licence, they are acting in their full right. However, the platform should seek to obtain one and, failing to do so, it might still allow the availability of the unlicensed content, provided that it complies with the requirements above. This is what is called a 'mitigation of liability', likely aimed atthe criticisms of those who dubbed Article 13 a 'censorship machine'. No censorship might occur after all





What if also your Kat was actually BIG? Users' rights







Users shall be allowed to upload and make available content generated by themselves or by other users and which includes parts of existing protected works and subject matter for the purposes of quotation, criticism, review, caricature, parody or pastiche. While the new text does not endorse the idea (flagged in the past) that a user-generated content exception be adopted, it reiterates that users shall be allowed to upload content generated by them and which includes third-party content for purposes of quotation, criticism, review, caricature, parody, or pastiche:

Comment - Some commentators might consider this part of the text as reiterating the status quo, but that would be hardly correct.



If this language stays, it might have a major impact: in fact, all the concepts mentioned above (quotation, criticism, parody, etc) are currently framed in Article 5 of the InfoSoc Directive as optional exceptions which Member States are free or not to transpose into their own laws.



This new wording of Article 13(5) might make at least the exceptions in Article 5(3)(d) and (k) de facto mandatory for Member States to have.



Alternatively, Article 13(5) of the new directive might be considered as overriding Article 5(3)(d) and (k) of the InfoSoc Directive. If that was the case, it would be BIG (but would depend on whether the InfoSoc Directive is included among the pieces of legislation the new directive would be without prejudice to).





Let's now see how things develop ...
* "Most Popular Intellectual Property Law Blawg" of all time according to Justia rankings , May 2021.

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* PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the World Intellectual Property Review's "Influential Women in IP" of 2020.

* PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2018.

* IPKat founder and Blogmeister Emeritus Jeremy Phillips listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2005, 2011, 2013, and 2014.

* Recommended by the European Patent Office as reading material for candidates for the European Qualifying Examinations, 2013.

* Listed as "Top Legal Blog" in The Times Online, March 2011.

2010 ABA Journal 100. * One of the only two non-US blogs listed in the Blawg100.

* Court Reporter Top Copyright Blog award winner, November 2010.

* Number 1 in the 2010 Top Copyright Blog list compiled by the Copyright Litigation Blog, July 2010.

* Selected by the United States Library of Congress for inclusion in its historic collections of Internet materials related to Legal Blawgs as of 2010.

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Blog of the Year, 20 August 2008. * ComputerWeekly IT Law and Governance, 20 August 2008.




Katfriends Sarita Schroder (Hannes Snellman) discuss the Finnish implementation of the Trade Mark Directive and reflect on what the future might hold for trade marks in this Member State.



Here's what they write: When it comes to Directive 2015/2436 (the new Trade Mark Directive ), what has been the Finnish take on the implementation thereof? What are the future challenges?Katfriends Panu Siitonen and(Hannes Snellman) discuss the Finnish implementation of the Trade Mark Directive and reflect on what the future might hold for trade marks in this Member State.Here's what they write:





"Although usually a front-row pupil, Finland failed to meet the 14 January 2019 deadline for the transposition of the bulk of the provisions of the EU Trade Mark Directive. However, the old adage good things come to those who wait holds true, as the proposed new Trade Mark Act and other IP reforms will bring many improvements even beyond those mandated by the EU legislator. Below is a snapshot of a few key changes.





Overcoming Relative Grounds for Refusal Citations to Become Less Burdensome









Overcoming relative grounds for refusal is cumbersome, as it requires either convincing the authority of an error in their assessment or obtaining consent from the prior rights holder(s) or managing to have the prior right(s) revoked or invalidated. Finland is among the few EU Member States where relative grounds for refusal are examined at the authorities initiative when registering trade marks and company or trade names. In each case, both trade marks and company or trade names can be cited. Especially company and trade names cause many unnecessary headaches, as they can be registered to cover all lawful business activities. Consequently, they pose an obstacle for an identical or similar mark or name for any goods, services, or type of business.Overcoming relative grounds for refusal is cumbersome, as it requires either convincing the authority of an error in their assessment or obtaining consent from the prior rights holder(s) or managing to have the prior right(s) revoked or invalidated.





Currently, revocation and invalidation matters are handled exclusively by the Market Court, where the court fee is EUR 2,050 and the losing party is generally ordered to compensate the winning partys costs. Moreover, partial revocation of company or trade names is not possible. Therefore, as long as such a name is used for something, it can remain indefinitely registered for everything.





The proposed legislation will introduce an administrative revocation and invalidation procedure for trade marks far ahead of the 2023 deadline set by the Directive. It will be applicable in both contentious and non-contentious cases. However, the court route will also remain available should either party so prefer. Similarly, an administrative revocation procedure will be introduced for company and trade names that have not been put to genuine use over a continuous period of five years. Partial revocation of company and trade names will also be made possible.





These changes are expected to ease the burden caused by the authorities examination of relative grounds for refusal  which there are no plans to discontinue or limit.





Opposition Proceedings to Become More Efficient





Opposition proceedings before the Finnish Trade Mark Office are  at least objectively speaking  currently in many ways less efficient than those before, for example, the EUIPO.





Among other things, there is no cooling-off period to facilitate a settlement. Instead, if the parties need time to negotiate, they must apply for extensions of time limits, which are only granted for a few weeks at a time. Moreover, the applicant cannot defend itself by demanding that the opponent provide proof of use of its earlier right(s). Rather, the applicant must file a revocation action before the Market Court if it believes that there has been no genuine use of the opponents right(s) for a continuous period of five years. The proposed legislation will introduce a two-month cooling-off period, which may be extended twice by five months at a time. Moreover, as required by the Directive, demanding proof of use as a defence will be made possible.





Opposition proceedings will also be streamlined by generally limiting the number of statements per party to a maximum of two, whereas today the parties are usually allowed to keep submitting statements until both confirm that they have nothing further to comment. However, what will not change is that, unlike before the EUIPO, arguments and evidence supporting the opposition must be filed in connection with filing the opposition.





Criminal Liability for EUTM and RCD Infringements to be Introduced





In April 2018, much to the dismay of brand owners, the Finnish Supreme Court ruled that under the current legislation, there is no criminal liability for infringements of EU trade marks (EUTM) or Registered Community Designs (RCD).





According to the court's reasoning, the Finnish Criminal Code does not specifically mention acts contrary to the EU Trade Mark Regulation or the Community Design Regulation as being criminally sanctioned. Rather, it only refers to infringements within the meaning of certain national legislation as constituting a crime (subject to certain conditions). Due to the rule of law principle, it is not possible to fill in the gaps of the legislation through analogous interpretations.





To enable EUTMs and RCDs to enjoy the same protection in Finland as corresponding national rights, the Criminal Code will be amended to penalise also infringements of these rights. This will provide brand owners with a better enforcement toolkit and help ensure Finlands compliance with its international obligations, in particular, the TRIPS Agreement.





Other Changes and Outlook for the New Legislation





Other changes that will be brought about by the new legislation include:

removal of the graphical representation requirement for trade marks;

introduction of the what-you-see-is-what-you-get principle for black and white trade marks applied for after the entry into force of the new legislation;

shortening of the term of protection for new trade marks from ten years as of the registration date to ten years as of the application date;

introduction of a specific provision concerning infringing goods in transit;

possibility to clarify goods and services covered by trade marks applied for prior to 1 October 2012 (or in some cases, between 1 October 2012 and 31 December 2013) using class headings or numbers; and

certain changes to procedure and remedies. The proposed legislation is currently still making its way to a first reading and debate in Parliament. It is, nevertheless, expected to enter into force during the spring of 2019.
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused Mamata Banerjee government of anarchy and misrule in West Bengal. (Source: PTI Photo/File)

After being denied permission to land his chopper in West Bengal by the state government, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday took road route for his rally in Purulia. The chief minister flew to Jharkhands Bokaro before travelling to Purulia in West Bengal by road.

Upping the ante against the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, Adityanath said, "You must have seen how she is trying to save a corrupt officer. Nothing can be more shameful, undemocratic and unconstitutional than a chief minister of a state sitting on a dharna (sit-in protest) to ensure that secrets of corruption dont spill out."

Calling the TMC government in West Bengal as "corrupt and undemocratic", he criticised Banerjee for not allowing benefits of central schemes to be passed on to the people of the state.

The UP CM accused the Bengal government of indulging in unconstitutional activities. "This (West Bengal) government is embroiled in undemocratic and unconstitutional activities and that is the reason why a sanyasi and yogi like me is not being allowed to step on the soil of Bengal."

Before heading for Purulia, Adityanath alleged that Bengal was suffering under Mamta Banerjee governments rule. "It saddens me that Gurudev Tagores Karmabhoomi, our Bengal today is suffering from anarchy and misrule of Mamta Banerjee government, now is the time that West Bengal should be freed from this government to protect the Constitution through a strong democratic movement," he tweeted.

Calling the Opposition an alliance of the corrupt, Adityanath said, "And thats why I will stand today in Purulia holding the flag of this movement challenging the alliance of corrupts."

Speaking on the same lines, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das said that this is an attack on the democracy that Adityanath is not allowed to land in a state. "You can see democracy is being murdered. Anybody from any political party can go anywhere in the country. CM of an elected govt of largest state isnt being permitted to land there and address rally but hell go via Jharkhand. People of Purulia are waiting for him."

Story continues

On Sunday, the UP chief minister addressed a public rally in Balurghat over the phone after his helicopter was denied permission to land. Earlier, the state government had not let BJP president Amit Shah's helicopter to land in Malda at a local airport. Shah had later used a helipad of the BSF.

Responding to a question that her government was denying permission to BJP leaders to land, Mamata Banerjee told reporters at her dharna site that "is not correct, it is absolutely wrong". The Bengal chief minister has been on a dharna for the past two days against the CBIs attempt to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on the chit funds scandal.

Mamata also asked Adityanath to take care of matters related to his state first. "Ask Yogi to take care of Uttar Pradesh first. So many people have been killed, even police were murdered, so many people were lynched, he himself will lose if he contests elections. He doesn't have a place to stand in UP that's why hes roaming around in Bengal," she said.

Follow LIVE Updates: CBI vs Kolkata Police face off | - ,

Meanwhile, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain, who was to hold a rally in Murshidabad today, alleged that the TMC government denied permission for his rally.

On Monday, a delegation of BJP leaders led by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met the Election Commission with a complaint against the Mamata government. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, S S Ahluwalia and Anil Baluni were a part of the delegation. BJP spokesperson Baluni had said, "The West Bengal government is denying us our democratic rights. We are not being allowed to hold rallies, public meetings and permission is not being given for landing of choppers"




Vampire-Killer: Man kills classmate, drinks blood, then fakes being doctor

03 Feb 2019: Vampire-Killer: Man kills classmate, drinks blood, then fakes being doctor

In what will remind you of a spine-chilling gore movie, a man in Russia was recently charged with forging documents to work as a doctor after he had killed a classmate and drank his blood over 20 years ago.

Boris Kondrashin, 36, got the job in Urals city of Chelyabinsk last November despite having spent nearly a decade in a psychiatric facility.

Here's more.

Murder: Kondrashin considered himself to be a 'vampire'

In 1998, when Kondrashin was a teenager, he injected a sedative into a 16-year-old classmate.

He then cut his classmate's body in a ritual killing and drank his blood.

As per reports, Kondrashin "considered himself to be a vampire".

In August 2000, he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital after being diagnosed with homicidal schizophrenia and was declared incapable of understanding his actions.

Job: Kondrashin got primary care doctor's job at a hospital

In 2010, Kondrashin was discharged from the facility; last year, he was hired as a primary care doctor by Chelyabinsk's City Hospital No. 11.

His job was to encourage people not to drink and smoke and advise them about the benefits of exercise.

Kondrashin's lack of work experience wasn't caught because he claimed to have lost compulsory records and produced a fake degree certificate.

Nabbed: Kondrashin caught after being spotted by psychiatrist who treated him

However, in January, Kondrashin was detained after he was spotted posting on a medical forum by a psychiatrist who had treated him earlier.

Following this, the hospital checked Kondrashin's medical degree certificate with the institution which was fraudulently acquired and he was sacked, according to Natalya Gorlova, head of the Chelyabinsk health department.

He was then arrested for forgery and also illegal drug possession.

Supervision: Kondrashin was supposed to be under medical supervision, says sister

Kondrashin's sister, who is also a doctor, told media that she and her mother didn't know how he got the job as he only had a high school education.

Further, she revealed that Kondrashin was discharged from the psychiatric facility after being declared no danger to the public, but he was still supposed to be under medical supervision and received a monthly disability payment.
The official FMSCI website promptly removed the names of Vijay Mallya and Vicky Chandhok from the list of its FIA representatives. (PTI Photo)

Less than two months after a UK court ordered fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya's extradition to India, British Home Secretary Sajid Javid has signed the order for completing the process. India was quick to "welcome" the decision, with government sources saying that they "await" the early completion of the legal process. Mallya said he would appeal against the order - he has 14 days to do so.

A UK Home Office spokesperson confirmed that the minister had signed Mallya's extradition order on Sunday. Javid had to make a decision within two months of the day the case was sent to him.

"On February 3, the Secretary of State, having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed the order for Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. Vijay Mallya is accused in India of conspiracy to defraud, making false representations and money laundering offences," the spokesperson said.

While there was no official response from the Ministry of External Affairs, government sources said: "We have taken note of the decision of the UK Home Secretary to sign on the order for Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. While we welcome the UK government's decision in the matter, we await the early completion of the legal process for his extradition."

Mallya posted on Twitter: "After the decision was handed down on December 10,2018 by the Westminster Magistrates Court, I stated my intention to appeal. I could not initiate the appeal process before a decision by the Home Secretary. Now I will initiate the appeal process."

Union Minister Arun Jaitley, who is in the US for treatment, tweeted: "Modi Government clears one more step to get Mallya extradited while Opposition rallies around the Saradha Scamsters."

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On December 9, the Westminster Magistrate's Court had ordered Mallya's extradition to stand trial on charges brought by the CBI and ED. The 62-year-old, owner of the defunct Kingfisher Airlines, is wanted for wilful default of over Rs 9,000 crore loans from Indian banks.




Nepal: Woman banished in

04 Feb 2019: Nepal: Woman banished in 'menstruation' hut dies of suffocation

In a tragic incident, a woman in Nepal is suspected to have died due to smoke inhalation while she was banished to a hut during her period.

In Nepal, many communities view menstruating women as impure and in some remote areas, it's mandatory for a menstruating woman to sleep in a hut away from home, a centuries-old tradition known as chhaupadi.

Here's what happened.

Death: Woman finds daughter-in-law dead in a smoke-filled hut

Last week, 21-year-old Parbati Bogati, was found dead in a smoke-filled hut in the western Doti district when her mother-in-law went to check on her.

"We suspect she died due to smoke inhalation and suffocation because she closed the door of the windowless hut and lit a fire on the floor for warmth during the night," local police officer, Lal Bahadur Dhami, told media.

Past incident: Previously, woman, two children died due to smoke inhalation

Parbati's body has been sent for autopsy, Dhami said.

Her death occurs just three weeks after a woman, who was on her period, and her two sons in Bajura district died of suspected smoke inhalation.

Following this, locals protested to demolish chhaupadi sheds in their village.

Local authorities warned that anyone forcing their daughters and daughters-in-law to follow the practice would be denied services.

Tradition: What is chhaupadi?

Chhaupadi, linked to Hinduism, considers women untouchable when they are menstruating, even after childbirth.

Under Chhaupadi, women aren't allowed to touch food, religious icons, cattle, and men.

The practice was outlawed in 2005 but some remote and conservative western regions in Nepal still follow it.

Last year, a three-month jail sentence and an NPR 3,000 (Rs. 1,900) fine were introduced for anyone imposing chhaupadi.

More reforms: 'Only legal provisions are not enough to end such practices'

Ganga Chaudhary, a lawmaker who was involved in the drafting of the legislation for chhaupadi, said a lot more needs to be done to enforce the law and change social norms in the country.

"We have realized that only legal provisions are not enough to end such practices. We need to focus on awareness and educating women," Chaudhary told media.
(WB) A new poll has found a whopping 70 percent of the American public believe transgender people should be able to serve in the U.S. military despite policy from President Trump seeking to bar them from enlisting.

The Qunnipiac University Poll was published Tuesday in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court green lighting Trumps transgender military ban.

Republicans were the only listed group in the poll opposed to transgender people in the military. They oppose transgender service 50-40 percent. Comparatively, Democrats backed transgender service 94-3 and independent voters support it 75-16.

Among racial groups, the greatest support for transgender service came from black Americans, who back it 90-8. White voters support transgender service 66-26 and Hispanics support it 72-13 (although a significant portion of Hispanics, 15 percent, are undecided.)

Ashley Broadway-Mack, president of the American Military Partner Association said in a statement the poll demonstrates Trump anti-trans policy isnt consistent with American values.

Its crystal clear that the far majority of Americans reject Donald Trumps reckless, discriminatory attack on our nations brave transgender service members, Broadway-Mack said. Instead of singling out transgender troops for discrimination, Donald Trump should reverse course and honor them for the heroes they are. Transgender service members have proven time and again that what matters is their ability to accomplish the mission  not their gender identity.

The poll found support overall is similar to where it stood in August 2017, when 68 percent of voters backed transgender service and 27 percent opposed it. That was months after Trump announced on Twitter ban transgender people from the military in any capacity.

The poll surveyed U.S. voters on a wide range of issues, finding Trump has a negative 38-57 percent job approval rating  a dip in approval compared to his 4155 percent earlier in the month.

Quinnipiac also sought input from voters on other transgender issues. For example, the poll found 56 percent of voters think the United States is somewhat accepting of transgender people, compared to 23 percent who say the U.S. is not so accepting, 9 percent who say it is very accepting and 8 percent who say it is not accepting at all.

Asked whether transgender acceptance would be a good thing or bad thing for the country, voters were split 42-42 on saying it would be a good thing or make not much difference, compared to 12 percent who say it would be a bad thing.

The poll was conducted from Jan. 25 to 28 and surveyed 1,004 voters nationwide, according to Qunnipiac University.
Chandrababu Naidu, BJP chief Amit Shah said, is "trying to gain sympathy by blaming the BJP, but that will not work. He is making all efforts to make his son Lokesh the chief minister." (Express Photo By Amit Mehra)

The NDA's doors are permanently closed for Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, BJP president Amit Shah said in a scathing attack on the TDP chief at a rally in Palasa, in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, on Monday.

Shah, who launched the BJP's campaign in the state by flagging off a "Praja Chaitanya Yatra'', said Naidu will try to rejoin the NDA "when the BJP returns to power" after the Lok Sabha polls. "But this time, the doors are closed for him," he asserted.

Shah said, "He (Naidu) chose to be part of the NDA when Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister in 2014. But when people started expressing unhappiness with the performance of his government, and he became unpopular due to corruption (under his charge), he started blaming Modi and the Centre, claiming that nothing was done for AP."

Naidu, the BJP chief said, is "trying to gain sympathy by blaming the BJP, but that will not work. He is making all efforts to make his son Lokesh the chief minister."

Alleging that Naidu has "always worked" against interests of Telugu people for "political and personal benefit", Shah said, "He is a U-turn CM; he has been lying and misguiding the people of Andhra Pradesh I can say for sure that when the BJP returns to power this year, Naidu will again try to join NDA but we will not take him back."
MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's tea production nudged 0.8 percent lower in 2018 from a year ago to 1311.63 million kg, trimming exports from the world's biggest black tea producer by 1.1 percent, the state-run Tea Board said on Friday.

The south Asian country's exports eased to 249.11 million kg from 251.89 million kg a year ago, the board said in a statement.

India, the world's second-biggest tea producer, exports CTC (crush-tear-curl) grade mainly to Egypt, Pakistan and the United Kingdom, with the orthodox variety exported to Iraq, Iran and Russia.

(Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav, Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
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The US has recognized an unelected man, Juan Guaido, who self-proclaimed that he is the president of Venezuela, even though two other people ran against President Nicolas Maduro in May 2018 and lost. The electoral process for the presidential and state legislative council elections complied with all international standards and national legislation. The Organization of American States did not recognize Guaido, and neither did the United Nations. Not getting support there, the Trump administration got a few other countries to go along with him. I am dismayed that Canada has played an active role in this coup-mongering effort.

How can democratic countries justify imposing a leader on another country by ousting a democratically-elected president? We North Americans have no right to intervene in this way in Venezuela. Would we want someone who did not run for U.S. president to self-proclaim that he/she is president and get a bunch of countries to force our president out of office? No, we wouldn't stand for it. Most of us could never even imagine such hubris. We must support Mexico, Uruguay and the Vatican in their calls for a peaceful dialogue. U.S. economic sanctions are continuing to devastate Venezuelas economy, creating food and medicine shortages, more poverty and mass migration. We need a drumbeat for peaceful dialogue to ease tensions, not a coup.
(WB) The parents of transgender children met on Capitol Hill Wednesday to share stories about hardships their families have encountered, including anti-trans policies of the Trump administration.

The parents gathered for a one-hour meeting at the Cannon House Office Building for a public meeting hosted by Rep. Joseph Kennedy III (D-Mass.), chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force. The meeting followed a two-day summit of the Parents for Transgender Equality National Council at the Human Rights Campaign building in D.C.

Rachel Gonzales, who lives in the Dallas area and is the mother of three children, told the story of how her transgender daughter became progressively anxious and depressed and angry before she transitioned.

My husband and I were really at odds with how to handle her increasing need to feminize her presence, Gonzales said. And, as she became more aware of other peoples perception of her as a boy, she just hit a wall where she expressed to us that she could not go on any longer with anyone thinking she was a boy, that she needed Santa Claus to turn her into a girl.

That changed, Gonzales said, when she allowed her daughter to transition socially by starting to wear girls clothing and growing her hair long.

She became happier and we changed her name and her pronouns, and she started to come back out of that dark cloud, Gonzales said. And we really were anxious about living in Texas, what that would be like, telling her classmates in school that her name and pronouns had changed and much to our surprise, her classmates responses were almost comical: Of course, shes wearing a dress? Why wouldnt she wear a dress?

Both Gonzalez and her transgender daughter testified before the Texas Legislature two years ago when lawmakers sought to pass an anti-transgender bathroom bill. The legislation ended up being defeated.

Louis Porter II, formerly executive director of the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage, talked about his experience raising his non-binary gender expansive child named Zeam, saying he was thankful for the support he found from fellow black elders in his Southern Christian tradition.

I havent met a parent yet who doesnt worry, but when your child is transgender and black, you worry even more so, Porter said.

Priya Shah, a gender and sexuality studies teacher in Orange County, Calif., recalled crying last year when Kennedy during his response to President Trumps State of the Union address, mentioned parents raising transgender children.

Our daughter who was identified male at birth came to me before her seventh birthday, looked me straight in the eye and said, Mom. Im a girl. This is the situation, Shah said. In a way I think we had known about that for a long time and that it was coming.

On the first therapy sessions the family had, Shah said her daughter told her, Ive known since I was four, but I thought you would hate me, and I thought people wouldnt love me.

She didnt even know the word transgender, she didnt know that it was something that you could be, and she was so scared to even tell her family, Shah said.

At her daughters private school in California, Shah said her daughter wasnt allowed to transition and was forced to wear a male uniform and go by her old name and male pronouns.

She would come home every after school and rip the uniform, Shah said. One day I found a picture of her that was taken at school and she ripped it in half and said I hate myself.

At that time, Shah said she started teaching her daughter through home schooling and sued the school, which ultimately changed its policies and started training its principals. Shah said her daughter now is a straight A student and in programs for gifted students.

Its a constant battle, Shah said. We still have parents in Orange County who want to be able to discriminate against transgender children, theres teachers that ask if they cannot teach our children.

Keisha Michaels, whos black and a social worker, became emotional when she recalled the mortality rate for transgender women of color.

We worry, we know the number, we know the statistics, Michaels said. We realize that transgender women of color, black transgender women, are murdered  Ill just have to say it  at ridiculous rates in this country. And we worry, my husband and I, we worry every day about it.

A common theme among the parents at the meeting was the need to pass the Equality Act, which would amend federal civil rights law to explicitly include LGBT people and ban anti-trans discrimination in schools.

JR Ford, a D.C.-based cybersecurity expert who lives in D.C., talked about the importance of the legislation to ensure protections for transgender kids.

The Equality Act would help to provide protections across an entire nation for transgender youth, so they can know that they exist, Ford said. We can leverage state-by-state regulations and policiesIts more beneficial for all children in this country to be protected, and so the Equality Act really is essential for essential human rights.

Sarah McBride, a transgender advocate and spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, said during the meeting the Equality Act would be introduced in the coming weeks. Rep, David Cicilline (D-R.I.) has sponsored the legislation in the U.S. House and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) has sponsored the legislation in the Senate.

Another theme was the anti-transgender polices of the Trump administration. When Obama-era guidance requiring schools to allow transgender students to use the restroom consistent with their gender identity was rescinded in 2017, Ford said he approached the White House from the street and shouted at the leaders inside.

Jessica Girven, the mother of a transgender daughter in the U.S. military stationed in Germany, became angry when she recalled the Trump administration rescinding the policy ensuring non-discrimination for transgender kids in school.

The assistant secretary of defense under Obama issued an inclusive affirming policy at all Department of Defense schools and MWR facilities around the world, Girven said. So, for the first time, families didnt have to worry what happens when we move?Will my child not be able to go to school? Will we be able to rent a house? We had this beautiful policy for four months. It was one of the first things that was rescinded under this administration.

One participant in the meeting who shared an unexpected story was Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), who talked about her soon-to-be 21-year-old transgender grandson Isaac and his process of transitioning.

I asked him, I said, Growing up was this an issue for you because our familys very close, he always seemed very happy. He said, I just never knew it was an option, and, you know, I felt loved and accepted in the family.

Schakowsky said her grandson is preparing to have gender reassignment surgery for a double mastectomy and has had eggs frozen to ensure he can be a biological parent in the future.

Other lawmakers in attendance were Reps. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) as well as Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.) and Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.).
SULLIVAN  A woman who was injured in a house explosion and fire Friday night northeast of Sullivan has been transferred to Springfield Memorial Medical Center.

Chief Mike Piper of the Sullivan Fire Department said the woman, who had resided with her family at the home, was transferred on Monday from Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana to the burn unit at the Springfield hospital for further treatment.

The department reported earlier that firefighters found the injured woman outside the structure under debris shortly after they were dispatched at 9:52 p.m. Friday to the scene, 1416 County Road 1700N, west of Jonathan Creek Road.

Later, firefighters found the body of another family member, 20-year-old Jared L. Schrock, under debris. Schrock was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:10 a.m. Saturday by Moultrie County Coroner Lynn Reed. He is the son of home owners Larry and Ruby Schrock.

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A family friend has started a Schrock family fundraiser page on www.gofundme.com to help this Amish family with home, hospital and funeral expenses.

Piper said the explosion resulted from a propane leak, but the Illinois State Fire Marshal's office has not made a final determination yet on what caused the leak and the explosion. He said firefighters have learned that occupants of the house had tried to fix the propane leak earlier in the evening but they could still smell the odor of propane afterward.

The explosion leveled the house. The Sullivan Fire Department reported that the blast scattered debris as far as 200 feet from the residence. The structure was fully engulfed in flames when they arrived at the scene.

Sullivan firefighters were assisted by squads from Arthur, Bethany and Lovington with manpower, pumpers and tankers. Area firefighters with the MABAS Division 26 technical rescue team, based in Charleston, were called to the scene to assist in the search for and recovery of the deceased victim.

Contact Rob Stroud at (217) 238-6861. Follow him on Twitter: @TheRobStroud

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SPRINGFIELD  Supporters of legalizing recreational marijuana in Illinois will face stiff opposition this year from leaders of the states largest religious denomination.

The six Catholic bishops in Illinois issued a joint statement Monday urging lawmakers to reject any attempt to legalize marijuana.

As lawmakers consider this issue, it is important to remember they are not only debating legalization of marijuana, but also commercialization of a drug into an industry the state will profit from, the bishops said in the statement. In seeking the common good, the state should protect its citizens.

The six bishops are leaders of the six Catholic dioceses in Illinois, which compose the Catholic Conference of Illinois. CCI is made up of the Archdiocese of Chicago and other dioceses in Belleville, Joliet, Peoria, Rockford and Springfield.

CCI Executive Director Bob Gillespie said in an interview that there are roughly 3.5 million Catholics in the state. Thats about 28 percent of the states population, making Catholicism the single largest denomination in Illinois, according to the Pew Research Center.

Illinois legalized marijuana for certain medical uses in 2013, and state lawmakers are expected to consider proposals this year to expand the list of conditions for which people can obtain prescriptions for the drug. CCI did not take an official position on that issue, Gillespie said.

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But legalizing it for recreational use was also a major issue for Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzkers successful campaign in 2018, and a number of supporters have already begun trying to draft legislation.

In addition, voters in Cook County in March 2018 overwhelmingly approved a nonbinding ballot referendum calling for statewide legalization of recreational pot for people over age 21, subject to state regulation and taxation.

As of 2018, according to Governing magazine, 10 states and the District of Columbia had legalized recreational marijuana. But as Illinois ponders whether to become the 11th state to do so, Gillespie said he believes the momentum for it is waning.

I think there was a lot of energy, and theres still a lot of energy behind the efforts to legalize it, but that was in a campaign mode prior to November, he said. This was on some ballots where you saw a fairly large number of people supporting it. But now that its time for those people to figure out how to implement this in such a way that it does not harm the public, the momentum that youre seeing is slowing down considerably.

The statement from the bishops did not reference any specific theological objection to marijuana use. Rather, it suggested there would be a danger of widespread public health and safety consequences.

Data collected by government agencies and public-interest groups document that drug use is rampant in modern society, the bishops said. Just a few years ago, we heard too many stories of children turned into orphans after their parents overdosed on heroin. Today, we hear of the opioid crisis and the lives it claims. If marijuana is legalized, it will only add to the problem.

Pritzkers press secretary, Jordan Abudayyeh, said in an email statement that the governor remains committed to legalization.

Gov. Pritzker supports legalizing and taxing the recreational use of marijuana and is confident we are ready to do this in a safe and economically beneficial way in Illinois, Abudayyeh said. He is committed to working with leaders in the General Assembly, listening to experts and community leaders, and drawing lessons and best practices from other states to move this forward.

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DECATUR  Monday night marked a time of transition for the city of Decatur.

As Interim City Manager Billy Tyus closed the door on his nearly two-decade career with the city, the city council at its Monday night meeting approved the appointment of longtime legal counsel Wendy Morthland to serve as the new interim city manager.

As Monday's meeting wrapped up, Tyus was visibly emotional as Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and other officials thanked him for his service. He received a standing ovation from the council and the crowd.

"I appreciate everybody," he told the council. "We're excited about the (new) opportunity, but it's hard."

Tyus, who joined the city in 2000 as its public information officer, will leave the city after Feb. 7 to take over as deputy city manager in Bloomington. He will work under Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason, who previously served the same role in Decatur.

Morthland, head of the citys legal department, will take over as interim city manager once Tyus leaves and will serve in the role until Scot Wrighton begins his tenure as city manager on March 19. Wrighton, the city manager for Streator, was hired by the Decatur City Council on Jan. 14.

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The council on Monday also unanimously approved a plan that would sell a dozen parcels of land in the Wabash Crossing neighborhood to the Decatur Macon County Opportunities Corporation for $650. The land is between the 200-300 blocks of East Orchard Street, the 200-300 blocks of East Marietta Street and the 1000 Block of North Warren Street, just north of Crossing Healthcare.

The plan is for DMCOC, which has served the Decatur community since 1964, to consolidate many of its operations into a newly constructed building. Along with Wee Folks Daycare and the Anna Waters Head Start program, the group also provides senior transportation and meals, job training and other programs designed to improve the quality of life for Decatur residents.

Tyus said the city and DMCOC have spent several years talking about the possibility of transferring land to help the latter with their social service programs.

Officials view the future facility as the "final piece" of the social service campus being built in the area. In addition to the existing Crossing Healthcare facility, construction has started on a new building for the Northeast Community Fund as well as a $30 million Community Care Campus.

The 17-acre Community Care Campus, paid for through the private foundation of former Macon County Sheriff Howard Buffett, will include a 31,000-square-foot detox and residential rehabilitation building; an 18,000-square-foot outpatient treatment center; and a 17,000-square-foot transitional housing facility. Baby TALK also will relocate to an 18,000-square-foot building supporting the organization's mission of early child development.

"We think with the addition of the DMCOC there and the services it provides... we think it would be a tremendous asset to that campus," Andrew Weatherford, president of the corporation's board of directors, told the council before the vote.

Contact Ryan Voyles at (217) 421-7985. Follow him on Twitter: @RVVoyles

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WASHINGTON  Soybeans account for less than 1 percent of all the goods and services the United States sells the rest of the world.

But somehow the humble legumes are upstaging weightier, thornier issues as the Trump administration tackles trade disputes with China, the European Union and other trading partners. Critics worry that focusing on getting foreigners to buy soybeans and other U.S. goods is a distraction from pushing them to make deeper economic reforms that would offer longer-lasting benefits to the United States.

The outsize importance of soybeans  mostly used as animal feed but also consumed by humans in everything from General Tso's Tofu to soy lattes  was apparent again recently in two days of U.S.-China trade talks.

The world's two biggest economies didn't make much progress on their differences over the aggressive tactics  including cybertheft  that Beijing is allegedly using to challenge U.S. supremacy in cutting-edge industries like driverless cars and artificial intelligence.

But to the president's delight, they did agree on one thing: In an unexpected deal that even surprised the top U.S. trade negotiator, China said that it would buy 5 million metric tons of American soybeans over an unspecified period.

"China as a sign of goodwill has agreed to purchase a tremendous, massive amount of soybeans," Trump told reporters.

He said he had consulted with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and learned that "our farmers are extremely happy."

STU ELLIS: Corn syrup kerfuffle? Bring back the Clydesdales, Anheuser-Busch Anheuser-Busch bashed Corn Belt farmers Sunday night in one of its Super Bowl ads, and they 

"It's a nice kind of olive branch," said Peter Meyer, head of grain and oilseed analytics at S&P Global Platts.

Soybeans, which accounted for just $21.5 billion of $2.4 trillion in U.S. exports in 2017, seem to be punching above their weight in U.S. trade policy.

Farming is one of the few areas in which the United States sells more to the rest of the world than it buys, China included. Powerful lobbies represent American agricultural interests in Washington. And farmers tend to be enthusiastic Trump supporters.

The emphasis on soybeans has drawbacks, critics say. In the confrontation with China, for example, it diverts attention from the tough tech issues that divide the world's two biggest economies and may decide whether Beijing or Washington presides over the economy of the future. And it implies that the Chinese might be able to avoid substantive concessions on their economic policies simply by agreeing to buy more American stuff and putting a dent in the massive U.S. trade deficit with China. That amounted to $336 billion in 2017 and was likely higher last year.

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"There's confusion about what the administration's objectives are," said Rufus Yerxa, president of the National Foreign Trade Council and a former U.S. trade official.

In a letter last week, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and fellow Democratic Sens. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Sherrod Brown of Ohio warned Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that any deal with China should force Beijing to end the abusive practices that put U.S. tech firms at a competitive disadvantage and to enact fundamental economic reforms that would make the Chinese market more accessible to U.S. and other foreign firms.

An agreement that settles for Chinese purchases of American goods, intended to narrow the trade deficit, would be viewed on Capitol Hill as "an abject failure," they wrote.

Soybeans have taken a prominent place in previous Trump administration trade talks. The United States and the European Union at least temporarily backed away from a potential trade war over cars last July when the Europeans agreed, among other things, to load up on American soybeans.

America's trading partners are well aware of the outsize influence farmers enjoy in Washington. When Trump last year started slapping import taxes on Chinese goods and on foreign steel and aluminum, they targeted their retaliation on the American Heartland, imposing tariffs on soybeans and other farm products.

China's soybean tariffs had a devastating effect. Before the trade hostilities erupted last year, China bought nearly 60 percent of the soybeans the United States exported. Then the tariffs kicked in: In the first 10 months of 2018, U.S. soybean exports to China dropped to 8.2 million metric tons from 21.4 million metric tons a year earlier  a 62 percent freefall, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The backlog of unsold soybeans also pushed down U.S. prices, spreading more pain in farm country.

"We need some good news," said Blake Hurst, a soybean and corn farmer in northwestern Missouri's Atchison County and president of the Missouri Farm Bureau.

So Hurst and other farmers welcomed China's decision to buy American beans. But their relief is limited. Hurst worries it's a one-time purchase and not the resumption of business as usual.

China bought 31.7 million metric tons of American soybeans in 2017 and 36.1 million in 2016. Five million metric tons doesn't do much to fill the gap.

"It's still woefully short of what they used to do," said Ron Moore, who grows corn and soybeans in Roseville, Illinois and serves as chairman of the American Soybean Association. "We're not there yet."

Even after U.S.-China trade tensions ease, soybean industry consultant John Baize said it might be a good idea for the U.S. and China to scale back their soybean trade. The economic and geopolitical rivals are likely clash again over issues such as trade, Taiwan and Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea. Soybeans could once again be held hostage.

So Baize says the U.S. should sell more to other markets  such as Southeast Asia, Pakistan and Egypt  where demand for soybeans is growing as people earn more money and eat more meat, increasing the need for animal feed. Meanwhile, China should buy more from alternative suppliers like Brazil that probably aren't potential adversaries, he said.

"We will wind up with more reliable customers, and they will wind up with less-disruptable suppliers," he said.

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I am curious about Jefferson County voters who supported Greg DeVries. Did they really intend to elect a representative who doesnt believe in public schools, or did they simply vote straight party line for Republicans?

Jefferson County has some of the best schools in the state and nation. Most Jefferson County people are proud of that. Yet they voted for DeVries, someone who clearly stated that he doesnt support public schools.

Rep. DeVries has already demonstrated his low opinion of our schools. He is one of three representatives, one of three out of 100, who voted AGAINST the bipartisan school funding bill that passed the house last week. That puts him in a tiny minority. He is sponsoring HB 303 to eliminate mandatory school enrollment and attendance. That is a radical proposal that most Montanans would oppose.

As a retired lobbyist who worked over 30 years to build support for schools, I worked with Republicans and Democrats. I believe educating our children is a bipartisan issue, the foundation of our democracy and one of the highest responsibilities of government. It saddens me that most Jefferson County voters voted for a candidate who doesnt share that belief.

Terry Minow

Boulder

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Where Sen. Jennifer Fielder saw protesters, we saw supporters.

Where Fielder, the CEO of the American Lands Council and champion of the effort to steal our American public lands, saw radical environmentalists, we saw proud Montana citizens gathering at the state Capitol to celebrate one of the best ideas we have had as a nation: Lands owned and enjoyed by all.

This is the American advantage, this land ownership by ALL  hunters and anglers, horse packers, hikers, runners, bikers and the lovers of freedom to roam, explore and discover so doggone free that it makes you wonder how one could ever live in a place without this vast inheritance.

How heart wrenching and limiting a thought. How criminal to sell out the birthright of every single American to special interests.

But land grabbers are primed and ready to abandon Montanas and this nations heritage. Theyve been harping on this painfully faulty states do it better line for years, and I guess they arent yet tired of being reminded that transferring lands that belong to ALL Americans to the states is wildly unpopular and more important, the same as selling all those public lands.

Consider a few facts:
"The next 10 days the cold air will be in north and central Montana, including the Helena area," Brusda said. "Overnight lows will be below zero until Sunday and will bring periods of snow."

Brusda expects an additional 2 to 4 inches of snow to fall in Helena on Tuesday. "The only good news is the snow won't blow around too much," Brusda said.

Winds are expected to peak at 10-12 miles per hour during the next week in the Helena Valley, which means temperatures will be cold, but not as cold as they are in other areas.

"A light wind at 4 below, 10 miles an hour, will be in the minus 20 to minus 30 degree range," Brusda said.

Just a few miles west, high winds have driven the mercury way down.

"MacDonald Pass has been one of the coldest spots in Montana," Brusda said. Wind chills and whiteout conditions have dropped temperatures to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. At that temperature, it only takes 10 minutes for skin to freeze and frostbite to set in.

"A lot of people like to head up there to recreate," Brusda said. "Any exposed skin will develop frostbite in 10 to 15 minutes."
Email Thomas Elias at tdelias@aol.com. His book, "The Burzynski Breakthrough: The Most Promising Cancer Treatment and the Governments Campaign to Squelch It," is now available in a soft cover fourth edition. For more Elias columns, visit www.californiafocus.net
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Grand Old Partisan highlights a classic Republican refutation of Democrat racism. Today in 1868, Senator Lot Morrill had Slavery Party activists scurrying:

"This idea of race in the Government of the United States is an absurdity. There is no such thing. Is there any race or color in the Declaration of Independence? Is there any race or color in the Constitution of the United States? Was there any race or color in the American constitutions of the several States which were formed during the revolutionary era? One sublime doctrine underlay the whole of them  equal rights to all, except as to the condition of servitude, and all freemen stood upon the platform of equality before the law."

The congressional debate was on a GOP bill to strengthen voter protections.

Here is a Video Version of this article on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dlBWOydHkx8

Michael Zak is author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party, a history of GOP civil rights achievement.

Each day, his grandoldpartisan YouTube channel and Grand Old Partisan blog celebrate more than sixteen decades of Republican heritage. And, see Speech Raves for audience feedback from his presentations in thirty-one states so far.

He also wrote the 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar.

Clarence Thomas cited Back to Basics for the Republican Party in a Supreme Court decision.

Buy the book at Amazon

See www.youtube.com/q?v=IzxKCiXc5Qc for a brief video of a Texas Republican praising Back to Basics for the Republican Party.

"This is the most amazing book about politics that I have ever read. The Overview should be required reading for anyone with even a minor interest in government. The remainder is an enthralling history lesson that I will never forget. For years, we have all been misled about the true nature of the GOP. This is the real deal! Read it and be proud!"

"Michael Zak wrote the definitive history of the GOP."

"Back to Basics for the Republican Party is the most significant contribution to the Republican Party in the last twenty years apart from Ronald Reagan."

"Back to Basics for the Republican Party is more important to our party now than ever before."

and

"one of the best books I ever read"
Palladiums price strength risks becoming exhausted



The metal is more expensive than gold but technological change could tarnish its lustre



John Gapper









The other night at a dinner party in London, talk turned to how one of the couples had just been robbed of a precious metal. The target was not jewellery but the palladium in the catalytic converter of their hybrid car  the vehicle had been jacked and the device sawn off.



Criminals respond to markets as surely as everyone else and the theft of converters to strip for palladium, platinum and rhodium has become commonplace. As palladium has overtaken gold to become the most valuable precious metal, 5g of the silver-white element in some converters is worth 170. Who knew that a car exhaust could be so desirable?



When the metal you drive is worth more than the metal you wear, something odd is going on.



The rise in the price of palladium and fall in the price of platinum has nothing to do with vanity. Sales of diesel cars, which use platinum in catalytic converters, sagged following the Volkswagen emissions scandal; drivers have turned to petrol vehicles, which use palladium.



The volatility of technology metals in devices from catalytic converters to phones and batteries is exacerbated by scarcity: every shift in technology leads to big price swings. Gold can also be volatile but there is more of it, thanks to the breadth of demand from central banks, investors and married couples. Palladium and rhodium producers ought to sell more jewellery.



The rarity of elements such as palladium is not immutable  it is possible to uncover more. Aluminium was once so scarce that it was an act of symbolic extravagance to put a pyramid of it at the top of the Washington Monument in 1886 as a lightning conductor. As with nickel, which was scarce before the invention of stainless steel, demand can bring forth supply.



The plentiful supply of gold from many mines and an excess of speculative investment may be easing. Pained investors want gold companies to amalgamate and slim production: Newmonts $10bn deal to acquire Goldcorp last week was accompanied by promises of greater discipline. Demand has revived and gold prices have risen after a period in the doldrums.



Buyers of platinum group metals, including palladium and rhodium, should be so lucky. It is hard to obtain palladium and Norilsk Nickel, the Russian metals group led by Vladimir Potanin, has not made it easier. Nornickel produces about 40 per cent of the worlds palladium (the metal is mined as a byproduct of nickel and platinum) and keeps supplies tight.



Mr Potanin has relaxed his grip slightly  Nornickel is now investing $12bn to increase its output of commercial metals 25 per cent by 2025. He also plans to create the worlds largest platinum group cluster in Siberia but is not in any hurry  the project is planned for the late 2020s.



One can see his point. The nickel price is far below its peak before the 2008 crisis and platinum has fallen since 2011. Nornickel and South African miners that supply palladium could gear up to meet todays demand for catalytic converters, only to be caught out again.



The biggest risk is the transition to electric vehicles, which do not produce emissions or need converters. A gradual shift towards electric cars over decades, accompanied by tighter emissions standards in China, might sustain demand for palladium and platinum. A rapid change in consumer behaviour, encouraged by governments and carmakers such as Tesla, is perilous.



Warren Buffett, who specialises in investing for the long term, is placing a bet on electric. His company Berkshire Hathaway is discussing an agreement to extract $1.5bn of lithium each year from geothermal wells in California for use in vehicle batteries. Lithium is less scarce than palladium but the US still listed it last year as one of 35 minerals vital to the nations security.



This puts precious metals with narrow technological applications in a bind. Morgan Stanley estimates that catalytic converters accounted for 79 per cent of demand for palladium in 2016, making the metal vulnerable. Unlike gold, which is also bought by consumers (jewellery contributed 56 per cent of demand in the third quarter of 2018), it has nowhere else to turn.



Palladium producers can learn from the diamond industry, which has for decades cultivated a market that spans jewellery and industry. The jewel was helped by the power of De Beers, which came up with the advertising slogan A Diamond is Forever in 1948. About 30 per cent of platinum is also turned into jewellery but palladium and rhodium are relatively neglected.



As De Beers broadens its reach further by producing synthetic diamonds, the palladium price keeps rising amid a supply shortage. In the short term, that is nicely profitable for Nornickel and others; in the long term it risks volatility, and ultimately obsolescence. In such a tight market, parts suppliers will invest to substitute cheaper metals for palladium in converters.



Geology matters, but platinum group producers have a choice of how rare they wish their metals to be. One day, my friends could drive to a dinner party in an electric vehicle, wearing palladium jewellery.
The type of alliances formed by businesses in pursuit of their various [ #permalink

Project SC Butler: Day 89: Sentence Correction (SC1)

For SC butler Questions Click Here

formed by businesses in pursuit of their various objectives are

The best/excellent answers get kudos, which will be awarded after the answer is revealed.

There may be no best/excellent answers, or a there may be a few excellent answers!

The few, the fearless !



Thanks Signature Read More

The type of allianceone critical component of great leadership decisions.(A) formed by businesses in pursuit of their various objectives are(B) formed by business in pursuit of their various objectives is(C) forming businesses in pursuit of their various objectives are(D) formed by businesses in pursuit of their various objectives is(E) formed by businesses in pursuit of their various objective are_________________
This article is written as part of the MBA Chronicles project. For more such articles, check MBA Chronicles

A day in the life of a Tuck(Dartmouth) student

5:30AM-6:10AM

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8:10AM

8:30AM-10:15AM

10:15AM-11:45AM

11:45AM-13:15PM

13:15PM-14:45PM

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The more we do, the more we can do. Signature Read More

Hi there, I would like to shed a light on the mysterious experience of an ordinary day of MBA student at Tuck. It is my second year in Hanover, NH. I live in Sachem village with my wife and it is truly a great place to be. Here your neighbors are your fellow classmates and its easy to make awesome lifelong friendships.Let me tell you my most recent experience:Wake up, shower, morning coffee and listening to WSJ podcastReviewing homework assignment for today`s class of Tools for Improving OperationsA Bus from Sachem Village to Tuck Circle. This is the best way to get to Tuck, especially during the winter season. Because I do not have to drive my car, and consequently to park it (Parking options are awfully inconvenient this term), pay for parking and dig my car out of the snowI have a sometime before the classes. Usually, I spend it at Feldberg Business & Engineering Library, which frequently organizes practical training in various fields (Finance, Market Research, and Technology). Also, there is often an option to go to Business breakfast with the high profile Companies (from Top Tier Consulting and IB to Top Tech Companies)Tools for Improving Operations with Professor Joe Hall. It is an amazing class, which I would recommend to anyone who is interested in a career in Consulting, Tech or GM. Typically we do our homework prior to class, so we come here prepared for the hot discussions.The biggest break between the classes. I usually use it to have lunch with my friends and to make new ones, because at Tuck there is a wonderful culture of openness and sharing. It is definitely a great chance to have a Case interview mock with the students who are experienced in the field you aspire to enter. There is also an option to go to the gym since it is conveniently located on the campus.Taxes and Business Strategy with Professor Leslie A. Robinson. A super useful class for anyone who wants to open a business or to do business strategy, because it helps you to understand some sophisticated nuances of complicated Tax System in the US.Quantitative Digital Marketing with Professor Prasad Vana. It is a brand new class since it starts in 2019. We will learn Python and its business application in marketing analysis. Check it out here: http://www.tuck.dartmouth.edu/mba/acade ... ve-courses Consulting Project Management with Professor Julie Lang. This is the second half winter term course. It has some great feedbacks from the last year students and is going to be practical and interactive. Seems like a lot of fun.Since today is Thursday, at Tuck we have a tradition of Tuck Tails at the Raether Atrium. It is a business school organized event for catching up with your fellow classmates and faculty. Also, an amazing opportunity just to relax, meet new people and have a drink. Because, trust me, that 4 classes for a one day, - is a significant workload.Sometimes the party from the Tuck Tails migrates to Hanover, in most cases to Murphy's which is a favorite Tuckies' place to chill out.Now you are finally ready to do your homework for tomorrow.Here is the thing. You should really plan and prioritize your activities here. A lot is going on at the same time here, especially on weekends. What I know for sure is that Tuck is my home and I would never agree to be at some other BSchool.P.S The Kudos from you will show me, that you liked the Post, which I really wanted to be helpful for future Tuckies!!!_________________
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Body and Mind Inc. (CSE: BAMM, US OTC: BMMJ) (the Company or BaM) announced today that it has closed the previously announced sale of securities with Australis Capital Inc. (CSE: AUSA) (Australis). Australis purchased 1,768,545 Common Shares at a price of CAD $0.585 per Common Share for an aggregate purchase price of USD $777,894.



The financing support from Australis and transaction to acquire 100 % ownership of NMG Ohio LLC will allow BaM to consolidate revenue from our Ohio operations and increase our multi-state influence, stated Robert Hasman, director of the Company. We are on target for opening the Clubhouse dispensary in Elyria, Ohio with our final inspection anticipated on or around February 12, 2019 and an opening date scheduled for on or around February 22, 2019.

The securities issued by the Company have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

The securities issued by the Company are restricted securities as defined under Rule 144(a)(3) of the U.S. Securities Act and will contain the appropriate restrictive legends as required under the U.S. Securities Act and National Instrument 45-102.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information, please contact:

Michael Mills

778-389-0007

mmills@bamcannabis.com

About BaM

BaM is a publicly traded company investing in high quality medical and recreational cannabis cultivation, production and retail. Our wholly-owned Nevada subsidiary was awarded one of the first medical marijuana cultivation licences and holds cultivation and production licenses. BaM products include dried flower, edibles, topicals, extracts as well as GPEN Gio cartridges. BaM marijuana strains have won numerous awards including the Las Vegas Hempfest Cup 2016, High Times Top Ten, the NorCal Secret Cup and the Emerald Cup. BaM continues to expand operations in Nevada, Ohio and its investment in California and is dedicated to increasing shareholder value by focusing time and resources on improving operational efficiencies, facility expansions, state licensing opportunities as well as mergers and acquisitions.

About Australis

Australis Capital identifies and invests in the cannabis industry predominantly in the United States, a highly-regulated, fragmented, rapidly-expanding and evolving industry. Investments may include and are not limited to equity, debt or other securities of both public and private companies, financings in exchange for royalties or other distribution streams, and control stake acquisitions. Australis Capital adheres to stringent investment criteria and will focus on significant near and mid-term high-quality opportunities with strong return potentials while maintaining a steadfast commitment to governance and community. Australis Capitals Board and management team have material experience with, and knowledge of, the cannabis space in the U.S., extensive backgrounds in highly-regulated industries, adherence to stringent regulatory compliance, public company, and operational expertise. In addition to the Companys expertise and strong execution on strategic M&A, which to date includes Rthm Technologies Inc., Body and Mind Inc., Quality Green Inc., and Folium Biosciences Inc., Australis has developed strategic partnerships with companies such as Wagner Dimas.

Australis Common shares trade on the CSE under the symbol AUSA.

For further information about Australis, please visit the website at ausacap.com or contact the Company by e-mail at ir@ausacap.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements as such term is used in applicable United States and Canadian laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as expects or does not expect, is expected, anticipates or does not anticipate, plans, estimates or intends, or stating that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the actual results of activities, variations in the underlying assumptions associated with the estimation of activities, the availability of capital to fund programs and the resulting dilution caused by the raising of capital through the sale of shares, accidents, labor disputes and other risks. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release.

Certain matters discussed in this news release and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may constitute forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Many of these factors are beyond the Companys ability to control or predict. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and that could impact the Company and the statements contained in this news release can be found in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.

The CSE has in no way passed upon the merits of the Financing and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Washington, D.C., Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Under the supervision of the UN, the internationally recognized Yemeni government and the Houthi authorities are continuing talks today in Amman, Jordan, concerning a prisoner swap, and the Bahai International Community (BIC) has called for for the two parties to include six detained Bahais in Houthi-controlled Sanaa in the negotiations.



There is no doubt that the Houthis are holding six Bahais in Sanaa solely because of their religious beliefs, said Diane Alai, Representative of the BIC to the United Nations.



Therefore, it is essential that these prisoners of conscience be included in the prisoners exchange and be released as soon as possible.



The U.S. Bahai Office of Public Affairs in Washington, D.C., added to the call of the BIC, also urging the Houthis and Yemeni government to include the Bahais.



Prisoners of conscience should be unacceptable to any just government, said Mr. Anthony Vance, Director of the U.S. Bahai Office of Public Affairs. These Bahais are innocent of any crime, and all but one of them have been separated from their families for over a year and halfone for over five years. Its time for them to come home.



Court records in Sanaa confirm the assertion that the six Bahais are imprisoned because of their religious beliefs. All have also appeared recently in courts in Sanaa. Last week, one of the Bahais, Mr. Hamed bin Haydara, attended a court date to appeal the death sentence that was handed down to him in January 2018.
DENVER, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Elixinol, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elixinol Global (referred hereafter as EXL) (ASX: EXL; OTCQX: ELLXF), has expanded its EU operations with key personnel hires and offices in the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom.



The appointments are accompanied by a new go-to-market strategy and key initiatives including the launch of new e-commerce capabilities, sales hubs, with 12 full-time sales and marketing employees, in the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom aimed at capturing the European cannabis market opportunity, which analysts expect will be worth more than $130 billion in annual sales by 2028 (in todays dollars).

A mid-2018 capital raise by EXL to support global expansion has funded both the European expansion and further investment in Japan, previously announced in September.

This expansion of our European team and infrastructure reflects the trust our European customers place in Elixinol, said Gabriel Ettenson, President of Elixinol.

Elixinol has a long history in Europe and we recognize the importance of our European partnerships and look forward to expanding those relationships as organic hemp CBD product acceptance around the globe increases, he continued.

The expansion allows Elixinols robust line of products to emerge in a variety of new retail categories. In addition, Elixinols newly upgraded e-commerce capabilities will further reinforce the effort and improve the global online customer and brand experience. Local European contracts will support product fulfillment.

Elixinol is an innovative and dynamic company. We will continue to meet and exceed customer expectations by developing new products and making them available around the globe, said Ettenson.

The European expansion is expected to benefit from new product innovations and increased global awareness of the Elixinol brand, now on the heels of relaxed U.S. restrictions of the marketing and sales of hemp extracts as a result of the U.S. Farm Bill.

Elixinol has the worlds most innovative premium CBD products. The European consumer will now have even more access to those and future innovations, said Chris Husong, Elixinols Director of Sales and Marketing.

By meeting and exceeding extraction and processing guidelines around the globe, Elixinols products are available to 41 countries.

About Elixinol:

Colorado-based Elixinol, co-founded by Paul Benhaim, hemp entrepreneur since 1991, is widely regarded as one of the most influential CBD brands in the world. With a proven track record of growing and extracting premium-quality hemp, Elixinol is one of the few CBD hemp extract brands with complete seed-to-sale control over its products. Elixinol also conducts rigorous third-party laboratory testing and quality control. Elixinol distributes hemp-derived CBD products in 41 countries globally including North and South America, throughout Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Region under its own label as well as bulk CBD and wholesale CBD. Elixinols parent company EXL (elixinolglobal.com) is publicly traded on the Australian Securities Exchange and on the U.S. OTC (ASX: EXL, OTCQX: ELLXF). More information available at Elixinol.com.

Media Contact:

Chris Husong

Elixinol

+1 844-804-3504 ext 420

chris@elixinol.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b5286c3a-7e0b-4ea7-a30b-5f79eb32d29d

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c59ab940-ff35-4c63-9055-ff1dadc16cac
English French

PRESS RELEASE

Paris (France) 5 February 2019 at 5:45 pm

Ymagis Announces Agreement for Deployment of Eclairs

Digital Content Solutions in Turkey





New Agreement with Imaj, Turkish leader in the television and motion picture industries, will see the Group introduce EclairPlay in Turkey and offer a new complete content delivery solution in the region







Ymagis Group (FR0011471291, MAGIS, PEA-PME, TECH 40), the European specialist in digital technologies for the film industry, today announced the signing of a new agreement in Turkey by Eclair, its content services business unit, and Istanbul-based film & TV content services provider Imaj.

The partnership will allow Eclair to accelerate the Turkish deployment of its digital theatrical delivery solutions, including its EclairPlay content delivery platform.

Eclair and Imajs new joint service offering has been designed to meet the needs of film producers, distributors and cinema exhibitors in Turkey, who have expressed increasing interest in an alternative full-service digital content distribution solution.

Currently available in 12 countries (Germany, Austria, USA, Canada, Australia, Belgium, France, Spain, United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark and Norway), EclairPlay has become, in a matter of months, the online content delivery platform of choice for industry professionals.

The EclairPlay solution offers cinemas access to a growing range of DCP content available for download, as well as all tools and content marketing materials necessary for successful programming and audience building in just a few clicks. Also designed to support content owners, EclairPlay helps build awareness of their overall brand and provides strategic exposure for content.

With the implementation of the platform in new territories such as Turkey, Eclair is actively pursuing the digitalisation of its services with its strategy involving the development and operation of cloud-based platforms. It is also in line with Ymagis Groups strategic plan to focus Eclairs efforts and investments on the development of its adaptation activities (subtitling, dubbing), digital distribution, preservation and content delivery to cinemas.





Next press release on 15th February 2019: Full-year 2018 revenue





---





ABOUT YMAGIS GROUP

Ymagis is a European leader in advanced digital technology services for the cinema industry. Founded in 2007, the Group is headquartered in Paris and has offices in 26 countries with 770 employees. Our core business is structured around four main units: CinemaNext (exhibitor services: sales and field services, software solutions, customer service/NOC), Eclair (content services: postproduction, theatrical delivery, digital distribution, versioning and accessibility, restoration and preservation), Virtual Print Fee (VPF) for finance solutions and other activities, including EclairColor, EclairGame and Virtual Reality. For more information, please visit www.ymagis.com, www.cinemanext.com or www.eclair.digital





YMAGIS is listed on Euronext Paris and is part of the CAC Small, CAC Mid and Small and CAC All-Tradable indices.





YMAGIS GROUP

Jean Firome, CFO

Tel. : +33 (0)1 75 44 88 88

investisseurs@ymagis.com

CALYPTUS

Sophie Levesque / Mathieu Calleux

ymagis@calyptus.net

Tel.: + 33 (0)1 53 65 68 62







Attachment
BOISE, Idaho, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Healthwise, a leader in evidence-based health education, technology, and services, announced today that Daniel Meltzer, M.D., M.P.H., has been named chief medical officer of Healthwise, effective immediately. Meltzer will replace Dr. Adam Husney, who was named CEO of Healthwise in October of 2018.



Dr. Meltzer is a board-certified emergency physician and has demonstrated a history of navigating the complex healthcare field to shape organizations to better serve patients. Dr. Meltzer joins Healthwise from Blue Cross of Idaho, where he served as chief medical officer. Previously, Dr. Meltzer was chief medical officer for Practicing Excellence in San Diego, California. Prior to that role, he served as chief and chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Kaiser Permanente, San Diego. Dr. Meltzer is an emergency physician at St. Alphonsus in Boise and is clinical faculty at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine.

Dr. Meltzer is an accomplished leader and physician who has a track record of building strong teams, putting patients first, and delivering results, said Adam Husney, M.D., chief executive officer at Healthwise. Dans knowledge and medical expertise, combined with his leadership skills and experience, will be invaluable in developing innovative solutions and strategies to further our mission of helping people make better health decisions.

I am honored to join a mission-driven organization thats committed to helping people make better health decisions, Meltzer said. Were all patients. Were united in our journey for better health. So, to be able to provide people with the information and education they need when they need it the most...well, theres nothing more powerful than that.

Meltzer holds a B.A. in biology from Brown University, an M.P.H. in health services administration from San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health, and an M.D. from Boston University School of Medicine. He served his residency in emergency medicine at the University of California, San Diego.

About Healthwise

Healthwise, a leader in evidence-based health education, technology, and services, is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. People have turned to Healthwise information more than 2 billion times to learn how to do more for themselves, ask for the care they need, and say no to the care they dont need. Healthwise partners with hospitals, electronic medical record (EMR) providers, health plans, care management companies, and health websites to provide up-to-date, evidence-based information to the people they serve. https://www.healthwise.org . 1.800.706.9646

Media Contact:

Sonja Deines

sdeines@healthwise.org | 208-489-8481

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b99a7edd-0bac-42e4-a496-1fc520d587dc
English Finnish

NEO INDUSTRIAL PLC INVESTOR NEWS 05 FEBRUARY 2019 at 5:35 PM

Invitation to Neo Industrials briefing of the 2018 year-end report release

Neo Industrial publishes its year-end report release for the year 2018 on Tuesday 12 February 2019 at 10.00 AM.

A briefing for investors, analysts and media will be arranged at the same time in Hyvinkaa, Finland.



BRIEFING

Time: Tuesday 12 February 2019, at 10.00 AM.

Place: Villatehdas, meeting room Varttina, Kankurinkatu 4-6, 05800 Hyvinkaa

The briefing will be held in Finnish. Presentation materials can be found on the company website after the event. Participants are kindly requested to register in advance, latest on Friday 08 February 2019 at 3 PM.

Welcome!



Ralf Sohlstrom

Managing Director



Additional information and registration:

Communications Manager Riina Silvennoinen

riina.silvennoinen@neoindustrial.fi

Tel. +358 207 200 395

www.neoindustrial.fi/en

Neo Industrial's strategy is to invest mainly in industrial companies with similar synergic benefits. The aim of investments is with active ownership to develop the purchased companies and establish additional value. Returns are sought through both dividend flow and an increase in value. Neo Industrial's class B shares are listed on the main list of NASDAQ Helsinki Stock Exchange. Neo Industrial's business segment is Cable Industry.
NEW YORK, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- King & Spalding announced today that Richard Fields has joined the firms corporate practice group in New York as Director of Corporate Stakeholder Engagement. Fields will advise public company boards of directors, c-suite executives, and in-house counsel on current and emerging corporate governance, board leadership, and stakeholder engagement issues. He will coordinate the firms corporate governance advisory practice, as well as thought leadership and client/director initiatives.



Fields was most recently a partner at Tapestry Networks, where he worked closely with the chairs of public company compensation and audit committees, independent board chairs and lead directors, as well as the stewardship leaders of the worlds largest asset managers. For over eight years at Tapestry, he led more than 100 roundtable dialogues for board leaders, senior governance professionals, regulators, political leaders and other key players in the corporate governance and shareholder landscape.

We are extremely pleased that a lawyer as well credentialed and respected in corporate governance as Rich is joining our public company group, said James C. Woolery, head of King & Spaldings M&A and Corporate Governance team. The evolution of the corporate governance and shareholder landscape and the underlying structural factors driving this change requires us to adapt to meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of our clients. The depth and breadth of Richs expertise, insights and connections make him an outstanding addition to our corporate practice.

Since Woolerys arrival in May 2017, King & Spalding has significantly grown its public company team, adding financial analysts alongside lawyers skilled in M&A, securities, regulatory, and governance matters. In the past year, King & Spalding has advised public companies in high-profile shareholder engagement matters. Corporate Board Member magazine referred to the firm as a powerhouse among corporate governance legal advisers.

King & Spalding is a firm Ive long admired, and Im thrilled to be joining at a time when the importance of corporate governance has never been greater, said Fields. Boards and management teams need strategic advice and counseling in navigating this rapidly evolving area, which now affects nearly every aspect of business. While activism often grabs the headlines, board oversight and effectiveness, ESG issues, and executive compensation are just a few of the topics currently demanding the time of directors and c-suite executives. Im looking forward to working with Jim and the other extraordinary lawyers across the firm to help our clients address these concerns and stay ahead of the curve.

Fields also co-chaired the Shareholder-Director Exchange Working Group and was a principal architect of the SDX Protocol, a guide for shareholder engagement supported by investors representing more than $15 trillion in assets under management. He is a sought-out author and speaker, regularly appears in Agenda, Ethical Boardroom, Governance Minutes, and C-Suite Insight, has lectured at a corporate governance course at Harvard University, and presented at events for NYSE Governance, Equilar, and Skytop Strategies. Fields was one of four global winners of the Millstein Center for Global Markets and received Corporate Ownerships Rising Star of Corporate Governance Award in 2015.

He received his BA magna cum laude from Clark University and his JD with honors from The University of Chicago Law School.

About King & Spalding

Celebrating more than 130 years of service, King & Spalding is an international law firm that represents a broad array of clients, including half of the Fortune Global 100, with over 1000 lawyers in 20 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The firm has handled matters in over 160 countries on six continents and is consistently recognized for the results it obtains, uncompromising commitment to quality, and dedication to understanding the business and culture of its clients. More information is available at www.kslaw.com.

Media Contact:

King & Spalding

Micheline S. Tang

Director of Communications

(212) 556-2301




Forecasted Revenues for the Restaurants and Event Center to exceed $3 million



Newport Beach, CA, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- M Line Holdings, Inc. (OTC Pink: MLHC; "M Line" or the Company), is excited to announce that it has closed its acquisition of the 38 acres of land, the three restaurants and the event center in Arizona. This is the first step in the growth of our hospitality division.

The Company will be working on plans for the development of the land including a gas station and travel center, RV Park and hotel over the next few months.

The purchase price includes preferred stock that converts to 189,250,000 shares of common stock that cannot be converted for one year plus $600,000 cash paid over six months.

Tony Anish, CEO of M Line, commented: This is a major step in our growth plans. The restaurants had revenues of approximately $1 million for 2018. We are forecasting over $3 million in revenue for the restaurants and event center in 2019. These locations are profitable and we plan to increase that profitability substantially. Furthermore, we are already negotiating another acquisition for the hospitality division which will add a further $15 million in revenue. We hope to finalize the terms this month. We plan to develop the land to include a gas station, travel center, RV park and hotel in the future. Keep watching for more news."

About M Line Holdings, Inc.

M Line is a Holding Company. It controls subsidiaries involved in the Beverage Branding and Distribution industry that includes our VEA and TORQUE branded drinks. In addition, M Line controls two subsidiaries in Florida in the Food and Beverage distribution business and M Line has now expanded into the Cannabis Industry with the acquisition of our C-Pod manufacturing business. M Line has just acquired three restaurants and an event center in Arizona and land for development. M Line will continue with its business financing activities while looking for other opportunities in the Beverage, Distribution, hospitality and Cannabis industries as well as other prospects that make sense to management.

Safe Harbor and Informational Statement

This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Security Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), including all statements that are not statement of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) the company's financing plans; (ii) trends affecting the company's financial conditions or results of operations; (iii): the company's growth strategy and operating strategy; and (iv) the declaration and payment of dividends.

The words "may", "would", "will", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statement is not a guarantee of future of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including the risk disclosed in the company's statements and reports filed with the OTC Markets. The Company claims the safe harbor provided by Section 21E(c) of the Exchange Act for all forward-looking statements.

For more information contact Tony Anish

E Mail: info@mlineholdings.com

Follow us on Twitter: @mlinehc

Web site: www.mlinehc.com

Caravel Web site: www.drinkvea.com / @DrinkVea

Web site: www.drinktorque.com / @DrinkTorque
MONTREAL, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Imperial Mining Group Ltd. ("Imperial" or the Corporation) (TSX VENTURE: IPG) is pleased to provide an update on its strategic scandium marketing initiatives on the Crater Lake Project, in Quebec. Imperials President, Peter Cashin, will be speaking on the Crater Lake scandium opportunity at a major German automotive OEM Conference in Stuttgart in late February, and at PDAC 2019 in Toronto during the Technology Metals session on March 4th as detailed below. In addition, Imperial will be undertaking intensive investment marketing in the UK and EU in mid-February and Quebec in mid-March to speak on its high-quality exploration & development projects and its future activities.

DETAILS OF THE PRESENTATION OPPORTUNITIES: EVENT: Werkstoff Plus Auto Conference: 9th Meeting for New Vehicle and Material Concepts TITLE: Scandium and its Critical Importance to Aluminium Lightweighting: Development of the Crater Lake Scandium Project, Quebec, Canada WHERE: Maritim Hotel, Stuttgart, Germany WHEN: Thursday, February 21st, 2019 at 2:55 pm and, EVENT: Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2019 International Convention SESSION: Technology Metals Technical Session TITLE: Growing Markets for Scandium and the Crater Lake Scandium Project, Quebec WHERE: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Room 717, Toronto, Ontario, Canada WHEN: Monday, March 4th, 2019 at 3:40 pm

Imperial continues to actively promote the significant potential for scandium as a critical lightweighting additive to aluminium alloys for the aerospace, automotive, fuel cell and defense industries to investors. These initiatives aim to attract strategic investment in support of the development of the Crater Lake scandium project. Imperial has secured several important introductions to consumers and manufacturers of products and alloy materials that utilize scandium. Efforts are well underway to expand the uses for scandium-modified aluminium alloy products through collaborative material innovation research programs in the UK and EU. Scandium has been variously referred to as the Miracle Metal and a Spice Metal because, when alloyed with aluminium alloys in small quantities (0.2% to 0.4%), it produces strong, flexible and weldable lightweight materials critical for next-generation airplanes and automobiles. This critical alloy has shown favour for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion vehicle manufacturing. However, very limited scandium supply is holding back more widespread adoption of this new technology metal and new supply chains must be created to serve this growing market.



We are starting to see significant interest in developing new scandium supply chains in North America, said Peter Cashin, Imperial President & CEO. The exceptional quality and size potential of the Crater Lake scandium deposit strategically positions Imperial to become a critical new supply-chain contributor to this emerging and potentially lucrative market.

ABOUT IMPERIAL MINING GROUP LTD.

Imperial is a new Canadian mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing its copper-zinc, gold and technology metals properties in Quebec. Imperial is publicly listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as IPG and is led by an experienced team of mineral exploration and development professionals with a strong track record of mineral deposit discovery in numerous metal commodities.

For further information please contact:

Peter J. Cashin

President and Chief Executive Officer

Tel: +1 (514) 360-0571

Email: info@imperialmgp.com

URL: www.imperialmgp.com

This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to the Companys operations or to its business environment. Such statements are based on the Companys operations, estimates, forecasts, and projections, but are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict or control. Several factors could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed. These factors include those set forth in the corporate filings. Although any such forward-looking statements are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot guarantee that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. In addition, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, for any reason. We also do not commit in any way to guarantee that we will continue reporting on items or issues that arise. Investors are cautioned that this press release contains quoted historical exploration results. These are derived from filed assessment reports and compiled from governmental databases. The Company and a QP have not independently verified and make no representations as to the accuracy of historical exploration results: these results should not be relied upon. Selected highlight results may not be indicative of average grades.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This spring, ARCOS LLC will implement its resource management solution to automate Statesville, N.C.-based EnergyUniteds process for managing callout opportunities, providing emergency training and tracking rest periods for its line workers.



Tropical storms Florence and Michael and snowstorm Diego and winter storm Gia directly impacted our system within a three-month period, said John McMurray, chief operating officer for EnergyUnited. With our present method of manually calling employees, it detracts from our dispatchers attention on storm restoration. Dispatchers are busy notifying crews, while outages are placed on hold to monitor and provide equally distributed employee opportunities for outage restoration.

EnergyUnited, the largest electric cooperative in North Carolina, plans to launch the ARCOS Callout and Scheduling Suite during the second quarter of 2019. The utility will use ARCOS as its platform for responding to, restoring and reporting on outages. According to McMurray, equitably spreading callout opportunities among all qualified field personnel provides additional emergency training situations that boost workers skills.

In the future, when major storms threaten EnergyUniteds system, says McMurray, the utility will know that all its line workers are better prepared to collectively respond to co-op members. The ARCOS solution will also ensure that when EnergyUniteds field workers are between shifts they take the required rest period to recuperate and prepare for more work. With its manually handled rest-time process, EnergyUnited relies on its managers and employees to write down or recall the number of hours they worked and rested.

Were relying on peoples memory; we want to automate and document the process for rest time, adds McMurray. Automating the process with ARCOS means well more efficiently distribute emergency work and track responses and rest periods.

With the ARCOS solution, managers, dispatchers, substation personnel, line workers and a variety of other classifications will be able to plan, launch and track the status of automated, after-hours calls from their desktops, tablets and smartphones. EnergyUnited delivers electricity to approximately 250,000 people via 195 miles of transmission, 8,100 miles of overhead distribution and 4,300 miles of underground distribution lines.

About ARCOS LLC

ARCOS is a leader in delivering SaaS solutions for managing the resources of critical infrastructure sectors. The ARCOS solution goes beyond the callout of crews and automatically plans for all types of events, and reports on the up-to-the-minute location and status of equipment and crews via mobile technology for utilities, airlines, manufacturers and industrial facilities. The ARCOS resource management platform helps utilities, airlines, manufacturers and industrial facilities save time and money, while improving customer satisfaction, safety and the efficiency and accuracy of operations. Learn more about ARCOS resource management software at http://www.arcos-inc.com .

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bdd56436-3982-4ae2-bf94-6758ec336bf8

The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
ATHENS, Greece, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSX), (the Company), a global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels, today announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract with Phaethon International Company AG, for one of its Panamax dry bulk vessels, the m/v Danae. The gross charter rate is US$8,100 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties, for a period of minimum eleven (11) months to maximum fourteen (14) months. The charter is expected to commence later today.



The Danae is a 75,106 dwt Panamax dry bulk vessel built in 2001.

This employment is anticipated to generate approximately US$2.67 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the time charter.

Diana Shipping Inc.s fleet currently consists of 48 dry bulk vessels (4 Newcastlemax, 14 Capesize, 5 Post-Panamax, 5 Kamsarmax and 20 Panamax). As of today, the combined carrying capacity of the Companys fleet is approximately 5.7 million dwt with a weighted average age of 9.23 years. A table describing the current Diana Shipping Inc. fleet can be found on the Companys website, www.dianashippinginc.com. Information contained on the Companys website does not constitute a part of this press release.

About the Company

Diana Shipping Inc. is a global provider of shipping transportation services through its ownership of dry bulk vessels. The Companys vessels are employed primarily on medium to long-term time charters and transport a range of dry bulk cargoes, including such commodities as iron ore, coal, grain and other materials along worldwide shipping routes.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words believe, anticipate, intends, estimate, forecast, project, plan, potential, may, should, expect, pending and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, Company managements examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Companys records and other data available from third parties. Although the Company believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies that are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond the Companys control, the Company cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in the Companys view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for dry bulk shipping capacity, changes in the Companys operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for the Companys vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hires and other factors. Please see the Companys filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Erdene Resource Development Corp. (TSX:ERD; MSE:ERDN) (" Erdene " or the "Company") is pleased to announce the filing on SEDAR of the independent Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) Technical Report (the Report) for its 100%-owned Khundii Gold Project (the Project) in southwest Mongolia. The Report entitled NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Khundii Gold Project, dated February 4, 2019, was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) by RPMGlobal Asia Limited (RPM). The Report is available under the Companys profile at www.sedar.com and will also be available on the Companys website at www.erdene.com .



The PEA demonstrates the robust economics of the high-grade, low-capital Khundii Gold Project, said Peter Akerley, Erdenes President and CEO. The 56% Internal Rate of Return (IRR) at a US$1,200/ounce (oz) gold price is amongst the highest in our peer group. Additionally, the Projects after-tax Net Present Value at a 5% discount rate (NPV 5% ) of US$99 million increases to $124 million at a US$1,300/oz gold price, demonstrating the Projects leverage to higher gold prices.

We have accepted RPMs recommendation to proceed to a NI 43-101 Pre-Feasibility Study, and we have received proposals from engineering firms to lead the work, which we plan to award this quarter. Simultaneously, we are progressing as expected on securing mining licenses for the Project, which provide long-term security of tenure, and are finalizing exploration plans for the 2019 field season, as we seek to grow resources, concluded Mr. Akerley.

PEA Highlights for Khundii Project Open Pit Gold Mine Development

The PEA envisions a high-grade, open-pit mine, producing an average of 51,200 oz per year at an average grade of 3.42 g/t gold over eight years. Mining will begin at the Bayan Khundii Striker Zone, expanding into adjacent zones within Bayan Khundii, prior to incorporating resources from the neighbouring Altan Nar deposit in later years. The development incorporates a conventional gravity separation circuit and a carbon-in-pulp plant with processing capacity of 1,800 tonnes per day. The key Project metrics are highlighted below:

After-tax NPV 5% of US$99 million and IRR of 56% at a US$1,200/ oz gold price

of US$99 million and IRR of 56% at a US$1,200/ oz gold price After-tax NPV 5% of US$124 million and IRR of 68% at a US$1,300/oz gold price, demonstrating significant leverage to gold prices

of US$124 million and IRR of 68% at a US$1,300/oz gold price, demonstrating significant leverage to gold prices Low initial capital expenditure of US$32 million, using a contract mining fleet

All-in sustaining cash cost (AISC) of US$714/oz of recovered gold

Payback of less than 2 years

Opportunities to Enhance Project Value

The Company sees the following opportunities to increase value at the Khundii Gold Project:

Higher Grade Upside: The very high-grade nature of the deposit provides upside should continuity of the ultra high-grade zones be established during mining. The highest gold values in the block model supporting the PEA are 55 g/t, while more than 40 intersections ranging from 50 g/t to 2200 g/t gold were encountered during drilling.

Additional Resources at Bayan Khundii: Approximately 60,000 ounces of Indicated Resources and 70,000 ounces of Inferred Resources grading more than 4 g/t gold are located outside the designed mineable open pit for the PEA. The majority of these resources are contained within the West Striker Area, approximately 100 metres from the ultimate pit wall, situated at around 100 metres depth. Accessing these resources by underground methods will be considered in future study.

Additional Resources at Altan Nar: The majority of the resource contained at the Altan Nar Project remains undeveloped in the current PEA. Further drilling and metallurgical work is required to incorporate this material into development scenarios.

Exploration Potential: The Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar deposits are situated in a highly prospective region that has received minimal historical exploration. The Company, through its proprietary regional database and experience in the region, is well positioned to add resources through exploration.

Recovery Upside: The Bayan Khundii mineralized material has an average recovery of 92% in the PEA. However, master composite sample testing indicates that recoveries of up to 99% are possible for high-grade material. For Altan Nar material, an average recovery of 62% has been applied in the PEA due to arsenopyrite content of the ore. Master composite testing of representative samples from the Discovery Zone pit has returned recoveries of up to 88%. Further metallurgical testing could support higher recoveries.

Mine Planning: The PEA represents the first step toward addressing the viability of a mining operation at the Khundii Gold Project. Further work may identify cost saving opportunities such as improved pit sequencing through pit phasing, waste haul optimization including in-pit dumping, reduced dilution and loss through the application of more selective mining techniques and interim pit design targeting improved early grades.

Mine Equipment Selection: There is opportunity to consider Tier 2 suppliers for non-critical equipment, reducing capital and operating costs.

Land Acquisition: The Mongolian Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry has recently reopened the tender licensing system, and the Company expects prospective licenses to be released in 2019. The Company has identified multiple priority targets within the surrounding regional district and will be an active participant in the tender processes for these properties.

Next Steps

The PEA indicates that the Khundii Gold Project is projected to be economically viable and RPM recommends that Erdene proceed to an independent NI 43-101 Pre-Feasibility Study in order to further assess the viability of the Project. The Company has created a Mining Studies Group to carry out mining, geotechnical, metallurgy, waste management, environmental, social impact and hydrogeology work to support the Pre-Feasibility Study in 2019.

Erdene initiated the mining license application process for Bayan Khundii in 2018 and experts have been appointed by Mongolias Mineral Council to review and approve the application, and Erdene has provided the necessary information in support. Experts have completed a site visit with a Mineral Council meeting anticipated later in Q1-2019. The Altan Nar mining license filing will take place in the first half of 2019. Mongolian mining licenses have a 30-year term and are renewable for up to two, further 20-year periods.

It is expected that the Project will advance through the final permitting approvals, feasibility and project finance by early 2020. Construction is anticipated to take one year and Erdene is targeting to commence production in 2021.

Background on the Khundii Gold Project

Erdenes deposits are located in the Edren Terrane, within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, host to some of the worlds largest gold and copper-gold deposits. Although epithermal gold and porphyry copper-gold deposits are well documented across the border in China and along the Belts westward trend, exploration in Mongolia was limited until the mid-1990s, when the country opened its doors to foreign exploration. Exploration since that time in southeast Mongolia led to the discovery of the world-class Oyu Tolgoi gold-copper deposit. Erdene has been the leader in exploration in southwest Mongolia over the past decade and is responsible for the discovery of the Khundii Gold District. The Khundii Gold District is comprised of multiple, high-grade gold and base metal prospects, two of which are being considered for development: Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar. The Company has to date invested US$17 million in exploration and resource development on the Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar projects.

Qualified Person and Sample Protocol

The information in this press release that relates to the Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Khundii Gold Project, is based on information compiled and reviewed by Mr. Igor Bojanic, who is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, and is an employee of RPM Advisory Services Pty Limited. Mr. Igor Bojanic has sufficient experience, which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which, he has undertaken to qualify as a Qualified Person, as that term is defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Mr. Igor Bojanic is not aware of any potential for a conflict of interest in relation to this work for the Client.

Michael MacDonald, P.Geo. (Nova Scotia), Vice President Exploration for Erdene, is the Qualified Person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the approved the non-PEA and Mineral Resource estimate technical information contained in this news release on behalf of Erdene. All samples have been assayed at SGS Laboratory in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. In addition to internal checks by SGS Laboratory, the Company incorporates a QA/QC sample protocol utilizing prepared standards, field and laboratory duplicates, and blanks.

About Erdene

Erdene Resource Development Corp. is a Canada-based resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious and base metals in underexplored and highly prospective Mongolia. The Company has interests in four exploration licenses and a mining license in southwest Mongolia, where exploration success has led to the discovery and definition of the Khundii Gold District. Erdene is listed on the Toronto and Mongolia stock exchanges. Further information is available at www.erdene.com . Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information.



Cautionary Notes

The PEA is by nature, a preliminary economic study, based in part on Inferred Resources. Inferred Resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves which is required for a prefeasibility or feasibility study. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information regarding Erdene contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although Erdene believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Erdene cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what Erdene currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and is subject to change after that date. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

NO REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENTS OF THIS RELEASE

Erdene Contact Information
Seattle, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Coherent Market Insights, the global pneumatic cylinder market is projected to exhibit an impressive CAGR of 3.0% over the forecast period (2018  2026).

Key Trends and Analysis of the Pneumatic Cylinder Market:



Rising demand for robots by manufacturing industries for various applications is one of the main factors for growth of the market. Pneumatic cylinders are one of the key component of robots, as it works as a main motion power source. According to Robotic Industries Association, in 2015, a total number of 31,464 robots valued at US$ 1.8 billion were ordered by North American companies of different industries, which was an increase of 14% in units and 11% in revenue from previous year. Similarly, according to International Federation of Robotics, in 2015, the number of industrial robots sold was 20,105 units. Moreover, some of the European countries such as Italy, France, Spain, and the U.K. witnessed industrial robotic sales units of 6,700, 3,045, 3,800, and 1,645 respectively. Hence, increasing sales of robots in Europe is expected to accelerate growth of the pneumatic cylinder market in Europe during the forecast period.

Request a Sample Copy of this report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/2472

Increasing population is one of the major driving factors leading to rising construction activities, globally. For instance, according to Population Reference Bureau, in 2017, the total global population was 7,621 Mn up from 7,418 Mn in 2016. By 2030, the total global population is expected to reach 8,571 Mn. China, India, the U.S., Indonesia, and Brazil are some of the major populated countries in the world. For instance, according to the Population Reference Bureau, in 2017, the population of China was 1,387 Mn, in India 1,353 Mn, in the U.S. 325 Mn, in Indonesia 264 Mn, and in Brazil 208 Mn. Increasing population leads to rising need for new infrastructure, houses, and others, which accelerated demand for earth moving equipment, and in turn increased growth of the pneumatic cylinder market. Moreover, rising population in urban areas leads to high demand for commercial and residential constructions and infrastructures. For instance, according to the Chartered Institute of Building 2015 report, India needs to build 31,000 new houses per day over the next 15 years to meet the needs of rapidly growing urban population.

In addition to this, increasing government investment for infrastructure leads to high demand for earth moving equipment, which in turn accelerates growth of the pneumatic cylinder market. According to UAE Federal Budget 2017, the government released funds of US$ 381.2 Million (AED 1.4bn) for Sheikh Zayed Housing Program, and US$ 242.6 Million (AED 891 Mn) for Federal Ministry projects. Moreover, for power and water projects, the government released the fund of US$ 210 Mn (AED 771 Mn), which will be implemented by Federal Electricity & Water Authority (FEWA). Similarly, according to South Africa budget 2017, the government released fund of US$ 9.5 billion (R142.6 billion) for public transport, US$ 6.3 billion (R94.4 billion) for water resources and bulk infrastructure, and US$ 7.7 billion (R114.8 billion) for public housing.

To know the latest trends and insights prevalent in this market, click the link below:

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/pneumatic-cylinder-market-2472

Key Market Takeaways:

The market is expected to witness a CAGR of 3.0% during the forecast period (20182026), owing to increasing demand for earth moving equipment for the development of new construction.

Asia Pacific held the dominant position in the market in 2017, and is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. Increasing government investment for infrastructure leads to high demand for earth moving equipment, which in turn increases the pneumatic cylinder market. For instance, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), in the Union Budget 2018  2019, the government allocated US$ 92.22 billion for infrastructure. Similarly, in 2018, the China National Development and Reform Commission released a fund of US$11.4 billion for urban rail project for Changchun. In this project eight new rail lines will develop with a total length of 135.4 kilometers. In addition to this, rising mining production in this region increases demand for earth moving equipment. According to World Mining Congress, the mining production in Asia Pacific was 9.8 billion metric tons in 2016, and is expected to reach 11 billion metric tons by 2021. Furthermore, increasing adoption of robots by manufacturing industry is a major factor for growth of the market in Asia Pacific. According to International Federation of Robotics, in China, 68,556 multipurpose industrial robots were shipped in 2016, and projected to reach 160,000 units by 2019. This increasing adoption of multipurpose industrial robots, in turn creates conducive environment for growth of the pneumatic cylinder in the country.
Commences construction on Sharon facilities



Expands Verano footprint into Northeast adult-use and medical marijuana markets

Adds two cannabis cultivation and processing facilities and up to six dispensary licenses to Verano portfolio

Hiring up to 75 employees locally in 2019

Will offer 150 Branded SKUs

CHICAGO, IL and SHARON, MA, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verano Holdings, LLC (Verano), a multi-state, vertically integrated operator of licensed cannabis facilities dedicated to improving lives, announced today that it has acquired 100% of Four Daughters Compassionate Care Inc. (FDCC) of Sharon, Massachusetts and its provisional medical cannabis licenses, subject to ongoing review by Commonwealth of Massachusetts regulatory bodies. With the acquisition, Verano has commenced construction of a cultivation and production facility in Sharon and renovation of the adjacent building for the dispensary. The acquisition marks Veranos expansion into an additional adult-use market and its expanding geographic footprint into the Northeast from its current 10 operating facilities in Illinois, Maryland, Nevada and Florida, with 45+ licenses under active development in Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and Maryland.

The FDCC assets in the transaction include:

The medical cultivation and production facility and medical dispensary now under construction in Sharon, with local approval for additional recreational facilities

Real estate and community host agreements in Plymouth for an adult use dispensary

Real estate and community host agreements in Halifax for a 180,000 sq. ft. adult-use cultivation greenhouse and a 20,000 sq. ft. processing facility

The cultivation facilities will operate under the Verano brand name and the dispensaries under the brand Zen Leaf.

Were excited to join forces with the Four Daughters team to build upon the solid foundation of support and host agreements they secured within each of the communities, and put construction on the fast track to help bring Four Daughters dream to fruition, stated Sam Dorf, Veranos Chief Growth Officer. This transaction continues Veranos strategy to create a brighter way for health and wellness with high quality, organic branded products for cannabis patients, consumers and their communities through the acquisition of licenses and/or partnerships with operators in highly regulated, limited license states.

One of the most attractive aspects of this acquisition is Sharons close proximity to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, which provides exposure and potential to serve thousands of loyal New England Patriots fans, concert goers and others, Dorf commented. FDCC has done a fantastic job of securing the required host agreement and building strong relationships with local officials. We have a history of working collaboratively with host communities to improve the communities. Were proud to say that we will continue FDCCs efforts by sharing a percentage of our profits with the Town of Sharon in perpetuity. Additionally, we are already planning activities that will help us become an integral, supportive part of each Massachusetts community in which we operate.

Four Daughters Compassionate Care was co-founded by Brian and Lynne Striar, whose family has longstanding roots in the Sharon Community. The Striar family members, including the namesakes four daughters, Stephanie, Kimberly, Nicole and Robin, who have been heavily involved in cannabis advocacy, will be active members of Veranos local operational management team. Zen Leafs Clinical Director will be Four Daughters Co-founder Stanley Rosen, pharmacist and former Chair of the Sharon Board of Heath.

The first cultivation and dispensary facilities in Sharon are expected to open in six to nine months. Verano will hire 50-75 employees locally and train them for these sites in 2019. Prospective employees can submit their resume or work history and contact information to jobs@verano.holdings .

All Verano facilities are locally managed, which will enable us to keep the hometown atmosphere with a familiar personal touch that we originally envisioned in each of the facilities, stated Brian Striar.

We will be providing the training to enable local residents to manage and staff a broad array of full- and part-time positions from the moment the doors open, noted Ron Goodson, Verano President and Chief Operating Officer. Whether you have experience in the cannabis industry or not, this provides a great opportunity to get your foot in the door and learn about the worlds fastest growing industry, and the plant that has the power to positively impact human health and wellness.

This will be the first opportunity for Verano to introduce our GoldLeaf, verano, Encore Company, and Sweet Sins brands of organic and precision-dosed products as well as other licensed partner brands, such as the unique Double Barrel Dual Vape system, into the Northeast said Tim Tennant, Chief Marketing Officer. Our brands have been hugely popular in Illinois, Maryland and Nevada for both medical and adult use consumers and we anticipate similar results in Massachusetts that will drive expansion into additional states.

Photos available upon request.

# # #

About Verano Holdings

Verano is a national, vertically integrated operator of licensed cannabis cultivation, manufacturing and retail facilities dedicated to improving lives by providing safe access to effective pesticide-free marijuana products that profoundly impact the communities it serves. Verano develops and produces a well-rounded suite of limited edition, lifestyle cannabis products, which offer superior medicinal therapies and inspirational product options. Verano designs, builds and operates unique Zen Leaf branded dispensary environments that ensure an exceptional shopping experience with unparalleled customer service and satisfaction in both medical and adult-use markets. Verano Holdings distributes cannabis concentrates, edibles, extracts, flower and topicals, many in precision-dosed THC and CBD formulations, under its trusted premium brands: GoldLeaf, Menta, Sweet Sins, Encore Company, Avexia and verano. For more information, visit http://verano.holdings/

About Four Daughters Compassionate Care, Inc.

Four Daughters Compassionate Care, Inc. was founded by longtime Sharon residents Brian and Lynne Striar in 2015. Brian has more than 30 years experience in business, actively participating in the acquisition and management of real estate investments for The Striar Group. He has spent years investigating methods of cultivation, techniques of extraction, and processing of concentrates and edibles. He is a National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) Member and has presented and studied at conferences in Denver, Las Vegas, New York City, Oakland and Seattle. As a cancer survivor, Brian is a passionate advocate for cannabis reform and lobbied through the Massachusetts Patients Advocacy Alliance for legislative changes in Massachusetts while promoting social awareness of the benefits presented by the safe and reliable delivery of medical cannabis to combat chronic pain and discomfort associated with severe illness.

CONTACTS

For Verano Holdings

Corporate Office

312-624-8709

Media

julie@verano.holdings

847-275-3643
The primary school is located in the center of Havana including two campuses with 250 pupils. Right at the entrance of the school, there is large-size portrait of President Ho Chi Minh with his beloved smile.The pupils wearing red scarf dancing and singing Vietnamese and Cuban songs welcomed the distinguished guests.Marking the first anniversary of the liberation of the South Vietnam and the national reunification of Vietnam in 1976, the Central Secretary Board of Party Communist of Cuba decided to establish the school named after the Vietnamese President, aiming to express friendship and solidarity with the Vietnamese people.In this school, pupils from 1st- 6th grade have had lessons about Vietnamese country and people to deepen the solidarity relationship between the two nations.According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Nguyen Thanh Trung, there is another primary school named after heroine Vo Thi Thang in downtown district of Playgia in Havana since 1968.The establishment was considered an evidence of Cuban peoples emotion for Vietnam. Besides that, the school also set up an exhibition corner where Cuba saves profound spirit heritage of diplomatic ties between the two nations.Like in President Ho Chi Minh school, many images and exhibits about Vietnam, especially an image of the heroine with a victory smile have been showcased at the school.A part of Vietnamese history has officially been taught at this school to deepen the historical lessons of the two nations as well as to educate young generations spirit of struggling to protect the nation.Mr. Esteban Braulio Gonzalez Henandez, who has been working in the Cuban Embassy to Vietnam for 12 years, said that Cuban people really love President Ho Chi Minh and always consider Vietnam as a close friend.While travelling in Cuba, Vietnamese visitors are absolutely invited to the village named after the Vietnamese Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre which was the first local in the Southern Vietnam to rebel to fight against the US and the government of Republic of Vietnam.It takes around 30 minutes by car from capital of Havana to the village located in Artemisa province, the western part of Cuba.Statues complex of male and female Vietnamese guerrillas with guns and buffalos at the village entrance is a special symbol in this Latin American country.Based on the documents, a group including Vietnamese students studied in Cuba, who spent a summer labor-trip at a village of Hinba Bonita cow farm in 1969. (Currently, the farm still operates on 13,000 hectares and raises over 30,000 dairy cows).Mr. Fidel Castrol had established the communities in the farm and named Ben Tre village to honor the first province in the Southern of Vietnam to be liberated. Besides that, he had chosen the day of December 20, 1969 to commemorate the 9th anniversary of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam.Ben Tre village in Cuba has its large concrete roads with numerous apartments on the entrance. Inside the village, there are houses with leaf roofs. Besides that, there are also school, department store, general clinic, etc. This village gathers around 200 households with around 1,000 inhabitants.The heart of Ben Tre village is the stilt-house with its name CASA VIETNAMITA (Vietnamese House), built in 1975 based on the initiative of Cuban Heroine Melba Hernandez who was Chairwoman of Cuban Committee for Solidarity with Vietnam.The house was completely made by wood and bamboo, with its leaf roofs. Inside that house, a lot of images about the friendly relationship of the two peoples and souvenirs from Vietnam like images of President Ho Chi Minh, Cuban leader Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, General Vo Nguyen Giap, Heroine Nguyen Thi Dinh and others images of iconic hat (Non la), Vietnamese traditional dress (Ao dai), traditional southern Vietnamese garment (Ao ba ba) are showcased.This village has become a point of interest in the local cultural activities.Statue of President Ho Chi Minh is the first destination of the Ho Chi Minh City delegation as well as most of Vietnamese delegations when they arrived in Cuba.The bronze sculpture statue is located at Hoa Binh (Peace) Park near Boulevard 26, one of the most beautiful park in capital of Havana which was designed by architecture Joel Diaz, Vice President of Cuba- Vietnam Friendship Association.The construction was completed in 2003 on the occasion of the 113th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh.Ms. Magalys DelRio, Chairwoman of Cuba- Vietnam Friendship Associations branch in Havana said that she and her retired friends come there every day in order to visit the Vietnamese President who is the great friend of the Cuban people.Currently, all 15 provinces of Cuba have established Cuba- Vietnam Friendship Associations.Accordingly, many local people have Vietnamese names like Mr. Nguyen Giap, Mr. Trung Thanh, Ms. Linh, Ms. Dinh because their parents admired Vietnamese people and the country.Every person, every country has its own valuable history. Cuba has always tries its best improving peoples lives. Cuba is one of the top happy countries in the world.

BY THUY HAI- Translated by Huyen Huong
Coined the Hermes of marijuana by the New York Times

Suite of meticulously designed and socially-dosed cannabis products for the new cannabis consumer, distributed in California and Colorado.

Exceptional talent led by co-founders: fashion industry executive Clement Kwan and world-renowned tattoo artist Scott Campbell

CHICAGO and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Green Thumb Industries Inc. (GTI) (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire For Success Holding Company, creator of the lifestyle suite of Beboe branded cannabis products and headquartered in Los Angeles.

Beboe is known for its thoughtful design aesthetic from product to packaging including its iconic rose gold vaporizer pens which are available in two distinct varieties, Inspired and Downtime, and its ice water hash micro-dosed pastilles. Available in more than 125 California and Colorado retail locations and via home delivery across California, Beboe also recently launched a direct-to-consumer hemp-derived CBD line of products and has launched several collaborations, including a CBD-infused drink with wellness brand Dirty Lemon. Beboe products will expand beyond California and Colorado with distribution in select GTI markets.

We believe authentic brands distributed at scale is the key to winning in this industry and weve built the national infrastructure to produce and distribute high-quality products across the country, said GTI Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ben Kovler. The meticulously crafted suite of Beboe products supports the premium segment within GTIs brand portfolio and is firmly aligned with our long-term growth strategy. Beboe has an extremely talented team, a robust innovation pipeline, and an aligned vision for what cannabis can mean for enhancing everyday life, not only for today but importantly for tomorrows cannabis consumer. We are thrilled to have this visionary team of Scott Campbell and Clement Kwan join the GTI family.



Co-founded by Scott Campbell, the Beboe brand is a tribute to Campbells beloved grandmother Be Boe who alleviated the cancer symptoms of Campbells mother by baking marijuana-infused brownies. He is known throughout the world as being one of the most influential figures in modern tattoo culture, bringing what was once an underground trade to the front lines of contemporary art and luxury culture. Now he is working to bring another industry out of fringe culture, and into the highest levels of appreciation. He has partnered with luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Berluti, Constellation Brands, and Marc Jacobs. His work appears on the bodies of Johnny Depp, Jennifer Aniston, Robert Downey Jr., Orlando Bloom, and countless others.

Co-Founder Clement Kwan has a long history in executive roles across the fashion industry. He has been integral to the growth and success of brands such as Theory, Diesel and Dolce & Gabbana. In 2012, Clement took on the role of President, heading the U.S. business of YOOX Group. Under his leadership, YOOX grew to become the de facto luxury e-commerce platform in fashion operating the sites for most major fashion brands. He helped oversee YOOXs acquisition of NET-A-PORTER GROUP which created an entity that controlled both the order fulfillment side and a powerful consumer-facing editorial platform. He then bowed out of fashion and set his sights on cannabis, starting For Success Holding Company with Beboe being just the first of his brands to launch.

In appreciation of all my grandmother did to bring warmth and love into our house, we started Beboe to offer the same sense of care and possibility for people like myself, high-functioning adults, who dont have the patience for anything less than the best possible experience, said Campbell. Having seen the entire landscape of this industry, I truly believe in GTI. Weve sat down in countless conference rooms of cannabis operations and funds, and its disheartening how many people in the space are operating with a slash and burn mentality. Rapid growth at all costs with little regard to the sustainability of growth or respect of existing cannabis culture. GTI has the resources and intent to lead the growth of the cannabis industry in a way that celebrates the plant and the irreversible culture shift that it has inspired.

Kwan added, We aligned with GTI because we agree with their strategies and philosophies. We believe cannabis enhances the quality of life, and to be able to improve the lives of more people with Beboes introduction into additional stores and new markets is extremely gratifying. With the support of GTI, we will waste no time in growing Beboe brands availability and to help define cannabis place in American culture.

Under the terms of this non-material transaction, GTI will pay an undisclosed amount of stock. The deal is expected to close in first quarter 2019 pending customary closing conditions.

About Green Thumb Industries:

Green Thumb Industries (GTI), a national cannabis cultivator, processor and dispensary operator, is dedicated to providing dignified access to safe and effective cannabis nationwide while giving back to the communities in which they serve. As a vertically integrated company, GTI manufactures and sells a well-rounded suite of branded cannabis products including flower, concentrates, edibles, and topicals. The company also owns and operates a rapidly growing national chain of retail cannabis stores called RISE. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, GTI has ten manufacturing facilities and licenses for 70 retail locations across nine highly regulated U.S. markets. Established in 2014, GTI employs approximately 500 people and serves thousands of patients and customers each year. GTI was named a Best Workplace 2018 by Crains Chicago Business. More information is available at GTIgrows.com .

About Beboe:

Beboe is the Los Angeles-based leader in luxury cannabis. Founded in 2017 by friends and cannabis growers Scott Campbell and Clement Kwan, Beboes mission is to destigmatize legal cannabis through heightened experience and education. With sleek packaging and social dosing, Beboe offers the sophisticated cannabis consumer an experience unlike any other on the market. In 2017, Beboe launched cannabis vaporizing pens and edible pastilles, each curated with a unique blend of THC and CBD. In Fall 2018, Beboe launched a CBD-only blend. Each product is dosed to complement individualized social settings - ranging from afternoon tea to dinner parties to weddings - so cannabis can be safely and stylishly incorporated into every aspect of a lifestyle. In addition to developing quality-driven product, Beboe remains at the forefront of the industry through education and advocacy. Beboe is the inaugural brand from For Success Holding, a portfolio of cannabis brands co-founded by Campbell and Kwan in late 2014. For Success Holding endeavors to create a conglomerate of products, brands and experiences for todays cannabis consumer. Beboe THC/CBD blend products are sold through licensed distributors and delivery services throughout California and Colorado, and CBD products are available online and through select retailers. In 2019 Beboe entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Green Thumb Industries Inc. For more information, please visit www.beboe.com .

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains statements which constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of GTI with respect to future business activities, including expansion of Beboe-branded cannabis products beyond California and Colorado.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect GTI managements expectations, estimates or projections concerning the business of GTI future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although GTI believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the combined company. In connection with the forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release, GTI has made certain assumptions, including assumptions related to: the ability to build out the location and the ability to obtain local zoning variances and approvals. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; and compliance with extensive government regulation; together with the risk factors outlined by the company in its annual information form dated July 10, 2018 along with the risk factors outlined in the most recently filed MD&A of the company filed on SEDAR from time to time.

This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of GTI and market conditions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although GTI has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. GTI does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Investor Contact:

Jennifer Dooley

Chief Strategy Officer

InvestorRelations@gtigrows.com

310-622-8257

Media Contact:

Linda Marsicano

VP, Corporate Communications

lmarsicano@gtigrows.com

773-354-2004

Source: Green Thumb Industries

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/527dfeba-05c8-4474-bc7a-cf684429ac21

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e6568228-7856-4469-917f-39a0f87f5a1d

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2f456d03-593d-457b-83c4-bb9f92bfdf89
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scorpio Gold Corporation (Scorpio Gold or the Company) (TSX-V: SGN) is pleased to announce the approval of the Keystone Jumbo Exploration Project (the Project), Plan of Operations. The Company proposes to drill up to 29 exploration holes on public lands administered by the US Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Tonopah Ranger District (USFS). The exploration drilling plan was originally submitted to the Forest Service on December 14, 2016 and required several iterations prior to its approval. The Project intends to build on historic drilling and previously reported surface sampling results within the Keystone Jumbo claim block of the Goldwedge Project.



The proposed Project and associated Goldwedge facilities are located in Nevada on the west flank of the Toquima Range, ~55 km north-northeast of the Town of Tonopah, ~4 km south-southeast of the town of Manhattan and ~16 km south of the 15 million ounce Round Mountain Mine. Historic mining in the Manhattan Mining District dates back to the 19th century, with district-wide gold production from both lode and placer deposits estimated at 566,000 ounces. The largest gold production came from the Manhattan Mine East & West pits located within a kilometer south of the Goldwedge Deposit, where Echo Bay Mines reportedly produced an estimated 236,000 ounces.

Scorpio Golds President, Chris Zerga, comments, Receiving this plan of operations approval is a key step to unlocking the mineral potential in the Keystone Jumbo project area and we look forward to advancing the projects development with continued exploration drilling. Scorpio Gold has maintained an exceptional working collaboration with the USFS and Nevada regulatory agencies.

The proposed exploration drilling program is subject to financing and capital allocation as determined by the new board. Upon closing of the company's recently announced private placement Scorpio will have cash on hand of $5.0m cdn which includes current cash of $1.2m cdn. Residual gold recovery from the heaps is expected to continue through the 2nd quarter of 2019 and the company is re-engaging with lenders to fund the new processing mill at Mineral Ridge.

About Scorpio Gold Corporation



Scorpio Gold holds a 70% interest in the producing Mineral Ridge gold mining operation located in Esmeralda County, Nevada with joint venture partner Elevon, LLC (30%). Mineral Ridge is a conventional open pit mining and heap leach operation. Mining at Mineral Ridge was suspended in November 2017; however, the Company continues to generate limited revenues from residual but diminishing recoveries from the leach pads. Scorpio Gold also holds a 100% interest in the advanced exploration-stage Goldwedge property in Manhattan, Nevada with a fully permitted underground mine and 400 ton per day mill facility. The Goldwedge mill facility has been placed on a care and maintenance basis and can be restarted immediately when needed.

Scorpio Golds Chairman, Peter J. Hawley, P.Geo., is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the content of this release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

SCORPIO GOLD CORPORATION

Brian Lock,

Interim CEO

For further information contact:

Chris Zerga, President

Tel: (604) 678-9639

Email: czerga@scorpiogold.com

Website: www.scorpiogold.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The Company relies on litigation protection for forward-looking statements. This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Companys current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as plan, expect, project, intend, believe, anticipate, estimate, suggest, indicate and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions may or will occur, and include, without limitation, statements regarding the Companys plans with respect to the exploration of its Goldwedge project and the ability to obtain sufficient financing to undertake its proposed exploration program. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements, including risks involved in mineral exploration programs and those risk factors outlined in the Companys Management Discussion and Analysis as filed on SEDAR. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof.
TORONTO, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSXV: LABS) (OTCQB: MLCPF) (the Company or MediPharm Labs) the leader in specialized, research-driven cannabis extraction, is pleased to announce the appointment of Co-founder, Keith Strachan to President, with Founder, Pat McCutcheon continuing in his role as CEO and Chairman of the Board. The Company further expands its leadership team with three well-earned promotions and a strategic new hire: Kirk Binns assumes the role of Executive Vice President, Global Accounts;



Dr. Chris Talpas is promoted to Vice President, Quality and Scientific Affairs; Michael Perron takes on the elevated role of Vice President, Business Development; and Laura Lepore, formerly of Home Capital Group Inc., has been brought on as Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications.

This new bolstered leadership signals MediPharm Labs evolution and focus on transforming from a high-performing start-up to a world-class global leader in the industrial-scale manufacturing of high-quality cannabinoid-based derivatives, said Pat McCutcheon, CEO and Chairman of MediPharm Labs.  Our exceptional, cohesive team responsible for our current day success is further strengthened by this new structure and additional roles. Each member of our senior team will apply their respective expertise to execute on our differentiated business model and defined strategies to rapidly accelerate our growth and leadership position both domestically and globally.

Keith Strachan co-founded MediPharm Labs in 2015, utilizing his consultancy expertise in Public Sector RFP and government contracts, compliance for government licensing and local planning, to break the mold and secure the first Health Canada Licence for cannabis oil production without first being a cultivator. A seasoned entrepreneur, Keith has applied his leadership to building out MediPharm Labs leading-edge facilities, launching operations and growing its workforce, while also strategically driving business development with the Companys many supply, contract processing and white label partner LPs.



A Molecular Biologist by training, Kirk Binns was a founding shareholder of MediPharm Labs. A serial entrepreneur, Kirk has spent most of his career in the North American deregulated energy markets, leading market expansions, client acquisitions and managed up to 100 reports across multiple markets. Over the last 12 years, he established and ran a multinational energy sales organization generating 7-figures annually, while also contributing to MediPharm Labs start-up and operations. Kirk takes on the role of EVP, Global Accounts to help MediPharm Labs realize its vision as the trusted global leader in cannabinoid-based derivatives.



Dr. Chris Talpas, a renowned Chromatography expert with 24-years in the bio-pharmaceutical field, was one of MediPharm Labs first employees, brought on to develop and validate the Companys complex quality systems, processes, equipment and facilities. In his role as VP, Quality and Scientific Affairs, Dr. Talpas will broaden his oversight to include quality and scientific affairs in new global markets.



Prior to joining MediPharm Labs in August 2018, Michael Perron spent over 10 years in professional services and was the national advisory services lead supporting the cannabis industry and has been a key advisor to numerous LPs, LP applicants, and ancillary cannabis businesses. This industry expertise and network was critical in his business development role, earning him the promotion to Vice President, Business Development.



Laura Lepore brings more than 16 years of award-winning Investor Relations, Communications and Capital Markets experience across Financial, Industrial and Mining sectors. Laura was most recently AVP, Investor Relations at Home Capital Group Inc. and led IR through two significant transactions and a governance renewal. During her tenure with TD Bank Financial Group she held various roles in IR and Corporate Banking. Previously Laura was Director of IR for Newmarket Gold and Crocodile Gold. She earned her Bachelor of Arts, Economics from York University and is currently a Board Director for the Canadian Investor Relations Institute, Ontario Chapter.

The Company also announced its Board of Directors has approved a grant of stock options under its stock option plan to purchase an aggregate of 790,500 common shares in the capital of the Company (Shares) at an exercise price of $1.96 per Share, being the closing price of the Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on February 4, 2019, for a five-year term expiring February 4, 2024. Each grant vests in five equal instalments, the first of which vests immediately with the four other instalments vesting on the dates which are six, twelve, eighteen and twenty-four months from the grant date. The stock options were granted to employees of the Company and are subject to any necessary regulatory approvals.

Our senior leadership team is supported by MediPharm Labs highly-engaged and motivated employees, now numbering 75 scientists, technicians, engineers and business professionals. We have worked diligently to create a positive corporate culture, and recently added a stock option grant program seeing every staff member able to participate in the future success of the business. Its a winning formula, said Pat McCutcheon, CEO and Chairman of MediPharm Labs.

About MediPharm Labs Corp.

Founded in 2015, MediPharm Labs is a pioneer in the cannabis industry and has the distinction of being the first company in Canada to become a licensed producer for cannabis oil production under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) without first receiving a cannabis cultivation licence. This expert focus on cannabis concentrates from its cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) and ISO standard-built clean rooms and critical environments laboratory, allows MediPharm Labs to work with its established, Health Canada-approved cultivation partners to produce pharmaceutical-grade cannabis oil with a competitive advantage. MediPharm Labs is research-driven and focused on downstream secondary extraction methodology, distillation, and cannabinoid isolation and purification. MediPharm Labs provides B2B contract processing of cannabis to Canadian authorized licensed producers and appropriate international growers, supplying integrity-assured cannabis oil to qualified companies for sale under their own brand. In addition, MediPharm Labs will supply raw materials, formulations, processing and packaging for the creation of ready-to-sell advanced derivative products. MediPharm Labs was awarded Start-up of the Year at the recent Canadian Cannabis Awards hosted by Lift & Co.

Through its subsidiary, MediPharm Labs Australia Pty. Ltd., MediPharm Labs has also completed its application process with the federal Office of Drug Control to extract and import medical cannabis products in Australia.

For further information, please contact: Laura Lepore, Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications Telephone: 705-719-7425 ext 216 Email: investors@medipharmlabs.com Website: www.medipharmlabs.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSXV) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as expects, or does not expect, is expected, anticipates or does not anticipate, plans, budget, scheduled, forecasts, estimates, believes or intends or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results may or could, would, might or will be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, accelerated growth, future capacity expansion, expected GMP certification and the establishment of operations in Australia. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the inability of MediPharm to obtain adequate financing; and the delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, MediPharm assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3edd9b27-f81a-448d-a5e4-ff110f4afe1a
CAESAREA, Israel, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) Guideline, which were announced in October 2018, IceCure Medical Ltd (TASE: ICCM) plans to increase its presence at Interventional Oncology (IO) conferences. This will further raise the awareness and benefits of its next generation cryoablation technology, ProSenseTM, for womens health.



The ProSense nitrogen-liquid based system enables rapid minimally-invasive, safe, and effective treatment of tumors.

IceCures technology provides physicians with full control over the procedure, ensuring that the treated zone is destroyed completely while leaving surrounding tissue undamaged. IceCure has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510k and CE Mark approvals for its minimally-invasive cryoablation applications.

Following the outstanding clinical results from our landmark ICE3 clinical trial treating breast cancers, we believe IceCures ProSense system will help set new standards in providing minimally-invasive tumor therapy to the interventional oncology market, said IceCure Medical CEO, Eyal Shamir.

The Company believes the ASBrS guidelines are favorable to its medical field and targets a sizeable unmet medical need in womens health, oncology intervention radiology. To read the complete statement from the ASBrS, please use this link: https://www.breastsurgeons.org/about/statements/PDF_Statements/Transcutaneous_Percutaneous.pdf

For a full demo of the system, IceCure will be attending the upcoming Interventional Oncology Conferences.



European Conference on Interventional Oncology (ECIO) annual meeting will take place from April 8-11 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) annual meeting will take place April 30-May 5 in Dallas, Texas.

Society of Interventional Oncology (SIO) annual meeting will take place from June 8-11 in Boston, MA.

If you would like to schedule a meeting with management at these conferences, please contact Michael Polyviou at EVC Group at mpolyviou@evcgroup.com or by phone at 732-933-2754.

About IceCure Medical

Founded in 2006, Israel-based IceCure Medical (TASE: ICCM), develops and markets minimally invasive cryoablation therapies for womens health and Interventional oncology market, with the primary focus areas being breast, kidney and lung cancer. The Companys Cryoablation therapies, such as its proprietary ProSense liquid-nitrogen based system, is safe, innovative and provides clinical and economic benefits compared to the current standard of care.

Contact:

EVC Group

Michael Polyviou

mpolyviou@evcgroup

732-933-2754
~Pharmacokinetic data from patients treated in the study show that infusion of pegunigalsidase alfa every 4 weeks results in the presence of continuous active enzyme throughout the entire infusion interval~

~Continuous presence and activity of pegunigalsidase alfa detected even in patients with pre-existing anti-drug antibodies~

~Pegunigalsidase alfa is safe and well tolerated~

CARMIEL, Israel, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NYSE American:PLX) (TASE:PLX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins expressed through its proprietary plant cell-based expression system, ProCellEx, today announced that preliminary pharmacokinetic (PK) data from its phase III BRIGHT study of pegunigalsidase alfa, or PRX-102, for the treatment of Fabry disease is the subject of an oral presentation at the 15th Annual WORLDSymposiumTM 2019. The conference is taking place February 4-8, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, Orlando, Florida, and the oral presentation is scheduled for Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 8:30 AM ET.

PRX-102 is the Companys plant cell-expressed recombinant, PEGylated, cross-linked -galactosidase-A drug candidate for the treatment of Fabry disease. The BRIGHT study is a 12-month, open-label switchover study to assess the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of pegunigalsidase alfa 2 mg/kg administered every 4 weeks in up to 30 Fabry patients previously treated with an enzyme replacement therapy (ERT): Fabrazyme or Replagal. As of December 23, 2018, 28 patients had been enrolled in the BRIGHT study, and 15 of those patients had completed 9 months of treatment. Samples from these 15 patients underwent pharmacokinetic (PK) evaluation and were tested for the presence of anti-drug antibodies (ADA).

The results of the BRIGHT study demonstrate that PRX-102 was present and remained active in the plasma over the 4-week infusion intervals. The mean concentration of PRX-102 at day 28 was 138 ng/mL. In comparison, published data on Fabrazyme (1mg/kg every 2 weeks) shows a mean concentration of 20 ng/mL at 10 hours post infusion. In addition, the area under the curve (AUC) for PRX-102 was measured to be approximately 2,000,000 nghr/mL over 28 days. Based on published data, the AUC of Fabrazyme is approximately 10,000 nghr/mL.

Additionally, pre-existing ADAs generated in patients prior to switching to PRX-102 had substantially little effect on the circulation of PRX-102 for the 4-week period evaluated, and PRX-102 concentration in circulation was higher than agalsidase beta, even in the presence of ADAs.

The preliminary PK data from the BRIGHT study is very encouraging and suggest that PRX-102 has the potential to be effectively dosed every 4 weeks, compared to currently available enzyme replacement therapies (ERT) for Fabry disease which need to be administered every two weeks, said Myrl D. Holida, Physician Assistant at the University of Iowa Health Care in Iowa City, Iowa and BRIGHT Study Investigator. Fabry disease is a chronic illness for which there is currently no cure. Reducing the number of required treatment infusions for Fabry patients on ERT has the potential to greatly improve their quality of life and compliance with treatment.

A preliminary safety analysis of 19 patients enrolled in the BRIGHT study was also conducted, and indicated that PRX-102 is safe and well tolerated.

A copy of the oral presentation and poster presentations from the conference will be available on Protalixs website under the Presentation tab in the Investors section.

About Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc.

Protalix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins expressed through its proprietary plant cell-based expression system, ProCellEx. Protalixs unique expression system presents a proprietary method for developing recombinant proteins in a cost-effective, industrial-scale manner. Protalixs first product manufactured by ProCellEx, taliglucerase alfa, was approved for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2012 and, subsequently, by the regulatory authorities of other countries. Protalix has licensed to Pfizer Inc. the worldwide development and commercialization rights for taliglucerase alfa, excluding Brazil, where Protalix retains full rights. Protalixs development pipeline includes the following product candidates: pegunigalsidase alfa, a modified version of the recombinant human alpha-GAL-A protein for the treatment of Fabry disease; OPRX-106, an orally-delivered anti-inflammatory treatment; alidornase alfa for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis; and others. Protalix has partnered with Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., both in the United States and outside the United States, for the development and commercialization of pegunigalsidase alfa.

Forward-Looking Statements

To the extent that statements in this press release are not strictly historical, all such statements are forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The terms expect, anticipate, believe, estimate, project, plan, should and intend and other words or phrases of similar import are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from the statements made. These statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations as to such future outcomes. Drug discovery and development involve a high degree of risk and the final results of a clinical trial may be different than the preliminary findings for the clinical trial. Factors that might cause material differences include, among others: failure or delay in the commencement or completion of our preclinical and clinical trials which may be caused by several factors, including: risks that the FDA will not accept an application for accelerated approval of PRX-102 with the data generated to date or will request additional data or other conditions of our submission of any application for accelerated approval of PRX-102; slower than expected rates of patient recruitment; unforeseen safety issues; determination of dosing issues; lack of effectiveness during clinical trials; inability to monitor patients adequately during or after treatment; inability or unwillingness of medical investigators and institutional review boards to follow our clinical protocols; and lack of sufficient funding to finance clinical trials; the risk that the results of the clinical trials of our product candidates will not support our claims of superiority, safety or efficacy, that our product candidates will not have the desired effects or will be associated with undesirable side effects or other unexpected characteristics; risks related to our ability to maintain and manage our relationship with Chiesi Farmaceutici and any other collaborator, distributor or partner; risks related to the amount and sufficiency of our cash and cash equivalents; risks related to the ultimate purchase by Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz of alfataliglicerase pursuant to the stated purchase intentions of the Brazilian Ministry of Health of the stated amounts, if at all; risks related to the successful conclusion of our negotiations with the Brazilian Ministry of Health regarding the purchase of alfataliglicerase generally; risks related to our commercialization efforts for alfataliglicerase in Brazil; risks relating to the compliance by Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz with its purchase obligations and related milestones under our supply and technology transfer agreement; risks related to the amount and sufficiency of our cash and cash equivalents; risks related to the amount of our future revenues, operations and expenditures; the risk that despite the FDAs grant of fast track designation for pegunigalsidase alfa for the treatment of Fabry disease, we may not experience a faster development process, review or approval compared to applications considered for approval under conventional FDA procedures; risks related to the FDAs ability to withdraw the fast track designation at any time; risks relating to our ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, to pay interest on or to refinance our outstanding notes or any other indebtedness; our dependence on performance by third party providers of services and supplies, including without limitation, clinical trial services; delays in our preparation and filing of applications for regulatory approval; delays in the approval or potential rejection of any applications we file with the FDA or other health regulatory authorities, and other risks relating to the review process; our ability to identify suitable product candidates and to complete preclinical studies of such product candidates; the inherent risks and uncertainties in developing drug platforms and products of the type we are developing; the impact of development of competing therapies and/or technologies by other companies and institutions; potential product liability risks, and risks of securing adequate levels of product liability and other necessary insurance coverage; and other factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The statements in this press release are valid only as of the date hereof and we disclaim any obligation to update this information, except as may be required by law.

Investor Contact

Marcy Nanus, Managing Director

Solebury Trout

646-378-2927

mnanus@soleburytrout.com
English French

Corporation could benefit from strong demand for asphaltite from Colombias 4G program and from companies overseas



AM delivers samples to local construction companies and ships three containers of asphaltite overseas to potential customers for test marketing purposes

Esperanza property already awarded its open pit mining license

MONTREAL, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AM Resources Corporation (AM or the Corporation) (TSXV: AMR) (Frankfurt: 76A) today announced that it has amended the structure of the agreement announced on November 5, 2018, to acquire a 60% interest in the Esperanza asphaltite property. Instead of acquiring an interest in the property, the Corporation will acquire an interest in the company that holds the mineral rights to the property, thereby securing its ownership of the mining titles.

AM was prompted to invest in asphaltite projects by Colombias 4G program, which provides for the construction of more than 4,400 miles of new roads, 141 tunnels and 1,300 viaducts. The program was endorsed by the new government elected in May 2018.

The 4G program puts us in an excellent position with our Esperanza and Rio Negro asphaltite projects, said Dominic Voyer, President and Chief Executive Officer of AM Resources. We expect to be able to soon start production at Esperanza, which has the advantage of having an open pit mining license. Our goal is to become a preferred asphaltite supplier for the construction companies selected under the 4G program, as well as for companies internationally. To that effect, we have started delivering samples to Colombian construction companies and recently shipped three containers of asphaltite to several potential customers overseas for test marketing purposes.

The amended agreement calls for AM to acquire a 60% equity interest in Asfaltitas Colombiana SAS (ASF) from 7779534 Canada Inc. (7779534), a related party controlled by an officer of the Corporations Colombian subsidiary, Biominerales Colombia SAS (Biominerales). Under the revised terms, the Corporation will issue 4,700,000 common shares to 7779534 in exchange for the interest, and Biominerales will release ASF from a loan of 145,255,291 Colombian pesos (approximately $60,800), which represents substantially all of ASFs liabilities.

The Esperanza property consists of a mineral concession that covers an area of 298 hectares in the western portion of the department of Norte de Santander. The area is known for its asphaltite occurrences. Production took place on the property from an open pit operation that lasted a few years, and the vein mined by open pit appears to still be open at depth. La Tigra, the neighbouring property, is believed to be producing at a rate of 3,000 tonnes per month. Historical exploration work consisting of geophysics and one drill hole has indicated that more veins could be discovered on the property.

The amended agreement remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and disinterested shareholder approval. The approval of the disinterested shareholders will be sought at the upcoming shareholders meeting. All shares issued under the acquisition will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day after the date of issuance.

The technical and scientific content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Pierre ODowd, P. Geo., the Corporations qualified person under National Instrument 43-101.

About AM Resources Corporation

AM Resources Corporation is a mining company specialized in the acquisition, development and operation of mining properties in Colombia. AM is focusing on Colombias excellent mineral potential and favourable political climate to develop its mining activities. The Corporation is also engaged in gold brokerage activities through its subsidiary, AM Resources Trading Corporation.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information:
VIRGINIA CITY, Nev., Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Comstock Mining Inc. (the Company) (NYSE American: LODE) today announced selected unaudited financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. The Company has also entered into definitive agreements with Tonogold Resources Inc. (Tonogold) to sell the Lucerne properties and accelerate the development of the Lucerne mine back into production.



2018 Selected Strategic and Operational Highlights

Received the 2018 BLM Sustainable Mineral Development Award;

Received Board approval to sell Silver Springs non-mining assets for $9.75 million, plus residual;

Extended the landmark Special Use Permit for mining and processing Lucerne to 2034;

Entered into definitive agreements with Tonogold to sell Lucerne, received $1 million deposit:

Provides $10 million in cash to the Company in early 2019, eliminating debt; Provides $5 million in cash in early 2020, accelerating Dayton resource development; Relieves $8 million in obligations, primarily for Northern Comstock (NCJV) obligations; Subsidizes $1.1 million per annum in American Flat related expense; Retains a 1.5% Lucerne net smelter royalty; and Eliminates our Debenture obligation and over $1 million in related, annual interest costs.



Received over $4 million in cash proceeds from the Lucerne option and sale agreements;

Uncovered a new, 90.8-foot, high-grade, mineralized shear-zone in the Dayton adit averaging 0.043 gold and 0.404 silver ounces per ton; and

Progressed, with Behre Dolbear, an updated resource estimate for a new Dayton NI 43-101 report.

The agreement with Tonogold also grants an option to lease the American Flat property and equipment for $1 million per annum, plus $1 per ton for the first $15 million; $1 million per annum, plus $0.50 per ton for the next $10 million ($25 million total) and $0.25 per ton for all tons processed thereafter.

Corrado De Gasperis, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Company, said, We dedicated 2018 to repositioning the platform by forging agreements to option and sell Lucerne, lease American Flats and enable the sale of the Silver Springs non-mining assets by leveraging the newly designated Opportunity Zones, while significantly reducing liabilities and operating costs in almost every category over the past two years, enhancing liquidity and positioning the company for meaningful and substantial growth. We expect to close these transactions over the next few months, bringing us over $20 million dollars in 2019.

Full Year 2018 Selected Financial Highlights

The Company recorded record low operating costs and expenses during 2018, of $7.6 million, a 16.0% reduction from 2017, and a 50.6% cumulative, two-year reduction, when compared to 2016. These 2018 reductions include approximately $1.2 million in reimbursements from Tonogold Resources Inc. (Tonogold) but also include approximately $0.75 million in additional non-recurring expenses, primarily legal, transactional and consultative costs included in general and administrative costs, associated primarily with strategic initiatives, including but not limited to, the Tonogold transactions, the monetization of non-mining assets, debt financings and related administrative costs.

Costs applicable to mining were $2.8 million in 2018, a 16.0% improvement compared to 2017.

Real estate operating costs were $0.04 million in 2018, a 44.5% improvement compared to 2017.

Mine claim costs were $0.1 million in 2018, an 87.7% improvement compared to 2017.

Exploration and development were $0.3 million in 2018, a 15.3% improvement compared to 2017.

Environmental expenses were $0.3 million in 2018, a 67.2% improvement compared to 2017.

General and administrative expenses were $3.4 million in 2018, including non-recurring expenses.

Net loss was $9.5 million, or ($0.16) loss per share for 2018, as compared to net loss of $10.6 million, or ($0.26) loss per share for 2017, with improvement from the net cost reduction efforts.

Net cash used in operations was $3.8 million in 2018, as compared to $6.5 million in 2017, primarily resulting from reductions in both costs and cash uses for working capital.

Total debt was $9.8 million at December 31, 2018, a 14.3% reduction, from $11.5 million in 2017.

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2018, were $0.5 million.

Mr. De Gasperis added, Our focused cost reduction efforts, coupled with expanded strategic partnerships, well-positions us to advance our mine projects, both the Dayton and Lucerne, at a very low net cost and in a capital efficient manner. We now have the partners and agreements in place to monetize our permitted platform and our non-mining assets, allowing us to self-fund our projects to feasibility and eliminate debt."

Environmental Excellence and Sustainability



The Company is an established leader in sustainable, responsible mining and received the 2018 Sustainable Mineral Development Award from the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM). In 2017, and in 2015, the Company received Nevadas Excellence in Reclamation Award, voted unanimously by the Nevada Division of Minerals, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.



Additionally, the Company received approval from Storey County to extend its landmark Special Use Permit (SUP) for mining and processing Lucerne for the maximum 20-year term, until 2034. The SUP enables continued environmental best practices, including concurrent reclamations, modern monitoring and restorations of one of Nevadas most historic and progressive mining districts and funding for historic protection, preservation and restoration of the Comstock Lodes historic mining landmarks and cultural assets in both Virginia City and Gold Hill, Nevada.

Exploration and Mine Development



The Company has identified many exploration targets on its land holdings in the Comstock District, but has focused, to date, on the Lucerne resource area (including surface and underground exploration) and the Dayton resource area. We are working to develop comprehensive exploration plans for the Dayton and Spring Valley groups, while our partner, Tonogold, advances the Lucerne.



Lucerne Resource Area

The Company has entered into a definitive agreement and received a $1 million non-refundable payment toward the sale of its Lucerne properties (~1200 acres) to Tonogold for $15 million in cash, relief of $8 million in future Northern Comstock (NCJV) lease and reclamation obligations, a permanent reduction of annual operating expenses by $1 million and a retained 1.5% net smelter return royalty on Lucerne. Upon closing, the company will transfer the ownership and/or control of the Lucerne properties, and related permits and retain ownership and/or control of the remaining land position in the Comstock district. The Company expects the transaction to close between March and May of this year.

The Company and Tonogold also agreed that, upon the closing of the sale of the Lucerne mine properties, it will enter into a new Option Agreement to lease its permitted American Flat property, plant and equipment to Tonogold for crushing, leaching and processing material from the Lucerne mine. If the option is exercised, Tonogold will pay the Company a rental fee of $1 million per year plus $1 per processed ton, in addition to all the costs of operating and maintaining the facility, up to and until the first $15 million in rental fees are paid, and then stepping down to $1 million per year and $0.50 per processed ton for the next $10 million paid to Comstock, with more favorable rates after the first $25 million of revenue is received. Tonogold will reimburse American Flat expenses during the option life.

Upon closing, these agreements will replace the October 2017 Option agreement between the Company and Tonogold that currently allows Tonogold to earn a 51% interest in the Lucerne properties through its initial payments of $2.2 million in cash and current and future spending commitments totaling $20 million for exploration, engineering, permitting, and mine development. The October 2017 agreement will remain in place until the sale of the Lucerne mine closes. Tonogold has met all the spending commitments to date and has been working with Mine Development Associates (MDA) of Reno to produce a new resource model and an NI 43-101 technical report on the Lucerne project. Tonogold reimburse the Company $1.2 million during 2018, in addition to the $2 million received for the 2018 option payment.

The Company, upon closing, will also enter into a ten-year Mineral Lease for additional mineral properties in Storey County, Nevada, granting Tonogold the right to explore, develop and mine these properties. Tonogold will assume approximately $100 thousand in annual costs for these properties and will assume work commitments totaling over $200 thousand in 2019. Comstock will retain a 3% net smelter return royalty on these additional leased properties, which will be reduced to 1.5% one year after the commencement of mining operations. The lease is renewable for an additional ten-year term.

Ownership or control of the Lucerne properties will transfer to Tonogold when Tonogold has paid the Company a total of $10 million in cash by closing, required on or before May 31, 2019.

Dayton Resource Area

The Company has retained the independent mining advisory firm of Behre Dolbear to produce a National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) compliant technical report for the Dayton resource area, scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2019, delayed from the first quarter of 2019, primarily because of the technical teams commitment to completing the Tonogold transaction, in January, 2019. The reporting scope includes an updated, robust mineral resource estimate, plans for expanding and further developing the mineral resource, and most of the prerequisite data for a subsequent Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). The PEA is the first major step in establishing economic feasibility for Dayton.

The Company previously estimated a mineral resource for Dayton as part of a broader technical report for the Comstock Mine Project, but this new, Behre Dolbear commissioned technical report represents the first stand-alone NI 43-101 technical report to be published specifically for the Dayton resource area. The technical staff is currently compiling a detailed, structural interpretation of the Dayton resource area, which will provide the framework for the new resource model. The new information supports the development of a completely updated, three-dimensional model of the Dayton project. The interpretation is creating a list of highly prospective drill targets to further define and expand the mineral resource.

The Company previously announced assay results from a recently uncovered, high-grade shear zone in the Dayton adit. Systematic channel sampling revealed a 90.8-foot mineralized shear zone, starting 245 feet inside the adit. The results for the entire, 90.8 feet averaged 0.043 opt gold and 0.404 opt silver. The zone included 7.5 feet averaging 0.121 opt gold and 0.753 opt silver. Multi-element assays confirmed the presence of previously-identified, elevated values for additional elements such as Cadmium, Selenium, and Tungsten. Additional drilling is planned to determine the extents of this new mineralization.

In-house Dayton engineering and mine planning have resulted in profiling various economic shells with multiple cutoff grade scenarios. Multiple layout plans for the mine and corresponding processing facilities have been conceptually developed and located on lands 100% privately held by the Company, thus simplifying and shortening the critical permitting chain. The new technical report will provide not only a new resource estimate, but also a phased drilling and development plan for further defining and expanding the resource and ultimately developing a sustainable, profitable mine plan.

The Dayton mineralized material has been subjected to metallurgical testing by independent laboratories as well as in the Companys on-site lab. Column tests were conducted by McClelland Laboratories in 2011, on medium-grade and high-grade composites from the Dayton Mine area, at 1 and  crush sizes. The gold recovery after 154 days averaged 86.7% for gold and 47.4% for silver. The final report stated that at the end of the test, the curves had flattened, but recovery was still increasing. In early 2018, the Companys in-house lab ran column tests on bulk samples from three different locations in the Dayton resource area. The recovery after 74 days averaged 84% for gold and 55% for silver.

The Company is working with strategic partners to test alternative, greener technologies for processing the mineralized material from the Dayton resource area. This includes trials by Cycladex, Inc., a strategic investee, in part funded by the National Science Foundation, for extensive testing of their patented, cycladextrin lixiviant, a potential alternative to traditional cyanide heap leaching.

The Company has also completed primary trials with Itronics, Inc., to test their KAM-Thio metallurgical recovery processes as an alternative or compliment to cyanide heap leaching for processing the Dayton mineralized material. Previous trials by Itronics showed promising results for recovering substantially all the residual silver from the previously leached material and is currently developing alternative process flow sheet and capital and operating costs estimates for processing the previously leached material.

The Company plans to conduct definition drilling and geotechnical core programs within the Dayton resource area and advance the Dayton resource area to full feasibility, with a production ready mine plan within the next two years.

Spring Valley

Spring Valley is located south of the Dayton resource area and south and east of State Route 341. Ground magnetic geophysical surveys identified a linear anomalous corridor, defined by a series of relative magnetic lows indicating continued mineralization along strike, from the Dayton resource area. Limited drilling in Spring Valley has corroborated the existence of several mineralized zones. The expanded exploration program for Spring Valley will include phased drilling programs that will continue southerly from SR341 to the historic Daney mine site, representing a strike length of approximately 8,000 feet.

Pelen-Sutro Tunnel Company Acquisition

In January of 2018, the Company issued 1,475,410 shares of restricted common stock as initial payment to acquire 25% of the total membership interests of Pelen, LLC. Pelen LLC is the 100% owner of the historic Sutro Tunnel Company that owns the Town of Sutro, the historic 6-mile Sutro Tunnel, the federal land grants and mining rights spanning 1,000 feet on each side of the 6-mile span, the rights to the tunnels water and the patented mining claims and private lands on Gold Hill. The Company issued 1,758,181 additional shares in November, 2018, for the shortfall.

The purchase of the membership interests will close by December 31, 2019, once the seller of the membership interests has received total cash proceeds of at least $585,000 either through sale of the restricted common stock received or through additional cash payments made by the Company. If all of the shares of restricted common stock have been sold by the seller of the membership interests and the aggregate proceeds received are less than $585,000, then the Company is required to pay the shortfall in either additional shares of the Companys common stock or cash, at the Companys election.

Liquidity & Capital Resources

Total current assets are $8.6 million at December 31, 2018. The Company also has cash of $0.5 million at December 31, 2018. This excludes the receipt of the $1 million, non-refundable deposit from Tonogold on January 25, 2019, for the non-refundable deposit towards the purchase of the Lucerne properties.

The new Tonogold agreement should provide $10 million in cash to the Company by March 31, 2019, or the right to deliver an additional $1 million non-refundable deposit by March 15, 2019, that extends the closing date to April 30, 2019, and additionally, the right to deliver another additional $1 million non-refundable deposit by April 12, 2019, that extends the closing date to May 31, 2019. The current agreement does not allow for extensions of the closing past May 31, 2019. The agreement also provides $5 million in cash on the first anniversary of closing, between March 31, 2020, thru May 31, 2020. The agreement also relieves the company of $8 million in long-term obligations, primarily for the NCJV annual mine claims and other Lucerne-specific reclamation liabilities and subsidizes an additional $1 million of annual costs (that totals approximately $2.2 million of operating savings per annum).

The Companys current capital resources include this cash and other working capital resources, certain planned, non-mining asset sales with expected net proceeds of over $14 million. The Company received Board approval on January 30, 2018, to sell one non-mining asset, that is, the 98-acre certified industrial site and related water rights, and sell the purchase agreements and options on the 160 acres of land and water and sewer rights, all located in Silver Springs, NV, for $9.75 million plus a 3% future share of the profit. The sales are to Silver Springs Capital Partners LLC, an opportunity zone fund and are expected to be finalized within the next 10 days and close between March and July, 2019. The Company expects to record a gain of approximately $5 million that will not be subject to federal taxes.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company issued 21,216,856 shares of common stock through the Companys equity programs and private placements. Gross proceeds from the issuance of shares totaled approximately $4.2 million at an average price per share of $0.20. Common shares outstanding at December 31, 2018, totaled 75,338,273.

Corporate and Outlook

We plan on closing the Tonogold transaction between March 31, and May 31, with proceeds of at least $9 million more upon closing. We plan on finalizing the agreements for selling the non-mining asset and the options during the next few weeks and then closing these sales between March 31, and July 31, 2019, with proceeds of $9.75 million, net of closing expenses estimated at approximately $250k. We expect to have paid off the entirety of our outstanding debenture obligations, of approximately $8.2 million, plus accrued and other interest costs, during the second quarter of 2019, most likely by May 2019. Interest expense is expected to be eliminated by mid-year, with about $500k of actual interest savings realized during 2019.

Our annual operating expenses are planned at $3.8 million, with approximately $1.2 million of that amount currently being reimbursed under the existing Tonogold Option. We anticipate an additional $1 million of annualized savings, or $2.2 million annually, upon closing the new transaction, with about $1.7 million realized in 2019, or approximately $500k more operating savings realized during 2019, vs. 2018.

Tonogold has announced that they plan on publishing an updated NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate for the Lucerne Project during the first quarter of 2019. We plan on publishing an NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate for the Dayton Project during the second quarter of 2019. The plan also includes expanding the current resource at the Dayton and continuing southerly into Spring Valley with incremental expansion programs that include exploration and definition drilling of targets identified by geophysical surveys during 2019. We also plan on commencing permitting for Dayton in 2019.

Conference Call





The Company will host a conference call today, February 5, 2019, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time/11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The live call will include a moderated Q&A, after the prepared comments by the Company. The dial-in telephone numbers for the live audio are as follows:





Toll Free: 1-888-297-8935

Direct: 1-647-794-1827

Confirmation Code: 1295670

The audio will be available, usually within 24 hours of the call, on the Company website:

http://www.comstockmining.com/investors/investor-library

About Comstock Mining Inc.

Comstock Mining Inc. is a Nevada-based, gold and silver mining company with extensive, contiguous property in the Comstock District and is a leader in sustainable, responsible mining. The Company began acquiring properties in the Comstock District in 2003. Since then, the Company has consolidated a significant portion of the Comstock District, amassed the single largest known repository of historical and current geological data on the Comstock region, secured permits, built an infrastructure and completed its first phase of production. The Company continues evaluating and acquiring properties inside and outside the district expanding its footprint and exploring all of our existing and prospective opportunities for further exploration, development and mining. The near-term goal of our business plan is to maximize intrinsic stockholder value realized, per share, by continuing to acquire mineralized and potentially mineralized properties, exploring, developing and validating qualified resources and reserves (proven and probable) that enable the commercial development of our operations through extended, long-lived mine plans and developments that are economically feasible and socially responsible.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any related calls or discussions may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The words believe, expect, anticipate, estimate, project, plan, should, intend, may, will, would, potential and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of doing so. Forward-looking statements include statements about matters such as: future industry market conditions; future explorations or acquisitions; future changes in our exploration activities; future prices and sales of, and demand for, our products; land entitlements and uses; production capacity and operations; operating and overhead costs; future capital expenditures and their impact on us; operational and management changes (including changes in the board of directors); changes in business strategies, planning and tactics; future employment and contributions of personnel, including consultants; future land sales investments, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, business combinations, operational, tax, financial and restructuring initiatives; including the nature and timing and accounting for restructuring charges, derivative liabilities and the impact thereof; contingencies; environmental compliance and changes in the regulatory environment; offerings, limitations on sales or offering of equity or debt securities; including asset sales and the redemption of the debenture and associated costs; future working capital, costs, revenues, business opportunities, debt levels, cash flows, margins, earnings and growth.

These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical and current trends, current conditions, possible future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, representations or warranties and are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond our control and could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Some of those risks and uncertainties include the risk factors set forth in this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, and the following: adverse effects of climate changes or natural disasters; global economic and capital market uncertainties; the speculative nature of gold or mineral exploration, including risks of diminishing quantities or grades of qualified resources; operational or technical difficulties in connection with exploration or mining activities; contests over our title to properties; potential dilution to our stockholders from our stock issuances, recapitalization and balance sheet restructuring activities; potential inability to comply with applicable government regulations or law; adoption of or changes in legislation or regulations adversely affecting our businesses; permitting constraints or delays; business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, us; acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, business combinations, asset sales, and investments that we may be party to in the future; changes in the United States or other monetary or fiscal policies or regulations; interruptions in our production capabilities due to capital constraints; equipment failures; fluctuation of prices for gold or certain other commodities (such as silver, zinc, cyanide, water, diesel fuel and electricity); changes in generally accepted accounting principles; adverse effects of terrorism and geopolitical events; potential inability to implement our business strategies; potential inability to grow revenues; potential inability to attract and retain key personnel; interruptions in delivery of critical supplies, equipment and raw materials due to credit or other limitations imposed by vendors; assertion of claims, lawsuits and proceedings against us; potential inability to satisfy debt and lease obligations; potential inability to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting; potential inability or failure to timely file periodic reports with the SEC; potential inability to list our securities on any securities exchange or market; inability to maintain the listing of our securities; and work stoppages or other labor difficulties. Occurrence of such events or circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows or the market price of our securities. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements by or attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Except as may be required by securities or other law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Neither this press release nor any related calls or discussions constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Debenture or any other securities of the Company.
English Danish

Coloplast delivered 8% organic growth and EBIT increased by 8% to DKK 1,297m, corresponding to an EBIT margin of 30%, in the first quarter of the 2018/19 financial year. The company maintains its financial guidance for 2018/19.



Coloplast delivered 8% organic revenue growth in the first three months of the 2018/19 financial year, while reported growth in Danish kroner was up by 9% to DKK 4,321m. Currency developments reduced revenue by less than 1%, and revenue from acquisitions contributed 1%.

Organic growth rates by business area were 8% in Ostomy Care, 8% in Continence Care, 9% in Interventional Urology, and 11% in Wound & Skin Care.

Looking at sales by geography, the European markets contributed with 6% growth, Other developed markets delivered 10% revenue growth, while Emerging Markets provided a 14% increase.

We maintain solid growth rates across all geographical regions and business areas. I would like to highlight our strong performance in Europe driven by new product launches and our Wound Care business delivering 10% organic growth driven by the Biatain Silicone portfolio in UK and France. Our organic revenue growth is twice the market growth, and we maintain our guidance for 2018/19. In short, we are off to a good start to the financial year, says newly appointed Coloplast CEO Kristian Villumsen.

Investments in further growth

Coloplast continued its incremental investments in growth of up to 2% of revenue during the first quarter. Investments were made in innovation as well as sales and marketing initiatives across multiple markets and business areas.

In addition, Coloplast is expanding its SpeediCath portfolio with the launch of SpeediCath Navi. SpeediCath Navi is a hydrophilic catheter designed specifically for Emerging Markets and it will be launched during 2019 and 2020.

As part of our investments in Emerging Markets, were proud to be able to offer a product developed specifically for catheter users in this region. Our aim is to raise the standard of care and to accommodate markets with lower reimbursement. Im confident that SpeediCath Navi will make a big difference to our users, while giving Coloplast a strong competitive edge, says Mr Villumsen.

Financial guidance for 2018/19

Coloplast continues to expect organic revenue growth of ~8% at constant exchange rates and a reported growth in DKK of 8-9%.

Coloplast continues to expect an EBIT margin of 30%-31% at constant exchange rates and a reported EBIT margin of ~31% in DKK.





CONTACTS

Lina Danstrup

Senior Media Relations Manager, Corporate Communications

+45 49 11 26 07

dklina@coloplast.com



Ellen Bjurgert

Vice President, Investor Relations

+45 49 11 33 76

dkebj@coloplast.com











Financial highlights and key ratios (DKKm) 2018/19

Q1 2017/18

Q1 Change Revenue 4,321 3,955 9% EBIT 1,297 1,207 7% EBIT margin (in DKK) 30% 31% Profit for the period 991 940 5%





Sales performance by business area

(DKKm) 2018/19

Q1 2017/18

Q1 Organic growth Reported growth Ostomy Care 1,736 1,613 8% 8% Continence Care 1,579 1,435 8% 10% Urology Care 479 434 9% 11% Wound & Skin Care 527 473 11% 11% Revenue 4,321 3,955 8% 9%





Financial guidance



Guidance for 2018/19 Guidance for 2018/19 (DKK) Sales growth ~8% (organic) 8-9% EBIT margin 30-31% (at constant exchange rates) ~31% Capital expenditure - ~750 Tax rate - ~23%

Attachment
OAKVILLE, Ontario, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Terrestrial Energy and NRG announced today a contract for materials testing at NRGs High-Flux Reactor at Petten. These materials include graphite and will be used in the key components of Terrestrial Energys Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) power plant.

Under the agreement, NRG, a world leader in nuclear technological research, will provide expert technical services to support Terrestrial Energys in-core materials testing and the development of its Generation-IV IMSR power plant. NRGs services include technical advice on test design and preparation, high-flux irradiation of test specimens, and in-process and post-irradiation examinations and evaluations of the test materials.

NRG has decades of experience with the controlled irradiation and examination of fuel and materials for innovative Generation-IV reactors, said Huub Cuijpers, CEO of NRG. Innovative Generation-IV reactors have truly transformative potential and Terrestrial Energys IMSR molten salt reactor is a promising design. We are excited to be working with Terrestrial Energy and supporting IMSR development.

NRG has a world-class testing capability at its High-Flux Reactor facility at Petten. With the benefit of the high-flux facility and NRGs clear expertise, we anticipate time-efficient materials testing and qualification that will advance IMSR engineering and regulatory activities, said Simon Irish, CEO of Terrestrial Energy. We look forward to working with NRG and completing our testing programs for in-core materials qualification.

In addition to advancing the IMSRs materials testing program, the agreement between Terrestrial Energy and NRG reinforces Terrestrial Energys strong partnership with the European Unions scientific community. In March 2018, Terrestrial Energy signed a technical services agreement with the European Commissions Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Karlsruhe, Germany. This agreement focused on confirmatory studies of IMSR fuel and primary coolant salts. Both collaborations advance the engineering and regulatory programs for IMSR power plant development.

About NRG

NRG is an internationally operating nuclear service provider and a global leader in Molten Salt Reactor research and works closely with Molten Salt Reactor developers. The High Flux Reactor in Petten (the Netherlands) plays an important role in the production of medical isotopes, but is also very suitable for testing materials. Research is performed for governments and nuclear industry aimed at developing knowledge about nuclear technology. The company has around 600 world-class employees with high quality know-how and works for and with partners in healthcare, the energy market, industry, government and science.

About Terrestrial Energy

Terrestrial Energy is a developer of Generation-IV advanced nuclear power plants that use its proprietary Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) technology. IMSR technology represents true innovation in cost reduction, versatility and functionality of nuclear power plants. IMSR power plants will provide zero-carbon, reliable, dispatchable, cost-competitive electric power and high grade industrial heat for use in many industrial applications, such as chemical synthesis and desalination, and in so doing extend the application of nuclear energy far beyond electric power markets. They have the potential to make important contributions to industrial competitiveness, energy security, and economic growth. Their deployment will support rapid global decarbonization of the primary energy system by displacing fossil fuel combustion across a broad spectrum. Using an innovative design, and proven and demonstrated molten salt reactor technology, Terrestrial Energy is engaged with regulators and industrial partners to complete IMSR engineering and to commission first IMSR power plants in the late 2020s.

Contact:

Jarret Adams

Terrestrial Energy

Phone: (202) 815-9234

Email: jadams@fulloncom.com

Contact:

Brian Smith

Terrestrial Energy

Phone: (416) 822-3130

Email: bsmith@the-lanes.ca
Brentwood, NH, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Addiction Policy Forums New Hampshire State Chapter will be inviting members of the community to a free candlelight vigil to honor the 192 lives lost each day to drug overdose in the United States.

The event will be held at Austin17House on February 10th from 6 PM to 7 PM. Addiction Policy Forum New Hampshire State Chapter Chair, Doug Griffin, hopes that this event will be a cathartic evening of remembrance for those in the community who have been affected by the loss of a friend or loved one due to substance use disorder.

According to CDC data, an average of 192 families lose someone each day to a drug overdose. At this candlelight vigil, affected loved ones in the community will come together to remember those they have lost to the disease of addiction.

In New Hampshire, we lost 445 lives to drug overdose  445 too many. This event is to remember and honor those who lost their battle to this disease so that grieving family members can connect, says State Chapter Chair, Doug Griffin.

Doug lost his daughter Courtney to drug overdose in September of 2014.

Please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/570615373286977/ to register for this event, and visit 192aDay.org for more information about Addiction Policy Forums #192aDay campaign.

###

About Addiction Policy Forum

Addiction Policy Forum is a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating addiction as a major health problem. Our national headquarters are located in Washington, DC with resources and services in every state.

More information on our mission and projects is available at http://addictionpolicy.org.




English Lithuanian

The Mundus asset management company has launched a new Mundus Mezzanine I closed-end mutual fund intended for informed investors. This mezzanine fund began operating on 4 February, after the Bank of Lithuania approved its rules. Controlling stake of Mundus is owned by INVL Asset Management, a part of Invalda INVL.

The planned size of the fund is EUR 15-30 million. It will operate for a planned 5 years with a possible 2-year extension, and targets a net return of 10-12 per cent. The minimum investment in the fund is EUR 125 000. An investment period of up to 3 years is foreseen, to begin once EUR 10 million euros is raised from investors.

We seek to participate actively in the private debt market in the Baltics and were introducing a new product that will provide an investment option for those who want to put money in unused financial leverage opportunities in the region, said Andrej Cyba, the chief business development officer at INVL Asset Management and a member of the board at Mundus.

These investments, he said, have potential for several reasons, starting with historically high manufacturing capacity utilisation in the region, which calls for new investments, and ending with the need for financing to ensure business growth at home and in new markets.

A holding period of 2 to 5 years is foreseen for the funds investments in businesses in the Baltic countries. When investing, the Mundus Mezzanine I fund will focus on business growth and acquisition deals as well as the development of new products. The indicative size of an investment is EUR 2-5 million.

We see in financial leverage unused Baltic business potential that provides opportunities not only for growth, but also for realizing created value. For our part, drawing on Munduss experience in private debt investment transactions, well strive to give companies a chance to grow by putting the funds capital to work. Well also seek to provide financial backing for buyout deals that could serve as a qualitative push for improving a businesss management or pursuing synergies. Return on investments tied to business success will align the interests of the fund and the companies that are using its money, said Audrius Mozuras, a partner at Mundus.

He said mezzanine-type financing is a flexible form of business credit that also has equity traits and offers possibilities for matching the parameters of an investment with business needs. Moreover, it allows a business to strengthen its equity base in line with the requirements of creditors such as banks, without diluting shareholders control of the business, which in exchange lets fund investors aspire to a higher return, and creditors capital protection measures are also maintained.

Mundus also operates the Mundus Bridge Finance fund, an open-ended fund for informed investors which seeks a long-term stable return by investing in private debt securities of companies in the fast growing alternative finance sector. From its inception in May 2015 through the end of January 2019, the fund conducted six investment transactions and earned a return of 38 per cent for investors. As of the end of January 2019, the funds assets under management exceeded EUR 19.3 million.




A gut punch to Iowans.

A gut punch to Iowans. Thats the only way to describe the Biden Administrations decision to roll back the previous administrations Navigable Water Protection Rule. Sadly, for those of us who have been on the frontlines of this fight since 2015, this news is not a surprise.

Now let me be clear: everyone can agree that clean water should be a national priority. Iowans, and all Americans, want sensible safeguards that protect our environment and keep our nations water clean. But what they dont want is a one-size-fits-all, Washington power grab that makes it harder for Iowans to farm, ranch, and build.

Thats why, in 2015, when the Obama-Biden Administration finalized its Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rulegiving the federal government authority to regulate water on 97 percent of the land in IowaI immediately got to work to get it off the books. I fought to nullify the rule, but even after my bill passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support, it was vetoed by President Obama.

But I didnt back down, and even before President Trump took office, I signaled my intent to work with him on a new, more flexible rule. And we did: the Trump Administration released a proposed rule to replace the Obama-era rule with one that provided much-needed predictability and certainty for farmers. Importantly, it established clear and reasonable definitions of what qualifies as a water of the United States. That rule, entitled the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, was finalized in January 2020.

As they say, however, elections have consequences. Anticipating a return to the Obama-Biden era of burdensome regulations, at the beginning of this year I urged the Senate to stand with workers, farmers, manufacturers, and businesses by upholding the previous administrations Navigable Waters Protection Rule.

Despite having the support of 25 of my colleagues and stakeholders across the country, the Biden Administration ignored these concerns, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) announced their plans to undo all of our progress.

The reality is the fight for Iowas agriculture community is never over, and right now Im working to push back on any harmful regulation this new administration might impose on these hardworking folks.

Together with Senator Chuck Grassley, Im pressing the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, to make known to the president and his colleagues at the EPA and the Corps the serious concerns Iowas farmers and ranchers have with their recent actions on WOTUS. Im also working to strengthen the voices Iowas small businesses in the federal rulemaking process. Too often, Washington bureaucrats put forward rules and regulations without considering their impact on small businessesand the Obama-Biden WOTUS rule is a perfect example. Thats why Ive put forward the Prove It Act which allows our small businesses to send federal agencies back to the drawing board to prove what theyre proposing wont hurt small businesses. Specifically, the bill gives the Small Business Administration the ability to question an agencys analysis if it claims a rule or regulation wont impact small businesses.

When it comes to WOTUS, instead of continuing to confuse Iowas hardworking families, farmers, and businesses by changing its definition with each new administration, we need to make a reasonable, workable definition permanent. To do so, I helped introduce the Define WOTUS Act. This commonsense effort is more important now than ever.

Theres simply no reason to return to the Obama-era ways of giving an unchecked federal agency and unelected Washington bureaucrats more authority to control whats done on private land. I will always fight tooth and nail for Iowas agriculture community, our working families, and our small businessesand Ill continue to push back against any attempts to impose complex, burdensome, and overreaching regulations on folks in our state.
MASON CITY | Mercy Medical Center  North Iowa has changed its name.

On Friday, Mercy Health Network announced its Mason City-based location, and its other wholly owned health care facilities across the state and region, will be officially known as MercyOne

MercyOne  and the new logo  were unveiled after 18 months of strategic planning, consumer research and community engagement.

Mercy Health Network, formed in 1998 by Catholic Health Initiatives and Trinity Health, comprises more than 40 owned, joint venture and affiliated medical centers and hospital campuses as well as 230 primary care clinics and other health facilities that employ more than 20,000 people.

Prior to the rebrand, the networks system of medical centers and hospitals were represented by various brand names, logos and messages.

New interior and exterior signage will be installed at Mercy Health Network facilities and branded materials will be modified with the new name and logo in a phased manner, which will take about three years to complete.
MASON CITY | A Mason City man who was shot by a railroad officer Nov. 29 has been released from the hospital two months later, officials say.

Union Pacific Special Agent Louis Miner stopped Nathan Lee Olson, 30, of Mason City, for trespassing across Union Pacific property and an altercation ensued, according to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Miner shot Olson near a railroad crossing in the 900 block of Ninth Street Northwest. The Ninth Street crossing, which closed in May, is barricaded and has no trespassing signs.

Olson spent more than two months at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, formerly Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa. He was released Friday, according to a MercyOne spokeswoman.

Olson was listed in fair condition days before his release. Police haven't released information regarding the extent of his injuries. Miner was evaluated for minor injuries.

Miner is still on paid administrative leave pending the completion of the investigation by Iowa DCI, Union Pacific Railroad Corporate Communications Senior Director Raquel Espinoza said.
OSAGE | An Osage couple and their children are seeking to establish a Civil Air Patrol Unit in North Iowa. To establish the Unit, three adult leaders and five students are needed.

On Tuesday, Jan. 8, nearly 20 students and their parents attended an informational meeting regarding the organization and its objectives. The meeting was conducted by Thomas and Lori Meier along with their son, Josiah.

Currently, the closest Civil Air Patrol units are located in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Dubuque.

Its impractical to travel two-and-a-half hours one way, to attend a meeting, Lori said. Currently, the Meiers and three of their children attend the Des Moines Civil Air Patrol Squadron meetings.

Thomas said the symbol for the Civil Air Patrol is a three-prop propeller, with each of the blades signifying the basic training elements.

One of the blades signifies the teaching of leadership and character, a second blade is for aero-space education and the third blade is the teaching of search and rescue, he said.

A Tuesday, Feb. 5 organizational meeting has been tentatively planned.

For further information regarding the Civil Air Patrol, email the Meiers by email meier.family.242988@gmail.com or by phone 641-832-9186.

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A new Department of Veterans Affairs expansion offering more private care options will roll out in June, and it will look a lot like the Veterans Choice Program (proposed motto: We keep costs low by not paying anyone.)

The agency offered preliminary guidelines last week that will allow veterans to see private care in lieu of long drives or long waits for government care. But these guidelines at first glance are more complicated than the ones offered by Choice, and they still arent final.

For the most part, though, if youd have to drive an hour or wait more than a month, VA can offer an insurance- like plan to cover a visit to a civilian doctor.

The wait-time standard will apply to thousands of patients in Colorado Springs where the Floyd Lindstrom Clinic (motto: Floyd won the Medal of Honor! Our wait times didnt!) still has some of the nations longest waits.

Patients here, on average, wait 32 days to see a VA specialist and 26 days to get mental health care. More than 21 percent of patients wait a month to be seen at the clinic off Fillmore Street. Under the new standards, that means a lot of Colorado Springs patients will get the option of seeing a private- sector doctor.

While Colorado Springs patients had virtually the same options under the Choice program, few exercised it. And the few that did too often found themselves stuck in a bureaucracy that was like VA, with more paperwork and confusion.

And VAs latest dalliance with private care will have a hard time overcoming the legacy of the Choice program. Enacted at the height of VA scandals, it was designed to allow veterans to escape VA waits. But, the program was marred by management missteps, and complaints from local doctors who had waited many months for payment.

The new program, part of the $55 billion VA Mission Act passed last year, is also causing some to fear that VAs health care wing could some day be privatized.

Veterans groups, Democrats, federal unions and others have panned wider plans for private VA care.

VA Secretary Robert Wilkie addressed those worries last week.

Although these new standards represent an important win for Americas Veterans, they will not be without controversy, he said in a statement. Some will claim falsely and predictably that they represent a first step toward privatizing the department.

But President Donald Trump, first in a Colorado Springs campaign stop in 2016 and several times after, has voiced that veterans need the same choices in health care that their civilian counterparts enjoy.

And Wilkie, while denying he would farm out the agency to the private sector, is all-in with Trump.

Most Americans can already choose the health care providers that they trust, and President Trump promised that Veterans would be able to do the same, Wilkie said. With VAs new access standards, the future of the VA health care system will lie in the hands of Veterans  exactly where it should be.

The implementation of the new VA care system will see its closest scrutiny in Colorado, which has two U.S. senators already howling about the epic wait times in Colorado Springs.

Sens. Michael Bennet, a Democrat, and Cory Gardner, a Republican, sent Wilkie a stern letter in December demanding he explain why Colorado Springs veterans are waiting so long for care.

The long waits here have been going on for more than five years now, achieving notoriety for their apparent intractability.

The lawmakers asked Wilkie to outline how the new care options will help veterans here. His reply has not been released.

At last, veterans get one shorter wait from VA these days. On a drive past the new Pikes Peak National Cemetery near the Colorado Springs Airport, it was apparent that VA is at least rapidly burying our nations honored dead.

The cemetery opened last fall and now dozens of headstones are in evidence.

You can learn more about the cemetery program by calling 216-1025. Youll have plenty of time to make the call while waiting for your doctor.

Contact Tom Roeder: 636-0240 Twitter: @xroederx
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 51F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 51F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
CRIPPLE CREEK  Three people whose campfire sparked last years High Chateau blaze  which burned 1,400 acres and 11 homes in Teller County  avoided prison Monday after victims called for compassion and community service.

Eligible for up to 18 months in prison, Kegan Patrick Owens, 19, and David Michael Renfrow, 24, will instead serve a mix of jail time and lengthy probationary terms. A third defendant  a juvenile male  was ordered to serve two years of supervised probation.

At a hearing in Teller County District Court, the two men apologized for starting a June 29 campfire in defiance of a burn ban triggered by hot, windy conditions.

The wildfire that resulted burned for roughly a week, wiping out homes and cabins, endangering emergency crews and devastating scenic forests, authorities say.

Prosecutors didnt request prison, citing calls for mercy from the property owners affected. Fourth Judicial District Judge Scott Sells noted that both men apologized in court but said, thats not enough, calling their conduct absolute criminal stupidity.

Owens was ordered to serve 60 days in jail and 10 years on unsupervised probation. Renfrow was sentenced to 70 days in jail and 10 years on probation. The extra 10 days were imposed because he was the oldest person present at the time. Both were ordered to perform 100 hours of community service as part of their sentences.

Both pleaded guilty last year to a felony alleging they set fire to woods or prairie despite a county burn ban advertised on signs along major roads in Teller County.

They could have received up to 18 months in prison under their plea bargains.

In addition to supervised probation, the juvenile defendant  a 16-year-old boy  must undergo in-home family counseling and substance abuse therapy and provide 24 hours of community service.

Still to be determined in the case is the price tag for restitution, which is expected to reach into the millions of dollars. Prosecutors have 90 days to submit a tally. If the defendants dispute the totals, a hearing would then be set.

The penalties came after a prosecutor read statements from victims, who described the heavy toll of seeing their homes and vacation cabins reduced to charred rubble.

At least two of the homes that burned during the High Chateau fire were occupied, including that of Jim and Elizabeth Birmingham, who lost their home of 24 years along with a two-story garage, a shop and several automobiles.

Nothing survived except what Jim Birmingham gathered up in panic as flames closed in  some family photos, two handguns and a chainsaw.

Not a day goes by that we dont remember another thing that we have lost, the Birminghams said in a letter read in court.

They asked the judge only to make clear how the trios selfish actions affected so many in the area.

Charles Vervalin, 85, lost the vacation cabin he built with help from his son more than 40 years ago. Through the decades, the rustic 800-square-foot cabin came to host countless family holidays, and untold memories.

Now all we have are the memories, the Woodland Park resident said.

Vervalin said his family is unlikely to rebuild because of the costs of meeting modern building requirements, such as installing a septic system.

Owens and Renfrow vowed to do what they could to repay victims.

Before being ordered to jail, Owens was working two jobs and planning to start a third. Renfrow said he is seeking disability.

Authorities say the trio were drinking beer and grilling when they left without fully extinguishing their fire. Their attorneys say they put dirt and water on the campfire and believed that it was fully out.
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After El Paso County Sheriff's Deputy Micah Flick was killed on Feb. 5, 2018, his wife Rachael said counting their time apart helped her cope with his loss. First the increments were in hours, then days, weeks and months. Tuesday marked a full year, which fellow officers and family members commemorated Tuesday with a wreath ceremony in downtown Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 51F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 51F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
A 23-year-old man found asleep in a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of the Cheyenne Mountain Shopping Center was arrested early Tuesday, Colorado Springs police said.

David McKnight was "passed out" in the car that was partially blocking the road just before 4:30 a.m. in the 1700 block of Cheyenne Mountain Road, police reports said.

When officers approached the car, the man ran. Police tased and were able to arrest him.

McKnight initially gave police a false name of Tyler Hart. After a fingerprint scan, police determined his name as David McKnight, said spokesman for the police department, Lt. Howard Black.
Jones Park users have been asked to provide feedback to help determine the future of the popular recreation hub in Colorado Springs southwest mountains.

The online survey that went live over the weekend at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Jones_Park is the next step in realizing a master plan for the 1,200 acres  a guiding document for the next seven to 10 years.

Altitude Land Consultants, hired by El Paso County to oversee the process, hosted a public meeting at the end of November, and the list of questions is a chance for anyone who missed to lend their two cents. They have until the survey closes Feb. 22.

Survey online To lend feedback on the future of Jones Park, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Jones_Park

Tim Wolken, director of the Community Services Department that manages the countys parks and open spaces, envisioned the plan leading to more trail markers and interpretive signs celebrating Jones Parks colorful history.

He expected thered be new benches for explorers to rest in nature.

And, of course, theres the potential of additional trails, Wolken said.

The survey asks takers to rate the importance of new segments and loops in Jones Park, and it also seeks to know what kind of experience users would want if trails were proposed. Thats a big if at this point.

The county assumed control of Jones Park in 2015 amid the U.S. Forest Services yearslong effort to realign trails away from Bear Creek. The initiative was meant to protect the greenback cutthroat trout found to be living in the watershed.

Not all were pleased by the end result, namely mountain bikers who lamented the replacement to Trail 667, otherwise known as Capn Jacks. Dirt bikers, who were without access during the Forest Services review, have expressed approval since the changes. At Altitude Land Consultants fall meeting, they asked for the master plan to maintain the status quo, while other user groups were interested in what Tony Boone had to say.

The Salida-based trail builder  one of the Wests most highly regarded  is serving as a subcontractor on the project.

Among his comments at the meeting, Boone said he viewed the emergence of user-created rogue trails as a sign that people are looking for trails that arent existing.

But any new trails would have to be within the parameters set by the propertys conservation easement, Wolken said. He said advocates could be convened in the coming weeks to discuss trails more in depth.

A master plan could be presented to the citys Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in April or May, Wolken said. The plan would then seek approval by county commissioners.
A search warrant has been issued for the Waste Management Midway Landfill south of Colorado Springs. KKTV and other TV stations have connected the warrant to the search for Kelsey Berreth, but The Gazette has been unable to officially confirm that connection.
A hard-line Colorado Springs Republican lawmaker known for his incendiary remarks is at odds with his fellow party members over a bill he says is driven by greedy GOP leaders.

Democrats, however, are coming to the rescue and pushed the legislation through its second reading in the House of Representatives on Monday.

The real issue here, is that you have a bunch of party bosses that love money, Rep. Dave Williams, R-Colorado Springs, said Monday on the House floor in defense of his House Bill 1046. This (bill) hurts their ability to extort people. Thats what it is. Its extortion.

The bill would prohibit major political parties from preventing delegates or alternates from voting in caucuses or party assemblies unless they hand over what are commonly known as badge fees.

Williams and co-sponsor Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver, say the bill would eliminate an immoral pay to play system and encourage higher voter turnout. But opponents, which include many Colorado Springs-area Republicans, call the bill sinister and say it amounts to government overreach and could bankrupt the party.

The Houses approval came after more than an hour of debate and strong opposition from Williams home turf. Those opposed included Rep. Larry Liston, R-Colorado Springs; Rep. Shane Sandridge, R-Colorado Springs; and Rep. Tim Geitner, R-Falcon.

Rep. Lois Landgraf, R-Fountain, said she partially agrees with Williams and Lontine, but sought in a failed amendment to give parties an option to prove they could not pay for the state-mandated events without the fees.

The House did approve an amendment, however, presented by Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta County, which would apply the bill to all political parties rather than major parties.

Liston supported Sopers amendment, noting during the debate that Libertarians likely also charge fees to fund their caucuses and assemblies.

The party does sell tickets, said Wayne Harlos, chair of the Libertarian Party of Colorado, but those charges offer participants increasing levels of access and additional perks at the events. The tickets arent tied to whether delegates or alternates are allowed to participate or vote, he said.

That would be against our principles, Harlos said.

The House vote came hours after dozens of county GOP leaders across the state signed a petition opposing Williams bill.

This bill is gross government overreach, goes against our tenets of small limited government, it reads. We strongly urge lawmakers on both sides of the isle (sic) to strongly oppose this legislation.

In all, 30 sitting county GOP chairs and two former chairs signed the petition. Republican county parties represented in the petition include El Paso, Denver and Jefferson counties.

It was with the outgoing Denver County Republican Party Chair, Jake Viano, that Williams said he had a heated conversation last month.

We had a Denver GOP chair actually tell me on the phone that If you cant afford 50 bucks then F you, I dont want you in my party, Williams told the House.

Viano did not respond to messages seeking comment, but in a recent letter to Republicans he criticized Williams for twisting my words into something they were not.

Certainly caucuses and assemblies cost money, Landgraf told her colleagues. Without the fees, its unclear how state and county Republican parties will finance their events.

Im not sure what theyll do, Landgraf said. Because I have no idea how you just magically come up with $24,000, $30,000 or $40,000.

But Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora, reminded the chamber that Democrats dont charge badge fees and still host the state-mandated events.

This shouldnt be a country club, Melton said. This should be a political party.

Other opponents argued that Republican parties are private organizations and thus should not be regulated like Williams bill proposes. Several, including outgoing state GOP chair Jeff Hays, have argued that it might be better for individual parties to voluntarily change their own fundraising bylaws rather than relying on government to mandate a change.

Its rare for those who wish to serve as delegates or alternates to be unable to pay the fees, other opponents have said.
Colorado Springs native Serene Singh, who last fall was named a winner of the coveted Rhodes Scholarship, received the Spirit of the Springs Award on Monday, a release said.

Singh is a graduate of Rampart High School and a senior at the University of Colorado at Boulder, the release said. She is the first CU-Boulder student and one of only a few Sikh-Americans who have received the Rhodes Scholarship.

Mayor John Suthers, who presented Singh with the Spirit of the Springs Award, said he is proud of the Springs native, who is destined to make a positive impact with her intelligence, passion and desire to help others.

Singh is majoring in political science and journalism, the release said. Next fall she will attend Oxford University in England, where she will study criminology and criminal justice and evidence-based social intervention and policy evaluation.

People or organizations are sporadically presented with the Spirit of the Springs Award to honor their outstanding achievements.

conrad.swanson@gazette.com @conrad_swanson
For Colorado Springs City Councilman Bill Murray, the citys April election is essentially a performance review.

This is my report card, Murray said. How do you think I did in the last four years?

Murray, a retired Army colonel, is one of two at-large incumbents defending their seats in the election. And now, with a four-year term under his belt, he said he can be even more effective with another four years.

Hes quick to mention checks and balances and isnt one to shy away from acting as the councils dissenting voice. Once, Murray even walked out of a meeting in protest, to the dismay of his fellow council members. His views have also often put him at odds with Mayor John Suthers, who is also running for re-election.

Hows that bromance coming? he asked with a laugh. This isnt a love fest. It isnt supposed to be.

But its all part of the process, Murray says.

Collaboration is not capitulation, he said.

To be sure, collaboration was one of Murrays three goals when he was elected. And its one he hopes to continue if hes given a second term.

In the last four years, Colorado Springs has been listed as the most desirable place to live and the second best place to live by U.S. News & World Report. Murray points at those accolades and others as proof of the councils collaboration with Suthers executive branch.

Another example is the councils unanimous approval of Suthers 2019 budget in November. Typically an arduous process, that budgets approval was relatively painless and required few tweaks. Many attributed that success to the administrations cooperation with the citys budget committee, which includes Murray alongside fellow Councilmen Don Knight, Andy Pico and Tom Strand, the second at-large candidate running for re-election.

Murrays two goals are transparency and for officials to rely increasingly on data-driven analysis to influence how city departments are run.

Just this month, the council unanimously approved three ordinances that are meant to bring high-dollar lawsuit settlements out of closed-door meetings and into the public spotlight. The issue has long been on Murrays radar and he considers the new laws a success.

I tried for four years to get their attention, he said.

Murray and Strand also host joint town halls often, hoping to offer insight into the turning cogs of city government and to answer questions constituents might have. He speculated that few, if any, council members have been as accessible as himself and Strand.

And Murray continues to push for a data-driven approach to running the citys departments. This way the city becomes smart, because we have the information.

The field for the three at-large seats up for grabs crowded quickly, though Murray said hes not sure the candidates priorities and statements match their experience.

Its easy to sail a boat in calm waters, he said. And I expect turbulent waters in the next four years. 

In addition, Murray stressed what it means to represent the city as a whole.

At large means whenever you think of a park in the northeast, you have to think of a park in the southeast, he said.

When you think about downtown development, you must consider other areas of the city as well.

Alongside his other priorities, Murrays not one to beat around the bush with his other stances. First, he supports the collective bargaining issue on the April ballot put forth by the local firefighters union.

What are you afraid of? Murray, a former firefighter, said of other city officials who have opposed the issue.

He supports a referendum on allowing shops to sell recreational marijuana in town.

Let the people decide, Murray said. Lets put this puppy to bed. I wanted them to vote on this four years ago.

And he wants to close the coal-fired Martin Drake Power Plant downtown as soon as is practically possible, he said.

The trick is finding a way and a time to close the plant without raising electric rates, Murray said. If they could close the plant tomorrow and get away with it, Murray said hed support the notion. But practically speaking, a closure date in the next 10 years is more likely as Colorado Springs Utilities builds out its transmission infrastructure and continues to invest in renewable energy sources, he said.

Murray, alongside Strand, will be joined on the ballot by former at-large Councilman Val Snider, who served from 2011-15; Terry Martinez, former Will Rogers Elementary School principal; former Secretary of State Wayne Williams;Tony Gioia, an Army veteran and former county planning commissioner; and former state Rep. Gordon Klingenschmitt.

The citys website says the ballot also lists Regina English, Randy Tuck, Athena Roe and Dennis Spiker as at-large candidates.

conrad.swanson@gazette.com @conrad_swanson
The pace of Colorado Springs-area homebuilding is off to a slow start in 2019.

In January, the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department issued 159 permits for the construction of single-family homes in the Springs and El Paso County, according to a report released by the agency Monday. Last months building permit total was down 46.1 percent on a year-over-year basis and was the fewest for any January since 2015, Regional Building records show.

Still, the Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs has said it expects single-family permits to total about 3,600 this year and that anything above 3,000 will be a good year.

In 2018, local single-family building permits totaled 3,856, the most for any year since 2005. Homebuilding industry officials have credited a strong local economy, more jobs and higher consumer confidence for helping to drive the demand for new homes.

Colorado Springs homebuilding industry is a big part of the areas economy and so is closely watched by economists, business people and government officials.

Builders and their subcontractors employs thousands of framers, plumbers, electricians and the like, while sales tax revenues collected on building material purchases funnel millions to Colorado Springs and other local governments, who use that money to help pay for basic services.
Husband-and-wife Bobby and Brooke Mikulas and colleagues Nate Grimm and Jason Phillips aren't planning the typical hotel.

On Wednesday, before a crowd of dozens of city leaders, business people and supporters, the four Colorado millennials broke ground on Kinship Landing, an ambitious boutique hotel they say will provide a place to allow area residents and out-of-town travelers to come together and to pursue "outdoor adventure and city exploration," Bobby Mikulas said.
Taliban representatives and an Afghan delegation led by former President Hamid Karzai have begun two days of talks in Moscow billed as part of an "intra-Afghan" peace process -- despite the absence of Kabul government representatives and continued militant attacks back in Afghanistan.



The gathering has been criticized by the office of current Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.



It comes as broader peace talks aimed at ending the country's 17-year war appear to be gaining momentum, despite the Taliban's continued refusal to meet directly with Afghan government representatives.



The Russian government has denied organizing the meeting, which is being hosted by a Moscow-based organization of Afghan diaspora leaders.



However, it's highly unlikely such a high-profile event would be allowed to take place in Moscow without the Kremlin's blessing.



Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said as the talks got under way on February 5 that there were no contacts planned by the Kremlin to meet with any of the Taliban delegates.



The Moscow talks also were expected to be attended by delegates from Afghan diasporas from the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Europe, as well as representatives from Iran and Pakistan.Afghanistan's chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah, said the Afghan government should be at the center of any peace talks, adding that Kabul "would prefer the Moscow meeting had a different shape."

Abdullah also said the Taliban was the biggest obstacle to peace in Afghanistan. But he said that if the Moscow meeting creates "an opening for real peace talks, it would still be a step forward."

The United States has not commented publicly on the meeting, which includes a 10-member Taliban delegation led by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai.



Going into the negotiating room in Moscow on February 5, Stanikzai did not respond to questions from journalists about the Taliban's position on direct talks with an intra-Afghan delegation -- saying that "comments will come later."



Karzai made no comment at all to journalists as he went into the negotiating room.



In a post on Twitter, Karzai said he would be bringing to the talks a message of peace, unity, sovereignty, and progress for all of us."



Along with Karzai, the former president, many of the 38 delegates from Kabul have held prominent government positions.



Among them is potential presidential candidate Hanif Atmar, who resigned as Ghani's security adviser in August.



Former Vice President Mohammad Yunus Qanuni and former Balkh Governor Atta Mohammad Noor are also on the list of participants, along with former Taliban insurgents who reconciled with the Afghan government.



Since his appointment last September, U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has been holding separate negotiations with the Taliban. Hes also pressed for talks to bring together all major parties in the conflict.

Meanwhile, Taliban attacks have continued in Afghanistan.

A pre-dawn militant attack on February 5 on an army base in northern Kunduz province killed at least 26 members of the security forces, said Mohammad Yusouf Ayubi, head of the provincial council.

Ayubi said the attackers were eventually repelled after reinforcements arrived at the besieged base on the outskirts of the provincial capital, Kunduz city.



Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the Kunduz attack.



Late on February 4, at least 21 people were killed in two Taliban attacks.



Eleven police officers were slain when the insurgents stormed a checkpoint in northern Baghlan Province, and 10 people were killed in a militant attack on a local pro-government militia in a village in northern Samangan province.

With reporting by AP, Interfax, and TASS
Career U.S. diplomat James Dobbins spent decades as an American diplomatic troubleshooter in some of the worlds most intractable conflict regions, including Afghanistan and Pakistan. In an interview with Radio Free Afghanistan, Dobbins, now a senior fellow at the Rand Corporation think tank, sees a long road ahead for the peace negotiations that could eventually end nearly 40 years of war in Afghanistan.

RFE/RL: After four decades of war, Afghans welcome any sign of peace. Why then has the recently claimed progress in talks between the United States and the Taliban set off alarm bells in Kabul?

James Dobbins: I think there are probably two reasons. First, because peace will require making compromises, and those will be controversial, but also because theres uncertainly stimulated by the president of the United States about the durability of the American commitment and the danger that the U.S. would withdraw before peace was assured.

RFE/RL: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani recently said, The bitter reality is that international experiences have shown that 50 percent of peace agreements have resulted in worse wars and the reason for this is haste to achieve peace. Is Washington looking for a hasty peace deal?

James Dobbins: I think that Ambassador [Zalmay] Khalizad and the U.S. government are looking for an enduring peace. The question is whether the United States has the endurance to stay until that is assured.

RFE/RL: U.S. talks with the Taliban are set to continue later this month, but the impression in Kabul is that Washington is talking with its adversary and excluding its ally. What do you think?

James Dobbins:Its not the United States leaving the Afghan government out; its the Taliban. And the U.S. has made clear in its talks with the Taliban that any agreement between the U.S. and the Taliban is contingent upon the Taliban agreeing to talk to the Afghan government and to stop fighting while they do.

RFE/RL: The Taliban are insisting on not talking to the Afghan government. How then can talks ultimately continue?

James Dobbins:I think they wont develop if the Taliban maintain that position.

RFE/RL: The Taliban also say they are in contact with influential Afghan figures and will continue talks with them at the Moscow meeting on February 5. While they insist on not talking to the Afghan government, calling it a U.S. puppet, do you think the Moscow talks may affect the U.S.-Taliban talks and talks between Afghans?

James Dobbins: Not in any serious way.

RFE/RL: How do you assess Russia's role in these talks?

James Dobbins:I think Russia would like to feel included. I think Russia sees itself as a major power, and I think Russia is trying to play a role. I dont think Russian influence is particularly strong, and I dont think people should be too concerned about Russian activity. I dont think its necessarily harmful, but I also dont think it will do much good.

RFE/RL: The Taliban say they have changed and would allow women education and work, but they still want everything according to Sharia law. Their interpretation of Islam is particularly worrisome to the younger generation of Afghans. What does Washington need to do to address these concerns?

James Dobbins:The concerns are perfectly legitimate. But well have to see the degree to which the Taliban has evolved since 2001; we just dont know. I think its really up to the Afghan representatives, in talks with the Taliban, to address those concerns.

RFE/RL: Do you think that as the United States leaves Afghanistan, they can convince the Taliban to respect the deal they are making with the Afghans regarding the rights issue?

James Dobbins:I think the United States should stay engaged in Afghanistan, militarily as well as diplomatically and economically, at least until a peace agreement is not only reached but fully implemented.

RFE/RL: The Taliban also say they have fought for an Islamic emirate and will consult Afghans about a government system after a peace deal. Do you think the Taliban would agree to a democratic system with a president instead of an emir and a general election instead of a shura council?

James Dobbins:I have no idea, and its not clear that the Taliban themselves know what they would agree to. The important thing is to begin negotiations and to see where they lead.

RFE/RL: How long do you think these negotiations will last?

James Dobbins:Well, they havent started yet. The talks between the United States and the Taliban are talks about starting negotiations, and they wont start until the Taliban agrees to the conditions that the U.S. has set. The Taliban hasnt agreed yet. So, peace negotiations havent started. They could take quite a long time. They could take years. Its hard to say, but it would probably be foolish to say that they could move very quickly.
A mother and her three children were killed in a three-vehicle accident near Fremont on Saturday night, according to the Dodge County Sheriffs Office.

At about 5:40 p.m. Saturday, a 2002 Ford Mustang driven by 16-year-old Jack Ford of Fremont was stopped in the eastbound lane on U.S. Highway 30 attempting to make a left turn into the Westlake Mobile Home Park, according to a sheriffs office press release. While stopped, Fords vehicle was hit from behind by a 2002 Dodge Ram driven by 33-year-old German Lopez Saenz, also of Fremont.

The collision sent the pickup into the westbound traffic lane, where it collided head on with a 2001 Ford Taurus driven by 32-year-old Maria Menjivar of Schuyler. Menjivar and her three children, 10-year-old Julian, 8-year-old Adrian and 7-year-old Angel, were all pronounced dead at the scene. Menjivar was also pregnant with her fourth child, according to a GoFundMe that was set up to help the family pay for funeral costs.
A Fremont man was sentenced in Dodge County District Court to nine years in prison on four charges related to the sexual assault of a child.

Mark A. Stokes, 65, who had previously pleaded no contest to four class IIIA felonies, was sentenced on Tuesday to the maximum sentence of three years on each.

Those charges included two charges of third degree sexual assault of a child and two charges of child abuse.

District Court Judge Geoffrey Hall ordered that the two counts of child abuse be served concurrently, meaning theyll be served at the same time. The two counts of sexual assault of a child will run consecutively to each other and consecutively to the child abuse sentences, yielding a total sentence of nine years.

Stokes will also serve 12 months of post-release supervision after his prison sentence has concluded. He must also register as a sex offender, and hes prohibited from having unsupervised contact with minors.

He received 313 days worth of credit for time previously served in jail. Under Nebraskas Good Time Law, he must serve a minimum of a year and a half on each of the charges.

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Stokes was arrested in March of 2018 after a girl alleged to police that Stokes sexual assaulted her on three separate occasions.
In court, Mock argued that long-term treatment would help him gain the necessary tools to get a hold of my addiction.

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I want to do this for my family, Mock said.

Hall ultimately granted the probation sentence, warning Mock that failing to follow through would result in a stringent punishment. His underlying class II felony could yield between one and 50 years in prison under Nebraska law.

That should be further motivation, because youre looking at some serious penitentiary time, Hall said. Talk is cheap; now this is going to be your chance to prove.

Prior to sentencing, Register told the court that he had received a Brady/Giglio notice from the Dodge County Attorneys office. That generally refers to a law that requires prosecutors to disclose exculpatory evidence or potential issues regarding the credibility or validity of law enforcement agency witness testimony.

Register said that the notice was received after Mock made his pleas to the court. The notice would have enabled Mock to withdraw or challenge his previous pleas. But Mock chose to adhere to the plea agreement and move forward with sentencing as planned.
Legislation designed to spur creation of high-wage jobs and capital investment in low-income and rural areas in Nebraska triggered a series of challenges Monday about its effectiveness and its costs.

Sen. Brett Lindstrom of Omaha, sponsor of the bill (LB604), told the Legislature's Business and Labor Committee that he stands ready and willing to consider changes in the proposal, recognizing that there are "things we can work on" to improve the legislation.

"Nebraska has to have incentives to compete" for business investment and job creation, Lindstrom said, but he also is aware of the state's current revenue squeeze and would be willing to consider implementation at a later date.

In its current form, Lindstrom's bill would authorize allocation of up to $30 million in annual job creation incentives to the new program, with half of the money raised by private funding.

Benefits would be targeted at businesses with fewer than 150 employees.

Dave Rippe, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, opposed the bill in a letter sent to the committee.
Spanish celebrity chef Ferran Adria is to reopen his once world-famous elBulli venture next year - but not serving food.

The former three-Michelin-star restaurant on the shores of Catalonia's Costa Brava, once considered the world's best for four years in a row, will instead house a laboratory and museum of culinary innovation, Adria told Reuters.

"The mission of 'elBulli1846' is... to create quality knowledge of restaurant gastronomy and everything that surrounds it," the 56-year-old Catalan said before going on stage at the Madrid Fusion gastronomic congress.

The new number in the name is a tribute to Auguste Escoffier, the Frenchman dubbed the "king of chefs, chef to kings" who was born in 1846 and popularised haute cuisine.

Long after, Adria accomplished a similar feat with his molecular gastronomy mixing textures and flavours in the form of edible foams, papers or jellies, helping Spain compete with France in global culinary fame.

The original elBulli, named for a French bulldog owned by the German-Czech couple that built the place in 1961, shut eight years ago due to heavy losses despite its huge popularity.

With an investment of around 10 million euros ($11.4 million ) in 5,000 square metres (54,000 square feet), elBulli1846 is planned to open in February 2020 at the same cove on the north-eastern coast of Spain as the original restaurant.

Professionals will work there on how to innovate efficiently, be it in the big-league restaurant business or on a smaller scale, Adria said. The parallel museum will offer guided tours by prior appointment only.

"There'll be people saying that this won't work, but they used to say the same in the mid-1990s," said the fast-speaking Adria, whose recipes have sometimes been criticised as over-eccentric.
Mark Zuckerberg said Monday he sees Facebook as a largely "positive" force for society as the embattled social network marked its 15th anniversary.

Even as Facebook is facing a wave of criticism over issues of manipulation, misinformation, abuse and other social ills, Zuckerberg said it would be a mistake "to overly emphasize the negative" impacts of social media and the internet.

The Facebook co-founder and chief executive said he sees profound social changes "as networks of people connected via the internet replace traditional hierarchies and reshape institutions from government to business to media."

In a post on his Facebook page, he argued that "while any rapid social change creates uncertainty, I believe what we're seeing is people having more power, and a long term trend reshaping society to be more open and accountable over time."

He said Facebook and other social networks have fundamentally changed how people interact with their communities and institutions.

"I'll never forget how right after we launched News Feed, we saw millions of people organize marches against violence in Colombia. We saw communities come together to do viral fundraiser," he wrote.

Zuckerberg added: "If the last 15 years were about people building these new networks and starting to see their impact, then the next 15 years will be about people using their power to remake society in ways that have the potential to be profoundly positive for decades to come."

Facebook has seen unprecedented success by amassing more than 2.3 billion people worldwide who actively use the social network to share updates, obtain information and connect with new people.

Despite the wave of scandals, Facebook took in a record $22 billion profit for 2018 as revenues surged to $55 billion.

Zuckerberg has acknowledged that Facebook needs to do more to restore trust, and ferret out misinformation and abuse, and on Monday repeated his pledge to spend more "on safety and security."

His comments come 15 years after he and classmates at Harvard University founded what was known as "the facebook" and began a mission described by Zuckerberg as connecting the world.
(Bloomberg) -- New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said he thinks Amazon.com Inc. will prevail in building its huge new campus in the city -- despite an opponent being recommended to serve on a board with veto power over the transaction.

De Blasio said he didnt think any elected official wanted to be the one who cost the city as many as 40,000 well-paid jobs. New York needs the tech industry, de Blasio said, because it can no longer rely upon Wall Street as an economic growth generator.

I dont think anyone would want to take the blame for losing the biggest jobs deal in the history of New York City and thats why I think it will go through, de Blasio said in response to a question at an unrelated press conference Tuesday in Brooklyn.

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins on Monday chose a leading opponent of the $2.5 billion deal as one of three members of a board with veto power over the transaction. Senator Michael Gianaris, a Democrat who represents Long Island City, Queens, where Amazon intends to build a new office, has criticized the $3 billion in government incentives as a giveaway to corporate interests. The state Public Authorities Control Board must unanimously approve projects financed through debt-raising state agencies. Governor Andrew Cuomo must approve all picks for the board.

Gianaris said he couldnt imagine any changes to the Amazon agreement that would sway his view and win his support. Cuomo initially said the board lacked jurisdiction over the transaction, but recently changed his mind and said he believed that the board would have to approve it.

The deal as presented is so historically bad it cant form the basis of a reasonable negotiation, and the typical horse-trading that occurs to obtain community approval is not going to work here, Gianaris said in an interview.

Amazon expected it would face the biggest public backlash to a new headquarters in New York City, according to a person familiar with its decision-making process. Amazon chose the location anyway, since the city offered a large skilled-labor pool, and ample opportunities for spouses and partners of recruited hires to find employment to further their own careers, the person said. Its building a similar project in Arlington, Virginia.

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At a city council meeting last week, Amazons public policy director Brian Huseman said the project would generate $186 billion in economic activity over the next 25 years, including $14 billion in additional tax payments and 25,000 jobs.

"We believe this project will be a positive economic impact for the city and the state," he said. "Were here to create jobs." He also said that Amazon wants to invest in a community that wants us and where our employees and our company are welcome.

Almost immediately after Seattle-based Amazon announced last year that it chose New York, there has been a backlash from lawmakers and community organizers in the Empire State. They fear the influx could push out existing residents and add to congestion on the already overcrowded subway.

Dani Lever, director of communications for Cuomo, criticized Gianariss appointment, saying it would put the state in further economic peril just hours after the governor reported income tax collections came in $2.3 billion below expectations for December and January, and that the state may be entering an economic slowdown.

Gianariss recommendation puts the self-interest of a flip-flopping opponent of the Amazon project above the states economic growth and is a clear sign that the Senate Democrats oppose the 25,000 to 40,000 new technology jobs that would diversify our states economy, Lever said.

Asked whether he would reject Gianariss appointment to the board, Cuomo sidestepped the question Tuesday, saying were not there yet, during an interview on WNYC radio. The governor said he didnt know whether the board would have jurisdiction over the deal, saying the issue depends on the exact design of the transaction. What I do reject is the triumph of politics over government.

Cuomo said Amazon hasnt done a great job of communicating its intent.

Everybody loves to hate Jeff Bezos, Amazons chief executive officer, the governor said. I think if Amazon pulled out you would see all these political voices, who are arguing symbolism, all of a sudden understand what they did. And it would be a dramatic blow to, not just the economy, but also the reputation of New York.

The board has killed large-scale projects in the past, such as a combined stadium and convention center proposed in 2005 by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg for Manhattans west side, when then-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Manhattan Democrat, vetoed the plan. The former mayor is founder and majority owner of Bloomberg News parent Bloomberg LP.

(Updates with governors comments in 13th paragraph.)

To contact the reporters on this story: Henry Goldman in New York at hgoldman@bloomberg.net;Spencer Soper in Seattle at ssoper@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Tom Giles at tgiles5@bloomberg.net, Molly Schuetz, Robin Ajello

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
WILKES-BARRE, Pa., Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Navient, a leading asset management and business processing services company, honored Lori Ellis with the companys Solutions Navigator Award. Ellis, a process engineer, was recognized for spearheading innovative tools to support the companys continuing journey of customer communications improvement.



The quarterly award recognizes one employee who demonstrates one or more of Navient's core values: customer-centricity, proactivity, leadership, stability, integrity and innovation.

Ellis played a key role in piloting a new application for customer service specialists to provide customers with more complex student loan questions clear and customized information about their specific accounts. The application also enhances the delivery, tracking and archiving of customized letters to customers.

Lori's knowledge, leadership and innovation were critical in streamlining a manual process and helping to improve our customer communications, said Kim Albert, senior director and Elliss nominator, Navient.

This past December, Ellis celebrated 15 years with Navient. When asked what key skills helped her be successful at work, Ellis placed an emphasis on communication and team work.

Communication and collaboration are essential, said Ellis. Being able to gather and distribute information and work with multiple teams toward a common goal, is so important.

Connect with @Navient on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn and Medium .

* * *

About Navient

Navient (NAVI) is a leading provider of asset management and business processing solutions for education, healthcare and government clients at the federal, state and local levels. The company helps its clients and millions of Americans achieve financial success through services and support. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Navient employs team members in western New York, northeastern Pennsylvania, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and other locations. Learn more at navient.com.

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Contact:

Brianna Huff, 302-283-2973, brianna.huff@navient.com

NAVICF NAVICP




Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card!

Today well evaluate Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (SGX:S63) to determine whether it could have potential as an investment idea. Specifically, well consider its Return On Capital Employed (ROCE), since that will give us an insight into how efficiently the business can generate profits from the capital it requires.

First up, well look at what ROCE is and how we calculate it. Next, well compare it to others in its industry. Then well determine how its current liabilities are affecting its ROCE.

What is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)?

ROCE is a measure of a companys yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. All else being equal, a better business will have a higher ROCE. In brief, it is a useful tool, but it is not without drawbacks. Renowned investment researcher Michael Mauboussin has suggested that a high ROCE can indicate that one dollar invested in the company generates value of more than one dollar.

So, How Do We Calculate ROCE?

Analysts use this formula to calculate return on capital employed:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets  Current Liabilities)

Or for Singapore Technologies Engineering:

0.15 = S$555m  (S$7.3b  S$3.5b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2018.)

So, Singapore Technologies Engineering has an ROCE of 15%.

Check out our latest analysis for Singapore Technologies Engineering

Does Singapore Technologies Engineering Have A Good ROCE?

ROCE can be useful when making comparisons, such as between similar companies. In our analysis, Singapore Technologies Engineerings ROCE is meaningfully higher than the 11% average in the Aerospace & Defense industry. I think thats good to see, since it implies the company is better than other companies at making the most of its capital. Separate from Singapore Technologies Engineerings performance relative to its industry, its ROCE in absolute terms looks satisfactory, and it may be worth researching in more depth.

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In our analysis, Singapore Technologies Engineerings ROCE appears to be 15%, compared to 3 years ago, when its ROCE was 12%. This makes us wonder if the company is improving.

SGX:S63 Last Perf February 5th 19

When considering this metric, keep in mind that it is backwards looking, and not necessarily predictive. ROCE can be deceptive for cyclical businesses, as returns can look incredible in boom times, and terribly low in downturns. ROCE is, after all, simply a snap shot of a single year. Future performance is what matters, and you can see analyst predictions in our free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

What Are Current Liabilities, And How Do They Affect Singapore Technologies Engineerings ROCE?

Current liabilities include invoices, such as supplier payments, short-term debt, or a tax bill, that need to be paid within 12 months. The ROCE equation subtracts current liabilities from capital employed, so a company with a lot of current liabilities appears to have less capital employed, and a higher ROCE than otherwise. To check the impact of this, we calculate if a company has high current liabilities relative to its total assets.

Singapore Technologies Engineering has total assets of S$7.3b and current liabilities of S$3.5b. As a result, its current liabilities are equal to approximately 48% of its total assets. With this level of current liabilities, Singapore Technologies Engineerings ROCE is boosted somewhat.

The Bottom Line On Singapore Technologies Engineerings ROCE

Singapore Technologies Engineerings ROCE does look good, but the level of current liabilities also contribute to that. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking at a few good candidates. So take a peek at this free list of companies with modest (or no) debt, trading on a P/E below 20.

I will like Singapore Technologies Engineering better if I see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of growing companies with considerable, recent, insider buying.

To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements.



The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com.
(Bloomberg) -- Waymo is in advanced talks to develop autonomous cars with Renault SA, Nissan Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp., according to people familiar with the matter, in a move that would join a leading self-driving force with the worlds largest automotive alliance.

A deal between the three carmakers and Alphabet Inc.s self-driving unit could include making driverless taxis, said one of the people, who asked not to be named discussing private negotiations. An agreement could be reached as soon as spring, Nikkei reported earlier.

Waymo has previously announced deals with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and Tata Motors Ltd.s Jaguar Land Rover. A tie-up with the French-Japanese alliance would be its biggest yet, adding partners who together churn out millions of cars a year -- on par with the biggest individual carmakers, Volkswagen AG and Toyota Motor Corp.

Alliance spokesman Nicholas Twork said the report was based on rumors and speculation. Waymo declined to comment.

For Renault and Nissan, collaborating with Waymo would bring leading-edge technology just as the race to develop autonomous vehicles heats up. It would also strike a positive note for the French and Japanese manufacturers, whose two-decade partnership has been beset by tension since the arrest in November of former leader Carlos Ghosn in Japan over alleged financial improprieties.

Click here: Whos Winning the Self-Driving Car Race?

Waymo met with more than 12 carmakers in 2016 seeking manufacturing partners for its autonomous vehicle technology, according to documents revealed last month.

--With assistance from Nate Lanxon, Daniele Lepido, Ania Nussbaum, Ma Jie and Elisabeth Behrmann.

To contact the reporters on this story: Gerrit De Vynck in New York at gdevynck@bloomberg.net;David Welch in Southfield at dwelch12@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Anthony Palazzo at apalazzo@bloomberg.net, Andrew Noel

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
CARACAS, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Venezuela's government said on Monday it would revise bilateral relations with European Union member states that have recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as legitimate head-of-state.

The government "expresses its most energetic rejection of the decision adopted by some European governments, in which they officially submit to the U.S. administration's strategy to overthrow the legitimate government of President Nicolas Maduro," it said in a statement. (Reporting by Angus Berwick Editing by Sarah Marsh)
Natural expansion into the attractive and familiar Athens, Georgia market area

Partnership with a well-established, high-performing community bank

Strategic market fill-in combination with desirable financial returns

GREENVILLE, S.C., Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Community Banks, Inc. (UCBI) (United) and First Madison Bank & Trust (First Madison) announced today a definitive agreement for United to acquire First Madison in an all-cash transaction. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of each company and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2019.

First Madison operates four banking offices, all of which are located in the Athens-Clarke County, Georgia MSA. The merger will expand Uniteds presence into one of Georgias fastest-growing market areas and is a natural geographic extension of its existing footprint. Additionally, the merger will offer added convenience for customers of both banks and allow United to offer its expanded product line to First Madisons customers.

Under the merger agreement, First Madison shareholders will receive aggregate merger consideration consisting of $52 million in cash. The transaction is expected to be approximately 2% dilutive to Uniteds tangible book value per share, including one-time transaction costs. Additionally, it is expected to be slightly accretive to Uniteds fully diluted earnings per share for its partial year contribution in 2019, excluding one-time transaction costs, and $.05 per share accretive in 2020.

We are very pleased to partner with such a high-quality community bank in a strong and complementary market, said Lynn Harton, Chief Executive Officer of United. We have wanted to expand into the Athens market for some time and have long admired Jay Staines, Chief Executive Officer of First Madison, and his management team. We are thrilled to welcome them to United.

We are very excited to join the United Community Bank family, said First Madisons Chief Executive Officer, Jay Staines. First Madisons customers will find that United shares our focus on providing high-quality, personalized customer service. Together, we can leverage Uniteds broader suite of products and services to expand relationships and continue to grow in the Athens market. Our region is fortunate to have a stable economic base supported by The University of Georgia and numerous successful industrial companies. We are confident that, under the United banner, we will be able to take advantage of increasing business opportunities and achieve our performance goals.

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First Madison will merge into United Community Bank and operate under its brand. At December 31, 2018, First Madison had $258 million in assets, $202 million in loans, and $213 million in deposits, of which nearly two-thirds are non-CD core deposits.

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the approval of First Madisons shareholders.

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP served as Uniteds legal advisor. Olsen Palmer LLC served as First Madisons financial advisor, and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP served as its legal advisor.

About United Community Banks, Inc.

United Community Banks, Inc. (UCBI) is a bank holding company headquartered in Blairsville, Georgia, with executive offices in Greenville, South Carolina. The companys banking subsidiary, United Community Bank, is one of the southeast regions largest full-service banks with $12.5 billion in assets [as of December 31, 2018], and 149 offices in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The bank specializes in personalized community banking services for individuals, small businesses and corporations. Services include a full range of consumer and commercial banking products, including mortgage, advisory, and treasury management. Respected national research firms consistently recognize United Community Bank for outstanding customer service. For the last five years, J.D. Power has ranked United Community Bank first in customer satisfaction in the Southeast. In 2019, for the sixth consecutive year, Forbes magazine included United on its list of the 100 Best Banks in America. Additional information about the company and the bank can be found at www.ucbi.com .

About First Madison Bank & Trust

First Madison is a Georgia state-chartered bank headquartered in Athens, Georgia, with four banking offices, one each in Athens and Oconee County/Watkinsville and two in Madison County. At December 31, 2018, First Madison had $258 million in assets, $202 million in loans, and $213 million in deposits. Additional information about First Madison can be found at www.firstmadisonbank.com .

Caution About Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that include projections, predictions, expectations, or beliefs about future events or results or otherwise and are not statements of historical fact. Such statements are often characterized by the use of qualified words (and their derivatives) such as may, believe, expect, anticipate, intend, will, should, plan, estimate, predict, continue and potential or the negative of these terms or words of similar meaning or other statements concerning opinions or judgments of United and its management about future events. Although United believes that its expectations with respect to forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its existing knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results, performance, or achievements of United will not differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements; such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that change over time and could cause actual results or financial condition to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Actual future results and trends may differ materially from historical results and/or those anticipated depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the factors and risk influences contained in the cautionary language included under the headings Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Risk Factors in Uniteds Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and other periodic reports subsequently filed by United with the SEC, available on the SEC website, www.sec.gov. For any forward-looking statements made in this press release, United claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Additional Information

First Madison will prepare and deliver a proxy statement with respect to the proposed merger to each of its shareholders. FIRST MADISON SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT REGARDING THE PROPOSED MERGER (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, BECAUSE IT WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

For more information:

Jefferson Harralson

Chief Financial Officer

(864) 240-6208

Jefferson_Harralson@ucbi.com
FILE PHOTO: A 5G sign is seen during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain February 28, 2018. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo

By Robin Emmott

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The United States sees the European Union as its top priority in a global effort to convince allies not to buy Huawei equipment for next-generation mobile networks, a U.S. State Department Official said on Tuesday.

After meetings with the European Commission and the Belgian government in Brussels, U.S. officials are set to take a message to other European capitals that the world's biggest telecommunications gear maker poses a security risk, said the official, who declined to be named.

"We are saying you need to be very, very cautious and we are urging folks not to rush ahead and sign contracts with untrusted suppliers from countries like China," the official said.

The United States fears China could use the equipment for espionage - a concern that Huawei Technologies Co. says is unfounded. The push to sideline Huawei in Europe, one of its biggest markets, is likely to deepen trade frictions between Washington and Beijing.

Washington is using "multiple tracks", the U.S. official said, including talks at the U.S.-led NATO alliance in Brussels and at international conferences in Barcelona and Munich: "Europe is definitely where we see this as the top priority."

Huawei gear is widely used in Europe but the push is aimed at equipment for the new fifth generation mobile technology, which promises to link up everything from vehicles to factories at far greater speeds.

While Washington has largely barred Huawei from supplying its government and contractors, it sees advanced European preparations for 5G networks as a security risk that could also endanger the United States.

"Going with an untrusted supplier like Huawei or ZTE will have all sorts of ramifications for your national security and ... since we are military allies with almost all members of the European Union, on our national security as well," the official said.

SMOKING GUN?

Asked for evidence of intelligence work by Huawei or its rival ZTE, the U.S. official said American alarm stemmed more from China's status as a one-party state, a series of Chinese laws approved in 2017, and counter-terrorism legislation.

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The official cited language in the National Intelligence Law that directs individuals and companies to aid China's intelligence-gathering and keep such work secret.

"Huawei and ZTE ... are ensconced in a one-party state where they are simply not equipped to resist directions from Beijing."

The official also pointed to vulnerabilities found in older networks built by Huawei in Britain, even when they were monitored by a laboratory overseen by British intelligence.

Reuters reported exclusively on Jan. 30 that the European Commission, the EU executive, was considering proposals that would ban Huawei from 5G networks, but that work was at an early stage.

Concern is also growing in Germany. But France is walking a fine line, with parliament reviewing a provision that would increase government powers to make checks on 5G equipment.

"We may not have all the information the United States has. But we take decisions based on what we know. And at this stage, we have not decided to ban Huawei in France," a French official said this week.

(Additional reporting by Michel Rose in Paris; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
(Adds Rouhani's comments)

LONDON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Iran dismissed European Union criticism of its missile programme, regional policies and rights record on Tuesday, highlighting their increasingly testy relationship as both sides seek to salvage a troubled nuclear deal.

Irans comments came a day after the bloc criticised the Islamic Republic's ballistic missile tests and expressed concern at Iran's role in growing Middle East tensions.

The EU has promised to abide by a 2015 nuclear deal under which Iran agreed to limit its atomic work in exchange for sanctions relief, even after U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned the accord because it did not cover Iranian military activities.

The EU has stepped up criticism of Iran's ballistic missiles programme and its regional policies in a dual-track approach analysts say is designed to show Washington it is possible to contain Tehran while remaining inside the nuclear pact.

The Iranian foreign ministry said on Tuesday Iran would never negotiate over its missile programme, which it said was defensive and designed as a deterrent.

"Clear threats against the Islamic Republic are not constructive, efficient or helpful, and they are not in line with regional security and the real interests of Europe," the foreign ministry said in a statement published on its website.

Iran has expanded its missile programme in the last two decades, particularly its ballistic missiles, in defiance of the United States and despite concerns in Europe, especially France.

As part of EU efforts to sustain the nuclear pact, Britain, France and Germany last week launched the Instrument In Support Of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), a system to facilitate non-dollar trade with Iran and avoid U.S. sanctions.

MISTRUST

Iran's foreign ministry welcomed the new channel, but said it was "late and inadequate". Iran would revise relations with Europe if it did not benefit economically from INSTEX, it said.

The EU also urged Tehran to stop activities that deepened mistrust, including what it called Iranian assassination plots. France, Denmark and Netherlands have accused Iran of attacks against Iranian opposition figures and arrested suspects with links to Iranian embassies and intelligence ministry.

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Iran's foreign ministry rejected the EU warning:

"Raising such baseless and hollow accusations while known terrorist and criminal groups are free in Europe, is not constructive at this stage and is in line with the goals of enemies who seek to undermine Irans relations with Europe."

Iran is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which toppled Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a secular monarch allied to the West.

Striking a defiant tone in a speech broadcast live on state television on Tuesday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said: "The enemies should know that the great Iranian nation has stood by its goals and will not go back to 40 years ago."

"Iran will not return to the era when it was under U.S. influence," Rouhani said. (Reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin Editing by Robert Birsel and Gareth Jones)
Louis J. Terminello, Greenspoon Marder



Alcohol beverage is one of the most regulated commodities in the United States. In fact, it is the only commodity that has appeared specifically in two amendments to the U.S. Constitution.



In simple terms, the 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment, ended Prohibition and granted the states wide authority to regulate the sale and service of beverage alcohol within their borders.



Legal issues involving the service and sale of beverage alcohol are often heard in state courts. On rare occasion, such matters make their way through the federal court system and ultimately to the U.S. Supreme Court.



In 2005, one such case, Granholm v. Heald, changed the way wine consumers could purchase wine. Under certain circumstances, the court concluded that wineries were permitted to ship their wines directly to consumers through interstate commerce, bypassing the entrenched three-tier system. Prior to Granholm, direct-to-consumer sales by manufacturers across state lines was impermissible.



Wine aficionados rejoiced. After a wine country tour of Napa or Sonoma, wine lovers could now order a favorite label from the comfort of their home in a far-off state and have that wine shipped to their front door. Once unavailable wines now became available for drinking enjoyment far from the wine makers estate.



Moreover, retailers around the U.S. took Granholm to mean that they too could ship to consumers across state lines. The court never articulated such a position but retail sellers of alcohol began to open up shop by creating web portals for ordering and shipment. Alcohol beverage wholesalers reacted and put pressure on state legislatures to curtail this activity. States began to enact restrictive measures designed to prevent common carriers from delivering alcoholic beverages directly to consumers.



Currently, just north of a dozen states permit common carriers to deliver to consumers directly (with much regulation in place). The dream of unrestricted wine enjoyment by consumers began to appear and taste like an outdated vintage.



Fast forward to today. The court recently heard arguments in the matter of Tennessee Wine and Spirits Retailers Association v. Zachary W. Blair, which most certainly will have implications in the way consumers purchase alcoholic beverages.



The facts of Blair are simple enough. Total Wine & More, one of the largest retailers of alcoholic beverages in the U.S., desired to open brick-and-mortar retail locations in the state of Tennessee. Tennessee retailers opposed the large competitors market entry and pointed to state legislation that permitted only state residents to be licensed as retailers of alcoholic beverages.



Total Wine pushed back against the constitutionally of the law, and now the issue is before the Supreme Court.



At its core, Blair asks the question of whether the 21st Amendment trumps the commerce clause and permits the state to discriminate against out of state residents from opening brick-and-mortar stores within its borders.



By extension, Blair surely asks the question whether states will have the authority to limit on-line sales by retailers through interstate commerce by enforcing residency requirements for internet sellers as well.



The availability of wine, beer and spirits to consumers is heavily dictated by the three-tier system: manufacturers must sell to distributors, who can only sell to retailers, who can only sell to consumers, with limited exceptions. Indirect consumer purchasing decisions in many instances are made by wholesaler executives and state regulators prior to alcohol beverage brands making their way to the retail shelf. Blair clearly will have the effect of either limiting or expanding consumer choice.



In support of limiting Tennessees ability to enforce residency requirements, 81 wine consumers from around the United States filed an amicus curiae brief with the court. They argued that the court should uphold the principle of the commerce clause and prohibit Tennessee from maintaining residency requirements for holders of retail liquor licenses.



In the opening paragraphs of the brief, they state: This brief is written on behalf of 81 wine consumers who live in twenty-five different states. They share a common frustration that they cannot find the wines they want locally and are prevented from buying them from out-of-state sellers.



Consumers of hard-to-find wine, beer and spirits are frustrated by the unavailability of their preferred drinks. Advocates of the three-tier system, namely wholesalers, are pushing back against the concept of direct-to-consumer sales by retailers.



State legislators and alcohol regulators are on standby and may or may not align their laws with direct to consumer sales. Retailers are waiting in the wings to exploit this potential opportunity. Drinks lovers across the United States and in the state of Florida, where this author resides, are waiting to exercise their consumer choice and click on the order button of an online retailer that may be in business many thousands of miles away.



Louis J. Terminello is a Miami partner, chair of the hospitality, alcohol and leisure industry group and a member of the firm management committee at Greenspoon Marder.
Southwest Airlines' first "proving flight" with Federal Aviation Administration officials is set for Tuesday.

The flight is one of several the airline must take with regulators before it has approval to sell seats to the public.

Southwest first announced its plans to fly to Hawaii in late 2017.

Southwest Airlines LUV is making its maiden voyage to Hawaii this week  but there won't be any vacationers aboard.

Federal safety inspectors will fly on the Boeing BA 737-800 from Oakland to Honolulu in a key step for the low-cost airline's process of getting government approval to begin commercial flights to the islands.

During the flight, which Southwest said will take off Tuesday, the airline will seek to demonstrate its long-range navigation and communication systems to inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration. The airline must get a government approval for long over-water flights, known as "extended-range twin-engine operational performance standards" or ETOPS.

Southwest, which serves destinations in the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, first announced it planned to start offering service to Hawaii in October 2017 . Southwest will need regulators to sign off on the airline's ability to operate the flights safely since their path will take them more than an hour from the closest airport.

The airline has been racing to get certification to start offering the flights, which it expected to do last year. It said the partial government shutdown delayed its plans to start selling tickets because FAA inspectors were furloughed. Another partial shutdown is possible this month, since only a short-term deal was reached, and another impasse could delay the approval of the Hawaii flights once more.

"It has impacted our certification process for Hawaii," CEO Gary Kelly told CNBC last month about the shutdown.

The airline's decision to offer service to the Aloha State has rattled the stock of would-be competitor Hawaiian Airlines HA . In what's been dubbed the "Southwest Effect," fares are $45 lower in markets where the airline has nonstop service than in cities without those routes, a University of Virginia study found.

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Southwest plans to offer Hawaii flights from the West Coast as well as intra-island service .





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By Tatiana Bautzer

SAO PAULO, Feb 5 (Reuters) - A shareholder in Eldorado Brasil Celulose SA has sent letters to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission complaining that bond investors had received inaccurate information ahead of a planned bond issue by the Brazilian pulpmaker.

According to documents seen by Reuters, law firm Mehigan wrote to the SEC on behalf of shareholder CA Investment, an investment vehicle owned by fellow pulpmaker Paper Excellence.

The documents allege there were "fundamentally material inaccuracies" with respect to Eldorado's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) in the bond offer memorandum. It said the EBITDA referred to "has been materially overstated."

Eldorado did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Eldorado plans to sell $500 million in 2026 bonds and is expected to price the issue on Wednesday.

Paper Excellence confirmed the documents had been filed with the SEC.

Netherlands-based Paper Excellence owns 49.4 percent in Eldorado and is involved in a dispute with the current controlling shareholder, J&F Investimentos SA, over completion of a deal to acquire control of the company. (Reporting by Tatiana Bautzer, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Saudi energy minister Khalid al-Falih announced on January 26 that the country is raising $427 billion in private sector investments, which will include roughly $36 billion for logistics infrastructure according to Reuters. The investment will be used to develop Saudi Arabia into a gateway for the trade supply chains of Africa, Asia and Europe. Other sectors that Saudi Arabia seeks investments in are mining and manufacturing.

The Saudi Arabian Transport Ministry released its plan to improve the country's logistics infrastructure in 2018. The plan is intended to contribute to Saudi Arabia's macroeconomic development plan, Vision 2030, to diversify its economy away from oil exports.

According to the Transport Ministry, 12 percent of the world's containerized trade passed through the Red Sea in 2015. The Red Sea's regional market includes the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa, which have a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.4 trillion and a population of 647 million. Saudi Arabia accounts for only 5 percent of the region's population but 27 percent of its GDP, making it central to the region's economic and trade direction.

"The strategic position of the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (an international group of the six kingdoms in the Arabian Peninsula with access to the Persian Gulf) is key to the region's logistical sector outlook, as a significant amount of the world's population is found within an eight-hour flight." said Jean Paul Pigat, founder and head of research of Lighthouse Research (a market research firm specializing in the Middle East).

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Saudi Arabia has already welcomed the private sector to participate in its supply chain infrastructure.

According to Gulf News, in 2015 King Fahd International Airport in Dammam opened a new cargo terminal to handle goods moving through Saudi Arabia. The terminal, known as Cargo Village, has 500,000 square feet of space and is a joint venture between Saudi Customs and Changi Airports International (the investment arm of Singapore-based Changi Airports Group). Cargo Village is already attracting business from international air freight carriers including DHL, FedEx Corporation's (NYSE: FDX) TNT subsidiary and UPS (NYSE: UPS).

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According to the International Trade Administration (an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce), ports in Saudi Arabia handle more than 90 percent of maritime trade moving through the Red Sea and 30 percent of maritime trade destined for East Africa. The King Abdullah Port, 100 kilometers north of Saudi Arabia's commercial capital of Jeddah, is the country's first port to be fully owned and built by the private sector. It's currently the fastest-growing and most technologically advanced port in the region.

Saudi Arabia's plan to capitalize on regional supply chains will also require the country to improve key sectors of its logistics economy.

The World Bank grades countries' logistics capabilities with its Logistical Performance Index (LPI). The LPI analyzes six dimensions of a nation's logistical economy with a possible score of 1.0 (lowest) through 5.0 (highest). The weighted average of these scores is used to form an overall LPI score. The six dimensions considered are: customs clearance (the accomplishment of customs procedures); logistical infrastructure quality; the ability to conduct international shipments; competence in conducting logistical operations; tracking and tracing of the supply chain; and overall shipment timeliness.

In 2018 Saudi Arabia scored 2.66 in customs, 3.11 in infrastructure, 2.99 in international shipments, 2.86 in logistics competence, 3.17 in tracking and tracing and 3.30 in timeliness.

The Ministry of Transport set target scores above 3.8 for each dimension for Saudi Arabia to meet by 2020. The country currently ranks 55 out of 160 countries on the LPI, with an aggregate score of 3.01. Germany has the highest LPI score at 4.20 (one of seven countries with a score above 4.0) while Afghanistan is the lowest performer with a score of 1.95 (and is the only country with a score below 2.0).

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Economists are hopeful that Saudi Arabia's increased participation in the international supply chain will provide new economic opportunities for the country's citizens.

"The call for $427 billion investment in Saudi Arabia's mining, manufacturing and logistic sectors, should provide ample ways for local investors to invest in their economy over the next 10 years." said Dr. Ghiyath Nakshbendi, executive in residence at American University's Kogod School of Business. "That should help to energize the economy and provide employment opportunities for its [Saudi Arabia's] young college graduates."

Saudi Arabia's transition to a trade economy will require it to build the necessary infrastructure and institutions to facilitate a regional supply chain.

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FILE PHOTO: Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak and UAE's Oil Minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei and OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo attend a meeting in the OPEC headquarters in Vienna, Austria December 7, 2018. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia is complying fully with its pledge to cut oil production gradually, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Monday.

He said Russian oil production decreased by 47,000 barrels per day (bpd) in January from October, the baseline for the global deal aimed at reducing oil supply.

"Russia is completely fulfilling its obligations in line with earlier announced plans to gradually cut production by May this year," Novak said in a statement.

The pace of Russia's output cuts has drawn criticism from Saudi Arabia, de facto leader of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

According to Energy Ministry data published on Saturday and Reuters calculations, Russia cut its output in January by around 35,000 bpd from October to 11.38 million bpd.

The ministry report was in tonnes. Reuters uses a ratio of 7.33 when converting tonnes into barrels.

The Energy Ministry has not revealed its calculations in barrels. Novak earlier said Russian oil production reached 11.41 million bpd in October 2018.

OPEC and other global oil producers agreed in December to cut their combined output by 1.2 million bpd in order to support oil prices and try to balance the market.

Of that, Russia pledged to cut its production by around 230,000 bpd in the first quarter.

(Reporting by Polina Devitt, Vladimir Soldatkin and Olesya Astakhova; Editing by Dale Hudson and David Evans)
(Adds McDermott, partners winning contract to build export project)

By Timothy Gardner

WASHINGTON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Qatar Petroleum and Exxon Mobil Corp announced on Tuesday they will proceed with a $10 billion project to expand a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export plant in Texas, as companies race to meet global demand for the fuel.

Construction of the Golden Pass LNG project, in Sabine Pass, Texas, is expected to begin in early 2019. The project will add production capacity of around 16 million tonnes of LNG per year after it starts up in 2024.

Reuters had first reported details of the deal on Feb. 1, based on sources familiar with the matter.

"Golden Pass will provide an increased, reliable, long-term supply of liquefied natural gas to global gas markets, stimulate local growth and create thousands of jobs," Exxon Chief Executive Darren Woods said about the final investment decision.

Woods and Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad al-Kaabi signed the deal at the Four Seasons hotel in Washington in the presence of U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry.

The deal is proof that two of the world's top energy producers can work together and "support rather than subvert an open energy marketplace," Perry said.

The Trump administration has promoted gas drilling and LNG exports in part to offer European customers alternatives to piped natural gas from Russia, while slashing Obama-era environmental regulations on energy operations.

"To understand how critical this is, imagine how Europe feels when the winter winds begin to blow and Russia has its hand on the pipe valve," Perry said. Russia has in recent years slashed gas shipments to Europe through Ukraine during pricing disputes.

Worldwide consumption of LNG is expected to more than double to 550 million tonnes a year (mtpa) by 2030, triggering a race among oil and gas companies eager to dominate the market.

The expansion is part of Qatar Petroleum's plans to invest about $20 billion in the United States as the company seeks to increase its overseas oil and gas business.

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Qatar, a tiny but wealthy country, is one of the most influential players in the LNG market with annual production of 77 million tonnes. It plans to boost capacity 43 percent by 2023-2024.

Exxon has a 30 percent stake in Golden Pass and Qatar Petroleum holds 70 percent. The two have been strengthening a global alliance across LNG projects from the United States to Mozambique.

Energy industry construction firm McDermott International Inc and its partners Chiyoda International Corp and Zachry Group have won a contract worth more than $1 billion to build the export project, McDermott said separately on Tuesday.

The Golden Pass project is one of many that could be approved this year. Companies are expected to make final decisions on projects that could add more than 60 million tonnes per annum of LNG capacity this year.

Qatar left the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries last year, allowing it to expand in the United States without concerns about proposed legislation that could limit OPEC members' investments in the country. (Reporting by Timothy Gardner; Editing by Steve Orlofsky and Susan Thomas)
Pennsylvania Judicial Center in Harrisburg. Photo: Andriy Blokhin/Shutterstock.com



Editor's note: This is the second installment in a series of articles focusing on employment litigation filed by court employees in Pennsylvania.



Pennsylvania's largest court systemthe First Judicial District, in Philadelphiahas a policy of destroying financial records of settlements for employment-related claims after seven years, an investigation by The Legal Intelligencer has revealed, leading to questions from government transparency advocates over the system's openness.



That was one of several revelations from settlement records and court documents obtained through numerous public information requests that shed light on the difficulties some Pennsylvania court employees have faced in getting redress for grievances.



In the first part of this series, records showed that six of Pennsylvania's largest court systems paid out nearly $1.3 million to settle the nearly 30 claims that court employees raised since 2008.



The Legal obtained the settlement records through the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 509, rather than the Right-to-Know Law, which applies only to state and legislative agencies. Rule 509 provides for access to judicial agency records, but it is somewhat more restrictive than the RTKL, and only allows the public access to financial records.



Five of the six judicial districts contacted with 509 requests for this series responded promptly within the 30-day timeframe outlined under Rule 509. The only exception was Philadelphia's First Judicial District, which took more than eight months to respond in full.



















The FJD at first rejected the request within the 30-day timeframe, but, after The Legal appealed, counsel for the FJD reviewed the exchange and determined that it never fully responded to the inquiry. Counsel for the FJD further reviewed the request for another month, before determining that the settlement records should be made available.



The records, however, were not immediately produced. The Legal made numerous follow-up inquiries about when the information would be made available, and was told at one point that "some of the files were destroyed, according to protocol, and others had to be retrieved from storage."



Five months after the appeal was granted the court produced a list of seven payout records that had been made while the claims were still before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Those settlements ranged from $800 to $26,000, and went back as far as spring 2008. The response again noted that "the financial records were destroyed."



However, nearly one month later, the court forwarded five additional settlement agreements, all of which involved cases that had been filed in court.





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RELATED STORY: Pa.'s Biggest Courts Spent Nearly $1.3M to Resolve Discrimination, Harassment Suits Over Past Decade









FJD spokesman Gabriel Roberts said in an emailed statement that the delay was largely due to the court having disposed some of the records pursuant to the court's records retention policy, which mandates that the records be maintained only for seven years. He said the court had to pull archived litigation files and manually review them to determine if they were responsive.



"We also consulted with other city and state entities in order to produce the financial records we ultimately provided," Roberts said. "We expect that any requests for more current financial records will be provided within the 30-day period permitted by Rule 509."



Employment attorney Patricia Pierce of Greenblatt, Pierce, Funt & Flores, who has represented employees with claims against the court, said the process she has gone through to obtain settlement records has been problematic, and that the court should have to hold onto records.



"The hurdles that they make you go through are really pretty appalling. I would like to see a sustained effort by the plaintiffs bar and also by the media because I think the public does have a right to know," she said.



Nauman Smith attorney Craig Staudenmaier, who focuses on the Right-to-Know Law, however, said he thought seven years was a reasonable amount of time for an agency to be required to hold onto a financial record.



"The judiciary is only required to release financial information. Even in the best of all worlds, let's assume they kept them for 30 years, all you'd be able to get is financial documents," Staudenmaier said, adding that any changes to the scope of Rule 509 would have to come from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.





Behind the Settlements





According to the numbers, the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas paid out the most to resolve employment disputes, paying $451,510 over the past 10 years in connection with eight claims that were filed. Two of those claims resolved at the EEOC phase.



The biggest payout from that court came in a pay discrimination suit lodged by two case managers, Andrea Dodasovich and Christine McKelvey, who claimed they were systematically paid less because they were women.



According to the lawsuit, filed initially in the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas, when the women complained, court officials acknowledged the discrepancy, but instead of offering to fix the pay gap, the officials "offered plaintiffs discounted parking, sixteen hours of compensatory time and a warm 'thank-you' for a job well done." That case settled for $94,000.



The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, which was defense counsel in the case, along with several others outlined in this series, declined to comment about the litigations. The plaintiffs' attorney also did not return a call seeking comment.



The Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas paid $326,000 to resolve 12 cases over the past decade, according to the records provided.



The largest settlement out of Philadelphia involved an African-American tipstaff who worked for former Judge Thomas Nocella.



According to court documents, the man, Ali Khan, had worked for Nocella in Municipal Court, but, after Nocella was elected to the Court of Common Pleas, the court refused to hire the man because of a felony he had on his record. Khan alleged violations of Title VII, the Civil Rights Act, the 14th Amendment and the PHRA. The case settled in federal court for $79,000.



Philadelphia attorney Armando Pandola, who represented Khan, said the suit stood for the proposition that courts have to follow the same rules as other employers.



"You're talking about a crime that was 25, 30 years old," he said. "The courts are subject to the same rules and regulations as other employers."



The First Judicial District declined to comment about individual cases.



Only one court system responded that it did not have any responsive documents to The Legal's request. That was the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas.



The Bucks County Court of Common Pleas only settled two cases in the past 10 years, according to court records, but in total it agreed to pay $223,750 to resolve the cases.



The cases, both of which were examined in the first part of this series, were Amoroso v. Bucks County, which involved a domestic relations employee who was allegedly sexually harassed by a superior, and Frederick v. County of Bucks, which stemmed from a First Amendment retaliation claim by an employee who reported that a judge had been smoking in his chambers. Stacy Amoroso settled in 2015 for $175,000, and James Frederick settled for $48,750.



Frederick's attorney and counsel for Bucks did not return a call seeking comment. The AOPC, which defended the court employees sued in the lawsuit, also declined to comment.



The Chester County Court also resolved two cases, with one settling for $23,000, and the other settling for $130,000.



The larger settlement stemmed from claims that plaintiff Carole Marlin, a clerk in the prothonotary's office, was fired for complaining about an allegedly sexually hostile work environment.



According to the complaint, which was filed in federal court in 2010, Marlin's male co-worker gave her suggestive song lyrics and hugged her for an extended period of time. He also showed her a photo of a naked man on his computer, according to the complaint. The co-worker, Arthur Corcoran, later became her supervisor and, at one point, showed her photos of nude women on his computer. Marlin reported the behavior, according to the complaint, and Corcoran allegedly began retaliating against her. Eventually she was fired.



Along with Corcoran and the county as defendants, court prothonotary Bryan Walters was also sued, both in his official and personal capacities for allegedly allowing the conduct and engaging in some of the alleged retaliation.



The case was resolved for $130,000 in 2011.



Counsel for the plaintiff did not return a call for comment. Counsel for the defendants in the case referred comment to Chester County, which declined to comment for the story.



The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts said it settled one claim over the past 10 years. That claim stemmed from allegations that the plaintiff, Laurie Snyder, who was a single mother and an accountant at the AOPC, was subject to a hostile work environment.



The AOPC settled in 2011 for $71,000, which included $17,500 in attorney fees.



Snyder's attorney did not return a call for comment.



Court employees in Delaware County also resolved two complaints over the past 10 years, according to documents, for a total of $54,411.



The case Porter v. County of Delaware involved an adult probation department worker, Alana Porter, who claimed she was discriminated against and subjected to unreasonable and unwarranted scrutiny after she became pregnant. The case settled for $25,537 in 2015.



The other case involved a claim by Harlan Johnson, an employee at the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center, who alleged that the director at the center disproportionately scrutinized and terminated African-American employees. He contended he was improperly fired for allegedly abandoning his post. The suit settled for $28,874 in 2014.



Defense counsel in both cases out of Delaware County did not return a message seeking comment. Counsel for Porter did not return a call for comment.



Bailey & Ehrenberg attorney William Wilson, who was appointed by the court to represent Johnson, said that he's consulted on several employment cases aimed at courts in Pennsylvania. He noted that there are various difficulties in bringing these cases, such as governmental immunity, and the common belief by jurors that court employees are familiar with and follow the law. For those reasons, he said it is difficult to glean overarching trends regarding the conduct of court employees, or determine the success of a lawsuit based on the award alone.



"The cases are, every one of them, very individual," he said.
Firdapse, a drug used for treatment of a rare neurological disorder that affects one in 100,000 people, used to be free. As of December, its annual cost became $375,000 and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is asking why, Reuters reported.

Sanders sent a letter to Catalyst Pharmaceuticals asking the company to justify its action. Catalysts decision to set the annual list price at $375,000 is not only a blatant fleecing of American taxpayers, but is also an immoral exploitation of patients who need this medication, wrote Sanders, an Independent who caucuses with Senate Democrats.

An equivalent of Firdapse was available free for 20 years from a small drug company, Jacobus Pharmaceutical, under an FDA program for access to experimental drugs, BioWorld reported. Jacobus had never gone through the entire FDA approval process to make the drug commercially available.

Catalyst obtained exclusive North American rights to Firdapse from its developer, Biomarin Pharmaceutical, in 2012. But Catalyst investors balked and sued when they learned of the free alternative. Catalyst settled the class action suit for $3.5 million in 2014 and then revealed in 2016 that it had to undertake additional testing for the FDA. Shares plunged and Catalyst laid off 30% of its workforce.

The Firdapse move is another in a chain of drug price increases even as pharmaceutical companies raise discounts to middlemen, dropping the net price. However, it isnt clear whether patients see any of the price drops or if the middlemen keep the savings as profits.

Democrats and Republicans in Congress, as well as the White House, have publicly challenged drug companies over their prices.

The pharmaceutical industry in 2018 spent $280 million in lobbying and has been one of the biggest donors to political campaigns for years, according to the Center for Responsive Politics
FILE PHOTO: Swiss drugmaker Novartis' logo is seen at the company's plant in the northern Swiss town of Stein, Switzerland October 23, 2017. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

ZURICH (Reuters) - Alcon, the eye care business being spun-off by Novartis, will be included in the Swiss Market Index of Switzerland's 20 largest listed companies, market operator SIX said on Tuesday.

Information about any other changes to SMI and Switzerland's other indexes will be released later, the bourse said.

Novartis last year announced the spin off of Alcon to the Basel drugmaker's shareholders in the first half of this year.

Bank Vontobel analysts have said Alcon could be worth between $15 billion and $23 billion, adding its ongoing recovery would influence the final price.

(Reporting by John Revill; Editing by Edmund Blair)
Neomi Rao testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee during her confirmation hearing to be U.S. Circuit judge for the District of Columbia Circuit, on Feb. 5, 2019. Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM



Neomi Rao, the Trump administrations choice to fill the D.C. Circuit vacancy left by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, defended, and expressed some regret for, writings she penned in the 1990s that have come under scrutiny.



The nominee to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit admitted during a Tuesday confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee that some of the language she used in those columnsexpressing her views on campus multiculturalism, sexual assault and moremade her cringe.



To be honest looking back at some of those writings and re-reading them, I cringe at some of the language I used, Rao said Tuesday in an exchange with committee chairman Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina. I was youngits over two decades ago nowbut you know, I think I was responding to things that were happening on campus at that time.



In the intervening two decades, I like to think I have matured as a thinker, a writer and indeed as a person, she said.



Raos comments, which came in a hearing that lasted over two hours, marked the first time shes addressed the columns she wrote as a Yale undergraduate in the mid-1990s. The Alliance for Justice, a liberal group that has opposed Raos nomination, said the pieces demonstrate her hostility toward racial and gender equality, sexual assault survivors, among other things.



Among the columns that have drawn the most controversy was an October 1994 piece where Rao, writing about an alleged date rape incident at Yale, suggested that a way for women to avoid date rape is to stay reasonably sober.



Rao said Tuesday that the column made it very clear that rape is a terrible crime for which men should be held responsible.



No one should blame a victim of rape or sexual assault. I was trying to make, and perhaps not in the most elegant way, the sort of common-sense observation that excessive drinking can lead to risky and dangerous behavior for both men and women, Rao said in an exchange with Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont.



Rao said she certainly regretted any implication of blaming the victim.



Rao currently serves as the head of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, a position often referred to as the White House regulatory czar. In that role, Rao has spearheaded the Trump administrations deregulatory agenda, including its two-for-one effort to cut two regulations for every new one introduced.



If confirmed by the Senate, Rao would ascend to a court widely considered the second highest in the nation, in part because it receives the bulk of cases challenging the federal governments actions.



Rao did not commit on Tuesday to recusing herself from matters she worked on at OIRA, but said shed look carefully at statutory standards for recusal, consult with colleagues and follow precedents and practices on the D.C. Circuit.



Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary committee who initially pressed Rao on the issue of recusal, noted Trumps first nominee to the D.C. CircuitGreg Katsascommitted to recusing himself from issues he worked on while serving as deputy counsel in the Trump White House.



Rao has served as the head of OIRA since her July 2017 confirmation. Shes currently on leave from her role as director and founder of the Center for the Study of the Administrative State at George Mason Universitys Antonin Scalia Law School.



The American Bar Associations standing committee on judicial nominations rated Rao well qualified on Monday.



Still, Rao faces intense opposition from liberal advocacy groups over her previous writings. Theyve also criticized her lack of judicial experience.



Neomi Rao's record of offensive statements about women, sexual assault survivors, LGBTQ people, people of color and the environment is matched only by her track record of advancing federal government policies that are deeply harmful to these same communities and interests, said Nan Aron, who heads the Alliance for Justice.



Rao said during Tuesdays hearing that she believed her academic and practical experienceincluding working in all three branches of the federal governmentrelates very closely to the specialized docket of the D.C. Circuit.



Raos writings, particularly those criticizing multicultural groups on campuses, have drawn comparisons to the undergraduate columns written by Ryan Bounds, a withdrawn nominee to the Ninth Circuit. In one article, Bounds railed against race-focused groups on college campuses, and accused them of fostering what he described as race-think. His nomination was later withdrawn after Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the lone black Republican in the Senate, and others, announced their opposition to Bounds nomination.



If confirmed, Rao would become the second Trump administration officialafter Katsasto join the D.C. Circuit. Shed join a long list of former Justice Clarence Thomas clerks, including Katsas, nominated by Trump to the federal bench.



Rao clerked for Thomas from 2001 to 2002, following a clerkship with Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III on the Fourth Circuit from 1999 to 2000. Between her clerkships, she was counsel to the Senate judiciary panel.



She also served as an associate counsel at the George W. Bush White House from 2005 to 2006. She said Tuesday her role involved overseeing legal issues for agencies and working on judicial nominations.



Read more:



Woman Claiming Sexual Assault by Justin Fairfax Turns to Lawyers for Kavanaugh Accuser: Reports



On Judicial Nominations, Trump White HouseAgainSpurns Democrats



Former SCOTUS Clerks Dominate the Ranks of Trumps Judicial Nominees



Not All Trump Court Nominees Get Confirmed: Thomas Farr Edition
(Bloomberg) -- Databricks Inc., which says it makes software to help companies satisfy their boring AI needs, raised a new round of funding that values the business at $2.75 billion.

Microsoft Corp. was among the investors in the $250 million financing, the company said on Tuesday. Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz led the deal, with contributions from Coatue Management and New Enterprise Associates. The investment brings Databricks total fundraising haul to almost $500 million since the company was founded in 2013.

Databricks sells tools that pool a companys databases and apply a form of artificial intelligence to search for meaningful information. The San Francisco-based startup notched $100 million in annual recurring revenue last year and said its subscription sales tripled last quarter from a year earlier. Viacom Inc., HP Inc. and Cisco Systems Inc. are among more than 2,000 customers of the service. Microsoft promotes a version of the software as part of its cloud product, Azure.

Ali Ghodsi, chief executive officer of Databricks, said he plans to use the new capital to hire, open new offices and make headway into other industries, such as media, retail and government. Part of his pitch: Databricks satisfies the needs of big enterprise customers that want to do boring AI use cases.

To contact the reporter on this story: Nico Grant in San Francisco at ngrant20@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Mark Milian at mmilian@bloomberg.net, ;Jillian Ward at jward56@bloomberg.net, Anne VanderMey

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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* Coordinated move comes after election ultimatum

* Opposition head declared himself interim president

* Major EU nations join Trump's stance against Maduro

* Russia accuses EU of foreign meddling, Italy divided (Adds Estonia, edits)

By Gabriela Baczynska and Jose Elias Rodriguez

BRUSSELS/MADRID, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Major European nations joined the United States in recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president on Monday, heightening a global showdown over Nicolas Maduro's socialist rule.

The European Union members' coordinated move followed the expiry of an ultimatum for Maduro to call a new election and aligned them with Washington against Russia and China.

The sitting Venezuelan leader, accused of running the OPEC nation of 30 million people like a dictatorship and wrecking its economy, has defied European heads of state and called them sycophants for following President Donald Trump.

Guaido, who leads the National Assembly, declared himself caretaker leader last month in a move that has fed into a global geopolitical divide and brought Venezuelans onto the streets.

"From today, we will spare no effort in helping all Venezuelans achieve freedom, prosperity and harmony," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, recognising Guaido.

Other EU nations echoing that were: Austria, Britain, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden.

In response, Caracas said it would revise relations with Europe. Maduro singled out "cowardly" Spain.

"If one day there is a coup, if one day there is a gringo military intervention, your hands will be stained with blood, Mr. Pedro Sanchez," he said in a speech.

Maduro, 56, a former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, has presided over an economic collapse and exodus of 3 million Venezuelans.

He accuses Washington of waging "economic war" on Venezuela and harbouring coup pretensions aimed at gaining control over its oil. Venezuela's reserves are the largest in the world but production has plunged under Maduro.

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"ILLEGITIMATE, KLEPTOCRATIC MADURO"

Critics say incompetent policies and corruption have impoverished the once-wealthy nation while dissent has been brutally crushed.

"The oppression of the illegitimate, kleptocratic Maduro regime must end," said British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Moscow and Beijing, which have poured billions of dollars of investment and loans into Venezuela, are supporting Maduro and warning against foreign intervention.

"Imposing some kind of decisions or trying to legitimise an attempt to usurp power is both direct and indirect interference," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Maduro won re-election last year, but critics say the vote was a sham. Two opposition rivals were barred, while food handouts to hungry Venezuelans were linked with political support.

Italy, whose coalition government is divided over Venezuela, dissented from other European powers and blocked a joint statement saying individual nations had the prerogative to recognise Guaido. Italy's 5-Star Movement says it cannot recognise self-appointed leaders.

Ireland shared that reluctance and declined to recognise Guaido specifically, though it did back the EU stance of calling for a fair election.

In addition to European pressure, a bloc of Latin American nations plus Canada were to meet on Monday seeking to maintain pressure on Maduro.

"All these shameless people are clinging to power," said Luis, a 45-year-old Venezuelan outside the consulate in Madrid. "Let them hold elections so they see they won't get even 10 percent of the votes." (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Marine Pennetier in Paris; Guy Faulconbridge and Mike Holden in London; Jose Elias Rodriguez in Madrid; Andrew Osborn and Thomas Balmforth in Moscow; Andrei Khalip in Lisbon; Steve Scherer in Rome; Alissa de Carbonnel and Gabriela Baczynska in Brussels; Toby Sterling in Amsterdam; Sarah Marsh in Caracas Writing by Andrew Cawthorne; Editing by Janet Lawrence, Raissa Kasolowsky and Toby Chopra)
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Forty years after he defected from the shah's Imperial Guard to join the Islamic Revolution, Mohammad Reza Tajik, like many Iranians from that time, looks back wistfully at the youthful excitement they felt and the losses they suffered since then.

Working in his woodshop in Tehran, he recounted the deaths of his brother in Iran's 1980s war with Iraq and of a friend last year in Syria's long civil war in which Iran is involved.

"No, we did not achieve what we wanted," the 60-year-old former soldier said, his shop warmed in the fierce Tehran winter by a simple wood-fired stove. "Things have changed and revolutionary values have worn out. Today, unfortunately, we still suffer from discrimination, favoritism, corruption and lying, even more than that time."

As the 40th anniversary of the revolution approached, a reporter from The Associated Press walked through the streets of Tehran to speak to those who were alive then about the world-changing moment that saw Iran exchange 2,500 years of monarchy for an Islamic Republic.

They offered a mixed view that is now common in the country as long-standing economic problems worsen amid the U.S. decision last spring to withdraw from the nuclear deal that Iran struck with world powers in 2013. Iran's currency, the rial, has depreciated rapidly since then, making prices for groceries and clothes skyrocket. Its crucial oil sales remain threatened, and trust in its leadership has eroded.

"Problems do exist, but I relate them to the mismanagement of the officials not the revolution itself," Tajik said. "The revolution was a correct thing and should have happened, but it has been diverted from its path by the people in power."

Only a few steps down the alley from Tajik's shop, another former revolutionary felt differently.

Now a barber, 67-year-old Bashir Nahavandi was a taxi driver when the revolution took hold. He gave protesters free rides and took part in demonstrations against what he called the irreligious and immoral rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

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"I am not dissatisfied with my current situation or my job and income," he said, sweeping up his shop. "It is true that some people are complaining about high prices, but they should put things in perspective and be more tolerant."

He praised leaders for protecting Islam and enforcing the law that makes it mandatory for Iranian women to wear the hijab.

"We are Muslims, after all, and religion is our priority," Nahavandi said. "Even piles of money would be worthless if the religion is ignored and not respected."

Walking along bustling Enghelab, or Revolution Street that once was named after the shah's father, Reza Shah, 79-year-old retired university professor Ali Soltani recalled the day that protesters pulled down a statue of Reza Shah at Enghelab Square.

Soltani, who has written books on Persian literature and Islamic teachings, called poverty the biggest challenge the country faces today. While life under the shah had at least three social classes  the rich, the middle class and the poor  Iran today is simply separated between the haves and the have-nots, he said.

"We were really hoping that problems would be solved, but they were not. ... Newspapers and authorities themselves are now admitting to large-scale embezzlements that are taking place in the country," he said. "Today, you see that a part of the people do not even have some bread to eat. What can they do?"

Another former revolutionary, 70-year-old Mohsen Fat'hi, has been a bookseller on Enghelab Street since 1977. During the uprising, he made gasoline bombs, sold banned books and reprinted pamphlets with statements from Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomenini, the exiled cleric who eventually became the country's supreme leader.

For all the risks Fat'hi took in supporting the revolution, he described himself today as disappointed.

"We were seeking a better life, but unfortunately we could not get it," Fat'hi said. "Today we are looking for meat and chicken and are unable to afford."

Surrounded by his books, Fat'hi said he has given up on supporting the revolution he once fought for.

"We were after ideals that were never fulfilled. Why should I continue to back it?" he asked. "Our passport was valuable. We had credibility and reputation in the world. We have lost everything."

___

Follow Mohammad Nasiri on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mohammadaptn .
Investors preparing for college costs and retirement have long been told to pick a good set of funds, add money regularly and stick with it for the long term. But sometimes they're thrown a curve, when the fund company closes a fund to new investors or, even worse, shuts it down altogether.

This happened Jan. 3, when fund giant Vanguard Group announced it would shut down the Vanguard Convertible Securities Fund (ticker: VCVSX). The fund, launched in 1986, had $962.5 million in assets at the time and was closed to new investors ahead of a complete liquidation planned for March. It specializes in convertible bonds -- bonds that can be traded in for stock -- an asset that mainly appeals to fixed-income investors.

"Shareholders of the fund are being notified and have the opportunity to exchange into another Vanguard fund or redeem shares prior to the liquidation date, at which time the fund's assets will be sold and the proceeds distributed," Vanguard said.

In other words, investors who don't switch to another fund or redeem will get cash, as if they'd withdrawn everything.

[10 Ways to Maximize Your Retirement Investments.]

"You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here," says Nicholas Juhle, vice president and director of research at Greenleaf Trust in Kalamazoo, Michigan. "When a fund shuts down, it is kind of like when a store you have consistently patronized goes out of business -- you won't be able to shop there anymore. In the case of a fund shutting down, it will no longer manage your assets and will be returning what you have claim to."

Obviously, that will be disruptive to investors who had planned to stick with the fund for the long term. They can opt to buy a similar fund and things might turn out just fine. But fund shutdowns don't always come at a convenient time for choosing an alternative in a portfolio. Prices may be high or the market too volatile.

Also, the cash distributed to investors can trigger a tax bill, just as if the investor using a taxable account had sold shares at a profit. Sometimes fund firms avoid a tax event for investors by rolling the assets of one fund into another.

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Fund shutdowns are hardly epidemic but do occur often enough that investors should be aware of the possibility. In 2017, the latest year for which figures are available, 383 funds were liquidated in an industry with nearly 8,000 funds, according to the Investment Company Institute.

Typically, a fund is shut down because it hasn't drawn enough investors.

"Despite the fund's capable advisor and prudent approach to managing convertible securities, the fund has not gained broad acceptance among these investors and remains one of the smallest offerings in terms of net assets among Vanguard's stock and balanced offerings," Vanguard says in a statement announcing the closure.

In fact, the fund had performed fairly well, returning an average of 9.43 percent a year for the decade ended Jan. 30, according to Morningstar.

[10 Long-Term Investing Strategies That Work]

Chris Tuck, wealth advisor at SJK Wealth Management in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, says funds are also shut down because the parent company finds they do not have enough investors to justify the cost of servicing the investments.

"Often, we see 'soft' closes, meaning that the fund is closing to new investors but remains open to existing shareholders," he says. "This happens a lot in the small and mid-cap spaces."

This is not harmful if existing investors can continue adding money.

A fund may also close to new investors, or liquidate, because it has become so successful it cannot continue to buy hard-to-find assets in its preferred sector, says Scott W. Cody, partner at Denver-based Latitude Financial Group.

"The flow of new assets into the fund can be so great that the fund needs to be closed because it will be difficult to find enough good companies to buy without moving a market," he says, citing small-cap funds.

While fund liquidations can come out of the blue, experts say investors are wise to avoid funds with red flags, which may be telegraphed in fund statements and management discussions. A big fund that specializes in obscure holdings could run into trouble, for instance, as could a small fund that is losing more investors than it is adding.

Poor performance is worth pondering even if you think a potential turnaround is likely. Turmoil like frequent manager changes is another bad sign. In all cases it makes sense to see how competing investment funds are faring.

Tuck says before investing in any fund, look for the potential capital gains exposure. That tells the portion of the share price attributable to realized capital gains as the managers sell holdings at a profit. In a liquidation, these embedded profits can trigger tax bills for investors using taxable accounts.

Juhle says investors can avoid this bill by selling the shares before the liquidation takes place. That way the tax would be on the difference between the sale price and original purchase price.

Tuck also notes that specialty funds like Vanguard's are falling out of fashion as investors move to generic products like index and target-date funds, putting specialty funds in liquidation danger.

Tenpao Lee, economics professor, at Niagara University in Niagara Falls, New York, says investors can minimize liquidation risk by sticking with large, popular funds.

"Unless you are a professional, invest your money to index funds or funds with (a strong) historical record," he says.

An investor who has experienced a liquidation must, of course, decide how to reinvest the cash. If the portfolio has been carefully allocated, the obvious choice is a similar fund, though the influx of cash could also be an opportunity to try something new.

See: [8 Ways to Stay Safe Around Stock Market Bears.]

Either way, Tuck recommends proceeding with caution by reinvesting over time through dollar-cost averaging.

"If an investor decides they want to stay in this space, a dollar-cost averaging is prudent if allocating into a similar fund," he says. "However, going from fully invested in that space to completely out is not great. An accelerated dollar-cost averaging in might be worth considering."

That would mean making the new investment over several months, to reduce the risk of buying at a high price all at once.





More From US News & World Report


By Nick Carey and Joseph White

DECATUR, Texas/FLINT, Mich., Feb 5 (Reuters) - Mickey McMaster is on his 12th pickup truck.

The 61-year old farm equipment dealer in Decatur, Texas, two weeks ago treated himself to a 2019 GMC Denali for around $69,000 - a reward for long hours at work.

For me this is the Cadillac of trucks, its a real luxury vehicle," McMaster said. "Ive worked my way up to afford a truck like this and it shows that Ive earned it.

McMaster is the kind of customer General Motors Co is banking on as it plans to add 1,000 jobs at a plant in Flint, Michigan that will build a new generation of its largest pickups. Demand from Texas and other heartland states for big pick-ups is providing a lifeline to many workers the No. 1 U.S. automaker is laying off at plants elsewhere.

The Detroit Three automakers and thousands of their U.S. workers are counting on customers like McMaster to keep buying bigger and more luxurious pickup trucks even if overall U.S. vehicle demand weakens this year, as most analysts predict.

At Flint, GM will build a new generation of its heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierras, including luxury models that are some of the most profitable vehicles on the planet. GM, Ford Motor Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV's Ram division own the segment and are each doubling down with new or redesigned models launching this year.

Sales of heavy-duty pickups in the United States have grown to more than 600,000 vehicles a year, up more than 20 percent since 2013, according to industry data. Prices for luxury models can easily top $70,000.

GM on Tuesday will celebrate the launch of a new generation of heavy-duty GMC and Chevrolet pickups at the assembly plant in Flint, Michigan, that is now building all such trucks for the company.

At the same time that GM is laying off thousands of U.S. workers and planning to shutter five North American factories, Flint is hiring. The plant runs on three daily shifts, six days a week. As the new models assembly system ramps up, the plants capacity will increase by more than 25 percent, plant manager Mike Perez told Reuters. The Flint plant plans to add 1,000 workers, more than half of the 1,500 factory workers who have asked to transfer from plants GM has targeted for shutdown as part of CEO Mary Barra's restructuring plan. Were bringing in 50 to 100 people every week, said Perez.

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Workers last week were still finishing the job of retooling the Flint factory to build the new heavy-duty trucks as part of a $1.5 billion investment project. A highlight of the new assembly line: two-story tall Fanuc robots hoist a cab and a bed for a truck from separate pallets, swing them in opposing arcs, then gently lower them onto a truck frame to be bolted together by different robots.

Detroit Three executives boast that the heavy-duty pickup market is protected by "moats" - a 25-percent tariff on imported trucks and decades of engineering that have yielded vehicles that haul 30,000 pound trailers, ride like large luxury sedans, and offer the same safety and connectivity technology as a BMW or Lexus luxury car.

Pickup trucks account for three-quarters of the 235 or so new vehicles Carey CW Williams sells each month at his Decatur dealership. And nearly half of those are higher-end, luxury models that can sell for $70,000 or more.

Williams said he is not concerned about the new Ram trucks as competition for GM.

Pickup trucks are our bread and butter, and weve got the new model to prove it with all the bells and whistles customers want, he said.

Mark Ary, 37, a second-generation owner of an HVAC installation/repair business, paid $65,000 for a white 2019 Silverado High Country. He liked the air conditioning for the truck's rear seats, its 360-degree cameras, and hands-free technology that allows him to call and text.

GM really stepped it up with the technology for the 2019 truck, Ary said.

'MASSIVE' TRUCKS

Ford, the leader in the heavy-duty pickup segment, will launch later this year versions of its F-series Super Duty pickups with a 7.3 liter gasoline engine - more than three times the displacement of the power-plant in a typical Ford Fusion sedan.

Fiat Chrysler's Ram brand is revving up a redesigned lineup of heavy-duty pickups offering optional 12-inch display screens and a 6.7 liter Cummins Inc diesel engine that delivers 1,000 pound-feet of torque - enough to haul a 35,000 pound trailer.

GM's Silverado and GMC heavy-duty trucks will offer new diesel engines, 10-speed transmissions and trailer-towing capability well in excess of 30,000 pounds, said Tim Herrick, the executive chief engineer for GM's large pickup and SUV programs.

The new Chevrolet and GMC trucks coming down the Flint assembly line stand out from older models on the same line. They are taller and have more imposing hoods and grilles than the older trucks.

We wanted the truck to look massive, Herrick said.

HEAVY-DUTY INVESTMENT

Detroit automakers are investing heavily to expand their profitable heavy pickup franchises beyond commercial and work customers.

Each has luxury heavy-duty pickup models, such as Ram's Laramie Longhorn, Ford's Limited and Chevrolet's High Country. GM has developed a multi-model luxury truck sub-brand, GMC Denali. Now, 60 percent of GMC heavy-duty pickups sold wear the Denali badge, GMC global brand chief Duncan Aldred told Reuters. With a diesel engine, sticker prices top $70,000.

Heavy-duty pickups are not subject to the same federal fuel economy rules as lighter trucks and sedans. They fall under less stringent standards applied to commercial trucks, where a vehicle's capacity for work allows for more fuel consumption. These pickups do not have mileage estimates on their price stickers as lighter trucks do.

The growing sales of heavy-duty pickups and their evolution toward luxury, personal use vehicles is drawing criticism from advocates of curbing carbon dioxide emissions.

"With a 7.3-liter engine, Ford's new massive pickup deserves to be launched as the Ford Valdez," Dan Becker, director of the Center for Auto Safety's Safe Climate Campaign, wrote in an email.

In Flint, the assignment to build GM's new heavy duty trucks is a lifeline for workers like Randy Randall, a 41-year GM veteran who said he has worked at several GM plants, moving when layoffs hit. Now, he checks trucks at the end of the Flint assembly line. Randall smiled as a screen in front of his GMC truck flashed a message that it had passed the tests. Its got a great future, he said.

(Reporting By Joe White Editing by Nick Zieminski)
(Bloomberg) -- Google parent Alphabet Inc. warned that its business may be damaged by changing data privacy practices, new digital advertising polices and software bugs that leak user information.

The company filed its annual report on Tuesday and added language that suggests it is adjusting to stepped up regulatory scrutiny and evolving consumer attitudes toward data and privacy online.

Changes to our data privacy practices, as well as changes to third-party advertising policies or practices may affect the type of ads and/or manner of advertising that we are able to provide which could have an adverse effect on our business, the company wrote in the filing. If we do not provide superior value or deliver advertisements efficiently and competitively, our reputation could be affected, we could see a decrease in revenue from advertisers and/or experience other adverse effects to our business.

As consumers and politicians re-evaluate the data-collecting business models of companies like Google and Facebook Inc., the chance of tough regulations that undercut key revenue streams is increasing. To date, Google has mostly faced fines in Europe that it has been able to pay with its massive cash hoard, but some privacy advocates and those concerned with the companys sheer size are pushing for harsher policies.

The internet giant has warned about stricter regulation and potential fines in the past. And regulatory filings like Tuesdays annual report are often filled with boilerplate descriptions of risk so companies arent sued by investors if something actually goes wrong. Still, when new language appears, investors and analysts take note.

Another addition to Alphabets latest filing warns about software errors. "Bugs or defects in our products and services have occurred and may occur in the future, or our security measures could be breached, resulting in the improper use and/or disclosure of user data," the company wrote.

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Last year, Google found a software glitch in its Google Plus social network that could have exposed the personal data of as many as half a million people. The company decided to shut the service soon after.

Alphabet also updated its warning about an expansion into non-advertising businesses like cloud services and consumer hardware.

"Due to these factors and the evolving nature of our business, our historical revenue growth rate and historical operating margin may not be indicative of our future performance," it wrote.

The company reported thinner fourth-quarter profit margins late Monday as the internet giant spend heavily to expand its cloud and YouTube businesses.

To contact the reporters on this story: Gerrit De Vynck in New York at gdevynck@bloomberg.net;Mark Bergen in San Francisco at mbergen10@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jillian Ward at jward56@bloomberg.net, Alistair Barr, Andrew Pollack

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
The European Parliament is due to vote on the new Morocco-EU fisheries agreement in a plenary session on February 13 after it definitively endorsed the agricultural agreement by an overwhelming majority on January 16 in Strasbourg.

The European Parliament, as announced recently in the House of Representatives by Moroccan Minister of Agriculture Aziz Akhannouch, will actually discuss the draft fisheries agreement, in a plenary session on February 13.

Speaking at the weekly question time at the lower house of the Moroccan parliament, Aziz Akhannouch invited the MPs to remain mobilized to snatch another success after the adoption in Strasbourg of the agricultural agreement with 444 votes in favor, 167 votes against and 68 abstentions.

Analysts deemed the final adoption of the Farm Agreement as a stinging blow to the opponents of Morocco and its territorial integrity. Actually, the new agreement extends to products of the Sahara the preferential tariffs allocated by the EU to products from other regions of the Kingdom.

The Morocco-EU fisheries agreement, which also covers the waters of Western Sahara, has already been approved by the European Parliaments Fisheries Committee, which decides on substantive issues, on January 23, with a large majority of 17 votes in favor, 7 against and 2 abstentions.

This was the final step before the ultimate adoption of this agreement in a plenary session.

Thus, Brussels will have put an end to the procrastination and petty blackmail of the Polisario, Algeria and their relays in Europe who seek to amputate the Sahara from the rest of Moroccan territories.

The Polisarios allegations about an illegal exploitation of the Sahara resources by Morocco have thus been deflated. The separatists and their mentors should realize that there is no solution to the Sahara conflict other than in the framework of the Moroccan proposal of a large autonomy for the disputed territory.
By Joe Bavier

CAPE TOWN, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo demanded mining deals be more beneficial for Africa on Tuesday, calling on governments to end fiscal incentives traditionally used to attract investment to countries long viewed as rife with risk.

Resource nationalism is high on the agenda at the African Mining Indaba in Cape Town as resource-holding governments, aware of the need for international miners to find new exploration territory, increase tax and royalty demands.

Akufo-Addo, leader of Africa's second-largest gold producer, said that the continent's reputation of political instability was outdated and improvements in the rule of law should be reflected in countries' relationships with mining companies.

"I believe we have come of age. We should not have to give unusual tax and royalties incentives. And mining companies should not expect to make extraordinary profits on our continent," he told the conference.

Over the past decade, a number of African governments have reviewed mining contracts, seeking to recalibrate partnerships and increase their share of mining revenues.

Last year, Democratic Republic of Congo - the world's biggest producer of cobalt - rewrote its mining code, ignoring the objections of miners. It cancelled existing stability clauses in contracts and raised royalty rates across the board.

Neighbouring Tanzania, once one of Africa's most attractive jurisdictions for international investors, has also cracked down on the industry, hitting gold miner Acacia with a $190 billion tax bill.

The company has disputed the claim and its parent company Barrick Gold Corp is in talks with the government.

But other African nations, including Angola and Ethiopia, are still seeking to use tax breaks to entice investment to their nascent mining sectors.

Akufo-Addo said Africa needed mining investment, but companies needed to understand their role in developing economies.

"We want you to stay here for the long-term. Respect the land that provides the riches and be part of the transformation," he said. "It's time to make Africa prosperous and allow her people to attain a dignified standard of living."

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He also called on his fellow African states to establish value-added industries on the back of their mineral wealth.

Long a major gold producer, Ghana is now seeking to develop its iron ore and bauxite deposits.

Under a deal approved by Ghanaian lawmakers last year, China's Sinohydro Corp Ltd will provide $2 billion for government road projects in exchange for refined bauxite exports.

The government has created a state-owned company to help establish an integrated aluminium industry. Akufo-Addo said creation of a similar company to promote an iron and steel industry would be considered in the current parliamentary session.

"We cannot, and should not, continue to be merely exporters of raw materials to other countries," he said.

(Editing by James Macharia and Kirsten Donovan)
WYOMISSING, Pa., Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (GLPI) today announced that Matthew Demchyk has joined the Company in the capacity of Senior Vice President of Investments. In this role Matthew will assist the Company in evaluating strategic opportunities to enhance shareholder value and oversee the Company's investor relationship and outreach efforts under the leadership of Steven Snyder, GLPI's Senior Vice President of Development and Interim Chief Financial Officer.



Mr. Demchyk joins GLPI with 15 years of successful capital allocation experience across the REIT sector, with the most recent nine years at Millennium Partners, where he served as Portfolio Manager of Real Estate Securities. Prior to joining Millennium, he worked at both Carlson Capital and CenterSquare Investment Management, a leading REIT dedicated asset manager, where he last served as Assistant Portfolio Manager.

GLPIs efforts to enhance our standing as the premier owner of regional gaming assets requires a deep bench of talent, commented Peter Carlino, GLPIs Chief Executive Officer. We are excited to have Matthew, a well known and highly regarded REIT investor, join our senior management team to help build on our legacy of success.

In commenting on his appointment, Mr. Demchyk stated: I have always held the GLPI management team in high regard due to their record of innovation and value creation. I am excited to join this already successful team as we work hard to maximize risk adjusted returns on capital and more proactively engage with the investor community.

Matthew graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Villanova University where he majored in Finance. He holds a Marketing Management executive education certification from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and is also a CFA charterholder.

About Gaming and Leisure Properties

GLPI is engaged in the business of acquiring, financing, and owning real estate property to be leased to gaming operators in triple-net lease arrangements, pursuant to which the tenant is responsible for all facility maintenance, insurance required in connection with the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties, taxes levied on or with respect to the leased properties and all utilities and other services necessary or appropriate for the leased properties and the business conducted on the leased properties. GLPI elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (REIT) for United States federal income tax purposes commencing with the 2014 taxable year.

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Contact

Steven T. Snyder

T: (610) 378-8215

Email: ssnyder@glpropinc.com
KATHMANDU, Feb 5: The country is observing the 2855th Sonam Lhosar, a festival celebrated particularly by Tamang community, with various programmes today.

The festival which marks New Year of Tamang community falls in the Shukla Pratipada of the Nepali month of Magh. On the occasion, a special programme will be held in Tundikhel where a variety of clothing, foods and artworks of Tamang community will be put on display, said Belilo Tamang, senior vice chairperson of the main organising committee. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to inaugurate the programme at 1 pm.

Meanwhile, President Bidya Devi Bhandari extended a message of good wishes to all Nepalis living at home and abroad on the occasion of Sonam Lhosar. "The festival may bring happiness, prosperity, peace and progress to all Nepalis. All should focus on preserving and promoting Nepali festivals and culture so as to retain the identity of Nepal and Nepalis at the national and international level," read the message.

Likewise, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba also issued separate messages of well wishes on the occasion.

In his message, Vice President Pun has said that the religious and cultural festivals have strengthened social goodwill and national unity.

Likewise, in his message today, PM Oli said that the cultural diversities of Nepal have contributed to unite Nepalis in a single thread of unity.

"Our cultural festivals, costumes can also contribute in the campaign of prosperity," the PM has said adding that the current government was moving ahead with the goal of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalis'. RSS
A man is searching for answers after alien-like creatures were found on his mothers kitchen floor.

Tim Clerke posted a video of the mysterious beings on Facebook in the hope of discovering what they really are.

One is still alive, he wrote.

The small creatures, discovered in a home in Auckland, New Zealand, appear to have slightly furry bodies with a straight tail. Some suggested they looked like baby rats or miniature bats.

Pictures of the mysterious creature have baffled people on social media. Source: Facebook/Tim Clerke

That is like a horror movie, one commented.

Theres not enough fly spray in the world to get rid of that, another said.

Some believed the creatures resembled stingrays and the mystery has even left scientists baffled.

Experts contacted by Yahoo7 News at University of Sydney and the Australian Museum could not identify the creature while those in New Zealand had differing opinions.

The University of Auckland believed the video was a hoax, while the Biosecurity New Zealand entomology team determined the video showed detached legs from a large moth.

They suggest that something (possibly a cat) had just recently eaten the body of the moth, which may explain why a few of the legs were still twitching, a Biosecurity spokesperson said.

However the Department of Conservation in New Zealand has other ideas.

Insect subject-matter expert Eric Edwards wasnt entirely sure but said it appeared to be hoverfly larvae, also known as rat-tailed maggots.

The rat-tailed maggot was spotted in Victoria last month. Source: Facebook/ Guy Shlomi

Rat-tailed maggots were also discovered in Australia last month after Guy Shlomi spotted the creatures at Victorias Lake Bolac, 90km west of Ballarat.

Rat-tailed maggots are often found in damp conditions such as drains or toilets before moving to drier locations to pupate. They can grow up to 15cm in length including their tails, while most are around 2-3cm.
* Prime minister pushing reforms across industries

* Mining sector underdeveloped

* Reforms could include more tax incentives

* Ethiopia's economy facing dollar crunch

By Joe Bavier

CAPE TOWN, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Ethiopia will finalise reforms for its underdeveloped mining and oil sectors within the next two months as it seeks to encourage more foreign investors, its mines and petroleum minister said on Tuesday.

The country has already cut taxes for mining companies in recent years but the government wants to attract more foreign investment and ease a dollar shortage in the country.

Mines and petroleum minister Samuel Urkato said promoting the mining sector had become a priority and indicated that further tax incentives were on the cards.

"We are reforming all the laws, the national mining policy and the strategy that goes with that policy. These reforms include all fiscal regimes too in order to compete for global mining investments," Samuel told Reuters on the sidelines of the African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa.

Newmont Mining is among a number of gold companies now prospecting in Ethiopia and Norwegian fertilizer maker Yara International plans to build a potash mine and a fertiliser factory in the country.

Other companies, however, have been put off by poor infrastructure, a shortage of skilled professionals in the sector, as well as a lack of transparency in licensing, industry consultants in Ethiopia say.

Australia's BHP pulled out in 2012, while Israel Chemicals terminated a potash project in 2016 amid a tax dispute and claims the government had failed to provide infrastructure.

Since coming to office nearly a year ago, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced shake-ups across industries, including plans to open up the once closely guarded telecommunications, logistics and power monopolies.

Massive government investment in infrastructure has helped make Ethiopia one of Africa's fastest-growing economies, but exports of garments and other products have struggled to take off, meaning the economy is not generating enough dollars to pay for imports.

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Encouraging the mining sector could help. Though still small, it brought in $3.5 billion in foreign direct investment in the past five years, helped by new incentives that included updating the country's geological data, extending duty-free access to companies engaged in exploration and offering to build infrastructure to accommodate mining sites.

"Take a company working at a remote site. They shouldn't construct roads. The government should do that. They shouldn't work on railways. The government will provide that," Samuel said.

The government reduced the corporate income tax rate for miners to 25 percent two years ago, from 35 percent, and more recently lowered the precious metals royalty rate to 7 percent, from 8 percent.

The current law guarantees the government a 5 percent minimum equity stake in projects - a lower share than many other African countries.

While the government is keen to reap its share of mining revenues, Samuel said it planned more incentives to jump-start the industry.

"We will see later how to improve these royalty and fiscal regimes. We will gradually improve the size of royalties," he said. (Additional reporting by Aaron Maasho in Addis Ababa Editing by James Macharia and Susan Fenton)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government fell out with Damascus after its deadly crackdown on popular dissent in March 2011 and ruled out any contact with the regime of President Bashar al-Assad (AFP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said his government maintained "low-level" contact through its spy agency with the Syrian regime despite being one of its most fervent critics.

"The foreign policy is being conducted with Syria at low-level," Erdogan told the state-run TRT television interview.

Erdogan's government fell out with Damascus after its deadly crackdown on popular dissent in March 2011 and ruled out any contact with the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

Erdogan's comments are the first time Turkey has confirmed direct low-level talks with Damascus.

"Even if it's your enemy, you will not entirely break ties in case you might need them," he said.
(Adds quotes, details)

CAPE TOWN, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Equatorial Guinea, known mainly for its oil and gas sector, will officially launch the country's first mining license bid round on April 1, the mines and oil minister said on Tuesday.

Minister Gabriel Obiang Lima was speaking on the sidelines of a mining conference in Cape Town where an online portal went live to provide potential investors with a database of exploration for minerals ranging from gold, bauxite and diamonds.

Equatorial Guinea, which earns most of its foreign exchange from its hydrocarbons industry, is keen to diversify its economy to better deal with global crude price volatility.

"For us this is historical, its the first time we are going to organise and event like this for the mining industry," Obiang Lima told Reuters.

"We heavily invested in infrastructure, so we have the roads, the electricity, the port," he said, adding this would support the mining sector.

Equatorial Guinea said it expects to sign all the mining exploration contracts at the end of July. (Reporting by Wendell Roelf Editing by James Macharia)
FILE PHOTO: The logo of Swiss transport and logistics firm Panalpina is seen at an office building in Glattbrugg near Zurich April 3, 2013. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo

By John Miller

ZURICH (Reuters) - Danish logistics company DSV's $4-billion-plus bid for Panalpina hit a roadblock on Monday when the Swiss freight forwarder's top shareholder rejected the offer, saying Panalpina should stick to its own "consolidator strategy".

Panalpina shares were down 6.1 percent at 167.4 Swiss francs at 1214 GMT. They had risen more than a third this year on last month's DSV offer which was initially pitched at 170 Swiss francs per share.

"DSV continues to carefully review the situation. Further announcements will be made as appropriate," DSV said in a statement. Its shares traded down around 2.2 percent.

The snub by the Ernst Goehner Foundation, which owns nearly 46 percent of Panalpina, marks the second time in the last few months that DSV Chief Executive Jens Bjorn Andersen has encountered resistance in Switzerland.

In October, CEVA Logistics rejected the Danes' $1.55 billion approach and subsequently deepened ties with French shipping company CMA CGM.

"We strongly believe that Panalpina can create more value for its shareholders, customers and employees through its consolidator strategy than the published non-binding purchase offer from DSV," said Ernst Goehner Foundation board member Thomas Gutzwiller in a statement.

Another big Panalpina owner, 12.3 percent stakeholder Cevian, has been pushing the Swiss company to consider being bought out, amid its struggles in ocean freight, a delayed IT system and profitability and growth that have lagged rivals.

Sweden-based Cevian declined to comment.

Andersen wants Panalpina's air and sea freight operations to help DSV consolidate the fragmented freight-forwarding industry. The deal, if it succeeds, would make DSV the industry's fourth-largest player, behind DHL Logistics, Kuehne & Nagel and DB Schenker.

TWICE SPURNED?

The snub of DSV by Panalpina's top shareholder could mean Andersen must raise his cash-and-shares bid to convince important investors to back the proposal.

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Previously, Andersen declined to say if DSV would consider raising its offer, should it encounter resistance, but said that "we are not afraid of failing twice" should the Panalpina deal end similarly to its bid for CEVA.

Analysts' views over whether Andersen would raise its offer were mixed, with some saying they would not rule out a counterproposal and others concluding the current bid may be the ceiling.

DSV's offer implied a takeover multiple of 26.6 times Panalpina's earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), or a 64 percent premium to the sector, Jefferies analysts said in a note to investors.

"We think DSV has already made a full offer for Panalpina, which is difficult to beat," Jefferies said.

In response to the foundation's decision not to back the DSV bid, Panalpina said its board "continues to carefully review the situation with its professional advisers".

The 20 largest freight forwarders control only about a third of the market, making the industry potentially ripe for takeovers or partnerships as companies seek to boost profitability and take advantage of economies of scale.

($1 = 0.9967 Swiss francs)

(Reporting by John Miller and Oliver Hirt; editing by Keith Weir and Jason Neely)
Wall Street continues to gain momentum in February, following its record January performance in three decades. Positive developments on trade war front, Feds dovish monetary stance and stabilization of oil prices acted as primary catalysts behind the stock market rally.



The Dow 30  one of the three major stock indexes of the U.S. market  finished in the red in 2018. However, the blue-chip index has also returned to the positive territory on the heels of Wall Street recovery in 2019. Consequently, it will be a prudent move to invest in Dow stocks with a favorable Zacks Rank.



Dow Rally Continues



Last year was extremely disappointing for the Dow. The index plunged 5.6% recording its worst ever yearly performance since 2008. The Dow starts 2019 with strong momentum. With the week ended Feb 1, the blue chip recorded sixth straight weekly gain. Year to date, the index is up 8.2%. Moreover, 26 components of the 30-stock index have provided positive returns so far this year.



Positive Developments on Trade War Front



On Jan 31, President Donald Trump told reporters that he is hopeful of forging a deal with China before the March deadline. Notably, the two countries are currently observing a trade truce which will come to end on Mar 1. Moreover, CNBC reported citing sources that officials of the two countries are trying for a meeting between President Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in late February. This will be the second meeting between the two leaders in less than three months.



Crude Oil Prices Stabilize



On Feb 4, the U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude closed at $54.56 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. WTI crude price rose 18.5% in January, marking its best monthly gain since April 2016 and best January performance since 1984. On Feb 4, the global benchmark Brent crude closed at $62.51 a barrel on ICE Futures Europe. Brent crude price rose 15% in January, marking its best monthly gain since April 2016.



Decision by the OPEC and its allies to cut production 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2019 and supply disruption owing to U.S. sanctions on Iran and Venezuela are the primary reasons for oil price stabilization.





Story continues

Fed to Remain Patient Regarding Monetary Policy



On Jan 30, the Federal Reserve decided to keep the federal funds target rate unchanged in the range of 2.25% - 2.50%. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell stated that the central bank will be patient while taking a call on future rate hike.



Instead of following a predetermined path, Fed will consider all economic parameters and market conditions carefully before reaching a decision. The central banks bond portfolio reduction strategy will also consider macro-economic metrics and trade related disruptions, and is not on autopilot, as suggested by the Fed Chair in December.



Our Top Picks



At this stage, it will be a prudent move to invest in Dow 30 stocks. We have narrowed down our search to four such stocks. Each of our picks has either a Zacks Rnak #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



The chart below depicts price performance of our four picks in the last three months.

The Boeing Co. BA: The company recorded positive earnings surprise of 17.1% in the last four quarters. It carries a Zacks Rank #1. The company has expected earnings growth of 19.1% for current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 5.4% over the last 60 days.



UnitedHealth Group Inc. UNH: The company recorded positive earnings surprise of 3.4% in the last four quarters. It carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company has expected earnings growth of 13.5% for current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 0.1% over the last 60 days.



The Procter & Gamble Co. PG: The company recorded positive earnings surprise of 3.1% in the last four quarters. It carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company has expected earnings growth of 5.7% for current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 1.1% over the last 60 days.



United Technologies Corp. UTX: The company recorded positive earnings surprise of 14.9% in the last four quarters. It carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company has expected earnings growth of 9.7% for current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 2.3% over the last 60 days.



Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2019



In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-holds for the year?



Who wouldn't? Our annual Top 10s have beaten the market with amazing regularity. In 2018, while the market dropped -5.2%, the portfolio scored well into double-digits overall with individual stocks rising as high as +61.5%. And from 2012-2017, while the market boomed +126.3, Zacks' Top 10s reached an even more sensational +181.9%.



See Latest Stocks Today >>



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment Research
FILE PHOTO: The headquarters of Germany's Deutsche Bank are seen early evening in Frankfurt, Germany January 31, 2017. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/File Photo

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank has sharply scaled back its role as a correspondent bank, an executive said on Monday of a business line that has dragged it into a money laundering scandal involving Danske Bank.

Deutsche Bank's global correspondent banking portfolio is now around 40 percent smaller than it was in 2016, Stephan Wilken, its head of anti-financial crime and anti-money laundering said.

Wilken told a committee of the European Parliament that Deutsche Bank's portfolio of correspondent banking customers it deems as high risk is around 60 percent smaller than it was in 2016.

Danske Bank is under investigation over suspicious payments totalling 200 billion euros (175 billion) from 2007 until 2015 from its Estonia branch.

Deutsche Bank has said it acted as a correspondent bank for Danske Bank in Estonia, meaning it helped transfer funds on behalf of the Danish lender from Estonia to places like New York.

Deutsche Bank has said it had no indication of misconduct in the case, but is cooperating with authorities.

Wilken also said that in Russia, Deutsche Bank had reduced active correspondent banking relationships by around 75 percent since 2016, while it has exited such business in Moldova, Estonia and Latvia.

(Reporting by Tom Sims; Editing by Christoph Steitz and Alexander Smith)
The British government has signed an order to extradite Indian liquor and aviation tycoon Vijay Mallya, the UKs Home Office said in a statement on Monday.

The order follows a London courts ruling in December that Mallya, who moved to Britain in March 2016, be extradited to India to face fraud charges.

After the decision was handed down on December 10, 2018 by the Westminster Magistrates Court, I stated my intention to appeal. I could not initiate the appeal process before a decision by the Home Secretary. Now I will initiate the appeal process, Mallya tweeted late on Monday.

A court set up under the countrys anti-money laundering laws last month declared Mallya a fugitive economic offender, paving the way for the Indian government to seize his assets, according to Reuters partner ANI.

Mallya, the co-owner of the Formula One motor racing team Force India which went into administration in July, has denied any wrongdoing and says the case against him is politically motivated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis government had cleared one more step to get Mallya extradited, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley wrote on Twitter.

While we welcome the UK Governments decision in the matter, we await the early completion of the legal process for his extradition, a government source said on Monday.

The Times of India reported news of the UK governments order to extradite Mallya earlier on Monday.
* Deutsche Bank has shrunk correspondent banking business

* Correspondent banking portfolio 40 pct smaller than 2016 (Updates with further quotes from testimony and background)

FRANKFURT, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank has sharply scaled back its role as a correspondent bank, an executive said on Monday of a business line that has dragged it into a money laundering scandal involving Danske Bank .

Deutsche Bank's global correspondent banking portfolio is now around 40 percent smaller than it was in 2016, Stephan Wilken, its head of anti-financial crime and anti-money laundering said.

Wilken told a committee of the European Parliament that Deutsche Bank's portfolio of correspondent banking customers it deems as high risk is around 60 percent smaller than it was in 2016.

Danske Bank is under investigation over suspicious payments totalling 200 billion euros ($229 billion) from 2007 until 2015 from its Estonia branch.

Deutsche Bank has said it acted as a correspondent bank for Danske Bank in Estonia, meaning it helped transfer funds on behalf of the Danish lender from Estonia to places like New York.

Deutsche Bank has said it had no indication of misconduct in the case, but is cooperating with authorities.

Wilken also said that in Russia, Deutsche Bank had reduced active correspondent banking relationships by around 75 percent since 2016, while it has exited such business in Moldova, Estonia and Latvia. ($1 = 0.8751 euros) (Reporting by Tom Sims; Editing by Christoph Steitz and Alexander Smith)
WATERLOO, Ontario, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Descartes Systems Group (DSGX) (DSG.TO), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), a leading provider of air cargo transportation services, is using the Descartes Air Cargo Advance Screening (Descartes ACAS) solution to meet the recent mandatory advanced security filing requirements for air cargo imports into the United States.



Compliance with regulations, such as ACAS, is essential to ensuring safe and secure operations for our customers and NCA, said Keita Sataka, Senior Vice President at NCA. Descartes has a strong history of providing NCA and the air cargo industry with customs and security filing technology, and their ACAS solution provides a proven, reliable, cost effective way to meet data collection and submission requirements.

Created to enhance security and provide visibility to cargo before its in the air, Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) is a joint U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) program that requires data be submitted prior to loading at a foreign airport. On June 12, 2018, ACAS became mandatory for air forwarders and carriers following the conclusion of the voluntary compliance ACAS pilot program.

The Descartes ACAS solution consolidates mandatory ACAS data from multiple sources, checks that it conforms to CBPs unique ACAS message formats, and submits those documents to CBP once they have passed all validations. The solution uses the Descartes Global Logistics Network to manage the flow of master and house bill information to file directly to CBP without manual intervention, which increases data accuracy and timeliness.

Were pleased to help NCA comply with ACAS requirements, said Scott Sangster, VP Global Logistics Network at Descartes. Air cargo transportation is a vital part of the growing international logistics market, and Descartes solutions help carriers, like NCA, and other stakeholders in the air cargo community accelerate the movement of freight while meeting important security initiatives worldwide.

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About Nippon Cargo Airlines

Headquartered outside Tokyo at the Narita International Airport in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) is the only international cargo airline based in Japan. NCA operates scheduled cargo services to 15 cities in Asia, United States and Europe, and has also expanded its worldwide network through cooperation with both domestic and international partner airlines. For more information, visit www.nca.aero .

About Descartes Systems Group

Descartes (DSGX) (DSG.TO) is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, performance and security of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, schedule, track and measure delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world's largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter .

Global Media Contact

Mavi Silveira

Tel: +1(800) 419-8495 ext. 202416

msilveira@descartes.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements") that relate to Descartes' solution offering and potential benefits derived therefrom; and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, "Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results" in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada including Descartes most recently filed management's discussion and analysis. If any such risks actually occur, they could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In that case, the trading price of our common shares could decline, perhaps materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purposes of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.
NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) _ Cerner Corp. (CERN) on Tuesday reported fourth-quarter profit of $131.3 million.

The North Kansas City, Missouri-based company said it had profit of 40 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs and stock option expense, were 63 cents per share.

The results met Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of 14 analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was also for earnings of 63 cents per share.

The health care information technology company posted revenue of $1.37 billion in the period, missing Street forecasts. Eleven analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $1.39 billion.

For the year, the company reported profit of $630.1 million, or $1.89 per share. Revenue was reported as $5.37 billion.

For the current quarter ending in April, Cerner expects its per-share earnings to range from 60 cents to 62 cents.

The company said it expects revenue in the range of $1.37 billion to $1.42 billion for the fiscal first quarter. Analysts surveyed by Zacks had expected revenue of $1.39 billion.

Cerner expects full-year earnings in the range of $2.57 to $2.67 per share, with revenue ranging from $5.65 billion to $5.85 billion.

Cerner shares have increased almost 6 percent since the beginning of the year, while the Standard & Poor's 500 index has risen 9 percent. In the final minutes of trading on Tuesday, shares hit $55.41, a decrease of 13 percent in the last 12 months.

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This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on CERN at https://www.zacks.com/ap/CERN
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau is voicing his support for Juan Guaido, the head of Venezuelas National Assembly, as interim president of the South American country.

For years now, weve witnessed the breakdown of democracy in Venezuela and a dictatorship willing to use force, fear, and coercion to retain power, said Trudeau on Monday about Nicolas Maduro, the leader who has refused to hand over power to Guaido, according to the CBC.

The violation of human rights and the complete disregard for the rule of law shown by the regime has been both inexcusable and unacceptable, Trudeau continued.

Trudeau also announced that Canada would send $53 million (US$40 million) to help the nearly three million refugees that have fled Venezuela among the countrys ongoing food shortage.

The prime minister was addressing representatives of the Lima Group, which includes Canada and a number of Latin American nations, and is supported by the United States and other countries. The representatives met Monday in Ottawa for talks regarding how to support Guaido as Venezuelas nearly two-week-long power struggle continues.

Guaido called for Maduros resignation towards the end of January amid public protests, eventually naming himself interim leader until legal elections could be held. The U.S., Germany, U.K., France, and other western nations have recognized Guaidos leadership. Mexico, although a member of the Lima Group, did not attend the Ottawa meeting and has not supported Guaido.

Maduro, who was elected for a second term in what much of the world viewed as rigged elections, has refused to step down, prompting the U.S. to implement oil sanctions and threaten military action.
"As we look it, it feels like the markets will be firmer," BP CEO Bob Dudley told CNBC on Tuesday.

OPEC and its allied producers, including Russia, agreed to impose output cuts from the beginning of January in order to prevent a global supply overhang.

Meanwhile, most analysts expect U.S. sanctions targeting Venezuela's crude industry to sharply limit oil transactions between Caracas and other countries.

Oil market conditions should improve over the coming months, BP BP.-GB CEO Bob Dudley told CNBC on Tuesday.

His comments come at a time when energy market participants expect U.S. sanctions on crisis-stricken Venezuela, as well as OPEC-led production cuts, to offset a potential supply glut this year.

"As we look it, it feels like the markets will be firmer," Dudley said, when asked for his energy market forecast for 2019 .

"I couldn't predict the oil price but we are planning BP between $50 and $65," he added.

Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil prices, was trading at $62.22 a barrel Tuesday afternoon, down 0.4 percent, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stood at $54.30, down 0.5 percent.

'A lot of uncertainty'

OPEC and its allied producers, including Russia , agreed to impose output cuts from the beginning of January in order to prevent a global supply overhang.

The Middle East-dominated group began capping supply in partnership with Russia and several other nations in January 2017 to end a punishing downturn in oil prices.

"I think there's a lot of uncertainty (in oil markets) we're looking at a high volatility for this year," Joseph Gatdula, head of oil and gas at Fitch Solutions, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Tuesday.

"All that uncertainty is based on a few known events that we have, the Iranian sanctions waivers and the Venezuelan sanctions but also the OPEC-plus cuts, those are expected to go for the first six months of the year  and then it's uncertain what's going to happen," he added.

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The oil industry is generally optimistic that the measures imposed by OPEC and non-OPEC members could help balance the energy market over the coming months.

Meanwhile, most analysts expect U.S. sanctions targeting Venezuela's crude industry to sharply limit oil transactions between Caracas and other countries.

"The cost of producing a barrel of oil will remain at an economically viable level in the foreseeable future, even if prices fall below $50 a barrel just like they did less than two months ago," Tamas Varga, senior analyst at PVM Oil Associates, said in a research note published Tuesday.

Late last month, the U.S. imposed sweeping sanctions on oil firm PDVSA.

The measures against Venezuela's state-run oil company are the strongest yet against President Nicolas Maduro, who has overseen an economic collapse and an exodus of millions of Venezuelans in recent years.





More From CNBC


HENDERSON, NV / ACCESSWIRE / February 5, 2019 / Some consider the small-cap and mid-cap - ''smid-cap'' - zone with market caps of $5 billion or less, a bit risky. They aren't wrong. However, if you can sustain some risk, some of the best biotech winners have historically been in this zone. If you shop carefully and can sustain a less conservative investment, there may be potential here to consider. That said, we've highlighted a few plays in this price range.

An oversold biotech with potential we like is Delcath Systems, Inc. (DCTH). Last September, the stock reached highs above $8 and is now sitting around support at $0.26. With potential liver cancer treatments in development (clinical trials) and a new licensing deal with a projected value of up to $45 million, there is an opportunity to consider here. With what we think is not much awareness among investors yet, it is possible that this stock has not reached a proper market valuation, and that's why we think you should start researching DCTH today.

Today we are highlighting: Delcath Systems, Inc. (DCTH), Khiron Life Sciences, Corp. (KHRNF), Celldex Therapeutics (CLDX), Geron Corporation (GERN), and INSYS Therapeutics, Inc. (INSY).

An interventional oncology company focused on treating liver cancers with possible upside potential, Delcath Systems, Inc. (DCTH)(Market Cap: $3.16M, Share Price: $0.2831) is an interventional oncology company focused on treating liver cancers. The company has had some noteworthy developments this past year. They announced an amendment to their Phase 3 ocular melanoma liver metastases clinical trial, raised $7 million and were published in European Radiology among several other milestones. This is why we think the company could be one of the ones which could benefit if there is a biotech rally.

DCTH made news recently entering a licensing agreement for CHEMOSAT commercialization in Europe with medac Gesellschaft fur klinische Spezialpraparate mbH (medac). The agreement has a projected value of up to $45 million over the first seven-year term and includes an optional five-year extension. Medac is a privately held, multi-national pharmaceutical company based in Hamburg area, Germany. Founded in 1970, medac specializes in the treatment and diagnosis of oncological, urological and autoimmune diseases. The company has offices globally, worldwide partner agreements in over 90 countries, and approximately 1,200 employees.

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This comes on the heels of an announcement about the independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) of the Registration trial for Patients with Hepatic Dominant Ocular Melanoma (The FOCUS Trial) completed another pre-specified review of safety data for treated patients in the trial. This review was conducted on data collected from both the prior randomized protocol and the amended single-arm protocol for the FOCUS Trial. The DSMB again recommended continuation of the study without modification.

With more news on the horizon, there is potential for an event driven breakout basically any day.

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Khiron Life Sciences, Corp. (KHRNF) (Market Cap: $153.981M, Share Price: $2.0759) announced that it has signed a binding letter of intent to establish a 50/50 joint venture with Dixie Brands Inc to introduce a full line of cannabis-infused products to the Latin American market. Per the details of the announcement, Dixie will also manufacture and distribute Khiron's Kuida brand of cannabidiol (CBD)-based cosmeceuticals in the United States, targeting the growing Hispanic population.

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Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. (CLDX) (Market Cap: $119.122M, Share Price: $0.6907) presented data from the Company's MerTK antibody program in a poster session recently at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer's (SITC) 33rdAnnual Meeting. MerTK is emerging as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy.

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Geron Corporation (GERN) (Market Cap: $257.16M, Share Price: $1.38) announced positive results from its dose-finding pharmacokinetic ("PK") study - INS015-18-124 - evaluating proprietary formulation of epinephrine nasal spray for treating anaphylaxis, an acute, life-threatening allergic reaction. Data from the study showed that the candidate has a similar PK profile with Mylan's MYL EpiPen as well as Par Pharmaceuticals' Adrenalin (epinephrine injection).

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INSYS Therapeutics, Inc. (INSY) (Market Cap: $294.851M, Share Price: $3.97), announced positive results from its dose-finding pharmacokinetic ("PK") study - INS015-18-124 - evaluating proprietary formulation of epinephrine nasal spray for treating anaphylaxis, an acute, life-threatening allergic reaction. Data from the study showed that the candidate has a similar PK profile with Mylan's MYL EpiPen as well as Par Pharmaceuticals' Adrenalin (epinephrine injection).

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By ICIMOD





A comprehensive new study of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, known as the worlds Third Pole for its vast store of ice, and home to Mount Everest, K2 and other soaring peaks, finds that even the most ambitious Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees by the end of the century would lead to a 2.1 spike in temperatures and the melting of one-third of the regions glaciers, a critical water source to some 250 million mountain dwellers and the 1.65 billion others living in the river valleys below. If global climate efforts fail, the study warns that current emissions would lead to five degrees in warming and a loss of two-thirds of the regions glaciers by 2100.





This is the climate crisis you havent heard of, said Philippus Wester of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), who led the report. Global warming is on track to transform the frigid, glacier-covered mountain peaks of the HKH cutting across eight countries to bare rocks in a little less than a century. Impacts on people in the region, already one of the worlds most fragile and hazard-prone mountain regions, will range from worsened air pollution to an increase in extreme weather events. But its the projected reductions in pre-monsoon river flows and changes in the monsoon that will hit hardest, throwing urban water systems and food and energy production off kilter.





Styled after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports, the Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment is the first and most authoritative study of its kind to provide an assessment of one of the worlds most significant, yet often overlooked, mountain regions. Developed over five years, it includes insight by more than 350 researchers and policy experts from 22 countries and 185 organizations. With 210 authors, 20 review editors and 125 external reviewers, it provides an unprecedented insight into the regions distinct environment, people and wildlife.





The massive size and global significance of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region is indisputable, yet this is the first report to lay down in definitive detail the regions critical importance to the well-being of billions and its alarming vulnerability, especially in the face of climate change, said David Molden, director general of ICIMOD. The authors used a range of approaches, including climate modelling, to write the report.





The HKH region covers 3,500 kilometers across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. Nestled in its record-breaking peaks, glaciers feed 10 of the worlds most important river systems, including the Ganges, Indus, Yellow, Mekong and Irrawaddy, and directly or indirectly supply billions of people with food, energy, clean air and incomes. Additionally, the region contains four of the worlds biodiversity hotspots.





Though the mountainous region was formed around 70 million years ago, its glaciers are extremely sensitive to the changing climate. Since the 1970s, when global warming first set in, these ice masses have steadily thinned and retreated, and snow-covered areas and the amount of snow have decreased. These changes have ripple effects felt throughout the region.





When glaciers melt, they flow into lakes and rivers. Changes to the timing and magnitude of this melting leads to an increase in the number and size of glacier lakes, which can suddenly flood. This can lead to a surge of glacier runoff into major rivers, which could lead to flooding and the destruction of crops. As a result of the HKH ice melt, more water is expected to surge through the Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, forcing a change to the agriculture in the valleys around them.





Greenhouse gases are exacerbated by air pollutants originating from the Indo-Gangetic Plainsone of the worlds most polluted regions. These pollutants deposit black carbon and dust on the glaciers, hastening their melting and changing monsoon circulation, and rainfall distribution over Asia.





As the Nepal earthquake in 2015 laid bare, mountain cities and settlements are vulnerable to disastersfrom landslides and erosion to debris flows and floods. As the number and intensity of these disasters increase, more than one billion people are at risk.





These changes hit the regions poor hardest. About one-third of the 250 million HKH mountain people live on less than $1.90 a day; more than 30 percent of the regions population doesnt have enough to eat, and around 50 percent face some form of malnutrition, with women and children suffering the most. The realities of mountain life, such as inaccessibility, fragility and remoteness, make it difficult for people to earn a living in the region; nonetheless, the report points out that mountain people have the potential to earn incomes by better utilizing the regions resources, such as hydropower potential.





For example, HKH has a huge hydropower potential of ~500 gigawatts, enough to power half a billion homes in the region. Nonetheless, more than 80 percent of the rural population, most of whom live in mountain regions, rely on traditional fuels, such as firewood or dung, for cooking, and about 400 million people in HKH countries still lack basic access to electricity.





Despite the cultural and political diversity of the countries studied, they are united in the unique challenges facing mountain regions, which will only get worse with climate change and glacial melt, the report argues.





There are rocky times ahead for the region: between now and 2080, the environmental economic and social conditions laid out in the report could go downhill, said Eklabya Sharma, deputy DG of ICIMOD. Because many of the disasters and sudden changes will play out across country borders, conflict among the regions countries could easily flare up. But the future doesnt have to be bleak if governments work together to turn the tide against melting glaciers and the myriad impacts they unleash.





The report also calls for great recognition of mountain areas and the HKH region in global climate efforts.




RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BCRX) today announced that the company will present an abstract including results from the ZENITH-1 study at the upcoming annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) February 22-25 in San Francisco.



Oral Plasma Kallikrein Inhibitor BCX7353 is Safe and Effective as an On-Demand Treatment of Angioedema Attacks in Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) Patients: Results of the ZENITH-1 Trial; Session 2209, Urticaria and Angioedema, Poster 110, Moscone Center South, Exhibition Level, Hall B, Saturday, February 23, 9:45 a.m. PT

About BioCryst Pharmaceuticals

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals discovers novel, oral small-molecule medicines that treat rare diseases in which significant unmet medical needs exist and an enzyme plays a key role in the biological pathway of the disease. BioCryst has several ongoing development programs including BCX7353, an oral treatment for hereditary angioedema, galidesivir, a potential treatment for Marburg virus disease and Yellow Fever, and a preclinical program to develop oral ALK-2 inhibitors for the treatment of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. RAPIVAB (peramivir injection), a viral neuraminidase inhibitor for the treatment of influenza, is BioCryst's first approved product and has received regulatory approval in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Korea and the European Union. Post-marketing commitments for RAPIVAB are ongoing. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.BioCryst.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding future results, performance or achievements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause BioCrysts actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could affect the forward-looking statements contained herein include: that ongoing and future preclinical and clinical development of HAE second generation drug candidates (including ZENITH-1, APeX-2, APeX-S and APeX-J) may not have positive results, may be more expensive or may not move as quickly as planned; that the FDA, EMA or other applicable regulatory agency may not provide regulatory clearances which may result in delay of planned clinical trials or failure to achieve market approval for product candidates. Please refer to the documents BioCryst files periodically with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically BioCrysts most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, all of which identify important factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in BioCrysts projections and forward-looking statements.

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BCRXW
By Serajul Quadir and Ruma Paul

DHAKA, Feb 5 (Reuters) - At least three garment manufacturers in Bangladesh that supply European brands such as H&M and Next have laid off thousands of workers weeks after they had joined wage protests, union leaders said on Tuesday.

The layoffs come after days of protests and clashes between police and workers in January that prompted the government to intervene and compel manufacturers to raise wages.

"Workers who chanted slogans or left factories and joined in processions to demand wage increases, and the ones who have any link to trade bodies, are now losing jobs," said Kazi Ruhul Amin, head of the Bangladesh Garment Workers' Trade Union Center.

Babul Akhter, head of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation, said at least 7,580 workers from 27 factories had been laid off in recent weeks.

Bangladesh's $30 billion readymade garments industry accounts for 80 percent of the country's exports, making it the world's second-biggest garment exporter after China.

Siddiqur Rahman, head of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers' and Exporters' Association, said workers accused of vandalism during the protests "and other destructive acts are facing charges and will have to face punishment."

Some workers said they had protested peacefully and lost their jobs because they tried to unionise other workers.

"I was surprised when I saw my name at the top of the list," said one woman who asked not to be identified.

"During the protests, I came to work everyday. And I was never involved in any rampage or wrongdoing," she said. "My name and my fellow workers' names were included because we had tried to form a union."

A senior official in Bangladesh's Ministry of Labour and Employment declined to comment on the layoffs.

NOTHING ILLEGAL

Union leaders said three manufacturers - Crony Group, East West Industrial Park Ltd and Metro Knitting & Dyeing Mills Ltd - had laid off workers.

The garment makers list Sweden's H&M and British clothing retailer Next as clients on their websites.

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Crony and Metro were not immediately available for comment.

Aminul Islam, chief administrator of East West, said some workers attacked the factory and destroyed assets on Jan. 7. He said more than 800 of its 6,500 workers had been suspended after the incident.

Harun Ur Rashid, chairman of East West Group, said the company was "not do anything illegal or unjust" when asked about layoffs at the firm.

"We know if we do that, then buyers will not take this lightly and they will not like it," he said.

Foreign brands said they are closely watching the situation in Bangladesh.

"Next is aware of the situation - and its directly-employed audit staff on the ground in Bangladesh are currently investigating this matter," the retailer said in an email.

H&M said it "regards freedom of association to be a non-negotiable human right," and that it is "deeply concerned by the recent events in the Bangladeshi textile industry."

Other European brands such as Zara, Mango and U.S. brands Guess and Saks - which are listed as clients by one or more of the three Bangladeshi garment firms - did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Additional reporting by Anna Ringstrom, James Davey and Sonya Dowsett Writing by Euan Rocha; editing by Darren Schuettler)
The Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) logo is displayed on a screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., May 3, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

By P.J. Huffstutter

(Reuters) - U.S. grains trader Archer Daniels Midland Co on Tuesday reported lower-than-expected fourth-quarter 2018 earnings as the U.S.-China trade war roiled global agriculture, sending its shares down more than 6 percent.

Three of its four business units reported lower results, including ADM's grain trading origination business, where adjusted operating profit slumped 30 percent to $183 million despite higher volumes of North American corn and soybean exports to markets outside of China.

Profits were also hurt by "significant insurance settlements" among ADM's businesses tied to sorghum shipments in early 2018.

Last April, Reuters reported that several ships carrying cargoes of sorghum, a niche animal feed, from the United States to China changed course after Beijing slapped hefty anti-dumping deposits on U.S. imports.

An anti-dumping probe by Beijing, which halted trade between the world's biggest buyer and seller of the grain early last year, was among the first fights between the United States and China, which are still embroiled in a trade war.

ADM's origination unit, which buys grain from farmers, received an intra-company settlement in the quarter from its captive insurance subsidiary related to sorghum shipments intended for China in the first half of 2018, ADM said in a statement to Reuters on Tuesday.

One key bright spot was its oilseeds unit, with quarterly operating profit more than doubling. The unit crushes soybeans and exports beans grown in Brazil and elsewhere.

Crush volumes for the quarter "were among the highest ever," with oilseeds' operating profit up almost 80 percent for full-year 2018 from the year earlier, ADM Chief Financial Officer Ray Young told analysts on a conference call.

Crush margins "will not be as spectacular" in 2019, ADM Chief Executive Officer Juan Luciano said on the call, although margins would be above the average from the last five years.

"Despite maybe some modest reduction in crush margins versus the previous year, we expect that we're well positioned to grow profits in 2019," Luciano said.

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TRADE WAR WOES

ADM's fourth-quarter woes came amid a bruising U.S.-China trade fight that virtually halted sales of U.S. soybeans to the world's top importer, swelling supplies and dragging prices to decade lows.

But as China turned to Brazil for its soybeans, grain traders including ADM jumped at the chance to ship the oilseeds from South America, and buy them at a discount from U.S. farmers for processing.

Luciano acknowledged that "rapidly changing trade, geopolitical and market conditions" had an impact on the company.

Profit also declined at ADM's other two business units. The carbohydrate solutions business was pressured in part by poor margins in corn-based ethanol production, while its nutrition group was hurt by lower sales and margins in Europe and the Middle East, and lower margins in North America.

ADM also had some production problems during the quarter, including a dust explosion and fire last November at its massive Decatur, Illinois, processing complex, hurting results.

Net earnings attributable to ADM fell to $315 million, or 55 cents per share, from $788 million, or $1.39 per share, a year earlier, when the company recorded $249 million in tax gains.

Excluding one-time items, the company earned 88 cents per share, while analysts, on average, estimated 92 cents, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

Revenue fell to $15.95 billion from $16.07 billion. The consensus analyst estimate was $16.81 billion, according to Refinitiv data.

The stock was down 6.1 percent to $41.77 in early-afternoon trading.

(Reporting by P.J. Huffstutter in Chicago and Arundhati Sarkar in Bengaluru; Editing by Karl Plume and Jeffrey Benkoe)
(Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc. detailed the user data its storing in Russia to comply with a local law that took effect in 2015, according to a recent filing with the Russian government.

Apple users in the region have data including their name, delivery address, email address and phone number stored on servers in Russia. The company said it collects that information for customer service and to send users information on new products, according to the filing.

The filing doesnt mention more personal data such as messages, documents, photos, and contacts that are often saved on Apples iCloud service. However, it does say that Apple stores more information about its Russian employees in the country. Details include: workers Russian passport numbers along with place and time of issuance; permanent and temporary addresses; history of work evaluations; and information about income, according to the filing.

Apple agreed to put some information into a server warehouse in Russia thats operated by IXcellerate, Russian publication Kommersant reported in 2015.

Last year, Apple was criticized for complying with Chinese law requiring the local storage of iCloud accounts for users in that country. The user data stored in Russia are more limited. Foreign Policy magazine said last week that Russian counterterrorism laws could make it easier for the government there to compel Apple to decrypt and hand over other user data to security services.

An Apple spokesman declined to comment. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook has said that the company must comply with these types of national laws, while stressing that the data is encrypted using Apple technology.

We have servers located in many different countries in the world, he told Vice News in an October interview. They are not easier to get data from being in one country versus the next. The key question is how does the encryption process work and who owns the keys if anyone? In most cases for us, you and the receiver own the keys.

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As part of the DigitalEurope industry group, Apple pushed back against the Russian law in 2014, saying that the data localization laws "whether intended to prevent espionage or ensure data privacy and security, will not advance, and in many cases will hinder, the achievement of those objectives."

But Russia has enforced its rules aggressively. In 2017, the countrys communications watchdog Roskomnadzor said it would shut down Facebook Inc. if the social-media company didnt comply. The regulator also ordered Russian telecom carriers to block access to LinkedIn Corp. in 2016, citing non-compliance with the law. Google stored some data in the country when the law kicked in.

The move to store some data locally wouldnt be the first time Apple has agreed to the requests of the Russian government. Last year, Apple stopped publishing updates of the Telegram messaging service for about two months after the government asked Apple to pull the app from its App Store, according to the Telegrams founder. Apple did not remove the app, though.

Russia isnt one of Apples major markets, but the iPhone maker has steadily increased its presence in the region. The company launched a version of its online store in Russia in 2013 after opening up the iTunes Store there the previous year. It doesnt have a retail store in the country.

Apple was the third-largest smartphone maker in Russia in the second quarter last year, behind Samsung Electronics Co. and Huawei Technologies Co., according to Counterpoint Research.

--With assistance from Henry Meyer.

To contact the reporters on this story: Mark Gurman in San Francisco at mgurman1@bloomberg.net;Elena Popina in New York at epopina@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Tom Giles at tgiles5@bloomberg.net, Alistair Barr, Andrew Pollack

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc. narrowed the potential damages Qualcomm Inc. can seek over alleged patent infringement before the two square off at a trial scheduled to start next month in San Diego.

A federal judge on Tuesday granted Apples request to preclude Qualcomm from seeking financial compensation for infringement before the lawsuit was filed in 2017. The judge also ruled that Apple isnt infringing one of the several patents that Qualcomm says are at stake in the litigation.

Qualcomm accused Apple of infringing patents related to technology for graphics processing and energy efficiency in mobile phones. They are distinct from the so-called standard essential patents for wireless communications that are at issue in Apples separate antitrust allegations against the chipmaker. The case is one of a number of patent disputes in the sprawling global fight between the two technology giants that has given each side isolated wins but so far no knockout victory.

Qualcomm is asserting that Apple infringed non-standard non-essential patents to show the overall value of its collection of inventions. The company charges licensees fees based on the selling price of a phone and says those fees fund research that helps the whole industry. Opponents argue that Qualcomms contributions to the industry are more limited and it has used unfair practices to force them to pay inflated fees.

Excessive Royalties

Apples Asian manufacturers, through whom Qualcomm was paid royalties for its patented technology used in iPhones and iPads, stopped paying shortly after Apple sued Qualcomm in January 2017 for improperly using its market position to demand excessive royalties. Tuesdays ruling precludes Qualcomm from seeking damages for patent infringements for the months from when the payments were halted to when it filed its lawsuit.

U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw did side with Qualcomm on at least one point: that Apple cant argue before the jury that a Qualcomm patent for a flashless boot technology was already publicly disclosed in a manual for Blackfin processors. That patent enables mobile phones to connect to the internet immediately upon startup.

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The patents overlap ones that were in the first of two cases filed by Qualcomm with the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington. In that case, a judge found that Apple infringed one of Qualcomms patents, but recommended that no import ban be imposed. The commission is scheduled to release its findings on March 26.

Representatives of the companies didnt respond to requests for comment on the ruling.

The case is Qualcomm Inc. v. Apple Inc., 17-CV-1375, U.S. District Court, Southern District of California (San Diego).

(Updates with Qualcomm win on flashless boot patent in sixth paragraph.)

--With assistance from Susan Decker.

To contact the reporters on this story: Edvard Pettersson in Los Angeles at epettersson@bloomberg.net;Ian King in San Francisco at ianking@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Elizabeth Wollman at ewollman@bloomberg.net, Steve Stroth

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
According to a report by Mercury News, an American crypto-anarchist who went by the name John Galton was shot to his death earlier this week at his home in Acapulco, Mexico.

A woman named Lily Forester, who identified herself as Galtons partner, stated in a social media post that she saw as the gunmen aim for the heads of Galton and a friend, whose name was given as Jason Henza. Lily claimed that after the shooting, Henza was able to make it to a local hospital, with gunshot wounds to his armpit, hand, and leg. Galton, was not so lucky.

Henza and Lily made social media posts describing the horrific event of her partner lost his life. In her post, Lily said:
hamas bitcoin

Hamas just received two donations to its bitcoin wallet on Coinbase according to a report Sunday by Globes, Israels oldest Hebrew-language daily evening financial newspaper. The donations, totalling $2,500 USD worth of BTC originated from an unknown source in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Yunis.

Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni Islamic fundamentalist organization which has acted as the de facto governing authority of the embattled Gaza Strip since assuming power in the area in 2007. It is widely regarded as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union. Consequently, the Globes report says the donations to Hamas are a breach of Coinbases terms of service.

Coinbase had not responded to CCNs request for comment prior to publication.

A Financial and Humanitarian Crisis in The Gaza Strip

The Palestinian organization started soliciting bitcoin donations last month out of desperation in response crippling economic sanctions against the Gaza Strip by Israel and the United States. Although Hamas has received financial backing from Iran in the past, Iran is currently facing financial trouble of its own due to U.S. sanctions.

Read the full story on CCN.com.
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From the looks of it, winter season in Delhi-NCR is here to stay a while. The Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a couple of rather rainy, wintry days this week. As per their predictions, parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir are likely to witness heavy snowfall as well as hailstorm this week. "Thunderstorm accompanied with isolated hailstorm is very likely in these states," said IMD especially mentioning February 6 and 7. The red warning for these three states also means that temperature is going to dip in Delhi-NCR.

The IMD also predicted that Delhi-NCR is likely to witness rain and thunder, and hailstorm at isolated places from February 5. According to the Delhi-NCR weather forecast, the wind speed over the region is likely to touch 20-25 kmph on February 6 and 7. The minimum temperature of the northwestern states is likely to dip by 3-5 degree Celsius in the coming days and there are chances that the dense fog would engulf the region.

According to reports, the change in weather in Delhi-NCR can be attributed to a 'western disturbance' in Afghanistan and its neighbouring areas.

Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a rise of 77 per cent in rainfall this winter, while Uttarakhand witnessed the highest snowfall in five years. Himachal Pradesh is also in the same league with the Met centre in Shimla issuing a warning for heavy snow and rainfall in the state. The Meteorological Department also added that Chamba, Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti are likely to witness heavy snowfall on February 6, followed by rain and hailstorm on February 7.

The western disturbance will bring in the chilly weather with Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Western Uttar Pradesh witnessing thunderstorm and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan receiving hailstorm.

Also read: Arun Jaitley hits out at Mamta Banerjee's 'dharna tactics', 'Kleptocrat's Club'
UNITED NATIONS: According to a confidential report UN sanctions monitors North Korea`s nuclear and ballistic missile programs remain intact and the country is working to make sure those capabilities cannot be destroyed by any military strikes. on Monday, the report to a 15-member UN Security Council sanctions committee, seen by Reuters, comes ahead of a second planned summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this month. They initially met in June 2018 and Kim pledged to work towards denuclearization.

While Trump has summoned "tremendous progress" in his dealings with North Korea, the UN report found that Pyongyang "is using civilian facilities, including airports, for ballistic missile assembly and testing with the goal of effectively preventing `decapitation` strikes" on a smaller number of identified nuclear and missile assembly and manufacturing sites."

also read A devastating fire at an eight-story building in Paris, 7 dead

While the report itself reveals that it "found evidence of a consistent trend on the part of the DPRK to disperse its assembly, storage and testing locations," using the abbreviation for North Korea`s official name, the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea.

However, the North Korean mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the 317-page UN report, which was submitted to Security Council members on Friday. The UN Security Council has unanimously boosted sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke funding for Pyongyang`s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products.

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On Monday , scientists warned in a major new study issued that Two-thirds of Himalayan glaciers, the world's "Third Pole", could melt by 2100 if global emissions are not reduced,. And even if the "most ambitious" Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is achieved, one-third of the glaciers would go, according to the Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment.

Reports show that the glaciers feed 10 of the world's most important river systems, including the Ganges, Indus, Yellow, Mekong and Irrawaddy, and directly or indirectly supply billions of people with food, energy, clean air and income. Glaciers in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region are a critical water source for some 250 million people in the mountains as well as to 1.65 billion others in the river valleys below.

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However Impacts on people from their melting will range from worsened air pollution to more extreme weather, while lower pre-monsoon river flows will throw urban water systems and food and energy production off-kilter, the study warned. It was published by the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Nepal, one of eight countries on the front line.

also read A serial killer murders alleged rapists in Bangladesh
Bangladesh police is on the hunt for a suspected serial killer who identifies himself as 'Hercules' and has been murdering alleged rapists. On February 1, police found the body of a rape suspect with a note hanging around his neck in Jhalakathi's Rajapur upazila, in third such incident. Over the past two weeks, bodies of three alleged rapists have been recovered and police suspect they were killed by the same person as all the murders bore similarities, the Daily Star reported.

This time, the note reads, "I am Rakib. I am the rapist of a madrasa girl of Bhandaria. This is the consequence of a rapist. Be aware rapists. Hercules.". While the dead, Rakib Hossain, 20, was a law student at a private university in the capital and was accused in the gang rape of a madrasa student in Bhandaria. The body was found with bullet injuries on the head, said Jahidul Islam, officer-in-charge of Rajapur Police Station. On January 14, a madrasa student was allegedly gang-raped by two men when she was on the way to her grandparents' house. The victim's father filed a case accusing Rakib and another man Sajal in the case.

also read A devastating fire at an eight-story building in Paris, 7 dead

On January 24, police recovered Sajal's bullet-hit body in Jhalakathi with a similar note hanging round the neck. Sajal's father lodged a police complaint over his son's murder and the rape victim's father has been named prime accused in the case, said a senior police officer. Raising concern over the incidents, Sheepa Hafiza, executive director of rights group Ain O Salish Kendra, said killing people "extra-judicially" and leaving a note was not acceptable.

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Dhaka: The Bangladesh police is in search of a suspected serial killer who calls himself as 'Hercules' and has been murdering alleged rapists. According to reports, over the past two weeks, bodies of three alleged rapists have been recovered and police suspect they were killed by the same person as all the murders bore similarities.

ICC World Cup 2019: Bumrah will be a big threat to the opposition, says Sachin Tendulkar

Now, in third similar incident, Police found the body of a rape suspect with a note hanging around his neck in Jhalakathi's Rajapur upazila. The note reads, "I am Rakib. I am the rapist of a madrasa girl of Bhandaria. This is the consequence of a rapist. Be aware rapists. Hercules." The dead, Rakib Hossain, 20, was a law student at a private university in the capital and was accused in the gang rape of a madrasa student in Bhandaria.

Angelo Perera achieves the rare feat, hits two double centuries in one match

Jahidul Islam, officer-in-charge of Rajapur Police Station, said The body was found with bullet injuries on the head. He said, On January 14, a madrasa student was allegedly gang-raped by two men when she was on the way to her grandparents' house. The victim's father filed a case accusing Rakib and another man Sajal in the case.
Mumbai: Elections may not be a beauty contest but who says pretty women can't be in active politics, questions actress Aahana Kumra, who played Priyanka Gandhi in "The Accidental Prime Minister".

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Bihar deputy chief minister and senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi took potshots at Priyanka Gandhi by saying that an election is "not a beauty contest" and people will cast their vote on the basis of past performance.

Aahana has a strong opinion about it.

"Why can't a pretty woman be in politics? She's (Priyanka Gandhi) gorgeous, and why not? Is India full of ugly men or people who are not nice looking? Does it have to be the older men all the time?

"Why can't a younger woman take part in active politics? Why do they have to shun somebody down... There are very few women in Indian politics, and I am completely up for those who are actively participating.

"If they don't, who do we look at? We don't have role models then," said the young actress.

On Priyanka Gandhi's foray into active politics as Congress General Secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Aahana quipped: "I think I inspired her."

But on a serious note, she added: "It was obviously something that the Congress had thought about. I don't know what their policies are. But I was very excited when I got to know about it.

"I was like, 'Oh! Did I just hear it right? She's finally foraying into active politics'... Because she had been denying it all this while. I was reading so much about her and following what she had done, so it was very interesting to know."

As a responsible citizen, Aahana says she is a regular voter.

"I am one from those families that wake up in the morning and goes into voting first thing," she said, adding that the culture of voting is something that needs to be nurtured at home.

"Maybe parents don't push the youngsters enough. In my house, people actively follow politics... It is something ingrained into my life. I don't understand why people don't go and vote. And NOTA is not a vote. Have an opinion. Vote for the person you want to vote," she urged the youth.
Honolulu: Hawaii is considering a new bill that will ban cigarette sales to anyone under the age of 100 in the US state by 2024, the media reported.

Hawaii has some of the most restrictive cigarette laws in the US. In 2016, it became the first state to raise the age to buy cigarettes to 21, reports CNN.

Now, the new bill calls for raising the cigarette-buying age to 30 by next year, up to 40, 50 and 60 in each subsequent year, and up to 100 by 2024.

The age limits would not apply to e-cigarettes, cigars or chewing tobacco.

"The legislature finds that the cigarette is considered the deadliest artefact in human history," the proposed bill says.

It also notes that Hawaii "is suffering from its own addiction to cigarettes in the form of the large sums of money that the state receives from state cigarette sales taxes", to the tune of $100 million annually.

The bill's sponsor Representative Richard Creagan, said: "Basically, we essentially have a group who are heavily addicted... In my view, enslaved by a ridiculously bad industry which has enslaved them by designing a cigarette that is highly addictive, knowing that it highly lethal. And, it is."

Federal law requires US states to set the minimum tobacco-purchasing age at 18.
New Delhi: Two days after one of its passengers found a cockroach in the food served aboard a Bhopal-Mumbai flight, Air India on Monday apologised and said it has initiated "corrective action internally".

"We sincerely apologise for the incident where our valued pax (passenger) had a disappointing experience with the meal served on board our Bhopal-Mumbai flight. Air India always endeavours to ensure our pax enjoy our services," it issued a statement on Twitter.

Rohit Raj Singh Chauhan, who was on the Air India plane heading to Mumbai from Bhopal, tweeted on Saturday he was served idli-vada-sambar during the flight and it had a cockroach in it. He also posted a picture of the food served where a cockroach could be seen.

"We have taken serious note of the incident and immediately issued a strong notice to the caterer concerned. Air India has zero-tolerance policy in this respect and has initiated corrective action internally. Our senior officials are in touch with the aggrieved passenger," the airline tweeted.

Read more: Latest India news


Even as West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and the BJP-led central government is slugging it out in the Supreme Court over the CBI's alleged 'invasion' of Kolkata, yet another war over the central investigation agency is brewing in Madhya Pradesh.

Reason for the 'Centre versus State' battle in MP is the appointment of the agency's new director Rishi Kumar Shukla, a 1983 batch Madhya Pradesh cadre IPS officer.

According to Madhya Pradesh government sources, the feeling in the corridors of power is that Shukla was removed from the post of director general of police (DGP) by the new Congress government in the state following his failure in several crucial cases. He was appointed DGP on July 1, 2016 by then Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. Within two days after he was shifted from the top cop's job, Shukla was picked as the director of CBI by the Centre, raising eyebrows in Madhya Pradesh's Congress circles.

Senior party leaders are unable to digest the appointment of Shukla. Madhya Pradesh cooperatives and parliamentary affairs minister Govind Singh has already come out against Shukla's elevation. Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijay Singh also said his party will keenly observe Shukla's moves in the multi-crore Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board, also known by its Hindi acronym Vyapam, scam.

Moreover, Congress leaders feel that the law and order situation in the state was in a mess when Shukla was the DGP from 2016. I had highlighted this in the Assembly during BJP's Shivraj Singh Chouhan's tenure as CM, Govind Singh said. He also stated that Shukla's appointment was made with the motive of sweeping under the carpet graft cases linked to BJP leaders. With the help of the new CBI director, the Centre is planning to use the agency to harass rival political parties leaders, Singh said.

Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijay Singh also said his party will keenly observe Shukla's moves in the multi-crore Vyapam scam.

Dijvijay Singh echoed similar feelings. He tweeted, I congratulate Shukla, DGP, the first MP-cadre officer to be appointed as director of CBI. However, the former CM added in the tweet that Shukla should have been made the director of IB as his professional experience is with the intelligence agency. In another tweet, Singh said his party will keenly observe Shukla's moves in the Vyapam scam.

He has been (given charge of) CBI, in which he doesn't have the experience that he has of IB. Nevertheless, now we shall see how the Vyapam case progresses because he is personally aware of actual culprits in Vyapam case, Digvijay wrote.

Shukla was removed as DGP of Madhya Pradesh on January 30 and posted as chairman of State Police Housing Corporation by the Kamal Nath government. This was after he goofed up a case related to the mysterious disappearance of social media activist Abhishek Mishra. A resident of 111, Rajeev Nagar, NRI Colony, in Koh-e Fiza, a posh locality of Bhopal, Abhishek went missing on January 22. There was no clue about him till his father Ashok Mishra, a resident of Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, called the chief minister's office to complain about the missing son. The CM's office asked him to lodge a complaint and instructed the police machinery to trace the activist.

Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is all praise for Shukla.

Within hours, a large police search started across the state. Barricades were placed in all the inter-state road terminals and sleuths scanned all railway stations.

However, even before Abhishek's father could reach a police station to lodge a complaint in Chhatarpur, a fax from Delhi police landed in Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath's office, saying Abhishek was arrested by the Delhi police for posting in social media content intended to hurt religious sentiments.

It was only after some investigation the Madhya Pradesh police found out that a Delhi police team had picked Abhishek without even bothering to inform the DGP or any senior police official in the state. In fact, according to sources, the Delhi team took extra care not to inform the state cops about the arrest. Sources said the Delhi sleuths took a train from Bhopal to Jhansi to avoid unwanted attention from Madhya Pradesh cops. In a bid to avoid police search parties on train, the Delhi team got down at Jhansi railway station, boarded private vehicles and took Itawah route to reach Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The Delhi police took this route to escape police check points in Gwalior and Morena districts of the state, a senior police officer told Onmanorama.

Kamal Nath government later condemned the behaviour of Delhi cops and a statement issued by the government said the state received the information about Abhishek's arrest vide a letter from Delhi police commissioner.

The entire episode irked the CM and Shukla's role in the issue is still under cloud. Sources said that the government feels that if the DGP is not aware of what is happening under his nose then he is not for for that job.

The state home department also sent a letter to the Delhi police commissioner saying that the issue should be probed as the Delhi cops had not followed the set rules while arresting Abhishek from MP.

The letter stated that Madhya Pradesh government should have been informed by Delhi cops before arresting Abhishek and it also sought action against the Delhi officer who came to MP to nab the activist.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

Within 10 days after the incident, Kamal Nath government, as expected, shifted Shukla and appointed V K Singh, an IPS officer junior to Shukla, as the DGP. Shukla was made chairman of the MP Police Housing Corporation. However, the Centre immediately picked him as the new CBI director, a post lying vacant since Alok Verma was sacked on January 10.

This was not the only blot on Shukla's career in MP. Prior to the mysterious disappearance of Abhiskek Mishra, two other infamous incidents occurred in MP during Shukla's tenure as DGP.

Six people were killed in police firing on a protest by farmers at Mandsaur on June 6, 2017, demanding better prices for their produce. This incident had draw flak from all corners and the police action was criticised.

In another incident, eight Students' Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) activists, who escaped from Bhopal Central Jail, were killed in an alleged fake police encounter a few kilometres away from the jail on October 31, 2016. Opposition parties had then alleged that it was a stage-managed encounter to bump off the SIMI men.

However, former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is all praise for Shukla and termed his tenure as police chief exemplary.

It's a matter of pride that officers of MP cadre are holding the position of top institutions  RAW and CBI, Chouhan tweeted.
It was supposed to be a discussion on the State Budget 2019-20 in the Assembly on Tuesday but it turned out to be an occasion to refresh the post-Independence history of the country.

It was CPI leader Mullakkara Ratnakaran who sought to give the Congress some lessons in history. It is high time you realised the need to separate faith and politics, he told the opposition members. He said he was surprised to hear the Congress claim that they were with the faithful. Just think of what Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru would have said. Would he have said that he was with the faithful. Never. He was with the faithful, the atheists and the agnostics. He was with India, Mullakkara said. Like Nehru, Congress too should not have been with the faithful but with Kerala when the Sabarimala agitation broke out, he added.

Mullakkara said that Gandhi was a believer. Then, in an indirect but a profound disapproval of Rahul Gandhi's neo-secularism, Mullakkara said that Gandhi was not the kind of believer who visited temples. Though he was a believer, it was in Nehru, the non-believer, that Gandhi trusted more than the believer Vallabhai Patel, he said. This was a veiled reference to Patel's alleged right-of-centre leanings.

CPI leader Mullakkara Ratnakaran

Mullakkara then moved on to the appropriation of Patel by the BJP. When the BJP says that Patel is the tallest leader in the Congress, you should realise the danger, he told the opposition. Prime minister Narendra Modi had recently unveiled the statue of Vallabhai Patel in Gujarat, in Gandhi's own homeland. Patel was only as tall as himself. Nehru was taller than Patel. But Gandhi was three times taller than Nehru, Mullakkara said, as if trying to impress upon the Congressmen their secular lineage.

He said this also reflected a certain brashness that had come to define the right-wing forces now. If earlier they were hesitant to take on Gandhi, now they have been emboldened. That is why they so callously shoot a cut out of Gandhi and call for the resurrection of Godse. Then they post this murder on social media, Mullakkara said. This is tragedy, he added.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi

Mullakkara used a Vivekananda story to convey that the Congress stand during the Sabarimala controversy was a return to darkness. One night, a thief, a lover, and a child comes across a tree stump. The thief thinks it is the police, the lover thinks it is his beloved, and the child thinks it is a ghost. What misled the three was nothing but the absence of light, he said.

Mullakkara had his own take for the namajapa protests. He said the namajapa chants were not prayers. It was nothing but a slogan-shouting. A slogan is the demonstration of one's might but a prayer is the throbbing of one's heart, he said.

India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

The communist leader also said that had Gandhi and Karl Marx met today they would have shook hands as comrades. They are closer than you think, Mullakkara told the house.
Kannur: The disturbing calls from desperate woman, who have been abandoned when going on 'Hegira' (holy pilgrimage), have forced the Kerala police to start dearadicalisation classes in the northern districts of the state.

One of the investigating officers, who interacted with the families of those who left for Syria from Kannur and are suspected to have joined the Islamic State (IS), said that the classes are being conducted as per the special order of DGP Loknath Behera to tackle the growing instances of radicalisation.

The classes are specially conducted in northern districts like Kannur, Kasaragod and parts of rural Kozhikode, where the youngsters have been reported to have left home. Some have even taken families including pregnant wives and small children along. In December, officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrived in Kannur to collect the details of 10 people who left for Syria recently.

With the recent disappearance of 10, the number of people leaving the state to join IS has crossed 100. The government is taking the help of the Imams (priests) of mosques in the area as well as the voluntary Muslim organisations to spread awareness against the terror outfit. According to sources, even Muslim officers are picked to lead the sessions, apart from the other experts, to enhance the credibility of the classes.

There are disturbing messages from women who had left to their families here. We can not confirm whether it's a tactic or they are in real trouble. One thing is for sure, none of them have shown any interest to return, and they show utter disregard for the religious practices being carried out by the Muslims here. They claim the practices here are all wrong, and want the rest of their relatives also to abandon their native and follow them, said an officer.

He added that the terrorist occupied areas of Afghanistan were turning out to be one of the biggest production centres of ganja. The wife of one Rizaal, who left from Kannur, was the first to send voice messages in social media (Telegram) about the terrorist camps of the IS. When the husbands die in combat, they are entrusted with strangers from other places who also reached there as part of the same mission. They are all in tears when they call, but they may not want to admit that life is better here."
A protester outside the Virginia state capitol on Monday. Photo: LOGAN CYRUS/AFP/Getty Images

As Monday afternoon comes to a close, Ralph Northam remains the governor of Virginia. But perhaps not for much longer. Though he now insists he did not appear in a Klan robe or in blackface in photos that appear in his medical school yearbook, he admitted to wearing blackface on a different occasion, as part of a Michael Jackson costume, during a bizarre press conference. (His wife audibly dissuaded him from demonstrating the moonwalk for reporters.) Northam has lost the support of his party and the Democratic Governors Association. Now, according to CNNs Ryan Nobles, members of the governors cabinet are considering their next steps:

NEW- a source inside this mornings cabinet meeting tells me that Gov. @RalphNortham asked his cabinet for time to clear his name. The Governor said he doesnt want to leave office as a racist for life.  Ryan Nobles (@ryanobles) February 4, 2019

Weve learned that not one member of Northams cabinet has threatened to resign. However many are struggling and are taking their time in the Northam administration as minute by minute.  Ryan Nobles (@ryanobles) February 4, 2019

In theory, Justin Fairfax, the states lieutenant governor, should take over from Northam. But on Sunday evening, the same right-wing website that first reported the Northam yearbook photos reported a claim of sexual assault against Fairfax, who denies it. The Washington Post previously investigated the claim and was unable to corroborate it, but that does not necessarily mean that the claim is false, and it jeopardizes Fairfaxs potential succession. If Northam and Fairfax both resign, then the next person in the line of succession is Mark Herring. Herring is Virginias attorney general, and had already planned to run for governor in 2021, setting up a potential future showdown with Fairfax. For his part, Fairfax has denounced the claim as a smear, and appeared to suggest that it had been leaked by Northams office. The New York Times reported on Monday:

Does anybody think its any coincidence that on the eve of potentially my being elevated that thats when this uncorroborated smear comes out? Mr. Fairfax told reporters surrounding him in the rotunda of the state capitol about whether he believes Mr. Northam, a fellow Democrat, was behind the accusation coming to light. He offered no evidence tying the Northam camp to the allegation.

On Monday evening, Fairfax reportedly eased up his accusations toward Northam, pointing his ire toward Richmond mayor and potential 2021 primary rival Levar Stoney. According to the Times, Fairfax praised the acumen of a reporter who inquired whether Mr. Stoney might have been responsible. (Mayor Stoney responded, saying that the insinuation is 100 percent not true, and frankly its offensive.)

On Twitter, Northams spokesperson denied that the governor was responsible for leaking the story to the press:

Let me state unequivocally: this is absolutely untrue. https://t.co/EFaryWNU74  Ofirah Yheskel (@ofirahy) February 4, 2019

In Virginia, elections for lieutenant governor and for governor are conducted separately, and Northam and Fairfax did not run as part of the same ticket. There are long-standing rumors of friction between the governor, who is a centrist, and Fairfax, who leans more to the left. As I previously wrote for Intelligencer, the Northam campaign approved a mailer for the Laborers International Union of North America that featured every Democratic candidate for statewide office but Fairfax, who opposed two natural gas pipelines that LIUNA supports. Because Fairfax was the only African-American candidate for statewide office, his omission provoked controversy. As the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported at the time, L. Douglas Wilder, the only African-American to serve as Virginias governor, criticized both the mailer and a separate, 2016 incident in which state Democratic Party officials denied Fairfax a speaking slot at the state Democratic convention.

Fairfaxs career may be on the rocks, but Northams approval ratings have plummeted. According to Morning Consult, only 50 percent of Virginias Democratic voters now say they approve of the governor, a drop of 20 points from last month. His overall approval rating has dropped to 29 percent from 48 percent last month. Northam has quickly burned through whatever popularity he earned for getting Medicaid expansion through the General Assembly. Northams downfall isnt just bad news for him. It puts the state Democratic partys electoral prospects in danger, too  and Justin Fairfax may no longer be able to salvage its reputation.

This post has been updated to include additional comments from Justin Fairfax.
Kalpetta: Former Wayanad District Congress Committee (DCC) general secretary O M George, booked for sexually abusing a tribal girl, surrendered before the police on Tuesday. George, who was also the Sulthan Bathery panchayat president, surrendered at the Mananthavady SMS DyDP office.

The Sulthan Bathery police had registered a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case against him based on a complaint by the Childline officials in the district.

According to the police, George had sexually abused the 17-year-old girl for nearly a year-and-a-half. George had been absconding soon after the case was registered against him on January 29. He had been hiding in Karnataka for the past one week.

The family of the teenage girl were domestic aide at George's house and on holidays the girl also used to help them. The girl's parents complained that she was abused when they were away.

George was suspended from the KPCC on January 30.

The tribal girl is under the care and protection of Childline officials.

Read more: Latest Kerala news
Kollam: Malayalam actor Kollam Thulasi, who was booked for making provocative anti-woman remarks during a Sabarimala protest, surrendered at the Chavara police station on Tuesday. He surrendered before probe officer inspector S Chandradas around 10.30 am.

The actor was produced before a magistrate court which granted him bail.

The actor had made a shocking statement in October, 2018, saying that women entering Sabarimala temple should be ripped into half.

"One half should be sent to Delhi and the other half should be thrown towards chief minister's (Pinarayi Vijayan) office in Thiruvananthapuram," he had said.

The actor made the remarks after the Supreme Court allowed women of all age groups to enter the temple on September 28, 2018.

The FIR against Thulasi was registered on a complaint by a local leader of the DYFI, the youth wing of the CPI(M).

The actor was booked under Sections 295A (outraging religious feelings), 298 (uttering words with intention to wound religious sentiments), 354A (making sexually coloured remarks) of the IPC.

He was also booked under Section 119A of the Kerala Police Act, which deals with sexual gestures or acts in public places degrading the dignity of women.

The Kerala State Women's Commission had registered a case against Thulasi.

Earlier, both the Kerala High Court and a sessions court in Kollam had declined his anticipatory bail plea.

Read more: Latest Kerala news
Kozhikode: The Revolutionary Marxist Party of India (RMPI) has decided not to field its candidate in Vadakara constituency, its stronghold, in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Instead, it will support either an independent candidate acceptable for them, if fielded by the UDF, or the UDF candidate, whoever it maybe, sources said.

The RMPI, a breakaway faction and the archrival of the CPI(M) in Kerala, had an alleged tacit understanding to support the Congress-led UDF candidate in the constituency in the 2014 polls.

The RMPI's central committee is yet to decide on fielding a candidate, but as of now, there is no plan to field a party candidate (in Vadakara), a party source told Onmanorama.

Though the state committee took a decision to support the UDF, considering it as a strong opposition to the CPI(M)-led LDF as well as the BJP, they are yet to convince the workers in the grassroot level. Sources inside the party said that if the Congress or its ally is contesting from Vadakara, RMPI leaders like K K Rema will not campaign in the open.

The CPI(M) is opposing the Congress only in Kerala. In a larger picture, they have to oppose the BJP at the Centre. In Kerala, even among the Marxists, there is a huge section that is anti-CPI(M). Even after Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) joining the LDF, it is not sure, if they would campaign and vote for the CPI(M), the source said, listing reasons for its decision to back the UDF.

Vadakara has been a stronghold of the party, since 2009 when TP Chandrasekharan formed it after leaving the CPI(M). In the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, Chandrasekharan could gain 21,833 votes. After Chandrasekharan's murder in 2014, Kumaran Kutty contested from Vadakara constituency and he got 17,299 votes. It is also calculated that a share of the RMPI's votes went to Congress candidate Mullappally Ramachandran.

In the 2016 Assembly election, Chandrasekharan's widow K K Rema showed a tight competition, and garnered 20,504 votes. Now, with the Veerendrakumar-led LJD shifting to the Left Democratic Front, the backing of a prominent local party is crucial for the UDF in Vadakara.

As an indication of the secret alliance, the UDF is not fielding any candidate in the upcoming panchayat by-election in Onchiyam on February 14, necessitated by the death of RMPI's ward member Gopinathan. From RMPI, P Sreejith and from CPI(M), Rajaram Thyppayi are contesting, whereas the Congress decided not to field any candidate.

Though KPCC chief Mullappally Ramachandran has decided not to contest from Vadakara this time, the party is of the view that nobody could be a winnable replacement for him in the segment. Vadakara parliament constituency committee of the Youth Congress recently passed a resolution to retain Mullappally in the seat.

Mullappally's victory margin dipped steeply to 3,306 in 2014 from 56,186 in 2009.
Some love stories have sad endings and they haunt you for long. Vijay Sethupathi starrer '96' was one such movie, and ever since its release all that we wanted was to see Ram and Janu united forever.



Now, on the 100-day celebration of the movie both Sethupathi (Ram) and Trisha (Janu) have recreated a fresh climax off screen and that was quite a welcome relief for those who watched the touching film.



Actor Parthiepan, who anchored the event, said it was unfair to let Janu leave the venue after breaking the hearts of both Ram and the audience. A new climax that was soothing for all was recreated then as Parthiepan requested Vijay to hug Trisha. The actors who gracefully accepted the request won applauds at the event.



Trisha said that such recognition come rarely and thanked the director C Prem Kumar for gifting her the role of Janu. She said that the event was one of the most unforgettable moments of her life and also thanked Sethupathi for playing Ram.



Actor-director Cheran said that Prem Kumar has don a commendable job in narrating a movie starring only two people. Sethupathi's screen presence and Trisha's beauty was magical on screen, he added.



Cheran also lauded the producers of the movie, who are real heroes taking the movie to the masses.


KYODO NEWS - Feb 5, 2019 - 20:45 | All, World

Russian security authorities said Tuesday they have asked a court to impose an administrative punishment on the captain of a Japanese crab boat seized late last month for allegedly fishing illegally in Russia's exclusive economic zone.

Hideji Kagami, the 52-year-old captain of the Nishino Maru No. 68, is expected to be fined, as the Russian authorities estimate the vessel's catch to be worth more than 39 million rubles ($596,000).

Russia said the crew members were not carrying documents necessary for fishing in the country's EEZ. All 10 crew members are being detained in Nakhodka, 90 kilometers east of Vladivostok.

The Russian authorities said 7.5 tons of crabs were found on the boat along with sardines and mullets, and 206 illegally installed crab traps were confiscated.

The 115-ton ship, owned by a fishery company in the western Japanese prefecture of Shimane, left a port in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, on Jan. 26 and was seized last Wednesday, according to Shimane prefectural officials.

Japanese crab fishing boat seized by Russian authorities
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkey has run out of patience as a result of the US promises about leaving Syrias northern regions soon, and in particular, Manbij, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

If the US does not fulfill its promises within the next two weeks, then Turkey will launch new anti-terrorist operations in northern Syria, Erdogan added, Trend reports referring to the Turkish media.

"We are not afraid of the US sanctions and Turkey will create a security zone in northern Syria," the president said.

On Dec. 12, 2018, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the Turkish Armed Forces will launch a new military operation in Syria against PYD/YPG. Erdogan claimed there were US soldiers in the detachments of the terrorists in Syria.

On Jan. 20, 2018, Turkish Armed Forces, together with the Free Syrian Army, launched the Operation Olive Branch in Afrin, Syria.

On Aug. 24, 2016, the Turkish Armed Forces launched the Operation Euphrates Shield against the "Islamic State", and with the support of the Syrian opposition liberated the border town of Jarablus, as well as Al-Bab in northern Syria.

The security zone in northern Syria consists of an area of 32 kilometers and a length of 460 kilometers along the Syrian-Turkish border. In case of the creation of this zone, it will be divided into two parts, the first part will start from the Iraqi-Syrian border and will be extended to the Syrian city of Qamishli, because the Syrian government forces control this city.

The second part of the security zone will start from Qamishli and will be extended to Jarabulus city, which was liberated from the terrorists of the Islamic State (IS) as part of the Operation Euphrates Shield conducted by the Turkish Armed Forces in 2016.

Manbij city, where Turkey had previously intended to conduct new anti-terrorist operations, will not be a part of the security zone.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkeys goal after the municipal election is to become a stronger country, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, Trend reports referring to the Turkish media.

After the municipal election to be held on March 31, 2019, Turkey will become the most advanced country in terms of economy, the president said.

The president stressed that presently, Turkey is at the most difficult stage of its development.

The Turkish people will vote for economic development during the municipal election, the guarantor of which is the Justice and Development Party, he added.

The municipal election will be held in Turkey on March 31, 2019. The municipal election is held in the country every five years.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Afghanistans president Ashraf Ghani said on Tuesday that no peace deal between the Taliban and the United States could be finalised without involving his government as the decision-maker, Trend reported citing Reuters.

His made his remarks in a television interview as Afghan opposition politicians, including his predecessor Hamid Karzai, meet Taliban representatives in Moscow.

At the end of any peace deal, the decision-maker will be the government of Afghanistan, Ghani told TOLO News, the countrys largest private television station.

No power in the country can dissolve the government, he said, adding that he was ready to stand and defend our country.

Rest assured that no-one can push us aside, he said.
France will make proposals in the coming months to overhaul the European Unions competition rules, a Finance Ministry official said on Tuesday ahead of an expected rejection of a merger of Alstom and Siemens, Trend reported citing Reuters.

The French and German governments, the most powerful EU member states, have lobbied hard for Europes competition enforcer to approve the merger of Alstom and Siemens rail businesses. Their efforts, however, are likely to have been in vain, with the European Commission widely expected to veto the deal on Wednesday.

Among the most radical proposal under consideration by France is to give EU ministers a say when the Commission judges a competition case, the ministry official said.

The rules need to be revised to allow for European champions to emerge, the official said on condition of anonymity.

Currently consumers interests take precedence over all other general interests. The aim is to know whether other interests can also take precedence.

France and Germany say that the Alstom-Siemens deal to create a European rail champion is needed to better compete in Europe and abroad with big Chinese rivals, but people familiar with the case expect the Commission to rule that it would reduce choice and competition for EU customers.

France aims to bring forward its competition proposals in coordination with Germany for when the European Commission receives a new mandate late this year, the Finance Ministry source said.

Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Tuesday said that the EU executive was not needlessly blocking corporate mergers.

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has called for an overhaul of EU competition rules, which date in their current form from 2004. He says the rules are ill-suited to contend with Chinas emergence as a major competitor in many markets.

German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier on Tuesday said that he does not favor allowing ministerial approval for deals such as the Siemens and Alstoms deal.
Prime Minister Theresa May will travel to Brussels on Thursday to tell European Union leaders they must accept legally binding changes to the Irish border arrangements of Britains divorce deal or face the prospect of a disorderly no-deal Brexit, Trend reported citing Reuters.

The United Kingdom is due to leave the EU in just 52 days, yet London and Brussels are arguing over whether the deal clinched in November can be changed, raising the possibility of a delay to Brexit, a last-minute deal or a no-deal exit.

Since British lawmakers voted down the withdrawal agreement last month, parliament has instructed May to replace its most contentious element - an insurance policy covering the possible future arrangements for the border between EU-member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland.

May will meet European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and then European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels on Thursday.

From a political point of view, there is still time, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told a conference in Tokyo.[nL5N2001CG]

That should be used, used by all sides. But for this it would be very important to know what exactly the British side envisages in terms of its relationship with the EU, she said.
The party, and the investigations, never end. Photo: KEVIN DIETSCH/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Trump Inaugural Committee is already a target of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, and on Monday federal prosecutors in New York escalated their own investigation into the committees activities in the festive days running up to Donald Trumps inauguration. On Monday, federal prosecutors from New Yorks Southern District subpoenaed the committee, demanding documents about its donors, vendors, and finances.

The subpoena requires that the committee submit documents related to all of the committees donors and guests; any benefits handed out, including tickets and photo opportunities with the president; federal disclosure filings; vendors; contracts; and more, the New York Times reports. The documents indicate that prosecutors are looking into seven potential crimes, according to CNN, including conspiracy against the United States, money laundering, wire fraud, mail fraud, inaugural committee disclosure violations, and two types of straw donor violations.

The inauguration committee chairman was Thomas J. Barrack Jr., the Trump ally who suggested Paul Manafort as a candidate for campaign manager. A longtime friend of the president, he has already been interviewed by Robert Mueller in regards to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, and his dealings with the now-incarcerated Manafort. The billionaire-led committee raised an astonishing $107 million for the inauguration, more than twice the amount raised by any previous group, and much more than was needed for the effort. According to ABC News, the committee spent lavishly on less-than-necessary items: $130,000 for custom seat cushions for Trump, $10,000 for makeup for waiters, and $2.7 million to fly in dancers from Las Vegas to do a rendition of Sinatras New York, New York.

In April 2018, reports emerged that the special counsel is looking at the inaugural committee, to determine if Russian oligarchs illegally funneled money into the group. Mueller was reportedly drawn to the committee because of all the oligarch-class Russians running around the inauguration and its subsequent events. But it appears Southern District prosecutors had a different tip-off: a recording of Michael Cohen speaking to an inauguration contractor, discovered in the April 2018 raid of his office. No wonder the president is so mean to him online.
Tehran, Iran, Feb. 5

Trend:

There is a possibility that Iran and Russia would negotiate over finding a mechanism for financial transactions to evade the US sanctions.

Vice-President of the Iran-Russia Joint Chamber Seyedeh Fatemeh Moghimi has discussed the possibility of Russias joining the new European financial channel in an interview with Trend.

In the new situation the EU has decided to create a mechanism for Irans transactions to evade the sanctions. I believe this will be followed by other countries as soon as it is implemented, she said.

In the first stage, Europe has limited the transactions mechanism to medicine and food items, but it should be noted that these two items were not sanctioned and a change should happen, she added.

Fatemeh Moghimi indicated: By launching a new mechanism, Russia will have a different view towards trade with Iran, since the two countries have high trading capacity and a considerable portion of this capacity has remained untapped."

In the upcoming days, the new Russian attache will arrive in Iran, and I think there will be opportunity for a trade agreement between the two countries alongside proper conditions for trade development, she added.
Tehran, Iran, Feb.5

Trend:

Iran's oil minister has denied the reports on Iran-Russia oil swap deal, saying that Iran never had an oil swap with Russia.

"Iran's oil industry and oil revenues are the main targets of US sanctions. I don't have to spill out the information on how Iran circumvents these sanctions, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said at a press conference on Thursday, Trend reports.

Referring to the amount of oil exported from Iran during the sanctions, he refused to say anything, claiming the information was sensitive.

I experienced the Iran-Iraq war. But this war (the sanctions) is harder. But we are resisting. We use all the possible means to pass this phase. Several people are sitting in OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) to combat Iran, we must resist, he said.

Sanctions

Referring to the exemption of 8 countries including Italy, Greece and Turkey from US sanctions regarding Iranian oil imports, Zanganeh announced that except Turkey, Europeans have not bought any oil.

"Greece and Italy are exempted from the sanctions but do not buy any oil. I do not know why," he said. No one will sacrifice itself for Iran.

Some expect us to export all oil products to neighbors, while the capacity of export is limited. In this regard, we have increased the consumption of domestic refineries," he said, answering a question related to criticism about the inability of the oil ministry to export oil products to neighbors.

He went on to say that the Europeans, except for Turkey, haven't yet bought any oil from Iran.

He reminded that Iran's oil production has increased by 1 million barrels a day in the course of four months and Iran's oil exports in May 2012 reached 2.78 million barrels.

Business with Iraq

The official then spoke about Iran's dealings with Iraq. He said that Iran was swapping 11,000 barrels of oil with Kirkuk.

"After sanctions were imposed on Iran, Iraq has cut the swap. This is while Iraq has $2 billion worth of debts to Iran for gas and electricity, said Zanganeh.

A crude oil swap deal between Iran and Iraq, which was supposed to begin in mid-April 2018, has started in June. Under the deal, Iraq is supposed to send oil from the Kirkuk fields to Iran by truck, to be refined in Iran, and Iran had to send the same amount of crude it receives to Iraqs southern ports for export.

Zanganeh further said that plans for development of the Ab Teymour and Mansouri oil fields in western Iran have been delayed.

He said both fields were at the stage of signing the contract and reached the final results with the Indonesia's state oil company PT Pertamina, but the company announced that they could not cooperate because of the sanctions.

Achievements in gas, petrochemical industries

Speaking of Iran's achievements in the gas industry, he said the gas storage capacity that was recovered till 1979 was 9 trillion cubic feet, which has reached 33 trillion cubic feet today. He stated that the gas injection rate from 2.7 million cubic meters in 1979 (Islamic Revolution) reached more than 77 million cubic meters today.

Referring to the achievements of the country in the petrochemical industry, he said that in 1979, the total net sales of the country stood at one million tons, and this year this figure has reached more than 30 million tons worth about $17 billion.

Domestic gasoline prices

Zangeneh also spoke about the possibility of fuel prices in Iran being increased, saying that if people don't accept it, the government shouldn't increase them.

The minister went on to say that Iran has certain exemptions for exporting crude oil, but doesn't have it in case with oil products.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

Currently, Iraq has a $2 billion debt for electricity and gas to Iran, Bijan Zanganeh, Iranian Oil Minister, told journalists at a press conference in Tehran, Trend reports.

According to Zanganeh, Iran is aware of the difficulties Iraq faces, yet needs its money back.

He added that Iran currently exports $200 million worth of gas per month to Iraq, but can not get the money back. Iraq states it is because of imposed sanctions on Iran.

Zanganeh said that discussions with Iraq have always been at odds. While Iran has always been insistent, Iraq has always backed up. Iran had offered Iraq a joint operation of two small fields, which Iraq refused.

"Now it is being proposed that we work the large fields with Iraq. Iran is now ahead of Iraq on the Azadegan field. In such a case, it is not logical to halt the production and initiate discussions with Iraq," he said.

The minister said that there are simpler ways to go, should Iraq want to cooperate with Iran. What needs to be taken into account is that Iraq and Iran were engaged in oil swaps, with 11,000 barrels of crude oil from Iraqs Kirkuk being sent to Iran  which was ceased by the Iraqi side once sanctions were put into place against Iran.

"In such a case, can Iraq sell 300,000 barrels of oil to Iran?" he said.

According to Zanganeh, it is illogical for a country that has no sanctions applied against it and which has no restrictions on choosing foreign companies to partner with to face sanctions by signing a deal with Iran.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

Iran wants the European Union to fulfill its economic obligations, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, member of Iranian parliament and former Chairman for the the parliaments Committee for Foreign Policy and National Security, told Tasnim News Agency, Trend reports.

Boroujerdi said that the first steps towards establishing INSTEX, the EU's special financial mechanism with Iran, should be taken. The EU, however, did not fulfill Iran's expectations.

"Iran does not want the EU to take a political action to protect the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action [JCPOA]," he said.

Boroujerdi said that the EU should fulfill its commitments on the JCPOA, and hopes for the steps to be taken soon.

"If the EU interconnects the INSTEX issue with the FATF [Financial Action Task Force], then Iran will not accept it in any way," he said.

Boroujerdi said that the FATF issue is being monitored within the framework of the law.

INSTEX (Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges) is a special financial mechanism for trade with Iran formed by France, the UK, and Germany  the three European signees of the JCPOA.

The FATF enforces international standards for combating money and property laundering, financing terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Two of the four FATF projects have been approved in Iran. Two other projects  namely, Palermo and CFT  are awaiting approval.
Baku, Azerbaijan, February 5

Trend:

French ambassador to Uzbekistan Violaine de Villemeur has praised Uzbekistan for attracting tourists from France, Trend reports via Uzbek media.

She stressed that France became the first country in Europe, for whose citizens Uzbekistan from October 5, 2018 abolished short-term visas for up to 30 days. The abolition of short-term visas is particularly effective as the number of direct flights between France and Uzbekistan doubled this winter.

The ambassador specifically noted Bukhara, saying many residents from there, who work in the tourism sphere, speak french.

She noted that in recent months, French television channels showed several reports about Uzbekistan, including a story about the novel Samarkand by the French writer Amin Maalouf on the Franco-German television channel ARTE.

"We are observing with interest the reforms in Uzbek tourism sphere, whether it is electronic registration or simplification of tourists stay. Our citizens speak very positively about the work of Tashkent International Airport: it is possible to pass control easily and quickly, despite the fact that it remains strict," she added.

Violaine de Villemeur underlined that the visa-free regime greatly facilitates the work of business, expert, financial and investment circles.
Baku, Azerbaijan, February 5

Trend:

Uzbek government has appointed the acting chairman of Uzbekistan Railways Board, Trend reports via Uzbek Ministry of Justices Telegram channel.

Husniddin Khasilov was appointed Acting Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Railways.

Prior to this appointment, Khasilov worked as the chief manager and chief engineer of Uzbekistan Railways JSC till April 1, 2016.

By having this position, he replaces Achilbay Ramatov, who headed the company for 16 years.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has appointed Achilbay Ramatov as First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Transport.

Uzbekistan banned the simultaneous management by the Prime Minister, his deputies and advisers over economic societies and companies, as well as other organizations with a state share.
Baku, Azerbaijan, February 5

Trend:

British publication The Telegraph included Uzbekistan in the TOP-10 of the most beautiful and amazing destinations for tourism in 2019, Trend reports via Uzbek media.

Citizens of 45 countries, including the UK, are allowed visa-free entry into Uzbekistan starting from this week, said the Telegraph report.

The Telegraph also emphasizes that there are many reasons to visit the glorious cities of Uzbekistan, where the Great Silk Road once ran.

Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand - have been carefully restored. As before, these cities are dazzled by their magnificent minarets, sparkling domes and hypnotic mosaics. Dusty bazaars, hospitable locals and fascinating mountain landscapes enhance the attractiveness of the country, said the article.
Baku, Azerbaijan, February 5

Trend:

A delegation of the US Geological Survey (USGS) will visit Uzbekistan on February 4-7, Trend reports via Uzbek media.

The representatives of USGS agreed on that with the leadership Uzbek State Committee on Geology during negotiations that were held in the framework of implementation of agreements reached during the visit of US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross to Uzbekistan in October 2018.

The sides thoroughly exchanged views on building up mutually beneficial cooperation in areas defined by the Uzbek-US intergovernmental Agreement on scientific and technical cooperation of 2012.

"State Committee for Geology and the USGS discussed the prospects for cooperation in the areas of geological exploration of the subsoil, primarily through the exchange of experience and knowledge in this area, the fulfillment of tasks on the increase in reserves of hydro-mineral resources and the organization of joint scientific research. The Embassy Science Fellow Department of State Department provides participants with the access to of The US achievements in the field of science and technology", the press service of Uzbek Foreign Ministry said.

As a result of talks, the parties reached an agreement on organizing the visit of the USGS delegation on to Tashkent February 4-7 to hold targeted meetings with relevant Uzbek ministries and departments and to develop practical measures for the further development of bilateral research cooperation.

The US Geological Survey is a government research and development structure specializing in the study of natural resources, predicting and overcoming the effects of natural disasters in the United States with an emphasis on biology, geography, geology and hydrology.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Feb. 5

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

A meeting with Tadamichi Yamamoto, UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Trend reports referring to the Ministry.

The parties discussed the possibility of actively attracting Afghanistan to participate in large-scale projects on a global scale, primarily in Central Asia, including increasing the efforts for the establishment of peace and security in the country.

Ashgabat has previously declared its readiness to provide its political space for conducting peace talks on Afghanistan. Turkmenistan is lobbying for the implementation of a number of regional infrastructure projects with the participation of Afghanistan. Turkmenistan is particularly working on the implementation of such projects involving Afghanistan as the construction of a railway to Tajikistan and a gas pipeline to Pakistan and India.

Projects are also being assessed on the use of Afghan transit routes for the supply of Turkmen electricity. Furthermore, work is underway to create an Afghanistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey transport corridor heading to Europe.

The Lapis Lazuli transit project envisions railways and highways connecting the city of Torghundi in Afghanistans Herat Province with Ashgabat, and further with the Caspian port of Turkmenbashi. The corridor will continue to Baku, then through Tbilisi to Ankara with branches in Poti and Batumi, and then from Ankara to Istanbul.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.5

Trend:

Turkmenistan has started the detailed preparation to the First Caspian Economic Forum to be held on the 12th of August 2019 in the National Tourist Zone Avaza, Trend reports citing Turkmenistan's embassy in Baku.

It is favorably symbolical that the date of this first in the history large Caspian forum coincides with the Day of the Caspian Sea.

The implementation of measures on preparation and hosting the First Caspian Economic Forum unfolds in accordance with the Concept of holding the Forum affirmed by the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The organizational and analytical work is realized in the Coordination center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan established by the resolution of the Head of State on December 14, 2018 during the Meeting of the states government.

The first in the history forum of this type in the framework of the largest region in the world, which the Caspian basin happens to be, was initiated by the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov during the IV Summit of the Heads of the Caspian states that was held in Astrakhan, the Russian Federation on the 30th September 2014. This initiative is based on the notion that Turkmenistan sees strategical significance of the Caspian Sea in regional and interregional geopolitical and geo-economic processes, including its role as an important transit-transport and logistical tie which promotes the necessity to further unite the efforts on the Caspian states. The development of constructive cooperation with the Caspian region states has been and remains to be the principle position and in this regard is among the priority vectors of foreign policy course of Turkmenistan.

The initiative of Turkmenistans president has found significantly new content in his address during the V Summit of the Heads of the Caspian states that was held in Aktau city of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the 12th August 2018. Underlining that the five-sided cooperation on the Caspian Sea by large depends on the level of participation of the states in trade, economic and transport processes, the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that holding the First Economic Forum in 2019 will serve as a proof of all Caspian states readiness to consolidate efforts in this regard.

In this context the support of the thoughts of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on holding the next Summit of the Heads of the Caspian states and the First Caspian Economic Forum in Turkmenistan turned to be the concrete reflection of high trust of the neighboring countries. Simultaneously this decision assigns deep responsibility for coordinated actions in this Eurasian region, the significance of which goes far beyond its geographic borders in accord with conditions turning it to one of the key centers of the geopolitical and geo-economic processes.

The upcoming in the August of the current year the First Caspian Economic Forum serves as one of the preliminary events of strategic appeal in the newest history of Caspian states mutual relations, prescribed by the functioning of such significant international legal document, which the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea signed on the 12th of August 2018 happens to be. As is known, this founding international legal document which summarizes the results of long-term negotiation process of littoral Caspian states promises to open wide opportunities for realization of new investment projects in the Caspian region.

According to the conceptual vision of the organizers, the Agenda of the First Caspian Economic Forum will encompass wide range of issues which will further form the base for prospective directions of cooperation of states participants. It is planned that during the exchange of views and constructive negotiations actual subjects concerning the intensification of trade and economic relations including creation of conditions for development and implementation of large projects will be proposed. It is expected that there will be interesting discussions on the role of economy of the Caspian region in global context, including the increase of growth factors for investment motivation in the spheres of industry, energy, trade, tourism and other sectors of economies of Caspian states posing mutual interest.

The platform of the First Caspian Economic Forum will provide for practical exchange of views on implementation of the Intergovernmental Agreement between the Caspian states on trade and economic cooperation and Intergovernmental Agreement between the Caspian states on cooperation in the transport sphere. As is known, these multilateral documents were signed on the 12th of August 2018 as a result of the V Summit of the Heads of the Caspian states.

In the Coordination center on preparation and conducting the First Caspian Economic Forum, along with the main events, programs of the International Conference and Caspian Exhibition of Innovative Technologies are being designed. Alongside, forming of favorable conditions for fruitful meetings and negotiations in the sidelines of the Forum between the government representatives, as well as business circles and companies are projected.

Delegations of the Caspian states, including heads and members of governments, heads of seaside regions and heads of regional executive management agencies, representatives of the banking sector and business circles of the Caspian region as well as stakeholder countries, scientific workers, and company managers realizing activities in the Caspian Sea are invited to participate to the Forum. Delegations of other stakeholder parties, firstly the states in close proximity to the Caspian region as well as representatives of international economic and financial organizations are also invited to the Forum.

The upcoming event is aimed to give strong prudent impulse to the economic, trade and investment cooperation on the Caspian Sea and nearby regions, transforming the Caspian region into one of the largest transport and transit bonds of international scope playing vital role in forming new geo-economic space in Eurasia which is able to meet the modern global tendencies.

Being the initiator and organizer of the First Caspian Economic Forum, Turkmenistan proves in practice its adherence to the policy of wide international cooperation in the Caspian region, turning it to the area of peace, security and stable development.
Virginia governor Ralph Northam. Photo: Alex Edelman/Getty Images

Ralph Northam was at a crossroads on Friday. He had recently admitted to appearing in a photo on his 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook page that depicted a person in blackface standing next to a person dressed as a Ku Klux Klansman. He did not specify which of the two people was him, nor did he need to  his tenure as governor of Virginia seemed finished either way. It appeared that the only thing left to do was heed the call of his fellow Democrats and pack up his bags and resign.

Instead, Northam called a press conference the next day and reversed course. He told reporters that he now believed he was not actually in the photo, and had only said otherwise because he had confused it with another time he darkened [his] face. The other occasion was a dance contest in San Antonio, also in 1984, where he had impersonated Michael Jackson and done the moonwalk. For those keeping count, that is possibly two times the white governor of Virginia has donned blackface as an adult  in the same year.

But almost as striking was Northams justification for not stepping down. If I were to listen to the voices calling on me to resign my office today, I could spare myself from the difficult path that lies ahead, he said on Saturday. I could avoid an honest conversation about harmful actions from my past. I cannot in good conscience choose the path that would be easier for me in an effort to duck my responsibility to reconcile. I took an oath to uphold this office and serve the people of this commonwealth to the best of my ability. As long as I believe I can effectively fulfill that task, I intend to continue doing the business of Virginia.

Northams explanation may be nominally about Virginia, but it is not actually about Virginia. It is about Ralph Northam and whether he can transcend the missteps of his youth in order to redeem himself in the eyes of the electorate and grow as a man and a leader. The stakes are his personal reputation and political career. Virginia will not implode if he leaves. Even partisans who see him resigning as bad news for Democratic control in the state can rest assured that matters would likely be no worse-off under Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax or Attorney General Mark Herring, both of whom follow Northam in the line of succession, and both of whom are also Democrats.

To be sure, Northam is entitled to seek redemption and meditate on the harm he may have caused. But contrary to his claim, he does not need to do so on the Virginia taxpayers dime. He can pursue an honest conversation about harmful actions from [his] past and embrace his responsibility to reconcile to his hearts content. Neither requires him to occupy the governors mansion any longer than he already has.

Nor does his personal growth require the kind of public black labor he will inevitably summon to his defense. Rehabilitating a politicians image is, by nature, a public-relations campaign. National newspapers have already deployed reporters to ask black Virginians if they believe Northam is a racist. Northam has gathered black officials in his administration for impromptu discussions about the issue, and at Saturdays news conference invoked a black friend and campaign assistant, Seth Opoku-Yeboah, to show that he has had meaningful discussions about racism in the past, including about blackface specifically. It seems safe to say this was not a job any of them signed up for. Northams redemption is not the lens through which any of them hoped racism would be discussed under their leadership.

So instead of moving forward and having an honest discussion about racism  as Northam claims he wants to do  Virginians, and especially black Virginians, are left discussing whether Northam is fit to lead that discussion. Needless to say, this is a barrier to actually having the discussion. None of which contradicts the fact that a personal reckoning is in order for the governor, or necessarily advocates for him stepping down. It is an acknowledgment that conversations about racism in the United States routinely get consumed by debate about white peoples feelings, and that having conversations on these terms reduces them to stepping stones in the pursuit of white redemption rather than reckonings with how racism impacts nonwhite people.

This is despite the fact that white people are the population least affected by racism, and for whom lived experiences with racism are the most abstract, to quote NPRs Gene Demby. The personal concerns that mark the debate around Northams yearbook photo  like whether having done something racist in the past marks him as irredeemably racist in the present  have taken, and will continue to take, precedent over efforts to address racism as a broad-based phenomenon with higher stakes than just white peoples self-discovery. It individualizes the systemic and whitewashes that over which black blood is regularly shed. The irony of Virginians debating whether Northam should stay in office following a racism scandal, less than 18 months after white supremacists beat DeAndre Harris to a pulp in Charlottesville and murdered Heather Heyer, seems lost on the governor.

For black Virginians, racism is a daily presence with vivid and often violent manifestations, as with the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville. It is written in history. Virginia was the first state to import black slaves from Africa to the United States 400 years ago. It is where Thomas Jefferson raped Sally Hemings and fathered six children whom he kept in bondage. It is the state that fought Richard and Mildred Lovings marriage and took them to the Supreme Court in 1967. Shepherding Northam on his journey may be a worthwhile pursuit for some black people. More likely, doing so means less attention paid to wrestling with how racism functions in Virginia for them. It is not too late to change course. Northam could opt to better himself without subjecting Virginia to the details or parading his black acquaintances in service of his exoneration. He could encourage a reckoning that does not focus on him. Or he could do what America usually does.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

In January 2019, 1,000 Azerbaijani tourists visited the Turkish resort province of Antalya, which is 39 percent more compared to January 2018, Trend reports via Turkish media.

In January, 37,300 tourists from Russia visited Antalya, which is 75 percent more compared to the same month of 2018.

In January 2019, Antalya was visited by 7,200 tourists from Israel, which is 18 percent more than in January 2018.

The number of Iranian tourists who visited Antalya in January 2019 increased by 98 percent compared to the same month in 2018 and amounted to 1,600 people.

In January, there was also an increase in the number of incoming tourists from Kazakhstan. So 1,200 Kazakh tourists arrived in Antalya, which is 258 percent more compared to January 2018.

Moreover, tourists from 135 countries visited Antalya and their number reached 142,300, which is 53.8 percent more compared to January 2018.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

By Huseyn Veliyev - Trend:

Azerbaijani company CarDoctor will deliver the first cargo of the car diagnosis terminals under the same name to Ukraine, a source in Azerbaijans e-commerce market told Trend.

The terminal's interface has been fully localized into the Ukrainian language and the currency detector is adapted to accept the local currency (hryvnia), the source said.

"The first cargo will consist of 10 devices," the source said. "In general, 40 such devices are envisaged to be exported to Ukraine. It is also planned to supply the CarDoctor terminals to Russia, but no final decision has yet been made on this issue."

Visually, the device is similar to payment terminals. The terminal allows a car owner to independently diagnose a vehicle.

In Azerbaijan, this device is installed at one of the SOCAR filling stations.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @h_veliyev
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

By Taleh Mursagulov  Trend:

Azerbaijani banks' capital adequacy is the highest among CIS systems, Trend reports referring to Moodys report.

Azerbaijani banks have strongest capital adequacy as a result of government capital support for the International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA), Moodys said.

The Azerbaijani Financial Market Supervision Authority (FIMSA) has approved a schedule for raising the minimum requirements for the ratio of the adequacy of total capital and the ratio of the adequacy of capital of the Tier I system banks. The new Rules for the calculation of bank capital and its adequacy, to come into effect on May 24, 2019, envisage this schedule.

The new rules envisage the concept of a backbone (system) bank, the criteria for determining such banks are set by FIMSA.

In particular, the minimum value of the coefficient of adequacy of the total capital of system banks from June 1, 2019 must reach 11 percent, while from January 1, 2020 - 12 percent (the adequacy ratio will remain at 10 percent for other banks).

The minimum value of the capital adequacy ratio of Tier I of system banks from June 1, 2019 must reach 5.5 percent, while from January 1, 2020 six percent (it will remain at five percent for other banks).

According to FIMSA, capitalization of the Azerbaijani banking sector in 2018 amounted to 4.071 billion manats, total assets of Azerbaijani banks reached 29.502 billion manats, total liabilities - up to 25.43 billion manats.

Net profit of the banking sector in 2018 amounted to 883.6 million manats.

There are 30 banks in Azerbaijan, including two state banks.

(1.7 AZN = 1 USD on Feb. 5)

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Follow the author on Twitter: @TalehMursagulov
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.5

By Elnur Baghishov, Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Iranian foreign policy has become hostage to successful development of energy fields, Iranian economy expert Mehrdad Emadi told Trend.

He pointed out that Iranian National Oil Company intends to pursue its capacity enhancement program in spite of the U.S. unilaterally imposed sanctions. "Stated targets for the West Karoun oil fields, South Pars phases 15-19 and the Yadavaran fields all indicate a growing ambition to increase production levels by at least 65 percent over the next five to six years."

Emadi believes that the production targets reflect both an anxiety on the Iranian side because of the unequal extraction from the oil and gas fields shared jointly with its neighbours especially Iraq and Qatar as well as the rising budget deficits of the government and the escalating expenditures of the country abroad especially in Syria, Lebanon and the Persian Gulf conflicts.

"In this context the success of the Iranian foreign policy has become hostage to the successful development of the energy fields and the sale from their output. By starting an oil and gas spot market through which crude and gas and later petrochemical derivatives could be sold to domestic and foreign private buyers, Tehran hopes to circumvent the U.S. sanctions on the sector," noted the expert.

He went on to add that whilst the energy bourse of Tehran offered its first crude consignment intended for export so far the uptake has been lukewarm and uneven. "Apart from the U.S. sanctions, the start of similar offerings for future deliveries in the bourses of the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf on more favourable terms lowered the appeal of the Iranian bourse."

The low level of foreign participation reflects the risk premium Tehran has to absorb if the bourse is to attract foreign buyers on a regular basis, Emadi concluded.

In an attempt to sell oil to the Iranian private sector, the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) has started large scale offering of crude oil with a million barrels at the Iran Energy Exchange (IRENEX).

In order to develop alternative channels for monetizing Irans oil under the US sanctions, Iranian authorities have activated an old plan to market some of their export potential through the IRENEX.

The IRENEX was established in 2012 as a regulated exchange for trading of energy-related products and securities.

Up until that IRENEX had mainly been an exchange for the trading of petroleum and petrochemical products (not crude oil), gas liquids and electricity.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

By Sara Israfilbayova - Trend:

BP plans to drill six new exploration wells in Azerbaijan in 2019-2020, BP Azerbaijan Vice President Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli told Trend.

He said that four wells are planned to be drilled this year and two wells next year.

"The results will depend on the drilling process," he noted. "We expect positive results regarding the Shafag-Asiman field. Perhaps, gas reserves at that field will be the same as at the Shah Deniz field."

Depending on the results, a medium-term plan will be prepared, Aslanbayli added.

BP Azerbaijan is the operator of the ACG and Shafag-Asiman fields.

A contract for development of ACG was signed in 1994. A new contract for development of the ACG block until 2050 was signed in Baku Sept. 14, 2017.

The ACG participating interests are as follows: BP - 30.37 percent; AzACG (SOCAR) - 25 percent; Chevron - 9.57 percent; INPEX - 9.31 percent; Statoil - 7.27 percent; ExxonMobil - 6.79 percent; TP - 5.73 percent; ITOCHU - 3.65 percent; ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) - 2.31 percent.

SOCAR and BP signed a contract on the Shafag-Asiman block for a period of 30 years in October 2010. In the operational period the sides will implement joint operatorship within the project. Shared participation in the contract between BP and SOCAR is 50 to 50 percent.

The forecast reserves of the Shafag-Asiman block stand at 500 billion cubic meters of gas and 65 million tons of condensate.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @IsrafilbekovaS
Oil prices fell on Monday after disappointing U.S. factory data sparked fresh concerns about a slowdown in the global economy, but losses were limited as OPEC-led supply cuts and U.S. sanctions against Venezuela pointed to tighter supply, Trend reported citing Reuters.

Brent crude futures dropped 24 cents, or 0.38 percent, to settle at $62.51 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell 70 cents, or 1.27 percent, to settle at $54.56 a barrel.

Weighing on oil markets, U.S. government data showed new orders for U.S.-made goods unexpectedly fell in November, with sharp declines in demand for machinery and electrical equipment.

In a market thats looking for direction, theres concern that any slowdown in the manufacturing sector would slow down demand. Because the number was a little disappointing, it played into the slowing demand scenario, said Phil Flynn, oil analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago.

Prices also dipped after data showed U.S. crude inventories at Cushing, Oklahoma, the delivery point for U.S. crude futures, rose by more than 943,000 barrels in the week to Feb. 1, traders said, citing data from market intelligence firm Genscape.

Crude futures earlier posted around two-month highs. Brent reached $63.63 a barrel, the highest since Dec. 7, while WTI climbed to $55.75 a barrel, the strongest since Nov. 21.

Prices have been buoyed by a new round of supply cuts from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies that began in January. OPEC supply fell last month by the largest amount in two years, a Reuters survey last week found.

Russia has been in full compliance with its pledge to gradually cut its oil production, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in a statement on Monday, adding that production decreased by 47,000 barrels per day (bpd) in January from October.

The impact of OPEC+s supply curbs has been boosted by U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA. The sanctions will limit oil transactions between Venezuela and other countries and are similar to those imposed on Iran last year, some analysts said after examining details announced by the U.S. government.

The European Union is considering imposing more sanctions on the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro but has not discussed an oil embargo, Maltas foreign minister said on Monday.

However, while OPEC is cutting output, the United States has expanded supply, with production most recently totaling 11.9 million bpd.

Market participants are also watching for developments surrounding the U.S.-China trade war, which has dragged on world markets as investors worry that the dispute could contribute to a potential global economic slowdown.

GM to start laying off 4,000 workers Monday - report

The market seems to be turning on renewed worries that there doesnt seem to be a lot of progress on the U.S.-China trade talks, said Gene McGillian, director of market research at Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut.

U.S. President Donald Trump last week said he would meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in the coming weeks to try to settle the dispute.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend:

The implementation of compulsory medical insurance will begin throughout Azerbaijan from 2020, deputy prime minister, executive secretary - deputy chairman of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), Ali Ahmadov told reporters in Baku Feb. 5, Trend reports.

He said that compulsory medical insurance is in force as a test project in the city of Mingachevir, Agdash and Yevlakh districts.

The results of the test projects show that people really need this [compulsory health insurance], said Ahmadov.

"2019 can be considered the year of preparation for a full-scale implementation of the compulsory medical insurance," he noted.

Since the end of 2016, a test project on compulsory medical insurance is being implemented in Azerbaijan. The project currently covers the city of Mingachevir, as well as the Yevlakh and Agdash districts.

The project is being implemented by the State Agency for Compulsory Medical Insurance, which began operating in Azerbaijan in February 2016.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.5

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Kazakhstan and the US will sign an agreement on launching direct flights between the two countries on open sky principle in March, Trend reports citing Kazakhstans Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development Zhenis Kasymbek.

The ministry has prepared the draft intergovernmental agreement on air service between Kazakhstan and the US on open sky principle. It is planned to sign this agreement in March this year, he said, KazInform reports.

Further, he noted that together with Air Astana, the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure will work this year on opening air service to Japan, New York, Shanghai and other large cities of the world.

The procedure of accreditation for flights to the US has been launched this year, added the minister.

The signing of the open sky agreement will create a legal basis for opening direct flights between Kazakhstan and the US.

Recently, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has instructed to open direct flights between Kazakhstan and the US, as well as with Japan.

Twenty-one airlines operate in Kazakhstan, only four of which are really big enough to be called national carriers and compete in the Kazakh market of passenger air travel services.

Air Astana, SCAT, Bek Air and Qazaq Air are the leaders in the Kazakh skies, annually transporting thousands of people and thousands of tons of goods.

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Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Feb. 5

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting with Yoichi Kobayashi, Vice President of Japans "Itochu" and Co-chair of Japanese  Turkmen Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation, Trend reports referring to Turkmen Foreign Ministry's statement.

The parties discussed attracting investments in gas and chemical industry via partnership with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and discussed matters of joint projects for the supply of agricultural equipment manufactured by "Komatsu" company.

Eight documents were signed by the governmental delegation of Turkmenistan during the working visit to Japan in October of last year, concerning the realization of new joint projects, including the construction of ammonia and carbamide production plants, natural gas processing and gasoline production, a workshop for phosphate fertilizer production, along with partnership with JBIC, and supply of the earthmoving machinery of "Komatsu" company and "Toyota" cars to Turkmenistan.

Japan has already realized a number of major projects in Turkmenistan. Among them are the construction of ammonia and carbamide plants in the city of Mary, industrial complexes in the Balkan Region for polyethylene production at the Turkmenbashi Complex of Oil Refineries, carbamide fertilizers in Garabogaz, and polyethylene and polypropylene in Kiyanly.
Tehran, Iran, Feb. 5

Trend:

Bojnord Special Economic Zone in Iran's North Khorasan Province will start operating Feb.11 on the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.

"This zone has taken two years to complete with a cost of $19 million, while the province supplied $13 million of the figure from its budget and the rest was provided by the North Khorasan Industrial Estates Company," said managing director of the company, Siavassh Vahdat, Trend reports citing IRNA.

He noted: "Until now around three hectares of land have been assigned to the zone, while nine contracts have been signed to install production units."

He indicated: "Investors in the special economic zone will be exempt from taxes, while attracting foreign investment is a priority of the Bojnord Special Economic Zone."

"Investors from Germany, Austria, Turkey, Iraq and Afghanistan have traveled to the province to visit the Bojnord Special Economic Zone," he added.

"The closeness to the airport and the capital of North Khorasan Province are the advantages of the Bojnord Special Economic Zone that can also create opportunity for academic cooperation with domestic and foreign universities."

The North Khorasan Province currently has nine industrial parks and six industrial zones.
Dont bully a Trump  all 4,788 of them. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Bloomberg via Getty Images

On Monday, the White House announced its list of official State of the Union guests: 13 Americans who serve as in-person surrogates for the presidents policy agendas. The youngest of the bunch, 11-year-old Joshua Trump, received a plus-one from the First Lady because, as the White House states, Joshua has been bullied in school due to his last name.

The invitation of Joshua Trump is the latest initiative of Melania Trumps Be Best campaign, in which the First Lady encourage[s] everyone to be kind to each other and treat each other with respect in everyday life and on social media. Trump certainly empathizes with the sixth-grader from Wilmington, Delaware: In October, four months after visiting detained children wearing the I dont really care, do you? jacket, she told ABC News that she believes she is the most bullied person on the world.

Joshua Trump, who loves animals and hopes to pursue a related career in the future, is a child in a tough spot, one of a reported 4,788 Americans living with an unfortunate surname in a highly polarized political moment. In December, Joshua reportedly stopped using his last name at school, and his parents homeschooled him at one point because of his classmates bullying.

Since its announcement in May 2018, Melania Trumps signature anti-bullying measure has been known more for its gaffes than its policy achievements, from its stock-font logo, to its questionable grammar, to Melanias Be Best trip to Nairobi in which she wore a pith helmet reminiscent of British colonizers. (Not to mention the fact that her husband uses the mantle of the presidency  frequently, if not primarily  to make fun of people online.) But the SOTU invitation does clarify her anti-bullying initiative: The First Lady wants Americans to stop being mean to everyone named Trump.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

By Leman Zeynalova - Trend:

Kazakhstan and the US will construct a plant for production of corn seeds and non-GMO soybeans, according to director general of KazSeed Almas Tatishev.

"We attract the US experience in the sphere of seed production, create joint enterprises, ensure full transfer of technologies and experience exchange," KazInform quotes him as saying. "The production capacity of the plant will reach 25,000 tons of seed per year, which will enable Kazakh farmers to plant on up to 1 million hectares of land."

An ordinary selection method has allowed to avoid GMO supplements, Tatishev explained.

Moreover, he pointed out that it is planned to open two seed research centers in the countrys north and south.

The director general of KazSeed went on to add that the construction of those centers is expected to begin in 2019 so that to commission them in 2020.

He noted that 10 percent of the produced seeds will meet the demand of own farms, while the remaining 90 percent will be sold in Kazakhstan, as well as Europe and Asia.

Starting in January 2019, the rules for subsidizing the development of seed production came into force in Kazakhstan.

The new subsidies will not be provided for hybrids of the first generation of sunflower, corn, cotton, sugar beet, seeds of cotton varieties of the first and second reproduction and elite seedlings of fruit and berry crops and grapes. A partial reimbursement (up to 50 percent) of the cost of purchase of these crops is provided in new rules.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Apple very briefly retook its title as the most valuable publicly listed U.S. company on Monday, beating out Microsoft and Amazon.com, while Alphabet was close behind the trio as it prepared to report its quarterly results, Trend reports citing Reuters.

With Microsoft and Apple rallying almost 3 percent, Apples market capitalization for a few seconds was $806.6 billion, exceeding Microsofts by $200 million and Amazons by about $1.2 billion.

Microsoft quickly returned to its spot as the most valuable company, but Apple was on track to end the session above Amazon, up 0.4 percent, taking the No 2 spot.

Average analyst price targets imply Amazon would become by far the most valuable U.S. publicly-listed company at $1.03 trillion, followed by Microsoft at $967 billion, Alphabet at $927 billion and Apple at just $835 billion, according to Refinitiv data.

Apples stock has risen 11 percent since its quarterly report last Tuesday, with investors betting it was oversold following months of concern about a slowdown in iPhone demand, and the companys rare revenue warning on Jan. 2 related to soft demand in China.

After touching a record $1.1 trillion last October, Apples market capitalization fell gradually, and it was overtaken in December by Amazon and Microsoft.

Apples stock market value hit a low of $675 billion on Jan. 3 after its revenue warning, but then steadily recovered, helped in part by a quarterly report that was better than feared by investors.

While Apple has gained in recent sessions, Microsoft and Amazons stocks have fallen after their quarterly reports. Amazon has declined about 4 percent since Thursday, when it forecast first-quarter sales below Wall Street estimates and warned over new regulations in India.

Since Wednesday, when Microsoft met targets for its quarterly results and forecast, its stock has slipped nearly 1 percent.

Google-parent Alphabet was up 2.6 percent, putting its stock market value at $788 billion. After the bell, the company is expected to post quarterly revenue of $38.9 billion, up 20 percent, and a 12 percent increase in non-GAAP net income to $7.7 billion, according to Refinitiv data.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

Trend:

On Safer Internet Day UNICEF is urging more efforts to enable children and young people in Azerbaijan to explore the exciting and informative digital world in safety and security, as new data indicates that for the 97.5 per cent of young people aged 15 to 24 years old who are online in Azerbaijan, online violence, cyberbullying and digital harassment are potential risks.

The call comes following a recent UNICEF global poll of young people, which received more than 1 million responses over five weeks, and suggestions from a series of student-led #ENDviolence Youth Talks held around the world. Through these initiatives, young people provided thoughtful responses about what they and their parents, teachers and policymakers could do to keep them safe, especially against bullying and cyberbullying.

The internet provides enormous opportunities for children and young people to learn, to explore other cultures, meet new people, express their creativity and vision  but we also know there are risks in that exciting digital world  including bullying, discrimination, hate speech, exploitation and abuse, said UNICEF Representative to Azerbaijan Edward Carwardine. Thats why this Safer Internet Day, UNICEF is urging all those who care about our childrens safety online to play their part in making the digital world a safer, more inclusive world for every child.

According to 2017 data from UNESCO on the prevalence of cyberbullying in high-income countries, the proportion of children and adolescents who are affected by cyberbullying ranges from 5 to 21 per cent, with girls appearing to be more likely to experience cyberbullying than boys.

Cyberbullying can cause profound harm as it can quickly reach a wide audience, and can remain accessible online indefinitely, virtually following its victims online for life. Bullying and cyberbullying feed into each other, forming a continuum of damaging behaviour. Victims of cyberbullying are more likely to use alcohol and drugs and skip school than other students. They also are more likely to receive poor grades and experience low self-esteem and health problems. In extreme situations, cyberbullying has led to suicide.

In Azerbaijan, 98.3 per cent of girls aged between 15 and 24 years old are online, compared to 96.8 per cent of boys of the same age. The total percentage of young people online in Azerbaijan exceeds the global average of 70.6 per cent.

The online population in Azerbaijan is also getting younger, with 91.9 per cent of children under 15 years old online. While adolescents may be more exposed to cyberbullying than younger age groups, children are not immune from harmful content, sexual exploitation and abuse, and cyberbullying.

UNICEF Azerbaijan is highlighting simple ways to start keeping children and young people safe while in the digital world.

Parents should be aware of where their children are surfing, who they are talking to online and what type of content they are accessing. Its also important to talk openly to their children about some of the risks they may encounter in the digital world and let them know that if they experience bad behaviours online, they can tell their parents without fear of punishment.

Teachers should encourage children to see the internet as a valuable tool for knowledge and communication, for creative expression and developing talents, while also enabling children who do encounter bad experiences online to come forward and seek help from adults. Online abusers take advantage of children's fear of speaking up about inappropriate behaviour to further exploit their victims.

More investment by government in educating children  formally and non-formally  on how to keep themselves informed, engaged and safe online, including teaching children how to recognize and protect themselves from online dangers and misinformation; and making digital citizenship a core component of digital education.

But the first steps are the simplest, said Edward Carwardine. "Whether a parent, or relative, or teacher or youth worker, get to know the online habits of the children and young people in your life, stay alert to any sudden changes in their mood and let children and young people know they can talk to you about anything at any time.

###



About ITU ICT Facts and Figures

Data about Internet penetration among children and young people come from the ITU ICT Facts and Figures 2017, which features end-2017 estimates for key telecommunication/ICT indicators.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the worlds toughest places, to reach the worlds most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children visit www.unicef.org.

Follow UNICEF on Twitter and Facebook

For more information, please contact:

Ayna Mollazade, Communication and Partnership Specialist, [email protected], tel: +99 412 4923013 (ext.109)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

Trend:

The UNEC, which targets to train highly qualified professionals, is constantly expanding its cooperation with leading universities in the world, and introduces the best teaching and training technologies. Within the framework of the measures implemented in this direction, the visit of the delegation consisted of academic-teaching staff of the Azerbaijan State Economics University to the leading higher education institutions of the neighboring country was held to contribute the development of bilateral relations between the UNEC and the Turkish universities, deepen the academic and administrative cooperation, exchange of the best practice.

Within the framework of the trips started on 4th February, the academic-teaching staff of UNEC will be familiarized closely with the teaching-training, as well as, the administrative processes at Sakarya University (inthe city Sakarya), Ankara University, Hacettepe University (in the city Ankara), Nigde Omer Halisdemir University (in the city Nigde), Bosphorus University, Koc University (in the city Istanbul).

UNEC, which is one of the largest universities in the world, has the largest network of international collaborations, creating the attractive opportunities for both students and teachers in this sense. The UNEC students have the opportunity to benefit maximum from the exchange programs Erasmus+ for European universities, Mevlana for Turkish universities. The expenses of the students participating in the exchange are met by the program. On the other hand, within the framework of coopertaion with the London University/London School of Economics, which is one of the most influential European economics schools, the diploma of this university can be obtained at UNEC, as well. Also, in accordance with the dual degree diploma program with the French prestigious Monpellier University, our students taking education one year from 4 year education in France, can obtain the diploma from both UNEC and Monpellier University. The ranks of the leading universities in the world we cooperate with, include the Lithuanian University of Mykolas Romeris, the influential Lincoln University of the US and others.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend:

Elnur Huseynzade, an Azerbaijani citizen who was detained Feb. 1, 2017 by Armenian servicemen in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and imprisoned by a decision of the illegal court of the separatist regime, was transferred from Shusha, where he was kept, to Armenia on Feb. 2, Trend reports with reference to Azerbaijans State Commission for Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons.

The information about this was received from the corresponding international organizations.

From the moment of Huseynzade's detention, the issue of his release was raised before the relevant international organizations and the necessary work is underway in this direction.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

Azerbaijan will make efforts for young people to take part in the municipal election as candidates this year, Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister, Executive Secretary  Deputy Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party Ali Ahmadov said.

Ahmadov made the remarks in a meeting with young people in Baku on Feb. 5.

President of Azerbaijan, Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party Ilham Aliyev held a big meeting on Feb. 1, in which young people also took part, he said. The president gave recommendations to young people and informed them that Azerbaijan pays special attention to the youth.

The president pays great attention to the dialogue with young people, he said. In general, establishing a dialogue with the population is one of the main directions of policy in Azerbaijan.

In this sense, the meeting with young people is of particular importance," Ahmadov added.

He added that more than 700,000 members of the New Azerbaijan Party, that is, the overwhelming majority, are young people.

The youth also made a significant contribution to the successful completion of election campaigns in Azerbaijan, Ahmadov said.

All this testifies that young people support the ruling partys activity, he said. Young people must be also active in social and political life, as today's young citizens are future politicians and managers.

Ahmadov also said the party, within its capabilities, creates conditions for young people to be able to demonstrate their activity.

The next municipal election will be held in December 2019, he said. We will make efforts for active young people to be able to participate in the election as candidates.

Thus, the youth will be able to actively participate in the countrys public and political life, Ahmadov added.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Shahin Mustafayev thanked Uzbekistan for supporting Azerbaijans position in resolving the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Trend reports referring to Kun.uz. on Feb. 5.

"Not only economic relations are developing between our countries, Mustafayev said at a meeting with business circles of the two countries in Tashkent. The political relations are most important. We are always grateful to the fraternal people of Uzbekistan for supporting Azerbaijans position in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Such a fair position is consistent with the spirit of friendly, fraternal relations between our countries and peoples.

The minister stressed that high level political relations, based on the centuries-old friendship of the peoples, was established between the countries.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

Trend:

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have 30 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said Feb. 5, Trend reports.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5

By Matanat Nasibova  Trend:

The Azerbaijani producer of alcoholic beverages Ismayilli Sharab-2 has decided to export wine to the Belarusian market, the company told Trend.

"There is a demand for our products in this market so we expect to start to supply the first batches this year, the company added. The batches will not be big, but we intend to increase these volumes if our products prove to be in demand, such as, for example, in the Russian market. Presently, the Russian market is the only foreign market to which our products are supplied.

The companys wine have a certificate of conformity issued by the Azerbaijan State Committee for Standardization, Metrology and Patents and the Hygienic Certificate issued by the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Health.

The modern Italian and French equipment is used in the company.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @MatanatNasibova
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Iranian-American womens rights activist and journalist Masih Alinejad on Monday February 4 and thanked her for her bravery.

Alinejad started anti-hijab movements, such as My Stealthy Freedoms, which resonated in Iran in 2017 and 2018 when many women removed their headscarves in public and many of them were arrested.

She started her journalism career in Iran in 2001 but left the country in 2009 and first settled in Britain before moving to the United States.

Deputy Spokesperson of the State Department Robert Palladino in announcing the meeting, tweeted that Pompeo underscored American commitment to help amplify the voices of the Iranian people, and to condemn the Iranian regime for its 40 years of human rights abuses.

Alinejad also tweeted that her meeting with Pompeo lasted 35 minutes and said, I tried my utmost to be the voice of all those who put their trust in me. She added that she highlighted three areas of concern in the meeting. First, Many Iranians want an end to the Islamic Republic. Opposition voices should be heard. Second, International community should focus on 40 years of human rights violations by the regime, and third, the Trump administration travel ban hurts human rights activists and students, not the regime.
California senator Kamala Harris has a long way to go in her pursuit of the presidency, but shes off to a pretty good start. Photo: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

In planning a presidential campaign launch, particularly when the field of candidates is as large and complicated as the one facing Democrats today, it makes sense to keep your expectations modest. For one thing, candidates can relaunch themselves whenever they want; campaign trail memories are short. You sure dont want to create expectations that voters will swoon at the very first impression of candidate x, in the likely event that they dont. And sometimes a campaign can be unsettled or even capsized by a bad launch, as illustrated by Jon Huntsman in 2012:

For his 2012 campaign announcement along the Hudson River, former Utah governor Jon Huntsman Jr. and his handsome family strolled across a lawn like modern-day Camelot before he gave his speech, with the Statue of Liberty as his backdrop. But the audience on that windy morning had more journalists than cheering supporters, while the noise of airplane engines and a boat horn provided awkward interruptions. The episode became a metaphor for Huntsmans ill-fated campaign.

Few if any candidates pull off a launch like Barack Obamas Illinois State Capitol event in 2007, which set the perfect tone for his ultimately victorious campaign. But a 2020 candidate who has chosen Obamas nomination contest strategy as a template for her own, California senator Kamala Harris, is off to a good start, getting nice buzz in post-launch polling nationally and in Iowa.

Harris executed a three-stage launch in the course of a week, sharing the news of her candidacy on Good Morning America on Martin Luther King Jr. Day; formally announcing it at a large hometown rally in Oakland on January 27; and then conducting a televised town hall event in Des Moines the next day. She also worked in a South Carolina appearance at a fundraiser for Alpha Kappa Alpha, the large African-American sorority which she joined in college.

Polls taken during the last week show a good payoff for Harriss investment of time and money in her launch. Two national polls, one from Politico and Morning Consult and another from Monmouth, show her moving into third place behind Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders in the large 2020 field, with double-digit support. Shes ahead of Elizabeth Warren, who had her own effective series of launch events in December, and also ahead of early sensation Beto ORourke. And a new poll of likely Iowa caucus-goers from Emerson shows her at 18 percent, actually ahead of Sanders and everyone else other than Biden.

Such top-line support levels can be ephemeral, but there are other good signs for Harris. The Monmouth poll showed her drawing equally from white and minority voters, and thus potentially developing the kind of broad base that Obama enjoyed in 2008.

All this early good feeling could, of course, wind up being as meaningless as Jeb Bushs 2016 GOP front-runner status. But at this point, a lot of other actual and potential candidates would be happy to swap places with Kamala Harris.
A prominent former revolutionary turned opponent of the ruling Islamic establishment in Iran says he will ignore a summons to appear before the Revolutionary Court.

Abolfazl Qadyani, a co-founder of the political group Mujahedin of the Islamic Revolution of Iran Organization (MIRO), who helped the clerics consolidate power after the overthrow of the monarchy forty years ago, says hell ignore the summons because he doesnt recognize the authority of the Revolutionary Court, a special court set up to prosecute those accused of "crimes" such as blasphemy and attempting to overthrow the Islamic ruling system.

Qadyani likewise disputed the legitimacy of the Special Clerical Court, which is tasked with prosecuting clerics accused of wrongdoing.

Qadyani, 73, is currently one of the most vociferous opponents of the Islamic Republic's system and specifically its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, among prominent figures residing in Iran.

Last year, Qadyani on two occasions harshly attacked the Islamic Republic political system and eventually the hardliners who follow the Supreme Leader's political line decided to bite back, summoning the critic to courts.

In a letter published a few days ago on an opposition website, Qadyani called the courts unlawful and their rulings null and void. Qadyani said the two parallel court systems are not independent but are rather obedient executioners of whatever is dictated by the intelligence apparatuses, who for their part, and in tandem with the judiciary, are assigned to implement orders issued by Iran's current dictator, Mr. Khamenei.

Qadyani (also spelled as Ghadyani) was sentenced to six years in prison in 2009 for publicly challenging the outcome of the controversial presidential election that year, which officially led to the victory of the hardline incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Since his release he has relentlessly skewered the Islamic ruling system.

According to the summons, Qadyani is accused of "spreading false news" and should present himself to the court February 27. Last April, Qadyani accused Khamenei of imprisoning activists, depriving the nation of free and fair elections, and ruling without accountability, thus creating a despotic regime.

In November, Qadyani went further, calling for Khamenei to step down, insisting that his concentrated power and lifetime appointment are the main sources of widespread corruption across the country.

"The fear of losing power is a permanent nightmare that blurs the dictator's sight and forces him toward immoral and unlawful moves in the hope of retaining power and increasing his dominance over the nation, Qadyani wrote in his essay.
A member of Irans parliament says Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has decided to take $1.5 billion from the National Development Fund to reinforce" the defenses of the country.

Mahmoud Negahban Salami who is a member of parliaments budget reconciliation commission told ISNA that Khameneis decision was announced Monday evening during the final review of Irans next year budget, starting March 21 2019.

The National Development Fund also known as Irans hard currency fund was established in the early 2000s to save some of the income from oil and oil-related exports as permanent savings for future generations.

But as the first round of international sanctions hit Iran in 2011, Mahmoud Ahmadinejads government withdrew money from the fund and this trend continued during Hassan Rouhanis presidency, as the countrys economy failed to improve in the wake of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

As next years budget was being discussed in the past two months, it was apparent that Iran could not afford an increase in its military budget and there was talk of withdrawing money from the Development Fund. With Khameneis decision now it is official.

The increase in the military budget takes place at a time when Iran is being pressured by the West for its ballistic missile program and its interventions in regional countries.
KYIV. Feb 5 (Interfax-Ukraine)  Gas supply companies believe that the gas consumption limits for consumers without meters approved by the Cabinet of Ministers at the end of January 2019 are groundless and their application would result in misbalancing of the gas supply system by 383 million cubic meters of gas a year, Chairman of the Ukrainian gas market association Denys Senektutov said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday with participation of heads of Kharkivgazzbut, Dnipropetrovskgazzbut and Mykolaivgazzbut. "The question is who will pay for it and at what price," Senektutov said, noting that gas sales companies or gas network operators would have to pay this amount as process gas at a market price of about UAH 15 per cubic meter. The head of the profile association recalled that research on gas consumption rates over the past 10 years was conducted only three times. The latest study carried out UkrNIIinzhproekt LLC in 2015, complementing it in 2018 with accounting data of 512,000 subscribers in multi-apartment buildings equipped with house meters. The obtained data is 6.64 cubic meters per household with a gas stove, which is twice higher than those approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, Senektutov said. According to the association, gas supply companies will challenge the government decision on new limits in court as soon as it is published. As reported, the cassation administrative court of the Supreme Court at the end of November 2018 canceled the action established by decision No. 203 (which was adopted in violation of the regulations) of the Cabinet of Ministers on the limits of natural gas consumption for residential consumers without meters. Instead, the previous decisions (made in government resolution No. 619 dated June 8, 1996, and amended on October 1, 2014) that have the limits set two and three times higher came into force. In the repealed resolution the gas consumption rate was set at 3.3 cubic meters per person for households with a gas stove and centralized hot running water; 5.4 cubic meters - with a gas stove, without centralized hot running water and a water heater; 10.5 cubic meters - with a gas stove and a water heater. Resolution No. 619 that the newly entered into force sets the limits at 9.8 cubic meters, 18.3 cubic meters and 23.6 cubic meters per person, respectively. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on January 31, 2019 retuned the lower limits for gas consumption for households without meters. The new limits are set at 3.29 cubic meters per person for households with a gas stove and centralized hot water supply, 5.39 cubic meters with a gas stove, without centralized hot water supply and a water heater, and 10.49 cubic meters with a gas stove and a water heater. The resolution has not yet been published.
Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Liudmyla Denisova says that the Russian side undiscloses information about the state of health of the Crimean Tatar activist Edem Bekirov, who is illegally detained in the Simferopol detention facility (Crimea, annexed by Russia).

"Edem Bekirov's state of health is supercritical. His daughter Eleonora reported about it. At the same time, according to information I received from presidential adviser, Chairman of the Presidential Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights Mikhail Fedotov, his health condition is satisfactory," Denisova wrote on her Facebook page on Tuesday.

She noted that, according to the lawyer, it is written in the certificate he received that among the existing diseases of Bekirov there are no those that are on the list of heavy ones and make it impossible to be in custody.

"At the same time, we know that Edem Bekirov has a number of dangerous diseases that can only worsen in the conditions of the detention facility. Therefore, I once again see that the information coming from the letters of the Russian Federation cannot be trusted. The Russian Federation conceals the true state of Ukrainian citizen and violates human rights," said the Ukrainian Ombudswoman.

Bekirov was born in 1961. He is a resident of the village of Novo-Oleksiyivka, Kherson region. He was heading to Crimea to visit his 78-year-old mother and relatives and was detained on December 12, 2018 while entering Crimea from Chongar (Kherson region) while passing passport control in the territory controlled by Russian invaders.

Earlier, MP Refat Chubarov (Bloc Petro Poroshenko faction), chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, said the health condition of Crimean Tatar civic activist Edem Bekirov who has been illegitimately held at the pretrial prison in Simferopol (in Crimea annexed by Russia) abruptly deteriorated.

The Russian authorities accused Bekirov of committing a crime under Part 2 of Article 22 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (illegal purchase, transfer, sale, possession, transportation, or carrying weapons, its major parts, cartridges).

The Russian occupation authorities arrested Bekirov for two months on December 13, 2018.

On January 23, 2019, Denisova asked Russian Human Rights Ombudswoman Tatyana Moskalkova to help provide treatment for the Crimean Tatar activist Edem Bekirov, who is illegally detained in the Simferopol detention facility (Crimea, annexed by Russia)
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said that he supports Ulana Suprun who was suspended from the post of acting Health Minister under a decision of Kyiv's District Administrative Court, but he has no right to comment on the court decision.

"I would like to express my position as president regarding today's court decision. I want to emphasize that, by law, I, as president, have no right to comment on the court's decision. I want to emphasize that Mrs. Suprun has the full support of the President of Ukraine," he said at the annual reception of member companies of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine on Tuesday.
Kyiv's District Administrative Court says Suprun can't act as health ministry head because of dual citizenship, exceeding term as acting minister

Kyiv's District Administrative Court has said the reason for suspending Ulana Surpun from performing her duties as acting Minister of Health are her dual citizenship and exceeding the allowable time as acting Minister of Health.

As reported on Tuesday, the press service of Kyiv's District Administrative Court considered the application for the provision of an administrative claim filed by Verkhovna Rada deputy (Radical Party faction) Ihor Mosiychuk and partially satisfied it.

In particular, the court prohibited Suprun to perform "any actions aimed at exercising the powers of the Minister of Health of Ukraine."

"At the same time, the defendant was not prohibited from exercising the powers that were delegated to her as deputy minister," the court's press service said.

The court motivated its decision "by the presence of signs of obvious wrongfulness temporarily exercised by the first deputy minister of health of Ukraine of such minister's authority for more than one month from the moment the person was vested with relevant powers (July 27, 2016).

"At the same time, the court established that, beyond this time limit, the first deputy minister of health of Ukraine can only fulfill those powers of the minister of health of Ukraine, which were granted to her on the instructions of such a minister," the court said.

The court also took into account the arguments of the plaintiff that in 2015 Suprun obtained the citizenship of Ukraine and at the same time remained a citizen of the United States. Under Ukrainian law, dual citizenship is not allowed.
Swiss Embassy concerned about possible negative consequences for health reform due to court decision to suspend Suprun

The Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine has expressed concern about the possible negative consequences for the reform of the health care system by a court decision to suspend Ulana Suprun from the post of acting Health Minister of Ukraine.

"Analyzing the unexpected court decision to ban Ulana Suprun from performing the duties of the Minister of Health of Ukraine, we express our concern about the possible negative consequences for the reform of the health system in Ukraine," it said on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon.

Earlier, Radical Party leader Oleh Liashko said that following a lawsuit filed by MP Ihor Mosiichuk of the Radical Party, Kyiv's district administrative court banned Uliana Suprun from performing her duties as the acting Minister of Health of Ukraine.

Also, he posted a photocopy of the court's ruling dated February 5, 2019. The court's ruling is to be executed immediately. It can be appealed against within 15 days.

According to Health Ministry, consultations are being held with lawyers regarding the ruling of the Kyiv District Administrative Court on the prohibition of Suprun to perform the duties of a minister.
Andriy Teteruk, first deputy head of the People's Front faction in parliament, has said he hopes that the Verkhovna Rada will act quickly to pass draft law No. 9524 that bans citizens of the Russian Federation from being recruited as election observers for the presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine.

"I am positive that within a short period of time it will be considered and we will get 226 votes. I can't see any obstacles for this draft law not to be supported," Teteruk told reporters in Kyiv on Tuesday.

He said: "The essence of the law is very simple: it is not to allow citizens of the aggressor country and organizations that can represent the aggressor state to take part in the presidential and parliamentary elections as observers."

Teteruk is one of the co-authors of the bill.

As earlier reported, the draft law on amending some laws of Ukraine on the observation of the electoral process in Ukraine (No. 9524) was registered with the Verkhovna Rada on Monday, February 4.
Following a request from MP Andriy Teteruk of the Peoples Front faction, on Tuesday, the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine has recorded in the Unified Register of Pretrial Investigations information about the commitment of crimes by chairman of the political council of the Opposition Platform  For Life Party Viktor Medvedchukencroachment on the territorial integrity of Ukraine and state treason.

"On February 5, 2019, the PGO of Ukraine, following a request from MP Andriy Teteruk, has recorded in the Unified Register of Pretrial Investigations information on crimes being committed by Medvedchuk, which are described in Part 1 of Article 110 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and Part 1 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine," the prosecutor general's press secretary Larysa Sarhan wrote on her Facebook page.
The international human rights organization Freedom House has said in its 2019 Freedom of the World report that Ukraine is "partially free," while Russia-occupied Crimea is "not free."

The report issued on Tuesday says human rights activists have documented more than 50 attacks on activists and human rights leaders in Ukraine during the first nine months of 2018.

"There were also a number of severe assaults by nationalist groups against the Romany minority. Investigations into those incidents generally took place only after significant pressure from civil society," the report says.

The human rights group said lawmakers and President Petro Poroshenko approved legislation to establish a long-awaited anticorruption court. However, domestic and international observers expressed concerns about the selection process for the 39 judges who would sit on the court.

According to the report, sporadic military operations continued in Donbas and the United Nations said more than 3,000 persons had died in fighting there since 2014.

In addition, Freedom House said in November, martial law was imposed in 10 Ukrainian regions for 30 days after Russian forces captured 24 Ukrainian naval sailors near Crimea.

"Provisions of the martial law decree allowed restrictions on free speech and assembly, but these were not invoked in practice," the report said, adding that opposition activists protesting against Russia's occupation in Crimea continued to suffer.

Along with Ukraine, in the section of "partially free" countries there are 59 other states and five territories, among which are Moldova, Hungary, Albania, Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mexico, Pakistan, Myanmar and Indonesia.

50 countries and eight territories, including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, China, Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, are regarded as "no free."

Some 86 countries and one territory are recognized as "free", including the U.S.A., Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Great Britain, the Baltic countries, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.

A total of 209 countries and territories were analyzed in the report.
Photo: Michael Short/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Thursday, October 25

This revolution started, like so many others, with a lot of moral outrage and a little bit of wine. On Thursday, October 25, Claire Stapleton, a product-marketing manager at YouTube, left work around 6 p.m., went home to Brooklyn to put her toddler son to bed, and poured herself a glass of red. Then she opened her computer to check in on the developments of the day. How Google Protected Andy Rubin, the Father of Android  had been published that morning by the New York Times, and Stapleton had come across it while scrolling through posts on a Google moms list. (Its like Park Slope Parents but for people who work at Google.) I read it immediately, she says. It was a bombshell story.

The article outlined a pattern of sexual misconduct at the company and, damningly, a $90 million payout to Rubin when he was forced out after a credible claim that he had coerced an employee into performing oral sex. It explained how, perhaps because of the tens of billions of dollars of revenue generated by the Android software he had developed, the company had kept Rubin on after finding bondage videos on his work computer, given him a stock grant worth $150 million while the inquiry into his sexual conduct was ongoing, and invested in his start-up once he left the company with a heros send-off from Google co-founder Larry Page. It also quoted his ex-wife saying that he had paid women hundreds of thousands of dollars to agree to ownership relationships. You will be happy being taken care of, Rubin wrote one woman, according to the New York Times. Being owned is kind of like you are my property, and I can loan you to other people. (Rubin has disputed some of the charges.)

By lunchtime, the news had spread throughout the New York office. As Googles new CFO had been tightening belts across the company, so many of the stories I heard were, I have been fighting for years to get head count for my team or to get a small salary increase or to get to my correct level because Im a black woman who got hired underlevel and Im appealing to get to the level I should be at because I have an M.B.A. and every other chump on my team is a level above me, you know? says Stapleton. And then they pay $90 million to this guy? (It was a $90 million sexual-harassment bonus, one of her co-workers later put it to me pointedly.)

Like many, Stapleton was both surprised and not surprised by these revelations. She had begun her career at Google in 2007, the summer after she graduated from college, and her first role had been to organize and write the script for the town-hall-meeting broadcast from the companys Mountain View headquarters every week, conceived as a way for the founders to make themselves accessible to employees. Stapleton had come to be a big believer in Googles culture because, as she says, it is sort of all about transparency and openness, and theres this sense that youre holding leadership accountable. On the strength of the town-hall emails shed been sending companywide for years (On the internal Memegen, there are a majillion memes of my ridiculous emails), she was recruited from San Francisco to the New York office in 2012 to work at the Google Creative Lab  where she found herself immersed in the sort of bro culture that shed never experienced in the matriarchy of her previous department. A male freelancer who was brought on at the same time was given multiple projects, while she was told, Just keep reading up on what we do, and well find something for you eventually. After months of biding her time, she finally reached out to a colleague for help on how to win over her boss. And he said, Hes a guys guy. He just really likes working with the kind of dude he can get a beer with after work, you know? 

Eighteen months in, Stapleton resorted to reporting the problem to HR with documentation. HR moved her out of the department that very day. She knew that her old boss was angling for a promotion and took comfort in the idea that there would be consequences for the way shed been treated. Take a wild guess what happened? Spoiler alert: He got promoted to VP.

What became clear in the immediate aftermath of the Rubin article was just how many other people had experienced similar wake-up calls. The moms-group post soon had over a hundred comments, with women sharing their stories of sexism, racism, and harassment. The article was about executive misconduct, says Stapleton. But what came out of it was really about the system  this sense that when people spoke out at something that was unjust going on in the culture, they ended up feeling that they were retaliated against.

At 3 p.m. that day, Google CEO Sundar Pichai sent a companywide email saying that the Times story was difficult to read, that 48 people had been fired for sexual harassment in the past two years, and that we support and respect those who have spoken out. But if that were true, people reasoned, why was Richard DeVaul, an executive who had been named in the Times article, still employed by Google? By evening, it was clear that the weeks town hall would have to address the many allegations. It was so inadequate, I cant even tell you, Stapleton says now. Google founders Larry [Page] and Sergey [Brin] made remarks. They were apologetic in tone. But Larry didnt want to discuss any specifics  it was just, We care, and lets let it blow over. Sergey was making jokes, sort of trying to lighten the mood. It was incredibly gauche.

Especially since many of Googles leaders had a history of hooking up with subordinates. Brin himself had had a highly public affair with a 20-something member of his team, and Page had dated Marissa Mayer when shed worked at the company. And there are a million other stories like that, Ill tell you, says Stapleton, who was aghast that, after these initial comments, the founders proceeded with business as usual: a product presentation for Google photos.

So, you know, now my glass of wine has sunk in, and the buzz is peaking, Stapleton continues. I wonder how we can use our collective leverage  If we banded together, what could we do? she typed to the moms group. A walkout, a strike, an open letter to Sundar? Google women (and allies) are REALLY rage-fueled right now, and I wonder how we can harness that to force some real change  At 7:58 p.m., she pressed send.

Friday, October 26

Tech has never been a hotbed of activism, in part because of the industrys self-perception. As Silicon Valley companies grew, the garage-band culture of the early days morphed into a top-down message that they were somehow different from other corporations, that their founders were not businesspeople at all but rather benevolent visionaries, changing the world for the better from the inside out. The message sounded great. It didnt scale.

 Dont be evil came out of that type of idealism, because they were getting rich without having to, right? says Meredith Whittaker, the founder and head of Googles Open Research Group in New York, an expert on the ethics of artificial intelligence, and someone who has spoken out about the dangers inherent in combining a corporate mentality with the incredible powers of AI. But now, she continues, to maintain this continual growth that is demanded of the modern shareholder-driven corporation requires crossing those red lines increasingly.

And employees have taken notice. On the heels of a memo published in 2017 by Google engineer James Damore  in which he blamed gender discrepancies at the company on personality differences  and against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement and protests provoked by the Trump administration, the company has seen its staff (and prospective employees) become more and more activated, with calls to tie executive compensation to company diversity and to give benefits to contract workers. In May, about a dozen employees resigned in protest of Project Maven, a secretive Google partnership with the Department of Defense to provide AI for drones. An internal petition signed by thousands of workers  who rejected participating in the business of war  demanded that Google back out. Amnesty International denounced the contract; Stanford students declared that they wouldnt take interviews at Google with the contract in place; and in June, the company announced that its work with the Pentagon would not be renewed. (A similar effort is currently under way to protest Project Dragonfly, which is developing a Chinese version of Google that would enable censorship.) When it came to Rubins payout, says one employee, I think its the $90 million straw that broke the camels back.

Still, by the end of the day on Friday, the outrage that had probably been percolating for a while was continuing, but it didnt seem to have much direction, says Stapleton, who came to the realization that someone needed to raise their hand and just freaking do something at this point. So, with her husband on baby duty at home, she created a Google group, womens-walk@, and sent an invitation to the moms group. I think the description copy was the steering committee for collective action or something. It was incredibly vague.

Google-walkout organizers (clockwise from top-left): Celie ONeil-Hart, Amr Gaber, Erica Anderson, Tanuja Gupta, Meredith Whittaker, Stephanie Parker, and Claire Stapleton. Photo: Bobby Doherty for New York Magazine/Courtesy of the subjects

Saturday, October 27

The next morning when Stapleton opened her computer, the Womens Walk group had over 200 members. At 6:46 a.m. (toddler mom productivity hour), she sent her first group message with the subject line hello friends :). It began *rolls up sleeves* welcome to ground zero of the google womens walkout / a day without women (naming/branding tbd). She then asked people to share why theyd joined the group, what they hoped their collective action could accomplish, and when they should try to pull it off (giving us enough time to make this as global, inclusive, and big as we can while also capitalizing on the rage-buzz-momentum we have).

It was soon clear that people took to the idea of a walkout and its attention-grabbing optics. The polite methods tech companies usually resorted to  petitions and open letters, which had also been put to use at places like Amazon and Microsoft  were fine for specific requests, but, says Whittaker, we were no longer in a situation where we were debating the merits of a certain claim. It was right in front of us, this steaming pile of garbage. And just as the gig economy had pushed job uncertainty further and further up the corporate food chain, it made sense that white-collar workers would start to borrow the blue-collar union tactics of old. Further, Stapleton realized that her privileged, white-collar position in an industry that prided itself on being forward-thinking gave her the latitude to stick her neck out where many others couldnt. And where Google went, perhaps others would follow.

The first person to respond was a woman from Mountain View who proposed a list of demands. Celie ONeil-Hart, a trust-and-transparency lead who worked in the San Bruno office, quickly created a document of what was being proposed on the thread, which soon had hundreds of people weighing in. Some called for upper management to step down; others demanded that the company donate $90 million to survivors of sexual assault or underpaid minority workers. As for the walkout, could they possibly pull something together before the midterms?

Sunday, October 28

I heard about it on Sunday night, says Stephanie Parker, a policy specialist in trust and safety in the San Bruno office and a co-lead of black@YouTube. I got a text from a friend on the YouTube marketing team saying, Girl, so are you walking out? in a very casual way. She assumed that I already knew.

Parker had a reputation of sorts as an activist within Google. In the wake of the Damore scandal, she had been one of the first people to sign an employee petition condemning the harassment of minority advocates by their co-workers. She was sensitive to issues of racial injustice within the company, in part because she felt that she had been racially profiled when she was recruited. Despite undergraduate and masters degrees from Stanford, Parker had been asked, How do you feel about this entry-level six-month-contract position in the recruiting team? With the help of someone else, Parker eventually landed a full-time position at YouTube, but once she started the job, the original recruiter invited her to a party for all the girls Ive helped. When Parker arrived, the woman, who is white, was sitting at the head of a long table lined exclusively with young black women  all of whom worked in HR or recruiting, many with contract roles. They all felt trapped, says Parker, working these thankless jobs.

Parker didnt hesitate to join the walkout group, or to loop in Amr Gaber, a San Francisco software engineer who had done activist work outside the company and who had been underleveled by Google, hired for a position that he was told was not entry level but that turned out to be just a step above interns and part-timers. Gaber told Parker, Theres a 50-50 chance this blows up.

Monday, October 29

On Monday morning, Stapleton woke up and put on her THE FUTURE IS FEMALE shirt, like Joan of Arc or something. By the time she got to her desk at work, the walkout group had more than 1,000 members.

But there was still the matter of what, when, and where the walkout would actually be. That day, BuzzFeed had leaked a story that 200 Google engineers were planning a protest expected to happen on Thursday. That date was a surprise to many in the group, but there was a sense that now a challenge had been set. The time that each office should walk out was chosen as 11:10, simply for its poetic resonance with the date and because there was no one time that would be feasible for every office. Stapleton suggested they call the walkout #MeGoo, which, she says with a laugh, no one liked.

In fact, it wasnt even necessarily accurate at that point. In the welling up of outrage  from men as well as women  it became clear that people felt that sexual abuse and harassment were symptoms of larger structural problems surrounding discrimination of all kinds and that it would be pointless to address one without tackling them all.

Parker was one of the first to raise the issue of temps, vendors, and contractors, or TVCs, a shadow group  making up more than half of Googles workforce  who are more likely to be people of color and who are not entitled to the benefits of Google employment, from health insurance and paid leave to invitations to Google events and the right to list Google on their resume. When there was a shooting at a YouTube campus last year, the TVCs werent even sent safety updates. Nor do they have access to internal Google groups, like the one for the walkout. They cant just click to join, explains Parker. So I started collecting TVC emails and trying to direct-add them myself.

In the creation of this subclass, organizers saw all the ways in which management not only kept workers down but also divided them against one another. Soon, the walkout was taking on a proletarian tone. Its an open power struggle. Its not a discussion or a debate, Gaber explains. Were not trying to change [executives] minds. Whether theyre good people or bad people is irrelevant. Theyre in a position of power that has to preserve itself.

But how, exactly, could the walkout work to rectify that power imbalance? Gaber, Whittaker, and ONeil-Hart began culling the growing list of demands. Parker started contacting people she knew in international offices and was soon fielding emails about the legality of protesting. I was like, Oh, dang, this escalated quickly. 

It was not lost on the organizers that the speed with which things came together was largely owed to the tools Google had created: docs, groups, hangouts, calendars, and an internal Google site. Nor was there any illusion that their activities would escape the notice of management. [We] knew it was inevitable, Stapleton tells me. Our Google group was completely open for anyone, and that first weekend, a bunch of comms and HR people joined, so anything we planned was naturally going to be reported back.

Most of the organizers were fine with that, believing that Googles outspoken office culture and emphasis on constructive feedback  as well as the threat of bad press  protected them from any kind of serious retribution. ONeil-Hart wasnt so sure. It kind of hit me, she says. I came home that night and I was like, Oh my God, this is happening. 

Tuesday, October 30

On Tuesday morning, Erica Anderson, a head of news ecosystems at the New York Google News Lab, opened her email to a walkout invitation from Tanuja Gupta, a program manager also in New York. Anderson had been hired underlevel, and the fact that shed been passed up for promotion despite getting a superb rating in her review did not sit well. Im a lesbian, she says. I dont assimilate to the boys club. She volunteered to help with the press strategy, including developing resources for how employees should talk to the press if approached. By mid-morning, Gupta was building an internal walkout website, which included a how-to guide for employees around the world to use in staging their own.

Meanwhile, the walkout had come to the attention of the leaders of Employee Resource Groups  corporate-sponsored committees that advocate for different factions within the company  like the Black Googlers Network, the Women@ network, and the Hispanic Googlers Network.

Now that the walkout was picking up steam, these leaders wanted a seat at the table. Gaber, for one, had his reservations. Yes, it was crucially important to include the viewpoints of minorities, but the groups themselves were corporate organs, he explains. They meet regularly with one of the execs. They have the execs ear and the exec has their ears, so theyre super-hesitant to openly defy them.

They also hadnt seemed to have accomplished much. Women still made up only 31 percent of Googles full-time workforce. In the U.S., blacks and Hispanics composed 2.5 percent and 3.6 percent, respectively  and had the highest attrition rates. According to Googles own 2018 diversity report, the share of women, black, and Latinx workers had increased just 0.1 percent year over year. Using a formula that it declined to make public, Google had maintained that pay inequity was negligible despite an investigation by the Department of Labor that found plenty of pay disparity by gender across the company. The data on minority representation was so deplorable that lawmakers like Maxine Waters had threatened to intervene. Theres so much rhetoric around diversity, so much PR touting their commitments, and so much emphasis on the failed-pipeline model, says Whittaker. I would love to see a spreadsheet of how much money has funded diversity programs. I would say its probably, like, an nth of $90 million.

Still, even if the ERG groups were essentially, as Gaber argued, a corporate strategy to funnel anger and energy into a bureaucratic dead end while giving the appearance of inclusivity, it was useful to have the input of people who had long been thinking about these issues within the company  particularly when it came to broadening the scope of the demands. In a meeting with organizers, the co-lead of the Black Googlers Network had proposed what came to be the most controversial demand: that the chief diversity officer report directly to the CEO rather than HR. To some, this seemed like a consolidation of power; to others, it was a necessary step in achieving real diversity.

Meanwhile, management knew that people were not happy, says Anderson. So that afternoon the vice-presidents were sent on this listening tour where they were encouraged to have conversations with their teams  Do you think sexual harassment has been taken seriously at Google? Do you guys feel this is a safe culture?  In Andersons teams meeting, a marketing VP suggested that it would be holding people to an impossible standard to have a zero-tolerance policy on sexual misconduct in the workplace.

Anderson pushed back. I said, I guarantee we can find people qualified to work at Google who wont sexually harass their colleagues.  She felt some vindication when she learned that Richard DeVaul had resigned from Google that day, leaving without an exit package.

That night, CEO Sundar Pichai sent an email to the company saying, One thing thats become clear to me is that our apology didnt come through, and it wasnt enough. At the end, he acknowledged the activities planned for Thursday and assured employees that Eileen Naughton, the head of HR, would make sure you have the support you need. Naughton followed up with an email to managers for guidelines on how to talk to employees about the walkout. I think they were trying to come out in front of it, says Stapleton. If you cant beat them, join them.

Wednesday, October 31

But the walkout organizers didnt necessarily want them to join. When the Women@ERG leadership reached out to them on Wednesday to set up a meeting with some of the female executives, the invitation was viewed skeptically. The organizers decided to put them off. As Whittaker later put it, This is not your party. This is your problem.

By midday, Anderson had recruited women in the Google Creative Lab to begin making signs  WORKERS RIGHTS ARE WOMENS RIGHTS; TIMES UP TECH  while Whittaker and ONeil-Hart had started drafting a speech that could be read at every rally, from Montreal to Manila. Late that night, the demands were finalized and sent to the press for publication early the next morning: the right for victims of harassment or discrimination to sue the company; pay equity and honest data reporting about who gets paid what; a clear policy as to what happens in cases of sexual harassment; and the appointment of an employee representative to the board, along with the promotion of the CDO, which was ultimately deemed to be the sort of shake-up that was needed.

At 9:10 p.m. EST, the offices in Japan began walking out, and the organizers watched as images from Asia started coming in. Singapore did almost like a sit-in. I think that photo was the first one, says Gupta, who had volunteered to create a document compiling stories people had submitted to be read at the rallies. Every time she thought she was done, more stories had been submitted. It was clear that participation might be massive.

Thursday, November 1

When Anderson awoke at 6:30, the encrypted Signal chat shed had going with the other organizers was already off the hook. She ate breakfast and tried to have a somewhat normal morning, before heading into the office with a bag of apple-cider doughnuts her girlfriend had given her for good luck. By 10 a.m., she was at 14th Street Park at 15th Street and Tenth Avenue, the location near the Google office that the organizers had selected as a destination for the protest. After the list of demands went live, we started getting a mad amount of inbounds from global press. Anderson passed out doughnuts and press calls. I was just like, Meredith, can you do a phoner with AP? and I hand her the phone, and then Im like, Claire, will you do a phoner with NPR? and I use her phone to call.

Shortly after 11 a.m., Googlers began entering the park. Then more came. Then more. Eventually, the park got so full that people just spilled onto Tenth Avenue. All told, more than 3,000 people from the New York office walked out.

That afternoon, at a Dos Caminos near their office, the New York organizers set up a command-and-control station. They drank margaritas and watched as the walkout rolled across the country: Chicago and Austin; then Colorado; then Seattle and down to Mountain View, where employee Nancy Zhengs story of being drugged at a Google event brought some in the crowd to tears.

By the end of the day, 20,000 employees in Google offices in 50 cities had participated. The wait to see how Google would respond began.

Wednesday, November 7

Almost a week later, an email went out to the company explaining that at 9:30 a.m. PST the following day, there would be a town hall to address the walkout. The late notice seemed calculated, as did the format. Temps, vendors, and contractors were not invited, even though the demands had specifically asked that TVCs not be excluded. Knowing that, I was like, Okay, theyre not going to give much at this point in the operation,  says Gupta. I think I knew that going in.

The next day, the morning of the town-hall meeting, Google published a document titled Our Commitments and Actions. In it, management outlined a number of steps the company would take to ostensibly meet the demands. The ones related to sexual harassment, in particular, were largely addressed: There would be an end to forced arbitration in those cases, the process would be revamped, the number of cases and their outcomes would be published annually, and employees could bring a colleague with them when reporting harassment or participating in an investigation. Managers were also tasked with limiting alcohol consumption at work events, and all employees, including management, would be required to complete sexual-harassment training.

Conspicuously absent were changes on discrimination, pay inequity, underleveling, and the exclusion of TVCs  issues related specifically to minority groups at Google. Only lip service was paid: Google would recommit to  creating a more inclusive culture.

With only minutes to go before the town hall, Gupta, Gaber, and Whittaker began writing out questions for people from the Google group list to ask if they were called upon. The local organizer of the walkout in Mountain View, where the town hall took place, got in the room early enough to reserve the first two rows, which faced the two rows of tall chairs in which the executives sat as they laid out their plan.

In the Q&A that followed, people pushed back. Why would forced arbitration still be required for cases of discrimination? And why was the company touting sexual-harassment training when that hadnt worked in the past  Im pretty sure Andy Rubin took the training, one engineer said.

People were talking about walking out of the room during it, says Stapleton. People were heckling.

Immediately after the town hall, the organizers held a meeting to try to come up with a response. Anderson felt that they shouldnt take for granted the fact that theyd gotten some of what they had asked for. And then I go into this meeting, and Tanuja and a few other women of color were in there, and they were like, They erased everything that had to do with systemic racism. And I just sat back and was like, Oh fuck, wow. This isnt over. This is just getting started. 

Over the course of the next few hours, the organizers drafted a press release pointing out how the companys response to their demands had been whitewashed and calling the situation a modern Jim Crow class system. The release quoted only women of color. We wanted to make sure that the story wasnt, Google responds to all the demands and makes this heroic show of commitment to workers,  says Gupta. We wanted to point out this is step 1. This is step 1A.

But as the walkout puts in sharp relief, it remains an open question whether massive corporations will ever pay more than lip service to their employees principles. Which raises another question: Just how much power do even the most privileged workers have? Thus far, the tech revolution has been slow and bloodless, if not entirely toothless. Facebook ended forced arbitration in cases of sexual harassment on November 9, one day after Google. Airbnb, eBay, and Square followed suit several days later. It is proof that Google could be a change agent, but the victory is a small one. The removal of forced arbitration for sexual harassment puts us on par with Uber, Gaber points out. Not exactly a leader in sexual-harassment issues. And its also the cheapest thing, the most minor thing they couldve done. He continues, I have no expectation whatsoever that they might have read the demands and then suddenly changed their minds about everything. No, I knew they were going to come in and do the best they could to convince people that everything is taken care of, but do it in the way that would take the least amount of effort and money and real action.

That doesnt mean the organizers have given up. The walkout Google group is still active, and the core organizers continue to meet, sometimes in person, but often remotely. In January, the newly formed Googlers for Ending Forced Arbitration launched a social-media campaign only five days after shareholders filed a lawsuit against Googles parent company, Alphabet, for a breach of fiduciary duty in doling out large exit packages to those credibly accused of sexual misconduct  if the court of public opinion couldnt get Googles attention, perhaps actual court could.

Still, as Stapleton tells me in late January, were almost three months out from the walkout and exactly zero of the five demands have been met. We all acknowledge that the issues raised by the walkout are intractable societal problems and that its going to be really hard to actually move the needle on this stuff, but the thing thats so disheartening about it is just the utter lack of imagination that Google has shown in solving these problems. Frustration over this has led to several high-profile departures, including that of engineer and trans activist Liz Fong-Jones and Memegen creator Colin McMillen. Erica Anderson also left the company in January. Theres a term in tech called minimum viable product,  she explains, sighing. Its like, Whats the least amount we can do in this case to reduce the amount of risk were going to take on? I think thats what they did.

And its possible that its all they may ever do. Google declined to comment on the record for this story, but a representative assured me that the company was working behind the scenes on how to improve Google as a workplace and that it supported the activism of its workers fully. She failed to mention that a mere three weeks after the walkout, Google filed with the National Labor Relations Board to restrict employees ability to use work email to organize  to essentially cut organizing off at the knees. How pernicious is that? asks Stapleton the last time we talk. The walkout had some sort of idealism about trying to push the industry forward, other companies forward, and the idea that Googles retribution would be to try to make it harder for employees everywhere to organize? Its just an unsettling thought. By now its clear that the tools of tech could surely start a revolution. Or stop one.

*This article appears in the February 4, 2019, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now!
Rada fails to support bill for creating support centers at military conscription centers

Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada has failed to support a bill providing for equipment and social support at military conscription centers.

Bill No. 9285 on introducting changes to several legislative acts in connection with the creation of territorial centers equipped for providing support failed to garner the 226 votes necessary for passage at parliament's plenary session on Tuesday.

Verkhovna Rada Speaker Andriy Parubiy floored the bill several times, before calling a recess. Deputies also failed to approve the Rada's agenda for this week's plenary sessions.

Parubiy said failure to approve the weekly agenda would mean only draft resolutions and bills in their second reading would be considered.

Meanwhile, deputies from the Radical Party continued blocking the rostrum in the session hall.
Russia's hybrid military forces mounted eight attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas in the past 24 hours, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action and another one wounded.

"One Ukrainian soldier was killed and another one was wounded in the past day. According to intelligence reports, six occupiers were killed and another four were wounded," JFO's press center said.

Russia-led forces fired from 82-mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms, attacking the Ukrainian defenders of the villages of Opytne, Nevelske, Vilny, Krymske, and Novoluhanske.

"Since Tuesday midnight, Russian-led forces haven't attacked Ukrainian positions yet," JFO HQ said.
Ukrainian citizens will do a responsible choice while voting for candidates to the highest state post and will not be let astray be populism, President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine has said.

"I am convinced that Ukraine will still demonstrate to Europe a responsible choice, as Ukrainians know how to defeats populism," Poroshenko said on Monday evening in the Freedom of Speech program aired by the ICTV channel.

Poroshenko said the election campaign period is the time "when populism is in full bloom." He said that the consequences of populism are amply demonstrated in Venezuela. "What did Hugo Chavez do, and then Maduro? The first thing he promised was that he would nationalize oil and gas companies and cut the price of gas twice. It was Maduros promise and he nationalized the companies. As soon as he nationalized [them], the gas disappeared. As soon as orders were given out to reduce the price for oilthe gasoline disappeared. As soon as they started to deal with foodstuffs, food was gone. Is this some kind of Venezuelan phenomenon? No. It is a populism phenomenon," the president said.

The head of state said the danger of populism exists today not only in Ukraine, but also in Europe, but he believes in the victory over populism in Ukraine, as has happened in European countries.

Poroshenko said he believes that no populist appeals, which "are often based on Russian propaganda and elements of the Russian hybrid war because it is from there where they get both funding and informational support from," will affect the choice of the Ukrainian people.

"The Ukrainians have learned to take the 'noodles' of the Russian propaganda off their own ears and will never buy into it again," the president said.

Poroshenko said, "Ukrainians are very responsible and they are definitely not indifferent to the fate of the state."
KTD Group to launch conveyed assembly of refrigerators at Cherkasy factory in within two months

KTD Group, which manufactures household appliances in Ukraine under the Saturn, ST and Laretti brands, plans to launch the conveyed assembly of refrigerators at a factory in Cherkasy in one or two months, President of the KTD Group Oleksandr Hromyko has said.

"We have already launched the pilot manufacture of refrigerators, and in a month or two we are launching an assembly line for 300,000 refrigerators per year. We buy metal from Metinvest," Hromyko said at a round table on labor migration issues in Kyiv on Tuesday .

As was earlier reported, the initial launch of the plant with a gradual increase in output to 300,000 refrigerators annually was scheduled for the summer of 2017, but the deadline was shifted for 2018. Hromyko explained the time was needed to change the project for the incorporation of energy-saving technologies, as the plant is to manufacture A++ and A+++ energy-saving refrigerators.

Then the launch was rescheduled due to the need to resolve all emerging technical issues, especially considering the complexity of production.

Earlier, Hromyko said that Ukrainian manufacturers could replace Chinese factories for European companies, since locating production facilities in Ukraine reduces delivery periods and avoids duties due to the free trade zone with the EU.

"What we lack and what we saw, for example, in Slovakia or Turkey, is certainly the support of the manufacturer by the government. In Slovakia, for example, if I had opened a similar plant and created 500 jobs, I would have had from 30% to 50% of the cost of equipment compensated," he said during the round table.

KTD Group has been working in the home appliances market for over 20 years. It is a major supplier of household appliances of various brands in the European market, and produces some of its goods at factories in China, Turkey and Taiwan. According to its website, during this period, offices were opened in 13 countries, namely in the United Arab Emirates and Tunisia.

The Dragon Capital investment company estimated the group's share in the Ukrainian market of household appliances at 14%.

In 2009, KTD Group opened a Kupava semi-automatic washing machine plant in Kaniv. Then the plant's assortment was expanded to produce various small appliances under the Saturn trademark. The group's second plant is located in Cherkasy, where convectors, heaters, electric furnaces are produced.

In Ukraine, the largest producer of refrigerators was the Nord plant in Donetsk, which had to stop in 2016 as it was unable to work in the occupied area in eastern Ukraine, and it started manufacturing refrigerators to China.
I ask that we consider our roles, not as politicians or legislators, but as parents, role models and community leaders, he said. Consider the progress we can make as a state if we the most diverse legislature ever, can behave with dignity, respect and tolerance.

His speech is softer than what his predecessor, Democratic current Attorney General Aaron Ford, shared on his first day as majority leader. Ford had sharp words about policies enacted in 2015, when Republicans controlled both houses of the Legislature and the governors seat.

Well take another look at last sessions extreme and unnecessary legislation that targeted the pocketbooks of working men and women by slashing wages for construction workers, limiting project-labor agreements and attacking collective bargaining rights, Ford said in 2017. To our friends in the labor movement, we heard you when you said, Never again, and we agree.

The statement prompted pushback from then-Gov. Brian Sandoval and Senate Republicans.

Wheeler, in brief remarks from the Assembly floor, stressed the importance of debate to the legislative process while pressing for civility. Republicans will be in a super-minority this session in the Assembly, comprising less than one-third of lawmakers in that chamber.
TORONTO  Barrick Gold Corp. entered into an agreement with Reunion Gold Corp. to form a 50-50 alliance to jointly explore for, develop and mine certain mineral projects in the Guiana Shield, including Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and the North and Northeast Regions of Brazil.

Reunion, an exploration and development company, will initially contribute to the Alliance the Waiamu, Aremu, Arawini and Oko Projects, all located in Guyana. Barrick will initially fund an amount equal to $4.2 million on these projects, as credit for historical exploration expenditures by Reunion, with subsequent funding to be on a 50-50 basis between Reunion and Barrick.

As long as the strategic alliance agreement remains in effect, if Reunion acquires an interest or an option to acquire an interest in any mineral property in the subject area, Barrick will have 90 days to elect to include the new project in the alliance. Barrick can nominate an alliance project as a designated project, and has the right to earn a 70 percent interest by sole funding and completing a feasibility study for the project.
Thomas Jefferson abolished the early tradition of an annual personal address by the president to a joint session of Congress. Its time to recognize the wisdom of that step. Photo: Getty Images

Every now and then, as we approach the ritualistic agony of yet another State of the Union Address, voices are raised describing the absurdity and offensiveness of the tradition. In 2006, presidential historian Lewis Gould anticipated with dread George W. Bushs sixth SOTU address, deploring the degeneration of the speech from a rare presidential communication with Congress into a semi-imperial speech from the throne. The trauma of Barack Obamas reelection led to an effusion of conservative hostility to SOTU addresses, though none could compare to Kevin Williamsons jeremiad in 2014:

The annual State of the Union pageant is a hideous, dispiriting, ugly, monotonous, un-American, un-republican, anti-democratic, dreary, backward, monarchical, retch-inducing, depressing, shameful, crypto-imperial display of official self-aggrandizement and piteous toadying.

Through such protests we are often reminded that nothing in the Constitution actually requires an annual personal speech by the president to a joint session of Congress, and that our third president, Thomas Jefferson, deliberately abandoned the precedent of annual speeches set by Washington and Adams because he disliked its monarchical pretensions. More than a century later, Woodrow Wilson revived the older practice, which was more or less followed by his successors until it became a highly stylized infomercial for presidents who had no need of such a spectacle to communicate either with Congress or with the public.

And now SOTU addresses have become encrusted with stupid traditions:

 The members of Congress jockeying for aisle positions so they can be seen shaking hands with or embracing POTUS

 The procession of military leaders and Supreme Court justices into the House chamber, signifying the great leaders universal power

 The puppet-like reaction of members to nearly every phrase of the speech, as they stand, sit, cheer, and dont cheer, as dictated by partisan signals

 The Real People in the galleries to illustrate this or that presidential talking point, whose value is calibrated according to their proximity to the First Ladys seat

 The opposing partys response to the address, typically canned before the address itself, and thus usually a model of bland generality

 The snap polls and focus groups conducted by media outlets seeking to reinforce the events awesome political significance (which usually fades within hours).

Rarely do SOTU addresses make actual news in the sense of an unanticipated departure from an administrations prior agenda or message, though perhaps they help get the basics across to the lowest of low-information voters (probably less each year as the networks carrying the speech no longer dominate viewership).

And most of all, the whole spectacle is vastly redundant, particularly at a time when the president can command massive coverage of an Oval Office address or a major speech whenever he wants. Now that we have a president who communicates with the country at all hours of the day or night via social media, its especially strange to set aside an evening of prime-time television to let him share his pithy views on the state of the union.

But for that very reason, you might expect that Donald Trump could be the president to put an end to the tradition and the misery that accompanies it.

Yes, he enjoys pomp and media attention and the trappings of imperial splendor. But he also by all accounts dislikes set-piece speeches and has trouble sticking to scripts. Its hard to imagine him preferring SOTU to such alternatives as reviewing a huge military parade or getting to devote an entire evening to his Twitter account.

Still, given the opportunity to flush the whole thing this year when Nancy Pelosi disinvited him from the usual venue of the House chamber, Trump instead looked around for a different staging area. And its even possible that the desire to give his speech was one of several factors that led the president to cave to Pelosi and end the government shutdown.

Perhaps Trump thinks one more reiteration of his rap on the existential importance of border barriers is going to flip public opinion and finally give him the upper hand against the Democrats, who were regularly thrashing him during the shutdown. Or maybe he will finally go over the brink and deliver a full-on campaign-rally speech with the trappings of more dignified address.

Like everyone in the chattering classes, I will watch this years SOTU address, though with more fear and loathing than those who are new to its idiotic features or who, God forbid, actually enjoy the show. I will not applaud the speech unless it ends with the vow: This is my last State of the Union address. Any way you interpret it, that would be good news.

Editors note: This piece originally ran on January 29, 2018. It has been updated and republished.
Landis+Gyr (SWISS: LAND.SW) and Hawaiian Electric Company are preparing for the first phase of an advanced metering project built on Wi-SUN-certified network components to support the utility's Grid Modernization Strategy, subject to approval by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission.

The project will utilize Landis+Gyr's Gridstream Connect solution, providing flexible communication options at both the field area network and device levels. This enables operation of RF Mesh IP, Cellular, PLC and other communication options from a single network manager. Landis+Gyr's advanced meters and devices will provide connectivity to participating customer accounts, as well as offer grid and distributed energy resource management capabilities. Landis+Gyr's meter data management system will be used to support data validation, as well as provide a consumer portal to share information with utility customers.

"We wanted a flexible communications component that could support our current and future needs for advanced metering, distribution automation and distributed energy resource integration, while being able to support multiple vendors and protocols," said Ron Cox, Hawaiian Electric Senior Vice President of Operations. "Our goal is to enable customers to participate in renewable energy programs while improving reliability and system stability as we implement Hawaii's 100 percent clean energy objective."

Hawaiian Electric is in the process of reaching the state's 30 percent renewable portfolio standard by 2020 on the way to 100 percent by 2045. As a result, there will be an increased need to manage two-way power flows, voltage and frequency that these technology upgrades will help to address.

"We're excited to be supporting the ambitious plans Hawaiian Electric has for modernizing its distribution grids and look forward to working with a variety of partners to demonstrate the value of a standards-based network for intelligent grid and device management," said Gina Garner, Landis+Gyr Vice President and Regional General Manager.

Gridstream Connect is designed to allow ultimate flexibility in choosing network components, communication options and devices to support an interoperable IoT environment for utilities. The solution's architecture is built to deliver future compatibility with existing and emerging technologies.

About Hawaiian Electric Company

Since 1891, Hawaiian Electric Company has powered the islands' development from a Hawaiian kingdom to a modern American state. Hawaiian Electric and its subsidiaries, Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light, serve the islands of Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Hawaii, home to 95 percent of Hawai'i's people. In a changing world, the Hawaiian Electric Companies are leading in adding renewable energy and developing energy solutions for customers to achieve a clean energy future for Hawai'i. For more information, visit www.hawaiianelectric.com.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is the leading global provider of integrated energy management solutions for the utility sector. Offering one of the broadest portfolios of products and services to address complex industry challenges, the company delivers comprehensive solutions for the foundation of a smarter grid, including smart metering, distribution network sensing and automation tools, load control and analytics. Landis+Gyr operates in over 30 countries across five continents. With sales of approximately USD 1.7 billion, the company employs c. 6,000 people with the sole mission of helping the world manage energy better. More information is available at www.landisgyr.com.
Ukraine cuts sugar production by 15% since Aug 30

The decline in production was caused by a decrease in the processing of sugar beet, as well as its quality.

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Ukraine boosts coal output in 2018

State-owned coal mines during the reporting period extracted 4.14 million tonnes of coal.

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Ukraine cuts number of trains to Russia

Since late summer of 2018, Ukrainians have been traveling much more frequently to the European Union, stats say.

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Ukraine reduces gas imports by 70%

The largest volumes were imported from Slovakia.

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Engineer stresses violation of navigation norms during Kerch Strait Bridge construction

The water area must be cleaned and deepened in the area of the Bridge, the expert believes.

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This year, Ukraine must repay more than $6 billion to external creditors. Deputy Minister of Finance Vasyl Shkurakov in an interview with UNIAN told about the government's strategy of refinancing debts, the ministry's work in the domestic debt market, and the probability of default on public debt.

Ukraine's state debt in 2018 grew in absolute terms, while in relation to GDP it was reduced to a nearly safe level of 63%. That is, in general, the debt burden has declined due to economic growth. However, despite a positive trend, economists consider debt repayment to be one of the key challenges for Ukraine this year.

The thing is that, having barely recovered from the consequences of a large-scale crisis and having stabilized the economy, Ukraine in 2019 has to pay over $6 billion to external creditors. For comparison: it is almost twice the rate of last year. Since the state budget remains scarce, new loans will have to be attracted to repay old ones.

The conditions in external capital markets are not sufficiently favorable for developing countries. The uncertainty on the eve of this year's presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine doesn't contribute to stability. At the same time, late last year, Ukraine resumed cooperation with the International Monetary Fund and other official lenders, receiving more than $2 billion in December.

Deputy Minister of Finance Vasyl Shkurakov in an interview with UNIAN told about the government's strategy for debt repayment, prospects for the domestic debt market, and the alternative scenario to survive 2019 and avoid default.

How much must Ukraine repay on its debt in the peak year of 2019? What are the most significant payments?

Repayment and servicing of public debt are laid down in the 2019 budget at UAH 417 billion, or about $15 billion at the current rate of the National Bank of Ukraine.

That's including about UAH 238 billion on domestic debt, where the payment schedule is quite uniform. This debt is constantly refinanced, including with the use of short-term instruments.

Payments for external debt are planned in the amount of about UAH 179 billion, or $6.1 billion at the NBU rate. That's including the redemption in May of $1 billion on eurobonds placed in 2014 under the guarantee of the U.S. government. Also, there's a final redemption in September on bonds worth $660 million, issued in 2015.

This year, payments to the IMF are expected in the total amount of about $1.2 billion, while those in favor of other international financial institutions  at about $0.8 billion.

The most significant payments for servicing external debt are foreseen in March and September  at $500 million for eurobonds issued as a result of restructuring in 2015.

Are such force majeur situations possible this year as the London court's decision to repay Russia a so-called "Yanukovych loan?" [The eurobond debt redeemed by the Russian Federation in 2013 under an agreement with the then-president Viktor Yanukovych on the eve of his escape during the Revolution of Dignity]?

The trial is underway, and this year we are not expecting its completion.

What will be this year's external sources of our borrowings?

Ukraine has started a new 14-month program with the IMF, under which in December 2018, the first tranche was received in the equivalent of $1.3 billion. In 2019, two more tranches worth a total of $2.6 billion will go to the NBU reserves.

In the framework of macro-financial assistance from the European Union, we expect to receive in March their second tranche worth EUR 500 million.

At present, the Ministry of Finance is working on attracting loans worth $600 million under the World Bank's guarantee. In general, over this year, we expect proceeds from the placement of eurobonds at $2 billion, but everything will depend on market conditions.

When is the entry to foreign markets possible and what is the profitability of our debts now?

We will analyze the moods of investors. There is no urgent need to rush and borrow at whatever rate. There's enough foreign currency in the country, which is confirmed by the volume of borrowings in the domestic market. I think there will be two or three placements depending on the market situation.

Now, it's the beginning of the year, and markets are just waking up. But we're already seeing that the sovereign curve compared to the end of last year has significantly strengthened. For example, the profitability of five-year eurobonds is about 9.3%. We look forward to improving the situation. We are working on it.

Does the Ministry of Finance have a Plan B in case there's a shortage of external loans to repay debts, for example, due to another failure of the IMF program? Is debt restructuring possible like it was done in 2015?

IMF funds are not allocated to the state budget. They are disbursed to the National Bank's reserves. But we must get these funds at all costs since we have undertaken to implement the program. Besides, markets, above all, react to whether the country cooperates with the IMF or not. We must continue to implement the program with the Fund and maintain the pace of development and reform.

There is no need for restructuring. The Budget Code provides some tools in case we fail to raise the required amount of borrowings from external sources. This is the replacement of external borrowings with domestic ones. In extreme cases, we can buy foreign currency from the National Bank's reserves for hryvnias and repay the debts. There are enough tools.

When restructuring was carried out in 2015, the situation was significantly different from the present times. At that time, the Ukrainian economy simply could not handle debts at such volumes. The state, state-owned enterprises and banks lost property in Crimea and Donbas. And that was not a decision Ukraine made on its own  it was part of a program with the International Monetary Fund.

The next year will also see a high debt load. Why is this happening?

We're reaping the fruit of debts accumulated throughout the country's independence period when this was the only way problems were solved instead of implementing real reforms.

Can we get a new set of U.S. assistance?

We are actively negotiating with all our partners, but have not yet received a clear signal.

What share of debt repayments can be refinanced in the domestic market?

We set the target level of rollover [the extension of the terms of the loan with technical repayment] of domestic bonds in foreign currency at 85%, but it could be higher, which we already witnessed in January. In absolute terms, the borrowing plan in the domestic market is set by the budget at UAH 202 billion. I am sure that we will be able to attract such volumes, taking into account the demand of non-residents and the liquidity of the banking system. Naturally, this indicator varies, but within the controlled limits.

Domestic government bonds are a very attractive investment tool as they provide high yield. The current rate for short-term bonds is 19.5%, while for the five-year period it's 16%. And this is stable profitability as the state has never allowed a default on domestic debt.

Given political risks, most instruments are currently short-term  up to a year. But we already see demand for longer periods  a year or two. The volumes are still small, but the market is beginning to study these instruments.

How can the rates for domestic bills' placement change?

We maintain a constant dialogue with the primary dealers of government bonds and investors, studying demand. Of course, we are seeing a trend toward lower rates. The National Bank has already taken the first steps in this regard  they lowered the cost of its refinancing loans to the key rate. In turn, banks have revived demand for government bonds.

Non-residents are also opening the limits for the purchase of Ukrainian securities. The trend of recent biddings is the purchase by non-residents of hryvnia bonds in the equivalent of $100-150 million. This heats up the market and positively influences the trend toward lower rates.

Could the exit of non-residents from Ukrainian government bonds put pressure on our currency market it did like last year?

We have been discussing the issue with the National Bank, monitoring the situation.

Will the municipalities' demand for government bonds grow as a result of a ban to keep funds on bank deposits?

Yes, I think so. Today, it is more profitable to invest in domestic bonds than to put money on deposit. Therefore, if local authorities understand that while some money remains after the costs are covered, why not use this 100% safe investment instrument? There are no risks, but there will be profitability.

Amid decentralization, municipalities received certain resources and they're using them. But it should be noted that the Cabinet suspended for this year, not generally prohibited, the possibility of allocating resources of general funds of local budgets on bank deposits.

Will municipalities be able to invest long-term, or can government bonds be repayable ahead of their maturity period?

To this end, a secondary market should be developed. If someone urgently needs resources, they could sell their bonds to a broker (one of the banks, primary dealers) or another investor in the secondary market, having set a margin. We are ready to help by training local authorities.

Summing it up, how do you think we will survive through 2019, taking into account the peak debt burden and the upcoming double elections? Populists offer not to repay debts at all.

Of course, elections create certain risks. However, in January, we borrowed an unprecedented volume of about UAH 42 billion, although, as a rule, January is not too fruitful.

We can't just stop paying our debts  this would mean default. It's unacceptable. Default is about capital markets closing, problems in the economy, financial system, devaluation, and general crisis. And there will be the only option  total reduction of budget expenditures.

We adopted a strategy for managing the state debt, identified priorities, and are now cooperating with the IMF. We have undertaken commitments, and we intend to fulfill them.

Olha Hordienko (UNIAN)

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Russian Sberbank's Ukrainian subsidiary posts US$272 mln in loss in 2018

The bank was in the black in 2017.

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Pig goes the whole hog in Vietnamese culture

To paraphrase a popular saying, you cannot throw a stone at Vietnamese culture without hitting a pig.

This humble creature is in the limelight this year because it is the Year of the Pig. The pig is the last of the 12 zodiac animals, and great spiritual and cultural importance is attached to it.



Its most important role is being part of the agricultural economy as perhaps the most staple meat eaten in Vietnam. Every farmer in a Vietnamese village, typically a rice farmer, would also raise some poultry and pigs alongside. So chicken and/or ducks and pigs were a ubiquitous presence on most farms, and a part of daily life of every Vietnamese citizen.

Photo by VnExpress/Dac Thanh

Then, the pig is also a big presence in folk songs, poems, idioms and arts. Symbolically, pigs are considered carefree, lazy animals, and gluttons to boot. But they also reproduce prolifically, and puts food on the table for the farmer and every other citizen. People born in the Year of the Pig (1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 and this year) are believed to enjoy a carefree life.



The folksy pig

Even when it is not the Year of the Pig, it appears in folk paintings that are part of all Lunar New Year celebrations as a harbinger of good luck, happiness and fortune. In folk paintings from the renowned Dong Ho village, in Bac Ninh Province, northern Vietnam, the pigs are a regular feature. One famous picture depicts a white mother pig with five young pigs, a green, a red, and three yellow ones crawling under her feet. This picture of a pig family, with yin-yang signs on their bodies, symbolizes aspirations for prosperity, development and well-being.

Pig paintings from Kim Hoang village. Photo by Shutterstock

Ritual presence Pig is also a part of several traditional rituals in Vietnam. In Vietnamese villages, a cooked pig is often part of offerings to the village deity. Pork, together with a tray of steamed sticky rice, is also a popular offering on most important occasions, like a prayer, funeral and death commemoration. When the Lunar New Year nears, it is a tradition for many villagers to slaughter a pig and share the meat, since pork is the main ingredient in many of the New Year dishes. Boiled pigs head is a sacred dish used in rituals to express respect for ancestors and deities. Piggybanks Piggybanks are everywhere in the world, but they have a special place in Vietnamese tradition. These are popular among children and potters make millions of them, of various hues and sizes. Mostly, there are clay and ceramic piggybanks that children put their Tet collection of lucky money in.



Piggy banks sold in Hanoi. Photo by Shutterstock/Scott B iales

On the table, everyday



Pork, as noted earlier, is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. It is part of every part of a meal, from appetizers and snacks to main dishes. Pork accompanies many types of vermicelli dishes, namely the renowned bun cha (grilled pork vermicelli) of Hanoi, the bun nem (vermicelli with spring rolls) and the bun bo gio heo (vermicelli with porks feet). Seasoned pork is the filling of many types of cakes like the banh gio (rice jelly cake), banh chung (sticky rice cake) and banh cuon (rice roll). In daily meals, the meat is ground or pounded to make sausages. There are many other dishes: braised pork belly, pork jelly, or pork offal. Perhaps fittingly, "fatty pork" is mentioned in a Vietnamese saying about Tet delicacies: "Fatty pork, pickled onion, red writings Fire sticks, firecrackers and green Chung cake."
King Mohammed VI inaugurated, on Tuesday in Marrakesh, a primary healthcare center and an addictology treatment center.

The two solidarity-based facilities are part of the refurbishment and upgrading of El Mellah neighborhood and stem from the royal will to reinforce the health offer via community-based and high-quality medical services that meet the needs of citizens, mainly from the underprivileged layers.

They also mirror the sovereigns keenness to preserve and upgrade Moroccos old medinas and his determination to ensure for inhabitants an easy access to basic services and to guarantee their well-being.

The construction works of the two projects, carried out by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, were launched by the monarch in January2017.

The primary healthcare center will facilitate underprivileged citizens access to medical care, speed up interventions in emergency rooms and fight medical monitoring irregularities particularly for patients with chronic diseases.

It will also ease medical accessibility to the large population living in the area that houses only one healthcare center, while the nearest hospital is far away.

The addictology treatment center is the second of its kind carried out by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity in the city of Marrakesh.

A privileged tool for care, awareness, diagnosis, prevention and psycho-social support, this center (worth 4 million dirhams) is part of a national program to combat addictiveness. The program was launched in 2010 by the Foundation, in partnership with the Ministries of Health and the Interior.

This national program seeks to protect young people from the use of psychotropic substances, improve the quality of care provided to addicts, particularly drug users, ease accessibility to care facilities, and encourage the involvement of civil society and social departments in addiction issues.

The program also seeks through these centers to promote the social reintegration of the persons treated, as well as the supervision and training of associations in the field of risk reduction.

On the sidelines of the dedication of the two facilities, King Mohammed VI handed over to the primary health care center an ambulance. He also handed to the addiction-treatment center a mobile unit to be used for community-based interventions for drug users, for missions to establish contact, provide information, raise awareness of risks, provide means of prevention, and for the transport of targeted persons to the treatment center.
1893 was not Gilles de la Tourette's year.

Not only was he devastated by the death of his son Jean to meningitis but also by the loss of his mentor, the prominent neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, to a lung disease shortly afterward. Sadly, there was even more to come for the internationally recognized neurologist.

On December 6, a young woman, dressed in black, rang the doorbell at the Rue de l'Universite apartment building where Dr. Tourette lived. His valet told her that the doctor was out but she insisted on waiting for him. After about fifteen minutes, Tourette returned from seeing a patient at a local hospital and she immediately confronted him in his consulting room. The woman, Rose Kamper, had been one of his patients at the Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital and demanded money from him for "ruining her life". He recognized that she was emotionally disturbed and offered to have her readmitted to hospital under his care. After she failed to reply, Tourette got up to leave the room when the woman took out a revolver and shot him in the back of the neck.

Rose Kamper made no attempt at escape after the shooting and simply sat in the hall until the police came. She reportedly muttered, "I know, that what I just have done was wrong, but it was necessary and now I am satisfied. At least one of them has now paid for the others (the other doctors who had treated her)." While her victim's injury wasn't life-threatening, an attempt made on the life of one of the most prominent physicians in Paris certainly made news.

Police later found that Rose had nothing in her possession but a series of newspaper clippings about hysteria (which was still a new medical term a the time). As more details became known, her story was gradually pieced together. Her mental problems had begun several years before and led to her being placed under Dr. Tourette's care. As she told the psychiatrists who later examined her, "Within me there are actually two different people, one physical and one intellectual, my thoughts no longer belong only to me, but also to those, who possess me. During the day my intellect allows me to resist the powers which enter me without my knowledge, but at night I am overpowered". She apparently believed that Tourette and the other doctors at the Salpetriere had caused her mental illness through hypnosis.

Tourette's mentor, Jean-Martin Charcot, had pioneered the medical use of hypnosis in treating the emotional condition that he first termed "hysteria". In his Salpetriere clinic, Charcot's research on the many female patients who had been sent to him for treatment had made him famous across Europe. Charcot went on to train a generation of neurologists and psychiatrists in his techniques (including Tourette and Sigmund Freud, among others) but there was still considerable controversy over what hypnosis represented. As a result of this controversy, Rose Kamper's trial quickly became a test of dueling theorists who argued about the very nature of hypnosis itself. Rose maintained that Tourette and the other Salpetriere doctors had hypnotized her against her will and her defense attorney even argued that the hypnosis had somehow caused the shooting. Following a sensational trial, the judge eventually ruled that hypnosis had nothing to do with Rose Kamper's actions and she was declared insane

Although Dr. Tourette recovered physically from the shooting, the emotional impact would linger. Rose Kamper's testimony and the heavy newspaper coverage of the trial damaged his professional reputation. Despite his fame as a physician and numerous honours, his condition began deteriorating with fluctuating episodes of depression, mania and mental confusion. By 1901, he was forced to give up his medical practice as his behaviour became increasingly bizarre. Alarmed over Tourette's worsening condition and threats of suicide, his family and colleagues made arrangements for him to travel to Lucerne, Switzerland for a rest. On May 28, 1901, he was called to a psychiatric hospital near Lausanne, supposedly to see a patient. Once there, Tourette was forcibly admitted and kept for treatment. His family had arranged for him to be held in a Swiss hospital because they were afraid of the publicity that would have followed his receiving psychiatric treatment in France.

Records still exist showing Tourette's outrage over being held in the psychiatric hospital and the forced restraints that were used to keep him there. Despite numerous letters to various medical and government officials protesting his treatment, he would never leave. Over time, he became increasingly psychotic with rambling speech and convulsions. Tourette eventually died on May 22, 1904 with his wife and surviving children being at his side. While the actual cause of death is still unclear, neurosyphilis has been advanced as one possibility (it was common enough at the time). Whatever the medical reason, Gilles de la Tourette's death at the age of 46 ended a remarkable medical career. Despite his research contributions, he is primarily remembered today for the developmental tic disorder that bears his name.

Ironically, Rose Kamper probably fared better than the man she shot. After her sentencing, she was housed in different hospitals before being sent to an "Institute for the Insane" in Villejuif, France. She was later moved to another asylum after she stabbed a nurse with a fork. Following Rose's escape from the asylum in 1910, police launched an intense manhunt due to fears over her violent history. She was eventually found by police living under her maiden name of Lecoq and working as a seamstress. Since she appeared relatively stable, her doctors allowed her to live in the community despite later readmissions to psychiatric hospitals. She eventually died in 1955 at the age of 92.

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An old friend of mine called the other day to say she wanted to congratulate me on the post I wrote exposing Tulsi Gabbard as a fraud a couple of years ago and that she planned to send it around her social media circles. I told her two things, first that I had written dozens of posts exposing Tulsi as a fraud so I was unsure which one she meant and second, that I had had an opportunity to sit down and speak with Tulsi at length recently and that I am less likely to express antipathy towards her and more likely to listen to what she has to say with an open mind. I noted that Pramila Jayapal had just reintroduced the Medicare-For-All bill, and that Tulsi signed on as a co-sponsor immediately (unlike 45 other members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, who refused to) and that although just 45 members of Congress had committed to the Green New Deal, Tulsi was one of the very firstthat when I was beating the bushes to find some brave souls to join AOC and Ro Khanna in opposing the virulently anti-progressive PAY-GO scam, theperson I persuaded to do so was Tulsi.

That doesn't mean I'm going to vote for her to be president-- nor did it keep me from publishing a guest post from state Senator Kai Kahele , who is challenging her to a primary for her seat while she runs for president.

Over the weekend, Tulsi launched her presidential campaign with a full-blown progressive wish-list. She was raised, I'm told, to believe she would one day be president. She seems like a long-shot now but... you have to start somewhere. She's starting by going hard after the foreign policy establishment, long her main area of interest. "We must stand united and stand strong against those in both parties who never tire of war-- neocons and neolibs who drag us from one regime-change war to the next and who are exacerbating the new Cold War, pushing us to the brink of nuclear war... We must stand against powerful politicians from both parties who sit in ivory towers thinking up new wars to wage & new places for people to die. Wasting trillions of dollars, hundreds of thousands of lives, undermining our economy and security, and destroying our middle class... These powerful politicians dishonor the sacrifices made by every one of our service members, and their families-- they are the ones who pay the price for these wars."

Even before she announced, corporate media was on the attack , accusing her of being the Russian tool in the cycle. Robert Windrem and Ben Popken wrote for NBC News that "the Russian propaganda machine that tried to influence the 2016 U.S. election is now promoting the presidential aspirations of a controversial Hawaii Democrat who earlier this month declared her intention to run for president in 2020" and reporting that "an NBC News analysis of the main English-language news sites employed by Russia in its 2016 election meddling shows Gabbard... has become a favorite of the sites Moscow used when it interfered in 2016... RT, the Russian-owned TV outlet; Sputnik News, a radio outlet; and Russia Insider, a blog that experts say closely follows the Kremlin line."

All three sites celebrated Gabbard's announcement, defended her positions on Russia and her 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, and attacked those who have suggested she is a pawn for Moscow. The coverage devoted to Gabbard, both in news and commentary, exceeds that afforded to any of the declared or rumored Democratic candidates despite Gabbard's lack of voter recognition.





Gabbard was mentioned on the three sites about twice as often as two of the best known Democratic possibilities for 2020, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, each with 10 stories. Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren had fewer. In each case, the other contenders were treated more critically than Gabbard... "Her promulgation of positions compatible with Russian geo strategic interests can help them mainstream such discussion in the [Democratic] party," said Alex Stamos, former chief security officer at Facebook and now an NBC News analyst. Gabbard, said Stamos, helps them with all their "lines of attack."





...Gabbard's most controversial position and the one where she's most in line with Russian interests is on Syria. She's accused the U.S. of pushing a policy of "regime change" wars and in January 2017, she met with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad in Syria on what she called a "fact-finding mission."





RT began defending Gabbard as soon as she announced. A behavioral science expert who studies social media tweeted out a vow on Jan. 11 to start a GoFundMe campaign to finance a reporting trip to Gabbard's Hawaii district. Reporters for RT's television network pounced, calling it "an investigative vacation" and a "beachside investigation" by an "establishment Democrat."





On Jan. 12, the day after Gabbard announced, RT headlined her decision this way: "'Putin puppet' vs 'Assad shill': Dems & Reps unite in panic over Gabbard challenging Trump in 2020."





The unsigned article claimed, "With Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) entering the 2020 presidential fray, establishment figures on both Right and Left are scrambling to smear the anti-war congresswoman with impeccable identity-politics bona fides. Ever since her 2017 visit to Syria, Gabbard has been condemned for daring to seek firsthand accounts rather than blindly trusting the MSM narrative, so on Friday the pundits were again off to the races, with fresh accusations of Assad-sympathizing."





On Jan. 16, Lee Stranahan, one of the co-hosts on Fault Line, a Washington-based program on Sputnik News, admitted that the debates should be the focus for Gabbard.





"The significant thing about her being in the race is because one of her main issues is peace and specifically on Syria, where she is telling the truth on Syria," said Stranahan, who joined Sputnik after stints at Breitbart News, the right-wing news site. "I think she is going to change the debate. If she can get through the first few months, and make it to actual debates, is there a big millionaire or billionaire that will support Tulsi Gabbard."





The same day, conservative writer Hunter Derensis noted on Russia Insider, "In line with her thinking on Syria, she lacks the anti-Russian stance of other Democratic politicians. 'How does going to war with Russia over Syria serve the interest of the American people?' she mentioned in a tweet. Gabbard has also supported Trump's diplomatic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in one of her multiple appearances with Tucker Carlson."





That story was headlined, "Heroic Tulsi Gabbard Will Run on Her Sensible Foreign Policy. Expect Democrats, Faux Progressives to Squeal."





In articles on the Russian sites, Gabbard is described as a "rebel," who is "straight-talking" and a "heroic" candidate who will "shake up" the establishment.





Coverage of other Democratic presidential hopefuls in pro-Kremlin media has been for the most part perfunctory, limited to candidates' announcements or summaries of their relative prospects. In recent weeks, Sputnik has poked fun at Elizabeth Warren's beer commercial and a widely circulated photo of Beto O'Rourke's in a dentist chair.





Erika Tsuji, a spokeswoman for Gabbard, said it as "ridiculous" to suggest the Russians supported her candidacy.





"Russia would never overtly support a candidate they wanted to help, because it would just hurt their candidacy," said Tsuji. "Its common sense."





Tsuji also said that "From the start, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has denounced Russia's attempts to muddle (sic) in our elections and will continue to do so." She noted that Gabbard had cosponsored legislation calling for an independent investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election, cosponsored a bill prohibiting foreign influence in the election process, and sponsored a bill to protect election infrastructure from hackers.





Experts in Russian on-line propaganda say Gabbard appeals to pro-Russian sites because her positions and her appeal as an outsider in her own party  can be used to create division among Democrats.





Former FBI agent Clint Watts, author of Messing with the Enemy: Surviving in a Social Media World of Hackers, Terrorists, Russians, and Fake News, said Gabbard has past or present positions on several issues that would be attractive to the Russian propaganda machine, and she is already popular with the U.S. "alt-left." Besides her views on Syria, she responded to reports of Russian interference in the 2016 election by saying the U.S. had interfered in foreign elections too.





...Watts and Stamos think the Russians may be gravitating to Gabbard not because they think she can win, but because her positions, often in line with those of the Kremlin, will become part of the Democratic primary debates.





"They probably just spotted her and figured this is someone to promote," said Watts, who is also an NBC News analyst. "You can just see it coming. They're telegraphing what coming the next two years, which is playing in the left."





"They want someone like Gabbard to voice a Russian position. They are not telling her what to say but they want her pro-Russian positions play into the debate."





Stamos agrees that Gabbard could be used to inject pro-Russian positions into the Democratic Party's discussions and debates during primary season.





"We should expect the Russian intel services and troll farms to be active in the Democratic primary process," said Stamos, "as this provides them with the best opportunity to create the most division in American society in 2020."
Washington Post columnist Paul Waldman thinks the columnist Paul Waldman thinks the media Is badly botching the Medicare-For-All debate . He's correct. As background in how the media can screw tyhings up, he cited the Iraq War in 2003 and the way it gave just "minimal attention to Donald Trumps spectacular history of personal corruption in 2016."

Fortunately, correcting the mistake is easy, if were willing to give a minute or two of thought to some rudimentary math and logic. I speak of the question of universal health coverage, particularly in the form of Medicare-for-all (in its multiple variations).



Before we proceed, theres a number I want you to remember: $50 trillion. Keep that in the back of your head.



Right now, this debate is being framed in part as a disagreement between a bunch of Democrats peddling pie-in-the-sky notions on one side and more hardheaded and realistic critics (including but not limited to Republicans) asking the tough questions about affordability on the other. That framing is completely and utterly wrong, and even journalists of good faith are falling into its trap.



So for instance, former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg says I think we could never afford that when asked about providing universal coverage. The government might provide coverage to the uninsured, he says, But to replace the entire private system where companies provide health care for their employees would bankrupt us for a very long time. Likewise, former Starbucks chief executive and potential presidential candidate Howard Schultz dismisses the idea, saying, Its unaffordable.



The fact that these two highly successful businessmen-- whose understanding of investments, costs and benefits helped them become billionaires-- can say something so completely mistaken and even idiotic is a tribute to the human capacity to take our ideological biases and convince ourselves that theyre not biases at all but are instead inescapable rationality.



Let me explain. There are any number of reasons you might oppose universal coverage. I happen to think they dont add up to much, but you can make a case. Maybe you just dont think its governments job to make sure people are covered. What you cannot say, however, is that a universal system is unaffordable.



Thats because there is one thing you absolutely, positively must do whenever you talk about the cost of a universal system-- and that journalists almost never do when theyre asking questions. You have to compare what a universal system would cost to what were paying now.







It isnt easy to be perfectly precise about this, because there are multiple forms a universal system might take. But there have been some recent attempts to estimate what it would cost to implement, for instance, the single-payer system that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) advocates; one widely cited study, from a source not favorably inclined toward government solutions to complex problems, came up with a figure of $32.6 trillion over 10 years.



Thats a lot of money. But you cant understand what it means until you realize that last year we spent about $3.5 trillion on health care, and under current projections, if we keep the system as it is now, well spend $50 trillion over the next decade.



Again, you can criticize any particular universal plan on any number of grounds. But if it costs less than $50 trillion over 10 years-- which every universal plan does-- you cant say its unaffordable or it would bankrupt us, because the truth is just the opposite.



I've made this analogy before, but it's as if you were heating your house by burning $100 bills in your fireplace, and I said, Gee, maybe you should buy a new furnace; you can get one for a few thousand dollars, and you replied, Buy a new furnace? What are you, crazy? I could never afford that! Burning the $100 bills is the only reasonable thing to do."









We have a natural tendency to assume that someone who says something is unaffordable is being, if perhaps a bit of a downer, at least logical. Who tells you things are unaffordable when youre growing up? Your parents, who say, no, our next car will not be Ferrari, and you cant have an Xbox. It makes you mad when youre a kid, but when you grow up, you realize they were right.



But right now, its the people who say universal coverage is unaffordable and want to continue with the status quo who are suggesting something outlandish. Which is why, whenever someone says a universal system would be unaffordable, the appropriate follow-up question is: If we dont change, were going to spend $50 trillion over the next 10 years. How do you propose to pay for that?



Theres another follow-up question we should be asking, because universal coverage isnt some kind of novel idea no one has tried before: If universal coverage is so unaffordable, how come every other industrialized country on earth manages to afford it and spends less on health care than we do while insuring all their citizens? What do they know that we dont? Let me offer you a chart:









To repeat, every other country on that graph has universal coverage, the thing that people such as Bloomberg and Schultz believe is unaffordable. They do it in different ways-- Great Britain has a single-payer system, while Germany has private but tightly regulated insurers-- but they all cover everyone and, on average, they do it for half of what we spend. Its great that Schultzs company offers health insurance to its employees in the United States, but he should know that Starbucks stores in other industrialized countries dont have to, because the government takes care of it.



That doesnt mean that achieving universal coverage will be easy, or wont require lots of policy choices, or wont need tweaking over time as it evolves. If anyone characterizes it as something simple to implement, they arent being honest either. But if were going to talk about the cost-- as we should-- we absolutely have to talk about the cost of the current system.



No one would claim that moving to a system of universal coverage, whether through single-payer or something else, wouldnt be a profound change. But we have a bias toward the assumption that change is impractical while maintaining the status quo-- no matter how pathological the status quo may be-- is if nothing else reasonable and practical.



In this case, it isnt. Maintaining the status quo is a choice, a choice that will cost us $50 trillion. Thats the single most important fact to keep in mind as we talk about cost, and the people who have already forgotten it ought to know better.

Right now, these are the only members of Congress who have signed on to co-sponsor Pramila Jayapal's new Medicare-For-All bill. Many who signed on last cycle, knowing there would be no vote, refused to sign on this cycle, like Donald Norcross (New Dem-NJ), Don Beyer (New Dem-VA), Filemon Vela (Blue Dog-TX), Brad Sherman (CA), Katherine Clark (MA), Sanford Bishop (Blue Dog-GA), Nita Lowey (NY), Adam Schiff (New Dem-CA), Marc Veasey (New Dem-TX), Ted Deutch (FL), Pete Viscloskey (IN), Darren Soto (New Dem-FL), Jim Cooper (Blue Dog-TN), Al Lawson (New Dem-FL), Ed Perlmutter (New Dem-CO), Jerry McNerney (CA), Lou Correa (New Dem-CA), Anthony Brown (New Dem-MD), John Yarmuth (KY), Gregory Meeks (New Dem-NY), Cathy Castor (FL), Brian Higgins (NY), Jimmy Panetta (CA)... And that's just a few of the 2017-18 co-sponsors who aren't co-sponsoring (so far) this year. If your congressman or congresswoman isn't on this list, please call-- 202-858-1717-- and ask why. And freshmen who campaigned on Medicare-For-All (or even the more amorphous "swingle payer" but who aren't on this list, should be reminded there's another election in less than 2 years).

Nate McMurray hasn't announced yet, but I'm pretty certain he's going to run in NY-27 again. Early this morning he told us that "People want single payer. I campaigned in one of the supposed 'red' districts in America, and we lost by only 0.38%. Everyday I said I will demand single payer, and everyday the crowds grew and cheered. If members of Congress who pledged to fight for single payer do not have the courage to lead, why will Americans trust them to lead again!"

My own congressman, Adam Schiff, was a cosponsor of HR 676 so I was curious about why his name wasn't on the list for the new bill. I thought he might be so busy impeaching Trump that he hadn't gotten to it yet. I contacted his office and a longtime spokesperson confirmed that he "plans signing on as an original co-sponsor of Rep. Jayapals Medicare for All bill." I'm glad I reminded them. Please do the same with your own member. Meanwhile, sincere, full-throated support for Medicare-for-All should be a MUST for all congressional candidates. It is for Blue America.





Mike Siegel is running for the Austin to Houston corridor seat held by Michael McCaul, a Republican who would rather repeal Medicare than expand it. But Siegel running hard on Medicare for all. "The people want Medicare for All, and we cannot squander this rare opportunity. Countless lives depend on Democrats seizing the moment and standing for a bold solution to our national healthcare crisis. Here in Texas 10, and I am running on Medicare for All, and will enthusiastically vote for it in 2021 if we haven't passed it yet. Despite what many might think about Texas, folks here identify with the simple concept of extending Medicare to every person. And when the inevitable question comes up-- how will we pay for it?-- we need to be able to respond that only by having a true universal healthcare program can we realize the necessary savings in terms of administrative costs, prescription drugs, and so forth. Of course, the incumbent Michael McCaul, not only opposes MFA, but he opposes the ACA and just about any government healthcare program. He couldn't care less about whether regular Texans live or die. My campaign offers a real alternative on this life-or-death issue, and I'm confident that the voters will respond."





Kara Eastman is also taking on an anti-healthcare Republican incumbent, Don Bacon. "The reality for residents of the Nebraska 2nd is that far too many people do not have access to healthcare," she told us-- our Governor is dragging his feet on the Medicaid expansion bill that passed on the ballot in November-- or are paying far too much in out of pocket expenses including deductibles, premiums and non-covered expenses. My 17-year -old daughters recent knee surgery cost us $5000 out of pocket and this is with 'excellent' insurance through my husbands employer. A Medicare-for-All system is the best option we have for being fiscally responsible and providing medical care to Americans. Rep. Don Bacon is putting special interests before the needs of his constituents. He is bought and sold by the insurance, pharmaceutical, and healthcare companies and healthcare companies that profit off of people being sick. This is sickening." In Omaha,is also taking on an anti-healthcare Republican incumbent, Don Bacon. "The reality for residents of the Nebraska 2nd is that far too many people do not have access to healthcare," she told us-- our Governor is dragging his feet on the Medicaid expansion bill that passed on the ballot in November-- or are paying far too much in out of pocket expenses including deductibles, premiums and non-covered expenses. My 17-year -old daughters recent knee surgery cost us $5000 out of pocket and this is with 'excellent' insurance through my husbands employer. A Medicare-for-All system is the best option we have for being fiscally responsible and providing medical care to Americans. Rep. Don Bacon is putting special interests before the needs of his constituents. He is bought and sold by the insurance, pharmaceutical, and healthcare companies and healthcare companies that profit off of people being sick. This is sickening."





In Chicago and in Flagstaff, Arizona, Blue America is backing primary candidates Marie Newman and Eva Putzova who are also running against incumbents who is putting special interests before the needs of his constituents-- except their opponents ultra-conservative Blue Dogs who vote with the GOP-- Dan Lipinski and Tom O'Halleran. "Healthcare is a right, not a privilege," Eva told us. "It's time that our political ambitions move beyond expanding Medicare to just cover hearing aids for elderly and focus on expanding Medicare to cover all Americans. Medicare For All is the kind of system that will do just that.





Marie is coming from the same values. "While this $32 trillion number over 10 years is bandied about without framework in order to create hysteria, It i clear that it is much more affordable than the $50 trillion it will cost us keeping the current system in place. Lets all accept that the ACA was a good step and enabled 20 million more folks to have insurance, but, unfortunately, it did not solve ever-rising costs. My hope is that we can all stop with the hysteria and have a real conversation and debate. Their are no less than 8 M4All bills out there right now. Congresswoman Jayapals bills looks strong, lets start there and get this solved."

UPDATE: Audrey Denney





"One of the most prevalent misconceptions I hear when Im advocating for universal healthcare is that we cannot afford it. In actuality, we cant afford to not guarantee quality healthcare to all Americans. Paying for Medicare for All wouldnt require additional spending-- just a reallocation of private and public money were already spending. Our broken healthcare system tops the list of issues facing many voters in my district. When elected, Ill continue to advocate for Medicare for All and work to make sure we get the system change we need. No American should go bankrupt because they cant afford life-saving care."

UPDATE II: More Members Sign On As Co-Sponsors





These are all members who have been enthusiastic supporters of Medicare-For-All who just didn't make the first batch on signers for one reason or another. They are all officially on board as of this morning.




Report all errors to DonSurber@GMail.com





Oh, and if you see me driving my red 2010 Mustang GT convertible, please wave.

Hi, I am a retired newspaperman. I wrote 3 books on Trump and the media . I live in Poca, WV, with my wife of 43 years, Lou Ann. I grew up in Cleveland. Three kids. Grandfather.
The report from the Liquor Control Commission suggested as much: Supply exceeding demand in and of itself is not an indicator of illegal activity that warrants drastic policy action but may instead be an indication of speculative bets and pending market corrections, it said.

And, in fact, part of the glut in supply was inevitable, considering the choices Oregon lawmakers and officials made as they worked to implement Ballot Measure 91, the initiative legalizing recreational pot that voters approved in 2014. Oregon regulators took a different approach to regulation than did other early-adopter states such as Colorado, which linked production limits to demand. Oregon also allows unlimited producer licenses and has relatively low licensing fees.

In all of this, it's worth remembering that legislators and other officials didn't have a clear path for going forward as they built the regulatory structure around legal marijuana; some hiccups were to be expected (and, undoubtedly, provided valuable lessons to other states that legalized pot after Oregon).
Human Capital Enterprises gave the Lebanon Community Schools board good and bad news last Thursday during a work session that revealed the results of focus groups and an online survey detailing what the community wants from a new superintendent.

Hank Harris and Erin Prince, both from Human Capital Enterprises  the firm hired to lead the superintendent search  presented the report, compiled from 236 online and 35 focus group responses.

Calling Lebanon a city on the rise, Harris said there was a lot of good news for the community. Stakeholders felt the city has a lot to offer potential superintendents, including a growing population aided by the addition of the medical school that opened in 2011.

The report also indicated that the districts commitment to early education and career technical education was a good selling point for individuals considering applying for the position.

Then came the bad news.

The most salient challenges and issues facing Lebanon Community Schools are centered around organizational culture, Harris said, noting that the issue came up in every conversation the pair had with school stakeholders.
The results of several focus groups and an online survey asking community members, teachers and school administrators what characteristics they would like in the new Greater Albany Public Schools superintendent were compiled for the Jan. 28 meeting of the districts board of directors.

The results are broken into personal and professional categories highlighting accountability, communication and transparency.

Human Capital Enterprises  a Washington D.C.-based firm  is leading the search for a new superintendent and organized the focus groups. An online survey was also available through Jan. 21.

Under the personal category, the district listed characteristics ranging from an individual who operates at the highest levels of personal and professional integrity, who builds trust through honesty and following through on commitment to a servant-leader who takes personal and professional responsibility for ones actions.
Washington (AFP) - The United States urged other countries Monday to bring home hundreds of Islamic State fighters captured in Syria, a delicate issue for allies such as France and Britain as President Donald Trump withdraws troops.





Washington drew a line on the jihadists two days before foreign ministers from Europe and the Middle East gather in the US capital for talks on how to fight the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, once the US military presence ends.





US allies have been grappling for weeks with what to do with foreign fighters detained in the war-ravaged country by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who have warned that they may not be able to guard their jails once US troops leave.





"The United States calls upon other nations to repatriate and prosecute their citizens detained by the SDF and commends the continued efforts of the SDF to return these foreign terrorist fighters to their countries of origin," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said in a statement.





"Despite the liberation of ISIS-held territory in Iraq and Syria, ISIS remains a significant terrorist threat and collective action is imperative to address this shared international security challenge," Palladino said.





Another US official, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity, acknowledged that northeastern Syria had become a "very fluid space."





"As events unfold, there are any number of scenarios under which positive control of some of the individuals currently in custody could change," the official said.





He voiced concern that jihadists could then leave Syria for "other, more permissive places around the world from which they could seek to carry forward the fight."





Fears in Europe





Trump stunned Western allies on December 19 by announcing that the United States would pull its 2,000 troops out of Syria, declaring that IS had been defeated.





One of the countries most concerned is France, which has been hit by a series of IS-inspired attacks including the grisly November 2015 siege of the Bataclan nightclub in Paris.





France -- which along with Britain maintains a small deployment of special forces in Syria -- last week opened the door to bringing back its citizens, after earlier insisting that the jihadists should be prosecuted locally and not step foot back in France.





The French foreign ministry said its goal was to "avoid the escape and scattering of these potentially dangerous individuals" and acknowledged that the situation on the ground was changing with the US withdrawal.





A French security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, earlier told AFP 130 people could be repatriated. A second French official said the group included 70 to 80 children held with their mothers.





Britain has meanwhile been grappling with what to do with the two surviving members of a quartet -- nicknamed "The Beatles" for their accents -- who were notorious for videotaped beheadings.





Britain has shown no interest in bringing home the Kurdish-jailed pair, Alexanda Amon Kotey and El Shafee el-Sheikh, amid reports they were stripped of their nationality.





A report last year said the United States was willing to take them in its military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba -- an option that would be deeply controversial in Britain, partly due to the US practice of the death penalty.





Talk of security zone





The SDF are worried that, without US troops as a buffer, they will be crushed by neighboring Turkey -- which equates them with Kurdish separatists at home and encouraged Trump to withdraw US forces.





Shortly after Trump's announcement, the SDF warned it would pull back from the battle against IS if Turkey attacked and may redeploy its prison guards.





Wednesday's 79-nation conference in Washington is expected to look further at ways to avoid what Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in a comment that angered Turkey, warned could be the "slaughter" of Kurdish fighters in Syria.





Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have discussed a "safe zone" which Ankara wants on Syrian territory. European allies are cool to the idea and the Kurdish fighters want the zone to be directly on the border with coalition forces on the Turkish side.





Foreign ministers will also hear at the conference from Nobel laureate Nadia Murad, a member of the Yazidi minority in Iraq who was abducted and raped, like thousands of women and girls, by jihadists.





Since obtaining freedom, Murad has campaigned for accountability over the atrocities and urged Iraq and other countries to investigate the fate of Yazidi who remain missing.

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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,

but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde

Agence France-Presse, February 4, 2019
Morocco will take part in the meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS due in Washington on Feb. 6. Delegates of 79 countries of the coalition will discuss the impending territorial defeat of ISIS in Iraq and Syria, which is the result of four years of Coalition and partners joint efforts, and a significant milestone towards delivering ISIS an enduring defeat.

According to the US State Department, participants will discuss the next phase of the campaign in Iraq and Syria, which will focus on protecting against a resurgence of ISIS through stabilization and security assistance.

The coalition members will also exchange views on the important next steps in degrading ISISs global networks and affiliates outside Iraq and Syria.

This meeting, which comes after the withdrawal of US forces from Syria, will coordinate actions of the global coalition to continue to destroy ISIS remnants and thwart its global ambitions.

As ISIS is defeated on the battlefield, the Coalition will continue its stabilization efforts to facilitate the safe and voluntary return home of those who have been displaced by the violence.

The Global Coalition regularly meets to coordinate and enhance combined efforts to counter ISIS. The last Ministerial meeting took place in Brussels on July 12, 2018, with select members of the Coalition. The last meeting at the Political Directors level took place in Rabat, Morocco, on June 26, 2018.
Manipur: Wetlands Day: Tapping methane gas from Loktak Lake under study

State Wetland Authority, Manipur, convener Dr T Brajakumar has conveyed that the State Wetland Authority is planning to conduct a scientific study for tapping methane gas from Loktak Lake. Speaking at the World Wetlands Day Observation under the theme "Loktak Lake for Our Future Generations" which was organized by All Loktak Lake Areas Fisherman Union Manipur (ALLAFUM) at Langolsabi Champu Khangpok Floating Village, Loktak today, Brajakumar (who is also the Deputy Director of Department of Environment, Manipur) went on to inform that sophisticated tools for conducting the scientific study have already been ordered from outside the State and it (the scientific study) will be initiated once the tools reach the State.



If the scientific study is a success, the tapped/extracted methane gas from Loktak Lake can be used for many useful purposes, he added. Stating that the Central Government had approved the State Government's proposed project for cleaning solid waste from Nambul River and that the said work will begin this year, the convener exuded confidence that pollution level at Loktak Lake will be minimized to a great extent if the said project is completed.



Reminding that World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2 every year under different themes to mark the date of adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar, Brajakumar also highlighted that this year's theme for the observation of World Wetlands Day is "Wetlands and Climate Change" .



INTACH, Manipur Chapter Convener Dr RK Ranjan opined that the condition of Loktak Lake has changed immensely compared to the past. He further pointed out that the number of migratory birds coming to Loktak Lake has drastically declined in the last few years while informing that British environmentalist Humes had given an account of finding more than 30,000 birds and a large number of species in the same lake, during the 1930s.The commissioning of the Loktak Hydro Electricity Power Project and Ithai Barrage project have led to immense and adverse impacts to Loktak Lake as well as to its surrounding villages causing the disappearance of many indigenous fish species/varieties apart from submerging large areas of cultivable lands/paddy fields in the surrounding villages, he said.



While maintaining that Manipur no longer has food security due to extinction of cultivable lands, he also contended that demanding right to food security will be quite beneficial towards the conservation of Loktak Lake. He then observed that the proposal for construction of ring roads nearby Loktak Lake will amount to destruction of the lake's ecosystem. ALLAFUM advisor Kh Ibochou said that the Government has not attended to the issue of ever increasing siltation in Loktak Lake due to draining of solid waste materials from major rivers like Nambul River.



He continued that the Government has been putting efforts on cleaning useful phumdis but the unwanted phumdis have not been cleared. Saying that the Government is introducing mechanized boats in the name of developing Inland Waterways Transport System at Loktak Lake, the advisor noted that mechanized boats emits lots of oily residues which will increase the pollution level.



Noting that Loktak Lake is providing a source of livelihood for many fishermen apart from being a prestigious natural gift to all Manipuris, Ibochou asserted that the World Wetlands Day observation was organized with the main objective of preserving Loktak Lake. Imphal Free Press Editor Pradeep Phanjoubam, MU Professor W Vishwanath and Green Foundation member Thiyam Rinita, among others, also attended the function as presidium members.
Sri Lanka and Maldives: Maldivian Democratic Party drafts proposal for Sri Lanka fish exportation

February 05,2019 | Source: The Edition

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has prepared a draft for the upcoming Parliament session, proposing a plan for Maldivian fishing vessels to directly sell fish to the Sri Lankan market. According to the proposal, Maldives is ready to present the draft to the Sri Lankan government in order to reach terms of the agreement. It was one of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solihs pledges to find a way to directly sell Maldivian fish to overseas markets.



The draft will deny the provision of licences to foreign fishing boats in the Maldivian sea, allowing local fishermen to directly sell fish abroad instead. Maldives promotes sustainable fishing with the prohibition of fishing nets, and protects endangered species such as sharks and turtles. Furthermore, the draft proposes to authorize permits to buy and export raw fish from Maldives.



Moreover, in order to raise the price of tuna in the global market, the government plans to mark the areas of tuna which will make it possible to successfully fish in new areas. In addition, the MDPs plan proposes to establish small-scale fish processing plants that can be installed in houses.
Kerala: State bid to reach out to fishers at sea through AM transmission

by Dhinesh Kallungal

February 05,2019 | Source: The New Indian Express

After the introduction of satellite phones, now the state government is exploring the possibility of reaching out to fishermen through the medium wave transmission of the All India Radio. The state disaster management authority in association with the Coast Guard and AIR conducted a feasibility survey in the sea to check whether the medium wave signal of AIR is available up to 200 nautical miles in the sea from the coastline.



Since the survey found the medium wave transmission is available in the sea, the state government has sought the Centres permission to use the facility for reaching out to fishermen in order to provide regular update meant for fishermen, P H Kurian, former additional chief secretary (Revenue), told Express. However, the Centre is yet to respond to the request of the state, he said.



According to a senior officer in the AIR, the AIR has four medium wave transmission centres in Thiruvananthapuram (20 kw), Alappuzha (200 kw), Thrissur (100 kw) and Kozhikode (100 kw) in the state apart from a transmission centre at Lakshadweep (10 kw). These medium wave transmission centres can together cover the entire coastline and a distance up to 200 nautical miles in the sea from the coastline in radial distance.



The AIR has also FM transmission centres at Kannur, Kozhikode, Manjeri, Devikulam, Kochi (two stations) Thiruvananthapuram apart from 17 private FM stations in the state. While comparing with the medium wave transmission centres, the reach of the FM stations is limited to 60 to 70 km in normal circumstances. Whereas, the medium wave signals can travel long distance in the sea even two-fold or three-fold, when compared to land, without any disturbance.



In the normal circumstances, the AM stations which begin transmission by 5.50 am will continue till 11.10 pm. However, during the August flood, the AIR conducted 24-hour transmission to provide information to the people in the flood-affected areas. Earlier, the state government had distributed navigation gadget Navic and satellite phones to fishermen in order to better equip them at sea. Selected 1,000 fishermen who venture into sea beyond 36 nautical miles would be given the sat phones in the first phase, in association with BSNL which had agreed to provide the phones at a rate of Rs 94,261 per piece.
Pakistan: UVAS Conference Calls For Formulating fisheries And Aquaculture Policy in Pakistan

February 05,2019 | Source: Urdu Point

A two-day International Fisheries & Aquaculture Conference on Emerging Trends for Sustainable Exploitation of Aquatic Resources organised by the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore has strongly recommended formulation of a fisheries and aquaculture policy for the development of this emerging sector in the country. The Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture of UVAS in collaboration with UVAS-Industry Liaison Working Group, Punjab Fisheries Department and Pakistan Fishery Development Board arranged the conference and expo, which concluded on Thursday evening.



The conference also recommended strengthening extension services, promotion of cage fish culture shrimp culture, trout farming, introduction of high value potential fish species, development of cold chain and processing plants with model markets, use of barren and saline public and private lands for fish farming and introduction of various degree programmes in fisheries and aquaculture as well as environment protection and climate change in all the universities of the country. Vice-Chancellor University of Baltistan, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan Prof Dr Naeem Khan presided over the concluding ceremony. He along with UVAS Vice-Chancellor Meritorious Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha distributed shields and certificates among the organisers.



Speaking on the occasion, Prof Naeem Khan said that we are at the verge of evolution of blue revolution in the country. He said that the universities are supposed to lead through quality research, technology and education. He also sought UVAS help in the training of paraveterisarians of Baltistan region. UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof Pasha said that fisheries and aquaculture has enormous potential for growth and we have to cap that potential through national and international collaborations, public-private partnership, value-addition and processing. He also appreciated the organisers for conducting such a successful conference having participation from over a dozen countries. He said that UVAS is always open to collaborations and strongly supports promotion of fisheries and aquaculture.



Director General Fisheries Punjab Dr Sikander Hayyat, Ex-Presidant World Aquaculture Society from Baja California Mexico Dr Juan Pablo Lazo Corvera, Chairman Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture Dr Noor Khan also spoke on the occasion. Over 500 professionals, researchers and faculty members from across the world and fish farmers, representatives from fish feed industry, officials from Fisheries Department attended the conference. Twenty international speakers were from Mexico, the USA, the UK, Croatia, Turkey, Nepal, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Columbia, India and New Zealand. Total 60 papers were presented orally in 15 sessions of the two-day conference.
Kennedy said the United States is not the only victim of this. He has developed a materials handling flow-sheet which would allow American companies to resume the mining, refining and manufacturing of rare-earths products without need of repealing environmental and radioactivity laws and regulations.

"This solution is in the form of an executive order, requiring the signature of the president," Kennedy said. "The solution calls for the creation of a fully-integrated, multi-national rare-earth cooperative. The cooperative would invite multi-national end-users of rare-earth materials and various government agencies, or proxies, to directly vest."

Kennedy said the cooperative would be governed by the owners. All finished goods would be sold to cooperative owners at the cost of production.

"In exchange for guaranteed product at cost, the owners would be obligated to purchase finished product from the cooperative," Kennedy said. "The resource supply would come from rare-earths currently mined by many existing mining operations around the world who currently consider the thorium bearing rare-earths as a liability."

Kennedy said China has filed more rare-earth patents than the rest of the world combined every year since 2011.
Leigha Head started her new job as the Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce executive director on Jan. 3.

Formerly an accountant with Triton Group in Festus, she was glad to take the opportunity to not only help develop the community, but to spend more time with her three children.

I brought this up to my husband and we discussed how great it would be to become more involved with the community that we are apart of and I decided I couldn't pass the opportunity, even if I had to make other sacrifices that we were hesitant to make, she said.

She has lived in Bonne Terre for about two and a half years, and had to travel almost every day to Festus for her previous job.

Head has a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and accumulated 150-plus hours to become a certified public accountant (CPA) candidate. At Triton, she worked with several non-profit entities, where she says she developed a passion for what they do for their communities. She also worked with chambers, helping with annual information returns, and helping to maintain efficiency.

At Triton, she was training for a CPA license. Pursuing a license with a small success rate while raising three children was impossible for me, however, she still intends to work on it in the future.

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Mineral Area College Phi Theta Kappans, Cierra Johnson and Nikki Boyer, were among 80 students selected from across the state to attend the 2019 Missouri Governors Student Leadership Forum. The students were nominated because of their proven leadership qualities.

The forum, hosted by Gov. Mike Parson in Jefferson City, is a unique opportunity for student leaders from Missouris institutions of higher education. Based on the belief that the future prosperity of our state depends on the character that guides a leaders actions, the Forum provides students with the opportunity to meet with leaders in politics and business to discuss true servant leadership. Participants of all faiths are nominated by their college presidents and invited to join the dialogue to create a diverse experience for all attendees.

Cierra Johnson, of Farmington, is majoring in veterinary technology and plans to work in wildlife rehabilitation. She said, The trip was amazing. It was wonderful meeting that many people who also hope to make a difference and impact on our world. The emphasis on how we need to make personal connections to achieve our goals and have a healthy support system was something I feel isn't always said often enough.
Renowned Filmmaker from Manipur Aribam Syam Sharma has decided to return his 2006 Padma Shri award in protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

Why the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 has become controversial?

The citizenship amendment bill 2016 aims to amend the Citizenship Act of 1955. The controversial features of the bill are

The bill allows the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan to apply for Indian citizenship.

The bill relaxes the 11-year cutoff to six years out of 14, for immigrants of the six religions from the three countries.

The bill is criticised for being communal as it grants citizenship on the basis of religion. It is also argued that the bill is against the basic structure of the constitution as the Supreme Court has upheld secularism as a basic structure of the constitution. It is said that the bill also violates Article 14 which promotes equality.

Why the heat against the bill is more in North East?

The issue of illegal immigrants is a sensitive issue in the North-East. Often the states have witnessed clashes and communal riots due to tensions between immigrants and the locals.

The bill is aimed at providing citizenship to illegal immigrants. The North-Eastern states share borders with Bangladesh. It is said that due to porous borders between India and Bangladesh, lakhs of illegal immigrants have crossed over to India and are majorly concentrated in these northeastern states.

The North-Eastern States have often witnessed protests seeking identification of these illegal immigrants and deporting them. Assam Accord and National Registry of Citizens were aimed at curbing the menace of the illegal immigrants.

The people of North East fear that if the bill is implemented their struggle for years would be undermined and there would be a heavy Social, Economical and political burden on the North-East.
The disaster relief exercise Exercise Rahat will be demonstrated in Jaipur, Kota and Alwar in Rajasthan on Feb 11-12.

About the Exercise

The important aspects related to the Exercise Rahat are:

On behalf of the Indian Army, Jaipur based Sapta Shakti Command will conduct the Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Exercise, Exercise Rahat.

Exercise Rahat is being conducted in coordination with NDMA to synergise efforts for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

The joint exercise will see participation from Armed Forces, National Disaster Management Response Mechanism (NDMRM), State Disaster Management Authority of Rajasthan and District LMAs.

The exercise will be conducted simultaneously in three places, beginning at Jaipur in the form of a tabletop exercise and at Kota and Alwar.

During the exercise, on-ground capability and coordination amongst various stakeholders will be demonstrated.

As a prelude to the exercise, a curtain raiser has been organized at Jaipur Military station on 4th February 2019.
The African Development Bank and the Economic Community of West African States Commission (ECOWAS) have signed an agreement for a study into a highway linking Cote dIvoires commercial capital Abidjan, to Lagos in Nigeria, marking a new step in building regional integration and trade.

The proposed Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway, a six-lane (3-lane dual) motorway, will connect the countries via Ghana (Accra), Togo (Lome) and Benin (Cotonou).

The agreement signed Monday for a study on the technical, implementation and operational aspects of the project, comes nearly five years after the presidents of Cote dIvoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria, signed a treaty on the establishment of the highway in March 2014.

The Bank has approved a financing package of $12.6 million to finance part of the study for the project and mobilized a  9.1 million grant from the EU Commission, bringing the total nancing for this important study to $22.7 million.

By linking some of Africas largest and economically dynamic cities, the road will promote cross-border trade and integrate fast-growing economies within the ECOWAS. This is expected to contribute to reducing the poverty levels of the population that depends on inter-regional trade for livelihood.

Ebrima Faal, Senior Director of the Banks Nigeria office noted that the Bank remains fully committed to the 2020 ECOWAS Vision. We will work closely with the public and private sectors to unlock new sources of growth for Africa, while reducing inequality between countries and within countries.

Being a patchwork of small and largely disparate economies, West Africa needs larger and deeper market integration to justify and promote industrialization, which is so important for its development, he said.

Together, we can unlock the enormous potentials of the West African region and deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals for the region.

The 1,080 km long corridor connects some of the largest and most economically dynamic cities in Africa, (Abidjan, Accra, Cotonou, Lome and Lagos) while covering a large proportion of West Africas population. It also links very vibrant seaports in West Africa, a feature that will serve all the landlocked countries of the region, namely Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

The promoters of the project are expecting other partners such as Japan International Development Agency (JICA), the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), as well as the World Bank to join in the important project by contributing to bridge the traceable financing gap.

Nearly 40 million people are estimated to be living along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor while 47 million people travel along the axis every year.

These are expected to be direct beneficiaries of the development of the project touted to be a real backbone of trade in the region.
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In April 2018, the school board agreed to a multiyear contract with MG Tactical Advantage of Carlisle for costs not to exceed $22,000 in the districts 2017-18 budget. For 2018-19, total costs must not exceed $30,500. Prior to that, Withum said the district was undertaking an extensive review of its emergency preparedness plans in collaboration with government officials, law enforcement agencies, consultants and district parents.

In September 2018, the Cumberland Valley School Board approved the appointment of Michael Sokolas as CVs new school district safety and security coordinator at an annual salary of $72,000. The new administrative position was created to meet requirements of Pennsylvanias Safe and Secure School Act that was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf on June 22, 2018.

Other action

In other news, the board approved the retirement of Assistant Superintendent Gary Quigley on Monday. Quigleys retirement becomes effective on July 1 after 30 years of service with the district.

I can honestly say that we will miss you tremendously. I wish there was a way that we could have you stay for another 10 years. We wish the best for you, school board president Heather Dunn told Quigley.
James Ketchums last recollection of Oct. 4, 2018, is reaching to open his car door after returning home from morning errands. He needed to get his walking cane and merchandise from the back seat before going inside.

Today, Ketchum, 79, still has no memory of falling and lying partway under his car in rain and mud for nearly 30 hours, he said on Jan. 31. He remembers nothing until the next day when a familiar voice made him roll over and sit up and smile, he said.

I saw his arm move. I dont think he knew who I was, recalled longtime friend Pat Bear, who started calling Ketchums name after finding him that day.

Bear, a registered nurse at UPMC Pinnacles Advanced Wound Healing Center of Carlisle, had come to check on Ketchum at home because a nagging gut feeling had urged her most of that afternoon that something was terribly wrong.

I owe Pat a tremendous debt, Ketchum said. She always goes up and beyond her duty. Nothing is beyond her ability to make things happen. This was the ultimate. I truly believe that she saved my life that day.
Pennsylvania State Police are now saying that the killing of a New Jersey man along I-81 in Dauphin County on Monday night is not related to an alleged road rage incident.

The body of Tyrone M. Shaw, 46, of Roselle Park, New Jersey, was found at 11:13 p.m. Monday by state police who were investigating a report of a road rage altercation that occurred earlier, state police said. His death is being investigated as a homicide.

Troopers have discovered that a road rage incident did take place, however it was not connected to Shaw and his GMC Yukon, the PSP said in a subsequent news bulletin issued Tuesday evening.

The investigation is an isolated incident related directly to the victim. The public is not in any danger, the state police said.

According to the state police, Shaws body was found next to his vehicle, which was stopped on the shoulder of the interstate at mile marker 75.4 in West Hanover Township with a flat rear tire.

The vehicles lights and hazard signals were still on, police said. Shaws cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the head.

Shaws vehicle was observed along the shoulder of the interstate as early as 6:30 p.m. Monday night, according to the PSP.
Harrisburg Academys board of directors Tuesday announced that Adrian Grant Allan will serve as the next head of school starting in July.

Allan will succeed Jim Newman, who is retiring after 16 years.

I am honored to be the incoming head of school of Harrisburg Academy with its long and rich history, Allan said in a news release. When I visited the academy as a candidate, I was struck immediately by the clarity of the schools mission and its philosophy as it prepared young people for the road ahead. Dedicated faculty and staff, and bright students of sound character were at the heart of the experience and resonated with me on that day.

Allan has more than 20 years experience in leadership positions at independent schools, with a career that spans the globe, with teaching appointments in England, Finland, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, and school administrator positions in Norway, China and the United States.

Allan has established international baccalaureate programs at schools, including when he was in the head position in California and Hawaii.

Allan earned an undergraduate degree in psychology and engineering from Leeds University, a postgraduate degree with a teaching certificate in physics and math from Cambridge University and a masters degree in educational leadership from the University of Alabama.

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Perry Human Services is modeling their kindness campaign from the Chambersburg Teens for a Better Tomorrow Be Kind campaign. Our initial goal was to target middle and high school students in all four Perry County schools, but as enthusiasm spread for this idea, elementary schools also wanted to be included.

We sold T-shirts with the Be Kind message at cost in school colors. The response has been amazing, with people buying a second shirt for someone who couldnt afford one, and schools bought shirts for all of the teachers while other schools bought for all of the students. Be on the lookout for the shirts; there are over 2,500 throughout the county and every Friday this month is Wear Your Be Kind Shirt Day!

But this campaign goes beyond the simple act of students and teachers wearing T-shirts one day a week. Each school was encouraged to build on the message with additional activities and events.

Newport Elementary has already hosted a 12 days of Kindness project in December. On Feb. 1, the first official day of the campaign, Newport Middle and High School had a kick-off assembly featuring Barb Zablotney, Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2018. Susquenita Middle School has created their own calendar of daily suggestions and made stickers with kindness ninjas and bees for being kind.
TUESDAY, Feb. 5, 2019 (American Heart Association News) -- For the nearly 800,000 people who experience a stroke each year in the United States, the aftereffects are likely to be life-changing.

Often, it's the long-term physical complications that get the most attention, problems ranging from temporary weakness or permanent paralysis to difficulty swallowing, talking or thinking.

There are frequently psychological obstacles, too, according to new research that found about one-third of black and Hispanic stroke survivors experience depression, with those born outside the United States particularly at risk.

"There is a gap in the understanding of post-stroke depression, specifically in black and Hispanic stroke survivors," said the study's lead researcher, Adebayo Ogunlade, of the Center for Healthful Behavior Change at NYU School of Medicine. "These groups have been under-represented in stroke survivor studies."

The findings will be reported this week at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference in Honolulu. The study included interviews with 445 black and Hispanic stroke survivors with uncontrolled high blood pressure taking part in an ongoing clinical trial at stroke centers in New York City.

Post-stroke depression was reported by 32 percent of survivors, which is consistent with previous research among stroke survivors overall. Depressed survivors were more likely to have cognitive and physical disabilities, be women, be on disability, have an annual income below $25,000, or have at least three other health problems.

The study is the first to suggest that depression is more common among foreign-born than U.S.-born stroke survivors. The possible reasons, Ogunlade said, are they may "suffer from more social isolation, the absence of supportive caregivers and inability to navigate the (medical) system."

"Depression is common after stroke for a multitude of reasons which are still incompletely understood," said neurologist Dr. Amytis Towfighi, who was not involved in the study. This may be because stroke can have "broad-ranging effects on an individual's life, relationships, roles and independence and there are likely biological factors at play, with changes in the neurotransmitters and pathways in the brain," said Towfighi, chief of neurology at the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, which is affiliated with the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine.

Previous studies have found that stroke survivors who experience depression are less likely to have a full recovery, have a poorer quality of life and have a higher risk of dying than stroke survivors who don't experience depression.

For the new study, the researchers were not able to look at whether participants were depressed or taking an antidepressant prior to their stroke. Noting this limitation, Ogunlade said his team is now reviewing participants' medical records to find out.

But for now, he said the findings underscore why "doctors should screen all stroke patients for depression."

Towfighi agreed screening is important. But she emphasized it is only beneficial if there is a process in place to manage patients who are depressed by providing them with the proper treatment, follow-up and referrals.

"(More) research is needed to further understand the key driving forces behind post-stroke depression," she said, "and determine optimal methods for identifying and managing depression in vulnerable populations."




1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war.

2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.

3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.

4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.

5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.

6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination.

7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N.

8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N.

9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress.

10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N.

11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.)

12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.

13. Do away with all loyalty oaths.

14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office.

15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.

16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.

17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks.

18. Gain control of all student newspapers.

19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.

20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions.

21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.

22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms."

23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art."

24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.

25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.

26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."

27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch."

28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."

29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.

30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man."

31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.

32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.

33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.

34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities.

35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI.

36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.

37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business.

38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand.

39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals.

40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.

41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.

42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems.

43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government.

44. Internationalize the Panama Canal.

45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike.
A fairly routine Columbus City Council item regarding the approval of funds to equip a Columbus Police Department vehicle for K-9 use spurred a lengthier conversation Monday night about how far away the city is from having the officer/dog unit intact.

The answer, Police Charles Sherer said, turns out to be pretty soon.

The invoice for dog expenses has been issued and is being paid, he said, adding the Alabama-based dog vendor has/will soon be traveling to Europe to acquire a variety of dogs that will serve at different law enforcement agencies around the country.

The dogs will be back in the U.S. toward the end of February and then a Columbus representative will travel south to complete the transaction.

Then when they get back, we will be sending them to the academy in Grand Island for 14 weeks. That academy class is due to start the fourth of March, and we will venture from that point forward, Sherer said. Hopefully, we will have the dog in action  if everything goes well  about the first of summer. I would say the end of June, first of July.
About 1:57 a.m. Aug. 30, Columbus Police Department Officer Jeffrey Uhl responded to a house located in the 600 block of 12th Avenue in reference to a vehicle entering a home, resulting in the vehicle and home catching fire, according to the affidavit.

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Numerous people in the area were watching the blaze and notified Uhl that there were people inside of the burning truck. Both Spath and Esquibel exited the burning truck, and Spath indicated that there was another person in the truck, which there allegedly wasnt.

Spath reportedly told law enforcement that neither himself nor Esquibel were driving the vehicle when it crashed, noting that a Hispanic male whose last name was Ramirez or Rodriguez was the culprit.

Court records show that officers spoke to a bystander who was on the scene moments after hearing the truck crash into the house and that he saw no one exit the truck prior to police arriving. Three other witnesses corroborated what the first witness told law enforcement, as previously reported by The Columbus Telegram.

Further investigation of the vehicle and conversations with people first on the scene led police to conclusively determine that there were only two people in the vehicle at the time of the crash when the vehicle slammed through a laundry/utility room.
The Algerian defense ministry denied in a statement report by local media el Watan claiming that 13 senior officers have been recently detained over contact with former army general Ali Ghediri who intends to run for April Presidential elections.

El Watan quoted in its Sunday publication a military source as saying that 13 colonels and lieutenant-colonels have been detained under the orders of the army Chief of Staff, Gaid Salah, for entering in contact and bringing their support for Ghediri.

Ali Ghediri last month announced his plans to run for the presidential elections scheduled for April this year.

The army views the alleged contact with the retired general as a breach of January instruction to army personnel not to back any candidate.

The army also accuses the 65-year old man of having ties with Mohamed Mediene, aka Toufik, who headed for several decades the countrys powerful spy agency.

The defense ministry in a statement Monday indicated that no one is being detained or sued in connection with the elections.

Ghediri is viewed as the main challenger for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika who is yet to bid for the race.
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Ford and his two male passengers, ages 16 and 17, were also transported to Methodist Fremont Health.

Dodge County Sheriff Steve Hespen told The Fremont Tribune, a sister paper of the Schuyler Sun, that the investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.

Reconstruction takes several days, he said. There are also some interviews we will do with some witnesses and then well piece it all together.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the accident.

In the days following the accident, the GoFundMe page (https://bit.ly/2HQi5Qt) had garnered a lot of support. As of the Schuyler Suns print deadline on Tuesday, more than $21,500 of a $50,000 goal had been raised.

I'm setting this up to help the family because at this time they are at a loss for words dealing with the loss of five family members, Menjivars friend, Joycelyn Perez, wrote on the page. Maria was always such a positive, loving and hardworking mom. She did anything and everything to make sure her boys had all they needed and was always there for them. Her boys were three sweet little boys ages 7, 8 and 10. She was also pregnant with her first baby girl due next month.
Despite claims from mainstream media and keyboard warriors that the Church has no place in modern society, the reality is that most people continue to tolerate the presence of Christianity.

There is little doubt that in Western countries, an attitude of post-modern or post-Christendom is setting in. But the question of how Christians can be effective in influencing society that is seeming increasing hostile and politically correct ought to be at the forefront of every believer.

Advent of political correctness

Whether we like it or not, society changes along with language and acceptable norms. What was once seemingly commonplace could now be viewed as questionable, and in recent decades the boundaries of traditional Western and Judeo-Christian values have undoubtedly narrowed.

Under the premise of promoting diversity and equality, political correctness has become mainstream to the extent that a good friend (and church youth leader) was asked to lead a discussion on the topic at a recent Sunday gathering.

I may or may not have been helpful with her preparation by offering my two cents, but I honestly think many Christians and non-Christians from both sides of politics get caught up in arguing about words instead of looking at the actual issue.

For example, being politically correct nowadays would be to say your husband/wife is your partner to reduce the emphasis on their gender because of the marriage equality movement. And some countries such as Canada have made it illegal to call transgender persons by the pronoun of their birth sex.

It is a common Christian doctrine to believe that God made man and woman, and marriage is to be between a man and a woman. Therefore, many Christians would find political correctness as going against Christian values.

Many conservatives and Christians also say that political correctness is a form of censorship against our right to free speech. To a large extent that's the chilling effect of political correctness, so much so that some people go the extreme by using this issue to say offensive things in the name of free speech.

Speaking the truth...

Not being able to acknowledge God created differences between the sexes and genders is concerning but also using the notions of free speech and anti- political correctness to vilify others is wrong too. Ultimately Christians ought to be able to and act to speak the truth (such as about sex and marriage) but to do so with love and gentleness.

The truth may be offensive, and that is okay because the world was offended at Jesus presence as this world is one of sin and Satan. Christians ought not to get caught up in worldly political squabbling, we are in but not of this world...

...but preferring love

A practical example of a Christian approach that shines Jesus love is with the LGBT community: I come to your church as a transgender person who asks to be referred to as she/her  having to refer to me as she/her is politically correct. Even though it's clear that I am a man, the church ought not to get caught up with political correctness debates because, at this very moment, you're dealing with a real human being, not a political forum. Nor ought prayer be used as a weapon of human judgement.

If I ask to be referred to as she/her then out of Christs love, be politically correct as Christians and churches are the meetings of imperfect sinners regardless of whatever identity a person is.

But the big thing that many churches fail to grasp is that regardless of how much a person's lifestyle and identity is different to Christian beliefs, everyone needs Christ. The Christian challenge is not to be constrained by secular politics or how the world thinks about words. The Bible tells us to have a transformation of the mind and seek after Christ's likeness.

Just because you call me, she/her doesn't mean you compromise on Christian teaching. Churches need to be more welcoming of LGBT people and realise that it's not Christians vs political correctness/LGBT/censorship but that the victory has been already won through Christ.

If you turn away a transgender person by offending them, you might be turning them away from their willingness to engage with the Church. So, don't let our own political views hinder the preaching and proclamation of God's truths!

Remember our understanding is limited

Remember when God was chasing down Jonah, it wasnt just because he was disobedient for refusing to go to Nineveh. But rather God pursued Jonah because he allowed his and the Israelites disdain to step in the way of the opportunity for the Ninevites to repent.

Jonah even said he wanted to die because God who is slow to anger, merciful and compassionate wanted to save the people of Nineveh. God was clearly upset with Jonah for trying to use his own limited understandings of the worlds politics in deciding who deserved Gods redemption.

And as we advocate for the truth, we should tread carefully not to add stigma to those who are suffering. Our goal ought not to be encouraging or advocating for a detransitioning towards their birth sex but to present them like every other person with the importance of coming or continuing to live under Gods authority.

Adding to the pain experienced by transgender people will undermine the Christian testimony and make it harder to live in accordance with an identity vested in Jesus Christ.

Roydon Ng is a Christian writer from Western Sydney.

Roydon Ngs previous articles may be viewed at: http://blog.roydonng.com.au
If you dont have this, you feel helpless, depressed and anxious because youre not the one in charge of your life, she said.

Kids need to practice dealing with challenging situations on their own  whether its overcoming the fear of climbing a tree, or working out a disagreement with a friend  to develop resilience. When well-intentioned parents swoop in to solve every problem, kids dont become as capable as they might be.

Ironically, in trying to keep kids safe from a very, very, very unlikely tragedy, we are pointing them in a direction of something that seems to be ever more common, which is anxiety and depression, Skenazy said.

Like many parents, Stech-Carlson strives to strike a balance between protecting her kids and giving them independence. She doesnt want to keep them under her thumb, yet shes not comfortable letting them roam like she did during her childhood, spending hours and hours of time without her parents knowing where she was.

Stech-Carlsons oldest children, ages 9 and 6, have frequently played unsupervised with two neighbor kids of the same ages in the cul-de-sac and yards around the families homes. The kids have been able to experience a sense of freedom, but still are easy to check on.
An Illinois man accused of entering a hotel room in Lake Hallie in September 2017 and crawling into bed with a woman he didnt know and sexually assaulting her is now seeking to enter a plea of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

Demond H. Dorsey, 35, of East St. Louis, is charged in Chippewa County Court with second-degree sexual assault of an unconscious victim and fourth-degree sexual assault. He was arrested in Illinois in May 2018 and was extradited back to Wisconsin, where he is being held in the Chippewa County Jail on a $10,000 cash bond.

Dorseys trial was slated to begin Thursday. However, at a court hearing last week, Dorseys attorney, Kirby Harless, told Judge Steve Cray about Dorseys request to enter the plea. Cray ordered an examination by a psychologist. The trial date for this week was postponed and re-set for April 23.

At a recent hearing, Dorsey requested to represent himself in court and signed a form that he understood what was occurring. However, Dorsey told Cray that he suffers from schizophrenia.
Opinion / Columnist

Re Engagement Process

Chiwenga's Madness

Foundational Crisis

Knowledge Hakata can be contacted on waterlesspings@gmail.com



The New Dispensation which has become the New Desperation, has totally failed in all its election mantras and promises that it had promised to the general public at large. Those in the political circles of power both inside and outside Zanu Pf led government have failed to explain the major reasons why the so called New Order or Disorder has failed to make an impact since the ouster of former President Robert Mugabe, in my own personal analysis I still maintain the theory that Chiwenga and his army compatriots have ruined all the good prospects of ED which he had for Zimbabweans. Zimbabweans expected much from the President Mnangagwa led government but whenever the man is busy in his re-engaging process something terrible always happens which drastically destroys out all his efforts especially at international level. President Mnangagwa might actually need a second operation restore legacy which is necessary in removing Chiwenga and his uneducated military cabals, if they is any chance of him surviving up to June 2018. President Mnangagwa is a lone fighter and soon he is going to see himself at the deep end where he cannot recover, complacency poor domestic policies have cripple his already rusted government.With little success the President of the Republic has failed dismally to woo the urgently needed FDI to the extent that he had to tour countries such as Guinea Bissau, Kazakhstan and other economical irrelevant countries which cannot even resuscitate Gweru as a city, his desperation shows his zeal but where did the man really went wrong in all his international re engagements. ED probably messed up during and after elections, during elections he rigged the vote and after elections his government killed six innocent civilians which if one joins those two scenarios they is nowhere out for the fearless crocodile to be bailed by the international community. No country especially European powers would like to bail such a brutal and illegal regime which actually came to power via a back door of a disguised military coup. Mnangagwa knows that he rigged elections and he is an illegitimate president.If they is a man who is going to sink ED slowly but surely is his second in command Vice President Chiwenga, this man has destroyed ED so bad that Mnangagwa won't recover from the actions that have been paraded by Chiwenga, without doubt this man is the one who controls the army and the army has been responsible for the killings of innocent citizens. The Zimbabwean Army has been blamed not just for killing innocent citizens but for brutality and rape in the recent stay away which became so violent. The Mnangagwa led government has received condemnation internationally especially for the brutality which the army has been on rampant doing. Chiwenga fired the nurses and letter suspended the doctors surely this man has been practicing barracks politics' which has destroyed ED to the core. With all this madness of Chiwenga ED is only left with his front tooth which are becoming useless in solving Zimbabwe's current crisis.As much as I can see no light at the end of the tunnel for ED, surely the man inherited a rotten state which however he was part of the team that destroyed the once flourishing bread basket of Africa, President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be lucky to survive the mounting crisis in Zimbabwe by June 2019. The proposed political dialogue will not materialize and the once feared Midlands political godfather's days in office are severely and brutally numbered, demonstrations will resume soon and ED will escape the country for the second time into political exile, the way former Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore escaped his native country after the citizens burned the Burkina Faso Parliament, Zimbabweans have no option than to kick out ED out.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Government yesterday said it had started recruiting an additional 3 000 teachers for both primary and secondary schools so as to improve the teacher-to-pupil ratio as it moves to enhance the quality of education in the country.In a statement, Public Service Commission (PSC) chairperson Vincent Hungwe said government was seeking to close staffing gaps in schools."It is not only desirable, but necessary for ways to be found to close the staffing gaps in our schools, where 8 509 posts remain unfilled on account of funding shortfalls. This gap places schoolchildren at a disadvantage and retards the attainment of national development goals," the statement read.Hungwe said the cash-strapped government could only provide funds for the recruitment of 3 000 teachers, but so far 1 500 names had been submitted to the PSC for consideration. He said 19 993 graduates were on the streets."Concurrent with the foregoing, the attention of the government has been drawn to the plight of 19 993 teachers who completed their training, some as far back as 2012, but have not yet been placed," Hungwe said.He said government would explore ways of creating opportunities for the unemployed teachers, including placing them in Sadc member States and other regions through mutually-beneficial and multilateral arrangements.
Qatars National Bank (QNB) has relinquished its shares in Libyas largest private bank, Bank of Commerce & Development.

Bank of Commerce & Development in statement said it bought QNBs equities, 49 per cent, Libya Observer reported.

Libyan investors acquired the equities, according to the bank.

QNB announced six months ago it was pulling out of the private bank, the media outlet recalled.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 30-year-old Zimbabwean man was last week jailed for an effective 15 years for smuggling explosives worth R200 000 into South Africa through Beitbridge Border Post.Nqobizitha Ncube was arrested in September last year by South Africa's specialised crime unit, the Hawks together with Marvellous Jore (42) and Musina Shoko (47).Hawks spokesperson for Limpopo province Captain Matimba Maluleke said Ncube was convicted on his own plea of guilty by a Musina magistrate. He said Jore and Shoko were acquitted due to lack of incriminating evidence."Ncube was arrested on the 26th of September 2018 in the company of Marvellous Jore (42), and Musina Shoko (47), when the vehicle they were travelling in was stopped and searched at the Beitbridge Port of entry by customs officials," he said."The trio were travelling from Zimbabwe to South Africa at the time. The resultant search uncovered a significant number of explosives with an estimated street value of approximately R200 000 hidden in the vehicle."Captain Maluleke said the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit was called in to conduct further investigations."A series of court appearances then followed for the trio after their bail application was successfully opposed by the investigating team," he said."Ncube was convicted of unlawful possession and smuggling of explosives and sentenced to 15 years and got an additional 15 years for smuggling explosives. Both sentences are to run concurrently."The smuggling of explosives into South Africa through Beitbridge has become a perennial headache for border authorities. The explosives were being used for bombing ATMs or illegal mining activities in the neighbouring country.
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE Zanu-PF provincial leadership has held inter-district meetings across Masvingo to update party members on the state of the economy and measures being taken by Government to cushion ordinary people.Zanu-PF provincial chairperson Ezra Chadzamira headlined the meetings held in all the seven administrative districts in Masvingo. Chadzamira expressed satisfaction with the highly subscribed inter-district meetings."The main purpose of the just-ended Zanu-PF inter-district meetings across the province were meant to update our membership and ordinary people on the state of the economy, particularly after the recent hike in the fuel price which itself was long overdue," said Chadzamira."We explained to our membership several interventions by Government to protect our people from the effects of the recent fuel hike."There was unanimous approval of Government moves to restore the mass public transport system which will see buses that charge affordable fares plying both urban and rural routes to help the commuting public."Chadzamira said ruling party members were apprised on Government plans to open smart shops across the country which will sell goods at affordable prices."In the wake of the prevailing price madness where some retailers have priced basic commodities beyond the reach of the common person, we also told our people about the impending plans to open smart shops at strategic places such as Grain Marketing Board depots where basic commodities will be sold at affordable prices," he said.Chadzamira reminded Zanu-PF members of the renewed onslaught on the country by the West."We explained to our people that the recent attempt to shut down the country is an old script by neo-imperialist forces working in cahoots with their surrogate the MDC Alliance, the hostile civic society and renegades from the vanquished G40 cabal," he said."We thanked our people in Masvingo for ignoring the shut down call. It was business as usual in most parts of the province with major shops open and no major incidences of violence was recorded a sign that our people are not easily swayed by blowing wind.""
News / National

by Staff reporter

Suspended chief magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe has been cleared of any wrongdoing regarding charges that he allegedly influenced a subordinate to recuse himself in a matter he had interest in.The offence was allegedly committed sometime in 2016 and Guvamombe - who is facing criminal abuse of office charges in an ongoing matter - was arrested last week. But it emerged that Guvamombe had, in fact, been cleared after the matter of his conduct was brought to the attention of the Judicial Service Commission in March last year, resulting in a judicial committee on ethics and conduct being set up to investigate him.In a letter written by Chief Justice Malaba dated January 16, 2019, it was found that the committee found no interference by the suspended chief magistrate in the matters before the courts involving the complainant Mr Nighert Parween Savania. The letter explained that both parties in the matter in question wanted the justice system to work to their advantage.This, he said, culminated in them approaching the chief magistrate with different complaints on how their matters were being handled in the chief magistrate's department."After the recusal of Mr Makomo, the matter was allocated to Mr Utahwashe, a senior regional magistrate from Bulawayo, who dealt with the matter and finalised it without delay," read the letter signed by Chief Justice Malaba."There is no evidence to show that Mr Guvamombe used his office to influence any processes during the hearing of the matters."The Chief Justice said the evidence does not show any truthfulness in the allegations of criminal abuse of office against Guvamombe.The fresh charges come barely three weeks after he appeared in court on similar charges. He was arrested for offering internship to former ICT Minister Supa Mandiwanzira and former Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and National Housing Saviour Kasukuwere, who are both studying law at the University of Zimbabwe.The duo is being tried for different offences within the courts.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Mbizo legislator Settlement Chikwinya and his Redcliff counterpart, Lloyd Mukapiko, who are facing charges of subverting a constitutionally-elected Government, have been granted bail by the High Court.They were granted $300 bail each by Bulawayo High Court Judge Justice Martin Makonese last Friday. The pair was ordered not to interfere with State witnesses and not to address any public gatherings, among other conditions.The State led by Mr Trust Muduma opposed bail, arguing that the legislators were facing serious charges. Mr Wellington Davira, who is part of the defence counsel, confirmed that the legislators were granted bail.Chikwinya and Mukapiko were arrested January 18. They were remanded in custody to February 8 by Kwekwe magistrate Mr Storey Rushambwa and advised to seek bail at the High Court.Allegations are that on January 12, around 9pm, they addressed a meeting at Red Lion Bar in Kwekwe inciting the public to engage in violent protests.This led to violence in Gweru, Gokwe, Harare and Bulawayo.On January 14, Chikwinya wrote a message on his Facebook timeline thanking those who had heeded the call for a mass stay away and total shut down. He encouraged people to keep pressing Government in whatever way.
News / National

by Staff reporter

GOLD deliveries to Fidelity Printers and Refiners reached a record 33,3 tonnes in 2018, surpassing the 27 tonnes produced in 1999. The increase has been attributed to measures taken by Government, including curbing leakages.Government has also introduced a number of programmes to promote gold mining, especially for artisanal miners, who have delivered the largest chunk of the mineral. In 2017, the country produced 24 tonnes of gold.President Mnangagwa's administration introduced empowerment programmes for small scale miners, who mined and delivered 21,67 tonnes of the 33,3 tonnes delivered last year. Government had set a target of 34 tonnes in 2018.Addressing a Zanu-PF inter-district meeting in Chegutu over the weekend, Mines and Mining Development Deputy Minister Polite Kambamura said: "Last year, 21,67 tonnes of gold was produced by artisanal miners, while 11,6 tonnes came from big mining firms."After the output as a Ministry, we then approached the President saying the tonnage might rise beyond the current level."Deputy Minister Kambamura said Government will continue supporting small scale miners."Our President has a noble stance in line with minerals," he said."During his recent tour of Russia and Belarus, among other countries, seeking investment opportunities, he managed to source machines to be used by small scale miners which will be availed soon."Deputy Minister Kambamura bemoaned the tendency by some companies to keep claims for speculative reasons."For example, Golden Valley has 2 524 claims, but only five blocks are being used," he said."The mine management was told that it should give people tributes, so we gave them up to March 1 this year to cede claims."Deputy Minister Kambamura said Government would be forced to take the legal route if such companies did not comply with its directives."Government is failing to get returns of its claims," he said."In that case, we will offer capable miners a chance as their little contributions combined can make a significant impact to the fiscus."Government has set up a national gold mobilisation task force mandated to ensure all the gold produced in the country goes through formal channels. The taskforce includes officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and members of the security forces.President Mnangagwa has set a target of making Zimbabwe an upper middle income economy by 2030 and mining plays a significant role in attaining this vision.


Starting in the early 1990s with a Democratic Congress (and continued by other congresses, Republican and Democrat, since), the rate of tax on "passive, unearned income" has been in decline, but someone has to pay to keep Uncle Sam's lights on, so the tax on workers' wages have diverged, until today, when the tax bite out of a worker's wage is double the tax taken on wealthy investor with the same amount in "passive income."



The easy explanation for this is that workers don't change their behavior when you raise payroll taxes (you still show up for work because you still you have to pay your mortgage), while investors are prone to changing their behavior depending on the tax code.

The more complete explanation is that, since the Reagan years, the share of national wealth owned by the richest Americans has gone up and up, and so has their political power, and so the political will to tax the wealth of the 10%, the 1% and the 0.1% has been steadily leached out of US politics.





Taxing workers more than investors is fair, conservatives also argue, because investors and workers are really the same people at different stages of their lives. When you're young, you save and pay high tax rates on your wages. When you're old, you get to enjoy the lightly taxed proceeds of that invested income. The wrench in these arguments is the massive jump in inherited American wealthdriven by rising income inequality and loose tax laws. In practice, the person who successfully accumulates assets is often not the person who spends them. Affluent retirees are increasingly reluctant to even touch their nest eggs. A huge and disproportionate share of the nation's largest fortunes is in the hands of people in their 80s and 90s. And the estate tax, already very easy for the wealthy to avoid, is targeted for elimination by the Trump administration. As a result, an unprecedented amount of wealth may soon be inherited. The generation on the receiving end of this familial largesse will get a tax break every time they cash in on the fruits of others' labor.



Why American Workers Pay Twice as Much in Taxes as Wealthy Investors [Ben Steverman/Bloomberg]
The runner wrestled with a juvenile lion estimated to weigh 80 pounds before suffocating it to death in a park west of Fort Collins.

On Monday, a runner in Colorado had an encounter with a juvenile mountain lion. The man fought off the cat, and hiked to safety where he was transported to a hospital. The human made it. The wild animal did not. Below, what happened, and tips on what you can do if you or your pets encounter a wild animal predator.

We are actively investigating a reported wild cat attack on a trail runner at Horsetooth Mountain Park on Monday afternoon, Feb 4. The victim survived the attack and is currently undergoing medical treatment at a local hospital.  CPW NE Region (@CPW_NE) February 5, 2019

He was able to fight off the cat and hike himself out to safety. As we work with Larimer County and the victim in this case to learn more, we will share additional information.  CPW NE Region (@CPW_NE) February 5, 2019

We have confirmed that the cat from today's incident was a juvenile mountain lion. Our officers are with Larimer County investigating the scene of the attack. We will share more details are we get them from the field.  CPW NE Region (@CPW_NE) February 5, 2019

Excerpt from Patrick Redford's post at Deadspin:

Yesterday afternoon, a trail runner was out for a run alone in the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space area outside of Fort Collins, Colorado, when he was attacked by a mountain lion. The runner said he heard something behind him, and as he turned around to look, the lion attacked him from behind, biting his face and wrist. He managed to break free from the cougar's claws and teeth, and he told investigators from Colorado Parks & Wildlife that he choked the lion to death while defending himself. The runner apparently sustained "serious, but nonlife threatening injuries" in the attack, and despite his wounds, he managed to run out of the park and get to a hospital for treatment. A necropsy of the animal this morning confirmed that the lion was suffocated.

More at The Coloradoan confirms the wildcat was killed by suffocation:

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials confirmed the man's account of the attack through further investigation and examining the juvenile mountain lion. A necropsy was performed Monday night on the mountain lion to determine if it was sick or injured, which might have prompted the attack. CPW officials said they expect to have results of the necropsy either today or Wednesday. The man, whose name and place of residence has not been released, was attacked Monday afternoon while on the West Ridge Trail, which is near Horsetooth Rock.

As you'd imagine, runners in the area are spooked. Again, from The Coloradoan, advice on what to do in the unlikely event you ever have an encounter with a wild animal predator:

Mountain lion attacks on humans are rare. The best way to protect yourself is to keep your distance and not approach wildlife. Use the rule of thumb: If the animal is small enough to cover with your thumb, you're at a safe distance. If you find yourself too close to a mountain lion, CPW suggests you back slowly away if you can do so safely. Raise your arms and open your jacket if you have one. Hold small children in your arms, if you have a youngster with you. Speak calmly to the lion in a firm tone of voice. If the lion approaches you or is acting aggressive, wave your arms and throw stones or whatever you can reach without turning around or crouching. In the unlikely event of a cougar attack, fight back with whatever you have on hand and try to stay upright.

[from Deadspin, via and headline sort of stolen from @byjoelanderson]
Facebook said in a blog post today it has banned content from four armed groups in Myanmar (Burma), and promises to continue to remove all "related praise, support, and representation."

There's big pressure for Facebook to do the right thing in the Southeast Asian country where the social media platform has been used to incite racial tension and violence.

Here is the entire Facebook post, links removed:

Over the past year, we have repeatedly taken action against violent actors and bad content on Facebook in Myanmar. The ethnic violence happening in Myanmar is horrific and we don't want our services to be used to spread hate, incite violence or fuel tension on the ground. Our approach to this problem, like the problem itself, is multifaceted, but our purpose is clear: to reduce the likelihood that Facebook will be used to facilitate offline harm. Our tactics include identifying and removing fake accounts; finding and removing violent actors; building better tools and technology that allows us to proactively find bad content; evolving our policies; and continuing to build partnerships and programs on the ground. We have shared regular updates on this work. Since last August, we've taken down three networks who were misrepresenting who they were and what they were doing, banned Myanmar military officials, given an update on the steps we're taking to prevent the spread of hate and misinformation and released the findings of the Human Rights Impact Assessment on the role of our services in the country. Today, we are taking more action, designating four more groups in Myanmar as dangerous organizations  the Arakan Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, Kachin Independence Army and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army. These armed groups are now banned from Facebook and all related praise, support and representation will be removed as soon as we become aware of it. In an effort to prevent and disrupt offline harm, we do not allow organizations or individuals that proclaim a violent mission or engage in violence to have a presence on Facebook. This includes terrorist activity, organized hate, mass or serial murder, human trafficking, organized violence or criminal activity. There is clear evidence that these organizations have been responsible for attacks against civilians and have engaged in violence in Myanmar, and we want to prevent them from using our services to further inflame tensions on the ground. We don't want anyone to use Facebook to incite or promote violence, no matter who they are. That's why we are always evaluating and analyzing our policies around violence committed by state and non-state actors. We recognize that the sources of ethnic violence in Myanmar are incredibly complex and cannot be resolved by a social media company, but we also want to do the best we can to limit incitement and hate that furthers an already deadly conflict.

Analysis from

Reuters here, a TechCrunch post below, and tweeted observations from voices out of Myanmar and a number of well-informed observers who are skeptical or critical of today's move by Facebook.

#Facebook banned the Arakan Army, the #Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, #Kachin Independence Army and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army. Don't praise, support or represent them on Facebook. Posts will be removed. https://t.co/uvH8ErHlWr #Rakhine  Ro Nay San Lwin (@nslwin) February 5, 2019

Dear @Facebook  please be fair. Don't let any #Myanmar media posting on #Facebook about Thousands marching to support #Tatmadaw, bla bla. As you said no one can praise or support ethnic armed groups on Facebook. Praising or supporting Tatmadaw must not be allowed too. https://t.co/BMaWkUWJWs  Ro Nay San Lwin (@nslwin) February 5, 2019

Facebook de-platforms EAOs in Myanmar, the AA, TNLA, MNDAA and KIA: "We recognize that the sources of ethnic violence in Myanmar are incredibly complex and cannot be resolved by a social media company" https://t.co/bBAi2jbcqT  Kayleigh E. Long (@ayleighk) February 5, 2019

"all related praise, support and representation will be removed as soon as we become aware of it." Oh yeah, like the hate speech you so efficiently tackled?  Kayleigh E. Long (@ayleighk) February 5, 2019

This is dumb on so many levels. Facebook has shown they're completely incapable of playing whack-a-mole with problematic content, and AI interventions drown out legitimate, terms-non-violating user material. In this fell swoop, they'll arguably be silencing civil society voices  Kayleigh E. Long (@ayleighk) February 5, 2019

Like, are they going to ban every EAO in the world? Every military? Will they update blacklist as ceasefires are made & abrogated? Are activists from ethnic minorities engaged in armed struggle silenced? The implications of this could be sweeping and can't have been thought thru  Kayleigh E. Long (@ayleighk) February 5, 2019

Facebook sure looks like it is following government orders with its latest removals in Myanmar  4 groups that have upset the military https://t.co/hQtn6lMGgc  Jon Russell (@jonrussell) February 5, 2019

That's the problem with wading into a country where you have no presence, you miss the nuance of the situationhttps://t.co/TYpy2VRB9Ihttps://t.co/1NbV5EUEgE  Jon Russell (@jonrussell) February 5, 2019

More moral confusion from @facebook. Now they're banning armed groups in Myanmar that defend ethnic groups' homelands against domination by the central army. Yes, the same army known for brutal ethnic cleansing, most famously against the Rohingya.https://t.co/hDqh6H04tj  Patrick Winn (@pwinn5) February 5, 2019

Each colored blob on this map of Myanmar is the claimed turf of a different armed group  each defending a different ethnicity. Strangely, Facebook is banning only four of these groups. Four that happen to be particularly hated by the army. Rationale unclear. pic.twitter.com/knOzjGr4iW  Patrick Winn (@pwinn5) February 5, 2019
The time has come to accept that in its current mode of operation, Facebooks flaws outweigh its considerable benefits.  Roger McNamee in ZUCKED.

I can't stop reading my just-out-today hardcover copy of Roger McNamee's new book, 'Zucked: Waking up to the Facebook Catastrophe.' I pre-ordered 'Zucked' last week on my phone when I was out for coffee with my friend Mike Backes (buy his book!), who was so enthralled with it he couldn't put his pre-release copy down, and he carried it with him that day. I stopped what I was doing when the Amazon delivery guy handed it to me a few hours ago. I'm a couple hundred pages in to 'Zucked' now. I get it.

The book drops as Facebook is once again in headlines for privacy, ethics, and security lapses with catastrophic consequences on our world and our lives.

Here's a 'Zucked' excerpt I highlighted in my copy that seems so relevant to this week's Bad Facebook News

The people at Facebook live in their own bubble. Zuck has always believed that connecting everyone on earth was a mission so important that it justified any action necessary to accomplish it. Convinced of the nobility of their mission, Zuck and his employees seem to listen to criticism without changing their behavior. They respond to nearly every problem with the same approach that created the problem in the first place: more AI, more code, more short-term fixes. They do not do this because they are bad people. They do this because success has warped their perception of reality. They cannot imagine that the recent problems could be in any way linked to their designs or business decisions. It would never occur to them to listen to criticsHow many billion people have the critics connected?much less to reconsider the way they do business. As a result, when confronted with evidence that disinformation and fake news had spread over Facebook and may have influenced a British referendum or an election in the U.S., Facebook followed a playbook it had run since its founding: deny, delay, deflect, dissemble. Facebook only came clean when forced to, and revealed as little information as possible. Then it went to Plan B: apologize, and promise to do better.

Appearing with host Ali Velshi on MSNBC earlier today, McNamee was asked about those "changes" and "improvements" Facebook seems to be announcing just about every day now  they're "largely cosmetic," said McNamee, who cited the recent story about that research app that "spied on everyone, grabbed data off iphones," and pointed out that Facebook was accused of "breaking in illegally around the app store" to pull it off.

[ Here's Cory Doctorow's post for Boing Boing about Project Atlas, as the whole debacle was known. There was a follow-up, too.]

Most of the victims in that Facebook stunt were "under 18, minors," and just last week Facebook was "busted in a lawsuit designed to trick kids into running thousands of dollars up on their parents credit cards."

The problem, McNamee said, is that "the incentives of the company are misaligned with the needs of the people who use it, and our democracy."

McNamee "mentored Mark Zuckerberg," as a recent TIME cover story headline read. McNamee is a longtime technology investor and co-founder of Elevation Partners, and isn't suggesting that everyone unplug and run to the hills to off-grid Unabomber cabins.

"We, the humans formerly known as users, have way more power than we realize," said McNamee on MSNBC today.

"We don't have to spend as much time on Google and Facebook. I'm not saying to delete them, but spend a lot less time there. Work your senators and your congresspeople and let them know more change is required."

Zucked: Waking up to the Facebook Catastrophe.'

(That's an Amazon link, a portion of which benefits the writer of this blog post.)

Roger will be on a book tour, and if you're as obsessed with Facebook's slow-motion implosion as I am, it's probably worth going. Dates below, and updated here.



RELATED BOING BOING POSTS:

 Facebook harmed America and is 'living, breathing crime scene' over 2016 U.S. election, insiders say

 Big Tech has established a "kill zone" of business ideas that startups can't get funded to try

Thank you, @nytimes! I wrote Zucked to help people understand and protect themselves from the dark side of internet technology. We, the humans-formerly-known-as-users, have much more power to effect change than we realize. Let's do this together.https://t.co/xYfLwTnFQt  Roger McNamee (@Moonalice) January 30, 2019

Is Facebook a threat to democracy? Elevation Partners' Roger McNamee thinks so: https://t.co/DmRVELMEsI pic.twitter.com/LbXhpZ05Kn  CNBC (@CNBC) February 5, 2019

Facebook's early motto was "Move Fast and Break Things." "It wasn't that they intended to do harm so much as they were unconcerned about the possibility that harm would result," says early Facebook investor Roger McNamee. WATCH the full film: https://t.co/LTNKsUa4l5 pic.twitter.com/a0rvtIUVKp  FRONTLINE (@frontlinepbs) November 15, 2018

TIME's new cover: 'I mentored Mark Zuckerberg. I loved Facebook. But I can't stay silent about what's happening,' writes Roger McNamee https://t.co/zGnWy40v3m pic.twitter.com/qYtpGwTaCP  TIME (@TIME) January 17, 2019

"The more frightening dystopia is the one no one warned you about, the one you wake up one morning to realize you're living inside." You will not regret reading Tom Bissell on Roger McNamee's "Zucked." https://t.co/maJrjMq7ba  Pamela Paul (@PamelaPaulNYT) January 29, 2019
They're just gonna drill everything they can while Trump's in power, aren't they.

Donald Trump tweeted on Monday, "David has done a fantastic job from the day he arrived, and we look forward to having his nomination officially confirmed!"

David Bernhardt, a former oil industry lobbyist, will be the next head of the U.S. Department of the Interior, assuming Trump has his way.

I am pleased to announce that David Bernhardt, Acting Secretary of the Interior, will be nominated as Secretary of the Interior. David has done a fantastic job from the day he arrived, and we look forward to having his nomination officially confirmed!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2019

From the NYT:

While Mr. Zinke had been the public face of some of the largest rollbacks of public-land protections in the nation's history, Mr. Bernhardt was the one quietly pulling the levers to carry them out, opening millions of acres of public land and water to oil, gas and coal companies. He is described by allies and opponents alike as having played a crucial role in advancing what Mr. Trump has described as an "energy dominance" agenda for the country. "Bernhardt has really been running the show, directing the policy shop in a very strong way," said Mark Squillace, an expert on environmental law at the University of Colorado Law School. Echoing a frequent critique of Mr. Bernhardt, Mr. Squillace emphasized that the former energy lobbyist and lawyer, if confirmed by the Senate, would have broad authority to shape rules that affect his former clients. "That's my concern with Bernhardt, his ties to industry," Mr. Squillace said. Mr. Trump has pushed the Interior Department to strip away regulations on the oil industry and open new lands and waters to drilling. After Mr. Trump ordered Mr. Zinke to open almost the entire United States coastline to offshore drilling, Mr. Bernhardt did the heavy lifting of developing the plan, which Mr. Zinke called "a new path for energy dominance in America." And when the president told the department to weaken safety regulations on offshore drilling equipment, the agency's proposal said its plan "would fortify the administration's objective of facilitating energy dominance" by encouraging domestic oil and gas production.

Bernhardt was a top interior official in the administration of President George W. Bush, and worked for a number of America's largest oil and gas companies after that:

As a partner in the law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, he lobbied for the oil companies Cobalt International Energy and Samson Resources. His legal clients have included the Independent Petroleum Association of America and Halliburton Energy Services, the oil- and gas-extraction firm once led by former Vice President Dick Cheney.

PHOTO, at top: David Bernhardt. Photo credit: Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

David Bernhardt, Trump's Interior nominee and acting head, was once once registered as a lobbyist for an investment company controlled by a Soviet-born industrialist who made billions doing business with newly sanctioned Russian oligarchs https://t.co/qa0B4q2EyC  Colin Jones (@colinjones) February 4, 2019

Bernhardt has deep experience at DOI. He also has been a lobbyist for Halliburton, Cobalt International Energy, Samson Resources, and the Independent Petroleum Association of America. https://t.co/B21nANvb99  Tim O'Brien (@TimOBrien) February 4, 2019

Don't worry, with Zinke gone Trump will still keep destroying public lands. "Trump just nominated former fossil fuel lobbyist David Bernhardt to be the next Secretary of the Interior." https://t.co/NTqCDCKZvW  Erin Biba (@erinbiba) February 4, 2019

Bernhardt is a former fossil fuel lobbyist and has so many potential conflicts of interest that he carries around a list of former clients and is barred from participating in decisions affecting them https://t.co/S6N3asQaee https://t.co/rnyFVIk19u  Jennifer Bendery (@jbendery) February 4, 2019
Few days after the adoption of the Morocco-EU agricultural agreement covering Sahara products, the Spanish government is putting pressure on the EU to forge ahead with the approval of the fisheries agreement.

Spanish vessels and fishermen are the main beneficiary of the fisheries agreement pending adoption by the EU Parliament in a plenary this month.

I hope Spanish fleet will be able to fish in Moroccan waters before the next summer, said Spanish Agriculture and fisheries minister Luis Planas.

The agreement was already passed by the European council and later in January by the European Parliaments Committee on Fisheries.

The new agreement covers all Moroccos territorial waters including those adjacent to the Sahara region.

It also provides for an increase of 30 percent of the financial payment to Morocco, which will thus go up from 40 million a year to 52.2 million.
The attorney for detained performing artist 21 Savage blasts ICE in a statement the day after his client was arrested: "This is a civil law violation, and the continued detention of Mr. Abraham-Joseph serves no other purpose than to unnecessarily punish him and try to intimidate him into giving up his right to fight to remain in the US."

21 Savage is also known as Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph. He was arrested Sunday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after ICE was informed (wonder by who?) the artist is from the UK, and has been staying in the country with an expired visa.

He is now in "removal proceedings before the federal immigration courts," ICE told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Official statement from @21Savage's immigration attorney @ckuck. Please RT to get the actual facts out about She'yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph's case. #Free21Savage https://t.co/5kpQDvFNJs  Alida Garcia (@leedsgarcia) February 4, 2019

Ella Torres at NY Daily News writes,

The lawyer for 21 Savage blasted ICE following the arrest of the rapper, calling his detainment a "civil law violation" solely meant to "unnecessarily punish him and try to intimidate him." "ICE has not charged Mr. Abraham-Joseph with any crime. As a minor, his family overstayed their work visas, and he, like almost two million other children, was left without legal status through no fault of his own," Charles H. Kuck said Monday in a statement. Kuck also noted that 21 Savage, whose real name is She'yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, "never hid his immigration status from the US government." The Atlanta-based rapper allegedly has a pending U-Visa application, eligible for people who have been the victim of a crime. He applied in 2017 and made the Department of Homeland Security aware of his history, Kuck said. "Yet they took no action against him until this past weekend," Kuck said. 21 Savage was arrested Sunday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement after they learned he was actually from the UK and was staying in the country with an expired visa, the department said.

The rapper performed last Thursday at the Super Bowl Music Fest in Atlanta at State Farm Arena.

The arrest happened on Sunday, the day of the Super Bowl.

ICE spokesman Bryan Cox says the arrest was a "targeted operation."

Some observations worth reading from Twitter, below.

Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage, who was arrested by ICE yesterday, came to the US as a minor and his "family overstayed their work visas" due to which "he was left without legal status through no fault of his own," his immigration lawyer said in a statement to @BuzzFeedNews pic.twitter.com/erF79DyYdX  Tasneem N (@TasneemN) February 4, 2019

Just because someone *arrived* from the UK doesn't necessarily mean they are a British citizen. That won't really wind up being the most important part of this case (it'll be built on criminalizing 21 Savage's more recent past to deport him) but just get the basics right.  Aura Bogado (@aurabogado) February 3, 2019

This 21 savage situation is so wild for so many reason especially the timing tho  Desus Nice (@desusnice) February 3, 2019

What happened to 21 Savage is another reminder that "criminality" is a largely subjective concept. It's not a static state of being, it's a decision made by ppl in positions of authority to wield punitive power against certain ppl while ignoring the transgressions of others.  Clint Smith (@ClintSmithIII) February 4, 2019

I wasn't following the 21 Savage stuff super closely but it is clear that ICE purposefully maximized the professional/PR damage to him  Dad (@fivefifths) February 4, 2019

I'm just catching up, so please forgive me, but 21 Savage is not actually a gangster from Atlanta? He's really a nice young bloke from the UK? If that doesn't tell you everything about how they capitalize on Black American culture  Monique Judge (@thejournalista) February 4, 2019

Unsurprisingly, the Trump administration is underestimating the extent to which 21 Savage could humanize a number of immigration issues for a lot of folks who haven't yet engaged on the issue.  Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) February 3, 2019

BREAKING- @21savage was in the car with another rapper who was the target of a criminal arrest. 21 was taken into custody by law enforcement after they learned of his immigration status. "There is no misunderstanding. 21 Savage is a British National.": Law Enforcement source  Nick Valencia (@CNNValencia) February 3, 2019

21 savage went from being trash to rubbish  Steadman (@AsteadWesley) February 3, 2019
This blog is looking for wisdom, to have and to share. it is also looking for other rare character traits like good humor, courage, and honor. It is not an easy road, because all of us fall short. But God is love, forgiveness and grace. Those who believe in Him and repent of their sins have the promise of His Holy Spirit to guide us and show us the Way.
Fiji Water Girl Sues Company for Cardboard Cutout Photobombs

If you missed the Super Bowl, you didn't miss much. It was the lowest scoring Super Bowl ever.

And if you missed the Golden Globes, it doesn't matter as much. That's because you probably heard about the "Fiji Water Girl." She got more attention than a half-time show.

She's not going away anytime soon, either. She's suing the company that made her famous.

Instafamous

Kelleth Cuthbert, a Canadian model, stole the show on the red carpet. She appeared in the background as hundreds of celebrities were photographed.

She instantly became Instagram famous, but not everybody was a fan. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis said she deliberately moved away from the "blatant promotions."

Fiji Water said it didn't hire Cuthbert to photobomb the awards show. Cuthbert said she didn't authorize Fiji Water to use her likeness in promotions the day after.

Lawsuit Bomb

In a lawsuit, the model says the water company made cardboard cutouts of her without permission. In a promotion with John Legend leaving a grocery store, for example, the cardboard Cuthbert is in the background with her signature Golden Globe look.

Fiji Water says the lawsuit is "frivolous," and accuses Cuthbert of mugging and breaching their agreement. The model says there was no agreement and she just gave the photographers her own look.

"No matter where you move, you're in somebody's shot," she told reporters. "I think from so many years of modelling, when I hear a shutter, I just kind of give a face."

Related Resources:
Last week the Think Tank and Civil Societies Program at the University of Pennsylvania released their 2018 think tank rankings. These results rank think tanks both overall and by category, with various classifications according to geography, policy focus, and so on. The survey results cover more than 8,000 think tanks around the world; the Acton Institute was ranked #158 in the world and #27 in the US overall. Acton was also ranked in several individual categories. Acton University, for instance, was the highest-ranked conference organized by a free-market think tank. Alejandro Chafuen, Actons Managing Director, International, published an article in Forbes outlining the ranking results as well as his reactions and interpretations.

Since I began writing these articles about how peers rank market-oriented think tanks, Heritage Foundation has been the consistent leader. The 2018 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report was released last week by James G. McGann, leader of the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program of the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. The release is usually accompanied by a high-level meeting of the heads of the most relevant think tanks. I had the privilege of attending, and the results are as follows.

Heritage was named as a leading think tank in 24 categories. The Brookings Institution was first in the overall ranking, which includes think tanks of different orientations. Without counting its foreign subsidiaries, Brookings received 34 nominations. Heritage was first among all think tanks, including Brookings, as the think tank with most impact on public policy. This is the second year in a row that it earned this coveted position.

Repeating its success from 2018, Canadas Fraser Institute placed second, receiving honors in 23 categories. Their budget is a fraction (15 percent) of that of Heritage, and also two-thirds smaller than that of Cato Institute, which received 21 nominations. Fraser ranked first in Canada and topped all other free-market institutes in the category of domestic health-policy studies, as well as in domestic social policy.

There are more than 8,000 think tanks in the TTCSP database. This years results measured surveys completed either in full or partially by 3,750 voters (not all rank think tanks in all categories). More than 50 categories rank think tanks by region, type (independent or affiliated with governments, corporations, political parties or universities) and focus (health, environment, etc.).

No ranking is perfect, and the manner in which the Global Go To ranking is compiled, with votes from thousands of people involved in policy, can lead to inconsistencies and biases. Few voters know, for example, if a think tank is going downhill in its budget, outputs and outcomes, or even if it has closed or is about to close. Thus, when voting, many tend to vote for past accomplishments and record. McGann, the author of the index, reminds us that the data collection, research, and analysis for this project, as in previous years, were conducted without the benefit of field research, a budget, or staff. I encourage critics to read McGanns lengthy analysis of the index and the most recent think tank trends. He warns that the GGTTI is but one measure of a think tanks performance and impact, and has been designed for use in conjunction with other metrics to help identify and evaluate public policy research organizations around the world.
BLACK REPUBLICAN BLOG - The Republican Party is the party of civil rights and the four Fs: faith, family, freedom and fairness. The Democratic Party is the party of the four Ss: slavery, secession, segregation and socialism (Quote By Author Michael Scheuer).
The Salesian Cooperators of Kuwait celebrated the solemnity of the feast of St. John Bosco on the January 31 at St. Therese of Child Jesus Church. The Holy Mass was concelebrated by Father Philip Parakatt, Father Derrick Misquitta, Rector, Father Blany Pinto, parish priest, and Father Francisco Pereira, catechetical director.Twenty-nine Cooperators renewed their promise while five Aspirants were confirmed as Salesian Cooperators after they pledged themselves to the service of the Salesian cause. In his homily, Father Parakatt reminded all to nurture the spirit of a child to prepare themselves for the kingdom of God and to emulate Don Boscos love for children who need love due to poverty, lack of family, societal support or any other reason. The Aspirants Libby Sequeira, Raymond Rego, Walter Dsa, Lynette Dsa, and Rositta Lawrence prepared themselves for over 18 months to learn, understand and experience the Salesian spirit. They attended various talks and discussions led by the Parish Priest Father Blany Pinto and facilitated by Francis Sam, the spiritual guide of the Cooperators.The Aspirants were active participants in many activities conducted by the Cooperators like Crossroads  a career guidance programme for class 10 and 12 students, Bridging the Gap  a programme for children and their parents, Thanksgiving Mass for students of class 10 and 12, Childrens Oratory programmes, Altar Servers felicitation, Christmas and Easter Bazars for fund collection, Mama Margaret canteen for Catechism children as part of their journey.The Salesian Cooperators inspired me the most to work with youth and the young children. I felt this was my calling to work with them and bring them close to the Church. The Oratory programme is now a part of my mission to serve God through his children and lead by Don Boscos example, Raymond Rego, one of the newly professed Cooperators said.It was a wonderful journey all through the 18 months where I was trained in Don Boscos ways, in his work and in his realistic and dynamic spirit. I thank God for this vocation which is a path closely tied to maturing in the faith, in a dialogue with God that will last for my entire life, Libby Sequeira, another newly professed Cooperator said.Having taken the promise on the feast of St. Don Bosco, I feel truly blessed to be called to this vocation and am glad to be a part of the Salesian family. I pray that I will always be committed and faithful to my vocation and humbly fulfill my duty of bringing the young closer to Christ and teach them to love and follow Jesus always, Rositta Lawrence, a newly professed Cooperator said.It is truly a blessing to be a part of the Salesian family. After the pledge, we feel all the more committed and thus shall dedicate ourselves for the service of the young,  Walter and Lynette Dsa, added.The Cooperators  both new and experienced - expressed their gratitude to Fathers Blany Pinto and Derrick Misquitta, as well as to Francis Sam, the spiritual guide for enriching them with a wealth of knowledge about Salesian values, motto, and mission. With a fellowship after Holy Mass, the new Cooperators received a warm welcome into the family of the Salesian Cooperators.
Since when do RINO legislators from the eastern part of the state have the right to dictate what time zone we here in southwestern North Dakota should be in? Never has there been a better example of those the people elect to represent them in state government ending up being a ruling monarchy.

Many times this issue has been introduced and voted down. Yet our power hungry legislators keep bringing it back. We have repeatedly declared an emphatic no. We are the ones who live in this time zone, it should be up to us whether or not we want to change it. Not our power hungry RINOs in Bismarck.

An attempt was made here locally again a few years ago led by a female Dickinson city commissioner to put southwestern North Dakota into the Central time zone. But the residents shot it down in flames big time. It also cost that city commissioner her bid for re-election.

Heres a little geography lesson for those who can comprehend it. When the clock says 12 o'clock noon and the shadow is directly on the north side of the building, that is the correct time. And that time is Mountain Standard Time. And geographically that is the correct time all of the way to Fargo. Southwestern North Dakota is in the correct time zone. Not the rest of the state. And then add daylight saving time to that and we have a time belt that is totally out of reality.
On Monday, day six of a federal court hearing focused on whether Alfonso Rodriguez Jr. is ineligible for execution based on his mental health, the court heard testimony from a government-called expert who quoted Rodriguez regarding his views on religion and God.

"If He (God) is so merciful ... if there's so much evil in the world, why doesn't he get rid of it?'' said neuropsychologist James Seward quoting Rodriguez from an interview conducted in prison in 2013, seven years after Rodriguez was sentenced to death after he was convicted at trial of kidnapping and killing 22-year-old Dru Sjodin in 2003. Sjodin, a Pequot Lakes, Minn., native, was a student at the University of North Dakota when she disappeared from a Grand Forks mall.

Rodriguez has been on death row ever since the trial and on Monday, Jan. 28, a hearing began in U.S. District Court in Fargo to explore a defense contention that Rodriguez has an intellectual disability and is therefore not eligible to be put to death.

Expert witnesses called by the defense testified that a number of factors, including Rodriguez's poor school record and IQ tests from his early days support a diagnosis of intellectual disability, which in the past was called mental retardation.
DEVILS LAKE  Sometimes the straightforward approach pays off. Or at least its doing so for Dan Frith.

Earlier this winter, the Devils Lake farmer took out a advertisement in the Dakota Peddler, published by the Devils Lake Journal, with the headline, Looking for a Farm in the Devils Lake area. An article in Agweek magazine on the ad and his search was published in late November.

Since then, Just about everybody I know has come up to me and mentioned the ad or the Agweek story, Frith said.

Hes had partial success in his quest: Hes in contact with a family in the Devis Lake area thats interested in selling him farmland. Frith is optimistic that an arrangement can be reached in October, after the 2019 crop season, and that he might be able to begin farming the land in 2020.

Hes also talked with a number of farmers in the Devils Lake area who are nearing retirement or thinking about phasing out of farming. It doesnt appear likely that any of them will offer him land for 2019, but they who I am and that Im interested. Thats a good start, he said.
After the new logo was unveiled, in early October, marketing and graphic design professionals complained. A petition and open letter to the governor circulated online, acquiring almost 1,000 signatures.

This mark does nothing to help represent North Dakota attractively to outside talent; nor does it well represent our communities today, the open letter to Burgum said. It is an uninspired leap backwards that forecasts a dour future if this is the symbolic direction our state decides to take.

The letter and petition signatures prompted two meetings last fall with staff from Burgums office and the Department of Commerce.

Jordan Loftis, a Bismarck marketing and public relations writer with a background in design, wrote the letter and attended the meetings on behalf of concerned creative professionals who signed the petition.

As far as Loftis is concerned, the problem isnt what the logo cost, or the fact that the job went to a Minnesota firm, although he was not happy that no local designer got a shot at the logo project.

Honestly, for the amount of money this is, I dont think it was any nefariousness, he said. It was just expediency, a desire to move quickly.
Seasonal flu infections in Morocco are at a normal level and there is no source for concern, reassured the World Health Organisation and Moroccos health ministry.

WHO and the ministry issued a joint statement on the matter in response to news reports on the death of a number of citizens due to swine flu (H1N1) infections.

WHO and the health ministry are following the situation closely and recommend ordinary preventive measures, said the statement.

Flu monitoring systems are fully functioning in Morocco and generate the necessary data for action and prevention, the two parties said noting that the flu outbreak levels are normal.

They both recommended vaccine shots against H1N1, which has become an ordinary flu virus since 2010.

At least, 11 people died of complications of H1N1 infections. According to the health ministry, most of them had vulnerable health conditions prior to infection.

The ministry also reassured that H1N1 vaccines as well as the Tamiflu medicine were available in Moroccan drugstores.
Gerald Duane Geist, 77, passed away at his home in Devils Lake the morning of Feb. 1, 2019.

Funeral services for Gerald will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Devils Lake, with the Rev. Tom Westcott officiating. Burial will be in Devils Lake Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post 756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars, and North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team.

Visitation will be held at Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and will continue at the church on Wednesday one hour prior to the funeral service.

Gerald was born March 28, 1941, the eldest of three children to Andrew and Ruth Geist in Fargo. He was raised in the Tappen/Steele area where he also attended school. As a child, summers were spent working on his Uncle Gus and Aunt Maggie Steffans farm.

Gerald enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1958 and proudly served in the Far East (Okinawa, Guam, Philippines, Borneo, Korea, Japan) working in supply. Upon his honorable discharge in 1961 he was one of the youngest sergeants in the Marine Corps.
The North Dakota Senate agreed to raise drivers license fees that have remained stagnant for more than three decades Tuesday.

Senate Bill 2244 doubles the fee for commercial and noncommercial drivers licenses from $15 to $30. Noncommercial licenses are good for six years  elderly drivers must renew every four years, however  and commercial ones are good for four years.

The Department of Transportation said last year that fees collected through its drivers license operations were expected to be almost $5 million short of the costs to run the program in the 2019-21 biennium. Sen. Michael Dwyer, R-Bismarck said that means road funds are being used to subsidize licensing efforts.

Our road and bridge infrastructure in North Dakota needs some help, he said, pointing to a report predicting billions of dollars in funding needed to maintain infrastructure.

The bill is expected to generate $5.5 million in extra revenue every two years and passed in a 40-6 vote. It came on the heels of the Senate's rejection of a 4-cent increase in the state's gas tax on Monday, an idea proponents pitched as a way to fund road projects.
In hunting there are not a lot of opportunities to invest in your skill set, Brown said.

Course details

The class schedules are as follows. More detail is provided online at mtmasterhunter.com.

Missoula: one evening each week on successive weeks beginning in March and one Saturday to be scheduled during April.

Bozeman: five successive Saturdays beginning the first week of April.

Billings: five successive Saturdays beginning the first week of May.

All students will attend an end-of-session, two-day rendezvous in June during which shooting instruction and qualification will occur along with field work with OnX Maps and GPS.

A big interest of ours is having a unique model we could offer to other states, Brown said. We are still in our infancy here. But I think we have something to offer to the national conversation.

The program has garnered support from groups like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Boone & Crockett Club, Montana Stockgrowers Association and Montana Grain Growers Association.

The Montana Hunter Advancement Program will develop a network of highly skilled, ethical, safe hunters that will serve as an example to others and help establish positive relationships with private landowners, said Blake Henning, chief conservation officer for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in a press release. RMEF is proud to support this innovative program.

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Those industries pay good money to get politicians to say things like that, because that sort of energy policy gives them free reign to keep digging up and burning fossil fuels. But recent events around the American West clearly demonstrate that we don't have any more time for "all of the above" energy. Last year, entire towns in California were destroyed in wildfires, leaving tens of thousands homeless. Those Americans are now climate refugees, forced from their homes by the increase in intense climatic events that comes part and parcel with human-caused climate change. If we continue burning more and more fossil fuels, it's only a matter of time before that kind of catastrophe happens in Montana, and significant numbers in our state are left to find new lives amid the charred ruins of their homes.
What is the right thing, we asked the governor.

"We have to make sure that men who sexually harass are not put in a position to do it again," Bullock said.

Bullock said de Blasio's claim that he lied or falsified the record is inaccurate. Bullock said he was never contacted, only his administration.

And Bullock is right: He should have done more. There are women whose lives are changed because of O'Brien's actions.

O'Brien told The New York Times he takes responsibility for his actions, which he blamed in part on alcohol.

We would point out that O'Brien should shoulder most of the responsibility for his actions. He is, after all, the one who acted.

We also asked the governor if he was certain that O'Brien acted appropriately during his time working in Montana. Bullock said his Montana employment record is clear.

"What I've read is inconsistent with the behavior I knew," Bullock said. "I asked all my senior staff if they had seen or heard anything inappropriate and they said no they hadn't."
If youd rather focus your career in public service without being forced to pay money to a government union, you can have that freedom of choice as well, Tschida said.

Tschida also noted that public employees have only the month of September to opt out of unions. The bill mandates that they be allowed to opt out at any time.

The bill drew the support of Americans for Prosperity but took criticism from the Montana Federation of Public Employees (MFPE), the Montana AFL-CIO and union representatives from around the state, including Tschidas home of Missoula.

Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney called the bill unnecessary and said it stretched far beyond the courts decision.

To be clear, Janus did one thing: It said that even if you benefit from collective bargaining, you dont have to pay for that benefit if you dont want to, Cooney said. It did not change union membership requirements, it did not change public policy regarding the importance of unions and it did not modify the purpose of unfair labor practices laws.
The bill claims 67 percent support from Montanans for a law forbidding flavored tobacco sales in stores that admit minors. Nicole Aune of the state Department of Health and Human Services said that figure came from a survey entered into the state Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System three or four years ago.

The DPHHS, the Montana Primary Care Association, and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network were among those who stood behind the bill.

As a state, we need to do everything we can to protect children from the temptation to use tobacco products, helping them to go on to lead the healthiest lives possible, said Morgan Smith of the Montana Federation of Public Employees.

The Montana Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association, the Montana Retail Association and business owners from around the state rose in strong opposition. Common arguments included the ability of vaping to help adult smokers quit and that existing guidelines for preventing sales to minors are strictly enforced.

Those of us in convenience stores are really part of the solution to preventing youth access and not the problem, said Earl Allen, marketing manager for Missoula-based Noons gas stations.
U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte told the state House he wants to see Montana take a cue from the federal government and cut taxes and abolish regulations to expand the state's economy.

"Imagine if Montana took a page from our national pro-growth playbook," Gianforte said in an address to lawmakers Monday. U.S. Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester, the other members of the state's congressional delegation, had previously addressed the Legislature.

Gianforte, a Republican, called for the government to "get out of the way so all Montanans and Americans can prosper again."

"Government does not create prosperity, the private sector does," Gianforte said. "Government should and must create an environment where businesses can grow and thrive."

Much as he did during his election to Montana's lone U.S. House seat last fall, Gianforte touted the tax cuts Republicans passed at the federal level in 2017, which also doubled the child tax credit.

Gianforte said the cuts have helped families, referencing a single mother in Helena who saw an additional $400 a month in her paychecks.
An effort to raise the the number of votes the Legislature needs to pass a new tax or increase an existing one cleared the House on Monday.

The bill is brought by Rep. Forrest Mandeville, a Republican from Columbus, who told the House last week creating or increasing taxes should require an increased level of scrutiny.

"There should be a high threshold when deciding whether or not to burden our constituents with new or higher taxes," Mandeville said.

House Bill 148 passed the House 53-46.

Opponents of the bill said it would tie the Legislature's hands at times when it would need to be nimble to respond to revenue problems, leading to cuts in critical services during tight fiscal times.

Zach Brown, a Democrat from Bozeman, said the bill could hinder the Legislature's ability to pass a balanced budget.

"What this bill actually does is strangle our authority as a Legislature to govern. We tie our hands," Brown said.

Mandeville countered that new or increased taxes can still be passed, just at a higher vote count.
ABILENE, Texas  Police in Texas say a former Montana county attorney shot and wounded her husband.

The Abilene Reporter News reports 47-year-old Jessica Cole-Hodgkinson faces an aggravated assault charge. She is jailed on a $50,000 bond after the shooting Sunday in Abilene.

Police say the man arrived home to discover he was locked out by his wife. He gained entry and found her in a bathroom armed with a handgun.

Police say Cole-Hodgkinson fired several times and struck the man in the abdomen and the shoulder. He was taken to a hospital, where his condition was not immediately clear.

Cole-Hodgkinson resigned as county attorney in Montana's Hill County in July amid allegations she was unprepared to prosecute cases.

She was convicted of contempt of court charges for missing three court hearings in June.

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Speaker of Niger Parliament Ousseini Tinni has commended the positive contributions made by Morocco in support to the development process in this African country through the presence of several Moroccan banks, telecom firms, public works companies

During a meeting held Monday in Rabat with Head of Moroccan Govt Saad Eddine El Otmani, Mr. Ousseini, who is paying a working visit to the North African Kingdom, praised the sound and long-standing friendly ties binding the two countries, voicing satisfaction over the momentum of bilateral cooperation following the signing of 16 partnership agreements during the 4th session of the Morocco-Niger Joint High Committee held in Rabat last December.

The agreements sealed by the joint committee include projects in the sectors of trade, tourism, culture, health, training, justice, customs and transport.

Talks between Mr. Ousseini and the Head of Moroccan Government focused on Moroccos African policy, the partnership between the legislative institutions of the two countries and parliamentary diplomacy.

Speaker of Niger Parliament also met with Secretary of State to Foreign Affairs Mounia Boucetta. The two sides reviewed the security challenges in the Sahel and the peace initiatives aimed at ensuring stability and prosperity in the region.

Morocco and Niger share the same vision in this regard, said Mrs. Boucetta, stressing the need that the security approach be accompanied by development efforts to create wealth and investment opportunities in the Sahel region.
The stories of murdered Native American women took center stage at the Lincoln Center auditorium in downtown Billings Monday night with a screening of Silent No More.

The event, which ended with a panel discussion on the issue, was sponsored by the local Native American Development Corporation. It focused on what has emerged as a crisis throughout the Western United States, where indigenous women go missing and murdered at rates far in excess of the overall population.

Were here this evening not to point any fingers, said Josiah Hugs, a local addiction counselor who emceed the event. Were here to raise awareness about whats happening.

The film featured interviews with Native American family members of women who had been murdered, as well as those working to bring heightened scrutiny and solutions to bear on the problem.

Featured prominently in the film was the story of Northern Cheyenne tribal member Hannah Harris, who was missing for several days in 2013 before she was found murdered outside Lame Deer. Harriss mother, Malinda Harris Limberhand, discussed her daughters disappearance and was among several family members in the film that placed at least partial blame on a lackluster response from local police when she tried to report her daughter missing.
Hattie Ashby, 90, who has lived in the same two-story house in Aurora, a city adjacent to Denver, for 43 years, told Goodenow last summer that she wanted to get up and down the stairs more easily and walk around outside the house. Ashby has high blood pressure and COPD.

They gave me a walker and made arrangements for me to put my oxygen tank on it so I could go to the mall, she said, recalling some of what the Capable staff did. They fixed the wall in my bathroom and put something I could hold onto to get in and out of my bathtub. And going up and down my stairs, they put another rail on the wall where I would be able to hold onto.

It is a remarkable service for a senior citizen to be encouraged, to be helped, to be supported that way, Ashby said.

It also turns out to be a cost-effective investment. For every dollar spent on Capable, nearly $10 in combined savings accrues to Medicare and Medicaid, largely because of hospitalizations and nursing home placements that are prevented, research by Szanton and others has shown. (Many Capable participants are eligible for both government health insurance programs because of their low incomes.) The average program cost per person is $2,825, far below the average $7,441 monthly cost of a semiprivate room in a nursing home in 2018.
Susan Barnett has been named curator of the Yellowstone Art Museum.

From Erie, Pennsylvania, Barnett has Montana roots, relocating to Missoula in the late 1970s, and then Bozeman where she obtained a degree in fine art/printmaking from Montana State University. She spent 25 years working in the state, first as the director and curator of Anacondas Copper Village Museum and Art Center, and also founded and managed a gallery in Butte for 14 years before moving to Wisconsin for the executive director position with Cedarburg Cultural Center.

In 2017, Barnett became the curator of the Erie Art Museum, caring for a collection of 8,000 objects. Transitioning to the YAM, Barnett will oversee nearly 10,000 objects in the museums permanent collection, the largest in the region. The YAM began collecting art and archival pieces after the museums founding in 1964, emphasizing contemporary art from the northern Rocky Mountain and northern Plains regions.

Barnett told The Gazette she believes art is important as a historical document, as well as a reflection of a community, and the YAMs mission to exhibit, interpret, collect, and preserve art while also providing enrichment, education, inspiration, and enjoyment for all resonates with her appreciation of art.
On January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court handed down one of the most controversial opinions in its history. It issued its opinion regarding the constitutionality of state laws banning and even criminalizing abortion. In striking down those laws, it identified a new fundamental right - the right of a woman to have an abortion, at essentially any time during her pregnancy and for whatever reason. It decided the case of Roe v. Wade.States are allowed to regulate a wide variety of actions in the interest of protecting the people within its borders. These are the laws that are pursuant to its vast "police powers" - the power to regulate for the health, safety, welfare,, and morality of its citizens. These are the powers reserved to the states under the 10th Amendment, and the powers intended to remain with each state. Aside from these police powers (the 10th Amendment), the Constitution puts certain limits the states' authority to regulate. One of those limits is when there is an individual liberty right at stake. (And not just any "liberty right" at that; the right at stake must have been a recognized liberty right at the time the 14th Amendment was adopted, which was 1868. For any other asserted liberty right, the Constitution would need to be amended per Article V's amendment process. See the Appendix at the end of the article). In Roe v. Wade, Norma McCorvey (aka, petitioner Roe) argued that the Constitution protected her liberty to choose to have an abortion, and that that right was paramount to the state's right to regulate abortion. Disregarding the Court's established jurisprudence regarding the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment, the Supreme Court agreed with McCorvey.In a 7-2 opinion written by Justice Harry Blackmun, he Supreme Court declared the right to an abortion is a fundamental liberty right that the state can only limit thru regulation if that regulation furthers a very strong state interest (a "compelling state interest") and is narrowly-tailored to achieve that interest. That is, it cannot be overbroad. The Court then went on to conclude that a woman's liberty right in controlling whether or not she is pregnant (hence, her right to choose to have an abortion) is stronger than the state's interest in banning abortions outright.Justice Blackmun wrote:Blackmun also addressed the very controversial issue of whether a fetus is a "person" within the meaning of that word in the 14th Amendment. He continued:Blackmun then summarized theat stake in the issue of pregnancy and abortion in what has become known asThe opinion would go on to explain that thedoes not necessarily only mean physical health. An abortion in the third trimester can be justified for any reason related to physical health, mental health, psychological well-being, age (being too young), familial (meaning the family wants the baby aborted), or even financial well-being. Even if the woman feels stressed from the pregnancy, she would be within her right to abort her later-term baby for "health" reasons. In other words, the opinion basically established the rule that a woman's right to an abortion always outweighs the right to life for the unborn. Since 1973, Roe v. Wade has stood for the legal principle that a woman can have an abortion at any point in her pregnancy for any reason whatsoever, and neither the federal government nor any state can place any pre-conditions or restrictions on a woman's right to that abortion. In other words, Roe assures women the right to an abortion on demand.The infamous Roe decision (and its companion case, Doe v. Bolton) was the opinion of 7 out of 9 members of the court. Two justices dissented - Justice Byron White and Justice William Rehnquist. Justice White believed the Court created a new right not envisioned by the Constitution and both he and Justice Rehnquist believed the question of abortion was a state matter covered by the 10th Amendment.Justice White wrote, in his dissenting opinion:The Court, for the most part, sustains this position: During the period prior to the time the fetus becomes viable, the Constitution of the United States values the convenience, whim, or caprice of the putative mother more than the life or potential life of the fetus; the Constitution, therefore, guarantees the right to an abortion as against any state law or policy seeking to protect the fetus from an abortion not prompted by more compelling reasons of the mother.With all due respect, I dissent. I find nothing in the language or history of the Constitution to support the Court's judgment. The Court simply fashions and announces a new constitutional right for pregnant mothers and, with scarcely any reason or authority for its action, invests that right with sufficient substance to override most existing state abortion statutes. he Court apparently values the convenience of the pregnant mother more than the continued existence and development of the life or potential life that she carries. Whether or not I might agree with that marshaling of values, I can in no event join the Court's judgment because I find no constitutional warrant for imposing such an order of priorities on the people and legislatures of the States. I cannot accept the Court's exercise of its clear power of choice by interposing a constitutional barrier to state efforts to protect human life and by investing mothers and doctors with the constitutionally protected right to exterminate it. This issue, for the most part, should be left with the people and to the political processes the people have devised to govern their affairs.It is my view, therefore, that the Texas statute is not constitutionally infirm because it denies abortions to those who seek to serve only their convenience, rather than to protect their life or health. Nor is this plaintiff, who claims no threat to her mental or physical health, entitled to assert the possible rights of those women [410 U.S. 223] whose pregnancy assertedly implicates their health. This, together with United States v. Vuitch, 402 U.S. 62 (1971), dictates reversal of the judgment of the District Court.Justice Rehnquist dissented with these views:And, as the 10th Amendment states so clearly,The power to regulate for the safety, health, welfare, and morality of its people are the so-calledreserved by each state under the 10th Amendment. Because the power to regulate abortions was not prohibited to the States under the Constitution or by the 14th Amendment, the power continues to reside with the state. [We are, of course, referring to abortions that aren't absolutely medically necessary on account of rape or incest or to preserve the life or physical health of the mother; we are referring to the types of abortions that Roe and Doe filed suit for, and the types of abortions that our sexually-active and adventurous progressive/liberal population, which are merely and essentially for convenience].The Roe v. Wade decision has resulted in the deaths of an estimated 60 million children since that infamous January 1973 date.. Even before this new law, over a third of all unborn children in New York City were aborted. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2015, there were 544 abortions for every 1,000 live births in NYC.Fast forward to 2019. On the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the New York state legislature passed the Reproductive Health Act, a "late-term abortion" bill that now allows women to freely have abortions in the state at practically any time up until the birth of the child and for almost any reason. It essentially minimizes any state interest in the well-being or life of the unborn child. The New York State Senate passed the Reproductive Health Act late in the evening on January 22, and Governor Andrew Cuomo quickly signed it into law.The new law in NY states that abortions are now legal when:(i) "The patient is within twenty-four weeks from the commencement of pregnancy, OR;(ii) There is absence of fetal viability, OR;(iii) The abortion is necessary to protect the patient's life or health."While the law appears to put conditions on a woman's right to abort her unborn baby after 24 weeks (after "viability"), those conditions are essentially meaningless. We read the phrase "to protect the patient's life or health" to understand that an abortion would be permitted post 24 weeks if the woman is in danger of dying or suffering some permanent damage. But we would be wrong. According to the Supreme Court's decision in Doe v. Bolton, the companion case to Roe v. Wade, "health" includes "all factors-physical, emotional, psychological, familial, financial situation, and the woman's age-relevant to the wellbeing of the patient." The Roe decision mentioned stress on the mother as a health concern justifying an abortion in the third trimester. So, the law essentially removes any restrictions on a woman having an abortion up until the baby's birth.This law shows just how broad, and how cruel and insidious the Roe decision was. It wasn't until Democrats finally achieved a solid majority in both chambers of the New York Legislature that they finally passed this bill. For the past 12 years, Democrats have tried to get it passed by Republicans were able to block it each time.
Tucker Carlson highlights what happened to the high school boys from Covington Catholic High School that the media failed to show pic.twitter.com/xg7uqaRi12  Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) January 22, 2019

Attorneys representing Covington Catholic High School student Nick Sandmann and his family indicated on Friday that they have sent letters for potential lawsuits to over 50 entities ranging from Democratic politicians to celebrities to media figures.The Cincinnati Enquirer reported.The letters come in response to the media's smearing of Sandmann after a selectively edited clip of an incident on January 19, 2019, went viral that showed Sandmann standing face-to-face with Native American Nathan Phillips, who was beating a drum in Sandmann's face.The Enquirer added:McMurtry said. The list of entities that letters were sent to includes: The Washington Post The New York Times Cable News Network, Inc. (CNN) The Guardian National Public Radio TMZ Atlantic Media Inc. Capitol Hill Publishing Corp. Diocese of Covington Diocese of Lexington Archdiocese of Louisville Diocese of BaltimoreAna Cabrera (CNN) Sara Sidner (CNN) Erin Burnett (CNN) S.E. Cupp (CNN) Elliot C. McLaughlin (CNN) Amanda Watts (CNN) Emanuella Grinberg (CNN) Michelle Boorstein (Washington Post) Cleve R. Wootson Jr. (Washington Post) Antonio Olivo (Washington Post) Joe Heim (Washington Post) Michael E. Miller (Washington Post) Eli Rosenberg (Washington Post) Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) Kristine Phillips (Washington Post) Sarah Mervosh (New York Times) Emily S. Rueb (New York Times) Maggie Haberman (New York Times) David Brooks (New York Times) Shannon Doyne Kurt Eichenwald Andrea Mitchell (NBC/MSNBC) Savannah Guthrie (NBC) Joy Reid (MSNBC) Chuck Todd (NBC) Noah Berlatsky Elisha Fieldstadt (NBC) Eun Kyung Kim HBO Bill Maher Warner Media Conde Nast GQ Heavy.com The Hill The Atlantic Bustle.com Ilhan Omar Elizabeth Warren Kathy Griffin Alyssa Milano Jim CarreyHours after the initial clip, which was only several seconds long, went viral on social media, longer videos began to emerge that showed the initial way the incident was framed was misleading and false. The Daily Wire's Emily Zanotti reported:Saturday night, a two-hour long, full video of the confrontation became widely available on social media, and that video shows a very different interaction than the one initially portrayed. The video, taken from the point of view of a second group of protesters who witnessed the interaction, shows that Phillips approached the teens - not the other way around, as Phillips claims - and that the teens were relatively peaceful during the incident, laughing and clapping along with Phillips' drumming, and occasionally asking questions like, "what is going on here?"The Daily Wire further noted that
President Trump is moving toward his 2024 candidacy as per all indications from his enlightening address to the NC GOP on June 5, 2021. Considering this political vector as a distinct possibility: What is your electoral pleasure as an integral cog in this Representative Republic?

No Vote: Mr. Trump will never be president again as we boldly march toward a Socialist society.

Yes Vote: Mr. Trump was the best president since Ronald Reagan, and we need a real leader, who is fully cognitive of that responsibility in these tumultuous times..
Turning manure nutrients into better crop yields, while protecting the environment, will be the focus of eight Nebraska Extension workshops being held across the state in February.

The workshops will help livestock producers put to use the nutrient management planning requirements of Nebraskas Department of Environmental Quality regulations and increase the economic value of manure, said Leslie Johnson, UNL animal manure management coordinator.

Participants who attend the day-long event will receive NDEQ Land Application Training Certification. Livestock producers with livestock waste control facility permits received or renewed since April 1998 must be certified and farms must complete an approved training every five years. Re-certification will be held during the first two hours of the day-long land application training. Farm personnel responsible for land application of manure are encouraged to attend for either the initial or re-certification portion of the training.

The morning portion of the workshops will consist of a two-hour program including updates on changing regulations and other manure management topics, such as using weather forecasting to decrease odor risk and transferring manure off a livestock operation. Any farm staff responsible for implementing the farms nutrient plan are encouraged to attend.
Bakery ingredients manufacturer British Bakels has appointed Hayley Calthorpe as managing director.

The appointment comes as part of a planned succession for former MD Paul Morrow, who sits on the executive board of directors for the Bakels Group and has now taken the role of chairman.

Calthorpe has over 22 years experience within the food manufacturing industry, having held roles at companies including Kerry, Dairy Crest, PepsiCo and Samworth Brothers. She joined British Bakels in September 2017 as general manager.

I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead a strong, diverse team of passionate people and build on the success Bakels has achieved in being the leading supplier in the UKs bakery ingredients market; all accomplished by providing industry-leading ingredients, backed up with first-class technical support for our customers, said Calthorpe.

The appointment follows the opening of Bakels 10m distribution centre in Bicester, Oxfordshire which has a capacity of more than 10,000 pallets.
If you live in Arizona, especially northern Arizona, you really appreciate all of our public land. How nice is it to drive or bike a few miles and be out in the national forest? If its chilly in Flagstaff, drive 30 miles in any direction and you can enjoy a warmer climate on public land -- now thats sweet.

But not all is well in paradise. Over the years there has been talk, even proposals, to turn our federal public lands over to the state and then private interests. If you want that, move to Texas. As a side note, Arizona state lands are not public lands and you need a permit from the Arizona State Land Department to walk on, camp on or recreate on state lands.

There is a proposal in the state legislature to recognize the importance public lands in Arizona have for all of us.

Trout Unlimited has been collaborating with Representative Tim Dunn from Yuma to pass a Public Lands Appreciation Day this legislative session, HB2271. This will be an Arizona-recognized holiday stating that the first Saturday in April is Public Lands Appreciation Day! It's a day to organize support and remind ourselves of the incredible public lands we have in Arizona and the diversity of outdoor recreation we can all participate in.
Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure. Since its a very busy time, there are many tasks to accomplish through every phase of your move. When you add your pet into the mix, considering his needs along with yours can add to your checklist of to dos. However, by following some p
A land exchange between the Coconino National Forest and Yavapai County is included among other land transfers in a public lands bill now under debate in the U.S. Senate.

This package includes priorities that will create Arizona jobs and protect our public lands," Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema said in a press release. "We have been working to get this done for years and todays Senate action is a promising next step.

The Cottonwood Land Exchange  previously championed by Sinema  would swap 83 acres of Forest Service land to Yavapai County in exchange for 369 acres of county-owned land contiguous to Coconino National Forest.

Other bipartisan legislation included in the debate affects La Paz County in southwest Arizona. The bill would help facilitate a transfer from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the county. It would direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey 8,800 acres of federal land to La Paz for the purposes of economic development and facilitating renewable electricity generation.
Henry Harold Russell, 47, from Boise, Idaho, was identified by the Flagstaff Police Department after he was shot and killed Sunday by an officer who was exiting The Guidance Center, the department reports.

Russell approached officer Tyler Romney with two knives raised toward Romney, the department reports. Romney had been leaving The Guidance Center with another officer after an unrelated call and told Harold to drop the knives, according to Charles Hernandez, spokesperson for the Flagstaff Police Department.

Romney fired his weapon after Russell charged the officer, Hernandez said. Police say they provided life-saving measures until medical assistance arrived. Harold was transported to the Flagstaff Medical Center, where he was declared dead.

Romney has worked with the police department for over three years, according to Hernandez. He was placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation, Hernandez said.

"There is an internal affairs investigation currently being conducted by the Flagstaff Police Department Professional Standard's Office," Hernandez said about the officer's use of force.

The Coconino County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case, which is still considered an open investigation.
MCCSD officials and board members have displayed frustration with the investigation, and especially the release of these names, the Globe Gazette reported.

Dave Versteeg, current MCCSD superintendent, wrote in a district-wide email after the report was released, There are 28 current employees of the district (along with 32 former employees) listed in the report as being improperly overpaid. These current employees did nothing wrong. The notion they were improperly paid is based on procedural process not in their control, not legal rule.

Penca began working for MCCSD in 1996 as a kindergarten teacher and later served as an elementary school principal at various schools and executive director for learning supports and PK-4 programs.

I held myself to high standards of service and integrity during my 20-year career at MCCSD as a teacher, administrator, and interim superintendent, Penca said in a statement. The Iowa Auditor of State report highlights systemic findings with processes and procedures put in place prior to my time as the interim superintendent in Mason City. I worked diligently and collaboratively with the MCCSD Governing Board and the subsequent superintendent in 2017 to address matters as they came to our attention.
It was also around this time, age 5 or 6, that she came to understand something about language. In Italy, we all speak dialect, she said. Italian was only spoken on TV.

Theater and language came to define her life. She studied Russian and English in college, earning a doctorate in modern languages and an MFA in fiction. She taught at New York University and UCLA. Her plays have lit up stages in New York and Los Angeles.

The fateful post-college trip to the U. S. came courtesy of her language skills.

I had made some money through a translation, Staffa said. She figured she could use the cash to fund either a third-hand car or a trip to America, a destination holding mythological heft in her imagination. Everybody could describe it but nobody had seen this pretty magical and strange place.

In the U.S., she worked on translating the plays of Dario Fo, the Italian Nobel laureate. It was through Fos work that she met and fell in love with Brosius. He was completing his thesis at NYU, where Staffa later taught. She moved to Minnesota with Brosius when he took over as head of the Childrens Theatre more than 20 years ago. The couple has two children, both adults now.
In at least one American city, the anti-sex trafficking FOSTA law, which passed both houses of Congress overwhelmingly last spring, is reportedly having a pronounced effect. The only problem is, the law is having the exact opposite effect from what it was supposed to have.

In San Francisco, California, where newly released statistics show that overall crime dropped significantly in 2018, there was one category of crime that spiked by 170 percent: sex trafficking. And activists say that the jump is directly connected to FOSTA, as well as the federal shutdown of the classified ad site Backpage.com, which have deprived sex workers of the protections offered by screening clients online, according to a report by the citys KPIX TV.

The San Francisco stats show homicides down by 18 percent, while the overall number of shootings fell by 35 percent, according to The San Francisco Examiner. But the number of sex trafficking cases jumped from 40 in 2017 to 108 last year. Moreover, sex workers who before FOSTA had become adept at managing their own sex-related businesses suddenly found themselves without the resources that various sex-worker-friendly websites had provided to help them screen clients and weed out dangerous ones.

Bay Area sex worker and activist Maxine Doogan said that after the FOSTA legislation passed and was signed into law by Donald Trump, most major sites that accepted sex worker advertising disappeared in the matter of a couple of days, according to KPIX.

Almost immediately, sex workers who had previously been in control of their own online business operations found themselves targeted by pimps, and those pimps didn't stop at existing adult sex workers; they solicited underage girls who lived on the streets or were simply naive to enter the prostitution trade as well.

I, like everybody else, received a whole bunch of texts from various nefarious people who wanted to help me with my business as soon as those websites were taken down, Doogan told KPIX.

It has suddenly re-empowered this whole underclass of pimps and exploiters, added Pike Long, of the St. James Infirmary, a health clinic specifically for sex workers.If you are a street-based sex worker, its much harder to negotiate your rates, to negotiate safer sex condom use, to make sure that this person who is picking you up in a car doesnt have a knife or a gun.

Photo By KPIX TV Screen Capture
HIT: To another successful running of the Little Sodus Ice Drags in Fair Haven.

This gathering of snowmobile enthusiasts is a true celebration of the winter season in central New York. Some people take part for the thrill of racing, some for the chance to get outside and experience some fresh air, some for the camaraderie. In reality, most of the folks out on the ice Saturday were there for all three reasons.

+4 Racers compete, have fun at snowmobile event in Fair Haven FAIR HAVEN  J.C. Earl was freezing at the Little Sodus Ice Drags event Saturday but said he

Kudos to event organizers for planning and running this terrific wintertime tradition.

MISS: To a troubling criminal case that resulted in sex abuse charges filed against a Fleming man.

Police: Fleming man charged with repeated sexual abuse of child A Fleming man was arrested Sunday for repeatedly sexually abusing a child over about a two-y

Auburn police have charged a man in connection with an investigation that dates back to the end of 2017. They said the defendant engaged in sexual abuse of a child over the course of two years.

HIT: To the effort to educate teens and their family members about the dangers of vaping.

Just as we had seen some notable progress in keeping children from starting the destructive habit of cigarette smoking, there has been a noted surge in the numbers of teens who have become habitual users of vaping devices. Although these products are not legal for people under 18, their use has become widespread.

Health department to host vaping talk at Auburn school The Cayuga County Health Department will host a free presentation on vaping and smoking prev
AUBURN  Struggling with a tight staff, the Auburn Police Department is asking city council to consider officer pay raises in an effort to attract more applicants.

The council will vote Thursday on a resolution that would reduce the police department's 10-step pay scale to an eight-step and increase starting pay rates.

Nineteen current employees would see raises, resulting in a total increase of $123,479. Employees who already receive top-tier salaries would not be given pay increases.

The Auburn Police Department is also requesting a language adjustment to its city contract to ease restrictions on lateral transfers. Currently, APD does not offer transfer candidates salaries higher than the pay scale's step four increment: $51,104. With the removal of this restriction, APD hopes to offer more attractive salaries to transfer candidates who may have years of experience.

At a Jan. 30 meeting, the union representing the New York Finger Lakes Region Police Officers Local #195 voted in favor of the new agreement. If passed by city council, the new agreement would last until June 30, 2020, when the current agreement expires.
She did seven to nine rounds of CPR, each consisting of 30 chest compressions and two breaths.

A mall security member was there monitoring Scholz's pulse, but he told D'Arpino he wasn't allowed to give CPR. So she kept going until the emergency medical technicians arrived, nearly 10 minutes after the call to 911, and they announced that the 18-year-old Scholz was in full cardiac arrest.

Shaking, D'Arpino went back into the store, now closed. All her coworkers, about 10 of them  either pacing or sitting in shock  turned to look at her. Dripping in sweat, D'Arpino washed her face and neck in the bathroom and sat on the floor to wait with her coworkers. About 20 minutes later, D'Arpino said, Scholz left the store on a stretcher with a sheet over her head.

"It was just very horrific," D'Arpino said. "It was a lot so fast."

D'Arpino's manager sent her home, and she called her parents in tears to tell them what happened. She wondered if she did the right thing, and if it was enough. She has no recollection of her 35-minute drive home from the store, and took a three-hour nap to sleep it off. D'Arpino said her arms were so sore on Sunday that she could barely move them.

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As we work through the month May, I want to give a couple of updates from the last few weeks. My priority bill, LB 644, has advanced from the first and second round of debate and will be heading to final reading soon. This bill was designed to help give the taxpayer clear and concise informa
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has announced that seven central New York nonprofits will receive up to $4,000 through its annual Community Health Awards.

The awards support programs that have clear goals of improving the health or health care of a specific population. Close to 30 nonprofits submitted applications for the awards.

Cayuga County-area recipients of the awards are:

 Cayuga Centers, to provide staff of the parent training program SafeCare with improved technology and program participants with household health and safety equipment.

 Cayuga Community Health Network, for a falls prevention and exercise program for residents ages 65 and older.

 Helio Health, to purchase equipment for its recovery center's fitness program.

 Rescue Mission, to purchase two automated external defibrillator units for facilities serving men, women in children who are homeless or otherwise in need in Auburn and Binghamton.

For more information, visit excellusbcbs.com.

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To highlight the need for a long-term reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, U.S. Rep. John Katko invited Vera House Executive Director Randi Bregman to be his guest at President Donald Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday.

Katko, R-Camillus, announced Bregman would be his guest during a Facebook Live interview with The Citizen Monday. With the invitation, he also wants to highlight Vera House's work.

"She's one of the great community advocates we have here in central New York and she does a wonderful job," Katko said of Bregman. "I want to honor her with that and honor her goal to try to get (the Violence Against Women Act) reauthorized."

Vera House, a nonprofit organization based in Syracuse, seeks to prevent and respond to domestic and sexual violence. Bregman became executive director in 2001.

Bregman said in an interview Monday that Katko's office called on Thursday to invite her to the State of the Union. She arrived in Washington Monday.

Before Trump's address, Bregman plans to meet with national advocates to discuss the Violence Against Women Act. She will join Katko for meetings later in the day.
Bill Edwards, a Skaneateles resident, also criticized the community grid. He believes the grid would cause traffic delays, especially in and around University Hill in Syracuse.

"I can't see how anyone who has seen the corner of Almond and Adams (streets) on a game day could possibly consider the community grid as anything viable because it would be like that all the time," Edwards said.

While there were opponents of the community grid, the proposal also had its share of supporters.

Diana Ryan of Aqua Action CNY is a proponent of the community grid. Ryan dismissed the tunnel because of the potential adverse impact on surrounding businesses and historical properties. There are also structural concerns with a tunnel, she said.

Replacing the viaduct with the community grid, she added, could be an "economical boon" for Syracuse and the region. Building a tunnel, in her view, would have an opposite effect.

"I hear a lot of trucking companies. I know it's going to impact their businesses," Ryan said. "But it isn't going to take and tear their business down ... This really diminishes the tax base there."
A New Zealand woman has died in an avalanche in the Italian Alps just days before her ninth wedding anniversary.

The 39-year-old, identified as Katherine Clarke, was part of a group of four skiers who disappeared on Sunday in the resort of Courmayeur, close to the French border, after going off-piste, The Guardian reported.

Clark was living in London but was originally from Dunedin. She was due to celebrate her ninth wedding anniversary on Wednesday, The New Zealand Herald reported.

The steep slope at the resort where the avalanche occurred. Source: Italian Alpine Rescue

The other three skiers have been identified as 43-year-old Brit Matthew Ziegler, Nicolas Bruno, 36, from France, and Pole Wespazjan Wisla, 38.

Authorities were alerted over their disappearance when they failed to meet with friends on Sunday.

It is understood the group was engulfed by an avalanche and submerged under 1.8m of snow.

Crews attempts to retrieve their bodies were hampered by steep terrain and the risk of further avalanches.

Their deaths meant that a total of eight people died due to avalanches in Italy over the weekend.
The United States warned Tuesday it was prepared to prevent a new "caravan" of Central American migrants from entering the country, with US President Donald Trump tweeting that more troops have been sent to the border. The warnings came as Trump was preparing for a State of the Union speech to Congress that was sure to feature his so far unsuccessful battle to win funding for a wall on the US-Mexico border. "Tremendous numbers of people are coming up through Mexico in the hopes of flooding our Southern Border. We have sent additional military. We will build a Human Wall if necessary. If we had a real Wall, this would be a non-event!" Trump said on Twitter. Republicans should be prepared "to do whatever is necessary" for border security, given the opposition of Democrats to the wall, he said. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen followed with a statement saying that some "2,000 aliens have arrived in northern Mexico as part of a 'caravan' seeking to cross the border into Texas." "Illegal entry will not be tolerated and we stand ready to prevent it." Trump has demanded $5.7 billion to build a border wall, shutting down the government for 35 days in a failed attempt to pressure Democrats to approve it as part of a budget deal. He has threatened to declare a national emergency and use Pentagon funds to finance wall construction if the Congress continues to holdout. On Sunday, the Pentagon said it was sending an additional 3,750 troops to the border. That would bring the total number of US troops there to 4,330, In recent years hundreds of thousands of migrants fleeing poverty and violence in Central America have illegally crossed the US border annually, many of them requesting asylum to remain inside the United States. Nielsen said the caravans "are the result of Congress's inexcusable failure to fully fund a needed physical barrier and unwillingness to fix outdated laws that act as an enormous magnet for illegal aliens." "This crisis won't be solved until we have comprehensive border security," she said. Central American migrants -- mostly Hondurans -- at a shelter in Mexico City on January 30 before heading for the US border Honduran migrants heading to the United States as part of a 'caravan' aboard a truck in south of Guatemala City on January 17
Three days of UN-brokered talks between Yemen's government and Huthi rebels have brought the warring parties closer to agreement on redeploying their forces from the flashpoint of Hodeida, the United Nations said Tuesday. Envoys from the two sides have been meeting aboard a UN vessel in the port of Hodeida since Sunday to hammer out details of the military pullback in line with a ceasefire deal reached in Sweden in December. The UN push to persuade pro-government forces and Huthi militias to abide by the Stockholm agreement is "beginning to pay off," said a UN statement. "Today, the parties are closer to agreeing modalities for phase one redeployment than they were six weeks ago," it added. Phase one provides for a redeployment from the ports of Hodeida, Saleef, Ras Issa and from parts of the city where there are humanitarian facilities, according to the agreement. That was scheduled to happen two weeks after the ceasefire went into force on December 18, but that deadline was missed as the government and Huthis were locked in a dispute over the interpretation of the agreement. The ceasefire and the redeployment of forces agreed in Stockholm have been hailed as major step toward ending Yemen's devastating four-year war, but UN officials have warned that the peace gains are fragile. The talks aboard the ship were led by retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert, who on Tuesday handed over his duties as head of the UN observer mission in Yemen to Danish General Michael Lollesgaard. Lollesgaard will chair a new round of talks aboard the ship on Wednesday. The meetings are to address the "complexities of disengaging forces in close proximity of each other and the gradual redeployment of heavy weapons, armor, and infantry," added the statement. The Red Sea port of Hodeida is the entry point for the bulk of Yemen's imported goods and humanitarian aid, providing a lifeline to millions in the Arab world's poorest country. Yemen's rebels have been mired in a war with government forces backed since 2015 by a Saudi-led coalition. The conflict has triggered what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people at risk of starvation. The World Health Organization has put the death toll since 2015 at about 10,000 people but rights groups say the figure could be five times higher. General Michael Lollesgaard, the new head of the UN observer mission in Yemen, will chair the next round of talks on implementing the Hodeida truce deal
Kiev prosecutors on Tuesday said they had launched a treason probe into a politician close to Russian leader Vladimir Putin over calls to grant autonomy to regions in eastern Ukraine. Viktor Medvedchuk, 64, is accused of "seeking to undermine the territorial integrity" of Ukraine and "high treason," spokeswoman for the prosecution service Larisa Sargan told AFP. The probe relates to a speech at an opposition conference last month, in which he said pro-Russian separatist territories should have their own government and parliament. Medvedchuk said such an autonomous region would allow an end to hostilities between and government and pro-Moscow rebels which has left some 13,000 dead over the past five years. The investigation would be carried out by the SBU, or security services, Sargan said. The pro-Russian "Opposition Platform - For Life" at which Medvedchuk was speaking denounced the accusations as "delusional". The probe had been ordered by pro-Western authorities ahead of presidential elections due shortly, the group said in a statement. Former pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych, who was ousted in 2014 following a bloody pro-West uprising, was last month found guilty of high treason. The ex-leader, who now lives in Russia, was sentenced in absentia to 13 years in prison for asking Putin to send troops into Ukraine. Medvedchuk, head of Ukraine's presidential administration from 2002 to 2005, has represented Kiev in talks with rebels in the pro-Russian east. It was on his suggestion that Putin held talks with the de facto leaders of the separatist regions for the first time in 2017. Moscow has publicly thanked Medvedchuk, who is targeted by US sanctions, for his role in the negotiations. Medvedchuk is the only Ukrainian whose plane is allowed to fly directly between Ukraine and Russia, despite a ban introduced in 2015, according to local media. Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Ukrainian politician Viktor Medvedchuk visit the New Jerusalem Orthodox Monastery outside the town of Istra, some 70 km outside Moscow, on November 15, 2017
Hundreds of passengers were left stranded in Britain on Tuesday after European aviation authorities suspended Turkmenistan Airlines over safety concerns. The isolated central Asian republic's flag carrier provides services from London and Birmingham to the Indian city of Amritsar which is popular with Britain's Punjabi community. Britain's Civil Aviation Authority cited a notice from its European counterpart announcing the suspension of flights on Monday. "The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has suspended Turkmenistan Airlines flights to and from the EU pending confirmation that it meets international air safety standards," the UK Foreign Office said in a separate travel advisory. The airline itself provided no information on its website. The phone number it listed was not in service and no one replied to emails. The website still listed all of its European destinations but was not taking further bookings from Paris or Frankfurt. Briton Jane McCarron said she had planned to fly to Amritsar from Birmingham next Tuesday and now did not know whether to make new arrangements. "I just want to know if I can go next Tuesday," she told AFP by email. "My ticket is non-refundable and the airline is not answering their calls." The airline also links Paris and Frankfurt with popular Asian destinations such as New Delhi and Bangkok via the Turkmen capital Ashgabat. It was still taking bookings from Moscow and Saint Petersburg to Ashgabat and Bangkok. The carrier says on its website that it flies around 3,000 passengers a day. "The Turkmenistan Airlines fleet consists of only modern Western aircrafts (such as Boeing 717,737,757,777, Challenger and Hawker)," says the website. It was not immediately clear what prompted the suspension or when flights might resume. Turkmenistan is an energy-rich but authoritarian former Soviet state with a poor human rights record and a fully state-controlled media. The government-run airline was created in Turkmenistan's first full year of independence in 1992. Turkmenistan Airlines provided no information on its website. The phone number it listed was not in service and no one replied to emails
President Donald Trump urged Americans to come together Tuesday in a State of the Union speech seeking to turn the page on two years of divisive turmoil and transform him into a bipartisan national leader. But opposition Democrats almost instantly rejected the overture, while Trump's steadfast insistence on building US-Mexico border walls promised new political strife in the near future. At times joking, at times impassioned, Trump told Congress and a huge television audience that "we must reject the politics of revenge, resistance, and retribution -- and embrace the boundless potential of cooperation, compromise, and the common good." On foreign policy, Trump reaffirmed his determination to get US troops out of Afghanistan and Syria as quickly as possible. And he announced he would extend his trailblazing personal diplomacy with North Korea by meeting reclusive leader Kim Jong Un on February 27-28 in Vietnam. Trump touted what he hopes will remain his strongest card with voters -- "the hottest economy anywhere in the world." He also called for a bipartisan push to eradicate the AIDS epidemic in the United States in a decade. But the key aim in the speech, littered with soaring rhetoric and interrupted continuously by applause from the Republicans, was to announce a new, more inclusive presidential tone ahead of Trump's 2020 reelection bid. The problem is that in two years of his administration Trump has driven an already polarized country into bitter, even violent debate over almost every aspect of politics. The divide was stark from the moment Trump entered the House of Representatives chamber, with Republicans scrumming to shake his hands, but most Democrats keeping out of the way. And the moment Trump swung onto his favorite topic of building a wall on the Mexican border to stop an "onslaught" of illegal immigrants, Democrats angrily shook their heads. A decision by Democrat women to wear white, in honor of the early 20th century suffragette movement, was seen as a visual rebuke of Trump. After the speech, Senior House Democrat Steny Hoyer declared that Trump "leaned on falsehoods and fear to obscure the reality of a presidency lacking in leadership and harmful to America's future." - 'Get it built' - The president's single-minded drive -- and failure -- to get congressional funding for that wall is at the heart of the political dysfunction his speech claimed to be trying to resolve. Democrats say that Trump's warnings about illegal immigrant murderers amount to political fearmongering and they refuse to authorize the money. The resulting standoff has turned what might have been a relatively minor funding debate into an existential test of political strength in the buildup to 2020. In December, Trump took revenge on Congress by triggering a crippling five-week partial shutdown of government. Democratic House speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was seated behind Trump for the State of the Union, exacted her own reprisal by forcing the speech to be delayed by a week. Things could soon escalate, with Trump threatening to renew the shutdown or declare a national emergency so that he can bypass Congress and give himself power to take military funds for his project. "I will get it built," he said firmly, to cheers from Republicans and silence from Democrats. - Taliban, North Korea talks - Trump's claims to foreign policy successes are not necessarily endorsed even in his own party. He repeated in the speech that he wants US troops to pull out from long-running wars, such as Afghanistan and Syria as soon as possible. "Constructive" talks with the Taliban guerrillas have "accelerated," he said in an notably upbeat assessment. There were cheers but the withdrawal promises have been criticized by some in the security services and many Republicans, who fear a loss of American influence on the world stage. Trump likewise gave an update on his plan for a second summit with reclusive North Korea's Kim, whom he is trying to persuade to give up nuclear weapons. "As part of a bold new diplomacy, we continue our historic push for peace on the Korean peninsula." Closer to home, he dialed up the pressure on Venezuela's leftist leader Nicolas Maduro, saying "we stand with the Venezuelan people in their noble quest for freedom." Opposition leader Juan Guaido's envoy to Washington was among the top guests invited to attend the speech. - 'Paper over' reality - Trump's speech began by recalling US triumphs in World War II and space exploration. It ended with an oratorical flourish, declaring "this is the time to reignite the American imagination. This is the time to search for the tallest summit and to set our sights on the brightest star." But it was clear that political foes in Washington were not persuaded. "It will take more than a speech to paper over President Trump's consistent view that the only obligation he has is to his political base," Democratic Senator Michael Bennet tweeted. Lloyd Doggett, a Democrat congressman, said that Trump's speechwriters could not change the reality of the current White House. "The centerpiece of this speech was fear about a phony border crisis. There's no path forward to avoid more chaos," he said. "It is less important how Trump reads a teleprompter one night of the year than the other 364 days of Twitter-fueled mayhem that threaten our union." President Donald Trump's State of the Union address sought to turn the page on two years of divisive turmoil The picture in the US Congress is anything but unified two years into Donald Trump's presidency Congresswomen dressed in white in tribute to the women's suffrage movement during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, right, has clashed repeatedly with President Donald Trump over his demand for funding for a US-Mexico border wall US President Donald Trump, after delivering the State of the Union address Joshua Trump -- right -- a schoolboy bullied for sharing the name of the US president, was among the guests at the State of the Union address
The toll from a dam collapse at a mine in southeast Brazil has risen to 134 deaths after more than a week of searches, with 199 missing, authorities said Monday. The count showed the gradual recovery operation of bodies more than a week after the January 25 disaster at the dam, owned by Brazilian mining giant Vale, near the town of Brumadinho. Those listed as missing are presumed dead, but not yet located under the layers of muddy mining waste released when the tailings dam broke apart. Almost all the victims were workers at the mine. A fire services spokesman said it was possible that not all the bodies would be located and recovered. "After a while, because of the decomposition of the bodies, it becomes impossible to recover the remains. But until that moment comes, even if we have to stay four, five or six months, the fire offices will work without stopping," he said. The disaster occurred three years after a similar dam collapse tragedy at another mine in the same region which was part-owned by Vale. That 2015 incident, close to the town of Mariana, had a lower death toll of 19, but was considered Brazil's worst environmental disaster because the mining waste released ravaged whole ecosystems along hundreds of miles (kilometers) of waterways. President Jair Bolsonaro, in a statement read to Congress as he recovered in hospital from abdominal surgery, said excessive regulation of Brazil's mining industry was partly to blame for the Brumadinho dam collapse. "The government has dozens of overlapping monitoring structures which stop people producing but didn't prevent the Brumadinho tragedy," he said. "It's not with bigger government that we are going to solve these problems, but with more efficient government," he said. Emergency services admit that not all the bodies may be recovered from the disaster, which occurred at a mine owned by Brazilian company Vale A rescue dog and firefighters search for bodies following the dam collapse at an iron-ore mine near the Brazilian town of Brumadinho, Minas Gerais state Map of the path of muddy mining waste after a dam collapsed at the Vale mine near Brumadinho, in south-east Brazil
Sri Lanka is ready to execute five drug convicts and end its 42-year capital punishment moratorium once President Maithripala Sirisena signs the death warrants and a hangman is appointed, officials said Tuesday. Sirisena announced last year a tougher line on spiralling narcotics-related crime including executions for repeat drug offenders, inspired by a similar crackdown in the Philippines. The country's justice minister told parliament Tuesday that legal and administrative procedures for the five condemned Sri Lankans were completed last month, paving the way for the first hangings since 1976. "We have already complied with the president's request to restart capital punishment," Thalatha Athukorale said. Five names had been sent to the president between October 12 and the end of January, but Sirisena was yet to sign the warrants and fix the execution dates, Athukorale added. There was no immediate comment from Sirisena's office on the cases. Following a visit to the Philippines last month, Sirisena reaffirmed his plans to replicate his counterpart Rodrigo Duterte's "success" in dealing with illegal drugs. Sirisena praised the "decisive action" of Duterte who has offered anti-narcotics help to Sri Lanka. Duterte ran on a law-and-order platform that included promises to kill thousands of people involved in the drug trade, even officials. "Even though I have not implemented some of the decisions of President Duterte, I will not bow to international non-governmental (rights) organisations and change my decision on death penalty for drug offences," Sirisena said last month. Athukorale said there were 18 drug convicts who would qualify under Sirisena's guidelines to be hanged out of 376 convicts on death row. But prisons spokesman Thushara Upuldeniya said authorities were still trying to fill a vacancy for an executioner. Light work and a salary of 35,000 rupees ($200) a month was offered in advertisements placed last year, but no suitable candidate came forward, he said. "Technically, we don't have a hangman right now, but if the need arises, we should be able to get one fairly quickly," Upuldeniya told AFP. While Sri Lanka's last execution was more than four decades ago, an executioner functioned until his retirement in 2014. Three replacements since have quit after short stints at the unused gallows. Criminals are regularly given death sentences for murder, rape and drug-related crimes but their punishments have been commuted to life. International rights groups have urged Sri Lanka not to revive capital punishment. Criminals in Sri Lanka are regularly given death sentences for murder, rape and drug-related crimes but their punishments have been commuted to life
21 Savage's lawyer confirmed Monday that the Grammy-nominated rapper had overstayed his visa as a child, but vowed he would fight for his right to remain in the United States after his arrest by immigration agents. The 26-year old chart-topper -- real name Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph -- was detained in the southern city of Atlanta Sunday by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), which says he is a British citizen. "As a minor, his family overstayed their work visas, and he, like almost two million other children, was left without legal status through no fault of his own," the rapper's attorney Charles Kuck said in a statement. "The continued detention of Mr. Abraham-Joseph serves no other purpose than to unnecessarily punish him and try to intimidate him into giving up his right to fight to remain in the United States." Kuck said his client has a pending application for a U visa, which is for victims of crimes who have faced mental or physical abuse in the United States. "Mr Abraham-Joseph has never hid his immigration status from the US government," Kuck said. "The Department of Homeland Security has known his address and his history since his filing for the U Visa in 2017, yet they took no action against him until this past weekend." 21 Savage has long said he is a local act from Atlanta, the state capital of Georgia, which is considered the home of hip hop innovation. According to Bryan Cox, a spokesman for the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), he came to the US legally as a minor in 2005 but "became unlawfully present in the US" when his visa expired a year later. Cox said the artist was convicted of felony drug charges in October 2014. "Mr. Abraham-Joseph is presently in ICE custody in Georgia and has been placed into removal proceedings before the federal immigration courts," the statement said. Kuck said his client should be released on bond, saying he "is not a flight risk, as he is widely recognizable, and a prominent member of the music industry." The lawyer also said 21 Savage supports his three children, who are US citizens, which makes him eligible for deportation relief. - 'Free 21' - The musician's arrest sent shockwaves through social media, with a number of top artists and industry insiders backing the young rapper. "SUCCESSFUL BLACK MAN," tweeted Offset, one third of the Atlanta hip hop trio Migos. "THEY ALWAYS TRY SOME WAY TO BRING US DOWN." "Free 21," tweeted hip hop artist Meek Mill, who was released from prison last year after his unexpectedly heavy sentence for a parole violation sparked protests over racial bias in US probation laws. Rappers Lil Yachty and Vince Staples echoed that call, along with Alex Tumay, a mix engineer who regularly works with Atlanta artists. "Abolish ICE," Tumay tweeted. "ICE arresting celebrities to divert attention from the fact they just admitted they can't reconnect kids with their parents." The agency has come under fire for its aggressive enforcement of the "zero tolerance" immigration policies of President Donald Trump, including guidelines implemented last summer that led to Latin American children being separated from their parents at the US-Mexico border. - Murky origins - 21 Savage, known for his conversational, subdued rap delivery and no-nonsense demeanor, released his debut studio album in 2017. His lyrics touch on everything from drugs and violence to systemic racism and police brutality. His second album, "I Am > I Was" debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 in December 2018, holding the number one spot for two weeks. The rapper is up Sunday for two Grammys for his work on fellow rapper Post Malone's smash hit "Rockstar," including for the major Record of the Year award. Throughout his rise to fame he has toured the United States but does not appear to have performed abroad. In public interviews he has not explicitly called himself American, but regularly references his upbringing in Atlanta. Many of the artist's supporters were quick to note his contributions to the community. "Mr Abraham-Joseph is a role model to the young people in this country, especially in Atlanta," another of his lawyers, Dina LaPolt said, adding that he is "actively working in the community, leading programs to help underprivileged youths in financial literacy." Since the news of 21 Savage's arrest broke British reports have indicated he originally is from Newham in east London, a detail neither ICE nor his entourage have commented on. In 2016 the rapper -- who speaks with a thick southern American accent -- gave an interview to urban news YouTube channel VladTV, listing a number of Atlanta neighborhoods he has called home. "I done grew up in all Atlanta really, everybody know me," he said. "If you don't, you ain't from this city." Rapper 21 Savage, who has long said he is from the US state of Georgia, was detained by US immigration officers who say he is actually British and overstayed his visa 21 Savage has talked frequently of his upbringing in Atlanta, considered the US capital of of hip hop innovation Offset, of hip hop trio Migos, tweeted in defense of 21 Savage after the rapper was arrested 21 Savage has not explicitly called himself American, but regularly references his upbringing in Atlanta
Ashraf al-Atraqji carefully stepped around tufts of weeds sprouting in a mountain of rubble in Iraq's Mosul, found a seat on a sun-soaked rock, and struck a pose for the photographer. Behind him stretched the ruins of the Prophet Yunus mosque, an ancient monument infamously destroyed by the Islamic State group when it overran Mosul in 2014. A year and a half after Iraqi forces recaptured Mosul from IS, residents have been hiring local photographers to capture mementos of their city's darkest days. Looking out at the metal fences and barbed wire now surrounding what's left of the mosque, 38-year-old Atraqji told AFP he hoped those days never return. "Each stone in this place is linked to the history and identity of our city," said the father of three, his goatee neatly trimmed and wearing stylish sunglasses. "I want to document what the terrorists did so that my children can build a future beyond these ruins." He wasn't the only one. A little further up the hill, a couple positioned themselves near a concrete wall marred with graffiti as the sun cast a golden glow. "We want a souvenir, a piece of evidence of the horrors IS perpetrated in Mosul," said the 32-year-old woman, who identified herself as Um Mohammad. When IS swept across parts of Iraq in 2014 it massacred civilians, leaving their remains in dozens of mass graves across the country that the United Nations says could hold up to 12,000 victims. Jihadists imposed their ultra-conservative interpretation of Islamic law, destroying everything from centuries-old churches to musical instruments. They even raided some 300 photography studios, tearing pictures off the walls. Terrified of being fined or subject to IS's horrifying atrocities, studio owners and photographers fled or hid their equipment. - Capturing the comeback - Many of Mosul's commercial districts have witnessed a modest revival. Religious leaders laid the first stone to rebuild the iconic Al-Nuri mosque, and Dominican priests are saving 16th-century books and irreplaceable records. Residents and the amateur photographers they've hired are doing their own kind of archiving, too, including open-air photo galleries and family portraiture. Mohammad Dhia posed with his two young children in a recently-renovated square in the city's bustling downtown. Like many of Iraq's 20 million internet users -- nearly half the population -- he hoped to upload his shots to his Facebook profile. "They're high-quality, beautiful photographs and it's my way of helping young photographers," said Dhia, 27. Clad in white trousers, a patterned burgundy shirt and dark shoes, he hugged his stylishly-dressed children close to him in the crisp Mosul winter. When the session is done, Dhia slid a few bills to the photographer. A single picture costs between 1,000 and 2,000 Iraqi dinars, or less than $2, said photographer Mohammad Bassem. For longer sessions lasting several hours, he charges between $20 and $50. "I do this after my university courses, and it allows me to make a bit to help out my family," the 24-year-old told AFP. Despite their cheap rates, these self-taught photographers have to shell out a sizeable sum to buy their equipment. "Our cameras cost between 200 and 600 dollars," said Bassem. - Lights, camera, action - The square in downtown Mosul teemed with amateur portrait photographers carrying flashes, tripods, and reflectors to control light and shadow. They gave directions to their subjects: stand up straight, tilt your chin, look towards the setting sun. One young man posed with a guitar, another with a violin. Some struck a pensive look while perched on a bench; others were lost in thought staring into a pool of water. Even members of the security forces, dressed head-to-toe in camouflage, struck a pose. Photographers often went the extra mile by retouching the images to eliminate blemishes and brighten eyes. But in a Mosul that remains broadly conservative, not everyone was willing to join in. Noha Ahmed, 25, watched the amateur shoots from afar and said they felt too risky for her. "I'm afraid that my pictures would be used for something and that it would cause me problems," she told AFP. Mosul residents have been hiring local photographers to capture mementos of the city's darkest days when it was overrun by Islamic State fighters Jihadists imposed their ultra-conservative interpretation of Islamic law after sweeping across parts of Iraq in 2014, destroying everything from centuries-old churches to musical instruments. They even raided some 300 photography studios Religious leaders have laid the first stone to rebuild the iconic Al-Nuri mosque as part of efforts to revive Mosul Mosul residents and the amateur photographers they're hiring to capture the city's comeback are undertaking a kind of archiving with open-air photo galleries and family portraits
German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Tuesday for safeguards to ensure Chinese firms do not hand over private data to Beijing amid mounting security concerns over equipment made by telecoms giant Huawei. Speaking at Keio University in Tokyo, Merkel said there was a "big debate" in Germany about using Huawei equipment, with growing calls to prevent the firm building 5G networks around the world. Germany has taken a prudent approach so far, with the country's IT watchdog saying it had seen no evidence Huawei could use its equipment to spy for Beijing. But Merkel said it was necessary to talk to Beijing "to make sure that the company does not simply give up all data that is used to the Chinese state, but that there are safeguards". Merkel also said safeguards needed to be put in place to ensure that "when you are working in Germany, that the Chinese state cannot access the data on all Chinese products". Huawei has quietly become a leading supplier of the backbone equipment for mobile networks, particularly in developing markets, thanks to cheaper prices. But a growing number of Western states are turning their backs on Huawei, fearful that its equipment could be a Trojan horse for Beijing's security apparatus as Chinese laws require its firms to cooperate with intelligence services. Huawei strenuously denies its equipment could be used for espionage. "This will continue to be debated and discussed and it is also part of the discussion with the United States," said Merkel. The chancellor also said China's growing economic clout meant that it had a "growing responsibility for a peaceful world order". She said Beijing would have to step up its place in the world order -- for example in participating in United Nations missions -- as its clout increased. Merkel is on a two-day visit to Japan. She has already met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Emperor Akihito, and is expected to hold talks with Japanese and German business leaders later on Tuesday. German Chancellor Angela Merkel held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during her visit to Tokyo
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras stressed Tuesday they planned to resolve disputes between their two countries through dialogue. Greece and Turkey have a fraught history going back centuries with disputes over maritime borders and the 1974 division of Cyprus. More recently the erstwhile NATO allies have fallen out over Greek courts granting asylum to Turkish soldiers who fled Turkey after the 2016 failed coup. Tsipras, in his second visit to Turkey as Greek premier in four years, met with the Turkish leader at the vast presidential palace on the outskirts of the capital Ankara. "I am very pleased that communication channels (with Turkey) are open so that we can take more constructive steps," Tsipras told a news conference with Erdogan, calling for a relationship based on "respect for international law and reciprocal understanding of our problems". Erdogan, who became the first Turkish president to visit Greece in 65 years in December 2017, said bilateral disputes could be resolved "peacefully". "We believe every problem could be resolved through dialogue." Erdogan said a "politician's job is not to win enemies but friends... otherwise you constantly lose blood". - 'Not welcome'- The eight Turkish soldiers who were granted asylum in Greece after they fled in the wake of the failed 2016 coup against Erdogan's government is one of the sticking issues in ties. "On the thorny issue of the eight officers, Greece respects the decisions delivered by the judiciary," Tsipras said. "In Greece the putschists are not welcome; we must face any criminal organisation that prevents cooperation between the two countries." However Erdogan said Turkey did not want Greece to become a "safe haven" for "members of terror groups". "We expect more cooperation from our neighbour Greece on this issue," he said. Tsipras's visit comes a few days after the 23rd anniversary of a 1996 crisis that brought the two countries to the edge of war over the sovereignty of a pair of rocky islets in the Aegean Sea, which Ankara calls Kardak and Athens refers to as Imia. The trip also comes 20 years after the beginning of a rapprochement which began when Greece rushed to help following a devastating Turkish earthquake in 1999. "Even though these talks might not go anywhere, the essence is that there is a pretence of dialogue, and this is important," said Dimitrios Triantaphyllou, head of the Centre for International and European Studies at Istanbul's Kadir Has University. - Oil and gas - One of the main disputes is the issue of oil and gas exploration off Cyprus, which has been divided between the internationally-recognised Greek south and the breakaway Turkish north for over four decades. The issue has been further complicated by the discovery in recent years of gigantic gas fields in the eastern Mediterranean. Ankara says such exploration would deprive Turkish Cypriots of the island's offshore resources and has called for its suspension until a lasting solution is found to the Cyprus problem. On Monday, Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Turkey would not allow a "fait accompli" in the eastern Mediterranean and would instead defend "equal and fair" sharing of the resources. The two leaders also discussed a migrant deal which Ankara struck with the European Union in 2016 to stem the flow of refugees. Under the deal, Turkey has agreed to take back migrants landing on Greek islands in exchange for incentives including financial aid. Despite the agreement, hundreds of migrants continue to disembark every day on the Greek islands -- about 5,000 people between September and December -- putting heavy pressure on overcrowded Greek refugee camps. The number of people crossing the land border between the two countries has risen from 5,400 in 2017 to 14,000 in 2018, according to Greek Minister for Migration Policy Dimitris Vitsas. On Thursday, Tsipras will travel to Istanbul for a meeting with the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians. He is also expected to visit the Halki seminary, located on an island off Istanbul where Orthodox clergy used to train. It was closed in 1971, after Turkey fell out with Greece over Cyprus. burs-fo/dcr Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras shakes hands with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his second visit in four years When Erdogan visited Greece in December 2017, he complained about "discrimination" against the Muslim minority in northern Greek towns like Komotini, near the border
Umra Abbas Ammour, 60, dreamt of safety as she and her family fled jihadists in eastern Syria, but hours after reaching US-backed forces her son, daughter and granddaughter were all dead. In recent weeks, thousands have escaped the last pocket of land held by the Islamic State group near the Iraqi border, seeking refuge in territory held by US-backed forces. "We try to escape death then, when we go out, we find death in front of us," said Ammour, who hails from the Iraqi province of Anbar. Ammour is just one of several to say they were hit while attempting to flee into areas controlled by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. The victims, mostly wounded by a bombardment more than one week ago, say they could not identify the source of the fire. "We were carrying our belongings and on our way when a mortar round hit. My son died on the spot," said Ammour, a gold earing visible below her black headscarf. Her daughter was wounded by shrapnel, she said. In SDF-held territory, the grandmother sits behind a truck feeding her two-year-old grandson, after the death of his 40-year-old father Zuheir. Inside the vehicle, her daughter too lies dead, having received no medical treatment. Israa, 24, died just hours after the family arrived at an SDF checkpoint. "Many have died. No one weeps for the dead anymore," Ammour said, before tears started rolling down her cheeks. SDF fighters buried her daughter's corpse in a nearby plot, where four other civilians who died escaping IS are also laid to rest. Within hours, Ammour's granddaughter also died, from a wound to the stomach. - 'Is he critical?' - After weeks of advancing steadily, the SDF halted their ground assault on IS's tiny remaining enclave last week, saying the jihadists were increasingly using civilians as human shields. But artillery fire by the SDF and air strikes by the US-led coalition continue to target the jihadists. On the dusty ground, six-year-old Mohammed shivers and groans, an IV tube attached to his arm and a white bandage wrapped around his head. "Hammoudi! Hammoudi!" his mother Amani yells, using a nickname for her son, tears flowing down her black face veil. "Is his condition critical?" she asks a medic trying to keep him awake. She and her five children first tried to leave IS territory last week, fleeing intense shelling, as well as food and medicine shortages. But the family was hit by a mortar round as they crossed. Four of her children were lightly wounded, but Mohammed sustained critical injuries to his head. They were forced to return to IS-held areas without medical treatment, before finally escaping on Sunday. "Someone drove me to a particular point and then I carried Mohammed in my arms" to the SDF checkpoint, she said. A humanitarian service that sends medical teams into conflict zones, The Free Burma Rangers, transported him to a hospital. More than 36,000 people, mostly women and children from jihadist families, have fled IS territory since the SDF and its coalition supporters intensified their offensive against the jihadists in December, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says. They also include some 3,200 jihadists, the Britain-based war monitor says. -'Outside this world'- At a gathering point for those who have fled, SDF forces separate men suspected of being jihadists from the civilians. The women sit on the floor, waiting to be transported to the Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria. They open relief packages distributed by SDF fighters and feed their children. Some ask for nappies for their infants, while others ask when they will leave after spending a night in the cold desert. Iman Aswad, 20, places one of her toddlers on her lap and feeds him. She sits beside her crutches, her leg, which was injured by mortar fire, extended across the floor. "There is nothing there. No medicine, no treatment and not even hospitals," she said, referring to IS-held areas. Amal al-Soussah, the 20-year-old widow of a Lebanese IS sniper, says conditions in IS-held areas are deplorable. "People are living on the streets. Those who are hit by shells stay on the ground until they bleed out and die," she said. Safaa Hamdou, a 24-year-old woman from then countryside outside Syria's second city Aleppo, also rests her wounded legs. "Ten days ago, IS fired at us as we were trying to escape," she said. "One bullet punctured my leg but did not hit the bone, while another broke the bone in my other leg." Safaa, a mother of two, asks what the date is. "I'm exhausted. I feel like I'm outside this world," she said. In recent weeks, thousands of civilians have fled the last pocket of eastern Syria held by the Islamic State group, but many have reached US-backed forces with serious injuries, some of which have proved fatal Many of the civilians fleeing the last Islamic State group enclave are children from jihadist families, who bear the scars of the ferocious fighting that has raged since December Civilians fleeing the last Islamic State group enclave have to camp out in the open while waiting for the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces to screen and register them before taking them to a camp for the displaced Many of those arriving in territory held by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces can barely walk after the ordeal of their flight from the Islamic State group's last enclave Women reaching terrritory held by US-backed forces say there is nothing left in the Islamic State group's last Syrian enclave -- no medicine and no clinics to treat their children for the injuries many have sustained in the fierce fighting
US officials are fanning out across Europe to warn about the security risks of allowing Chinese telecoms giant Huawei to help build 5G mobile networks, a US diplomat said Tuesday. Washington considers the matter urgent as European Union countries prepare to roll out fifth-generation networks that will bring near-instantaneous connectivity, vast data capacity and futuristic technologies. "We are urging folks not to rush ahead and sign contracts with untrusted suppliers from countries like China," a US State Department official told reporters in Brussels. The official said he was meeting EU officials as well as those in Belgium, France and Germany, while colleagues will be travelling to Spain and elsewhere to underline US concerns. "Going with an untrusted supplier like Huawei or ZTE will have all sorts of ramifications for your national security," he warned, speaking on condition of anonymity. It could also undermine intellectual property protection, privacy and human rights, he added. He said Washington's priority was warning Europe where strong alliances make the "national security component even more compelling from the US point of view." In December, European Commission Vice President Andrus Ansip echoed US warnings about the threat posed by Huawei and ZTE who -- under a 2017 Chinese cybersecurity law -- are required to cooperate with Beijing's intelligence services. Speaking on Tuesday, Ansip said the Commission, the European Union's executive arm, can play a limited coordinating role. "National security is up to the member states," the former Estonian premier said. "If the member states ask to coordinate, to take the common approach, then historically the Commission has always done so. We will do so if asked," Ansip said. Huawei strenuously denies its equipment could be used for espionage. The commercial stakes are high. Experts say Huawei is between six months and one year ahead of Sweden's Ericsson in terms of the quality of its 5G equipment. And Finland's Nokia, is said to be even further behind. Several operators have already begun tests in several French cities with Huawei equipment, such as France's Bouygues Telecom and SFR. Deutsche Telekom, in an internal document obtained by Bloomberg, warned that Europe could fall behind China and the United States by as much as two years if it forgoes using Huawei's 5G equipment. The US diplomat said Washington was motivated by security rather than commercial interests, adding that Ericsson, Nokia and Korea's Samsung would benefit from a Huawei ban -- and not US firms. Journalists watch a trailer at the launch of new 5G Huawei products in Beijing in January
Former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo has been released in Belgium under conditions following his acquittal by the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the court said Tuesday. Belgium said on Saturday that it had agreed in principle to host Gbagbo pending a possible prosecution appeal, after he was cleared of crimes against humanity on January 15. The conditions include that Gbagbo, 73, will return to court if required for a possible prosecution appeal against his acquittal, and that he surrender his passport to Belgian authorities. "Mr Gbagbo is now released under conditions in Belgium," an ICC spokeswoman said, without giving further details. Gbagbo was the first former head of state to stand trial at the ICC and had been held in the Netherlands since 2011. ICC judges acquitted Gbagbo and Ble Goude on charges stemming from a wave of violence after disputed elections in the west African nation in 2010. More than 3,000 people died on both sides of the Ivory Coast conflict after Gbagbo refused to concede defeat to his internationally backed-rival -- and now-president -- Alassane Ouattara. The former strongman and his aide Charles Ble Goude have been staying in an undisclosed location since their release from an official ICC detention centre late Friday. Belgian immigration office spokeswoman Dominique Ernould confirmed that Gbagbo had been granted a visa. "We have given instructions to grant him a visa... which allows him to stay for 90 days," she told AFP. The visa would allow him to register as a resident in Belgium. Such visas are only renewed in exceptional circumstances, Belgian sources said. - 'There will be surveillance' - Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said on Saturday that there had been "a request from the court to host Mr Gbagbo simply because he has family in Belgium: his second wife, a child in Brussels". "We have concluded that it is alright for him to stay in Belgium while on conditional release," he said, adding: "There will be surveillance." The delay in Gbagbo's release was because prosecutors said that he should be kept in detention pending a possible appeal against his acquittal, arguing that he would not return to the court if there was a retrial. Appeals judges rejected the prosecution argument on Friday after Belgium said it was ready to host him. The release conditions include that Belgium will guarantee that Gbagbo would go back to the ICC if required. He must also surrender his travel documents, report to authorities weekly, avoid contacting witnesses in Ivory Coast, and refrain from making public statements about the case, court documents said on Friday. The ICC's unwillingness to let Gbagbo return to Ivory Coast could be linked to that country's refusal to surrender Gbagbo's first wife, Simone, despite an outstanding ICC warrant for her arrest for her role in the violence. She was convicted and jailed by the courts there in 2015, but Ouattara granted her an amnesty last year, to allow her release after seven years in detention. Gbagbo's release comes at a particularly tense time in Ivory Coast. With presidential elections due in 2020, Ouattara has not said whether he will seek a second term, and the coalition he formed with Henri Konan Bedie, his former ally against Gbagbo, has collapsed. Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo was the first former head of state to stand trial at the ICC and had been held in the Netherlands since 2011
EU leaders will host British Prime Minister Theresa May for talks in Brussels on Thursday as the two sides seek to save their Brexit deal. Plans for Britain to leave the European Union on March 29 under a withdrawal agreement signed last year were thrown into doubt when British lawmakers rejected the accord. Brussels is now waiting for May to formally request renewed talks, while warning that the agreement itself cannot at this stage be reopened for discussion. The British leader will meet European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker before holding separate talks with European Council president Donald Tusk, the two sides said. "While the commission's position is clear, we are waiting to see what the prime minister has to say," Juncker's spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters at his daily briefing Tuesday. "A series of votes has taken place in the British parliament, upon the basis of which the prime minister will come to explain what comes next." - 'Real anxieties' - The House of Commons last month overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU over 18 months. In a subsequent vote, a majority of MPs urged her to renegotiate the most controversial part of the agreement -- the "backstop" arrangement intended to keep open the border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. May's government is now urgently looking into what changes might satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU trade rules, with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland. Speaking in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, May promised to seek a solution that keeps the Irish border open and preserves the peace agreement that ended years of sectarian violence in the British province. "I know this is a concerning time for many people here in Northern Ireland," May said, adding that prospects of last-minute negotiations "creates real anxieties here in Northern Ireland and in Ireland". "I believe there's a yearning in the hearts of all the people of these islands for a close, trusting relationship between all of us, and an absolute horror that we should take even a single step backwards in the progress we've collectively achieved," she said. May's Brussels trip will come a day after Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar holds talks with EU leaders on Wednesday. The impasse has led to heightened fears Britain could crash out of the EU, its closest trading partner, without a deal next month. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a trip to Tokyo on Tuesday: "Two months is not a long time but there is still time, and this should be used by all sides." - Legal guarantees? - The EU has repeatedly said it will not amend the backstop, but Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz suggested the bloc could agree to some form of legal assurances on how it might be used. "The worst case scenario is no-deal Brexit and in our opinion we should do what we can to avoid that, to look for some solutions, to be creative," he told reporters in Brussels on Monday. He declined to repeat his previous suggestion that the backstop could be given a five-year time limit -- something Brussels and Dublin have rejected. But he said: "Maybe you can envisage other legal guarantees without reopening the negotiations? In my opinion it is possible." British MPs who met with Juncker's right-hand man, Martin Selmayr, in Brussels on Monday said he did not rule out putting some kind of legal assurance on the backstop into the withdrawal deal. But Selmayr himself rejected this, tweeting: "On the EU side, nobody is considering this." The EU is now waiting for British Prime Minister Theresa May to formally request renewed talks, while warning that the Brexit agreement can not at this stage be reopened for discussion President of the European Union Commission Jean-Claude Juncker is to host Prime Minister May in Brussels as the two sides bid to rescue the Brexit deal The European Union, the European single market, the EU's customs unions, the Schengen Area, the Euro Zone and EFTA
Fourteen civilians were killed in a jihadist attack in northern Burkina Faso near the Mali border, the military said on Monday. The army conducted raids in three northern provinces in response and said it had "neutralised" 146 militants, according to a report that AFP could not immediately confirm from an independent source. The jihadist attack, which took place in the town of Kain in the Yatenta province bordering Mali, is one of the most serious recorded in the country and came on the eve of a G5 Sahel summit in Ouagadougou. Army spokesman Colonel Lamoussa Fofana said in a statement: "On the night of Sunday 3 to Monday, February 4, 2019 a terrorist attack in Kain left 14 civilian victims. "In response to this attack, the national defence and security forces immediately began operations in the Kain, Banh (Loroum Province, north) and Bomboro (Kossi Province, northwest) areas. "This counterattack... resulted in a land and air operation which neutralised 146 terrorists in the three areas," the statement said. A military source confirmed to AFP that the term "neutralise" meant kill. - Sahel force struggling - The army said it suffered "light casualties" but "no loss of life" during the retaliations, adding that security operations were continuing in the affected areas. Both civilians and security forces have paid a heavy price for jihadist attacks in recent years, with the death toll now standing at nearly 300 since 2015. There were three major attacks in the north alone last month: on January 10, 12 civilians were killed in the village of Gasseliki; on January 27, 10 civilians were killed in an attack on Sikire; and on January 28, four soldiers died in a massive jihadist attack in Nassoumbou. Attacks have also affected the east, and to a lesser extent, the west of the country. Ouagadougou has been hit three times since 2016, with nearly 60 lives lost. The last attack, in March 2018, hit the army headquarters in the city centre. The Kain attack came just before a summit of the five Sahel countries -- Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger -- to be held in the capital on Tuesday. The group have put together a military force to try to stem the jihadist attacks throughout the region, but the force is fighting an uphill battle. Its commander, Mauritanian General Hanena Ould Sidi, announced on Sunday that the force had staged three operations since January 15, without giving more details. Burkina Faso police are also struggling to combat the increasingly frequent and deadly jihadist attacks. Since 1 January, a state of emergency has been declared in 14 out of 45 provinces, giving additional powers to security forces. President Roch Marc Christian Kabore dismissed the army chief of staff this month and then replaced the defence and security ministers during a reshuffle. At the end of February, Burkina Faso will host the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, one of the biggest African film festivals, which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. Civilians and security forces have paid a heavy price for jihadist attacks in Burkina Faso in recent years, with the death toll now standing at nearly 300 since 2015
Its almost Chinese New Year, with February 5, denoting the beginning of the Year of the Pig, defined by the Chinese zodiac cycle.

While millions will gather to mark the occasion with the giving of gifts and the enjoying of a feast, its also a chance to consider what the sign of the Pig will mean for the year ahead.

But what is Chinese Astrology all about?

What does the Year of the Pig have in store for us all? Photo: Getty

Chinese astrology is a fascinating topic and much deeper than it looks! explains Laurent Langlais an international Feng Shui consultant who also specialises in Chinese astrology.

Like Western astrology, Chinese astrology gives each person a sign of the zodiac to each lunar year in a cycle of 12 years.

Those 12 animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig are a different form of energy we can all be born under, Laurent explains.

Your animal is determined by your date of birth and is said to reflect your strengths, weaknesses and character traits.

But have you ever wondered how bizarre it is that everyone born in a Monkey, Dog or Ox year have the same horoscope? Laurent continues.

Well they actually dont as the Chinese animal of our year of birth is only a fraction of our astrology!

According to Laurent we also have a different animal for: the month, day and time of our birth.

And on top of those, there is some energy called the 5 Elements. They are: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood.

Altogether those 4 animals and the Elements form a personal chart called the 4 Pillars of destiny, or Bazi (Bat-tzeu). There are almost 13 millions of combinations possible for the 4 Pillars, and the placement of each animal and element can accurately describe our lives, ideal career, relationships, personal timing etc.

2019 marks the Year of the Pig. Photo: Getty

But that doesnt mean that the famous sign of our year of birth doesnt offer some guidance about our overall personality.

Characteristics of The Pig

As a full cycle is 12 years, an animal sign comes back every12 years! Therefore you are born under the Pig sign if you are born in: 2007 (Fire Pig), 1995 (Wood Pig), 1983 (Water Pig), 1971 (Metal Pig), 1959 (Earth Pig) and so on

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Though only your full chart will reveal your life story, there are some general characteristics that those born in the year of the Pig might share.

The Pig has some nomadic qualities and is also a lover of life, explains Laurent. A traveller at heart, it is a sign that can take you on a real adventure.

But that hedonism doesnt come without a shadowy side and Laurent warns that those born in the year of the Pig often forget about discipline which can hold them back from fulfilling their own potential.

So what does the year have in store for those born in a year of the Pig?

A common misconception is that being in your year is good luck, Laurent explains. Actually being in the year of your sign brings a close to a 12 year cycle, and your luck becomes largely dependent on the karma you have generated during this time.

Heres what else year of the Pigs have to look forward to.

Love. If you are partnered, you could feel frustrated and more impatient and this would reflect on your relationship. If you are single, the year can help you meet someone who will mirror your own energy but youll need to step up your game, says Laurent.

Work. It is a time when you are evaluating how far you have come up so far. Some of you might be frustrated by the results (or lack off), especially if your hard work has not been acknowledged enough. The best advice this year would be to sit still however, or to train to evolve in your career.

Personal evolution. It is a great year for personal development, to delve into some form of spirituality, and to take some therapy if you need to get rid of some luggage. But for the Pig who wants to procrastinate and not better who they are, the year could be harsh.

What does the year have in store for other signs?

In the logic of Chinese astrology we can group the animals through the combination they form, or through their opposition, explains Laurent. The animals that are combining with the Pig  namely the Rabbit and the Goat  are doing well this year. The one clashing directly with it  the Snake  is not having too much fun.

The Rat ( 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

According to Laurent those born in the year of the Rat should be mindful of confusing situation in love, such as love triangle or losing the spark with their partner. The confusion can extend to your work and it is not the best time to change career, he says.

The Ox ( 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

The Ox is predicted to benefit most from this years energy and see interesting developments in all areas of their life. While the first half of the year helps them to think about their plan, the second half should give them real career opportunities, Laurent explains.

The Tiger ( 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

The Tiger is rather in luck in 2019, Laurent says. The year is favourable to new friendships and one of them might evolve into something much deeper. There is also a chance that you could move for your work, or get a position that involves travelling, he adds.

The Rabbit ( 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)

After two difficult years in a row, particularly in 2017, the Rabbit finally sees a supportive year. This sign should make more money this year, and men have higher changes to find love too.

The Dragon ( 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)

The storm has passed for the Dragon as its opposite sign, the Dog, is now out of sight. Altogether, this year is really helping you to build bridges and be part of a community, Laurent says. Go out, network, socialise and meet as much people as you can. During the second half you can travel and have meaningful experiences.

The Snake ( 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)

The Snake must be very cautious all year long. You are under attack by the energy of the year, and feel that you are losing your mojo, Laurent warns. Keep a low profile in all things and avoid risky schemes or major life changes.

The Horse ( 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)

2019 is an excellent year to undergo therapeutic work, explains Laurent. If you accept to do this work early on, you should then undergo a personal transformation during the second half, he explains. The right people and offers could come to you more naturally.

Chinese New Year is almost upon us. Photo: Getty

The Goat ( 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027)

As the Pig supports this sign, it could be a good year for those born in the year of the Goat. If you are willing to step up your game and accept to evolve, Laurent says. It can be a wonderfully playful year for travelling, spiritual discoveries, and self-exploration. Challenge yourself and dont hesitate to try new adventures.

The Monkey ( 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028)

Those born in the year of the Monkey could see 2019 as a year of two halves thanks to an unusual dynamic. The first half of the year blocks you a bit and the second half brings much movement to your life, Laurent explains. Try to identify your blockages and frustrations, work on them, and make the necessary changes from August onward.

The Rooster ( 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029)

For Roosters 2019 is a year of opportunities. The planets are lining up for you to evolve in your career, says Laurent. If you have been waiting for a promotion, this years energy is on your side. You are also very likely to address your home base with either a move or remodelling/redecorating, and will have a desire to take roots and build new foundations.

The Dog ( 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030)

For those born in the year of the Dog, 2019 will be more challenging. While your love life can remain supportive, you absolutely should avoid being confrontational at work, especially for men with a strong ego, Laurent warns. The key is to not try imposing your will, and accept what the Universe throws at your with humility.

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After nearly 70 days of hearings, pouring through more than 10,000 public submissions the banking royal commission's final report has been released. In it, Commissioner Hayne explains that one of the complicating factors is the impact of technological developments on the financial advice industry.

Hayne writes: Many in the industry have recognised that technology is likely to play an important role in the future of financial advice, but there is not yet a clear picture of what that role might be. Any recommendation directed to altering the current structure of the industry would need to grapple with the fact that the industry itself will very probably look very different in five years time.

While many are still grappling with the commissions findings, whats clear is the overwhelming theme of the report is a call for the banking sector to provide more transparency and better customer experiences. Some of Australias financial technology leaders have reacted to the report, saying technology is the key to providing a more seamless experience for consumers when it comes to financial services.

Here's what they had to say:

Aris Allegos, CEO and Founder of Moula

We welcome the release of the Hayne Royal Commissions final report and hope that the Commissions recommendations will encourage more transparency and a fairer go for Australian small business owners seeking financing. The Reserve Bank of Australia has found that more than one-fifth of businesses report that they have found it relatively difficult to access finance. According to Digital Finance Analytics 2017 SME Survey, unsecured business loan applicants now face a 74% rejection rate, up from the previous

year, where businesses had a 67% likelihood of being rejected by traditional lenders. A banking system that is characterised by transparency and ease of use will enable heightened competition with new financiers, fintech and regtech offerings entering the market to better serve consumers. As a result of the heightened spotlight on the industry, well start to see better rates, deal terms, and product experiences, which is great news for business owners and consumers. The recommendations from the Royal Commission clearly show that banks underwriting still hasnt adapted to the new lending landscape: applications involve cumbersome submissions, and documentation requirements are often prohibitive. Responsible lending plays a huge part in Moulas business model, which focuses on sustainable underwriting. Small business lenders owe it to their customers to not only streamline the process but also to practice responsible lending. This means only backing good business to ensure that small business owners receive funding that is affordable, accessible, and contributes to their sustainable long-term growth.

Story continues

Stephen Jackel, CEO of myprosperity

myprosperity welcomes the Royal Commissions report into Australias banking and financial sector as it highlights the need for financial firms to better articulate and demonstrate value in the services they provide. Financial advisers have unique expertise that many consumers rely on, and the vast majority of the ones we work with see the report as an opportunity to refocus the conversation around the on-going needs of customers. And we agree. We hope todays final report propels the industry towards more transparency and delivers better outcomes to consumers by creating a unified framework for technology, banks, and advisers to work together.

Dan Cohen and James Windon, Founders of Flare HR

Our fear coming out of the Royal Commission is that average Australians will be stuck footing the bill for the bad behaviour of the financial services industry. That bad behaviour is making people believe that they now must become more educated, make more complex choices, take more time, and spend more money, just to tread water -- let alone make any real progress. Its turning financial health into a source of stress, instead of safety. We live in a time when technology is making our lives simpler, easier, more transparent. When you can make fewer, simpler choices, and reap hugely positive outcomes. From the way you work out to the way you eat to the way you get to work. Now is not the moment to artificially devolve the financial services sector to make things move more slowly and add more layers of regulation and complexity.

Sam Riley, CEO and Co-Founder of Ansarada

Whilst the industry may be approaching the Royal Commission recommendations with a feeling of pain for the reform required, we see the outcomes as a huge gain for customers and the long term health of our banking system. The final recommendations by Commissioner Hayne challenge the financial services industry to reframe cultural alignment with customer needs and market expectations. Operational adjustments will be significant and this will, no doubt, be an iterative process to re-establish trust. To achieve this, the industry needs to adopt and embrace smart and nimble technology that will actively respond to the recommendations by surfacing market and business risks early, enabling challenges to be addressed internally before they mature and provide greater transparency for boards, the custodians of governance, to make informed decisions that are in the best interests of the organisation and its shareholders. The advantage will shift to those organisations that have tools designed for transparency that will make them confident and ready.

Peter Langham, CEO of Scottish Pacific

Treasurer Frydenberg points out that affordable access to finance is critical to the economy. The success of the SME sector is vital for the economy. Its important that the changes flagged in todays Royal Commission report dont negatively impact the flow of funding for SMEs. To keep SME funding flowing, there should be broad business and political sector support for promoting viable alternatives to the banks that are available for small business funding. Scottish Pacific has teamed with ASBFEO to work on a guide to small business lending to be widely distributed later this year, so that more business owners  and vitally, the accountants, brokers and business consultants who advise them  know where to turn to and what their options are. Ideally, we'd like the banks to hand out this guide to their business customers so that if the banks turn down a loan, the business owner knows their other options. Small business owners must be prepared to seek out alternative financiers to the banks -- there are a range of funding options already available to them if they look beyond the banks. Interest in alternatives is already increasing  Scottish Pacific saw a doubling in SME funding enquiries in December 2018, compared to the previous year. Business owners are looking to do things differently, in light of the Royal Commission. Australias cooling property market, along with more stringent lending conditions introduced due to the Royal Commission, will definitely impact SME owners who need to use their home as security for their business loan.

Mark MacLeod, founder and CEO of Roll-it Super
It centres on one of the nations founding fathers, Edward Ted Diro. Diro, the inquiry found, worked hand in glove with one of the countrys most respected lawyers, to set up an illicit scheme that signed over a lucrative forestry permit to Malaysian loggers.

Although this sordid tale of corrupt conduct at the very top took place three decades ago, the scheme exposed by Judge Barnett is a blueprint of what is now commonplace in Waigani.

The story of the Angus Group is the story of a kleptocracy taking its first steps  a nation ruled by thieves.

During his investigation, judge Barnett cast a spotlight on the Angus Group of Companies and their bid to secure the Gadaisu forestry permit area in Central Province.

PORT MORESBY - In the late 1980s judge Tos Barnett prepared what would become a classic study on forestry sector corruption  The Commission of Inquiry into Aspects of the Forestry Industry.

The plan was to rip the life out of the area, with utter disregard for the environment and local landowners. Then the most valuable logs would be exported employing a fraudulent scheme to conceal profits from the taxman, using a crooked bank in Hong Kong and British tax haven Jersey.

The spoils would be split between the PNG and Malaysian conspirators.

The then Forestry Minister, Ted Diro, used trust agreements to hide his beneficial interest in this illicit scheme. A code-word was even employed, Anthony, to ensure Ted Diros name was not explicitly mentioned in documents.

When the scheme went belly up, the PNG conspirators attempted to defraud their Malaysian partners.

A trail of environmental devastation was left, dozens of local employees lost their jobs, and landowners were left with environmental desolation and empty pockets.

The big names caught up in this scandal were summarised by Judge Barnett:

At the commencement of the inquiry I summonsed all the business records of Angus (PNG) Pty Ltd and Commission staff analysed them most carefully.

The documents studied supported the rumours and indicated very serious misconduct by Mr ER Diro, the former Minister for Forests who at the commencement of the Inquiry was Minister for Foreign Affairs and leader of the Peoples Action Party.

They also showed that the former Governor General, Sir Tore Lokolo, was involved as Chairman of Angus, that Mr Gerard Kassman, former President of the PNG Law Society had played a significant role, that Mr Oscar Mamalai, then Secretary of the Department of Forests, had questions to answer and that some notable foreigners would be implicated in the Inquiry.

Corrupt politicians, fixers drawn from the upper echelons of the legal community, complicit civil servants, the manipulative arm of foreign businessmen, and trashed resources, it is a story that has been written a thousand times since, with new names and new actors, but the same plot line. Rarely though, if ever, is the story told with the vivid detail gathered by judge Barnett.

So in honour of this treasure trove of materials that trace the birth of todays kleptocratic regime, PNGi retells Barnetts surgical inquiry into the Gadaisu forestry permit. Only by understanding how we arrived at our current destination, can we change the nations future direction.

______

Ted Diro and the Gadaisu forestry permit, is the story of PNGs infant kleptocracy taking its first steps.

And like with any first step there was a stumble. Where Diro failed, his successors would succeed.

What Judge Barnett documented was the blueprint for this success.

It begins with utter disregard for the people of PNG, the environment, the Constitution, Leadership Code and Criminal Code. The only loyalty in kleptocracy is to money.

Link here for the full story of how Papua New Guinea became a kleptocracy.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, representative of the Armenian Church at the Vatican and Shahe Ananyan, Director of the Inter-Church relations Department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin met with Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara on February 4. Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul, Archbishop Aram Ateshian was also present at the meeting, ARMENPRESS reports, Agos periodical informs.

The issue of the election of the Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul was discussed at the meeting. The statement issued by the Patriarchate notes that a sincere dialogue took place during the meeting that lasted an hour, during which Mevlut Cavusoglu said that the state is interested in the issue of the elections of the Patriarch and follows the developments. He also said that ite necessary to be patient for reaching a solution.

Speaking about the meeting, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian said, The minister received us very warmly and I made it clear that my goal is not interfering from outside, but expressing our concerns and understanding the ways we can be useful. The minister said that he also understands that its a problem and noted that the state also wants the Patriarchal elections to take place, but ite necessary to wait a little for that.

Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul Mesrop Mutafian cannot fulfill his duties due to illness.

The Istanbul Governorate has not recognized the election of Archbishop Garegin Bekchian, as locum tenens of the Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan accompanied by defense minister Karen Abrahamyan and other officials visited various sectors of the republic's eastern borderline and got acquainted on site with the course of military service and current situation.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of Artsakh Presidents Office, on the same day the President visited the Talish village of the Martakert region and convened a working consultation around the issues related to the restoration of the settlement.

Bako Sahakyan gave concrete instructions to the heads of the concerned structures towards proper solution of the issues under discussion highlighting the significance of the Talish restoration program for our country.

Defense minister Karen Abrahamyan, minister of municipal engineering Karen Shahramanyan and other officials participated in the consultation.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Armenia will have an embassy at the State of Qatar, ARMENPRESS reports the issue of opening an embassy in Qatar is included in the agenda of February 6 meeting of the Cabinet.

The residence of the Ambassador will be in Doha.

The maintenance expenses of the embassy will amount to nearly 93.7 million AMD annually. Qatar is ready to pay 53.5 million of the total sum for 3 years. The remaining 40.2 million AMD funding will come from the state budget.

Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the State of Qatar were established in 1997. In 2014 Gegham Gharibjanyan was appointed Armenian Ambassador to the State of Qatar, who is also Armenia's ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. The German government is interested in the recent democratic, real and institutional changes in Armenia, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said in an interview to the Russian service of Deutsche Welle, reports Armenpress.

Commenting on his recent official visit to Germany and the outcomes of the meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel, the Armenian PM said: I consider the main outcome the concrete agreements existing in Armenia in connection with the German investments. We agreed that the EU and Germany will support the agenda of our reforms. The German government is interested in the recent democratic, real and institutional changes in Armenia.

The PM said Armenia develops multilateral relations. We are developing our relations at all directions. As I said, the European Union supports our democratic reforms. Its important that the EU doesnt put an issue before us to make a choice between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the European Union, we do not have such problem, Pashinyan said, stating that Armenia chairs at the EAEU.

Our relations both with the EU and the EAEU are exclusively transparent for all our partners. We are not going to develop our relations with one partner against another. There is absolute clarity and transparency here, the PM stated.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
Scientist at work: Exploring submarine volcanoes

A UF distinguished professor of Geology is one of the few geologists who work and study volcanoes on mid-ocean ridges. In total, Michael Perfit has spent nearly 10 days on the bottom of the ocean as an aquanaut.

Staring up into the night sky as a kid and wondering what was out there started my journey to a career that involves diving in a cramped submersible vessel into the darkness of the deep sea to see whats there.

By the time I was 15 years old, I discovered I was already too big to fit in those small early space capsules as an astronaut. My focus shifted toward inner space, thanks to Jacques Cousteaus documentaries, detailed maps of the seafloor and historic dives to the deepest parts of the ocean in submersibles.

In college, I was introduced to the wonders of geology and how the spreading seafloor was one of the keys to understanding the newly developing theory of plate tectonics. I was hooked.

After obtaining my Ph.D., my grad school colleague Dan Fornari connected me with scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who were using the HOV (Human Occupied Vehicle) Alvin to study the geology of the Galapagos Rift  a spreading ridge where deep sea hydrothermal vents and animal communities were first discovered in the late 1970s. They needed a hard-rock geologist with a marine geology background to collaborate with them  and I was thrilled to join their expedition leaving from Acapulco. A plate tectonic event nearly stopped me from joining the cruise when the 1985 Mexico City earthquake delayed my flight for hours.

My first Alvin dive into the active volcanic rift was nearly beyond description: frightening, exhilarating, fascinating, tiring and the most exciting event in my life to that point. Although pre-cruise training by the Alvin pilots is very thorough, the fear of the unknown lingered until the hatch was shut and we were lowered into the water.

What will I see? How dangerous is this really? Will the sealed sphere really protect me from the crushing pressure at depth? What is it like to be in such a small space with two other people for eight hours? Will I remember all that I am supposed to do? Do I dare drink the coffee provided? To my amazement, we were heading back to the surface before I knew it  my adrenaline level still high.

That cruise and the results that came from the successful research marked the beginning of my career as one of the few geologists who work and study volcanoes on mid-ocean ridges. Since that dive series in 1985, Ive had around 40 dives in Alvin to depths of nearly 13,000 feet  until recently close to the limit of Alvins capabilities. Since each dive typically spends six hours on the bottom, I have spent a total of about 10 days on the bottom of the ocean  as an aquanaut.

Preparing to dive into the deep

My typical dive preparation actually starts in the planning stages of a cruise soon after an expedition is funded and a specific oceanographic ship is scheduled. The research vessel Atlantis is specially outfitted to host Alvin and operate multiple deep submergence vehicles during a single dive. Most cruises last about a month, with around 20 to 25 dives planned in advance. A few days before each dive, researchers study maps of the dive area, discussing sites for specific sampling and measurements.

The night before the dive, scientists each prepare a bag (generally a pillow case) full of the clothing and recording materials theyll need. This typically includes a warm hat, pants, sweater and extra socks to put on while on the bottom because the sub rapidly gets cold and damp in the near-freezing seawater at depth. I try to get a good nights rest because a typical eight-hour dive can be mentally and physically exhausting.

I generally dont eat or drink much on the morning of a dive and spend some time stretching before I have to squeeze myself into the ball, as the interior of the sphere is called. By 8 a.m., Alvin has been checked out, wheeled into off-loading position and is ready for the three aquanauts to slip down into the hatch and settle into position.

The pilot sits upright in the middle of the ball, while my colleague and I are tucked on either side under racks of electronics in a semi-prone position. Theres not enough room to fully extend my legs in this position. The heavy hatch above us is closed and sealed air and water tight to maintain atmospheric pressure throughout the dive  no turning back now.

The pilot flicks on carbon dioxide scrubbers that recycle the air we breathe for the entire dive and adjusts the regulator that slowly leaks extra oxygen into the sphere. At just under 6 feet tall, I can just stand upright behind where the pilot sits, but there is only room for one. Other than to stretch my legs, most of the time I am on my knees looking out of the forward or side portholes or scribbling notes on sample sheets.

Alvin lurches back and forth as its lifted off the deck and swung out over the ocean to be launched. Then theres the comforting sound and feel of our entry into the ocean as seawater starts to cover the five small circular windows. I can see the skin divers swimming around the sub, checking to make sure our equipment is still in place while they undo the recovery line to the ship.

After running through a number of equipment and safety tests, we get the OK to begin our slow descent  descending at about 110 feet a minute, it will take over an hour to reach 8,000 feet. Bright light from the surface reflects off millions of small bubbles streaming around Alvin as we release some air to help us sink. Fairly quickly the sounds of the ship fade and the rocking from surface waves stops. Compared to all the motion and noise on the Atlantis, the interior of Alvin is pleasantly quiet and calm except for the hum of the air scrubbers and some music, picked by the pilot, playing in the background.

As we steadily drift to the bottom, the light outside quickly starts to fade, becoming greenish at first, then slowly very dark blue. Tiny red reading lights illuminate the interior of the sphere. We keep Alvins external lights off to save the battery power needed for propelling us on the bottom. After 10 minutes, deeper than 600 feet, its almost lightless and hundreds of glowing bioluminescent organisms stream past the portholes. This magical light show reminds me of the night sky I gazed at in my youth.

A half hour goes by and around 3,300 feet we are in the midnight zone where no light penetrates and the shimmering blue-green phosphorescence seems even brighter and more dramatic. By this time, Im feeling comfortable but anxious to get to work on the seafloor, trying to anticipate what we might see.

Science on the seafloor

Approaching the seafloor, Alvins external lights turn on and we scout to let the pilot know when we see the bottom. For me, this is one of the most exciting and awe-inspiring parts of a dive because one never knows what will be there. Very slowly the lava- and sediment-covered floor of the ocean begins to appear as if out of a fog into the headlights.

On most of my dives, we land away from the volcanically and hydrothermally active rift zone for safety reasons. These areas typically are covered with different types of lava flows  pillows, lobates and sheet flows dusted by sediment. Nearer the rift axis, areas where lava lakes filled, overflowed, and then drained and collapsed are common. Some areas have hundred-foot-high mounds of pillow lavas that have oozed out of vents or sheer walls hundreds of feet tall that have been thrust upward by tectonic forces.

In some of the most volcanically active areas, Ive found white, cotton-like organic mats covering the black lava flows that are formed by microbes living in the warm subsurface. Sometimes pieces of them are blown upward by streams of hot water flowing out of cracks and pits in the lavas. Ive seen hydrothermal vents emitting black, sulfur-rich smoke, typically surrounded by communities of tubeworms, crabs, clams, mussels, shrimp and unusual fish  creatures that can survive this extreme environment thousands of feet below the surface.

For six hours on the bottom, I direct the pilot where to go and what to sample or measure using Alvins two remarkably agile yet strong hydraulic arms. Multiple digital still and video cameras mounted on Alvins external frame record our journey along the seafloor while mini voice recorders and handwritten notes document our observations. Time goes by quickly and rarely do we get everything we planned done before the pilot notes our batteries are running low and drops hundreds of pounds of iron weights to start us on our hourlong transit to the surface.

Even with our extra clothes on, it gets quite cold by the end of a dive so the extra blankets come out and I typically settle in with one of our packed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The glow of light announces our approach to the surface and I always hope the seas have remained calm or else we will experience some uncomfortable bobbing around while waiting for Alvin to be recovered.

Once on board Atlantis and the hatch is opened, its a relief to fill my lungs with warm, fresh air and be able to stretch my legs again. Watching the recovery, congratulating the divers, particularly new divers, and checking out the samples we recovered is an evening event for the scientists.

Its been more than 45 years Ive been researching the geologic features of the seafloor and Im still excited about taking dives in Alvin. Were still sampling, photographing, filming and observing, trying to answer questions about how over 60 percent of Earths crust is formed. How do submarine volcanoes erupt and what are they made of? Where and why do deep sea geysers  also known as hydrothermal vents  spewing 750 degree fluids form? And how does life thrive in these inhospitable environments?

Even though there are many unmanned robotic subs that can dive to deeper depths for longer periods of time, what scientists see on shipboard video screens from remotely operated vehicles cannot compare to actually being on the bottom and seeing it in three dimensions.

Michael Perfit, Distinguished Professor of Geology, University of Florida

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Georgian authorities have extradited two murder suspects to Armenia in pursuance of a request from the General Prosecution.

Armen Karadavidov and Albert Blbulyan were declared wanted by Armenian police in suspicion of a fatal shootout in September of 2017 in downtown Yerevan. One man was killed and another was wounded as the two men opened gunfire from a handgun and an assault rifle outside the Tufenkian hotel in downtown Yerevan.

The suspects were hiding in Georgia and were apprehended by local police in pursuance of an arrest warrant one month after the shooting.

Another suspect, R. Khachatryan, was arrested in Armenia days after the shooting.

All three suspects are charged with murder.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, 5 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 5 February, USD exchange rate up by 0.21 drams to 487.65 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.88 drams to 556.90 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.02 drams to 7.45 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 1.82 drams to 634.87 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 93.79 drams to 20572.29 drams. Silver price down by 4.05 drams to 246.85 drams. Platinum price down by 135.54 drams to 12793.5 drams.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Embassy in the Kingdom of Denmark will merge into the Embassy in Sweden, foreign ministry spokeswoman Anna Naghdalyan told reporters during todays briefing, reports Armenpress.

Certain reforms are being carried out aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the diplomatic activity. This includes also the optimization of Armenias diplomatic representations. And in this regard it is necessary to consider the merger of the Embassy in Denmark into the Embassy in Sweden, she said.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. The Government of Armenia will submit its Action Plan for parliamentary debates on February 6, Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan said during a meeting with EBRD officials.

Avinyan added that the Governments Action Plan is based on inclusive growth, increasing economic competition and encouraging exports.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Armenian foreign minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan will depart for Tallinn on an official visit on February 7-8, foreign ministry spokeswoman Anna Naghdalyan told reporters during todays briefing, reports Armenpress.

During the visit the minister will meet with the countrys prime minister, foreign minister and speaker of parliament. He is also scheduled to meet with the representatives of leading IT companies, Naghdalyan said.

The MFA spokeswoman also stated that the FM will also participate in the 6th annual Tallinn Conference on the Eastern Partnership as a speaker.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government will hold a session on February 6, the PMs Office told Armenpress.

The session will begin at 11:00.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Embassy in Russia is actively working to solve the issue of Russias blocking access to websites of certain Armenia-based news media outlets in the country, foreign ministry spokesperson Anna Naghdalyan said at a news conference.

We are aware of the nature of the problem, and the Armenian Embassy in Russia maintains daily contact with local authorities in the direction of solving the issue, and as far as I know as of today the problem has been partially solved regarding several websites. This also contains some technical nature, and steps are taken to eliminate them, she said.

Naghdalyan urged media outlets experiencing similar problems to contact the foreign ministry.

The remarks came after a reporter noted that access to the website of AYSOR is blocked in Russia.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian foreign ministry is planning to raise the issue of Israels UAV supply to Azerbaijan in different bilateral and multilateral platforms, foreign ministry spokesperson Anna Naghdalyan told a news conference today.

The regional arms race issue has always been on our agenda, and we have and will continue raising about this issue, both during bilateral meetings and in multilateral arenas. This issue will be no exception, she said.

According to her, international partners must be reminded that arms race in our region is highly dangerous.

The Israeli Defense Ministry has reinstated the export license of Aeronautics Ltd.  a defense company suspected of testing one of its suicide drones against the Armenian military for Azerbaijan in violation of Israeli law, allowing it to once again sell the unmanned suicide aircraft. The incident took place when the company officials were in Azerbaijan to finalize a contract for the sale of its Orbiter 1K UAV when they were asked to strike the Armenian military position in 2017.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Parliament Ararat Mirzoyan on February 5 received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Armenia Jun Yamada, the Armenian Parliament told Armenpress.

At the meeting Speaker Mirzoyan stated that since the establishment of diplomatic ties the relations of Armenia and Japan are steadily and dynamically developing. He noted that the opening of the Embassies in Tokyo in 2010 and Yerevan in 2015 gave new impetus to the strengthening of the bilateral ties.

The Speaker also touched upon the development of the parliamentary relations and in this context stated that a parliamentary friendship group is being formed at the moment, numerous MPs of the Armenian Parliament are interested in friendship with Japan.

The Speaker of Parliament expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for the assistance provided and programs implemented in various sectors.

In his turn the Japanese Ambassador highly valued the parliamentary relations between the two countries in the recent years.

Jun Yamada was interested in the ratification process of the agreement between Armenia and Japan on liberalization, promotion and mutual protection of investments by the Armenian Parliament, and in response Speaker Mirzoyan expressed hope that the Parliament will discuss the agreement as soon as possible.

The officials also thoroughly discussed numerous issues relating to boosting the Armenian-Japanese joint agenda, exchanged views on the necessary steps aimed at expanding the cooperation in different formats.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijans rhetoric doesnt contribute to the development of a favorable atmosphere for peace, Armenian foreign ministry spokesperson Anna Naghdalyan said at a news conference today, addressing a statement from Azerbaijan on the withdrawal of Armenian forces from Azerbaijani lands being the key issue of the NK conflict settlement.

The foreign minister has addressed a similar statement of Azerbaijan, expressing regret. There is nothing new in the Azerbaijani statements. Similar rhetoric doesnt anyhow contribute to the development of a favorable atmosphere for peace. It is here that we must carry out relevant work by presenting our public with our principled stance, something we are ready to do regularly, she said.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. The dates for Sevan Startup Summit are already announced. Tent camp business forum will be held from 28th of July to 4th of August, reports Armenpress.

Over 1000 entrepreneurs and business experts will gather at the shore of lake Sevan, Armenia.

The aim of the Summit is to encourage innovative ideas as well as create a unique non-formal environment for the main stakeholders of the business world. During the 7 days of the Summit the participants get a chance to take part in various workshops and discussions with influential and successful founders and business people. This year also the founders of successful startups will be invited to Armenia in order to share their experience and success stories with young entrepreneurs. Its expected to host over 100 business experts and mentors.

The prize fund of Sevan Startup Summit 2019 will reach $100,000 which will be distributed between the winners of the pitching sessions. Over 10 venture funds will have their representatives in the Summit and representatives of famous international acceleration programs will attend the event.

Vahagn Raptan, the CEO at Seaside Startup Summit, has mentioned: The Summit has already become one of the most awaited startup events not only in Armenia, but in international level. We try to engage more and more influential investment funds and successful entrepreneurs year by year. Im proud to announce that this year besides the prize fund, also the guaranteed $100,000 investment fund will be provided by Seaside Startup Holdings.

For the first time the Summit was held in 2016 in Armenia and by now over 2000 entrepreneurs and startup founders took part in the Summit. The prize fund exceeds $150,000 and the investments of over $1,000,000 have been committed there. In 2018 the Summit was held 3 times: in United Arab Emirates, India and Armenia.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Editor of the Azerbaijani Turan news agency Shahin Hajiyev and a group of reporters arrived in Armenia to conduct a professional activity, Armenian foreign ministry spokesperson Anna Naghdalyan told reporters during todays briefing, reports Armenpress.

They have submitted an application to the Armenian foreign ministry. After passing through all procedures, like you do, their application has been approved, and Hajiyev and a group of reporters of the agency have arrived in Armenia. The visit exclusively aims at conducting a journalist activity. This is a natural process for us because dozens of journalists apply to the ministry daily for accreditation, she said.

The Armenian MFA spokeswoman noted that the Armenian side never creates obstacles for limiting the activity of journalists.

Earlier Armenian presidents advisor Tevan Poghosyan wrote on Facebook: I just gave an interview to the reporter of the Azerbaijani Turan news agency Shahin Hajiyev who currently is in Yerevan. I hope there will be no distortion of words and thought as he promised.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers will participate in the Munich Security Conference in Germany from February 16 to 18, Armenian foreign ministry spokeswoman Anna Naghdalyan told reporters during todays briefing, reports Armenpress.

She added that the foreign ministry will provide information about the meeting of the two ministers in Munich in coordination with the Azerbaijani side.

The foreign minister will attend the Munich Security Conference. As far as we know, the Azerbaijani FM has also confirmed his participation. We always provide information in a coordinated way when there is an agreement on the meeting between the two FMs. We have always maintained this principle, and if there is such an agreement, we will not violate that principle, she said.

Armenian foreign minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and foreign minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov met in Paris on January 16 under the mediation and participation of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will visit Iran in the end of February, according to foreign ministry spokesperson Anna Naghdalyan.

I cant disclose certain issues regarding the agenda yet, but during the visit the entire spectrum of the bilateral agenda that is characteristic to two countries having friendly relations will be addressed, she said at a news conference today.

She said the government will provide further details about the visit soon.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. The Germania airline has filed for bankruptcy, announcing cancellation of all flights, including Berlin-Yerevan direct flights, Armenias Zvartnots International Airport told Armenpress.

The company is facing financial difficulties, therefore, it suspends all flights.

The Zvartnots International Airport urges its passengers to contact with the office of the Germania airline in Armenia for all questions.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Parliament Ararat Mirzoyan today received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Egypt to Armenia Bahaa El Din Bahgat Dessouki, the Parliament told Armenpress.

Speaker Mirzoyan said the Armenian-Egyptian relations are based on firm historic-cultural and traditional ties between the two friendly peoples and expressed confidence that it would be possible to raise these relations to a qualitatively new level through joint efforts.

The Speaker highlighted strengthening the inter-parliamentary cooperation and expressed hope that the ties between these two countries will enter a new stage at this platform.

Ararat Mirzoyan said the development of relations with the Arab world is one of the priorities of Armenias foreign policy, and Armenia highlights intensifying the partnership with Egypt at all sectors.

Commenting on the activity of the Egyptian-Armenian community, the Speaker said Armenians found shelters in Egypt at different times and have their unique place in that countrys development and prosperity process.

In his turn the Egyptian Ambassador also attached importance to the development of productive cooperation in different sectors, stating that he will do the utmost to expand and the deepen the relations during his tenure.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan received the delegation of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) led by Managing Director for Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, Matteo Patrone, the Armenian government told Armenpress.

Deputy PM Grigoryan welcomed the guests and highlighted the development of cooperation with a partner like EBRD. He welcomed the ongoing EBRD programs in particular in the private sector.

In his turn the EBRD official thanked for the reception and appreciation and presented the main directions which can expand the cooperation with Armenia.

At the meeting the sides exchanged views on the priorities of the EBRD-Armenia partnership medium-term cooperation program. They both attached importance to the implementation of programs in infrastructure development, energy efficiency and energy saving sectors. The officials also discussed the possibility of implementing capital market development programs in Armenia by the EBRD support which will greatly contribute to the development of favorable investment environment.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Minister of Education and Science Arayik Harutyunyan has held a meeting with Russias Ambassador Sergei Kopyrkin and Yerevan-based Russian Science and Culture Center (RosSotrudnichestvo) director Sergei Ribinskiy.

During the meeting the sides discussed prospects for deepening Armenian-Russian partnership in education and science, according to a press release of the ministry.

Harutyunyan attached importance to the constructive cooperation in education within the framework of the Armenia-Russia inter-governmental commission, expressing hope that the upcoming Moscow sitting of the commission will boost the development of relations in the educational sector. Ribinskiy praised the current level of the Armenian-Russian cooperation and expressed readiness to continue effective partnership in the field of education and science.

The officials also discussed a number of issues related to the activities of classrooms teaching Russian language in Armenia. In this context, at the request of the ambassador minister Harutyunyan touched upon the single examination of Armenian language, emphasizing that due to peculiarities of teaching Armenian language a certain timeframe is defined for foreign students.

The joint competition of the Armenian ministry and the Russian Science and Culture Center for the 2019-2020 academic year for students seeking to enroll at Russian higher educational institutions was also discussed.

In this context, the Russian side also expressed readiness to allocate certain seats in Russian universities also for training of Russian language and literature teachers of Armenian public education institutions.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. A brand new EP2D electric multiple-unit (EMU) has been delivered to Armenia. The train has been acquired within the framework of the South Caucasian Railway CJSC investment project.

The company said in a press release that the train will be commissioned after technical works.

The train will operate an express Yerevan-Gyumri-Yerevan route. The route is already being operated by a similar new EMU.

The agreement on acquiring the train was reached during a meeting between Armenias Minister of Transportation, Communication and IT Hakob Arshakyan, Russias Minister of Transportation Evgeny Ditrikh and RE deputy CEO Alexander Misharin in 2018.

In 2018 alone South Caucasian Railway made 5,6 million dollars in investments for development of infrastructure, and an additional 6,6 million dollars for modernizing its fleet.

Investments in the companys fleet in 10 years have exceeded 60 million dollars.

In 2018, more than 53,000 passengers used the Yerevan-Batumi-Yerevan train  a record high indicator in the last ten years.

A record high number of passengers used the Yerevan-Gyumri-Yerevan train in 2018 as well: 203,000.

The express train offers a 2 hours and 10 minute ride to Gyumri from the Armenian capital, and the ticket costs only 2500 drams.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Freedom House has released the Freedom in the World report where Armenia is included in the list of the countries that recorded significant progress in democracy during 2018, reports Armenpress.

The report says last year numerous citizens in Armenia went out to the streets protesting against the leadership of that time. It says the mass protests led to the resignation of Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan and the rise of opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan to the premiership.

Pashinyans My Step alliance decisively won snap parliamentary elections in December, clearing the way for systemic reforms. After snap elections in December, a new reformist majority in the parliament has pledged to promote transparency and accountability for corruption and abuse of office, the report notes.

Among the countries that recorded progress in terms of democracy in 2018 are Angola, Ecuador, Ethiopia and Malaysia.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
Acclaimed novelist and new Emory professor Tayari Jones, author of the New York Times best-seller An American Marriage, offers a free, public reading on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 6:30 p.m. in Cox Hall Ballroom.

With the spring semester in full swing, more than 30 literary, music, visual arts, dance, and film events are on the Emory calendar this month.

Here are some of the highlights of February events. View the full Emory Arts Calendar.

Film

The Department of Film and Media Studies continues its spring Film Cinematheque Series, Glorious Color!, Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in 208 White Hall with A Matter of Life and Death, An American in Paris, All That Heaven Allows, and a special screening of a Rare IB Technicolor Print.

Music

February begins with Emory Jazz Fest. Vanessa Rubin, jazz vocalist, joins the Gary Motley Trio on Friday, Feb. 8, at 8 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 9, at 8 p.m. the Emory Big Band showcases the best in jazz repertoire for Big Band Night.

The Czech National Symphony Orchestra performs an evening of Czech music accompanied by mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard on Friday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. This event is part of the 2018-2019 Candler Concert Series.

The Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta brings two events to Emory this month. On Saturday, Feb. 16, at 8 p.m., ECMSA: Jazz Meets Classics  Impressions and Reflections explores the relationships among the music of Debussy, Ravel and original jazz. Then, violinist Kate Ransom and pianist William Ransom bring their sibling duo talents to the stage on Friday, Feb. 22, at noon in ECMSA: Ransom Notes.

All events mentioned take place in the Emerson Concert Hall.

Dance

With Duets, Duets, Duets! Catellier Dance Projects! brings coupledom to Emory, using the duet to reveal intimate portraits of relationships through dance on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 1 and 2, at 7:30 p.m.

The romantic art of the duet returns later in February with another piece apart. This duet between dancers Jennifer Nugent and Paul Matteson rests in silence and reflects on a history of fractured togetherness and a shared love to blur boundaries between bodies in space. Performances occur on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m.

All dance events take place in the Dance Studio of the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts.

Creative Writing and Literary Events

New Creative Writing faculty member Tayari Jones reads from her celebrated work with a reception and book signing to follow on Tuesday, Feb. 19. at 6:30 p.m. in the Cox Hall Ballroom.

Richard Blanco, who gained recognition after reading his poem One Today at the second inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2013, will present his work on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 4 p.m. at Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts.

Museum Events

AntiquiTEA features free afternoons of tea, scones and history. On Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 4 p.m., Curator of African Art Amanda Hellman discusses Egungun, one of the most dynamic masquerades performed by the Yoruba of southwest Nigeria.

A series of print making events with visiting artist Tom Huck round out February activities at the Carlos Museum. Tom Huck: Meet the Artist offers an opportunity to talk, drink, and snack with Huck at Peoples Barbecue on Saturday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. Emory students are invited to participate in a collaborative print making project  carving a wooden block from one of Hucks drawings and handprinting the image on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 1 p.m. in the Michael C. Carlos Museum.

Wrap up February with the latest installment of the JWJI Public Dialogues in Race and Difference Series for a Black Masculinities Panel Discussion. This event takes place in the Michael C. Carlos Museum, and the DO or DIE: Affect, Ritual, Resistance exhibition by artist Fahamu Pecou will be open for viewing until the panel discussion begins at 6 p.m.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. The Israeli defense ministry has allowed Aeronautics Ltd., an aircraft manufacturer, to again sell the unmanned aerial vehicles to Azerbaijan, The Times of Israel reports.

In August 2017, reports emerged that the company was suspected of using the Orbiter 1K kamikaze drone to attack Armenian forces in Nagorno Karabakh during a demonstration for Azerbaijani officials. The Israeli defense ministry launched an investigation, but last week the Ministry said that it had decided to revoke the export licenses of the company officials.

Aeronautics announced that the export licenses of three senior officials  CEO Amos Matan, deputy CEO Meir Rizmovitch and a third, unnamed, employee  were to be suspended by the Defense Ministry beginning in April.

On Monday, the company informed the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange that the ban on sales of its Orbiter 1K kamikaze drone to its central customer A' had ended. The Defense Ministry announced to the company that the suspension of its license was immediately canceled. The company can continue to supply the UAV to the aforementioned customer as soon as possible, Aeronautics wrote.

The company also said the CEO, deputy CEO and third official were indeed being removed from the companys export license beginning on April 3.

This temporary suspension will remain in place until a decision is made to file or not file an indictment against the employees. Once the aforementioned decision is made, the temporary suspension will be reconsidered, Aeronautics said.

Israels defense ministry probed allegation according to which Azerbaijan asked Aeronautics Defense Systems to demonstrate drone on Armenian military positions.The defense ministry recently received a complaint alleging that after a team from Aeronautics Defense Systems came to Azerbaijan seeking to finalize a contract for the sale of company's Orbiter 1K unmanned aircraft, they were asked to deploy the aircraft, armed with explosives, on a military position of the Armenian army.

The existence of the complaint was reported on August 13 by the Israeli daily paper Maariv.

The company, however, denies the allegation that its staff conducted such a mission, stating that the company never carries out demonstrations on live targets, and that was true in this case as well.

According to Maariv, the two Israeli operators of the craft refused to hit the Armenian position, and after remaining firm in their refusal even after the Azerbaijani threats directed against them, senior representatives of the company armed and operated the unmanned aircraft themselves. Ultimately the drones are said to have missed their targets, and no damage was caused, but according to the complaint, one of them struck at a distance of about 100 meters (330 feet) from the position.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. The ministry of emergency situations informs that on February 5, as of 09:00, some roads are closed and difficult to pass in Armenia.

The ministry told Armenpress that the Vardenyats Pass is closed for trailer trucks and is difficult to pass for passenger cars due to snowstorm.

Sotk-Karvachar highway is difficult to pass, is covered with clear ice.

The ministry urges drivers to use winter tires.

The Georgian authorities inform that the Stepantsminda-Lars highway is open for all types of vehicles.



Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan




YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. The number of visitors to the Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran Institute of Ancient Manuscripts in Yerevan is growing every year, according to Director of the repository Vahan Ter-Ghevondyan.

Ter-Ghevondyan told ARMENPRESS that 112,000 people visited the museum in 2018  4,000 more than in 2017. According to him the geography of the visits is also growing.

And in our branch in Artsakh weve had more than 15,000 visitors in 2018. We are satisfied with the results in terms of visits. Visits from China, Korea and the Philippines have increased. In the past we didnt have, or had very few visitors from these countries. Germans and Italians are active, Russia has a big place among visitors. They come both in groups and individually. A rather great number of visits took place during the La Francophonie days. We organized the Armenia-France Relations of Centuries exhibition, a booklet dedicated to it, and an illustration book dedicated to miniature painting was published, he said.

Matenadaran has guides fluent in different foreign languages - Russian, English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. And occasionally experts fluent in Iranian, Arabic, Polish and Hungarian are also involved.

During the years, many high-ranking visiting officials have been in Matenadaran during their stay in Armenia. 2018 was an active year in this regard.

Curator Aida Charkhchyan says the high-level visitors included Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, King of Belgium Philippe and his family and others.

The visit of the Belgian royal family was unexpected, the curator says. Usually we are notified in advance on visiting delegations, but in this case they came all of a sudden. Since the visit was a private one, we found out only a few minutes before they arrived. I have to say that they were very impressed, the Matenadaran curator said.

During the October 2018 La Francophonie Summit in Yerevan, Matenadaran was also a top-choice for official delegations. Many first ladies of visiting heads of state visited the museum. Delegations visited the institute during the Eurasian Week Forum also.

In case of official visits we prepare in advance, we clarify the specify the required language for the guide, and timing, i.e. how long they will stay. In terms of the exhibition, we dont make changes there. We present the exhibits that are on display at the moment, Charkhchyan said.

After visiting Matenadaran, visitors sign a guest book upon leaving, and the curator says that during the several decades that she is working at the institute everyone is leaving it full of admiration.

High ranking visits to Matenadaran include  Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi in 1976, Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev in 1970, Charles, Prince of Wales in 2013 and others.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
Gobierno peruano expresa su felicitacion a Nayib Bukele por su eleccion como Presidente de El Salvador.

?https://t.co/oQu1SWmZV4 pic.twitter.com/LJNcKVF7JB
14:08 | Texas (U.S.), Feb. 5.





Arrangements are being made to send it home, as part of Peru's efforts to repatriate its cultural heritage.





According to the U.S. institution, the mummy of Aymara origin is presumed to be approximately 2,000 years old.





The General Consulate in Houston arranged the return of such an important cultural asset as soon as the Peruvian Embassy in Washington D.C. contacted the museum.





The body was brought to Corpus Christi from the American Museum of Natural History in New York City back in the 1960s and was on display for a few decades since then.





A technical report by the Culture Ministry of Peru confirmed the mummy's authenticity and concluded it comes from the country's southern highlands.





The centuries-old mummified remains will finally make their way home on February 7.





(END) NDP/DTK/RMB

The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History , located in the U.S. state of Texas, has handed over a Peruvian mummy to the Inca country's General Consulate in Houston, so it can be returned to its rightful place.Published: 2/5/2019
Kelvin Mwangi is without a doubt one of the biggest breakout stars in the Kenyan comedy scene. The usually soft-spoken actor found his niche by playing a socialites character, Shaniqwa, something that his director advised him to try.

Shaniqwa is now one of the most popular characters in the industry, all thanks to Kelvin Mwangis bravery to take on such a controversial character.

Over the years, Shaniqwa has become a popular social media figure whose personal life is now of interest to hundreds of thousands of people.

Kevin has been dating one Naomi Jemutai who has just delivered the couples firstborn child, named Khangi.

On his Instagram page on Monday, Kelvin broke the news to his over 370,000 followers, writing: Newest DAD in town!!!! #thankyouLord #BABAKHANGI.

Shaniqwa and Jemutai join a host of Kenyan celebrities who have given birth in the last 6 months, including Janet Mbugua, Lillian Muli, Faith Muturi, Lulu Hassan, and Ripser Faith.
Apparently, Raphael Tuju had never worn underwear in his life until he joined the Starehe Boys Centre for his high school education.

Speaking at an event to mark the schools 60th year anniversary, Tuju disclosed that his first pair of underwear was courtesy of Starehe Boys founder Dr Geoffrey William Griffin.

I had never worn innerwears until I came to Starehe. I came here bareI was a miserable poor little boy when I came here and my first innerwear was given to me by Dr Griffin, Tuju told the amused students last Friday.

What are you clapping for? Are you clapping for innerwear or are you laughing at me? he asked the boys as quoted by Nairobi News.

The Secretary-General of the Jubilee Party went to state that: Ill never ever underestimate the contribution that Starehe Boys has had in my life.

Tuju, who went to Majiwa and Nakuru West Primary Schools before joining secondary school, reportedly disclosed that he walked from Nakuru to Starehe where he met Dr Griffin to ask him for a vacancy at the school.

The Cabinet Secretary said he was turned away initially but was later re-considered for a scholarship at the school.

Griffins saw potential in us. All we needed was the opportunity and he gave us that, added Tuju.
Moses Kuria will be in the Presidential ballot in 2022, the Gatundu South Member of Parliament (MP) has said.

Speaking during an interview on Hot 96 breakfast show, the controversial legislator said he was confident he would win in a contest against perceived front-runner DP William Ruto.

According to the firebrand politician, he is the third most famous person in the country.

Kuria said in the event that he trounces the DP for the Jubilee Party presidential ticket, he would make Ruto his running mate.

Believe you me, I will be on the ballot box in 2022. There is nothing that prevents me from doing it, Kuria told Jeff Koinange adding that apart from Uhuru and Raila, I am currently the third most famous person in Kenya.

If successful, I will offer Ruto a post in my government, he said.

I think Ruto can play that part[deputy] well considering that he has experience in this position

Kuria also said he would consider either ODM leader Raila Odinga or Kivutha Kibwana as possible running mates.
Three days after Nuteez brand of peanut butter was flagged down by the government chemist for being unfit for human consumption, KEBS has confirmed the presence of high levels of aflatoxin in the butter.

Worse still, the regulator noted that three more peanut butter brands have been found to have exceeded the maximum limit of aflatoxins.

They include;

1. Clover Nuts Chocolate

2. Clover Nuts Smooth

3. Mother Natures.

In a statement to the media, the Kenya Bureau of Standards said the brands had levels reaching 44.25 parts per billion, 36.44 ppb and 27.26 ppb.

The Kenya Standard [KS EAS 60: 2013] Peanut Butter  Specification limits the maximum total aflatoxin content to 15 parts per billion (ppb).

Consequently, KEBS has suspended permits for the three firms; Triclover, Mother natures, and Jetlak Foods Ltd(manufacturers of Nuteez).

Manufacturers whose products have been suspended are instructed to discontinue the manufacturing or offering for sale all substandard peanut butter, KEBS acting MD Nguyo Bernard said.

Further, the manufacturers are required to recall all the substandard products and institute corrective actions.

KEBS will continue to undertake surveillance of the products at the factory and market to ensure that the public is protected from harmful products, said the regulator.

In the last 7 months, KEBS has been undertaking market surveillance of peanut butter. 54 samples of peanut butter have been collected from various points of sale and manufacturers from 1st July 2018 to date and tested.

KEBS is working with all government institutions in the peanut butter value chain to resolve the root cause of the problem of aflatoxin in unprocessed groundnuts.

Aflatoxin is a chemical produced by naturally occurring fungus in the soil, decaying vegetation and grains. When consumed, it can cause serious damage to the kidneys and liver, including causing cancer and death.
Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli and his wife Mary Kilobi clearly dont shy away from public displays of affection.

The firebrand trade unionist and his TV anchor wife have been enjoying each others company on a weekend getaway in Egypt.

While at it, Atwoli, 69, and Kilobi, 34, have also been exchanging sweet nothings on social media.

The COTU boss posted a picture of Kilobi and captioned it: I trust you in the city of peace, to which Kilobi responded: Peaceful is an understatement! The most beautiful place I have visited so far. Cant thank you enough love.

Clearly, the two lovers are madly in love, and as the KTN news presenter had said in an earlier interview, they are inseparable.

We are very good friends. Anybody close to us knows that we are very inseparable, she said, He has shown me genuine love and respect that I deserve.

The working holiday in Egypt also saw Francis Atwoli meet some top trade union leadership in Egypt at The Intercontinental Hotel in Cairo.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus O.Kravchenko visits USA

01-02-2019

On January 29-31, 2019 the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Oleg Kravchenko, visited Washington, DC.

During the visit O.Kravchenko held a meeting with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, A.Wess Mitchell. The parties discussed topical issues of Belarus-U.S. cooperation and the situation in the Eastern European region. O.Kravchenko also met with the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, George Kent.

Implementation of projects in Belarus was discussed at the meeting with the Assistant Administrator for Bureau for Europe and Eurasia of the U.S. Agency for International Development, Brock Bierman.

O.Kravchenko held talks with the Special Assistant to the U.S. President and Senior Director for European and Russian Affairs on the U.S. National Security Council, Fiona Hill.

Meetings were held with a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Co-Chair of the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, Christopher Smith, as well as with the member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Francis Rooney, senior staff of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

During the meeting with the Vice-President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Gary Litman, the sides discussed trade, economic and investment cooperation development between our countries, possibility of participation of representatives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce leadership and American companies-members of the Chamber in economic conferences in Belarus

During the visit, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus met with the leaders of think tanks Jamestown Foundation Glen Howard, Kennan Institute Matthew Rozhansky, Director of Russia and Eurasia Program of Carnegie Endowment Eugene Rumer, with a group of researchers at the Brookings Institution, with representatives of the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

Talks were held with leaders of the National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry.

Possibilities of enhancing contacts between business circles of the two countries were discussed with the Chair of Belarus-U.S. Business Council, David Baron.

On January 31, 2019 the Atlantic Council hosted a conference The Belarus Dilemma: For Minsk and the West with panelists including Oleg Kravchenko, the Senior Director of the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, Michael Carpenter, Program Chair in the Center for European Policy Analysis, retired Commander of U.S. Army Europe Benjamin Hodges, Distinguished Fellow of Atlantic Council, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, former NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow, President and CEO of the U.S.  Russia Foundation, former Special Assistant to the U.S. President Celeste Wallander.

The conference was attended by representatives of the U.S. Department of State, several leading U.S. think tanks, media and non-governmental organizations, Embassies of foreign countries in the United States.

   

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Each year, far fewer medical devices are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for children than adults. This means pediatricians dont always have top-notch tools available to address medical challenges in babies and kids.

Now, a team of scientists and physicians at two of the Bay Areas leading research institutions are collaborating to address the problem. Researchers at Stanford University and the University of California-San Francisco are nurturing the development of new medical devices through the UCSF-Stanford Pediatric Device Consortium, established last year with an award of $6.7 million from the FDA.

When you look historically at the approvals of devices that have specific pediatric indications, theyre abysmal  essentially flat-lined, said James Wall, MD, assistant professor of surgery, who leads the Stanford side of the collaboration. The Bay Area group is one of five consortia receiving FDA funding across the country to try to bolster development of pediatric devices.

The dearth of pediatric medical devices creates two challenges, Wall said. We often end up having to cobble together workarounds to use adult-sized devices that are not the right size for our patients, he said. There are also pediatric-specific diseases that have no adult correlate, for which appropriate medical devices have never been developed.

Right time for a big push

This is the right time for a big push in pediatric technologies, said Paul Yock, MD, director of the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign and an adviser to the consortium. Not only could pediatric devices fill gaps in hospital care, they could also help monitor childrens health and keep them out of the hospital in the first place, said Yock, who is also a professor of bioengineering and of medicine.

The consortium has built a three-phase process for spurring pediatric innovation, drawing on the strengths of UCSFs history as a hub of pediatric device design and Stanfords successful biodesign center. (Wall helps direct the Stanford Biodesign Innovation Fellowship.)
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A total 10,302 Filipino nurses hoping to practice their profession in America took the US licensure examination for the first time in 2018, a party-list lawmaker said on Tuesday. The number is up 32 percent versus the 7,791 Philippine-educated nurses who took Americas eligibility test or the NCLEX for the first time in 2017, without counting repeaters, said ACTS-OFW Rep. Aniceto Bertiz III. Bertiz said a total 1,232 Indians, 1,017 Puerto Ricans, 783 South Koreans and 601 Nigerians also took the NCLEX for the first time in 2018. The NCLEX for registered nurse (RN) or for practical nurse (PN) is the licensure test administered by the US National Council of State Boards of Nursing Inc. The NCLEX examination fee is $200 or P10,500, payable to the Pearson VUE testing center in Makati City if taken in the Philippines. Since the NCLEX is usually the final step in the US nurse licensure process, the number of Filipinos taking the test for the first time is considered a good indicator as to how many of them are trying to enter the profession in America. Citing newly released NCSBN statistics, Bertiz said Jamaicans, Canadians and Cubans also compete with Filipinos in Americas nursing labor market. Theres no question many Filipino nurses looking for greener pasture overseas prefer to work and live in America, mainly due to the superior hourly pay, plus our attachment to the Western culture, Bertiz said.Nurses are not covered by the US Department of Homeland Securitys Jan. 19, 2019 to Jan. 18, 2020 ban on the issuance of new H-2A and H-2B visas to Filipinos, Bertiz said. Filipino nurses entering America through the sponsorship of their prospective US employers apply for and are issued a separate entry permitthe H-1B visa, Bertiz pointed out. Americas restricted H-1B visa program allows US employers to temporarily hire foreign staff, including nurses, in select occupations that require the application of specialized knowledge and a bachelors degree or the equivalent of work experience. ACTS-OFW expects the demand for Filipino nurses in America to steadily increase in the years ahead. Americas nursing workforce is growing old, and they are not producing new nurses fast enough, mainly because they lack teaching staff. In fact, US schools are turning away many would-be nursing students due to the shortage of qualified instructors, Bertiz said. An aggregate of 187,103 Filipino nurses have taken the NCLEX for the first time since 1995, Bertiz said. In California alone, Filipinos now account for some 20 percent of the states entire nursing labor force, according to Bertiz.
Factory output tumbled 10.1 percent in December from a year ago, ending an 11-month growth streak, as demand slowed after the holiday season, the National Economic and Development Authority said Tuesday. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed the volume of production index declined 10.1 percent year-on-year in December 2018, following a sluggish 1.6-percent increase in November. It was also weaker than the 6.1-percent contraction reported in December 2017. This brought the 2018 full-year growth of manufacturing to 7.2 percent in terms of volume and 8 percent in terms of value, the PSA said. We have expected this decline because the holiday season is over. These figures could also indicate a likely tepid growth consistent with the latest Business and Consumer Expectations Survey of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Economic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority director-general Ernesto Pernia said. Across product categories, lower output of major manufacturing items such as food, chemical products, tobacco, basic and fabricated metals and machinery (except electrical), dragged down total manufacturing output. Neda said the decline in rice prices, downward adjustment of electricity rates and the slight appreciation of the peso could help improve consumer outlook and prop-up demand. Moreover, election-related spending is projected to benefit manufacturing subsectors such as food, beverage, tobacco and printing and paper products, Pernia said. Julito G. RadaData showed that ten of the 20 industry groups registered year-on-year declines in December, with two-digit decreases noted in printing (-79.4 percent); chemical products (-28.9 percent); tobacco products (-22.1 percent); food manufacturing (-17.8 percent); basic metals (-16.7 percent); and machinery except electrical (-12.6 percent). The value of production index also contracted 9.3 percent in December. Pernia said election-related spending was expected to benefit manufacturing subsectors such as food, beverage, tobacco and printing and paper products in the coming months. He also said the approval of the exemption of key infrastructure projects from the 2019 election spending ban would ensure continued implementation of national infrastructure projects under the Build, Build, Build program and minimize slowdown in economic growth. Domestic oil price hikes and the upcoming El Nino could translate to price pass-throughs in manufacturing, Pernia said.
Geneva, SwitzerlandNeither protagonist in the US-China trade war stands to benefit from their stand-off, the UN said Monday, suggesting others could cash in instead, with the EU possibly winning big. In a report, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) examined the repercussions of the tariff tit-for-tat already under way between the two trade giants, as well as the expected impact of a significant tariff hike scheduled to take effect on March 1. The report, titled The Trade Wars: The Pain and the Gain, said that bilateral tariffs alter global competitiveness to the advantage of firms operating in countries not directly affected by them. It predicted that the European Union would be the biggest winner, taking home some $70 billion in additional trade thanks to the trade war. Last year, Washington and Beijing imposed tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade, after Trump initiated the trade war because of complaints over unfair trade practices. The two countries hailed progress in talks held in Washington last week aimed at avoiding an escalation of the conflict. But if no deal is reached by March 1, US duty rates on $200 billion in Chinese goods are due to rise to 25 percent from 10 percent. Our analysis shows that while bilateral tariffs are not very effective in protecting domestic firms, they are very valid instruments to limit trade from the targeted country, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, head of UNCTADs international trade division, said in a statement. The effect of US-China tariffs would be mainly distortionary. US-China bilateral trade will decline and replaced by trade originating in other countries, she said.The study estimated that out of the $250 billion in Chinese exports subject to US tariffs, some 80 percent would be captured by firms in other countries, while 12 percent would be retained by Chinese firms and only six percent would be captured by US firms. A similar scenario would apply to the $85 billion in US exports hit by Chinese tariffs, the report said, estimating that 85 percent would go to companies in other countries, 10 percent would remain in the US and only about five percent would go to Chinese firms. Countries that are expected to benefit the most from US-China tensions are those which are more competitive and have the economic capacity to replace US and Chinese firms, UNCTAD said. The report indicated that the EU stood to benefit the most, with companies in the bloc likely to capture around $50 billion of Chinese exports to the US and about $20 billion of US exports to China. Japan, Mexico and Canada would meanwhile each capture more than $20 billion in additional trade thanks to the tariff war, the study found. Australia, Brazil, India, Philippines, Pakistan and would also notice substantial effects relative to the size of their exports, it said. AFP But the trade war will also have a number of negative effects on global trade, especially within certain markets. The UNCTAD study pointed to the soybean market, where the tit-for-tat tariffs have resulted in trade distortionary effects that have benefitted Brazil especially, since the country has suddenly become the main soybean supplier to China. AFP
ABS-CBN, GMA claim higher ratings

posted February 05, 2019 at 07:30 pm by Darwin G. Amojelar February 05, 2019 at 07:30 pm

ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc. declared higher television ratings nationwide in January 2019. ABS-CBN, the broadcast unit of the Lopez group, said it posted an average audience share of 45 percent in January, compared to GMAs 30 percent based on data from Kantar Media. Global audience measurement provider Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100% of the total Philippine TV viewing population. ABS-CBN said it had an average audience share of 44 percent in Metro Manila versus GMAs 23 percent.GMA, on the other hand, said it remained the viewers top choice according to the latest data from ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement. It said it posted an average total day people audience share of 37.8 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement, beating ABS-CBNs 35.9 percent in January. GMA said it registered 34.8 percent people audience share in the morning block, against the competitions 30.9 percent.

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WashingtonUSA Today publisher Gannett said Monday its board unanimously rejected a $1.4-billion takeover offer from rival Digital First Media that would merge two of the largest US newspaper groups. A statement said the offer last month from hedge fund-backed Digital First undervalues Gannett and is not in the best interests of Gannett and its shareholders. Gannett also maintained that it does not believe the offer is credible, doubting the ability of the rival newspaper group to finance the deal and win regulatory approval. Virginia-based Gannett, which also owns several large regional US dailies, said it was confident of its strategy to remain independent. Our board of directors is confident that Gannett has significant value creation potential, said Jeffry Louis, chairman of the Gannett board. We know there are challenges that face us and our industry. We firmly believe, however, that given our operational expertise, our focus on evolving our business model, and our unwavering commitment to remaining a trusted source of news, we are uniquely positioned to grow this company and its valuable assets. Digital First, which is controlled by the New York hedge fund Alden Global Capital, has a reputation for buying struggling newspapers and then slashing costs. It operates dozens of newspapers including the Denver Post in Colorado and San Jose Mercury News in California. At the Denver Post, Digital First has been locked in confrontation with staff, who claim editorial interference and oppose deep job cuts. AFPGannetts statement said it was willing to meet Digital First executives since they had acquired a significant stake in Gannett. We are always willing to meet with our shareholders, Louis said in a letter to Digital First chairman Joseph Fuchs. Gannett said however it was not willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that would enable Digital First to see detailed financial information until it has more details on the takeover proposal. Gannett questioned the motives behind the offer, suggesting that the NDA was a distraction designed to mask Digital Firsts inability to finance the transaction. Digital First parent firm MNG said Gannetts board was blocking a deal that would give shareholders a premium of more than 40 percent to the pre-offer price. Gannetts deep structural problems are better fixed by experienced operators such as MNG, away from pressures of the public markets, the statement said. The moves come with the legacy newspaper industry facing a horrific slump and struggling to make the transition to digital news. Gannett in 2016 made an unsuccessful takeover bid for Tronc, now rebranded as Tribune Publishing, which at the time operated the Los Angeles Times. AFP
In the days after the tragic synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, an email from a Chabad rabbi in Pennsylvania helped a New Jersey teacher channel her students concerns.

Mendy Schapiro is the rabbi at Chabad of Monroeville, a Pittsburgh suburb. When he heard about the tragedy, he quickly organized a meeting with his colleagues from Chabad centers around the Greater Pittsburgh area. With the Jewish Federation taking the lead on supporting the families financially, the Chabad group discussed a spiritual response. We wanted to find a specific mitzvah so we could help people channel their reactions into a positive deed, Rabbi Mendy shared with Lubavitch International.

The discussion turned to the Lubavitcher Rebbes response following the Maalot Massacre in May 1974, in which terrorists held 100 people hostage at an elementary school in the northern Israeli town of Maalot. Twenty-one children and five adults were killed, and sixty people were wounded. In the subsequent days, the Rebbe, pained by the tragedy, promoted a campaign he had announced weeks earlier to encourage people in the mitzvah of mezuzah.

The Rebbe taught us that when someone hangs a mezuzah on the front door of their home, its a sign of protection. Its also a display of Jewish pride. One is saying, this is a Jewish home and we are not afraid to show it, says Rabbi Mendy.

The group took this lead and focussed on promoting awareness of the mitzvah in their communities. To give their endeavor definition, they set a goal to reach 1,100 people with the observance of this mitzvah. For every one person slain at the Tree of Life Synagogue, mezuzahs would now grace the doorway of 100 Jewish homes.

Each rabbi shared the initiative with his contacts, and they set up a website to track their progress. Within days, over 1,200 people from around the world signed up to place a new mezuzah in their home or office, and 1,800 pledged to have theirs checked by a scribe. Students at Moriah School in Englewood, New Jersey decorate Mezuzah holders for Pittsburgh residents

In Englewood, New Jersey, Morah Gila Breter, an art teacher at the Moriah School, was looking for a way to help her younger students respond. The upper grades had initiated projects to increase kindness and respect, but Gila wanted the response for her fifth graders to be something they could directly relate to the Synagogue attack. We wanted to find a tangible way for such young ones to understand the tragedy and also create something that would benefit the Pittsburgh community, says Erik Kessler, the schools executive director. When Morah Gila shared an email shed received about Chabad of Pittsburghs mezuzah campaign with her students, they were eager to get involved.

Morah Gila discussed the biblical chapters of the Shema contained in the mezuzah, with her ten- and eleven-year old students, noting that the scroll is hung as a sign of G-ds protection. They responded well to the message. Its comforting to know G-d will be with them as they rebuild their community, said one student. We are helping to spread positive light to a community in pain, another remarked.

During art class, seventy students decorated 101 wooden mezuzah cases and designed posters and cards of support. Morah Gila shipped the students gifts to Rabbi Mendy who posted a message on Facebook offering the mezuzah cases free of charge to anyone who would use them to affix a mezuzah on their doorway.

By the time the package arrived a few days later, many of the cases had already been claimed. Inspired, Rabbi Mendy showed the gifts at his adult education class that evening. Twenty participants were moved by this act of solidarity and pledged to hang new mezuzahs in their homes. Word spread fast and over the next few days, the rest of the mezuzah holders were claimed by eager Pittsburghers.

At first I thought, I have a mezuzah on my front door and thats enough. But knowing that the whole Jewish world and kids in New Jersey care about us, moved me to buy mezuzahs for the bedrooms too, one local told Rabbi Mendy. Rabbi Mendy Schapiro holds some of the mezuzah holders he received from Moriah students (Photo credit:Dillon Carr)

Every day of the seven-day mourning period the rabbis delivered a list of pledged mitzvahs to the victims families. Each time they visited, the families expressed their gratitude to the strangers around the world who were doing mitzvahs for their loved ones.

Rabbi Mendy and members of the Monroeville community wrote a letter of thanks to the Moriah fifth graders. The students were so proud. They got a true sense of am Yisrael chaithe Jewish nation is alive and as a nation, we stand together, Erik shared.

Rabbi Mendy and his colleagues will turn the campaign into a permanent memorial to the Pittsburgh victims by setting up mezuzah checking clinics. Teams of scribes will donate their time and expertise to give peoples mezuzahs an annual checkup. Mezuzahs weather over time, notes Rabbi Mendy. We will do what we can to help people keep their mezuzahs kosher and pray for continued protection.

Moriah School fifth grade students hold up signs and cards they designed to comfort and uplift Pittsburgh residents
U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun, right, is questioned by reporters upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, Feb. 3. Biegun will travel to Pyongyang on Wednesday for talks with his North Korean counterpart on the upcoming bilateral summit planned for later this month. AP



The U.S. envoy for North Korea will travel to Pyongyang on Wednesday for talks with his North Korean counterpart on the next bilateral summit planned for later this month, the State Department said.

Special Representative Stephen Biegun will visit the North Korean capital from Seoul to meet with his newly appointed counterpart, Kim Hyok-chol, and prepare for the second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the department said Monday.

The two men will also "advance further progress on the commitments the President and Chairman Kim made in Singapore," it said in a statement, referring to the first summit in June, at which the department noted the two leaders agreed to the goals of complete denuclearization, transformation of bilateral relations and the building of a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Biegun arrived in Seoul on Sunday for talks with South Korean officials ahead of his meeting with Kim, who previously served as North Korea's ambassador to Spain.

The two sides are expected to seek a deal on U.S. "corresponding measures" for North Korea's elimination of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.












U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun, left, talks with South Korean National Security Director Chung Eui-yong during a meeting at the Presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. AP-Yonhap



Senior U.S. and South Korean officials met Sunday to discuss an expected second summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.



Trump's special envoy for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, arrived in South Korea earlier amid reports that he'll meet North Korean officials soon to work out details for the summit.



Trump told CBS' "Face the Nation" that "the meeting is set" with Kim, but he provided no further details about the meeting expected around the end of February. The president said there was "a very good chance that we will make a deal."



With the North under economic penalties and the U.S. unwilling to ease them under the North denuclearizes, Trump said Kim "has a chance to have North Korea be a tremendous economic behemoth. It has a chance to be one of the great economic countries in the world. He can't do that with nuclear weapons and he can't do that on the path they're on now."





U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun, left, shakes hands with South Korean National Security Director Chung Eui-yong during a meeting at the Presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. AP-Yonhap



Seoul's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Biegun and his South Korean counterpart Lee Do-hoon held consultations about working-level U.S.-North Korea talks ahead of the summit.



South Korean media reported Biegun and his North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol will likely meet at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom or in the North's capital of Pyongyang early this week.



Little progress has been made toward ridding North Korea of its nuclear weapons since Trump and Kim held their first summit in Singapore last June. During that summit, Kim pledged to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, though he did not provide a timetable or roadmap for his disarmament steps.



Last year, North Korea suspended nuclear and missile tests, dismantled its nuclear test site and parts of its rocket launch facility and released American detainees. The North demanded the United States to take corresponding measurers such as sanctions relief.











U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun, right, arrives at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, South Korea, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. AP-Yonhap
PLEASE NOTE!

Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate!

All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited!

(One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!)
With more than 250 applications from 53 countries, The Pearse Lyons Accelerator, which is now in its third year, continues to attract some of the top AgTech startups from around the world.

Our class of 2019 startups focus on all aspects of agriculture, including animal welfare, meat quality, crop health and increased productivity, said Dr Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. The final group of startups reflects the full scope of Alltechs global operations, and we believe that their technologies can help make both Alltech and our customers more sustainable, profitable and innovative.

Many of the technologies represented in this cohort challenge traditional thinking within our industry, he continued. Its important that we remain on the cutting edge of how modern agriculture is evolving. This accelerator reflects our commitment to supporting innovations that advance agriculture and contribute toward a planet of plenty.

The 10 startups selected to join The Pearse Lyons Accelerator 2019:

SomaDetect (Canada): In-line sensor that measures every critical indicator of dairy quality (fat, protein, somatic cell count, progesterone and antibiotics) from every cow at every milking.



Higher Steaks (United Kingdom): Using state-of-the-art cell culture techniques, a small sample of cells from an animal will be expanded by feeding these cells. When these cells have grown, they become the desired meat product.



SwineTech (United States): SwineTech is the worlds leading solution to reduce piglet crushing and pre-weaning mortality, and also for monitoring sow health.



Breedr (United Kingdom): The worlds first app for livestock farmers that uses shared data to optimize yield, quality and profitability.



Biome Makers (United States): Measuring crop health and functional biodiversity by using DNA sequencing and intelligent computing.



Global Resonance (United Kingdom): Bringing real-time data from beginning-to-end chain directly into business systems.



FarmCloud (Portugal): Allows plug-and-play integration with climate and feeding controllers from a wide range of manufacturers.



Terra NutriTECH (Ireland): Adding precise amounts of feed supplements into the water systems on farms, reducing labor and improving returns.



FOLIUM ( United Kingdom): Removal of feed bacteria via CRISPR.



InTouch (Ireland): Online feed management solution for dairy farmers.



At SomaDetect, we can instantly detect every compound in raw milk with our in-line sensor, said Bethany Deshpande, CEO and co-founder of SomaDetect. Our technology can be used to track the impact of premium nutrition on dairy cows and help detect issues like mastitis, which is a major pain point for dairy farmers. We are excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with Alltech, one of the leading animal nutrition companies in the world.

DNA sequencing startup Biome Makers from the United States, a winner of the AgFunder Innovation Awards, has also been selected to participate in the accelerator.

We are looking forward to joining the accelerator and working with Alltech, which has a vast international network that could really help us launch our newest solution, which uses the soil microbiome as a biosensor to evaluate the real-time effect of crop inputs, said Adrian Ferraro, CEO and co-founder of Biome Makers.

Alltech has a fantastic track record in guiding young companies to success, said Benjamina Bollag, co-founder of cell-based meat startup Higher Steaks from the U.K. We are grateful to have been given such a unique opportunity to benefit from Alltechs combined experience in animal nutrition and crop science.

The success of the programs alumni reflects the high quality of the startups that The Pearse Lyons Accelerator has attracted to date. Since completing the accelerator, the startups have collectively raised $36 million.

Two startups have made acquisitions, including AgriWebb, which raised $14 million in 2018 in a series A round of venture capital financing from Wheatsheaf Group, the investment fund of Hugh Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster.

More recently, Allison Kopf, founder of Agrilyst, was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the Food & Drinks category. Similarly, Irish startup MagGrow raised 3 million in a round of funding, and the Indonesian startup eFishery closed a $3.5 million round of funding.

Access to this global alumni network of extraordinary AgTech entrepreneurs will be hugely beneficial for this new cohort of startups, said Patrick Walsh, founder of Dogpatch Labs.

What makes this accelerator unique is the commitment from Alltechs leadership to actively mentor the startups, said Robbie Walker, Alltechs program director of The Pearse Lyons Accelerator. This now includes Dr. Mark Lyons, our president and CEO, who is directly involved in the program and sees innovation through collaboration as a key growth strategy for Alltech.

The accelerator will culminate in May at ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, where the startups will pitch their ideas on the mainstage. Now in its 35th year, the annual international conference will welcome more than 4,000 attendees to Lexington, Kentucky, USA, including some of the premier global thought leaders in agriculture.

To learn more, visit pearselyonsaccelerator.com.

**This post was sponsored by The Pearse Lyons Accelerator as part of AgFunders Network Partner program. Find out more here.
Serving God with all of our hearts no matter where we are
Former President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych, sentenced to 13 years of imprisonment, would hold a press conference in Moscow on February 6, as Hromadske reported citing his lawyer Oleksandr Horoshynsky.

Horoshynsky noted that Yanukovych to talk about the sentence delivered by Obolon Court of Kyiv.

He also added that the surprises are possible.

According to the Russian media, the press conference will begin at 13:00 at Kyiv time.

Earlier the court found Yanukovych guilty of addressing the Russian President Putin and asking him to deploy troops in Ukraine.

Besides, the court sentenced ex-President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych to 13 years of the detention for the state treason and complicity in the holding of the aggressive war against Ukraine by the Russian Federation.

Yanukovych was charged with state treason, assistance in deliberate actions against Ukraines state border, sovereignty and territorial integrity and assistance in leading the aggressive war against Ukraine.

As it was reported earlier, the Chief Military Prosecutors Office asks the court to sentence ex-President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych to 15 years of imprisonment in the case on state treason, as Prosecutor Maksym Krym said during the debates in the court on Thursday, August 16.

Related video:
Besides, the representatives of the service stated that "Wagner" group works in Sudan, Syria, and the Central African Republic

Ukraines Security Service (SBU) has evidence that Wagner units were acting Ukraine, and still do, as the Head of the body Vasyl Hrytsak said in an interview for LIGA.net.

SBU has evidence that Wagner units acted and are acting on the territory of Ukraine, Syria, Central African Republic, and Sudan. The service does not confirm or refutes information about their presence in other African states and Venezuela for now, he said.

At the same time, Hrytsak reminded that SBU publishes information about Wagner members in Ukraine and other countries once the service has it.

For today, the number of this military formation reaches thousands of people and Russia spends billions of rubles for its maintenance.

In average, around 3 billion rubles ($45,8 billion - ed.) is needed to pay the salary for all the workers of Wagner (2500-3000 people). We should not forget about payments for the families of the deceased  5 million rubles ($76,350, - ed.) for one killed There are also direct expenses  weapons, ammunition, petrol, armored equipment (tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, Grad multiple rocket launchers and so on). These things are being supplied from the warehouses of Russian Defence Ministry for free, he specified.

Earlier, media reported that Wagner fighters flew from Russia to Venezuela to protect its President Nicolas Maduro, whom people want to resign.
The decrease of the trains to Russia will take place due to the reduced demand

Open source

Ukrzaliznytsia reduces the number of trains to Moscow and other Russian cities twice as Infrastructure Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Omelyan reported on Facebook.

The number of trains #24/23 Odesa-Moscow-Odesa and #20/19 Kharkiv-Moscow-Kharkiv will decrease from February 5. The trains will travel every other day, while earlier the traffic took place daily.

Ukrzaliznytsia made such a decision due to the decrease in the passenger traffic between Ukraine and Russia. It reduced by 20% up to 722,900 passengers in 2018 in comparison with 2017.

The direct trains and trailer vehicles to Russia from Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Uzhhorod, and Chernihiv were canceled in 2018.

According to Ukrzaliznytsia, the passenger traffic between Ukraine and EU countries significantly increased since summer 2018. The number of passengers aiming for the EU countries exceeded the number of passengers aiming for Russia by 10%.

From August 2018 up to January 2019, 362,900 passengers traveled to the EU and back to Ukraine and 329,400 passengers traveled to Russia and back to Ukraine.

Ukrzaliznytsia predicts the increase of the passenger traffic in the European direction. Thus, another 20 pairs of trains in this direction were appointed.

Also, Omelyan claimed he signed a "historical document" concerning the restriction of the traffic with Russia. Transport Ministry of Russia has worked out the parcel of the responsive measure in the case Ukraine cancels the railway and bus traffic with Russia.

In April 2018, Ukraine's MFA head Klimkin stated 3 million Ukrainians live in Russia.

Related video:
Denisova asked the representatives of the diplomatic missions to come to the court session and check Pavlos state

Detained in Russia Pavlo Gryb Open source

Ukrainian political prisoner Pavlo Gryb was allowed to see the consul after the verdict, as Ukraines Ombudsman Lyudmyla Denisova said on air of 112 Ukraine.

As she put it, Pavlo Gryb was not allowed to see his mother and the Ukrainian consul. Russia promises to give permission to the meeting with the consul, but only after the verdict. Yet, the consular convention signed between Ukraine and Russia does not provide for such refusal.

Denisova assured she would appeal to the representatives of the Council of Europe to get permission for meeting with the consul before the verdict is announced.

I know that the court did not let his mother see him, but they will let the consul see Pavlo after the verdict. This is not provided by the consular convention signed between Ukraine and Russia. This meeting should take place. Today I will meet with the representatives of the Council of Europe, Denisova said.

Besides, she noted that Putins advisor on human rights Mikhail Fedotov stated that Gryb undertook a medical examination. The arrested boy is in a satisfactory state. However, the court hearing was postponed. Denisova asked the representatives of the diplomatic missions to come to the court session and check Pavlos state.

Yesterday I got a reply from Fedotov. Putins advisor said that the examination was done, the doctors say that his state is satisfactory, but the court hearing was postponed on February 18. I asked all the diplomatic mission representatives in Rostov-on-Don to come to the court hearing and look at Pavlos state, she wrote.

Earlier it was reported that a 20-year-old Ukrainian Pavlo Gryb needs heart surgery, his health condition was critical. The detained has symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Pavlo Gryb is the son of the former Ukrainian border guard Ihor Gryb. The Russian special service detained the 19-year-old boy on August 25, 2017, when he went to Gomel (Belarus) to meet his friend. Later, he was convoyed to Russia. The Russian law enforcers suspect Pavlo Gryb of preparing a terrorist attack at a school in Sochi (a city in Krasnodar Krai, Russia, located on the Black Sea coast, - 112 International).

Russia did not provide the European Court of Human Rights with information about the Ukrainian political prisoner Pavlo Gryb's health status.

Related video:
The researchers state that the level of freedoms in Ukraine have deteriorated in 2018

Open source

Ukraine remains to be partially free country in 2019 and Crimea occupied by Russia got the status of not free territory as annual Freedom House report states.

The researchers state that the level of freedoms in Ukraine had slightly deteriorated in 2018. It took place due to such key moments:

1. The human right groups spotted over 50 attacks at the activists and human right activists in the first nine months of the year. Besides, the violent armed attacks at Roma minority by the far-right groupings took place. The investigation took place in such cases only after significant pressure put by civil society.

2. The lawmakers and President Petro Poroshenko adopted the legislative acts on the creation of the Anti-corruption court. However, the domestic and international observers expressed the concern about the process of the selection of 39 judges, who should enter the judging panel.

3. Intermittent fighting continued in Donbas. The United Nations reported that over 3,000 civilians have been killed since the outbreak of the conflict in 2014.

4. In November, martial law was imposed in 10 Ukrainian regions for 30 days after Russian forces captured 24 Ukrainian sailors near Crimea. Provisions of the martial law decree allowed restrictions on free speech and assembly, but these were not invoked in practice.

At the same time, Crimea was considered separately from Ukraine due to the Russian occupation and was recognized as not free territory.

The researchers emphasized that the local authorities continue the targeted repressions against the Crimean Tatars and people, who insist on their Ukrainian belonging.

59 other countries enter the same group of partially free states as well as 5 territories. There are 50 countries and 8 territories in the list of not free states, including Russia. Besides, there are 87 free countries and territories.

The freest countries are Sweden, Finland, and Norway and the most not free countries are Syria, South Sudan, Eritrea, North Korea, and Turkmenistan.

Freedom House analyzed the state of democracy, political freedoms, and respect of the fundamental rights of a human in 209 countries and territories.

The main conclusion of the researchers is that the number of not free countries increased by 26% from 2005 until 2018, while the number of free state reduced by 44%. It is connected with the balance of forces at the global level, the influence of such undemocratic countries as China.

As we reported, Ukraine ranked 84th in the Democracy Index 2018 out of 167 countries of the world and the 17th place in Europe.
On January 25, Ukraine paid its regular contribution to the UN budget and was included in first 25 member states which paid it in time, as Ukraines Permanent Representation to the UN reported on Twitter.

The contribution made $1 589 288.

35 states in total made their contributions as of February 1.

Earlier, a UN peacekeeping mission  perhaps aided by an EU civilian detachment in Donbas  has emerged as the preferred mechanism for most actors working to resolve the conflict. Such a mission would provide an opportunity to either genuinely resolve the war or merely fake progress towards this goal, an ambiguity that all parties recognise. Despite its risks and complications, the idea has caught the imagination of many Western diplomats, politicians, and experts who deal with the conflict since September 2017, when Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated his willingness to discuss UN involvement in the war.
Open source

Viktor Medvedchuk, the politician and the head of 'Ukrainsky Vybir' (Ukrainian Choice) political party faces prosecution in Ukraine. Prosecutor General's Office has opened the case against him under two charges. Larysa Sargan, the spokeswoman of the authority posted that on Facebook.

'On February 5, Prosecutor General's Office submitted the information about criminal violations committed by Viktor Medvedchuk, as filed by MP Andriy Teteruk (...). Viktor Medvedchuk, the head of the pro-Russian organization 'Ukrainian Choice - The Right of the People' and the Head of the Political Board of 'Opposition Platform-For Life' party made a loud statement during the party convention in Kyiv on January 29. He claimed that there's a need to create the so-called 'autonomous region of Donbas', including the creation of its own parliament and government - and the following legalization of such status in the Constitution of Ukraine. His plan foresees that the autonomous region of Donbas is created in the composition of Ukraine. He believes that such agreements on the status of Donbas may be reached within the Kyiv-Donetsk-Luhansk-Moscow format', Sargan wrote.

'Considering that, in accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine Article 1, Ukraine is a unitary state, the territorial system is envisioned in Article 133 of this Law, as well as the fact that Russian Federation, by providing self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DNR, LNR) with live force, armament and other materials is carrying out aggressive actions against Ukraine, the proclamation of the concept of the formation of an autonomous region in Donbas promotes the legalization of the temporarily occupied territory contrary to the Constitution and assists a foreign state in conducting subversive activities against Ukraine, including information support.

Under such circumstances, in the actions of Medvedchuk V. there are signs of crimes provided for in Part 1, Article 110 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, - encroachment on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and Part 1, Article 11 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, - state treason. The Constitution of Ukraine legislatively enshrines the territorial system of Ukraine (art.133), which provides that Donetsk and Luhansk regions are administrative and territorial units within the state', she added.

The case materials will be handed over to the SBU, the State Security Service of Ukraine.

Viktor Medvedchuk, considered a major figure in the political life of Ukraine is well known for his pro-Russian stance and close ties with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. In 2018, he acted as the negotiator during the talks on the exchange of captives in Donbas.
He explained that this way he wants to physically prevent Russians from coming to Ukraine as observers

Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine Reuters

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko will give an order to the State Border Guard Service not to let Russian observers to the presidential elections, as he said on air of Svoboda slova political talk show on ICTV Ukraine's TV channel.

As a President of Ukraine, as a Supreme Commander, I will order to Ukraines State Border Guard Service not to allow observers from Russia. I can guarantee you and the Ukrainian nation, that the order of the Supreme Commander will be carried out, the President said.

He explained that this way he wants to physically prevent Russians from coming to Ukraine as observers from the international organizations.

The election campaign has officially started on December 31, 2018. Registration of the candidates was closed on February 4, 2019, and on February 9, the final list of presidential candidates will appear. The candidates would be able to withdraw their candidacy until March 7, 2019.

Earlier, Central Election Commission of Ukraine closed all polling station in Russia, particularly, in Moscow, Rostov-on-Don, Saint Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk.

Besides, Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin warned that Ukraine does not intend to approve applications from the Russian OSCE observers at the elections.
Olexandr Turchynov highlighted six main threats but there are much more of them

The Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council Oleksandr Turchynov NSDC

National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Secretary Olexandr Turchynov named six main threats for Ukraine in 2019 from the Russian side as reported by LIGA.net.

Military aggression is at the first place. It is not only the exhaustion of our country in consequence of the constant military provocations in the east, the continuation of the military occupation of Donbas and Crimea. It is also a large-scale deployment of the military infrastructure along our border with Russia, orientation towards holding of the combat actions in the strategic Ukrainian direction for a few Russian armies of the south and western military districts. It shows that in the case of the failure of Russia to establish control over Ukraine politically, it will move on to the large-scale military aggression, he emphasized.

According to Turchynov, the second threat is the information aggression and attempt to influence politics, results of the political choice of the Ukrainians through the information means (media, socials) and support of direct and hidden Russian creatures in Ukrainian politics.

The third place belongs to cyberaggression, which, according to the result of the losses for the country is comparable to the military one. Now the serious confrontation continues at the cyber front but we did a lot for the significant strengthening of the cyber-defense of our country, he noted.

The fourth threat, according to Turchynov, is the economic war. The main problem is the continuation of the blockade of the transit of the Ukrainian goods to Asian countries through Russia, the blockade of the normal functioning of the ports in the Azov Sea, loss of significant markets for the Ukrainian goods, use of the wide arsenal of the provocations at the external markets of production with the military purpose, he noted. As was reported in June 2018, Russia has increased its exports to Ukraine, Ukraines State Statistics Service stated. Imports from Ukraine to Russia increased by 31% ($2.6 billion); Ukraines exports to Russia dropped by 6 percent during January-April, 2018, compared to the same period of last year

The fifth threat is the energy issue. The attempt to block the work of the Ukrainian gas transporting system through the construction of the bypassing gas pipeline, particularly, in the territory of our strategic partners, Turchynov added.

The terrorist threat occupies the sixth place. In other words, the active use of the subversion and reconnaissance groups of the Russian agency and mercenaries for the terrorist acts, attempt to spread gloom, fear, destabilization of the situation in Ukraine and the Ukrainian special services actively counteract them.

Turchynov also added that it is not the full list of the threats implemented by Russia within the hybrid war against Ukraine.

At the same time, NSDC Secretary is sure that Ukraine has the great potential to become a regional leader of Eastern Europe. But we should do, first of all, change the economic situation in the state to reach it. The current GDP growth rate is not enough not only for the regional leadership but even for the provision of the security prioritized programs, which are necessary for the reliable protection of the state, he concluded.

Ukraine constantly faces the escalation of the conflicts with Russia. The last one is the Azov Crisis.

On November 25, the coast guard ships of the Russian Navy attacked the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, which have been carrying out a scheduled transition from Odesa port to Mariupol port in the Sea of Azov. Ukrainian ships were rejected passage via the Kerch Strait, Russian coast guards opened aimed fire on them.

All 24 sailors on board were captured and delivered to Moscow  21 of them were delivered to Lefortovo remand center, another - to the hospital of Matrosskaya Tishina prison.

On December 3, the Russian prosecutors officially accused Ukrainian sailors with the 'illegal crossing of the state border' during the attack in the Kerch Strait.

Facing an extension of the sentence term, Ukrainian POWs detained in the Kerch Strait refused to testify in Lefortovo court. Sailors were distributed into six groups, four people in each. On January 15, 2019 Moscow's Lefortovo district court decided to keep 20 Ukrainian sailors in remand until April 24. On January 16, the court extended the detention term for another 4 sailors.

Related video:
Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers to strive for the cancelation of the decision of Kyiv Administrative Court to remove Ulyana Suprun from the office

Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers is concerned about the decision of Kyiv Administrative Court to remove Ulyana Suprun from the office of the acting Healthcare Minister, as the members of the cabinet stated.

We are highly concerned about todays decision of Kyiv Administrative Court on the suspension of Ulyana Suprun. This decision will be appealed in the order established by the law and we will strive for its cancelation in the order established by the law, the message said.

The government expressed the concern about the unprecedented pressure, which is put by different means to stop those efforts on the reforming of the healthcare sector assumed by a team of Healthcare Ministry headed by acting Healthcare Minister Ulyana Suprun.

The implementation of the changes in the healthcare sector took place under the support of the Cabinet of Ministers.

Exactly this team fulfills the governmental policy, which aims for the implementation of the affordable medications program, overcoming of the corruption schemes in the purchase of the medications, reformation of the primary tier, increase of the remunerations of doctors, implementation of new demands to the quality of the preparation of the health workers, deployment of the cardiothoracic centers network. The next step connected with the implementation of free diagnostics, improving the emergency medical assistance system, deployment of the village medicine network. The final aim of all these efforts is the real increase of the quality of the medical service and increase of the remunerations of the health workers, the message said.

As we reported, Suprun's role as acting health minister was questioned by MP from Radical Party of Lyashko Ihor Mosiychuk. The court explained that such a decision was made as Suprun has dual citizenship. Apart from the Ukrainian one, she also has the U.S. passport. During the conflict at the Heart Institute of world-famous cardiac surgeon Borys Todurov, Suprun tried to intimidate the workers and the management of the medical institution with the help of the far-right C14 organization, included in the American terrorist base.
Murder suspect extradited to Ukraine from Italy, February 5, 2019 Press service of the National Police

A murder suspect who was hiding in Italy was extradited to Ukraine, as Ukraines Internal Ministry reported on Facebook.

In 2015, a man was killed in Lviv. The shooter, who put several bullets in the victim, was the member of a criminal gang. He escaped abroad, hoping to avoid prosecution. An international warrant was issued for his arrest. The operatives of the Internal Security Department of Ukraines National Police along with Interpol got a lead on him, detained the perpetrator and took him to Lviv court, the message says.

Other details of the case were not reported.

Earlier, a suspect in fraud on $29,435 was extradited to Ukraine from Switzerland.
Open source

A lot of cases of malfunction were observed on Europe-based Facebook accounts on Tuesday, February 5. Downdetector reported that, screening the images with the locations where such cases took place.

According to the service, the malfunctions were reported in Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, the Czech Republic, Germany, the UK, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden and Estonia. Some users complained about failing to connect to the server; however, the vast majority reports issues with sending messages.

Facebook issues in Europe, February 2019 DownDetector

In Ukraine, the problems, including these with sending messages are observed in Kyiv and Lviv.

Facebook issues in Ukraine, February 2019 DownDetector

Earlier, Facebook administration limited political publicity in a number of states, including Ukraine. The changes concern Nigeria, India, Ukraine and the EU member countries, where elections will be held this year. The limitations are necessary to prevent the interference of foreign entities and individuals in the electoral process.

Previously, the social network was involved in the scandal with the Russian special services interfering with the presidential election in the U.S. Moscow denies these charges.
Open source

Members of the European Parliament condemned the criminal proceeding against Viktor Medvedchuk, the representative of the "Opposition Platform - For Life" political party. The MEPS commented on the criminal case opened against the politician for his proposals on settlement of the military conflict in Donbas, voiced at the All-Ukrainian Congress of the party on January 29.

It looks very much as he is being prosecuted or persecuted for views he held, quite write views which he expressed, for some sort of solution for the problem in the Donbas region. Its been a lot of bloodshed there. He is coming up with the helpful suggestions. Here in the West you come up with an opposite suggestion, it may not be what people like and what people approve, but the thing is that you make a suggestion to someone to refute that. Not to be arrested, or use that as an excuse to put someone in prison, David Coburn, MEP, a Scottish politician and businessman, says.

This is the way of quieting down Viktor Medvedchuk. This is the way of silencing his views. Because in the West here in Europe, if a politician brings forward an idea, we debate that idea. We dont silence them, Nathan Gill MEP says.

The Ukrainian people are longing for independency. They always have their big brother  the Russians  right beside them, right around them and everywhere. What they are longing for is independency, and we have to give it to them. Independency means strength  strength for Ukraine, strength against the Russians. And only each others strength has a future for the country, Arne Gericke, a German Member of the European Parliament, says. Viktor Medvedchuk has to be supported by the government in one thing, which is the freedom of speech.

As we reported earlier, Viktor Medvedchuk, the politician and the head of 'Ukrainsky Vybir' (Ukrainian Choice) political party faces prosecution in Ukraine. Prosecutor General's Office has opened the case against him under two charges.

'On February 5, Prosecutor General's Office submitted the information about criminal violations committed by Viktor Medvedchuk, as filed by MP Andriy Teteruk (...). Viktor Medvedchuk, the head of the pro-Russian organization 'Ukrainian Choice - The Right of the People' and the Head of the Political Board of 'Opposition Platform-For Life' party made a loud statement during the party convention in Kyiv on January 29. He claimed that there's a need to create the so-called 'autonomous region of Donbas', including the creation of its own parliament and government - and the following legalization of such status in the Constitution of Ukraine. His plan foresees that the autonomous region of Donbas is created in the composition of Ukraine. He believes that such agreements on the status of Donbas may be reached within the Kyiv-Donetsk-Luhansk-Moscow format', Larysa Sargan, the spokeswoman of the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine, wrote.

'Considering that, in accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine Article 1, Ukraine is a unitary state, the territorial system is envisioned in Article 133 of this Law, as well as the fact that Russian Federation, by providing self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DNR, LNR) with live force, armament and other materials is carrying out aggressive actions against Ukraine, the proclamation of the concept of the formation of an autonomous region in Donbas promotes the legalization of the temporarily occupied territory contrary to the Constitution and assists a foreign state in conducting subversive activities against Ukraine, including information support.

Under such circumstances, in the actions of Medvedchuk V. there are signs of crimes provided for in Part 1, Article 110 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, - encroachment on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and Part 1, Article 11 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, - state treason. The Constitution of Ukraine legislatively enshrines the territorial system of Ukraine (art.133), which provides that Donetsk and Luhansk regions are administrative and territorial units within the state', she added.

The case materials will be handed over to the SBU, the State Security Service of Ukraine.
The state of health of Ukrainian political prisoner Edem Bekirov is estimated as critical; Ukraines ombudsman Lyudmyla Denisova reported on Facebook citing his daughter Eleonora.

Russian side states that he is in a satisfactory condition.

The state of health of Edem Bekirov is supercritical. His daughter Eleonora reported it. At the same time, according to the information I received from Russian President Advisor, Chairman of Council of the Russian President on Public Society Development and Human Rights Mikhail Fedorov, the state of health of the political prisoner is satisfactory, Denisova stated.

Bekirov's lawyer was said that his client had no illnesses, which made him unable to stay in custody, while we know that he has a number of grave diseases, which can deteriorate in the conditions of the remand center.

I make sure one more time that we cannot believe the information we receive from the Russian letters. Russia conceals the real state of the citizen of Ukraine and violates human rights in such a way, Ukrainian ombudsman emphasized.

January 10, the court of occupied Crimea decided to leave Crimean Tatar Edem Bekirov behind the bars until February 11, 2019.

Russian law enforcers detained Crimean Tatar Edem Bekirov at the entrance to occupied Crimea on December 12, 2018. Edem was heading from mainland Ukraine to Crimea to visit his 78-year-old mother and relatives.

Chairman of Mejlis of Crimean Tatars Refat Chubarov stated Berkirov was arrested during passport control on the territory controlled by the Russian law enforcers. Later, Chubarov noted that the detainee was taken to Russias Security Service office in annexed Simferopol.
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In 2015, the official received the Ukrainian citizenship, already enjoying the benefits of U.S. citizenship; this is considered a breach of the Ukrainian law

The district court of Kyiv decided to temporarily remove Ulyana Suprun from the office of Acting Health Minister because of her dual citizenship. This is mentioned on the website of the court authority.

Apart from the Ukrainian one, she also has the U.S. passport.

In particular, the decision says that the court considered the appeal by MP Ihor Mosiychuk from the Radical Party. The authority temporarily banned her from acting within the competence of the Healthcare Minister.

However, at that, Suprun was not restricted from acting as the Deputy Minister, as these responsibilities are also within her competence.

'The court explained its decision by distinct signs of obvious illegality of temporary performance as the first deputy of the Healthcare Minister in the period of time that exceeds one month since the person was granted the respective authority... Besides, the court took into account the complainant's arguments that in 2015, Ulyana Suprun received the Ukrainian citizenship and, at the same time, she still has foreign citizenship (the U.S. citizenship), while the Law of Ukraine 'On Citizenship of Ukraine', there's only one citizenship in Ukraine', the message says.

Earlier on Tuesday, February 5, Kyiv District Court has prohibited Ulyana Suprun from exercising the power of Ukraines Health Minister, as the courts decision says, published by Ukrainian MP Igor Mosiychuk on Facebook.

To prohibit First Deputy of Ukraines Health Minister Ulyana Suprun from performing any actions within the competence of Ukraines Health Minister, the court ruled.
112 Agency

Where is our country leading to?

Yushchenko: I am a big optimist, to be frank. The time we are experiencing is a great time of national universal education or enlightenment. Over the past 4-5 years, we have seriously changed as a nation. We have become different: stronger, we respect our own, Ukrainian. And what we lacked most of all about five years ago, unity, today we have it.

We have allegedly shown to the eastern part that Ukraine is an absolutely normal state, but still, there are those who are looking in Putins direction.

Ten years ago, when a sociological survey was conducted, who would you like to see as president, 70% wanted Putin.

Why so? Tell us more about him, you know him.

Russians as a people do not like freedom by their nature; they love slavery. They want to have a king. They do not want democracy. Russia had too few Nemtsovs (Boris Nemtsov, Russian oppositional politician, murdered in Moscow, February 28, 2015  ed.). Too few Basilashvilis (Oleg Basilashvili, Soviet/Russian film and theatre actor, political figure in the former Soviet Union and in the new Russia, - ed.), too few Makarevichs (Andrey Makarevich, Soviet and Russian rock musician and the founder of Russia's oldest still active rock band Mashina Vremeni, - ed.). Alexei Tolstoy has said once that there are two Russias  the one, which is more Kyiv-like, and all that is inherent in Europe is there. This is Rus, which has created the world culture, at least the European one. And there is Russia taiga. Here we are talking about this kind of Rus.

In 1991-1992, Moscow was steaming, when people with intelligent faces appeared on the screens, where are they today?

A few years ago, a conference called "Russia 2020-2030" was held in St. Petersburg. There were several panels that formed the predictions of the nature of the Russian state could be in 2020-2030. They said that it would be impossible to keep such a body, which is now called Russia, within the invariable non-graphical border.

You told me that Putin has once visited your house, your Banderist house (Yushchenko has an old Banderist house, a real stash house, transported and reconstructed).

My relationship with the president of Russia... I cant say anything bad about our relationships. Those contacts (and there were a lot of them: both at the level of premiership and at the level of the presidency) have brought a lot of interesting things. If we talk about the human, sensitive dimension, when Vladimir Vladimirovich came to the house, he came close to the stove, raised his hands and laid them on the stove. He stood there for about twenty seconds and did not say a word. But I saw that he was trying to remember something, something very warm and precious, perhaps only known to him alone. And then we sat down at the table where all the presidents who came to Ukraine were sitting  from African to European leaders.

I did not know Putin, whom he has become today. I do not remember him saying something arrogant or doing something rude, disrespectful He was a rather tactful person. He never said no. He used in a formal-you mode. And was very tactful.

We have ended up in a bad way and came to martial law. How did it happen that three Ukraines presidents, you, Kuchma, and Kravchuk, decided to do this?

If we treat our relations with Russia as a war, and this would be reasonable as 62 thousand of our children, girls are killed, injured, 13% of the territory is first annexed, half of those territories are occupied, a significant part of our industry, economy, trade is lost, and this is one of our greatest misfortunes. If this is a war, what should we do? Let us open the Constitution. The constitution of any country says: if you have a war if you are threatened with the first global question of a state, security, then immediately look at four areas of relations with the aggressor, occupier. Question one: what to do with the goods? Question two: what to do with the services? Question three: what to do with financial transactions and capital? Question four: people, human relationships. As a rule, these relationships cease. Considering that we have survived 300 years of Russian colonization, our integration into Russia, it is easy to give an answer to these four topics.

The Constitution says: you cannot hold elections during the war. The authors of the Constitution wrote it out just following the other constitutions: if you have a war, dont hold any elections. Therefore, Churchill has not been holding elections for six years.

And when he did it, he immediately lost.

Yes. The United States had two presidential terms, and then they have adopted four. In other words, if there is a war, do not create internal resistance, do not create those competitions that ruin the unity of the nation and the people  just do not go to elections. The second question is: if there is a war, why are you talking about privatization? If the house is on fire, who sells it? Third: if you have a war, why do you amend the Constitution? This is all prohibited by the Constitution.

What was the GDP growth when during your presidency?

From 7%, and even 14% in some quarters.

People who were close to you during Maidan, now go to the parliament and the Cabinet of Ministers. Havent you experienced some bitter disappointment that you could not see those enemies on your stage?

This is not my fault or the fault of someone else. In order to change the chances of the nation in 2004, various forces had to be consolidated. The most difficult thing is to keep the dialogue going. I think that the conflict of the Ukrainian nation in 2004 was much higher than in 2013-2014. In fact, there were two Maidans; 400-500 m were between them. On the third day, we carried food and water there. And my first proposal to President Kuchma was to organize a dialogue, an uprising, and power. We have a quiet protest. We do not want to shoot at anyone, to shed blood, because we understand that if a drop of blood was spilled on the Independence Square, they would use force against us.

I have secretly met with the commander of the internal troops, and I told him then: as long as you do not have a written order, do not go to Maidan and do not do anything, please. You have to understand us, the civil society. It looked like President Kuchma did not want to hold this dialogue. Although we made a lot of efforts, including together with Ivan Plushch (Ukrainian politician, thrice served as the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, - ed.), we personally addressed; we would like to hold a public dialogue. But for some reasons we were refused. I think that many advisors to President Kuchma represented the "hawks" camp. And so we had to turn to Europe. At that time I called everyone who could answer the phone: come, we will organize an open Ukrainian round table under your supervision. We do not need your ideas, hints, we know what we are doing. But we have no opportunity to convene a platform for dialogue. First, there must be a dialogue to create a great miracle - trust. Trust creates consensus. So in three days, we came out with the contract, which settled both Maidans. Of course, no one can say that this is a pure victory. I gave way like no other. I refused from all the powers that President Kuchma had, I did it for peace. Part of the rebels did not support me, part of the authorities did not support me

If we take world history, democracy has been always developing from tsarism to a constitutional empire, then to a republic, then to a parliamentary republic, and then to self-government. That is the logic of freedom. Therefore, it was easy for me to go for it. I was convinced that if I delegated these powers to the prime minister, the prime minister would be from this cluster. And these are my brothers. I never thought that they would betray me, that they would start playing their own game to split democracy. Here we are not talking about some kind of personal relationship. The road to democracy is being shaped by major joint efforts.

Read the original text at 112.ua.
The pro-Russian militants violated the ceasefire regime eight times during past 24 hours

Open source

Soldier Mykola Rudnyk died in Donbas, in Joint Forces Operation (JFO) zone on February 4, as the Soldiers Union of Kamianka-Buzka district reported on Facebook.

Sad news was received from the front line. On February 4, a citizen of Batiatychy village, Kamianka-Buzka district Rudnyk A. Mykola died in the JFO zone. Mykola loved Ukraine above all. He was a member of the Congress of Ukrainian Nationalists (Ukraine's far-right organization, - ed.), the message said.

The condolences expressed to the family of the deceased.

Open source

As we reported over the past 24 hours the militants opened fire eight times in Donbas combat zone, one Ukrainian soldier died, another one sustained injuries.

Besides, Ukrainian serviceman of Mykolaiv 79th air assault brigade, who went missing in Donbas near Pavlopil on January 23, was captured by the Russian-occupation troops.

On February 5, the law enforcers detained a militant of an illegal armed formation Luhansk Peoples Republic. For now, the detainee is under investigation.

Related video:
A 36-year-old Luhansk resident said he signed a contract on his friend's proposal

Open source

Law enforcers detained a militant of an illegal armed formation "Luhansk People's Republic" (LPR), as Ukraines National Police reports.

As a 36-year-old Luhansk resident put it, in 2016 he agreed to his friends offer, signed a contract with a militants unit, and was trained on a training base located on the territory of a former military lyceum in Luhansk, the law enforcers stated.

For now, the detainee is under investigation.

Earlier, Horlivka resident who participated in the combat actions in Eastern Ukraine on the side of the illegal armed formations was detained at Marinka checkpoint.

As it was defined, the detained joined the illegal armed formations in 2015, before he reached 16. After military training, he has been serving on a checkpoint between Horlivka and Donetsk till 2018.

Ukrainian border guards have detained 154 militants in 2018.

Related video:
Open source

Over the past 24 hours the militants opened fire eight times in Donbas combat zone, one Ukrainian soldier dies, one more sustained injuries, as the Joint Forces Operation HQ reported on Facebook.

On February 4, Russian occupation troops violated the ceasefire eight times, they also used Minsk-banned weapons four times. As a result of the enemys attack, one soldier of the Joint Forces Operation died, one more got injured, the message says.

Militants fired at the Ukrainian positions near the location of Vostok tactical group from 82mm mortars and automatic grenade launchers near Opytne, the enemy used small arms near Nevelske.

In Sever group sector, the militants shot at our positions twice from 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various systems and heavy machine guns near Khutir Vilny, twice from grenade launchers near Novoluhanske, from 82mm mortars  near Krymske.

Ukrainian intelligence reports six militants eliminated, four  seriously wounded.

Enemy did not attack today. Ukrainian servicemen continue controlling the demarcation line, observing the ceasefire, HQ added.

Related video:
The SBU, Ukraine's state security service took in the local resident who collected the data on the Ukrainian military deployed there and passed it to the members of illegal armed units in the occupied section of Donetsk region

Open source

The SBU, Ukraine's State Security Service detained a man in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region; he appeared to be the informant working for the terrorist organization known as 'DNR' ('Donetsk People's Republic', - 112 International). The SBU press office posted this via Facebook.

The law enforcers found out that the local resident gathered the data on the movement of Ukrainian military vehicles in Kramatorsk. He passed the information to the members of illegal armed formations.

The perpetrator was detained and charged with the creation of a terrorist group.

The pre-trial investigation is underway.

Earlier, the so-called Internal Ministry of Donetsk Peoples Republic refused to issue citizenship to one of the founders of this terrorist group, Andrey Purgin, as Gazeta.ru reported. Andrey Purgin occupied the post of Chairman of Peoples Council of Republic in 2015 and stated that he got the refusal for the issuance of DPR passport. The refusal also concerned his wife; however, she still lives in the territory occupied by the militants and pays taxes.
The world realized that some countries that do not belong to the richest club have found a niche allowing them to attract investment not because of stable economy and financial system, but because of what interests foreigners - their own citizenship.



These countries of the world have created special conditions for the granting of citizenship to foreigners investing in their economies. This is usually called "selling a country passport." The island states, which earn a long time on this, do not require the conditions of stay on their territory, but the foreigner receives a passport with which he can travel to many countries, taking advantage of visa-free.



The island state of the Caribbean, St. Kitts and Nevis is a professional merchant of its citizenship, which according to the H & P Passport Index in 2019 will provide the opportunity to travel without visas, receive a visa upon arrival or order an electronic visa in 151 countries of the world, that is, almost in 75% recognized and partially recognized states.



It can only offer its passport, because the rest does not interest the citizens of other countries. The neighboring islands of Antigua and Barbuda are not far behind from their neighbor, providing an opportunity to travel without borders in 150 countries of the world. In 2017, Moldova decided to grant citizenship in exchange for investment, comparing itself with the Caribbean countries in terms of the amount of investment.



But Moldova is inferior to Ukraine in the number of countries that can be visited without a passport: 122 against 128. With the passport of Japan, which is now in the first place in the ranking, you can travel without borders to 190 countries of the world, and with the Cyprus passport, which occupies 16th place, you can visit 173 states.



Many European countries also attract those who invest in their economies with their own citizenship. But if the rich countries like the UK offer only a residence permit in exchange, then smaller countries have to offer a full-fledged citizen passport.



Great Britain has always invited all the rich people of the world after de jure it has ceased to be a colonial country, and now it calls it an investment visa. Some EU countries also offered citizenship in exchange for investment.



The most famous country in such group is Cyprus, which since 1991 has been considered a safe haven for capital and their owners from the post-Soviet space. But this is being also done by Malta and Bulgaria, and also Greece appears in the reports of the European Commission.



Portugal also provides foreigners with residence permit if they stay on its territory for only seven days. Residence permit is being sold by 20 countries of the European Union out of 28. Even Luxembourg offers the richest get their place in this country.



To obtain citizenship of Malta, Bulgaria or Cyprus, you need to invest from 1 to 2 million euros. Mostly mandatory is the purchase of real estate for a certain amount, but sometimes the state expands the list of sectors for investment, directing them to industries that need strong financing, for example, to purchase securities, both public and private.

Ukraine can offer foreigners who have money (according to the H & P Passport Index) visa-free stay in 128 countries around the world, particularly in the EU. The active work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggests that every year there will be more such countries.



In conditions when the supply from the EU countries will decrease in quantity, the cost will increase, the demand for passports will be present. And it is present mainly for immigrants from Asian countries, namely China, India, Vietnam, etc. Asian countries are carefully studying Ukraine, considering it as the eastern gate of Europe. Those books about the history of our country, which we give out in thousands of copies, are published in China in millions of copies.



Ukraine can identify priority sectors in need of investment, for example, the purchase of government securities - domestic bonds. Due to such bonds, Ukraine will be able to reduce borrowing in the International Monetary Fund and its dependence on it.



The income from government bonds is not subject to personal income tax. And since currency operations are being liberalized by the NBU, Asian businessmen who want to conduct business with Europe and require an intermediate place may be interested in this opportunity.



Today, it is difficult for foreigners to obtain both Ukrainian citizenship and a residence permit. At the same time, lawyers offer different schemes, according to which its receipt is greatly simplified. To do this, you will not need to change a lot of legislation, as it sometimes happens.



We are talking about the Law "On Citizenship of Ukraine" and related regulations, which makes the possibility of such changes probable and quick.



Some will ask: what about the dual citizenship prohibited in Ukraine? When hundreds of thousands of citizens of our country have double and sometimes triple citizenship, the question disappears.



When we make living conditions in our country on the level when obtaining Ukrainian citizenship will be honorable, then the question will gradually be removed for the overwhelming majority of citizens. And how many of those labor migrants who are currently working abroad get a residence permit and citizenship of European countries?



Should they refuse to give up Ukrainian citizenship or do we still not want to lose touch with them? And what to do with those who live in uncontrolled territories and got passports there? Are they citizens of our country or not?



Therefore, having solved the issues of economic development and social welfare, the political issues caused by dual citizenship will be resolved by themselves. And if Ukraine does not become rich, then even a single citizenship will not help the country to remain completely independent.

Read original article at 112.ua
A wide-ranging strip search of the Howard County jails female inmates resulted in drugs being found in the facility, but it also drew the ire of those women.

On Jan. 17, in the early morning hours, corrections officers at the local jail awoke nearly 80 female inmates housed in the facility. The inmates were led to the jails gymnasium where they were each strip searched. The impetus for the search, according to Howard County Sheriff Jerry Asher, was information that drugs had been trafficked into the jail.

The search yielded results, with corrections officers locating illegal drugs that had been trafficked in. Charges are pending against two individuals relating to the drugs, but female inmates voiced content over the searches, claiming they werent allowed to properly clothe themselves prior to being moved through the facility. The sheriff and the jail commander contended those claims.

The search began around 5 a.m. in unit 1 of the jail, which is dedicated entirely to female inmates. Multiple inmates who called the Kokomo Perspective the week after the search said they were awoken and told to lie on the floor. Most, if not all, of the female inmates werent sleeping in their jail uniforms. Some were wearing booty shorts or boxers, and some werent wearing undergarments, such as a bra, and slept in their T-shirts.

Corrections officers, claimed the inmates, wouldnt allow most of them to put on additional clothing after being awoken.

Normally they tell us we have to be in our uniforms from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m, said Megan Day, who has been sentenced to the jail for an operating while intoxicated charge. If a male comes in our unit, because theres not typically male guards on our unit at all, they announce, Male on unit, because were in boxer shorts or our underwear or T-shirts. They dont want us to be showing our body parts, whatever, to the male guards. They were dragging us out of bed in our night clothes, and one of the girls next to me was sleeping in her underwear.

Jail Commander Robin Byers said such precautions are necessary, though, because inmates could hide drugs on their person.

With it being a security issue, we dont know if theres drugs hidden in undergarments, said Byers.

Some, however, who were wearing only underwear when they were awoken, were allowed to put on pants, according to both inmates and jail officials.

After being woken up, the 78 female inmates in the pod were walked to the jails rec area.

Inmates voiced displeasure of the move, as they were walked near male inmates who were able to see them in their sleep attire.

Once in the rec area, the inmates were sat on the ground handcuffed in pairs. Each of the 78 inmates was strip-searched by female correctional officers in a separate room, outside the view of male corrections officers and inmates.

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During the searches inmates feminine hygiene products were taken away, confirmed Byers, to ensure drugs werent being hidden within a body cavity. One inmate, Brittany Catt, claimed her pad was taken away, and she was menstruating at the time.

They got me in and strip searched me and took my pad from me, said Catt. Well, they wouldnt give me another pad to put on, and Im bleeding and on my period. When I got to the rec room they made me sit down. By the time I sit down and get back up and come back to the unit Ive already bled through all my clothes because they wouldnt give me a pad.

The jail commander contested this.

Byers claimed that sanitary products were available for inmates that needed one during the searches and that she was never approached by any inmate expressing this need.

We even had sanitary products on the change cart, said Byers. We had a cart with uniforms on it. Like if we found drugs or any other kind of contraband, we automatically reclassified them to restrictive housing. We had red uniforms and we had female products on that cart just for this very reason. When they strip search, if they have a feminine product in use, we make them change it in case theres believe it or not its happened, they hide drugs in them, and we make them throw it away.

According to Asher, strip searching all 78 inmates took about two hours.

He said that similar searches have occurred in the past and that if inmates were deemed to not be wearing appropriate attire, such as was the case with Catt prior to her being allowed to put on pants, they were given that opportunity prior to being moved. The last such search Asher could recall was last year, prior to him taking office, when unit 3, the jails largest male inmate pod, was searched in a similar manner.

Everybody had some kind of clothing on. If anybody had on what would be deemed inappropriate to be wearing, the officer in charge of that unit had them put pants or a top on, said Asher. That happened a couple times, where a female had to put pants on, and another had to put a top on. Nobody was traipsed through males, which there were males there  At no time were they brought through males and paraded, I guess.

As a result of the searches, 50 pills were located in the jail, which Asher said were gabapentin.

The sheriffs office forwarded information to the prosecutors office, requesting charges against Shannon Lusher for trafficking with an inmate and possession of a legend drug. Also, another charge of possession of a legend drug was requested against Lindsey Gibbs. The prosecutors office has yet to file those charges.

Additionally, Asher stressed that no inmates have filed complaints with the jail regarding the searches.
RTHK: US envoy to visit Pyongyang on Wednesday

The US special envoy for North Korea will head to Pyongyang on Wednesday for talks ahead of a much-anticipated second summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, the US State Department said on Monday.

In addition to preparations for the summit, Stephen Biegun's meetings with North Korean official Kim Hyok Chol will "advance further progress on the commitments the president and Chairman Kim made in Singapore: complete denuclearisation, transforming US-DPRK relations and building a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula," a statement read.

In an interview with CBS on Sunday, Trump said the date and venue of his upcoming second summit with the North Korean leader had been agreed  and would likely be announced before or during his State of the Union address on Tuesday.

Vietnam is seen as the most likely venue for the meeting, which is expected to take place late this month, and follows their landmark first summit in Singapore last June.

That meeting  the first-ever between the leaders of the US and North Korea  produced a vaguely-worded document in which Kim pledged to work towards "the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula."

But progress has since stalled with the two sides disagreeing over what that means.

Last week, US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told Congress that "North Korea is unlikely to give up all of its nuclear weapons and production capabilities". (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2019-02-05. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Grigorie Dascalul  Calendar crestin ortodox: 22 iunie

Inca din pruncie s-a aratat iubitor de carte, invatand la scoli inalte ale vremii. A fost, apoi, primit ucenic de Sfantul Paisie Velicikovski, pe cand acesta era staret al Manastirii Neamtului, unde s-a calugarit cu numele de Grigorie si a fost hirotonit ierodiacon. Era un desavarsit [citeste mai departe]
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-06 06:58:59|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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QUITO, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador has received its first fleet of Chinese-made electric buses designed to modernize urban public transit and improve sustainability in Guayaquil, the country's main port and second most populous city, with some 2 million residents.

The fleet of 20 BYD brand buses arrived in the Port of Manta, in western Manabi province, on Monday, where vice president Otto Sonnenholzner was on hand to receive the units, along with executives of privately-owned transport company Saucin, which purchased them.

The buses "represent more comfortable, higher quality mobility (that is) environmentally friendly (with) zero pollution," said Sonnenholzner.

The arrival of these buses makes Ecuador the second South American country, after Chile, to embrace electric public transit. Chile's capital Santiago has incorporated 100 units into the city's fleet.

The modern air-conditioned buses will serve 10,500 commuters a day in Guayaquil, offering a safer and more convenient ride aboard units equipped with surveillance cameras and wheelchair ramps.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-06 06:53:58|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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MADRID, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Spanish companies see the Chinese New Year as an opportunity to increase sales to Chinese tourists, Director of International Marketing at the emblematic Corte Ingles department store, Javier Fernandez Andrino, told Xinhua on Tuesday.

The Corte Ingles held a celebration to mark the arrival of the Year of the Pig with a party attended by celebrities from both the Spanish and Chinese communities in Madrid, including Chinese Ambassador to Spain Lyu Fan.

"The New Year is important for stores all over Europe, not just in Spain, because Chinese tourists have become excellent clients and it is an honor to celebrate the New Year with our visitors," said Andrino.

The Corte Ingles' flagship store in the central Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid, welcomes around 150,000 Chinese tourists every year and employs several Chinese speakers to help them make their purchases.

"The more attention we can give, then the more comfortable they feel. It helps them feel welcome and that means they spend more time with us. So that benefits us all," Andrino told Xinhua.

The importance of China to the Corte Ingles was made clear in 2018 when the company signed an agreement with Chinese company Alibaba to develop close collaboration in different areas, such as retail and distribution, cloud computing services and digital innovation and payment using mobile phones.

"The Chinese are our most important international clients..." concluded Andrino.

Meanwhile, the Chinese ambassador said that the "objective of the New Year is to help us have greater reciprocal understanding, to look after our traditional friendship and further develop bilateral relations."

"I also want to offer Spanish people the chance to get to know China and that the Year of the Pig brings us prosperity, good luck and peace," he commented.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-06 06:43:56|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SANTIAGO, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chilean authorities have arrested three foreigners, including a U.S. citizen, for smuggling a vast cache of the synthetic drug ecstasy, the National Customs Service said on Tuesday.

The three suspects, including a Spanish and a Swiss citizen, were caught trying to bring in 27,000 tablets of the drug also known as MDMA. The cache has a street value of 624,000 U.S. dollars.

Customs officials at the airport in the capital Santiago discovered the drugs hidden in a suitcase with a false bottom, said Patricio Gonzalez, head of the customs service drugs unit.

The suspects have no prior criminal record and were in Chile on tourist visas, he added.

According to authorities, the American landed in Santiago Tuesday morning from London, and delivered the more than 10-kilo cache to the other two, who were already in Chile.

Gonzalez said customs officials have discovered drugs hidden in a variety of objects, including toys and books, but false-bottom luggage is unusual.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-06 06:38:55|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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YAOUNDE, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon's army said on Tuesday that a "famous" separatist commander popularly known as Colonel Virus, and one other armed separatist were killed Tuesday afternoon in a clash in Makanga, a remote locality in Southwest, one of the two English-speaking regions of the country.

"The famous colonel virus of Makanga was neutralized today 05 Feb. 2019." the army said in a statement.

"He is the author of several abuses in Muyuka including, burning cars, kidnappings, etc.," the statement added. Muyuka is a locality in the Southwest where clashes between government forces and the separatists have become intense recently.

Earlier Tuesday, local authorities said at least four civilians were shot dead in the two war-torn Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest as armed separatists began what they called a "10-day lockdown."

Separatists have banned all sorts of activities in the regions from Tuesday to Feb. 14 as a move to disrupt National Youth Day activities expected to be celebrated on Feb. 11.

Since November 2017, government forces have been clashing with armed separatist forces who want the two regions to secede from the largely French-speaking nation and form a new country called "Ambazonia."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-06 05:38:47|Editor: Yang Yi

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Ma Zhaoxu (front, C), Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, addresses a Security Council meeting on transnational organized crime at sea at the UN headquarters in New York, Feb. 5, 2019. China's UN envoy on Tuesday urged support for "countries concerned" in combating transnational organized crime at sea, pointing out that maritime security remains grim on Africa's west coast. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- China's UN envoy on Tuesday urged support for "countries concerned" in combating transnational organized crime at sea, pointing out that maritime security remains grim on Africa's west coast.

Ma Zhaoxu, Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, told a Security Council meeting that China supports these countries in "enhancing coordination, formulating joint strategies and mechanisms, cracking down on transnational organized crime at sea, and thereby achieving development and prosperity."

He said that in recent years, while pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden have decreased significantly, the situation of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea on Africa's west coast remains grim, "which has severely affected the economic and social development of coastal states in Africa."

He warned that illegal funds have flown into terrorist organizations, extremist forces, and criminal groups, exacerbating national and regional instability, and threatening international peace and security.

In coping with the situation, the Chinese envoy said the international community should assist the coastal states in capacity building while respecting their sovereignty, adding "this entails efforts to support coastal states in improving their domestic legislation, and establishing and strengthening maritime security forces."

Particularly, Ma pointed out that the international community should engage in the construction, operation, and maintenance of ports and other facilities of the coastal states and support them, "so they are more competent in ship docking, replenishment and maintenance, and be better equipped with more sufficient logistical guarantee."

Moreover, he highlighted the role of regional and subregional organizations and established regional long-term mechanisms in addressing the issue, and stressed the need to mobilize resources and strengthen international cooperation.

Relevant UN agencies, the International Maritime Organization, the Interpol, among others, should provide more assistance to coastal states, he detailed.

"The international community can draw from the success stories and, on the basis of thorough consultations with the coastal states, ... exchange evidence and information and facilitate the investigation, prosecution, and trial of relevant cases with all the necessary conveniences," he added.

In addition, Ma called for increased development assistance to the coastal states, stressing development is the overarching key to solving all problems.

He proposed more assistance to help coastal states root out the causes of poverty and social injustice, speed up economic and social development, and increase anti-terrorism cooperation.

China, Ma said, has carried out escort operations in the coastal waters of Somalia, participated in international cooperation against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and provided assistance to coastal states in strengthening infrastructure and other capacity building.

"China will continue to implement the Beijing Action Plan, which was adopted at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in September last year, thus to strengthen our exchange and cooperation with African ports and support African countries in promoting port informatization," he said.

He further pledged that China will scale up security assistance in Africa and strengthen result-based cooperation in the areas of social governance, peacekeeping, combating piracy and counter terrorism.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-06 03:33:17|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (R) shakes hands with visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem in Tehran, capital of Iran, on Feb. 5, 2019. Iran pledged on Tuesday full support to Syria facing threats from terrorists and Israel. (Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz)

TEHRAN, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Iran pledged on Tuesday full support to Syria facing threats from terrorists and Israel.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Tuesday that Israel does not favor the establishment of peace and security in Syria and in the region, official IRNA news agency reported.

Regional countries should boost convergence and cooperation to counter any plots against them, Zarif said in a meeting with his visiting Syrian counterpart Walid Muallem.

Zarif also said the private sector of his country is ready to take part in the reconstruction of Syria and economic interaction with Damascus after the eight-year war in the country.

For his part, Muallem commended Iran for supporting Syria against terrorism, saying Syria's recent victories against terrorists also belong to Iran and other allies of Damascus.

Muallem also briefed Zarif on the latest developments in Syria and the ongoing process for the political settlement of conflicts in his country.

Earlier in the day, a senior Iranian security official said the joint fight with Syria against terrorism has contributed to regional and international security, Press TV reported.

Tehran and Damascus will continue their cooperation until the eradication of the scourge in the Arab country, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said in another meeting with the Syrian foreign minister.

"Cooperation between Iran and Syria in the fight against terrorism has resulted in undeniable achievements for the region and international security, and this trend will continue until the end of the security crisis in this (Arab) country," Shamkhani was quoted as saying.

He further said some Western countries sabotage the political process to end conflicts in Syria and their "illogical positions and pretexts" are merely aimed at prolonging the crisis gripping the country.

"Common enemies of the Muslim world, particularly the United States and the Zionist regime (of Israel), are trying to destroy great interests of Muslim countries such as security and economic progress by creating and intensifying conflicts and discord," Shamkhani said.

He also censured Israel's "unacceptable" continued aggression against Syrian soil and violations of its territorial integrity.

If these actions continue, Israel will receive a "firm and appropriate response in a way to teach a lesson to the criminal and lying rulers of Israel," he was quoted as saying.

Shamkhani also stressed the importance of improving relations between Tehran and Damascus, particularly in trade and economic sectors.

Muallem, for his part, hailed Iran's "extensive" support for Syria.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani also held a meeting with Muallem on Tuesday, during which he said the Syrian people's resistance has neutralized the enemies' adventurism.

Larijani stressed the boost of cooperation between the two nations, saying Tehran and Damascus should boost their trade ties in 2019.

Muallem arrived in the capital Tehran on Tuesday to discuss Tehran-Damascus ties and the latest political developments in Syria.

His visit to Tehran comes ahead of an upcoming summit of Iran, Russia and Turkey in Russia's Sochi as part of the Astana peace process over Syria.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-06 02:03:03|Editor: Yang Yi

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Missouri Governor Mike Parson (back, C) poses for photos with teachers and students from Columbia Chinese Language School in front of his office door with Chinese New Year decorations, in Jefferson City, Missouri, the United States, on Feb. 4, 2019. Missouri Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson held a Chinese Lunar New Year reception at their mansion on Monday evening. (Xinhua/Heng Xiao)

JEFFERSON CITY, the United States, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- After putting a Chinese couplet on the door of the governor's office at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, Missouri Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson held a Chinese Lunar New Year reception at their mansion on Monday evening.

Before the reception, a traditional lion dance warmed up the atmosphere, and students from the Confucius Institute at the University of Missouri performed Chinese instruments like flute and zither.

More eye-catching was 16 young students in traditional Chinese red costume performing Chinese songs "Guo Xin Nian" and "Chun Xiao" together with dance, which drew loud applause and cheers from the attendees.

After being told the meaning of the couplet, which marks fortune and good luck, Parson told the crowd in the mansion that he thought he was the lucky person having these children singing for him.

"It's so important that we understand how diverse Missouri is and the different cultures we have here, and that we're all the same Missourians when we come here tonight," Parson said.

Missouri State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Director Anna Hui told Xinhua that it is the first time in Missouri history that both the governor and the lieutenant governor have actually hosted an event to hang a couplet at the governor's office.

"I think it is very special for the Chinese community because it is really the first opportunity that they've had to interact with state leadership at such a high level. It is state's recognition for Chinese American society," Hui sad.

Du Wei, principal of Columbia Chinese Language School in Columbia, Missouri, told Xinhua that he is very proud of what the Chinese community has done for local people, and the faculty will work together to continue to promote the Chinese culture in the United States.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-06 00:42:48|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BERLIN, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Following a proposal by the responsible regional court in Duisburg, west Germany to suspend the proceedings against the 10 defendants in the Love Parade criminal trial, the public prosecutor's office announced approval of the proposal on Tuesday.

The court's proposal had been "thoroughly examined" and the decision to approve the trial's suspension was not taken easily "in view of the serious consequences" of the event, the public prosecutor's office informed.

During a mass panic in July 2010, 21 people died in an overcrowded area at the Love Parade in Duisburg and more than 650 were injured. Both city representatives and employees of event organizer Lopavent were, amongst other things, accused of negligent homicide.

The Duisburg regional court had proposed to discontinue the proceedings against seven defendants without condition. Three employees of event organizer Lopavent will be fined and the public prosecutor's office called for a fine of about 10,000 euros (11,400 U.S. dollars) each.

The other seven defendants are six employees of the city of Duisburg and one employee of the organizer. All of them have agreed to an unconditional dismissal of the case.

All three defendants who have been offered a suspension of the trial for a fine have announced that they would not agree to a suspension. The defendant did not waive his "right to be found not guilty", said the lawyer of one the accused.

The prosecutor office's confirmed that the trial could "continue until the limitation period for criminal prosecution comes into effect in July 2020".
A local man fired several shots after he discovered someone in his vehicle yesterday morning.

On Feb. 3, shortly after 5:00 a.m., Kokomo Police Department officers were dispatched to the 5500 block of Council Ring Blvd. regarding a shots fired report.

Upon arrival, Officers spoke with 32-year-old Andrew Boles of Kokomo. He advised that at approximately 5:02 a.m. an unknown male had gotten into one of his vehicles in his driveway. Boles armed himself and announced to the suspect that he was armed. The suspect was armed and pointed a handgun at Boles. Boles fired several shots at the suspect. The suspect fled without firing back.

The suspect was driving a dark colored late 90s or early 2000s SUV.

The suspect was described as a male wearing a gray jacket, bandana and some type of head covering.

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A neighbors house was struck by the gunfire. It is unknown if the suspect was struck.

No injuries were reported during the investigation.

This case remains active for investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective R. Chad Rodgers #350 at (765)456-7350 or the Kokomo Police Hotline at (765)456-7017. You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS with your anonymous tip.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
File Photo: U.S. President Donald Trump, with first lady Melania Trump, arrives to deliver remarks to U.S. troops in an unannounced visit to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Dec. 26, 2018. (Xinhua/REUTERS)

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. State Department said here on Monday that an upcoming meeting by members of the Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State (IS) will focus on the resources needed and specific plans in 2019.

In a background briefing previewing the meeting conducted via teleconference, several senior State Department officials asking for anonymity said that the ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat IS, the 10th of its kind since the coalition was found in 2014, would take place at the State Department on Feb. 6.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump's latest decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria and his latest controversial remarks concerning U.S. forces in Iraq have, to quite an extent, overshadowed the upcoming meeting.

PLAN IN 2019

According to U.S. officials, the attending nations and organizations will discuss how to "liberate" the eight million people that were under the IS' rule in Iraq and Syria, take away IS' revenue from taxes, oil and natural gas, and increase the pressure on the IS' branches around the globe.

"But most importantly the resources that will be needed in 2019 to build on the military and diplomatic gains," officials said. "It comes at a critical time in our mind because we're near the end of the military operations against Daesh and as you -- as has been announced, U.S. troops will be departing Syria."

Speaking about the coalition's plan to move forward with its campaign to defeat the IS, the U.S. diplomats said that there would be four themes to be discussed during the ministerial meeting, namely, to recognize what must be done to ensure an enduring defeat of the IS in Iraq and Syria, to affirm the coalition's ties and commitments with the new Iraqi government, to map out the requirements for coalition and maintain pressure in the global fight, and to ensure that the IS would be held accountable for the crimes it has committed.

According to the U.S. officials, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would deliver the opening remarks at the morning session and participate in a small group ministerial meeting that also included Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Britain. A joint statement was expected to be released following the afternoon plenary.

They added that the number of the coalition members have grown from 12 in September 2014 to 79 now, which included 75 nations and four international organizations.

CONTROVERSIAL "CONSISTENCY"

The U.S.-led coalition has been engaged in an operation to drive out the IS militants from their last stronghold in the eastern Euphrates region in eastern Syria.

In December, however, Trump abruptly announced to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, citing that the local IS force has been largely defeated.

Nevertheless, several bombs have been detonated in Syria since then, claiming lives of several U.S. soldiers and local militants. Former U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis also resigned largely due to Trump's withdrawal decision.

The U.S. State Department officials on Monday tries to defend Trump's remarks amid growing domestic questions.

"U.S. goals in Syria -- notwithstanding the Defeat ISIS campaign, which remains -- the goals remain there," they said. "A withdrawal of U.S. forces from northeast Syria is the change in the way we employ our military means under our broader strategy. It's not a change in the strategy."

"There's a consistency... on the judgment that there is no military solution to the Syrian conflict, that settling the conflict requires a political solution," the officials said.

TRUMP'S IRAQ-RELATED COMMENTS REFUTED

During an interview with CBS television broadcasted on Sunday, Trump reportedly said that the important role of U.S. troops in Iraq is "to watch Iran," sparking anger and rejection in the Middle East nation.

Iraqi President Barham Salih on Monday rejected any role for U.S. troops in Iraq beyond helping Iraq's security forces, saying that "Trump did not ask for our permission to watch Iran. Do not burden Iraq with issues that don't represent a priority to it."

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi also tweeted on Monday that "Iraqi sovereignty must be respected."

"Its interests should not be compromised. Iraq should not be used as a spring board to attack its neighbours," he warned. "We are not proxies in conflicts outside the interests of our nation."

When asked to comment on Iraq's responses, the State Department officials only said that "our troops are there in a relationship with the government -- by invitation of the Government of Iraq, articulated by the strategic framework agreement."

In an apparently different set of notes from Trump's, they added that the U.S. forces in Iraq are there for "the enduring defeat of ISIS. That hasn't changed."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 23:07:32|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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RAMALLAH, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Authority (PA) government on Tuesday slammed the Israeli moves to cut off the financial aid allocated for prisoners in Israeli jails.

The government said in a statement following its weekly cabinet meeting in the West bank city of Ramallah that "the PA's tax money ... belongs to the Palestinian treasury and the Palestinian people."

The statement described the Israeli moves as an "act of piracy and a breach of the agreements" signed between the PA and Israel.

It blamed the Israeli government of coordinating with the U.S. administration "to pressure Palestinians and force the Palestinian leadership to accept the century deal."

The government urged the U.S. administration to "stop its incitement and pressure policy, as it continues to pay billions of U.S. dollars to Israel and cover it's crimes against the Palestinian people."

Israeli public radio said on Monday that the Israeli government is going to approve the deduction of financial allocations paid by the PA to families of the prisoners in Israeli jails.

Last July, the Israeli Knesset (parliament) passed a new bill, allowing Israeli authorities to deduct millions of dollars from the Palestinian tax revenues it collects on behalf of the PA.

According to the bill, a special committee will put away the money into a fund and can only approve to pay it back if the PA stops its financial aid to the prisoners' families.

Palestinian officials described the law as "theft" and accused Israel of using it for political pressure and collective punishment.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 22:57:30|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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NEW DELHI, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Popular TV actress Shilpa Shinde joined the main opposition Indian National Congress (INC) party on Tuesday in the financial capital of Mumbai.

According to media reports, she might contest in the ensuing parliamentary elections from the "North Mumbai" constituency in the south-western state of Maharashtra.

After formally joining the INC, Shilpa said that she would like to see INC President and parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi as the country's next prime minister after the ensuing parliamentary polls slated to be held sometime in April-May this year.

Shilpa Shinde has worked in several TV serials, but gained immense popularity after she won the popular reality show on the small screen "Big Boss" last year.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 22:57:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LONDON, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May started a two-day visit to Northern Ireland on Tuesday to reassure politicians and business leaders she can win a Brexit deal that avoids a hard border with the neighboring Republic of Ireland.

May left London for Belfast after the European Commission announced the European Union (EU) President Jean-Claude Juncker will meet her for talks in Brussels on Thursday.

Her spokesperson said May will be pledging to secure a deal with the EU that commands broad support and a majority in the Houses of Parliament.

Ahead of May's arrival in Northern Ireland, Arlene Foster, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), said a proposed backstop arrangement to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland remained a problem.

So far the EU has insisted that a backstop arrangement must be part of its withdrawal agreement with Britain.

Last week May won House of Commons support for her Brexit agreement by a slender majority of 16. But support for her agreement at Westminster depends on avoiding a backstop.

May's minority government depends on support from the 10 DUP politicians at Westminster to give her a majority.

May chaired a meeting of her senior ministers at Downing Street, with her official spokesperson saying the cabinet reiterated its commitment to both avoiding a hard border and leaving the EU with a deal.

"The prime minister said that our objective now is to secure a legally-binding way of guaranteeing we cannot be trapped indefinitely in the backstop. To achieve this, we have launched urgent pieces of work examining alternative arrangements to the backstop and considering legal changes that could provide a unilateral exit mechanism or a time limit to the backstop," added the spokesperson.

May will also hold talks with politicians from political parties in Northern Ireland, including Sinn Fein, the party that wants to see the reunification of Northern Ireland into Ireland.

Borders in Northern Ireland were removed as part of a peace formula that brought to an end 30 years of troubles in a campaign against British rule in Northern Ireland.

People across Britain and Ireland have had free passage under a treaty signed between the two in the 1920s.

Both Britain and Ireland joined the European Union on the same day, Jan. 1, 1973, meaning that no EU borders were needed. When Britain leaves the EU on Mar. 29, the 500 km border between Northern Ireland and Ireland will become the only land border within the British Isles.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 22:47:27|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GUANGZHOU, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Images of U.K. cartoon Peppa Pig have become a hit as Chinese people celebrate the Year of Pig, with images being designed as creative spin-off products, and sold at traditional temple fairs.

In 2018, the cartoon series gained huge popularity among children and parents, as well as millions of social media users. In 2019, the Year of Pig, the Peppa Pig series continues to tap its economic potential.

"Last year, we set a new production record with over 13 million toys of Peppa Pig series and a big share of the orders were booked for 2019, the Year of Pig," said Zheng Donghua, head of Huawang company, an exclusive Peppa Pig toys producer based in the manufacturing city of Dongguan in coastal Guangdong Province.

All plush toys sold on the Chinese market are made in Huawang since the company was given the exclusive license in 2014 to use the image of Peppa Pig.

"The products we prepared for the first season have sold out," Zheng said. "Orders during Spring Festival can hardly be satisfied."

Peppa Pig became one of the most trending topics on social media in January. A heartwarming "What is Peppa Pig?" video, and a promo video of the China-Britain co-production film "Peppa Pig" went viral when it was released online in mid-January.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 22:42:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WINDHOEK, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The new container terminal at Walvis Bay which was constructed by Chinese company is 85 percent completed, chairperson of Walvis Bay Port Users Association Pillar Veiga said Tuesday.

The capacity expansion of the new terminal will allow for increased productivity and efficiency, making Walvis Bay a more attractive trans-shipment hub and gateway into the region, he said.

"The port users are excited to see completion of the new container terminal and are also very eager to start using the new facility as it is expected to be completed before the end of this year," Veiga said.

Veiga also said that in 2018, cargo volumes at Walvis Bay increased by 15 percent, a positive indication of increased cargo flow through the port.

The expansion project was started in May 2014 and with the African Development Bank providing the funding. He said that the new container terminal is set to double the port's container handling capacity from the current 350,000 to more than 750,000 containers, he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 22:37:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DUSHANBE, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Russia will help Tajikistan technically re-equip its armed forces and strengthen its border with Afghanistan due to threats from that country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.

"We have already begun working," Lavrov said at a press conference following talks with his Tajik counterpart, Sirodjidin Muhriddin, in the capital city of Dushanbe.

Later in the day, Lavrov told college students in Dushanbe that the situation in Afghanistan is alarming.

According to him, Islamic State terrorists attempt to take control of the sections of the Afghan border in the north, in particular the border with Tajikistan.

Russia, therefore, will continue to contribute to the strengthening of the combat capability of the Tajik armed forces, supplying them with modern weapons and military equipment, and holding joint drills, Lavrov said.

Currently, about 600 Tajik cadets are studying at universities of the Russian Defense Ministry, in addition to 2,370 who already received such training, he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 22:02:18|Editor: xuxin

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DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Members of Tanzania's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Lands, Natural Resources and Tourism on Tuesday raised an alarm over possibilities of a resurgence of poaching of elephants due to changes in tourist hunting block licensing system.

The government of Tanzania revoked hunting block licenses in 2017 and announced preparations of a new system of issuing the permits through auction in 60 days.

Stephen Kiruswa, a member of the committee, told the National Assembly in the capital Dodoma that the government has already started to experience negative repercussions of the decision as a good number of investors have surrendered most of the hunting blocks to the government.

Kiruswa said that revenues generated from tourist hunting blocks have also been reduced to 8 million U.S. dollars in 2018 from 27 million U.S. dollars in 2008.

"Most of the revenues were spent on conservation activities, including anti-poaching," he told the House, adding that lack of such funds was likely to see the resurgence of poaching.

"The government should take immediate measures to rescue the tourism sector by giving eligible investors a five-year license validity period from 2018 to 2022 for them to recover the loss incurred," said Kiruswa.

In June 2018, the government of Tanzania released an elephant population estimate from a country-wide aerial survey which showed that the elephant population had declined by 60 percent since 2009.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 22:02:18|Editor: xuxin

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ZAGREB, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Health tourism is a lever of Croatian tourism in the future, Minister of Tourism Gari Cappelli said here on Tuesday at a major health conference, daily Jutarnji list reported.

He emphasized that Croatia has a chance to earn over one billion euro (1.14 billion U.S. dollars) per year from health tourism, more than double the amount today.

"As part of one of the most developed regions of health tourism in Europe, Croatia has all the opportunities to become internationally recognizable by its diverse and high-quality offer of health tourism," the minister said at the first Health Spot Croatia conference in Zagreb, which attracted over 200 participants and leading experts in the fields of medicine, healthcare, wellness and tourism from Croatia and other countries.

Due to its mild climate and ecological soundness, as well as expertise in tourism and healthcare, many believe that Croatia has the potential to be among the top countries for medical tourism in the world.

"We have great predispositions - a favorable climate, an excellent combination of natural and technological resources, educated people," said Luka Burilovic, president of the Croatian Chamber of Economy, at the conference, quoted by Jutarnji list.

Participants agreed that Croatia should promote itself as "the country for health". Tourism is a major industry in Croatia that accounts for nearly one-fifth of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

Last year was another record-breaking year for the tourism industry, with almost 20 million tourist arrivals. Tourism revenues in 2018 were estimated at 12 billion euro (13.7 billion U.S. dollars), which is the largest revenue in Croatia's history. Revenues in health tourism were around 500 million euros (around 570 million U.S. dollars).
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 21:57:17|Editor: xuxin

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DUSHANBE, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Moscow believes that only direct talks between the Venezuelan government and the opposition may pave the way to a settlement of the crisis, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.

"Otherwise, there will be another regime change, like many in which the West has been engaged. There has not been a single country that benefited from the regime change," Lavrov told college students in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe.

He recalled that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has repeatedly expressed his readiness for dialogue, but opposition leader Juan Guaido categorically refuses to engage in talks.

Lavrov said Moscow considers the situation in Venezuela "alarming" particularly because of the recognition of Guaido as interim president by a range of countries.

The Russian top diplomat called this a gross violation of the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

Maduro was reelected in May 2018 and was sworn in as president on Jan. 10 for another six-year term.

Alleging that the Maduro administration is illegitimate, Guaido, who was the head of the National Assembly, declared himself interim president during an antigovernment rally on Jan. 23.

The United States, among some other countries, has recognized Guaido's presidency, and U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that "all options are on the table."

Maduro, in response, announced the severing of diplomatic and political ties with the United States.
he Indiana Court of Appeals sided with a Kokomo man who sought to have a protective order filed by a Kokomo Police Department officer reversed.

Last week the court of appeals overturned a previous ex parte order from Howard Superior I Judge Menges, who approved a protective order requested by Officer Teresa Kelley against Christopher Sutton last April. That order, filed civilly by Kelley, cited three incidents where she claimed Sutton had stalked her while already facing charges of stalking, intimidation, and harassment relating to alleged behavior toward Kelley. The court of appeals, however, found that the majority of the instances cited by Kelley lacked evidence to support her request for the protection order.

Our review of the record reveals there was sufficient evidence to establish harassment on only one of the three occasions alleged by [Teresa Kelley]s petition, wrote the court.

In its order the court reviewed all three of the instances cited in Kelleys initial petition and defined harassment as conduct directed toward a victim that includes but is not limited to repeating or continuing impermissible contact that would cause a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress.

The first incident, according to court documents, occurred three to four months prior to Kelley filing her petition in April. While at a Panera Bread in Kokomo, Kelley claimed that Sutton entered the restaurant and ordered food to go. She claimed in her request for the order that Sutton was familiar with (her) patrol car that was parked in the parking lot. Sutton, according to the court documents, did not interact with her here. The court found this allegation did not support a finding of harassment.

The second incident Kelley cited in her initial request occurred in the parking lot of a U-Haul rental location in Kokomo. In her filing Kelley claimed she observed (Sutton) on top of a U-Haul truck  using his cell phone to videotape [her].

At a subsequent hearing, Sutton argued that he was doing work for U-Haul and was there at a managers request to conduct repairs on a vehicle. During the hearing he testified that he had climbed on top of a U-Haul truck to take pictures of damage and he produced copies of four pictures, including a text receipt of a picture showing damage that he had sent the regional manager. Sutton also testified that Kelley had initiated contact with him during this incident. The court accepted as fact that Sutton was videotaping Kelley, but ruled that was a constitutionally protected activity. The allegation, found the court, did not support a finding of harassment.

The final allegation occurred on April 20, the same day Kelley filed her request for a protective order, at a post office in Kokomo. Kelley claimed Sutton was not in the post office when she entered but that as she exited, [he] rushed up behind me in an aggressive fashion.

The court concluded this allegation had sufficient evidence to establish harassment, but with only one of the three the order did not stand.

Although we accept [Kelleys] testimony that she was afraid  a single incident of harassment is insufficient to support a finding of stalking, wrote the court.

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Kelleys husband, Tom, who formerly worked as an officer with KPD, expressed frustration that his wife was unrepresented at the appeal and that the city of Kokomo did not provide her with legal counsel for the hearing.

The protective order she filed, he said, was undertaken because one was not issued relating directly to the criminal charges Sutton presently faces. Those include charges of stalking, intimidation, and harassment for allegedly stalking Kelley and encouraging followers on social media to booby trap their yards to intentionally injure officers who come onto their property. These social media posts, according to a release from KPD, were made on April 4, and the charges were filed soon after. That same release indicated the threats were directed toward Kelley, who works as a code enforcement officer.

Our concern is with the leadership of the Kokomo Police Department, said Tom. Teresa, who by the way has an unblemished record and a commendation for heroism, was only doing her job. Nothing more nor less than what the city pays her to do. But when her diligence put her in the crosshairs of an obsessive stalker, the city and the police department have decided that shes on her own.

For some reason the judge in the criminal case found probable cause for stalking and intimidation but refused to issue a no-contact order, forcing Teresa to seek redress in civil court with a protective order. Since the city attorney was unavailable she represented herself and was supported only by the captain of detectives. Nobody from the police administration even bothered to show up.

In response, City Attorney Beth Copeland issued the following statement:

I am empathetic "I am empathetic with Sgt. Kelley in this situation. No person should be stalked, harassed, or intimidated. I sincerely hope she gets the justice she deserves ..."

I am empathetic with Sgt. Kelley in this situation, said Copeland. No person should be stalked, harassed, or intimidated. I sincerely hope she gets the justice she deserves when the jury hears all the evidence in her underlying criminal case this spring.

I too find it seriously concerning that our criminal justice system would not automatically issue a protective order for a potential victim of stalking. That policy needs to be reconsidered in Howard County so no other woman finds herself in this situation.

Sgt. Kelley should never have attended the protective order hearing without an attorney present to represent her. Unfortunately, I was never contacted and asked to assist her. Nor was the city administration. Had I known Sgt. Kelley needed representation, I would have personally arranged for her to have private counsel.

Suttons criminal trial is set for April. His attorney declined to comment for the purposes of this story.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 21:57:16|Editor: Yamei

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DHAKA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Tuesday warned of the dangers posed by online violence, cyber-bullying and digital harassment for the 32 percent children aged 10 to 17 years old who are online in Bangladesh and called for concerted action to tackle and prevent violence against children and young people online.

The call, made on Safer Internet Day, comes following a recent poll of young people, which received more than 1 million responses over five weeks from more than 160 countries, and suggestions from a series of student-led #ENDviolence Youth Talks held around the world.

"We've heard from children and young people from Bangladesh and around the world and what they are saying is clear: The Internet has become a kindness desert," said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Bangladesh Representative.

"That's why this Safer Internet Day, UNICEF is following young people's lead and inviting everyone to be kind online, and calling for greater action to make the Internet a safer place for everyone, especially children."

According to the UNICEF Bangladesh study, about 25 percent of the children (aged 10-17) started to access the digital world below the age of 11. Besides, a large majority (63 percent) of the children use their own room as the primary Internet usage point. This indicates the prevalence of "bedroom culture" which allows less supervised Internet use.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 21:47:12|Editor: xuxin

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NEW DELHI, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Two border guards of India's Border Security Force (BSF) were wounded Tuesday after their fellow colleague using his service rifle fired upon them in western Indian state of Rajasthan, police said.

The incident took place at an outpost in Serwa village of Barmer district, about 630 km west of Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan.

"A BSF constable fired upon his two colleagues using service rifle and wounded them," a police official said. "The investigations revealed that he took the extreme step following an argument after getting annoyed with one of his superiors."

The wounded BSF men were removed to hospital and the erring border guard was immediately arrested.

Authorities have ordered an inquiry into the incident.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 21:12:00|Editor: xuxin

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COLOMBO, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Excise Department seized 110 kilograms of heroin with a street value of 6.2 million U.S. dollars from two locations in Colombo, an official said on Tuesday.

Sri Lankan Deputy Commissioner of Excise Kapila Kumarasinghe told Xinhua that the officers of his department seized the stock of heroin from two Colombo suburbs named Wellawatte and Piliyandala.

He said the stock was a brown sugar type heroin, and two suspects were also arrested along with it.

"Our excise officers suspect that the heroin stock has been smuggled into the country via sea routes," he said.

Sri Lankan police arrested five persons on Jan. 22 along with 90 kilograms of heroin with a street value of 5.5 million U.S. dollars in the Colombo suburb called Kollupitiya.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena launched a drug eradication week in January covering all national schools across the island country to prevent drug menace.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 21:06:59|Editor: xuxin

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PHNOM PENH, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Tuesday that a large number of public servants in the kingdom celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival.

The 2019 Chinese Lunar New Year falls on Feb. 5.

"A large number of civil servants join to celebrate the festival at ministries, departments, and houses," the Cambodian prime minister said in a Facebook post.

Hun Sen added that on Monday, a "majority of the people and vendors" in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, made offerings to their ancestors and had family gatherings happily during the festival.

He said people have full freedom to choose religious beliefs without any discrimination and to celebrate festivals according to their traditions.

"I would like to bless the compatriots with happiness, good luck and fortune throughout the 12 months," Hun Sen said.

The Chinese Lunar New Year is broadly celebrated in Cambodia, though it is not a public holiday.

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian on Monday blessed the Chinese people, Cambodians of Chinese descent and all Cambodian people with good health, luck, and fortune as well as new success in the new year.

Thai Norak Sathya, a secretary of state and spokesman for the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, said the Chinese Lunar New Year has been observed in the kingdom since ancient times and its popularity has grown stronger from year to year.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 21:01:56|Editor: xuxin

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Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena (L) shakes hands with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Feb. 5, 2019. (Xinhua/Ajith Perera)

COLOMBO, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Tuesday held bilateral talks with his Maldivian counterpart Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, a statement from Sri Lankan President's office said.

The statement said the two sides had decided to sign fresh agreements for cooperation in the fields of health, education, navigation, trade and security.

According to the statement, the Maldivian president commended the efforts by his Sri Lankan counterpart to eradicate drug menace.

The two leaders also discussed the need to enhance facilities for Sri Lankan investors doing business in the Maldives and to facilitate visa for the Maldivian children studying in Sri Lanka.

The Maldivian president attended Sri Lanka's Independence Day celebrations on Monday as chief guest.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 20:46:50|Editor: xuxin

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KUNDUZ, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 42 fighters including 20 security personnel were confirmed dead in northern Kunduz and neighboring Baghlan provinces on Tuesday as the Taliban militants stepped up offensives in the northern region, officials have confirmed.

The armed outfit in efforts to tight the noose around Kunduz city, the capital of northern Kunduz province, launched offensives on several security checkpoints in Khawjapak and Talawka areas outside provincial capital Kunduz early on Tuesday, triggering heavy fighting which lasted for hours and resulting in the death of 10 security personnel and the injury of a few others, a local official has confirmed.

The official, who declined to be identified, also noted that the militants after suffering casualties fled the area.

Meantime, a spokesman for the national army in the northern region Mohammad Hanif Rezai has confirmed the clash but insisted that the security forces retaliated by killing 22 militants on the spot and injuring 18 others, forcing the insurgents to run away.

The official, however, didn't reveal the security forces casualties, only saying "unfortunately some troopers were martyred and injured" in the fighting to defend the country.

The Afghan Defense Ministry has also confirmed the Taliban onslaught but said in a statement that the militants offensive in Kunduz has been foiled.

Similarly, the Taliban outfit stormed a base of Local Police in Jar-e-Khushk area of Baghlan-e-Markazi district in northern Baghlan province early on Tuesday, killing 10 security personnel and injuring five others, head of provincial council Mohammad Safdar Mohsini told Xinhua.

Local Police is a local security entity composed of villagers to defend their community where the presence of national army or national police is slim to ensure law and order.

Confirming the clash, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Majahid in contact with media claimed that the militants after killing 10 police also captured some security checkpoints in Baghlan-e-Markazi district.

Local observers believe that the Taliban outfit by intensifying operations in Baghlan and the neighboring Kunduz province are attempting to gain ground along the main highway linking Kabul to the northern eight provinces and eventually could disrupt traffic flow to the northern region of the country.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 20:41:49|Editor: xuxin

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PARIS, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- French firefighters had found two more lifeless bodies in the Paris building ravaged by a huge fire in early hours of Tuesday, bringing the total death toll to ten, local media reported.

The fire broke out after midnight on the upper floors of an eight-storey building in Paris' swanky 16th district, which is home to foreign embassies and renowned museums. It has been brought under control by firefighters early in the morning.

At least ten residents died and 36 people were injured, including eight firefighters, according to the report.

"It was a particularly violent fire," Captain Clement Cognon of the Paris fire service told BFM TV, adding that the casualties were likely to increase.

French judicial police had opened an investigation for "voluntary destruction by fire leading to death," as investigators were favoring a "criminal" cause for the blaze, Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz told reporters at the scene.

A 40-year-old female resident of the eight-storey building has been detained and remained in police custody, he said.

Known to have had psychological problems, the woman was suspected to be behind the fire in Rue Erlanger, western Paris, he added, noting that the investigation will determine how the fire broke out and why it spread so quickly.

"France wakes up in emotion after the fire ... in Paris tonight. Thoughts for the victims. Thanks to the firefighters whose courage saved many lives," wrote President Emmanuel Macron in Twitter.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 20:26:47|Editor: xuxin

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DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania's parliament on Tuesday adjourned its morning session over security concerns after emergency alarm bells rang for about six minutes.

Following the alarm, the chairperson of the morning parliamentary session, Najma Murtaza Giga, adjourned the session as Members of Parliament rushed out of the debating chamber in the capital Dodoma.

It all started at around 11:20 am when the alarm bells rang continuously for some minutes as the Deputy Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso, was responding to a question from Deputy Speaker, Tulia Ackson, who had wanted to know measures the government was taking to ensure provision of clean and safe water to the residents of Mbeya region.

"I am temporarily suspending the parliamentary session," announced Giga as MPs, government officials and guests struggled to vacate the building through various emergency doors.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa who was also attending the morning session came out some few minutes later.

The legislative session resumed at noon and was chaired by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Job Ndugai.

Gilles Muroto, Dodoma Regional Police Commander, said: "We are yet to establish what caused the alarm. Specialized police officers are at the National Assembly working to find out the cause of the alert."
File photo shows participants follow the proceedings during the International Film Convention in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Nov. 15, 2017. (Xinhua/Charles Onyango)

NAIROBI, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Kenya is seeking to sign film co-production agreements with China in order to expand the local movie sector, a senior government official said on Monday.

Joe Mucheru, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT), told journalists in Nairobi that the country has launched a screenplay competition that will enable the country produce quality films.

"This competition is great and opens co-production opportunities in the film and creative industries to explore how Kenya can take advantage of the Africa and China markets, with a possible total market of 2 billion movie viewers; eventually, we hope to sign a co-production treaty between Kenya and China government which will be a first for the country and a big boost to the local industry," Mucheru said during the launch of the screenplay competition.

The government proposes to pay 1 million shillings (10,000 U.S. dollars) for the winning script, 4,997 dollars for the first runner up and 2,998 dollars for the second runners up.

Mucheru said that under the proposed co-production deal with China, both nations will jointly produce films that will appeal to audiences of the two regions.

"The objective of co-production is to introduce new audiences including the Chinese to become familiar and begin to consume Kenya films," he added.

The government official said that the screenplay competition is one among the many initiatives geared towards growing the film industry in Kenya and to expand the market of Kenya films locally and to other markets.

He revealed that besides the prize money, the winning scripts will be pitched to international film producers to explore possibilities of the scripts being turned into full feature films and the resultant film showcased in both local and international markets.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 20:21:44|Editor: xuxin

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DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) --The United Nations refugee agency chief, Filippo Grandi, arrived in Tanzania on Tuesday for a four-day official visit to the east African nation, home to refugees from neighboring countries.

A statement issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said during his visit, Grandi will convey UNHCR's gratitude to the government of Tanzania for the country's longstanding generosity towards those fleeing conflict and persecution.

The statement issued in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam said Grandi will also thank Tanzania for its steadfast commitment to refugee protection and supporting durable solutions for refugees.

While in Tanzania, Grandi will meet with donors and partners, including the government of Tanzania, said the statement.

By December 31, 2018, Tanzania was hosting 326,942 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.
Education is power. Thats what Kenneth Morris relatives  Fredrick Douglass and Booker T. Washington  learned and what ultimately led to their legacies.

As a slave, Douglass learned that if he was educated he would be unfit to be a slave, so he worked to educate himself. Washington, through educating freed slaves, gave them the power to flourish as individuals.

Now, following in their footsteps, Morris is working to abolish 21st-century slavery  human trafficking  through education. As the keynote speaker of Ivy Tech Community Colleges Doing the Dream last week, Morris told about the work hes been doing to educate middle and high school students about different forms of forced servitude in the hopes of preventing the cycle of human trafficking.

We have to get proactive. We have to have prevention education so that we can stop that demand. We can stop new victims from being spewed into that cycle of exploitation, he said.

Up until 2005, Morris said he spent his whole life running away from his title of being the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass and great-great-grandson of Booker T. Washington. He said it was a lot of pressure to live up to them, and, anyway, he had created a "pretty good" life detaching himself from those labels.

In 2005, he was the owner of his own advertising company. Hed been married for 34 years, and he had two daughters.

So I was cool. I was happy just doing what I was doing, but God had another plan, he said.

Morris was handed a National Geographic magazine cover story titled 21st-century slaves. It was about human trafficking and modern-day slavery.

I remember looking at that headline and thinking, like most people did at that time, that slavery ended with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th amendment, he said.

Morris learned that wasnt the case. The story told the tale of a 13-year-old girl who was forced to be a sex slave in the brothels of Southeast Asia and service countless men every single day. Morris oldest daughter was 13 at that time, and he said hell never forget the moment he was reading that article and hearing his own daughters laughing and playing down the hallway in their bedroom.

That, he said, was how young girls should be living.

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I had this moment "I had this moment where I couldn't even look [my daughters] in the eyes and walk away and not do something about it."

I had this moment where I couldnt even look them in the eyes and walk away and not do something about it, he said. It was almost immediately that I understood that I had this platform that my ancestors had built through struggle and through sacrifice, and I felt like we could leverage the historical significance of my ancestors and do something about the issues.

He co-founded the nonprofit Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives and began working to get into classrooms and use education to unfit communities to allow slavery to thrive and exist with young people as the starting point to prevention.

In California, the education now is mandatory. It begins in fifth grade and continues in the seventh, ninth, and 11th grades. Most recently, legislation was passed to combat human trafficking in the United States. The law, titled Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2018, sets forth efforts and funding to prevent human trafficking and protect victims.

The law marks the first time such a prevention law has been put into place.

Thats a big deal because right now all were doing is reacting to everything, said Morris.

While human trafficking is happening all over the world, its also happening in Indiana. According to the Indiana State Report on Human Trafficking released in 2016, in just one year Indiana service providers identified 178 youth who were trafficked for labor of sex.

Of the 178, 94 percent was girls, and 30 percent was age 15 or younger. The youngest was 7 years old.

Morris encouraged people to educate themselves on the issue. He said its hard for those who have no experience with human trafficking to realize it exists without the education in place and that education is the key to freeing those bound to 21st-century slavery.

History doesnt repeat itself; it just changes. It morphs into something different, and so if we listen close enough, thats when change can happen, Morris said.

The activist spoke to college and high school students last Thursday and at a public banquet at Bel Air Events last Friday. This year marked Ivy Techs 15th annual Doing the Dream, which honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 18:56:24|Editor: xuxin

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COLOMBO, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Six people were arrested in Sri Lanka on Tuesday after a ferris wheel bucket collapsed at an amusement park in Veyangoda in the Western Province, police said.

A mother and her six-year-old daughter were killed in the incident.

The tragedy occurred on Monday morning as the country celebrated its 71st Independence Day holiday.

Police said the bucket carrying the mother and daughter detached from the ferris wheel when it reached the very top, crashing to the ground, killing the mother and critically injuring the child.

The girl on Tuesday morning succumbed to her injuries.

Police said those arrested included the owner of the amusement park, three technicians and the machine operator.

The amusement park has been temporarily shut down.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 18:56:23|Editor: xuxin

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COLOMBO, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka is in discussions with the World Bank to obtain a 250 million U.S. dollars loan to set up 5,000 export production villages across the country in order to boost the nation's export sector, local media reported Tuesday.

The villages will be linked with 33 specialized agro and fish processing zones which are currently being set up in the country, Primary Industries and Social Empowerment Minister Daya Gamage said.

Speaking at the Global Spice Road Symposium in Colombo, Gamage said under the first phase, the government will establish 1,000 export production villages in 300 divisions within the next two years.

Upon completion of the project, the government has targeted an additional export income of 7 to 9 billion U.S. dollars and 500,000 new employment opportunities.

Sri Lanka's Export Development Board (EDB) said last month that it had set a target of fetching 20 billion U.S. dollars through exports in 2019, a goal that has been set following the export revenue moving towards a positive growth in recent years.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 18:46:21|Editor: xuxin

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LUSAKA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia Amhed Mustafa said Monday that agriculture cooperation with Zambia will lead to more Egyptian investment in the country.

Last week, Zambia and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding on bolstering Zambia's agriculture and fishery sectors during a visit by Egyptian Agriculture Minister Ezzeddin Abu Steit.

The deal includes the construction of a new farm project of greenhouse vegetable production over an area of 600 hectares (6 square kilometers) in central Zambia's Mkushi district.

Mustafa said the agreement was a step forward in increasing Egyptian investments and support in Zambia's agriculture sector.

The Egyptian envoy said the agreement was a clear manifestation of sound bilateral ties, adding that more Egyptian experts will visit Zambia to share their knowledge and expertise.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 18:46:21|Editor: xuxin

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SANAA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The newly-appointed head of the United Nations mission to monitor a truce agreement arrived on Tuesday in Yemen's rebel-held capital Sanaa.

Michael Anker Lollesgaard of Denmark arrived along with a four-member team. He was set to travel from Sanaa to the country's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah to assume his duty.

Lollesgaard was appointed last week by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as the chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) and head of the UN mission in support of the Hodeidah agreement.

Lollesgaard succeeded retired Major General Patrick Cammaert of the Netherlands, who led the advance team in Hodeidah.

Cammaert is currently on a UN-hired ship off Hodeidah, holding joint meetings between the Yemeni rival parties to end a month-long stalemate over implementation of troop's withdrawal from the port city.

Cammaert's convoy came under fire two weeks ago while he was shuttling between the rival forces in frontlines in Hodeidah.

The conflict in Yemen started in 2014 when the Houthi rebels overtook Sanaa and forced the government into exile in Saudi Arabia. Since 2015, a Saudi-led coalition, backing the government, has been fighting the Houthis.

The security situation was further exacerbated after the coalition launched in June 2018 an operation to retake rebel-held Hodeidah, a strategic port city that had been handling some 70 percent of Yemen's imports of food.

The fighting has spawned the world's worst humanitarian crisis and brought the poorest Arab country to the brink of famine.

Under the UN auspices, the warring parties reached a deal in Sweden in December 2018, which included a cease-fire in Hodeidah and the formation of the RCC to monitor the withdrawal of troops by both the government and the Houthis in the area.

The cease-fire deal went into force on Dec. 18, 2018, but the withdrawal of the rival forces has yet to be fulfilled because of different interpretations of the Stockholm Agreement over who would control key points of Hodeidah during the partial cease-fire, according to the UN statements.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been leading an Arab military coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the internationally-recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after the Houthi rebels forced him into exile and seized much of the country's north.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 18:31:16|Editor: Yurou

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BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Tuesday marks Spring Festival, or the first day of the Chinese new year. People across the country are celebrating the most important festival of the year in different ways.

At the Small Wild Goose Pagoda of Xi'an, northeast China's Shaanxi Province, a traditional style temple fair is attracting many participants. Amid the ringing of bells, tourist join a new year praying ceremony that dates back to Tang Dynasty (618-907).

"It's great to relive traditional activities at this time of the year. I'm happy to see that the ancient culture is being cherished," said Zhang Fengqiao, who is enjoying the fair with his child.

In Changshun county of Bouyei-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Qiannan, southwest China's Guizhou Province, an innovative pig chasing race was held on new year morning to mark the Year of the Pig. Some 100 local residents joined the race, and winners could take home the pigs they caught.

In the Jimo ancient town of Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, the 2,200 meters ancient city walls are decorated with colorful lights that are turned on at night. Lion and tiger dances, traditional dances and local opera are lightening up the town with joy.

In north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, many people of Mongolian ethnicity are celebrating Spring Festival with a traditional ceremony to worship the heaven.

In the cold winds of the grassland, herdsman Buhebater and his family carry hadas, wine and dairy products while walking around an Aobao, a stone mound serving as signpost and believed to be the dwelling place of a god.

They threw items to the Aobao, sacrificing to the god and praying for peace and prosperity in the new year. After the ceremony, the family members start to give new year greetings to each other. Later they will go out to visit relatives and friends.

Tuesday also marks Tibetan New year, which coincides with the Spring Festival this year. The Tibetan New Year is normally celebrated by religious rituals, prayers, horse races, family gatherings and feasts.

In Xirika village of Nyingchi in Tibet, Zhoima's kitchen is hanging with strings of fresh meat. The "Qiema," a two-tier rectangular wooden box, on the table has a butter sculpture inside, a traditional Tibetan decoration used to serve the Buddha during new year.

Villager Soinam Qoizong and some other high school children are practicing traditional dances for the new year. Her mother Gesang Zhoima is preparing for dinner. "In the past we could not afford good food even in new year. Now we are better off and the fridge is full of materials for hot pot, Soinam's favorite," she said.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 18:26:15|Editor: xuxin

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ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Airlines (ET), the fastest growing aviation group in Africa, revealed on Tuesday its ambition of becoming the most Chinese-friendly airline in Africa, with various initiatives in the pipeline to boost air connectivity between Africa and China.

Ethiopia's flag carrier, which serves close to 4,000 Chinese passengers on a daily basis via the East African country's major international flights hub at Bole International Airport in the capital Addis Ababa, said that the ambition towards augmenting its alliance with Chinese passengers is gaining momentum with the help of Chinese-centered in-flight as well as various other passenger services.

"Chinese nationals are very important customers of ours," Biniyam Demssie, Ethiopian Airlines' Media Relations Team Leader, told Xinhua on Tuesday.

Demssie, who emphasized China's growing presence in Africa together with robust future investment plans, stressed ET's keen interest to further broaden its network of linking Africa and China.

"ET has put in place a dedicated check-in counter at Bole Airport and hired Chinese customer service agents to best serve our esteemed Chinese customers," Demssie told Xinhua.

"China is one of our biggest markets," Demssie said, as he described the vital contribution of traveling Chinese nationals for the airline's flight services and overall businesses.

With five dedicated flight routes to China, ET is now the largest airline in Africa connecting the continent with five major Chinese cities that are Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou.

Amid its vision of becoming Chinese travelers' favorite carrier, the airline last week inaugurated the largest Chinese restaurant in Africa.

The airline's Chinese restaurant, situated at the newly functional Chinese-built Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in close proximity to Bole International Airport, is said to offer additional comfort to Chinese passengers, either traveling to Ethiopia or on transit from elsewhere in Africa.

According to Demssie, the newly inaugurated restaurant, as the latest addition of the airline's vision to comfort its Chinese passengers, serves Chinese as well as other nationals with fresh and exquisite Chinese food prepared by Chinese chefs.

Installed with six private dining rooms, the restaurant is also said to serve as a landmark venue for Chinese nationals who are currently staying in the East African country.

"When we say that Ethiopian Airlines is the most Chinese friendly airline, it's not without anything. It's because of numerous things that we put in place," said Esayas Woldemariam, Managing Director of Ethiopian Airline's International Service, in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"We have a Chinese help desk here at the hub for passengers passing through here to Africa and coming back, we have Chinese staff here, we have Chinese crew on board, we have Chinese food, and we have Chinese call-center," Woldemariam said.

Bian Yueming, Assistant Manager of Chinese Help Desk at Bole International Airport, also recently underlined that the various packages put in place by ET have eliminated the hustle Chinese passengers would have faced otherwise.

"Chinese passengers feel as if they are at home," Bian told Xinhua, adding "they feel happy, and this in turn shows the positive relationship of China and Ethiopia."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 18:06:11|Editor: xuxin

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VIENTIANE, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Lao Airlines believes that the number of Chinese customers could surge to 241,500 this year.

This will be an increase of about 42 percent compared to 2018 when the Chinese nationals made 170,500 flight reservations, local daily Vientiane Times reported on Tuesday.

An official from the Lao national flag carrier's commercial department said, "We're expecting a significant increase this year because Laos' tourist attractions are becoming more well-known and there are more activities of interest to tourists. These are being promoted by the Lao government and private sectors as well as our airlines for Visit Laos-China Year."

"We're also offering special promotions on tickets purchased in the early part of this year. And we have special prices for groups, which vary depending on the route," he added.

Lao Airlines now has more flights to China than to any other country and China is the airline's main market.

Lao Airlines has 21 direct flights to China each week. From capital Vientiane seven flights go to Kunming, three to Guangzhou, two to Changsha, three to Chengdu, one to Changzhou, one to Shanghai, one to Wenzhou, and two to Jinghong. There is also a flight from Luang Prabang to Changsha, said the report.

"Visit Laos-China Year will benefit our business because the demand for air transport will rise accordingly. We will earn more revenues from the increase in customers," he added.

Lao Airlines plans to increase the number of flights from capital Vientiane to Shanghai from one to four each week to meet the anticipated customer demand this year.

Last year, Lao Airlines opened a new sector from Vientiane-Luang Prabang-Changsha in China's Hunan province, aiming to attract more Chinese travellers.

Lao Airlines has seen a steady increase in the number of customers from China, rising from 145,615 people in 2017 to 170,500 last year.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 18:06:11|Editor: xuxin

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LONDON, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Should one of the world's most recognised buildings, Britain's houses of Parliament, be converted into a luxury hotel and tourist attraction?

That was the idea put forward Monday by MP Ed Vaizey, a former minister for digital and the creative industries, as the iconic Palace of Westminster will undergo a massive 5.22 billion U.S. dollar facelift.

Britain's second biggest city, Birmingham, 200 kilometers north of London, could be the home of the brand-new parliament building, Vaizey said in an interview with journal Building Design.

"This country should close this building. It should become a heritage site and luxury hotel owned by Historic Royal Palaces. Then we should build an entirely new Parliamentary complex that reflects modern Britain," he said.

"I would be open to it being built somewhere like Birmingham. It would be quite exciting to move Parliament to Birmingham. It would help get HS2 (Britain's new London to Birmingham high-speed link) built. All the opposition would fade away," he added.

Legislators in the Houses of Parliament have voted for politicians from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, as well as parliamentary staff, to be moved to temporary homes while the work is carried out.

The journal said discussions remain ongoing but the most likely contender for a temporary House of Commons chamber would be Richmond House in Whitehall, while the House of Lords would move to the QEII Center on the far side of Parliament Square.

One U.S. architect came up with a novel solution to build a floating Houses of Parliament that would sit in the River Thames, a few meters away from the existing historic building.

The restoration work will be the biggest facelift the Houses of Parliament undergoes in its history. The oldest part of the palace, Westminster Hall, dates back 900 years, with the rest of the complex built in the 1830s after the old medieval parliament buildings were destroyed by a fire.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 17:46:04|Editor: xuxin

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ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The following are news highlights in Ethiopia's major media outlets on Tuesday.

-- The Council of Ministers, in its 14th urgent session on Monday passed the bilateral trade agreement concluded between the governments of Ethiopia and India.

The Council has referred it to the House of People's Representatives for final approval. (Fana Broadcasting Corporate/FBC)

-- Norway's International Development Minister, Dag-Inge Ulstein, who started his four-day official visit on Monday, vowed that his country would support the ongoing comprehensive reform that Ethiopia is undertaking.

Ethiopia's Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu and the visiting Norwegian Minister have discussed ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation. (Ethiopian News Agency/ENA)

-- More than a million people who had been displaced due to conflicts in Ethiopia have returned to their villages, said the Ethiopian Ministry of Peace.

Minister of Peace, Muferiat Kamil, on Monday presented her office's six-month performance report to the Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee of the House of People's Representatives. (FBC)

-- Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday officially inaugurated the 1.26 billion birr Gidabo Irrigational Dam Project. (ENA)
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 17:46:04|Editor: xuxin

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LUSAKA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The following are news highlights in Zambia's major media outlets on Tuesday.

-- Zambian President Edgar Lungu has called for maximum loyalty to him by the country's defense and armed forces.

Lungu said when he swore-in new Zambia Air Force deputy commander Benedict Kalinda that loyal defense officers would have no problems executing their work. (Times of Zambia)

-- Zambia is still stuck with ivory worth more than 100 million US. dollars which it can not sell due to a universal ban on the market, a senior government official has said.

Minister of Tourism and Arts Charles Banda said the ivory was still in the safe custody as Zambia respects international treaties. (Daily Nation)

-- The Zambian government says the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination will be part of the routine immunization for young girls aged 14 this year as part of efforts to fight cancer.

Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya said during the commemoration of the World Cancer Day in Solwezi district in northwestern Zambia that the decision to immunize follows the approval of the National HPV vaccination application by Gavi. (The Mast)
By Damalie Mukhaye.

The state minister of higher education John Chrysostom Muyingo has implored the heads of schools and teachers to offer sufficient guidance to primary seven pupils to make right choices after their final exams.

While releasing the 2018 Polytechnic certificate results at Uganda business and technical examination board, Muyingo says that if children who finish primary seven are advised to choose vocational and technical education, they will be having skills in three years and will be ready to join the work world.

He says that parents and teachers should not take technical institutions and vocational studies as the last resort most especially for pupils who have failed exams hence its high time to reduce on the number of graduates who just loiter looking for jobs.

These program of polytechnic certificate admits students who complete primary leaving examination with division one to four.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 17:46:04|Editor: xuxin

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CAPE TOWN, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The following are news highlights in South African major news outlets on Tuesday.

-- The City of Cape Town on Monday told Parliament that the Clifton Beach incident, which gave rise to protests during 2018 festive season over the eviction of beachgoers, was in no way racial, but racialized and politicized by the media.

The City appeared before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs, which held an inquiry into the events of December 23, 2018, at Cape Town's Clifton Beach. (Independent Online)

-- The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said on Monday that the embassies of the U.S., the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland have conceded they were wrong to send a discussion document raising concerns around corruption in the country directly to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

This came as DIRCO Director General Kgabo Mahoai met with heads of diplomatic missions representing the countries. (Eyewitness News)
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 17:46:04|Editor: xuxin

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LUSAKA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's broadcasting regulator on Monday ordered Africa's biggest television operator, Multichoice, to suspend a realty show for allegedly promoting homosexuality.

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) said Multi Choice Zambia, a unit of the South Africa-based television operator, should immediately suspend the "Lusaka Hustle" reality show on its Zambezi Magic on the DSTV platform.

The regulator said this follows public outcries that the show promoted a lifestyle contrary to Zambia's values and culture.

"The Authority has received several comments from the public concerning the shows in question and as such, has directed Multichoice Zambia to withdraw the 'Lusaka Hustle' reality show in public interest," said IBA Director General Josephine Mapoma.

On Sunday, Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili asked the television operator to suspend the reality show which was launched last month.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 17:36:02|Editor: xuxin

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ISTANBUL, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police on Tuesday detained at least 22 people in Istanbul over their suspected links to the Islamic State (IS), local media reported.

Police launched simultaneous operations in 27 locations across the city to capture the suspects, the private NTV broadcaster said.

The detainees were allegedly seeking to recruit new members and collect financial aid to the families of IS members, and they frequently went to conflict zones in Syria and have published a magazine to hide their illegal activities.

During the raids, police also seized many organizational documents and supplies, according to NTV.

More than 300 people were killed in deadly attacks in Turkey over the years blamed on the IS.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 17:31:00|Editor: xuxin

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A man participates in an event to set a Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Dim Sum, at Tumbalong Park of Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia, on Feb. 5, 2019. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

by Duncan Murray

SYDNEY, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- If the way to a nation's heart is through its stomach, Australia's heart was well and truly won on Tuesday with a group of hungry Sydneysiders claiming the world record for biggest yum cha.

To fulfil the record requirements, an official count of 764 people all ate a minimum of two dumplings at the same time, just barely beating the previous number of 750.

The event was part of Sydney's extensive Lunar New Year's celebrations taking place a short walk from the city's Chinatown, arguably the yum cha capital of Australia.

Over 4,000 dumplings were handmade for the occasion, a fitting way for Australians to celebrate considering how wholeheartedly they have embraced and craftily adapted the ancient yet humble tradition of tea and dumplings.

Ever since the early 1980s when yum cha restaurants took hold in the Chinese establishments of Sydney and Melbourne, Australians have held the cuisine close to their hearts, with some saying that it has become not just a part of the national dining landscape, but a part of the culture itself.

"It's great for family birthdays and any occasion in a group setting. We often go to yum cha for birthdays. It's a really good family get together," record participant Sharon Clark told Xinhua.

"As far as I'm concerned it's part of our culture," her companion Gary Walton said. "It's one of those meals that you can share and enjoy; everyone can pick and choose and it's just a real fun experience."

Although in the Cantonese tradition yum cha is based around the drinking of tea, Aussies place far more importance on the food, which is brought around on trolleys for customers to select from throughout the meal.

At a typical yum cha meal in Australia, diners can expect a large assortment of dishes with some of the most popular being shrimp dumplings (har gau), barbecued- pork buns (cha sit bau) and spring rolls (tsun guen), although Australians have the questionable habit of calling almost anything wrapped in a skin a dumpling.

Levi Xu, who directs East Ocean, one of the most recognised venues for yum cha in Sydney, said his restaurants can easily seat several hundred people per service, generally around 60 percent of which are locals.

Many of the first Chinese to emigrate to Australia and elsewhere in the world were from the province of Guangdong and they brought with them their particular style of food and ways of eating which is why Cantonese food is the most familiar to Australians, Xu explained,

"Yum cha is a part of their life so they spread this kind of food style to everywhere."

While traditionally cantonese yum cha is consumed in the mornings, Australian appetites have seen the hours shift more towards lunchtime. At East Ocean, yum cha service runs from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m.

This Lunar New Year has seen a sharp increase in business for Xu with many Chinese people coming out to celebrate, and a large number of Australians have been drawn by special events such as lantern displays and lion dancing.

The period is also the busiest for food truck company Lets Do Yum Cha which catered Tuesday's world record attempt and had previously travelled all over the country selling their variety of dumplings and snacks at large scale events.

Owner Rowan Bates told Xinhua that most Australians have a great enjoyment of yum cha, which probably depends on their familiarity and experience with it in the past.

"It's like anything; once they know about it, it becomes part of the culture. Parents take their kids and it kind of grows from there," Bates said.

"One thing we find that you can closely correlate with the success of our product is the Chinatown of that city -- the bigger and more popular the Chinatown, the better we do."

While Lets Do Yum Cha serves fresh and tasty traditional Cantonese foods, the chefs have also experimented with uniquely Australian flavours, attempting kangaroo and crocodile dumplings among others.

"There's fusion ranges all over the world and Australia has its own twist; it's not as popular but the kangaroo's starting to gather momentum," Bates said.

While catering this year's Lunar New Year events in Sydney, Bates said he had seen many stunned reactions on the faces of the Chinese people who can't believe just how much Australia has embraced Chinese festivals and cuisine.

"The Chinese tourists are just blown away; it's humbling for them to see their culture spread so much here," he said.

With even the youngest generation enjoying dumplings by the mouthful, Australians are the ones of the most enthusiastic new adopters of the Lunar New Year and of Chinese traditions like yum cha -- and now they have a world record to prove it.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 17:15:55|Editor: xuxin

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BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- China's securities and futures trading institutions saw the value of the asset management business in the private equity industry total 22.66 trillion yuan (about 3.34 trillion U.S. dollars) by the end of December 2018.

The value of the country's social security fund and enterprise pensions was excluded from the calculation, according to the Asset Management Association of China (AMAC).

The asset management business in securities dealers, fund companies and futures companies amounted to 12.91 trillion yuan, 9.62 trillion yuan, and 127.6 billion yuan respectively.

Hong Lei, head of the AMAC, said last month that China's private equity industry was on a healthy growth track with improvements in the structure of private equity managers.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 16:35:45|Editor: xuxin

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MOGADISHU, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Somali National Intelligence Service Agency (NISA) said Tuesday that it had killed 40 al-Shabab fighters in the country's southern region.

Security forces launched a wide-scale operation in Farsoley village in Lower Shabelle region on Saturday, NISA said in a statement.

Somali security forces are conducting operations against the al-Qaida-affiliated group, al-Shabab in central and southern regions.

The terrorist group on Monday launched a car bombing attack on a shopping mall in the Somali capital Mogadishu, killing at least 12 people and injuring nine others.

Somali National Armed Forces backed by African Union Mission in Somalia ousted al-Shabab from Mogadishu in August 2011, but the terrorist group is still in control of areas in southern Somalia.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 16:33:31|Editor: xuxin

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The top of the landmark Empire State Building is lit in special designed lights for Chinese Lunar New Year in New York, the United States, Feb. 4, 2019. The landmark Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan will be shining in red, blue and yellow on its top on Monday and Tuesday nights, to honor the most important festival in the Chinese culture for the 19th consecutive year. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 16:05:42|Editor: xuxin

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JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan troops have arrested two armed drug traffickers in the eastern Nangarhar province, an army statement said Tuesday.

The Afghan National Army personnel launched a series of clearance operations, arresting two drug smugglers and seizing 400 kg of methamphetamines in the Sraroad district of the province, said the statement from army's Corps 201 Selab.

"The arrestees have been handed over to a related government department. And an AK-47 gun and three pistols were also seized," according to the statement.

Afghan defense and security forces have intensified enforcement of law, seizing various types of drugs in different parts of the country within the past year.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 15:55:41|Editor: xuxin

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MANILA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Philippine Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano said on Tuesday that Indonesia has expressed willingness to help Philippine authorities identify the Indonesian "suicide bombers" that carried out the twin blasts on Jan. 27 which left 23 people dead and more than 100 others wounded.

"It is officially confirmed that (the Jolo incident) was a case of suicide bombing. The bombers for both explosions are Indonesian couple," Ano said.

The conclusion is based on post blast and forensic investigation as well as the testimonies of survivors, Ano said.

He said authorities are in the process of identifying the Indonesian bombers. "It may take time. The Indonesian government is willing to assist," he added.

On last Monday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) filed multiple murder and frustrated murder charges against alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group suspected of plotting the Jolo blasts.

PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said the five suspects led by Kamah Pae have surrendered to police over the last weekend.

The PNP also filed charges against 14 other suspects still at large, including the group's leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, alias "Imam".

All suspects are facing 23 counts of murder, 95 counts of frustrated murder, and a case of damage to property, according to Albayalde.

Albayalde said that the suspects were part of a 22-member Abu Sayyaf band led by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.

Three other suspects, including two suicide bombers believed to be Indonesian male and females, have died.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 15:40:38|Editor: xuxin

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ISTANBUL, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Turkish prosecutors on Tuesday issued detention warrants for over 100 people, including soldiers in active service, over their suspected links to a failed coup in 2016.

Police launched simultaneous operations in 58 provinces across the country to catch the suspects on the orders of the prosecutors in the provinces of central Konya, northwestern Bursa and western Izmir, according to press reports.

Those targeted allegedly contacted via pay phone with the network headed by U.S.-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen.

The Turkish government blames Gulen and his network for masterminding the coup bid in July 2016, in which 250 people were killed, and has been pushing for his extradition.
By Benjamin Jumbe.

President Museveni is today expected to meet Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi the 2nd.

The meeting is to be held at the Kabakas Banda palace where the president is to visit this morning.

The development has been confirmed by Linda Nabusayi the presidential press secretary although no details about the agenda of the meeting were given

The president after the visit is expected to head to Namanve to launch the Plascon factory before officiating at the Kalpana Plascon Uganda Anti Mosquito paint at Serena.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 15:40:37|Editor: xuxin

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MANILA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Slow demand after the holiday season led to the contraction of Philippine manufacturing output in December 2018, government data showed on Tuesday.

The Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) and the Value of Production Index (VaPI) for the month of December 2018 declined by 10.1 percent and 9.3 percent, respectively.

This brings 2018 manufacturing to 7.2 percent in terms of volume (VoPI) and 8.0 percent in terms of value (VaPI).

Across product categories, data showed the lower output of major manufacturing items such as food, chemical products, tobacco, basic and fabricated metals, and machinery (except electrical), dragged total manufacturing output.

On the upside, a decline in rice prices, downward adjustment of electricity rates, and the slight appreciation of the peso may help improve consumer outlook and prop-up demand.

"Moreover, election-related spending is projected to benefit manufacturing sub-sectors such as food, beverage, tobacco and printing and paper products," Philippine Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said, referring to the forthcoming midterm elections in May this year.

Pernia added that the approval of the exemption of key infrastructure projects from the 2019 midterm election spending ban will ensure continuous implementation of national infrastructure projects under the Build, Build, Build program and minimize slowdown in economic growth.

To boost the performance of manufacturing, Pernia noted that the government may look into the concerns raised by exporters and importers regarding the management of empty containers, the need for an alert status on chemical importations, and the processes involving x-ray cargo inspection particularly outside the Mindanao Container Terminal, which hamper the flow of goods in the country's international ports.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 15:00:30|Editor: xuxin

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PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Up to 10 local police personnel were killed as anti-government militants stormed security checkpoints in northern Baghlan province on Tuesday, a local official said on the condition of anonymity.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 14:50:29|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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NEW DELHI, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- India has welcomed British Home Secretary's approval for the extradition of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya who has been staying in Britain for the past couple of years pending cases related to money laundering and non-payment of bank debts running into millions of dollars.

"India now awaits early completion of the legal process for the fugitive businessman to be sent back home," reported the Times of India on Tuesday.

"The government is reluctant to say anything more at this stage as it knows that Mallya can still go to higher authorities for a reprieve," it added.

Now, Mallya has 14 days time to go into appeal against the order.

Following the Home Secretary's approval, he made his intentions clear that he would go in for an appeal.

"After the decision was handed down on Dec. 10, 2018, by the Westminster Magistrates Court, I stated my intention to appeal. I could not initiate the appeal process before a decision by the Home Secretary. Now I will initiate the appeal process," Mallya tweeted on Monday.

Reacting to approval order, India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that the Modi government's "anti-corruption" plank got a major boost and the main ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) got a shot in the arm ahead of parliamentary elections, with Britain clearing Mallya's extradition.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 14:50:28|Editor: Liangyu

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BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- House prices in Chinese cities increased at a slower pace in January and are expected to remain stable, according to the China Index Academy, a property research institution.

The average price of new homes in 100 cities rose 0.22 percent month-on-month in January, down 0.03 percentage point from December 2018, according to a survey conducted by the institution.

Meanwhile, second-hand houses in the country's 10 major cities saw their average price drop 0.64 percent month-on-month, compared with a decline of 0.82 percent in December.

The institution said that regulators are expected to remain focused on market stability in the future, predicting house prices to continue to stabilize.

China's real estate sector has been expanding at a slower pace in recent years due to government control measures. Property sales in value gained 12.2 percent in 2018, down 1.5 percentage points from the previous year.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 14:40:26|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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CANBERRA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has announced 11 million Australian dollars (7.92 million U.S. dollars) in additional funding to lure Chinese tourism groups to the country.

Simon Birmingham, the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, unveiled the boost for the Approved Destination Scheme (ADS) on Tuesday, saying it accounted for one quarter of the annual Chinese visitors to Australia.

According to Tourism Australia 1.42 million people visited Australia from China in the 12 months to September 2018, spending 11.5 billion AUD (8.28 billion USD).

Birmingham said those who came via the ADS spent an average of 865 AUD (623 USD) per night in Australia, promising that the additional investment would "pay for itself many times over."

The ADS has been a huge success story helping to lure and facilitate the travel of many Chinese tourists on tours to Australia, he said in a statement on Tuesday.

"It's a major reason why China is Australia's fastest growing and highest spending inbound tourism market.

"Australia's scheme is regarded as best practice with strict accreditation requirements and ongoing monitoring of tour operators helping to ensure Chinese travellers who visit Australia on a tour get the highest possible quality tourism experience.

"China still presents enormous opportunities for growth and the more tour groups we can attract to Australia under the ADS, the more tourism dollars injected into Australian businesses and our economy."

David Coleman, the Minister for Immigration, re-affirmed the government's commitment to making it as easy as possible to travel between China and Australia.

"In addition to the ADS, our government continues to improve the competitiveness of our visa system for Chinese visitors with the trialling of 10-year multiple entry visitor visas and online visa lodgements," he said.

"Initiatives that make it easier for Chinese tourists to travel to Australia such as online visa lodgements and enabling lodgement applications in simplified Chinese will only further boost the attractiveness of Australia as a holiday destination."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 14:15:21|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. State Department said here on Monday that an upcoming meeting by members of the Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State (IS) will focus on the resources needed and specific plans in 2019.

In a background briefing previewing the meeting conducted via teleconference, several senior State Department officials asking for anonymity said that the ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat IS, the 10th of its kind since the coalition was found in 2014, would take place at the State Department on Feb. 6.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump's latest decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria and his latest controversial remarks concerning U.S. forces in Iraq have, to quite an extent, overshadowed the upcoming meeting.

PLAN IN 2019

According to U.S. officials, the attending nations and organizations will discuss how to "liberate" the eight million people that were under the IS' rule in Iraq and Syria, take away IS' revenue from taxes, oil and natural gas, and increase the pressure on the IS' branches around the globe.

"But most importantly the resources that will be needed in 2019 to build on the military and diplomatic gains," officials said. "It comes at a critical time in our mind because we're near the end of the military operations against Daesh and as you -- as has been announced, U.S. troops will be departing Syria."

Speaking about the coalition's plan to move forward with its campaign to defeat the IS, the U.S. diplomats said that there would be four themes to be discussed during the ministerial meeting, namely, to recognize what must be done to ensure an enduring defeat of the IS in Iraq and Syria, to affirm the coalition's ties and commitments with the new Iraqi government, to map out the requirements for coalition and maintain pressure in the global fight, and to ensure that the IS would be held accountable for the crimes it has committed.

According to the U.S. officials, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would deliver the opening remarks at the morning session and participate in a small group ministerial meeting that also included Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Britain. A joint statement was expected to be released following the afternoon plenary.

They added that the number of the coalition members have grown from 12 in September 2014 to 79 now, which included 75 nations and four international organizations.

CONTROVERSIAL "CONSISTENCY"

The U.S.-led coalition has been engaged in an operation to drive out the IS militants from their last stronghold in the eastern Euphrates region in eastern Syria.

In December, however, Trump abruptly announced to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, citing that the local IS force has been largely defeated.

Nevertheless, several bombs have been detonated in Syria since then, claiming lives of several U.S. soldiers and local militants. Former U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis also resigned largely due to Trump's withdrawal decision.

The U.S. State Department officials on Monday tries to defend Trump's remarks amid growing domestic questions.

"U.S. goals in Syria -- notwithstanding the Defeat ISIS campaign, which remains -- the goals remain there," they said. "A withdrawal of U.S. forces from northeast Syria is the change in the way we employ our military means under our broader strategy. It's not a change in the strategy."

"There's a consistency... on the judgment that there is no military solution to the Syrian conflict, that settling the conflict requires a political solution," the officials said.

TRUMP'S IRAQ-RELATED COMMENTS REFUTED

During an interview with CBS television broadcasted on Sunday, Trump reportedly said that the important role of U.S. troops in Iraq is "to watch Iran," sparking anger and rejection in the Middle East nation.

Iraqi President Barham Salih on Monday rejected any role for U.S. troops in Iraq beyond helping Iraq's security forces, saying that "Trump did not ask for our permission to watch Iran. Do not burden Iraq with issues that don't represent a priority to it."

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi also tweeted on Monday that "Iraqi sovereignty must be respected."

"Its interests should not be compromised. Iraq should not be used as a spring board to attack its neighbours," he warned. "We are not proxies in conflicts outside the interests of our nation."

When asked to comment on Iraq's responses, the State Department officials only said that "our troops are there in a relationship with the government -- by invitation of the Government of Iraq, articulated by the strategic framework agreement."

In an apparently different set of notes from Trump's, they added that the U.S. forces in Iraq are there for "the enduring defeat of ISIS. That hasn't changed."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 14:10:20|Editor: Liangyu

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BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Over the past 12 years, while the global gaze was on China's new generation of advanced aircraft, artist Gong Haoqin focused on broken wings, battered propellers and abandoned warplanes covered in rust.

He compares the exposed wires of "old heroes" to blood vessels, and the rust stains to wounds. He says his pictures are a personal tribute to the sacrifices of the aircraft and pilots.

After gaining a doctorate from Tsinghua University's Academy of Art and Design in 2007, Gong worked as an associate professor at Beihang University, which specializes in aeronautical and astronautical education and research.

He gained fame in 2016 for his sepia, monochromatic drawings of the legendary Flying Tigers, a group of American pilots who volunteered to help China's air force fight the invading Japanese from 1941 to 1945.

The works were displayed at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in China, and the Reagan National Airport and Radford University in the United States.

He spent five years researching and visiting veterans and their families, learning how retired U.S. Army Corps officer Claire Lee Chennault brought fighter planes to China, along with American pilots and ground crews. They joined the war and were greeted by the Chinese with love and esteem.

He depicted the moments when Chinese troops fought side by side with Americans, as well as many warm scenes of interaction between the aviators and Chinese civilians.

One painting depicts an elderly Chinese man getting a light for his cigarette from a U.S. Army sergeant after the forces of the two countries expelled the Japanese from Tengchong, a border city in southwest China, in 1944.

"A painter also can record history," Gong says.

Unlike other aviation painters, Gong seldom draws just an aircraft. To commemorate the start of a direct air route linking Beijing, Chengdu and Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, in 1965, he painted a plane that flew the route at the top of the picture, with a joyful Tibetan mother carrying a baby, the Potala Palace and snow-covered mountains below.

"Although an aircraft is lifeless, Gong's paintings are full of human characters, showing courage, will and dedication," says critic Hou Yaodao. "His works lead viewers to reflect on war, life, mercy and compassion."

In recent years, Gong has painted scenes from China's space exploration, with spacecraft, moon rovers, satellites and astronauts. He has published multiple collections, including "Flying with the Wings of Art", which was displayed during the 58th session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

He was inspired to combine traditional cultural elements, such as woodcut printing, into his space artworks. Gong drew a constellation of stars on a piece of paper before carving it on a board. Then, he printed these on paper and sketched in new subjects with brown pencil.

He loves to painted modern subjects with legendary figures. One work shows Chinese astronaut Zhai Zhigang, who carried out a spacewalk from Shenzhou-7, encountering a group of flying apsaras from a Dunhuang fresco.

In another painting, lunar rover Yutu travels on the moon with the white pet rabbit of Chang'e, the moon goddess in Chinese folklore who lent her name to the Chinese lunar mission.

"The Chinese were one of the first peoples to respect and study space," Gong says. He wants his works to show the connection between China's remarkable aerospace achievements and the visualization of the universe since ancient times.

Gong has a grand plan to complete a record of aerospace history in his lifetime. He has named the plan "Flying Civilization".

"People love flight because they love freedom," says Gong. "That is also the charm of aerospace painting."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 14:05:17|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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CARACAS, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela's foreign ministry rejected on Monday several European countries' decision to recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president.

Those countries "are officially adopting the strategy of the U.S. administration to overthrow the legitimate government of President Nicolas Maduro," the Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

Such a decision "is in open violation of the principles and practices that govern diplomatic ties, setting a dangerous precedent for peaceful coexistence between nations," said the ministry.

Venezuela said it will review its bilateral ties with those countries until there is a "rectification that discards their support for the coup plans."

"The degree of subordination" the European countries are showing to Washington "is alarming," the ministry said.

It warned that Washington's backing of the opposition leader threatens "the peace and stability of the entire region."

Germany, Spain, France, Britain and Sweden are among the European countries that decided Monday to endorse Guaido and his call for a new round of presidential race in the country.

The countries had earlier given Maduro an "ultimatum" to call for elections.

Political tensions in Venezuela between the ruling socialist party and Washington-backed conservative opposition groups came to a head after Maduro was sworn in to a new term on Jan. 10.

The opposition, which largely boycotted the presidential elections in May, refuses to recognize Maduro's reelection win.

The White House followed up its recognition of Guaido by slapping sanctions on Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA to cut off Maduro's access to vital revenue.

On Monday, Maduro appealed to the "independent governments of the world" to reject the U.S.-backed efforts to oust him from power.

Earlier, Trump told media "all options are on the table" regarding Venezuela.

"Donald Trump's threats violate the United Nations charter, which prohibits the threat of the use of force or the use of force against any country," said Maduro.

Maduro broke off diplomatic ties with the United States after Trump recognized Guaido.

At the Turiamo naval base in Aragua state on Monday, he urged the military to remain united amid mounting pressure from the opposition.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 14:00:16|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of State on Monday urged other nations to take back and prosecute their citizens detained by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) backed by Washington.

In a statement issued in the U.S. capital city, Robert Palladino, deputy spokesperson of the State Department, noted the SDF's contribution on behalf of the Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State (IS).

"As they liberated territory from ISIS (IS) with courage and resolve, the SDF took into custody hundreds of foreign terrorist fighters from dozens of countries around the world," he said.

"The United States calls upon other nations to repatriate and prosecute their citizens detained by the SDF and commends the continued efforts of the SDF to return these foreign terrorist fighters to their countries of origin," he said.

Noticeably, the statement also read that "despite the liberation of ISIS-held territory in Iraq and Syria, ISIS remains a significant terrorist threat and collective action is imperative to address this shared international security challenge."

In December, U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly announced to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, citing that the local IS force has been largely defeated.

However, the U.S. military said on Jan. 16 that a number of U.S. soldiers were killed in a blast while conducting a routine patrol in northern Syria.

On Jan. 29, a roadside bomb targeted a military convoy of the SDF, wounding many fighters.

Later on Feb. 1, a large explosion was reported near the house of a Kurdish-led militia commander in northern Syria, and a patrol of the SDF was reportedly passing by when the blast occurred in Manbij.

The U.S.-led coalition has been engaged in an operation to drive out the IS militants from their last stronghold in the eastern Euphrates region in eastern Syria.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 13:50:15|Editor: Yamei

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YAOUNDE, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping, which manages the oil tanker which had been seized by the military in Cameroon since Friday, was accused on Monday of defamation.

"We are asking Eastern Pacific Shipping to stop spreading false information while warning them of the risk of legal proceeding for defamation they expose themselves if they do not put an end to disinformation," George Esimi, lead counsel of the Cameroon charterer DSC Marine said in a statement released Monday evening.

The statement came after Eastern Pacific Shipping, in a communique published on Sunday, accused DSC Marine of using "illegitimate means to seize the vessel for the purpose of holding its owners to ransom".

There were 26 crew members on board, including the captain from Ukraine and two Chinese nationals. They were forbidden to leave the ship and the ship was forbidden to leave the port. There have been no reports of physical injuries of the crew members.

According to the Chinese embassy in Cameroon, the Singaporean vessel, after discharge operations in Cameroon's Limbe port in the Southwest region, was about to leave when Cameroon military controlled it on Friday evening.

Esimi said that the vessel was "immobilized" following an order by the president of the High Court of Buea, chief town in southwestern Cameroon.

"The order was obtained and the seizure of the ship made in accordance with all the other international treaties and applicable texts concerning detention of ship," Esimi said without specifying the reason for the seizure.

A Cameroon military official who preferred not to be named told Xinhua, the ship was seized over "a commercial disagreement".

"The ship is still in our keeping. They were operating where they were not supposed to operate and we seized it," the official said on Monday.
By Moses Kyeyune.

Directors of Greenland Investment have accused the Bank of Uganda of fraudulent dealings in the closure, liquidation and sale of their bank in 1999.

Ahmed Nsubuga, one of the surviving shareholders of the Bank has asked the committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises to compel the Bank of Uganda clearly account to Greenland Bank Investors, the status of their institution since it was closed.

Nsubuga contends that therefore was no justification for take over since the bank was adequately capitalised to a tune of 147 billion out of the required minimum of 10 billion shillings.

He has also asked the committee to query the whereabouts of other assets that were lost alongside the closure, including investments in Rwanda, Kenya and Zanzibar among others.

According to a statement presented to the committee, Greenland Bank has indicated that there has not been room for redress in the last 20 years, and that shareholders have placed all their hope in the probe.

Nsubuga has revealed that despite written commitments from the central bank to have all shareholder appraised on the liquidation, nothing has taken place, a suspicious move by the Bank of Uganda to escape accountability since most of the owners of Greenland Bank are perishing.

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Nzeyi speaks tough on Bagyenda over NBC Closure
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 13:35:12|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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YAOUNDE, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon government expressed "regrets" to Israel on Monday after a government minister made anti-semitic comments on state media.

"The Ambassador of the state of Israel was received this Monday, February 4, 2019 by the Minister of External Relations who expressed to him the sincere regrets of the government of Cameroon," Rene Sadi, Cameroonian minister of Communication and government spokesman said in a statement that was released late Monday.

During an interview on state media on Sunday, Cameroon's Minister Delegate in the Ministry of Justice Jean de Dieu Momo compared Cameroon's opposition party, Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) to the Jews "who were crushed by Hitler because of arrogance."

The Israeli embassy in Cameroon expressed "outrage" over the comments and "expect an apology" in a communique made public Monday.

"The government of Cameroon strongly deplores the irrelevant comments of (Jean de Dieu Momo) and completely dissociates itself," said Sadi in the statement, adding that the minister's comments were "strictly personal."

"It (Cameroonian government) wishes to recall that Cameroon and the state of Israel maintain excellent and historic relations," Sadi said.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 13:30:10|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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GABORONE, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- The mining sector's contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) of Botswana declined from 25 percent in 2008 to 18 percent in 2018, a Botswanan official said here on Monday.

Presenting the southern African country's 2019 budget, Botswanan Finance and Economic Development Minister Kenneth Matambo said the contribution of the non-mining sector far outweighed that of the mining sector in 2018.

Botswana transformed dramatically over the years from one of the poorest countries in the world to an upper middle-income one due to revenues generated from the sale of its mineral resources, particularly diamonds.

However, Botswana's domestic economy is projected to dwindle due to less revenues from diamond sales. Botswana's domestic economy is forecast to grow by 4.2 percent in 2019 due to uncertainty in global markets.

"Mining sector's share to the gross domestic product (GDP) declined from 25 percent in 2008 to 18 percent in 2018," said Matambo when presenting a 675 million U.S. dollar budget proposal for the 2019 financial year.

Matambo said the mining sector's decline is consistent with Botswana's efforts to reduce the dependency of the economy on the mining sector, which is susceptible to external shocks.

"There is need to intensify efforts to diversify the country's exports and government revenue sources. Diamond exports continue to dominate the trade account while mineral and customs revenues account for over two thirds of government revenues," said Matambo.

The country's dependency on one or two major commodities or sources has a systematic risk hence the Botswana government's pledge to continue with efforts to diversify the economy in general and its exports, he added.

Over the years, Botswana has pursued specific strategies to promote economic growth through increasing employment and maintaining macroeconomic stability.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 12:35:01|Editor: Li Xia

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PARIS, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Seven people were killed and another one seriously injured on Monday in a building fire in a Paris neighborhood, according to local fire service.

The fire service warned the death toll could still grow as the fire is still in progress, adding that 27 people, including 3 firefighters, are with minor injuries.

The blazing eight-story building sits in Paris's swanky 16th arrondissement, which is home to foreign embassies and renowned museums.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 12:24:59|Editor: Li Xia

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CANBERRA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has conceded he should have called the landmark banking royal commission 18 months earlier.

Turnbull, who was deposed as leader of the governing Liberal Party in August 2018, caved under pressure from the Australian Labor Party (ALP), Greens and National Party of Australia and agreed to establish the commission in November 2017.

The decision came despite the government having previously voted against the commission 26 times in parliament under the leadership of Turnbull and his predecessor Tony Abbott.

The final report from the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry was made public on Monday, revealing widespread systematic misconduct.

"There were some cases, examples of wrongdoing, that came out in the royal commission that shocked me in the sense that I did not believe the cultural failures had been as bad as that," Turnbull told reporters on Tuesday.

"I believe with the benefit of hindsight we should have held the royal commission earlier," Turnbull said.

"But I think what the royal commission has done is provided something of a shock treatment to really ram home the need for that cultural change. So I think that is going to be very important for faith and confidence," Turnbull said.

Commissioner Kenneth Hayne condemned Australia's big four banks and financial services giant AMP for prioritizing profits over their customers, making 76 recommendations to overhaul the industry.

He urged the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the corporate watchdog, to consider pursuing criminal action against the banks for dishonest conduct, a charge that carries financial penalties and up to 10 years imprisonment for implicated individuals.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the banks were at the start of the "road back" to win the trust of the public but refused to apologize for repeatedly voting against the commission.

"They have said the right things so far but it is now the question on whether they will do the right things. And the cultural change must start within those financial institutions," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Tuesday.

"It is up to those financial institutions to ensure that the culture changes, that the misconduct doesn't occur again and that the performance is in the best interest of the consumers," Frydenberg said.

"We are the ones who called the banking royal commission," Frydenberg said.

"We are the ones who announced yesterday that we are taking action on all 76 recommendations. We are the ones who put in place important reforms and we are the ones who are going to offer banking consumers a compensation scheme of a last resort," he added.

Commissioner Hayne was particularly critical of the National Australia Bank (NAB), saying he had little faith in the leadership's ability to institute necessary cultural change.

Chris Bowen, the ALP's treasury spokesperson, said that committing to all 76 of Hayne's recommendations was the minimum required action, offering his party's support to fast-track the reforms through the law-making process.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 11:04:45|Editor: Liangyu

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Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative and Chinese Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ma Zhaoxu speaks at a UN Security Council meeting on mercenary activities in Africa, at the UN headquarters in New York, Feb. 4, 2019. China firmly opposes mercenary activities in Africa, and will always support African nations' pursuit of peace and prosperity, Ma Zhaoxu said Monday. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes mercenary activities in Africa, and will always support African nations' pursuit of peace and prosperity, said Chinese Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ma Zhaoxu here on Monday.

Mercenary activities are a threat to peace and stability in African countries, and China calls for greater international efforts to address the problem, said Ma as Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative at a UN Security Council meeting on mercenary activities in Africa.

He said these activities interfere with the internal affairs of the developing countries, and infringe on their sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, adding that China stands firmly against such activities.

The Chinese representative urged the international community to support African countries in accelerating their development, reducing poverty, eliminating the root causes for conflict and turmoil, and stepping up socio-economic development in African countries.

Ma also pledged China's continued support for Africa to achieve peace, stability and development, and expressed the hope for China and Africa to jointly build a closer community with a shared future.

Monday's meeting was called by Equatorial Guinea, which holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council in February.

Shortly before the meeting, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of Equatorial Guinea, spoke highly of the bilateral relations between his country and China during his meeting with Ma.

Obiang also said he attaches importance to Equatorial Guinea's relations with China, adding that he is willing to further promote cooperation between the two countries in various fields.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 10:54:43|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. State Department said here on Monday that the country's special envoy on issues related to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will travel to Pyongyang to prepare for the second summit of the two nations' top leaders.

According to a statement issued by the State Department, Stephen Biegun, U.S. special representative for the DPRK-related issues, will travel to Pyongyang later on Feb. 6 for meetings with his DPRK counterpart, Kim Hyok Chol, to lay the ground work for U.S. President Donald Trump's second meeting with Kim Jong Un, the DPRK's top leader.

The travel also aimed to "advance further progress on the commitments the President and Chairman Kim made in Singapore: complete denuclearization, transforming U.S.-DPRK relations, and building a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula," read the statement.

U.S. State Department said last month that Biegun would travel to Seoul for a meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Do-hoon. He would also have follow-up meetings with his DPRK counterpart to "discuss next steps to advance" the goal of denuclearization.

The U.S.-DPRK relations have improved last year, as Kim Jong Un and Trump held their first meeting in Singapore in June, reaching some consensus regarding the decades' hostility between the two nations and the Korean Peninsula's denuclearization.

However, differences between the two sides remain over key issues including the scale of denuclearization, U.S. sanctions on the DPRK and whether to issue a war-ending declaration.

Earlier on Monday, Biegun, who arrived in Seoul Sunday, met with Chung Eui-yong, South Korean President Moon Jae-in's top national security advisor. During the meeting, Biegun explained the U.S. position ahead of the working-level discussion between Pyongyang and Washington, while Chung delivered his country's assessment on current situations and issues to tackle to the U.S. envoy.

Yonhap news agency earlier reported that Biegun would hold a working-level discussion with his DPRK counterpart on Tuesday this week at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom for the second DPRK-U.S. summit.

Trump said last week that the date and location of his upcoming meeting with Kim has been decided and would be announced next week.

"We'll be announcing the location and ... the exact date it will be, it'll be end of February," Trump noted, adding that his administration will announce the venue and date "next week."
Photo taken on Feb. 4, 2019 shows the United Nations Security Council high-level debate "Mercenaryactivities as a source of insecurity and destabilization in Africa," at the UN headquarters in New York. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes mercenary activities in Africa, and will always support African nations' pursuit of peace and prosperity, Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Ma Zhaoxu said Monday.

Mercenary activities are a threat to peace and stability in African countries, and China calls for greater international efforts to address the problem, said Ma as Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy at a UN Security Council high-level debate on mercenary activities in Africa.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 07:59:16|Editor: Liangyu

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes mercenary activities in Africa, and will always support African nations' pursuit of peace and prosperity, Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Ma Zhaoxu said Monday.

Mercenary activities are a threat to peace and stability in African countries, and China calls for greater international efforts to address the problem, said Ma as Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy at a UN Security Council high-level debate on mercenary activities in Africa.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 07:30:38|Editor: Liangyu

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A boy sits on his father's shoulders as they walk under lanterns during the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration in the Chinatown of Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 4, 2019 . The Chinese Lunar New Year falls on Feb. 5 this year. (Xinhua/U Aung)
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 07:04:07|Editor: Yamei

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NEW YORK, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices declined on Monday as investors continued to worry that falling factory orders in the United States would dampen oil demand.

The demand for U.S. manufactured products fell in November as factory orders dropped 0.6 percent from the month earlier amid sharp declines in demand for machinery and electrical equipment, the U.S. Commerce Department said on Monday.

The release of the factory orders data was delayed because of the longest-ever partial government shutdown in U.S. history.

Analysts said the unexpected fall in the data stoked investors' concerns that oil demand would weaken in the near future and further contribute to a global glut.

The West Texas Intermediate for March delivery declined 70 U.S. cents to settle at 54.56 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for April dropped 24 cents to close at 62.51 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.
By Damali Mukhaye.

The minister of education Janet Museveni has revealed that discussions on whether to abolish primary leaving examination which are conducted by primary seven pupils are on. s

This followed the World Bank report recommending for the abolition of PLE if the country is to increase on the enrollment of students to lower secondary.

While launching the report at the office of the president Mrs Museveni said that her ministry is aware that most pupils who fail to raise good grades in PLE dont repeat, but rather just drop out of school.

She says that if the exams are abolished, the students will continue to lower secondary where they would later be subjected to continuous assessment.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 05:48:49|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Russia supports the search for African solutions to the problems like the issue of mercenarism, a senior Russian diplomat said Monday.

Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations, made the point in his statement to a United Nations Security Council debate with the theme of Mercenary activities as a source of insecurity and destabilization in Africa.

"We believe updating the 1977 Convention for the elimination of mercenarism in Africa of the Organization of African Unity (predecessor to the African Union) could give an impetus to this process," the Russian diplomat said.

Mercenaries are often used when it comes to interfering in internal affairs of sovereign States, he said.

In 1981 UNGA adopted Declaration on the Inadmissibility of Intervention and Interference in the Internal Affairs of States that prohibits training, financing and recruitment of mercenaries or the sending of such mercenaries into the territory of another State.

The same declaration said that States must not commit any actions that seek to disrupt unity or to undermine or subvert the political order of other States.

"Thus any non-constitutional change of authority or violent governance change assisted from the outside is unacceptable," Nebenzia said.

However, mercenaries are often recruited and paid for to perform tasks like this, the Russian diplomat said.

Numerous conflicts on the African continent, including those provoked by external influence, often serve as breeding ground for various criminal activities, he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the debate that the international body "stands ready to continue to support governments in tackling mercenary activities."

Equatorial Guinea, which holds the presidency of the Council for February, organized the high-level debate, presided over by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea. Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, also participated.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 05:43:48|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- South Africa condemns mercenary activities in Africa, "as they pose serious challenges to our collective efforts to promote and ensure peace and stability in our respective countries," a senior South African diplomat said here Monday.

Jerry Matjila, the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, made the remark at a UN Security Council Open debate on Threats to international peace and security: Mercenary activities as a source of insecurity and destabilization in Africa.

As a responsible member of the African Union and the United Nations, South Africa condemns all mercenary activities in any African or non-African country, saying that "We believe that these activities are in clear contravention of continental and international conventions and legal instruments."

The recruitment, use, financing and training of mercenaries violates the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and those of the Constitutive Act of the African Union, Matjila said.

The activities of mercenaries poses a serious threat to peace and stability of several regions on Africa, which remains fragile due to on-going conflicts, he said.

Since the advent of democracy in 1994, he said, South Africa has been part of the collective efforts of promoting peace and stability in Africa, he said.

South Africa supports the objectives of the African Union aimed at achieving greater unity and solidarity between African countries and the people of Africa, while also defending the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its member states, the South African diplomat said.

Key among these principles, he said, "is the condemnation and rejection of unconstitutional changes of government as well as non-interference by any member state in the internal affairs of another."

"As a responsible member of the African Union and the United Nations, South Africa condemns all mercenary activities," he said.

"My delegation stresses that it is the obligation of all states to take all necessary measures to eradicate mercenary activities wherever they may occur," he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the debate that the international body "stands ready to continue to support governments in tackling mercenary activities."

Equatorial Guinea, which holds the presidency of the Security Council for February, organized the high-level debate, presided over by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea. Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, also participated.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 05:38:46|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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ADEN, Yemen, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Representatives of both Yemeni warring factions attended on Monday a meeting for the second consecutive day to discuss the withdrawal of rebel forces from the turbulent Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, a government official said.

The pro-government Governor of Hodeidah Hassan Taher told Xinhua that the team of the Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) attended a meeting with the presence of the UN chief monitor Patrick Cammaert aboard a ship over the implementation of Stockholm Agreement.

During the meeting, Cammaert presented his plan regarding the withdrawal of the Houthi rebels from Hodeidah's key ports and listened to reactions from the two-warring factions representatives, the governor said.

Taher said the government representatives voiced support for Cammaert's plan and suggested some slight amendments that included adding a condition of defusing all landmine fields set up by Houthis.

The Houthi representatives refused a number of points included in Cammaert's plan, according to Hodeidah's governor who pointed out that constructive results may be achieved during the next meetings of the RCC.

On Sunday, key topics were discussed during the first meeting aboard the UN-hired ship including reopening main roads for humanitarian purposes and reducing cease-fire violations as well as withdrawing Houthi rebels from the Hodeidah's ports.

Previous meetings were convened in the Houthi-controlled city of Hodeidah but given the tense security situation, Cammaert proposed holding a meeting aboard a ship in order to avoid gunfire attacks, according to local sources.

Earlier this week, Yemen's government accused the Houthi rebels of persistent and deliberate violations of Sweden's agreement on Hodeidah.

In a statement revealed by state-run Saba news agency, the government said 970 Houthi cease-fire breaches have occurred in Hodeidah, killing 71 people and wounding 534 others in 30 days.

The conflict in Yemen started in 2014 when the Houthi rebels overtook the capital Sanaa and forced the government into exile in Saudi Arabia. Since 2015, a Saudi-led coalition, backing the government, has been fighting the Houthis.

The security situation was further exacerbated after the coalition launched in June 2018 an operation to retake rebel-held Hodeidah, a strategic port city that had been handling some 70 percent of Yemen's imports of food.

The fighting has spawned the world's worst humanitarian crisis and brought the poorest Arab country to the brink of famine.

Under the UN auspice, the warring parties reached a deal in Sweden in December 2018, which included a cease-fire in Hodeidah and the formation of the RCC to monitor the withdrawal of troops by both government and Houthis in the area.

Shortly afterward, the UN Security Council authorized an advance team to monitor and support the implementation of the deal for 30 days.

Earlier in January, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution to establish a UN political mission for an initial period of six months to support the Hodeidah agreement.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 05:23:43|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- The situation in Yemen, despite talks aboard a ship in the Port of Hodeidah, was described by the chief UN spokesman on Monday as fragile.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, said the chairman of the ship-board talks, retired Dutch Gen. Patrick Cammaert, sent a message underscoring "the fragility of the situation and the need to see progress."

A technical session of prisoner-swap negotiations is set for Tuesday in Amman.

The spokesman called the Re-deployment Coordination Committee (RCC) negotiations on a ship -- he refused to identify -- berthed in the port as "a very creative solution" by Cammaert to get the two sides in proximity to each other at a secure site.

Sunday's session was the third day of the negotiations chaired by Cammaert over where opposing troops would be stationed during a shaky cease-fire near the port.

"Both parties have reiterated their commitment to implementing the Hodeidah aspects of the Stockholm Agreement, and in particular, underscored their commitment to finding a solution that would open up the Hodeidah-Sanaa road to allow humanitarian access to the Red Sea Mills," Dujarric said, referring to a crucial grain storage area in the port.

"We have a kernel, in a sense, of a cease-fire in a specific area in Yemen," the spokesman told reporters at a regular briefing. "We need to secure that and build on that and move forward."

On Tuesday, "The Supervisory Committee on the implementation of the prisoner exchange agreement is scheduled to reconvene in Amman," Dujarric said.

The committee includes representatives of the Government of Yemen and Ansar Allah and is co-chaired by the Office of the UN Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Ansar Allah is the formal name of the rebel group known as the Houthis.

The spokesman said Griffiths and ICRC President Peter Maurer are scheduled to take part in the first day of the Supervisory Committee meetings. This round of technical meetings will discuss "the steps taken by the two parties to finalize the lists of prisoners to advance the implementation of the agreement."

Dujarric said that "During this round of technical meetings, the Supervisory Committee will discuss the steps taken by the two parties to finalize the lists of prisoners to advance the implementation of the agreement."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 05:18:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BAGHDAD, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- An Islamic State (IS) leader, and two children were killed while five people injured on Monday in separate incidents in Iraq.

In Iraq's central province of Salahudin, Mohammed al-Bazi told Xinhua that an improvised explosive device planted by the IS went off as a family was having a picnic in the city of Samarra, some 120 km north of Baghdad, killing a child and injuring five of the family members.

In a separate incident, Iraqi intelligence forces killed a senior IS leader in Bahraz area in the province of Diyala, destroyed two hideouts and seized various kinds of weapons, a provincial police source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

"A nine-year-old child was shot dead by the IS near his house in al-Makhisa village some 25 km northeast of Baquba, capital of Iraq's eastern province of Diyala," the source said.

Following the attack, a security force started a search operation in the nearby farms, looking for the attackers.

The security situation in Iraq has been dramatically improved after Iraqi security forces fully defeated the extremist IS militants across the country late in 2017.

However, IS remnants have since melted or regrouped in urban and rugged areas, carrying out attacks against the security forces and civilians despite operations from time to time to hunt them down.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 04:43:30|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Peter Maurer (L) speaks at a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, Feb. 4, 2019. Peter Maurer said on Monday that Iraq still faces massive humanitarian challenges as 1.8 million people remain displaced within Iraq more than a year after major combat operations against Islamic States (IS) ended. (Xinhua)

BAGHDAD, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Peter Maurer said on Monday that Iraq still faces massive humanitarian challenges as 1.8 million people remain displaced within Iraq more than a year after major combat operations against Islamic States (IS) ended.

In a press conference held at the Baghdad office of the ICRC, Maurer said "the hostilities have ended, but it doesn't mean humanitarian issues do not persist."

During his fourth visit to Iraq, Maurer met with top Iraqi officials, including Iraqi President Barham Salih and Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi.

Maurer confirmed the determination of ICRC to stay engaged in Iraq, asserting the need to continue humanitarian work in the country.

When asked about the reports of alleged sexual abuses against women and children from the so-called IS families detained in camps in Iraq, Maurer said "from what we see in our work and from all the indications we have, we have to give credibility to those reports," adding that it is "very difficult" to give an idea of the figures and dimensions of the problem.

Maurer also noted the importance of addressing the psychological needs of those affected by violence in Iraq, saying "we have to recognize that the society and each individual have to be attended in their needs and their psychological needs."

According to the Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displacement, some 5 million Iraqis have been displaced from urban areas since the extremist IS group took control of large swathes in the provinces of Anbar, Salahudin, Kirkuk and Diyala in 2014.

According to figures from the organization, ICRC rehabilitated 47 water systems in Iraq in 2018, helping some 2.5 million people gain better access to clean water.

On Dec. 9, 2017, Iraq officially declared full liberation from IS militants after Iraqi forces recaptured all areas once seized by the extremist group.
U.S. soldiers gather at a military base north of Mosul, Iraq, on Jan. 4, 2017. (Reuters File photo)



BAGHDAD, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Ammar al-Hakim, the Shiite cleric and head of the National Wisdom Movement, rejected on Monday the statements of U.S. President Donald Trump about keeping U.S. forces in Iraq to watch Iran.

"We strongly reject the idea of Iraq being an arena to settle regional and international scores, or to turn it into a platform to watch, provoke, or encroach neighboring states," Al-Hakim said on Twitter.

"The Iraqi constitution provides that Iraq must not threaten the security and stability of the region and the world. Therefore, we consider the approach of turning our land into a platform to harm neighboring states a threat to our security and national interest," he added.

Iraqi President Barham Salih stressed earlier that Trump didn't get Iraq's permission to watch Iran.

"The presence of U.S. forces is within legal contexts and according to agreements between the two states. Any action beyond the agreements is unacceptable," Salih said during a forum in the capital Baghdad.

U.S. troops, stationed in several military bases across Iraq, are part of an anti-Islamic State (IS) global coalition which has been fighting and conducting airstrikes against IS targets in both Iraq and Syria.

U.S. media quoted Trump as saying that his administration will keep the troops in Iraq to watch Iran and that having a base in Iraq is vital to observing the conditions in the Middle East.

During an interview with U.S.-based CBS television broadcast on Sunday, Trump highlighted the importance of having U.S. troops in Iraq "to watch Iran," adding that he has no intention to strike Iran.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 02:08:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TRIPOLI, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Clashes between the eastern-based army and militants in Libya's eastern city of Derna on Monday killed 6 soldiers and injured 10 others, a military source said.

"Heavy clashes have been going on since yesterday in the remaining pocket of the terrorist groups in al-Maghar neighborhood and the old town in central Darna," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

According to the source, the clashes on Monday are the heaviest in months, causing great losses to the terrorists.

"Their bodies are scattered all over the place" and the remaining terrorists are nearly eliminated, the source said.

The army announced two weeks ago that it killed two of the most dangerous terrorists in an operation in Derna.

The army, led by Gen. Khalifa Haftar, is allied with the eastern-based government, as the country is politically divided between two governments in the east and the west, both competing for legitimacy.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 00:37:46|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- South African students who visited a Chinese culture and heritage exhibition in Johannesburg said the experience has exposed them to Chinese language, culture and heritage, motivating them to learn more about China.

Speaking to Xinhua, Ofentse Girls High School student Busisiwe Msimang said that taking part in the exhibition has been eye opening.

"This is very interesting because I'm learning more about Chinese language and culture. I would like to learn the language even though it does not sound easy," the 13-year-old girl said.

Msimang's view was shared by Aphiwe Shezi.

"This is the first time I'm interacting with Chinese people and also learning about their New Year," said Shezi, a grade eight student. "I like their language because it's different from mine."

"I'd like to learn more about their traditions and their food. I want to know how they live in China and their lifestyle and also travel to China," said Shezi.

The exhibition was organized by the Chinese Embassy on the eve of Chinese New Year.

Zhou Yong, Cultural Affairs Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, stressed the importance of people to people exchanges between China and South Africa.

"If we know one another's culture and understand one another's heritage, it's easy to interact and establish people to people's exchange," he said. "Chinese language is very unique, interesting and ancient. Children become smart by learning it."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-04 20:41:37|Editor: Liangyu

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Photo taken on Feb. 4, 2019 shows the Sydney Opera House which is lit up in red to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, in Sydney, Australia. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

SYDNEY, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- The white sails of the Sydney Opera House glowed red on Monday night in celebration of the Lunar New Year.

Red spot lights illuminated the outside of the building for the seventh consecutive year, joining the already red and pink coloured Harbour Bridge which switched its festival lights on last Friday.

Opera House authorities said they are proud to be involved in the celebration again and are expecting thousands of people to visit during the festive period, 25,000 of whom will take a Mandarin language tour of the building.

"For Lunar New Year at the Opera House we're trying to experience a fusion of eastern and western culture," Opera House director of visitor experience Jade McKellar told Xinhua.

"We want it to be something that international visitors can enjoy, but it's also a beautiful time for Sydneysiders to come out and experience a different time around Sydney Harbour."

Over the weekend the Sydney Symphony Orchestra performed a special series of shows titled "A Lunar New Year Celebration," conducted by China's Hong Kong virtuoso Elim Chan and featuring a mix of Chinese and European composers.

On Sunday night, chart-topping female music group, the Twelve Girls Band treated audiences to a performance of contemporary hits played on traditional Chinese folk instruments.

When visiting Sydney, the vast majority of tourists, wherever they are from, visit the Opera House precinct -- and around half of those who take a tour of the building, do so with an Asian-language guide.

"We now have a large team of Asian language speaking tour guides, ushers and ticketing staff," McKellar said.

"We're really really proud to be such an important place to see for all of our Chinese visitors."

Later this month the Opera House will also host a free tai chi session on the building's steps, ushering in a healthy and peaceful year of the pig.
SPRING HILL, Fla. (WTXL)  Six people have been hospitalized in serious condition after a vehicle crashed into a Beef 'O' Brady's restaurant in Spring Hill on Tuesday.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 1:40 p.m. in Spring Hill.

They say a 63-year-old woman lost control of her 2007 Saturn sedan and left the road, hopping a curb before careening into the Beef 'O' Brady's. The car completely entered the restaurant, hitting five adult patrons inside.

Troopers say the car also side-swiped a truck and crashed into a parked car during the incident.

The driver of the Saturn and all five restaurant patrons have been transported to area hospitals with serious injuries. Our sister station WFTS reports that one of the injured was airlifted from the scene as a trauma alert patient.

FHP is continuing to investigate this incident.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - A Florida Senate committee Monday took the first step toward eliminating a ban on smoking medical marijuana in the state.

Lawmakers in 2017 included a smoking ban in a law that was designed to carry out a constitutional amendment broadly legalizing medical marijuana. But the smoking ban drew a legal challenge, and a Leon County circuit judge ruled that it violated the 2016 constitutional amendment.

The state, under former Governor Rick Scott, appealed the circuit judges ruling. However, Governor Ron DeSantis, has been critical of the smoking ban and has indicated he will drop the appeal if lawmakers do not eliminate the ban.

On Monday, the Senate Health Policy Committee passed a bill that would allow approved patients to smoke medical cannabis. GOP State Senator Jeff Brandes is pushing the legislation in the Senate.

This has been before us by the people of the state of Florida. The Court has reviewed the case. It has reviewed the Constitutional Amendment," said Brandes. "A judge has found that all forms of cannabinoid should be available to Floridians.

State Senator Gayle Harrell, who chairs the committee, amended the bill to require doctors to tell patients about the risks associated with smoking marijuana.

Additionally, Harrells amendment requires a second physician to sign off on a prescription for smokable marijuana for anyone under age 18.

We have a distinct responsibility to do no harm, to make sure that the safety aspects of what we do are within the legislation that we pass," said Harrell.

Repealing the smoking ban during the upcoming legislative session is far from a sure thing. House Speaker Jose Oliva has expressed concern that allowing patients to smoke the marijuana treatment amounts to a de facto authorization of marijuana for recreational use.

The 2016 constitutional amendment, approved by more than 71 percent of voters, legalized medical marijuana for patients with a broad swath of debilitating conditions.
(WTXL) - Royal Caribbean is looking to hire someone to travel the world.

The cruise line's United Kingdom branch announced that they are looking to hire a "Shore Explorer."

The candidate will travel the world and document their experience on social media.

They will visit the Bahamas, Alaska, Portugal, Norway, Dubai, and Japan.

The company will also pay for hotel, gratuities, meals, drinks, and WiFi. The winner will also earn $7,770 at the end of the trip.

The candidate must be able to travel between May and August for at least three and up to four weeks.

For more information, click here.
LEON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - It's been less than four months since the most intense hurricane ever recorded hit Florida's Panhandle and Leon County is looking back at what they did right and wrong during the disaster.

The county's After-Action report says the damage caused by Hurricane Michael required the longest and most extensive use of the Leon County Emergency Operations Center ever.

They were operating for 194 hours straight, double the amount of time as Hurricanes Hermine or Irma.

The storm left five times the amount of tree debris as Irma and caused power outages for 95 percent of customers county wide.

That's why one area the county wants to improve is more special needs sheltering.

During Hurricane Michael, Leon County's special needs shelter was not filled to the 300 person capacity.

However, the report says adding another shelter would allow the county to accommodate people in our community as well as nearby areas that lack special needs options.

"There is full time nursing care at the facility, in addition to the equipment that people need for a special needs shelter," said Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Assistant Administrator. "However there are opportunities to explore additional spaces, to bring needs to the legislature, and to state and federal funding, to be able to get new generators for additional spaces."

County leaders also recommend improving communications with neighboring rural communities.

They want to ensure that other counties have the volunteers, donations and resources they need during recovery.

The report says Leon County was the most prepared it had ever been for Hurricane Michael. That's in no small part due to the lessons learned from Hermine and Irma.

For the 2018 season, the county had a new app to share information during the storm and a new debris contract that allowed for faster clean-up.
LEON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - A health alert is going around involving several recent rabies cases in the Sunshine State.

Escambia County, near Pensacola, confirmed a case involving a rabid raccoon last week.

There are recent no cases in Leon County or the surrounding area, but other cases have been reported in Central Florida.

Strict rules about vaccines have limited the death rate in the United States to fewer than 10 people a year. But recent data indicates that the number of cases in the wild is on the rise.

The Leon County Health Department urges pet owners to be cautious.

"We always think about folks too who have bird feeders or animal feeders to be extra careful because that food is drawing those animals into your yard and you want to stay away from them and be extra careful that you stay away from those animals," said Christopher Tittel, Public Information Officer for FL Dept. of Health in Leon County.

Tittel said raccoons, bats, foxes and unvaccinated cats are the animals in Florida that are most frequently diagnosed with rabies.
RIVERVIEW, Fla. (WFTS) - As some greyhound racing tracks in Florida begin to close before the 2020 deadline, adoption groups say dogs are scarce.

So far, three greyhound racing tracks have shut down.

"We can't get dogs and you'll find that most of the rescues are in the same situation, said Don Goldstein, Greyhound Rescue Adoptions of Tampa Bay.

Don Goldstein runs Greyhound Rescue Adoptions of Tampa Bay adopting out rescued racers for more than 20 years.

"And what happened was, and we didn't really know this is, they stopped breeding or at least curtailed it to a large degree, he said.

The passage of Amendment 13, which phases out all 11 of Florida's greyhound racing tracks, means adoptable dogs are scarce right now and some seasonal tracks are cutting back on races already.

"One track has cut down their schedule by half. We understand that Sarasota, this will be their last season, ending in May, said Goldstein.

They tracks that have already closed are in Melbourne, Hollywood and Pensacola. Which means 8 are still operational.

A spokesperson for Derby Lane in St. Petersburg says they will race dogs until the December 31st, 2020 deadline.

Meanwhile, Goldstein says racers are still dying on tracks.

A death report provided to ABC Action News by GREY2K shows that on December 1 at the Sanford Kennel Club a greyhound named Royal Tempest got tangled up with other dogs, tripped and tumbled head-first in the rail, dying instantly.

"Broke his neck and passed away immediately, Goldstein said.

When we tried to find the race online at www.trackinfo.com , a web site that posts races across Florida, the video was not available.

Deaths like these make Goldstein even more determined to get the word out that dogs will need homes soon enough.

"You're just going to have to be patient. The dogs are still there. They will become available, he said.

Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A 32-year-old man is dead after running onto Interstate 10 Monday night and getting hit by a pickup truck, FHP said.

The pedestrian was Terry N. Cain, 32, of Bonifay, Florida, the Florida Highway Patrol said in a news release Tuesday.

The accident happened 9:25 p.m. Monday near mile marker 199 when a pick up truck was traveling westbound on Interstate 10 in the outside lane.

The pedestrian was walking on the inside shoulder of the westbound lanes and began to dash into the roadway from the inside shoulder for an unknown reason, causing the pick up truck's front left to collide with the pedestrian.

Leon County EMS pronounced the pedestrian deceased on the scene.

Witnesses said Cain was walking closely to the roadway and was running on the outside shoulder of the roadway before running into the roadway.

FHP reporting fatal accident on I-10 in Tallahassee

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Florida Highway Patrol is on the scene of a fatal traffic crash on I-10.

According to FHP, they were called to I-10 WB near mile marker 199 at about 9:32 p.m. Monday.

FHP is advising drivers to use caution in the area.

I-10: All Westbound lanes detoured to Exit 199 (US-27 / Monroe St) in Leon County due to major incident....https://t.co/qn4krkN2k8  FL511 Panhandle (@fl511_panhandl) February 5, 2019

At this time we do not know how many cars were involved or if there are any other injuries.

This is a developing story.
Wrexham Glyndwr University joins Northern Powerhouse Partners Programme

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Feb 5th, 2019

Wrexham Glyndwr University has joined the Northern Powerhouse Partners Programme along with three other Welsh organisations.

The Partners Programme is an integral part of the Northern Powerhouse agenda, bringing together different stakeholders to work alongside government and business with the shared aim of increasing productivity and boosting economic growth across the north of Wales and England.

Wrexham Glyndwr University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maria Hinfelaar said: We welcome the opportunity to become a Northern Powerhouse Partner to ensure North Wales is on the map as a key area of the North.

We have a shared ambition with the other members of the Partners Programme to drive the North Wales economy forward and make our region more competitive. We want to build on the existing strengths of the region, such as advanced engineering and composite materials and truly make the North Wales growth vision part of the Northern Powerhouse narrative.





We are committed to the social and economic development of the region, in fact, the majority of our graduates remain locally upon completion of their studies and work in priority sectors in North Wales, such as advanced manufacturing.

We also have key research strengths in these fields and state-of-the-art facilities at Optic. We are therefore well placed to deliver the innovation agenda of the Northern Powerhouse.

Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry MP, said: The Northern Powerhouse is the UK Governments ambition to bring together the great cities, towns and rural communities of the north of England and Wales to drive economic growth, by creating high-value local jobs, modern transport links, and increased investment.

Im proud to welcome our four new partners in north Wales  Wrexham Glyndwr University, Zip World, Wrexham Mineral Cables and Coleg Cambria who share our vision and highlight the diverse range of organisations taking part in the Northern Powerhouse Partners Programme.

By working more closely together we can ensure that our economic ambitions are realised in north Wales and across the whole of the Northern Powerhouse.

Through the North Wales Growth Deal, the UK Government is working alongside the Welsh Government and local authorities to drive economic growth and new opportunities across the North Wales region.

Both governments have committed a total of 240million to coordinate new investment and policy interventions to drive growth in key areas
Developers behind town centre apartments accused of greed as councillors ask for more financial details

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Feb 5th, 2019

Developers behind a scheme to convert space above a shopping centre into more than 50 apartments have been accused of greed.

It comes after the company working to create 55 apartments on the first floor of Henblas Square in Wrexham town centre attempted to reduce the required contribution towards affordable housing from about 300,000 to just under 29,000.

The Mandale Group has already started work to build 52 one bedroom and three two bedroom apartments above a group of vacant shops after gaining permission in November.

However, it argued the scheme would not be viable unless the original conditions imposed by Wrexham Council were altered.





Strong views were aired as members of the authoritys planning committee chose to defer their decision after they were told of reports the flats had already been sold.

Speaking at a meeting at the towns Guildhall, Cllr Paul Pemberton (Ind) described the proposed changes as an absolute disgrace.

He said: When I first heard about this over the last few weeks I was very disappointed about it.

I had concerns about this application in the first place, but the affordable housing swayed me in favour of the application.

Theyre using their naivety or their greed to try to persuade us not to move forward with it (the requirement).

Meanwhile, Cllr Marc Jones (Plaid), who represents the area where the apartments are being built, said the committees decision should be put on hold to seek more accurate information from the developers.

He quoted from a Daily Post article where the company said they had already sold all of the apartments. Wrexham.com ran similar information, and below is the relevant exact quote in the release local and regional media had from Mandale representatives:



He said: This is in my ward and there is affordable housing need there.

Whereas I am supportive of the regeneration of the town centre, it shouldnt be at any cost.

I dont think we should be just giving developers what they want because the difference between what they originally offered us and what theyre trying to get away with is 270,000 and thats an awful lot of money.

I dont like to be cynical but I equally dont like to be given an ultimatum of like it or lump it.

The comments been made that work is already well under way and they have estimated work will be completed at the end of this month.

Council officer Matthew Phillips recommended the proposed change in contributions should be approved after the firm submitted a viability assessment. He said it was a choice for councillors over whether or not to prioritise the regeneration of the town.

However, the majority of the committee voted in favour of Cllr Jones proposal to delay their decision pending the receipt of further details.

By Liam Randall  BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme).
1. Yes. Its important for students to stay focused throughout the year. Its a plus.

2. Yes. It would fill the learning gaps caused by COVID and would help cut youth crime.

3. No. Students and teachers deserve a summer break. Year-round school wont work.

4. No. It wouldnt work with the militarys summer PCS schedule. Its a bad idea.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing how the school calendar would work.

Vote

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This year's Spring Festival travel rush, or Chunyun in Chinese, is currently in full swing, with nearly 3 billion trips expected to be made in the 40 days, from January 21 to March 1. International media have been widely reporting on the event, dubbing it "the biggest human migration on the planet."

According to CNN, 2.46 billion trips made over the Chunyun period will be made by car, 413 million by rail  a rise of 8.3 percent  and 73 million by air.

"In any other nation, so many travelers would grind the local infrastructure to a halt. But China is unlike any other nation and it is well-equipped to handle the masses," the media group reported.

"The scale of the migration is astounding: While some 54 million Americans undertake a significant journey for Thanksgiving, Chinese citizens will rack up about 3 billion trips during this year's travel-fest," Bloomberg News also reported.

China launched 10 new railways at the end of 2018, expanding its operational length of high-speed lines to 29,000 kilometers, according to Chinese authorities. The country has also made efforts to improve services in many aspects.

The Hong Kong-based Asian Times said that facial and voice recognition, robots, augmented reality navigation and other new technologies were all scheduled to come into operation to improve safety and crowd control during this year's seasonal upsurge.

Meanwhile, Japan's Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun (Daily Industrial News) published an in-depth report on how the railway police in Shenzhen, southern China's Guangdong province, used AI robots to help track criminal suspects and fight fire.

Xi'an Railway Administration, in northwestern China's Shaanxi province, recruited several foreign student volunteers from nearby Xi'an Jiaotong University to assist in directing passengers during the hectic Chunyun period.

(Source: Cankaoxiaoxi and China Daily / Translated and edited by Women of China)
Zhang Yuanlan

Zhang Yuanlan, a woman who lives in Jiepai Village, in Longdong, a town in Xiangxiang, in Central China's Hunan Province, is known for successfully managing an underwear-processing factory.

During the past six years, Zhang has worked with her husband, Shen Jianjiang, to expand their factory from less than 100 square meters to more than 1,000 square meters. During that time, the couple has also offered jobs to 150-plus rural women.

In the past, most of the villagers liked to play cards to kill their spare time. Now, the villagers, especially women, earn a good living by processing underwear in Zhang's factory. Jiepai has evolved from a "dapai (playing cards)" village into a "jiepai (quit playing cards)" village.

"For me, the most important thing is that I have given mothers a reason to stay in their hometown, because they can earn a living while they take care of their children," says Zhang.

Zhang and her husband's company is named Neixiu Clothing Limited. The majority of the company's employees are women. The underwear produced in the factory is sold overseas, including in the United States, South Africa, and various European and Southeast Asian countries.

Women who work in the factory earn stable incomes. They are able to look after both the young and the elderly in their families, while at the same time they are able to earn a good living and financially support their families.

Early in 2010, Zhang and her husband, who also worked in the garment-processing industry, returned to their hometown, Xiangxiang. They spent 250,000 yuan to rent a big room, in a basement, and transform that room into a workshop. The workshop became Jiepai's first underwear-processing workshop.

Most of the locals had never processed underwear before they were employed by Zhang. So, Zhang had to train her employees. She cared a lot about communicating with her fellow villagers, especially rural women.

Since she has been elected a member of the executive committee of the women's federation of Longdong, Zhang has attached great importance to promoting the CPC (Communist Party of China) and women's federation's policies that benefit women.

"Women in my hometown are willing to work in my company. They have earned a good living, and their status in families has been raised. In the past, they spent most of their time doing housework. Now, they bring a considerable amount of money back home. Their parents-in-law help them take care of their family chores, so the women can concentrate on their work," Zhang explains.

Zhang, who is in her 40s, is looking forward to her promising future. The women workers in her company also have good wishes for the future. "We don't need to worry about receiving orders. The most important thing is that I have created job opportunities for many women," Zhang says.

By receiving training and equipment, dozens of women, who used to spend their time playing cards, have become competent "cadres" at Zhang's factory. Zhang often encourages her employees to buy tasty foods and nice-looking clothes. She wants them to look beautiful and feel confident.

Zhang hopes to run a bigger business. "I hope women in the countryside can live rich and colorful lives. They should practice the spirit of 'self-esteem, self-confidence, self-reliance and self improvement', and they should hold up 'half the sky' of the development in our village," Zhang says.

(Source: Women of China English Monthly November 2018 issue)
Why screen time needs to be limited

High levels of screen time, among babies, children and adolescents, are associated with potential harm.

There is increasing concern about the amount of time children and adolescents are spending in recreational screen time. Theres also increasing controversy over whether or not screen time is actually harmful.

Since 2016, we (researchers whove contributed to the development of the 24-hour movement guidelines for children and adolescents) have led a number of wide-ranging reviews of the scientific evidence on the impact of screen time from infancy to early adulthood. We examined whether or not the amount of recreational (spare time, non-educational) digital screen use influences health. These included risks such as obesity, reduced sleep, low physical fitness, anxiety and depression. We also looked at the impact of recreational screen time on social and emotional as well as cognitive and language development, well-being and educational attainment.

These reviews demonstrated that high levels of screen time, now typical among children, are associated with potential harm. And they showed clearly that less recreational screen time is better for avoiding obesity, and for promoting sleep, physical fitness, and cognitive, social and emotional development.

Over the past three years the evidence reviews generated authoritative guidelines nationally in Australia, Canada, South Africa, the UK and internationally.

We were all involved in the development of global guidelines for zero to four year-olds for the World Health Organisation (WHO). These guidelines all recommended that recreational screen time should be limited in infancy, childhood and adolescence.

Limiting screen time

Guidelines from Canada, Australia, and South Africa recommend that recreational screen time should be avoided in the under twos, limited to one hour per day in two to four year-olds, and to two hours per day in five to 17 year-olds.

Based on our collective experience in developing these guidelines its clear that these limits on recreational screen time are needed for a number of reasons.

First, the evidence suggests strongly that limits are required. The recommendations to limit screen time were based on a rigorous, widely-accepted, and evidence-based approach. This included systematic reviews, critical appraisals of the evidence, national and international consultation and review, and transparent reporting.

Second, less recreational screen time is clearly better. There is evidence in support of the specific time limits recommended and our wide consultation with stakeholder individuals and organisations  including parents and families  suggests that they find time limits helpful.

Third, our recommendations that recreational screen time should be limited are consistent with other recent and thorough reviews of the evidence conducted by authoritative bodies such as the WHO and the World Cancer Research Fund. These reviews highlighted the important role of recreational screen time in the development of obesity, many cancers and myopia.

Our specific recommendations are also consistent with those made by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Taking a laissez-faire approach to screen time would be to ignore the wider context. This is that modern childhoods are characterised by low physical activity, excessive sitting and time indoors. Children and adolescents also suffer from poor motor skills, high levels of myopia, increased risk of type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

And as new forms of screen time emerge, a precautionary approach is required  some limits on recreational screen time would be prudent until it is clear that there are negligible harms.

Still time to act

Some argue that the genie is out of the bottle in relation to screen time. But this is defeatist. The same arguments could have been made in relation to control of tobacco and alcohol and sugar. But it is now accepted that unlimited exposure to these substances isnt compatible with public health. And constraints are accepted as essential.

In addition, in many parts of the world the genie may not yet be out of the bottle. In many low- and middle-income countries exposure to recreational screen time may still be relatively low among children.

There is also scope to prevent excessive screen time in babies and young children, acting before adverse, or at least sub-optimal, lifestyle habits become established later in childhood or adolescence.

Screen time harms can be indirect as well as direct  recreational screen time increases with age and as it does it displaces more beneficial forms of sedentary behaviours such as reading. Screen time also displaces physically active play, and sleep.

Recreational screen time may seem to be an inevitable part of modern life. But even from infancy and early childhood, we should all be concerned about the potential for harms  at least until new, robust evidence demonstrates no harm. The most prudent approach would be cautious, attempting to follow recent evidence-based guidance that recreational screen time should be restricted.

John J Reilly, Professor of Physical Activity and Public Health Science, University of Strathclyde ; Anthony (Tony) Okely, Professor of Physical Development, University of Wollongong; Catherine Draper, Senior Researcher, University of the Witwatersrand, and Mark S. Tremblay, Professor of Pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Judge Shea Nickell Running for Supreme Court Seat

By West Kentucky Star Staff

FRANKFORT - Judge Shea Nickell has filed to run for the Kentucky Supreme Court to fill the unexpired term of recently retired Justice Bill Cunningham.Judge Nickell has served twelve years on the fourteen-member Court of Appeals and was recently elected Chief Judge Pro Tem by fellow judges. He served seven years as chairperson of the Courts personnel committee, assisting with the hiring of all central office appellate staff attorneys and development of their research, analysis, and writing skills. He continues to serve on the Judicial Compensation Commission, chaired by Chief Justice John Minton of the Kentucky Supreme Court, working with staff at the Administrative Office of the Courts, circuit court clerks, and other trial and appellate judges to shape judicial budgetary priorities.In a Tuesday press release, Nickell said he has brought numerous panels of the Court of Appeals to western Kentucky courtrooms to allow local attorneys, students, and private citizens greater knowledge of the workings of the Court. He says he has also championed fair compensation for appellate clerks and staff attorneys and greater cost-saving utilization of developing technologies.Nickell will not seek Governor Bevins appointment to fill the Supreme Court vacancy, stating To accept a temporary appointment I would be forced to abandon the important duties I was elected to perform on the Court of Appeals. Instead, he plans to maintain his focus on producing fair and well-reasoned decisions on the lower appellate court, while asking voters to select him as their permanent Supreme Court Justice in the November election.Judge Nickell expressed his hope that several well-qualified, service-minded senior, retired, or retiring judges or attorneys from across the First Appellate Judicial District will allow their names to be considered for the temporary appointment without seeking election.A native of Paducah, Judge Nickell majored in both political science and communications at DePauw University before graduating in 1984 from the University of Kentucky College of Law, where he was elected president of the Student Bar Association. He practiced law twenty-two years prior to becoming an appellate judge, serving as a trial and appellate attorney, prosecutor, and public defender, and as a college instructor at Murray State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 1995, the Kentucky Bar Association named him the Outstanding Kentucky Young Lawyer.He is married to Dr. Carolyn Watson, a Paducah pathologist, who serves as a trustee of the Kentucky Medical Association and as music director at Paducahs Highland Baptist Church. His parents, now deceased, were each retired school teachers and principals.The First Appellate Judicial District includes the twenty-four counties of Allen, Ballard, Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Edmonson, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, McLean, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, and Webster.The judicial election is nonpartisan.
Grand Jury Indicts Former City Clerk, Husband

By West Kentucky Star Staff

EDDYVILLE - A former Kuttawa official and her husband have been indicted on theft and forgery charges.Court records show a Lyon County Grand Jury indicted former Kuttawa City Clerk Katie Harrison and her husband Clayton Harrison on theft and forgery charges on Monday. Katie Harrison is charged with 24 counts of second degree forgery. Clayton Harrison faces 10 counts of second degree possession of a forged instrument. All of the charges followed an investigation into missing funds at the office where Katie Harrison served as city clerk.The Grand Jury added additional charges of abuse of the public trust, tampering with physical evidence, theft by unlawful taking over $10,000 and theft by deception over $500 against Katie Harrison. Clayton Harrison was also additionally charged with theft by unlawful taking over $10,000 and theft by deception over $500.
Prithvi Man Shrestha is a political reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering the governance-related issues including corruption and irregularities in the government machinery. Before joining The Kathmandu Post in 2009, he worked at nepalnews.com and Rising Nepal primarily covering the issues of political and economic affairs for three years.
February Events at Murray-Calloway Hospital

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MURRAY - Staff at Murray-Calloway County Hospital and the Center for Health & Wellness will be offering educational health promotion events during the month of February to community members, Wellness Center members and MCCH employees. Center for Health & Wellness Holiday SpecialFrom now until February 28, 2019, join the Center for Health & Wellness with only a $10.00 joining fee and no contract.Membership includes: Group Fitness Classes, Aquafit Classes, Equipment for Cardio and Strength Training, Half Court Gymnasium,Exercise/Lap Pool, Health Assessment, Exercise Prescription, and access to health promotion programs and classes.Call (270) 762-1348 for more information. AARP Safe Driving ClassKentucky insurances must offer a discount to those who complete this class.Date: Wednesday, February 6, 2019Time: 8:00 AM  12:00 PMLocation: MCCH Center for Health & WellnessPre-Registration is required.Call (270) 762-1348 to reserve your spot. Free Screening: Mayfield Senior CenterDate: February 7, 2019Time: 10:00 AM  11:00 AMBlood Pressure & Pulmonary Function Screening Free Screening: Murray-Calloway County Hospital Private Dining RoomDate: February 14, 2019 Time: 9:00 AM  11:00 AM & 2:00 PM  4:00 PMBlood Pressure, Body Mass Index, Osteoporosis Screening, Pulmonary Function Screening, Waist Circumference, Pulse, Pulse Ox.No appointment necessary. Free Screening: Weaks Senior CenterDate: February 19, 2019Time: 10:00 AM  11:30 AMBlood Pressure & Pulmonary Function Screening Free Screening: Benton LibraryDate: February 26, 2019Time: 10:00 AM  11:00 PMBlood Pressure & Non Fasting Glucose Free Screening: Wesley Living, MurrayDate: February 21, 2019Time: 2:00 PM  3:00 PMNon-Fasting Glucose Alzheimer Care Giver Support GroupDate: Thursday, February 7thTime: 10:00 AMLocation: Weaks' Senior Citizen CenterFor more info call 270.753.0929 Bariatric Support GroupDate: Thursday, February 7thTime: 10:00 AM  11:00 AMLocation: Bariatric OfficeFor more info call Bariatric Solutions @ 270-762-1547 Bariatric Support GroupDate: Tuesday, February 12thTime: 5:00 PM  6:00 PMLocation: Center for Health and WellnessFor more info call Bariatric Solutions @ 270-762-1547 ALS Support GroupDate: Thursday, February 14thTime: 6:00 PM  7:00 PMLocation: MCCH Board RoomFor more information call Mitzi Cathey at (270) 293-1748 Parkinson's Support GroupDate: Tuesday, February 12thTime: NoonLocation: Weaks' Senior Citizen CenterFor more info call 270.753.0929 Breastfeeding Support GroupDate: Thursday, February 21stTime: 4:00 PM  5:30 PMLocation: Center for Health & WellnessFor more info call Alycia Janow @ 270-226-4776 National Alliance on Mental IllnessDate: Thursday, February 21stTime: 6:30 PMLocation: MCCH Education Building (Corner of 8th and Elm)For more info call 270-748-6133 Breast Cancer Support GroupDate: Thursday, February 26thTime: 5:30 PMLocation: Los PortalesFor more info call Evelyn @ 270-489-2462 Dialysis Support GroupDate: Thursday, February 28thTime: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PMLocation: Weak's Senior Citizen CenterFor more info call Tasha Mitchell @ 270-759-3080 Stroke and Head Injury Support GroupDate: Monday, February 25thTime: 5:30 PM7:00 PMLocation: Center for Health & WellnessFor more info call Cheryl @ 270-293-9442For more information on programs or free screenings available from Murray-Calloway County Hospital, and the Center for Health and Wellness, call 270-762-1348.
Police: Men Sold Stolen Camper to Raise Bail Money

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - Two men were arrested Tuesday in McCracken County on theft charges, after police say they sold a trailer that did not belong to them to raise bail money for their jailed friends.The McCracken County Sheriff's Office said deputies began investigating a vehicle and camper theft on Jan. 31. Deputies said the victims had been living in the camper that was sitting on 70-year-old Warren Doug Johnston's property in the 6900 block of Old US Highway 45.This was reportedly the same home where deputies arrested six people on drug charges on Jan. 24.Deputies said Johnston and 30-year-old Joshua Coburn sold the camper and truck as scrap to a Graves County resident under the pretense that the camper was abandoned.Johnson and Coburn were both charged with theft by deception under $10,000.
Paducah Man Arrested on Marijuana, Meth Charges

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MCCRACKEN COUNTY - A Paducah man faces methamphetamine and marijuana charges.

Early Tuesday morning, deputies with the McCracken County Sheriff's Office went to a home in the 6200 block of Benton Road trying to locate 36-year-old Santos "Thomas" Gonzales, who was wanted out of McCracken County. Deputies found Gonzales in a bedroom, where they placed him under arrest without incident.

While in the bedroom, deputies allegedly saw methamphetamine, marijuana and numerous items of drug paraphernalia in plain view. Gonzales was transported to the McCracken County Regional Jail.

He's charged with possession of meth, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also arrested on two McCracken County District Court bench warrants for failure to appear, and on a McCracken County arrest warrant for violation of EPO/DVO and 4th degree assault.
Community Foundation to Award Several $1000 Grants

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - A local philanthropic organization is accepting applications for micro-grants.The Community Foundation of West Kentucky announced Monday they will award up to $1,000 in grant money for two types of projects: (1) urgent, emergency or unexpected needs up to $1,000, and (2) projects that need $1,000 or less.The deadline to non-profit organizations to apply for one of these grants is 4:00 pm on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. The organization must serve western Kentucky in the areas of Community Arts, Educational Attainment, Health Awareness, Childrens Programs, Social Services or Community Improvement.Each application will be reviewed for eligibility. Applicants must be defined as a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Selection will at the sole discretion of the Community Foundation of West Kentucky Grants Committee, with the approval of the Board of Directors. While there is a limited amount of funds available, each of the areas of interest will be funded. Submission of an application does not guarantee an award.Attendance by the organization is required at the Philanthropy 360 event on March 5, when grants will be announced and distributed. Alternates will be chosen in case selected organizations do not attend.The Philanthropy 360 event will be held at the Market House Theatre Annex, 132 Market House Square, from noon  1:30 pm. Refreshments will be provided.Any additional questions may be directed to: Community Foundation of West Kentucky at 270-442-8622.To apply online go to the Philanthropy 360 web-site @cfwestky.com (see link below).On the Net:
I Heart Presidents Day at Civic Center

PADUCAH - Paducah Parks & Recreation and the Paducah Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution are holding the fourth annual I Heart Presidents Day on Saturday, February 9.The event will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Robert Cherry Civic Center. Kids and families can attend for free at any time during the three hour time period. There will be free snacks and gift bags while supplies last.Recreation Specialist Taylor Morsching says, I Heart Presidents Day is a unique event with fun presidential themed activities for the whole family. These activities are educational and remind us of our great American culture. New this year will be Story Time with George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Each president will make an appearance and read a book about his life.Kids of all ages will have the opportunity to make crafts while learning about different presidents and early American culture. Specific activities include writing a letter to the President, taking a presidential portrait in costume, making an Abe Lincoln log cabin and top hat, crafting a tricorn or mob cap, and coloring.Presidents Day, also called Washingtons Birthday, is officially celebrated the third Monday of February.For more information about I Heart Presidents Day and other Paducah Parks & Recreation activities, visit www.paducahky.gov/parks-recreation-department, call 270-444-8508, or visit the Parks & Recreation office located at 1400 H.C. Mathis Drive.
West Hartford (06107)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low near 70F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low near 70F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Achyut Wagle holds PhD in economics and is currently a professor at the Kathmandu University School of Management. He is an econo-political analyst, writing for The Kathmandu Post for many years.


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From 28 to 30 January 2019, the WCO, with the financial support of the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF Japan) and in cooperation with Morocco Customs, held a WCO Regional Workshop on Free Zones/Special Customs Zones (SCZs). The Workshop took place in Tangiers, Morocco, and was attended by more than 15 participants from WCO Members of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as well as representatives from both the private and public sectors and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The Workshop provided an excellent opportunity for participants to present their national administrations experiences of SCZs and to discuss the current situation regarding the economic benefits of SCZs and Customs procedures/control within the SCZ regime, good practices and the challenges that they are facing.

On the first day of the Workshop, the opening remarks were followed by a presentation given by the representative of the Moroccan Ministry of Industry on the economic benefits of the Free Zones, their contribution to the development of the national economy and the various incentives offered to companies established in the SCZs. Such economic benefits and incentives include exemption from a number of taxes (corporate tax, income tax, import-related tax and other taxes), use of foreign currency within the SCZs and provision of a strategic location for suppliers based in Europe.

The representative of the OECD, who had been asked to talk about the challenges Free Zones are facing, began by identifying the various macroeconomic benefits generated by SCZs and went on to present the research work conducted by the OECD on SCZs. Advocating the need for greater transparency in SCZs, he highlighted a number of challenges such as unfair competition, low labour standards and illegal trade, especially in counterfeit and pirated goods.

Representatives of private companies operating in the SCZs outlined the benefits and advantages of the SCZs and raised a number of issues with regard to the management of SCZs, including the need for more flexible Customs working hours and the need for additional measures to make their import and export activities more efficient.

Participants from the Customs Administrations of Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, Tunisia and the UAE gave presentations of their Customs procedures/control in SCZs and the challenges they are currently facing, as summarized below:

Despite maintaining adequate control and procedures in their own SCZs, many are encountering a constant influx of illegal activity originating from other SCZs located in neighbouring countries;

An accurate Certificate of Origin (CO)is essential for preferential tariff treatment under applicable FTAs, as inaccurate COs, especially for goods originating from SCZs, are frequently being used for tax evasion purposes;

In view of the difficulty in meeting private-sector needs in SCZs, more flexible working hours are needed to bring them into line with the operating hours of companies established in SCZs.

The final day of the workshop was dedicated to a field trip to the Tangiers Free Zone which allowed participants to observe implementation of the various types of Customs control/procedures and to visit a number of facilities in this SCZ. More than 500 companies with a total of 55,000 employees operate in the Tangier Free Zone. A Single Window has been implemented to provide companies with access to all Customs and related governmental procedures necessary for them to operate in the Zone.

This Regional Workshop on SCZs was the second in a series of such workshops on the topic of SCZs and formed part of the WCOs research work on the difficulties and challenges facing SCZs. The WCO intends to conduct workshops and field studies that will cover all six WCO regions, and these will provide a basis for the discussion of potential WCO instruments and tools to address this SCZs issue and the possibility of reviewing Chapter 2 of Specific Annex D (Free Zones) to the Revised Kyoto Convention.
Five members of my family were killed by a wrong-way drunk driver on January 6, 2019. That day was the most devastating day of my life. In an instant, I lost my only sibling and best friend, Rima (38); my brother-in-law, Issam (42); my two nieces, Isabella (12) and Giselle (7); and my nephew, Ali (13). My world crumbled to pieces. That feeling is even more palpable this month, with Rimas birthday being June 12.
Search for truth

This in in reference to the op-ed by Sarita Pariyar (From tika to ashes, Page 6, January 25), on the brutal gang rape of the 20-year-old Maya Bishwakarma Simply because she refused to have physical relations with one of her assailantswho was a married man from an upper class familyshe had to suffer a terrible fate
Restaurant workers strike to restore service charge

Restaurants workers intensified their protest against the cancellation of the mandatory service charge by going on partial strike on Sunday and Monday saying they face a sharp reduction in their take-home pay due to its removal.
This is definitely a value wine. It was picked up by my wife while grocery shopping as a backyard casual sipper. In fact, this can be ...
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I do take (diversity) very, very seriously, and the reason is  and this is true in many areas of our society, we see it in business, we see it in the military  that when you increase diversity, you increase your effectiveness in problem-solving, you increase the rate of innovation in any field, Rowe said in an August interview. We see that in academia as well, and so I think a community that is rich in diverse perspectives, experiences and values is the best preparation for citizenship and professional life in a pluralistic democracy.
I expect the governor to accept the need to step down, McGlennon wrote in an email. He has demonstrated commitment to fairness and justice in public policy. Unfortunately, he has lost the confidence of the public and his fellow elected officials to the degree that he cannot hope to be effective in leading the Commonwealth.
Rather, he said, I think that it is fair to state that in Mills Godwins Virginia, neither I, nor anyone who looked like me, could ever have been elected governor. The man who some say now should be remembered as the education governor proposed to and indeed did, close the schools in some parts of Virginia rather than to allow equal education for all. Just how many people of both races were permanently damaged in the process is undetermined.
A 135-housing-unit expansion at Williamsburg Landing, a senior living community, approved by the board the same day it considered the Fords Colony proposal was a talking point for both sides of the case  with Rothermel arguing it demonstrated the county would accept proffers and Hlavin arguing the approval showed the county didnt reject residential developments out of hand.
Obtaining the entire parcel allows HRSD to control the buffer around our existing plant, including maintenance for the steep slopes around us, maintenance of the shoreline on the James and full access to our pipes in narrow easements through the neighboring property. Having the entire parcel would also provide HRSD space that could become necessary with future environmental needs that would likely require further expansion and plant modifications, HRSD general manager Ted Henifin said in an email. Owning the adjacent land allows us to design and construct those needed new facilities in the least disruptive manner.
Theyre not going to allow whole-house rentals, so it negates all of the discussion thats been going on about being on a fair playing field with legal bed and breakfasts, Keane said. A bed and breakfast offers a breakfast in the morning, and (Airbnbs) are not going to be able to offer that. Theyre basically going to be offering an economical overnight stay in a room, which is what some people look for, so its a great option for them.
Police seize Ram Manohar Yadavs body on the way to funeral

The final rites of Ram Manohar Yadav, the Free Madhes activist who died in police custody five months ago, was performed in his home village of Kapasi in Banke district amid a tense scene after police seized his body and arrested dozens of supporters who had come to his funeral.
Wyoming Companies Empower Development of UW Process Control Program

Genesis Alkali operates eight soda ash processing plants in southwest Wyoming. The company recently donated $100,000 to UW to implement a minor program for process control and instrumentation. (Genesis Alkali Photo)

When Genesis Alkali noticed a training gap, it turned to the University of Wyomings College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) to solve the problem.

Vice President of Manufacturing Fred von Ahrens and Vice President of Technology and Business Development Aaron Reichl seek to ensure their company has qualified employees. Genesis Alkali oversees a multifaceted mining and production facility in Green River. It operates the worlds largest natural soda ash mine and production site, and strives to harness the latest technological innovations to serve its customers.

One of the most crucial aspects of the operation involves process control. The responsibility of process control is the design of industrial control systems that oversee processing and manufacturing, while maintaining quality assurance and strict safety protocols. Efficient and effective process control is particularly important in batch and continuous processing and can make or break a company.

The demand for qualified process control employees outpaces the availability. Typically, process control is an area in which Genesis Alkali prefers to hire experienced people but, because of the shortage, the company wants to take a different approach. It is donating $100,000 in seed funding to establish a minor in process control and a minor in instrumentation in the CEAS.

Were stepping up to meet this challenge, Reichl says. We like to hire people or develop internal people into the role who already have experience but, what weve found is, its becoming very hard to hire experienced people. With that in mind, Genesis Alkali reached out to the University of Wyoming to develop a new program that would provide college graduates with a solid foundation in process control.

Genesis Alkali officials have worked with the UW Department of Chemical Engineering to initiate the program. Department Head Vladimir Alvarado and Professor David Bagley are leading the efforts, but the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering will serve as a university partner.

UWs Department of Chemical Engineering is working closely with industry partners to develop a minor and certificates in process control and instrumentation, Alvarado says. This program enhances the profile of our students in areas of control, human-machine interface and modern automation trends. These skills enable students to access exciting job opportunities with industry in Wyoming and elsewhere. This educational opportunity, in cooperation with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, will attract students interested in advanced technologies and computer-aided disciplines.

The first courses are scheduled to begin in fall 2019, and a professor of practice in chemical engineering will coordinate the program. There are two proposed educational spaces for the program, including a control simulation laboratory and a process engineering control laboratory.

Ive worked a number of years with both David Bagley and Vladimir Alvarado through the universitys Chemical Engineering Industrial Advisory Board, Reichl says. That has been such a great experience, as both individuals have such a passion and drive for excellence. I cant imagine two better leaders to create the process control program.

The program will be put in place to educate more industry-ready graduates with strong fundamental and practical training in process control, and it will create new educational and training opportunities to better serve the state. It will prepare UW graduates to contribute immediately, as process control is critical to many Wyoming industries.

Our industry -- and so many others -- need this expertise, Reichl says. From oil and gas production and refinement, manufacturing, food processing, chemicals, power production, pharmaceuticals, building and facility management -- it all requires control and automation of equipment.

Genesis Alkali has hired more than 30 UW graduates over the last five years. The company employs about 950 people at eight processing plants and an underground mining operation that is 1,600 feet below the Earths surface. Other industry partners to support the program include J.R. Simplot Co., Sinclair Oil and Infinity Power and Controls. CEAS alumnus Bruce Pivic owns Infinity.

The university gives students a solid educational foundation, but they also come out with practical knowledge as well, Reichl says. Its great to have the university and leaders like Dean Michael Pishko, Vladimir and David support the workforce needs of Wyomings businesses. We are confident that the passion of these individuals will lead to a great program.

We were willing to put up seed money to get the program off the ground. With the strengths they have and the passion they have, were sure its going to be a success.
UW Creates International Advisory Council

The University of Wyoming soon will convene a new council to advise the university on all aspects of its strategy of comprehensive internationalization.

The International Advisory Council (IAC) will supersede all existing committees and advisory boards associated with UWs Global Engagement Office (GEO). The International Board of Advisors, International Steering Committee, Center for Global Studies Advisory Board and other related groups will be streamlined into the IAC and its five standing committees.

Our hope is to promote greater efficiency across GEO, boost campuswide communication and continue building our internal and external stakeholder network, says Anthony Ogden, associate vice provost for global engagement. Hell serve as the IAC ex-officio co-chair and appoint its members, subject to approval of Provost Kate Miller.

In addition to the provost and AVP for global engagement, members of the IAC will include:

-- At least two deans/directors.

-- One representative of the Division of Student Affairs, appointed by the vice president for student affairs.

-- One representative of the Office of Research and Economic Development, appointed by the vice president for research and economic development.

-- One representative of the Office of General Counsel.

-- A representative each from the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate and Associated Students of UW and/or the International Students Association.

-- Four external members representing alumni, governmental affairs, the business community, retired faculty and other constituencies.

The second co-chair will be appointed by the provost.

Ogden invites expressions of interest from people who would like to serve on the IAC or one of its standing committees via email to IAC secretary Shawn Bunning, shawnb@uwyo.edu.

In addition to the primary function of providing advice and recommendations to UW on internationalization strategies and activities, the IAC members will advance the universitys international partnerships and programmatic objectives by facilitating external contacts and networking, and providing material support, as they are able. The group will meet at least once each semester, either in person or online.

The IACs standing committees will address student and scholar mobility; international research and engagement; international health, safety and security; advancement and outreach; and curriculum internationalization.

For more on the IAC, go to www.uwyo.edu/geo/iac/index.html.
Famous Mexican-American Author to Discuss New Book at UW

Luis Alberto Urrea, an award-winning Mexican-American author, will discuss his newest book, The House of Broken Angels, Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center. (Joe Mazza Photo)

Award-winning author Luis Alberto Urrea will visit the University of Wyoming Tuesday, Feb. 19, to discuss his newest book, The House of Broken Angels, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center.

Urreas hourlong talk is free and open to the public. His book will be available for purchase and signing afterward.

Luis is a literary and cultural rock star, says Brad Watson, director of UWs Creative Writing Program. Hes always in great demand as a speaker, but is especially so in these times when people are trying to make sense of so many contentious and painful issues such as immigration, Trumps wall and the toll such things take on families. As a novelist and cultural critic, no one is more relevant right now than Luis. Were proud and pleased were able to host him at UW this month.

Known for his Latino heritage, Urrea is described as a master storyteller who uses his dual-culture life experiences to explore greater themes of love, loss and triumph. He was born in Tijuana, Mexico, to a Mexican father and an American mother, and grew up in San Diego, Calif.

The author of 16 books, Urrea has published extensively in many genres and has received many prestigious awards. The Devils Highway, his nonfiction account of a group of Mexican immigrants lost in the Arizona desert, won the Lannan Literary Award and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. His highly acclaimed historical novels, The Hummingbirds Daughter and Queen of America, together, tell the story of Teresita Urrea, a great-aunt who was a healer and Mexican folk hero. In 2017, his book Into the Beautiful North was adapted into a production and shown at theaters across the country.

Urrea describes his most recent work, The House of Broken Angels, as the story of an American family, one that happens to speak Spanish and admire the Virgin of Guadalupe. Imperfect and glorious, messy and hilarious, sometimes heroic. Inspired by the death of his brother, Urreas novel mines his own family history to tell a once-in-a-lifetime tale, simultaneously intimate in its detail and grand in its scope. Novels like this, offering clarifying insight into the daily lives, trials and triumphs of Mexican-Americans, are especially needed today, according to his website.

The event is sponsored by the Creative Writing Program in the UW Department of Visual and Literary Arts, with major support from the UW College of Arts and Sciences and Dean Paula Lutz. Co-sponsors are UW Libraries, the Department of English, the College of Law, the Latina/o Studies Program and the Honors College.

For more information on the event, email Watson at wwatson@uwyo.edu.
Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon's editorial staff.
Melamchi contract with Italian firm ends but government is still in talks

Even though the government served a letter of termination to the Italian contractor of the Melamchi Water Supply Project on December 20, it has continued communication with Cooperativa Muratori e Cementisti di Ravenna, as officials look clueless about how they are going to take the national pride project forward.
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Khokana will remain Kathmandu-Tarai Expressway entry point

Despite reservations from a section of locals and conservationists, the Korean company tasked with preparing the detailed project report of the Kathmandu-Tarai Expressway has fixed Khokana as the entry point for the road that will reduce the travel time to the Capital from Bara to less than an hour.
United Nations, Feb 5 (UNI) The trade dispute between China and the United States may do little to protect domestic producers in either country and could have massive implications on the global economy unless it is resolved, United Nations experts said.

Of the $250 billion in Chinese exports that are subject to US tariffs, only about six per cent will be picked up by firms in the United States, according to a report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and of the approximately $85 billion in US exports that are subject to Chinas tariffs, only about five per cent of this will be taken up by Chinese firms, the UN research shows.

The study also cautions that the effects are consistent across different sectors including machinery, furniture, chemicals and precision instruments, noting that bilateral tariffs would do little to help protect domestic firms in their respective markets.

Unless the US and Chinese agree to drop their tariff dispute by March 1, duty on each countrys products will rise to 25 per cent, up from the current 10 per cent level.

Quoting former US Secretary of State Cordell Hull, UNCTADs Pamela Coke-Hamilton repeated his description of protective tariffs as a gun that recoils on ourselves, which had also contributed to the Great Depression of the 1930s and the rise of extremism.

I think that is a single lesson from what we have had here today, Ms Coke Hamilton said If - barring an agreement between US China on 1 March - tariffs will escalate to 25 per cent, which is a significant difference from the 10 per cent as it currently exists.

The implications of such a development would be massive, the UNCTAD Director, Division on International Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities, continued, adding that its effects would first of all involve an economic downturndue to instability in commodities and financial markets.

Ms Coke-Hamilton added, there would be increased pressure on global growth, as companies will have to impose adjustment costs which will affect productivity investment and profitability.

UNI XC RSU 0932
Tehran, Feb 4 (UNI) The Iranian Judiciary Chief Amoli Larijani on Monday said 50,000 convicts will receive pardons from Leader Ayatollah Khamenei on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Ayatollah Sadegh Amoli Larijani, the Iranian Judiciary Chief, was quoted by Fars as saying at a meeting with the country's senior judicial authorities on Monday that 50,000 convicts will be pardoned or their sentences reduced on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution, reports Mehr News Agency.

Ayatollah Khamenei has agreed to a request by the Judiciary chief to pardon or reduce the sentences of as many as 50,000 eligible inmates convicted by courts of common pleas, the Islamic Revolution tribunals, the Judicial Organization of the Armed Forces and the State Discretionary Punishment Organization.

The tradition is in line with implementing Paragraph 11 of Article 110 of Irans Constitution in a bid to reduce the adverse effects of imprisonment on the families of convicts and facilitate the process of the convicts' rehabilitation.

UNI XC KPV 1849
Indian Navy celebrates International Day of Yoga 21 Jun 2021 | 9:22 PM New Delhi, Jun 21 (UNI) The Indian Navy on Monday said that the International Day of Yoga was celebrated at Western Naval Command (WNC), with all serving naval personnel including Defence Security Corps (DSC), the Military Engineer Services (MES), Defence Civilian Employees and their family members enthusiastically participating in the 7th International Day of Yoga on the theme 'Be with Yoga - Be At Home'. see more..

Centre issues memo to WB ex-Chief Secy, initiating major disciplinary proceedings 21 Jun 2021 | 9:08 PM New Delhi, Jun 21 (UNI) Initiating major disciplinary penalty proceedings against former West Bengal Chief Secretary Alapan Bandhopadhyay, the Department of Personnel and Training has issued a memorandum for his alleged misconduct and misbehavior and asking him to reply within 30 days time period, the officials said here on Monday. see more..

Fire in Delhi's shoe factory, at least six people reportedly missing 21 Jun 2021 | 8:49 PM New Delhi, Jun 21 (UNI) A fire broke out at a shoe factory in Delhi's Udyog Vihar on Monday morning, with no reports of any injury or casualty so far. see more..

Sharad Pawar calls meeting of non-BJP leaders, eminent people on Tuesday 21 Jun 2021 | 8:20 PM New Delhi/Mumbai, Jun 21 (UNI) Maharashtra Minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Nawab Malik on Monday said his party's chief Sharad Pawar has called a meeting of several political leaders from different parties and eminent persons at his official residence in the National Capital on Tuesday to discuss the current scenario in the country. see more..
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The Hammer & Sickle Is Just As Bad As The Swastika
Grant Lancaster was the Digital Managing Editor of the Arkansas Traveler in the fall semester of 2019. Grant began work at the Traveler as a reporter in 2017 and went on to work as a senior staff reporter and news editor from 2018-2019.

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In third Venezuela statement, ruling party tries to hit a diplomatic note

The Nepal Communist Party (NCP) on Monday issued what it called the partys official position on the political situation in Venezuela, which some party insiders say was completely unnecessary but that it had to come as an attempt to prevent further damage to its relationship with the United States.
ON THE MOVE: Northern Trust Hires for FX; RJO Snags Melia

Northern Trust has appointed a head of local markets to its global foreign exchange team as it looks to bolster product, operational and execution expertise in currency trading. The company said that Paul Fyda has joined in New York, working with its FX trading desks in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions. He will provide support and guidance to in emerging markets to Northern Trusts institutional investor clients globally. Fyda has 20 years experience working in the FX industry, most recently at Brown Brothers Harriman where he focused on emerging market currencies and products.

If you have a new job or promotion to report, let me know at jdantona@marketsmedia.com

Justin Gmelich, a longtime executive in Goldman Sachs Group Incs bond trading business, plans to retire from the Wall Street bank in March, according to a memo sent by management last week. Gmelich has been chief operating officer of fixed income, currency and commodities (FICC) trading since 2017, and before that ran credit and mortgage trading. He joined Goldman Sachs in 1998 and became partner in 2004.

Chicago-based R.J. OBrien & Associates landed Patrick Melia as a Senior Vice President, Commodity Sales, working out of its New York office. Melia has more than 35 years of experience in energy exploration and in trading, brokering and marketing energy derivatives, including expertise in hedging and risk management strategies. Melia most recently served as Director, Energy Derivatives for Koch Supply & Trading, LP in New York, which he joined in 2005. Prior to that role, he spent several years as Vice President, Energy Derivatives Brokerage for Man Group, leading the creation of the firms OTC crude brokerage desk. Previously, Melia was a Senior Trader in Risk Management at Texaco Oil Trading & Transport in White Plains, New York, and an energy derivatives trader at Global Companies in Waltham, Massachusetts. Melia reports to Joe Raia, who joined RJO last year as Managing Director, Global Commodity Futures.

LAC Group has hired legal industry tech expert Ron Friedmann to fill the newly created executive role of chief knowledge and information officer. Friedmann, a lawyer by training, comes to LAC from consultancy Fireman & Company where he advised law firms, law departments and legal vendors on business-improvement projects, knowledge management and research strategy.

AxiomSL landed David Weber as its new Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer and the appointment of Eyal Amsalem as Chief Administrative Officer.

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Stewart Bell joins The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Culinary Team as the new executive pastry chef with over 15 years experience in pastry operation.



Hailing from South Africa, Bell has built up an impressive career, starting with his first role of commis pastry at The Sheraton Grand in Cape Town, back in 2013. By 2009 he had progressed to junior sous at world-renowned Nobu, also in Cape Town.



Bells first role in UAE was back in 2011 when he joined Atlantis The Palm Dubai and worked across many different restaurants in pastry for four years before taking on his first head pastry chef role - again with Nobu - in Moscow. After two years, he returned to the UAE as head pastry chef at the At.mosphere restaurant at the iconic Burj Khalifa, Dubai.



With his new role at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Chef Bells focus will be to introduce a new diverse offering of sweets and pastries to Abu Dhabis best address. Chef Bells specialism includes the creation of unique gluten free, dairy free and vegan desserts which he is excited to showcase to the city.



Moustafa Sakr, general manager of the hotel, said: I am delighted to welcome chef Stewart to The St Regis Abu Dhabi as the newest leader in our culinary team. Chef Stewarts joins as we start the New Year by focusing on our already exceptional Food & Beverage offering. Our aim for the year ahead is to continue to provide outstanding service that we are known for in the city as well as become World Class in the culinary dining scene. Chef Stewarts appointment is key to our strategy for 2019 as we continue to enhance and personalize our luxury dining experiences for our guests in the months to come.



Chef Stewart will debut the new Sweet Series for the renowned monthly Helipad Sunset Supper from February onwards. The first two dates are February 15 and March 8 where 20 guests will exclusively be able to experience his unique and elegant pastries and desserts from around the world - 255 meters in the air  on the highest active helipad in the Middle East at the St Regis Abu Dhabi with views from the top of the citys iconic Nation Towers. - TradeArabia News Service
Dubai World Central (DWC) welcomed a total of 900,000 passengers in 2018 (-0.5 per cent) following a surge in customer numbers in Q3 (+26.1 per cent) and moderate growth in Q4 (+3 per cent) last year.



The company attributed the growth to the launch of new services from scheduled and charter carriers during the second half of the year.



The top regions contributing to growth in traffic at DWC include CIS (408,747 passengers) which grew by 44.4 per cent, Western Europe (196,355 passengers) surging 107.9 per cent, and Eastern Europe (186,655 passengers), which grew 3.7 per cent. Russia was the top country destination with customer traffic reaching 405,976 followed by Germany (169,307) and Lebanon (55,103 customers).



Some of the top destination cities during the year were Moscow (121,049 passengers), Beirut (55,103 passengers), and Katowice (43,906 passengers).



A total of 29,959 flights took off or landed at DWC during 2018 (-12.4 per cent YoY).



DWC moved a total of 258,375 tonnes of freight in Q4 bringing the total cargo volume for the year to 987,986 tonnes (+1.6 per cent).



Outlook



DWC is gearing up for a major surge in activity in the second quarter of 2019, when the Southern Runway Refurbishment project will be underway at Dubai International (DXB). The closure of DXBs Southern runway from April 16 to May 30, 2019 will reduce the airports capacity making DWC an attractive alternate to absorb affected scheduled, charter, cargo and general aviation operations. The 45-day period will be a great opportunity for the emerging airport to showcase its newly expanded facilities that can now accommodate up to 26.5 million passengers annually.



DWC is currently served by 10 passenger airlines which operate an average of 21 weekly flights to seven international destinations. It is also home to 20 cargo operators that fly to as many as 45 cities around the world.  TradeArabia News Service
Work has begun on the first solar-driven hydrogen electrolysis facility in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region - a project that will be implemented in collaboration by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), Expo 2020 Dubai and Siemens.



Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee broke the ground for the project attended by top dignitaries including officials from the government and private sectors.



It will be built at Dewas outdoor testing facilities in the research and development (R&D) centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. The move supports a green economy in the UAE.



Dewa, Expo 2020 Dubai and Siemens are working together to help realise His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoums vision to identify new energy resources and provide sustainable power as part of a balanced approach that prioritises the environment. Our aim is to make Dubai a model of energy efficiency and safety, said Sheikh Ahmed.



In line with its theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, Expo 2020 Dubai will continue to work with its partners to create long-term benefits for the UAE, the wider region and the rest of the world. Breaking ground on this innovative project represents an important milestone in bringing to life Expos key subtheme of Sustainability, as well as its mission to create a meaningful legacy for generations to come, he added.



The green hydrogen project is part of our efforts to support the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote sustainability and innovation, and lead the transformation towards a greener economy, said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dewa.



This pilot project is the first of its kind in the Mena region to produce hydrogen using clean energy. It supports Dewas efforts in innovation, research, and development in energy storage and sustainability, which is one of the themes of Expo 2020 Dubai. The project also supports Dewas efforts to contribute to hosting one of the most sustainable World Expos in history in line with Dewas role as Expo 2020s Official Sustainable Energy Partner.



This pioneering project is a role model for strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors. It will contribute to developing the green economy concept in the UAE and explore the potential of green hydrogen technology. The hydrogen produced at the facility will be stored and deployed for re-electrification, transportation and other uses, added Al Tayer.



Along with our partners Dewa and Expo 2020 Dubai, we made the commitment less than a year ago to bring green hydrogen to Dubai. With this ground-breaking ceremony, we are inching closer to making this a reality. Siemens has pioneered this space globally, generating green hydrogen from renewable energy using Proton Exchange Membrane electrolysis. This project will be an important contribution to the evolving energy mix in Dubai and the UAE, said Joe Kaeser, president and CEO of Siemens.



Expo 2020 Dubai intends to showcase hydrogen mobility by powering a number of fuel-cell vehicles with the hydrogen generated at the facility, and transport Expo 2020 Dubai visitors to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Live data of the green hydrogen electrolysis will be displayed at Expo 2020 Dubai.  TradeArabia News Service
Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar Dr Ahmed At-Tayyeb have signed the historic Abu Dhabi Declaration  a document on Human Fraternity in the United Arab Emirates.



The Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together seeks to encourage stronger relationships between people to promote coexistence among peoples and to confront extremism and its negative impacts.



The signing ceremony was in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and attended by more than 400 religious leaders.



During the ceremony Sheikh Mohammed presented the first Human Fraternity Award  From Dar Zayed that was jointly given to Pope Francis and the Grand Imam.



The award was given to Dr Ahmed at-Tayyeb in recognition of his firm position in defence of moderation, tolerance, global values and his vehement rejection of radical extremism.



Pope Francis meanwhile is well known as an advocate for tolerance and the laying aside of differences and for his determined call for the pursuit of peace and fraternity among humanity, and the award recognises this continued commitment and approach.



In a speech before signing the Abu Dhabi Declaration, Pope Francis said "hatred and violence" in the name of God cannot be justified, praising the value of education in reducing conflict.



Meanwhile Dr Ahmed At-Tayyeb, who is one of the worlds foremost Muslim leaders, called on Muslims to protect Christian communities in the Middle East and for Muslims in the West to integrate into their communities.



"You are part of this nation... You are not minorities," he said during his speech at the ceremony.



The ceremony was part of the broader Human Fraternity Meeting that has witnessed the first ever Papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula and hosted by the UAE Government.  TradeArabia News Service
Art Jameel, an independent organisation that supports arts, education and heritage in the Middle East, has launched an international competition, inviting architects and designers to conceptualise a cinema for Hayy: Creative Hub in Jeddah.



A 17,000-sq-m multidisciplinary complex located in the north of Jeddah city, Hayy: Creative Hub is the Saudi city's first bespoke home for the arts and creativity.



Hayy will act as an incubator, bringing together and nurturing artists, playwrights, photographers, filmmakers, entrepreneurs and creatives, along with the enthusiastic audiences that support them.



The three-storey complex, conceived by ibda design, offers a contemporary re-interpretation of the traditional courtyard typology, common within the Gulf.



The Art Jameel competition invites proposals that foreground innovative ideas and creative approaches to the design of an independent picture house in Saudi Arabia. Registration opened on February 5 and closes on March 22.



The competition challenges applicants from around the world to deliver turnkey design proposals for a completely-fitted cinema space, and to explore benchmarks for sustainability and technological efficiency, said a statement from the Saudi organisation.



After the initial registration closes on March 22, applicants will be required to submit a proposal by April 11, it stated.



This dynamic competition, a rarity in the Middle East and globally, features a renowned international jury that includes leading architects and cinema specialists. One winner and two runners-up will be announced by the jury at the end of the competition in June 2019.



Alongside the awarding of the design project itself, this competition programme includes learning opportunities for Saudi-based upcoming architects and designers.



A forum series, managed in collaboration with Studio Bound, includes discussion of the shortlisted submissions, and a debate on possibilities, formats and ideas in determining the cinema-going experience, it stated.



Art Jameel regularly engages in new commissions and awards for artists, designers and architects, including the Jameel Prize, now in its 10th year (held in conjunction with the Victoria & Albert Museum in London), and Art Jameel Commissions, a multi-disciplinary anchor programme of the Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai.-TradeArabia News Service
Oman Air Cargo, one of the leading air cargo carriers in the region, recently hosted its annual awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Muscat. The event was held to recognise the outstanding achievements among the local cargo agencies and to also acknowledge the companys close partnership with the Public-Private establishments.



Mohammed Al Musafir, senior vice president, Oman Air Cargo  Commercial, said: We are on the path of achieving the goals set by our Group Company in line with the 2040 vision for Oman, in which the logistics industry has become an integral element of Omans future development plans. 2018 has been a successful year for Oman Air Cargo with a year on year growth in terms of revenue.



Paul Starrs, chief commercial officer, Oman Air commented: Our ever-expanding network and fleet has helped us in catering to the needs of our valued customers with more than 100 flight departures per day from Muscat. As we continue with our expansion plans, 2019 already brings us more opportunities in terms of capacity and new destinations, in addition to our existing 52 destinations across the world.



During the awards ceremony, Oman Air Cargo presented its new innovative solutions Cargo Mobile Application, the cargo management function that is managed through the SmartKargo system. The cloud-based system offers a robust set of tools providing reliable, transparent, and real-time information to Oman Air customers throughout its logistics chain, from acceptance to delivery. The management system provides more flexibility and makes it easier for customers to manage their bookings, space confirmation, pricing queries and responses whilst on the go.



As Oman Air Cargo looks to strengthen its presence in the market, the awards are a testament of its dedication to its partners and commitment towards continuous development.



2018 Oman Air Cargo Awards acknowledged top performers and key partners of the year. This included:



 Partnership Appreciation: Royal Oman Police  D G Customs

 National Travel and Tourism

 Sea Pride

 ASAS AL Maodah Trading

 Mezoon International Travel Tours

 Reliance Freight Systems

 Partnership Appreciation: SmartKargo

 Partnership Appreciation: Jettainer

 Partnership Appreciation: Oman Air SATS



With the development of Oman Airs state-of-the-art new cargo facility operation, Oman Air Cargo continues to be one of the most innovative and fastest growing cargo carriers in the world. - TradeArabia News Service
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, said it has once again been selected by EEM World, a global leading organiser of equestrian events, to transport a special consignment of show jumping horses from Belgium to Hong Kong.



The horses are being transported for the annual Longines Masters of Hong Kong taking place on February 15 to 17, said a statement.



This is the third consecutive year that Etihad Cargo has been entrusted with the transport of these elite horses for the worlds most prestigious show jumping event, it said.



The dedicated charter flight from Liege Airport to Hong Kong International Airport will deliver 68 horses accompanied by professional grooms and a veterinarian for the round-trip journey, it added.



Wiam Al Qamshui, business development manager responsible for Etihad Cargos Equine product SkyStables, said: We are honoured to have been chosen again to look after this very important shipment of prized animals.



In the five years since our SkyStables product was introduced, we have become one of the industrys most experienced specialist equine carriers. We move horses all around the world from places like Barbados, Bogota and Japan, as well as the key Europe and Middle East equine markets. Todays announcement comes on the back of a record 2018 that saw us transport over 2,000 horses for the first time, Al Qamshui added.



Christophe Ameeuw, founder and chief executive officer of EEM, said: The horses flying to Hong Kong are the stars of our show and without them there would be no Longines Masters of Hong Kong.



We are delighted to entrust the safety and care of these world class show jumping horses to Etihad Cargo this year again. We look forward to their arrival at Hong Kong airport on February 11 and kick off of the Masters and the Asia Horse Week, he said.



Etihad Cargo achieved a number of milestones with SkyStables in 2018, including its largest transportation of 90 horses in one day, as well as the transportation of 99 horses from MIA-AMS, as they returned from the horse racing season in Miami, US.



The horses for the Longines Masters of Hong Kong will be transported on a Boeing 777 freighter equipped with a specially designed ventilation structure and temperature control system, two vital components when transporting horses.



It is also equipped with EASA and FAA certified - horse air stalls. Designed with non-slip floors which are covered with absorbent materials, the stalls are stocked with hay and water for the horses to remain fed and hydrated throughout the flight.



A team of professional grooms and veterinarians will handle the horses during loading and throughout the duration of the flight to ensure they remain comfortable and calm, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Arabia's Almarai, the largest dairy company in the Gulf region, said it has reached an agreement with Alamar Foods, a master franchise operator for fast food outlets in the region, for acquisition of top regional company Premier Foods.



Premier Foods is a leading producer of value-added halal products (meat and poultry) to the food services industry in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.



Almarai said it has signed a sale purchase agreement with Alamar Foods to acquire 100 per cent stake in Premier Foods for an enterprise value of SR108 million ($28.7 million).

Premier Foods boasts a 6,000-sq-m, purpose-built meat processing facility and 6,600 pallet multi-temperature distribution centre in Riyadh.



The company, which recently invested in the latest technology and machinery, has tripled its capacity offering a comprehensive range of both generic and bespoke products to over 35 leading international restaurant brands.



This acquisition will further enhance Almarais footprint for expansion in the foodservice channel, said the company.

This strategic move comes following the Almarai board approval for a five-year business plan for the period 2019-2023, which envisages a capital investment of SR10.6 billion ($2.8 billion).



This investment programme will be financed through the increasing operating cash flow, and when appropriate through banks, SIDF, ADF and local and international Sukuk programmes, said senior company officials.



The long-term investment plan of Almarai calls for less expansionary investments and a focus towards more efficiency and sustainability.



The investments will focus on replacement of existing assets; improvement of production capacities and capabilities in farms and manufacturing facilities; distribution and transportation facilities; extension of geographical footprint and the enhancement of innovation and product development capabilities, they stated.



Almarai said this transaction is fully financed from its operating cash flow, and the financial impact of this acquisition will be reflected in next quarters results.-TradeArabia News Service
King Abdullah Port, Saudi Arabia's first fully privately owned, developed and operated port, for the second consecutive year will extend its support to Breakbulk Middle East 2019, to be held next week in Dubai, UAE.



The port is located in King Abdullah Economic City, near Jeddah.



The two-day conference and exhibition will take place on February 11 and 12, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.



For the first time, the upcoming fourth annual edition will be held under the patronage of Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development and the chairman of Federal Transport Authority for Land and Maritime, a remarkable feat which aligns with the events aim to further solidify its stance as the leading GCC event for the project cargo and breakbulk industry.



The event will tackle topics to aid project cargo specialists in seizing regional opportunities and constructing effective project plans.



Furthermore, the expo will play a crucial role in enhancing maritime and all related industry sectors as global leaders and top-level experts will gather to discuss existing issues and potential solutions.



Rayan Qutub, chief executive officer, King Abdullah Port, said: The maritime and shipping industries account for 90 per cent of the entire global trade market, which makes Breakbulk Middle East crucial to our regions continued development.



The port has proved particularly successful in attracting a larger portion of the breakbulk sector of the industry, which provides us with further opportunity to grow and solidifies our global maritime competitiveness. We are estimating a further 15 per cent increase in future volume, particularly involving steel, timber and cement cargo, and our partnership with specialist port operators and steel handlers AMSteel has already seen us increase our one-day cargo record to an impressive 27,000 tonnes, he said.



Qutub continued: The efficiency of our port has also helped create an extremely vibrant hub which has stimulated export rates in Saudi Arabia. This is already making a positive impact on our national economy and will continue to do so for many decades ahead.



We take great pride in our current global standing, which compliments the kingdom's many achievements and recognizes the port's outstanding location. This makes the port capable of attracting an even larger portion of the global maritime transportation industry as we develop further, added.



Our continuing success in increasing the annual volume of sea freight aligns perfectly with the ambitious objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and highlights the ports worth in acting as a catalyst for the countrys economic diversification, Qutub concluded.



Ben Blamire, commercial Director, Breakbulk Middle East, said: Our event is known for being the go-to event for breakbulk and project cargo. Our aim is to continue that trend while diversifying to help boost the regional economy.



The strategic location of the UAE and GCC ports being at the heart of Gulf has enabled these markets to acquire a largest share of total container and cargo movement in the region, and our intent is to help increase their shares even further. Having the support of a regional key player such as King Abdullah Port is an honour which enables industry growth by attracting more attention to Breakbulk Middle East and by extension more investment into the region, he said.



Given that the outlook for the coming five years in terms of gross domestic product development and the growth of imports and exports is considerably better than it was during the 2012-2016 period, its the time to capitalize on this positive projection.



The UAE seems to be aware of this matter as they have been a key player in driving offshore investment in the Middle East region, securing an approximate $66 billion in regional maritime sector investments.



Leslie Meredith, marketing director, Breabulk Events & Media, said: The breakbulk industry is undoubtedly benefitting from the global recovery and enjoying an uptick in volumes. In the meantime, we encourage the rest of the maritime sector to strike while the iron is hot and register for Breakbulk Middle East as it acts as an essential platform to facilitate necessary discussions and connect key decision makers.



With King Abdullah Port being among the unique participants who have offered rave reviews regarding our event, we are confident in the quality we are providing to the industry and the entire value chain, Meredith added.  TradeArabia News Service
Gap in export

Conserving precious foreign exchange by cutting nonessential imports such as liquor, vehicles, luxury items and further curtailing exchange facilities for foreign holidays is the only best way to maintain reserves and balance of payment (Foreign currency expenses to be tightened to check balance of payments deficit, TKP Money page 1, January 28) However, just conserving the limited foreign exchange reserve will not help
France-based Lagardere Travel Retail has appointed GAC Dubais Contract Logistics team to handle a range of goods sold at Duty Free retail stores at airports in Saudi Arabia and the future Abu Dhabi Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC).



Under the multi-year agreement signed by the two companies commencing March 1, GAC Dubai will take care of the port haulage, receipt, storage, pick/pack, transportation, customs clearance and Federal Tax Authority documentation for goods including chocolates, fine foods, fashion, beverages, electronics, cigarettes and cigars, personal care, perfumery and make-up, said a statement from the company.



The companies expects to manage approximately 17,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) across a variety of product types and will also handle the formalities required for the storage and handling of some categories of beverages on behalf of Lagardere Travel Retail, it said.



Part of GAC Dubais contract logistics facility at Dubai South will be dedicated exclusively to the account, and a G + 5 interlock mezzanine deck with multiple aisles and shelves is being constructed for better product segregation and picking.



Approximately 3.5 million picked units of goods are expected to be handled by GAC Dubai every year under the contract.



Ronald Lichtenecker, GAC Dubais managing director, said: This marks the beginning of a long-term relationship with a world leading duty-free operator, which is now expanding in the Middle East.



It is an excellent fit with our long-term vision for its contract logistics business to move into specialised storage and handling operations, he said.



Neil McMaster, GAC Dubais general manager  contract logistics, said: This is Lagardere Travel Retails first warehousing venture in the region, so the awarding of a long-term agreement is testament to the strength and knowledge of our management and staff.



It also recognises our willingness to invest in scalable solutions that allow clients such as Lagardere Travel Retail to manage and grow their business, he said.



Strong bonds have already been formed between both companies and we look forward to strengthening them further over the coming years, he added.



Vadim Motlik, Lagardere Travel Retails UAE chief executive officer, said: We are delighted to be starting this new partnership with one of the strongest logistics operators in the Middle East.



It will enable us to reinforce the fluidity and reliability of our regional supply chain, which is key to delivering excellent service to our customers, Motlik added.  TradeArabia News Service
Cemengal, a Spanish EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractor specialised in the cement industry, said it has been awarded a new contract by the Kuwait-based Accico Cement Factory for the supply of second cement grinding station consisting of a complete cement mill workshop.



The main equipment to be included within this new contract is related to a 5,200 Kws ball mill fully engineered by Cemengal with all the peripheral equipment and a fourth-generation classifier from Magotteaux XP4i-130 for high-strength cements, said the company in a statement.



The projected grinding capacity will be one million tonnes per year of cement and the plant will be commissioned within the first half of 2020, it stated.



The scope of works on the project will include full engineering and complete supply of mechanical, process, electrical and automation equipment as well as the steel manufacturing from the raw materials handling areas up to the silos cement discharge.



In addition to the delivery of technology, the site supervision, training and commissioning activities will be fully provided by Cemengal at the plants site, said the company in a statement.



This is the second mill project awarded by Acico Cement to the Spanish EPC contractor for catering to the growing demand of high-quality cements for major future infrastructural developments in the country, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
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Members of the Ewabo Caribbean Trio will perform in Henne Auditorium at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville to bring cultural education and entertainment to the community of Titusville and the campus.
Civics 101: How the federal income tax came to be?
MBABANE  The Central Transport Administration (CTA) estimates that at least E100 million is required to buy 56 cars and possibly fix some of the old fleet.

This is the only solution that would see the CTA delivering on its mandate.



This comes at a time when the government position, pronounced by the Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, when analysing some of the interventions to help government survive the cash-flow crisis two weeks ago, was that no new cars would be bought until the economy improved.



Effective



Dlamini had said the option to refurbish the existing fleet was more cost effective. Last year, government rented cars from Woodford Car Hire, an exercise that was estimated to cost the taxpayer millions of Emalangeni.

The cars were for the ease of travel for polling officers during the General Elections.



They were also used to transport examination papers for Grade VII, JC and Form V examination amidst the threat of a teachers strike. The cost estimate for this was E40 million.



General Transport Manager at the CTA, Washington Khumalo when asked if the parastatal had the required capacity, said it was possible, provided the government garage was efficiently recapitalised.

He said there were cars requiring major refurbishment.



Substantial



He said these vehicles required a substantial amount of money while some required lesser costs.

We need to outline clearly which are the cars requiring refurbishment. Some vehicles just need replacement of parts and maintenance. Others have reached uneconomical running costs. They can still be refurbished and given a second life by buying them new engines, gearbox, upholstery and body work at a huge cost, he said.



He said some government agencies such as the police needed more cars to avoid a situation whereby a car travels 100 000 kilometres within three months. He also said the purchase of specialised vehicles such as ambulances could not be wished away.



If we can get E100 million, we can buy 56 vehicles that come with a service plan. You will start servicing the car after five years. If, with E100 million you can buy 56 cars and with the same amount you can refurbish 80 cars, then the better option is to buy new cars. In refurbishment, there is no motor plan, but just a warranty for the engine provided it is well serviced, he explained.
Dr KC expresses solidarity with Anna Hazares fast

Senior orthopedic surgeon at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital Dr Govinda KC has expressed his solidarity with the ongoing fast by Indian activist Anna Hazare.
MBABANE  Police in Lavumisa had a tough time dealing with an intoxicated man who raised hell in the otherwise sleepy small southern town.



Thando Mathebula (23) of Mgamude under Chief Gasa, while under the influence of an intoxicating substance, drove a Mazda sedan registered NJ 50 179, recklessly, spun it around causing dust to rise in the air, posing a health hazard to business owners, especially restaurants and vendors.



He committed these offences near the Good Hope Bar in Lavumisa along MR 8 Public Road.

Mathebula then escaped from custody after he had been arrested. He snatched keys from a police officer who tried to put him in a cell and he escaped. He was, however, rearrested the following day after surrendering himself. He told the police that he had escaped because he had left his children on their own at home.



Mathebula was charged with three counts. He pleaded guilty to two counts of contravening the Road Traffic Act No.6 of 2007 in that he drove a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.



He was also charged with driving the same vehicle recklessly and at high speed, putting his life and those of pedestrians at risk. He was further charged with escaping from lawful custody.



When he appeared in court in Nhlangano, Mathebula pleaded guilty to all three counts. The Crown paraded one witness, Detective Constable Raymond Hlophe, who is based in Lavumisa.



Hlophe told the court that on the day in question, he and other police officers were patrolling around midnight and closing bars which were operating beyond normal hours. He said while at Good Hope Bar, he saw a red car being driven at high speed despite that there were many people enjoying drinks and others were selling food.



Negligent



Hlophe submitted that he was able to signal for the driver to stop and he did. He stated that the police introduced themselves to him and informed him that they were arresting him for negligent driving.

The officer further told the court that they took Mathebulas breath specimen and the reading on the alcometer was 0.49mg/l which was above the legal limit of 0.37mg/l.
MBABANE  A businessman has narrated in court how a traditional healer and his helper (nyankhwabi) allegedly enticed him into believing their stunts in a Kruger coins deal.



Sicelo Dlamini of Nshakabili in Ezulwini, alleged that he lost E107 000 in cash to the traditional healer, as a result of stunts they used on him.

Dlamini informed the court that he initially had a dream where he was shown the Kruger coins around Ezulwini.



He told the court that there was a point where he was shown the coins underground in a forest at Nshakabili, in the dream.



I went around looking for a traditional healer who specialised in Kruger coins until I met Sithole from Mozambique. Sithole informed me about a Mozambican traditional healer who specialised in Kruger coins. We went to Mozambique but unfortunately we found the man was admitted to a hospital. He promised to come and help me, however, he died a week later, alleged Dlamini.



He said as time went on, Sithole gave him a liSwati traditional healer, one Lucky Kunene of Mpaka, whom he said also specialised in Kruger coins.



discuss



The businessman told the court that when he called Kunene, the traditional healer invited him to Mpaka to discuss his story.

Upon arrival at Kunenes homestead, the businessman claimed that the traditional healer pledged to assist him in retrieving the coins.



Kunene requested to see the place so that he could perform some rituals (kuchela) before we could retrieve the money. He requested E200 for fuel. He came to my place and I led him to the forest where I was shown the coins in the dream, Dlamini alleged.



He alleged that Kunene instructed him to bring coins of not less than E300 in value, whisky and roasted chickens each time they went to the forest.



rituals



He claimed that a day after Kunene performed the rituals; they went to the forest in the evening and upon their arrival there, Kunene told him not to be shocked as he was going to hear a strange voice from ghosts (tipoko) who were in charge of the money.

Dlamini informed the court that Kunene allegedly warned him against going closer to the spot where the voice was coming from as he was likely to be affected by the spirits (kuhabula).



The voice spoke to me in English and Kunene asked me to interpret for him as he did not understand, Dlamini narrated.

He alleged that as they began to dig, the voice asked who was tampering with their treasure.



The unsuspecting businessman informed the court that the voice asked him if he was interest in entering into negotiations concerning the money as they had guarded it for a very long time. He said he responded to the affirmative because he desired to have the coins.



relocate



The voice requested that I hand over E50 000 for transport so that they could relocate to their country of origin, Saudi Arabia. However, I negotiated for a lesser fee because I did not have E50 000. They requested for at least E7 800 so that they can negotiate with an unseen cabinet which was responsible for the money, he alleged.



Dlamini told the court that the voice instructed him to place the money under a small tree in the forest and expect feedback from the cabinet the following week.

He claimed that he left the E7 800 in the forest. The following week, Dlamini told the court that he went to the forest in the company of Kunene without the digging tools.



Upon their arrival at the forest, the businessman informed the court that the voice informed him that the cabinet had requested for an extra E7 000. He narrated that he requested for some time as he did not have the money at the moment.



Tree



I got the E7 000 within three days and I placed it under the same tree. The voice told me to come after a week to get my treasure, however, I did not find any cent after the stipulated time, he alleged.

Dlamini claimed that the voice requested that he gave them E5 000 for a farewell party as they were about to hand over the money and relocate to their country.
PIGGS PEAK  We are not going to sit back and watch our land being taken away.



These were the words of some of the residents who are unhappy about a proposal to enclose a portion of land to make way for an agricultural project. The said farm is marked as Portion 6/932 but it is also referred to as KaBothma.



Residents there have been disputing the actual boundaries of the farm with some claiming to have lived on the property for several years.

There are hundreds of houses built there including state of the art mansions which could be demolished should the residents be evicted.



Security



Last Wednesday some of the representatives of the said farm met in the presence of police officers, officials from the Ministry of Natural as well guards from private security company, Kwekwe, which is based in Matsapha.

Kwekwe is known for some of the evictions in Malkerns after being hired by a Matsapha businessman.



It has been gathered that the farm representatives have already laid out plans of how they would enclose a portion of the farm using fencing for the purpose of initiating an agricultural project. This will mean that the activities of residents within the enclosed area will be limited.



Designated entrances to the enclosed area will be placed while security guards will be positioned within to make sure that the perimeter fence was not removed. However, this plan has left the residents furious with some of them vowing to remove the fence as soon as it would be erected.



Chief



When the areas acting Chief Prince December was reached for comment, he referred questions to Mlondolzi Dlamini whom he said had been tasked to look into the matter. Mlondolozi is not new to land disputes and boasts of overseeing such in the past.

He said the current situation in Emvimbili should not be taken lightly as the people were very angry about it.

They are ready to defend this land, he said.

Dlamini said as far as they were concerned, the said land had never been a farm. He said it was not a secret that the people there were known to fight for what belonged to them, adding that this was what they would do. This publication regularly reports about cases of mob justice in the area, particularly for people accused of theft.










File: Students from SSU Media High interview the supervisor of the King Frazier Cafeteria on the campus of Savannah State University.
McGill and MUHC research teams part of an international effort to uncover how chronic inflammation causes cancer
THE SHORTHORN

Is seeking work study student assistants for our reception desk for summer and fall.Prompt, cheerful, students with professional attitudes are encouraged to apply to answer office phones and greet guests from behind a plexiglass COVID barrier.Preference is given to students available to work some mornings. This in-office job offers flexible hours and plenty of time to study.Apply through Handshake for job #4723423 or call 817-272-3188 for more information.
Domestic air passenger numbers double to 7,800 daily

Nepals domestic air passenger traffic has more than doubled in the last 10 years with 7,800 travellers taking to the skies daily, according to data released by Tribhuvan International Airport.
Posted Monday, February 4, 2019 5:33 am

Ann Makars recent Letter to the Editor reacted to the following quote by Jaime Herrera Beutler to the New York Times: To truly represent the American people, Congress needs more women and moms. Im expecting my third baby since I was elected to serve, and it is a privilege to offer my unique perspective as we shape policy for all American families.

I have to confess I feel a little confused as Ann goes on to say she is glad Jaime affirms many of the same political positions that Ann holds. I am not sure what Ann was concerned about. Was she concerned that Jaime pointed out she is female and pregnant?

My understanding is that the House of Representatives was created by the Constitution so that people from all walks of life and from all experiences could be part of our representative government (from woodsman David Crockett to lawyer Bill Clinton to college-educated bartender and millennial Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez). Indeed I think a big part of the reason our current congress is so dysfunctional is because its filled with nearsighted old male lawyers and is not very representative.

Thus I think Jaime Herrera Beutlers unique perspective is a great benefit for the people of Southwest Washington. She is a moderate conservative (I call values-based progressive) but adds the experience of being a woman and mother. She is also Latina and grew up in a middle class family who valued hard work. This does not mean she is only these things. These add additional experiences to her life that she can bring to her congressional role. I also know personally she works hard to know the perspectives and needs of the people in Southwest Washington and despite the misrepresentations in the last election, she ardently seeks direct contact with every citizen she represents. When was the last time you heard of a local congressional representative reaching out to Native Americans (a highly neglected demographic in my opinion).

How many representatives were championing legislation to reduce the maternal mortality rate in Congress before Jaime did it? Jaime is one of the two founders of the Congressional Maternity Caucus (her partner is a Democrat). This caucus works on legislation to ensure pregnant moms are included in clinical trials for prescription medication. There is much more.

I am a male and try to be compassionate but I would not have thought about these things. We need Jaimes perspective on a national level. Each time we send her back to Washington she has more seniority, more connections, more experience, more influence and can more effectively represent Southwest Washington. Quietly and effectively she is becoming a major force for good things to happen in congress.
Posted Monday, February 4, 2019 6:13 am

Legislation proposed on the last day of January would largely exempt state legislators from the Public Records Act according to the attorney who led the fight against a similar bill last year.

That bill was passed in a last-minute move after a Thurston County Superior Court judge ruled in January 2018 that the legislature was subject to the Public Records Act and had not been in compliance for years. Both sides appealed the decision and litigation is still ongoing in the Washington Supreme Court.

A public outcry over last years bill led to the intervention of governor Jay Inslee who negotiated a truce between the legislature and the newspaper industry, which sought to force the lawmakers to adhere to the requirements of the act.

Senate Bill 5784, sponsored by Senator Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, explicitly outlines exemptions that would apply to the legislature. The people of our state value both open government and effective government. This bill attempts to strike a balance between those important principles, Pedersen said in introducing the new bill.

The bill is unsatisfactory, according to Michele Earl-Hubbard of Allied Law Group who represented 10 news organizations, including the Associated Press, the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, and the Seattle Times, in the suit against the legislature.

The new bill introduces the term legislative branch which is defined as including the Senate, House of Representatives, and the Legislative Ethics Board, joint committees and any other agency that is subject to the direct control of the Senate or House of Representatives. The legislative branch term is carried throughout the bill, as an addition to state agency, previously used in the bill.

In the court ruling, the legislature was not considered an agency; however, individual legislators offices were considered agencies, making them subject to the Public Records Act.

Earl-Hubbard said she cant see whats left that the public would get to see under the proposed bill. The proposal would distinguish legislators from other elected public officials in that they would not be subject to the same laws, she said. It would also continue to restrict information on misconduct allegations, which Earl-Hubbard says was at the heart of the medias lawsuit.

I was very disappointed when I read the bill, said Earl-Hubbard. This is being hyped as legislators claiming to have heard the message from the public last year.

At least, said Toby Nixon, president of the Washington Coalition for Open Government, theyre putting something on the table so we can start talking about the issues. The bill last year was passed without discussion and on short notice, said Nixon.

Section 111 of the bill outlines specific permanent legislative exemptions that need to be cited in denying a request. These exemptions include: investigative records that are generated before a determination of reasonable cause or dismissal of a complaint before the legislative ethics board or within the legislative branch; memoranda from staff or legislators that contain legal, policy, or fiscal options, analyses, models, or analytical tools; records of internal caucus communications like leadership votes; notes taken by staff or legislators for the use of the person taking the notes; negotiations between legislators or caucuses on bills, records of how a legislator intends to vote either in committee or in a chamber of the legislature; drafts of bills or amendments that were never introduced.

SB 5784 is currently scheduled for a hearing on February 13.
Posted Monday, February 4, 2019 5:58 am

By summertime, Battle Ground residents should have a place to store their recreational vehicles and other valuables at Principal RV and Self Storage on the southwest corner of SW Scotton Way and State Route 503 intersection, an area known as Scotton Landing. This project is a development of Principal Properties.

This 65,175-square-foot facility will feature six buildings and 646 units, most of which will include covered loading, automatic garage door openers, indoor heating and LED lighting. The addition of multiple cameras throughout the property should provide a higher level of security for people and their goods.

Principal Properties also developed the Mill Creek Town Center and the Alder Pointe Apartments. Principal Properties Manager T.J. Fontenette believes there is a need for a state-of-the-art storage facility in this area.

Battle Ground is a growing, vibrant community. With that, goods and services are part of the equation, he said. When youre commuting several miles away for these services, its not only the inconvenience, its dollars and the economic vitality that leaves the community.

Ever since we developed the Mill Creek Town Center, those dollars are staying in the community and they get recycled in the form of jobs and better taxes, Fontenette added. All of that becomes part of what we think is a more healthy community. Were just trying to do our part.

Jiffy Lube coming this spring

Another project at Scotton Landing will begin in springtime. Principal Properties recently sold a 23,235-square-foot pad to Jiffy Lube to build a new 4,400-square-foot full-service automotive center.

Elliott Smith of TerraForm Companies could not provide official details on the design of the new Jiffy Lube facility. He said it should have four auto bays, a comfortable customer waiting area and offer quick service to residents of Battle Ground and the surrounding area.

Fontenette hopes Principal Properties continues to attract services that bring more vitality to the community along its 22 acres of property at Scotton Landing.

Our objective has always been not to just build as quickly as possible. We want to build the right product at the right time, he said. We want to make sure that its quality so it will last. Thats been our motto throughout our development.
Baby rhino found dead

A baby rhino that was spotted roaming the streets of Chitwan with its mother on January 4 was found dead in Nagarban last week, authorities said on Monday.
There arent a lot of volunteers trying to jump in the line of fire when it comes to being hit with the prongs of a taser, but two new Brownstown Township officers were willing to go down for the count.
Elizabethtown, KY (42701)

Today

Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low 57F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low 57F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
Last week it was reported that England's higher education watchdog has warned universities that unconditional offers could lead to them losing their status as an institution

I am sure that few of us are lacking in opinions about this.

The Office for Students (OfS) has claimed that unconditional offers for a place at university are in the same league as pressure selling and could be in breach of consumer law, due to their strings-attached nature. Consequently, the regulator has announced that it is prepared to take action against universities and colleges that misuse the offers.

Some of us have gone to university on an unconditional offer, others have not. Its hard not to see the benefits of unconditionals: applicants still at school have a place at university regardless of what results they get in their exams, and this undeniably takes the pressure off stressed students. We all know, however, that everything good has a downside.

I find the worst offender of the unconditional offers to be the conditional unconditional  this is where the offer is only unconditional if students make the offer their firm choice. These offers prey on the insecurities of strong students, who may be worried about achieving conditional offers in a somewhat volatile exam system  I know that I certainly was. They pressure students to make snap decisions, and choose a university that may not be the best one for them - just to have the guarantee of a place next September.

This is, at best, bordering on illegal and at worst, completely immoral. Unconditionals are supposed to relieve the stress of getting into university, but by having strings attached, they can give applicants even more to think and worry about.

Image Credit: Wokandapix // Pixabay

Some students have said that these conditional-unconditionals lead them to believe that universities dont really care what grades they get, but simply how many empty places the institution can fill. Its easy to understand why recipients of the offers have often been left feeling undervalued and nothing more than a bum on a seat.

I also wonder why the credibility of universities giving out unconditionals isnt more damaged, as so many students who receive unconditional offers dont go on to receive the grades that would have been required if their offer had conditions. OfS actually found that students with unconditionals were more likely to miss their predicted grades.

This is mainly for two reasons. Firstly, students are regularly predicted grades higher than they are able to achieve by their schools, and then cant attain the marks in their exams. This inflating of grades is done by schools to make their students appear more desirable to universities. This makes me feel rather conflicted, because although these students get to study their course of choice, the fact they didnt get the right grades might suggest that its not actually the right one for them.

Its also undeniable that there are students who receive unconditionals and thus dont feel pressured anymore to get good grades, so become quite complacent and end up not working to their full potential for their exams. Again, this makes me feel a bit sad because unconditionals can actually stop us from reaching our potential, and maybe achieving better grades than we ever expected through hard work. Conditionals are stressful, but arguably also motivating.

I worry too about people taking their foot off the pedal like this, because the grades that UK students receive at 18 often stay with us for the rest of our lives. They can be key when applying for jobs or postgraduate study in years to come  they dont just serve the sole purpose of admission to university. Yes, an unconditional can mean less worry in those last months of school, but is it worth it when those less than ideal grades come back to bite? Imagine that persons feeling when theyre rejected for a dream job simply because someone else had better A-Level grades, despite having what could be amazing grades at university.

St Marys, in Twickenham, had a trial period Im pleased to hear that some universities have already taken measures to tackle the growing problems associated with unconditional offers. Not all universities make them to begin with, and others did offer them but have now stopped.of giving out unconditional offers but found that too many students missed their predicted grades, and so only gave conditional offers from then on.

Some universities that still make unconditional offers also offer attached bursaries for those that perform well in their exams, meaning that students are still motivated to achieve their predicted grades. This goes to show that unconditionals arent deserving of being totally vilified  they just need a bit of tweaking to make them work in the best way possible.

Unconditional offers are undoubtedly an area of higher education policy that will likely see some adjustment in the coming years, as more and more speak out and seek reform that is fair to both universities and students. I personally am keen to see an education system that neither excessively pressures students, nor makes life too easy for them. We should have to work hard to get into university  no one denies that it sets us up with opportunities forever that we would not have had otherwise. Anyway whats life without the challenge?

Lead Image Credit: Wokandapix // Pixabay
Salida, CO (81201)

Today

Clear skies. Low 54F. SSE winds shifting to WNW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low 54F. SSE winds shifting to WNW at 10 to 20 mph.
You can find your client key on your subscription renewal statement or call us at the Mountain Mail at 719-539-6691.
33-kg gold smuggling case: Alleged supplier Hari Sharan Khadka arrested in Dubai

United Arab Emirates police have arrested Hari Sharan Khadka, said to be the supplier of illegal gold in the 33-kg gold smuggling case, from Dubai.
Welcome back pirates! As you make your return to campus The East Carolinian has created a forum that centers around topics within the community where readers can express their experiences and concerns. With the new guidelines set in place by East Carolina University do you feel as these precautions will keep you safe?

Survey
According to Clarion state police, someone took $2,700; a cosmetic peptide solution, valued at $13; and a lip gloss, valued at $5, from a room at the Motel 6 on United Drive in Monroe Township between about noon May 5 and 11 p.m. May 6.
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman has engaged in a juvenile campaign to fly flags from his Capitol office in defiance of state law. It's an act of foot-stomping behavior that is the antitheses of that of a grown-up - and a responsible elected official.
Assault Speech and Hate Weapons- the

media spin that would make Orwell proud

By Rob Morse. February 2nd, 2019

Original Source

It is dangerous to let other people do our thinking for us. We seem certain we can define hate speech. Were convinced that assault weapons are bad. Both terms have been manipulated by politicians and the media to mean anything they want them to mean. We were sold such a twisted-logic of lies that it would be funny.. if it were not so dangerous.

Elites with armed bodyguards tell us to give up our tools of self-defense. Were called toxic-hateful-deplorable-clingers if we object. Assault weapon is a debating term and so is hate speech. An assault weapon is any firearm a politician wants to confiscate. Hate speech are any statements that criticize the politicians latest voting block. The elites lie to us. Look at their record of hypocrisy to see the truth of that statement.

Wayne LaPierre is the executive vice president of the National Rifle Association. La Pierre has armed guards at work and at home. Gun-confiscation spokesmen Shannon Watts and Melissa Milano have armed guards too. Ive seen them. The important distinction is that La Pierre says we should have the same protection that he has. Milano and Watts want the rest of us disarmed.. while they remain protected. My response is simple. If being disarmed is so great, then you go first and show us by example.

That is only the beginning of the hypocrisy. Hollywood media events are gun-free zones.. yet they have armed security teams all around the venue. In vivid contrast, I stood with about 20 thousand armed men and women as we shook hands with Donald Trump Junior. A blind man can see the difference. One side walks-the-walk and the other talks out of both sides of their mouth.

You have examples of gross hypocrisy closer to home. That gun in your safe is an assault weapon intended only to kill.. when you own it. The news media calls the same firearm a patrol rifle used for defense when it is in the hands of your local police. That gun is called a personal defense weapon when Homeland Security slings it across their chest in an airport. The media manipulates these terms to fit their agenda. Their hidden message is the same if it comes from the media or the advocates of gun-confiscation. The media must disguise the simple meaning of their message because wed laugh in disbelief if they said it too plainly. Their message is this-

Youre dangerous and the elites are trustworthy.

Politicians and judges are hypocrites.. but you knew that. The so called high capacity magazine in your gun is quickly reclassified as a standard capacity magazine when a police officer carries it. The only difference between you and a law enforcement officer is that the cop works for the state while you protect your family on your own. The judge rules that you dont need that much ammunition to protect your family. At the same time, the judge says the bailiff in the courtroom should have more cartridges in his gun to protect the judge.

The judge applies the pejorative bias of hate speech to our rights.. but not to his.

Some people think they are more equal than others. The ugly reason they get away with it is politics. Hate speech used to mean calling someone a nigger, a kike, or a jap. It morphed to calling someone an illegal immigrant or a woman. The elites label something as hate speech when being offended serves their political purpose. They call something hate speech when they claim a group needs special political treatment. This fine-slicing of identity politics leads to a perverse race to ever-smaller minorities.

Their rarity is considered a virtue. A small group of people gets to claim their impotence, their victimization, and therefore their superior claim to government power over everyone else. I can see the signs now-

Millennial agender redheaded Navajo-speaking Polynesians from Fargo unite.

At least they wont have a problem finding a room to fit all of them. A table for two should be enough.. with room left over.

That claim of being an oppressed minority eventually leads to individuality. You are the ultimate minority group.. even though that is an anathema to socialists with their dependence on marxist theory and group identity. We are unique but are exactly equal in our human rights. To say otherwise is to subjugate our humanity to political interests. That subjugation requires some very twisted language.. and some very dangerous government power.

You know the truth when you hear it. You also know when youre told a lie. The answer is the same without regard to the social status of the person lying to you. Throw the lies back in their face.

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Assault Speech and Hate Weapons- the

media spin that would make Orwell proud

By Rob Morse. February 2nd, 2019

Original Source

It is dangerous to let other people do our thinking for us. We seem certain we can define hate speech. Were convinced that assault weapons are bad. Both terms have been manipulated by politicians and the media to mean anything they want them to mean. We were sold such a twisted-logic of lies that it would be funny.. if it were not so dangerous.

Elites with armed bodyguards tell us to give up our tools of self-defense. Were called toxic-hateful-deplorable-clingers if we object. Assault weapon is a debating term and so is hate speech. An assault weapon is any firearm a politician wants to confiscate. Hate speech are any statements that criticize the politicians latest voting block. The elites lie to us. Look at their record of hypocrisy to see the truth of that statement. .......

The supposed equality of human life is conveniently manipulated all too often and begs the question "is my life less important than yours?" Remember Orwell's Animal Farm - "all pigs are equal but some are more equal than others" The high and mighty who claim a right to protection by armed bodyguards regard the 'us' as mere peons who are to be relegated to inferior status and if at all possible be deprived of an equal right to self defense.

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(Left to right) Hugh McElroy, Class of 1971, Stephen Ruth, Class of 1992 and Tanya Williams, Class of 1994, are all notable former students.
Two-time Pulitzer prize winner Stephen Coll is the Dean of Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and author of Directorate S, published in February of 2018.
Free STI Testing will be available in A.P. Beutel Health Center the first Wednesday of February, March and April.
Missouri State University will resume the administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID- Read more
Post house Clear Cut Pictures has bought post production companies The Edit Store and The Sound Store.

All three companies will continue to trade in their own names, at their respective sites and with the existing cohort of staff.

Edit Store has 20 suites on Bedford Square in inter-connected Georgian buildings. It has three online and three audio suites, plus grading, as well as nearly 20 offline suites. The buyout means Clear Cut Pictures group of companies will now have over 90 offline suites in Central London and Shepherds Bush facilities, and a greater range of finishing suites in all four sites; 10 online, 4 grading theatres and 12 dubbing theatres.

Rowan Bray, MD of Clear Cut said We are delighted to welcome the Edit Store and Sound Store teams to the Clear Cut family. Edit Store has forged a fantastic reputation in hard hitting documentaries and current affairs. They have a highly respected creative staff, a beautiful building, and lovely suites. We have needed to offer our increasing client base more choice in the Central London area and this deal broadens our offering perfectly.

Chris Rodmell and Howard Bradburn, who established the business over 25 years ago, will be providing support to the business to ensure a smooth transition period for both clients and staff. They are moving on to focus on their other interests.

Rodmell and Bradburn said that The Edit Store and The Sound Store have been and always will be, close to our hearts, but we are very pleased to be leaving the company in the capable hands of our loyal and dedicated staff, with the support and guidance of the new owners Clear Cut Pictures. We have always prided ourselves in offering a very tailored and personal service in postproduction, and we are confident that this will continue with the same talented Edit and Sound Store teams who you know and trust.

We feel that this will be a positive move not just for new clients but our existing clients that have remained loyal to us over the past 25 years.

Some programmes recently produced at The Edit Store include Trump: What Next? (Panorama/BBC One); Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70 (Crux Productions/BBC One); Nile Rodgers: How to Make It in the Music Business (1212 Productions/BBC Four) Undercover: Britains Immigration Secrets (Panorama/BBC One); Chinas Pop Idols (Quicksilver Media/Channel 4); Inside No 10: Deal or No Deal? (Panorama/BBC One); House of Saud: A Family at War (BBC Current Affairs/BBC Two); Weinstein: The Inside Story (Panorama/BBC One).
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Tehachapi, CA (93561)

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Mainly clear. Low 57F. WNW winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph..

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Mainly clear. Low 57F. WNW winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
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Letter to the Editor

The efforts been renewed to bond for a new school. . Let me state the problem Everybody, including me, wants a new school, nobody wants to ...
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Along with the good news on Friday that the EU would allow short-term visa-free travel to British citizens in the event of a No-Deal Brexit, as long as this is reciprocal, there was an unpleasant surprise for Gibraltar. The draft EU document stated this would not cover British overseas territories citizens who have acquired their citizenship from a connection with Gibraltar, although chief minister Fabian Picardo later pointed out that this will not affect Gibraltarians because they are full British citizens in their own right.

A footnote to the text, added at the behest of Spain, says: Gibraltar is a colony of the British Crown. There is a controversy between Spain and the United Kingdom concerning the sovereignty over Gibraltar, a territory for which a solution has to be reached in light of the relevant resolutions and decisions of the General Assembly of the United Nations.

The UK and Gibraltar governments were quick to point out that Gibraltar is no longer a colony, with prime minister Theresa May saying that to describe it as such is completely unacceptable. In a statement headed Gibraltars legal status is a matter of fact, not opinion, the Gibraltar government pointed out that the relationship with the United Kingdom nowadays is that of a partnership and is no longer colonial in nature.

The British Overseas Territory is still featured on the UNs list of non-self-governing territories, but the authorities in the UK and Gibraltar insist that this is an anachronism and that it should be removed. Every year Gibraltar attends the UN Committee of 24 to ask for this to be done, but it is continually blocked by Spain.

The irony is that it is Spain itself that is keeping Gibraltar on the UN list and then using our presence there to label Gibraltar as a colony, said the statement.

In a TV interview chief minister Fabian Picardo said this wording would have no practical effect on Gibraltar leaving the European Union, or its sovereignty, but he described it as futile, unnecessary and provocative. This is totally out of place in the modern Europe of today, he said.
Changes to the SunCommercial's back end processing means the e-edition is getting a facelift. The biggest change is the e-edition, by default, is now presented in Text view.
The insurance companies and the regulators are saying that premium increases of 100 percent could have been worse, but tell that to the policyholders who have been paying for many years. The insurance regulators need to come up with better solutions. Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis needs to weigh in on this.
The district having been caught again, Clark provided board members with talking points. One noted that the District did not release redacted information; that was a decision and act taken by (the media/the Sun Sentinel). Another was that the District has complied with two court orders ruling that the redacted content is protected by state and federal statute. (I am/We are) troubled by the media's decision.
Though the trend most recently has been slightly upward, that change is of Trumps making. His administration has ordered the arrest of more family members. Immigration cases have doubled since Trump took office. Democrats have proposed money for more judges, but Trump has refused.
Less than 24 hours after his January 8 swearing-in, for example, our new governor was already reshaping the Florida Supreme Court in keeping with his pledge to end judicial activism that was reducing the power of the people and eroding individual liberty. He made Miami judge Barbara Lagoa the first of three conservative appointments to our highest court, and her appointment indeed set the tone when she observed that it is the role of judges to apply, not to alter, the work of the peoples representatives. Lagoa was followed within two weeks by a second conservative South Floridian, Robert Luck, and former Republican Governor Jeb Bushs onetime chief counsel, Carlos Muniz.
She told senators how she thought the loud pops of gunfire were a senior prank. She recalled seeing blood on the floor and thinking it was a red paintball. She described how she covered herself with a classmate who had been struck with a bullet and prayed that she wouldnt feel any pain when she died. She told them how she ran past bodies in the hall and how police collected her bloody dress.
I am horribly depressed as to why I am there, Guttenberg said Monday. I can't remove that reality that I am there because my daughter isn't here with me. We should be sitting on a couch watching this together."
The bill has received 284 co-sponsors in the House. Last year, the measure was blocked from coming to the floor by former Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., who is no longer in Congress, according to The Humane Society of the United States.
New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Partly cloudy with a slight chance of thunderstorms overnight. Low 73F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy with a slight chance of thunderstorms overnight. Low 73F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
"The interdiction and disruption of more than 17 tons of cocaine is a result of the collaboration and coordination of multiple Coast Guard and inter-agency assets to address the complex maritime challenge of transnational criminal organizations, said Cmdr. Michael Sharp, commanding officer of the cutter Forward.
Ballots will be printed on paper that is smaller and thinner, allowing the cost of mailing a ballot to drop from as much as $1.65 to 30 cents, she said. Link said 600,000 pieces of mail go out each election cycle.
Gregory is a seasoned expert in all aspects of the hydroponic industry, said Mike Ferree, vice president, Green Life Farms. His 17 years of hands-on experience in managing a hydroponic greenhouse makes him a vital addition to the Green Life Farms team, as we work to establish ourselves as an industry leader in sustainable farming practices.
People are frustrated not just with the superintendent but I think with the School Board, DeSantis said on Jan. 30. There seems like there is something new that happens every day where someone is not being listened to. There may be options where we can look at accountability there, but it will be different than me saying the superintendent is out.
After Mondays meeting, Alhadeff told the Sun Sentinel she wanted all the School Board members to attend. She said it bothers her the district fought hard to keep the meetings private. The issues were important to taxpayers and to parents in other nearby schools. I think the superintendent was trying to control the conversation, she said.
Animals are happier and healthier under human care, Covino said. Theyre not fighting for their food or becoming food. Im not going to put an animal in an exhibit where theyre going to be eaten by another animal. And theyre not going to starve. And theyre not going to die from red algae. That doesnt happen at a SeaQuest.
Billed as an experiment, the scooter program faces its fate soon. On Tuesday, city commissioners are scheduled to discuss whether to call the program a success and keep it permanently, perhaps with changes, or call it a failure and rid the streets and sidewalks of hundreds of scooters. No formal vote will be taken Tuesday, but the direction should be clear.
The Temple, 7 a.m. to dusk through mid-May. 9551 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs. Artist David Best worked with victims, grieving families, community members and first responders to create a 35-foot-tall Temple, with no religious affiliation. The Temple is not meant to be a memorial or permanent structure, but rather a place for the community to leave their pain. Free.
It is important to convey this powerful messagejust as we prevented the terror tunnels from reaching Israel, we will thwart any aggression from Lebanon, Syria or Iran itself, Netanyahu told the group. We are committed to preventing this aggression, and thus we are protecting not only Israel but also our neighbors and the peace of the entire world.
According to Nico Wouters, a historian and expert on the topic, the archives that would prove the railways part in the deportations are missing, most likely having been destroyed. Legally, we are in limbo, we do not know precisely the procedure set up by the Germans for the execution of deportations by the SNCB, he added.
At the same time, there was also concern within Israel over that by backing Guaido that this could lead to retaliatory measures by the Maduro regime against the countrys vulnerable Jewish community. The Jewish community, which once stood at around 25,000, has shrunk to as low as about 6,000 Jews as many have fled to the United States, Canada and Israel over fears of anti-Semitism from the Chavez and Maduro regimes.
I asked, did she know who it was? No. What color were they? She said it was a black person, the 66-year-old said, according to an audio recording of the actor. I went up and down areas with a cosh [a bludgeon], hoping Id be approached by somebody  Im ashamed to say that  and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some black bastard would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could  kill him.
But because the hospital was shut down for the night by the time she arrived, she was forced to wait until the next morning to be flown from the Bahamas to Broward Health in Fort Lauderdale. She arrived at Broward Health more than 15 hours after her stroke, the suit said.
Stratford Post Office.

THREE men will appear in court to face charges in connection with a burglary at a Stratford Post Office.

A 24-year-old man from Cradley Heath has been requisitioned to appear in court to face a charge of burglary.

A 23-year-old man from Birmingham will face a charge of burglary, a charge of possessing criminal property and two charges of fraud.

A 24-year-old man from Cradley Heath will face a charge of perverting the course of justice.

All three will appear at Warwickshire Magistrates' Court on 6th March.

The charges follow a break-in at the Post Office in Henley Street on the night of 6th January 2018.
Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money.

Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists.
ANDOVER [emdash] Wild Bill passed away and left his sister, Sharon, son, Jason, step daughters, Tiana and Sarah to remember him. He was PAPA to Devin and Emma and a darn good friend. He will be missed by many.
Boston's Unconstitutional Secret Policy

Contact: Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel, 407-875-1776, Liberty@LC.org



BOSTON, Mass., Feb. 5, 2019 /Standard Newswire/ -- Liberty Counsel has filed a brief regarding the city of Boston's censorship of a Christian flag which Camp Constitution requested to fly on a public forum, but the city denied the request.

The city regularly extends to other civic and cultural organizations the freedom to raise their flags on the city hall flagpoles to commemorate whatever events are important to the organizations. The city's application policy refers to the flagpoles as a public forum.

However, when Camp Constitution asked the city in 2017 for a permit to raise the Christian flag on Boston City Hall flagpoles to commemorate Constitution Day (September 17) and the civic and cultural contributions of the Christian community to the city of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, religious tolerance, the Rule of Law, and the U.S. Constitution, city officials denied the permit based on a secret, unwritten and unconstitutional "policy" of refusing religious flags. In the lawsuit, Shurtleff and Camp Constitution seek an injunction requiring the city to allow the Christian flag-raising event, that it denied in 2017 and 2018, to coincide with the observance of Constitution Day.

Liberty Counsel's Assistant Vice President of Legal Affairs, Roger Gannam, previously showed the trial court that the city's denial and secret "policy" are unconstitutional because the permit guidelines promise "to accommodate all applicants seeking to take advantage of the city of Boston's public forums." The city admitted in a court filing that its official policy is to make permit decisions based on whether the city approves the "message" of the applicant. The case is now before the court of appeals.

"The city's blatant discrimination against Camp Constitution's Christian viewpoint is an unconstitutional censorship and insult to the First Amendment," said Liberty Counsel's Founder and Chairman Mat Staver. "Boston's rich heritage has a focal point of liberty and free speech at America's founding, and that cannot be denied," said Staver.

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics. Liberty Counsel provides broadcast quality TV interviews via Hi-Def Skype and LTN at no cost.


GFA Mourns Death of Village Pastor Killed After Abduction at Gunpoint in Myanmar

Tun N., serving with GFA Asia field partner, leaves behind a wife and three children



Contact: Gregg Wooding,

972-567-7660



WILLS POINT, Texas, Feb. 5, 2019 /Standard Newswire/ -- GFA (Gospel for Asia, www.gfa.org) is mourning the loss of one of its field-partner workers, a pastor who has been reported dead after being abducted at gunpoint in Myanmar, formerly Burma.



Photo: Tun N., a GFA-supported pastor that served in Myanmar's Rakhine State who was killed after being abducted Jan. 19, is pictured here recently with his wife and family.



The tragic death of Tun N., aged 41, was confirmed Feb. 1. He was last seen alive when he was taken from his home the evening of Jan. 19. Latest reports say he was killed along with several others who had been taken by a rebel group.



"We are heartbroken to learn of Pastor Tun's death, and we ask you to join us in praying for his wife and family, and his church at this time, that they may know God's comfort, peace and strength," said GFA Founder Dr. K.P. Yohannan.



Married with three children, Pastor Tun led a congregation in Myanmar's Rakhine State. During 20 years as a pastor, he had shared the love of Christ with many and started several fellowships.



"All of our brothers and sisters in the field know that, as Jesus said, they go out as 'sheep among wolves,'" said Yohannan. "Like Pastor Tun, they are willing to lay down their lives, if need be, to share God's great love with those who have not yet heard the good news."



Pastor Tun's abduction and death is the first incident of its kind for GFA-supported ministry in Myanmar, which represents more than 500 congregations. The church has made a significant impact in this country. For updates, the public is encouraged to visit www.gfa.org.



GFA (Gospel for Asia, www.gfa.org) has  for nearly 40 years  provided humanitarian assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially among those who have yet to hear the Good News. In 2017, this included more than 70,000 sponsored children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,000 wells drilled, over 11,000 water filters installed, Christmas presents for more than 200,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry.


Milton, PA (17847)

Today

Thunderstorms this evening giving way to periods of light rain late. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening giving way to periods of light rain late. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.




UNICEF calls for concerted action to prevent bullying and harassment for the over 70 per cent of young people online worldwide





Thirty years after the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the creation of the World Wide Web, its time for renewed focus on childrens digital rights









UNICEF cautioned today of the dangers posed by online violence, cyberbullying and digital harassment for the 70.6 per cent of young people aged 15 to 24 years old who are online globally, and called for concerted action to tackle and prevent violence against children and young people online.





The call, made on Safer Internet Day, comes following a recent UNICEF poll of young people, which received more than 1 million responses over five weeks from more than 160 countries, and suggestions from a series of student-led #ENDviolence Youth Talks held around the world. In it, young people provided thoughtful responses about what they and their parents, teachers and policymakers could do to keep them safe -- and kindness stood out as one of the most powerful means to prevent bullying and cyberbullying.













The Internet has become a fixture of young peoples lives regardless of income level. According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), while 94 per cent of young people aged 15-24 in developed countries are online, more than 65 per cent of young people in developing countries are online. This is well ahead of the pace of Internet usage among the general population. Worldwide, half of the total population, regardless of age, is online. According to UNICEFs 2018 Report Keeping Children Safe and Empowered Online, 52.8 per cent of young people in Sri Lanka access the internet  with the average age of first access being 13 years.





This online proliferation comes with increased risk. According to data from UNESCO on the prevalence of cyberbullying in high income countries, the proportion of children and adolescents who are affected by cyberbullying ranges from 5 per cent to 21 per cent, with girls appearing to be more likely to experience cyberbullying than boys.





Sri Lanka must be commended for developing a National Plan of Action, of which the online safety of children has been made a priority. We all need to now accelerate its implementation to ensure that every child in Sri Lanka is protected from violence, abuse and exploitation.





This will fulfill Sri Lankas commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children said UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative, Tim Sutton.





Cyberbullying can cause profound harm as it can quickly reach a wide audience, and can remain accessible online indefinitely, virtually following its victims online for life. Bullying and cyberbullying feed into each other, forming a continuum of damaging behaviour. Victims of cyberbullying are more likely to use alcohol and drugs and skip school than other students. They also are more likely to receive poor grades and experience low self-esteem and health problems. In extreme situations, cyberbullying has led to suicide. On Safer Internet Day, UNICEF is reminding everyone that kindness  both online and off  is a responsibility that begins with each of us. According to the Ending Violence in Childhood Global Report 2017, 38 per cent of children in Sri Lanka aged 13 to 15 have experienced bullying, while 47 per cent of these children have also reported having physical fights.





In honor of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF is also calling for renewed urgency and cooperation to put childrens rights at the forefront of digital efforts. As part of this, UNICEF is implementing programs to leverage the internets promise of connectivity and education on behalf of the worlds children. For example, UNICEFs Internet of Good Things aims to bridge the digital divide and build knowledge in societies by hosting mobile-packaged content designed to make life-saving and life-improving information available for free, even on low-end devices.





The Convention on the Rights of the Child came into being in 1989. Since then, 194 state parties including Sri Lanka have ratified it, making it the most widely accepted human rights treaty in history. Sri Lanka ratified the CRC in 1991, which then led to the establishment of a National Childrens Charter based on the CRC, which was approved by the cabinet, enabling its application into state policy.






The unfortunate attacks on a Buddhist statue in Mawanelle was not something unexpected. Such an incident, likely to trigger violence against Muslims, was expected in view of the presence of global anti-Muslim forces in the island.

In an article in October 2018, I predicted such incidents may happen in view of the government policy of opening the country to global evil forces which have unleashed unprecedented violence demonizing Islam, invading and destroying Muslim countries and killing millions of Muslims.





In that article I explained how global anti-Muslim forces which destroyed ten Muslim countries, killed millions of Muslims and driven out around seven million Muslims to refugee camps to live in appalling conditions, are here. This include United States, Britain, France, Russia, Israel and India and China, persecuting Muslims in their own countries, besides their Saudi and Abu Dhabi collaborators.





These forces especially Israel and Indias RSS, parent body of ruling BJP, are entertained in Sri Lanka by ministers known for their hostility towards Muslims. So much so there were reports of VHP mercenaries opening an office in Vavuniya while some Tamil mercenaries went on demonstration in Batticaloa with Israeli flags shouting pro-Israeli slogans provoking Muslims.





Former Federal Party member Maravanpulavu Sachithananthan who calls himself Sri Lanka Shiv Sena chief together with Batticaloa TNA Parliamentarian Yogeswaran began a campaign in Jaffna against cow slaughter. Sensing the threat to Tamil-Muslim relations sensible Tamils crushed this movement at inception.





Presence of these forces is recipe for disaster as they are busy cultivating politicians, media, intellectuals and others brain washing them against Muslims.





However the islands sinking Muslim community, betrayed by their politicians and so called preachers, remains clueless. This is dangerous especially with a government which remains indifferent towards Muslims as demonstrated in its failure to prevent violence against Muslims in Gintota, Amparai, Digana, Akurana and numerous other places.





Muslims are sandwiched between these forces and their politicians and religious body, All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulema, ACJU, which is incapable of understanding the potential threats to the community and accused of widespread corruption.





There are 21 Muslim parliamentarians and they are contented with their positions and perks. They remain indifferent to communitys burning issues. Unlike Muslim politicians, Tamil politicians decline posts but support governments which help solve Tamil issues.





It was under such political atmosphere came the shocking Mawanella incident.





In the midst the electronic media started highlighting a year old incident involving some South Eastern University Engineering faculty students who had climbed Kiralagala stupa. These students, according to many, climbed the stupa as there was no sign saying that this was an archaeological or religious site and they never meant to insult Buddhist sentiments. The question is why raise this year old incident now in the wake of Mawanella incident? Perhaps to provoke Sinhalese against Muslims!





According to electronic media, Minister Champika Ranawaka has emphasized that these students should be dealt with seriously. However he has failed to do the same to those in custody for their organized violence against Muslims in Digana and Akurana which caused death and destruction to Muslims.





In the midst come reports of weapons being buried in a secret location in Puttalam area and at the residence of the father of one of the Muslims reported to have been involved in the Mawanella incident.





Under the circumstance it is in the interest of communal harmony to inform the public of really what happened. This would help prevent racist elements from exploiting the incident to implement their agendas.





Already a team of Muslims have met and urged relevant authorities to disclose the details. Meanwhile it appears, timely steps taken by Minister Kabir Hashim, helped to contain the situation.





According to reports some of the Muslims accused of involvement in the Mawanella incident were attached to All Ceylon Jamaathe Islami, a movement founded by the great Islamic scholar Sayyid Abdul Ala Mawdudi, to impart knowledge on Islam to create an intellectual society. There were reports saying they were sacked due to their difference of opinion.





According to reports the father of one of these boys was also taken to custody after police discovered weapons at his house. People in the area dismiss the allegations and question how come these weapons came there.





People from the area also dismiss the possibility of these youths attacking the Buddhist statue as they are very well aware of the seriousness, its impact on Sinhalese community and repercussions. They point out that these boys were such peaceful people that one cannot even think of them committing such a crime.





Meanwhile there were reports of these boys, supposed to be belonging to a wider network, being brainwashed to commit such crimes. The question is who brainwashed them and how did they get into this trap.





People in the area, confused and frightened, suspect that this could be a planned conspiracy to trigger communal violence especially in the context of the recent statement by Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya saying that racism is on the rise.





There are plenty of mercenaries here to implement evil agendas and trigger violence against Muslims. This is an era which has seen religious, moral and all other human values disappear in the face of money.





This is the reason why many knowledgeable Muslims and non-Muslims alike, including Buddhist monks, demand that complete details about the Mawanella incident be told to public. They also fear that the chaotic political scene in the country may be exploited by politicians.





Muslim community in general remains in disarray unable to understand hostile forces and their conspiracies.





Realising the seriousness of the situation some preachers appealed to Muslims to unite and return to Allahs Islam and Prophet Muhammads (PBUH) sayings, from which they have deviated .Though a small minority the Muslim community in the island remain divided into various groups all claiming to follow Islam though their paths deviated from the basic Islamic principles.





For example well know preacher Shaikh Agar Muhammad of Naleemiya Islamic Academy urged Muslims to unite. In trying to tell some home truths he explained the ridiculous state of affairs of the community and the need for radical reforms to put the housed in order.





Added to this another preacher Yusuf Mufti said that the community has abandoned Islam and deviated from the teachings of Islam. He too insisted on the need for Muslims to return to Islam to regain their lost respect and peace. They need to become Muslims in deeds and words.





Meanwhile racist politics of mainstream United National Party and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and selfish Muslim politics gave birth to so call Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, SLMC, which came with the slogan of Islam and Unity. Islam disappeared at the inception and the slogan of unity is shamefully displayed in the more than half a dozen splinter groups which were created by Sinhala leaderships to suit their agendas.





Today SLMC and its splinter groups exploit Islam to promote their political agendas at the expense of the community.





The Muslim civil society remain confused, clueless, weak and aimless. They turn for leadership to ACJU which, by and large, has lost the respect and confidence of large majority of educated elements in the community.





Reiterating this view a Buddhist monk recently accused ACJU of failing to guide the community. This is a severe indictment on the ACJU which needs to be thoroughly reorganized with scholars respected by the community. They need to be proactive and serve the community in keeping with the need of the hour and in keeping with the teachings of proper Islam and not petro dollar Islam.





However such appeals fail to fall in the deaf ears of ACJU as well as the civil society. Yet there is some silver line as youths all over the island started taking initiatives to improve the overall condition of the younger generation with education and other facilities.





Many in the community remember when Muslims were attacked in Gintota, Amparai, Digana and Akurana and other isolated places both President Sirisena and the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe failed to protect them. According to local dailies police gave a free hand to mob despite prior knowledge of such attacks. STF entered mosque at Kumbukkandurai with shoes, dragged out imam and muezzin and thrashed them before a Buddhist monk saved them while a doctor at Teldeniya hospital refused to treat a Muslim wounded in racist attacks.





However, despite all such atrocities, neither Muslim politicians nor the ACJU failed to get together to seek means to protect the community from any future carnage. Perhaps they are waiting for another attack on Muslims to wake up and issue statements.





The government is aware that elections are coming and thus do not want to upset Muslims. However no one knows what is in store for Muslims after elections especially in the context of the presence global anti-Muslim conspirators.
Chahid El Hafed (Saharwi Refugee Camps), 05 Feb 2019 (SPS) - the Secretary General of the of Sahrawi Women Union (UNMS), Fatima El-Mehdi, affirmed this Sunday that the VIII Congress of the Union of Saharawi Women will take place in Auserd from February 23 to 25 under the theme "Together we march towards victory and liberation" will be a platform to raise awareness about the Sahrawi cause and to let the foreign delegations know the experience of the Sahrawi State in various fields.

UNMSSG said in a press conference to national media, that the Congress that will bear the name of the Martyr, Sidam-mi Mojtar Mohamed, will host different workshops such as the political participation of Sahrawi women, human rights, Breach of international law by the European Union in Western Sahara.

Fatima El-Mehdi went on saying that this important event will be attended by delegations from Africa, Europe and Latin America, the foreign and national press that will cover the activities of the event.

She also pointed out that foreign participation reflects the dimension reached by the just struggle of the Saharawi people at the international level. SPS

125/090/TRA
Arms Race Will Europe Be Victim of Nuclear Power Plays?

U.S. President Trump has accused Russia of violating the INF arms control treaty and has suspended the pact, firing the starting gun on a new high-tech arms race. NATO is caught in the middle of what's been described in Berlin as the "Trump-Putin problem." By DER SPIEGEL Staff
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UN experts say North Korea shielding missiles at airports



United Nations, United States, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2019



North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs remain intact and Pyongyang is using airports and other facilities to shield its weapons from possible "decapitation" strikes, according to a UN panel of experts.

The panel said in a report seen by AFP on Tuesday that sanctions against North Korea were "ineffective," with Pyongyang acquiring illegal shipments of oil products, selling banned coal and violating an arms embargo.

"The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs remain intact," said the report sent to the Security Council.

"The panel found that the DPRK is using civilian facilities, including airports for ballistic missile assembly and testing with the goal of effectively preventing 'decapitation' strikes," it said.

The council received the report as President Donald Trump prepared for a second summit this month with leader Kim Jong Un that the United States hopes will yield concrete progress in dismantling Pyongyang's weapons programs.

The Trump administration has led the drive at the United Nations to impose a series of tough economic sanctions on North Korea in response to its nuclear tests and missile launches in 2017.

But North Korea has resorted to illegal transfers of oil, fuel and coal using a network of ships at sea to circumvent measures aimed at depriving Pyongyang of revenue to build up its weapons programs.

"These violations render the latest United Nations sanctions ineffective by flouting the caps on the DPRK's import of petroleum products and crude oil as well as the coal ban imposed in 2017," said the report.

UN sanctions resolutions have set ceilings for North Korea of four million barrels of crude oil per year and 500,000 barrels of refined oil products.

"The panel found that DPRK ports and airports are used for rampant violations of the resolution ranging from illegal oil imports and coal exports to the smuggling of bulk cash by DPRK nationals," said the report.

North Korea continues to violate an arms embargo and attempted to supply light weapons to Syria, the Huthi rebels in Yemen, Libya and Sudan, it added.

"Financial sanctions remain some of the most poorly implemented and actively evaded measures of the sanctions regime," said the panel.

North Korean financial institutions operate in at least five countries despite UN-imposed restrictions while its diplomats help their country evade sanctions by controlling bank accounts in multiple countries.
Kabul must be involved in peace talks: US general



Washington, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2019



The Afghan government must be involved in talks between the US and the Taliban if a push for a peace deal is to be successful, a top general said Tuesday.

A months-long drive by the US to engage with the Taliban has ostensibly been aimed at convincing them to talk to Kabul, but the Taliban see President Ashraf Ghani and his government as US-backed puppets.

"Ultimately, we need to get to a Taliban-Afghanistan discussion," General Joseph Votel, the head of US Central Command, told US lawmakers.

"Only they will be able to resolve the key issues involved in the dispute."

The talks, led by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, come as President Donald Trump seeks to pull US troops from Afghanistan.

"I would characterize where we are in the process as very, very early in the process," Votel said.

"Ambassador Khalilzad is attempting to create a framework by which we can move forward with discussions. That would be certainly involving the government of Afghanistan."

Ghani said Tuesday on Twitter that he had spoken to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who "underscored the central importance of ensuring the centrality of the Afghan government in the peace process."

The Taliban meanwhile are meeting with envoys, many with competing interests in Afghanistan.

On Tuesday in Moscow, they met Afghan politicians from outside the government and demanded a new constitution for Afghanistan while promising an "inclusive Islamic system."

While no representatives from the Kabul government were invited, some of Ghani's chief rivals -- including former president Hamid Karzai -- were there.
C.Africa government inks peace deal with militias



Khartoum, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2019



The government of the Central African Republic and 14 armed groups inked a new peace accord on Tuesday seeking to end years of fighting that have left thousands of people dead.

The accord was initialled by President Faustin-Archange Touadera for the CAR government and by representatives of militias that control most of the chronically-troubled country.

It will be formally signed on Wednesday morning in the country's capital Bangui, CAR authorities said of the agreement whose terms were not immediately revealed.

"The contents will be made public after the signature," the head of the CAR government delegation, Firmin Ngrebada, said.

There was also no word on what compromises may have been needed to achieve the accord.

"The Khartoum Agreement opens the door for peace to return to our homeland," Touadera declared at the ceremony. "It is now time to open a new page for Central Africa. Let's go together to Bangui to build our country together."

The agreement, brokered by the African Union after 18 months of exploratory work and sponsored by the UN, is the eighth attempt in almost six years to forge peace in a country stricken by turmoil and poverty.

Thousands of people have been killed and a quarter of the population of 4.5 million have fled their homes.

The UN says unrest has driven so many people from their farms that hundreds of thousands are at risk of famine.

Herbert Gontran Djono Ahaba, speaking on behalf of the armed groups, said: "The difficult time starts now, and that is implementing the Khartoum Agreement... This agreement is crucial for peace."

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said his country was delighted to have hosted the talks and vowed to "continue to be a partner" in peace efforts.

After the agreement was initialled, representatives of the armed groups shook hands with Touadera and Bashir.

Past stumbling blocks in peace negotiations have include rebel demands for an amnesty, something that the CAR government, under pressure from Western allies, has refused.

After the deal was announced on Saturday, Aboubakar Sidik, spokesman for one of the main armed factions, the Popular Front for the Rebirth of Central African Republic (FPRC), said "a consensus has been reached on sticking points which were an amnesty and an inclusive government".



- Troubled country -



The history of peacemaking in the CAR is littered with failures. All seven previous agreements have failed to stick.

The last attempt, in 2017, was forged with the help of the Catholic church, but fighting resumed within a day, leaving a hundred people killed in the central town of Bria.

In Bangui, local resident Ambroise Saraga said hopes were high that this deal stood a better chance.

"This is what we've been expecting, that two sides who do not get along meet around a (negotiating) table," he said.

At citizens' meetings and forums around the country, many members of the public had expressed "zero tolerance" for those who committed crimes and violence, he said.

The Khartoum talks began on January 24 after several false starts because of outstanding differences. A major sticking point was the creation of a mechanism to follow up any peace agreement.

The CAR began its descent into turmoil in 2012, when a mainly Muslim rebel movement called the Seleka rose in the country's north.

The following year, insurgents overthrew President Francois Bozize, a Christian -- a move that triggered the rise of a predominantly Christian militia called the anti-Balaka.

Fearing a Rwandan-style genocide, former colonial ruler France intervened militarily under a UN mandate.

The Seleka were forced from power and in February 2016, Touadera, a former prime minister, was elected president.

But Touadera only controls a fraction of the state, despite the support of more than 13,000 troops and police in the UN's MINUSCA mission.

Eighty percent of the country is held by militias, who typically portray themselves as defenders of a community or religious group but often fight over mineral wealth -- a hoard that ranges from gold to uranium and diamonds.
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C.Africa government inks peace deal with militias



Khartoum, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2019



The government of the Central African Republic and 14 armed groups on Tuesday inked a new peace accord seeking to end years of fighting that have left thousands of people dead.

The accord was initialled by President Faustin-Archange Touadera for the CAR government and representatives of militias which control most of the chronically-troubled country.

It will be formally signed in the CAR capital of Bangui "in the coming days," Touadera's office said, without announcing a date.

"The Khartoum Agreement opens the door for peace to return to our homeland," Touadera declared at the ceremony. "It is now time to open a new page for Central Africa. Let's go together to Bangui to build our country together."

The agreement, brokered by the African Union after 18 months of exploratory work and sponsored by the UN, is the eighth attempt in almost six years to forge peace in a country stricken by turmoil and poverty.

Thousands of people have been killed and a quarter of the population of 4.5 million have fled their homes.

The UN says unrest has driven so many people from their farms that hundreds of thousands are at risk of famine.

Herbert Gontran Djono Ahaba, speaking on behalf of the armed groups, said: "The difficult time starts now, and that is implementing the Khartoum Agreement... This agreement is crucial for peace."

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said his country was delighted to have hosted the talks and vowed to "continue to be a partner" in peace efforts.

After the agreement was initialled, representatives of the armed groups shook hands with Touadera and Bashir.

The text of the agreement was not immediately made public, and there was no word on what compromises may have been needed to achieve it.

"The contents will be made public after the signature," the head of the CAR government delegation, Firmin Ngrebada, said.

Past stumbling blocks in peace negotiations have include rebel demands for an amnesty, something that the CAR government, under pressure from Western allies, has refused.

After the deal was announced on Saturday, Aboubakar Sidik, spokesman for one of the main armed factions, the Popular Front for the Rebirth of Central African Republic (FPRC), said "a consensus has been reached on sticking points which were an amnesty and an inclusive government."



- Troubled country -



The history of peacemaking in the CAR is littered with failures. All seven previous agreements have failed to stick.

The last attempt, in 2017, was forged with the help of the Catholic church, but fighting resumed within a day, leaving a hundred people killed in the central town of Bria.

In Bangui, local resident Ambroise Saraga said hopes were high that this deal stood a better chance.

"This is what we've been expecting, that two sides who do not get along meet around a (negotiating) table," he said.

At citizens' meetings and forums around the country, many members of the public had expressed "zero tolerance" for those who committed crimes and violence, he said.

The Khartoum talks began on January 24 after several false starts because of outstanding differences. A major sticking point was the creation of a mechanism to follow up any peace agreement.

The CAR began its descent into turmoil in 2012, when a mainly Muslim rebel movement called the Seleka rose in the country's north.

The following year, insurgents overthrew President Francois Bozize, a Christian -- a move that triggered the rise of a predominantly Christian militia called the anti-Balaka.

Fearing a Rwandan-style genocide, former colonial ruler France intervened militarily under a UN mandate.

The Seleka were forced from power and in February 2016, Touadera, a former prime minister, was elected president.

But Touadera only controls a fraction of the state, despite the support of more than 13,000 troops and police in the UN's MINUSCA mission.

Eighty percent of the country is held by militias, who typically portray themselves as defenders of a community or religious group but often fight over mineral wealth -- a hoard that ranges from gold to uranium and diamonds.
Top general not consulted before Trump's Syria pull-out decision



Washington, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2019



The top general overseeing US military actions in the Middle East said Tuesday that President Donald Trump did not consult him ahead of the decision to pull US troops from Syria.

Trump last month claimed the Islamic State group had been defeated in Syria and said all US troops were "coming back now."

The president had long questioned America's multiple and seemingly interminable wars, but his withdrawal order came as a shock to Washington, upending years of doctrine in Syria.

"I was not aware of the specific announcement. Certainly we were aware that he had expressed a desire and intent in the past to depart Syria," US Central Command head General Joseph Votel, who is retiring in the coming weeks, told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

"I was not consulted," he added.

The detail that Trump did not speak to Votel ahead of the momentous decision will likely fuel critics who say the president refuses to listen to experts and instead relies on his gut -- or even the counsel of foreign leaders.

Trump made his decision after a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who had said Istanbul would lead the fight against IS remnants in Syria.

Despite Trump's decision, America still has 2,000 or so troops in Syria and only non-essential gear has been pulled.

Votel said the US withdrawal from Syria would be cautious and deliberate, and noted that IS are still not beaten.

The jihadists retain control a pocket of about 20 square miles (50 square kilometers) in the Middle Euphrates River Valley in eastern Syria, according to Votel.

He said between 1,000 to 1,500 IS fighters remain in that area, though noted thousands more had "gone to ground" elsewhere in Syria.

Trump is in an ongoing feud with the US intelligence community, which last week warned IS can quickly rebuild into a cohesive force in any vacuum left in the war-torn country.
C.Africa govt inks peace deal with 14 armed groups



Khartoum, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2019



The government of the Central African Republic and 14 armed groups inked a new peace accord on Tuesday to end years of fighting that has left thousands of people dead.

The accord, the eighth since 2012, was initialled by President Faustin Archange Touadera for the CAR government, an AFP correspondent reported.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who hosted the talks in Khartoum, sponsored by the African Union and the United Nations, that culminated in the deal, was also present at the ceremony.

The text of the Khartoum Agreement has not been released and there was no word on what compromises had been reached on past stumbling blocks such as rebel demands for an amnesty.

After initialling the agreement, the representatives of the 14 armed groups shook hands with Touadera and Bashir.

The initialling is to be followed by a formal signing in the CAR capital Bangui at a date yet to be set.

The latest round of talks which opened in Khartoum on January 24, had been repeatedly suspended because of the outstanding differences between the two sides before the deal was struck.
Photographers in Iraq's Mosul snap dark days, bright futures



Mosul, Iraq, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2019



Ashraf al-Atraqji carefully stepped around tufts of weeds sprouting in a mountain of rubble in Iraq's Mosul, found a seat on a sun-soaked rock, and struck a pose for the photographer.

Behind him stretched the ruins of the Prophet Yunus mosque, an ancient monument infamously destroyed by the Islamic State group when it overran Mosul in 2014.

A year and a half after Iraqi forces recaptured Mosul from IS, residents have been hiring local photographers to capture mementos of their city's darkest days.

Looking out at the metal fences and barbed wire now surrounding what's left of the mosque, 38-year-old Atraqji told AFP he hoped those days never return.

"Each stone in this place is linked to the history and identity of our city," said the father of three, his goatee neatly trimmed and wearing stylish sunglasses.

"I want to document what the terrorists did so that my children can build a future beyond these ruins."

He wasn't the only one. A little further up the hill, a couple positioned themselves near a concrete wall marred with graffiti as the sun cast a golden glow.

"We want a souvenir, a piece of evidence of the horrors IS perpetrated in Mosul," said the 32-year-old woman, who identified herself as Um Mohammad.

When IS swept across parts of Iraq in 2014 it massacred civilians, leaving their remains in dozens of mass graves across the country that the United Nations says could hold up to 12,000 victims.

Jihadists imposed their ultra-conservative interpretation of Islamic law, destroying everything from centuries-old churches to musical instruments.

They even raided some 300 photography studios, tearing pictures off the walls.

Terrified of being fined or subject to IS's horrifying atrocities, studio owners and photographers fled or hid their equipment.



- Capturing the comeback -



Many of Mosul's commercial districts have witnessed a modest revival.

Religious leaders laid the first stone to rebuild the iconic Al-Nuri mosque, and Dominican priests are saving 16th-century books and irreplaceable records.

Residents and the amateur photographers they've hired are doing their own kind of archiving, too, including open-air photo galleries and family portraiture.

Mohammad Dhia posed with his two young children in a recently-renovated square in the city's bustling downtown.

Like many of Iraq's 20 million internet users -- nearly half the population -- he hoped to upload his shots to his Facebook profile.

"They're high-quality, beautiful photographs and it's my way of helping young photographers," said Dhia, 27.

Clad in white trousers, a patterned burgundy shirt and dark shoes, he hugged his stylishly-dressed children close to him in the crisp Mosul winter.

When the session is done, Dhia slid a few bills to the photographer.

A single picture costs between 1,000 and 2,000 Iraqi dinars, or less than $2, said photographer Mohammad Bassem.

For longer sessions lasting several hours, he charges between $20 and $50.

"I do this after my university courses, and it allows me to make a bit to help out my family," the 24-year-old told AFP.

Despite their cheap rates, these self-taught photographers have to shell out a sizeable sum to buy their equipment.

"Our cameras cost between 200 and 600 dollars," said Bassem.



- Lights, camera, action -



The square in downtown Mosul teemed with amateur portrait photographers carrying flashes, tripods, and reflectors to control light and shadow.

They gave directions to their subjects: stand up straight, tilt your chin, look towards the setting sun.

One young man posed with a guitar, another with a violin.

Some struck a pensive look while perched on a bench; others were lost in thought staring into a pool of water. Even members of the security forces, dressed head-to-toe in camouflage, struck a pose.

Photographers often went the extra mile by retouching the images to eliminate blemishes and brighten eyes.

But in a Mosul that remains broadly conservative, not everyone was willing to join in.

Noha Ahmed, 25, watched the amateur shoots from afar and said they felt too risky for her.

"I'm afraid that my pictures would be used for something and that it would cause me problems," she told AFP.

str/sbh/mjg/rsc/kjm
Lima Group calls for Venezuela regime change without force (2ndlead)



Ottawa, Feb 4 (AFP) Feb 04, 2019



The Lima Group of Latin American countries and Canada called Monday for a peaceful change in government in Venezuela, without military intervention.

They also urged Venezuela's military to support opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president and "not to impede the entry and transit of humanitarian assistance to Venezuelans."

Eleven of the group's 14 members said in a joint statement after meeting in Ottawa -- which saw protesters briefly disrupt a closing press conference -- that they "reiterate their support for a process of peaceful transition through political and diplomatic means without the use of force."

At the same time, the group welcomed into the Lima Group Guaido's "legitimate government of Venezuela" and vowed to "recognize and work with" his representatives in their respective countries.

At a closing press conference, host Chrystia Freeland, Canada's foreign minister, said 34 countries have so far recognized Guaido as Venezuela's interim leader until new elections are held.

She pressed the entire international community to join them, and to also freeze the assets of President Nicolas Maduro's "dictatorial regime." Those monies should be placed in the hands of the transition government, she said.

Pressed about possible military intervention in Venezuela, Freeland was unequivocal -- it is not an option.

"This is a process led by the people of Venezuela in their very brave quest to return their country themselves to democracy in accordance with their own constitution," she said.

Peru's Foreign Minister Nestor Popolizio echoed those comments, saying: "We would not consider the use of force."

Two women using press credentials to access the event briefly interrupted, unfurling a banner and chanting "Hands off Venezuela" before being escorted away by security.

Freeland smiled and remarked that protesting was a right guaranteed by the constitution in Canada, one that "I am sad to say political protesters in Venezuela do not (have)."

Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged Can$53 million ($40 million US) in humanitarian aid for Venezuelans amid the deepening crisis.

The bulk of the funds is set to go to "trusted partners" and neighboring countries to help them support three million refugees that have fled Venezuela, he said.



- 'Very close' to reclaiming freedom -



Guaido has accused the military -- controlled by President Nicolas Maduro -- of planning to divert international humanitarian aid headed for the crisis-torn country.

"We have received information, from the circle close to the high command, who are no longer evaluating if they let it enter or not, but how they will steal it from us," Guaido told reporters in Caracas.

"They are going to hijack it to distribute it through the CLAP," he alleged, referring to the socialist government's program to distribute subsidized food boxes to its supporters.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and European Union deputy diplomatic chief Helga Schmid also participated by videoconference in the Lima Group talks.

Guaido, who heads the opposition-controlled National Assembly, addressed the gathering in a video message, saying he looked forward to having "free and fair elections as soon as possible in order to restore democracy to Venezuela."

Venezuelans are "very close to reclaiming their freedom," he said.

The next Lima Group meeting is due to be hosted by Colombia.

Emergency talks at the headquarters of the Organization of American States in Washington will also be held on February 14 to help deliver aid to the country's population facing major shortages of food and medicine.
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Facebook lets senders undo sent Messenger missives



San Francisco, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2019



Facebook on Tuesday added a Messenger feature for anyone who has fired off a comment they regretted -- a way to take it back.

Messenger users will now have a 10-minute window after sending a message to undo it, leaving behind a note telling everyone in a conversation that the remark was removed, according to the leading online social network.

"Have you ever accidentally sent a message to the wrong group of friends, mistyped something, or simply wanted to remove a message in a chat?" Facebook asked rhetorically.

"You're not the only one! Starting today, we are launching a feature where you can easily remove your message on Messenger."

Facebook owns the mobile messaging application used by more than a billion people.

Early last year it was revealed that Facebook co-founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg was apparently able to remove his sent messages, which caused pressure to make the feature available to all.

The freshly added feature will let people tap on a message shown in a Messenger conversation then select a "Remove for Everyone" option, which will only be available for 10 minutes from when it was sent.

The remove feature will be available on mobile devices powered by the latest versions of Apple or Android software, according to Facebook.

gc/rl
Zuckerberg sees 'positive' force of Facebook despite firestorm



San Francisco, Feb 4 (AFP) Feb 04, 2019



Mark Zuckerberg said Monday he sees Facebook as a largely "positive" force for society as the embattled social network marked its 15th anniversary.

Even as Facebook is facing a wave of criticism over issues of manipulation, misinformation, abuse and other social ills, Zuckerberg said it would be a mistake "to overly emphasize the negative" impacts of social media and the internet.

The Facebook co-founder and chief executive said he sees profound social changes "as networks of people connected via the internet replace traditional hierarchies and reshape institutions from government to business to media."

In a post on his Facebook page, he argued that "while any rapid social change creates uncertainty, I believe what we're seeing is people having more power, and a long term trend reshaping society to be more open and accountable over time."

He said Facebook and other social networks have fundamentally changed how people interact with their communities and institutions.

"I'll never forget how right after we launched News Feed, we saw millions of people organize marches against violence in Colombia. We saw communities come together to do viral fundraiser," he wrote.

Zuckerberg added: "If the last 15 years were about people building these new networks and starting to see their impact, then the next 15 years will be about people using their power to remake society in ways that have the potential to be profoundly positive for decades to come."

Facebook has seen unprecedented success by amassing more than 2.3 billion people worldwide who actively use the social network to share updates, obtain information and connect with new people.

Despite the wave of scandals, Facebook took in a record $22 billion profit for 2018 as revenues surged to $55 billion.

Zuckerberg has acknowledged that Facebook needs to do more to restore trust, and ferret out misinformation and abuse, and on Monday repeated his pledge to spend more "on safety and security."

His comments come 15 years after he and classmates at Harvard University founded what was known as "the facebook" and began a mission described by Zuckerberg as connecting the world.

gc/rl
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Nancy Madsen has written for newspapers in Watertown, N.Y., and Mankato, as well as for PolitiFact Virginia at the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Richmond, Va. Nancy is a graduate of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., and Syracuse University in Syracuse, N.Y.
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Southern University Gospel Choir (SUGC), under the direction of Ernest Bowman, Jr., prepares for a performance in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.
A new international study finds that the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC), a deep-ocean process that plays a key role in regulating Earths climate, is primarily driven by cooling waters west of Europe.

In a departure from the prevailing scientific view, the study shows that most of the overturning and variability is occurring not in the Labrador Sea off Canada, as past modeling studies have suggested, but in regions between Greenland and Scotland. There, warm, salty, shallow waters carried northward from the tropics by currents and wind, sink and convert into colder, fresher, deep waters moving southward through the Irminger and Iceland basins.

Overturning variability in this eastern section of the ocean was seven times greater than in the Labrador Sea, and it accounted for 88 percent of the total variance documented across the entire North Atlantic over the 21-month study period.

These findings, unexpected as they may be, can help scientists better predict what changes might occur to the MOC and what the climate impacts of those changes will be, said Susan Lozier, the Ronie-Rochele Garcia-Johnson Professor of Earth and Ocean Sciences at Duke Universitys Nicholas School of the Environment.

To aid predictions of climate in the years and decades ahead, we need to know where this deep overturning is currently taking place and what is causing it to vary, said Lozier, who led the international observational study that produced the new data.

Overturning carries vast amounts of anthropogenic carbon deep into the ocean, helping to slow global warming, said co-author Penny Holliday of the National Oceanography Center in Southampton, U.K. The largest reservoir of this anthropogenic carbon is in the North Atlantic.

Overturning also transports tropical heat northward, Holliday said, meaning any changes to it could have an impact on glaciers and Arctic sea ice. Understanding what is happening, and what may happen in the years to come, is vital.

Scientists from 16 research institutions from seven countries collaborated on the new study. They published their peer-reviewed findings Feb. 1 in Science.

I cannot say enough about the importance of this international collaboration to the success of this project, Lozier said. Measuring the circulation in the subpolar North Atlantic is incredibly challenging so we definitely needed an all hands on deck approach.

This paper is the first from the $32 million, five-year initial phase of the OSNAP (Overturning in the Subpolar North Atlantic Program) research project, in which scientists have deployed moored instruments and sub-surface floats across the North Atlantic to measure the oceans overturning circulation and shed light on the factors that cause it to vary. Lozier is lead investigator of the project, which began in 2014.

As scientists, it is exciting to learn that there are more pieces to the overturning puzzle than we first thought, said co-author Johannes Karstensen of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, in Germany.

Though the overturning in the Labrador Sea is smaller than we expected, we have learned that this basin plays a large role in transporting freshwater from the Arctic, Karstensen said. Continued measurements in that basin will be increasingly important, as the Arctic changes unexpectedly.

The new paper contains data collected over a 21-month period from August 2014 to April 2016.

Primary funding came from the U.S. National Science Foundations Physical Oceanography Program and the United Kingdoms Natural Environment Research Council. Additional funding came from the European Union 7th Framework Programme and Horizon 2020.

Co-authors hailed from Duke; the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, U.K.; Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; the Scottish Association for Marine Sciences; the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and Utrecht University; Memorial University in St. Johns, Canada; GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, Germany; and the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Canada.

They were also scientists from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science; the University of Oxford; Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego; the Ocean University of China and Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology; the National Oceanography Center in Liverpool, U.K.; the Laboratoire dOceanographie Physique et Spatiale in Plouzane, France; and the University of Liverpool.

CITATION: A Sea Change in Our View of Overturning in the Subpolar North Atlantic M.S. Lozier, F. Li, S. Bacon, F. Bahr, A.S. Bower, S.A. Cunningham, M.F. de Jong, L. de Steur, B. DeYoung, J. Fischer, S.F. Gary, N.J.W. Greenan, N.P. Holliday, A. Houk, L. Houpert, M.E. Inall, W.E. Johns, H.L. Johnson, C. Johnson, J. Karstensen, G. Koman, I.A. LeBras, X. Lin, N. Mackay, D.P. Marshall, H. Mercier, M. Oltmanns, R.S. Pickart, A.L. Ramsey, D. Rayner, F. Straneo, V. Thierry, D.J. Torres, R.G. Williams, C. Wilson, J. Yang, I. Yashayaev and J. Zhao. Science, Feb. 1, 2019. DOI: 10.1126/science.aau6592

Source

Duke University, Durham | Susan Lozier 2019
Posted Monday, February 04, 2019 1:03:20 PM

2019 is off to a great start for The Bold and the Beautiful alum Winsor Harmon (ex-Thorne Forrester). The actor has two new films on the horizon: Sarogeto and Cult Cartel.

Winsor Harmon is no longer working long hours as The Bold and the Beautiful's Thorne Forrester, having been replaced by Ingo Rademacher back in 2017. And that means he's free to take on lots and lots of projects, which it seems he's been doing recently.

The Louisiana native took to Instagram with a behind-the-scenes video from his new film Sarogeto. Harmon plays the lead in the story that follows a terminally ill woman who sets out to replace herself as a wife and mother with a younger replica of herself -- without telling her husband and young son. However, when she shockingly regains her health, her family has already fallen in love with her more beautiful replacement.

"Incredible cast & crew...excited about this journey!" Harmon says of the film, which also stars Ikumi Yoshimatsu and Ruby Park.

Harmon has also another film on the books called Cult Cartel, which he filmed in the summer of 2018 with a projected 2019 release. The actor is once again playing the role of Ryan McBride, which he originally played in 2013's Cathedral Canyon.

Harmon's costar in the film, Noelle Wheeler, shared a behind-the-scenes photo with the tease that she was ready to "rock n roll" on the project.

Harmon also took to Instagram with some behind-the-scenes photos of what looks like quite an action-packed thriller.

Winsor Harmon's career began with a short-lived stint as All My Children's Del Henry in 1994. He took on the role of B&B's Thorne in 1996 and played the role on-again, off-again until executive producer Bradley Bell's shocking decision to recast the character with Ingo Rademacher in 2017. Rademacher has since announced his decision to leave the CBS soap opera, which means there's at least a chance Harmon could step back into the role at some point down the line.
Posted Monday, February 04, 2019 9:50:54 AM

As the World Turns alum Jordana Brewster (ex-Nikki Munson) has joined Magnum P.I. in a very important role that could throw Magnum into a tailspin.

Former As the World Turns star Jordana Brewster (ex-Nikki Munson) is set to make a big splash on Magnum P.I. when she joins the series later this month in a pivotal role.

According to EW, the Panama native has signed on to the CBS series as Hannah, a former CIA analyst who not only embedded Magnum (Jay Hernandez) and his team in Afghanistan, but who also bedded Magnum himself.

Unfortunately for him, Hannah's romantic interest was all an act, and the betrayal led to his capture and time spent as a P.O.W. -- which means the pair's reunion is likely to be fiery on all accounts.

Brewster's first television role was a brief stint as All My Children's Anita Santos in 1995. That was followed by a six-year stint as ATWT's Nikki before she went on to have a successful post-soap career as Mia Toretto in the Fast & Furious film franchise.

Her additional credits include a 2012 to 2014 role on Dallas as well as roles in Chuck, American Crime Story, Secrets and Lies, and the small screen adaptation of Lethal Weapon. Brewster is also set to reprise her role as Mia in the next evolution of the Fast & Furious franchise that's due out in 2020.

Magnum P.I., which is a reboot of the 1980's Tom Selleck series, airs Monday nights at 9PM on CBS. Brewster is set to make her first appearance as Hannah on Monday, February 18.
It was mid-November 1898. The wind whipped down Cincinnatis main business street as though its mission were to cause chaos and havoc. As with most main streets of a bustling downtown, just over a century after the city was founded, the streets of Cincinnati came alive with the rising of the sun. Thanksgiving was fast approaching and many were beginning to prepare for the coming holiday season.



But the conversation that took place during this early morning, on November 17th, between Covington, Kentucky native B.F. Howard and Arthur Riggs, was as brisk and stern as the wind that cut through the air. For on that particular morning, the first Black Elks lodge assembled at the Masonic Hall on George Street in downtown Cincinnati.



Both men were originally from Kentucky: Howard from Covington and Riggs from Shelbyville, but it wasnt until the two were working together at downtown Cincinnati's Grand Hotel, then located on the southwest corner of West Fourth Street and Central Avenue, that they set out to found their own fraternal organization. Incidentally, long since demolished, the former site of the Grand Hotel is now occupied by onramps to I-75.



Howard and Riggs decided there was a need for a fraternal organization that specifically served the needs of African-Americans, and thought the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (Elks), an American fraternal order founded in 1868, was a suitable model.



After being denied membership to the Elks because they were African-American, the duo tried to obtain a copy of the Elks ritual for themselves.



At the time, working as a train porter, Riggs struck luck and obtained a copy of the ritual from a member of the Elks who was traveling aboard a train he manned. Riggs then shared the documents with Howard. But before moving forward, the two sought legal advice from an attorney concerning the ritual and found that, after reviewing the Register of Copyrights of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., no Elks ritual had received a copyright.



At that point, Howard and Riggs took it upon themselves to copyright the ritual as being the proprietor, and not the author. Despite their due diligence to ensure that they were well within the law, even to go as far as rearranging sections of the ritual, everything for the newly formed Black Elks, then named the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, was not completely in the clear and out of trouble.



After word spread throughout the country that an unauthorized sect of Elks led by African-Americans was formed and operating in Cincinnati, the Elks made it a point to shut down the group.



They even threatened to lynch the founders of the Black Elks.



Not able to handle the pressure and threats brought on by the Elks organization, in 1899 Riggs left the Greater Cincinnati area and took on an assumed name in Springfield, Ohio. But before Riggs relocated, he entrusted his newly trademarked ritual  all the papers and printed material pertaining to the Elks to B.F. Howard  and Covington Kentucky became the new headquarters for the Black Elks.

Historical Marker honoring B. F. Howard, located at 11th and Greenup streets in Covington, KY



Going back to their first meeting, when Howard and Riggs addressed their new members, introducing the organizations purpose with the following message and wish that the welfare and happiness of its members be promoted and enhanced, many may have thought that this was simply another attempt that Riggs was making to be the leader of yet another African-American fraternal organization. Just a few years prior, in 1896, Riggs helped organize the Knights of Pythias Lodge and served as its Grand Chancellor.



During the late 1800s in the Greater Cincinnati area, there were already a number of African-Americans who belonged to established organizations such as Odd Fellows, Masons, Grand Army of the Republic, as well as the Knights of Pythias.



But the only truly radical item which set the Black Elks apart from the Elks was that it had the designation of being improved, a proposition put forth by Howard and Riggs, both born and raised in a very post-antebellum society. What the two Kentuckians wanted to see was the ideal of an African-American community fully vested in the new, emerging society at large, proud of the American dream.



And the Black Elks organization, now headquartered in Covington, Kentucky, was well on its way to being the face of that ideal.



It was noted in area newspapers at the time that Northern Kentucky African-Americans were beginning to show a collective strength through fraternal groups such as the Black Elks. The Kentucky Post went as far as to say that B.F. Howard was the Black Ingersoll, referencing Robert Green Ingersoll, a nationally known lecturer in the late 1800s on scientific and humanistic subjects.



It was one of the reasons Eugene Rice, current member of the Black Elks, joined. Rice is a longtime resident of Covington and a member of St. James AME Church in Covington  the same church that Howard attended.



To tell the truth, Rice says, it was my wife that got me to join.



At the time, he continues, the way I saw it, the Black Elks was a group that didnt believe in raising hell. And back when I was a young man, that was what I liked to do. But when I got to be about 40 years old, I stopped all that foolishness and listened to my wife.



Despite its rocky start, according to its website, the Black Elks currently has 500,000 members in more than 1,500 lodges worldwide, making the Black Elks the largest Black fraternal organization in the world.



But Covington has not forgotten about its native son.



A state historical marker stands in a median that splits 11th Street between Greenup and Scott streets in Covington. The marker was the 26th approved by the Kentucky Historical Society to honor people and events in Covington.



Howard died in 1918 and is buried in Historic Linden Grove Cemetery in Covington.
The "Daguerreotype View of Cincinnati" is comprised of eight plates. This is plate number three. Provided

Tucked away on the third-floor skywalk of Cincinnatis Main Public Library is a climate-controlled room that is used primarily for displaying local, historical artifacts.



From now through April 28th, the librarys Joseph S. Stern, Jr. Cincinnati Room will be serving up a taste of local architectural heritage, through a feast of historic photographs.



Many of the images date from the period between the Civil War and World War I (1865-1917). Local history librarian and exhibit curator Chris Smith explains that this was a significant period both for American city growth and the medium of photography.



We were building so many beautiful buildings, says Smith, and it coincided with the time that cameras became much more readily available to the average person.



The exhibit features early photographs of present-day iconic landmarks  Music Hall, Union Terminal, the Roebling Bridge, and the Tyler-Davidson Fountain  as well as images of many other structures that became notable in their day, whether or not they were preserved over time.



This includes government and commercial buildings, residences, and places of worship, all built primarily in the 19th century and extending from the citys central basin to its surrounding hills, early suburbs, and beyond.



The newest building on display is Union Terminal, built in 1933. The oldest is the 1782 Waite-Smith house, originally constructed in Connecticut.



There are buildings harkening back to the old Third Street financial district; the citys five historic inclines; the stately mansions of Clifton, Avondale, and Walnut Hills; the looming Crosley radio factory in Camp Washington; and the majestic Albee movie palace where the Westin Hotel is now located, just to name a few.



Last but not least, there is the oldest-known panoramic shot anywhere on earth, Smith says.



This carefully preserved Daguerreotype View of Cincinnati is a sweeping vista of the Queen City in 1848. Taken from the Kentucky side, it manages to capture a total of thirty-two riverboats within its two-mile span. You can count them.



You can also compare the historic 1848 vista with the citys modern-day, full-color riverfront and skyline, which has far more bridges and far fewer boats.



It was the first photograph that Europeans saw of an American city, Smith adds. The 1848 panorama traveled to London in 1851 for the very first Worlds Fair. And it won first prize for technology and for photography.



Smith says that whether you are an ardent history buff  as he is  or simply among the casually curious, the exhibit is meant to be of interest to anyone.



It is, indeed, a fun, off-the-beaten path opportunity to browse a citys architectural past. And to more fully appreciate the legacy of certain architects, styles, influences, and innovations that have shaped and built our current environment.
Sport

Austria enter last 16 as Dutch complete perfect group phase

Christoph Baumgartners first-half goal sent Austria through to the last 16 of Euro 2020 on Monday after a 1-0 win over Ukraine that left their opponents facing an anxious wait to see if they qualify. In another match of the day,
The NYPD is searching for a man who attacked a woman waiting for a Lyft in Williamsburg on Sunday, slashing her face and robbing her in the process.

Dana Sagona, a librarian at the New York Public Library, was waiting for a car at White Street and Boerum Street at 7:45 a.m. when a man approached her. "He said I was pretty, then asked me if I was scared, she told the Daily News. After Sagona told him she wasn't afraid, he grabbed her. He then slashed the left side of her face, right below her eye down to her jawbone, as she tried to get away. "When he took out the blade, he said he would kill me, she told the tabloid.

Sagona had been at a friend's place, and was en route to Manhattan to volunteer with the cat rescue group Kitty Kind, as the Daily News reports.

Following the attack, Sagona told the New York Post she spotted an Uber on its way to pick up someone else, but that they weren't receptive as she tried to ask them for help. A man stepped out of his house nearby, then saw her and called the police. Sagona was taken to Woodhull Medical Center, then Long Islands NYU Winthrop Hospital, where she was reportedly given 44 stitches.

The NYPD confirmed to Gothamist that the attacker took Sagona's bag, which contained her wallet, credit card, and cell phone. On Tuesday afternoon, the 90th Precinct Detective Squad, which is currently investigating the assault, released a photo of the suspect, culled from a security camera video near the intersection. In their tweet, they only announce that the man is wanted for robbery, and not assault.

Help us identify & locate this individual who is #Wanted for a Robbery that occurred on 2/3/19 at approximately 7:45am on the corner of Boerum St & White St. #YourCityYourCall Any info call #800577Tips All calls are confidential @NYPDDetectives @NYPDTips @NYPDnews @NYPDnoticias pic.twitter.com/BWmaU5RmTx  NYPD 90th Precinct (@NYPD90Pct) February 4, 2019

Asked why the 90th precinct did not mention the slashing in their tweet about the suspect, an NYPD spokesperson said via email, "Robbery is a higher charge than an assault."

Update: The NYPD released the video of the suspect, described as a man in his 40s, on Tuesday night:

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website, on Twitter @NYPDTips or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.


London: In a shot in the arm for the CBI, the British government on Monday approved the extradition of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya to India where he is wanted in the Rs 9,000 crore Kingfisher Airline loan default case.

UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid on Monday signed order to extradite Mallya which has already been allowed by a lower court.
Ten years ago today, Mayor Michael Bloomberg's press schedule announced an event at 11 a.m., with this tantalizing description: "Reveals Sources of Mysterious but Harmless Maple Syrup Odors"

Yes, New York City had finally figured out where a strange, extremely sweet scent had come from, after nearly four years of making New Yorkers simultaneously confused and really hungry for pancakes.

The first time the scent was picked up was the evening of October 27th, 2005. I happened to be in Tribecaour Shanghaiist editor at the time, Dan Washburn, was in town so Jake Dobkin and I had dinner with him at Odeonand when we walked towards Chambers Street, the air smelled just like maple syrup. It was as if a tanker of maple syrup had crashed into a giant lumberjack breakfast somewhere.

It was strange, but it was unclear how fazed we should be. Four years after the September 11th attacks, anything weird happening in Lower Manhattan (or anywhere else in the city) made everyone more than a bit anxiousthe city had just instituted bag checks at subway stations that summer so the sudden strong smell was unnerving. Deliciously unnerving.

Then again, what if it was as simple as a tanker of maple syrup having an unfortunate spillage? And was this happening anywhere else? In those days before social media, there was no way to search whether other people smelled something, but we were lucky that some other people who noticed the smell posted about it on our old message board, Gothamist Contribute:

Same smell is pervading the Greenwich Village / NYU area -- both outdoors and in, I smelled it in my apt earlier and thought a neighbor was making french toast or something but it's clearly something bigger. Maple syrup dirty bomb???

October 28th, 2005 02:09 AM I'm on W. 96th St. and I can smell it, too. I thought there was some food hidden in my room somewhere.

October 28th, 2005 01:04 AM The air smells of maple syrup in the Upper West Side. Anonymous individual sources questioned at street corners around Harlem agree that for some reason it smells very sweet and syrupy. Everyone speculates that a pancake truck or maple syrup factory has caught on fire. Perhaps Gothamist can investigate? (around Columbia Uni area + Harlem area)

October 28th, 2005 12:50 AM

Comedian Michelle Collins wrote on her blog, "Were we being attacked? Does chemical warfare taste like memories? No, that's impossible: Pancake-lovers = Freedom-fighters. I enjoyed my deliciously fragrant hike uptown, came home and figured I had syrup on the brain or something of the sort."

The city didn't know where the smell was coming from, and it seemed it was just a weird one-time event... until December 8th, 2005.

A reader told us she called 311 about the smell near Columbia University, and others confirmed they could smell it in Bryant Park, Washington Square Park, Upper East Side, West Village, Fifth Avenue along the 20s and 30s, Astor Place, Upper West Side, Long Island City, Bedford Avenue, East Harlem, Hell's Kitchen, Gowanus (we even created a map)... the smell had reached so many corners of the city!



Aerial shot of NYC in 2007 (Shutterstock)

One reader claimed, "I smelled it very strongly at 12 noon in the West Village... then in the subway at 23rd street on the 1 line and later at 2 p.m. on 103rd Street and Broadway. I called 311 they connected me to 911 and then three firetrucks came within minutes and the guys went in and out of the subway station. I think we need to demand that the government gives us an explanation. They lied about the quality of air downtown after 9/11. We have to demand accountability."

Again, the city's Office of Emergency Management could not detect a smell or provide an explanation (how do you capture a smell anyway?).

The smells continuedJanuary 2006, March 2006, November 2006. One commenter was shocked that it was unclear what was behind the smell, "I, too, find it ridiculous that this happens, and nothing comes of it. I don't want to be dramatic, but it's NYC for chrissakes! The country's at war, we've been attacked, and a frigging syrup smell blankets the city, and no one figures out why. I just don't get it. Why aren't city, state, and federal officials addressing this. It's the THIRD time!"



30 Rock incorporated the weird event into the cold open of a show

The scent took a year-long break but came back in November 2007, and then a week later, the phenomenon made it to 30 Rock (watch it), as a point of discussion between Liz Lemon, Tracy Jordan, and Jack Donaghy. Donaghy says, "Don't panic, Lemon, it's probably not a chemical attack... It's probably just a strange wind pattern coming over those factories in Staten Island where food flavors are made. I don't think it's Northrax."

The scent returned in May 2008, and I made a Google Map tracking where it was detected. When it came back in January 2009 on three occasions (the 5th and then the 27th and 30th), I made some more maps, even getting a little fancy with Photoshop:



January 27 and January 30, 2009 smell incidents

Then, on February 5th, 2009, mayoral press secretary Jason Post emailed, "City officials from the Mayors office, OEM and DEP have determined the source of the maple syrup odors. We are announcing the source at 11 AM in the blue room. Since you have covered this extensively, I hope you can come to City Hall for the event. If you cant come down it will be webcast live on nyc.gov and on TV on channel 74."

Now, back in those days, the NYPD didn't issue press cards to digital-only publications (we had to hire Norman Siegel to help us get press credentials, which is another pretty interesting story), so this was it, the validation we'd been hoping for: Recognition for intrepid reporting on the greatest olfactory mystery of our time.

Before heading to the press conference, I created a poll:

The set-up in City Hall's Blue Room was pretty serious, with multiple city officials present. Mayor Bloomberg very clearly enjoyed being able to take the public through the city's methodical approach to the situation, detailing how the agencies figured out that the smell was, in fact, from New Jersey.



The smell, officials explained, came from Frutarom, a company that processed perfumes and food additives, and it turned out that its factory in North Bergen, NJ, had been processing fenugreek, which releases a scent very similar to maple syrup. During the press conference, Bloomberg said he enjoys maple syrups on French toast; the city knew the smell wasn't dangerous because no one went to the hospital; not all of NJ is polluted, plus, uh, look at Willets Point; and, in response to my question, no, NYC would not be implementing a maple smell alert system.

It turns out that the event was so official because the city did take it very seriously. Back in 2009, James McConnell was Assistant Commissioner for Strategic Data for NYC Emergency Management (then known as the Office of Emergency Management), and he recalled that while the department had been getting reports about the smell, there just wasn't enough data. Even if someone called 311 to report it, McConnell said in an interview last week, "It's such an ephemeral event... people would report the smell and then it would be dissipated in 20 minutes, so it's very hard to to record and to do any type of forensic investigation about it."



City Hall (Shutterstock)

Post, the former press secretary for Mayor Bloomberg, remembered smelling maple syrup a couple of times, both around Gramercy Park and outside City Hall. In a recent conversation, he said, "It was a very distinctive smell and it's something that was just very odd. And it just wasn't normal. A lot of people were talking about it but until I smelled it I didn't really get it and I said, 'Oh, yeah, this is really a distinctive thing.'"

City Hall was aware of it, but "it was something that everyone was looking at without understanding what was going on," Post remembered. "This was still in the post-9/11 era. So it could be cause for concern. And it was definitely a talked-about story."

It was a real challenge for the city to tackle. NYC Department of Environmental Protection spokesperson Edward Timbers said, "Typically when an analyst is taking air samples they are looking to measure something specifici.e. asbestos fibers or Volatile Organic Compounds. What made the 2009 incident unique was that the analysts were not looking for something specific because they did not know what it was that was causing the sweet smell."

There were only "a handful of clues to go on" but McConnell revealed that the series of smellings in 2009 prompted Emergency Management Deputy Commissioner of Technology Henry Jackson to seize the moment. "He was determined," McConnell said, and Jackson pulled together a team to tackle the mystery: "He said, 'You know, we're getting these reports. Let's just spend a lot of time on this next week just to see if we can really figure it out this time.'"



Maple syrup smell tips, smelly tapped in early 2009 (Jen Chung / Gothamist)

While the investigation lacked a solid nickname like "Operation Breakfast," a number of agencies were involved, from city agencies like the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, plus the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and National Weather Service.

The NWS information was regarding "wind speeds and temperatures from all those previous days when things had been reportedparticularly wind direction was very important and wind speed," McConnell, who is now retired, explained. "We reached out to colleagues at the NJ Department of Environmental Protectionthere had been some previous guesses that it might be food processing plants because of the sweet smell. So we've worked with them and got a list of all the food processing plants across the river from us."

McConnell said Emergency Management used their community emergency response teams in the Bronx, who found residents who could "just go out on the street and confirm the smell" where reports popped up again. While it sounds "ad hoc," McConnell reiterated the difficulty of tracking down a smell: "It dissipated so quickly that it was the only way that we would be able to confirm. So using these forensic tools we were able to backtrack and pinpoint that the plant that we believed was producing the smelland in fact that night, one of the biggest [factories] confirmed they were doing some processing that night."

The NYC DEP also collected air samples, and, after hours of analysis, they focused in on fenugreek. "We weren't concerned about the maple syrup smell itself," McConnell told us, "but because of 9/11 and other things, [the department was] concerned that there might be something being released that would be difficult to track. So we actually took this as a good way to test our 'tool kit'"gathering data from various departments and agencies"to see how we could retroactively figure out the source of an odor."

While social media seems like a great tool to be used in solving mysteries like the strange scent of maple syrup, there usually isn't enough data from a Tweet for Emergency Management to usenot everyone is geotagging their Tweetsso it's usually more of a starting point. On the other hand, McConnell said, a 311 operator can ask for more precise details, like an address and even a floor number.



Maple syrup smell map presented by the Office of Emergency Management and Mayor Bloomberg on February 5, 2009 (Jen Chung / Gothamist)

In the end, the town of North Bergen staunchly denied that it was the source of the smell that had been plaguing New Yorkers for years. Town spokesperson Phil Swibinski issued a fighting statement in 2009: "While North Bergen would be happy to take credit for sharing our sweet smell of success, the fact is that the NJDEP has not concluded that Frutarom is the source of this smell in New York. Some health experts believe that it is highly unlikely that a food-based emission from a small plant like this could be so strongly detected three or four miles away."

Ten years later, Swibinski stands by the statement, in spite of the city's claim that the NJ DEP said that the smell came from Frutarom. "We didn't receive any heads upso all of a sudden it was quite a bit of attention," he remembered. He said that the town had communicated with the local representatives of the Hudson Regional Health Commission, "who are in touch with the DEP, and there was some back and forth, and it was communicated to us that there actually hadn't been any determination that the smell was from here. And we decided that we wanted to get out there and fight for our town's reputation."

Even though the blame has been attributed to North Bergen and town officials were upset, they weren't too hurt. Swibinski pointed out, "If it had been that a more offensive smell was coming from North Bergen, maybe it would have sparked more of an outrage. But the fact that it was maple syrup? Nobody was too worked up about it."

Before the 2009 "maple syrup event" (as Wikipedia calls it), when someone called 311 about a strange maple syrup smell, there was no classification of "sweet smells" for operators to use, so many of those calls would be classified as a smell of "other," with more details in the notes. Afterwards, a "sweet smell" was added to the list of possible odors (which include more obvious ones like gas or "dry cleaning smell" or "car idling"). Here's how many reports of "sweet smells" there have been since:





311 calls about a "sweet" smell

(Data from NYC DEP) 311 calls about a "sweet" smell(Data from NYC DEP) 2011 - 5

2012 - 15

2013 - 16

2014 - 23

2015 - 43

2016 - 34

2017 - 42

2018 - 15

2019 - none yet

Interestingly, Frutarom was bought out by a larger international corporation and then closed its North Bergen facility in 2015. But the sweet smell continued to be reported through the end of last year...
The MTA has suspended L train service between First Avenue in Manhattan and Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn, after gas fumes caused at least two passengers to faint.

Update: L train service is suspended between 8 Av and Myrtle Wyckoff Avs while we investigate the source of fuel smells on the tracks near Graham Av. Our safety checks have found that the air is currently safe, but we need to correct and resolve the condition. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/i0zRBFVe50  NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) February 5, 2019

Rachel Pincus tells Gothamist she noticed the fumes on Monday, but thought that perhaps her sense of smell was too sensitive. This morning, she was taking the L into Manhattan around 10:45 a.m. when the train stopped and stalled in Lorimer for 15 to 20 minutes, "the fumes just started wafting in."

"After quite a while, a young woman standing near me fainted and a bunch of passengers rushed to get her into a seat, where she eventually regained consciousness," Pincus said. "The train continued to crawl after that, prolonging our suffering, and I saw another woman covering her nose and mouth after that."

Pincus, who is a former Gothamist intern, said it made her feel like "a canary in a coal mine."

"I have been riding the subway for so long and I've endured so many weird and awful smells but this was the first one that actually made me want to throw up!"

The Daily News reports that another person fainted this morning when the L approached the First Avenue station.

Yet another L train rider emailed Gothamist to say that "the L has smelled like diesel for the past 2 days between Lorimer and Jefferson." The rider, Cristin Hughes, added, "Its super noticeable at Morgan. People are complaining of headaches."

WNYC reporter Rebeca Ibarra noticed the same thing, and was told by a transit authority Twitter account that the smell was from diesel trains performing overnight work.

Good morning. We apologize for the smell; street-level waterproofing work was done at Bedford Av yesterday and several diesel trains were in the tunnel last night working on tracks and switches. Fans are running to clear the air, and our crews are continuing to investigate. ^JLP  NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) February 5, 2019

Hughes says she and her boyfriend first noticed it at Morgan "and it got stronger at Graham, then dissipated at Bedford. The smell was incredibly strong and was similar to diesel or turpentine (a cleaner of some kind), it smelled like a large amount of it spilled. At first we thought it was possibly in the train car, like someone walked in covered in it. It smelled exactly the same a few hours later on the way back. It was making us light headed and it felt like if we stayed on longer it would make us nauseous.

The odor was observable this morning as well, Hughes says. "Things smelled off again with the odor returning strongly at Graham," according to Hughes's boyfriend. "It smelled more like a burning smell, maybe metal or even some kind of plastic. The train stopped at Graham around 11:50 am for close to ten minutes. He thinks he heard on the conductor's radio that the last stop on that train was going to be Bedford."

An MTA spokesperson has not yet responded to our request for comment.

In Williamsburg doing an interview when all of a sudden we were evacuated from L train platform due to suspected gas leak. (We could smell it) @CBSNewYork pic.twitter.com/rgQHagNVBz  Alice Gainer (@GainerTV) February 5, 2019

In the meantime, the MTA says shuttle buses are being "mobilized," but to find alternate modes of transportation. There is normal L train service between Myrtle-Wyckoff and Canarsie-Rockaway Parkway, and "limited" service between First Avenue and 8th Avenue.

[UPDATE / 3:20 p.m.] Another passenger who lives off the Grand Street stop in Williamsburg tells Gothamist that she has vomited several times since the smell made her sick on the train this morning.

Christina Pettit said she took the L train on Monday evening and noticed the smell.

"It really just smelled like a strong chemical odor to me, not indicative of gas or typical gasoline smell," Pettit said. "I woke up this morning and I was like, yeah I kinda feel nauseous." But she took the L train to work from Grand Street again on Tuesday morning, and the smell was still present.

By the time she settled in to her office, Pettit said she knew she was going to be ill. "I was racing to go up to the second floor bathroom, and I did not make it," Pettit said.

"My doctor told me I could have had a reaction to it, and I'll just have to let it pass," she added.

Initially, Pettit said she was happy that the MTA found a way to avoid a total L train shutdown, and that she was confident that the agency could mitigate the silica dust and other safety issues that the new L train repair plan would present.

"I did until today," Pettit said. 'I'm really starting to second guess both their tactics and also their inability to inform people. I smelled this last night, I'm sure that people did. I'm sure people driving the trains smelled it, and they're the ones stuck in the tunnels all day. I'm sure the station workers smelled it."

Pettit added, "I can only assume they didn't want to disrupt the morning commute, but now here we are."

[UPDATE / 3:26 p.m.] The MTA now says that L train service has resumed, and that they have determined the source of the smells.

L and J train service is resuming in both directions after determining the source of fuel smells near Graham Av. State DEC and FDNY crews determined it to be safe, but lingering smells may be present at stations in that area. https://t.co/ovJmTljf7M  NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) February 5, 2019

Their explanation contradicts what they tweeted earlier, that the smell was from "street-level waterproofing work" and "several diesel trains" that had been doing overnight work in the L train tunnel.

The investigation determined that the smell was caused by heating oil that leaked into the system from an external source. ^HKD  NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) February 5, 2019

The MTAs two most basic responsibilities are to provide reliable service and to protect riders health," Manhattan State Senator Brad Hoylman said in a statement. "It is infuriating and disturbing that they are are failing on both counts. If riders cant trust the MTA to take care of the basics, then how can we take them at their word on the new L Train plan or anything else?

[UPDATE / 4:00 p.m.] The MTA says that initially, they believed the smells were caused by leftover fumes from the diesel trains. When the fumes did not dissipate, they began investigating the cause.

"Service was suspended while FDNY and DEP thoroughly examined what appeared to be an oil or gas leak at the Graham Station, at track level," MTA chief external affairs officer Max Young said in a statement. "Both Departments have confirmed that non-flammable heating oil from an external source had leaked onto the track and the incident is completely unrelated to the L train project or any other MTA construction."

Young continued, "Air quality at all stations has been tested and determined to be safe. We apologize to our customers for the delay in service - their safety is always our number one priority and we would never compromise it.

Additional reporting by Paula Mejia.
Had enough of COVID and staying in? Looking for a way to earn a little extra income and highlight your homemade products and wares in a fun an
Taranaki Regional Council says potential problems with the countrys management of wastewater and stormwater systems have been poorly defined and inadequately researched and more work is needed before the government imposes national solutions.

Council staff say a November Cabinet paper critical of regional councils management of wastewater systems is wrong to say there are no guidelines on the safe production of biosolids from sewage sludge. Nor do they believe a claimed lack of enforcement action by councils, and a lack of investment, is borne out in Taranaki.

There is much more compliance monitoring and enforcement activity being undertaken by the sector than some critics have been aware of, officers say in a report to the councils policy and planning committee meeting today.

The Cabinet paper suggests that on the basis of the statements it presents, there is a clear justification for national regulatory intervention in wastewater management. Officers are clear, on an evidential basis, that there is in fact no such justification within the Taranaki context.

The government announced a review of ways to improve the management of drinking water, stormwater and wastewater in the wake of a 2016 water contamination incident in Havelock North which affected thousands of people. The first recommendations are expected in mid-2019.

But the challenge of funding improvements across all three water types, particularly for smaller rural communities, is stark. Upgrading 145 publicly-owned wastewater schemes, which typically serve fewer than 5,000 people and discharge to lakes and rivers, could cost $1.4 billion to $2.1 billion, GHD and Boffa Miskell said in October.

Local Government New Zealand has urged the government to focus on drinking water first, and allow new freshwater management standards set in 2017 to run their course through to 2025.

The November Cabinet paper was critical of regional councils monitoring and management of wastewater systems, citing a lack of formal enforcement action and questioning the technical capacity of some.

It proposed a new regulatory framework that could include setting national minimums for effluent discharges and targets for wastewater overflows, good practice guidance for re-use of wastewater biosolids and public reporting standards for compliance and environmental performance.

A new inter-agency three waters regulator  taking in the Department of Internal Affairs, the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Health  was also proposed.

Taranaki is one of the countrys wealthiest regions.

Council staff noted that it already reports annually and publicly on the performance of the regions wastewater treatment plants. Compliance monitoring includes regular ecological surveys, while the dispersion performance of outfalls and their structural integrity needs to be certified.

In the past five years the regional council has issued two abatement notices and two infringement notices against local councils for breaches of their obligations around wastewater. In 2014 South Taranaki District Council was fined $115,000 for mismanaging the Eltham treatment facility.

Regional council staff also listed projects upgrading wastewater systems at 15 Taranaki communities in recent years, including piping waste from Bell Block, Inglewood and Oakura to New Plymouth for secondary treatment. Wastewater is also now piped from Eltham to Hawera for secondary treatment.

They said the region has no bow wave of near-term consent renewals, and nor are any of the regions treatment facilities among the high number the Cabinet paper said were operating on expired consents.

Council staff said the paper was also simply incorrect to say there are no procedures for safe production of biosolids from sewage sludge. The Ministry of Health has guidelines and Water New Zealand issued a good practice guide in 2016, their report said.

They recommended the council confirm that an evidential basis for the governments proposal is not apparent in Taranaki, and that that position should form the basis for further engagement with the Ministry for the Environment on its plans for regulating wastewater management.

(BusinessDesk)

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Senator Joel Villanueva's Chinese New Year message

We join the Filipino-Chinese community in celebrating the Lunar New Year.

As we welcome the Year of the Pig, may this celebration usher in prosperity for everyone. The holiday offers us an opportunity to strengthen the bond of families celebrating this occasion. Let us take the chance to be with our families and observe this festive holiday.

We wish you a prosperous New Year ahead! Kung Hei Fat Choi!
Press Release

February 5, 2019 SENATE TO VOTE ON MISLATEL CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP ON WEDNESDAY Sen. Grace Poe today said the Senate will vote on Wednesday, February 6 on a measure seeking the transfer of ownership of Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company Inc. (Mislatel) to a consortium recently named by the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the National Telecommunications Commission as the third telco. Poe presented House Resolution 23, which seeks the transfer of Mislatel's ownership to the consortium owned by Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy's Udenna Corp., Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp., and state-owned China Telecom, to the Senate plenary on Monday night for debates. "As chair, I sponsored it. It will still go through a vote. The reason why we did this is because this is the mandate of the Senate. I cannot decide on it as chairman [alone]. It has to be the collective wisdom of the body," said Poe in a television interview. Poe, the Senate public services committee chair, explained her panel removed any reference to Mislatel as the third telco or the new major player since the validity of its franchise could still be questioned in courts. "We took out anything that pertains to calling Mislatel a new major player or third telco. We're treating it as a regular franchise because later on someone might go to the court and say Congress recognized Mislatel as the third telco," Poe added. Poe said even if the Senate gives the green light for Mislatel to continue operating, interested parties are not precluded to avail of legal remedies in the courts. She said she sponsored the measure because of the public's "desperation" to have a new player that promises better telco services and because she feels it would be "unfair" not to present it on the floor to allow senators to debate on the issue. "Lahat tayo nananabik na magkaroon ng mabilis na internet. It's for national interest that I'm doing this," said Poe. Poe said Mislatel also risks losing more than P25 billion in performance bond should they mess up with their commitments in the first year of their operation. Poe said the resolution does not in any way preclude Congress from altering, modifying, amending or repealing Mislatel's franchise granted under Republic Act 8627 should it fail to make good its commitments regarding coverage and internet speed. It does not also mean an automatic renewal of its franchise that is set to expire in 2023, she added.
Press Release

February 5, 2019 Legarda: Institutionalization of 4Ps Bill to Help Reduce Poverty, Promote Human Capital Dev't Senator Loren Legarda today hailed the Senate's approval on third and final reading of the measure institutionalizing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the proposed Community-Based Monitoring System, which are seen to be effective instruments to address poverty. Legarda said that the 4Ps Bill seeks to institutionalize the program to reduce chronic poverty and promote human capital development in the country. "The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program will be geared towards the reduction of extreme hunger and chronic poverty, the achievement of universal primary education, promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women, improvement of maternal health, reduction of child mortality, and reduction of vulnerability to disasters," said Legarda on Senate Bill No. 2117, which she co-authored. The bill will institutionalize 4Ps as a permanent program of the government, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as the central planning, coordinating, implementing and monitoring body of the program in cooperation with other government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to ensure that the beneficiaries include the poorest population, through the implementation of rigorous household assessment and application of a monitoring system that involves the collection of household data on a continuing basis. Meanwhile, on Senate Bill No. 2172, which she also co-authored, the Senator said that a community-based monitoring system (CBMS) will generate updated and disaggregated data necessary in targeting beneficiaries of poverty reduction programs, conducting more comprehensive poverty analysis and needs prioritization, designing appropriate policies and interventions, and monitoring impact over time. "Through the CBMS, we hope to be more efficient in the planning, program implementation and impact monitoring at the local level while empowering communities to participate in the process by using the data that we will collect and validate, especially on localized facts, figures, and maps on the different dimensions of poverty such as health, nutrition, water, sanitation, shelter, education, income, employment, security and participation," said Legarda. "We have to put in place a system that will ensure effective coordination across agencies, careful monitoring and efficient data collection to promote transparency and accountability and to see to it that the social assistance goes to the right people. We hope to achieve this through these measures that have been approved by the Senate," Legarda concluded.
Press Release

February 5, 2019 Gatchalian mulls amending Guidance & Counseling Law to address shortage of counselors for Children-at-Risk Senator Win Gatchalian is considering filing an amendment to Republic Act No. 9258 or the Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004 to enable the Department of Education to hire more guidance counselors in schools. The guidance counselors, Gatchalian said, are vital for schools to be able to adequately address the needs of children-at-risk (CARs) in order to prevent them from becoming children in conflict with the law (CICLs) or juvenile offenders. In particular, the lawmaker said he is looking to modify the qualifications for the guidance counselor licensure examination as provided in Section 13 of the law. "The current requirements of the law may be too stringent and may have been a factor in the low number of guidance and counseling graduates applying for a license. Sa ngayon kasi bago ka makapag-board exam para makakuha ng lisensya, required na may master's degree sa guidance and counseling ang isang aplikante," he said. "Para magkaroon ng lisensya ang isang teacher, bachelor's degree lang ang kailangan bago makapag-board exam. So we are now looking into the possibility of allowing bachelor's degree holders to take the guidance and counseling licensure exam and waive the licensure exam requirement for those with at least a master's degree and relevant experience," he added. Moreover, Gatchalian said they are also looking into revisiting and relaxing the guidance counselor to student ratio requirement to be able to arrive at a feasible number, both for the guidance counselors and the budget needed for their salaries. DepEd requires public and private elementary and high schools to hire one guidance counselor for every 500 students. The Philippines, however, only has 3,220 registered guidance counselors as of July 2017 since the first batch of licensure examinees in 2008. Gatchalian said with the current requirement of DepEd, 52,264 guidance counselors are needed nationwide are need for the 26,311,949 students from kindergarten to senior high school as of Academic Year 2017-2018. "Kailangan natin ang guidance counselors para maituwid ang landas nila ng mga CAR. Tinuturing natin na pangalawang tahanan para sa mga kabataan ang ating mga paaralan, therefore, children, especially CARs should be nurtured in schools beyond academic learning para hindi sila tuluyang maging CICLs," he added. The lawmaker stressed that strengthening counseling in schools and keeping children in schools is a better alternative in providing intervention programs for CARs and CICLs rather than lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR). According to the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), the typical profile of a CICL is male, 14-17 years old, and has low educational attainment or stopped schooling.
Press Release

February 5, 2019 EJERCITO BATS FOR DEPLOYMENT OF NURSES IN EVERY BARANGAY Senator JV Ejercito called on the government to consider the deployment of Filipino registered nurses in every barangay in the country as part of his unrelenting efforts to address the health problems even in the grass roots level. Ejercito, who is the current chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, underscored the need of having a nurse in all the barangay health centers across the country where they could ensure the well-being of the people through preventive approach. Ejercito added that this scheme could also help in addressing the unemployment and under employment among Filipino nurses. Albeit the demand in foreign countries, recent records from the Professional Regulation Commission show that there are still at least 300,000 unemployed nurses in the country. "The deployment of our competent nurses in the barangay could significantly improve the quality of health services for our people. They are badly needed especially in the far-flung provinces in the country," Ejercito said. Ejercito is the author of the Universal Health Care program that seeks the delivery of quality, accessible and affordable health services for all Filipinos. "We see this as an effective support to our efforts to provide all the needed medical services to our people," Ejercito noted. "Our nurses could provide the immediate medical needs of the community as well as prevent illnesses and various ailments," he further explained. Nurses who will be deployed in the barangay health centers could conduct an extensive information dissemination campaign with the help of the barangay staff to educate the people on the importance of being healthy, hygiene and sanitation. The medical practitioners must also assess the present health status of the residents in the locality of their jurisdiction to properly coordinate with the Department of Health who would then provide the required health care and medication.
Press Release

February 5, 2019 Dispatch from Crame No. 463:

Sen. Leila M. de Lima's statement on the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law 2/5/19 The people have spoken: the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) has been ratified. A great victory for peace in Mindanao! The road to just and lasting peace in Mindanao has been long and difficult: blood had been shed, lives had been lost, and families had been torn apart. But the painstaking efforts of past and present leaders and stakeholders - notably the signing during the PNoy administration of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the final peace deal with the MILF - are finally bearing fruit. With the people accepting and approving the BOL, Muslims can now assert their right to self-determination and right to development while peacefully co-existing with Christians, Lumads and other identities in the southern part of the country in the context of national unity and social justice. While we all fervently wish and intend to work towards the full implementation of the BOL, we know that its success will naturally depend on many factors, such as political will, continued trust among parties, and support from all sectors. But more importantly, people need to see that age-old problems - poverty, social exclusion and political inequalities - that have fueled this conflict in the first place are being truly addressed. Otherwise, Mindanao, despite the optimism ushered in by the BOL, will remain a rich hunting ground for terrorists, greedy politicians, warlords and war profiteers. The recent bombings of a cathedral in Jolo and the grenade attack in a mosque in Zamboanga are proof that enemies of peace and development in Mindanao would stop at nothing to sabotage the whole process. Kaya po kailangan nating patuloy na mag-unawaan, maging mapagbantay at magtulungan upang magapi ang mga pwersang mas pinapaboran ang kaguluhan at karahasan dahil nakikinabang sila rito. Hindi rin po makakamit ng BOL ang layunin nito kung patuloy nating hahayaan ang estilo ng pamumuno ni Duterte na nakabatay sa pananakot at nag-eengganyo ng karahasan bilang tugon sa mga problema ng lipunan tulad ng iligal na droga. We can no longer afford to stop this momentum for Mindanao and for our Bangsamoro brethren. The victory of the peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front from almost five years ago should not be wasted. The rollout of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as the governance entity of BOL needs our utmost vigilance and cooperation for it to succeed. Kapayapaan at pag-unlad sa Bangsamoro! Ngayon na!
Sen. Bam: Ensure enough funds for BOL transition

Sen. Bam Aquino called on fellow lawmakers to allot enough funds for the full implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to ensure the fulfilment of its mandate to bring peace and order in Mindanao.

"Dapat tiyakin na sapat at hindi kulang ang suporta para sa BOL," said Sen. Bam, a co-author and co-sponsor of the BOL.

"Ang tagal na nitong pinangarap at inilaban ng mga kapatid nating Moro. Dapat hindi mabinbin ang transition dahil sa kakulangan ng budget," added Sen. Bam, whose mother grew up in Mindanao, particularly Davao City.

Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law mandates that the current appropriation for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) shall be transferred to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

Sen. Bam said the ARMM's 2019 approved budget of P31.1 billion won't be enough as the transition to BOL needs around P59 billion.

The Senate version of the 2019 budget has allotted around P30 billion additional budget for the BOL, which Sen. Bam hopes to hurdle the bicameral conference committee.

If there will be a re-enacted budget for 2019, the President can issue a supplemental budget, subject to the certification of the Treasurer of the Philippines that there's enough fund for the purpose.

"Sayang naman kung hindi natin bibigyan ng tamang pondo ang BOL. Itodo na natin ang suporta upang maabot na ng mga kababayan natin sa Mindanao ang inaasam nilang kapayapaan at kaunlaran," said Sen. Bam.

"Kinakailangan ang sapat na budget para makalikha ng iba't ibang trabaho para sa mga kababayan natin doon," the senator added.
Meade observed that while oil prices have stabilised at $60-65 per barrel and OSV utilisation rates have started to increase  except in Southeast Asia  the oversupply situation is nowhere optimistic.

I reckon another five years from now to clear out (the oversupply) before you start to see another cycle of newbuildings, Meade told Seatrade Maritime News.

Theres still a very huge overhang in China  ghost ships in the shipyards, about 600 of them. And they will come out, he said.

In Asia, there are 394 OSVs on cold lay-up, with the Southeast Asia region hosting 352 units.

Day rates in Southeast have not started to increase purely because of the oversupply situation, Meade said.

Last year in Asia-Pacific, utilisation for AHTS has hovered between 48-58%, while PSV utilisation hovered between 46-53%, according to M3 research.

In Southeast Asia, 12,000-bhp AHTS term rates dropped from $16,000 a day in 2015 to $8,500 a day in 2018, while 5,000-bhp AHTS term rates declined from $6,000 to $4,000 in the same period. For PSVs with clear deck area of 1,000-1,200 square metres, term rates fell from $24,000 in 2015 to $7,500 in 2018, while PSVs with clear deck area of 500-750 square metres saw term rates decreased from $14,000 to $5,000 in the same period.

Read more: Offshore senses uptick in market but uncertainties remain

The prolonged downturn has also led to younger and quality vessels getting scrapped. Tidewater, for example, has sent five 3,000-dwt PSVs built during 1998-2001 at Vard and three 24,000-bhp AHTS built during 2005-2006 at Yantai Raffles to the scrap yard in India in March 2018.

For OSVs that were awarded a long term contract in 2018, those older than 15 years only accounted for less than 10%.

Looking forward, uncertainty remains as the industry heads to 2050 when the IMO strategy on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2008 will be implemented.

We are also stepping into the area of technological disruption so we really dont know what the industry is going to look like, say by 2050. Nobody knows what fuel will ships run on by 2050. Nobody knows what types of ships we are going to be building in the next cycle, Meade said.
Nearly two months after Jazmine Headley was arrested and forcibly separated from her child at a public assistance center in Brooklyn, the young mother is now calling for reforms to the New York City Human Resources Administration.

"I was just a number, a ticket, a problem, and I know each day, so many people have the same experience," Headley, 24, said through tears during a City Council hearing on Monday. Its not just the fact that I was arrested. It was the harsh way that I was treated by people who are supposed to help me...In my case, I was just sitting. A peaceful act."

She added, "What happened to me felt like a slap in the face. Ive given my life to the city. I was born here, raised here, pay my taxes here."

Headley's "dehumanizing" experience began when she arrived at the Boerum Hill assistance center on December 7th, hoping to learn why her son's childcare benefits had been abruptly cut off. There were no seats in the main waiting area, and after standing for hours, she took a seat on the floordrawing the attention of HRA officials, and later NYPD officers.

Footage from the incident shows police officers and HRA "peace officers" attempting to yank Headley's 1-year-old son from her arms as she lays on her back screaming. One of the police officers repeatedly jerks at the infant, at one point lifting Headley into the air as she desperately clings to her child. The same officer later pulls out a stun gun and waves it at the crowd and distressed mother.

Headley was subsequently arrested on charges of resisting arrest, and spent five days on Rikers Island, away from her child. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez eventually dismissed the case, saying it was clear "that this incident should have been handled differently."

On Tuesday, HRA Commissioner Steven Banks said that one of the HRA officials involved in the arrest has resigned, and another is in the process of being terminated. The police officers involved in the incident will not face any punishment, after a "strenuous review" conducted by the Internal Affairs Bureau found no wrongdoing on the part of the NYPD.

Among the bills being considered by the Council is legislation requiring the Department of Social Services to issue quarterly reporters on use-of-force incidents, as well as a bill, sponsored by City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, establishing an Office of the Special Handler, which would be tasked with logging complaints about benefits being suddenly cut off.

Headley's advice for the council, which drew applause and a standing ovation: "Social workers, not security officers."

Following Headley's testimony, Speaker Johnson offered his apologies to Headley "on behalf of New York City."

You deserve so much more than you received and I am deeply, deeply apologetic that you had to have this experience," he said. I am similarly deeply, deeply grateful for your bravery, for you wanting to tell your story, for you wanting to ensure that this doesnt happen to anyone else."
Idle drydock removed

This was possible thanks to the removal of an Argentine navy floating drydock that sat unused for approximately 20 years. The governor of Tierra del Fuego requested the change, which required the involvement of several areas of the national government. The Ministry of Transport entrusted the project to Gonzalo Mortola, comptroller of the General Ports Administration.

Mortola collaborated with the navy and the prefecture to obtain authorization and move forward with landside improvements financed by the Provincial Directorate of Ports of Tierra del Fuego.

Following a visit to the port in April, Mortola and Undersecretary of Ports and Waterways Mariano Saul agreed on the importance of recovering the berthing space and relocating the drydock. Once repaired, the dock will be used by the navy to service boats that patrol and protect southern Argentina.

Maiden calls and 16% passenger increase

Thanks to the investments in infrastructure and the low rates implemented by the national government to boost the cruise industry in the region, this season Ushuaia is receiving 36 cruise calls, many of them maiden visits, and a 16% increase in cruise passengers from last year.

Dredging and cost-cutting

In addition, the large ships Celebrity Eclipse and Royal Princess were able to dock without problems thanks to the dredging carried out by the province with the collaboration of the Port Buenos Aires. Also, fuel costs were decreased, leading to more bunkering in Argentine ports instead of in Chile.

'It is important to continue moving forward with the necessary infrastructure works so that more and more cruise ships visit us,' Mortola said. 'This promotes tourism, generates work and allows more and more people to know the attractions of our country.'
The release of two documentaries this month about the beautiful disaster that was Fyre Fest didn't just put a spotlight back on millennial grifter Billy McFarland and his partner-in-fistbumps Ja Rule (who, lest we forget, was "hustled, scammed, bamboozled, hood winked, lead astray!!!")it also put a big spotlight on FuckJerry/Jerry Media, the advertising/social media agency that was instrumental in promoting Fyre Fest (even though they allegedly knew in advance it was turning into disaster).

In the wake of being prominently featured in both docsFuckJerry founder Elliot Tebele was particularly criticized for his involvement as an executive producer in the Netflix docthere has been a renewed interest in another revenue arm of Jerry Media: stealing comedy content from people on the Internet and reposting it on their branded accounts.

And that's why you maybe have seen famous comedians and celebs such as Patton Oswalt, John Mulaney, Colin Hanks, Paul F. Tompkins, Julie Klausner, Mike Birbiglia, Tim Heidecker and more tweeting #FuckFuckJerry in recent weeks.

Great work everyone! Keep it going! Lets carve these thieving douche-bros out of existence! (Thank you IG: weeblocomedy for the graphic) #FuckFuckJerry pic.twitter.com/3rcpOsVRW6  Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) February 4, 2019

Hi gang! If youre still following Fuck Jerry, welcome to 2019. Ditch the zero! #FuckFuckJerry  Julie Klausner (@julieklausner) February 3, 2019

Yeah, this company is a creative parasite. They should go into banking or some other bullshit. They deserve no follows and many unfollows. #FuckFuckJerry https://t.co/JRJ3feSXlK  Mike Birbiglia (@birbigs) February 3, 2019

#FuckFuckJerry and fuck all the talentless assholes who take the work of other artists and post it as their own. https://t.co/rxAp39phED  Anthony Atamanuik (@TonyAtamanuik) February 1, 2019

The hashtag was suggested by none other than 30 Rock actor Judah Friedlander, but the concept and "movement" was started by Vulture comedy editor Megh Wright. Wright had previously written about joke thievery in a 2015 Splitsider piece on plagiarist Josh Ostrovsky (a.k.a. The Fat Jew), so it was a topic she was quite familiar with when she noticed that the Fuck Jerry Instagram account was promoting Comedy Central shows including Broad City, Corporate, and The Other Two. So she wrote an article for Vulture calling them out for it.

"Since I was looking at the FuckJerry Instagram anyway, I noticed that they recently used tweets by both comedians and regular people to promote their own products (tequila brand, card game)," Wright told Gothamist. "So I asked those people if they'd been paid, and they hadn't, and a lot of people were paying attention to my tweets about it. Since FuckJerry charges brands for ads based on their number of followers, I wondered what might happen if comedians whose work has been stolen over the years were to encourage their fans to unfollow the account."

hey @marklutchman were you paid for your tweet that was used by FuckJerry to advertise their $30 card game? just curious! pic.twitter.com/9SbcwaydWN  Megh Wright (@megh_wright) January 28, 2019

Founded in 2011, FuckJerry's Instagram account (which still has Tebele's name in its profile) has amassed over 14 million followers by taking screenshots of other people's social media jokes/content and reposting it with the attribution conveniently cut off. FuckJerry grew into a larger company called Jerry Media (which owns other aggregation accounts like Beige Cardigan, Instagram news account Jerry News, games like What Do You Meme, and even a tequila called JAJA), but FuckJerry remains its crown jewelit was charging $30,000 for each sponsored post on its grid back in 2016, according to Adweek, and it's apparently doubled that fee since.

After being called out by comedians over the years, they started including attribution in their screenshotsbut they also raised the stakes by using their content to sell advertisements and run ad campaigns for major brands. They don't tag the people whose work they're using, but they do tag those tequila accounts and companies who are paying them for eyeball real estate on their page.

"FuckJerry (and The Fat Jew) are not a new topic in the comedy communityit just always felt like taking some kind of meaningful action against them would be a hopeless cause," Wright explained. "They amassed millions of followers by posting other people's content for years, often without attribution, but that isn't even the part I'm most concerned about. It's profiting off that content, not compensating or crediting people when they use them for ads, and having a history of being rude, dismissive, disrespectful, and/or totally unresponsive to those who reach out for credit that I find the most troubling."

"I thought comedians would always get behind something like this, it just had to be created for them."

This is me being too optimistic, but FuckJerry's value is their 14.3m IG followers. If some celebs with tons of IG followers posted a message urging their fans to unfollow and inspired a boycott, maybe a dent could be made in that 14.3m. It's a start? https://t.co/KbgoWH7CZf  Megh Wright (@megh_wright) January 25, 2019

#fuckfuckjerry could be the hashtag.  Judah Friedlander (@JudahWorldChamp) January 28, 2019

One of those comedians who has seen their material ripped off by FuckJerry is Vic Berger IV, a satirist who has become famous for his hilarious, surreal video edits. "I've been reached out to with all kinds of stories about people attempting to get credit/etc from FuckJerry, and I think Vic Berger's tweet/IG post about it says everything you need to know in terms of how they treat people who reach out to them," Wright said.

Appropriately, Berger made a video edit just for FuckJerry:

In 2016, #FuckJerry and their chief content officer James Ryan Ohliger aka Krispyshorts stole a bunch of my videos and posted as their own with ads attached. Here was Ohligers response after I called them out on @instagram. #FuckFuckJerry pic.twitter.com/aUqzNtluMV  Vic Berger IV (@VicBergerIV) January 30, 2019

Wright said she was encouraged to see how responsive people have been once the conversation started. The Fuck Jerry account has lost approximately 200K in the 10 days since the social media campaign began.

"It seems like a lot of followers weren't aware of how they have treated people over the years, how they use ads, and how comedians feel about them in general, and when you hear directly from a lot of comedians about it at once vs just one or two, it's more effective," she said. "Taking other people's content without permission or payment to build a huge following and then using said following to get big ad deals from brands like Bumble and Burger King just feels like an unethical business practice to me and something that shouldn't be supported."

Heres a bit Fat Jew stole from me years ago. When I confronted him by email, he didnt respond, but pulled the joke. When you follow IG accounts like him or fuckjerry, youre supporting joke thieves who are morally bankrupt. Unfollow them, and watch me on Conan tomorrow night. pic.twitter.com/MXHD2g4exI  Sam Morril (@sammorril) February 4, 2019

Colin Hanks also issued fiery statement on Instagram:

Tim & Eric star Tim Heidecker even wrote one of his classic protest songs in honor of the hashtag:

hey @megh_wright figured you could use a jingle for your movement #fuckfuckjerry https://t.co/wbuO5M8Inp  Just Tim Heidecker (@timheidecker) February 2, 2019

As a result of all this, Comedy Central removed all of its ads from the FuckJerry account, and said that it wouldn't be working with the company in the future.

Jerry Media did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the backlash. But over the weekend Tebele posted a statement on Medium promising to change their entire business plan: "Effective immediately, we will no longer post content when we cannot identify the creator, and will require the original creators advanced consent before publishing their content to our followers. It is clear that attribution is no longer sufficient, so permission will become the new policy." Patton Oswalt was not thrilled with this statement:

Such ABSOLUTE FUCKING BULLSHIT from @FuckJerry. No established norms for re-posting? LIE. Flat-out fucking lie. They did EXTRA work removing creators names from Tweets to steal credit. They knew what they were doing. They got caught and theyre gaslighting. #FuckFuckJerry pic.twitter.com/GEWaZ1gnMu  Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) February 4, 2019

There has also been a small backlash to the hashtag: Jordan Bassett at the NME (yes, the British music mag) argued that by posting to platforms like Instagram and Twitter, comedians are already giving away their jokes (and value). "The fact is that FuckJerry didnt steal your joke. You gave it away - just like I gave away that random shit from the front of my house. You posted it on Twitter or Instagram for free, and then someone else picked it up and did their own thing with it," he wrote. "You could have re-shared other peoples posts on a massive scale, but you didnt and FuckJerry did. And thats why theyre rich and youre not (sorry)."

Others, like Taylor Lorenz, who writes about Internet culture for The Atlantic, seem to take a slightly more sympathetic view of the vast complexities of social media sharing culture. She wrote on Twitter, "I mean theyve been crediting people frequently for a while now. To get consent before posting is sort of insane and theyre really bending over backwards. No other meme page (Pubity, etc) or media page (BuzzFeed, Scary Mommy, etc) does that, yet no one is freaking out abt them"

That said I really, really do hope this establishes a new norm! I just think on the current internet it will be a lot of work and norms will have to change, or maybe they can just put memes on the blockchain or whatever  Taylor Lorenz (@TaylorLorenz) February 3, 2019

Wright has also gotten a few obvious troll accounts commenting on her Instagram now as well:

a new one! jealous girl with major psychological issues pic.twitter.com/eUdIOQA6N7  Megh Wright (@megh_wright) February 4, 2019

Wright said she thought these weren't so much counter-arguments as people pointing fingers in different directions.

"Ultimately the goal was to get people talking about this, and here we are, talking about it, so that's good, even if someone is taking issue with it or disagreeing or trying to minimize itthat's how we start to work our way towards figuring out solutions for the future, right?" she said. "If some people think FuckJerry is free to profit off other people's content and even use it as ads for their own products without paying them for it, then we're also free to unfollow the account. There's clearly value in memes and tweets and other content people put on the internet if these things are being used as ads and used to build a following to base sponsored post prices on, so I don't think it's all that radical to suggest that the creators of that content should be paid and treated fairly."

An email I got from someone who had his art stolen by beigecardigan, who ignored his requests for credit, during a difficult moment in his life: "Considering everything that was going on, it would have meant the world to me at the time to receive some recognition." #FuckFuckJerry pic.twitter.com/FXvDccvRm0  Megh Wright (@megh_wright) February 3, 2019

as a person that fuckjerry fucked by posting my tweet and making money off it I fully support #fuckfuckjerry please unfollow them if you enjoy original content created by the people that created it pic.twitter.com/3Rjb01zgDB  Matt O'Brien (@matt_obrien) February 2, 2019

While Tebele has made his Twitter account private since the hashtag took off, the company has continued doing what it does: Lorenz reported just last week that Jerry Media was trying to broker a deal between an anti-Trump nonprofit Need To Impeach and the World Record Instagram Egg: "In a slide deck, Jerry Media proposed that the egg crack to reveal the words Impeach Trump as Trump popped out and did the chicken dance. The agency even created a short animated video demonstrating the stunt. Need to Impeach ultimately passed on the opportunity."
Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- Anti-Microbial Peptides Market report contains a comprehensive market and manufacturers landscape in addition to a SWOT analysis of the key manufacturers. The total market is further divided by company, by country, and by application/type for the competitive analysis. Anti Microbial Peptides Market analysis was directed using an objective combination of primary and secondary data including inputs from key participants in the industry.



About Anti-Microbial Peptides:



Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of the innate immune response found among all classes of life. Fundamental differences exist between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells that may represent targets for antimicrobial peptides. These peptides are potent, broad spectrum antibiotics which demonstrate potential as novel therapeutic agents. Antimicrobial peptides have been demonstrated to kill Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, enveloped viruses, fungi and even transformed or cancerous cells. Unlike the majority of conventional antibiotics, it appears that antimicrobial peptides frequently destabilize biological membranes, can form transmembrane channels, and may also have the ability to enhance immunity by functioning as immunomodulatory.



Experts identifies the following companies as the key players in the global Anti Microbial Peptides market: AnaSpec, Novozymes, Bachem, Phoenix Biotech, AMP Biotech, Shanghai Abbiochem Company, Ramamoorthy Group, Lytix Biopharma, Ai2.



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Scope of the Report:



This report focuses on the Anti-Microbial Peptides in global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.



Global anti-microbial peptides market is segmented on the basis of peptides types such as plant anti-microbial peptides, bacterial anti-microbial peptides, animal anti-microbial peptides, insect anti-microbial peptides. Among these segments, animal and plant anti-microbial peptides are capturing the major share into the market as they are easy to extract as compared with other anti-microbial peptides. Researchers are also more inclined towards animal and plant anti-microbial peptides to observe and check under clinical trials.



Europe and North America are the leading regions in global anti-microbial peptide market owing to the large investment in R&D and healthcare industry. Europe anti-microbial peptides market valued USD 0.39 billion in 2016, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period. There are approximately 45 peptides which are approved globally and are being used in different verticals out of which 5-6 are from Europe. European Union has announced to invest USD 1.7 billion to develop antimicrobial peptide drugs to tackle against drug-resistant bacteria. Europe was marketed for nearly 110 peptides in clinical trials and more than 150 peptides in advanced pre-clinical phase. Germany and the UK hold the major share of antimicrobial peptides market. Moreover, Greece is the largest and only producer of generic peptides of European Union.



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Anti Microbial Peptides Market also covers product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force, sales, revenue, price, market share, region, sales channel, distributors, traders, dealer.



Anti Microbial Peptides Market Segment by Type:



> Plant Anti-Microbial Peptides



> Bacterial Anti-Microbial Peptides



> Animal Anti-Microbial Peptides



> Insects Anti-Microbial Peptides



Market Segment by Applications:



> Personal Care and Cosmetics Industry



> Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals Industry



> Biotechnology Industry



Geographical Regions covered in Anti Microbial Peptides market report are North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Further, divided into countries as United States, Canada Mexico, Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy, China, Japan, Korea, India, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, and Others.



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Key Topics in Anti Microbial Peptides Market Covered:



Chapter 1: Market Overview



Chapter 2: Manufacturers Profiles



Chapter 3: Global Market Competition, by Manufacturer



Chapter 4: Global Anti Microbial Peptides Market Analysis by Regions



Chapter 5: North America Analysis by Countries, Type, Application and Manufacturers



Chapter 6: Europe Analysis by Countries, Type, Application and Manufacturers



Chapter 7: Asia-Pacific Analysis by Countries, Type, Application and Manufacturers



Chapter 8: South America Analysis by Countries, Type, Application and Manufacturers



Chapter 9: Middle East and Africa Analysis by Countries, Type, Application and Manufacturers



Chapter 10: Global Anti Microbial Peptides Market Segment by Type



Chapter 11: Global Anti-Microbial Peptides Market Segment by Application



Chapter 12: Anti Microbial Peptides Market Forecast (2018-2023)



Chapter 13: Sales Channel, Distributors, Traders and Dealers



Chapter 13: Research Findings and Conclusion



And More



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The freezing conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center that sparked national outcry and intense protests this weekend were part of a string of heat outages that began at the Brooklyn federal jail weeks earlier, according to jail staff and detainees who testified during a federal hearing on Tuesday. But instead of intervening to protect those incarcerated at the jail, the warden at MDC, Herman Quay, lied about the extent of the crisis, while downplaying long-standing issues at the facility, attorneys said.

"I have personal knowledge that what the warden said was false," Deirdre von Dornum, attorney-in-charge of the Federal Defenders of New York, told Judge Analisa Torres at the hours-long hearing in Lower Manhattan.

As Quay insisted that detainees were never deprived of heat, medical access or hot meals, von Dornumwho was permitted by a judge to tour the facility this weekendsaid she witnessed clients confined to freezing cells, some of them suffering from serious medical conditions. She described one man with an open wound bleeding into his sheets after being denied adequate care, and said others hadn't received a hot meal in five days.

As of Monday, the government dug into its denials that the power outage affected the heat and water.



"MDC informs us that the electrical outage did not cause the heat to go out, nor did it lead to a lack of hot water, because those systems were not affected by the power outage." pic.twitter.com/Czt9EFjpZM  Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) February 5, 2019

Donnell Murray, a detainee at MDC, testified that jail employees had taken the temperature of his cell and found it was between 30 and 40 degrees. He added that he was cut off from speaking with family members and attorneyssomething that Quay has also deniedand did not feel prepared for his upcoming trial.

"The lights was out. The heat was off, and we was locked in," said Murray. "It was hard on me because it was dark. It was cold. I was nervous."

The hearing came after public defender Ezra Spilke requested a judge look into the "inhumane conditions" at MDC, one of several scheduled for the coming days. It also represented the first time that Bureau of Prisons employees were called to testify under oath about conditions at the troubled jail. Their attempts to delay the hearing, and a subsequent visit to the jail by Judge Torres, were denied on Monday night.

Quay was not present at Tuesday's hearing. But employees of the jail who did testify offered details that directly conflicted the warden's staunch denials, and the Bureau of Prison's own assessment that the jail was "experiencing a partial power outage" related to an electrical fire last Sunday.

According to MDC facility manager John Maffeo, the heating issues at the jail preceded the fire. A heating coil broke six days before the electrical fire, at which point, Maffeo said, the jail staff knew "we wouldn't be able to provide heat in the south unit during that round of repairs."

Rhonda Barnwell, who works as a medical technician at MDC, also confirmed that the jail experienced "very cold temperatures" in the week leading up to the fire. "If the media didn't come, we'd still be in the same situation," she said.

The witness was quoted in the press as saying: "They're just waiting for a disaster to happen."



Asked about this remark, Barnwell stands by it: "Absolutely."



"I'm thinking that if the media didn't come, we'd still be in the same situation," she added.  Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) February 5, 2019

For some detainees, the disturbing reports of the last week were a continuation of years of neglect at the federal jail, which houses a mix of pretrial detainees and convicted men and women. In April, two lieutenants at the facility were convicted of repeatedly forcing female prisoners to perform oral sex on them, with one victim claiming that several high-level officials at MDC, including the Special Investigative Services Officer, were aware of the abuse.

A class-action lawsuit, filed in 2017, accused the jail of being plagued by "the constant presence of airborne fecal matter, mold, asbestos and other unknown particulate matter." Two years earlier, a lawsuit alleged that Muslim detainees were subjected to wanton humiliation and physical abuse by guards on a regular basis.

On a phone call with reporters Monday evening, David Patton, the executive director of the Federal Defenders of New York, called for the appointment of a special master to investigate the situation at the jailemphasizing that an investigation by the DOJ would not yield significant results.

"This incident has highlighted the emergency nature of something that is a longstanding problem," he said. "The Justice Department cannot be trusted to police itself."

At 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Judge Torres adjourned the hearing in order to visit the Sunset Park facility. "We may be resuming later," she said. The judge arrived at the jail around an hour later, accompanied by lawyers from both parties, and has not yet emerged.



Judge Analisa Torres entering the Metropolitan Detention Center on Tuesday afternoon (Ben Brandstein/Gothamist)

This is an ongoing story and we'll update as more information becomes available.

Additional reporting by Alejandra Salazar and Ben Brandstein.

UPDATE 9:30 a.m., February 6 Following her visit to MDC last night, Judge Torres briefly reconvened the hearing to ask the attorneys who accompanied her how conditions had changed at the jail.

Compared to her last visit, von Dornum said, "it was much warmer, much brighter, but it was clear that the medical situation had not been rectified." The defense attorney added that the tour did not change her feeling that a special master should be appointed.

Despite this, Judge Torres denied requests to move two detainees out of the jail. On the subject of the appointment of a special master, Torres said that would be addressed in a separate lawsuit filed by the Federal Defenders earlier this week.

Judge Torres pressed the attorneys on what relief she could grant. The major request, a special master overseeing MDC, is the subject of a newly filed lawsuit. She punted that issue to that case.



On the transfer, she found that specific record under-developed for two inmates.  Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) February 6, 2019

The upshot: Judge Torres declining to rule in the Federal Defenders' favor here does not signal a clean bill of health to MDC.  Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) February 6, 2019

Listen to WNYC's Alejandra Salazar discuss the hearing with Richard Hake on Morning Edition::
Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- The top five companies competing in the global tert-butanol market, namely LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., Lotte Chemical Titan Corporation, Evonik Industries AG, TonenGeneral Sekiyu K.K., and Merck KGaA, accounted for a share of 43.2% in 2015. This reflects the moderately consolidated nature of the market. Analyzing the medium-level of competition among these and other players, Transparency Market Research has zeroed in on extensive research and development as the key strategy adopted by most. R&D activities focused on increasing the effectiveness of tert-butanol applications have surged in recent times.



Read Report Overview @

https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/tert-butanol-market.html



"Mergers and acquisitions are also a go-to growth strategy for both established and smaller players," the author of the study observes. Over the past few years, prominent companies such as Merck KGaA and TonenGeneral Sekiyu K.K. have been expanding their businesses in newer product lines and regions to gain market share. In July 2015, TonenGeneral acquired Kyokuto Petroleum Industries, Ltd. to strengthen its domestic presence and expand its product portfolio. Merck Life Sciences, in November 2015, acquired Sigma-Aldrich to emerge as one of the most leading players.



The development of bio-based solvents is yet another opportunity that players in the tert-butanol market can capitalize on. "Presently, strict government regulations pertaining to VOC emissions restrict a number of players owing to the harmful effects associated with chemical and industrial solvents," the analyst states. "However, this has encouraged manufacturers to move away from petroleum-based solvents and instead, focus on developing environment-friendly products."



Considering that the demand for tert-butanol stems mainly from its application in paints and coatings and fragrances and flavors, the tert-butanol market is driven primarily by the rapid growth of the automobile, construction, and foods and beverages industries.



"Asia Pacific has, over the years, emerged as an increasingly lucrative investment option for players in the tert-butanol market," a TMR analyst states. Rapid industrialization and urbanization in countries such as China, India, and Japan has resulted in the massive expansion of the building and construction sector. In addition, economic growth has spurred the rise in disposable income, furthering the demand for automobiles. This has led to the increasing use of paints and coatings as well as tert-butanol. The constantly-rising population in the APAC region has also contributed toward the escalating demand for food and beverages, boosting the demand for tert-butanol as a key flavoring ingredient.



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https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=12878



The global opportunity in the tert-butanol market is poised to be worth US$2.6 bn by 2024, TMR predicts, rising from US$1.5 bn in 2015 at a 6.2% CAGR therein. By volume, the market is projected to register a 5.4% CAGR during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the global tert-butanol market in 2015, with a share of over 40% that year. In addition to retaining its lead through 2024, the region is also anticipated to emerge as the most rapidly growing segment. Paints and coatings formed the leading end-use segment in 2015, accounting for a share of almost 40% by volume. On the other hand, the pharmaceuticals segment is expected to develop at the fastest pace by revenue as well as volume, registering a respective CAGR of 6.6% and 5.8% from 2016 to 2024.
New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- The latest report Tablet Packing Machines discusses everything a business owner needs to know about the Tablet Packing Machines market for the forecast period, 2018 to 2026. The document offers an insight into what the target customer's needs and wants. Industry experts have extracted data from various sources on size, share, growth rate, production volume, production capacity, import and export status, distribution channels and more and have analysed it thoroughly. By properly assessing the competitors and their offerings the study aims at empowering business owners to step ahead.



The Tablet Packing Machines study sheds light on industry profiles across several countries and regions. The extensive document is a rich source of information on market size, share and growth rate. The industry profiles discussed in the Tablet Packing Machines report further identifies market segmentation, profit, and competitive landscape and offers forecast information on industry performance and trends for the period, 2018 to 2026. The detailed report offers comprehensive analyses about a particular market situation within a geographic region.



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The major players covered in this Tablet Packing Machines report are

KoRber Medipak Systems AG, Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co KG, Shiv Shakti Packaging Industries, Robert Bosch GmbH, Marchesini Group SpA, Jornen Machinery, ACG Worldwide Private Limited, Multivac Inc, OPTIMA Packaging Group GmbH, Romaco Pharmatechnik GmbH



Estimating the potential size of the Tablet Packing Machines industry

Industry experts conducting the study further estimate the potential of the Tablet Packing Machines industry. Such information is important for firms looking to launch an innovative service or product on the market. Industry experts have measured the total volume of the given market. Researchers have calculated the industry in terms of sales by the competitors and end-user  customers. Data on the entire size of the Tablet Packing Machines market for a particular product or a service for the forecast period, 2018 to 2025 covered in the report makes it valuable. This information reveals the upper limit of the Tablet Packing Machines industry for a specific product or service.



Exploring Tablet Packing Machines growth rate over a period

Business owners looking to scale up their business can refer this report that contains data regarding the rise in sales within a given consumer base for the forecast period, 2018 to 2026. Product owners can use this information along with the driving factors such as demographics and revenue generated from other products discussed in the report to get a better analysis of their products and services. Besides, the research analysts have compared the market growth rate with the product sales to enable business owners to determine the success or failure of a specific product or service.



Grow with the Tablet Packing Machines trend

The Tablet Packing Machines helps product owners learn how certain trends will shape the growth of the Tablet Packing Machines industry over a long term. The study closely looks at the historical price pattern of various products and services and empowers entrepreneurs to form the right opinion about the future trends. Accordingly, business owners will be able to decide their course of action and make a wise decision.



Most important types of Tablet Packing Machines products covered in this report are:

- Bottle Packagings

- Accucounter Tablet Packing Machines

- Pouch Packing Machines

- Vertical Tablet Packing Machineries

- Fill & Sealing Machines

- Other



Most widely used downstream fields of Tablet Packing Machines market covered in this report are:

- Industry

- Food & Beverages

- Pharmaceuticals

- Other



Major Regions play vital role in Tablet Packing Machines market are:

- North America

- Europe

- China

- Japan

- Middle East & Africa

- India

- South America

- Others



We can also provide the customized separate regional or country-level reports, for the following regions:

North America, United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia-Pacific, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Europe, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, Rest of Europe, Central & South America, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Middle East & Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Rest of Middle East & Africa



In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Tablet Packing Machines are as follows:l

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2018

Forecast Year 2018 to 2026



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There are many questions the research attempts to answer:

- Who is currently purchasing your product or service worldwide?

- Who are your immediate competitors?

- What will be the price of the products and services across different continents?

- What are the trends affecting the performance of the Tablet Packing Machines market?

- What features do the customers look for when they purchase Tablet Packing Machines?

- What problems will vendors operate in the Tablet Packing Machines market encounter?

- What needs are the prominent manufacturers trying to meet by the forecast period 2026?

- What opportunities can prominent leaders see on the horizon?

- How will the competitive landscape look like from the forecast period 2018 to 2026?



To conclude the status of import and export, supply chain management, distribution channels, production volume, production capacity, product price, profit, sale and others elements are covered in the report.



Key points from table of content:



Chapter 1 Tablet Packing Machines Market Overview

1.1 Tablet Packing Machines Definition

1.2 Global Tablet Packing Machines Market Size Status and Outlook (2013-2026)

1.3 Global Tablet Packing Machines Market Size Comparison by Region (2013-2026)

1.4 Global Tablet Packing Machines Market Size Comparison by Type (2013-2026)

1.5 Global Tablet Packing Machines Market Size Comparison by Application (2013-2026)

1.6 Global Tablet Packing Machines Market Size Comparison by Sales Channel (2013-2026)

1.7 Tablet Packing Machines Market Dynamics

1.7.1 Market Drivers/Opportunities

1.7.2 Market Challenges/Risks

1.7.3 Market News (Mergers/Acquisitions/ Expansion)



Chapter 2 Tablet Packing Machines Market Segment Analysis by Player

2.1 Global Tablet Packing Machines Sales and Market Share by Player (2016-2026)

2.2 Global Tablet Packing Machines Revenue and Market Share by Player (2016-2026)

2.3 Global Tablet Packing Machines Average Price by Player (2016-2026)

2.4 Players Competition Situation & Trends

2.5 Conclusion of Segment by Player



Continued.



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New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- Based on the Soft Capsule industrial chain, this report mainly elaborate the definition, types, applications and major players of Soft Capsule market in details. Deep analysis about market status (2018-2026), enterprise competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of enterprise Products, industry development trends (2018-2026), regional industrial layout characteristics and macroeconomic policies, industrial policy has also be included. From raw materials to downstream buyers of this industry will be analyzed scientifically, the feature of product circulation and sales channel will be presented as well. In a word, this report will help you to establish a panorama of industrial development and characteristics of the Soft Capsule market.



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Apart from this, the valuable document weighs upon the performance of the Soft Capsule industry on the basis of a product service, end-use, geography and end customer



The specialist consulting approach adopted to study the Soft Capsule market by size, share. and growth form an important part of this market intelligence report. Expertise research specialist not only weight upon the company profiles of the major vendors but also significant aspects such as import and export status, supply chain management, demand and supply and distribution channel. Vital statistics on product positioning, consumption volume, a dramatic shift in consumer preferences, spending power and other are explained through resources including charts, graphs, and infographics.



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Major Players in Soft Capsule market are:



- IVC

- Captek

- EuroCaps

- Patheon

- Capsugel

- Baihe Biotech

- PROCAPS

- Soft Gel Technologies

- Aenova

- NBTY

- Sirio Pharma

- Amway

- Catalent

- Strides Arcolab

- Soft Capsule



Soft Capsule Market segment by Region/Country including:



- North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)

- Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia and Spain etc.)

- Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and Southeast Asia etc.)

- South America Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Chile etc.)

- Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia etc.)



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Region wise performance of the Soft Capsule industry

The study is a professional probe into the revenue generated and capacity estimates for the Soft Capsule market for the forecast period 2018 - 2025 empower the business owners to maintain a competitive edge over their rivals. The research further examines and provides data on the market by type, application and geography interspersed with illustrations and other graphical representations. The market analysis not only determines the attractiveness of the industry but also the evolving challenges and opportunities and their association with the weaknesses and strengths of prominent market leaders. Other factors taken into consideration when studying the industry include profitability, manufacturing capability, distribution channels and industry cost structure and major success factors.



A quick look at the Soft Capsule industry trends and opportunities

Important the study on the Soft Capsule market takes a closer look at the top market performers and monitors the strategies that have enabled them to occupy a strong foothold in the market. Performance of the product and services across different segments and geography are thoroughly assessed during the research. Apart from this, the research brings to light real-time data about opportunities that will completely transform the trajectory of the business environment in the coming years.



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The research provides answers to the following key questions:



- What is the anticipated growth rate of the Soft Capsule market? What will be the size and share of the industry for the forecast period, 2018 - 2026?

- What are key market drivers expected to transform the competitive landscape of the Soft Capsule industry?

- Who are major vendors dominating the Soft Capsule industry across different regions? What are their winning strategies to stay ahead in the competition?

- What are the major trends expected to transform the complete trajectory of the Soft Capsule market for the forecast period, 2018 - 2026?

- What are the challenges business owners are likely to encounter during the estimated period?

- What are the types of opportunities business owners can bank on during the estimated period?



The study objectives of this report are:



#To analyze and study the global Soft Capsule capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2018-2026) and forecast (2018-2026);

#Focuses on the key Soft Capsule manufacturers, to study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in future.

#focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.

#To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.

#to analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.

#To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.

#To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.

#To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the market

#To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market

#To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

#In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Soft Capsule are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2018

Forecast Year 2018 to 2026

Continue...



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San Francisco, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/04/2019 -- With convenience and functional foods gaining ground, specialty food ingredients such as savory flavor ingredients are also witnessing a strong demand growth. Owing to visibly escalating consumption of savory flavor ingredients by prepared and packaged food manufacturers, and specialty flavor and seasoning innovators, the next few years are likely to see robust expansion of the global savory flavor ingredients market.



As an expanding consumer base is developing proclivity for rich flavor profiles of a variety of foods, it is anticipated to boost the progress of savory flavor ingredients market. Frequent flavor innovations and rising popularity of flavor blends across diverse savory product categories is another factor projected to encourage the revenue growth of savory flavor ingredients market in coming years.



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Savory Flavor Ingredients Market Players Strategize on Flavor Innovations



A majority of the companies actively partaking in the competitive landscape of global savory flavor ingredients market are prioritizing product innovations through extended R&D investments, whereas some are maintaining their strategic focus on regional expansion. Developmental strategies of key players are also identified to majorly rely on local and regional consumer preferences for tastes and flavors, according to research.



In the wake of diverse taste preferences of consumers and vast difference between local and regional level choices of tastes and flavors, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. recently announced the expansion of their existing products portfolio to include country-specific flavors, including savory flavor ingredients, RTE food ingredients, and soup ingredients.

Yeast extract has been one of the top selling savory flavor ingredients over the years, and looking at the elevating demand for yeast extract, Royal DSM has extended investment in yeast extract production capabilities. With this, the company intends to achieve backward integration and scale down third party dependence for yeast supply.

A number of key players operating in the global savory flavor ingredients market are adapting to the growing trends of natural, organic, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, Halal-certified, and Kosher-certified ingredients. DSM recently launched a complete lineup of naturally sourced savory flavor ingredients, based on yeast extracts - Maxavor YE.



Savory Flavor Ingredients Market Players to Capitalize on High-potential Emerging Countries



While briskly developing economies such as India, Indonesia, China, and Vietnam reflect lucrative potential to instrument a strong base for the growth of savory flavor ingredients market, it is more likely that leading manufacturers of specialty food ingredients would invest in business expansion & R&D across these regional territories. In addition, escalating favor for Asia's authentic flavors across European and American countries points to the is compelling specialty flavor brands such as Nestle S.A. to focus on a host of Asian flavors as a part of regional and exotic flavor promotions. Similarly, seafood and sushi constitute the most popular preferences in Japanese savory flavor ingredients market, whereas China's savory flavor ingredients market has been witnessing growing traction for meat-based flavors.



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Authentic Savory Flavor Ingredients Observing Substantial Consumption across Chinese & Japanese Food Segments



Chinese and Japanese cuisines fall in the most popular category that enjoys generous use of savory flavor ingredients. Post witnessing elevating popularity in food service institutions and restaurants, savory flavor ingredients are witnessing a rapid uptake across the processed and convenience foods sector, especially in soups, instant noodles, and ready (RTE) meals. Several other snacking products such as popcorn, chips and crisps, extruded snacks, nuts and fruit snacks, corn chips, and pretzels are also cited to contribute significantly to the growth of savory flavor ingredients market.



Sweet & Savory Flavor Ingredients Blending to Satiate Evolving Flavor Preferences



The lines between savory and sweet flavors are foreseen to blur in coming years, pushing blends of sweet-savory flavor ingredients that could create lucrative investment opportunities for traditional grain-based foods manufacturers. Seeds, citrus, and floral flavors are blooming, fueling R&D interests among savory flavor ingredients manufacturers.



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About TMR Research

TMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in today's supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients' conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.
Rockville, MD -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- Hoses are one of the key components of drinking water installations especially for outdoor sites. However, these hoses are only employed if they fulfil the strict conditions of the drinking water ordinance. To protect the public health for long term, test procedure for the drinking water approval are made tougher. Drink Hoses are the ideal quality of hoses for the utilization in beverages, brewing and liquor industry.



Drink Hoses are primarily utilized for the transportation of drinking water at carnivals, outdoor exhibitions, food and beverage industries etc. Further, Drink Hoses can also be used for conveying water in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, where the quality of water must be at high level. Drink Hoses are designed to meet the most demanding application which features ultra-smooth and plasticiser free linings that do not transfers taste or odour.



Drink Hoses are available in reinforced as well as premium forms. Both premium and reinforced Drink Hoses are widely adopted in various industries owing to their various features which include safe for drinking water, complies with the 2014 federal state drinking water act, UV stabilized for prolonged life, no taste of plastic leached into the drinking water, etc.



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Global Drink Hoses Market: Segmentation



The global Drink Hoses market can be segmented on the basis of material type, end-use industry and application



Based on the material type, the global Drink Hoses market can be segmented into



Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Rubber

Based on the end-use industry, the global Drink Hoses market can be segmented into



Food & Beverages

Pharmaceutical

Cosmetics

Based on the application, the global Drink Hoses market can be segmented into



Milk

Water

Other Beverages

Global Drink Hoses Market: Dynamics



Increasing demand for reliable & safe products the effective transportation of beverages and foodstuffs is expected to assist the demand for the Drink Hoses and in turn driving the global Drink Hoses market.



Hose manufacturers primarily build hose used for plants watering or car washing, etc. and they are made without paying proper attention to be used for the drinking purpose. Thus, Drink Hoses must be produced with utmost care while adhering to stringent environmental regulations. The aforementioned reasons are found to be the key challenges identified in the Drink Hoses market.



Key manufacturers of Drink Hoses are focusing on development of modern production facilities, special production processes, and top quality raw materials in order to meet the stringent hygiene regulations. Introduction of hose for drinking water, developed in accordance with the UBA Elastomer Guidelines is one of the key trends identified in the global Drink Hoses market



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Global Drink Hoses Market: Regional Outlook



Considering regions, the global Drink Hoses market is expected to be led by North America region owing to the introduction of various environmental regulations in the United State and Canada. North America is anticipated to be followed by Europe in the global Drink Hoses market throughout the forecast year. Asia-Pacific spearheaded by China is expected to grow at significant CAGR in the global Drink Hoses market over the near future, supported by rising utilization of the product in various applications. Latin America and Middle East & Africa are anticipated to grow at below average rate in the global Drink Hoses market over the forecast years.



Global Drink Hoses Market: Market Participants



Some of the key players involved in the Drink Hoses market include ContiTech AG, REHAU, Lantech Solutions, Manifattura Tubi Gomma S.p.A., Eaton Corporation Plc, PARKER HANNIFIN CORP, Sealtite Ltd., Gates Corporation, Semperflex, Terraflex Industries Ltd., Ace Hose and Rubber Company, and others



Key manufacturers of Drink Hoses are found to be involved in the development of safe Drink Hoses in order to gain the significant share in market across the globe.



The global Drink Hoses market is expected to be partially fragmented in nature. Global players are expected to hold small share in the global Drink Hoses market. There is a significant growth opportunity for small and local regional players in the global Drink Hoses market.



The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, application, and industry.



The report covers exhaustive analysis on:



Market Segments

Market Dynamics

Market Size

Supply & Demand

Current Trends/Issues/Challenges

Competition & Companies involved

Technology

Value Chain

Regional analysis includes:



North America (U.S., Canada)

Latin America (Mexico, Brazil)

Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain)

Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)

Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)

Japan

Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries, S. Africa, Northern Africa)

The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.



Report Highlights:



Detailed overview of parent market

Changing market dynamics in the industry

In-depth market segmentation

Historical, current, and projected market size in terms of volume and value

Recent industry trends and developments

Competitive landscape

Strategies of key players and products offered

Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth

A neutral perspective on market performance

Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprint



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Japan, Tokyo -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/04/2019 -- Report Consultant proclaims a new addition of comprehensive data to its extensive repository titled as, Global Population Health Management Solutions Market. This informative data has been scrutinized by using effective methodologies such as primary and secondary research techniques. This research report estimates the scale of the Global Population Health Management Solutions Market over the upcoming year. The recent trends, tools, technological platforms, and methodologies have been examined to get a better insight into the businesses. Population Health Management is the collection of patient information over various wellbeing data innovation assets, the examination of that information into a solitary, significant patient record, and the activities through which care suppliers can enhance both clinical and money related results. Population Health Management (PHM) looks to enhance the wellbeing results of a gathering by checking and recognizing singular patients inside that gathering.



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Top Key Players:



Cerner Corporation (U.S.), McKesson Corporation (U.S.), Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc. (U.S.), Healthagen LLC. (U.S.), OptumHealth (U.S.), IBM Corporation (U.S.), Epic Corporation Inc. (U.S.), Conifer Health Solutions LLC (U.S.), Health Catalyst LLC (U.S.), Wellcentive Inc. (U.S.), i2i Population Health (U.S.) and Verscend Technologies Inc. (U.S.).



Global Population Health Management Solutions Market: Regional Segment Analysis



North America

Europe

China

Japan

Southeast Asia

India



The Global Population Health Management Solutions Market is expected to reach at 2019 to 2025 during the forecast period. Different global regions such as North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and India have been examined on the basis of productivity to understand the demanding structure of products or services. Leading key players have been profiled to get an accurate and detailed description of various successful industries.



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The Global Population Health Management Solutions Market has been studied by considering numerous attributes such as type, size, applications, and end-users. It includes investigations on the basis of current trends, historical records, and future prospects. This statistical data helps in making informed business decisions for the progress of the industries. For an effective and stronger business outlook, some significant case studies have been mentioned in this Global Population Health Management Solutions Market report. Additionally, it throws light on different dynamic aspects of the businesses, which help to understand the framework of the businesses. The competitive landscape has been elaborated on the basis of profit margin, which helps to understand the competitors at domestic as well as global level.



Population Health Management Solutions Market Segment by Type, covers



Software

Services



Population Health Management Solutions Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into



Hospitals

Home Care Settings

Elderly Nursing Homes

Others



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Table Of Content:



The Global Population Health Management Solutions Market Research Report Contains:



1. Global population health management solutions market overview

2. Research methodology

3. Market trend analysis

4. Porters five force analysis

5. Global population health management solutions market by technology

6. Market by stakeholders

7. Market by service

8. Market by applications

9. Market by therapeutic type

10. Global population health management solutions market by geography

11. Key development

12. Company profiling

13. Global population health management solutions market report forecast 2019-2025

14. Appendix
Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- HTF MI released a new market study on Global Online On-Demand Food Delivery Services Market with 100+ market data Tables, Pie Chat, Graphs & Figures spread through Pages and easy to understand detailed analysis. At present, the market is developing its presence. The Research report presents a complete assessment of the Market and contains a future trend, current growth factors, attentive opinions, facts, and industry validated market data. The research study provides estimates for Global Online On-Demand Food Delivery Services Forecast till 2025*. Some are the key players taken under coverage for this study are Deliveroo, Delivery Hero, DoorDash, GrubHub, Just Eat Holding, Foodler, Postmates, Swiggy, OrderUp, Munchery, Takeaway.com, Zomato Media, Uber Eats, ELEME, Hellofood, Section 4: 900 USD??Region Segmentation, North America Country (United States, Canada), South America, Asia Country (China, Japan, India, Korea), Europe Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy), Other Country (Middle East, Africa, GCC) & Section (5 6): 500 USD??.



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Important Features that are under offering & key highlights of the report :



1) What all companies are currently profiled in the report?

Following are list of players that are currently profiled in the the report "Deliveroo, Delivery Hero, DoorDash, GrubHub, Just Eat Holding, Foodler, Postmates, Swiggy, OrderUp, Munchery, Takeaway.com, Zomato Media, Uber Eats, ELEME, Hellofood, Section 4: 900 USD??Region Segmentation, North America Country (United States, Canada), South America, Asia Country (China, Japan, India, Korea), Europe Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy), Other Country (Middle East, Africa, GCC) & Section (5 6): 500 USD??"



** List of companies mentioned may vary in the final report subject to Name Change / Merger etc.



2) Can we add or profiled new company as per our need?

Yes, we can add or profile new company as per client need in the report. Final confirmation to be provided by research team depending upon the difficulty of survey.

** Data availability will be confirmed by research in case of privately held company. Upto 3 players can be added at no added cost.



3) What all regional segmentation covered? Can specific country of interest be added?

Currently, research report gives special attention and focus on following regions:

North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific etc

** One country of specific interest can be included at no added cost. For inclusion of more regional segment quote may vary.



4) Can inclusion of additional Segmentation / Market breakdown is possible?

Yes, inclusion of additional segmentation / Market breakdown is possible subject to data availability and difficulty of survey. However a detailed requirement needs to be shared with our research before giving final confirmation to client.



** Depending upon the requirement the deliverable time and quote will vary.



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To comprehend Global Online On-Demand Food Delivery Services market dynamics in the world mainly, the worldwide Online On-Demand Food Delivery Services market is analyzed across major global regions. HTF MI also provides customized specific regional and country-level reports for the following areas.



- North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico.

- South & Central America: Argentina, Chile, and Brazil.

- Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Egypt and South Africa.

- Europe: UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Russia.

- Asia-Pacific: India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, and Australia.



2-Page profiles for 10+ leading manufacturers and 10+ leading retailers is included, along with 3 years financial history to illustrate the recent performance of the market. Revised and updated discussion for 2018 of key macro and micro market influences impacting the sector are provided with a thought-provoking qualitative comment on future opportunities and threats. This report combines the best of both statistically relevant quantitative data from the industry, coupled with relevant and insightful qualitative comment and analysis.



Global Online On-Demand Food Delivery Services Product Types In-Depth: , Order-focused food delivery services, Logistics-focused food delivery services, ?Industry Segmentation, Commercial users, Individual users, Section 7: 400 USD??Trend (2018-2022), Section 8: 300 USD?? Type Detail, Section 9: 700 USD??Downstream Consumer, Section 10: 200 USD??Cost Structure & Section 11: 500 USD??Conclusion



Global Online On-Demand Food Delivery Services Major Applications/End users:



Geographical Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific etc



In order to get a deeper view of Market Size, competitive landscape is provided i.e. Revenue (Million USD) by Players (2013-2018), Revenue Market Share (%) by Players (2013-2018) and further a qualitative analysis is made towards market concentration rate, product/service differences, new entrants and the technological trends in future.



Competitive Analysis:

The key players are highly focusing innovation in production technologies to improve efficiency and shelf life. The best long-term growth opportunities for this sector can be captured by ensuring ongoing process improvements and financial flexibility to invest in the optimal strategies. Company profile section of players such as Deliveroo, Delivery Hero, DoorDash, GrubHub, Just Eat Holding, Foodler, Postmates, Swiggy, OrderUp, Munchery, Takeaway.com, Zomato Media, Uber Eats, ELEME, Hellofood, Section 4: 900 USD??Region Segmentation, North America Country (United States, Canada), South America, Asia Country (China, Japan, India, Korea), Europe Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy), Other Country (Middle East, Africa, GCC) & Section (5 6): 500 USD?? includes its basic information like legal name, website, headquarters, its market position, historical background and top 5 closest competitors by Market capitalization / revenue along with contact information. Each player/ manufacturer revenue figures, growth rate and gross profit margin is provided in easy to understand tabular format for past 5 years and a separate section on recent development like mergers, acquisition or any new product/service launch etc.



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In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Global Online On-Demand Food Delivery Services are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2018

Forecast Year 2018 to 2025



Key Stakeholders/Global Reports:

Online On-Demand Food Delivery Services Manufacturers

Online On-Demand Food Delivery Services Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers

Online On-Demand Food Delivery Services Subcomponent Manufacturers

Industry Association

Downstream Vendors



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Actual Numbers & In-Depth Analysis, Business opportunities, Market Size Estimation Available in Full Report.



Thanks for reading this article, you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.
Pune, Maharashtra -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- The Graphical Research report provides a detailed overview on "North America In-vitro Diagnostics Market size by Product Type, Service Type, Technology, Application, End-User, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018  2024", predicted to reach USD 39 billion by 2024.



Integration of advanced technology within the diagnostic devices will improve accuracy and efficiency of these devices that should have a positive impact on in-vitro diagnostics industry growth. Technologically advanced countries such as the U.S. and Canada focus their efforts on R&D to manufacture automated laboratory diagnostic machines and equipment for accurate detection of diseases. For instance, companies such as Qaigen, provides point of care molecular diagnostic devices possessing highest accuracy and the results are displayed on the computers for complete analysis escalating its preference in the coming years over other conventional options available.



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In-vitro diagnostics market should grow significantly as a result of increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. As reported by National Cancer Institute, in 2018, there will be 1,735,350 cases of cancer that will escalate the business growth significantly in the near future. However, high costs associated with the diagnostic devices may affect industry growth.



Reagents & kits segment will grow at 6.6% during the forecast timeframe owing to escalating demand for such product types used in diagnosis of viral, fungal and bacterial diseases. Moreover, manufacturers have improvised on product offerings by providing molecular reagents and kits of better quality. For instance, development of superior quality SDS PAGE electrophoresis reagents for a better analysis and detection of diseases at gene level will upsurge the segmental growth.



Data management software segment accounted for 20.7% revenue share in 2017 and the segmental growth can be accounted to high efficiency of software available that are reliable and proficient in managing the patient data. Above-mentioned will increase its preference over other software available for keeping track of diseases thereby, should favor segmental growth.



Molecular diagnostics technology segment will grow at 8.3% CAGR over the forecast timeframe. The high segmental growth can be accounted to increasing prevalence of genetic diseases demanding critical monitoring and novel target therapy at gene level. Moreover, growing use of molecular diagnostic devices in process of drug discovery will augment business growth in the upcoming years.



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Diabetes segment was valued at USD 3.9 billion in 2017 and is expected to have high growth rate as a result of growing prevalence of diabetes in developed countries due to increasing incidences of obesity amongst the individuals. Availability of superior quality glucose detecting diagnostic devices enabling quick and reliable results will escalate business growth.



Point-of-care segment had enormous market size of USD 6.2 billion in 2017 and the high growth of the segment can be accounted to the growing use of point-of care molecular diagnostic devices for detecting blood glucose levels even at home. Hospitals have also adopted the point-of-care diagnostic devices that will impact the segmental growth positively.



U.S. in-vitro diagnostics market should witness high growth and held a momentous share of USD 23.9 billion in as a result of high prevalence of viral infections in the U.S. population including Zika virus leading to increasing demand for in vitro diagnostics. According to CDC 2017 reports statistics estimated that 5,710 people were suffering from Zika virus infection. These infected people need an advanced diagnostic testing to diagnose the disease, thereby augmenting the in-vitro diagnostics market growth.



Key industry competitors operating in North America in-vitro diagnostics market are Abbott, Becton Dickinson, BioRad, BioMerieux, Cephied, Danaher, Grifols, Johnson & Johnson, Luminex, Roche Diagnostics, Siemens, Sorin, Thermo Fisher and Qiagen. Strategic initiatives adopted by prominent industry players will help them to sustain the market competition. For instance, in September 2016, Becton Dickinson launched next-generation wireless diagnostic system for detection of influenza A and B, thereby expanding its product portfolio.



Browse key industry insights from this 2018 report North America In-vitro Diagnostics Market in detail along with the table of contents at:

https://www.graphicalresearch.com/industry-insights/1033/north-america-in-vitro-diagnostics-market



Segments We Cover:



In-vitro Diagnostics Market Statistics, By Product Type

Reagents & kits, Instruments



In-vitro Diagnostics Market Trends, By Service Type

Data Management Software, Services



In-vitro Diagnostics Market Growth, By Technology

Clinical Chemistry, Immunoassay/Immunochemistry,Molecular Diagnostics, Hematology, Microbiology, Coagulation and Hemostasis, Urinalysis, Other



In-vitro Diagnostics Market, By Application

Oncology, Infectious Diseases, Diabetes, Cardiology, Nephrology, Autoimmune Diseases, Drug Testing/Pharmacogenomics, Other



In-vitro Diagnostics Market, By End-user

Hospitals, Point-Of-Care Testing, Laboratories, Academic Institutes, Other



The above information is provided for the following countries:

U.S, Canada



Related Reports:



1. Europe In-vitro Diagnostics Market Size By Product Type (Reagents & Kits, Instruments), By Service Type (Data Management Software, Services), By Technology (Clinical Chemistry, Immunoassay/Immunochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Hematology, Microbiology, Coagulation & Hemostasis, Urinalysis), By Application (Oncology, Infectious Diseases, Diabetes, Cardiology, Nephrology, Autoimmune Diseases, Drug Testing/ Pharmacogenomics) By End-User (Hospitals, Point-Of-Care Testing, Laboratories, Academic Institutes), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Norway), Application Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018 - 2024



2. Asia Pacific In-vitro Diagnostics Market Size By Product Type (Reagents & Kits, Instruments), By Service Type (Data Management Software, Services), By Technology (Clinical Chemistry, Immunoassay/Immunochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Hematology, Microbiology, Coagulation & Haemostasis, Urinalysis), By Application (Oncology, Infectious Diseases, Diabetes, Cardiology, Nephrology, Autoimmune Diseases, Drug Testing/ Pharmacogenomics) By End-User (Hospitals, Point-Of-Care Testing, Laboratories, Academic Institutes), Industry Analysis Report, Country Outlook (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam), Application Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018  2024



About Graphical Research

Graphical Research is a business research firm that provides industry insights, market forecast and strategic inputs through granular research reports and advisory services. We publish targeted research reports with an aim to address varied customer needs, from market penetration and entry strategies to portfolio management and strategic outlook. We understand that business requirements are unique: our syndicate reports are designed to ensure relevance for industry participants across the value chain. We also provide custom reports that are tailored to the exact needs of the customer, with dedicated analyst support across the purchase lifecycle.
Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- Various functions of mustard oil such as appetizer, stimulant, hair vitalizer, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and others increase its demand in market. It is considered as essential oil with lots of benefits to skin and body is expecting to grow demand for personal care and cosmetics.



Mustard oil is extracted from mustard seeds, often have a pungent taste with irritating aroma. There are three varieties of mustard oil available in market includes B. nigra (black mustard), B. juncea (brown mustard), and B. hirta (white mustard). Traditionally a preferred oil for cooking, it is also used in different applications like aromatherapy, pharmaceuticals, & soaps, etc. It is extracted from two process includes pressing the seeds used as cooking oil due to presence of fatty oil and grinding of seed, processing it with water, and the filtered by distillation process. Second method of extracting produce a light pungent oil used for other therapeutic segments as essential oil. It is used in aromatherapy to stimulate the sweat glands and for its benefits on skin.



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Mustard oil Market Segmentation:



Mustard oil market is segmented on the basis of product type, production process, application, distribution channels and region. On the basis of product type includes B. nigra (black mustard), B. juncea (brown mustard), and B. hirta (white mustard). Among all of these, black mustard is majorly used in terms of volume and is expected to grow due to its various application in market. On the basis of production process, it is segmented into two categories includes pressing extraction and distillation extraction. On the basis of application the mustard oil market is segmented as food, personal care, pharmaceutical, aromatherapy and others industrial applications. Among all of these, food segment dominates the market and is expected to register a higher growth in the global mustard oil market during forecasted period.



On the basis of distribution channels the mustard oil market is segmented as online retail, supermarkets, and departmental stores. Among all of these, online retailing is expected to hold major shares in the market over the forecasted period.



Mustard oil Market Regional Outlook:



Mustard oil market is further segmented on the basis of regions, as North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. On the basis of regions, mustard oil has market demand is higher in Asia-Pacific regions which includes India, Thailand, and china due to its huge consumption in food. North America market is expected to expand relatively higher CAGR due to its preference as essential oil in various industrial application.



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Mustard oil Market Drivers and Trends:



Mustard oil is traditionally preferred as cooking oil and a substitute for other seed oil with higher benefits towards skin and health is expected to drive the global mustard oil market. Principal factor driving the mustard oil market is to substitute the other oil products like sunflower oil which has a major share in oil market. Availability of low cost substitutes and variety of products is expected to fuel the market. French regions producing white mustard oil due to its sweeter taste is expected to register a higher market growth in terms of value and volume over the forecast period. Mustard oil having properties to produce warmness in body helps to increase the blood flow is expected to register a steady growth in massage therapeutic segment in global mustard oil market.
Pune, Maharashtra -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- The global market for loading spout was valued at US$ 2,859.1 million in 2017. The market is expected to expand by 1.7x over the forecast period, 2018-2028.



Loading spout consist of a series of stacking cones that enables the product to free fall into the vessel that is being loaded and is used to prevent dust clouds from getting formed and settled on industrial equipment during various industrial processes. Loading spout are used in various industries such as food and beverage, mining, oil & gas, shipping, pulp and paper, construction, chemical among others.



However, the dust control regulations in the European region are highly stringent in comparison to other regions ultimately resulting in growth of the loading spout market. In May 2006, five European multi-lateral financial institutions launched the "European Principles for the Environment" (EPE) and subscribed to a common declaration recognizing the comparable approach taken by the signatories to environmental management and to the integration of environmental considerations in their respective operations and mandates.



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Growing construction and cement industry to boost loading spout market



The demand for loading spout from the cement industry has increased significantly in the last few years, due to increase in urbanization and growth in the industrial sector. Multinational companies are eyeing the Asia Pacific excluding Japan region in the anticipation of increased demand from the building & construction industry. China has become the largest cement producer in today's global scenario, followed by India. A steady rise in the cement industry will increase the demand for its bulk handling, and in turn, loading spout.



Competitive Landscape:



Key players operating in the global market for loading spout include Adaptive Engineering and Fabrication, WAM Group, MM Despro Engineering Pvt Ltd, Gesellschaft fur Planung, Maschinen- und Muhlenbau Erhard Muhr mbH, SLY Inc., Beumer Group, Daxner GmbH, Hennlich s.r.o. and Pebco Inc. among others.



The key players such as WAM group and Beumer Group have grown to stand for the shift in bulk material handling and equipment supply. They invest every year a significant amount of their global turnover in R&D and related activities, which are primarily dedicated to the processing and handling of granular and powder materials, through primary and applied research.



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Loading spout offer dust-free bulk material handling during transportation and shipping. They are highly preferred for food grains and cement handling. Loading spout are highly durable and have a lifespan of up to a decade or more. With the increase in other industries such as food grain production in food and beverage industry or bulk handling in shipping industry, the demand for loading spout is anticipated to increase. In addition, there is a great demand for loading spout from the cement industry in emerging economies such as China and India, which is expected to significantly contribute to the growth of the overall market.



Table of Content Covered in the report are:



1. Executive Summary

1.1. Overview

1.2. Wheel of Fortune

1.3. Opportunity Assessment

1.4. Loading Spout Market  FACT.MR Analyzed



2. Global Loading Spout Market Introduction



3. Global Loading Spout Market Industry Overview

3.1. Market Dynamics

3.2. Macro-Economic Factors

3.3. Value chain Analysis

3.4. Dust Explosion Risk Assessment

3.5. Industrial Dust Control Laws and Regulations

3.6. Impact of Climate Change Bulk Material Industry

3.7. The Need of Loading Spouts

3.8. Specifications of Loading Spouts

3.9. Product/Module Regional Benchmarking

3.10. Top end Module comparison

3.11. List of Active participants

3.12. PEST Analysis

3.13. Factors Influencing Pricing

3.14. Global Loading Spout Market: Forecast Factors and Impact Analysis



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4. Global Loading Spout Market Analysis, 2013  2028

4.1. Global Loading Spout Market Analysis by Loading Type

4.1.1 Market Value, Volume, Forecast and Analysis

4.1.1.1 Heavy Duty Loading spout

4.1.1.2 Standard Duty Loading spout

4.1.2 Y-o-Y growth Comparison by Loading Type, 2014-2028

4.1.3 Market Attractiveness by Loading Type

4.2. Global Loading Spout Market Analysis by Product Type

4.2.1 Market Value, Volume, Forecast and Analysis

4.2.1.1 Manual

4.2.1.2 Motorized

4.2.1.3 Semi Motorized

4.2.2 Market Attractiveness by Product Type

4.3. Global Loading Spout Market Analysis by Bulk Loading System

4.3.1 Market Value, Volume, Forecast and Analysis

4.3.1.1 Closed Loading

4.3.1.2 Open Loading

4.3.1.3 Combined Loading

4.3.2 Market Attractiveness by Bulk Loading System

4.4. Global Loading Spout Market Analysis by Maximum Grain Size

4.4.1 Market Value, Volume, Forecast and Analysis

4.4.1 1 10mm

4.4.1.2 50mm

4.4.13 80mm

4.4.1.4 100mm

4.4.1.5 Above 100 mm

4.4.2 Market Attractiveness by Maximum Grain Size

4.5. Global Loading Spout Market Analysis by Flow Rate (m3/h)

4.5.1 Market Value, Volume, Forecast and Analysis

4.5.1.1 < 200

4.5.1.2 300  500

4.5.1.3 500  2000

4.5.1.4 >2000

4.5.2 Market Attractiveness by Flow Rate (m3/h)



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4.6. Global Loading Spout Market Analysis by End Use Industries

4.6.1 Market Value, Volume, Forecast and Analysis

4.6.1.1 Food and Beverage

4.6.1.2 Mining, Oil and Gas

4.6.1.3 Shipping

4.6.1.4 Pulp and Paper

4.6.1.5 Contraction

4.6.1.6 Chemical

4.6.1.7 Miscellaneous

4.6.2 Market Attractiveness by End Use Industries

4.7. Global Loading Spout Market Analysis by Region

4.7.1 Market Value, Volume, Forecast and Analysis

4.7.1.1 North America

4.7.1.2 Latin America

4.7.1.3 Europe

4.7.1.4 CIS & Russia

4.7.1.5 Japan

4.7.1.6 APEJ

4.7.1.7 MEA



5. North America Loading Spout Market Analysis, 2013  2028

5.1. Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units) Comparison, by Country

5.1.1 US Market Size & Forecast Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units)

5.1.2 Canada Market Size & Forecast Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units)

5.2. Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units) Comparison, by Loading Type

5.3. Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units) Comparison, Product Type

5.4. Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units) Comparison, Bulk Loading system

5.5. Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units) Comparison, by Maximum Grain Size

5.6. Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units) Comparison, by Flow Rate

5.7. Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units) Comparison, by End Use Industry



6. Latin America Loading Spout Market Analysis, 2013  2028

6.1. Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units) Comparison, by Country

6.1.1 Brazil Market Size & Forecast Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units)

6.1.2 Mexico Market Size & Forecast Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units)

6.1.3 Argentina Market Size & Forecast Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units)

6.1.4 Chile Market Size & Forecast Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units)

6.1.5 Peru Market Size & Forecast Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units)

6.1.6 Rest of Latin America Market Size & Forecast Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units)

6.2. Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units) Comparison, by Loading Type

6.3. Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units) Comparison, Product Type

6.4. Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units) Comparison, Bulk Loading system

6.5. Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units) Comparison, by Maximum Grain Size

6.6. Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units) Comparison, by Flow Rate

6.7. Value (US$ Mn) & Volume (Units) Comparison, by End Use Industry



And Continue...



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HOUSTON, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hi-Crush Partners LP (NYSE: HCLP), "Hi-Crush" or the "Partnership," today announced that it has set a record date of February 19, 2019 for and in advance of a special meeting of its unitholders with respect to the proposed conversion of Hi-Crush from a Delaware limited partnership to a Delaware corporation (the "Conversion"). The date, time and location of the special meeting will be announced when it is set by the Board of Directors. The Partnership has filed a preliminary proxy statement regarding the special meeting with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").



The Partnerships unitholders of record at the close of business on February 19, 2019 will be entitled to receive notice of the special meeting and to vote at the special meeting. Subject to receipt of unitholder approval, the Partnership currently expects to complete the Conversion shortly following conclusion of the special meeting. Upon completion of the Conversion, Hi-Crush is expected to be renamed "Hi-Crush Inc." and its common stock will be listed for trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "HCR."

About Hi-Crush

Hi-Crush is a fully integrated, strategic provider of proppant and logistics solutions to the North American petroleum industry. We provide mine-to-wellsite logistics services that optimize proppant supply to customers in all major oil and gas basins in the United States, and own and operate multiple frac sand mining facilities and in-basin terminals. Our PropStream service, offering both container- and silo-based wellsite delivery and storage systems, provides the highest level of flexibility, safety and efficiency in managing the full scope and value of the proppant supply chain. Visit HiCrush.com.

No Solicitation

This communication relates to the Conversion. This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation of any vote or approval, in any jurisdiction, pursuant to the Conversion or otherwise.

Important Additional Information

In connection with the Conversion, the Partnership has filed with the SEC a proxy statement. The Conversion will be submitted to Partnerships unitholders for their consideration. The Partnership may also file other documents with the SEC regarding the Conversion. The definitive proxy statement will be sent to the unitholders of the Partnership. This document is not a substitute for the proxy statement that will be filed with the SEC or any other documents that the Partnership may file with the SEC or send to unitholders of the Partnership in connection with the Conversion. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF THE PARTNERSHIP ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT THAT HAS BEEN FILED REGARDING THE CONVERSION AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE CONVERSION AND RELATED MATTERS.

Investors and security holders are able to obtain free copies of proxy statement and all other documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by the Partnership through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by the Partnership will be made available free of charge on the Partnerships website at www.hicrush.com, under the heading "Investors," or by directing a request to Investor Relations, Hi-Crush Partners LP, 1330 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 600, Houston, TX 77056, Tel. No. (713) 980-6270.

Participants in the Solicitation

The Partnership is managed and operated by the board of directors and executive officers of its general partner, Hi-Crush GP LLC (our "General Partner"). The Partnership, our General Partner and our General Partners directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect to the Conversion.

Information regarding our General Partners directors and executive officers is contained in the Partnerships Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2017 fiscal year filed with the SEC on February 20, 2018, and certain of its Current Reports on Form 8-K. You can obtain a free copy of these documents at the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov or by accessing the Partnerships website at www.hicrush.com.

Investors may obtain additional information regarding the interests of those persons and other persons who may be deemed participants in the Conversion by reading the proxy statement regarding the Conversion. You may obtain free copies of this document as described above.

Forward-Looking Statements and Cautionary Statements

The foregoing contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this communication that address activities, events or developments that the Partnership expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Words such as "estimate," "project," "predict," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "potential," "create," "intend," "could," "may," "foresee," "plan," "will," "guidance," "look," "outlook," "goal," "future," "assume," "forecast," "build," "focus," "work," "continue" or the negative of such terms or other variations thereof and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future plans, actions, or events identify forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Conversion, descriptions of the post-Conversion company and its operations, transition plans, opportunities and anticipated future performance. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements included in this communication. These include the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the Conversion, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the abandonment of the proposed Conversion, the possibility that unitholders of the Partnership may not approve the Conversion, risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the Conversion, the risk that any announcements relating to the Conversion could have adverse effects on the market price of the Partnerships common units, the risk that the Conversion and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the ability of the Partnership to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers and customers and on their operating results and businesses generally, the risk the pending Conversion could distract management of the Partnership and that the Partnership will incur substantial costs, the risk that problems arise that may result in the post-Conversion company not operating as effectively and efficiently as expected, the risk that the post-Conversion company may be unable to achieve expected benefits of the Conversion or it may take longer than expected to achieve those benefits and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. All such factors are difficult to predict and are beyond the Partnerships control, including those detailed in the Partnerships annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K that are available on its website at www.hicrush.com and on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that the Partnership believes to be reasonable but that may not prove to be accurate. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and the Partnership undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof.
New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/04/2019 -- A new market assessment report on the Laminated Blade market provides a comprehensive overview of the Laminated Blade industry for the forecast period 2018 - 2026. The analytical study is proposed to provide immense clarity on the market size, share and growth rate across different regions. The profound knowledge and extensive examination of the trends from the yesteryear and future aims at offering the stakeholders, product owners, and marketing personnel a competitive edge over others operating in the Laminated Blade market for the forecast period, 2018 - 2026.



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The major players covered in this report are

Fuji Shoko, Swedev, Allision, MDC, Bentongraphics, Jialida, Esterlam, PrimeBlade, Hancheng, Kadant



Most important types of Laminated Blade products covered in this report are:

- Phenolic Resin

- SKN



On the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate for each application, including:

- Gravure

- Screen Printing

- Flexo

- Others



Understanding the market size

The size of the Laminated Blade market is viewed in terms of the Share of Market, Total Available Market as well as Served Available Market. Not only does the study present the combined revenue for a particular market but also the market size for a specific geographic region. Analysis of percentage or the size of the Total Available Market based on the type of product, technology, regional constraints and others form an important part of the Laminated Blade report.



Knowing the trends influencing the industry performance

Stakeholders, marketing executives and business owners planning to refer a market research report can use this study to design their offerings and understand how competitors attract their potential customers and manage their supply and distribution channels. When tracking the trends researchers have made a conscious effort to analyze and interpret the consumer behavior Besides the research helps product owners to understand the changes in culture, target market as well as brands so they can draw the attention of the potential customers more effectively.



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Geographically, this report studies the top producers and consumers in these key regions:

- North America

- Europe

- China

- Japan

- Southeast Asia

- India



We can also provide the customized separate regional or country-level reports, for the following regions:

North America, United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia-Pacific, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Europe, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, Rest of Europe, Central & South America, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Middle East & Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Rest of Middle East & Africa



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The study objectives of this report are:

1. To analyze and study the global Laminated Blade capacity, production, value, consumption, status and forecast (2018-2026);

2. Focuses on the key Laminated Blade manufacturers, to study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in future.

3. Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, analysis.

4. To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.

5. To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.

6. To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.

7. To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.

8. To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the market.

9. To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

10. To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.



Key elements from table of content:

8 Competitive Landscape

8.1 Competitive Profile

8.2 Fuji Shoko

8.2.1 Company Profiles

8.2.2 Laminated Blade Product Introduction

8.2.3 Fuji Shoko Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2018-2026

8.2.4 Fuji Shoko Market Share of Laminated Blade Segmented by Region in 2017

8.3 Swedev

8.3.1 Company Profiles

8.3.2 Laminated Blade Product Introduction

8.3.3 Swedev Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2018-2026

8.3.4 Swedev Market Share of Laminated Blade Segmented by Region in 2017

Continue.



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Wyomissing, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- Kozloff Stoudt, a Berks County law firm with decades of experience, represents individuals who were harmed in auto accidents. Their auto accident attorneys in Reading, PA and the surrounding areas give injured victims of car accidents the representation that they need to get the settlement that they deserve.



Many people, when dealing with an auto accident for the first time, do not understand their rights or the nuance of car accident law in Pennsylvania. Kozloff Stoudt's auto accident lawyers in Berks County are well versed in statutes of limitations, evidence to look for, and the most effective ways to develop a case for trial. Having these skills can change the course of a car accident suit and provide better leverage when it comes to negotiating a settlement.



More importantly, these lawyers fully understand a person's ability to file a suit based on the insurance plan that they elected to have through their provider. Pennsylvania, being a "choice no-fault" system, can largely limit car accident victims depending upon the level of tort that they chose for their car insurance. If an individual elects to have full tort coverage, there can be more options when it comes to filing a personal injury suit.



The lawyers at Kozloff Stoudt are more than just attorneys  they're advocates. They prepare an argument, build a case, ready people for trial, and argue on victims' behalves.



To learn more about Kozloff Stoudt's practice areas, visit their website at https://www.kozloffstoudt.com. For a confidential consultation with one of their car accident lawyers, call them at 610-370-6700.



About Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys

The Law Offices of Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys formed in 2000, following the merger of two historically respected and prominent Berks County law firms. The firm is located in the Spring Ridge area of Wyomissing, Berks County, the professional and commercial hub of the Reading area. For decades, the lawyers of Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys have advised and represented individuals, businesses, school districts and municipalities in most aspects of civil law.
Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- Solar Cell is a device made from crystalline silicon or thin film that converts sunlight into electricity by a process known as the photovoltaic effect. There are two key indicators for solar cells: one is cell conversion efficiency, and the other is cell thickness.



Photovoltaics Modules use light energy from the sun to generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect. The majority of modules use wafer-based crystalline silicon cells or thin-film cells based on cadmium telluride or silicon. The structural (load carrying) member of a module can either be the top layer or the back layer. Cells must also be protected from mechanical damage and moisture. Most Photovoltaics Modules are rigid, but semi-flexible ones are available, based on thin-film cells.



The Photovoltaics Modules industry is relatively concentrated, there is more than fourteen manufacturers (production 200 MW grade in 2015) in the world, and mainly come from domestic enterprises, China and etc.



All manufactures in the world are committed to the improvement of product. These two years, some of Chinese manufactures can almost catch up with the world's leading technology too. Most technologies are developed by the manufacturers instead of importing from other companies.



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This industry is affected by the economy and policy, so it's important to put an eye to economic indexes and leaders' prefer. The increase of demands from Japanese customers was largely due to the attractive feed-in tariff rate in Japan. Japan is a tough market for foreign solar developers to crack but figures from the country's solar industry show cells and modules made outside Japan are making huge gains since the onset of the world's most generous FiT regime.



The global Photovoltaics Modules market is valued at xx million US$ in 2018 is expected to reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of xx% during 2019-2025.



This report focuses on Photovoltaics Modules volume and value at global level, regional level and company level. From a global perspective, this report represents overall Photovoltaics Modules market size by analyzing historical data and future prospect. Regionally, this report focuses on several key regions: North America, Europe, China and Japan.



At company level, this report focuses on the production capacity, ex-factory price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer covered in this report.



The following manufacturers are covered:



Sharp



JA Solar



Yingli



Trina Solar



Canadian Solar



Kyocera Solar



Solar Frontier



SFCE



ReneSola



Hanwha Solar



REC Group



First Solar



SunPower



Jinko Solar



Strategic Points Covered in TOC:

Chapter 1: Introduction, market driving force product scope, market risk, market overview, and market opportunities of the global market

Chapter 2: Evaluating the leading manufacturers of the global market which consists of its revenue, sales, and price of the products

Chapter 3: Displaying the competitive nature among key manufacturers, with market share, revenue, and sales

Chapter 4: Presenting global market by regions, market share and with revenue and sales for the projected period

Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9: To evaluate the market by segments, by countries and by manufacturers with revenue share and sales by key countries in these various regions



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QYResearch always pursuits high product quality with the belief that quality is the soul of business. Through years of effort and supports from huge number of customer supports, QYResearch consulting group has accumulated creative design methods on many high-quality markets investigation and research team with rich experience. Today, QYResearch has become the brand of quality assurance in consulting industry.
New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- The latest market intelligence study on the Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (Hpma) market applies the best of both primary and secondary research techniques to bring to light the growth rate of the Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (Hpma) market for the forecast period, 2018 - 2026. The comprehensive study covers hard to find facts about the market landscape as well as its growth prospects in the years to come. Most importantly, the research report includes vital statistics about the major vendors occupying a strong foothold in this industry. Besides this, in order to calculate the market share, the study takes a closer look at the selling price of the product across different regions.



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Scope of the Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (Hpma) market

The researcher assessing the Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (Hpma) market dive deep to unearth intangible facts related to the key restraints, opportunities, and threats expected to shape the progress of the industry during the forecast period, 2018 - 2026. Significant evaluation of other factors such as demand and supply status, import and export, distribution channel, consumption volume, and production capability play a vital role in offering business owners, stakeholders and field marketing personnel a competitive edge over others operating in the same space. All important data are presented in self-explanatory charts, tables and graphic images that can be incorporated into any business presentation.



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Major Players in Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (Hpma) market are:



- Dow

- Sanlian Chem

- Nippon Shokubai

- Evonik (CN)

- Fangda Science

- Anhui Renxin

- Anshun Chem

- Mitsubishi Rayon

- GEO

- Evonik

- Dayang Chem

- Hickory

- Hechuang Chem



Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (Hpma) Market segment by Region/Country including:



- North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)

- Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia and Spain etc.)

- Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and Southeast Asia etc.)

- South America Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Chile etc.)

- Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia etc.)



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A quick look at the Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (Hpma) industry trends and opportunities

The study is a professional probe into the revenue generated and capacity estimates for the Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (Hpma) market for the forecast period 2018 - 2026 empower the business owners to maintain a competitive edge over their rivals. The research further examines and provides data on the market by type, application and geography interspersed with illustrations and other graphical representations. The market analysis not only determines the attractiveness of the industry but also the evolving challenges and opportunities and their association with the weaknesses and strengths of prominent market leaders. Other factors taken into consideration when studying the industry include profitability, manufacturing capability, distribution channels and industry cost structure and major success factors.



Understanding the Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (Hpma) market size

The study segments the complete Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (Hpma) market on the basis of different application, end-use, end-user, and production capability. From a business standpoint, the industry has been thoroughly examined across various countries located in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and others. The size of the industry for the forecast period 2018 - 2026 is evaluated on the basis of current sales figures and past financial report can be used to forecast the future sales.



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The research provides answers to the following key questions:



- What will be the size and the growth rate of the Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (Hpma) market for the forecast period 2018 - 2026?

- What are key drivers believed to shape the future of the market during the estimated period?

- What are the prominent industries players dominating the Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (Hpma) market during the forecast period?

- What are the major trends influencing the development of the industry?

- What are the key challenges likely to hinder the progress of the market?

- What are major opportunities and threats encountered by the business owners operating in the business vertical?



The study objectives of this report are:



#To analyze and study the global Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (Hpma) capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2018-2026) and forecast (2018-2026);

#Focuses on the key Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (Hpma) manufacturers, to study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in future.

#Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.

#To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.

#To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.

#To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.

#To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.

#To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the market

#To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market

#To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Radiation Monitoring are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2018

Forecast Year 2018 to 2026

Continue...



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Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- Home Textile is a flexible woven material consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibres often referred to as thread or yarn. Yarn is produced by spinning raw fibres of wool, flax, cotton, or other material to produce long strands. Textiles are formed by weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, or pressing fibres together.



China is the largest supplier of Home Textile, with a production value market share nearly 28.96% and sales revenue market share nearly 22.19% in 2015. That is to say, there will be exports in China, while North America region is the largest consumption region.



Developing economies such as China and India continue to be the major exporters while developed economies such as US and Europe continued to be the major importers of Home Textile.



The second place is North America, with the production value market share of 19.58% and sales revenue market share of 30.76% in 2015. Europe is another important market of Home Textile, enjoying 15.87% production value market share and 27.79% sales revenue market share in 2015.



The Home Textiles product basically includes terry towels, bed sheets, top of the beds, curtains, pillows cases, rugs, carpets etc used for home furnishings. Bedding is the largest segment of home textiles with a production value market share of 38.37% in 2015.



Briefly speaking, in the next few years, Home Textile industry will still be a steady energetic industry. Sales of Home Textile have brought a lot of opportunities, there will more companies enter into this industry, especially in developing countries.



The global Home Textile market is valued at 142000 million US$ in 2018 is expected to reach 180200 million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of 3.0% during 2019-2025.



This report focuses on Home Textile volume and value at global level, regional level and company level. From a global perspective, this report represents overall Home Textile market size by analyzing historical data and future prospect. Regionally, this report focuses on several key regions: North America, Europe, China and Japan.



At company level, this report focuses on the production capacity, ex-factory price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer covered in this report.



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The following manufacturers are covered:



Shaw Industries



Mohawk



Welspun India Ltd



Springs Global



Sunvim



Luolai Home Textile



Ralph Lauren Corporation



Fuanna



Shuixing Home Textile



Mendale Home Textile



Loftex



American Textile



Evezary



Shandong Weiqiao



Beyond Home Textile



Zucchi



GHCL



Veken Elite



Violet Home Textile



Sheridan



WestPoint Home



Franco Manufacturing



Yunus



Lucky Textile



Tevel



Dohia



Segment by Regions



North America



Europe



China



Japan



Segment by Type



Bedding



Curtain & Blind



Carpet



Towel



Kitchen Linen



Blanket



Segment by Application



Family Used



Commercial Used



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Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/04/2019 -- HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 118 pages on title 'Global Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products Market Insights by Application, Product Type, Competitive Landscape & Regional Forecast 2025' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes North America, South America, Asia, Europe & Others and important players such as Philip Morris International Inc.(United States), Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation (South Korea), British American Tobacco Plc (United Kingdom), Altria Group, Inc.(United States), Imperial Brands Plc (United Kingdom), Japan Tobacco International (Japan).



Free Sample Report + All Related Graphs & Charts @ : https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1536227-global-heat-not-burn-tobacco-products-market-2



Market Snapshot:

Heat-not-burn (HNB) tobacco products are electronic devices which only heat the tobacco at relatively lower temperatures to produce flavored nicotine vapor. Contrasting to conventional cigarettes, HNB products do not burn the tobacco, so the level of harmful chemicals are considerably lower than that of the conventional cigarettes. These are also known as an electrically-heated smoking system, or a heated tobacco product. Commercially available HNB systems includes glo, IQOS, as well as iFuse, among others. HNB products aim for a position between combustible tobacco smoking & electronic cigarettes those vaporise nicotine suspended in humectants. Growing consumer awareness about heat-not-burn tobacco products as an alternative to directly smoking tobacco is likely to boost the global heat-not-burn (HNB) tobacco products market growth over the coming years.



Market Trend

Increasing millennial population



Market Drivers



Growing consumer awareness about heat-not-burn tobacco products as an alternative to directly smoking tobacco and Growing purchasing power around the globe



Opportunities

Emerging Markets



Make an enquiry before buying this Report @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1536227-global-heat-not-burn-tobacco-products-market-2



The Vendors Covered in the Study are:

Philip Morris International Inc.(United States)

Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation (South Korea)

British American Tobacco Plc (United Kingdom)

Altria Group, Inc.(United States)

Imperial Brands Plc (United Kingdom)

Japan Tobacco International (Japan)



Regulatory Framework:

Regulations concerning HNB tobacco products are different in various countries. Many countries regulate as tobacco products under the framework of existing tobacco control legislations. Few countries & regions (such as Singapore and Macau) implement a ban on the sale as well as promotion of HNB tobacco products. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that HNB tobacco products should be subject to the policy & regulatory measures applied to all other tobacco products.



Available Customization:

List of players that can be included in the study on immediate basis are Vapor Tobacco Manufacturing LLC dba 3T Organic (United States) and PAX Labs, Inc. (United States).



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Table of Contents



Major Highlights of TOC:

Chapter One: Global Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products Market Industry Overview

1.1 Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products Industry

1.1.1 Overview

1.1.2 Products of Major Companies

1.2 Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products Market Segment

1.2.1 Industry Chain

1.2.2 Consumer Distribution

1.3 Price & Cost Overview



Chapter Two: Global Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products Market Demand

2.1 Segment Overview

2.1.1 APPLICATION 1

2.1.2 APPLICATION 2

2.1.3 Other

2.2 Global Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products Market Size by Demand

2.3 Global Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products Market Forecast by Demand



Chapter Three: Global Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products Market by Type

3.1 By Type

3.1.1 TYPE 1

3.1.2 TYPE 2

3.2 Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products Market Size by Type

3.3 Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products Market Forecast by Type



Chapter Four: Major Region of Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products Market

4.1 Global Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products Sales

4.2 Global Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products Revenue & market share



Chapter Five: Major Companies List



Chapter Six: Conclusion



Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1536227-global-heat-not-burn-tobacco-products-market-2



Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.
Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/04/2019 -- HTF MI recently Announced Global Halal Food study with 100+ market data Tables and Figures spread through Pages and easy to understand detailed TOC on "Halal Food. Global Halal Food research allows you to get different methods for maximizing your profit. The research study provides estimates for Global Halal Food Forecast till 2025*. Some of the Leading key Company's Covered for this Research are Nestle, Cargill, Nema Food Company, Midamar, Namet Gida, Banvit Meat and Poultry, Carrefour, Isla Delice, Casino, Tesco, Halal-ash, Al Islami Foods, BRF, Unilever, Kawan Foods, QL Foods, Ramly Food Processing, China Haoyue Group, Arman Group, Hebei Kangyuan Islamic Food, Tangshan Falide Muslim Food & Allanasons Pvt.



Click to get Global Halal Food Market Research Sample PDF Copy Here @: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1608748-global-halal-food-market-16



The halal industry is based on a belief that Muslims should eat food and use goods such as cosmetics that are "halalan toyibban", which means permissible and wholesome. In fact, the halal market is non-exclusive to Muslims, and has gained increasing acceptance among non- Muslim consumers who associate halal with ethical consumerism.



Actually, the halal industry has now expanded beyond the food sector to include pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, health products, toiletries and medical devices as well as service sector components such as logistics, marketing, print and electronic media, packaging, branding, and financing. In addition, the halal food marketplace is emerging as one of the most profitable and influential market arenas in the world food business today.



In consumption market, the global consumption value of halal food increases with the 8.14% average growth rate. East Asia and Middle East & North Africa are the mainly consumption regions due to the bigger demand of downstream applications. In 2015, these two regions occupied 56.83% of the global consumption volume in total.



Halal food has mainly three types, which include fresh products, frozen salty products, processed products and others. With large number of Islam population and economy development, the consumers will need more halal food products. So, halal food has a huge market potential in the future. Manufacturers engaged in the industry are trying to produce high purity and good taste halal food through improving technology.



Global Halal Food Research for a Leading company is an intelligent process of gathering and analyzing the numerical data related to services and products. This Research Give idea to aims at your targeted customer's understanding, needs and wants. Also, reveals how effectively a company can meet their requirements. The market research collects data about the customers, marketing strategy, competitors. The Halal Food Manufacturing industry is becoming increasingly dynamic and innovative, with more number of private players entering the industry.



Important Features that are under offering & key highlights of the report:



1) Who are the Leading Key Company in Global Halal Food market space?



Following are list of players that are currently profiled in the report "Nestle, Cargill, Nema Food Company, Midamar, Namet Gida, Banvit Meat and Poultry, Carrefour, Isla Delice, Casino, Tesco, Halal-ash, Al Islami Foods, BRF, Unilever, Kawan Foods, QL Foods, Ramly Food Processing, China Haoyue Group, Arman Group, Hebei Kangyuan Islamic Food, Tangshan Falide Muslim Food & Allanasons Pvt"



** List of companies mentioned may vary in the final report subject to Name Change / Merger etc.



2) What will the market size be in 2025 and what will the growth rate be?

In 2019, the Global Halal Food market size was xx million USD and it is expected to reach USD xx million by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of xx% during 2019-2025.



3) What are the Market Applications & Types?



The study is segmented by following Product Type: Fresh Products, Frozen Salty Products, Processed Products & Others



Major applications/end-users industry are: Restaurant, Hotel, Home & Others



**The market is valued based on weighted average selling price (WASP) and includes any applicable taxes on manufacturers. All currency conversions used in the creation of this report have been calculated using constant annual average 2018 currency rates.



To comprehend Global Halal Food market dynamics in the world mainly, the worldwide Halal Food market is analyzed across major regions. HTF MI also provides customized specific regional and country-level reports for the following areas.



- North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico.

- South & Central America: Argentina, Chile, and Brazil.

- Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Egypt and South Africa.

- Europe: UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Russia.

- Asia-Pacific: India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, and Australia.



Enquire for customization in Report @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1608748-global-halal-food-market-16



Competitive Analysis:

The key players are highly focusing innovation in production technologies to improve efficiency and shelf life. The best long-term growth opportunities for this sector can be captured by ensuring ongoing process improvements and financial flexibility to invest in the optimal strategies. Company profile section of players such as Nestle, Cargill, Nema Food Company, Midamar, Namet Gida, Banvit Meat and Poultry, Carrefour, Isla Delice, Casino, Tesco, Halal-ash, Al Islami Foods, BRF, Unilever, Kawan Foods, QL Foods, Ramly Food Processing, China Haoyue Group, Arman Group, Hebei Kangyuan Islamic Food, Tangshan Falide Muslim Food & Allanasons Pvt includes its basic information like legal name, website, headquarters, its market position, historical background and top 5 closest competitors by Market capitalization / revenue along with contact information. Each player/ manufacturer revenue figures, growth rate and gross profit margin is provided in easy to understand tabular format for past 5 years and a separate section on recent development like mergers, acquisition or any new product/service launch etc.



Research Parameter/ Research Methodology



Primary Research:

The primary sources involves the industry experts from the Global Halal Food industry including the management organizations, processing organizations, analytics service providers of the industry's value chain. All primary sources were interviewed to gather and authenticate qualitative & quantitative information and determine the future prospects.



In the extensive primary research process undertaken for this study, the primary sources  industry experts such as CEOs, vice presidents, marketing director, technology & innovation directors, founders and related key executives from various key companies and organizations in the Global Halal Food in the industry have been interviewed to obtain and verify both qualitative and quantitative aspects of this research study.



Secondary Research:

In the Secondary research crucial information about the industries value chain, total pool of key players, and application areas. It also assisted in market segmentation according to industry trends to the bottom-most level, geographical markets and key developments from both market and technology oriented perspectives.



Buy Full Copy Global Halal Food Report 2018 @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1608748-global-halal-food-market-16



In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Global Halal Food are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2018

Base Year: 2018

Estimated Year: 2019

Forecast Year 2019 to 2025



Key Stakeholders in Global Halal Food Market:

Global Halal Food Manufacturers

Global Halal Food Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers

Global Halal Food Subcomponent Manufacturers

Industry Association

Downstream Vendors



**Actual Numbers & In-Depth Analysis, Business opportunities, Market Size Estimation Available in Full Report.



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Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.
Williston, VT -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- When it comes to help at home, some seniors need more support than others. In fact, many seniors require service that is available to them 24-hours a day. These seniors generally need help with many of their day-to-day tasks  from getting out of bed to assistance in the bathroom and more. Family members cannot always provide the care that their loved one needs  that's why Griswold Home Care of Northern Vermont offers 24-hour live-in home care services in Franklin County, VT and the surrounding areas.



Griswold Home Care has a fundamental belief that more support and better care doesn't have to mean leaving home. Their 24-hour, live-in care services deliver constant assistance to people's loved ones in the comfort of their home. The most common live-in care services provided to seniors include assistance with bathing and personal hygiene, continence care, dressing, medication reminders, transportation to appointments, companionship and more.



The difference between live-in care and 24-hour care is that a live-in caregiver will need to be able to sleep approximately 8 hours a night, whereas constant, 24-hour care will require caregivers to rotate shifts so that someone is always awake.



Griswold Home Care of Northern Vermont also offers overnight care for individuals who may need assistance in the hours leading up to bed and those after waking. These caregivers can be there to provide home care services in Franklin County, VT and the surrounding areas.



Those who have a loved one that may benefit from any of Griswold Home Care's in-home care services can learn more by calling 802-662-1799 or visiting them online at https://www.griswoldhomecare.com/northern-vermont/.



About Griswold Home Care Northern Vermont

Griswold Home Care Northern Vermont is a non-medical home care agency that has been proudly serving the Burlington, Vermont, area for over 15 years. David Rosen, a Registered Nurse (RN) and Executive Director of Griswold Home Care Northern Vermont, became passionate about the home care industry when he found his grandmother needed care. Since then, it has been his mission to help others age in place and live the most independent lifestyle possible. In addition to David, other devoted staff members include Sue Richardson, VP of Operations, Lauren Chase, Senior Care Coordinator/Community Liaison, and Kim Bombard, Care Coordinator. Sue, Lauren, and Kim work closely with every client to ensure his or her needs are met with the highest level of compassion, professionalism, and customer care. Ultimately, everything about the agency's culture is very personal, from the level of service to the extensive caregiver screening processes.



To learn more about Griswold Home Care and the services it offers, please visit http://www.GriswoldHomeCare.com/Northern-Vermont/.
Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/04/2019 -- The global Scroll Compressors market is broadly analyzed in this report that sheds light on critical aspects such as the vendor landscape, competitive strategies, market dynamics, and regional analysis. The report helps readers to clearly understand the current and future status of the global Scroll Compressors market.



Scroll compressors are orbital motion, positive-displacement type compressors that compress gas with two interfitting scrolls.Scroll compressors are fully hermetic (enclosed in the compressor's shell, which is usually a cylindrical welded steel shell). Majority of scroll compressors used in refrigeration and HVAC services are of vertical orientation, with the scroll sets typically installed on the upper part of the motor shaft.



Consumers are generally quick-change, to get or use newfangled products, better experience, better convenience and more quicker; to find and meet the needs of consumers, and exceeding expectation, better service. The world changes quickly, especially in mobile internet and consumer electronics, and now the mobile internet and consumer electronics are changing the traditional sectors, to more efficient, more cheaper and powerful.



Get PDF report template @ https://www.qyresearch.com/sample-form/form/955619/global-scroll-compressors-market



At present, global economy is fluctuant, and most countries take measures to stimulate the economy, especially in ..., Mexico, Australia and the resources providing countries, like Russia, Middle East, Brazil etc. In many fields, Canada is the largest consumer, but in the past several years, Canada's economic growth slows .The Canada government is reforming the economic structure, to release energy of economy. USA economy is relatively stable with low-speed-growth, but in future, it also is full of risk.



In ..., the economy also is fluctuated the economic base is comparatively unsubstantial, due to the exchange fluctuations. In ..., although many people look to further increase in ..., but the economic aggregate is too low and the infrastructure is behindhand and inefficient. In a long term, ... will keep a stable and low growth in economy, due to its economic structure and bureaucratic system.



On the other hand, the political factors, like government succession, security fears, trade dispute, domestic employment, even the regional military crisis, always affect the economic activity, country to country, corporation to country. So it needs us with deep insight, to analyze the prospect avoid risk, to grasp the opportunity and reduce losses.



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This report focuses on Scroll Compressors volume and value at global level, regional level and company level. From a global perspective, this report represents overall Scroll Compressors market size by analyzing historical data and future prospect. Regionally, this report focuses on several key regions: North America, Europe, China and Japan.



At company level, this report focuses on the production capacity, ex-factory price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer covered in this report.



The following manufacturers are covered: Air Squared, Airpol, Atlas Copco, Bitzer, BOGE, Copeland (Emerson), DAKIN, Danfoss, Hitachi, LG, RENNER Kompressoren, SAMSUNG, Sanden, Tecumseh



Segment by Regions : North America, Europe, China, Japan



Segment by Type : Oil-free type, Lubricated type



Segment by Application : Residential, Commercial, Industrial



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Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/04/2019 -- Global demand of lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide will increase to 75610 MT in 2015 from 21031 MT in 2010. It is estimated that supported by downstream industries, global demand of lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide demand will keep increasing with an average growth rate of 29.53% in the coming five years. In addition, similar with that of globe, the demand of lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide in China will increase from 5303 MT in 2010 to 27997 MT in 2015, accompanied with an average demand growth of 40.19% in the coming five years.



Global Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide market report is first of its kind research report that covers the overview, summary, market dynamics, competitive analysis, and leading player's various strategies to sustain in the global market. This report covers five top regions of the globe and countries within, which shows the status of regional development, consisting of market value, volume, size, and price data. Apart from this, the report also covers detail information about various clients which is the most significant element for the manufacturers.



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The following manufacturers are covered:



Umicore



NICHIA CORPORATION



Tanaka Chemical



L&F



3M



TODA KOGYO CORP



BASF



AGC SEIMI CHEMICA



Shanshan Advanced Materials



Jinhe New materials



CEC



Xiamen Tungsten



Tianli



Easpring Material Technology



Kelong NewEnergy



Tianjiao Technology



Changyuan Lico



STL



Segment by Regions



North America



Europe



China



Japan



Segment by Type



NMC111



NMC532



NMC442



Others



Promote discount link:



https://www.qyresearch.com/request-discount/form/949934/global-lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese-oxide-industry-professional



Regions Covered in the Global Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide Market:



The Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries and Egypt)

North America (the United States, Mexico, and Canada)

South America (Brazil etc.)

Europe (Turkey, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.)

Asia-Pacific (Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia)

Ask our Expert if You Have a Query at: josephine@qyresearch.com



Strategic Points Covered in TOC:



Chapter 1:Introduction, market driving force product scope, market risk, market overview, and market opportunities of the global Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide market

Chapter 2:Evaluating the leading manufacturers of the global Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide market which consists of its revenue, sales, and price of the products

Chapter 3:Displaying the competitive nature among key manufacturers, with market share, revenue, and sales

Chapter 4:Presenting global Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide market by regions, market share and with revenue and sales for the projected period

Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9: To evaluate the market by segments, by countries and by manufacturers with revenue share and sales by key countries in these various regions
Specialty Ingredients delivered strong results in the quarter consistent with our expectations and increasing our confidence in achieving our outlook for the full year

Company captures targeted $50 million in annualized run-rate1 savings by end of December quarter as part of the cost reduction program

COVINGTON, KENTUCKY, February 5, 2019 - Ashland Global Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ASH), a premier global specialty chemicals company serving customers in a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, today announced preliminary2 financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2019:

Sales declined 1 percent year-over-year to $576 million, including a 2 percentage point (ppt) impact from unfavorable currency;

Reported net loss was $48 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, compared to a loss of $4 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, last year;

Reported loss from continuing operations was $71 million, or $1.14 per diluted share, compared to a loss from continuing operations of $32 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, a year ago;

Adjusted income from continuing operations was $9 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, compared to $2 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, last year; and

Adjusted EBITDA was $100 million, up from $93 million in the year-ago period.

"The Ashland team laid a solid foundation for fiscal 2019 as we delivered strong adjusted earnings growth and continued our progress toward becoming a premier specialty chemicals company," said William A. Wulfsohn, Ashland chairman and chief executive officer.

"Our Specialty Ingredients team produced another quarter of strong adjusted earnings growth and margin expansion coupled with organic top-line growth," added Wulfsohn. "Sales rose 1 percent driven by continued pricing discipline and differentiated product mix, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency. In fact, the pricing actions taken by our commercial teams yielded favorable price versus raw material cost during the quarter. In addition, the cost reduction program that we announced last summer is contributing to margin expansion. Within Specialty Ingredients, SG&A expenses declined by $7 million, or $8 million on an adjusted basis, compared to prior year. Combined, these efforts led to a 7 percent increase in Adjusted EBITDA, to $112 million, despite a $2 million negative impact from unfavorable foreign currency."

Update on Cost Reduction Program

In early May 2018, Ashland announced a program to accelerate EBITDA margin growth by creating a leaner, more cost competitive company with improved operating efficiency, faster decision making and a stronger customer focus. Under this program, Ashland intends to eliminate a total of $120 million of existing allocated costs, direct expenses within Specialty Ingredients SG&A, and facility-related costs as follows:

Approximately $70 million of costs allocated to the Composites business and to the Marl butanediol (BDO) facility are expected to be offset or eliminated through transfers and reductions.

Approximately $50 million of costs are expected to be eliminated to drive improved profitability in Specialty Ingredients and accelerate achievement of its adjusted EBITDA margin target of 25-27 percent.

"Our teams have made excellent progress in designing changes leading to a more competitive organization and are executing on the cost reduction program, as we met our expectation for capturing $50 million in annualized run-rate savings by the end of December," Wulfsohn said. "We remain fully on track to achieve the $120 million in total run-rate savings by the end of calendar 2019."

Reportable Segment Performance

To aid in the understanding of Ashland's ongoing business performance, the results of Ashland's reportable segments are described below on an adjusted basis. In addition, EBITDA, or adjusted EBITDA, is reconciled to operating income in Table 5, free cash flow and adjusted operating income are reconciled in Table 7, and adjusted income from continuing operations and adjusted diluted earnings per share are reconciled in Table 8 of this news release. (For a more detailed review of the segment results, please refer to the Investor Relations section of ashland.com to review the slides filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in conjunction with this earnings release.) These adjusted results are considered non-GAAP financial measures. For a full description of the non-GAAP financial measures used, see the "Use of Non-GAAP Measures" section that further describes these adjustments on page 4 and 5 of this news release.

Specialty Ingredients

Sales increased 1 percent, to $553 million, driven by pricing above raw-material cost and improved product mix. Unfavorable foreign currency reduced sales by 1 percentage point in the period.

Pharma continued its double-digit growth, up 14 percent excluding the impact of currency, driven by continued contribution from new excipient capacity plus new innovations and product introductions.

In Personal Care, total sales declined 3 percent excluding the impact of foreign currency. Strong growth in our biofunctional ingredients business was more than offset by the previously-discussed Colgate-Gantrez product reformulation. Excluding the impact of Colgate-Gantrez and currency, Personal Care sales increased by 1 percent.

Excluding the impact of foreign currency, Adhesives climbed 4 percent, Construction/Energy/Performance Specialties gained 1 percent, Pharmachem rose 2 percent and Coatings results were flat compared to prior year.

The team maintained excellent cost discipline while driving sales growth. SG&A declined $7 million and adjusted SG&A declined $8 million, or 150 basis points as a percentage of sales, compared to the prior year.

Operating income totaled $26 million for the current quarter compared to $42 million in the prior-year quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA totaled $112 million for the current quarter compared to $105 million in the prior-year quarter, despite a $2 million negative impact from unfavorable foreign currency.

Intermediates & Solvents

Reflects the results of the Lima facility only; Marl now reported through discontinued operations.

Gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA declined primarily due to the $3 million impact from the planned outage at Lima.

Improved mix expected to lead to full-year results consistent with expectations.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

Total debt was $2.5 billion.

Net debt was $2.4 billion.

During the quarter, cash used by operating activities from continuing operations totaled $9 million compared to $31 million in the prior-year period.

Free cash flow was ($42) million compared to ($52) million in the prior-year quarter. These figures include $19 million in restructuring payments in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, and $23 million in the year-ago period.

Outlook

Although Ashland provides forward-looking guidance for adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow and adjusted diluted earnings per share, Ashland is not reaffirming or providing forward-looking guidance for U.S. GAAP-reported financial measures or a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure. Such reconciliations have not been included because Ashland is unable, without unreasonable efforts, to estimate and quantify the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP components, largely because predicting future operating results is subject to many factors not in Ashland's control and not readily predictable and that are not part of Ashland's routine operating activities, including various domestic and international economic, political, legislative, regulatory and legal factors.

The company reaffirmed its financial outlook for fiscal 2019 as shown in the table below.

Prior Outlook Updated Outlook Adjusted EBITDA Specialty Ingredients $610 - $635 million Reaffirmed Intermediates & Solvents $20 - $30 million Reaffirmed Unallocated and other ($50 - $60 million) Reaffirmed Key Operating Metrics Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) $3.10 - $3.40 Reaffirmed Free cash flow ~$175 million* Reaffirmed Corporate Items Depreciation & amortization ~$260 million Reaffirmed Interest expense $85 - $95 million Reaffirmed Effective tax rate 10 - 12% 14 - 16% Capital expenditures ~$160 million Reaffirmed Diluted share count ~64 million Reaffirmed

* Includes estimated $40 million in restructuring payments

For the second quarter of fiscal 2019, Ashland expects adjusted earnings from continuing operations in the range of $0.80-$0.90 per diluted share. This outlook assumes an effective tax rate of 15 percent.

"In summary, our reaffirmed outlook for fiscal 2019 reflects continued progress toward the long-term financial targets shared at our Investor Day in 2017. This includes mid-single-digit growth in Specialty Ingredients' adjusted EBITDA plus $20 million of savings from the ongoing cost reduction program. Together, the actions we have taken to improve our business are driving strong earnings and margin growth while also positioning Ashland to fulfill our vision of becoming the premier specialty chemicals company," Wulfsohn said.

For additional information on Ashland's first-quarter financial results, please see the slide presentation accompanying this news release.

Conference Call Webcast

Ashland will host a live webcast of its first-quarter conference call with securities analysts at 9 a.m. EST Wednesday, February 6, 2019. The webcast will be accessible through Ashland's website at http://investor.ashland.com. Following the live event, an archived version of the webcast and supporting materials will be available for 12 months.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

Ashland believes that by removing the impact of depreciation and amortization and excluding certain non-cash charges, amounts spent on interest and taxes and certain other charges that are highly variable from year to year, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin and adjusted EBITDA margin provide Ashland's investors with performance measures that reflect the impact to operations from trends in changes in sales, margin and operating expenses, providing a perspective not immediately apparent from net income, operating income, net income margin and operating income margin. The adjustments Ashland makes to derive the non-GAAP measures of EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin and adjusted EBITDA margin exclude items which may cause short-term fluctuations in net income and operating income and which Ashland does not consider to be the fundamental attributes or primary drivers of its business. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin and adjusted EBITDA margin provide disclosure on the same basis as that used by Ashland's management to evaluate financial performance on a consolidated and reportable segment basis and provide consistency in our financial reporting, facilitate internal and external comparisons of Ashland's historical operating performance and its business units and provide continuity to investors for comparability purposes. EBITDA margin and adjusted EBITDA margin are defined as EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA divided by sales for the corresponding period.

Key items, which are set forth on Table 8 and page 13 of the slide presentation accompanying this release, are defined as financial effects from significant transactions that, either by their nature or amount, have caused short-term fluctuations in net income and/or operating income which Ashland does not consider to most accurately reflect Ashland's underlying business performance and trends. Further, Ashland believes that providing supplemental information that excludes the financial effects of these items in the financial results will enhance the investor's ability to compare financial performance between reporting periods.

Tax-specific key items, which are set forth on Table 8 and page 13 of the slide presentation accompanying this release, are defined as financial transactions, tax law changes or other matters that fall within the definition of key items as described above. These items relate solely to tax matters and would only be recorded within the income tax caption of the Statement of Consolidated Income. As with all key items, due to their nature, Ashland does not consider the financial effects of these tax-specific key items on net income to be the most accurate reflection of Ashland's underlying business performance and trends.

The free cash flow metric enables Ashland to provide a better indication of the ongoing cash being generated that is ultimately available for both debt and equity holders as well as other investment opportunities. Unlike cash flow provided by operating activities, free cash flow includes the impact of capital expenditures from continuing operations, providing a more complete picture of cash generation. Free cash flow has certain limitations, including that it does not reflect adjustment for certain non-discretionary cash flows such as mandatory debt repayments. The amount of mandatory versus discretionary expenditures can vary significantly between periods.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share is a performance measure used by Ashland and is defined by Ashland as earnings (loss) from continuing operations, adjusted for identified key items and divided by the number of outstanding diluted shares of common stock. Ashland believes this measure provides investors additional insights into operational performance by providing earnings and diluted earnings per share metrics that exclude the effect of the identified key items and tax specific key items.

About Ashland

Ashland Global Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ASH) is a premier global specialty chemicals company serving customers in a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, including adhesives, architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, nutraceuticals, personal care and pharmaceutical. At Ashland, we are approximately 6,000 passionate, tenacious solvers - from renowned scientists and research chemists to talented engineers and plant operators - who thrive on developing practical, innovative and elegant solutions to complex problems for customers in more than 100 countries. Visit ashland.com to learn more.

C-ASH

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Ashland has identified some of these forward-looking statements with words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "estimates," "is likely," "predicts," "projects," "forecasts," "objectives," "may," "will," "should," "plans" and "intends" and the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. Ashland may from time to time make forward-looking statements in its annual reports, quarterly reports and other filings with the SEC, news releases and other written and oral communications. These forward-looking statements are based on Ashland's expectations and assumptions, as of the date such statements are made, regarding Ashland's future operating performance and financial condition, as well as the economy and other future events or circumstances. These statements include, but may not be limited to, the statements under "Update on Cost Reduction Program," "Reportable Segment Performance," "Outlook," Ashland's assessment on its progress towards becoming a premier specialty chemicals company and its expectations regarding its ability to drive sales and earnings growth, realize further cost reductions and complete the anticipated divestiture of its Composites business and Marl BDO facility.

Ashland's expectations and assumptions include, without limitation, internal forecasts and analyses of current and future market conditions and trends, management plans and strategies, operating efficiencies and economic conditions (such as prices, supply and demand, cost of raw materials, and the ability to recover raw-material cost increases through price increases), and risks and uncertainties associated with the following: the program to eliminate certain existing corporate and Specialty Ingredients expenses (including the possibility that such cost eliminations may not occur or may take longer to implement than anticipated), the expected divestiture of its Composites segment and the Marl BDO facility, and related merchant I&S products (including, in each case, the possibility that a transaction may not occur or that, if a transaction does occur, Ashland may not realize the anticipated benefits from such transaction), the impact of acquisitions and/or divestitures Ashland has made or may make (including the possibility that Ashland may not realize the anticipated benefits from such transactions); Ashland's substantial indebtedness (including the possibility that such indebtedness and related restrictive covenants may adversely affect Ashland's future cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and its ability to repay debt); severe weather, natural disasters, cyber events and legal proceedings and claims (including product recalls, environmental and asbestos matters); and without limitation, risks and uncertainties affecting Ashland that are described in Ashland's most recent Form 10-K (including Item 1A Risk Factors) filed with the SEC, which is available on Ashland's website at http://investor.ashland.com or on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Various risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those stated, projected or implied by any forward-looking statements. Ashland believes its expectations and assumptions are reasonable, but there can be no assurance that the expectations reflected herein will be achieved. Unless legally required, Ashland undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

1Run-rate savings are cost savings that have been achieved and will be realized in future periods

2Financial results are preliminary until Ashland's Form 10-Q is filed with the SEC

(TM) Trademark, Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Investor Relations: Media Relations:

Seth A. Mrozek Joy Brock

+1 (859) 815-3527 +1 (859) 815-3793

samrozek@ashland.com jlbrock@ashland.com
Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- www.MarketResearchNest.com adds Latest Report in 2019, the "Global Dental Handpiece Market Status and Future Forecast 2015-2024."



The report "Global Dental Handpiece Market Status and Future Forecast 2015-2024", published by MarketResearchNest. Research Analysts predicts the Dental Handpiece Market to grow from xxx million USD in 2019 to xxx million USD by 2024, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of xx%.



Summary:

Key Content of Chapters (Including and can be customized):

- Part 1: Market Overview, Development, and Segment by Type, Application and Region

- Part 2: Global Market by company, Type, Application and Geography

- Part 3-4: Asia-Pacific Market by company, Type, Application and Geography

- Part 5-6: Europe Market by company, Type, Application and Geography

- Part 7-8: North America Market by company, Type, Application and Geography

- Part 9-10: South America Market by company, Type, Application and Geography

- Part 11-12: Middle East and Africa Market by company, Type, Application and Geography

- Part 13: Company information, Sales, Cost, Margin etc.

- Part 14: Conclusion



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Market Segment as follows:

Key Companies:

- Kavo

- Dentsply Sirona

- NSK

- WandH

- J.Morita

- Bien Air

- Brasseler

- Osada

- Anthogyr

- SciCan

- DentalEZ

- Sinol

- TTBIO

- Codent

- TEK

- Being

- Modern Precision



Market by Type:

- High-speed dental handpiece

- Low-speed dental handpiece



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Market by Application:

- Hospital

- Dental Clinic



By Region:

Global (Asia-Pacific[China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, Korea, Western Asia], Europe[Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland], North America[United States, Canada, Mexico], Middle East and Africa[GCC, North Africa, South Africa], South America[Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Peru])



Key questions answered in this report:

- What will the Dental Handpiece Market Size is in 2024 and what will the growth rate be?

- What is the key Dental Handpiece Market Trends?

- What is driving this Dental Handpiece Market?

- What are the challenges to Dental Handpiece Market Growth?

- Who are the key vendors in this Dental Handpiece Market Space?

- What are the Dental Handpiece Market Opportunities and Threats faced by the key vendors?

- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Dental Handpiece Market Key Vendor?



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Table of Contents:

- Part 1 Market Overview

- Part 2 Global Market Status and Future Forecast

- Part 3 Asia-Pacific Market Status and Future Forecast

- Part 4 Asia-Pacific Market by Geography

- Part 5 Europe Market Status and Future Forecast

- Part 6 Europe Market by Geography

- Part 7 North America Market Status and Future Forecast

- Part 8 North America Market by Geography

- Part 9 South America Market Status and Future Forecast

- Part 10 South America Market by Geography

- Part 11 Middle East & Africa Market Status and Future Forecast

- Part 12 Middle East & Africa Market by Geography

- Part 13 Key Companies

- Part 14 Conclusion Table Type of Dental Handpiece

. Table of Contents Continued



Browse more details @ www.MarketResearchNest.com



About MarketResearchNest.com

MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the Global and Southeast Asia's most complete and recent database of expert insights on industries, organizations, products, and trends.



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New Jersey, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- A new business intelligence report released by AMA with title "Cng & Lpg Vehicles Comprehensive Study by Type (CNG, LPG), Application (Passenger Vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicles, Other) Players and Region - Global Market Outlook to 2024" has abilities to raise as the most significant market worldwide as it has remained playing a remarkable role in establishing progressive impacts on the universal economy. The Cng & Lpg Vehicles Market Report offers energetic visions to conclude and study market size, market hopes, and competitive surroundings. The research is derived through primary and secondary statistics sources and it comprises both qualitative and quantitative detailing. Some of the key players profiled in the study are Navistar (United States) , Volkswagen (Germany) , Suzuki (Japan) , Honda (Japan) , Tata (India) , Ford (United States) , Hyundai (South Korea) , General Motors (United States) , Nissan (Japan) and Fiat (Italy).



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"Global Cng & Lpg Vehicles market to grow at a CAGR of 9.3%."



Market Trend

Stringent regulations regarding the vehicular emissions in both developed and developing countries



Market Drivers

The surging importance of clean environment and balance of the ecosystem

The increasing demand of passenger cars in developing economies

Increasing crude oil prices across global



Opportunities

The Asia Pacific region could emerge to be highly potential in coming future



Target Audience

Automotive OEMs , Traders, Distributors, and Suppliers , Industry associations and experts , CNG and LPG fuel distributors , CNG and LPG kit manufacturers , Research organizations and consulting companies , Industry associations and Others



The titled segments and sub-section of the market are illuminated below:

The Study Explore the Product Types of Cng & Lpg Vehicles Market: CNG, LPG



Key Applications/end-users of Cng & Lpg Vehicles Market: Passenger Vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicles, Other



Top Players in the Market are: Navistar (United States) , Volkswagen (Germany) , Suzuki (Japan) , Honda (Japan) , Tata (India) , Ford (United States) , Hyundai (South Korea) , General Motors (United States) , Nissan (Japan) and Fiat (Italy)



Region Included are: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific etc



Enquire for customization in Report @: http://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/enquiry-before-buy/44435-global-cng--lpg-vehicles-market



Important Features that are under offering & key highlights of the report:

 Detailed overview of Cng & Lpg Vehicles market

 Changing market dynamics of the industry

 In-depth market segmentation by Type, Application etc

 Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value

 Recent industry trends and developments

 Competitive landscape of Cng & Lpg Vehicles market

 Strategies of key players and product offerings

 Potential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growth

 A neutral perspective towards Cng & Lpg Vehicles market performance

 Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprint



Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @ http://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/reports/44435-global-cng--lpg-vehicles-market



Major Highlights of TOC:

Chapter One: Cng & Lpg Vehicles Market Industry Overview

1.1 Cng & Lpg Vehicles Industry

1.1.1 Overview

1.1.2 Products of Major Companies

1.2 Cng & Lpg Vehicles Market Segment

1.2.1 Industry Chain

1.2.2 Consumer Distribution

1.3 Price & Cost Overview



Chapter Two: Cng & Lpg Vehicles Market Demand

2.1 Segment Overview

2.1.1 APPLICATION 1

2.1.2 APPLICATION 2

2.1.3 Other

2.2 Cng & Lpg Vehicles Market Size by Demand

2.3 Cng & Lpg Vehicles Market Forecast by Demand



Chapter Three: Cng & Lpg Vehicles Market by Type

3.1 By Type

3.1.1 TYPE 1

3.1.2 TYPE 2

3.2 Cng & Lpg Vehicles Market Size by Type

3.3 Cng & Lpg Vehicles Market Forecast by Type



Chapter Four: Major Region of Cng & Lpg Vehicles Market

4.1 Cng & Lpg Vehicles Sales

4.2 Cng & Lpg Vehicles Revenue & market share



Chapter Five: Major Companies List



Chapter Six: Conclusion



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Key questions answered

- Who are the Leading key players and what are their Key Business plans in the Cng & Lpg Vehicles market?

- What are the key concerns of the five forces analysis of the Cng & Lpg Vehicles market?

- What are different prospects and threats faced by the dealers in the Cng & Lpg Vehicles market?

- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?



Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.
Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a common type of leukemia found in adults. In this type of cancer, lymphocytes, i.e., white blood cells develop in the bone marrow and travel through the blood. The lymphocytic leukemia cells are majorly found in the lymph nodes and other tissues. There are two types of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, one of which grows slowly, while the other type is fatal. Generally, chronic lymphocytic leukemia do not cause any symptom for a long time. Symptoms generally observed are swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and easy bruising. Usually, the preferred treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia is chemotherapy. Stem-cell transplant is used in rare cases. According to an article published by Apollo Hospitals, an estimated one million cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia are diagnosed in India every year. Cancer statistics states that, in England, 1 in every 155 men and 1 in every 260 women are affected with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in their lifetime.



Read Report Overview: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-market.html



Increasing incidence of cancer across the globe, innovative drug therapy, fast regulatory approval process, and aggressive pipeline for chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment drugs are the factors driving the growth of the global chronic lymphocytic leukemia market. However, lack of awareness regarding symptoms at an early stage, low accessibility of treatment options in under-developed countries, increasing use of generic products across countries hampering the demand for branded drugs, and adverse events occurring during the treatment, such as side effects of chemotherapy, are restraining the growth of the global chronic lymphocytic leukemia market.



The global chronic lymphocytic leukemia market can be segmented according to type of cancer, type of therapy, route of administration, end-user, and geography. In terms of type of cancer, the global chronic lymphocytic leukemia market can be classified into B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and natural chronic lymphocytic leukemia. On the basis of type of therapy, the global chronic lymphocytic leukemia market can be divided into targeted therapy or chemotherapy. In terms of route of administration, the global chronic lymphocytic leukemia market can be segmented into intravenous, subcutaneous, intrathecal route, intramuscular, and oral. According to end-user, the global chronic lymphocytic leukemia market can be classified into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, cancer institutes, and research & academic institutes.



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In terms of region, the global chronic lymphocytic leukemia market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the global chronic lymphocytic leukemia market, followed by Europe. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the leading cause of death across countries. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that in 2018, in the U.S., about 1,735,350 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed and an approximate number of 609,640 number of patients will die due to cancer. Asia Pacific holds significant potential for growth for the chronic lymphocytic leukemia market. Investment in the field of research and development for new drugs and in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in India, China, and Japan are the key factors driving the growth of the chronic lymphocytic leukemia market in Asia Pacific.



Rise in disposable income in the countries of Latin America, such as, Mexico and Brazil, is expected to boost the growth of the chronic lymphocytic leukemia market in the region. Developing health care infrastructure in the Middle East countries is projected to accelerate the growth of the chronic lymphocytic leukemia market in the region. Furthermore, increasing government investment in health care and growing presence of key players in Africa are anticipated to boost the chronic lymphocytic leukemia market in Middle East & Africa.



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Prominent players of the global chronic lymphocytic leukemia market are AbbVie, Inc., Arno Therapeutics, Genzyme Corporation, Gilead Sciences, Johnson &Johnson, Novartis AG, Ono pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., TG Therapeutics, Xeme Biopharma Ziopharma Oncology, Inc., among others.



The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.



About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMR's global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.



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New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- The Study On key vendors in this Building Insulation Products Market includes are Excel Industries, FGF, Cellecta, CIUR, Instagroup, Armacell, Carillion Energy Services, Jablite, Dyson Energy Services, Encon Insulation, Jewson, Kay-Metzeler EPS, Minster Insulation, Paroc, Kingspan Group.



Download Free PDF Sample copy of Building Insulation Products Market at: https://www.marketgrowthinsight.com/sample/16186



The extensive survey on the Building Insulation Products Market further identifies data that best fits the business requirement such as product classification, application and important definition. In addition, the study takes into account series of industry-leading events designed to enlighten the product owners on return on investment, investment feasibility, supply chain management, consumption volume, customer behavior and demand and supply.



Key Stakeholders of Building Insulation Products Market :

Building Insulation Products Manufacturers

Building Insulation Products Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers

Building Insulation Products Sub component Manufacturers

Industry Association

Downstream Vendors



A quick look at the regional analysis of Building Insulation Products Market :



This report studies the global Building Insulation Products market status and forecast, categorizes the global Building Insulation Products market size (value & volume) by manufacturers, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top manufacturers in North America, Europe, Japan, China, and other regions (India, Southeast Asia).



A high focus is maintained on factors such as demand and supply, production capacity, supply chain management, distribution channel, product application and performance across different countries. The report not only offers hard to find facts about the trends and innovation driving the current and future of Building Insulation Products business, but also provides insights into competitive development such as acquisition and mergers, joint ventures, product launches and technology advancements.



On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, and market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into

Glass Wool

Stone Wool

Urethane

Polystyrene

Phenolic Foam

Others



On the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, including

Lofts

Cavity Walls

Solid Walls

Flat Roofs

Others



Download Free PDF Sample copy of Building Insulation Products Market at: https://www.marketgrowthinsight.com/sample/16186



Key points from TOC :

7.1 Excel Industries

7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

7.1.2 Building Insulation Products Product Category, Application and Specification

7.1.2.1 Product A

7.1.2.2 Product B

7.1.3 Excel Industries Building Insulation Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)

7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview



7.2 FGF

7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

7.2.2 Building Insulation Products Product Category, Application and Specification

7.2.2.1 Product A

7.2.2.2 Product B

7.2.3 FGF Building Insulation Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)

7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview



continue....



Browse Full RD with TOC of This Report at:

https://www.marketgrowthinsight.com/16186/building-insulation-products-market



The years considered to estimate the market size of Building Insulation Products Market:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2018

Forecast Year 2018 to 2025



The research provides answers to the following key questions:

What are the key driving forces responsible for shaping the fate of the Building Insulation Products market during the forecast period?

Who are the major market vendors and what are the winning strategies that have helped them occupy a strong foothold in the Building Insulation Products market?

What are the prominent market trends influencing the development of the Building Insulation Products market across different regions?

What are the major threats and challenges likely to act as a barrier in the growth of the Building Insulation Products market?



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Non-Residential Building Used Steel Roofing Market 2Growth,Trends,Size,Share,Analysis And Forecast To 2025

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Building Insulation Products Market Industry Outlook,Investment Analysis and Revenue-2025

@https://www.marketgrowthinsight.com/16186/building-insulation-products-market



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Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- Electric water pump is activated by battery and motor only on demand for cooling. The just function minimizes the load on engine. Electric water pumps are a part of a growing number of newer vehicles where higher efficiency engines are demanded. Aside from providing standard engine cooling, they reduce engine load and can be controlled by sensors to provide the necessary amount of coolant at any time. Some new vehicles even use up to three pumps for various systems, including cabin heating, turbocharger and battery system cooling.



Consumers are generally quick-change, to get or use newfangled products, better experience, better convenience and more quicker; to find and meet the needs of consumers, and exceeding expectation, better service. The world changes quickly, especially in mobile internet and consumer electronics, and now the mobile internet and consumer electronics are changing the traditional sectors, to more efficient, more cheaper and powerful. At present, global economy is fluctuant, and most countries take measures to stimulate the economy, especially in Japan, Europe, Australia and the resources providing countries, like Russia, Middle East, Brazil etc.



In many fields, China is the largest consumer, but in the past several years, China's economic growth slows. The China government is reforming the economic structure, to release energy of economy. USA economy is relatively stable with low-speed-growth, but in future, it also is full of risk. In Southeast Asia, the economy also is fluctuated the economic base is comparatively unsubstantial, due to the exchange fluctuations. In India, although many people look to further increase in India, but the economic aggregate is too low and the infrastructure is behindhand and inefficient.



In a long term, India will keep a stable and low growth in economy, due to its economic structure and bureaucratic system. On the other hand, the political factors, like government succession, security fears, trade dispute, domestic employment, even the regional military crisis, always affect the economic activity, country to country, corporation to country. So it needs us with deep insight, to analyze the prospect avoid risk, to grasp the opportunity and reduce losses.



Get PDF Version of this Report @ https://www.qyresearch.com/sample-form/form/955569/global-automotive-electric-water-pump-market



The global Automotive Electric Water Pump market is valued at 870 million US$ in 2018 is expected to reach 1450 million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% during 2019-2025. This report focuses on Automotive Electric Water Pump volume and value at global level, regional level and company level. From a global perspective, this report represents overall Automotive Electric Water Pump market size by analyzing historical data and future prospect. Regionally, this report focuses on several key regions: North America, Europe, China and Japan. At company level, this report focuses on the production capacity, ex-factory price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer covered in this report.



The following manufacturers are covered:



Bosch



Aisin



Continental



KSPG



Gates



Segment by Regions



North America



Europe



China



Japan



Get Customized Version of this Report @ https://www.qyresearch.com/request-discount/form/955569/global-automotive-electric-water-pump-market



Segment by Type



12 V



24 V



Segment by Application



Engine cooling



Battery cooling



Turbocharger cooling

About QYResearch

QYResearch always pursuits high product quality with the belief that quality is the soul of business. Through years of effort and supports from huge number of customer supports, QYResearch consulting group has accumulated creative design methods on many high-quality markets investigation and research team with rich experience. Today, QYResearch has become the brand of quality assurance in consulting industry.
Pune, Maharashtra -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/05/2019 -- The Graphical Research report "Asia Pacific Dental Implants Market analysis by Material, Product, End-use, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018 - 2024".



APAC Dental Implants Market size is set to surpass USD 915 million by 2024. Rising prevalence of edentulism in developing countries such as India and China will drive the market growth. Edentulism is a major contributor of disease burden for oral health problems in the Asian countries. As per recent studies by government organizations, prevalence of edentulism in China accounted for 8.9% whereas India accounted for 15.3% in 2017. Additionally, increasing number of baby boomers aged 65 years and above suffering from oral disorders will further boost demand for dental implants in the coming years.



Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.graphicalresearch.com/request/1008/sample



Rising dental tourism in Asia Pacific will propel business growth. Low cost of dental treatment in developing countries such as India and China will lead to increase in number of patient visits for dental procedures. Such factors will increase affordability leading to remarkable market growth. However, limited reimbursement and lack of skilled professionals in emerging countries will impede business growth over the coming years.



Parallel-walled dental implants segment accounted for USD 149.7 million in 2017 owing to superlative versality of the implants. Parallel-walled implants render excellent aesthetic benefit, thus increasing customer demand. Furthermore, these implants utilize digital technology such as CT and CAD/CAM for improved navigation and imaging. Aforementioned factors should boost segmental growth in forthcoming years.



Titanium dental implants accounted for more than 72% market share in 2017. Strong mechanical properties, excellent biocompatibility and high strength are major factors making it a preferable choice of biomaterial for fabrication of dental implants. Such beneficial features of titanium implants will augment segmental growth.



Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @ https://www.graphicalresearch.com/request/1008/inquiry-before-buying



Hospitals segment contributed over USD 160 million in 2017. Increasing number of multi-specialty hospitals throughout the country offering dental care services and specialized treatments will augment segmental growth. Additionally, rising prevalence of gingival or periodontal diseases among adults aged 45 years and above in developing countries will spur patient visits to hospitals thereby, propelling segmental growth.



India dental implants market will grow at a lucrative 7.4% CAGR over the forecast timeframe. This growth is attributable to increasing prevalence of oral disorders along with rising dental tourism in the country. High disposable income, changing demographics, rising healthcare expenditure along with affordable prices of tooth implants in India will act as positive contributing factors for market growth in the substantial years.



Some of the established market players in Asia Pacific dental implants market are Osstem Implants, Danaher Corporation, Institut Straumann AG, Dentsply Sirona, Zimmer Biomet and Henry Schein. Industry players are adopting geographical expansions and new product launch to expand market share and product portfolio. For instance, in August 2016, Zimmer Biomet introduced TSVT & TSVM-1 HA dental Implants, having advanced features. This new product launches will help in expanding firm's product base.



Browse key industry insights from this 2018 report Asia Pacific Dental Implants Market in detail along with the table of contents at:

https://www.graphicalresearch.com/industry-insights/1008/APAC-dental-implants-market



Segments We Cover:



Asia Pacific Dental Implants Market Statistics, By Product

Tapered implants, Parallel walled implants



APAC Dental Implants Market trends, By Material

Titanium, Zirconium



Asia Pacific Dental Implants Market Growth, By End-use

Hospitals, Dental Clinics, Other



The above information is provided for the following countries:

Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, Other



Related Reports:



1. Asia Pacific Dental Practice Management Software Market Share by Component (Scheduling, Patient Communication, Invoicing/ Billing, Payment Processing, Insurance Management, Dental Charting), By Delivery Mode (On-premise, Web-based, Cloud-based), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam), Application Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018  2024



2. North America Dental Practice Management Software Market Size by Component (Scheduling, Patient Communication, Invoicing/ Billing, Payment Processing, Insurance Management, Dental Charting), By Delivery Mode (On-premise, Web-based, Cloud-based), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada), Application Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018  2024



About Graphical Research

Graphical Research is a business research firm that provides industry insights, market forecast and strategic inputs through granular research reports and advisory services. We publish targeted research reports with an aim to address varied customer needs, from market penetration and entry strategies to portfolio management and strategic outlook. We understand that business requirements are unique: our syndicate reports are designed to ensure relevance for industry participants across the value chain. We also provide custom reports that are tailored to the exact needs of the customer, with dedicated analyst support across the purchase lifecycle.
DUBLIN, Calif., Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Giga-tronics Incorporated (OTCQB:GIGA) will release results for the third quarter ended December 29, 2018 on Tuesday February 12, 2019 after the close of trading on the OTCQB Market.

Also on February 12, 2019, Giga-tronics will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. EDT to discuss the results and provide an update on Company operations.

To participate in the call, dial: (888) 517-2470 or (630) 827-6818 and enter PIN Code 7465562#. It is recommended that you call in five to ten minutes prior to the start time. You may also listen to the call via the Giga-tronics website at www.gigatronics.com .

A replay of the call will be available later on the Giga-tronics website under Investor Relations. This conference call will reflect management views as of February 12, 2019 only.

Giga-tronics produces electronic warfare instruments used in the defense industry and YIG RADAR filters used in fighter jet aircraft.

Headquartered in Dublin, California, Giga-tronics is a publicly held company, traded on the OTCQB Market under the symbol GIGA.

Source: Giga-tronics Incorporated
Fort Worth, TX, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Water Now, Inc., (OTC: WTNW), a world leader in flameless water purification technology, is the parent company of HydraSpin USA. HydraSpin USA today announces the signing of a new two-year agreement for crude oil recovery from re-injection waste water at a disposal well site in Oklahoma. The HydraSpin USA recovery system is scheduled to be installed in Q2 of 2019.



In announcing this new agreement, David King, Water Now Inc. CEO, stated, This new agreement with Oak Valley SWD is another exciting step forward for HydraSpin. As we continue to put HydraSpin systems into the field, and as people learn how effective our technology is, we see significant growth ahead for 2019-2020 and well beyond."

The HydraSpin USA platform utilizes a proprietary cyclonic technology that very cost effectively scavenges residual crude oil from waste water taken from crude oil production. The HydraSpin recovery system is installed at disposal well locations on a revenue sharing basis allowing well operators to reduce the expenses associated with reinfecting crude oil, and at the same time increasing revenue to the company through sale of scavenged crude oil.
The State of the Union address by President Donald Trump is finally taking place  on Tuesday  after weeks of political feuding during which it was being as a bargaining chip and after a week delay.

Originally scheduled for Jan. 29, the constitutionally-mandated speech to Congress is a chance for the countrys chief executive to give his views on current affairs, lay out a vision for the nation and offer some thoughts and guidance to the legislative branch. Its also a chance to send a message to the American people.

Heres what you need to know.

When is the State of the Union Address?

The speech will take place Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. Pacific Time.

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Where will the speech take place?

Trump will address members of Congress in the chamber of the House of Representatives at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

How did the speech finally get scheduled?

While the government was partially shut down for 35 days, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, sent a letter to Trump, a Republican, suggesting the speech be delayed until after the government re-opened, citing security concerns. When the president said hed rather continue with the address, Pelosi sent another letter saying the House of Representatives wouldnt authorize the address until the government re-opened.

Trump agreed, in a tweet, to postpone his address. Then the government re-opened on Jan. 28, the politicians worked out an agreement, and the State of the Union address was rescheduled to take place on Tuesday.

What will Trump say?

News reports ahead of Trumps appearance at the Capitol said the speech will focus on unity in the country and five main areas: immigration, employment and trade, infrastructure, health care and the military.

What else will happen?

After the State of the Union address, the minority party typically gives a response from one special lawmaker. This year, Stacey Abrams, who lost Georgias gubernatorial race in 2018, will give the Democratic response to Trump. The Democrats are also preparing a response in the Spanish language to be given by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra.

How can you watch?

The speech will be shown on C-SPAN on television, as well as on c-span.org and C-SPANs radio app. Heres the link for the live stream online.

Also on television, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, PBS and and Telemundo are expected to carry the address. Online, you can also check out The White House youtube channel.

The Conversation podcast

The Conversation with Abby & Luis is a podcast that slows down the news cycle to make sense of issues and stories that matter to listeners in San Diego and beyond. We talk to news makers, experts and others to offer interesting, in-depth conversations that will keep you up to date and informed.

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Check out some of our most recent episodes below.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin
Government task forces come and go with varying degrees of fanfare and mixed records of success, but theres reason to be optimistic about a new group of 15 or 20 people who will begin meeting this month to explore long-term solutions to store millions of pounds of radioactive waste from the closed San Onofre nuclear plant. If nothing else, the task force focuses attention on an issue in dire need of it.

Storing 3.6 million pounds of spent fuel behind a sea wall on a site 100 feet from the north San Diego County coast between the Pacific Ocean and Interstate 5, where 8.4 million people live within 50 miles, is a short-term solution badly in need of a Plan B. Canisters of spent fuel began to be moved from cooling pools to dry storage about a year ago, six years after the plant was shut down. But only 29 of 73 50-ton canisters were transferred before the process was put on hold in August after one briefly got stuck in transit, the third in a series of canister mishaps.

New Rep. Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano, announced the formation of the task force last week, and appropriately earned praise from plant majority owner Southern California Edison  and from watchdogs, including former City Attorney Michael Aguirre, who have raised concerns about on-site storage. An Edison spokesman told a reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune that Levin and the utility share common ground in a desire to move the waste. Likewise, Aguirre lauded Levins commitment to move the waste to a safer location.

In mid-November, shortly after Levins election, the San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board bemoaned the lethargic way Congress and the federal government have responded to the pressing need to develop a long-term storage plan and wrote that Levin should lead on the issue. Were reassured to see him begin to address the problem and use his newfound influence to seek permanent solutions.

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Its a complex issue that merits continual pressure or the hazardous waste wont leave San Diego.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion
If President Donald Trumps State of the Union address Tuesday night paints the inaccurate picture of a migrant invasion so alarming he has to declare a national emergency to build a wall that keeps criminals out of the U.S., Trumps view couldnt be more different than fellow Republican Kevin Faulconers on-the-ground opinion as mayor of San Diego, the largest city along Americas southern border.

Build a giant wall? A day before Trumps speech, Faulconer announced plans to roll out a giant welcome mat for immigrants. Faulconer and Council President Georgette Gomez were joined at a news conference by civic, business, education and nonprofit leaders to announce a five-year plan to make San Diego more welcoming to immigrants. The overview itself was made available in 11 languages.

At the heart of the proposal is an immigration affairs manager, a new position at the city that will coordinate existing immigration and refugee services and implement new ways to integrate immigrants into San Diego. This will show the city is a destination for immigrants in search of opportunity, refugees looking to rebuild their lives and new citizens who are proud to call America home.

Thats how Faulconer described the immigrant experience on Monday. Well see what Trump says.

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Making the city more welcoming to immigrants is a noble, if nebulous, idea, especially in a county that estimates one-quarter of the residents and one-third of the entrepreneurs are immigrants. Will it work? Faulconer is on his third homeless czar since 2016 and homelessness remains as stubborn a problem as ever. Lets see how long an immigration affairs manager lasts. But lets be proud of the idea.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion
A key element of the plan to store nuclear waste on the beach at San Onofre -- at least until policymakers agree on a more permanent location -- is whats known as the rule of retrievability.

Federal regulations require utilities like Southern California Edison to be able to reopen canisters packed with spent nuclear fuel after they have been sealed shut, That way, workers can remove the radioactive material safely if they need to or in case of emergency.



For the record: This story has been amended from its original posting to more precisely describe the timing of the discovery of a loose bolt inside a nuclear waste storage canister in March.

Edison officials acknowledged recently that they have never opened one of their heavy storage containers of spent fuel once they were closed. They said it would take years to develop a system that would allow for the ready retrieval required by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Nevertheless, Edison maintains that its fuel transfer procedures and dry storage system are safe.

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Southern California Edison is in full compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements in regard to retrievability of spent nuclear fuel canisters, company spokesman John Dobken said in a statement. Spent nuclear fuel at SONGS continues to be safely and securely stored.

The challenge of loading and unloading containers with radioactive waste is important, given that in November a federal inspection report cited Edison for multiple violations it committed while transferring spent fuel from cooling pools into dry storage.

Community activists and some experts say they are afraid that the canisters may be damaged and therefore more vulnerable to leaks and less likely to be relocated in the future.

Tom English, an environmental expert and former adviser to President Jimmy Carter on nuclear-waste disposal, said the NRC and Edison both seem to be dancing around the regulations.

There was a requirement that Edison be able to examine the fuel inside the canisters if there was some reason to, but they got an exemption, said English, now retired to Carlsbad. What that means is, once you put the stuff in the canister, you have no idea whats going on in there.

Without the ability to reopen storage tanks and confirm they are safe for transport, other locations will be less likely to accept them, English said.

The impact of screwing up is big, he said. This is incredibly cavalier.

Thomas Palmisano, the Edison executive in charge of decommissioning the San Onofre nuclear plant, said during a community meeting last year that no one had unloaded one of the canisters  and that it would take the company years to figure out how to do it.

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If you were just to brainstorm, this would probably be a two- to three-year project to develop the techniques, pile up the techniques, he said last March. The NRC would want to have explicit approval on this because of the radiological hazards.

In August, Palmisano told the same community panel that he had found one nuclear site that figured out how to uncork a fuel-filled canister.

And so it can be done, he said.

Edison is transferring nuclear waste out of pools and into so-called dry storage as part of its plan to decommission the shuttered nuclear plant and return the property to the U.S. Navy. Under the plan, canisters are being loaded with spent fuel and inserted into a concrete storage pad adjacent to the abandoned reactors familiar to drivers along Interstate 5.

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The idea is to relocate all the canisters once Congress approves a national nuclear waste repository, or one of several private-sector interim storage areas agrees to accept the material. Nuclear waste remains dangerous for thousands of years but is licensed to be stored in custom canisters for 20 years.

Edison had loaded a little more than one-third of about 75 canisters when work was halted after an August mishap that left a fully loaded 50-ton canister wedged 18 feet above its storage floor for almost an hour.

According to a later NRC report, Edison failed to account for repeated misalignments that often involved contact between the canister and other vault components as it lowered the vessels into their storage areas. The utility also violated rules requiring workers to be properly trained and qualified, the report said.

In March work was halted for 10 days while utility workers investigated why a 4-inch bolt was loose inside a canister as they prepared to load it with spent fuel. The company determined there was no safety risk.

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The utility hoped to restart its loading program early this year, but the NRC has yet to permit the work to resume.

Regarding retrievability, NRC spokesman David McIntyre said last week that Edison remains in full compliance with the regulation, even though the company said it has not developed techniques to open a cask and remove the waste.

The rule requires a licensee to perform various demonstrations prior to use, including unloading operations associated with a canister, McIntyre said in an email. These dry-run demonstrations were satisfactorily completed by San Onofre.

However, an inspection report from 2017 said that one of the demonstrations Edison relied on to comply with the ready retrieval rule was actually a videotape of the cutting procedure being performed on a similar canister in 2015.

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The removal of the canister lid welds was demonstrated by providing the NRC with a videotape of a welded (canister) lid being removed, said the report, issued months before the utility began moving nuclear waste from wet to dry storage.

Federal regulators accepted that if the cutting evolution had been successfully completed on the same model of MPC canister at one site, another general licensee can take credit for the demonstration, inspectors wrote.

Edison maintains that the transfer procedures and dry storage system is safe.

Dobken noted that Palmisano clarified his earlier comments at the August meeting of the community engagement panel, which is a utility-funded board that updates interested people on the San Onofre decommissioning process.

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Whats more, Dobken pointed out, federal regulators revised their guidelines and Edison is no longer required to show it can safely reopen one of its tanks. The guidelines as revised in 2016 permit licensees like Edison to show that the casks can be moved without unloading them.

It was demonstrated satisfactorily to the NRC that we have the ability to open a canister and remove fuel assemblies, if necessary, Dobken wrote by email. However, current NRC guidance on retrievability no longer requires licensees to remove fuel assemblies to be in compliance.

San Diego attorney Michael Aguirre, who sued Edison over its plan to store nuclear waste at San Onofre, said the amended guidelines do not meet the requirements spelled out in federal regulations.

The amended guidelines is a very broad expansion of the requirement that I think is dubious, he said. This is simply guidance to (NRC) staff members. This doesnt supersede the rules.

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Donna Gilmore is a systems analyst from San Clemente who has studied practices at San Onofre for years and founded a community group called San Onofre Safety. She said a 2015 video should not be allowed to satisfy the ready retrieval regulation.

They are pretending it can be done but they have not provided any technical evidence that it can be, she said of Edison. They have no back-up plan. Their license requires that theyre able to open up those canisters and inspect the fuel and they cant do that.

e.

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jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald
Sixteen California lawmakers met Monday with former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, who was gravely wounded in a 2011 mass shooting, and agreed to form a working group to develop and pass gun control laws that can serve as a model for other states and the nation.

The working group will put together a package of gun laws, including new taxes on firearms for anti-violence programs, and submit them to Gov. Gavin Newsom for approval.

The Democratic state legislators said they are frustrated by inaction in Washington on the issue of gun violence and are hopeful that Newsom will be sympathetic to their efforts to further restrict the availability of firearms in California.

Thoughts and prayers from Washington wont keep our kids safe, said Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel of Van Nuys after the closed-door meeting with Giffords. What we need are common-sense gun laws that will protect our schools, our families and our communities.

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Giffords, who was shot by a gunman in Arizona in an incident that left six people dead, thanked the California lawmakers at a Capitol news conference for taking the lead on the issue.

Now is the time to come together, she told the legislators. Be bold. Be courageous. The nation is counting on you.

Bills already introduced this year would ban the purchase of more than one gun a month, require guns kept in homes to be locked away from children, and would give teachers and co-workers the ability to ask the courts to temporarily take guns from people deemed a public danger.

Assemblyman Mike Gipson of Carson gave an emotional appeal for more action on Monday, citing the shooting death of his nephew two days before Christmas in Los Angeles.

As all of America was celebrating the holiday season, we were mourning, he said.

One approach of the package of new bills being developed would be to expand violence prevention programs in communities, including crisis intervention, mediation and trauma counseling to address street violence.

Assemblyman Marc Levine of San Rafael has proposed raising money for prevention programs with a $25 tax on the sale of semiautomatic firearms, such as the handgun used Nov. 7 in a shooting at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks that left 12 people dead.

We want California to create a regulatory framework that is a model for the rest of the country, Gabriel said.

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But Craig J. DeLuz, a spokesman for the Firearms Policy Coalition, said the state already has the strictest gun control laws in the country.

Anything that they might consider to be reasonable gun laws has already been done, DeLuz said. Were at a point where weve gone from reasonable to infringement.

Giffords visited the Capitol on the same day a new poll found that voters cited reducing gun violence in schools as the top educational issue facing the state.

Some 56% of voters said gun violence is a 10 on a scale from 1 to 10 among their priority issues for education, according to a poll from researchers at the USC Rossier School of Education and Policy Analysis for California Education and conducted by Tulchin Research.

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Gun violence was a higher priority to voters polled than college affordability, reducing the teacher shortage and improving education funding.

This poll sends an unmistakable message from voters to policymakers: Do something about gun violence, said Karen Symms Gallagher, dean of USC Rossier.

Coverage of California politics 

patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com

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Twitter: @mcgreevy99
Tension between President Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was on full display Tuesday as he delivered the State of the Union in a Democratic-controlled House for the first time.

Though it was Trump at the lectern, many eyes in the chamber and on screens nationwide were looking over his left shoulder at the San Francisco Democrat, who has become his toughest domestic rival.

And although she mostly smiled politely and respectfully, at times Pelosi seemed to make no effort to hide her displeasure or bemusement.

She applauded Trump as he entered the chamber and spent portions of the speech reading over the typed copy Trump handed to her when he walked in.

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She joined in several standing ovations when Trump spoke of bipartisan initiatives and introduced honored guests, such as astronaut Buzz Aldrin and World War II-era veterans.

But she appeared to smirk, chuckle, shake her head or roll her eyes several times, including when Trump called for an end to ridiculous partisan investigations and when he spoke about the MS-13 gang traversing the southern border.

Her subtle expressions of disapproval provided a stark contrast to Vice President Mike Pence, who often is mocked by Democrats for his almost adoring gazes at Trump.

At the same time, however, Pelosi made sure that her caucus did not go too far in displaying its opposition to Trump. When rank-and-file Democrats began to loudly groan at some of Trumps immigration rhetoric, at least twice she lifted her hand to shush them.

Trump paid homage to the record wave of newly elected female lawmakers, which prompted one of the biggest bipartisan applause lines of the evening. All Americans can be proud that  exactly one century after the Congress passed the constitutional amendment giving women the right to vote, we also have more women serving in the Congress than ever before, he said.

But Trump refrained from congratulating Pelosi on her second ascent to speaker, as President George W. Bush did in the 2007 State of the Union when he said it was his honor to be the first president to address Madam Speaker. Similarly President Obama in 2010 offered an olive branch to Republican Speaker John A. Boehner by praising Boehners hardworking father, a Cincinnati bar owner.

When Trump arrived at the lectern, he blew through the moment at which Pelosi was to introduce him to the chamber, as is customary.

Trump and Pelosi have a complicated relationship that defines divided government. It was Pelosi who delayed the presidents originally scheduled State of the Union address for one week during the record-long government shutdown, and she continues to deny him the taxpayer funding he wants for a southern border wall.

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Trump spoke of unity and bipartisanship, including pursuing an infrastructure plan and protecting people with preexisting medical conditions. But he also accused Democrats of stalling his judicial nominees and blocking funding for the wall.

In the Democrats official response, Stacey Abrams, the defeated Georgia gubernatorial candidate, said Democrats would use their new power in the House to help middle-class voters and to rebuff Trumps policies.

Families hopes are being crushed by Republican leadership that ignores real life or just doesnt understand it, she said. This is the next battle for our democracy, one where all eligible citizens can have their say about the vision we want for our country.

Among the lawmakers in the chamber were 100 freshmen attending their first address by the president in their new workplace. Many are young, rebellious and progressive, raising concerns they might shout out or boo.

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Such breaks in decorum are rare, and Pelosi doesnt like them. The most notable example was Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), who infamously shouted You lie! at Obama during a 2009 address on healthcare.

Lawmakers largely stuck to the time-honored script for such events. Republicans applauded and stood at the party lines and Democrats listened while sitting on their hands most of the time. The most dramatic break from decorum was when Congress sang happy birthday to one of Trumps guests.

Democratic female lawmakers wore white, in an homage to the suffragettes. Pelosi packed the gallery with some of Trumps sharpest critics, including Dr. Leana Wen, the head of Planned Parenthood; chef Jose Andres, who has become a vocal critic of the administrations immigration policies; and five labor leaders.

A few Democratic lawmakers boycotted the speech altogether. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) said he would rather be somewhere else than listening to [Trump] come onto our floor & start talking about groups of people, particularly Latinos, and disparaging them as a people, he wrote on Twitter.

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But the vast majority of Democrats were there. Several brought federal workers who didnt get paid during the shutdown, including contractors who wont get back pay.

Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.) and Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles) brought immigrants in the U.S. illegally who spoke out about their employment at Trumps resort in Bedminster, N.J.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) invited an activist who went viral when she cornered then-Sen. Jeff Flake in an elevator over his vote for Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh.

The drama between Trump and Pelosi, however, garnered much of the attention.

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Shes called him childish and questioned his manhood. Trump, though hes refrained from personally attacking her looks or character as he does with other rivals, said last weekend she was a danger to the country.

Pelosis goal for Tuesday night, experts said, was to convey firmness and self-control.

Pelosis primary role and strategy over these first weeks in Congress has been to be the adult in the room at all times, said Jennifer Nicoll Victor, an associate political science professor at George Mason University. Theres obviously a fair amount of animosity between [them], and it seems like that should play out somehow.

The latest from Washington 

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More stories from Jennifer Haberkorn 
A Superior Court judge on Tuesday temporarily halted any further release of police personnel files from eight county police agencies, granting a request from labor unions to stop the release of records from years past.

The stay issued by San Diego Superior Court Judge Eddie Sturgeon will remain in effect until a full hearing on the issue set for March 1. Sturgeons decision follows at least a half-dozen similar stays issued by judges in counties up and down the state, in response to police labor union challenges to the law that contend information from before Jan. 1 of this year cant be released.

The law, passed last year and known as SB 1421, makes records of officer-involved shootings, serious use of force, verified complaints of sexual assault and dishonesty available to the public. Such information has been confidential for more than 45 years under one of the strictest police privacy laws in the nation.

Last week, labor associations representing police in Carlsbad, Coronado, El Cajon, National City, Oceanside and San Diego, as well as San Diego Harbor police and San Diego Unified School District police filed a lawsuit contending that the records from before Jan. 1 cant be disclosed.

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The suit argues that the law does not explicitly say it can be applied retroactively. It argues releasing records from before 2019 would violate longstanding privacy rights both in state law and under the state constitution. The labor groups are seeking a permanent injunction barring release of the records.

The lawsuit names individual cities and police chiefs. At a brief hearing in front of Sturgeon, lawyers representing the agencies and cities said they had no objection to a temporary stay order.

At the same hearing, a lawyer representing The San Diego Union-Tribune and KGTV sought to intervene in the case, as well as a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego & Imperial counties. The Union-Tribune along with other local media organizations have filed Public Records Act requests with police agencies around the county seeking the records, with some initial success.

Both Harbor police and Chula Vista police departments last week released records of an officer involved shooting and the disciplinary action against an officer who had sex in public while on duty, and resigned from Chula Vista.

Matthew Halgren, the lawyer for the news organizations, said outside court that media outlets ought to weigh in on the groundbreaking law. We think its important the views of the media be taken into consideration here, he said.

Judges in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara and Contra Costa counties have issued similar halts to producing records after labor unions in those counties also challenged the retroactivity of the law. And while those stays and Sturgeons apply only to the departments involved in the lawsuits,. the uncertainty surrounding the application of the law is causing some agencies not covered by stays to pause.

For example the state Attorney Generals Office, which employs peace officers as investigators, has declined to release records regarding its own workers. In a message sent last week to the California Police Chiefs Association, the office cited the legal orders issued by judges in Los Angeles.

Therefore, until the legal question of the retroactive application of the statute is resolved by the courts, the public interest in accessing these records is outweighed by the publics interest in protecting privacy rights, the notice said. Therefore, we will not disclose any records that pre-date January 1, 2019 at this time.

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David Snyder, executive director of the First Amendment Coalition, which advocates for public access to records, criticized the decision by Attorney General Xavier Becerra. Snyder said the Department of Justice has hundreds of peace officers, such as DOJ agents and investigators with the California Bureau of Investigation, who are subject to the law.

This is the highest law enforcement official in the state of California, and hes sending a message to other police departments they dont have to comply with the law, he said. Snyder said he thinks the law clearly intended that records from previous years would be open and he said the arguments from police unions are not persuasive.

To have the highest law enforcement official in the state telegraphing and saying they are not going to produce records, encourages departments to take this spurious interpretation of the law and use it to block access, he said.

While the stay issued by Sturgeon applies only to the eight departments in the lawsuit, it might be having a ripple effect on other entities. The county of San Diego, which has said it would release records from years past, might be reconsidering, according to a statement from Communications Office Director Mike Workman.

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We are reviewing the courts order to determine our stance, he wrote in an email. No decision has been made yet.

The Attorney Generals Office did not respond to a request for comment sought Monday.

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Twitter: @gregmoran

greg.moran@sduniontribune.com
BROOKLYN, New York, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capsule8 today has been named one of 10 finalists for the RSA Conference 2019 Innovation Sandbox Contest for its work in protecting Linux production environments, whether containerized, virtualized or bare metal. On Monday, March 4, Capsule8 will present its cybersecurity technology to a panel of industry veteran judges and a live audience in a three-minute quick-pitch and Q&A, competing for the coveted title of Most Innovative Start Up at RSA Conference 2019 in San Francisco. In the past five years alone, the contests top 10 finalists have collectively seen 14 acquisitions and have received over $2 billion in investments.

RSAC Innovation Sandbox Contest is the leading platform for entrepreneurial cybersecurity companies to launch their ground-breaking research and innovation in front of venture capitalists, industry experts, senior level business practitioners and thought leaders. The event gives startups visibility and validation that turn into rapid growth and increased funding year after year.

Every year our expectations are blown out of the water by the ideas presented at the RSAC Innovation Sandbox Contest, and this year was no exception, said Sandra Toms, Vice President and Curator of RSA Conference. The cybersecurity industry needs the bold, bright and innovative ideas being developed by these start ups today more than ever. I applaud this years finalists on their amazing work and dedication to making our world more secure, and Im looking forward to seeing the impact theyll make at RSA Conference and beyond.

Capsule8 was selected because of its unique approach to protecting Linux production workloads at massive scale, whether containerized, virtualized or bare metal. Most enterprises have already invested significantly in detecting production attacks in the form of intrusion detection and prevention systems. Unfortunately, these have never worked well they flood SOCs with alerts, most of which are spurious, leading to significant alert fatigue. Capsule8 automatically detects and shuts down exploits as theyre happening in the production environment  without human intervention or adding any risk to production infrastructure.

"Traditional security approaches have long failed in production environments. They provide totally inadequate protection for security teams to be successful. And what limited solutions do exist introduce too much risk to performance for operations teams to tolerate, said John Viega, co-founder and CEO of Capsule8. So Capsule8s mission is simple: to make security teams happy - without making ops mad - by delivering the best possible protection for Linux workloads on the planet."

Doors will open to the RSAC Innovation Sandbox Contest at 1:30 p.m. PT on March 4 at the Marriott Marquis in the Yerba Buena Ballroom. The winner will be announced in front of a live audience later that day at 4:30 p.m. PT. Dr. Herbert (Hugh) Thompson returns to emcee the contest, and the panel of five judges includes Asheem Chandna, Partner, Greylock Partners; Patrick Heim, Operating Partner and Chief Information Security Officer, ClearSky; Niloofar Razi Howe, Cybersecurity Entrepreneur and Investor; Shlomo Kramer, CEO and Co-Founder, Cato Networks; and Richard Seiersen, CISO, Author and Advisor.

More information regarding RSA Conference 2019, taking place at the Moscone Center and the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco from March 4-8, can be found at: www.rsaconference.com .



Attendees interested in scheduling a demo at RSAC can contact info@capsule8.com.

About Capsule8

Founded in fall 2016 and headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, Capsule8 is developing the industrys first real-time, zero-day exploit detection platform purpose-built for Linux production environments  whether containerized, virtualized or bare metal. Capsule8 massively reduces security operations workload by automatically detecting and shutting down exploits as theyre happening  without adding any risk to production infrastructure. Founded by experienced hackers and seasoned security entrepreneurs, and funded by Bessemer Venture Partners and ClearSky, Capsule8 is making it possible for Linux-powered enterprises to modernize without compromise. Learn more at www.Capsule8.com .
San Diego police on Tuesday released the name of a man found dead in a City Heights drainage ditch over the weekend.

The body, identified as San Diego resident Jimmy Khieu, 32, had trauma to the upper portion when it was found near Auburn Drive, in a residential neighborhood east of Euclid Avenue, homicide Lt. Anthony Dupree said.

Someone called 911 about 11:30 a.m. Sunday to report finding a mans body in the ditch. Police and firefighters responded to the call.

Homicide detectives are investigating. Dupree said there is no information regarding a suspect.

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Police asked that anyone with information about the incident call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293.

Anonymous tips can be left by calling San Diego Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Go to sdcrimestoppers.org for information about sending anonymous tips via email or text.

teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com

(760) 529-4945

Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT
The San Diego City Council is scheduled Tuesday to repeal a 35-year-old law that makes it illegal for people to live inside vehicles.

Advocates for homeless people say it could be a key step toward ending the local criminalization of homelessness. They hope the repeal is permanent but they expressed concerns that city officials plan to soon propose a revised version of the law that could be more legally sound.

A federal judge in August ordered the city to stop ticketing people under the law, saying it was unconstitutional because its too vague for enforcement.

U.S. District Judge Anthony Battaglia said the law doesnt indicate specifically what turns a vehicle into a persons home or living quarters, noting that people have gotten tickets under the law for reading a book inside their vehicle.

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A spokesman for Mayor Kevin Faulconer declined to comment on whether the city plans to replace the repealed law with a revised version.

The item tomorrow is about repealing the existing ordinance, Greg Block said Monday. I cant comment beyond that.

Supporters of such laws say people living in vehicles, sometimes on the street in front of single-family homes, create public safety and sanitation problems because typical passenger cars dont include toilets or places to bathe. Those were the arguments made in favor of the law when the San Diego City Council approved it 7-1 in August 1983.

The injunction ordered by Battaglia came in response to a lawsuit filed on behalf of disabled homeless people who prefer to live in vehicles because they dont function well in traditional homeless shelters.

Ann Menasche, a lawyer for Disability Rights California who helped file the suit, applauded the city Monday for proposing a repeal of the ordinance.

The writing was clearly on the wall, and they are doing the right thing, so we appreciate that, she said. I think its a win, but I cant say I think its the end of the struggle. Theyve decided that they cant defend the current habitation ordinance.

Menasche said she doesnt believe its possible for the city to approve a legally defensible version of the law. But that may not stop city officials from trying, she said.

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I think its going to depend on the politics of the situation, she said, noting that Democrats who have expressed more sympathy for the homeless gained a veto-proof majority on the council in November. The politics are slightly better, but I dont know all of the people on the council and how theyre going to be.

Menasche said it would be ideal if the repeal is a sign that city officials have decided to take a less punitive approach to homelessness.

We want this to be the first in a series of actions to show the end of criminalizing homelessness, she said. If youre living in your car, its because you dont have other options, and it should not be criminalized. The city doesnt need to treat them like bad children.

The city has created designated safe lots where homeless people living in vehicles can park.

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Menasche said those lots dont eliminate the need for homeless people living in vehicles to park elsewhere. Those lots may not be close enough to where a person gets medical attention, stores their belongings or meets with friends and family members, she said.

Ironically, the injunction blocking enforcement of the vehicle habitation ordinance has not significantly helped the plaintiffs in that lawsuit, because they live in recreational vehicles, not passenger cars.

Police have continued issuing tickets to people in RVs under the citys oversized vehicle law, which prohibits recreational vehicles from parking on any San Diego city street or in any public parking lot between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Battaglia, the federal judge, ruled that that law doesnt suffer from the same vagueness as the vehicle habitation ordinance.

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That has prompted homeless advocacy groups to launch a program that helps fight the RV tickets with sophisticated appeals. The advocacy groups say that even when those appeals fail, they make it harder for the city to force homeless people out of their RVs and onto the streets.

Colleen Cusack, who has represented homeless people living in cars for the last five years, said its not unusual for city officials to shift from one law to the next when ordered to stop enforcing something. Nevertheless, the repeal of the vehicle habitation ordinance would be a significant victory if its a permanent move by the city, she added.

It would be one less tool the city would have to criminalize this population, she said. And it could symbolize the citys shift to a more humanitarian approach to the homelessness crisis, instead of using criminalization.

She said the vehicle habitation law is notoriously arbitrary. Police were told to look for bedding, toiletries and food wrappers inside vehicles as evidence of habitation, items she contends are often in the cars of people with homes.

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Tuesdays council hearing is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. at City Hall, 202 C St.

david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrick
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Monday night made her first public appearance since undergoing cancer surgery in December, attending a celebration of her life presented in song.

The 85-year-old justice attended a production of Notorious RBG in Song at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington. The program about Ginsburgs life in the law was created and performed by Ginsburgs daughter-in-law, the soprano Patrice Michaels, and presented for high school students by the National Constitution Center.

Ginsburg did not speak, and many in the crowd did not know she was there. She sat in the back, and most saw her only as they left the performance. Michaels did not announce the justices presence.

Ginsburg had not made public appearances since undergoing a pulmonary lobectomy Dec. 21 after doctors discovered cancerous nodules in her left lung. Recovery from such surgery typically takes six to eight weeks, according to medical specialists, and Ginsburg, for the first time since joining the court in 1993, missed a round of oral arguments in January.

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Some on the extreme political right had insisted that the justices ailments were graver than the Supreme Court has acknowledged, suggesting it would be an ominous sign if she skipped President Trumps State of the Union address Tuesday night.

Actually, it would be more like par for the course. Ginsburg did not attend either of Trumps previous speeches to Congress.

The court has said that although Ginsburg missed oral arguments last month, she will vote in the cases based on briefs and transcripts and that she has participated from home in deciding which cases the court has accepted or rejected for its docket, as well as in some emergency decisions.

The courts last statement on her health, released Jan. 11, said: Her recovery from surgery is on track. Post-surgery evaluation indicates no evidence of remaining disease, and no further treatment is required.

Ginsburg has spoken with the filmmakers who on Jan. 22 were nominated for an Academy Award for their documentary RBG. Her son James, who was at Monday nights performance, said Ginsburg walks a mile a day and is working with her trainer again.

The court will meet next in public session Feb. 19.

Despite her appearance Monday night, it is unlikely that Ginsburg will go to the Capitol on Tuesday. Few things are mandatory for a Supreme Court justice, and attending the State of the Union address is not one of them.

Justice Clarence Thomas has not been since 2009. Justice Antonin Scalia was in the midst of a two-decade hiatus when he died in 2016. Justice Stephen Breyer has an almost perfect attendance record, but when he contracted the flu, it meant that not a single member of the court showed for President Bill Clintons January 2000 address.

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Ginsburg has attended past State of the Union addresses - television cameras have caught her napping at several.

But Ginsburg, who created controversy when Trump was a candidate by calling him a faker and expressing distress about the possibility of his election, has not attended Trumps events. She skipped his first speech to Congress in January 2017 and was out of town at a speaking appearance last year, an engagement she accepted before the date was announced.

She has attended White House events for her two newest colleagues nominated by Trump - Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh - and the president tweeted his well wishes after her surgery.

Ginsburg, who was chosen for the court by Clinton, appears to have a more partisan attendance record than most justices.

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She did not show for any State of the Union address given by President George W. Bush, whose election was secured by the courts decision in Bush v. Gore. The Bush years in general were the low point for Supreme Court attendance; sometimes, Breyer was the lone attendee.

On the other hand, Ginsburg made all of President Barack Obamas speeches. She attended only some of those by Clinton.

In 2009, Ginsburg said she had attended that years presidential address for a specific reason. She had just undergone surgery for early-stage pancreatic cancer, and Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., had told an audience that she might not be around much longer.

First, I wanted people to see that the Supreme Court isnt all male, Ginsburg, then the only female justice, told USA Today. I also wanted them to see I was alive and well, contrary to that senator who said Id be dead within nine months.

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Bunning, who apologized for his remarks, died in 2017.

Ginsburgs absence from the public spotlight has been noticeable, in part because she is among the courts most visible members. The Supreme Court is on its regularly scheduled winter break, and Ginsburg has canceled scheduled speaking events scheduled for the break.

Theres a Twitter hashtag - (hash)WheresRuth - and some on the right have demanded that she present herself.

Still no sign, former White House adviser Sebastian Gorka wrote on Twitter last week. 6 days left until Ruth Bader Ginsberg has to make her official appearance at @realDonaldTrumps State of the Union. Gorka misspelled the justices last name.

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Even those justices who regularly attend the speeches - Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Elena Kagan have perfect records - acknowledge the awkwardness of the event, where they are supposed to remain stoic while all around them members of Congress cheer and jeer.

To the extent the State of the Union has degenerated into a political pep rally, Im not sure why we are there, Roberts once said.

Thomas explained his absence in 2010. Its very uncomfortable for a judge to sit there, he said during a question-and-answer session at Stetson University College of Law:

Theres a lot that you dont hear on TV - the catcalls, the whooping and hollering and under-the-breath comments. One of the consequences is now the court becomes part of the conversation, if you want to call it that, in the speeches. Its just an example of why I dont go.
Update: The pilot was not a retired Chicago police officer, as initially identified, authorities say. The Chicago Police Department has no record of Antonio Pastini, 75, ever working in the city, according to a department spokesman. Read more here.

Authorities on Monday identified the pilot whose plane crashed into a Yorba Linda home, killing four people inside over the weekend, as 75-year-old Antonio Pastini.

Investigators with the National Transportation and Safety Board said Pastini, who was also killed in the crash, was a retired Chicago police officer.

Authorities said he previously owned a restaurant, Kim Lees Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, in Gardnerville, Nev., south of Carson City. Officials are gathering information about Pastinis flight experience, medical records and plane maintenance schedules, but records show he carried a commercial pilots license.

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The names of two women and two men who were in the home on Crestknoll Drive where Pastinis plane erupted have not been identified. Authorities said the bodies are badly burned, so DNA testing and dental records will be requested to identify the victims.

On Monday morning, NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration investigators continued examining the scene, collecting pieces of aircraft scattered across four blocks in the residential neighborhood to transport to a Phoenix storage facility, where they will be examined.

So far, investigators know the plane took off from Fullerton Municipal Airport around 1:35 p.m., made a left turn and flew for about 10 miles, reaching an altitude as high as 7,800 feet. By 1:45 p.m., the plane had crashed into a house, engulfing it in flames.

Witnesses saw the plane, still in one piece, coming through the clouds, said Maja Smith, an NTSB investigator. Then the planes tail came off, followed by its wings. It plummeted rapidly.

(Los Angeles Times)

In addition to the burned-out house, the crash damaged surrounding homes significantly. At one residence, a piece of the planes engine knocked down a pillar on the front porch and torpedoed through a first-floor window, flying through two rooms before landing in a bathroom. Fragments of exhaust pipe crashed through a second-floor window of the home and melted into the carpet. A propeller thumped onto the driveway.

Joshua Nelson, 28, said he was about to take a nap when he heard a shrill whistling sound and a loud bang outside his home. He hopped out of bed, ran out the front door and saw a plume of black smoke.

He saw a propeller had landed in front of a home, smashing windows. The main cabin of the plane landed in a ravine behind another house.

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The challenge will be collecting all the pieces, to bolster the investigation, Smith said. Debris from the crash is littered among as many as 16 homes, she said.

Residents spilled out of their houses Sunday in the quiet neighborhood to take in the collateral destruction around them.

In a video shot by Nelson, the burning home could be heard crackling and popping. A man several doors away from the flames was hosing down a piece of aircraft that was on fire. Get away! Get away from the house! a man shouted at residents.

Two people suffered moderate burns, and a firefighter suffered a minor ankle injury in the aftermath.

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NTSB officials have asked witnesses to come forward and provide any video footage of the scene. Smith said that so far she has seen only two videos on the internet.

Times staff writers Cindy Carcamo, Laura Newberry and Richard Winton contributed to this report.

alejandra.reyesvelarde@latimes.com | @r_valejandra

anh.do@latimes.com | @newsterrier
On February 5, 1933, pioneer black aviator J. Herman Banning was killed when a plane in which he was a passenger crashed during an air show at old Camp Kearny airport (now Miramar Marine Corps Air Station).

The pilot, Albert Burghardt, was critically injured and died four days later.

Banning had been refused the use of an airplane for the San Diego air show because a flight instructor for the shows sponsor claimed he did not believe Banning to be a capable pilot.

At the time of his death, Banning had a commercial pilots license and flight record of more than 800 hours. Four months earlier, Banning, with Thomas Allen, had become the first black aviators to complete a transcontinental flight. In the fall of 1932, Banning and Allen had traveled 3,300 miles from Los Angeles to Long Island, New York after 41 hours and 27 minutes of actual flying time.

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From the San Diego Union, Monday, February 6, 1933:

AIR-SHOW CRASH KILLS FLIER; COMPANION HURT

While about 2000 persons looked on, one man was injured fatally and another was seriously hurt in an airplane crash at the old Camp Kearny airport yesterday afternoon. The accident put an abrupt end to an air show that had started a few moments before.

The dead man was J. Herman Banning, 33, negro flier, 1019 East Twenty-fifth street, Los Angeles. He died an hour after the crash at county hospital of a fractured skull and other injuries.

The other victim is Albert Burghardt, 30, aviation machinist mate, second class, from naval air station, North Island. He is in naval hospital with several broken bones, including both legs and possible internal injuries. His condition late last night was regarded by hospital attendants as critical.

According to police and witnesses, Burghart was at the controls of the plane when it crashed.

The accident happened, according to witnesses, when the plane went into a tailspin after climbing to an elevation of about 400 feet from take-off.

When witnesses reached the wreckage Banning was unconscious. Both men were taken to county hospital in the police ambulance after treatment by Dr. Paul R. Brust, emergency surgeon. Later, Burghart was transferred to naval hospital.

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The plane was a Travelair two-seater, and was owned by C.P. Benedict, also stationed at North Island. Benedict said Burghart holds a private pilots license and that he had lent him the plane in which to fly to Camp Kearny to see the air show, but not to enter it. Benedict denied he had given Burghart permission to take Banning or anyone else aloft.

Arnet Spear, chief flight instructor at Airtech, who was sponsoring the air show, said he had denied Banning permission to use an Airtech plane.

After talking to Banning about flying, Spear said, it was my opinion he was not a very capable pilot, although he is said to hold a transport pilots license. I then denied Banning permission to use one of our planes.

Historical photos and articles from The San Diego Union-Tribune archives are compiled by merrie.monteagudo@sduniontribune.com. Search the U-T historic archives at NewsLibrary.com/sites/sdub.
Climate change groups around the country have recently ramped up pressure on Congress to adopt a Green New Deal  legislation that would, among other things, pump federal funding into renewable energy to fight climate change and create jobs.

Democrats Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York recently said they are drafting such legislation. Many presidential hopefuls have voiced support.

That, in turn, has emboldened activists throughout the country, including in San Diego where groups are rallying outside House members district offices this week.

This Green New Deal can fix the climate change issues and the economic issues. Its a lifeline, Stephanie Corkran, 48, a volunteer with SanDiego350, told about two dozen people Monday morning outside Democratic Rep. Juan Vargas Chula Vista office.

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The climate crusaders, waving signs and chanting, had just come from Rep. Susan Davis office in the San Diego neighborhood of University Heights.

The group plans to hold similar events Thursday at Reps. Scott Peters and Duncan Hunters offices at 9 and 11 a.m., respectively.

Also in attendance at the Chula Vista rally were members of the Sunrise Movement. The fledgling climate group became a nationally recognized promoter for the Green New Deal in November after staging a sit-in attended by Ocasio-Cortez at Rep. Nancy Pelosis office in Washington, D.C.

Jack Marchese, 26, started volunteering about two months ago with the Sunrise Movement after reading about the most recent report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The scientific findings gave humanity until 2030 to dramatically curb greenhouse gases or face catastrophic consequences.

Ive been more of a keyboard worrier, Marchese said at the event. Thats how I started. Then I saw this report and I was like, What am I doing just sitting here? I need to be on the streets.

Its a crisis, and we need to be treating it like a crisis, he added.

Supporters of the Green New Deal acknowledge it has little chance of the current Congress approving it.

However, placing such legislation on the table increasingly appears to be part of nascent strategy by the Democratic Party going into the 2020 presidential election. And it will likely be a protracted process with many issues to resolve, such as whether to embrace nuclear power and how to address union workers in the fossil fuel industry.

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Sarah Abrenica, 23, a volunteer with SanDiego350, said she wants the legislation to completely phase out fossil fuel infrastructure as quickly as possible.

We dont need pipelines, she said at Mondays event. We need to put research and development into renewable sources of energy.

Local congressional members have already started reacting to the call for action, some voicing full-throated support, others expressing more interest in first hashing out the details.

Rep. Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano, who recently replaced Darrell Issa in the 49th District, was an early supporter of the idea.

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Climate change is real, it is negatively impacting our communities, and we must pursue bold policies to address it. I was proud to be one of the first Members of Congress to endorse the Green New Deal, he said in a recent statement to The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Likewise, Vargas said he backs the general proposal.

Our environment is currently under attack by the Trump Administration, which continues to deny the reality of climate change, he said in a statement. Now, more than ever, we must stand up against these assaults by strongly advocating to save our planet. Thats why I support a Green New Deal to address climate change, protect our oceans, preserve public lands, and defend endangered species.

At the same time, Democratic Reps. Davis and Peters were more cautious.

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As legislative details of the Green New Deal are released, I look forward to working with Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Markey on a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change, Davis said.

Peters said: Activists supporting a Green New Deal have brought a new level of attention and enthusiasm to the issue of climate change. Our challenge now is to translate that enthusiasm into bipartisan action on climate.

Hunter, R-Alpine, did not respond to a request for comment.

A survey by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication from December found that 40 percent of voters strongly supported a Green New Deal, with another 41 percent saying they somewhat supported the plan.

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However, about 82 percent of those surveyed said they knew nothing at all about the Green New Deal before having it explained to them by the pollsters.

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Twitter: @jemersmith

Phone: (619) 293-2234

Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com
California for the first time released a list of its lowest-performing 8 percent of public schools in the state, but some experts are skeptical that education leaders will use this new information and related funding to effectively improve those schools.

The states list includes 58 San Diego County schools, including 14 district schools and 5 charter schools within the San Diego Unified School District.

We will continue to work with our schools to provide the support that they need, specifically for the reasons why they were identified on the list, said Ron Rode, San Diego Unifieds director for research and evaluation.

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All states are required to publish a list of their lowest-performing schools to comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, an Obama-era law that was meant to hold schools accountable for their performance in a less punitive way than previous state ratings systems and to give states and school districts more flexibility in how they go about improving schools.

The law requires states to identify their 5 percent lowest-performing schools. But Californias education department ended up identifying 8 percent, or 781 schools, as being lowest-performing because of the way the state evaluates schools.

States got to choose what criteria they use to identify these schools. Unlike other states, California does not use numbers or letter grades to rate schools.

California chose to identify as low-performing any high school with a two-year average graduation rate lower than 67 percent, along with other schools that have all or mostly red performance indicators on their California School Dashboard, which is the states school rating system.

The Dashboard uses colors  blue for highest performance and red for lowest  to rate schools and districts on six factors including English and math performance, graduation rates and college readiness. It also rates schools for the performance of certain student demographic groups in those categories.

Improvements or declines from the previous year also are considered in the color ratings.

How does California identify its lowest-performing schools?

First, high schools with a two-year average graduation rate lower than 67 percent are automatically identified.

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Next, the state identifies the low-performing schools if they have:All red indicators on the California School Dashboard, which is the states school rating system;all indicators are red except one;all red and orange indicators;five or more indicators where most student groups got a red. You can find the Dashboard at www.caschooldashboard.org.

In addition to the lowest 8 percent, California identified 859 more schools, or another 9 percent, as being low-performing for one or more specific student groups.

I think of those as schools that might honestly seem to be doing okay, but underneath the surface, the data reveals concerning disparities, said Carrie Hahnel, interim executive director for The Education Trust-West, an Oakland-based advocacy group.

Nearly 80 percent of these schools were identified for having poor results for students with disabilities, more than any other student group.

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The next most disadvantaged student group was African-American students, for which 19 percent of schools were identified. Only 6 percent of schools were identified for low English learner student performance, even though English learners have lower than average graduation rates and test scores and are a heavy focus for issues of education equity.

Oceanside Unified School District had the highest percentage of schools identified for low performance overall and for student groups. Out of its 25 schools, 44 percent were identified as needing improvement.

The school improvement process is supposed to involve parents and communities but, Hahnel said, its not clear how families of these lowest-performing schools will be informed that their school is on the list, or whether they will be directly informed at all.

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When the state education department released its list of schools, it notified county and school district superintendents and charter school leaders, but it published the list in a spreadsheet on its website and did not issue a press release.

Part of the spirit of the law here was that parents would be engaged and community members would be engaged in the school improvement planning process. But its difficult to do if you dont know youre on the list in the first place, Hahnel said.

All districts on the lowest-performing list must come up with improvement plans for each school. Federal law requires that districts and charter schools write those plans in partnership with stakeholders, including parents, teachers and principals.

The 8 percent of Californias schools identified as low-performing overall can apply for part of about $129 million in available federal funding. Those schools can use that money for capacity building and developing and implementing their improvement plans, according to the state education department.

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For example, they could use the money to research resource inequities in schools or potential interventions, the state said. But schools are not allowed to use the funding to hire additional permanent staff.

California already requires schools that receive certain categorical state funds to have plans for student achievement. Hahnel said she is skeptical that districts with these newly identified lowest-performing schools will significantly change their already-existing plans or do anything much different than what they have already been doing.

Theyre just passing funding to the schools that have struggled, Hahnel said. Thats more funding to employ the same sort of strategies that resulted in failure to begin with.

If schools are found to be under-performing for four years, the state education department will step in and offer support to struggling school districts. While this new approach is meant to avoid disproportionately punishing schools and districts with high percentages of disadvantaged students, critics have argued that it also does not have enough teeth to compel schools to make improvements.

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SEARCH FOR SAN DIEGO COUNTYS LOW-PERFORMING SCHOOLS

Schools designated for Comprehensive Support were identified for overall low performance by the state. Schools designated for Additional Targeted Support were identified for low performance among one or more student groups by the state.

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Kristen Taketa

Email: kristen.taketa@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @Kristen_Taketa

UPDATES:

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12:30 p.m.: This article was updated to include the number of charter schools identified as low-performing in the San Diego Unified School District.

This article was originally published at 5 a.m.
One of two Chula Vista residents who took part in the beating death of a man during an argument at a marina in the South Bay city was sentenced Monday to a dozen years in state prison.

Austin Lee Kirchner, 23, pleaded guilty last month to voluntary manslaughter in connection with the June 19, 2018, bludgeoning of 40-year-old Rafael Cabrera. In addition to manslaughter, Kirchner admitted to an allegation of using a weapon  a metal pipe  during the killing.

Medics took the unconscious victim to a trauma center, where he was placed on life support. He was pronounced dead two days later.

Investigators said that about 8:30 p.m. on June 19, Cabrera, Kirchner and Kirchners co-defendant, Kevin Haynes, got into a confrontation when someone in a group the suspects were with insulted Cabreras girlfriend, Lt. Dan Peak said.

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During the ensuing quarrel, Cabrera was grabbed and held while Kirchner beat him on the head repeatedly with a metal pipe. Haynes and Kirchner then got into a vehicle and drove off prior to the arrival of police, Peak alleged.

Haynes pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact late last year for driving Kirchner from the crime scene.
Days after bumpily arriving into the world at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, a giraffe calf who had difficulty nursing is now being raised by the zoo.

For the next six months or so, zoo staff will bottle-feed the male calf with formula devised especially for baby giraffes. The zoo has previously hand-raised baby giraffes, so their needs are known, said Dr. Lauren Howard, associate director of veterinary services at the Safari Park.

When ready, the calf will be placed with a giraffe herd. That may be back at the Safari Park near Escondido, the zoos San Diego location or at another zoo, Howard said.

The as-yet-unnamed calf was born in the open field Jan. 27, in an apparently normal birth. Video indicates that an adult male may have inadvertently knocked the calf to the ground. Whether that fall damaged the calf is unknown, Howard said, but he eventually got the knack of standing and walking.

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Zookeepers soon noticed he was spending little time nursing, Howard said. And because the keepers spend the most time observing the giraffes, the veterinary staff took their concerns seriously. Its an example of how keepers and vets work as a team.

The keepers out in the field are highly skilled and have seen a lot of babies born, Howard said. So I actually rely on them to tell me whats normal, like how often does a giraffe nurse, then, when hes nursing  how long is that nursing bout?

Weve gotten really good at capturing videos and photos and sharing that back and forth between the vets and the keepers. And when theres a flag raised of any kind, then the veterinarians go out and look at the animal.

So last week, when the veterinarians met with the keepers, they decided to give the calf a quick exam in the field. This was accomplished by briefly distracting the mother.

Results were normal, except for a slightly elevated white blood cell count.

After the exam, keepers reported that the calf was still behaving oddly. The mother, Acacia, appeared to be losing interest in her baby.

He was doing this weird, head-toss, cough-sneeze thing, Howard said.

Since sick newborn giraffes can go downhill quickly, the plan was to bring him to the Safari Parks Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center for a comprehensive exam.

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But the night before the exam, more bad news arrived. Letting the calf stay out in the cold even one night seemed too risky.

The supervisor got in touch with me to say theyve been watching him all afternoon and havent seen him nurse, Howard said. He seems a bit more lethargic and lying down.

So that evening, the calf was taken by trailer to the veterinary center for a more detailed exam. The mother didnt appear to show too much concern about the removal, another sign she had lost interest in the calf, Howard said.

Its easy to misinterpret animal actions through the lens of our human emotions, Howard said. But the general feeling among veterinarians is that when a mother stops being attentive to a baby, its because she senses something is wrong with it.

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Images from a recently acquired CT scanner designed for horses revealed inflammation in the calfs nose and throat, Howard said. The inflammation could have been caused by injury or by an infection. Whatever the cause, it could account for the nursing problems.

The calf was given antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs and kept warm. He accepted the bottle feedings. But while his condition improved, the overnight stay broke the maternal bond, Howard said. Giraffe mothers dont tolerate more than a brief separation from their calves.

So the calf has a human-centric future for the time being, Howard said. When he gets strong enough, he will be cautiously introduced to other giraffes, so he can eventually be placed back with others of his kind.

The diagnosis would have been impossible until recently; the zoo obtained the CT scanner only about a year and a half ago, Howard said. An ordinary X-ray wouldnt have revealed the inflammation.

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Bradley J. Fikes writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.
All amounts in Canadian dollars

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION TO THE UNITED STATES

BROOKFIELD, NEWS, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brookfield Infrastructure (NYSE: BIP; TSX: BIP.UN) today announced the completion of its previously announced issuance of $100,000,000 of Senior Preferred Shares, Series 1 (Series 1 Shares). The offering was underwritten by a syndicate of underwriters led by TD Securities Inc., BMO Capital Markets, CIBC Capital Markets, RBC Capital Markets and Scotiabank.

The Series 1 Shares were issued by BIP Investment Corporation (BIPIC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brookfield Infrastructure, and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Brookfield Infrastructure and certain of its key holding subsidiaries. BIPIC issued 4,000,000 Series 1 Shares at a price of $25.00 per share, for total gross proceeds of $100,000,000. Holders of the Series 1 Shares will be entitled to receive a cumulative quarterly fixed dividend at a rate of 5.85% annually for the initial period ending March 31, 2024. Thereafter, the dividend rate will be reset every five years at a rate equal to the greater of: (i) the 5-year Government of Canada bond yield plus 3.96%, and (ii) 5.85%. The Series 1 Shares will commence trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange this morning under the ticker BIK.PR.A.

The net proceeds of the issue of the Series 1 Shares will be used to fund new investments and/or for general working capital purposes.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any offer or sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the short form base shelf prospectus or the prospectus supplement. The offer and sale of the securities has not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to United States persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is a leading global infrastructure company that owns and operates high quality, long-life assets in the utilities, transport, energy and data infrastructure sectors across North and South America, Asia Pacific and Europe. We are focused on assets that generate stable cash flows and require minimal maintenance capital expenditures. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges. Further information is available at www.brookfield.com/infrastructure . Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information.

Brookfield Infrastructure is the flagship listed infrastructure company of Brookfield Asset Management, a leading global alternative asset manager with over $330 billion of assets under management. For more information, go to www.brookfield.com .

For more information, please visit our website at www.brookfield.com/infrastructure or contact:
A judge has dropped two of the charges against a Navy SEAL who is facing a high-profile war crimes prosecution.

Navy Capt. Aaron Rugh, the judge in the court martial of Chief Petty Officer Edward R. Gallagher, 39, stripped away two of the charges against the SEAL  one related to his reenlistment next to the body of a slain teenage ISIS fighter, and another related to him allegedly operating a drone over the corpse.

The other charges stand.

Gallagher is still charged with premeditated murder for allegedly stabbing to death a previously wounded teenage ISIS fighter and with aggravated assault for allegedly shooting at civilians during a 2017 deployment to Iraq.

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The chief special warfare operator also still faces an allegation he posed for photos with the young fighters body, and charges he allegedly obstructed justice by attempting to discourage members of his platoon from reporting him and then allegedly retaliated against subordinates who did.

Colby Vokey, one of Gallaghers attorneys, said in an email Monday that the ruling dismissing two charges exposes weaknesses in the governments case.

We are grateful that these two character-smearing accusations wont be a part of the trial, he said. There has to be a limit on what kind of accusations can be brought against our warriors fighting ISIS in a combat zone.

Brian ORourke, a Navy spokesman, said the ruling does not affect the rest of the case against Gallagher. As of Monday, the text of the ruling had not been released.

The judges ruling could have ramifications outside of just Gallaghers case.

Gallaghers platoon commander, Lt. Jacob Portier, also faces court martial for charges that he was aware of complaints against Gallagher but did not report them. Portier also has been charged with conduct unbecoming an officer for conducting Gallaghers reenlistment ceremony.

Jeremiah Sullivan, Portiers attorney, said he is confident the judges ruling will help his clients case.

Ive been saying all along, its not a crime to conduct a reenlistment ceremony on the battlefield, Sullivan said.

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Prosecutors charged Portier with making a false official statement, for telling his superiors that there was nothing criminal (about the reenlistment), it was just in poor taste.

Unlike Gallaghers case, which is barreling toward a trial date of Feb. 19, Portiers has been delayed while a judge considers whether a previous protective order prevented the defense from interviewing witnesses. Sullivan hopes to roll the case back to a hearing that would re-evaluate the charges against his client.

Navy Capt. Jonathan Stephens, the judge in Portiers court martial, will hear arguments on Sullivans motion Feb. 15.

Its going to be a very interesting day, Sullivan said.

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Contact Andrew Dyer via email or Twitter.
The mayor of Poway is proposing the city build granny flats at its own expense in the backyards of willing property owners as part of a novel way to address the regions affordable housing crisis.

Mayor Steve Vaus says the program, dubbed HOMES (Homes On My Extra Space), could become a model for other cities seeking to boost their housing stock to serve low-income renters and homeowners.

He is suggesting the city, one of the wealthier communities in San Diego County, begin with five to 10 units as a pilot project. Its an idea, Vaus said, that could potentially expand Poways affordable housing options at a greatly-reduced cost without compromising the character of our neighborhoods.

Critics, however, questioned whether the idea was feasible, whether it was a good use of taxpayer money and whether it would create a NIMBY backlash. Others said building a few granny flats was just a gimmick to dodge meaningful ways of increasing affordable housing.

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While I appreciate their trying to increase supply, the idea you can subsidize your way out of this mess is ridiculous, Chris Thornberg, founder of Beacon Economics, a Los Angeles economics consulting company. The City of Poway, the state of California, doesnt have enough money to fix this. Putting a few granny flats in backyards isnt going to cut it. Its too little.

Under the proposal to be considered tonight by the Poway City Council, the city would build and pay for the accessory dwelling units in the backyards of property owners who agree to rent them for a specific term, probably in the 10-12 year range.

A nonprofit would act as the property manager for the units, screening qualified, low-income tenants and collecting rents.

The rental income would be split three ways -- with the property owner getting a third, the nonprofit management company getting a third, and the city getting the rest.

At the end of the 10- to 12-year period, the granny flat would be owned by the private property owner without additional costs or obligations.

Vaus said he has been told such granny flats  each the size of a studio or one-bedroom apartment under 1,000 square feet -- could be built for less than $100,000.

Granny flats are being encouraged by the state now, just in terms of general housing, and I thought, why dont we build some ourselves and use them for affordable housing, Vaus said Monday.

Early reaction on social network sites raised a variety of objections.

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Joe St Lucas, a close observer of Poway politics and government, said he was bothered that taxpayer money would be given to homeowners to build an addition. So not only will the homeowner get rent from the unit for 10-12 years, but (they) then get a $100K addition for FREE!!! he wrote on the South and North Poway Votes Facebook page.

Others said the proposal seems to favor wealthy Poway residents who have plots large enough to support a granny flat.

According to the website statisticalatlas.com, Poway has the highest median household income of all cities in San Diego County, except for the coastal municipalities of Del Mar, Encinitas and Solana Beach, at just under $99,000.

The median price of a home in Poway was $770,000 as of December 2018, according to CoreLogic, an analytical property data firm, which is higher than most cities but for the same coastal communities.

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Poways wealth is concentrated in the northern half of the city where many expensive estate-like homes line well-manicured streets. Those properties are where the granny flats would most likely be built simply because the properties are large enough to support them.

The regulations allow them pretty much anywhere, with setbacks, but I would think it would be more appealing to folks with a little more space, Vaus said.

City Manager Tina White said the idea is very, very unique.

Its going to generate more questions than answers for the other council members and the public, she said.

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Poway has a number of affordable housing projects in the city with another on the way and a second in the planning stages. Right now, the city claims 692 units citywide, White said.

But traditionally, there has always been detractors of affordable home projects, which have always been built in the southern part of the city.

Thornberg laughed at the granny flat concept. He said a few granny flats dont even come close to meeting the housing needs of the state and the San Diego area.

As opposed to trying to pay poor people to live in backyards, why dont you go and look at land use  and allow the development and building of apartments and increase the housing stock? Thornberg said.

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He said many cities are finding themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. The rock, he said, is the state which is finally saying enough is enough and starting to sue people, and the hard place is the citys own NIMBY issues. A lot are trying desperately to find something they can lob out there that make it look like theyre doing something without really doing something.

Other social media chatter questions who would want a granny flat with low-income housing in their backyards, and even if they did, how would their neighbors react?

Poway City Councilman John Mullin said he was intrigued by the idea, but doesnt know how to feel about it yet. I applaud (Vaus) creative thinking and I think its at least worth looking into, Mullin said.

There are some that say its a good idea to spread the creation of affordable housing throughout the city, but I can see a number of reasons  well, its going to take some investigating.

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The largest owner-operator of affordable housing units in Poway is Community Housing Works, which owns six affordable housing projects in the city. Its CEO, Susan Reynolds, said she thinks Vaus idea to take this next step to encourage granny flat construction for affordable housing is a great start.

I think asking that question is a very powerful beginning and the mayor has a very creative way of how to approach it, she said.

Granny flats or mother-in-law units are small, stand-alone housing structures built next to existing larger homes that have their own bathrooms and cooking areas.

The county of San Diego, the City of San Diego and several local cities, have relaxed regulations to encourage granny flats. Recently, Encinitas took action to encourage more granny flat construction by agreeing to waive building fees for accessory dwelling projects and to reduce building setback limits so the flat can be placed close to the edge of a property line to increase open area in the middle of the property.

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Last month, the county Board of Supervisors voted to spend $11 million on a five-year trial program to waive fees to encourage granny flats construction in the unincorporated parts of the county. The program immediately waives building permit fees, on-site wastewater fees and development impact fees, which include transportation fees to add roads and infrastructure, fees to build parks, and drainage fees, for homeowners who want to build granny flats.

The cities of San Diego and Oceanside also loosened regulations on accessory dwelling units in 2018.

None, however, take the additional step, as Poway is considering, of having the governmental agency build the structures.

The council will discuss the issue tonight at a meeting that begins at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at 13325 Civic Center Drive, Poway.

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jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones
A year after its former chief executive resigned, SeaWorld on Tuesday named Gustavo (Gus) Antorcha, a top executive with Carnival Cruise Lines, as the Orlando-based companys new CEO.

Interim CEO John Reilly, a former president of the San Diego park and who some believed was a strong contender for the job, was named chief operating officer for the theme park company. The announcement, the company said, followed a thorough search process led by a special committee of the board of directors.

We are thrilled to welcome Gus to the SeaWorld team, said Yoshikazu Maruyama, chairman of the board of directors. Gus is a proven leader with broad experiences in the travel and leisure industries. His unique combination of strategy, operations and leadership skills make him the right person to lead SeaWorld through its next phase of growth.

Gustavo Antorcha (SeaWorld Entertainment)

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Gus helped deliver strong financial results and improved guest satisfaction at Carnival by leading efforts to optimize pricing, improve onboard marketing and communications, introduce new guest experiences and drive capital and cost efficiencies  all core to SeaWorlds current strategy.

Most recently chief operating officer with Carnival, Antorcha has been with the cruise line for more than eight years. Prior to joining Carnival, he was a partner and managing director at the Boston Consulting Group, a global strategy and management consulting firm, where he helped clients with their operational strategies in the travel and leisure industries. He graduated from Duke University and subsequently earned an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

His appointment is effective Feb. 18.

Said Antorcha in a statement, I am excited to join the SeaWorld team ...The organization has an outstanding group of dedicated employees who, together, have a clear focus on improving execution, enhancing the guest experience and growing revenue, profitability and free cash flow. I look forward to working with this talented group to enhance and accelerate these efforts and to help realize the full potential of this business for all stakeholders.

Antorcha, who will become SeaWorlds third CEO in four years, replaces Joel Manby, who stepped down last year after failing to deliver a rebound in sliding attendance and revenue that have dogged the company years after the release of the anti-animal captivity film Blackfish. Over the last year, though, the company and its 12 theme parks have seen a significant upsurge in revenue and visitation as it continues to invest more money in theme park attractions, including what will be the third new roller coaster at the San Diego park by next year.

Under his employment agreement, Antorcha will earn an annual base salary of $600,000, plus the opportunity for an annual bonus of up to 150 percent of his salary, half of which would be in cash and the other half SeaWorld stock. He also is eligible for long-term stock options, restricted stock and performance stock with an estimated value of $11.5 million, according to the agreement.

Wall Street analyst James Hardiman said he was not surprised by the choice, although many believed Reilly had been in the running for the chief executive post. The companys stock price has nearly doubled during the time he has led the company. Before being named interim CEO, Reilly held the title of chief parks operations officer.

I thought he was a contender but its not shocking that he didnt get it, Hardiman said.

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He added that from a business perspective, the cruise and theme park industries are not all that dissimilar. He noted, for example, that Matt Ouimet, the former CEO of Cedar Park, which operates 11 theme parks, had at one time been a president of Disney Cruise Line.

With the cruise business and amusement park business, youre just trying to maximize what you can get for the capacity available to you in the business youre in, Hardiman said.

With the new CEO appointment, SeaWorld, reaps the benefit of both executives, each with different types of expertise, said theme park analyst Bob Boyd.

While Antorcha does not have experience in the amusement park business, he worked for a company that had to weather  and then recover from  some hard times, just as SeaWorld has had to do. In past years, some of Carnivals ships suffered a number of widely publicized mishaps, including in 2013 when the Carnival Triumph lost power and was adrift in the Gulf of Mexico for four days. Elevators malfunctioned and raw sewage backed up in the ships bathrooms, leading many to refer to the incident as the poop cruise.

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SeaWorld ended up in an ideal scenario where they bring in an outsider with a lot of experience, especially brand-oriented experience, said Boyd. Carnival has had a lot of issues in the past and they have been able to turn around most of those issues. And SeaWorld also gets to keep the interim CEO, with him now taking over the chief operating officer role.

Boyd added that just because SeaWorld experienced a notable rebound in the last year, there is still much to do to not only sustain its business but also grow it in the face of considerable competition for consumers discretionary dollars.

Just like a cruise ship, it takes quite a while to move a theme park business, Boyd added. I think the new CEO will take incremental steps as opposed to broad sweeping changes. SeaWorld has had one solid year after several not so good years so it will take a while for it to get back to the performance levels of several years ago.

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lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-2251

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Twitter: @loriweisberg
samoa

Magele ready to serve Fa'asaleleaga No. 2

The newly elected Member of Parliament for Faasaleleaga no2 that defeated one of the longest-serving parliamentarian from the district saying he is ready to serve his electors.
Samoan author, Lani Wendt-Young, has been recognised with a Waitangi Day Literary Honour by the New Zealand Society of Authors.

She has been honoured alongside Scottish-born author Liam McIlvanney. The NZ Society of Authors said they are excited about the honours.

The selection of Lani Wendt-Young and Liam McIlvanney as recipients of the 2019 New Zealand Society of Authors Waitangi Day Honours is exciting, said society president Siobhan Harvey.

Both are very well accomplished authors. Lani is an inspiring Samoan/NZ YA author, journalist, editor and publisher; Liam is a well-respected academic and a crime writer with a growing international reputation.

In a written statement, Ms. Wendt-Young offered words of support to other women authors and artists, telling them to have faith in their work.

To all my sister storytellers out there, weaving words in between the chaos of jobs, children, faalavelave, (and the possible frowning censure of your aiga!) ...loto tele, she said.

May we speak our truth, even when our voices shake. May we find joy in every dream we dream and every story we tell - as we rewrite the world.

The author of the bestselling young adult Telesa Trilogy is the 2018 ACP Pacific Laureate, selected by the African, Caribbean, Pacific Group of States.

In August, she will join the 2019 Storylines National Festival Story Tour in New Zealand, visiting schools in the Auckland region over five days to share her work.

As a brown woman who writes - oftentimes from the margins and smashing gates as I do so - I have seen the transformative power wrought by stories written by us, about us, and for us, as our communities the world over revel in books they can see themselves in, that they can embrace as their own, Ms Wendt-Young said.

This literary honour is testament of that power, and emphasises the ever present need for more of us  to write, publish, and have the support we need to take our stories to an international audience.

She said she is grateful to her readers and supporters for making an award like this possible. In her early days as a self-publishing author, Ms Wendt-Young knows the impact of a supportive audience

I think no matter where you are in the world, our people are always positive and encouraging to other Samoans doing good and creative work, and that is really special, she said.

Last year, Samoan poet and 2016 Commonwealth Poet Selina Tusitala Marsh was made the Honorary Literary Fellow during the annual Waitangi Day honours.

Ms Wendt-Young said she is honoured to have been selected for the honour by her peers, and to be listed alongside people like Ms Tusitala Marsh, and 2013 Man Booker Prize winner Eleanor Catton.

Writers can be pretty tough on each other, so I am really grateful to them, she said.

Honours recipients are offered membership to the New Zealand Society of Authors, which come with benefits like advice, advocacy, professional development mentorship and opportunities for research and writing grants and awards.
Nightclub securities are briefed and prepared well in case a brawl breaks out in a club and there are certain steps they take to avoid trouble.

We have twelve securities. I always talk to my securities on how to prepare for fights and we control our crowd, owner of Seana Bar, Mailei Malo Eneliko Pau told the Samoa Observer.

I make sure my securities take care of the people well because when we take care of them, they always return. When they lose something, we collect it and when they come back for it we give it back to them.

Seana Bar caters to about 800 people on their busy nights  Friday and Saturday  with the number likely to increase with continued expansion work.

Tenamo Bar manager, Iosefo Namulauulu, said the people who come into their bar are already intoxicated.

Most times people come in and they are drunk from home and they insist on continuing to drink, he said.

Also we hardly have customers who come in sober to drink during daytime and get drunk to the afternoon, they are most likely the people who come from somewhere else drunk and continue drinking.

Those who started drinking here are respectful.

Iosefo added with their four securities, they do control the 200-300 people they get on Friday and Saturday.

There are a lot of people who cause trouble but we always try to control the issue by approaching it calmly, he added.

We give a warning first either to the person or their group of friends. If by then he does not stop and the person does not control himself, then we ask the person to leave or we escort them outside.

Iosefo, who has worked at the bar for three years, said their securities are not allowed to drink during their duties, and if they are found doing so, they are sent home.

Just to advise the public there is nothing bad about drinking because we drink for leisure time, to relax especially after a long day. But alcohol has its limits.

We do not have issues with those who drink responsibly, and thats how we want it to be, not just for the person alone, but also everyone else here (bar).

Club X manager Alofa Letoa, who has worked in the club for 10 years, says their customers are usually scared of her and they do not cause trouble.

We have three security guards including myself, so four of us I just help out when theres a big crowd. Our securities dont drink, we select people who are not alcoholics, she said.

Some people are afraid of me. Even my securities walk around every time inside the club because we have cameras and our boss keeps on monitoring us.

Over here only one person talks and its me. So I control our security. We dont allow anyone whos alcoholic to work for us.

She said they do not allow any fights in their club or drunks to enter their club.

In this club we dont allow any people who cause fights, who start troubles, who steal drinks or touch other girls, we take them out. If we see people are too drunk, we dont serve them alcohol.

We dont have people who come inside here and cause trouble. We have eight bartenders/staff and we can control the staff.

Alofa added some people complain about their belongings stole but thats their own fault because they brought their stuff with them.

Our job is to look after them and if our staff find our customers belonging, they give it to me or they give it to the office.
Chinas Year of the Pig was heralded at the newly opened Confucius Institute (CI) at the National University of Samoa (NUS), by vice-chancellor Fui Dr. Asofou Soo and CI director Dr. Liang Guojie, yesterday.

Chinas Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year marks a new lunar year, and a change of zodiac which runs a 12 year cycle. This year is the year of the pig, the 12th zodiac in the cycle and a symbol of luck, wealth, honesty and hard work.

It is celebrated by gifting children with hong bao, or red packets of money or treats, singing and dancing, and of course eating Chinese food. The NUS community and even a group of children from Magiagi Primary School were invited to share in the festivities.

NUS Vice Chancellor Fui said the NUS was happy to host the celebration.

The Confucius Institute here at NUS hopes to have this celebration every year, to not only bring together our Samoan community to appreciate another culture but also learn their way of life, he said.

Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival in China, Dr. Liang Guojie said.

We are so happy to communicate our traditions with the Samoan people, he said. That is the mission of the Confucius Institute, to teach our language, and our culture.

He said the festivities were a huge success.

Volunteer teachers installed in five schools around Samoa to teach Chinese performed songs, taught the art of making jiao zi, or dumplings, and even gave a martial arts demonstration.

Children of the Chinese community performed singing and dancing, and Dr Liangs nine-year-old son performed on the traditional Chinese gourd flute called a hulusi.

One of the six new Chinese language teachers in Samoa, Yutang Liu said he was happy to be teaching in Samoa. He has just begun teaching at Avele College, and already loves his students, he said.
The new roving ambassador designate of Fiji to Samoa, Ratu Seremaia Tuinausori Cavuilati, presented his credentials to the Head of State, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II yesterday.

Held at the Head of States residence in Vailele, Tuimalealiifano accepted the letter and acknowledged Fijis contribution to the collective efforts of the region through the Pacific Island Leaders Forum.

I acknowledge the contribution of Fiji in the international arena on addressing pressing issues of climate change, he added.

I am confident that the diplomatic relations between Samoa and Fiji will continue to grow and that His Excellency, Ambassador will excel in deepening our cooperation between the islands and our partnerships in the region.

Tuimalealiifano also highlighted the commitment by the Fiji Government in strengthening the close relations between the two island states.

He in particular acknowledged the presence of Fijis President Jioji Konrote and his first lady during Samoas 56 years of independence celebration last year, and the courtesy and hospitality accorded to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi during his first official visit to Fiji in August last year.

I undertake Your Excellency to honour the commitment of the Government of Fiji in deepening and strengthening the cordial and fruitful relation that have existed between our two countries, and have been boosted by the state visit of Prime Minister Tuilaepa last year, Ratu Seremaia said.

The roving ambassador of Fiji to the Pacific Islands and special envoy to the regional organisations under the council of regional organisations in the Pacific, was also the ambassador of Fiji to Japan, and accredited to the Peoples Republic of China and Korea from 1997-2001.

Ratu Seremaia has had a long and illustrious career as a civil servant under the Fiji Government commencing in 1976 at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Some of his years of service also included being the Permanent Secretary for the then Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Civil Aviation and External Trade in Fiji. He was also Fijis permanent representative to the European Union, the A.C.P. Group and Europe-based multilateral institutions, and as Fijis Ambassador to Jakarta and accredited to Singapore from 2011-2016.
The Police are yet to advise if they have made any arrests in connection to the alleged robbery and assault of a 73-year-old man.

Graham Upton suffered injuries to his head and bruises to his body, as a result of an attack which occurred inside the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) building on January 12 this year.

He was picking up his medication and diverted to meet with a friend at the Alley Cafe Bar in the ACC building. The attack occurred when he went to use the restroom, which is located outside the cafe, but within the ACC building.

His son, Anthony Upton, told the Samoa Observer that there has been no update from the Police on the matter. Mr. Upton was discharged from the hospital after a three-week admission, due to the severity of his injuries.

It is alleged the incident occurred when he went to the restroom  where he was struck and fell  and the perpetrators proceeded to kick him and took off with his wallet. He lost $400 cash, credit cards and identification cards.

Attempts by the Samoa Observer to get an update from the Police Commissioner Fuiavailiili Egon Kiel and Deputy Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Keti in relation to this case were unsuccessful.

The Upton family reached out to this newspaper, after they inquired with the Police on the status of the investigation. They found out that there was no record of the complaint and it was not listed for follow-up investigation.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi and his Fijian counterpart Voreqe Bainimarama have had a rocky relationship over the years.

But the opening of a new chapter in the bilateral relationship began last year with Tuilaepas state visit to Fiji, and with the Fiji Governments recent appointment of an ambassador to Samoa.

Fijis new roving Ambassador to Samoa, Ratu Seremaia Tuinausori Cavuilati presented his credentials to the Head of State, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Sualauvi Vaaletoa II yesterday (see story)

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Ratu Seremaia said presenting his credentials follows on from the overall desire between the two leaders to come closer to one another at a political level.

It was a historic visit by Prime Minister Tuilaepa as far as the relationship between Samoa and Fiji is concerned. So Prime Minister Bainimarama welcomed Tuilaepa, although his initial visit was for the celebration of the University of the South Pacifics 50 years celebration, he told the Samoa Observer.

The Fiji Government took that opportunity to host him in a state visit. It brings hope, and Fiji has encouraged me to present my credentials here.

Ratu Seremaia said his work is to be the bridge between the two countries in terms of assistance that they can give each other, whether its at the political, technical or official level.

Trade is a very important aspect of our relationship. At the moment, Fiji would like to explore that opportunity. We know that Samoa is closely linked to New Zealand and there are imports from there, so we would like to explore opportunities with our private sectors.

We will be meeting with the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and have a general discussion on areas in which Fiji can assist in trade. We dont have a bilateral trade agreement at the moment, so that is something we need to explore.

He said Fiji is able to assist through capacity building in health, education, and other sectors and Fiji is open to share its knowledge to all Samoans.

Fiji has been blessed with assistance from international communities and organisations, and of course our development partners, area of capacity building in education, health and other sectors, he said.

We have been producing people to contribute to Fijis development, and we also have the capacity to help out. For example, we now have a Fiji Volunteer Scheme, where our retired teachers are being posted to island countries like Tuvalu, Nauru, Republic of Marshall Islands, and also on health, nurses in particular. Of course we have the University of the South Pacific, Fiji National University and University of Fiji.

We also open our doors to study visits and also special training; we have the F.N.U. for marine engineering, for special technical and vocational skills which are currently being utilised by Island countries like Kiribati, Tuvalu and also in collaboration with the police agencies boarder control.

Ratu Seremaia said his role is to really understand Samoa better before taking any further step to explore whether its in trade, tourism, capacity building.

Fiji is trading with Melanesian Group of companies, but we need to look this way as well. At the moment our private sector is taking the initiative as well, exploring where our trade agreements can help in the areas that havent been covered or explored.

He added his work is to also look at Fijians living abroad, and ensure that they are working legally in the country they are in.

We understand that here in Samoa there is quite a sizeable number working in the hospitality industry, domestic workers as well, so we would like to get to them, and their leadership, because we know they have associations so we can relate to them first of all to abide by the laws of Samoa, as well as to look at their well-being.

Ratu Seremaia will be based in Suva, and hopes to visit twice a year, depending on the availability of resources.
IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TRI Pointe Group (NYSE: TPH), one of the top 10 largest public homebuilders in the United States based on equity market capitalization, announced today that TRI Pointe Assurance is launching new escrow closing services and expanding its title insurance services across TRI Pointe Groups homebuilder brands. To oversee the multi-state operation of closing services for new homebuyers, TRI Pointe Assurance has named Jill Kayser as vice president of title and escrow services.



Kayser is a New Mexico native with more than 18 years of title, escrow and financial services experience, bringing strong team management, escrow closing and disbursement, and customer relationship management skills to TRI Pointe Assurance. Most recently, she oversaw operations of the Carefree Title Agency for six years. Kayser attended Central Arizona College and is an active member of both the Arizona and National Escrow Associations. Kayser will operate out of TRI Pointe Assurances Phoenix metro office.

Jill Kayser brings great experience and expertise to our company, but perhaps the best thing is that she never loses sight of the customer, always striving to support homebuyers in the best way possible and help them celebrate the American Dream, said Ron Turner, president of TRI Pointe Solutions. Her leadership elevates the team around her, which can be seen through their service ratings, productivity and the smiles on customers faces.

Kayser has preached and practiced with proven success a relationship-centric approach to title and escrow services. In her last position leading a team of more than 35 employees in a multi-state operation, she achieved a 93 percent service rating and an overall team customer satisfaction score of 97 percent.

As the title insurance and escrow services company for TRI Pointe Group, TRI Pointe Assurance benefits TRI Pointe homebuyers by further streamlining the closing process. It offers comprehensive title protection to buyers of new homes built by TRI Pointe Groups family of regional homebuilders in multiple markets across the country. TRI Pointe Assurance first launched with Trendmaker Homes Houston in 2014 and continued to expand from there.

By adding escrow closing services to our title insurance offerings, TRI Pointe Assurance is there to see that the twin pillars of closing are expertly and methodically managed, said Turner. The expansion, which further clears and protects peoples path to home ownership, is emblematic of TRI Pointe Solutions commitment to innovate and elevate our suite of homebuyer services throughout the critical buying, lending and closing process.

Tom Mitchell, president and chief operating officer of TRI Pointe Group, said, Each TRI Pointe Group homebuilder brand has the advantage of leveraging TRI Pointe Groups national resources and leadership while also utilizing its strong regional and local market expertise. With TRI Pointe Assurance our premium brands will become even stronger by being able to offer customers more value with our end-to-end support throughout the closing process.

About TRI Pointe Assurance

TRI Pointe Assurance is the title insurance and escrow services company for TRI Pointe Group, one of the top 10 largest public homebuilding companies by market capitalization in the United States. TRI Pointe Assurance offers escrow services and comprehensive title protection to buyers of new homes built by TRI Pointe Groups family of premium regional homebuilders. TRI Pointe Assurance was launched in 2014 as part of TRI Pointe Solutions, a suite of home buyer services that provides end-to-end support throughout the closing process. For more information, please visit www.tripointeassurance.com.

About TRI Pointe Group

Headquartered in Irvine, California, TRI Pointe Group, Inc. (NYSE: TPH) is a family of premium, regional homebuilders that designs, builds, and sells homes in major U.S. markets. As one of the top 10 largest public homebuilding companies by market capitalization in the United States, TRI Pointe Group combines the resources, operational sophistication, and leadership of a national organization with the regional insights, community ties, and agility of local homebuilders. The TRI Pointe Group family includes Maracay in Arizona, Pardee Homes in California and Nevada, Quadrant Homes in Washington, Trendmaker Homes in Texas, TRI Pointe Homes in California, Colorado and the Carolinas, and Winchester Homes* in the Washington, D.C. area. TRI Pointe Group was recognized in Fortune magazines 2017 100 Fastest-Growing Companies list, named 2015 Builder of the Year by Builder magazine, and 2014 Developer of the Year by Builder and Developer magazine. The company was also named one of the Best Places to Work in Orange County by the Orange County Business Journal in 2016, 2017, and 2018. For more information, please visit www.TriPointeGroup.com .

*Winchester is a registered trademark and is used with permission.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5d7d6edf-ba83-46f3-b7f2-68bde802e055
The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) has filed a motion to quash the charges against 20 Church Ministers accused of alleged tax law violations.

The motion is also seeking a stay in proceedings as the Church moves to file a civil claim in the Supreme Court challenging the Income Tax Act 2012 and the Tax Administration Act 2012.

The motion was made known when Reverend Tavita Anesone appeared before District Court Judge, Alalatoa Rosella Papaplii. The same motion was submitted for the other Church Ministers who appeared before another District Court Judge, Fepuelai Ameperosa Roma.

The Ministers each face two counts of failure to withhold tax and failure to file wage tax returns.

Filed by lawyer, Alex Sua yesterday, the motion argues that the charges against the church Ministers is a miscarriage of justice.

The specific fact that most of the defendants failed to withhold tax is an error of fact, as the defendants had withheld and already paid the informant the tax, the motion reads.

The law imposing the obligation of the Defendants to pay tax is discriminatory to the extent that it infringes on Article 15 of the Constitution of Samoa 1961 in that;

(a) It disallows the Defendants from deducting expenses incurred in carrying out spiritual work when individuals and businesses are allowed to do so;

(b)It does not account for and therefore discriminates on the contribution of faletua in promoting religious work.

The motion also argues that the defendant cannot answer the charges since there are a number of uncertainties in the law such as:

 It is uncertain who and what taxable income is affected during this period;

 Who is to keep the funds for taxation purposes in this case;

 The amount of funds that is to be allocated for the purposes of assessing taxable income given that faletuas (pastors wives) are also to receive these funds;

 Which funds are subject to the tax because the law was changed during the period that the amendment to tax ministers of religion was passed;

 The law is uncertain as to what expenses ministers of religion can deduct for their work

 The charges do not refer to a relevant timeframe as to when the offences occurred

Unless the law and referred facts alleged in the information was properly determined further prosecutions be stayed temporarily until such time the Honorable Court has determined the applicable law, the Church says.

But Avila Ah Leong, the lawyer for the Inland Revenue, objected to the motion and asked for time to respond accordingly.

During proceedings, Judge Alalatoa questioned the relevancy of the defenses motion in the jurisdiction of the District Court.

The motions raise issues that petitions the law in which the District Court has no jurisdiction to hear, she said.

That falls squarely on the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, yet it is inclusive in your application out forth.

You need to sift out what is relevant to our jurisdiction and what is not. When it comes to statutory interpretation of the law, that would be more in relation to a declaratory motion which cannot be dealt with in this Court.

If youre intending on filing an application before the Supreme Court, then you need to include those matters in that application and sift out the ones that are relevant here.

As you know these are criminal procedures, it doesnt necessarily mean these proceedings will be stayed automatically because there are proceedings of a civil nature that will be carried out in the Supreme Court.

The matter has been adjourned for the hearing of the motion on 19 February 2019.
The Ministry of Police has launched a criminal investigation into allegations against the former Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Sefuiva Charlene Malele.

This was confirmed by the Commissioner of Police, Fuiavailiili Egon Keil, in response to questions from the Samoa Observer.

I can confirm the investigation on the Clerk has been referred to us  we received the referral yesterday (Monday). We have it now and we are investigating the Clerk, he said.

Sefuivas services as the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly were terminated last month, as a result of an investigation by the Audit Office.

Last year the Audit Office investigated an official complaint filed by a Parliamentary driver, alleging the misappropriation of Government funding, human resources issues, and the alleged abuse of Government-owned properties.

Fuiavailiili did not go into the details of the investigation. However, the Samoa Observer understands the inquiry is being handled by the Ministry of Polices Criminal Investigation Division.

Attempts by this newspaper to get a comment from Sefuiva have been unsuccessful.
Village councils and chiefs should be given powers to address child protection issues at the community level.

That is the view of 59-year-old Tago Asiata from Safotu, who was a participant at a recent conference in Apia on human rights, which was organised by the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development.

He said the Ministry should do a review and consider making amendments to the Village Fono Act 1990 to restore the powers of the village councils and chiefs.

We need to plead to the Government to review and hopefully amend this Act to give the chiefs and village council powers to enforce laws surrounding human rights especially child protection.

Not only to deal with parents whose children are child vendors, but also violence cases within villages. Theres already a law, but we just want a chance for them to look into it again, and see if there can be any changes made to give us power to address more, he said.

Empowering village councils with laws to address issues such as child vending, added Mr. Asiata, will ensure parents dont abandon their parental responsibilities.

If the Police wont do it, were willing to do it for them. There is no such provision in the Village Council Act 1990, and thats what we want the Government to look into.

Well hold parents accountable and punish them in the villages, their parental responsibilities are abandoned, and so we need the law to back us up  the Act isnt good right now, he added.

The lack of what was described as proper consultations between the Ministry and the public also came under scrutiny, with Mr. Asiata saying it is one reason behind Samoans not knowing the definition of human rights.

I know the issue of people not taking the term human rights well, is due to the fact that it isnt well communicated to the people, both rural and urban areas. Consultations arent well executed, parents and children dont know to what extent their rights are valid.

The issue of child vendors is a result of the public not been well informed on Government policies, which Mr. Asiata said could be avoided if there was proper consultation and village councils were involved.
The World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) is taking a serious step in addressing the impacts of climate change on health in the Pacific region.

W.H.O. representative in Samoa, Dr. Rasul Baghirov, said three key areas highlighted by the new regional director Takeshi Kasai are related and important to Samoa.

Dr. Rasul said the unfinished agenda of non-communicable diseases, relatively new climate change threat to health, and disaster preparedness and resilience, is what are relevant to Samoa.

Climate change and impact on health has emerged because of the very loud voices from the Pacific about climate change, of course its not new to us and this part of the world, said Dr. Rasul.

Climate change and how it affects health and that is a major concern for Pacific Island countries, and he (Takeshi) embraced it as one of his big priorities.

Priorities are the new allocated resources, the financial and human to address the issue. So far, that area was recognised but was not really funded the way that it should. And of course this is just the beginning to see more funding, more work in that particular area and the effect of climate change on health.

He explained diabetes, heart diseases, obesity, kidney diseases are diseases not caused by infections or viruses but by how people live, eat, and move.

The statistics show that these are still quite high in Samoa.

Dr. Rasul said disaster preparedness and building resilience in the community, is the focus again and expect it to be bold in the next five years for the region.

Problem of outdoor pollution is not really a problem in Samoa, but this is quite dangerous when people start to burn plastics, tyres because they contain chemicals and are very detrimental to health, so if you breathe it too often you become exposed to health risks.

Dr. Rasul also said W.H.O. hopes the merge between the Ministry of Health and the National Health Services will bring about better coordination with the different sectors.
Dear Editor,

Re: The Lefaga land decision and what it means

Maua, read and understand the legislation thoroughly then youll know there is no distortion of facts about customary lands. I beg you to do your due diligence before adding your two cents.

Since you point out that our customary lands need the ability to be leased for the development of Samoa and to benefit the aiga. Allow me to clarify some details for you.

Firstly our customary lands has always been legally leased under ACLA 1965. An ACT to provide for the leasing and licensing of customary land for certain purposes.

The aigas names were recorded and their consent given before any deals was negotiated and registered in a customary land lease. This according to the ADB TA Report prolongs the approval process and discourage long-term land development.

The ADB funded technical assistance (TA) to the HRPP government also made recommendations to legalize the use of customary land leases as collateral for mortgages. The ADB believes this will further enhance the economic use of customary land by allowing investors to mortgage leases.

The main issue now since the repeals and amendments is our customary land leases can be mortgaged and also registered as public land (government land) in the name of the MNRE minister. Also for these mortgages to be economically viable the financial institutions need leases to be long term like 75 to 99 years.

Another issue many people disagree with is why only one name on the application form to lease a familys customary land. Which under the LTRA Torrens title registration system gives that person and probably their descendants indefeasible right and ownership to the aigas land.

And look at the outcome of this illegal LTRA legislation and what is happening to our customary lands. The Lefaga case highlights the fact that LTC and LTCA have no jurisdiction over the customary land because it is public land.

Therefore the customary landowners have no right and alienated from their land. Now tell me what do you think has happened to all customary land leases in Samoa to date? Yes this case has been a revelation and it would suggest all customary land leases is registered as public land (government land).

If you had followed the case from the beginning then youd understand the reason why the customary landowners took the resort to LTC. It was due to a dispute over lease payments they claimed were not being paid.

The resort lease was revoked and cancelled. The resort countered with an appeal but the decision was upheld by LTCA in favor of the customary landowners. However since customary land is registered as public land when leased it is placed into the Supreme Court jurisdiction.

Can you tell me what would happen if lessee/licensee defaults on mortgage?

The banks will sell the lease to recoup the money lent out because it is not a charity organization.

What if the banks cannot find a new lessee/licensee for the duration of lease? What will happen by the time lease has lapsed? Do you think the banks are simply going to hand the lease back to the customary landowners?

I doubt it.

And who is to say the HRPP government that has decimated our Constitution will not make further repeals or amendments to allow banks to sell lease of customary land like freehold land.

Believe what you like, but dont believe everything you read or hear without questioning it.

Soifua,

Oisole
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Feb-05-2019 14:28 TweetFollow @OregonNews Oregon Woman Not Held Responsible For Daughters Death Weathers was sentenced as a first-time offender on the charge of DUII

Jennifer C. Weathers was sentenced on one count of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII).

(McMINNVILLE, Ore.) - Today, the Honorable Cynthia L. Easterday, Yamhill County Circuit Judge, sentenced Jennifer C. Weathers on one count of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII), arising from an August 18, 2018, incident which left her daughter dead. Jennifer Weathers was the driver of a vehicle which left a wedding in the Grand Island area of Yamhill County August 18, 2018. According to officials, when Weathers left the wedding, she had her daughter, 28-year-old daughter Meighan Cordie, and her 3-year old granddaughter in the vehicle. Both Meighan and her mother had been drinking at the wedding. Evidence gathered during the investigation identified witnesses who also attended the wedding reception. Some expressed the opinion that she should not have been driving. During the drive, she argued with her daughter and it got physical between them, with Meighan pulling her mother's hair. Her mother said that Meighan wanted out of the car, so she slowed down to less than 5 mph and Meighan jumped out of the car from the back seat. Weathers told investigators that she turned the car around and looked for her daughter, but did not locate her so she took the granddaughter home, expecting her daughter to "show up the next day". When she got home, she saw that Meighan's shoes, phone and purse were left on the front seat when she "exited" the vehicle. The next morning Meighan still had not arrived, so Weathers went to look for her to no avail. She then alerted police. The full "missing person" search began August 21st, more than 2 days after they left the wedding. At 10 a.m. August 23rd, the body of Meighan Cordie was discovered below SE Foster Road, in Dayton. An autopsy was performed and it was revealed that there were significant injuries to the body, and the injuries were consistent with "leaving a vehicle and striking a fixed object". She was not hit by a vehicle. Officials deemed that the speed the vehicle would have been traveling at was significantly faster than the "less than 5 mph" that her mother alleged. The investigation uncovered several other things as well. According to District Attorney Brad Berry, the body was found 9.4 miles from the location of the wedding - over 9 miles from where Weathers said he daughter left the car. Also, it appears Meighan got out of the car more than once, the first time perhaps in the area where the search was conducted. Meighan apparently got out of the front seat then, returning to the car to sit in the back next to her daughter. Investigators say it is clear that they drove an incorrect path to home, missing the turn for Hwy 18 toward Portland, and instead continuing forward to the curve on Foster Road. Detectives from the Yamhill County Sheriffs Office, after an exhaustive investigation, ultimately identified enough witnesses to her intoxicated condition to be able to bring the DUII charge against her. Although this charge stemmed from her actions that night, there were no applicable Oregon criminal statutes to the death itself. The Oregon State Medical Examiners Office ruled her death as "accidental." "The issue before me at this point is singular," wrote District Attorney Brad Berry. "Was there a crime committed causing the death of Meighan?" "There is nothing to indicate that she was forced, or pushed from the car. She was clearly in the back seat, and seated away from the only other adult in the vehicle, the driver. Whether she jumped or fell from the car does not change the criminal analysis. "No evidence about the death points to a criminal case. This too is consistent with the ME findings that the manner of death was "accidental". I concur with that opinion," Yamhill County District Attorney Brad Berry wrote in the Prosecution Declined Memo of Sept 27, 2018. In reaching the end result and recommended sentence to the court, the Yamhill County District Attorneys Office Victims Services Division, engaged frequently with Meighans family, who concurred with this final result. Members of her family were present at the proceedings today. Jennifer Weathers was sentenced to 36-months of probation, alcohol treatment as a condition of probation, attend a Victim Impact Panel, $1,000 fine, complete a High Risk Driving course, 1-year drivers license suspension, no contact with her grandchild, and was ordered to serve 5 days jail. She was taken into custody at the conclusion of the hearing. Source: Yamhill County District Attorney; Yamhill County Sheriff's Office _________________________________________

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Articles for February 5, 2019 | Articles for February 6, 2019
By SA Commercial Prop News

Reserve Bank data shows that the UK (R519.4 billion), the Netherlands (R346.3 billion), and Belgium (R285.7 billion) were the biggest foreign investors in in South Africa.



South Africa retains great lustre and appeal as a foreign direct investment (FDI) location  but who are the biggest foreign investors and how can government get some of the action?

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is an economic term used to describe when international companies build facilities, purchase equipment, hire workers and create products and services in the South Africa.

The worlds multinationals are flush with cash, and the worlds nations are locked in a pitched battle to win some of that cash in the form of FDI.

Bloomberg has released a new graph detailing the top contributors of foreign investment in SA.

The graph  which is based on Reserve Bank data  shows that the UK (R519.4 billion), the Netherlands (R346.3 billion), and Belgium (R285.7 billion) were the biggest foreign investors as at the end of 2017.

The graph is especially pertinent as the UK, USA, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland were drawn into this spotlight this weekend after the Sunday Times reported that the five countries had written to President Cyril Ramaphosa that foreign investment is at risk because of the countrys failure to prosecute people for government corruption.

The countries called for a clear, unqualified and manifest political commitment to the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and to honest and ethical business practices.

The countries said that they were also concerned about the challenges of foreign investment, referring to the constant changes of the goalposts in the regulatory framework for mining, BEE targets and intellectual property rights.

While the South African government did not comment on the contents of the memorandum, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation did issue a statement on Sunday (3 February), criticising the countries for departing from diplomatic practice in issuin the memorandum.

The heads of the countries diplomatic missions met with department Director General Kgabo Mahoai, where the parties agreed that proper diplomatic channels and protocols will be followed in future, the department said in a statement distributed Monday.

The government began an inquiry into state corruption last year after Ramaphosa became president and promised to root out graft. He also pledged to raise $100 billion in investment to boost a sluggish economy and employment.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Savills predicts that prime offices will continue to be the top pick for core investors, in particular in Germany and the Southern European cities.



According to Savills, offices in central business districts, residential, smart mixed-use, logistics, space as a service and the lack of prime assets are six of the main trends we will see in the European commercial real estate investment market in 2019.

The international real estate advisor predicts that prime offices will continue to be the top pick for core investors, in particular in Germany and the Southern European cities.

Value-add investors could focus on transport and storage in the Central and Eastern European markets (Poland, Czech Republic, Romania) while redevelopments and new developments are the only routes to higher returns for opportunistic investors.

Meanwhile, office vacancy is at an all-time low, prime office rents are rising and the new supply will be just enough to cover the space required from new employment creation across Europe.

Eri Mitsostergiou, Director, European Research, Savills, says: Average prime office yields are at a record low in Europe (3.65% in Q3 2018), however, this product will remain a top pick in 2019, especially for risk-averse strategies.

Similarly, average vacancy rates in Europe are at an all-time low of 5.9% with Berlin (1.4%), Hamburg (4.5%), Munich (2.5%) and Stockholm (3%) having almost no available office space.

As a result we expect prime office rents in Europe to continue to rise, by 3.4% on average this year, with Milan possibly seeing prime office rents increase by 9.1%, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Londons West End, Dublin and Madrid by over 6%, Hamburg, Lisbon, Munich, Dusseldorf and Amsterdam by approximately 4% and Cologne, Warsaw and Copenhagen by around 2%.

Savills notes that the share of logistics in European investment activity has already risen to almost 14% of the total and is expected to grow even more over the next 12 months.

Prime industrial yields have dropped to an average of 5.3% across Europe, which is 148 bps below the 10-year average. The international real estate advisor anticipates that occupier and investor demand will remain strong, as the share of e-commerce continues to rise in all European countries.

Eri continues: Competition between cities to attract international and national investors will accelerate this year. Those cities where local governments and market players work together to develop new areas and redevelop existing space in order to create smart and liveable communities will stand out from the rest.

At the same time, the model of the on-demand economy is causing disruption to the industry with occupiers expecting access to services, flexibility and personalisation.

New types of space usage and management are emerging and investors are increasingly becoming operators in order to maximise the performance of their assets.

Marcus Lemli, Savills Head of investment for Europe and CEO for Savills in Germany, says: The market will remain competitive for investors in 2019.

The lack of supply of prime assets will lead more investors towards niche sectors, secondary cities and development opportunities.

Resilient investment strategies should take into consideration not only property cycles but also long term structural changes. New types of property uses have emerged and expanded in Europe, responding to demographic and technological changes such as co-working, co-living, retirement communities, purpose-built student housing and mixed-use concepts to name but a few.

From an investor perspective, these property types are not just alternatives to the traditional real estate portfolio but becoming the new mainstream as they prove to respond successfully to structural changes of the drivers of demand.
MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jamf , the standard for Apple management, today announced its acquisition of ZuluDesk , a leading Apple education technology solution for todays modern classroom. Headquartered in Emmen, Netherlands, ZuluDesk provides more than 6,000 schools with its purpose-built solutions, while also empowering teachers and parents with apps to help students make the most of the worlds greatest ecosystem of education content. After completing its most successful year ever in education, together with ZuluDesk, Jamf is doubling down on its commitment to education to become the undisputed Apple education technology leader, serving 14,000 schools and managing over nine million Apple devices, including most of the largest districts in the United States.



The acquisition of ZuluDesk provides Jamf with a broader set of education technology solutions to serve schools of any size and level of complexity. Jamfs flagship product, Jamf Pro, is already used by more than 8,000 schools and will continue to provide education and commercial organizations with powerful workflows for macOS, iOS and tvOS in collaboration with the worlds largest Apple IT community, Jamf Nation . ZuluDesk will also continue to focus on Apple management, benefiting schools with its setup speed, simplicity and best-practice teacher and parent workflows. In addition, Jamfs unique, personalized support model for Jamf Pro customers will also be made available to ZuluDesk customers.

Like ZuluDesk, Jamf has always been passionate about education and is committed to investing in and developing solutions that help Jamf fulfill its purpose of empowering students with Apple technology that puts their needs first, said Dean Hager, CEO, Jamf. We believe that ZuluDesks success in creating an education technology solution that leverages iPads, Apple TVs and applications designed for teachers and parents gives Jamf an expanded set of capabilities to help students learn with Apple.

Jamf's first commitment is to all of its schools, delivering value for the time and resource investments the schools have made. The entire ZuluDesk team will join Jamf, and Jamf will increase its investment to develop, enhance and support the ZuluDesk Management System, Client and teacher and parent apps. Further, ZuluDesk customers will benefit from an expanded set of skilled global resources to provide world-class services and support. Additionally, ZuluDesk customers will be welcomed into Jamf Nation.

Jamfs education customers who use Jamf Pro will also see significant additional investment in their solution and benefit from the ZuluDesk acquisition. Jamf plans to leverage ZuluDesk technology to launch teacher and parent apps for Jamf Pro in the future. A companion app to Apples Classroom, ZuluDesk Teacher empowers instructors to prepare lesson plans and message students directly. ZuluDesk Parent helps parents guide and protect students on their devices at home.

We could not be more excited to bring our customers into the Jamf community, said John Pals, CEO, ZuluDesk. Jamf's undisputed leadership in providing education technology for schools coupled with its amazing support and growing Jamf Nation community equips ZuluDesk customers with an expansive set of knowledge and resources. Together, we can help more schools thrive with the best tools for learning.

About Jamf

Jamf is committed to enabling IT to empower end users and bring the legendary Apple experience to businesses, education and government organizations via its Jamf Pro and Jamf Now products, and the 75,000+ member Jamf Nation. Today, 20,000 global customers rely on Jamf to manage more than 12 million Apple devices. To learn more, visit: https://www.jamf.com.

Media Contact:

Rachel Nauen

Jamf

(651) 587-8927

Rachel.nauen@jamf.com
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Pompano Beach, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/05/2019 --This fantastic world of landscape design is a very competitive one. With the introduction of new software, the overall concept of landscape design has got more refined and polished. The new designers are doing a commendable job by introducing something new all the time. The new ones have replaced the age-old design. So, homeowners are more and more keen on finding something that better match their style and requirement.



Southern Palms Landscaping is an establishment that employs expert landscape designer in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida. The expert designers use their knowledge and experience in creating a quality design for their valued clients.



Over the years, the company has earned an excellent reputation as one of the leading landscaping companies in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Pompano Beach, Lake Worth, and Delray Beach, Florida.



Their level of experience and excellence in handling any landscape project sets them apart from other landscaping companies. With over 20 years of experience in the field, they know exactly how to approach every assignment.



The professionals are highly trained and certified to provide landscaping and lawn care services. Today, they embrace a sincere commitment to excellence on every level. At Southern Palms Landscaping, they deliver impeccable service and go an extra mile to keep the prices reasonable.



The designers are familiar with the nuances of different landscape designs at different provinces, and their primary objective is to promote and sustain the visual art. To achieve the right kind of design, they synthesize a variety of influences that have been long supported by an array of schools.



Apart from creating designs, Southern Palms Landscaping also specializes in installation, maintenance, lawn and tree services as well. Both homeowners and business owners can rely on them to satisfy their residential and commercial needs respectively.



For more information on lawn care services in Lake Worth and Pompano Beach, Florida, visit http://www.southernpalmslandscaping.com/lawn-service-residential-landscaping-boca-raton-boynton-beach-delray-beach.



About Southern Palms Landscaping

Southern Palms Landscaping has earned its reputation as one of the leading landscaping companies in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Pompano Beach, Lake Worth, and Delray Beach, Florida, just to name a few areas they serve.
Folsom, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/05/2019 --Hiring a person for home care or elderly caregiving is one of the essential tasks. It involves reckoning on the requirements and interviewing several persons before selecting a person for home care.



ANG Health Care is one such home care service provider that deserves special mention when it comes to seeking senior home care in Fair Oaks and Citrus Heights California.



From handling medications to self-care assistance like bathing and dressing, ANG Health Care's in-home nursing services provide stamina and physical independence to patients recovering from illness, hospital stay, or surgery.



At ANG Health, the professionals understand that patients recover better at home, and the risk of infection is reduced to a great extent. They bring state-of-the-art care, medical standards, and high-quality care in the comfort of the home.



They provide nursing services for elderly patients who have undergone surgery, and even the ones with chronic and acute illness. They are experts at bridging the health care connection from the acute hospital, rehabilitation, or skilled nursing facility, community clinic, and doctors office to their home, providing a safe and secure network of professional healthcare services.



The team of dedicated professionals aims to provide the clients with convenience, and their loved ones with quality health care, all at the same time. They understand that helping the elderly become independent is essential for their overall health. Hence, they provide professional assistance facility for tasks such as bathing, grooming, walking, companionship, meal preparation, and cleaning and laundry as well.



Over the years, the company has earned an excellent place for their commitment and excellence. They take pride in what they do for their clients. The customer service they provide says it all. The company also offer a selection of medical services that are tailored to meet the needs of the patients.



For more information on home care services in Citrus Heights and Roseville, California, visit http://www.anghealthcare.com/skilled-nursing-sacramento-folsom-roseville-fair-oaks-citrus-heights-ca.



About ANG Health Care, Inc.

ANG Health Care, Inc. offers quality, professional healthcare and serves the residents of Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, Roseville, Folsom, Sacramento, CA and other close by communities.
Greenville, NC (27833)

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Aerospace Coating Market (By Product: Liquid [Solvent-based, Water-based], Powder; By Resin: Polyurethane, Epoxy, Others; By Industry: OEM, MRO; By End-user: Commercial, Military, Others; By Application: Exterior, Interior) - Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018 - 2026



LOS ANGELES, Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global aerospace coating market size is anticipated to around USD 3.0 billion by 2026, this market is anticipated to grow with 6.1% CAGR during the forecast time period. Growing air passenger traffic is single of the main factors driving the aviation sector, which deciphers into greater need for aerospace coatings.

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Aviation coatings offer stylish intrigue and opposition towards consumption, substance, electrical and disintegration. They are planned and defined to acquire expanded aircraft life. The development of the flying business because of expanding per capita pay and rising air payload transports is required to fuel the needs for the product. The need for polyurethane resin is foreseen to be high all through the forthcoming years as they hold low VOC content and are sans chromate in nature.

North America was the biggest market for aviation coatings in 2017. It is ready to hold its situation through 2025. The area is probably going to enroll a solid development rate amid the gauge time frame, inferable from significant interest from the U.S. Nations in Europe have been putting resources into assembling of business air ships, planning to decrease imports of flying machine from the U.S. This, thus, has brought about extensive need for these coatings in nations, for example, Germany, France, U.K., and Italy.

Increasing need for air travel from nations, for example, China and Japan is evaluated to drive the market in Asia Pacific over the figure years. Nearness of different long carrier courses in Asia Pacific is boosting the interest for aviation coatings. A few government activities in nations, for example, empowering private interests in the airplane business to permit household aviation organizations to contend universally are relied upon to encourage the need for aviation coatings in Asia Pacific.

View Detail Information With Complete TOC@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/aerospace-coating-market

Government regulations for the aerospace coating market is represented by different administrative bodies including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP). The system determines compound threats of crude materials utilized in assembling process. The covering, relieving, and general security of coatings and its crude materials, for example, epoxy pitches, aluminum, and chromium, which are utilized in the creation of the item, are allowed when wellbeing directions are stringently pursued.

The global aerospace coating market is segmented into resin, product, end-user, industry, application, and region. On the basis of resin, the global aerospace coating market is segmented into Polyurethane, Epoxy, and Others. On the basis of product, the global aerospace coating market is segmented into Liquid and Powder. The liquid is further bifurcated into Solvent-based and Water-based. On the basis of end-user, the global aerospace coating market is segmented into Commercial, Military, and Others. On the basis of industry, the global aerospace coating market is segmented into OEM and MRO. On the basis of application, the global aerospace coating market is segmented into Exterior and Interior. On the basis of region the global Aerospace coating market is bifurcated into Europe, Latin America, North America, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific.

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North America represented 35.7% of the general market income in 2018. The area is foreseen to rule the market through 2025, on account of blasting aeronautic trade in the U.S. alongside development of real aviation organizations in Mexico. Items with lower VOC and hydroxyapatite (HAp), for example, polyurethane aviation coatings are basically utilized in this locale because of stringent controls by government bodies.

Post-BREXIT, aircraft organizations in the U.K. have been extending the limit and recurrence of air traverse the nation so as to take care of quickly developing demand. This, thus, is anticipated to push the market in the nation amid the figure time frame. Besides, nearness of different whole deal carrier courses in Asia Pacific is advancing MRO exercises, which is converting into more noteworthy interest for aviation coatings in the area.

The key players catering to the global Aerospace coating market are NV Specialty Coatings, AkzoNobel N.V, BryCoat Inc., PPG Industries, Inc., AHC Oberflachentechnik, Sherwin-Williams, LORD Corporation, Hentzen Coatings, Inc., Zircotec Ltd, Mankiewicz Gebr. & Co includes Axalta Coating Systems Ltd, IHI Ionbond AG, Henkel Corporation, and Saint-Gobain S.A.

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The Old Main Dormitory caught on fire in 1959, leaving behind a crumbling skeleton of bricks. It was located off the Drill Field and housed thousands of students.
Starkville, MS (39762)

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Russian Supreme Court refuses to soften terrorists sentence for fighting in Syria

 Andrei Stenin

16:32 05/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 5 (RAPSI)  The Russian Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to mitigate a 16-year prison sentence of Islam Gugov, who had participated in terrorist activity in Syria, the courts press service told RAPSI.

The sentence therefore became effective.

According to case papers, in October 2014, Gugov underwent training in a Syrian terrorist camp. Following that, he voluntary joined Imarat Kavkaz, the international terrorist organization banned in Russia, and participated in its activity.

From January to February 2015, he completed training in another terrorist camp in Syrias largest city Aleppo and continued taking his part in Imarat Kavkaz.

In early May 2015, Gugov left the terrorist organizations base. He was arrested on March 13, 2016 on arrival to Russias Nalchik, the capital of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.




Supreme Court upholds sentence for murderer of State Duma deputy speaker's aide

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

15:42 05/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 5 (RAPSI)  The Supreme Court of Russia on Tuesday upheld a 15-year prison sentence given in 2009 to Akhmed Magomedov for killing a State Duma deputy speakers assistant Alexey Belyayev, RAPSI reports from the courtroom.

The court therefore dismissed a defense appeal seeking to reclassify charges from murder committed with extreme atrocity to lesser ones.

However, the court had to drop organized theft charges against the defendant because of the expired statute of limitations.

According to case papers, Magomedov engaging in prostitution brutally murdered Belyayev inflicting over 45 knife wounds to the victim in March 2009. During the initial trial, he pleaded partially guilty claiming that he had killed Belyayev after the official had attempted to molest him.
Russian Credits claim against ex-banker Motylev set for March 11

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

10:55 05/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 5 (RAPSI)  The Moscow Commercial Court has scheduled a claim filed by the Russian Credit bank seeking to include a debt of ex-head of the banking group Anatoly Motylev worth nearly 33.3 billion rubles ($508 million at the current exchange rate) in the creditors list for March 11, according to court records.

Earlier, the hearing of the application was suspended until the lapse of an appeal window in another case concerning recovery of 33.29 billion rubles from Motylev.

Last April, Motylev filed an appeal with the Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals against the ruling that initiated a property sale procedure.

In February 2018, the Moscow Commercial Court declared Motylev bankrupt.

In January 2018, the court granted claims filed by two companies and a number of persons asking to include 15 billion rubles (about $229 million) in creditors demands list against Motylev.

On February 6, 2017, the court initiated debt restructuring process against Motylev on the request of Flowery Development Limited. The businessman owes the company 974 million rubles ($15 million).

On July 22, 2016, Flowery Development filed the bankruptcy claim against Motylev but it was not reviewed by the court because of lack of provided evidence. The court accepted the claim after all violations were lifted.

Motylev is the former owner of several Russian banks including Russian credit, M-Bank and Tulsky Industrialist. In the summer of 2015, the Central Bank of Russia withdrew the licenses of those banks. All four banks were declared bankrupt.

According to business media, Motylev is a defendant in a large-scale fraud case reportedly related to alleged embezzlement at M-Bank. In May 2016, the Basmanny District Court of Moscow seized Motylevs property including land plots and apartments in the Moscow Region.
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Certainly, one race or sex is not superior to another. To ignore systemic oppression and its impact on the past and present policies, however, is to put ones head into the sand. I was struck by the fact that even recently, most white Americans were unaware of the Tulsa Race Massacre of June 1, 1921 when mobs of white residents attacked black residents and destroyed homes and businesses in the Greenwood district in Tulsa. Thirty-five plus square blocks of the neighborhood  at the time the wealthiest black community in the United States, known as Black Wall Street  was decimated, with up to 300 people dead. Ten thousand black people were left homeless and property damage of black businesses and homes was an estimated at $1.5 million in 1921 dollars. It is precisely the omission of this kind of event in local, state, and national histories that establishes the need to examine systemic problems.

Arlene Violet on critical race theory. She is a Republican who served as RI Attorney General
After over a year of residents and community members calling for transparency and accountability from the Dearborn Police Department, City Council has failed to implement meaningful policies to minimize police presence and harm in our community. One thing Council can and should do is facilit
International Investment Bank to move headquarters to Budapest

An agreement has been signed on Tuesday between the International Investment Bank (IIB) and the Hungarian government on moving the headquarters of IIB to Budapest.

The document, inked by Finance Minister Mihaly Varga and IIB Management Board Chairman Nikolay Kosov, has strategic importance for further successful development of the IIB", the bank said in a statement, adding that it confirms a high status of IIB as an international organization with headquarters in Budapest."The parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding for an IIB regional office in Budapest in June last year.Addressing the audience, IIB Chairperson of the Management Board Nikolay Kosov described the event as large-scale, historical and unprecedented". He highlighted key milestones of the Banks almost half-a-century history, including recollection of a period when, due to geopolitical events that occurred in 1990s, the institute went through a difficult time. In relation to that, he specifically emphasized:The Russian Federation has always provided effective support to the Bank and, as a matter of fact, created conditions for its further operation and preservation of an international financial institution status. This ultimately led to the need for reform, which was successfully implemented by the Bank from 2012 to 2017, and brought IIB to a qualitatively new level".Kosov also noted that the renewal of Hungarys membership in the institution in 2015 "gave the Bank a revival and an additional impetus to development."The initiative to relocate IIB headquarters to Budapest, submitted for discussion by the Hungarian side, was a logical continuation of the forward movement and comprehensive expansion of activities, including those in the European markets. A decision complies with interests of all IIB member states, which is evident from their unanimous approval of it, the bank said.Finance Minister Mihaly Varga pointed out that IIB headquarters relocation to the Hungarian capital would be an important factor for the Banks long-term development, allowing it to further strengthen its business activity on the territory of all shareholder countries implementing strategically vital projects on more competitive terms.A European address will help IIB to expand its international capital markets base, improve credit ratings, ensure a substantial increase in capital, boost lending and investment activity, increase brand awareness and attractiveness of the institute for new shareholders.IIB will become the first multilateral development finance institution with its headquarters in the Central and Eastern Europe.IIB plans to begin operations from a new address in Budapest in the first half of the current year after the ratification of the signed agreement by the Parliament of Hungary.
Hungary, Slovenia jointly apply for EU funding for gas pipeline interconnection

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Hungary and Slovenia are jointly applying for European Union funding for the interconnection of their natural gas pipeline networks, which would enable Hungary to purchase liquid natural gas (LNG) from Italy, said Hungarys Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A decision by the European Council is expected in the spring, he added.

The diversification of gas procurement sources, i.e. that it is able to purchase gas from as many sources as possible, is of key importance to Hungary," Peter Szijjarto told state news agency MTI on Saturday.



In view of the fact that the construction of the Croatian LNG terminal is currently uncertain, and the price offered by Croatia is also well above the available market price, in addition to which it is also uncertain when American and Austrian companies will begin the extraction of Romanian gas from beneath the Black Sea, there is a need to include further sources of gas", he explained.



One possible scenario is to purchase LNG via Italian terminals. Currently, however, the infrastructure conditions for this are not present in view of the fact that there is no gas pipeline connection between the Italian LNG terminals and Hungary", he stated.



This is why we have concluded an agreement with Slovenia, because if we interconnect our two gas pipeline systems then it will become physically possible to purchase gas from the Italian LNG terminals", he highlighted.



Hungary and Slovenia have submitted a joint application to the European Union for the interconnection of their natural gas pipeline systems to be included on the so-called list of projects of common interest, which is a prerequisite for receiving EU funding for the development project", the minister explained.



Szijjarto also said that negotiations are currently ongoing on what capacity the proposed interconnector should be. According to the preliminary demand survey, domestic, Western European and American energy companies are all showing expressed interest in tying down the gas supply capacities that would become available if the project is realised", he said.



There is also a true market demand and a true Hungarian supply guarantee interest relating to the purchasing of LNG from Italy, and as a prerequisite to that, to the interconnection of the Hungarian and Slovenian natural gas pipeline networks", he stressed.



The decision of the European Council is expected in the spring", he added.
Chinese New Year is a very important celebration for Chinese all around the world. During Chinese New Years eve, we had reunion dinner which means families get together for a dinner together. For some families, they work far from home and they take this opportunity to come back home to sit down for a reunion dinner with their families. However, how does it feel when you are not at home for Chinese New Year celebration? Well I had the opportunity to celebrate Chinese New Year in Argentina 9 years ago with my friends. I was traveling in Argentina for one month and I was in Ushuaia during Chinese New Year. Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world and the nearest city and port to Antarctica. This time of the year is the best time to visit Antarctica as it is summer down under.

Spending one week in Ushuaia in South America offers me a life changing view in travel. In this part of the world, it is usually cold throughout the year. Is there any Chinese New Year celebration here in Ushuaia? The answer is no but we found a Chinese restaurant here.

There is a Chinese saying, when there is water, there is Chinese. Traveling from Buenos Aires down to Ushuaia, we visited more than a dozen towns and to our surprise there is at least one Chinese restaurant in major towns here in Argentina. In fact, there were many Chinese running mercado (supermarkets) in Buenos Aires.

Back in Ushuaia, I spent the Chinese New Year dinner at a Chinese restaurant called Arco Iris Cerrado. It is a Chinese buffet style restaurant but most of their dishes are Patagonian dishes. They have renamed themselves as Bamboo as we check online but they still received good reviews from their customers on Google.

They offer some Chinese food but their grilled lamb and sausages are really good. Chinese restaurants in Argentina in general are priced slightly cheaper than the local restaurants. They dont rest during siesta too. Siesta is a short nap taken in late afternoon and it is common in South America and some countries in Europe. Most shops and restaurants are closed during siesta except Chinese runs Mercado and restaurants.

Argentines in general are very friendly people. It is dangerous in Buenos Aires but not other parts of Argentina. I met many friendly Argentines during my travel there. Yeah, the ladies are very pretty there. =)

Instead of having Yee Sang and reunion dinner with my family, I was having a Chinese-Argentinian buffet with my friends.

I didnt miss home that much as I was discovering new experiences and seeing new things everyday in Argentina. That motivates me to travel more rather than spending on items. Traveling opens your mind, makes you see and learn new things and refreshes your body. Of course, you have to work hard to save for travel.

Back then, everyone works and stays in Malaysia so reunion dinner wasnt that much difference. Now, my brothers are staying and working abroad so it means a lot for reunion dinner and Chinese New Year. It is not that easy to have the entire family sitting down for a dinner as everyone is staying abroad.

Be blessed to have your family together for reunion dinner for Chinese New Year. I didnt realise how important Chinese New Year is 9 years ago but I do now. Cherish the moments in this festive season with your family and friends. Happy Chinese New Year to everyone!

If you cant go back for Chinese New Year, just make a call or a message back home. =)

Wilson Ng A Father and traveler who enjoys to eat, shop, travel and taking pictures with Samsung S21 Ultra. Im a full time blogger, youtuber and father for two.

I travel around 17 International trips per year. Remember to follow us at www.instagram.com/placesandfoods and www.youtube.com/placesandfoods. For ads or features, contact me at [email protected] See author's posts
Extra school resource officers have been assigned to North Fort Myers high School.

Although detectives do not believe last weeks written threat to be credible, the incident at North Fort Myers High School remains an active investigation, a release from the agency states.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno remains steadfastly committed to the safety and security of Lee County schoolchildren and in an abundance of caution, will temporarily add extra school resource officers to the campus.

In addition to detectives investigating exactly whom may be responsible for writing these threats, Sheriff Marceno restates his message to students, Fake Threats Have Real Consequences.'

Source: Lee County Sheriffs Office
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RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's office put much of the business of governing on hold Tuesday as the Democrat privately weighed whether he can stay in the job despite the uproar over a racist photo on his 1984 medical school yearbook page.

While Northam himself gave no public indication of which way he was leaning, a close friend, Republican state Sen. Richard Stuart, said he is convinced the governor won't resign. He said Northam told him he felt a responsibility to stay in office and make amends.

Northam was conferring with top advisers about whether he can govern effectively in light of the turmoil over the photo, which depicts someone in blackface standing next to another person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe. The picture, which surfaced Friday, set off a barrage of calls from his own party for his resignation.

In the meantime, negotiations between the governors office and the Republicans who run the legislature were suspended on what was otherwise one of the busiest days on the legislative calendar. Northam wasnt making any of the public appearances he does almost every weekday. The regular economic development announcement emails have stopped.

With uncertainty hanging over state government, former allies were growing impatient.

State Sen. Louise Lucas, a prominent African-American lawmaker who has pressed for Northam to step down, said the governor doesn't need to take a few more days to make up his mind.

"I am so praying that he will do that and get it behind us," Lucas said. "What's a little bit more of time going to do for us?"

In another sign of the difficulty he faces in carrying out his duties, Northam issued a statement Tuesday offering condolences on the killing of a state trooper in a shootout, only to be met with a flurry of Twitter comments urging him to resign.

Stuart, a GOP conservative who gave a floor speech honoring the life of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee earlier this year, said he spoke to Northam on Tuesday.

No question in my mind, said Stuart, who came into the Senate with Northam in 2008 and has gone fishing with him. I firmly believe he is going to do what is right and face this head-on.

Northam's office is in the middle of negotiations with the legislature over a major tax overhaul and changes to the state budget. Tuesday was "crossover day," when the House and Senate must finish bills to send to the other chamber.

The crisis deepened when the man next in line to be governor, Democratic Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, was confronted with an uncorroborated allegation of sexual misconduct first reported by a conservative website. Fairfax denied the allegation Monday and called it a political smear, saying the 2004 encounter with a woman was consensual.

The woman has retained Washington law firm Katz Marshall & Banks and is consulting with it about her next steps, said a person close to the legal team who was not authorized to discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity.

One of the firm's founding partners, Debra Katz, represented Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her decades ago when they were teenagers. Kavanaugh denied the allegation and was confirmed to the court.

The Associated Press is not reporting the details of the Fairfax accusation because AP has not been able to corroborate it.

Northam, a pediatric neurologist who graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School and came to politics late in life, is one year into his four-year term. If Northam resigns, Fairfax will become the second black governor in Virginia history.

The governor admitted at first that he was in the photo without saying which costume he was wearing. A day later, he denied he was in the picture. But he acknowledged he once used shoe polish to blacken his face and look like Michael Jackson at a dance contest in Texas decades ago.

As for the allegations against the lieutenant governor, the Washington Post said Monday that it was approached by the woman in 2017 and carefully investigated but never published a story for lack of any independent evidence.

The woman did not immediately respond to a voicemail, text message or email from an AP reporter.

Associated Press writers Julie Pace and Ben Finley contributed to this article.
President Donald Trump will give his second State of the Union address Tuesday night, delayed a week after Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi refused to allow him to speak before Congress during the partial government shutdown that lasted a record 35 days.

Tonights speech  expected to focus on the economy, the military, and immigration  will feature Pelosi seated prominently behind the president as the clock races toward a Feb. 15 funding deadline that could plunge the country into yet another shutdown.

Despite his combative style and heated rhetoric, Trump will call for unity during his speech and will pledge to work with Democrats on immigration and other issues, according to an excerpt released by the White House.

In this State of the Union, the president is calling for an end to resistance and retribution politics, and calling for cooperation and compromise," White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said Monday on Fox News. He really wants to unify the nation as its commander-in-chief and its president  the leader of the nation, not the leader of a political party.

Of note from a television perspective is the presence of former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who will offer his analysis of the speech on ABC. Christie has made numerous television appearances in recent weeks promoting his new book that praises Trump while bashing the presidents son-in-law, the kid Jared Kushner. He also wrote that despite his fondness for the president, Trump is surrounded by amateurs, grifters, weaklings, convicted and unconvicted felons.

The State of the Union will air on all major broadcast networks and cable news channels to an expected audience of 40 million to 45 million viewers, and will also be streamed live online. Heres what you need to know ahead of the address:

What time does the State of the Union start and end?

Trump is expected to begin his address live from the Capitol shortly after 9 p.m. Trumps first State of the Union last year took 1 hour and 20 minutes, while his first speech to Congress in February 2017 lasted a little more than an hour.

The average length of Trumps speeches to Congress is 1 hour and 10 minutes. Using that measure, Trumps address should end around 10:10 p.m.

Who delivering the Democratic response?

Following Trumps speech, Stacey Abrams of Georgia will deliver the Democratic response. Despite losing a tight gubernatorial election in 2018, Abrams will make history by becoming the first-ever African-American woman to give the formal response to a presidents address, according to research from House and Senate historians.

I am honored to join the club of speakers who sought to give voice to the needs and dreams of our fellow Americans. May the force be with me, Abrams wrote on Twitter Monday.

Abrams, who hinged her gubernatorial campaign on voting rights, refused to concede in the race to then-Secretary of State Brian Kemp, accusing Kemp of widespread voter suppression. Following the election, Abrams established Fair Fight Georgia, which has filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Georgia and aired a commercial during the Super Bowl.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who has filed 45 lawsuits against the Trump administration, will deliver the response in Spanish.

How are the networks covering the State of the Union?

ABC

Start time: 9 p.m.

Anchor: Chief anchor George Stephanopoulos

Analysis: World News Tonight anchor David Muir, chief global affairs correspondent and This Week co-anchor Martha Raddatz, special correspondent Matthew Dowd, political analyst Cokie Roberts, The View co-host Meghan McCain, and contributors Donna Brazile and Chris Christie

Streaming: Live coverage on ABCNews.com at 8:30 p.m., anchored by senior Washington reporter Devin Dwyer

Local affiliate: 6ABC (Channel 6)

CBS

Start time: 9 p.m.

Anchor: CBS Evening News anchor Jeff Glor

Analysis: Face the Nation moderator Margaret Brennan, chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes, chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett, correspondent Nikole Killion, and political correspondent Ed OKeefe

Streaming: Live coverage on CBSN starting at 5 p.m., anchored by CBS Weekend News anchor and Red & Blue co-host Elaine Quijano

Local affiliate: CBS3 (Channel 3)

FOX

Start time: 9 p.m.

Anchor: Fox News chief news anchor Shepard Smith

Analysis: RealClearPolitics columnist A.B. Stoddard

Streaming: Live coverage on FoxNews.com at 9 p.m.

Local affiliate: FOX 29 (Channel 29)

NBC

Start time: 9 p.m.

Anchor: NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt

Analysis: Today co-anchor and chief legal analyst Savannah Guthrie and Meet the Press moderator and political director Chuck Todd

Streaming: Live coverage on MSNBC.com at 8 p.m. and NBCNews.com at 9 p.m.

Local affiliate: NBC10 (Channel 10)

PBS

Start time: 9 p.m.

Anchor: PBS NewsHour anchor Judy Woodruff

Analysis: Syndicated columnist Mark Shields, Cook Political Report national editor Amy Walter, Ethics and Public Policy Center senior fellow Peter Wehner, MoveOn senior adviser and national spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre, radio host and American Greatness editor Chris Buskirk, and Washington Post national political reporter and Washington Week moderator Robert Costa

Streaming: Live coverage on PBSs YouTube and Ustream accounts

Local affiliate: WHYY-TV (Channel 12)

How are the cable networks covering the State of the Union?

C-SPAN

Start time: 8 p.m.

Anchors: Greta Brawner and Peter Slen.

Analysis: Following the speech and the Democratic response, Brawner and Slen will take viewers' phone calls and read opinions from Twitter and Facebook.

Streaming: Live coverage on C-SPAN.org

CNN

Start time: 7 p.m.

Anchors: The Situation Rooms Wolf Blitzer, The Leads Jake Tapper, Anderson Cooper 360s Anderson Cooper, and political correspondent Dana Bash

Streaming: Live coverage on CNN.com and across mobile devices through the CNN app

Fox Business

Start time: 8 p.m.

Anchor: Cavuto: Coast to Coast anchor Neil Cavuto

Analysis: Trish Regan Primetime host Trish Regan, Rep. Mark Walker (R., N.C.), former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Nuveen Chief Equity strategist Bob Doll, and former New Mexico Gov Bill Richardson

Streaming: Live coverage on FoxBusiness.com at 8 p.m.

Fox News

Start time: 8:55 p.m.

Anchors: Special Report anchor Bret Baier and The Story anchor Martha MacCallum

Analysis: FOX News Sunday anchor Chris Wallace, The Ingraham Angle host Laura Ingraham, The Daily Briefing host Dana Perino, The Five co-host Juan Williams, and senior political analyst Brit Hume

Streaming: Live coverage on FoxNews.com at 8:55 p.m.

MSNBC
Even though every state in the Mid-Atlantic region passed gun safety laws in the wake of the Parkland, Fla., massacre last year, Pennsylvanias legislature, controlled by Republicans who tremble at the thought of annoying the gun lobby, only passed a single bill related to gun violence.

That one law, the first antiviolence legislation in more than a decade that deals directly with firearms in Pennsylvania, forces people with a domestic violence ruling against them to more quickly surrender their guns. Its welcome legislation, but it was the only survivor of dozens of bills introduced in Pennsylvanias legislature  ranging from an assault weapons ban to requiring background checks for people who want to buy rifles and shotguns.

As the new legislative session opens in Harrisburg, legislators should recall the slaughter of 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh by an anti-Semite using an assault rifle. The massacre of people in their house of worship as well as Pennsylvanias tragic statistics on firearm deaths  in 2017, our state saw the fourth most firearms deaths in the nation  should inform the firearms debate.

Some legislators are paying attention.

Among them are a few new members who will hopefully bring new energy to the fight. Freshman Rep. Mary Isaacson (D., Phila.) introduced a bill that would ban people who have been involuntarily committed to a mental health institution from possessing guns. Rep. Christopher Quinn (R., Delaware), in his second term, would require background checks for people who buy rifles and shotguns.

Freshman state Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D., Bucks), who previously served in the House, would force gun owners to store their weapons in locked containers. Rep. Tim Briggs, (D., Montgomery), who has pushed the safe storage bill for years, is expected to sponsor it in the House.

Of all the gun-related bills that have already been introduced for this two-year session, the safe storage bill is the least controversial.

New York passed a safe storage bill last week; the law goes into effect in July. (It was too late for a pregnant woman who was shot in the face by her 4-year-old son Saturday. The boy found a loaded handgun in between a mattress and box spring in his home.)

Safe storage laws work. Massachusetts, which requires guns to be locked up whenever not in use, has the strongest safe storage law in the nation. As a result, only 9 percent of youth suicides there are committed with guns, compared to almost 40 percent of youth suicides in the nation, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control.

The Giffords Law Center reports that between 2005 and 2014, about 20,000 children were killed or injured with guns. More than 4 million children not only live in houses where there are guns, but most also know exactly where those guns are located.

No one should have to die to get the attention of state legislators, but they do die, every day somewhere in this state. How much more bloodshed does the legislature need before they take action on reasonable gun laws?
FREEHOLD, N.J. (AP)  Authorities say a woman was found slain in her New Jersey home and her husband's body was later found in a river after an apparent suicide.

Police and Monmouth County prosecutors say the body of Denise Bartone, 48, was found Monday morning in the familys home in Freehold Township.

Prosecutors said her husband, Kenneth Bartone, was found Monday afternoon floating in the Raritan River "dead of an apparent suicide."

A vehicle registered to the Bartone family was found parked on the Thomas Edison Memorial Bridge in Woodbridge.

Authorities say the public is not in any danger. An investigation is continuing.
Sam Davis, who often portrays Gen. George Washington in reenactments and speeches in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, claimed in a recent Facebook post that he lost a local political race in November because all the Indian people in Chesterfield Township voted illegally for his opponent, Shreekant Dhopte.

Davis, a Republican, said that he reported the illegal voting activity to the Burlington County Prosecutors Office and that he could not wait until those people were slapped with $15,000 fines. Davis lost his seat on the township committee by 117 votes, according to results on the county election site.

The remarks, posted during the heat of a political argument last week about immigration and tipping on a Facebook page in neighboring Bordentown, were quickly denounced as racist and hateful by Balvir Singh, a Democrat and the deputy director of the Burlington County Freeholder Board.

Singh, the first Indian American to sit on the Freeholder Board, said that when he was elected in 2017, the local GOP campaign literature had mocked his name and Singh also said Facebook ads on the county GOP website had darkened his complexion and questioned whether anyone had checked my citizen status.

Singh said he reached out to the Prosecutors Office recently to find out if there was a voter fraud investigation because Indian residents were upset after reading news stories about citizens being rounded up and accused of being non-citizens. He said he was told the case was closed due to a lack of merit.

Davis, 64, a retired Trenton High School science teacher, said he didnt want to sound racist, but I have the right to know if theyre citizens.

Calls and emails placed to the Prosecutors Office were not returned.

Singh, a school administrator who immigrated to the United States two decades ago, when he was 14, said Dhopte works in the pharmaceutical industry and is a citizen.

As an immigrant myself and of Indian decent, I am heavily dismayed by this type of demeaning characterization. ... Chesterfield residents overwhelmingly rejected the fear-mongering tactics of Republicans, Singh said in a Facebook post late last week. Shreekant Dhopte earned his seat on the committee, not because of his skin color, but because of the relentless door knocking efforts and meaningful conversations with voters.

Singh swore in Dhopte to a three-year committee seat last month. Indian Americans are the largest minority in the mostly rural town of 8,000 people near Trenton.

In an interview, Singh said Davis has sour grapes. ... He lost an election, and he cannot fathom that the overwhelming number of white people in the town rejected him. His only recourse is to think that this must be voter fraud.

Dhopte could not be reached for comment because he was traveling home after visiting family in India. But he and Chesterfield Committeewoman Andrea Katz released a joint statement on Facebook. They wrote: We are dismayed by the racist comments and accusations. ... We stand with Freeholder Singh in asking for the Chesterfield and Burlington County Republicans to denounce Sam Daviss hateful words. Chesterfields rich diversity is a strength that we are proud of and we will not allow the words of Sam Davis to divide us.

Sean Earlen, chairman of the county Republican Committee, did not respond to requests for comment.

Chesterfield Mayor Rita Romeu, a Democrat, said the comments by Davis are inappropriate and divisive and not in the spirit of Chesterfield Township and what we stand for.

Davis said in the Facebook post that he had been a committeeman for three years and that an Indian guy ... beat me by 116 votes."

He said that he knew for a fact" that the Indians who supported Dhopte are not citizens and that if they are fined, Thatll teach him a lesson.

In a telephone interview, Davis said that he was up by 70 votes on Election Night and that he lost when the votes by mail and provisional ballots came in the following day. Im just stating that I believe these people are not U.S. citizens. Its my right, under the Constitution, I have freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and I am a student of history, he said.

Davis has portrayed Washington at events in Valley Forge National Historical Park and Washington Crossing State Park outside of Trenton, and at reenactments of the Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton.

Because I portray Washington, I care about America, he said. Its all about principle now, doing the right thing. ... The Burlington County freeholders were wiped out  they went from Republican to Democrat, and if what Im saying is true, it affected them too.

For the first time in more than 40 years, the Democrats took majority control over the five-member Freeholder Board this year. The county has 40 towns between the Delaware River and the New Jersey Shore.

Davis said that undocumented immigrants should be stopped from voting because it is changing the outcome of political races. He said he is hoping that the prosecutor will overturn the election and added that he plans to run again for township committee. Before he served for three years on the town committee, he served on the towns school board.

When the Inquirer asked Davis how he knew the Indian residents in Chesterfield were not citizens, he said: I know people who apply for citizenship; it sometimes takes more than five years.  Many of these people have not been here five years. ... You just kind of know; well, you know, well, Im just assuming you know.

When asked to elaborate, he said that he had said enough and hung up.
FAIRBURN, Ga. (AP)  A man in a pickup truck ran over a Georgia police officer early Monday, seriously injuring him, and authorities from Atlanta to Memphis, Tenn., were looking for the driver, police said.

Fairburn Officer Levar Sims underwent surgery after he was hit early Monday and is expected to recover fully, Deputy Chief Anthony Bazydlo said.

News agencies report the man  a 33-year-old who rented the truck in the Memphis area, about 330 miles from the Atlanta suburb of Fairburn  has been identified but remains at large.

"We've widened our net and are reaching out to every law enforcement agency from here to Memphis," Bazydlo told WXIA-TV.

He said an officer on routine patrol outside a hotel saw a sleeping man in a running truck and called for backup. Bazydlo said both the first officer and Sims smelled marijuana and alcohol.

According to news reports, surveillance video shows the man talking to officers outside the truck, then jumping in and driving away. Bazydlo said Sims was holding onto the truck but fell off at a speed bump and was run over.

The pickup truck was found a few miles from the hotel and just over the Fulton County line, he said.

"It all started out seemingly routine, but there's nothing routine about what we do," Bazydlo told WXIA. "Initially it appeared everything was going to pan out but things turned dangerous really quickly."

He said Sims had transferred from the metropolitan transit police to Fairburns department in November.

"We've only had him for a few months, but he gets along with everyone and is always willing to help out," Bazydlo said.

He said thats what Sims was doing early Monday: An officer called for backup and he was the first one to respond.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Paul Manafort has a new sentencing date.

A federal judge Monday set a March 13 sentencing for the former Trump campaign chairman on two felony charges stemming from witness tampering and crimes related to his Ukrainian political work.

U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson scheduled the hearing as she weighs whether Manafort breached a plea agreement by lying to special counsel Robert Mueller's investigators. Manafort has denied intentionally making false statements. The two sides spent hours Monday in a sealed hearing arguing over that point.

Manafort faces up to five years in prison on each charge.

He faces the possibility of a decade in prison in a separate federal case in Virginia, where he was convicted of filing false tax returns, concealing foreign bank accounts, and bank fraud.
Freddie Nole was a teenager last time he walked free back in 1969, when Richard Nixon was president and City Hall was still the tallest building in Philadelphia.

In January 2019, at age 68, Nole was released on parole. Hes trying to catch up on nearly half a century of lost time: going to church with his wife of 34 years, Susan Beard-Nole, and sharing home-cooked meals for the first time in decades. But everything still seems strange and overwhelming: the expansive restaurant menus (he asks Beard-Nole, 72, to order for him); the complicated new iPhone (he kept hanging up midcall); the confusing power locks on his wifes car.

Nole is among the longest-serving of Pennsylvanias 522 juvenile lifers, the largest such population in the nation, whose fates were transformed by a U.S. Supreme Court decision that automatic life-without-parole terms for minors are unconstitutional. Under new sentences, at least 158 have been released on lifetime parole.

But Noles dreams of reuniting with his family, including granddaughters, grandnieces, and grandnephews, has been derailed. So has the vision hes held on to for decades, of speaking to school groups about the hard lessons that can be learned from his youth, spent in gangs and juvenile detention, then half a century in prison.

Thats because, in addition to the typical challenges faced by longtime prisoners in reentry  often, securing housing with a felony record, and finding stable employment  he now faces an additional layer of restrictions from the state parole board. Though Nole has never been convicted, or even charged, with a sex offense, he was accused in 1989 of fondling a 5-year-old girl visiting a parent-child center at the prison. He says he never got the chance to dispute the claim; instead, he was quickly moved to a different prison, and issued an institutional misconduct.

Based on that misconduct, the parole board is instituting special conditions that prevent Nole from remaining in touch with his grandchildren and that Nole fears could render him homeless and make him vulnerable to reincarceration.

Its treating me as if Im some kind of predator. This is tearing my family apart, Nole said. In the past, he said, "I was able to visit with my grandchildren, my great-nieces and -nephews. These new restrictions take away all that. Theyre being even more restrictive to me now [than when I was in prison].

What Noles facing is, in some ways, typical for those convicted of sexual offenses.

Two-thirds of sex offenders are never approved for parole, instead remaining in prison until they reach their maximum-sentence date, Corrections Secretary John Wetzel said at a recent public event. Often, thats because they cant get a home plan approved. The state parole board website lists being too close to a place children gather as a common reason for rejecting home plans for sex offenders. Litigation over access to state-run halfway houses for sex offenders, labeled hard to place, has dragged on for years.

As for Nole, he had planned to stay with Beard-Nole, who had moved to a new apartment complex because the old one barred parolees. But the new complex wont allow him either, because of his felony record. Instead, he moved in with a nephew in North Philadelphia. However, Nole worries that, because that house is across the street from a rec center, a parole officer could determine its not appropriate.

And the full effect of rules around contact with children is just sinking in. His nephew, who has partial custody of his two young children, had to remove all their photos, clothes, toys, and other possessions from his house. The kids may not visit the home even if Nole is away. And, under the rules of his parole, Nole cannot send them texts or gifts or birthday cards, or tell their parents to send his regards.

Noles son, Bobby Shockley, who was born two months after Nole was incarcerated, said he hasnt yet told his daughters, ages 11 and 18, that Nole is home from prison. His older daughter keeps asking if Nole will be out in time for her high school graduation. But the 49-year-old middle-school principal from Glen Allen, Va., said hes just not sure how to explain the situation to them.

Were hopeful that something happens, either legally or whatever, because he has always had access to the girls. I dont understand why he cant be around his family, Shockley said.

We feel we cant even go to the Franklin Institute

In February 1969, when Nole was 17, he and two other teens robbed an 81-year-old store owner at gunpoint. Prosecutors said Nole, during the robbery, hit the shopkeeper in the stomach with the butt of his gun, which Nole denies. Soon afterward, the man died of damage to his abdominal aorta. His codefendants were charged as juveniles, serving 11 and 18 months, but Nole was prosecuted as an adult and received a life sentence.

By the 80s, he was a leader in Graterford prison. He met Beard in church, where she was a volunteer, and married her in 1984. He received accolades for launching the first parent-child resource center in a state prison visiting room, inspired by his desire to create a welcoming environment for his stepsons.

In 1989, after the misconduct, he was transferred, but Beard-Nole continued to visit, often bringing her children, as Nole was bounced around the state to five different institutions.

Beard-Nole, a retired software engineer from Norristown, said the last few weeks have been nerve-racking. Nole is living in fear of doing something that might run afoul of the long list of prohibitions, like waving at a child, or acknowledging a child through facial expressions.

We feel we cant even go to the Franklin Institute, Beard-Nole said. Are we allowed to do that? We dont know what we can do. It makes you feel subhuman, thats for sure."

And the 7 p.m.-to-7 a.m. curfew, another condition of his lifetime parole, has made it difficult for Nole to accomplish the many tasks the state requires of him. Hes required to report between 6 and 8 a.m. to Philadelphia police headquarters to obtain a criminal registration card, but getting to the front of the line there, without breaking his curfew, has so far proved impossible. And hes been instructed to get an ID  but hes had trouble getting his birth certificate in order first.

Aaron Marcus, of the Defender Association of Philadelphia, said that while his office has challenged parole conditions generally  for example, antipornography rules so broad they appeared to include virtually any literature  individual challenges are extremely difficult.

I dont know how often, if ever, they succeed, he said.

The Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole does not release information on individual cases beyond the official board decision, a spokesperson said.

Alexandra Morgan-Kurtz, of the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, said people with such parole conditions often struggle to find approved housing. The rules are very arbitrary and it leads to people getting [reincarcerated] or having to change their housing based on the whim of their parole agent.

Even without such restrictions, securing stable housing remains a major hurdle for juvenile lifers returning home after decades in prison, said Joanna Visser Adjoian, a cofounder of the Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project, which is assisting about 40 such individuals. Some have been couch-surfing, while others have spent months in community correction centers trying to find long-term housing.

The Department of Corrections, in an effort to help this vulnerable population get on their feet, offers vouchers for six months' rent. But, Visser Adjoian said, Were seeing a scarcity of private housing providers being willing to accept the DOC subsidies that are available to them."

Nole is anxious to move past red tape, so he can use what years he has left to make a difference, if he can.

The U.S. Supreme Court decision that led to his release spoke of restoring some hope of a life after prison for young offenders.

Life potential, Nole summed it up. Right now I dont feel like I have that.
Invoking the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and mobster John Gotti, a defense attorney spun a narrative Monday that the government and a major insurance company were conspiring against a 71-year-old Bucks County socialite who simply tried to cash in a substantial insurance claim.

In his closing argument in the three-week trial of Claire Risoldi in Doylestown, lawyer Jack McMahon quoted King as saying, The time is always right to do what is right." As for Gotti, the late boss of New Yorks Gambino crime family: "I never lie, because I dont fear anyone. You only lie when youre afraid.

McMahon sought for the better part of three hours to poke holes in the prosecutions case. Risoldi, known for throwing lavish fund-raisers for county Republicans, was first charged in 2014 with attempting to defraud insurer AIG out of $20 million, and is standing trial on charges of insurance fraud, forgery, receiving stolen property, and witness intimidation.

McMahon said the government was using smoke and mirrors, and had concocted theories not borne out by evidence, in its desire to get something on Claire Risoldi. He also attacked the insurance adjuster, calling him a liar.

But Linda Montag, Pennsylvania senior deputy attorney general, repeated her central thesis that Risoldi and her family had conspired to dupe insurers after three fires since 2009 at the familys 10-acre New Hope estate, Clairemont. Montag said the case had reached her desk because of what Claire did  not because we work with AIG.

The flamboyant Risoldi, who wore a hat in the courtroom, did not testify during the trial. She had insured $10 million worth of jewelry she claimed had been bought before 1965 and given to her by her late husband, then claimed it was stolen after a fire. No jewelry has been recovered.

McMahon said Risoldis insurance claims were legitimate, pointing out that AIG had bought the policy on Risoldis jewelry before a 2013 fire, and had cashed the $128,000 check she submitted for the coverage. Her appraisals valued her jewelry collection at $10 million. McMahon said this showed the insurance company was comfortable with the amount of jewelry, believed she had owned it, and accepted the estimated value.

They could have said, Show it to me before we put $10 million on the line, McMahon said. The audacity of AIG  that they can contest today that there was no jewelry  and now they want to say, We accepted it then, but now that we got to pay $10 million, we dont accept it.

Montag disputed that contention. Defense would have you believe that we were complicit in a crime, she said. It doesnt make sense that were helping AIG to deny a claim, especially since they paid her so much money in the past. They denied it because of fraud.

Montag said the Risoldis were continually asking for repayment on items for which they already had collected. And in her insurance claims, prosecutors allege, Risoldi and her family forged appraisal documents  which included numerous misspellings of the word jewelry  in her attempt to swindle insurers.

Montag said Risoldi had made insurance claims in 1984, 1994, and 2002, claiming that thieves took everything from her jewelry collection, including heirlooms and old jewelry. The goal, Montag said, was to fund an increasingly luxurious lifestyle.

Heirlooms are only old one time, Montag said. And if its all gone in 1994 and in 2002, then it cant be gone in 2013.

Chester County Senior Judge Thomas Gavin is presiding over the case because of the Risoldi familys ties to the Bucks County GOP. The jury is expected to begin deliberating Tuesday.
At 20 years old, Yashi Brown began feeling depressed. A few years later, she started having delusions. Manic highs followed. Then thoughts of suicide.

It became clear she needed treatment. Her family, who were practicing Jehovahs Witnesses, helped her seek therapy and medication.

But not everyone in the faith community understood the support she needed.

Just pray, one person said, and Jehovah will take care of everything.

That alone wouldnt help, said Brown, now 40 and a mental-health advocate in Los Angeles. I was in the throes of a manic episode. I didnt even have the tools to say a prayer.

Some religious traditions, coupled with a misunderstanding of mental illness, can stop people from getting mental-health care. Individuals may be told to pray the illness away or trust in God to heal them, psychologists and social workers say.

The impact is especially profound for the African American community, research shows. For complex reasons, including greater exposure to violence, racism, and other trauma, African Americans are 20 percent more likely to report serious psychological distress than their white counterparts. But they are less likely to seek mental-health treatment, even if they have equal financial means.

That is in part due to a lack of trust in government and medical institutions with a history of mistreating African Americans.

But many in the community also accept mental trauma as a normal part of life for generations, said Meagan McLeod, a pastor and spiritual care director for Friends Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Northeast Philadelphia.

The idea is if prayer worked for our ancestors when we were in slavery, then prayer has to be able to work now, she said.

One study reported 85 percent of African Americans describe themselves as fairly religious or religious, and another study found nearly 90 percent commonly use religious coping to handle mental-health issues.

While research shows religion can aid in recovery from mental illness, its not always enough, McLeod said.

For Brown, the strict rules of religion and the fear of condemnation from God became too much. It seemed to be exacerbating my symptoms, she said.

She drew away from faith.

Ten years later, she would rediscover her spirituality at a crucial moment.

Unintended first responders

Carter Patterson has worked with several families who saw their childs mental illness as punishment from God. He saw it first as a teacher, then as a case manager, and now as a board member of the Urban Mental Health Alliance in New Jersey.

One family refused to allow treatment for their daughters mental illness because they believed God would heal her, he said. The girl died by suicide while still in her teens.

When people are reluctant to seek medical care, clergy often become first responders. Yet they are not always formally trained for that.

Some have experience in professional counseling. Others will connect people to resources at local clinics. But some, often out of a lack of understanding, will think they can talk someone out of the mental illness, McLeod said. Theyll suggest simply looking at things a different way or coming to church more often.

Thats not enough, she said.

And it can leave people with lasting distrust.

At Friends Hospital, African American patients tend to be more wary of McLeod. It may be because theyre used to the judgment in the African American religious community" theyve come from, she said.

If patients do speak with her, McLeod will ask if theyd like their pastor from home to join in the conversation. The answer is almost always an unequivocal no.

Instead, patients ask McLeod a question she fields three to four times a day: Is God angry with me?

The healing potential of faith

Around the time Brown turned 30, she was in a nearly unbearable depression. Her medications werent working.

I was crying nonstop, she said. I was very suicidal.

Not knowing what else to do, she returned to the way of seeking help shed learned as a child: prayer.

This time, it wasnt in a church. She didnt follow a religious text. It was just her and God.

A very real physical feeling of peace and comfort started to come over me, Brown said.

Now she calls spirituality the cornerstone of her healing. Its as much a part of her routine as therapy and medication.

It allows me the ability to surrender and elevate my thoughts to something much higher, she said. I just had to find it on my own.

Faith and mental-health treatment can  and often should  work together, mental-health professionals and clergy alike insist. Research suggests higher levels of religiosity or spirituality are associated with lower rates of depression, anxiety, substance-use disorder, and suicidal thoughts. Prayer can have the same calming effects as meditation, such as lowering blood pressure and respiratory rate.

Religion can serve as a sustainer of mental health, said Karriem Salaam, a psychiatrist and medical director of the adolescent unit at Friends Hospital.

Many mental-health disorders are chronic, with episodes triggered by stress. Religion can help you not be as vulnerable to stressors, said Salaam, who attributes much of his ability to handle stressful work to his faith.

Studies have shown that incorporating religious approaches into mental-health care may be especially helpful in engaging African Americans in treatment.

Loren Johnson-Rosa sees this often in her work as a licensed clinical social worker serving clients with mental illness across New Jersey.

Sometimes parents say its Gods will for their child to have a mental illness. But Johnson-Rosa, a practicing Christian, counters that God created the human mind, which led to the development of medication and therapy. They can all work together, she says.

I want more people to get the kind of help they need, Johnson-Rosa said. Thats a prayer.
Ice can be the color of a cloudy sky or a glittering diamond. But crystal-clear cubes dont just look prettier. They melt more slowly  and they even taste better.

To bartenders and beverage managers at some Philadelphia cocktail bars, ice is one of the most important ingredients, a crucial tool for bringing a spirit, mixed drink, or mocktail to the right temperature. The thought of making a drink with cubes from a regular freezer tray is almost cringeworthy.

Well-made ice and ice that comes from, say, a hotel machine, is like the difference between cooking a meal using a cast-iron pan or a microwave," says Canyon Shayer, bar manager at Philadelphia Distilling, the Bluecoat gin headquarters and cocktail lounge just off Delaware Avenue.

At R&D cocktail bar in Fishtown, the ice takes as much prep work as the syrups and other ingredients  maybe more, says part-owner Aaron Deary. Thats because all drinks are made with glasslike cubes that were molded and cracked by hand from large slabs into smaller pieces.

When Deary and others developed the bars first cocktail menu in the fall, Deary pushed for the emphasis on ice, even though he knew it meant customers would have to wait a few minutes more for each drink.

If youre going to do a cocktail bar, you ought to do it properly, he said. You want to get the ice right.

Experts say the key to clear ice is freezing it slowly from the top down, which forces impurities to settle at the bottom and leaves the rest transparent. Known to some as the lake method, the process also eliminates air bubbles, which can cause ice to melt faster and thus dilute a drink.

Many bars make cubes from machines designed to produce clear ice, but R&D and Philadelphia Distilling have taken the obsession to the next level by buying frozen blocks from Franks Ice, a Runnemede company that supplies ice carvings for company parties and events such as weddings. Franks, which grew out of a family ice-delivery business founded more than 50 years ago, uses an ice maker that freezes water in a bathtub-like trough, with a pump that keeps the water circulating. Instead of top-down, Franks freezes from the bottom up, meaning impurities rise to the surface to be skimmed off before carving.

It becomes this pristine piece of glass, owner Frank Class said. Its pure, and theres no taste to it."

Those slabs are broken into manageable chunks, and later, at Philadelphia Distilling and R&D, into even smaller pieces. At R&D, the bars initials are melted in using a metal stamp that brands each cube.

Some cocktail bars use one type of ice when mixing and chilling drinks, and another to garnish drinks when theyre served. At R&D, drinks are mixed using ice made from filtered water that is frozen in rectangular tubs, then cut with saws. Staff discard cloudy pieces, keeping only the clear.

Many customers of the Chinatown cocktail bar Hop Sing Laundromat never see any of the hundred of pounds of ice the bar goes through each week, because most is used only for mixing drinks before straining them into glasses, owner Le said. For drinks served with ice, the staff makes separate large and column-shaped cubes from filtered water, storing them in a freezer that holds only ice so as to preserve the taste.

Hop Sings Le is an evangelist for clean ice; he said his staff is there after closing every Saturday night until almost dawn, cleaning the insides of his Hoshizaki ice maker with toothbrushes until its spotless, then running water through it.

A clean ice machine  it makes a huge difference, Le said. Its just common sense. Otherwise, you get the ice taking on a bad taste, a bad smell. "

Le's machine makes ice by pouring double-filtered water into a tray with a with metal mold, then freezing from the top, draining excess water from below. About half an hour later, a tray of fresh ice falls into the machines storage area in translucent one-inch cubes.

To make clear ice at home, Shayer said you dont need fancy water, and you dont need to boil it, though boiling helps. What it really takes is a small insulated cooler filled with water and frozen, uncovered, until it becomes a solid block. Then it can be thawed on a counter or in a sink until the ice block pops out easily. Shayer suggested scoring the surface with lines using a serrated knife, which will create tiny fractures that feather out across the ice, then hacking it into pieces that should crack off easily.

A large cube in a rocks glass will keep a drink the same temperature until its finished, Shayer said. A large cube will also make some shaken drinks taste better. A gimlet with gin, lime juice, and simple syrup takes on almost a whipped, meringue-like texture when shaken with a large piece of ice. When poured into a glass, a layer of tiny, effervescent bubbles forms on the surface  a touch that the drink wouldnt get from regular ice cubes.

Deary said shaking or stirring a drink with regular-size ice cubes can also give it a watered-down flavor. A drink stirred with the right ice, meanwhile, should taste silky and soft, no air in the liquid, just the ingredients.

Asked whether customers can tell the difference, Deary recalled a recent Friday when his saw broke right before opening. Deary, who prides himself on serving old-fashioneds with a cube that is practically invisible, was forced to bring in precut ice.

People noticed, he said. Someone said, Oh, the ice isnt that clear this week. 
If you think that Facebook and Google pretty much control the Internet, youre right  at least when it comes to advertising.

And that can be bad news to some smaller firms, particularly ones that run afoul of Google and Facebooks oftentimes draconian advertising rules that restrict the promotion of potentially controversial merchandise and services such as unregulated drugs, certain adult products, pay-day loans, and weapons.

The monopoly Google holds in the search market can literally put a death sentence on your small business, if your company or the industry you are in is blocked from placing paid search ads, says Joe Butch, a digital-marketing manager at Recovery Centers of America. Last year, Google had suspended advertising by the King of Prussia-based network of addiction centers, blaming certain treatment providers that were doing what Google deemed false advertising. Without any sort of government regulations, Google is deciding who can and cannot continue on their platform, and Googles decisions are final in most situations.

That issue is on the minds of many small-business owners and publishers this week after the release of the State of Digital Media report by Polar, a technology firm that helps publishers market branded content. The report predicts that not only would online advertising make up more than half of all the advertising dollars spent by 2022 but also that both Facebook and Google combined will control 80 percent of that spending.

In 2018, advertisers spent $169 billion with the two companies -- which included fast-growing platforms such as Instagram (owned by Facebook) and YouTube and Google Maps (both owned by Google) as compared to the $29 billion received by Amazon, Microsoft, Twitter, Oath and Snap combined.

Google and Facebook have a forceful hold on todays digital-advertising industry, meaning brands cant walk away from them, John Nardone, the CEO of ad management and analytics technology company Flashtalking, recently wrote in Forbes. There is an urgent need to start building a more open ecosystem where brands have greater choice and more control.

The two companies' dominance is being felt mostly in the world of publishing, where their stranglehold on third-party content is siphoning direct ad revenue away from many online content providers, the effect of which is being partly attributed to the recent layoffs reported by Vice Media, Buzzfeed and the Huffington Post.

But its not just publishers that are affected by the Google/Facebook duopoly. As the two companies' hold on the online advertising market grows, small businesses that advertise there are also facing fewer choices -- and potentially rising costs. But is this such a bad thing?

It depends on what youre selling, Rick Simmons, a Philadelphia-based marketing expert and owner of Simmons Online Solutions, told me. "It is less about the duopoly than it is determining the where  who exactly are your prospects and what do you know about them so you can be in front of them.

Simmons is right. When I launched my online training business last year, my marketing choices were obvious. Using specific keywords, I relied on Google AdWords combined with both banner and display ads to get my site placed high in my target audiences search results. I also tinkered with some Facebook ads because of the flexibility in narrowing down my audience and targeting messages directly to the users that I thought would most be interested in my products. The combination of both drove thousands of prospective subscribers to my site over the course of just a few months. Of course, getting those visitors to sign up has been another challenge. But thats on me.

One thing that both Google and Facebook have in common is boatloads of data, said Pat Walsh, who runs the Walsh Group, a digital marketing firm based in Warrington, Pa. Google Ads use the persons geography, browsing history, and, most important, the search terms to create relevant advertisements that your prospect will likely click on. Facebook Ads equip themselves with an incredible amount of demographic data that Facebook compiles such as age, sex, income, interests, etc. So those beauty products can be to women over 40, in a household earning over $90,000, and have an interest in fashion and live within 25 miles of your zip code. Walsh recommends starting with a small budget - maybe $500 a month - and building from there.

There are still plenty of marketing choices other than Google and Facebook for a small business, such as advertising in local publications, email campaigns, billboards, cable television, and even direct mail and telemarketing. But the fact of the matter is that most small businesses -- pizza shops, auto mechanics, landscaping services, and clothing stores -- want to be found online, even if theyre not selling their products or providing their services online. So its back to Google and Facebook, right?

Not entirely. There are other options besides the Google-Facebook duopoly. Other platforms with millions of users -- such as Snap, Twitter and Yahoo -- remain independent. Also, with the growth of its Echo and Kindle devices, many industry watchers are predicting that Amazon may turn into a major player that will take market share away from Google and Facebook. Its strong handle on consumer purchase behavior sets it apart from Google and Facebook in the digital ad market, which has made the company an attractive option for advertisers, Monica Peart, senior director of forecasting for eMarketer, said in a recent report.

Whichever advertising platform is chosen, Ive learned that you cant do it alone. Employing a marketing professional has become necessary mainly because online advertising requires its own form of expertise and a commitment of time that most small business owners such as myself just dont have.

 Gene Marks is a certified public accountant and the owner of the Marks Group, a 10-member technology and financial management consulting firm in Bala Cynwyd.
Many times you might have found the multiple casinos available in the online market but when you are going to...
Melissa Burdock (left), a Grade 8 teacher at Summerland Middle School, poses with her students Maria Scarfo (middle) and Alex Widdis. Burdock, Scarfo and Widdis are excited for this years Real Acts of Caring week, which runs from Feb. 10  16.
Prophet Cosmos Walker Affran, the founder of Cosmos Affran Ministry has hinted that investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas' yet-to-be released video in honor of Ahmed Hussein-Suale will shake the ruling NPP government.



In a post on his Facebook wall, Prophet Cosmos revealed that Anas is set to release an explosive video on the murder of Ahmed Suale to expose his killers.



Read full post;



What is coming is bigger than Ghana and Africa? tiger  the tree is going to fall down and the elephant will not get anywhere to take shelter, the world will shake.  thou saith the Lord  prophecy by Prophet Cosmos Walker Affran.



Ahmed Hussein-Suale, a partner of Anas Aremeyaw Anasl and Tiger Eye PI was shot dead by unknown assailants.



His death has sparked uproar in the media with some people pointing fingers at Assin Central Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong to share the blame about the murder of the journalist.

Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/Peacefmonline/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Minister for Works and Housing and MP for Abuakwa South constituency, Hon Samuel Atta Akyea has called for a befitting final funeral rites to be organized for the late Dr Joseph Kwame Kyeretwie Boakye Danquah who died 54 years ago.



The late statesman died on the 4th of February 1965 in the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons in condemned cell under the regime of Dr Kwame Nwiah Nkrumah.



He said 54 years after his death the final funeral rites of the late JB Danquah has still not been held.



Hon Atta Akyea made the demand in Parliament today(Tuesday) in a statement to mark the 54th Anniversary of the death of Dr. J. B Danquah



He said the late Dr J.B Danquah was incarcerated under the Prevention Detention Act of 1958 passed by the Parliament of the day which conferred unfettered powers on President Nkrumah to imprison anyone in the realm under Executive Instrument for whatever term at his pleasure and without due process.



Hon. Atta Akyea described the late J.B Danquah as a courageous politician, lawyer, journalist, legislator, historian and a pioneer of Ghana's independence whose contribution to the development of the country cannot be erased.



Contributing to the statement, the MP for Assin South, Rev John Ntim Fordjour described the contribution of the late JB Danquah to the promotion of education in the country as very remarkable.



In her contribution to the statement also, the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama described the late JB Danquah as a dedicated person who stood, worked and fought for the interest of Ghana and must therefore be honoured.

Source: Emmanuel Akorli/Peace Fm/Parliamentary correspondent









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Minister for Energy, Hon Peter Amewu, has announced that Government has successfully revived the dying state of the energy sector.



According to the Energy Minister, the current administration met the sector in a very deplorable state with alarming high indebted utilities, high electricity tariffs, poor electricity distribution service and low energy penetration.



Speaking at a Meet the Press Series on the 5th of February 2019, at the Ministry of Information, Hon Peter Amewu stressed that Ghanaians are now enjoying affordable and reliable power due to his Government's relentless efforts in fixing the energy sector.



According to the Minister, his outfit has brought sanity to the power sub sector thus ensuring that Ghana is a promise land as far as energy is concerned.



"I am glad to announce that we reviewed several power purchase agreements saving the country over 700 million dollars every year for thirteen years in excess capacity charges. The reviewed and renegotiated renewable energy PPAs resulted in the reduction of tariffs from the average of 19.057 US Cent to 12.78 US Cents. The renewable energy total capacity also dropped from 2265.1MW to 515.6MW."



Hon Peter Amewu also said that Government have also achieved significant feats in gas commercialization stating that "there have been a significant reduction in gas price from US$ 10.5/MMBtu to US$7.89/MMBtu and have also successfully interconnected the gas export pipeline into Ghana's Atuabo-Takoradi (A-T) to enable the Sankofa gas to be transported through the Natural Gas Transmission System (NGTs) to various customers across the country.



The Minister also cited Government's effort to ensure fairness, transparency, and predictability in the Oil and Gas sector of the Country.



"His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo launched the first ever licensing Rounds Bid on Monday 15th October 2018 in accordance with the Petroleum Act of 2016. In February 2018, the Petroleum Commission launched the Petroleum Register which includes petroleum agreements, licenses, permits and authorizations," he stated.



He further noted that Government also directed the motivation of domestic petroleum product price increases.



"Since March 2017 to August 2018, Government has implemented various tax interventions such as the Removal of excise duty on 16th March 2017;

Reduction of the Special Petroleum Tax rate from 17.5% to 15% on 16th March 2017;

Reduction of the Special Petroleum Tax rate from 15% to 13% on 16th February 2018;

Conversion of the Special Petroleum Tax from Ad valorem to Specific Tax on 16th February 2018; and

Reduction of the Price Stabilization and Recovery Levies (PSRL) from 1st December 2017."



The Minister also spoke on the safety of Ghanaians saying that Cabinet have directed a number of actions including the immediate commencement of the National Liquified Petroleum Gas(LPG) Promotion Policy based on the Cylinder Recirculating Model (RCM).



According to him, this is to ensure that at least 50 percent of Ghanaians have access to safe and environmentally friendly LPG for domestic, commercial and industrial use by 2030.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Member of Parliament for Bia East constituency in the Western Region, Richard Acheampong has said that no NDC member or executive would want to retaliate the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election brutality.



 . . We are seeking from the police especially the President who is the Commander in charge of the Armed Forces to take a speedy decision on the act, as he claims to be in a hurry to build-up Ghana, he said as panelist on UTVs Adekye Nsroma newspaper discussion segment.



Richard Acheampong affirmed that to his knowledge the Ghana Police Service is the only institution in charge of security issues during elections, so where from those men, who are they and why the masked faces if they are qualified security men as the Minister of State in charge of National Security, Bryan Acheampong claims.



The Bia East MP as well cautioned his fellow politicians to stop making reference to previous issues that have happened in the past to support current occurrences.



Lets focus on what has happened today as we put Ghana first in our hearts, he advised.



The Minority in Parliament on Tuesday marched to the police headquarters in Accra to demand the identities of masked armed men, who besieged the La Bawaleshie Presby School Polling Station during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election.



Member of Parliament for the Tamale North Constituency Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini hinted on TV3 on Monday that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs will continue to march to the police headquarters until the identities of the men have been revealed.



According to the Tamale North MP, the claims by the police that they do not know the men who were driving in a their SWAT vehicle do not add up.





Source: Elizabeth Semiheva Bedi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Dr Sekou Nkrumah, the youngest son of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president, has said Mr Totobi Quakyi lacks the moral right to write to President Nana Akufo-Addo to condemn the violence that marred the Ayawaso West Wuogon by election on Thursday, 31 January 2019 because similar violence occurred under the then National Democratic Congress (NDC) government in the 1990s when Mr Quakyi was the Minister of National Security.



Mr Quakyi in an open letter to Nana Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, 5 February 2019 described the scenes at the residence of the NDC candidate at La-Bawaleshie where some national security operatives shot and wounded six NDC supporters as utterly disgraceful and well-deserving of the condemnation of all true patriots of this nation.



More importantly, those events were but another expression of pervasive lawlessness, impunity and disregard for due process that our democracy certainly cannot survive if left unchecked. Nothing less than the very stability of this nation is at stake, for the next step from this point takes us over the edge and into the abyss, Mr Quakyi added.



In a swift response, Mr Nkrumah said Mr Quakyi is a hypocrite as similar violence was meted out to innocent Ghanaians under the watch of Mr Quakyi in the 90s.



Mr Nkrumah posted the following on Facebook:



Not so fast Totobi Quakyi!

Some of us are old enough to remember what your NDC government in the 1990s did to peaceful demonstrators!

On several occasions your government through the security forces brutalized innocent Ghanaians who were just protesting bad government policies!

Also the so called para military groups beat up and even killed some demonstrators, so please lets not go there!

Your hypocrisy is too glaring and you have no moral right to write any letter to the President





Below is Mr Quakyis open letter to Nana Akufo-Addo



His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

President of the Republic of Ghana

Jubilee House

Accra.

Your Excellency,



OPEN LETTER ON RECENT EVENTS AT AYAWASO WEST WUOGON CONSTITUENCY



I write to you in my capacity as a former Minister of National Security, as a son of the land, and as a father in the hope that you might exercise the moral authority of your Office to pull this nation back from the precipice on which it now stands. The scenes we witnessed during the by-election at Ayawaso West Wuogon were utterly disgraceful and well-deserving of the condemnation of all true patriots of this nation.



More importantly, those events were but another expression of a pervasive lawlessness, impunity and disregard for due process that our democracy certainly cannot survive if left unchecked. Nothing less than the very stability of this nation is at stake, for the next step from this point takes us over the edge and into the abyss.



Your Excellency, I held the National Security portfolio during the presidential election of 2000, and oversaw the first democratic transition of political power since Ghana attained her independence some four decades prior. The result of that election did not favor my party nor my esteemed candidate, and the lost opportunity to further the work we had began was a disappointment. Yet I was privileged to have played a critical role in affirming this nations commitment to the high ideals of freedom and justice, and to the path of peace and democracy. Many of the details of that momentous period remain in the confidences of those of us most intimately involved, including your good self. You know well that sound counsel prevailed over petty partisanship, and that ego was subjugated to the interests and wisdom of the Ghanaian people. I respectfully pray you to be mindful of this, for the uncertainty of the present hour demands no less.



Your Excellency, I have taken the time to apprise myself of public details of the unsavory events that marred the by-election, and have brought to bear my little national security experience in assessing them and their implications without prejudice or presumption. This is why I deem it imperative that Ghanaians have an honest, fact-based conversation about the events of last Thursday. They were ominous portents of the coming election in 2020, and of the inevitability of bloodshed if we persist in this course.



Our continent is replete with countries that have degenerated into civil war for less. We must set aside our partisan colourings that we might learn from what happened and commit ourselves to the avoidance of any future repetition for the sake of posterity.



The unsettled scores of yesterdays men must not condemn the hopes of tomorrows and of their generations. I have been scandalized by the suggestion that the armed, masked men who set upon innocent Ghanaians are agents of our national security apparatus. High ranking appointees of your administration have severally made this claim, and premised their justifications of the ghastly brutality on the same.



It is worth noting, too, that other government officials have insisted that the brigands were hired hands of the National Democratic Congress who were engaged to orchestrate chaos in order to rationalize my partys withdrawal from the by-election. These explanations, by their very nature, are mutually exclusive, suggesting that at least one of them is a patent falsehood.



The latter claim, which was put forward by the national leadership of your party, was directly contradicted on the Saturday following the incident by your own Minister of National Security. Hon. Bryan Acheampong aligned with the former explanation, claimed the men as his own, and alleged that they were pursuing some alleged threat in the home of Mr. Delali Brempong, a career pharmacist and parliamentary candidate.



Mr. President, Ghanaians take great pride in the exemplary professionalism of the women and men of our national security apparatus. It is a product of their thorough training, remarkable discipline and personal integrity. They have stood in the breach for this nation on countless, unspoken occasions to preserve our peace and freedoms without recognition or praise. The suggestion that these marauders number in their ranks demeans the service and sacrifice of those true patriots who stand guard for their nation and for their countrymen.



The reckless use of live firepower against unarmed citizens; the attempt to enter a private residence without a warrant; the physical assault of a sitting Member of Parliament; the threats against election officials, party agents and independent observers; and the battery of uniformed service members who sought to intervene in these acts of intimidation - these are entirely inconsistent with the professional and operational guidelines of the national security apparatus known to me.



The plain truth is that these things did indeed happen and were well documented by journalists and by election observers. The ongoing attempt to gaslight the Ghanaian public will not wash, and it is also terribly shortsighted and myopic. Those of your counsellors who are making a public mockery of the intelligence of the Ghanaian people - delighting in the recent events and fostering thoughts of repetition - betray your good name and are traitors to your legacy.



The indignation of your appointed Electoral Commissioner about the seriousness of the situation only serves to stoke the embers that we must hastily put out. The conceitedness of her response evidences an astonishing degree of political immaturity, and her attempt to discredit the observations and valid concerns of the independent observers is truly unfortunate, unconscionable and unwise.



The events at Ayawaso West Wuogon mark a notable escalation in the political thuggery that is fast becoming a staple of our politics, because they were perpetrated in the name of the State and with the implements of its defense. They establish a precedent that all but ensures a cycle of revenge and reprisal that will irreparably weaken the rule of law in this country, and, of greater concern, destroy the already frail public trust in some of our most critical national institutions.



This, Your Excellency, is the ultimate threat to the security of any nation, especially in our part of the world. Several civil society organisations including Occupy Ghana have urged you to establish a judicial commission of enquiry into the unfortunate events of last Thursday. I beseech you to heed these calls. The inaction of your government will amount to the complicity of your Presidency in those inexcusable acts.



Your Excellency, it has been my custom in recent times to abstain from the brouhaha of our public discourse, as I truly relish the solitude of private life. But silence in such a moment as this amounts to moral cowardice, and I owe it to my God, my family and my country to speak out against what is manifestly and unequivocally wrong. I urge you to act with haste to commission a public investigation into the circumstances surrounding the events at Ayawaso West Wuogon that justice may have its day.



This must be an investigation of true substance, one that will be palpably credible. Otherwise I fear our national memory of your legacy will be of a moral negligence that allowed us to go over the edge.



I conclude with the words of a hymn of my beloved Methodist Church, which I have been reminded of in recent days. I hope it will resonate with you as a man of faith, and that persons of moral authority in Ghana who shall chance upon this letter might stand for the right and echo its counsel:



Once to every man and nation

Comes the moment to decide,

In the strife of truth and falsehood,

For the good or evil side;

Some great cause, some great decision,

Offering each the bloom or blight,

And the choice goes by forever

Between that darkness and that light.

---

Though the cause of evil prosper,

Yet the truth alone is strong;

Though her portion be the scaffold,

And upon the throne be wrong;

Yet that scaffold sways the future,

And, behind the dim unknown,

Standeth God within the shadow,

Keeping watch above His own.



Your Excellency far too much has already been sacrificed for the future of this nation.



I send you the assurances of my highest consideration in this matter.



I remain,

Sincerely Yours,

Kofi Totobi Quakyi, C.V.









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

President of the Republic of Ghana

Jubilee House

Accra.

Your Excellency,



OPEN LETTER ON RECENT EVENTS AT AYAWASO WEST WUOGON CONSTITUENCY



I write to you in my capacity as a former Minister of National Security, as a son of the land, and as a father in the hope that you might exercise the moral authority of your Office to pull this nation back from the precipice on which it now stands. The scenes we witnessed during the by-election at Ayawaso West Wuogon were utterly disgraceful and well-deserving of the condemnation of all true patriots of this nation.



More importantly, those events were but another expression of a pervasive lawlessness, impunity and disregard for due process that our democracy certainly cannot survive if left unchecked. Nothing less than the very stability of this nation is at stake, for the next step from this point takes us over the edge and into the abyss.



Your Excellency, I held the National Security portfolio during the presidential election of 2000, and oversaw the first democratic transition of political power since Ghana attained her independence some four decades prior. The result of that election did not favor my party nor my esteemed candidate, and the lost opportunity to further the work we had began was a disappointment. Yet I was privileged to have played a critical role in affirming this nations commitment to the high ideals of freedom and justice, and to the path of peace and democracy. Many of the details of that momentous period remain in the confidences of those of us most intimately involved, including your good self. You know well that sound counsel prevailed over petty partisanship, and that ego was subjugated to the interests and wisdom of the Ghanaian people. I respectfully pray you to be mindful of this, for the uncertainty of the present hour demands no less.



Your Excellency, I have taken the time to apprise myself of public details of the unsavory events that marred the by-election, and have brought to bear my little national security experience in assessing them and their implications without prejudice or presumption. This is why I deem it imperative that Ghanaians have an honest, fact-based conversation about the events of last Thursday. They were ominous portents of the coming election in 2020, and of the inevitability of bloodshed if we persist in this course.



Our continent is replete with countries that have degenerated into civil war for less. We must set aside our partisan colourings that we might learn from what happened and commit ourselves to the avoidance of any future repetition for the sake of posterity.



The unsettled scores of yesterdays men must not condemn the hopes of tomorrows and of their generations. I have been scandalized by the suggestion that the armed, masked men who set upon innocent Ghanaians are agents of our national security apparatus. High ranking appointees of your administration have severally made this claim, and premised their justifications of the ghastly brutality on the same.



It is worth noting, too, that other government officials have insisted that the brigands were hired hands of the National Democratic Congress who were engaged to orchestrate chaos in order to rationalize my partys withdrawal from the by-election. These explanations, by their very nature, are mutually exclusive, suggesting that at least one of them is a patent falsehood.



The latter claim, which was put forward by the national leadership of your party, was directly contradicted on the Saturday following the incident by your own Minister of National Security. Hon. Bryan Acheampong aligned with the former explanation, claimed the men as his own, and alleged that they were pursuing some alleged threat in the home of Mr. Delali Brempong, a career pharmacist and parliamentary candidate.



Mr. President, Ghanaians take great pride in the exemplary professionalism of the women and men of our national security apparatus. It is a product of their thorough training, remarkable discipline and personal integrity. They have stood in the breach for this nation on countless, unspoken occasions to preserve our peace and freedoms without recognition or praise. The suggestion that these marauders number in their ranks demeans the service and sacrifice of those true patriots who stand guard for their nation and for their countrymen.



The reckless use of live firepower against unarmed citizens; the attempt to enter a private residence without a warrant; the physical assault of a sitting Member of Parliament; the threats against election officials, party agents and independent observers; and the battery of uniformed service members who sought to intervene in these acts of intimidation - these are entirely inconsistent with the professional and operational guidelines of the national security apparatus known to me.



The plain truth is that these things did indeed happen and were well documented by journalists and by election observers. The ongoing attempt to gaslight the Ghanaian public will not wash, and it is also terribly shortsighted and myopic. Those of your counsellors who are making a public mockery of the intelligence of the Ghanaian people - delighting in the recent events and fostering thoughts of repetition - betray your good name and are traitors to your legacy.



The indignation of your appointed Electoral Commissioner about the seriousness of the situation only serves to stoke the embers that we must hastily put out. The conceitedness of her response evidences an astonishing degree of political immaturity, and her attempt to discredit the observations and valid concerns of the independent observers is truly unfortunate, unconscionable and unwise.



The events at Ayawaso West Wuogon mark a notable escalation in the political thuggery that is fast becoming a staple of our politics, because they were perpetrated in the name of the State and with the implements of its defense. They establish a precedent that all but ensures a cycle of revenge and reprisal that will irreparably weaken the rule of law in this country, and, of greater concern, destroy the already frail public trust in some of our most critical national institutions.



This, Your Excellency, is the ultimate threat to the security of any nation, especially in our part of the world. Several civil society organisations including Occupy Ghana have urged you to establish a judicial commission of enquiry into the unfortunate events of last Thursday. I beseech you to heed these calls. The inaction of your government will amount to the complicity of your Presidency in those inexcusable acts.



Your Excellency, it has been my custom in recent times to abstain from the brouhaha of our public discourse, as I truly relish the solitude of private life. But silence in such a moment as this amounts to moral cowardice, and I owe it to my God, my family and my country to speak out against what is manifestly and unequivocally wrong. I urge you to act with haste to commission a public investigation into the circumstances surrounding the events at Ayawaso West Wuogon that justice may have its day.



This must be an investigation of true substance, one that will be palpably credible. Otherwise I fear our national memory of your legacy will be of a moral negligence that allowed us to go over the edge.



I conclude with the words of a hymn of my beloved Methodist Church, which I have been reminded of in recent days. I hope it will resonate with you as a man of faith, and that persons of moral authority in Ghana who shall chance upon this letter might stand for the right and echo its counsel:



Once to every man and nation

Comes the moment to decide,

In the strife of truth and falsehood,

For the good or evil side;

Some great cause, some great decision,

Offering each the bloom or blight,

And the choice goes by forever

Between that darkness and that light.

---

Though the cause of evil prosper,

Yet the truth alone is strong;

Though her portion be the scaffold,

And upon the throne be wrong;

Yet that scaffold sways the future,

And, behind the dim unknown,

Standeth God within the shadow,

Keeping watch above His own.



Your Excellency far too much has already been sacrificed for the future of this nation.



I send you the assurances of my highest consideration in this matter.



I remain,

Sincerely Yours,

Kofi Totobi Quakyi, C.V.









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Member of Parliament for Kumbungu constituency in the Northern Region, Ras Mubarak has asked government to reply in equal measure the sanctions applied on Ghana by the US government following a diplomacy disagreement.



According to him government should also apply the same visa restrictions they have applied on the country, adding that government should not kowtow to the pressure of the US government.



Speaking on Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' programme, he explained that he sides with the government with their position on the issue.



"We are a sovereign nation, you cannot just expect us to deport 7,000 people who are claiming to be Ghanaians without thoroughly screening and vetting them.



"I am looking forward to seeing the government of Ghana respond in equal measure. We are equal partners in this and if the United States decides to ignore the weight of evidence brought before them by government we should retaliate," he angrily said.



The US governments statement that announced the restrictions warned that Ghana will face more sanctions if the governments posture does not change.



Without an appropriate response from Ghana, the scope of these sanctions may be expanded to a wider population. The sanctions will remain in place until the Secretary of Homeland Security notifies Secretary Pompeo that cooperation on removals has improved to an acceptable level.



Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has refuted claims by the United States of America government that it is not cooperating on the deportation of Ghanaians from the US, which has led to visa sanctions being placed on some Ghanaian citizens.



In the governments first official response on the matter, it expressed concern and disappointment with the development and said such allegations were unfounded.



The ministry also said, the sanctions imposed on Ghana are without any justification whatsoever.



It held that it had always cooperated with the US authorities in the processing and removal of Ghanaian citizens who have been cited for deportation.

Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Former President Mahamas threat to mobilize members of the NDC to unleash violence during the 2020 general elections has attracted tacit responses from some leading members of the main opposition party who are ostensibly unhappy about the utterances.



They include the NDC founder and former President Jerry John Rawlings, who has warned: Those who are bent on using violence to achieve their aims must be prepared to answer for their actions.



In a statement seen as an indirect response to Mr. Mahamas remarks that the NPP is no match for the NDC when it comes to unleashing violence, Mr. Rawlings said yesterday that the party he founded had done little to contain violence within it.



He was speaking at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra after visiting Yaro Ishawu, a victim of last Thursdays La-Bawaleshie shooting incident.



Violence in NDC



Mr. Rawlings bemoaned recent bickering in the opposition party that led to a member being attacked by an NDC executive in the Volta Region.



Edem Tekpli is a victim of our own internal violence machinery against the colleague of an aspiring parliamentarian, former President Rawlings said.



He said the NDC MP aspirant had used most of his savings to provide water for villages in his constituency. However, he eventually received a telephone call from n executive who warned him to desist from such activities and to slow down in pursuing his parliamentary ambition.



The former President said he could not understand how an MP aspirant could not engage in activities that would endear him to the people like the provision of very basic water.



Goosie digs at Mahama



Meanwhile, one of the NDCs flagbearer aspirants, Goosie Tanoh, has warned the youth not to follow blindly any leader who wants t use them for political violence.



According to him, only irresponsible leaders incite others to use violence to address grievances.



The only time the people can take up arms is to defend the constitution. It also says the monopoly of the use of force is in the police, in the civil sector, and the armed forces in the military sector.



No one else: no Hawks, no Kandahar, no one else. It is irresponsible political leaders who do not have your interests at heart, he said at the weekend.



Mr. Tanoh was addressing members of the Tertiary Institutions Network (TEIN) of the NDC in the Volta Region.



Do not allow yourself to be used and do not condone things that are wrong simply because they belong to your party, he told the NDC youth activists.



Mr. Tanoh said the smallest sign of violence by a member of the part y could drive away not only NDC members but also floating votes, who decide the outcome of most elections.



Apparently addressing former President Mahama, Mr. Tanoh said Ghanas constitution states that all disputes must be resolved by peaceful means and not through boot for boot.



In a related development, vociferous NDC member Dela Coffie has taken Mr. Mahama to the cleaners for his comments.



Delas beef



In an article titled Digesting John Mahamas boot for boot comment, Mr. Coffie said he was surprised that a former president could spew such words.



It is amazing the sheer brazenness and the absolute illogicality of such a statement from an ex-President, who from all indications is having a huge challenge in his bid at a comeback to the Presidency.



What is equally unfathomable is how far John Mahama would go to destroy the NDC, a party that offered him the opportunity to lead it even though he was originally from the CPP stock, Mr. Coffie said.



He wondered why Mr. Mahama would want to take up arms to settle political differences.



A whole former President of Ghana? And he intends to engage in civil war while his children are studying in Europe and Far East?



Whose children and family members does he intend to use for his senseless and immoral civil unrest?



He said Mr. Mahama was a huge failure as President who had presided over the most corrupt government in the history of Ghana.



Mahama wasnt good enough to be held up as an example for others to follow, Mr. Coffie said. He had every opportunity to set himself apart and provide excellent leadership. But he squandered it all and ended up as a failed leader, with a weak legacy if any at all.

Source: The Daily Statesman









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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About eight opposition political parties are joining forces in a massive demonstration on Thursday, February 7, 2019 to register their displeasure in the violence that marred the recently held by-election in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency.



The opposition parties coming together under the name: Inter-Party Coalition for National Sovereignty include: the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), the Ghana Consolidated Peoples Party (GCPP), the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), the Peoples National Convention (PNC), United Front Party (UFP), the EGLE Party and the All Peoples Congress (APC).



The protest is dubbed 'aagbe wo' to wit 'we are being killed or they are killing us'.



In a statement, the Convener of the Coalition, Bernard Mornah said: the opposition parties hope to draw public attention to the looming threat on [Ghanas] democracy, peace and stability."



According to the group as required by the Public Order Act 1994, Act 491, we wrote to notify the police and have subsequently had a fruitful meeting with the Greater Accra Regional Command. We assured them of our commitment to conduct a very peaceful and non-violent demonstration



They are also calling "on all well-meaning Ghanaians to join in this mass action against oppression, injustice, electoral violence, vigilantism, police brutalities, rampant kidnapping and the breakdown of law and order.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Telecommunication giants, Vodafone Ghana, in partnership with Facebook has launched Express Wi-Fi program to deliver connectivity to underserved areas across the country.



Express Wi-Fi is a program that helps retail entrepreneurs to offer fast and affordable Wi-Fi services at hotspots spread across their communities. It is deployed in countries including India, Kenya, Indonesia, Nigeria and Tanzania.



Vodafone Ghana sees this as an extension of a strategy to ignite a digital revolution in Ghana by leaving no one behind. Despite a data penetration rate of 80.3% according to the National Communications Authoritys (NCA) website, large portions of underprivileged Ghanaians are still unable to afford easy access to data due to the price.



The partnership between the two progressive technology companies is set to transform an industry that is already making a concerted effort to establish data dominance in the sub-region. Vodafone has already deployed hotspots within Accra for the initiative, including in areas such as Nima, James Town, Maamobi, Pig Farm and Abossey Okai.



Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Ghana, Yolanda Cuba, said It is certainly a demonstration of our strategy in action. We remain committed to making sure every Ghanaian becomes a part of the data revolution, which currently represents the next stage of growth in this age of technological dominance.

She added that Affordability remains an issue for users in the underserved regions of the country, despite their high demand for data, and this initiative is the answer.



For his part, Deputy Minister for Communications, Vincent Sowah Odotei, commended Vodafone Ghana for the brilliant move to launch the 'Vodafone express WIFI by Facebook' in Ghana.



According to him, the move is a way of complimenting governments digitalization efforts to bring connectivity to unserved areas, thus communities excluded in the digital revolution.



This is part of governments digital agenda and it is something that the ministry is encouraging other private sector companies to do, Mr Sowah Odotei said. He added that 'Vodafone express WIFI by Facebook' is also a way of creating jobs.



Mr Sowah Odotei indicated that government's support to the Telecommunications companies is to lay fiber optic cables across the country so that Telcos can take advantage of spreading their networks across the country.



The technology is available on Android and iOS phones, tablets and laptops. Customers need to connect to any available 200 hotspots within Accra without switching SIM cards. Additionally, customers can also purchase Express Wi-Fi data packs from a branded and accredited Vodafone Express Wi-Fi Retailer in the targeted communities.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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A young motorist has landed himself into big trouble after crashing into four parked Ferraris while working as a delivery driver in the New Taipei City in Northern Taiwan.



According to The Sun Uk, the 20-year-old identified only as Lin allegedly fell asleep at the wheel while delivering joss paper for his single mum's business, causing over 500,000 worth of damage.



He claimed he was too tired to be behind the wheel when he crashed into three Ferrari 488s and a Ferrari F12 worth a combined 1.3milllion.



Lin who is from a poor background had promised to pay what he could, and vowing to "take responsibility" for his actions with the estimated repair bill fixed at 520,000.



It was also revealed by the publication that the New Taipei's Department of Social Welfare have already gathered some 830 donations, totaling 135,000, to assist with covering the cost of the damage.

Source: the sun.co.uk









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Ghanas Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, Madam Catherine Abelema Afeku has been appointed as Chairperson of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Leadership Taskforce Group.



The announcement was made at the first meeting of the Leadership Taskforce which took place on 25 January 2019 at the UNWTO headquarters in Madrid, Spain.



Her new appointment outlines her utter involvement in tourism not just in Ghana but in the world at large.



A letter signed by the General Secretary of the United Nation World Tourism Organisation, Zurab Pololikashvili, and addressed to Madam Afeku stated It is with great pleasure that I have learned of your unanimous appointment as Chairperson for the Leadership Taskforce Group



Mr. Pololikashvili added that I would like to convey to you my warmest congratulations and I wish you every success and personal satisfaction in your new responsibilities as Chairperson for the upcoming mandate of two years.



He further expressed optimism in Madam Afekus appointed adding that I personally look forward to the collaboration between UNWTO and Ghana for the Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Africa in the Tourism Sector, which is scheduled to be hosted in Accra, Ghana from 25-27 November 2019.



The UNWTO congress, he explained will play a crucial role for Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.



It will also address one of the key priorities of the UNWTO Africa agenda on Empowering Youth and Women through Tourism linked to SDGs 5, 8, 10.



Reacting to her the appointment, Madam Catherine Afeku, expressed excitement on her new role.



I feel very honored, humbled and elated to be appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Leadership Taskforce Group. The appointment means a lot to me as the Tourism Minister because it will help in my continued efforts in propagating Ghanas rich culture as I continue to work with my other colleagues from other countries around the World she said.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The National Union of Ghana Students NUGs) has condemned illegal punishment meted out to some students in Akomadan Senior High School.



The Leadership of the Union believes that the uncouth attitude of the four residents was wrong and can lead to multiple negative health conditions for affected students.



The welfare of every student in Ghana is our priority and we will continue to be with them in any situation.



Read full statement below



The attention of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has been drawn to a video circulating on both traditional and social media platforms, where some three(3) students alleged to be students of Akomadan Senior High School were being coerced by some four(4) residents of Akomadan to eat uncooked chicken under an unpleasant situation.



The Leadership of the Union believes that the uncouth attitude of the four residents was wrong and can lead to multiple negative health conditions for affected students. The welfare of every student in Ghana is our priority and we will continue to be with them in any situation.



NUGS condems the alleged stealing by the students but disagree and condemned the punishment meted out to the students.



The Union urges all stakeholders in this case specifically to handle it with all urgency and seek justice for the affected students. The four persons involved in this illegal, inhumane and insensitive action should be made to face the full rigours of the law.



We would use this platform to also advice students to desist from any form of stealing and other unscrupulous behaviours. We, the students of Ghana, have a great task of becoming better persons in the future to the benefit of our Motherland Ghana.



Signed



Kobby Otchere Marfo

(Press and Information Secretary, NUGS)

0240852651



Tinkaro Asare Osei

(President, NUGS)

0543253243

Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/Peacefmonline/[email protected]









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Minister for Railways Joe Ghartey last week paid a days working visit to Paga and Navrongo to brief the chiefs on progress so far made with regard to the extension of railways to Paga and Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso and to seek the blessings and support of traditional authorities, as consultants prepare to come round for the engineering works.



The two chiefs  Pe Awampaga of Paga and Pe Asagepare II  didnt mince words in expressing their excitement, including that of their subjects, about the project. They thanked the President for his foresight and tenacity of purpose and prayed that the execution of the project would engender the accompanying development to their respective areas.



According to the minister, the project is the Kumasi-Paga route and the Eastern Corridor route. Consultants are already at work and hopefully engineering processes are expected to be completed in eight months time.



Sixteen companies expressed interest, with 12 shortlisted for further consideration.



The minister was accompanied by his deputy  Andy Appiah Kubi  a consultant and some staff of the ministry.

Source: Daily Guide









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Seven Environmental organizations have renewed calls on the government to urgently stop all mining and prospecting activities in the Atiwa Forest Reserve due to it dire repercussions on the country.



The Environmental groups said the Atiwaa Forest delivered a variety of ecosystem service and other benefits that superseded whatever financial gains the country may derive from mining bauxite in the forest.



The environmental groups, led by ARocha Ghana, Wildlife Society of Ghana, Rainforest Trust, Friends of the Earth-Ghana, International Committee of the Netherlands, and Advocates for Biodiversity Conservation. They urged the government and the China Development Bank to explore alternative ways in which the Atiwa Forest would generate additional financial resources for the state and also support the development of local communities while preserving the ecological integrity for the forest.



The Atiwa Forest, located in the Eastern Region and among the 260 forest reserves in the country, is one of the largest remaining blocks of tropical forests and one of the healthiest and important ecosystems in West Africa. It has national recognition as an important reserve, which delivers a variety of ecosystem services and also shelters the head water of major rivers such as the Weija, Densu, Birim and Ayensu, which serve most communities with potable water.



Professor Alfred Oteng Yeboah, Former Chair of the Subsidiary Body on Science, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity reiterated the need for government to reconsider its decision.



Prof Yeboah stated at the opening of a two-day exhibition to showcase the rich biodiversity of the Atiwa Forest. Giving a personal account of how the forest had impacted on his life and profession, he said, I drew lots of inspiration for and become closely associated with the beauty of the Atiwa landscape, which was always covered in clouds, making it the only remaining upland evergreen and cloud forest in Ghana.



He questioned why a precious, unique and priceless site such as Atiwa be destroyed and who would account for the endemic animals and plants, many of which were yet to be scientifically discovered and named.



Who will follow the removal of rocks which predate our current age, mark and study them to provide an account of their history? Who will supervise the removal and haulage of the excavated soil of the mountain and make sure that it is only bauxite deposits that are being removed but not diamonds and gold? He asked



I am aware of work done on the ecosystem valuation of the Atiwa in terms of its contribution to human wellbeing which far outstrips any destructive and unsustainable economic endeavour that would involve the removal of the mountain.



This is where the Precautionary Principle enshrined in Agenda 21, which is the forerunner of the current global Agenda 2030 and the AU 2063 should be invoked.



Mr. Stephen Appiah Kubi, National Director of ARocha Ghana said Atiwa host a long list of threatened species of flora and fauna, as well as a watershed for three rivers and several tributes. Being a remnant of the Upland Evergreen Forest region, he stated that Atiwa was part of five percent of the remaining forest.



We are aware and mindful o the need for economic development for our country but we are also aware of that safeguarding important critical ecosystems, in general, are key element in achieving sustainable development for any country



The various organization, he said were proposing to the government to upgrade the Atiwa forest to a national park with a supporting buffers zone. Mr. Eric Lartey, the National Director of Ghana Wildlife Society, on his part, said scientific studies conducted indicated that the forest reserve rear species of birds that were of global significance and urged for it to be protected.



Source: The Insight









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The identities of two suspected armed robbers who were lynched on Thursday at Tojeh near Kasseh, have been identified by their families.



They are Emmanuel Hogar, 25, from Korlekope near Kasseh, Ada, and Sulley Mohammed, 27, from Sogakope Zongo, South Tongu District.



Mr George Andrews Kumah, the Chief Superintendent of Police, the Ada Divisional Police Commander, confirmed the names to the GNA on Friday at Kasseh.



He said at about 1830 hours on Thursday, January 31, the two robbers approached and requested an "okada" rider at Kasseh to take them to a village beyond Tojeh on the Accra-Aflao Highway.



Mr Kumah said the motor rider declined as he suspected them to be criminals, judging from their posture.



He said the robbers approached another rider, who accepted to convey them to their destination.



The Police said the first motor rider the robbers contacted unsure of the safety of his colleague, asked another rider to accompany him trail their colleague and the robbers.



He said just after Tojeh, the robbers requested the motor rider to stop with one stabbing him with a sharp object.



Mr Kumah said the two succeeded in snatching the motorbike and left the victim in a pool of blood.



He said before long, those trailing them caught up with the riders and arrested them with the help of some youth in communities around.



Mr Kumah said the youth pelted the robbers with stones and other objects killing one before the police got there.



He said the police conveyed the second one to the hospital in a critical condition, but he also died shortly on arrival.



Mr Kumah said the victim, whose name was not given, had since been treated and discharged at the same hospital, where the bodies of the robbers were being kept pending investigations.



The District Police Commander, however, appealed to the public to avoid mob action because it had negative effects on fighting crime.



As much as we encourage public vigilance to aid police fight crime, we discourage mob action and instant justice because suspects deaths only prevent investigation, which could bring out more insights, modus operandi and accomplices from suspects for better clues, Mr Kumah said.



Motor bike snatching, killing and maiming of riders are almost becoming daily occurrences in the Ada West and East districts, with residents expressing worry over the development.

Source: GNA









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Fought more ferociously, more doggedly, more ostentatiously, more brazenly, and oftentimes more brutally than General Elections are By-Elections in Ghana. Chereponi, Talensi, Akwatia, Agbogloshie, Atiwa, are but some of the more infamous names in the annals of By-elections in Ghana. These By-elections have been costly not only in terms of money but also life and limb. While there was fortunately no loss of life in the latest of Ghanas by-elections, Ayawaso West Wuogon, there was enough violence to make Ayawaso West Wuogon take its place on the list of infamous by-elections in Ghana.



NPP-Canada re-echoes the concerns and sentiments of President Akufo-Addo by condemning the isolated violence that erupted during the by-elections. The President stated that a by-election should be a peaceful and happy event, no matter how competitive. NPP-Canada could not agree more with President Akufo-Addo on what a by-election should mean to the Ghanaian people.



As long as Ghana maintains a Parliament, there would be the inevitable need to replace a member of parliament (MP) who may have been deceased, resigned or otherwise incapacitated during the four-year term of a parliament. Should Ghana continue to have by-elections as we know it? That is the question NPP-Canada wishes to proffer an opinion.



In an online publication on November 22, 2018, by Joy News, the NDC member of parliament for Kumbungu in the Northern Region, Hon Ras Mubarak was reported to have admonished his NDC Party and other political parties not to put up a candidate for the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat. According to the publication, Hon. Mubarak wrote on his facebook wall as follows: we should have an agreement amongst ourselves that if a sitting MP dies, the party from which he was an MP should select a candidate to serve his remaining term. The events of January 31, the date of the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-elections have clearly vindicated the position of Hon Mubarak. It is unfortunate that NDC Chairman Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo did not apply such fore-sightedness in his first major test as Chairman of the NDC.



To deepen Democracy in Ghana, to enhance consensus-building for national development in Ghana, NPP-Canada takes the view that a bi-partisan consensus on future By-Elections would be a step in the right direction. To this end, NPP-Canada joins the growing calls on the NPP and the NDC to adopt a bi-partisan consensus to the effect that in the event of a by-election, a seat that was held by one of them would not be contested by the other.



If French, German and British soldiers fighting a bitter war could call a Christmas Truce across the blood-soaked trenches in 1914, there is no reason why there cant be a By-Election Truce among the NPP and the NDC in 2019. This would save money. But more importantly, it would save lives.



Ghana, mon tie.





Source: Gilbert Adu Gyimah/Director of Communications/NPP/Canada [email protected]









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I am a citizen of Ghana and my name is ADAM BONAA and I have 21 Questions the National Security and government must answer.



1. Whats the name of the commander who led the supposed NS operatives into the deadly shootings at Labawalashie?

2. What is the level training/Rank of the commander who leads them, if any

3. Who issued the instructions to shoot

4. At what point did NS pick Intel on individuals with deadly weapons but failed to involve other sector security agencies

5. What are the names of the officers who were used

6. Are they Party boys? Anyway, what is the full meaning of NSC?

7. How many bullets were fired or discharged

8. What types of guns or firearms were used

9. Where from the brand new firearms USED

10. Since when did NS change it mandate of coordinating other security agencies to keeping firearms and maintaining a standby security force

11. Were the other security agencies (Police and Armed Forces) involved in the deadly operation

12. Why were meetings leading to that operation not held at the NS Ministry but at a private home?

13. Who is in Charge at the National Security

14. Why did NS use Police branded vehicles/trucks when it was strictly NS security operation

15. Why is NS keeping POLICE Branded Vehicles

16. How long has the NS had in its custody the Police Vehicles they USED

17. Are we by this going to see more of such illegal operations from NS

18. Where did the NS Operatives get Police SWAT unit uniforms from

19. Are we going to see the President take swift action and dismiss those who must be dismissed to restore some sanity in the security services and forces in Ghana

20. Which of the State security agencies are strictly in charge of internal security

21. Are those who suffered injuries during the operation going to be compensated? If yes, how much? If no, why?

Source: Adam Bonaa | CEO Security Warehouse Limited









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Energy Minister Peter Amewu says government has rolled out plans to establish a petroleum hub in the Western part of the country.



He says the purpose of the hub is to house major infrastructure for refining and processing, discharge, storage, distribution, transportation and trading of petroleum products.



According to the Energy minister, this development will position the country as a pivot for refined petroleum products in the West African sub-region and the world at large in the medium to long term.



Mr. Amewu also indicated that the establishment of a petroleum hub is one of the governments strategic anchor initiatives that would serve as a new pillar of growth in the Ghanaian economy.



He was speaking at the Meet-The-Press-Series organised by the Information Ministry.



The Energy Minister also announced government will soon amend the countrys petroleum laws to deepen the promotion of local content in the industry. He said the Petroleum Commission has been tasked to work toward amending the Petroleum (Local Content and Local Participation) Regulations 2013 (L.I 2204).



He says the amendment in parliament will make the law more robust to counter and meet current industry challenges. He said the planned amendments will also deepen the promotion of indigenous Ghanaian participation and in-country spends in the sector.



Mr. Amewu also disclosed government will in 2019 work with other key stakeholders in the petroleum upstream sector to develop a number of other policies for the benefit of the industry. He indicated that key among the policies is the National Technology Transfer Policy and Sustainability and Social Inclusion Policy.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









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"The Night When the Moon Was Full": A film about true love story of a terrorist

02/05/19

Source: Tehran Times

TEHRAN - The 37th Fajr Film Festival has premiered director Narges Abyar's latest drama "The Night When the Moon Was Full" about a true love story of Abdul-Hamid Rigi, a member of the Jundallah terrorist group.



Read Sobh-e No interview with Hutan Shakiba





The film tells the story of Abdul-Hamid Rigi, the younger brother of Abdul-Malik Rigi, the founder and leader of the Jundallah terrorist group in southeastern Iran, who marries Faezeh Mansuri, a woman from Tehran.

He forces Faezeh to leave her homeland along with her brother to live in Pakistan where they find themselves involved in the Jundallah terrorist activities.

The Rigi brothers were arrested by Iranian security forces and were executed in 2010 after a court found them guilty of dozens of criminal charges.



"The arrest of Abdul-Malik Rigi is not the subject of my film," Abyar said in a press conference after a screening of her film at the festival on Sunday.



"I intended to look at the religious radicalism through the eyes of leading character of the film and say that even love can be victimized," she noted and added, "I tried to avoid working conservatively on the film."



"Since the 9/11 terror attacks, we have seen the religious radicalism has been developed particularly in our region and I made the film to feature the suffering the people have seen in the Sistan-Baluchestan region."



Abyar met members of the Rigi ethnic group on her travels in the region to collect information about the Rigi brothers.



"Abdul-Malik was just a member of the Rigi ethnic group, which have a background in the fight against colonialism in the region," she said.



"They wanted a film made to differentiate them from the Rigi brothers," added Abyar who called the Rigi ethnic group a respectable tribe.
Norooz, Persian New Year, added to Vancouver calendar of events

02/05/19

Source: Tehran Times

Vancouver has added Norooz, the Persian new year festivity, to its official celebrations and observations calendar. Vancouver City Council has put the event on the calendar of the Canadian metropolis to recognize an intangible heritage of Iranians and other immigrants who celebrate the first day of the spring and the renewal of nature, IRNA reported on Saturday.

Happy Norooz, Vancouver! Norooz marks the arrival of spring and the start of the Persian New Year! pic.twitter.com/bS1jpcfh2A  Vancouver Park Board (@ParkBoard) March 20, 2017

A motion from Vancouver councilor Jean Swanson proposed on the City of Vancouver to recognize Norooz as an officially observed celebration day in Vancouver and to celebrate it at Vancouver City Hall.



"Nowruz is a holiday that is about connecting people of diverse cultures and backgrounds with nature, and Vancouver is proud of its diversity and its connection to nature. Iran is in the top ten countries that send immigrants to Vancouver, and Persian is in the top ten non-official languages that Vancouverites speak," the motion's preamble reads.



In 2009, the Parliament of Canada passed a bill to officially add Norooz to the national calendar of Canada, and the province of British Columbia proclaimed March 20 as the day of Norooz, according to a resolution by Councilor Jean Swanson.



Norooz is the celebration of spring equinox, marking the beginning of the year for hundreds of millions of people worldwide, celebrated in more than 15 countries from Eastern Europe to Central and South Asia, is a public holiday in over 10 countries, and included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.



Meaning "new day", Norooz is an ancestral festivity that includes rituals, ceremonies and cultural events, as well as the enjoyment of a special meal with loved ones. New clothes are worn, visits are made to family and friends, and gifts, especially for children, are exchanged.



According to UNESCO, the event is celebrated for over 3000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East and other regions, to cement values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families as well as reconciliation and neighborliness.
Oil Minister says Europe not buying Iran oil despite U.S. sanctions waivers

02/05/19

Source: Mehr News Agency

Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said Tuesday Italy and Greece had stopped buying oil from Iran despite being granted waivers from US sanctions. "Among the Europeans, except for Turkey, no other nation has purchased oil from Iran. Greece and Italy refuse to buy Iran's oil despite winning waivers. And they don't respond to our correspondence," said the oil minister at a press conference on Tuesday.



Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh

(source: Islamic Republic News Agency)



Zanganeh said the US had embarked on a unilateral war against Iran's petroleum industry.



"They intend to cut our export revenues down to zero, and if any revenue was made, they would block any money transfer," he added.



Pressed by journalists to say how much oil Iran was exporting after the US reimposed oil sanctions on the country last November, Zanganeh said "I don't announce any figure about oil exports."



The minister also said he would not reveal how the ministry would skirt the US sanctions.



Zanganeh further condemned the US sanctions against Venezuela's state-run oil company; "We condemn the US [punitive] actions against Venezuela. Nonetheless, these actions have affected the oil market," he said.
Iranian MPs Ask Rouhani To Pay Attention To Ecologists Facing Harsh Punishment

02/05/19

Source: Radio Farda

Several members of the Iranian Parliament (Majles) have called on President Hassan Rouhani to pay attention to the situation of eight detained ecologists, the Iranian Labor News Agency (ILNA) reported on Monday. The environmentalists have been under "temporary arrest" by the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) for longer than a year now.



Iranian president Hassan Rouhani speaking with MPs.

Iran's Parliament session on February 04, 2019.

(photo by Islamic Republic News Agency)

The Iranian Judiciary had initially accused the detainees of "espionage for foreigners" but recently added the charge of "corruption on Earth" to the indictments of some of them, a change that usually entails the death sentence.



According to ILNA, the lawmakers in their meeting with Rouhani called for observing legal regulations and giving the detainees the right to have their own defense lawyers, reminding him of the sensitivity Iranian society and international human rights watchers attach to the case.



It is not clear who the lawmakers were or where exactly they met with Rouhani, but the president was at the parliament on Monday, getting confirmation for his new health minister.



On Saturday, the eight detained men and women took part in their second court session where they were tried without being allowed to have their own lawyers. The court has appointed attorneys pre-selected by the conservative Judiciary.



Eight detained environmentalists

The MPs also told Rouhani that the inmates' family members have been demanding a meeting with the president for a long time, and asked Rouhani to set a date for a meeting with the families of the detained environmentalists.



Based on Iranian Constitutional Law, although the Judiciary is an independent branch of the government, the president is the official guarantor of the people's civil rights, including the right of legal representation. However, the Iranian Judiciary does not allow political prisoners to have their own lawyers and appoints a number of regime insiders as lawyers against the detainees' will.



On Saturday, while the hearing was taking place at a stage-managed court, reformist MP Mahmoud Sadeghi wrote in a tweet that the Supreme National Security Council has ruled that the detained environmentalists were not spies.

                       .    (@mah_sadeghi) February 3, 2019

Sadeqi added in another tweet that a motion has been tabled at the parliament to amend the bill that defines "political offenses."



Earlier, the Intelligence Ministry had also declared that the detained environmentalists were not spies. Iranian Environmental Agency Chief Isa Kalantari also said that the environmental activity was not espionage.



Nevertheless, the IRGC Intelligence Organization insists that the ecologists are spies. However, the organization has not presented any evidence to back the charges. Some unofficial accusations mentioned the fact that ecologists place monitoring cameras in various locations in the country and these are used to record "sensitive" information.



Both the Intelligence Ministry and the Supreme National Security Council are under the supervision of president Hassan Rouhani. Nevertheless he has not been observed defending the inmates' rights at least in public. The lawmakers calling on him to meet with the families of the detainees probably wish to strip Rouhani of the excuse of not knowing about the case.



The sister of one of the inmates, has tweeted that Niloufar Bayani told the court on Saturday that her confessions were made under pressure and threats from the interrogators.



Foreign-based oppositionist website, Kalemeh, reported that the detainees were not told for months that one of them, Dr. Kavous Seyed Emami had died while in custody.



Emami's death which took place shortly after his arrest in January 2018, was portrayed by officials as suicide.



The latest report on the case says another ecologist, Pouria Sepahvand has been arrested in Tehran on February 2. Sepahvand is a wildlife specialist who worked for the same company as the other inmates.
Iran At Crossroads On 40th Anniversary Of Islamic Revolution

02/05/19

By Farhang Jahanpour (source: LobeLog)

On February 11, 2019, the Islamic Republic of Iran marks the fortieth anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution. In his latest speech at a conference of the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK), for which he received huge fees, National Security Advisor John Bolton said:

The outcome of the president's policy review should be to determine that the Ayatollah Khomeini's 1979 revolution will not last until its fortieth birthday. I have said for more than ten years since coming to these events that the declared policy of the United States of America should be the overthrow of the mullahs' regime in Tehran...and that is why before 2019 we here will celebrate in Tehran.

Even more ominously, late last year Bolton instructed the Pentagon to produce options for attacking Iran.

Addressing the same conference on June 29, 2018, President Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani also predicted: "Freedom is right around the corner ... next year I want to have this convention in Tehran." More than two dozen former and current U.S. officials, both Republicans and Democrats, have spoken before the MEK conferences, conveying more or less the same message.

The imminent demise of the Islamic Republic of Iran might have been slightly exaggerated. In fact, in response to these threats, the celebrations of the fortieth anniversary of the revolution may be even more elaborate than in previous years. But there is no doubt that the Iranian government is facing a number of daunting domestic and foreign challenges.

A Brief Spring

After the landmark nuclear deal that froze most of Iran's nuclear activities and blocked all paths to the acquisition of nuclear weapons, the country witnessed a short-lived spring, with dozens of Western companies and corporations rushing to do business with it. The Iranian government announced that it was in the market for some 400 medium- and long-range planes, as well as 100 shorter-haul aircraft. Iran signed a deal for the purchase of 118 Airbus planes, at a total cost of $25 billion, as well as another $20 billion deal with Boeing.

With a population of 82 million well-educated and Western-leaning people, Iran is very attractive as a market for Western goods. Iran owns the world's second largest gas and second largest (fourth if shale oil is included) oil reserves, thus making it the biggest source of combined hydrocarbon deposits in the world. Iran also ranks very high in coal, chromium, zinc, copper, iron ore, lead, manganese, and sulfur mines, among others.

Iran's geostrategic position in the Middle East-between Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia in the East and Turkey and Europe in the West, and between Russia in the north and the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean in the South-has made it very attractive to all foreign powers. It is also a very important link in China's belt and road initiative.

The Trump Turn

However, with the Trump administration's unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in May 2018, the hopes for better economic prospects, as well as greater rapprochement with the West, came to a crushing halt. Most Western corporations pulled out of Iran, and many agreements signed for the purchase of aircraft were cancelled.

Fearful of U.S. sanctions, many banks also refused to deal with Iran, even in the case of food and medicine that are not technically included in the list of sanctioned items. Even China's Bank of Kunlun, which had processed most Chinese payment for Iranian oil, announced on December 20 that it would stop processing payments when its current waver runs out in April. As a result, Iran's economy, which had experienced healthy growth during the previous two years, has been devastated and the Iranian currency crashed.

Speaking at the ceremonies marking the start of the so-called Ten Days of Dawn, the anniversary of Ayatollah Khomeini's return to Iran on February 1, President Hassan Rouhani admitted that Iran is facing its most severe economic challenge in 40 years, for which he blamed U.S.-imposed sanctions. Although Trump's pressure and sanctions have failed to force the Iranian government to come back to the negotiating table, they have unfortunately had the effect of undermining the moderate and centrist policies of President Rouhani and his desire to get closer to the West. They have also pushed Iranians closer to the hardline faction, because they have seen that the United States violates its agreements and cannot be trusted as a friend.

On January 31, as a clear rebuff to the Trump administration, the European Union, led by the British, German, and French foreign ministers, announced the creation of INSTEX (Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges) to enable European banks to do business with Iran. Although this mechanism will help Iran import some much-needed food and medicine, it will not likely put an end to Iran's economic woes.

Meanwhile, after choosing Saudi Arabia and Israel as the first countries to visit after his inauguration, Trump signed agreements for the sale of $110 billion of weapons to Saudi Arabia. He has also spoken about the need to create a so-called Arab NATO, composed of Sunni states hostile to Iran, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is also convening a conference in Poland later this month to mobilize opposition to Iran.

To add to all these problems, Iran has also been suffering the worst drought of the past 40 years, with many lakes and rivers drying up, putting agriculture and even drinking water under a great deal of strain.

Domestic Challenges

The combination of these political, economic, and ecological difficulties has posed unprecedented challenges to the Iranian government. Economic hardships have given rise to massive nationwide demonstrations, which have continued for over a year. The protests erupted on December 28, 2017 in the conservative city of Mashhad, which is regarded as the holiest city in Iran, but soon they spread to more than 80 towns and cities across the country.

Although the protests have been contained, at least for now, and have not brought about the immediate collapse of the clerical regime as many of its detractors had been hoping and agitating for, the widespread nature of the protests nevertheless shows the depth of anger and dissatisfaction among the lower- and working-class people who had been regarded as the staunchest supporters of the clerics.

Although the massive demonstrations following the controversial 2009 election that gave rise to the so-called Green Movement were led mainly by educated middle-class groups and had an identifiable leadership with a clear agenda and political demands, the latest protests have been mainly spontaneous riots by the lower classes, with no clear network or leadership, and this makes them less predictable and more dangerous.

The combination of these foreign and domestic challenges to Iran means that the Iranian political and religious establishment must make some drastic changes in its ideology, system of government, and domestic and foreign policies if it hopes to escape major social upheaval leading to the possible collapse of the system. Refusing to change is not an option if Iran wishes to avoid the fate of other countries-such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syria-that have fallen prey to foreign meddling and invasion.

As far as its foreign policy is concerned, Iran should abide by the nuclear agreement despite U.S. provocations. Resuming enrichment at levels beyond those permitted in the agreement would be exactly the excuse that the Trump administration is looking for. Iran should welcome the hand of friendship and the relief provided by the EU, even if inadequate, and should try to strengthen its relations with the outside world. Europe appreciates the role that Iran played in fighting against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. In fact, Iraqi and Kurdish officials have openly stated that, had it not been for Iran's timely assistance against the Islamic State, the terrorist movement would have pushed to Baghdad and Erbil.

Although Saudi Arabia has repeatedly rebuffed Iran's attempts at rapprochement, the Iranian government should continue with its policy of trying to get closer to its neighbors and establishing a system of collective security. For better or worse, Iran has to live with those countries long after U.S. forces have withdrawn from the region.

Iran's Choices

Domestically, Iran should respond to the legitimate demands of the majority of the population that in all recent elections have voted for reformist candidates and called for greater openness and more freedoms. Iran should learn from the experience of the Soviet Union and other revolutions that collapsed because they failed to respond to the demands of their people. Today's Iran is very different from the one that supported the Islamic revolution 40 years ago.

The most fundamental principle that needs to be changed is Ayatollah Khomeini's concept of velayat-e faqih or the guardianship of the clerics. This was an innovation with no precedent in Islamic history, and many young Iranians have rejected it in favor of the sovereignty of the people. Iran's young generation does not need clerical guardians. Most of the problems created by the unrepresentative bodies in the Islamic Republic-such as the Guardian Council, the Expediency Council, the Assembly of Experts, and the unjust judicial system-stem from the position of velayat-e faqih represented at the moment by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who serves as an obstacle on the path of the more progressive government.

Many societies in the world are religious without being ruled by the clergy. If the Islamic Republic does not understand the severity of the present time and does not change some of its outdated and undemocratic principles, it will lose the remaining support of the people and will create a tempting target for foreign meddling.



About the author:



Farhang Jahanpour is a former professor and dean of the Faculty of Languages at the University of Isfahan, and a former Senior Research Scholar at Harvard. For the past 30 years he has been teaching courses on the Middle East at the Department of Continuing Education and is a member of Kellogg College at the University of Oxford.


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PARLAMENTUL REPUBLICII MOLDOVA

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The Moldovan Parliaments website design was supported by the Democracy Support Programme in Moldova"  an initiative financed by the European Union and implemented by the Council of Europe
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Palomo Spain aptly named its fall 2019 menswear collection "1916." This wasn't the first time the label had shown in New York, but the collection marked a return for designer Alejandro Gomez Palomo since he last showed here for fall 2017.

"Unconventional, avant-garde ballet," is how Palomo described this season's aesthetic backstage after the show. "There's a lot of black which is new for me, and tailoring which is a completely new take on what I've been doing, until now." For 1916, Palomo Spain printed its own zine in Spanish for the audience, with bits and pieces describing the historical references in the collection.

Related | Backstage at Palomo Spain Fall 2019

On Palomo's approach this season, the designer told PAPER: "Before, it was from womenswear trying to make it menswear, now, we started with very strong sense of tailoring, taking it to my own universe which is more sensual and feminine." Here's everything else you need to know.

A Knockout

Look 23: an explosion of color on the runway. A deep red cape with a ruff-inspired collar (a Victorian article of clothing worn by men and women, which ruffled around the neck) was worn over a pair of high waisted emerald-hued pants and purple opera gloves. An orange turtleneck peeked out from under the cape.

The Accessories

The most memorable accessories? It's a toss up between the oversized bags in sumptuous leather, the dramatic opera gloves or the playful pirate hats a few models wore down the runway.

Evening Sportswear

According to Palomo backstage, this was the first time the designer used nylon in a collection. "It's my take on sportswear in my universe," he said. Velvet, embroidered tulle, silk and jewel-toned silks also had a presence.

Palomo Boys

Palomo Spain cast a diverse group of cool kids, notably including photographer Jacob Bixenman (who shot Teddy Geiger for PAPER), broadway breakout Isaac Cole Powell, next gen model meets activist Richie Shazam, and Internet sensation Parker Kit Hill. The show also introduced an array of new faces, from Serena Tea to Matthew Later.

The Inspo

The designer was inspired by Ballet Russes and its influence in Spain  and all the unconventional twists and contrasts in-between.

Polka Dots
Just a week after he was violently attacked by MAGA supporters, Jussie Smollett is back onstage. According to CNN, last night the Empire actor performed and gave a passionate speech about the incident in front of a 300-person crowd at Troubadour, a Los Angeles club.

Last Tuesday, two men in ski masks approached Smollett in a Chicago subway station and asked him "aren't you that f*ggot Empire n*gger?," shouted racial slurs, poured a chemical on him and tied a rope around his neck. The evidently racist, homophobic attack is currently being investigated by Chicago Police as a hate crime, though reporting on the attack using euphemisms like "racially charged" has drawn criticism.

"I had to be here tonight. I couldn't let those motherfuckers win," he shouted to cheers, according to the The Hollywood Reporter.

"I'm not fully healed yet," he confirmed. "But I'm going to [be], and I'm gonna stand strong with y'all." He told the crowd, that rather than hide, now is the time to be "Blacker and gayer," stating that he'll continue to lead and love, despite "hateful rhetoric" he's faced.

Smollett also took the opportunity to clear up a few inaccurate details that have circulated about the attack. He explained that he was bruised, but his ribs were neither cracked or broken, as has been reported.

He clarified that the term "hospitalized" isn't correct since he was driven by a friend, saying, "I went to the doctor immediately I was not hospitalized." He also confirmed that he's not fully healed but is recovering well: "both my doctors in LA and Chicago cleared me to perform, but said to take care obviously."

"But most importantly, I fought the fuck back," he said defiantly, to more cheers. "I'm the gay Tupac."

Smollett's family was reportedly in the crowd, as he performed songs from his debut album, as well from Empire, on which he plays a queer musician.

Before singing "Heavy," a favorite from the show, Smollett said: "A lot of my Empire fans are here tonight. I'm very honored to be able to bring to life the character Jamal. The next song is from the show. It now has new meaning to me."
Carrie Bradshaw's iconic outfits never lost their appeal. The Sex and the City heroine, and more aptly her famed stylist Patricia Field, inspired countless looks whose references have effortlessly lived on. From singlehandedly turning Manolo Blahniks into a wardrobe essential to making a pink tutu worthy of a fashion applause, Sarah Jessica Parker and Fields had a stylistic foresight which has yet to be mirrored in any other television series. And one of Bradshaw's most beloved accessories  the Fendi baguette bag  is reliving its moment alongside the actress who propelled it into the spotlight two decades ago.

The Italian fashion house first highlighted the baguette's revival during their spring 2019 runway show, and now they've brought Sarah Jessica Parker to remind shoppers of its herstory.

In Fendi's latest #BaguetteFriendsForever ad campaign, German influencer Caroline Daur reprises the Carrie Bradshaw role as she tracks down the newest purple sequin baguette. Alongside Natasha Lau, Ebonee Davis and Melissa Martinez, Daur gushes about her newest fashion obsession, and tells her friends that she must buy it immediately. However, once the four friends arrive at the Fendi storefront, Caroline finds out that someone has just purchased the last of the purple sequins.

As Daur rushes to the sidewalk to identify the baguette bandit, she runs up behind the woman, clad in grey Manolos, and exclaims "Ma'am, I need that bag!" However, Sarah Jessica Parker then turns around to face the four women, and reminds them "Oh, this isn't a bag. It's a Baguette."

According to the Financial Times, the original baguette, which debuted in 1997, has been sold over a million times in addition to the thousands of style variations that have debuted over the years. Fendi isn't the only high fashion staple to revisit one of their successful "it" bags  Dior brought back their iconic Saddle Bag just last year.

In the 2019 revamp however, Fendi will offer the silhouette in a number of different sizes, detachable shoulder straps, and a cross-body iteration. Silvia Venturini Fendi, the brand's famed creative director of accessories, acknowledged the nostalgia which inspired the bag's return, but noted that the relaunch will feature a new age baguette. "We like change, but there's also a bit of nostalgia," says Venturini Fendi. "It's nice to see things come back, but in a different way."
Drag Syndrome is a new collective using the power of drag to promote a message of radical acceptance for those with disabilities. Comprised of 10 performers who hail from places across the UK, the London-based project gives artists with Down syndrome the opportunity to experiment with costumes, makeup, music, and perform on stage for global audiences.

As each performer constructs a drag personality, they are given a special opportunity to control their own narrative and showcase their distinct skills. But more than this, Drag Syndrome gives its members the chance to be judged on their craft rather than their disability. In this way, the project is fostering more visibility and inclusion for a community that is so rarely seen in the media or the arts. As director Daniel Vais affirms, Drag Syndrome is not about being disabled  rather, it's about celebrating who you are.

With this, PAPER sat down with Vais to learn more about the mission of Drag Syndrome and what's up next for the group.

When and how did Drag Syndrome come into existence? A producer had invited me to see a space in East London. So I went with Sara Gordon, one of our models and dancers, to the Christmas party last year. During the event there were performances by drag queens, which prompted me to ask Sarah if she would ever be open to experimenting with drag. And she replied straight away saying it would be absolutely fascinating. Right on the spot I came up with the title, Drag Syndrome. From there, I spoke with all the artists and asked them if they would want to try it. They were all very enthusiastic about it. But I told them that drag is not just a costume. Drag is about transformation. It's an art form. So the performers started researching it and each began developing their own characters.

Tell me more about the first performance. How did the word get out about the collective? We premiered it in an experimental space, a small club in London. It was obvious that this was going to be quite big. The performances were on point and the audience went crazy over it. Then, people started talking about it and the word started to spread. Two months after we did another event that was completely packed. From there, we were invited to festivals, and quickly became respected in the performing arts and the drag circuits.

How are you using the power of drag to foster community for these individuals? Drag is all about empowerment and transformation. It allows you to be a bigger version of yourself and express yourself in a way that's more surreal. There's so much fantasy and freedom to it. This is an opportunity for our performers to express themselves in a way they don't usually get to on a regular basis, in these kind of settings. They love it. They are really enjoying what they do and the characters they play.

And how has the drag community responded? We've received big support from the drag world. All the biggest and most influential drag queens and kings have connected with us and supported us. Beyond this, many celebrities and really famous people, including top dancers and photographers, have been really supportive and understand that this is a special performing arts project.

How do you hope to promote Drag Syndrome as a platform that challenges stereotypes about living with Down syndrome? This is just another layer of drag, and it gives our performers a chance to hang around with young audiences and be a part of arts and culture, which is what they really want. It allows them to show their talents. This isn't really a social project, but we do give opportunities to performers and artists who have Down syndrome and put them into a mainstream context. Yes, these are artists who have Down syndrome, but it's not the main issue. Audiences see beyond that. That's why we get loads of great responses and people really enjoy it. The extra chromosome is only a bonus.

In what ways has it expanded since your first performance? We now perform regularly at festivals, clubs, and in alternative spaces. This year, we're going on our first global tour, which will be very exciting. New places, new audiences! We will travel to cities all around the UK and Europe. Many other festivals are contacting us. And we will be doing a drag residency at the Ace Hotel in East London, either in February or March. Young filmmakers from all around the world have also contacted us wanting to make films and do things with us, too.

How have people responded to Drag Syndrome? We have a big fan base already. People really appreciate what we're doing. We're opening up contemporary culture to people with learning disabilities and Down syndrome. Audiences from around the world connect with it. It's refreshing for them. They're curious and supportive. They want to experience what we're doing.




Backstage at Palomo Spain, designer Alejandro Gomez Palomo was putting the final touches on the models for his fall 2019 show. MAC makeup artists applied tiny polka dots all over models' faces in addition to dramatic, mod-inspired cat eyes. The label's eighth collection included Richie Shazam and other cool kids and unconventional models wearing ruffled collars, opera gloves and oversized polka dot pieces. As for the inspiration, Palomo called the collection "1916," and took cues from the historical period when the Ballets Russes came to Spain.
Governments of Canada and Quebec Announce Investment in CelluForce's Cellulose Nanocrystal Facility CelluForce received the funding as part of the Government of Canada's commitment to advancing innovative technology in Canada's forest industry. The investment will allow CelluForce to increase production efficiency by 50 percent. Feb. 5, 2019 - Innovation in the forest industry has the power to advance the development of Canada's renewable resource economy and create good jobs while combating climate change. Paul Lefebvre, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, and Marie-Louise Tardif, Parliamentary Assistant to the Quebec Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (MWFP), Pierre Dufour today announced a combined $6.4 million investment to support CelluForce Inc.'s innovative cellulose nanocrystal facility (Windsor, Quebec) becoming the world's first full commercial demonstration-scale plant of its kind. The funding, which is provided through Natural Resources Canada's Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program and Government of Quebec by means of the MWFP's Innovation Bois [wood innovation] program and the Ministere de l'Economie et Innovation's Fonds du developpement economique [economic development fund], will support the production of 300 tonnes of nanocrystals annually at the new, state-of-the-art facility. This remarkable new material, which can be used in everything from papers to paints, electronics to adhesives and cement to cosmetics, is produced from the cellulose in trees and made from wood that is abundant, renewable and biodegradable. This investment will allow CelluForce to increase production efficiency by 50 percent and help create more than 100 jobs in the next commercial plant. CelluForce received the funding as part of the Government of Canada's commitment to advancing innovative technology in Canada's forest industry. On June 1, 2017, the IFIT program received $55 million over three years as part of the Government's $867-million Softwood Lumber Action Plan to support workers and forest-dependent communities that have been affected by U.S. duties on Canadian softwood lumber. This new funding enabled innovative transformative technology adoption for the sector. The Government of Quebec is contributing $14.2 million to CelluForce, including $2.5 million from its wood innovation program. This program is one of the key measures of the 20182023 strategy to develop Quebec's forest products industry. With a budget of $70 million, this strategy addresses the various challenges facing the forest products industry. In addition, Quebec is providing $11.7 million from its economic development fund, specifically $4.9 million in the form of equity investments and $6.8 million in the form of loans. About CelluForce CelluForce is a world leader in the development and production of Cellulose NanoCrystals (CNC), an advanced biomaterials produced from wood. Headquartered in Montreal, the company, whose shareholders are Domtar, FPInnovations, Schlumberger, Suzano and Investissement Quebec, operates the world's largest CNC plant, capable of producing 300 tonnes per year of CelluForce NCC  a high quality and dispersible form of CNC. SOURCE: Natural Resources Canada
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In 2011, the Legislature decided that groups should have only two years, rather than four, to gather the hundreds of thousands of signatures they need to get an amendment on the ballot. In 2017 this same two-thirds requirement was introduced but failed. Last spring the commission that convenes every 20 years to propose changes to the constitution hatched the completely undemocratic idea of applying the current 60 percent threshold to all voters, not just those who went to the polls. In other words, someone who didnt vote would still be counted as a no vote. Thankfully, that idea went into the dustbin.
So I dont view him as a victim of anyone other than himself. But I also know the rotten things he did that night dont change the fact that he did good and even courageous things while in office.
"I'm humbled to have earned the confidence of my colleagues, Spano said in a statement. This leadership position will enable me to continue fighting for small businesses across Florida and now throughout the rest of the country."
Under current law, doctors who have undergone two hours of training are able to order marijuana treatment for their patients. Harrells changes to the bill would require patients who want to smoke medical marijuana to seek a second opinion, from a doctor who is not certified by the state to order cannabis for patients. If a second doctor gives the nod, patients would then have to return to their original doctor to get the order.
They had endured more than a month of a partial shutdown of the federal government, but also during that time the agents said they pulled together with support from the airport, airlines and the greater Orlando community.
Former White House aide Omarosa Manigault Newman wrote in her 2018 memoir Unhinged that the President uses a tanning bed every day and that an usher was once fired because she mishandled the transportation of the apparatus, but two senior staffers denied that any such machine exists at 1600 Penn.
The issue has come to the fore amid the Catholic Church's overall reckoning with the sexual abuse of minors and the #MeToo-inspired acknowledgement that adults can be victims of abuse whenever there is an imbalance of power in a relationship. In the past year, The Associated Press and other media have reported on cases of abused nuns in India , Africa, Europe and South America  evidence that the problem is by no means limited to a certain geographic area.
Queensland officials warned residents Monday to expect crocodiles and snakes to turn up in "unexpected places" in the wake of the flooding. "Crocodiles prefer calmer waters and they may move around in search of a quiet place to wait for floodwaters to recede," Queensland environment minister Leeanne Enoch said in a statement. "Crocodiles may be seen crossing roads, and when flooding recedes, crocodiles can turn up in unusual places such as farm dams or waterholes where they have not been seen before."
PENSACOLA  A 40-year-old Washington man is accused of threatening to kill people at a rest stop on Interstate 10 in Florida's Panhandle.



Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Eddie Elmore said in a news release that Ronald Lynch of Long Beach, Washington, was arrested Saturday after troopers and Santa Rosa County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the rest stop.



Witnesses told investigators that Lynch was "acting in a threatening manner and yelling that he would start killing people with a weapon."



Elmore says bystanders at the rest area hid in bathrooms once Lynch began making threats.



Deputies saw Lynch leaving the rest stop and conducted a traffic stop. He was taken into custody without incident. Records don't list a lawyer for Elmore.



Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Also arrested and charged with attending an animal fight, a third-degree felony, were Jose Alvarez, 71, of Arcadia and Giovanni Hernandez, 22, of LaBelle. Hernandez was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor because he brought his 11-year-old brother to the fight, deputies said.
Im shocked that something like this, especially in a secured area like this, would happen, neighbor Andrew Applegate told Jacksonville TV station WJXT. The security guys are very diligent in how they conduct their operations here to keep us safe.
Im very, very disappointed in the ruling that was rendered today, he said. I think its terrible for the Everglades to even think of the prospect of oil drilling just outside of our city. The city of Miramar is analyzing all of our legal options to stop the drilling, which is a threat to our water supply and a threat to the Everglades, and well continue to work with DEP and the county, who all oppose this.
I told him, No, go home, change, take the day, she said. And he says, No, Im going to change and go back, and thats what he did. Hes been with us for a while. We love him.
Williams has been a prosecutor for 10 years, moving from county court to handling sex crimes, major crimes and death penalty cases. He ran for Orange-Osceola state attorney in 2012 against long-time incumbent Lawson Lamar, but dropped out of the race before the election and backed fellow challenger Jeff Ashton.
The rush-hour roll-over crash involving an SUV happened shortly after 6 p.m., and traffic is backed up nearly to Minneola, according to FL511.com.
They source direct-trade coffee from smaller farms, which is roasted locally. These guys go above and beyond for the community too, regularly hosting informative and inclusive events and talks.
This annual celebration, which is also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the new year on the traditional Chinese calendar. This year, the festivities begin on Feb. 5.
They wrote that many students who take a scholarship spend only one (35 percent) or two years (23 percent) in private school and then return to public schools. They also said that as the scholarship program has expanded it has taken in more students from lower-middle-income families and the results should be viewed with that in mind.
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will go live on CBS. The host will welcome Oscar nominee Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman) and the four hosts of CBS This Morning. They are Gayle King, Norah ODonnell, John Dickerson and Bianna Golodryga.
When the Boston Pops orchestra arrives in Orlando on Feb. 11, its program will be the music of John Williams  the 87-year-old genius composer of hundreds of movie scores, including Jaws, the Harry Potter franchise, the Star Wars series and more. The concert, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (drphillipscenter.org), will be conducted by Keith Lockhart, who points out the primary difficulty of creating a Williams program: Of the nine decades of movie scores, John has film credits in seven of them.
In February 2008, I retired (for the first time!) from a wonderful 38-year career with the Walt Disney World Company to join the team at Orlando Repertory Theatre, Columbus said. I promised to stay with Orlando Rep for a minimum of five years  but I fell in love with the place and stayed another six years. My time at Orlando Rep has been the most rewarding in my career.
"To have the No. 1 defense contractor in our backyard is very significant," said Elizabeth Burch, whose company Dignitas Technologies subcontracts on that training device deal. "It gives us the means to do a contract we would not have gotten normally."
Lockheed Martin Executive Vice President, Frank St. John, discusses some of the challenges that comes with the rapid expansion of the company.
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05/02/2019 - The Slovak economy is experiencing a robust, broad-based expansion that is boosting living standards and promoting convergence with higher-income countries. Policies should now aim to sustain this expansion, prepare people for the future of work and ensure that the benefits of strong growth are shared amongst all Slovaks, according to a new report from the OECD.





The latest OECD Economic Survey of the Slovak Republic looks at the factors behind the countrys economic performance, as well as the policies to maintain sound public finances, improve efficiency in the public sector and promote better education and up-skilling across the workforce. The Survey projects growth of 4.3% this year and 3.6% in 2020, and lays out an agenda for making the economy more innovative and more inclusive.





The Survey, presented in Bratislava by OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria and Slovak Republic Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini, highlights the importance of policies to enhance the social integration of Roma and maximise the benefits from Slovakias integration in global value chains.





The Slovak economy continues to record remarkable performance, with sustained growth promoting strong employment, solid public finances and a healthy financial system, Mr Gurria said. Living standards are gradually catching up with the higher-income OECD countries and nearly all indicators of well-being have been improving for the past 10 years. To sustain economic and social progress going forward, Slovakia needs to ensure this growth is more inclusive, move towards more sophisticated and innovative production and ensure that everyone has the skills and training for the jobs of tomorrow. Read the full speech.





The Survey shows how Slovakias manufacturing economy is narrowly specialised around downstream activities, notably in the automotive industry, with low levels of domestic value-added and few spillover effects from Foreign Direct Investment for small and medium-sized enterprises or domestically-owned firms. Employment is vulnerable to automation and the workforce is not sufficiently prepared for the digital transition.





To ensure that Slovakia moves up the global value chain, the Survey highlights the need to improve educational outcomes, foster entrepreneurship and boost innovation, notably by strengthening the capacity to adopt new technologies. Facilitating immigration of skilled workers and improving the business environment, through reforms to restrictive licensing regulations and lengthy insolvency processes, is also required, the Survey said.





With the old-age dependency ratio set to rise steeply in the longer term, fiscal pressure will intensify. This makes it crucial to fully implement the 2012-13 pension reform, including the link of the retirement age to life expectancy.





As part of efforts to ensure everyone has opportunities to benefit equally from economic growth, the Survey points out the need to combat the exclusion facing Roma populations across Slovakia. Better economic and social integration of the Roma would not only reduce poverty rates and improve opportunities for these communities, but would also boost GDP and tax revenues, according to the Survey.





The education system can be made more inclusive, through expansion of high-quality early education, the employment of more Roma-speaking teaching assistants and greater Slovak language support for Roma children. Scaling-up successful EU-funded pilot programmes, such as community centres and health mediators, can boost participation and inclusion.





Strengthening the role of the Plenipotentiary for the Romani Community within the government could also lead to better policy coordination and drive efforts to better involve the Roma in dialogue and cooperation between their communities and public institutions, the Survey said.





An Overview of the Economic Survey of Slovak Republic, with the main conclusions, is accessible at: http://www.oecd.org/eco/surveys/slovak-republic-economic-snapshot.





For further information, journalists can contact Lawrence Speer (+33 1 4524 7970) in the OECD Media Office in Paris (+33 1 4524 9700).

Working with over 100 countries, the OECD is a global policy forum that promotes policies to improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.

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New York University will host The Black Experience in America, a month-long series of dialogues aimed at illuminating how Black people navigate, dialogue, and make sense of their daily lives in the United States.

The four-part series (Feb. 5, 12, 20, and 27), curated by Professor Kaia Niambi Shivers and sponsored by NYU Liberal Studies, will feature activists, artists, authors, and scholars to discuss their work in unfolding and understanding the complexities of identity in the age of globalization.

The Black Experience in America, the inaugural Liberal Studies Black History Month series, is organized as follows:

 Tues., Feb. 5, 6-8 p.m.: The Black Millennial. Carter Journalism Institute, 20 Cooper Square, 7th Floor

 Tues., Feb. 12. 6-8 p.m.: Afro-Latinidad in the African Diaspora. Carter Journalism Institute, 20 Cooper Square, 7th Floor

 Wed., Feb. 20, 6-8 p.m.: Social Justice and the Criminal Justice System. Center for Multicultural Education and Programs, Kimmel Center, 60 Washington Square South, Rooms 804/805

 Wed., Feb. 27, 6-8 p.m.: The Black Aesthetic with Special Guests Sheril Antonio, a professor at NYUs Tisch School of the Arts, and Chyna Lane, an actor in the Netflix series She's Gotta Have It. Kimmel Center, 60 Washington Square South, Room 914

For more information on series speakers and venues, and to RSVP for each event, please visit: bitly.com/BlackExperienceInAmerica. Admission is free and on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please call 212.998.2324. All locations are wheelchair accessible.

Subway Lines: 6 (Astor Place); R, W (8th Street); A, B, C, D, E, F, M (West 4th Street).

The series is co-sponsored by the following NYU partners: Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute; Black Student Union NYU; Center for Multicultural Education and Programs; Center for the Study of Africa and the African Diaspora; Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law; Department of Spanish and Portuguese Languages and Literatures; the Latinx Project; Liberal Studies Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee; and Liberal Studies Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Advisory Board.

About Liberal Studies at NYU

Liberal Studies at NYU is recognized for its innovative, global liberal arts curriculum, experiential learning and small, seminar-style classes. It offers the best of both worlds: a small college experience nestled within a large urban research university. Liberal Studies has the second largest entering first year undergraduate class each year at NYU. Its classrooms are small, but its presence is large and far-reaching. For more, please visit liberalstudies.nyu.edu.
Consider the mid-1950s, just after the Dr. Jonas Salks polio vaccine had been approved. At the time, young children were vaccinated by the millions. But teenagers were also susceptible to polio, and they were not being vaccinated. Thats when Elvis  yes, that Elvis  became involved. In 1956, in an effort to close the immunization gap that existed between those who got vaccinated for polio and those who didnt, Elvis Presley was approached to popularize the polio vaccine among American teens. In October of that year, Elvis got vaccinated on national television.
And I remembered the time I was on my own in Jersey City sitting next to the local superintendent at a community meeting talking about the private school tax credit bill I was working on when Booker came in. He electrified the crowd and the discussion, and brought folks along on the issue in a way I had not. Hed said it was about fairness. Hed said it was about opportunity, and most importantly hed said it was about the love we needed to have for all of our kids. He taught everyone something that evening.
It is true that the state has changed graduation requirements over the last 20 years, but the direction of those changes  making graduation tougher or easier  is not as simple as it sounds. Twenty years ago, the state made it harder to earn a diploma by requiring all students to pass a series of Regents exams in order to graduate. Prior to these changes, these exams were only required of college-bound or honors students; many students did not even take them. Over the years, the state has tweaked the exam requirement, most recently allowing students to substitute an alternative assessment in math, arts, or career and technical education for the Regents exam in Social Studies.
Around the same time, the Office of Management Budget sent a letter to the House of Representatives complaining about what the Trump White House called $600 million in excessive and unnecessary funding for Puerto Ricos Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP), $849 million in excessive Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding, and other line-item funding, which the Administration has not requested, that is well in excess of the levels included in the disaster bill that passed in December of last year.
ABC News(KABUL) -- Gen. Scott Miller, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, has taken over at a pivotal moment in America's longest war.



The four-star general was here right after Sept. 11, 2001.



"Did you ever think that right after 9/11 when you were here that youd be here all these years later as commander?" asked ABC News and "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir, as the two traveled by helicopter from Kabul to Camp Commando, a few miles south of Afghanistans capital.



"Absolutely not. I didnt think itd be 17, 18 years later," Miller said.



Miller took Muir and the ABC News team to the camp to see what the military deems could be a crucial part of any possible endgame in the war in Afghanistan.



At the camp, U.S. Special Forces are training Afghan forces as the Americans keep watch. The Afghans -- with support from the coalition and under Miller -- have accelerated the fight against the Taliban. Negotiations between the U.S. and the Taliban are ongoing in an attempt to end the war, even as special forces continue to move against the group with deadly force.



In January, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, defended talks with the militant group.



"The political talks, I do think are, are positive. I've talked about this fight multiple times -- and it is a fight. Neither side will win it militarily, and if neither side will win it militarily you have to move into a -- towards a political settlement here," Miller told Muir.



"But do you think those political talks with the Taliban are key part of any endgame here?" Muir asked.



"Absolutely," he said.



Just weeks ago, Afghan special forces, backed by the Americans, stormed a Taliban prison to rescue their own troops being held captive inside, according to a military public information officer.



Muirs visit to troops in Afghanistan comes amid reports that President Donald Trump wants to reduce the American presence in Afghanistan, eventually putting an end to Americas longest war.



There are currently about 14,000 U.S. troops serving in a counterterrorism mission against the Taliban and ISIS, and as part of a train, advise and assist mission for Afghan security forces.



"There have been reports the president would like to see a drawdown of U.S. troops here (in) Afghanistan. Has there been any order to do that?" Muir asked.



"No. ... First of all, I have the authorities of the capabilities that I need from the U.S. and the coalition standpoint to work with our Afghan partners. At the same time, as a commander, I'm always trying to bring the footprint down, bring our force structure down," Miller said.



The U.S. commander made it clear that he is a general, not a policymaker, and that he would follow his chain of command as well as President Trump.



U.S. military officials told ABC News that part of any endgame for them was making sure that Afghan forces were prepared to fight the insurgency, which also now includes ISIS in Afghanistan.



Afghan forces are fighting ISIS with support from U.S. airstrikes, but unlike the Taliban, ISIS has no desire to negotiate, officials said.



Miller made clear that there was no endgame in Afghanistan that provided a safe haven for terrorists.



"In 2001, it was very clear to the world what we were doing in Afghanistan. In 2019, there still are national interests that need to be safeguarded," he said.

Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Lincoln Park, N.J.: I dont know whether or not one of the people in the (disgusting) yearbook photo is Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia. Lets assume for the moment that it is. As ugly as it was, there was a time when wife- and mother-in-law-bashing jokes were a staple of stand-up comics. Italian, Polish, JAP (Jewish American princess) and racist jokes were all the rage of the gang at the water cooler, the after-work drink and dinner-party crowd. It wasnt right, but thats what it was. Fast forward to the era of politically correct and #MeToo. Shall we fire or ask every one of those who partook in that to resign? Only an inveterate liar or someone in total denial would say not me, I never did it. It was never right, but it was acceptable. We parole people who murdered after 40 years. Why are we as a society so intolerant and unforgiving of those with recognizable names? Im not suggesting that we forgive men who continually sexually harassed women, or perverts who molested children. Personally I would like to see those SOBs neutered. But if it was something (in bad taste) that happened once 40 years ago, lets give some thought to our knee-jerk reactions. Keith Remland
After the discovery of a racist photo on Gov. Ralph Northams 1984 medical school yearbook page, calls rightly rose for the governors resignation. A man who grinned in blackface or from inside a Klansmans hood seemed incapable of leading a diverse state with a fraught racial history. Then Northam gave contradictory statements over whether it was him in the photo.
Playing in flood waters is extremely dangerous, not just because of the unpredictable nature of the water itself, but also because what may lie beneath the surface, the police department said in a statement. Crocodiles have been reported in flood waters in parts of Townsville, and there can also be snakes and other wildlife present. The water could also contain unsanitary and unhealthy substances such as untreated sewage.
Prior to issuing his charge, Judge Cogan spoke privately with three jurors who were exposed to news coverage of the defendant published over the weekend. The sidebar discussing the coverage in question was sealed, but came in the wake of allegations Chapo drugged and raped 13-year-old girls during his years on the lam.
Trump could have approved a compromise measure with Democratic support that would have offered expanded protections for Dreamers in exchange for funding the wall over time. But Trump refused the measure and, with Democrats now controlling the House, securing taxpayer funding for the border project the President used to promise Mexico would pay for appears all but impossible.
Zinke, who was openly skeptical of mainstream climate change science, stepped down at the end of last year amid mounting criticism and federal investigations into his travel, political activity and potential conflicts of interest as it related to environmental rules he had sought to roll back and energy production he had sought to boost.
Restaurants in New York City are not permitted to add anything to food or drink that is not approved as safe to eat. The Health Department takes seriously its responsibility to protect New Yorkers health. Until cannabidiol (CBD) is deemed safe as a food additive, the Department is ordering restaurants not to offer products containing CBD, a health department spokeswoman said.
To be clear, I hope never to use this subpoena, Nadler continued. Weeks ago, we gave Mr. Whitaker a list of questions we hope to ask him about his communications with the White House and his refusal to recuse himself from oversight of the special counsels investigation. If he appears on time and ready to answer those questions, the subpoena will be entirely unnecessary.
Nobody will ever know the love that we have for our children. No one can take that from me. Unless you are a parent, Headley said, before beginning to cry. Unless you are a parent who has a child taken from you, you will never know or be able to relate to the pain that I felt that day.
That may have to be President Trumps message for Joshua Trump, the 11-year-old boy who was bullied for his last name and, in turn, was invited to the State of the Union address Tuesday as the commander-in-chiefs guest.
Patten asked a third party to buy four tickets to inaugural events on behalf of Kilimnik, who was barred by federal law from buying the tickets himself. Kilimnik then reimbursed the straw purchaser $50,000 for the tickets, the U.S. Attorneys office in Washington, D.C. said.
When hes calling for unity and hes talking about giving actual portraits of Americans who have achieved greatness on behalf of all of us, including our men and women in uniform, anyone who is sitting there with their arms folded, ha-rumphing, looking like they sucked 12 lemons, thats on them, she said, not him.
Strauss is also asking gamblers how many times the President will say the word Democrats in his speech. As of Tuesday afternoon, betters were split as to whether or not Trump will call out his rivals on the other side of the aisle more or fewer than three times. Strauss says he doesnt think well hear the words fake news Tuesday.
Michael Ertel, the former Florida Secretary of State who lasted less than a month before being booted from office over a photo of him in blackface, apologized Sunday for the Halloween costume and said he knows better now.
There is nothing wrong with a litigant considering the law on an issue when deciding whether to withdraw or proceed with a cause of action, he wrote in the Monday ruling. To the extent that Plaintiff reconsidered her defamation claim based on the law, as enumerated by the court, this does not reveal Plaintiff's bad faith.
(This year) I want her to eat cake for her birthday, her mother said. I hope that she will be able to sit with all of us at the table and eat with us.
The appearance on GMA comes a day after Neesons admission to The Independent was published online. He told the outlet that he was hoping some black bastard would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I couldkill him.
The panel of eight women and four men also asked for all the testimony from brothers Alex and Jorge Cifuentes, who said on the witness stand they supplied the Sinaloa Cartel with the ingredients for meth.
The approval took a great deal of time and paperwork, but with the help of family, friends, nonprofits, and U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorskis office, Steenbeke got the call that he was finally able to have his companion by his side once more.
The bottom line is the President is the President no matter where he goes, and he doesnt get to control the level of costs and security that may come along with that, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said back in 2017.
That three-piece thing went into his throat and stayed there, and thats what (doctors) should have taken out as soon as they got to the hospital, and they decided to wait until Monday or Tuesday, Brown said.
Flight 1694 was making its way to Tampa Airport when a pressurization issue occurred shortly after it took off at 8:11 p.m., a spokesperson for the airline said Monday in a statement to the Daily News. The plane headed back for the Bradley International Airport in Hartford County and landed around 9:11 p.m.
Proud Boys states on its site that, The basic tenet of the group is that we are Western chauvinists who refuse to apologize for creating the modern world. Like Archie Bunker, we long for the days when girls were girls and men were men. This wasnt controversial even twenty years ago, but being proud of Western culture today is like being a crippled, black, lesbian communist in 1953.
At 11:32, crews were dispatched after receiving a call. At 11:34 the mother of McLendons other child called and said hed called her explaining the same thing  that hed killed his girlfriend and her child. At 11:36, crews arrived, Hess said. At 11:37 McLendons mother called, saying the same thing - hed killed his girlfriend and her son and was going to kill himself. At 11:39 dispatch received yet another call, this one from a friend of McLendon, saying he would be on Facebook Live, Hess said.
And it didnt end there. When police asked him to depart the restaurant, McDonagh turned on them, falling to the floor and grabbing an officers leg when they tried to stand him up. As they were taking him outside, he allegedly spit in an officers face.
Initial statements from Hoover police identified the 21-year-old as the gunman and lauded the responding officers as heroes for their speedy response  but they later walked back their remarks, saying that while Bradford may have been involved in some aspect of the altercation, he likely did not fire the rounds that wounded the 18-year-old.
Throughout my career, my wish has always been to inspire minorities and to be an example that with hard work and dedication, all your dreams can come true, he said.
The crash, which authorities responded to just before 5 a.m. Saturday, occurred in St. Georges County, according to police statements. The 2005 Chrysler Pacifica veered to the left side of the road on northbound Rt. 301 for unknown reasons, and appeared to lose control. After it veered, the minivan struck several trees and spun in a snow-covered field.
"I always kept the case file box under my desk, where it was purposefully in my way. Every time I turned, I hit it with my leg. I did this so the little boy couldn't be forgotten," said Orange County Sheriff's Maj. Tim Horne, who worked the case from the beginning.
"Prisons are not designed to be for those folks who we are mad at, they are designed to be for those who we are afraid of, and you clearly fall into that category," said Kalamazoo County Circuit Court Judge Alexander Lipsey on Tuesday.
But when the family got suspicious that they hadnt heard her voice, Nealy returned to Florida and to their Tarpon Springs home, where he allegedly bludgeoned Richard, Laura and Nicholas Ivancic to death with a hammer just before Christmas.
I'm grateful to the Boulder County Investigation Team, the coroner's office, the district attorney's office, and the sheriff's investigators, who thoroughly and tirelessly examined every aspect of this tragic event. As part of our public safety mission, all deputies are responsible for safeguarding those in our care to the best of our ability and are accountable for our decisions and actions. I appreciate the careful and deliberate analysis of the facts as the Coroner and District Attorney reached their conclusions."
Two physicians who were responsible for caring for the patient were no longer at the facility, Hacienda HealthCare said. One was suspended and the other resigned.
Allowing Seabrooks achievements as the president of [the Correction Officers Benevolent Association] to prevail substantially over the need for a punishment  would send the wrong message to society and to the hardworking correction officers whose retirement money Seabrook jeopardized for an easy buck, Bell wrote.
Oliver Ripley, CEO of the high-end Habitas chain that has hotels in Malibu, Namibia, Bali, and Tulum, Mexico, was charged with grand larceny and petty larceny for allegedly making a false claim that $48,144.42 charged to his American Express card was fraudulent, leading to the company suffering a loss in that amount, according to the complaint.
Police were called to an apartment building on Lexington Ave. near Marcy Ave. in Bedford Stuyvesant  part of the Louis Armstrong Houses  about 1:40 p.m. Monday by a 911 caller who said somebody was sleeping on the roof.
If the department tells you that they got rooms for nursing mothers, theyre lying, one cop told the Daily News after five women officers filed a joint complaint against the NYPD for not providing them with clean spaces for them to pump. The only actual room that I know of is at 1 Police Plaza, but there isnt one in the 42nd Precinct, the 47th Precinct, the 77th Precinct, nowhere.
The alert, issued by the Criminal Intelligence Section of the Intelligence Bureau, shows what appears to be a one- or two-shot revolver next to a high-top sneaker to illustrate how small the weapon is.
My mom was the nicest, kindest, sweetest person, Scott said. She would always help you. We would scold her like, Mom, why are you always helping everybody out? And shed be like, Oh, they called me asking for help. I had to. But if you were rude to my mom or disrespected her, she wouldnt take that.
The truck was rolling near Russell St. near Nassau Ave. in Greenpoint at about 3 a.m. when it suddenly veered onto the sidewalk and struck a three-story home.
Those dogs were trying to get out. The dogs were circling around, which means they were in distress, she said. The worst of the smoke was in the back and thats where most of the dogs were and they were very small so Im sure they are going to be sick.
I could see the entire line  thats the benefit of this, McGibbon said. I could see from 34th St. [in Manhattan] to Main St. [in Flushing, Queens]. I could look all along the line. At a glance, I can tell if trains are early or late.
She didnt want to see him or be with him when she got home and she was also worried about him being alone with the children.
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Authorities on both continents used DNA to track him down and charge him with a role in the crime  but only recently could they get Gadjiyev on a plane to New York and into a courtroom in Brooklyn.
Roseburg, OR (97470)

Today

A few clouds. Low 59F. N winds at 10 to 15 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 59F. N winds at 10 to 15 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
Rome, GA (30161)

Today

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 68F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 68F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
La Fayette, GA (30728)

Today

Showers and thunderstorms likely - heavy rainfall is possible, especially this evening. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely - heavy rainfall is possible, especially this evening. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday revealed why God delivered him from helicopter crash. Osinbajo had over the weekend...





The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday revealed why God delivered him from helicopter crash.





Osinbajo had over the weekend escaped air mishap in Kabba, Kogi State, while heading for a political campaign.





However, the Vice President disclosed that God saved him because he needed to serve Nigerians.





Speaking during the All Progressives Congress, APC, campaign rally in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, Osinbajo said God delivered me from the crash because he wants me to work, that is what he called me to do and that is what we will do.





Three things Buhari will do include creation of jobs for the youths, this is why we are doing all we are doing. The Lagos -Ibadan railway is coming to Ekiti and it will bring a lot of jobs. You have also heard of the Ado-Ekiti dual carriage way which we are doing, that will also create jobs.





The creation of job creation for university graduates was why we established N-Power, this individuals are empowered with computers that are activated with educational materials. Now we are increasing N-Power to 1.5m so as they are completing NYSC they have something to do.





We all heard they sold NEPA to different companies in 2015 and some cant buy meters reasons they are sending estimated billing and cant provide transformers but Buhari is willing to allow people distribute the power. When this is done there will be light for Nigerians and this is what we will do in NEXT LEVEL.




A 19-year-old trainee Islamic cleric under training, Abdulrofiu Zakariyahu, and two others were, on Monday, sentenced to death by an Osu...

A 19-year-old trainee Islamic cleric under training, Abdulrofiu Zakariyahu, and two others were, on Monday, sentenced to death by an Osun State High Court for killing Oluwafemi Shonibare, a 400-level Microbiology student of the Osun State University.









Delivering judgement on the matter, Justice Kadijat Akano declared that the trio of Zakariyahu, Yusuf Kareem,18, and Ayuba Ibrahim, 20, were guilty of conspiracy, misconduct and murder of the late Shonibare.









The convicts perpetrated the crime on June 26, 2017, around 10pm in the Oke-Baale area of Osogbo, the Osun State capital.









Zakariyahu, who claimed to be a trainee cleric, his friend, Kareem, and a student of the Open University, Ibrahim, were arrested in connection with the crime.









Under interrogation by the police, they confessed to killing the deceased with a pestle. They also dismembered the victims body and roasted his head with the aim of using it for money rituals.









The convicts later buried Shonibares remains at the back of a compound belonging to Isiaq Yusuf, the leader of the Jafariya sect, in the Oke-Baale area of Osogbo.









The state had arraigned Zakariyahu, Yusuf, Ibrahim, 40-year-old Isiaq and Abdulkareen Adeoti, 50, for the murder of Shonibare.









In her judgement, Justice Akano said the prosecution proved its case that Zakariyahu, Kareem and Ibrahim caused the death of the deceased.









Akano said Zakariyahu confessed in his statement that he killed the deceased adding that the prosecution, during the trial, was able to prove that the 2nd and 3rd defendants, Kareem and Ibrahim, assisted the 1st defendant in the killing.









She stated that there was no concrete evidence that the fourth accused, Isiaq, the leader of the Jafariya sect, was involved in the killing, and subsequently discharged and acquitted him.









The court, however, observed that Adeoti knew that the convicts had killed the deceased and did not report to the police until the perpetrators were arrested.








Independent National Electoral Commission says it will deploy 277 generators to its Registration Area Centres in Enugu State for the gen...

Independent National Electoral Commission says it will deploy 277 generators to its Registration Area Centres in Enugu State for the general elections.









INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr. Emeka Ononamadu said that the generators were both brand new and refurbished ones.









He said that one generator would be deployed to each of the 260 political wards in the state, while the remaining ones would be on a stand-by at the state headquarters.









We are going to deploy generators and non-sensitive materials before the election day.









INEC Enugu has concluded final verification of conditions of polling unit locations and RAC centres before now.









We had started preparation of the Registration Area Centres, which are mostly in public schools for our ad hoc staffs comfort.









After refurbishing some of the RAC centres, we will move the non-sensitive materials, including the generators, to the RAC centres in the state, he said.









It was gathered that Enugu State currently has 1,942,776 registered voters and 4,146 voting locations comprising 2,958 polling units and 1,188 voting points.












President Muhammadu Buhari says he is only seeking a second term  not a third term like former president Olusegun Obasanjo. Speak...





President Muhammadu Buhari says he is only seeking a second term  not a third term like former president Olusegun Obasanjo.





Speaking in the Ondo state capital, Akure, on Tuesday, the president took a jab at the former president, without mentioning his name, but made it abundantly clear he was speaking to the former major general.





We have just finished one term and are seeking a second one, and after that, the constitution doesnt permit anymore, Tolu Ogunlesi, special assistant to the president on digital communications, quoted him to have said.





There are some who tried looking for more but they did not succeed. We should learn from their mistakes.

In 2006/2007, former president Olusegun Obasanjo, was reported to have attempted ruling for a third term, after occupying the office of the president for the two terms permitted by the constitution.





A bill was sponsored at the national assembly to extend term limits by another four years, but the lawmakers, who were said to have been paid, did not ratify the bill.





Ken Nnamani, president of the senate, would later reveal that Obasanjo had informed him earlier, but he did not believe the former president until the situation played out.





Immediately, I became Senate President, he told me of his intentions and told me how he wanted to achieve it. I initially did not take him seriously until the events began to unfold, Nnamani said.





Obasanjo, who supported Buhari in 2015, is currently backing Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, to unseat the incumbent president.




Governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha, has raised the alarm over plans by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congres...





Governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha, has raised the alarm over plans by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi to alienate him from politics and halt his 2023 presidential ambition.





The Imo governor disclosed that the recent political upheaval in his state was sponsored by people outside the state, using politicians from the state to pull him down ahead of 2023.





He said: There is more to the noise you are hearing about the governorship election in Imo, it is not about Uche Nwosu, it is about a plot to stop Okorocha by all means, otherwise why will Adams Oshiomhole and Rotimi Amaechi be interested in who governs Imo.





The calculation is that if Uche Nwosu becomes governor and I go to Senate, I will be a strong force by 2023. The most annoying fact is that they are using our people to pursue that agenda.




President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday confirmed that fighting corruption in a nation like Nigeria is not an easy task. He made ...

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday confirmed that fighting corruption in a nation like Nigeria is not an easy task.









He made the confession while addressing mammoth crowd of party supporters at Ekiti Parapo pavilion in Ado Ekiti during his presidential campaign rally to Ekiti state.









Buhari, however, said in spite of the herculean task, he would never be dissuaded to rid the nation of graft in line with the promise he made in 2015 to banish corruption in the land.









We are fighting corruption but it has not been easy. But we told the security agencies to keep tab on those on our watching list and ensure that no stone is left unturned to ensuring that those who have cases to answer does not escape justice.









As part of our promises, we are building roads, rail lines, and fighting corruption. We introduced Treasury Single Account and increase power supply, so Nigerians can have their own businesses, the president said.









Also speaking, Prof. Osinbajo condemned the extravagance spending of the PDP during its 16 years rule.









He said a sum of $383 billion was got from oil between 2010 and 2014 under Dr Goodluck Jonathan but achieved nothing for the country.









In his remark, the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, said it would be a big mistake if Nigerians elect the PDP presidential candidate, Abubakar Atiku in the February 16 poll.









Also, Fayemi promised that the state will get 90 percent of the votes that would be cast on February 16 for President Buhari.









The government is planning to dualise Ado-Akure road, complete the federal housing units, the federal secretariat and the Lagos-Kano rail line, so we have no option than to return President Buhari, because Ekiti people are progressives.









At the rally were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Ibikule Amosun (Ogun), former All Progressives Congress(APC) Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, Mr. Olusola Oke, among others.









Also, two members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).









The lawmakers who were led by the Speaker, Hon Ebenezer Alagbada were: Honourables Cecelia Dada representing Ilejemeje constituency and Olanrewaju Olayanju from Emure constituency.




The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, has asked Nigerians to exercise their franchise during the coming general ele...

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, has asked Nigerians to exercise their franchise during the coming general elections and ensure that their votes count.









Symington, in a broadcast published on the official Twitter handle of the US on Tuesday, insisted that the elections must be free, fair and credible.









While urging a level-playing field for candidates of political parties, he said Nigerians must know their rights and make an impact by voting.









He appealed to people in the country not to allow themselves to be influenced by anyone during the elections.









He said, The elections are a remarkable opportunity for all Nigerians to come together and for every citizen to express their will. What the United States hopes to see in your elections in this year 2019 are elections that are free, fair, credible and above all transparent. In this process, I know one thing: it is absolutely important for the citizens of Nigeria to personally take part, beginning right now by knowing what your rights are. On election day, you wont have an effect unless you vote. Its important that you work together to make sure that your votes are counted.









As we get ready for your elections, one of the most important things is that there is level playing field, meaning that no officials, no security forces, no electoral officials, no politicians seek to influence you in a way that is not consistent with Nigerian law.









Elections are only one part of the democratic process. The words and the actions that happen in these final days and all the work of government afterwards, are as important to democracy as the elections themselves.









So, in a nutshell, know your rights. Two, Vote and exercise them. Three, if you work for the government or for a party, make sure you remember that it is your individual responsibility to act consistently with the laws.









And remember that elections are only one part of democracy. And on this level-playing field, it is incredibly important that there has to be a path for the future for every Nigerian. Whatever your faith or language or where you come from, finding your path forward together is the heart of democracy; its the heart of freedom. Its the hope for free enterprise and free people. And its Nigerias future.








Dangote Group, the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), and four other companies have joined in on the federal government dri...





Dangote Group, the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), and four other companies have joined in on the federal government drive to build infrastructure across Nigeria.





The companies, which also includes Lafarge Africa Plc, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, and China Road and Bridge Corporation Nigeria Limited, will build 19 roads, totaling 794.4km in 11 states across each of the six geopolitical zones of the country.





This is made possible with the signing of executive order 007 2019, which was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari to allow private companies construct and refurbish roads across the country.





Following the order, the two-year-old Nigeria Industrial Policy and Competitiveness Advisory Council (Industrial Council) has chalked a landmark achievement in accelerating infrastructure development for economic growth.





Zainab Ahmed, the minister of finance, who listed the roads at the signing ceremony said the scheme is the outcome of efforts to think outside of the box and deploy new techniques to develop critical road infrastructure in the country.





THE EXECUTIVE ORDER

The executive order is a Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme that enables the federal government of Nigeria leverage private sector funding for the construction or refurbishment of eligible road infrastructure projects.





It focuses on the development of eligible road infrastructure projects in an efficient and effective manner that creates value for money through private sector discipline; and guarantees participants in the scheme timely and full recovery of funds provided for the construction or refurbishment of eligible road infrastructure projects through tax credits.





This executive order is one of the initiatives midwived by the Policy and Regulation Subcommittee of the Industrial Council, which is focused on implementing initiatives to incentivize investment; and reduce smuggling.





Industrialists in the council expressed their willingness to intervene in road rehabilitation and construction in their areas of operation in a thorough and transparent process that ensures the cost of construction/rehabilitation can be recouped, the Federal Ministry of Finance had conceived the idea. It promptly proposed the scheme for the Industrial Council to develop.





The Scheme is widely viewed by stakeholders who have been engaged in the public and private sectors as a quick-win in road construction and enjoys wide-spread acceptance as a means of accelerating growth within industrial clusters.





DANGOTE: THIS WILL SAVE GOVT BILLIONS

In his speech at the signing ceremony, Aliko Dangote, president and CEO of Dangote Group, stated that, the impact is huge because it will allow private sector to use their capital, their know-how and also their efficiency in terms of delivering roads in time and the Nigerian government will be saving billions of naira.





The Federal Executive Council approved the Industrial Council in March 2017 as a vehicle for partnering with the private sector on the industrialisation agenda to address key hindrances to the growth of manufacturing in the country.





The council, chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, aims to increase the contribution of the manufacturing sector to gross domestic product and establish Nigeria as the manufacturing hub for Africa by implementing initiatives aimed at accelerating industrialization by leveraging private sector expertise and capital.





Okechukwu Enelamah, minister of industry, trade, and investment, who is one of its vice chairmen of the council, explained that, the councils mandate is to assist the government in implementing initiatives that will enhance the performance of the industrial sector through partnerships with the private sector.





The leadership of the Industrial Council consists of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (Chairman); Enelamah (vice-chairman, public sector); Aliko Dangote (vice-chairman private sector); Aisha Abubakar, minister of state, industry, trade and investment, (Alternate vice-chairman, public sector); and Atedo Peterside (alternate vice-chairman, private sector).





Other infrastructure initiatives which the Industrial Council is facilitating their implementation include the ongoing the deployment of 18,000 KM of fibre across the country to improve broadband penetration; and the generation of additional 4.2GW of power to the national grid.




Suspected bandits have killed Ade Marafa, elder sister of Kabir Marafa, senator representing Zamfara central, and abducted her husba...

Suspected bandits have killed Ade Marafa, elder sister of Kabir Marafa, senator representing Zamfara central, and abducted her husband.





Abubakar Tsafe, an aide to the senator, who confirmed this

, said the bandits struck at the residence of the senators sister located at Ruwan Bore area of Gusau local government area on Tuesday. , said the bandits struck at the residence of the senators sister located at Ruwan Bore area of Gusau local government area on Tuesday.





The aide said the suspected bandits numbering about 100 set the village ablaze after raiding it.





More than half of Ruwan Bore village has been burnt by the bandits. The villagers are now seeking refuge at Mada, a neighbouring community, he said in a statement.





Tsafe said at the time of issuing the statement, the senators in-law had not been found.





The senator has, on many occasions ,expressed concern about the high level of insecurity in the state.





In November, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a military crackdown on the bandits but the killings have continued unabated.





Due to the overwhelming activities of the bandits, Abdulaziz Yari, governor of Zamfara, said he was no longer chief security officer of the state because he had no control over security machinery.





As chief security officer, the nomenclature is just a name, Yari had said.





Speaking at a town hall meeting in September, the governor said from 2011, at least 2,300 people have died as a result of insecurity in the state.




The Independent National Electoral Commission (lNEC), on Tuesday, said 304,852 registered voters were yet to claim their Permanent Voter...

The Independent National Electoral Commission (lNEC), on Tuesday, said 304,852 registered voters were yet to claim their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in Kwara State few days to the general election.









INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Alhaji Attaihiru Madami, disclosed this in Ilorin during an interview with our correspondent.









Madami said the unclaimed PVCs were part of the 1. 4 million printed for voters registered during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) across the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.








The leadership and faithful of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa yesterday protested the killing of its members during a campai...

The leadership and faithful of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa yesterday protested the killing of its members during a campaign rally in Tungbaburi community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state Saturday.









The leader of the party in the state, Chief Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri led the protest to the Police Command in Yenagoa.









Speaking during the protest march to the police headquarters, Chief Timipre Sylva, a former governor of the state, said that the killing of an APC member at a rally in Sagbama was one too many.









He said: We have been watching the scenario where members of our party are being attacked while we are canvassing for votes, two of them were killed recently in Nembe and we reported the incidents, but the police are not doing enough.









We are here to send a strong message to the Police High Command and Inspector-General of Police that the persecution and killing of our members in Bayelsa is not acceptable.









On Saturday, one of our members who was attacked during a rally in Sagbama died, and we are here today to register our displeasure and demand that just as the Police is providing security for those in PDP, they should protect us also.









We demand that the police be fair in their duties to avoid a situation where those denied security would be compelled to seek self help, Sylva said.









The state Police Commissioner, Mr Aminu Saleh, in his response, dismissed the allegations that his command was biased.








The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar is expected to be in Bauchi today. The one time former...

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar is expected to be in Bauchi today.









The one time former Vice President is visiting Bauchi to campaign for his election as president on the platform of the PDP in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.









Atiku will be campaigning alongside other PDP candidates in the state among whom is its governorship candidate, former FCT Minister, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.









House of Representatives candidates including the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara as well as Senate and State House of Assembly candidates will be at the campaign venue.




The All Progressive Congress, APC in Taraba State has accused Governor of the state Darius Ishaku of intimidating and harassing traditi...

The All Progressive Congress, APC in Taraba State has accused Governor of the state Darius Ishaku of intimidating and harassing traditional rulers and civil servants to ensure that only candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party are elected.









The accusations were made by the state chairman of the party Barrister Ibrahim El- Sudi while briefing newsmen in Jalingo.









He alleged that the governor had assembled 53 traditional rulers in the government house in Jalingo a few days ago and directed them that they must ensure he and all contestants of PDP are elected in their domains.









He said the governor threatened to remove any royal fathers that allowed PDP to loose election in his domain.









The chairman said such threats were also extended to senior state civil servants and local government staff.









According to him, the governor had also assembled senior civil servants at the exco- chamber in government house, Jalingo recently and handed down warnings that they must ensure the victory of PDP in the areas they are from or face sanctions.









He said APC viewed the governors actions as a desperate attempt to cause crisis in the state.









Reacting to the allegation, the Senior Assistant on media and publicity to governor Darius, Mr Bala Dan Abu said Governor Darius was not desperate to win elections, adding that he does not need to intimidate anybody to win elections.








The Nasarawa State Police Command says it has deployed 2,000 personnel to provide security during President Muhammadu Buharis re-electi...

The Nasarawa State Police Command says it has deployed 2,000 personnel to provide security during President Muhammadu Buharis re-election rally on Wednesday in Lafia.









The command spokesman, ASP Samaila Usman, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lafia that the aim was to ensure a hitch-free visit by the President.









Usman said the personnel were drawn from the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence units.









According to him, the states Commissioner of Police, Adebola Emmanuel-Longe, also deployed men of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit as well as conventional policemen.








No fewer than 10,000 members of the National Association of Nigerian Prostitutes, NANP, on Tuesday stormed Abuja, the nations capital a...

No fewer than 10,000 members of the National Association of Nigerian Prostitutes, NANP, on Tuesday stormed Abuja, the nations capital ahead of the February 16 presidential and National Assembly elections.





The group vowed to mobilize its members across the country for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.





Confirming the development on Tuesday evening, Secretary General of the group, Sandra Efosa, said they settled for Atiku after studying his policy documents carefully for several weeks.





Efosa said under the current government, their bed-to-wealth has suffered low patronage due to harsh economy.





We shall be mobilizing our members across the country to work for the election of the PDP candidate. I shall let you know of our next step, Efosa said in a message sent to our reporter on Whatsapp.





When prodded further if the association would be declaring free s3x like they did in 2015, Efosa said, of course, that is our tradition but I will issue a comprehensive statement on why we settled for Atiku having endorsed Bukola Saraki earlier, she added.
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Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 56-year-old male employee of the Toshima Ward office over the alleged rape of a middle school girl last year, reports Jiji Press

On the night of October 23, Takehiko Takeshima, who heads the public relations department for the ward, is alleged to have sexually assaulted the girl, 13, inside his vehicle while it was a stopped in a parking lot in the capital.

Takeshima, who has been accused of coerced intercourse, denies the allegations. aI think I had sex with a woman around the age of 18 in my car, but I do not recall clearly,a the suspect was quoted by police.

According to police, Takeshima met the girl via a smartphone application that is only to be used by students. In contacting the girl, the suspect posed as a male high school student. During a chat, the girl sought an unspecified type of help. However, the suspect wanted to meet her, police said.

Police launched an investigation after the girl consulted with them the day after the incident. The girl told police that she could not decline his request to meet since she submitted her address and school name during a chat. aI couldnat refuse since I thought he might harm me or my family,a she said.

Takeshima joined the ward office in April, 2017. Yukio Takano, the head of ward, said, aThe arrest of a staff member cannot be permissible. I would like to offer a sincere apology. We will deal with this matter based on the results of the investigation.a
Star Wars, anime favourites, and tennis pro Naomi Osaka all make an appearance at this yearas event.

Hokkaidoas capital city of Sapporo came to life with crowds of visitors yesterday, as the 70th Sapporo Snow Festival officially opened to the public across two sites at Susukino and Odori Park in the cityas centre.

A total of 200 ice and snow sculptures have been created for this yearas event, with the largest designs a measuring 15 metres (49 feet) in height and constructed with the help of the Japan Self-Defence Forces a located at the Odori Park location.

One of the largest sculptures on display this year is dedicated to the Star Wars film franchise, and this is where the festivalas official opening ceremony was held last night.
Nissan Motor decided Tuesday to hold an extraordinary shareholders meeting on April 8, where the Japanese automaker is expected to dismiss former Chairman Carlos Ghosn and his onetime deputy Greg Kelly from the board of directors.

Shareholders will also vote on a proposal to seat Jean-Dominique Senard, Renault's newly appointed chairman, on Nissan's board.

Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa expressed his hopes late Tuesday that negotiations with alliance partner Renault will advance smoothly. "Starting in April, we will have [Senard] added as a director, and we will be able to have conversations on the next step with Mr. Senard included," said Saikawa.

Nissan stripped Ghosn of his chairmanship immediately after his arrest in November. Kelly was simultaneously fired from his position of representative director. But the two remain on the board because a shareholders' vote is required to remove a board member.

Renault pressed for an extraordinary shareholders meeting almost from the start. But Nissan's board had resisted setting a date for the meeting, fearing the French partner would leverage its 43.4% stake in Nissan to force unwanted changes at the Japanese automaker. It was only after Ghosn stepped down from Renault late last month, in conjunction with an executive shuffle at the French carmaker, that Nissan began to compromise.

Saikawa met privately with Senard while representatives from the Nissan-Renault alliance gathered in Amsterdam for a regularly scheduled meeting last week. The two affirmed that they share the same understanding for maintaining the alliance, among other basic issues.

The agenda of the April shareholders meeting will be limited to Ghosn and Kelly's dismissal and Senard's appointment. This sets the stage for the debate over who will fill Nissan's vacant chairmanship, as well as the ultimate makeup of Nissan's board. Nissan's regular shareholders' meeting will take place in June.
Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey qualified as "strange" last week's public criticism of Liberty Media by F1's promoters which occurred a day before a meeting involving all parties.

The Formula One Promoters' Association - which groups 16 of F1's 21 race promoters - released last week a statement in which it voiced its concerns over Liberty's move away from free-to-air broadcasting.

Furthermore, the group also criticized a lack of collaboration between the commercial rights holder and promoters, as well as the former's will to add new races to the F1 calendar, potentially to the detriment of existing venues.

Oddly, there was no immediate public reaction from F1 to FOPA's grievances. But Carey, in an interview with ESPN, said the group's concerns were all addressed at the following day's meeting between F1's management and the promoters.

"I think, realistically, if you get 21 in a room you are bound to find a couple who have something to complain about," Carey said on Tuesday, at the announcement of an extension of F1's deal with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

"In all honestly, I thought the meeting [with race promoters] was incredibly positive. I thought there was tremendous support from the vast majority and they have a great appreciation for what we are doing.

"The fact that a few of them wanted to find something to complain about, that's life. It's not going to change what we are doing, and by a large majority the promoters have been supportive and are excited about what we are doing.

"They believe the sport, for them and in general, is in a much better place than it was a few years ago and is going in the right direction, and we have got a list of places we can't accommodate [on the calendar] that we would like to add to the sport," added F1's chief executive.

"It's part of life, you are going to find a bunch of people who have something to complain about and are going to make noise. We will go forward and do what we are doing, which I think we feel good about.

Carey felt perplexed by FOPA's initiative given that the agenda of the following day's meeting.

"I thought that was the strangest [part] because they put it out the night before [we were due to meet with them], so we already had a day set up to talk about initiatives and they -- well, only a couple of guys -- put out a press release saying we need to talk about initiatives. That was the strangest part."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Moscow and Washington have made no progress in talks on saving a key arms control treaty, a Russian diplomat said yesterday, with the United States expected to begin withdrawal this weekend. Russian and US officials had met on the sidelines of a meeting of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in Beijing to discuss the fate of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty (INF) -- a source of raging tensions between Moscow and Washington.

Unfortunately, there is no progress, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said after talks with Andrea Thompson, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. The United States has warned that it will begin a six-month withdrawal process from the treaty on February 2 unless Russia destroys its 9M729 groundbased missile system, which it says breaches the Cold War-era agreement.

Ryabkov called the US position rather tough, ultimatum-like and destructive, state news agency RIA Novosti reported. We have not made any progress. We state this not just with sorrow, but with deep concern for the fate of the treaty, for the fate of European and international security, Ryabkov said.
A video of a Bahraini activist from Eker village known as Abu Muntadhar while saving an injured seagull he found in the alleys of the old village on the 30th January.

The humanitarian opened his home to the bird and extended his hospitality as he cared for it and ate with it.

Known for documenting wildlife and marine environment in Bahrain, Abu Muntadhar documented the healing stages of the bird, before releasing it near one of the coasts of the village (southeast of Tubli Bay).
Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa said the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has always upheld the principles of human fraternity, promoted interfaith dialogue and amity, stressing the role of Emirates rulers in this respect as attested by the tremendous role of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in supporting interfaith dialogue to achieve global security and peace, and praised the organisation of the Global Conference for Human Fraternity in the UAE.

The minister welcomed the historic visit of Al Azhar Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed El Tayed and Pope Francis, the Pontiff of the Vatican, to the United Arab Emirates and praised their role in disseminating the culture of tolerance, amity, and human fraternity, lauding Al Azhars moderation and the role of Muslim Elders Council.

Shaikh Khalid added that the Global Conference for Human Fraternity organized by the Muslim Elders Council in Abu Dhabi, which coincides with the Holy Sees visit shows the mutual desire among the leaders of all religions to inscribe a new page in fraternal relations among the followers of religions.
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The return of the sun Robin Mongoyak and his young son enjoying the sun in Utqiagvik. Jan. 30, 2019. (Ravenna Koenig/ Alaskas Energy Desk).

The sun came back in Utqiagvik last week after spending the last two months hidden below the horizon.

That first sunrise of the new year is the pivot-point on which winter turns and begins to move toward spring, delivering people in Alaskas northernmost town from the long spell of darkness.

If youre not from here, Utqiagvik has an other-worldly look at any time of year. Its almost totally flat. There are no trees, no mountains. But its especially striking now, when the cluster of homes and buildings on the cusp of the Arctic Ocean are surrounded on all sides by white: the flat expanse of the snow-covered tundra to the south, and the frozen tumble of sea ice to the north.

So when the sun comes up, it makes a dramatic entrance: a thumbnail of neon pink inching above the horizon.

And people in Utqiagvik are so, so glad to see it.

When we get the sun back its a completely different atmosphere, said Utqiagvik resident Malcolm Noble. You see peoples faces light up. You just want to step outside.

Robin Mongoyak drives out to the edge of town where theres an unimpeded view of the afternoon sun hovering just above a never-ending expanse of snow.

Man, the sun, Ive been waiting for it, he said. I tell you what, Ive lived here for 49 years, I felt like I had S.A.D. this past year. seasonal affective disorder.

Mongoyak says this was the first time in his life that the winter darkness sat heavy on him like that. But when the sun came back last week, it reminded him that February and March  what he calls the best days of sunshine  are right around the corner.

He describes those days with clear enthusiasm: The whitest snow, the bluest skies, and the orangest circle right there just getting higher and higher, from more orange to more golden, you know, its amazing.

He repeats a phrase in Inupiaq that he associates with this time of year: quvianaqsiniaqtuq.

Thats what my mom and my dad used to say when we were growing up as kids, he said, Quvianaqsiniaqtuq!  Its going to get wonderful!

Life is going to spring back to us, he explained. Spring is coming, summer is around the corner. Birds when they come in big flocks, its like thousands of people coming to greet us.

Mongoyak gets out of the car with his toddler son, and they gaze across the tundra.

Mongoyak says that seeing the sun reminds him of all the spring and summer activities that are waiting for Utqiagvik just around the corner: whaling, goose and duck hunting, fishing on the ocean, caribou hunting on the tundra. And just being outside.

Hes got a big smile on his face as he talks about it in the orange afternoon light.

Right now, Utqiagvik is gaining minutes of sunlight by the day. By May, the town will be living in the other extreme: 24 hours of daylight, every day until August.

Alaskas Energy Desk is a public media collaboration focused on energy and the environment with partners KTOO in Juneau, Alaska Public Media in Anchorage, KUCB in Unalaska, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner in Fairbanks, KBRW in Utqiagvik and KYUK in Bethel.
(Newser)  A longtime postal worker was fatally shot while driving in suburban Chicago several hours after a separate shooting along the same freeway wounded a man and two boys, authorities said Tuesday. Illinois State Police declined to say whether investigators believe the two Monday shootings are linked, the AP reports. Trooper Woodrow Montgomery, a spokesman for the agency, said Tuesday that officers "have come to no conclusions." Police said the 55-year-old woman was alone in a car when she was shot around 10pm Monday on northbound Interstate 57 near Oak Forest, just south of Chicago. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

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About six hours earlier, a 38-year-old man was critically wounded in a shooting along the same interstate a few miles away, near Calumet Park. A 12-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy also were shot and wounded, but were hospitalized in stable condition. An 8-year-old girl in the vehicle wasn't shot but was also taken to a hospital, according to police. Police have not released any of the victims' names, but the US Postal Service identified the woman who was killed as Tamara Clayton-Shelton. Postal Service spokesman Tim Norman said Clayton-Shelton was scheduled to work a shift Monday night and was likely on her way to work when she was shot. "The Postal Service is deeply saddened on hearing of this tragedy and share our thoughts and prayers with the family," the agency said in a statement Tuesday. (Freeway shootings once terrorized Phoenix.)
(Newser)  Another prominent figure has been accused of sexual assault, this time Nobel laureate and former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Sanchez. The New York Times, which first reported the allegations, calls Arias "one of Latin America's most revered statesmen." Now, however, his legacy is at risk. Antinuclear activist Alexandra Arce von Herold met with prosecutors and on Monday filed a sexual assault complaint against him stemming from an alleged incident in 2014. Arce says that while she was at Arias' home, he fondled her breasts from behind, put his hands up her skirt, and digitally penetrated her. "I just froze, and I didn't know what to do," she tells the Times. "I was so much in shock. That had never happened to me before."

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Arce, a psychiatrist, says she now regrets not responding more forcefully and fighting back. Instead, she thought only to call out, "You're married!" and rushed out of the home on the pretext of having another appointment. She says she has come forward now because she was inspired by women of the #MeToo movement who did the same. Arias served two different terms as Costa Rica's president, the most recent from 2006 to 2010, and he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his work ending wars in Central America. A post on HumanRights.com has details on that work and notes that Arias used his prize money to establish a foundation dedicated to peace and human rights. A women's rights activist says Latin America's "machiscmo" culture makes it difficult to hold powerful men accountable in the region. (A former Scottish leader also is accused.)
(Newser)  Assault and trespass charges against a Washington state man were dropped over the weekend after it was revealed that the local sheriff had manipulated a courtroom surveillance camera to zoom in on notes from the defense attorney as well as a juror. San Juan County Sheriff Ron Krebs, who is accused of moving the camera from the sheriff's dispatch office, said in court filings that he "inadvertently" did so, that he didn't even realize the camera was able to zoom in, and that he didn't read or pass along to the prosecution anything he saw. But the judge in the case called a weekend hearing to dismiss the charges against the man whose trial was going on at the time of the incidenthe found that the man's right to a fair trial was violated due to government misconduct, and the charges cannot be refiledand quite a furor has ensued, the Seattle Times reports.

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"I'm flabbergasted," says the public defender whose notes were targeted; a trial exhibit was also zoomed in on. "The sheriff used the courtroom to violate my clients rights. Outrageous hardly covers it." The prosecutor is just as upset, saying the situation left him "frustrated" and "concerned," but he distanced himself from the sheriff's actions, noting that only Krebs knows exactly what happened and the intent behind it. He also said his office received no information from Krebs. Both he and Krebs insist this was an isolated incident stemming from security concerns about the defendant, who was accused of threatening to stab a local grocer. A local civil rights lawyer is pushing to have the video from the security camera made publicand also wants to know why the camera even has a zoom functionbut the judge has so far rejected his efforts; a hearing on the matter is set for next week. (See the full story at the Times.)
(Newser)  Liam Neeson appeared on ABC's Good Morning America Tuesday to address the backlash over a disturbing story he told about his younger days. "I'm not a racist," Neeson told host Robin Roberts. The 66-year-old actor confirmed that nearly four decades ago, a friend of his was raped by a black man, prompting him to walk the streets looking for a black man to attack in retaliation. "I went out deliberately into black areas in the city, looking to be set upon," he said. "It shocked me and it hurt me. I did seek help, I went to a priest." Neeson, however, said it wasn't about raceif his friend's attacker was white, he would have sought a white man to attack.

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"If she'd have said [the rapist was] Irish, or a Scot, or a Brit, or a Lithuanian, [it] would have had the same effect," he said, per Fox News. "I was trying to show honor [and] stand up for my dear friend in this terrible medieval fashion. ... Luckily no violence occurred, ever." Neeson, who called the experience a "learning curve," told the original story while plugging his new movie, Cold Pursuit, which involves revenge. He was making the point that he could relate. "God forbid youve ever had a member of your family hurt under criminal conditions," he told Roberts. (Read more Liam Neeson stories.)
(Newser)  In November 2012, British war photographer John Cantlie and American journalist James Foley were kidnapped in Syria and held by ISIS. In August 2014, Foley was beheaded. Now comes word that the British government believes Cantlie is still alive more than six years later, and still being held by ISIS. That's what UK Security Minister Ben Wallace told reporters on Tuesday when he was explicitly asked if Cantlienamed by Wallace as the most high-profile British hostage currentlyis thought to be alive. He did not elaborate. NBC News cites a tweet from the Free John Cantlie Twitter account that reads in part, "We are aware of the current news circulating that John Cantlie is alive, whilst this is not substantiated at present, we continue to hope and pray that this turns out to be true."

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CNN reports Cantlie was kidnapped in Syria in July 2012, but that captivity lasted only a week thanks to a rescue by the Free Syrian Army. He said of that ordeal, "The imagination can run riot. These are not nice thoughts ... and I absolutely had them." Cantlie has been seen in more than a dozen ISIS propaganda videos. CNN notes he "appeared skeletal" in a December 2016 video. The New York Times reports Cantlie hasn't appeared in a video for more than two years. The Times adds that last month an official with the Syrian Democratic Forces also said Cantlie might still be alive, possibly held in ISIS' last stronghold in eastern Syria. (Cantlie's father died in 2014.)
(Newser)  Four members of the Ivancic family are dead, and the alleged timeline of their murders is now becoming clear thanks to newly released court documents. Shelby John Nealy, 25, was arrested last month in connection with the deaths of his wife, his in-laws, and his wife's brother; upon being apprehended in Ohio, he reportedly confessed to the killings, saying he'd killed wife Jamie Ivancic in Port Richey, Fla., in January 2018 and managed to fool her family into thinking she was alive but wasn't available to come to the phone. Per the documents, he moved to Texas after her death and kept up the ruseuntil the fact that they hadn't heard Jamie's voice sparked her parents' concern. The alleged motive in killing Laura, Richard, and Nicholas Ivancic was to hide Jamie's murder, reports WTSP.

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The documents say Nealy drove from Texas to Tarpon Springs, Fla., "with the intent to kill all three victims," per WFTS. He allegedly killed Richard with a hammer on Dec. 15; wife Laura met the same fate upon arriving home. Their bodies were concealed in area rugs and put in a bedroom. Nicholas, Jamie's brother, was subsequently killed with a hammer as he slept. Police say Nealy ordered pizza and had it delivered to the home a week later. He was captured on surveillance video at a Home Depot buying painting and other supplies, and at a pawn shop where he pawned jewelry. One of his paint-covered shirts was found in the home's washing machine. Nealy then moved to Ohio, signing a lease on Dec. 24. The Ivancics' bodies were found Jan. 1, and Nealy was arrested two days later. He was extradited to Florida on Saturday, reports the Tampa Bay Times. (Read more on the case here.)
(Newser)  Pope Francis ministered on Tuesday to the thriving Catholic community in the United Arab Emirates as he concluded his historic visit to the Arabian Peninsula with the first-ever papal Mass here and a call for his flock to remain meek in following God. A day after making a broad appeal for Christian and Muslim leaders to work together to promote peace and reject war, Francis celebrated what some considered the largest show of public Christian worship on the peninsula, the birthplace of Islam. For the Gulf Arab region where public displays of non-Islamic faith are restricted, the hymns of "Halleluja" booming out from speakers marked a milestone and evidence of the Emirates' much touted assertions of its tolerance for other faiths, the AP reports.

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Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti later said some 180,000 people attended the Mass. The Catholic Church estimates as many as 1 million of the more than 9 million living in the UAE are Catholic, nearly all of them foreigners drawn to the oil-rich federation to work in everything from white-collar finance to construction. Most are Filipino and Indian, many of whom have left behind families back home. In his homily, delivered in Italian and translated into Arabic with English subtitles on giant screens, Francis made a direct reference to the suffering many endure. "It is most certainly not easy for you to live far from home, missing the affection of your loved ones, and perhaps also feeling uncertainty about the future," he said. "But the Lord is faithful and does not abandon his people."

(Read more Pope Francis stories.)
(Newser)  President Trump will deliver his State of the Union address Tuesday night and analysts expect two largely incompatible things: Calls for a unity, and calls for a border wall. White House counselor Kellyanne Conway says Trump will be "calling for cooperation" in the address, though both Democrats and Republicans are skeptical, the AP reports.Trump is widely expected to double down on his calls for a border wall. He is expected to mention declaring a national emergency to secure funding for the wall, though not to declare the emergency during the speech itself. "You'll hear the State of the Union, and then you'll see what happens right after the State of the Union," the president said Monday. More:

Guests include a boy bullied for the name Trump. The president and Melania Trump's 13 guests for the address will include Joshua Trump, a sixth-grader from Delaware who says he's been bullied for years because of his name, Politico reports. Other guests will include two survivors of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and Alice Johnson, the Tennessee great-grandmother he granted clemency to last year. Trump has also invited relatives of a Nevada couple allegedly murdered by a man who was in the country illegally. The White House has a full list here.

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What to expect . Trump is expected to offer a legislative solution for "Dreamers" as well as emphasize border security, the New York Times reports. He is also expected to discuss abortion, repeat his call for a massive nationwide infrastructure programand boast about the latest economic figures, which show growth in jobs has continued for the 100th month in a row. Trump has also said he will "probably" reveal a date for his second summit with Kim Jong Un.

. Trump is expected to offer a legislative solution for "Dreamers" as well as emphasize border security, the New York Times reports. He is also expected to discuss abortion, repeat his call for a massive nationwide infrastructure programand boast about the latest economic figures, which show growth in jobs has continued for the 100th month in a row. Trump has also said he will "probably" reveal a date for his second summit with Kim Jong Un. "Prepared to go forward alone." People briefed on the speech say Trump will call for bipartisan action on issues including the border wall and infrastructurebut with a warning to Democrats. "What the administration is saying is we should be working together on these issues," former Trump campaign advisor Bryan Lanz tells the Wall Street Journal. But Trump, he says, also plans to warn: "If you want to do nothing, I'm prepared to go forward alone."

People briefed on the speech say Trump will call for bipartisan action on issues including the border wall and infrastructurebut with a warning to Democrats. "What the administration is saying is we should be working together on these issues," former Trump campaign advisor Bryan Lanz tells the Wall Street Journal. But Trump, he says, also plans to warn: "If you want to do nothing, I'm prepared to go forward alone." The olive branch. With House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sitting behind him, Trump's "olive branch" to Democrats will likely include reforming drug pricing and committing to ending AIDS by 2030, though aides also expect him to "needle" Democrats with appeals to his base, the Hill reports.

Victory over ISIS? Trump is also expected to discuss winding down the war in Afghanistan and possibly to declare near-total victory over ISIS, the AP reports. He is expected to expand on the latter Wednesday in a meeting with top diplomats from the 79-member anti-ISIS coalition.

Trump is also expected to discuss winding down the war in Afghanistan and possibly to declare near-total victory over ISIS, the AP reports. He is expected to expand on the latter Wednesday in a meeting with top diplomats from the 79-member anti-ISIS coalition. "Comity." Conway said Monday that Trump will call for more "comity," though Democrats said they doubted any serious bipartisan proposals would emerge from his "chaotic" administration, the Washington Post reports. "What I expect the president to do is ignore reality and spin his own fiction, said Sen. Charles Schumer. "A looming question is just how many falsehoods, distortions and made-up facts will appear in the presidents speech?"

Conway said Monday that Trump will call for more "comity," though Democrats said they doubted any serious bipartisan proposals would emerge from his "chaotic" administration, the Washington Post reports. "What I expect the president to do is ignore reality and spin his own fiction, said Sen. Charles Schumer. "A looming question is just how many falsehoods, distortions and made-up facts will appear in the presidents speech?" Democratic guests . Roll Call has a list of the special guests lawmakers will be bringing, including a number of guests invited by Democrats to troll Trump, including Victorina Morales and Sandra Diaz, two women who worked as housekeepers at a Trump golf club despite not having legal status.

. Roll Call has a list of the special guests lawmakers will be bringing, including a number of guests invited by Democrats to troll Trump, including Victorina Morales and Sandra Diaz, two women who worked as housekeepers at a Trump golf club despite not having legal status. The rebuttal. The Democratic response will be delivered by Stacey Abrams, who narrowly lost the gubernatorial election in Georgia. She says she plans to "deliver a vision for prosperity and equality, where everyone in our nation has a voice and where each of those voices is heard." USA Today wonders whether the up-and-coming Democrat will be able to avoid the "curse" that has caused numerous political careers, including that of Bobby Jindal, to fizzle after delivering the SOTU response.

(Read more State of the Union Address stories.)
(Newser)  A man found dead in Great Smoky Mountains National Park was killed by a methamphetamine overdose, not the bear that was found eating his body, authorities say. According to an autopsy released Monday, there were signs of "extensive postmortem animal predation" on the body of 30-year-old William Lee Hill, but no evidence that the black bear had attacked him, the Knoxville News Sentinel reports. The autopsy report states that syringes and other drug paraphernalia were found near the body of the Louisville resident, whose body was found on Sept. 11 last year. Hill, who had a history of drug use, had disappeared four days earlier while illegally gathering ginseng in the park with a friend.

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The autopsy states that Hill's body had to be identified through tattoos, including a Confederate flag with the words "IT'S A REDNEK THING." The autopsy's finding came far too late to save the bear, which stayed in the area and behaved aggressively after Hill's body was found, WBIR reports. It was briefly captured and fitted with a GPS collar when the body was recovered. Authorities said at the time they made the "difficult decision" to euthanize it after reviewing the evidence, although they were unable to track it down until Sept. 16. Officials said there was no sign the 3-year-old bear, one of around 1,500 in the park, had rabies. (In 2016, rangers killed the wrong bear after a hiker was bitten.)
(Newser)  President Trump has yet another legal headache: Federal prosecutors have stepped up their investigation of his inaugural committee and issued a sweeping subpoena for documents related to its donors and finances. Sources tell the New York Times that the subpoena seeks documents related to the committee's vendors, guests, contractors, federal filings, and benefits handed out, including photo-ops with the president. The subpoena also seeks information on whether any foreigners donated to the committee, which would have been illegal, reports the Washington Post. A spokesman for the committee, which raised a record-breaking $107 million for Trump's inaugural festivities, says it intends to cooperate. The Times' sources say prosecutors are looking into potential money laundering, among other violations.

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The committee was chaired by longtime Trump friend Tom Barrack, though the only person named in the subpoena from the US Attorney's Office in Manhattan is Imaad Zuberi, an LA-based venture capitalist who raised funds for both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. His firm, Avenue Ventures, donated $900,000 to Trump's inaugural committee. The subpoena also seeks documents related to payment-processing firm Stripe, whose investors include Josh Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner. Chris Christie tells ABC he has "been saying for months that the Southern District of New York investigation presents a much more serious threat to the administration, potentially, than what Bob Mueller is doing." (The probe was reportedly prompted by items seized from Michael Cohen's offices.)
(Newser)  It's been called "the least wanted job in Hollywood"and this year, nobody's going to do it. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed Monday that this year's Oscars will be the first without a host in 30 years, Mediaweek reports. The Academy also announced a diverse list of presenters for the Feb. 24 show, including Crazy Rich Asians stars Awkwafina and Constance Wu and former Best Actress winners Brie Larson and Charlize Theron, the Guardian reports. Tina Fey, Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Amandla Stenberg, and Tessa Thompson are also on the list.

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Kevin Hart was named in December as the host of the 91st Academy Awards, but he stepped down within 36 hours amid controversy over homophobic tweets from his past. The last host-less Oscars was in 1989. The widely panned show opened with an 11-minute musical number that included a duet featuring Rob Lowe and Snow White, Fox reports. After the show, 11 prominent Hollywood figures, including Paul Newman, Julie Andrews, and former Academy president Gregory Peck, sent an open letter to the Academy calling the event "an embarrassment to both the Academy and the entire motion picture industry." (Here are this year's biggest Oscar snubs.)
(Newser)  Japanese organizing doyenne Marie Kondo has been at the front of everyone's mind since her Netflix series Tidying Up With Marie Kondo debuted, placing the question "Does it spark joy?" into the American conversation and teaching everyone how to fold their clothes like origami. Author Barbara Ehrenreich, howevera liberal writer behind the pro-working class best-seller Nickel and Dimed, per the APdoesn't seem to get the Kondo craze, and a couple of tweets she posted Monday are now getting slammed for being racist and xenophobic. People reports on the first tweet, which has since been deleted: "I will be convinced that America is not in decline only when our de-cluttering guru Marie Kondo learns to speak English" (Kondo speaks only a few words of English on her show, using a translator and subtitles to communicate with the people she helps and her audience).

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After pushback, Ehrenreich deleted that tweet, then tried to clarify: "I confess: I hate Marie Kondo because, aesthetically speaking, I'm on the side of clutter. As for her language: It's OK with me that she doesn't speak English to her huge American audience but it does suggest that America is in decline as a superpower." That one's still up, but so is the ire of many. "Let's not forget that even otherwise 'progressive' white folks have a huge capacity for racism," one commenter remarked, per USA Today. Poet Katha Pollitt tried to stand up for Kondo and got her own flak when she tweeted: "I think her speaking Japanese adds to her fairy-like delicacy and charm." Pollitt has since tried to walk her comment back, as has Ehrenreich, who posted, "Sorry to anyone offended by my tweet about Marie Kondo! Sometimes my attempts at subtle humor just don't work." She added that "I heartily encourage the use of languages other than English everywhere and at all times." (Read more Marie Kondo stories.)
(Newser)  A 911 call early Sunday morning led police to a horrific find in a Queens apartment building lobby: a pregnant 35-year-old real estate agent who'd been stabbed in the torso and neck, per NBC News. Jennifer Irigoyen was rushed from the Ridgewood complex to a local hospital, but it was too late to save hershe was pronounced dead there. Law enforcement sources tell NBC New York that Irigoyen was 5 months pregnant, and that there had been five calls to police about domestic disputes involving Irigoyen and an ex-boyfriend; the New York Post seems to suggest it was a current boyfriend. Cops say her unborn child also didn't survive the attack, per CBS News.

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Police, who say a man sprinted from the scene of the crime, are now seeking the man with ties to Irigoyen for questioning. "You would've fallen in love with her because she's such a sweetheart," her building superintendent tells NBC New York. "She was a ... really, really nice girl." Irigoyen's family, meanwhile, has been devastated by the news. "Words can't explain the ache in my heart," a cousin wrote on Facebook, per the Post. "Today has been a nightmare." Anyone with information on the crime can call 1-800-577-TIPS, or 1-888-57-PISTA (for Spanish speakers). Tips can also be submitted on the Crime Stoppers site, via text274637 (CRIMES), followed by entering TIP577or via the NYPD's Twitter tips handle at @NYPDTips. (Read more murder stories.)
(Newser)  Calling it corporate greed, Bernie Sanders wants a pharmaceutical company's justification for why it charges $375,000 per year for a drug that used to be free. "I am profoundly concerned that Catalyst's actions will cause patients to suffer or die," the Vermont senator and possible presidential contender said in a letter to Catalyst Pharmaceuticals Monday, CNN reports. The drug, Firdapse, is used to treat Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, a rare disease that weakens and fatigues the muscles and affects about 1 in 100,000 Americans. The letter mentions that the company has said many patients will only pay about $10 out of pocket each month for Firdapse; Sanders asked for that claim to be explained.

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Calayst Pharmaceuticals told CNN it had no immediate response to Sanders' letter to CEO Patrick McEnany, but released a statement saying a response would be forthcoming and adding that the company's "top priority is improving patient care." Until recently, patients had been able to get the drug for free from Jacobus Pharmaceuticals, a small company in New Jersey, under an FDA "compassionate use" program, Reuters reports. But in November, Catalyst received FDA approval of Firdapse, as well as exclusive marketing rights, and the company set the new price in December. If Catalyst does not lower the price, Sanders tweeted, "Congress must act." (Sanders also wants to raise the top estate tax rate to 77%.)
(Newser)  For the first time in more than 50 years, unseen works by literary giant JD Salingercreator of the iconic Holden Caulfieldwill be published, though it's not clear exactly when. Matt Salinger told the Guardian that his father, who died in 2010, never stopped writing, though his last new work was published in 1965. It had long been rumored that the Catcher in the Rye author had continued writing at his home in Cornish, New Hampshire, out of the public eye. Matt Salinger said he and Colleen ONeill, the author's widow, are working as fast as they can to prepare the material for publication. Its not ready yet, and will take years, he said, but nearly all of the writings "will at some point be shared."

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Some readers and literary observers welcomed the news, the Los Angeles Times reports. His work continues to resonate with modern audiences, Madeline Grant writes in the Telegraph. Others were uneasy with the thought of what could be considered outtakes. Matt Salinger has no reservations about the unpublished works, though he revealed few details about the stories to come. He did say that the later writing has "no linear evolution" and that "it becomes clear that he was after different game." But the creativity seems to have remained. Matt Salinger said his father "teemed with ideas and thoughts  hed be driving the car and he'd pull over to write something and laugh to himselfsometimes he'd read it to me, sometimes he wouldn'tand next to every chair he had a notebook." (Some might argue Catcher isn't worth reading.)
He Was Her Stepdad, Then Her

Husband. Now, a Murder Trial
There was no official government response to media reports of the vice-president's poor health. Speculation over Chiwengas whereabouts intensified after the former army general - who led a coup in November 2017 against former ruler Robert Mugabe - also missed a "thank you" rally held by the ruling Zanu-PF in Mount Darwin at the weekend. Second vice-president Kembo Mohadi addressed the rally instead.
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By AFP

MOSCOW: The Taliban began an extraordinary meeting with high-ranking Afghan politicians - including women - on Tuesday in Moscow, where rivals of President Ashraf Ghani called for an interim government as they negotiated without him.

The unprecedented gathering saw the Taliban outline their vision for Afghanistan - including rules around women and the adoption of an Islamic constitution - in televised talks before heavyweights, including former president Hamid Karzai.

The Taliban lead prayers and dined with the leaders - some sworn enemies - before sitting down for their most significant engagement with Afghan politicians in recent memory. The roundtable -- which saw women defend their rights before the Taliban -- comes a week after the insurgents held talks with US negotiators in Doha about ending the 17-year war.

Both sides touted "progress" at the conclusion of the six-day discussions in Qatar. The Doha and Moscow talks, though entirely separate, both excluded the government in Kabul, where Ghani has expressed anger at being increasingly sidelined from key peace negotiations.

But many of his chief opponents -- including some contesting presidential elections in July -- were present in the Russian capital and some called for the formation of an interim government to include the Taliban. "The interim government should also pave the way for a transparent election so that the political factions including the Taliban take part in the process with peace of mind," Atta Muhammad Noor, an influential former warlord who was invited to Moscow, said on Twitter. "It could act as "transition path through this fragile and messy situation" and convince the insurgents to take part in the political process," he added.

The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan under a ruthless interpretation of Sharia law between 1996 and 2001, said they did not want a "monopoly of power" but "an inclusive Islamic system". But they have refused thus far to talk to Ghani despite his offers for talks, calling his administration a US puppet.

"There's something surreal about Afghanistan's most powerful opposition politicians meeting with the Taliban in order to spark an intra-Afghan dialogue that doesn't include the country's own government," analyst Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center in Washington told AFP.

Ghani's allies in Washington insist Afghans should lead the peace process, and the months-long push by Washington to engage the Taliban has ostensibly been aimed at convincing them to negotiate with Kabul. He has repeatedly said that all Afghans should agree on the need to end hostilities and an eventual withdrawal of foreign forces, but that he would not "surrender to a temporary peace deal".

In extraordinary scenes, the Taliban listened as women addressed the Moscow roundtable -- an unthinkable prospect under their regime, which was toppled by US-led forces in 2001. The insurgents indicated they could loosen some guidelines around women -- in line with Sharia law -- extending even to female representation in parliament.

Fawzia Koofi, one of two women invited to Moscow, said the Islamist militants would "have to adapt to a modern Afghanistan". "When they were in power, they would not even let women leave their homes," Koofi, the head of Afghanistan's parliamentary Committee on Women and Human Rights, told AFP. "But now we're hearing women could be prime minister or a minister. It's a change I think. It's a positive step but not enough." But the group stopped short of agreeing to a female president, she added.

Under their rule, the Taliban severely curtailed women's liberties, barring them from work and school, and confined women to their homes -- only allowing them outside with a male escort and hidden beneath a burqa.

The Taliban also elaborated on their vision for Afghanistan, including the replacement of the constitution with one crafted by Islamic scholars.

"The Kabul government constitution is invalid. It has been imported from the West and is an obstacle to peace," said Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, who headed the Taliban delegation. The group also promised to stamp out poppy cultivation and take steps to prevent civilian casualties in a conflict that has killed and wounded hundreds of thousands.

Jarring images of Karzai, a US-appointed president, and other leaders joining Taliban officials in prayer and breaking bread in Russia sparked some anger back home. "If you guys can eat together, laugh and pray together, hug each other why you are still killing innocent Afghans?" one Facebook user posted.

The two-day Moscow talks conclude on Wednesday. The Taliban are scheduled to hold a separate, second round of peace talks with the US in Doha on February 25.
By PTI

ABU DHABI: Pope Francis and a top Muslim cleric have issued a joint call for freedom of belief during the first visit by the head of the Catholic church to the birthplace of Islam - the Arabian Peninsula.

Francis, who has made outreach to Muslim communities a cornerstone of his papacy, is on a historic three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates.

He is due to hold an open-air mass on Tuesday for 135,000 of the Muslim country's million Catholic residents, set to be the largest ever public gathering in the Gulf state.

On Monday, the pope held talks in Abu Dhabi with Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb - imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's prestigious seat of learning.

ALSO READ: Pope Francis makes history with Muslim dialogue in UAE

The two religious leaders signed a document on "human fraternity for world peace and living together", described by the Vatican as an "important step forward in the dialogue between Christians and Muslims".

They called for "freedom of belief", the "promotion of a culture of tolerance", the "protection of places of worship" and "full citizenship" rights for minorities.

"It is crucial to establish in our societies the concept of full citizenship and reject the discriminatory use of the term minorities which engenders feelings of isolation and inferiority," read the document.

It said "freedom is a right of every person: each individual enjoys the freedom of belief, thought, expression and action" and that "pluralism and the diversity of religions, colour, sex, race and language are willed by God".

"The fact that people are forced to adhere to a certain religion or culture must be rejected, as too the imposition of a cultural way of life that others do not accept," it said.

Francis also delivered an address at an interfaith meeting attended by Sheikh Ahmed and UAE leaders, and pushed for an end to all wars in the Middle East, including in Yemen.

ALSO READ: UAE gives Pope Francis pomp-filled welcome ceremony at visit's start

The United Arab Emirates and neighbouring Saudi Arabia are key allies of the Yemeni government, which is locked in a war against Iran-linked rebels that has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine.

The pope said all religious leaders had a "duty to reject every nuance of approval from the word war".

"I am thinking in particular of Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Libya," he said.

Yemen is the scene of what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, triggered by the intervention of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and their allies in a war between the government and Huthi rebels.

More than 10 million Yemenis now risk imminent starvation.

The UAE, which prides itself on its religious diversity in the Gulf, is also a member of the US-led coalition battling the Islamic State group in both Syria and Iraq.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, one of the most powerful rulers in the seven emirates, on Monday gifted the pope a deed for the plot of land on which the first church in the UAE was built.

Pope Francis in turn gave him a framed medallion of the meeting between St Francis Assisi - the pope's namesake - and the Sultan of Egypt Malek al-Kamel, in 1219.

While the pope did not openly discuss politics, he called for "the full recognition" of rights for people across the Middle East, a potential reference to communities including Shiites in Saudi Arabia, refugees and migrants, stateless peoples and other minorities.

"I look forward to societies where people of different beliefs have the same right of citizenship and where only in the case of violence in any of its forms is that right removed," he said.

The Emirates has dubbed 2019 its "year of tolerance" but rights groups have criticised it for its role in Yemen, where an estimated 10,000 people have been killed since the Saudi-led alliance the government's fight against the Huthis in 2015.

Muslims make up nearly four fifths of the UAE's population, but the country is also home to nearly a million Catholics, according to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia.

Migrants from Asian countries make up about 65 percent of the population.

The UAE has pushed itself as an open society in a conservative region.

The country is home to eight Catholic churches, Hindu temples and a place of prayer that serves as a synagogue.

Bahrain and Qatar are home to one Catholic church each while Oman, Kuwait and Yemen each have four while Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia bans all non-Muslim places of worship.
By Associated Press

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's prime minister and president on Tuesday offered support for rebels in the Indian part of the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir as the country staged rallies marking the annual Day of Solidarity with Kashmir.

Rallies were also held in the Pakistani-controlled sector of the territory while a Pakistani minister declared the struggle of the rebels in Kashmir a jihad, or Muslim holy war, saying it would go on until Kashmir becomes part of Pakistan.

India and Pakistan each administer a part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety. Rebels have been fighting Indian rule since 1989, demanding Indian-controlled Kashmir be united either under Pakistani rule or established as an independent country.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi in their statements condemned India for what they said were violations of human rights in the Indian section of Kashmir. They said Pakistan would continue its "diplomatic and moral" support for people living in Kashmir. "The wish of Kashmiri people for freedom cannot be suppressed," Alvi told lawmakers in the Pakistani-controlled part of Kashmir.

In Islamabad, Ali Amin Gundapur, a minister in charge of Kashmir affairs, told a rally that "one day, Kashmir will become part of Pakistan." Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Asif Ghafoor tweeted that decades of "atrocities by Indian-occupied forces have failed to suppress ever strengthening freedom struggle" of the Kashmiris.

At a rally in Peshawar, protesters burned and stomped on the Indian flag as Pakistani girls in traditional Kashmiri dress chanted anti-Indian slogans.

And at a pro-Kashmir rally in the eastern city of Lahore, Pakistani radical cleric Hafiz Saeed, suspected in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that killed 166 people and also wanted by the U.S., urged followers to stand up against India's crackdown on "unarmed civilians in Kashmir." There was no immediate comment from New Delhi on the statements from Islamabad.

On Sunday, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a day-long visit to the Indian section of Kashmir as separatists there called for a shutdown  shops and businesses closed while thousands of armed government forces and commandos spread out and closed off roads with razor wire and iron barricades to prevent protests and rebel attacks during Modi's visit.
By ANI

ISLAMABAD: A Hindu temple was vandalised in Pakistan's southern Sindh province after miscreants set fire to holy books and idols inside the premises, leading to shock and fear among the community.

The arson attack took place in the Sham Sundar Shewa Mandli Temple situated in Kumb, a town in Khairpur district of Sindh province on Sunday evening, Samaa TV reported.

The suspects entered the temple at around 6 pm (local time) and set fire to idols and three sacred books, including Bhagwad Gita and Guru Granth Sahib, which were kept in separate rooms. The fire destroyed the books and the idols. The miscreants fled from the scene.

An FIR has been registered against the unidentified persons.

According to the TV report, children sounded the alarm about the fire and quoted a resident who said the miscreants vandalised the temple within 15 minutes.

The police found fingerprints from the window of temple and have taken three persons into custody, said Vijay Kumar, in-charge of the temple, according to the report.

Surprisingly, there is no caretaker at the temple, located in a Hindu populated neighbourhood. The community believed that the place of worship was safe enough and it is situated near their respective houses.

Also, the door has not been locked as many people come and visit the temple.

Taken aback, the Hindu community said it had not received any threats.

Expressing concerns over the security of Hindu temples, Rajesh Kumar Hardasani, the adviser of the Pakistan Hindu Council, has urged for the constitution of a special task force for enhanced protection of other Hindu temples.

Condemning the attack, Hardasani was quoted by Samaa TV as saying: The task force should comprise of non-Muslims who should be deployed for the security of minorities religious places in order to avoid these kinds of incidents."

This action has caused unrest among the Hindu community. These types of attacks are conducted in an attempt to disturb religious harmony across the country, he added.
By PTI

LONDON: A dog called Hector has been branded as the 'loneliest dog in Britain' after spending over 500 days at an animal shelter.

Staff and volunteers at an animal charity are desperately trying to find a home for the lurcher, who was rescued in October 2017 over welfare concerns.

A lurcher is a sighthound such as a Greyhound crossed with a terrier, herding breed, or large scenthound.

Lurchers are primarily hunting dogs.

Despite having a small fan club online, he has not left the Little Valley Animal Shelter in Exeter, Devon.

Shelter Manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Jo Evans, said: "Hector is hilarious.

He never fails to make us smile and is a firm favourite with all who meet him.

"He's adored by staff and we can't understand why he is always overlooked.

This big lad has lots of love to give so if you have space in your heart and home then please get in touch," The Sun quoted Evans as saying.

"He's an active boy who is looking for like-minded owners who can take him on plenty of adventures.

He especially loves the beach, and we have learnt he likes to swim," he said.

Hector loves meeting and playing with other dogs out and could live with older children, although he would be best suited to being the only pet in the home.
By PTI

UNITED NATIONS: Indian peacekeepers serving in UN missions from Lebanon to South Sudan are being lauded for their tireless efforts and service in helping the communities in the host nations - from critical infrastructure development to starting language courses for young women.

Indian peacekeepers deployed in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) last week started English language course for a group of young women of Souk Al Khan in their area of responsibility in south-eastern Lebanon. The six-week course, for which 23 women have registered so far, kicked off at the Centre for Care and Development and will entail written and spoken expressions of the English language.

According to UNIFIL news, the programme, initiated at the request of local authorities, will help the young women improve their participants' skills in the usage of English language in their everyday life. It will also help them enhance their employment prospects after having learnt an additional language. "Between peacekeeping duties, UNIFIL peacekeepers regularly carry out various small-scale activities with the host communities, which boosts their bond and further facilitates the UNIFIL's core operational activities," UNIFIL said.

Indian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) undertook critical work to complete rehabilitation of the main supply route, 250-km long, linking Malakal to Melut. Commanding officer of the Indian Horizontal Military Engineering Company, Lt Col Amit Sirohi, said the challenging task could only have been successfully achieved through strong collaborations. "I must admit that because of the continuous support from all three agencies that is the UN, the government of South Sudan and above all the people of South Sudan, we were able to complete the work well ahead of the deadline given to us," Sirohi was quoted as saying in an article from UNMISS.

The rehabilitation involved levelling and grading the surface to make it passable for both heavy and light traffic, a strategic move set to save both the peacekeeping mission and humanitarian agencies their already scarce resources which would otherwise have been used for costly air transportation of aid and manpower.

Acting Governor John Odhong Adiang welcomed the development and thanked the peacekeepers for their timely interventions, saying the task has been well accomplished and in the shortest possible time period.

Separately, Indian engineers serving with UNMISS launched rehabilitation work on the main road linking Bentiu and Leer, where poor condition had made it impassable for the past three years.

The UNMISS news said poor roads in the area have been a huge cause of concern for women who had to walk long distances to find food, with reports indicating that such roads contribute to cases of sexual violence.

Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan are also being lauded for convincing refugees and displaced persons to return home. The establishment last year of a new UN peacekeeping base in Akobo - the only one in the opposition-held territory - is helping build confidence by providing a protective presence.

Forty Indian "Blue Helmets" currently serve at the remote and austere UN base which is manned by different troops on a weekly basis. Medical outreach to the town's inhabitants by Indian peacekeepers has in the past been praised by the local population.

The UN and humanitarian agencies are also supporting internally displaced people who want to make the journey home from a UN protection camp in Bor. With the establishment of the base and other UN efforts, Akobo is beginning to bustle with life again with the return of about 12,000 refugees and internally displaced families.

More than 2,400 Indian peacekeepers are currently deployed with the UN Mission in South Sudan. Apart from dutifully carrying out their peacekeeping responsibilities, Indian personnel also celebrate their culture, sharing important occasions with the local communities. The UNMISS article quoted Indian Ambassador to South Sudan SD.

Moorthy as highlighting the importance of community outreach activities undertaken by Indian peacekeepers around the country, including providing veterinary services and training for cattle owners, agricultural support, as well as vocational training for youth. "These are things that we can do at the local level that really benefit the local community, particularly those who are returning from refugee and internally displaced camps," he said.
By PTI

LONDON: The Indian media was not allowed entry into a global conference, which was projected as an 'open' event, addressed by Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in a committee room in the UK House of Commons complex on Monday.

The International Conference on Kashmir was billed as an event to express "solidarity" with the people of Kashmir.

Chaired by Rehman Chishti, a Pakistan-occupied Kashmir-born Conservative Party MP, the event was organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pakistan.

There was restricted access allowed into what had been projected as an open conference.

India had registered strong opposition over Qureshi being allowed to address such a meeting within the British Parliament complex.

The event was attended by Pakistani-origin British MPs and peers, including Khalid Mahmood and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi.

British Sikh Labour Party MP, Tan Dhesi, was among the few Indian-origin parliamentarians seen entering the room.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier said that India has "strongly" taken up the issue with the UK and hopes "they do understand our objections to proposed conference and take appropriate action".

In response, the UK government had said Qureshi was not an official guest as he was on a private visit to Britain.

"The UK's longstanding position is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution to the situation in Kashmir, taking into account the Kashmiri people's wishes. Members of Parliament are independent of the government; it is for individual members to decide who they meet and for what purpose," a Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) source said in reference to the controversial meeting.

The UK event coincided with the "Kashmir Solidarity Day", observed by Pakistan on February 5.

A rally is planned at Parliament Square by separatist groups on Tuesday, with UK-based Kashmiri Hindu outfits planning a counter-protest.

"UK Hindus strongly oppose this rally as it is dangerous and threatens the measures to rehabilitate Kashmiri Hindus back to their homeland," said the Indo-European Kashmir Forum, an umbrella body representing Indian community groups.
Deepak Sathish By

Express News Service

TIRUPUR: Since the last few days of the JACTTO-GEO strike last month, the School Education department has been taking action against many of the participants  issuing 17(b) notices, suspending or transferring staff. The situation in Tirupur too has been no different. When they heard word of their maths teachers, students of Velliyankadu Corporation Middle School banded together in protest. The students parents too have criticised moving the teacher who had greatly impacted the children and their education.

G Suresh (38), the middle school maths teachers, was in school on Monday to collect his transfer order. He was among the 17 teachers in Tirupur to get a transfer. He was being moved to the Perichipalayam school, a few yards away from his former place of work. What should have been a routine visit turned out to be an emotional spectacle with students banding together to keep him from leaving. There were hugs exchanged and tears shed. The teacher himself broke down at the show of support but advised the students to focus on academics.

Students and parents alike have not taken the transfer well. It was Sureshs efforts that made their children do better, not just in academics but also in terms of other life skills like discipline, pointed out parents. Students talked about how he went beyond the call of duty to serve them well. Hed buy medicines for us if we were feeling unwell, said one K Mahalakshmi; He used to teach maths like a story and made us stop hating it, said on M Jeeva; The school has been a plastic-free zone for over four years now, thanks to his effort, said another.

With the students urging the Education department to revoke the order, Suresh was left without an order. Parents of students visited the collectorate to submit a petition in this regard. As District Revenue Officer S Prasanna Ramasamy assured to look into the matter, Suresh was awaiting further instructions from the department.
SV Krishna Chaitanya By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: A month after single-use plastics were banned in the State, the government is looking to empower civic bodies to penalise offenders. A Government Order, giving powers to local bodies to levy penalties, is likely to be issued by Thursday.

A decision in this regard was taken at a review meeting held on Monday, chaired by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. After the meeting, senior officials, who were a part of it, told Express that some fine tuning  on the quantum of penalty and classification of violators  is yet to be done, following which the order would be issued by the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department.

Since January 1, authorities have served notices to 2.26 lakh commercial establishments, conducted 69,000 inspections and raids and seized over 500 tonnes of banned plastic items.

Sources said that to ensure adherence, hefty penalty has been mooted. Maharastra, for example, is imposing fines of up to Rs 25,000 and a three-month sentence on regular offenders. First and second-time offenders, meanwhile are fined Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000.Similarly hefty fines are likely here.

Fake eco-friendly bag makers are being monitored: Officials

"We are happy with the progress made so far. Traders and people alike are conscious of the harms of using plastic bags and other banned items. Once, the penalty and Extended Producer's Responsibility (EPR) is introduced, the problem of illegal trade and multi-layer plastics can be addressed, to a greater extent," a senior bureaucrat said. TN has 666 urban bodies and 12,500 panchayats, who will be empowered to penalise violators.

A senior TNPCB official said continuous monitoring of circulation of fake compostable bags was on. "Already, four manufacturing units have been closed in and around Chennai. Pertaining to multi-layered and tetra packaging, the manufacturers, or brand owners, or producers need to submit their EPR plan, which involves modalities of a waste collection system, to the urban development body for approval. So far, we have not received EPR proposals," the official said.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: A man, who underwent a double hand transplant, the first-of-its-kind surgery, at a government hospital in Tamil Nadu, was given a job appointment order by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday.

The 29-year-old mason Narayanaswamy from Dindigul was posted as a ward manager under the Chief Ministers Health Insurance Scheme.

In 2015, Narayanaswamy lost both hands after he accidentally suffered an electric shock. In February 2018, he underwent bilateral hand transplant at the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital where he received the hands of a young donor from Chennai, who died of head injuries sustained in a road accident. After a tedious 10-hour-long surgery, a team of doctors successfully transplanted the hands.

The Chief Minister also gave appointment letters to yoga and naturopathy doctors and tutors who were recruited through the Medical Recruitment Board. Of 72 candidates, the Chief Minister handed over the orders to seven candidates.

Palaniswami also flagged off 15 additional 102 vehicles for mother and child health care services. The vehicles were inducted at the cost of Rs 1.65 crore.

The Chief Minister also handed over Rs 5 lakh cheque to a nurse in the Tambaram Government Hospital who had lost her one-side eyesight in an accident at work.
Siva Sekaran By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Allaying fears that the government was planning to turn Chinna Thambi, which entered into human habitations and was tranquilised and transported to Top-Slip hills a couple of days ago, but allegedly returned to the habitation, into a Kumki elephant, the State government told a division bench of the Madras High Court that it would not do so.

When a PIL petition from Arun Prasanna praying for a direction to the Forest department not to torture Chinna Thambi came up on Monday, Advocate-General Vijay Narayan told a bench of Justices S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad that there was no such proposal to turn Chinna Thambi into a Kumki. On the other hand, the department is taking necessary steps to send Chinna Thambi, reportedly roaming about the Amravathi forest area, back into the forest, he added.

Observing that Chinna Thambi should not be put to any physical discomfort, the bench directed the Principal Conservator of Forest to file a counter to the PIL, which, among other things, sought to restrain the department from capturing, taming, tranquilising or harming wild elephants, which strayed into habitations. The bench said that the intention of the government appeared to be that the elephant should live in its natural habitat. The peoples apprehension should also be taken note of.

The Principal Conservator of Forest, who was present in the court, submitted that it would not be possible just to capture and tame a wild elephant into a Kumki. The matter will be taken up again on February 11.

The petitioner also prayed for framing suitable guidelines for translocation of such elephants and systematically study the man-elephant conflict in forest and surrounding areas and take steps for mitigation through alternative methods focused on conservancy of wildlife.

Artificial pond created for the tusker

TIRUPUR: With Chinna Thambi still camped out in the area for the third day, the Forest department has created an artificial pond at Krishnapuram near Madathukulam in Udumalai for his benefit. Despite several efforts made by the department staff, the tusker has refused to move out of the area

The officials, with kumkis Kaleem and Mariappan stationed there, were awaiting further instructions from the top brass. Meanwhile, Kaleem and Chinna Thambi have been in each others company since Sunday evening. The two instantly bonded and were spotted having playing together, said an official. Chinna Thambi has gotten used to the place -- grazing sugarcane fields, taking baths in the pond nearby as and when he pleases, the official reported
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: The Budget session of the Assembly started on a noisy note on Monday with Congress boycotting the address of Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal. Targeting the Governor without mentioning his name, Leader of the Opposition Narasingh Mishra said outside the House there is no necessity or justification of listening to the address from a person who acts like a pracharak outside the House and is all praise for the government inside the House. The BJP members were present in the Assembly during the address.

The address did not have any announcements and only mentioned schemes launched by the State Government during its tenure. Amidst the Congress boycott, the Governor read out his speech stating that political stability has provided the State with an unrestricted space for growth and development.

Stating that Odishas economy is on the path of steady growth, the Governor said the State has been consistently growing at a rate higher than the national average. Odishas economy is on the path of steady growth. From subsistence to sustenance and from sustenance to surplus, Odishas pace of transformation has been exceptional and growth inclusive, he said.

The State Government is untiringly striving to eradicate poverty, accelerate the pace of economic growth, reduce regional disparity and gender differences through various socio-economic measures and pro-people initiative, he said and added, Stability has provided us an unrestricted space for growth and development. Our transparent ways of governance have made us responsive and responsible to the changing needs of our time.

Stating that Odisha has achieved significant improvement in finance during past 18 years by implementing various fiscal reforms, the Governor said the State has been able to adhere to all parameters envisaged in its Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act. The debt stress of the State has been brought down to 17.8 per cent in 2017-18 from 50.7 per cent in 2002-03, due to concerted efforts of my Government. Similarly, the interest payment to revenue receipt ratio has been brought down from 40.2 per cent in 2001-02 to 5.9 per cent in 2017-18, he said.

Prof Lal said the Government has approved 2,428 projects with an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore during 2018-19 to accelerate the pace of development in Western Odisha. Of the 2,158 km single-lane state highways, 1,700 km have been covered and the rest will be completed by the end of 2019-20, he said.

The Government has completed four major and medium irrigation projects - Rukura, Upper Indravati Extension, Ret and Titlagarh Irrigation projects, he said and added two other major and medium projects like Lower Indra and Telengiri will be completed soon.

The BJD Government has launched schemes like KALIA for the welfare of farmers and Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) to facilitate treatment of patients. Besides, my government has also provided 65,000 smartphones to farmers, he added.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of unregulated use of pesticides violating norms, the government has banned the use, sale and distribution of glyphosate, a deadly weedicide in the state. Announcing the decision in the Assembly on Monday, agriculture minister V S Sunil Kumar said its part of a move to make the state pesticide-free in a phased manner.

Orders have been issued banning the weed killer and products with glyphosate content, with effect from February 2. With this certain widely used brands like Round Up and Glycel will go out of the market. The government has also directed the Agriculture University to submit a report within 60 days on the safety aspects of glyphosate.

Making a statement in the Assembly under Rule 300 the minister said despite strict actions by the agriculture department, unscientific and uncontrolled use of pesticides still continue in some part of the state. Referring to the recent incident in Tiruvalla where farmers died due to allege due of pesticide, he said the government is in the process of setting up a state level squad to strengthen Enforcement wing.

The government is also taking steps to prevent pesticide companies and their agents directly approaching farmers and campaigning for their products.

The practice of such campaigns and classes by agents at retail shops has been banned. Those who violate the ban - companies and traders who sell such pesticides without prescription - will face strict action. The minister said compared to 2015-16, the use of chemical pesticides has come down by 17.2 per cent this year. Similarly, the use of organic pesticides has gone up by 15.47 per cent. However, the use of weedicides has shown a major increase by 71.25 per cent. Of this, glyphosate is the most widely used weed killer. Its one of the seven pesticides termed for regulated use by the state government.
Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Left Government in the state is continuing with its flip-flop on the Sabarimala womens entry issue. Contrary to what it told the Supreme Court a fortnight ago, Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran informed the Assembly on Monday that only two women aged below 50 had visited Sabarimala.

In a written reply to K Muraleedharan, Eldose Kunnapally, Anil Akkara and I C Balakrishnan of the Congress, the minister said, according to the information received from the Sabarimala executive officer, only two women entered the hill shrine. To another question, Kadakampally said there is no confirmation the Sri Lankan woman had darshan.

Kadakampally Surendran

After submitting the list of 51 at the Supreme Court, the government revised it to 17 following widespread criticism that many women above 50 years and even men were included in the list. Red-faced, the government said it had not directed to present the report to the court.

The state governments sudden change in the stance is apparently due to political reasons. It has taken the U-turn, with just two days remaining for the Supreme Court to consider the matter. The apex court is expected to consider the review petitions challenging its judgement allowing women of all age groups to enter the temple. Political analysts feel the governments latest move is aimed at wriggling out of the situation, especially with the Lok Sabha elections fast approaching.

Nothing wrong in rituals: Thantri



TPuram: Thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru told the Travancore Devaswom Board there was nothing wrong in him closing the Sabarimala temple aand conducting purification rituals after two women entered the shrine.

Kodiyeri points fingers at NSS for intimidation

Kozhikode: CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on Monday said intimidation by the Nair Service Society (NSS) will have no impact on the CPM. He also cautioned the NSS that stating its political stance would backfire.

Kadakampally feigns ignorance about written reply

Speaking to Express, Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran feigned ignorance about the written reply. This hasnt come to my attention. In the Assembly, during discussion, Ive taken a position that several women wouldve entered the temple as we dont have any methods or means to confirm the womens age. Ill look into this to find out what happened in the written reply, he said. Muraleedharan said the sudden change shows the government is totally in the dark and had tried to even mislead the SC by giving an affidavit that 51 young women had entered the hill shrine.

The answer given to our question clearly shows only two women of restricted age have entered the temple. It proves the government misled the public and even the SC. Well decide on the next step after discussing it in the UDF, he said.

BJP state general secretary M T Ramesh accused the government of lying. The government as always is lying on the issue. It shows they could pave entry for only two women, that too in the darkness and in camouflage. Its a clear indicator the government has miserably failed and this is the success of the believers, said Ramesh. Hindu Aikya Vedi state general secretary K P Sasikala blamed the government of being callous in its approach.

The government keeps changing its stand. It shows the callous manner in which its handling a very serious issue of Hindus. This is cheating and this government believes it can get away with anything and everything.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: The 17th edition of the Miss South India beauty contest came to an emphatic end as Nikita Thomas, hailing from Kerala was crowned at the event held at Hotel Le-Meridien, Coimbatore.

The beauty pageant promoted by Manappuram Finance Limited as prime partner was hosted by Pegasus in association with Rotary Club of Coimbatore Texcity. Tarini Kalingarayar from Tamil Nadu and Deepa Thomas from Kerala was the first and second runner up respectively. Last year winner Lakshmi Menon crowned Nikita Thomas. V P Nandakumar, CEO of Manappuram Finance handed over the prizes to first and second runners up.

Miss South India Nikita Thomas with runners

up Tarini Kalingarayar and Deepa Thomas

24 beautiful women from five south Indian states competed for the coveted title. The grooming session for this competition, which had the prime rounds such as designer saree, red cocktail and black gown rounds, commenced from January 30 in SAJ Earth Resort convention centre, Kochi. A session handled by prominent personalities in the modelling sector aimed to impart the knowledge about yoga, meditation, personality development, beauty care, catwalk, photo shoot and talent search to the contestants.

Eminent personalities from the film and fashion sectors such as Uma Riyas Khan, Siddhaanth Surryavanshi, Toshma Biju, Kuriyachan and Alesia Raut were part of the judging panel. Cash prizes worth `one lakh was given to the winner and the first runner-up was given `60,000. The second runner up received `40,000. In addition, the winners were crowned with the golden crowns designed by Parakkat Jewellers.

The judging panel also selected the regional title winners and the sub-title winners like Miss Queen Andhra, Miss Queen Karnataka, Miss Queen Kerala, Miss Queen Telangana, Miss Tamil Nadu, Miss Beautiful Hair, Miss Beautiful Smile, Miss Beautiful Skin, Miss Beautiful Face, Miss Beautiful Eyes, Miss Congeniality, Miss Personality, Miss Cat walk, Miss Perfect Ten, Miss Talent, Miss Photogenic, Miss Viewers Choice, Miss Social Media, Miss Fitness, Miss Humaneness.

The contestants have been selected through foolproof audition sessions organised in Kochi, Bangalore, Chennai, Andhra Pradesh and Hyderabad. DQUE watches, SAJ Earth resort and convention centre, Josco Jewellers and UT World.in were the co-partners of the event.
Ashwani Mahajan By

A comprehensive agreement was made for organising trade between different countries through the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which came into existence on 1 January 1995. Besides other things, it was decided to reduce tariffs and eliminate non-tariff barriers to encourage trade between countries.

While this agreement still exists, many nations are entering into bilateral and plurilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) amongst themselves. An FTA means an agreement to carry out trade at zero or very low tariff between countries. India has also signed FTAs with countries such as Sri Lanka, Japan and South Korea. The government often claims these FTAs help improve diplomatic ties, though we might incur some economic losses.

However, the government is inching towards a new FTA that neither has any visible diplomatic gain nor provides any economic benefit to the country. The agreement in question is the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The negotiations were launched in November 2012. It is a proposed FTA involving 16 countriesthe 10 ASEAN nations along with Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India and China. These nations have 45 per cent of the worlds population and make up 39 per cent of the worlds GDP. If signed, it would be the largest FTA in the post-WTO period and RCEP would be the worlds largest economic bloc.

The experience of India with FTAs has not been very encouraging, especially in this region. In 2009 India entered into a FTA with ASEAN. It was expected that our exports would increase and we would be able to reduce our trade deficit. However, the reverse happened. Our trade deficit with ASEAN countries has increased from $7.7 billion in 2009-10 to $13 billion in 2017-18. There has been a significant increase in imports from countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. Similar has been the experience with Japan and South Korea, with whom our trade deficit has more than doubled, after the signing of FTAs. If we look at the trade deficit with RCEP countries, in 2017-18 it was $104 billion64 per cent of Indias total trade deficit of $162 billion. So there is general consensus that India does not stand to gain anything in goods trade through RCEP.

Further, imports from these countries and especially from China will increase enormouslythough it is being claimed that even after signing RCEP, a separate agreement will be made with China. However, the fact is that whereas import duty would be made zero on 90 to 92 per cent of items coming from ASEAN countries, import duty would be made zero for 74 per cent of the products coming from China, which is the current offer of the Indian government in RCEP. At present nearly half our trade deficit is from China. After RCEP, Chinese products may flood the country. The government, now trying to stop Chinese imports by raising tariffs, imposing non-tariff barriers and anti-dumping duties, may find it difficult to practice these measures after RCEP. And dairy, meat and agricultural imports from New Zealand and Australia may rise, causing losses to Indian farmers. So the governments aim of doubling farmers incomes will not be achievable.

The only possible argument in support of RCEP is that we may get some favour from member countries with respect to concession in trade in services, where India is said to have aggressive interest. But here too, our experience has not been encouraging. While India has an open-door policy for professionals coming from ASEAN nations, many of them continue to block our professionals.

Further indications are that Japan and South Korea are proposing intellectual property provisions referred to as TRIPS-plus, which go far beyond the obligations under the WTOs agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). The proposed provisions seek to extend pharma corporations patent terms beyond the usual 20 years and also require data exclusivity that limits competition. These will hit our access to affordable medicines.

In the intellectual property chapter, any agreement that constrains our farmers ability to produce, preserve, exchange and sell seeds needs to be categorically rejected. If India makes any agreement like the International Union of New Plant Varieties (UPOV) 1991 (that favours multinationals and is against farmers interests), it will kill the livelihood of our farmers.

The investment agreement is yet another danger emanating from RCEP. Our nation has had the experience of dealing with such agreements, signed with many countries, and ultimately decided to end or renegotiate 89 such agreements after the Modi government came to power. Bringing up a new problem for itself through this FTA is not advisable.

In the last four-and-a-half years, the Modi government has been aspiring to make India a manufacturing hub through its Make in India policy, improve the lives of rural people, provide healthcare and medicines to all, apart from many employment generation and skill development programmes.

It is clear that the proposed RCEP would be detrimental to all these aspirations. Then why should we sign it? India had set up an informal group of ministers (GoM) under Minister of Commerce Suresh Prabhu, but there is growing opposition to RCEP from within and outside the government. The government has also outsourced studies with regard to the possible impact of this agreement. However, the fact that the government would continue to engage with RCEP is itself worrying.

Ashwani Mahajan

Associate Professor, PGDAV College, University of Delhi

Email: ashwanimahajan@rediffmail.com
By Express News Service

BHOPAL: A senior state government doctor brutally hacked to death his newly employed car driver, chopped the body into at least two dozen pieces before putting them into a drum full of acid in his bathroom in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh.

Primary police probe into the spine-chilling murder has revealed that the government doctor Sunil Mantri (58) had become fed up with regular harassment by the driver Virendra alias Veeru (30), who suspected that the doctor had illicit relations with his wife.

The frightening murder was reported from Hoshangabad district (around 80 km from Bhopal) on Tuesday after the police raided the residence of Dr Sunil Mantri (the medical officer of Itarsi Civil Hospital) in Anand Nagar locality of Hoshangabad town.

Madhya Pradesh: Dr Sunil Mantri arrested for allegedly killing his servant&later chopping his body into pieces, in Hoshangabad. According to police, the doctor committed crime after the servant objected to doctors close relationship with his (servants) wife. (05.02.2019) pic.twitter.com/uPBqoj2U6I  ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019

One of our informers told the police about a major brawl between Veerus father and relatives and Dr Mantri at latters house on Tuesday morning, as the drivers family was unable to get satisfactory answers from the doctor about their son missing since Monday evening. Subsequently, a police team raided the doctors house and circumstantial evidence led the cops to the bathroom, said Hoshangabad district police superintendent Arvind Saxena.

ALSO READ: Live-in couple strangles Uber driver, chops body into pieces, throws in drain

Once into the bathroom, our team was stunned to find a big plastic drum containing multiple pieces of driver Virendras body dipped in acid. Remains of the body were also found sputtered on floor inside the bathroom. The doctor was subsequently questioned about it, after which he confessed to brutally murdering Virendra, said Saxena.

Investigations based on the arrested doctors grilling suggest that Dr Mantri had planned the murder in advance for which he had purchased several bottles of acid at least two days before the horrific killing.

Virendra who had been troubling the doctor since months, suspecting that the doctor had an illicit relationship with his wife recently complained to the doctor about having a regular toothache. In a planned manner, Dr Mantri first promised Virendra proper dental treatment and then employed him as his car driver on Sunday.

On Monday evening, when Virendra again complained a toothache, the doctor cleverly brought to him to his house and administered an injection after which the newly employed driver fell unconscious.

The doctor subsequently used a surgical knife and scissors to hack unconscious Virendra to death. He subsequently dragged the body into the bathroom where he chopped the body with surgical saw and knife into around two dozen pieces and dipped them into the drum full of acid to destroy evidence of murder, said Saxena.

Virendras family has long been associated with the government doctors family, as his wife worked as an assistant to the doctors wife who ran a boutique since 2010 in Hoshangabad town. In April 2018, the doctors wife died, but Virendras wife continued to run the boutique. Virendra suspected that the doctor had illicit relations with his wife, owing to which he was repeatedly threatening and troubling the doctor.

Cops probing the case suspect that doctor didnt commit the extreme act just as the driver suspected illicit relations between the doctor and his wife, but its quite possible that Virendra had something in his possession with which he was blackmailing the doctor.
By PTI

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) banning strikes in all departments and corporations under it for a period of six months.

A notification to this effect was issued by Chief Secretary Anup Chandra Pandey Monday night.

According to a release issued by the East Central Railway headquartered at Hajipur, clearing of the tracks and repair work were completed on Monday night.

The ESMA, as it is commonly known, gives the police right to arrest without a warrant anybody violating the Act's provisions.

In an official release issued here, the government said strikes have been banned with immediate effect in any public service including corporations and local bodies.

Under the Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1968, employees in a long list of "essential services" like post and telegraph, railway, airport and port operations are prohibited from going on strike.

The Act mandates imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both, to any person who instigates a strike which is illegal under this Act The government has already invoked ESMA in every services of the state universities established under the Uttar Pradesh State Universities Act, 1973, including constituent colleges, associated colleges and
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: The SP-BSP alliance emerged as imagery of lawlessness and chaos in state Assembly when the MLAs of the two partners pushed the house to bedlam, heckling Governor Ram Naik and throwing paper balls and paper missiles at him during his speech on the inaugural day of Budget session here on Tuesday.

Amidst the pandemonium, SP MLA Subhash Pasai turned unconscious while protesting in the assembly. He was given first aid and was rushed to Civil Hospital for treatment.

The SP-BSP MLAs were protesting against the delay in payment of sugarcane farmers by mills in Uttar Pradesh. They were shouting slogans  Governor wapas jao (Governor go back) and anti-Central government slogans as well. The house was adjourned amid the furore till 11 am Wednesday.

However, UP CM Yogi Adityanath condemned the act of the SP-BSP legislators who, he claimed, were acting like hooligans in the House.

"The way slogans were raised against the Governor and SP MLAs threw paper balls at him is condemnable. We criticise how SP and BSP members behaved in front of the Governor," said UP CM Yogi Adityanath while interacting with the media persons in Assembly central hall just before leaving for Purulia in West Bengal.

Slamming the opposition, the CM claimed that such behaviour in house amounted to sheer disrespect to the Governor and it shattered the grace and decency of Constitution and weakened the democracy.

Their indiscipline and unruly behaviour with the Governor in house is condemnable, he added.

He said, now you can imagine what kind of system these people want. Opposition in UP doesn't believe in democracy and democratic institutions like state legislature.

The opposition lawmakers also protested against the Centre accusing it of using the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to "target" its opponents. Even before the house could assembly, the SP and BSP MLAs, donning red and blue topis respectively protested at the statue of former UP CM Chaudhury Charan Singh with placards in support of farmers.

Notably, the CBI had recently carried out widespread raids at over a dozen locations in UP and Delhi in cases pertaining to illegal mining in Hamirpur district date back to 2012-2016. Besides grilling the then Hamirpur DM and IAS officer of 2008 batch B Chandrakala, the CBI had cracked down on a number of SP and BSP leaders including an SP MLC. Even the premier probe agency had claimed that it may summon the then CM Akhilesh Yadav who was holding the portfolio of mining department in 2012-13.

This was followed by ED raids on seven locations across UP in memorial scam worth Rs 1400 crore which had taken place during Mayawatis 2007-2012 regime.

However, the CBI has been conducting probe into both the scams on the directives of Allahabad High Court.

The state budget of year 2019-20 will be presented on Thursday, February 7 and the discussion on Money bill will take place on February 12, 13, 14 and 15. Between February 18 and 22, voting on budget

proposals will take place.
Aishik Chanda By

Express News Service

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Monday said that she was ready to die to save Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who CBI sleuths tried to interrogate on Sunday in connection with a chit fund scam case.

While the bid was foiled and the CBI team was whisked away to a police station, Mamata sat on an indefinite dharna protesting against what she called an operation at the behest of Modi, Shah and Doval.

After launching her dharna at 1.30am on Monday, the chief minister held a cabinet meeting, addressed farmers through Facebook live and awarded medals to police officers, all from her dharna site at Metro Channel in central Kolkata.

Chit funds have existed since 1980, but there was no probe. We caught the guilty from Kashmir. We set up an SIT, we set up a judicial commission. These people (BJP leaders) are calling Rajeev Kumar a thief. Even I am being called a thief. Whose money have I stolen? I am ready to give my life for such people. I did not protest when my party people were harassed, Mamata said.

However, she clarified that the battle is not against CBI, but against the Narendra Modi-led BJP government. Mamata Banerjee was flanked by the city police chief and top Trinamool leaders and ministers at the site of the dharna under the banner, Save India, Save Constitution Satyagraha. The dharna is likely to continue till February 8 when board exams are expected to begin.

The West Bengal government also stepped up its attack on the Modi government in the wake of the foiled CBI raid. On the day the CBI moved the Supreme Court claiming that the Mamata regime was impeding its probe into the allegation against Kumar, the state government knocked on the doors of Calcutta High Court claiming that the agency did not have necessary documents to conduct the raid. In what is being seen as an act of retaliation, the state government has sent a notice to CBI joint director Pankaj Srivastava in a `45 lakh duping case.
By ANI

NEW DELHI: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the people of India will shut the doors on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Naidu was reacting to Amit Shah's statement made on Monday, where the BJP president termed the TDP supremo a "U-turn Chief Minister" and that he will not be allowed to join the NDA alliance again.

Naidu told ANI in an interview: "We all know how Amit Shah was five years back. As he has got a big position, he is thinking he has become so powerful. Who asked him to open that door (to join NDA)? Did I ask him or beg him? He is talking all rubbish?"

ALSO READ: People of India will shut the doors on BJP, says Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu

"After the general elections, the people of India will close the doors for the BJP," the TDP chief stated.

On Monday, Shah, addressing a rally in Andhra Pradesh, had said: "I am sure once the counting for 2019 elections is over and the NDA government comes to power again, Chandrababu Naidu will make all the efforts to join the NDA back. Let me tell you that this time, the NDA's doors for him have been shut forever. He has misguided the people of the state. It is appropriate to call Chandrababu Naidu a U-turn chief minister."

ALSO READ: BJP, Amit Shah 'most corrupt' in India, says Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu

Slamming the Centre for failing to keep the promises made to Andhra Pradesh, Naidu said: "The BJP is responsible for Andhra Pradesh's problems. There is a bifurcation act, the Centre promised special status to the state. However, the government later denied that. Now, they are trying to threaten us. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should answer what he has done for Andhra Pradesh."

"BJP should not insult and humiliate people of Andhra Pradesh," the Chief Minister added.

The TDP, which is ruling Andhra Pradesh, pulled out from the NDA last year over the demand for special category status which was promised during the bifurcation of the state in 2014.
Ramananda Sengupta By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Rejecting Indias strong warning, Pakistans foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi telephoned yet another Kashmiri separatist leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, on February 2, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Kashmir.

Following his earlier call to Mirwaiz Mohammad Umar Farooq on January 29, a livid New Delhi had reacted by summoning the Pakistani High Commissioner and warning him of consequences.

In recent months, the level at which anti-India sentiments are being pushed (by Pakistan) across the world is unprecedented. I dont think we have noticed this level of activism before, said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar a day later.

Some analysts feel that Pakistans new-found aggressiveness on Kashmir stemmed from the belief that it would soon control Afghanistan after the US withdrawal, giving it the strategic ability to put pressure on Indian interests there and divert resources  including terrorists now active on that side of the bordertowards India.

Tilak Devasher, former special secretary, Cabinet Secretariat and author of two books on Pakistan, disagrees. For over two decades, Pakistan observes February 5 each year as Kashmir Solidarity day. In the build up to that, they have events all over the place. This time the intensity may be more in terms of calling up the Hurriyat leaders, he said. But essentially, Pakistan is trying to find ways and means to force India to the negotiation table to avoid being isolated in the region, he felt.

Asked whether Pakistani confidence stemmed from the assumption that it would soon control Afghanistan, he said: That would be typically Pakistan, counting its chickens even before they are hatched. If it had been some other date, perhaps, but since it is happening around February 5, I dont think so. Maybe this government in Pakistan feels it has more levers to push against India, and with the Indian government going into elections at this moment, they just think its an opportunity to make India look bad.

Rejecting reports that Pakistans antics could also be due to American support, he said: The Americans are desperate to get out of Afghanistan. Pakistan has understood that, and has extracted its pound of flesh ... This would not have happened without an American nod. But I dont think that is the case with Kashmir.
By PTI

JAMMU: Pakistani troops Tuesday violated ceasefire in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir by firing two rounds of rocket launchers towards an Army camp along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Krishna Ghati sector, an army officer said.

Indian troops did not retaliate to the "deliberate provocation" to avoid civilian casualties across the border, said the officer, asking not to be named.

He said the rockets aimed at the army camp in Jhulas area of the Krishna Ghati sector were fired around 10.30 am but did not cause any damage.

"The firing of rockets was a deliberate attempt to instigate strong reaction from the Indian Army since Pakistan is observing Kashmir solidarity day. There was a possibility of civilian casualties in view of the public rallies across the border," he said.

The latest ceasefire violation ended several days of lull in the firing from across the border.

Since the beginning of the new year, Pakistani troops have been regularly violating the ceasefire especially along the LoC in Jammu division.

A few incidents of ceasefire violations were also witnessed along the International Border in January.

On January 15, Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad of BSF was killed when he was hit by a Pakistani sniper from across the IB.

An Army porter lost his life along the LoC in Rajouri district on January 11.

The same day two army personnel including a major were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack along the LoC in Naushera sector of Rajouri.

The year 2018 had witnessed the highest number (2,936) of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops in the last 15 years along the Indo-Pak border.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Slamming the Centre for seeking suspension of the National Register of Citizens updation in Assam, the Supreme Court on Tuesday observed that the government seems to be hell-bent on destroying the NRC.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Rohinton F Nariman refused to suspend the process of deciding claims and objections of those who were left out of first draft of NRC.

We are very disappointed with your request. We are sorry to say but the Ministry of Home Affairs is delaying the NRC work... The MHA seems hell bent on destroying the NRC, remarked the CJI.

ALSO READ: NRC a "waste paper", should have been linked to voters list: Former Assam CM Gogoi

The observations came after Attorney General K K Venugopal, representing the central government, made a request for suspension of the NRC work in the wake of the upcoming general elections.

Venugopal said it wouldnt be prudent to continue with the process of deciding claims and objections for the NRC after the Election Commission notifies elections.

ALSO READ: Former Delhi L-G Najeeb Jung, 47 former civil servants write to government on NRC, Citizenship Bill

He added 167 companies of the central forces, which are currently deployed for the NRC work, will also have to be moved during the polls and urged the bench to put the NRC process in abeyance for the period between poll notification and two weeks after the votes are cast.

We just say that the government of India is not cooperating, the court observed. The court will hear the case in the first week of March.
By Online Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen waving at 'no one' in Srinagar's Dal Lake during his recent visit on Sunday, which tickled the funny bones of netizens.

Condemning Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir, separatists groups had called for a complete shutdown in the valley. Normal life was affected as everything came to a halt in the valley.

PM Modi toured the Dal Lake amid tight security. In a video posted by Gujarat BJP Twitter handle, the Prime Minister was seen waving at no one while touring the lake. Now, the nation wants to know who he was waving at the empty lake.

PM Shri Narendra Modi takes boat ride to inspect Dal lake in Srinagar.#NaMoInJK pic.twitter.com/i054BR6WaG  BJP Gujarat (@BJP4Gujarat) February 3, 2019

Here are some of the tweets on the big question today:

Opposition leaders didn't spare the chance to comment on the video.

This camera person has done the Hon PM a huge disservice by not showing all the people furiously waving back because there is no way the PM would be waving at an empty lake. https://t.co/YJoEfX8DJ3  Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 4, 2019

For the those who are asking , the is for BJPs countless imaginary friends in Kashmir. https://t.co/l0YPq2oiVy  Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) February 4, 2019

Some suggested that he would've possibly waved at the migratory birds.

Those trolling PM Modi on social media for waving at nothing during his boat-ride in Srinagar's Dal Lake on Sunday are forgetting that the water body is currently visited by thousands of migratory birds. And no curbs had been imposed on them as part of tight security bandobast.  YusufJameel(@jameelyusuf) February 4, 2019

Must've been embarrassing to wave at cameras only



Modi at Dal Lake in Indian Occupied Kashmir pic.twitter.com/fhpdYF70Ow  omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) February 4, 2019

Maybe he was trying to create 'Modi wave' in the Valley.

Please don't troll Modi ji for waving at empty Dal Lake.



He is just trying to create Modi Wave.  Jet Lee(Vasooli Bhai) (@Vishj05) February 5, 2019

Modi touring Dal Lake pic.twitter.com/hVpPqzGHiH  Celestine Baba Yaga (@jugaadist) February 4, 2019

During his visit, he inaugurated various development projects in Srinagar. He also addressed the people post the event where he said that every terrorist will be given a strong and befitting reply.
By PTI

MUMBAI: At a time when the fate of the electoral tie-up between the BJP and the Shiv Sena is hanging in balance, political strategist and JD (U) leader Prashant Kishor Tuesday visited Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, and expressed a wish to join hands ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Both the Sena and the JD(U), which is headed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, are members of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The Sena, which is part of the Central and Maharashtra governments, has been at loggerheads with the BJP.

Kishor is credited with conceptualising and implementing innovative strategies like 'chai pe charcha' with Narendra Modi, who was the BJP's prime ministerial nominee at that time, that are said to have contributed to the BJP's stupendous victory in the 2014 elections.

He is currently the vice president of the JD (U). "As part of NDA, we look forward to joining forces with you in Maharashtra to help secure victory in upcoming Lok Sabha elections & beyond. @nitishkumar," Kishor tweeted while tagging JD(U) president Nitish Kumar. Kishor re-tweeted Shiv Sena youth wing president Aditya Thackeray's tweet welcoming him at their residence "Matoshree" in suburban Bandra.

"Thank you for your warm hospitality Uddhav ji and @AUThackeray," he tweeted. Earlier this afternoon, Aditya tweeted: "Today Uddhav Thackeray ji and I had a special visitor over lunch. Some great talks @PrashantKishor ji".

The Thackeray junior also tweeted photos of Kishor meeting his "hosts". A close aide of Uddhav Thackeray said no senior BJP leader had visited the residence of the Sena chief since 2014 except BJP chief Amit Shah, and held talks about the alliance between the two parties.

Sena leaders refused to divulge details of the meeting between Uddhav and Kishor. After falling out with PM Modi, Kishor worked with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the 2015 assembly elections campaign.

He was reportedly instrumental in bringing Nitish and his arch rival RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav to take on the BJP during the polls.

Kishor was later roped in by the Congress for the assembly elections held in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh in 2017.

While the Congress returned to power in Punjab, it fared badly in Uttar Pradesh. Several Congress leaders like Randeep Surjewala had hailed Kishor for the Punjab outcome.

In Maharashtra, future of electoral alliance between the Sena and the BJP is under cloud with the Uddhav Thackeray-led party giving mixed signals about its willingness to contest Lok Sabha polls with the BJP by its side.

Both the parties had contested the 2014 general elections in an alliance, but went solo in the assembly elections held in October that year.

Sena on January 24 last year announced to contest all the forthcoming elections on its own strength.

The party has been criticising the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a range of issues in the party mouthpiece "Saamana".

Meanwhile, Sena leadership held meetings with its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs as well as with MLAs and MLCs Tuesday.
By Online Desk

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is back on the streets and at her favourite protest venue 13 years after her first victorious agitation.

This time around, she wants to "Save the Constitution" from the BJP and protect the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who is accused of tampering with evidence in the Saradha chit fund case that has rocked the state.

It is probably the first time that a chief minister has gone out of the way to protect a top cop.

Two BJP leaders - one, an ex-Mamata confidant and another, a deputy CM - will be following the stand-off between the Centre and the West Bengal government that is now gaining in intensity with great interest.

Mukul Roy (once Mamata's go-to man) and Himanta Biswa Sarma (the Assam Deputy CM) were both among the accused and had been questioned in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam prior to their joining the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Roy, one of the founding members of the Trinamool Congress, was interrogated by the CBI for eight hours in 2015 in connection with the Ponzi scam. Following the quizzing, Roy was stripped of his general secretaryship and reduced to being only a TMC member. Banerjee quickly distanced herself from Roy, which led to him joining the BJP.

However, Roy has maintained that he was quizzed as a witness and not as an accused in the ponzi scam.

The BJP at the state and Centre have been at loggerheads since Roy's entry into the party. While many welcomed his induction, hoping that he will help them make inroads into Bengal, the state BJP president Dilip Ghosh has been critical of Roy's entry. He even said that Roy will "not be a game changer for the party".

Mamata hasn't raised any accusations against Roy yet. But it is quite another matter with Sarma, whose name has been cropping up in the scam ever since the CBI raided his residence and offices in August 2014.

He allegedly received Rs 20 lakh per month from the Saradha chief Sudipta Sen to help the group run their business in Assam. Then came Sarma's entry into the BJP and his rise as the deputy CM. The heat on him has died down for the moment.

Banerjee, during her dharna at the Metro Channel in Esplanade, said, "I have enough evidence against the Assam deputy chief minister. I dare Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah to have him arrested. The CBI has already questioned him before".

It will now be interesting to see what happens to the duo if the CBI goes ahead full steam with their investigation.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: In a left-handed compliment, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Monday Union minister Nitin Gadkari is the only one in the BJP who has the guts, and asked him to comment on the Rafale deal, job crisis, "farmers distress and destruction of institutions".

Gandhi's remarks came following Gadkari's remarks that "one who cannot take care of home, cannot manage the country".

The union minister hit back at Gandhi, saying he does not need a certificate from Gandhi on his courage and alleged that the Congress chief is taking the help of reports "twisted" by the media to attack his government.

ALSO READ | Nitin Gadkari only one in BJP with some guts: Rahul Gandhi

The Congress president cited a report quoting Gadkari as saying that party workers should first fulfil their domestic responsibilities as "those who cannot do that cannot manage the country".

"Gadkari Ji, compliments. You are the only one in the BJP with some guts. Please also comment on: The Rafale scam and Anil Ambani, farmers' distress and destruction of institutions," Gandhi tweeted and tagged with it the report on Gadkari's comments.

"Oops, Gadkari Ji. Huge apology. I forgot the most important one. JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!" he said later in a tweet.

The Union minister had made the remarks on Saturday while addressing former workers of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the BJP's student wing, in Nagpur.

Gadkari took to Twitter to reply to the Congress chief.

READ | Leaders who don't keep promise get 'beaten up' by people: Former BJP president Nitin Gadkari

"Rahul Gandhi ji, I do not need a certificate from you on my courage, but it is a matter of surprise that even after being the president of a national party you have to take the help of news twisted by the media to attack our government," Gadkari tweeted.

The Congress chief's comments praising Gadkari came in the wake of various other Congress leaders lauding the Union minister for his recent statements they view as a swipe at the BJP leadership.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari had last week lauded Gadkari for his remarks that "leaders who fail to fulfil promises get 'beaten up' by people", but at the same time took a swipe at him saying his target was Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his eyes were on the PM's chair.

In December, Gadkari had said at an event in Pune that leadership should have the tendency to own up defeat and failures.

The remarks had come days after the BJP's loss in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh assembly polls.

Incidentally, Rahul Gandhi was seen exchanging notes with Gadkari while being seated along with him in the front row at the Republic Day parade at Rajpath.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The tug of war between the Centre and West Bengal government intensified on Monday with the former moving the Supreme Court accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of stopping CBI officers from conducting a probe into the Rs 10,000 crore Saradha chit fund scam.

Later in the day, the Centre also moved the apex court against West Bengal Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Kolkata Police Commissioner for wilful and deliberate violation of the top courts orders. A three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Deepak Gupta and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, said that it will hear the pleas on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Rajeev Kumar is said to have moved the Calcutta High Court in the matter. In the morning, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mentioned the case before CJI, who agreed to hear it tomorrow. The court asked the CBI to submit proof to prove its allegation that the Kolkata police commissioner had destroyed key evidence related to the ponzi scam.

The court did not accept the Centres submission that it had moved in on Rajeev Kumar to prevent the destruction of evidence, which is crucial to their investigation.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, tried his best to inform the court about what happened to the agencys officers in Kolkata. He said the face-off that occurred in Kolkata was an exceptional situation.Mehta submitted before the bench that the CBI Joint Director was held hostage at the CBI office on Sunday.

Gunning for the top cop

An IPS officer from the 1989 batch, Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar headed the special investigation team (SIT) that investigated the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scams before the apex court transferred the cases to the CBI in 2014. While transferring the chit fund cases to the CBI, the top court had directed state authorities to cooperate.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Hitting out at the opposition coming together in support of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Union Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday said that a "kleptocrat's club" was aspiring to capture the reigns of power in the country.

The 'disproportionate over-reaction' by Banerjee to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) wanting to interrogate the Kolkata Police chief has flagged several issues for a public discourse, the minister said, adding 'the most important being that a kleptocrat's club now aspires to capture the reigns of India'.

In a Facebook post titled 'The Kleptocrat's Club', Jaitley said the West Bengal chit fund fraud was unearthed in 2012-13.

ALSO READ: Mamata vs Centre: Top court to people's court

Its investigations were handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court.

"The court monitored these investigations. The CBI has interrogated and even arrested some people. Many have been granted bail. If a police officer is also required to be interrogated, how does it become a 'super emergency', 'assault on federalism', or 'destruction of institutions'?" Jaitley questioned.

Stating that it would be a 'gross error' to assume that Banerjee did this because of a routine investigation involving a police officer, Jaitley said. She did it to defocus from other opposition aspirants for the highest office and to project herself as the nucleus of India's opposition.

ALSO READ: Who is in the wrong, CBI or Bengal government?

Since Sunday, Banerjee is sitting on dharna in Kolkata against the CBI's attempt to grill the city police chief in the chit fund scams, including Saradha.

"Today, the CBI is being brutally prevented by physical force and detention of its officer from investigating a crime legally within its jurisdiction, in the state of West Bengal. It is a textbook illustration of a state government assaulting federalism," Jaitley said.

He said Banerjee's decision to sit on a Dharna received support of many opposition parties who aspire to be in power.

Most of them, or their affiliates, are today being investigated, prosecuted and in some cases have also been convicted for crimes of corruption, he said.

"Curiously, the AICC President somersaulted his position from Saradha being a scam to -shoulder-to-shoulder- support to scamster. Interestingly, the first family of Congress where most members are on bail. A non-ideological short-lived coalition of opposition is disaster for India," he said.

Questioning whether 'New India' can be ever run by this "kleptocrat's club", Jaitley said those who have lent support to the West Bengal dharna are those who are battling serious allegations of economic improprieties, criminal misconduct and even corruption.

"2019 Election will be either Modi Vs. Chaos or Modi Vs. Anarchy. Mamata Banerjee's latest acrobatics are the best evidence of the kind of governance India's opposition can provide," Jaitley said.
Mayank Singh By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Indian Armys bid to procure indigenously manufactured high-altitude equipment and clothing for its troops in the mountainous parts seems to be gasping for air.

The Army had floated the proposal to choose indigenous manufacturers in order to cut down on import costs by as much as Rs 2.5 crore every six months. About 40,000 soldiers deployed in high altitude duties at various locations.

There is a turnaround every six months thus keeping the requirement of equipment almost perpetual for the force.The force needs lightweight clothing with thermal effectiveness to be able to handle temperatures as low as -10C.

Given the weather conditions and the toll they can take on the physical health of the soldiers, Army brass has laid down strict guidelines, said an officer who was privy to discussions in the matter. Several product line-ups have since then been tested in the field. These include gear such as carabiners, rock pitons, summer suits, ascenders and descenders and also an avalanche victim detector.

Of the eight products put up for trials, only two were found meeting the Armys standards. The force then held another meeting with companies in December 2018 to invite fresh bids and look into the latest technology.

The equipment purchased will primarily be deployed for soldiers stationed in Siachen, Drass, Kargil Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. We aim to save around `2.5 crore every six months. Also, we wish to promote Indian companies. The Army, as of now, imports specialised gear from Switzerland, Norway, Finland apart from other countries, said another Army official.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he will break the backbone of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, security forces on Monday said that Operation All Out will continue in the Valley.

We will tackle every terrorist in a befitting way. We will break the backbone of terror in Jammu and Kashmir and fight it with all our might, Modi had said in Srinagar on Sunday.

IG (Operations) CRPF, Zulfikar Hussain said that anti-militant operations will continue, adding that there will be no let up in the heat against militants.

The police, CRPF and Army have launched operations against militants even while it was snowing heavily in the state. Hussain said their operations against militants are based on intelligence and such operations will continue.

About 500 militants have been killed in two years after the launch of Operation All Out and 19 militants have been killed in encounters with security forces this year.

A security official said that the PMs statement would give impetus to anti-militancy operations. We will now conduct operations with vigour to end militancy, he said.

Jaish terrorist held

Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist in connection with the attack on a CRPF camp in Jammu and Kashmirs Lethpora, according to an official statement.

The accused, Fayaz Ahmad Magray, is an active OGW (over ground worker) of proscribed terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), it said.

He is a key conspirator who provided logistical support such as providing shelter to the terrorists and conducting reconnaissance of the CRPF group centre in Lethpora before the terrorist attack, the NIA said in the statement.
By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: Over 30 students, who were either detained or received Notice to Appear (NTA) in the US for breaking immigration rules, are all set to return to India. As majority of the immigration lawyers suggested the candidates to go back to India to avoid legal complications, many students have packed their bags and ready to board their flights to their home country.

It all started with a sting operation of the Department of Homeland Security, which set up a fake university in Farmington Hills to target foreign students who wanted to stay in the US without proper authorisation.

The massive operation, which was named paper-chase, almost roped in 600 students, of which 130 were detained, while some students received NTA and the remaining are under the close watch of the immigration officials.

ALSO READ: India issues 'demarche' to American Embassy on detention of Indian students in US

Of the total 130 students of Farmington University who were detained in various places, 129 are from India and one from Palestine. The arrests of the students took place in New Jersey, Atlanta, Houston, Michigan, California, Louisiana, North Carolina and St. Louis. The students, who are in various detention centres in Atlanta, Houston and Michigan, are going to be presented before the immigration judge for hearing on Monday (US date).

According to immigration lawyer M Madhu, who is dealing with the cases of a few students who were detained in Florida, said, In fact, the detained students are free to go back to India. Many students have already decided to go back to India. They can come back to the US in future, based on their conduct. Many students fear that if detained, the US government will bar them for coming back to US in future. However, it is not true, the students can come back at any time.

ALSO READ: Indian embassy opens hotline for students detained by US authorities

According to immigration experts, who are working voluntarily for the detained students, many are ready to travel back to India in the next 24 hours. The students who were not detained but received NTA have mentioned to the immigration officials that they are going back and submitted their journey details along with ticket number.

Over 30 students are going to travel back to India during February 4 and 5. Once the immigration judge completes the hearing, even the detained students can return to their home country. Currently, a few students, whose hearing is over, are going back to India, said Madhu. Speaking to TNIE, Vemuru Ravi, president of APNRT Society, said, The students can happily come back to India. Now a days, even we have more opportunities for the skilled and they need not run after US or UK or any other country.Meanwhile, associations such as American Telugu Association (ATA) and Telugu Association of North America (TANA) are hosting various programmes and seminars on the things to do and not to do in the US.
Stanley John By

Online Desk

The Tamil Nadu Film Producers Council organised a two-day event last week to celebrate Maestro Ilaiyaraja's 75th birthday and felicitate the master composer for his contribution to Tamil cinema.

Several prominent Tamil film artists including big stars like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Vikram were part of the event.

One of the highlights of the event was when Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman and Ilaiyaraja shared the stage and even performed a song together. A mobile video clip of Rahman playing a famous Ilaiyaraja tune beside the man himself went viral on social media with fans describing it as an 'unforgettable moment in history.'



Though always pitted against each other as industry rivals, when it comes to the art of music, Rahman has always respected Ilaiyaraja as his guru. Rahman had, in fact, worked as a sessions keyboard player for Ilaiyaraja before he became a music director himself. The composer has often expressed his admiration for Ilaiyaraja and said that he was a great man to train under.

Sam Edwin Manohar, a former student of Rahman's KM Music Conservatory in Chennai, recalls an interaction between the students and the composer. Rahman, who is the principal of the institution, used to occasionally visit their class and have discussions with the students. During one such session, a student asked Rahman who should be their role model in the music industry. The composer without thinking for even a split second replied Ilaiyaraja.

After the recent event, Rahman shared a collage of an old picture of Ilaiyaraja dictating some instructions to him and the recent picture of them sharing the stage and said that it was a great feeling to be with the Maestro.

33 years later with the Maestro, What a great feeling ! #EllamPugazhumIraivanukke pic.twitter.com/CUBATJqsnh  A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) February 3, 2019

Rahman and Ilaiyaraja are two of the biggest names in the Tamil and Indian music scene and have created countless musical gems which will be treasured and forever rule our playlists.

Their camaraderie on stage last week has received a lot of positive response with people praising the mutual admiration and respect between the two legends.
Arunkumar Sekhar By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: It has been a little more than two years since the teaser of the popular song, Maruvaarthai (from Enai Noki Paayum Thota), was released. While the mystery of Mr. X, the composer of the song, has since been solved, and the films actor, Dhanush, has since had multiple releases, its not until two weeks ago that we saw the heroine, Megha Akash, finally make her debut when she played a small role in Karthik Subbarajs Petta.

A couple of weeks later, now, she has made her full-fledged debut in Sundar Cs Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven. Heres the actor talking about her two releases, her future projects, and of course, the long-delayed Enai Noki Paayum Thota (ENPT):

Excerpts:

How has the response been for Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven (VRV)?

I have been getting a lot of love, and in particular, I have been receiving compliments for my dubbing. We dont usually get such opportunities. I have been hearing new scripts now.

ALSO READ: 'Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven' movie review

While on the film, I must say that shooting with Simbu was super-easy. He is stress-free and almost child-like. He is a genuine person and shooting with such people is always easy. Add to all this the energy he brings on to the set; you can feed off it easily.

Had you caught the original film, Attarintiki Daredi, before you took up the role?

Yes, I had. I am a huge Pawan Kalyan fan and I was happy when I realised that I was going to be doing the remake. But once I signed up the film, I didnt watch it even once. I wanted to bring my own sensibilities to the role.

Before VRV, of course, you had your debut in a Rajinikanth film (Petta).

I have grown up watching Rajini sir. I dont think I even dreamt I would get to be part of his film. It is probably a cliche to say this by now but it was truly humbling to shoot with him. Both he and Simran maam, even though they have caravans of their own, always hung out with us. I guess it was written in the stars that Petta would be my first release.

Your first film, Oru Pakka Kathai, is yet to have a release, and yet, so many directors have already cast you.

Balaji sir (director of Oru Pakka Kathai) found me through a mutual friend. Before I knew it, I was signed up. Gautham sir found me in a coffee shop he used to frequent. But ENPT took longer to happen.

ALSO READ: Megha Akash recounts her gastronomical adventures in Turkey during 'Enai Noki Paayum Thota' shoot

I had a first round of auditions and then had a look test. I had to wait sometime before I knew I was doing the lead role in ENPT. After that, I was in Telugu cinema (Lie and Chal Mohana Ranga) for sometime, and then when I returned, Kannan sir found me via the video of Visiri. He had asked for me specifically.

As I had no Tamil projects at the time, he insisted that I do Boomerang, and I did. Sundar C sir liked me in a video song from one of my Telugu films. Karthik sir watched Oru Pakka Kathai fully, and wanted me on board to play the role of Anu in Petta.

What are your biggest takeaways from Petta and VRV?

With VRV, Sundar sir taught me I can do comedy. I never saw myself doing it, and he gave me the confidence to. With Petta, Karthik sir gave me a free hand at expressing myself through my character and that was liberating.

You mentioned that youre listening to a bunch of scripts. What excites you about this process?

I just look to connect with my character and the film, and dont want it to compromise my ethics and morals. You saw me do comedy as a heroine in VRV. Oru Pakka Kathai is more on the artistic side. Boomerang and Petta had me play a college student. So I dont think I can be boxed so easily as an actor.

And now, for the inevitable question about whats going on with ENPT

I have finished dubbing for my portions. Without revealing much, let me say that I have three distinct phases in the film. Theres one in which I dress up and be nice and casual. There is another in which I become the emotional anchor. There is a third phase where I strive for what is mine. If people havent been satisfied with my acting till now, I would ask them to wait for ENPT. It will be well worth the wait. It has my dream role, and will become the bar for my future films.
By Online Desk

Radio jockey-turned-actor RJ Balaji's next political satire LKG's trailer dropped recently and has a number of political references in it.

RJ Balaji plays the role of a politician called Lalgudi Karuppaiah Gandhi in the movie. Directed by KR Prabhu, the film's music is composed by Leon James. Priya Anand plays the film's female lead.

The 2.05 minutes trailer pretty much covered the major political events in the country. The trailer ranks number 1 in the YouTube trending videos. Here we take a look at all the political references in the trailer.

The trailer begins with the actor praying to God that he will soon erect a Rs 3000-crore statue, a dig at the ongoing statue politics in the country.

In one of the scenes, actor Priya tests LKG's political knowledge by asking him whether he will save cows or human beings in times of disaster.

Not just that, in an apparent dig at the fitness challenge by PM Narendra Modi, a politician can be seen leaning against a rock and practising yoga in his pyjamas. In the end, he says he challenges actor Kajal Agarwal. It may be noted that when Indian skipper Virat Kohli challenged the PM, he also nominated his wife, actor Anushka Sharma for the challenge.

WATCH LKG TRAILER HERE

The movie also has a lot of references to regional politics.

One of the scenes shows the actor dropping thermocols into the river, a dig at Tamil Nadu MLA Sellur Raju.

The politician was once criticised for his plan to prevent evaporation of river Vaigai by covering it with thermocol, literally.

The trailer doesn't spare even the actor-turned politicians in the state, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, who made their entry into politics recently.

In the end of the trailer, the actor discusses the Tamil Nadu fishermen issue with a TV journalist.

Though major parts of the trailer makes us to laugh, this particular scene highlights the plight of fishermen of Tamil Nadu.

The trailer looks promising and the movie is sure to tickle our funny bones.

It will be interesting to see how real-life politicians JK Rithesh and Nanjil Sampath play their parts in the movie.
By UNI

DHAKA: In a bid to put Rohingya's plight back in the headlines ahead of a United Nations $920 million funding appeal, Angelina Jolie, the Special Envoy for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, visited the Rohingya camps in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh which has been heavily affected by the influx of more than 730,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar since August 2017 now hosts nearly a million refugees.

The majority of refugees --- more than 620,000 people --- live in just one area: Kutapalong, the largest refugee settlement anywhere in the world today.

ALSO READ: 31 Rohingyas including children stranded in India-Bangladesh border

Jolie is undertaking a three-day mission in Cox's Bazar to assess the humanitarian needs of the Rohingya refugees and some of the more critical challenges facing Bangladesh as a host country.

The Special Envoy will conclude her in-country visit in Dhaka for official meetings with the Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, and the Foreign Minister, AK Abdul Momen, to discuss how UNHCR can best support the current response led by the Bangladeshi Government, along with the need for safe and sustainable solutions to the plight of one of the world's most persecuted minorities.

ALSO READ | Kochi is new hotspot for illegal Rohingyas, Bangladeshi migrants

Her visit comes just before the launch of a new appeal for the humanitarian situation in Bangladesh --- the 2019 Joint Response Plan --- which seeks to raise some $920 million to continue meeting the basic needs of Rohingya refugees and the communities so generously hosting them.

The Special Envoy focuses on major forced displacement crises, representing UNHCR and the High Commissioner at the diplomatic level.

This is the Special Envoy's first visit to Bangladesh.

Jolie had also met with displaced Rohingya people during her prior visit to Myanmar in July 2015 and in India in 2006.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: To save the lives of fishermen during natural disasters like floods and other coastal accidents, the government will launch marine ambulance, which is being constructed by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). Fisheries Minister J Mercykutty Amma has promised that the marine ambulance will commence its service before March 2020.

Earlier the Kerala government had signed an agreement with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the construction of three marine ambulances for the Fisheries Department. Our main focus is to make sure that no life is lost in the coastal region due to lack of rescue facilities, said the minister. The total cost of three marine ambulances is estimated to be Rs 18.2 crore.

Sea Patrolling

In reply to the question raised by K Dasan MLA regarding the strengthening of sea patrolling, the minister said that the Fisheries Department is taking various measures to beef up sea patrols in the state. As of now, nine rescue boats are operating in nine marine districts. The minister said that in order to strengthen sea patrolling, the government has made few amendments as per the requirements in the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation (KMFR) Act. The government has taken steps to initiate rescue operation from marine enforcement, coastal police, coast guard and navy.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: The governing body of the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society (VMHS) chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Monday, has approved the Phase II development plan for Vyttila Mobility Hub. As per the plan, the state government is expected to fund Rs 118 crore of the total Rs 590 crore needed for the project. There is also an in principle sanction from French funding agency Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) to fund Rs 472 crore on a long term loan basis. The estimated time needed to complete the project is two years.

The initial plan was to construct phase two in a PPP model and tender was floated for the same. However the same was not successful. The French agency is also funding the phase one and two of the Kochi Metro project. In this second phase of development, the VMHS is planning to convert the existing centre to a state of the art Mobility Hub interconnecting various modes of transport. The second phase will cover an area of approximately 26.8 acres. The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) will be the executing agency of the project. The plan is to retain 41 per cent of the area as green and the total terminal area will be 27 per cent and for road and transportation, the remaining 32 per cent will be used.

VMHS will focus on providing seamless connectivity between various modes of transport like buses, metro, ferry, water metro, auto rickshaws and cabs in a passenger-centric manner. VMHS will stress on the need to provide a well-planned infrastructure that prioritizes pedestrians and non-motorised transport users and ensures their safety. The Kochi metro station is located at the existing hub and there will also be a boat jetty on the other side. The Vyttila Mobility Hub will play a crucial role in integrating various modes of transport in the coming years.

Transport Minister A K Saseendran, PWD Minister G Sudhakaran, Agriculture Minister Sunil Kumar, Minister for Co-Operation and Tourism Kadakampally Surendran, Chief Secretary Tom Jose, Kochi Mayor Soumini Jain, and other top officials attended the meeting.
Shyam Yadagiri By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD : She is a rank newbie in the modelling industry. She was a techie who worked in the corporate sector for nearly a decade. She is a social entrepreneur who works in the recycled art industry. And she was crowned the Mrs Universe Successful 2018 at a glittering pageant held in The Philippines a few weeks ago. And thats not all. She has been awarded Peace Ambassador India by Centre for Peace Studies (CPS), Sri Lanka, at an event held in Goa recently.

Driven by an innate desire to help the society, Her Excellency Rumana Sinha Sehgal, Peace Ambassador India, CPS founded Serendipity, a social entrepreneurship project in 2012. The company specialises in papier mache, furniture and articles made from recycled products like tyres, 3D art, sculptures and installations made from materials such as plaster of paris, wood and fibre glass, mostly from scrap.

In 2017, I got an opportunity to take part in a pageant. Being a social entrepreneur, I was looking at a platform that helps take my work to the next level. So I thought of giving it a try. I won Mrs India Universe 2017  Hyderabad, Telangana, and many other pageant titles. Organised by Mrs Universe Ltd, Mrs Universe Successful pageant evaluates an individual based on their personality, work done and social contribution.

On contributing to social causes, Rumana says, My earliest stint in social contribution was during the late 80s, when I became the leader for Bharat Scouts and Guides. I went on to win the Rajya Puraskar and Rashtrapati Puraskar. If I have a passion for something, I give it my everything. I am driven by something which has a social angle.

In association with Vyomini Social Enterprise, Rumana had launched Rakshak, a low cost biodegradable sanitary pad on International Menstrual Hygiene Day in 2018. She was also the chairperson for the youth wing of Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India, mentoring young women entrepreneurs.

Another interesting programme is the Trujet initiative sponsored by not-for-profit organisation Valmiki Foundation. To promote education through travel and experience, in July 2018, she was part of an entourage that included a few homeless kids, on a flight from Hyderabad to Hampi. The 42-year-old mother of two has also taken part in Golconda fort cleaning drive, flood relief programme in Kerala, Hasnaa an oral hygiene initiative, cancer awareness drives, anti red eye campaign to stop spy cameras, One Voice, to stop violence against women and children, and more.

What about the current trend of girls opting for plastic surgery to get fuller lips, bigger eyes, or a thinner nose, based on their Snapchat filters? Lets drop the filters. People these days are so body-conscious. Youngsters must focus more on improving their mental faculties than the physical ones. Sooner or later, everyone would have wrinkles, right?, she chuckles.

On future goals, Rumana says she would like to work in the sphere of combating human trafficking and sexual exploitation of kids. In April, I will be part of a delegation for Women Economic Forum in Delhi, the theme being  Reimagining society, reinventing humanity through gender equality, she adds.

Her message for youth? At 42, I was able to walk in to Mrs Universe pageant and win the title, despite some of my obvious physical shortcomings. Youngsters need to be themselves and strive for their goals, despite initial setbacks. Persistence holds the key. You are your own accelerator, says Rumana, before signing off.

shyam@newindianexpress.com @shyamyadagiri


Anuradha Shukla By

Express News Service

With the bankrupt IL&FS group struggling with myriad challenges, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has come to the rescue of Gurgaon Rapid Metro, owned and operated by an IL&FS group firm, by taking over the metros operations.

Gurgaon Rapid Metro is owned by IL&FS Transportation Network Ltd (ITNL), a subsidiary of the bankrupt IL&FS group. The Rapid Metro was built on the Public Private Participation (PPP) model by the Haryana Government.

According to sources in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the ministry had asked DMRC to take over the project after ITNLs parent company IL&FS went bankrupt defaulting on debts and in October 2018, the central government took control of the management of IL&FS. Since then the Haryana government and the Centre have been planning for a smooth handover of the management.

This is the second time that the DMRC has come to the rescue of a private player. The first time it did so was when it took over operations of Airport Express Metro in 2013.

"From the start of the service on February 5, operations of Rapid Metro will be taken over by DMRC. The services will be run according to the existing timetable and fare," minutes of the DMRC meeting said.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: The largest conference of Physicians of India - APICON 2019 - will be held at the Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre from February 7 to 10. The summit, attended by more than 10,000 delegates from across the country and abroad, will be the 74th Annual Conference of the Association of Physicians of India (API). Kochi Branch of API will host the mega event.

The summit will be inaugurated on February 7 at 6.30 pm by Governor P Sathasivam. Explaining the significance of the summit, Dr Sujit Vasudevan said API, as the professional body of consultant physicians, established in 1944 has been instrumental in advancing medical knowledge and research and laying down standards of professional conduct and care.

The four-day scientific programme, held in six parallel tracks, will have deliberations and interactive sessions on all latest updates on research and developments in the field of medicine. Around 50 international faculty and experts from the US, the UK, Australia, the Netherlands, the Gulf, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka will lead important scientific sessions.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Visitors and fashion enthusiasts thronged the ballroom, Hyatt Regency in large numbers to 2019s first edition of Arti Bagdy Fashion Collezione (ABFC)  Spring Valentine special on Monday. The two-day spring Valentine special exhibition features couture and pret, fusion wear, sari designers, fine jewellery and accessory designers from across the country.

The exhibition will be held today

from 10 am to 8 pm

 Debadatta Mallick

Jewellery lovers, be ready to be spoilt for choice here  intricate designs comprising Russian emerald strings, Bangkok-style fine jewellery, carved Colombian emeralds and South sea pearls. Hamida Gheewala, manager for the brand Sapna Singhania Studio, which specialises in Bangkok-style jewellery, said, All our jewels are made in Thailand and are lightweight, which makes them ideal for summer. They are all statement pieces and Chennaiites seem to be liking vibrant colours. For pocket-friendly fashion jewellery, you can head to Joules by Radhika, Mirage Jewels from Mumbai and Amazing Jewel from Jaipur.

If your preferences lean more towards clothing, ABFC has got you covered. Labels like Oja and Clos from Delhi, Showsha from Kolkata, Linen and Linens from Mumbai and designer duo Nikita and Samriti from Delhi, have their fusion wear collections on display. Label de Belle from Surat has brought in its Lakme Fashion Week collection comprising pastel shades and flowy feminine silhouettes. Our inspiration has always been nature, so the colours and designs will all be from nature. For summer, you will see more pastels. All the designs are completely hand embroidered. In Chennai stores, most of our Indo-western style clothes get sold. Recently, Sakshi Dhoni picked a piece from the city, said Nancy Luharuwalla from Label de Belle.

Abhijeet Khanna, popular for pre-wedding wear designs, who has been participating in ABFC for the past four editions said the exhibition helps him connect with the audience and incorporate changes according to customer needs.

To jazz up your feet, choose from a range of trendy footwear from Fab Bella by Roma and for home linen, decor, runners, and candle stands, visit Xtuti from Delhi.

Jewellery and clothes

The exhibition also features industry stalwarts like Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewelers from Jaipur and Ghanasingh Be True from Mumbai, along with Parina Jewels and Ghatiwala Jewels. If your preferences lean more towards clothing, ABFC has got you covered. Labels from across the country have their fusion wear collections on display.

(The exhibition is open today from 10 am to 8 pm at the Ballroom of Hyatt Regency, Teynampet)
H M Chaithanya Swamy By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Hiring a rowdy for work proved costly for a 53-year-old businessman after he was attacked by the former and his friends for sacking him. The injured businessman, identified as Anand Reddy, is a resident of Garvebhavipalya off Hosur Main Road, and owns a mineral water factory. Police say, the incident occurred on January 31. The accused has been identified as Madan (25). Madans father, who knew Reddy, approached him in August 2018 seeking a job for his son saying that he was reformed man. Reddy, on humanitarian grounds, hired Madan as his car driver.

Reddys brother Ashok Reddy told TNIE that Madan, within a month of his appointment, started to misbehave with the women staff of the factory. He even threatened other employees. Reddy then sacked him from work after paying him a months salary and told him not to return to the factory. Madan, however, failed to mend his ways, and within two months he returned to the factory and continued to harass women, said Ashok. An irked Reddy warned Madan that he would approach the police if he came to the factory again. Madan continued to visit the factory but did not create any trouble.

However, as an act of revenge, Madan and three of his friends barged into the factory at 5.30 pm on January 31 and ransacked the premises and attacked Reddy with a machete. Reddy suffered injuries on his head, legs and hands.

An investigating officer from Begur police station said that they have taken up a case of attempt to murder, trespassing and causing damage to property against Madan and his friends who are at large. Madan has pending cases in Madiwala, Bommanahalli and Parappana Agrahara police stations.
Manju Shettar By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: A 30-year-old techie was conned by a couple who offered him a job in Singapore and cheated him of Rs 2.3 lakh. The Marathahalli police on Sunday arrested the prime accused Lokesh Narayanachari (38), an autorickshaw driver. However, Lokeshs wife  said to be the mastermind  is still at large.Police said the victim Mahesh (name changed), who is from Andhra Pradesh and is a resident of Munnekolala, works with a software company in Whitefield and met Lokesh (also a relative) through one of his common friends.

Jyothi offered him a job in Singapore and claimed to have already settled several job aspirants in the island nation.She convinced Mahesh that her friends, who have settled there, will help him get a job for higher salary. Mahesh was easily convinced as the couple also offered him free accommodation in Singapore. The couple demanded `2.3 lakh to process Maheshs visa, which he transferred to Jyothis account.

A day later, Mahesh contacted them over phone, but their phones were switched off. That was when he realised he was cheated. He then approached the Marathahalli police. Police nabbed Lokesh from his house on Hosa Road near Parappana Agrahara. He had withdrawn the entire cash that Mahesh had transferred and spent it on buying home appliances for his rented house and repay his debt.

Lokesh, who had a travel business, had incurred losses and was forced to close the firm. Thats when he started riding an autorikshaw for a livelihood. Police suspect that the couple could have cheated several people like Mahesh. A senior police officer said, Those conned by Lokesh can approach the city police to file a case against him. We are yet to ascertain the exact role of Jyothi who escaped.

When I met the couple in May 2018, they made calls to Singapore to convince me that they were genuine. They also gave me some contacts (in Singapore) to convince me how they were helped by the couple. So I believed them and paid the money in three installments. I came to know that they were frauds and had been thrashed by locals. The strange thing is that the police did not arrest Jyothi, Mahesh told TNIE.
Sreejani Bhattacharyya By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: After receiving overwhelming response to its YONO (You Only Need One) app, the countrys largest lender, State Bank of India, now plans to launch YONO Krishi and YONO Global apps in April, according to its chairman Rajnish Kumar.

YONO Krishi, which will have all the retail facilities, will also cater to the specific needs of farmers and create an ecosystem for them. They can purchase products, know weather and soil information, open accounts and apply for loans through this application. It will be available in eight vernacular languages. The YONO Global will cater to NRI citizens and people on the move, Kumar said.

YONO currently has over 1 crore downloads with more than 3 lakh logins per day. It not only intends to connect with the young generation of the country, but also create a marketplace for various financial products.

According to Kumar, 50 per cent of our transactions today are done digitally with 4-5 crore people accessing bank services digitally daily.

ALSO READ | ED files reply to SBI plea for speedy liquidation of Mallyas seized properties
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: In a fresh turn of events in the Essar Steel resolution process, Essar Group director Prashant Ruia has moved a new application before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to take over the crippled company citing a Supreme Court judgement.

Seeking to set aside the bid by ArcelorMittal, the new petition was moved on February 1 by Ruia, along with former Essar Steel managing director Dilip Oommen and project director Rajiv Kumar Bhatnagar, citing the January 31 Supreme Court judgement in the Ruchi Soya case.

The application comes after NCLT-Ahmedabad on January 29 rejected the debt settlement proposal put forth by Essar Steel Asia Holdings, despite it being much higher at Rs 54,389 crore than ArcelorMittals offer worth Rs 42,000 crore.

The fresh petition claims that though Oommen and Bhatnagar were removed after the insolvency process began, they still continue to be part of the day-to-day management of Essar Steel and hold the designations of managing director and director (projects), respectively.

The NCLT bench comprising Manorama Kumari and Harihar Prakash Chaturvedi said it will decide Tuesday whether the petition will be admitted or not.

The applicants also urged the tribunal to direct the resolution professional (RP) of Essar Steel to convene a meeting of the committee of creditors, wherein the resolution plans submitted by the potential resolution applicants be deliberated and discussed afresh and thereafter voted upon.

In addition, the applicants urged the NCLT to direct the RP to provide the applicants with copies of all the resolution plans submitted by potential resolution applicants for the resolution of the case.

Meanwhile, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Monday directed the Ahmedabad bench of the NCLT to decide on the insolvency plea filed against Essar Steel (India) Ltd by 11 February.

NCLAT asks NCLT to decide on Mittals plan

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal on Monday directed the NCLT Ahmedabad bench to take a final decision over ArcelorMittals I42,000 crore resolution plan for Essar Steel by February 11, failing which it would call records and pass order accordingly.
By UNI

MOSCOW: The export of oil from Venezuela has been significantly decreasing against the background of US sanctions on the Venezuelan PDVSA state energy giant as well as the growing political crisis in the country, media reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Such a decline casts shadow on the global market as Venezuela is one of the biggest oil producers in the world.

The oil exports currently stand at way below 1 million barrels daily, which is a more-than 10 percent drop from December and a less than half decline from Venezuela's oil production 18 months ago, the Wall Street Journal newspaper reported.

The exports are dropping because of the Venezuelan government's struggles to find buyers for oil as it demands advance payment for the shipments as well as mass defection of workers in the industry and shortages of imported oil byproducts, according to the newspaper.

aThis is an absolute disaster a There's almost no way to move the oil,a Luis Hernandez, the leader of the Venezuelan oil union, said, as quoted by the media outlet.

The oil tankers linked to the Russian Lukoil energy giant and the US Chevron company, among others, have been delayed or redirected over the past weeks due to the payment problems with Caracas, the sources told the newspaper.

Last week, the United States blocked all assets of PDVSA in its jurisdiction and imposed a ban on deals with the company.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters that by blocking PDVSA's assets, the United States was taking care of this company in the interests of the people of Venezuela and also protecting its own market.
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Monday turned down Tata Steels plea to consider its bid for the debt-ridden Bhushan Power & Steel as the most legitimate. This places JSW Steel in a sweet spot to bag the insolvent company.

Tata Steel, which had emerged as the highest bidder in the first round of bidding, moved NCLAT after Bhushan Powers lenders agreed to consider a competing bid by Liberty House, which the Tatas said had come into the race past the deadline.

However, the NCLAT order had upheld the lenders decision and ordered all the three bidders to submit revised bids with improved financial offers.

It was then that JSW Steel revised its bid to Rs 19,700 crore, against Tata Steels Rs 17,000 crore and Liberty Houses Rs 18,500 crore.

After hearing all the parties, the NCLAT bench headed by SJ Mukhopadhyay held JSW Steels revised offer for Bhushan Power & Steel valid under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code and called Tatas plea premature and unmaintainable.

The tribunal further upheld the right of the committee of creditors to update, amend, modify or annul resolution plans with respect to conditions outlined in a process document. At this stage, JSW Steel now needs to get the nod from NCLT for its bid, while Tata Steel is yet to disclose if it will contest todays decision.

Bhushan Power, part of the first 12 large corporate accounts shortlisted by the Reserve Bank of India for insolvency proceedings in June 2017, owes lenders more than Rs 47,000 crore and operational creditors over Rs 700 crore.

Meanwhile, the much-contested Bhushan asset case doesnt seem to end here. Stepping into Ruias shoes as in case of Essar, the promoters of Bhushan Power approached the creditors for a settlement plan last week. Bhushan Power & Steel promoter Sanjay Singhal made a last-ditch effort to pay off the financial creditors entirely under Section 12A of the IBC. The committee of creditors for Bhushan Power & Steel, which had so far backed JSW Steel as the highest bidder, will be meeting next week to consider the plan and decide if they want to continue with the insolvency process or not.
Virginia State Police(FARMVILLE, Va.) -- A Virginia State Police trooper who was shot in the line of duty Monday night has died, authorities said.



Trooper Lucas B. Dowell, a member of the state police's tactical team, was assisting the Piedmont Regional Drug and Gang Task Force with executing a search warrant at a home near the town of Farmville, Virginia. An armed man inside the residence opened fire on the team shortly before 10 p.m. local time Monday, according to a press release from the Virginia State Police.



The tactical team returned fire, killing the suspect, police said.



Dowell, who was shot, was taken to a local hospital where he died. He is survived by his parents and a sister, authorities said.



"This is an extremely difficult day for the State Police," Col. Gary Settle, Virginia State Police's superintendent, said in a statement Monday night. "We are humbled by Lucas selfless sacrifice and grateful for his dedicated service to the Commonwealth. He will forever be remembered by his State Police Family for his great strength of character, tenacity, valor, loyalty and sense of humor."



No other troopers were injured in the shooting.



The suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was the only individual inside the home at the time of the shooting. Authorities are in the process of notifying next of kin.



The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Appomattox Field Office is investigating the incident.



The two troopers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with Virginia State Police policy.



Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Anuradha Shukla By

Express News Service

After a delay of 14 years, things have finally started moving fast for the Rs 26,000 crore Dharavi redevelopment project, as the government is likely to award the contract for the project this week to the winning bidder. The fight is between the Dubai-based Seclink Group and the Adani Group.

On Wednesday, financial bids for the Dharavi redevelopment project were opened and Seclink was the highest bidder, followed by the Adani Group.

The Dharavi redevelopment project has been in the pipeline since 2004. Despite many changes in governments at both the state and Centre, the project has not seen much progress. With protests by residents and competitive politics involved, large developers had largely stayed away from the project. However, it has gained some momentum over the last 16-18 months.

The project is set to be a joint venture between the state government and private developers. The winning bidder will set up an SPV with 80 per cent equity (Rs 400 crore), the government will hold 20 per cent equity (Rs 100 crore).

According to official, the contract is expected to go to the developer who will bring more investment before signing the agreement. While Adani Group quoted Rs 4,539 crore, Seclink is known to have quoted bringing in Rs 7,200 crore in investment before signing the agreement.

Officials also say that there are other parameters to be considered. The investment is one criterion, but there are other parameters as well to be considered. There is lot of displacement involved. Things have to be seen meticulously. If the committee is not satisfied, it may consider extending date again, a senior official from DRA told this publication.

A final call on awarding the contract, and which firm will win the project, will be taken by the committee headed by chief secretary D K Jain, which is expected to decide anytime this week.

The committee headed by chief secretay DK Jain is likely to meet this week to decide the final winner of the contract of the project. So by this week there will be clarity over how this project is going to take shape, DRA officials said.

Only two bids received

On November 23, 2018, the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority floated a tender for setting up SPV with the state government, but received only two bids from Adani and Seclinlk even after the government extended the date of tender thrice, according to sources in the state government
By Lisa Soronen

The State and Local Legal Center (SLLC) filed an amicus brief in Kisor v. Wilkie asking the Supreme Court to overturn Auer v. Robbins (1997).

In that case, the Supreme Court reaffirmed its holding in Bowles v. Seminole Rock & Sand Co. (1945) that courts must defer to an agencys interpretation of its own regulations.

In Kisor v. Wilkie, the Federal Circuit deferred to the Veterans Administrations (VA) definition of relevant when determining whether a veterans claim for benefits can be reconsidered.

James Kisor is a Vietnam veteran who participated in Operation Harvest Moon. In 1983, a VA psychiatrist, while noting Kisors participation in this operation, determined he didnt have PTSD. Kisor was denied disability benefits. In 2007, Kisor was diagnosed with PTSD and the VA gave him full disability benefits prospectively. Kisor also asked the VA to reconsider his case and provide him with an effective date of benefits of 1983.

Per regulation, the VAs receipt of relevant official service department records that existed and had not been associated with the claims file when VA first decided the claim allow an application to be reconsidered. Kisor claimed that his Combat History document and other paperwork from 1983 documenting his participation in Operation Harvest Moon were such records.

Kisor didnt argue that these records show he was diagnosed with PTSD in 1983. Instead, he claims that these records were relevant because they speak to the presence of an inservice stressor, one of the requirements of compensation for an alleged service-connected injury. The VA claims they are not relevant because they addressed the matter of an in-service stressor, which was not in issue, rather than the issue of whether he suffered from PTSD, which was in issue.

Kisor argued for a broad definition of relevant and the VA argued for a narrow definition. Deferring to the VA, the Federal Circuit adopted the VAs narrow definition of relevant noting it isnt plainly erroneous or inconsistent with the VAs regulatory framework.

The SLLC amicus brief argues the Supreme Court should overturn Auer. By demanding deference to an agencys interpretation of its own regulations, Auer provides a powerful incentive for agencies to abandon the notice-and-comment process that facilities dialogue among federal, state, and local governments. This, in turn, invites dramatic shifts in federal policy with each new administrationand tends to result in policies that lack the clarity and wisdom that public participation can engender. Worse still, when agencies do engage in notice-and-comment rulemaking under the Auer regime, they do so knowing that by crafting ambiguous regulations they can expand their own power to unilaterally dictate federal policy through subsequent interpretation.

Allyson N. Ho, Kathryn Cherry, and Elizabeth A. Kiernan of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher wrote the SLLC amicus brief which the following organizations joined: NCSL, the Council of State Governments, the National Association of Counties, the United States Conference of Mayors, the International City/County Management Association, and International Municipal Lawyers Association, the Government Finance Officers Association, and the National School Boards Association.

Lisa Soronen is executive director of the State and Local Legal Center and a frequent contributor.
We wouldnt have thought wed be going down this road again so soon. Last week, we offered a salute and final farewell to Robert Bo McCallister on the occasion of his death. McCallister, a Lawrence County native, spent 32 years in law enforcement in Dauphin County, even being being shot during a 1981 bank robbery.

Sadly  but proudly  we must pause now to remember another such hero.

Richard Hanna died Thursday at the age of 89. A Navy veteran, he served as chief of police for two Lawrence County departments before retiring for good in 2002.

Hanna was a member of the New Castle Police Department for 25 years, and was its chief from 1968-72. In 1969, he was chosen to participate in the FBI National Academy as one of just 100 police chiefs from across the nation.

When Fran Rogan replaced Carl Cialella as New Castle mayor in 72 and made his own pick for police chief, Hanna went back to being a patrolman for another 10 years.

At that point, he retired from the New Castle force and accepted an offer to become chief of police in New Wilmington, a position he would hold for 21 years.

Like McCallister, Hanna also took a bullet in the line of duty.

Story continues below video

On Sept. 29, 1963, at the age of 34, Hanna was part of what The News reported to be a running gun battle with a burglar at the Farm Bureau Store in Mahoningtown. Hanna was shot in the chest, and taken to the hospital, where he was determined to be in serious condition. He was off the job for six months.

The gunman turned out to be a teenager, and the .22 caliber rifle he used was given to the district attorney once the case had run its course. The gun, in turn, eventually was given to Hanna, and it became a sort of family heirloom.

And just as McCallister left a legacy with his department  last year it created an Officer of the Year Award bearing his name  Hanna also passed something down.

Two of his grandsons  Thomas and Steve Brooks  followed him into police work, with Steve even joining his grandfathers former force as a New Castle K9 officer in 2007.

In a 2014 interview with The News, Hanna said he never put any pressure on either grandson to take up police work.

Nonetheless, both young men told The News at the time that their grandfathers example played a key role in their career choice.

I think he was always an influence on the two of us, Tom Brooks had noted. Just the type of person he is  the moral and ethical example he set for us.

Actually, Hanna was a bit of legacy himself. His father, Robert Hanna, was a member of New Castle police department from 1927-52, also serving as chief from 1944-52.

Thus it is that we take time to thank the entire Hanna/Brooks family for their service and sacrifice, and offer our condolences to them on the loss of a man who helped keep two county communities safe for nearly half a century.

Rest in peace, Chief Hanna.
New Castle, PA (16103)

Today

Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 54F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 54F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
International

Russia, Turkey reaffirm support for Maduro

Moscow/Ankara, Feb 5 (IANS) | Publish Date: 2/5/2019 12:17:43 PM IST

Russia and Turkey on Tuesday reiterated their support for Venezuelas increasingly-cornered President Nicolas Maduro and criticized EU nations who recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as caretaker President of the crisis-struck nation while international pressure for early elections continued to build up.

Bulgaria became the 20th EU government to declare its support for Guaido, the leader of Venezuelas Parliament who, having first secured assurances of support from Washington, directly challenged Maduro by taking oath as interim Venezuelan President on January 23. Russia, one of Maduros principal creditors, and Turkey have been vociferous in their opposition to the EUs diplomatic shift, Efe news reported.

Look at the EU, they are always saying democracy, democracy, democracy; ballots, ballots, ballots, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told members of his AKP party in a televised speech.

And then they try to topple a government. We do not accept a world where the powerful are righteous, but we accept a world where the righteous is powerful. We are against imperialist structures.

Spain, Portugal, Germany, the UK, Denmark, Holland, France, Hungary, Austria, Finland, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Sweden and Croatia earlier declared their recognition of Guaido, a decision that came after Maduro failed to comply with an ultimatum from several EU members to call a snap presidential election.

We see the situation as alarming. It is the result of a gross violation of the principle of non-interference with the internal affairs of a sovereign state, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during a visit to Tajikistan.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov said that by recognizing Guaido, EU countries were hindering a peaceful solution to the crisis in Venezuela.

Crippled by hyperinflation, medicine and food shortages, sanctions and falling oil prices, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans have fled the Andean nation, which has also been rocked by massive and often deadly anti-government protests.

The UN said at least 40 people were killed in protest-related violence this year so far.

EU support for Guaido cascaded in throughout Monday after an ultimatum signed by some of the blocs heavyweights -- Germany, France and the UK -- imploring Maduro to call presidential elections within eight days expired.

EUs foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini also signed a statement calling for elections in Venezuela but insisted that recognizing Guaido was not the responsibility of the bloc but rather its individual member state governments.

Maduro, who took over from his late predecessor Hugo Chavez in 2013, is currently banking on the support of Russia, Turkey, Iran and sympathetic smaller partners like Cuba, North Korea and Syria.
"We are also heartened by the European Parliament's Jan. 31 resolution recognizing Juan Guaido as interim president. They join the United States and more than 23 other countries in recognizing Juan Guaido as interim president, in accordance with Venezuela's constitution," Pompeo said in a statement.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States, which recognized Guaido as interim president last week, welcomed Monday's decision by European countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Sweden and Britain to follow suit.

Speaking on national television after over a dozen European countries officially recognized him as Venezuela's leader, Guaido claimed, without presenting evidence, that Maduro was moving the money from state development bank Bandes to a financial entity in Uruguay.

Venezuelan opposition leader and self-declared interim president Juan Guaido said Monday that President Nicolas Maduro is trying to transfer up to $1.2 billion to a bank in Uruguay.

The announcements came after a number of countries gave Maduro a deadline to hold free and fair elections, or else they would recognize Guaido, who declared himself interim president in January, as the leader of the South American country.

Guaido said during a recent VOA interview he would order new elections "when we achieve the capacity to convene elections." First, Guaido said, "we have to achieve the necessary force in order for this usurpation to end."

In New York Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the United Nations will not participate in any groups of countries looking to resolve the political crisis in Venezuela.

"The UN secretariat has decided not to be part of any of these groups in order to give credibility to our continued offer of good offices to the parties to be able at their request to help find a political solution," Guterres told reporters.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt posted on Twitter: "Nicolas Maduro has not called Presidential elections within 8 day limit we have set. So UK alongside European allies now recognizes @jguaido as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held. Let's hope this take us closer to ending humanitarian crisis."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Monday in Madrid that "...we are working for the return of full democracy in Venezuela..."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told France Inter Radio that the Venezuelan crisis would end "peacefully" with an early presidential election.

In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov criticized Monday's European declarations as "attempts to legitimize usurped power" and "interference in Venezuela's internal affairs."

Maduro has presided over a Venezuelan economic collapse that has resulted in chronic shortages of food and medicine. He blames the U.S. for supporting what he calls a coup to remove him from power and exploit Venezuela's vast oil reserves.

On Monday, Canada announced at an emergency meeting of the Lima group that it would provide $53 million in aid to Venezuela. "The bulk of the funds will go to trusted partners and neighboring countries to help them support Venezuela and Venezuelans," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the group, which includes Canada and 13 Latin American countries.
LO Products, Digital White Paper; Training Events Across the Country and at Home

The other day I was on a Southwest flight and I noticed someone on the aisle seat crumple up a couple of unused tissues and put them on the empty middle seat so that no one would want to sit there. Whats up with that? For something that wont make you shake your head, the Federal Reserve released its Senior Loan Officer survey for January, noting that banks showed no significant change in lending standards for most categories of consumer loans, but standards on credit cards loans were tightened as demand for all categories of household loans decreased. Know that debt held by US households increased to a record $13.51 trillion in the third quarter, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The amount is 21% more than the total in Q3 of 2008, during the financial crisis.

Lender Products and Services

Is your organization looking to onboard quality production talent but struggling to find and attract the right candidates? Model Match can help! Our award-winning Talent Management Suite and team of recruiting superstars, Model Match offers a full suite of solutions to help our partners grow. Our solutions are tailor fit to each of our clients unique business models and specific needs. Whether you're looking to fine tune your internal recruiting efforts to create more efficiency OR need a trusted and experienced partner to help with the process, Model Match is the answer! Click here to connect with our team and learn more about the value we are creating for our partners.

The Choice is yours at Sierra Pacific Mortgage who is hosting a webinar that will review the Choice QM and Non-QM products. Every loan officer should attend this. These programs can help grow your business and retain business. Join them on Tuesday, Feb 12 at 10:00 am PST. Cant make that time? A second webinar will be offered on Thursday, February 21st at 1:00 pm PST. Register now for one of them.

BCG has released its first industry white paper of 2019 on the next wave of digital transformation in mortgage. The paper analyzes mortgage market conditions, details how many lenders are using digital solutions to establish differentiated value propositions, and provides initial results observed from new solutions by review data from Blend, a leading lending platform that processes more than 100,000 applications per month and is used by more than 125 lenders nationwide. The next generation of homebuyers wants a digital-first experience from end-to-end. The paper takes a close look at how digital solutions are poised to help lenders fight their way through tough times ahead.

Conquering Shifts is a must read. Companies who incorporate the principles and techniques are seeing phenomenal results. This well-crafted book is filled with inspiration and bullet proof tactics from some of the industrys legends. Daniel Harkavy, CEO Building Champions. Conquering Shifts is a compelling read that will accelerate a salespersons success. Todd Duncan, High Trust Selling. If I were to have read this book when I first began originating purchase loans in 2011, I can honestly say that I would be leaps and bounds ahead of where I am today. Ryan Grant, Fairway Independent Mortgage. Ive indicated in several posts the value of this book. Have you bought your copies yet? If not, why not? What are you waiting for? Authors Cindy Douglas and Kathleen Heck are providing Chrisman subscribers a 15% discount through February 28th.

Are your borrowers credit scores too low? Dont turn them away! CreditXpert Wayfinder can help find the path to a better credit score. Watch our video and register for our informative webinar scheduled for February 21st. Wayfinder automatically evaluates hundreds of options to give your client an actionable plan to attain a better score. That makes you look like a credit expert. Plus, you can save 1 in 3 loans that would have been lost due to a low credit score. Trust Data Facts to provide efficient mortgage lending solutions, such as credit reports, fraud products, tax return and social security verifications, a variety of lead generation tools, and moreall integrated within your LOS! Talk with a live person and take advantage of their personalized support for your business. Their 100% US based customer service team will help you increase efficiency so you can close more loans, faster and easier.

For the fourth consecutive year, LendingQB ranked highest in overall client satisfaction among the top-10 mortgage LOS providers by lender share with an overall rating of 8.6 out of 10, according to The STRATMOR Groups recently released 2018 Technology Insights Study. The study also noted that PriceMyLoan, LendingQBs built-in loan pricing engine, scored 95 percent in overall satisfaction across nine categories, recognizing LendingQBs LOS and loan pricing components as the industrys leading technologies. Learn more about LendingQB and PriceMyLoan here.



Trainings and Events Coming soon

Today join Mountain West Financial for Monthly Mortgage Insights with special guest, Tonya Todd, Sr. SVP of Strategic Projects.

For mortgage brokers in Houston, Texas, and Irvine, California, REMN is teaming up with two other powerhouses in the wholesale space, Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions, and Liberty Home Equity Solutions, on the Diversify & Thrive Growth Summit series of events. These evening events will explore ways a diverse product portfolio, including renovation mortgages, non-QM products, and reverse mortgages, can help brokers. The first event in the complimentary series takes place on February 5th in both cities and will include an after-summit cocktail reception.

Register for the upcoming Buckley webcast on February 6th: Compliance with RESPA Section 8: The current state of play. Topics will include marketing services agreements, joint advertising, lead generation, portfolio retention, and the CFPBs process for no-action letters.

Momentifi CEO Gibran Nicholas is hosting a free webinar tomorrow, February 6 at 3pm ET: How to Use a CRM to STOP LOSING DEALS to Your Competition. Topics include: how to use a CRM to win more deals and convert more sales leads; how to use a CRM to stay focused on your most important sales opportunities; and, how to use a CRM to spend less time putting out fires and more time doing high-value sales activities. Click here to register.

Join MBA St. Louis for lunch on February 7th. This luncheons program will be Digital Transformation & Day One Certainty presented by Ms. Nancy Lucio, Technology Delivery Manager, Customer Engagement for Fannie Mae.

There are two upcoming Wells Fargo Funding first-time homebuyer/affordable product events in key California markets. The free events, in cooperation with Freddie Mac, will be held in Sacramento Tues., Feb. 12th and Anaheim Wed., Feb. 13th, from 11:00 - 3:30 p.m. Pacific (including a networking lunch). The days focus will be on helping lenders grow market share in the affordable/first-time homebuyer space, strategies to connect with first-time homebuyers, including Freddie Macs Home Possible, their new HomeOne product, and in-depth insight into the local markets. Approved and prospective Wells Fargo Funding and Freddie Mac clients are welcome. Contact a member of your regional sales team or send an email to organizers.

Attend the Southern Los Angeles County Chapter of CAMP on Wednesday, February 13th at the Grand in Long Beach. Nicole Soares, COO of bSquared Credit, will reveal to how to help support clients to improve their credit scores and Tannia Ayala, Portfolio-Lending Business Development Specialist at Caliber, will show us how we can help more clients qualify to purchase or refi with Portfolio Loans. RSVP Online.

Join over 1,000 mortgage industry professionals at the 2019 CMLA Mortgage Expo on February 12th at the Denver Marriott DTC. There will be a diverse lineup of knowledgeable industry speakers who will cover a wide range of mortgage-related topics and an extensive, comprehensive exhibit hall featuring companies who are dedicated to helping your business grow! Several exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are available and light refreshments will be served.

The sixth annual San Antonio edition of the Texas Mortgage Roundup is being held Tuesday, Feb. 12th at the Marriot Plaza SA hotel in San Antonio with a bonus 8-hour NMLS class there on Wednesday, Feb. 13th. Sessions will cover how to pump up your purchase mortgage business to how the new Trid 2.0 will affect you. From opening sessions featuring Caroline Jones,commissioner of the Texas Department of Savings & Mortgage Lending, to a great interactive session on the Whole Tale of Wholesale, to awesome speakers on how to take more market share towhat you need to do to compete for the Millennials market. Register now.

The Mortgage Collaboratives 2019 Winter Conference will take place February 17-19 at the J.W. Marriott in Austin, TX. The interactive agenda will feature over 30 lender led discussion-based educational breakout sessions, a heavy emphasis on peer-to-peer networking and experiences with third parties and exchange of best practices, with a sharp focus on lender growth and efficiency solutions. Visit www.mortgagecollaborative.com or contact TMC COO Rich Swerbinsky.

Start making your plans to be in San Francisco on February 21st for the Social Media & Digital Marketing Seminar. The #SIFMAsocial program will explore how we serve our clients and will feature a wide range of topics including: New trends in social, mobile and digital advice, Data analytics and artificial intelligence, Cybersecurity and risks in social media, as well as Regulatory requirements and compliance.

Learn how making informed and calculated decisions can help your business stay profitable with a new webinar, Wednesday, February 27th, Mortgage Lending in 2019: What the Heck Do I Do Now? Part of MBA Education's "Mortgage Banking Management" webinar series with Garrett, McAuley & Co.; experts will cover the issues that matter, including necessary trade-offs, tactics that work, and strategic choices you may have never considered.

And there is the Lenders Ones March 2019 Summit in Austin, TX March 3-6, 2019, which is already seeing a record number of registrants. Contact Lauren Ketchum, Director of Member Experience for more information on these programs or how to become a member.

Registration is now open for Ellie Mae Experience 2019. The conference will be held March 10-13 in San Francisco. This years conference theme, Driving Innovation Home, encourages attendees to take the digital mortgage journey while participating in exclusive training, hearing the latest in new tracks and sessions and networking with visionaries innovating on behalf of the mortgage industry. From URLA changes to HELOC opportunities to engaging homebuyers at the point of interest, Experience 2019 has it all.



Capital Markets

The U.S. 10-year began the week yielding 2.72% as rates rebounded upward after last weeks rally despite closures in most major markets through Wednesday in observance of the Lunar New Year. Factory orders declined in November, falling well short of expectations and raising the potential for a further decline in December since the November softness preceded the big market sell-off in December and the start of the partial government shutdown in January that were drags on business confidence.

Todays economic calendar is filled with non-market moving stats: Redbook same-store sales, final January Markit Services PMI and January ISM Non-manufacturing PMI. President Trump will deliver his previously delayed State of the Union address before Congress starting at 9PM ET. We begin today with Agency MBS prices dead in the water versus last nights close and the 10-year yielding 2.72%, unchanged.



Careers, Business Opportunities, Layoffs

An industry veteran is in search of a lender willing to sell its GNMA Ticket. Interested parties should send me a confidential email for forwarding; please specify the opportunity.

Why isnt there more discussion about trimming the fat from bloated retail shops who employ too many layers of middle management at corporate, have too many people involved in the loan process, and have outdated tech layered on top of slow LOSs? Canopy Mortgage is trimming the fat AND keeping LO comp intact. Dont believe us? Take our price quote engine for a spin to see what it could do for your borrowers! Then schedule a call to see what it will do for your comp. Reach out to Josh Neumarker, Director of Business Development (888-696-9076).

On the flip side, Provident Financial Holdings will discontinue its mortgage banking segment with 122 layoffs.
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SARI PUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- The unknown armed militants gunned down the deputy district governor of Gosfandi district in the northern Sari Pul province, provincial government spokesman Zabihullah Amani said on Sunday.

"Tahir Azizi the deputy for district chief of Gosfandi district was coming out from a mosque at nearby his residence on Saturday evening when the armed militants opened fire and killed him on the spot," Amani told Xinhua.

The official, however, blamed the militants for the assassination to terrorize the people.

The Taliban has yet to claim responsibility for the attack.
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Major League Baseball has apparently decided that there are 42 too many minor league baseball cities and, according to Commissioner Rob Manfred, after the 2020 season, that will change. There will be a new agreement between the majors and the minors signed and a lot of cities will lose their
Dr. Elizabeth Burns

Wendy Lewis Jackson

The Liberal Arts building, which will temporarily house Marygrove's high school starting in the fall

Local realtor Lolita Haley

Residents of Northwest Detroit's Livernois-McNichols community are watching new developments at Marygrove College with a keen eye. A long-time neighborhood anchor, the private Catholic learning institution recently embarked on a new direction after years of financial challenges.Embracing a cradle-to-career approach to education, the college plans to build a new early childhood education center, renovate a former high school located on its grounds into a public K-12 school, and establish a special "residency" program for teachers. These plans will get going with a ninth grade pilot program this coming fall."It's a big leap," says Marygrove President Dr. Elizabeth Burns. "The hope is that this is going to become an educational model that can be used in urban areas throughout the country."It is hard to understate the turbulence the school has had to push through to get to this point. For one, Marygrove has experienced some major leadership shakeups, with three different presidents at the helm between 2015 and 2016. And like a lot of private U.S. colleges, it's had to grapple with declining enrollment.Financial woes related to a diminishing student base resulted in the college announcing the complete elimination of its undergraduate program in the summer of 2017. More than 50 employees were laid off and hundreds of undergrad students were left in the lurch after that decision. Marygrove ended that fiscal year with a deficit of nearly $4 million.The college faced bankruptcy and closure, and the surrounding neighborhood risked losing a community institution that had been part of the northwest Detroit landscape since 1927.Thankfully, after a dramatic shift in direction, Marygrove now seems to be sailing a little smoother, albeit on a new course that takes it into uncharted territory.The college's recent reinvention wouldn't have been possible without the assistance of partners like the Kresge Foundation In 2016, shortly after being appointed Marygrove's new president, Dr. Burns reached out to the foundation to speak about the dire crisis her school faced. At the time, the organizations had already been working together through the Live6 Alliance and the Reimagining the Civic Commons initiative, two northwest Detroit neighborhood revitalization efforts in which Kresge had invested heavily."We became aware of the challenges at Marygrove College and got involved mainly as a way to ensure that the incredible neighborhood asset and its campus weren't lost," says Wendy Lewis Jackson, managing director of Kresge's Detroit Program.So Kresge began working with Marygrove on two fronts, responding to the fiscal issues confronting the college and assisting it with its transformation to a new, more sustainable educational model.In February last year, the foundation announced a $16 million investment to help Marygrove cover ongoing operational expenses; support students, faculty and staff adjusting to the ending of the undergraduate program; assist with the changeover to a graduate-only studies program; maintain the college's 53-acre campus; shore up or restructure urgent debts; create a new entity called the Marygrove Conservancy to ensure the integrity of the campus as a community resource; and explore the possibility of a new cradle-to-career educational focus.In September, the foundation announced an additional financial commitment, expected to bring the total to $50 million, for this new cradle-to-career educational approach. And a number of newly allied organizations came forward to join what Marygrove now refers to as its P-20 Partnership.Through this partnership, Starfish Family Services will operate the early childhood learning center that will be built on the site. The Detroit Collaborative Design Center and IFF are now collaborating with a network of area early childhood education providers to create a holistic set of child and family support principles to guide that center's work. Additionally, the Detroit Public Schools Community District will run the K-12 school, which will be located in a rehabbed building that formerly housed Bates Academy and before that Immaculata High School.The childhood center and K-12 school will provide services to more than 1,000 Detroit kids and their families, the majority of which are expected to be coming from the neighborhoods surrounding the college.Marygrove College is also working with the University of Michigan's School of Education as several of the colleges' programs are complementary. U-M will develop a teacher "residency" program where graduates will work at the DPSCD school on Marygrove's campus. Marygrove's faculty in its Early Childhood Education program will work with educational partners on curriculum and graduate student education, as well as professional development.For the Kresge Foundation, Marygrove's new approach is an opportunity to put education at the center of other revitalization efforts in the Livernois-McNichols district.Jackson is excited about the possibilities the P-20 framework opens up. She sees it as a way to "radically re-conceptualize how we think about opportunity in Detroit neighborhoods" by providing a "high-quality education coupled with wraparound support for families from birth up to a true career."So how do the folks who live and work in the neighborhoods around Marygrove feel about the recent developments at the college?Jevona Watson is an attorney who lives in the neighborhood and owns the local Detroit Sip coffeehouse. While she's a little dismayed by the closing of the undergraduate program, because she opened her establishment in part for its proximity to Marygrove and the University of Detroit Mercy, she's also optimistic about a new K-12 school opening up there."I'm excited about the possibility and am even contemplating the possibility of sending my own child," she says."We have to improve the educational system," she adds. "That's what's necessary to bring middle class working families with values back to Detroit."Amas Muhammad, 30, is a bar manager and father to a young son who lives in the nearby Palmer Park neighborhood. He was a sophomore majoring in philosophy when the college cut its undergrad program in 2016.Though frustrated by his experience, he's glad Marygrove is sticking around. "I'd rather it still be a school, even if it's not the university I was attending," Muhammad says. "I feel that neighborhoods benefit from having it around."He also backs the efforts by Marygrove and U-M School of Education to launch a teacher residency program."We need more teachers," he says. "If it's going to help tip the scales in a better educational direction, I'm supportive of that."Lolita Haley is a local realtor and director of the University Commons community development organization. She's more on the fence about what's been happening lately at Marygrove."I was disappointed they waited so long to turn around their situation," she says. "But on the other hand, they're not going away. Some of us feel if they go away, it's going to turn into a gated community with houses that we can't afford."And while Haley likes the idea of a preschool-to-college educational focus, she feels its important to look at the new initiative from a wider context."It's always great to talk about schools, but you've got surrounding schools that are failing. Why aren't they helping those children in those schools, and who are these for? I'm interested to see how it out works out."With all these changes taking place, Marygrove appears to be in a much better place now.The college's graduate program has adopted more of an online presence, which has opened up new out-of-state markets to enrollment. And, through a generous alumni donation, the school is about to launch a new marketing campaign.The new Marygrove Conservancy board is meeting regularly. Application is open for enrollment in the new K-12 school's pilot ninth grade program, which is set to begin this fall. And the early childhood center should open its doors by 2020.Next year, DPSCD will also launch kindergarten and 10th grade classes, and all primary school and high school classes are expected to be operational by 2029, with students from the neighborhood receiving priority enrollment. DPSCD is currently collaborating with U-M to jointly develop K-8 and 9-12 curricula for the new school facility.Ultimately, Dr. Burns hopes all these elements will come together in the next several years to create an innovative school for neighborhood kids that will serve as a model for other urban communities."The whole development is really aimed at staying in the community, staying as a neighborhood anchor, and bringing something to the neighborhood that would be lost had Marygrove closed," she says. "It's not going to be tomorrow, but it's going to be a very exciting campus, and I think it will be a very big support for the neighborhood."
Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez

Cooking beef tongue at Carniceria Guadalajara

Recently, an intimate family portrait made the rounds across several media outlets, from Eater Detroit to The Detroit News . In the photograph, Mamba Hamissi feeds his wife and business partner, Nadia Nijimbere, a bite of home-cooked Burundian food. Both smile radiantly, perched on the edge of a black leather couch in their Detroit home.It's representative of the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Baobab Fare , the couple's up-and-coming business. Expected to open in the spring, Baobab Fare will be a restaurant, marketplace, and juice bar, selling an array of food and products from East Africa. It also has the distinct mission of serving as a safe haven for immigrants, refugees, and indigent survivors of persecution, providing employment opportunities and a chance to contribute to Detroit.Similar photographs to the one taken in Nijimbere and Hamissi's home are all across Baobab Fare's social media, depicting comfort food, Detroit pride, and the family behind the business.These are the types of moments photographer, social entrepreneur, and Detroiter, Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez, captures. With just a snapshot, an entire narrative begins to unravel.The man behind the camera is the founder and owner of Featherstone Moments, a trilingual and immigrant-owned marketing agency seeking equity for minority communities. Beyond the inbound digital marketing services Featherstone Moments provides, including strategy, social media execution, public relations, and website design, the agency strives to "help people who are also helping people."As an immigrant and person of color himself, Dueweke-Perez understands where his clients are coming from and meets them where they are. He taps into empathy, leveraging his skillset to share the unique stories and perspectives of those he works with, like Hamissi and Nijimbere of Baobab Fare and others. Sometimes this happens through a single photograph."When you see that kind of picture, you know it's Juan Carlos," Hamissi says.Dueweke-Perez's entrepreneurial journey began at 11 years old, selling cheesecakes with his parents in Southwest Detroit. After school, he'd make the cheesecakes with his mom and then drive around with his dad to sell them door-to-door."I sort of became the face of the cheesecake selling business in Southwest Detroit," he says.Dueweke-Perez's family moved to the United States in 1999 from Guadalajara, Mexico when he was 9 years old. He found stark differences between the two cities. In Guadalajara, the houses were close together. In Detroit, they were divided. He remembers the walkways that separated one house from the next on Livernois Avenue."It was parallel to the way that I felt," he says.Although Southwest Detroit had a significant immigrant community at the time, as it still does, this wasn't the same as being someone from the area who spoke English and grew up there. But with the company of those like him  brown, immigrant, and undocumented  he found community in Southwest.In 2013, Dueweke-Perez received his DACA approval and began working at Starbucks, where he fostered relationships with customers, hoping to one day open up a coffee shop of his own. He served a custom drink called the Featherstone  a soy latte with Chamomile and Earl Gray tea with a little bit of vanilla syrup  to those he emotionally connected with."It was sort of the divider between people who were not good for me and the people who were," he says.Around this time, things were tough for Dueweke-Perez. He was working three jobs, caring for his children as a single dad, and barely getting any sleep. In 2015, he recalls being at a point where he had to make a decision between working at Starbucks or starting his own business.And so, in July 2015, with $200 in the bank and rent due, he took a leap."It sounds really romanticized. It was not," he says. "It was really bad. I had a few failures and slowly started taking on more work."Similar to the cheesecake business, he began knocking on doors. This time, it wasn't houses but instead businesses he knew needed help with services he could provide. With his photography experience and training from ProsperUS Detroit in tow, Featherstone Moments was born.Along with Dueweke-Perez, Featherstone Moments is operated by three other team members, including Joanna Dueweke-Perez, his wife, Nadia Batayeh, and Maurizio Rosas Dominguez. They noticed a disparity in the ratio of minorities to minority-owned businesses in the city. Featherstone Moments seeks to change that by helping minorities attain resources and capital oftentimes made unavailable to them.In 2017, Baobab Fare won the $50,000 grand prize in a Hatch Detroit contest. Hamissi feels that that Baobab Fare and Featherstone Moments won as a team. The marketing agency provided critical digital media, PR, communications, and marketing guidance, connecting with Detroiters at a time when Hamissi didn't know many people in the city.Being immigrants  Hamissi, an asylum seeker, Dueweke-Perez, a DACA recipient  fathers, and Detroiters, they connected on a level beyond just business. Featherstone Moments is dedicated to the notion that minority businesses ought to lift up one another and build together."I saw a guy who looked like me," Hamissi says. "Not in skin color, no. But the pain, the interior, the passion, the future, the past, looked exactly like mine. And he was willing to help me and he was willing to push me."Another project on Dueweke-Perez's docket is Southwest Detroit Restaurant Week , which is an opportunity to bring attention to and celebrate the area's diverse array of Latin-American cuisine.The first Restaurant Week took place in October of last year during Hispanic Heritage Month. In the midst of rapid neighborhood development, the 10-day promotion was an effort to resist erasure and empower the existing individuals and businesses in the area, some of whom have been operating for over 40 yaers.Co-organizer Monica Echeverri Casarez says that the mission behind the initiative is to make sure that the folks who've already been in Southwest for decades have a seat at the tables of communication."Let's do something that will bring some high profile to the existing places, get some attention on them, and help empower them to be spokespersons for their culture, their food, their restaurants," she says.Southwest Detroit is often generalized as "Mexicantown," but this ignores the vast diversity of the area. To challenge this narrative, Southwest Detroit Restaurant Week demonstrates the immense cultural nuances woven into the community.Participating restaurants in 2018 represented regional Mexican, Caribbean, Central, and South American fare. From Guatemalan fried chicken at Pollo Chapin, prepared with a special blend of spices, to seafood from the coast of Mexico, each restaurant brought something unique to the table, in terms of taste, history, culture, and more. The smaller restaurants, many of which were family owned, saw between 20 to 50 unique visitors during Restaurant Week 2018. In total, there were about around 1,000 participants.Southwest Detroit Restaurant Week 2019 will take place from Oct. 4 to 13. Casarez would like participants to visit even more businesses, including bakeries and sweet shops in the area. They're also working to ease barriers like language or parking that prevent attendees from attending in the first place.Dueweke-Perez says that, aside from the outside traction and media attention the event has drawn, some people learned about new restaurants of their own ethnic background."I think that is possibly the biggest thing for us," he says. "We are definitely doing it to retain power, to retain wealth. But we wanted to make sure that it wasn't to invite gentrification. It was also to welcome the neighborhood into itself."This article is part of " Detroit Innovation ," a series highlighting community-led projects that are improving the vitality of neighborhoods in Detroit, while recognizing the potential of residents to work with partners to solve the most pressing challenges facing their communities.
[February 05, 2019] Wells Fargo Foundation to Provide Nearly $13 Million to Nonprofits Serving American Indian and Alaska Native Communities To support greater economic empowerment in tribal communities, the Wells Fargo Foundation has awarded nearly $13 million to nonprofits supporting American Indian and Alaska Native communities as part of a five-year, $50 million commitment to expand its focus on tribal philanthropy. The funding will help increase homeownership, energy sovereignty and workforce development on tribal lands, promote development of native owned small businesses, and help build capacity for nonprofits to better serve their clients in Indian Country. " Wells Fargo (News - Alert) has been serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities for more than 50 years," said Jon Campbell, president of the Wells Fargo Foundation. "We believe it is important to support nonprofit and community organizations that empower tribal communities to determine their own way of life on their own lands - according to their time-honored cultures, traditions and beliefs - while also providing access to the tools and opportunities that can lead to financial success and well-being." The grants to 25 organizations range from $50,000 to $5 million and fall into four broad focus areas: Helping tribal members succeed financially . Grants to organizations like Oklahoma Native Assets Coalition and Cook Inlet aim to help tribal members build financial assets that can be passed from one generation to another or leveraged for post-secondary education or starting a business. Grants to ONABEN and American Indian Chamber of Commerce Education Fund will promote entrepreneurship and development of native owned businesses.

. Grants to organizations like Oklahoma Native Assets Coalition and Cook Inlet aim to help tribal members build financial assets that can be passed from one generation to another or leveraged for post-secondary education or starting a business. Grants to ONABEN and American Indian Chamber of Commerce Education Fund will promote entrepreneurship and development of native owned businesses. Advancing tribal homeownership . Grantees First Nations Oweesta, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Minnesota Housing Partnership and the National American Indian Housing Council are among several focused on tribal housing initiatives including down payment assistance, affordable housing solutions and expanding the capacity of Native Community Development Financial Institutions.

. Grantees First Nations Oweesta, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Minnesota Housing Partnership and the National American Indian Housing Council are among several focused on tribal housing initiatives including down payment assistance, affordable housing solutions and expanding the capacity of Native Community Development Financial Institutions. Advancing energy sovereignty . A $5 million grant to GRID Alternatives provides seed funding for the organization's Trbal Solar Accelerator Fund to catalyze the growth of solar energy and job training opportunities on tribal lands.

. A $5 million grant to GRID Alternatives provides seed funding for the organization's Trbal Solar Accelerator Fund to catalyze the growth of solar energy and job training opportunities on tribal lands. Capacity building for native nonprofits. Native nonprofits serving critical needs in Indian Country - including the National Indian Council on Aging, the Indian Land Tenure Foundation and the American Indian Engineering and Science Society - received awards to build their organizational capacity and expand services. "We are very pleased to have added so many important and deserving organizations to our national philanthropy programs," said Cora Gaane of the Wells Fargo Foundation. "We consulted with numerous stakeholders in identifying where our funding could have the greatest impact, and we value the expertise they bring in addressing the unique social, economic and environmental issues in Indian Country." National nonprofit organizations serving individuals, families and businesses in Indian Country who wish to be considered for a grant under the foundation's commitment should contact AIANPhilanthropy@wellsfargo.com to determine eligibility. Community-based, local 501(c)(3) organizations serving the American Indian/Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities can continue to apply for grants through Wells Fargo's online tool. The following organizations received funding from the Wells Fargo Foundation in 2018, the first year of Wells Fargo's five-year commitment: Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corp.

Americans for Indian Opportunity

American Indian Chamber of Commerce Education Fund

American Indian College Fund

American Indian Engineering and Science Society

American Indian Graduate Center

American Indian Higher Education Consortium

Cook Inlet Lending Center

Enterprise Community Partners

First Nations Oweesta

GRID Alternatives' Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund

Housing Assistance Council

Indian Land Tenure Foundation

Local Initiatives Support Corporation

Minnesota Housing Partnership

Native American Finance Officers Association

National American Indian Housing Council

National Congress of American Indians Fund

National Indian Council on Aging

Native Americans in Philanthropy

Neighborhood Reinvestment

Oklahoma Native Assets Coalition

ONABEN

Operation Tiny Home

Prosperity Now About Wells Fargo Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.9 trillion in assets. Wells Fargo's vision is to satisfy our customers' financial needs and help them succeed financially. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through 7,800 locations, more than 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 37 countries and territories to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 259,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 26 on Fortune's 2018 rankings of America's largest corporations. In 2017, Wells Fargo donated $286.5 million to 14,500 nonprofits and Wells Fargo team members volunteered a record 2 million hours. Wells Fargo's corporate social responsibility efforts are focused on three strategic priorities: diversity and social inclusion, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability. News, insights and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205005249/en/

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[February 04, 2019] Nevada DOT Selects Aurigo Masterworks Cloud Software To Streamline Project Estimating, Funding And Scheduling CARSON CITY, Nev. and AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- With a Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) program of over $2.7B for 2019-2022, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is responsible for the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of the 5,400 miles of highway and over 1,000 bridges which make up the state highway system. In early 2018, NDOT decided to replace three of the existing legacy systems, Project Scheduling and Management System (PSAMS), Bid Estimate System (iPD) and Financial Management System (FinMan) with a single integrated modern cloud solution. NDOT also wanted to select a system that was easy to integrate with other state and federal systems. After careful due diligence of various technology vendors in the market place, NDOT has selected Aurigo Masterworks Cloud to replace all three legacy systems. "We are delighted to welcome Nevada DOT, to our growing list of customers in North America. Several state DOTs and provincial agencies in North America have come to rely on Aurigo Masterworks Cloud software to significantly improve the way they plan and deliver their multi-billion-dollar programs on time and within budget. Aurigo is excited to partner with Nevada and its residens to achieve their transportation goals for a safe and connected Nevada," said Balaji Sreenivasan, CEO of Aurigo Software, Inc. "We are excited to partner with Aurigo Software Technologies to implement their enterprise cloud and mobile product suite, Masterworks. By replacing our aging legacy systems with this comprehensive, integrated platform, we will drive greater efficiency and collaboration throughout the Department by automating workflows and having electronic documentation stored in a single location for our various transportation projects. We believe this solution will not only help reduce the time it takes to get a project released and awarded but also improve our ability to get additional Federal funds keeping our commitment to have a Safe & Connected transportation system for Nevada," said David Wooldridge, Chief IT Manager at Nevada DOT. About Aurigo

Aurigo Software is America's leading provider of modern cloud software to help infrastructure owners plan, build, maintain and operate their multi-billion-dollar capital investments safely and efficiently. Aurigo Masterworks Cloud is a comprehensive suite of enterprise software products that automate the entire lifecycle of capital programs, including planning, forecasting, budgeting, bid & estimation, project management, contract administration, scheduling, the right of way, permitting, materials testing, field inspection, civil rights, and document control. The system has powerful reporting and dashboard capabilities and a native mobile application that works offline and online. Aurigo is investing extensively in harnessing artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies. Aurigo helps over 500 customers plan and deliver over $300 Billion of capital programs safely and efficiently. Aurigo is a privately held US corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas, with wholly owned subsidiaries in Canada and India. Visit www.aurigo.com for more information. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nevada-dot-selects-aurigo-masterworks-cloud-software-to-streamline-project-estimating-funding-and-scheduling-300789354.html SOURCE Aurigo Software

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In our new book, we describe a Propaganda Blitz as a fast-moving campaign to persuade the public of the need for action or intervention furthering elite interests. Affecting great moral outrage, corporate media line up to insist that a watershed moment has arrived  something must be done!

A classic propaganda blitz was triggered on January 23, when Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim President. This was presented as dramatic new evidence that the people of Venezuela had finally had enough of Nicolas Maduros regime.

In reporting this news the following day, the BBC website featured a disturbing graphic of a captive with arms tied behind his back being tortured. The caption read:

Inside Venezuelas secret torture centre

The image linked to a complex interactive piece that allowed readers to explore the torture centre. There was also a long report on the same centre. The interactive report included this statement by a former prisoner, Rosmit Mantilla:

In a country like Venezuela theres no difference between being in or out of prison. You are equally persecuted and mistreated, and you can die either way.

Venezuela, then, is a giant gulag. The interactive piece had clearly taken a good deal of time and effort to produce  odd that it should appear on the same day that news of Guaidos coup attempt was reported. The BBC followed this up with a piece on January 25 openly promoting regime change:

Venezuelas Maduro could get Amnesty Self-declared leader Guaido also appeals to the powerful army, after receiving foreign backing.

In fact, Guaido, also received foreign rejection from China, Russia, Turkey, Greece, Syria and Iran. On January 29, the BBC front page headline read:

Venezuela, living under dictatorship The opposition leader tells the BBC President Maduro has abused power, and renews calls for polls.

Echoing the BBCs amnesty front page story, the Guardians Simon Tisdall, also talked up the merits of the coup:

It seems clear that Juan Guaido, the opposition leader, has the backing of many if not most Venezuelans.

A remarkable claim, given that George Ciccariello-Maher reported in The Nation that an opinion poll in Venezuela conducted between January 7-16 had found that 81 per cent of Venezuelans had never heard of Juan Guaido. But then this is the same Simon Tisdall who wrote in 2011:

The risky western intervention had worked. And Libya was liberated at last.

The Guardian may currently be Guaidos greatest UK cheerleader. After the opposition leader gave the paper an exclusive interview, former Guardian journalist Jonathan Cook tweeted:

Extraordinary even by the Guardians standards. Juan Guaido, the CIAs pick to lead a coup against Venezuelas govt, gives the paper one of his first interviews  and it simply acts as a conduit for his propaganda. It doesnt even pretend to be a watchdog

On February 1, Cook added:

Oh look! Juan Guaido, the figurehead for the CIAs illegal regime-change operation intended to grab Venezuelas oil (as John Bolton has publicly conceded), is again presented breathlessly by the Guardian as the countrys saviour

The BBC continues to administer a daily dose of propaganda. On January 31, the big morning news story was:

Venezuela opposition speaking to army Opposition leader Juan Guaido says his team has held talks with the army about regime change

As we noted, if a US version of Guaido made that admission in public, he would soon be paid a visit by Navy Seals, perhaps shot on the spot and dumped at sea, or bundled away to a life on death row for probable later execution.

On February 4, the front page of the BBC website featured a heroic picture of Guaidos mother kissing her son on the forehead at a protest rally. Sombre, stoic, the saviours head appears bowed by the weight of the hopes and expectations of his people (people who, until recently, had no idea who he was and had never voted for him). This was a pure propaganda image. More will certainly follow. We discussed earlier BBC efforts here.

Tyranny As A Motive For Corporate Media Concern

The BBC, of course, is not alone in promoting the view that Venezuela is a dictatorship. The Times offered a typically compassionate view on Venezuelan protests against Maduro:

paradise lost  A ruthless dictator has driven his people to the brink.

The reference to paradise lost recalled a famously foolish remark on Venezuela made by BBC journalist John Sweeney in the Literary Review in 2013:

The country should be a Saudi Arabia by the sea; instead the oil money has been pissed away by foolish adventurism and unchecked corruption.

Apart from any obvious issues of head-chopping tyranny, the fact is that Saudi Arabia is by the sea.

The Economist focused on:

How to hasten the demise of Venezuelas dictatorship Recognising an interim president instead of Nicolas Maduro is a start.

The Mail on Sunday wrote of the despot of Venezuela. In the Telegraph, Ross Clark discussed brutal dictatorships like Venezuela and Zimbabwe. The editors of the Sun appeared to be holding a vigil for the suffering people of Venezuela:

We hope too that Venezuelans finally topple Nicolas Maduro, the crooked hard-left tyrant Corbyn once congratulated, and rebuild their economy.

The Suns Westminster correspondent Kate Ferguson reported that John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, was backing the hard-left Venezuelan despot Nicolas Maduro. The Express wrote of the corrupt regime in Venezuela.

Writing in The Australian, Walter Russell Mead observed that dictator Nicolas Maduro clings to power. (Walter Russell Mead, Moscow savours latest Latin American crisis to destabilise region, The Australian, 31 January 2019)

Under the title, Venezuelan spring, Mary Anastasia OGrady wrote in the Wall Street Journal:

The latest Venezuelan effort to topple dictator Nicolas Maduro is a pivotal moment in Latin American history

The Guardian habitually uses the term regime to signal the illegitimacy of the Maduro government.

An emotional Minister for Europe, Sir Alan Duncan  who once worked as a trader of oil and refined products, initially with Royal Dutch Shell, and who, in 1989, set up Harcourt Consultants, which advises on oil and gas matters  told Parliament:

The UK and our partners cannot and will not stand by and allow the tyranny of Maduros regime to continue. He has caused endless suffering and oppression to millions of his own people The people of Venezuela do not need the weasel words of a letter to The Guardian, from assorted Stalinists, Trotskyists, antisemites and, apparently, dead people, and also from members of Labours Front Bench. What they need is our solidarity with the legitimate, elected, social democratic president of the National Assembly: interim President of Venezuela, Juan Guaido.

Writing in the Independent, Patrick Cockburn commented in September 2016:

Sir Alan does have a long record of befriending the Gulf monarchies, informing a journalist in July that Saudi Arabia is not a dictatorship.

Sir Alan tweeted:

The dictatorial abuses of Nicolas Maduro in #Venezuela have led to the collapse of the rule of law and human misery and degradation.

We replied:

How much human misery and degradation did *you* cause by voting for war on oil-rich Iraq in 2003 and by supporting oil-rich Saudi tyrants attacking famine-stricken Yemen? Your compassion for the people of oil-rich Venezuela is completely and utterly fake.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also tweeted:

We stand with the people of #Venezuela as they seek to build a better life. We cannot ignore the suffering or tyranny taking place in this proud nation. Neither should other countries who care about freedom and prosperity.

Political analyst Charles Shoebridge commented:

now speaking of US standing with the people of #Venezuela against tyranny, when just days ago he was also speaking of the US standing with US allied repressive tyrannies such as UAE Saudi Arabia Bahrain

Glenn Greenwald made the same point, adding:

Id have more respect for the foreign policy decrees of US officials if theyd just admit what everyone knows  we want to change this countrys government to make it better serve our interests  rather than pretending they give the slightest shit about Freedom & Democracy.

Writing on the Grayzone website, Dan Cohen and Max Blumenthal describe how:

Juan Guaido is the product of a decade-long project overseen by Washingtons elite regime change trainers. While posing as a champion of democracy, he has spent years at the forefront of a violent campaign of destabilization.

Almost entirely overlooked in mainstream coverage, the New York Times reported last September:

The Trump administration held secret meetings with rebellious military officers from Venezuela over the last year to discuss their plans to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro, according to American officials and a former Venezuelan military commander who participated in the talks.

Associated Press reported last week:

The coalition of Latin American governments that joined the U.S. in quickly recognizing Juan Guaido as Venezuelas interim president came together over weeks of secret diplomacy that included whispered messages to activists under constant surveillance and a high-risk foreign trip by the opposition leader challenging President Nicolas Maduro for power, those involved in the talks said. In mid-December, Guaido quietly traveled to Washington, Colombia and Brazil to brief officials on the oppositions strategy of mass demonstrations to coincide with Maduros expected swearing-in for a second term on Jan. 10 in the face of widespread international condemnation, according to exiled former Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma, an ally.

Labour MP, Chris Williamson, virtually a lone honest voice on this issue in the UK Parliament, commented:

Donald Trump, who received nearly 3m fewer votes than Hillary Clinton, throws his weight behind a guy [Guaido] who didnt even stand in last years Venezuelan presidential election and UK foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, gives Trump his servile support

Williamson was impressively rational in this interview with Going Underground. Sir Alan remains unimpressed, commenting shamefully of Williamson in Parliament:

Im astonished hes even been prepared to show his face in this House today.

Lack Of Free Elections As A Motive For Corporate Media Concern

As we have seen, the corporate medias first great reason for opposing Maduro is that he is a ruthless dictator. This label is credible only if he prevents free elections, which of course are intolerable to any self-respecting tyrant.

Again, corporate media are as one in their opinion. The Guardians Latin America correspondent, Tom Phillips, writes that Maduro was re-elected last May in a vote widely seen as fraudulent. The impartiality of Phillips reporting on Venezuela is clear even from the tweet pinned to his Twitter feed:

It is 20 years since Hugo Chavezs election kicked off his ill-fated Bolivarian dream.

A Guardian editorial noted that Maduro had won a dodgy presidential vote boycotted by the opposition. The Economist went further: The election he won in May was an up-and-down fraud. Ross Clark in the Telegraph:

Opposition politicians have been jailed, while observers in last Mays election reported inflated vote tallies.

The Observer editors opined on January 27:

Nicolas Maduro was re-elected Venezuelas president last May by fraudulent means, as regional governments and independent observers noted at the time, and his leadership lacks legitimate authority.

Echoing its positions on earlier regime change efforts that brought utter catastrophe to Iraq and Libya, the Observer added:

Given this grim record, Venezuela would be well rid of him and the sooner the better. If Maduro truly has the peoples best interests at heart, he should recognise that he has become an obstacle to national renewal  and step aside.

Venezuela needs national renewal, or modernisation in Blairspeak. Like the Guardian, the Observer then insisted that reasonable options emphatically do not include US intervention in Venezuela. Nobody should be fooled by this apparent anti-war sentiment. US media analyst Adam Johnson of FAIR made the point:

I love this thing where nominal leftists run the propaganda ball for bombing a country 99 yards then stop at the one yard and insist they dont support scoring goals, that they in fact oppose war.

A further prime example of propaganda ball-running was supplied by The Intercepts Mehdi Hasan:

Im no expert on Venezuela but Im pretty sure you can think Maduro is a horrible/bad/authoritarian president *and* also think its bad for the US to back coups or regime change there.

Beyond the mainstream, credible voices have argued that last Mays elections were free and fair. Human rights lawyer Daniel Kovalik of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, writing for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, commented:

I just returned from observing my fourth election in Venezuela in less than a year. Jimmy Carter has called Venezuelas electoral system the best in the world, and what I witnessed was an inspiring process that guarantees one person, one vote, and includes multiple auditing procedures to ensure a free and fair election. I then came home to the United States to see the inevitable news coverage referring to Venezuela as a dictatorship and as a country in need of saving. This coverage not only ignores the reality of Venezuela, it ignores the fact that the U.S. is the greatest impediment to democracy in Venezuela, just as the U.S. has been an impediment to democracy throughout Latin America since the end of the 19th century.

More than 150 members of the international electoral accompaniment mission for the elections published four independent reports. Their members include politicians, electoral experts, academics, journalists, social movement leaders and others. The missions General Report concluded:

We the international accompaniers consider that the technical and professional trustworthiness and independence of the National Electoral Council of Venezuela are uncontestable.

The Council of Electoral Experts of Latin America, a grouping of electoral technicians from across the continent, many of whom have presided over electoral agencies, commented:

The process was successfully carried out and that the will of the citizens, freely expressed in ballot boxes, was respectedthe results communicated by the National Electoral Council reflect the will of the voters who decided to participate in the electoral process.

The African Report:

Our general evaluation is that this was a fair, free, and transparent expression of the human right to vote and participate in the electoral process by the Venezuelan people, and that the results announced on the night of May 20 are trustworthy due to the comprehensive guarantees, audits, the high tech nature of the electoral process, and due to the thirteen audits carried out previous to and on the day of elections which we witnessed. We can also conclude that the Venezuelan people who chose to participate in the electoral process of May 20 were not subject to any external pressures.

And also the Caribbean Report:

The mission was satisfied that the elections were conducted efficiently in a fair and transparent manner. All of the registered voters who wanted to exercise their right to vote participated in a peaceful and accommodating environment. Based on the process observed, the mission is satisfied that the results of the elections reflect the will of the majority of the voters in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

If all of this has been ignored in the current debate, it is because corporate media in fact do not care about free elections in Venezuela.

Consider the elections held in Iraq on January 30, 2005. On the BBCs main evening news that month, reporter David Willis talked of the first democratic election in fifty years (Willis, BBC News at Ten, January 10, 2005). A Guardian leader referred to the countrys first free election in decades. The Times, the Financial Times, the Telegraph, the Sunday Telegraph, the Observer, the Independent, the Express, the Mirror, the Sun and numerous other media repeated the same claim hailing Iraqs great democratic election.

But this was all nonsense. Iraq was not just under illegal, superpower occupation; invading armies were waging full-scale war against the Iraqi resistance. Just weeks before the election, Fallujah, a city of 300,000 people, was virtually razed to the ground by US-UK forces. Six weeks before the election, the UN reported of the city that, 70 per cent of the houses and shops were destroyed and those still standing are riddled with bullets. A quarter of a million people had been displaced from this one city alone by the onslaught. One year later, The Lancet reported 655,000 excess Iraqi deaths as a result of the 2003 invasion.

There was obviously no question of a free election under these lawless, extremely violent conditions. The corporate press was not the least bit interested or concerned. Indeed, our search of the LexisNexis media database at the time of the elections showed that there had not been a single substantive analysis of the extent of press freedom in Iraq under occupation anywhere in the UK press over the previous six months. And yet the media were all but unanimous in describing the elections as free and fair.

DE

Part 2 is available here.
What I said then still applies: Im all for keeping government costs low. But governments are supposed to provide essential services. And like it or not, all-day kindergarten has become essential. School districts should be required to provide it.
It would be in the best interest of those children to leave them with their sponsors, White said. He suggested the government focus its reunification efforts on those children who still are in the direct care of the government.
But Nixon had a fundamental problem: No one believed a word he said. He had lied so many times that his credibility was shredded. Near the end of his speech, he finally arrived at the topic on everyone's mind, Watergate. He proposed that the investigation stop, simply because he had decided that it should. That was ridiculous, like his proposal for "a major initiative" to protect "the basic rights of privacy." From a president who had spied on everyone he could? That moonshot did not even make it off the launchpad. Nixon resigned months later, unable to persuade anyone of anything.
Fans and coworkers paid tribute to actor Kristoff St. John, whose career included playing a young Alex Haley in the 1979 miniseries Roots: The Next Generations and for his work on The Young and the Restless.
The Washington Post reports: Alcoholic beverage sales fell by 15 percent following the introduction of medical marijuana laws in a number of states, according to researchers at the University of Connecticut and Georgia State University. The study adds to a growing body of evidence showing that marijuana availability can reduce alcohol consumption.
How could my mother possibly have given me that first pill? Her answer is simple: I was falling apart and she was more afraid of what Id do to myself than of what the Oxy would do to me. She stands by her reasoning, and everything she and my father didnt yet understand. My dad, again and again, cites the pharma sales reps spiel: They lied to us. They both say theyd have done things differently if theyd only known.
Several time periods to keep an eye on would be Sunday and Monday, where the possibility of a wintry mix is not out of the question, and early next week as patterns continue a favorable storm formation over the central U.S.
That is 4.3 percent higher than the enacted 2018-19 budget of $32.7 billion. However, the state is overspending that budget by nearly $495 million, primarily from expected cost overruns at the Department of Human Services, budget records show. The administration expects to cover those extra costs with tax revenue coming in and a transfer from the Lottery Fund.
To abide by that law, Wolf last year proposed a flat $25-per-resident fee for municipalities that use troopers for full-time police services instead of hiring their own police. Lawmakers rejected it. This year, Wolf is back with another fee idea. He wants legislative support for a fee that would slide up and down based on population, from a low of $8 per resident for municipalities with 1,000 residents to a high of $166 for places with at least 20,000 residents.
A 24-year-old employee of the University of Maryland Medical School is in critical condition after being shot outside the University of Maryland Medical Center at about 7 a.m. Monday. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun video)
Among them: Keeping drivers from turning left onto Cedar Crest; requiring the developer to build a two-way Green Street to connect the Wawa to 10th and 11th streets; continuing a sidewalk along Cedar Crest down to Chestnut Street; and building a walking trail from 10th Street to Cedar Crest. Borough Manager Shane Pepe said the changes add up to several hundred thousand dollars.
These men and women put their lives on the line daily, and cutting funding for personnel and infrastructure for first responders is unsafe, he said in a statement. We do these jobs because we are called to help people, and in order to do that we need to be funded for success.
Police learned that the man had been outside the store monitoring traffic. When the clerk was alone in the store, the man walked in, stuck his hand in his pocket as if he had a weapon and demanded that the clerk hand over all the money from the register.
Padilla knew the victim was underage, according to the news release. He recorded the sexual encounter with his cellphone and uploaded the video on adultfriendfinder.com, according to the news release. The video was viewed and shared by other users on the website.
Since 2006, Morganelli said, borough police have responded to about 165 calls related to the club, including for shootings, assaults, drug overdoses, drunken driving and public drunkenness. In 2006, 23-year-old Jason Oliver of Easton was killed in gunfire that erupted in the parking lot. A friend of Olivers, Jacob Holmes Jr., was wounded in the shooting.
Still, Sommers shipped the turtles to Canada and other parts of the U.S. In 2014, a Canadian customs officer intercepted a FedEx package Sommers had shipped, according to court papers. The package was labeled as a book valued at $10. In reality, it contained 11 live diamondback terrapin hatchlings concealed in pouches. The turtles were valued at up to $1,320 in total. Canadian officials seized the package and identified Sommers as a common link to many known reptile dealers and bank accounts associated with turtle trafficking, his plea agreement states.


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WASHINGTON: The US special envoy for North Korea will meet with his North Korean counterpart on Wednesday in Pyongyang to prepare for a summit later this month between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the US State Department said on Monday.

US envoy Stephen Biegun said last week he aimed in working-level negotiations with his new North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol to map out "a set of concrete deliverables" for the second summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Biegun said he would be aiming for "a roadmap of negotiations and declarations going forward, and a shared understanding of the desired outcomes of our joint efforts."

An unprecedented first summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un last June in Singapore yielded a vague commitment by Kim to work towards the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, where U.S. troops have been stationed since the 1950-53 Korean War.

In the US view, Pyongyang has yet to take concrete steps to give up a nuclear weapons programme that threatens the United States, while North Korea has complained that Washington has done little to reciprocate its freezing of nuclear and missile testing and dismantling of some nuclear facilities.

Pyongyang has repeatedly urged a lifting of punishing U.S.-led sanctions, a formal end to the war, and security guarantees.

On Thursday, Biegun said Kim Jong Un had committed during an October visit by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to the dismantling and destruction his country`s plutonium and uranium enrichment facilities in return for "corresponding measures" from the United States.

Biegun said such corresponding steps would be the subject of this week`s talks and Washington was willing to discuss "many actions" to improve ties and entice Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. At the same time, he set out an extensive list of demands, including a full disclosure of North Korea`s arms programme. Biegun held talks with South Korean officials in Seoul on Sunday and Monday.

Trump on Thursday hailed "tremendous progress" in his dealings with North Korea and said the date and location of a second summit would be announced "early next week" - probably during his State of the Union speech on Tuesday.

Vietnam`s central resort town of Danang has been seen as the most likely location.

The director of US national intelligence, Dan Coats, told Congress on Tuesday that North Korea was unlikely to give up all its nuclear weapons and has continued activity inconsistent with pledges to denuclearize.
A Crash is Coming - Bonds Yields, Oil and Credit Are Rolling Over

Lets cut through the nonsense.

The only reason that stocks are rallying is because investors are hoping the Fed has reinstated its policy of inflating stocks

However, HOPE is very different from reality. And the Fed hinting at halting its rate hikes and possibly altering the schedule of QT is VERY different from cutting rates and engaging in QE.

Put simply, a Fed that says it might be less hawkish is not a dovish Fed. And the markets know it, though stocks always get it last.

Bonds dont buy this risk on move at all.

Oil just got off the everything is fixed train as well.

And stocks have no completed the formation that has detemined price since the prior top.

And dont forget..

The BIG PICTURE.

A Crash is coming

On that note we just published a 21-page investment report titled Stock Market Crash Survival Guide.

In it, we outline precisely how the crash will unfold as well as which investments will perform best during a stock market crash.

Today is the last day this report will be available to the public. We extended the deadline based on yesterdays sucker rally, but this it IT no more extensions.

To pick up yours, swing by:

https://www.phoenixcapitalmarketing.com/stockmarketcrash.html

Best Regards

Graham Summers

Phoenix Capital Research

http://www.phoenixcapitalmarketing.com

Graham also writes Private Wealth Advisory, a monthly investment advisory focusing on the most lucrative investment opportunities the financial markets have to offer. Graham understands the big picture from both a macro-economic and capital in/outflow perspective. He translates his understanding into finding trends and unde74rvalued investment opportunities months before the markets catch on: the Private Wealth Advisory portfolio has outperformed the S&P 500 three of the last five years, including a 7% return in 2008 vs. a 37% loss for the S&P 500.

Previously, Graham worked as a Senior Financial Analyst covering global markets for several investment firms in the Mid-Atlantic region. Hes lived and performed research in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the United States.

 2018 Copyright Graham Summers - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors.

Graham Summers Archive

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




ISTANBUL: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he had not yet seen an acceptable plan from the United States for the creation of a safe zone in northeastern Syria, three weeks after President Donald Trump suggested establishing the zone.

"There is no satisfactory plan that is put before us concretely yet," Erdogan told a parliamentary meeting of his AK Party. "Of course we are loyal to our agreements, our promise is a promise. But our patience is not limitless."

Turkey wants to set up the safe zone with logistical support from allies and says it should be cleared of the U.S.-backed Kurdish YPG militia which Ankara considers a terrorist group.

Erdogan said that Turkey did not need not have to ask anyone for permission to implement its own plans in the area. "No threat can make us turn from this path, including a sanctions list," he said.

The safe zone will be an issue at a meeting on Wednesday in the United States of ministers from a coalition of countries fighting the Islamic State militant group. Turkey`s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will attend those talks.

In December, Trump confounded his own national security team with a surprise decision to withdraw all 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria, declaring that Islamic State had been defeated there.

Erdogan also said on Tuesday that Turkey would only wait a few weeks for militants to be removed from the north Syrian town of Manbij. The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is spearheaded by the YPG, has controlled Manbij since 2016.

After months of disagreement, Ankara and Washington agreed in June on a roadmap that would see the YPG removed from the town. Turkey has repeatedly expressed its frustration that the implementation of the plan has been delayed.

Trump has warned Turkey not to attack Kurdish fighters in Syria and last month threatened economic devastation if Ankara attacked the YPG militia.
WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has notified World Bank shareholders that President Donald Trump intends to pick senior Treasury Department official David Malpass as the US nominee to lead the development lender, people familiar with the decision said on Monday.

The nomination of Malpass would put a Trump loyalist and a skeptic of multilateral institutions in line to lead the World Bank, which committed nearly $64 billion to developing countries in the year ended June 30, 2018.

Politico, which first reported the decision, said it would be announced on Wednesday, citing unidentified administration officials. Spokespersons for the White House and the US Treasury declined comment.

A European diplomatic source said the Trump administration had notified several capitals of the Malpass nomination, adding that European shareholders of the bank were not likely to block it.

Malpass, or any other US nominee, would still need to win approval from the World Bank`s 12-member executive board. While the United States holds a controlling 16 percent share of board voting power and has traditionally chosen the World Bank`s leader, challengers could emerge.

If approved, Malpass, the US Treasury`s top diplomat as undersecretary for international affairs, would replace physician and former university president Jim Yong Kim in the role. Kim, first nominated by former US president Barack Obama in 2012, stepped down on Feb. 1 to join private equity fund Global Infrastructure Partners, more than three years before his term ended, amid differences with the Trump administration over climate change and development resources.

`GRADUATING` CHINA

The nomination signals that the Trump administration wants a firmer grip on the institution. Malpass in 2017 criticized the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other multilateral institutions for growing larger, more "intrusive" and "entrenched."

Over the past two years, Malpass has also pushed for the World Bank to halt lending to China, which he says is too wealthy for such aid, especially when Beijing has subjected some developing countries including Sri Lanka and Pakistan to crushing debt loads with its "Belt and Road" infrastructure development program.

China is the World Bank`s third largest shareholder after Japan, with about a 4.5 percent share of voting power. Last year, Malpass helped negotiate a package of World Bank lending reforms tied to a $13 billion capital increase that aimed to limit the bank`s lending and focus resources more on poorer countries.

The reforms seek to "graduate" more middle-income countries to private-sector lending and limit World Bank staff salary growth.

CHALLENGE UNCLEAR

One World Bank board source said that there was little appetite among member countries to mount a challenge to a US candidate seen as qualified and reasonable, but it was unclear yet whether enough viewed Malpass as fitting that description.

Justin Sandefur, a senior fellow with the Center for Global Development, said the choice showed that the Trump administration was trying to undermine a key global institution and urged other countries to nominate alternative candidates.

"They have a choice. It`s a simple majority vote, the US has no veto in this election and there are many better candidates," Sandefur said in an emailed statement. The World Bank will accept nominations from Thursday through March 14 and up to three candidates could advance to a board vote.

Malpass, 62, was an economic adviser to Trump during his 2016 election campaign. He served as chief economist at investment bank Bear Stearns and Co prior to its 2008 collapse and served at the Treasury and State Departments under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.
Washington: US President Donald Trump will touch on the issues like immigration, national security and trade and call for unity in a divided Congress in his annual State of the Union address as he begins the second half of his first term in office.

The annual State of the Union address is the keynote prime time speech by the president to the Congress in which he sets out his legislative agenda and national priorities for the next year and highlights his achievements to the American people.

The speech will be Trump's third to a Joint Session of Congress his initial appearance on February 28, 2017 was weeks after his inauguration and not considered a formal State of the Union. Contrary to his tweets and his frequent lashing out against the opposition Democratic leadership, Trump intends to portray a picture of national unity in resolving the challenges being faced by the country, officials familiar with preparations for the State of the Union Address said Monday.

The president and the Democrats had a 35-day stoush over his proposed wall along the US-Mexico border, which shut down the government and postponed the address. China, which is being considered as a major challenge for the United States, is expected to figure prominently in his address, which as of Monday was scheduled to last between 60 and 90 minutes.

The US and China have been locked in an escalating trade spat since early 2018, raising import tariffs on each other's goods. Last year, Trump imposed tariff hikes of up to 25 per cent on USD 250 billion of Chinese goods. The move prompted China to increase tariffs on USD 110 billion of American goods. "Choosing Greatness" is the theme of the address.

He will update Congress on the upcoming summit with North Korea, developments in Venezuela and withdrawal of troops from Syria and Afghanistan. "In his address, the president will cast an inspiring vision of American greatness. He will outline a policy agenda that both parties can rally behind to achieve this vision," a senior administration official said.

In the address on Tuesday, Trump will express confidence in future and encourage Congress to reject the politics of resistance and retribution, and instead adopt a spirit of cooperation and compromise so we can achieve it.

"Together we can break decades of political stalemate. We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of America's future. The decision is ours to make," Trump will say in his address, as per the excerpts of the speech provided by the senior administration official.

Safe and legal immigration system; protecting American workers, rebuilding America with infrastructure; lowering the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs; and protecting America's national security, are expected to be the major topics in his speech.

"One can expect the president describing his vision for a safe and legal immigration system," the official said adding that he will reaffirm his determination to stop illegal immigration, human trafficking, and the flow of drugs and crime.

Trump will update the Congress on his fight to protect American workers who have been hurt by decades of flawed trade deals. "The President will update Congress on our trading relationship with China. He will also call on Congress to replace the NAFTA disaster by approving the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, said the official.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is an agreement signed by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, creating a trilateral trade bloc in North America. In addition, the president will call on Congress to pass the United States Reciprocal Trade Act, which if signed into law could have consequences on bilateral trade with India.

The Reciprocal Trade Act would give him authority to levy tariffs equal to those of a foreign country on a particular product if that country's tariffs are determined to be significantly lower than those charged by the United States.

It would also allow Trump to take into account non-tariff barriers when determining such tariffs. "The President will also talk broadly about rebuilding America, and he will ask Congress to produce an infrastructure package that delivers substantial investments and vital national infrastructure projects," the official said, adding that Trump will also talk about lowering the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs.

In terms of protecting America's national security, Trump will update Congress on his diplomatic and military efforts around the world, and reaffirm his determination to protect American interests, and bring to an end endless foreign wars, said the senior administration official familiar with the drafts of president's State of the Union speech.

Trump in his speech is expected to propose policies to expand prosperity and make possible an amazing quality of life for all Americans. "And then, having restored America's leadership around the world, he will cast a vision for greater security and peace, the official said.

According to the senior administration official, people will be reminded, through the speech, how much the President has accomplished for all Americans, and will be reminded of the broad appeal of his agenda.

The last two times he spoke before Congress, Trump tried to provide a unifying, bipartisan, optimistic tone, the official noted stating that he we'll be striving to do the same this year.

Describing the first speech as optimistic, second as unifying, the official said Tuesday's speech could be considered visionary in the sense that it will be looking towards the future, offering a commonsense path forward with strong bipartisan appeal that transcends the political stalemates of the past.
WASHINGTON: Senator Lindsey Graham said on Monday if President Donald Trump declares an emergency to fund a wall on the US-Mexico border it could provoke a war in the Republican party, and urged fellow Republicans to back the "commander-in-chief."

Speaking to reporters in Greenville, South Carolina, Graham said he was not convinced Congress could reach a deal to give Trump the $5.7 billion he is seeking to fund a border wall. "I`m not very optimistic we`re going to get a deal. It seems to me that he`s going to have to go it alone" by declaring an emergency, Graham said. "But there could be a war within the Republican Party over the wall."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is reported to have told Trump that it was possible that some Republicans in the Senate would join minority Democrats to pass a resolution to block any emergency declaration, which Trump would then have to veto.

"Any Republican who denies the president the ability to act as commander-in-chief, you`re going to create a real problem within the party," Graham said. An emergency declaration would probably also be challenged in court by Democrats.

The South Carolina senator said the fate of the border would be the "defining moment" of Trump`s presidency. Trump campaigned on the issue in 2016, promising repeatedly that Mexico would pay for the wall.

"It is important that we stand behind President Trump as commander-in-chief to secure a broken border," Graham said. "I`ll be really disappointed if my Senate colleagues do not understand that the president has the right to do this and the responsibility to do this," he said.

Disagreement over border wall funding led to a 35-day partial government shutdown in December and January which ended after Trump agreed to fund the government for three weeks while lawmakers try to reach a deal that would satisfy his demands. Lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives are opposed to funding a wall.

Failure to achieve an agreement by Feb. 15 could shut the government down again. Under the Constitution, Congress holds the national purse strings and approves major expenditures of taxpayer funds.

Trump has said there is a "good chance" he will have to declare a national emergency, which would allow him to circumvent Congress and repurpose funds appropriated for other purposes in order to build the wall.
MOSCOW: Russia will race to develop two new land-based missile launch systems before 2021 to respond to Washington`s planned exit from a landmark nuclear arms control pact, it said on Tuesday.

President Vladimir Putin said at the weekend that Russia had suspended the Cold War-era Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), which bans both nations from stationing short- and intermediate-range land-based missiles in Europe.

Moscow and Washington accuse each other of violating the treaty and Putin said Russia had acted after the United States announced it was withdrawing from the pact.

Washington had made clear it planned to start research, development and design work on new missile systems and Moscow would do the same, Putin said.

The Russian military should start work on creating land-based launch systems for an existing ship-launched cruise missile, the Kalibr, and for longer-range hypersonic missiles which travel at least five times the speed of sound, he said.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday ordered work to begin on developing the new systems.

Shoigu, a close Putin ally, said he wanted the work completed by the end of next year so the new systems were ready by 2021.

"From Feb. 2, the United States suspended its obligations under the INF treaty," Shoigu told a meeting of defence chiefs.

"At the same time they are actively working to create a land-based missile with a range of more than 500 km which is outside the treaty`s limits. President Putin has given the defence ministry the task of taking symmetrical measures."

Moscow denies flouting the 1987 pact. It says Washington is the one violating it and has accused the United States of inventing a false pretext to exit a treaty it wanted to leave anyway in order to develop new missiles. Washington denies that.

U.S. disarmament ambassador Robert Wood told a U.N.-sponsored Conference on Disarmament in Geneva on Tuesday that the United States would reconsider its withdrawal from the INF treaty "should Russia return to full and verifiable compliance."

"This is Russia`s final opportunity to return to compliance," Wood said.
UNITED NATIONS: North Korea`s nuclear and ballistic missile programs remain intact and the country is working to make sure those capabilities cannot be destroyed by any military strikes, according to a confidential report by UN sanctions monitors.

The report to a 15-member UN Security Council sanctions committee, seen by Reuters on Monday, comes ahead of a second planned summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this month. They initially met in June 2018 and Kim pledged to work towards denuclearization.

While Trump has hailed "tremendous progress" in his dealings with North Korea, the UN report found that Pyongyang "is using civilian facilities, including airports, for ballistic missile assembly and testing with the goal of effectively preventing `decapitation` strikes" on a smaller number of identified nuclear and missile assembly and manufacturing sites."

The report said it "found evidence of a consistent trend on the part of the DPRK to disperse its assembly, storage and testing locations," using the abbreviation for North Korea`s official name, the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea.

The North Korean mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the 317-page UN report, which was submitted to Security Council members on Friday.

The UN Security Council has unanimously boosted sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke funding for Pyongyang`s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products.

INEFFECTIVE SANCTIONS

"The country continues to defy Security Council resolutions through a massive increase in illegal ship-to-ship transfers of petroleum products and coal," the sanctions monitors found. "These violations render the latest UN sanctions ineffective."

The monitors said they had evidence of one unprecedented prohibited petroleum product transfer of more than 57,600 barrels, worth more than $5.7 million.

They said the case highlighted "new sanctions evasion techniques that defeated the due diligence efforts of the region`s leading commodity trader, as well as the U.S. and Singaporean banks that facilitated the fuel payments and a leading UK insurer that provided protection and indemnity cover to one of the vessels involved."

The report accused North Korea of also violating a UN arms embargo and attempting "to sell a wide range of military equipment to armed groups and governments in the Middle East and Africa," as well as small arms and light weapons to Libya, Sudan and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The UN monitors also noted "a trend in the DPRK`s evasion of financial sanctions using cyber-attacks to illegally force the transfer of funds from financial institutions and cryptocurrency exchanges."

North Korea is subject to a ban on luxury goods and the monitors said they are investigating the public appearance of a relatively new Rolls-Royce Phantom limousine in Pyongyang on Oct. 7 last year, which usually sells for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Russia and China suggested the Security Council discuss easing sanctions after Trump and Kim met for the first time. But the United States and other council members have said there must be strict enforcement of sanctions until Pyongyang acts.
LAHORE: Nawaz Sharif has multiple health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney and cardiac problems, but his treatment can be done in Pakistan, head of a medical board that examined the ousted prime minister said Tuesday amid reports that the veteran politician wanted to go to London.

Sharif, 69, is serving a seven-year jail term in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. The Islamabad High Court will hear his bail application on medical grounds on Wednesday.

Professor Dr Mahmood Ayaz, head of the medical board told reporters that Sharif's tests have been done and a final checkup was carried out on Tuesday.

"The recommendations will be sent to the home ministry, who will decide if Nawaz should be shifted from hospital," he said.

He said that as per the protocol, he cannot reveal the test results of the patients.

On Saturday, the deposed prime minister was shifted from Kot Lakhpat prison here to a hospital where he was examined by a three-member medical board.

Geo News, quoting hospital sources, said the three-time prime minister has been diagnosed with a kidney stone, but his blood test, ECG, uric acid and other reports were all clear.

A few days earlier, a team of doctors, including cardiologists, had conducted a medical examination of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo at Kot Lakhpat jail.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government claimed on Monday that Sharif was keen to go to London for treatment.

"Nawaz Sharif is keen to go to London. His medical reports are normal but he wants to go to London," Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan said.

When asked if something was going on between the Sharif family and the government, the minister said: "They (the Sharif family and PML-N) have been blackmailing the government with regard to the health of Nawaz Sharif. They want relief for the Sharif family.

"But after Sharif's medical reports, it has been established that his condition is not serious as he had 'just' a small stone in his kidney which can be operated upon here."

Reacting to the reports, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb told Dawn newspaper that "no backdoor' efforts were under way to secure a deal for the Sharif family.

"It is mere propaganda of our political opponents. Had Mr Sharif wanted a deal he would not have come back from London to go to jail along with his daughter Maryam," she said.

"We want best treatment of Mian sahib in the light of his test reports," she added.

Earlier, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to take the nation into confidence if any deal with the PML-N was in the making.

"I hope Prime Minister Khan will not mind as there are reports that PML-N and PPP are paying money for striking a deal with the PTI government. If it is true, please take the nation into confidence," Rashid said.

Sharif was tried in three corruption case launched in September, 2017. He was first convicted and sentenced for 10 years in July last year in a case related to Avenfield properties in London. He was also disqualified to hold any public office for 10 years. The Islamabad High Court granted him bail in the case in September last year.
Tokyo: Japan`s Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso has come under fire for blaming childless women for the country`s declining population, the media reported on Tuesday.

During a speech, Aso, 78, denied that the elderly were the cause of the decline and increasing social security costs, CNN reported.

"There are lots of strange people who say the elderly are to blame, but that is wrong," said Aso, who also holds the role of Finance Minister.

"The problem is with those who didn`t give birth."

After being grilled by an opposition lawmaker during a budget committee session, Aso said on Monday that he would retract the remark "if it caused misunderstanding".

"It gave a false impression without conveying the meaning of my original remark," Aso explained, without giving much details.

Japan is a "super-aged" nation, meaning more than 20 percent of its population is older than 65. It has been on a steady demographic decline since the 1970s.

In 2017, fewer than 950,000 babies were born while the number of deaths rose to a post-war high of 1.3 million, according to the Ministry of Health and Labour.

Since the 1990s, Japan has introduced policies to boost its birth rates, such as enhancing child care services and improving housing and public facilities for families with children.

However, structural issues still prevent both working men and women from balancing their careers with family life.
LONDON: Iran warned Israel on Tuesday of a "firm and appropriate" response if it continued attacking targets in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad and his forces in their nearly eight-year war against rebels and militants.

Israel, which views Iran as its biggest security threat, has repeatedly attacked Iranian targets and those of allied militia in Syria. With an election looming in April, Israel has been increasingly open about carrying out its air strikes.

In a meeting with Syria`s Foreign Minister Walid al-Moalem in Tehran, the secretary of Iran`s National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said the Israeli attacks violated Syria`s territorial integrity and were "unacceptable".

"If these actions continue, we will activate some calculated measures as a deterrent and as a firm and appropriate response to teach a lesson to the criminal and lying rulers of Israel," Shamkhani was quoted as saying by Fars news agency.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last month that Israeli forces would continue to attack Iranians in Syria and warned them to "get out of there" fast.

In January, Israeli warplanes carried out an attack on what they called an Iranian arms cache in Syria.

Syria`s Moalem was quoted on Tuesday by a Hezbollah-run media unit as saying: "The Syrian government considers it to be its duty to keep Iranian security forces in Syrian territory."

Iran has also repeatedly said it will keep military forces in Syria.
Bangladesh police is on the hunt for a suspected serial killer who identifies himself as 'Hercules' and has been murdering alleged rapists, according to a media report.

Over the past two weeks, bodies of three alleged rapists have been recovered and police suspect they were killed by the same person as all the murders bore similarities, the Daily Star reported.

On February 1, police found the body of a rape suspect with a note hanging around his neck in Jhalakathi's Rajapur upazila, in third such incident.

This time, the note reads, "I am Rakib. I am the rapist of a madrasa girl of Bhandaria. This is the consequence of a rapist. Be aware rapists. Hercules."

The dead, Rakib Hossain, 20, was a law student at a private university in the capital and was accused in the gang rape of a madrasa student in Bhandaria, the daily said.

The body was found with bullet injuries on the head, said Jahidul Islam, officer-in-charge of Rajapur Police Station.

On January 14, a madrasa student was allegedly gang raped by two men when she was on the way to her grandparents' house. The victim's father filed a case accusing Rakib and another man Sajal in the case.

On January 24, police recovered Sajal's bullet-hit body in Jhalakathi with a similar note hanging round the neck.

Sajal's father lodged a police complaint over his son's murder and the rape victim's father has been named prime accused in the case, said a senior police officer.

On January 17, police had found the body of another key suspect in the gang rape and murder of a female garment worker on the outskirts of the capital, with a similar note hanging around his neck.

Raising concern over the incidents, Sheepa Hafiza, executive director of rights group Ain O Salish Kendra, said killing people "extra-judicially" and leaving a note was not acceptable.
NewsGuard Filter Starts the Next Fake News Trend

Any search engine that filters content is engaged in censorship. When the tech giants were starting out they used traffic stats as a basis for popular ranking of results. Yahoo and Google provided reasonable and mostly reliable information retrieval. Those days are long gone and the fallout of banishing information or banning entire sites to a black memory hole has only one conclusion. The artificial intelligence revolution leads to the heterodoxy of the culture. Couple such algorithms with the underlying social and political bias of the technocratic snobs, who want to control a false reality, and you end up with a planet that is unable to decipher the truth.

From the NewsGuard mission statement, Restoring Trust & Accountability.

"NewsGuard uses journalism to fight false news, misinformation, and disinformation. Our trained analysts, who are experienced journalists, research online news brands to help readers and viewers know which ones are trying to do legitimate journalismand which are not."

Such arrogance of hubris and condescension towards the public is appalling. Last year public sentiment has "Two new Gallup polls have found that wide swaths of the American population believe that the media is biased, inaccurate and full of misinformation  just as President Donald Trump says. One poll found that 62% of U.S. adults believe that the news they see in newspapers, on television or hear on the radio is biased and that 44% say its inaccurate."

Aghast that the corporatists toadies still have the gonads to claim that they are journalists. Just what universe do they report on? Pray tell they just do not get it. The mainstream media is the purveyor of the disinformation of record when they omit, deceive, fabricate or outright lie. Fake News is the word product in the newsroom. The news story selection and perspective is pure dribble in this age of political correctness.

For the uninformed and intellectually challenged; reading, viewing or believing the accounts that are manufactured to dumb down the public is an exercise in self-torture. Thus far, Microsoft has their controversial fake news filter NewsGuard built into mobile browser. No doubt some equivalent won't be long in coming to superimpose their gate keeping censorship.

"Among the green-rated websites: Voice of America, CNN, Buzzfeed, the Guardian, New York Times and the Washington Post, as well as left-leaning upstarts such as Vice News and Refinery 29. Ones that are given the red warning label of failing to maintain basic standards of accuracy and accountability: RT and Sputnik (obviously enough) and the right-wing Daily Mail, Breitbart and the Drudge Report, in addition to hundreds of other non-mainstream news websites such as Wikileaks."

Combine this access restriction with the purging of search results and the end result is that alternative media banning becomes complete. Sorry, the internet tech giants are not in the journalism reporting business. A case comparison in unfairness is the manner that the fake news cabal covered the Brett Kavanaugh allegations versus the "presumed innocence" of Ralph 'Coonman' Northam. Any guess what news sources would be deemed misinformation using NewsGuard?

From one of those red-rated sites Breitbart, Financial Blacklisting: NewsGuard Advises Advertisers to Avoid Pro-Trump Media.

"The effect isnt merely to silence pro-Trump media. It also ensures advertisers dont market their products to Trump voters, causing them to rely less and less on consumers in the heartland, and more on progressive consumers who read establishment news sources. The ultimate result: corporations cater their products and corporate values even more to the latter, and not at all to the former."

Now the veracity of these developments are so obvious to accept, it defies common sense for any critical thinking person to believe the reporting found on the NewsGuard list or the Google, Bing, Yahoo and Facebook search results. In spite of these facts, the uninformed sheeple, the demented NeoCons or the diehard Progressives are so programmed to accept the prevarications as accurate journalism that society has lost its social redeeming purpose.

The internet is dying with each passing day. Individual and independent sites are being systematically eliminated from promoting and communicating. The bulk of ad revenue comes from being on Google, YouTube and Facebook. Soon the removal of right wing voices for authentic populism will deprive the web of meaningful reporting. The ultimate eradication of free speech is the goal of this most recent attack upon American values.

Philip Giraldi sums up, NewsGuard: A Neoconservative Contrivance Which Promotes an Establishment View.

"Make no mistake, NewsGuard is a neoconservative contrivance which promotes an establishment view of what is true and what is false. Its co-founder Gordon Crovitz is an ex-editor of The Wall Street Journal, who has enthused over the project, saying that it is a milestone in the fight to bring consumers the information they need to counter false information, misinformation and disinformation online. Crovitz has also been associated with the leading neocon foundation The American Enterprise Institute while the NewsGuard advisory board includes Tom Ridge, who was head of the Department of Homeland Security under George W. Bush, and Michael Hayden, who directed both the CIA and NSA. It is as government-establishment in orientation as it is possible to be.

So who gets the endorsement from NewsGuard? Those who toe the line on U.S. policy and the establishment globalist/interventionist agenda. It would be interesting to know what NewsGuards staff of analysts is really looking for when it researches a site or media outlet. As the examples cited above demonstrate, NewsGuard has nothing to do with taking pains to report the news accurately, nor is there any evidence of real accountability. It is all about who pays the bills and who is in charge. They give the orders and one either falls in line or goes out the door. That is the reality of todays mainstream media."

An ongoing defense against internet censorship is the most important combat that can be devoted when on the web. When NewsGuard is added as the default in Windows 10, better switch to Linux.

SARTRE

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New Delhi: An earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale hit Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the earthquake struck 118 km north-west of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.

People rushed out of their homes as buildings swayed in Srinagar, a local told Zee News.

Several persons took to social media to report about the earthquake.

According to emerging reports, the tremors were felt in parts of Pakistan too.

Some Twitterati reported feeling mild tremors in Chandigarh too.
OSLO: A Norwegian intelligence assessment that China posed a threat to the Nordic country`s security by seeking to steal its secrets was "ridiculous", the Chinese Embassy said on Monday as Norway mulled the future status of China`s Huawei Technologies.

While Russian security services posed the biggest threat, China also conducts intelligence operations against Norwegian interests and businesses, including trying to penetrate computer networks, Norwegian intelligence service PST said in its annual threat assessment report.

"China poses no threat to Norway`s security. It`s very ridiculous for the intelligence service of a country to make security assessment and attack China with pure hypothetical language," the Chinese Embassy in Oslo said in a statement on its website.

Huawei faces international scrutiny over its ties with the Chinese government and allegations that Beijing could use Huawei`s technology for spying, which the company denies.

The Embassy also rejected comments by PST`s chief Benedicte Bjoernland that people should be aware of Huawei because of its links with China`s government, saying that China was not forcing any companies to build "mandatory back doors" in their software.

Norway has been considering whether to join other western nations in excluding Huawei Technologies from building part of the Nordic country`s new 5G telecommunications infrastructure.

Norway`s state-controlled operator Telenor, which has 173 million subscribers across eight countries in Europe and Asia, signed its first major contract with Huawei in 2009, a deal that helped clear the way for the Chinese firm`s global expansion.
Washington: The US and South Korea have reached a preliminary agreement of keeping nearly 30,000 troops in Seoul, State Department officials said here, alleviating fears that President Donald Trump could move to withdraw American troops from the country.

Under the revised Special Measures Agreement, South Korea would boost its financial contribution to nearly $1 billion, CNN quoted the officials as saying on Tuesday. That`s an increase on the about $800 million South Korea had been paying per year during the previous five-year commitment.

The most recent agreement lapsed at the end of last year. Since then, Trump had been pressuring South Korea to double its financial support to $1.6 billion, making some of his own administration officials worry that the President might offer to withdraw US forces from South Korea during his second summit with Kim later this month.

"Both sides are committed to working out remaining technical issues as quickly as possible," the State Department said in a statement.

"The US appreciates the considerable resources South Korea provides to support the Alliance, including its contribution towards the cost of maintaining the presence of US forces in Korea through the Special Measures Agreement."

The revised Special Measures Agreement only a one year agreement, with the possibility for an extension. The previous agreements had been for five years. The Department said Steve Biegun, the US special representative on North Korea who is currently in Seoul, will travel to Pyongyang on Wednesday to prepare for the upcoming second summit.

He will meet his newly appointed counterpart, Kim Hyok-chol and "advance further progress on the commitments the President and Chairman Kim made in Singapore", it added.
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday took a swipe at her Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath and asked her to take care of his state first before commenting on other states.

''Ask Yogi to take care of Uttar Pradesh first, '' she said when journalists asked questions related to her government's refusal to let UP CM's helicopter land in the state.

''This is not correct,'' the firebrand West Bengal leader said.

''So many people have been killed, even police were murdered, so many people were lynched, he himself will lose if he contests an election. He doesnt have a place to stand in UP thats why he's roaming around in Bengal,'' Mamat said.

#WATCH WB CM Mamata Banerjee:Ask Yogi to take care of Uttar Pradesh first. So many ppl have been killed,even police were murdered,so many ppl were lynched,he himself will lose if he contests elections.He doesnt have a place to stand in UP thats why he's roaming around in Bengal pic.twitter.com/ijtBwTHdvX  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

The TMC chief made these remarks while addressing a gathering at the Metro Channel - the site of her ongoing protest against the Centre over CBI's bid to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajiv Kumar in connection with the chit fund scam cases.

The remarks from TMC leader came at a time when UP CM 's due to arrive in West Bengal's Purulia district to address a rally this afternoon.

Adityanath, who was earlier denied permission to land in West Bengal, will travel to the TMC-ruled state to address a public rally in Purulia on Tuesday.

The saint-politician will land in Jharkhand's Bokaro and take the road to reach Purulia.

He is scheduled to address the rally at Nabakunja Maidan, Near Bhangara Mod in Purulia, said reports.

Yogi Adityanath's rally in Purulia comes amid the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government's ongoing tussle with the Centre over CBI's move to arrest Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.

The UP Chief Minister was scheduled to address a rally in Bankura on Monday, however, it was cancelled by the West Bengal BJP as the district administration denied permission for his chopper to land in the state.

The TMC-BJP tussle became uglier on Sunday with the West Bengal government denying permission to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's chopper to land in the state and let him address two scheduled rallies in north Bengal.

Adityanath had to address the rallies in Raigunj and Balurghat via telephone.

Earlier on Monday, a high-level BJP delegation met the Chief Election Commissioner and complained about the situation in West Bengal and its government's repeated refusal to grant permission for BJP leaders to hold rallies ahead of the state.

The delegation, among other demands, urged the poll panel to deploy central security forces to ensure smooth conduct of free and fair polls in West Bengal.

The West Bengal government denied permission to other BJP leaders including party president Amit Shah and Union Minister Smriti Irani to conduct rallies, ahead of the Lok Sabha election.

During Amit Shah's rally at Malda, permission to land his helicopter was denied.

His chopper later landed on private property owned by a resort. Smriti Irani's chopper was also not allowed to land at Jhargram where she was scheduled to address a public rally.

(With Agency inputs)
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday lashed out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said nothing could be more shameful for a democracy than the Chief Minister herself sitting on a dharna. Addressing a public rally in Purulia, Adityanath said, "Nothing can be more shameful for a democracy than a Chief Minister sitting on a dharna."

Amid the ongoing turmoil in West Bengal, Adityanath travelled to the state and addressed the rally in Purulia. He was scheduled to address another rally in Bankura, however, it was cancelled by West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh, claiming that the district administration was 'dilly-dallying' on giving permission for the landing of his helicopter.

The TMC-BJP tussle became uglier on Sunday with the West Bengal government denying permission to the UP Chief Minister's chopper to land in the state and let him address two scheduled rallies in north Bengal. Adityanath had to address the rallies in Raigunj and Balurghat via telephone.

The Mamata-led TMC government had earlier denied permission to other BJP leaders including party president Amit Shah and Union minister Smriti Irani to conduct rallies in the state.

During Amit Shah's rally at Malda, permission to land his helicopter was denied. His chopper later landed on private property owned by a resort. Smriti Irani's chopper was also not allowed to land at Jhargram where she was scheduled to address a public rally.

(With inputs from agencies)
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is locked in a tussle with the Centre over the CBI's move to question Kolkata Police Commissioner, on Tuesday hailed the Supreme Court order which said that no coercive action be taken against the Kolkata top cop.

Hailing the SC order, Mamata Banerjee said, ''The SC order that no coercive steps would be taken against Rajeev Kumar is a moral victory. It is a moral victory of the people of Indian, a victory of democracy, a victory of all those who supported us in this fight. We have great respect for the judiciary and all the institutions. We are so grateful. We're so obliged.''

Extending support to Kolkata police chief Rajiv Kumar, the TMC chief said that he never said that he will not co-operate in CBI's ongoing probe into the Saradha scam and other Ponzi schemes.

While accusing the Centre of working with malicious agenda and vendetta politics, Mamata said that the Narendra Modi has damaged the vital institutions of the country and has been trying to

settle political scores with its opponents.

''But what they started doing? They wanted to arrest him (Kolkata police chief). They went to his house, on a secret operation, on Sunday, without any notice. That court said no arrest. We are so obliged. It will strengthen the morale of our officers,'' the West Bengal CM said.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: But what they started doing? They wanted to arrest him. They went to his house, on a secret operation, on Sunday, without any notice. That court said no arrest. We are so obliged. It will strengthen the morale of the officers. https://t.co/9Mkzxsuno2  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

On continuing the dharna against the Centre, the West Bengal CM said, ''Let me talk to my leaders, I dont go alone. Today, Chandrababu Naidu is also coming, I will consult with other leaders also. I will also consult Naveen Patnaik Ji, then I will let you know.''

The remarks from the firebrand West Bengal Chief Minister came minutes after the Supreme Court directed the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to make himself available before the CBI for questioning in chit fund case and asked him to fully in the agency's probe.

In its order, the top court said that no coercive steps, including the arrest of Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar, will take place.

The top court also directed the West Bengal chief secretary, DGP, Kolkata Police commissioner to file replies on contempt pleas moved by CBI against them.

Replies in the contempt petition filed by CBI has to be placed by West Bengal chief secretary, DGP on or before February 18, the top court said.

The Supreme Court made these observations while hearing the pleas of the CBI in Saradha chit fund scam case alleging destruction of electronic evidence by the Kolkata Police commissioner.

Attorney General (AG) K K Venugopal opened the argument on behalf of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), alleging destruction of evidence in the chit fund scam case.

The Kolkata Police has provided doctored call data records, the AG said.

He also said Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar was heading the SIT set up by the West Bengal government to probe the case.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Kumar alleged that the CBI's action was meant to score points.

The applications, accusing the Kolkata Police chief of destroying evidence related to the case, has alleged that an extraordinary situation has arisen in which top police officials of the West Bengal Police are sitting on a dharna along with a political party in Kolkata.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been sitting on a dharna since Sunday.

On Monday she described her sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police chief as a "non-political" protest.

(With PTI inputs)
KOLKATA: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was earlier denied permission to land in West Bengal, will travel to the TMC-ruled state to address a public rally in Purulia on Tuesday.

The saint-politician will land in Jharkhand's Bokaro and take the road to reach Purulia.

He is scheduled to address the rally around 1 PM at Nabakunja Maidan, Near Bhangara Mod in Purulia, said reports.

Yogi Adityanath's rally in Purulia comes amid the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government's ongoing tussle with the Centre over CBI's move to arrest Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will address a public rally tomorrow in Purulia, West Bengal https://t.co/1tLKsPJBwq  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 4, 2019

The UP Chief Minister was scheduled to address a rally in Bankura on Monday, however, it was cancelled by the West Bengal BJP as the district administration denied permission for his chopper to land in the state.

"We have decided to cancel the Bankura rally of Yogi Adityanath as the district administration is dilly-dallying on giving permission for the landing of his chopper. We didn't want to take any risk and so we cancelled it," West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh said.

Ghosh, however, said that Adityanath's rally in Purulia will take place as per schedule as of now.

The TMC-BJP tussle became uglier on Sunday with the West Bengal government denying permission to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's chopper to land in the state and let him address two scheduled rallies in north Bengal.

Adityanath had to address the rallies in Raigunj and Balurghat via telephone.

Earlier on Monday, a high-level BJP delegation met the Chief Election Commissioner and complained about the situation in West Bengal and its government's repeated refusal to grant permission for BJP leaders to hold rallies ahead of the state.

The delegation, among other demands, urged the poll panel to deploy central security forces to ensure smooth conduct of free and fair polls in West Bengal.

The West Bengal government denied permission to other BJP leaders including party president Amit Shah and Union Minister Smriti Irani to conduct rallies, ahead of the Lok Sabha election.

During Amit Shah's rally at Malda, permission to land his helicopter was denied.

His chopper later landed on private property owned by a resort. Smriti Irani's chopper was also not allowed to land at Jhargram where she was scheduled to address a public rally.

(With Agency inputs)
Mumbai: Actor Anupam Kher, who was last seen in political-biographical 'The Accidental Prime Minister' is quote excited that his medical drama series 'New Amsterdam' has been confirmed for the second season.

The 63-year-old took to Twitter to share his happiness with his fans. He wrote, "I am delighted to share with you all that our series `New Amsterdam` is confirmed for season 2. Congratulations to our brilliant cast and crew. It is a show which celebrates love, life, compassion and diversity. So happy and excited."

Inspired by Bellevue, the oldest public hospital in the US, the series follows the brilliant and charming doctor Max Goodwin played by actor Ryan Eggold, the institution`s newest medical director who sets out to tear up the bureaucracy and provide exceptional care.

On the work front, the veteran actor will next be seen in thriller film 'Hotel Mumbai' which has been directed by Anthony Maras. The film is scheduled to be released in Australia on March 14, 2019, in the United States on March 29 and on Netflix for India and Southeast Asia on May 3.

The story is about the victims and survivors of the 2008 Mumbai attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, India.

The film will also star 'Slumdog Millionaire' fame Dev Patel.
New Delhi: Vijay Deverakonda is busy shooting for his upcoming film with Kranthi Madhav which is progressing at a brisk mode. The team was recently shooting for the film in Yellandu, Khammam and pictures of Vijay from the sets had gone on the internet.

The latest news is that Vijay is playing a worker in the Singareni mines in this film and he will be working for the welfare of all the employees of the Colony. His character in the film will be seen solving big issues that locals face. Though it was reported that the film went on floors just a couple of days, the shooting went floors sometime back itself.

Fans of Vijay, who spotted him in Khammam, shared the pictures on social media.

The film will have Raashi Khanna, Aishwarya Rajesh and Izabelle Leite playing the leading ladies. As per the latest reports, Catherine Tresa has also been roped in to play a key role in the film.

Rasshi Khanna is pretty excited about the love story where she will be teaming up opposite Deverkonda. In the film, the couple will be shown going through ups and downs in their relationship. Raashi, who is very senior to Vijay, is teaming up for the first time with him.

Kranthi Madhav has made films like 'Onamalu', 'Malli Malli Idhi Rani Roju', 'Ungarala Rambabu' and others and is popular for feel-good stories. We have to wait to know the kind of emotion he will be conveying this time to the audience with his film.
New Delhi: Ace comedian Kapil Sharma is back with a bang on small screens. The latest season of 'The Kapil Sharma Show' is going great and rising TRPs are solid proof of it. The maverick comedian cum actor recently got the opportunity of meeting the former prime minister.

Kapil met former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur. He felt humbled upon meeting the Singh and his family. The king of comedy took to his social media handles and shared the pictures with fans.

He wrote: Thank you respected @_ManmohanSingh ji for the warmth, hospitality and a heart to heart conversation about our Amritsari roots, especially about our college and food. Was an honour meeting such a humble and simple statesman like you, and receiving blessings from ma'am. Regards.

Thank you respected @_ManmohanSingh ji for the warmth, hospitality and a heart to heart conversation about our Amritsari roots,especially about our college and food. Was an honour meeting such a humble and simple statesman like you, and receiving blessings from ma'am. Regards pic.twitter.com/byiAbiDxCM  KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) February 5, 2019

A few days back, Kapil even had a chance of meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ace comedian met PM Modi at the opening ceremony of National Museum of Indian Cinema in Mumbai.

Several Bollywood celebrities were present at the inauguration ceremony and got the chance of clicking selfies with PM Modi.
Washington: Hollywood actor Liam Neeson has recalled a disturbing incident when he contemplated a racist revenge attack after somebody close to him was raped.

"I went up and down areas with a cosh (a club), hoping Id be approached by somebody, Im ashamed to say that, and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some black bastard would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him," Neeson shared in an interview with a leading British newspaper.

According to Variety, the actor revealed that he had found out about the rape after returning home from a trip. Without going into exact details he mentioned that the person who was raped was a family member.Theres something primal  God forbid youve ever had a member of your family hurt under criminal conditions," he said.

Talking about the rape victim Liam said, "She handled the situation of the rape in the most extraordinary way. I asked, did she know who it was? No. What color were they? She said it was a black person."

Promoting his new film, 'Cold Pursuit,' a tale of revenge, Neeson admitted that he did 'learn a lesson' from his reaction to incident and noted that while he understands the primal drive for revenge, it eventually leads to more bloodshed.

The actor is now facing backlash on social media with people calling him racist.
New Delhi: Farhan Akhtar is all set to launch his debut album 'Echoes' and has flown to London, UK for it.

Farhan took to his social media handle and announced that he is headed to London for the launch. Sharing an image of the boarding pass, Farhan wrote, "Off to talk music #Seagull #Echoes".

Speaking about the album's title, Farhan notes, "It's about chapters in my life and voices in my head that have influenced the writing. All of us have our personal journeys through life, through love. We struggle at times to make sense of our emotions and of the world around us. So here I am, speaking as honestly as I can about my journey."

Earlier in September 2018, Farhan had released his first English single 'Rear View Mirror' and 'Jaane Ye Kyun Kiya' his first Hindi single. He went on to release 'Why Couldn't it be Me?' on December 20.

Last year, Farhan sang his first Telugu song, 'I Don't Know' for Mahesh Babu's political-thriller, 'Bharat Ane Nenu' as well.

The actor will be next seen in "The Sky Is Pink' co-starring Priyanka Chopra and starting the shoot of the recently announced film 'Toofan', in which, he is essaying the role of a boxer.
MUMBAI: Dalit scholar and rights activist Anand Teltumbde, who was briefly arrested by the Pune police last week in the Elgaar Parishad case, has filed an anticipatory bail application in Bombay High Court. His anticipatory bail plea was earlier rejected by Pune sessions court.

Four-weeks of interim protection granted to him by the Supreme court ends on February 11.

Bhima Koregaon Case: Accused Anand Teltumbde has filed an anticipatory bail application in Bombay High Court. His anticipatory bail plea was earlier rejected by Pune sessions court. Four-weeks interim protection granted to him by the Supreme court ends on February 11.  ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019

Teltumbde on Monday addressed a press conference during which he said that the term "Urban Maoist" was a bogey that was being raised to "silence" those who raise their voice against policies of the government.

Teltumbde, who teaches at the Goa Institute of Management, was arrested by Pune Police on Saturday at the Mumbai airport.

A Pune sessions court, which had on Friday rejected Teltumbde's anticipatory bail application, ordered his release a day later, saying his arrest amounted to contempt of the Supreme Court's order.

During his interaction with journalists at the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh, Teltumbde termed his arrest as a "wildest post independence plot by the state against it's own citizen".

He said the police had framed him in the case.

Responding to a query on urban Maoism, the Dalit scholar said, "Maoism originated from villages and there is nothing like an urban Maoist. It is deceptive nomenclature, which is a fabricated and false accusation".

The word "urban Naxals" was used by the Pune Police during their probe into the Elgaar Parishad conclave held on December 31, 2017.

Police claimed that the inciting speeches made at that event triggered caste clashes in Koregaon-Bhima village in Pune district on January 1, 2018 during an event to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle between the Peshwas and the British forces.

Teltumbde said the "urban Maoism" terminology is a "formula" to silence voices of those people who show courage to question the government policies and speak for safeguarding their democratic rights.
Ahmednagar/Mumbai: Social activist Anna Hazare, whose indefinite fast for the appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs, entered the seventh day on Tuesday as the talks between the noted anti-corruption crusader and the government remained inconclusive on Monday.

The Gandhian activist has refused to call off his protest saying the government is handling the issue of corruption in a casual manner.

Union Minister Subhash Bhamre, Maharashtra government minister Girish Mahajan held talks with Anna Hazare in the latter's Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmednagar district - the venue of his fast since January 30.

Hazare has been demanding appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs at the Centre and in Maharashtra and resolution of farmers' issues.

The 81-year-old social activist, who has lost 4.25 kg in the last six days, also accused the ruling dispensation of betraying people who voted it to power in 2014.

Bhamre reached the Ralegan-Siddhi village in the evening to hold talks with Hazare as a representative of the Union government.

Mahajan, who accompanied him, however, assured that ''there will be some solution by tomorrow."

Bhamre said Hazare had some concerns and doubts even after he and Mahajan held talks with him.

The Union Minister said that he would visit Hazare again on Tuesday and try to persuade the Gandhian to withdraw his hunger strike.

Hazare, who remained adamant on his demands, said the ministers who called on him had nothing concrete to offer.

"This insincere attitude of the government is very disappointing," he told reporters.

"I will not call off my hunger strike till the government initiates concrete steps beyond hollow assurances," he said.

Hazare also accused the Centre of misleading the common people over the draft of Lokpal bill.

The veteran Gandhian activist said that he had spoken to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the Lokayukta issue several times in the past, but nothing has come out of them.

Earlier in the day, about 2600 villagers, including farmers and women, held a demonstration in front of the district collector's office in Ahmednagar.

A protest was also held at the office of local BJP MP Dilip Gandhi for "inaction".

(With PTI Inputs)
Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday asserted that permission for landing his chopper to hold his rally at Berhampore in West Bengal's Murshidabad district was not given.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Chouhan said that he was informed that the permission for to land his chopper for the rally, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, as well as the rally's venue has not been given.

He also said that Constitution permits all political parties to present their stand before the public and questioned who is CM Mamata Baneejee scared of.

"Constitution permits all political parties to present their stand before the public. Who is Mamata Ji scared of? I have a rally in Berhampore tomorrow but I have been informed that the permission for my chopper's landing and rally's venue has not been given," said Chouhan.

Earlier, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain had said the TMC-led government in West Bengal has denied the party permission for a rally in Murshidabad and alleged that there is complete lawlessness in the state. Hussain said he will still go to Murshidabad and is already on the way.

Last week, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was denied permission to hold a rally in the state, which is witnessing a political slugfest between the ruling TMC and the BJP.

"I have been told that the district administration has not given permission to hold a rally in Murshidabad, which was scheduled for today. The party had sought permission and had informed the local administration in advance," Hussain told PTI.

The Mamata Banerjee-led government in the state and BJP are at loggerheads after the CBI tried to question Kolkata's police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee has been on a 'dharna' since Sunday night over the CBI's attempts to interrogate the police chief.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The chief priest of the Sabarimala temple has informed Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) that purification rituals had been held at the famous temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.

Kandararu Rajeevaru, the 'tantri' (head priest) had earlier requested the TDB for more time to explain the purification rituals.

Chief Priest of Sabarimala temple has given an explanation to Travancore Devaswom Board on "purification" ritual conducted at the temple after entry of 2 women in the age group b/w 10 to 50 years. Board had earlier asked him for an explanation. Board's meeting to be held today.  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

The purification rituals were performed days after two women of menstruating age entered the temple shrine amid vociferous protest by the right-wing Hindu outfits.

The Travancore Devaswom Board, which had earlier sought an explanation from the chief priest, is slated to meet today.

The apex temple body in Kerala had on Monday granted two weeks additional time to the head priest of Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple to submit his explanation for the purification rituals performed after two women of menstruating age entered the hill temple earlier this month.

The decision of the TDB, which manages the shrine, was taken after the Lord Ayyappa Temple was closed marking the culmination of the over two-months long tumultuous annual pilgrimage season which witnessed frenzied protests by devotees and right-wing activists against the entry of young women.

The TDB chief also said the Board has all the right to seek an explanation from the head priest.

After 42-year old Bindu and Kanakadurga, 44, offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple on January 2, the sanctum sanctorum was closed under tantri's directive to perform the 'purification' ritual, which is carried out when there is the violation of temple customs.

Rajeevaru faced harsh criticism from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and other ministers over the purification rites.

Senior Kerala minister G Sudhakaran had even called him a "Brahmin monster" for conducting the ritual.

"The tantri is a symbol of caste devil. He is not a Brahmin. He is a Brahmin monster. If a Brahmin becomes a monster, he will be a terror," the minister had said.

Meanwhile, the Kerala State Commission for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes Monday sent a show-cause notice to Rajeevaru over the purification rite performed at Sabarimala.

S Ajaya Kumar, a member of the Commission, said the show-cause notice was sent as the tantri had failed to respond to their earlier notice seeking his appearance before the panel on January 17.

"Bindhu, one of the women who entered the Sabarimala shrine, was a Dalit. We have received 2-3 complaints stating that the purification rite was performed because of that and the ritual was against her," he said.

Earlier, there were media reports that the CPI(M)-led LDF government was planning to remove the Sabarimala tantri for conducting the purification rituals but the TDB had rejected the reports.

The temple body had even made it clear that there were several court verdicts on the appointment and powers of the tantri of Hindu shrines and the TDB could not take a decision without taking into account all these.

The Kerala Tantri Samajam, an umbrella organisation of head priests of temples in the state, had said that they would approach the Supreme Court and the union government if the state government takes any decision to remove Rajeevaru.

Sabarimala had witnessed intense protests against the LDF government's decision to implement the landmark September 28, 2018, Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all age groups into the hill shrine.

Traditionally, women of menstruating age or in the age group of 10 to 50 years were not allowed to enter the temple as the deity, Lord Ayyappa, was a "Naishtika Brahmachari" (perennial celibate).
Ranchi: In a heart-warming incident, a constable in Jharkhand donated blood to a naxal at RIMS hospital, Ranchi. The constable, Rajkamal, is of the 133 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The naxal was injured during an exchange of fire with the troops of 209 Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA).

The CRPF jawans found the injured Naxal in a critical state from the encounter spot. He was arrested and given a first aid following which he was rushed to the hospital in Ranchi.
London: It may be getting real hot, real soon for fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya in London with the British government approving his extradition to India on Monday. Being regarded as a major shot in the arm for the Indian government and investigative agencies, Mallya may well be running out of options. He, however, still has a few left.

UK government's approval for extradition may be a blow to Mallya who faces charges of committing a Rs 90,000 crore bank loan fraud. He, however, still has the right to file an appeal - an option that Mallaya said he would take soon after Monday's developments. What comes next, then, is an appeal against the extradition in a higher court - the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) which needs to be filed within 14 days from February 4.

SIAC is responsible for hearing appeals usually filed by people deported by UK Home Secretary citing reasons ranging from financial fraud and immigration row to threat to national security.

Once the appeal is officially filed, it could take several months for a decision to emerge. This is because the appeal would be heard based on the court's schedule and is likely to span over a considerable period of time for defence and prosecution to fully present their respective side.

Mallya, 63, left India on March 2 of 2016 after defaulting on loan amounting to Rs 9,000 crore he had taken for his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines but he has repeatedly denied fleeing the country, saying he is ready to pay back the money he owed to the Indian banks.

A consortium of 13 banks -- led by the State Bank of India (SBI) -- has been preparing to initiate loan recovery proceedings against him.

(With IANS inputs)
Lucknow: Opposition members hurled paper balls towards the podium as Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik addressed a joint sitting of the state legislature on the Budget Session first day on Tuesday.

As soon as the governor began reading out his speech, opposition members started raising anti-government slogans and shouted 'Rajyapal Wapas Jao (Governor Go Back)'.

They soon started hurling paper balls towards the podium which were deflected by members of the staff using cardboard files.

Lucknow: SP and BSP MLAs protested against the state govt, in UP state legislative assembly today. pic.twitter.com/A56NKVkCHL  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 5, 2019

Amid the din, the governor kept reading out his speech, which highlights various welfare and development schemes, besides achievements of the Uttar Pradesh government.

The annual budget will be presented on February 7 by Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal.

The session is likely to conclude on February 22.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the CBI and fully co-operate with the Saradha scam probe at all times.

The SC also issued a notice to the West Bengal government, Rajeev Kumar and Chief Secretary in contempt of court case. The court, however, directed that no coercive steps, including the arrest of Rajeev Kumar, will take place.

The SC was hearing pleas of the CBI in Saradha chit fund scam case alleging destruction of electronic evidence by the Kolkata Police commissioner.

Attorney General (AG) K K Venugopal opened the argument on behalf of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), alleging destruction of evidence in the chitfund scam case. The Kolkata Police has provided doctored call data records, the AG said. He also said Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar was heading the SIT set up by the West Bengal government to probe the case.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Kumar alleged that the CBI's action was meant to score points. The applications, accusing the Kolkata Police chief of destroying evidence related to the case, has alleged that an extraordinary situation has arisen in which top police officials of the West Bengal Police are sitting on a dharna along with a political party in Kolkata.

The replies in the contempt petition filed by the CBI has to be placed by West Bengal chief secretary, DGP, on or before February 18 ordered the SC. The apex court directed that Kumar will have to appear before the CBI at Shillong in Meghalaya for investigation.

The next date of hearing has been fixed on February 20. SC also added that the SC secretary will inform on February 19 whether West Bengal chief secretary, DGP, Kolkata Police chief are required to be present on February 20.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been sitting on a dharna since Sunday. On Monday she described her sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police chief as a "non-political" protest.
NEW DELHI: Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has called a meeting of party general secretaries and office bearers on Thursday to chalk out the roadmap and strategies for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

The meeting will also be attended by newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi.



The Congress president will later meet the state party chiefs on Sunday.



Priyanka Gandhi, who has been recently appointed as general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh (East), met brother Rahul Gandhi after her return to India on Monday.

Besides the Gandhis, the meeting was also attended by Jyotiraditya Scindia, who has been given charge of west Uttar Pradesh.

The three leaders discussed the plan of action for Uttar Pradesh, a state which is core to the Congress party's Lok Sabha goals.

According to party sources, after meeting with the party general secretaries Rahul Gandhi will hold talks with state chiefs and other office bearers where plans and approach for the Lok Sabha polls for respective states will be chalked out.

These will then be finalised at the at the Congress Working Committee meeting slated to be held later this month.

While the Congress has been harping on the need for a grand alliance of opposition parties to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), any such formal tie-up is yet to materialise.

The Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Akhilesh Yadav headed Samajwadi Party (SP) have already announced their alliance snubbing the Congress.

However, the party is still hopeful of a post-poll alliance with the SP-BSP combine and Uttar Pradesh will be high on the agenda in both the meetings.

Besides the SP-BSP combine, the Congress is also trying to woo the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress which too has appeared unwilling for any tie-up in West Bengal.

"Both the SP-BSP and the Trinamool will have a key role to play in government formation. But our first aim is to contest as many seats as possible in both UP and Bengal," said a party leader.
Pakistan on Tuesday morning resorted to ceasefire violation in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The ceasefire violation took place along the Line of Control (LoC) in Krishna Ghati sector of the district at around 10.30 am.

This is a developing story. More details are awaited.
GHAZIABAD: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday met the family of Squadron Leader Samir Abrol, who lost his life after his Mirage 2000 crashed at HAL Airport in Bengaluru on February 1.

Earlier in the day, Defence Minister and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat paid homage to late Squadron Leader Siddhartha Negi who also lost his life in the same incident on February 1.

ANI reported that the Defence Minister and the Chief Minister went to Squadron Leader Negis house in Dehradun and met the family members of the late Air Force official.

Air Force sources said after initial probe it seems that the plane took off well but made a failed landing attempt, which led to the breakage of the front portion of the aircraft which ultimately crashed into a gate near the runway.

The crashed at the HAL airport took place when the two pilots were taking out the Mirage to check the upgrade of avionics and electronic warfare capabilities of the planes.

Both Negi and Abrol were from the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment. One of the two pilots managed to eject from the plane, but he lost his life after falling on the debirs. The other pilot was rushed to a hospital but he also passed away, ANI reported.

(with ANI inputs)
New Delhi: Union minister Smriti Irani on Tuesday accused Mamata Banerjee of indulging in political histrionics and added that the Supreme Court had brought about an end to it.

The West Bengal chief minister has accused the Centre of undermining democracy and misusing the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI). The political battle flared up last Sunday when a team of CBI officials reached the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with investigations into the Rose Valley and Saradha Chit Fund scam. While Mamata sat on dharna, the BJP leaders said that investigative agencies must be allowed to do their work. The CBI also approached SC and the top court on Tuesday directed Kumar to cooperate with investigations. "Mamata Banerjee's political histrionics brought to screeching halt by SC," Irani was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. "With egg on her face, to celebrate it as a moral victory is a dichotomy that is only available in the realms of Mamata Banerjee's politics."

Earlier in the day, Mamata - much like BJP leaders - claimed that the Supreme Court had vindicated her stand. The top court directed that no coercive action may be taken against Kumar and this is what the TMC supremo cited as a just result.

The entire incident has resulted in political lines being drawn clearly with BJP maintaining that investigation agencies ought to be allowed to do their work while opposition parties claiming that these agencies are being misused by the central government. In the case of Kumar, CBI has alleged that while he was heading a SIT looking into the chit fund scam, two very important evidence - a red diary and a pen drive - had gone missing. While Kumar will now have to appear before CBI in Shillong, there is no word on when Mamata would call off her dharna.
Kolkata: Rajeev Kumar is the current commissioner of Kolkata Police. He is a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal. Kumar was appointed as the Commissioner of Kolkata Police in 2016, replacing Surajit Kar Purakayastha. Purakayastha was promoted to CID.

Before being appointed as Kolkata Police Commissioner, Kumar had worked as Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate and as Special Task Force (STF) chief under Kolkata Police.

Why CBI wants to quiz Rajeev Kumar?

Rajeev Kumar was heading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing chit fund scams. He had led the probe into Saradha and Rose Valley scams that were unearthed in West Bengal in 2013.

Rajeev Kumar, 53, is a graduate in Computer Science from IIT, Roorkee (then University of Roorkee).

CBI wants to quiz Rajeev Kumar about several key documents that had allegedly gone missing. Rajeev Kumar and a few more officials were even

asked by the CBI to join the investigation but they refused to help the CBI in its probe.

The CBI has claimed that its probe is aimed at locating crucial evidence linked to larger conspiracy behind the chit funds.

Pankaj Srivastav, CBI Joint Director in Kolkata told The Indian Express that crucial evidence was not handed over to the agency and that it was destroyed.

"We are looking into the larger conspiracy connected to the chit fund scams," he said.

The case was taken over by the CBI in 2014 after the Supreme Court's order. Citing a CBI official linked to the investigation, the IE report said that during the interrogation of persons arrested in the scam, it was found that crucial evidence gathered by the SIT was not handed over to the CBI. The documents include pen, diary, pen drives and documents seized from Sen'a residence

The CBI moved the Supreme Court alleging Rajeev Kumar was involved in the destruction of electronic evidence related to Saradha chit fund scam. On Tuesday, the apex court said that while no coercive action may be taken against Kumar, he was directed to cooperate with CBI.

* Kumar is a BE in computer science from the erstwhile University of Roorkee (now the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee). His roots are in Uttar Pradesh and he is married to an Indian Revenue Service officer. The couple have a son.

* His first posting as officer-in-charge of Durgapur police station was followed by multiple assignments in Calcutta and Bengal police's jurisdiction, including superintendent of police (SP), Birbhum; special SP, enforcement branch; deputy commissioner, enforcement branch; deputy commissioner, central division; special SP, CID; deputy inspector-general, CID (operations); joint commissioner, Special Task Force; additional commissioner, Calcutta police; commissioner, Bidhannagar police; and additional director-general, CID.

* Within 24 hours of coming to power in May 2011, chief minister Mamata had enquired about Kumar. She might have shunted him out immediately but for senior officials recommending him as a "very good officer" who could be of use to her.

* An officer who has worked under him said Kumar would sometimes squeeze a few minutes out of an interrogation session and fulfil his quota of exercise with a few push-ups in his office.

* Kumar's skills in electronic surveillance as the chief of the Special Task Force had helped the Mamata government fight Maoists in Jungle Mahal. He is said to have developed his "snooping" skills as the special SP, CID.

* Kumar had once almost laid his hands on a Chhota Rajan aide hiding in Calcutta but allegedly aborted the operation on learning that he was "a source for a central agency".

* According to sources, just when STF officers posing as journalists had lured Chhatradhar Mahato into a trap before his arrest, Kumar was within 100 metres of the spot.

* As SP, Burdwan, Kumar had been tipped off about the presence of a sophisticated weapon in the house of a CPM zonal leader in Purulia. Kumar dared to search the house of a ruling party leader when many would have developed cold feet and it was carried out without informing the local police. The leader fled before Kumar's team closed in and the weapon wasn't found.

* A contemporary describes him thus: "A little disorganised, yet one of the best brains in Bengal police.... A true friend who most of his batchmates bank on when they visit Bengal, but someone who never forgets or forgives either."
NEW DELHI: Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday hit out at Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and all opposition leaders supporting her in her protest against the Centre and Central Bureau of Investigation. Mamata has been holding a sit-in protest against CBI's attempt to grill Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in chit fund scam case probe.

Jaitley claimed that her protest is not because of a routine investigation against a police officer but instead because wants to project herself as the nucleus of India's opposition. "It would be a gross error to assume that she did this because of a routine investigation involving a Police Officer. She did it to defocus from other opposition aspirants for the highest office and to project herself as the nucleus of Indias opposition. Her speeches attack Prime Minister Modi but her strategy is aimed to defocus some of her other colleagues in the Opposition and hogging the centre stage," Jaitley wrote in a blog post.

He questioned the strategy behind the Chief Minister's 'disgraceful and disproportionate reaction'. "If a Police Officer is also required to be interrogated, how does it become a super emergency, assault on Federalism, or destruction of Institutions? What is her strategy in inviting all other leaders belonging to every opposition to join her on the Dharna," he asked.

Lashing out at Mamata, Jaitley said that this is the example of the kind of governance India's opposition can provide if they win the 2019 Lok Sabha election. "Mamata Banerjees latest acrobatics are the best evidence of the kind of governance Indias opposition can provide. But more importantly those who have lent support to the West Bengal Dharna are those who are battling serious allegations of economic improprieties, criminal misconduct and even corruption. Can New India be ever run by this Kleptocrats Club," he asked.

Jaitley also attacked Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for his u-turn on the chit fund scam cases. In old tweets of the Congress that were shared widely by the BJP on Monday, Rahul was quoted as holding Mamata responsible for the loot in the state due to the scams. However, Rahul has pledged his support for Mamata's satyagrah.

"Curiously, the AICC President somersaulted his position from Saradha being a scam to shoulder-to-shoulder support to the scamster. This somersaulter belongs to the first family of the Congress Party where most members of the family are on bail. It has been argued in the past that the Opposition is going in for a non-ideological short-lived coalition. India cannot afford instability," he wrote.

Here is the full text of his blog:

The Kleptocrats Club

Mamata Banerjees disproportionate over-reaction to the CBI wanting to interrogate the Kolkata Police Chief has flagged several issues for a public discourse. The most important being that a Kleptocrats Club now aspires to capture the reigns of India.

The Chit Fund Fraud and its Investigation

The West Bengal Chit Fund Fraud was unearthed in 2012-13. Its investigations were handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court. The Court monitored these investigations. The CBI has interrogated and even arrested some people. Many have been granted bail. If a Police Officer is also required to be interrogated, how does it become a super emergency, assault on Federalism, or destruction of Institutions? What is the strategy behind Chief Ministers disgraceful and disproportionate reaction? What is her strategy in inviting all other leaders belonging to every opposition to join her on the Dharna? It would be a gross error to assume that she did this because of a routine investigation involving a Police Officer. She did it to defocus from other opposition aspirants for the highest office and to project herself as the nucleus of Indias opposition. Her speeches attack Prime Minister Modi but her strategy is aimed to defocus some of her other colleagues in the Opposition and hogging the centre stage.

Can a State assault Federalism?

Federalism is not a slogan. It is a delicate balance of the Centre-State relationship. Our Constitutional framework clearly defines the sharing of functions between the Centre and the State. It does not permit an overlap. There are Central agencies and organizations which conduct legitimate investigation in States. Today the CBI is being brutally prevented by physical force and detention of its officer from investigating a crime legally within its jurisdiction, in the State of West Bengal. It is a textbook illustration of a State Government assaulting Federalism. Can a State Government prevent the Income-tax Department from collecting taxes in a State? Can another State Government prevent the NIA from proceeding to arrest a Terrorist located in the State? Can the Enforcement Directorate be prevented from investigating or arresting a smuggler or money-launderer physically located in a State? Obviously the answer is No. If any of these is visible, it would be a case of a State assaulting Federalism. The prevention of a Central investigating agency discharging a function given to it by the Supreme Court is a direct assault on Federalism.

The new Kleptocrats Club

Technology has been a great enabler in detection of improper monetary transactions. Traceability of transactions has become simpler and the footprints of illegality can be traced. This has empowered all investigative agencies both at the Centre and at the State Governments to unearth financial crimes including corruption.

When Mamata Banerjee decided to sit on a Dharna she received support of many opposition parties. There is an important commonality between them. They are all in Opposition and aspire to be in power. Most of them, or their affiliates are today being investigated, prosecuted and in some cases have also been convicted for crimes of corruption. Her ally from Bihar represents the party of the convicted. The friend from Andhra Pradesh runs a party of contractors, thekhedaars and money-launderers. Her two friends from Uttar Pradesh represent the scandalous legacy of corruption. Her Anarchic brother from the Delhi Government is at his wits end because the penny stock companies of his Ministerial colleagues have been found out. Curiously, the AICC President somersaulted his position from Saradha being a scam to shoulder-to-shoulder support to the scamster. This somersaulter belongs to the first family of the Congress Party where most members of the family are on bail. It has been argued in the past that the Opposition is going in for a non-ideological short-lived coalition. India cannot afford instability. It has also been argued that the choice in the next Election will be either Modi Vs. Chaos or Modi Vs. Anarchy. Mamata Banerjees latest acrobatics are the best evidence of the kind of governance Indias opposition can provide. But more importantly those who have lent support to the West Bengal Dharna are those who are battling serious allegations of economic improprieties, criminal misconduct and even corruption. Can New India be ever run by this Kleptocrats Club?


MUMBAI: Taking a swipe at the ruling BJP, its estranged ally Shiv Sena on Tuesday attacked the Narendra Modi government over the ongoing face-off between the West Bengal government and the CBI, saying that was "orchestrated" for political gains in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

The Sena made these critical observations in a fiery editorial written in party mouthpiece -Saamana - in which it said that what was happening in Kolkata was a "threat to democracy".

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been on a sit-in protest since Sunday night against the CBI's move to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in chit fund scam cases.

The TMC leader said that her agitation to save the "Constitution and country" will go on and she was ready to face any consequences.

The Maharashtra-based party said that the Centre could have acted against the Kolkata Police chief two months back and the CBI should have carried proper summons before visiting his house to question him.

"No one involved in the Saradha chit fund scam should be spared, but how does the CBI look at the 'cheat India' matter which has been going on for the last four-and-a-half years," the Uddhav Thackeray-led party remarked.

Without elaborating its point, it said Narendra Modi should look into the crisis in West Bengal as a Prime Minister of the country and not as a leader of the BJP.

The Sena claimed that the BJP was going to fall short of 100 Lok Sabha seats from north India to Maharashtra (in the west) in the Lok Sabha polls.

"To fill the gap, the BJP has laid its hopes on states like West Bengal to win 10 to 15 seats... All this (the all-out war between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government) is being orchestrated with an eye on the Lok Sabha polls," said the Sena, which is an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra.

The Sena said the first trigger of the 'BJP versus Mamata Banerjee conflict came in the form her opposition to BJP president Amit Shah's rath yatra in West Bengal.

Later, senior BJP leader and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's chopper was denied permission to land in West Bengal for a rally, and he was forced to address the gathering via an audio link, it pointed out.

"We do have our differences with Mamata Banerjee and her party, but she is, indeed, hitting back at the Centre with equal force," the Sena remarked.

Amid fast-paced developments in the matter, the Supreme Court directed the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to make himself available before the CBI for questioning in chit fund case and asked him to fully in the agency's probe.

In its order, the top court said that no coercive steps, including the arrest of Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar, will take place.

The top court also directed the West Bengal chief secretary, DGP, Kolkata Police commissioner to file replies on contempt pleas moved by CBI against them.

Replies in the contempt petition filed by CBI has to be placed by West Bengal chief secretary, DGP on or before February 18, the top court said.

The Supreme Court made these observations while hearing the pleas of the CBI in Saradha chit fund scam case alleging destruction of electronic evidence by the Kolkata Police commissioner.

Attorney General (AG) K K Venugopal opened the argument on behalf of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), alleging destruction of evidence in the chit fund scam case.

The Kolkata Police has provided doctored call data records, the AG said.

He also said Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar was heading the SIT set up by the West Bengal government to probe the case.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Kumar alleged that the CBI's action was meant to score points.

The applications, accusing the Kolkata Police chief of destroying evidence related to the case, has alleged that an extraordinary situation has arisen in which top police officials of the West Bengal Police are sitting on a dharna along with a political party in Kolkata.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been sitting on a dharna since Sunday, hailed the top court as ''a moral victory of the people of India and democracy.''.

On Monday, she described her sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata Police chief as a "non-political" protest.

(With PTI Inputs)
NEW DELHI: Terror attack in the hinterland of the country saw a major decline since the Narendra Modi government came to power according to the latest Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) data.

The data was presented by the Minister of State (MoS) in the Ministry of Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir in a written statement in the Parliament.

The MHA said in the last 5 years from 2014 to 2018, the hinterland of the country saw just 6 terror incidents, with 3 in 2014, 1 each in 2015, 2016, 2018 and none in 2017.

The number of civilians and security personnel killed in terror attacks in the last 5 years was 11 each while terrorist killed were 7.

But the situation deteriorated in Kashmir.

The number of terror attacks increased from 222 in 2014 to 614 in 2018 in which 138 civilians and 339 security personnel were killed.

Kashmir saw 1708 terror attacks in the last 5 years. The number of terrorists killed was 838.

Informing the Parliament on the measures taken by the Modi government to check terrorism, Ahir said, "in order to avert terror incidents in the country, there exists close and effective coordination between intelligence and security agencies at the center and the state level. The multi-agency centre (MAC) has been strengthened and reorganized to enable it to function on a 24X7 basis for real time collation and sharing of intelligence with other intelligence agencies & state governments."

He added, "states have also raised special forces to deal with terror incidents and central armed police forces and national security guards have also been stationed at different locations to assist the states in dealing with such incidents"

The number of Left-wing extremism terror attacks in the last 5 years also saw a gradual decline from 1091 in 2014 to 833 in 2018. The number of civilian death also declined due to left-wing extremism from 222 in 2014 to 173 in 2018 while left-wing extremist killed by security forces increased from 63 in 2014 to 225 in 2018.

Northeast also saw a decrease in insurgency-related attacks from 824 in 2014 to 252 in 2018. The number of civilian death decreased from 212 in 2014 to 23 in 2018.

109 security forces personnel died while 508 extremists were killed in the last 5 years.
NAGPUR: Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao on Tuesday hailed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling it one of the most secular and inclusive organisations.

The Governor made the statement while speaking at the inauguration of the New Academic Complex and a gurukulam named after late RSS sarsanghchalak Golwalkar guruji at Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya (KKSV) at Ramtek near Nagpur.

Rao praised the RSS for always respecting the right of individuals and remarked that journey of the Sangh has been spectacular as well as tough.

"The sapling planted by (RSS founder) Dr KB Hedgewar in the form of Sangh has grown into a large banyan tree having its branches all over the world," PTI quoted Rao as saying.

"This journey (of RSS) has been both spectacular and tough. The toughest challenge to the Sangh came soon after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, when it was banned by the government on February 4, 1948," he added.

According to Maharashtra Governor, Golwalkar played a crucial role and he was in jail when he urged the Indian to launch a nationwide satyagraha.

"'Guruji" challenged the government to prove the charges against the RSS or lift the ban, which was finally lifted on July 12, 1949 thanks to persistent efforts of Golwalkar," he said.

Rao further said, "contrary to what the opponents of the Sangh say, the RSS is one of the most secular and inclusive organisations. RSS has always respected the right of individuals to practice their own faith and religion".

(with PTI inputs)
RALEGAN SIDDHI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday met Gandhian social activist Anna Hazare at Ralegan Siddhi as the talks between Anna and the government representatives failed to yield any result on Monday

Fadnavis was accompanied by Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre.

It is to be noted that Anna Hazare has been on an indefinite hunger strike since January 30 demanding appointment of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayukta in Maharashtra.

Anna, 81, on Monday launched a direct attack against the BJP accusing it of betraying people who voted it to power in 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

On Monday, Bhamre and Maharashtra government minister Girish Mahajan met Anna and tried to convince him to break his fast which has now entered its seventh day.

After meeting the government representatives on Monday, Anna had said that the ministers had nothing concrete to offer. "This insincere attitude of the government is very disappointing," he told reporters.

"I will not call off my hunger strike till the government initiates concrete steps beyond hollow assurances," he added.

Anna had also warned that he would return his Padma Bhushan if Narendra Modi government at the Centre fails to fulfill its promises.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena has supported Anna Hazare, urging him to lead an agitation against corruption like socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan and .

"If this government does not fulfill its promises made to the country in the next few days, I will return my Padma Bhushan," he said on Sunday evening.

Hazare has lost 3.8 kg in the past five days and his blood pressure, blood sugar and creatinine level in the urine had gone up, a doctor said.

(With agency inputs)
WASHINGTON: Eyeing a greater pie in India's massive military modernisation, top American defence manufacturing company - Lockheed Martin - has said it has proposed a "game-changing" partnership with India.

"Lockheed Martin is committed to strategic, long-term international defense partnerships with India. India has a pressing need for advanced, scalable defense capabilities," Vivek Lall, vice president, Aeronautics Strategy and Business Development at Lockheed Martin said.

Lockheed Martin is "proposing game-changing defense partnerships that benefit multiple stakeholders" not only in India, but also in the US and beyond, he said.

"We believe our proposed partnerships with India fighter aircraft - for new fighter aircraft, helicopters and other platforms are ideally suited to not just meet, but exceed India's capability and defence-industrial needs in the near-term and well into the future," he said.

Lall asserted that the company had demonstrated this commitment by announcing last September that it will partner with Tata to produce F-16 wings in India for future customers.

"This landmark 'Make in India' partnership is a natural next step that builds on our successful partnerships with Tata on the C-130J airlifter and other premiere defence and aerospace platforms," he said.

"We're also engaging with numerous others in India, the US and beyond to unleash the power of partnership and Indian innovation. We're very excited about all of the potential we see in India," he said.

When asked about the status of 24 helicopters for the Indian Navy, Lall said the Indian government had issued a Letter of Request (LOR) for Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) to the US government for the acquisition of 24 MH-60R helicopters.

"The US Navy is preparing its response, which is expected to be delivered shortly. We are confident the MH-60R "Romeo" is the right aircraft for India's Navy as it provides a vital capability for the Navy in the Indo-Pacific region," he said.

Lockheed Martin is also planning to participate in the Indian Navy's move to acquire 111 utility helicopters. The S-76D helicopter is the right platform for the India Naval Utility Helicopter programme, he said.

"Combining the attributes of the S-76 helicopter family with today's latest technologies, the S-76D helicopter offers unrivaled levels of safety with experience gained through the S-76 family's more than 7.2 million fleet flight hours," Lall said.

"Reliable, powerful, available, proven and trusted, the S-76D aircraft is capable of performing diverse naval missions in some of the most challenging environments," he said in response to a question.
MANANTHAVADY: Former Congress Committee General Secretary of Wayanad district O M George on Tuesday surrendered before police after being booked for allegedly raping a 17-year-old tribal girl for nearly a year.

Talking to PTI, a police official said that George, who was absconding, surrendered on Tuesday and he was arrested.

A case against George was registered under IPC Section 376 (rape), the SC/ST Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on the complaint of the girl's parents against him.

In their complaint, the parents of the victim said that they used to work at the former Congress leader's house and the vicitm used to accompany them to George's house on some days. According to the victim's parents, George had threatened and blackmailed the girl several times. George was suspended from the Congress after the police booked him in connection with this case.

The girl's parents approached the police a week ago after they purportedly heard George threatening their daughter on phone. The girl's father also told in some TV interviews that her daughter tried to commit suicide by cutting her veins.

The parents got in touch with ChildLine and a case against Geroge was registered against him under the POCSO Act.

(with agency inputs)
New Delhi: Following the Supreme Court order in chit fund cases, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday asked the West Bengal government to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, officials said.

The Home Ministry has also recommended proceedings against Kumar for 'indisciplinary behaviour' and violation of all India service rules, they added.

The top court, earlier in the day, directed Kolkata Police chief to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Saradha cheat fund case. The SC said Kumar will appear before the investigating agency in the Meghalaya capital Shillong.

The apex court also said that no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata police chief, will take place during the course of the investigation.

A political firestorm raged in West Bengal on Sunday after Mamata Banerjee launched a sit-in protest against CBI's bid to question Kolkata police chief in the chit fund scam cases. She declared that her agitation was to save the "Constitution and country" and it would go on till the goal is achieved.

The failed attempt by the CBI to question the Kolkata Police Commissioner in connection with the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams became the latest flashpoint between the BJP-led Centre and Banerjee. The CBI, on the other hand, accused Kumar of destroying evidence related to the fraud cases.

A CBI team was bodily prevented from entering the residence of Kumar by Kolkata police personnel, bundled into vehicles, and detained. Contingents of West Bengal police also descended on CBI premises in the city, as a furious Banerjee rushed to Kumar's residence before beginning a dharna opposite Metro Cinema.

(With inputs from agencies)
New Delhi: Indians can now travel to Iraq, said New Delhi in a revised travel advisory for the Middle Eastern nation on Tuesday. It, however, cautioned visitors to avoid five provinces which are still affected by terrorism and violence.

"With improvement in security situation in Iraq, Indian nationals may now consider travelling to the country except to the five Provinces of Iraq, namely Nineveh (capital Mosul); Salahuddin (capital Tikrit); Diyala (capital Baquba); Anbar (capital Ramadi) and Kirkuk," the advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The relaxation will come into effect immediately.

The MEA also urged Indians planning to travel to Iraq for employment to register on e-Migrate portal of the Government of India and inform the Indian Embassy of India in Baghdad or the Indian Consulate General in Erbil prior.

When the Islamic State (IS) took over parts of Iraq in 2014, thousands of Indian nationals from the evacuated from the country. On June 15, 2014, India had issued travel advisory asking its citizens to leave the country and avoid all travel to the country.

Thirty-nine Indians were kidnapped by Islamic State in Mosul, Iraq in that year. They were later confirmed dead by New Delhi in 2018.

Around 10,000- 12,000 Indians currently live in Iraq, concentrated mostly in Kurdistan, Basra, Najaf and Karbala. Nearly 30,000 to 40,000 Indians visit Baghdad, Karbala, Najaf and Samarrah for pilgrimage annually.
by Manish Shukla and Siddhant Sibal

NEW DELHI: India will soon send the draft proposal of Kartarpur corridor to Pakistan. The decision was taken a high-level meeting on Tuesday at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

This major inter-agency coordination meeting was chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and attended by Punjab Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh, Border Security Force DG RK Misra, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria and senior officers of other agencies.

The meeting discussed ways to fast-track the implementation of the Kartarpur Corridor Project and deliberated on land acquisition for the highway and Integrated Check Post (ICP), sources told Zee Media.

Preliminary notification for land acquisition for the highway has already been issued. The notification to acquire land for the corridor is likely to be issued on Wednesday, sources added.

The Punjab Government has assured that the land will be made available for both the projects by mid-March.

Meanwhile, possession of the land to begin preliminary work will be made available to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI). A detailed plan outlining the same is expected to be finalised within the next few days.

Coordinates of zero point have been communicated to Pakistan, senior officials were informed during the course of the meet.

Briefing the reporters after the meeting Punjab chief secretary Karan Avtar Singh said," All concerned GOI stakeholders and Indian high commissioner Ajay Bisaria attended the meeting. We discussed on aspects of the agreement that we want to finalise with Pakistan. We are hopeful that we will send the draft proposal to Pakistan and complete legal modalities within a month."

"Land acquisition work is in progress. This involves 4 stages, we are in the second stage as of now. We are hopeful that in a month and a half we will complete this process," he added.

The first top-level meet on the corridor took place on January 15.

India on November 22 shared coordinates of the Zero Point (Crossing point) of the corridor along the International Border with Pakistan. New Delhi has also invited a Pakistani delegation to India to discuss and finalise the modalities of the corridor and suggested two sets of dates  February 26 and March 7, 2019. Pakistan is yet to respond to it.

Bisaria had earlier told ZeeMedia that India and Pakistan are in contact with each other on the issue of Kartarpur Corridor and hope that the Kartarpur Corridor will be functional by 2019.

Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev lived at the location of Kartarpur Gurudwara in Pakistan for 18 years.

India last year approved the building of the corridor on the Indian side so that pilgrims can easily visit the Holy Gurudwara to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev this year. Pakistan later announced that it will also build a corridor on its side of the border from the holy Gurudwara till the international border.

India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26, 2018, while Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on 28th November on its side of the border.
NEW DELHI: Hours after the Supreme Court (SC) pulled up the Centre for not taking NRC process seriously, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday asserted that the Centre is committed to complete the NRC process within the stipulated time.

The Home Minister remarked that the government will ensure that no foreigner is included in the NRC list and not a single Indian citizen is excluded from the list.

Rajnath told PTI that his ministry is committed to ensure that the National Register of Citizens, a list of residents in Assam, is completed with fairness. He added that the Centre has provided all necessary assistance to the Assam government for this purpose.

"Our government is committed to complete the update of NRC within the stipulated time so that no foreigner is included in it and no Indian is left out," he told PTI.

Earlier on Tuesday, the top court had slammed the Home Ministry saying it was trying to stop the work releted to the Assam National Register of Citizens (NRC). The top court said that the MHA doesn't want the NRC to carry on and hence, every time it comes up with different stories to destroy this process.

The SC also criticised Home Ministry for its plea seeking to stall the NRC work for two weeks keeping in mind the role of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the election duty.

An SC bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi reiterated that July 31 deadline for the completion of NRC exercise will not be extended. The bench also said that it seems the entire effort of the MHA is to destroy the NRC process.
CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday wrote to his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal expressing serious concern over the release of "highly polluted" water into the Yamuna river and Gurugram canal.

He urged Kejriwal to direct all the departments concerned of Delhi government to ensure that no untreated or partially treated effluent is released into the river and the canal.

In the letter, Khattar said Yamuna enters Delhi at Palla in Sonipat district and then again near Okhla Head in Basantpur village in Faridabad district. It travels at a stretch of 52 kms in the NCT of Delhi.

"During this course, more than 60 drains having partially treated or untreated effluent of industrial or domestic sources, outfall into it. This causes severe pollution of the river before its re-entry into Haryana," he wrote in the letter.

According to an official release, Khattar highlighted that Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in the river at Basantpur village during July-December, 2018 has ranged from 45-46 milligram per litre against the permissible limit of 3.0 milligram per litre.

The BOD in Gurugram canal, the only major source of irrigation water for the Mewat area, ranged from 32-45 milligram per litre during the same period. This, Khattar said, is a matter of grave concern as the release of highly polluted water into the river and the canal severely affects the health of a large number of families of Gurugram, Faridabad, Palwal and Nuh districts.

Besides, it also badly impacts agricultural productivity of the farmers of these districts, he wrote.

"Hence, there is a dire need for the Delhi government to treat the effluent and to ensure that only fully treated sewage is released into the river Yamuna," Khattar asserted.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday met the families of the two pilots who died in the Indian Air Force plane crash on February 1. Squadron Leader Samir Abrol and Squadron Leader Siddhartha Negi had lost their lives after Mirage-2000 trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Airport in Bengaluru.

Though the pilots made a bid to eject, they were caught in the flames as the plane crashed with a huge explosion. The body of one the pilots was completely charred while the second pilot was rushed to the Command hospital.

The Defence Minister met Squadron Leader Negi's family in Dehradun and Squadron Leader Abrol's family in Ghaziabad.

Smt @nsitharaman interacts with the family members of martyred officer Squadron Leader Siddhartha Negi. pic.twitter.com/oSFmRoemxy  Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) February 5, 2019

An eye-witness said the plane went up in flames as it crashed with an explosion and thick smoke billowed from the spot, leaving passersby and residents living around the airport in a shock.

Soon firefighters and ground staff at the airport swung into action to douse the flames and tried to bring out the pilots.

Squadron Leader Negi was cremated on Saturday morning in Bengaluru with full military honours by the air force in the presence of his family, including his widow. His senior colleage Squadron Leader Abrol's body was taken to Ghaziabad where his last rites were held with full state honours.

Smt @nsitharaman pays respect to martyred officer Squadron Leader Samir Abrol and meets his family at Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/T85uJppMnx  Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) February 5, 2019

Squadron leaders Samir Abrol and Siddharth Negi who died in the crash were test pilots from the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE). They were to test the recently upgraded aircraft before its induction into IAF.

The crash of Mirage 2000 jet in Bengaluru has brought Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the lens as the aircraft was on an acceptance sortie after being upgraded at the state-run aircraft production facility.

This is the second crash of HAL-handled aircraft after a Jaguar came down near Khushinagar in Uttar Pradesh four days before this accident.

This is not the first time that an IAF fighter jet has crashed while being tested at a HAL facility. In July 2018, an Su-30 had crashed in Nashik where the Russian-made aircraft is produced by HAL for the IAF.

The Mirage fleet of the IAF comprising 51 aircraft is being upgraded to Mirage 2000-5 version under a $2.1 billion deal with French aircraft maker Dassault and other partners.

(With IANS inputs)
The BJP on Tuesday hailed the Supreme Court order, directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to make himself available before the CBI, as a blow to the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal and a moral victory for the investigating agency.

The apex court directed Kumar to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) agency in connection with the Saradha cheat fund case. The SC said Kumar will appear before the agency in the Meghalaya capital Shillong. The court also said no coercive steps, including the arrest of the Kolkata police chief, will take place during the course of the investigation.

Speaking after the verdict Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the matter shouldn't be politicised and slammed the state government. He called it a great moral victory for the CBI.

Asserting that lakhs of small investors were cheated and looted off their money, Prasad asked if it is not a moral obligation to initiate an investigation. He questioned CM Banerjee's silence on the matter. He reiterated that the investigation must be done in a fair manner. The Kolkata police commissioner will appear before the CBI in Shillong as the environment is not conducive in West Bengal, Prasad said.

"Today we've to ask larger questions on behalf of the party. Lakhs of small investors were cheated and looted off their money. Is it not our moral obligation for an investigation? Why is Mamata ji silent on this? Why are the other political parties silent on this? This order was given by SC to investigate the conspiracy angle & also money laundering angle. This investigation must be done in a fair manner. Let's not politicise it. This is a great moral victory for CBI," said Prasad.

BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya thanked the Supreme Court for directing Kumar to appear before the CBI, saying it was a "victory of democracy" and demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "The SC verdict is a victory of democracy. Mamata Banerjee should immediately tender resignation," said Vijayvergiya. "Mamata Banerjee is on dharna to stop CBI from questioning a police officer. The people of this country would have loved to see Banerjee holding dharna to return the money of chit fund investors," Vijayvargiya said.

Calling Mamata Banerjee delusional, BJP leader Babul Supriyo said, "Mamtaji is delusional, claiming victory. When did CBI say that they went 2 arrest Rajiv Kumar? She was BLOCKING the probe by instructing Rajiv to not cooperate in the CBI probe!! Supreme Court has ORDERED him to present himself before CBI, something he didnt do for 3yearsPeriod."

The Mamata Banerjee-led government in the state and BJP are at loggerheads after the CBI tried to question Kolkata's police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee has been on a 'dharna' since Sunday night over the CBI's attempts to interrogate the police chief.
WASHINGTON: The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday said that according to US government, 129 Indian nationals had been administratively arrested as on January 31 for getting themselves enrolled at a fake university. According to the MEA, the Indian officials have obtained consular access to the 117 of the arrested students and efforts are on to get consular access for the remaining students.

MEA: Consular access to the remaining students, estimated at about a dozen, are continuing, including through the 24/7 helpline set up by the Embassy and outreach to the community. (2/2) https://t.co/0JXQGLgJmH  ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019

Meanwhile, the US State Department has said that all 129 Indians students knew that they were committing a crime to remain illegally in the US by enrolling themselves in a fake university.

The students were arrested by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) last week for enrolling at the University of Farmington in order to remain in the US, PTI reported.

The investigating unit of DHS had set up the fake university in Greater Detroit area to expose the "pay-and-stay" racket.

"All participants in this scheme knew that the University of Farmington had no instructors or classes (neither on-line nor in-person) and were aware they were committing a crime in an attempt to fraudulently remain in the United States," a State Department spokesperson said in a statement on Monday.

It may be recalled that India had issued a demarche to the American Embassy in New Delhi on Saturday, expressing its concern over the detention of Indian students. The Indian government had also sought immediate consular access to all the detained students.

(with agency inputs)
The shortlist for the 2019 International Prize for Arabic Fiction, known as the Arabic Booker, was announced on Tuesday and include the Egyptian Adel Esmat, Lebanese Hoda Barakat, Iraqi Inaam Kachachi, Moroccan Mohammed Al-Maazuz, Syrian Shahla Ujayli and Jordanian Kafa Al-Zoubi.

Each of the six shortlisted authors will receive $10,000.

The books were revealed by the judging panel during a press conference held at the Palestinian National Theatre  El-Hakawati  in Jerusalem. The judges, who were unable to travel to Jerusalem, joined via video conference.

Each year, the shortlist is announced in a different centre of Arabic writing, and for 2019 the trustees of the prize chose Jerusalem, along with Ramallah and Bethlehem, for a series of events in recognition of the flourishing Palestinian literary scene. The Booker Prize has awarded a number of Palestinian writers over the years, including Ibrahim Nasrallah and Rabai Al-Mahdoun.

Three female authors who have previously been recognised by the Booker Prize made the 2019 list, including Inaam Kachachi (shortlisted for The American Granddaughter in 2009 and again in 2014 for Tashari); Shahla Ujayli, the youngest on the list (a participant in the prizes Nadwa in 2014 and shortlisted for A Sky Close to Our House in 2016); and Lebanese Hoda Barakat (long-listed for The Kingdom of the Earth in 2013).

These three authors are competing to win the $50,000 prize along with acclaimed Egyptian novelist Adel Esmat, whose 2015 award-winning Tales of Yusrus is already available to read in English; Moroccan political anthropologist Mohammed Al-Maazuz, who reaches the list with his second novel; and Jordanian writer Kafa Al-Zoubi, who is shortlisted with her fifth novel. With four women shortlisted, this year has the highest number of women since the prize began in 2008 (there were two women in 2011, 2015 and 2018).

The 2019 shortlist, with author names listed in alphabetical order, is as follows:

Author Title Country of origin Publisher Hoda Barakat The Night Mail Lebanon Dar Al-Adab Adel Esmat The Commandments Egypt Kotob Khan Inaam Kachachi The Outcast Iraq Dar Al-Jadid Mohammed Al-Maazuz What Sin Caused her to Die? Morocco Cultural Book Centre Shahla Ujayli Summer with the Enemy Syria Difaf Publishing Kafa Al-Zoubi Cold White Sun Jordan Dar Al-Adab

Charafdin Majdolin, chair of the 2019 judging panel, said that the six chosen novels are very different in their subject matter, styles and aesthetic choices. They can be described as novels about family, memory, disappointment, exile and migration, and they reflect varied local environments, coming as they do from different Arabic countries. These novels convey deep, mature and powerful visions of the current Arab reality, while also employing brilliant narrative forms that will resonate with readers and professional critics alike.

This years six shortlisted novels, selected from a long-list of 16 and published in Arabic between July 2017 and June 2018, showcase the best of contemporary Arabic fiction, exploring issues of belonging, societal changes over generations of Arab families, and the ongoing battle against the fundamental flaws of human nature.

The Night Mail tells the stories of immigrants, exiled and homeless, who have each written a letter that is now lost like themselves.

The Outcast is based on a true story and spans the history of modern Iraq, tracking the life of a female journalist forced to flee her country.

Cold White Sun reveals the alienation of a young intellectual Jordanian man from conservative society in Amman.

In Summer with the Enemy, we learn about three generations of Syrian women in Raqqa through the recounting of a historical courtship.

The Commandments follows an Egyptian family and the life lessons passed down from grandfather to grandson to help him avoid temptations.

What Sin Caused her to Die? shares the story of a divorcee who tries to use the beauty of philosophy and music to resist her depression.

Alongside chair Majdolin, who is a Moroccan critic and academic specialising in aesthetics, verbal and visual narratives and comparative studies, this years judging panel features Fowziyah Abu Khalid, a Saudi Arabian poet, writer, academic and researcher in social and political issues; Zulaikha Aburisha, a Jordanian poet, columnist, researcher and human and womens rights activist; Zhang Hong Yi, a Chinese academic, translator and researcher; and Latif Zeitouni, a Lebanese academic and literary critic with a specialisation in narratology.

The winner of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction 2019 will be announced at a ceremony in Fairmont Bab Al-Bahr in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday 23 April, the eve of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Last years winner was The Second War of the Dog by Ibrahim Nasrallah.

The International Prize for Arabic Fiction is an annual literary prize for prose fiction in Arabic. It is sponsored by the Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and is run with the support of the Booker Prize Foundation in London.

Short link:


After one of Air India's passengers found a cockroach in the food served aboard a Bhopal-Mumbai flight, the airline apologised and said it has initiated "corrective action internally".

"We sincerely apologise for the incident where our valued pax (passenger) had a disappointing experience with the meal served on board our Bhopal-Mumbai flight. Air India always endeavours to ensure our pax enjoy our services," it issued a statement on Monday on Twitter.

Rohit Raj Singh Chauhan, who was on the Air India plane heading to Mumbai from Bhopal, tweeted on Saturday he was served idli-vada-sambar during the flight and it had a cockroach in it. He also posted a picture of the food served where a cockroach could be seen.

"We have taken serious note of the incident and immediately issued a strong notice to the caterer concerned. Air India has zero-tolerance policy in this respect and has initiated corrective action internally. Our senior officials are in touch with the aggrieved passenger," the airline tweeted.

On February 2, an Air India (AI) passenger had found a cockroach in his breakfast onboard a flight. The unpalatable incident was faced by Rohit Raj Singh Chauhan onboard flight AI-634 flying from Bhopal to Mumbai. The crew members had started serving breakfast to the passengers and after Chauhan opened his meal kit he found a dead cockroach in the food.

In what can only be imagined a horrific and unpleasant experience, an Air India (AI) passenger on Saturday found a cockroach in his breakfast onboard a flight.

The unpalatable incident was faced by Rohit Raj Singh Chauhan onboard flight AI-634 flying from Bhopal to Mumbai on Saturday morning.

The crew members had started serving breakfast to the passengers and after Chauhan opened his meal kit he found a dead cockroach in the food.

Disgusted and furious, Chauhan sought to complain about the incident to the crew members but they ignored his complaint and went ahead to serve breakfast to other passengers, said Chauhan.

Chauhan who was travelling in seat 11A, later wrote a complaint and took the signatures of the crew members.

In a feedback letter, the crew wrote, "Passenger of seat 11A, Mr. ____ found dead cockroach in his meal and was very furious. He complained bitterly about the catering and the airline as to how the meals are not securely checked before being served to the passengers. He would be putting it on social media. Crew apologised for the same."

However, Chauhan said that the airline management did not take any action into this incident.

Incidentally, the food gets loaded from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA).

This is however not the first incident for Air India where a passenger found a cockroach. Earlier in December 2017, a female passenger while eating her food at the VIP lounge of Air India at Delhi airport found a cockroach on her food plate.

The passenger later took to Twitter to complain about the same, forcing the airline to tender an apology.
SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh continued to reel under intense cold wave conditions with the India Metereological Department on Tuesday issuing a fresh avalanche and heavy snow warning in parts of the state.

Heavy rainfall/snowfall would occur at a few places over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on 6 & 7 February. Thunderstorm accompanied with isolated hailstorm is very likely in these states, said the Met department in a statement.

Heavy snowfall is likely to occur at isolated places in districts Kullu, Chamba, Lahaul and Spiti, Shimla, Kangra and Kinnaur on Wednesday and Thursday, said the weather department. Heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated places over mid and lower parts of the state/

The Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment, Manali, and Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority also issued an avalanche warning in several parts of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, Kinnaur & Kullu districts on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Residents and tourists have been advised not to venture out on the high hills as chances of snapping of road links were high.

The western disturbances -- storm systems originating from Caspian Sea and moving across the Afghanistan-Pakistan region -- will be active in the region till Thursday, said Met Office Director Manmohan Singh.

"Due to moderate to heavy snowfall, roads are likely to be blocked, especially in Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti districts," Singh said.

Most of the prominent tourist towns like Shimla, Narkanda, Kufri, Manali and Dalhousie, located in mid-hills, may also witness snowfall.

Both Shimla and Manali, about 250-km from here, which is wrapped under a blanket of snow, on Tuesday saw the night temperature at 5.8 degrees Celsius each.

Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district was the coldest place in the state at minus 11 degrees Celsius.

It was minus 4.2 degrees in Kalpa and 3.8 degrees in Dharamsala.

With agency inputs
PARIS: At least seven people died due to a devastating fire at an eight-story building in the French capital of Paris, said reports citing city's fire service on Tuesday.

The devastating fire took place in a wealthy Paris neighbourhood this morning.

The blaze left 28 people, including two firefighters, with minor injuries, news agency ANI reported quoting Associated Press.

Some of those affected by fire jumped on nearby roofs to escape the smoke and flames and pleaded for help, said eye-witnesses.

Efforts are underway to rescue them.

The fire-hit building is close to several landmarks including the Trocadero overlooking the Eiffel Tower, Paris Saint-Germains home stadium the Parc des Princes, the picturesque Bois de Bologne and an array of upmarket shops and restaurants.

The area is also frequented by a large number of tourists.

According to the Paris Fire Service, around 200 firefighters are at the spot, battling the blaze and treating the injured.

The devastating fire is said to have spread fast and engulfed other nearby buildings.

It may take a few hours to douse the fire completely.
New Delhi: Under the government's 'Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik' (UDAN) scheme, travellers may soon get to fly to Andaman via seaplanes, sources told Zee Media.

Sources said that the government will come up with fresh bidding for expansion of the UDAN 3.5. Government will invite bids for new routes under this.The new routes under this phase of UDAN will connect Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, some regions of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and north-east.

Government has already awarded 235 routes under its ambitious regional connectivity scheme that will also connect 16 unserved airports and six water aerodromes. Under its approval were Seaplanes that will fly on 18 air routes.

At present, flights are operating in around 155 UDAN routes. As per the ministry, 13 lakh seats were created in the first round of and and 29 lakh seats in the second round.

UDAN, which commenced in April 2017, is a regional airport development and Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) aimed at making air travel affordable. Under the scheme, 50 percent seats in aeroplanes are offered at concessional rates to passengers.
New Delhi: State Bank of India has come out with the SBI - Predict for Bank 2019 hackathon contest, wherein winners can get prize money of upto Rs 5 lakh.

Important dates to remember

The Hackathon will be conducted in 2 phases spanning over 5 weeks:

Ideathon Phase  Idea Submission: Between January 24  February 07

Hackathon Phase - Prototype Development: February 12  March 05

Prize Money

Rs 5 Lakh for 1st prize winner

Rs 4 Lakh for 2nd price winner

Registration details:

You can click this link to register yourself for the hackathon.



Under the contest, each participant will have to provide idea with process flow on how to develop a predictive analytics model that will most accurately foresee and predict corporate customer loan default using the publicly available data (e.g. news, blogs, forums, websites, court/arbitration center judgements, social media, stock exchanges, SEBI, rating agencies etc), SBI said.

Each shortlisted team will be given with 20 names of SBI Corporate Customers (chosen randomly) in the Hackathon Phase and the team will have to give the probability of default over next 6 months of these customers using publicly available data.

Participants whose predictions come closest to the truest i.e. best correlated with real timeframe of 6 months will be awarded. The analytical models can then be used in the bak for generating Early Warning Signals. Hence, the winners will be declared 6 months after the submission of Hackathon Phase Model/Prototype.
New Delhi: Moody's Investors Service Tuesday downgraded the credit rating of telecom operator Bharti Airtel and the backed senior unsecured notes issued by the telco's Africa arm on account of uncertainty around the company's profitability, cash flow situations and debt levels.

"Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") has downgraded to Ba1 from Baa3 the senior unsecured rating for Bharti Airtel Ltd. (Bharti) as well as the backed senior unsecured notes issued by Bharti's wholly-owned subsidiary, Bharti Airtel Int'l (Netherlands) B.V.," the agency said in statement.

Credit ratings reflect the company's calibre to repay debt and raise funds. Ratings range between Aaa, which means best, to lowest category C. Ba1 rating means obligations are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk, but have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

"At the same time, Moody's has assigned a Ba1 corporate family rating (CFR) to Bharti and withdrawn the company's Baa3 issuer rating. The ratings outlook is negative," Moody's report said.

The negative outlook indicates possibility of further downgrade of rating.

"The downgrade reflects uncertainty as to whether or not the company's profitability, cash flow situation and debt levels can improve sustainably and materially, given the competitive dynamics in the Indian telco market," Moody's Vice President and Senior Credit Officer, Annalisa DiChiara said.

The report said that Bharti Airtel reported EBITDA (cash flow indicator) of Rs 26,500 crore for the 12 months ending December 31, representing a 15.5 per cent year over-year contraction and the profitability of its core Indian mobile segment -- which contributes around 37 per cent of EBITDA - remained low, generating just Rs 9,800 crore over the same period.

Bharti Airtel, last week, reported a 72 per cent drop in consolidated net income for the three months ended December 2018 at about Rs 86 crore, amid market turbulence triggered by cut-throat competition in India business.

Change in accounting structure with respect to Airtel Payments Bank brought an exceptional gain of Rs 1,017 crore for Bharti Airtel and bolstered the company's financials.

"After accounting for gain of Rs 1,017 crore towards exceptional items (net of tax), the resultant net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, came in at Rs 86.2 crore," Airtel said in a statement.

Its net income stood at Rs 306 crore in the same period of the previous year.

While rival Reliance Jio posted a 22 per cent rise in profit at Rs 831 crore on a year-on-year basis in the home turf, Airtel's losses from India operations (before exceptional items) stood at Rs 971.9 crore, compared to a net income of Rs 373.5 crore in the year ago period. Among telecom service business arm, only Airtel Africa recorded increase in the profit.
New Delhi: The government Monday submitted the debt resolution plan for crisis-hit IL&FS to the NCLAT and also suggested the name of retired Supreme Court judge Justice D K Jain to supervise the entire process.

The entire resolution process would be based on the principles enunciated in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

Under the plan, the government has categorised IL&FS group companies into green, amber and red based on their respective financial positions.

The corporate affairs ministry has fixed September 30, 2018 as the cut-off date for entertaining the claims submitted by the lenders. On October 1 last year, a newly appointed board took over the reins of IL&FS.

"During the conduct of the resolution process of the IL&FS group, payments will be permitted only to maintain and preserve the going concern status of the companies of the IL&FS group," the ministry said in its affidavit detailing the resolution plan.

According to the ministry, it would maintain the waterfall system during asset monetisation, wherein the seniority of lenders would be maintained as is done under the IBC.

"The distribution of the sale proceeds would be in accordance with the waterfall mechanism specified under section 53 of the IBC," it added.

Under Section 53 of IBC, senior secured creditors loans are cleared first and any surplus that remains thereafter is given to unsecured or subordinated creditors and thereafter to the equity owners.

"... We allow the counsels for Union of India and IL&FS to contact Justice (Retd) D K Jain, for consent and to discuss the terms and conditions of engagement including monthly fee, travelling expenses, allowance etc," the two-member NCLAT bench said.

According to the resolution plan, a suitable eligibility criteria will be stipulated, approved by the newly appointed directors and then expression of interests will be invited for the same.

It further added that upon receipt of the recommendations, a successful bidder would be declared, who will deposit the earnest money.

Upon declaration of the successful bidder, documentation of the sale will be completed and the forwarded to National Company Law Tribunal for the final approval.

According to the affidavit filed before the NCLAT, the classification of the IL&FS group companies is "based on a 12 month cash flow based solvency test".

Companies falling in the green categories are the entities, which will continue to meet their payment obligation.

While companies falling in amber category are those who are not able to meet their obligations but can meet only operational payment obligations to senior secured financial creditors.

Amber category entities "are permitted to make only payments necessary to maintain and preserve the going concern".

"Companies falling in the red category are the entities which can not meet their payment obligations towards even senior secured financial creditors," it said, adding that these companies would be permitted to make payment necessary to maintain and preserve the going concern status.

Over the cut-off date, it said: "Financial, operational and statutory claims and liabilities as of September 30 (Cut-Off-Date) will be invited... The Cut-off date has been kept as September 30 since the newly appointed directed were appointed by the NCLT on October 1, 2018".
New Delhi: Actor Varun Dhawan had a successful year in 2018. His films  'Sui Dhaaga' and 'October' brought him critical acclaims and proved his acting prowess. The handsome hunk recently wrapped up the shoot of Abhishek Varman's period-drama 'Kalank' and is currently busy with Remo D'Souza's upcoming dance film 'Street Dancer'.

Earlier, a DNA report has claimed that David Dhawan, who has been keen to make a remake of Govinda and Karisma Kapoor's hit 1995 release 'Coolie No. 1', had approached his son Varun with the idea and got his nod. Reports further claimed that actress Alia Bhatt, who has given a number of hits with Varun, was being considered to play his love interest in the film.

The report said that Varun along with his father and filmmaker David Dhawan and brother Rohit is all set to set a production house and their maiden production venture will be the remake of David's 1995 film 'Coolie No 1'.

Now, as per latest reports, Varun, who is all set to fly to London for the next schedule of 'Street Dancer', will reportedly kickstart shooting for the 'Coolie No 1' remake from mid-November this year.

Directed by David Dhawan, 'Coolie No 1', the film featured Govinda, Karisma Kapoor, Shakti Kapoor, Kadar Khan and Sadashiv Amrapurkar. It was one of the first successful movies of Karisma Kapoor. The film itself was the remake of the 1991 Telugu film, 'Coolie No. 1'.

The music of 'Coolie No. 1' was a rage when it released. Although the producer of Tips films Vashu Bhagnani and David believed that the song 'Husn Hain Suhana'', rendered by Abhijeet and Chandana Dixit would be the selling factor of the album. But it was the song 'Main To Raste Se Ja Raha Tha' that did the trick.

Apart from this, Varun is also reported to team up again with Shashank Khaitan for an action flick.

On the work front, Varun will next be seen in Abhishek Varman's period-drama 'Kalank'. The multi-starrer flick also features Alia Bhatt, Sonakshi Sinha, Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt in the lead role. The film is slated to hit the theatres on April 19, 2019.
New Delhi: The makers of 'Total Dhamaal' have released the second song from the film and it is a remake of popular 70s number 'Mungda' from the film Inkaar (1978). The song features Sonakshi Sinha who sizzles on the remake of hit classic Helen item number. The song also features film lead actor Ajay Devgn.

The song has been sung by Jyotica Tangri, Shaan, and Subhro Ganguly and is re-arranged by Gourov-Roshin with additional lyrics penned by Kunwar Juneja.

The original version had Helen grooving on the Marathi song, dressed up as a typical local girl, in a desi bar set up, whereas the recreated version has been much glamorised and has Sonakshi shaking her legs in glittery outfits. Notably, the first song in the film, 'Paisa Yeh Paisa', was also a remake of a hit oldie from the past. However, both the songs from the film have failed to impress the audience and are barely passable.

Watch the song below:

Earlier this month, posters and first official trailer of the film was released by the makers, which left the audience in splits.

The movie promise to be packed with several comic punches. The best part is the ensemble star cast and some amazing dialogues.

'Total Dhamaal' is a sequel to 2011 hit venture 'Double Dhamaal'. It happens to be the third part of the 'Dhamaal' series. The movie has an ensemble star cast with the likes of Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffrey, Madhuri Dixit, Esha Gupta and Anil Kapoor in the lead roles.

The film is scheduled to hit the screens on February 22, 2019.

It is after a long hiatus that the audiences will get to see the magical Jodi of Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit together on the silver screens.
New Delhi: Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor impressed the audience with their sizzling dance moves in Remo D'Souza's 'ABCD 2'. And they are all set to woe the viewers again with their magnetic-killer performance with another dance film, titled 'Street Dancer'.

The film touted as the biggest dance film ever in 3D and is believed to be the prequel to the 'ABCD' franchise.

Both Varun and Shraddha recently wrapped up the first schedule of the film in London, after which the makers dropped a look of Varun from the film on social media, which went viral in no time.

And now, on Tuesday, both Varun and Shraddha took to their respective Twitter handle to drop solo posters from the film. Shraddha captioned the poster writing, "Dance like everyone's watching.#StreetDancer3D, this November 8th."

Varun, on the other hand, captioned the post, writing, "Mera Kaam hai jeet jeet jeet. Mera .imaan hai jeet jeet jeet. Par saala haraam bhi hai jeet jeet jeet! #StreetDancer3D, this November 8th."

He also shared Shraddha's look from the film with a funny caption that read, "Coming to unite the streets. Back with my chirkut#StreetDancer3D bring your team cause I dance to win ."

This is the second time Varun and Shraddha are teaming up for the franchise.

The team of 'ABCD 3' is expected to fly to the United Kingdom on February 10, where the major chunk of the film will be shot.

'ABCD 3' will be directed by Remo D'Souza, who has helmed both 'ABCD' films and also directed critically-lambasted 'Race 3' starring Salman Khan. The film stars Shraddha Kapoor, Nora Fatehi, Sonam Bajwa, Shakti Mohan, Vartika Jha, Dharmesh Yelande, Punit Pathak and Raghav Juyal in key roles. The film will also feature Prabhu Deva.

Recently a Mumbai Mirror claimed that in the film, Nora and Shraddha will be a part of an intense face-off in a street dance form that will be shot extensively in London. And the actors have been rehearsing for their part rigorously. The sequence will play an important part of the story.

'ABCD 3' is co-produced by T-Series honcho Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar and Lizelle DSouza and will be shot in 3D and converted to 4DX later. It is touted as the biggest dance film ever in 3D.
New Delhi: The audiences should gear up to watch yet another multistarrer. Veteran actor Anil Kapoor and John Abraham will be seen together in 'Pagalpanti', a film to be helmed by Anees Bazmee.

Noted film critic Taran Adarsh took to Twitter and shared the news with fans. He wrote: Anil Kapoor, John Abraham, Ileana D'Cruz, Arshad Warsi, Pulkit Samrat, Kriti Kharbanda, Urvashi Rautela, Saurabh Shukla in #Pagalpanti... Directed by Anees Bazmee... Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Kumar Mangat and Abhishek Pathak... Starts 17 Feb... 6 Dec 2019 release.

Anil Kapoor, John Abraham, Ileana D'Cruz, Arshad Warsi, Pulkit Samrat, Kriti Kharbanda, Urvashi Rautela, Saurabh Shukla in #Pagalpanti... Directed by Anees Bazmee... Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Kumar Mangat and Abhishek Pathak... Starts 17 Feb... 6 Dec 2019 release. pic.twitter.com/nr9dR6h0c6  taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) February 5, 2019

'Pagalpanti' has an ensemble star cast with the likes of Anil Kapoor, John Abraham, Ileana D'Cruz, Arshad Warsi, Pulkit Samrat, Kriti Kharbanda, Urvashi Rautela and Saurabh Shukla playing pivotal parts.

The movie is bankrolled by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Kumar Mangat and Abhishek Pathak. It will go on floors on Feb 17, 2019 and will hit the screens on December 6 the same year.

It is touted to be a comedy-drama with a full loaded star cast.

The movie will clash with Arjun Kapoor's period drama 'Panipat' which is helmed by Ashutosh Gowariker.
(Note: This column is the first of a two-part series on the relationship between the Central and state governments and courts on the one hand, and Hindu temples and their traditions on the other. The two-part series is written in the context of the ongoing controversy surrounding the entry of women into the Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala.)

Part II - Battle over Sabarimala is purely political, not about religion, gender equality or culture

Part I - Hindu Dharma and its temple traditions

In the following article I hope to put the Sabarimala issue into the proper perspective. Few people today understand Hindu Dharma. This is particularly true of those in the western world but also many Indians today, particularly those who have a western or Christian education. Hinduism is as vast and many sided as is India. No simple judgements or stereotypes can work to limit or define its diversity. Using western political, social or religious concepts to judge Hindu practices can be misleading. The Sabarimala issue is a good example of how Hindu Dharma easily gets distorted in the modern political media context, just as ancient Hindu temples cannot be understood according to modern cultural norms. We will begin with an examination of the broader issues involved.

Hindu Dharma

Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world and the third largest with more than a billion followers worldwide. This is a great accomplishment, as Hindus have never engaged in any forced conversion or promoted any exclusive claim to truth. On the contrary, they have faced centuries of determined efforts to convert them and yet have best survived among the dharmic traditions of humanity that include Buddhism and Jainism.

Hindu Dharma is arguably the most profound diverse of all religions and with the most extensive literature of spiritual practices, Yoga, meditation and Self-realization. Hinduism contains every form of worship from every type of image, human and naturalistic, geometrical yantras, symbols like the Shiva linga, the sacred fire, and every sort of formless approach to the deity, ultimately as the Absolute beyond time, space and karma.

As such, Hinduism is very different from Christianity and Islam, which are defined relative to a single book or scripture, final prophet or savior, exclusive monotheistic formulation of deity, and follow a motivation to make the entire world follow their belief. This makes Hindu Dharma hard for people from Abrahamic backgrounds to appreciate, and may cause them to look down upon Hindu practices and see them in a superficial light as polytheistic or primitive, in spite of the sophistication of Hindu philosophy. It makes it difficult for atheists and Marxists to respect, as it is from another world view altogether than western political materialism.

Hindus have many gurus, avatars, formulations of deity, male or female, many books, practices, rituals and festivals - almost innumerable it seems. This reflects an abundance of spiritual experience, not a lack of coherence in understanding the Divine, which is revealed in the Hindu understanding of higher states of consciousness.

Hindu temples

Hindu worship is as abundant and variable as Hindu Dharma itself. Hindus have every sort of shrine, temple and sacred site and are not limited to formal churches or fixed places of worship. These include puja rooms in the house, family temples, village temples, regional temples and major sites for all Hindus - much like the diversity of deity forms Hindu worship. These can include massive temple complexes like those of Tamil Nadu or sites defined by nature like Ma Ganga and mountains like Mount Kailas, extending to entire sacred cities like Varanasi.

Hindu temples may honor several deity forms, with one made most important perhaps but not exclusive. Temples have different festivals or holy days, different types of worship and rituals. Each deity form has his or her own name, depiction and iconography, story or history, unique practices or special community of people or followers that it is addressed to. Devotees are encouraged to adopt a particular deity form or Ishta Devata and perform special forms of worship accordingly that may be specific to a particular temple or deity tradition. To enter the temple may require following different types of vows or practices, not performing which can bar a person from the temple.

There are temples for masculine forms of the deity like Shiva and Vishnu and temples for Goddess or feminine forms of Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Parvati and Kali. Ganesh depicted with an elephant head and Hanuman with the form of a monkey also have many temples of their own. There are temples only for men, other temples only for women, temples where certain animals are honored, and temples where special unique practices have been going on for generations. The temple is a special place to honor the deity involved, not a general place to cater to the needs, desires or opinions of the public. Temples are places to let go of our ego, not to assert our personal views or opinions.

Government and court regulation of Hindu temples

Yet strangely in modern India, Hindu temples are often owned and run by the state through state constituted temple boards. This includes the state expropriating Hindu temple revenues for government purposes that are not religious in nature or of any benefit to the Hindu community. State governments, including the communist atheistic government of Kerala, take revenue given to Hindu deities and use it for their own purposes which may not honor the temple or deity at all.

India's courts regulate not just civil law in the temple but even temple practices, which can extend to minute matters like the type or amount offering to be given, or even how loud mantras can be chanted. In other words, Hindu temples are not free of government regulation or court interference in India.

Though this Hindu temple regulation in India occurs in the name of secularism, it is not a practice followed in any other secular country in the world, such as US or UK, in which government do not interfere with religious practices. In India the majority Hindu religion is penalized financially, restricted by special laws, and not given the same freedom or respect as minority religions. Hindu temples have more freedom in the West like the United States were Hindus are a minority and in which there is no government interference in temples, churches or mosques.

This regulation of religious sites, we should clearly note, does not occur relative to churches and mosques in India, which can receive government funding and would not have their revenues expropriated by the state. In this regard the oppression of Hinduism in India has not changed fundamentally since the British Raj, with state governments continuing what can easily be seen as anti-Hindu policies.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)
PATNA: Six individuals have been named in the murder case of Mohammad Yusuf, nephew of former Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Mohammad Shahabuddin.

A Siwan Court issued an arrest warrant against the six persons on Wednesday.

Yusuf was shot dead on Friday night by unknown assailants in Pratappur village. Attackers pumped bullets into his chest, said police. He was rushed to the hospital where doctors declared in dead.

Sources said that Yusuf was close to Shahabuddin`s son, Mohammad Osama.

Police had conducted raids at the residences of Yusuf's four friends on Saturday and recovered a pistol.

According to the police, the four friends were present with him at the party on Friday night.

Shahabuddin`s supporters blocked roads and demanded swift action from police in this case.

It is to be noted that Shahabuddin is a close aide of RJD chief Lalu Prasad and is infamous as a strongman in Siwan. He was convicted of murder on December 9, 2015 and sentenced to life imprisonment. His conviction and sentencing was upheld by the High Court on August 30 last year.

The gangster-turned politician has around 63 cases against his name relating to murders and kidnapping.

Bihar government has listed Shahabuddin as "A" type history sheeter, which means he is categorised as a criminal who is beyond reforms.

Shahabuddin is currently lodged in Tihar jail in Delhi.
ALMATY: Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev on Tuesday dismissed reports that he was planning a snap election after he sought clarification on a clause in the constitution covering the length of his term.

In a video address published online, Nazarbayev said his request to the Constitutional Court on Monday had been a routine one meant to clarify gaps in sections covering the replacement of a president, an incumbent`s resignation and other areas.

"Of course, everyone is interested... in the elections, (political) transition," he said. "Yes, the president has the right to call an early election, but this is not something we should be worried about, so let us calm down and work as usual," he added.

Nazarbayev, 78, has run the oil-rich Central Asian nation for three decades and has no apparent successor. He won 97.7 percent of the vote in his last vote in 2015. Kazakhstan is scheduled to hold both presidential and parliamentary elections next year, and some commentators had suggested authorities might bring one of the votes forward to avoid a clash.

Nazarbayev`s government has also pushed through a number of popular policies in recent months - including raising public-sector salaries and forcing utilities to cut and freeze tariffs - stoking speculation that he was preparing for a vote.

Nazarbayev, the only Soviet-era leader still in charge of his country, made no mention of the parliamentary election in his brief address on Tuesday. His Nur Otan party dominates the two-chamber legislature.
WASHINGTON: Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners have transferred America-made weapons to Al Qaeda-linked fighters, Salafi militias and other factions waging war in Yemen, in violation of their agreements with the US, according to a report by CNN.

The weapons have also made their way into the hands of Iranian-backed rebels battling the coalition for control of Yemen, exposing some of America`s sensitive military technology to Tehran and potentially endangering the lives of US troops in other conflict zones, the report based on an investigation said on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), its main partner in the war, have used the US-manufactured weapons as a form of currency to buy the loyalties of militias or tribes, bolster chosen armed actors, and influence the complex political landscape, according to local commanders on the ground and analysts.

By handing off this military equipment to third parties, the Saudi-led coalition is breaking the terms of its arms sales with the US, according to the Department of Defence.

In response to the report, a US defence official confirmed that there was an ongoing investigation into the issue.

Previous investigations had established that US-made weapons were used in a series of deadly Saudi coalition attacks that killed dozens of civilians, many of them children.

The Abu Abbas brigade, a militia group linked to the Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), possesses US-made Oshkosh armoured vehicles, which they had paraded in a 2015 show of force through the city.

Abu Abbas, the founder, was declared a terrorist by the US in 2017, but the group still enjoys support from the Saudi coalition and was absorbed into the coalition-supported 35th Brigade of the Yemeni Army.

In 2015, Riyadh launched the coalition to oust Iranian-supported Houthi rebels from Yemen`s capital city of Sanaa and reinstate the internationally recognised government of President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi.

The war split the country in two, and with it came the weapons -- guns, anti-tank missiles, armoured vehicles, heat-seeking lasers and artillery, report said.

Since then, some of America`s military equipment has been passed on, sold, stolen or abandoned in Yemen.

Arms markets are illegal in Yemen, but they still operate openly in the mountainous city of Hodeidah located in the country`s southwest.

To one side hang veils, abayas and colourful dresses for sale; to the other are pistols, hand grenades, and US assault rifles available on special order, according to the report.

The US is by far the biggest supplier of arms to both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and its support is crucial to the Saudi-led coalition`s continuing war in Yemen.

US lawmakers are trying to pass a resolution ending the Trump administration`s support for the coalition.
Actress Priscilla Opoku Agyemang, known in showbiz as Ahoufe Patri, is complaining about how some people in society are given more attention in Ghana simply because of what she terms as 'misbehaviour'.

Taking to her Instagram page, the Boys Kasa actress noted that she has come to the realization that the more you misbehave in Ghana, the more popular you get.

She posted: Unfortunately we live in a country where the more you misbehave, the more popular you get.

After her post, many of her followers jumped on to her comment section where they agreed with her. Some even cited Akuapem Poloo and others as examples.

READ ALSO: Photo of Charlotte Osei with handsome husband at her birthday goes viral

Among one of such commenters was Bhim Nation head Stonebwoy who agreed with her by commenting Word under the post.

READ ALSO: 10 powerful photos from Kwame Despites renovated mansion

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that former Adom FM presenter, Ohemaa Woyeje, has revealed that she was having a hard time choosing from many options to consider her next move after leaving Multimedia.

According to her, many media houses have contacted her with juicy offers, but she was taking her time to choose.

Ghana News Today: EOCO secures order to freeze assets of Menzgold and related companies| #Yencomgh:

Do you have a story to share with us? Inbox us on our Facebook page and we could feature your story.

Source: Yen
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TERRY LEE LUNDGREN, age 59 of Janesville, passed away following a three year battle with cancer at his home on Saturday, June 19, 2021, surrounded by his family. Per Terry's wishes, a private family service and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Dennis Funeral & Crematio
Venice, FL (34285)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 89F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Overcast. Low 77F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Women across the industry and well-known local and international speakers will gather at the annual REINSW Women in Real Estate (WIRE) conference for professional development and personal motivation. The conference will be held on March 26 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

In its 13th year, WIRE will offer sessions that feature speakers with inspiring stories that are practical and personal. REINSW President Leanne Pilkington will be the facilitator of the event.

There are many women in our industry who are incredibly successful and accomplished  who dont go looking for the spotlight. They often dont receive the acknowledgement and praise they deserve, but events like these shine light on their achievements and encourage others to step outside their comfort zone and challenge themselves, said Pilkington.

Speakers in the conference include Louisette Geiss, former actress-turned-property-indemnity-insurance expert; Ewan Morton, co-founder and joint managing director of real estate company Morton; Veronica Morgan, agent and founder of Good Deeds Property Buyers; Cathy Baker, award-winning Belle Property principal; and Gina McCartney, REA Group executive manager of residential marketing and events.

WIRE caters to women in the areas of real estate sales, property management, commercial, auctioneering, buyers agency and agency services. Aside from informative sessions and networking opportunities, industry professionals will benefit by earning 12 CPD points following the completion of their online assessment.

REINSW is an industry body for real estate professionals in NSW, representing more than 8,000 professionals across 2,000 agencies.
EVEN WITH the recent cold weather, the Montreal River continues to flow over Interstate Falls in Kimball Sunday. The Northwoods Land Trust and Iron County Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts will host a free hike to the waterfall Thursday.

KIMBALL, Wis. - The Northwoods Land Trust and Iron County Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts will host a free snowshoe hike to Interstate Falls in Kimball Thursday.

The hike will begin in the Interstate Falls parking lot off U.S. 2 at 1 p.m. Signs for the falls are visible from U.S. 2, just west of the U.S. 51 interchange. The parking lot is 500 feet down W. Center Road.

Thursday's hike will be led by local naturalist John Bates and features the natural history of the area around the falls and how it came to be public property.

"(The tour will feature) a brief overview of the 38.7-acre property, which includes nearly 1/4-mile of Cominski Creek corridor in addition to 2,500 feet of natural shoreline on the Montreal River," said Sandy Lotto, the trust's outreach coordinator. "During the short hike to the falls we'll point out the variety of trees and note any signs of wildlife. Canada yew can be seen along the trail, which is uncommon in many places since deer love to eat it."

Participants should dress for the weather and provide their own snowshoes.

Interstate Falls was the first outright land purchase for the Eagle River-based land trust, which then gifted the property to the town of Kimball.

"It took eight years of fundraising, a lot of financial support from individual donors, family foundation and a Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund Grant to make the purchase possible. We don't typically buy land to protect it, but this is a very unique site with a much-loved waterfall on the Montreal River," land trust executive director Bryan Pierce said. "For 58 years, the previous owners allowed people to talk on their land to see the waterfall. When it came time for them to sell, they wanted to find a buyer who would continue to allow public access and keep the property in its natural state. Thankfully, they were able to patiently wait until we could come up with the funding."

-Richard Jenkins
YORK--Southeast Community College, several regional manufacturers, along with York County Development Corporation, Seward County Chamber & Economic & Development Corporation, Fillmore County Development Corporation and Thayer County Development Corporation have been working since 2017 to create a manufacturing boot camp. The collaborative is now ready to roll out an entry level Manufacturing Technician course to be taught at the SCC York & Hebron Regional Learning Centers beginning February 26th.

The Manufacturing Technician Level 1 course was developed to meet the booming employment demands of the manufacturing industry and can enhance your ability to begin a great career in advanced manufacturing. By completing this training program, you will be prepared for entry-level positions with regional manufacturers making competitive wages, benefits and with opportunities for additional training and advancement.

This is the perfect example of a regional collaboration of businesses, economic development organizations, and educators coming together to solve an identified need in a creative way. Im very proud weve had corporations such as Collins Aerospace -- previously UTC Aerospace, Corteva Agri-Sciences -- previously Dow DuPont, and Ply Gem at the table during these planning efforts, said Lisa Hurley, York County Development Corporation Executive Director.
Oliver, the fat one, thought of himself as the gentleman of the world despite often in dubious situations. He was born in Georgia and was blessed with a beautiful singing voice which was often written into their movies. Stan, the skinny one, was born in Britain, turned out to be a gifted writer and wrote many of their best gags  often given to Oliver to get the best laughs. They were the best of friends throughout their career with a few exceptions that apparently are the focus of the new movie.

They had a few well-known bits they would include in many of their films. Oliver often looked at the camera after something Stan did. Occasionally they would include Stans infectious laugh into the story lines. I defy you watch one of those scenes and NOT laugh  cant do it. Laurel and Hardy have the distinction of being the only comedy team to win an Oscar for one of their films. They won Best Short Subject in 1932 for a movie that is near perfect, The Music Box. The story is simple -- the boys are delivering a new piano to a customer who lives at the top of a towering set of stairs. They face all sorts of deviations but eventually get it moved into the house. There is very little dialog in the movie, but it is one of the most beautifully paced and edited short films youll ever see.
Several dozens of Haredim on Tuesday blocked roads near the Kikar Hashabat Junction in Jerusalem, protesting against the arrest of a female IDF draft dodger.

Demonstrators hurled stones at police officers, lightly wounding two of them. Three of the protesters were detained and taken in for questioning.
A West Bank settler group on Tuesday said the number of people living in Israeli settlements surged at a much faster rate than the overall Israeli population last year and predicted even more rapid growth thanks to the policies of the Trump administration.

Baruch Gordon, director of West Bank Jewish Population Stats, said the White House has created a much friendlier environment for the settlers, clearing the way for a surge in construction in the coming years.
Several months ago I appeared before Likud activists in the Metzudat Ze'ev, also known as Beit Jabotinsky, in Tel Aviv. We held a respectable and practical discussion about legal matters. At some point, I asked the audience to show some patience, warning them I about to say something offensive and blatant. I asked them to wait until I finish before they respond.

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"You are animals," I told them. "I'm not the one that thinks that," I explained to them. "Two right-wing prominent leaders thought that the Regulation Lawwhich is only an example that sought to legalize government-backed outposts in the West Bank and was approved by the Knesset in 2017 is an unnecessary and harmful law that will eventually lead Israel to International Court of Justice in The Hague."

Likud voters cast their ballot in primary elections

But at a certain point, the right-wing prominent leaders altered their stance, while right-wing Knesset members, and especially those from the Likud Party, bolstered their support for the law. After the law was approved the two leaders expressed their renewed support for it.

Why did that happen? Because politicians from the Likud Party think that their voters are animals. They should be fed with poor political fodder, which will increase their support for the party's candidates on the day of Likud's primary elections.

They cannot know that the Regulation Law, like other laws emerging from the Knesset's back seats, is causing damage. They cannot know that taking into consideration world public opinion is at times a national interest. In anticipation of the primary elections, our politicians should only act according to what they think Likud voters are seeking to achieve.

The two prominent leaders, by the way, are Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Avigdor Lieberman. Naftali Bennett also thought the law would not be approved, but it was and gained everyone's support. The Israeli national interest was defeated. And if we wondered why the ruling party continues sliding to the right, the primary elections are the answer.

Former defense minister Avigdor Lieberman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Photo: EPA)

The Regulation Law is only one example. A poll conducted by the Commanders for Israel's Security movement shows that a mere 24 percent of the Israeli public are in favor of West Bank annexation. In addition, 31 percent of Likud voters said they support the move. And so, there is a huge gap between what Likud voters want and the radicalization of Likud institutions.

The reason for this gap is the fact that there is no connection between the number of the Likud Party's registered voters and those who cast a ballot. Moreover, in some communities, the number of Likud voters was bigger than those who actually voted. This distortion doesn't only happen in the Likud. It also happened in Meretz. And it's no secret that major workers' organizations recruit the masses to dictate policy that is beneficial to them rather than the state.

Even Moshe "Bogie" Ya'alon was dragged to a Manhigut Yehudit ("Jewish Leadership") movement conference where he said that the elites and the Peace Now NGO are a virus plaguing the Israeli society. He probably regrets that today. But the desire to win the voters' support, who probably didn't vote for the Likud anyway, made him lose his mind.

Primary elections should be held in a way in which only those who vote for a certain party are entitled to choose the list of candidates to represent that party. Change is possible; change is needed. But businessmen, heads of branches and those who are good at gathering votes terrify our politicians.

As long as the primary elections are held in their current format, one can call it by many names. Democracy is not one of them.
Some 69,874 out of the Likud Party's 120,000 registered voters on Tuesday cast their ballot in the ruling party's primary elections ahead of the general elections on April 9. The polls closed at 10pm, with voter turnout standing at 58 percent, which is three percent higher than last year's voter turnout.

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Likud CEO, Zuri Siso, told Ynet the results are expected to be published at 7am on Wednesday, adding that no unusual events were reported throughout the day.

Likud voters cast their ballot in primary elections

Voting began at 10am in 113 polling stations across the country, with each voter being able to choose 12 representatives for the Knesset list and 142 candidates vying for realistic spots on the party's Knesset list.

The Likud Party currently has 30 seats in the Knesset and it is expected to maintain this number and possibly increase it in the upcoming general elections. However, with the spots on the list reserved for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuand several candidates of his choosing, district candidates (who will be elected by some 3,800 members of the Likud Central Committee), women, new immigrants and young candidates, as well as several prominent outside candidates joining the raceincluding former minister Gideon Sa'ar, Minister Yoav Galant and former Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat8-10 of the incumbent MKs are expected to lose their seats.

"There's a real problem for volunteers in the field, when (voters) can only select 12 candidates," said Roi Sharabi, a prominent Likud activist. "The pressure is immense because the members of Knesset and the ministers do the simple math and realize some of them will definitely be out of the list."

Likud primaries polling station (Photo: TPS)

Votes will first be counted at the polling stations and later sent to Kfar Maccabiah, where the votes will be counted again to confirm the results. The counting, which is done manually, could last a few hours, with official results expected on Wednesday morning.

With the tough battle ahead, candidates have spent the past 24 hours in an effort to improve their position, reach political deals and thwart any attempts to undermine them.

The Likud primaries brought to a boil the feud between party leader Netanyahu and former Likud minister Sa'ar. Netanyahu claims Sa'aralongside President Reuven Rivlinis behind a plot to ensure he, Sa'ar, and not Netanyahu, is tasked by the president to form the next government after the elections. Sa'ar has vehemently denied the accusation, saying Netanyahu provided no proof to his claims and insisted it would be Netanyahu who will form the next government.

This week, the prime minister launched a direct campaign against Sa'ar in an effort to stop the former minister from receiving a high spot on the Likud Knesset list. Netanyahu has reportedly asked mayors he has good ties with to rescind their support of Sa'ar. The prime minister is also apparently helping Minister Yariv Levin get a high spot on the list to deny Sa'ar a spot in the top five.
Lebanon's new government said on Tuesday it will stick with existing policy of keeping out of regional conflicts like Syria after talks to set policy.

Lebanon declared a principle of "disassociation" in 2012 to keep the deeply-divided state formally out of complex regional disputes such as the lengthy war in neighboring Syria.

Washington had urged it to uphold that after the Iran-backed Hezbollah group gained more influence with another seat in cabinet. Despite the disassociation policy, the heavily armed Hezbollah has for years been fighting in Syria alongside President Bashar Assad.
THEYRE SURRENDERING. Ten rebels of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters under Karialan faction headed by Kumander Gani Saligan (wearing sunglasses), 4th Brigade Commander of the BIFF 2nd Division, with his 10 followers surrender on Sunday to the 601st Infantry Brigade in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao under Division Commander Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, with Brig. Gen. Diosdado Carreon at the Officers Club House in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. Mark Navales

AGAINST DISCRIMINATION. Senior high school students of Taguig City National High School wear the hijab (head covering) for a day to dramatize their sentiment against discrimination and celebrate diversity as part of World Hijab Day, an annual global event that urges citizens of all faiths to try the clothing in solidarity with Muslim women and girls. Manny Palmero
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, who is currently visiting in Israel, spoke about Austria and Israel's tight relations during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday.

"Austria and Israel have a strong bond since 1948, when we voted in favor of the establishment of the State of Israel," he said.

"On Monday, I visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum. What happened in the Holocaust is inconceivable,and Austria will remain committed to act with zero tolerance against anti-Semitism," Van der Bellen said.
Iran says European nations have not responded to its offers to sell them crude oil despite having US waivers.

The semi-official Fars news agency on Tuesday quoted Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh as saying "we have called them many times, but they do not return our calls." He did not name the oil importers, but appeared to be referring to Greece and Italy, which were among eight nations granted waivers to import Iranian oil when the US restored sanctions in November.
Iran warned Israel on Tuesday of a "firm and appropriate" response if it continued attacking targets in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar Assad and his forces in their nearly eight-year war against rebels and militants.

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Israel, which views Iran as its biggest security threat, has repeatedly attacked Iranian targets and those of allied militia in Syria. With an election looming in April, Israel has been increasingly open about carrying out its air strikes.

In a meeting with Syria's Foreign Minister Walid Moalem in Tehran, the secretary of Iran's National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said the Israeli attacks violated Syria's territorial integrity and were "unacceptable."

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (R) greets his Syrian counterpart Walid al-Moallem in Tehran, Iran, 05 February 2019. (Photo: EPA)

"If these actions continue, we will activate some calculated measures as a deterrent and as a firm and appropriate response to teach a lesson to the criminal and lying rulers of Israel," Shamkhani was quoted as saying by Fars news agency.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in January that Israeli forces would continue to attack Iranians in Syria and warned them to "get out of there" fast.

Syria's Moalem was quoted on Tuesday by a media unit run by Iran's Lebanese proxy Hezbollah as saying: "The Syrian government considers it to be its duty to keep Iranian security forces in Syrian territory."

Last month, Russia demanded that Israel end its "arbitrary" airstrikes on targets in Syria, two days after the Israeli Air Force struck a series of Iranian military and intelligence targets in response to a rocket strike on the Golan Heights.

"The practice of arbitrary strikes on the territory of a sovereign state, in this case, we are talking about Syria, should be ruled out," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, in answer to a question from Russian news agency TASS about recent Israeli air strikes on Syria.

An Israeli airstrike in Syria (: EPA)

Israel recently ended its long-standing policy of ambiguity regarding strikes on Syria, with both Netanyahu and then-IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot confirming that the Israeli airforce had carried out hundreds of sorties in its war-torn neighbor, with the intent of both halting weapons deliveries to Hezbollah in Lebanon and an Iranian entrenchment in Syria.

"We have a permanent policy: To strike at the Iranian entrenchment in Syria and hurt whoever tries to hurt us. This policy does not change whether I am in Israel or on an historic visit to Chad. This policy is permanent," Netanyahu repeated last month during a visit to Chad.

"We'll not accept Iranian entrenchment in Syria, which is meant to harm us and we are acting to eradicate it. US President Donald Trump's decision to pull out from Syria doesn't change our policy. Our red lines remain the samein Syria and everywhere else," he said.

"Israel is operating against the Iranian entrenchment in Syria," the prime minister told new pilots at a recent Israel Air Force graduation ceremony.
Tens of thousands of Likud supporters are now voting for the party's list of Knesset candidates, which are bound to genuinely affect Israeli lives. During general elections, everyone's focus is on the person at the helm, but the quality of the list of candidates is no less important, especially for a leading party like the Likud.

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If I were a Likud member  and let's pretend I am for a minute  I would vote for people who don't shame the party, and who could serve as ministers in a future government. There are also two or three of them that are capable of becoming prime minister. True, none of them is as knowledgeable, savvy and presentable as Netanyahu. However, Netanyahu, in his current distress, is only thinking of himself. He's not considering the people. And soon enough, Israelis will say their farewells to him as he goes off to face the criminal courts.

Netanyahu embraces Galant into the arms of the Likud Party (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

If I were a member of Likud, I would say: My Likud friends, don't count on the so-called New Likudniks, the movement that wants to change the party from within. They're out to get rid of Netanyahu, but they won't back Gideon Sa'ar as his most obvious replacement.

So who would I choose? In alphabetical order: Ofir Akunis, Nir Barkat, Avi Dichter, Yuli Edelstein, Ze'ev Elkin, Gilad Erdan, Gila Gamliel, Tzachi Hanegbi, Yisrael Katz, Gideon Sa'ar and Yuval Steinitz. I would also choose David Bitan. Yes, I do know he's under police investigation. But he isn't devious and he's not fake  what you see is what you get. He's liked by politicians from both left and right, who hope he will emerge from his investigations unharmed. Bitan is a real friend, approachable and accessible to the public.

I wouldn't choose Yariv Levin. He screwed Netanyahu over twice: once when he scared him away from forming a unity government with then-opposition leader Isaac Herzog, and again when Netanyahu was ready to oppose settlement construction beyond the West Bank barrier and block anti-democratic legislation. Levin threatened him with impeachment. You can imagine Netanyahu's position today had he united forces with Herzog. There would almost surely be less talk of probes and more talk of peace (see prime ministers past for proof).

Levin also testified during the Case 2000 investigation about a suspicious meeting that took place at the prime minister's residence in Jerusalem, which had to do with the proposed law to ban free daily newspapers, commonly known as the Israel Hayom law (in honor of its main target). During his testimony Levin was struck by a curious form of amnesia that only worsened Netanyahu's legal woes. Investigators were astounded by the questionable integrity of a man who aspires to become justice minister.

I wouldn't go near Yoav Galant either, and I advise you to do the same. In recent years Galant was recorded and quoted as warning over and over again about the dangers of the continued Israeli control in the West Bank. He spoke of the obligation to evacuate settlements, and was so blunt and eloquent that it is a wonder that the Labor Party or Meretz didn't snatch him up. He backed the establishment of a Palestinian state, to save the Zionist dream from the looming disaster of a bi-national state. He slammed Naftali Bennett when the former Jewish Home lawmaker proposed the annexation of a quarter of the territories of the West Bank into Israel. But now  who could possibly have imagined  he has slithered like a snake into the Likud Party, preaching the full annexation of the West Bank.

David Bitan voting for the Likud Party list on Tuesday

Galant has more of these incidents in his recent past. He "revealed"  without knowing that he was on tape  how former attorney general Yehuda Weinstein and former state comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss blocked his appointment as IDF chief of staff, since they were being extorted, no less! He later phoned Weinstein, crying and begging, to ask for forgiveness.

Only a twisted mind like that of Ehud Barak could have imagined Galant as chief of staff. Well before Barak became a cannabis tycoon, he specialized in psychoactive political moves: he knew Galant would be a weak chief of staff, and suspected him of being a close associate of Netanyahu. Barak wanted an army chief he could manipulate, rather than a captain who knew how to maneuver through the murky waters of the political and military elites.

Galant also made some dark, empty remarks recently, implying that he knew, Gantz hinself knew, and even thousands of IDF officers knew, just why Gantz doesn't speak much. It was a low comment. Galant in fact went so low to try to humiliate Gantz, it's doubtful that members of the Israeli underworld would speak so ill of their rivals.

If indeed things change and, God forbid, the vilified left takes the reins of power  you'll see Galant betraying the Likud Party and taking a sharp left. No doubt he'll encounter Miri Regev there. She's likely to arrive a day before him.
Turkey's president has slammed the US over delays in establishing a buffer zone in Syria, saying that if Washington won't contribute to the effort, Ankara will do it alone.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Donald Trump last month discussed setting up safe zone east of the Euphrates River in Syria.
Irans secretary of the National Security Council Ali Shamkhani warned Israel of a firm and deterrent response if it continues attacking targets in Syria, said a Fars News report.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who cancelled some of his schedule earlier on Tuesday due to illness, has recuperated and is to meet the Austrian president Alexander Van der Bellen.

The appointment between the two leaders, that has already been cancelled twice before for different reasons, will take place at 4 pm in Jerusalem.
Paris' deadliest fire in over a decade claimed 10 lives, sending fleeing residents to the roof to escape the flames that engulfed their apartment building before dawn Tuesday.

A 40-year-old female resident, said to have a history of psychiatric problems, was detained near the eight-story building in the quiet neighborhood as police opened an investigation into voluntary arson resulting in death.

It is the deadliest fire in Paris since the April 2005 hotel fire near the capital's famed Opera that killed 24 people.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he had not yet seen an acceptable plan for the creation of a safe zone in northeastern Syria, three weeks after US President Donald Trump suggested establishing the zone.

"There is no satisfactory plan that is put before us concretely yet," Erdogan told a parliamentary meeting of his AK Party. "Of course we are loyal to our agreements, our promise is a promise. But our patience is not limitless."
SAN SALVADOR - Expelled from the ruling leftist Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) and thwarted in trying to create his own party, Nayib Bukele forged his own path to victory as an outsider in El Salvador's presidential election. At 37, he will be the youngest-ever president both in the country's history and in the whole of Latin America, and the second president of Palestinian descent to lead the country after Tony Sacca, who served in 2004-2009.

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Bukele, a businessman and former mayor, had to search for a new political home after being ejected in 2017 from the FMLN for a allegedly breaking party rules. In his last days as mayor of the capital, San Salvador, last year, Bukele tried and failed to create his own party. He then joined a center-left party, only to see it shut down by El Salvador's electoral tribune. Finally, he aligned himself with the Great National Alliance (GANA), a conservative party.

The third try proved to be the charm. Bukele won 53 percent of votes in Sunday's presidential election, sweeping to victory in the first round on the strength of his vigorous use of social media and promises to modernize government and tackle problems like corruption plaguing the Central American country.

Nayib Bukele and his wife Gabriela celebrate after the first official presidential election results were released in San Salvador, February 3, 2019. (Photo: Reuters)

His victory ended the reign of the two parties that had dominated El Salvador since the end of its vicious civil war in 1992 - the FMLN, a former rebel movement that entered politics after the civil war, and the conservative Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA).

El Salvador has a large Palestinian community of at least 100,000 people. Bukele's grandparents were born in Bethlehem and Jerusalem, and moved to Central America at an early age. His grandparents were Christians, although one converted to Islam.

Bukele's unconventional path to the presidency reflects the new approach the country's youngest-ever president-elect aims to bring to governing after he assumes office in June.

"He is able to think about solutions to problems in creative ways," Bertha de Leon, Bukele's friend and lawyer, said in an interview. "He may not necessarily be right, but that's something valuable in a leader - offering proposals that nobody has raised."

Whirlwind political career

Bukele, an entrepreneur, is a self-professed fan of US television series such as the political thriller "House of Cards" and legal drama "Billions."

He and his wife, ballerina Gabriela Rodriguez, just finished watching "The Good Wife," a US series that aired from 2009 to 2016 about the wife of a disgraced politician, Bukele told local media. Bukele, who did not respond to requests for comment, made his political debut in 2012 as mayor of Nuevo CuscatlAn, a small coffee-growing town outside the capital. With limited resources and little media attention, he used social media to draw attention to his work.

He then served as mayor of San Salvador from 2015 to 2018, where he rose to prominence by championing social causes and donating his salary for scholarships.

With slicked-back hair and a thick beard, Bukele refused to give interviews or participate in debates, saying the events would be stacked against him.

Instead, he engaged with his supporters on social media, urging them to share their thoughts on how to tackle corruption.

Bukele ran on an anti-corruption platform, but he has not been free of scandal allegations himself.

He has been accused of plagiarizing parts of his government platform. He is also under investigation for alleged money laundering and fraud during his time as mayor of San Salvador and Nuevo CuscatlAn.

Bukele has not commented on the money-laundering allegation but denies the other accusations.
The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) which commenced in 1990 made it possible to use common scientific and technical methods in drug development in Japan, the United States and EU. As a result, in approval reviews of medicinal drugs in Japan, results from foreign clinical trials are utilised based on bridging development strategy as stipulated by ICH Guideline E5.

Clinical trial periods in foreign countries can be counted as patent term extension periods if they were necessary for obtaining an approval. In which cases are they considered necessary for obtaining an approval?

Summary of the case

Daiichi Sankyo owns a patent for an invention entitled Pyridobenzoxazine Derivative. Daiichi Sankyo obtained an approval of partial changes in manufacturing approval for a medical drug whose brand name is CRAVIT TABLETS because Legionella genus was added as an applicable microorganism in relation to Levofloxacin, included in the patent. Daiichi Sankyo filed an application for the registration of patent term extension based on this disposition and was granted registration of patent term extension of "4 years, 11 months and 7 days", which includes the period of "1 year, 8 months and 23 days" of the clinical trial in the United States (the US clinical trial).

In relation to the registration of patent term extension, 13 generic drug companies including Mylan filed a request for a trial for invalidation, and a JPO decision was rendered stating that the registration of patent term extension for the period exceeding 2 years, 6 months and 5 days should be invalidated. The US clinical trial period was included in the invalidated period. Daiichi Sankyo appealed to the IP High Court seeking to revoke the JPO's decision, alleging that it was a mistake not to include the period during which the US clinical trial was conducted in the patent term extension period.

Judgment of October 28 2009, IP High Court

The IP High Court (Presiding Judge Iimura) maintained the JPO's decision, holding as follows.

The Court judged whether the US clinical trial was necessary for obtaining an approval under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act as follows, citing the court decision of the Supreme Court which held that the commencement date of "a period during which the patented invention is unable to be worked" stipulated in Patent Act Article 67 (2) should be the date on which the trial required for obtaining "the disposition designated by Cabinet Order" commenced.

(i) The report of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) acknowledged that in the examination before the approval in Japan, the usage of CRAVIT TABLETS for Legionella pneumonia was medically and pharmaceutically publicly known, based on the application example of CRAVIT TABLETS for Legionella pneumonia in foreign countries and the description of Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine etc. Then it acknowledged that an application with public knowledge was reasonable, and judged that it was appropriate to add Legionella pneumonia to the previously approved effectiveness and efficacy of CRAVIT TABLETS (adding "Legionella genus" to "applicable microorganism") without requiring new clinical trials to support the experience of the usage of CRAVIT TABLETS and Levofloxacin and their efficacy.

(ii) In the United States, in 1996, about 10 years ago from the date on which the approval of this case was learned, the addition of effectiveness and efficacy of CRAVIT TABLETS for Legionella pneumonia was approved. The clinical trial data submitted for the approval application only had the results of the initial US clinical trial targeting 10 cases of Legionella pneumonia in which nine cases were judged to be valid. The US clinical trial at issue was started in case the shortage of cases was pointed out by the US authorities. However, the addition of effectiveness and efficacy for Legionella pneumonia was approved just two months after the beginning of the US clinical trial, and the submission of the US clinical trial data was no longer required.

(iii) The PMDA also judged that in light of pazufloxacin mesilate (PZFX) which is a fluoroquinolones drugs like CRAVIT TABLETS, its usage for Legionella pneumonia should be medically and pharmaceutically publicly known. It pointed to the usage in six cases and the description of Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine etc. as the basis for this.

Considering the above facts, the following can be found:

(i) In the approval in the United States, the addition of effectiveness and efficacy for Legionella pneumonia was approved based on only the results of 10 cases in the initial US clinical trial, and the result of the US clinical trial was not required. Therefore, it can be reasonably presumed that also in the approval for addition of effectiveness and efficacy for Legionella pneumonia filed thereafter in Japan, which is similar to the US case, the initial US clinical trial data was sufficient for the approval, and the US clinical trial data was not required.

(ii) In the above examination regarding the addition of effectiveness and efficacy for Legionella pneumonia in relation to pazufloxacin mesilate (PZFX) which is a fluoroquinolones drugs like CRAVIT TABLETS, the addition of effectiveness and efficacy was approved under a condition which is quite similar to the approval application in this case. Considering this, it can be reasonably presumed that if in the initial US clinical trial data containing the clinical trial data of 10 cases, more than six cases of pazufloxacin mesilate are provided, even without the US clinical trial data, the addition of effectiveness and efficacy of CRAVIT TABLETS would have been approved in Japan.

Therefore, the period of "1 year, 8 months and 23 days", the US clinical trial period, out of "4 years, 11 months and 7 days", the granted patent term extension period of this case, does not fall under "a period during which the patented invention is unable to be worked because it is necessary to obtain the disposition designated by Cabinet Order" stipulated in Patent Act Article 67 (2).

Practical tips

According to the JPO Examination Guidelines, periods of clinical trials conducted in foreign countries can be counted as patent term extension periods if they were necessary for obtaining an approval. It is necessary to prove the date on which the clinical trial commenced in foreign countries. Also, it is necessary to prove that all of the following requirements are satisfied: (i) the clinical trial in a foreign country which commenced on that date is indispensable for obtaining a disposition; (ii) enterprises have little discretion in conducting the testing because the testing needs to be conducted in line with the standards for testing methods, description, etc. of testing set forth by administrative agencies; and (iii) the clinical trial is closely related to obtaining a disposition.

In this case, Daiichi Sankyo argued that the US clinical trial was conducted with the purpose of obtaining an additional approval for Legionella genus in Japan. However, it was judged that the US clinical trial period did not correspond to the patent term extension period because the US clinical trial was not necessary for the approval of partial changes to CRAVIT TABLETS. In order to be allowed to count the additional trial periods conducted after the initial clinical trial as patent term extension periods, it should be noted that sometimes it is necessary to positively demonstrate that the additional trial data was necessary (the initial trial data was insufficient) for obtaining an approval.

This judgment provides a reference for constructing development strategy and IP strategy for pharmaceutical companies conducting bridging trials which go through 20 years after introduction and are now usual practice.

Takanori Abe Michiko Kinoshita

ABE & Partners

Matsushita IMP Building, 1-3-7, Shiromi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-0001,

Japan

Tel: +81 6 6949 1496

Fax: +81 6 6949 1487

abe@abe-law.com

www.abe-law.com



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A US lawmaker has teamed up with Jewish organizations to lead a bipartisan effort to improve education about the Holocaust in American schools. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and various Jewish advocacy groups on Monday announced the reintroduction of legislation entitled the Never Again Education Act.

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The bipartisan bill seeks to introduce Holocaust studies into the curriculum of the US education system, and establish a federal fund that would provide teachers with the resources and to teach the horrific details of the Holocaust and its consequences, as well as develop textbooks and seminars on the subject. The bill comes in the wake of a recent wave of anti-Semitic attacks in the US.

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney along with various Jewish advocacy groups (:    )

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Speaking to the media at the Center for Jewish History, Maloneyaccompanied by Israel's Consulate General in New York Danny Dayansaid the legislation is an important step in combating the rise of anti-Semitism in America.

The rise of anti-Semitism in our country is extremely disturbing and I am terrified of the fact that people have walked through the district I am privileged to represent and have been beaten up and hurt because they are Jewish," Maloney said. "We need to take proactive steps to combat this hatred. We must begin educating people, especially our young people, about the horrors of the Holocaust and how hate, evil, intolerance and ignorance can lead to mass murder."

Rep. Carolyn Maloney and Consul General Danny Dayan and members of various Jewish advocacy groups (Photo: Consulate General of Israel in New York)

Despite successful professional development programs in the field of Holocaust studies, today, only eight states require this horrific subject to be part of the educational curriculum: California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.

A recent survey conducted by the Claims Conferencea nonprofit organization that secures monetary and material compensation for Holocaust survivorsfound that 31% of Americans and 41% of millenials believe that only two million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust, while 41% of Americans and 66% of millenials do not know what Auschwitz is. In addition, 52% of Americans believe that Hitler took the power in Germany by force.

According to the Anti-Defamation Leaguea Jewish non-profit that fights racial hatred in the USthere has been a 60% increase in anti-Semitic incidents in the country between 2016 and 2017.

Synagogue in California vandalized (Photo: AFP)

The data released by the New York City Police Department shows that at least 180 anti-Semitic incidents occurred in the city in 2018, which represents a 22% increase from the previous year and a 38.6% increase from 2016.

"Charlottesville, Pittsburgh and the recent physical assaults on Jews in Brooklyn require profound educational reform, said Danny Dayan. This legislation will lead to a revolution in Holocaust studies in the United States, and prevent a new generation from forgetting the past, which is essential for a secure future.

The reality in which the majority of the young people in the US are not aware of Auschwitz, is distorted and must be rectified. This will allow the American students to understand what anti-Semitism can ultimately lead to, added Dayan.
Last week, several huge billboards sprung up along the Ayalon highway in Tel Aviv, showing two men in business suits: Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump. The posters are part of the Likud election campaign, currently directed by the man in the solid red tie in the picture (which for once is not Trump). The slogan reads: "Netanyahu, a different league." Since the highway was bumper-to-bumper traffic  also thanks to the man in the red tie  I had time to stare at the poster and mull over its meaning, and over what exactly these two men have in common except their age (Netanyahu is 69 and Trump 72) and sex.

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At first glance, I felt offended on Netanyahu's behalf. Trump is a blot on the landscape of American presidential history, a dodgy businessman and serial bankrupt who owes his political success to carefully edited reality TV, Russian spite towards the West and 30 years of baggage heaped on the Democratic candidate. In the two years since he was sworn in, Trump has managed to worsen American internal paralysis, disrupt the global economy and strip American influence in the important areas in the world, including the Middle East. Our man in the picture is better educated, more experienced and speaks far better English. If I had to vote for one over the other, I have no doubt whom I would choose.

Netanyahu and Trump in a Likud Party billboard (Photo: Reuters)

At second glance, I felt pained on behalf of Likud voters. Netanyahu knows Trump better than us all. He knows that the grand gesture Trump made  moving the American embassy to Jerusalem  came with a price. He knows the great damage Israel suffered when Trump fled Syria, and what it suffers when he shows weakness in the face of Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Israel is on board an aircraft flown by a fake politician  and all Netanyahu cares about is his first class seat.

From now until April, the prime minister will squeeze every ounce of political worth he can out of his three titles of prime minister, defense minister and foreign minister. Two weeks ahead of the April 9 elections, hell travel to the US and have his photo taken with Trump. He sought a formal dinner at the White House, and he is likely to get one.

American interference in Israeli elections is old news. Then-president Bill Clinton turned out for Shimon Peres in the 1996 elections, and Israelis didnt mind. George W. Bush had a picture of Ehud Olmert and himself hung in the corridor leading to the Oval Office, and Israelis didn't mind about that either. Now its Trumps turn.

Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly (Photo: GPO)

At third glance, Netanyahu and Trump are indeed in the same league  the league of suspects. You have no idea what my attorney general has put me through, Netanyahu will no doubt gripe when the two meet in March.

"Mandelblit?" Trump will moan in return. You must mean Mueller. That dog! There was nothing because there is nothing. The Democrats and the media put pressure on him.

Youre right, Netanyahu will answer. Youre right, youre an honest and just person. Now lets take the picture, the voters are waiting.

But right in front of Netanyahus billboard on the Ayalon stands a bigger one, belonging to the man who is fast becoming Netanyahu's greatest rival - Benny Gantz.

The poster shows half his face, one piercing blue eye and a promise of "Israel Before All." The ecstatic tidal wave that swelled after Gantz's long-awaited maiden first speech has yet to settle, but the backlash was quick to follow as some cast doubt on the former army chief's ability to fulfill every promise and pledge.

Benny Gantz campaign poster (Photo: Israel Resilience Party)

And thats true of course. Promises during election campaigns are a reflection of a heart's desire at best, and the empty platitudes of a speech writer at worst. But theres one promise Gantz is sure fulfill if hes elected prime minister  hes not Netanyahu. And thats a start.

Yet the momentum of a new horse in the race can come at a price: the candidate starts fearing a loss of impetus and becomes too cautious, almost paralyzed. Gantz has two weeks to establish his list of candidates, and he needs to bring in more people who can win him votes from the right and ultra-Orthodox blocs, and perhaps even votes from women. Orly Levi-Abekasis could be an asset, bringing in 4-5 seats. Uniting with Yair Lapid would look good on billboards, but could prove a mistake in the polls.

Coalition Chairman David Bitan slammed Netanyahu on Monday for demanding to reserve two more spots on the Likud Party list for the elections. But the things he was saying went beyond a row over candidates. Bitan was openly saying for the first time what Likud officials have been saying in secret: theres now a conflict of interests between Netanyahu and his party. The Likud Party wants more seats, more MKs, more power. Netanyahu wants to rule for himself. He prefers criminal suspects like David Sharan to be Likud representatives in the Knesset, as long as they vote in favor of a law that prevents his indictment.

I am the party, says Netanyahu.

No," reply his colleagues. The party is us.
Over half of the Jewish public in Israel either opposes the controversial Nation-State Law or believes it needs to be amended, according to a poll ordered by the campaign to amend the legislation. The law, approved by the Knesset last July, defines Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people and strips the Arabic language from its status as an official language alongside Hebrew, defining it as a language with "special status."

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More than half of respondents (52.7 percent) said that in addition to being a Jewish state, the legislation should recognize Israel is also "a democracy with equal rights to all citizens of the state." About one fifth of the public (22.4%) were against adding this sentence to the law, while 25% didn't have a clear position on the matter.

The survey also showed that 61% of the Jewish public in Israel believe the state's democratic identity should be in line with its Jewish identity.

Protest led by Druze community against Nation-State Law (:  )

Furthermore, according to the poll, 75.2% of the Jewish public thinks civil equality should be enshrined in Basic Law; 42.6% think this must be done under the existing Nation-State Law, and that the legislation should be amended to that end, while 32.6% believe civil equality should be enshrined in separate legislation. Only 10% of the public did not think civil equality should be enshrined in law.

Forty percent of respondents said civil equality under the Basic-State Law should apply to all minorities in the state and not just a specific minority, such as the Druze community, which is leading the charge to amend the law.

Only 13% of respondents believe the Nation-State Law does not need to be amended.

The poll, which was conducted by Mano Geva and Dr. Mina Tzemach of the Midgam Institute in conjunction with iPanel, surveyed 509 people over the age of 18, who constitute a representative sample of the adult Jewish population in Israel.

Brig. Gen. (res). Amal Asad with other protesters outside the President's Residence (:  )

Brig. Gen. (res). Amal Asad, one of the heads of the campaign to amend the Nation-State Law, said the poll shows that "the Jewish public in Israel also understands the importance of amending the law and the need to safeguard the state's democratic character alongside its Jewish identity.

"As we've said repeatedly before: we do not oppose the Nation-State Law, and we are in favor of defining the state as the nation state of the Jewish people. However, alongside that we must also enshrine civil equality for all citizens in the state, in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence."

Activists from the campaign have been approaching party leaders and other prominent Knesset candidates, demanding them to commit to amend the legislation immediately after the April 9 elections.

The campaign's activists held protests outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Caesarea home and met with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked to discuss the matter.

Benny Gantz talks to protesters against the Nation-State Law outside his home (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

The protesters received statements of support from Israel Resilience Party leader and former IDF chief Benny Gantz, Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid, Labor Party leader Avi Gabbay, Gesher Party leader Orly Levy-Abekasis, Hatnua Party leader Tzipi Livni, Telem Party leader Moshe Ya'alon and Achi Israeli Party head Adina Bar-Shalom.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has canceled his Tuesday meeting with Alexander Van der Bellen, the Austrian President, due to illness.

The prime minister will also not be attending an Army drill he was planned to visit on Tuesday.
Hadash MK Dov Khenin has not yet left the Knesset and I am already beginning to miss him  because among the prominent Israeli non-Zionist Left, Dov is from another era. In general we did not agree on much, but he did not slander and defame the State of Israel.

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When we consider his possible replacements, who will probably serve in the Knesset, we witness the decline of the Left. Khenin was the link between the Zionist Left and the non-Zionist Left, in the positive sense of the term. Ofer Ksif represents the disconnect  in the negative sense of the term.

Ofer Ksif

Ksifs comments are nauseating. He had this to say regarding Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked: "This neo-Nazi scoundrel is not only responsible for and co-opted for the fascification of Israel, but she is also an indirect partner to genocide in Africa and crimes against humanity." Not only will we be nostalgic for Khenin, with such a style of speech, Likud MK Oren Hazan, notorious for his ill manners, seems like a man of manners and elegance.

The Nazis blamed the Jews for all the troubles of the world, and today there are the new anti-Semites of Ksif's ilk who are also accusing Israel of genocide in Africa. Even the Anti-Defamation League, which generally does not hurry to intervene regarding statements made by Israeli academics, demanded that the Hebrew University of Jerusalem take steps against Ksif.

Dov Khenin (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

Ksif was not satisfied only with Shaked, of course, and has already compared Israel to Nazi Germany. Nothing happened as a result  because he was quickly defended by the people who turned "academic freedom of expression" into a tool that gives them a license to utter any abomination; and that's the problem.

As far as Ksif is concerned, Zionism is the family name of racism and nationalism, exclusion and oppression, occupation and war-mongering, class exploitation and the service of imperialism. Even if we try we would not find such expressions made by Dov Khenin, or even most of the Communist Party members.

Ksif is not upholding the legacy of the party; on the contrary, he has adopted the radical, imperialist, Islamist point of view. That is not my opinion, those are the words of a senior Hadash Party member, Tawfiq Toubi. Toubi not only supported the partition plan, he also congratulated Israel for its victory in 1948: The establishment of the State of Israel and its resistance to imperialist plots and intervention were made possible by the resistance of the Israeli masses and their struggle for independence and freedom...

In their opposition to the war of aggression against Israel, the Arab democratic forces were subject to oppression and terrorism by the Arab reactionaries. And if imperialism temporarily succeeded in denying the Arabs in the Land of Israel their freedom and independence, and even if it managed to bring upon the Arab people a disaster that rarely seen in history, it did not succeed in destroying the State of Israel, and this is a victory for all the forces of freedom and democracy in the Middle East."

Under the title preventing participation in elections, section 7A of Basic Law: the Knesset states: "No person shall be a candidate in the Knesset elections if the actions of the person, including his statements, as the case may be, explicitly or implicitly, deny the existence of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state."

The High Court of Justice repeatedly trampled on this explicit law, and allowed the likes of Azmi Bishara and a party like Balad to run in the Knesset elections. They did this through interpretive acrobatics. The High Court's ruling gave legitimacy to extremism, and the result is a disgrace of Ksifs kind.

With the election of Ksif to a realistic spot on the Knesset list, there is an opportunity to make proper and correct use of the law. If, on account of his past statements, his candidacy is not invalidated, then the legislators ought to shut the lights, close up shop and return the keys to the Supreme Court.
TEHRAN, Iran -- His image is on bank notes and in textbooks in Iran, often as a black-and-white embodiment of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that swept aside the country's shah and forever changed the nation.

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But unlike other countries ruled by family dynasties, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's children and grandchildren have never fully entered politics.

Part of the reason lies with Khomeini's own commandments after becoming Iran's first supreme leader. The rest likely comes from suspicion in the very system Khomeini set up, even though his name still carries weight today.





Ayatollah Khomeini with the Turkish foreign minister in 1979 (Photo: Getty Images)

"I wish I was living during the Khomeini era," said Mahboobeh Ramazani, 27, who recently visited the mosque attached to the ayatollah's residence, now a tourist attraction in northern Tehran. "He is still my favorite, since he never sought anything for himself and his family members."

The memory of Khomeini, who died in 1989 at the age of 86, literally looms large over Tehran today. His golden-domed mausoleum in southern Tehran is one of the first things people see driving into the city from the airport named for him.

Even the CIA, in a 1983 analysis on him, acknowledged that Iran's revolution could not have happened without him. His tape-recorded sermons circulated through the country in the days leading up to the shah's departure, his calls for supporting the poor striking a populist tone among Iran's struggling masses.

His style also fit one of his mantras: "Islam is politics."

"He uses repetition, rhythm, exaggerated images and cutting political jokes to drive his message home and alters his vocabulary -- but not his delivery -- to show increased emotion," the CIA wrote. "His monotone exerts a hypnotic effect that is heightened by supporters placed among the audience to lead chanted slogans."

But despite his political success, he insisted that his own family not get involved.

Part of that stemmed from the allegations of corruption that surrounded the family of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, whose relatives enriched themselves through government contracts and the public purse.







The exiled Shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi and his wife, Farah Diba (Photo: AP)

The shah's family and royal court became known among protesters and the opposition at the time as a "1,000-member" oligarchy, a reference to their widespread presence in government and the private sector. Khomeini's own mullah father had been killed only months after his birth over his activism targeting wealthy landowners.

"I will that those who are related to me not enter political currents," Khomeini said in 1980 when one of his grandchildren backed Iran's then-embattled liberal President Abolhassan Banisadr. "I do order you based on Shariah not to enter political games."

Khomeini and his wife, Khadijeh Saghafi, had five children and 15 grandchildren. His daughter, Zahra Mostafavi, later became politically active, but said in 2006 that her father had told her and other family members: "Do not enter politics while I am alive."

"After his death, we decided not to enter" politics, she said. However, she would later publicly write Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to protest the decision to ban influential President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani from running in the 2013 election.

A damaged mural of Khomeini in Iran (Photo: Getty Images)

Khomeini's family did not stay out of politics for long, in part due to the changes within Iran. A growing youth population demanded jobs and had a different political perspective than their parents' generation. Those demands gave birth to Iran's reformist political movement, which seeks to change Iran's government from within and grant more political freedoms to its people.

Granddaughter Zahra Eshraghi, whose husband, Mohammad Reza Khatami, was the brother of reformist President Mohammad Khatami and served as deputy speaker of parliament, sought to form her own women's group. Both she and her husband tried to run for parliament in 2004, but were blocked by the Guardian Council, a 12-member panel that vets candidates and routinely rejects those calling for dramatic reform. The council similarly blocked Ali Eshraghi, another Khomeini grandson, in 2008.

Meanwhile, one of Khomeini's great-grandchildren has grown increasingly prominent, in part due to his use of Instagram. Ahmad Khomeini, a 20-year-old Shiite cleric, posts images of himself in both Western attire and the black turban marking him as a direct descendent of the Prophet Muhammad.

He also freely posts images of Khatami, subject of a state-ordered media blackout in Iran, and reformist politician Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who remains under house arrest years after he led Iran's Green Movement following his disputed 2009 election loss to hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

His father, Hassan Khomeini, another of Khomeini's grandsons, was barred by authorities in 2016 from running for seats on Iran's Assembly of Experts, which can appoint or remove a supreme leader.

Hassan Khomein, the ayatollah's grandson (Photo: AFP)

But fears about political dynasties persist in Iran. Earlier this year, President Hassan Rouhani described the 1979 Islamic Revolution as being aimed at avoiding having a "son to take the throne after the death of father."

Family members of current supreme leader Khamenei have taken a low-key approach to public life.

Political analyst Amir Mohebian, who heads a conservative think tank in Tehran, believes both Khomeini's ban and the people's anti-monarchy sentiment thwarts the formation of any political dynasties.

"The society is very sensitive toward any kind of dynasties' dominance," he said.

Yet even today, Khomeini remains a powerful figure in the minds of many Iranians.

"Khomeini was great. I joined his revolution despite having a good job, a good life, simply because he said Islam is in danger," said Iraj Khalilzadeh, an 81-year-old retired worker at a shoe factory while recently visiting Khomeini's shrine. "I expect the current government to pay attention to poor people."
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Washington (AFP) - The US must examine whether American-made military gear in Yemen is being transferred to unintended recipients, including Al-Qaeda and Iran-backed rebels, a top general said on Tuesday.

General Joseph Votel, who heads US Central Command covering the Middle East, expressed concern to senators about a CNN investigation that found weaponry and equipment provided by the US to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has ended up being used across war-torn Yemen by a number of militias.

"We have to look more closely at the allegations in this particular situation to find out what happened," Votel told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

"We will have to examine that better."

Recipients of United States defense equipment must agree not to re-export or transfer that gear without first getting US authorization.

According to CNN, the Washington-backed, Saudi-led coalition that is fighting the Huthi rebels in Yemen has transferred American-made weapons and military vehicles to Qaeda-linked fighters, hardline Salafi militias and other groups.

The network showed footage of mine-resistant US-made military vehicles no longer in coalition custody and said US weapons could be ordered for purchase in a market.

"We take allegations of misuse of US-origin defense equipment very seriously, and initiate investigations promptly upon receiving credible evidence," Pentagon spokesman Johnny Michael said.

Any investigation would ultimately be conducted by the US State Department, which said it is aware of the report and is seeking additional information.

"While battlefield losses of equipment do occur in active conflict zones, we expect all recipients of US origin defense equipment to abide by their end- use obligations and not retransfer equipment without prior US government authorization," a State Department spokesman told AFP.

Yemen's rebels are mired in a war with government forces backed since 2015 by a Saudi-led coalition.

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The conflict has triggered what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people at risk of starvation.

The Republican-controlled US Senate in December approved a largely symbolic resolution to end US military support for Riyadh's intervention in Yemen.

Washington has also carried out a long-running drone war against Yemen's Al-Qaeda branch, which has taken advantage of the chaos in Yemen to strengthen its own operations, particularly in the country's south.

The Pentagon sees Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula as the jihadist network's most dangerous branch, and has intensified its strikes against AQAP since President Donald Trump took office in 2017.

In Iraq in 2014, as the national army collapsed in the face of an onslaught by the Islamic State group, much of the Iraqis' US-provided weaponry was captured by the jihadists and used in their rampage.
CONCORD, N.H. (AP)  New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu is heading to Dubai on Wednesday to promote the FIRST Global robotics competition.

Sununu will join inventor Dean Kamen in the United Arab Emirates for an announcement about the program Kamen founded in Manchester in 1989. It went global in 2016, and now boasts 600,000 student participants in more than 100 countries.

Sununu also is attending a gathering of what his office called global government leaders and private-sector entrepreneurs to discuss the global rise of inequality. That meeting is a precursor to the annual World Government Summit being held in Dubai starting Feb. 10.

Sununu will return to New Hampshire Feb. 11.
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - South Sudan's rebel leader Riek Machar is planning to return to Juba in May under a power-sharing deal that a UN envoy said Tuesday offered the "best chance" of ending the war.

UN envoy David Shearer met last week with Machar in his exiled home in Khartoum to discuss plans for a transitional government that will pave the way to elections, under the terms of a peace plan signed in September.

"He told me that he is committed to coming back still at the end of May," Shearer told a news conference at UN headquarters in New York, adding that his return will mark a "critical juncture" toward setting up the transitional government.

The peace agreement brokered by Sudan reinstates Machar as vice-president and is aimed at ending the brutal five-year war.

"There are some tricky issues still to be resolved," said Shearer, who has been UN envoy to South Sudan since January 2017.

"But it's an agreement that is there that we feel offers the best chance in a long while for moving South Sudan in the right direction."

A visit by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to show support for the new peace effort in South Sudan had been planned for February but was pushed back to later this year when both Machar and President Salva Kiir will be in Juba, Shearer said.

South Sudan descended into war in December 2013 when Kiir accused Machar, his former deputy, of plotting a coup.

Under a previous deal, Machar returned from exile with a group of bodyguards in July 2016, sparking a major battle in Juba that forced the rebel leader to flee the country after being targeted by government troops.

Shearer said security arrangements for Machar's return from Khartoum had not yet been decided. Machar briefly returned to Juba in October to attend a peace ceremony.

Since the peace deal was signed, "fighting has diminished greatly", said Shearer, prompting many South Sudanese who have sought refuge near UN bases to return to their homes.

About 193,000 people are sheltering at UN-protected sites, compared to 205,000 five months ago. The United Nations has about 15,000 troops and police serving in the peacekeeping mission known as UNMISS.

The war has uprooted over one third of South Sudan's 12 million people and has seen horrific levels of sexual violence along with brutal attacks on civilians.
Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, left, and Alejandro Edda, right. (Photos: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/YouTube)



The trial of Mexican druglord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has provided more than its fair share of drama, from tales of escaping authorities while naked to the extracurricular activities of defense attorneys. Add a cameo by the actor playing El Chapo on Netflix to the list of memorable moments.



Alejandro Edda, who portrays El Chapo in "Narcos: Mexico," was in the Brooklyn courtroom gallery on Monday, Jan. 28. The New York Daily News reports that the actor arrived well before 6 a.m. in order to secure a seat. Edda was on a break from filming the Netflix show and was staying at a nearby Airbnb.



El Chapo's lawyers had let their client know that Edda was in the courtroom, and the kingpin turned in his chair at the defense table to smile and wave at the actor. "I didn't smile back," Edda told The New York Times. "I was just paying respect to him."



Edda also shook hands with the defense team that day, and greeted El Chapo's wife Emma Coronel Aispuro with a kiss on the cheek in the hallway during a mid-morning break.



According to The New York Post, Edda was overheard joking with the defense team about who would play whom in a big-screen story about El Chapo. I got Clooney, attorney Eduardo Balarezo told Edda, before turning to co-counsel William Purpura and suggesting, "And you've got Pacino."



It's possible that El Chapo would demand casting approval. Alex Cifuentes, who calls himself the druglord's "right hand man," testified earlier in the trial that El Chapo was interested in making a biopic about himself in 2007. A producer from Colombia was hired and a book tie-in was considered.



Outside the courthouse, Edda told reporters he believed the kingpin should be convicted. "Oh, I think hes guilty. Theres many, many horrendous things that he did. The sad part is I know hes not the only one. I know that not only the Sinaloan guys are the bad guys, there are many bad guys around us."



Netflix knows firsthand about those bad guys. In September 2017, "Narcos" location scout Carlos Munoz Portal was found north of Mexico City fatally shot in his car. According to The Los Angeles Times, the newspaper El Pais was the first to report Munoz's death, running the headline, "Violence in Mexico surpasses fiction."



The jury in the El Chapo case has begun deliberations.








RIYADH (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia has launched a new office to monitor state spending, saying it would help keep up the fight against corruption after the closing of a 15-month crackdown, state media reported. The financial reporting office would be part of the state's General Auditing Bureau, which watches out for financial discrepancies, public prosecutor Saud al-Mojeb was quoted as saying on Monday by state news agency SPA. "Corruption is not restricted to a specific company or government sector. The concerned authorities will be monitoring," he said. Public prosecutors would handle any investigations, he added. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said last week that the crackdown launched in November 2017 - which netted scores of the kingdom's economic and political elite - had achieved its objectives. The royal court said the operation had recovered more than $106 billion through settlements with scores of senior princes, ministers and top businessmen. King Salman said at the time that the government would continue efforts to combat corruption and protect public funds. Fifty-six people who were summoned under the anti-corruption campaign still face criminal charges, and eight others had declined settlement offers, the royal court has said. The crackdown, which critics called a shakedown and power play by Prince Mohammed, unsettled some foreign investors that he is courting to diversify the economy away from oil. Prince Mohammed has defended the campaign as shock therapy as he tries to overhaul the economy. (Reporting By Stephen Kalin; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
NORFOLK, Va. (AP)  The racist yearbook photo that could sink Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's career may have been mistakenly placed on his profile page  but even if it were put there intentionally, it's unlikely that many students would have noticed, according to alumni who put together the publication or submitted pictures to it 35 years ago.

Dr. Giac Chan Nguyen-Tan, a physician practicing in Connecticut, remembers that a page he laid out for the 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook was changed without his knowledge before publication.

"Could (the offensive photo) have been slipped in there? Absolutely," he said, adding that he doesn't remember laying out Northam's page, which ended up including a photo of one person in blackface and another dressed in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robes.

Fellow yearbook staffer Dr. William Elwood disagrees. Elwood said he doubts any photos were mixed up  and he says it's unlikely that someone could have pulled a prank because a limited number of people had keys to the yearbook room. He said he took his job seriously and received no complaints after the yearbook was published.

Regardless of how the photo got there, it's possible not many noticed what was in the yearbook; few students enrolled in the intense medical school program took the publication very seriously  or even looked at it  after it was published, several classmates said. For many, the yearbook was simply not a priority. Northam and his former roommate, Dr. John "Rob" Marsh, rushed off to the military immediately after graduation. Others embarked on their residencies.

"The yearbook comes out in the fall when you're gone," said Marsh, who roomed with Northam for two years before graduating in 1983.

The half page that Northam was allotted in the yearbook includes three pictures, including one of him in a suit. A fourth photo shows a man in blackface standing next to a person in a full KKK costume. At a news conference Saturday, Northam remarked that a former, unidentified classmate told him she thought "numerous pages" of the yearbook had received the wrong photos. At the same time, however, Northam acknowledged that he wore blackface to imitate Michael Jackson at a dance contest in Texas decades ago.

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The image was one of at least three blackface photos in the 1984 publication, which was reviewed by an Associated Press reporter. One of the others shows a man in blackface who is dressed up as a woman wearing a wig. A caption reads: "'Baby Love,' who ever thought Diana Ross would make it to Medical School!"

Calling the photos "shockingly abhorrent," school leaders said they have commissioned an investigation into all past yearbooks and the school's culture.

"We are acutely hurt by the events that occurred," school president Dr. Richard V. Homan said at a news conference Tuesday. "But it does not compare to the feelings of outrage and pain for our minority and African-American community here at EVMS, Virginia and around the nation."

Homan said when he discovered in early 2014 that photos of students posing in Confederate uniforms had appeared in the previous year's yearbook, he eliminated the program, which he said students had lost interest in anyway.

The 1984 photo became public after it was posted Friday on the conservative website Big League Politics. The image set off a firestorm of criticism and calls from both state and national Democrats and Republicans for the 59-year-old Democratic governor to resign. Northam initially apologized for appearing in the photo, but the next day said it was not him in the photo. On Tuesday, the governor gave no public indication of whether he would step down. He spent Monday in conversations with top advisers about whether he can still govern.

Retired physician and former Northam classmate Walt Broadnax, one of the few black students in the school's 1984 class, said he believes Northam's claim that he wasn't in the photo.

"There is no way anyone would tolerate someone going to a party in blackface," said Broadnax, 60. "If I had known about it then, it would have been an issue."

M. Scott Klavans, a Florida urologist and former Northam classmate, told the AP he is pretty sure the photo was taken at a Halloween party where attendees were told to dress up in the crudest or most obnoxious costumes they could imagine.

Klavans said he doesn't remember whether Northam was wearing either of the costumes in the photo, but he said there were a "lot of people dressed up in costumes that were not appropriate at the time."

Dr. Kevin Lynch, a Maryland physician who was friends with Northam in medical school, said he does remember occasionally seeing people wearing blackface at parties, but doesn't recall Northam ever doing so.

"He's done great things. He's not a racist," Lynch said.

A group of nine alumni who attended the medical school with Northam, including Nguyen-Tan, Marsh, and Virginia ophthalmologist Dr. Lisa Framm Sklar, released a statement Tuesday in which they denounced the photo, but also said they don't believe Northam is in it or that the governor "ever engaged in, promoted, tolerated, or condoned racism."

Sklar, who is Jewish, and Nguyen-Tan, who was born in Vietnam, both said in separate interviews that they did not perceive any kind of racist atmosphere or bigotry among students.

Northam is "the furthest thing he can be from someone who is a racist or bigot," Nguyen-Tan said.

Elwood said he saw Northam's page shortly after publication but wasn't shocked or outraged.

"It looked like it was done at a Halloween party," he said. "The political and social climate of this country is far different than it was 35 years ago."

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This story has been edited to correct that the student who told Northam numerous pages were mixed up was a woman, not a man.

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Associated Press researchers Randy Herschaft and Jennifer Farrar, and AP writer Jennifer Peltz, in New York; AP researcher Monika Mathur in Washington; Associated Press writer Jonathan Drew in Raleigh, North Carolina; and AP writer Alanna Durkin Richer in Boston, contributed to this report.
New York (AFP) - Qatar Petroleum and Exxon Mobil announced Tuesday a final decision to build a natural gas export facility in Texas, giving the official green light to a long-discussed project.

The Golden Pass project in Sabine Pass, Texas, which will cost more than $10 billion, is scheduled to begin construction in the first quarter of 2019, with a start up date in 2024, the companies said.

The venture is the latest to underscore the shifting complexion of US energy in the wake of a shale boom that has prompted companies to pivot from building facilities to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) to exporting the fuel.

Qatar Petroleum, which holds 70 percent of the project, plans $20 billion in US energy sector investments. Qatar announced in December it was leaving the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to focus on building its international gas business.

The Golden Pass project "enhances the depth and flexibility of our global LNG supply portfolio, and reinforces the position of the US as a key contributor to meeting the world's growing demand for LNG," said Qatar Petroleum Chief Executive Saad al-Kaabi, who also serves as Energy Minister for the Middle Eastern country.

Kaabi participated in a ceremony with US Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Darren Woods, chief executive of Exxon Mobil, which holds 30 percent of the project.

The project is expected to create about 9,000 jobs during the construction phase and 200 permanent jobs, Exxon Mobil said in a news release.

"Golden Pass will provide an increased, reliable, long-term supply of liquefied natural gas to global gas markets, stimulate local growth and create thousands of jobs," Woods said in a statement.
The Daily Beast

Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast/Photos via GettyPresident Vladimir Putin has pulled off a targeted propaganda operation against the U.S. thats so simple it never should have workedand he did it in plain sight as part of the build-up to last weeks summit with President Joe Biden.This weekend, Russias favorite propaganda shows celebrated a job well done. State TV propagandist Dmitry Kiselyov asserted on his show on Sunday, Biden should keep in mind that not only America is back, but Rus
DEARBORN, Mich.  He was one of America's most successful entrepreneurs, but Henry Ford was also one of its most virulent anti-Semites, and an attempt by a suburban Detroit mayor to censor an article detailing Ford's hatred of Jews in a little-read local historical magazine is drawing national attention.

Most Americans are likely to think of Ford Motor Co. (F)'s founder as the man who put the country on wheels, rolling out the Model T by the millions off his breakthrough assembly lines in the early half of the 20th century. But "he was also a man who mass produced hate," said Bill McGraw, former editor of the Dearborn Historian. Dearborn Mayor John B. "Jack" O'Reilly late last month ordered all the copies of the Autumn 2018 issue, Volume 55, No. 3 confiscated and, days later, fired McGraw.

A former reporter from the Detroit Free Press, McGraw wrote the issue's cover story for the city-owned magazine: "A Special Report: Henry Ford and 'The International Jew.'"

There are no indications that Ford or its executives had any knowledge of the mayor's actions, and the company has taken great pains over the years to distance itself from its founder's dark legacy.

Admired by Hitler

Ford used the Dearborn Independent, a newspaper he took over in 1918, as a mouthpiece for his personal views  everything from business to history. But it was Ford's racist screeds that, until it was shut down in December 1927, promoted anti-Semitism here and abroad and that some say is helping to shape anti-Jewish vitriol today.

Ford, for instance, paid to print and distribute 500,000 copies of "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion," which has renewed popularity in America among today's neo-Nazi and white supremacists. Historians say the book  a hoax first printed in Russia in 1903 that claimed to reveal Jewish plans for global domination  would have likely been forgotten, but for Ford's reprint in English.

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Adolf Hitler himself called Ford an inspiration and kept a photo of the automaker behind his desk. In a 1923 interview with the Chicago Tribune, Hitler said he considered "Heinrich Ford as the leader of the growing Fascisti movement in America" and "admire(d) particularly his anti-Jewish policy," adding that he wished he could send some of his "shock troops to America" to help Ford get elected president. Historians say Hitler distributed Ford's books and articles throughout Germany, stoking the hatred that helped fuel the Holocaust.

During an interview at the Dearborn Historical Museum before being fired last week, McGraw said Ford "used the Dearborn Independent to spread his message all over the world."

'Not beneficial'

Many of the Independent's articles were eventually compiled in a book, "The International Jew," that Hitler said was translated, reprinted and circulated throughout Germany, according to the 1923 article in the Chicago Tribune.

The original cover of the Dearborn Historian features a quote from one of the Independent's articles declaring: "The Jew is a race that has no civilization to point to, no aspiring religion, no great achievement in any form."

In explaining O'Reilly's decision to pull the magazine, Dearborn city spokeswoman Mary Laundroche said, "the mayor is very focused that all our messages, through all our outlets (including) his publication work to help people understand what Dearborn is today." Laundroche added that the Democratic mayor "decided this was not beneficial for our community."

Gone viral

With the story now reprinted in a local news site, DeadlineDetroit.com, and word of the mayor's move starting to go viral, the attempt to bury the report is gaining far more attention than it ever would have originally.

And it is putting back in the spotlight a town that has had to deal with the legacy of not only Henry Ford but long-time Mayor Orville Liscum Hubbard, an avowed racist who helped keep most blacks out of the city during a 36-year reign that ended in 1978. Dearborn now has one of the country's largest populations of Lebanese and other Middle Easterners.

O'Reilly won re-election by a wide margin, many crediting his efforts to cope with Dearborn's dark history. Among other things, O'Reilly moved a statue of Hubbard off a main thoroughfare and into the historical museum's back lot. Some residents now question whether his decision to censor the Ford issue was motivated by other concerns.

Headquartered in the suburb just outside of Detroit, Ford is Dearborn's biggest employer. Some 4,100 work at the sprawling Rouge Assembly Plant complex alone with thousands more at Ford's world headquarters, technical center and other facilities within city limits.

The presence of the automaker and the family that still controls it can be felt everywhere in civic life, as well. There's the massive Henry Ford Museum, the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, even Fordson High School.

Laundroche insisted that the mayor "made (his) decision in the interest of Dearborn and without discussing it with the Ford Motor Co. or Ford family."

'The Deuce'

The company has, in fact, worked hard to separate itself from the legacy of its founder, starting with Henry Ford II, who effectively forced out his grandfather at the end of World War II. Commonly known as "The Deuce," he became a strong benefactor of Israel, refusing to engage in a boycott of the fledgling nation after its founding in 1948. William Clay Ford Jr., Henry's great-grandson and today Ford Motor Co. chairman, was honored in 2015 by Steven Spielberg's USC Shoah Foundation Institute with the Ambassador for Humanity Award for his leadership in education and the community.

While the company wouldn't address the mayor's actions or comment on the Dearborn Historian's article, it released a statement condemning discrimination:

"Ford Motor Company has a long and rich history as a company that supports equality and fairness to all people, and condemns any form of discrimination. Ford Motor Company's position on any form of discrimination is well documented and the company remains committed to the advancement of understanding and goodwill among all races, religions and cultures."

Few would question the automaker's efforts to right the wrongs of its founder. And McGraw and others on the Historical Commission appear convinced that the company was not involved in the censorship of the Historian. But whatever the reasoning behind the move, there remains deep concern about the implications.

Emergency meeting

The Dearborn Historical Commission called an emergency meeting Thursday to vote on a resolution calling on the mayor to distribute the magazine. It may have been 14 below zero outside, but things were getting heated inside the old city building. The majority of those gathered at the meeting offered strong praise for McGraw's work, calling it a much-needed look at the dark side of Dearborn's most famous son.

Though invited to attend the meeting, O'Reilly and his staff were no-shows.

Not everyone was sorry to see the distribution of the magazine halted. Ford was "a multifaceted person," argued Commissioner Mary Buegeia, insisting Ford "had a good relationship with some Jewish people."

In fact, he did. Most of his factories were designed by Albert Kahn, a renowned Detroit architect who was Jewish. And for years, Ford gave a car each year to Rabbi Leo Franklin, once a neighbor when the businessman lived in Detroit's upscale Boston-Edison neighborhood  though the rabbi stopped accepting the gifts in 1920.

'Bad for the mayor'

Although Buegeia argued, "we of today's population do not agree to" what Ford wrote a century ago, she questioned why the Dearborn Historian published the Ford article.

"I think it's bad for the mayor. I think he made an unfortunate decision," William Hackett, an emeritus member of the Historical Commission, said as it prepared to vote on its emergency resolution. With only Buegeia abstaining, the commission board voted unanimously for the resolution.

Author McGraw was fired shortly before the meeting. Although Laundroche insisted that decision was made by Jack Tate, the head of the Dearborn Museum, Tate told the commission Thursday that O'Reilly "ordered" him to fire McGraw.

Anti-Semitism today

Many historians and civil rights groups contend that Ford's hate-filled words are fueling violence today with anti-Semitic acts on the rise, including the murder of 11 worshippers in a Pittsburgh synagogue in October, The Southern Poverty Law Center has cited Ford as a strong influence on growing neo-Nazi and other white supremacist groups.

"Henry Ford was the most famous, most wealthy and most successful man in the United States at the time," said Michael Rose, a historian and documentarian now working on a book and film exploring Ford's anti-Semitic legacy. "This is someone people aspired to be and be like. His book and his newspaper influenced people all over the world."
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Latest on President Donald Trump's State of the Union address (all times local):

11 p.m.

Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacy Abrams is declaring that the recent partial federal government shutdown was "a stunt engineered by the president of the United States."

Democrats tapped the former Georgia House minority leader deliver their party's response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday night.

She drew a series of contrasts with Republicans on issues like health care, gun control and immigration.

Abrams said that a few weeks ago she volunteered to distribute meals to federal workers furloughed during the nation's longest government shutdown. She accused Trump of making their "livelihoods a pawn for political games."

The government shut down for more than a month over Trump's demands for $5.7 billion for his promised border wall with Mexico.

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10:50 p.m.

President Donald Trump seemed pleasantly surprised when Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez jumped to her feet with other white-garbed female House members and cheered something he said.

The moment came when Trump said women have benefited most from the strong economy. The record number of female House members jumped to their feet and cheered.

Trump said, "You weren't supposed to do that."

Then he congratulated the women who hold seats in Congress. And the Democrats jumped up and high-fived each other, chanting "U-S-A!"

It was a rare exchange that crossed the partisan divide just a few days after Trump capitulated and agreed to reopen the government without any money for his border wall. Another budget deadline looms Feb. 15.

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10:35 p.m.

President Donald Trump, in concluding his State of the Union address, is urging Americans to "choose greatness."

Trump finished his 82-minute speech on an optimistic note, suggesting that "our biggest victories are still to come" and that "we have not yet begun to dream." And he urged the nation to not be "defined by our differences."

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But despite Trump's call for unity, much of his speech echoed his usual partisan talking points and the reaction to his address varied wildly among Democrats and Republicans.

Moreover, Trump, in the hours before speech, attacked Democratic Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer. And the president's previous public pleas for bipartisanship have usually worn off in a matter of days, often overwhelmed by a flood of his incendiary tweets.

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10:30 p.m.

Lawmakers from both parties sang "Happy Birthday" to Judah Samet, a member of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh who survived a shooting that killed 11 people in October.

President Donald Trump saluted Samet during the State of the Union address. Samet, who also is a Holocaust survivor, celebrated his 81st birthday on Tuesday.

Trump said Samet can still remember the moment nearly 75 years ago when he was put on a train after 10 months in a concentration camp. Suddenly the train screeched to a halt. A soldier appeared. Samet's family braced for the worst, but then his father cried out with joy, "It's the Americans."

Lawmakers jumped to their feet and applauded as Trump told the story, and they spontaneously sang "Happy Birthday" as Samet smiled and waved. Trump told Samet lawmakers "wouldn't do that for me."

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10:30 p.m.

President Donald Trump says he's accelerated U.S. negotiations with the Taliban to reach "if possible" a political settlement in Afghanistan.

In his State of the Union address on Tuesday, Trump said that as progress is made in the negotiations, the U.S. will be able to reduce its troop presence and focus on counterterrorism.

He says U.S. troops have fought with "unmatched valor" and it's because of them that the U.S. is now able to pursue "if possible" a political solution to end the "long and bloody conflict."

Trump says the Taliban also are very happy to be negotiating because they too want to try for peace and end 17 years of war.

Trump says "the hour has come to at least try for peace."

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10:30 p.m.

President Donald Trump is launching a campaign to end the HIV epidemic in the United States by 2030, targeting areas where new infections happen and getting highly effective drugs to people at risk.

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and senior public health officials say the campaign would focus on areas where about half of new HIV cases occur. That includes 48 counties, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and seven states with at-risk rural residents.

Anti-AIDS groups are reacting with both skepticism and cautious optimism.

Trump said in his State of the Union speech Tuesday that funding will be in his budget. He did not specify an amount.

There are about 40,000 new cases of HIV infection a year in the U.S. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

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10: 30 p.m.

President Donald Trump says the United States stands with the people of Venezuela in their "noble quest for freedom. He condemned "the brutality" of President Nicolas Maduro.

Trump used his State of the Union address Tuesday night to ratchet up pressure on Maduro, saying he has turned the wealthy nation in to a state of poverty. He also said that the U.S. will never be a socialist country.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido (Gwy-DOH) has deemed himself the country's interim president over Maduro, who banned opponents from running in an election last year that has been condemned internationally as illegitimate.

The U.S. and more than 30 other countries have now recognized Guaido.

Earlier Tuesday, Maduro lashed out at Trump, saying he was obsessed with Venezuela because the U.S. wants steal Venezuelan oil.

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10:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump is calling on lawmakers from both parties to come together "for a great rebuilding of America's crumbling infrastructure" as he highlights a slew of domestic policy proposals during his State of the Union speech.

Trump typically spends most of his time talking about issues like trade and immigration.

But he says Tuesday night that he's eager to work with Congress on an infrastructure package  without offering specifics. And he says his "next major priority" will be working to lower the cost of health care and prescription drugs.

Trump also says his coming budget will ask Democrats and Republicans "to make the needed commitment to eliminate the HIV epidemic in the United States within 10 years."

And he's calling on Congress to dedicate $500 million over the next 10 years to fund childhood cancer research.

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10:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump is denouncing embattled Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam in calling for tougher anti-abortion legislation.

In his State of the Union address on Tuesday, Trump asked Congress to pass legislation to prevent "late-term abortion of children."

He attacked Northam  not by name, but by title  claiming he would "execute a baby after birth." Northam in an interview last week defended, in rare occasions, the practice of third-trimester abortions.

Trump received the enthusiastic backing of evangelicals and pro-life advocates during the 2016 elections and aides have said he planned to focus on the issue ahead of his re-election campaign.

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10:20 p.m.

House Democrats are sitting stone faced through much of President Donald Trump's references to overhauling immigration during his State of the Union address.

Republicans jumped to their feet again and again when Trump said the U.S. needs to crack down on people entering the U.S. illegally.

Mostly, Democrats stayed seated. Some booed when Trump described immigrants on the march to the U.S. Some chuckled when he referred to a "tremendous onslaught" of people coming over the border. Most sat in silence when he said that encouraging illegal immigration was "cruel."

But Trump did get some applause when he saluted more women serving in Congress. Many of the Democrats who wore white high-fived each other and chanted, "U-S-A!"

Trump said, "That's great. Very great."

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10:10 p.m.

President Donald Trump is suggesting that a multination arms control agreement could be negotiated to replace the one with Russia he is exiting.

Trump accused Moscow of repeatedly violating the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty with "impunity" by deploying banned missiles. Russia says it's pulling out, too.

U.S. officials also worry that China is gaining a significant military advantage in Asia by deploying large numbers of missiles with ranges beyond the treaty's limit. China is not party to the treaty.

In his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, Trump said that perhaps the U.S. could negotiate a "different agreement, adding China and others" or "perhaps we can't."

If not, Trump vowed that the U.S. would "outspend" and "out-innovate" all other nations in the development of arms to protect America.

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10 p.m.

A special agent who works to combat human trafficking is among President Donald Trump's State of the Union guests.

Elvin Hernandez works in the New York office of Homeland Security Investigations. He and his colleagues began targeting a violent pipeline for prostitution through Tenancingo (ten-ahn-SEEN'-go), Mexico, in 2012. The final defendants were sentenced last month to decades in prison.

Trump has pushed the idea that human trafficking is a major reason why he needs $5.7 billion for a border wall, even though most trafficking victims come through ports of entry, according to data from the International Organization for Migration.

In total, Hernandez said during one investigation he and his colleagues brought down more than 80 defendants; rescued more than 150 victims, including 45 minors; and reunified 19 children with their mothers.

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9:50 p.m.

President Donald Trump is addressing immigration in his State of the Union speech, saying Republicans and Democrats "must join forces" to confront what he's calling "an urgent national crisis."

Trump says Congress "has 10 days left to pass a bill that will fund our government, protect our homeland and secure our very dangerous southern border" ahead of a February 15 deadline. Critics dispute the level of danger at the border.

But he's made no reference to the national emergency he's threatened to declare if Democrats in Congress fail to give in to his demand for billions of dollars to build a wall along the southern border.

Trump says that lawmakers "have a moral duty to create an immigration system that protects the lives and jobs of our citizens."

Democrats oppose Trump's stalled wall as immoral and unnecessary.

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9:30 p.m.

President Donald Trump is declaring that the state of the union is "strong."

The president delivered his annual address to Congress on Tuesday with the now-standard declaration that the nation is prospering.

Trump, whose red tie was oddly askew, declared "our country is vibrant and our economy is thriving like never before."

He added that "the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics or ridiculous partisan investigations" an apparent swipe at the special counsel probe into ties between Russia and the Trump campaign.

He was greeted with cheers from the Republicans in the chamber and chants of "U-S-A, U-S-A" filled half the room.

But many Democrats did not cheer, including dozens of female lawmakers who wore white as a tribute to suffragettes.

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9:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump has invited some previously unannounced guests to his State of the Union speech.

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin  the second man to walk on the moon  is among those seated in the House chamber for the president's speech.

Trump is also honoring World War II veterans who participated in D-Day and recounting the "fifteen thousand young American men" who "jumped from the sky and sixty thousand more stormed in from the sea, to save our civilization from tyranny."

Three D-Day veterans, Pfc. Joseph Reilly, Staff Sgt. Locker and Sgt. Herman Zeitchik, are also attending.

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9:20 p.m.

President Donald Trump will hold a two-day summit with North Korea leader Kim Jong Un Feb. 27-28 in Vietnam to try to convince him to give up his nuclear weapons program.

The announcement was made in Trump's prepared remarks the White House released for his Tuesday night State of the Union address.

Trump has said that his outreach to Kim and their first meeting last June in Singapore opened a path to peace. But there is not yet a concrete plan for how denuclearization could be implemented.

U.S. intelligence chiefs believe there is little likelihood Kim will voluntarily give up his nuclear weapons or missiles capable of carrying them. Private analysts reviewing commercial satellite imagery have assessed that the North is still developing nuclear and missile technology despite suspending tests.

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9:05 p.m.

President Donald Trump has arrived in the House chamber to deliver his State of the Union speech.

Trump, wearing a red tie, was greeted with a round of applause from Republicans as well as some Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The chamber is filled with his family members, Cabinet, a handful of Supreme Court justices, members of Congress and their invited guests.

Trump is expected to strike a unifying tone in his remarks, which are expected to touch on subjects including immigration, trade negotiations with China and U.S. troop deployments in the Middle East.

The speech is being delivered a week later than originally scheduled after Pelosi said Trump would not be allowed to speak in front of the House Chamber until the partial government shutdown came to an end.

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8:55 p.m.

Energy Secretary Rick Perry is the so-called designated survivor for this year's State of the Union address.

By tradition, one Cabinet secretary is closeted away at a secure, undisclosed location to ensure continuity of government in case disaster strikes while government leaders attend the speech.

The choice of Perry was confirmed by a White House official, who was not authorized to disclose the person's identity, and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue was last year's designated survivor.

Trump's choice this year was limited by the number of "acting" secretaries in the Cabinet. Only Senate-confirmed secretaries (and natural-born citizens) in the line of succession to the presidency can assume control of government in a crisis.

--Contributed by Zeke Miller
Washington (AFP) - The Afghan government must be involved in talks between the US and the Taliban if a push for a peace deal is to be successful, a top general said Tuesday.

A months-long drive by the US to engage with the Taliban has ostensibly been aimed at convincing them to talk to Kabul, but the Taliban see President Ashraf Ghani and his government as US-backed puppets.

"Ultimately, we need to get to a Taliban-Afghanistan discussion," General Joseph Votel, the head of US Central Command, told US lawmakers.

"Only they will be able to resolve the key issues involved in the dispute."

The talks, led by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, come as President Donald Trump seeks to pull US troops from Afghanistan.

"I would characterize where we are in the process as very, very early in the process," Votel said.

"Ambassador Khalilzad is attempting to create a framework by which we can move forward with discussions. That would be certainly involving the government of Afghanistan."

Ghani said Tuesday on Twitter that he had spoken to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who "underscored the central importance of ensuring the centrality of the Afghan government in the peace process."

The Taliban meanwhile are meeting with envoys, many with competing interests in Afghanistan.

On Tuesday in Moscow, they met Afghan politicians from outside the government and demanded a new constitution for Afghanistan while promising an "inclusive Islamic system."

While no representatives from the Kabul government were invited, some of Ghani's chief rivals -- including former president Hamid Karzai -- were there.
PARIS (Reuters) - Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio said he met leaders of France's "yellow vest" anti-government movement on Tuesday, an encounter likely to further test already strained bilateral relations. Di Maio, who also leads the populist, anti-establishment 5-Star party, said he had stopped over in France and met "yellow vests" leader Christophe Chalencon and candidates on the grassroots movement's list for European Parliament elections in May. "The winds of change have crossed the Alps", Di Maio said on Twitter. He has previously expressed support for the movement. The at time violent "yellow vests" protests have been a political thorn in President Emmanuel Macron's side since November as support among the French electorate for his reform agenda has ebbed. Di Maio and Italy's other deputy premier, Matteo Salvini of the right-wing League, have made a series of verbal attacks against Macron in recent weeks, supporting his political opponents and accusing Paris of creating poverty in Africa and doing nothing to bring peace to Libya. France's foreign ministry summoned Italy's ambassador in January, since then Macron has said the only Italian politician he deals with is Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. (Writing by Bate Felix; editing by John Stonestreet)
ROME (Reuters) - The Italian cabinet has nominated euro-sceptic EU Affairs Minister Paolo Savona as the next head of Consob, the country's market watchdog, two government sources said on Tuesday. The proposal will now be reviewed by a parliamentary commission and must ultimately be approved by President Sergio Mattarella, who last year refused to let the 82-year-old Savona become economy minister because of his anti-euro views. However, a source in the president's office told Reuters earlier on Tuesday that Mattarella would not object to Savona moving to Consob if his nomination overcame various legal hurdles that could yet derail his candidacy. The government sources said Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte would take over the reins as EU minister on a temporary basis. The top Consob job has been vacant since last September when the then-president, Mario Nava, resigned under pressure from the League and 5-Star because of his continued ties to the European Commission, where he had previously worked. However, the two coalition parties have struggled to find a compromise candidate and Mattarella last week shot down a proposal that economist Marcello Minenna should take the post. Newspapers have reported that Minenna, who is seen as close to 5-Star, is likely to become Consob secretary general. A political source said Savona was frustrated by his role as EU Affairs Minister because it came with only a limited budget and had little effective power. The opposition centre-left Democratic Party said they would challenge the choice, citing rules meant to prevent ministers from being allowed to take charge of public watchdogs and a separate regulation that imposes limits on the kind of jobs that people who are passed the retirement age can do. (Reporting by Giuseppe Fonte and Massimiliano Di Giorgio; writing by Crispian Balmer; editing by Larry King and Steve Scherer)
TOKYO (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president and said he should organise new elections as soon as possible. "Guaido is the person with whom we are talking and who we expect to initiate an election process as quickly as possible and he is the legitimate interim president for this task from the German perspective and also from the perspective of many European partners," Merkel told a news conference during a visit to Tokyo. "And we hope that this process is as short as possible and of course peaceful," she added. (Reporting by Reuters Television; Writing by Michelle Martin; Editing by Paul Carrel)
A weekly look at what occurred in the oil markets of the U.S. and the world this past week.

The week just ended might be referred to as "Venezuela week." With the news that the U.S. was sanctioning PDVSA, the Venezuelan state oil company  at one time considered the most well-run state oil company in the world, staffed by talented people but now in ruins  the market began to assess just what that would mean for supplies out of that country and how it might affect the price of oil.

Here are a few things to remember about this standoff and its possible impact on supply and demand:

The sanctions are not a ban on U.S. imports of crude from Venezuela. But they are considered onerous enough to be a de facto ban. Most market participants are expecting that Venezuelan crude exports to the U.S.  which have been averaging 500,000 barrels per day for the last few months  will probably cease, as well as U.S. exports of products to Venezuela. That latter category includes diluent, a loosely defined category of very light oils that are needed to get the "heavy" Venezuelan crude to "move" after being blended in. (The U.S. exports a huge amount of diluent to Canada for the same reason; oil from the Alberta oil sands is extremely heavy as is some oil from conventional sources.)

What happens then? In a perfect economic world, supply lines readjust, Venezuelan oil goes elsewhere, the U.S. exports less crude or imports more from somewhere else and the market is rebalanced. But it's not a perfect economic world. In particular, Venezuelan crude is sour  high in sulfur  and extremely heavy; that's why it needs the diluent. U.S. refiners are equipped to process it; many refiners in other parts of the world aren't. For years, U.S. refiners reconfigured their engineering on the assumption that they'd be taking in more heavy oil from Venezuela, Mexico and Canada. But the shale revolution, with its flows of light crude, threw a wrench into those plans. The potential impact in the U.S. then is that some refiners who banked on heavy crude, like Valero, are going to have to bid more heavily for heavy crudes to replace the Venezuelan supplies; Canada and Mexico should be the beneficiaries and market reports are increasingly referring to the "sour shortage." The potential negative impact to Venezuela, on top of all its other problems, is that it might need to accept a lower price than from its customers in the U.S. to sell its oil in to refiners who aren't set up to get the full value out of such a heavy crude. That's compounded by the fact that it needs to find diluent somewhere else.

Also complicating the Venezuela situation are reports that the U.S. government might seek to release crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). It is a complicating factor because theoretically, there is no loss of supply to global markets. The last time the SPR released oil outright to deal with a shortfall in supply  as opposed to lending it out during a less-serious disruption, to be paid back with crude as interest  was when the Libyan revolution erupted in 2011. But if Venezuela can find a way to keep pumping oil despite the sanctions and the marketing problems it brings, the SPR will be releasing oil into a market that hasn't suffered a shortfall. In an oil market that is well-supplied, that could be a strongly bearish factor and offset some of the cuts that OPEC has made since December.

In other developments this week:

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 The parade of monthly reports of what OPEC did in the prior month has begun. The first out of the gate was Reuters, which estimated that OPEC produced 30.98 million barrels per day (b/d) in January. This would be down 890,000 from Reuters' estimate in December. Comparisons of month-to-month final numbers are going to be a little tricky this month because these estimates, from places like Bloomberg and S&P Global, will be dropping the roughly 600,000 b/d that Qatar produces from their estimates now that it has left the organization. Additionally, there was a significant difference in estimating the size of the cuts made in December among the forecasters. But the important thing to know is that if OPEC cut 890,000 b/d in January, Reuters' estimates are that OPEC output in January will be 569,000 b/d less than the level it produced in October 2018, which was the baseline for the group's pledge to reduce output by 800,000 b/d. A day after the Reuters report, Bloomberg estimated a 930,000 b/d cut by OPEC in January. There are still three significant estimates to come in  S&P Global Platts, OPEC itself and the International Energy Agency. But based on the two reports out there already, OPEC is getting to its goals quicker than most people believed possible.

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Learn more today

 A small impact to the supply/demand balance will be coming out of Alberta. Late last year, in an unprecedented move, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley ordered production cuts of 325,000 b/d to help support not just the overall price but the price of Alberta crude relative to benchmarks like West Texas Intermediate (WTI). That differential had slid to as much as $40/b. It has since rebounded to as little as $10/b less than WTI. Notley said this week that she would allow increases of 75,000 b/d in February and March.

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 U.S. crude refining capacity is getting a big boost with the announcement by ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) that it will be adding 250,000 b/d in crude distillation capacity to its Beaumont, Texas refinery. That will bring total capacity there to about 615,000 b/d, making it the largest refinery in the country. In the trucking world, the only question these days is will that refinery help make more diesel fuel, to help soften the blow from the existing diesel pool draining increasingly into the marine market to meet the mandates of IMO 2020? Just the addition of crude distillation capacity, the most basic part of the refining process, does little to answer "yes" to that question. But earlier in 2018, ExxonMobil completed a capital project at Beaumont that increased the production of ultra-low sulfur fuels, gasoline and diesel, by approximately 450,000 b/d. Additionally, as noted in the discussion about Venezuela, U.S. Gulf Coast refineries were oriented toward processing the heavy oil out of Venezuela, Canada and Mexico before the shale revolution turned oil markets upside down. Additional capacity in the U.S. Gulf now to process lighter crudes can add capability to producing products that are coming from a lighter-sulfur blendstock, which is the case with the oil coming out of places like the Bakken and the Eagle Ford fields. ExxonMobil's plans are a win for the consumers of diesel.

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Brussels (AFP) - European and Latin American envoys will gather in Montevideo on Thursday for the first meeting of an international contact group aimed at charting a peaceful end to Venezuela's political crisis.

Around 20 EU countries have joined the US and key regional powers in recognising opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader, adding to the pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, who has presided over his oil-rich country's collapse into economic ruin and political turmoil.

While maintaining pressure on the Maduro regime through diplomacy and targeted sanctions, the European Union sees the contact group as a way of starting work on a process to help Venezuela find a way out of the chaos.

- Who is taking part?

Eight European countries have confirmed -- Spain, France, Britain, Germany, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden -- along with Uruguay, Ecuador, Bolivia and Costa Rica from Latin America. Mexico has been invited but not yet confirmed.

The EU has said other countries may join but it wants to keep the size of the group "manageable and conducive to results" -- having too many members would make it hard to take decisions.

The Vatican, which has led past mediation efforts in Venezuela, will be kept closely informed on the group's work but is not taking part.

Thursday's meeting will be at ministerial level, though given the short notice some countries will be represented by more junior officials.

Separately, Mexico and Uruguay have called a meeting of countries taking a "neutral" stance in the crisis, also due to be held in Montevideo on Thursday.

- What does the group hope to achieve?

The EU has stressed the contact group is not there to mediate or organise dialogue in the Venezuela crisis, but to coordinate international efforts to bring matters to a peaceful, democratic conclusion through new elections.

The group will follow a two-stage process. First they plan to build a common understanding among the group's members about the situation in Venezuela and how new, credible polls could be organised. Then they will contact the Venezuelans to find out what they want from the process and decide how to proceed, offering further support as needed.

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Brussels does not want the group to be hijacked as a time-wasting exercise, and so has imposed a 90-day review period -- if not enough progress has been made by that point, the group will be terminated.

For the EU, the final outcome to the crisis -- including the important question of what happens to senior regime figures accused of rights abuses -- must be decided by Venezuelans, not imposed from outside.

The bloc has not set a deadline or timetable for elections, stressing instead the fact that polls must be free and fair and supervised by independent international observers -- conditions that will likely take time to achieve.

- What other steps are being taken?

The EU already has sanctions in place against 18 members of the Maduro regime and has warned that more could be in the offing.

But Brussels is keen to avoid adding to the miseries of the long-suffering Venezuelan people and so has said any further measures would be carefully targeted.

- What are the hopes for success?

Both publicly and in private, EU officials are playing down the group's chances of achieving a breakthrough, aware of earlier failed efforts by others to mediate in Venezuela's long-running crisis and conscious that Maduro still enjoys the support of big players including China and Russia -- and crucially, the Venezuelan military.

Even the EU's normally upbeat diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini warned on Friday that she did "not have positive expectations" about the contact group.

But Brussels hopes that adding a credible roadmap out of the current situation to the growing diplomatic and economic pressure will go some way to convincing Maduro that the status quo is untenable and that a way out is possible without the country collapsing into violence.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union is considering imposing more sanctions on the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro but has not discussed an oil embargo, Malta's foreign minister said on Monday. "The intention ... is that sanctions can be possible on certain individuals rather than on issues that might have an effect on an already weakened economy," Carmelo Abela told Reuters following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels. "Having further (sectoral) sanctions is not excluded but primarily we are focused on certain individuals." Since November 2017, the European Union has imposed an embargo on exports of weapons and equipment for internal repression, as well as a travel ban and an asset freeze on 18 officials accused of violating rights and undermining democracy. Experts say EU sanctions, while symbolic, have had little or no impact on Maduro's policies so far and that oil and financial sanctions may be the only way to force the government to change. Oil and related products make up three quarters of Venezuela's exports to the EU, but the bloc is unwilling to take steps that might further worsen an economy already in deep crisis with widespread suffering. The U.S. administration of President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm PDVSA. (This story corrects quote in paragraph two to replace earlier wrongly attributed quote.) (Reporting by Robin Emmott; Editing by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
Brussels (AFP) - US officials are fanning out across Europe to warn about the security risks of allowing Chinese telecoms giant Huawei to help build 5G mobile networks, a US diplomat said Tuesday.

Washington considers the matter urgent as European Union countries prepare to roll out fifth-generation networks that will bring near-instantaneous connectivity, vast data capacity and futuristic technologies.

"We are urging folks not to rush ahead and sign contracts with untrusted suppliers from countries like China," a US State Department official told reporters in Brussels.

The official said he was meeting EU officials as well as those in Belgium, France and Germany, while colleagues will be travelling to Spain and elsewhere to underline US concerns.

"Going with an untrusted supplier like Huawei or ZTE will have all sorts of ramifications for your national security," he warned, speaking on condition of anonymity.

It could also undermine intellectual property protection, privacy and human rights, he added.

He said Washington's priority was warning Europe where strong alliances make the "national security component even more compelling from the US point of view."

In December, European Commission Vice President Andrus Ansip echoed US warnings about the threat posed by Huawei and ZTE who -- under a 2017 Chinese cybersecurity law -- are required to cooperate with Beijing's intelligence services.

Speaking on Tuesday, Ansip said the Commission, the European Union's executive arm, can play a limited coordinating role.

"National security is up to the member states," the former Estonian premier said.

"If the member states ask to coordinate, to take the common approach, then historically the Commission has always done so. We will do so if asked," Ansip said.

Huawei strenuously denies its equipment could be used for espionage.

The commercial stakes are high.

Experts say Huawei is between six months and one year ahead of Sweden's Ericsson in terms of the quality of its 5G equipment.

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And Finland's Nokia, is said to be even further behind.

Several operators have already begun tests in several French cities with Huawei equipment, such as France's Bouygues Telecom and SFR.

Deutsche Telekom, in an internal document obtained by Bloomberg, warned that Europe could fall behind China and the United States by as much as two years if it forgoes using Huawei's 5G equipment.

The US diplomat said Washington was motivated by security rather than commercial interests, adding that Ericsson, Nokia and Korea's Samsung would benefit from a Huawei ban -- and not US firms.
Crossing Norway's fjords is going to get easier with world's first submerged floating tunnel originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Highway E39 in Norway is one of the most beautiful drives in the world, hugging the country's rugged west coast from Kristiansand to Trondheim.

It is 684 miles of unending scenery, including rivers and lakes, waterfalls and mountains and numerous fjords.

But if you look carefully at a road map, E39 is something of a dotted line. Each of the breaks occurs at seven fjords -- where drivers must put their cars on a ferry to get across.

This stop-and-start, sea-and-land journey takes 21 hours.

But the government of Norway has a plan.

"Ferry-free E39" would cut the driving time almost in half with a series of bridges and tunnels across the fjords.

PHOTO: A map shows the fjords along the west coast of Norway and the route of E39. (The Norwegian Public Roads Administration)

One planned tunnel will set a world record for a rock tunnel -- drilled under the seabed of a fjord. It will be 1,286 feet deep and 17 miles long.

If that sounds like a long stretch in the nowhere-land of a tunnel, the Norwegians are planning to make the tunnel's lighting as easy on the eyes as possible.

"Route E39 is a key route for Norway," said Kjersti Kvalheim Dunham, a project manager overseeing the revamping of the E39 route. "Improved transport will improve welfare for the local population, open up to more exports and increase tourism."

In fact, she said, "the tunnels may become attractions," like a "new Eiffel Tower on and under the water."

(MORE: World's longest sea bridge to open after 9 years of construction)

Creating "a pleasing driving environment" is just part of the plan for another unique tunnel along the future E39. At 4,265 feet deep, the largest in Norway, Sognefjord is too deep to dig a tunnel beneath the sea bottom.

Instead, the plan calls for something the world has never seen before: a submerged floating tunnel.

PHOTO: An illustration shows a potential submerged floating tunnel (SFT), as it would show on the surface, to cross a fjord in Norway. (The Norwegian Public Roads Administration)

PHOTO: An illustration shows what a potential underwater floating tunnel, with tubes for traffic going both ways, would look like in Norway. (The Norwegian Public Roads Administration)

Think of a drinking straw, anchored in the bedrock on either side of the fjord, submerged about 98 feet below the surface of the water, low enough for the biggest ships to pass safely over, and with plenty of space underneath for submarines to come and go.

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In addition to staying clear of water traffic, the depth of the tunnel assures smooth driving.

(MORE: China opens worlds longest sea bridge and tunnel to connect Hong Kong and Macau to the mainland)

"Wind, waves and currents have hardly any influence there," Arianna Minoretti, a chief engineer at Norway's Public Roads Administration, told ABC News.

She said 50 international experts "are doing detailed simulations and detailed measurements of wind speed, current, undersea landslides, bedrock geology, etc." to make sure the plans, as well as the tunnel, is rooted in "the real-world environment."

The two concrete tubes of the tunnel -- one for traffic headed in each direction -- will be firmly fixed in position and attached to floating pontoons, spaced 820 feet apart to allow sea vessels to pass through.

PHOTO: An illustration shows what a potential underwater floating tunnel, with tubes for traffic going both ways, would look like in Norway. (The Norwegian Public Roads Administration / Vianova)

This ambitious line of bridges and tunnels for the new Highway E39 is part of an even bigger network.

"Norway already has got 1,170 tunnels, 37 of which go under water," explained Kvalheim Dunham. "Norwegians are quite used to going under water in tunnels."

(MORE: Norway set to deport teenager to country she's never visited)

The new highway won't be ready anytime soon. To date, 10 percent of the project has been completed.

By 2025, 33 percent of the project is expected to be completed. The entire route won't be fully finished until 2050, Kvalheim Dunheim said.

And the price? Just $40 billion.
Reuters

Doug Bandow

Security, Middle East

In Syria Washington chose to enter a civil war of minimal security concern to America. Now lawmakers must pay the price for committing to delusions of foreign-policy grandeur.

Capitol Hill Cowards: Why Congress Is Trying to Undermine Trump's Troop Withdrawal Plan

Afghanistan is Americas longest war, at seventeen years and counting. It has run longer than the Mexican-American War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, and Korean War combined. Yet Congress has conducted minimal oversight and done nothing as the executive branchs aim devolved into pushing failure onto the next administration.

In Syria Washington chose to enter a civil war of minimal security concern to America. Syria was allied with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Washingtons previous forays in similarly imploding Middle Eastern nationsLebanon and Libyaturned out badly. The executive branch concocted ever more outlandish duties for American military personnel: extirpate ISIS, exclude Iran, confront Russia, pacify Turkey, protect Kurds, and pressure Damascus. Yet Congress never voted on the continual usurpation of legislative power.

Members also sat like potted plants as presidents illegally made war in Libya, Syria, and Yemen and threatened to unilaterally strike Iran, North Korea, and now Venezuela. Legislators preferred to avoid committing themselves. If the ensuing conflict goes well, then they will applaud the president; if it goes badly, then they will criticize his impetuous incompetence. They routinely refuse to live up to their constitutional responsibilities, unless forced to do, as when President Barack Obama tossed the issue of bombing Syria to Congress.

Now, however, the Senate has voted to condemn the precipitous withdrawal of United States forces from both Afghanistan and Syria. Doing so could put at risk hard-won gains and United States national security. The measure was offered by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has spent his entire career cheerleading every unconstitutional action military taken by every president. He recently, and doggedly, resisted allowing a vote on an authorization of force against the Islamic State. Thus, the fight against ISIS and consequent military deployment remain illegal. Even now McConnell and the vast majority of his colleagues refuse to abide by the Constitution.

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Almost comical is the resolutions reference to hard-won gains. Coincidentally, earlier the same day the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction released his latest quarterly report. The reality on the ground is accurately described as hard-won, but there are few gains to record. More territory and population are under Taliban control. Afghan troop numbers are down. Corruption and opium production remain at crisis levels. Increased allied participation in combat has been necessary to slow Taliban gains. The Director of National Intelligence warned that Afghanistan is likely to continue deteriorating even with Western support.

Gains?

In Syria the government has won, despite Washingtons efforts. The evanescent moderate insurgents backed by the United States proved to be neither especially liberal nor particularly effective. They also committed many of the brutalities accompanying Turkeys attack on Syrian Kurds in the Afrin area a year ago. Even with a couple thousand Americans ensconced in Syrias north, Ankara is not going to abandon its campaign against Kurdish militias near its border. The working relationships that Iran and Russia have with Syria are well-established and wont be disrupted by U.S. forces in Manbij. Kurds would be safer if Syria, a weak state but with sufficient authority to satisfy the Turks, reestablished border control.

The only serious Syrian gain for America is the destruction of the Islamic States caliphate fantasies. ISIS fighters still lurk about, but Washington has finished the toughest job, breaking the Islamic State when on the rise. Today virtually every government and movement in the region has an incentive to ensure that ISIS does not return. Of course, the radical ideal remains, but Washingtons involvement actually increases the organizations theological appeal.

As for the Kurds, they fought for themselves, not America. The U.S. has no obligation to protect them because of their cooperation. Rather, Washington must put the interests of its own people, including in uniform, first. Moreover, any security guarantee would have to be permanent, since the threats wont disappear. If that is what McConnell and his colleagues desire, why dont they introduce legislation formalizing a defense treaty and military deployment toward that end? They should make their case to the American people.

Taking a somewhat different approach from the Senate resolution is bipartisan legislation introduced in the House barring troop withdrawals from Syria and South Korea without assurances from most everyone in the national-security bureaucracy, excepting the janitor, that doing so would be okay.

American forces in the Republic of Korea date back to 1950. Ironically, the Korean War was another illegal conflict, never winning the approval of Congress. More significantly, the ROK deployment long ago became obsolete. Today the South enjoys a fifty-to-one economic advantage and two-to-one population edge over its northern antagonist. Americas gain was to successfully shield South Korea, allowing the latter to recover from the horrendous effects of the Korean War and become a leading global power. Collecting on that gain means shifting the burden for the ROKs defense onto the ROK.

Congress bipartisan foreign policy appears to be: whatever is must always be. Even seventy years after the Korean War, accompanied by vast economic and geopolitical changes regionally and globally, legislators, and the rest of the Washington foreign-policy blob, say it is too soon to make the slightest adjustment to American strategy. Let alone to place responsibility on others for their own security.

McConnell, who is revealing himself as one of the upper bodys uber hawks, offered his justification to USA Today: The United States is engaged in Syria and Afghanistan for one simple reason: because our enemies are engaged there. Failed presidential candidate Marco Rubio made a similar claim, that These people, who are going to operate in these safe havens and Iran, we are their target. These are silly contentions, however, especially in a world featuring terrorists who operate most everywhere. After all, Osama bin Laden was killed while in Pakistan. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the architect of 9/11, lived variously in Bosnia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Pakistan, where he was capturedbut never in Afghanistan. Today the most effective Al Qaeda affiliate is located in Yemen. Presumably the United States should occupy Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, most of the Gulf, and the Balkans, at least.

Moreover, the Taliban is Washingtons enemy only because Washington is there. After 9/11 the United States had to degrade Al Qaeda and punish the Taliban for hosting Al Qaeda. But that was achieved almost immediately. Americans have been dying since then mostly in a forlorn attempt to bring liberal centralized governance to Central Asia, something Congress never endorsed. The Taliban wants to be left alone, not attack America. As for Al Qaeda, it is active all over, including in Syria, where Washington aided the local Al Qaeda affiliate. Is the group an enemy or not? Better for the United States to confront terrorism where it threatens with a focus on domestic vigilance, foreign intelligence, international cooperation and financial strangulation.

If Syria, Iran and Russia are Americas enemies, then it is only because Washington has decided they are enemies. All are bad regimes with contrary aims, but that is no justification for illegally occupying part of Syria and threatening war. Iran is a particularly malign actor and has become a fixation of the Trump administration, but Washington has consistently been the more hostile party: fomenting a coup, supporting the Iraqi invasion, backing Baghdads de facto allies in that fight, shooting down an Iranian airliner, arming aggressive, intolerant Saudi Arabia, and constantly threatening Tehran with military assault.

Finally, Americas enemies have plenty of enemies. The latter have far more at stake in defeating the Islamic State than America. Notably, the Islamic State was concentrating on becoming a quasi-nation state, not launching terrorist assaultsconsciously separating itself from Al Qaedaand never organized an attack on America. Most foreign assaults were by locals inspired by the Mideast killers. The movement much more directly threatens most everyone in the Middle East. Now that Washington has eliminated the Islamic States most significant combat capabilities and the Syrian civil war has largely wound down, regional combatants can concentrate on their common adversary.

The McConnell measure, which has no legal force, was more partisan ploy than serious policy. GOP members got to preen as uber-hawks, affirming yet again that they are willing to go to war at the drop of a hat, or even less. Democrats were divided, with some voting yes simply to embarrass the administration. Others were more prescient. Sen. Chris Murphy warned that the amendment could, frankly, get us even more deeply mired into a series of conflicts in the Middle East. As if wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria and Yemen were not enough.

Some Senators appeared to be aware of the risk. Sen. Robert Menendez, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, insisted that his yes vote was not to endorse war: We are not in the business of authorizing open-ended conflicts or keeping our troops on the battlefields forever. True, Congress never votes for endless warit simply refuses to vote and allows the president to war endlessly. What else explains the seventeen-plus years that U.S. troops have spent in Afghanistan?

If legislators want to carp because the president has sensibly decided to terminate foolish, unnecessary, and unproductive military interventions, then they should have voted on initially authorizing those deployments. McConnells measure was an ugly mix of ignorance, sanctimony, politics, and hypocrisy. American involvement in those wars has gone on long enough. It is time for U.S. forces to come home.

Doug Bandow is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute. A former special assistant to President Ronald Reagan, he is author of Foreign Follies: Americas New Global Empire.

Image: Reuters

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RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  Brazil's leading research institute warned Tuesday of a potential health crisis from the failure of a dam in Minas Gerais state, which unleased a flood of muddy mining waste that killed at least 134 people.

Fiocruz said the contamination of the ecosystem and the nearby Paraopeba River could precipitate the spread of dengue, yellow fever or diarrhea in communities around Brumadinho, the city where the mining reservoir breached Jan. 25.

Tests of the contaminated mud and water from the river are underway, but environmental experts said they expect to find toxic concentrations of iron oxide and other heavy metals.

Over the longer term, Fiocruz said, the isolation of rural communities, stress and trauma from the loss of a family member or job and drastic changes in the quality of life also have a significant impact on people's health.

Researchers noted a higher incidence of high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, strokes and even cancers in the months and years following similar accidents.

Fiocruz, linked to the Ministry of Health, largely based its assessments on studies carried out in the aftermath of a mining dam collapse in November 2015, also in Minas Gerais.

The collapse of the larger reservoir killed 19 people and left 250,000 people without drinking water. It had been considered Brazil's worst environmental disaster, but experts argued Tuesday that Brumadinho had surpassed it.

"This is the biggest mining dam disaster in Brazil and one of the greatest in the world", said Mariano Andrade da Silva, a researcher at the National School of Public Health linked to Fiocruz.

In Brumadinho, the breach of the reservoir unleashed about 12 million cubic meters of reddish-brown mud, threatening to contaminate 48 municipalities and affecting up to 1.3 million residents.

Authorities are still looking for 199 missing people, but no one has been found alive since Jan. 26.

About 3,000 people live in rural areas hit by the spill, many of which are cut off from the center of Brumadinho because roads remain blocked by the mud. Fiocruz experts said past experiences indicate that remote communities are particularly vulnerable to the spread of diseases and worsening of health conditions.

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The institute is also monitoring the movement of the mud as it descends the Paraopeba River toward the much larger Sao Francisco River.

Experts say they don't know yet if two hydroelectric power plants on the Paraoepeba will block the waste and prevent the contamination of the Sao Francisco River. Fiocruz said millions of people in more than 500 municipalities depend on the water of the Sao Francisco for personal use or irrigation.

The slow-moving, thick mud was initially expected to reach the first dam between Feb. 5 and Feb. 10.

Finally, Fiocruz drew attention to the fact that Brazil's publicly funded health care system is covering most of the costs related to the disaster. Beyond health issues, the national health system also picked up the tab for helicopters, firefighters and other search-and-rescue efforts.

"The public system is the one paying, dealing with the damage, while the private sector is getting the profit", Fiocruz researcher Diego Xavier said.
BEIJING (AP)  An explosion at a fireworks shop in southern China killed five people Tuesday at the start of lunar new year celebrations, news reports said.

The shop in Rong'an county in the Guangxi region west of Hong Kong operated without required fire safety and business licenses, the Xinhua News Agency said.

Investigators blamed the explosion on the shopkeeper, identified only by the surname Zhang, setting off fireworks outside the shop at 2 a.m., according to Xinhua. It said five people were killed but gave no other details.

Zhang survived and was detained by county authorities, the newspaper Beijing Youth Daily reported.

Such disasters occur regularly in China, where the traditional new year is celebrated by setting off billions of firecrackers. But the number reported has fallen sharply in recent years as authorities banned fireworks in cities and tightened controls on producers and vendors.
Have a nice day Photo/Shutterstock

It's a question every new mother gets asked: Breast or bottle? But for an ever-growing group of mothers, the answer is a resounding "Yes."

Exclusive pumping is the practice of hooking up to the breast pump and bottlefeeding the milk to our hungry babes instead of nursing. The idea is gaining currency with mothers who can't or don't nurse, but who still want their little ones to get the benefits of breast milk.

"With exclusive pumping you're still getting a lot of the vitamins and immunological protections for the baby," said Marianne Pastore, coordinator of the lactation program at Massachusetts General Hospital. "I commend the mother who is committed to get her baby breast milk in some form."

Interested in exclusively pumping breast milk? Here's what you should know, plus advice from real mothers on how to succeed:

RELATED: The Basics of Using a Breast Pump

Not to scare you, but exclusive pumping can be physically challenging. At the beginning, while you establish your milk supply, you can feel chained to the equipment as you pump eight, 10, even 12 times a day. Your breasts absolutely will hurt. Then there is all the washing: pump bottles, feeding bottles, pump parts.

And for mothers who had hoped to nurse, it can also be emotionally difficult to accept the change in plan. "To not be able to nurseI felt like something was wrong with me," said Lindsey Glasnepp of Seattle, who pumped for 10 months when her first baby wouldn't latch.

You will develop a rhythm and learn the time-saving tricks (incredibly useful example: store your breast pump parts in a plastic bag in the fridge between sessions and wash them just once a day). It gets so much better.

"If you can make it through the first couple of weeks it almost becomes second nature," said Sarah Gagnon, a Boston-area mom who turned to pumping when her daughter wouldn't latch. "You get into a groove."

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RELATED: Find the Best Breast Pump for You

Exclusive pumping is just not a well-known practice  relatives, other mothers, and even doctors have seemed confused when I explained how I was feeding my baby. Lindsay Grenert, a mother from outside Dallas, turned to exclusive pumping when she learned her daughter would be born with a cleft lip and palate, which would prevent her from nursing. She had a chance to research the practice, but noted how little discussion there was about the option.

"It would be nice for there to be more information about it and for it to be talked about more," she said.

If you're going to commit to the process, configure your environment to maximize your chances of success. Gagnon has three "pumping stations"  one in her bedroom, one in her living room, and one in her car  each with its own equipment. "I've never had to pack a pump or move a pump," she said.

RELATED: 15 BPA-Free Baby Bottles and Sippy Cups

When you're nursing, it is simply a biological necessity that you get up to feed the baby in the middle of the night. But when your fridge is full of breast milk, your partner can also answer those 2 a.m. cries, letting him bond with your little one and giving you an extra hour or two of precious sleep.

When I gave up on my hopes of nursing my daughter, I mourned the connection I felt during our few successful sessions at the breast. But bottlefeeding can still offer opportunities to bond. Remember that you are still nourishing your beloved baby and spending peaceful time with her warm body in your arms.

"I never felt like I was missing out on anything," Gagnon said. "I still got to feed her  we still cuddled."

RELATED: 30 Little Ways to Bond With Baby

Exclusive pumping means you don't always have to be within arm's length of your baby in case he gets hungry. So take advantage, for your mental and physical health. Leave a bottle with a grandparent or babysitter and take a walk or reconnect with your partner over dinner.

"A month after my daughter was born I went to the gym," Glasnepp said. She's nursing her second baby now, but said that, the first time around, "I had a lot more flexibility and independence."

There may come a time when you decide to supplement with formula or to quit pumping entirely  and that is absolutely fine. Gagnon started weaning off the pump at six months, when she had frozen enough milk to feed her daughter until she turns 1. For Grenert, the moment came when she reached her original goal of pumping until her daughter's surgery and realized that she was losing out on time with her other two children.

"People just need to cut themselves some slack," she said. "In the end, every bottle of breast milk I was able to give her was a success and certainly a major labor of love."

RELATED: Your Age-by-Age Guide to Weaning
David Tutera may be known for making magic when it comes to onscreen weddings. But off-camera, the celebrity wedding planner had a movielike love story of his own with husband Joey Toth.

We were introduced via my very close friend and [Toths] sister, the planner and television personality tells Yahoo Lifestyle. We talked for several weeks on the phone. It was kind of old-school.

However, the couple did have an unconventional official first date.

The first date that we had, it was sort of odd because he was coming [to California] from Arizona to come spend time. It was kind of like, what do we do? Do you stay at a hotel? Do you stay at my house? How long is the date? What if it goes bad? Tutera says. So we created the parameters on the phone. Like, You can sleep in the guest bedroom. Nothings happening.

Regardless of Tuteras intentions, however, he says that as soon as he laid eyes on Toth, it felt like a movie.

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It was a movie moment, Toth concurs. Because its [me] coming down the escalator in an airport and theres David waiting for me, for the very first time that we meet in person.

When reminiscing about the rest of that first weekend together, Toth recalls incredible detail, down to the two hamburgers well-done that Tutera ate at the Soho House during their first meal. They also spent a day at Disneyland while Toth was in town. And although Tutera admits to not being as quick to remember that weekends itinerary, he does say that he immediately knew that Toth was the one.

I knew that Joey was the one when I met him. I wasnt aware that we were gonna get married cause I wasnt ready, Tutera continues. Life was incredibly chaotic.

The chaos surrounding Tutera at the time came from his pending divorce from Ryan Jurica  with whom Tutera had twins via surrogate. But a few years later, Tutera was ready to make Toth an official part of his family, and he employed the help of his daughter, Cielo, for the Hawaii proposal.

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When I proposed to Joey, Cielo was an equal part of the proposal process, Tutera says. She knew that she had her line that she had to say, which was, Will you marry us?

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Tutera says that his little girl was, of course, perfect in her execution of the proposal. However, the couple nearly hit a roadblock after they asked their pastor at the United Methodist Church in Hollywood to officiate the ceremony.

Immediately the answer is yes, Tutera says of the couples pastor, who they had known from spending so much time there. Three months later, we found out that the church declined us.

According to them, the church had never seen a same-sex wedding within the sector of the United Methodist religion. But the couple says their pastor was dead set on being involved in the first.

She fought and said, Im gonna do this even if I lose my job of 22 years, Tutera says. While Toth adds, We got to be the first same-sex couple to walk down the aisle there, and it was amazing.

The couple has since been married for three years, and another daughter via surrogate was born on Jan. 24.

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Now, Tutera is bringing that same magic to other peoples weddings with his new show, My Great Big Live Wedding, premiering on Tuesday at 10 p.m. Joining Lifetimes Real Love Tuesdays, each episode of the eight-part series will follow the emotional journey of a deserving couple who will be getting married live at the end of the episode.

Ive always been someone that wants to make people happy, Tutera says. This show is greater than I can possibly wrap my head around because of the stories of these couples.

And just like when he was on that escalator in the airport, Toth is both proud and in love with his husband for his work.

This is about making other people happy, Toth says. Making an impact for them to pass it along.

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Las Vegas dad Kevin Armentrout took a photo of a stranger bonding with his toddler at the airport. (Photo: Kevin Armentrout via Facebook)

A stranger who showed a little girl kindness and compassion at the airport is now her superstar.

On Saturday, Kevin Armentrout, a public speaker in Las Vegas, wrote a Facebook post about a traveler named Joseph Wright, a field sales manager at Samsung in Oklahoma, who took joy in entertaining his 16-month-old daughter, Carter Jean, at the airport.

Last night, while waiting to board our plane, [Carter Jean] was being her usual inquisitive self wanting to meet and say hi to everyone she could, until she walked up on this man, Armentrout wrote. He reached out and asked if she wanted to sit with him. He pulled out his tablet and showed her how to draw with it, they watched cartoons together, and she offered him snacks. This wasnt a short little exchange, this was 45 minutes. Watching them in that moment, I couldnt help but think, different genders, different races, different generations, and the best of friends. This is the world I want for her.



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He wrote, In a country that is continuously fed that its so deeply divided by beliefs, I want her life to be filled with moments like this not liberal or conservative republican or democrat, socialist or capitalist, just HUMAN. Josephif this should happen to find you, thank you for showing my daughter what kindness and compassion look like. Continue to shine your light in the world.

Armentrout tells Yahoo Lifestyle that his daughter toddled right up to Wright, who was working on a tablet and started touching his leg, so he held her back. Im conscious of peoples personal space, so I tried to steer her away, but Joseph said, Let her come up.'

Wright allowed his daughter to draw on his tablet, then played a Charlie Brown cartoon, and she offered him a bite of her cheese puffs. There were a few moments she screamed and tried to get into his work calendar, but he couldnt care less, Armentrout tells Yahoo Lifestyle. Joseph asked her if the Patriots would win the Super Bowl and she said no.

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Kevin Armentrout said a total stranger at the airport befriended his young daughter. (Photo: Courtesy of Kevin Armentrout)

Armentrout made his Facebook post public because, as he tells Yahoo Lifestyle, I wanted Joseph to know his gesture was huge. Im trying to expose my daughter to people of different races, cultures and generations, and that was received with kindhearted warmth.

Friends and co-workers commented that a stranger had described Wright perfectly. I can tell you he is indeed a great man and he is awesome with kids of all ages! wrote one.

I first met [Joseph] in school in 1976this is exactly how he was then and throughout our years in schoolbeautiful human being then and now, confirmed someone. Wrights friend of 40 years wrote, Hes been that way as long as Ive known him and a person wrote, truly a wonderful guy, this doesnt surprise me one bit!

Armentrout tells Yahoo Lifestyle, Apparently, this guy is the real deal! It makes me feel even better about him.

Wright did not return Yahoo Lifestyles request for comment.

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New York prosecutors seek records from Trump inauguration committee: Sources originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Prosecutors in New York's Southern District have subpoenaed documents from President Donald Trump's inauguration committee, sources with direct knowledge told ABC News, indicating that even as the special counsel probe appears to be nearing an end, another investigation that could hamstring the president and his lawyers is widening.

The subpoena from the Southern District, which came from its public corruption section, is the latest activity focusing on Trump's political fundraising both before and immediately after the 2016 election.

"We have just received a subpoena for documents. While we are still reviewing the subpoena, it is our intention to cooperate with the inquiry," a spokesperson for the inauguration told ABC News.

Prosecutors are seeking documents and records related to the committee's donors to the massive inauguration fund, according to sources familiar with the request. Prosecutors also are seeking information on attendees to the events surrounding the inauguration, including benefits to top-level donors such as photo opportunities with Trump, sources said.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump dance at the Freedom Ball on Jan. 20, 2017 in Washington. (Pool via Getty Images, FILE)

Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal attorney, has been interviewed extensively by prosecutors in the Southern District office. Longtime family accountant and Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg has agreed to cooperate, though the extent of his help is unknown.

(MORE: Longtime Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg granted immunity in Michael Cohen investigation, sources say)

The Trump family business also has been in contact with prosecutors, but sources familiar with those discussions would not spell out the specific topics covered.

Those involved in discussions surrounding the inaugural fund, a nonprofit tasked with organizing festivities surrounding the president's swearing-in, declined to detail specific questions from investigators. Trump's inaugural fund raised $107 million -- the most in modern history.

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(MORE: Special counsel eyeing Russians granted unusual access to Trump inauguration parties)

"This is why I've been saying for months that the Southern District of New York investigation presents a much more serious threat to the administration, potentially, than what Bob Mueller is doing," said former federal prosecutor and ABC News contributor Gov. Chris Christie.

A spokesperson for the Southern District of New York declined to comment.

The subpoena also seeks information about the inaugural committee and its dealings with a California-based money manager named Imaad Zuberi and his company, Avenue Ventures. The subpoena does not specify the reasons why investigators are seeking documents relating to Zuberi, nor does it necessarily mean Zuberi is a subject of any investigation. He is the only person referenced by name in the document.

Zuberi has been a prolific political donor, largely to Democrats, including President Barack Obama and Trump's 2016 opponent, Hillary Clinton. After the election, Avenue Ventures donated $900,000 to Trump's inaugural committee, according to FEC records.

"Imaad knows nothing about a subpoena, other than what is being written. It is well known that after supporting President Obama and later Hillary Clinton that Imaad gave generously and directly to the Trump inaugural committee, but many others gave substantially more. If, in fact, he is named in this subpoena, never mind somehow named alone, he is bewildered why," Steve Rabinowitz, a spokesperson for Zubari, told ABC News.

The subpoena also requests records related to vendors and contractors who worked for the inaugural committee, and it specifically seeks records of communications with an online payment-processing company called Stripe.

Stripe, which did not respond to ABC News' request for comment, received backing from a number of major investors, including the venture capital firm founded and managed by Josh Kushner, the brother of Jared, Trump's son-in-law and political adviser.

A spokesperson for Josh Kushner declined to comment when reached by ABC News.

ABC News has reported previously on the interest by federal investigators in the foreign guests at the inaugural event, and possible contributions by foreign nationals, which would be prohibited. Among those who attended were Russian billionaire Viktor Vekselberg, who is now on the Treasury Department list of sanctioned oligarchs.

Last year, special counsel Robert Mueller's team questioned several witnesses about millions of dollars in donations from donors with connections to Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, sources with direct knowledge previously told ABC News. One Mueller target, a political consultant named Sam Patten, acknowledged as part of a plea deal that he accepted $50,000 to buy tickets on behalf of a Ukrainian businessman who wanted to attend inaugural events.

Despite the amount of money raised, the festivities surrounding Trump's swearing-in were far more modest in scale than past inaugural events. The non-profit group established to oversee the celebration hosted only three major events, with some small intimate private affairs. The record-breaking fundraising doubled that of President Barack Obama's first inaugural.

The committee was chaired by Trump's longtime friend, Thomas Barrack. It has been previously reported Barrack sat for an interview with Mueller's office in late 2017. Sources familiar with the subpoena from the New York prosecutors said Barrack is not mentioned and has not been contacted by the Southern District.

Recently, internal documents obtained by ABC News showed the committee spent more than $1.5 million at the Trump International Hotel in Washington ahead of the president's 2017 swearing-in. It's part of an array of expenditures there and elsewhere that included more than $130,000 for customized seat cushions at two gala dinners for the president-elect, $10,000 to provide makeup to the servers at another formal dinner, and $2.7 million to a company that produced a Broadway-style rendition of Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" using Las Vegas showgirls flown in by Trump pal Steve Wynn for a private event.

(MORE: President Donald Trump's inaugural fund spent lavishly at his DC hotel, new docs show)

Questions about inaugural spending first were raised last year when tax filings disclosed that among payments to the five largest vendors was one of nearly $26 million to an event-planning firm run by a one-time adviser and close friend of Melania Trump. The adviser, Stephanie Winston-Wolkoff, created a company called WIS Media Partners, based in California, that handled some of the festivities. That firm paid out contracts to other sub-contractors.

Winston-Wolkoff was paid $1.62 million directly for her work, ABC News has previously reported. The tax filing showed that the committee spent $104 million of the $107 million it raised, compared with Obama's 2009 inauguration, which spent about $51 million of the $53.2 million raised by his team.

The Trump Inauguration also donated $5 million to various charities including the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and the Smithsonian Institute among others.

ABC News' Aaron Katersky and Soorin Kim contributed to this report.
The wheel of investigations related to President Trump has spun back around to his inaugural committee. On Monday, federal investigators issued a wide-ranging subpoena for officials managing the nonprofit organization to turn over documents related to donors, contractors, disclosure filings and more. Reportedly of interest are a host of potential violations, including money laundering, election fraud, the possibility the committee made false statements to the Federal Election Commission and the possibility the committee accepted foreign contributions, which is illegal. The inaugural committee brought in a record $107 million in donations and, somehow, spent nearly all of it. President Obamas 2009 inaugural committee raised a then-record $55 million (Obamas 2013 committee raised $43 million).

We have just received a subpoena for documents. While we are still reviewing the subpoena, it is our intention to cooperate with the inquiry, a spokesperson for the committee told ABC News, the first outlet to report the filing.

Suspicions over how the committee spent its money were raised as early as the summer of 2017. After the committee filed its tax returns the next February, the New York Times reported on a trove of questionable expenditures suggesting the committee may have been little more than a nine-figure slush fund. In May, ABC News reported that Special Counsel Robert Mueller was questioning witnesses  including committee chairman Thomas Barrack  about donations to the committee, specifically those coming from donors with connections to Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. In December, it was reported that the Southern District of New York was also investigating potential corruption within the committee. The SDNY that filed the subpoena on Monday.

The only individual named in the subpoena is venture capitalist Imaad Zuberi, who has connections to some of the countries flagged by Mueller. Records show that Zuberis firm, Avenue Ventures, donated $900,000 to the committee. In December 2016, Zuberi visited Trump Tower in New York with incoming National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who along with former Trump campaign CEO Steve Bannon was scheduled to meet with a delegation from Qatar. Though he wasnt in the meetings with Trump officials, Zuberi also met with the Qataris at Trump Tower, and then met with the Qatari foreign minister the following day. The Washington Post points to Facebook posts that place Zuberi in Saudi Arabia and the UAE days later.

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Imaad knows nothing about a subpoena, other than what is being written, Steve Rabinowitz, a spokesman for Zuberi, told ABC. It is well known that after supporting President Obama and later Hillary Clinton that Imaad gave generously and directly to the Trump inaugural committee, but many others gave substantially more. If, in fact, he is named in this subpoena, never mind somehow named alone, he is bewildered why.

Though no one associated with the Trump campaign or Trump administration has been targeted specifically for their work on the inaugural committee, there is some overlap. Much of the committees fundraising efforts were led by Rick Gates, a senior campaign official who along with campaign manager Paul Manafort was indicted as part of Special Counsel Muellers investigation. Last February, Gates pleaded guilty to several charges and has reportedly been cooperating with both the special counsels office and the SDNY. He even testified against his longtime colleague Paul Manafort last August. While on the stand, Gates allowed that it is possible that he drew up false expense reports so that he could steal from the inaugural committee. The SDNY may soon know for sure.
Rapper 21 Savage said he wasnt bothered by being barely mentioned during the Grammys broadcast last Sunday, saying that he was more stressed about being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement rather than the snub.I was stressed about getting out. The Grammys is the Grammys, but when you in jail, the Grammys is nothing, the rapper told The New York Times in an interview on Sunday. I got to watch it. By that time they had put a TV in my room.The rapper, whose real name is Sheyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, was arrested on Feb. 3 by ICE agents on the grounds that he was British and staying in the U.S. on an expired visa. He was then released on bond pending a deportation hearing.Also Read: Demi Lovato Drops Twitter After Users Blast Her as a 'Junkie,' 'Crackhead,' for 21 Savage MemeThe rapper was also supposed to perform with Post Malone on the Grammys but had to miss the performance following his arrest. Malone wore a t-shirt under his jacket that read Free 21 Savage, and Black Panther composer and This is America collaborator Ludwig Goransson briefly mentioned 21 Savage during his acceptance speech, but that was it.He [Malone] wore the 21 Savage shirt, so I felt like I was there. I dont care what nobody say  everybody in that building whos connected to this culture, I was on their mind in some type of way. Thats all that mattered, Savage said. They didnt have to say it cause everybody knew it. It was in the air. All the people that was there, they said the words in other places and that matter just as much. All the big artists was vocal about the situation, so I was appreciative.Savage was also the subject of numerous memes online following his arrest after his fans discovered that the rapper was British. He said he was grateful for the memes and thought some were funny since it was been better than being completely overlooked.Also Read: Post Malone Squires Jimmy Fallon to His Favorite Restaurant, Olive Garden (Video)I coulda been another person who just, He locked up? Damn, and nobody said nothing, Savage said. But I done been through way worse things in my life than somebody putting me on a meme. I been shot  what is a meme? A meme is nothing. Thats something on the internet that I can do like this [turns over phone] and never see again. I look at bullet scars every day, so its like, a meme, bro?He finally also said hes been changed by the experience and feels a responsibility to speak up about his circumstances.My situation is important cause I represent poor black Americans and I represent poor immigrant Americans, Savage said. You gotta think about all the millions of people that aint 21 Savage thats in 21 Savage shoes.Read the full interview via the New York Times here.Read original story 21 Savage Was Stressed About Getting Out of ICE Detention Than Grammys Snub At TheWrap

Rapper 21 Savage was arrested in Atlanta on Sunday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Sunday.

His attorney, Dina LaPolt, told TheWrap shes working diligently to get the rapper, whose real name is Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, out of detention while she cleared up any misunderstanding. She would not comment any further.

ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday. A spokesperson for the agency, Bryan Cox, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the rapper was arrested in a targeted operation in metro Atlanta.

Also Read: 21 Savage Heads New Animated Series on Instagram

Mr. Abraham-Joseph is presently in ICE custody in Georgia and has been placed into removal proceedings before the federal immigration courts, ICE said in a statement. ICE will now await the outcome of his case before a federal immigration judge to determine future actions.

ICE said the rapper is a citizen of the United Kingdom and entered the country legally in July 2005, when he was a minor, and did not return to England when his visa expired.

The agency also said the rapper had been convicted of felony drug charges in 2014 in Fulton County.

Also Read: Alicia Keys Set to Host the 2019 Grammy Awards

21 Savage features on the song Rockstar by Post Malone, which was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Rap Performance at the Grammys.

ICEs statement that Abraham-Joseph is British came as a surprise to many of his fans, as hed long been associated with the Atlanta music scenec. Hes said in interviews that his name 21 is a reference to a street gang in Decatur, a city northeast of Atlanta.

The rapper is nominated for two Grammy Awards this year for his work as a featured artist on Post Malones song Rockstar.

He released his debut, The Slaughter Tape mixtape, in 2015 and signed with Epic Records. His most recent album, I Am > I Was, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart.

Read original story Rapper 21 Savage Arrested by ICE Agents in Atlanta, May Be Deported At TheWrap
Liam Neeson is setting the record straight. The Cold Pursuit star appeared on Tuesdays Good Morning America, where he spoke with Robin Roberts about the controversial comments he made in a recent interview.

The 66-year-old actor shared a story with Britain's The Independent about a time when he once sought revenge after an unnamed female loved one told him she had allegedly had been raped by a black man. "I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping I'd be approached by somebody," he told the publication. "I'm ashamed to say that -- and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some 'black b*****d' would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could... kill him."

On GMA, Neeson noted that the incident in question took place nearly 40 years ago and involved a very dear friend of mine whom he said was brutally raped and has since passed away.

The Taken star then began to recount the same story he told The Independent, recalling that after his friend told him that her alleged attacker was black, he "went out deliberately and to black areas in the city, looking to be set upon so that I could unleash physical violence."

"I did it for, Id say maybe four or five times, until I caught myself on," he admitted to Roberts. "And it really shocked me, this primal urge I had. It shocked me and it hurt me.

The actor says he did seek help following the incident, and "went to a priest and had my confession."

He also noted that he spoke with two good friends about his feelings at that time and added that power walking two hours a day helped him get through his anger.

Neeson fervently denied being racist, telling Roberts outright, "Im not racist. This was nearly 40 years ago, and because I was brought up in the North of Ireland and brought up in the Troubles, the 60s, 70s, and early 80s, there was a war going on in the North of Ireland, and I had acquaintances who were involved in the Troubles, the bigotry. One Catholic would be killed, the next day a Protestant would be killed. One Catholic pub would be bombed and then a Protestant pub bombed. I grew up around that, but was never part of it.

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Roberts asked Neeson why he specifically asked about his friends attackers race, and he said he also inquired about other physical descriptors. The GMA anchor went on to inquire if hed have had the same reaction if his friend was attacked by a white man.

Oh, definitely, Neeson replied. If she said Irish, Scott, a Brit, I know I would have the same effect. I was trying to show honor to stand up for my dear friend in this terrible medieval fashion. Im a fairly intelligent guy, thats why it kind of shocked me, and then I came down to Earth after having these horrible feelings. Luckily, no violence occurred ever. Thank god.

Roberts then asked, "Do you think you actually would have done it if an innocent black man didnt do anything wrong?"

Neeson answered, "Yes. Yes. That was my feeling. I did want to lash out. Yes. Because my friend was brutally raped and I thought I was defending her honor. And I admit that. Its a learning curve."

Neeson added that he hopes his confession will lead others to deal with their anger in a non-vengeful manner. To talk about these things. We all pretend we are politically correct. In this country, sometimes you just scratch the surface and discover this racism and bigotry and its there," he told Roberts. "I remember when shooting Schindlers List in Poland 26 years ago and hearing remarks from drivers who were taking us to the set, thinking to myself, Am I hearing this right? This guy is making anti-Jewish comments to me, who is playing Oscar Schindler in the back of a car?' and it happened several times."

Meanwhile, the reaction to Neeson's interview with The Independent has been widely negative as people have called for the actor to be canceled."

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Far-right commentator and Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes is suing the Southern Poverty Law Center for unspecified damages, claiming that the civil rights organization destroyed his reputation and cost him business opportunities by designating his pro-Trump mens club as a hate group. Filed on February 4th in Alabama, the lawsuit accuses the SPLC of publishing false, damaging and defamatory statements about McInnes, taking concerted, obsessive and malicious actions to deplatform him from Facebook, Twitter and PayPal, and engaging in tortious interference with his economic opportunities  [and] contractual relationships.

McInnes, 48, was born in England and raised in Canada, but moved to the United States as an adult and first made a name for himself in 1994 as one of the founders of Vice magazine. He left the company in 2008, and launched several other new-media ventures which reflected his increasingly overt chauvinism and incendiary ideals. During the 2016 election, he became one of the most recognizable and vocal representatives of the American far-right as the leader of the Proud Boys, a mens only club for self-described Western chauvinists.

Founded in 1971 as a nonprofit legal advocacy organization specializing in civil rights, the SPLC has developed a reputation for being an authority on extremist hate groups, monitoring and exposing their activities to the public, media and law enforcement. In early 2018, the SPLC designated the Proud Boys and their tactical defense arm, the Fraternal Order of Alt-Knights, as general hate groups, but the list of individuals and organizations they monitor goes beyond alt-right white nationalism; they include the American College of Pediatricians (for opposing gay adoption and linking homosexuality to pedophilia), the Nuwaubian Nation of Moors (for espousing black supremacist ideas and alien conspiracy theories), and the anti-immigrant group VDARE.

In addition to detailing McInnes lengthy history of making racist, Islamaphobic, sexist, homophobic and otherwise offensive statements, the SPLC says the Proud Boys are known for anti-Muslim and misogynistic rhetoric, regularly spout white nationalist memes and maintain affiliations with known extremists. Theyve documented numerous violent incidents involving the groups members, and argued that violence is firmly entrenched in Proud Boy dogma and their primary tool for silencing their political foes.

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Violence doesnt feel good, justified violence feels great and fighting solves everything, McInnes said during a speech at New York University in February 2017, following a violent clash between the Proud Boys and anti-fascist protestors. I want violence. I want punching in the face.

Now, McInnes wants money and an apology. Hes seeking undisclosed damages, as well as a court order requiring the SPLC to issue a public retraction, apology and appropriate corrective advertising because of its actions. Calling himself an avowed and vocal opponent of discrimination  extremism, nationalism and white supremacy, McInnes claims that SPLCs false and misleading portrayal has made him unable to retain or be considered for gainful employment in his line of work. He accuses the organization of exaggerating the proliferation of extremist hate groups because scaremongering is a very effective way to make money.

The SPLC has gone from a noble institution genuinely dedicated to eradicating hate to a hate group in and of itself that pretends this country is frothing with bigots desperate to foment World War III, McInnes said in a statement posted on Alex Jones InfoWars website. They are using this incredible wealth to wield power over the innocent and destroy careers and businesses in their insatiable need to generate more bigots  because in the world of SPLC fundraising, mo hate is mo money.

The lawsuit further alleges that McInnes  who left the Proud Boys in November  and his family have been subject to physical and aggressive confrontations and other forms of harassment; just last month, the Huffington Post reported, McInnes complained that his neighbors in Larchmont, NY, posted signs reading Hate has no home here, which he called a form of aggression towards his family.

In a statement to Rolling Stone, the SPLC defended their position. To paraphrase FDR, judge us by the enemies weve made, it read. Gavin McInnes has a history of making inflammatory statements about Muslims, women, and the transgender community. The fact that hes upset with SPLC tells us that were doing our job exposing hate and extremism. His case is meritless.
Colo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Sexually Assaulting and Then Killing 10-Year-Old Teen Pleads Guilty To Murdering Girl, 10

A Colorado teen who molested a 10-year-old girl before bludgeoning her to death in 2017 acknowledged his guilt in court recently, and learned a life sentence will be imposed during his sentencing hearing next month.

Aidan Zellmer, 16, pleaded guilty to the first-degree murder of Kiaya Campbell on June 7, 2017, in the city of Thornton, Colorado, PEOPLE confirms.

As part of his plea deal, prosecutors agreed to drop a sexual assault charge as well as an additional count of first-degree murder, court officials tell PEOPLE.

A neighbor found Kiayas body in a ravine just a mile from her home.

Her body was found the day after police say she was killed.

The teen initially told investigators hed gotten separated from Kiaya as they were running home after being caught in a rainstorm.

Prosecutors had been planning to try Zellmer as an adult.

Kiaya Campbell

According to the Denver Post, Zellmer appeared in court on Jan. 26 to enter the plea.

He was shackled at the ankles and wrists, the paper reports.

Zellmer, who was 15 at the time of the murder, will become eligible for parole in 40 years.

 Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter.

His sentencing is set for March 11.

According to CBS, Adams County District Attorney Dave Young said the punishment in the case fits the crime.

A 10-year-olds life is gone, and her parents are going to be without her for the rest of their lives, said Young. So I think theres a sense of relief that they have some closure in the criminal justice center. But nothing we do here today is going to bring them absolute relief for what happened to their daughter.
As the Parbeszed (Dialogue) candidate defeats the MSZP candidate in the first round of the Lefts Budapest mayoral preliminary election, both a left-wing and a pro-government columnist doubt whether the Left can defeat Fidesz in the capital.

On Sunday in the first round of the left-wing preliminary mayoral election, Parbeszeds Gergely Karacsony received more than 80 per cent of the total 34,000 votes cast, and defeated the MSZPs Csaba Horvath. In the second round, Mr Karacsony will face the candidates of the LMP and the Liberals.

Nepszavas Laszlo Hasko finds both left-wing candidates too weak to unite the Left in Budapest.

The left-wing columnist points out that the MSZP has been in decline for several years. To make things even worse, none of the candidates have a clear political program.

Hasko thinks that even if the Left wins in Budapest, the mayor could do little to improve the city so long as Hungary is governed by Fidesz, which in Haskos view ignores the needs of the capital.

In Magyar Idok, Adam Bakonyi agrees with the governing party that the first round of the Lefts Budapest mayoral preliminary was less than successful.

The pro-government journalist points out that less than 2 per cent of all eligible Budapest voters participated in the Lefts preliminary. All this, Bakonyi suspects, indicates that the Left is unable to properly mobilize its supporters in the capital.

This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher. Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online.

Click here to Share Your Story
A court has found ten people guilty in a retrial of the 2010 red sludge disaster.

In the Gyor courts non-final ruling, eight were sentenced to prison, six of them receiving suspended terms.

The managing director of Mal Zrt, the company that operated the red sludge reservoir which burst and flooded three villages near Ajka, was sentenced to two years and six months.

The technical deputy managing director received two years. In addition to six suspended prison sentences, one person was fined and another reprimanded.

The disaster on October 4, 2010 claimed ten lives and resulted in two hundred injuries and hundreds of buildings became unsuitable for accommodation.

MTI Photo: Kollanyi Peter
Magnolia, AR (71754)

Today

Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 65F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 65F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
The Cairo International Book Fair has announced the awards for best books in 11 categories.

The awards are given at the end of the fair in the categories for best novel, short story collections, formal and colloquial Arabic poetry, and scientific and children books. Each award is EGP 10,000 ($566).

The awards were announced in a ceremony attended by Egypt's Minister of Culture Ines Abdel-Dayem and head of the General Egyptian Book Organisation Haytham Al-Hajj Aly.

The award for best novel went to Ahmed El-Koromlawy for his book Nida' Akhir (Last Call), published by Al-Dar Al-Masriya Al-Lubnaniah.

Best short story collection went to Mahmoud Ahmed Abou for his collection (Farmalion), published by Dar El-Shorouk.

Mahmoud Sebak was awarded in the formal Arabic poetry category for his book Mohawla Le Eslah Al-Aalam (An Attempt to Reform the World), published by the General Egyptian Book Organisation.

Best Vernacular poetry collection went to Bahi El-Din Mohamed for his collection Ma' Any Qader Afrah (Even Though I'm still able to be Joyous), published by the General Egyptian Book Organisation.

In the arts category, Said Shimi won for his book Khitabat Mohamed Khan Ela Said Shimi (Mohamed Khan's letters to Said Shimi), published by Al-Karma.

The children's book award went to Zain Alabidin Fouad, for his book Lana Haq (We have a Right), published by the General Egyptian Book Organisation.

The digital sciences category award was withheld.

The award for best book in human sciences went to Hamdy Soliman for his book Wahat Al-Rab Al-Aswad (Oasis of the Black God: The Culture of Production in a Desert Society), published by the Egyptian Culture Palaces Association.

The scientific book award went to Lotfy El-Sherbiny for his book Al-Wasma Wa Moanat Al-Marad Al-Nafsy (The Stigma and Suffering of Psychological Illness), published by Dar Al-Elm Wal Iman.

The literary criticism award went to Reda Attiya for his book Al-Ightrab Fi Shi'r Saady Youssif (The Alienation in the Poetry of Saadi Youssef).

In theatre, Mohamed Baghdady won for his book Ya'ish Ahl Balady (Long Live my Countrymen), published by the General Egyptian Book Organisation.

Researcher Iman Al-Awady won the first book award for Liberal Thought in Egypt (1919  1961).

The award for best translated book went to Ola Adel for her translation of the 'Stolen Girls: Survivors of Boko Haram Tell Their Story' by Wolfgang Bauer.

The award for best translated book for children went to Ola Adel for her translation of the book Baba Yaga: Russian Popular Tales.

The award for best editing of historical texts went to Al-Waleed Mubarak for Al-Kawl Al-Sareeh fi Elm Al-Tashreeh.

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Clarksburg, WV (26301)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly in the morning. Cooler. High 68F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 44F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Cloudy and damp with rain this morning...then becoming partly cloudy. Cooler. High 73F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low near 50F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  A top-ranking Jackson firefighter has been shot while lying in bed inside his house.

Jackson police say Division Chief Craig Odems was shot just after midnight on Monday morning.

WAPT-TV reports the 53-year-old Odems was taken to a hospital where he underwent surgery and remains in intensive care Monday. Jackson Fire Chief Willie Owens says Odems has told firefighters that the bullet was removed and he expects to make a full recovery.

Owens says a stray bullet came through Odems' daughter's bedroom window, through the wall to Odems' bedroom and hit him in the side.

Police spokesman Sgt. Roderick Holmes says investigators are unsure what happened or whether the shooter intended to hit Odems. An unknown person was seen walking in the area before the shooting.
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - The president of the state College Board is leaving his job with the city of Tupelo.

Shane Hooper says he will step down from his job as director of development services on March 29.

That department manages the city's growth.

Hooper says he is leaving after five years on the job for a private venture.

He announced his upcoming departure during a staff meeting Tuesday.

Mayor Jason Shelton issued the following statement.

On behalf of the city of Tupelo, I would like to thank Mr. Shane Hooper for his tireless dedication to the economic growth of the city of Tupelo over the past five years. Under his leadership, our city has experienced unprecedented growth, a commercial and housing construction boom, and a higher level of customer service than ever before. His shoes will be difficult to fill, but we wish him the very best as he enters the private sector.
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - Police are asking for help locating a burglar.

The burglary happened on Jan. 24 at a residence on Holmes Street.

Police said the burglar forcibly entered the residence sometime between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The burglar stole a TV, a pair of Jordan brand sneakers and Ugg brand boots.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-773-8477.
PITTSBORO, Miss. (WTVA) - A weekend law enforcement pursuit led to shots being fired and an arrest in Calhoun County.

Sheriff Greg Pollan said the incident happened on Sunday, Feb. 3. He said the pursuit began at approximately 5 p.m. in Webster County.



Chico Robinson | Photo: Calhoun County Sheriff's Department Chico Robinson | Photo: Calhoun County Sheriff's Department

The chase went north into Calhoun County where a sheriffs deputy and a Calhoun City police officer joined the pursuit, said Pollan.

The sheriff said the driver tried to run over the officers, resulting in officers opening fire.

Shots were fired at the intersection of County Road 346 and County Road 348.

The driver fled into a wooded area and later surrendered Monday morning.

The driver was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and was later cleared.

No other injuries were reported.

The driver, Chico Robinson, faces the following charges in Calhoun County:

- Attempted aggravated assault on an officer

- Felony fleeing

Pollan said the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is handling the case and would release more information at a later time.
Today

Thunderstorms likely. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.

Tomorrow

Thunderstorms likely. High 84F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - We now know the identity of the woman that died after having a medical episode at the Sullivan County Jail.

According to the Indiana State Police, that woman was 46-year-old Jamie Wilson of Shelburn.

Police say Wilson was arrested on Saturday after officers believe she was driving while intoxicated.

Officials say she was in a single person holding cell with video monitoring.

LINK | WOMAN DIES AFTER MEDICAL EPISODE INSIDE JAIL

Jail staff reportedly saw Wilson experiencing a medical emergency.

She was taken to the Sullivan County Hospital where she was pronounced dead about an hour later.

Police say the official cause of death has not been determined yet, pending toxicology reports.

That could take four to eight weeks.
BRAZIL, Ind. (WTHI)  A local humane society says its concerned about another case of animal neglect in the Wabash Valley. This one is in Clay County.

This is the second animal neglect case that's come into the News 10 Newsroom in the past few weeks. It's showing many are willing to speak up about animal welfare.

A concerned viewer reached out to us with this possible animal neglect case. Allegedly there used to be 6 alpacas at a residence in Clay County. Now, there are only two.

News 10 reached out to Michelle Cannava with the Clay County Humane Society to see if they knew more about the case.

As it turns out, she says problems date back to late summer. Cannava tells News 10 a dead alpaca was found under a semi-trailer on the property. Fast forward to last Monday, and the humane society received another dead alpaca report.

Cannava says when she went to investigate she found only 2 alpacas were there. She says their living conditions were bad.

Cannava explains, "There was another dead one under the same semi-trailer in the freezing cold and the other two as well as a potbellied pig and an emaciated calf were only being provided shelter underneath that semi-trailer and were not being given proper food or water."

News 10 knocked at the door of the homeowner on Monday but received no response. Cannava says the Clay County Sheriff's Office is aware of the case. She says the Sheriff's Office has contacted the State Board of Animal Health to investigate. News 10 reached out to the State Board of Animal Health, and a spokesperson has confirmed the case is being investigated.

With animal neglect cases, Cannava says it can be hard to judge if livestock is being properly taken care of.

Cannava explains, "They're used to seeing them outdoors with less fancy shelters but we do live in a rural area that does have a lot of farm animals so yeah that can get trickier."

Often times the average person isn't sure if what they're looking at is neglect or not.

Brazil resident Todd Pierce explains, "I would call the humane society any time that I felt an animal needed food or shelter depending on the weather conditions and so forth."

Ersel Burgess of Brazil shares, "If I saw cruelty to an animal or something like that, not to say being hungry isn't cruel, but yes, if I saw somebody kick a dog or something Id call, certainly."

Pins at the Clay County Humane Society are wrapped in tarps and there are even heat lamps inside to ensure that the animals are warm enough. Society workers went to those measures for the recent cold snap. But even then, Cannava says several shelter animals were sent out with fosters to bring outdoor dogs in. Then, many new animals were brought into the shelter that she didnt anticipate. She says the community rallied behind the shelter to help make sure all animals were taken care of during the brutally cold conditions.

Cannava says good shelter is crucial for animals. She adds it can be the first red flag an animal isnt being taken care of properly.

She explains, "Improper shelter, especially in inclement weather, whether it's really hot or really cold. Lack of food or water, general body condition."

Cannava adds that when considering making a report, time is an important factor.

She shares, "If it's a place you live close to, if you observe for several days that it doesn't look like the animals are being cared for, we encourage people to contact the local authorities."
This week, West Virginia public school teachers and staff are voting on possible actions against an omnibus education bill which attacks teachers and seeks major inroads at privatizing education in the state.

The Comprehensive Education Reform legislation, Senate Bill 451, was approved by the Republican-led Senate yesterday and now goes to the House of Delegates. It is an escalation of the attacks on public education pursued over decades by Democrats and Republicans, as well as a reaction of religious and business interests to the nine-day strike that shook the state a year ago.

The three school workers unionsthe West Virginia Education Association (WVEA), WV School Service Personnel Association (WVSSPA), and the state section of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT-WV)are polling their membership for authorization to call a statewide work action should circumstances merit such a work stoppage. The poll stipulates that the union leadership should determine the appropriate time for that action to take place.

Fearing a repeat of the independently-organized upsurge among educators that occurred last February, the school workers unions are now trying to get out in front, the better to suppress a struggle. For this reason, they held a press conference and announced the balloting. But they were also quick to hedge even on this tepid measure. AFT-WV President Fred Alberts special assistant Kris Mallory told the Gazette-Mail that, in the papers words, ballots requesting authorization for statewide action might not be sent out, saying he saw prospects for the bills passage as dim.

Similarly, WVSSPA Executive Director Joe White told reporters last Friday that the unions would not name a trigger for a strike. The biggest issue is we feel each item of this bill should stand on its own merit. The omnibus bill is not the best way to go, he said. WVEA President Dale Lee added that he hoped the legislature does the right thing. Most explicit of all was AFT-WV President Fred Albert who told school employees last week, if you walk out tomorrow, youre playing into [SB 451s sponsor, Republican] Mitch Carmichaels bait. Hes baiting us to do that so he can turn that against us. I believe that with everything in me.

The West Virginia teachers strike, which helped spur a series of walkouts across the US, began when southern coal county teachers defied their unions and struck. Repeatedly instructed to return to work, teachers remained intransigent and expanded their strike statewide for nearly two weeks. Without independent rank-and-file organizations of their own, however, teachers faced a political impasse. The unions wore down the workers, regained control and terminated the walkout.

Promptly describing the forced return to work as a victory, the unions hailed the pledge by billionaire governor Jim Justice and state legislators for a measly 5 percent pay raise and a task force to investigate measures to fix the states cash-strapped Public Employee Insurance Agency (PEIA). Throughout, the World Socialist Web Site emphasized that teachers could place no trust in the assurances of the unions and big business politicians.

These warnings have been confirmed. In fact, not only is PEIA not fixed and teachers still impoverished, but the attacks on public education have intensified. SB 451, sponsored by Republican Senate President Mitch Carmichael, lashes a promised additional 5 percent pay raise to a raft of policies long sought after by sections of the ruling class. Similar measures are being debated in Oklahoma and Arizona, other states that saw teacher strikes last year.

SB 451 would introduce charter schools into the state. Education savings accounts (ESAs) would hive off funding for public schools into homeschooling, online, private, and religious schools, and tutoring companies who shall be given maximum freedom to provide for the educational needs of ESA students without governmental control. Class sizes would increase from 28 to 31. Teachers and other school staff would no longer have tenure and seniority rights, and would have their pay docked for strike activity. SB 451 includes a non-severability clause that would scrap the entire bill, including the promised raises, should any part of the bill be rejected in the legislature or later overturned in court.

There is a domino effect inherent in the bills provisions. With long-term population decline and loss of better-paying jobs in coal, many West Virginia communities now have schools at less than their official capacity. Districts are incentivized by the lack of funding to consolidate. SB 451s rise in class sizes would propel an increase in the student-teacher ratio.

With consolidations, districts reduce staff. Teachers with more tenurewho have higher pay and more healthcare costs associated with being oldercan be laid off. Younger, poorly paid teachers are saddled with more students. Already struggling students are expected to perform well on standardized tests, and when they do not, schools are punished with funding cuts.

Charter operations can then open up shopoften acquiring former public school buildings for a songand selectively siphon off students from the public schools. The bill explicitly stipulates that school boards must make facilities available to the charter school that are either not used in whole or in part for classroom instruction at the time the charter school seeks to use or lease the public facility. Moreover, charters shall be exempt from all statutes and administrative regulations applicable to the state board, the county board or school unless expressly stated otherwise, the bill states.

The public is overwhelmingly opposed to the bill, with local media tabulating opposition ranging from 75 to 95 percent in informal polls. Testimony from the Senate floor on February 1 indicated that public calls and comments to senators were running as much as 3,000-to-one against the bill, the Charleston Gazette-Mail noted.

Teachers and school staff are most vocally opposed. Contingents of teachers sat in the Capitol gallery during last weeks sessions, wearing red shirts and providing live updates on the proceedings on social media.

Teachers have widely expressed the sentiment that the 5 percent raise was not worth what the bill would do to the children. Schools are in dire straits, and teachers are on the front line of the social crisis. West Virginia is in the midst of the worst drug epidemic the country has ever seen, and thousands of children are in foster care, living precariously with relatives, orphaned from overdoses, and are suffering the effects of emotional trauma or neonatal abstinence syndrome from birth. In spite of these devastating problems, the state outlays 11 percent less in per-pupil funding now than before the economic crisis of 2008.

Please help us protect children from this terrible bill, teacher Frances Tolley wrote on social media. Carmichael has this set to play both ways. If we say nothing, we are greedy, dont care about kids. If we throw a fit, we deserve no raise. Im proud of my fellow teachers. In spite of the prospect of an increase in pay that could help us, our ethics cannot be purchased.

Lisa Collins, a teacher at Baileysville Elementary and Middle School, told Pineville media WVNS that she was worried about increasing the already large class sizes. It is harder to reach all those students when theyre crammed in a classroom. Theres no room to breathe, and weve had those crowded classrooms, and its really not fair to the kids.

At the Logan County Board of Education meeting Thursday night, special education teacher Leah Clay-Stone compared the impact of SB 451 to Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradburys famous novel about book-burning and suppression of dissent. Are we on our way to our own dystopia? she asked.

The role of fake socialist groups like the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the International Socialist Organization, Labor Notes, and their grassroots amalgamationsall of which hailed last years struggle as a historic victoryoperate as a secondary layer of union representatives, trying to give a radical flair to the treachery of the corporate-control unions. The DSA-affiliated Jacobin magazine has rolled out the same figuresJay ONeal and Emily Comer and WVEA Mingo County President Brandon Wolfordas official spokespersons for the teachers ahead of potential labor unrest.

Although educators now face an existential threat to public schools in the state, Comerin a combination of deceit and complacencyclaims, After what we accomplished last year, were aware of our power. So theres no way were going to let the horrors of this bill be forced upon us, our students, or our state. Were going to organize, were going to take actionand were going to win. Organize, action, winthis empty rhetoric, without the slightest oppositional policy, serves to cover up for unions sabotage of the struggle.

Jacobin suggests that this time around in West Virginia, workers can model themselves upon the insurgency of Democratic Party stooges like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The last time, they and their pseudo-socialist friends were promoting right-wing militarist (and former Trump supporter) Democrat Richard Ojeda. Firebrand state senator Richard Ojeda in particular is widely regarded as a hero by West Virginia workers, breathlessly wrote Eric Blanc in Socialist Worker last year. The hero of the betrayed strike, Ojeda, is presently little heard-from as he resigned his seat to pursue greener pastures, seeking the Democratic Partys presidential nod. Billionaire Republican Governor Jim Justice promptly filled his seat with a lobbyist for the coal, tobacco and pharmaceutical companies.

None of these experiences have been lived in vain. Lessons are being drawn. The unions and their fake socialist apologists have been shown to be bitter opponents of teachers and school workers. This was just as true in the recent Los Angeles teachers strike in Democratic-dominated California as it was in West Virginia. The war on education waged by both the Democrats and Republicans is turning new layers of workers and young people to the fight against capitalism. The WSWS Teacher Newsletter calls on teachers to contact us to initiate discussion on building new, independent rank and file committees of teachers, students and workers to lead this fight in defense of public education and all the social rights of the working class.

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In the nearly two weeks since the sinister and farcical self-swearing-in of Juan Guaido as the US State Departments anointed interim president, US imperialism, with the aid of the major European powers, Canada and the right-wing governments of Latin America, has steadily tightened a noose around Venezuela.

On Monday, Germany, the UK, France, Spain and most of the other European powers followed Washingtons lead in recognizing Guaido, a political operative of the extreme right-wing Voluntad Popular (Popular Will) party, as Venezuelas president.

Virtually a political unknown in Venezuela before being installed as president of the National Assembly less than three weeks before the initiation of the US-backed coup attempt, he is well known in the halls of the State Department and CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, having been funded by the agencys offshoot, the National Endowment for Democracy, and trained in the methods of color revolution by US-financed NGOs.

The rush by the European powers to proclaim such an unelected figure the legitimate president of Venezuela is driven by European imperialisms fear of being left out of the scramble for Venezuelas oilthe largest proven reserves on the planetas Washington prepares to either directly invade the country or provoke a military coup that could plunge Venezuela into a bloody civil war.

In supporting an act of outright criminality on the part of Washington, the European imperialists are counting on receiving carte blanche for their own crimes in Africa, the Middle East and beyond. At the same time, they are driven to play an active role in the carve-up of Venezuela out of concern for their own capital investments in Latin America, which outstrip those of both the US and China, under conditions in which Washington is once again attempting to assert its unfettered hegemony in its own backyard.

The conspiracy against Venezuela is predatory in the literal sense of the word, an exercise in outright plunder. Washington has seized the assets of the Venezuelan government in the US, including its US-based refining and distribution company Citgo, ostensibly on behalf of the US puppet Guaido. The puppet, for his part, has publicly announced an economic blueprint for a US-backed regime that would open up the countrys strategic oil reserves to the direct control and exploitation by the American energy conglomerates.

US officials have made no bones about the fact that their aim is to assert control by US energy conglomerates over Venezuelas vast oil reserves, while at the same time rolling back the substantial influence in the country of both China and Russia, the great power rivals against which Washington is preparing for global war. This aim threatens to turn Latin America into a battlefield in a nuclear third world war.

The threadbare pretense advanced as a cover for this exercise in criminality and plunder is that Washington is supporting democracy in Venezuela and is interested in the humanitarian relief of its population. No oneleast of all the Venezuelan people themselvesshould believe such lies. The same US government has given its unconditional support to regimes like those of General Sisi in Egypt, which has killed thousands and jailed tens of thousands of its opponents, and the murderous monarchical dictatorship of Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia.

The consolidation of power under the likes of Guaido and Voluntad Popular will signal not some flowering of democracy, but rather the imposition of a right-wing dictatorship of the Venezuelan corporate oligarchy and the IMF, whose first task will be to drown in blood the resistance of Venezuelan workers to austerity and oppression.

While claiming that it is driven by the urgent humanitarian imperative of providing food and medicine to Venezuelans, Washington continues to provide indispensable support for a near-genocidal war that has driven 16 million Yemenis to the brink of starvation.

This humanitarian ruse is now being shifted into high gear. Guaido announced Monday that he would call for a big mobilization to demand that food and medical supplies organized by USAID and positioned on the borders with Colombia and Brazil, which are governed by Latin Americas two most right-wing governments, be brought into the country.

There is not even an attempt to mask the fact that the aim of this aid is to provoke a split within the Venezuelan military or a confrontation on the countrys borders that would provide the pretext for military intervention.

The working class, both in Venezuela and internationally, must reject this imperialist provocation with contempt and mobilize its full strength to defend Venezuela against a US imperialist intervention that is aimed at turning the Latin American country into a semi-colony.

Defending Venezuela, an oppressed country, against imperialist aggression in no way requires painting the government of Nicolas Maduro and the legacy of chavismo in bright colors.

The government of Venezuela under Maduroas it was under his predecessor, Hugo Chavezis a bourgeois government that defends private property and upholds the interests of international finance capital, even as the world capitalist crisis and the increasingly punishing sanctions imposed by Washington have decimated the living standards of the Venezuelan working class. Under both presidents, the government fostered the growth of a new layer of the Venezuelan capitalist ruling class, the so-called boliburguesia, which fattened itself off of government contracts, financial speculation and corruption.

While under Chavez, this government was able to divert a portion of the revenues from the oil and commodities boom to finance social assistance for Venezuelas impoverished masses, the deepening world capitalist crisis and the collapse of oil prices have largely eviscerated these programs. The full burden of the economic crisis has been imposed upon the backs of the Venezuelan working class, while increasingly the government has directed its repression not against its right-wing opponents, but rather against workers fighting for their social and democratic rights. With the Venezuelan bourgeoisie unable to chart its way out of the economic and social crisis, and Venezuelan workers as yet unable to pose a revolutionary challenge to the capitalist order, the Chavez and Maduro governments assumed an increasingly Bonapartist character, resting, in the final analysis, on the support of the military and security forces, for whose affections Washington is now vying.

It is the class character and the policies of these governments that have left Venezuela vulnerable to imperialist intervention and conquest. Maduro has directed his appeals to the right-wing opposition and to Trump for dialogue, and most recentlyinsisting that he is serving Christs cause in Venezuelato the Pope.

This government is incapable of appealing to the working class. It fears arming the masses to counter an imperialist intervention. And it has no intention of expropriating the substantial foreign capitalist interests in Venezuela, including those of Chevron and Halliburton, in retaliation for the predatory actions of US imperialism.

The only progressive answer to the increasingly dangerous crisis unfolding in Venezuela lies with the independent political intervention of the working class, fighting for the arming of the masses, the seizure of bourgeois property and foreign capitalist holdings and the placing of the countrys vast oil wealth under popular control.

Such a struggle can be waged successfully only through the international unity of the working class. Workers in the United States, Europe and Canada must oppose the reactionary and predatory imperialist intervention in Venezuela and fight to unite their struggles with those of the workers in Venezuela and throughout Latin America against the common enemy, the world capitalist system.
Hacked Integrity Initiative (II) documents have exposed the scale of the UKs anti-Russia foreign interference activities in northern Europe. Norway has been targeted, with the II operating a secret cluster, whose stated aim is to overturn the views of the Norwegian public that are deemed soft on Russia.

The Integrity Initiative is a network of UK military and intelligence operatives, academics and journalists spreading anti-Russia propaganda and fake news. It includes specialist Army Reserve units linking to very senior civilian experts including hedge fund managers and senior bankers who have volunteered as patriots. The groups existence was made public by the Anonymous hacking collective in November.

Among a fourth trove of documents leaked by Anonymous last month is a memo by Chris Donnelly, who co-ordinates IIs activities from a basement office at 2 Temple Place in London. He details sinister operations in Norway, including psy-ops targeting the Norwegian public. The II is financed by the UKs Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

In August 2016, Donnelly visited Oslo and outlined the current situation in Norway: The Norwegian public are generally inclined to be soft on Russia as a near neighbor in the North (where there is a tradition of freindship [sic] and a good working relationship). Although the public can be hard-nosed about Putin and Moscows policies, their scepticism of US/western politics can lead to their being less critical of Russias position at times. This problematic public attitude to Russia was expressed in a 2017 Sentio poll, which found that 76 percent of north Norwegians think authorities should do more to improve Norways relationship with Russia.

The leaked memo included Donnellys packed itinerary. He attended meetings with Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Justice and Police officials. At a workshop on Fighting the Information War chaired by the Defence Research Institutes Henning-Andre Sogaard, they discussed how the project could be generated in Norway nationally, across Nordic states, and internationally. Building the cooperation between the classified and unclassified world, keeping in mind that one of the main targets is the hearts and minds of the public.

The Anonymous leaks expose an anti-democratic conspiracy aimed at subverting public discourse and shifting the political climate in a right-wing militarist direction.

Despite evidence of such top-level intrigue, Norways mainstream media and political parties have been virtually silent on the matter. The online newspaper ABC Nyheter was alone in publishing an article, in which the named Norwegian cluster members denied involvement (echoing the response of those contacted in the UK). The Norwegian left-radical news blog, Steigen.no, having probed more deeply, was able to establish the likely involvement of those named.

Such diplomatic silence contrasts markedly with the media frenzy that followed unsubstantiated allegations of Russian interference in Norway. In February 2017, Norways Police Security Services (PST) claimed Russia was behind an attempt to hack the Norwegian Labour Party, the Defence and Foreign ministries and the PST itself. Its allegations mirrored the FBIs equally bogus claims of Russian hacking of the US Democratic National Committee. Norways biggest media outlets published the PSTs allegations without question, with screaming headlines about a Russian Hacker Attack against Norway (national broadcaster NRK).

The PSTs allegations fueled an ongoing media barrage. Just days before, Aftenposten, Norways largest circulation daily newspaper, was warning that Russian hackerswith the support of the Kremlinare in the process of influencing the major, important elections in Europe.

The Integrity Initiative leaks follow last years The Kremlins Trojan Horses 3 report by the Atlantic Council, a US-backed partner to the II. The report alleged Russian Influence in Denmark, The Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden and denounced Kremlin allies among politicians, journalists and public servants. [T]he Kremlins tentacles do not stop in Ukraine, Georgia, or East Central Europe, the Atlantic Council claimed. They reach far and deep in the core of western societies. The report targeted three Norwegian parliamentary partiesthe Socialist Left, the Red Party and the far-right Progress Partywhose representatives had questioned aspects of US/NATO policy or were insufficiently hostile to Russia.

Norway was a founding member of NATO in 1949, but it prohibited foreign troops from being stationed in the country. Norways post-war Labour governments cultivated an image of semi-neutrality, aligning with the United States during the Cold War, while eschewing overtly aggressive measures along its 106-kilometre north-eastern border with the Soviet Union. But the dissolution of the USSR in December 1991 and the eruption of US military efforts to encircle and confront Russia produced a fundamental shift. Norway is integrating ever more openly with US-UK provocations against Russia:

In 2016, Norway announced 300 US marines would be stationed at Vaernes military base in central Norway. This number has since doubled.

In 2017, Norway announced plans to join the US-NATO Missile Defence System (MDS) aimed at Russia. A global network of missile launchers, control centres, radars, airbases and sea-based missiles, the MDS is at the centre of US-NATO plans for a winnable nuclear war.

In 2018, Norway hosted Exercise Trident Juncture, NATOs biggest military exercise since the cold war, a display of force involving 40,000 soldiers and 10,000 vehicles.

Last year, Conservative Party Prime Minister Erna Solbergs government cut all funding to peace organisations, while boosting its defence spending commitment to NATO. For this she was awarded a Global Citizen Award by the Atlantic Council. The opposition Labour Party has backed Norways militarist trajectory, criticising the government for not spending enough on defence. Norway is one of the highest per-capita defence spenders in the world.

The actions of Norways political establishment are sharply opposed to the anti-war views of the public. Fully 80 percent opposed the Iraq war, with mass protests in Oslo in February 2003 the largest ever held in the country. Public opposition saw Norways government refrain from openly supporting the invasion. But Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondeviks Conservative Party government sent 150 troops in July 2003 as engineers and mine clearers operating under British command. A smaller number of Norwegian troops remained until 2006, and in 2015 Norway again sent troops as part of the international coalition to counter ISIL.

The official left parties in Norway have opened the gates for Norwegian militarism. The Labour Party has been the staunchest supporter of Norways military alliance with the US, exemplified by the seamless transition of its party leader of 12 years, Jens Stoltenberg, to become secretary general of NATO in 2014. The Socialist Left party likewise supported NATOs bombing of Yugoslavia and Libya, and, during its time as coalition partner in the Labour-led government of 2005-2013, dropped its previous opposition to the war in Afghanistan.

The publics well-founded scepticism in Norway towards US/western politics has nothing whatsoever to do with Russian interference. It is fueled by the bloody reality of US-led wars and regime change operations from North Africa to the Ukraine. It is these sentiments that the UKs Integrity Initiative and the CIA-backed Atlantic Council have targeted as their chief obstacle to securing Norway as a frontline state in the Wests offensive against Russia.
Following his election on November 17, Maldives President Ibrahim Solih, has rapidly moved to strengthen political and military relations with India. This process was further highlighted by last months week-long visit to India by Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi, who was accompanied by Chief of Maldivian Defence Force, Major-General Abdulla Shamaal, and other senior officers.

Chinese influence in the Maldives had greatly expanded under former President Abdulla Yameen. These relations were opposed by India, which considers the region to be its backyard, and the US, in line with its preparations for war against China. Last year Washington and New Delhi initiated a regime-change operation to elevate the pro-US Solih into the presidency.

Indian Prime Minister Modi attended Solihs swearing-in ceremony in November. A joint statement was signed which declared the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean and being mindful of each others concerns and aspirations for the stability of the region.

During last months visit, Maldivian Defence Minister Didi met with her Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman, as well as top Indian military officers.

Both countries agreed to expand maritime security cooperation and to complete the previously stalled Coastal Radar Surveillance System (CSRR) in the Maldives. An Indian defence ministry statement said the talks were substantive, and further strengthened bilateral defence cooperation. The two countries would continue their traditionally close cooperation on issues of maritime security [and] counter-terrorism.

An India-Maldives Defence Cooperation Dialogue was also held during Didis visit. Sitharaman reiterated New Delhis commitment to the capacity building and training requirements of the Maldivian defence forces. Didi later told the media that the two countries discussed ways of establishing a collaborative structure for information sharing and a fusion mechanism.

During his administration, former President Yameen relied on the support of the Maldivian military to safeguard his rule, attack democratic rights and suppress the political opposition. Last February, however, the Maldivian Supreme Court, in an attempt to undermine Yameen and bring a pro-Indian, pro-western administration to power, issued several highly unfavourable decisions against Yameen.

The court ordered the immediate release of opposition leader and former President Mohamed Nasheed and the dropping of eight convictions against other political leaders. Yameen responded by declaring a state of emergency and had Supreme Court Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and another judge arrested. Under this pressure, the remaining three Supreme Court judges annulled its previous rulings.

As tensions increased the pro-US Nasheed called on New Delhi to invade the Maldives, declaring the country was becoming a Chinese colony. The Indian media reported that although New Delhi had made some military preparations it would not do so, as it was concerned about a possible Chinese response to any external intervention in Maldivian internal affairs.

India, however, is now taking advantage of the new regime in the Maldives to further expand its geo-strategic and military influence in the region. That is the meaning of its pledge to assist in the training and capacity building of the Maldivian security forces.

The Press Trust of India reported that the two countries agreed to remain mindful about the stability of the Indian Ocean region and not allow their territories to be used for any activity that is hostile to each others interest. This was a clear jab against China.

Didi later claimed that her government did not talk about our relations with other countriesi.e., China and Pakistan. India respects our sovereignty, she said, adding, We are very comfortable [with] having India as our very close friend because they always came to our rescue[be it] in 1988, the 2004 tsunami or the recent water crisis.

In 1988, Maldivian President Abdul Gayoom appealed for Indian military assistance to help to defeat a coup detat by a group of Sri Lanka Tamil mercenaries who attempted to install Maldivian businessman Abdulla Luthufi as the countrys leader. Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi immediately respond ed to Gayooms call and, under the codename Operation Cactus, dispatched 1,600 troops within nine hours to defeat the coup.

India and the Maldives will now will intensify their military ties. The 2016 defence cooperation Action Plan between the two countries, which was halted under Yameen, will be revived. A top priority will be Indias partnering with the Maldives to build coast guard infrastructure at the Uthuru Thila Falhu atoll, one of the joint defence projects in the Action Plan. In addition, the Maldives will allow New Delhi to have access to facilities for training, surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone and so-called Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.

The Maldives is strategically located in the southwest tip of India, just above key sea-lanes from the Middle East and Africa to East Asia, South East Asia and Australia. These routes, which provide China, Japan, South Korea and India with access to Middle Eastern oil, are a focal point for rivalry between the US and India on one side and China on the other.

Each year more than 100,000 ships carrying oil, minerals and manufactured goods pass through the international shipping lanes in the northern Indian Ocean. Diego Garcia, the USs principal Indian Ocean military base, lies 1,300 kilometres south of Male, the Maldivian capital.

The recent flurry of high-level political and military meetings since Solih became president reveals how Delhi, with US backing, has quickly moved to establish a pro-Indian government in the Maldives. Under the intensifying geo-political tensions between the US and China, even the nominal independence of underdeveloped nations is a thing in the past.
Written and directed by Nicole Holofcener; based on the novel by Ted Thompson

The Land of Steady Habits is directed by Nicole Holofcener (Friends with Money, Enough Said) and based on the 2014 novel of the same title by Ted Thompson.

The film follows Anders Hill (Ben Mendelsohn), who has recently both quit his job on Wall Street and divorced his wife of several decades, Helene (Edie Falco). Their son, Preston (Thomas Mann), a recovering addict, has graduated from a prestigious university, but finds himself working at low-paying jobs, the latest being a position teaching adults to read, alongside his mother.

The events unfold in southwest Connecticut, in New York Citys affluent suburbs.

When we meet him, Anders is somewhat overwhelmed buying household supplies for his new condominium. (Im looking for things to put on my shelves.  Starting over.) He shows up inappropriately, and disconsolately, at a Christmas Eve party, an annual event, co-hosted by his wife, her closest friend, Sophie Ashford (Elizabeth Marvel), and the latters husband, Mitchell (Michael Gaston).

Asked by an old friend why he retired from finance so early, Anders replies angrily, Do you really want to know?  Its a system of monstrous greed, and thats the business. Save yourself. Do over the other guy. And dont worry about the consequences. And for what? More toys? Bigger houses? Trip to the goddamn Caribbean?  No, thank you.

Unhappily, this is virtually the only time in The Land of Steady Habits the subject comes up. By its end, the viewer would be entirely within his or her rights to have forgotten Anders original motivation, presumably a driving force in the drama.

In any case, isolated at the Christmas celebration, Anders ends up outside doing drugs with the Ashfords son, Charlie (Charlie Tahan) and a few of his friends. The party ends abruptly when Charlie overdoses and has to be rushed to the hospital.

In a fit of misplaced generosity, Anders has given their five-bedroom house to Helene, but now discovers he cannot retire and pay the mortgage at the same time. He borrows money from a friend, Larry (Josh Pais), who seems to be leading his own rather dissolute single life (Dont you think its a little tragic? Anders asks him). Larry takes Anders to a demoralizing strip club. Drunk, our hero directs a taxi to his old address by mistake and breaks into his own house in the middle of the night, waking up his wife and her new boyfriend, embarrassing himself further.

Preston is having problems of his own. He takes $2,000 from one of his illiterate clients and gambles with it, having promised the man he would double his stake. Helene is forced to fire him, and Preston ends up sleeping in his car.

Charlie Ashford shows up at Anders place in the middle of the night. He is fleeing his parents, who want to send him to rehab in Arizona. Instead of alerting Charlies parents, Anders ill-advisedly smokes dope with him again. The teenager flatters him, You have the balls to live your life, dude. Thats what sets you apart from the rest of these fucking zombies. You cant go halfway. You cant be you and stay in favor. Charlie then disappears. Preston later stumbles on his dead body by some railroad tracks. The subsequent unhappiness spreads itself evenly over nearly everyone.

The chief difficulty is that Holofceners film only dips its toe into the vast reservoir of disillusionment, disappointment and misery that the stock market and speculative boom have produced in the US, even for sections of its beneficiaries.

A University of Rochester study in 2009 concluded that achieving fame, wealth and beauty were psychological dead ends. In the words of one of the studys authors, Even though our culture puts a strong emphasis on attaining wealth and fame, pursuing these goals does not contribute to having a satisfying life. Another of the co-authors commented that what was striking and paradoxical about the research, according to the university website, was that it shows that reaching materialistic and image-related milestones actually contributes to ill-being; despite their accomplishments, individuals experience more negative emotions like shame and anger and more physical symptoms of anxiety such as headaches, stomachaches, and loss of energy.

The Land of Steady Habits is neither sharp nor angry enough. It has tantalizing possibilities. The state of the two sons, Charlie and Preston, addicted to or (barely) recovering from drugs or alcohol, is perhaps the most telling. One is on the run from his own parents, and the other is homeless. Both are almost entirely at sea. Tahan and Mann effectively bring out the tragic elements.

Ben Mendelsohn, an Australian performer, does well as Anders. He manages to communicate something of the good intentions, self-destructiveness and sad-comic features of his character and his condition.

But Anders is saddled, unnecessarily (this is not in the novel), with a love interest, Connie Britton as Barbara. It is not Brittons fault, but the part is negligible and only contributes toward facilitating an unconvincing, quasi-happy ending. Sentimental music does not help either.

Not all of Holofceners additions are subtractions. In a nicely done scene, Preston, now working for a liquor store, delivers a crate of wine to a ridiculous mansion, only to discover the owner is a former classmate, who has made a fortune in LEDs. Preston asks him, What are LEDs? You know, lights. The green alternative, you know.  Would you say LEDs are your passion?  I just didnt think this was your style, you know. My style? What  I mean, whats your style? Delivering liquor? Looks that way.

All in all, however, Holofcener has softened the novel, eliminated some of its sharper edges. No doubt in the name of marketability. Unfortunately, the end result is probably less appealing, neither fish (comic) nor fowl (tragic) enough.

Thompsons book is written with intelligence and some feeling.

The author describes Anders decades in finance: His sons were born and his father died, replacing the battles of the past with a steady march of paychecks and workweeks, of predawn mornings and pitch-black evenings and stacks of shirts in cardboard boxes. It was a rush to get to the train and a rush to get home; a rush to get into the market and a rush to get out; there were risks in everything, gains and losses in a days transactions in sums that no man could recoup in his entire working life. There were good days and bad, good hours and bad, a responsibility to shareholders and senior management, to investors and his own family, a ticking clock of quarterly earnings and an expectation from everyone, especially himself, that he would plunge headlong into the roiling seas of the global economy and come back each time a winner.

Meanwhile, Helene works in decaying Bridgeport, a bankrupt city on every level, littered with dormant factory chutes and docks that had rotted to their stanchions; the red-and-white smokestack of an outdated coal plant standing like the shaft of a giant, filthy candy cane, a city run by politicians who spoke of a utopian future in which the creative classes were lured out on the Metro North and who seemed to blame the citys misfortunes on its own citizens and believed the best route to revitalization was simply to replace them.

Preston had once found himself, for a period, owing to what he could describe only as temporary insanity, sharing a trailer with three skateboarders who were cooking meth in the same kitchen where he was sleeping. One evening, when the other guys were off videotaping one another skinning their faces on public handrails, and as he looked around their long tin box, with its tubes and pots, its terrible chemical air, a couch and a PlayStation and one shitty watercolor of the desert nailed to the wall, he knew he had made it about as far from home as he could.

It would be a mistake to believe that only depictions of the conditions of the oppressed are of interest or value to socialists or the working-class reader.

Frederick Engels, in a well-known letter (in November 1885) to novelist Minna Kautsky (the mother of Karl Kautsky), argued that the socialist-minded novel could fully achieve its purpose, in my view, if, by conscientiously describing the real mutual [social] relations, it breaks down the conventionalized illusions dominating them, shatters the optimism of the bourgeois world, causes doubt about the eternal validity of the existing order, and this without directly offering a solution or even, under some circumstances, taking an ostensible partisan stand.

Socially critical novels that take up the lives and destinies of the rich have a long tradition in world and American literature and drama. In the US, Edith Whartons House of Mirth (1905) and The Age of Innocence (1920), Booth Tarkingtons The Magnificent Ambersons (1918), Theodore Dreisers The Financier (1912) and The Titan (1914), F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Beautiful and the Damned (1922) and The Great Gatsby (1925) and Sinclair Lewiss Dodsworth (1929) are only a few examples. Dickens, Balzac and Dostoyevsky, of course, often studied such people in depth.

There is also the category of upper-middle class disillusionment, which has an extensive history too. Reviewers of The Land of Steady Habits referred to Richard Yatess Revolutionary Road (1961), a study in suburban despair, as well as the works of John Cheever and John Updike.

Less often mentioned, but perhaps more appropriate, is John OHaras first (and, by far, best) novel, Appointment in Samarra (1934), written when the author was 29 or so. Thompson seems to be paying deliberate homage to OHaras book, beginning his book, as the other does, more or less, with a Christmas party and giving Helene a profession similar to that pursued by the protagonists wife in Appointment in Samarra (the title refers to the retelling of an ancient Mesopotamian tale about death and fate).

Set in a small city in eastern Pennsylvania in 1930, the year following the Wall Street crash, OHaras novel centers on the final three days in the life of Julian English, a wealthy Cadillac dealer, who spends much of the time drunk. English, for reasons that are never fully spelled out, commits a number of truly self-destructive acts (throwing a drink in the face of an important investor in his business, appearing to sleep with the mistress of a powerful local gangster, becoming involved in a public brawl with a one-armed war veteran), which seem destined (or intended) to ruin his business and his marriage. In the end, he kills himself by running his car in a closed garage.

Appointment in Samarra is a searing, microcosmic picture of petty bourgeois American life at the outset of the Depression, saturated in hypocrisy, social-climbing, conformism and double-dealing.

Critic Edmund Wilson, who included OHaraalong with James M. Cain, John Steinbeck and othersamong The Boys in the Back Room, wrote that the novelist subjects to a Proustian scrutiny the tight-knotted social web of a large Pennsylvania town. Wilson, who observed that OHara was primarily a social commentator, argued that the people in Appointment in Samarra are all being shuffled about, hardly knowing what they are or where they are headed, but each is clutching some family tradition, some membership in a select organization, some personal association with the rich, from which he tries to derive distinction. But, in the meantime, they mostly go under. They are snubbed, they are humiliated, they fail. The cruel side of social snobbery is really Mr. OHaras main theme.

One reviewer called Thompsons The Land of Steady Habits the first great novel about postcrash American disillusionment. It is not a great novel, its a good one, but that is still saying something. The film, unfortunately, although it seems sincere, does not do it full justice.
About 2,000 homes in the Australian city of Townsville were under water on Sunday, and thousands of residents have fled their homes due to catastrophic flooding.

Heavy rainfall caused the Ross River Dam to exceed its capacity by 150 percent before the dam was fully opened, unleashing a torrent of water into the Ross River, which runs through the centre of Townsville.

Rescue teams were forced to launch boats into the streets of the city in northern Queensland as rising floodwaters covered roads, cutting off access to sections of the city with a population of 170,000.

Police warned residents to remain in their homes rather than attempt to drive through flooded streets. However, there were reports on social media of people waiting many hours for assistance from the volunteer State Emergency Service, which was overwhelmed by more than 850 calls for help in a 24-hour period.

In the absence of adequately resourced emergency services, soldiers from the nearby Lavarack Barracks were sent in to aid the evacuation. The deployment of the military is now increasingly common in civil emergencies and is a part of the militarisation of every aspect of life.

More than 14,000 properties are still without power, and numerous burst pipes caused by the flood threaten to leave residents without running water.

More than 1,000 people were forced to seek emergency accommodation in the citys overcrowded and ill-equipped evacuation centres. Workers and their families sheltering in these facilities have had to rely on donations of food, clothing, and bedding from generous members of the public.

Townsville received 1012mm (40 inches) of rain in the last week, significantly more than the previous 7-day record of 886mm set in the infamous Night of Noah floods of 1998.

Government authorities and the media have characterised the flood as an isolated and unexpected natural disaster, but chaotic urban planning, lack of disaster management resources, and questionable management of water storage all contributed to the devastation.

This is first time since the dam was upgraded in 2007 that the water level has exceeded 43mthe point at which the gates are fully opened. But it is the eighth time in less than 12 years that the level has exceeded 38.65mthe point at which the gates begin to open. It would seem, despite assurances to the contrary, that the dam is inadequate to protect Townsvilles residents from floods.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk described the flood as a one-in-100-year event, prompting residents to wonder why they have experienced two such events in the past 21 years.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisations State of the Climate 2018 report projects that human-induced climate change will lead to an increase in intense heavy rainfall throughout Australia, meaning that one-in-100-year floods are likely to become more frequent and more severe.

Under capitalism and its division of the world into rival nation states, no serious action to end climate change is possible. Successive international climate summits have demonstrated that governments are fundamentally incapable of implementing a global plan to reduce carbon emissions, for fear that it would hurt the profits of their corporations.

Townsville mayor Jenny Hill struck out at armchair critics on social media, saying: The dam has done its job. Such reassurances provide little comfort for those whose homes have been destroyed or severely damaged.

Some, like Hermit Park resident Andrew Roberts, are asking why the water in the dam was allowed to reach such a high level. It should never have been this bad. Why didnt they have releases earlier and give the water a chance to get away? he exclaimed. Heads should roll over this.

The situation is reminiscent of the January 2011 flood in which the south east Queensland cities of Brisbane and Ipswich were flooded after the Wivenhoe Dam was opened. A royal commission into the flood found that South East Queensland Water Corporation (SEQW) flood engineers had breached protocol in failing to reduce the level of the dam in preparation for forecast rainfall.

One of the submerged areas in Townsville is a still incomplete housing development, The Village, built on former cattle grazing land on the south bank of the Ross River. A flood investigation undertaken prior to the construction, claimed 100-year flood immunity for the site based on a maximum dam discharge rate of less than 800 cubic metres. When the floodgates were fully opened last week, water was released into the river at a rate of 1900 cubic metres per second.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been quick to announce a one-off Disaster Relief Payment, but the paltry sum of $1,000 will do little to help residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the flood.

In line with previous Australian government responses to such disasters, the vast majority of any relief funding will go towards rebuilding infrastructure to serve the interests of big corporations.

In response to devastating floods in 2010-11, the federal Labor government of Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced a $5.6 billion package, of which only $720 million went to victims of the flood.

The package was financed by cuts to education, housing and environmental programs; and a tax levy primarily shouldered by workers earning less than $80,000 a year. The bulk of the funding was used to rebuild roads, railways, and ports to allow mining corporations to maintain their massive profits.

Gillard was insistent that none of the funds would be used to repair the homes of uninsured victims, ensuring that multi-billion-dollar insurance companies would not see a dent in their profits.

The Queensland government has set up an appeal through charity donation website, GIVIT, to encourage ordinary people to purchase and send gift vouchers from major supermarket and department store chains, ensuring that these corporations will profit from the misery of Townsvilles flood victims.

There is no suggestion that the supermarket chains themselves, the developers who have built housing estates on floodplains, the banks that have financed these developments, or the mining companies and refineries that make billions of dollars in the region, should contribute to the relief effort or the subsequent rebuilding.

Instead, ordinary workers will again bear the burden of cleaning up the mess caused by ill-conceived, profit-driven urban development, poorly-resourced emergency services, and inadequate flood mitigation plans.
On January 21, with winter temperatures in Newport, Rhode Island at only 11 degrees Fahrenheit (-11 Celsius), a compressor station in Weymouth, Massachusetts owned by energy transportation company Enbridge failed.

The pressure downstream from the compressor dropped so much in two hours that gas had to be shut off to 6,500 houses and businesses in Newport for fear that they would slowly fill with gas after pilot lights went out. There is no redundancy in that part of the system, so gas could not be piped in through an alternate route.

In an insult to the intelligence of all those affected, Enbridge claimed that winter weather had created demand that exceeded the systems supply capability.

Newport joined the list of cities in New England that have been put at risk or damaged because of dilapidated natural gas infrastructure. In September, a buildup of excessive pressure in a gas line owned by Columbia Gas resulted in a series of explosions in the Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts, killing one person, injuring more than 25 and forcing 30,000 people in three cities to evacuate from their homes.

The Boston Globe described the scene in Newport last month: Thousands of residents without heat and hot water  queuing for free meals, food vouchers, and space heaters. Displaced families in temporary lodgings while National Guard troops and construction crews secure homes one by one against the threat of explosion.

The Globe interviewed Derek Guenette, a laborer with two young children, who said, Its been stressful, man, really stressful. A lot of people in Newport, we cant afford to just up and leave. Im living paycheck to paycheck.

The working class in Newport and nearby Middletown struggle to get by in the shadows of the ruling elites mansions and yachts. According to Data USA, published by Deloitte, 9.2 percent of people in Newport County live below the poverty line. Seventy-five percent of workers had wages under $80,000 in 2016; healthcare, educational services, and retail are the three biggest job sectors. Median yearly earnings for utilities workers was little more than $60,000 in 2013, while the median for education workers was less than $50,000.

After the January 21 crisis Newports public schools closed for the week and Salve Regina University, which graduates approximately 80 nursing students per year, was forced to cancel classes. Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, a Democrat and former hedge fund manager, declared a state of emergency for Newport County.

Two years ago, a frozen valve at the same Weymouth station caused more than 200,000 cubic feet of natural gas to be spewed into the air. Since Enbridge had no monitors on the valve the leak was not found until after residents complained about the smell.

Enbridge had adjusted earnings of more than $900 million after interest, capital depreciation, and corporate taxes were netted out in the third quarter of 2018. This amount was up from $765 million for the same quarter in 2017. Enbridges cash derived from operating activities was around $1.5 billion per quarter.

The company sucks in these huge amounts of money by refusing to spend money on equipment maintenance and by using eminent domain seizures to run roughshod over peoples homes, farms and yards.

In July 2010 a 6-foot rupture in an Enbridge pipeline in Marshall, Michigan, spilled more than 1 million gallons of diluted bitumen into the Talmadge Creek and the Kalamazoo River over a period of 17 hours. Twenty-five miles of the river were polluted before the spill was contained. The polyethylene tape used to coat the failed section of pipe had not been replaced since 1969 and the pipe itself had corroded as a result.

Bitumen, derived from tar sands in this case, is diluted with toxic chemicals like naphtha before being moved through pipelines. The oil spilled into the Kalamazoo also contained nickel, beryllium, molybdenum and other heavy metals.

The river could not be reopened for recreation until two years after the spill, and the US Environmental Protection Agency took six years to issue a consent decree with a $61 million fine on the company. Enbridge also promised the EPA that it would spend $110 millionless than 15 percent of its quarterly earningson cracks and corrosion in its pipes. In May 2018 the EPA fined Enbridge a paltry $1.8 million for failing to keep this promise.

Nonetheless, Enbridge has worked with judges and legislatures to impose eminent domain seizures in areas where it is replacing pipeline. WLNS in Michigan reported on a 2012 case in which Enbridge crews showed up on a womans property without permission and cut down trees in order to install a third pipeline across her land. The company refused to provide her an end date for the work.

What am I going to leave my daughter? As wonderful as [our] house is, whos going to want to buy a house thats got three pipelines on it with tar sands running through it? Its so highly corrosive and dangerous, the woman told WLNS.

In November 2017 the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Enbridge has a history in Wisconsin of rolling over reluctant landowners wishes by turning to the government to allow it to claim private land through eminent domain.

In one case, Enbridge ran a pipe for highly inflammable diluent next to a familys house, and then provided them with a safety kit to use if the diluent leaked out of the pipe. The kit included a glow stick for emergency lighting because flipping a light switch would ignite the chemicals, and instructions to run upwind because starting a car could also cause an explosion.

After turning down multiple payment offers for an easement across their farmland, another family told Enbridge to route its pipe around their land. A corporate executive responded, We are Enbridge. We dont go around anything. We go through it.

The companys political collaborators are bipartisan: Obamas EPA wrote the unenforced consent decree in Michigan, while in Wisconsin the Republican state legislature added a policy rider to a budget bill to change the wording of the state law governing the Public Service Commissions condemnation authority for eminent domain cases.

While the law already allowed for-profit oil pipeline companies to take land under the guise of providing a public service, the 2015 legal change substituted the term business entity for corporation. This change was demanded by Enbridge lobbyists because the company is a Limited Liability Partnership, a status often used by companies to lower their business taxes and protect against lawsuits.
A trial beginning in Boston last week heard testimony of how executives at Insys Therapeutics, Inc. pushed prescription narcotics through bribing doctors to subscribe an addictive fentanyl nasal spray. Prosecutors told jurors that the defendants were guilty of running a criminal enterprise contributing to the opioid overdose epidemic that has killed hundreds of thousands of people over the past 20 years.

Assistant US Attorney David Lazarus told jurors in federal court in Boston that John Kapoor, 75, and the company he created, Arizona-based Insys, ran what amounted to a kickback and conspiracy scheme that bribed doctors to routinely subscribe Subsys. An addictive fentanyl nasal spray that is far more powerful than morphine, Subsys has only been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to alleviate the pain of advanced cancer.

In 2017, a record 47,600 people died of opioid-related overdoses, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Boston trial is the first prosecution of a pharmaceutical company chief executive linked to the national opioid epidemic. Kapoor and the other defendants are facing as long as 25 years in prison. The trial is expected to last three months.

Kapoor, former chairman and CEO of Insys, and four others face racketeering and conspiracy charges on allegations that they used speaker fees to boost Subsys sales and lied to insurers about which patients were getting the drug. Kapoor is accused of masterminding the scheme. Former Insys senior executives Michael Babich and Alec Burlakoff have already pleaded guilty and are cooperating with prosecutors.

The other defendants include the companys former vice president Michael Gurry, ex-national sales director Richard Simon and former regional sales director Joseph Rowan, along with Sunrise Lee, an Insys sales manager.

Beth Wilkinson, Kapoors attorney, said in her opening statement January 28 that Burlakoff, a former Insys sales executive, sought to block Kapoor from reviewing payments to doctors subscribing Subsys so he could have free rein over the fraudulent project.

Holly Brown, a former Insys sales representative, testified that her boss, Sunrise Lee, and another Insys sales rep took Dr. Paul Madison to a high-end nightclub in Chicago in 2012. At one point during the evening, Brown saw Lee, a former exotic dancer, sitting on the doctors lap, kind of bouncing around, and he had his hands all over her chest. Madison received at least $70,000 in speaker fees from Insys, according to prosecutors.

According to government witnesses expected to be called, Lee was hired to be a closer with doctors targeted by the Insys marketing program. Peter Horstmann, Lees attorney, objected to prosecutors focus on Lee, saying in his opening statement that the government likes the lap-dance story because its sexy, and thats the only reason. US District Court Judge Allison Burroughs turned down Lees request for a separate trial.

Michigan doctor Gavin Awerbuch, 60, told the Boston jury last Wednesday that he made more than $130,000 over 18 months for showing up at bogus education sessions on Subsys. Awerbuch, who has been convicted of illegally distributing Subsys, said that Insyss attractive sales reps and easy money encouraged him to write unnecessary prescriptions for the highly addictive fentanyl nasal spray.

Awerbuch testified that Insys officials set up the phony speaking engagements, but often couldnt get other doctors to show up, so hed ask his friends and neighbors to attend. Often, it was just him and an Insys sales rep sharing dinner. They had beautiful sales reps and I liked the attention I was getting, he told the court. Awerbuch has been sentenced to two years in prison for unlawfully prescribing Subsys.

Awerbuch admitted to repeatedly violating US law by prescribing Subsys to patients to earn his supposed speakers fee, hauling in about $1,600 a dinner. He admitted to violating US law by prescribing Subsys to patients for the sole purpose of protecting his ability to earn speaker fees.

Subsys is approved only for cancer patients suffering from breakthrough pain and is specifically banned for migraine sufferers. Despite this, Awerbuch prescribed the drug to migraine patients along with those suffering from fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, arthritis, depression and anxiety.

In the course of four hours of testimony, Awerbuch described how he and Insys sales representative Brett Szymanski would order extra dinners for their wives to make it look like more people showed up at the events than actually did. Szymanski, testifying under an immunity agreement with the government, told jurors last Tuesday that he would fake names on the attendance sheet or get doctors who hadnt attended the events to sign them.

Szymanski raked in about $2 million in salary and bonuses over his four years at Insys. He testified that Burlakoff told him to stop at the playground and get signatures to make it look like the speaker events were well attended. Burlakoff is alleged to have dreamed up the idea of using a speakers program to generate increased profits for Subsys.

In the United States, it is perfectly legal for drug companies to pay doctors to hype the virtues of opioid painkillersand other prescription drugs, for that matterto their colleagues at education dinners. While the majority of promotional expenditures are aimed at physicians, direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) has been legal in the US since 1985.

The US pharmaceutical industry spent $6.1 billion on advertising prescription drugs directly to consumers in 2017, according to ProCon.org. American consumers are bombarded on a daily basis with TV ads for prescription drugs that treat high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, pain, erectile dysfunction and other conditions. They are advised in these commercials, in small print across the bottom of the screen and in quickly spoken disclaimers, of potential side effects from the advertised drugs, often including serious conditions and even death.

The Boston trial is one of numerous trials planned this year prosecuting Big Pharma in connection with the opioid crisis. In May, Oklahoma is due to be the first state of more than 40 suing Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of Oxycontin, along with other companies, claiming they hid the addictive properties of their drugs.

In October, three trials will begin in a multi-district litigation case before a federal court in Cleveland, bringing together more than 1,200 lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies from county and city governments across the country.

In the trial underway in Boston against Insys executives, Assistant US Attorney Lazarus said in his opening statement, This is a case about greed and consequences of putting profits over people. While the alleged crimes are indeed appalling, the defendants in this case are not in a different league from executives across the board in the giant pharmaceutical industry, in which putting profits over people is the norm.

Insys has reported to the FDA that more than 900 people died while taking Subsys since it was approved for use in 2012. These deaths do not include those who may have moved on to heroin, which is now often tainted with fentanyl. These deaths are included among the hundreds of thousands who have fallen victim to the opioid crisis.

There were more than 72,000 drug overdose deaths of all types in the US in 2017, according to CDC estimates. The translates into about 200 drug overdose deaths every day, or about one every 8 minutes. Politicians of both big business parties support and facilitate the deadly practices of Insys and the pharmaceutical giants and champion the for-profit delivery of health care, resulting in misery and destitution for vast swaths of the US population.
On January 26, the Assembly of yellow vest assemblies met in Commercy, France, after two meetings of the Popular Assembly of Commercy since the beginning of the movement.

About 350 representatives of various yellow vest groups from across France participated. However, what predominated was the attempt of petty-bourgeois political parties linked to the state and trade union bureaucracy to take control of the yellow vest movement.

The previous meeting of the Commercy Popular Assembly expressed the explosive anger present within broad sections of the population against the financial aristocracy, the ruling parties and the unions. It was part of the ongoing eruption of the international class struggle, suppressed over decades by Stalinism, Pabloism and the trade unions. Like tea plantation workers in Sri Lanka, US teachers and Mexican auto workers at Matamoros, French workers were mobilizing independently of and against the unions and the entire political establishment.

The Commercy Assembly was heterogeneous, bringing together workers, organic grocers and, especially among the organizers, lower-ranking members of petty-bourgeois parties like the Pabloite New Anticapitalist Party (NPA) and Unsubmissive France (LFI), who hid their political loyalties. Members of the Parti de legalite socialiste (PES) reporting for the WSWS were allowed to speak. Apart from the live video feed of the meeting on Facebook, the WSWS was the only news source visibly reporting on the meeting.

The class character of the Assembly of assemblies January 26, however, had a very different class character. All the major Paris newspapers, including Liberation and the right-wing Le Figaro, were reporting. In the pages of Le Monde, Aline Leclerc hailed the meeting as an attempt by the yellow vests to define together their common values and demands, organized in a manner that was very respectful of everyones opinion. Liberation warmly welcomed the willingness of speakers at the gathering to build a movement with the unions.

While the main capitalist media were invited, the WSWS was not. The coordinator in Commercy of the Assembly of assemblies meeting, who turned out to be the NPAs regional organizer in the Meuse department, refused to communicate to them where the meeting would be held.

When PES members arrived at the meeting anyway, they met another organizer of the Commercy assembly, who apologized for the organizers opposition to the PES: I wanted to defend you, but they have misunderstood you. As I see it, you are only defending the workers. Before, there were many workers in this location, but now they arent here anymore. He added that he believed it was necessary to fight for the interests of all classes in society.

Indeed, most of the workers who attended the previous Commercy assembly were not present. What predominated instead was the nationalist and pro-capitalist policy of various self-proclaimed representatives of the movement, whose ties to parties rejected by the yellow vestslike the NPA, LFI or Lutte ouvriere (Workers Struggle, LO)were evident though downplayed.

The NPA organizer refused to grant the WSWS an interview, but the WSWS spoke to another organizer at the Popular Assembly at Commercy. He had worked for the presidential campaign of one of the defeated candidates in 2017, but refused to say whichclaiming that it was necessary not to unveil his political beliefs in order to respect the apolitical character of the movement.

He said, So it seems weve already spoken to you, to your colleague who said that from your standpoint its an international struggle because our quote-unquote enemies (I dont like the word enemy), or at least our problems come from transnational corporations.  An international crisis, well, thats not in the cards. I will give him the same answer I gave your colleague when he was here: I said that for now we are organizing at the municipal and regional level.

Asked why the Assembly of assemblies had not passed a resolution against capitalism, he replied: Youre saying we dont have a solution, arent you? But yes, in fact there is a solution, we talked about it a little bit a while back. It is the question of self-management.  This movement has given birth to something, to solidarity between us.

This is the line that Stalinist-led unions around LFI have peddled for decades. Refusing a revolutionary and socialist policynationalizing firms across Europe and expropriating the banks via the mobilization of the working classthey claimed that workers could self-manage non-competitive factories by buying them from their bosses. This almost inevitably turned out to be a financial disaster for the workers involved. Still subject to the diktat of profitability on the world market, the firms typically closed a few years later.

The organizers rejection of a socialist and internationalist policy is directly bound up with the rejection of the class struggle by the petty-bourgeois union bureaucracies. Thus, he added, To talk a bit more concretely, we want to spread the movement. We dont want to limit ourselves to the class struggle, we want to somehow suppress the class issue, somehow.

Such comments point to the objective class conflict between broad layers of workers and oppressed middle-class people in the yellow vest movement, on the one hand, and the unions and political parties, on the other. It must be recalled that the NPA and the main French unions explicitly opposed participation in the movement when it began. Their nationalist attempts to suppress the class struggle, as masses of workers mobilize against the president of the rich, Emmanuel Macron, are politically reactionary.

Very definite warnings must be made: organizations controlled by these forces will pursue a policy hostile to the workers, and to the yellow vests. The yellow vest movement was not an exception, but an integral part of the international upsurge of the class struggle. The only way it can proceed is by seeking to expropriate the financial aristocracy, in France and around the world, in a struggle against capitalism and war waged independently of the unions and their political allies.

On the other hand, the ability of the petty-bourgeois parties to exert influence over the yellow vest movement reflects real contradictions and weaknesses of the movement. The yellow vests themselves speak not of the class struggle and the struggle for socialism, whose name the big business Socialist Party (PS) has worked for decades to blacken among workers, but loosely of the people and the struggle for democracy. They also define themselves as apolitical, citing their rejection of the ruling political parties.

This apolitical and populist language has not sufficed to rally broader masses of workers, either in France or beyond, to the tens of thousands of people participating in yellow vest protests. But it does allow personnel from widely discredited, petty-bourgeois parties the opportunity to semi-covertly exert influence on the movement.

They represent not the democratic interests of the yellow vests, but the material interests of specific layers of the middle class in the top 10 percent of society, who profit from official financing of the union bureaucracy, academic research and the media. Their attempts to posture as defenders of the yellow vest against the Marxist-Trotskyist line of the PES are cynical and false. They are acting to take over the movement and subordinate it to the unions and to the capitalist ruling class.

For now, the NPA, LFI and LO have profited from the fact that for decades they have suppressed the class struggle and subordinated it to an alliance with the PS. This helped create a disoriented atmosphere in which masses of people falsely associated socialism with the austerity policies and imperialist wars of the PS and other European social-democratic parties. Despite Macrons brutal police violence against yellow vest protesters, the latter do not have a clear revolutionary perspective against him.

Thus, the WSWS spoke to a British youth at the meeting, who said he has friends in Britains extra-parliamentary left and has joined a yellow vest group in the Paris area led by a Stalinist official who joined LFI, Jose Espinosa. When the WSWS asked him how workers could fight the militarism and austerity of the European Union without an international, revolutionary strategy, he replied: Its a good question. I dont know. I dont think things are necessarily being posed at this level yet. I think maybe whats happening at this moment is were still living in the kind of aftermath of these few riots that happened in Paris.

While he saluted the supposedly democratic character of the Assembly of assemblies, he gave the following report: A lot of the assembly meeting turned around the question of whether people had the right or the mandate to represent their local assemblies, because they were delegations that came from all over the country. ... After about two hours of a discussion about demands and all of these kinds of things, the moment the vote arrived everyone suddenly realized that they didnt have a decisional power in the assembly. So that was quite interesting.

The temporary coexistence in the yellow vest movement of thousands of workers with the lower-ranking members of the petty-bourgeois pseudo-left reflects the initial stage of the development of the class struggle. But Macron and the international banks who stand behind him will give workers nothing on purchasing power, or anything else; they will accelerate austerity and war. A vast international upsurge in the working class is proceeding, which will shatter the pseudo-lefts attempts to suppress the class struggle via appeals to nationalism.

The pseudo-lefts capacity for now to intervene in and monopolize organizations set up in struggle against Macron does not refute the PESs assessment that the creation of independent organizations is a necessary step. Ultimately, the difficulty is not that the yellow vests have tried to set up such organizations, but one of political perspective. For now, political issues are not clear enough to the masses in struggle for them to consciously reject and oppose the influence of petty bourgeois parties hostile to their movement.

This raises above all the question of building of the PES itself. It has explained that the forming of organizations like the Commercy Popular Assembly paves the way for international revolutionary struggle by the working class. An international network of such organizations, independent from the nationally based unions, could allow workers to seize the means of production and transfer political power to their assemblies. They would thus renew the traditions of the October 1917 revolution, rejected by Stalinism and Pabloism.

In the coming class struggles, in France and internationally, masses of workers will go through bitter experiences with the reactionary role of the pseudo-left parties. The decisive issue to bring these struggles to fruition will be the construction of the PES and other sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) around the worldto orient workers to the international class struggle and overcome the anti-revolutionary role of the union bureaucracies and pseudo-left groups.
The Pentagon has confirmed that it is deploying an additional 3,750 troops to the US-Mexico border, continuing the build-up of repressive forces directed against defenseless immigrants and refugees seeking asylum in the United States.

Some of the 3,750 soldiers will replace those being rotated out of the border area, but there will be a sizeable net increase of at least 2,000. The total number of troops, regular and National Guard, will be more than 6,000, the largest force deployed to the southern border since 1917, when General John J. Pershing led a punitive expedition against Pancho Villa during the Mexican Revolution.

The confirmation of the troop deployment Sunday came only two days before President Trump is to give the State of the Union speech at the US Capitol building, in which a major focus is expected to be border security. Trump forced a partial shutdown of the US government for 35 days in an effort to force Congress to approve $5.7 billion in funding for a border wall.

The White House had to back down January 26, agreeing to a three-week reopening of the government while House and Senate negotiators discussed the budget for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes both Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The House-Senate conference must reach agreement by February 8 to give time for congressional approval of a bipartisan deal by February 15. Otherwise there will be another shutdown, or Trump has threatened to declare a national emergency and use funds appropriated for some other purpose, such as military construction, to build the wall.

In discussions with reporters last week, Trump hinted that he might declare the national emergency in his State of the Union speech. I dont want to say it, but youll hear the State of the Union, and then youll see what happens right after the State of the Union, he blustered. Whether or not that is the case, he is likely to center the speech on demands for the wall and warnings about crime and drugs supposedly associated with immigrants and refugees.

Congressional Democrats, while opposing a permanent structure or wall, largely on the grounds of its proven ineffectiveness, continue to offer vast sums for the CBP, ICE and other repressive measures against immigrants, under the rubric of border security.

This includes the mobilization of troops without any significant Democratic opposition, but also the abusive treatment of tens of thousands of immigrants held in ICE and CBP facilities in the border region, some operated directly by the two agencies, others by contractors, some of them billion-dollar companies that are making vast profits operating what amount to concentration camps.

A report by the Department of Homeland Securitys inspector general, issued last week, found that ICE detention facilities dont meet national standards for prisons, despite billions in outlays to build and operate the camps. According to the report, over a 33-month period ending in June 2018, ICE paid contractors operating the 106 detention facilities subject to this review more than $3 billion  Despite documentation of thousands of deficiencies and instances of serious harm to detainees that occurred at these detention facilities, ICE rarely imposed financial penalties.

The inspector generals report examined half of the 211 detention facilities run by ICE directly or indirectly, housing an average of 35,000 detainees every daythe size of a small city. The report found that ICE regularly issue waivers to excuse deficiencies, some of them of grotesque proportions, such as allowing a detention facility to use tear gas against detainees, although the standard limits efforts to control detainees to pepper spray, which is much less toxic.

ICE did not dispute the inspector generals findings, instead issuing a worthless declaration that it is committed to continually enhancing civil detention operations to promote a safe and secure environment for both detainees and staff.

More than a dozen immigrants have died in ICE custody since 2015, including two children from Guatemala who died in December, prompting wide publicity and popular revulsion.

Prisoners at ICE facilities have begun to fight back against their brutal treatment in one of the few ways still available to them, a hunger strike, which began at the detention facility in El Paso, Texas, but has since spread to facilities in Miami, Phoenix, San Diego and San Francisco, according to an ICE spokesman.

On Sunday, ICE confirmed to the Associated Press that it was force-feeding nine of the hunger strikers in El Paso, up from six the week before, after obtaining a federal court order authorizing the brutal procedure, condemned as torture by international human rights groups, and banned by the American Medical Association.

Most of those being force-fed, and a majority of the hunger strikers, are Sikhs from the north Indian state of Punjab who have fled persecution by the right-wing Hindu supremacist government of India.

One detainee, identified by the AP only by his last name, Singh, which is very common among Sikhs, described being dragged from his cell three times a day and strapped to a bed before being force-fed liquid through tubes pushed through his nose.

They tie us on the force-feeding bed, and then they put a lot of liquid into the tubes, and the pressure is immense so we end up vomiting it out, Singh told the AP. We cant talk properly, and we cant breathe properly. The pipe is not an easy process, but they try to push it down our noses and throats.

Human Rights Watch issued a statement February 1 calling force-feeding a cruel, inhuman and degrading practice and pointing out that medical ethics and human rights norms generally prohibit the force-feeding of detainees who are competent and capable of rational judgment as to the consequences of refusing food.

All these brutal measures would become much worseand virtually impervious to legal challengeif Trump declares a national emergency and orders the military to build his 30-foot wall along the US-Mexico border.

Under the 1976 National Emergencies Act, if Trump declares an emergency, Congress can take action to overturn the declaration under an expedited procedure under which the Senate would be required to vote within 30 days of action by the House of Representatives. However, Trump could veto the resolution and the emergency would remain in effect unless his veto was overridden.

Congressional leaders and civil liberties groups have indicated they plan to challenge an emergency declaration in the courts, but the White House expects that any appeal would be expedited quickly to the US Supreme Court, which has a 54 right-wing majority expected to uphold virtually any executive action.
On January 16, the nonprofit government transparency organization Property of the People published 52 pages of heavily redacted documents relating to an investigation opened by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against the By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) group in 2016. The FBI investigation of BAMN was filed under the caption DT  Anarchist Extremism. The acronym DT stands for domestic terrorism.

The documents, which can be viewed here, establish that the FBI targeted BAMN following a June 2016 provocation by neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan in Sacramento, California.

Emboldened by the rhetoric of the Trump presidential campaign, including its demand to build a wall on the southern border, a rabble of various white supremacist groups organized a march on the state capital. A group calling itself the Traditionalist Workers Party was joined by the Golden State Skinheads, Blood and Honor, the Traditionalist Youth Network, National Socialist Movement, and the KKK. This provocation was confronted by a much larger counterdemonstration, which included contingents organized by BAMN as well as the anarchist affiliation Antifa.

Armed with knives and other weapons, white supremacists clashed with counterdemonstrators. A total of ten people were injured, including three critically, in a violent melee.

BAMN, a group aligned with the Democratic Party, identity politics, and the trade unions, was formed in California in 1995 as the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration & Immigrant Rights, and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary. It has participated in a number of counterdemonstrations against rallies by white supremacists.

The FBIs invocation of the framework of the war on terror to target BAMN for investigation and surveillance is a major attack on democratic rights. While the FBI report glosses over and minimizes the violence and provocations by the far-right, the FBI employs a tendentious legal framework against BAMN that could be used to target and silence dissent on a broad scale.

The newly released documents indicate that the FBI responded to the June 2016 rally and counterdemonstration by opening a domestic terrorism investigation into BAMN. The report states: Captioned investigation is being initiated on BAMN (By Any Means Necessary), a domestic group, based on information that on June 29, 2016 [sic], members of BAMN attended a Ku Klux Klan rally and assaulted a Nazi supporter.

In 2016, the report continues, law enforcement learned that the Ku Klux Klan would be holding a rally at the State Capitol Building on June 26, 2016. The KKK consisted of members that some perceived to be supportive of a white supremacist agenda. In response, a number of groups mobilized to protest the rally. Flyers were posted asking people to attend in order to shut down the rally.

The FBIs report is remarkable for the way it minimizes the actions of the far-right provocateurs while it scrutinizes and impugns the actions of the counterdemonstrators. The FBI agents description of the KKK as consisting of members that some perceived to be supportive of a white supremacist agenda leaves no doubt about where that agents sympathies lie.

The FBIs version of the riot all but justifies the conduct of the neo-Nazis, attempting to shift blame onto the counterdemonstrators: On June 26, 2016, the rally took place as scheduled. Counter-protesters were also present, and violence broke out amongst the crowd. Several people were stabbed and hospitalized; others suffered more minor injuries.

The FBI opened a full investigation against BAMN based on two alleged federal crimes: riots and conspiracy against rights. In other words, turning reality on its head, the FBI opened an investigation into whether BAMN had conspired to violate the rights of the KKK and into whether BAMN was responsible for the riot.

The report indicates that special agents conducted physical surveillance at 2020 Bonar Street, Berkeley, CA 94702 on a redacted date. This is the address of the Berkeley Unified School District, where BAMN was presumably holding a demonstration.

The notes of the surveillance include the following entries: Several children observed sitting outside 2020 Bonar Street with signs next to them; Several adults observed standing outside 2020 Bonar Street with several children. [Redacted] observed speaking [Redacted] observed holding a sign; and Group observed walking toward 1231 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94702.

This surveillance apparently did not yield any plausible evidence of criminal activity. The agents grudgingly admit that the individuals being observed may have been engaged in protected First Amendment activity.

Significant portions of the report are too heavily redacted to decipher. However, it is possible to make out that on October 5, 2016, an FBI special agent, whose name is redacted, met with University of California Berkley [redacted], who provided the agent with redacted material concerning a redacted subject. It is not clear whether this is a meeting with a university administrator or campus police. It is also not clear whether the information being provided to the FBI concerned any particular students.

FBI agents obtained copies of BAMN leaflets and appended them to the report. The agents also reviewed YouTube videos and monitored internet posts. The FBI devoted special attention to slogans in BAMN materials such as no free speech for fascists! and calls to shut down the neo-Nazi rally.

To the extent that BAMN leaflets bragged about teaching Trump supporters about the painful consequences of openly supporting Trump and his political platform of bigotry, this serves as a lesson that radical posturing of this kind only helps to open up an organization to state scrutiny and repression.

The unnamed FBI special agent acknowledges that individuals and groups named in this [report] have been identified as participating in activities that are protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Their inclusion here is not intended to associate the protected activity with criminality or a threat to national security, or to infer that such protected activity itself violates federal law. However, based on the alleged actions of BAMN [long passage redacted] it is possible the actions of certain BAMN members may exceed the boundaries of protected activity and could constitute a violation of federal law. In the event no such violent activity occurs or is discovered, FBI policy and federal law dictates that no further record be made of the protected activity.

To translate this into plainer language: BAMN members have not violated any laws and are exercising their right to free speech, but the FBI investigation is justified anyway because BAMN members could do things that may violate the law in the future. Notwithstanding the repeated statements of deference to the First Amendment and the right to free speech, this logic would justify FBI surveillance of any political activity at any time, since any lawful organizations members could do something that may violate the law in the future.

The report states that an FBI special agent researched BAMN and discovered that it was a national organization. The group had been active in the Berkeley, California and Oakland, California areas. The special agent, whose name is redacted, researched some historical activity of the group by reviewing police records and open source information from various events. In some, the group members lawfully exercised their First Amendment rights by engaging in peaceful protests. In other instances, the members engaged in other activity by refusing to disperse, trespassing in closed buildings, obstructing law enforcement, and shouting during and interrupting public meetings so that the meetings could not continue.

Without endorsing such methods, disrupting meetings with shouting hardly equates to domestic terrorism, especially given that this report was generated in the context of a violent provocation by neo-Nazis and the KKK. Nor can any plausible argument be made that refusing orders by police officers to disperse is domestic terrorism.

The vague crime of obstructing law enforcement is frequently invoked by American police officers to justify arbitrary arrests and to cover up the use of excessive force. The FBIs report takes it a step further, essentially implying that this ambiguous term equates to domestic terrorism.

The FBI has a long history of operating as a political police force aligned with reaction. This history includes the infamous wiretapping and harassment of Martin Luther King, Jr., as dramatized in the recent film Selma . The 2016 investigation of BAMN for allegedly conspiring to violate the rights of the KKK certainly resonates with this history, as BAMN itself was quick to point out.

Nevertheless, the most significant aspect of the FBIs report is the invocation of the framework of the war on terror against domestic dissent.

The US government, after all, has asserted that alleged terrorists can be deemed unlawful enemy combatants who can be subjected to abduction, torture, and even secret assassination anywhere in the world. The entire globe as well as the interior of the US have been designated as the battlefield of the global war on terror. Under these conditions, the practice of labeling domestic dissentin this case, opposition to a rally of neo-Nazis and the KKK, or even merely refusing to disperseas domestic terrorism has ominous implications.

There is no reason to doubt that the FBI is targeting left-wing political dissent in the US more broadly with investigations, surveillance, and infiltration. In 2011, a FBI agent was exposed who had spent two and a half years infiltrating the Anti-War Committee (AWC) and later the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) in Minneapolis and Chicago. This agents activity preceded a series of government raids and subpoenas to 23 activists to testify before a grand jury based on allegations of providing material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations.
Over the past days, workers, students, young people and retirees have expressed their support for Socialist Equality Party (SEP) rallies in defense of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange in Sydney on March 3 and in Melbourne on March 10.

Many of those who have spoken to SEP campaigners have backed the demand, upon which the demonstrations have been called, that the Australian government immediately use its diplomatic powers and legal discretion to secure Assanges return to Australia, with a guarantee against extradition to the United States.

These sentiments stand in stark contrast to the actions of the federal Liberal-National Coalition government and the Labor Party, which have participated in the US-led vendetta against Assange. They are also an indictment of the Greens, pseudo-left organisations such as Socialist Alternative and the entire media establishment, which have abandoned Assange amid stepped-up attempts to prosecute him for WikiLeaks exposures of war crimes, illegal diplomatic intrigues and mass spying.

Safwan, who spoke to SEP campaigners in western Sydney, said: The Australian government has turned its back on Assange because of their ties to the US. They havent even spoken out in his defence, let alone tried to help him. But Assange is an Australian citizen. We need to stand up for him.

Julian Assange is a threat to governments and the powers-that-be because of the information that WikiLeaks has published. The Australian government was involved in the war in Iraq. Julian Assange revealed things about the occupation that most of the Australian public is very opposed to. So by defending America, the Australian government is also trying to defend itself against ordinary people.

Erdene, a 19-year-old journalism student in Sydney, commented: People have to support a brave journalist like Assange. He released secrets about the American military and for that he is threatened by the US government. He didnt do that for profit, but for justice. In defending Assange, we are defending the idea that one must be brave enough to see through the darkness and fight for the truth.

The ruling class everywhere is using every tool to block access to any ideas that oppose the system. They are trying to stop people from figuring out the problems in society and from finding solutions.

Steven, a worker on the New South Wales Central Coast, said: Assange hasnt broken any laws. He is the victim of a warmongering elite in the US, along with the government in Australia. Our countrys laws stipulate that there is a legal requirement to protect Assange, but that hasnt happened because it doesnt suit the agenda of the major political parties.

The attack on Assange takes place after the so-called war or terrorism, which was a campaign to change the laws to beef up security and undermine democratic rights. The idea now being promoted is that state military secrets are not allowed to be printed. But there wouldnt need to be state secrets if its work was all done legally.

I think the only way we can free Assange is if they feel that they are being scrutinised by a large amount of people, and they fear being ousted. Then they might free Assange.

Sora, a stay at home parent in the town of Maitland, stated: I support the rally to free Assange. It is important for us to hold this protest to show that we will not tolerate any further attack on our democratic rights. If we choose not to stand in solidarity with Assange, that is a green light to governments around the world to further attack free speech and strip us of all the rights that we have as citizens.

In censoring the internet and people like Assange, governments are cracking down on regular peoples ability to learn about what is really happening in the world today. They want to skew the news in their favour. If they werent doing anything wrong, why would they be suppressing alternative opinions and news?

The conditions of Assanges political asylum are absolutely shocking. He is in virtual solitary confinement in Ecuadors London embassy. I read that doctors have warned that his health is in severe decline and that he has been denied necessary medical treatment. That is deplorable. The conditions he faces are a crime in themselves. Assange shouldnt be detained for doing his civic duty as a journalist.

The Australian government hasnt helped Assange because they want to look good to the US. It doesnt matter if its Labor or Liberal. WikiLeaks also helped exposed our governments crimes against humanity, including the persecution of refugees, war crimes and their complicity in US government intrigues here. Our government wants to prevent any further leaks.

Philip, a retired nurse in Melbourne, said: Im coming to the rally. Ive been aware of what is happening to Julian Assange for years. Ive seen a film about Edward Snowden and one about Assange in Sweden.

Since the Swedish allegations of sexual misconduct against him have been dropped, why have the British still got him holed up in the Ecuadorian embassy? What has happened to his civil rights?

The Conservatives and the Labour Party in Britain are not much different from one another. I lived there when I was studying, and Labour MPs as well as Conservatives had all been to the posh schools. Theyre the same. The House of Lords all prance around. I didnt like any of them.

And were getting the same here in Australia. I think too many of the wrong sort are getting in parliament. What is wrong with the Australian government? Prime Minister Morrison is an international embarrassment. He is pathetic. I saw how he answered Pamela Anderson.

If Assange is extradited to America, they want to lock him up forever or even execute him. Ill be beside myself with rage if he is sent to the US. Ill march in the streets. He is a Melbourne boy.

Reverend John Jegasothy spoke to SEP campaigners in western Sydney. Jegasothy, of the minority Tamil ethnic group, fled his native Sri Lanka during the countrys brutal civil war. He is a well-known human rights activist.

Jegasothy commented: Im really worried about human rights and the people who are being treated so poorly around the world, particularly Assange. The whole world knows whats happening to him. Australia should be doing something to get him out.

He hasnt seen the sun for so many years, so he needs medical attention right now. He should be a free man. Thats what I ask for, and I hope your rally will go well and therell be more people to support him around the world and in Australia in particular.

Assange is one of the pioneers. They can silence him, but they cant silence the world and all those people who are calling for justice and peace.

Jason, a year 11 high school student in Sydney, said: Governments today either suppress information or prosecute people who release it. Julian Assange released documents exposing the American government so theyre targeting him.

They say that he was committing espionage against the American government, but if the media cant report on real issues that government are responsible for, or if it gets prosecuted for reporting on crimes committed by government, then the media will be fearful to report on anything.

The big media here colludes with the government, including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Channel Seven, Channel Nine and others. They are working together to censor important issues, including the danger of climate change and the growth of far-right and fascist movements that are a danger to ordinary people.

In this day and age, Facebook and the other social media are the only really important means to get information and broadcast your voice. If they take that away, you have nothing. But the social media sites are also carrying out censorship.

Its almost like the dystopian novel 1984 by George Orwell. The governments spy on their populations. They use excuses like terrorism to do it. They need to know what people are thinking to control them.

The authors also recommend:

Rally to demand the Australian government acts to free Julian Assange! Sydney Martin Place Amphitheatre, March 3! Melbourne State Library, March 10!
As much as I love all of my new skates, there is just something so retro/fun about the white skates that remind me of
NASHVILLE (WSMV) - Metro Council will be voting on several big issues Tuesday night, including selling real estate to improve the city's bottom line.

Councilman Bob Mendes even acknowledged on Twitter how important the meeting will be.

We've got a loaded Council agenda on Feb 5, including several items guarantied to make someone mad. I'm still considering some of them, but here's my current thinking: https://t.co/rXvMS2bM6Y  Bob Mendes (@mendesbob) February 3, 2019

Lawmakers are hoping selling real estate will balance the budget for Metro Nashville Public Schools. The bill calls for selling off four properties, totaling 33.7 acres of land around the city.

Click to read more about each property:

There's also a proposal that would set aside money for affordable housing for every dollar spent on job credits. This bill specifically targets companies like Amazon. For example, if the city is giving Amazon $15 million to create jobs, then $15 million would need to be set aside for affordable housing. Click here to read the full bill.

Another interesting bill involves NES. The bill would change NES's "Round-Up" program from an "opt-in" to an "opt-out" program. Currently, the utility company has a program that allows you to round up your bill to the next dollar. Those extra few cents are put in a fund that goes toward bill payment assistance for lower-income families. If the bill does pass, NES does not have to follow it. Click here to read more.

News4 will be following Tuesday night's Metro Council meeting. Stay with our app for updates.
Multimedia Producer

Kara is an Emmy Award-winning digital producer. She is a Cincinnati native and an alumna of the University of South Carolina. She previously worked at WRDW-TV in Augusta, Ga., before moving to Nashville five years ago to work at WSMV-TV.
UPDATE 2/25/19 @ 10:43 a.m.

Five volunteer firefighters accused of setting fires themselves appeared in court Monday morning.

All five waived their preliminary hearings in Cabell County Magistrate Court.

They are currently suspended from the Barboursville Volunteer Fire Department, according to BVFD Chief Chad Ward. Investigators say the group set several fires so they could later respond to them with the fire department.

Charles Weybrecht "Chase" Peoples, 20, is charged with burning etc. of other buildings or structures, also known as second-degree arson according to the fire marshal.

Brett Allen Ray, 20, is charged with first-degree arson.

Glenn Fletcher Harman, 20, is charged with burning etc. of other buildings or structures, also known as second-degree arson according to the fire marshal.

Travis Michael Bailey, 28, is charged with first-degree arson.

Ian Hockenberry, 21, is charged with first-degree arson.

Ward tells WSAZ the fire department was made aware of the investigation in early December. That's when "all involved parties" were suspended, pending the outcome of this investigation.

Keep checking the WSAZ App and WSAZ.com for the latest information.

ORIGINAL STORY 2/5/19

Five volunteer firefighters in Cabell County are facing felony charges for allegedly setting fires so they could later respond to them.

All five are suspended from the Barboursville Volunteer Fire Department, according to BVFD Chief Chad Ward.

Charles Weybrecht "Chase" Peoples, 20, is charged with burning etc. of other buildings or structures, also known as second-degree arson according to the fire marshal.

Brett Allen Ray, 20, is charged with first-degree arson.

Glenn Fletcher Harman, 20, is charged with burning etc. of other buildings or structures, also known as second-degree arson according to the fire marshal.

Travis Michael Bailey, 28, is charged with first-degree arson.

Ian Hockenberry, 21, is charged with first-degree arson.

The West Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office made the arrests Tuesday. All five were arraigned at the Cabell County Courthouse.

Ward tells WSAZ the fire department was made aware of the investigation in early December. That's when "all involved parties" were suspended, pending the outcome of this investigation.

"The Barboursville Fire Dept. is cooperating fully with the WV State Fire Marshals Office and the prosecutor handling the case," Ward said. "We are unable to comment further at this time."

One of the fires happened on April 7, 2017. It was at a home in the 5300 block of Guyan River Road in Barboursville. Firefighters found a single story home, made from wood, over an embankment on fire. More than a year later, on Nov. 26, 2018, Hockenberry admitted to going inside the home and setting the fire. He admitted to doing it so that he could later respond with the Barboursville Volunteer Fire Department.

At the same address, there was another fire on Dec. 20, 2017. This time, the BVFD responded to a garage apartment fire. The apartment roof was collapsing and "fully engulfed" in fire.

It wasn't until nearly a year later, on Nov. 26, 2018, that one of the firefighters came forward. Hockenberry told investigators that Ray set the fire. He knows this because Hockenberry says he was with Ray at the time.

Ray allegedly got in through a back door. Hockenberry said Ray set the fire so that the pair could then respond to the scene as members of the BVFD. The same day Hockenberry spoke with investigators, Ray confessed to the crime.

Then, there was a fire on Feb. 6, 2018. An abandoned building in the 6300 block of Ohio River Road in Lesage caught fire. The building, also known as the Ash Apple Orchard Stand, was a total loss.

Bailey confessed to the Feb. 6 fire, according to the criminal complaint. He also told investigators that Peoples and Harman were with him when he set the fire. Peoples then confessed to the state fire marshal's office that he knew Bailey was going to set the fire and was there when it happened. Harman confessed, too, and said Bailey set the fire so the group could respond once the fire was called in to 911.

A third fire happened on Feb. 18, 2018 at a home in the 6300 block of East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington. This building was also "fully engulfed" when the BVFD got on scene. On Nov. 29, 2018, Bailed admitted to intentionally setting the fire, using a flare to ignite it. Once again, Bailey admitted to committing arson so that he could respond as a firefighter.

Kim Tomblin runs a daycare next to the Barboursville Fire Department. She was shocked when she learned what the five men are accused of.

"I personally do know several of them," she said. "They're always there. They're always here for the village."

Case in point: WSAZ ran a story last July about Hockenberry helping save an unconscious woman from a house fire. That was not one of the fires mentioned in the criminal complaints.

Neighbors say the department has had an upstanding reputation, which is why this development came as such a big surprise.

"It was wrong," Tomblin said. "That's not something you randomly go out and do, start fires."
Monday, Feb. 4, 2019

(News 12 This Morning / NBC First at 4)

BEECH ISLAND, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT)  A little girl is making a big difference after spending much of the past seven years in and out of the hospital.

Now, Carly Prosser is using social media to help other kids.

Each year for her birthday, Carlys family gathers donations for the Childrens Hospital in Tennessee. It was Carlys second home for years. Carly has severe Epilepsy, is partially blind and has a number of other limitations.

This year, the Prossers are collecting pillow cases.

"Some of them have bible verses, some of them are textured for the kids that are vision impaired so they can't see the colors and the characters but they can feel them," said Carlys mom, Amy.

The family hopes the pillowcases bring the kids in the hospital the comfort they need.

Theyre in the hospital so it's obviously a bad thing but, hopefully this will give them a little sense of home, said dad Terry.

Carly doesn't get out much, but has more than 17,000 followers on Facebook from across the world. The kids at Clearwater Elementary are among them.

"We love you Carly, and we want to bring more pillowcases for the kids that are sick," said Leslie Estrada, a student at Clearwater.

With every pillow case, no matter what the size or shape, Carly is uniting our nation and opening the hearts of people she's never met.

Carly, just a little girl, proves every day she is

far

from limitless.

Clearwater Elementary is collecting pillowcases until February 22nd. If you want to help, you can drop pillowcases off at the school at 4552 Augusta Road, in Beech Island.
The 1993 Storm of the Century was a massive storm that took place in North America from March 12 to 15, 1993. It is also known as the Great Blizzard of 1993 and the 93 Superstorm. The storm formed in the Gulf of Mexico before it traversed through the United States and into Canada before dissipating in the North Atlantic. Florida was the most heavily damaged, although the storm also affected Alabama, parts of Canada, Mexico, and Cuba.

Forecast of the Storm

Before the storm, heavy snow was reported in northern Georgia and Alabama with the city of Birmingham, Alabama reporting 18 inches of snow. Parts of Florida reported 4 inches of snow with low barometric pressure and strong hurricane-force winds. The metrological department of the United States predicted a large storm building up in the Gulf of Mexico, and by March 8th, the probable path of the storm had been mapped. Storm warnings were issued across the United States and Canada two days before the storm.

Path of the Storm

On March 11th and 12th, temperatures across the eastern United States dropped significantly as a high-pressure system built over the Great Plains and the Midwest. At the same time, a low-pressure system was forming in the Gulf of Mexico. A subtropical jet stream formed unusually far south in Central America extending from Honduras to Jamaica. The jet stream fused with the low-pressure area in the Gulf of Mexico resulting in a cyclone that moved quickly across Florida and Cuba. The storm moved across eastern US landing several inches of snow in Washington DC before crossing over into Canada.

Aftermath of the Storm

The storm left 318 people dead and damaged property worth six billion dollars. About 2.5 million people were left without power and communication. Forecast and early warning prevented more deaths and damages as people vacated the streets and the lowlands.

Florida bore the brunt of the storm and the federal government declared a disaster in 21 of the 61 counties. In total, 18,000 homes were damaged by the storm but the situation was much worse because Florida was recovering from Hurricane Andrew that head struck the state in 1992. The then Florida Governor Lawton Chiles accused the local emergency service and the National Weather Service of not doing enough to prevent deaths. Weather forecast disaster prediction was modernized across the eastern coast to prevent a similar occurrence from causing deaths of such magnitude.

In Cuba, wind speeds reached 100/mph in Havana. The storm remains the most damaging in the history of the country after it left 10 people dead and damages of over US$1 billion.
Kim Divan, 66 years old, of Woodward, OK passed away at his home on Saturday, June 12. He was born in Nebraska but spent his childhood and most of his adult life in Palmdale, CA until moving to Oklahoma in 2005. Kim liked to have a good time and enjoyed his motorcycles and fishing. He will b
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The State of Michigan will re-open to full capacity on June 22 as more than 9 million vaccines have been administered, and COVID-19 cases fall to a one-year low.
Related Greek PM in Turkey for talks to ease tensions

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday he expected more cooperation from Greece in the repatriation of eight soldiers who fled to Greece following a 2016 coup attempt.

Earlier on Tuesday, Turkey updated a list of former military officers wanted for their alleged role in a 2016 coup attempt to include the eight officers who have been granted asylum in Greece, with a bounty of 4 million Turkish lira ($770,446) each.

Erdogan made the remarks in a joint news conference with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

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Maybe its the description of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman running through an escape tunnel naked, fleeing from capture, leaving his terrified mistress trailing behind him in the murky darkness.

Perhaps its the testimony about pickled-jalapeno cans filled with more than $1 billion worth of cocaine, loaded into 18-wheeler trucks and smuggled into Los Angeles from Tijuana over three years.

Or it could be more horrific testimony, about a badly beaten rival cartel member held until his rotting wounds began to reek, and an angry Guzman shooting him and ordering him buried, even though the man was still gasping for breath.

Whatever outlandish details might linger with the seven women and five men who have sat in a jury box across from one of the worlds most notorious drug traffickers through a monumental 12-week trial, theyre now free, for the first time, to discuss them. With each other, at least.

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The jury began deliberating shortly after 1 p.m. Monday in federal court in Brooklyn. The judge had spent the morning giving jurors instructions on the charges they would be deliberating.

In this courtroom sketch, Judge Brian Cogan on Monday gives jurors instructions before they begin deliberations in the federal trial of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman. (Elizabeth Williams / Associated Press)

Right after jurors left the courtroom, acting U.S. Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker came to court to shake prosecutors hands and wish them luck with the case.

American authorities have been working on a case against Guzman, a leader of the multibillion-dollar Sinaloa cartel, for nearly a decade.

He was captured in Mexico in 2016 and extradited to the United States the following year. He faces 10 counts of drug trafficking, conspiracy to murder, and firearms violations, and if convicted he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

By 2 p.m., the jury had four questions for the judge in quick succession: In one, they asked whether a drug war is considered part of a drug trafficking crime as related to count nine, a weapons charge. It was perhaps no surprise that they had questions. The counts against Guzman are certainly complicated. The first count, engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, for example, has 27 separate violations to consider.

Speaking to the lawyers without the jury present, U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan wondered aloud if jurors were getting ahead of themselves, or putting the cart before the horse, as he put it.

When he called the jury back into court to answer questions, Cogan reminded jurors that they should only be debating count nine if they had already found Guzman guilty of at least one of the first four counts of the indictment. If you dont find Guzman guilty of counts one, two, three or four, he said you never get to count nine.

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The other requests were simple to oblige: Jurors wanted extra copies of the charges, requested all the exhibits submitted as evidence, and wondered if ephedrine should be considered a methamphetamine.

Guzman is charged with making and distributing meth, which can be made from ephedrine. The judges answer on that: Theyd have to determine that for themselves, based on the evidence.

Prosecutors had called more than 50 witnesses and portrayed Guzman as a ruthless killer who used cunning, violence and corruption to build an international crime organization.

Security personnel patrol outside the federal courthouse in Brooklyn on Monday during the trial of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman. (Don Emmert / AFP/Getty Images)

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Guzman is such a feared drug lord that the jurors, who remain anonymous, are carted back and forth to court each day under the protection of the U.S. Marshals Service, and the courthouse is under unprecedented security.

In her closing arguments, prosecutor Andrea Goldbarg reminded the jurors of Guzmans multiple escapes, including twice from prison: Hes sitting right there. Do not let him escape responsibility. Hold him accountable for his crimes. Find him guilty on all counts.

The defense has aimed to portray Guzman as the victim of a corrupt system, a broke scapegoat hunted because of his fame, while the real leader of the Sinaloa cartel remains free because he helped frame Guzman.

A few minutes after 4 p.m., the jury had one last note for the judge: They wanted to go home for the day.

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Trial days generally have ended about 4:30 p.m. for jurors, but now theyre free to deliberate late into the evening  something the judge wanted to emphasize before he let them go.

For future reference, Cogan told them, you can stay as long as you like.

Jurors are expected back in court at 9:30 a.m. to continue deliberations.

Plagianos is a special correspondent.
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A mix of clouds and sun in the morning followed by cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 92F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph..

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WASHINGTON (WLFI)  Seated among the politicians at Tuesday night's State of the Union Address will be Tyler Trent's parents. Indiana U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks invited Tony and Kelly Trent as her guests of honor to the president's annual speech, according to Tyler's father.

The two will also meet with Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence at 4 p.m., followed by a tour of the West Wing, according Rep. Susan Brooks.

Each representative is given one ticket for a guest to the speech. Democrat Kathleen Rice, a U.S. Representative from New York, gave her ticket to Congresswoman Brooks.

"We were having dinner and I told her about my State of the Union guests being the Trent's, and that I only had one ticket" Brooks said. "And she quickly offered up her ticket."

Tony Trent said it was a "great honor and a privilege" to be invited.

Congresswoman Brooks serves Indiana's 5th district, which includes Tyler's hometown of Carmel. She honored Tyler on Jan. 4 by telling his story on the house floor.

Today, I honored the life of Tyler Trent, a remarkable young #Hoosier from @CITYOFCARMELIN who lost his battle to bone cancer at only 20yrs. He has united Americans far & wide to be Boilermakers. I hope we can all continue to be grateful & live every day as he did  #TylerStrong pic.twitter.com/yJ9MuQGN7A  Susan W. Brooks (@SusanWBrooks) January 4, 2019

"The Trent's gave us a very up close look at their life with their amazing son," said Brooks. They touched the country and the world in a way we haven't seen in a very long time."

Just last week, Purdue President Mitch Daniels told News 18

You can watch the State of the Union Address at 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)  Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks and potential 2020 presidential candidate, will be at Purdue for a visit Thursday, a university spokesman confirms.

Purdue Student Government will sponsor the visit. It's scheduled at 1 p.m. in Fowler Hall in the Stewart Center.

Only invited and ticketed members of the university's governance councils will be able to attend, according to the university. A live stream will be shown in Loeb Playhouse and will be open for students, faculty, staff and the public.

We think this is an incredible opportunity for Purdue students to learn more about not only Mr. Schultz but to become aware of issues affecting our country and our futures, said Aaron Banks, president of Purdue Student Government. As leaders at Purdue, we feel it is our responsibility to offer these types of events, which are not designed as endorsements of any viewpoint.

The Washington Post reports Schultz is expected to deliver a "major policy address."

Schultz said last week that he would be heavily interested in a 2020 presidential run as an independent.

.#BREAKING: Purdue has confirmed that @HowardSchultz has reached out to the university about a visit Thursday. @Purdue_SG has agreed to sponsor the visit.
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WLFI/AP)  A scholar from Purdue University could become the next president of the University of Vermont. Purdue Spokesman Tim Doty confirmed the news.

A memo sent to the UVM community on Monday, said that Suresh Garimella, a Purdue vice president, is the sole finalist for the job that will become vacant when current UVM President Thomas Sullivan leaves the post later this year to finish a book.

At Purdue, Garimella serves as the Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering. He was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve on the National Science Board, which advises the president and Congress on science policy issues.

UVM Trustee Chair David Daigle says Garimella will be visiting the Burlington campus Feb. 13-15 for a series of meetings.
Its true, we named our son Sullivan Dale Heiden. We even have the birth certificate to prove it! However, at the last minute, we had a change of heart.

Luckily, the staff at Franciscan Health in Lafayette is incredibly patient and understanding. They even redid our babys footprint to make it official.

I wanted to explain why we changed it because, frankly, I think its a cool story and I hope it will make my son laugh someday. After all, I did announce him to the whole world as Sullivan Dale Heiden. I gave my son an identity crisis at 2 days old! Great going, Mom.

We decided to name our son Allan Eugene Heiden III.

Since 1877, every Heiden male named his first born male after him. Allan Eugene Heiden Jr., my fiance, would have been the first to break that tradition had we named our son Sullivan.

Ill admit, I was the main reason we were originally planning to stray away from this tradition. I didnt like the name Eugene. I thought kids in his class would tease him. Allan had that Boy Named Sue mentality about it. He thought it made him tougher growing up. He admitted he was teased when his classmates found out his middle name but didnt mind it because it belonged to his father. By the way, if youve never heard Johnny Cashs Boy Named Sue song, its worth the listen.

Anyway, I wanted to change the middle name but keep Allan. My fiance said it was kind of a waste if we didnt include his middle name too. He believed it would still break tradition.

So, Allan was actually the one who came up with Sullivan Dale Heiden. I was on board because I have always loved when women used their last name as the first name of their child. Im pretty proud of my Irish heritage and family is everything to me. Dale was after Allans grandfather who passed away shortly before Allan and I met. But when our son was born and looked exactly like Allan did as a baby, I knew Sullivan Dale wasnt for him.

Allans father, Allan Eugene Heiden Sr. died when my fiance was only 10 weeks old. He worked at IPL and was electrocuted on the job. Allan never got to know his father but his family has been telling him stories about how much he loved him and was so proud of him being Allan Eugene Jr.. I hope we are making Allan Sr. very happy in Heaven with this change.

We finally left the hospital after saying our goodbyes to the amazing staff who put up with our indecisiveness and my tendency to ask too many questions.

We got home to our apartment decorated with a Welcome Home, Sullivan sign, a nursery with a giant S hanging above the changing table and several generously monogrammed baby items made by relatives who listened when we wrote Sullivan Dale on the baby registry. We apologize for that and still plan to use all of those items with a smile on our faces.

Little Al will hopefully enjoy this story some day. The documented evidence is everywhere, theres no hiding it! When I told my parents and siblings about the name change, they were super supportive. They said it was up to me and agreed that traditions are important. They immediately went out to find a big A letter to replace that giant S I mentioned.

The name story is a little embarrassing but ultimately, the opinions of others shouldnt matter when you are naming your child. We have two birth certificates and I think Ill put both in the baby book for good fun.

As for adjusting to life as a first time mother, Im getting and expecting no sleep, but hes so worth it. Ive never loved someone so much! I truly believe being a mom will only enhance my role as a journalist in this community. Ill come back in six weeks with a whole new perspective on life!
Atlanta Hawks forward Alex Poythress tweeted on Tuesday that his twin sister successfully donated a kidney to their mother.

Surgery for my mom & sister went great! Thanks for everyone who thought about my family. Love these 2 women to death, the player said on Twitter.

Regina Poythress has been dealing with kidney failure since her son signed with UK in 2011. Alexs twin sister, Alexis, was deemed a match to donate a kidney. Surgery was Tuesday morning.

Poythress currently has a two-way contract with the Hawks, meaning he will mostly play in the G-League.
Pope Francis on Tuesday acknowledged receiving a request from embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to help relaunch talks to end the countrys political crisis but ruled out any involvement unless opposition leader Juan Guaido requests it.

Francis acknowledged that he hadnt read Maduros letter, which he said arrived at the Vatican via diplomatic pouch. He added, Well see what can be done.

But speaking to reporters en route home from the United Arab Emirates, he recalled that a previous Vatican diplomatic effort to facilitate talks between Maduro and the opposition went up in smoke. And he insisted on the basic diplomatic requirement that two sides to any conflict must jointly request external facilitation or mediation of negotiations.

Ill have a look at the letter, Ill see what can be done. But the preliminary conditions are that both sides ask for it, he told reporters, without citing Guaido by name.

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However, Venezuelas opposition, led by Guaido, has made it clear that any offers of dialogue must start with negotiating the terms of Maduros exit.

Dozens of countries, including the United States and most of the European Union, have recognized congressional leader Guaido as Venezuelas interim president, arguing that Maduros reelection was invalid. But Maduro, too, has widespread international backing and holds practical control over the crisis-racked nations institutions, including the military.

Maduro said in a statement that he sent the letter to the pope, explaining that hes deeply Christian in both prayer and action.

I ask the pope to put forth his best effort, his willingness to help us move down a path of dialogue and hopefully a positive response, Maduro said.

Francis had been asked about whether he might follow in the footsteps of St. John Paul II, who helped mediate a border crisis between Argentina and Chile over the Beagle Channel that almost brought the two countries to war in 1978.

The Argentine pope, who was a young Jesuit provincial at the time, called John Pauls intervention courageous because it avoided a war that was on the horizon.

But he noted that both Chile and Argentina requested the Holy Sees intervention and that, besides, there are plenty of small steps that can be taken diplomatically before arriving at actual mediation of a conflict.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused European Union countries of vileness and acting against democracy a day after more than a dozen of them endorsed Guaido as the countrys interim president.

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In an address to his ruling partys legislators on Tuesday, Erdogan said the EU countries had delivered the presidency of a nation to someone who hasnt even been through an election.

Sixteen European countries recognized Guaido on Monday. Turkey is among at least nine nations  including Russia and China  that have declared support for Maduro.

Wheres democracy? Whats this vileness? Erdogan said of the EU countries. On one hand you say democracy, democracy, democracy and then youre going to topple a government with force and cheating?
UTICA, N.Y. -- Finance chair and Utica Councilman Joe Marino met with the media Tuesday morning regarding Mayor Palmieri's proposed budget for the city of Utica.

Marino says he believes taxpayers should have more of a "say" in the budget before it's presented. He adds, the city's "A" bond rating status comes on the backs of city taxpayers.

You can't ignore the fact as to how you got there. We got there from raising taxes and having surpluses, while not cutting expenses. That's really hard to do, said Marino.

The mayor will not say whether or not he will seek re-election.

Marino, also a Democrat, is the first to enter the race.
UTICA, N.Y. -- Utica's mayor is calling for a two percent tax decrease for the upcoming budget year.

Mayor Robert Palmieri addressed the common council with a proposed spending plan which totals $71.8 million.

The two percent tax decrease follows six consecutive years with a budget surplus for the city.

New this year is extra money allocated for salt for the roadways, and an extra community outreach officer from the Utica Police Department to be stationed at city hall for security purposes.

"That person will be designated to city hall for security reasons, but also to help with some of our other needs that we have whether it be nuisance abatement, meeting with people in this area, and also to provide security for our residents and also for our employees at city hall, Palmieri said.

The mayor continues to decline to answer NewsChannel 2's question about if he will seek re-election this year. Councilman Joe Marino, also a Democrat, is the first to enter the race.

To see the full budget proposal, head to the citys website.
UTICA, N.Y. -- The second sexual abuse trial of New Hartford psychiatrist, Dr. Surendra Johri, got underway Monday.

Prosecution and defense attorneys questioned witnesses about the sexual abuse allegations that Johri is facing.

Johri waved his right to a trial by jury so the trial is moving forward as a bench trial, meaning a judge will decide whether or not he is guilty.

Monday in court prosecution and defense attorneys cross examined five witnesses.

Two of those witnesses were employees at Community Health Behavioral Services in Utica, where the doctor worked and where the alleged sexual acts are said to have happened.

One witness described the alleged sexual acts that she says happened to her, saying not only did Johri touch her inappropriately, but he also exposed his private parts during their session.

She says she wanted to come forward and tell her story so that the alleged sexual abuse wouldnt happen to another person.

Johri denies the allegations.

He is facing sexual abuse and forcible touching charges for two different patients. The cases for those patients have been combined into one trial.

Johri was acquitted in June of the sexual abuse charges he faced at that time.

This trial will continue Tuesday morning with three more witnesses being cross examined.
FRANKFORT, N.Y. -- Middle school students at Frankfort-Schuyler got out of class, but didn't travel far to learn about career opportunities.

The Genesis Group of the Mohawk Valley brought a panel of professionals to the school auditorium to inspire the sixth and seventh graders.

The students witnessed drone technology at their doorsteps, learned about the hiring process from a human resource director, and got a crash course in running a banquet hall.

The professionals shared stories of failure and success.

Each and every one of them opened their presentation by saying they didnt know what they were going to do in junior high and middle school, but it takes a series of experiences for a child to arrive at a conclusion, said Anthony Nicotera, the Genesis Education Committee co-chair.

Many of the speakers talked about changing majors in college, changing careers once they began their career, and eventually your career takes shape and they become very successful and they try to share those experiences with the students.

A retired Army general who returned to the area brought home the message the Mohawk Valley has much to offer these bright young minds.

Also if you look carefully, you see our own Katrina Smith on the stage -- she was one of the guest speakers for the day as well.
The United States on Monday called on other nations to repatriate and prosecute their citizens who traveled to Syria to fight with the Islamic State group and who are now being held by Washingtons local partners.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, say they have detained more than 900 foreign fighters during their U.S.-backed campaign against Islamic State in northeastern Syria, where they are battling to drive the extremists from their last tiny pocket of territory.

The question of what to do with the detained foreigners has grown increasingly thorny since President Trumps surprise announcement in December that he intends to withdraw all American forces from the country.

The United States calls upon other nations to repatriate and prosecute their citizens detained by the SDF and commends the continued efforts of the SDF to return these foreign terrorist fighters to their countries of origin, U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Robert Palladino said in a statement.

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The statement came as the Syrian Democratic Forces announced the capture earlier this month of three people alleged to be Islamic State fighters, from Germany, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In addition to the hundreds of militants, the SDF is also holding more than 4,000 family members of Islamic State fighters.

Very few countries have expressed readiness to repatriate their citizens, posing a dilemma for the Kurdish-led forces, particularly after the United States said it planned to withdraw.

Last week, Frances interior minister, Christophe Castaner, told French media that a handful of French jihadis had already returned home and that more would follow soon after the departure of American troops.

Britain refuses to take back citizens who joined Islamic State and has reportedly stripped them of their citizenship.

Other European countries have remained largely silent about the fate of men and women whom many see as a security threat.

Palladino commended the SDF and said the force has demonstrated a clear commitment to detain these individuals securely and humanely.

Islamic State has lost virtually all the territory it once held in Syria and neighboring Iraq, but Palladino said it remains a significant terrorist threat, adding that collective action is imperative to address this shared international security challenge.

A woman looks on as people return to their homes Saturday after Islamic State was pushed out of Hajin, Syria, by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. (Delil Souleiman/AFP/Getty Images)

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A Defense Department Inspector General report released Monday said Islamic State remains a potent force of battle-hardened and well-disciplined fighters that could likely resurge in Syria absent continued counterterrorism pressure. It said the militants are still able to coordinate offensives as well as operate as a decentralized insurgency.

The campaign against the extremists is focused on a small, remote patch of land in eastern Syria, where thousands of civilians remain holed up with the militants. The battles have slowed in recent days to allow civilians to flee from the nearly 1.5-square-mile area.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which closely tracks the conflict, said more than 36,000 people, including many foreigners and more than 3,000 fighters, have trickled out of the small area in recent weeks. Most were evacuated to displaced people camps, but many were also taken for interrogation and questioning.

Syrian opposition activists said Monday that the Syrian Democratic Forces killed six children and three women who were trying to flee.

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An SDF spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the shooting.

The Observatory group said the incident occurred Saturday night, adding that the gunfire came from SDF positions. It said the civilians had paid money to smugglers to take them out of the area controlled by the extremists.

The DeirEzzor 24, an activist collective, said the incident occurred near Tanak oil field, which is close to the front line between Islamic State and the SDF, blaming the Kurdish-led force for the shooting.
ROME, N.Y. -- Congressman Anthony Brindisi has launched a new initiative called "Brindisi at Your Business.

It's part of his effort to help grow our local economy and create jobs.

Monday during his first stop, he joined leaders and employees at Sovena USA in Rome.

He toured the facility to learn more about any issues facing the business.

Sovena is known for its on-site quality control lab, which some say is a one-of-a-kind in our nation.

Company officials say it's nice to know that the newly elected congressman wants to hear directly from the small businesses themselves.

"We are working at the industry level at on several things with the California and California growers together with the companies that are importing olive oil making sure that we can get to a point of alignment and what the industry should be regulated on that I think is something that could come along way, said Jorge Pena, with Sovena.

Brindisi says he is looking for local small businesses to contact his office if they would like to be among the businesses he tours as part of his 'Brindisi at Your Business' initiative.
Gray Television, Inc., a television broadcast company, owns and/or operates television stations and digital assets in the United States. The company also broadcasts secondary digital channels affiliated to ABC, CBS, and FOX, as well as channels affiliated with various other networks and program services, including CW Plus Network, MY Network, the MeTV Network, Justice, Circle, This TV Network, Antenna TV, Telemundo, Cozi, Heroes and Icons, and MOVIES! Network; and local news/weather channels in various markets. In addition, it is also involved in the video program production, marketing, and digital businesses, including Raycom Sports, Tupelo-Raycom, and RTM Studios; and production of Power Nation programs and content. It owns and operates television stations and digital properties in 94 television markets. The company was formerly known as Gray Communications Systems, Inc. and changed its name to Gray Television, Inc. in August 2002. Gray Television, Inc. was founded in 1897 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

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On a clear day, the white cliffs of Dover are visible from the ferry terminal at Calais, 26 miles across the English Channel in northern France.

Calais is Britains gateway to continental Europe: 10 million passengers, 2 million trucks and 1.8 million cars pass through the French port each year by ferry. An additional 1.7 million trucks carrying 22 million tons of goods are transported by train on the Eurotunnel Shuttle between Calais and the British port of Folkestone.

Today, as Britain looks increasingly likely to exit the European Union without a departure deal  barring a last-minute agreement  Calais is facing its worst nightmare.

A no-deal or hard Brexit would render the United Kingdom a so-called third country in the eyes of Brussels. As such, it would, like the U.S., Canada, Australia and other non-EU countries, be subject to customs checks on entering goods. EU law also requires that all plant and animal products arriving from a third country undergo health and safety inspections. Britain has said it will introduce similar checks on goods entering the U.K.

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French and U.K. authorities hope most of the traffic can be registered and processed online before arriving at the ports. But beginning one minute past midnight on March 30, this could mean up to one-third of the trucks arriving from the U.K. in Calais  those carrying such products as meat, plants or live animals that are subject to sanitary or veterinary checks  would need to be inspected.

While the British government has suggested it could minimize formalities for trucks arriving from the continent at Dover and other ports, the situation for merchandise entering the EU is more complicated.

Jean-Marc Puissesseau, president of the company that runs Calais port, Societe dExploitation des Ports du Detroit. (Kiran Ridley / For The Times)

The U.K. knows that products coming from Europe conform to EU regulations and have been controlled for health and safety so theres no risk from them, says Jean-Marc Puissesseau, president of the company that runs the Calais port, the Societe dExploitation des Ports du Detroit.

We in Europe wont know if products coming from the U.K. were produced and made there or are from elsewhere or if they are compatible with EU standards. Thats why we must check.

The prospect of increased checks has led to dire warnings of gridlock on roads either side of the channel. And for Calais, more than a third of the towns economic activity is dependent on the port.

Xavier Bertrand, chairman of the Hauts-de-France region that includes Calais, said there was a real danger of the port grinding to a standstill.

Even at the moment you can see queues of more than half a mile to the tunnel and that is where there are no checks. Imagine what it will be like with checks, Bertrand has said.

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British truck driver Simon Wilkinson, who runs the south England-based haulage company Harrier Express, operates a fleet of 18 trucks crossing the channel every day. (Kiran Ridley / For The Times)

Simon Wilkinson, a British truck driver, says that on some days he already waits up to seven hours before being able to board a ferry back to the U.K. And this is what its like before you factor in any extra checks for Brexit, he said.

Wilkinsons company, Harrier Express, based in the south of England, operates a fleet of 18 trucks crossing the channel each day. On this particular day, he was headed to Belgium to pick up frozen vegetables destined for British pubs, restaurants and schools.

Where Brexit is now heading is destructive  and the haulage industry is stuck in the middle of it, he said. The worst thing is the uncertainty. We hear so many contradictory stories we dont know where the hell we are.

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Calais port authorities say they are working to ensure frictionless trade continues. They are spending $6.8 million on infrastructure including buildings where health and veterinary checks can be carried out.

Much would rest on trucks obtaining customs documents online before arriving at the port, papers that could, in theory, be checked during the channel crossing. However, even the optimistic Puissesseau admitted that French and British computer systems dont speak to each other.

As B-Day approaches, the French government has activated a no deal plan unlocking $57 million for security at ports and airports. It has begun recruiting an additional 740 customs officials and veterinary inspectors and has passed legislation allowing it to push through laws by emergency decree if necessary.

The construction site in Calais near the Eurotunnel under the channel will be a park-up for trucks awaiting sanitary and customs inspections. Prefab buildings are to be installed before the end of March. (Kiran Ridley / For The Times)

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Bulldozers recently worked to flatten a 7.4-acre site near the Eurotunnel as a park-up for trucks awaiting sanitary and customs inspections. Prefab buildings are to be installed before the end of March.

Hard Brexit or not, there will be additional checks, there is no doubt about that, Romain Dufour, a spokesman for the tunnel operator, Getlink, told journalists.

The British Parliament has rejected the withdrawal agreement signed between Prime Minister Theresa May and EU negotiators that would have paved the way for a transition period until December 2020 during which time current trading arrangements between the U.K. and EU would continue. May is returning to Brussels in the hope of further Brexit talks, but the EU has already issued a categorical no to any reopening of negotiations, leaving Calais in limbo.

Another problem is the hundreds of migrants desperate to reach the U.K. who wait along the roads leading to the port and tunnel in the hope of scrambling aboard trucks as they slow down.

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If we have lorries backed up on roads or parked up thats a problem  its going to be a problem controlling intrusions, said Thierry Grumiaux of the National Federation of Road Transporters. The new buildings for the extra checks havent been built yet and we just dont know if things will be ready for March 30.

Truckers would have the option of diverting to Dunkirk, 27 miles to the northeast, but the crossing to the U.K. is 30 minutes longer and would still remain beset by the same issues of delays and migrants.

Oliver Versmisse runs a family wine wholesaler near the Eurotunnel and like many from Calais, fears for the post-Brexit future.

We have the impression that its all a big mess, he said. In the U.K., everyone seems to be going around in circles. We have many British people who come here to buy wine and alcohol in large quantities for weddings, engagement parties, christenings  will they be stopped and limited to what they can take back?

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That is the type of question most everyone in Calais is asking.

Even today we dont know. Will it be a hard Brexit, smooth Brexit, nothing Brexit  Who knows? Nobody, said Puissesseau. What we know is that the fate of Calais and Dover are inextricably linked. And if Brexit hits the British economy it will hit Calais.

A ferry leaves the Port of Calais for the U.K. (Kiran Ridley / For The Times)

Puissesseau is anxious that Calais not lose trade to its northern rivals, including ports in Belgium and Holland, and is publicly bullish that even if it is a no deal Brexit, Calais will rise to the challenge.

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He nods out of the window to the trucks moving along the roadways to the ferries in a seemingly choreographed fashion.

See how smoothly they all run. Its quite beautiful  like a ballet, he says.

The question is, for how much longer? Even if Calais avoids gridlock, extra checks on trucks transporting food and meat mean delays for hauliers; delays many like small businessman Simon Wilkinson can ill afford.

The problem, he said, is, if were sitting in queues were not earning money.

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Willsher is a special correspondent.
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Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in Asia, Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; And Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment provides mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, group retirement and savings products, and institutional asset management services through agents and brokers affiliated with the company, securities brokerage firms, and financial advisors pension plan consultants and banks. The Insurance and Annuity Products segment offers deposit and credit products; individual life, and individual and group long-term care insurance; and guaranteed and partially guaranteed annuity products through insurance agents, brokers, banks, financial planners, and direct marketing. The Corporate and Other segment is involved in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance businesses; and run-off reinsurance operations, including variable annuities, and accident and health. It also manages timberland and agricultural portfolios; and engages in insurance agency, portfolio and mutual fund management, mutual fund dealer, life and financial reinsurance, and fund management businesses. Additionally, the company holds and manages oil and gas properties; holds oil and gas royalties, and foreign bonds and equities; and provides investment management, counseling, advisory, and dealer services. Manulife Financial Corporation was incorporated in 1887 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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The following companies are subsidiares of The Procter & Gamble: "Procter & Gamble Services" LLC, "Procter & Gamble" LLC, Agile Pursuits, Agile Pursuits Franchising, Arbora, Arbora & Ausonia, Arborinvest, Billie, Braun (Shanghai) Co., Braun GmbH, Braun-Gillette Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG, Celtic Insurance Company, Compania Procter & Gamble Mexico, Compania Quimica S.A., Corporativo Procter & Gamble, Cosmetic Products Pty. Ltd., Detergent Products B.V., Detergent Products SARL, Detergenti S.A., Eurocos Cosmetic GmbH, FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd., Fameccanica Data S.p.A., Fameccanica Industria e Comercio Do Brasil LTDA., Fameccanica Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Fater S.p.A., Fountain Square Music Publishing Co., Gillette (China) Ltd., Gillette (Shanghai) Ltd., Gillette Aesop Ltd., Gillette Australia Pty. Ltd., Gillette Canada Holdings, Gillette Commercial Operations North America, Gillette Diversified Operations Pvt. 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Ltd., P&G K.K., P&G Northeast Asia Pte. Ltd., P&G Prestige Godo Kaisha, P&G Prestige Service GmbH, P&G South African Trading (Pty.) Ltd., PGT Health Care (Zhejiang) Limited, PGT Healthcare LLP, PPI ZAO, PT Procter & Gamble Home Products Indonesia, PT Procter & Gamble Operations Indonesia, Phase II Holdings Corporation, Procter & Gamble (Chengdu) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Sales Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (East Africa) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Egypt) Manufacturing Company, Procter & Gamble (Enterprise Fund) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Consumer Products Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Enterprise Management Service Company Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Health & Beauty Care) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Jiangsu) Ltd. 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Ltda., Procter & Gamble Egypt, Procter & Gamble Egypt Distribution, Procter & Gamble Egypt Holding, Procter & Gamble Egypt Supplies, Procter & Gamble Energy Company LLC, Procter & Gamble Espana, Procter & Gamble Europe SA, Procter & Gamble Export Operations SARL, Procter & Gamble Exportadora e Importadora Ltda., Procter & Gamble Exports, Procter & Gamble Fabricacao e Comercio Ltda., Procter & Gamble Far East, Procter & Gamble Finance (U.K.) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Holding Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Management S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Financial Investments LLP, Procter & Gamble Financial Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Services S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finland OY, Procter & Gamble France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH, Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH & Co. Operations oHG, Procter & Gamble GmbH, Procter & Gamble Grundstucks-und Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH & Co. 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Ltd., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Berlin GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Marketing Romania SRL, Procter & Gamble Marketing and Services doo, Procter & Gamble Maroc SA, Procter & Gamble Mataro, Procter & Gamble Mexico Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Mexico Inc., Procter & Gamble Middle East FZE, Procter & Gamble Nederland B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Investments B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Services B.V., Procter & Gamble Nigeria Limited, Procter & Gamble Nordic, Procter & Gamble Norge AS, Procter & Gamble Operations Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Overseas India B.V., Procter & Gamble Overseas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Pakistan (Private) Limited, Procter & Gamble Partnership LLP, Procter & Gamble Peru S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals France SAS, Procter & Gamble Philippines, Procter & Gamble Polska Sp. z o.o, Procter & Gamble Portugal - Produtos De Consumo, Procter & Gamble Product Supply (U.K.) Limited U.K., Procter & Gamble Production GmbH, Procter & Gamble Productions, Procter & Gamble Productos de Consumo, Procter & Gamble RHD, Procter & Gamble RSC Regional Service Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Retail Services BVBA, Procter & Gamble S.r.l., Procter & Gamble SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Satis ve Dagitim Ltd. 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An educational career spanning three continents and several countries will head in a new direction for a Glendale-area administrator.

Holy Family Grade School principal Fidela Suelto was selected as one of 12 elementary and secondary school principals from approximately 250 schools throughout the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles for a special study group heading to Finland next month.

Suelto, who has degrees from American and Filipino universities and has lectured at conferences in Thailand and Greece, jumped at the opportunity to enhance her experience in education.

Weve been ranked the best private school in Glendale, the best music school in Glendale and even have the best clergy, said Suelto, in reference to the latest Glendale News-Press Readers Choice awards in December.

We wanted to challenge ourselves to be even better, and I wanted to be a part of the group heading to Finland to observe what makes their education system so wonderful, she added.

Suelto leaves March 9 and returns to Glendale on March 16.

In between, shell spend a week examining how the small Nordic country of fewer than 6 million people has a student base that consistently scores in the top 10, if not the best, in the world on several educational standards.

The World Economic Forum declared Finlands education system the best in the world in September, while Finnish students finished eighth worldwide in the 2015-16 Programme for International Student Assessment, or PISA, exams.

The PISA testing measures a students abilities in mathematics, science and reading. The Finns scored 522.7 points, not far off from No. 1 Singapore, which scored 551.7. The United States, on the other hand, ranked 31st with 487.7 points.

It is expected when we come back home that these 12 principals will make a presentation to the principals of the archdiocese to see what we can implement and how we can better instruct our students, Suelto said. Im in charge of curriculum, so its very important to me.

Suelto and all principals were encouraged to apply for the project during an archdiocese gathering this past April.

While Suelto had some doubt about whether shed be selected, her boss, Rev. Jim Bevacqua, said he wasnt surprised she was chosen.

She is a very capable principal, Bevacqua said. Shes the best. She has a slew of degrees; shes very good with people; shes very knowledgeable; and shes very receptive to new ideas.

Bevacqua added, If theres an opportunity to learn something and appropriate what they are doing in Finland to enhance our [grade and high school] schools at Holy Family, in the diocese and in [the United States], I think its great.

The Finnish trip comes a little less than eight years after Ryan Halverson, principal of St. Cyril of Jerusalem School in Encino, was inspired by an episode of CNNs Fareed Zakaria GPS television show.

At that time, the host and Washington Post columnist had studied successful educational systems in South Korea and Finland.

Finland has basically outperformed us on the PISA exam for years, and theyve done so by doing the opposite of us, Halverson said. They have less homework, more breaks between classes, shorter school breaks, almost no standardized testing and a later start.

Halverson and fellow principals Kris Brough and Rick Billups read literature and studied the Finnish system over the next few years as part of their plan for an eventual trip to Finland. After successfully pitching the idea to the archdiocese in 2017, the trio went about picking a group of like-minded administrators to join them on the educational voyage.

When we studied Fidelas application, her answers were right in line with our vision, Halverson said. She knew about Finland, and she was realistic in what she felt she could implement. She was an easy choice.

andrew.campa@latimes.com

Twitter @campadresports
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Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, Gas Utilities and Infrastructure, and Commercial Renewables. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest; and uses coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, oil, renewable sources, and nuclear fuel to generate electricity. It also engages in the wholesale of electricity to municipalities, electric cooperative utilities, and load-serving entities. This segment serves approximately 7.9 million retail electric customers in 6 states in the Southeast and Midwest regions of the United States covering a service territory of approximately 91,000 square miles; and owns approximately 50,807 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity. The Gas Utilities and Infrastructure segment distributes natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, and power generation natural gas customers; and owns, operates, and invests in pipeline transmission and natural gas storage facilities. It has approximately 1.6 million customers, including 1.1 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as 541,000 customers in southwestern Ohio and northern Kentucky. The Commercial Renewables segment acquires, owns, develops, builds, and operates wind and solar renewable generation projects, including nonregulated renewable energy and energy storage services to utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and commercial and industrial customers. It has 21 wind, 150 solar, and 2 battery storage facilities, as well as 11 fuel cell locations with a capacity of 2,282 MW across 19 states. The company was formerly known as Duke Energy Holding Corp. and changed its name to Duke Energy Corporation in April 2005. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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HSBC Holdings plc provides banking and financial products and services worldwide. The company operates through Wealth and Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, and Global Banking and Markets segments. The Wealth and Personal Banking segment offers retail banking products and services, such as current and savings accounts, mortgages and personal loans, credit and debit cards, and local and international payment services for ultra high net worth individuals; and wealth management services, including insurance and investment products, global asset management services, investment management, and private wealth solutions. The Commercial Banking segment provides credit and lending, treasury management, payment, cash management, commercial insurance, and investment services, as well as commercial cards, and international trade and receivables finance services; and foreign exchange products, and capital raising and advisory services to small and medium sized enterprises, mid-market enterprises, and corporates. The Global Banking and Markets segment is involved in the provision of financing, advisory, and transaction services, including credit, rates, foreign exchange, equities, money markets, and securities services, as well as principal investment activities to government, corporate and institutional clients, and private investors. The Global Private Banking segment provides a range of services to high net worth individuals and families with complex and international needs. HSBC Holdings plc was founded in 1865 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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Lloyds Banking Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of banking and financial services in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates through three segments: Retail; Commercial Banking; and Insurance and Wealth. The Retail segment offers a range of financial service products, including current accounts, savings accounts, mortgages, motor finance, unsecured loans, leasing solutions, credit cards, and other financial services to personal and small business customers. The Commercial Banking segment provides lending, transactional banking, working capital management, risk management, and debt capital market services to small and medium-sized entities, corporates, and financial institutions. The Insurance and Wealth segment offers life, home, and car insurance products; and pension, investment, and wealth management products and services. It also provides digital and mobile banking, and telephone services, as well as advisory services for savings, investments, and planning for retirement. The company offers its products and services under the Lloyds Bank, Halifax, Bank of Scotland, Scottish Widows, MBNA, Schroders Personal Wealth, Black Horse, Lex Autolease, Birmingham Midshires, LDC, IWeb, and Agricultural Mortgage Corporation brands. Lloyds Banking Group plc was founded in 1695 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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Aiming to curb a high number of false-alarm burglary calls that Police Chief Robert Handy says eat up his staffs time, the Huntington Beach City Council on Monday approved a five-year, $600,000 contract with a security system company to help educate residents about city rules.

The Police Department responds to more than 4,000 alarm-related calls each year, and less than 1% are crime-related, according to Handy. Alarms can go off accidentally when a system malfunctions or the equipment is old.

In 2017, police received 5,645 alarm-related calls, of which 3,816 were false alarms and 30 were for confirmed crimes. Handy told the council that those calls took up 2,544 hours of staff time.

Huntington Beach requires a $41 annual permit for a person whose alarm system directly or indirectly signals the Police Department. People are fined $50 for a third false alarm within a 12-month period, with fines for subsequent false alarms ranging from $100 to $500.

The citys new contractor, Dallas-based PM AM Corp., will be responsible for providing education materials to help residents comply with local rules. It also will collect fees through an automated service. Handy said he expects the company to start by July, though appeals will still be handled by his department.

The council was scheduled Monday to vote on a resolution to modify false-alarm fines, but the item was postponed because Councilwoman Kim Carr suggested lowering the permit fee to $25 for senior citizens.

Handy is proposing a $25 fine for a first false alarm, which could be waived if the offender takes an online class similar to traffic school. Alternatives would be available for seniors and people who dont have access to a computer, Handy said.

The fine for a second false alarm would be $50, and a third through fifth would cost $75 to $150, regardless of time period.

People without a permit would be fined $250 for a first false alarm but could have it waived if they obtain a permit within 10 days. Subsequent fines could range up to $1,000.

Handy pitched changing the citys false-alarm reduction program during a study session in November. He told the council that security system vendors could help customers comply with the permit requirements and ensure they properly maintain their equipment.
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. produces and markets titanium dioxide pigments (TiO2) in Europe, North America, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company produces TiO2 in two crystalline forms, rutile and anatase to impart whiteness, brightness, opacity, and durability for various products, including paints, coatings, plastics, paper, fibers, and ceramics, as well as for various specialty products, such as inks, foods, and cosmetics. It also produces ilmenite, a raw material used directly as a feedstock by sulfate-process TiO2 plants; iron-based chemicals, which are used as treatment and conditioning agents for industrial effluents and municipal wastewater, as well as in the manufacture of iron pigments, cement, and agricultural products; titanium oxychloride for use in the formulation of pearlescent pigments, and production of electroceramic capacitors for cell phones and other electronic devices; and titanyl sulfate that is used in pearlescent pigments, natural gas pipe, and other specialty applications. In addition, the company provides technical services for its products. It sells its products under the KRONOS brand through agents and distributors to paint, plastics, decorative laminate, and paper manufacturers. The company was founded in 1916 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Kronos Worldwide, Inc. is a subsidiary of Valhi, Inc.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Danaher: AB SCIEX, AB Sciex Germany GmbH, AB Sciex LLC, AB Sciex LP, AB Sciex Pte Ltd., Accu-Sort Systems, Acme Cleveland Corporation, Advanced Vision Technology, American Precision Industries, Applied Biosystems, Applitek NV, Aquatic Infomatics ULC, Aquatic Informatics, Armstrong Tools, BC Distribution BV, Beckman Coulter, Beckman Coulter Australia Pty Ltd, Beckman Coulter Biotechnology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Beckman Coulter Biyomedikal Urunler Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited [irketi], Beckman Coulter Canada LP, Beckman Coulter Commercial Enterprise (China) Co. Ltd., Beckman Coulter France S.A.S., Beckman Coulter G.m.b.H., Beckman Coulter Genomics Inc., Beckman Coulter Hong Kong Limited, Beckman Coulter Inc., Beckman Coulter India Private Limited, Beckman Coulter International SA, Beckman Coulter International Shanghai Trading Co., Beckman Coulter Ireland Inc., Beckman Coulter K.K., Beckman Coulter Korea Ltd., Beckman Coulter Laboratory Systems (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Beckman Coulter Limited Liability Company, Beckman Coulter Mishima KK, Beckman Coulter Nederland B.V., Beckman Coulter Nippon GK, Beckman Coulter S.L.U., Beckman Coulter Saudi Arabia Co.Ltd., Beckman Coulter Srl, Beckman Coulter Taiwan Inc., Beckman Coulter United Kingdom Limited, Beckman Coulter de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Beckman Coulter do Brasil Ltda., Beckman Finance ApS, Beckman Holdings Ltd., BioTector Analytical Systems Ltd, Biosafe S.A., Blue Software LLC, Cepheid, Cepheid AB, Cepheid Europe SAS, Cepheid GmbH, Cepheid HBDC SAS, Cepheid UK Ltd., ChemTreat, ChemTreat Inc., ChemTreat International Inc., Cispus Hong Kong Holding Limited, Cytiva, Cytiva BioProcess R&D AB, Cytiva Biotechnology (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Cytiva Biotechnology (Hang Zhou) Co. Ltd., Cytiva Europe GmbH, Cytiva Sweden AB, Cytiva Sweden Holding AB, DH Europe Finance II Sarl, DH Europe Finance Sarl, DH Holding Italia SRL, DH Japan Finance Sarl, DH Life Sciences LLC, DH Netherlands BV, DH Technologies Development Pte Ltd., DHKAB Company AB, DTIL Ireland Holdings Ltd., Danaher (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Danaher Hong Kong Limited, Danaher Medical ApS, Delta Consolidated Industries, Devicore Medical Products Inc., Easco Hand Tools, Esko, Esko BV, Esko Finance BV, Esko Graphics BV, Esko Software BV, FHAB Company AB, Fluke, G. Lufft Mess- und Regeltechnik GmbH, GE Biopharma, Gelman Sciences Inc., Gendex, Genetix Group, Gilbarco Veeder Root, Gilzoni Ltd., Global Life Sciences Solutions Austria GmbH & Co. KG, Global Life Sciences Solutions Germany GmbH, Global Life Sciences Solutions Korea Ltd., Global Life Sciences Solutions Manufacturing UK Ltd, Global Life Sciences Solutions New Zealand, Global Life Sciences Solutions Operations UK Ltd, Global Life Sciences Solutions Singapore Pte Ltd, Global Life Sciences Solutions USA LLC, Global Life Sciences Technologies (Shanghai) Co Ltd., Global Life Sciences Technologies Japan KK, Hach Company, Hach Lange Finance GmbH, Hach Lange GmbH, Hach Lange Sarl, Hach Sales & Services Canada LP, Hach Ultra Japan KK, Hach Water Quality Analytical Instru. (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., HemoCue AB, HyClone Laboratories LLC, Hybritech Incorporated, Hyclone Life Sciences Solutions India Private Limited, IDBS Group, IRIS International, Imaging Sciences International, Immunotech SAS, Immunotech Sro, Intabio LLC, Integrated DNA Technologies, Integrated DNA Technologies BVBA, Integrated DNA Technologies Inc., Integrated DNA Technologies Pte. Ltd., Iris International Inc., Joslyn Holding Company LLC, KVHG GmbH, KaVo, KaVo Kerr, Kaltenbach & Voigt, Keithley Instruments, Kipp & Zonen BV, Kollmorgen, Labcyte Inc., Laetus, Leica Biosystems Imaging Inc., Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty Ltd, Leica Biosystems Newcastle Limited, Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH, Leica Biosystems Richmond Inc., Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte Limited, Leica Microsystems, Leica Microsystems (UK) Limited, Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH, Leica Microsystems Cambridge Limited, Leica Microsystems IR GmbH, Leica Microsystems Inc., Leica Microsystems Limited, Leica Microsystems Ltd. Shanghai, Leica Mikrosysteme Vertrieb GmbH, Life Sciences Holdings France SAS*, Lifschultz Industries, Linx Printing Technologies, Linx Printing Technologies Limited, MDS Analytical Technologies, Marconi Data Systems, McCrometer Inc., Microtest, Molecular Devices, Molecular Devices (Austria) GmbH, Molecular Devices LLC, Navman Wireless, Navman Wireless OEM Solutions, Nihon Pall Ltd., Nihon Pall Manufacturing Limited, Nobel Biocare, OTT Hydromet Corp, Pall, Pall (Canada) ULC, Pall (China) Co. Ltd., Pall (Schweiz) GmbH, Pall Aeropower Corporation, Pall Artelis BVBA, Pall Asia Holdings Inc., Pall Australia Pty. Ltd., Pall Austria Filter Ges.m.b.h, Pall Corporation, Pall Europe Limited, Pall Filtersystems GmbH, Pall Filtration Pte. Ltd., Pall Filtration and Separations Group Inc., Pall France SAS, Pall GmbH, Pall India Pvt. Ltd., Pall International Sarl, Pall Italia Srl, Pall Korea Ltd., Pall Life Sciences Belgium BV, Pall Life Sciences Puerto Rico LLC, Pall Manufacturing UK Limited, Pall Medistad BV, Pall Netherlands BV Irish Branch, Pall Technology UK Limited, PaloDEX, Pantone LLC, Pelton & Crane, Phenomenex, Phenomenex Inc., QHC Ireland Finance Limited, Radiometer, Radiometer Basel AG, Radiometer K.K., Radiometer Medical ApS, Radiometer Medical Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Radiometer Turku Oy, Raytek, Reytek Corporation, SH Switzerland Finance Sarl, Sea-Bird Electronics Inc., SenDx Medical Inc., Shanghai AB Sciex Analytical Instrument Trading Co. Ltd., Sutron, Sybron Dental Specialties, TCIL Ireland Finance Ltd., Tektronix, Thomson Industries, Tianjin Bonna-Agela Technologies Co. Ltd., Trojan Technologies, Trojan Technologies Group ULC, VSS Monitoring, Videojet Do Brasil Comercio de Equipamentos Para Codificacao Industrial Ltda., Videojet Technologies (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Videojet Technologies Europe B.V., Videojet Technologies Inc., Viridor Waste Management Limited, Vision Systems Limited, Willett International, X-Ray Optical Systems Inc., X-Rite, X-Rite Europe GmbH, X-Rite Incorporated, X-Rite Switzerland GmbH, XOS, Yukon Hong Kong Holding Limited, and Zhuhai S.E.Z. Videojet Electronics Ltd..
Hannover RAck SE, together with its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance products and services worldwide. It operates through Property & Casualty Reinsurance, and Life & Health Reinsurance segments. The Property & Casualty Reinsurance segment offers specialty lines comprising marine, aviation, facultative and direct business, credit, surety, and political risks reinsurance products; and treaty, catastrophe XL, and structured reinsurance, as well as insurance-linked securities. This segment also provides risk solutions for agricultural, livestock, and bloodstock businesses; aviation and space business; and marine and offshore energy business. The Life & Health Reinsurance segment offers group and individual credit life, enhanced annuities, group life and health, and Sharia-compliant Takaful reinsurance products. This segment also provides risk solutions in the areas of critical illness, disability, health, longevity, long term care, and mortality and morbidity, as well as underwriting services. In addition, it offers various financial solutions, including new-business financing; monetization of embedded value; reserve and solvency relief; and divestiture of non-core businesses. The company was formerly known as Hannover RAckversicherung AG and changed its name to Hannover RAck SE in March 2013. The company was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Hanover, Germany. Hannover RAck SE is a subsidiary of Talanx AG.

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Youve probably never heard of Jill Lloyd.

But for two decades, she was the woman behind many of Orange Countys headline-grabbing moments. Remember the cattle drive of 1994, when 150 cows charged down Fairview Road in Costa Mesa? That was her idea. She also gave us the janitor who rode the Ferris wheel at the Orange County Fair  for 38 days straight. And the professor who played a clarinet  while covered in 200,000 bees.

As the former director of media for the Orange County Fair, she had a knack for finding fascinating characters and sharing their quirky stories. But Lloyd is a story in herself. A crazy story. Crazy as any carnival headline.

Lloyd was in kindergarten when her dad told her and her siblings one night that they would hence forth be a family of four. Moms not coming home. There would be no more discussion.

Lloyd ran into her parents bedroom. Everything of her mothers was gone. Her clothes. Gone. Her perfume bottles on the vanity. Gone. Even photos of her had vanished.

It was horrible, she says.

But every time she began to cry, her father ordered her to her room. Tom Lloyd was a World War II and Korean War Army veteran, a career officer who would one day reach the rank of colonel. He ran the house in military fashion.

Lloyd began sitting on her front porch and waiting for her mom to come home.

When she was 8, her father married another woman and told his children to call her Mom.

I wouldnt do it, Lloyd says.

She also rejected attempts to involve her in activities, except 4-H. So when she was 9, her dad bought her two rabbits: Bonnie and Claudia.

Then he went off to Vietnam. By the time he returned a year later, there were dozens of rabbits all over the backyard. Claudia was renamed Clyde. The rest, though, had to go, dad told her.

She ran to her room and hid her head under a pillow while her father butchered all but a few rabbits she planned to show at the fair that summer. He fried them for dinner that night. Lloyd ran to her neighbor Gayle Cory, a fellow 4-H pal who was the wise old age of 11.

Your dads right, Cory told her. These arent pets. Its about letting go.

One day in junior high, Lloyd was sitting on the gym floor, filling out an emergency contact card, when she noticed a girl sitting next to her had written down her old address.

Oh, my gosh, you live in my old house! Has anyone come looking for me? she asked.

Like who? the girl replied.

My mom, Lloyd said. I havent seen her since I was 5.

When Lloyd was 13, her Pappy (her mothers step-father) took her to Shakeys Pizza. He ordered a pitcher of beer. And he poured her one. Then he got right to the point.

Youre mother is dead. I cant stand to watch you suffer anymore.

Her parents were devout Christian Scientists, a religion that eschews doctors, believing that prayer heals sickness and death is an illusion. Pappy told her that her mom had died of cancer. Being so young, she didnt recall her mom seeming sick.

Dont tell your dad Im telling you, Pappy told her. He didnt even know where she was buried.

We were both crying, she recalls. When Lloyd got home she phoned Cory.

When I get my drivers license, were gonna go look for your mom, Cory promised. Well go to every cemetery in Southern California.

And they did. When they werent raising cattle or sheep to show at the Orange County Fair (she had made peace that her animals would wind up someones meal) they would go grave hunting. One afternoon in 1974, when Lloyd was 17, they climbed into Corys station wagon and rolled up to what is now Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Lloyd walked into the office with her standard line: Hi, my names Jill. But before she could get out that she was looking for her mom, the man told her they had been waiting for her and hustled the two girls into a chapel packed with people.

Scanning the room she saw Sonny Bono. Then Carol Burnett. Cory couldnt stop giggling. Then the service began. It was for Mama Cass Elliot. They must have been waiting for another Jill. She couldnt believe her luck.

My theme song throughout my life was Make Your Own Kind of Music [sung by Mama Cass], Lloyd says.

So there was that. But also it was her first funeral, and she was enthralled.

Im thinking, This is beautiful! I needed to be there. It was the funeral I never had for my mom. It was powerful for me.

A week later she opened the Yellow Pages, and there was an ad for Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana. It seemed like a sign. It even began with the word fair, which is where she was by then, working part time in livestock. She and Cory entered the office and this time, after four years of searching, she heard the words: Yes, Gloria Lloyd is here in the mausoleum.

I totally freaked out, she recalls. I was jumping up and down.

Jill Ann Lloyd, a funeral celebrant and service director, poses for a portrait in the mausoleum at Fairhaven Memorial Park Mortuary in Santa Ana on Jan. 22, 2019. (Kevin Chang / Times OC)

So she was disappointed when after finally seeing her moms name etched on a metal plate, she still felt empty. I really wanted to pick up the phone and call my dad and go, Come on, really? 

She kept her discovery a secret. After high school she enrolled at Cal Poly Pomona, graduating with a degree in communications. An internship promoting the Orange County Fair led to a job. Then, in 1983, her older sister Ginny died of melanoma at the age of 27. Once again, the family didnt want to talk about it.

I started to do weird things, Lloyd says.

Specifically, she began buying bottles of shampoo. Dozens of bottles of shampoo.

Sitting in the dentist office one day, she saw a hospice brochure. It talked about bereavement. She called the number.

I lost my sister, she told the woman who answered. I dont know if Im losing my mind, but I dont feel right.

The hospice sent a volunteer to visit her.

She started talking about grief. That there are no rules for grief. That was the first time I think I really felt human, Lloyd says. I was exhilarated.

A few months later, the Orange County Fair hired Lloyd, by then a single mother of a toddler, to be the director of communications. She also began training to become a hospice volunteer herself.

The AIDS epidemic was blowing up. A Laguna Beach facility was desperate for volunteers. One of her favorite patients was a guy named Bob who had giant blisters on his feet and bitterness in his heart. His family was keeping his illness, his truth, a secret.

I could relate to that, she says.

Just before he died, he asked her to take him to see Thelma & Louise.

After the movie, she drove him back and forth between Fashion Island and Laguna Beach, about 20 times, while the sun set over the ocean.

I felt alive when I was with him, even though he was dying, she says.

Lloyd began spending more time with hospice patients when she wasnt busy promoting the fair, and later the Orange County Market Place.

[Work] was a creative platform and it fed that side of me, she says. But I felt like there was something missing. I was still searching for something.

In 2015, at the age of 58, she walked into the Cypress College mortuary science department.

What do you think of an old lady like me getting into the funeral business, she asked.

She wound up enrolling at North Orange County Community College to get a certificate in funeral services. There she learned about another certificate  for something called a celebrant. Its a person who is hired, usually by a family, to write and deliver their loved ones eulogy.

Thats me! she thought. I was so frickin excited, I couldnt stand it.

After class, Lloyd called Cory to announce she was going to become a celebrant.

Youre gonna be celibate?

No, a celebrant!

Lloyd explained that from now on, instead of sharing stories of the living, she would be sharing stories of those who had passed.

This is what you were meant to do, Cory told her.

A few months later, Cory called with bad news. She had pancreatic cancer and a few months to live. It just so happened that earlier that week California had signed into law the End of Life Option Act.

Will you walk that walk with me, she asked.

Lloyd drove down to Corys home in Vista on a Thursday night for a final slumber party. They ate pizza and those pink and white frosted Mothers Animal Circus Cookies (that was our thing) and drank wine and reminisced.

The stuff she remembered was the goofy stuff, the times we laughed so hard, Lloyd said. There was only one rule: No crying until morning, after Cory drank the medication and took her final breath.

It was sad, yet beautiful, Lloyd says of the farewell. I just think grief is what brings out our humanness. I was raised in a religion that denies death. But death is the best teacher; its such a big part of life. Living is harder sometimes.

In addition to being a celebrant, Lloyd is now a part-time funeral assistant and service director for Fairhaven, where she found her mother.

I think shes been guiding this whole thing, Lloyd says. I feel like shes the wind beneath my wings.
GlaxoSmithKline plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the creation, discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, and health-related consumer products in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare. The company offers pharmaceutical products comprising medicines in the therapeutic areas, such as respiratory, HIV, immuno-inflammation, oncology, anti-viral, central nervous system, cardiovascular and urogenital, metabolic, anti-bacterial, and dermatology. It also provides consumer healthcare products in wellness, oral health, nutrition, and skin health categories. The company offers its consumer healthcare products in the form of nasal sprays, tablets, syrups, lozenges, gum and trans-dermal patches, caplets, infant syrup drops, liquid filled suspension, wipes, gels, effervescents, toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, denture adhesives and cleansers, topical creams and non-medicated patches, lip balm, gummies, and soft chews. It has collaboration agreements with 23andMe; Lyell Immunopharma, Inc.; Novartis; Sanofi SA; Surface Oncology; and CureVac AG., as well as strategic partnership with IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. and Vir Biotechnology, Inc. GlaxoSmithKline plc was founded in 1715 and is headquartered in Brentford, the United Kingdom.

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General Electric Company operates as a high-tech industrial company worldwide. The company's Power segment offers heavy-duty and aeroderivative gas turbines for utilities, independent power producers, and industrial applications; maintenance, service, and upgrade solutions to plant assets and their operational lifecycle; steam power technology for fossil and nuclear applications, including boilers, generators, steam turbines, and air quality control systems; and advanced reactor technologies solutions comprising reactors, fuels, and support services for boiling water reactors. This segment also applies the science and systems of power conversion to provide motors, generators, automation, and control equipment; and drives for energy intensive industries, such as marine, oil and gas, mining, rail, metals, test systems, and water. Its Renewable Energy segment provides various solutions for its customers through combining onshore and offshore wind, blades, hydro, storage, solar, and grid solutions, as well as hybrid renewables and digital services offerings. The company's Aviation segment designs and produces commercial and military aircraft engines, integrated engine components, electric power, and mechanical aircraft systems; and provides aftermarket services. Its Healthcare segment develops, manufactures, markets, and services magnetic resonance, computed tomography, molecular imaging, x-ray and high-frequency soundwave systems, clinical monitoring and acute care systems, enterprise digital, artificial intelligence applications, consulting and command center, and complementary software and services; and researches, manufactures, and markets imaging agents. The company's Capital segment offers aviation leasing and financing, and working capital services; financial solutions and underwriting capabilities; and insurance and reinsurance for life and health risks, as well as annuity products. The company was founded in 1878 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Fidelity National Information Services: 11601 Roosevelt Boulevard Realty LLC, AGES Participacoes Ltda., Advanced Portfolio Technologies Inc., Advanced Portfolio Technologies Ltd., Aircrown Limited, Aquarius Particpacoes S.A., Armed Forces Financial Network LLC (50%), Automated Securities Clearance LLC, Birza Limited, C&E Holdings Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Card Brazil Holdings Inc., Card Brazil LLC, Central Credit Services Limited, Certegy Canada Company, Certegy Card Services B.V., Certegy Card Services Limited, Certegy Check Services Inc., Certegy Dutch Holdings B.V., Certegy EziPay Ltd., Certegy France Limited, Certegy SNC, Certegy UK Holdings B.V., Chex Systems Inc., Clear2Pay, Clear2Pay (Shenzhen) Co., Clear2Pay APAC Pte. Ltd., Clear2Pay APAC Pty Ltd., Clear2Pay Americas Inc., Clear2Pay Beijing Co., Clear2Pay Belgium NV, Clear2Pay China Limited, Clear2Pay France SAS, Clear2Pay Germany GmbH, Clear2Pay Integri NV, Clear2Pay Limited, Clear2Pay NV, Clear2Pay Nanjing Co., Clear2Pay Nederland BV, Clear2Pay Polska s.p.z.o.o, Clear2Pay Scotland Holdings Limited, Clear2Pay Scotland Limited, Clear2Pay Spain S.l., ClearPark N.V., ClearTwoPay Chile SpA, Complete Payment Recovery Services Inc., Compliance Coach, Credit Management Solutions, Decalog (1991) Ltd., Decalog (UK) Limited, Decalog N.V., F.I.S. Systems (Middle East) Limited, FAME Information Services (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, FIRM I LLC, FIRM II LLC, FIS (Benelux) N.V., FIS (Switzerland) SA, FIS (Tunisia) I SARL, FIS (Tunisia) II SARL, FIS Apex (International) Limited, FIS Apex (UK) Limited, FIS Asia Pacific Inc., FIS AsiaPacRim Holdings Ltd., FIS Australasia Pty Ltd., FIS AvantGard LLC, FIS Bilgisayar Hizmetleri Ticaret Limited Sirketi, FIS Brokerage & Securities Services LLC, FIS Business Integration (UK) Limited, FIS Business Integration AG, FIS Business Integration GmbH, FIS Business Systems LLC, FIS Card Processing Services (Chile) S.A., FIS Card Services (Thailand) Co. Ltd., FIS Card Services Caribbean Ltd., FIS Computer Services LLC, FIS Consulting Services (Ireland) Limited, FIS Consulting Services (UK) Limited, FIS DIS Inc., FIS Data Systems Inc., FIS Derivatives Utility Services (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., FIS Derivatives Utility Services (UK) Limited, FIS Derivatives Utility Services LLC, FIS Energy Solutions (Italia) S.r.l., FIS Energy Solutions Limited, FIS Energy Systems Inc., FIS Financial Solutions Canada Inc., FIS Financial Strategies LLC, FIS Financial Systems (France) SAS, FIS Financial Systems LLC, FIS Foundation Inc., FIS GCS LLC, FIS Global Business Solutions India Private Ltd. (99%), FIS Global Execution Services Limited, FIS Global Holdings S.a.r.l, FIS Global Recovery Services India Private Limited, FIS Global Solutions Philippines Inc., FIS Global Trading (Belgium) N.V., FIS Global Trading (Deutschland) GmbH, FIS Global Trading (Hong Kong) Limited, FIS Global Trading (Iberica) S.L. Unipersonal, FIS Global Trading (Nederland) B.V., FIS Global Trading (Portugal) Unipessoal Lda, FIS Global Trading (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., FIS Global Trading (Suisse) SA, FIS Global Trading (UK) Limited, FIS Healthcare Trustee Limited, FIS Holdings (Cayman Islands) Ltd., FIS Holdings (Germany) GmbH i.L., FIS Holdings Limited, FIS Holdings Mauritius, FIS Insurance Services Limited, FIS International Subsidiaries Holdings Inc., FIS Investment Systems (UK) Limited, FIS Investment Systems LLC, FIS Investment Ventures LLC, FIS Investor Services LLC, FIS Italy S.r.l., FIS Japan KK, FIS Kingstar Cayman Islands Limited, FIS Kiodex LLC, FIS Korea Ltd., FIS Management Services LLC, FIS Management Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., FIS Pakistan (Private) Limited, FIS Payment Solutions & Services India Private Limited, FIS Payments (Ireland) Limited, FIS Payments (UK) Limited, FIS Public Sector AG Limited, FIS Reference Data Solutions LLC, FIS Risk and Security Services Inc., FIS Romania SRL, FIS SG (Italia) S.r.l., FIS SG International Holdings LLC, FIS SG Systems Philippines Inc., FIS Securities Finance LLC, FIS Shareholder Systems LLC, FIS Sherwood Systems (Netherlands) B.V., FIS Sherwood Systems Group Limited, FIS Sherwood Systems Limited, FIS Solutions (India) Private Limited, FIS Solutions LLC, FIS Solutions Software (India) Private Limited, FIS Systeme GmbH, FIS Systems (Hong Kong) Limited, FIS Systems (Luxembourg) S.A., FIS Systems (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., FIS Systems (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., FIS Systems Canada Inc., FIS Systems International LLC, FIS Systems Kenya Limited, FIS Systems Limited, FIS Systems NZ Limited, FIS Systems Pty Limited, FIS Systems South Africa (Pty) Limited, FIS Systems de Colombia S.A.S., FIS Technology (Beijing) Co. Limited, FIS Technology Services (New Zealand) Limited, FIS Technology Services (Poland) Sp. z.o.o., FIS Technology Services (Tunisia) SARL, FIS Technology Services Singapore Pte. Ltd., FIS Treasury Systems (Europe) Limited, FIS Treasury Systems (UK) Limited, FIS UK Holdings Limited, FIS Vietnam LLC, FIS Wealth Management Services Inc., FIS Workflow Solutions LLC, FIS eProcess Intelligence LLC, FIS iWORKS LLC, FIS iWORKS P&C (US) Inc., FIS-SG Holding Corp., FNIS Holding Brasil Ltda., FNIS Istanbul Danismanlik Limited Sirketi, FNX India Software Private Limited, Fidelity Holding Ltda., Fidelity Information Services (France) SARL, Fidelity Information Services (Hong Kong) Limited, Fidelity Information Services (Iberia) S.L.U., Fidelity Information Services (Israel) Ltd., Fidelity Information Services (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd., Fidelity Information Services (Thailand) Limited (99.9%), Fidelity Information Services Front Arena AB, Fidelity Information Services GmbH, Fidelity Information Services Holdings B.V., Fidelity Information Services India Private Limited, Fidelity Information Services International Holdings Inc., Fidelity Information Services LLC, Fidelity Information Services Limited, Fidelity Information Services Operations GmbH, Fidelity Information Services Slovakia s.r.o., Fidelity Information Services de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Fidelity International Resource Management Inc., Fidelity National Card Services Inc., Fidelity National Global Card Services Inc., Fidelity National Information Services (Netherlands) B.V., Fidelity National Information Services C.V., Fidelity National Information Services Inc., Fidelity National Participacoes e Servicos de Informatica Ltda., Fidelity National Servicos de Tratamento de Documentos e Informacoes Ltda., Fidelity Participacoes e Servicos Ltda., Fidelity Processadora S.A., Fidelity Servicos e Contact Center S.A., Financial Insurance Marketing Group Inc., GL Settle Limited, GL Trade (South Africa) (Proprietary) Limited, GL Trade Americas Inc., GL Trade CMS (Thailand) Limited, GL Trade Software DOO, GL Trade Solutions CMS (Thailand) Limited, Glesia S.r.l., Information Services Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Integrity Treasury Solutions Europe Limited, Integrity Treasury Solutions Inc., Integrity Treasury Solutions Limited, Integrity Treasury Solutions Pty Limited, Level Four Americas LLC, Link2Gov Corp., Memento, Metavante Corporation, Metavante Leasing LLC, Metavante Payment Services LLC, Metavante Technologies Inc, Metavante Technologies Limited, Minorca Corporation NV, Monis Management Limited, Monis Software Inc., Monis Software Limited, NYCE Payments Network LLC, Oshap Software Industries Ltd., Oshap Technologies Ltd., PREFCO VI LLC, PT Fidelity Information Services Indonesia, PT. FIS Systems Indonesia, Panther GP 1, Panther GP 2, Panther Holdco 2 Inc., Panther Holdco Inc., Panther Sub LLC, PayNet Payments Network LLC, Payment Brasil Holdings Ltda., Payment Chile S.A. (99.99%), Payment South America Holdings Inc., Penley Inc., Platform Securities Holdings Limited, Platform Securities International Limited, Platform Securities International Nominees Limited, Platform Securities LLP, Platform Securities Nominees Limited, Platform Securities Services Limited, Reech Capital Limited, Reliance Financial Corporation, Reliance Integrated Solutions LLC, Reliance Trust Company, Reliance Trust Company of Delaware, Sanchez Computer Associates Pty Limited, Secondco Limited, Sherwood US Holdings Limited, Solutions Plus Consulting Services Limited, Stratix Technologies Inc., SunGard, SunGard Ambit (Australia) Pty Ltd, SunGard Ambit Holdings Pty Ltd, SunGard Data Systems Beijing Co. Ltd., SunGard Global Services (Tunisia) III, SunGard Global Trading (Australia) Pty. Ltd., SunGard India Sales Private Limited, SunGard Kingstar Data System (China) Co. Ltd., SunGard Pensions Limited, TP Technologies N.V., Transax Limited, Trax N.V., Valuelink Information Services Limited, Valutec Card Solutions LLC, WildCard Systems Inc., Worldpay, eFunds Corporation, eFunds Holdings Limited, eFunds IT Solutions Group Inc., eFunds International Limited, i DLX International B.V., and mFoundry Inc..
EnerSys provides various stored energy solutions for industrial applications worldwide. It operates in three segments: Energy Systems, Motive Power, and Specialty. The company offers uninterruptible power systems applications for computer and computer-controlled systems, as well as telecommunications systems; switchgear and electrical control systems used in industrial facilities and electric utilities, large-scale energy storage, and energy pipelines; integrated power solutions and services to broadband, telecom, renewable, and industrial customers; and thermally managed cabinets and enclosures for electronic equipment and batteries. It also provides motive power products that are used to provide power for electric industrial forklifts used in manufacturing, warehousing, and other material handling applications, as well as mining equipment, diesel locomotive starting, and other rail equipment. In addition, the company offers specialty batteries for starting, lighting, and ignition applications in transportation; and energy solutions for satellites, military aircraft, submarines, ships, and other tactical vehicles, as well as medical and security systems. Further, it provides battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories, and outdoor cabinet enclosures, as well as related after-market and customer-support services for industrial batteries. The company sells its products through a network of distributors, independent representatives, and internal sales forces. The company was formerly known as Yuasa, Inc. and changed its name to EnerSys in January 2001. EnerSys was incorporated in 2000 and is headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania.

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A recent New York Times opinion piece by Todd May suggests the human race may lead to its own extinction and that such a possibility would not necessarily be a bad thing.

May, a professor of philosophy at Clemson University, says humans are destroying the environment and are a source of devastation of the lives of conscious animals on a scale that is difficult to comprehend.

While acknowledging humanitys unique ability to create art and literature and pursue scientific endeavors that have put our species into outer space, he believes our capacity to change the world around us will ultimately lead to our own downfall. The extinction of humans would be tragic, he acknowledges, but also make the world better off.

In an article countering the Times piece published in National Review, Jonathan S. Tobin calls Mays philosophical argument the stuff of satire. He compares doomsday environmentalism to religion and says predicting humanitys end as one of the consequences of global warming is an adaptation of biblical constructs about sin and punishment.

Q. If humanity brought about its own end, would the Earth and surviving life forms be better off without us?

The Bible addresses this question with absolute statements of fact about the future. Humanity will not bring about its own end or the Earths. Humanity lacks the capability. The sovereign, unchangeable plan of God is declared in 2 Peter 3:10: the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Humanity will endure until the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him; and he will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and he will put the sheep on his right, and the goats on the left. (Matthew 25:32-33). After this God will fulfill his promise in Isaiah 65:17: behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. People from every age who were redeemed by God will live with him on this new earth. Mankind is the crowning achievement of Gods creation. We are the only beings created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), created last on the sixth day, after which God pronounced, for the first time, that his creation was not just good, but very good. Having created man, God charged him to rule over every other living thing on the earth, to fill the earth, to subdue it, and to rule. An earth devoid of mankind would be strangely empty even if it teemed with every other form of life, like a dining table filled with guests but with the seat of honor left empty. People of faith do not fear doomsday. We eagerly anticipate the final day of the Lord in which he will proclaim, Behold, I am making all things new (Revelation 21:5).

Pastor Jon Barta

Burbank

...

Yes, the Earth and its surviving life forms would be better off without humans unless we get serious about slowing global warming. Professor May suggests that our disappearance may not be tragic at all, because there would be no one to miss the vaulted achievements of humanity he mentions like art, literature and music.

He also poses as a possible tragic loss our scientific advances, some of which have benefited nonhuman animals and the planet. But destroying our own species would to me show that we have caused more harm than good. Oops  too late!

As for Jonathan S. Tobin, I have no quarrel with likening what he calls doomsday environmentalism to a religion. Both are deeply held beliefs through which adherents find meaning and purpose in life. Believers speak of caring for the Earth as a tenet of religion, but environmentalists commonly associating that cause with biblical notions of sin and punishment doesnt ring true to me.

National Review, for which Tobin writes, has a less than stellar record for accurate coverage of climate change and has been known to play fast and loose with the science. Contemplating the possibility of Earth without humans is no more the stuff of satire than is denying the full reality of climate change.

The end of human life being discussed at all terrifies me. It also strengthens my resolve that we do the right thing locally by ending the burning of fossil fuel in Glendales power plant as soon as humanly possible.

Roberta Medford

Atheist

Montrose

...

The competing arguments above are in error. It is the difference of both, contrasted with that of godly saints who understand the point of it all. Though I might more agree with Tobin that environmentalism has become something of a religion, we Christians wont agree that the consequence of Earths-travails-demanding-mans-extinction is in any way biblical, nor would our demise be on account of our position at the top of the food chain and whether or not we use plastic straws or eat at Chick-fil-A.

And when such writers point to animal extinctions as evidence of expendable mankind, let me point out that scientists agree that these were ongoing before we were ever a factor. Did we extinguish the dinosaurs? No, and did not Noah actually save the fauna of earth? Consider mans best friend; all the breeds of dogs are the work of man. From Dobermans to Dachshunds, these are the cultivated creatures of inventive human civilization. Should we depart, so shall these, and every Toto, Scooby, and Snoopy, will devolve back to a kind of primordial wolf (like the canine pair that presumably survived on the Great Diluvian Barge).

Now imagine having a beautiful aquarium replete with exotic plants and collectible shells atop gorgeously polished gravel, a treasure chest that opens and closes with bubbles emanating from a ritzy filtration system, and all this illuminated by natural bulbs radiating to reflect upon some very rare and exotic tropical fish. Yet, there are no freakin fish! What would be the point of all these factors necessary for gilled swimmers to observably thrive, yet have none schooling about? This, is Earth. Without man, creation is abandoned to meaningless eating; the piranhas, the tigers, the carnivores against the vegetarians, mindlessly ignoring anthropocentric Earths extravagant resources. Is that it? No, everything is currently in its place to reflect God, and man at his best does this. Man at his worst does not, but then man at his worst denies Gods purpose and sees his fellow as nothing more than evolved and expendable protoplasm. One day, the Earth will be rid of these, and the godly remnant will flourish in peace with his maker (not to mention the plants and animals God specifically created for such).

Rev. Bryan A. Griem

MA, MDiv

Tujunga

...

This is a very interesting question to contemplate. First the big if stands out as an important part of the question. If humanity brought about its own end begs follow up questions: Are we bringing about our own end? We ignore all the warnings of those scientists who study how we are destroying our home planet. Films like Wall-E explore what would happen if we did destroy the planet, what would be left and how would the earth behave? But is the if here addressing the end of humanity not so much the planet or are the two the same? But this is not the question; the question is will the earth be better off without us?

What I am stumbling on is the term better off. I am not sure if there is a better off, because I believe our creator knit together the universe and humanity. I believe we belong together, but if we somehow brought about our own end, God would recreate a new reality. However, I believe Gods heart would break at our end as a human race. Creation and the great creator would continue on and continue creating, and there would be a new reality, perhaps a new human race evolving. I dont agree that we should sacrifice humanity in any form but rather acknowledge the destruction of humanity in all its forms now and turn this around. We can be unified in this effort, believers and nonbelievers.

Rev. Steve Poteete-Marshall

Crescenta Valley United Methodist Church

Montrose
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CACI International Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides information solutions and services in North America and internationally. The company offers business systems solutions for financial, human capital, asset and materials, and administrative management; develops, integrates, and operates command and control solutions; and develops and integrates solutions that deliver multi-level unified communications from the enterprise directly to and from the tactical edge. It also provides cyber security solutions and supports cyber support to federal customers and the intelligence community (IC), as well as support to the IC and the department of defense. In addition, the company offers enterprise-wide information solutions and services to design, develop, integrate, deploy, operate and manage, sustain, and security of its customers' IT solutions; and supports federal civilian and military health missions that improve healthcare delivery systems, integrates electronic health records, and enhances the speed and efficiency of emergency responsiveness. Further, it provides intelligence services, such as intelligence analysis, operations and planning, policy, doctrine, and security support, as well as ground truth and intelligence gathering services; and designs, develops, integrates, deploys, and prototypes hardware-and software-enabled tools and applications, as well as provides signals intelligence and radio systems. Additionally, the company offers investigation and litigation support services; logistics and material readiness solutions, and professional services; space operations and resiliency support; and data and software products, as well as develops and integrates surveillance and reconnaissance technologies into platforms. It primarily serves the U.S. government, state and local governments, commercial enterprises, and foreign government agencies. The company was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

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When President Trump looks out onto the House gallery Tuesday evening while delivering his second State of the Union address, California Democrats hope hell see faces that embody their opposition to his agenda.

Many in Californias newly expanded delegation of House Democrats are using their invitations to cement the states place in the resistance.

The guests invited to see the presidents speech include Californians who have been affected by Trumps policies: so-called Dreamers and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program recipients, furloughed federal workers and active duty transgender members of the military. One Los Angeles member of Congress, Jimmy Gomez, has invited Costa Rican immigrant Sandra Diaz, who worked for the president as a housekeeper while living in the United States illegally.

The guest list also includes at least eight Dreamers or DACA recipients who have been in legal limbo since Trump decided to end Obama-era deportation protections last year.

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Among them is Miriam Tellez, a student at Cal State Fullerton, who will attend as a guest of Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-Yorba Linda). The freshman congressman has called Trumps efforts to negotiate a DACA solution in exchange for U.S.-Mexico border wall funding crass and inhumane.

Tellez, who is the first to attend college in her family, is a sociology major and works at a campus center that supports Dreamers.

My success is due to my parents struggle and their dream for a better life in the United States, Tellez said in a statement, adding that the actions of Congress and the president have real consequences.

Helen Nguyen, 47, is the wife of Michael Phuong Minh Nguyen, imprisoned in Vietnam since July. She will attend the State of the Union address Tuesday as a guest of Rep. Katie Porter (D-Irvine). (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Attending with Rep. Katie Porter (D-Irvine) will be Helen Nguyen, an Orange County woman whose husband has been imprisoned in Vietnam since July. A nurse who works at Orange County hospitals, Nguyen said she was forced to sell her husbands business to stay afloat financially.

Porter said she hoped that inviting Nguyen would send a strong message to Vietnams communist regime. Nguyens attendance comes as the administrations recent threat to deport Vietnamese immigrants with criminal convictions has stirred controversy in Orange Countys Little Saigon.

Also in attendance will be Shaima Swileh and Ali Hassan, who struggled to reunite in the U.S. as their 2-year-old son, Abdullah, was hospitalized in Oakland. Swileh, a Yemeni national, was blocked from seeing her son for months as the family sought treatment for his degenerative brain disease. She was granted a visa after the familys story received national media attention and was able to see her son before he died.

In a call for bipartisanship, Rep. Josh Harder (D-Turlock) will bring John Casazza, a walnut farmer and lifelong Republican from his Central Valley district who said his business has been hurt by tariffs. In a statement, Casazza said he was happy for the opportunity to show that we in the valley can put politics aside and focus on what matters.

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Others invited by Californias members of Congress include Air Force Staff Sgt. Logan Ireland, an active duty transgender serviceman who will attend as a guest of Bay Area Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Hillsborough); Chrissy Lewis, a veteran and single mother who was furloughed from her job as an air traffic controller during the shutdown and has been invited by Rep. Katie Hill (D-Agua Dulce); and Rajwinder Kaur, a breast cancer survivor and single mother whose pay on medical leave as a Central Valley prison guard was disrupted by the government shutdown. She will attend as a guest of Rep. T.J. Cox (D-Fresno).

Most of Californias seven remaining GOP members of Congress had not announced guests for the event; Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Corona) said he would bring a staff member and Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) has invited former Grass Valley Mayor Jan Arbuckle.

Coverage of California politics 

christine.maiduc@latimes.com

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Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd., a biopharmaceutical company, develops products candidates targeting neurological diseases and rare disorders in the United States. It offers NURTEC ODT (rimegepant) for the acute treatment of migraine, as well as id developing Rimegepant for preventive treatment of migraine and other non-migraine indications; Zavegepant that is in phase III clinical trials for acute and preventive treatment of migraine, as well as respiratory complications and non-migraine studies; and BHV-3100 for non-migraine indications. The company also offers Troriluzole, which is in phase III clinical trials for spinocerebellar ataxia and obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as Alzheimer diseases; BHV-0223, a product for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; BHV-5000/5500 that is in phase I clinical trial for neuropsychiatric indications; and Verdiperstat, a product that is in phase III trial for multiple system atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd. has a collaboration agreement with Cove to facilitate telemedicine evaluation for migraine sufferers. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut.

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20 hours ago

| June 21st | 2021 8:00 AM

Why You Might Have to Retire Later Due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic in general increased retirement uncertainty. In fact, Lincoln Financial Group reported three different sentiments regarding the pandemic and specific age groups: Pre-retirees: The age group from 55 to 64 saw the biggest drop of retirement-ready confidence. Mid-career: Individuals between the ages of 35 and 54 saw a
M&T Bank Corporation operates as a bank holding company that provides commercial and retail banking services. The company's Business Banking segment offers deposit, lending, cash management, and other financial services to small businesses and professionals. Its Commercial Banking segment provides deposit products, commercial lending and leasing, letters of credit, and cash management services for middle-market and large commercial customers. The company's Commercial Real Estate segment originates, sells, and services commercial real estate loans; and offers deposit services. Its Discretionary Portfolio segment provides deposits; securities, residential real estate loans, and other assets; and short and long term borrowed funds, as well as foreign exchange services. The company's Residential Mortgage Banking segment offers residential real estate loans for consumers and sells those loans in the secondary market; and purchases servicing rights to loans originated by other entities. Its Retail Banking segment offers demand, savings, and time accounts; consumer installment loans, automobile and recreational finance loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and credit cards; mutual funds and annuities; and other services. The company also provides trust and wealth management; fiduciary and custodial; investment management; and insurance agency services. It offers its services through banking offices, business banking centers, telephone and Internet banking, mobile banking, and automated teller machines. As of December 31, 2020, the company operates 716 domestic banking offices in New York State, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia; a full-service commercial banking office in Ontario, Canada; and an office in George Town, Cayman Islands. M&T Bank Corporation was founded in 1856 and is headquartered in Buffalo, New York.

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$1.7 Trillion Clean Energy Mandate to Deliver Stock Gains in 2021 (Ad)

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Gildan Activewear Inc. manufactures and sells various apparel products in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It provides various activewear products, including T-shirts, fleece tops and bottoms, and sport shirts under the Gildan, Gildan Performance, Gildan Hammer, Comfort Colors, American Apparel, Anvil by Gildan, Alstyle, Prim + Preux, and GoldToe brands. The company also offers hosiery products comprising athletic; dress; and casual, liner, therapeutic, and workwear socks, as well as sheer panty hoses, tights, and leggings under the brands of Gildan, Under Armour, GoldToe, PowerSox, GT a GoldToe Brand, Silver Toe, Signature Gold by Goldtoe, Peds, MediPeds, Kushyfoot, Therapy Plus, All Pro, Secret, Silks, Secret Silky, and American Apparel. In addition, it provides men's and boys' underwear products, and ladies panties under the Gildan and Gildan Platinum brand names; and ladies' shapewear, intimates, and accessories under the Secret and Secret Silky brands. The company sells its products to wholesale distributors, screen printers, or embellishers, as well as to retailers and consumer brand companies. The company was formerly known as Textiles Gildan Inc. and changed its name to Gildan Activewear Inc. in March 1995. Gildan Activewear Inc. was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.

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California lawmakers will need to grant nurse practitioners across the state more autonomy, increase opportunities to study medicine and expand doctor training programs in order to avoid a looming healthcare crisis, according to a report released Monday by the California Future Health Workforce Commission.

The report outlines a $3-billion plan for ensuring the state has enough doctors, nurses and home care workers to meet the needs of Californians at a time when Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to dramatically expand healthcare access for lower-income and immigrant communities. The commission, created by healthcare, education and business leaders and co-chaired by UC President Janet Napolitano, plans to pitch the proposal to Newsom and legislative leaders in the coming weeks.

In short, we know that California will be facing a tremendous workforce gap in the healthcare arena and we just cant put this issue off, Napolitano said.

Newsom has proposed extending Medi-Cal coverage to young adults who are in the U.S. illegally and providing more subsidies for middle-class families struggling to afford health insurance. That expansion comes as the state is expected to face a massive workforce shortage in the next decade, with California needing 4,100 more doctors and 600,000 additional home care workers, the commission said.

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At the same time, more than one-third of the states doctors and nurse practitioners are reaching retirement age.

The report says the $3-billion price tag could be paid for through various resources including state, health systems, medical groups and private industry.

The most controversial proposal is a recommendation to allow nurse practitioners to work independently of doctors. California is one of 28 states that require nurse practitioners to work under a doctors oversight. The California Medical Assn., which represents doctors, has fought previous legislative efforts to expand nurse practitioners scope of practice and expressed concerns Monday about the current proposal.

We continue to oppose efforts to lower standards of care to expand access, said Janus Norman, senior vice president of governmental relations for the California Medical Assn. Nurse practitioners, while hugely important to the healthcare delivery system and an integral part of medicine, do not have the same level of training and expertise, and we should be wary of creating a system that only allows those patients who can pay top dollar access to a fully trained and licensed physician.

The California Assn. for Nurse Practitioners applauded the recommendation, with the groups president, Karen Bradley, saying it would provide the direct access to quality healthcare that many Californians desperately need.

The commission also recommended that the state focus on increasing the number of healthcare workers from diverse communities by recruiting and preparing more students from underrepresented and low-income communities, as well as implementing incentives such as student loan forgiveness and scholarships for students who pledge to work in rural areas of the state where shortages are most severe.

An Emerging California Health Leaders Scholarship program would cover the full cost of tuition for 3,810 low-income, first-generation or underrepresented students enrolled in health training programs in high-need professions, according to the report. In exchange, students would commit to working for three years in an underserved community.

With an aging baby boomer population that will drastically increase the need for in-home health workers, the commission recommended overhauling the profession to address high levels of turnover. The task force says the state should create a new job classification with three tiers so that in-home workers can earn more money upon completing additional training.

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To help increase the number of doctors, including psychiatrists, California must expand the number of residency positions offered, the commission said, adding that the state has historically underfunded those programs.

In shortage areas, what patients say over and over is that they face long wait times, travel long distances to see specialists or cant find a doctor in their area who understands their needs. Bottom line: We need more workers to meet this demand, said Dr. Rishi Manchanda, a member of the commission.

Coverage of California politics 

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Gunmen killed 26 people in Nigeria's northwestern Zamfara state, police said on Tuesday, in the latest violence in the troubled region.

Police spokesman Mohammed Shehu said "15 persons, including a female" were killed in attacks on six villages in the Mada area Monday. Eleven others were killed in a separate strike on Batauna village, in Bukkuyum district, he added.

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WABC-TV(NEW YORK) -- Police are searching for a suspect in the death of a pregnant New York woman who was stabbed multiple times in her apartment building.



Jennifer Irigoyen, a 35-year-old real estate agent, was attacked in the entryway of her apartment in the Ridgewood neighborhood of Queens around 1 a.m. Sunday, according to the New York Police Department.



Responding officers said they found Irigoyen, five months pregnant with her second child, in the building's vestibule with multiple stab wounds to her neck and torso. She was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead, police said.



The unborn child didn't survive.



Investigators are reviewing surveillance video and searching for the woman's boyfriend for questioning, according to ABC New York station WABC-TV. The investigation is ongoing.



"I was shocked. I was really shocked," the apartment building's super, Lisa Ramos, told WABC.



"She was a sweetheart. A very nice girl," she added. "I didn't have no worries with her -- paid her rent on time and she was a very good person."



Ramos described Irigoyen as a caring person who taught Zumba classes and loved to dance. Irigoyen's 8-year-old is now staying with the child's grandmother, WABC reported.



A Gofundme campaign to help Irigoyen's family cover her funeral expenses had raised about $3,000 as of early Tuesday morning. The family says she was a victim of domestic violence, according to the campaign page.



"Domestic violence seized Jenny's life too soon and in such a tragic way. As her family members, we cannot fathom the fear and anguish that she must have felt during her final moments," the family wrote. "She did not deserve this. She deserved to be happy. She deserved to be loved. She deserved to raise her son. We want to see justice served and hope that Jennys passing influences others to speak up, leave, report, and diminish domestic abuse from their own lives."



Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Visualization of regions of electromagnetic wave-plasma interactions surrounding the Earth

[Background]

It is known that in the space surrounding the Earth (the space up to the geostationary orbit altitude, called Geospace), there are natural trapped charged particles, Van Allen belts, that may affect commercial satellite services (meteorology, communication, GPS and others), and there is concern that astronauts would be exposed to these charged particles, for example in a manned mission to the moon. The high-energy electrons in the Earth's Van Allen belts are known to be generated by resonant interactions of electromagnetic chorus waves*1) evolving in the magnetosphere with energetic electrons; this phenomenon is called a chorus wave-particle interaction*2). It is known that the chorus wave-particle interactions accelerate electrons to relativistic energies and also precipitate energetic electrons from the magnetosphere into the Earth's atmosphere along geomagnetic field lines to cause special types of auroras. In addition, it is suggested that energetic electrons precipitating into the Earth's atmosphere along geomagnetic field lines not only generate auroras but change atmospheric composition. Thus, investigation of the magnetosphere, where the chorus wave-particle interactions are generated, should give clues to the electromagnetic environment in the magnetosphere and of its effects on the Earth's atmosphere. This field has received international attention for more than 50 years. However, since a single packet of chorus waves lasts for less than a second, and since it is almost impossible to investigate the vast magnetosphere using a limited number of scientific satellites, the spatial development, especially, of the magnetosphere has been poorly understood.

[Results]

The present international research team consists of researchers from Kanazawa University, Nagoya University, The University of Electro-Communications, National Institute of Polar Research, Kyoto University, Tohoku University, Institute of Space and Astronautical Science of JAXA, University of Florida (USA), National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Athabasca University (Canada) and 3 other institutions. Using the scientific satellite Arase (launched in 2016, which investigates dynamics of Van Allen belts as well as geospace storms), the team was successful for the first time in simultaneously capturing not only chorus wave packets in the magnetosphere but also transient auroral flashes (several hundred milliseconds) about 30 thousand kilometers distant from Arase, generated by chorus wave-particle interactions. In order to simultaneously capture aurorae and chorus wave-particle interactions, which are related to each other, a scientific satellite is required in an appropriate orbit as well as an observation network on the ground that realizes conjugate observations with the satellite. The research team developed a world-leading electromagnetic wave measurement system which was aboard the Arase satellite , and established PWING (study of dynamical variation of Particles and Waves in the INner magnetosphere using Ground-based network observations) covering the entire Earth (but mainly in the northern hemisphere) longitudinally along almost the same geomagnetic latitude*3). The research members actively traveled to each PWING international ground base to install new high-sensitivity cameras and other instruments (see"Observation News" in PWING web page). Thus it became possible to capture details of chorus waves by the Arase satellite as well as to capture related aurorae from any longitude and at any time (Figure 1). This enabled simultaneous observations with high time resolution (10 milliseconds).

A flash aurora observed at Gakona, Alaska, USA, one of the PWING international bases, which is connected with the Arase satellite along the geomagnetic field line, showed spatial and intensity variations of the order of hundreds of milliseconds, which corresponded with those of chorus waves in the magnetosphere (Figure 2). This observation revealed that a flash aurora could become a display showing spatial developments of wave-particle interaction regions accompanying chorus waves. Intensity and spatial changes of aurorae captured on the ground have visualized details of wave-particle interaction regions, which could not be captured by point observations using a scientific satellite. The observation has confirmed the geomagnetic north-south asymmetry for the first time. The observed variations indicate not only spatial evolutions along geomagnetic field lines by effective resonance of electromagnetic waves and electrons (observable as time-dependent changes of auroral intensity) but also evolutions across geomagnetic field lines (observable as spatial changes of auroral morphology). The observation also suggests rapid precipitation, in hundreds of milliseconds, of energetic electrons into the atmosphere, which may bring about changes of the atmospheric composition.

[Future prospects]

The present study has revealed previously unknown spatial developments of wave-particle interaction regions across geomagnetic field lines. It presents analyses using a scientific satellite and a ground observation network. In future, more characteristics of a general nature should be revealed by analyzing a large number of flash auroras. However, there might be difficulties in analyzing the very big data sets by conventional visual observation, since it is now found that such special aurorae showing details of spatial developments of wave-particle interaction regions have a duration of only hundreds of milliseconds. Nonetheless, the present international research team could resolve this problem using artificial intelligence (AI). With AI technology, it should be possible to make hazard maps of the electromagnetic environment of the magnetosphere, which should contribute to safe and secure space exploration. It is also known that chorus wave-particle interactions take place on other magnetized planets. The scientific mission Mio (launched in 2018) for the magnetic field of Mercury that is equipped with a copy of the electromagnetic wave measurement system developed by the present team is expected to reveal their characteristics.

###

[Glossary]

*1) Electromagnetic chorus wave

The electromagnetic waves accompanying cyclotron movements of electrons along magnetic field lines. Especially those which can be converted to sounds that resemble a birds' chorus are called electromagnetic chorus wave (the link includes sound file of chorus wave observed by the Arase satellite).

*2) Wave-particle interaction

Interaction of electromagnetic waves and electrons in collisionless plasmas. Through the interactions, energetic electrons are accelerated to a higher energy state and scattered.

*3) Geomagnetic latitude

Geomagnetic latitude is a parameter analogous to geographic latitude, defined by the axis of the geomagnetic dipole. The geographic North Pole and South Pole are not identical to the geomagnetic North Pole and South Pole. When referring to phenomena concerning geomagnetism, the geomagnetic reference field is used.

[Related links]

ERG Science Center operated by ISAS/JAXA and ISEE/Nagoya University

PWING project

This story has been published on: 2019-02-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.